bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the occurrence of evacuation assistance for wheelchair users by tsunami evacuation drill observations
Authors: Yu Youngeun , Ohtsu Nobuhito , Hokugo Akihiko , Liao Jiefang
Published: August 2023

In 2011, the Great East Japan Earthquake caused great damage to the elderly and disabled, as well as many of the people who supported their evacuation. Various measures and evacuation drills are under way for evacuation of vulnerable people, and when evacuating, it is often decided who will support the evacuation of the vulnerable people. However, there is a need for a mindset that anyone can become an evacuation supporter because there is a possibility that it will not go as set in the actual situation. Therefore, in this study, in order to enable more efficient evacuation of wheelchairs, we measured the evacuation speed and observed an evacuation drill conducted in Nakatosa Town, and examined them separately in 4 phases: preparation, evacuation start time, evacuation action time, and evacuation spare time. As a result, factors to be reflected in evacuation drill and assistance action types for wheelchair evacuation were derived. By incorporating the verification used in this study into the tsunami evacuation plan, we hope to contribute to reducing human damage, including those who vulnerable people and their supporters.
A blood biomarker test for brain amyloid impacts the clinical evaluation of cognitive impairment
Authors: Monane Mark , Johnson Kim G. , Snider B. Joy , Turner Raymond S. , Drake Jonathan D. , Maraganore Demetrius M. , Bicksel James L. , Jacobs Daniel H. , Ortega Julia L. , Henderson Joni , Jiang Yan , Huang Shuguang , Coppinger Justine , Fogelman Ilana , West Tim , Braunstein Joel B.
Published: August 2023

Objective

The objective of this study was to examine clinicians' patient selection and result interpretation of a clinically validated mass spectrometry test measuring amyloid beta and ApoE blood biomarkers combined with patient age (PrecivityAD® blood test) in symptomatic patients evaluated for Alzheimer's disease (AD) or other causes of cognitive decline.

Methods

The Quality Improvement and Clinical Utility PrecivityAD Clinician Survey (QUIP I, ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05477056) was a prospective, single‐arm cohort study among 366 patients evaluated by neurologists and other cognitive specialists. Participants underwent blood biomarker testing and received an amyloid probability score (APS), indicating the likelihood of a positive result on an amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) scan. The primary study outcomes were appropriateness of patient selection as well as result interpretation associated with PrecivityAD blood testing.

Results

A 95% (347/366) concordance rate was noted between clinicians' patient selection and the test's intended use criteria. In the final analysis including these 347 patients (median age 75 years, 56% women), prespecified test result categories incorporated 133 (38%) low APS, 162 (47%) high APS, and 52 (15%) intermediate APS patients. Clinicians' pretest and posttest AD diagnosis probability changed from 58% to 23% in low APS patients and 71% to 89% in high APS patients (p < 0.0001). Anti‐AD drug therapy decreased by 46% in low APS patients (p < 0.0001) and increased by 57% in high APS patients (p < 0.0001).

Interpretation

These findings demonstrate the clinical utility of the PrecivityAD blood test in clinical care and may have added relevance as new AD therapies are introduced.
Distinct Fluorescence Optical Imaging Patient Clusters Emerge for Seropositive and Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Kisten Yogan , Arnaud Laurent , Levitsky Adrian , Györi Noémi , Larsson Per , Hensvold Aase , Catrina Anca , af Klint Erik , Rezaei Hamed
Published: August 2023

Objective

To investigate whether digital activity fluorescence optical imaging (FOI) patterns of inflammation can identify distinct rheumatoid arthritis (RA) phenotypes.

Methods

The hands of newly diagnosed patients with RA were evaluated by clinical examination, musculoskeletal ultrasound, and FOI. Inflammation on FOI was defined when capillary leakage and/or fluorophore perfusion was present. The FOI composite image was quantified into a digital disease activity (DACT) score, using novel computerized algorithms. Unsupervised clustering on FOI inflammatory patterns was used to identify subgroups of patients relative to anticyclic citrullinated peptides (ACPA) and/or rheumatoid factor (RF).

Results

Of 1326 examined hand joints in 39 patients with RA (72% female; 56% ever‐smokers; 54% RF positive and 69% ACPA positive), 400 (30%) showed inflammation by FOI, and 95% (37 of 39) of patients had DACT‐FOI scores greater than 1. Unsupervised analysis on FOI patterns revealed two patient clusters, cluster 1 (n = 29) and cluster 2 (n = 10). The proportion of seropositive patients was significantly higher in cluster 1 versus cluster 2 (90%, 26 of 29 vs. 30%, 3 of 10; P < 0.01), whereas C‐reactive‐protein levels (minimum‐maximum) were significantly higher in cluster 2 (20 mg/l [1‐102]) versus cluster 1 (2 mg/l [0‐119]; P = 0.01). A wider variety and proportion of inflamed joints emerged for patients with RA in cluster 2 versus cluster 1, in which inflammation was more concentrated around the wrists and the right metacarpophalangeal 2 (MCP2), bilateral MCP3, and, to a lesser degree, left MCP2 and proximal interphalangeal joint and tendon regions. Cluster 1 displayed lower mean (±SD) DACT scores compared with cluster 2 (3.6 ± 2.1 vs. 5.4 ± 2.1; P = 0.03).

