bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Construction of DNA aggregates in cell milieu for bio‐interference
Authors: Guo Yanfei , Liu Jinqiao , Huang Yan , Guo Xiaocui , Yang Dayong
Published: July 2023

Precise assembly of biomolecules into functional aggregate structures represents a key characteristic of nature living cells, and is critical for the cellular processes. The construction of artificial aggregates in living cells by responding to intracellular specific stimuli has been applied in elucidating molecular mechanisms of naturally cellular processes and interfering with cellular processes, which is potential and significant in biomedicine. DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) features sequence programmability, precise assembly and versatility, and therefore is regarded as the potential candidate for constructing versatile functional aggregates in living cells. In this review, we summarize our recent efforts of employing DNA to in situ construct versatile aggregates in living cells via responding intracellular triggers, and the subsequent bio‐interference of the DNA aggregates. Finally, we discuss the remaining challenges and opportunities in the field, and envision that rational design and construction of versatile DNA aggregates in living system would be a promising solution for precision and personalized therapeutics.
Characteristics and outcomes of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia and T315I mutation treated in the pre‐ and post‐ponatinib era
Authors: Haddad Fadi G. , Sasaki Koji , Bidikian Aram , Issa Ghayas C. , Kadia Tapan , Jain Nitin , Alvarado Yesid , Short Nicholas J. , Pemmaraju Naveen , Loghavi Sanam , Patel Keyur P. , Kanagal‐Shamanna Rashmi , Yilmaz Musa , Masarova Lucia , Jabbour Elias , Kantarjian Hagop
Published: July 2023

Patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and T315I mutation generally have a poor prognosis. Their outcome in the post‐ponatinib era remains unclear. We reviewed patients with CML in chronic (CP) or accelerated phase (AP) who developed a T315I mutation between March 15, 2004, and July 26, 2022. Patients were divided into CP, AP, or blastic phase (BP) at the time of mutation detection. Overall survival (OS) was defined from the time of mutation detection to the date of death or last follow‐up. We identified a total of 107 patients: 54 (51%) in CP, 14 (13%) in AP, and 39 (36%) in BP. One hundred and two patients received subsequent therapy after the T315I mutation was detected. At a median follow‐up of 75 months (95% CI, 41–110), the median OS was 49 months (95% CI, 26–73) and the 5‐year OS rate was 44%. Patients who were in CML‐CP at the time of mutation detection had better survival compared with those in AP or BP, with a median OS of 132, 31, and 6 months, and 5‐year OS rates of 70%, 37%, and 10%, respectively (p < .001). Patients with CML‐CP treated with ponatinib and/or asciminib had a 5‐year OS of 77% compared with 50% in those who received other treatments (chemotherapy, second‐generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors, homoharringtonine, and investigational drugs) (p = .14). In summary, patients with CML‐CP at the time of T315I mutation detection may have a relatively indolent disease course with a long‐term OS of 70%. Treatment with third‐generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors seemed to improve survival in patients with CML‐CP.
Mother's education and infant survival in Ethiopia
Authors: Liranso Endrias , Yang Fang
Published: July 2023

Objective

Few studies in Ethiopia have explored the impact of the mothers' education on infant survival. Therefore, this study aimed to identify and analyze the proximate factors in the relationship between maternal education and infant survival in Ethiopia.

Methods

This study used the nationally representative 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey dataset. It analyzed a sample of 3831 newborn children using Cox regression models.

Results

The findings revealed that infants born to educated mothers had lower odds of infant mortality than those born to mothers without formal education. Specifically, infants whose mothers had completed secondary school and had a better antenatal care attendance rate had 49.9% lower odds of infant mortality than those born to mothers with no formal education and a poor antenatal care attendance rate. Furthermore, infants whose mothers had at least some postsecondary education and who used delivery by health‐care professionals, clean drinking water, and improved toilet facilities had 65.3%, 56.3%, and 68.6% lower odds of infant mortality, respectively, than those born to mothers with no formal education and who did not use those facilities.

Conclusions

This study concluded that the mothers' educational disparity is intimately tied to infant mortality, and that access to formal education, mainly for women, increases infant survival in Ethiopia. Future research should focus on mothers without formal education who do not have access to antenatal care visits for safe pregnancy, delivery by health‐care professionals, clean drinking water, and improved toilet facilities in Ethiopia and elsewhere in Sub‐Saharan Africa.
Strain hypothesis and additional evidence of the GluN3A deficiency‐mediated pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Yu Shan Ping , Jiang Michael , Berglund Ken , Wei Ling
Published: July 2023

Our recent investigation revealed that deficiency of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor subunit GluN3A (NR3A) is a trigger for chronic neuronal hyperactivity and disruption of Ca2+ homeostasis, leading to sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD) phenotypes. The identification of the amyloid‐independent pathogenesis was a surprise considering that GluN3A is a much less known NMDA receptor subunit with obscure function in aging adulthood, while the new concept of degenerative excitotoxicity as a decade‐long pathogenic mechanism of AD/dementia remains to be further delineated. With negative observations in GRIN3A−/− mouse, Verhaeghe et al. in their letter challenge the “odd” idea that lasting GluN3A deficiency is detrimental and responsible for the spontaneous progression of AD and cognitive decline. We now discuss the potential mouse strain hypothesis and experimental data in these two investigations, and provide additional evidence that further supports the validity and specificity of GluN3A deficiency in the development of AD and associated dementia.
Intracellular Molecules Induced Extracellular Peptide Self‐Assembly for Efficient and Effective In Situ Cell Purification
Authors: Li Cheuk Yin , Liang Zhenghua , Liu Lejian , Kuang Yi
Published: July 2023

