bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attachment, shame and empathy in dyadic family therapy
Authors: Amos Jackie , Jacobs Ruth , Segal Leonie
Published: November 2024

The aim of this reflective piece is to explore the under‐recognised contribution of shame to disorganising attachment–caregiving relationships. The first hypothesis is that ‘shame without solution’ is a part of a core and enduring emotional wound central to relational trauma in infancy and associated attachment disorganisation. The second is that dominance and submission hierarchies, order and control are potent defensive adaptations employed to stabilise ‘shame without solution’. Children exhibiting profoundly disturbed behaviours, stemming from intergenerational cycles of trauma and distress, are disproportionately represented in child protection, intensive family support and child mental health services. Despite being set up to support these children and their families, the most distressed mothers too often disengage, feeling blamed even by compassionate therapists who work hard not to alienate them. If the mothers disengage, the mothers and their children are left without professional support. Arising out of this theoretical work are recommendations that support constructive and effective working relationships with these families, originally articulated in Parallel Parent and Child Therapy (P‐PACT; Chambers et al., 2006). The first recommendation is to provide mothers with the support that we want the mother to give the child. This means meticulously avoiding reinforcing the negative self‐view typical of these mothers. The second recommendation is to prioritise empathy for the mother and the mother–child relationship early in treatment. For many practitioners, this second recommendation will conflict with their natural desire to prioritise empathy for the child, especially when the mother's capacity to do so is compromised. Experience and theory support the adoption of these recommendations to avoid perceived blame of the mother (and all members of the family), a critical shift to establishing engagement.
The erasure of a people: Gaps in Lithuanian Holocaust memory
Authors: Jarmas Audre
Published: November 2024

This paper examines a 1950 essay published by my immigrant father in the Lithuanian‐language press in the U.S. By focusing exclusively on the brutal Soviet occupation during WWII, his piece erases Lithuanian Jews and the Holocaust. Lithuanians' “chosen trauma”, using Vamik Volkan's term, lasted 5 decades and remains the cataclysmic event in their historical accounting. Caught between Stalin and Hitler, however, Lithuania was also a site of the Holocaust by bullets, where many Lithuanians assisted Nazis in murdering over 90% of the country's approximately 200,000 Jews. Afterwards, Lithuanians clung to an idealized Lithuania, characterized by victimhood, washed clean of collaboration in nationwide massacres, and largely erased of the memory of its once‐thriving Jewry. As a psychoanalyst born to postwar Lithuanian immigrants, I discovered this essay while researching the intergenerational impact of that whitewashing. Its dramatic language reflects the mindset of the Lithuanian American community in which I was raised. Without any reference to either Jewish Lithuanians or the Holocaust, the piece creates an alternate reality that conjures a shadow tragedy precisely by what is not said. Whether through deliberate obfuscation or dissociative mechanisms, a collective failure to grapple honestly with culpability may have left Lithuania suspended between an unsustainable illusion of innocent victimhood and an enactment of unconscious guilt. Global threats of authoritarianism and antisemitism underscore a need to grasp how unprocessed shame and guilt can fuel resurgent fears, prejudices and the repetition of atrocity. Granular exploration of the kind of thinking represented in the essay offers an opportunity.
Oxidation of Ni(H2O)6@MoO3 to Ni2O3/MoO3 Composites by Aerial Annealing: Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Premanand Gopika , Jana Debu , Das Samar K.
Published: November 2024

Molybdenum trioxide (α‐MoO3) is a promising and inexpensive alternative to platinum group metals (PGMs), for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, to make it a viable candidate for electrocatalytic systems, we must address the hurdles associated with its inferior electrical conductivity and lack of active sites. Unlike Mo‐based compounds such as MoS₂ and MoSe₂, which possess catalytically active edges, α‐MoO₃ lacks inherent active sites for HER. Previous studies have employed various strategies to activate MoO₃ for HER, yet its activation in near‐neutral conditions remain largely unexplored. In this study, a previously known α‐MoO3 intercalating {Ni(H2O)6}2+, [MoVI2O6(CH3COO){NiII(H2O)6}0.5] ⋅ H2O (Ni(H2O)6@MoO3) is prepared via a simple and scalable room‐temperature aqueous synthesis. In the subsequent aerial thermal annealing process at 300, 400 and 500 °C, Ni(H2O)6@MoO3 acts as a self‐sacrificial template, yielding mixed metal oxide composites of nickel and molybdenum (named as MoO3‐300, MoO3‐400 and MoO3‐500). The HR‐TEM and XPS analyses confirm the formation of the Ni2O3 phase alongside the orthorhombic α‐MoO3. The annealing temperature plays a key role in the crystallinity, phase, morphology, and electrocatalytic performance of the resulting composites. The composite formed at 400 °C (MoO3‐400) shows the best electrocatalytic performance among them, showcasing a fivefold enhancement in the HER current density as compared to that shown by commercially available α‐MoO3 in mildly acidic acetate buffer. The enhanced performance towards HER by MoO3‐400 could be attributed to the nanostructured morphology attained via thermal treatment, which provides greater access to the surface sites and the synergistic interaction between the nickel oxide phases and MoO₃ structure, enabling an intermediate pH HER activity rarely reported for molybdenum oxide materials.
Anwendung der neuen THG‐Richtlinie des DAfStb zur Bewertung praxisrelevanter Deckensysteme in Massivbauweise
Authors: Kuhn Sebastian , Feiri Tânia , Wiens Udo , Ricker Marcus
Published: November 2024

