bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Cerebral White Matter Involvement in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients With Disease Progression and Cognitive Impairment by Fixel‐Based Analysis and Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging
Authors: Xu Rui , Wang Ximing , Zhu Sijia , Jiang Bin , Wan Jiayi , Ma Jiali , Yu Yixing , Yu Liqiang , Fang Qi , Hu Chunhong , Zhu Mo
Published: December 2023

Background

Previous studies using emerging diffusion MRI techniques have revealed damage to the white matter (WM) microstructure in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), particularly the influence of crossed fibers, but there is a lack of subgroup analyses.

Purpose

To detect WM microstructural changes in ALS patients using fixel‐based analysis (FBA) and neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) MRI.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

Thirty‐six ALS patients (aged 60.50 ± 9.5 years) and 25 healthy controls (HCs) (aged 58.90 ± 8.1 years).

Field Strength/Sequence

3 T; NODDI and FBA (b‐values = 0, 1000, and 2500 seconds/mm2).

Assessment

Subgroups were performed according to progression rate and cognition, including fast and slow progression (FP/SP), ALS with and without cognitive impairment (ALS‐ci/ALS‐nci). Fiber density (FD), fiber‐bundle cross‐section (FC), combined fiber density and cross‐section (FDC), neurite density index (NDI), orientation dispersion index (ODI), isotropic volume fraction (ISO), and fractional anisotropy (FA) were calculated and their correlation with clinical variables examined.

Statistical Testing

Chi‐square test, Mann–Whitney U test, two‐sample t test, partial correlation analysis, and false discovery rate (FDR) corrected. A P‐value <0.05 was considered significant.

Results

ALS patients had lower FD and FDC values predominantly in the corticospinal tract (CST) and corpus callosum (CC) regions, as well as lower NDI value in the CC, radial crown, and internal capsule compared to HCs. Subgroup analysis based on progression rate and cognitive function showed significant differences in FBA results. The FC in the right CST region was significantly lower in the FP than SP, and the FD in the CC region was significantly lower in the ALS‐ci than ALS‐nci. Furthermore, a negative correlation was found between the mean FC value and the rate of progression in ALS patients (r = −0.408).

Data Conclusion

FBA is a powerful tool for detecting complex cerebral WM microstructural damage for evaluating ALS cognition and disease progression.
Rapid HIV‐1 genotyping assay for the detection of capsid mutations
Authors: Margot Nicolas , Naik Vidula , Nekkalapudi Anurag , Boopathy Archana , Falkard Brie , Callebaut Christian
Published: December 2023

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) capsid is one of the most recent viral proteins successfully targeted for the development of antiretrovirals. Lenacapavir is a first in class HIV‐1 capsid inhibitor that was recently approved for the treatment of highly treatment‐experienced people with HIV in combination with other anti‐HIV drugs. Owing to the novelty of the viral target, methods to characterize the potential resistance‐associated mutations present in capsid upon treatment failure have not been fully established yet. Here, we describe a rapid and simple method to amplify capsid fragments and to determine their sequence from various clinical samples including diverse HIV‐1 subtypes. These methods could easily be implemented in laboratories, including hospital laboratories often caring for this patient population.
Selective striatal fast‐spiking interneuron inhibition induces cortical seizure
Authors: Aupy Jérôme , Ribot Bastien , Guehl Dominique , Nguyen Tho‐Haï , Burbaud Pierre
Published: December 2023

Whether striatal fast‐spiking interneurons are involved in cortical synchronization remains elusive. We performed acute microinjections of a selective FSI–AMPA receptor antagonist into the sensorimotor striatum of non‐human primates to verify whether selective FSI inhibition within the sensorimotor striatum could potentially modify cortical excitability, thereby triggering focal seizures. Experiments were performed on three fascicularis monkeys. During each experimental session, low volumes of IEM‐1460 (4–8 μL) were injected slowly at 1 μL/min. Spontaneous behavioral changes were classified according to the Racine scale modified for primates. These induced motor behaviors were correlated with electroencephalographic (EEG and EMG) measures. Power spectrum and time–frequency analysis were performed and compared between each period of interest. Pharmacological selective inhibition of striatal fast‐spiking INs induced focal motor seizures. Back averaging confirmed that myoclonic activity was closely linked to cortical spikes‐and‐waves epileptic activity, with a significant increase in cortical EEG power in all studied frequency bands (p < .0001). Thus, striatal FSIs likely play a role in controlling cortical excitability through the cortico–striato–thalamo–cortical pathway. They may contribute to the pathophysiology of focal motor epilepsies by modulating the threshold at which focal motor seizures are triggered.
Spinal cord injury: Olfactory ensheathing cell‐based therapeutic strategies
Authors: Chen Xinli , Liu Yibin , Stavrinou Pantelis , Stavrinou Lampis , Hu Weipeng , Goldbrunner Roland , Zheng Feng , He Hefan
Published: December 2023

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a highly disabling neurological disorder that is difficult to treat due to its complex pathophysiology and nerve regeneration difficulties. Hence, effective SCI treatments are necessary. Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs), glial cells derived from the olfactory bulb or mucosa, are ideal candidates for SCI treatment because of their neuroprotective and regenerative properties, ample supply, and convenience. In vitro, animal model, and human trial studies have reported discoveries on OEC transplantation; however, shortcomings have also been demonstrated. Recent studies have optimized various OEC transplantation strategies, including drug integration, biomaterials, and gene editing. This review aims to introduce OECs mechanisms in repairing SCI, summarize the research progress of OEC transplantation‐optimized strategies, and provide novel research ideas for SCI treatment.
Association between two different lipid injectable emulsions and parenteral nutrition–associated cholestasis in very low birth weight infants: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Li Xing , Chen Ling , Lv Hai‐Feng , Zhao Rui , Ying Miao‐Fa , Wei Li , Zhang Ye , Jiang Zhou
Published: December 2023

