bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enabling brain-wide mapping of directed functional connectivity at 3T via layer-dependent fMRI with draining-vein suppression
Authors: Chang Wei-Tang , Lin Weili , Giovanello Kelly S.
Published: December 2023

Layer-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) offers a compelling avenue for investigating directed functional connectivity (FC). To construct a comprehensive map of brain-wide directed FC, several technical criteria must be met, including sub-mm spatial resolution, adequate temporal resolution, functional sensitivity, global brain coverage, and high spatial specificity. Although gradient echo (GE)–based echo planar imaging (EPI) is commonly used for rapid fMRI acquisition, it faces significant challenges due to the draining-vein effect, particularly when utilizing blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) contrast. In this study, we mitigated this effect by incorporating velocity-nulling (VN) gradients into a GE-BOLD fMRI sequence, opting for a 3T magnetic field strength over 7T. We also integrated several advanced techniques, such as simultaneous multi-slice (SMS) acceleration and NORDIC denoising, to enhance temporal resolution, spatial coverage, and signal sensitivity. Collectively, the VN fMRI method exhibited notable spatial specificity, as evidenced by the identification of double-peak activation patterns within the primary motor cortex (M1) during a finger-tapping task. Additionally, the technique demonstrated BOLD sensitivity in the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN). Furthermore, our VN fMRI technique displayed superior robustness when compared to conventional fMRI approaches across participants. Our findings of directed FC elucidate several layer-specific functional relationships between different brain regions and align closely with existing literature. Given the widespread availability of 3T scanners, this technical advancement has the potential for significant impact across multiple domains of neuroscience research.
Reduction of SARS-CoV-2 viral load in saliva after rinsing with mouthwashes containing cetylpyridinium chloride: a randomized clinical study
Authors: Bezinelli Leticia M. , Corrêa Luciana , Beyerstedt Stephany , Franco Marcella L. , Rangel Érika B. , Benítez Carlos Guillermo , Hamerschlak Nelson , Pinho João R.R. , Heller Debora , Eduardo Fernanda P.
Published: December 2023

Background

Symptomatic patients with COVID-19 typically have a high SARS-CoV-2 viral load in their saliva. Procedures to reduce the viral load in their oral cavity are important for mitigating the viral transmission.

Methods

This randomized clinical trial investigated the impact of two mouthwashes (0.075% cetylpyridinium chloride plus 0.28% zinc lactate (CPC+Zn) (n = 32), and 0.075% cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) (n = 31)) on the viral load of SARS-CoV-2 in saliva when compared to the distilled water negative control (n = 32). Saliva was collected before (T0) and after (5 min, T1; 30 min, T2; and 60 min, T3) the intervention. Viral load in saliva was measured by qRT-PCR assays. The data in both groups was normalized for T0 and Negative Control, resulting in fold change values.

Results

CPC+Zn oral solution reduced the viral load in saliva by 6.34-fold at T1, 3.6-fold at T2 and 1.9-fold at T3. Rinsing with the CPC mouthwash reduced the viral load in saliva by 2.5-fold at T1, 1.9-fold at T2 and 2.0-fold at T3.

Conclusion

CPC+Zn mouthwash or with the CPC mouthwash reduced the viral load in saliva of COVID-19 patients immediately after rinsing. These reductions extended up to 60 min.
Computed tomography-based assessment of sphenoid sinus and sella turcica pneumatization analysis: a retrospective study
Authors: Dogan Mehmet Emin , Kotanlı Sedef , Yavuz Yasemin , Wahjuningrum Dian Agustin , Pawar Ajinkya M.
Published: December 2023

Background

A preoperative three-dimensional examination of the sphenoid sinus anatomy, its pneumatization pattern, and its relevance to neighboring neurovascular constructions is crucial to preventing possible complications. In this study, the aim was to evaluate the relationship between sphenoid sinus pneumatization types and the sella turcica using computed tomography (CT).