Conclusion

FOI‐based digital quantification of hand joint inflammation revealed two distinct RA subpopulations with and without ACPA and RF related autoantibodies.
Rational Ligand Design of Heteroleptic Iridium (III) Complexes toward Nearly Perfect Horizontal Dipole Orientation for Highly Efficient Red‐Emitting Phosphorescent Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Kim Sangdong , Kim Jae‐Min , Choi Jongwon , Sim Myungsun , Koishikawa Yasushi , Cho Yong‐Suk , Kim Sungjun , Kwak Seung‐Yeon , Jeon Aram , Kwon Ohyun , Lee Duck‐Hyung , Lee Jun Yeob , Choi Byungki
Published: August 2023

The horizontal orientation of the transition dipole moment of the phosphorescent emitters is understood to be an important factor to enhance the external quantum efficiency (EQE) of organic light‐emitting diodes by improving light out‐coupling in optical microcavity structures. Here, red‐emitting heteroleptic iridium (III) complexes exhibiting an extremely high horizontal ratio of emitting dipole orientation (EDO) and photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY), as well as longer device operational lifetime, without scarifying any other photophysical properties are reported. The systematic molecular design of main and ancillary ligands in heteroleptic iridium complexes leads to the achievement of both a horizontal EDO of 92% and a PLQY of 98% in the red‐emitting phosphorescent devices along with a shorter exciton decay time of 0.71 µs. Accordingly, the red‐emitting devices show excellent performances of maximum EQE of 32% and low‐efficiency roll‐off with the 1931 Commission Internationale de L′Eclariage coordinates of (0.66, 0.34). Therefore, this approach opens the way for further development of new red‐emitting iridium complexes pushing the device efficiency toward the theoretical limits.
Calcite Twinning in Mollusk Shells and Carrara Marble
Authors: Castillo Alvarez Cristina , Grimsich John L. , Schmidt Connor A. , Lisabeth Harrison , Voigtländer Anne , Gilbert Pupa U. P. A.
Published: August 2023

Mollusk shells protect the animals that form and inhabit them. They are composites of minerals and organics, with diverse mesostructures, including nacre, prismatic calcite, crossed‐lamellar aragonite, and foliated calcite. Twins, that is, crystals mirror symmetric with respect to their coherent interface, occurring as formation or deformation twins, are observed in all mollusk shell mesostructures but never within calcite prisms. Here, nanotwins and microwins within single calcite prisms are observed in different shells. Using Polarization‐dependent Imaging Contrast (PIC) mapping with 20–60 nm resolution, twins are observed to be 0.2–3 µm thick layers of differently oriented and colored crystals with respect to the main prism crystal. Multiple twins are interspersed with the prism crystal, parallel to one another, and similarly oriented. When comparing images of calcite prisms and twins obtained by PIC mapping and by Electron Back‐Scattered Diffraction (EBSD), the images correspond precisely. All twins are e‐twin types, with 127° angular distance between c‐axes. E‐twins are the most common deformation twins in geologic calcite, as also observed here in Carrara marble. Location of all twins near the outer surface of all shells and e‐twin type both suggest that twins within calcite prisms in mollusk shells result from deformation twinning.
Concerted Intramolecular and Intermolecular Charge Transfer for High‐Efficiency Near‐Infrared Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescent Materials Approaching 900 nm
Authors: Xu Jingyi , Dai Yu , Zhang Jinyuan , Jia Zhen , Meng Qingyu , Qiao Juan
Published: August 2023

Hindered by the energy gap law, the development of high‐efficiency near‐infrared (NIR) thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters with emission peaks over 800 nm remains challenging. The conventional strategy of enhancing intramolecular charge transfer for bathochromic shift commonly results in low radiative decay rates (kr) and emission efficiency. Herein, a superior strategy of concerted intramolecular CT (intra‐CT) and intermolecular CT (inter‐CT) for high‐efficiency NIR‐TADF materials is demonstrated. As a proof‐of‐concept, two novel emitters DTPZ and DtBuTPZ are developed based on a new acceptor phenazine‐2,3‐dicarbonitrile (PZ). High kr is achieved by large oscillator strength from appropriate intra‐CT property in monomers and effective electronic couplings between inter‐CT and intra‐CT states in aggregates. Suppressed nonradiative decay processes are realized through strong inter‐CT properties, abundant intermolecular attractive interactions, and negligible π∙∙∙π stacking. Consequently, organic light‐emitting diodes based on those emitters showed record‐high maximum external quantum efficiencies and radiances of 2.28%, 24.18 W Sr−1 m−2 at 817 nm, 0.57%, 14.38 W Sr−1 m−2 at 877 nm for DTPZ, and 2.34%, 23.55 W Sr−1 m−2 at 807 nm for DtBuTPZ, respectively.
Layer‐Specific BTX‐A Delivery to the Gastric Muscularis Achieves Effective Weight Control and Metabolic Improvement
Authors: Wang Siqi , Wang Yuqiong , Lin Long , Li Zongjie , Liu Fengyi , Zhu Long , Chen Jie , Zhang Nianrong , Cao Xinyu , Ran Sunman , Liu Genzheng , Gao Peng , Sun Weiliang , Peng Liang , Zhuang Jian , Meng Hua
Published: August 2023