Background

Using soybean oil–based lipid emulsions (Intralipid), which contain higher amounts of ω‐6 fatty acids and phytosterols in parenteral nutrition, is a risk factor for cholestasis (parenteral nutrition–associated cholestasis [PNAC]). An alternative form of a mixed lipid emulsion (SMOFlipid) has been developed to reduce the risk of PNAC, but significant benefits over Intralipid in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants have yet to be demonstrated. The aim of this study was to compare the differences in PNAC incidence in VLBW infants receiving SMOFlipid vs Intralipid.

Methods

The study was conducted in Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital of the Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China, from January 2016 to March 2022. In total, 235 VLBW infants were administered SMOFlipid or Intralipid for ≥21 days and were included in the study. The primary outcome was the incidence of PNAC. Secondary outcomes included bronchopulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy of prematurity, necrotizing enterocolitis, late‐onset sepsis, length of stay, weight 28 days after birth, severity of PNAC, and the time to reversal of PNAC.

Results

Forty‐four VLBW infants (35.5%) in the SMOFlipid group vs 41 (36.9%) in the Intralipid group achieved PNAC (P = 0.817). The subgroup analysis showed that the peak direct bilirubin level was lower (median [interquartile range] 55.6 [36.4] vs 118.4 [77.2] μmol/L; P < 0.001), and the time to reversal of PNAC was shorter (44 [49] vs 96 [61]; P < 0.001) in the SMOFlipid group than in the Intralipid group.

Conclusion

SMOFlipid may represent a better alternative for VLBW infants who require prolonged parenteral nutrition.
Glaciers, snow, and rain: Water source influences invertebrate community structure and secondary production across a hydrologically diverse subarctic landscape
Authors: Dunkle Matthew R. , Bellmore J. Ryan , Fellman Jason B. , Caudill Christopher C.
Published: December 2023

The melting cryosphere adds heterogeneity to the abiotic and biotic characteristics of many high latitude and montane rivers. However, climate change threatens the cryosphere's persistence in many regions. While existing research has explored the impacts of cryospheric loss on the diversity and structure of freshwater communities, implications for functional traits of communities, such as production of aquatic invertebrates, remain unresolved. Here, we quantified aquatic invertebrate community structure and secondary production in southeast Alaska (USA) streams that represent a meltwater to non‐meltwater gradient, including streams fed primarily by: (1) glacier‐melt, (2) snowmelt, (3) rainfall, and (4) a combination of these sources. We found alpha diversity was highest in the snow‐fed stream and lowest in the glacier‐fed stream. Annual secondary production was also lowest in the glacier‐fed stream (0.56 g ash‐free dry mass m−2), but 2–5 times higher in the other stream types primarily due to greater production of shared taxa that were found in all streams. However, despite low invertebrate diversity and productivity, the glacier‐fed stream hosted distinct species assemblages associated with unique cycles of stream flow, water temperature, turbidity, and nutrient concentrations, which contributed to higher beta diversity between streams. Our findings suggest that the loss of glacier‐melt contributions to rivers may result in increased freshwater invertebrate production but reduced beta diversity, which could have implications for community stability and the capacity of landscapes to support higher‐level consumers, including fishes.
From easy to known: How fluent brand processing fosters self‐brand connection
Authors: DelVecchio Devon , Jones William J. , Baugh Lee
Published: December 2023

In most marketplaces, brands face fierce competition. Those that are adopted into consumers' self‐concepts in the form of a strong self‐brand connection reap myriad benefits including more positive evaluations, increased purchase intentions, and greater customer loyalty. This research tests the premise that the processing fluency of two prominent branding elements, brand name and logo, may promote self‐brand connection. A series of three studies indicates that processing fluency, prompted either through repeated exposure to a logo (Study 1) or more easily processed brand names (Studies 2 and 3), is associated with a stronger self‐brand connection. Evidence across the studies supports that the sense of brand familiarity stemming from fluent assessment promotes narrative processes in which the brand is connected to aspects of one's life and that such narrative processing, in turn, leads to the formation of stronger self‐brand connections. Further, such evidence is provided via direct measures of self‐brand connections, investigation of consumers brand narratives, and hemostatic brain response as measured via functional magnetic resonance imaging.
Case‐Fatality Rate in Parkinson's Disease: A Nationwide Registry Study
Authors: Sipilä Jussi O.T. , Kaasinen Valtteri , Rautava Päivi , Kytö Ville
Published: December 2023

Background

Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) may have an increased risk of mortality, but robust estimates are lacking.

Objective

To compare mortality rates nationally between patients with PD and controls.

Methods

The case‐fatality rates of Finnish PD patients diagnosed in 2004–2018 (n = 23,688; 57% male, mean age at diagnosis = 71 years) and randomly selected sex‐ and age‐matched control subjects (n = 94,752) were compared using data from national registries. The median follow‐up duration was 5.8 years (max 17 years).

