bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An ambient‐temperature superionic conductive, electrochemically stable, plastic cross‐linked polymer electrolyte for lithium metal battery
Authors: Wu Xiao , Zhang Yafei , Peng Shunjin
Published: January 2024

A plastic cross‐linked polymer is prepared using acrylonitrile as a monomer and poly(ethylene glycol diacrylate) as a linking agent. A phase diagram‐guide rational design is introduced to fabricate the polymer composite electrolyte in the case of succinonitrile complexed with lithium bis‐trifluoromethanesulfonimide. The plastic cross‐linked polymer‐based electrolyte films with ambient‐temperature superionic conductivity (2.33 mS cm−1) and a wide electrochemical window (0–5.6 V vs. Li/Li+) have been demonstrated. The charging and discharging experiments of the plastic polymer composite electrolyte‐based lithium batteries show that the plastic polymer electrolyte can cycle normally and safely at a current density of 0.5 mA cm−2. These batteries exhibit excellent average coulombic efficiency of 98.5% in the first 150 cycles. The initial capacity at 25°C is 127.5 mAh g−1 (0.2 C), which is close to the value achieved by liquid‐electrolyte‐based cells under similar conditions. The capacity retention is 91% after 150 cycles.
Prevalence of bias against neurodivergence‐related terms in artificial intelligence language models
Authors: Brandsen Sam , Chandrasekhar Tara , Franz Lauren , Grapel Jordan , Dawson Geraldine , Carlson David
Published: January 2024

Given the increasing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in many decision‐making processes, we investigate the presence of AI bias towards terms related to a range of neurodivergent conditions, including autism, ADHD, schizophrenia, and obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD). We use 11 different language model encoders to test the degree to which words related to neurodiversity are associated with groups of words related to danger, disease, badness, and other negative concepts. For each group of words tested, we report the mean strength of association (Word Embedding Association Test [WEAT] score) averaged over all encoders and find generally high levels of bias. Additionally, we show that bias occurs even when testing words associated with autistic or neurodivergent strengths. For example, embedders had a negative average association between words related to autism and words related to honesty, despite honesty being considered a common strength of autistic individuals. Finally, we introduce a sentence similarity ratio test and demonstrate that many sentences describing types of disabilities, for example, “I have autism” or “I have epilepsy,” have even stronger negative associations than control sentences such as “I am a bank robber.”
Isotope Effects in a Li−S Battery: A New Concept
Authors: Li Xue‐Ting , Zhu Yu‐Hui , Tan Shuang‐Jie , Xin Sen
Published: January 2024

Lithium‐sulfur battery represents an innovative technology for the next generation electrochemical energy storage, and insight into the fundamentals about its electrochemistry is a key to improved battery storage performance. With years of striving efforts, the interpretation of Li−S reaction mechanism has been extended down to a molecular level. Based on our recent work, we propose to re‐examine the Li−S electrochemistry at a (sub)atomic level. Both Li anode and S cathode are made up of mixtures of stable isotopes. Provided with almost the same nucleus structure yet different neutron numbers (and atomic mass), these isotopes could affect the thermodynamic and kinetic parameters of a chemical reaction, and energy storage capability of a Li−S battery. At the cathode, 34S forms stronger S−S bonds and shows higher tendency to react with Li than 32S, so that it helps to improve cathode reaction kinetics. High‐order polysulfide anions based on 34S show more sluggish migration in the ether electrolyte than the 32S‐based counterparts, which accounts for improved cycling stability of battery. Based on the electrochemical isotope effects of S, a conceptual technology for separating isotopes from natural chalcogen elements was introduced and shows a higher separation factor than the conventional methods.
Essential Oils from the Genus Piper Promote Antinociception by Modulating TRP Channels and Anti‐Inflammatory Effects in Adult Zebrafish
Authors: Pereira Wandresa Francelino , Everson da Silva Luiz , do Amaral Wanderlei , Andrade Rebelo Ricardo , Quefi Blasco , Wlisses da Silva Antonio , Silva Marinho Emmanuel , Borges Leal Antonio Linkoln Alves , Mesquita Cajazeiras Francisco Ferdinando , Amâncio Ferreira Maria Kueirislene , Bezerra Maciel Jéssica , Ribeiro Liberato Hortência , Guedes Jesyka Macêdo , Silva Alencar de Menezes Jane Eire , Teixeira Alexandre Magno Rodrigues , Silva dos Santosa Helcio
Published: January 2024

The Piper genus, known for its pharmacological potential, comprises 2,263 species primarily found in tropical regions. Despite recent advancements in pain therapies, the demand for more effective and well‐tolerated analgesics and anti‐inflammatories, particularly for chronic pain, remains. This study assessed the effects of essential oils from Piper caldense, Piper mosenii, and Piper mikanianum on nociceptive behavior induced by formalin and capsaicin, as well as their anti‐inflammatory impact induced by carrageenan, using adult zebrafish models. Results indicated non‐toxic essential oils with antinociceptive properties in both neurogenic and inflammatory phases of formalin‐induced nociception through interaction with the TRPA1 receptor. Additionally, P. mosenii essential oil also blocked the nociceptive effect of capsaicin, a TRPV1 receptor agonist. Furthermore, essential oils from P. caldense and P. mikanianum exhibited significant anti‐inflammatory effects by reducing carrageenan‐induced abdominal edema. These findings highlight the pharmacological potential of Piper's essential oils as antinociceptive and anti‐inflammatory agents.
Multidisciplinary approach for acute MI complicated by ventricular tachycardia, stent thrombosis, and multi‐organ failure: A case report
Authors: Dutta Ujjwal P. , Bhatt Jugal Hiren , Nagori Irfan , Kagathara Nency , Zalavadiya Rushit , Sapkota Dilip
Published: January 2024

Key Clinical Message

The case highlights the imperative requirement for multidisciplinary action in handling a myocardial infarction case, complicated by rare and severe events like ventricular tachycardia, stent thrombosis, hypoxic brain injury, and multi‐organ failure.

