bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shifts in host–parasitoid networks across community garden management and urban landscape gradients
Authors: Lucatero Azucena , Smith Noah R. , Bichier Peter , Liere Heidi , Philpott Stacy M.
Published: May 2024

Biological pest control relies on interactions between herbivores and their natural enemies. Maintaining this ecosystem service requires considering herbivore and natural enemy interactions and their response to anthropogenic change at multiple scales. In this study, we used ecological networks to quantify the network structure of interactions between herbivorous insects and their parasitoids. We examined how herbivore host abundance, parasitism rates, and shifts in network structure relate to changes in local habitat management and landscape context. We sampled herbivores and parasitoids in Brassica oleracea plants at 22 urban gardens in the Central Coast of California. At each site, we measured local management characteristics (e.g., vegetation, ground cover, canopy cover) and quantified surrounding landscape composition (e.g., urban, natural, open, and agricultural cover). For the eight sites with large enough networks, we calculated three network structure metrics (interaction richness, vulnerability, and functional complementarity). We then used generalized linear and mixed models to examine relationships between herbivore host abundance, parasitism rates, garden management and landscape characteristics, and network metrics. We found that both local management and landscape composition influenced parasitism, while only local factors affected host abundance and network structure. Higher network interaction richness was marginally associated with enhanced parasitism rates for two host species and lower parasitism rates for one host species. Our results suggest that local garden management decisions may shift the structure of host–parasitoid networks, which may subsequently affect host parasitism rates, but outcomes for biological pest control will likely vary across host species.
Outstanding Lithium Storage Performance of a Copper‐Coordinated Metal‐Covalent Organic Framework as Anode Material for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Luo Derong , Zhao Huizi , Liu Feng , Xu Hai , Dong Xiaoyu , Ding Bing , Dou Hui , Zhang Xiaogang
Published: May 2024

Metal‐covalent organic frameworks (MCOF) as a bridge between covalent organic framework (COF) and metal organic framework (MOF) possess the characteristics of open metal sites, structure stability, crystallinity, tunability as well as porosity, but still in its infancy. In this work, a covalent organic framework DT‐COF with a keto‐enamine structure synthesized from the condensation of 3,3′‐dihydroxybiphenyl diamine (DHBD) and triformylphloroglucinol (TFP) was coordinated with Cu2+ by a simple post‐modification method to a obtain a copper‐coordinated metal‐covalent organic framework of Cu‐DT COF. The isomerization from a keto‐enamine structure of DT‐COF to a enol‐imine structure of Cu‐DT COF is induced due to the coordination interaction of Cu2+. The structure change of Cu‐DT COF induces the change of the electron distribution in the Cu‐DT COF, which greatly promotes the activation and deep Li‐storage behavior of the COF skeleton. As anode material for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), Cu‐DT COF exhibits greatly improved electrochemical performance, retaining the specific capacities of 760 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles and 505 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at a current density of 0.5 A g−1. The preliminary lithium storage mechanism studies indicate that Cu2+ is also involved in the lithium storage process. A possible mechanism for Cu‐DT COF was proposed on the basis of FT‐IR, XPS, EPR characterization and electrochemical analysis. This work enlightens a novel strategy to improve the energy storage performance of COF and promotes the application of COF and MCOF in LIBs.
Structure Directing Effects of the Tetraphenylphosphonium Cation upon the Formation of Lanthanoid Anilate Coordination Polymers
Authors: Hua Carol
Published: May 2024

Four lanthanoid anilate coordination polymers (CPs) were synthesised using fluoranilate and chloranilate ligands with La(III), Eu(III) and Dy(III), and PPh4+ as the countercation. The presence of the PPh4+ countercation had a structure directing effect on the CP topology, with a 3D diamondoid (dia) network obtained with La(III) whilst 2D square grid (sql) networks were obtained with Eu(III) and Dy(III). This work represents the first use of fluoranilate in lanthanoid anilate CPs. The additional hydrogen bonding sites afforded by the fluorine substituent influences the packing of the crystal structure whilst the variation in lanthanoid ion size helps determine the topology of the CP.
Development and application of an integrated methodology for post‐disaster field investigation of debris floods
Authors: Po Yang , Xiekang Wang , Dongya Sun , Zexing Xu , Weizhen Lu
Published: May 2024

Debris floods commonly occur in steep channels with an abundant sediment supply, and they can cause significant damage, primarily due to their higher sediment concentrations and negative impacts upon bank erosion, deep scouring and aggradation. These key hazards pose challenges for traditional assessment methods, making quantification difficult. This became obvious during a recent catastrophic debris flood that occurred on July 12, 2022, in the Heishuigou catchment (102 km2), northern Sichuan Province, China. In this case study, we developed an integrated methodology for assessing this debris flood event by incorporating field surveys, hydrological and hydraulic modelling and sediment transport calculations. Detailed information such as topographic maps, photographs, deposits, grain size distributions and inundation depths was collected to analyse the material sources, validate the parameters and conduct model calculations. The peak debris flood discharge and the supra‐critical bed shear stress ratios, estimated from hydrological and dynamic models, were incorporated to analyse the debris flood's typology and characterize its destructive mechanisms. The regional frequency–volume relationship established through bedload transport calculations was calibrated using the volume of the deposits determined via field investigation. These methods not only contribute to a comprehensive understanding of debris floods but also provide valuable support for future risk assessments and mitigation designs.
Exploring free amino acid profiles in CCHF patients: Implications for disease progression
Authors: Büyüktuna Seyit Ali , Yerlitaş Serra İlayda , Zararsız Gözde Ertük , Doğan Kübra , Kablan Demet , Bağcı Gökhan , Özer Selda , Baysal Cihad , Çakır Yasemin , Cephe Ahu , Koçhan Necla , Zararsız Gökmen , Doğan Halef Okan
Published: May 2024

