bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Fabrication of Fluorine‐Free Stretchable Superhydrophobic Films Using Inverse Vulcanization Sulfur Polymer
Authors: Diniz Vinicius , Pugno Nicola M. , Rath Susanne , Crick Colin R.
Published: January 2025

Stretchable superhydrophobic materials have gained attention in recent years though challenges remain for widespread use, including the need for rapid, energy‐efficient, high‐throughput, and fluorine‐free fabrication methods. In this study, a stretchable superhydrophobic material is developed by coating parafilm with inverse vulcanization sulfur polymers. Silica (SiO2) nanoparticles are incorporated to create a Cassie–Baxter wetting state, achieving superhydrophobicity. The sulfur polymers are synthesized using perillyl alcohol (PER) at varying sulfur‐to‐PER ratios. The optimal coating formulation is determined to be 70 mg mL−1 of polymer, 50 mg mL−1 of SiO2 nanoparticles, and a sulfur‐to‐PER ratio of 1:1 (50% sulfur and 50% PER). The films maintained functionality when stretched due to controlled fragmentation that preserved the Cassie–Baxter wetting state. Mathematical modeling revealed a scaling relation between fragment area and thickness, showing that thicker layers produced larger fragments, impairing superhydrophobicity. This study also showcase the successful use of more sustainable bio‐based solvents (2‐methyltetrahydrofuran), where previous reports of similar processes have used chloroform. The fabricated films also demonstrated improved ultraviolet (UV‐C) stability (150 min) compared to other sulfur polymer coatings reported in the literature. This coating of flexible substrates presents a simple and environmentally friendly method for producing stretchable superhydrophobic films.
Periodic Light Modulations for Low‐Cost Wide‐Field Imaging of Luminescence Kinetics Under Ambient Light
Authors: Merceron Hélène , Coghill Ian , Lahlou Aliénor , Plamont Marie‐Aude , Jullien Ludovic , Saux Thomas Le
Published: January 2025

Imaging luminescence kinetics is invaluable in many fields, including biology and chemistry. However, the luminescence lifetime of most photo‐activated states is in the low ns‐µs range and its measurement requires adding costly image intensifiers to cameras to access the fast phenomena present. Here, the Rectified Imaging under Optical Modulation (RIOM) and Heterodyne Imaging under Optical Modulation (HIOM) protocols make this possible with standard low‐cost cameras only, even under ambient light. RIOM and HIOM originate from a thorough theoretical analysis, which showed that modulated illumination of any reversibly photoactivable luminophore probed at high frequency generates components of the luminescence response that are detectable at low frequency: RIOM harnesses the mean luminescence response to modulated light at a single frequency, whereas HIOM exploits the luminescence response to modulated light at two close frequencies. When the luminophore behavior obeys a two‐state model, the frequency dependence of the RIOM and HIOM observables can be used to extract a photoactivation time. In this work, their ability to retrieve maps of the luminescence lifetime of a reversibly photoswitchable protein, and phosphorescent microsensors are demonstrated. Where the luminophore does not obey a two‐state model, RIOM and HIOM can still retrieve rich information, as here exemplified by the recovery of kinetic fingerprints of the physiological state of a plant.
An experimental flow regime map to dynamically structure gas–solid bubbling fluidized beds
Authors: Wu Kaiqiao , Francia Victor , Jiang Shuxian , Coppens Marc‐Olivier
Published: January 2025

Employing oscillatory gas flows to create ordered bubble dynamics in fluidized beds represents a promising approach in reactor design, enhancing efficiency, scalability, and control. This study reports an extensive experimental campaign that identifies the operational regime for structuring Geldart B fluidized beds, introducing a novel pattern recognition algorithm to quantify flow stability and distinguish between “structured” and “unstructured” oscillating beds. The analysis reveals the characteristic features of structured units, including enhanced scalability, homogeneity with narrower bubble size and separation distributions, controlled bubble dynamics, and compartmentalized solid mixing. A nondimensional bubble size, derived from natural frequency and two‐phase theory, is proposed to describe the relationship between oscillation characteristics and bubble nucleation. This allows the formulation of a general map to fine‐tune oscillating bed operations. The study provides the first comprehensive framework for real‐time control of structured beds and sets the stage for further exploration in process intensification and scaling.
Optimized Directed Evolution of E. coli leucyl‐tRNA Synthetase adds many Noncanonical Amino Acids into the Eukaryotic Genetic Code Including Ornithine and Nϵ‐Acetyl‐Methyllysine
Authors: Ficaretta Elise D. , Yared Tarah J. , Bhattacharjee Subrata , Voss Lena A. , Huang Rachel L. , Chatterjee Abhishek
Published: January 2025

Site‐specific incorporation of noncanonical amino acids (ncAAs) into proteins in eukaryotes has predominantly relied on the pyrrolysyl‐tRNA synthetase/tRNA pair. However, access to additional easily engineered pairs is crucial for expanding the structural diversity of the ncAA toolbox in eukaryotes. The Escherichia coli‐derived leucyl‐tRNA synthetase (EcLeuRS)/tRNA pair presents a particularly promising alternative. This pair has been engineered to charge a small yet structurally diverse group of ncAAs in eukaryotic cells. However, expanding the substrate scope of EcLeuRS has been difficult due to the suboptimal yeast‐based directed evolution platform used for its engineering. In this study, we address this limitation by optimizing the yeast‐based directed evolution platform for efficient selection of ncAA‐selective EcLeuRS mutants. Using the optimized selection system, we demonstrate rapid isolation of many novel EcLeuRS mutants capable of incorporating various ncAAs in mammalian cells, including ornithine and Nϵ‐acetyl‐methyllysine, a recently discovered post‐translational modification in mammalian cells.
Strategic Nitrogen Site Alignment in Covalent Organic Frameworks for Enhanced Performance in Aqueous Zinc‐Iodide Batteries
Authors: Yin Liying , Guo Xiaoyu , Hu Junfang , Yan Kaimeng , Liu Lin , Shi Xiaoyuan , Cui Fengchao , Zhu Guangshan , Zhang Ning
Published: January 2025

