bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innovative Synthesis of Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework by a Stovetop Kitchen Pressure Cook Pot for Triboelectric Nanogenerator
Authors: Dhal Bikash Chandra , Hajra Sugato , Priyadarshini Anulipsa , Panda Swati , Vivekananthan Venkateswaran , Swain Jaykishon , Swain Subrat , Das Niharika , Samantray Raghabendra , Kim Hoe Joon , Sahu Rojalin
Published: March 2024

This study presents a novel approach utilizing solvothermal techniques to synthesize zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF‐4) particles. Various properties of the ZIF‐4 particles are investigated to shed light on the structural and morphological characteristics. These ZIF‐4 particles act as a positive triboelectric layer in the fabrication of a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) designed for powering electronic devices. The solvothermal‐assisted synthesis ensures the controlled and efficient production of ZIF‐4, optimizing its characteristics for enhanced performance in the TENG. The generated TENG, based on ZIF‐4 particles, determines promising capabilities in converting mechanical energy into electrical power. The highest power of TENG is obtained to be 18 μW at a load resistance of 50 MΩ. This work contributes major insights to the search for sustainable and effective power solutions for electronic gadgets. It emphasizes the potential of ZIF‐4 as a crucial triboelectric material, demonstrating its importance in the advancement of TENGs.
Development and evaluation of a microcontrolled solar tracker based on chronological positioning
Authors: da Silva Souza Anacreone , da Rocha Queiroz Juliano , Colombo Murilo Silva , Costa Thiago Queiroz , Andrade Cid Marcos Gonçalves , Schiavon Gilson Junior , da Motta Lima Oswaldo Curty
Published: March 2024

Currently, photovoltaic (PV) solar energy is one of the most promising sources of renewable energy. Solar trackers (ST) are devices that track and maintain the alignment of solar collectors with the sun's rays, thereby increasing energy generation. This article reports on the development of a microcontrolled dual‐axis solar tracker. The system lacks feedback and relies on astronomical equations to calculate the position of the sun. The positioning of the solar panel is controlled by an on–off controller, while the energy generated by the tracker is compared to the output of a stationary panel. Unlike other studies, this work takes into account the energy consumed during the process, including powering the control system and moving the structure. The true tracking gain is estimated using this method. The tracker was analyzed over three days under different climatic conditions, including sunny, partly cloudy, and cloudy weather. After evaluation, the average error of the solar positioning algorithm was 1%. On a sunny day, the tracker produced 52.96% more energy than the fixed system. Considering the energy consumed by the tracking system, the net gain was 48.88%. The average gross gain for the three days analyzed was 45.64%, which is higher than the results of recent studies using the same tracker configuration. For the cloudy day, tracking was not very effective, resulting in a net gain of only 2.14%. In future work, an irradiation sensor could be included to reduce energy consumption on cloudy days. Additional studies are needed to more accurately evaluate the performance of the trigger, preferably with a one‐year data collection period.
Seizure provocation in EEG recordings: A data‐driven approach
Authors: Larsen Pirgit Meritam , Wüstenhagen Stephan , Terney Daniella , Gardella Elena , Aurlien Harald , Beniczky Sándor
Published: March 2024

Objective

Recording seizures on video‐EEG has a high diagnostic value. However, bilateral convulsive seizures constitute a risk for the patients. Our aim was to investigate the diagnostic yield and associated risks of provocation methods in short‐term video‐EEGs.

Methods

We extracted data on seizures and provocation methods from a large database of short‐term video‐EEGs with standardized annotations using SCORE (Standardized Computer‐based Organized reporting of EEG).

Results

2742 paroxysmal clinical episodes were recorded in 11 919 consecutive EEGs. Most epileptic seizures (54%) were provoked. Hyperventilation provoked most of typical absence seizures (55%), intermittent photic stimulation (IPS) provoked myoclonic seizures (25%) and most of bilateral convulsive seizures (55%), while 43% of focal seizures were precipitated by sleep. All but one of the 16 bilateral convulsive seizures were provoked by IPS or sleep. Latency between start of generalized photoparoxysmal EEG response and bilateral convulsive seizures were ≤3 s in all but one patient.

Significance

The large, structured database provides evidence for the diagnostic utility of various provocation methods in short‐term video‐EEGs. The risk of bilateral convulsive seizures is relatively small, but it cannot be prevented by stopping IPS after 3 s. A priori knowledge about seizure semiology helps planning patient‐tailored provocation strategy in short‐term video‐EEGs.
Analysis of clinical characteristics and histopathological transcription in 40 patients afflicted by epilepsy stemming from focal cortical dysplasia
Authors: Zhang Ke , Yao He , Yang Jixue , Jia Tianming , Shan Qiao , Li Dongming , Li Mengchun , Gan Ling , Wang Xinjun , Dong Yan
Published: March 2024

Objective

This study aims to comprehensively analyze the clinical characteristics and identify the differentially expressed genes associated with drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE) in patients with focal cortical dysplasia (FCD).

Methods

A retrospective investigation was conducted from July 2019 to June 2022, involving 40 pediatric cases of DRE linked to FCD. Subsequent follow‐ups were done to assess post‐surgical outcomes. Transcriptomic sequencing and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) were used to examine differential gene expression between the FCD and control groups.

