bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetic‐Field‐Driven Fabrication of Robust Metal‐Organic Framework Membranes for Efficient Propylene/Propane Separation
Authors: Li Fujun , Zhang Hui , Wu Feichao , Hou Xinran , Xu Qian , Li Jingde , Guo Yu , Jiang Zhongyi
Published: January 2025

Zeolitic imidazolate framework‐67 (ZIF‐67) membranes hold great promise in efficiently separating propene/propane mixtures. However, achieving highly permselective ZIF‐67 membranes remains challenging due to unruly crystal nucleation and poor grain boundary structure. Herein, a magnetic‐field‐driven approach is reported to fabricating high‐quality ZIF‐67 membranes on anodized aluminum oxide substrates at room temperature. The presence of a magnetic field increases the nucleation rates by shortening the induction period, facilitates the orderly and rapid migration of Co2+ ions, optimizes the nucleation of ZIF‐67 crystallites on the substrate, and inhibits the excessive crystal growth of ZIF‐67 grains. These factors collectively contribute to improving the grain boundary structure and suppressing inter‐grain defects in MOF membranes. The resulting ZIF‐67 membranes, with a thickness of less than 480 nm, exhibit a superior propylene/propane separation performance, featuring a separation factor of 135 and a propylene permeance of 2.3 × 10−8 mol m−2 s−1 Pa−1. The magnetic‐field‐driven approach is expected to greatly promote the development of MOF membranes for highly efficient and energy‐saving separations.
Metal‐Modified Zr‐MOFs with AIE Ligands for Boosting CO2 Adsorption and Photoreduction
Authors: Wang Bolun , Li Wen , Liu Junmin , Gan Tao , Gao Shiqin , Li Lin , Zhang Tianjun , Zhou Yida , Shi Zhaohui , Li Jiyang , Liu Yunling , Yu Jihong
Published: January 2025

The design and synthesis of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with outstanding light‐harvesting and photoexcitation for artificial photocatalytic CO2 reduction is an attractive but challenging task. In this work, a novel aggregation‐induced emission (AIE)‐active ligand, tetraphenylpyrazine (PTTBPC) is proposed and utilized for the first time to construct a Zr‐MOF photocatalyst via coordination with stable Zr‐oxo clusters. Zr‐MOF is featured by a scu topology with a two‐fold interpenetrated framework, wherein the PTTBPC ligands enable strong light‐harvesting and photoexcitation, while the Zr‐oxo clusters facilitate CO2 adsorption and activation, as well as offer potential sites for further metal modification. Consequently, the Zr‐PTTBPC and its Co/Ni derivatives not only exhibit exceptional stability and high CO2 adsorption capability (73 cm3 g−1 at 273 K and 1 atm), but also demonstrate a CO production rate of up to 293.2 µmol g h−1 under 420 nm LED light that can be reused for at least three cycles. With insights from charge‐carrier dynamics and theoretical calculations, the underlying mechanism is revealed, confirming that the single‐phase multi‐component synergy is the key for the outstanding photocatalytic CO2 reduction. This work showcases a brand‐new type of MOF photocatalyst based on AIE ligands and their promising applications in photocatalytic C1 conversion.
AFM‐Based Functional Tomography – To Mill or Not to Mill, that is the Question!
Authors: Sharma Niyorjyoti , Holsgrove Kristina M. , Dalzell James , McCluskey Conor J. , He Jilai , Meier Dennis , Prabhakaran Dharmalingam , Rodriguez Brian J. , McQuaid Raymond G.P. , Gregg J. Marty , Kumar Amit
Published: January 2025

The electrical response of ferroelectric domain walls is often influenced by their geometry underneath the sample surface. Tomographic imaging in these material systems has therefore become increasingly important for its ability to correlate the surface‐level functional response with subsurface domain microstructure. In this context, AFM‐based tomography emerges as a compelling choice because of its simplicity, high resolution, and robust contrast mechanism. However, to date, the technique has been implemented in a limited number of ferroelectric materials, typically to depths of a few hundred nanometers or on relatively soft materials, resulting in an unclear understanding of its capabilities and limitations. In this work, AFM tomography is carried out in YbMnO3, mapping its complex domain microstructure up to a depth of ≈1.8 µm along with its current pathways. A model is presented, describing the impact of interconnected domain walls within the network, which act as current dividers and codetermine how currents distribute. Finally, challenges such as tip‐blunting and subsurface damage are identified through TEM studies, and strategies to address them are also put forward. This study highlights the potential of AFM tomography and can spur interest within the ferroics community for its use in the investigation of similar material systems.
Fiber Bragg Gratings with Micro‐Engineered Temperature Coefficients
Authors: Song Zipei , Wang Mohan , Payne Frank P. , Salter Patrick S. , Liu Tongyu , Elston Steve J. , Booth Martin J. , Morris Stephen M. , Fells Julian A. J.
Published: January 2025

Fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) are ubiquitous as sensors for a range of parameters and also as optical components in telecommunications systems. However, their temperature dependence of around +10 pm °C−1 is a limiting factor, making it challenging for sensors to discriminate strain from temperature, while telecommunications components require additional thermal stabilization. The temperature‐dependent properties of optical fiber are micro‐engineered by creating microchannels within the cladding using femtosecond laser‐assisted etching. These channels are filled with low‐loss refractive index liquids which have thermo‐optic coefficients that are around 50 times greater magnitude than silica and the opposite sign. Low‐loss FBGs are microfabricated in standard single‐mode fiber, with wide control over their temperature coefficient between +10 and −55 pm °C−1. A temperature‐insensitive FBG is also fabricated which is stable to ±12.5 pm over a 17–45 °C range, which is an order of magnitude reduction in sensitivity. It has only ±3.5% reflectivity variation from the mean over this range and only 1.29 dB insertion loss.
Machine learning on multi‐spectral imagery to estimate nutrient yield of mixed‐species cover crops
Authors: Kharel Tulsi P. , Tyler Heather L. , Mubvumba Partson , Huang Yanbo , Bhandari Ammar B. , Fletcher Reginald S. , Anapalli Saseendran , Joshi Deepak R. , Mengistu Alemu , Birru Girma , Adhikari Kabindra , Dhakal Madhav , Maskey Mahesh L. , Reddy Krishna N. , Clay David E.
Published: January 2025

This study aimed to estimate mixed‐species cover crop (CC) biomass and nutrient contents using remote sensing, as ground‐based measurements are time‐consuming and costly. Eleven CC treatments with varying grass‐legume proportions (GLP) were sampled, and nutrient contents were determined along with multispectral imagery captured during the first and fourth weeks of March and the fourth week of April 2023. Biomass N (R2 = 0.46–0.60) and K% (R2 = 0.41—0.71) decreased with increasing GLP. The chlorophyll absorption ratio index and the normalized difference vegetation index closely followed the biomass nutrients N, P, and K combined yield (Bio_NPK) trend. Machine learning algorithms random forest (RF) and partial least square (PLS) regression were better for biomass (R2 = 0.74 with RF) and N% (R2 = 0.72 with PLS) prediction compared to the Bio_NPK prediction. These results are crucial for scientists to devise appropriate analysis approaches for estimating the benefits of mixed‐species CC.
Layer‐By‐Layer Approach to Improve the Capacitance of Conducting Polymer Films
Authors: Skorupa Małgorzata , Cao Ethan , Barylski Adrian , Shakibania Sara , Pluczyk‐Małek Sandra , Siwy Zuzanna , Krukiewicz Katarzyna
Published: January 2025

In the pursuit of energy storage devices offering high power density, rapid charge and discharge rates, a layer‐by‐layer deposition approach is shown to improve the capacitive properties of conducting polymer‐based devices. This work describes the synthesis and characterization of a composite material based on poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxypyrrole) (PEDOP) for supercapacitor applications. PEDOT and PEDOP are sequentially electropolymerized using cyclic voltammetry to form bilayer structures, overcoming challenges associated with copolymerization. The evaluation of electrochemical performance of the PEDOT/PEDOP composite reveals superior areal capacitance (42.2 ± 2.8 mF cm−2 at the scan rate of 5 mV s−1) outperforming both homopolymers by up to 30%. Microscopic and spectroscopic surface analysis confirm the uniform coating of PEDOT/PEDOP and enhanced surface roughness resulting from the formation of 3D nanostructures, contributing to improved electrochemical performance. Further electrochemical impedance spectroscopic analysis demonstrates low charge transfer resistance (25 ± 8 Ω) and high energy density with respect to the area of the electrode (3.53 ± 0.3 µWh cm−2 at 55 µW cm−2), making PEDOT/PEDOP composite a promising material for high‐performance supercapacitors.
High‐throughput phenotyping and machine learning techniques in soybean breeding: Exploring the potential of aerial imaging and vegetation indices
Authors: Miranda Melissa Cristina de Carvalho , Aono Alexandre Hild , Fagundes Talieisse Gomes , Arduini Giovanni Michelan , Pinheiro José Baldin
Published: January 2025

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) breeding programs face challenges in evaluating large progeny populations, which is labor‐ and resource‐intensive. This study addresses these challenges using high‐throughput phenotyping and machine learning (ML) models to predict phenotypic traits in soybeans. We developed and validated ML models using vegetation indices and canopy images from aerial imagery. A total of 275 soybean genotypes were characterized across two environments and management practices. A total of 11 classical traits were measured, and five vegetation indices were calculated from aerial images at different growth stages. ML algorithms, including support vector machine for regression, random forest (RF), multilayer perceptron (MLP), and adaptive boosting, were employed. Additionally, convolutional neural networks with transfer learning were used to extract features from the images. Significant correlations were found between agronomic traits, vegetation indices, and canopy characteristics. The high heritability of the red–green–blue vegetation index and green leaf index (mean broad‐sense heritability of 0.56) compared to other RGB‐based indices indicates their potential usefulness in genetic evaluations. Advanced ML techniques, particularly transfer learning with ResNet 50, enhanced the prediction of phenotypic traits such as days to the R7 growth stage (DR7) and plant height at maturation (PHM). The integration of ResNet 50 with RF achieved a prediction accuracy of 0.64 for DR7, while ResNet 50 with MLP reached an accuracy of 0.68 for PHM. These findings highlight the potential of these techniques to improve decision‐making in soybean breeding. Lastly, principal component analysis identified genotypes with desirable trait combinations, advancing soybean development.
Impact of Seed Regulation Reform on Licensing Fees of Varieties in China
Authors: Xiang Cheng , Yang Rui , Wang Xia , Huang Jikun
Published: January 2025

