bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organocatalytic Enantioselective Synthesis of Seven‐Membered Ring with Inherent Chirality
Authors: Li Jia‐Hao , Li Xiao‐Kai , Feng Jia , Yao Wang , Zhang Huan , Lu Chuan‐Jun , Liu Ren‐Rong
Published: January 2024

Inherent chirality is used to describe chiral cyclic molecules devoid of central, axial, planar, or helical chirality and has tremendous applications in chiral recognition and enantioselective synthesis. Catalytic and divergent syntheses of inherently chiral molecules have attracted increasing interest from chemists. Herein, we report the enantioselective synthesis of inherently chiral tribenzocycloheptene derivatives via chiral phosphoric acid (CPA)‐catalyzed condensation of cyclic ketones and hydroxylamines. This chemistry paves the way to accessing the less stable derivatives of 7‐membered rings with inherent chirality. A series of chiral tribenzocycloheptene oxime ethers was synthesized in good yields (up to 97 %) with excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99 % ee).
Precisely Manipulating Molecular Packing via Tuning Alkyl Side‐Chain Topology Enabling High‐Performance Nonfused‐Ring Electron Acceptors
Authors: Han Ziyang , Zhang Cai'e , He Tengfei , Gao Jinhua , Hou Yuqi , Gu Xiaobin , Lv Jikai , Yu Na , Qiao Jiawei , Wang Sixuan , Li Congqi , Zhang Jianqi , Wei Zhixiang , Peng Qian , Tang Zheng , Hao Xiaotao , Long Guankui , Cai Yunhao , Zhang Xin , Huang Hui
Published: January 2024

In the development of high‐performance organic solar cells (OSCs), the self‐organization of organic semiconductors plays a crucial role. This study focuses on the precisely manipulation of molecular assemble via tuning alkyl side‐chain topology in a series of low‐cost nonfused‐ring electron acceptors (NFREAs). Among the three NFREAs investigated, DPA‐4, which possesses an asymmetric alkyl side‐chain length, exhibits a tight packing in the crystal and high crystallinity in the film, contributing to improved electron mobility and favorable film morphology for DPA‐4. As a result, the OSC device based on DPA‐4 achieves an excellent power conversion efficiency of 16.67 %, ranking among the highest efficiencies for NFREA‐based OSCs.
Photo‐self‐Fenton Reaction Mediated by Atomically Dispersed Ag−Co Photocatalysts toward Efficient Degradation of Organic Pollutants
Authors: Lian Zichao , Gao Fangfang , Xiao Han , Luo Di , Li Mengyuan , Fang Duoduo , Yang Yupeng , Zi Jiangzhi , Li Hexing
Published: January 2024

Achieving the complete mineralization of persistent pollutants in wastewater is still a big challenge. Here, we propose an efficient photo‐self‐Fenton reaction for the degradation of different pollutants using the high‐density (Ag: 22 wt %) of atomically dispersed AgCo dual sites embedded in graphic carbon nitride (AgCo−CN). Comprehensive experimental measurements and density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrate that the Ag and Co dual sites in AgCo−CN play a critical role in accelerating the photoinduced charge separation and forming the self‐Fenton redox centers, respectively. The bimetallic AgCo−CN exhibited excellent photocatalytic performance toward the phenol even under extreme conditions due to an efficient degradation pathway and in situ generation of the hydrogen peroxide producing the main active oxygen species (⋅OH and 1O2) and showed long‐term activity in a self‐design photo‐Filter reactor for the purification of the phenol. Our discoveries pave the way for the design of efficient single‐atoms photocatalysts‐based photo‐self‐Fenton reaction for recalcitrant pollutant treatment.
Thoracic delirium index for predicting postoperative delirium in elderly patients following thoracic surgery: A retrospective case‐control study
Authors: Li Jianli , Liu Jing , Zhang Mingming , Wang Jing , Liu Meinv , Yu Dongdong , Rong Junfang
Published: January 2024

Background

Postoperative delirium (POD) is an acute neurological complication in the elderly undergoing thoracic surgery and can result in serious adverse consequences.

Aims

This study aimed to identify the related risk factors for POD following thoracic surgery, primarily focusing on preoperative serum biomarkers, and further to establish a novel delirium index to better predict POD.

Methods

A total of 279 patients aged ≥60 years who underwent elective thoracic surgery from August 2021 to August 2022 were enrolled in this observational study. The platelet‐to‐white blood cell ratio (PWR) was calculated as number the of platelets divided by the number of white blood cells. POD was defined by the confusion assessment method twice daily during the postoperative first 3 days. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify all potential variables for POD. Moreover, a novel thoracic delirium index (TDI) was developed based on the related risk factors. The accuracy of TDI and its component factors in predicting POD was determined by the curve of receiver operating characteristic (ROC).

Results

In total, 25 of 279 patients developed POD (8.96%). Age, PWR, and average pain scores within the first 3 days after surgery were regarded as the independent risk factors for POD. Moreover, the ROC analysis showed the TDI, including age, PWR, and average pain scores within the first 3 days after surgery, can more accurately predict POD with the largest area under the curve of 0.790 and the optimal cutoff value of 9.072, respectively.

