bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do survivors of borderline ovarian tumors have susceptibility to secondary primary malignancies? A SEER population‐based study
Authors: Wang Jing , Du Yan , Kang Yu
Published: January 2024

Objective

To describe the risk of women who have survived borderline ovarian tumors (BOT) developing second primary malignancies (SPM).

Methods

This work employed the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program to conduct a retrospective study of patients diagnosed with BOT. The SEER stat software was used to calculate the standardized incidence ratio (SIR). Cases with pathologic diagnosis and for which information on prognostic factors were available were obtained and analyzed using the Fine and Gray model, with non‐SPM death as a competing event.

Results

The risk of developing SPM among BOT survivors was not elevated compared with that expected in the general population (SIR 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.80–0.96) between 1975 and 2017. Of 3661 patients with BOT diagnosed between 1977 and 2000, 477 patients (13.03%) experienced the development of SPM during the median follow up of 19.43 years and the cumulative incidence of SPM over a span of 25 years was 15.52%. Patients with mucinous BOT (P = 0.028), age older than 50 years (P < 0.001), or no lymph node dissection (P = 0.042), had a higher cumulative incidence of SPM in univariate analysis. In the multivariable competing risk analysis, performing lymphadenectomy (subdistribution hazard ratios [sdHR] 0.79, 95% CI 0.64–0.98), age (sdHR 1.03, 95% CI 1.02–1.03) could strongly predict the risk of SPM.

Conclusion

In contrast to ovarian cancer, women with BOT were not more prone to develop SPM.
Ex vivo confocal microscopy features of common benign lesions that mimic non‐melanoma skin cancers: Towards clinical integration
Authors: Farabi Banu , Atak Mehmet Fatih , Harris Ucalene , Kahn Julia , Khan Samavia , Fink Veronica , Hartmann Daniella , Rao Babar K. , Jain Manu
Published: January 2024

Ex vivo confocal microscope (EVCM) rapidly images freshly excised tissue at a histopathological resolution. EVCM features of keratinocyte skin cancers are well‐established, but those of benign clinical mimickers remain scarce. We describe EVCM features of common benign lesions and compare them with their malignant differentials. EVCM was used to image 14 benign and 3 cancer tissues. We compared EVCM features of benign lesions with corresponding histopathology and with those of keratinocyte cancers. Key features of benign lesions were identified and differentiated from malignant lesions. Elastin and fat appeared prominent in EVCM; while koilocytes and melanin were difficult to identify. Visualization of entire epidermis was challenging due to difficulty of tissue flattening during imaging. Benign lesions can be differentiated from keratinocyte cancers with EVCM. Using EVCM, a rapid, bedside diagnosis and management of skin neoplasms is possible, especially in a remote location without a histopathology lab.
Evaluating quantum entanglement generation in two‐dimensional graphene systems through lithium ion interactions: A DFT‐based study
Authors: Silva Lucas de S. , Colherinhas Guilherme , Cardoso Wesley B.
Published: January 2024

In this article, we employed concepts from Density Functional Theory to investigate the interaction energy behavior between the fragments of two‐dimensional systems composed of graphene‐based materials and lithium ions. Specifically, the proposed system consists of two graphene sheets separated by a controlled distance (face‐to‐face), with a lithium ion positioned at the center of this separation. Additionally, we examined potential electronic transitions within these systems and assessed the feasibility of quantum entanglement generation and manipulation. Our findings revealed that the interaction energies within the analyzed systems exhibited behavior akin to that described by the Lennard‐Jones potential, which characterizes systems with favorable energy for their formation. The results further yielded estimates for the constants and , with values of  kcal/mol and 1.63 , respectively. Specific electronic transitions were identified, suggesting the potential for quantum entanglement generation and manipulation among the two‐dimensional graphene system mediated by the lithium ion interactions.
First principle studies on structural, elastic, electronic, optical, and thermoelectric properties of new perovskite TlTaO3: For renewable energy applications
Authors: Lakra Sangeeta , Mukherjee S. K.
Published: January 2024

The structural, optoelectronics, and transport properties of TlTaO3 compounds were determined utilizing the full potential augmented plane wave approach using first‐principle method. We have considered the generalized gradient approximation for structural optimization and modified Becke–Johnson for electronic properties. The electronic properties reveal that the studied TlTaO3 possesses direct bandgap of magnitude 1.52 eV. Between 0 and 12 eV, optical spectra calculations are made, taking into account the real and imaginary parts of the dielectric function, refractive index, and loss function. The transport properties are estimated considering Boltzmann transport theory. The Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and power factor are all assessed using the Boltzmann transport theory. The optimized thermoelectric response of the examined TlTaO3 is produced by the improved carrier mobility, which also improves the thermoelectric efficiency of the TlTaO3. The obtained results will act as a theoretical road map for upcoming experimental and commercial TlTaO3 applications.
Changing the guard: Organizational science and social psychology in the US army
Authors: Furse Thomas
Published: January 2024

