bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sleep quality trajectories and motoric cognitive risk syndrome among Chinese rural older adults: Does gender matter?
Authors: Zhao Dan , Wu Bei , Qi Xiang , Pei Yaolin , Gao Tingting , Li Jie , Wang Yi , Wang Lina , Zhou Chengchao
Published: January 2025

Background

Motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR), a pre‐dementia syndrome, is a risk factor for disability and mortality. However, few studies have examined the associations between sleep quality trajectories and MCR. This study aimed to explore the associations between sleep quality trajectories and MCR, and whether these associations vary by gender among Chinese rural older adults.

Methods

We used three waves of follow‐up data (2019, 2020, and 2022) from the Shandong Rural Elderly Health Cohort (SREHC), including 2,168 participants aged 60 years or above. MCR was defined by the presence of subjective cognitive complaints and slow gait. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was used to assess sleep quality over the past month. We applied the group‐based trajectory modeling to identify latent groups and estimate sleep quality trajectories. Logistic regression models were performed to examine relationships between sleep quality trajectories and MCR by gender.

Results

The prevalence of MCR was 13.9% among Chinese rural older adults. Four sleep quality trajectories among males and females were identified, including the normal stable group (male:55.4%; female: 35.4%), the improved quality group (male:23.4%; female: 17.6%), the declined quality group (male:13.0%; female: 25.2%), and the low stable group (male:8.3%; female: 21.8%). After adjusting for covariates, rural older females in the declined quality group (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.81, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 1.19 ‐ 2.77) and the low stable group (OR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.04 ‐ 2.60) were more likely to have MCR than those in the normal stable group. However, only the declined quality group (OR = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.10 ‐ 3.61) was associated with MCR among male rural older adults.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that declined sleep quality was associated with MCR among Chinese rural older males and females. Interventions are needed to focus on addressing sleep quality among rural older adults, which may help prevent MCR.
Shift and night work in the fourth decade is associated with reduced brain volume in late life independent of amyloidogenic pathways: an Insight 46 study
Authors: King‐Robson Josh , Nicholas Jennifer M , James Sarah‐Naomi , Sudre Carole H , Lu Kirsty , Barnes Jo , Brown Thomas M. , Coath William , Cash David M ,   Insight 46 Study Team, Warren Jason D , Richards Marcus , Schott Jonathan M
Published: January 2025

Background

Sleep and circadian disruption are associated with increased dementia risk, yet the mechanism remains poorly understood. We examined the relationship between night/shift working in the fourth decade and late‐life brain health. We explored whether significant relationships were mediated by life course factors including cardiovascular risk.

Methods

Night/shift working (yes/no) was recorded prospectively at age 31. Smoking, alcohol intake, body mass index, exercise, blood pressure, and Framingham risk scores (FRS) were determined at 3‐6 timepoints across the life course (age 20, 36, 43, 53, 60‐64, 68‐70). Whole‐brain and hippocampal volumes, white matter hyperintensity volume (WMHV), and β‐amyloid PET SUVr were derived from T1, fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery, and 18F‐Florbetapir PET, respectively, at age ∼73.

Associations between night/shift working, life course cardiovascular risk factors, and imaging metrics were examined with linear regression. Causal mediation analysis (gformula approach in R), examined whether significant relationships between night/shift working and imaging metrics were mediated by life course cardiovascular risk factors. Analyses were adjusted for gender, adult socioeconomic status, educational attainment, age at imaging, and intracranial volume for volumetric measures.

Results

432 participants had available data, of whom 74 (17.1%) were night/shift workers. Night/shift workers had lower whole brain volume (‐26.2 ml, 95% CI ‐39.3, ‐13.0, P < 0.001, Figure 1), without evidence of a significant difference in hippocampal volume, WMHV, or amyloid‐β SUVr. Night/shift workers had 0.6% higher FRS (95% CI; 0.23%, 0.91%; P = 0.001) and higher alcohol consumption age 36 (5.7 g/day, 95% CI, 0.3, 11.2, P = 0.04); higher alcohol consumption age 60‐64 (10.7 g/day, 95% CI, 4.5, 16.9; P < 0.001); and smoked an additional 5.7 pack‐years by age 60‐64 (95% CI 1.9, 9.4; P = 0.003, Figure 2). 35% of the brain volume reduction in shift workers was mediated by cardiovascular risk factors (Figure 3).

Conclusion

Shift working in the early 30s is associated with lower brain volume in late‐life independent of amyloidogenic pathways. While partially mediated by increased cardiovascular risk factors in night/shift workers, the majority of the effect is unexplained and may be a direct effect of night/shift working on brain health.
Investigating test‐specific practice effects on self‐administered mobile‐based cognitive tasks in two diverse community‐based cohorts
Authors: Christianson Kieffer , De Anda‐Duran Ileana , Karjadi Cody , Hathaway Lindsay , Monteverde Jose R , Devine Sherral A. , Ang Ting Fang Alvin , Hwang Phillip H , Bazzano Lydia , Kolachalama Vijaya B. , Lin Honghuang , Au Rhoda , Sunderaraman Preeti
Published: January 2025

Background

Repeated self‐administered mobile‐based cognitive assessments are increasingly being utilized to identify preclinical cognitive decline. Repetition of cognitive tests during a short time interval often leads to improved performance (i.e., practice effects) due to familiarity with test structure. Therefore, test‐specific practice effects may delay the detection of subtle decline. Alternatively, the lack of practice effect may indicate a decline in cognitive function. This study investigated whether practice effects were present on three digital tests repeated over a 3‐month interval in two cognitively unimpaired cohorts.