Conclusion

The TDI can scientifically and effectively predict POD to provide optimal clinical guidance for older patients after thoracic surgery.
Effect of electroacupuncture on global cerebral ischemia‑reperfusion injury in rats: A urine proteome analysis
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Dai Yuting , Ma Fuguo , Ma Yuan , Wang Jiajia , Li Xiaoxia , Qin Weiwei
Published: January 2024

Background

This study aimed to investigate dynamic urinary proteome changes of electroacupuncture (EP) on cerebral ischemia‑reperfusion (CI/R) injured rats and to explore the therapeutic biological mechanisms of EP.

Methods

First, changed urinary proteins were found in EP stimulation in healthy rats. Then, we used a CI/R injury rat model induced by Pulsinelli's four‐vessel occlusion (4‐VO) method to explore the function of EP on urinary proteome in CI/R injury. Urine samples were collected for proteome analysis by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) and bioinformatics analysis.

Results

In total, 384 proteins were identified, among which 47 proteins (23 upregulated, 24 downregulated) were differentially expressed with 0.6‐log FC and p < .05. Gene ontology analysis revealed that the cell redox homeostasis, acute‐phase response, response to lipopolysaccharide, and cellular response to glucocorticoid stimulus were significantly enriched. The partially biologically connected differential proteins were found by the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis in the EP group. With the CI/R rat model, 80 proteins (27 upregulated, 53 downregulated) were significantly changed in the CI/R rats compared to the controls. Among these differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), 23 proteins (17 upregulated, six downregulated) showed significant changes after EP treatment (0.6‐log FC change, p < .05). The main related biological processes were aging, immune response, acute‐phase response, liver regeneration, protein catabolic process, and response to oxidative stress. Many metabolic pathways were enriched by KEGG analysis.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that the EP could alleviate cerebral damage induced by ischemia‑reperfusion through an anti‐inflammatory and metabolism regulation mechanism. The urinary proteome might reflect the pathophysiological changes in EP pretreatment in the treatment and prevention of CI/R injury.
The accuracy and reliability of different midsagittal planes in the symmetry assessment using cone‐beam computed tomography
Authors: Yu Shaoyang , Zheng Yao , Dong Lirong , Huang Wenli , Wu Haoting , Zhang Qiang , Yan Xiao , Wu Wei , Lv Tao , Yuan Xiao
Published: January 2024

Symmetry is an essential component of esthetic assessment. Accurate assessment of facial symmetry is critical to the treatment plan of orthognathic surgery and orthodontic treatment. However, there is no internationally accepted midsagittal plane (MSP) for orthodontists and orthognathic surgeons. The purpose of this study was to explore a clinically friendly MSP, which is more accurate and reliable than what is commonly used in symmetry assessment. Forty patients with symmetric craniofacial structures were analyzed on cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. The CBCT data were exported to the Simplant Pro software to build four reference planes that were constructed by nasion (N), basion (Ba), sella (S), odontoid (Dent), or incisive foramen (IF). A total of 31 landmarks were located to determine which reference plane is the most optimal MSP by comparing the asymmetry index (AI). The mean value of AI showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) among four reference planes. Also, the mean value of AI for all landmarks showed that Plane 2 (consisting of N, Ba, and IF) and Plane 4 (consisting of N, IF, and Dent) were more accurate and stable. In conclusion, the MSP consisting of N, Dent, and IF shows more accuracy and reliability than the other planes. Further, it is more clinically friendly because of its significant advantage in landmarking.
Rhodanine Derivatives Containing 5‐Aryloxypyrazole Moiety as Anti‐inflammatory and Anticancer Agents
Authors: Zhu Lin , Ye Chao , Chen Shuang , Fang Yuqi , Zhang Yu , Zhang Tianyi
Published: January 2024

In this study, a series of rhodanine derivatives containing 5‐aryloxypyrazole moiety were identified as potential agents with anti‐inflammatory and anticancer properties. Most of the synthesized compounds demonstrated anti‐inflammatory and anticancer activity. Notably, compound 7 g (94.1 %) exhibited significant anti‐inflammatory activity compared with the reference drugs celecoxib (52.5 %) and hydrocortisone (79.4 %). Compound 7 g, at various concentrations, effectively inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production in a dose‐dependent manner. Western blot results showed that compound 7 g could prevents LPS‐induced expression of inflammatory mediators in macrophages. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assay suggested that 7 g is a promising compound capable of blocking the downstream signaling of COX‐2. In summary, these findings indicate that compound 7 g could be a promising candidate for further investigation.
Gips – die wundersame Vielfalt schlichten Calciumsulfats
Authors: Sicker Dieter
Published: January 2024

Es war das Ende eines Westerns. Das Gute hatte gesiegt, die Lovestory darin hatte man sich noch selber zu einem Happy End zu denken. Ein paar übrig gebliebene Schurken flohen nach Süden. Aber was war das? Die Reiter galoppierten durch eine Welt aus schneeweißen Hügeln. Die Hufe wirbelten weiße Staubfahnen auf. Sand war das nicht – kein Sand der Welt ist so weiß. Der Abspann verriet die Lösung: Gedreht wurde diese Flucht an einem besonderen Ort, dem White‐Sands‐Nationalpark im US‐Bundesstaat New Mexiko in der Chihuahua‐Wüste (Abbildung 1).
Comparing the rate of immunotherapy treatment change due to toxicity by sex
Authors: Chua Kevin J. , Kronstedt Shane , Kaldany Alain , Srivastava Arnav , Doppalapudi Sai Krishnaraya , Liu Hao , Tarhini Ahmad A. , Gatti‐Mays Margaret , Gaughan Elizabeth , Hu‐Lieskovan Siwen , Aljumaily Raid , Nepple Kenneth , Schneider Bryan , Sterling Joshua , Singer Eric A.
Published: January 2024

