bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An active machine learning discovery platform for membrane-disrupting and pore-forming peptides
Authors: van Teijlingen Alexander , Edwards Daniel C. , Hu Liao , Lilienkampf Annamaria , Cockroft Scott L. , Tuttle Tell
Published: May 2024

Membrane-disrupting and pore-forming peptides (PFPs) discovered by an active machine learning cycle. Predictions were iteratively refined using molecular dynamics simulations, and the final selection was experimentally verified in planar bilayers.
The lead-free perovskite-based heterojunction C2N/CsGeI3: an exploration for superior visible-light absorption
Authors: Chang Junli , Xie Yumeng , Shi Wenwu , Jiang Jinguo , Zhang Hongyan , Wang Guangzhao
Published: May 2024

The lead-free perovskite-based heterojunction C2N/CsGeI3 exhibits superior properties compared to an individual constituent layer, with electrons transferred via a Z-scheme mechanism.
Apples to apples: shift from mass ratio to additive molecules per electrode area to optimize Li-ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Bojing , Merker Leon , Vogler Monika , Rahmanian Fuzhan , Helge S. Stein
Published: May 2024

Electrolyte additives in liquid electrolytes can trigger the synthesis of a protective solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) at the electrodes. This robot can taylor such synthesis through combinatorial electrolyte formulation.
Perspective on AI for accelerated materials design at the AI4Mat-2023 workshop at NeurIPS 2023
Authors: Miret Santiago , Krishnan N. M. Anoop , Sanchez-Lengeling Benjamin , Skreta Marta , Venugopal Vineeth , Wei Jennifer N.
Published: May 2024

The AI4Mat-2023 organizing committee showcases the major developments as well as ongoing research challenges where innovative solutions can bring transformative changes to the state-of-the-art in applying AI for accelerated materials design.
Correction: Computational demonstration of isomer- and spin-state-dependent charge transport in molecular junctions composed of charge-neutral iron(ii) spin-crossover complexes
Authors: Montenegro-Pohlhammer Nicolás , Kuppusamy Senthil Kumar , Cárdenas-Jirón Gloria , Calzado Carmen J. , Ruben Mario
Published: May 2024

Correction for ‘Computational demonstration of isomer- and spin-state-dependent charge transport in molecular junctions composed of charge-neutral iron(ii) spin-crossover complexes’ by Nicolás Montenegro-Pohlhammer, et al., Dalton Trans., 2023, 52, 1229–1240, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2DT02598A.
Willingness to pay for nationwide wastewater surveillance system for infectious diseases in Japan
Authors: Yoo Byung-Kwang , Goto Rei , Kitajima Masaaki , Sasaki Tomoko , Himmler Sebastian
Published: May 2024

A nationally-representative survey indicated that the population's valuation would economically justify the nationwide wastewater surveillance system in Japan.
Exploring the nutritional, physicochemical and hypoglycemic properties of green banana flours from unexploited banana cultivars of southern India
Authors: Shini V. S. , Billu Abraham , Suvachan Abhijith , Nisha P.
Published: May 2024

Herein, we investigate raw banana flours derived from unexploited cultivars in Southern India, focusing on their nutritional profile, physicochemical characteristics, and hypoglycemic effects. The findings show that the flours are promising functional foods, providing nutrition and health benefits.
Effects of brining and standardized drying on the composition, shelf stability, microbial safety and antioxidant status of four wild edible vegetables
Authors: Deka Gunjana , Chakraborty Sayantan , Kumari Madhu , Lalbiakdiki HC , Hazarika Tridip Kumar , Dutta Himjyoti
Published: May 2024

Wild edible vegetables (WEVs) are integral for sustained nutrition and livelihood of forest-dwelling tribal communities.
Machine learning models accelerate deep eutectic solvent discovery for the recycling of lithium-ion battery cathodes
Authors: Zhou Fengyi , Shi Dingyi , Mu Wenbo , Wang Shao , Wang Zeyu , Wei Chenyang , Li Ruiqi , Mu Tiancheng
Published: May 2024

Deep learning model Conditional Generative Adversarial Network (CGAN) was used to design deep eutectic solvent (DES) based green process for lithium-ion cathode recycling, and the importance of acidity, coordination, and reducibility were quantified.
Emission and stability improvement of AlO molecular bands in NELIBS using laser pretreatment
Authors: Wang Qiuyun , Zhang Fangjian , Han Xueyan , Gao Xun , Chen Weijun , Huan Kewei , Ying Cui  , Liu Ya , Liang Wei , Chen Anmin
Published: May 2024

Laser pretreatment combined with NELIBS was used to improve the emission and stability of AlO molecular bands.
Accurate determination of stable silver isotopes in zinc-rich samples through effective separation of silver and zinc
Authors: Gong Haotian , Qi Youqiang , Lan Tingguang , Fan Haifeng , Chen Youwei , Zhou Ting , Hu Ruizhong
Published: May 2024

A modified two-stage ion exchange procedure for the effective purification of silver from zinc-rich samples was presented, ensuring the accurate determination of stable silver isotopes.
Innovative approaches in skin therapy: bionanocomposites for skin tissue repair and regeneration
Authors: Bal-Öztürk Ayça , Alarçin Emine , Yaşayan Gökçen , Avci-Adali Meltem , Khosravi Arezoo , Zarepour Atefeh , Iravani Siavash , Zarrabi Ali
Published: May 2024