This study investigated the intricate interplay between Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) infection and alterations in amino acid metabolism. Our primary aim is to elucidate the impact of Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) on specific amino acid concentrations and identify potential metabolic markers associated with viral infection. One hundred ninety individuals participated in this study, comprising 115 CCHF patients, 30 CCHF negative patients, and 45 healthy controls. Liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry techniques were employed to quantify amino acid concentrations. The amino acid metabolic profiles in CCHF patients exhibit substantial distinctions from those in the control group. Patients highlight distinct metabolic reprogramming, notably characterized by arginine, histidine, taurine, glutamic acid, and glutamine metabolism shifts. These changes have been associated with the underlying molecular mechanisms of the disease. Exploring novel therapeutic and diagnostic strategies addressing specific amino acids may offer potential means to mitigate the severity of the disease.
Rhodotorula mucilaginosa A8, a potential helper strain in a vitamin C microbial fermentation process
Authors: Zhang Qian , Liao Lin , Lyu Shuxia
Published: May 2024

In the vitamin C microbial fermentation system, oxidative stress limits the growth and 2‐keto‐l‐gulonic acid (2‐KLG, the precursor of vitamin C) production of Ketogulonicigenium vulgare. Most Bacillus strains, as helper strains, have been reported to release key biomolecules to reduce oxidative stress and promote the growth and 2‐KLG production of K. vulgare. To understand the specific mechanism by which the helper strain and K. vulgare interact to reduce oxidative stress, a novel helper strain, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa A8, was used to construct a consortium in the co‐culture fermentation system. Based on the activities of the antioxidant enzymes and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis, R. mucilaginosa A8 could reduce oxidative stress and increase 2‐KLG production in K. vulgare by upregulating antioxidant enzyme activities and related gene‐expression levels. In addition, the carotenoids of R. mucilaginosa promoted 2‐KLG production in K. vulgare. Coculture of R. mucilaginosa with K. vulgare increased the yield of carotenoids. This study suggested that helper strains with the ability to reduce oxidative stress in K. vulgare would likely act as potential helper strains for facilitating 2‐KLG biosynthesis. This work could provide a theoretical basis for the search for potential helper strains for vitamin C microbial fermentation and for the construction of synthetic microbial communities to produce valuable products.
Trends in temperature and precipitation at high and low elevations in the main mountain ranges of the Iberian Peninsula (1894–2020): The Sierra Nevada and the Pyrenees
Authors: Sigro Javier , Cisneros Mercè , Perez‐Luque Antonio J. , Perez‐Martinez Carmen , Vegas‐Vilarrubia Teresa
Published: May 2024

This study describes temperature and precipitation trends in the two National Parks located in the two highest mountain ranges on the Iberian Peninsula: the Sierra Nevada (Sierra Nevada National Park, SN) and the Pyrenees (Aigüestortes i Sant Maurici National Park, ASM). Special focus is placed on analysing disparities between the lowlands and the highlands, as well as the agreement between observational data and grid data (IBERIA01 and E‐OBS). For this purpose, a quality‐controlled and homogeneity‐adjusted database of the daily maximum temperature, minimum temperature and precipitation (SMADS database) has been generated. Regional trends in mean temperature indicate that warming in ASM (0.17°C·decade−1) was greater than in the Sierra Nevada (SN) (0.13°C·decade−1) in the longest joint period, 1930–2020. For annual precipitation, the trends over the past nine decades were negative, although not significantly. Only the summer in SN showed a significant negative trend, which has intensified in recent decades to −13.4%·decade−1 for 1975–2020. A parallel evolution was observed in the annual mean temperature of the highlands (>1500 m) and lowlands (<1500 m) of ASM, with a common trend of 0.17°C·decade−1, while in SN negative elevation‐dependent warming was detected. Differences between lowlands and highlands were also noted in precipitation trends in both mountain ranges: a positive trend in precipitation was found in the lowlands while in the highlands practically null trends (ASM) or decreasing precipitation trends (SN) were detected. The comparison of the Spanish Mountain Adjusted Daily Series (SMADS) results with the IBERIA01 and E‐OBS grid series yielded differences no greater than ±0.2°C·decade−1. No notable differences were detected between the regional trends calculated with observational series or with grid series. These results worsened when the differences in the trends detected in the individual observed temperature series were compared against the corresponding grid series.
Potential historically intertropical stable areas during the Late Quaternary of South America
Authors: Dantas Mário André Trindade , Pansani Thais Rabito , Asevedo Lidiane , Araújo Thaísa , França Lucas de Melo , de Aragão Wilcilene Santos , da Silva Santos Franciely , Cravo Elisa , Waldherr Felipe Rodrigues , Ximenes Celso Lira
Published: May 2024