Aqueous zinc‐iodine batteries (AZIBs) are gaining attention as next‐generation energy storage systems due to their high theoretical capacity, enhanced safety, and cost‐effectiveness. However, their practical application is hindered by challenges such as slow reaction kinetics and the persistent polyiodide shuttle effect. To address these limitations, we developed a novel class of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) featuring electron‐rich nitrogen sites with varied density and distribution (N1‐N4) along the pore walls. These nitrogen sites enhance iodine species confinement and mass transport. Our experimental and theoretical studies reveal that the continuous and optimized distribution of nitrogen sites within the COF structure significantly reduces internal resistance and boosts redox activity. Moreover, the N4‐COF demonstrates superior performance compared to other porous materials, due to its high density and strategic alignment of active sites. The I2@N4‐COF cathode achieves a remarkable specific capacity of 348 mAh g−1 at 1 C, almost 1.8 times greater than that of the I2@N1‐COF, while also maintaining excellent cycling stability. This integration of a porous framework with aligned nitrogen sites in the N4‐COF structure not only enhances iodine redox behavior but also offers a promising design strategy for developing high‐performance AZIB electrodes.
Synergistic Electrode and Electrolyte Polarities Lead to Outstanding Organic Potassium‐based Batteries
Authors: Gui Binyu , Yang Xiaoteng , Fu Hongwei , Peng Peng , Lyu Wang , Rao Apparao M. , Zhou Jiang , Fan Ling , Lu Bingan
Published: January 2025

Organic materials are promising as battery electrodes due to their flexible design, low cost, and sustainability. Although high electrolyte concentrations are known to suppress organic cathode dissolution, the organic cathode solubility depends on the interplay between the electrode and electrolyte polarities, which remains unexplored. Here, we elucidate the delicate interplay of electrode and electrolyte polarities to achieve stable cycling of organic cathode. Notably, we demonstrate that the solubility of low‐polar organic cathodes initially increases and subsequently decreases in electrolytes with increasing polarity. In contrast, high‐polar organic cathodes display increasing solubility in electrolytes with increasing polarity. When the polarities of the organic cathodes and the electrolyte are tuned, the batteries show high‐capacity retention and Coulombic efficiency. For example, polyaniline||potassiated graphite (KC8) pouch cells deliver 2500 cycles with an average Coulombic efficiency of 99.85 %. These new insights into low‐ and high‐polar organic cathode behavior in electrolytes lay a theoretical foundation for designing new organic battery electrodes and optimizing their electrolyte formulation.
Breaking Anionic Solvation Barrier for Safe and Durable Potassium‐ion Batteries Under Ultrahigh‐Voltage Operation
Authors: Heng Yong‐Li , Gu Zhen‐Yi , Liu Han‐Hao , Liang Hao‐Jie , Deng Yating , Zhao Jian , Wang Xiao‐Tong , Xue Zi‐Hang , Lü Hong‐Yan , Wu Xing‐Long
Published: January 2025

Ultrahigh‐voltage potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) with cost competitiveness represent a viable route towards high energy battery systems. Nevertheless, rapid capacity decay with poor Coulombic efficiencies remains intractable, mainly attributed to interfacial instability from aggressive potassium metal anodes and cathodes. Additionally, high reactivity of K metal and flammable electrolytes pose severe safety hazards. Herein, a weakly solvating fluorinated electrolyte with intrinsically nonflammable feature is successfully developed to enable an ultrahigh‐voltage (up to 5.5 V) operation. Through breaking the anionic solvation barrier, synergistic interfacial modulation can be achieved by the formation of robust anion‐derived inorganic‐rich electrode‐electrolyte interfaces on both the cathode and anode. As proof of concept, a representative KVPO4F cathode can sustain 1600 cycles with 84.4 % of capacity retention at a high cutoff voltage of 4.95 V. Meanwhile, K plating/stripping process in our designed electrolyte also demonstrates optimized electrochemical reversibility and stability with effectively inhibited potassium dendrites. These findings underscore the critical impact of anion‐dominated solvation configuration on synergistic interfacial modulation and electrochemical properties. This work provides new insights into rational design of ultrahigh‐voltage and safe electrolyte for advanced PIBs.
Screening and Verification of Blood‐Activating Effective Component Group of Panax notoginseng Based on Spectrum–Effect Relationships
Authors: Wang Yuqing , Liu Mengmeng , Cao Yuxin , Hao Zhuangzhuang , Liu Jinfeng , Lyu Yan , Li Jiayuan , Wang Yu , Jiang Tingyve , Fan Wenxin , Lu Yifan , Zhang Ge , Wang Chunguo , Shi Jinli
Published: January 2025