This article presents a case of a 53‐year‐old male, who presented with myocardial infarction that was managed by percutaneous coronary intervention and stent placement. However, it progressed to multiple complications in sequence (ventricular tachycardia, stent thrombosis, hypoxic brain injury, and multi‐organ failure). Hopefully, the condition of the patient improved after 2 months from GSC‐4 to GCS‐9 by a multidisciplinary approach and was discharged for home‐based treatment.
Atypical anterior wall fracture extending to anterior inferior iliac spine with preservation of pelvic brim: A case report and literature review
Authors: Zandi Reza , Talebi Shahin , Ehsani Akbar , Bazgir Narges
Published: January 2024

Key Clinical Message

Anterior acetabular wall fractures that extend into the anterior inferior iliac spine are more likely to be unstable, and more likely to require surgical fixation.

Conventional acetabular anterior wall fractures originate below the anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS) level and involve the pelvic brim. Since surgical treatment is preserved for instability and hip incongruency, atypical variation of this fracture usually jeopardizes hip stability. We report on a 33‐year‐old case of an acetabular anterior wall fracture extending to the anterior inferior iliac spine. He was prepared for the stress test and hip stability checked, that was unstable in extension and external rotation. The joint was exposed with the Smith–Peterson approach. Hip congruency was restored, and the AIIS fragment was stabilized by open reduction. Acetabular anterior wall fracture involving AIIS with preservation of pelvic brim is a rare equivalent of anterior wall fracture that jeopardizes hip stability and should be managed surgically. Anterior approaches are preferred in order to visualize the joint.
NiCo2O4/MXene Hybrid as an Efficient Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Evolution and Reduction Reaction
Authors: Vazhayil Ashalatha , Vazhayal Linsha , Ashok C Shyamli , Thomas Jasmine , Thomas Nygil
Published: January 2024

For the advancement of electrochemical energy conversion and storage technologies, bifunctional electrocatalysts are crucial for efficiently driving both the oxygen evolution (OER) and reduction reactions (ORR). Cobalt‐based spinel oxides are a class of promising bifunctional electrocatalysts. However their low electrical conductivity and stability may hinder further improvement. A novel composite material composed of NiCo2O4 nanoparticles integrated with emerging two dimensional MXene nanosheets (NiCo2O4/MXene) was developed. The successful integration of NiCo2O4 with MXene brings about a number of attractive structural features. This includes synergistic effects between NiCo2O4 and MXene, highly accessible surface areas, complete exposure of numerous active sites, and excellent electronic conductivity, all of which collectively contribute to the desirability of composite material for OER and ORR. The synthesized NiCo2O4/MXene composite showed extraordinary OER electrocatalytic activity with a lower overpotential of 360 mV at a current density of 10 mA/cm2, and a small Tafel slope of 64 mV/dec compared to NiCo2O4, MXene and NiCo2O4+MXene (physically mixed). Additionally, NiCo2O4/MXene displays an ORR limiting current density of −4 mA/cm2 and exhibited highest onset potential and half wave potential of 0.92 V and 0.72 V vs. RHE, respectively, for the ORR in alkaline media compared to NiCo2O4, MXene and NiCo2O4+MXene (physically mixed).
Chalcogen Atom Size: A Key Parameter in Modulating Carbonyl Compound Properties
Authors: Nieuwland Celine , Fonseca Guerra Célia
Published: January 2024

Exchanging oxygen in the functional group C=O (i. e., carbonyl) for the less electronegative Group 16 elements, sulfur or selenium, unexpectedly enhances the electronegativity of the C=X group in π‐conjugated molecules and reduces the molecular π HOMO–LUMO energy gap. Quantum‐chemical analyses revealed that the steric size of the chalcogen atom X is at the origin of this seemingly counterintuitive behavior. This tuning of the chemical properties of carbonyl compounds by varying the chalcogen atom size in the C=X bond can be applied in many fields of chemistry. This concept article delineates several useful applications in the fields of organocatalysis, supramolecular chemistry, and photo(electro)chemistry.
Site‐Selective Palladium‐catalyzed Oxidation of Unprotected Aminoglycosides and Sugar Phosphates
Authors: Marinus Nittert , Reintjens Niels R. M. , Haldimann Klara , Mouthaan Marc L. M. C. , Hobbie Sven N. , Witte Martin D. , Minnaard Adriaan J.
Published: January 2024

