bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and treatment of autism spectrum disorder in the United States, 2016–2022
Authors: Li Chenxi , He Wen‐Qiang
Published: September 2024

This study aims to assess the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and its treatment. The study population was children aged 3–17 years with information on current ASD from National Survey of Children's Health, 2016–2022. Analysis of treatment was also conducted within the population of children with a current ASD diagnosis. A multivariate log‐binomial regression model was used to assess the change of current ASD prevalence and ASD treatment by two study period (prior to COVID‐19 pandemic: 2016–2019; during COVID‐19 pandemic: 2020–22) and sociodemographic information. Compared to the current ASD at 2.5% in 2016, it increased to 3.6% in 2022. The treatment has decreased from 70.5% in 2016 to 61.6% in 2022 for any treatment and from 27.2% in 2016 to 20.4% in 2022 for medication treatment. Compared to children from 2016–2019, children from the following group were more likely to have ASD diagnosis during the pandemic (2020–2022), including those aged 3–5 years (aPR = 1.66, 95%CI 1.29–2.13), non‐Hispanic white children, children from family with above national family income, and those with private insurance. However, medication treatment almost halved during the pandemic for non‐Hispanic black children (aPR = 0.49, 95%CI 0.26–0.93) and children born overseas. In conclusion, higher prevalence of ASD might indicate a better awareness of ASD. The reduction in treatment correlates to the health service disruption caused by the pandemic, highlighting the needs of policy efforts to improve treatment for ASD.
Stability in human serum and plasma of the HIV peptide drug candidate CIGB‐210 and improved variants
Authors: Duarte Carlos A. , Cabrales Ania , Echevarría Reina , Paneque Taimí , Ramírez Anna C. , Casillas Dionne , Sobrino‐Iglesias Xeila , Garay Hilda , Besada Vladimir , Fernández‐Ortega Celia
Published: September 2024

The peptide CIGB‐210 inhibits HIV replication, inducing a rearrangement of vimentin intermediate filaments. The assessment of the in vitro serum and plasma stability of this peptide is important to develop an optimal pharmacological formulation. A half‐life of 17.68 ± 0.59 min was calculated for CIGB‐210 in human serum by reverse‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS). Eight metabolites of CIGB‐210 were identified with this methodology, all of them lacking the N‐terminal moiety. A previously developed CIGB‐210 in‐house competitive ELISA was used to compare the stability of CIGB‐210 derivatives containing either D‐amino acids, acetylation at the N‐terminus, or both modifications. The half‐life of CIGB‐210 in serum was five times higher when measured by ELISA than by HPLC/MS, and twice higher in plasma as compared to serum. The substitution of D‐asparagine on position 6 doubled the half‐life, while D‐amino acids on positions 8 and 9 did not improve the stability. The acetylation of the N‐terminus resulted in a 24‐fold more stable peptide in plasma. The positive effect of N‐terminal acetylation on CIGB‐210 serum stability was confirmed by the HPLC/MS method, as the half‐life of the peptide was not reached after 2 h of incubation, which represents more than a 6.8‐fold increase in the half‐life with respect to the original peptide.
‘Yoga is a way of life’ exploring experiences of yoga as a treatment for substance use: An interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: Miller Nicole M.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Yoga is a form of complementary medicine for substance use disorder (SUD). Randomised controlled trials involving yoga for the treatment of SUD have found that yoga practice reduces the risk of relapse and improves mood and well‐being for people undergoing treatment for SUD; however, the lived experience of yoga practice involving the benefits of reducing SUD is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the in‐depth experience of yoga to inform the treatment of SUD.

Methods

Five semi‐structured interviews explored experiences of yoga among people with a prior history of substance use. Four out of the five participants reported prior use of alcohol, and one reported the use of ‘GBL’ and methamphetamine. Data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Results

The analysis resulted in three final Superordinate themes: (1) growing awareness of the body, mind and emotions; (2) yoga opens a positive way of life; and (3) blending the worlds of yoga and 12‐step recovery. Yoga was reported to enhance awareness of muscle tension, reduce physical stress, increase positive emotions and build tolerance to negative emotions. The integration of the eight‐limb philosophy of yoga, notably withdrawing of the senses, helped combat internal cues and triggers (negative thoughts and emotions) for relapse. Yoga was reported to be compatible with an abstinence‐based lifestyle found in 12‐step mutual aid programmes and helped extend social networks to support long‐term abstinence.

Conclusions

The experience of integrating the eight‐limb philosophy to support abstinence and the asana practice helped participants to reduce cue reactivity. Yoga appeared to enhance interoceptive awareness, which is useful for reducing physical stress related to triggers for relapse, making yogic practice a valuable tool to integrate within mainstream group and individual relapse prevention programmes. Therefore, programmes and health policymakers may want to consider treatments that integrate yogic practices to enhance and support long‐term abstinence for SUD.
Exploring AI technology and consumer behavior in retail interactions
Authors: Petrescu Maria , Krishen Anjala S. , Gironda John T. , Fergurson J. Ricky
Published: September 2024

