bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rhodium(III)‐Catalyzed C‐H/O2 Dual Activation and Macrocyclization: Synthesis and Evaluation of Pyrido[2,1‐a]isoindole Grafted Macrocyclic Inhibitors for Influenza H1N1
Authors: Song Bichao , Guo Xueying , Yang Li , Yu Haiyue , Zong Xinlei , Liu Xiujuan , Wang Hao , Xu Zhongliang , Lin Zhenyang , Yang Weibo
Published: February 2023

The development of environment‐friendly, step economic couplings to generate structurally diverse macrocyclic compounds is highly desirable but poses a marked challenge. Inspired by the C−H oxidation mechanism of cytochromes P450, an unprecedented and practical RhIII‐catalyzed acylmethylation macrocyclization via C−H/O2 dual activation has been developed by us. The process of macrocyclization is facilitated by a synergic coordination from pyridine and ester group. Interestingly, the reaction mode derives from a three‐component coupling which differs from established olefination and alkylation paths. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and control experiments revealed the mechanism of this unique C−H/O2 dual activation. The newly achieved acylmethylation macrocyclic products and their derivatives showed a potent anti‐H1N1 bioactivity, which may provide an opportunity for the discovery of novel anti‐H1N1 macrocyclic leading compounds.
Knowledge of periconceptional folic acid supplementation and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at public health facilities in Hawassa, South Ethiopia
Authors: Besho Merga , Kassa Andargachew , Dula Dubale , Fetensa Getahun , Tolossa Tadesse , Wakuma Bizuneh , Regasa Misganu Teshoma
Published: February 2023

Background

Neural tube closure defect (NTD) such as spinal bifida and anencephaly are serious neurological disabilities that occur when the neural tube does not close completely within 28 days of conception. Even though Folic acid supplementation during and before pregnancy is proved to significantly reduces the risk of NTDs. Currently only 23% of folic acid preventable NTD achieved Worldwide; mainly due to lack of awareness about folic acid supplementation. This study was aimed to assess the knowledge of Folic acid supplementation among pregnant women attending antenatal care at public health facilities in Hawassa Ethiopia.

Methods

Institution based cross‐sectional study was employed among 358 pregnant women attending antenatal care. Data were collected using an interviewer‐administered structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 22. The knowledge of Folic acid supplementation was assessed using six multiple‐choice questions. The association between the dependent and independent variables were analyzed using Binary Logistic regression model and statistically significant predictors at p‐value <.05 at 95% CI.

Results

This study indicated that only 7.5% (95% CI, 5.3–10.1) of pregnant women had good knowledge of Folic acid supplementation. The pregnant women who had a history of at least one previous pregnancy loss AOR = 12.64 (95% CI: 4.98, 32.08) and those who had preconception consultation AOR = 11.77 (95% CI: 3.01, 46.07) were more likely to have good knowledge of periconceptional folic acid supplementation as compared to their counterpart.

Conclusions

The knowledge of periconceptional folic acid supplementation among pregnant women was worryingly low in the study area. Alternative and more effective strategies are needed if the population of Ethiopia is to benefit fully from the folic acid prevention of NTDs. Thus, in Ethiopia the future strategies should focus on the possible way to reach the last group through fortification of staple foods with folic acid along with improving women's awareness on folic acid importance in reducing Neural tube defects.
Emerging role of TAK1 in the regulation of skeletal muscle mass
Authors: Roy Anirban , Narkar Vihang A. , Kumar Ashok
Published: February 2023

Maintenance of skeletal muscle mass and strength throughout life is crucial for heathy living and longevity. Several signaling pathways have been implicated in the regulation of skeletal muscle mass in adults. TGF‐β‐activated kinase 1 (TAK1) is a key protein, which coordinates the activation of multiple signaling pathways. Recently, it was discovered that TAK1 is essential for the maintenance of skeletal muscle mass and myofiber hypertrophy following mechanical overload. Forced activation of TAK1 in skeletal muscle causes hypertrophy and attenuates denervation‐induced muscle atrophy. TAK1‐mediated signaling in skeletal muscle promotes protein synthesis, redox homeostasis, mitochondrial health, and integrity of neuromuscular junctions. In this article, we have reviewed the role and potential mechanisms through which TAK1 regulates skeletal muscle mass and growth. We have also proposed future areas of research that could be instrumental in exploring TAK1 as therapeutic target for improving muscle mass in various catabolic conditions and diseases.
Health behavior of young patients with ischemic stroke in Estonia: A score of five factors
Authors: Saapar Minni , Vibo Riina , Schneider Siim , Kõrv Liisa , Mallene Sandra , Kõrv Janika
Published: February 2023

Background

Behavioral risk factors are common among young patients with stroke. This study aimed to compare the health behavior of patients and healthy controls and develop a combined risk score of health behavior.

Methods

The health behavior of patients aged 18–54 years who suffered an ischemic stroke from 2013 to 2020 in Estonia was compared to the Health Behavior among Estonian Adult Population 2014 study sample. We chose five risk factors for comparison: smoking status, body mass index, physical exercise, diet (salt use and vegetable consumption), alcohol intake (quantity and frequency), and composed a summary score.