The rising incidence of health‐endangering obesity constantly calls for more effective treatments. Gastric intramural injection of botulinum neurotoxin A (BTX‐A) as a new modality carries great promise yet inconsistent therapeutic efficacy. A layer‐specific delivery strategy enabled by dissolving microneedles is hence pioneered to investigate the working site of BTX‐A and the resulting therapeutic effects. The drug‐loaded tips of the layer‐specific gastric paralysis microneedles (LGP‐MN) rapidly release and achieve uniform distribution of BTX‐A within the designated gastric wall layers. In an obesity rat model, the LGP‐MNs not only prove safer than conventional injection, but also demonstrate consistently better therapeutic effects with muscular layer delivery, including 16.23% weight loss (3.06‐fold enhancement from conventional injection), 55.20% slower gastric emptying rate, improved liver steatosis, lowered blood lipids, and healthier gut microbiota. Further hormonal study reveals that the elevated production of stomach‐derived glucagon‐like peptide‐1 due to the muscularis‐targeting LGP‐MN treatment is an important contributor to its unique glucose tolerance‐improving effect. This study provides clear indication of the gastric muscularis as the most favorable working site of BTX‐A for weight loss and metabolic improvement purposes, and meanwhile suggests that the LGP‐MNs could serve as a novel clinical approach to treat obesity and metabolic syndromes.
Deubiquitinase OTUD5 as a Novel Protector against 4‐HNE‐Triggered Ferroptosis in Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Liu Lulu , Pang Jiaojiao , Qin Dandan , Li Ruochuan , Zou Dan , Chi Kai , Wu Wenxiao , Rui Haiying , Yu Huaxiang , Zhu Wenyong , Liu Kai , Wu Xuting , Wang Jinxin , Xu Ping , Song Xiaoshuai , Cao Yihai , Wang Jiali , Xu Feng , Xue Li , Chen Yuguo
Published: August 2023

Despite the development of advanced technologies for interventional coronary reperfusion after myocardial infarction, a substantial number of patients experience high mortality due to myocardial ischemia‐reperfusion (MI/R) injury. An in‐depth understanding of the mechanisms underlying MI/R injury can provide crucial strategies for mitigating myocardial damage and improving patient survival. Here, it is discovered that the 4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal (4‐HNE) accumulates during MI/R, accompanied by high rates of myocardial ferroptosis. The loss‐of‐function of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), which dissipates 4‐HNE, aggravates myocardial ferroptosis, whereas the activation of ALDH2 mitigates ferroptosis. Mechanistically, 4‐HNE targets glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) for K48‐linked polyubiquitin‐related degradation, which 4‐HNE‐GPX4 axis commits to myocyte ferroptosis and forms a positive feedback circuit. 4‐HNE blocks the interaction between GPX4 and ovarian tumor (OTU) deubiquitinase 5 (OTUD5) by directly carbonylating their cysteine residues at C93 of GPX4 and C247 of OTUD5, identifying OTUD5 as the novel deubiquitinase for GPX4. Consequently, the elevation of OTUD5 deubiquitinates and stabilizes GPX4 to reverse 4‐HNE‐induced ferroptosis and alleviate MI/R injury. The data unravel the mechanism of 4‐HNE in GPX4‐dependent ferroptosis and identify OTUD5 as a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of MI/R injury.
The effect of CNTs/PEEK coating thickness on the friction and wear behavior of porous Ti‐30Ta alloys for biomaterial implants
Authors: Abd Halim Zulhelmi Alif , Mat Yajid M. A. , Hassan Ahmed. G. , Saud S. N. , Abu Bakar T. A.
Published: August 2023

Electrophoretic deposition was used to deposit carbon nanotube/polyether ether ketone (CNTs/PEEK) composite coatings onto porous titanium‐tantalum (Ti‐30Ta) substrates at different PEEK concentrations (4.5, 6.0, and 7.5 mg/mL). Coatings were analyzed for thickness, porosity, surface roughness, microhardness and bonding strength, with higher PEEK concentrations producing thicker and more uniform coatings. However, optimal coating thickness showed highest bonding strength; lower and higher thickness led to decreased bonding strength. The tribological properties of the CNTs/PEEK coated Ti‐30Ta samples of different thicknesses (50, 70, and 100 μm) were evaluated using ball‐on‐flat linear reciprocating sliding tests under dry and wet conditions using simulated body fluid (SBF) as a lubricant. The CNTs/PEEK coatings provided excellent tribological protection under dry friction, with thicker coatings having lower friction and negligible wear. However, under wet sliding, the coating's wear rate increased significantly due to softening of the rubbing surface caused by SBF lubrication that increase transfer film onto the counter body surface. Coating with optimal thickness of 74 μm demonstrated the lowest friction and wear under SBF lubrication due to its highest hardness and bonding strength. This study highlights the importance of controlling coating thickness in determining the performance of the CNTs/PEEK coatings for orthopedic implants.
Chinaʼs diplomacy and diaspora perceptions: Evidence from the Pacific region
Authors: Zhang Denghua
Published: August 2023

Chinese diplomacy has been proactive under Xi Jinping and overseas Chinese are an important target. A better understanding of how overseas Chinese perceive Chinese diplomacy can increase our knowledge, but it is under‐studied in the literature. To fill part of this gap, this research focuses on the Pacific region where Chinaʼs activities have triggered growing geostrategic competition between traditional powers and China. Based on a survey of 182 ordinary overseas Chinese in Fiji and Tonga, this paper examines Chinese diasporaʼs perceptions of three aspects that are related to Chinaʼs diplomacy, including the Belt and Road Initiative, China‐Pacific bilateral relations, and old‐new Chinese issues. The survey reveals nuances in ordinary overseas Chinese views about Chinaʼs diplomacy, especially the concerns and apathy among some of them. It suggests that ordinary overseas Chinese support for Chinaʼs diplomacy is unlikely to grow substantially unless their views about this diplomacy become more positive.
The elusive search engine: How search engine use is reflected in survey reports
Authors: Andersson Cecilia , Sundin Olof
Published: August 2023