The site‐selective modification of complex biomolecules by transition metal‐catalysis is highly warranted, but often thwarted by the presence of Lewis basic functional groups. This study demonstrates that protonation of amines and phosphates in carbohydrates circumvents catalyst inhibition in palladium‐catalyzed site‐selective oxidation. Both aminoglycosides and sugar phosphates, compound classes that up till now largely escaped direct modification, are oxidized with good efficiency. Site‐selective oxidation of kanamycin and amikacin was used to prepare a set of 3’‐modified aminoglycoside derivatives of which two showed promising activity against antibiotic‐resistant E. coli strains.
Geometry‐Induced Oligomerization of Fluorine‐Substituted Phenylazothiazole Photoswitches
Authors: Hashim P. K. , Sahu Saugata , Takahashi Kiyonori , Thazhathethil Shakkeeb , Nakamura Takayoshi , Tamaoki Nobuyuki
Published: January 2024

Photoswitches are molecules that can absorb light of specific wavelengths and undergo a reversible transformation between their trans and cis isomeric forms. In phenylazo photoswitches, it is common for the less stable cis (Z) isomer to convert back to the more stable trans (E) isomer either through photochemical or thermal means. In this research, we designed new derivatives of phenylazothiazole (PAT) photoswitches, PAT‐Fn, which feature fluorine substituents on their phenyl component. These derivatives can reversibly isomerize under visible light exposure with the enrichment of E and Z isomers at photostationary state (PSS). Surprisingly, we observed an unconventional phenomenon when these PAT‐Fn (n≧2) photoswitches were in their cis isomeric state in the absence of light. Instead of the anticipated transformation from cis to trans isomer, these compounds converted to an oligomeric compound. Our detailed experimental investigation and theoretical calculations, indicated the crucial role of fluorine substituents and the distinctive geometric arrangement of the cis isomer in driving the unexpected oligomerization process originating from the cis isomeric state.
In Silico Investigation of Palladium‐Catalyzed Chemoselective Monoalkoxycarbonylation of 1,3‐diynes for Conjugated Enynes Synthesis
Authors: Ning Xiaoyu , Jing Yaru , Cheng Zuohui , Li Jingjing
Published: January 2024

The palladium‐catalyzed monoalkoxycarbonylation of 1,3‐diynes provides a chemoselective method for the construction of synthetically useful conjugated enynes. Here, in silico unraveling the detailed mechanism of this reaction and the origin of chemoselectivity were conducted. It is shown that the alkoxycarbonylation reaction preferably proceeds by a NH−Pd pathway, which including three substeps: hydropalladation, CO migratory insertion and methanolysis. The effectiveness of the NH−Pd catalytic system is attributed to the alkynyl‐palladium π‐back‐bonding interaction, C−H⋅⋅⋅π interaction in reactant moiety and d–pπ conjugation between the Pd center and alkenyl group. The hydropalladation step was identified as the rate‐ and chemoselectivity‐determining step, and the first alkoxycarbonylation requires a much lower energy barrier in comparison with the second alkoxycarbonylation, in line with the experimental outcomes that the monoalkoxycarbonylation product was obtained in high yield. Distortion‐interaction analysis indicates the more favorable monoalkoxycarbonylation (compared to double alkoxycarbonylation) is caused by steric effect.
Evaluation of Copper(II) Transfer between Amyloid‐beta Peptides by Relaxation‐Induced Dipolar Modulation Enhancement (RIDME)
Authors: Stehle Juliane , Hülsmann Miriam , Godt Adelheid , Drescher Malte , Azarkh Mykhailo
Published: January 2024

In the brains of Alzheimer's disease patients, fibrillar aggregates containing amyloid‐beta (Aβ) peptides are found, along with elevated concentrations of Cu(II) ions. The aggregation pathways of Aβ peptides can be modulated by Cu(II) ions and is determined by the formation and nature of the Cu(II)‐Aβ complex. If spin‐labeled, the Cu(II)‐Aβ complex contains two dipolar coupled paramagnetic centers, the spin label and the Cu(II) ion. Measurement of the dipolar coupling between these paramagnetic centers by relaxation‐induced dipolar modulation enhancement (RIDME) allows to monitor the complex formation and thus opens a way to follow the Cu(II) transfer between peptides if a mixture of wild‐type and spin‐labeled ones is used. We evaluate this approach for a specific Cu(II)‐Aβ complex, the aggregation‐inert Component II. The kinetics of the Cu(II) transfer can be resolved by performing RIDME in a time‐dependent manner. A temporal resolution of seconds has been achieved, with the potential to reach milliseconds, using a rapid‐freeze quench device to stop the Cu(II) transfer in solution after defined incubation times.
Azo‐Cyanamide Bridged Dinuclear Iron Complexes Exhibiting no Electronic Coupling but Moderate Magnetic Coupling between the two Iron Centers
Authors: Mao Zhong‐Dong , Fu Jin‐Hui , He Yong , Song Ying , Tan Bing‐Chang , Chen Ling‐Ting , Wu Xin‐Tao , Sheng Tian‐Lu
Published: January 2024