This research systematically reviews artificial intelligence (AI) effects in customer‐interfacing retail applications based on an ecosystem value co‐creation framework. We conduct a bibliometric and conceptual mapping analysis study, focusing on AI‐related implications for consumers' and other stakeholders' well‐being, social interaction, and societal welfare. A co‐citation network visualization of critical AI journal articles is generated, and a network visualization of AI keyword relationships and clustered topic areas is presented and discussed, along with a conceptual map of the relationships between key concepts and substantive AI themes. In an ecosystem context, the multidisciplinary‐based bibliometric and conceptual mapping findings of our analysis reflect the need to focus not only on the positive and negative effects on stakeholder well‐being, social interaction, and societal welfare but also on how effects created in one of these levels impact the value created in the other social layers. Furthermore, the interdisciplinary characteristics necessary in effectively implementing and managing AI technologies emphasize the need for collaboration among multiple organizational departments, technology partners, and other members of the business ecosystem. The findings of this research contribute to assessing both the positive and negative effects of AI and allow for its implementation in a way that is helpful to organizations, employees, consumers, and society. This study should also help managers decide which situations are best suited for using AI and which are not.
Keep your eye on…
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: September 2024

The health benefits of paying teens to lose weight

The need to identify mental health problems to prevent suicides
Experience and perspective with intravascular imaging and invasive coronary physiology: Insights from allied health professionals
Authors: Abusnina Waiel , Merdler Ilan , Deible Regina , Estes Bailey , Salimes Bailey G. , Mintz Gary S. , Ben‐Dor Itsik , Satler Lowell F. , Waksman Ron , Case Brian C. , Hashim Hayder D.
Published: September 2024

Background

Although intravascular imaging (IVI) and invasive coronary physiology (ICP) are utilized in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with robust positive clinical evidence, their adoption in cardiac catheterization laboratories (CCLs) is still limited.

Aims

The aim of our survey was to assess the perspectives on the experiences of allied health professionals in CCLs’ utility of IVI and ICP.

Methods

An anonymous online survey was conducted through multiple channels, including the Cardiovascular Research Technologies (CRT) 2023 Nurses and Technologists Symposium, social media, Cath Lab Digest link, and field requests, leading to diverse representation of allied health professionals.

Results

A total of 101 CCL members participated in the survey. First, 59% of responders noted an increased use of IVI in their institutions over recent years. For those experiencing an increase, 49% credited training, 45% emerging evidence, and 34% attributed new CCL members. Barriers to IVI usage were perceived increased procedure time (58%), staff resistance (56%), procedural cost (48%), and difficulty interpreting findings (44%). Regarding ICP, 61% reported using it in approximately 25% to 75% of cases, while 10% utilized it in 75% to 100% of CCL procedures. Interpreting ICP results was mixed, with 56% confident in interpreting all ICP results and 6% unable to interpret any ICP results.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight opportunities for increasing routine utilization of IVI and ICP in the CCL through allied health professionals. By providing education and training, we can elevate familiarity with the equipment and subsequently build a CCL culture that advocates for both IVI and ICP.
Safety, feasibility, and incremental value of ultralow and zero contrast PCI in an all‐comers registry
Authors: Sawant Abhishek C. , Patel Nachiket , Pershad Ashish
Published: September 2024

Background

Patients with chronic kidney disease and CAD have been denied revascularization because of fear of precipitating acute renal failure from contrast exposure. Skepticism on whether Ultra‐Low contrast percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or Zero contrast PCI (ULC/ZC PCI) can be safely performed has limited its adoption.

Methods

This observational registry enrolled 200 consecutive patients referred for elective PCI at a single center from June 2021 to December 2022. The study investigated whether the clinical outcomes of PCI performed with UL/ZC‐PCI (n‐48) were comparable to outcomes following standard PCI (n‐152).

Results

Both groups were well matched in baseline and procedural characteristics. The groups had a highly statistical difference in the use of CV. Mean CV was 19.17 ± 7.29 cc in the ULC/ZC‐group and 147.14 ± 73.55 cc in the control arm. The principal findings of the study were that the incidence of ontrast‐induced acute kidney injury (AKI) was eightfold lower in patients receiving UL/ZC compared to the control group that received standard PCI. The incidence of all‐cause mortality, myocardial infarction and major bleeding were similar in both groups. At 6 months, the decrement in renal function was lower in the group that received lower volumes of contrast.

Conclusions

This single center observational registry demonstrated that UL‐C/ZC‐PCI is safe and effective in a broad spectrum of complex lesions. The skillsets needed to perform this are teachable, widely applicable and do not require a large upgrade of capital equipment. AKI rates and decrement in renal function at 6 months were both significantly lower in the UL‐ZC group.
Kawasaki disease with profound systemic vascular involvements: An insightful pediatric case
Authors: Nadeem Naila , Ahmad Muhammad Nadeem , Malik Muhammad Haseeb , Zohaibuddin Mallick Muhammad , Ahmed Muhammad , Khan Faheemullah , Eltaly Hatem , Zafar Uffan
Published: September 2024

Key Clinical Message

Kawasaki disease (KD), a self‐limiting vasculitis, can present with a broader spectrum of vascular involvements, necessitating early recognition and prompt management. This case exemplifies the importance of involving multiple teams on board in managing complex presentations of KD. It also highlights the importance of close monitoring for the progression of the disease spectrum as well as family education to ensure favorable outcomes. The case also emphasizes the importance of long‐term follow‐up and further research to understand the prognosis, early screening tools, and possible complications due to multi‐organ involvement in KD along with their management strategies.