Die deutsche Bundesregierung strebt die Erreichung der Treibhausgasneutralität bis 2045 an. Zur Unterstützung dieses Vorhabens hat der Deutsche Ausschuss für Stahlbeton (DAfStb) in einer technischen Richtlinie Reduktionsklassen für die Treibhausgasemissionen von Tragwerken definiert, sogenannte Treibhausgas‐Minderungsklassen (TM). In der Praxis stellt die Reduzierung von Treibhausgasemissionen, ohne die Leistungsfähigkeit des Tragwerks hinsichtlich Tragfähigkeit und Bauphysik zu beeinträchtigen, eine Herausforderung dar. Da in der frühen Entwurfsphase die Möglichkeiten zur Emissionsminderung bei der Erstellung von Tragwerken am größten sind, werden in dieser Untersuchung drei verschiedene Massivdeckensysteme im Hinblick auf ihre Treibhausgasemissionen und die Erfüllung der TM bewertet. Dabei wird neben Spannweiten, Belastungen, Betondruckfestigkeit und Zementzusammensetzung auch der Bemessungsansatz variiert. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Kombination von modernen Zementen mit optimierten Bemessungsansätzen großes Potenzial für Emissionseinsparungen bietet. Die in der technischen Richtlinie definierten Klassen bis TM‐30 können mit konventionellen Lösungen wie Ortbetondecken eingehalten werden. Soll TM‐40 oder TM‐50 mit nicht vorgespannten Systemen erreicht werden, muss die Bemessung bzw. die Zementwahl optimiert werden. Für größere Spannweiten und höheren TM sind optimierte Deckensysteme, wie z. B. Spannbeton‐Hohlplatten, in Kombination mit modernen Zementen erforderlich.
A Review on the Analysis of Chiral Molecules as Disease Biomarkers by LC/MS
Authors: Aydoğan Cemil , Çakan Büşra Beltekin , Ali Ashraf
Published: November 2024

The chiral compounds may be biomarker candidates in human metabolism, which indicates the health status of humans. There are many applications in LC/MS that show that chiral small molecules are promising biomarkers for human diseases. Both clinical and commercial analyses of chiral metabolites are necessary due to the enantiomeric ratios of chiral molecules in biological samples may show both human health status and diseases. This review provides current and advanced LC/MS techniques for the separation and analysis of chiral molecules as disease biomarkers. In particular, sample preparation and chromatographic analysis of potential chiral biomarkers in biological samples are presented. The preparation and applications of several chiral columns used in enantiomeric separation of chiral metabolites/biomarkers by advanced LC/MS techniques are discussed. The improvement of these analyses will enable both the discovery of new chiral biomarkers and the prognosis of human diseases.
Green Climate Finance Development and Environmental Air Quality Improvement: Unveiling the Role of Green Technological Progress and Industrial Symbiotic Agglomeration
Authors: Gao Jiazhan , Hua Guihong , Huo Baofeng
Published: November 2024

Green finance represents a transformative approach within the financial sector, markedly influencing both economic growth and environmental stewardship. This study analyzes data spanning 2006 to 2020 from 278 Chinese cities to explore green climate finance (GCF) development's effects on environmental air quality and its operative mechanisms. Results demonstrate a significant positive correlation between GCF development and environmental air quality enhancements. The mediation effect analysis underscores the critical roles of industrial symbiotic networks and green technological progress in facilitating air quality improvements through GCF development. Further investigations delineate a more substantial influence of GCF development on air quality in resource‐dependent and larger urban areas. Non‐linear dynamics between GCF development and air quality enhancements are elucidated through threshold model investigations, indicating varying levels of GCF development effectiveness. This study provides valuable empirical insights for financial policy formulation concerning air quality management and carries profound implications for both theoretical understanding and practical application in the economic and environmental realms.
Hydrodistillation Optimization for Borago officinalis L. Essential Oil and Its Chemical Composition Analysis
Authors: Slama Meriem , Slougui Nabila , Ounnas Dounia , Benaissa Akila , Bataiche Insaf
Published: November 2024

The essential oil extracted from Borago officinalis L. aerial parts using hydrodistillation contains several compounds, although it yields low amounts. For the first time, this study investigated the effects of hydrodistillation parameters and optimized conditions to maximize the yield of B. officinalis essential oil while characterizing its chemical composition using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. A single‐factor evaluation of three extraction parameters—extraction time, liquid‐to‐solid ratio, and soaking time—revealed optimal conditions of 4 h, 10:1 mL/g, and 2 h, respectively. Subsequently, the Box–Behnken response surface method produced a significant polynomial model, determining optimal conditions of an extraction time of 5 h, a liquid‐to‐solid ratio of 11.06:1 mL/g, and a soaking time of 2 h, 17 min, and 34 s, resulting in an essential oil yield of 0.42%. A total of 21 compounds were identified in B. officinalis essential oil, predominantly nonacosane (29.15%) and phytol (27.92%).
Covalent Organic Framework as Selective Fluorescence Sensors for Cancer Inducing Volatile Organic Compounds
Authors: Mekkeparambath Vaishnavi , Sreejaya M. M. , M Sreelekshmi , K Harikrishnan K. , Anil Kumar Lina , M Kalyani P. , Venkatesh Yarra , Gangopadhyay Moumita
Published: November 2024

Certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as formaldehyde, acetone, and ethanol, are overexpressed in some terminal diseases like cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's, etc. Therefore, high‐precision detection and quantification of VOCs is imperative for early diagnosis of such detrimental diseases. Non‐invasive and accurate fluorescence‐based detection of such analytes has garnered widespread attention. The inherent luminescent properties of covalent organic frameworks (COFs), resulting from their extensive π‐conjugation, have made them suitable for sensing applications. Structural tunability and strong covalent linkers facilitate sensing by COFs. Appropriate choices of linker and skeletal units of the COF can help detect various biologically important analytes selectively. The most common linkers used in this regard is the imine linker, which can undergo excellent hydrogen bonding with different protic VOCs e. g., ethanol, methanol, etc. Besides imine detection, hydrogen bonding also proved useful for detection of aldehydes. Suitable combinations of donors and acceptors enable the COFs to have specific charge transfer interactions with many electron‐rich and electron‐poor VOCs. In this review, we have highlighted the syntheses of selective COFs incorporating linkers designed for sensing cancer‐inducing VOCs. A detailed discussion of the interaction mechanisms between COFs and these VOCs is provided, along with examples from recent literature in this field.
Engineering an Unspecific Peroxygenase From Thielavia terrestris for Specific Terminal Oxidation of Xylene Derivatives
Authors: Wei Jian , Lai Ming‐Yuan , Li Hang‐Cheng , Lu Xin‐Yi , Xu Jian‐He , Yu Hui‐Lei
Published: November 2024

Xylene and its derivatives are bulk raw materials in the chemical industry, and their oxidation products, including p‐toluic acid and terephthalic acid, are also crucial in the production of fine chemicals. Unspecific peroxygenases (UPOs) are heme‐thiolate enzymes that are capable of oxidizing diverse organic compounds. In this study, a UPO from Thielavia terrestris (TteUPO) showed the ability to oxidize p‐xylene to p‐toluic acid with >99% chemoselectivity. To address the sensitivity of TteUPO to H2O2 during the reaction, a fusion protein of TteUPO and formate oxidase from Aspergillus oryzae (AoFOx) was constructed for in situ H2O2 regeneration. Additionally, site‐directed saturation mutagenesis of TteUPO was performed, giving the mutant F63S/A155 V, which exhibited a 2.4‐fold increase in the specific activity toward p‐xylene compared with wild‐type TteUPO. The engineered fusion protein TteUPOF63S/A155V‐AoFOx achieved 3.8 mM p‐toluic acid under 8 mM p‐xylene loading, which is approximately 60‐fold higher than previously reported p‐toluic acid concentrations through bio‐oxidation. It also showed the capability to convert other monocyclic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, indicating its potential for the high‐value conversion of xylene and its derivatives.
Scalable Production of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles for Optoelectronics Applications
Authors: Rebecchi Luca , Martin Irene , Albo Ivet Maqueira , Ranjan Priyadarshi , Gatti Teresa , Scotognella Francesco , Rubino Andrea , Kriegel Ilka
Published: November 2024

This work describes the scalability process of a continuous‐injection protocol employed to produce tin‐doped indium oxide nanocrystal dispersions. Different levels of manipulation starting from the synthesis and processing also related to the tuning of the optical response (considering the peculiar combination of UV and NIR absorption with visible transparency) make these materials incredibly versatile. But one of the most attractive features concern the modulation of their charge carrier density through chemical or post‐synthetic doping, as for the case of core‐shell materials, expanding the properties of the core composition. In addition, the colloidal nature of such materials allows for easy solution processing which enables an extensive use in different applications within current thin films base technologies. It is therefore important to push forward the lab‐scale synthesis to properly address the commercial fabrication requirements without any loss in quality. Uniformity is crucial for industrial applications, ensuring predictable performance and facilitating the integration of these nanoparticles into optoelectronic devices. The method here developed allowed a transition from mg‐scale to gram‐scale product mass outputs, while retaining stability in terms of particle size distribution, morphology, crystallinity, and optical properties. This research establishes a robust framework for the scalable production of metal oxide nanoparticles with consistent properties, enhancing their viability for widespread use in optoelectronic applications.
Stimuli‐Responsive Polymers for Tubal Actuators
Authors: Chen Qing , Wu Si
Published: November 2024

Stimuli‐responsive polymers for tubal actuators have garnered significant attention due to their potential applications in soft robotics, artificial blood vessels, controlled liquid transportation, and microchemical reactors. This perspective emphasizes the advantages, response mechanisms, and fundamental design principles of stimuli‐responsive polymers for tubal actuators. It also addresses the biological and engineering applications, current challenges, and future prospects of stimuli‐responsive polymers for tubal actuators. The discussion categorizes stimuli‐responsive polymers for tubal actuators based on various properties, including liquid crystal elastomer actuators, hydrogel actuators, and shape memory polymer actuators. The subsequent sections focuses on the structural features, design principles, and biological applications of stimuli‐responsive polymers for tubal actuator, elucidating their potential interrelationships. The molecular architectures and design principles are intricately linked to the stimuli‐responsive mechanisms. Finally, this perspective outlines the challenges faced by stimuli‐responsive polymers for tubal actuators. This article aims to facilitate broader applications of stimuli‐responsive polymers for tubal actuators, thereby promoting progress across multiple fields.
Dispersion Forces‐Driven Hierarchical Assembly of Protein‐Like Lanthanide Octamers and Emergent CPL
Authors: Yao Zhiwei , Song Ziye , Yin Sen , Huang Wenru , Gao Ting , Yan Pengfei , Zhou Yanyan , Li Hongfeng
Published: November 2024