To investigate the effect of long‐distance organic ligand on electronic coupling between metallic atoms, the mononuclear and dinuclear complexes [Cp(dppe)Fe(apc)] (1), [{Cp(dppe)Fe}2(μ‐adpc)] (2), [{CpMe5(dppe)Fe}2(μ‐adpc) (3) and their oxidized complexes [Cp(dppe)Fe(apc)][PF6] (1[PF6]), [{Cp(dppe)Fe}2(μ‐adpc)][PF6] (2[PF6]2), [{CpMe5(dppe)Fe}2(μ‐adpc)][PF6]2 (3[PF6]2) (Cp=1,3‐cyclopentadiene, CpMe5=1,2,3,4,5‐pentamethylcyclopentadiene, dppe=1,2‐bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane), apc−=4‐azo(phenylcyanamido)benzene and adpc2−=4,4′‐azodi(phenylcyanamido)) were synthesized and characterized by cyclic voltammetry, UV‐vis, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and Mössbauer spectra. Electrochemical measurements showed no electronic coupling between the two terminal Fe units, However, the investigation results of the magnetic properties of the two‐electron oxidized complexes indicate the presence of moderate antiferromagnetic coupling across 18 Å distance.
Maternal high‐fat diet associated with LPS gestational injection induces hypothalamic inflammation and metabolic disorders in male Wistar rat offspring
Authors: Rocha‐Gomes Arthur , Escobar Teixeira Amanda , da Silva Alexandre Alves , da Silva Mariana Muniz , Santos Tatielly Roberta , Alvarenga e Castro Túlio Pereira , Lessa Mayara Rodrigues , Villela Daniel Campos , Riul Tania Regina , Leite Hércules Ribeiro
Published: January 2024

Maternal high‐fat diet (HFD) is linked to obesity and inflammation, predisposing offspring to metabolic and nutritional disorders. Accordingly, elevated blood levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) are also related to inflammation and metabolic complications in the offspring. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the association of maternal HFD (gestation and lactation) and the LPS injection (gestation) on metabolic, inflammatory, and redox status parameters in male adolescent offspring. Female pregnant Wistar rats received randomly a standard or an HFD during gestation and lactation. On gestation Days 8, 10, and 12, half of the females in each group were intraperitonially injected with LPS (0.1 mg.kg−1). After weaning, all offspring received a standard diet. The dams and part of the male offspring were evaluated at weaning (Postnatal Day [PND] 21; food intake and inflammatory parameters), while the rest of the male offspring were evaluated during adolescence (PND50; food intake, redox status, and inflammatory parameters). HFD dams showed during gestation a lower weight gain. After lactation, HFD and LPS+HFD dams reported higher fat mass accumulation and increased interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) blood levels. HFD and LPS+HFD offspring showed at weaning higher levels of fat mass, body weight, and body length, besides an increased in hypothalamic IL‐6 levels. Noteworthy, at PND50, the LPS+HFD offspring showed higher energy intake, fat mass, and hypothalamic IL‐6 levels, in addition to an increased sucrose preference. Therefore, LPS+HFD offspring presented a worsening in energy metabolism, which was probably due to persistent hypothalamic inflammation, and also have a predisposition for the consumption of sweet foods.
Caudate volume is prospectively associated with irritability in toddlerhood: A preliminary investigation
Authors: Dufford Alexander J. , MacNeill Leigha , Zhang Yudong , Nielsen Ashley , Smyser Christopher , Luby Joan L. , Rogers Cynthia E. , Norton Elizabeth , Wakschlag Lauren
Published: January 2024

Irritability refers to the dispositional tendency to respond with anger and frustration to environmental challenges or limits, with both mood and behavioral elements. The dimensional spectrum of irritability is an RDoC‐informed transdiagnostic marker of psychopathology risk, specifically for the common and modifiable internalizing and externalizing disorders. Despite substantial interest in this robust developmentally based transdiagnostic indicator of psychopathology risk, its early brain markers are understudied. Here, we leveraged high‐quality, longitudinal behavioral phenotyping of irritability within an imaging substudy (n = 31) of toddlers, from the When to Worry (W2W) study. We examined prospective associations between volume in three subcortical regions implicated in irritability (the caudate, putamen, and amygdala) around the infants’ first birthday (Baseline) and the dimensional spectrum of observed irritability using the Disruptive Behavior Diagnostic Observation Schedule (DB‐DOS) around toddlers’ second birthday (Follow‐up). Both left (q = .04, FDR corrected) and right caudate volumes (q = .04, FDR corrected) at Baseline were negatively associated with observed irritability at Follow‐up. We did not find support for associations between putamen and amygdala volumes at Baseline and observed irritability at Follow‐up. These findings identify early prospective neuroanatomical correlates of toddler irritability and provide preliminary support for the caudate being one important brain region for further investigation regarding the early neural correlates of irritability.
Optimizing detectability of the endangered fan mussel using eDNA and ddPCR
Authors: Marques Virginie , Loot Géraldine , Blanchet Simon , Miaud Claude , Planes Serge , Peyran Claire , Arnal Véronique , Calvet Coralie , Pioch Sylvain , Manel Stéphanie
Published: January 2024

Spatial and temporal monitoring of species threatened with extinction is of critical importance for conservation and ecosystem management. In the Mediterranean coast, the fan mussel (Pinna nobilis) is listed as critically endangered after suffering from a mass mortality event since 2016, leading to 100% mortality in most marine populations. Conventional monitoring for this macroinvertebrate is done using scuba, which is challenging in dense meadows or with low visibility. Here we developed an environmental DNA assay targeting the fan mussel and assessed the influence of several environmental parameters on the species detectability in situ. We developed and tested an eDNA molecular marker and collected 48 water samples in two sites at the Thau lagoon (France) with distinct fan mussel density, depths and during two seasons (summer and autumn). Our marker can amplify fan mussel DNA but lacks specificity since it also amplifies a conspecific species (Pinna rudis). We successfully amplified fan mussel DNA from in situ samples with 46 positive samples (out of 48) using ddPCR, although the DNA concentrations measured were low over almost all samples. Deeper sampling depth slightly increased DNA concentrations, but no seasonal effect was found. We highlight a putative spawning event on a single summer day with much higher DNA concentration compared to all other samples. We present an eDNA molecular assay able to detect the endangered fan mussel and provide guidelines to optimize the sampling protocol to maximize detectability. Effective and non‐invasive monitoring tools for endangered species are promising to monitor remaining populations and have the potential of ecological restoration or habitat recolonization following a mass mortality event.
Trust and monetary policy
Authors: De Grauwe Paul , Ji Yuemei
Published: January 2024