Method

549 cognitively intact participants (average age 63.5 years, 40.6% male, 89.6% white) enrolled in the Framingham Heart Study and 26 cognitively unimpaired participants (average age 55 years, 15.4% male, 80.8% white) from the Bogalusa Heart Study completed three self‐administered subtests from Digital Automated Neurobehavioral Assessment (DANA) on their own mobile device at baseline (T1) and three months later (T2). Cognitive scores were calculated using Cognitive Efficiency (CE), a derived measure of speed and accuracy, for Code Substitution (CS), Simple Reaction Time (SRT), and Go/No‐Go (GNG). CS assesses visual scanning and attention, learning, and immediate recall; SRT measures pure reaction time; and GNG assesses sustained attention and impulsivity. For each cohort, separate paired sample t‐tests examined mean differences in CE between timepoints for all three tests.

Result

On all three tests, similar trends in test performance were found in both cohorts. FHS participant’s CE scores significantly improved at T2 compared to T1 on CS and GNG, but not on SRT (Table 2). Similar trends were observed among BHS participants, with more relative improvements on CS and GNG compared to SRT.

Conclusion

This study found similar trends in test‐specific practice effects on mobile‐based cognitive tests in two different cohorts. CS and GNG are inherently more complex than SRT, which may explain why test familiarity improved performance three months after baseline. This is congruent with traditional paper‐and‐pencil neuropsychological tests, wherein tests with complex stimuli show more practice effects relative to simple tasks. Additional research is needed to determine which tests are more sensitive to detecting earliest indicators of cognitive decline, and whether the presence/absence of practice effects itself are clinically meaningful.
Sleep apnea risk, subjective cognitive decline, and cognitive performance: Findings from the Boston Latino Aging Study (BLAST)
Authors: McDowell Celina F. Pluim , Giudicessi Averi , Martinez Jairo E. , Badillo‐Cabrera Alex L , Félix Nikole A Bonillas , Martinez Lusiana , Munera Diana , Vila‐Castelar Clara , Schwab Nadine A , Gomez Liliana A Ramirez , Catalan Marta Gonzalez , Duffy Jeanne F. , Cronin‐Golomb Alice , Quiroz Yakeel T.
Published: January 2025

Background

Sleep apnea is associated with risk of objectively‐measured cognitive decline and dementia, as well as with subjective cognitive decline (SCD), itself a risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia. This relationship is understudied in ethnoracially diverse groups, however, including Latinos. This study examined associations among self‐reported sleep apnea risk, SCD, and cognitive performance in community‐dwelling older Latino adults.

Method

Fifty‐six participants (39 men, 17 women) from the Boston Latino Aging Study (BLAST) were included (Mage = 66.5 years [SD = 8.6]; Meducation 10.5 years [SD = 5.2]. Participants were administered the Preclinical Alzheimer’s Cognitive Composite‐5 (PACC5) (z‐scores), the Berlin Questionnaire to assess sleep apnea risk, in which positive scores in at least 2 categories (snoring and cessation of breathing; excessive daytime sleepiness; BMI and hypertension) indicates high risk, and the Cognitive Function Instrument (CFI) to assess SCD, in which higher scores indicate greater SCD. The Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) measured global cognition. Pearson or point‐biserial correlations assessed associations among demographic factors (e.g., age, education), sleep apnea risk, SCD, and cognitive performance. T‐tests examined demographic and cognitive differences between those at high/low risk of sleep apnea.

Result

On average, participants had intact global cognition (MMSE; M = 26.6 [3.3], range 16‐30) and mild SCD (CFI; M = 4.3 [3.8]). Thirty participants were classified as high risk for sleep apnea. Older age (r = ‐.35, p = .037) and fewer years of education (r = .68, p<.001) correlated with worse PACC5 performance. There was a trend for an association between high sleep apnea risk and worse PACC5 performance (r = ‐.32, p = .058). No other associations among demographics, sleep apnea risk, and cognition were significant (p’s>.16). Relative to those at low risk, those at high risk for sleep apnea had greater SCD (p = .018) and worse global cognitive performance (p = .019).

Conclusion

These findings suggest that self‐reported sleep apnea risk may signal risk for cognitive decline in older Latinos. Screening for sleep apnea using a questionnaire may help identify those experiencing early cognitive decline or at risk of future decline. More work with larger sample sizes is needed to confirm these associations; BLAST data collection is ongoing.
Measuring Visuospatial Ability in Low‐Literacy Older Adults: A Comparison of the Constructional Praxis and Stick Design Tests in Rural South Africa
Authors: Bassil Darina T. , Farrell Meagan T. , Guo Muqi , Gao Sarah , Mahlalehla Nomsa , Brickman Adam M. , Manly Jennifer J. , Berkman Lisa F.
Published: January 2025

Background

Dementia criteria require not only memory impairment, but additional impairment in at least one other cognitive domain, like visuospatial functioning. Cognitive measures assessing visuospatial function often involve drawing shapes. While these measures have proven reliable and valid in developed countries, their use in Low and Middle‐income Countries (LMICs) is challenging due to cultural differences and low literacy. Cultural and educational bias in visuospatial tests prevents comprehensive assessment of neuropsychological function, thus limiting dementia assessment in LMICs. Here, we compare the Stick Design Test (SDT) to Constructional Praxis (CP) for assessing visuospatial functioning among older South Africans adults.

