bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diabetic Retinopathy and the Risk of Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Cheung Ning , Wang Jie Jin , Klein Ronald , Couper David J. , Sharrett A. Richey , Wong Tien Y.
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVE— We sought to examine the relation of diabetic retinopathy to incident coronary heart disease (CHD).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— A population-based, prospective cohort study consisting of 1,524 middle-aged individuals with type 2 diabetes without prevalent CHD and stroke at baseline was conducted. Diabetic retinopathy signs were graded from retinal photographs according to the Early Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy Study severity scale. Incident CHD events (myocardial infarction, fatal CHD, or coronary revascularization) were identified and validated following standardized protocols.

RESULTS— In our study, 214 (14.7%) participants had diabetic retinopathy. Over an average follow-up of 7.8 years, there were 209 (13.7%) incident CHD events. After controlling for age, sex, race, study center, fasting glucose, A1C, duration of diabetes, blood pressure, antihypertensive treatment, cigarette smoking, BMI, and lipid profile, the presence of diabetic retinopathy was associated with a twofold higher risk of incident CHD events (hazard rate ratio [HR] 2.07 [95% CI 1.38–3.11]) and a threefold higher risk of fatal CHD (3.35 [1.40–8.01]). Further adjustments for inflammatory markers, carotid artery intima-media thickness, or nephropathy had minimal impact on the association. The increased risk of CHD was significant in both men (1.89 [1.08–3.31]) and women (2.16 [1.16–4.02]) with diabetic retinopathy.

CONCLUSIONS— In individuals with type 2 diabetes, the presence of retinopathy signifies an increased CHD risk, independent of known risk factors. Our data support the role of microvascular disease in the pathogenesis of CHD in diabetes.
Risk Factors for Mortality Among Patients With Diabetes
Authors: McEwen Laura N. , Kim Catherine , Karter Andrew J. , Haan Mary N. , Ghosh Debashis , Lantz Paula M. , Mangione Carol M. , Thompson Theodore J. , Herman William H.
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVE— We sought to examine demographic, socioeconomic, and biological predictors of all-cause, cardiovascular, and noncardiovascular mortality in patients with diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— Survey, medical record, and administrative data were obtained from 8,733 participants in the Translating Research Into Action for Diabetes Study, a multicenter, prospective, observational study of diabetes care in managed care. Data on deaths (n = 791) and cause of death were obtained from the National Death Index after 4 years. Predictors examined included age, sex, race, education, income, duration, and treatment of diabetes, BMI, smoking, microvascular and macrovascular complications, and comorbidities.

RESULTS— Predictors of adjusted all-cause mortality included older age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.04 [95% CI 1.03–1.05]), male sex (1.57 [1.35–1.83]), lower income (<$15,000 vs. >$75,000, HR 1.82 [1.30–2.54]; $15,000–$40,000 vs. >$75,000, HR 1.58 [1.15–2.17]), longer duration of diabetes (≥9 years vs. <9 years, HR 1.20 [1.02–1.41]), lower BMI (<26 vs. 26–30 kg/m2, HR 1.43 [1.13–1.69]), smoking (1.44 [1.20–1.74]), nephropathy (1.46 [1.23–2.73]), macrovascular disease (1.46 [1.23–1.74]), and greater Charlson index (≥2–3 vs. <1, HR 2.01 [1.04–3.90]; ≥3 vs. <1, HR 4.38 [2.26–8.47]). The predictors of cardiovascular and noncardiovascular mortality were different. Macrovascular disease predicted cardiovascular but not noncardiovascular mortality.

CONCLUSIONS— Among people with diabetes and access to medical care, older age, male sex, smoking, and renal disease are important predictors of mortality. Even within an insured population, socioeconomic circumstance is an important independent predictor of health.
Pharmacological Management of Gestational Diabetes
Authors: Coustan Donald R.
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVE—To provide a review of the background literature regarding the pharmacological management of gestational diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—This is a literature review.

RESULTS—Information is available regarding the use of some, but not all, oral antidiabetes agents in pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS—Available evidence supports the use of glyburide during pregnancy. Evidence is inadequate to support or refute the use of metformin, an agent that has been shown to cross the placenta and thus could be helpful or harmful to the developing fetus.
Direct measurement of group dispersion of optical components using white-light spectral interferometry
Authors: Chlebus R. , Hlubina P. , Ciprian D.
Published: June 2007

We present a simple white-light spectral interferometric technique employing a low-resolution spectrometer for a direct measurement of the group dispersion of optical components over a wide wavelength range. The technique utilizes an unbalanced Mach-Zehnder interferometer with a component under test inserted in one arm and the other arm with adjustable path length. We record a series of spectral interferograms to measure the equalization wavelength as a function of the path length difference. We measure the absolute group refractive index as a function of wavelength for a quartz crystal of known thickness and the relative one for optical fiber. In the latter case we use a microscope objective in front and a lens behind the fiber and subtract their group dispersion, which is measured by a technique of tandem interferometry including also a Michelson interferometer.
Large-dimensional light-emitting elements with printed electroluminophore
Authors: Cież M. , Nowak S. , Zaraska W. , Porada Z.
Published: June 2007

In the paper, the influences of design and manufacturing technology on the performance of large-dimensional light-emitting elements with screen-printed luminophore are presented. The luminophore is based on Cu activated and Cl co-activated zinc sulphide ZnS. A particular instability when exposed to moisture and at rated electric load has been observed.
Mental Health of Adolescents Exposed to the War in Ukraine
Authors: Goto Ryunosuke , Pinchuk Irina , Kolodezhny Oleksiy , Pimenova Nataliia , Kano Yukiko , Skokauskas Norbert
Published: March 2024

Importance

With exposure to traumatic events and reduced access to mental health care, adolescents of Ukraine during the Russian invasion since February 2022 are at high risk of psychiatric conditions. However, the actual mental health burden of the war has scarcely been documented.