Results

Among the 40 patients included in the study, focal to bilateral tonic–clonic seizures (13/40, 32.50%) and epileptic spasms (9/40, 22.50%) were the predominant seizure types. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed frequent involvement of the frontal (22/40, 55%) and temporal lobes (12/40, 30%). In cases with negative MRI results (13/13, 100%), positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET‐CT) scans revealed hypometabolic lesions. Fused MRI/PET‐CT images demonstrated lesion reduction in 40.74% (11/27) of cases compared with PET‐CT alone, while 59.26% (16/27) yielded results consistent with PET‐CT findings. FCD type II was identified in 26 cases, and FCD type I in 13 cases. At the last follow‐up, 38 patients were prescribed an average of 1.27 ± 1.05 anti‐seizure medications (ASMs), with two patients discontinuing treatment. After a postoperative follow‐up period of 23.50 months, 75% (30/40) of patients achieved Engel class I outcome. Transcriptomic sequencing and qRT‐PCR analysis identified several genes primarily associated with cilia, including CFAP47, CFAP126, JHY, RSPH4A, and SPAG1.

Significance

This study highlights focal to bilateral tonic–clonic seizures as the most common seizure type in patients with DRE due to FCD. Surgical intervention primarily targeted lesions in the frontal and temporal lobes. Patients with FCD‐related DRE showed a promising prognosis for seizure control post‐surgery. The identified genes, including CFAP47, CFAP126, JHY, RSPH4A, and SPAG1, could serve as potential biomarkers for FCD.

Plain Language Summary

This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the clinical data of individuals affected by focal cortical dysplasia and analyze transcriptomic data from brain tissues. We found that focal to bilateral tonic–clonic seizures were the most prevalent seizure type in patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy. In cases treated surgically, the frontal and temporal lobes were the primary sites of the lesions. Moreover, patients with focal cortical dysplasia‐induced drug‐resistant epilepsy exhibited a favorable prognosis for seizure control after surgery. CFAP47, CFAP126, JHY, RSPH4A, and SPAG1 have emerged as potential pathogenic genes for the development of focal cortical dysplasia.
Effects of Çemen pastes prepared in different formulations on physicochemical, microbiological, and textural properties of beef hamburger patties during refrigerated storage
Authors: Köker Ömer , Kılıç Birol , Şimşek Azim
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to investigate the effects of çemen pastes prepared in different formulations on physicochemical, microbiological, and textural properties of hamburgers during refrigerated storage (4°C; 60 d). Çemen pastes were produced by using different combination doses of fenugreek seed flour, sweet red pepper, and garlic powder. As a result of çemen paste usage in hamburgers, cooking losses and dimensional shrinkage decreased, whereas moisture and fat retention ratios increased (p < .05). The hardness, gumminess, and chewiness values of hamburgers containing çemen paste were generally lower than those of control (p < .05). Çemen paste addition to hamburgers generally did not cause a difference in terms of microbial growth and moisture, fat and ash contents. Protein contents of hamburgers containing çemen paste or breadcrumbs were generally higher than that of control (p < .05). Çemen paste usage in hamburgers generally decreased the L* values and increased the b* values (p < .05). In general, addition of 3.5% or higher doses of both sweet red pepper and garlic powder caused higher a* values in hamburger patties (p < .05). Lower oxidation levels were generally observed in hamburgers containing 3% or lower doses of fenugreek seed flour and 4.5% of garlic powder in çemen paste (p < .05). It was concluded that çemen paste usage in hamburger patty processing has the potential to improve the quality characteristics and delay oxidative changes.
Characterization of carbonated beverage fortified with chamomile herbal extract
Authors: Aamir Muhammad , Abid Ahtesham , Azam Iqra , Ikram Ali , Saeed Farhan , Afzaal Muhammad , Ateeq Huda , Akram Noor , Hussain Shahzad , Khan Mahbubur Rahman
Published: March 2024

The current study was planned to provide nutrient dense carbonated beverage fortified with chamomile herbal extract that was rich in healthy nutrients and best to use. Infusion method was used to prepare chamomile herbal extract. After adding flavor and sugar syrup, carbonation was done. Different treatments were prepared (T0, T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5). The antioxidant potential, physiochemical properties, and sensory attributes of beverage were assessed. Results showed that addition of chamomile enhanced the antioxidant and physiochemical properties of beverage. The DPPH activity, total phenolic content, and total flavonoid content were observed as 49.23 ± 0.03 (%), 136.92 ± 0.06 (mg GAE/L), and 1989.47 ± 0.07 (mg QE/L), respectively, among T5 with 12% of chamomile extract. Moreover, the acidity increases from T0 to T5 (0.191 ± 0.01 to 0.220 ± 0.01). Furthermore, the overall acceptability of T4 was highest among sensory attributes.
Development of a probiotic low‐fat set yogurt containing concentrated sweet pepper extract
Authors: Jooyandeh Hossein , Alizadeh Behbahani Behrooz
Published: March 2024