Method

We used data from Cognition and Dementia in the Health and Aging in Africa: A Longitudinal Study in South Africa (HAALSI‐HCAP), a population‐based nested cohort study in rural Agincourt, South Africa. In 2022, 675 participants, aged ≥ 50, were administered the immediate and delayed recall trials of the SDT and CP, as part of HAALSI‐HCAP cognitive battery. CP, completed on a tablet, involved copying four geometric shapes, while SDT required participants to reconstruct four configurations using matchsticks. Scoring for both CP (0‐11) and SDT (0‐12) was subsequently completed by trained researchers. We assessed acceptability and performance of both measures across participant demographics and investigated their correlation with performance on other visuospatial measures to ascertain criterion validity.

Result

Participants were mostly women (63%), without education (58%) with mean age of 72.5±11. Refusals and missingness were more common for CP (40%) than SDT (13%). SDT had a more normal distribution compared to CP, overall and for individual figures. Worse performance was associated with higher age and lack of formal education for both measures. However, SDT demonstrated less extreme z‐standardized scores, particularly among those without education and over 70 years old. Participants were more likely to recall SDT configurations than CP figures after a delay. SDT showed weak but significant correlations (p<0.001) with CP(r = 0.14), Raven’s Matrices(r = 0.27), and Symbol Cancellation (r = 0.38).

Conclusion

SDT outperformed CP in acceptability and demonstrated lower sensitivity to education. Convergent validity findings suggest that SDT may be a robust and culturally adaptable measure for assessing visuospatial functioning in older populations, especially in low‐resource settings.
Apathy and fatigue, but not depression, associated with inflammatory biomarkers in older adults
Authors: Harrison Fleur , Mortby Moyra E , Guastella Adam J , Trollor Julian N , Mather Karen A , Sachdev Perminder S. , Brodaty Henry
Published: January 2025

Background

Apathy (loss of motivation or goal‐directed behaviour) and depression each confer risk for dementia, cardiovascular disease and mortality in older adults. Mechanisms for this are not yet understood, and may involve systemic inflammation. However, this has received little attention, particularly in older adults where depression may present differently. Symptoms of apathy, fatigue, and physical symptoms are more common in late‐life depression. This research aims to investigate whether apathy, depression and fatigue are differentially associated with inflammatory biomarkers in older adults.

Method

1,037 community‐dwelling older adults without dementia (aged 70‐90, 55% women) completed self‐report assessments including measures of apathy and depression from the Geriatric Depression Scale, and fatigue from Assessment of Quality of Life‐6D. Inflammatory biomarkers from early morning fasting blood collection included C‐reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin‐6. Logistic regressions examined associations between levels of biomarkers and apathy, depression and fatigue separately. Analyses were initially unadjusted, then adjusted for baseline age, sex, education, global cognition (MMSE), health conditions, medications and BMI.

Result

Interleukin‐6 was associated with apathy, depression and fatigue in unadjusted models (odds ratio [OR] per natural log unit increase in IL‐6: 1.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.38‐2.22; OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.12‐2.15; OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.14‐2.59 respectively). The association with apathy remained significant after adjustment for other symptoms, socio‐demographics, cognition and health‐related covariates, but findings for depression and fatigue were attenuated. CRP was associated with apathy and fatigue (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.00‐1.21; OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.11‐1.60 respectively) although the former was attenuated by adjustment for covariates. Previous associations between CRP and depression were not replicated.

Conclusion

In older persons, apathy and fatigue were differentially linked with inflammatory biomarkers, whereas previous associations between inflammation and depression were not replicated. Findings confirm the importance of fatigue, and provide novel insight into apathy, as prevalent and impairing symptoms which map to peripheral inflammation in older adults. Inflammation may at least partially underly the complex associations between apathy, depression and poorer health outcomes including dementia.
The Nature of Episodic Memory Decline in Preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Sharma Anjali , Johnson Melanie L , Thomas Kelsey R. , Galasko Douglas R. , Bondi Mark W. , Gollan Tamar H. , Peavy Guerry M. , Jacobs Diane M. , Salmon David P. , Delis Dean C.
Published: January 2025

Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology (e.g., beta‐amyloid plaques, tau neurofibrillary tangles) accumulates before the emergence of cognitive deficits that lead to a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia. Early vulnerability of medial temporal lobe structures to AD suggests that subtle episodic memory decline should be among the first cognitive markers of the disease. Therefore, we examined the relationship between 2‐year change in episodic memory and baseline cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers of AD in cognitively normal (CN) older adults.

Methods

Episodic memory was assessed with the California Verbal Learning Test, Second Edition (CVLT‐II), a sensitive 16‐item list learning test that measures multiple aspects of memory proficiency. We administered the CVLT‐II at baseline, 1‐year, and 2‐year evaluations to older adults who were CN and CSF AD biomarker‐negative (CN–; n = 94) or positive (CN+ or preclinical AD; n = 38; CSF tau/Aβ42 ratio>.609) at baseline. We compared groups on change over time on total recall on List A learning trials 1‐5, list B free recall, short‐ and long‐delay free and cued recall, intrusion errors, and recognition discriminability. We also examined target recognition (d’) in relation to distractor types that differed in degree of similarity to targets.