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a multisystem vascular inflammatory syndrome, which predominantly affects the small and medium vessels in children within the age group of less than 5 years. The most threatened complication is the development of coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs). We present an extremely rare case of KD in a 2‐month, 21‐day‐old male infant with extensive vascular involvement, expanding the disease spectrum beyond the involvement of coronary arteries. These included aneurysmal dilatations of both internal carotid arteries, the descending aorta, bilateral multilevel intercostal arteries, coeliac artery, superior mesenteric artery, and both renal arteries. Implementing a multidisciplinary approach with early treatment via intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and dexamethasone proved to be most effective in the patient's management. Despite unique challenges such as severe coronary dilation and pseudomonas sepsis during the special care, the patient was stabilized and discharged after 11 days of hospital stay, highlighting the importance of early prompt management and a centered approach to evaluate in a broader spectrum. This case emphasizes the importance of long‐term follow‐up and further research to understand the prognosis, early screening tools, and possible complications due to multi‐organ involvement in KD along with their management strategies.
Enhanced Catalytic Stability of Laccase Immobilized on Copper Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Suarez F. Javier , Santillán Sergio Ojeda , Vazquez‐Duhalt Rafael , Graeve Olivia A.
Published: September 2024

This study describe the design and catalytic activity of enzymatic nanoreactors based on copper oxide nanoparticles surface‐functionalized with laccase (CuO‐Lac) from Coriolopsis gallica. Transmission electron micrographs show complete laccase coverage on the nanoparticle surfaces. In addition, the catalytic rate (kcat) of the immobilized laccase is two‐fold higher at an optimized pH, when compared with free laccase, while the affinity constant (KM) is not significantly affected. Importantly, the total turnover number (TNN) of the CuO‐Lac nanoreactors reaches 358 ± 9 × 106 mol ABTS/mol laccase, which is four times higher than the TTN obtained for the free enzyme (88 ± 3 × 106). Thus, our nanoreactors exhibit a significant improvement in laccase catalytic performance. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to confirm the loss of copper ions from free laccase during the catalytic cycle, suggesting that the CuO nanoparticles act as a copper ion source that prevents enzyme inactivation. This work contributes to an improved understanding of the CuO‐laccase interface and confirms that CuO nanoparticles serve as copper sources for laccase during catalysis.
Non‐Oxidative Dehydroaromatization of Linear Alkanes on Intermetallic Nanoparticles
Authors: Behera Ranjan K. , Lamkins Andrew R. , Chen Minda , Maligal‐Ganesh Raghu V. , Yu Jiaqi , Huang Wenyu
Published: September 2024

There has been significant interest in developing new catalytic systems to convert linear chain alkanes into olefins and aromatics. In the case of higher alkanes (≥C6), the production of aromatic compounds such as benzene‐toluene‐xylenes is highly desirable. However, as the length of the carbon chain increases, the dehydrogenation process becomes more complex, not only due to the challenges of C−H activation but also the need for selectivity towards the desired products by the possibility of side reactions such as isomerization and cracking. Here, we present a detailed analysis of the dehydroaromatization of n‐hexane, n‐heptane, and n‐octane, using PtSn intermetallic nanoparticles supported on SBA‐15 as the catalyst. Through in situ spectroscopic and kinetic analysis, we have probed the reaction kinetics and catalyst deactivation, and provided a mechanistic understanding of the dehydroaromatization process on the surface of the PtSn intermetallic nanoparticles. Introducing Sn has been shown to be crucial not only for enhancement of catalytic activity, but also for higher aromatics selectivity and stability on stream. Furthermore, the analysis of dehydroaromatization reaction rates of reactant and possible intermediates indicates that the dehydroaromatization of n‐hexane to benzene likely proceeds through initial dehydrogenation steps followed by ring closing.
Comparative Study of Si−O−Al and Si−O−Si Bond Stability in HZSM‐5 Zeolite Under Steam and Hot Liquid Water Environments
Authors: He Linhai , Niu Jing , Han Songyue , Fan Dong , Zhang Wenna , Xu Shutao , Wei Yingxu , Liu Zhongmin
Published: September 2024

Understanding the changes in the zeolite framework and catalytic active sites during zeolite‐based vapor‐phase and aqueous catalytic processes is crucial. Herein, the evolution of framework T atoms (Si and Al) in ammonium hexafluorosilicate (AHFS)‐treated HZSM‐5 zeolite under steam and hot liquid water (HLW) environments was inverstigated using various characterization techniques. In HLW, Si−O−Si bonds exhibit poorer hydrothermal stability than Si−O−Al bonds, in contrast to steam. Significant Si atom leaching occurs regardless of whether the framework tetrahedral Al atoms (Al(IV)‐1) are removed. Similar to steam, Al(IV)‐1 species in HLW sequentially evolve into partially coordinated framework Al species and then into extra‐framework Al (EFAL) species through partial and complete hydrolysis. The generated EFAL species act as Lewis acid sites, but their local structures or chemical environments may differ. These findings reveal the difference in the T−O−T bonds attacked by water molecules: the Si−O−Al bonds are primarily attacked in steam, whereas the Si−O−Si bond are primarily attacked in HLW.
Secondary Sphere Lewis Acid Activated Heme Superoxo Adducts Mimic Crucial Non‐Covalent Interactions in IDO/TDO Heme Dioxygenases
Authors: Tolbert Garrett B. , Jayawardana Samith B. , Lee Yuri , Sun Junqi , Qu Fengrui , Whitt Logan M. , Shafaat Hannah S. , Wijeratne Gayan B.
Published: September 2024