This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current trends, advantages, challenges, and future directions in the field of bionanocomposites for skin tissue repair and regeneration.
Novel flexible biphenyl PfDHFR inhibitors with improved antimalarial activity
Authors: Decharuangsilp Sasithorn , Arwon Uthai , Sooksai Nawarat , Rattanajak Roonglawan , Saeyang Thanaya , Vitsupakorn Danoo , Vanichtanankul Jarunee , Yuthavong Yongyuth , Kamchonwongpaisan Sumalee , Hoarau Marie
Published: May 2024

Increased compound flexibility increases access to the cellular target.
Hydantoin derivative dimers as broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents against ESKAPE pathogens with enhanced killing rate and stability
Authors: Chen Yating , Jiang Huiqin , Sun Zibin , Liu Feng , Su Ma
Published: May 2024

Hydantoin derivative dimer compounds with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities could be an appealing next generation of antibiotic agents to combat emergent drug resistance.
A hybrid density functional study on the mechanochemistry of silicon carbide nanotubes
Authors: Bhusal Aabiskar , Adhikari Kapil , Sun Qian
Published: May 2024

CoGEF at a hybrid density functional theory level is used to explore the behaviour of silicon carbide nanotubes (SiCNTs) under longitudinal stress.
Robust nanotube-based nanosensor designed for the detection of explosive molecules
Authors: Algharagholy Laith A. , García-Suárez Víctor Manuel , Bardan Kareem Hasan
Published: May 2024

Transmissions (in a wide and narrow energy window around the Fermi level) of nanopore Tor with a TATP molecule inside and rotated 0° (a), 90° (b) 180° (c) and 270° (d).
The catalytic epimerization of glucose to mannose over an organic–inorganic hybrid based on Keggin-type phosphomolybdate
Authors: Han Chunyang , Ji Jing-Jing , Xia Haian , Fei Baoli
Published: May 2024

The epimerization of glucose into mannose is of great significance for high-value utilization of monosaccharides.
Performance of new cyclotriphosphazene derivatives in photocatalytic reactions
Authors: Yıldız Gül Elif , Kishalı Nurhan , Şenkuytu Elif , Tanrıverdi Eçik Esra
Published: May 2024

Photosensitizers that are good producers of singlet oxygen, and the photocatalytic reactions promoted by these photosensitizers, have always been of great interest.
Tunable hollow mesoporous organosilica for efficient adsorption of heavy metal ions from water
Authors: Cheng Meng , Liu Yuqi , Jiang Hao , Li Chunling , Sun Shuangqing , Hu Songqing
Published: May 2024

A new multi-shelled hollow mesoporous organosilica (M-HPMO) bearing thiol moieties on dual surfaces of the pore has been prepared.
A simple and efficient synthesis of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural from carbohydrates using acidic ionic liquid grafted on silica gel
Authors: Doan Vinh Thanh Chau , Dao Thong Minh , Huynh Thu Anh , Nguyen The Thai , Tran Phuong Hoang
Published: May 2024

The catalytic application of 3-(4-sulfobutyl)-1H-imidazole-3-ium chloride immobilized on activated silica gel (SiO2-Imi-SO3H) for the production of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural is described here for the first time.
Novel diamine-scaffold based N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc)–siRNA conjugate: synthesis and in vivo activities
Authors: Li Qiang , Dong Mingxin , Chen Pu
Published: May 2024

GalNAc-conjugated siRNA has shown remarkable potential in liver-targeted delivery in recent years.
Recent advances in Fe, Mo-based electrocatalysts for nitrogen reduction under ambient conditions
Authors: Li Xiaoyu , Yang Yutong , Ding Qin , Wang Yin
Published: May 2024

A comprehensive overview on the recent advances in Fe-based, Mo based and Fe&Mo based catalysts for electrochemical NRR under ambient conditions.
Enhanced electrocatalytic performance of bismuth-doped zinc stannate towards OER and HER through oxygen vacancies: p-block metal ion doping empowering d-block
Authors: Parayil Reshmi T. , Gupta Santosh K. , Garg Kalpana , Jangra Sangeeta , Samanta Soumen , Sudarshan K. , Mohapatra M. , Nagaiah Tharamani C.
Published: May 2024

Bismuth ion doping in zinc stannate was found to be a better strategy for electrocataysis of OER and HER compared to doping with transition metal ions such as Mn, Fe and Co.
Rupture of thin liquid trilayer films with soluble surfactants: fundamentals and applications to droplet coalescence
Authors: Yang Shu , Kumar Satish , Dutcher Cari S.
Published: May 2024

The stability of thin liquid trilayer films with surfactant is of relevance to droplet coalescence and multilayer coatings.
Software Defect Prediction Using Deep Q‐Learning Network‐Based Feature Extraction
Authors: Zhang Qinhe , Zhang Jiachen , Feng Tie , Xue Jialang , Zhu Xinxin , Zhu Ningyang , Li Zhiheng
Published: May 2024