We analyze how trust affects the transmission of negative demand and supply shocks using a behavioral macroeconomic model. We define trust to have two dimensions: trust in the central bank's inflation target and trust in the central bank's capacity to stabilize the business cycle. We find, first, that when large negative shocks occur, the subsequent trajectories taken by output gap and inflation typically coalesce around a good and a bad trajectory. Second, these good and bad trajectories are correlated with movements in trust. In the bad trajectories, trust collapses, and in the good trajectories, it is not affected. This feature is stronger when a negative supply shock occurs than in the case of a negative demand shock. Third, initial conditions, in particular the initial state of inflation and output expectations, matter. Unfavorable initial expectations drive the economy into a bad trajectory, and favorable initial expectations produce good trajectories. Fourth, we analyze the sensitivity of our results with respect to the size of the shocks. Fifth, we derive implications of our results for our capacity of making forecasts about the effects of large demand and supply shocks.
The effects of social pensions on nutrition‐related health outcomes of the poor: Quasi‐experimental evidence from Peru
Authors: Bernal Noelia , Olivera Javier , Suhrcke Marc
Published: January 2024

This paper exploits the discontinuity around a welfare index of eligibility to assess the impact of Peru's social pension program Pension 65 on nutrition‐related health outcomes among elderly poor individuals. Overall, we find evidence of how a relatively inexpensive program can produce improvements in anemia and nutrition‐related mortality risk markers. The effects appear to be driven by plausible underlying mechanisms, including via improved nutritional quality as well as greater food expenditures and healthcare utilization. These positive effects are only modestly countered by tentative signs of an increased obesity risk among women in the short term (<2 years), but not beyond this term. As the program evolves further, policymakers need to confront the challenge of continuing to ensure the health benefits in terms of reducing nutritional deficits while avoiding potential undesirable side effects in terms of over‐nutrition in Peru. The findings may serve to highlight the wider benefits of similar pension policies for the poor also in other middle income countries, well beyond the immediate economic welfare effects that the policies have primarily been designed for.
Banking uncertainty and corporate financial constraints
Authors: Huynh Japan
Published: January 2024

This article investigates an essential channel through which uncertainty may harm the economy—firms' financing constraints. Unlike prior literature focusing on the aspect of aggregate economic policy uncertainty, we look into the dimension of disaggregate uncertainty in the banking system. Examining financial data of commercial banks and listed companies in Vietnam during 2008–2022, we document that banking uncertainty positively impacts corporate financial constraints. Moreover, we explore how firm‐specific and macroeconomic factors interact with the relationship between uncertainty and financing constraints. Our analysis indicates that this link is more pronounced for non‐state‐owned firms, firms with more intangible assets, and firms listed on the Hanoi stock exchange. Meanwhile, macro shocks, such as the financial crisis and the COVID‐19 pandemic can strengthen the effect of banking uncertainty on financing constraints. Finally, we examine the mechanisms through which banking uncertainty causes an increase in firms' financial constraints. We document that banking uncertainty exacerbates financial constraints by raising the cost of external financing, not by lowering firm performance.
Unusual case of maternal megacolon diagnosed by MRI during the antenatal period
Authors: Singh Madhulika , Singh Meenakshi Manoj Kumar , Dubey Sushmita , Rai Ashok Kumar , Rai Aakansha
Published: January 2024

Synopsis

Primigravida at 14 weeks' gestation with expeditiously growing abdominal distension was revealed to be megacolon on MRI (suspicious case of adult Hirschsprung disease).
Risk and protective factors for substance use and media addictive behaviors in adolescents during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Shoshani Anat , Kor Ariel , Farbstein‐Yavin Shaked , Gvion Yari
Published: January 2024

Objective

This study examined the long‐term effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on adolescents' substance use, digital media use, and symptoms of internet, gaming, and social media addiction.

Method

A nationally representative longitudinal cohort of 1665 Israeli teens and preteens, aged 9–16, completed questionnaires assessing substance use prevalence, daily screen time, symptoms of media addiction, and potential risk and protective factors. Data were collected before the pandemic (October 2019), after the second wave lockdown (November 2020), and after the fifth wave (April 2022) in Israel.