Heme enzymes play a central role in a medley of reactivities within a wide variety of crucial biological systems. Their active sites are highly decorated with pivotal evolutionarily optimized non‐covalent interactions that precisely choreograph their biological functionalities with specific regio‐, stereo‐, and chemo‐selectivities. Gaining a clear comprehension of how such weak interactions within the active sites control reactivity offers powerful information to be implemented into the design of future therapeutic agents that target these heme enzymes. To shed light on such critical details pertaining to tryptophan dioxygenating heme enzymes, this study investigates the indole dioxygenation reactivities of Lewis acid‐activated heme superoxo model systems, wherein an unprecedented kinetic behavior is revealed. In that, the activated heme superoxo adduct is observed to undergo indole dioxygenation with the intermediacy of a non‐covalently organized precursor complex, which forms prior to the rate‐limiting step of the overall reaction landscape. Spectroscopic and theoretical characterization of this precursor complex draws close parallels to the ternary complex of heme dioxygenases, which has been postulated to be of crucial importance for successful 2,3‐dioxygenative cleavage of indole moieties.
Fluorescence‐Based HTS Assays for Ion Channel Modulation in Drug Discovery Pipelines
Authors: Voldřich Jan , Matoušová Marika , Šmídková Markéta , Mertlíková‐Kaiserová Helena
Published: September 2024

Ion channels represent a druggable family of transmembrane pore‐forming proteins with important (patho)physiological functions. While electrophysiological measurement (manual patch clamp) remains the only direct method for detection of ion currents, it is a labor‐intensive technique. Although automated patch clamp instruments have become available to date, their high costs limit their use to large pharma companies or commercial screening facilities. Therefore, fluorescence‐based assays are particularly important for initial screening of compound libraries. Despite their numerous disadvantages, they are highly amenable to high‐throughput screening and in many cases, no sophisticated instrumentation or materials are required. These features predispose them for implementation in early phases of drug discovery pipelines (hit identification), even in an academic environment. This review summarizes the advantages and pitfalls of individual methodological approaches for identification of ion channel modulators employing fluorescent probes (i. e., membrane potential and ion flux assays) with emphasis on practical aspects of their adaptation to high‐throughput format.
A Comparative Study of Hydrothermally Leached Al3TM and Al3TM‐Rh (TM=Zr, V, Ce) Intermetallic Compounds for Catalytic Oxidation of Carbon Monoxide
Authors: Sriram Balasubramanian , Wang Sea‐Fue , Kameoka Satoshi
Published: September 2024

Rise of the mute assassin “carbon monoxide (CO)” levels impact all aerobic life. The elevated rates of CO concentration endure climatic and geographical characteristics that exacerbate air pollution. Herein, a simple approach for hydrothermal leaching (HyTL) of Al3TM‐Rh0.5 (Target material (TM)=Zr, V, Ce) and Al3TM (TM=Zr, V, Ce) intermetallic compounds produces leached products of ZrO2, VO2, and CeO2 with Rhodium (Rh) as an active component. The characterization result reveals the HyTL process and the presence of the active Rh element that elevated the performance of HyTL‐Al3Zr‐Rh0.5 towards CO conversion compared to other samples. Further, the cubic ZrO2 phase selectively forms after HyTL at 130 °C even though the formation of the cubic ZrO2 phase takes place at a high temperature. Moreover, the presence of Rh promotes higher catalytic activity in all the cases with low temperatures. The advancement in the present study towards the catalytic oxidation of CO over the hydrothermally leached ZrO2‐Rh nanocatalyst guarantees the perspective of the aggregation‐activation process.
Diagnostic Performance of Thyroid FNA: Experience of Belarusian National Referral Thyroid Cancer Center
Authors: Yakubouski Siarhei U. , Kandratsenka Henadz H. , Fridman Michael V. , Kondratovich Viktor A. , Perkhova Olga A.
Published: September 2024

Background

A fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy is a basic procedure to verify the morphology of thyroid nodules. However, significant variations in the diagnostic performance of FNA, as well as fluctuations in the rate of malignancy (ROM) in different categories of the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology, have been discovered in many studies. The development and employment of additional molecular tests in daily clinical practice require an understanding of the prevalence and structure of thyroid malignancy in each category of the Bethesda system.

Methods

Current research is a continuous retrospective cohort study of the results of the examination and treatment of 1652 patients with thyroid tumors who have undergone primary surgery in 2021 at a national referral thyroid cancer center. FNA diagnostic performance was studied by comparing cytological diagnoses with histological outcomes. The authors evaluated ROM in each Bethesda category and identified the tumors representing a diagnostic pitfall.