Hierarchical self‐assembly driven by non‐covalent interactions is a prevalent strategy employed by nature to construct sophisticated biomacromolecules, such as proteins. However, the construction of protein‐like superstructures that rely on weaker dispersion forces‐driven hierarchical assembly remains largely unexplored. Here, we report the first example of dispersion forces driving the high‐order assembly of the lanthanide trinuclear circular helicate [HNEt₃]₃[Eu₃(LL)₆] (ΔΔΔ‐1) into a protein‐like lanthanide octamer ((ΔΔΔ‐1)₈‐2). Within the octamer, the forty‐eight (48) menthol groups on the ligands and eighty‐four (84) 1,4‐dioxane solvent molecules contribute to enhanced dispersion forces through conformational adaptation and size‐matching effects. These enhanced dispersion forces not only drive the formation of the hierarchical superstructure but also result in a four‐level chirality transfer from the menthol to the octamer. Benefiting from the homochirality of Eu3+, the octamer is endowed the strong circularly polarized emission (|glum|=0.34, Φoverall=41 %). This understanding of how dispersion forces drive hierarchical self‐assembly provides a foundation for the directed fabrication of more fascinating superstructures.
A Fast Parallel Approach for Neighborhood‐Based Link Prediction by Disregarding Large Hubs
Authors: Sahu Subhajit , Kothapalli Kishore
Published: November 2024

Link prediction can help rectify inaccuracies in various graph algorithms, stemming from unaccounted‐for or overlooked links within networks. However, many existing works use a baseline approach, which incurs unnecessary computational costs due to its high time complexity. Further, many studies focus on smaller graphs, which can lead to misleading conclusions. Here, we study the prediction of links using neighborhood‐based similarity measures on large graphs. In particular, we improve upon the baseline approach (IBase), and propose a heuristic approach that additionally disregards large hubs (DLH), based on the idea that high‐degree nodes contribute little similarity among their neighbors. On a server equipped with dual 16‐core Intel Xeon Gold 6226R processors, DLH is on average faster than IBase, especially on web graphs and social networks, while maintaining similar prediction accuracy. Notably, DLH achieves a link prediction rate of 38.1M edges/s and improves performance by for every doubling of threads.
Oxygenation Effects of Antihypertensive Agents in Intensive Care: A Prospective Comparative Study of Nicardipine and Urapidil
Authors: Suard Florimond , Mombrun Martin , Fischer Marc‐Olivier , Hanouz Jean‐Luc , Decros Jean‐Baptiste , Derville Sébastien , Gakuba Clément , Al Issa Gulbhar , Menard Caroline , Chretien Basile , Descamps Richard
Published: November 2024

Acute arterial hypertension within the critical care context may necessitate the administration of intravenous antihypertensive agents. Nicardipine and urapidil are notable for their application in intensive care units. Nonetheless, dihydropyridine calcium channel inhibitors (DCCIs) such as nicardipine are implicated in the impairment of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction, potentially disrupting oxygenation. This study aimed to assess the differences in patient oxygenation when these antihypertensive agents are administered intravenously. This bicentric, prospective, observational investigation spanning five intensive care units evaluated patients requiring intravenous nicardipine or urapidil. Oxygenation data were recorded from the start of therapy until the 12th hour. Comparative analysis was performed between patient groups based on the antihypertensive agent administered, along with subgroup investigations to identify populations with an elevated risk of hypoxemia. From November 2021 to November 2023, 197 patients were included: 98 (50%) were treated with nicardipine, and 99 (50%) were treated with urapidil. Hypoxemia occurred in 97 (49%) patients and was more prevalent in the nicardipine cohort, affecting 65 (66%) patients, as opposed to 32 (32%) patients in the urapidil cohort (RR 2.05, 95% CI [1.48–2.82], P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed a significant association between patients with pulmonary atelectasis (RR 2.30, 95% CI [1.4–3.7], P < 0.001) and obesity (RR 2.7, 95% CI [1.5–4.6], P < 0.001). Considering these findings, cautious consideration of the patient's respiratory status should be exercised when initiating intravenous DCCI treatment. However, given the limitations of this study, a controlled trial on hypertension management in the ICU is needed.
The Manipulation of Ring‐Open Polymerization Process to Boost the Electrochemical Performance for Solid‐State Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Cao Jialong , Zhang Mochun , Xu Jing , Wang Mengran , Hong Bo , Lai Yanqing
Published: November 2024