Objective

To investigate the prevalence of a positive screen for psychiatric conditions among adolescents amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine as well as their associations with war exposure.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study reports the results from the first wave of the Adolescents of Ukraine During the Russian Invasion cohort, the largest cohort study on Ukrainian adolescents’ mental health during the Russian invasion since 2022. Using self-reported questionnaires, the national-level prevalence of a positive screen for various psychiatric conditions was estimated among adolescents aged 15 years or older attending secondary school in Ukraine in person or online (including those residing abroad but attending Ukrainian secondary school online) and the prevalence among Ukrainian adolescents living abroad due to the war.

Exposure

Self-reported exposure to war.

Main Outcomes and Measures

A positive screen for psychiatric conditions. The association between self-reported war exposure and a positive screen for each of the psychiatric conditions was also evaluated.

Results

A total of 8096 Ukrainian adolescents (4988 [61.6%] female) living in Ukraine or abroad were included in the analyses. Based on national-level estimates, 49.6% of the adolescents were directly exposed to war, 32.0% screened positive for moderate or severe depression, 17.9% for moderate or severe anxiety, 35.0% for clinically relevant psychological trauma, 29.5% for eating disorders, and 20.5% for medium risk or higher of substance use disorder. The burden of psychiatric symptoms was similarly large among Ukrainian adolescents living abroad. Adolescents exposed to war were more likely to screen positive for depression (prevalence ratio [PR], 1.39; 95% CI, 1.29-1.50), anxiety (PR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.45-1.81), clinically relevant psychological trauma (PR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.32-1.50), eating disorders (PR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.12-1.32), and substance use disorder (PR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.98-1.25).

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this study suggest that the mental health burden of Ukrainian adolescents amidst the Russian invasion of Ukraine is substantial. Mental health care efforts to alleviate the mental health burden of Ukrainian adolescents are needed.
Do oral and gut microbiota communicate through redox pathways? A novel asset of the nitrate‐nitrite‐NO pathway
Authors: Paiva Beatriz , Laranjinha João , Rocha Bárbara S.
Published: March 2024

Nitrate may act as a regulator of •NO bioavailability via sequential reduction along the nitrate‐nitrite‐NO pathway with widespread health benefits, including a eubiotic effect on the oral and gut microbiota. Here, we discuss the molecular mechanisms of microbiota‐host communication through redox pathways, via the production of •NO and oxidants by the family of NADPH oxidases, namely hydrogen peroxide (via Duox2), superoxide radical (via Nox1 and Nox2) and peroxynitrite, which leads to downstream activation of stress responses (Nrf2 and NFkB pathways) in the host mucosa. The activation of Nox2 by microbial metabolites is also discussed. Finally, we propose a new perspective in which both oral and gut microbiota communicate through redox pathways, with nitrate as the pivot linking both ecosystems.
Laws of Geography?
Authors: Zhu A‐Xing
Published: March 2024

Geographic principles appear as laws of geography in the literature, either by using the term “law” in naming the principle or the broad scope of the principle encompasses geography as whole. Tobler's First Law and the Second Law of Geography are based on the spatially autocorrelated or dependent nature of geographic variation. The Second Law of Geography emphasizes the aspects of spatial heterogeneity of geographic variation and encompasses the principles proposed separately by Arbia, Benedetti, and Espa, by Goodchild, and by Foresman and Luscombe, as well as the Law of Scale Independence by Phillips. The Third Law of Geography by Zhu, Lu, Liu, Qin, and Zhou is on geographic similarity through analogy. These principles together form a broad theoretical basis for explaining the complex variation of the geographic world.
Population‐Scale Kinship Networks
Authors: Koylu Caglar , Bee Kasakoff Alice
Published: March 2024

Population‐scale kinship networks are large‐scale social networks that encompass the familial relationships among individuals within a given population. These networks provide a representation of the complex web of connections formed through blood relationships, marriages, and other kinship bonds. Crowdsourced genealogy websites provide a platform for both amateur and professional genealogy researchers to collaboratively compile and publicly share their family trees with one another. Family tree records contain information on kinship ties such as parents, children, and spouses, and individual information such as names, birth and death places, and dates. Such information is useful to construct population‐scale networks that link individuals and families across geographic space and time. These networks stretch over many generations and across continents and make it possible to study family patterns and connections at large spatial and temporal scales to illuminate many topics such as history, demography, population change, migration, public health, genetics, and economics.
Gait Alterations and Association With Worsening Knee Pain and Physical Function: A Machine Learning Approach With Wearable Sensors in the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study
Authors: Bacon Kathryn L. , Felson David T. , Jafarzadeh S. Reza , Kolachalama Vijaya B. , Hausdorff Jeffrey M. , Gazit Eran , Stefanik Joshua J. , Corrigan Patrick , Segal Neil A. , Lewis Cora E. , Nevitt Michael C. , Kumar Deepak
Published: March 2024

Objective

The objective of this study was to identify gait alterations related to worsening knee pain and worsening physical function, using machine learning approaches applied to wearable sensor–derived data from a large observational cohort.