The US Army employed organizational and behavioral sciences in the context of the emerging Postindustrial political economy to shape its new strategic thought in the 1980s. This article examines how a group of military intellectuals in the Army applied ideas from these sciences to promote officer decision‐making and decentralization while maintaining the Army's culture and ethics. They had significant reservations about bringing new ideas from the social sciences into the Army because Robert McNamara's modern cybernetic strategy had scarred the Army's morale and sense of self during the Vietnam War. Instead, the intellectuals carefully adapted ideas into the Army with an unsentimental attitude as it emerged from its post‐Vietnam decline so it could fight complex maneuver warfare. Their strategic thought in the late Cold War made the Army a flexible global‐spanning force for the unipolar moment in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Automatic multi‐objective particle swarm optimization method for effective Doherty power amplifier design
Authors: Hao Zefang , Qu Yan , Huang Jiajun , Crupi Giovanni , Cai Jialin
Published: January 2024

In this paper, an automatic multi‐objective particle swarm optimization (AMOPSO) method is developed for the design of Doherty power amplifiers (DPAs). In comparison to the well‐known built‐in optimizer available in commercial simulators, the proposed method not only reduces the optimization time, but also provides superior power added efficiency (PAE) for the final power amplifier. According to the reported measurements, the output PAE of the fabricated DPA exceeds 50% at 6 dB backoff, the saturated PAE is more than 61%, and the saturated output power (Pout) is over 43 dBm in the target frequency range of 1.9–2.1 GHz. As compared with existing optimization methods, the proposed method allows reducing optimization time by more than 37%.
Bidirectional energy subsidies for fish in river mouths of a large lake as revealed by stable isotopes and fatty acids
Authors: Eglite Elvita , Stein Sarah R. , Turschak Benjamin A. , Bowen Gabriel J. , Höök Tomas O.
Published: January 2024

Freshwater river mouths may facilitate cross‐habitat resource use and bidirectional subsidization through (a) active cross‐habitat movement by consumers like fish and (b) water and material movement both downstream, from tributary to nearshore lake, and in the opposite direction due to backflow processes. Despite potential importance of freshwater river mouths, relative contributions of lentic and tributary energy sources to fishes along these ecotones remain understudied, in part because measuring cross‐habitat subsidization is not straightforward. We assessed cross‐habitat subsidization of three fish consumers round goby (Neogobius malanostomus), yellow perch (Perca flavescens), and alewife (Alosa psuedoharengus) in three river mouths of Lake Michigan, USA. Specifically, we (a) measured stable isotope ratios (δ13C, δ15N, δ2H, δ18O) in ambient water, bivalve shells, potential invertebrate prey, and fish soft tissue, and we assessed fish nutritional status based on essential fatty acid composition, and (b) estimated Bayesian ellipses and mixing models including either two (δ13C‐δ15N) or three (δ13C‐δ15N‐δ2H) isotope ratios. Results revealed evidence of bidirectional habitat subsidies for all fishes, but energy subsidies varied by species and across river mouths; likely related to differences in species‐specific behavior and hydrologic differences among river mouths. Relative to nearshore oligotrophic Lake Michigan, fish in productive tributary environments contained relatively low essential fatty acid content, suggesting a possible trade‐off between prey quantity and quality across habitats. This study advances our understanding of resource connectivity in lake ecosystems and the combined use of multiple stable isotopes (including mixing models) and fatty acids to document cross‐habitat subsidies along freshwater ecotones.
Superposed Laguerre‐Gaussian Beams‐Based Orbital Angular Momentum Holography
Authors: Zeng Zishuai , Zhao Daomu
Published: January 2024

Orbital angular momentum (OAM) holography implements OAM of light as an information carrier to reconstruct holographic images, due to a physically unbounded set of orthogonal OAM modes. Here, superposed Laguerre‐Gaussian (LG) beams are employed as incident beams to achieve OAM holography. Notably, this scheme utilizes exact complex‐amplitude modulation, as opposed to mere phase‐only modulation, ensuring the maintenance of amplitude information. In the absence of a matching field, the output images retain the properties of incident beams with a varying number of bright petals in each sampling pixel. On the other hand, when specific incident beams are illuminated, the output images can be reconstructed with multiple matching fields that lead to different intensities. It is essential to recognize that the bright spot in each sampling pixel of the output image achieves its peak intensity only when the matching field is the conjugate of the incident light field. This work offers a novel perspective on reconstructing holographic images through various matching fields and modulating the brightness of distinct holographic images in OAM‐multiplexing holography. Additionally, a theoretically infinite number of bright petals in each sampling pixel can also serve as information carriers in holography.
Prevalence of overweight and obesity among nurses in Bahrain: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Nasaif Husain , Alaradi Maryam , Hammam Ridha
Published: January 2024

Aim

This study aims to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity among nurses in Bahrain.

Design

A cross‐sectional design.

Methods

A secondary data from a convenience sample of 550 nurses working in three hospitals in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was determined by calculating the percentages of BMI using the World Health Organization classification.

Results

Most participants were females (n = 488, 89.1%), ages 31 to 40 (n = 239, 43.8%). The mean BMI was 26.9 (±4.4). The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 43.2% and 21.4%, respectively. The prevalence of overweight and obesity is associated with nationality and shift work. We used BMI to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity. However, BMI does not consider muscle mass, bone density, body composition, and racial and sex differences. Therefore, in future studies, body fat proportion and muscle mass need to be measured to estimate the prevalence and predict risks.
Associations of relative fat mass and BMI with all‐cause mortality: Confounding effect of muscle mass
Authors: Suthahar Navin , Zwartkruis Victor , Geelhoed Bastiaan , Withaar Coenraad , Meems Laura M. G. , Bakker Stephan J. L. , Gansevoort Ron T. , van Veldhuisen Dirk Jan , Rienstra Michiel , de Boer Rudolf A.
Published: January 2024

Objective

The study objective was to examine associations of relative fat mass (RFM) and BMI with all‐cause mortality in the Dutch general population and to investigate whether additional adjustment for muscle mass strengthened these associations.