Yogurt contains various health‐promoting components such as beneficial bacteria and bioactive peptides. However, plain yogurt is regarded as a poor source of phenolic compounds, vitamin C, and other substances that give a high antioxidant property to the product. Since the objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the addition of different concentrated sweet pepper extracts (CSPE) to the yogurt milk formulation on some quality parameters of the probiotic set yogurt during 21 days of cold storage. For the production of probiotic yogurt samples, Lactobacillus acidophilus LA‐5 was used as probiotic bacteria. The functional set yogurts containing 5% of yellow, orange, or red CSPE were prepared and compared with probiotic control yogurt (without CSPE). With incorporation of CSPE, a functional yogurt with high viable cell counts of probiotics (>108 cfu/g), appropriate acceptability (acceptance scores more than 7, i.e., good acceptability), and textural quality produced. Fortified CSPE yogurt displayed large flakes with irregular surface and more compact texture as compared to the control sample. Based on the results of the study, the yogurt sample having orange CSPE was selected as the best functional product. After 21 days of storage, orange CSPE had the highest hardness (173.33 mg), consistency (1183.33 mg/s), and probiotic counts (8.3 log cfu/g) than other yogurt samples.
Evaluation of behavioral variance/covariance explained by the neuroimaging data through a pattern‐based regression
Authors: Chen Di , Jia Tianye , Cheng Wei , Desrivières Sylvane , Heinz Andreas , Schumann Gunter , Feng Jianfeng
Published: March 2024

Neuroimaging data have been widely used to understand the neural bases of human behaviors. However, most studies were either based on a few predefined regions of interest or only able to reveal limited vital regions, hence not providing an overarching description of the relationship between neuroimaging and behaviors. Here, we proposed a voxel‐based pattern regression that not only could investigate the overall brain‐associated variance (BAV) for a given behavioral measure but could also evaluate the shared neural bases between different behaviors across multiple neuroimaging data. The proposed method demonstrated consistently high reliability and accuracy through comprehensive simulations. We further implemented this approach on real data of adolescents (IMAGEN project, n = 2089) and adults (HCP project, n = 808) to investigate brain‐based variances of multiple behavioral measures, for instance, cognitive behaviors, substance use, and psychiatric disorders. Notably, intelligence‐related scores showed similar high BAVs with the gray matter volume across both datasets. Further, our approach allows us to reveal the latent brain‐based correlation across multiple behavioral measures, which are challenging to obtain otherwise. For instance, we observed a shared brain architecture underlying depression and externalizing problems in adolescents, while the symptom comorbidity may only emerge later in adults. Overall, our approach will provide an important statistical tool for understanding human behaviors using neuroimaging data.
Neural signatures of shared subjective affective engagement and disengagement during movie viewing
Authors: Nanni‐Zepeda Melanni , DeGutis Joseph , Wu Charley , Rothlein David , Fan Yan , Grimm Simone , Walter Martin , Esterman Michael , Zuberer Agnieszka
Published: March 2024

When watching a negative emotional movie, we differ from person to person in the ease with which we engage and the difficulty with which we disengage throughout a temporally evolving narrative. We investigated neural responses of emotional processing, by considering inter‐individual synchronization in subjective emotional engagement and disengagement. The neural underpinnings of these shared responses are ideally studied in naturalistic scenarios like movie viewing, wherein individuals emotionally engage and disengage at their own time and pace throughout the course of a narrative. Despite the rich data that naturalistic designs can bring to the study, there is a challenge in determining time‐resolved behavioral markers of subjective engagement and disengagement and their underlying neural responses. We used a within‐subject cross‐over design instructing 22 subjects to watch clips of either neutral or sad content while undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Participants watched the same movies a second time while continuously annotating the perceived emotional intensity, thus enabling the mapping of brain activity and emotional experience. Our analyses revealed that between‐participant similarity in waxing (engagement) and waning (disengagement) of emotional intensity was directly related to the between‐participant similarity in spatiotemporal patterns of brain activation during the movie(s). Similar patterns of engagement reflected common activation in the bilateral ventromedial prefrontal cortex, regions often involved in self‐referenced evaluation and generation of negative emotions. Similar patterns of disengagement reflected common activation in central executive and default mode network regions often involved in top‐down emotion regulation. Together this work helps to better understand cognitive and neural mechanisms underpinning engagement and disengagement from emotionally evocative narratives.
Lost in space(s): Multimodal neuroimaging of disorientation along the Alzheimer's disease continuum
Authors: Peters‐Founshtein Gregory , Gazit Lidor , Naveh Tahel , Domachevsky Liran , Korczyn Amos D. , Bernstine Hanna , Shaharabani‐Gargir Limor , Groshar David , Marshall Gad A. , Arzy Shahar
Published: March 2024

Orientation is a fundamental cognitive faculty and the bedrock of the neurologic examination. Orientation is defined as the alignment between an individual's internal representation and the external world in the spatial, temporal, and social domains. While spatial disorientation is a recognized hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD), little is known about disorientation beyond space in AD. This study aimed to explore disorientation in spatial, temporal, and social domains along the AD continuum. Fifty‐one participants along the AD continuum performed an ecological orientation task in the spatial, temporal, and social domains while undergoing functional MRI. Disorientation in AD followed a three‐way association between orientation domain, brain region, and disease stage. Specifically, patients with early amnestic mild cognitive impairment exhibited spatio‐temporal disorientation and reduced brain activity in temporoparietal regions, while patients with AD dementia showed additional social disorientation and reduced brain activity in frontoparietal regions. Furthermore, patterns of hypoactivation overlapped different subnetworks of the default mode network, patterns of fluorodeoxyglucose hypometabolism, and cortical atrophy characteristic of AD. Our results suggest that AD may encompass a disorder of orientation, characterized by a biphasic process manifesting as early spatio‐temporal and late social disorientation. As such, disorientation may offer a unique window into the clinicopathological progression of AD.