Solid‐state polyether electrolytes formed by in‐situ ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of 1,3‐dioxolane (DOL) have attracted great attention due to their high lithium‐ion conductivity, and good interface compatibility. However, DOL ring‐opening polymerization is difficult to control, resulting in the formation of poly(1,3‐dioxolane) (PDOL) with high molecular weight and high crystallinity, which hinder Li+ diffusion and deteriorate the interfacial contact. Herein, trimethylsilyl isocyanate (IPTS) was introduced into DOL ring‐opening system as a moisture eliminating agent to weaken the Li salt‐based initiating system and regulate the polymerization process. Based on this, the resultant PDOL electrolytes with 3 wt.% IPTS exhibit ionic conductivity of 2.8×10−4 S cm−1, a high Li+ transference number (0.68) and excellent stability with Li anode. The Li|PDOL‐3 %IPTS|Li battery exhibits a stable cycling performance for more than 1100 h under 0.5 mA cm−2 and 0.5 mAh cm−2. Furthermore, the LiFePO4|PDOL‐3 %IPTS|Li cell shows a capacity retention rate of 89.2 % after 200 cycles (25 °C, 1 °C) and 94.5 % (60 °C, 1 °C) after 500 cycles, which is much higher than that of PDOL (6.6 %) after 70 cycles (25 °C, 1 °C). This work provides guidance for the manipulation of ROP process further to enhance the performance of solid‐state lithium metal batteries.
Electrosynthesis of γ‐Butyrolactones by Dehydrogenative (3+2) Annulation
Authors: Yang Dongfeng , Li Xiangwei , Zhu Shuxiang , Zeng Li , Lei Aiwen , Yi Hong
Published: November 2024

The synthetic research for building γ‐butyrolactones is being developed due to the high value of lactone skeletons, commonly found in natural products, functional molecules, bioactive agents and pharmaceuticals. However, reported synthetic methods, including harsh conditions, reliance on volatile activating reagents, and using noble metals, remain challenging. In this work, we present an electro‐oxidative (3+2) annulation of alkenes with 1,3‐diesters, offering an efficient route to γ‐butyrolactones. This approach eliminates the need for external oxidants or bases and substrate pre‐activation. Mechanistic studies suggest that ferrocene acts as a mediator to activate 1,3‐diesters.
Associations between depression and anxiety in midlife and dementia more than 30 years later: The HUNT Study
Authors: Aunsmo Ragnhild Holmberg , Strand Bjørn Heine , Anstey Kaarin J. , Bergh Sverre , Kivimäki Mika , Köhler Sebastian , Krokstad Steinar , Livingston Gill , Matthews Fiona E. , Selbæk Geir
Published: November 2024

INTRODUCTION

It is unclear how midlife depression and anxiety affect dementia risk. We examined this in a Norwegian cohort followed for 30 years.

METHODS

Dementia status at age 70+ in the fourth wave of the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT4, 2017–2019, N = 9745) was linked with anxiety and depression from HUNT1 (1984–1985), HUNT2 (1995–1997), HUNT3 (2006–2008), and HUNT4. Longitudinal anxiety and depression score, and prevalence trajectories during 1984–2019 by dementia status at HUNT4 were fitted using mixed effects regression adjusting for age, sex, education, and lifestyle and health factors.

RESULTS

Dementia at HUNT4 was associated with higher case prevalence at all waves, from 1.9 percentage points (pp) (95% CI: 0.1–3.7) higher at HUNT1 to 7.6 pp (95% CI: 5.7–9.6) higher at HUNT4.

DISCUSSION

Our findings show that depression and anxiety was more common more than 30 years before dementia onset in those who later developed dementia.

Highlights

Older individuals with dementia had a higher prevalence of mixed anxiety‐ and depressive symptoms (A + D), both concurrently with and more than three decades prior to their dementia diagnosis.

Older individuals with dementia had higher levels of anxiety, both concurrently and up to two decades prior to their dementia diagnosis.

Depressive symptoms increased by time among those who developed dementia, but not among others.

Results were similar for all cause dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and other types of dementia; however, for vascular dementia, the difference was not significant until dementia was present.
Distinct Requirements for CD4+ T Cell Help for Immune Responses Induced by mRNA and Adenovirus‐Vector SARS‐CoV‐2 Vaccines
Authors: Yong Lyn , Hutchings Claire , Barnes Eleanor , Klenerman Paul , Provine Nicholas M.
Published: November 2024

CD4+ T cells have been established as central orchestrators of cellular and humoral immune responses to infection or vaccination. However, the need for CD4+ T cell help to generate primary CD8+ T cell responses is variable depending on the infectious agent or vaccine and yet consistently required for the recall of CD8+ T cell memory responses or antibody responses. Given the deployment of new vaccine platforms such as nucleoside‐modified mRNA vaccines, we sought to elucidate the requirement for CD4+ T cell help in the induction of cellular and antibody responses to mRNA and adenovirus (Ad)‐vectored vaccines against SARS‐CoV‐2. Using antibody‐mediated depletion of CD4+ T cells in a mouse immunization model, we observed that CD4+ T cell help was dispensable for both primary and secondary CD8+ T cell responses to the BNT162b2 and mRNA‐1273 mRNA vaccines but required for the AZD1222 Ad‐vectored vaccine. Nonetheless, CD4+ T cell help was needed by both mRNA and Ad‐vectored vaccine platforms for the generation of antibodies, demonstrating the centrality of CD4+ T cells in vaccine‐induced protective immunity against SARS‐CoV‐2. Ultimately, this highlights the shared and distinct regulation of humoral and cellular responses induced by these vaccine platforms.
Far‐Infrared Spectroscopic Investigation of CoFe Prussian Blue Analogues at Thermally Activated Electron Transfer
Authors: Dronova Maria , Altenschmidt Laura , Bordage Amélie , Rivière Eric , Brubach Jean‐Blaise , Verseils Marine , Balthazar Gregory , Roy Pascale , Bleuzen Anne
Published: November 2024