Results

The case‐fatality rate in patients with PD was higher than that in matched controls (HR 2.29; 95% CI 2.24–2.33; P < 0.0001). Excess fatality among PD patients was already present at 1 year from diagnosis and then plateaued at 29% at 12 years after diagnosis. The long‐term relative hazard of death in PD patients vs. matched controls did not differ based on sex. Patients with early‐onset PD (age at diagnosis <50 years old) had the highest relative hazard of death (HR 3.36) compared to matched control subjects, and the relative hazard decreased with higher age at diagnosis. The seven‐year excess risk of death decreased during the study period, especially in men. In patients with PD, male sex, increasing age, and increasing comorbidity burden were associated with an increased risk of death.

Conclusions

An increased risk of death among PD patients was evident from early on. The increase in risk was greatest among young‐onset patients. The excess risk in early PD declined during the study period, particularly in men. The reasons for this are unknown.
Arm Swing while Walking and Running: A New Clinical Feature to Separate Parkinson's Disease from Functional Parkinsonism
Authors: Fearon Conor , Bhowmick Suvorit S. , Tosserams Anouk , Di Luca Daniel G. , Liao Jane , Nonnekes Jorik , Bloem Bastiaan R. , Lang Anthony E.
Published: December 2023

Background

Functional parkinsonism is an important differential diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Based on anecdotal experience, we hypothesized that arm swing while walking and running could differentiate these two conditions, but this assumption has not been previously explored systematically.

Objectives

To examine differences in arm swing while walking and running between patients with PD and functional parkinsonism.

Methods

We analyzed blinded video assessments of arm swing and other gait parameters in patients with asymmetrical PD (n = 81) and functional parkinsonism (n = 8) while walking and running. The groups were matched for age, sex and disease duration.

Results

In contrast to those with PD, patients with functional parkinsonism (i) were more likely to have a marked asymmetry in arm swing while walking (5/8 vs. 25/81; P = 0.06), (ii) were less likely to improve arm swing while running with full effort (3/8 vs. 72/81; P < 0.001) and (iii) demonstrated normal passive arm swing even when asymmetry of arm swing was marked during running/walking (6/6 vs. 9/33; P = 0.002).

Conclusions

Assessment of arm swing while walking and running and passive arm swing could be important differentiating clinical features between functional parkinsonism and PD.
Microbial Phenolic Metabolites Are Associated with Improved Cognitive Health
Authors: Domínguez‐López Inés , Galkina Polina , Parilli‐Moser Isabella , Arancibia‐Riveros Camila , Martínez‐González Miguel Ángel , Salas‐Salvadó Jordi , Corella Dolores , Malcampo Mireia , Martínez J. Alfredo , Tojal‐Sierra Lucas , Wärnberg Julia , Vioque Jesús , Romaguera Dora , López‐Miranda José , Estruch Ramon , Tinahones Francisco J. , Santos‐Lozano José Manuel , Serra‐Majem Lluís , Bueno‐Cavanillas Aurora , Tur Josep A. , Rubín‐García María , Pintó Xavier , Fernández‐Aranda Fernando , Delgado‐Rodríguez Miguel , Barabash‐Bustelo Ana , Vidal Josep , Vázquez Clotilde , Daimiel Lidia , Ros Emilio , Toledo Estefania , Atzeni Alessandro , Asensio Eva M. , Vera Natàlia , Garcia‐Rios Antonio , Torres‐Collado Laura , Pérez‐Farinós Napoleón , Zulet Marian , Chaplin Alice , Casas Rosa , Martín‐Peláez Sandra , Vaquero‐Luna Jessica , Gómez‐Pérez Ana Maria , Vázquez‐Ruiz Zenaida , Shyam Sangeetha , Ortega‐Azorín Carolina , Talens Natàlia , Peña‐Orihuela Patricia J. , Oncina‐Canovas Alejandro , Diez‐Espino Javier , Babio Nancy , Fitó Montserrat , Lamuela‐Raventós Rosa M.
Published: December 2023

Scope

Diets rich in polyphenols has been associated with better cognitive performance. The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between microbial phenolic metabolites (MPM) in urine and cognition in the context of an older population at high cardiovascular risk.

Methods and results

A cross‐sectional analysis is conducted in 400 individuals of the PREDIMED‐Plus study. Liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry is used to identify urinary MPM. Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) adherence is estimated with a 17‐item questionnaire and cognitive function is evaluated with a battery of neuropsychological tests. Multivariable‐adjusted linear regression models are fitted to assess the relationship of urinary MPM with the MedDiet and cognitive tests. Protocatechuic acid and enterolactone glucuronide are associated with higher adherence to the MedDiet. Regarding cognitive function, protocatechuic acid, vanillic acid glucuronide, 3‐hydroxybenzoic acid, enterodiol glucuronide, and enterolactone glucuronide are directly associated with a global composite score of all the cognitive tests. Furthermore, protocatechuic acid and enterolactone glucuronide are associated with higher scores in the Mini‐Mental State Examination, whereas enterodiol glucuronide is associated with improved Clock Drawing Test scores.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the MedDiet is linked to MPM associated with better cognitive performance in an older population.
Systematic evaluation of human soft tissue attenuation correction in whole‐body PET/MR: Implications from PET/CT for optimization of MR‐based AC in patients with normal lung tissue
Authors: Lindemann Maike E. , Gratz Marcel , Grafe Hong , Jannusch Kai , Umutlu Lale , Quick Harald H.
Published: December 2023

Background

Attenuation correction (AC) is an important methodical step in positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) to correct for attenuated and scattered PET photons.