Methods

Participants in the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study (MOST) completed a 20‐m walk test wearing inertial sensors on their lower back and ankles. Parameters describing spatiotemporal features of gait were extracted from these data. We used an ensemble machine learning technique (“super learning”) to optimally discriminate between those with and without worsening physical function and, separately, those with and without worsening pain over two years. We then used log‐binomial regression to evaluate associations of the top 10 influential variables selected with super learning with each outcome. We also assessed whether the relation of altered gait with worsening function was mediated by changes in pain.

Results

Of 2,324 participants, 29% and 24% had worsening knee pain and function over two years, respectively. From the super learner, several gait parameters were found to be influential for worsening pain and for worsening function. After adjusting for confounders, greater gait asymmetry, longer average step length, and lower dominant frequency were associated with worsening pain, and lower cadence was associated with worsening function. Worsening pain partially mediated the association of cadence with function.

Conclusion

We identified gait alterations associated with worsening knee pain and those associated with worsening physical function. These alterations could be assessed with wearable sensors in clinical settings. Further research should determine whether they might be therapeutic targets to prevent worsening pain and worsening function.
Evaluation of the European Society of Cardiology Risk Assessment Score in Incident Systemic Sclerosis‐Associated Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Brown Zoe , Hansen Dylan , Stevens Wendy , Ferdowsi Nava , Ross Laura , Quinlivan Alannah , Sahhar Joanne , Ngian Gene‐Siew , Apostolopoulos Diane , Walker Jennifer G. , Proudman Susanna , Teng Gim Gee , Low Andrea H. L. , Morrisroe Kathleen , Nikpour Mandana
Published: March 2024

Objective

Patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) may be stratified as low, intermediate, or high risk of 1‐year mortality. In 2022, the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) updated and simplified its risk stratification tool, based on three variables: World Health Organization functional class, serum N‐terminal pro‐brain type natriuretic peptide and six‐minute walk distance, applied at follow‐up visits, intended to guide therapy over time.

Methods

We applied the 2022 ESC risk assessment tool at baseline and follow‐up (within 2 years) to a multinational incident cohort of systemic sclerosis‐associated PAH (SSc‐PAH). Kaplan‐Meier curves, Cox hazards regression, and accelerated failure time models were used to evaluate survival by risk score.

Results

At baseline (n = 260), the majority of SSc‐PAH (72.2%) were graded as intermediate risk of death according to the 2022 tool. At follow‐up, according to 2022 tool, half (55.5%) of the cohort were classified as low or intermediate‐low risk. The 2022 risk model at follow‐up was able to differentiate survival between risk strata. All three individual parameters (World Health Organization functional class, N‐terminal pro‐brain type natriuretic peptide, six‐minute walk distance) were significantly associated with mortality at baseline and/or follow‐up.

Conclusion

The 2022 ESC risk assessment strategy applied at baseline and follow‐up predicts survival in SSc‐PAH. Treatment decisions for SSc‐PAH should include risk assessments, aiming to achieve low‐risk status according to the 2022 ESC guidelines.
Fully Binarized Graph Convolutional Network Accelerator Based on In‐Memory Computing with Resistive Random‐Access Memory
Authors: Zhang Woyu , Li Zhi , Zhang Xinyuan , Wang Fei , Wang Shaocong , Lin Ning , Li Yi , Wang Jun , Yue Jinshan , Dou Chunmeng , Xu Xiaoxin , Wang Zhongrui , Shang Dashan
Published: March 2024

Artificial intelligence for graph‐structured data has achieved remarkable success in applications such as recommendation systems, social networks, drug discovery, and circuit annotation. Graph convolutional networks (GCNs) are an effective way to learn representations of various graphs. The increasing size and complexity of graphs call for in‐memory computing (IMC) accelerators for GCN to alleviate massive data transmission between off‐chip memory and processing units. However, GCN implementation with IMC is challenging because of the large memory consumption, irregular memory access, and device nonidealities. Herein, a fully binarized GCN (BGCN) accelerator based on computational resistive random‐access memory (RRAM) through software–hardware codesign is presented. The essential operations including aggregation and combination in GCN are implemented on the RRAM crossbar arrays with cooperation between multiply‐and‐accumulation and content‐addressable memory operations. By leveraging the model quantization and IMC on the RRAM, the BGCN accelerator demonstrates less RRAM usage, high robustness to the device variations, high energy efficiency, and comparable classification accuracy compared to the current state‐of‐the‐art GCN accelerators on both graph classification task using the MUTAG and PTC datasets and node classification task using the Cora and CiteSeer datasets. These results provide a promising approach for edge intelligent systems to efficiently process graph‐structured data.
Arylative Ring Expansion of 3‐Vinylazetidin‐3‐Ols and 3‐Vinyloxetan‐3‐Ols to Dihydrofurans by Dual Palladium and Acid Catalysis
Authors: Fujii Takuji , Wang Qian , Zhu Jieping
Published: March 2024