South America is a pivotal paleontological setting for Late Quaternary megafaunal research. Nonetheless, its paleobiogeography and paleoecology, and the causes for the recent extinction of megafauna in the Late Pleistocene/Early Holocene are not yet fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the potential geographical distribution and historically intertropical stable areas (HISAs) of South American megafauna. We generated maps using Paleo‐Species Distribution Models for 12 megafaunal taxa (11 herbivores and one carnivore) during interglacial and glacial periods in the Late Quaternary: 120 and 21 ka. Our models, together with isotopic data, show that the HSIAs occurred mainly in low‐altitude plains (<1000 m) and were superimposed on seasonal dry forest biomes. We propose the occurrence of two HSIAs: the West Intertropical Region and the Brazilian Intertropical Region, the latter being redefined. We suggest that the Brazilian Intertropical Region is much smaller than previously proposed, but was still a key zoogeographical region for megafauna in South America during the Late Pleistocene.
Injectable Photothermal PDA/Chitosan/β‐Glycerophosphate Thermosensitive Hydrogels for Antibacterial and Wound Healing Promotion
Authors: Liu Dingkun , Chen Jinbing , Gao Linjuan , Chen Xing , Lin Liujun , Wei Xia , Liu Yuan , Cheng Hui
Published: May 2024

Controlling infections while reducing the use of antibiotics is what doctors as well as researchers are looking for. As innovative smart materials, photothermal materials can achieve localized heating under light excitation for broad‐spectrum bacterial inhibition. A polydopamine/chitosan/β‐glycerophosphate temperature‐sensitive hydrogel with excellent antibacterial ability is synthesized here. Initially, the hydrogel has good biocompatibility. In vitro experiments reveal its noncytotoxic property when cocultured with gingival fibroblasts and nonhemolytic capability. Concurrently, the in vivo biocompatibility is confirmed through liver and kidney blood markers and staining of key organs. Crucially, the hydrogel has excellent photothermal conversion performance, which can realize the photothermal conversion of hydrogel up to 3 mm thickness. When excited by near‐infrared light, localized heating is attainable, resulting in clear inhibition impacts on both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, with the inhibition rates of 91.22% and 96.69%, respectively. During studies on mice's infected wounds, it is observed that the hydrogel can decrease S. aureus’ presence in the affected area when exposed to near‐infrared light, and also lessen initial inflammation and apoptosis, hastening tissue healing. These findings provide valuable insights into the design of antibiotic‐free novel biomaterials with good potential for clinical applications.
Development of potentiostatically deposited cerium conversion coating for Mg alloys
Authors: Jena Geetisubhra , Chellappandian Ramachandran , Neelakantan Lakshman , Adlakha Ilaksh
Published: May 2024

In this work, cerium conversion coating (CeCC) was deposited on AZ91D Mg alloy using potentiostatic polarization method combined with phosphate pore‐sealing treatment. Initially, the optimum deposition parameters to obtain a crack‐free surface were found. The characterization of coating revealed the presence of a nodular morphology of cerium oxide deposits. Next, the electrochemical behavior of the coated surface was assessed using potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. Based on electrochemical characterization, the coating exhibited a fivefold increase in the charge transfer resistance and a corresponding 76% reduction in corrosion rate, when compared to the bare surface. Furthermore, the conversion coating exhibited improved corrosion resistance when evaluated using the immersion test. Therefore, these findings demonstrate the feasibility of the potentiostatic method for creating nearly crack‐free CeCC on Mg alloys, unlike conventional conversion coatings. Moreover, this approach holds great potential for effectively mitigating the corrosion issues in Mg alloys.
Regularity results for Hölder minimizers to functionals with non‐standard growth
Authors: Grimaldi Antonio Giuseppe , Ipocoana Erica
Published: May 2024

We study the regularity properties of Hölder continuous minimizers to non‐autonomous functionals satisfying ‐growth conditions, under Besov assumptions on the coefficients. In particular, we are able to prove higher integrability and higher differentiability results for solutions to our minimum problem.
Alkaliptosis induction counteracts paclitaxel‐resistant ovarian cancer cells via ATP6V0D1‐mediated ABCB1 inhibition
Authors: Chen Fangquan , Lin Junhao , Kang Rui , Tang Daolin , Liu Jiao
Published: May 2024

Paclitaxel serves as the cornerstone chemotherapy for ovarian cancer, yet its prolonged administration frequently culminates in drug resistance, presenting a substantial challenge. Here we reported that inducing alkaliptosis, rather than apoptosis or ferroptosis, effectively overcomes paclitaxel resistance. Mechanistically, ATPase H+ transporting V0 subunit D1 (ATP6V0D1), a key regulator of alkaliptosis, plays a pivotal role by mediating the downregulation of ATP‐binding cassette subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1), a multidrug resistance protein. Both ATP6V0D1 overexpression through gene transfection and pharmacological enhancement of ATP6V0D1 protein stability using JTC801 effectively inhibit ABCB1 upregulation, resulting in growth inhibition in drug‐resistant cells. Additionally, increasing intracellular pH to alkaline (pH 8.5) via sodium hydroxide application suppresses ABCB1 expression, whereas reducing the pH to acidic conditions (pH 6.5) with hydrochloric acid amplifies ABCB1 expression in drug‐resistant cells. Collectively, these results indicate a potentially effective therapeutic strategy for targeting paclitaxel‐resistant ovarian cancer by inducing ATP6V0D1‐dependent alkaliptosis.
The role of information sources as a driver of innovation
Authors: Quiroz‐Rojas Paula , Teruel Mercedes
Published: May 2024