Purpose

The overall quality of magnetic resonance (MR)‐based AC in whole‐body PET/MRI was evaluated in direct comparison to computed tomography (CT)‐based AC serving as reference. The quantitative impact of isolated tissue classes in the MR‐AC was systematically investigated to identify potential optimization needs and strategies.

Methods

Data of n = 60 whole‐body PET/CT patients with normal lung tissue and without metal implants/prostheses were used to generate six different AC‐models based on the CT data for each patient, simulating variations of MR‐AC. The original continuous CT‐AC (CT‐org) is referred to as reference. A pseudo MR‐AC (CT‐mrac), generated from CT data, with four tissue classes and a bone atlas represents the MR‐AC. Relative difference in linear attenuation coefficients (LAC) and standardized uptake values were calculated. From the results two improvements regarding soft tissue AC and lung AC were proposed and evaluated.

Results

The overall performance of MR‐AC is in good agreement compared to CT‐AC. Lungs, heart, and bone tissue were identified as the regions with most deviation to the CT‐AC (myocardium −15%, bone tissue −14%, and lungs ±20%). Using single‐valued LACs for AC in the lung only provides limited accuracy. For improved soft tissue AC, splitting the combined soft tissue class into muscles and organs each with adapted LAC could reduce the deviations to the CT‐AC to < ±1%. For improved lung AC, applying a gradient LAC in the lungs could remarkably reduce over‐ or undercorrections in PET signal compared to CT‐AC (±5%).

Conclusions

The AC is important to ensure best PET image quality and accurate PET quantification for diagnostics and radiotherapy planning. The optimized segment‐based AC proposed in this study, which was evaluated on PET/CT data, inherently reduces quantification bias in normal lung tissue and soft tissue compared to the CT‐AC reference.
Deep‐Interior: A new pathway to interior tomographic image reconstruction via a weighted backprojection and deep learning
Authors: Zhang Chengzhu , Chen Guang‐Hong
Published: December 2023

Background

In recent years, deep learning strategies have been combined with either the filtered backprojection or iterative methods or the direct projection‐to‐image by deep learning only to reconstruct images. Some of these methods can be applied to address the interior reconstruction problems for centered regions of interest (ROIs) with fixed sizes. Developing a method to enable interior tomography with arbitrarily located ROIs with nearly arbitrary ROI sizes inside a scanning field of view (FOV) remains an open question.

Purpose

To develop a new pathway to enable interior tomographic reconstruction for arbitrarily located ROIs with arbitrary sizes using a single trained deep neural network model.

Methods

The method consists of two steps. First, an analytical weighted backprojection reconstruction algorithm was developed to perform domain transform from divergent fan‐beam projection data to an intermediate image feature space, , for an arbitrary size ROI at an arbitrary location inside the FOV. Second, a supervised learning technique was developed to train a deep neural network architecture to perform deconvolution to obtain the true image from the new feature space . This two‐step method is referred to as Deep‐Interior for convenience. Both numerical simulations and experimental studies were performed to validate the proposed Deep‐Interior method.

Results

The results showed that ROIs as small as a diameter of 5 cm could be accurately reconstructed (similarity index 0.985 ± 0.018 on internal testing data and 0.940 ± 0.025 on external testing data) at arbitrary locations within an imaging object covering a wide variety of anatomical structures of different body parts. Besides, ROIs of arbitrary size can be reconstructed by stitching small ROIs without additional training.

Conclusion

The developed Deep‐Interior framework can enable interior tomographic reconstruction from divergent fan‐beam projections for short‐scan and super‐short‐scan acquisitions for small ROIs (with a diameter larger than 5 cm) at an arbitrary location inside the scanning FOV with high quantitative reconstruction accuracy.
Cascaded‐TOARNet: A cascaded framework based on mixed attention and multiscale information for thoracic OARs segmentation
Authors: Du Wu , Guo Huimin , Chen Boyang , Cui Ming , Zhang Teng , Sun Deyu , Ma He
Published: December 2023

Background

Accurate and automated segmentation of thoracic organs‐at‐risk (OARs) is critical for radiotherapy treatment planning of thoracic cancers. However, this has remained a challenging task for four major reasons: (1) thoracic OARs have diverse morphologies; (2) thoracic OARs have low contrast with the background; (3) boundaries of thoracic OARs are blurry; (4) class imbalance issue caused by small organs.

Purpose

To overcome the above challenges and achieve accurate and automated segmentation of thoracic OARs on thoracic CT.

Methods

A novel cascaded framework based on mixed attention and multiscale information for thoracic OARs segmentation, called Cascaded‐TOARNet. This cascaded framework comprises two stages: localization and segmentation. During the localization stage, TOARNet locates each organ to crop the regions of interest (ROIs). During the segmentation stage, TOARNet accurately segments the ROIs, and the segmentation results are merged into a complete result.

Results

We evaluated our proposed method and other common segmentation methods on two public datasets: the AAPM Thoracic Auto‐Segmentation Challenge dataset and the Segmentation of Thoracic Organs at Risk (SegTHOR) dataset. Our method demonstrated superior performance, achieving a mean Dice score of 92.6% on the SegTHOR dataset and 90.8% on the AAPM dataset.

Conclusions

This segmentation method holds great promise as an essential tool for enhancing the efficiency of thoracic radiotherapy planning.
Generalizable synthetic MRI with physics‐informed convolutional networks
Authors: Jacobs Luuk , Mandija Stefano , Liu Hongyan , van den Berg Cornelis A. T. , Sbrizzi Alessandro , Maspero Matteo
Published: December 2023

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides state‐of‐the‐art image quality for neuroimaging, consisting of multiple separately acquired contrasts. Synthetic MRI aims to accelerate examinations by synthesizing any desirable contrast from a single acquisition.

