bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Boosting MRSA Infectious Osteoporosis Treatment: Mg‐Doped Nanofilm on Vacancy‐Enriched TiO2 Coating for Providing In Situ Sonodynamic Bacteria‐Killing and Osteogenic Alkaline Microenvironment
Authors: Chen Shimeng , Liu Fuwei , Xin He , Wen Dan , Zhang Yingang , Li Bo , Han Yong
Published: December 2023

To effectively combat infectious osteoporosis, Ti‐based implants with enhanced antibacterial and osseointegrative properties are urgently required. Herein, a one‐step method involving Mg thermal‐reduction is employed to modify a hydroxyapatite (HA) array on Ti, which comprises an inner TiO2 layer and an outer nanorod‐like HA layer. This process introduces oxygen vacancies (OVs) into the TiO2 layer and deposits a Mg─O‐contained amorphous nanolayer on each HA nanorod. The introduced OVs enhance reactive oxygen species (ROS) yield by the array during ultrasound treatment via narrowing TiO2 bandgap and improving H2O molecules absorption. The produced ROS, combined with a weak alkaline microenvironment created by the degraded Mg─O nanolayer, endows the array with potent bacterial‐killing and biofilm‐eradicating efficacies within a 5 min ultrasound treatment via the combination of proton‐consumption and cell envelop‐detriment effects. Moreover, due to the alkaline microenvironment and the released Mg2+, the array hinders osteoclastogenesis by activating the inflammation‐related FAK‐PI3K‐AKT signaling pathway in macrophages, as revealed by transcriptomic analysis, resulting in robust osseointegration in rat femoral shaft with concurrent bacterial‐infection and osteoporosis. This work paves a new way for simultaneously endowing a sonosensitive coating on Ti with sonodynamic treatment‐derived high antibacterial ability and alkaline microenvironment‐mediated strong osseointegration for infectious osteoporosis treatment.
Recrystallization‐Induced Laser Lift‐Off Strategy for Flexible Thermal Sensors with Near‐Limit Sensitivity
Authors: Guo Dongliang , Ling Jinghui , Huang Yizhuo , Xiong Wennan , Xu Yixuan , Bai Yunzhao , Li Kan , Zhang Fan , Huang YongAn
Published: December 2023

Flexible thermal sensors have attracted immense interest as an alternative to conventional rigid sensors in personal healthcare monitoring, biomedical applications, and human‐machine interaction. However, most metal‐based flexible thermal sensors exhibit low sensitivity, primarily resulting from electron scattering due to manufacturing defects. The heat‐intolerant polymer substrate hinders the pathway to improve the sensitivity of metal thin films through high‐temperature annealing. Herein, a recrystallization‐induced laser lift‐off strategy is proposed to overcome the contradiction between the flexible substrate and high‐temperature annealing. Systematically theoretical and experimental studies reveal the mechanism of thermal‐induced recrystallization in increasing the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) and the separation of sensors from rigid substrates. Valuable insights are acquired in the modulation of interface adhesion by altering the surface roughness of nickel. A critical temperature is provided to guide the detachment of the sensor. The fabricated thin‐film flexible thermal sensor achieves a TCR of 6.2‰°C−1, approaching the TCR limit of bulk material. This strategy opens a new general route for fabricating high‐temperature annealed sensors on flexible substrates.
Iron‐Catalyzed Direct C3−H Trifluoromethylthiolation of Quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones
Authors: Chen Xiaoyu , Geng Yang , Zhu Yu , Zou Dapeng , Wu Yangjie , Wu Yusheng
Published: December 2023

An iron‐catalyzed direct C3−H radical trifluoromethylthiolation of quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones has been developed. This protocol uses earth‐abundant FeSO4 ⋅ 7H2O as the catalyst, and AgSCF3 as the trifluoromethylthiolating reagent to provide various SCF3‐containing quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐one derivatives in 26–88% yields. Preliminary mechanistic investigations indicate that the reaction proceeds through a radical pathway.
Learning from Polymeric π‐Backbone to Film Sequences Unravels that a Coexistence of Bilayered and Mixed Morphologies Optimally Strengthens Thermoelectrics
Authors: Tang Junhui , Wu Zhiyuan , Li Wenhao , Zuo Guangzheng , Zhao Yan , Liang Ziqi
Published: December 2023

π‐Conjugated polymers can be manipulated at the molecular and thin‐film levels to strengthen thermoelectric performance. Herein, two distinctive polymers—PBDP‐T and PBDB‐T with respective outstanding Seebeck coefficient (S) and electrical conductivity (σ) are selected and their functional units are integrated to synthesize random terpolymers via the ′backbone sequence′ strategy. The resulting disordered π‐backbones of terpolymers however lead to an unsuccessful acquisition of high power factor (PF). Alternately, the ′film sequence′ strategy is utilized and representative high‐σ P2F and high‐S PTB7‐Th polymers are blended. Note that 3D conductive paths are generated in the blend films when the PTB7‐Th content falls between 35–80 wt%, which favors charge transportation and yields high σ. At an optimal 65 wt% PTB7‐Th, a maximum PF of 145.5 µW m−1 K−2 is obtained, far surpassing that of each parent polymer, which marks a breakthrough of the ′two‐phase combination′ rule. The peak PF achieved in medium PTB7‐Th content is attributed to the coexistence of bilayered and mixed morphologies, the former of which delivers slowly declining σ while the latter results in greatly elevated S with increasing PTB7‐Th. Given the notably lower thermal conductivity acquired in blend than neat polymers, the room‐temperature thermoelectric figure‐of‐merit as high as 0.15 is achieved.
Visible Light‐Induced Imide Alkylation of Azauracils with Aryl Diazoesters
Authors: Hota Sudhir Kumar , Murarka Sandip
Published: December 2023