Results

Comparing 342 patients and 1789 controls, daily smoking (49.0% vs. 22.7%), obesity (33.4% vs. 15.9%), low physical activity (< twice/week) (72.2% vs. 60.5%), excessive salt use (8.6% vs. 4.5%), and frequent alcohol use (≥ weekly) (39.9% vs. 34.0%) were more prevalent among patients. The differences in infrequent vegetable consumption (<6 days/week) and excessive alcohol consumption (7 days, >8 units/females, >16 units/males) were not significant. The observed differences were similar for age groups 18–44 years and 45–54 years. The average Health Behavior Stroke Risk Score (0–10) was 4.6 points (CI 4.4–4.8, SD ± 1.97) for patients and 3.5 points (CI 3.4–3.6, SD ± 1.90) for controls.

Conclusions

Before stroke, young patients displayed significantly worse health behavior than the general population. The largest differences were found for smoking and obesity, and a cumulation of risk factors was observed via the HBSR score.
Differential adoption of castration‐resistant prostate cancer treatment across facilities in a national healthcare system
Authors: Caram Megan E. V. , Kumbier Kyle , Burns Jennifer , Sparks Jordan B. , Tsao Phoebe A. , Stensland Kristian D. , Washington Samuel L. , Hollenbeck Brent K. , Shahinian Vahakn , Skolarus Ted A.
Published: February 2023

Background

Over the past decade, abiraterone and enzalutamide have largely replaced ketoconazole as oral treatments for castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). We investigated the differential adoption of abiraterone and enzalutamide across facilities in a national healthcare system to understand the impact a facility has on the receipt of these novel therapies.

Methods

Using data from the VA Corporate Data Warehouse, we identified a cohort of men with CRPC who received the most common first‐line therapies: abiraterone, enzalutamide, docetaxel, or ketoconazole between 2010 and 2017. We described variability in the adoption of abiraterone and enzalutamide across facilities by time period (2010–2013 or 2014–2017). We categorized facilities depending on the timing of adoption of abiraterone and enzalutamide relative to other facilities and described facility characteristics associated with early and late adoption.

Results

We identified 4998 men treated with ketoconazole, docetaxel, abiraterone, or enzalutamide as first‐line CRPC therapy between 2010 and 2017 at 125 national facilities. When limiting the cohort to oral therapies, most patients treated earlier in the study period (2010–2013) received ketoconazole. A dramatic shift was seen by the second half of the study period (2014–2017) with most men treated with first‐line abiraterone (61%). Despite this shift and a new standard of care, some facilities persisted in the widespread use of ketoconazole in the later period, so‐called late adopting facilities. After multivariable adjustment, patients who received treatment at a late adopting facility were more likely receiving care at a lower complexity, rural facility, with less urology and hematology/oncology workforce (all p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Many facilities persisted in their use of ketoconazole as first‐line CRPC therapy, even when other facilities had adopted the new standard of care abiraterone and enzalutamide. Further work is needed to identify the effect of this late adoption on outcomes important to patients.
Research Progress on Anti‐Inflammatory Mechanisms of Black Ginseng
Authors: Huo Ran , Wang Mengyuan , Wei Xu , Qiu Ye
Published: February 2023

In recent years, black ginseng, a new type of processed ginseng product, has attracted the attention of scholars globally. Ginsenoside and ginseng polysaccharide, the main active substances of black ginseng, have been shown to carry curative effects for many diseases. This article focuses on the mechanism of their action in anti‐inflammatory response, which is mainly divided into three aspects: activation of immune cells to exert immune regulatory response; participation in inflammatory response‐related pathways and regulation of the expression level of inflammatory factors; effect on the metabolic activity of intestinal flora. This study identifies active anti‐inflammatory components and an action mechanism of black ginseng showing multi‐component, multi‐target, and multi‐channel characteristics, providing ideas and a basis for a follow‐up in‐depth study of its specific mechanism.
Heterocyclic Hemipiperazines: Water‐Compatible Peptide‐Derived Photoswitches
Authors: Gödtel Peter , Starrett Jessica , Pianowski Zbigniew L.
Published: February 2023

Hemipiperazines are a recently discovered class of peptide‐derived molecular photoswitches with high biocompatibility and therapeutic potential. Here, for the first time we describe photochromism of heterocyclic hemipiperazines. They demonstrate long thermal lifetimes, and enlarged band separation between photoisomers. Efficient photoisomerization occurs under aqueous conditions, although with a need for organic co‐solvent. Bidirectional switching with visible light is observed for an extended aromatic system.
Progress of Azametallacyclopentadienes in the New Century
Authors: Lv Ze‐Jie , Liu Wei , Zhang Wen‐Xiong
Published: February 2023

As the key intermediates in metal‐promoted/catalyzed C−C bond coupling reactions of nitriles and alkynes, azametallacyclopentadienes, M(N=CR1−CR2=CR3), are an important class of azametallacycles. Although the first authentic azametallacyclopentadienes were documented in 1986, their chemistry towards solid‐state structures, intrinsic reactivity, and synthetic application was rarely investigated for a long time. At the beginning of this century, seminal works about the applications of azametallacyclopentadienes in the synthesis of heterocycles, including multi‐substituted pyridines, isoquinolines, furans, and pyrroles were reported. Subsequently, a series of new complexes with this motif, namely the Group 4, aluminum, actinide, and rare‐earth azametallacyclopentadienes were isolated and structurally characterized. Among them, the rare‐earth azametallacyclopentadiene expresses high reactivity towards unsaturated molecules, such as nitriles, isocyanides, and Mo(CO)6 to provide novel fused metallacycles. In this Concept, we reviewed the advances in the preparation, reactivity, and synthetic application of azametallacyclopentadienes in the past twenty years.
Detection of Large Genomic RNA via DNAzyme‐Mediated RNA Cleavage and Rolling Circle Amplification: SARS‐CoV‐2 as a Model
Authors: Gu Jimmy , Mathai Amal , Nurmi Connor , White Dawn , Panesar Gurpreet , Yamamura Deborah , Balion Cynthia , Gubbay Jonathan , Mossman Karen , Capretta Alfredo , Salena Bruno J. , Soleymani Leyla , Filipe Carlos D. M. , Brennan John D. , Li Yingfu
Published: February 2023