Methods

A total of 8433 community‐dwelling adults from the PREVEND general population cohort (1997–1998) were included. Linear regression models were used to examine associations of RFM and BMI with 24‐h urinary creatinine excretion, a marker of total muscle mass. Cox regression models were used to examine associations of RFM and BMI with all‐cause mortality.

Results

The mean age of the cohort was 49.8 years (range: 28.8–75.7 years), and 49.9% (n = 4209) were women. In age‐ and sex‐adjusted models, both RFM and BMI were associated with total muscle mass (24‐h urinary creatinine excretion), and these associations were stronger with BMI (standardized beta [Sβ]RFM: 0.29; 95% CI: 0.27–0.31 vs. SβBMI: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.36–0.40; pdifference < 0.001). During a median follow‐up period of 18.4 years, 1640 deaths (19.4%) occurred. In age‐ and sex‐adjusted models, RFM was significantly associated with all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio per 1‐SD [HRRFM]: 1.16; 95% CI: 1.09–1.24), whereas BMI was not (HRBMI: 1.04; 95% CI: 0.99–1.10). After additional adjustment for muscle mass, associations of both RFM and BMI with all‐cause mortality increased in magnitude (HRRFM: 1.24; 95% CI: 1.16–1.32 and HRBMI: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.06–1.19). Results were broadly similar in multivariable adjusted models.

Conclusions

In the general population, a higher RFM was significantly associated with mortality risk, whereas a higher BMI was not. Adjusting for total muscle mass increased the strength of associations of both RFM and BMI with all‐cause mortality.
Revalidation of Teachers' Sense of Efficacy Scale using Ghanaian in‐service teachers: Multidimensional item response theory with factor analyses
Authors: Quansah Frank , Agormedah Edmond K. , Ankomah Francis , Srem‐Sai Medina , Nugba Regina M. , Hagan John E. , Schack Thomas
Published: January 2024

Teachers' Sense of Efficacy Scale (TSES), since its development, has gained much popularity because of its adequate psychometric properties. Yet, scholarly information on the soundness of this instrument in the African context has not been documented. Besides, the previous validation studies on the TSES have yielded mixed results with different factor structures, calling for further studies to test its utility and use across different cultures. The purpose of this study was to revalidate the TSES in Ghana using item response theory (IRT) complemented by factor analyses. Through a validation study approach, 693 basic school teachers were purposively sampled to participate in the research by responding to the Teacher Efficacy Scale. The between‐item and within‐item multidimensional IRT analyses combined with factor analysis were performed to understand how the items functioned with intentions to propose a well‐fit instrument within the Ghanaian context. The outcome of this research revealed that the original TSES with a three‐factor structure, 24 items measured on a 9‐point scale did not provide an optimal measure of teachers' self‐efficacy within the Ghanaian context. Rather, a three‐structure scale with 18 items and a 6‐point scale offered a maximal measure of teachers' self‐efficacy. The practical implications of the findings are discussed.
A systematic review on experimental studies about patient adherence to treatment
Authors: Folkvord Frans , Würth Ana Roca‐Umbert , van Houten Karlijn , Liefveld Aad R. , Carlson Jim Ingebretsen , Bol Nadine , Krahmer Emiel , Beets Gwenn , Ollerton Rachel Drbohlav , Turk Eva , Hrubos‐Strøm Harald , Nahoui Hamza , Einvik Gunnar , Schirmer Henrik , Moen Anne , Barrio‐Cortes Jaime , Merino‐Barbancho Beatriz , Arroyo Peña , Fico Giuseppe , Midão Luís , Sampaio Rute , Fonseca João A. , Geipel Katja , Scheckenbach Kathrin , de Ruiter Laura E. , Lupiáñez‐Villanueva Francisco
Published: January 2024

A better understanding of patients' adherence to treatment is a prerequisite to maximize the benefit of healthcare provision for patients, reduce treatment costs, and is a key factor in a variety of subsequent health outcomes. We aim to understand the state of the art of scientific evidence about which factors influence patients' adherence to treatment. A systematic literature review was conducted using PRISMA guidelines in five separate electronic databases of scientific publications: PubMed, PsycINFO (ProQuest), Cochrane library (Ovid), Google Scholar, and Web of Science. The search focused on literature reporting the significance of factors in adherence to treatment between 2011 and 2021, including only experimental studies (e.g., randomized controlled trials [RCT], clinical trials, etc.). We included 47 experimental studies. The results of the systematic review (SR) are grouped according to predetermined categories of the World Health Organization (WHO): socioeconomic, treatment, condition, personal, and healthcare‐related factors. This review gives an actual overview of evidence‐based studies on adherence and analyzed the significance of factors defined by the WHO classification. By showing the strength of certain factors in several independent studies and concomitantly uncovering gaps in research, these insights could serve as a basis for the design of future adherence studies and models.
Change of location class in gas pipelines from a regulatory perspective
Authors: Silva Bruno Felippe , de Oliveira Erica Vanessa Albuquerque , da Cunha Marcelo Goncalves
Published: January 2024