A visible light‐induced green and sustainable N−H functionalization of (aza)uracils with α‐diazo esters leading to imide alkylation is described. The reaction does not require any catalyst or additive and proceeds under mild conditions. Moreover, an intriguing three component coupling was observed when (aza)uracils were allowed to react with α‐diazo esters in cyclic ethers (e. g. 1,4‐dioxane, THF) as a solvent. Both the insertion and three‐component coupling features broad scope with good to excellent yields and appreciable functional group tolerance. Notably, the divergent method enables modification of natural products and pharmaceuticals, thereby facilitates access to potentially biologically active compounds.
Predictive Modeling in Service Line Inventory Development
Authors: Deheer Katie , Epstein Kristin , Cummings Joanna
Published: December 2023

Key Takeaways

Acceptance of predictive modeling as a verification method in inventories complying with the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions is determined by individual states, many of which accept this approach.

Predictive modeling is an accurate, time‐saving, economical way to reduce unknowns in the inventory and streamline lead service line replacement.

For the best outcomes, the performance and reliability of predictive models must be evaluated carefully and from multiple perspectives.
To Fend Off Cyberattacks, Build a Castle
Authors: Sumner Michael
Published: December 2023

Key Takeaways

With the number and sophistication of cyberattacks increasing dramatically around the world, defensive and robust cybersecurity practices are a must.

Using a Defense in Depth strategy offers water and wastewater utilities a multilayered system to guard against cyberattacks.

Important cybersecurity barriers include risk assessments, access control, network segmentation, multifactor authentication, and security assessments.
An incarcerated epigastric hernia with unusual contents
Authors: Kulkarni Shrirang Vasant
Published: December 2023

Key Clinical Message

An epigastric hernia usually contains preperitoneal fat, but rarely may contain colon. This fact needs to be kept in mind by the operating surgeons.

An epigastric hernia usually contains preperitoneal fat, but rarely may contain colon. Experience with such a singular case is presented and discussed. This fact needs to be kept in mind by the operating surgeons.
1,2,3,4‐Tetrafluorobiphenylene: A Prototype Janus‐Headed Scaffold for Ambipolar Materials
Authors: Nikulshin Pavel V. , Makarov Alexander Yu. , Koskin Igor P. , Becker Christina S. , Kazantsev Maxim S. , Beckmann Jens , Balmohammadi Yaser , Grabowsky Simon , Mebs Stefan , Naumova Olga V. , Protasov Dmitry Yu. , Svit Kirill A. , Irtegova Irina G. , Radiush Ekaterina A. , Bagryanskaya Irina Yu. , Shundrin Leonid A. , Zibarev Andrey V.
Published: December 2023

The title compound was synthesized by Ullmann cross‐coupling in low yield as the first representative of [n]phenylene containing hydrocarbon and fluorocarbon rings. Stille/Suzuki‐Miyaura cross‐coupling reactions, as well as substitution of fluorine in suitable starting compounds, failed to give the same product. The geometric and electronic structures of the title compound were studied by X‐ray diffraction, cyclic voltammetry and density functional theory calculations, together with Hirshfeld surface and reduced density gradient analyses. The crystal structure features head‐to‐tail π‐stacking and other fluorine‐related secondary bonding interactions. From the nucleus‐independent chemical shifts descriptor, the four‐membered ring of the title compound is antiaromatic, and the six‐membered rings are aromatic. The Janus molecule is highly polarized; and the six‐membered fluoro‐ and hydrocarbon rings are Lewis π‐acidic and π‐basic, respectively. The electrochemically‐generated radical cation of the title compound is long‐lived as characterized by electron paramagnetic resonance, whereas the radical anion is unstable in solution. The title compound reveals electrical properties of an insulator. On expanding its molecular scaffold towards partially fluorinated [n]phenylenes (n≥2), the properties presumably can be transformed into those of semiconductors. In this context, the title compound is suggested as a prototype scaffold for ambipolar materials for organic electronics and spintronics.
Impact of pecking amplitude on cyclic fatigue of new nickel–titanium files
Authors: Pedullà Eugenio , Carlesi Teocrito , Pappalardo Alfio , Canova Francesco Saverio , Malagnino Vito Antonio , La Rosa Giusy Rita Maria , Generali Luigi
Published: December 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study is to determine the cyclic fatigue resistance of Mtwo Minimal in static and dynamic tests, with different amplitudes of pecking movements, at intracanal temperature.

Materials and Methods

Two hundred new 25‐mm Mtwo Minimal rotary files (#10/0.035, #17.5/0.045, #25/0.05, #40/0.03, #45/0.03) were tested in static and dynamic cyclic fatigue tests at 35°C (±1°C). An artificial stainless‐steel canal was used. In the dynamic mode, axial movements were set at 1 and 3 mm. The number of cycles to fracture (NCF) was recorded and statistically analyzed by one‐way analysis of variance (p < 0.05).