Methods

CT data from 420 patients referred to the Department of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology were evaluated retrospectively. Sella pneumatization types were classified as conchal, presellar, incomplete sellar, and complete sellar, and they were evaluated. Obtained data were evaluated using the IBM SPSS 25.0 (Armonk, New York, USA) package program.

Results

CT images of 420 individuals, including 174 women and 246 men with a mean age of 43.87 ± 17.58 years, were included in the study. When the sella turcica morphologies were evaluated, the most widespread morphological type was irregularity in the posterior part of the dorsum sella, in 51.2% of cases. In addition, a statistically significant correlation was found between the pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus and the morphological types of sella (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

In this research endeavor, the predominant observation comprised the complete sellar sphenoid sinus pneumatization type, exhibiting irregularity in the posterior aspect of the dorsum sella, representing one of the sellar types. Notwithstanding, it is imperative to conduct additional investigations to establish the generalizability of the present study’s findings.
A closer look at the taxonomic and genetic diversity of endemic South African Marphysa Quatrefages, 1865
Authors: Kara Jyothi , Molina-Acevedo Isabel C. , Macdonald Angus , Zanol Joana , Simon Carol
Published: December 2023

The current study investigates the final unresolved cosmopolitan species of Marphysa in South Africa, Marphysa corallina, collected from KwaZulu Natal, Eastern and Western Cape provinces, together with another species collected from northern KwaZulu Natal. Morphological and genetic data prove that M. corallina, originally described from Hawaii, does not occur in South Africa. The curvature of the inner base on maxilla I, the elevated inner base of maxilla II, and the ventral cirrus as a transverse welt with a rounded tip allow us to identify it as a new species of Treadwellphysa, T. izinqa sp. nov. (common name: brown wonderworm). Characteristic traits include the basal reddish and distal golden colour of the subacicular hook, the ear-shaped postchaetal lobe, and tridentate falcigers which is reported for the first time for the genus. This species is harvested as bait on the south coast of SA, although less frequently than the more common blood wonderworm, Marphysa haemasona Quatrefages, 1866, and can be distinguished by its more uniform brown colouration and white-tipped antennae. A second species, Marphysa mzingazia sp. nov., is characterized by red eyes, six branchial filaments extending to the posterior end, the golden aciculae in posterior chaetigers, weakly bidentate yellow/brown subacicular hooks, and the presence of similar sized spinigers along the body. A molecular analysis based on cytochrome oxidase I fragments confirm both taxa as different species. A key for all South African species of Marphysa is included.
Association Between Daily Toothbrushing and Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia
Authors: Ehrenzeller Selina , Klompas Michael
Published: December 2023

Importance

Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) is the most common and morbid health care–associated infection, but limited data on effective prevention strategies are available.

Objective

To determine whether daily toothbrushing is associated with lower rates of HAP and other patient-relevant outcomes.

Data Sources

A search of PubMed, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, Scopus, and 3 trial registries was performed from inception through March 9, 2023.

Study Selection

Randomized clinical trials of hospitalized adults comparing daily oral care with toothbrushing vs regimens without toothbrushing.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Data extraction and risk of bias assessments were performed in duplicate. Meta-analysis was performed using random-effects models.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome of this systematic review and meta-analysis was HAP. Secondary outcomes included hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) mortality, duration of mechanical ventilation, ICU and hospital lengths of stay, and use of antibiotics. Subgroups included patients who received invasive mechanical ventilation vs those who did not, toothbrushing twice daily vs more frequently, toothbrushing provided by dental professionals vs general nursing staff, electric vs manual toothbrushing, and studies at low vs high risk of bias.