Background

Immuno‐oncology therapy (IO) is associated with a variety of treatment‐related toxicities. However, the impact of toxicity on the treatment discontinuation rate between males and females is unknown. We hypothesized that immune‐related adverse events would lead to more frequent treatment changes in females since autoimmune diseases occur more frequently in females.

Aims

Our aim was to determine if there was a difference in the rate of immunotherapy treatment change due to toxicity between males and females.

Methods and Results

The Oncology Research Information Exchange Network Avatar Database collected clinical data from 10 United States cancer centers. Of 1035 patients receiving IO, 447 were analyzed, excluding those who did not have documentation noting if a patient changed treatment (n = 573). Fifteen patients with unknown or gender‐specific cancer were excluded. All cancer types and stages were included. The primary endpoint was documented treatment change due to toxicity. Four hundred and forty‐seven patients (281 males and 166 females) received IO treatment. The most common cancers treated were kidney, skin, and lung for 99, 84, and 54 patients, respectively. Females had a shorter IO course than males (median 3.7 vs. 5.1 months, respectively, p = .02). Fifty‐four patients changed treatment due to toxicity. There was no significant difference between females and males on chi‐square test (11.4% vs. 12.5%, respectively, p = 0.75) and multivariable logistic regression (OR 0.924, 95% CI 0.453–1.885, p = .827). Significantly more patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) changed therapy due to toxicity (OR 2.491, 95% CI 1.025–6.054, p = .044).

Conclusion

Females received a shorter course of IO than males. However, there was no significant difference in the treatment discontinuation rate due to toxicity between males and females receiving IO. Toxicity‐related treatment change was associated with COPD.
Bioequivalence and Safety Assessment of 2 Formulations of Low‐Dose Metformin Hydrochloride under Fasting Conditions in Healthy Chinese Participants: A Randomized Phase 1 Clinical Trial
Authors: Sun Ming‐Li , Xu Xin‐Wen , Liu Chen , Tong Yuan‐Xu , Wei Ya‐Li , Liu Hui‐Juan , Zhang Wei , Wang Xing‐He
Published: January 2024

The incidence of type 2 diabetes is high, and the existing metformin hydrochloride (MH) tablets of 250 mg cannot meet the demands of the Chinese drug market. This study aimed to evaluate the bioequivalence and safety of generic formulations of MH tablets (test formulation [T], 250 mg/tablet) and innovative products (reference formulation [R], 250 mg/tablet) under fasting conditions. This was an open‐label, single‐dose, 2‐period, 2‐sequence crossover, single‐center, randomized phase I clinical trial. T and R were considered bioequivalent if the adjusted geometric mean ratios (GMRs) and 90% confidence intervals of the area under the curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) were within the range of 0.8‐1.25. Thirty‐five participants completed the trial. The T/R adjusted GMRs (95.7% for Cmax, 98.7% for AUC0→t, 98.8% for AUC0→∞) were within the acceptable bioequivalence range of 80%‐125%. No serious adverse events or suspected or unexpected serious adverse reactions occurred during this trial. The study findings confirmed that generic MH is a well‐tolerated and bioequivalent alternative to innovative products under fasting conditions in healthy Chinese participants. (www.chinadrugtrials.org.cn; registration no. CTR20190356)
Too little or too much? The curvilinear relationship between corporate social responsibility disclosure and investment efficiency in BRICS economies
Authors: Gupta Jyotirani , Das Niladri
Published: January 2024

This research article investigates the complex relationship between corporate social responsibility disclosure (CSRD) and investment efficiency in the BRICS economies (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). Through the lens of signaling theory, the study examines how CSRD serves as a signal to stakeholders and influences firms' investment decisions. A comprehensive dataset spanning 9240 firm‐year observations from 2011 to 2021 is analyzed to derive insights. The study reveals a multifaceted association between CSRD and investment efficiency. Initially, CSRD is found to increase signal costs, resulting in higher investment inefficiency. However, this effect is observed only up to a certain threshold. Beyond this point, CSRD starts reducing investment inefficiency, primarily due to improved signal benefits and perceived value. Additionally, the study introduces CSR assurance as a crucial moderator that influences the complex interplay between CSRD and investment efficiency. In summary, this research offers valuable insights into the strategic role of CSRD in BRICS economies, highlighting the significance of signal dynamics and the moderating impact of CSR assurance. Such insights can guide businesses and policymakers in these economies as they navigate the intricate landscape of CSR disclosure and its implications for efficient resource allocation.
Parthenogenomics: Insights on mutation rates and nucleotide diversity in parthenogenetic Panagrolaimus nematodes
Authors: Villegas Laura I. , Ferretti Luca , Wiehe Thomas , Waldvogel Ann‐Marie , Schiffer Philipp H.
Published: January 2024