Synthetic messenger RNA (mRNA) switches are powerful tools for in situ cell purification, especially for cells derived from stem cells. However, the retention effectiveness of the target cells is limited by the leaky expression of toxic protein. The elimination efficiency of non‐target cells is also constrained due to the lack of signal amplification. In this study, we designed a novel approach that uses synthetic mRNA switch to convey intracellular marker molecule information into spatially controlled extracellular toxic assembly formation. The approach bypasses the use of toxic protein to ensure high target cell recovery effectiveness. Meanwhile, the marker molecule information is amplified at multiple levels to ensure high non‐target cell elimination effectiveness. Our approach can be tailored to meet various in situ cell purification needs, promising high‐quality in situ cell purification for a wide range of biomedical applications.
Stereoselective Plasmonic Interaction in Peptide‐tethered Photopolymerizable Diacetylenes Doped with Chiral Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Joseph Jojo P. , Miglani Chirag , Maulik Antarlina , Abraham Shema R. , Dutta Avisek , Baev Alexander , Prasad Paras N. , Pal Asish
Published: July 2023

Designing polymeric systems with ultra‐high optical activity is instrumental in the pursuit of smart artificial chiroptical materials, including the fundamental understanding of structure/property relations. Herein, we report a diacetylene (DA) moiety flanked by chiral D‐ and L‐FF dipeptide methyl esters that exhibits efficient topochemical photopolymerization in the solid phase to furnish polydiacetylene (PDA) with desired control over the chiroptical properties. The doping of the achiral gold nanoparticles provides plasmonic interaction with the PDAs to render asymmetric shape to the circular dichroism bands. With the judicious design of the chiral amino acid ligand appended to the AuNPs, we demonstrate the first example of selective chiral amplification mediated by stereo‐structural matching of the polymer‐plasmonic AuNP hybrid pairs. Such ordered self‐assembly aided by topochemical polymerization in peptide‐tethered PDA provides a smart strategy to produce soft responsive materials for applications in chiral photonics.
Platinum and Frustrated Lewis Pairs on Ceria as Dual‐Active Sites for Efficient Reverse Water‐Gas Shift Reaction at Low Temperatures
Authors: Li Wenbin , Gan Jie , Liu Yuxuan , Zou Yong , Zhang Sai , Qu Yongquan
Published: July 2023

The low‐temperature reverse water‐gas shift (RWGS) reaction faces the following obstacles: low activity and unsatisfactory selectivity. Herein, the dual‐active sites of platinum (Pt) clusters and frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) on porous CeO2 nanorods (Ptcluster/PN−CeO2) provide an interface‐independent pathway to boost high performance RWGS reaction at low temperatures. Mechanistic investigations illustrate that Pt clusters can effectively activate and dissociate H2. The FLP sites, instead of the metal and support interfaces, not only enhance the strong adsorption and activation of CO2, but also significantly weaken CO adsorption on FLP to facilitate CO release and suppress the CH4 formation. With the help of hydrogen spillover from Pt to PN−CeO2, the Ptcluster/PN−CeO2 catalysts achieved a CO yield of 29.6 %, which is very close to the thermodynamic equilibrium yield of CO (29.8 %) at 350 °C. Meanwhile, the Ptcluster/PN−CeO2 catalysts delivered a large turnover frequency of 8720 h−1. Moreover, Ptcluster/PN−CeO2 operated stably and continuously for at least 840 h. This finding provides a promising path toward optimizing the RWGS reaction.
Breaking Local Charge Symmetry of Iron Single Atoms for Efficient Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia
Authors: Xu Jingwen , Zhang Shengbo , Liu Hengjie , Liu Shuang , Yuan Yuan , Meng Yahan , Wang Mingming , Shen Chunyue , Peng Qia , Chen Jinghao , Wang Xiaoyang , Song Li , Li Ke , Chen Wei
Published: July 2023

The electrochemical conversion of nitrate pollutants into value‐added ammonia is a feasible way to achieve artificial nitrogen cycle. However, the development of electrocatalytic nitrate‐to‐ammonia reduction reaction (NO3−RR) has been hampered by high overpotential and low Faradaic efficiency. Here we develop an iron single‐atom catalyst coordinated with nitrogen and phosphorus on hollow carbon polyhedron (denoted as Fe−N/P−C) as a NO3−RR electrocatalyst. Owing to the tuning effect of phosphorus atoms on breaking local charge symmetry of the single‐Fe‐atom catalyst, it facilitates the adsorption of nitrate ions and enrichment of some key reaction intermediates during the NO3−RR process. The Fe−N/P−C catalyst exhibits 90.3 % ammonia Faradaic efficiency with a yield rate of 17980 μg h−1 mgcat−1, greatly outperforming the reported Fe‐based catalysts. Furthermore, operando SR‐FTIR spectroscopy measurements reveal the reaction pathway based on key intermediates observed under different applied potentials and reaction durations. Density functional theory calculations demonstrate that the optimized free energy of NO3−RR intermediates is ascribed to the asymmetric atomic interface configuration, which achieves the optimal electron density distribution. This work demonstrates the critical role of atomic‐level precision modulation by heteroatom doping for the NO3−RR, providing an effective strategy for improving the catalytic performance of single atom catalysts in different electrochemical reactions.
Supramolecular Block Copolymers from Tricarboxamides. Biasing Co‐assembly by the Incorporation of Pyridine Rings
Authors: López‐Gandul Lucía , Morón‐Blanco Adrián , García Fátima , Sánchez L. Luis
Published: July 2023