Panax notoginseng (P. notoginseng) is one of the most famous natural medicines and widely used to promote blood circulation in health care. However, the active component group of P. notoginseng for activating blood is not clear. We aim to screen and validate the pharmacodynamic component group (PCG), which could exert the same blood‐activating effect as P. notoginseng. To clarify the active components, the chemical components were determined by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry, and the fingerprint of P. notoginseng was established. Twenty candidate active monomers were selected through the spectrum–effect relationship analysis. Eleven active monomers, including Ginsenoside Rg1, Rb1, Rd, F1, Rh1, Rg2, Rb2, Rg3, and Rk1 and Notoginsenoside R1 and R2, were screened out as the PCG through validation by platelet aggregation test. Among them, the antiplatelet aggregation activity of Ginsenoside Rh1 was directly confirmed for the first time. The active component group could exert similar efficacy to the P. notoginseng extract in vitro and in vivo through the validation of in vitro platelet aggregation test and the rats with cerebral ischemia. This study laid the foundation for the quality evaluation of P. notoginseng and provided a reference for the research on the material basis of the pharmacodynamics of other Chinese herbs.
Preparation of a Multifunctional Polymer‐Stabilized Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Broadband Reflective Film Doped With ZIF‐8
Authors: Zhao Yuzhen , Yang Dongliang , Lu Yinfu , Li Kexuan , Guo Zhun , Gao Jianjing , Yao Ruijuan , Wang Dong , Luan Yi , Gao Hong
Published: January 2025

Cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) materials with broadband reflective properties have garnered much attention because of their light‐selective reflective properties. In this study, broadband reflective films were prepared by doping a novel UV absorber, ZIF‐8, into a CLC system to take advantage of the formation of a UV intensity gradient. The effects of ZIF‐8 content, C6M content, UV intensity, UV irradiation time, and diffusion temperature on the reflection bandwidth of the samples were systematically investigated. The reflection bandwidth was expanded from 277 to 429 nm under optimum conditions. In addition, the ZIF‐8‐doped broadband reflective films not only have IR thermal control and UV shielding capabilities but also have the optical property of third‐order nonlinear saturable absorption, which makes the preparation of multifunctional broadband reflective films possible. The above results show that the developed thin films have a broad application prospect in building energy saving, UV protection, and laser protection.
Antiparasitic Activities of Plants From the Traditional Senegalese Pharmacopoeia: Isolation of Antitrypanosomal and Antileishmanial Ellagic Acid Derivatives From Terminalia Avicennioides
Authors: Ba Abda , Roumy Vincent , Hughes Kristelle , Samaillie Jennifer , Bourlet Maude , Hennebelle Thierry , Ndoye Samba Fama , Herent Marie‐France , Quetin‐Leclercq Joëlle , Seck Matar , Rivière Céline
Published: January 2025

Parasitic diseases such as trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis pose significant health challenges in Africa. The Senegalese Pharmacopoeia, known for its many medicinal plants with anti‐infectious properties, can be a source of antiparasitic natural products. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antiparasitic activities of 33 methanolic extracts from 24 ethnopharmacologically selected plants against Trypanosoma brucei brucei (Tbb) and Leishmania mexicana mexicana (Lmm), as well as their cytotoxic activities on WI‐38 cells. The most promising plant species were Balanites aegyptiaca, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Vachellia nilotica and four Combretaceae species. In a second step, antitrypanosomal and antileishmanial compounds were isolated by preparative high‐performance liquid chromatography from one of the most active plant extracts, Terminalia avicennioides leaves. Four ellagic acid derivatives were identified by nuclear magnetic resonance (1D & 2D) and high‐resolution electrospray ionization‐tandem mass spectrometry (HR‐ESI‐MS/MS) as 3,4,3‐tri‐O‐methylellagic acid (2), 3,4,5‐O‐trimethyl‐3',4'‐O,O‐methylideneflavellagic acid (3), hexamethylcoruleoellagic acid (4) and pentamethylflavellagic acid (5). In addition, HR‐ESI‐MS/MS‐based dereplication analysis was performed to putatively identify compounds in active cyclohexane and dichloromethane sub‐extracts. Pentamethylflavellagic acid (5) showed the most promising activity against Tbb (half‐maximal inhibitory concentration = 6.20 µM). This is the first time that these compounds have been isolated from T. avicennioides and evaluated for their antitrypanosomal and antileishmanial activities.
Development of Inductive Energy Storage Pulsed Power Generator Using GaN Power Semiconductor Switches
Authors: Oneda Yuki , Fujimi Momo , Nagao Kazuki , Sugai Taichi , Tokuchi Akira , Jiang Weihua
Published: January 2025

Characterizations of pulsed power output for pulsed power generator using GaN FET have been evaluated and compared with using SiC‐MOS FET. The fast rise/fall time of output voltage without the dependance on the dummy load has attractive feathers. However, the surge voltage between drain and source terminals, exceeding the maximum rating occurred due to the fast turn‐off speed feathers of Gallium nitride (GaN) FET, which has limited the power capability. The inductive energy storage pulsed power generator using GaN FETs as opening switches has developed, and the output obtains a maximum voltage of ∼900 V with rise/fall time of <20 ns. The fast current interruption characteristics by the turn‐off of GaN FET lead to high voltage‐pulsed output.
Incidence and predictors of weaning failure from veno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy in patients with cardiogenic shock
Authors: Dettling Angela , Kellner Caroline , Sundermeyer Jonas , Beer Benedikt N. , Besch Lisa , Bertoldi Letizia Fausta , Blankenberg Stefan , Dauw Jeroen , Eckner Dennis , Eitel Ingo , Graf Tobias , Horn Patrick , Jozwiak‐Nozdrzykowska Joanna , Kirchhof Paulus , Kluge Stefan , Krais Jannis , von Lewinski Dirk , Linke Axel , Luedike Peter , Lüsebrink Enzo , Nordbeck Peter , Pappalardo Federico , Pauschinger Matthias , Proudfoot Alastair , Rassaf Tienush , Reichenspurner Hermann , Sag Can Martin , Scherer Clemens , Schulze P. Christian , Schwinger Robert H.G. , Skurk Carsten , Sramko Marek , Tavazzi Guido , Thiele Holger , Morici Nuccia , Winzer Ephraim B. , Westermann Dirk , Schrage Benedikt , Mangner Norman
Published: January 2025

Aims

This study aimed to investigate incidence and predictors of weaning failure and in‐hospital death after successful weaning from veno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA‐ECMO) in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS).