Asexual reproduction is assumed to lead to the accumulation of deleterious mutations, and reduced heterozygosity due to the absence of recombination. Panagrolaimid nematode species display different modes of reproduction. Sexual reproduction with distinct males and females, asexual reproduction through parthenogenesis in the genus Panagrolaimus, and hermaphroditism in Propanagrolaimus. Here, we compared genomic features of free‐living nematodes in populations and species isolated from geographically distant regions to study diversity, and genome‐wide differentiation under different modes of reproduction. We firstly estimated genome‐wide spontaneous mutation rates in a triploid parthenogenetic Panagrolaimus, and a diploid hermaphroditic Propanagrolaimus via long‐term mutation accumulation lines. Secondly, we calculated population genetic parameters including nucleotide diversity, and fixation index (FST) between populations of asexually and sexually reproducing nematodes. Thirdly, we used phylogenetic network methods on sexually and asexually reproducing Panagrolaimus populations to understand evolutionary relationships between them. The estimated mutation rate was slightly lower for the asexual population, as expected for taxa with this reproductive mode. Natural polyploid asexual populations revealed higher nucleotide diversity. Despite their common ancestor, a gene network revealed a high level of genetic differentiation among asexual populations. The elevated heterozygosity found in the triploid parthenogens could be explained by the third genome copy. Given their tendentially lower mutation rates it can be hypothesized that this is part of the mechanism to evade Muller's ratchet. Our findings in parthenogenetic triploid nematode populations seem to challenge common expectations of evolution under asexuality.
How does parasite environmental transmission stage concentration change before, during, and after disease outbreaks?
Authors: Davenport Elizabeth S. , Dziuba Marcin K. , Jacobson Logan E. , Calhoun Siobhan K. , Monell Kira J. , Duffy Meghan A.
Published: January 2024

Outbreaks of environmentally transmitted parasites require that susceptible hosts encounter transmission stages in the environment and become infected, but we also know that transmission stages can be in the environment without triggering disease outbreaks. One challenge in understanding the relationship between environmental transmission stages and disease outbreaks is that the distribution and abundance of transmission stages outside of their hosts have been difficult to quantify. Thus, we have limited data about how changes in transmission stage abundance influence disease dynamics; moreover, we do not know whether the relationship between transmission stages and outbreaks differs among parasite species. We used digital PCR to quantify the environmental transmission stages of five parasites in six lakes in southeastern Michigan every 2 weeks from June to November 2021. At the same time, we quantified infection prevalence in hosts and host density. Our study focused on eight zooplankton host species (Daphnia spp. and Ceriodaphnia dubia) and five of their parasites from diverse taxonomic groups (bacteria, yeast, microsporidia, and oomycete) with different infection mechanisms. We found that parasite transmission stage concentration increased prior to disease outbreaks for all parasites. However, parasites differed significantly in the relative timing of peaks in transmission stage concentration and infection outbreaks. The “continuous shedder” parasites had transmission stage peaks at the same time as or slightly after the outbreak peaks. In contrast, parasites relying on host death for transmission (“obligate killers”) had transmission stage peaks before outbreak peaks. For most parasites, lakes with outbreaks had higher spore concentrations than those without outbreaks, especially once an outbreak began; the exception was for a parasite, Pasteuria ramosa, with very strong genotypic specificity of infection. Overall, our results show that disease outbreaks are tightly linked to transmission stage concentration; outbreaks were preceded by increases in transmission stage concentration in the environment and then were fueled by the production of more transmission stages during the outbreak itself, with concentrations decreasing to pre‐outbreak levels as outbreaks waned. Thus, tracking transmission stages in the environment improves our understanding of the drivers of disease outbreaks and reveals how parasite traits may affect these dynamics.
Influence of Silicon Oxide Processes on the Performance of Copper Indium Gallium Selenide Flexible Solar Cells
Authors: Liu Yuan‐Dong , Cao Ya‐Qiong , Tang Jun‐Lei , Yu Jian , Lin Bin
Published: January 2024

Stainless steel (SS) foils have successful flexible device applications because of their excellent high‐temperature performance and commercial availability, and they are widely used as flexible substrate materials for Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) solar cells. The method used to control metal impurities is crucial for producing high‐quality cells. Herein, CIGS precursor films are deposited on SS foils coated with a SiOx/Ti compound barrier layer by sputtering a CIGS quaternary target. The absorber layer is recrystallized at a high annealing temperature (≈600 °C). The relationship between cell performance and SiOx layer processes is investigated. The diffusion of Fe and Cr in the annealed films is influenced by SiOx layer processes. The proposed CIGS flexible cells obtain better conversion efficiency when thicker SiOx layers are deposited at high sputtering powers.
A Network Modeling Systematics for Transition Paths Toward Climate Neutral Gas Networks—NeMoSys ['nεmɒsis] –
Authors: Müller‐Kirchenbauer Joachim , Ragwitz Mario , Kneiske Tanja , Klaassen Bernhard , Mielich Tim , Herrmann Ulrike
Published: January 2024