Results

A total of 15 trials met inclusion criteria, including 10 742 patients (2033 in the ICU and 8709 in non-ICU departments; effective population size was 2786 after shrinking the population to account for 1 cluster randomized trial in non-ICU patients). Toothbrushing was associated with significantly lower risk for HAP (risk ratio [RR], 0.67 [95% CI, 0.56-0.81]) and ICU mortality (RR, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.69-0.95]). Reduction in pneumonia incidence was significant for patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation (RR, 0.68 [95% CI, 0.57-0.82) but not for patients who were not receiving invasive mechanical ventilation (RR, 0.32 [95% CI, 0.05-2.02]). Toothbrushing for patients in the ICU was associated with fewer days of mechanical ventilation (mean difference, −1.24 [95% CI, −2.42 to −0.06] days) and a shorter ICU length of stay (mean difference, −1.78 [95% CI, −2.85 to −0.70] days). Brushing twice a day vs more frequent intervals was associated with similar effect estimates. Results were consistent in a sensitivity analysis restricted to 7 studies at low risk of bias (1367 patients). Non-ICU hospital length of stay and use of antibiotics were not associated with toothbrushing.

Conclusions

The findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that daily toothbrushing may be associated with significantly lower rates of HAP, particularly in patients receiving mechanical ventilation, lower rates of ICU mortality, shorter duration of mechanical ventilation, and shorter ICU length of stay. Policies and programs encouraging more widespread and consistent toothbrushing are warranted.
Incidence of Colorectal Cancer in Patients Diagnosed With Pyogenic Liver Abscess
Authors: Suzuki Hiroyuki , Kidder Ian , Tanaka Tomohiro , Goto Michihiko
Published: December 2023

Importance

Colorectal cancer (CRC) can compromise the mucosal barrier and subsequently allow a route for bacterial invasion into the portal system or systemic circulation. Despite preliminary data suggesting that patients who experienced pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) have higher CRC incidence rates, data from outside the Southeast Asian population are sparse.

Objective

To investigate whether there is an association between PLA and the subsequent incidence of diagnosed CRC using the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) cohort.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A patient-level matched retrospective cohort study was conducted at 127 VHA hospitals across the US from January 1, 2003, to December 31, 2020. Patients were followed up to 10 years from PLA diagnosis. Data analysis was performed from April 14, 2002, to October 31, 2023. All patients who were admitted to VHA hospitals with a diagnosis of PLA were included. For each patient with PLA, up to 3 controls without diagnosis of PLA, matching age, sex, and health care facility, were selected.

Exposure

Pyogenic liver abscess.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was CRC diagnosis during the follow-up period. A multivariable Fine-Gray subdistribution regression model with time-dependent coefficient was used to estimate the time-varying hazard ratio (HR) of CRC incidence while accounting for mortality as a competing event.

Results

A total of 8286 patients with PLA (male, 96.5%; mean [SD] age, 65.8 [11.9] years) and 23 201 patient-level matched controls (male, 96.3%; mean age, 65.3 [11.7] years) were included. A diagnosis of CRC was found in a significantly higher proportion of patients with PLA compared with controls (1.9% [159 of 8286] vs 0.8% [196 of 23 201]; P < .001). The incidence of CRC was significantly higher among patients with PLA during the first 3 years from PLA diagnosis (HR, 3.64; 95% CI, 2.70-4.91 at 0.5 years; HR, 2.51; 95% CI, 1.93-3.26 at 1 year; HR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.33-2.28 at 2 years; and HR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.05-1.89 at 3 years), but not significant after 3 years. This association was not observed among patients whose PLA was likely secondary to cholangitis or cholecystitis (HR, 1.78; 95% CI, 0.89-3.56 at 0.5 years).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this patient-level matched retrospective cohort study, a significantly higher incidence of CRC was observed up to 3 years from PLA diagnosis. The findings suggest that offering CRC screening for patients with cryptogenic PLA may be useful, especially patients who have not been screened according to guidelines.
Public Benefit Programs and Differential Associations With Child Maltreatment by Race and Ethnicity
Authors: Puls Henry T. , Hall Matthew , Boyd Reiko , Chung Paul J.
Published: December 2023

Importance

Public benefit programs, including state spending on local, state, and federal-state partnership programs, have consistently been associated with overall reductions in child protective services (CPS) involvement. Inequities in eligibility and access to benefit programs may contribute to varying associations by race and ethnicity.