Results

The analysis documented significant increases in substance use, daily screen time, and social media addiction indices over time. Gratitude, life satisfaction, positive emotions, future orientation, grit, and secure attachment emerged as significant protective factors. Sensation‐seeking, negative emotions, and mental health symptoms were identified as risk factors.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the importance of educational and public mental health services in addressing the pandemic's long‐term impact on the mental health and addictive behaviors of adolescents. They also emphasize the significance of enhancing protective factors and reducing risk factors to effectively mitigate substance and digital media abuse among adolescents.
Effect of femtosecond laser process parameters on the thermal denaturation degree of skin tissue
Authors: Huang Jun , Jia Mengshi , Xia Shengnan , Chen Yuxin , Xu Tongyu , Wu Jinjin , Li Xiaopeng , Wang Kehong , Rui Yunfeng
Published: January 2024

The influence of femtosecond laser parameters on the degree of thermal denaturation was studied experimentally. The relationship between the degree of thermal denaturation and the characteristic parameters of skin microstructure and the secondary structure of skin tissue proteins in characterizing the degree of thermal damage was analyzed. The results showed the interaction of laser power, laser power, and scanning speed had a significant effect on the degree of thermal denaturation; greater degrees of thermal denaturation were associated with larger second‐order moments of the texture angle of the skin microtissue and smaller entropy values and contrast, indicating a greater degree of thermal damage; and higher peak temperature, the lower peak intensity of Raman spectra, decrease in the percentage area of α‐helix fitted curves and increase in the percentage area of β‐sheet and β‐turn fitted curves indicate that the protein is denatured to a large extent that means thermal damage is large.
Reproducibility of Diffusion MRI‐Based Tractography in the Fetal Brain
Authors: Xiao Jiaxin , Sun Cong , Chen Ruike , Zhao Zhiyong , Wang Guangbin , Wu Dan
Published: January 2024

Background

Tractography based on diffusion MRI (dMRI) is a useful tool to study white matter of the developing brain. However, its application in fetal brains is limited due to motion artifacts and low resolution of in utero dMRI, leading to reduced reliability, which was scarcely investigated in previous studies.

Purpose

To identify reliably traceable fibers in fetal brains and assess whether reproducibility varies with gestational age (GA) and varies between brain regions.

Study Type

Prospective cohort study.

Subjects

A total of 44 healthy fetuses with GAs between 25 and 37 (31 ± 6).

Field Strength/Sequence

3‐T, diffusion‐weighted echo‐planar imaging sequence (2–5 repeated dMRI scans within the same session per subject).

Assessment

We fitted dMRI with constrained spherical deconvolution model and conducted tractography on eight fibers. We extracted volume, fractional anisotropy, and fiber count for each fiber and assessed the reproducibility of these metrics between repeated scans within each subject. Data were divided into two age‐based subgroups (≤30 weeks, N = 28, and >30 weeks, N = 16) for further tests.

Statistical Tests

The reproducibility were compared between fibers by analysis of variance and two‐sample t tests. Multiple comparisons were corrected by the false discovery rate (5% was accepted).

Results

The reproducibility of the anterior thalamic radiation, inferior longitudinal fasciculus (ILF), genu of the corpus callosum (GCC), and body of the corpus callosum (BCC) significantly decreased with advancing GA (correlation coefficient = 0.525–0.823), as confirmed by group comparisons between fetuses in early GA (≤30 weeks) and late GA (>30 weeks) groups. Corticospinal tract, inferior fronto‐occipital fasciculus, and GCC showed high reproducibility for fiber count (weighted dice average = 0.846 vs. 0.814), while BCC and ILF exhibited the lowest reproducibility in both age groups.

Data Conclusion

The study indicates that the reliability of fetal brain tractography depends on GA and varies among different fibers.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
MR Spectroscopy Assessment of Daily Variations of GABA Levels within the Parietal Lobe and Anterior Cingulate Gyrus Regions of Healthy Young Adults
Authors: Ye Yujie , Zhong Zhaomin , Wu Xiaojuan , Tian Yangyang , Wei Zifan , Han Shuting , Wu Peng , Dai Hui , Shen Lan , Wang Han , Li Yonggang
Published: January 2024

Background

The changes that occur in the gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels within specific brain regions throughout the day are less clear.

Purpose

To evaluate the daily fluctuations of GABA levels within the parietal lobe (PL) and anterior cingulate gyrus (ACC) regions and explore their association with melatonin (MT) levels, heart rate (HR), and blood pressure.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

26 healthy young adults (15 males and 11 females aged 22–27 years).

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0T, T1‐weighted imaging, Mescher–Garwood point resolved spectroscopy (MEGA‐PRESS) sequence.

Assessment

The acquired GABA signal contained the overlapping signals of macromolecules and homocarnosine, hence expressed as GABA+. The creatine (Cr) signal was applied as an endogenous reference. The GABA+, GABA+/Cr were measured at six different time points (1:00, 5:00, 9:00, 13:00, 17:00, and 21:00 hours) using MEGA‐PRESS. The blood pressure, HR and sputum MT levels, were also acquired.

Statistical Tests

The one‐way repeated‐measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to evaluate the GABA, blood pressure, HR, and MT levels throughout the day. A general linear model was used to find the correlation between GABA and blood pressure, HR, and MT. P < 0.05 was statistically significant.

Results

Significant variations in GABA+/Cr and GABA+ levels were observed throughout the day within the PL region. The lowest levels were recorded at 9:00 hour (GABA+/Cr: 0.100 ± 0.003，GABA+:1.877 ± 0.051 i.u) and the highest levels were recorded at 21:00 hour (GABA+/Cr: 0.115 ± 0.003, GABA+:2.122 ± 0.052 i.u). The MT levels were positively correlated with GABA+/Cr (r = 0.301) and GABA+ (r = 0.312) within the ACC region.

Data Conclusion

GABA+/Cr and GABA+ in ACC are positively correlated with MT. GABA levels in the PL have diurnal differences. These findings may indicate that the body's GABA level change in response to the light–dark cycle.