Methods and results

Overall, 685 patients with CS treated with VA‐ECMO from 23 tertiary care centres in 7 countries were analysed (median age 57 [interquartile range 49–66] years, 542 [79.1%] male, median lactate 7.6 [interquartile range 4.1–12.7] mmol/L). The cause of CS was acute myocardial infarction in 438 (63.9%) patients, and 431 (62.9%) patients presented with cardiac arrest. A total of 410 patients (59.9%) were successfully weaned from VA‐ECMO, whereas in 275 patients (40.1%) weaning failed (i.e. patients died on or within 48 h after VA‐ECMO support). Of the successfully weaned patients, 150 (36.6%) died before hospital discharge. On multivariable logistic regression, predictors for both patient groups varied: age (per 10 years, odds ratio [OR] 1.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.25–1.76; p < 0.001) and cardiac arrest before VA‐ECMO implantation (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.01–2.64; p = 0.04) were associated with weaning failure, whereas lactate clearance within 24 h after VA‐ECMO initiation was associated with successful weaning (OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.1–0.44; p < 0.001). In‐hospital death after successful weaning was more likely with higher age (per 10 years, OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.24–1.97; p < 0.001), renal replacement therapy (OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.4–4.68; p = 0.002) and bleeding events (OR 2.93, 95% CI 1.4–6.14; p = 0.004).

Conclusion

Weaning from VA‐ECMO fails in 40% of patients treated with VA‐ECMO for CS. When successful, survival after VA‐ECMO weaning mostly depends on age and the incidence of device‐ and shock‐related complications.
Ground Motion, Estimated Shaking, and Structural Response at Campi Flegrei During Bradyseism
Authors: Cito Pasquale , Baraschino Roberto , Iervolino Iunio
Published: January 2025

Campi Flegrei, a densely populated volcanic area bordering the city of Naples (Italy), is currently undergoing volcanic unrest accompanied by seismic activity. Between August 2023 and December 2024, 32 events with duration magnitude equal to or larger than were recorded, with the largest one . More than 1000 three‐component accelerometric waveforms from these events were collected in a database made available as supplemental material to this paper, for earthquake engineering analyses. Using the database, this study first discusses the recorded shaking in terms of intensity measures of structural interest. Second, using a ground motion model calibrated ad‐hoc for Campi Flegrei and representing its peculiar features, it presents maps of the estimated shaking from the largest magnitude event and maps of the largest shaking considering all events. Finally, the structural response of single degree‐of‐freedom systems, representing code‐conforming masonry and reinforced‐concrete structures, are evaluated by means of non‐linear dynamic analysis. Results show that structural actions close to the epicenters (i.e., less than 1 km), can be non‐negligible at some vibration periods. However, ground motion attenuation is such that the largest estimated shaking, from all events, is reduced by more than 60% already at less than 4 km from the epicenters. The structural effects on code‐conforming structures are generally negligible, with limited engagement of non‐linear behavior only for the masonry structure and only in close proximity to the epicenter of the earthquake.
Dynamic Soil Pressures on Rigid Vertical Walls in Presence of Generalized Inhomogeneous Soils
Authors: Della Corte Armando , Letizia Nunzia , Tsikas Aggelos , François Stijn , Anoyatis George
Published: January 2025

The problem of evaluating the dynamic pressures and the associated forces that are induced by ground shaking on rigid vertical walls is revisited. This study develops a novel benchmark semi‐analytical elastodynamic model for the dynamic response of rigid walls. It extends the pioneering work of Veletsos and Younan in 1994 to treat generalized inhomogeneous backfills. The soil is treated as an approximate continuum of the Tajimi type. This approximation lies in reducing the two elastodynamic equations that govern the soil motion under plane strain conditions to one, that satisfies the equilibrium in the horizontal direction. The soil inhomogeneity is introduced via a power law variation of shear modulus with depth, and is tackled by employing simple trigonometric shape functions. The eigenvalues and the corresponding soil modes are now obtained by solving a generalized eigenvalue problem. Solutions are developed for a single rigid wall retaining an infinitely long soil layer over bedrock and for a pair of two rigid walls retaining a finite‐length backfill. The results are presented in terms of dynamic horizontal pressures, base moments, and shear forces. The effects of both harmonic and earthquake‐induced excitation are investigated. Additional expressions for the horizontal and vertical soil displacements and the shear stresses are derived. The model's predictions are found to be in good agreement with the results from finite element (FE) analyses and existing analytical models. A solution for the one‐dimensional harmonic response of an inhomogeneous soil stratum is also provided, enabling the evaluation of free‐field response.
A Novel Statistical Method for Unmasking Sex‐Specific Genomics Signatures in Complex Traits
Authors: Mansouri Samaneh , Rochette Mélissa , Labonté Benoit , Zhang Qingrun , Chen Ting‐Huei
Published: January 2025