A new method for the detection of genomic RNA combines RNA cleavage by the 10‐23 DNAzyme and use of the cleavage fragments as primers to initiate rolling circle amplification (RCA). 230 different 10‐23 DNAzyme variants were screened to identify those that target accessible RNA sites within the highly structured RNA transcripts of SARS‐CoV‐2. A total of 28 DNAzymes were identified with >20 % cleavage, 5 with >40 % cleavage and one with >60 % in 10 min. The cleavage fragments from these reactions were then screened for coupling to an RCA reaction, leading to the identification of several cleavage fragments that could efficiently initiate RCA. Using a newly developed quasi‐exponential RCA method with a detection limit of 500 aM of RNA, 14 RT‐PCR positive and 15 RT‐PCR negative patient saliva samples were evaluated for SARS‐CoV‐2 genomic RNA, achieving a clinical sensitivity of 86 % and specificity of 100 % for detection of the virus in <2.5 h.
Measuring adherence to inhaled control medication in patients with asthma: Comparison among an asthma app, patient self‐report and physician assessment
Authors: Cachim Afonso , Pereira Ana Margarida , Almeida Rute , Amaral Rita , Alves‐Correia Magna , Vieira‐Marques Pedro , Chaves‐Loureiro Claudia , Ribeiro Carmelita , Cardia Francisca , Gomes Joana , Vidal Carmen , Silva Eurico , Rocha Sara , Rocha Diana , Marques Maria Luís , Páscoa Rosália , Morais Daniela , Cruz Ana Margarida , Santalha Marta , Simões José Augusto , da Silva Sofia , Silva Diana , Gerardo Rita , Todo Bom Filipa , Morete Ana , Vieira Inês , Vieira Pedro , Monteiro Rosário , Raimundo Maria Rosário , Monteiro Luís , Neves Ângela , Santos Carlos , Penas Ana Margarida , Regadas Rita , Marques José Varanda , Rosendo Inês , Aguiar Margarida Abreu , Fernandes Sara , Cardoso Carlos Seiça , Pimenta Filipa , Meireles Patrícia , Gonçalves Mariana , Fonseca João Almeida , Jácome Cristina
Published: February 2023

Background

Previous studies have demonstrated the feasibility of using an asthma app to support medication management and adherence but failed to compare with other measures currently used in clinical practice. However, in a clinical setting, any additional adherence measurement must be evaluated in the context of both the patient and physician perspectives so that it can also help improve the process of shared decision making. Thus, we aimed to compare different measures of adherence to asthma control inhalers in clinical practice, namely through an app, patient self‐report and physician assessment.

Methods

This study is a secondary analysis of three prospective multicentre observational studies with patients (≥13 years old) with persistent asthma recruited from 61 primary and secondary care centres in Portugal. Patients were invited to use the InspirerMundi app and register their inhaled medication. Adherence was measured by the app as the number of doses taken divided by the number of doses scheduled each day and two time points were considered for analysis: 1‐week and 1‐month. At baseline, patients and physicians independently assessed adherence to asthma control inhalers during the previous week using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS 0–100).

Results

A total of 193 patients (72% female; median [P25–P75] age 28 [19–41] years old) were included in the analysis. Adherence measured by the app was lower (1 week: 31 [0–71]%; 1 month: 18 [0–48]%) than patient self‐report (80 [60–95]) and physician assessment (82 [51–94]) (p < 0.001). A negligible non‐significant correlation was found between the app and subjective measurements (ρ 0.118–0.156, p > 0.05). There was a moderate correlation between patient self‐report and physician assessment (ρ = 0.596, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Adherence measured by the app was lower than that reported by the patient or the physician. This was expected as objective measurements are commonly lower than subjective evaluations, which tend to overestimate adherence. Nevertheless, the low adherence measured by the app may also be influenced by the use of the app itself and this needs to be considered in future studies.
Variation in second breast cancer risk after primary invasive cancer by time since primary cancer diagnosis and estrogen receptor status
Authors: Lowry Kathryn P. , Ichikawa Laura , Hubbard Rebecca A. , Buist Diana S. M. , Bowles Erin J. A. , Henderson Louise M. , Kerlikowske Karla , Specht Jennifer M. , Sprague Brian L. , Wernli Karen J. , Lee Janie M.
Published: February 2023

Background

In women with previously treated breast cancer, occurrence and timing of second breast cancers have implications for surveillance. The authors examined the timing of second breast cancers by primary cancer estrogen receptor (ER) status in the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium.