Results

The 3‐mm dynamic test showed significantly increased NCF than the other tests for the #10/0.035, #17.5/0.045, and #25/0.05 files (p < 0.05). The #40/0.03 and #45/0.03 files showed no significant differences in all the tests (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Mtwo Minimal showed higher cyclic fatigue resistance in the dynamic test than the static test, except for the larger instruments. The 3‐mm pecking amplitude increased the cyclic fatigue resistance of the smaller instruments.
Single Step Upgradation of Isatin to Bioactive Fused Heterocycles via Ring Expansion Reactions
Authors: Chandramani Raksha , Nair Ajil R. , Sreekumar Anjana , Aerathupalathu Janardhanan Jayakrishnan , Sivan Akhil
Published: December 2023

Isatin, also known as indoline‐2,3‐dione, is a fused, N‐heterocyclic aromatic compound first isolated and purified in 1841. Since then, isatin and its derivatives emerged as a hot research topic for the scientific community. The number of research publications on isatin justifies their popularity. Researchers explored isatins and their derivatives as potential candidates in multidisciplinary research areas, including medicinal chemistry, synthetic organic chemistry, and polymer science. Synthetic chemists’ perspective of tailoring isatin and its family members led to more efficient synthesis strategies in which ring‐opening reactions of isatins were particularly significant due to the product's importance. Our investigation aims to group the different types of cascade ring expansion reactions of isatin to synthesise fused heterocyclic compounds such as derivatives of quinolines, quinazolinones, acridines, acridones, and few spiro heterocyclic compounds, all of which highlight an inevitable role in the field of medicinal chemistry.
STGNet: Short‐term residential load forecasting with spatial–temporal gated fusion network
Authors: Feng Ding , Li Dengao , Zhou Yu , Zhao Jumin , Zhang Kenan
Published: December 2023

With the continuous transformation of the global power system, ensuring the flexibility and stability of the power system has become a direction that the global energy industry has been striving for. This puts forward higher requirements for load forecasting, especially high‐precision short‐term residential load forecasting. However, the high volatility and uncertainty of electric consumption make this problem challenging. Existing methods usually focus on capturing temporal correlations and ignore the underlying spatial correlations in historical loads, which is crucial for accurate forecasting. In this paper, we propose a novel spatial–temporal gated fusion network (STGNet) for short‐term residential load forecasting including not only individual residential load but also aggregated load. By seeking both adaptive neighbors and temporal similarity neighbors, we construct a dynamic graph based on a data‐driven method. On this basis, we provide an adaptive graph gated fusion mechanism to capture fine‐grained node‐specific spatial dependence more accurately and comprehensively. Finally, a bidirectional gated recurrent unit (BiGRU) is utilized to learn the temporal dependence of load data. Extensive experiments on real‐world datasets are conducted and demonstrate the superiority of STGNet over the existing approaches.
Regardless of its Merits, Carbon Capture Faces Several Challenges
Authors: Smead Richard G.
Published: December 2023

A theme I have struck multiple times in this column is the reality that energy policy designed to eliminate atmospheric carbon as quickly as possible must—to be genuinely sustainable through political cycles and reliability challenges—recognize that natural gas will be here and play an important role in our energy mix for a very long time to come. Even the Biden Administration, with its stated objective of phasing out all fossil fuels, has recognized this reality, through the projections of its own U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). In the 2023 Annual Energy Outlook prepared by EIA, one of its cases in assessing the future energy mix includes one in which non‐hydro resources, primarily solar and wind, become low‐cost enough to be competitive leaders in the marketplace. Figure 1 depicts EIA’s projection, which does see renewables surpassing natural gas in market share by the late 2040s but still leaves natural gas with a 25 percent share of domestic energy consumption, down only 8 percent from current levels. Of course, when exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) are added to this, as the largest exporter of LNG in the world, the natural gas line is much flatter.
Clinical validation of serum immunosignatures in early diagnosis of Crohn's disease
Authors: Ma Xianzong , Zhang Wenyu , Wang Xin , Yang Lang , Jiao Juan , Jia Yan , Wang Dezhi , Xu Junfeng , Jin Peng , Zhang Mingjie , Li Shirong , Pan Yuanming , Sheng Jianqiu
Published: December 2023

Background

The search for biomarkers suitable for early diagnosis of Crohn's disease (CD) is challenging. This study investigated the efficacy of serological markers for the early diagnosis of CD.

Methods

This was a retrospective nested cohort study. Indirect immunofluorescence and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay were used to detect ASCA IgG, ASCA IgA, AYMA IgG, AYCA IgG, FI2Y IgG, p‐ANCA IgG, GAB IgG and PAB IgG in patient serum samples.

Results

The positive rates of ASCA IgG, ASCA IgA, AYMA IgG, AYCA IgG, FI2Y IgG, p‐ANCA IgG, GAB IgG and PAB IgG in patients with early CD, advanced CD and other intestinal diseases were 37.0% versus 56.8% versus 27.8%; 3.7% versus 20.5% versus 19.4%; 14.8% versus 2.3% versus 2.8%; 25.9% versus 9.1% versus 8.3%; 18.5% versus 15.9% versus 8.3%; 0.0% versus 2.8%, 18.5%; 13.6% versus 18.2% versus 16.7%; and 7.4% versus 20.5% versus 0.0%, respectively. The positive rates of ASCA IgG, AYCA IgG and PAB IgG were significantly different among the three groups (p < 0.05). In 85.2% of early CD patients, at least one antibody was detected 1 year before diagnosis. The sensitivity of the ASCA/AYMA/AYCA/FI2Y/GAB combination for early diagnosis was 85.2%. The sensitivity of the ASCA/AYMA/AYCA/FI2Y/GAB/PAB/PANCA combination for differentiating CD from other diseases was 87.3%.