A series of Prussian Blue Analogues (PBAs) having the chemical formula KxCsyCo4[Fe(CN)6](8+x+y)/3⋅nH2O was investigated by variable temperature far‐infrared spectroscopy. The compounds with the lowest amounts of interstitial alkali cations exhibit the thermally activated CoII(High Spin)FeIII ⋅ CoIII(Low Spin)FeII electron transfer, whereas above a threshold of two alkali cations per unit cell the compounds are in the CoIII(Low Spin)FeII electronic state at room temperature and remain in this electronic state over the 300–15 K temperature range. Our variable temperature study shows that FIR spectroscopy turns out to be particularly well‐suited to probe local interactions between the alkali cations in interstitial sites of PBAs and the surrounding cyanide‐bridged bimetallic network as well as to disentangle electronic and structural phenomena involved in the switching properties.
Construction of Heterometallic One‐Dimensional Chain with δ* in the HOMO Using Quadruple Hydrogen Bonds
Authors: Uemura Kazuhiro , Yamada Tomofumi
Published: November 2024

Mixing [Rh2(acam)4] (acam=acetamidate) with pivalic acid yielded Head and Tail‐[Rh2(acam)2(OPiv)2] (1, where PivOH denotes pivalic acid). The highest occupied and lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals were determined through cyclic voltammetry, electron paramagnetic resonance of the one‐electron oxidized form, and density functional theory calculations. Compound 1 and [Pt2(piam)2(NH3)4](PF6)2 (piam=pivalamidate) formed Rh−Pt bonds, yielding a heterometallic one‐dimensional chain [{Rh2(acam)2(OPiv)2}{Pt2(piam)2(NH3)4}]n(PF6)2n (2), where both complexes are aligned in a repeating pattern. As the Rh atom is equatorially coordinated with one hydrogen‐bond donor nitrogen and three hydrogen‐bond acceptor oxygens, and the Pt atom is coordinated with three nitrogens and one oxygen, quadruple complementary hydrogen bonds effectively support Rh−Pt bonds. The diffuse reflection spectrum of 2 shows three absorption peaks at E1 (3.13 eV), E2 (1.71 eV), and E3 (1.41 eV), which are characteristic of the Rh−Pt bond, indicating the formation of band structure along the one‐dimensional direction.
The effect of retrieval‐induced forgetting for pain‐related memories on child pain‐related outcomes: A randomized experimental study
Authors: Wauters Aline , Daenen Frederick , Van Ryckeghem Dimitri M. L. , Noel Melanie , Vervoort Tine
Published: November 2024

Background

Children's inability to forget the negative aspects of a painful event is associated with more anticipatory anxiety at an upcoming pain task and lower pain thresholds; however, the impact of forgetting on children's pain outcomes has not been examined. Retrieval‐Induced Forgetting (RIF) was experimentally induced to investigate whether children would (1) forget more negative details of a previous painful autobiographic event and; (2) report better pain‐related outcomes for an unrelated pain task (i.e., cold pressor task; CPT). Additionally, it was investigated whether the success of RIF was dependent on child characteristics known to influence children's memories for pain (i.e., attention bias to pain, attention switching ability and pain catastrophizing).

Methods

Healthy school children (N = 128; 9–16 years old) recalled and rehearsed memory details of two painful autobiographical events, while only children in the randomized RIF group rehearsed positive details. All children underwent two CPTs (before and after RIF) and reported pain‐related outcomes. Two weeks later, children recalled CPT pain and reported on future pain expectancies.

Results

Children in the RIF group remembered less negative details of their past autobiographical pain events, but also reported a greater reduction in pain‐related fear from the CPT 2 compared to their ratings for CPT 1, than children in the control group. They furthermore expected less pain‐related fear 2 weeks later for a future pain task.

Discussion

Findings suggest that RIF is a promising avenue in pediatric pain management that could be harnessed to foster more positive memories and better future pain experiences.

Significance Statement

Retrieval‐induced forgetting (RIF) makes children forget negative details of a past autobiographical pain experience, decreases experienced pain‐related fear for experimental pain and lowers future pain‐related fear expectancies. Results show a promising role for RIF‐ based memory interventions in the context of paediatric pain care.
Rheology and Culture Reproducibility of Filamentous Microorganisms: Impact of Flow Behavior and Oxygen Transfer During Salt‐Enhanced Cultivation of the Actinomycete Actinomadura namibiensis
Authors: Hanke René , Lohr Jonas , Poduschnick Leon , Tesche Sebastian , Fillaudeau Luc , Büchs Jochen , Krull Rainer
Published: November 2024

Analyzing the relationship between cell morphology, rheological characteristics, and production dynamics of cultivations with filamentous microorganisms is a challenging task. The complex interdependencies and the commonly low reproducibility of heterogeneous cultivations hinder the bioprocess development of commercially relevant production systems. The present study aims to characterize process parameters in Actinomadura namibiensis shake flask cultures to gain insights into relationships between culture behavior and rheological characteristics during salt‐enhanced labyrinthopeptin A1 production. Plate–plate (PP) and vane–cup rheometer measurements of viscous model fluids and culture broths are compared, revealing a more uniform distribution of broth when measured with the PP system. Additionally, rheological characteristics and culture performance of A. namibiensis cultures are evaluated using online data of the specific power input and the oxygen transfer rate. It is demonstrated that salt‐enhancement labyrinthopeptin A1 production by the addition of 50 mM (NH4)2SO4 increases the apparent viscosity of the A. namibiensis culture by four‐fold and significantly reduces the reproducibility of the culture resulting in a 46 h difference in lag‐phase duration. This approach demonstrates that the culture behavior of complex filamentous cell morphologies is challenging to decipher, but online monitoring of rheology and oxygen transfer can provide valuable insights into the cultivation dynamics of filamentous microbial cultures.
High‐Performance SMA–Based Self‐Centring Precast Segmental Concrete Column: Design Concept, Test and Simulation
Authors: Chen Zhi‐Peng , Zhang Lu , Huang Jiahao , Zhu Songye
Published: November 2024