Methods

Women who were diagnosed with American Joint Commission on Cancer stage I–III breast cancer were identified within six Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium registries from 2000 to 2017. Characteristics collected at primary breast cancer diagnosis included demographics, ER status, and treatment. Second breast cancer events included subsequent ipsilateral or contralateral breast cancers diagnosed >6 months after primary diagnosis. The authors examined cumulative incidence and second breast cancer rates by primary cancer ER status during 1–5 versus 6–10 years after diagnosis.

Results

At 10 years, the cumulative second breast cancer incidence was 11.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 10.7%–13.1%) for women with ER‐negative disease and 7.5% (95% CI, 7.0%–8.0%) for those with ER‐positive disease. Women with ER‐negative cancer had higher second breast cancer rates than those with ER‐positive cancer during the first 5 years of follow‐up (16.0 per 1000 person‐years [PY]; 95% CI, 14.2–17.9 per 1000 PY; vs. 7.8 per 1000 PY; 95% CI, 7.3–8.4 per 1000 PY, respectively). After 5 years, second breast cancer rates were similar for women with ER‐negative versus ER‐positive breast cancer (12.1 per 1000 PY; 95% CI, 9.9–14.7; vs. 9.3 per 1000 PY; 95% CI, 8.4–10.3 per 1000 PY, respectively).

Conclusions

ER‐negative primary breast cancers are associated with a higher risk of second breast cancers than ER‐positive cancers during the first 5 years after diagnosis. Further study is needed to examine the potential benefit of more intensive surveillance targeting these women in the early postdiagnosis period.
Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Bioequivalence of 2 Lopinavir/Ritonavir (200/50 mg) Tablets in Healthy Chinese Volunteers: Effect of Food on Absorption
Authors: Zhang Wei , Lin Lili , Fu Wanjin , Bao Dandan , Zhang Qian , Liu Yueyue , Zheng Liang , Hu Wei
Published: February 2023

Lopinavir/ritonavir is an important protease inhibitor for treating HIV‐1 infection in patients aged >2 years in combination with other antiretrovirals. The antiviral activity of lopinavir/ritonavir in vivo is mainly derived from lopinavir, while ritonavir improves the bioavailability of lopinavir. This study compared the bioequivalence and safety of 2 lopinavir/ritonavir (200/50 mg) formulations under fasted and fed conditions in healthy Chinese volunteers and compared the pharmacokinetic parameters of lopinavir and ritonavir. A randomized, open‐label, single‐dose, 4‐period, crossover bioequivalence was conducted in 72 subjects under fasted and fed conditions. Lopinavir and ritonavir plasma concentrations were analyzed using validated liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Noncompartmental analysis was used to evaluate pharmacokinetic parameters. The 90% confidence intervals of test/reference geometric mean ratio for lopinavir and ritonavir area under the plasma concentration–time curve and maximum drug concentration meets the bioequivalence criteria based on the average bioequivalence method. A high‐fat meal delayed the time to the maximum concentration of lopinavir and ritonavir. Therefore, these formulations were bioequivalent in healthy Chinese volunteers under fasting and fed conditions. Moreover, adverse events were more frequent in the fed state, but all were mild.
High‐Valence Metal‐Organic Framework Materials Constructed from Metal‐Oxo Clusters: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Wang Chen , Yan Jiahui , Chen Sixing , Liu Yi
Published: February 2023

Metal‐organic framework (MOF), which possesses stable framework structure constructed by highly connected metal‐oxo cluster nodes and organic linkers, has shown great promise in gas storage, adsorption, and separation, owing to the high surface areas, tunable pore aperture, and rich functional groups. In this review article, we summarized recent progress made in synthesizing high‐valence MOF (e. g., UiO‐66, MIL‐125, PCN‐22, and MIP‐207) with metal‐oxo cluster as metal source. Of particular note, recent breakthroughs in the preparation of UiO‐66 and MIL‐125 membranes with the corresponding Zr6‐oxo and Ti8‐oxo cluster sources (e. g., Zr6O4(OH)4(OAc)12 and Ti8O8(OOCR)16 clusters) possessing superior separation performance were highlighted. In the end, an outlook on the preparation of versatile high‐valence MOF membranes with the corresponding metal‐oxo clusters as metal sources was highlighted.
Mycophenolic Acid Exposure Determines Antibody Formation Following SARS‐CoV‐2 Vaccination in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Nested Cohort Study
Authors: Meziyerh Soufian , Bouwmans Pim , van Gelder Teun , van der Helm Danny , Messchendorp Lianne , van der Boog Paul J. M. , de Fijter Johan W. , Moes Dirk Jan A. R. , de Vries Aiko P. J. ,   RECOVAC Collaborators
Published: February 2023