Crop breeding research and seed industry development are critical to promoting sustainable growth in agricultural production and ensuring food security. The Chinese government introduced a significant reform to the original seed regulation system, which was overly focused on market access management. This revision can profoundly impact the licensing market of seed varieties in China. However, the licensing issue in the seed industry has barely been tapped owing to the limited availability of real licensing data. This study aims to analyze the impacts of the seed regulation reform on the licensing fees of varieties in China based on some unique actual transaction data of variety licensing. We employed a nationwide in‐person survey of seed companies and used a multivariate analysis. The results indicate that most seed companies in China were obliged to buy licenses for new varieties bred by others. An upfront lump‐sum fixed‐fee payment had also been the most used strategy for variety licensing. The estimation results of the multivariate analysis indicate that seed regulation reform in China led to an average decline of nearly half of the licensing fee of a variety. After the reform, the licensing prices of conventional rice varieties decreased the most, followed by maize varieties. By contrast, the reform did not significantly affect the licensing fees of hybrid rice varieties. The reform resulted in a 63% drop in licensing fee of a public‐bred variety, while having no significant impact on that of private‐bred varieties. Post reform, the licensee fee of a variety paid by smaller seed companies and non‐state‐owned enterprises (SOEs) decreased by 62% and 65%, respectively, while the fees paid by bigger seed companies and SOEs were not significantly affected. Moreover, the results confirm that newer varieties and the varieties with higher yield and exclusive contracts have significantly higher licensing fees, and large seed companies paid significantly more on a variety license. These results have important implications for market participants and policymakers in China's seed industry as well as other industries.
Prognostic significance of six autoantibodies in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: A prospective multi‐institutional study
Authors: Shiratori Fumiaki , Fujiwara Naoto , Nakajima Yasuaki , Otsuka Koji , Murakami Masahiko , Matsuda Satoru , Kawakubo Hirofumi , Takahashi Keita , Tanishima Yuichiro , Oka Daiji , Ito Shunichi , Narumiya Kosuke , Aramaki Osamu , Takayama Tadatoshi , Suzuki Takashi , Yajima Satoshi , Shimada Hideaki
Published: January 2025

Aim

Serum autoantibodies have been reported to react with tumor‐associated antigens in various cancers. This study evaluated the diagnostic and prognostic significance of six autoantibody panels in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Methods

In this study, 193 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and 78 healthy controls were enrolled. Serum antibodies were detected using originally developed enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays to detect autoantibodies against the following tumor antigens: c‐myc, p62, RalA, p53, Sui1, and NY‐ESO‐1. The positive rates of the six‐autoantibody panel were compared with those of SCC antigen (SCC‐Ag). The prognostic significance of these autoantibodies was also evaluated.

Results

The overall positive rate was significantly higher in the six‐autoantibody panel than in SCC‐Ag (72% vs. 28%; p < 0.01). The positive rates of the six‐autoantibody panel were 71% in stage 0/I, 73% in stage II, and 71% in stage III. No clinicopathological factors were associated with autoantibodies. Although the difference was not significant, the overall survival of the autoantibody‐positive group was worse than that of the autoantibody‐negative group (p = 0.14).

Conclusion

The six‐autoantibody panel was useful for detecting esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, particularly in stage 0/I; however, it showed limited prognostic significance.
Virginia Memory Project: Using the Healthy Brain Initiative Roadmap to design a statewide dementia registry
Authors: Rhodes Annie , Staton Ashley , French Evan , Price Andrea , Battle Brian , MacDonald Catherine , Ivey Kimberly , Zanjani Faika , Coney Rachel , Miller Melicent , Farkas Meghan , Sargent Lana , Bluestein Daniel
Published: January 2025

INTRODUCTION

The Virginia Memory Project (VMP) is a statewide epidemiological registry for Alzheimer's disease and related disorders (ADRD) and other neurodegenerative conditions. It aims to support dementia research, policy, and care by leveraging the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI) Roadmap.

METHODS

To capture comprehensive data, the VMP integrates self‐enrollment and automatic enrollment using Virginia's All‐Payer Claims Database (APCD). It also adapts Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance Survey (BRFSS) modules for self‐reported cognitive and caregiving data, offering connections to research, clinical services, and education.

RESULTS

Virginia successfully codified the VMP in the 2024 general assembly session.

DISCUSSION

The VMP demonstrates a novel approach to Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (ADRD) surveillance by combining traditional registry functions with community engagement and workforce development. Future efforts will focus on increasing enrollment, especially among underrepresented groups, to enhance data‐driven dementia policy and care in Virginia.

Highlights

Integrated the Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI) domains into the newest statewide epidemiological dementia registry in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Collected data and identified gaps in the current research related to dementia and Alzheimer's related diseases.

Aimed to mitigate barriers to dementia registry enrollment by identifying significant underdiagnosis and underrepresentation of racial and ethnic minority groups.

Developed solutions to alleviate the current data and enrollment disparities and to connect individuals to research, physicians, and community groups.
Proteomic profiling of the large‐vessel vasculitis spectrum identifies shared signatures of innate immune activation and stromal remodelling
Authors: Maughan Robert T. , MacDonald‐Dunlop Erin , Haroon‐Rashid Lubna , Sorensen Louise , Chaddock Natalie , Masters Shauna , Porter Andrew , Peverelli Marta , Pericleous Charis , Hutchings Andrew , Robinson James , Youngstein Taryn , Luqmani Raashid A. , Mason Justin C. , Morgan Ann W. , Peters James E.
Published: January 2025

Background

Takayasu arteritis (TAK) and giant cell arteritis (GCA), the most common forms of large‐vessel vasculitis (LVV), can result in serious morbidity. Understanding the molecular basis of LVV should aid in developing better biomarkers and treatments.