Meaningful network modeling requires high spatial and temporal resolution and thus adds further complexity to the already complex energy systems analyses; unsecured and varying framework conditions, as well as their changes over time, have to be taken into consideration on the backdrop of path‐dependencies for network development over time. This perspectives article provides a systematic framework for gas network modeling, starting with a morphology of modeling dimensions and elements and the hierarchy of influencing factors. It gives an overview on the necessary data and attributes, development steps, and assessment criteria; it showcases solutions for data management, fluid dynamic network simulation, and results assessment that have been applied and developed in the course of the TransHyDE project and other related research projects. Framework and solutions are merged into a consolidated network modeling systematics that shall be further developed and made available to researchers as well as to network planners for practical application and governmental bodies for assessments. The systematics presented here will be further developed, applied, and operationalized in a database and tool compilation with open‐access for collaboration and further development.
Effect of Operating Conditions on Voltage Transient Response of High‐Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Under Load Changing
Authors: Qu Yunfeng , Qin Bin , Sun Hai , Sun Gongquan
Published: January 2024

The transient response of a high‐temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell (HT‐PEMFC) is critical for control and optimization. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of operating conditions and control parameters on the transient response of the HT‐PEMFC during load variations to optimize the operating conditions. The main causes of the voltage undershoot are investigated experimentally, and the effects of air stoichiometry, air humidity, operating temperature, and backpressure on the transient response of the HT‐PEMFC are evaluated in terms of internal resistance and voltage response. The results show that during load changes, the local gas starvation of the cell and the change in the hydration state of membrane‐electrode‐assembly may be the main cause of the voltage undershoot. The voltage drop is affected by the combination of ohmic resistance, charge transfer resistance, and mass transfer resistance. In addition, operating temperature and air stoichiometry can affect voltage drop and voltage undershoot during load changes. Proper humidification of the air can alleviate voltage undershoot problems. Increasing the backpressure can improve the transient performance of the cell, but does not alleviate the voltage undershoot problem. The study can provide guidelines for the design and control of HT‐PEMFC operating conditions.
Dietary therapy of the herbal porridge improves the symptoms of functional dyspepsia: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, clinical trial
Authors: Wang Xin , Liu Meng‐Ao , He Jia , Zhao Wen‐Zhi , Wang Yi‐Xuan , Yang Liu‐Qing , Wang Tian‐Yuan , Shi Han‐Ping , Rao Ben‐Qiang
Published: January 2024

This study (ISRCTN17174559) aimed to explore the efficacy and safety of a kind of herbal porridge (Hou Gu Mi Xi) on the clinical symptoms of functional dyspepsia (FD). This was a single‐center, single‐dose, prospective, double‐blind, randomized controlled trial involving 64 participants with FD (35 cases and 29 controls) for 2 months of intervention and 1 month of follow‐up. The 7‐point Global Overall Symptom Scale (GOSS), 36‐Item Short Form Survey (SF‐36), and other indicators were assessed at baseline (day 0), at days 15, 30, and 60 of treatment, and at follow‐up 1 month after the end of the intervention. Many participants with FD achieved remission of their epigastric symptoms at follow‐up on the 90th day after treatment with herbal porridge compared to the placebo group (45.71% vs. 20.69%, p = .036). Furthermore, herbal porridge appeared to be effective in improving the quality of life of participants with FD, which was reflected in the rising SF‐36 scores for physical role, bodily pain, emotional role, and mental health. Although adverse events were reported, there was no overall difference in the number of adverse events between the two groups (p = .578). Herbal porridge is another effective and safe method for improving the symptoms and quality of life in patients with FD.
Impaired perceptual discrimination of complex objects in older adults at risk for dementia
Authors: Jiang Lydia , Robin Jessica , Shing Nathanael , Mazloum‐Farzaghi Negar , Ladyka‐Wojcik Natalia , Balakumar Niroja , Anderson Nicole D. , Ryan Jennifer D. , Barense Morgan D. , Olsen Rosanna K.
Published: January 2024

Tau pathology accumulates in the perirhinal cortex (PRC) of the medial temporal lobe (MTL) during the earliest stages of the Alzheimer's disease (AD), appearing decades before clinical diagnosis. Here, we leveraged perceptual discrimination tasks that target PRC function to detect subtle cognitive impairment even in nominally healthy older adults. Older adults who did not have a clinical diagnosis or subjective memory complaints were categorized into “at‐risk” (score <26; n = 15) and “healthy” (score ≥26; n = 23) groups based on their performance on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. The task included two conditions known to recruit the PRC: faces and complex objects (greebles). A scene condition, known to recruit the hippocampus, and a size control condition that does not rely on the MTL were also included. Individuals in the at‐risk group were less accurate than those in the healthy group for discriminating greebles. Performance on either the face or size control condition did not predict group status above and beyond that of the greeble condition. Visual discrimination tasks that are sensitive to PRC function may detect early cognitive decline associated with AD.
First case of MPox in Pakistan: What can we learn from it?
Authors: Fareed Areeba , Hussain Aariz , Faraz Fatima , Siblini Rima
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims

This research paper discusses Pakistan's healthcare systems' challenges in managing the monkeypox outbreak in Pakistan. Monkeypox is a zoonotic viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus. The World Health Organization declared it a global public health emergency due to the surge in cases worldwide. Pakistan reported its first verified case in April 2023, necessitating immediate response.