The synthesis of a series of triangular‐shaped tricarboxamides endowed with three picoline or nicotine units (compounds 2 and 3, respectively) or just one nicotine unit (compound 4) is reported, and their self‐assembling features investigated. The pyridine rings make compounds 2–4 electronically complementary with our previously reported oligo(phenylene ethynylene)tricarboxamides (OPE‐TA) 1 to form supramolecular copolymers. C3‐symmetric tricarboxamide 2 forms highly stable intramolecular five‐membered pseudocycles that impede its supramolecular polymerization into poly‐2 and the co‐assembly with 1 to yield copolymer poly‐1‐co‐2. On the other hand, C3‐symmetric tricarboxamide 3 readily forms poly‐3 with great stability but unable to form helical supramolecular polymers despite the presence of the peripheral chiral side chains. The copolymer poly‐1‐co‐3 can only be obtained by a previous complete disassembly of the constitutive homopolymers in CHCl3. Helical poly‐1‐co‐3 arises in a process involving the transfer of the helicity from racemic poly‐1 to poly‐3, and the amplification of asymmetry from chiral poly‐3 to poly‐1. Importantly, C2v‐symmetric 4, endowed with only one nicotinamide moiety and three chiral side chains, self‐assembles into a P‐type helical supramolecular polymer (poly‐4) in a thermodynamically controlled cooperative process. The combination of poly‐1 and poly‐4 generates chiral supramolecular copolymer poly‐1‐co‐4, whose blocky microstructure has been investigated by applying the previously reported supramolecular copolymerization model.
L‐arginine and quaternary ammonium salt‐synergistically modified waterborne polyurethane for efficient antibacterial performance
Authors: Xu Mengting , Qian Hongxiang , Wang Qirun , Chang Shufang , Xu Xiaowei , Jia Runping , Han Sheng , Wu Tong , Wu Qingsheng
Published: July 2023

Antibacterial waterborne polyurethane (WPU) is attracting increasing interest in a wide range of industrial applications due to its versatility and eco‐friendliness. However, single system antimicrobial WPU often does not meet the requirements of highly antimicrobial coating fields. Therefore, WPU was synergistically modified by L‐arginine (L‐Arg) and quaternary ammonium salts (QAs) in this study. They were introduced into the molecular structure of WPU by in‐situ emulsion polymerization to form the composite antibacterial system (WRPUs). The results showed that the composite systems had excellent antibacterial activity against both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus compared to single system. When the content of both L‐Arg and QAs was 7%, the antibacterial effect of WRPU7 was optimal, from the sum (E. coli: and S. aureus: ) of the inhibition circles of L‐Arg and QAs to 21.4 and 22.6 mm, respectively, net efficiency increase of 29% and 17%, fully reflecting the synergistic effect of Taken together, the results presented in this study confirm the significance of L‐Arg and QAs as synergistic antimicrobial building blocks. In this way, the antimicrobial performance of WPU can be significantly improved and better biocompatibility can be exhibited, thus broadening the application of WPU in highly antibacterial fields.
Preparation of thermoplastic polyurethane blend foams with controlled hydrophobicity via vapor induced phase separation
Authors: Pan Baohai , Lee Kyung Jin
Published: July 2023

Oil–water separation has attained great attention due to recent concern in environmental safety. Porous material from tailored engineering is the best candidate to selectively adsorb oil from water. Among the various porous materials, polymer based adsorbent has several advantages over others, in terms of controllable porosity and functionality. Here, we propose thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) based blend foam through vapor induced phase separation method as a potential candidate for oil–water separation. In order to adjust hydrophobicity and compatibility of TPU blend, PDMS‐based TPU (Si‐TPU) is designed and synthesized to be blended with commercialized TPU. Si‐TPU with tailored weight ratio (PDMS/PTHF = 4/6) in synthetic level make it possible to achieve both of demanded hydrophobicity (the water contact angle increased from 85.19 ± 1.83° to 121.15 ± 3.79° after adding Si‐TPU) and controlling compatibility with CTPU during VIPS foaming. Thus, these well‐designed Si‐TPU can be utilized in various fields such as improving compatibility of polymer blend, adsorption efficiency of oil, and smart filtration, and so forth.
Indole derivatives targeting colchicine binding site as potential anticancer agents
Authors: Goel Bharat , Jaiswal Shivani , Jain Shreyans K.
Published: July 2023