The overall aim of this article is to contribute to a research‐based understanding of the increasing invisibility of web search engines in society and to discussions about the potential impact of this invisibility. It examines how search engine use and online search activities are represented in national and regional reports on internet habits and experience published by public foundations and policy institutes. The elusiveness of search engines is understood through a theoretical perspective from infrastructure theory. National survey reports on internet habits and experience from the United States, UK, and Sweden from 2015 to 2021 are analyzed. The article shows how difficult it is to gain insights into how people search online and the role search engines play in everyday life. The nature of the survey report, which is often used to inform national policy, risks exacerbating the invisibility of search engines: what cannot be measured cannot be discussed at the policy level. This invisibility can lead to insufficient attention being paid to search engines, including their uses and effects, in legislation, in school education, and in the general formation of public knowledge about search engines in society.
DHT inhibits REDOX damage and neuroinflammation to reduce PND occurrence in aged mice via mmu_circ_0001442/miR‐125a‐3p/NUFIP2 axis
Authors: Liu Li , Liu Mei , Zhang Daying , Song Zhiping , Zhang Huaigen
Published: August 2023

Background

Perioperative neurocognitive disorder (PND) is the main cause of poor postoperative recovery in elderly patients with age‐related reductions in androgen levels. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been completely elucidated.

Methods

A mouse model of PND was constructed using abdominal surgery. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), as the primary androgen, can improve the cognitive function of mice with PNDs by reducing REDOX damage. To clarify the role of circular RNA (circRNA) in DHT in improving cognitive function in mice with PND, circRNA sequencing was performed to analyze the expression of circRNA in the hippocampus of mice.

Results

We confirmed that mmu_circ_0001442 is the primary circRNA responsive to DHT stimulation in mice with PND. The mmu_circ_0001442/miR‐125a‐3p/NUFIP2 axis was predicted and constructed according to the analysis of databases, including pita, miRanda, TargetScan, miRDB, micro‐CDS, PolymiRTS, and TarBase v.8. Subsequently, the axis was verified by qPCR and double‐luciferase reporter gene assays. In vitro, we found that DHT rarely had an effect on the growth of BV2 cells using the CCK‐8 assay, but it attenuated the cytotoxic effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on BV2 cells. In addition, we found that LPS stimulation promoted the release of proinflammatory cytokines, including IL‐6 and TNF‐α, in BV2 cells, whereas mmu_circ_0001442 knockdown and NUFIP2 knockdown partially abrogated this effect.

Conclusions

Taken together, DHT inhibited REDOX damage and neuroinflammation in the hippocampus to alleviate cognitive disorders in mice with PNDs via activation of the mmu_circ_0001442/miR‐125a‐3p/NUFIP2 axis. This study provides a novel rationale for developing DHT as a potential therapeutic agent for PND prevention.
β2‐adrenergic receptor expression in patients receiving bevacizumab therapy for metastatic melanoma
Authors: Schuster Cornelia , Akslen Lars A. , Straume Oddbjørn
Published: August 2023

Background

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was initially known as vascular permeability factor and identified as a driver of tumour angiogenesis. Recently, its role in supporting an immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment was demonstrated, and anti‐VEGF treatment combined with immune checkpoint blockade is currently investigated. Further, beta‐adrenergic signalling as a modifier of cancer hallmarks like immune response, angiogenesis and metastasis gained increased attention during past years.

Methods

Focusing on the aspect of immunosuppression in upregulated beta‐adrenergic signalling, we investigated predictive markers in patients with metastatic melanoma who received bevacizumab monotherapy, a specific VEGF‐A binding antibody. We explored the expression of beta‐2 adrenergic receptor (β2‐AR), interleukin 6‐receptor (IL6‐R), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) and VEGF‐A by immunohistochemistry in melanoma to assess the correlation between these proteins in melanoma cells and response to treatment.

Results

Strong β2‐AR expression in metastases was associated with clinical benefit of bevacizumab. Furthermore, expression of the latter was positively linked to expression of VEGF‐A and COX2. β2‐AR expression in melanoma metastasis appears to distinguish a subgroup of patients that might benefit from anti‐VEGF treatment.

Conclusion

Our results strengthen further exploration of anti‐VEGF therapy in combination with immune checkpoint blockade in clinical studies and the investigation of β2‐AR as predictive marker.
New Dibenzocyclooctadiene Lignans and Phenolics from Kadsura heteroclite with Anti‐Inflammatory Activity
Authors: Thuy Le Thi , Tram Le Huyen , Anh Dinh Thi Phuong , My Nguyen Thi Thuy , Thong Nguyen Van , Anh Nguyen Tuan , Toan Dao Huy , Ha Tran Thu , Thanh Bui Van , Mai Nguyen Thi Ngoc , Linh Nguyen Ngoc , Le Duc‐Dat , Huong Tran Thu , Bach Nguyen Van
Published: August 2023