In contrast to the well‐studied 1‐vinylcyclobutanols, the reactivity of 3‐vinylazetidin‐3‐ols 1 and 3‐vinyloxetan‐3‐ols 2 under transition metal catalysis remains largely unexplored. We report herein their unique reactivity under dual palladium and acid catalysis. In the presence of a catalytic amount of Pd(OAc)2(PPh3)2, AgTFA and triflic acid, the reaction of 1 or 2 with aryl iodides affords 2,3,4‐trisubstituted dihydrofurans, which are valuable heterocycles in organic synthesis. Mechanistic studies reveal that this arylative ring‐expansion reaction proceeds via a domino process involving Heck arylation of alkene, acid‐catalyzed transposition of allylic alcohol and ring opening of the azetidine/oxetane by an internal hydroxyl group.
Folate and vitamin B12 status and predicted neural tube defects risk among nonpregnant women of reproductive age from the Malawi National Micronutrient Survey, 2015–2016
Authors: Qi Yan Ping , Crider Krista S. , Williams Anne M. , Tripp Katie , Mapango Carine , Rhodes Elizabeth C. , Nyirenda Eunice , Phiri Felix , Zhang Mindy , Jabbar Shameem , Pfeiffer Christine M. , Pachón Helena , Zimmerman Sarah , Williams Jennifer L.
Published: March 2024

Background

Maternal folate and vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to serious adverse pregnancy outcomes. There are no nationally representative estimates on folate and vitamin B12 status among women of reproductive age (WRA) in Malawi.

Objective

We assessed folate and vitamin B12 status among nonpregnant WRA in Malawi and predicted the risk of folate‐sensitive neural tube defects (NTDs) were they to become pregnant.

Methods

Using data from the cross‐sectional, nationally representative 2015–2016 Malawi Micronutrient Survey, we calculated the proportion of folate and vitamin B12 deficiency and insufficiency by demographic characteristics among 778 nonpregnant WRA (15–49 years). We predicted NTD prevalence using red blood cell (RBC) folate distributions and a published Bayesian model of the association between RBC folate and NTD risk. Analyses accounted for complex survey design.

Results

Among WRA, 8.5% (95% CI: 6.2, 11.6) and 13.3% (10.0, 17.4) had serum (<7 nmol/L) and RBC folate (<305 nmol/L) deficiency, respectively. The proportion of vitamin B12 deficiency (<148 pmol/L) and insufficiency (≤221 pmol/L) was 11.8% (8.6, 16.0) and 40.6% (34.1, 47.4), respectively. RBC folate insufficiency (<748 nmol/L, defined as the concentration associated with the threshold for elevated NTD risk: >8 cases per 10,000 births) was widespread: 81.4% (75.0, 86.4). The predicted NTD risk nationally was 24.7 cases per 10,000 live births. RBC folate insufficiency and higher predicted NTD risk were more common among WRA living in urban areas or with higher education.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the importance of nutritional and NTD surveillance in Malawi and the opportunity for improving folate and vitamin B12 nutrition among Malawian WRA.
Enhancing root coverage and esthetic outcomes in isolated gingival recession using orthodontic intervention and lateral closed tunnel technique: An interdisciplinary prospective case series
Authors: Katti Neelima , KP Rimsha , Barik Ashish Kumar , Das Surya Kanta , Peri Srivani , Mohanty Devapratim
Published: March 2024

Background

Gingival recession (GR) in malposed tooth in association with bone dehiscence and/or fenestration poses a challenge for successful root coverage treatment. Lateral closed tunnel (LCT) technique is particularly useful in isolated GR in mandibular anterior region, where the shallow vestibular depth prevents tension‐free coronal mobilization of tissues.

Methods

Twenty patients with GR associated with tooth malposition were treated using a combined orthodontic—periodontic approach with a torquing auxiliary spring followed by LCT technique.

Results

The two techniques resulted in a combined recession depth reduction from 3.75 ± 1.14 mm to 0.40 ± 0.50 mm at the end of 6‐month study period. The orthodontic intervention led to an increase in labial marginal bone levels, as assessed through cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), while the LCT achieved closure of residual recession defect. Also, an increase of keratinized tissue width from 0.81 ± 0.88 mm at baseline to 3.30 ± 0.67 mm at 6 months was achieved. Mean root coverage percentage (MRC%) of 91.40% + 10.25% was seen, with 11 out of 20 sites (55%) showing complete root coverage (CRC).

Conclusions

Single tooth orthodontic repositioning followed by LCT technique proved effective in successfully managing isolated recession defects in the mandibular anterior gingival region, which often presents challenging mucogingival conditions. The precise single tooth repositioning resulted in labial marginal bone augmentation, while the LCT surgical approach allowed residual defect closure.

Key findings

Why are these cases new information?

Correction of single tooth malposition is achieved before recession coverage treatment to achieve a favorable environment for graft uptake. The reduction in denuded root surface along with the bone remodeling results in increasing the ratio of vascular to avascular region, thus improving the overall prognosis of the treatment.

What are the keys to successful management of these cases?

The lateral closed tunnel technique involves creating a mucoperiosteal tunnel to close the recession site. Precision is crucial to avoid damage to surrounding tissues. The recipient site should be wider than the width of recession to improve graft vascularity.

What are the primary limitations to success in these cases?