Microtubules are appealing as intracellular targets for anticancer activity due to their importance in cell division. Three important binding sites are present on the tubulin protein: taxane, vinca, and colchicine binding sites (CBS). Many USFDA‐approved drugs such as paclitaxel, ixabepilone, vinblastine, and combretastatin act by altering the dynamics of the microtubules. Additionally, a large number of compounds have been synthesized by medicinal chemists around the globe that target different tubulin binding sites. Although CBS inhibitors have proved their cytotoxic potential, no CBS‐targeting drug had been able to reach the market. Several studies have reported design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of indole derivatives as potential anticancer agents. These compounds have been shown to inhibit cancer cell proliferation, induce apoptosis, and disrupt microtubule formation. Moreover, the binding affinity of these compounds to the CBS has been demonstrated using molecular docking studies and competitive binding assays. The present work has reviewed indole derivatives as potential colchicine‐binding site inhibitors. The structure–activity relationship studies have revealed the crucial pharmacophoric features required for the potent and selective binding of indole derivatives to the CBS. The development of these compounds with improved efficacy and reduced toxicity could potentially lead to the development of novel and effective cancer therapies.
Commentary: Dissection still a sticking point in the widespread use of DCB in PCI
Authors: Kleber Franz X.
Published: July 2023

Key Points

Dissection is judged as a major hurdle for a more widespread use of DCB

Vessel stretching by either overdilatation or by straightening of very tortuous vessel segments are the predominant avoidable or modifiable risk factors for major dissection during predilatation or during DCB application.

While aggressive (pre‐)dilatation reduces the risk of elastic recoil, it increases the number of severe dissections. The known effects of positive vessel remodeling (1,2) might allow a more gentle angioplasty with residual stenosis of up to 30 % after DCB application without negative effects on long term results (3).
Comparison of intravascular ultrasound, optical coherence tomography, and conventional angiography‐guided percutaneous coronary interventions: A systematic review, network meta‐analysis, and meta‐regression
Authors: Park Dae Yong , An Seokyung , Jolly Neeraj , Attanasio Steve , Yadav Neha , Gutierrez Jorge A. , Nanna Michael G. , Rao Sunil V. , Vij Aviral
Published: July 2023

Background

Intracoronary imaging modalities, including intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT), provide valuable supplemental data unavailable on coronary angiography (CA) and have shown to improve clinical outcomes. We sought to compare the clinical efficacy of IVUS, OCT, and conventional CA‐guided percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI).

Methods

Frequentist and Bayesian network meta‐analyses of randomized clinical trials were performed to compare clinical outcomes of PCI performed with IVUS, OCT, or CA alone.

Results

A total of 28 trials comprising 12,895 patients were included. IVUS when compared with CA alone was associated with a significantly reduced risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (risk ratio: [RR] 0.74, 95% confidence interval: [CI] 0.63–0.88), cardiac death (RR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.43–0.94), target lesion revascularization (RR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.57–0.80), and target vessel revascularization (RR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.50–0.81). No differences in comparative clinical efficacy were found between IVUS and OCT. Rank probability analysis bestowed the highest probability to IVUS in ranking as the best imaging modality for all studied outcomes except for all‐cause mortality.

Conclusion

Compared with CA, the use of IVUS in PCI guidance provides significant benefit in reducing MACE, cardiac death, and revascularization. OCT had similar outcomes to IVUS, but more dedicated studies are needed to confirm the superiority of OCT over CA.
Long range order for random field Ising and Potts models
Authors: Ding Jian , Zhuang Zijie
Published: July 2023

We present a new and simple proof for the classic results of Imbrie (1985) and Bricmont–Kupiainen (1988) that for the random field Ising model in dimension three and above there is long range order at low temperatures with presence of weak disorder. With the same method, we obtain a couple of new results: (1) we prove that long range order exists for the random field Potts model at low temperatures with presence of weak disorder in dimension three and above; (2) we obtain a lower bound on the correlation length for the random field Ising model at low temperatures in dimension two (which matches the upper bound in Ding–Wirth (2020)). Our proof is based on an extension of the Peierls argument with inputs from Chalker (1983), Fisher–Fröhlich–Spencer (1984), Ding–Wirth (2020) and Talagrand's majorizing measure theory (1980s) (and in particular, our proof does not involve the renormalization group theory).
Pharmacokinetic Profiles of a Proposed Biosimilar Ustekinumab (BFI‐751): Results From a Randomized Phase 1 Trial
Authors: Hausfeld Jeffrey N. , Challand Rodeina , McLendon Kristi , Macapagal Nathaniel , Bruce‐Staskal Pam , Fiaschetti Christina , Sampey Darryl B.
Published: July 2023

BioFactura has developed a proposed biosimilar candidate (BFI‐751) to ustekinumab reference product. Results are reported for the first‐in‐human trial designed to compare the pharmacokinetic profiles, safety, and immunogenicity of BFI‐751 and ustekinumab reference products from the European Union and United States as well as similarity of the EU and US reference products. This was a multicenter, randomized, double blind, 3‐parallel‐group study (trial ID: NCT04843631). Healthy subjects were randomized to receive a single subcutaneous dose of 45 mg of BFI‐751, EU ustekinumab, or US ustekinumab. The pharmacokinetic parameters were area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) from time zero to infinity, AUC from time zero to the last quantifiable concentration, and maximum concentration. Safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity data were also reported. Pairwise comparisons among the 3 treatments all met the standard bioequivalence criteria that the 90% confidence interval of the geometric mean ratios of AUC from time zero to infinity, AUC from time zero to the last quantifiable concentration, and maximum concentration are completely within the acceptance interval of 80%–125%. There were no marked differences in the safety and tolerability profiles for subjects receiving BFI‐751 as compared to EU or US ustekinumab. Treatment‐emergent adverse events were mild to moderate for all treatment groups.
Pain history and experimental pressure pain responses in adolescents: Results from a population‐based birth cohort
Authors: Brandão Maria , Talih Makram , Holden Sinead , Fernandes Francisco , Graven‐Nielsen Thomas , Lucas Raquel
Published: July 2023

Background

Sensitized pain mechanisms are often reported in musculoskeletal pain conditions, but population‐based paediatric studies are lacking. We assessed whether adolescents with musculoskeletal pain history had evidence of increased responsiveness to experimental pressure stimuli.