A chemical investigation of K. heteroclite led to isolation of two new dibenzocyclooctadienes (1 and 2) together with 14 known compounds (3–16) by using multiple chromatographic techniques. New compounds (1 and 2) were obtained and identified by spectroscopic methods (HR‐ESI‐MS, 1D and 2D NMR, and ECD) as well as by comparison of their experimental data with those reported in the literatures. All the isolates were evaluated for their ability to modulate TNF‐α production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Among them, compound 5 displayed the most inhibition against tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α production with IC50 value of 6.16±0.14 μM. Whereas, compounds (1, 3, and 6) showed the significant inhibition (IC50 values ranging from 9.41 to 14.54 μM), and compounds (2, 4, 9, 10, 13, 15, and 16) exhibited moderate inhibition (IC50 values ranging from 19.27 to 40.64 μM) toward TNF‐α production, respectively.
Activity‐Based Protein Profiling in Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Reveals the Broad Reactivity of a Carmofur‐Derived Probe
Authors: Uddin Md Jalal , Overkleeft Hermen S. , Lentz Christian S.
Published: August 2023

Activity‐based protein profiling is a powerful chemoproteomic technique to detect active enzymes and identify targets and off‐targets of drugs. Here, we report the use of carmofur‐ and activity‐based probes to identify biologically relevant enzymes in the bacterial pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. Carmofur is an anti‐neoplastic prodrug of 5‐fluorouracil and also has antimicrobial and anti‐biofilm activity. Carmofur probes were originally designed to target human acid ceramidase, a member of the NTN hydrolase family with an active‐site cysteine nucleophile. Here, we first profiled the targets of a fluorescent carmofur probe in live S. aureus under biofilm‐promoting conditions and in liquid culture, before proceeding to target identification by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Treatment with a carmofur‐biotin probe led to enrichment of 20 enzymes from diverse families awaiting further characterization, including the NTN hydrolase‐related IMP cyclohydrolase PurH. However, the probe preferentially labeled serine hydrolases, thus displaying a reactivity profile similar to that of carbamates. Our results suggest that the electrophilic N‐carbamoyl‐5‐fluorouracil scaffold could potentially be optimized to achieve selectivity towards diverse enzyme families. The observed promiscuous reactivity profile suggests that the clinical use of carmofur presumably leads to inactivation of a number human and microbial enzymes, which could lead to side effects and/or contribute to therapeutic efficacy.
Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA): A validation study among prisoners
Authors: Lima Pereira Vânia , Freitas Sandra , Simões Mário R. , Gerardo Bianca
Published: August 2023

Background

There are numerous scales for screening cognitive performance and thus identification of any potential deficits, but in spite of the vulnerability of the prison population to such problems, there has been no adequate validation of screening tools specifically for use with prisoners or others in the criminal justice system.

Aim

To validate the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) for use with prisoners.

Methods

100 adult prisoners in one Portuguese prison were randomly invited by clinicians to take part in this study. A same size sample of community‐living adult non‐offenders of similar age was selected from the MoCA's normative study database in Portugal. For both groups, the key inclusion criterion was fluency in the Portuguese language. All participants completed the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the MoCA, both in Portuguese translation. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was calculated as an index of internal consistency and Pearson's r correlations calculated. Group performances were compared using independent samples t‐test. Covariance analysis (ANCOVA) was computed with level of education as covariate. To measure the magnitude of the effect, was used. A receiver operating characteristics curve analysis was computed to evaluate the discriminatory accuracy of MoCA and MMSE.

Results

The MoCA showed a ‘reasonable’ internal consistency index (α = 0.75) as well as positive and significant correlations with the MMSE. As a cognitive measure, however, the MoCA showed consistently superior psychometric properties and higher discriminatory accuracy (MoCA = 89%) than the MMSE (65%). According to the Youden index, the optimal cut‐off point for the MoCA is below 24 points, whereas for the MMSE, it is below 27.

Conclusions

The MoCA is a valid cognitive screening tool for use with prisoners. Further validations against detailed cognitive evaluation would be a useful next step.
On the Reactivity of a NHC Nickel Bis‐Boryl Complex: Reductive Elimination and Formation of Mono‐Boryl Complexes
Authors: Tendera Lukas , Kuehn Laura , Marder Todd B. , Radius Udo
Published: August 2023

The synthesis of the first terminal mono‐boryl complexes of nickel, which are not stabilized by a pincer ligand, is reported. The reaction of the nickel bis‐boryl complex cis‐[Ni(iPr2ImMe)2(Bcat)2] 1 (cat=1,2‐O2C6H4) with the small donor ligand PMe3 led to a complete ligand exchange at nickel with reductive elimination of B2cat2 and formation of the bis‐NHC adduct [B2cat2 ⋅ (iPr2ImMe)2] 3 and [Ni(PMe3)4] 2 as the metal‐containing species. Electrophilic attack of MeI on complex 1 or ligand dismutation of 1 with trans‐[Ni(iPr2ImMe)2Br2] led to loss of only one boryl ligand of 1 and afforded the nickel mono‐boryl complexes trans‐[Ni(iPr2ImMe)2(Bcat)Br] 4 a and trans‐[Ni(iPr2ImMe)2(Bcat)I] 4 b.
Social media to disseminate circular economy information. An empirical analysis on Twitter
Authors: L'Abate Vitiana , Raimo Nicola , Albergo Francesco , Vitolla Filippo
Published: August 2023