An extensive empirical literature shows the important role that information sources have on firm innovation. However, there is scarce evidence on the different typologies of between technological and non‐technological innovations and their expectations. We investigate how the wide number of information sources affect the propensity to innovate and its future expectations. At the methodological level, we apply a multivariate Probit to the Innovation Survey of Chilean companies (2013–2016). Our results show that internal information sources, suppliers, clients and the Internet are significantly associated with the development of technological and non‐technological innovations. Social innovations are affected only by internal and by market (primarily from consultancy firms) sources of information. Finally, internal information sources and the Internet affect firms' expectations to innovate. Our results indicate the importance of different information flows and how they may drive the generation of innovations.
Bivalent and bitopic ligands of the opioid receptors: The prospects of a dual approach
Authors: Hovah Marie Emilie , Holzgrabe Ulrike
Published: May 2024

Opioid receptors belonging to the class A G‐protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the targets of choice in the treatment of acute and chronic pain. However, their on‐target side effects such as respiratory depression, tolerance and addiction have led to the advent of the ‘opioid crisis’. In the search for safer analgesics, bivalent and more recently, bitopic ligands have emerged as valuable tool compounds to probe these receptors. The activity of bivalent and bitopic ligands rely greatly on the allosteric nature of the GPCRs. Bivalent ligands consist of two pharmacophores, each binding to the individual orthosteric binding site (OBS) of the monomers within a dimer. Bitopic or dualsteric ligands bridge the gap between the OBS and the spatially distinct, less conserved allosteric binding site (ABS) through the simultaneous occupation of these two sites. Bivalent and bitopic ligands stabilize distinct conformations of the receptors which ultimately translates into unique signalling and pharmacological profiles. Some of the interesting properties shown by these ligands include improved affinity and/or efficacy, subtype and/or functional selectivity and reduced side effects. This review aims at providing an overview of some of the bivalent and bitopic ligands of the opioid receptors and, their pharmacology in the hope of inspiring the design and discovery of the next generation of opioid analgesics.
Protocol optimization for functional cardiac CT imaging using noise emulation in the raw data domain
Authors: Yin Zhye , Wu Pengwei , Manohar Ashish , McVeigh Elliot R. , Pack Jed D.
Published: May 2024

Background

Four‐dimensional (4D) wide coverage computed tomography (CT) is an effective imaging modality for measuring the mechanical function of the myocardium. However, repeated CT measurement across a number of heartbeats is still a concern.

Purpose

A projection‐domain noise emulation method is presented to generate accurate low‐dose (mA modulated) 4D cardiac CT scans from high‐dose scans, enabling protocol optimization to deliver sufficient image quality for functional cardiac analysis while using a dose level that is as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA).

Methods

Given a targeted low‐dose mA modulation curve, the proposed noise emulation method injects both quantum and electronic noise of proper magnitude and correlation to the high‐dose data in projection domain. A spatially varying (i.e., channel‐dependent) detector gain term as well as its calibration method were proposed to further improve the noise emulation accuracy. To determine the ALARA dose threshold, a straightforward projection domain image quality (IQ) metric was proposed that is based on the number of projection rays that do not fall under the non‐linear region of the detector response. Experiments were performed to validate the noise emulation method with both phantom and clinical data in terms of visual similarity, contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR), and noise‐power spectrum (NPS).

Results

For both phantom and clinical data, the low‐dose emulated images exhibited similar noise magnitude (CNR difference within 2%), artifacts, and texture to that of the real low‐dose images. The proposed channel‐dependent detector gain term resulted in additional increase in emulation accuracy. Using the proposed IQ metric, recommended kVp and mA settings were calculated for low dose 4D Cardiac CT acquisitions for patients of different sizes.

Conclusions

A detailed method to estimate system‐dependent parameters for a raw‐data based low dose emulation framework was described. The method produced realistic noise levels, artifacts, and texture with phantom and clinical studies. The proposed low‐dose emulation method can be used to prospectively select patient‐specific minimal‐dose protocols for functional cardiac CT.
Low back pain patients' experience and expectations: A qualitative study focusing on physiotherapist and physician care
Authors: Cormier Audrey‐Anne , Lowry Véronique , Lavigne Patrick , Roy Jean‐Sébastien , Tousignant‐Laflamme Yannick , Perreault Kadija , Martel Marylie , Décary Simon , Desmeules François
Published: May 2024

Background

Low back pain (LBP) is a common and disabling musculoskeletal disorder. LBP experiences and expectations can vary from one person to another and influence their clinical outcomes. Despite the existence of numerous evidence‐based treatment recommendations, LBP management in primary care remains challenging. This study aims to investigate the experiences and expectations of patients with LPB in primary care settings.