Conclusions

ASCA IgG and AYCA IgG have potential value in identifying the course of CD. AYCA IgG may be a potential marker for the early diagnosis of CD, and ASCA IgG indicates an advanced stage. The combination of ASCA, AYMA, AYCA, FI2Y, and GAB improves early diagnostic accuracy of CD.
Cryptoassets: Definitions and accounting treatment under the current International Financial Reporting Standards framework
Authors: Parrondo Luz
Published: December 2023

This paper provides a first comprehensive definition of cryptoassets for accounting purposes in the types of payment tokens, electronic money (e‐money) tokens, utility tokens and security tokens. The delivery of definitions for accounting purposes addresses some of the concerns raised by the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) discussion paper and helps accounting regulators adapt current International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) standards to blockchain‐based tokens' taxonomy and nature. The paper helps policymakers reconcile Markets in Cryptoassets Regulation Proposal's (MiCA) definitions and classification of cryptoassets with the EFRAG's specific needs for clarification and/or amendment in the IFRS standards and contributes to providing an accounting guide for practitioners in their financial disclosure.
MicroRNA and granulocyte‐monocyte adsorption apheresis combotherapy after inadequate response to anti‐TNF agents in ulcerative colitis
Authors: Sáez‐González Esteban , Moret‐Tatay Inés , Bastida Guillermo , Aguas Mariam , Iborra Marisa , Nos Pilar , Beltrán Belén
Published: December 2023

Background

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, affecting millions of individuals throughout the world, and producing an impaired health‐related quality of life. Granulocyte and monocyte apheresis (GMA) is a therapeutic option for UC management to induce remission by selective removal of activated leukocytes from bloodstream. Despite the knowledge of the important role of epigenetics in UC pathogenesis, and in the response to different treatments, nothing is known about the role of microRNAs in GMA therapy in UC patients.

Methods

Seven consecutively UC patients who started GMA in combo therapy with infliximab were recruited. Peripheral blood samples were taken before the apheresis session, at the start of the induction (S0) and at the end (S10). They were follow‐up during the induction phase (10 sessions: 2 sessions for a week during 3 wk and 1 session for a week during 4 wk) of the treatment at a tertiary hospital (Hospital la Fe) and 6 mo after finishing the GMA induction therapy. MiRNA was extracted and analyzed by RT‐PCR. R software and GraphPad were used.

Results

Clinical disease activity significantly decreased after induction therapy with GMA (median partial Mayo score 2 (IQR, 1‐6) (P < .05). Fecal calprotectin value and CRP value significantly decreased after induction therapy. Five microRNAs modified their expression during GMA (unsupervised analysis): miR‐342‐3p, miR‐215‐5p, miR‐376c‐3p, miR‐139‐5p, and miR‐150‐5p. When a sub‐analysis was performed in those patients who showed good response to apheresis treatment (n = 5), two microRNAs showed to be implicated: miR‐215‐5p and miR‐365a‐3p. These are preliminary but promising and novel results, as it is the first time, to our knowledge that microRNA profiles have been studied in the context of GMA treatment for IBD.
On Turán problems with bounded matching number
Authors: Gerbner Dániel
Published: December 2023

Very recently, Alon and Frankl initiated the study of the maximum number of edges in ‐vertex ‐free graphs with matching number at most . For fixed and , we determine this number apart from a constant additive term. We also obtain several exact results.
Population‐level effectiveness of pre‐exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention among men who have sex with men in Montréal (Canada): a modelling study of surveillance and survey data
Authors: Doyle Carla M. , Milwid Rachael M. , Cox Joseph , Xia Yiqing , Lambert Gilles , Tremblay Cécile , Otis Joanne , Boily Marie‐Claude , Baril Jean‐Guy , Thomas Réjean , Blais Alexandre Dumont , Trottier Benoit , Grace Daniel , Moore David M. , Mishra Sharmistha , Maheu‐Giroux Mathieu
Published: December 2023

Introduction

HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been recommended and partly subsidized in Québec, Canada, since 2013. We evaluated the population‐level impact of PrEP on HIV transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Montréal, Québec's largest city, over 2013–2021.

Methods

We used an agent‐based mathematical model of sexual HIV transmission to estimate the fraction of HIV acquisitions averted by PrEP compared to a counterfactual scenario without PrEP. The model was calibrated to local MSM survey, surveillance, and cohort data and accounted for COVID‐19 pandemic impacts on sexual activity, HIV prevention, and care. PrEP was modelled from 2013 onwards, assuming 86% individual‐level effectiveness. The PrEP eligibility criteria were: any anal sex unprotected by condoms (past 6 months) and either multiple partnerships (past 6 months) or multiple uses of post‐exposure prophylaxis (lifetime). To assess potential optimization strategies, we modelled hypothetical scenarios prioritizing PrEP to MSM with high sexual activity (≥11 anal sex partners annually) or aged ⩽45 years, increasing coverage to levels achieved in Vancouver, Canada (where PrEP is free‐of‐charge), and improving retention.