Limitations may arise when dealing with complex cases, such as multiple teeth involvement or teeth with significant vertical or horizontal bone loss.
How and when do perceptions of supervisor evasive knowledge hiding escalate into diminished job performance?
Authors: Haq Inam Ul , De Clercq Dirk , Azeem Muhammad Umer
Published: March 2024

Drawing from social exchange theory, this study investigates how and when supervisor evasive knowledge hiding might lead to lower job performance by employees. The hypotheses were tested with three‐round survey data, collected among employees and peers in various industries. Employees' perceptions that their supervisor engages in deceptive knowledge hiding undermine their own performance‐enhancing efforts because they develop career plateau beliefs; this explanatory role is particularly salient among employees exposed to despotic leadership. This study pinpoints a notable risk for employees who feel upset when they believe a despotic supervisor is intentionally concealing knowledge: They grow disappointed with their career situation, which prompts them to adopt complacent behavioral responses that likely render it even more challenging to access valuable supervisor knowledge.
CO2 Hydrogenation to CH3OH on Metal‐Doped TiO2(110): Mechanisms, Strain Effect and a New Thermodynamic‐Kinetic Relation
Authors: Lu Huili , Yang Deshuai , Chen Zhao‐Xu
Published: March 2024

Surface strain and linear thermodynamic‐kinetic relation are interesting topics in catalysis. Development of low temperature methanol catalysts of high activity and selectivity is of particularly importance for conversion of CO2 to methanol. In the present paper CO2 hydrogenation to methanol on Znx@TiO2(110) (x=0–2) was explored using density functional calculations and microkinetic simulations. The reaction mechanisms on the three model systems were determined and it is shown that Zn2@TiO2(110) is the most active. The most favorable pathway on Zn2@TiO2(110) is identified and CO2+H to HCOO is found to be the rate‐controlling step. It is demonstrated that there is a linear relation (named AEB relation) between the adsorption energies of the initial states and the barriers for the controlling step on the 18 systems studied. Calculations on strained surfaces show that the AEB relation exists within ±1 % strain. Sr2@TiO2(110) and −1 % strained CaZn and ZnCu doped TiO2(110) are potential good low temperature catalysts and deserve experimental testing.
Unveiling the Cleavage Mechanism of an RNA Model Compound on the whole pH Scale: Computations Meet Experiments in the Determination of Reaction Rates
Authors: Nardi Alessandro Nicola , Olivieri Alessio , D'Abramo Marco , Salvio Riccardo
Published: March 2024

The knowledge of the mechanism of reactions occurring in solution is a primary research line both in the context of theoretical‐computational chemistry and in the field of organic and bio‐organic chemistry. Given the importance of the hydrolysis of nucleic acids in life‐related phenomena, here we present a combined experimental and computational study on the cleavage of an RNA model compound. This phosphodiester features a cleavage rate strictly dependent on the pH with three different dependence domains. Such experimental evidence, highlighted by an in‐depth kinetic investigation, unequivocally suggests a change in the reaction mechanism along the pH scale. In order to interpret the data and to explain the experimental behavior, we have applied a theoretical‐computational procedure, involving a hybrid quantum/classical approach, able to model chemical reactions in complex environments, i. e. in solution. This study turns out to quantitatively reproduce the experimental data with accuracy and, in addition, provides useful mechanistic insight into the transesterification process of the investigated compound. The study indicates that the cleavage can occur through an
, an
, and a
mechanism depending on the pH values.
Immobilization of Silver(I) Ions on Amino‐Functionalized Chromium(III) Terephthalate with Organophosphine and its C−H Carboxylation of a Heteroaromatic Compound
Authors: Lee Mijung , Oh Kyung‐Ryul , Cha Ga‐Young , Jeong Se‐Min , Lee Su‐Kyung , Hwang Young Kyu
Published: March 2024

A newly designed heterogenized catalyst that incorporates silver(I) ions with 2‐(dicyclohexylphosphaneyl)acetaldehyde (PCy2 aldehyde) into amino‐functionalized chromium(III) terephthalate is developed. Silver(I) ions were robustly immobilized on the amino‐functionalized chromium(III) terephthalate, which contains an imine bond formed by the reaction with PCy2 aldehyde. The Ag(I) ion is coordinated with the phosphine in the imine group to create MIL‐101‐AP(Ag). Characterizations were carefully carried out according to the synthetic steps. The catalytic performance of MIL‐101‐AP(Ag) was evaluated through the C−H carboxylation of thiophene‐2‐carbonitrile, achieving a 10 % yield with a turnover number of 1.0. The recyclability of the MIL‐101‐AP(Ag) catalyst was successfully demonstrated with five cycle, with no loss in activity and selectivity observed. This approach, which involves the formation of an imine bond to facilitate silver loading with phosphine on amino‐functionalized MIL‐101(Cr), exhibits significant potential for both CO2 fixation and C−H carboxylation, thereby highlighting the modified material‘s promise as a sustainable catalyst.
Analysis of super‐source‐follower‐based GHz‐bandwidth biquadratic low‐pass filters
Authors: Chen Hsiao‐Chin , Yen Ming‐Yu , Lin Tzu‐Yu , Cheng Kai‐Hsun
Published: March 2024