Genotype–phenotype association studies have advanced our understanding of complex traits but often overlook sex‐specific genetic signals. The growing awareness of sex‐specific influences on human traits and diseases necessitates tailored statistical methodologies to dissect these genetic intricacies. Rare genetic variants play a significant role in disease development, often exhibiting stronger per‐allele effects than common variants. In sex‐dimorphic analysis, traits are viewed as having two sex‐specific subsets rather than being uniformly defined. Existing methods for gene‐based analysis of rare variants across multiple traits can identify shared genetic signals but cannot reveal the specific subsets from which significant signals originate. This means that when a significant signal is detected, it remains unclear whether it arises from the male samples, female samples, or both. To address this limitation, we propose SubsetRV, a new methodology capable of identifying genes associated with specific traits or diseases in males, females, or both. SubsetRV can also be applied to broader applications in multiple traits analysis. Simulation studies have demonstrated SubsetRV's reliability, and real data analysis on bipolar disorder and schizophrenia has revealed potential sex‐specific genetic signals. SubsetRV offers a valuable tool for identifying sex‐specific genetic candidates, aiding in understanding disease mechanisms. An R package for SubsetRV is available on GitHub. It can be accessed directly through this link: https://github.com/Mansouri-S/SubsetRV.
Comparative Analysis of COVID‐19 Severity and Mortality Among Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Individuals During the Delta Variant Surge in a Tertiary Care Center: A Cohort Study
Authors: Hasani Fatemeh , Norouzi Zahra , Jazi Kimia , Roshandel Gholamreza , Norouzi Alireza
Published: January 2025

Background and Aims

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) as a pandemic. The spread of the Delta variant of coronavirus started in June 2021 and accounted for the fifth peak of COVID‐19 in Iran in July 2021. According to reports from other countries, vaccination protects against severe diseases caused by COVID‐19, including the Delta variant. Studies have also shown that vaccination provides strong protection against SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, COVID‐19‐related hospitalization, and mortality. This retrospective cohort study was designed based on the medical care monitoring center database of Sayyad Shirazi Hospital.

Methods

COVID‐19 confirmed patients' data were extracted for this study from June 22, 2021, to September 22, 2021 including demographic characteristics, signs and symptoms, ICU admission, need for aggressive oxygen therapy, including intubation, mortality, and vaccination status.

Results

A total of 2962 patients were enrolled. Being vaccinated was associated with a 4.14‐fold increase in survival (adjusted OR = 4.14; 95% CI: 2.22–7.69; p < 0.01), and individuals in a younger age group demonstrated a 5.58‐fold higher likelihood of surviving (adjusted OR = 5.58; 95% CI: 4.25–8.14; p < 0.01). The risk of severe COVID‐19 was significantly lower in vaccinated individuals, showing a 3.12‐fold decrease in risk (adjusted OR = 3.12; 95% CI: 2.06–4.72; p < 0.01), and in younger age groups, the risk exhibited a 3.28‐fold decrease (adjusted OR = 3.28; 95% CI: 2.66–4.04; p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The present results suggest that receiving at least one dose of COVID‐19 vaccine had a significant relationship with decreased COVID‐19 severity and mortality in vaccinated patients compared to unvaccinated patients.
Risk of Dementia and Its Associated Factors Among the Patients With Coronary Artery Disease Attending a Tertiary Cardiac Hospital of Dhaka City: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Omi Fardina Rahman , Barua Lingkan , Banik Palash Chandra , Rahman Syed Mosfiqur , Faruque Mithila
Published: January 2025

Background and Aims

In Bangladesh, data related to the future risk of dementia and its associated factors are scarce. Furthermore, no dementia risk prediction tool has yet been applied to estimate the risk in any population in Bangladesh. Therefore, our objective was to assess the risk of dementia and its associated factors among patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods

This cross‐sectional study conveniently recruited 280 stable patients with CAD who were admitted for coronary revascularization at a tertiary cardiac hospital situated in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Data were collected face‐to‐face using a pretested questionnaire adapted from the WHO STEP‐wise Approach to Surveillance (STEPS) of Noncommunicable Diseases Risk Factors questionnaire (Version 3.2). The questionnaire included background information (sociodemographic, comorbidity), behavioral and metabolic risk factors, physical and biochemical measurements. The next 20 years' risk of dementia was estimated using the “Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging, and Incidence of Dementia” score. The risk score, risk levels, and risk factors were presented descriptively. The associated factors of dementia risk were elucidated using hierarchical multiple regression analysis.

Results

The mean ( ± standard deviation) risk score for dementia was 6.26 ± 2.28. The predicted “at‐risk” population was 63.6%. The prevalent risk factors were unhealthy diets (84.3%) presented by inadequate fruit/vegetable consumption (70%) and added salt intake (46.4%). In the final model of hierarchical multiple regression, the risk score showed a significant association with several risk factors: family history of diabetes (p = 0.03), alcohol intake (p = 0.03), current smoking (p = 0.03), estimated glomerular filtration rate (p = 0.001), and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.02).

Conclusion

A substantial proportion of patients with CAD had a future risk of dementia which demands an urgent risk reduction strategy in Bangladesh. Future longitudinal studies may more precisely justify the current findings.
Using Real‐Time Power BI Formative Feedback to Improve Nurse Anesthesia Students' Clinical Competence: An Educational Intervention
Authors: Khalafi Ali , Choopani Sajjad , Sarvi‐Sarmeydani Nooshin , Maraghi Elham
Published: January 2025

Background and Aims

The escalating complexity of diseases and the burgeoning demand for proficient nurse anesthetists underscore the critical need for graduates optimally equipped to deliver competent care across varying patient conditions. Given the gap between the expected and actual clinical competencies among graduates, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of formative assessment coupled with immediate online feedback on the clinical competence of anesthesia nursing students in peri‐anesthesia care.