Significance statement

Despite extensive research into Alzheimer's disease (AD), its core cognitive deficit remains a matter of debate. In this study, we investigated whether orientation, defined as the ability to align internal representations with the external world in spatial, temporal, and social domains, constitutes a core cognitive deficit in AD. To do so, we used PET‐fMRI imaging to collect behavioral, functional, and metabolic data from 51 participants along the AD continuum. Our findings suggest that AD may constitute a disorder of orientation, characterized by an early spatio‐temporal disorientation and followed by late social disorientation, manifesting in task‐evoked and neurodegenerative changes. We propose that a profile of disorientation across multiple domains offers a unique window into the progression of AD and as such could greatly benefit disease diagnosis, monitoring, and evaluation of treatment response.
Online and offline effects of parietal 10 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on working memory in healthy controls
Authors: Deng Xinping , Chen Xiongying , Li Yang , Zhang Bofan , Xu Wending , Wang Jue , Zang Yu‐Feng , Dong Qi , Chen Chuansheng , Li Jun
Published: March 2024

Parietal alpha activity shows a specific pattern of phasic changes during working memory. It decreases during the encoding and recall phases but increases during the maintenance phase. This study tested whether online rTMS delivered to the parietal cortex during the maintenance phase of a working memory task would increase alpha activity and hence improve working memory. Then, 46 healthy volunteers were randomly assigned to two groups to receive 3‐day parietal 10 Hz online rTMS (either real or sham, 3600 pulses in total) that were time‐locked to the maintenance phase of a spatial span task (180 trials in total). Behavioral performance on another spatial span task and EEG signals during a change detection task were recorded on the day before the first rTMS (pretest) and the day after the last rTMS (posttest). We found that rTMS improved performance on both online and offline spatial span tasks. For the offline change detection task, rTMS enhanced alpha activity within the maintenance phase and improved interference control of working memory at both behavioral (K score) and neural (contralateral delay activity) levels. These results suggested that rTMS with alpha frequency time‐locked to the maintenance phase is a promising way to boost working memory.
Decoding the dynamic perception of risk and speed using naturalistic stimuli: A multivariate, whole‐brain analysis
Authors: Ju Uijong , Wallraven Christian
Published: March 2024

Time‐resolved decoding of speed and risk perception in car driving is important for understanding the perceptual processes related to driving safety. In this study, we used an fMRI‐compatible trackball with naturalistic stimuli to record dynamic ratings of perceived risk and speed and investigated the degree to which different brain regions were able to decode these. We presented participants with first‐person perspective videos of cars racing on the same course. These videos varied in terms of subjectively perceived speed and risk profiles, as determined during a behavioral pilot. During the fMRI experiment, participants used the trackball to dynamically rate subjective risk in a first and speed in a second session and assessed overall risk and speed after watching each video. A standard multivariate correlation analysis based on these ratings revealed sparse decodability in visual areas only for the risk ratings. In contrast, the dynamic rating‐based correlation analysis uncovered frontal, visual, and temporal region activation for subjective risk and dorsal visual stream and temporal region activation for subjectively perceived speed. Interestingly, further analyses showed that the brain regions for decoding risk changed over time, whereas those for decoding speed remained constant. Overall, our results demonstrate the advantages of time‐resolved decoding to help our understanding of the dynamic networks associated with decoding risk and speed perception in realistic driving scenarios.
Perceptual uncertainty explains activation differences between audiovisual congruent speech and McGurk stimuli
Authors: Dong Chenjie , Noppeney Uta , Wang Suiping
Published: March 2024

Face‐to‐face communication relies on the integration of acoustic speech signals with the corresponding facial articulations. In the McGurk illusion, an auditory /ba/ phoneme presented simultaneously with a facial articulation of a /ga/ (i.e., viseme), is typically fused into an illusory ‘da’ percept. Despite its widespread use as an index of audiovisual speech integration, critics argue that it arises from perceptual processes that differ categorically from natural speech recognition. Conversely, Bayesian theoretical frameworks suggest that both the illusory McGurk and the veridical audiovisual congruent speech percepts result from probabilistic inference based on noisy sensory signals. According to these models, the inter‐sensory conflict in McGurk stimuli may only increase observers' perceptual uncertainty. This functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study presented participants (20 male and 24 female) with audiovisual congruent, McGurk (i.e., auditory /ba/ + visual /ga/), and incongruent (i.e., auditory /ga/ + visual /ba/) stimuli along with their unisensory counterparts in a syllable categorization task. Behaviorally, observers' response entropy was greater for McGurk compared to congruent audiovisual stimuli. At the neural level, McGurk stimuli increased activations in a widespread neural system, extending from the inferior frontal sulci (IFS) to the pre‐supplementary motor area (pre‐SMA) and insulae, typically involved in cognitive control processes. Crucially, in line with Bayesian theories these activation increases were fully accounted for by observers' perceptual uncertainty as measured by their response entropy. Our findings suggest that McGurk and congruent speech processing rely on shared neural mechanisms, thereby supporting the McGurk illusion as a valid measure of natural audiovisual speech perception.
The transition from vision to language: Distinct patterns of functional connectivity for subregions of the visual word form area
Authors: Yablonski Maya , Karipidis Iliana I. , Kubota Emily , Yeatman Jason D.
Published: March 2024