Methods

Plasma proteomic profiling of 184 proteins was performed in two cohorts. Cohort 1 included patients with established TAK (n=96) and large‐vessel GCA (LV‐GCA, n=35) in addition to healthy control participants (HCs, n=35). Cohort 2 comprised patients presenting acutely with possible cranial‐GCA in whom the diagnosis was subsequently confirmed (C‐GCA, n=150) or excluded (Not C‐GCA, n=89). Proteomic findings were compared to published transcriptomic data from LVV‐affected arteries.

Results

In Cohort 1, comparison to HCs revealed 52 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) in TAK and 72 in LV‐GCA. Within‐case analyses identified 16 and 18 disease activity‐associated proteins in TAK and LV‐GCA, respectively. In Cohort 2, comparing C‐GCA versus Not C‐GCA revealed 31 DAPs. Analysis within C‐GCA cases suggested the presence of distinct endotypes, with more pronounced proteomic changes in the biopsy‐proven subgroup. Cross‐comparison of TAK, LV‐GCA and biopsy‐proven C‐GCA revealed highly similar plasma proteomic profiles, with 26 shared DAPs including IL6, monocyte/macrophage related proteins (CCL7, CSF1), tissue remodelling proteins (TIMP1, TNC) and novel associations (TNFSF14, IL7R). Plasma proteomic findings reflected LVV arterial phenotype; for 42% of DAPs, the corresponding gene was differentially expressed in tissue.

Conclusions

These findings suggest shared pathobiology across the LVV spectrum involving innate immunity, lymphocyte homeostasis and tissue remodelling. Network‐based analyses highlighted immune‐stromal crosstalk and identified novel therapeutic targets (e.g. TNFSF14).
A Blueprint for Creating High‐Performing Teams of Ecologists and Environmental Scientists
Authors: Love Hannah B. , Dickmann Ellyn M.
Published: January 2025

Although effective teamwork has been widely studied, little of this information is readily accessible to ecologists, environmental scientists, and their collaborators. In this article, we provide a Blueprint, comprised of 10 professional tips to guide ecological and environmental scientists and their teams toward high performance. This Blueprint uses illustrative qualitative survey data and network analysis data from an international ecology‐based team which used a values‐based approach to influence the structure of their network and interpersonal relationships. In addition, they built trust and achieved their goals of creating an expansive collaborative, allowing for data sharing.
Dual‐Chromophore Fluorescent Probe: Multi‐Stimuli Sensing and Visual Discrimination
Authors: Qiao Min , Huang Yuheng , Zhu Xiaolin , Ding Liping , Fang Yu
Published: January 2025

Comprehensive Summary

The advancement of multifunctional fluorescent probes for monitoring diverse environmental parameters is of paramount importance. In this study, we engineered dual‐chromophore fluorescent probe, DBT, that responds to multiple stimuli by integrating functional groups with unique characteristics. Notably, the probe DBT exhibits pronounced bimodal emission under specific conditions, with its fluorescence shifting between red and blue in response to alterations in solvent composition, humidity levels, and temperature variations. Significantly, DBT facilitates the differentiation and visual identification of eight solvents, and permits the quantitative detection of trace water content in organic solvents. Additionally, it allows for the visual detection of gasoline. These findings herald the development of single‐molecule fluorescent materials capable of responding to multiple stimulus, paving the way for simultaneous multi‐stimuli detection and discrimination in various applications.
Equivalence of Biosimilarity in Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Properties of Recombinant Human Insulin Aspart
Authors: Dongre Sneha A. , Kulkarni Gauri A. , Thapa Damodar , Ghade Nikhil , Lona Jeseena , Prajapati Hiren , Mehta Hiren , Guttikar Swati , Krishnan Archana R. , Sonar Sanjay M.
Published: January 2025

Insulin aspart, a rapid‐acting analog, achieves faster subcutaneous absorption than regular insulin. This study aimed to demonstrate equivalence in the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) characteristics of Recombinant Human Insulin Aspart from BioGenomics Limited (as test) and Novo‐Nordisk (as reference) in healthy adult males. This was a double‐blind, randomized, cross‐over study, assessing PK and PD parameters under fasting conditions. Participants received either 0.2 U/kg of test or reference product via a subcutaneous route in the abdominal area. PK parameters included maximum serum concentration (Cmax), area under the curve [(AUC[0–t]) and (AUC [0–∞])], time to maximum serum concentration (Tmax), and half‐life (t½). PD parameters included amount of glucose infused (Gtot), maximum glucose infusion rate (Rmax), time of Rmax (tRmax), late time of half‐maximal glucose infusion rate (tRmax50), time of first measured glucose infusion rate (tonset), and cessation of glucose infusion/clamp (tRlast). Seventy subjects between 18 and 45 years of age and body mass index between 18 and 27 kg/m2 were enrolled. The 90% confidence intervals (CIs) for Cmax, AUC[0–t], AUC [0–∞] for insulin, and the 95% CIs for Gtot, Rmax for glucose were within 80%–125% as required to assess test‐reference bioequivalence. No serious adverse events were observed. Both the preparations showed bioequivalence under fasting conditions with a similar safety profile.
Coupled Electric‐Thermal Damage Model for Lightning Strikes on Buried Pipeline
Authors: Jin Xiao , Rao Pingping , Feng Weikang , Cui Jifei , Nimbalkar Sanjay , Chen Qingsheng
Published: January 2025