Purpose

We developed a physics‐informed deep learning‐based method to synthesize multiple brain MRI contrasts from a single 5‐min acquisition and investigate its ability to generalize to arbitrary contrasts.

Methods

A dataset of 55 subjects acquired with a clinical MRI protocol and a 5‐min transient‐state sequence was used. The model, based on a generative adversarial network, maps data acquired from the five‐minute scan to “effective” quantitative parameter maps (q*‐maps), feeding the generated PD,T1, andT2maps into a signal model to synthesize four clinical contrasts (proton density‐weighted,T1‐weighted,T2‐weighted, andT2‐weighted fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery), from which losses are computed. The synthetic contrasts are compared to an end‐to‐end deep learning‐based method proposed by literature. The generalizability of the proposed method is investigated for five volunteers by synthesizing three contrasts unseen during training and comparing these to ground truth acquisitions via qualitative assessment and contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) assessment.

Results

The physics‐informed method matched the quality of the end‐to‐end method for the four standard contrasts, with structural similarity metrics above (std), peak signal‐to‐noise ratios above , representing a portion of compact lesions comparable to standard MRI. Additionally, the physics‐informed method enabled contrast adjustment, and similar signal contrast and comparable CNRs to the ground truth acquisitions for three sequences unseen during model training.

Conclusions

The study demonstrated the feasibility of physics‐informed, deep learning‐based synthetic MRI to generate high‐quality contrasts and generalize to contrasts beyond the training data. This technology has the potential to accelerate neuroimaging protocols.
Encapsulated bio‐carbon soot film for measuring nano‐size beam diameter of low power lasers
Authors: Singh Nagendra , Krishnan Sriram , Biswas Samir Kumar
Published: December 2023

Nano‐scale laser beam size and its shape information are essential parameters in most optics‐based precision measurements and nano‐scale material processing. It is also quite challenging to measure nano‐size optical beams accurately for both open experiments and at compact workplace of microscope due to various instrumental factors. Outside of the visible spectrum, usually wavelength‐sensitive fluorescence markers and composite materials are used to read the laser beam profile. In this article, a cost‐effective carbon nano‐particles (CNPs) film has been developed from candle soot. Furthermore, the developed bio‐carbon soot film is encapsulated with optically transparent composite polymer on aqueous media to measure sub‐micron size spot of a low‐power laser. Field emission scanning electron microscopy, optical spectrum analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV‐visible spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis techniques have been performed to characterize the developed CNPs film and optimized its functionality. The fabricated film has been used to measure sub‐micron laser beam size. Due to the wide absorption spectrum of the developed bio‐CNPs film, the sensitivity region for measurement lies within both visible and beyond the visible spectrum.
Association Between Hearing Loss and Cardiovascular Disease: A Meta‐analysis
Authors: Tan Claire Jing‐Wen , Koh Jia Wen Tricia , Tan Benjamin Kye Jyn , Woon Chang Yi , Teo Yao Hao , Ng Li Shia , Loh Woei Shyang
Published: December 2023

Objective

Hearing loss (HL) has been postulated to be linked to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) via vascular mechanisms, but epidemiological associations remain unclear. The study aims to clarify the association between HL and stroke, coronary artery disease (CAD), and any CVD.

Data Sources

PubMed, Embase, and SCOPUS from inception until April 27, 2022.

Review Methods

Three blinded reviewers selected observational studies reporting stroke, CAD, and any CVD in patients with HL, compared to individuals without HL. We extracted data, evaluated study bias using the Newcastle‐Ottawa scale, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses guidelines and a PROSPERO‐registered protocol (CRD42022348648). We used random‐effects inverse variance meta‐analyses to pool the odds ratios (ORs) for the association of HL with stroke, CAD, and any CVD.

Results

We included 4 cohort studies (N = 940,771) and 6 cross‐sectional studies (N = 680,349). Stroke, CAD, and any CVD were all strongly associated with HL. The overall pooled OR of the association between HL and stroke was 1.26 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.16‐1.37, I2 = 78%), and was 1.33 (95% CI = 1.12‐1.58) and 1.29 (95% CI = 1.14‐1.45) for low‐ and high‐frequency HL, respectively. Minimal publication bias was observed, with minimal change to pooled effect size following trim and fill. Similarly, the pooled OR of the association between HL and CAD was 1.36 (95% CI = 1.13‐1.64, I2 = 96%), while that between HL and any CVD was 1.38 (95% CI = 1.07‐1.77, I2 = 99%).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that HL and CVD are closely related. Physicians treating patients with HL should be cognizant of this association and view HL in the broader context of general health and aging.
A Waterborne Disease Outbreak Prompted Widespread Industry Changes
Authors: Pizzi Nick
Published: December 2023

Operators who learn to recognize and take advantage of opportunities can develop into future leaders. AWWA provides many opportunities for personal growth to members through programs such as the Partnership for Safe Water (www.awwa.org/partnership).
Operators Need to Know the History of US Water Quality Regulation and Analysis: Part 1
Authors: Parr Jerry , Lipps William , Adams Hunter , Ferri Alyssa , Ash Steve , Southard Mark
Published: December 2023

Understanding how current regulatory requirements came to be can help operators see how required water quality analyses play their part in protecting public health and the environment.
What Is Your Water System Trying to Tell You?
Authors: Cantor Abigail F.
Published: December 2023