Results

Over 2013–2021, the estimated annual HIV incidence decreased from 0.4 (90% credible interval [CrI]: 0.3–0.6) to 0.2 (90% CrI: 0.1–0.2) per 100 person‐years. PrEP coverage among HIV‐negative MSM remained low until 2015 (<1%). Afterwards, coverage increased to a maximum of 10% of all HIV‐negative MSM, or about 16% of the 62% PrEP‐eligible HIV‐negative MSM in 2020. Over 2015–2021, PrEP averted an estimated 20% (90% CrI: 11%–30%) of cumulative HIV acquisitions. The hypothetical scenarios modelled showed that, at the same coverage level, prioritizing PrEP to high sexual activity MSM could have averted 30% (90% CrI: 19%–42%) of HIV acquisitions from 2015‐2021. Even larger impacts could have resulted from higher coverage. Under the provincial eligibility criteria, reaching 10% coverage among HIV‐negative MSM in 2015 and 30% in 2019, like attained in Vancouver, could have averted up to 63% (90% CrI: 54%–70%) of HIV acquisitions from 2015 to 2021.

Conclusions

PrEP reduced population‐level HIV transmission among Montréal MSM. However, our study suggests missed prevention opportunities and adds support for public policies that reduce PrEP barriers, financial or otherwise, to MSM at risk of HIV acquisition.
An integrated docking and molecular dynamics simulation approach to discover potential inhibitors of activin receptor‐like kinase 1
Authors: Jairajpuri Deeba Shamim , Mohammad Taj , Hussain Afzal , Amir Samira , Fatima Urooj , AlAjmi Mohamed F. , Yadav Dharmendra Kumar , Hassan Md. Imtaiyaz
Published: December 2023

Activin receptor‐like kinase 1 (ALK1) is a transmembrane receptor involved in crucial signaling pathways associated with angiogenesis and vascular development. Inhibition of ALK1 signaling has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for various angiogenesis‐related diseases, including cancer and hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. This study aimed to investigate the potential of phytoconstituents as inhibitors of ALK1 using a combined approach of virtual screening and molecular dynamics (MDs) simulations. Phytoconstituents from the IMPPAT 2.0 database underwent virtual screening to identify potential inhibitors of ALK1. The compounds were initially filtered based on physicochemical parameters, following Lipinski's rules and the PAINS filter. Subsequently, compounds demonstrating high binding affinities in docking analysis were further analyzed. Additional assessments, including ADMET, PAINS, and PASS evaluations, were conducted to identify more potent hits. Through interaction analysis, a phytoconstituent, Candidine, exhibited appreciable affinity and specific interactions with the ALK1 active site. To validate the results, MD simulations and principal components analysis were performed. The MD simulations demonstrated that Candidine stabilized the ALK1 structure and reduced conformational fluctuations. In conclusion, Candidine shows promising potential as binding partners of ALK1. These findings provide a foundation for further exploration and development of Candidine as a lead molecule for therapeutic interventions targeting ALK1‐associated diseases.
Mpox outbreak control indicators used in Ontario, Canada: May 21–December 10, 2022
Authors: Zygmunt Austin , Saunders Andrea , Navarro Christine , Hasso Maan , Collinson Shannon
Published: December 2023

Since May 2022, over 91 000 cases of mpox have been reported globally with the majority of cases occurring among adult males who identify as gay, bisexual, or men who have sex with men (gbMSM). Given the rapid emergence of the global mpox outbreak, many public health authorities did not have established mpox outbreak control indicators or criteria for declaring an mpox outbreak over. Expert consensus in Ontario, Canada, set thresholds for five key indicators of mpox outbreak control as follows: estimated number of currently infectious cases < 5; effective reproductive number < 1.0; doubling time > 42 days; weekly test positivity < 5%; and sporadic non‐gbMSM cases (i.e., female and pediatric cases). Once all indicators were achieved, a 52‐day period based on two incubation periods for mpox and a 10‐day reporting delay was employed to monitor for indicator stability. After all five indicators remained at expected levels, the mpox outbreak in Ontario was declared over on December 10, 2022. Despite current low levels of mpox activity globally, some jurisdictions may benefit from utilizing or modifying these outbreak control indicators during a future localized mpox outbreak.
Exploring the dynamics of the 2022 mpox outbreak in Canada
Authors: Milwid Rachael M. , Li Michael , Fazil Aamir , Maheu‐Giroux Mathieu , Doyle Carla M. , Xia Yiqing , Cox Joseph , Grace Daniel , Dvorakova Milada , Walker Steven C. , Mishra Sharmistha , Ogden Nicholas H.
Published: December 2023

The 2022 mpox outbreak predominantly impacted gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM). Two models were developed to support situational awareness and management decisions in Canada. A compartmental model characterized epidemic drivers at national/provincial levels, while an agent‐based model (ABM) assessed municipal‐level impacts of vaccination. The models were parameterized and calibrated using empirical case and vaccination data between 2022 and 2023. The compartmental model explored: (1) the epidemic trajectory through community transmission, (2) the potential for transmission among non‐gbMSM, and (3) impacts of vaccination and the proportion of gbMSM contributing to disease transmission. The ABM incorporated sexual‐contact data and modeled: (1) effects of vaccine uptake on disease dynamics, and (2) impacts of case importation on outbreak resurgence. The calibrated, compartmental model followed the trajectory of the epidemic, which peaked in July 2022, and died out in December 2022. Most cases occurred among gbMSM, and epidemic trajectories were not consistent with sustained transmission among non‐gbMSM. The ABM suggested that unprioritized vaccination strategies could increase the outbreak size by 47%, and that consistent importation (≥5 cases per 10 000) is necessary for outbreak resurgence. These models can inform time‐sensitive situational awareness and policy decisions for similar future outbreaks.
Finite element modeling of fracture compression by compression plates
Authors: Wee Hwabok , Spence Reid John , Lewis Gregory S.
Published: December 2023