A coupled electrothermal damage theory model for pipelines is proposed to assess the failure behavior of buried pipelines under lightning strikes. This article considers local thermal nonequilibrium (LTNE) conditions in the soil–water porous medium and the nonlinear characteristics of lightning functions. The calculation results show that the proposed theoretical model has better applicability and accuracy compared with previous models. Parametric analysis shows that under lightning conditions of Im = 20 kA and T1/T2 = 1.2/50 μs, the maximum local temperature of the soil around the pipeline can reach 2160 K, leading to pipeline breakdown. Metal pipelines are shown to be more effective in conducting charges, which alters the electric field distribution in the soil and impacts the formation of plasma channels. The half‐peak value of the lightning waveform has a significant impact on pipeline breakdown, and its increase will increase the risk of pipeline breakdown gradually. When considering LTNE conditions, the change in the pipeline surface temperature becomes more pronounced. Under 8/30 and 8/40 μs lightning waveforms, the pipeline surface temperature is approximately 150 and 550 K higher, respectively, compared with the thermal equilibrium conditions. The thermal conductivity and porosity of backfill soil can also affect the thermal damage of lightning‐struck pipelines. With clay filling, the highest pipeline surface temperature can reach 2590 K, while with fine sand and coarse sand, it is 1980 and 1510 K, respectively. The pipeline lightning disaster model proposed in this article has engineering significance for the investigation of pipeline lightning failure and disaster prevention mechanisms.
Acoustic speech features are associated with late‐life depression and apathy symptoms: Preliminary findings
Authors: Harlev Daniel , Singer Shir , Goldshalger Maya , Wolpe Noham , Bergmann Eyal
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND

Late‐life depression (LLD) is a heterogenous disorder related to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative processes, raising a need for the development of novel biomarkers. We sought to provide preliminary evidence for acoustic speech signatures sensitive to LLD and their relationship to depressive dimensions.

METHODS

Forty patients (24 female, aged 65–82 years) were assessed with the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Vocal features were extracted from speech samples (reading a pre‐written text) and tested as classifiers of LLD using random forest and XGBoost models. Post hoc analyses examined the relationship between these acoustic features and specific depressive dimensions.

RESULTS

The classification models demonstrated moderate discriminative ability for LLD with receiver operating characteristic = 0.78 for random forest and 0.84 for XGBoost in an out‐of‐sample testing set. The top classifying features were most strongly associated with the apathy dimension (R2 = 0.43).

DISCUSSION

Acoustic vocal features that may support the diagnosis of LLD are preferentially associated with apathy.

Highlights

The depressive dimensions in late‐life depression (LLD) have different cognitive correlates, with apathy characterized by more pronounced cognitive impairment.

Acoustic speech features can predict LLD. Using acoustic features, we were able to train a random forest model to predict LLD in a held‐out sample.

Acoustic speech features that predict LLD are preferentially associated with apathy. These results indicate a predominance of apathy in the vocal signatures of LLD, and suggest that the clinical heterogeneity of LLD should be considered in development of acoustic markers.
Toward alpha‐synuclein seed amplification assay in clinical practice
Authors: Verdurand Mathieu , Kaczorowski Flora , Dautricourt Sophie , Desestret Virginie , Formaglio Maïté , Mollion Hélène , Petitnicolas Gil , Afifi Ali , Fourier Anthony , Garnier‐Crussard Antoine , Quadrio Isabelle
Published: January 2025

INTRODUCTION

Seed amplification assays (SAAs) demonstrate remarkable diagnostic performance in alpha‐synucleinopathies. However, existing protocols lack accessibility in routine laboratories, mainly due to the requirement for in‐house production of recombinant alpha‐synuclein (aSyn). This study proposes a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) aSyn‐SAA protocol using solely commercial reagents to facilitate its clinical implementation.

METHODS

Routine clinical care CSF samples from 126 patients, comprising 47 with Lewy body diseases (LBD) (41 with dementia with Lewy bodies, six with Parkinson's disease), 37 without alpha‐synucleinopathy, and 42 with Alzheimer's disease (AD), underwent assessment for aSyn‐SAA activity.

RESULTS

CSF aSyn‐SAA showed a sensitivity of 72.3% and a specificity of 100% when distinguishing clinically diagnosed LBD patients from those without alpha‐synucleinopathy. In AD patients, 14.3% were tested positive for aSyn.

DISCUSSION

The commercial‐only CSF aSyn‐SAA protocol exhibited excellent specificity when applied to a real‐life cohort, signaling progress toward the accessibility of an aSyn biomarker in clinical settings.

Highlights

Diagnosis of LBD through aSyn‐SAA lacks accessibility.

This commercial‐only aSyn‐SAA has satisfactory performance in a real‐life cohort.

A negative aSyn‐SAA does not completely exclude a synucleinopathy.