Methods

This educational intervention was conducted with the participation of nurse anesthesia students who were enrolled into intervention and control groups. The intervention entailed providing immediate, web‐based feedback on students' performance through a visual dashboard on Microsoft Power BI, along with weekly assessments using the Common Clinical Assessment Tool (CCAT). The control group received traditional, verbal feedback.

Results

Statistical analysis revealed significant improvements in clinical competence scores in the intervention group compared to the control group. The intervention group showed a notable progression in clinical competency scores from baseline to endpoint (mean scores: 35.06 ± 1.62 to 79.58 ± 1.02), significantly outperforming the control group (mean scores: 29.93 ± 1.38 to 62.09 ± 1.47, p‐value < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Integrating formative assessment with immediate online feedback (e.g., Microsoft Power BI) demonstrably enhances clinical competence in student nurse anesthetists. This study advocates for such advanced feedback mechanisms in competency‐based nursing education to address competency gaps. These innovative approaches to education and evaluation hold promise for preparing competent nurse anesthetists, potentially leading to improved anesthesia care quality and patient safety.
Purification of mesenchymal stromal cell‐derived small extracellular vesicles using ultrafiltration
Authors: Lei Rui , Ren Shuai , Ye Hua , Cui Zhanfeng
Published: January 2025

Mesenchymal stromal cell‐derived small extracellular vesicles (MSC‐sEVs) are pivotal for the curative effects of mesenchymal stromal cells, but their translation into clinical products is hindered by the technical challenges of scaled production and purification. Ultrafiltration, a pressure‐driven membrane separation method, is well known as an efficient, scalable, and cost‐effective approach for bioseparation. However, there has been little study so far that comprehensively evaluates the potential application of ultrafiltration for scaled sEV isolation and purification. In this study, the feasibility and effectiveness of ultrafiltration for MSC‐sEV isolation and purification are studied, and the effects of key process design and operational parameters, including the membrane pore size, transmembrane pressure (TMP), stirring speed (shear rate), feed concentration, are quantified using a stirred cell setup. Results revealed that 500 kDa molecular weight cut‐off (MWCO) polyethersulfone membrane demonstrated superior suitability for MSC‐sEV separation, yielding higher purity and productivity compared to 100 and 300 kDa MWCO membranes of the same material. The MSC‐sEV productivity and purity could also be improved by applying a moderate stirring speed and lower operational pressure, respectively. Isovolumetric diafiltration was incorporated to enhance the purity of MSC‐sEVs, successfully removing about 99% of protein contaminants by six diafiltration volumes (DVs). Subsequently, a fed‐batch ultra‐diafiltration (UF/DF) process with optimised filtration parameters was developed and compared with the currently most used ultracentrifugation (UC) method, showing exceptional effectiveness and performance in the isolation of MSC‐sEVs: it increased the recovery of MSC‐sEV from 20.59% to 60.88% (about three folds increase) and nearly doubled the purity, while also reducing processing time from over 4 h to 3.5 h, with a potential further reduction to less than 2.5 h through automation. The study concludes that ultrafiltration could be a promising method for both lab‐scale preparation and industrial‐scale manufacture of MSC‐sEVs, offering advantages of high recovery, scalability, fast, and cost‐effectiveness.
Does p‐lactate increase in patients with GSD1 after ingesting a meal with common‐size sources of fructose and galactose? Observations from a prospective, non‐blinded, crossover pilot study
Authors: Caroee Camilla Diana B. , Lund Allan M.
Published: January 2025

Ingestion of fructose and galactose may result in elevated lactate concentrations in patients with glycogen storage disease type 1 (GSD1). In this randomized cross‐over pilot study, 7 patients with GSD 1a (6) and GSD1b (1) orally consumed a common‐size fructose and galactose from either 200 mL of skimmed milk, 200 mL juice or 200 mL water. This was given after a night with their usual dietary treatment using either cornstarch, glycosade or continuous feed. P‐lactate and ‐glucose were measured 2 h before dosing (T = −120 min and −60 min). At baseline (T = 0), p‐lactate, p‐glucose, p‐triglycerides, p‐uric acid and p‐alanine were measured just before dosing. P‐lactate and p‐glucose were measured every 30 min for 4 h. Four hours after the consumption (T = 240 min, end‐of‐test), levels of p‐lactate, p‐glucose, p‐triglycerides, p‐uric acid and p‐alanine were measured. P‐lactate increased in three patients with mean of 0.3 mmol/L (range 0.2–0.6 mmol/L) after consuming milk. The highest level was seen after 60 min. A decrease was seen in three patients. P‐lactate increased in four patients with a mean increase at 1.3 mmol/L (range 0.2–2.2 mmol/L) after consuming 200 mL juice. A peak increase was seen after the first 30 min in two patients whereas the peak in the remaining two patients was at 60 min; all values decreased to baseline values after further 60 min. In two patients, p‐lactate was unchanged, respectively, decreased after juice ingestion. Calculation of galactose and fructose AUC percentage change after challenge did not reveal consistent increase or decreases.
Refractory Pyostomatitis Vegetans With Multiple Aseptic Cutaneous Abscesses Successfully Treated With Filgotinib in Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Dandoy C. , Franchimont D. , Delvaux C. , Buggenhout A. , Bernardi D. , Del Marmol V. , White J. M. L.
Published: January 2025