Industrial quality control techniques can help operators interpret their water system and water quality data to be alerted to changing conditions and adjust system operations accordingly.
Hole quality evaluation for abrasive water jet drilling of GF/Al mesh reinforced epoxy hybrid composites
Authors: Seif Amr , Fathy A. , Megahed A. A.
Published: December 2023

In this study, neat glass (NG) fiber and hybrid GF/Al‐wire mesh composites with two different aluminum configurations (AG: with Al in the outer surface, and GA [Glass fiber/Al‐mesh]: with Al in the core) were fabricated using hand‐layup technique and then drilled via an abrasive water jet (AWJ) machine. The impact of the drilling parameters on the hole qualities; delamination , kerf angle (), and circularity error () of the holes were studied. Using Taguchi L9 orthogonal array, drilling operations were conducted. The following AWJ drilling parameters were chosen; water pressure (P), stand‐off distance (S), and traverse speed (V) with three levels each. A single‐objective optimization using Taguchi method was performed to minimize the drilling responses for the least outcome. In addition, gray relational analysis (GRA) was used as a multi‐decision technique. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried out to identify the impacts of AWJ drilling parameters. The results indicated that for AG specimen, was reduced by 5.3%–10.96% and its by 10.4%–29.65%. GA had the lowest kerf angle. The most effective parameters on delamination for NG, AG, and GA were P, followed by S and V. Validation tests showed small variations between experimental and predicted values.

Highlights

A new GF/Al Wire Mesh Reinforced Epoxy Hybrid Composites were manufactured.

AWJ drilling of the manufactured Composites was conducted.

Hole quality was improved by adding Al to the outer layers (AG specimen).

AWJ parameters were Controlled and optimized to reduce , , and .

Process optimization was performed by single and multi‐objective optimization.
Diagnosis of inborn errors of metabolism through prenatal exome sequencing with targeted analysis for fetal structural anomalies
Authors: Allen Stephanie K. , Chandler Natalie J. , Kinning Esther , Harrison Victoria , Brothwell Shona L. C. , Vijay Suresh , Castleman James , Cilliers Deirdre
Published: December 2023

Objectives

The value of prenatal exome sequencing (pES) for fetuses with structural anomalies is widely reported. In England, testing is conducted through trio exome sequencing and analysis of a gene panel. Over a 30‐month period testing of 921 pregnancies resulted in a genetic diagnosis in 32.8% of cases (302/921). Here we review cases diagnosed with an inborn error of metabolism.

Methods

Diagnoses of inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) were classified according to the ICIMD classification system. Genetic diagnoses were assessed against Human Phenotype Ontology terms, gestation of scan findings and literature evidence.

Results

35/302 diagnoses (11.6%) represented IEM. Almost half affected metabolism of complex macromolecules and organelles (n = 16), including congenital disorders of glycosylation (n = 8), peroxisome biogenesis disorders (n = 4), and lysosomal storage disorders (n = 4). There were eight disorders of lipid metabolism and transport, the majority being genes in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway, eight disorders of intermediary metabolism, of which seven were defects in “energy” processes, and two diagnoses of alkaline phosphatase deficiency.

Conclusions

Review of pES diagnoses and ultrasound scan findings is key to understanding genotype‐phenotype correlations. IEM are genetically heterogeneous and may present with variable scan findings, which makes an individual diagnosis difficult to suspect. Diagnosis during pregnancy is particularly important for many IEM with respect to prognosis and early neonatal management.
A novel SMOC1 pathogenic homozygous variant in a fetus with mesomelia of the lower limbs, micrognathia and hypertelorism and an incidental finding of CYP21A2‐related congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Authors: Willison Clare , Ramachandran Vijaya , Chandler Natalie Jane , Hillman Sara , Ashraf Tazeen
Published: December 2023

Trio exome sequencing was performed on a fetus with bilateral mesomelia of the lower limbs with significant angulation of the tibial bones, micrognathia and hypertelorism detected on ultrasound scan at 19 + 0 weeks gestation. The couple is consanguineous. A homozygous pathogenic frameshift variant in the SMOC1 gene (c.339_340del p.(Phe114Cysfs*40)) was detected and both parents were shown to be heterozygous. Pathogenic variants in the SMOC1 gene are associated with microphthalmia with limb anomalies which multidisciplinary team discussion determined to be causal of the scan anomalies detected. The fetus was also a compound heterozygote for CYP21A2 pathogenic variants, confirming a second diagnosis of non‐classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia, which was felt incidental to the scan findings. The risk that this couple's next pregnancy would be affected by either of these disorders is 1 in 4 (25%) and demonstrates the importance of genetic diagnoses for the family and implications for future pregnancies.
Establishment from seed is more important for exotic than for native plant species
Authors: Wilsey Brian , Kaul Andrew , Polley H. Wayne
Published: December 2023