Location class is an essential factor in the gas pipeline project because it considers factors such as population density and the number of buildings along the gas pipeline route. As these parameters change, the pipeline operator needs to review the location class, also requiring a possible assessment of changes in allowable pipeline operating pressure. Brazilian regulations related to the safety of pipeline processes are defined in the Onshore Pipeline Technical Regulation and this document indicates the application of the requirements of the ASME B31.8 standard for changing the location class. Although there are preventive and mitigating measures in the ASME B31.8 standard, they are seen as overly conservative. Other international standards have different concepts, with evaluation criteria based on risk analysis. The issue has also been a challenge for other countries, which are reviewing their regulations and developing guidelines for gas pipeline operators. The main objective of this study is to carry out a survey of international practices related to changing the location class of gas pipelines and to propose a criterion based on the best international practices based on risk management, allowing a more comprehensive view of this subject.
Front Cover Image
Authors: You Shijun , You Minsheng , Niu Dongsheng
Published: January 2024

The cover image is based on the Research Article Identification of floral volatiles from Fagopyrum esculentum that attract Cotesia vestalis with potentially better biocontrol efficacy against Plutella xylostella by Shijun You et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.7808.

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Rare‐Earth‐Doped Y2SiO5 Crystal Directly Bonded on Glass for Efficient Optical Quantum Technologies Platform
Authors: Talneau Anne , Welinski Sacha , Ferrier Alban
Published: January 2024

For high‐efficiency optical quantum technology platforms, bonding rare‐earth doped crystals on glass are of great interest, enabling the enhancement of the optical guided mode interaction with the active rare‐earth ions. Optical coherence lifetimes and stable operation are operated at very low temperature (3–4 K). Bonding should be preferably performed without adding any intermediate sticking layer in order not to hamper the optical mode distribution and propagation. Directly bonded Y2SiO5 crystal on a borosilicate glass is shown and the bonding mechanisms are discussed.
Study on the Interfacial Morphology and Optoelectrical Performance of Thermal‐Shocked Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Gu Jialu , Zheng Haixia , Shi Wei , Fan Yuxuan , Zhou Pengchao , Wei Bin
Published: January 2024

The thermal stability of organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) has attracted great attention with their application in display areas. In this article, the expansion of films under heat shock is studied. With the increase of annealing temperature, the contact between the organic and inorganic layers becomes inferior. Doping the host material uniformly in the adjacent light‐emitting layer is proposed to improve the stability of OLEDs under thermal shock. The results show that the optimized device still maintains a stable optoelectrical performance after thermal shock at 85 °C.
BMPR2 mutation and clinical response to imatinib in a case of heritable pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Kumar Shine , Biswas Lalitha , Pushkaran Anju Choorakottayil , Kumar Raman Krishna
Published: January 2024

Bone morphogenetic protein receptor 2 (BMPR2) mutation is the most common gene mutation implicated in the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). We describe, for the first time, an excellent clinical response to tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib in a patient with heritable PAH from BMPR2 mutation.
Difference‐Frequency Generation with and without Quantum Interference in Superconducting Circuits
Authors: Liang Miao‐Xiang , Li Hai‐Chao , Xiong Wei
Published: January 2024

Electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) plays an important role in enhancing nonlinear optical processes at the quantum level. This paper proposes an accessible scheme for realizing high‐efficiency second‐order nonlinear difference‐frequency generation beyond the conventional EIT technique in superconducting circuits. By designing two subsystems to create two transparency windows from Autler–Townes splitting (ATS), a dual‐ATS mechanism is triggered in the scheme. This mechanism leads to an efficient difference‐frequency generation, and the efficiency obtained here can be four orders of magnitude larger than that of the EIT scheme. This study may pave a way for exploring ATS‐enhanced nonlinear optics.
Enhancing gamma irradiation resistance by a‐C film treatment on polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) surface
Authors: Chai Liqiang , Ma Pengxiang , Jiang Chengyan , Qiao Li , Wang Peng
Published: January 2024

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) solid self‐lubricating materials exhibit inferior tribological properties in the gamma‐irradiated environment. In this paper, amorphous hydrogen‐free carbon (a‐C) film was deposited on the PTFE polymer surface by magnetron sputtering, and the a‐C/PTFE samples were irradiated with gamma ray at a maximum dose of up to 5 MGy. The evolution of the structure and nanomechanical and tribological properties of a‐C/PTFE with different irradiation doses were investigated. The structural analyses reveal that the microstructure of a‐C films irradiated at 5 MGy doses is stable. Due to the covering of the a‐C film, significant cracks appear at the surface of the a‐C/PTFE sample only when the irradiation dose reaches 5 MGy. Before and after irradiation, the nanohardness and Young's modulus of the a‐C/PTFE are significantly higher than those of PTFE. The mechanical properties of PTFE are improved by a‐C film surface treatment. The friction experiments show that the average friction coefficients of both a‐C/PTFE and PTFE remain stable around 0.175 with increasing irradiation dose. When the irradiation dose is within 1 MGy, frictional behaviors occur only on the surface of a‐C films, and the wear rate of a‐C/PTFE is as low as 9.3 × 10−5 mm3/N.m, which is significantly lower than that of PTFE. The method of a‐C film treatment on the PTFE surface can dramatically improve the irradiation resistance of PTFE.
The Structure and Properties of Medical Disposable Protective Clothing Materials with Different Packaging and Models under γ Irradiation
Authors: Tian Bo , Li Zhigang , Li Jinfeng , Li Tuo , Sun Yuanjie , Zhang Jianwei , Yao Gang , Zhang Nan , Zhao Hongtao
Published: January 2024