Dynamic compression plating is a common type of fracture fixation used to compress between bone fragments. The quality of compression across the fracture is important for postoperative stability and primary bone healing. Compression quality may be affected by surgical variations in plate prebend, screw location, screw torque, fracture gap, and implant material. Computational modeling provides a tool for systematically examining these factors, and for visualizing the mechanisms involved. The purpose of this study was to develop a finite element model of dynamic compression plating that includes screw insertion under torque control, establish model credibility through sensitivity analyses and experimental validation, and use the model to examine the effects of surgical variables on fracture compression and postoperative stability. Model‐predicted compressive pressures had good agreement with corresponding synthetic bones experiments under a variety of conditions. Models demonstrated that introducing a 1.5 or 3 mm plate prebend (using a 4.5 mm narrow LCP plate) eliminated gapping at the far cortex, which is consistent with clinical recommendations. However, models also revealed that plate prebend led to sharp decreases in fracture compressive force, exceeding 80% in some cases. A 1.5 mm plate prebend resulted in the most uniform pressures across the fracture. Testing of a simplified model form used in previous computational modeling studies showed large inaccuracies for constructs with plate prebend. This study provides the first experimentally validated computational models of dynamic compression plate fracture fixation, and reveals important effects of plate prebend and fracture gap on fracture compression quality.
Examination of race‐based traumatic stress symptom networks in Black adults in the United States: A network analysis
Authors: Dieujuste Nathalie , Mekawi Yara , Doom Jenalee R.
Published: December 2023

In the United States, racism is theorized to exert its negative effects on Black individuals’ mental health by triggering a response known as “race‐based traumatic stress” (RBTS), a multidimensional construct comprising seven clusters of symptoms that can occur following exposure to race‐based traumatic events (e.g., racial discrimination, racist incidents): depression, intrusion, anger, hypervigilance, physical symptoms, (low) self‐esteem, and avoidance. However, little is known about which symptoms and clusters are strongest and most influential in the maintenance of RBTS. Network analysis is a powerful tool for understanding the etiology of traumatic stress, but it has not yet been applied to the examination of this construct. The present study aimed to identify the symptoms most central to RBTS and examine associations between symptoms and symptom clusters. Participants (N = 1,037) identified as Black, and lived in the United States (Mage = 45.12 years, range: 18–82 years) and completed the Race‐Based Traumatic Stress Symptom Scale–Short Form (RBTSSS‐SF). Regularized partial correlation networks were estimated using R/RStudio. The cluster‐ and item‐level networks demonstrated adequate centrality stability, CS = .44. The depression and physical symptoms clusters were the most central nodes in the cluster network. Feelings of meaninglessness, experiencing mental images of the event, and physical trembling were the most central items within the item‐level network. These findings offer insights and implications for assessing and treating symptoms of RBTS in Black adults in the United States who are exposed to race‐based traumatic events.
Corrigendum to “Improvements on Sawyer‐type estimates for generalized maximal functions”
Authors: Berra Fabio , Carena Marilina , Pradolini Gladis
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this note is to correct a mixed estimate involving the generalized maximal function , when Φ is a Young function satisfying certain properties. The family considered include type functions. Although the obtained estimates turn out to be slightly different, they are still good extensions of mixed inequalities for the classical Hardy–Littlewood maximal operators corresponding to the power functions , with . They also allow us to derive the boundedness properties of between Lebesgue spaces by using interpolation techniques related to endpoint estimates of modular type.
Significant alteration of protein profiles in a mouse model of polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Meng Bin , Yang Xiaoning , Luo Shiwei , Shen Chong , Qi Jia , Zhang Haifeng , Li Yandong , Xue Ying , Zhao Juan , Qu Pengxiang , Liu Enqi
Published: December 2023

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder, affecting women of child‐bearing age, and the incidence rate is growing and assuming epidemic proportions. The etiology of PCOS remains unknown and there is no cure. Some animal models for PCOS have been established which have enhanced our understanding of the underlying mechanisms, but omics data for revealing PCOS pathogenesis and for drug discovery are still lacking. In the present study, proteomics analysis was used to construct a protein profile of the ovaries in a PCOS mouse model. The result showed a clear difference in protein profile between the PCOS and control group, with 495 upregulated proteins and 404 downregulated proteins in the PCOS group. The GO term and KEGG pathway analyses of differentially expressed proteins mainly showed involvement in lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and immune response, which are consistent with pathological characteristics of PCOS in terms of abnormal metabolism, endocrine disorders, chronic inflammation and imbalance between oxidant and antioxidant levels. Also, we found that inflammatory responses were activated in the PCOS ovarium, while lipid biosynthetic process peroxisome, and bile secretion were inhibited. In addition, we found some alteration in unexpected pathways, such as glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, which should be investigated. The present study makes an important contribution to the current lack of PCOS ovarian proteomic data and provides an important reference for research and development of effective drugs and treatments for PCOS.
A qualitative study of childhood cancer families’ post‐treatment needs and the impact of a community‐based organization in a rural, socioeconomically disadvantaged, majority Hispanic/Latino region
Authors: Smith Stephanie M. , Teer Anmol , Tolamatl Ariceaga Evelyn , Billman Elle , Benedict Catherine , Goyal Anju , Pang Emily M. , Pecos‐Duarte Caroline , Lewinsohn Rebecca , Smith Mary , Boynton Heidi , Montes Sandy , Rivera Esmeralda , Ramirez Daniela , Schapira Lidia
Published: December 2023

Background

Individual‐ and population‐level socioeconomic disadvantages contribute to unequal outcomes among childhood cancer survivors. Reducing health disparities requires understanding experiences of survivors from historically marginalized communities, including those with non‐English language preference.