Machine learning‐based software defect prediction (SDP) approaches have been commonly proposed to help to deliver high‐quality software. Unfortunately, all the previous research conducted without effective feature reduction suffers from high‐dimensional data, leading to unsatisfactory prediction performance measures. Moreover, without proper feature reduction, the interpretability and generalization ability of machine learning models in SDP may be compromised, hindering their practical utility in diverse software development environments. In this paper, an SDP approach using deep Q‐learning network (DQN)‐based feature extraction is proposed to eliminate irrelevant, redundant, and noisy features and improve the classification performance. In the data preprocessing phase, the undersampling method of BalanceCascade is applied to divide the original datasets. As the first step of feature extraction, the weight ranking of all the metric elements is calculated according to the expected cross‐entropy. Then, the relation matrix is constructed by applying random matrix theory. After that, the reward principle is defined for computing the Q value of Q‐learning based on weight ranking, relation matrix, and the number of errors, according to which a convolutional neural network model is trained on datasets until the sequences of metric pairs are generated for all datasets acting as the revised feature set. Various experiments have been conducted on 11 NASA and 11 PROMISE repository datasets. Sensitive analysis experiments show that binary classification algorithms based on SDP approaches using the DQN‐based feature extraction outperform those without using it. We also conducted experiments to compare our approach with four state‐of‐the‐art approaches on common datasets, which show that our approach is superior to these methods in precision, F‐measure, area under receiver operating characteristics curve, and Matthews correlation coefficient values.
A beamwidth and beam direction reconfigurable antenna based on multi‐mode parasitic coupling
Authors: Zhao Haoran , Yan Binyun , Sheng Weixing
Published: May 2024

A beamwidth (BW) and beam direction (BD) reconfigurable antenna based on multi‐mode parasitic coupling is proposed. Two pairs of metal strips connected by only two positive‐intrinsic‐negative diodes are added as parasitic structures over the driven element, a circular microstrip patch, constituting a simple antenna design. By controlling the diode switching state, four pattern reconfigurable modes can be realised. Two beam‐pointing deflection modes in the E‐plane are realised based on the Yagi–Uda principle. Besides, the BW reconfigurability is achieved due to a joint effect of the Yagi principle and beam‐stacking principle. All the reconfigurable modes share a 10% impedance bandwidth from 5.8 to 6.3 GHz. Simulation and measurement results show that the BW can be switched between 67° and 120° in an omni‐directional plane, and the BD can be switched between 0° and ±30° in the E‐plane.
Planck CO revisited: Improved CO line-emission maps from Planck space-mission observations
Authors: Ghosh Shamik , Remazeilles Mathieu , Delabrouille Jacques
Published: May 2024

The Planck space mission has observed the first three rotational lines of emission of Galactic carbon monoxide (CO). Those maps, however, are either noisy or contaminated by astrophysical emissions from different origin. We revisit those data products to deliver new full-sky CO maps with low astrophysical contamination and significantly enhanced noise properties. To that effect, a specific pipeline is designed to evaluate and postprocess the existing Planck Galactic CO maps. Specifically, we use an extension of the generalized needlet Internal Linear Combination method to extract multicomponent astrophysical emissions from multifrequency observations. Well-characterized, clean, CO full-sky maps at 10′ angular resolution are produced. These maps are made available to the scientific community and can be used to trace CO emission over the entire sky and to generate sky simulations in preparation for future cosmic microwave background (CMB) observations.
Spectropolarimetric characterisation of exoplanet host stars in preparation of the Ariel mission
Authors: Bellotti S. , Evensberget D. , Vidotto A. A. , Lavail A. , Lüftinger T. , Hussain G. A. J. , Morin J. , Petit P. , Boro Saikia S. , Danielski C. , Micela G.
Published: May 2024

Context. The accurate characterisation of the stellar magnetism of planetary host stars has been gaining momentum, especially in the context of transmission spectroscopy investigations of exoplanets. Indeed, the magnetic field regulates the amount of energetic radiation and stellar wind impinging on planets, as well as the presence of inhomogeneities on the stellar surface that hinder the precise extraction of the planetary atmospheric absorption signal.

Aims. We initiated a spectropolarimetric campaign to unveil the magnetic field properties of known exoplanet hosting stars included in the current list of potential Ariel targets. In this work, we focus on HD 63433, a young solar-like star hosting two sub-Neptunes and an Earth-sized planet. These exoplanets orbit within 0.15 au from the host star and have likely experienced different atmospheric evolutionary paths.

Methods. We analysed optical spectropolarimetric data collected with ESPaDOnS, HARPSpol, and Neo-Narval to compute the magnetic activity indices ($ \log R^\prime_{\rm HK} $
, Hα, and Ca II infrared triplet), measure the longitudinal magnetic field, and reconstruct the large-scale magnetic topology via Zeeman-Doppler imaging (ZDI). The magnetic field map was then employed to simulate the space environment in which the exoplanets orbit.

Results. The reconstructed stellar magnetic field has an average strength of 24 G and it features a complex topology with a dominant toroidal component, in agreement with other stars of a similar spectral type and age. Our simulations of the stellar environment locate 10% of the innermost planetary orbit inside the Alfvén surface and, thus, brief magnetic connections between the planet and the star can occur. The outer planets are outside the Alfvén surface and a bow shock between the stellar wind and the planetary magnetosphere could potentially form.
From eruption to post-flare rain: A 2.5D MHD model
Authors: Sen Samrat , Prasad Avijeet , Liakh Valeriia , Keppens Rony
Published: May 2024

Context. Erupting magnetic flux ropes play an important role in producing solar flares, whereas fine-scale condensed coronal rain is often found in post-flare loops. However, the formation of the MFRs in the pre-flare stage and how this leads to coronal rain in a post-eruption magnetic loop is not fully understood.