The design of GHz‐bandwidth super‐source‐follower‐based low‐pass filters (SSF‐LPFs) is investigated. The transfer function is derived by considering transistor parasitics. The behaviors of SSF‐LPFs can be predicted accurately with these formulas. The theoretical values of pole/zero frequencies of the circuit agree well with the corresponding simulation results. Moreover, the relationship between the Q factor and the phase margin of the biquadratic filter is revealed. Two 1.3‐GHz 4th‐order LPFs are designed using 90‐nm CMOS technology, where one contains a high‐Q biquad with a small phase margin and a low‐Q biquad, while the other is built with two biquads with moderate Q factors and sufficient phase margins. For the former, the discrepancy between the theoretical and simulated phase margin is <2°, and the discrepancy between the theoretical and simulated corner frequency is <6%. For the latter, the discrepancy between the theoretical and simulated phase margin is <4°, and the discrepancy between the theoretical and simulated corner frequency is <4%. The filter containing biquads with sufficient phase margins is fabricated and occupies an area of 0.44 mm2. Consuming 14.4 mW, the filter delivers a bandwidth of 1.3 GHz, P1dB of −11.94 dBm, and IIP3 of −4.5 dBm.
Synergistic integration of histone deacetylase inhibitors apparently enhances the cytokine‐induced killer cell efficiency in multiple myeloma via the NKG2D pathway
Authors: Pu Jingjing , Sharma Amit , Liu Ting , Hou Jian , Schmidt‐Wolf Ingo GH
Published: March 2024

Objectives

The rapid recognition of epigenetic manipulation's potential in restricting cancer cell capabilities spurred translational initiatives, including histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis). Clinical trials on multiple myeloma (MM) demonstrated substantial benefits of HDACis, coupled with promising outcomes from cytokine‐induced killer cell (CIK) immunotherapy. Intriguingly, the unexplored synergy of HDACis and CIK cell immunotherapy in MM prompted our study.

Methods

We examined clinically relevant HDACis (panobinostat/LBH589 and romidepsin) alongside CIK cells derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells across diverse MM cell lines (U266, RPMI8226, OPM‐2 and NCI‐H929). Utilising various in vitro methodologies, we investigated how HDACis enhance CIK cell lysis of myeloma cells through NKG2D/NKG2D ligand interactions.

Results

The results of our analysis indicated several key findings. (1) Enhanced cytotoxicity of CIK cells in MM cells when combined with HDACis. (2) Significant increase in apoptosis, suggesting HDACis and CIK may together enhance apoptotic effects in specific MM cell lines. (3) Elevated IFN‐γ secretion and alterations in granzyme B secretion because of the independent activity of HDACis. (4) Notably, HDACis increased the expression of MICA/B and ULBP2, crucial for inducing antitumor cytotoxicity of NKT cells. Validation through NKG2D receptor blocking in CIK cells with a purified mouse antihuman NKG2D antibody further supported our findings.

Conclusions

Our analyses provide sufficient evidence to consider this clinically forgotten instance (HDACis‐CIK cell combination) as a therapeutic priority for MM treatment. Furthermore, we suggest that NKG2D/NKG2D‐ligand interactions activating NK/NKT cells may contribute to enhanced myeloma cell lysis in response to HDACis treatment by CIK cells.
Metabarcoding reveals unique microbial mat communities and evidence of biogeographic influence in low‐oxygen, high‐sulfur sinkholes and springs
Authors: Fray Davis , McGovern Callahan A. , Casamatta Dale A. , Biddanda Bopaiah A. , Hamsher Sarah E.
Published: March 2024

High‐sulfur, low‐oxygen environments formed by underwater sinkholes and springs create unique habitats populated by microbial mat communities. To explore the diversity and biogeography of these mats, samples were collected from three sites in Alpena, Michigan, one site in Monroe, Michigan, and one site in Palm Coast, Florida. Our study investigated previously undescribed eukaryotic diversity in these habitats and further explored their bacterial communities. Mat samples and water parameters were collected from sulfur spring sites during the spring, summer, and fall of 2022. Cyanobacteria and diatoms were cultured from mat subsamples to create a culture‐based DNA reference library. Remaining mat samples were used for metabarcoding of the 16S and rbcL regions to explore bacterial and diatom diversity, respectively. Analyses of water chemistry, alpha diversity, and beta diversity articulated a range of high‐sulfur, low‐oxygen habitats, each with distinct microbial communities. Conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, sulfate, and chloride had significant influences on community composition but did not describe the differences between communities well. Chloride concentration had the strongest correlation with microbial community structure. Mantel tests revealed that biogeography contributed to differences between communities as well. Our results provide novel information on microbial mat composition and present evidence that both local conditions and biogeography influence these unique communities.
Complexities, complications, and change for non‐Christian students
Authors: Maples Gordon , Broadhurst Christopher
Published: March 2024

Building on the previous chapters in the volume, this concluding chapter provides a practical overview of theories relating to religious diversity and organizational change to outline recommended actions for practitioners across higher education functional areas who want to create a more equitable landscape for non‐Christian college students.

Practical Takeaways

Individuals across university communities and stakeholder groups can have an influence on changing the campus climate for non‐Christian students through advocacy and action within their institutions.

Current theories provide insights and guidance on how and where individuals can influence change within their institutions, including pushing for reviews of standing policies relating to religious accommodations and advocating for religious literacy training for staff and faculty.

The issues surrounding the campus climate for non‐Christian students are systemic: making strides towards a more equitable future will take deliberate and long‐term efforts across institutions and stakeholder groups, but can start with coalition building across staff, faculty, and students to focus on those efforts.
The Gothenburg Trismus Questionnaire in China: Cross‐cultural adaptation and measurement invariance
Authors: Zhang Qian , Feng Yao , Zhou Ying‐Hui , Yang Yi‐Fan , Feng Yun‐Zhi , Guo Yue
Published: March 2024

Objectives

The Gothenburg Trismus Questionnaire (GTQ) is a comprehensive scale for screening and assessing trismus in head and neck (H&N) cancer and temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) patients. This study aimed to translate and cross‐culturally adapt the GTQ in China, and to test its measurement invariance.