Results

Group X time repeated measures ANCOVAs controlling for age and sex showed significantly greater 2‐year decline in CN+ than CN‐ on CVLT‐II measures of long‐delay free recall (interaction: F(2,256) = 4.39;p<.05) and recognition discriminability overall (interaction: F(2,256) = 3.08;p<.05) (Fig. 1) and against most distractor types (p’s<.05) (Fig. 2). Higher tau/Aβ42 ratio (i.e., more AD‐like) in CN older adults was associated with greater decline on long‐delay free recall (r(130) = –.205;p<.02) and recognition discriminability (r(130) = –.215;p<.02) (Fig. 3). However, magnitude of decline only marginally categorized individuals as CN‐ vs. CN+ in logistic regression analyses (95% specificity, but only 21% sensitivity).

Conclusion

Subtle decline in episodic memory is evident during the preclinical phase of AD, affecting both delayed recall and recognition consistent with medial temporal lobe dysfunction. In addition, greater preclinical memory decline is associated with higher levels of an AD biomarker in CSF. Further research will determine if these memory changes can serve as a cognitive marker of preclinical AD.
A delayed diagnosis of a case with multiple system atrophy
Authors: Elkasaby Mohamed , Hayden Elliott , Appleby Brian
Published: January 2025

Background

A patient presented to movement disorder clinic with cognitive complaints, imbalance and prior diagnosis of NPH. The patient underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt in the past with minimal improvement, a detailed history is suggestive of REM sleep behavioral disorder, autonomic dysfunction including orthostatic hypotension and urinary incontinence.

Method

Clinical evaluation was notable for bradykinesia, rigidity, truncal and cervical dystonia, shuffling steps, reduced arm swing bilaterally and pink, dusky skin of both hands.

Result

DaTscan showed reduced uptake of dopamine transporter.

Conclusion

Evaluation at movement disorder clinic helps early diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders with subtle findings which allows patients to benefit from available treatments and participation in appropriate clinical trials.
Konformationsplastizität und Steigerung der Bindungsaffinität durch Linker‐Derivatisierung in Makrozyklen
Authors: Buffa Vanessa , Walz Carlo , Meyners Christian , Zheng Min , Oki Sugiarto Wisely , Repity Maximilian , Achaq Hanaa , Brudy Christian , Spiske Moritz , Cica Matijas , Hausch Felix
Published: January 2025

In der Natur finden Makrozyklen häufig Anwendung, um die Zellpermeabilität von bioaktiven Molekülen zu ermöglichen. Synthetische, nicht‐peptidische Makrozyklen werden zunehmend als Modalitäten für Proteine in Betracht gezogen, die schwer zu binden sind. Strategien zur Makrozyklisierung sind jedoch noch unausgereift. Man geht davon aus, dass Makrozyklen die verfügbaren Konformationen einschränken, aber gleichzeitig eine Restflexibilität zulassen, wobei letzteres nur unzureichend verstanden ist. In dieser Arbeit zeigen wir, dass selbst mittelgroße Makrozyklen eine unerwartet hohe konformelle Plastizität aufweisen, auch wenn diese an ihr Zielprotein gebunden sind. Dabei können geringfügige Linkermodifikationen der Makrozyklen das Konformationsensemble in verschiedene konformelle Unterklassen verschieben, die jeweils unterschiedliche dreidimensionale Gerüste und somit weitere Optimierungsmöglichkeiten darstellen. Dies führte im hier vorgestellten Fall zu mehreren neuen Liganden mit verbesserter Affinität und vorteilhaften physikochemischen Parametern für das FK506‐bindende Protein 51, ein vielversprechender Ansatzpunkt für Depressionen, Fettleibigkeit und chronische Schmerzen. Von besonderer Bedeutung ist, dass keine der hier entdeckten vorteilhaften Modifikationen durch klassische medizinalchemische Ansätze hätte identifiziert werden können, da diese nur im makrozyklischen Kontext funktionieren. Unsere Ergebnisse zeigen auch, dass Makrozyklisierung mehr darstellt als die Zusammenfügung von „losen“ Enden. Vielmehr stellt es eine Plattform dar, um mehrere Serien von Makrozyklen mit unterschiedlichen Bindungsmodi zu generieren.
Efficient Alkaline‐Free Electrooxidation of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5‐Furandicarboxylic Acid using Electrochemically‐Charged NixCo1‐x(OH)2 as a Redox Mediator
Authors: Zhang Jifang , Shen Yue , Wu Zenglong , Zhang Xinyuan , Kang Jian , Wu Yijin , Zhang Shengbo , Chen Shan , Wang Guozhong , Zhang Haimin , Yin Huajie , Zhao Huijun
Published: January 2025

Converting biomass‐derived molecules like 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) into value‐added products alongside hydrogen production using renewable energy offers significant opportunities for sustainable chemical and energy production. Yet, HMF electrooxidation requires strong alkaline conditions and membranes for efficient conversion. These harsh conditions destabilize HMF, leading to humin formation and reduced product purity, meanwhile membranes increase costs. Addressing these challenges, we introduce a two‐step, decoupling system that operates without strong alkaline conditions and eliminates the need of membranes. In this system, nickel‐cobalt hydroxides serve as effective redox mediators, driving HMF oxidation in pure water. The experimental results showed that Ni0.85Co0.15OOH effectively promotes the dehydrogenation of substrate and achieves a highly efficient oxidation of HMF in pure water, with the selectivity of product 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) approaching 100 %. This system has been expanded to oxidize various substrates, achieving yields exceeding 92 % for the corresponding acids of functionalized compounds such as furfuryl alcohol, furfural, benzyl alcohol, and benzaldehyde. By replacing fixed electrodes with flow electrodes, the scalability of decoupling strategy was evaluated for the harvesting of pure solid FDCA, highlighting the broad prospects in practical applications.
Functionalization of Pyridines at the C4 Position via Metalation and Capture
Authors: Hsu Han‐Hsiang , Kang Seokmin , Chen Cheng‐Chun , Sk Md Raja , Thomas Andy A.
Published: January 2025