Methods

Data were from 1496 adolescents of the Generation XXI birth cohort. Pain history was collected using the Luebeck Pain Questionnaire (self‐reported at 13, parent‐reported at 7 and 10 years). Two case definitions for musculoskeletal pain were considered: (1) cross‐sectional—musculoskeletal pain lasting more than 3 months at age 13 and (2) longitudinal—musculoskeletal pain at age 13 with musculoskeletal pain reports at ages 7 and/or 10. Lower limb cuff pressure algometry was used to assess pain detection and tolerance thresholds, conditioned pain modulation effects (CPM, changes in thresholds in the presence on painful conditioning) and temporal summation of pain effects (TSP, changes in pain intensity to 10 phasic painful cuff stimulations).

Results

Adolescents with musculoskeletal pain at age 13 plus a history of pain in previous evaluations (longitudinal definition) had lower pain tolerance thresholds compared to the remaining sample (40.2 v. 49.0 kPa, p = 0.02), but showed no differences in pain detection threshold, CPM effect and TSP effect. Pain sensitivity, CPM effects and TSP effects were not significantly different when the current pain only case definition (cross‐sectional) was used.

Conclusions

Adolescents with current musculoskeletal pain who had a history of pain since childhood had lower tolerance to cuff stimulation. This may suggest long‐standing musculoskeletal pain since childhood may contribute to sensitisation, rather than the presence of current pain only.

Significance

Repeated musculoskeletal pain up to age 13 years may contribute to higher pain sensitivity (particularly lowered pressure pain tolerance) in the general adolescent population. This does not seem to be the case when reported pain experiences are recent or when the outcomes are temporal pain summation or CPM. In this community‐based paediatric sample, the vast majority showed no sign of altered pain processing, but a small fraction may reveal some pain sensitization at 13 years of age.
Vaccination against COVID‐19 and potential protective effects on seizure recurrence in children with epilepsy: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Chen Congjie , Chen Ningning , Xie Li , Luo Yuanyuan , Ma Jiannan , Li Tingsong
Published: July 2023

Objective

Despite strong evidence on the safety and tolerability of the COVID‐19 vaccine, data on vaccination in children with epilepsy, particular younger children with specific epilepsy syndromes, are limited. The protective effects of vaccination against seizure increase upon COVID‐19 infection also remain to be elucidated.

Methods

Questionnaire surveys were distributed online via an established WeChat group for patient management as well as in our outpatient clinic. The data collected included demographics and clinical information related to COVID‐19 vaccination and infection. Detailed information related to epilepsy diagnosis and treatment was also collected from our patient database. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors associated with non‐vaccination. The characteristics of seizures following COVID‐19 infection were described.

Results

In total, 354 suitable questionnaires were included in the study. The median age at survey was 6 years (interquartile range 4, 9). The most common epilepsy syndrome was self‐limited epilepsy (n = 153, 43.2%), followed by developmental and/or epileptic encephalopathy (D/EE, n = 81, 22.9%) and genetic generalized epilepsy (n = 59, 16.7%). The vaccine uptake rate was 43.8% (n = 155), and all related side‐effects (n = 11, 7.1%) remitted spontaneously. Younger age (odds ratio [OR] = 0.877, P = 0.001), D/EE (OR = 5.096, P = 0.008), and less than six months seizure‐freedom before vaccination (OR = 3.026, P = 0.005) were associated with unwillingness to be vaccinated. There were no significant differences in the rate of COVID‐19 infection (33.7% vs 32.7%, P = 0.879) and resultant increased seizure activity following infection between the vaccinated and unvaccinated groups after propensity score matching (9.1% vs 15.6%, P = 0.428).Three unvaccinated cases of Dravet syndrome developed status epilepticus following COVID‐19 infection.

Significance

Vaccination against COVID‐19 is safe and well tolerated in children, even in younger patients with D/EE. Although the risk of worsening seizures following COVID‐19 infection may not be reduced by immunization, education focused on increased vaccination in pediatric epilepsy is still warranted.
Effect of Shape and Size on the Transport of Floating Particles on the Free Surface in a Meandering Stream
Authors: Salmon Henri R. Sanness , Baker Lucia J. , Kozarek Jessica , Coletti Filippo
Published: July 2023