Methods

This study comprised 278 H&N cancer, 245 TMD, and 507 control patients. Internal consistency and test–retest reliability were tested to assess the GTQ's reliability. The validity was evaluated through composite reliability (CR), average variance extracted (AVE), and correlation tests. Multi‐group confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to investigate the GTQ's measurement invariance across clinical status and gender. T tests were employed to compare score differences across clinical status and gender.

Results

The Chinese version of GTQ scale shows excellent internal consistency and test–retest reliability. The CR, AVE, and correlation values demonstrate the good validity of GTQ. The multi‐group CFA supported configural invariance across clinical status but not metric invariance, while it supported strict invariance across gender. Additionally, t tests revealed that patients with H&N cancer and TMD scored higher than the control group, while males scored higher than females.

Conclusions

The Chinese version of GTQ serves as an effective tool for screening and assessing trismus.
Role of time variant and invariant terms on soil moisture spatio‐temporal variability in a subhumid coastal wetland
Authors: Kohfahl Claus , David Ismael Lare , Aguilera Héctor , Martínez Gonzalo
Published: March 2024

The knowledge of soil moisture spatio‐temporal variability is highly relevant for water resources management. This paper reports an analysis of the spatial–temporal variability of soil moisture data for a small to medium‐scale soil‐sensors network in a coastal wetland of southwestern Spain. Measurements were taken from five sites located in the Doñana National Park over the time‐period of one hydrological year from September 2017 to September 2018. The total area of the soil‐sensors network shows an extension about 25 × 3 km. Soil moisture data was separated into time invariant (the temporal mean of the whole period at each site) and time‐variant terms (the deviations of soil moisture from the mean, or anomalies). The time‐invariant component was generally the main contributor to the total spatial variance of soil moisture and it was mostly controlled by the groundwater levels in the area. Nevertheless, the time variant terms have a huge effect on soil moisture variability in very dry states. Characteristic convex time‐dependent patterns for this field site were found between spatially averaged soil moisture and its variability. This information could be used for the up and downscaling of soil moisture from satellite data. Those patterns of relation between spatial mean and variability of soil moisture were only affected by heavy rainfalls giving rise to hysteretic behaviour. This study shows that even though groundwater level is a time‐variant variable, it significantly affects soil moisture's time‐variant but also time‐invariant terms due to the different average groundwater level depths at the different sites.
Seasonal dynamics of the microbial community in a strong‐flavor baijiu fermentation
Authors: Li Lingjuan , Wu Jing , Tao Yong , Xu Zhancheng , Tang Qinglan , Liu Menghua
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

The microbial community plays a crucial role in Chinese strong‐flavor baijiu (SFB) fermentation. However, the seasonal dynamics of the microbial community in the SFB fermentation system and its contribution to the unique flavor of SFB have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the seasonal dynamics of the microbial community through 16S rRNA and ITS gene sequencing.

RESULTS

The results revealed significant temporal dynamics of microbial communities and environmental variables throughout the four seasons. The influence of seasons on fungal communities was found to be more significant than on bacterial communities. The diversity of bacteria was higher during the winter and summer, whereas fungal diversity was more prominent in summer and autumn. Stochastic processes maintained their dominance in microbial assembly throughout all four seasons but the significance of heterogeneous selection increased during summer for both bacteria and fungi, whereas homogeneous selection became more pronounced during winter for fungi. The pH and environmental temperature were important drivers of microbial community assembly across different seasons, primarily impacting the core genera responsible for the production of major volatile flavor compounds (VFCs), especially ethyl caproate.

CONCLUSION

These findings provide new insights into the impact of seasons on microbial communities and hold promise for improving the quality‐control measures for SFB brewed in different seasons. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Modified technique improves efficacy for in‐office posterior nasal nerve ablation
Authors: Gorelik Daniel , Dhanda Aatin K. , Choi Alexander , Takashima Masayoshi , Khan Najm S. , Rowan Nicholas R. , Jafari Aria , Syed Tariq , Ahmed Omar G.
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Posterior nasal nerve (PNN) ablation is a minimally invasive treatment option for patients with chronic rhinitis. Recent evidence shows that parasympathetic innervation of the nasal cavity is more extensive and there are many fibers posterior to the lateral attachment of the middle turbinate. We describe a modified ablative technique that targets the extensive innervation of the posterior nasal nerves.

Methods

Description of the technique and retrospective cohort analysis. In addition to the traditional radiofrequency and cryoablation targets, three additional treatment sites posterior to the middle turbinate were targeted using radiofrequency ablation, as well as one focused treatment posteroinferior to the middle turbinate attachment using cryotherapy ablation. The primary outcome collected was a 30% improvement in overall rhinitis symptoms.

Results

Forty‐five patients received treatment and completed 3‐month follow‐up using the modified technique for radiofrequency and cryotherapy PNN ablation. Previously, our institution documented a 64.5% responder rate at 3 months. After introducing the modified technique, the response rate at 3 months significantly improved (64.5% vs. 91.1%, p = .004).

Conclusions

This report suggests improved efficacy with implementation of the modified technique for in‐office PNN ablation. Given the extensive nature of the post‐ganglionic parasympathetic fibers of the nasal cavity which often emerge posterior to the middle turbinate attachment, a modified technique to target these branches should be considered. Prospective randomized studies comparing this modified technique to the traditional technique are needed.