Objective

To determine whether associations between state spending on benefit programs and rates of CPS investigations differ by race and ethnicity.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional ecological study used repeated state-level measures of child maltreatment from the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System and population estimates from the US Census Bureau for all Black, Hispanic, and White children. All 50 US states from October 1, 2009, through September 30, 2019 (fiscal years 2010-2019), were included. Data were collected and analyzed from May 13, 2022, to March 2, 2023.

Exposures

Annual state spending on benefit programs per person living below the federal poverty limit, total and by the following subcategories: (1) cash, housing, and in-kind; (2) housing infrastructure; (3) child care assistance; (4) refundable earned income tax credit; and (5) medical assistance programs.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Race- and ethnicity-specific rates of CPS investigations. Generalized estimating equations, with repeated measures of states, an interaction between race and spending, and estimated incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% CIs for incremental changes in spending of US $1000 per person living below the federal poverty limit were calculated after adjustment for federal spending, race- and ethnicity-specific child poverty rate, and year.

Results

A total of 493 state-year observations were included in the analysis. The association between total spending and CPS investigations differed significantly by race and ethnicity: there was an inverse association between total state spending and CPS investigations for White children (IRR, 0.94 [95% CI, 0.91-0.98]) but not for Black children (IRR, 0.98 [95% CI, 0.94-1.02]) or Hispanic children (IRR, 0.99 [95% CI, 0.95-1.03]) (P = .02 for interaction). Likewise, inverse associations were present for only White children with respect to all subcategories of state spending and differed significantly from Black and Hispanic children for all subcategories except the refundable earned income tax credit (eg, IRR for medical assistance programs for White children, 0.89 [95% CI, 0.82-0.96]; P = .005 for race and spending interaction term).

Conclusions and Relevance

These results raise concerns that benefit programs may add relative advantages for White children compared with Black and Hispanic children and contribute to racial and ethnic disparities in CPS investigations. States’ eligibility criteria and distribution practices should be examined to promote equitable effects on adverse child outcomes.
Akt may associate with insulin‐responsive vesicles via interaction with sortilin
Authors: Zaarur Nava , Meriin Anatoli B. , Singh Maneet , Goel Raghuveera K. , Zaia Joseph , Kandror Konstantin V.
Published: December 2023

Insulin‐responsive vesicles (IRVs) deliver the glucose transporter Glut4 to the plasma membrane in response to activation of the insulin signaling cascade: insulin receptor–IRS–PI3 kinase–Akt–TBC1D4–Rab10. Previous studies have shown that Akt, TBC1D4, and Rab10 are compartmentalized on the IRVs. Although functionally significant, the mechanism of Akt association with the IRVs remains unknown. Using pull‐down assays, immunofluorescence microscopy, and cross‐linking, we have found that Akt may be recruited to the IRVs via the interaction with the juxtamembrane domain of the cytoplasmic C terminus of sortilin, a major IRV protein. Overexpression of full‐length sortilin increases insulin‐stimulated phosphorylation of TBC1D4 and glucose uptake in adipocytes, while overexpression of the cytoplasmic tail of sortilin has the opposite effect. Our findings demonstrate that the IRVs represent both a scaffold and a target of insulin signaling.
A newly identified 45‐kDa JAK2 variant with an altered kinase domain structure represents a novel mode of JAK2 kinase inhibitor resistance
Authors: Gorantla Sivahari Prasad , Mueller Tony Andreas , Albers‐Leischner Corinna , Rudelius Martina , von Bubnoff Nikolas , Duyster Justus
Published: December 2023