Reading entails transforming visual symbols to sound and meaning. This process depends on specialized circuitry in the visual cortex, the visual word form area (VWFA). Recent findings suggest that this text‐selective cortex comprises at least two distinct subregions: the more posterior VWFA‐1 is sensitive to visual features, while the more anterior VWFA‐2 processes higher level language information. Here, we explore whether these two subregions also exhibit different patterns of functional connectivity. To this end, we capitalize on two complementary datasets: Using the Natural Scenes Dataset (NSD), we identify text‐selective responses in high‐quality 7T adult data (N = 8), and investigate functional connectivity patterns of VWFA‐1 and VWFA‐2 at the individual level. We then turn to the Healthy Brain Network (HBN) database to assess whether these patterns replicate in a large developmental sample (N = 224; age 6–20 years), and whether they relate to reading development. In both datasets, we find that VWFA‐1 is primarily correlated with bilateral visual regions. In contrast, VWFA‐2 is more strongly correlated with language regions in the frontal and lateral parietal lobes, particularly the bilateral inferior frontal gyrus. Critically, these patterns do not generalize to adjacent face‐selective regions, suggesting a specific relationship between VWFA‐2 and the frontal language network. No correlations were observed between functional connectivity and reading ability. Together, our findings support the distinction between subregions of the VWFA, and suggest that functional connectivity patterns in the ventral temporal cortex are consistent over a wide range of reading skills.
Feature similarity gradients detect alterations in the neonatal cortex associated with preterm birth
Authors: Galdi Paola , Cabez Manuel Blesa , Farrugia Christine , Vaher Kadi , Williams Logan Z. J. , Sullivan Gemma , Stoye David Q. , Quigley Alan J. , Makropoulos Antonios , Thrippleton Michael J. , Bastin Mark E. , Richardson Hilary , Whalley Heather , Edwards A. David , Bajada Claude J. , Robinson Emma C. , Boardman James P.
Published: March 2024

The early life environment programmes cortical architecture and cognition across the life course. A measure of cortical organisation that integrates information from multimodal MRI and is unbound by arbitrary parcellations has proven elusive, which hampers efforts to uncover the perinatal origins of cortical health. Here, we use the Vogt‐Bailey index to provide a fine‐grained description of regional homogeneities and sharp variations in cortical microstructure based on feature gradients, and we investigate the impact of being born preterm on cortical development at term‐equivalent age. Compared with term‐born controls, preterm infants have a homogeneous microstructure in temporal and occipital lobes, and the medial parietal, cingulate, and frontal cortices, compared with term infants. These observations replicated across two independent datasets and were robust to differences that remain in the data after matching samples and alignment of processing and quality control strategies. We conclude that cortical microstructural architecture is altered in preterm infants in a spatially distributed rather than localised fashion.
Harmonizing regulatory market approval of products with high safety requirements: Evidence from the European pharmaceutical market
Authors: Grünwald Fabian , Stargardt Tom
Published: March 2024

We causally analyzed whether being a member of the European Union (EU) and having access to a centralized marketing authorization procedure (centralized procedure [CP]) affects availability and time to launch of new pharmaceuticals. We employed multiple difference‐in‐differences models, exploiting the eastern enlargement of the EU as well as changes in the indications that fall within the compulsory or voluntary scope of the CP. Results showed that countries experienced a mean decrease in launch delay of 10.9 months (p = 0.004) after joining the EU. Effects were higher among pharmaceuticals that belong to indications that might voluntarily participate in the CP but are not obliged to. These are often financially less attractive to manufacturers than pharmaceuticals within the compulsory scope. Availability of new pharmaceuticals launched remained unaffected. We found signs that the magnitude of the country‐specific effect of centralized marketing authorization on launch delay may be influenced by strategic decisions of manufacturers at the national level (e.g., parallel trade or reference pricing).
Optimal self‐protection and health risk perceptions: Exploring connections between risk theory and the Health Belief Model
Authors: Augeraud‐Véron Emmanuelle , Leandri Marc
Published: March 2024

In this contribution to the longstanding risk theory debate on optimal self‐protection, we aim to enrich the microeconomic modeling of self‐protection, in the wake of Ehrlich and Becker (1972), by exploring the representation of risk perception at the core of the Health Belief Model (HBM), a conceptual framework extremely influential in Public Health studies (Janz and Becker, 1984). In our two‐period model, we highlight the crucial role of risk perception in the individual decision to adopt a preventive behavior toward a generic health risk. We discuss the optimal prevention effort engaged by an agent displaying either imperfect knowledge of the susceptibility (probability of occurrence) or the severity (magnitude of the loss) of a health hazard, or facing uncertainty on these risk components. We assess the impact of risk aversion and prudence on the optimal level of self‐protection, a critical issue in the risk and insurance economic literature, yet often overlooked in HBM studies. Our results pave the way for the design of efficient information instruments to improve health prevention when risk perceptions are biased.
Neoadjuvant therapy to improve resectability of advanced thyroid cancer: A real‐world experience
Authors: Russell Marika , Gild Matti L. , Wirth Lori J. , Robinson Bruce , Karcioglu Amanda Silver , Iwata Ayaka , Athni Tejas S. , Abdelhamid Ahmed Amr H. , Randolph Gregory W.
Published: March 2024

Background

Experience with targeted neoadjuvant treatment for locoregionally advanced thyroid cancer is nascent.