Climate change has initiated movement of both native and non‐native (exotic) species across the landscape. Exotic species are hypothesized to establish from seed more readily than comparable native species. We tested the hypothesis that seed limitation is more important for exotic species than native grassland species. We compared seed limitation and invasion resistance over three growing seasons between 18 native and 18 exotic species, grown in both monocultures and mixtures in a field experiment. Half of the plots received a seed mix of the contrasting treatment (i.e., exotic species were seeded into native plots, and native species were seeded into exotic plots), and half served as controls. We found that (1) establishment in this perennial grassland is seed limited, (2) establishment from seed is greater in exotic than native species, and (3) community resistance to seedling establishment was positively related to diversity of extant species, but only in native communities. Native‐exotic species diversity and composition differences did not converge over time. Our results imply that native to exotic transformations occur when diversity declines in native vegetation and exotic seeds arrive from adjacent sites, suggesting that managing for high diversity will reduce transformations to exotic dominance.
Human islet amyloid polypeptide‐induced β‐cell cytotoxicity is linked to formation of α‐sheet structure
Authors: Hsu Cheng‐Chieh , Templin Andrew T. , Prosswimmer Tatum , Shea Dylan , Li Jinzheng , Brooks‐Worrell Barbara , Kahn Steven E. , Daggett Valerie
Published: December 2023

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) results from insulin secretory dysfunction arising in part from the loss of pancreatic islet β‐cells. Several factors contribute to β‐cell loss, including islet amyloid formation, which is observed in over 90% of individuals with T2D. The amyloid is comprised of human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP). Here we provide evidence that early in aggregation, hIAPP forms toxic oligomers prior to formation of amyloid fibrils. The toxic oligomers contain α‐sheet secondary structure, a nonstandard secondary structure associated with toxic oligomers in other amyloid diseases. De novo, synthetic α‐sheet compounds designed to be nontoxic and complementary to the α‐sheet structure in the toxic oligomers inhibit hIAPP aggregation and neutralize oligomer‐mediated cytotoxicity in cell‐based assays. In vivo administration of an α‐sheet design to mice for 4 weeks revealed no evidence of toxicity nor did it elicit an immune response. Furthermore, the α‐sheet designs reduced endogenous islet amyloid formation and mitigation of amyloid‐associated β‐cell loss in cultured islets isolated from an hIAPP transgenic mouse model of islet amyloidosis. Characterization of the involvement of α‐sheet in early aggregation of hIAPP and oligomer toxicity contributes to elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying amyloid‐associated β‐cell loss.
Cationic Disorder and Surface Effects on the Magnetic Properties of Co3O4$\left(\text{Co}\right)_{3} \left(\text{O}\right)_{4}$ Nanoparticles Synthesized by Co‐Precipitation with Addition of Sucrose
Authors: de Oliveira Marluce Pereira , da Silva Lima Rodrigo José , Mercena Samuel G. , Silva Leonardo de Sousa , Mendonça Edielma Costa , de Jesus Camilo Bruno Ramos , de Meneses Cristiano Teles , Duque José Gerivaldo dos Santos
Published: December 2023

Herein, the effect of adding sucrose chelating agent on the structural and magnetic properties of single‐phase Co3O4 nanoparticles is examined. The samples are obtained using coprecipitation with varying concentrations of sucrose. The X‐ray diffraction data and the scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images indicate that the average particle size, their shape, and size distribution depend on the sucrose concentration. The smallest size obtained is around 6 nm for the sample grown with 0.32 mol L−1 of sucrose. Magnetic measurements as a function of magnetic field and temperature indicate that the samples exhibit superparamagnetic behavior below 10 K, and the peak in susceptibility decreases with increasing sucrose concentration, reaching a minimum value of 4.5 K for the sample grown with 0.32 mol L−1 of sucrose. After subtracting the high‐field linear contribution, likely attributed to superparamagnetism, saturation in the M vs. H curves measured at T = 2 K is observed. The saturation is approximately 1.2 emu g−1 for all samples. Since bulk Co3O4 is expected to be antiferromagnetic at T = 40 K, this value of magnetization may be linked to the degree of cationic disorder in the occupation of and ions between A and B sites.
The effect of phosphorus content on wheat root‐associated prokaryotic community depends on growth stage and variety
Authors: Feng Zhihan , Liu Chi , Li Xin , Xiao Min , Wang Yiqun , Li Lu , Jiang Yanqiong , Yao Minjie , Li Xiangzhen
Published: December 2023

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) root‐associated microbes play an indispensable role in helping plants obtain phosphorus (P) from soil. However, the relationships among soil P content, wheat root‐associated microorganisms, and plants are still not fully understood. Therefore, revealing the effects of soil P content on the root‐associated microbes in different crop varieties at different growth stages is important for plant nutrient management. In this study, the variations of prokaryotic communities were investigated in the endosphere and rhizosphere of three wheat varieties growing in soils with different P content and at different growth stages. The key findings indicated that compartment niche and growth stage were the primary factors to shape wheat root‐associated prokaryotic community assembly under different soil P contents. Soil P content mainly affected the prokaryotic community in rhizosphere rather than in endosphere. The effects of soil P content on root‐associated prokaryotic communities in different wheat varieties were different and varied with the growth stage. Under low P treatment, there was greater variation in prokaryotic communities among varieties. In addition, compared with that in P‐deficient soil, wheat rhizosphere enriched more taxa and functions related to plant growth in the P‐sufficient soil. P‐efficient variety (ZGC) enriched more genera that were positively related to plant growth in P‐sufficient soil. This study comprehensively revealed the influences of soil P content on wheat root‐associated prokaryotic communities, and the relationships among soil P content, wheat root‐associated prokaryotic community, and plant.
Weak Ion‐Exchange Based Magnetic Swarm for Targeted Drug Delivery and Chemotherapy
Authors: Feng Kai , Shen Wenqi , Chen Ling , Gong Jiang , Palberg Thomas , Qu Jinping , Niu Ran
Published: December 2023