Procedure

We partnered with a community‐based organization (CBO) serving families of children with cancer in a rural region in California with low socioeconomic status and majority Hispanic/Latino (H/L) residents. We interviewed English‐ and Spanish‐speaking adolescent/young adult (AYA) childhood cancer survivors (≥15 years old, ≥5 years from diagnosis), parents, and CBO staff to evaluate post‐treatment needs and impact of CBO support. Data were analyzed qualitatively using applied thematic analysis. Themes were refined through team discussions with our community partners.

Results

Twelve AYAs (11 H/L, 11 bilingual), 11 parents (eight H/L, seven non‐English preferred), and seven CBO staff (five H/L, five bilingual) participated. AYAs (five female, seven male) were of median (min–max) age 20 (16–32) and 9 (5–19) years post diagnosis; parents (nine female, two male) were age 48 (40–60) and 14 (6–23) years post child's diagnosis. Themes included challenges navigating healthcare, communication barriers among the parent–AYA–clinician triad, and lasting effects of childhood cancer on family dynamics and mental health. Subthemes illustrated that language and rurality may contribute to health disparities. CBO support impacted families by serving as a safety‐net, fostering community, and facilitating H/L families’ communication.

Conclusions

Childhood cancer has long‐lasting effects on families, and those with non‐English language preference face additional burdens. Community‐based support buffers some of the negative effects of childhood cancer and may reduce disparities.
High IL2RA/CD25 expression is a prognostic stem cell biomarker for pediatric acute myeloid leukemia without a core‐binding factor
Authors: Aoki Takahiro , Shiba Norio , Tsujimoto Shinichi , Yamato Genki , Hara Yusuke , Kato Shota , Yoshida Kenichi , Ogawa Seishi , Hayashi Yasuhide , Iwamoto Shotaro , Taki Tomohiko , Shimada Akira , Iijima‐Yamashita Yuka , Horibe Keizo , Tawa Akio , Taga Takashi , Adachi Souichi , Tomizawa Daisuke
Published: December 2023

CD25 is an aberrant marker expressed on the leukemic stem cell (LSC) surface and an immunotherapy target in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, the clinical prevalence and significance of CD25 expression in pediatric AML are unknown. High IL2RA/CD25 expression in pediatric AML showed a stem cell‐like phenotype, and elevated CD25 expression was associated with lower overall survival (p < .001) and event‐free survival (p < .001) in the Japanese Pediatric Leukemia/Lymphoma Study Group AML‐05 study. This finding was reproduced in AML without a core‐binding factor in the Children's Oncology Group study cohort. High CD25 expression has prognostic significance in pediatric AML.
Identification and extraction of surface defects on composite workpieces based on Multilayer Perceptron‐Moth Flame algorithm two‐stage neural network
Authors: Wang Yang , Zhang Chen , Li Helin , Li Hongyu , Diao Quanwei , Ren Xinyu , Hao Xinquan , Lin Bin , Yan Shuai
Published: December 2023

In the aerospace sector, the identification and extraction of surface defects on composite parts is particularly important as they can have a very serious impact. This paper proposes a new extraction method for surface defects of composite materials, where 3D point clouds on the surface of composite workpieces are directly manipulated to finally extract a point cloud of defects containing both morphological and spatial location information. The specific operation explores the influencing factors in the formation and extraction process of composite surface defects and summarizes them into five categories: material type, fiber direction, curvature algorithm, neighborhood size, and filtering threshold. The Multilayer Perceptron‐Moth Flame algorithm two‐stage network model was constructed, which can reveal the relationship between these five types of influencing factors and the formation and extraction of surface defects in composites in the forward direction with an accuracy of 93.07%. It can also achieve optimal parameter recommendation in the reverse direction.

Highlights

Automatic identification and extraction of defects on the surface of composite workpieces is achieved based on 3D point cloud and curvature calculation.

The forward direction reveals the relationship between the surface defect formation process and the material type and fabric direction.

The reverse direction can automatically select the best curvature algorithm, neighborhood size, and filtering condition parameters.

Build a Multilayer Perceptron‐Moth Flame Algorithm network structure based on multilayer perceptron and moth‐flame algorithm for model training of defect extraction, with an accuracy of 93.07%.
Using stories to explore the lived experience of alcohol consumption in people with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Charlton Jacqui , MacDonald Kath
Published: December 2023

Background: Evidence supports the risks of dangerous episodes of hypoglycaemia, hyperglycaemia, or extreme glucose variability in type 1 diabetes during and after alcohol consumption. Minimal evidence regarding preventative self‐care strategies exists, and people with type 1 diabetes can develop personal tactics to overcome risks. Combining the lived experience of managing alcohol consumption while living with diabetes will enrich new patient and health care professional education.