Methods

Multicenter retrospective case series examining targeted neoadjuvant treatment for locoregionally advanced thyroid cancer. The primary outcome was change in surgical morbidity as measured by two metrics developed for use in clinical trials to characterize surgical complexity and morbidity. Secondary outcomes included percentage of patients proceeding to surgery and percentage receiving an R0/R1 resection.

Results

Seventeen patients with varied molecular alterations, pathologies, and treatment regimens were included. Mean surgical complexity scores decreased between time points for baseline and postneoadjuvant treatment, postneoadjuvant treatment and surgery, and between baseline and surgery. Eleven patients (64.7%) underwent surgical resection, with 10 (58.8%) receiving an R0/R1 resection.

Conclusions

Neoadjuvant treatment of advanced thyroid cancer improves resectability and decreases the morbidity of required surgical procedures. However, treatment is not uniformly effective.
Tackling social inequalities in health: Assessing contexts for implementing integrated health access for people with severe mental illness
Authors: Mejsner Sofie Buch , Bech Mickael , Fehsenfeld Michael , Lundberg Luna , Westergaard Caroline Louise , Vixø Kathrine , Burau Viola
Published: March 2024

Social inequalities in health are a complex problem that often emerge at the interfaces between different sectors, such as health and social care, and the corresponding transitions between different provider organisations. Vulnerable people are typically in greater need of accessing different sectors of the health system and therefore often experience lack of coherence in their treatment pathway. We aimed to examine the contexts of health systems that influence initiatives concerned with integrated health access. We used the theory of Organizational Fields to study the contexts for implementing Flexible Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) in Central Denmark Region and three municipalities in the region. We collected 33 documents and conducted six qualitative interviews with professionals involved in FACT to understand the contexts of implementing integrated health access. We found that contexts for implementing FACT are highly complex, as they are divided between health and social care (horizontal complexity) and between national and the sub‐national levels of the region and the municipalities (vertical complexity). This leads to conflicting demands on implementation. Local contexts of collaboration may offer a lever to handle these demands, but these are likely to vary. Analysis of how complex health system contexts influence implementation is important to understand how changes might become sustainable and help to tackle social inequalities in health.
Undaria pinnatifida ameliorates nasal inflammation by inhibiting eosinophil and mast cell activation and modulating the NF‐κB/MAPKs signaling pathway
Authors: Yu Zhen Nan , Fan Yan Jing , Nguyen Thi Van , Piao Chun Hua , Lee Byung‐Hoo , Lee So‐Young , Shin Hee Soon , Song Chang Ho , Chai Ok Hee
Published: March 2024

Background

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is the most prevalent form of atopic disease. Undaria pinnatifida has potent antioxidative, antidiabetic, and anti‐inflammatory properties.

Aims

We investigated the immunomodulatory effect of Undaria pinnatifida extract (UPE) on allergic inflammation in an AR mouse model.

Materials & Methods

Mice were sensitized and intranasally challenged with ovalbumin (OVA), and the Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg‐related cytokines and histopathology were exanimated after UPE treatments. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was performed using serum samples and NALF to detect OVA‐specific immunoglobulins and inflammatory cytokines. Mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) were measured by western blotting analysis, and an in vitro study measured mast cell activation induced by compound 48/80.

Results

After UPE treatment, nasal and lung allergy symptoms, nasal mucosal swelling, and goblet cell hyperplasia were ameliorated. Oral UPE regulated the balance of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg cell differentiation in AR mice in a dose‐dependent manner. In addition, UPE attenuated the migration of eosinophils and mast cells to the nasal mucosa by suppressing nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB)/MAPKs. The levels of anti‐OVA IgE and IgG1 were also decreased.

Discussion

UPE inhibited inflammation by regulating the NF‐κB/MAPKs signaling pathway and supressing the activation of critical immune cells such as eosinophils and mast cells.

Conclusion

UPE may have therapeutic potential for AR.
Clinical practice guidelines for gene therapy to treat hereditary hearing loss
Authors: Qi Jieyu , Tan Fangzhi , Zhang Liyan , Lu Ling , Wang Hongyang , Li Wenyan , Liu Wenwen , Fu Xiaolong , He Zuhong , Ding Xiaoqiong , Sun Shan , Fang Qiaojun , Dong Yaodong , Zhu Xuewei , Tong Busheng , Cao Xianbao , Guo Min , Fan Xinmiao , Wang Qin , Ma Lu , Zhang Tianhong , Yu Yafeng , Li Yongxin , Fan Jiangang , Cui Yong , Wu Peina , Zhang Hongzheng , Tang Jie , Guo Weiwei , Zha Dingjun , Ye Fanglei , He Shuangba , Cao Wei , Yang Jianming , Qian Xiaoyun , Zhao Yu , Sun Jingwu , Chen Xiaowei , Sun Yu , Xia Ming , Wang Qiuju , Yuan Huijun , Feng Yong , Kong Weijia , Yang Shiming , Wang Haibo , Duan Maoli , Gao Xia , Li Huawei , Xu Lei , Chai Renjie
Published: March 2024