We report on a 31‐year‐old male patient diagnosed with active moderate‐to‐severe ulcerative colitis and a history of splenectomy. He was hospitalized due to confluent pustular oral lesions and multiple skin abscesses. After ruling out an infection, we diagnosed pyostomatitis vegetans associated with aseptic abscess syndrome. After multiple unsuccessful treatments (corticosteroids, infliximab, ciclosporin, ustekinumab and colectomy), filgotinib, a JAK 1 inhibitor, was then initiated, resulting in the complete resolution of skin lesions.
Iron and phosphorus limitations modulate the effects of carbon dioxide enrichment on a unicellular nitrogen‐fixing cyanobacterium
Authors: Chen Ze , Xie Wenqian , Kranz Sven , Hong Haizheng , Shi Dalin
Published: January 2025

Iron (Fe) and phosphorus (P) availability constrain the growth and N2 fixation of diazotrophic cyanobacteria in the global ocean. However, how Fe and P limitation may modulate the effects of ocean acidification on the unicellular diazotrophic cyanobacterium Crocosphaera remains largely unknown. Here, we examined the physiological responses of Crocosphaera watsonii WH8501 to CO2 enrichment under both nutrient‐replete and steadily Fe‐ or P‐limited conditions. Increased CO2 (750 μatm vs. 400 μatm) reduced the growth and N2 fixation rates of Crocosphaera, with Fe limitation intensifying the negative effect, whereas CO2 enrichment had a minimal impact under P limitation. Mechanistically, the high CO2 treatment may have led to a reallocation of limited Fe to nitrogenase synthesis to compensate for the reduction in nitrogenase efficiency caused by low pH; consequently, other Fe‐requiring metabolic pathways, such as respiration and photosynthesis, were impaired, which in turn amplified the negative effects of acidification. Conversely, under P limitation, CO2 enrichment had little or no effect on cellular P allocation among major P‐containing molecules (polyphosphate, phospholipids, DNA, and RNA). Cell volumes were significantly reduced in P‐limited and high CO2 cultures, which increased the surface : volume ratio and could facilitate nutrient uptake, thereby alleviating some of the negative effect of acidification on N2 fixation. These findings highlight the distinct responses of Crocosphaera to high CO2 under different nutrient conditions, improving a predictive understanding of global N2 fixation in future acidified oceans.
Size matters: Perspective and angle‐correction improves accuracy in noninvasive image‐based body size measurements
Authors: Bøhn T. , Watts E. , Primicerio R. , Bjørn P. , Strøm J. F.
Published: January 2025

River management should secure conservation of biodiversity and sustainable use of aquatic resources. Conservation of fish populations requires time‐series data on the number of fish present and the size‐structure. The number of fish and species composition can be resolved by video‐surveillance, but detailed measurements of body size often come from more intrusive methods such as fish traps and electrofishing that impose additive stress or mortality on individuals. We have developed and tested a nonintrusive method for video‐surveillance which enables estimation of fish length, of anadromous Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) in a subarctic river. We use pixel counts in images of fish that swim through a tunnel, to measure the size of the fish, and calibrate our measurements with two parallel laser lines (100 mm apart) that are visible on the fish, both from the side and from above, facilitated by a 45° mirror. We demonstrate how the accuracy in body length measurements depends on camera perspective, fish angle, body curvature and swimming speed, and evaluate this with three independent observers. Our results show that the typically used side‐view camera (lateral view) underestimated the fish on average by 10.7%, but that accuracy could be significantly improved by including: (1) angle‐correction (for non‐perpendicular fish positioning), (2) by measuring the fish from above (dorsal view), and (3) by including the body curvature of actively swimming fish. Our method represents a cost‐efficient approach for monitoring size‐structure in vulnerable populations that is of management concern and where intrusive monitoring should be avoided.
Counterintuitive Reversal of Circular Dichroism via Controllable Plasmonic Guided Mode Resonance in Diatomic Metasurfaces
Authors: Cheng Jiaqi , Li Zhancheng , Choi Duk‐Yong , Liu Wenwei , Zhang Yuebian , Yu Shiwang , Cheng Hua , Tian Jianguo , Chen Shuqi
Published: January 2025

Chiral metasurfaces, featuring customizable chiroptical response, have shown great potential across diverse applications, including optical sensing, chiral emission, and light spin detection. However, most previous studies have focused on chiroptical response stemming from the resonance of nanoresonators or their coupling. Here, the great capability of controlling nonlocal resonance for achieving versatile manipulation of circular dichroism (CD) is demonstrated. A counterintuitive sign reversal of CD is realized by modulating the collective interference of the plasmonic guided mode resonances (GMRs) within diatomic metasurfaces. The designed metasurfaces, composed of two nanoresonators, can effectively couple both orthogonal linear‐polarized components of circularly polarized light to the same GMR. Through a simple adjustment of the spacing of nanoresonators to modulate the interference between GMRs, continuous variation and sign reversal of CD are achieved. Importantly, due to the fact that the modulation of GMRs does not impact the chiral resonant modes of the nanoresonators, the significant advantages of the designed metasurfaces in achieving chiral optical encryption are experimentally demonstrated. This work introduces an effective approach for the continuous manipulation of CD without altering the structural geometric chirality. It provides novel insights into exploring chiroptical mechanisms and holds promise for applications in chiral sensing and light spin detection.
Effect of B4C Particulates Addition on the Hardness of Polymeric Resins and Mode‐I Interlaminar Fracture Toughness of Carbon/Epoxy Textile Composite
Authors: Sharma Pawan , Mali Harlal Singh , Dixit Anurag , Parihar Ajitendra Singh
Published: January 2025