Aims. We explore the formation and eruption of MFRs, followed by the appearance of coronal rain in the post-flare loops to understand the magnetic and thermodynamic properties of eruptive events and their multi-thermal aspects in the solar atmosphere.

Methods. We performed a resistive-magnetohydrodynamic simulation with the open-source code MPI-AMRVAC to explore the evolution of sheared magnetic arcades that can lead to flux rope eruptions. The system was in mechanical imbalance at the initial state and evolved self-consistently in a nonadiabatic atmosphere under the influence of radiative losses, thermal conduction, and background heating. We used an additional level of adaptive mesh refinement to achieve the smallest cell size of ≈32.7 km in each direction to reveal the fine structures in the system.

Results. The system achieves a semi-equilibrium state after a short transient evolution from its initial mechanically imbalanced condition. A series of erupting MFRs is formed due to spontaneous magnetic reconnection across current sheets that are created underneath the erupting flux ropes. A gradual development of thermal imbalance is noted at a loop top in the post-eruption phase, which leads to catastrophic cooling and to the formation of condensations. We obtain plasma blobs that fall down along the magnetic loop in the form of coronal rain. The dynamical and thermodynamic properties of these cool condensations agree well with observations of post-flare coronal rain.

Conclusions. Our simulation supports the development and eruption of multiple MFRs and the formation of coronal rain in post-flare loops. This is one of the key aspects required to reveal the mystery of coronal heating in the solar atmosphere.
Ups and downs in the X-ray emission of the colliding wind binaries HD 168112 and HD 167971
Authors: Rauw G. , Blomme R. , Nazé Y. , Volpi D. , Fernandez-Vera S.
Published: May 2024

Context. The long-period O-star binary system HD 168112 and the triple O-star system HD 167971 are well-known sources of non-thermal radio emission that arises from a colliding wind interaction. The wind-wind collisions in these systems should result in phase-dependent X-ray emissions. The presence of a population of relativistic electrons in the wind interaction zone could affect the properties of the X-ray emission and make it deviate from the behaviour expected for adiabatic shocks.

Aims. We investigate the X-ray emission of these systems with the goals of quantifying the fraction of the X-ray flux arising from wind interactions and determining whether these emissions follow the predictions for adiabatic wind-wind collisions.

Methods. Six X-ray observations were collected with XMM-Newton. Three observations were scheduled around the most recent peri-astron passage of HD 168112. Spectra and light curves were analysed and compared with simple predictions of model calculations for X-ray emission from colliding wind systems.

Results. The X-ray emission of HD 168112 varies as the inverse of the orbital separation, as expected for an adiabatic wind interaction zone. The relative contribution of intrinsic X-ray emission from wind-embedded shocks varies between 38% at periastron to 81% at apastron. The wind-wind collision zone remains adiabatic even around periastron passage. The X-ray emission of HD 167971 displays variations on the orbital timescale of the inner eclipsing binary. The existing data of this system do not allow us to probe variations on the timescale of the outer orbit.

Conclusions. Shock modification due to the action of relativistic electrons does not seem to be efficiently operating in the HD 168112 system. In the existing observations, a significant part of the emission of HD 167971 must arise in the inner eclipsing binary. The origin of this emission is as yet unclear.
Wilson disease: the diagnostic challenge and treatment outcomes in a series of 262 cases
Authors: Deguti Marta Mitiko , Araujo Fabiana Cordeiro , Terrabuio Débora Raquel Benedita , Araujo Thiago Ferreira , Barbosa Egberto Reis , Porta Gilda , Cançado Eduardo Luiz Rachid
Published: May 2024

Background Wilson disease (WD) is an autosomal recessive disorder that leads to organ toxicity due to copper overload. Early diagnosis is complicated by the rarity and diversity of manifestations.

Objective To describe the diagnostic features and response to treatment in our cohort of WD patients.

Methods This was a retrospective analysis of 262 WD patients stratified by clinical presentation, complementary exams, ATP7B genotyping, and response to treatment.

Results Symptoms occurred at an average age of 17.4 (7–49) years, and patients were followed up for an average of 9.6 (0–45) years. Patients presented mainly with hepatic (36.3%), neurologic (34.7%), and neuropsychiatric (8.3%) forms. Other presentations were hematologic, renal, or musculoskeletal, and 16.8% of the patients were asymptomatic. Kayser-Fleischer rings occurred in 78.3% of the patients, hypoceruloplasminemia in 98.3%, and elevated cupruria/24h in 73.0%, with an increase after D-penicillamine in 54.0%. Mutations of the ATP7B gene were detected in 84.4% of alleles. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed abnormalities in the basal ganglia in 77.7% of patients. D-penicillamine was the first choice in 93.6% of the 245 patients, and 21.1% of these patients were switched due to adverse effects. The second-line therapies were zinc and trientine. The therapeutic response did not differ significantly between the drugs (p = 0.2). Nine patients underwent liver transplantation and 82 died.