In recent years, to solve the problems related to sustainability, there is an increasing need for a transition from linear production and consumption systems to new models oriented toward reusing, reducing and recycling. In the academic field, several scholars have turned their attention to the adoption by companies of the new circular economy (CE) models. Due to the interest of a large number of stakeholders in issues related to the CE, several scholars have begun to explore the CE disclosure (CED) practices of companies. Despite this, studies on the topic are still limited. This study, under the lens of communication and stakeholder theories, aims, first, to examine the level of CE information disseminated by companies via Twitter and, second, to explore the impact of some firm characteristics on the level of CED. The econometric analysis, conducted on a sample of 141 companies belonging to the S&P 500 index, shows that the most profitable and most indebted companies disclose a greater amount of CE information through their official Twitter accounts. Furthermore, it demonstrates a lower propensity by energy companies to disclose CE information via Twitter compared to firms operating in other highly polluting sectors.
Employing bias current feedback in MIC transimpedance amplifier to increase bandwidth
Authors: Sohrabi Zahra , Behnazar Sara
Published: August 2023

This paper presents an inductorless transimpedance amplifier (TIA) that employs bias feedback technique in a MOS‐based immittance converter (MIC) to achieve high bandwidth. The bias feedback technique is analyzed and explored as a supplementary approach to reduce the input impedance in a current buffer structure. Employing this technique in a MIC‐based TIA structure provides an additional degree of freedom for the design and helps reduce the trade‐off between bandwidth and power. The proposed structure is designed and simulated in 0.18 μm CMOS technology considering a 1 pF photodiode capacitance. The post‐layout simulation results show that the TIA provides a transimpedance gain of 50.9 dBΩ, a bandwidth of 6.1 GHz, and an input‐referred current noise of 9.9 pA/√Hz. The circuit consumes 3.42 mW from a 1.8 V supply and occupies 0.0046 μm2 area. Results are compared with TIAs reported in the literature, which confirms the effectiveness of the proposed modified MIC structure.
Identification and characterization of Hand2 upstream genomic enhancers active in developing stomach and limbs
Authors: Ferguson Chloe A. , Firulli Beth A. , Zoia Matteo , Osterwalder Marco , Firulli Anthony B.
Published: August 2023

Background

The bHLH transcription factor HAND2 plays important roles in the development of the embryonic heart, face, limbs, and sympathetic and enteric nervous systems. To define how and when HAND2 regulates these developmental systems, requires understanding the transcriptional regulation of Hand2.

Results

Remarkably, Hand2 is flanked by an extensive upstream gene desert containing a potentially diverse enhancer landscape. Here, we screened the regulatory interval 200 kb proximal to Hand2 for putative enhancers using evolutionary conservation and histone marks in Hand2‐expressing tissues. H3K27ac signatures across embryonic tissues pointed to only two putative enhancer regions showing deep sequence conservation. Assessment of the transcriptional enhancer potential of these elements using transgenic reporter lines uncovered distinct in vivo enhancer activities in embryonic stomach and limb mesenchyme, respectively. Activity of the identified stomach enhancer was restricted to the developing antrum and showed expression within the smooth muscle and enteric neurons. Surprisingly, the activity pattern of the limb enhancer did not overlap Hand2 mRNA but consistently yielded a defined subectodermal anterior expression pattern within multiple transgenic lines.

Conclusions

Together, these results start to uncover the diverse regulatory potential inherent to the Hand2 upstream regulatory interval.
“But the reality is it's happening”: A qualitative study of eating disorder providers about psilocybin‐assisted psychotherapy
Authors: Downey Amanda E. , Boyd Maxine , Chaphekar Anita V. , Woolley Joshua , Raymond‐Flesch Marissa
Published: August 2023

Objective

This study invited providers who care for patients with eating disorders to inform engagement, communication, and collaboration with psilocybin‐assisted psychotherapy interventions.

Method

Medical and mental health providers who treat patients with eating disorders were recruited via professional referral networks and participant driven sampling from across California to participate in one of five focus groups. Discussion topics included prior knowledge of psychedelic therapy, interest/concerns related to psilocybin therapy, and opportunities for collaboration. Study team members completed iterative rounds of coding with a grounded theory approach.

Results

A total of 32 participants reported a range of familiarity with psychedelics. Some raised concerns about the risks of administering psilocybin to malnourished patients and to those with psychological comorbidities. Despite these concerns, participants were hopeful to see psilocybin therapy as a treatment for patients with eating disorders. In anticipating challenges, providers had concerns about equity in access to care among publicly insured and non‐English speaking patients. They requested opportunities for continuing education about psilocybin therapy.

Discussion

Our findings demonstrate provider interest in psilocybin therapy for the treatment of patients with eating disorders. As psilocybin therapy interventions are developed, providers caring for patients with eating disorders value collaboration to improve longitudinal patient outcomes.

Public Significance

This study invited healthcare providers of patients with eating disorders to discuss their thoughts around the use of psilocybin‐assisted psychotherapy in this population. Findings will help inform emerging psilocybin therapy clinical trials with the goal of successful translation and adoption in real world clinical settings.
Macroevolutionary constraints on global microbial diversity
Authors: Fishman Ford J. , Lennon Jay T.
Published: August 2023

Biologists have long sought to quantify the number of species on Earth. Often missing from these efforts is the contribution of microorganisms, the smallest but most abundant form of life on the planet. Despite recent large‐scale sampling efforts, estimates of global microbial diversity span many orders of magnitude. It is important to consider how speciation and extinction over the last 4 billion years constrain inventories of biodiversity. We parameterized macroevolutionary models based on birth–death processes that assume constant and universal speciation and extinction rates. The models reveal that richness beyond 1012 species is feasible and in agreement with empirical predictions. Additional simulations suggest that mass extinction events do not place hard limits on modern‐day microbial diversity. Together, our study provides independent support for a massive global‐scale microbiome while shedding light on the upper limits of life on Earth.
A spatially explicit modeling framework to guide management of subsidized avian predator densities
Authors: O'Neil Shawn T. , Coates Peter S. , Webster Sarah C. , Brussee Brianne E. , Dettenmaier Seth J. , Tull John C. , Jackson Pat J. , Casazza Michael L. , Espinosa Shawn P.
Published: August 2023