Tyrosine‐protein kinase (janus kinase; JAK)–signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling plays a pivotal role in the development of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). Treatment with the potent JAK1/JAK2‐specific inhibitor, ruxolitinib, significantly reduces tumor burden; however, ruxolitinib treatment does not fully eradicate the malignant clone. As the molecular basis for the disease persistence is not well understood, we set out to gain new insights by generating ruxolitinib‐resistant cell lines. Surprisingly, these cells harbor a 45 kDa JAK2 variant (FERM‐JAK2) consisting of the N‐terminal FERM domain directly fused to the C‐terminal kinase domain in 80% of sublines resistant to ruxolitinib. At the molecular level, FERM‐JAK2 is able to directly bind and activate STAT5 in the absence of cytokine receptors. Furthermore, phosphorylation of activation‐loop tyrosines is dispensable for FERM‐JAK2‐mediated STAT5 activation and cellular transformation, in contrast to JAK2‐V617F. As a result, FERM‐JAK2 is highly resistant to several ATP‐competitive JAK2 inhibitors, whereas it is particularly sensitive to HSP90 inhibition. A murine model of FERM‐JAK2 leukemogenesis showed an accelerated MPN phenotype with pronounced splenomegaly. Notably, most current protocols for the monitoring of emerging JAK variants are unable to detect FERM‐JAK2, highlighting the urgent need for implementing next‐generation sequencing approaches in MPN patients receiving ruxolitinib.
Microengineering 3D Collagen Matrices with Tumor‐Mimetic Gradients in Fiber Alignment
Authors: Joshi Indranil M. , Mansouri Mehran , Ahmed Adeel , De Silva Dinindu , Simon Richard A. , Esmaili Poorya , Desa Danielle E. , Elias Tresa M. , Brown Edward B. , Abhyankar Vinay V.
Published: December 2023

Collagen fibers in the 3D tumor microenvironment (TME) exhibit complex alignment landscapes that are critical in directing cell migration through a process called contact guidance. Previous in vitro work studying this phenomenon has focused on quantifying cell responses in uniformly aligned environments. However, the TME also features short‐range gradients in fiber alignment that result from cell‐induced traction forces. Although the influence of graded biophysical taxis cues is well established, cell responses to physiological alignment gradients remain largely unexplored. In this work, fiber alignment gradients in biopsy samples are characterized and recreated using a new microfluidic biofabrication technique to achieve tunable sub‐millimeter to millimeter scale gradients. This study represents the first successful engineering of continuous alignment gradients in soft, natural biomaterials. Migration experiments on graded alignment show that human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) exhibit increased directionality, persistence, and speed compared to uniform and unaligned fiber architectures. Similarly, patterned MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cell aggregates exhibit biased migration toward increasing fiber alignment, suggesting a role for alignment gradients as a taxis cue. This user‐friendly approach, requiring no specialized equipment, is anticipated to offer new insights into the biophysical cues that cells interpret as they traverse the extracellular matrix (ECM), with broad applicability in healthy and diseased tissue environments.
Room‐Temperature Ferromagnetism and Fermi Level Pinning in Multilayer Graphene Films Derived from Ferrocene
Authors: Wu Jun , Jiang Chenghuan , Cui Yunkang , Yao Lin , Tan Yingfan , Xu HaiYing
Published: December 2023

Spin polarization is a very important condition for spintronics applications which can easily be achieved by using ferromagnetic materials. Graphene‐based magnetic materials, which have long spin lifetime and diffusion length, are very promising as spin channel materials. In this work, Ferrocene molecules are chosen as the precursor carbon source using the chemical vapor deposition method, facilitating the synthesis of multilayer graphene films decorated with magnetic nanoclusters. This resultant material manifested planar ferromagnetism with a Curie temperature exceeding room temperature (≥300 K) and a saturation magnetization as high as 4.1 × 10−7 emu mm−2. The robust ferromagnetic coupling can plausibly be attributed to the presence of magnetic nanoclusters interspersed within the synthesized graphene, enhancing the localized magnetic moment and promoting ferromagnetic long‐range ordering. Furthermore, the Fermi level pinning at the Dirac point is observed and predominantly ascribed to the pervasive defects in the graphene derived from ferrocene. The oxygen functional groups within these defects act as charge traps, effectively anchoring the Fermi level to the Dirac point, intrinsically suppressing the ambipolar behavior of graphene. This work sheds light on potential avenues for the exploration of novel, high‐performance carbonaceous spintronics materials with economic feasibility.
Probing the Strain Direction‐Dependent Nonmonotonic Optical Bandgap Modulation of Layered Violet Phosphorus
Authors: Wang Huaipeng , Liu Sicheng , Liu Zhifang , Sun Yilin , Xie Dan , Ren Tianling
Published: December 2023