Swimming microrobots that are actuated by multiple stimuli/fields display various intriguing collective behaviors, ranging from phase separation to clustering and giant number fluctuation; however, it is still chanllenging to achieve multiple responses and functionalities within one colloidal system to emulate high environmental adaptability and improved tasking capability of natural swarms. In this work, a weak ion‐exchange based swarm is presented that can self‐organize and reconfigure by chemical, light, and magnetic fields, showing living crystal, amorphous glass, liquid, chain, and wheel‐like structures. By changing the frequency and strength of the rotating magnetic field, various well‐controlled and fast transformations are obtained. Experiments show the high adaptability and functionality of the microrobot swarm in delivering drugs in confined spaces, such as narrow channels with turns or obstacles. The drug‐carrying swarm exhibits excellent chemtherapy for Hela and CT26 cells due to the pH‐enhanced drug release and locomotion. This reconfigurable microswarm provides a new platform for biomedical and environmental applications.
Niobium Oxide Anode with Lattice Structure Self‐Optimization for High‐Power and Nearly Zero‐Degeneration Battery Operation
Authors: Zhao Lijiang , Liu Xinghua , Li Hao , Zhang Xiaofang , Li Jinsong , Quan Wei , Wang Shitong , Tang Zilong , Diao Xungang , Wang Rongming , Zhang Junying
Published: December 2023

Li+ insertion‐induced structure transformation in crystalline electrodes vitally influence the energy density and cycle life of secondary lithium‐ion battery. However, the influence mechanism of structure transformation‐induced Li+ migration on the electrochemical performance of micro‐crystal materials is still unclear and the strategy to profit from such structure transformation remains exploited. Here, an interesting self‐optimization of structure evolution during electrochemical cycling in Nb2O5 micro‐crystal with rich domain boundaries is demonstrated, which greatly improves the charge transfer property and mechanical strength. The lattice rearrangement activates the Li+ diffusion kinetics and hinders the particle crack, thus enabling a nearly zero‐degeneration operation after 8000 cycles. Full cell paired with lithium cobalt oxides displays an exceptionally high capacity of 176 mA h g−1 at 8000 mA g−1 and excellent long‐term durability at 6000 mA g−1 with 63% capacity retention over 2000 cycles. Interestingly, a unique fingerprint based on the intensity ratio of two X‐ray diffraction peaks is successfully extracted as a measure of Nb2O5 electrochemical performance. The structure self‐optimization for fast charge transfer and high mechanical strength exemplifies a new battery electrode design concept and opens up a vast space of strategy to develop high‐performance lithium‐ion batteries with high energy density and ultra‐long cycle life.
Flexible Li–CO2 Batteries with Boosted Reaction Kinetics and Cyclelife Enabled by Heterostructured Mo3N2@TiN Cathode and Interface‐protected Li Anode
Authors: Qi Guicai , Zhang Junxiang , Cheng Jianli , Chen Lai , Su Yuefeng , Wang Bin
Published: December 2023

With theoretically endowing with high energy densities and environmentally friendly carbon neutralization ability, flexible fiber‐shaped Li–CO2 battery emerges as a multipurpose platform for next‐generation wearable electronics. Nevertheless, the ineluctable issues faced by cathode catalysts and Li anodes have brought enormous obstacles to the development of flexible fiber‐shaped Li–CO2 batteries. Herein, a flexible fiber‐shaped Li–CO2 battery based on Mo3N2 cathode coating with atomic layer deposited TiN and Li3N protected Li anode is constructed. Owing to the regulation surface electrons of Mo3N2 by TiN, heterostructured cathode has more delocalized electrons which enable cathodes to stabilize 2‐electron intermediate products Li2C2O4 by electron bridge bonds and avoid disproportionation into Li2CO3. Li3N layers not only accelerate Li+ transportation but also avoid contact between Li and CO2 to form Li2CO3. Thus, the constructed Li–CO2 battery demonstrates a low charge potential of 3.22 V, low overpotential of 0.56 V, outstanding rate capabilities up to 1 A g−1, and excellent long‐term cycling (≈2000 h) with an energy efficiency of ≈80%. The fabricated flexible fiber‐shaped Li–CO2 battery shows an ultrahigh energy density of 14 772.5 Wh kg−1 based on cathodes (340.8 Wh kg−1 based on device mass), and outstanding deformations adaptability, giving it great potential for wearable electronics.
Progress on Electro‐Enhancement of Cell Manufacturing
Authors: Tian Johann Shane , Tay Andy
Published: December 2023

With the long persistence of complex, chronic diseases in society, there is increasing motivation to develop cells as living medicine to treat diseases ranging from cancer to wounds. While cell therapies can significantly impact healthcare, the shortage of starter cells meant that considerable raw materials must be channeled solely for cell expansion, leading to expensive products with long manufacturing time which can prevent accessibility by patients who either cannot afford the treatment or have highly aggressive diseases and cannot wait that long. Over the last three decades, there has been increasing knowledge on the effects of electrical modulation on proliferation, but to the best of the knowledge, none of these studies went beyond how electro‐control of cell proliferation may be extended to enhance industrial scale cell manufacturing. Here, this review is started by discussing the importance of maximizing cell yield during manufacturing before comparing strategies spanning biomolecular/chemical/physical to modulate cell proliferation. Next, the authors describe how factors governing invasive and non‐invasive electrical stimulation (ES) including capacitive coupling electric field may be modified to boost cell manufacturing. This review concludes by describing what needs to be urgently performed to bridge the gap between academic investigation of ES to industrial applications.