Anthropogenic resource subsidization across western ecosystems has contributed to widespread increases in generalist avian predators, including common ravens (Corvus corax; hereafter, raven). Ravens are adept nest predators and can negatively impact species of conservation concern. Predation effects from ravens are especially concerning for greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus; hereafter, sage‐grouse), which have experienced prolonged population decline. Our objectives were to quantify spatiotemporal patterns in raven density, evaluate sage‐grouse nest success concurrent with fluctuating raven densities, and demonstrate a spatially explicit decision support tool to guide management applications to appropriate conflict areas. We combined ~28,000 raven point count surveys with data from more than 900 sage‐grouse nests between 2009 and 2019 within the Great Basin, USA. We modeled variation in raven density using a Bayesian hierarchical distance sampling approach with environmental covariates on detection and abundance. Concurrently, we modeled sage‐grouse nest survival using a hierarchical frailty model as a function of raven density and other environmental covariates that influence the risk of nest failure. Raven density commonly exceeded 0.5 ravens km−2and increased at low elevations with more anthropogenic development and/or agriculture. Reduced sage‐grouse nest survival was strongly associated with elevated raven density (e.g., >0.5 ravens km−2) and varied with topographic ruggedness, shrub cover, and burned areas. For conservation application, we developed a spatially explicit planning tool that predicts nest survival under current and reduced raven numbers within the Great Basin to help direct management actions to localized areas where sage‐grouse nests are at highest risk of failure. Our modeling framework can be generalized to multiple species where spatially registered abundance and demographic data are available.
HBTU Mediated Synthesis of α,β‐Unsaturated γ‐Lactams from E‐α,β‐Unsaturated γ‐Amino Acids
Authors: Singh Manjeet , Nalawade Sachin A. , Kumar DRGKoppalu. R. Puneeth , Veeresh Kuruva , Pahan Saikat , Dey Sanjit , Gopi Hosahudya N.
Published: August 2023

The α,β‐unsaturated γ‐lactams have been found in many biologically active peptide natural products. Due to their biological activities, extensive efforts have been made in the literature to synthesize the α,β‐unsaturated γ‐lactams. Here, we are reporting the spontaneous transformation of E‐α,β‐unsaturated γ‐amino acids into α,β‐unsaturated γ‐lactam through in‐situ activation of free carboxylic acid using peptide coupling reagent HBTU and base DIPEA at room temperature. The transformation also involves the E→Z isomerization of α,β‐unsaturated γ‐amino acids. The reaction is also compatible with the peptides consisting of E‐α,β‐unsaturated amino acids at the C‐terminus. The α,β‐unsaturated γ‐lactams were isolated in very good yields. Even though the reaction required very mild conditions, the products were isolated in the form of a racemic mixture. However, the products can be separated under a chiral environment. No α,β‐unsaturated γ‐lactams were observed if the reaction was performed in the presence of free amines. In addition, no racemization was observed during the peptide synthesis. The analysis of the reactions of various substrates revealed that amide NH and γ‐CH are important for lactamization. No α,β‐unsaturated γ‐lactams or E→Z isomerization products were observed in the case of N‐Me‐(E)‐α,β‐unsaturated γ‐amino acids, whereas in the case of E‐α,β‐unsaturated γ,γ‐dimethyl amino acid α,β‐unsaturated γ‐lactam was isolated, however, with low yield.
Size separation of sodium dodecyl sulfate–proteins by capillary electrophoresis in dilute and ultra‐dilute dextran solutions
Authors: Auer Felicia , Guttman Andras
Published: August 2023

SDS capillary gel electrophoresis is a widely used in the biopharma and the biomedical fields for rapid size separation of proteins. However, very limited information is available on the use of dilute and ultra‐dilute sieving matrices for SDS–protein analysis. Here, background electrolytes (BGEs) containing 1%–0% dextran were used in borate‐based BGE to separate a protein sizing ladder (PSL) ≤225 kDa and the intact and subunit forms of a therapeutic monoclonal antibody (mAb). The separation performance for the PSL and mAb components differed significantly with decreasing dextran concentration. Ferguson and reptation plots were used to elucidate the separation mechanism. Highly diluted dextran solutions resulted in linear Ferguson plots for both solute types (cf. Ogston theory) in spite of this model assumes a rigid pore structure, thus cannot describe the separation mechanism in ultra‐dilute polymer solutions with no reticulations. The saddle differences between the resolution of the PSL and the intact/subunit mAb forms in ultra‐dilute dextran‐borate matrices suggested the importance of shape selectivity, manifested by the adequate separation of the SDS covered intact as well as light and heavy chain subunits of the therapeutic mAb even at zero dextran concentration.
The effects of purslane consumption on lipid profile and C‐reactive protein: A systematic review and dose–response meta‐analysis
Authors: Jafari Naser , Bahreini Nazgol , Dehghani Azadeh , Lak Yasin , Mirmohammadali Seyedeh Nooshan , Samavat Simin , Shami Amirhossein , Karimizand Mohammad , Goudarzi Mohammad Ali , Asbaghi Omid
Published: August 2023