Methods: Participants were recruited from social media, and attended between one and three online storytelling workshops. Demographic data were collected by questionnaire, and qualitative data were collected by note‐taking during the online sessions and evaluated by thematic analysis.

Results: Nine participants aged 18–36 years (type 1 diabetes = seven [three female], and type 2 diabetes = two [both male]) were recruited. Insulin administration was by multiple daily injection therapy (n=5 including one type 2 diabetes), continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (n=3) without hybrid closed loop, and sulphonylurea plus morning long‐acting analogue insulin (n=1 type 2 diabetes). From the nine participant stories three diabetic ketoacidosis, three hypoglycaemia, and one extreme glucose variability episodes occurred. Four clustered themes were found: living with diabetes, managing alcohol, app development suggestions, and future development suggestions.

Discussion: New insights discovered were: distressing glucose risks including diabetic ketoacidosis episodes, misinterpretation of glucose and intoxication symptoms, trial and error approaches, and non‐disclosure to health care professionals regarding severe glucose situations. Copyright © 2023 John Wiley & Sons.
Conductive and auxetic composite membranes based on graphene nanoplatelets and polybutylene succinate produced via electrospinning
Authors: Bonakdar Mahboubeh Ahmadi , Kazemi Hossein , Rodrigue Denis
Published: December 2023

This work presents a method to produce conductive and auxetic composite membranes from a biobased and biodegradable matrix: polybutylene succinate (PBS). The conductivity was improved by the addition of graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) and the samples were produced via solution electrospinning. The membrane properties were shown to increase with increasing GNP concentration and the rotational speed of the collector. In particular, a membrane having 0.2% w/v GNP and fabricated at the highest collector speed (9.96 m/s) showed the highest electrical conductivity (1.56 × 10−4 S/m) while having a negative Poisson's ratio (NPR) of −1.5 in tension. To complete the analysis, mechanical characterizations showed that the presence of GNP led to a substantial increase in Young's modulus (234%) and tensile strength (190%) compared to the neat PBS membrane produced under the same conditions. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed a slight crystallinity increase since GNP are acting as heterogeneous nucleating agents, while thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed an improved thermal stability for the GNP/PBS membranes. This unique combination of auxetic and conductive properties can be useful for a wide range of innovative applications such as electronic devices, smart textiles, biomaterials, and biomedical devices.

Highlights

Electrospinning was successful to produce polybutylene succinate (PBS) nanofibers.

A careful control of the processing conditions led to auxetic fiber mats.

Electrically conductive mats were produced by adding graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) to PBS.

The PBS mechanical properties were highly improved (200%) with low GNP content (0.2%).
Parents' perceived risks and benefits on avoidance of street food near schools in Indonesia: Moderating role of school type
Authors: Nurhidayati Vieta Annisa , Seo Sunhee
Published: December 2023

This study identified the influence of parents' perceived risks and benefits on children's avoidance of street food near schools in Indonesia. It also assessed how food risk knowledge and trust in food sellers influence risk—benefit perceptions and the moderating effect of school type. An online survey was conducted with 576 parents of elementary schoolchildren in Jakarta and West Java, and structural equation modeling was performed to test the hypotheses. The results showed that parents' avoidance of street food near schools was significantly influenced by parents' health and sanitation risk perception and nutritional benefit perception. Parents' perceived health and sanitation risk and food risk in street food near schools increased as they gained more food risk knowledge. However, trust in food sellers decreased their perception of risks. Multiple group analysis revealed a moderating effect of school type. Some of the influences were observed only in the parents from public school. The findings suggest that government regulations, school‐based nutrition education, and parental support are needed to ensure safe and nutritious street food near schools; thus, schoolchildren can access safe, healthy, and nutritious foods.
Cognitive‐behavioral and mindfulness‐based interventions for distress in patients with advanced cancer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Krueger Ellen , Secinti Ekin , Stewart Jesse C. , Rand Kevin L. , Mosher Catherine E.
Published: December 2023

Objective

Various psychosocial interventions have been developed to reduce distress and improve quality of life (QoL) in patients with advanced cancer, many of which are traditional cognitive‐behavioral interventions (CBIs) or mindfulness‐based interventions (MBIs). The aims of this meta‐analysis were to determine and compare the overall effects of traditional CBIs and MBIs on distress and QoL in this population and to explore potential moderators of intervention efficacy.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Web of Science. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing CBIs or MBIs to controls on distress and QoL outcomes were eligible for inclusion. Random effects meta‐analyses using standardized baseline to post‐intervention mean differences were calculated using Hedges's g. Meta‐regressions were used to compare intervention effects and examine potential moderators.

Results

Across 37 RCTs (21 CBIs, 14 MBIs, 2 combination therapies), there was a small decrease in distress (Hedges's g = 0.21) and a minimal improvement in QoL (Hedges's g = 0.15). Traditional CBIs and MBIs did not differ in effect sizes. Heterogeneity was significant across distress effect sizes but not across QoL effects. Interventions delivered to individuals (vs. dyads/group) had larger effects on QoL. No moderators of intervention effects on distress were found.

Conclusions

Findings suggest traditional CBIs and MBIs produce small reductions in distress compared to controls in patients with advanced cancer, although effects on QoL appear minimal. Given limitations in the number of studies and their quality, rigorous trials are needed to directly compare the impact of traditional CBIs and MBIs in this population.