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Effect of in vitro simulated digestion on the physicochemical properties and pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity of fucoidan
Authors: Lu Chunqi , Gu Qiuya , Yu Xiaobin
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

Fucoidan has an anti‐obesity effect. However, there are few studies on its mechanism. In this study, we investigated the in vitro and in silico inhibitory properties of fucoidan against pancreatic lipase for the first time. We examined the changes in composition, structure, and pancreatic lipase inhibition of fucoidan during in vitro digestion.

RESULTS

Simulated saliva‐gastrointestinal digestion resulted in a slight decrease in the molecular weight of fucoidan but no significant changes in the monosaccharide composition, sulfate content, and functional groups. Moreover, the digestion process significantly increased the inhibition of pancreatic lipase by fucoidan. The study on the type of inhibition showed that the inhibition of pancreatic lipase by fucoidan belonged to mixed inhibition with competitive inhibition. Molecular docking analysis showed that fucoidan could bind to the active site of pancreatic lipase.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that fucoidan can be a potential functional food for anti‐obesity. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Evaluating Quality, Credibility, and Readability of Online Over‐the‐Counter Hearing Aid Information
Authors: Shah Veranca , Lava Christian X. , Hakimi Amir A. , Hoa Michael
Published: January 2024

Objective

With over‐the‐counter hearing aids being recently approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration, the accuracy and usefulness of online information has not yet been examined. This study evaluates the quality, credibility, readability, and accessibility of online over‐the‐counter hearing aids education materials.

Methods

Google was queried using the search term “over‐the‐counter hearing aids”. The top 50 results were categorized into healthcare versus non‐healthcare authored resources. The Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES) and Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL) tests were utilized to assess readability, whereas the Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose (CRAAP) test and DISCERN instruments were used to assess quality and credibility. The number of clicks taken to access relevant information on each website was used to assess accessibility.

Results

There was no significant difference in FRES or FKGL readability scores between healthcare and non‐healthcare authored websites (p = 0.5548, p = 0.5981, respectively), but both readability scores were higher than that of the recommended reading level for patient education materials. There was no significant difference in CRAAP and DISCERN scores between both groups (p = 0.5746, p = 0.1699, respectively). The number of clicks did not significantly differ between healthcare and non‐healthcare authored resources (p = 0.4932).

Conclusion

This study highlights poor readability and accessibility of virtual healthcare information regarding OTC hearing aids. Although credibility in articles authored by healthcare and non‐healthcare professionals was adequate, readability was greatly compromised due to the written information exceeding the recommended United States reading level. Accessibility posed a similar issue, as many sites required multiple clicks to access product information.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 134:3302–3309, 2024
Identify a sustainable afforestation pattern for soil carbon sequestration: Considering both soil water‐carbon conversion efficiency and their coupling relationship on the Loess Plateau
Authors: Nan Guowei , He Xinyu , Ma Le , Qin Shuying , Han Lei , Xu Shicai
Published: January 2024

Afforestation is considered to be an important means to improve the ecological environment and mitigate climate change. However, inappropriate vegetation restoration can result in severe soil desiccation and ecosystem degradation in water‐limited regions. Here, we evaluated the effects of six different afforestation patterns on soil moisture content, soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration, and especially the conversion efficiency of the two on the Loess Plateau, taking abandoned land (Al) as a control sample, and attempting to recognize a suitable afforestation pattern based on these parameters. The six afforestation patterns considered were two single‐species shrub plantations (Caragana korshinskii, Ck and Hippophae rhamnoides, Hr), two single‐species tree plantations (Robinia pseudoacacia, Rp and Platycladus orientalis, Po), and two mixed‐species plantations (Rp, Po, Pinus tabuliformis, Pt, and Ulmus pumila, Up mixed plantations (MP); Po and Pt with terracing [MP + T]). We found that mixed‐species plantations (MP + T and MP) have less soil moisture depletion than single‐species plantations, Ck had the highest SOC sequestration but also had a significant deep soil moisture deficit. MP + T had less deep soil moisture deficit but also had lower SOC sequestration than MP. MP show a better comprehensive effect when considering both soil organic carbon sequestration and soil water‐carbon conversion efficiency. Therefore, multispecies MP represent a potentially valuable approach to sustainable afforestation patterns for soil carbon sequestration on the Loess Plateau. This afforestation pattern has the potential to be applied in other similar semi‐arid and semihumid regions. Our results provide insight into vegetation restoration in areas with degraded land. In future afforestation activities, planners must alleviate regional water pressure, increase soil carbon sequestration by increasing species richness, and select the best combination of species to optimize the stability and sustainability of the plantation ecosystem.
Multilevel Information Encryption Mediated by Reconfigurable Thermal Emission in Smart Bilayer Material
Authors: Wang Jiong , Wang Maoren , Xie Qindong , Li Wenxin , Zhang Li , Zhang Linbo , Xie Jianliang , Liu Donghua , Zhou Peiheng
Published: January 2024