Recent theoretical investigations have well‐predicted strain‐induced nonmonotonic optical band gap variations in low‐dimensional materials. However, few two‐dimensional (2D) materials are experimentally confirmed to exhibit nonmonotonic optical band gap variation under varying strain. Here, a strain‐induced nonmonotonic optical bandgap variation in violet phosphorus (VP) nanosheets is observed, as evidenced by photoluminescence spectroscopy, which is reported in a few other 2D materials in knowledge. The optical bandgap variations are characterized to show the modulation rates of 41 and −24 meV/% with compression and tensile strains, respectively. Remarkably, first‐principle calculations predict and clarify the nonmonotonic modulation accurately, highlighting its relationship with the strain direction‐dependent asymmetric distribution of conduction band minimum wavefunctions, demonstrating that this unique nonmonotonic optical bandgap modulation is determined by the distinctive crystal structure of VP. This work provides a deep insight into the design of 2D materials toward optoelectronic and photoelectrochemical applications via strain engineering.
Subcutaneous Administration of a Zwitterionic Chitosan‐Based Hydrogel for Controlled Spatiotemporal Release of Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Gréa Thomas , Jacquot Guillaume , Durand Arthur , Mathieu Clélia , Gasser Adeline , Zhu Chen , Banerjee Mainak , Hucteau Elyse , Mallard Joris , Lopez Navarro Pedro , Popescu Bogdan V. , Thomas Eloise , Kryza David , Sidi‐Boumedine Jacqueline , Ferrauto Giuseppe , Gianolio Eliana , Fleith Guillaume , Combet Jérôme , Brun Susana , Erb Stéphane , Cianferani Sarah , Charbonnière Loïc J. , Fellmann Lyne , Mirjolet Céline , David Laurent , Tillement Olivier , Lux François , Harlepp Sébastien , Pivot Xavier , Detappe Alexandre
Published: December 2023

Subcutaneous (SC) administration of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) is a proven strategy for improving therapeutic outcomes and patient compliance. The current FDA‐/EMA‐approved enzymatic approach, utilizing recombinant human hyaluronidase (rHuPH20) to enhance mAbs SC delivery, involves degrading the extracellular matrix's hyaluronate to increase tissue permeability. However, this method lacks tunable release properties, requiring individual optimization for each mAb. Seeking alternatives, physical polysaccharide hydrogels emerge as promising candidates due to their tunable physicochemical and biodegradability features. Unfortunately, none have demonstrated simultaneous biocompatibility, biodegradability, and controlled release properties for large proteins (≥150 kDa) after SC delivery in clinical settings. Here, a novel two‐component hydrogel comprising chitosan and chitosan@DOTAGA is introduced that can be seamlessly mixed with sterile mAbs formulations initially designed for intravenous (IV) administration, repurposing them as novel tunable SC formulations. Validated in mice and nonhuman primates (NHPs) with various mAbs, including trastuzumab and rituximab, the hydrogel exhibited biodegradability and biocompatibility features. Pharmacokinetic studies in both species demonstrated tunable controlled release, surpassing the capabilities of rHuPH20, with comparable parameters to the rHuPH20+mAbs formulation. These findings signify the potential for rapid translation to human applications, opening avenues for the clinical development of this novel SC biosimilar formulation.
An Active and Passive Controllable Smart Glass Based on an Eco‐Friendly Aqueous Solution
Authors: Wang Tsun‐Han , Jeng Shie‐Chang
Published: December 2023