Understanding how floating particles are transported by streaming waters
is crucial in predicting the transport of plastic pollution, which is
dramatically abundant in rivers, lakes, and oceans. Using particle
tracking velocimetry, we investigate the motion of floating particles of
different shape and size on the turbulent free surface of a field-scale
meandering stream. We consider two different locations, in both of which
the role of surface waves on transport is deemed negligible.
Millimetre-sized spheres are used as tracers to characterize the surface
flow. These are compared with centimetre-sized discs and rods,
approximating typical-sized pieces of floating litter. The larger
particles exhibit similar mean and fluctuating velocities as the tracers
but filter out the extreme turbulent accelerations. Consequently, their
motion is more time-correlated and their spreading rate is larger. This
behaviour is also confirmed by complementary laboratory measurements in
an open channel flow. The rotation of the rods, affected by a range of
turbulent scales, reduces the correlation time scale of their
translational motion, and leads to a slower dispersion compared to the
discs, despite the rods’ length being larger than the discs’ diameter.
Taken together, these results indicate that the motion of finite-sized
objects floating on the surface of weakly wavy turbulent waters is
consistent with the behaviour of inertial particles in three-dimensional
turbulence. These results can be valuable when constructing predictive
models of floating plastics.
Impact of aquifer properties on the extent and timeline of CO2 trapping
Authors: Iloejesi Chidera O. , Zhang Shuo , Beckingham Lauren E.
Published: July 2023

Geologic CO2 sequestration in porous saline aquifers is a promising approach to reducing atmospheric concentrations of CO2. Reactive transport simulations provide the opportunity to analyze which factors influence geochemical reactivity in the reservoir, understand those most important for promoting CO2 trapping, and assess individual sites. Field‐scale aquifer characterization is time and resource intensive such that here, reactive transport simulations are leveraged to enhance understanding of selected aquifer properties including porosity, permeability, depth of storage, and carbonate mineralogy on the overall CO2 trapping potential to better select sites promoting geochemical reactivity for CO2 trapping. There are different mechanisms for sequestrating CO2. Once injected, CO2 will dissolve into the brine to create an acidic environment, resulting in the dissolution of pre‐injection formation minerals. Released ions can reprecipitate as secondary minerals. The dissolved CO2 and mineralized CO2 are considered as a more secure form of CO2 trapping in this study compared to the free supercritical CO2. Here, a framework leveraging a controlled set of field scale simulations is developed to facilitate rapid, optimized site selection. Simulations vary aquifer properties to understand the impact of each unique property on CO2 trapping, tracking, and comparing the amount of supercritical, aqueous, and mineralized CO2. The rate at which the CO2 injected into the aquifer is converted to aqueous or mineralized CO2 is newly defined here as the sequestration efficiency and used to compare simulation results. The reservoir depth and fraction of carbonate minerals in the formation are shown to be more important factors than reservoir porosity and permeability in affecting CO2 trapping. However, the impact of aquifer properties on the evolution of injected CO2 depends on the stage of the sequestration project. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Has COVID‐19 affected dementia diagnosis rates in England?
Authors: Hazan Jemma , Liu Kathy Y. , Isaacs Jeremy D. , Burns Alistair , Howard Robert
Published: July 2023

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic impacted on the provision of care and routine activity of all National Health Service (NHS) services. While General Practitioner referrals to memory services in England have returned to pre‐pandemic levels, the estimated dementia diagnosis rate (DDR) fell by 5.4% between March 2020 and February 2023.

Methods

In this paper we explore whether this reduction is accurate or is an artefact of the way the NHS collects data.

Results

We explore the processes that may have affected national dementia diagnosis rates during and following the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Conclusions

We discuss what action could be taken to improve the DDR in the future.
Reconstruction of subtotal pharyngolaryngectomy using a fasciocutaneous free flap with cartilage graft: A case series of 17 patients
Authors: Ghanem Wahib , Qassemyar Quentin , Julieron Morbize , Kolb Frédéric , Leymarie Nicolas , Moya‐Plana Antoine , Janot François , Temam Stéphane , Benmoussa Nadia
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Subcricoid‐hemilaryngopharyngectomy (SCHLP) with a reconstruction using a fasciocutaneous free flap armed with cartilage graft (FFACG) aims to avoid permanent tracheostomy while still maintaining the laryngopharyngeal functions. The purpose of this study is to report the outcome of this surgical approach.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective study including 17 men operated between 2001 and 2019. Specific survival rate included death caused by cancer or SCHLP complications. Complications, functional and oncological outcomes were evaluated retrospectively.

Results

There were no locoregional recurrences. One patient died due to inhalation pneumonia 3 years after surgery. Tracheostomy was closed in 13 patients (76.5%). Mean decannulation time was at six [1–14] months after surgery.

Conclusion

SCHPL with FFACG could avoid total pharyngolaryngectomy with good oncologic results. However, tracheotomy is extended and deglutition recovery is long with high risk of aspirations. These complications justify that such surgery should be realized only on selected patients by experienced surgical teams. Expertise of the surgical team is critical.
Complex visual discrimination is impaired after right, but not left, anterior temporal lobectomy
Authors: Gardette Jeremy , Mosca Chrystèle , Asien Cassandra , Borg Céline , Mazzola Laure , Convers Philippe , Gal Guillaume , Banjac Sonja , Baciu Monica , Durocher Bastien , Kahane Philippe , Hot Pascal
Published: July 2023