Methods

A qualitative study with an inductive thematic analysis was conducted. Semi‐structured interviews were performed using individuals who had experienced LBP in the past year and had consulted a family physician (FP) or a physiotherapist (PT).

Results

Ten participants with LBP were interviewed (5 women, 5 men, mean age 49 ± 17). Five themes were identified: (1) I am always upset because I can't do anything; (2) I waited to consult; I thought it would go away; (3) I want to see what is going on with my LBP; (4) I want to see the person that will provide the right treatment; (5) I need support to get over it. Participants consulted when their pain was severe and disabling. They expected an imaging test to explain the cause of their LBP and placed more importance on the imaging test results than the FP's or PT's evaluation. Their opinions on care selection and being listened to were important for the participants.

Conclusion

This study has highlighted the importance of the patient's point of view in their care. This consideration is important to ensure a comprehensive and collaborative approach with evidence‐based practice care.
Role of gut microbiota in ischemic stroke: A narrative review of human and animal studies
Authors: Chen Guangtang , Du Xiaolin , Cui Junshuan , Song Jiaquan , Xiong Mingsong , Zeng Xi , Yang Hua , Xu Kaya
Published: May 2024

The high incidence, mortality, and disability associated with ischemic stroke pose a significant threat to human health. The intestinal microbiota significantly influences the onset, progression, and prognosis of ischemic stroke. Gut flora plays a pivotal role in brain–gut interactions. The reflection of changes in the gut and brain caused by gut microbes facilitates the investigation of early warning biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for ischemic stroke. In this narrative review of the relationship between gut microbiota and ischemic stroke, we primarily discuss three topics, grounded in real‐world human and animal studies. First, we examined the relationship between ischemic stroke and intestinal microbiota and its metabolites, delineate the overall characteristics of intestinal microbiota dysregulation in ischemic stroke, and assess the potential clinical value, prevailing research controversies, and unique phenomena of intestinal microbiota metabolites such as trimethylamine N‐oxide and short‐chain fatty acids in ischemic stroke. Second, we explored the potential communication pathways between intestinal flora and ischemic stroke based on the brain–gut axis, encompassing metabolic pathways, immune pathways, and neural pathways. Finally, we encapsulated the factors influencing the severity of ischemic stroke via intestinal flora, the pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions that modulate intestinal flora in treating ischemic stroke, and the current research landscape of intestinal flora in the context of ischemic stroke sequelae.
Iron chelation therapy for children with transfusion‐dependent β‐thalassemia: How young is too young?
Authors: Forni Gian Luca , Kattamis Antonis , Kuo Kevin H. M. , Maggio Aurelio , Sheth Sujit , Taher Ali T. , Viprakasit Vip
Published: May 2024

In this review, we provide a summary of evidence on iron overload in young children with transfusion‐dependent β‐thalassemia (TDT) and explore the ideal timing for intervention. Key data from clinical trials and observational studies of the three available iron chelators deferoxamine, deferiprone, and deferasirox are also evaluated for inclusion of subsets of young children, especially those less than 6 years of age. Evidence on the efficacy and safety of iron chelation therapy for children ≥2 years of age with transfusional iron overload is widely available. New data exploring the risks and benefits of early‐start iron chelation in younger patients with minimal iron overload are also emerging.
A pilot randomised controlled trial of acceptance and commitment therapy for medication decision‐making and quality of life in women with breast cancer: The ACTION trial
Authors: Graham Christopher D. , Ellison Rachel , Hall Louise H. , Clark Jane , McNaught Emma , Green Sophie M. C. , Wilkes Hollie , Robson Gita , Lorentz Ian , Holmes Lucy , Bould Nicky , Hartley Suzanne , Naik Jay , Buckley Sarah , Hirst Charlotte , Hartup Sue , Foy Robbie , Neal Richard D. , Velikova Galina , Farrin Amanda , Collinson Michelle , Smith Samuel G.
Published: May 2024

Objective

Non‐adherence to adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) in women with breast cancer is common and associated with medication side‐effects and distress. We co‐designed an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy intervention (ACTION) to enhance medication decision‐making and quality of life (QoL). We undertook a pilot trial of ACTION to inform the feasibility of a phase III trial, and to examine intervention acceptability.

Methods

This was a multi‐site, exploratory, two‐arm, individually randomised external pilot trial. Women with early breast cancer prescribed AET were randomised (1:1) to receive usual care (UC) or UC + ACTION. The ACTION intervention comprised a remotely delivered one‐to‐one ACT session followed by three group sessions delivered by clinical psychologists, alongside a website containing ideas for the self‐management of side effects.

Results

Of the 480 women screened for eligibility, 260 (54.2%) were approached and 79 (30.4%) randomised. 71 (89.9%) women provided data at 3‐month and 70 (88.6%) at 6‐month 40 women were randomised to receive UC + ACTION and 32 (80.0%) completed the intervention. Most (75.0%) accessed the website at least once. ACTION was acceptable to participants (Borkovec & Nau Scale: mean = 7.8 [SD = 2.7] out of 10). Signals of effectiveness in favour of the UC + ACTION arm were observed for medication adherence (Adherence Starts with Knowledge questionnaire‐12), QoL (work and social adjustment scale), health‐related QoL (functional assessment of cancer therapy[FACT] general and FACT‐ES‐19/23), distress (generalised anxiety disorder ‐7, patient health questionnaire‐9) and psychological flexibility (valuing questionnaire).