A smart glass, based on an eco‐friendly aqueous solution, capable of controlling both transparency for privacy and the radiant energy flow for thermal insulation, is demonstrated. The transparency of the glass is self‐adaptive in response to the ambient environment and can also be electrically controlled on demand. The aqueous solution used in this study is composed of water and a non‐ionic surfactant used in the food industry. As the temperature of the aqueous solutions increases above the cloud point, the solution undergoes phase separation into a micelle‐rich phase and a micelle‐poor phase causing the incident light to be scattered by the micellar clusters. Good thermo‐responsive optical properties are achieved with ≈77% luminous transmittance, ≈90% haze, and ≈64% solar regulation. The proposed smart glass fabricated from a biocompatible aqueous solution would be eco‐friendly as well as exhibiting excellent energy conservation performance.
‘Sawfish’ Photonic Crystal Cavity for Near‐Unity Emitter‐to‐Fiber Interfacing in Quantum Network Applications
Authors: Bopp Julian M. , Plock Matthias , Turan Tim , Pieplow Gregor , Burger Sven , Schröder Tim
Published: December 2023

Photon loss is one of the key challenges to overcome in complex photonic quantum applications. Photon collection efficiencies directly impact the amount of resources required for measurement‐based quantum computation and communication networks. Promising resources include solid‐state quantum light sources. However, efficiently coupling light from a single quantum emitter to a guided mode remains demanding. In this work, photon losses are eliminated by maximizing coupling efficiencies in an emitter‐to‐fiber interface. A waveguide‐integrated ‘Sawfish’ photonic crystal cavity is developed and finite element (FEM) simulations are employed to demonstrate that such an emitter‐to‐fiber interface transfers, with 97.4 % efficiency, the zero‐phonon line (ZPL) emission of a negatively‐charged tin vacancy center in diamond (SnV−) adiabatically to a single‐mode fiber. A surrogate model trained by machine learning provides quantitative estimates of sensitivities to fabrication tolerances. The corrugation‐based Sawfish design proves robust under state‐of‐the‐art nanofabrication parameters, maintaining an emitter‐to‐fiber coupling efficiency of 88.6 %. Applying the Sawfish cavity to a recent one‐way quantum repeater protocol substantiates its potential in reducing resource requirements in quantum communication.
Pathology‐specific patterns of cerebellar atrophy in neurodegenerative disorders
Authors: Chen Yu , Spina Salvatore , Callahan Patrick , Grinberg Lea T. , Seeley William W. , Rosen Howard J. , Kramer Joel H. , Miller Bruce L. , Rankin Katherine P.
Published: December 2023

INTRODUCTION

Associations of cerebellar atrophy with specific neuropathologies in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) have not been systematically analyzed. This study examined cerebellar gray matter volume across major pathological subtypes of ADRD.

METHODS

Cerebellar gray matter volume was examined using voxel‐based morphometry in 309 autopsy‐proven ADRD cases and 80 healthy controls. ADRD subtypes included AD, mixed Lewy body disease and AD (LBD‐AD), and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). Clinical function was assessed using the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scale.

RESULTS

Distinct patterns of cerebellar atrophy were observed in all ADRD subtypes. Significant cerebellar gray matter changes appeared in the early stages of most subtypes and the very early stages of AD, LBD‐AD, FTLD‐TDP type A, and progressive supranuclear palsy. Cortical atrophy positively predicted cerebellar atrophy across all subtypes.

DISCUSSION

Our findings establish pathology‐specific profiles of cerebellar atrophy in ADRD and propose cerebellar neuroimaging as a non‐invasive biomarker for differential diagnosis and disease monitoring.

Highlights

Cerebellar atrophy was examined in 309 patients with autopsy‐proven neurodegeneration.