The functionalization of pyridines at positions remote to the N‐atom remains an outstanding problem in organic synthesis. The inherent challenges associated with overriding the influence of the embedded N‐atom within pyridines was overcome using n‐butylsodium, which provided an avenue to deprotonate and functionalize the C4‐position over traditionally observed addition products that are formed with organolithium bases. In this work, we show that freshly generated 4‐sodiopyrdines could undergo transition metal free alkylation reactions directly with a variety of primary alkyl halides bearing diverse functional groups. In addition, after transmetalation to zinc chloride a simple and efficient Negishi cross‐coupling protocol was formulated for a variety of aromatic and heteroaromatic halides. The robustness of this protocol was demonstrated through the late‐stage installation of 4‐pyridyl fragments into a variety of complex active pharmaceutical ingredients including loratadine and prochlorperazine. Furthermore, through rapid injection NMR investigations, we are able to directly observe the evolution of anionic intermediates and determined that two distinct mechanistic pathways lead to the observed site selectivity: (1) the C4‐H within 2,6‐disubstituted pyridines could be removed directly and (2) the C4 selectivity of unsubstituted pyridine originates from the intermolecular exchange of metalation sites via a thermodynamic pathway.
Low‐Temperature‐Assisted Interfacial Polymerization Toward Wrinkle‐Like Structured Thin‐Film Nanocomposite Nanofiltration Membranes
Authors: Gao Hongbao , Zhao Xiaojuan , Zhou WeiWei , Kang Xinwei , Xu Shuangcheng , Li Hanyun , Hou Junyan , Wu Daoji , Xu Jingtao , Lu Xiaozhen
Published: January 2025

Confining the diffusion rate of aqueous amine monomers during interfacial polymerization (IP) via incorporating nanoparticles/macromolecules with special functional groups and/or creating an interlayer owning suitable properties is an attractive alternative to construct a polyamide (PA) nanofilm featuring unique surface morphologies. However, the fabrication of high‐performance nanofiltration (NF) membranes with both special structural compositions and ultrathin PA separating layers is still a great challenge. Herein, a highly permeable, loose thin‐film nanocomposite (TFN) NF membrane with wrinkle‐like structures was fabricated by incorporating Ti3C2Tx nanosheets into the aqueous solution via a low‐temperature IP strategy. The Ti3C2Tx nanosheet hindered the diffusion rate of aqueous monomers toward the reaction zone, whereas the low temperature of the oil phase enabled the confined transfer rate of oil monomers. Thus, the double monomers restricting strategy (DMR) greatly changed the interfacial reaction environment, contributing to forming a sub‐15 nm PA film (TFC‐Mi) with a wrinkle‐structured surface. The TFC‐Mi membranes exhibited larger pore size and stronger Donnan exclusion, resulting in 98.6% of Na2SO4 rejection and high water permeance of 26.3 LMH/bar. The long‐term filtration test further evidenced its great performance stability. The DMR‐assisted IP owned great promise in tailoring high‐performance loose TFN NF membranes for environmental water applications.
Flammability Performance of Ceramifiable Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) Composites With Needle‐Like Wollastonite
Authors: Jiang Zhikun , Chen Zijian , An Yingying , Wang Siqi , Li Ting , Yang Wei , Lu Hongdian , Wei Chunxiang
Published: January 2025

Ceramifiable flame retardant polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composites were successfully fabricated using solution blending and hot pressing, incorporating needle‐like wollastonite (WT), zinc borate (ZB), aluminum hydroxide (ATH), and glass powder (GP) as fillers. The thermal, mechanical, and flame retardant properties, along with the ceramization behavior of the composites, were thoroughly characterized. The findings demonstrate that WT is more effective than conventional lamellar mica in enhancing both tensile strength and flame retardancy, as well as promoting ceramization. The optimized PDMS/WT/ZB/ATH/GP system passed the UL‐94V‐0 rating and exhibited an increased limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 28.5%. Cone calorimetry results indicated that WT effectively reduced the peak heat release rate and delayed ignition of the composites. The flame retardant mechanism is mainly attributed to the WT with a high aspect ratio, which serves as a sintering aid, accelerates the eutectic reaction, and promotes the formation of a ceramic barrier at lower temperatures by reducing the resistance to liquid‐phase migration.
Study on Cut‐Resistance Properties of Composite Yarn Based Knitted UHMWPE Textiles: Influence of Reinforcement, Radiant Heat Exposure, Outdoor Environment, and Cutting Angles
Authors: Singh Shubham , Das Apurba , Kumar Nandan , Kumar Bipin
Published: January 2025