Conclusion Wilson disease is diagnosed at a late stage, and therapeutic options are limited. In people under 40 years of age with compatible manifestations, WD could be considered earlier in the differential diagnosis. There is a need to include ATP7B genotyping and therapeutic alternatives in clinical practice.
Chemical Constituents of the Marine Traditional Chinese Medicine of Pegasus laternarius Cuvier (Hai-E Yu)
Authors: Sun Shuqian , Gao Zhen , Wang Mengxue , Chen Sha , Guo Wenjuan , Li Xuwen
Published: May 2024

Pegasus laternarius Cuvier (Hai-E Yu) is a marine traditional Chinese medicine that has been used to treat cancers and reduce inflammation. Previous chemical investigations have only revealed the occurrence of high levels of protein, fatty acids, and a large number of steroids, thus more active compounds in P. laternarius still need to be further discovered. The present study aims to search for new bioactive constituents of P. laternarius with cytotoxic effects and nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory activities. In this work, 16 pure compounds from the ethyl acetate fraction of Pegasus laternarius Cuvier were successively obtained by various chromatographic techniques, and the structure of the isolates was elucidated by spectroscopic analyses. The isolated and identified compounds included one 2H-1,2,3-triazole-4-carboxylate derivative (1), two oxadiazines (2, 3), two amino acids (4, 5), three nucleosides (6–8), three steroids (9–11), and five others (12–16). All the obtained compounds were evaluated for their antitumor activity on A549 and HCT-116 cell lines along with their inhibitory effects on lipopolysaccharide-induced NO production in RAW264.7 cells. The triazole compound 1 was found to exhibit moderate cytotoxicity against two human cell lines (A549 and HCT-116) with IC50 values of 44.5 and 32.9 μmol/L, respectively. The steroid compound 10 inhibited NO production with IC50 values lower than 50 μmol/L. Consequently, this study provides insight into the cytotoxic and NO inhibitory activities of the marine traditional Chinese medicines in Hai-E-Yu.
Nutrition Requirements and Nutrition Intervention for People Living with HIV/AIDS (Adults)
Authors: Cheah Jin Khang
Published: May 2024

Nutrition plays a crucial role in the overall health and well-being of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This review aims to provide a current summary of the macronutrient and micronutrient requirements for HIV-positive individuals. The author emphasizes the fundamentals of nutrition treatment as a guide for medical professionals to adopt the right strategy based on risk-adapted nutrition therapy. The majority of nutrition guidelines were published over 10 years ago and have failed to address the protein requirements for people with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS). Proper nutrition can reduce the risk of malnutrition, infections, and other complications, while also assisting with symptom management, maintaining a healthy weight, and improving immune function. In this review, the author has identified the latest reliable and validated nutrition screening tool specifically designed for people with HIV/AIDS, along with a risk-stratified nutrition therapy based on the screening tool to facilitate the nutrition care process. People living with HIV/AIDS have unique nutritional needs due to the virus's impact on the body's immune system, metabolism, and nutrient absorption. It is important for them to work with a healthcare professional, namely a dietitian, to assess nutrition risk and develop an individualized dietary intervention for a healthy lifestyle.
Performance of a cost-effective olfactory test to evaluate hyposmia in Parkinson's disease patients
Authors: Arruda Josevânia Fulgêncio de Lima , Silva Liene Duarte , Brisson Rodrigo Tavares , Micheli Gabriel de Castro , Lima Marco Antônio Sales Dantas de , Rosso Ana Lucia Zuma de , Fernandes Rita de Cássia Leite
Published: May 2024

Background Parkinson's disease (PD) causes motor and non-motor symptoms such as hyposmia, which is evaluated through olfactory tests in the clinical practice.

Objective To assess the feasibility of using the modified Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center (mCCCRC) olfactory test and to compare its performance with the Sniffin' Sticks-12 (SS-12, Burghart Messtechnik GmbH, Wedel, Germany) test.

Methods A transversal case-control study in which the patients were divided into the PD group (PDG) and the control group (CG). The cost and difficulty in handling substances to produce the mCCCRC test kits were evaluated. Sociodemographic characteristics, smoking habits, past coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections, self-perception of odor sense, and cognition through the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were also evaluated. The PDG was scored by part III of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS-III) and the Hoehn and Yahr Scale (H&Y) scale. Correlations were assessed through the Spearman rank correlation coefficient test (ρ, or rho).

Results The mCCCRC test was easily manufactured and handled at a cost ten times lower compared with the SS-12. The groups (PDG: n = 34; CG: n = 38) were similar in terms of age, sex, level of schooling, smoking habits, and history of COVID-19. The tests results showed moderate correlation (rho = 0.65; p < 0.0001). The CG presented better cognitive performance and scored better in both tests (p < 0.0001). There was a tendency for a negative correlation with age, but good correlation with the MoCA (p = 0.0029). The results of the PDG group showed no correlation with olfactory results and motor performance or disease duration. The self-perception of hyposmia was low in both groups.