This study investigated the radiation effects of commercially available medical disposable protective clothing materials under γ irradiation. FT‐IR, contact angle, DSC, OIT, and mechanical properties were used to examine the radiation effects of medical disposable protective clothing materials. The results showed when the radiation dose was less than or equal to 50 kGy, the FT‐IR spectra did not show any changes. However, when the radiation dose reached 70 kGy, new absorption peaks appeared in the infrared spectra of the TS−A and TS−B medical disposable protective clothing materials, indicating chemical changes. Contact angle analysis showed that medical disposable protective clothing materials were hydrophobic and had higher hydrophobicity on the inside than the outside under different packaging and irradiation conditions. Rheological analysis showed that the shear thinning phenomenon of medical disposable protective clothing materials increased significantly with the increase of radiation dose, and good rheological behavior was observed under vacuum packaging conditions when the radiation dose was 30 kGy. The crystallinity and initial crystallization temperature showed the order of vacuum, nitrogen, and air. The oxidation induction time trend was vacuum>nitrogen>air, while the fracture strength trend was nitrogen>vacuum>air. The mechanical properties met the national standard.
Primary Amine Discrimination Using a 19F NMR Reporter Bearing two Different Fluorine‐Containing Moieties
Authors: Hamaguchi Naoto , Nishizawa Rina , Ikeda Mayu , Yokoyama Miki , Suzuki Hiyono , Matsumoto Kouichi , Ohta Tetsuo , Oe Yohei
Published: January 2024

A new concept for analyzing primary amines using a novel 19F NMR reporter bearing two different fluorine‐containing moieties is described herein. The 19F NMR reporter, 4‐fluoro‐2‐(trifluoroacetyl)‐aminobenzaldehyde, was readily synthesized from a commercially available fluorine‐containing anthranilic acid derivative in two steps. After the imine formation of the NMR reporter with amines, 2D plots of two 19F shift‐related values were obtained. Amines with various types and sizes could be discriminated on the plot.
Effect of Length of Ethylene Glycol Sigma‐Linkers on Triphenylamine‐Based Dimers Used as Molecular Donors for Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Habibi Amir Hossein , Josse Pierre , Labrunie Antoine , Gohier Frédéric , Welch Gregory C. , Blanchard Philippe , Cabanetos Clément
Published: January 2024

The direct comparison of two push‐pull based dimers prepared in only three steps from commercially and affordable building blocks is reported herein. Built around similar absorbing units, two ethylene glycol sigma‐connectors of different lengths were used to investigate, and rationalize, their impact on the optical, self‐assembly and therefore photovoltaic properties. With significant differences from the charge transport, morphology and therefore power conversion efficiencies, results gathered in this study emphasized the potential of such simple yet efficient strategy to fine tune the processability of an active compound.
Experimental and Computational Kinetic Assessment of Ruthenium (III) Catalyzed Oxidation of Paracetamol by Hexacyanoferrate(III): A Mechanistic Pathway
Authors: Rolaniya Asha , Yadav Akta , Jain Priyanka , Sailani Riya
Published: January 2024

The ruthenium (III) catalyzed redox reaction of paracetamol with hexacyanoferrate (III) in an acidic medium has been investigated. The reaction shows fractional order dependence respecting paracetamol and first‐order dependence respecting the oxidant and ruthenium (III). It is enhanced by medium according to the equation kobs=a+b[H+]. The activation and thermodynamic parameters of the reaction have been estimated using the Arrhenius and Eyring equations. The oxidation product of paracetamol has been identified as quinone oxime through spectral analysis. Furthermore, the reaction has been examined in nine various organic solvents, and the solvents effect has been investigated by Taft's and Swain's multiparametric equations. The rate constants have been found to correlate well with Kamlet‐Taft's solvatochromic parameters (α, β, π*). The reaction constants have been found to be negative, suggesting that the reactivity is influenced mainly by the solute‐solvent interactions. On the basis of kinetic results, a plausible reaction mechanism has been proposed. The proposed mechanism is reinforced by additional evidence from density functional theory (DFT) computations conducted at b3lyp/6‐311*G (d,p) level, which demonstrate that the activation energy barriers align with the reactivity trend observed in the kinetics experiments. Therefore, these computational results provide further support for the proposed mechanism.
A fast and specific near‐infrared fluorescent probe for hydrogen sulfide detection in aquaculture freshwater
Authors: Lu Xiangyu , Zou Yajun , Yang Jialiang , Wu Liji , Zhang Xiaoyu , Zhao Gang
Published: January 2024