This paper presents an experimental study of a novel high‐performance self‐centring (SC) precast segmental concrete column (PSCC) utilising shape memory alloy (SMA) bolts. The tested PSCC was constructed with four precast concrete segments and had a total height of 1555 mm. The whole column was assembled by connecting four segments through bolts solely, without using any complex anchorage for posttensioned components. Four 20‐mm‐diameter SMA bolts were used at the column base, whilst other segments were connected using high‐strength steel bolts. Certain levels of prestrain were applied in the SMA and steel bolts when assembling, causing some minor initial cracks around the segment corners due to the casting imperfection and small gaps between the segments; however, no further crack development was observed after achieving stability. A series of cyclic and monotonic quasi‐static tests were conducted to examine the working mechanism, structural behaviour, reusability, ductility and failure mode. Two cyclic horizontal loadings corresponding to a maximum drift ratio of 5% were applied consecutively, wherein the SMA bolts were retightened by hand in between. The SMA‐SC‐PSCC showed desirable flag‐shaped behaviour under both loadings, with only some minor damages found on the concrete segments. Then, a monotonic loading was applied until the failure of the specimen, and the bottom segment fractured at a displacement of 86 mm (corresponding to 5.8% drift ratio). After the tests, a refined finite element model simulation was conducted as complementation. The satisfactory performance of the SC‐PSCC showed that by using SMA bolts, the high‐performance, low‐damage and easy‐construction design can be achieved simultaneously. The experimental and numerical results provided a promising design alternative in modern earthquake‐resilient civil infrastructure.
Comparing the coagulation and platelet parameters of women with premature ovarian insufficiency with those of age‐matched controls: A case–control study
Authors: Lou Zheng , Huang Yizhou , Xu Hongyan , Cen Xiaoping , Zhang Yue , Xu Yan , Luo Zhou , Li Chunming , Chen Caiwei , Shi Shuyi , Su Chang , Lin Xi , Ma Linjuan , Zhou Jianhong
Published: November 2024

Objective

This study aimed to compare the coagulation and platelet parameters in women with spontaneous premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) with those in age‐matched controls.

Methods

This case–control study recruited 202 women with POI and 202 age‐matched women with benign gynecological diseases as controls. Coagulation parameters, including prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and thrombin time (TT), fibrinogen, and platelet parameters, including platelet count (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV), plateletcrit (PCT), and platelet distribution width (PDW), were compared between women with POI and controls. Factors associated with coagulation and platelet parameters were also analyzed in women with POI.

Results

In women with POI, higher fibrinogen levels and PDW, lower PLT, MPV, and PCT levels, and shorter TT were observed (p < 0.001). Linear regression analysis further revealed that women with POI were more likely to exhibit increased serum fibrinogen levels (β = 0.465, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.366–0.564) and PDW (β = 0.340, 95% CI 0.300–0.379), decreased TT (β = −1.101, 95% CI –1.233–−0.969), PLT (β = −50.985, 95% CI –65.087–−36.882), MPV (β = −1.498, 95% CI –1.875 to −1.120), PCT levels (β = −0.084, 95% CI –0.095–−0.973). Additionally, follicle‐stimulating hormone levels were positively associated with fibrinogen levels in women with POI. There were no statistically significant differences in PT, INR, and APTT between women with POI and controls.

Conclusions

Women with POI exhibited decreased platelet numbers, abnormal platelet morphology, and elevated fibrinogen concentrations, potentially implicating POI's etiopathogenesis or contributing to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in women with POI. No coagulation abnormalities were observed in women with POI.
An overview of Hospital‐at‐home versus other models of care
Authors: Wong Hai Liang Marc , Ong Chong Yau , Ngo Hui Juan , Yeo Si Sen , Lee Mui Hua Jean
Published: November 2024

Despite being increasingly adopted in various regions, the model of Hospital‐at‐home can still appear to be confusing to many healthcare workers. The authors examined and summarized the existing concepts and implementations of Hospital‐at‐home. How Hospital‐at‐home contrasts to traditional inpatient models were outlined.
Association between early enteral nutrition and length of stay in neonates with congenital bowel obstruction: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Bhatia Manisha B. , Nelanuthala Sai , Joplin Tasha Sparks , Anderson Cassandra , Sobolic Michael , Gray Brian W.
Published: November 2024

Background

The optimal feeding strategy for postoperative neonatal patients with congenital bowel obstruction is widely debated. This study aims to evaluate perioperative characteristics and postoperative nutrition practices for patients with congenital bowel obstruction. We hypothesized that earlier introduction of enteral nutrition (EN) is associated with shorter hospital stays and increased weight gain velocities.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study on neonatal patients (<30 days old) admitted to a pediatric referral hospital who underwent an operation for bowel obstruction between 2010 and 2020. Demographic information, clinical characteristics, and feeding characteristics were collected. Associations between early EN (EEN), defined as commencement of enteral feeding within 5 days of surgery, and perioperative characteristics were analyzed with SAS 9.4.