Conclusion The mCCCRC is an easy-to-apply and inexpensive method that demonstrated a similar performance to that of the SS-12 in evaluating olfaction in PD patients and healthy controls.
Amish Infantile Epilepsy in an Indian Child
Authors: Chowdhry Ratnapriya , Kondekar Santosh , Shaikh Gulrej
Published: May 2024

Consanguineous marriages in India continue to give rise to a wide spectrum of recessively inherited disorders that require a broader base of knowledge. A 2-year-old boy presented with global development delay, persistent vomiting, drug refractory seizures, deafness, and central hypotonia. He had profound bilateral hearing loss, barium swallow showed severe reflux but magnetic resonance imaging brain was normal, leading to a diagnostic dilemma. A normal electromyogram with nerve conduction velocity ruled out disorders of muscle and nerve. Whole-exome sequencing showed salt and pepper development regression syndrome but phenotypically, he did not have the classic skin changes. He has shown mild improvement in cognition, mobility, and weight gain with citicoline, antireflux medications, antiseizure medications, and a protein diet. Accurate diagnosis based on cohort of symptoms and appropriate early intervention can help improve the quality of life in such children.
The Role of Electroencephalography in the Prediction of Relapse of Febrile Convulsion in Patients Aged between 6 to 60 Months: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Amouzadeh Masoud Hassanvand , Mollamohammadi Mohsen , Razavi Mohammad Reza , Dianat Mojgan , Hamta Amir , Zamanian Hadi , Habibi Mohammad Amin
Published: May 2024

Febrile seizures (FS) are the most common type of seizure in pediatrics, and patients with FS can present with recurrent febrile seizures (RFS). Some clinical factors have been known to predict RFS, but there is no consensus regarding electroencephalography (EEG). We aimed to determine the ability of EEG to predict RFS. This prospective cohort study was done in children aged between 6 and 60 months. The EEG was performed on patients 2 weeks after the FS, and the patients were followed up for 6 months. Two hundred patients were enrolled. Recurrence of febrile convulsion occurred in 27% of the patients. A higher risk of recurrent seizures was seen in females compared with males (p = 0.04, hazard ratio [HR] = 1.83), children with a family history of seizure (p = 0.011, HR = 2), people with fever-to-seizure interval <1 hour (p = 0.009, HR = 6.1), as well as 1 to 24 hours interval between fever and seizure (p = 0.033, HR = 2.15), aEnd patients with abnormal EEG findings compared with normal EEG (p = 0.001, HR = 4.45). There was no significant relationship between RFS and other studied factors. This study showed the ability of EEG to predict RFS, and the results showed a higher likelihood of recurrence occurring in subjects with abnormal rather than normal EEG.
A Rare Case of Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis-Type 1 (NCL-1) with Vitamin D-Dependent Rickets-Type 1 (VDDR-1), Complex 1 Mitochondrial Deficiency, and Mixed Variant—Checkerboard and Phylloid Type of Pigmentary Mosaicism
Authors: Gowda Vykuntaraju K. , K. Anusha Raj , Srinivasan Varunvenkat M. , Vamyanmane Dhananjaya K. , Srinivas Sahana M. , Chickabasaviah Yasha , Santhoshkumar Rashmi , Mittal Pallavi , Chikara Surendra K. , Vishwanathan Gurudatta Baraka
Published: May 2024

Introduction Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis-type 1 (NCL-1) is a neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorder. Vitamin D-dependent rickets type 1 (VDDR-1) is a rare cause of refractory rickets. Here, we report an unusual association of NCL-1 with VDDR-1.

Case A 3-year-old boy presented with a history of seizures from 45 days of life, delayed development, and loss of attained milestones at 20 months of age, along with progressive vision impairment since 1 year. Examination showed a failure to thrive, microcephaly, rachitic rosary, checkerboard and phylloid type of pigmentary mosaicism, fundus showed disc pallor with generalized narrowing of arterioles, bilateral retinitis pigmentosa, spasticity and dystonia, brisk reflexes, extensor plantar, and left choreoathetoid movements. Investigations showed hypocalcemia (7.8 mg/dL), normal phosphorus (3.9 mg/dL), elevated alkaline phosphatase (508.8 U/L), elevated parathyroid hormone (513.35 pg/mL), low 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D (9.93 pg/mL), and normal renal function. The child had metabolic acidosis, elevated ammonia (403.9 micromol/L), lactate (95 mg/dL, normal range 4.5–19.8 mg/dL), and creatine phosphokinase (432 U/L) level, and normal tandem mass spectroscopy. X-ray wrist showed healing vitamin deficiency rickets. Abnormal electroencephalogram was suggestive of low voltage activity. Magnetic resonance imaging brain showed gross cerebral and cerebellar atrophy. A muscle biopsy showed scattered atrophic fibers and several ultrastructural granular osmiophilic deposits and some mitochondrial aggregates of varying size were observed. Mitochondrial respiratory chain enzyme assay exhibited complex-1 deficiency (activity < 30%). Genetic analysis showed two pathogenic mutations: homozygous nonsynonymous variation c.674T > C in exon 7 of the PPT1 gene and a homozygous frameshift variation c.1178_1179delAA in exon 7 of CYP27B1 confirming the diagnosis of NCL-1 with VDDR-1. The child was treated with a low protein diet, levetiracetam, clonazepam, trihexyphenidyl, haloperidol, calcium supplement, calcitriol, and sodium benzoate; some improvement in clinical and biochemical parameters was noted on follow-up.

Conclusion This is a novel association of NCL-1 with VDDR-1 associated with complex-1 mitochondrial deficiency which has previously not been reported in the literature.
Validation of Suggested Formula for Depth of Insertion of Endotracheal Tube in Indian Children: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Theagrajan Annu , Sethuraman Raghuraman M. , Prabhu Manjunath
Published: May 2024

This study aimed to validate the recently suggested formula ([Age in years/2] + 10 cm) by us for depth of endotracheal tube (ETT) insertion in Indian children aged 2 to 10 years by comparing it with Cole's formula ([Age in years/2] + 12 cm). Only a few methods/formulae for depth of insertion of ETT in children have been described and validated, with no study for Indian children or other Asian ethnic populations.