Some technical points must be considered when developing aSyn‐SAA.

aSyn‐SAA must be confined to expert laboratories due to prion‐like risk management.
Plasma biomarkers of amyloid, tau, astrogliosis, and axonal injury in a mixed memory clinic cohort
Authors: Gleerup Helena Sophia , Simonsen Anja Hviid , Grötschel Lana , Gramkow Mathias Holsey , Høgh Peter , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik , Ashton Nicholas , Hasselbalch Steen Gregers
Published: January 2025

INTRODUCTION

Studies have shown that blood biomarkers can differentiate dementia disorders. However, the diagnosis of dementia still relies primarily on cerebrospinal fluid and imaging modalities. The new disease‐modifying treatments call for more widely applicable biomarkers.

METHODS

Plasma samples (n = 250) from two mixed memory clinic were included. Participants were divided into amyloid beta positives (Aβ+) and Aβ negatives (Aβ−). Plasma phosphorylated tau (p‐tau) 181, p‐tau231, Aβ1‐42 (Aβ42), Aβ40, Aβ42/Aβ40, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and neurofilament light chain (NfL) were measured by single molecule array.

RESULTS

Significant differences were found among cognitively unimpaired, mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and non‐AD, and nearly all of the biomarkers were able to predict amyloid status. When combining p‐tau181 and p‐tau231 they predicted Aβ positivity with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.75, and when combining all biomarkers an AUC of 0.86 was found.

DISCUSSION

This study supports previous findings on plasma biomarkers, even when investigated in a typical clinical setting in a consecutive, heterogeneous, mixed memory clinic.

Highlights

This study investigated seven plasma biomarkers in a mixed memory clinic, regardless of amyloid co‐pathology or atypical phenotypes.

These findings support previous promising results on plasma biomarkers, even when investigated in a heterogeneous population.

The combination of phosphorylated tau (p‐tau)181 and p‐231 performed only slightly worse than a panel of multiple biomarkers, aligning with previous studies.

Plasma biomarkers show potential for future applications in primary care, treatment monitoring, and trial selection.
Electrochemical Precipitation Energy‐Assisted Aqueous Battery with High Voltage and High Electrode Utilization
Authors: Liu Chang , Jiang Lvzhang , Liu Yu
Published: January 2025

Increasing battery voltage and electrode utilization is of great significance for improving the energy density of aqueous battery. Herein, for the first time, this work introduces an integrated design strategy to regulate electrode potential and improve electrode utilization based on the concept of electrochemical precipitation energy. By coupling precipitation reaction with original electrode reaction, the Gibbs free energy change () of the precipitation reaction is coupled to battery reaction's , thereby altering battery's voltage. Besides, the electrode reaction changes to solid‐to‐solid reaction after coupling with precipitation reaction, which can improve electrode utilization. The potential of Cu is reduced from 0.34 to −0.96 V (the lowest value among all the reported Cu anode) with a Cu utilization of 87.93% (without additional copper in electrolyte) by coupling Cu2S's precipitation reaction. Furthermore, the potential of I2 is increased from 0.54 to 0.65 V (I2/CuI) and 0.73 V (I2/PbI2) by coupling precipitation reaction of CuI and PbI2 and the shutting effect of I3− is also limited. As proof of concept, a full Cu2S battery (cathode: S/Cu2S, anode: Cu/Cu2S) is designed with average discharge voltage of 1.12 V, which is the highest value among all the Cu‐based aqueous batteries. Due to the certain universality of this strategy, this work provides a new path to regulate the electrode reaction potential and improve electrode utilization.
Inequalities in relative cancer survival by race, immigration status, income, and education for 22 cancer sites in Canada, a cohort study
Authors: Malagón Talía , Botting‐Provost Sarah , Moore Alissa , El‐Zein Mariam , Franco Eduardo L.
Published: January 2025

There is a paucity of disaggregated data to monitor cancer health inequalities in Canada. We used data linkage to estimate site‐specific cancer relative survival by race, immigration status, household income, and education level in Canada. We pooled the Canadian Census Health and Environment Cohorts, which are linked datasets of 5.9 million respondents of the 2006 long‐form census and 6.5 million respondents of the 2011 National Household Survey. Individual‐level respondent data from these surveys were probabilistically linked with the Canadian Cancer Registry up to 2015 and with the Canadian Vital Statistics Death database up to 2019. We used propensity score matching and Poisson models to calculate age‐standardized relative survival by equity stratifiers for all cancers combined and for 22 individual cancer sites for the period 2006–2019. There were 560,905 primary cancer cases diagnosed over follow‐up included in survival analyses; the age‐standardized period relative survival was 72.9% at 5 years post‐diagnosis. 5‐year relative survival was higher in immigrants (74.1%, 95%CI 73.8–74.4) than in Canadian‐born persons (69.6%, 95%CI 69.4–69.8), and higher in racial groups with high proportions of immigrants. There was a marked socioeconomic gradient, with 11%–12% lower relative survival in cancer patients in the lowest household income and education levels than in the highest levels. Socioeconomic gradients were observed for most cancer sites, though the magnitude varied by site. The observed differences in relative survival suggest there remain important inequities in cancer control and care delivery and quality even in a universal healthcare system.
Childhood vaccinations and the risk of leukemia: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Alberts Aya , Kjaer Susanne K. , Søegaard Signe H. , Winther Jeanette F. , Schmiegelow Kjeld , Sopina Liza , Erdmann Friederike , Hargreave Marie
Published: January 2025