The prevailing view in human cognitive neuroscience associates the medial temporal lobes (MTLs) with declarative memory. Compelling experimental evidence has, however, demonstrated that these regions are specialized according to the representations processed, irrespective of the cognitive domain assessed. This account was supported by the study of patients with bilateral medial temporal amnesia, who exhibit impairments in perceptual tasks involving complex visual stimuli. Yet, little is known regarding the impact of unilateral MTL damage on complex visual abilities. To address this issue, we administered a visual matching task to 20 patients who underwent left (N = 12) or right (N = 8) anterior temporal lobectomy for drug‐resistant epilepsy and to 38 healthy controls. Presentation viewpoint was manipulated to increase feature ambiguity, as this is critical to reveal impairments in perceptual tasks. Similar to control participants, patients with left‐sided damage succeeded in all task conditions. In contrast, patients with right‐sided damage had decreased accuracy compared with that of the other two groups, as well as increased response time. Notably, the accuracy of those with right‐sided damage did not exceed chance level when feature ambiguity was high (i.e., when stimuli were presented from different viewpoints) for the most complex classes of stimuli (i.e., scenes and buildings, compared with single objects). The pattern reported in bilateral patients in previous studies was therefore reproduced in patients with right, but not left, resection. These results suggest that the complex visual‐representation functions supported by the MTL are right‐lateralized, and raise the question as to how the representational account of these regions applies to representations supported by left MTL regions.
Assessing the choice of National Health Insurance Fund contracted outpatient facilities in Kenya: A qualitative study
Authors: Kazungu Jacob , Nonvignon Justice , Quaife Matthew , Barasa Edwine
Published: July 2023

Objective

To assess National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) members' level of understanding, experiences, and factors influencing their choice of NHIF‐contracted outpatient facilities in Kenya.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional qualitative study with NHIF members in two purposefully selected counties (Nyeri and Makueni counties) in Kenya. We collected data through 15 focus group discussions with NHIF members. Data were analysed using a framework analysis approach.

Results

Urban‐based NHIF members had a good understanding of the NHIF‐contracted outpatient facility selection process and the approaches for choosing and changing providers, unlike their rural counterparts. While NHIF members were required to choose a provider before accessing care, the number of available alternative facilities was perceived to be inadequate. Finally, NHIF members identified seven factors they considered important when choosing an NHIF‐contracted outpatient provider. Of these factors, the availability of drugs, distance from the household to the facility and waiting time at the facility until consultation were considered the most important.

Conclusion

There is a need for the NHIF to prioritise awareness‐raising approaches tailored to rural settings. Further, there is a need for the NHIF to contract more providers to both spur competition among providers and provide alternatives for members to choose from. Besides, NHIF members revealed the important factors they consider when selecting outpatient facilities. Consequently, NHIF should leverage the preferred factors when contracting healthcare providers. Similarly, healthcare providers should enhance the availability of drugs, reduce waiting times whilst improving their staff's attitudes which would improve user satisfaction and the quality of care provided.
Factors limiting US public health emergency authority during COVID‐19
Authors: Zhang Xue , Warner Mildred E. , Meredith Gen
Published: July 2023

Since the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic, many states in the United States have limited emergency public health authority. These limits could undermine public health efforts and raise concerns about how states and localities will prevent and respond to future public health challenges. We examined which of the 50 US states passed laws to set limits on public health emergency authority in 2021 through 2022, and their relationship to COVID‐19 death rates. We explored five government characteristics: COVID‐19 policy response, political partisanship (Republican control), legislative professionalism, local government autonomy, and broader non‐COVID‐19 related preemptions. Results of T‐tests and a Generalised Structural Equation Model show that states with unified Republican control had greater odds of limiting emergency public health authority of the state executive, state governor, state health official, and local health officials. Limits of emergency public health authority were associated with a higher COVID‐19 death rate. We found that states setting limits on emergency authority are primarily related to politicisation and political competition between state executives/governors and legislatures, rather than pushback against the COVID‐19 public health response. Limiting emergency public health authority is less common in states with more professional state legislatures. Structural changes related to party control, legislative professionalism, and local autonomy may facilitate public health authority.
Incidental finding of extramammary Paget's disease during active surveillance for early‐stage prostate cancer in a prostate biopsy
Authors: Fujiwara Kengo , Kato Takuma , Ibuki Emi , Kimura Nachino , Kaku Yo , Tsunemori Hiroyuki , Miura Takayoshi , Dainichi Teruki , Haba Reiji , Sugimoto Mikio
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Skin tissue contamination within transcutaneous visceral organ biopsies is seldom found. We encountered a rare case of extramammary Paget's disease incidentally diagnosed by prostate biopsy during active surveillance for prostate cancer.

Case presentation

A 71‐year‐old Japanese patient was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and active surveillance was selected. After 1 year, prostate biopsy was performed by a transperitoneal approach, and 16 biopsy cores were taken. One biopsy core contained skin tissue showing extramammary Paget's disease. Careful skin examination confirmed the presence of an extramammary Paget's disease lesion in the left perineum, and curative surgical resection was performed. Recurrence and metastasis did not occur after 6 months of follow‐up.

Conclusion

Although the perianal region is a common site of extramammary Paget's disease, early‐stage extramammary Paget's disease is often asymptomatic. Thus, during a transcutaneous biopsy, it is important to consider the appearance of the skin and the pathological features of migrating skin tissue.
Extraordinarily stable and wide‐temperature range sodium/potassium‐ion batteries based on 1D SnSe2‐SePAN composite nanofibers
Authors: Wang Yiyi , Xiao Fuyu , Chen Xi , Xiong Peixun , Lin Chuyuan , Wang Hong‐En , Wei Mingdeng , Qian Qingrong , Chen Qinghua , Zeng Lingxing
Published: July 2023