Hereditary deafness is a common neurosensory disorder, and 148 non‐syndromic deafness genes have been identified to date. Gene therapy has been used to treat a variety of genetic diseases, but no gene therapy drug for hereditary deafness has been approved for clinical use. At present, several clinical trials of gene therapy for hereditary deafness are underway. However, few normative documents have been issued to guide the standardization of gene therapy for hearing loss, and this document is the first global gene therapy guideline for hereditary hearing loss. The guidelines were jointly developed and drafted by experienced audiologists, virologists and biologists who are vigorously involved in inner ear gene therapy research in the Hearing, Speech and Communication Subsociety of Biophysical Society of China, Audiology Development Foundation Of China and Audiology Subsociety of Jiangsu Medical Association. These guidelines cover preclinical research and clinical practice of gene therapy for hereditary deafness, including indications, key points of pre‐clinical research, patient selection criteria, pre‐clinical preparation, drug efficacy, drug safety evaluation criteria, ethical review, etc. We hope that the guidelines will promote the standardization of clinical practice related to gene therapy for hereditary deafness in China and around the world.
Unveiling the enigma: Exploring organizational dysfunctional learning modes and institutional amnesia in the Indian Universal Service Obligation Fund
Authors: Kayum Abdul , Abdin Md. Shahnawaz , Mishra Brajesh , Kayum Sarah
Published: March 2024

Despite various government initiatives and substantial unutilized funds in the Indian Universal Service Obligation Fund (USF), a significant population in rural and remote areas still lack broadband services due to inadequate consideration for demographic and geographical challenges in planning and implementation strategies, mainly stemming from focus on quick electoral benefits, favoritism, organizational politics and a sense of indifference. This study employs a multiple‐case approach to analyze the USF institution using the proposed integrated organizational learning framework, offering a novel perspective. The proposed framework identifies factors influencing effective outcomes and provides a comprehensive assessment of cross‐project learning culture within the organization. Additionally, by unveiling systemic deception and hidden intentions, the application of this framework may act as a deterrent to improper practices, contributing to an improved outlook for future projects. Our analysis reveals that despite encountering distinct experiences and outcomes in different initiatives, the USF has missed opportunities to fully leverage lessons learned and avoid repeating past mistakes. To bolster the efficacy of future projects, we propose that the USF adopt a proactive organizational learning strategy involving thorough evaluations and analyses of past projects by experts. This process should aim to extract key lessons, challenges, and best practices, culminating in establishing a repository of learnings. Regularly updating and utilizing this repository can foster a culture of continuous improvement and informed decision‐making. Such an approach can improve project delivery across traditional metrics of time, cost, and quality and maximize benefits delivered to beneficiaries.
Emotion regulation as a potential moderator of the association between HIV stigma and nonadherence to antiretroviral therapy among youth living with HIV
Authors: Wiginton John Mark , Amico K. Rivet , Hightow‐Weidman Lisa , Sullivan Patrick , Horvath Keith J.
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐related stigma affects adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) for youth living with HIV. Emotion regulation strategies such as cognitive reappraisal (reinterpreting adversity to mitigate emotional impact) and expressive suppression (inhibiting emotion‐expressive behavior activated by adversity) may moderate the HIV stigma‐ART adherence relationship in this group.

Methods

Using baseline data from 208 youth living with HIV aged 15–24 years enrolled in an mHealth ART‐adherence intervention, we performed modified Poisson regressions with robust variance between HIV stigma (internalized, anticipated, enacted) and ART nonadherence. We tested for multiplicative interaction via product terms between HIV stigma and emotion regulation scores, and additive interaction via relative excess risk due to interaction and attributable proportion using dichotomous HIV stigma and emotion regulation variables.

Results

Mean age was 21 years; ≥50% of participants were cisgender male, non‐Hispanic Black, and gay‐identifying; 18% reported ART nonadherence. Confounder‐adjusted regressions showed positive associations between each HIV stigma variable and ART nonadherence. Internalized HIV stigma and cognitive reappraisal negatively, multiplicatively interacted (as internalized HIV stigma increased, ART nonadherence increased for those with low cognitive reappraisal). High internalized HIV stigma positively, additively interacted with low cognitive reappraisal and low expressive suppression (when high internalized HIV stigma and low levels of either emotion regulation strategy were present, ART nonadherence increased dramatically).