A total of 95 children were included. The tracheal length was calculated by adding the “black line to tube tip” distance (measured externally) with the “tube tip to carina” distance measured using a fiberoptic bronchoscope. The depth of ETT insertion based on Cole's formula and the suggested formula was calculated in each child with the head in the neutral position. The incidence and risk of endobronchial (EB) intubation, “at carina” placement of ETT, and ideal placement of ETT by both formulas were noted and interpreted.

The ideal position of ETT varied significantly as per Cole's formula (p < 0.001). The incidence, risk of EB intubation, and “at carina” placement of ETT were significantly lower as per the suggested formula (p < 0.001).

The suggested formula improves the possibility of ideal placement and decreases the incidence of EB placement when compared with Cole's formula.
Standardized In-Bed Mobility Protocol to Increase Functional Outcomes in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kupferschmid Megan , Monk Samantha , Poorman Jamie , Gehlbach Jonathan , Burkiewicz Kimberly , Henrekin LaMonica , Ledford Cara , Welty Maureen , Tripathi Sandeep
Published: May 2024

The primary aim of this study is to determine whether a standardized in-bed mobility protocol involving an in-bed cycle ergometer in critically ill children increases functional outcomes as measured by the Functional Status Scale (FSS) and dynamometer measurements compared with patients participating in standard rehabilitation care. The secondary aim was to compare hospital length of stay (HLOS) between the two groups. This pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted between April 2021 and December 2022. Eligible patients were randomized to the intervention group (up to 30 minutes of daily in-bed cycle ergometer use) or the control group (standardized rehabilitation care). During the study duration, 30 patients were randomized (13 in the control group and 17 in the intervention group). The difference in whole-body muscle strength measurements (enrollment vs. completion of study) was higher in the experimental group (3.68 lbs.) compared with the control group (1.5 lbs.). However, the difference between groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.18). Both the intervention group and the control group showed similar significant improvements in the FSS scores throughout the therapy, with no difference between the two groups. There was a significant positive correlation between exercise time and change in muscle strength (r = 0.75, p = 0.002). No difference in HLOS was detected in the study. Results from this pilot RCT suggest a trend toward benefits from using in-bed cycle ergometers. These devices may be an additional modality for preserving muscle function in critically ill children. Larger multicentric studies are needed for more conclusive evidence.
Drug Administration Patterns in Patients on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Green Danielle J. , Norris Jesse G. , McKnite Autumn , Hall Mark W. , Watt Kevin M.
Published: May 2024

This study aimed to identify drug administration patterns in patients of all ages supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) across multiple institutions and determine which of the most commonly administered drugs lack published dosing guidance.

We conducted a retrospective, multicenter database study using the TriNetX data network and the Pediatric Health Information Systems database. All adults and children supported with ECMO were included for analysis. Drug exposure and days of use were described according to age category (Infants [<2 years], Children [≥2 and <18 years], and Adults [≥18 years]). The literature was reviewed for the top 50 most commonly administered drugs in all ages; all pharmacokinetic and ex vivo studies were included.

A total of 17,909 patients were analyzed. The patient population comprised 24% adults (n = 4,253), 18% children (n = 3266), and 58% infants (n = 10,390). The 10 most commonly administered drugs, by days of use, were heparin, furosemide, midazolam, morphine, fentanyl, vancomycin, milrinone, hydrocortisone, epinephrine, and lorazepam. Published literature comprised 86 studies, including 66 pharmacokinetic studies (77%) and 20 ex vivo studies (23%). Of these, 29% (n = 19) were conducted in adults, 14% (n = 9) were conducted in children, and 60% (n = 39) were performed in infants. ECMO-specific dosing guidance for any age was available for only 28% (n = 14) of the top 50 most commonly administered drugs.

Sedatives, antimicrobials, and cardiovascular agents are among the most commonly administered drugs in patients supported with ECMO. This study highlights an urgent need for evidence-based dosing guidance in this patient population.
Examining variation in the relationship between disability and physical activity across Australian local government areas
Authors: Rachele Jerome N. , Disney George , Milner Allison , Thomas Rees , Le Busque Jacqueline , Reid Rebecca A. , Kavanagh Anne M.
Published: May 2024

Understanding the relationship between disability and physical activity and whether it differs across local government jurisdictions may aid in the development of placed-based approaches to reducing disability-related inequalities in physical activity. The objectives of this study were to examine the association between disability and physical activity and assess whether this association varied between Australian Local Government Areas. The sample included 13,315 participants aged 18–64 years from the Household Income and Labour Dynamics Australia Survey, 2017. Participants self-reported disability and physical activity. Linear mixed-effects models estimated the association between disability and physical activity. People with disability reported less physical activity per week. We did not find evidence that this association varied across LGAs. Our findings do not add evidence towards local government-based approaches in Australia to reducing physical activity inequalities between people with and without a disability.
Negotiating the recovery and resilience facility: the emergence of coordinative conditionality
Authors: Ladi Stella , Tsarouhas Dimitris , Copeland Paul
Published: May 2024