Results

The overall ROM was 72.4%. When considering ROM in each Bethesda category, it was 16.7% in Bethesda I, 10.1% in Bethesda II, 23.0% in Bethesda IV, 74.8% in Bethesda V, 99.4% in Bethesda VI. The false‐positive rate was 65.0%, false negative—0.67%. Follicular and oncocytic adenomas, as well as the follicular variant of papillary thyroid cancer, were the most troublesome entities for patients' management.

Conclusion

ROM was comparable to the values implied by the Bethesda system. Follicular tumors were the main source of high false‐positive rates. This necessitates the refinement of existing tests and the development of new diagnostic tests to overcome the abovementioned problems.
Subtle changes in plant diversity in the Bavarian Alps over the past eight decades
Authors: Zettlemoyer Meredith A. , Munck Svenja , Poschlod Peter , Rosbakh Sergey
Published: September 2024

Historical resurveys represent a unique opportunity to analyze vegetation dynamics over longer timescales than is typically achievable. Leveraging the oldest historical dataset of vegetation change in the Bavarian Alps, Germany, we address how environmental conditions, vegetation composition, and functional diversity in the calcareous grasslands of the Schachen region have changed across different elevational ranges over an 83‐year timeframe. We document changes in regional average temperature and precipitation. We use indicator values (IV) for species' ecological preferences and their palatability to grazers to infer local conditions (temperature, soil moisture/fertility, and grazing regime). We further estimate changes in temporal beta‐diversity and functional trait community composition between historical (1936) and contemporary (2019) surveys in two elevational (subalpine and alpine) belts. Both subalpine and alpine sites became drier; subalpine sites also became warmer with more palatable plants. Species occurrence and abundance in the Schachen region has not changed substantially over time despite changing macroclimate and local environmental conditions under anthropogenic change. Yet these grasslands have experienced several “invisible” changes in functional composition over the past 80 years. As the Schachen has become drier, species with traits related to drought tolerance and animal‐based dispersal have increased in dominance. Specifically, in alpine sites, community‐weighted means revealed that with low fecundity, higher potential for endo‐ and epizoochory (seed dispersal via animal gut and fur, respectively), higher foliar frost tolerance, and deeper dormancy increased in dominance. Similar trends were found for increasing dominance of low fecundity, epizoochorous species in subalpine sites. Vegetation data from resurveying historical plots in combination with changes in local conditions, classic biodiversity indices, and functional trait indices can provide more holistic insights into changes in the environment and potential impacts of those environmental changes on long‐term plant community and functional diversity.
Female, juvenile, and calf sperm whale Physeter macrocephalus (Linnaeus 1758) records from Ireland
Authors: O'Callaghan Seán A. , Griffin Bogna , Levesque Stephanie , Gammell Martin , O'Brien Joanne
Published: September 2024

Sperm whales spatially segregate by sex and social behavior as they mature. In the North Atlantic, male whales move to higher latitudes as far as Svalbard at 80° N, while females and young whales typically remain around lower latitudes below 40–45° N. The Azores, Madeira, and the Canary Islands constitute important nursery grounds for female and young sperm whales. Irish waters represent a midpoint for this species’ spatial segregation in the Northeast Atlantic, where the species occurs along the submarine canyon systems to the west of the country. Historically, just male whales were thought to be found in this region between 51 and 55° N, but one adult female was caught by commercial whalers in 1910, and a 5.49 m calf was found stranded in 1916. Between 1995 and 2023, 10 female sperm whales have been stranded around the coast of Ireland. Eight of these whales have been stranded since 2013, and there has been at least one stranding per year between 2019 and 2023. Four of these strandings have occurred in Donegal in the northwest of Ireland, indicating the presence of female whales along the continental shelf off this region. Two females were stranded within a day of each other and were found in similar states of decomposition in February 2022, indicating that they may have been part of the same group rather than being lone vagrant individuals. Sperm whale calves and juveniles were also sighted in Irish waters in 2001, 2004, and 2010 in the Rockall Trough, along the Porcupine Bank and Goban Spur, where between 1 and 3 individuals were observed on four occasions while one calf live stranded in 2004. These records indicate a historical presence of female and young sperm whales in this region but that an apparent increase in occurrence has taken place over the past decade.
The enigmatic life history of the bamboo explained as a strategy to arrest succession
Authors: Zheng Aiyu , Pacala Stephen W.
Published: September 2024