Body

This correspondence emphasizes on early detection, rapid diagnostic testing, and prompt treatment to limit the virus's transmission. Prevention strategies such as vaccination and travel restrictions on suspected cases are crucial for containment. Lessons from controlling the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic can inform strategies for monkeypox.

Conclusion

The recent outbreak of monkeypox has presented challenges to healthcare systems. Therefore, a coordinated approach involving healthcare providers, government organizations, and the public is crucial in controlling the monkeypox outbreak. Further research is necessary to understand the virus and develop effective interventions for future outbreaks.
Pregnancy care among French physicians: A national survey
Authors: Ben M’Barek Imane , Tuil Rebecca , Holmström Emilia , Ceccaldi Pierre‐François
Published: January 2024

Synopsis

Physicians in France have less regular obstetrical follow‐up compared to women in the general population. The main risk factors were multiparity and high workload.
An integrative theory of resource discrepancies
Authors: Cannon Christopher , Goldsmith Kelly , Roux Caroline
Published: January 2024

A great deal of work in consumer psychology has been devoted to understanding how individuals manage resource discrepancies. This includes tangible resources – such as money, food, and products – as well as intangible resources – such as time, skills, and social relationships. Resource discrepancies can either be positive – as in the case of having substantial wealth – or negative – as in the case of poverty. Several constructs across the behavioral sciences have been introduced to describe how consumers perceive their various resource discrepancies including, but not limited to, power, social status, scarcity, inequality, and social class. However, little guidance is provided to understand when and why these resource‐based constructs can produce both overlapping and opposing consequences. This conceptual article provides a resolution to this issue by introducing an integrative theory that situates these constructs within the same unifying framework based on two fundamental dimensions: high (vs. low) personal control and self‐ (vs. other‐) dependence. Based on this framework, we offer eight testable propositions and develop a research agenda for academics interested in studying resource discrepancies.
Clinical Value and Reliability of Quantitative Assessments of Lumbosacral Nerve Root Using Diffusion Tensor and Diffusion Weighted MR Imaging: A Systematic Review
Authors: Pesesse Pierre , Vanderthommen Marc , Durieux Nancy , Zubkov Mikhail , Demoulin Christophe
Published: January 2024

Background

Lumbosacral radicular pain diagnosis remains challenging. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) have potential to quantitatively evaluate symptomatic nerve root, which may facilitate diagnosis.

Purpose

To determine the ability of DTI and DWI metrics, namely fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), to discriminate between healthy and symptomatic lumbosacral nerve roots, to evaluate the association between FA and ADC values and patient symptoms, and to determine FA and ADC reliability.

Study Type

Systematic review.

Subjects

Eight hundred twelve patients with radicular pain with or without radiculopathy caused by musculoskeletal‐related compression or inflammation of a single, unilateral lumbosacral nerve root and 244 healthy controls from 29 studies.

Field Strength/Sequence

Diffusion weighted echo planar imaging sequence at 1.5 T or 3 T.

Assessment

An extensive systematic review of the literature was conducted in Embase, Scopus, and Medline databases. FA and ADC values in symptomatic and contralateral lumbosacral nerve roots were extracted and summarized, together with intra‐ and inter‐rater agreements. Where available, associations between DWI or DTI parameters and patient symptoms or symptom duration were extracted.

Statistical Tests

The main results of the included studies are summarized. No additional statistical analyses were performed.

Results

The DTI studies systematically found significant differences in FA values between the symptomatic and contralateral lumbosacral nerve root of patients suffering from radicular pain with or without radiculopathy. In contrast, identification of the symptomatic nerve root with ADC values was inconsistent for both DTI and DWI studies. FA values were moderately to strongly correlated with several symptoms (eg, disability, nerve dysfunction, and symptom duration). The inter‐ and intra‐rater reliability of DTI parameters were moderate to excellent. The methodological quality of included studies was very heterogeneous.

Data Conclusion

This systematic review showed that DTI was a reliable and discriminative imaging technique for the assessment of symptomatic lumbosacral nerve root, which more consistently identified the symptomatic nerve root than DWI. Further studies of high quality are needed to confirm these results.

Evidence Level

N/A

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Generation and characterization of a humanized ACE2 mouse model to study long‐term impacts of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Choi Chang‐Yong , Gadhave Kundlik , Villano Jason , Pekosz Andrew , Mao Xiaobo , Jia Hongpeng
Published: January 2024

Although the COVID‐19 pandemic has officially ended, the persistent challenge of long‐COVID or post‐acute COVID sequelae (PASC) continues to impact societies globally, highlighting the urgent need for ongoing research into its mechanisms and therapeutic approaches. Our team has recently developed a novel humanized ACE2 mouse model (hACE2ki) designed explicitly for long‐COVID/PASC research. This model exhibits human ACE2 expression in tissue and cell‐specific patterns akin to mouse Ace2. When we exposed young adult hACE2ki mice (6 weeks old) to various SARS‐CoV‐2 lineages, including WA, Delta, and Omicron, at a dose of 5 × 105 PFU/mouse via nasal instillation, the mice demonstrated distinctive phenotypes characterized by differences in viral load in the lung, trachea, and nasal turbinate, weight loss, and changes in pro‐inflammatory cytokines and immune cell profiles in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Notably, no mortality was observed in this age group. Further, to assess the model's relevance for long‐COVID studies, we investigated tau protein pathologies, which are linked to Alzheimer's disease, in the brains of these mice post SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Our findings revealed the accumulation and longitudinal propagation of tau, confirming the potential of our hACE2ki mouse model for preclinical studies of long‐COVID.
Durability of humoral and cellular immunity six months after the BNT162b2 bivalent booster
Authors: Favresse Julien , Gillot Constant , Closset Mélanie , Cabo Julien , Wauthier Loris , David Clara , Elsen Marc , Dogné Jean‐Michel , Douxfils Jonathan
Published: January 2024