Smart thermal emission, which is response to external stimuli, has provided an unparalleled approach to exploiting optical devices that allows for tunable photon radiance. Here, an approach of implementing information encryptions using a smart thermal emission material that exhibits non‐volatile, multifunctional, and on‐chip‐integrable properties is reported. The smart material is a bilayer structure, consisting of a tungsten (W)‐doped vanadium dioxide (VO2) thin film layer and a self‐assembled polystyrene (PS) microsphere layer. Significant differences between the phase transition temperatures of differently doped VO2 films enable reconfigurable thermal emission in response to heat. Levels of information recorded by the patterning of these VO2 films are thus encrypted thermo‐radiatively. Additionally, the structural color of PS layer, as a result of photonic crystal bandgap effect, shades the encoded patterns from visible observation, and provides an anti‐counterfeiting function. Notable observation angle independence and device‐friendly encoding processes are also demonstrated. Based on these thermo‐tunable emission characteristics, the concept of multilevel data encryption via infrared radiation detection, temperature dependence, and visible anti‐counterfeiting, is realized by the smart bilayer material.
Preparation of Block Copolymer Self‐Assemblies via Pisa in a Non‐Polar Medium Based on RCMP
Authors: Zheng Yichao , Niino Hiroshi , Chatani Shunsuke , Goto Atsushi
Published: January 2024

Polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (PISA) is conducted in a non‐polar medium (n‐dodecane) via reversible complexation‐mediated polymerization (RCMP). Stearyl methacrylate (SMA) is used to synthesize a macroinitiator, and subsequent block polymerization of benzyl methacrylate (BzMA) from the macroinitiator in n‐dodecane afforded a PSMA–PBzMA block copolymer, where PSMA is poly(stearyl methacrylate) and PBzMA is poly(benzyl methacrylate). Because PSMA is soluble but PBzMA is insoluble in n‐dodecane, the block copolymer formed a self‐assembly during the block polymerization (PISA). Spherical micelles, worms, and vesicles are obtained, depending on the degrees of polymerization of PSMA and PBzMA. “One‐pot” PISA is also attained; namely, BzMA is directly added to the reaction mixture of the macroinitiator synthesis, and PISA is conducted in the same pot without purification of the macroinitiator. The spherical micelle and vesicle structures are also fixed using a crosslinkable monomer during PISA. RCMP‐PISA is highly attractive as it is odorless and metal‐free. The “one‐pot” synthesis does not require the purification of the macroinitiator. RCMP‐PISA can provide a practical approach to synthesize self‐assemblies in non‐polar media.
Dissecting the pleiotropic roles of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in lung cancer: From carcinogenesis toward therapy
Authors: Hou Ying , Wang Heng , Wu Jiarui , Guo Hongwei , Chen Xiuping
Published: January 2024

Lung cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The specific pulmonary structure to directly connect with ambient air makes it more susceptible to damage from airborne toxins. External oxidative stimuli and endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a crucial role in promoting lung carcinogenesis and development. The biological properties of higher ROS levels in tumor cells than in normal cells make them more sensitive and vulnerable to ROS injury. Therefore, the strategy of targeting ROS has been proposed for cancer therapy for decades. However, it is embarrassing that countless attempts at ROS‐based therapies have had very limited success, and no FDA approval in the anticancer list was mechanistically based on ROS manipulation. Even compared with the untargetable proteins, such as transcription factors, ROS are more difficult to be targeted due to their chemical properties. Thus, the pleiotropic roles of ROS provide therapeutic potential for anticancer drug discovery, while a better dissection of the mechanistic action and signaling pathways is a prerequisite for future breakthroughs. This review discusses the critical roles of ROS in cancer carcinogenesis, ROS‐inspired signaling pathways, and ROS‐based treatment, exemplified by lung cancer. In particular, an eight considerations rule is proposed for ROS‐targeting strategies and drug design and development.
AAPM Task Group Report 261: Comprehensive quality control methodology and management of dental and maxillofacial cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) systems
Authors: Mihailidis Dimitris N. , Stratis Andreas , Gingold Eric , Carlson Ray , DeForest William , Gray Joel , Lally Mary T. , Pizzutiello Robert , Rong John , Spelic David , Hilohi Mike C. , Massoth Richard
Published: January 2024

Cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) systems specifically designed and manufactured for dental, maxillofacial imaging (MFI) and otolaryngology (OLR) applications have been commercially available in the United States since 2001 and have been in widespread clinical use since. Until recently, there has been a lack of professional guidance available for medical physicists about how to assess and evaluate the performance of these systems and about the establishment and management of quality control (QC) programs. The owners and users of dental CBCT systems may have only a rudimentary understanding of this technology, including how it differs from conventional multidetector CT (MDCT) in terms of acceptable radiation safety practices. Dental CBCT systems differ from MDCT in several ways and these differences are described. This report provides guidance to medical physicists and serves as a basis for stakeholders to make informed decisions regarding how to manage and develop a QC program for dental CBCT systems. It is important that a medical physicist with experience in dental CBCT serves as a resource on this technology and the associated radiation protection best practices. The medical physicist should be involved at the pre‐installation stage to ensure that a CBCT room configuration allows for a safe and efficient workflow and that structural shielding, if needed, is designed into the architectural plans. Acceptance testing of new installations should include assessment of mechanical alignment of patient positioning lasers and x‐ray beam collimation and benchmarking of essential image quality performance parameters such as image uniformity, noise, contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR), spatial resolution, and artifacts. Several approaches for quantifying radiation output from these systems are described, including simply measuring the incident air‐kerma (Kair) at the entrance surface of the image receptor. These measurements are to be repeated at least annually as part of routine QC by the medical physicist. QC programs for dental CBCT, at least in the United States, are often driven by state regulations, accreditation program requirements, or manufacturer recommendations.