The content of Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is one of the most important indicators of aquaculture water quality monitoring, which has a profound impact on the survival of aquatic animals and the income of aquaculture. Therefore, it's of great significance to develop an accurate and convenient detection method for the detection of hydrogen sulfide in aquaculture. Herein, using 2,4‐dinitrophenyl (DNP) ether as the detection group, a novel near‐infrared (NIR) fluorescent probe, X‐NO2, based on the hemicyanine fluorophore, was designed and synthesized for H2S detection in aquaculture. Accompanied by a noticeable color change from purple to blue, the probe X‐NO2 shows strong fluorescence at 685 nm when H2S mediates the thiolysis of DNP ether and release X‐OH. In 10 % DMSO‐PBS (pH=7.4,10 mM,v/v), the probe X‐NO2 shows high selectivity to H2S than other anions and some somebiologicalthiols, and strong anti‐interference capacity. Probe X‐NO2 also has short response time (within 3 min) and low detection limit (65 nM) towards H2S and has a stable performance over a wide pH range (6‐9) in hydrogen sulfide monitoring system. Moreover, probe X‐NO2 was used to determine the H2S levels in real water samples from aquaculture accurately and conveniently, which shows a good application prospect in the future.
From Corrosion Casting to Virtual Dissection: Contrast‐Enhanced Vascular Imaging using Hafnium Oxide Nanocrystals
Authors: Goossens Eline , Deblock Loren , Caboor Lisa , Eynden Dietger Van den , Josipovic Iván , Isaacura Pablo Reyes , Maksimova Elizaveta , Van Impe Matthias , Bonnin Anne , Segers Patrick , Cornillie Pieter , Boone Matthieu N. , Van Driessche Isabel , De Spiegelaere Ward , De Roo Jonathan , Sips Patrick , De Buysser Klaartje
Published: January 2024

Vascular corrosion casting is a method used to visualize the three dimensional (3D) anatomy and branching pattern of blood vessels. A polymer resin is injected in the vascular system and, after curing, the surrounding tissue is removed. The latter often deforms or even fractures the fragile cast. Here, a method is proposed that does not require corrosion, and is based on in situ micro computed tomography (micro‐CT) scans. To overcome the lack of CT contrast between the polymer cast and the animals' surrounding soft tissue, hafnium oxide nanocrystals (HfO2 NCs) are introduced as CT contrast agents into the resin. The NCs dramatically improve the overall CT contrast of the cast and allow for straightforward segmentation in the CT scans. Careful design of the NC surface chemistry ensures the colloidal stability of the NCs in the casting resin. Using only 5 m% of HfO2 NCs, high‐quality cardiovascular casts of both zebrafish and mice can be automatically segmented using CT imaging software. This allows to differentiate even m‐scale details without having to alter the current resin injection methods. This new method of virtual dissection by visualizing casts in situ using contrast‐enhanced CT imaging greatly expands the application potential of the technique.
Iterative estimating equations for disease mapping with spatial zero‐inflated Poisson data
Authors: Lin Pei‐Sheng , Zhu Jun , Lin Feng‐Chang
Published: January 2024

Spatial epidemiology often involves the analysis of spatial count data with an unusually high proportion of zero observations. While Bayesian hierarchical models perform very well for zero‐inflated data in many situations, a smooth response surface is usually required for the Bayesian methods to converge. However, for infectious disease data with excessive zeros, a Wombling issue with large spatial variation could make the Bayesian methods infeasible. To address this issue, we develop estimating equations associated with disease mapping by including over‐dispersion and spatial noises in a spatial zero‐inflated Poisson model. Asymptotic properties are derived for the parameter estimates. Simulations and data analysis are used to assess and illustrate the proposed method.
Beziehungsgeschichten. Kunstaffine Ärzt:innen, begabte Künstlerpatient:innen und die Debatte um Kunst aus psychiatrischem Kontext nach 1945
Authors: Beyer C. , Gümpel C. F. , Röske T. , Rotzoll M.
Published: January 2024

Hintergrund

1945 prägte der Künstler und Sammler J. Dubuffet den Begriff Art brut u. a. für originelle Werke von Psychiatrieinsassen, die außerhalb von Traditionen und Kunstströmungen entstanden waren. In den Jahrzehnten danach standen diese Werke im Zentrum von Aushandlungsprozessen, in die sich neben Psychiater:innen nun auch verstärkt Ausstellungsmacher:innen, Galerist:innen etc. einmischten.

Fragestellung

Anhand von vier „Beziehungsgeschichten“ zwischen Psychiater:innen und Künstlerpatient:innen (H. Müller-Suur – P. Goesch; M. in der Beeck – E. Spießbach; J. Porret-Forel – A. Corbaz; L. Navratil – R. Limberger) werden schlaglichtartig Herangehensweisen an das Spannungsfeld Kunst und Psychiatrie nach 1945 dargestellt.

Material und Methoden

Die dargestellten Ergebnisse des Teilprojektes „Normal#verrückte Kunst. Werke aus psychiatrischem Kontext zwischen Diagnostik und Ästhetik nach 1945“ der DFG-Forschungsgruppe „Normal#Verrückt“ (FOR 3031) werden durch die Auswertung von Archivbeständen, Nachlässen, Zeitzeug:inneninterviews und zeitgenössischen Medien erzielt.