This research explores the combined effect of hardness and stiffness on the Mode‐I interlaminar fracture toughness (ILFT) of carbon fabric‐reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite laminate using a double cantilever beam (DCB) test specimen. The micro‐sized hard ceramic boron carbide (B4C) particulates were reinforced with carbon fabric (high stiffness) in epoxy resin for the ILFT study. The B4C particulates were considered in 1000, 1500, and 2000 mesh sizes and 1%, 3%, 5%, 7%, and 9% weight distribution for hardness study. The quality of particulates was ensured using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and x‐ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. A suitable combination of mesh size and weight distribution was obtained using the hardness study of B4C‐reinforced epoxy and vinylester composites, and B4C with plain and twill woven carbon fabric‐reinforced epoxy and vinylester composites. The 2000 mesh size B4C particulates at 3% weight distribution and plain woven carbon fabric‐reinforced epoxy composite exhibited the highest hardness value. This configuration was selected for the Mode‐I ILFT study. The composite panel was fabricated using a hand layup process followed by the vacuum‐assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) technique. The B4C‐reinforced CFRP composite exhibited 56.15% higher ILFT than the B4C‐unfilled CFRP composite. The B4C particulates significantly increase the Mode‐I ILFT of CFRP composite, however after reaching the peak load, unstable crack propagation, rapid crack jumps, and sudden load drops were observed in the DCB specimens due to the brittle nature of carbon fiber and sharp edges of B4C particulates.
Understanding Cancer Treatment Decision Making Among Cancer Survivors: Weighing Cancer Recurrence Versus Cardiotoxicity
Authors: Streck Brennan P. , Vo Jacqueline B. , Brandt Carolyn , Klein William M. P. , Han Paul , Ferrer Rebecca A. , Gillman Arielle S.
Published: January 2025

Background

Nearly 20% of US cancer survivors develop cardiovascular disease (CVD) from cardiotoxic cancer treatments. Patients and providers may consider alternative treatments to lower cardiotoxicity risk, but these may be less effective at preventing relapse/recurrence, presenting a difficult tradeoff.

Aims

This study explored survivors' cancer treatment decision‐making when weighing this tradeoff.

Methods

Using adjusted multivariable logistic regression, we examined 443 US survivors' risk perceptions (deliberative, affective, and intuitive) about cancer and CVD and associations of these with their selection between two hypothetical cancer treatments: Treatment A: 5% chance of cancer recurrence and 10% chance of CVD; Treatment B: 10% chance of recurrence and 5% chance of CVD. We explored the effects of delay discounting by randomizing to a condition describing cancer recurrence/CVD as either immediate or delayed.

Results

More survivors (Mage = 48, range = 18–93; M = 10.8 years post‐diagnosis) selected Treatment A than Treatment B (72% v. 28%). Timing of onset was not associated with treatment selection. Greater affective risk perception (worry) about cancer was associated with increased odds of choosing Treatment A, whereas greater CVD worry was associated with decreased odds (OR‐cancer = 1.33, p = 0.006; OR‐CVD = 0.72, p = 0.007). Neither deliberative nor experiential risk perceptions were associated with treatment choice.

Conclusions

Survivors were more likely to select the treatment that minimized recurrence rather than CVD—regardless of the timing of onset. Treatment decision was linked to both cancer‐ and CVD‐related worry but not deliberative or experiential risk perceptions. During treatment discussions, clinicians should open conversations about the risks of treatment‐associated cardiotoxicity, the probabilities, and patients' relative worries about cancer and cardiotoxicity.
Generation of Reactive Species and Sulfamethoxazole Degradation in a Surface Packed‐Bed Discharge Reactor
Authors: Lv Bowei , Shang Kefeng , Lu Na , Yang Zitong , Guo Lei
Published: January 2025

A surface packed‐bed discharge reactor was designed to enhance the generation of reactive species in water. The pellets packed between discharge electrodes can intensify the electric discharge in water and produce reactive species of higher concentrations, and zirconia pellets had the highest energy efficiency for generating reactive species. Moreover, the degradation of sulfamethoxazole also demonstrated better performance of surface packed‐bed discharge than surface discharge on the generation of discharge plasma. At an applied voltage of 22 kV, the sulfamethoxazole degradation efficiency and energy efficiency of surface packed‐bed discharge were 2.1 and 1.6 times that of surface discharge.
Advanced Compressive Sensing and Dynamic Sampling for 4D‐STEM Imaging of Interfaces
Authors: Smith Jacob , Tran Hoang , Roccapriore Kevin M. , Shen Zhaiming , Zhang Guannan , Chi Miaofang
Published: January 2025

Interfaces in energy materials and devices often involve beam‐sensitive materials such as fast ionic, soft, or liquid phases. 4D scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D‐STEM) offers insights into local lattice, strain charge, and field distributions, but faces challenges in analyzing beam‐sensitive interfaces at high spatial resolutions. Here, a 4D‐STEM compressive sensing algorithm is introduced that significantly reduces data acquisition time and electron dose. This method autonomously allocates probe positions on interfaces and reconstructs missing information from datasets acquired via dynamic sampling. This algorithm allows for the integration of various scanning schemes and electron probe conditions to optimize data integrity. Its data reconstruction employs a neural network and an autoencoder to correlate diffraction pattern features with measured properties, significantly reducing training costs. The accuracy of the reconstructed 4D‐STEM datasets is verified using a combination of explicitly and implicitly trained parameters from atomic resolution datasets. This method is broadly applicable for 4D‐STEM imaging of any local features of interest and will be available on GitHub upon publication.