This paper analyses the design and negotiations of the National Recovery and Resilience Plans (NRRPs) which the EU member states were required to formulate so as to access the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). By focusing on three Eurozone members (Austria, Greece, and Slovakia) which represent distinct voices and experiences within the EU integration project, we argue that a new form of conditionality, coordinative conditionality, can be identified. While this conditionality shares many features with previous conditionality forms, it is also unique as it results from what has been described as coordinative Europeanisation, namely early coordination between the EU and member states; informal channels of communication alongside formal negotiations; and a heightened salience of ownership by national governments. We argue that although evidence of coordinative Europeanisation can be found during the design and negotiation of the NRRPs in all three countries, the intensity of conditionality’s different aspects is mediated by the credibility of a given member state’s government.
Early marriage of girls in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: a literature review
Authors: Atiqul Haq Shah Md , Ahmed Mufti Nadimul Quamar , Lalin Shamim Al Aziz , Arno Arnika Tabassum , Ahmed Khandaker Jafor
Published: May 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching consequences worldwide and has also led to significant changes in people’s lifestyles, resulting in an increase in social problems, such as early marriages for girls in different contexts. This study aimed to examine the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and early marriage among girls. Our analysis of 36 studies published between 2020 and 2023 shows that the pandemic has accelerated the number of early marriages for girls in several ways. In many countries, early marriages often result from social disintegration, loss of social support, inability to pay for basic needs, prolonged school closures, economic collapse, and parental death due to COVID-19. Although people in different contexts have different opinions about early marriages for girls due to COVID-19, there is evidence that early marriages for girls are sometimes seen as a solution to ease the financial burden and reduce stress for parents. However, there was a significant decline in traditional marriages in developed countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the United States, Mexico, Japan, Korea, and Indonesia. Early marriage can have serious consequences for young adolescents, including mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and feelings of powerlessness. Mixed results, such as an increase or decrease in early marriage among girls, indicate a need for detailed contextual empirical research. It is known that actions are being taken to reduce the prevalence of early marriages, especially in developing countries, but certain situations may accelerate or reverse trends in girls’ early marriages because of various social, economic, and cultural influences. This study suggests further consideration of strategic planning for emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, that people may face again in the future. Therefore, it is necessary to implement appropriate support for abused and mistreated girls by raising awareness to reduce the psychological and physiological consequences of early marriage due to the pandemic in the near past.
Saudi female students’ perceptions of the Community of Inquiry in online learning environments
Authors: Aldosemani Tahani I. , Shepherd Craig E. , Bolliger Doris U.
Published: May 2024

Distance Education in Saudi Arabia is experiencing a steady increase in female student enrollments due to a number of factors including increased E-learning modalities. E-learning provides more equal learning opportunities than traditional gender-segregated face-to-face classes because online learning environments have fewer gender restrictions. This allows women to participate more equally in higher education and benefit from the expertize of male instructors. This study examines Saudi female students’ perceptions of online learning in university courses taught by male instructors. It documents the supports and challenges female students encountered when they took these courses and considers cognitive, social, and teaching presence. Recommendations include providing faculty training and professional development programs to build online teaching confidence and equip faculty members with teaching skills in culturally specific teaching contexts.
Dye-sensitized NiO photocathodes: Research progress, current mechanistic understanding, and research perspectives
Authors: Zhu K. , Mul G. , Huijser A.
Published: May 2024

Dye-sensitized photocathodes attract wide interest because of their ease of fabrication and tunability in properties for light-driven proton or CO2 reduction. They are often based on nanocrystalline NiO, functionalized with a photosensitizer and catalyst, immersed into an aqueous electrolyte optionally saturated with CO2. Developing fundamental insight into their photo- and structural dynamics, especially as a function of the nanostructure and process conditions to which the photocathode is exposed, is essential to realize efficient design approaches. The present work reviews research progress over the last two decades, including (i) the design of an impressive variety in NiO nanostructures, photosensitizers, catalysts, and combined assemblies and (ii) the present mechanistic understanding. We highlight the importance of time-resolved spectroscopy studies under operating conditions to associate the early-time photodynamical processes with the overall photocatalytic performance and to understand the effects of surface-adsorbed species on the photodynamics. The nature and concentration of the ions in the electrolyte can play a major role in steering light-induced charge separation and recombination dynamics. We also discuss the importance of developing a better understanding of the interplay between the structural dynamics and the photoinduced charge and proton transfer dynamics to improve the photocathode performance and present several research perspectives.
Near-field probes for sensitive detectorless near-field nanoscopy in the 2.0–4.6 THz range
Authors: Pistore Valentino , Schiattarella Chiara , Viti Leonardo , Siday Thomas , Johnston Michael B. , Mitrofanov Oleg , Vitiello Miriam S.
Published: May 2024

Imaging and spectroscopy at terahertz (THz) frequencies have become key methods for fundamental studies across the physical sciences. With the emergence of nanoscale materials and devices, holding great promise for photonics, electronics, and communication technologies, the search for THz analysis at the nanoscale arises. Detectorless THz near-field nanoscopy emerged as a versatile method for hyperspectral mapping of light–matter interaction phenomena in bi-dimensional materials and systems. However, it is strongly limited by the weak scattering efficiencies of atomic force microscope (AFM) tips. Here, we experimentally evaluate the performance of unconventional AFM tip shapes to enhance the scattering efficiency, at three frequencies, namely, 2.0, 3.0, and 4.6 THz. The impact of tip geometry is corroborated by numerical simulations. The shorter shank length of the evaluated tips provides a very compelling alternative to commercial tips at frequencies >2 THz.