Conclusions

The ACTION intervention was acceptable to patients. There were promising signals for effectiveness on primary and secondary outcomes. A phase III randomised controlled trial is feasible.

Trial Registration

ISRCTN12027752.
Monoclonal antibody therapies in respiratory syncytial virus prophylaxis—An umbrella review
Authors: Kuitunen Ilari , Backman Katri , Gärdström Eveliina , Renko Marjo
Published: May 2024

The aim was to gather an overview of the evidence of monoclonal antibody therapies in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) prophylaxis in children. For this umbrella review of previous meta‐analyses, we searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases in August 2023. We included systematic reviews with meta‐analyses of randomized controlled trials. One author extracted the data, and another author validated the data. We extracted all analyses focusing on clinical outcomes and comparing prophylaxis to placebo. Risk of bias in systematic reviews (ROBIS) tool was used to analyze the risk of bias in the included reviews. AMSTAR‐2 was used to evaluate the quality of the included reviews. After screening of 323 abstracts and 22 full reports, a total of seven systematic reviews with meta‐analyses were included. The risk of bias was rated to be low in four and high in three of these. Three reviews were of moderate quality, one low, and three very low quality according to AMSTAR‐2 classification. Six of the meta‐analyses were direct comparisons, and one was a network meta‐analysis. Five of the reviews focused on palivizumab, one in nirsevimab, and one included all monoclonal antibodies. Six reviews focused on preterm neonates and consisted of 42 comparisons to placebo of which 21 showed efficacy, and 21 had no evidence of a difference. The positive effect was seen in all reviews against RSV infection and RSV hospitalization in palivizumab and nirsevimab groups compared to placebo. None of the mortality comparisons showed efficacy. One meta‐analysis focused on cystic fibrosis patients and had eight comparisons, but it was underpowered to detect any results. The overall evidence from previous meta‐analyses shows that monoclonal antibodies are effective in preventing RSV infections and RSV hospitalizations in preterm infants. However, no effect on mortality was seen in these studies. Evidence certainty has been ranked mainly from low to moderate.
ROF‐2 as an Aggregation‐Induced Emission (AIE) Probe for Multi‐Target Amyloid Detection and Screening of Amyloid Inhibitors
Authors: Tang Yijing , Zhang Dong , Zheng Jie
Published: May 2024

Misfolding and aggregation of amyloid peptides into β‐structure‐rich fibrils represent pivotal pathological features in various neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), type II diabetes (T2D), and medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). The development of effective amyloid detectors and inhibitors for probing and preventing amyloid aggregation is crucial for diagnosing and treating debilitating diseases, yet it poses significant challenges. Here, an aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) molecule of ROF2 with multifaceted functionalities as an amyloid probe and a screening tool for amyloid inhibitors using different biophysical, cellular, and worm assays, are reported. As an amyloid probe, ROF2 outperformed ThT, demonstrating its superior sensing capability in monitoring, detecting, and distinguishing amyloid aggregates of different sequences (Amyloid‐β, human islet amyloid polypeptide, or human calcitonin) and sizes (monomers, oligomers, or fibrils). More importantly, the utilization of ROF2 as a screening molecule to identify and repurpose cardiovascular drugs as amyloid inhibitors is introduced. These drugs exhibit potent amyloid inhibition properties, effectively preventing amyloid aggregation and reducing amyloid‐induced cytotoxicity both in cells and nematode. The findings present a novel strategy to discovery AIE‐based amyloid probes and to be used to repurpose amyloid inhibitors, expanding diagnostic and therapeutic options for neurodegenerative diseases while addressing vascular congestion and amyloid aggregation risks.
Improving Buried Interface Contact by Bidentate Anchoring for Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Chen Xian‐Min , Ye Yong‐Chun , Feng Shi‐Chi , Lv Bing‐Hao , Wang Jiang‐Ying , Tang Jian‐Xin , Dou Wei‐Dong
Published: May 2024

Nickel oxide (NiOx) is a promising hole transport layer (HTL) to fabricate efficient and large‐scale inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs) due to its low cost and superior chemical stability. However, inverted PSCs based on NiOx are still lagging behind that of other HTL because of the poor quality of buried interface contact. Herein, a bidentate ligand, 4,6‐bis (diphenylphosphino) phenoxazine (2DPP), is used to regulate the NiOx surface and perovskite buried interface. The diphosphine Lewis base in the 2DPP molecule can coordinate both with NiOx and lead ions at NiOx/perovskite interface, leading to high‐quality perovskite films with minimized defects. It is found that the inverted PSCs with 2DPP‐modified buried interface exhibit double advantages of being both fast charge extraction and reduced nonradiative recombination, which is a combination of multiple factors including favorable energetic alignment, improved interface contact and strong binding between NiOx/2DPP and perovskite. The optimal PSC based on 2DPP modification yields a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 21.9%. The unencapsulated PSC maintains above 75% of its initial PCE in the air with a relative humidity (RH) of 30–40% for 1000 h.
Abundant Edge Active Sites‐Modified High‐Crystalline g‐C3N5 for Hydrogen Peroxide Production from Pure‐Water via a Quasi‐Homogeneous Photocatalytic Process
Authors: Shen Yu , Xu Rui , Shan Pengnian , Zhang Shunhong , Sun Lei , Xie Haijiao , Guo Feng , Li Chunsheng , Shi Weilong
Published: May 2024