Bamboos are perennial woody grasses that display an enigmatic mix of traits. Bamboo is highly shade intolerant like early‐successional trees. Without secondary xylem, bamboos cannot continue to grow once they reach a maximum height or replace xylem damaged by hydraulic stress and must instead replace each stem after a few years using vegetative propagation via rhizomes. These traits of bamboo would appear to make them inferior to trees in competition for both light and water in all but early‐successional wet locations. However, some species competitively exclude trees and form persistent monodominant stands across large areas in tropical and temperate forests, including areas that are not mesic. Moreover, bamboo paradoxically postpones seed production for decades to over a century, and then flowers semelparously and dies synchronously. The delayed reproduction appears to be inconsistent with an early‐successional strategy to colonize disturbed areas as soon as they form, while the simultaneous death over large areas appears to be inconsistent with a late‐successional strategy to gain and hold space. Bamboo exhibits great diversity in its growth form and life histories along the tropical‐temperate geographical cline, with tropical bamboo being taller with shorter rhizome lengths and flowering interval lengths than temperate bamboo. We hypothesize that all of the above characteristics of bamboo are essential elements of competitive strategies to arrest succession in a lineage that lacks secondary xylem. To develop this Arrested Succession Hypothesis, we construct mathematical models of competition for recently disturbed areas between a tree species and a species with bamboo's enigmatic characteristics. We modeled the growth of bamboo genetic individuals from seedlings after seed germination to clonal culms at mass flowering and then placed these individuals in competition with one another and with trees in simple models of competition for light. Results explain how bamboo's traits allow it to persist in forests late in succession despite its hydraulic disadvantages, and form monodominant stands in the temperate zone, but not in tropical forests. They explain why bamboo is semelparous with synchronized reproduction, and why maximum culm size and age, reproductive interval, and rhizome length differ between the tropics and the temperate zone.
Perioperative systemic IL‐6 and immune‐adipose‐ metabolism transcription in tumour and tumour adjacent breast cancer
Authors: Cullinane Carolyn , Connolly Roisin M. , Corrigan Mark , Redmond Henry P. , Foley Cathriona
Published: September 2024

Surgical resection is the primary treatment approach for patients with breast cancer. Despite optimal multimodal treatment, metastatic recurrence remains a risk. Surgery‐mediated systemic inflammation and local tissue inflammation generate an immunosuppressive and wound‐healing environment that may accelerate cancer recurrence and metastasis post‐operatively. Investigating the impact of surgery on local and systemic inflammation may provide knowledge for improvement of patient prognosis and treatment opportunities. Systemic cytokines were quantified in the blood plasma of patients with breast cancer pre‐operatively, early post‐operatively, and late post‐operatively. Early post‐operative levels of IL‐6 were significantly elevated in patients who underwent mastectomy compared with wide local excision. Post‐operative IL‐6 levels correlate with clinicopathological features (age and BMI). The transcriptomes of local matched tumour and normal tumour adjacent (normal) breast tissue, from patients with breast cancer, were analysed by RNA‐Seq. Elevated gene expressions of IL6, ADIPOQ, FABP4, LPL, PPARG, and CD36 in normal tissue were associated with worse overall survival of patients with ER‐positive breast cancer. In tissue with higher expression of IL6 and ADIPOQ, a higher abundance of M2‐like macrophage gene expression was identified. This study revealed perioperative systemic dynamics of inflammatory mediators and identified local immune‐adipose‐metabolism gene expression in tumour‐adjacent tissue associated with pro‐tumour function.
Photochemical Fluoroalkylation and Alkylthiolation of O‐Cyano and O‐Alkynyl Acrylamides: Pendant Functionality Led Divergence in Annulations
Authors: Chandra Upreti Ganesh , Sahoo Debasish , Singh Anand
Published: September 2024

A visible‐light‐mediated, organophotocatalyzed cascade perfluoroalkylation and alkylthiolation of o‐cyano and o‐alkynyl acrylamides is reported. The reaction exhibits wide scope and provides polyfluorinated 1,3‐quinoline diones and trifluoromethylated fused tricyclic quinolinones under mild reaction conditions and in good yields. Access to a variety of molecular architectures and the synthetic application of aliphatic thiols are the highlights of this reactivity manifold.
Elemental Sulfur‐Promoted Annulative Coupling of 2‐Aminobenzamides and 2‐Aminobenzylamines with Sulfoxonium Ylides: Access to Quinazolinones and Quinazolines
Authors: Chaubey Trayambek Nath , Borpatra Paran J. , Pandey Satyendra Kumar
Published: September 2024

A novel and straightforward approach for synthesizing quinazolinones and quinazoline derivatives employing sulfur‐mediated annulative coupling of 2‐aminobenzamides and 2‐aminobenzylamines in conjunction with sulfoxonium ylides has been described. This method demonstrates a broad substrate range and exhibits excellent tolerance towards various functional groups. Finally, this protocol has been successfully applied to synthesize pyrazino‐fused quinazolinone derivative with adjustable fluorescence properties and tryptanthrin, a compound known for its potent antitubercular activity.
Asymmetric development of overburden fracture and gas migration law for a goaf of entry formed by roof cutting
Authors: Nian Jun , He Cheng , Zhao Bo , Lv Xiaobo , Deng Chunsheng
Published: September 2024

In the study, a combined numerical simulation and on‐site monitoring method was used to analyze the asymmetric development characteristics of overlying rock fractures in a goaf under the condition of a goaf side entry formed by roof cutting and to explore the gas accumulation area in the goaf, achieving precise gas extraction from the goaf. The results demonstrates that a double‐balanced arch structure is formed under the condition of a goaf side entry formed by roof cutting, achieving safe retention of the roadway and showing the significance of the pressure relief effect of roof cutting. The collapse movement of the overlying rock on the roof‐cutting side is relatively advanced. The heights of the collapse zone on the roof‐cutting side and the uncut roof side are 28 and 24 m, respectively, and the development heights of the fracture zone are 37 and 42 m, respectively. The fault line on the roof‐cutting side gradually shifts toward the direction of the goaf, and the surface settlement and fracture development are relatively small. There is a clear asymmetric structure in terms of time effect, fault line, fracture zone height, and surface settlement compared to the uncut roof side. The gas is distributed throughout the entire goaf in the roof‐cutting and tunneling mode, and a high‐concentration gas accumulation area is formed near the open–off cut and working face on the high side of the fracture zone. Based on an actual situation, a method of drilling high and low positions in a fracture zone is proposed for extraction. Combined with on‐site monitoring, the goaf was no longer filled with gas during extraction, and the proportion of low‐concentration gas space considerably increased.
Population Modeling in Metal Risk Assessment: Extrapolation of Toxicity Tests to the Population Level
Authors: Viaene Karel P. J. , Vlaeminck Karel , Hansul Simon , Janssen Sharon , Weighman Kristi , Van Sprang Patrick , De Schamphelaere Karel A. C.
Published: September 2024