Despite (repeated) boosting, kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) may remain at increased risk of severe COVID‐19 since a substantial number of individuals remain seronegative or with low antibody titers. In particular, mycophenolic acid use has been shown to affect antibody formation negatively and may be an important modifiable risk factor. We investigated the exposure–response relationship between mycophenolic acid 12‐hour area under the curve (AUC0–12h) exposure and seroconversion including antibody titers after vaccination using mRNA‐1273 SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine (Moderna) in 316 KTRs from our center that participated in the national Dutch renal patients COVID‐19 vaccination – long term efficacy and safety of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination in kidney disease patients vaccination study. After two vaccination doses, 162 (51%) KTRs seroconverted. KTRs treated with mycophenolic acid showed less seroconversion and lower antibody titers compared with KTRs without mycophenolic acid (44% vs. 77%, and 36 binding antibody units (BAU)/mL vs. 340 BAU/mL; P < 0.001). The mean mycophenolic acid AUC0–12h exposure was significantly lower in KTRs who seroconverted compared with KTRs who did not (39 vs. 29 mg⋅h/L; P < 0.001). High mycophenolic acid exposure (±90 mg⋅h/L) and no exposure to mycophenolic acid resulted in a seroconversion rate ranging from 10% to 80%. Every 10 mg⋅h/L increase in mycophenolic acid AUC0–12h gave an adjusted odds ratio for seroconversion of 0.87 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.79–0.97; P = 0.010) and 0.89 (95% CI, 0.85–0.93; P < 0.001) for KTRs on dual and triple maintenance immunosuppressive therapy, respectively. Higher mycophenolic acid AUC0–12h correlated with lower antibody titers (R = 0.44, P < 0.001). This study demonstrates the exposure–response relationship between gold standard mycophenolic acid exposure and antibody formation to support interventional studies investigating mycophenolic acid adjustment to improve antibody formation after further boosting.
The Association Between Baseline Hepatic or Renal Function and Clinical Outcomes for Patients With Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer Treated With a PD‐1/PD‐L1 Blocking Antibody Using Real‐World and Trial Data
Authors: Liu Qi , Mathur Raina , Xu Yuan , Torres Aracelis Z. , Miksad Rebecca A. , Liu Chao , Smithson Haixia , Wang Yaning , Zhu Hao , Booth Brian , Huang Shiew‐Mei , Zhi Jizu , Sridhara Rajeshwari , Blumenthal Gideon Michael , Larkins Erin , Mishra‐Kalyani Pallavi S. , Rivera Donna R. , Kluetz Paul G. , Sharon Elad
Published: February 2023

Clinical trials have demonstrated the benefit of PD‐1/PD‐L1 blocking antibodies for the treatment of patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in defined patient populations that often exclude patients with moderate or severe hepatic or renal impairment. We assessed the association between overall survival (OS) and baseline organ function in patients with advanced NSCLC treated with PD‐1/PD‐L1 blocking antibodies in real‐world data (RWD; patient‐level data from electronic health records) and pooled clinical trial data submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Kaplan–Meier estimator was used to estimate OS in different subgroups based on organ function. Unadjusted and adjusted Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the association between OS and organ function. In this hypothesis‐generating study, baseline renal impairment did not appear to be associated with OS, while patients with baseline liver impairment had shorter OS. RWD provided information on a broader range of renal and hepatic function than was evaluated in clinical trials and hold promise to complement trial data in better understanding populations not represented in clinical trials.
Eating disorders prevention programs in Latin American countries: A systematic review
Authors: Dunker Karin Louise Lenz , de Carvalho Pedro Henrique Berbert , Amaral Ana Carolina Soares
Published: February 2023

Objective

This systematic review evaluates and summarizes existing eating disorder (ED) prevention programs in Latin American countries.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted using the Cochrane Controlled Trial Register, PubMed, and Virtual Health Library databases up to and including July 31, 2022. All ED prevention studies published in English, Spanish or Portuguese were eligible, regardless of the study design, sample characteristics, and type of prevention programs. The Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias criteria were used to evaluate the quality of the included studies.

Results

Twenty‐two studies were included. Most were pilot studies that were nonrandomized, had a high risk of bias, were from Mexico and Brazil, and employed selective interventions. Dissonance‐based programs and social cognitive theory were the commonly used approaches in interventions, and most of them were tested in adolescent girls and women. Short follow‐ups were used, varying from 1 to 6 months. Many found significant decreases after the intervention and/or at follow‐up in ED/disordered eating risk behaviors/symptoms, negative affect, body‐ideal internalization, and body image disturbances.

Conclusions

This review highlights promising efforts to prevent EDs among Latin American countries. Some barriers in conducting research include funding restrictions, laws that do not allow remuneration or compensation for participants, and high costs of training. Nonetheless, the outcomes of the programs developed and evaluated so far are positive enough to merit further work on ED prevention. Efforts for future researchers should recruit samples with diverse characteristics, use robust designs and data analysis techniques, and expand the accessibility of prevention programs.

Public Significance Statement

The development of effective eating disorder (ED) prevention programs that can be broadly implemented is a public health priority. Nevertheless, there is limited evidence regarding the characteristics of ED prevention programs and their efficacy among Latin American countries. In the present study, we reviewed existing ED prevention programs adopted in Latin America, described their characteristics and outcomes, noted the limitations of available programs, and discussed the implications of these findings for efforts to prevent the development of EDs in Latin America. The outcomes of the programs developed and evaluated so far are positive enough to merit the development and rigorous evaluation of future programs and their broad dissemination in Latin American countries.