Ultrathin carbon nitride pioneered a paradigm that facilitates effective charge separation and acceleration of rapid charge migration. Nevertheless, the dissociation process confronts a disruption owing to the proclivity of carbon nitride to reaggregate, thereby impeding the optimal utilization of active sites. In response to this exigency, the adoption of a synthesis methodology featuring alkaline potassium salt‐assisted molten salt synthesis is advocated in this work, aiming to craft a nitrogenated graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N5) photocatalyst characterized by thin layer and hydrophilicity, which not only amplifies the degree of crystallization of g‐C3N5 but also introduces a plethora of abundant edge active sites, engendering a quasi‐homogeneous photocatalytic system. Under visible light irradiation, the ultra‐high H2O2 production rate of this modified high‐crystalline g‐C3N5 in pure water attains 151.14 µm h−1. This groundbreaking study offers a novel perspective for the innovative design of highly efficient photocatalysts with a quasi‐homogeneous photocatalytic system.
A New Method to Measure Oxygen Surface Exchange Kinetics On Porous Mixed Conducting Oxides With Simple Determination of Microstructure Parameters
Authors: Nicollet Clement , Meyssonnier Clement , Guillonneau Simon , Merieau Alexandre , Abdouli Insaf
Published: May 2024

Oxygen exchange reaction on mixed conducting oxide is a critical reaction for many applications, yet measuring its rate constant remains poorly reliable by standard techniques. Here, a new technique that adapts the conductivity relaxation measurements on porous ceramics is proposed. Using a simple image analysis tool, it is possible to accurately determine the grain size distribution of the porous oxide, which is used in a new relaxation model that integrates relaxation times over that distribution. With such a model, it is possible to fit relaxation transients with the oxygen exchange reaction rate constant kchem as the only fitting parameter. With such rigidity, the output values of kchem are not sensitive to the fitting procedure, which does not require optimization. The model is proven to be applicable to various mixed conducting oxides and to a wide range of microstructures, yielding a remarkably low residual for all the porous ceramics considered. The procedure uses porous ceramics, therefore the derived kinetics are representative of ceramics used in real applications such as fuel cells, sensors, or catalysis.
Effect of Uniaxial Stack Pressure on the Performance of Nanocrystalline Electrolytes and Electrode Composites for All‐Solid‐State Fluoride‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Chen Hong , Aalto Tommi , Vanita Vanita , Clemens Oliver
Published: May 2024

If all‐solid‐state fluoride‐ion batteries want to compete with existing battery technologies, significant improvements in terms of cyclic stability are necessary to fully access the high specific capacities, which this battery concept can provide in theory. Herein, the development of a high‐pressure, high‐temperature battery operation stand for battery cycling under inert conditions inside a glovebox is reported. This stand is then used to investigate the effect of stack pressure on the cell performance of conversion‐based as well as intercalation‐based electrode materials for fluoride‐ion batteries. It is found that cyclic stability as well as energy efficiency is strongly increased compared to nonpressure conditions, which is assigned to sustained interparticle contact. Thus, the cell design must be considered carefully to be able to distinguish intrinsic material properties from percolation‐ and interphase‐related impacts on the cell behavior. Further, the effect of pressure on the ionic conductivity of common solid fluoride‐ion conductors is investigated.
Rapid and sensitive diagnosis of live Mycobacterium tuberculosis using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat‐Cas13a point‐of‐care RNA testing
Authors: Wang Yu , Lin Huihuang , Yang Anqi , Huang Jiaming , Ren Weicong , Dong Jiajun , Wang Shaojie , Xu Wenxue , Pang Yu , Qu Jieming , Liu Jia
Published: May 2024