The safety of workers in hazardous environments depends on personal protective clothing capable of withstanding various real‐world challenges, especially in automotive, glass, aerospace, mining, construction, and food industries where cut hazards are prevalent. Ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight‐polyethylene (UHMWPE) is widely utilized in cut‐protective textiles for its exceptional strength and durability. This study investigates the cut‐performance of stainless‐steel and glass fibers reinforced UHMWPE knitted fabrics under real‐world industrial conditions, focusing on the influence of varying cutting angles, outdoor environments, and thermal exposure on their cut‐protective efficacy. Reinforcement significantly improved cut‐performance, with stainless‐steel reinforced UHMWPE fabric (13SU) exhibited the highest tear strength (lengthwise‐313.1 N, widthwise‐405.8 N) and abrasion resistance (withstanding up to 800 rubbing cycles), providing best cut‐protection with cutting force of 32.43 N at 90° cutting angle. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) characterizations revealed UHMWPE's sensitivity to thermal effects, with a significant decrease in crystallinity after exposure to radiant heat flux of 20 kW/m2 at fabric surface, leading to diminished cut‐performance. Environmental durability assessments indicated a reduction in cut‐resistance properties due to changes in the chemical composition of UHMWPE polymer structure, such as the presence of ketone (CO) and hydroxy (OH) polar groups, as confirmed by Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.
Comparative Assessment of the Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties of Various Phenolic Acid‐Chitosan Grafted Polymers
Authors: Xia Zi‐Ang , Wang Long , Li Chaojie , Li Xue , Yang Jingxue , Xu Baoming , Zhang Heng
Published: January 2025

The augmentation of chitosan's (CS) antioxidative and antibacterial properties via grafting with phenolic acids constitutes a significant method for expanding the utility of chitosan. In this investigation, four phenolic acids (gallic acid, GA; protocatechuic acid, PCA; hydroxybenzoic acid, HA; and salicylic acid, SA) were conjugated with CS utilizing carbodiimide (EDC)‐mediated grafting. The resultant phenolic acid‐CS graft copolymers underwent characterization employing infrared spectroscopy, x‐ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis. Furthermore, ex vivo antioxidative and antibacterial assays were performed. Findings revealed that among the synthesized phenolic acid‐chitosan graft copolymers, gallic acid‐chitosan (GA‐CS) demonstrated the highest antioxidative and antibacterial efficacy, primarily attributed to its elevated grafting ratio and abundance of hydroxyl groups. The antioxidative and antibacterial performances of the remaining three graft copolymers followed this order: CS‐PCA > CS‐HA > CS‐SA, aligning with the trend in grafting ratios. This correlation arises from the higher grafting ratios of copolymers yielding more active OH groups, thereby exhibiting enhanced antioxidative and antibacterial properties. Phenolic acid‐chitosan graft polymers exhibit promising antioxidative and antibacterial attributes, making them suitable additives for application in the food preservation packaging industry.
Electrochemically Driven Site‐Selective N‐Hydroxymethylation of Indoles and Derivatives
Authors: Chomphunuch Thanathip , La‐ongthong Kannika , Katrun Praewpan , Sawektreeratana Natthapat , Keawkla Natchayatorn , Soorukram Darunee , Leowanawat Pawaret , Reutrakul Vichai , Surawatanawong Panida , Bunchuay Thanthapatra , Kuhakarn Chutima
Published: January 2025

Described herein is a facile electrochemical strategy for the generation of formaldehyde from N,N‐dimethylacetamide (DMA) and water (H2O) toward a direct and site‐selective N‐hydroxymethylation of indoles and derivatives. Mechanistic studies suggested that N‐(hydroxymethyl)‐N‐methylacetamide generated in situ from DMA/H2O under electrochemical conditions serves as a formaldehyde surrogate. The developed methodology features mild, base‐ and metal catalyst‐free conditions. The reaction can accommodate a broad range of substrate scopes and offers an alternative route to access a series of N‐hydroxymethylated indole, bis‐indole, carbazole, and indazole derivatives. A gram‐scale synthesis was demonstrated to show the scaled‐up applicability of this transformation.
Combination of Hotspot Mutations With Methylation and Fragmentomic Profiles to Enhance Multi‐Cancer Early Detection
Authors: Nguyen Thi Hue Hanh , Vu Giang Hoang , Nguyen Tu Thi , Nguyen Tuan Anh , Tran Vu Uyen , Vu Luyen Thi , Nguyen Giang Thi Huong , Nguyen Nhat Duy , Tran Trung Hieu , Nguyen Van Thien Chi , Nguyen Thanh Dat , Nguyen Trong Hieu , Vo Dac Ho , Van Thi Tuong Vi , Do Thanh Thi , Le Minh Phong , Huynh Le Anh Khoa , Nguyen Duy Sinh , Tang Hung Sang , Nguyen Hoai‐Nghia , Phan Minh‐Duy , Giang Hoa , Tu Lan N. , Tran Le Son
Published: January 2025

Background

Multi‐cancer early detection (MCED) through a single blood test significantly advances cancer diagnosis. However, most MCED tests rely on a single type of biomarkers, leading to limited sensitivity, particularly for early‐stage cancers. We previously developed SPOT‐MAS, a multimodal ctDNA‐based assay analyzing methylation and fragmentomic profiles to detect five common cancers. Despite its potential, SPOT‐MAS exhibited moderate sensitivities for early‐stage cancers. This study investigated whether integrating hotspot mutations into SPOT‐MAS could enhance its detection rates.