PROSPERO registration number CRD42021275245.
Competition model explains trends of long‐term fertilization in plant communities
Authors: Yamauchi Atsushi , Ito Koichi , Shibasaki Shota
Published: February 2023

Over 40 years ago, Kempton (Biometrics, 35, 1979, 307) reported significant modification to plant community structure following a long‐term fertilization experiment. Many researchers have investigated this phenomenon in the years since. Collectively, these studies have shown consistent shifts in rank abundance relationships among species in communities following fertilization. The previous studies indicated that fertilization affects community structure through several critical processes, including trait‐based functional response, reordering of species in rank abundance diagram (RAD), and niche dimensionality, although some questions have remained. How does the species reordering driven by the plant responses cause characteristic trends in temporal changes of RAD? Why are those trends ubiquitous in various systems? To answer those questions, we theoretically investigated the effects of fertilization on community structure based on a colonization model (or Levins model) with competition–fecundity trade‐offs, which can result in the coexistence of multiple species under competition. The model represents characteristic RAD, which can be an adequate tool to study community composition. Our theoretical model comprehensively represents observed trends in rank abundance relationships following long‐term fertilization and suggests that competitive interactions among species are a critical factor in structuring species diversity in plant communities.
Bird preferences for fruit size, but not color, vary in accordance with fruit traits along a tropical elevational gradient
Authors: Hazell Richard J. , Sam Katerina , Sreekar Rachakonda , Yama Samson , Koagouw Wulan , Stewart Alan J. A. , Peck Mika R.
Published: February 2023

Birds constitute one of the most important seed dispersal agents globally, especially in the tropics. The feeding preferences of frugivorous birds are, therefore, potentially of great ecological importance. A number of laboratory‐based and observational studies have attempted to ascertain the preferences of certain bird species for certain fruit traits. However, little attention has been paid to community‐wide preferences of frugivorous birds and the impact this may have on fruit traits on a broader scale. Here, we used artificial fruits of different colors and sizes to investigate community‐wide fruit trait preferences of birds at three sites along an elevational gradient in Papua New Guinea. We recorded attack rates on artificial fruits as visible impressions made by a bird's beak during a feeding attempt. We also measured the colors and sizes of real fruits at each site, and the gape widths of frugivorous birds, allowing for comparisons between bird feeding preferences and bird and fruit traits. Regardless of elevation, red and purple fruits were universally preferred to green and attacked at similar rates to one another, despite strong elevational patterns in real fruit color. However, elevation had a significant effect on fruit size preferences. A weak, non‐significant preference for large fruits was recorded at 700 m, while medium fruits were strongly preferred at 1700 m and small fruits at 2700 m. These patterns mirror those of both real fruit size and frugivorous bird gape width along the gradient, suggesting the potential for selective pressure of birds on fruit size at different elevations.
Niche theory for positive plant–soil feedbacks
Authors: Senthilnathan Athmanathan , D'Andrea Rafael
Published: February 2023

Interactions between plants and the soil are an important ecological process in terrestrial ecosystems as they affect plant community structure: when and where we find different plant species. Those interactions are typically thought of as one‐directional: local soil conditions filter through dispersing species to produce a community of locally adapted plants. However, plants can modify local physicochemical soil conditions via their roots and associations with soil microbes. These may in turn affect the local fitness of other plants, making plant–soil interactions bidirectional. In order to understand how they differ from other ecological processes that structure plant communities, we need a theory connecting these individual‐level plant–soil feedbacks to community‐level patterns. Here, we build this theory with a mathematical model of plant community dynamics in which soil conditioning is explicitly modeled over time and depends on the density of the plants. We analyze this model to describe the long‐term composition and spatial distribution of the plant community. Our main result is that positive plant–soil feedbacks will create clustering of species with similar soil preferences. The composition of these clusters is further influenced by niche width and conditioning strength. In contrast with competitive dynamics driven by niche overlap, only species belonging to the same cluster can maintain high relative abundance in the community. Spatial heterogeneity in the form of an environmental gradient generates patches, each representing a single cluster. However, such patchiness is disfavored when species differ in dispersal ability. We show that stronger dispersers cannot take over the habitat as long as an exogenous driver favors soil conditions that benefit the other species. If exogenous drivers supersede soil conditioning by plants, we retrieve classic habitat filtering, where species are selected based on their suitability to the local environment. Overall, we provide a novel mathematical model for positive plant–soil feedback that we use to describe the spatial patterns of plant abundance and traits related to soil preference and conditioning ability.
Cognitive function following diabetic ketoacidosis in young children with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Ghetti Simona , Kuppermann Nathan , Rewers Arleta , Myers Sage R. , Schunk Jeff E. , Stoner Michael J. , Garro Aris , Quayle Kimberly S. , Brown Kathleen M. , Trainor Jennifer L. , Tzimenatos Leah , DePiero Andrew D. , McManemy Julie K. , Nigrovic Lise E. , Kwok Maria Y. , Olsen Cody S. , Casper T. Charles , Glaser Nicole S. ,   Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN) DKA FLUID Study Group
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Young children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) may be at particularly high risk of cognitive decline following diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). However, studies of cognitive functioning in T1D typically examine school‐age children. The goal of this study was to examine whether a single experience of DKA is associated with lower cognitive functioning in young children. We found that recently diagnosed 3‐ to 5‐year‐olds who experienced one DKA episode, regardless of its severity, exhibited lower IQ scores than those with no DKA exposure.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled 46 3‐ to 5‐year‐old children, who presented with DKA at the onset of T1D, in a randomized multi‐site clinical trial evaluating intravenous fluid protocols for DKA treatment. DKA was moderate/severe in 22 children and mild in 24 children. Neurocognitive function was assessed once 2–6 months after the DKA episode. A comparison group of 27 children with T1D, but no DKA exposure, was also assessed. Patient groups were matched for age and T1D duration at the time of neurocognitive testing.

Results

Children who experienced DKA, regardless of its severity, exhibited significantly lower IQ scores than children who did not experience DKA, F(2, 70) = 6.26, p = .003, partial η2 = .15. This effect persisted after accounting for socioeconomic status and ethnicity.