Ergebnisse

Es wird gezeigt, dass die unterschiedliche Haltung der genannten Psychiater:innen zu „ihren“ Künstlerpatient:innen deren Eingang in die Kunstwelt stark beeinflussten. Wichtig waren dabei v. a. Impulse jenseits der Psychiatrie, um rein diagnostische Sichtweisen auf die Werke durch andere Zugänge zu erweitern.

Diskussion

Das erneute Interesse an der individuellen Kreativität von Patient:innen nach 1945 kann als Reaktion auf ihre Entmenschlichung im Faschismus und Nationalsozialismus verstanden werden. Jedoch konnte die Konzentration auf die pathologisierte Persönlichkeit der Künstlerpatient:innen alternative Blickwinkel auf ihre Kunst verstellen, wie auch die Verfügung über ihre Werke durch Psychiater:innen ihre Verbreitung behindern konnte.
Disease severity-based subgrouping of type 2 diabetes does not parallel differences in quality of life: the Maastricht Study
Authors: Werkman Nikki C. C. , García-Sáez Gema , Nielen Johannes T. H. , Tapia-Galisteo Jose , Somolinos-Simón Francisco J. , Hernando Maria E. , Wang Junfeng , Jiu Li , Goettsch Wim G. , van der Kallen Carla J. H. , Koster Annemarie , Schalkwijk Casper G. , de Vries Hein , de Vries Nanne K. , Eussen Simone J. P. M. , Driessen Johanna H. M. , Stehouwer Coen D. A.
Published: January 2024

Aims/hypothesis

Type 2 diabetes is a highly heterogeneous disease for which new subgroups (‘clusters’) have been proposed based on disease severity: moderate age-related diabetes (MARD), moderate obesity-related diabetes (MOD), severe insulin-deficient diabetes (SIDD) and severe insulin-resistant diabetes (SIRD). It is unknown how disease severity is reflected in terms of quality of life in these clusters. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the cluster characteristics and cluster-wise evolution of quality of life in the previously defined clusters of type 2 diabetes.

Methods

We included individuals with type 2 diabetes from the Maastricht Study, who were allocated to clusters based on a nearest centroid approach. We used logistic regression to evaluate the cluster-wise association with diabetes-related complications. We plotted the evolution of HbA1c levels over time and used Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox regression to evaluate the cluster-wise time to reach adequate glycaemic control. Quality of life based on the Short Form 36 (SF-36) was also plotted over time and adjusted for age and sex using generalised estimating equations. The follow-up time was 7 years. Analyses were performed separately for people with newly diagnosed and already diagnosed type 2 diabetes.

Results

We included 127 newly diagnosed and 585 already diagnosed individuals. Already diagnosed people in the SIDD cluster were less likely to reach glycaemic control than people in the other clusters, with an HR compared with MARD of 0.31 (95% CI 0.22, 0.43). There were few differences in the mental component score of the SF-36 in both newly and already diagnosed individuals. In both groups, the MARD cluster had a higher physical component score of the SF-36 than the other clusters, and the MOD cluster scored similarly to the SIDD and SIRD clusters.

Conclusions/interpretation

Disease severity suggested by the clusters of type 2 diabetes is not entirely reflected in quality of life. In particular, the MOD cluster does not appear to be moderate in terms of quality of life. Use of the suggested cluster names in practice should be carefully considered, as the non-neutral nomenclature may affect disease perception in individuals with type 2 diabetes and their healthcare providers.

Graphical Abstract
New insights into the association of air pollution and kidney diseases by tracing gold nanoparticles with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Angel Souzana , Eades Lorna J. , Sim Gavin , Czopek Alicja , Dhaun Neeraj , Krystek Petra , Miller Mark R.
Published: January 2024

Exposure to particles from air pollution has been associated with kidney disease; however, the underlying biological mechanisms are incompletely understood. Inhaled particles can gain access to the circulation and, depending on their size, pass into urine, raising the possibility that particles may also sequester in the kidney and directly alter renal function. This study optimised an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method to investigate the size dependency of particle accumulation in the kidneys of mice following pulmonary instillation (0.8 mg in total over 4 weeks) to gold nanoparticles (2, 3–4, 7–8, 14 or 40 nm or saline control). Due to the smallest particle sizes being below the limit of detection in single particle mode, ICP-MS was operated in total quantification mode. Gold was detected in all matrices of interest (blood, urine and kidney) from animals treated with all sizes of gold nanoparticles, at orders of magnitude higher than the methodological limit of detection in biological matrices (0.013 ng/mL). A size-dependent effect was observed, with smaller particles leading to greater levels of accumulation in tissues. This study highlights the value of a robust and reliable method by ICP-MS to detect extremely low levels of gold in biological samples for indirect particle tracing. The finding that nano-sized particles translocate from the lung to the kidney may provide a biological explanation for the associations between air pollution and kidney disease.