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is the causal pathogen of tuberculosis (TB). Rapid and accurate detection of live MTB is important for transmission control and patient treatment. Here, we described a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)‐Cas13a‐based molecular diagnosis approach for rapid and specific detection of live MTB. This detection method, which we termed CRISPR‐Live‐MTB, contained two consecutive reactions including nuclear acid sequence‐based amplification (NASBA) and CRISPR‐Cas13a collateral cleavage reaction. CRISPR‐Live‐MTB could efficiently detect MTB single‐stranded RNA (ssRNA) in 2 hours with high specificity over double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA). Importantly, CRISPR‐Live‐MTB exhibited a limit of detection of 2.4 copies for MTB ssRNA, which was 1000 times lower than that of the clinically used NASBA method. Moreover, lateral flow was integrated into the CRISPR‐Live‐MTB method to enable point‐of‐care testing application with a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 100%. Overall, our study demonstrated the feasibility of CRISPR‐Live‐MTB as a rapid, sensitive, and specific approach for live MTB detection.
Spread complexity in saddle-dominated scrambling
Authors: Huh Kyoung-Bum , Jeong Hyun-Sik , Pedraza Juan F.
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Recently, the concept of spread complexity, Krylov complexity for states, has been introduced as a measure of the complexity and chaoticity of quantum systems. In this paper, we study the spread complexity of the thermofield double state within integrable systems that exhibit saddle-dominated scrambling. Specifically, we focus on the Lipkin-Meshkov-Glick model and the inverted harmonic oscillator as representative examples of quantum mechanical systems featuring saddle-dominated scrambling. Applying the Lanczos algorithm, our numerical investigation reveals that the spread complexity in these systems exhibits features reminiscent of chaotic systems, displaying a distinctive ramp-peak-slope-plateau pattern. Our results indicate that, although spread complexity serves as a valuable probe, accurately diagnosing true quantum chaos generally necessitates additional physical input. We also explore the relationship between spread complexity, the spectral form factor, and the transition probability within the Krylov space. We provide analytical confirmation of our numerical results, validating the Ehrenfest theorem of complexity and identifying a distinct quadratic behavior in the early-time regime of spread complexity.
Primordial black hole superradiance and evaporation in the string axiverse
Authors: Calzà Marco , Rosa João G. , Serrano Filipe
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In the string axiverse scenario, light primordial black holes may spin up due to the Hawking emission of a large number of light (sub-MeV) axions. We show that this may trigger superradiant instabilities associated with a heavier axion during the black holes’ evolution, and study the coupled dynamics of superradiance and evaporation. We find, in particular, that the present black hole mass-spin distribution should follow the superradiance threshold condition for black hole masses below the value at which the superradiant cloud forms, for a given heavy axion mass. Furthermore, we show that the decay of the heavy axions within the superradiant cloud into photon pairs may lead to a distinctive line in the black hole’s emission spectrum, superimposed on its electromagnetic Hawking emission.
Black holes, white holes, and near-horizon physics
Authors: Gaur Rudeep , Visser Matt
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Black and white holes play remarkably contrasting roles in general relativity versus observational astrophysics. While there is observational evidence for the existence of compact objects that are “cold, dark, and heavy”, which thereby are natural candidates for black holes, the theoretically viable time-reversed variants — the “white holes” — have nowhere near the same level of observational support. Herein we shall explore the theoretical possibility that the connection between black and white holes is much more intimate than commonly appreciated. We shall first construct “horizon penetrating” coordinate systems that differ from the standard curvature coordinates only in a small near-horizon region, thereby emphasizing that ultimately the distinction between black and white horizons depends only on near-horizon physics. We shall then construct an explicit model for a “black-to-white transition” where all of the nontrivial physics is confined to a compact region of spacetime — a finite-duration finite-thickness, (in principle arbitrarily small), region straddling the naïve horizon. Moreover we shall show that it is possible to arrange the “black-to-white transition” to have zero action — so that it will not be subject to destructive interference in the Feynman path integral. This then raises the very intriguing possibility that astrophysical black holes might be interpretable in terms of a quantum superposition of black and white horizons — a “gray” horizon.
D6 branes wrapped on a spindle and Yp,q manifolds
Authors: Ferrero Pietro
Published: May 2024

Abstract

We present new solutions of 8d gauged supergravity which, upon uplift to type IIA, represent D6 branes wrapped on spindles. A further circle uplift gives 11d supergravity on a Calabi-Yau three-fold which is the cone over five-dimensional Yp,q manifolds. This highlights a connection between co-homogeneity one Sasaki-Einstein metrics in general dimension and the recently introduced spindle solutions in gauged supergravity. We find that a similar connection also exists for the small resolution of the Calabi-Yau cone over such manifolds.
Magnetic resonance imaging for acute appendicitis in pregnancy: can clinical scores predict when imaging is needed?
Authors: Kahana Noam , Boaz Elad , Neymark Mariya , Gilshtein Hayim , Dror Yossi Freier , Benjaminov Ofer , Reissman Petachia , Tankel James
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Advanced imaging may augment the diagnostic milieux for presumed acute appendicitis (AA) during pregnancy, however it is not clear when such imaging modalities are indicated. The aim of this study was to assess the sensitivity and specificity of clinical scoring systems with the findings on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of AA in pregnant patients.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study between 2019 and 2021 was performed in two tertiary level centers. Pregnant patients presenting with suspected AA and non-diagnostic trans-abdominal ultrasound who underwent MRI as part of their evaluation were identified. Patient demographics, parity, gestation, presenting signs, and symptoms were documented. The Alvarado and Appendicitis Inflammatory Response (AIR) score for each patient were calculated and correlated with clinical and MRI findings. Univariate analysis was used to identify factors associated with AA on MRI.

Results

Of the 255 pregnant patients who underwent MRI, 33 (13%) had findings of AA. On univariate analysis, presentation during the second/third trimester, migration of pain, vomiting and RLQ tenderness correlated with MRI findings of AA. Whilst 5/77 (6.5%) of patients with an Alvarado score ≤4 had signs of AA on MRI, a score of ≥5 had a sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive value of 84.8%, 36.6%, 94.0% and 17.2%. For an AIR score ≥ 5, this was 78.8%, 41.5%, 93.0%, and 16.7%, respectively.

Conclusions

Whilst clinical scoring systems may be useful in identifying which pregnant patients require MRI to be performed when AA is suspected, the low sensitivity implies further research is needed to refine the use of this valuable resource.