Developing electrodes with long lifespan and wide‐temperature adaptability is crucial important to achieve high‐performance sodium/potassium‐ion batteries (SIBs/PIBs). Herein, the SnSe2‐SePAN composite was fabricated for extraordinarily stable and wide‐temperature range SIBs/PIBs through a coupling strategy between controllable electrospinning and selenylation, in which SnSe2 nanoparticles were uniformly encapsulated in the SePAN matrix. The unique structure of SnSe2‐SePAN not only relieves drastic volume variation but also guarantees the structural integrity of the composite, endowing SnSe2‐SePAN with excellent sodium/potassium storage properties. Consequently, SnSe2‐SePAN displays a high sodium storage capacity and excellent feasibility in a wide working temperature range (−15 to 60°C: 300 mAh g−1/700 cycles/−15°C; 352 mAh g−1/100 cycles/60°C at 0.5 A g−1). At room temperature, it delivers a record‐ultralong cycling life of 192 mAh g−1 that exceeds 66 000 cycles even at 15 A g−1. It exhibits extremely superb electrochemical performance in PIBs (157 mAh g−1 exceeding 15 000 cycles at 5 A g−1). The ex situ XRD and TEM results attest the conversion‐alloy mechanism of SnSe2‐SePAN. Also, computational calculations verify that SePAN takes an important role in intensifying the electrochemical performance of SnSe2‐SePAN electrode. Therefore, this study breaks new ground on solving the polyselenide dissolution issue and improving the wide temperature workable performance of sodium/potassium storage.

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Regeneration of taste through sonic hedgehog upregulation by photobiomodulation
Authors: Lee Ha Young , Abueva Celine DG. , Padalhin Andrew , Park So Young , Ryu Hyun Seok , Chung Phil‐Sang , Kim Hee Jung , Kim Jeongyun , Woo Seung Hoon
Published: July 2023

This study investigated photobiomodulation (PBM) effects in Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling as a potential approach to taste preservation and regeneration. Primary taste cell (TC) cultures were treated with Shh antagonist vismodegib and irradiated using a continuous wave type 630 nm light‐emitting diode (10 mW/cm2) array, with single or multiple doses of 30 J/cm2 to determine dose inducing significant upregulation effect. Shh, Ptch, Smo, and Gli1 were significantly upregulated at 120 J/cm2, used as the minimum dose in vivo. Vismodegib was administered via daily oral gavage for 21 days (30 mg/kg) to induce Shh inhibition in the tongue of rat animal models resulting in taste bud damage and taste dysfunction. PBM treatment using a 630 nm laser (3 W/cm2) at a radiant exposure of 120 J/cm2 (24 J/cm2 × 5) successfully upregulated the Shh protein expression, regenerated taste buds, and recovered taste function.
Evaluation of the interim Cochrane rapid review methods guidance—A mixed‐methods study on the understanding of and adherence to the guidance
Authors: Griebler Ursula , Dobrescu Andreea , Ledinger Dominic , Klingenstein Pauline , Sommer Isolde , Emprechtinger Robert , Persad Emma , Gadinger Arianna , Trivella Marialena , Klerings Irma , Nussbaumer‐Streit Barbara
Published: July 2023

The Cochrane Rapid Review Methods Group (RRMG) first released interim guidance in March 2020 to support authors in conducting rapid reviews (RRs). The objective of this mixed‐methods study was to assess the adherence and investigate authors' understanding of the RRMG guidance. We identified all documents citing the Interim Cochrane RRMG guidance up to February 17, 2022 and performed an exploratory adherence analysis. We interviewed 20 RR authors to assess the recommendations' comprehensibility and reasons for any deviations. Further, we surveyed nine authors of COVID‐19‐related Cochrane reviews for their reasons for not conducting a RR. We analyzed 128 RRs (111 non‐Cochrane, 17 Cochrane) that cited the RRMG guidance. Several recommendations were not followed by a large proportion of RR authors such as stepwise approach to study design inclusion or peer review of search strategies, whereas others were exceeded, for example, dual independent screening of abstracts/full texts. The most reported reasons for deviating from the guidance were time constraints, unclarities in the recommended approach, or inapplicability to the specific RR. Overall, the guidance was viewed as user‐friendly; however, without pre‐existing knowledge of systematic review (SR) conduct, the application was perceived as difficult. The main reasons for conducting a full SR over a RR were late availability of the guidance, preset mandate to conduct a SR, uncertainty regarding methodological distinctions between SR and RR, and inapplicability to the evidence base. Clarifications are warranted throughout the Interim Cochrane RRMG guidance to ensure that users with various experience levels can understand and apply its recommendations accordingly.
Application of chromatography in purification and structural analysis of natural polysaccharides: A review
Authors: Zheng Yi , Yan Jingyu , Cao Cuiyan , Liu Yanfang , Yu Dongping , Liang Xinmiao
Published: July 2023

Polysaccharides are widely distributed in natural sources from monocytic microorganisms to higher animals, and are found in a variety of biological activities in recent decades. Natural polysaccharides have the characteristics of large molecular weight, diverse composition, and complex structure, so their purification and structural analysis are difficult issues in research. Chromatography as a powerful separation technique, plays an irreplaceable role in the separation and structural analysis of natural polysaccharides, especially in the purification of polysaccharides, the separation of hydrolysates, and the analysis of monosaccharide composition. The separation mechanisms and application of different chromatographic methods in the studies of polysaccharides were summarized in this review. Moreover, the advantages and drawbacks of various chromatography methods were discussed as well.