Graphical Abstract
Basidiomycota strains as whole-cell biocatalysts for the synthesis of high-value natural benzaldehydes
Authors: Serra Stefano , Marzorati Stefano , Szczepańska Ewa , Strzała Tomasz , Boratyński Filip
Published: January 2024

Substituted benzaldehydes are the most commonly used natural-occurring flavours in the world. The consumer’s preference for ‘natural or organic’ aromas has increased the request for flavours possessing the ‘natural’ status. The resulting shortage of aromatic aldehydes of extractive origin, such as vanillin, veratraldehyde and piperonal, can be offset by developing a new biotechnological synthesis method. Here, we report a study on the microbiological reduction of five natural benzoic acid derivatives, namely p-anisic, vanillic, veratric, piperonylic and eudesmic acids, to produce the corresponding fragrant aldehydes. We found that different Basidiomycota strains can efficiently perform this transformation, with good chemical selectivity and tolerance to the toxicity of substrates and products. Besides confirming the carboxylic acid reductase activity of the already studied fungi Pycnoporus cinnabarinus, we discovered that other species such as Pleurotus eryngii, Pleurotus sapidus and Laetiporus sulphureus as well as the non-ligninolytic fungi Lepista nuda are valuable microorganisms for the synthesis of anisaldehyde, vanillin, veratraldehyde, piperonal and 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzaldehyde from the corresponding acids. According to our findings, we propose a reliable process for the preparation of the above-mentioned aldehydes, in natural form.

Key points

• Fragrant benzaldehydes were obtained by biotransformation.

• Basidiomycota strains reduced substituted benzoic acid to the corresponding aldehydes.

• Anisaldehyde, vanillin, veratraldehyde, piperonal and 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzaldehyde were prepared in natural form.

Graphical Abstract
Loop-mediated isothermal amplification linked a nanoparticles-based biosensor for detecting Epstein-Barr virus
Authors: Yang Xinggui , Zeng Xiaoyan , Huang Junfei , Yang Ludi , Mao Sha , Chen Xu , Wang Yu , Wei Xiaoyu , Li Shijun
Published: January 2024

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous gamma herpesvirus that maintains a lifelong latent association with B lymphocytes. Here, a rapid and reliable diagnosis platform for detecting EBV infection, employing loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) combined with a gold nanoparticles–based lateral flow biosensors (AuNPs-LFB) (termed LAMP Amplification Mediated AuNPs-LFB Detection, LAMAD), was developed in the current study. A set of specific LAMP primers targeting the Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen (EBNA) leader protein (EBNA-LP) gene was designed and synthesized. Subsequently, these templates extracted from various pathogens and whole blood samples were used to optimize and evaluate the EBV-LAMAD assay. As a result, the limit of detection (LoD) of the EBV-LAMAD assay was 45 copies/reaction. The EBV-LAMAD assay can detect all representative EBV pathogens used in the study, and of note, no cross-reactions were observed with other non-EBV organisms. Moreover, the whole workflow of the EBV-LAMAD assay can be completed within 70 min, including rapid EBV template preparation, EBV-LAMP amplification, and AuNPs-LFB-mediated detection. Taken together, the EBV-LAMAD assay targeting the EBNA-LP gene is a rapid, simplified, sensitive, reliable, and easy-to-use detection protocol that can be used as a competitive potential diagnostic/screening tool for EBV infection in clinical settings, especially in basic laboratories in resource-limited regions.

Key points

• A novel, simplified, and easy-to-use AuNPs-LFB biosensor was designed and prepared.

• LAMP combined with an AuNPs-LFB targeting the novel EBNA-LP gene was established.

• EBV-LAMAD is a rapid, sensitive, and reliable detection protocol for EBV infection.

Graphical Abstract
Potential social facilitation through song in bird communities
Authors: Rossetto Federica , Laiolo Paola
Published: January 2024

The main function of birdsong is to attract mates and defend territories among conspecifics, but little is known about the potential of this behavior in generating interactions among co-existing bird species that signal at the same time. Different hypotheses have been put forward to explain the mechanisms that govern signaling in crowded acoustic spaces, including competition for acoustic space, interspecific territoriality, environmental filters, and acoustic social facilitation. We tested these hypotheses in a forest bird community by studying the behavioral, acoustic, and ecological characteristics of 13 co-occurring species. We used passive recordings to assess the magnitude and the determinants of heterospecific song co-occurrence (i.e., when different species sing at the same time and place), and playback experiments to quantify the propensity of birds to sing if stimulated by heterospecific songs. Birds more frequently sang with species with dissimilar songs. In the breeding season, they also actively sang after the playback of other species, especially if these had dissimilar songs, and occasionally after non-avian unfamiliar playbacks. Heterospecific songs may trigger song utterance because they indicate a predator-free environment, or reduce predation risk through dilution effects, and these benefits may be maximized if there is little acoustic similarity. In line with ecological theory on community assembly mechanisms, these results are compatible with limiting similarity (species with similar songs sing at different times) and suggests social facilitation between phenotypically dissimilar species. These potential biotic interactions through songs may represent a mechanism that leads to bird species coexistence and are worth exploring at the community level.

Significance statement

It is generally assumed that bird species avoid acoustic overlap with birds singing similar songs, but there is also evidence of active interspecific territoriality through song displays between pairs of species. Community-wide responses through songs have never been investigated in birds, and to fill this knowledge gap we performed both observations and experiments on multiple coexisting species. Birds tended to sing with species with more dissimilar songs and they were also actively stimulated to sing when the songs of species with dissimilar songs were played back. An interaction between species with dissimilar songs therefore emerged, potentially yielding anti-predatory benefits. Such active behavior, which would have gone unnoticed if observations only were performed, involves multiple species, and therefore may represent a community-wide mechanism of species coexistence.