Level of Evidence

III.
Functions of extracellular polymeric substances in partitioning suspended and sinking particles in the upper oceans of two open ocean systems
Authors: Yamada Yosuke , Ebihara Akiko , Fukuda Hideki , Otosaka Shigeyoshi , Mitarai Satoshi , Nagata Toshi
Published: March 2024

Marine particle dynamics and carbon export, involving extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) like transparent exopolymer particles (TEP) and Coomassie Brilliant Blue‐stained particles (CSP), are poorly understood. Although TEP adhesive properties may enhance carbon export by facilitating aggregate formation, their low density can also enhance particle suspension. Factors influencing TEP regulation of particle dynamics remain unclear. To investigate EPS contributions to particle dynamics, we investigated ratios of TEP to particulate organic carbon (POC) and of CSP to POC in suspended and sinking particles collected with marine snow catchers. Samples were collected in a subarctic region near Hokkaido during a spring phytoplankton bloom and in the oligotrophic, subtropical Kuroshio region. At Hokkaido, the mean TEP : POC ratio of sinking particles (0.075 μg Xeq. : μg C) was > 30× lower than in suspended particles (2.3), consistent with a model prediction of selective retention of buoyant TEP‐rich particles in the upper water column. In the Kuroshio region, sinking particles also contained fewer TEP than suspended particles; however, the TEP : POC ratio of sinking particles (1.0) was > 10× higher than at Hokkaido, suggesting that TEP constitute a significant carbon component of sinking particles. These findings indicate that TEP facilitate aggregation of high‐density particles and particle sinking in the Kuroshio region. Distributions of CSP : POC ratios between suspended and sinking particles resembled TEP : POC ratios in both regions, implying a significant contribution of CSP to particle dynamics. We propose that EPS have divergent effects on suspension and sinking of marine particles, which vary with particle composition and biogeochemical conditions.
Chinese collaborative study of survival analysis in 980 patients with AL amyloidosis
Authors: Yau Hokhim , Zhong Liye , Li Sheng , He Weiting , Zhu Yaxi , Liao Pengjun , Xie Jianteng , Fei Hongwen , Li Liwen , Liu Hui , Li Jie , Wang Wenjian
Published: March 2024

Background

The prognosis of patients with light‐chain amyloidosis (AL) has improved markedly in the past decade in China; whether the current staging systems are suitable to predict the overall survival (OS) of the patients remains undetermined.

Methods

Based on 980 biopsy‐proved AL patients with 5‐year follow‐up from China Registration Network for Light‐chain Amyloidosis, we evaluated the efficacy of existing staging systems and developed a new stratification model. This involved analyzing parameters such as N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) thresholds and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

Results

We found that 30% patients were classified as stage I, 25% as stage II, 26% as stage III, and 19% as stage IV disease using the Mayo 2012 staging system, with varying median OS values. However, the observed median OS values were notably higher than previously reported. By incorporating NT‐proBNP thresholds and eGFR values, we developed a four‐stage score system. With this new model, 41.6% patients were reclassified to stage I, 34.3% to stage II, 17.8% to stage III, and 6.3% to stage IV disease, with adjusted median OS values.

Conclusion

The new stratification model exhibited improved consistency compared to traditional staging systems. It effectively identified patients with the best and worst prognoses, even among those receiving comprehensive treatment. Specifically, NT‐proBNP levels exceeding 9000 pg/mL combined with an eGFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 proved superior in prognosticating patient outcomes. Overall, the median OS of AL amyloidosis patients in China has significantly improved, underscoring the need for tailored prognostic models in clinical practice.
Vessel‐specific quantification of cerebral venous oxygenation with velocity‐encoding preparation and rapid acquisition
Authors: Lin Zixuan , Jiang Dengrong , Hong Yiwen , Zhang Yi , Hsu Yi‐Cheng , Lu Hanzhang , Wu Dan
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Non‐invasive measurement of cerebral venous oxygenation (Yv) is of critical importance in brain diseases. The present work proposed a fast method to quantify regional Yv map for both large and small veins.

Methods

A new sequence was developed, referred to as TRU‐VERA (T2 relaxation under velocity encoding and rapid acquisition, which isolates blood spins from static tissue with velocity‐encoding preparation, modulates the T2 weighting of venous signal with T2‐preparation and utilizes a bSSFP readout to achieve fast acquisition with high resolution. The sequence was first optimized to achieve best sensitivity for both large and small veins, and then validated with TRUST (T2 relaxation under spin tagging), TRUPC (T2 relaxation under phase contrast), and accelerated TRUPC MRI. Regional difference of Yv was evaluated, and test–retest reproducibility was examined.

Results

Optimal Venc was determined to be 3 cm/s, while recovery time and balanced SSFP flip angle within reasonable range had minimal effect on SNR efficiency. Venous T2 measured with TRU‐VERA was highly correlated with T2 from TRUST (R2 = 0.90), and a conversion equation was established for further calibration to Yv. TRU‐VERA sequences showed consistent Yv estimation with TRUPC (R2 = 0.64) and accelerated TRUPC (R2 = 0.79). Coefficient of variation was 0.84% for large veins and 2.49% for small veins, suggesting an excellent test–retest reproducibility.

Conclusion

The proposed TRU‐VERA sequence is a promising method for vessel‐specific oxygenation assessment.