Studies about the duration of the humoral and cellular response following the bivalent booster administration are still scarce. We aimed at assessing the humoral and cellular response in a cohort of healthcare workers that received this booster. Blood samples were collected before the administration of the bivalent booster from Pfizer‐BioNTech and after 14, 28, 90, and 180 days. Neutralizing antibodies against either the D614G strain, the delta variant, the BA.5 variant, or the XBB.1.5 subvariant were measured. The cellular response was assessed by measurement of the release of interferon gamma from T cells in response to an in vitro SARS‐CoV‐2 stimulation. A substantial waning of neutralizing antibodies was observed after 6 months (23.1‐fold decrease), especially considering the XBB.1.5 subvariant. The estimated T1/2 of neutralizing antibodies was 16.1 days (95% CI = 10.2–38.4 days). Although most participants still present a robust cellular response after 6 months (i.e., 95%), a significant decrease was also observed compared to the peak response (0.95 vs. 0.41 UI/L, p = 0.0083). A significant waning of the humoral and cellular response was observed after 6 months. These data can also help competent national authorities in their recommendation regarding the administration of an additional booster.
Uncertainties of the South China Sea summer monsoon and its relationship with sea surface temperature from different reanalysis datasets
Authors: Zhao Yuxuan , Tuo Ya , Yang Zihan , Wu Zhiwei , Gong Zhiqiang , Feng Guolin
Published: January 2024

The South China Sea summer monsoon (SCSSM) onset and withdrawal have critical impacts on the climate of East Asia. However, using different reanalysis data may lead to the uncertainty of the SCSSM. This study uses reanalysis datasets including JRA‐55, ERA5, NCEP‐NCAR NCEP‐1 and NCEP‐DOE NCEP‐2 to calculate onset and withdrawal dates and index of SCSSM from 1991 to 2020, analyses the uncertainty and figures out the possible reasons. Results reveal that the four reanalysis datasets have obvious uncertainty in calculating the withdrawal date of SCSSM, with the deviation being up to 3.4 pentads. Further analysis shows that large differences in thermal conditions and lead to the uncertainties. From the perspective of precipitation, Greater uncertainty exists in the relationship between monsoon retreat and September–October precipitation, NCEP1 and NCEP2 datasets show weak correlation in southern China and Indonesia. Moreover, the uncertainty can be also found in the correlations of SCSSM with global sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies. JRA‐55 and ERA5 show a strong correlation of with SST in several areas, and exhibit a distinct Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO) mode with monsoon onset, while NCEP‐1 and NCEP‐2 have a weaker correlation with SST anomalies than JRA‐55 or ERA5. Comparing multiple factors comprehensively, this paper concludes that JRA‐55 may be more representative in the monsoon study, followed by ERA data. In short, depending on the specific research questions, researchers can choose appropriate data sources to study the SCSSM based on the different aspects and the uncertainty also deserve our special attention when selecting the reanalysis datasets.
Unveiling climate change‐induced temperature‐based hotspots across India through multimodel future analysis from CMIP6
Authors: Sarkar Subharthi , Maity Rajib
Published: January 2024

Global warming and associated climate change impacts have posed major threats to this 21st century's world, especially for developing countries like India, given various socio‐economic factors. Considering the extensive spatial diversity of this warming‐induced climate changes, suitable region‐specific strategies must be adopted to combat its potential implications. Therefore, it becomes crucial to identify the places most exposed to this changing scenario. This study attempts to shed some light towards this by identifying futuristic “temperature‐based hotspots” across India through a comprehensive multimodel multiscenario analysis at various spatiotemporal scales. A new and more informative index named “Temperature‐based Hotspot Index (THIn)” is proposed for this purpose, which encapsulates various attributes of changing temperature, including its mean, variability and extremes (magnitude, frequency and severity) into a single metric. Bias‐corrected future‐projected temperature data from 14 state‐of‐the‐art general circulation models (GCMs) have been considered for the analysis, which are participating in the coupled model intercomparison project version 6 (CMIP6). The overall analysis identifies temperature‐based hotspots to span predominantly in the west, north and northeast parts of the country. On the other hand, the southern and eastern part of India along the eastern coast are found to be comparatively less exposed to temperature changes in future. Overall, we expect the findings of this study to be beneficial to plan and adopt suitable region‐specific management strategies to combat the challenging future in sufficient advance.
Does Metacognition Matter in Creative Problem‐Solving? A Mixed‐Methods Analysis of Writing
Authors: Urban Marek , Urban Kamila
Published: January 2024