Conclusion

Cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression may protect against internalized HIV stigma's harmful association with ART nonadherence. These modifiable emotion regulation strategies may be targeted to potentially buffer the effects of internalized HIV stigma and support ART adherence for youth living with HIV.
pO2 reporter composite hydrogel macroencapsulation devices for magnetic resonance imaging oxygen quantification
Authors: Emerson Amy E. , Sugamura Yuka , Mazboudi Jad , Abdallah Tuhfah M. , Seaton Charmayne D. , Ghasemi Azin , Kodibagkar Vikram D. , Weaver Jessica D.
Published: March 2024

Hydrogel cell encapsulation devices are a common approach to reduce the need for chronic systemic immunosuppression in allogeneic cell product transplantation. Macroencapsulation approaches are an appealing strategy, as they maximize graft retrievability and cell dosage within a single device; however, macroencapsulation devices face oxygen transport challenges as geometries increase from preclinical to clinical scales. Device design guided by computational approaches can facilitate graft oxygen availability to encapsulated cells in vivo but is limited without accurate measurement of oxygen levels within the transplant site and graft. In this study, we engineer pO2 reporter composite hydrogels (PORCH) to enable spatiotemporal measurement of oxygen tension within macroencapsulation devices using the proton Imaging of siloxanes to map tissue oxygenation levels (PISTOL) magnetic resonance imaging approach. We engineer two methods of incorporating siloxane oximetry reporters within hydrogel devices, an emulsion and microbead‐based approach, and evaluate PORCH cytotoxicity on co‐encapsulated cells and accuracy in quantifying oxygen tension in vitro. We find that both emulsion and microbead PORCH approaches enable accurate in situ oxygen quantification using PISTOL magnetic resonance oximetry, and that the emulsion‐based PORCH approach results in higher spatial resolution.
miR‐200a‐3p inhibits the PDGF‐BB‐induced proliferation of VSMCs by affecting their phenotype‐associated proteins
Authors: Zeng Rui‐Yuan , Jin Hong‐Yi , Peng Yong‐Bo , Wang Wen‐Jun , Cao Yuan‐Ping , Peng Han‐Zhi , Qiu Zhi‐Cong , Lai Song‐Qing , Wan Li
Published: March 2024

Accumulating evidence shows that the abnormal proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) can significantly affect the long‐term prognosis of coronary artery bypass grafting. This study aimed to explore the factors affecting the proliferation, migration, and phenotypic transformation of VSMCs. First, we stimulated VSMCs with different platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB (PDGF‐BB) concentrations, analyzed the expression of phenotype‐associated proteins by Western blotting, and examined cell proliferation by scratch wound healing and the 5‐ethynyl‐2‐deoxyuridine (EdU) assay. VSMC proliferation was induced most by PDGF‐BB treatment at 20 ng/mL. miR‐200a‐3p decreased significantly in A7r5 cells stimulated with PDGF‐BB. The overexpression of miR‐200a‐3p reversed the downregulation of α‐SMA (p < 0.001) and the upregulation of vimentin (p < 0.001) caused by PDGF‐BB. CCK8 and EdU analyses showed that miR‐200a‐3p overexpression could inhibit PDGF‐BB‐induced cell proliferation (p < 0.001). However, flow cytometric analysis showed that it did not significantly increase cell apoptosis. Collectively, the overexpression of miR‐200a‐3p inhibited the proliferation and migration of VSMCs induced by PDGF‐BB, partly by affecting phenotypic transformation‐related proteins, providing a new strategy for relieving the restenosis of vein grafts.
Evolving policies, enduring impacts: Cross‐sectional surveys of mental health, risk‐related perceptions, and coping behaviors throughout China's U‐turn in its stringent zero‐COVID policy
Authors: Zhao Shuguang , Zhou Jue , Wang Ting
Published: March 2024

Objective

China's early encounter with COVID‐19 and protracted prevention policies, presents an ideal case to study psychological changes during a prolonged and evolving crisis. This study aims to examine the shifts in mental health symptoms, risk‐related perceptions, and associated coping behaviors within two large‐scale samples of Chinese respondents, spanning from the pandemic's onset to the relaxation of the zero‐COVID policy. Moreover, the study strives to identify protective factors that could potentially mitigate the pandemic's impact.

Methods

Two online surveys were conducted during China's initial pandemic phase (February 25–28, 2020) and the relaxation of the zero‐COVID policy (March 30–April 18, 2023). Participants' mental health indicators, risk‐related perceptions, and coping behaviors were assessed using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale‐21 Items, the 9‐item Bergen Burnout Inventory, and other adopted scales. Multivariable linear models were employed to examine the enduring psychological impact of the pandemic and identify potential protective factors.

Results

Analysis of two datasets comprising 1946 and 1878 participants from the onset and the remission of China's COVID‐19 pandemic revealed an upward trend in various mental health indicators of Chinese respondents between 2020 and 2023. Similarly, risk‐related perceptions, encompassing perceived severity, susceptibility, and self‐efficacy, and risk‐related information sharing witnessed an increase. Being female, single, residing in rural areas, having higher education, and lacking acquaintances with COVID‐19 are protective factors against mental health risks. Additionally, being female, married, over 30, living in big cities, having higher education, and lacking personal or acquaintances' infection history are associated with engaging in protective behaviors and reduced information avoidance.

Conclusion

The study investigated the changes in mental health symptoms, risk‐related perceptions, and coping behaviors of Chinese respondents between 2020 and 2023 and identified protective factors against the pandemic's impact, including demographic (gender, age), social (education, marital status, residence), and exposure (infection history) elements. Understanding these fluctuations and protective elements is crucial for policymakers, as it can inform the development of targeted strategies to alleviate negative psychological impacts while effectively managing future pandemics.