A protective effect of childhood vaccinations on leukemia risk, particularly acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), has been hypothesized, though findings are inconsistent. We used a nationwide cohort of Danish children born 1997–2018 (n = 1,360,230), to examine associations between childhood vaccinations and leukemia (<20 years) using registry data (follow‐up: December 31, 2018). Cox proportional hazard models with age as the underlying time estimated hazard ratios (HRs) for leukemia (any, ALL, acute myeloid [AML], and other), comparing vaccinated with unvaccinated children. We also accessed the effect of each additional vaccine dose. During 14,536,819 person‐years, 771 children were diagnosed with leukemia (74% ALL, 16% AML, and 10% other). Any vaccination was associated with an increased HR for ALL (HR: 2.76; 95% CI: 0.66–11.58), compared to unvaccinated children, with a change in HR of 1.01 (95% CI: 0.96–1.05) per dose. The corresponding HRs for any leukemia, AML, and other leukemia were 1.04 (95% CI: 0.50–2.17), 0.67 (95% CI: 0.18–2.59) and 0.29 (95% CI: 0.09–0.99), with a change in HR of 0.97 (95% CI: 0.94–1.02), 0.92 (95% CI: 0.84–1.00, p = .062) and 0.88 (95% CI: 0.78–1.00, p = .044) per dose. No significant associations were found for vaccination types, except for the pneumococcal vaccine which was associated with a decreased risk of other leukemia (HR: 0.32; 95% CI: 0.14–0.74). In six‐months lag analyses, no significant associations were observed, and decreased risks were attenuated. The results provide no strong evidence that childhood vaccinations reduce leukemia risk. The limited number of unvaccinated cases and wide confidence intervals suggest cautious interpretation of some findings.
A preliminary analysis of teaching children with autism spectrum disorder self‐protection skills for bullying situations
Authors: Fallon Maya J. , Luczynski Kevin C. , Rodriguez Nicole M. , Felty Christine , Rahaman Javid A.
Published: January 2025

Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder are at high risk of being bullied, but research on teaching children with autism self‐protection skills for bullying situations is scant. We taught five children self‐protection skills for two types of bullying (threats and unkind remarks) and consecutive bullying occurrences. We first evaluated behavioral skills training and a textual prompt to teach children to report threats of physical or material harm, provide a disapproving statement after a first unkind remark, and occupy themselves with an activity away from a bully after a second unkind remark. Additional tactics were necessary to aid in the discrimination of bullying situations for two children. There were increases in the self‐protection skills with all children. Results further support that an active‐learning approach is efficacious in teaching responses to bullying in simulated situations. Considerations for teaching these skills while maintaining trust and rapport with children and caregivers are discussed.
Food categorization determines whether healthier food is inferred to be tastier or less tasty
Authors: Mai Robert , Trendel Olivier , Basil Michael
Published: January 2025

Despite evidence that people believe that the unhealthier the food, the tastier it is, some studies also suggest the opposing belief—the healthier the food, the tastier it is. A framework is proposed to reconcile this contradiction, and four studies demonstrate that the discrete categorization of foods as healthful versus unhealthful determines which intuition consumers use. When stereotypically unhealthy foods (e.g., candies, ice cream, hot dogs) are encountered, they are automatically categorized as unhealthful and the properties associated with that category (e.g., sweetness, saltiness, fat content) become accessible. Inferences about taste are then based on these properties and the unhealthier the encountered products are (i.e., the higher the sugar and fat content they have), the tastier they are perceived to be (unhealthy = tasty belief). Conversely, when stereotypically healthful foods (e.g., fruits) are encountered, other properties (e.g., freshness, vitamins) become salient, and tastiness is mainly inferred based on these properties, leading to the inference that the healthier these foods are (i.e., the more freshness and vitamins they have), the tastier they are perceived to be (healthy = tasty belief). Marketers and policymakers can leverage these findings to understand better when emphasizing healthiness benefits or hurts taste perceptions.
Exploring MRI Safety Knowledge Among Physicians and Nurses in Saudi Arabia: Highlighting Knowledge Gaps and Key Influencing Factors
Authors: Kanbayti Ibrahem Hussain
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a widely used diagnostic modality in healthcare settings, but it carries inherent safety risks. Understanding healthcare providers' knowledge of MRI safety is crucial for ensuring patient and staff safety. This study aimed to assess MRI safety knowledge among physicians and nurses and explore factors influencing this knowledge.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted among 387 nonimaging healthcare practitioners: physicians and nurses, from different healthcare sectors in Jeddah city. A structured questionnaire assessed their understanding of basic MRI concepts, projectile hazards and contrast media risks. Statistical analyses, including Student's t‐test and ANOVA, were used to examine differences in knowledge scores.

Results

Participants showed limited or poor knowledge across all MRI safety domains, including basic concepts, projectile hazards and contrast media risks, with domain knowledge scores of 31.8%, 33.7% and 32.3%, respectively. Factors having an impact on knowledge of MRI safety were the type of healthcare sector, qualification, work experience, attending workshops and whether the education curriculum included MRI safety (p ≤ 0.05).