Earlier investigations into the impact of purslane, Portulaca oleracea, on lipid profile and C‐reactive protein (CRP) produced contradictory findings. The effect of purslane consumption on lipid profiles and CRP was assessed in this comprehensive review and meta‐analysis. We conducted a thorough literature search in online databases, including PubMed, Scopus, the Cochrane library, and ISI Web of Science to find relevant randomized controlled trials up to June 2023. By incorporating 14 effect sizes from 13 RCTs, we were able to show that purslane consumption significantly decreases serum triglyceride (TG) (WMD: −16.72, 95% CI: −22.49, −10.96 mg/dL, p < .001), total cholesterol (TC) (WMD: −9.97, 95% CI: −19.86, −0.07 mg/dL, p = .048), and CRP (WMD: −1.22, 95% CI: −1.63, −0.80 mg/L, p < .001) levels in patients compared to the control group. In addition, purslane consumption significantly increases high‐density lipoprotein (HDL‐C) (WMD: 4.09, 95% CI: 1.77, 6.41 mg/dL, p = .001) levels. However, purslane consumption did not affect low‐density lipoprotein (LDL‐C) levels. According to a suggested optimal dosage, purslane consumption is considered to be safe up to 30 g/day. Purslane consumption can significantly improve cardiovascular health by improving lipid profile and inflammation status.
Do cooking and food preparation skills affect healthy eating in college students?
Authors: Mengi Çelik Özge , Aytekin Şahin Gizem , Gürel Satı
Published: August 2023

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between food and cooking skills and healthy eating attitudes in college students. The demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, nutritional habits, attitudes toward healthy eating, and cooking and food preparation skills were questioned. 16.2% of the students have moderate, 63.5% high, and 20.3% ideally high attitudes toward healthy eating. While a positive and significant correlation was found between the total score and sub‐factor scores of the “Cooking Skills and Food Skills” scale and the total score of the “Attitude Scale for Healthy Nutrition”; a negative statistically significant correlation was found between the total score and sub‐factor scores of the “Cooking Skills and Food Skills” scale and the frequency of consumption of fast‐food, processed meat products, packaged foods, and bread types (p < .05). Cooking and food preparation skills seem to be positively associated with healthy attitudes and habits. Considering this positive association, interventions to improve food and cooking skills may help promote healthy eating attitudes in college students. Developing these skills can shed light on increasing the frequency of cooking at home, consuming healthier foods, and as a result, providing a healthy eating attitude. Therefore, more comprehensive intervention studies are needed in this area.
Art at the Start: A controlled trial and close observation of parent‐infant art therapy intervention
Authors: Armstrong Victoria Gray , Ross Josephine
Published: August 2023

This two‐part study seeks to evidence art therapy intervention for parent‐infant attachment relationships, looking at improvements to wellbeing and relationships. Study one was a controlled trial with 105 participating parent/caregivers and their infants (0–3‐years), identified due to concerns about their relationship. They were quasi‐randomized to attend a 12‐week art therapy group or treatment as usual. Measures focused on parents’ wellbeing and their perceptions of their relationship with their infant. In study 2 we analyzed video footage from the first and penultimate sessions of a sample of 37 dyads, looking for observable changes in the different channels of communication upon which attachments are predicated. The controlled trial showed intervention participants had significantly improved parental wellbeing, significant increases in attachment warmth and significant decreases in intrusion. This contrasted with the control sample who showed a significant decrease in wellbeing, stable warmth, and significant increases in intrusion. The observation study showed that there was a significant increase in the communicative behaviors from the parents to the infant which would support attachments between the first and penultimate sessions. We conclude that these results make a robust case for the inclusion of art therapy within the range of interventions available for at risk early relationships
Establishing a community pharmacist‐led vitamin D point‐of‐care testing service
Authors: Busuttil Catherine Anne , Wirth Francesca , Azzopardi Lilian M.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Growing recognition of the role of vitamin D augmented the demand for a point‐of‐care testing (POCT) framework, unveiling a niche for development of a novel service.

Objectives

Review available vitamin D POCT devices and validate vitamin D POCT; Develop and validate framework for vitamin D POCT; Conduct pilot study for pharmacist‐led vitamin D POCT framework in community pharmacy.

Methods

Vitamin D POCT devices were appraised by considering specifications and the identified vitamin D POCT kit was validated by comparing results with gold standard method in 20 participants, employing Cohen's Kappa coefficient. A framework consisting of a Data Collection Sheet, a standard operating procedure and Action Plan record for pharmacist‐led vitamin D POCT was developed and validated. The framework was piloted in a community pharmacy with 80 participants and patient data was correlated with POCT result. Data was analyzed using the chi‐square test.

Results

The appraisal identified a semi‐quantitative POCT which conforms with European Union (EU) regulations. Concordance between POCT and gold standard was observed (κ = 0.84, p < 0.001). Of the 80 participants, 49 had insufficient; 8 had deficient vitamin D levels. The framework developed was practical to be applied in the community pharmacy setting. Participants suffering from chronic conditions are more likely to have their vitamin D levels tested (p = 0.042), those suffering from metabolic disorders being more likely to have deficient/insufficient vitamin D levels (p = 0.026).

Conclusion

The study identified a POCT device for use within a framework for community pharmacist‐led assessment of vitamin D in the context of collaborative care. A high incidence of vitamin D insufficiency was observed, indicating the value of providing access to this service at primary care level. An accessible vitamin D testing service to participants, supported by community pharmacist professional advice, facilitates early detection of vitamin D insufficiency and management.