Population models can be a useful tool for ecological risk assessment to increase ecological realism. In the present study, population models were used to extrapolate toxicity test results of four metals (Ag, Cu, Ni, Zn) to the population level. In total, three primary producers, five invertebrate species, and five fish species were covered. The ecological modeling–based laboratory to population effect extrapolation factor (ECOPEX factor), defined as the ratio of the predicted 10% effect concentration (EC10) at the population level and the observed EC10 for the laboratory toxicity test, ranged from 0.7 to 78.6, with a median of 2.8 (n = 27). Population modeling indicated clearly higher effect concentrations in most of the cases (ECOPEX factor >2 in 14 out of 27 cases), but in some cases the opposite was observed (in three out of 27 cases). We identified five main contributors to the variability in ECOPEX factors: (1) uncertainty about the toxicity model, (2) uncertainty about the toxicity mechanism of the metal, (3) uncertainty caused by test design, (4) impact of environmental factors, and (5) impact of population endpoint chosen. Part of the uncertainty results from a lack of proper calibration data. Nonetheless, extrapolation with population models typically reduced the variability in EC10 values between tests. To explore the applicability of population models in a regulatory context, we included population extrapolations in a species sensitivity distribution for Cu, which increased the hazardous concentration for 5% of species by a factor 1.5 to 2. Furthermore, we applied a fish population model in a hypothetical Water Framework Directive case using monitored Zn concentrations. This article includes recommendations for further use of population models in (metal) risk assessment. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:2308–2328. © 2024 SETAC
Effect of human–machine interface infotainment systems and automated vehicles on driver distraction
Authors: Abbasi Elahe , Li Yueqing , Liu Yi , Zhao Ruobing
Published: September 2024

Driver distraction is intricately linked to human behavior and cognitive ergonomics, as it explores how human engagement with various stimuli influences attention and decision‐making processes while driving. The main purpose of this study is to comprehensively explore whether using Human–Machine Interface infotainment systems in automated vehicles can affect driver distraction. To this end, driver distraction was measured by driving performance features (speed, lane position, and reaction time), behavioral features (fixation time and pupil dilation), physiological features (changes in oxyhemoglobin), and subjective assessment (NASA‐TLX workload). Twenty‐one participants equipped with an eye tracker and functional near‐infrared spectroscopy drove a driving simulator in the current investigation. The results revealed that interacting with the infotainment systems significantly affects the drivers' average speed (F2,40 = 13.60, p < .0001), reaction time (F2,40 = 4.74, p = .0142), fixation time (F2,40 = 88.61, p < .0001), pupil dilation (F2,28 = 3.63, p = .0356), and workload (F2,40 = 14.40, p < .0001). Moreover, driving mode significantly affects drivers' speed deviation (F2,40 = 6.12, p = .0048), standard deviation of lane position (F2,40 = 10.57, p = .0002), fixation time (F2,40 = 36.71, p < .0001), and workload (F2,40 = 28.08, p < .0001). Drawing from the findings of this article and emphasizing human‐centric design principles, researchers and engineers can craft automotive technologies that are intuitive, effective, and safer. This is vital for mitigating driver distraction and guaranteeing the beneficial influence of automated vehicles on both road safety and the overall driving experience.
Hippocampal storage and recall of neocortical “What”–“Where” representations
Authors: Rolls Edmund T. , Zhang Chenfei , Feng Jianfeng
Published: September 2024

A key question for understanding the function of the hippocampus in memory is how information is recalled from the hippocampus to the neocortex. This was investigated in a neuronal network model of the hippocampal system in which “What” and “Where” neuronal firing rate vectors were applied to separate neocortical modules, which then activated entorhinal cortex “What” and “Where” modules, then the dentate gyrus, then CA3, then CA1, then the entorhinal cortex, and then the backprojections to the neocortex. A rate model showed that the whole system could be trained to recall “Where” in the neocortex from “What” applied as a retrieval cue to the neocortex, and could in principle be trained up towards the theoretical capacity determined largely by the number of synapses onto any one neuron divided by the sparseness of the representation. The trained synaptic weights were then imported into an integrate‐and‐fire simulation of the same architecture, which showed that the time from presenting a retrieval cue to a neocortex module to recall the whole memory in the neocortex is approximately 100 ms. This is sufficiently fast for the backprojection synapses to be trained onto the still active neocortical neurons during storage of the episodic memory, and this is needed for recall to operate correctly to the neocortex. These simulations also showed that the long loop neocortex–hippocampus–neocortex that operates continuously in time may contribute to complete recall in the neocortex; but that this positive feedback long loop makes the whole dynamical system inherently liable to a pathological increase in neuronal activity. Important factors that contributed to stability included increased inhibition in CA3 and CA1 to keep the firing rates low; and temporal adaptation of the neuronal firing and of active synapses, which are proposed to make an important contribution to stabilizing runaway excitation in cortical circuits in the brain.
Occupational exposure to benzene and risk of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma in an extended follow‐up of two population‐based prospective cohorts of Chinese men and women
Authors: Bassig Bryan A. , Shu Xiao‐Ou , Friesen Melissa C. , Vermeulen Roel , Purdue Mark P. , Ji Bu‐Tian , Yang Gong , Wong Jason Y. Y. , Appel Nathan , Hu Wei , Gao Yu‐Tang , Zheng Wei , Rothman Nathaniel , Lan Qing
Published: September 2024