Conclusions

A single DKA episode is associated with lower IQ scores soon after exposure to DKA in young children.
The Role of Electron–Electron Interaction in Charge Transport Calculations through Transition Metal Dichalcogenides Heterojunctions
Authors: Ben-Melech Stan Gabriela , Blyufer Sofia , Volk Maya , Caspary Toroker Maytal
Published: February 2023

2D materials have raised a lot of interest in the last decades, due to their novel and diverse properties, particularly for energy technology applications where materials such as molybdenum disulfide are known for their outstanding catalytic ability. While intensive research is devoted to 2D transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDCs) semiconductor characterization, comprehensive understanding of metal/semiconductor heterojunctions is still lacking especially for junctions containing 2D metallic monolayers other than graphene. Using wave‐packet propagation, charge transport of two electrons through heterojunctions is simulated, in order to assess the influence of the electron–electron interaction on the charge transport efficiency. TMDCs with similar structure for both metal and semiconductor monolayers are used, leading to a high‐quality metal contact. It is found that charge transport is more efficient in systems containing a chromium disulfide semiconductor monolayer compared to systems with MoS2 or tungsten disulfide. This trend in the efficiency is the same with and without electron–electron interaction, demonstrating the validity of the qualitative input provided by models that lack electron–electron interactions. Nevertheless, for all systems, the interaction increases charge transmission probability from the metal to the semiconductor, due to electronic repulsion that pushes one of the charge carriers forward across the interface.
Reshaping the material research paradigm of electrochemical energy storage and conversion by machine learning
Authors: Yang Hao , He Zhengqiu , Zhang Mengdi , Tan Xiaojie , Sun Kang , Liu Haiyan , Wang Ning , Guan Lu , Wang Chongze , Wan Yi , Wang Wanli , Hu Han , Wu Mingbo
Published: February 2023

For a “Carbon Neutrality” society, electrochemical energy storage and conversion (EESC) devices are urgently needed to facilitate the smooth utilization of renewable and sustainable energy where the electrode materials and catalysts play a decisive role. However, the efficiency of the current trial‐and‐error research paradigm largely lags behind the imminent demands of EESC requiring increasingly improved performance. The emerged machine learning (ML), a subfield of artificial intelligence, is capable of evaluating and analyzing big data for hidden rules. In this regard, the relationships between the structure and performance of the key materials can be more efficiently revealed, which fundamentally revolutionizes the material research manner of the current EESC devices. In this review, the typical ML algorithms utilized in EESC development are first introduced. Then, focused attention has been paid to multiple aspects of applying ML to reshape the materials research for EESC. In addition to highlighting the emerging prospect, the challenges which are still hindering the further development of this emerging field are also discussed.

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Modeling Seasonal Effects of River Flow on Water Temperatures in an Agriculturally Dominated California River
Authors: Asarian J. Eli , Robinson Crystal , Genzoli Laurel
Published: February 2023

Low streamflows can increase vulnerability to warming, impacting
coldwater fish. Water managers need tools to quantify these impacts and
predict future water temperatures. Contrary to most statistical models’
assumptions, many seasonally changing factors (e.g., water sources and
solar radiation) cause relationships between flow and water temperature
to vary throughout the year. Using 21 years of air temperature and flow
data, we modeled daily water temperatures in California’s
snowmelt-driven Scott River where agricultural diversions consume most
summer surface flows. We used generalized additive models to test
time-varying and nonlinear effects of flow on water temperatures. Models
that represented seasonally varying flow effects with intermediate
complexity outperformed simpler models assuming constant relationships
between water temperature and flow. Cross-validation error of the
selected model was ≤1.2 °C. Flow variation had stronger effects on water
temperatures in April–July than in other months. We applied the model
to predict effects of instream flow scenarios proposed by regulatory
agencies. Relative to historic conditions, the higher instream flow
scenario would reduce annual maximum temperature from 25.2 °C to 24.1
°C, reduce annual exceedances of 22 °C (a cumulative thermal stress
metric) from 106 to 51 degree-days, and delay onset of water
temperatures >22 °C during some drought years. Testing the
same modeling approach at nine additional sites showed similar accuracy
and flow effects. These methods can be applied to streams with long-term
flow and water temperature records to fill data gaps, identify periods
of flow influence, and predict temperatures under flow management
scenarios.
Yield optimization, physicochemical characterizations, and antioxidant properties of food grade agar from Gracilaria tenuistipitata of Cox's Bazar coast, Bangladesh
Authors: Mohibbullah Md. , Talha Md. Abu , Baten Md. Abdul , Newaz Asif Wares , Choi Jae‐Suk
Published: February 2023