Conclusions

The study highlighted substantial deficits in MRI safety knowledge among nonimaging healthcare practitioners: physicians and nurses. Addressing these gaps through targeted education and training programs is essential for improving patient and staff safety in MRI settings.
Therapeutic impacts of recalling and processing positive autobiographical memories on posttrauma health: An open‐label study
Authors: Contractor Ateka A. , Messman Brett A. , Dicker‐Oren Sheila Daniela , Compton Sidonia E. , Slavish Danica C. , Sznitman Sharon R. , Greene Talya
Published: January 2025

The processing of positive memories technique (PPMT) entails detailed narration and processing of specific positive autobiographical memories (AM) and has shown promise in improving posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. We examined whether participants receiving PPMT reported decreases in PTSD and depressive symptom severity, negative affect levels/reactivity, posttrauma cognitions, and positive emotion dysregulation, as well as increases in positive affect levels/reactivity and the number of retrieved positive AMs across four PPMT sessions. Individuals (N = 70) recruited from the community completed surveys at baseline (pre‐PPMT), each PPMT session, and after completing all four PPMT sessions. Multilevel linear growth models indicated session‐to‐session decreases in PTSD severity, β = −.17, p < .001; depressive symptom severity, β = −.13, p < .001; negative affect levels, β = −.13, p < .001; positive affect reactivity, β = −.14, p = .014; and posttrauma cognitions, β = −.12, p < .001; and session‐to‐session increases in negative affect reactivity, β = .18, p = .001. Paired‐samples t tests indicated decreases in retrieved positive AMs, d = 0.40, p = .001, including specific positive AMs, and negative AMs, d = 0.23, p = .022, and increases in retrieved overgeneral positive AMs, d = −0.38, p = .002, from baseline to postintervention. Thus, PPMT may help decrease PTSD and depression severity, negative affect, posttrauma cognitions, and negative AM recall tendencies. Clinicians may need to incorporate additional skills into the PPMT framework to improve positive affect processes that can be sustained over time.
Lumbopelvic hyperlordosis is linked to higher femoral head coverage, lower femoral anteversion and younger age at periacetabular osteotomy
Authors: Fischer Maximilian , Nonnenmacher Lars , Nitsch Andreas , Mühler Matthias R. , Möller Alexander , Hofer Andre , Wassilew Georgi I.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The dynamic alignment of the lumbar spine, pelvis and femur is increasingly studied in hip preservation surgery. However, the interaction between lumbopelvic alignment, acetabular and femoral morphology and its influence on patients' preoperative symptom burden remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether lumbopelvic malalignment affects osseous hip morphology and exacerbates preoperative patient‐reported joint functionality in patients undergoing periacetabular osteotomy (PAO).

Methods

One hundred thirteen patients were prospectively enroled in this single‐centre study. Sagittal lumbopelvic radiographs were used to divide the patients in accordance with their lumbopelvic alignment (pelvic incidence [PI]–lumbar lordosis [LL] mismatch) into a balanced (PI–LL: 10° and 10°/n = 60) and unbalanced alignment (PI–LL: <10° and >10°/n = 53) group. Intergroup analyses were performed for acetabular and femoral morphology as well as various patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) scores (modified Harris‐Hip, Hip Osteoarthritis Outcome, International Hip Outcome tool‐12 and University of California Los Angeles activity scale).

Results

Patients with concomitant unbalanced lumbopelvic alignment due to hyperlordosis showed higher femoral head coverage and lower femoral anteversion (lateral centre‐edge angle 20.2° vs. 15.8°, p = 0.012/anterior wall index 0.47 vs. 0.36, p = 0.001/acetabular inclination 10.2° vs. 13.6°, p = 0.008/Femoral anteversion 21.3° vs. 28.2°, p = 0.041). Furthermore, these patients were significantly younger at the time of PAO (28.7 vs. 32.4 years, p = 0.020), even when there were no intergroup differences in all analyzed PROMs.

Conclusion

Concomitant lumbopelvic deformity affecting the hip joint morphology could aggravate clinical symptoms leading to earlier presentation in patients undergoing PAO. Thus, the lumbopelvic balance needs to be carefully evaluated in clinical decision‐making in PAO patients and future research should focus on long‐term outcomes of patients with concomitant unbalanced lumbopelvic alignment.

Level of Evidence

Level III, prognostic study.
Catastrophic bleaching in protected reefs of the Southern Great Barrier Reef
Authors: Byrne Maria , Waller Alexander , Clements Matthew , Kelly Aisling S. , Kingsford Michael J. , Liu Bailu , Reymond Claire E. , Vila‐Concejo Ana , Webb Monique , Whitton Kate , Foo Shawna A.
Published: January 2025

The iconic Great Barrier Reef (GBR) experienced mass coral bleaching in early 2024. In the southern GBR, heat stress triggered severe and widespread bleaching to levels not previously recorded and impacted a diverse range of coral genera at One Tree Reef (OTR). Over 161 d, we tracked the health of 462 coral colonies from heatwave peak to autumn and winter cooling. In February and April, 66% and 80% of the colonies were bleached, respectively. By May, 44% of the bleached colonies were dead and 53% in July. In July, 31% of colonies were still bleached and 16% recovered. Goniopora developed black band disease contributing to high mortality. Colony collapse occurred in Acropora (95% mortality) with accumulation of algal‐fouled fragments. In‐water tracking of individual colonies showed rapid bleaching, disease onset and mortality. The protected status and offshore location did not protect OTR from heat stress bleaching and mortality.