Method

A targeted amplicon sequencing approach was developed to profile 700 hotspot mutations in cell‐free DNA and integrated into the SPOT‐MAS assay, creating a single‐blood draw workflow. This workflow, namely SPOT‐MAS Plus was retrospectively validated in a cohort of 255 non‐metastatic cancer patients (breast, colorectal, gastric, liver, and lung) and 304 healthy individuals.

Results

Hotspot mutations were detected in 131 of 255 (51.4%) cancer patients, with the highest rates in liver cancer (96.5%), followed by colorectal (59.3%) and lung cancer (53.7%). Lower detection rates were found for cancers with low tumor mutational burden, such as breast (31.3%) and gastric (41.9%) cancers. In contrast, SPOT‐MAS demonstrated higher sensitivities for these cancers (51.6% for breast and 62.9% for gastric). The combination of hotspot mutations with SPOT‐MAS predictions improved early‐stage cancer detection, achieving an overall sensitivity of 78.5% at a specificity of 97.7%. Enhanced sensitivities were observed for colorectal (81.36%) and lung cancer (82.9%).

Conclusion

The integration of genetic and epigenetic alterations into a multimodal assay significantly enhances the early detection of various cancers. Further validation in larger cohorts is necessary to support broader clinical applications.
A comparative exploration of eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing versus cognitive behavioural therapy for post‐traumatic stress disorder in Pakistan: Insights from a full‐fledged randomised controlled trial
Authors: Khan Anwar , Madihie Amalia bt , Ullah Faseeh , Abid Omer , Awan Khizra Hafeez
Published: January 2025

Background and Aim

Post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder, triggered by traumatic events. Modern evidence‐based psychotherapies, such as eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), have been widely used for the treatment of PTSD. However, limited evidence is available regarding their comparative efficacy, especially in the context of Pakistan. Given this context, a single‐blinded, two‐group randomised controlled trial was conducted to compare the efficacy of EMDR and CBT in treating patients with PTSD in Pakistan.

Methods

A consecutive sample of 80 patients was selected. Patients were randomly allocated to EMDR and CBT in accordance with covariate‐adaptive stratified randomisation. This study was carried out at two mental health rehabilitation centres in the capital city of Peshawar, Pakistan. Data on PTSD symptoms and other related aspects were collected through the Clinician‐Administered PTSD Scale for DSM‐5. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, non‐inferiority analysis and a general linear model repeated measures ANOVA.

Results

Results regarding treatment fidelity revealed that both therapies were carried out in adherence to treatment protocols. Treatment efficacy results showed that PTSD symptoms were high during the baseline stage of therapy (CAPS‐5 mean score of 98.80 for EMDR and 100.50 for CBT) but decreased to low in the follow‐up stage (CAPS‐5 mean score of 30.20 for EMDR and 34.20 for CBT); however, overall, EMDR therapy was found to be non‐inferior and more efficacious than CBT.

Conclusion

The findings of this study hold significant implications at both individual and policy levels. EMDR therapy emerges as a viable alternative to CBT for the treatment of PTSD in Pakistan. Therefore, the study recommends the adoption of EMDR therapy as an effective treatment option for PTSD in Pakistan.
Examining Artificial Intelligence Policies in Counsellor Education
Authors: Campbell Laurie O. , Frawley Caitlin , Lambie Glenn W. , Cabrera Karina S. , Vizcarra Bryanna D.
Published: January 2025

Aims

This study investigated counsellor education Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) programs generative artificial intelligence (AI) policies in doctoral‐level counselor education programs. We aimed to contribute to emerging research on the use of generative AI within counselor education.

Methods

A content analysis of the policies was conducted along with a linguistic analysis of the policies to determine the authenticity, tone, and analytical nature of the University, and program policies.

Results

A content analysis of generative artificial intelligence usage policies within doctoral counselor education programs indicated that only five programs had program‐specific generative artificial intelligence policies. Most programs utilized University policies or usage guidance.

Conclusion

Suggestions for practice include providing definitional clarity of the different types of AI to reduce potential frustration for learners. Further, programs should consider developing a program‐specific policy since the counseling profession requires a high level of ethical responsibility to best serve clients.
Assessment of the Effects of Harvesting Period of Clusia fluminensis Planch. and Triana Fruits on Neutralization of the Toxic Activities of Bothrops jararacussu Snake Venom
Authors: Rodrigues da Silva Aldo , Pietroluongo Márcia , Rodrigues da Silva Ana Cláudia , Sanchez Eladio Flores , do Amaral Bruno Sérgio , Anholeti Maria Carolina , Lobão Adriana Quintella , Valverde Alessandra Leda , de Paiva Selma Ribeiro , Fuly André Lopes
Published: January 2025

Snakebite envenomation is a public health issue that can lead to mortality and physical consequences. It is estimated that 5.4 million venomous snake bites occur annually, with 130 000 deaths and 400 000 amputations. The available treatment is serotherapy, which is inefficient in preventing physical sequelae. Thus, it is critical to seek efficient treatments. Here, we assessed the efficacy of fruits from Clusia fluminensis harvested at different time periods over 1 year against the toxicity of Bothrops jararacussu venom. The extracts were incubated with B. jararacussu venom, and the in vitro (coagulant and proteolytic) and in vivo (hemorrhagic, edematogenic, and lethal) activities of the venom were assessed. Moreover, B. jararacussu venom was injected 30 min before the extract injection to evaluate hemorrhagic activity. Little variation in the chemical composition of the fruit extracts from C. fluminensis or their ability to inhibit the toxic effects of B. jararacussu venom was observed. When administered after venom injection, the C. fluminensis extracts inhibited hemorrhage caused by B. jararacussu venom. Thus, the plant collection period should be considered to achieve the highest antivenom potential.
Mechanochemical Deracemization: A Sustainable Approach to Enantiopurity
Authors: Gieling Job , Wéry Guillaume , Lopes Chrystal , de Meester Joséphine , Brandel Clément , Cartigny Yohann , Leyssens Tom , Baier Daniel M.
Published: January 2025