The present study was aimed at investigating the optimization of extraction variables for food grade quality agar from Gracilaria tenuistipitata, so far, the first study on Bangladeshi seaweed. Water (native)‐ and NaOH (alkali)‐pretreated agars were comparatively analyzed by several physicochemical parameters. All extraction variables significantly affected the agar yield in both extraction conditions. Alkali‐pretreated agar provided a better yield (12–13% w/w) and gel strength (201 g/cm2) in extraction conditions as followed by 2% NaOH pretreatment at 30°C for 3 h, seaweed to water ratio at 1:150, and extraction temperature at 100°C for 2 h. Gelling and melting temperatures, color, and pH values of both agars were found to be comparable with commercial agar. Significantly higher sulfate contents including organic and inorganic and total carotenoids were reported in native (3.14% and 1.29 μg/mL) than that in alkali‐pretreated agar (1.27% and 0.62 μg/mL). FTIR spectrum demonstrated the purity of the agar as characterized by the stronger relative intensity with higher degree of conversion of L‐galactose 6‐sulfate to 3,6‐anhydrogalactose in alkali pretreatment group than that of native ones. Moreover, antioxidant activity (% DPPH scavenging) was observed and confirmed by IC50 values of 5.42 and 9.02 mg/mL in water‐ and alkali‐pretreated agars, respectively. The results suggested that agar from G. tenuistipitata with optimized alkali extraction conditions could promote cost‐effective yield with improved physicochemical characteristics and biofunctional values upon consumption by the consumers as food materials.
Analysis of TBM parameters during tunnelling in adverse conditions – The case study of the Frejus Safety Tunnel, Western Alps
Authors: Bianchi Gianpino Walter
Published: February 2023

One of the main hazards during tunnel boring machine (TBM) excavation in hard rock is related to the occurrence of unforeseen adverse conditions, leading to unfavourable rock mass behaviour during tunnel boring. In this respect, the continuous analyses of TBM excavation parameters may represent an interesting tool for a continuous monitoring of geotechnical conditions at the tunnel face and for early detection of changing ground conditions in the rock mass. This work provides a back‐analysis of TBM data recorded during the excavation of the Frejus Safety Tunnel, bored across the French‐Italian border in the Western Alps. It is a 13 km‐long tunnel excavated by a 9.4 m diameter, single‐shield TBM through strongly anisotropic calcareous schist, with cover up to 1800 m. Main problems faced during TBM excavation were related to the local occurrence of buckling‐related convergence and consequent asymmetrical loading on the precast segment rings. Correlating TBM performance parameters to the encountered geological and geomechanical conditions provides the possibility to identify which parameters are most affected by geomechanical properties of the rock mass at the tunnel face and by rock mass behaviour. Conversely, the analysis indicates which parameters can be adopted as monitoring tool of ground conditions during TBM advance. In addition, this work highlights how buckling phenomena can be distinguished, in terms of TBM operation and performance, from other adverse conditions as, e.g., blocky ground or squeezing.
Checkpoint blockade and BRAF/MEK therapy in the therapeutic setting improved the overall survival after sentinel node biopsy: A retrospective study comparing patients with primary care between 1998‐2009 and 2010‐2017
Authors: Kretschmer Lutz , Bernhard Leonie , Leha Andreas , Kromer Christian , Julius Katharina , Schön Michael P. , Schnabel Viktor
Published: February 2023

Immunotherapies using checkpoint blockade and BRAF/MEK therapies have improved overall survival (OS) in patients with unresectable melanoma metastases. In this retrospective study, we aimed to demonstrate the resulting increase in melanoma‐specific survival (MSS) and OS after the excision of primary melanomas (≥1 mm thick) and sentinel lymph node (SN) biopsy (SNB). Using Kaplan‐Meier estimates and Cox models, we compared two consecutive cohorts. Patients in cohort 1 (N = 518) underwent SNB between 1998 and 2009, and patients in cohort 2 (N = 460) between 2010 and 2017, when checkpoint blockade and BRAF/(MEK) inhibition became available for the treatment of unresectable relapses. The median follow‐up times were 120 and 73 months, respectively. While recurrence‐free and distant metastasis‐free survival rates remained very similar, MSS and OS increased in favor of cohort 2. The estimated 5‐year OS rate of SN‐positive patients increased by 14.3% (78.5% vs 64.2%, logrank test: P = .005). The MSS benefit was significant even with low SN tumor burden (metastasis diameter < 1 mm). On multivariate analyses, the risk‐reduction in favor of cohort 2 was significant in the total population and in the SN‐negative and SN‐positive subgroups. In SN‐positive patients, besides the availability of modern therapies, SN metastasis diameter and ulceration were independent factors of MSS and OS. Treatment of unresectable melanoma recurrences with modern drug therapies results in significantly higher survival rates in a population with SNB. The survival benefit measured from primary melanoma affects both the SN‐positive and SN‐negative subpopulations.
Kinship, gender and social links impact on micro group lending defaults
Authors: EL Fakir Adil , Fairchild Richard , Lamrani Alaoui Youssef , Chan Dora , Tkiouat Mohamed , Amer Zaid
Published: February 2023

Joint liability aspires to improve micro‐loan performance through the support of, and pressure from, the group borrowers. This paper examines how the group composition, in terms of the mixture of kinship (Family) ties and social (Friends and Neighbours) ties among the borrowers, affects the default rates. Using binary logistics regression and three machine learning models, responses from 507 group micro‐loan borrowers from four major Moroccan cities were analysed. The results show that the stronger the family and kinship ties are within a loan group, the higher is the default rate. On the contrary, the stronger the social ties are among the group, the lower is the default rate. Other key findings include that the diversion of fund usage from investment to consumption is not found to significantly cause default. Also, loan default can be a consequence of borrowers' strategic choice rather than financial distress. As compared to the female members, male borrowers are found to be causing higher default rates. Interestingly, the gender‐related default rates are lower when more of the male borrowers are only socially related. Finally, group size is found to be positively associated with default. Our findings can help micro‐finance institutions refine their lending policies and guidance on groups' composition and size to reduce default rates.