Results

Of the 97 neonates with congenital bowel obstruction, 36 patients received EEN. Sex, gestational age, and ethnicity were similar between groups. Patients receiving EEN were more likely to have a diagnosis of malrotation, anorectal malformation, or annular pancreas (P = 0.04). Patients receiving EEN weaned from parenteral nutrition earlier (9 vs 17 days, P = 0.005). Receiving EEN was associated with shorter median hospital stay (16 vs 29 days, P < 0.0001). Weight gain velocities at the 2‐month follow‐up were greater for patients receiving EEN (8.02 vs 7.00 g/kg/day, P = 0.04) with the difference dissipating at 6 months.

Conclusion

EEN was more likely provided in patients with certain operative diagnoses and was associated with improved outcomes. Creating and implementing an EEN protocol in congenitally obstructed neonates may lead to shorter hospital stays and improved outcomes.
RF‐induced heating reduction by minimizing the external portion of the partially in and partially out medical devices under MRI at 1.5 T
Authors: Islam Md Zahidul , Guo Ran , Akter Mir Khadiza , Zheng Jianfeng , Kainz Wolfgang , Long Stuart , Chen Ji
Published: November 2024

Purpose

To address the issue of RF‐induced heating for partially in and partially out (PIPO) medical devices during 1.5 T MRI scans by proposing a method of minimizing the external portion.

Methods

A method of tightly winding the external segment of the PIPO device is proposed to minimize the overall device effective reception length during MRI scans to mitigate the RF‐induced heating. Two commercially available PIPO medical devices and simplified solid wires were used to demonstrate the concept. RF heating results are compared between typical and minimized‐length trajectories under the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) testing procedure. In addition, 16 scaled and validated device models were used in conjuncture with human body numerical simulations within three virtual human models to estimate clinically relevant heating.

Results

The wound segments in PIPO devices functioned as a lumped element rather than a receiving antenna, reducing induced energy/heating as compared to the original PIPO devices under typical straight or loop configurations. Minimizing the lead's external portion can reduce the RF‐induced heating by significant factors for all studied cases during ASTM phantom measurements and in human body simulations.

Conclusion

Our findings show a significant reduction in RF heating by minimizing the external segment, thereby enhancing patient safety during 1.5 T MRI procedures. Although limited to four devices at 1.5 T across two applications, the extent of heating reduction may vary for others. Nonetheless, tightly winding the external segment of PIPO electrodes holds promise for improving device safety under MRI.
Primary malignant melanoma of the breast: A case report without relapse
Authors: Caballero Alejandro , Perez Mario , Rodriguez Issis
Published: November 2024

Objective

This study aimed to report the treatment and outcomes of a patient with primary malignant melanoma of the breast parenchyma using mastectomy as the main treatment.

Patient and methods

A 67‐year‐old female presented with a palpable lump approximately 2 cm in diameter in the lower inner quadrant of the left breast, and underwent ultrasound guided cutting needle biopsy. Cytological examination identified a malignant melanoma of the breast, and she received treatment with a modified radical mastectomy. Further assessment was carried out using a positron emission tomography/computed tomography, which negated the presence of a primary lesion in either adjacent or distant sites.

Results

After three years of follow‐up with ultrasonography (USG) and mammography annually and a complete physical examination every six months in the clinic, the patient remained alive with no evidence of local or distant recurrence.

Conclusion

The surgical management of this case is appropriate according to the available literature up to the present. We recommend BRAF mutation testing and melanocytic marker testing for all patients to ensure the correct focus when selecting biomarker‐based immunotherapy.
Investigation of Bituminized Waste Products Swelling Behavior Due to Water Uptake Under Confined Leaching Conditions: Experiments and Modeling
Authors: Chen Yujiong , Champenois Jean‐Baptiste , Dangla Patrick , Granet Sylvie , Lautru Joseph , Leclerc Arnaud , Melot Geoffroy
Published: November 2024

Bituminized waste products (BWPs) were produced by conditioning in bitumen the co‐precipitation sludge resulting from the industrial reprocessing of nuclear spent fuel. For some intermediate level long‐lived (ILW‐LL) classified BWPs, a long‐term disposal solution in France is underground geological disposal. One of the challenges for BWPs in geological disposal conditions is their swelling behavior due to water uptake. This swelling, if sufficiently important, could lead to mechanical coupling with the host rock, resulting in the application of pressure that could damage it. Consequently, the swelling behavior of BWPs must be considered in safety studies for the underground storage facility after site closure. The present work is a continuation of a previous one and focuses on investigating both experimentally and numerically the BWPs’ swelling behavior due to water uptake under confined leaching conditions. The swelling of simplified BWPs was experimentally monitored for about 2.5 years during leaching tests under constant counterpressure. The numerical model is extended from a previous work that incorporates coupled homogenization of transport terms (diffusion, permeation, osmosis) with mechanics via Maxwell's viscoelastic model. An original nonlinear poro‐viscoelastic model taking into account large strains is proposed in this paper to better model the BWPs leaching behavior under confined conditions. The experimental results of leaching tests under constant counterpressure are generally well predicted by the resulting numerical model. The role of the poorly soluble salts BaSO4 within the solid BWP matrix is investigated.