We introduce mechanochemical deracemization (MCDR) as a novel strategy for obtaining enantiopure compounds. This study demonstrates the successful transposition of six archetypical deracemization reactions from a solvent‐based to a solvent‐minimized ball milling environment. The scope includes a ketone, isoindolinones, imines, an ester, and an inorganic compound, all of which deracemized successfully. Key parameters such as milling material, ball number and size, the use of a bulk material and liquid‐assisted grinding (LAG) were systematically investigated, revealing their crucial role. Quantitative enantiomeric excesses (ee) were achieved, while reaction times were reduced by up to 97 % and solvent consumption by as much as 100 %. This work establishes MCDR as a versatile, sustainable pathway to enantiopure compounds. By highlighting the generalizability of this approach and its huge potential for minimizing waste, this study provides the foundation for future advancements in mechanochemical deracemization.
Conceptualizing Coproduced Climate Research as Care: Practical Lessons Learned With Women Farmland‐Owners in the Central Midwest United States
Authors: Shenk Linda , Eells Jean , Gutowski William J. , Franz Kristie , Robinson Danielle
Published: January 2025

This article's team of interdisciplinary researchers and conservation educator‐practitioners learned with, and from, a group of women farmland‐owners regarding how to conceptualize coproduced climate research by putting “care” at the center—care for the soil, for relationships, for data. We outline the creation and evolution of a storytelling‐based conservation program that allowed our diverse group to discover how the language of care could integrate climate analysis, conservation, and relationship‐building to foster tangible solutions. As a result of the project, the women landowners took actions that supported social‐environmental resilience—from planting cover crops to fostering watershed/neighborhood relationships. Our diverse group of women landowners and researchers had very different experiences with conservation and often very different views on climate change itself, but, through storytelling and the language of care, we not only coproduced knowledge but also created relationships and action. This article outlines specific practices for how to inflect a coproduced process for climate resilience with practices that promote care and yield action projects.
Prevalence and determinants of metabolic syndrome in 2338 childhood cancer survivors: A Dutch Childhood Cancer Survivor LATER 2 study
Authors: Bolier Melissa , de Winter Demi T.C. , Pluimakers Vincent G. , Fiocco Marta , van den Berg Sjoerd A.A. , Bresters Dorine , van Dulmen‐den Broeder Eline , van der Heiden‐van der Loo Margriet , Höfer Imo , Janssens Geert O. , Kremer Leontien C.M. , Loonen Jacqueline J. , Louwerens Marloes , van der Pal Heleen J. , Pluijm Saskia M.F. , Tissing Wim J.E. , van Santen Hanneke M. , de Vries Andrica C.H. , van der Lely Aart‐Jan , van den Heuvel‐Eibrink Marry M. , Neggers Sebastian J.C.M.M.
Published: January 2025

Background

Because the occurrence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) might contribute to childhood cancer survivor’s excess risk of cardiovascular disease, the authors assessed the prevalence and determinants of MetS in the Dutch Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (DCCSS‐LATER2) cohort.

Methods

In total, 2338 adult childhood cancer survivors (CCS) were cross‐sectionally assessed for the prevalence of MetS, using the Lifelines cohort (N = 132,226 adults without a history of cancer) as references. The prevalence of MetS was clinically assessed using existing classifications, as well as an alternative method using dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry fat% instead of waist circumference to define abdominal adiposity. Logistic regression models, adjusted for age and sex, were used to investigate the association between the presence of MetS and both cohorts. Demographic, lifestyle, and treatment determinants of MetS were identified through multivariable logistic regression.

Results

The survivor cohort (median age, 34.7 years, median follow‐up time, 27.1 years) showed increased adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for MetS (modified National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria), as compared to the reference cohort (aOR, 2.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.85–2.32). Compared to these criteria, the alternative method identified 57 additional survivors with MetS (395 of 2070 [19.1%] vs. 452 of 1960 [23.1%], respectively). Age (odds ratio [OR], 1.07; 95% CI, 1.04–1.10, per year increase), smoking (OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.04–2.04), low physical activity (OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.05–2.09), abdominal radiotherapy (OR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.01–4.31; >30 Gy), cranial radiotherapy (OR, 2.89; 95% CI, 1.67–4.96; 1–25 Gy; and OR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.30–4.47; >25 Gy), total body irradiation (OR, 6.17; 95% CI, 3.20–11.76), and underlying central nervous system tumor (OR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.21–2.60) were associated with MetS.

Conclusion

The high risk of MetS in CCS, combined with several potential modifiable factors, underscores the need for timely identification and intervention strategies to mitigate the long‐term cardiovascular risks in CCS.
From childhood cancer to metabolic syndrome
Authors: Wadhwa Aman
Published: January 2025

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome among adult survivors of childhood cancer is higher compared to a noncancer control population. Therapeutic exposures and lifestyle factors are associated with the risk of metabolic syndrome.