The carcinogenicity of benzene was reevaluated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer in 2017, with the Working Group reaffirming positive yet inconclusive associations with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). To extend our previous observation of a significant exposure‐response for cumulative occupational benzene exposure and NHL risk among Chinese women in a population‐based cohort in Shanghai, we extended follow‐up of this cohort and pooled the data with a similarly designed population‐based cohort of men in Shanghai. Cumulative exposure estimates were derived for 134,449 participants in the pooled analysis by combining ordinal job‐exposure matrix intensity ratings with quantitative benzene measurements from an inspection database of Shanghai factories. Associations between benzene exposure metrics and NHL (n = 363 cases including multiple myeloma [MM]) were assessed using Cox proportional hazard models. Ever occupational exposure to benzene in the pooled population was associated with NHL risk (HR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.2–2.0), and exposure‐response relationships were observed for increasing duration (ptrend = .003) and cumulative exposure (ptrend = .003). Associations with ever exposure, duration, and cumulative exposure were similar for NHL with and without MM in the case definition, including lifetime cumulative exposures in the highest quartile (HR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.1–2.4 with MM included; HR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.1–2.7 with MM excluded). An elevated risk of the chronic lymphocytic leukemia subtype was suggested in the pooled analyses (HR for ever vs. never exposure = 2.3, 95% CI = 0.9–5.6). These observations provide additional support for a plausible association between occupational benzene exposure and risk of NHL.
Assessment of early‐death in gynecologic malignancy in the United States
Authors: Vallejo Andrew , Lee Matthew W. , Klar Maximilian , Wright Jason D. , Matsuo Koji
Published: September 2024

Synopsis

Patients with gynecologic malignancy had overall lower early‐death rates following diagnosis compared with non‐gynecologic malignancies, with the exception of non‐Hispanic black patients with tubo‐ovarian cancer.
A case of mixed neuroendocrine carcinoma–acinar adenocarcinoma: Utilization of triplet therapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Ikeda Junichi , Taniguchi Hisanori , Takayama Hiroki , Masuo Yuki , Nakamoto Takahiro , Uchida Katsunori , Kinoshita Hidefumi
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Neuroendocrine prostate cancer is an aggressive histological subtype of prostate cancer with a poor prognosis. Neuroendocrine prostate cancer is traditionally treated with cisplatin‐based chemotherapy, similar to that used in treating small‐cell lung cancer. However, the therapeutic effectiveness of chemotherapy for neuroendocrine prostate cancer has been limited. This case report describes a response to triplet therapy using darolutamide, androgen deprivation therapy, and docetaxel, which was administered in a patient with mixed neuroendocrine prostate cancer.

Case presentation

A 77‐year‐old man was newly diagnosed with mixed neuroendocrine prostate cancer. Serum prostate‐specific antigen, neuron‐specific enolase, and progastrin‐releasing peptide levels were 62.2, 40.6, and 60.6 pg/mL, respectively. Multiple lymph node metastases were identified on a computed tomography scan, and bone scintigraphy revealed multiple bone metastases. The clinical stage was determined to be cT3bN1M1b. Ultimately, tumor size and serum markers decreased with triplet therapy.

Conclusion

We demonstrated the first case in which triplet therapy had been effective in the treatment of neuroendocrine prostate cancer.
Noninvasive Assessing Low Back Pain by a Novel Near‐Infrared Spectroscopy Flexible Probe With the Aid of Cupping Protocol
Authors: Zhang Bowen , Lin Yu , Yao Bo , Li Ting
Published: September 2024

Low back pain (LBP) is the leading cause of disability worldwide, yet its quantitative and noninvasive assessment remains challenging. Considering that near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) became a promising noninvasive tool for monitoring muscle and cupping therapy could regulate muscle blood flow to relieve LBP, we attempted to incorporate cupping and hemodynamics monitoring in muscle tissue by NIRS to assess LBP. We collected 3‐min NIRS recordings on 12 LBP patients and 12 healthy subjects before and after 20‐min cupping. Initially, no significant hemodynamic differences were observed between the groups. After cupping, the concentration changes of oxy‐hemoglobin (Δ[HbO2]) in the emitter‐detector channel parallel to spine unexpectedly exhibited that LBP was remarkably lower by approximately 67% compared with the controls. This study highlighted the potential of combining NIRS and cupping protocol as a quantitative assessment technique for LBP, also providing a new idea for clinical integration of novel optical assessment technologies.