Creative problem‐solving skills are essential for navigating complex, non‐routine challenges, enabling individuals to create unique goals, execute innovative procedures and generate original outcomes. While the link between metacognitive skills and the creativity of outcomes was established only recently, further exploration is required to understand their interplay in complex problem‐solving. This explanatory sequential mixed‐methods study investigated the role of metacognition in solving two ill‐defined problem‐solving tasks: an experimental Product Improvement Task and an ecologically valid semestral essay. Seventeen undergraduates performed tasks and provided monitoring judgments. Based on the originality of outcomes and accuracy of judgments, three clusters of students were identified: skilled and unaware students underestimating high performance, unskilled and unaware overestimating low performance, and unskilled but aware accurately monitoring low performance. Subsequent in‐depth interviews investigated the essay writing process of each cluster. Skilled students effectively utilized metacognitive knowledge, created a unique problem representation, and gathered and synthesized new information to develop essay drafts that were debugged and evaluated. Unskilled and unaware students exhibited deficits in strategy knowledge and had poor metacognitive skills. Unskilled but aware students exhibited low self‐efficacy and motivation to perform. These findings emphasize the need for targeted metacognitive and motivational interventions for different clusters of students.
Creativity Research Overlooks the Study of Resilience among Young Children: A Bibliometric Network Review
Authors: Verger Nicolas B. , Roberts Julie , Guiller Jane , McAloney‐Kocaman Kareena
Published: January 2024

Creativity researchers are increasingly interested in understanding when, how, and for whom creativity can be beneficial. Previous reviews have demonstrated that creativity research largely ignores the study of its impact on factors that promote health, and well‐being among populations of adults. It is unclear, in fact, whether this gap in research also extends to creativity research among young children. This paper addresses this issue. Early childhood is a crucial stage for the cognitive development of young children who remain highly sensitive to stress, and adversity. It is therefore essential to identify and promote factors that are beneficial to early childhood resilience, thereby contributing to documenting more of the effects of creative activities on positive outcomes. This paper presents a review with a bibliometric analysis of 1000 randomly selected articles from the Web of Science, without bias towards any specific peer‐reviewed journal. The analysis of 454 included articles shows that approximately 80% of the included studies focus on creativity as an outcome (replicating previous findings with a larger sample), with only 3.78% investigating creative activities as predictors among young children. In this small percentage, most of the studies addressed creative activities in young children related to resilience outcomes.
Excessive sodium supplementation but not fluid load is correlated with overall morbidity in extremely low birth weight infants
Authors: Becker Konrad , Becker Hera , Riedl‐Seifert Teresa , Waitz Markus , Jenke Andreas
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Sodium homeostasis in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants is critical. While a lack of sodium delays growth, excessive supplementation increases morbidity.

Methods

We performed a single‐center retrospective study on sodium and fluid management during the first 2 weeks of live including all ELBW infants born between June 1, 2017 and May 31, 2019.

Results

Forty‐seven patients (median GA 26 + 6 weeks, median BW 845 g) were included. Mean sodium intake was above the ESPGHAN recommendation, 4.58 mmol/kg/day during the first 2 days and 1.99 mmol/kg/day during the following period. Incidence of PDA, IVH, and ROP was directly associated with sodium intake (OR 1.6, 1.3, and 1.4, respectively), but not with fluid supplementation. No association to BPD was found. The most important source for inadvertent sodium intake were 0.9% saline given by arterial lines. Sodium supplementation did not correlate directly with serum sodium levels, but a linear regression model combining sodium intake and fluid supplementation was able to predict serum sodium changes 24–48 h in advance (correlation coefficient of 0.294, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Sodium application substantially exceeded ESPGHAN recommendations in ELBW infants. An excess in sodium was associated with an overall increased morbidity, justifying increased efforts to identify inadvertent sodium sources in these patients with the aim to decrease sodium excess.
Highly Sensitive and Selective Detection of Dimethyl Methyl Phosphonate with Copolymer‐Based QCM Sensors
Authors: Öztürk Sadullah , Kösemen Arif , Şen Zafer , Tuna Süha , Bayazit Sahika Sena , Kılınç Necmettin
Published: January 2024

In this work, the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) sensing properties of a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) transducer coated with six different poly(3‐methylthiophene) (P3MT) copolymerized with polypyrrole (PPy) are investigated. The sensor preparation involves the electrochemical deposition of P3MT, PPy, and P3MT‐co‐PPy on Au‐coated QCM transducers by electrochemical deposition techniques with a three‐electrode cell. The structural properties of the copolymer films are characterized using scanning electron microscopy, and their oxidation/reduction behavior is investigated through cyclic voltammetry. The copolymer‐based QCM sensors exhibit high sensitivity and selectivity to dimethyl methyl phosphonate and benzonitrile, even at low concentrations (<1 ppm) at room temperature. Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin–Radushkevich adsorption isotherms are studied to understand the VOCs sensing mechanism machine learning classification algorithms including quadratic discriminant (QD), neural nets, K‐nearest neighbors, linear discriminant, and support vector machines are applied to classify the sensor responses for the 12 different analytes. With the help of machine learning algorithms, tested analytes are successfully classified into their groups. The highest accuracy of 97.34% is achieved using the QD method. The developed sensor, combined with machine learning algorithms, shows promising potential for accurate and reliable detection and classification of VOCs.