Distinct patterns of cerebellar atrophy are found in all pathological subtypes of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD).

Cerebellar atrophy is seen in early‐stage (Clinical Dementia Rating [CDR] ≤1) AD, Lewy body dementia (LBD), frontotemporal lobar degeneration with tau‐positive inclusion (FTLD‐tau), and FTLD‐transactive response DNA binding protein (FTLD‐TDP).

Cortical atrophy positively predicts cerebellar atrophy across all neuropathologies.
Characterization of structured lipids produced through interesterification of blends comprising beef tallow, milk, and vegetable oil using infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Okcu Busra Nur , Aktas Ayse Burcu
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to restructure beef tallow‐milk‐vegetable oils blends through the chemical and enzymatic interesterifications and to analyze some properties of interesterified lipids including peroxide value, free fatty acid and mono‐di‐triacylglycerol contents, fatty acid profile, and slip melting point. Moreover, the mid‐infrared spectra of the samples were obtained using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acid contents of beef tallow increased by blending and interesterification reactions. The free fatty acid content of the enzymatically interesterified lipids was higher than that of the chemically interesterified fats. The slip melting point of the structured fats decreased after both blending and interesterification. A statistical model showed that infrared spectra combined with analytical data could discriminate the interesterified lipids from binary and ternary blends. It was found out that a 15% milk and 40% vegetable oil ratio in the initial blends yielded as end products which could be an alternative product of butterfat in the bakery industry after chemical interesterification.
Understanding fishing and conservation of the Pacific seahorse (Hippocampus ingens) in Sinaloa, Mexico, through local ecological knowledge
Authors: Najera‐Medellin Jesus Alejandro , Quiñónez‐Martínez Miroslava , Narchi Nemer E. , Santos‐Fita Dídac , Díaz‐Gaxiola Jesús Manuel
Published: December 2023

The Pacific seahorse (Hippocampus ingens) is a teleost fish native to the Pacific Ocean. In Mexico they are protected by national legislation; however, there are no studies regarding their commercial use or population status. From a conservation perspective they are a threatened fish and from a socio‐economic aspect they represent a source of income for many fishing communities. The integration of these two points of view requires, among other things, the recognition that fishers have knowledge and skills that can help implement conservation strategies and management plans for seahorses and their habitats.

The objective was to document the knowledge of fishers from Sinaloa about the fishing status and current commercialization of wild populations of H. ingens. For this, semi‐structured interviews and participatory observation were carried out with 112 participants in the two main ports of the state of Sinaloa (Mazatlán and Topolobampo) from July to August 2021. The data obtained were coded and then, through content analysis, systematized results were obtained that allowed a qualitative and quantitative analysis.

The species was found to be caught using six different fishing gears (catch per unit effort, CPUE = 0.07–1.24 seahorses per boat per day) and have an important financial value. Most fishers catch seahorses incidentally, but three of them mentioned targeting them directly. Fishers perceive a decrease in catches and in the size of the Pacific seahorse, as well as an increase in prices.

The information analysed indicates that seahorse populations in Sinaloa are exploited and have economic value, despite current regulations. This study shows that the exploitation of seahorses in Sinaloa is unsustainable and requires the implemention of collaborative management strategies (e.g. stakeholder management, the establishment of marine protected areas, sustainable harvest practices, community‐based enforcement efforts, educational campaigns, research, and conservation partnerships) that fully take into account the knowledge and practice of local fishers of Sinaloa and Mexico.
Declining Incidence of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Norway 1999–2017: Data From a Population Cohort Identified by International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision Code and Verified by Classification
Authors: Haukeland Hilde , Moe Sigrid R. , Brunborg Cathrine , Botea Antonela , Damjanic Nenad , Wivestad Gro Å. , Øvreås Heidi K. , Bøe Thea B. , Orre Anniken , Garen Torhild , Molberg Øyvind , Lerang Karoline
Published: December 2023

Objective

The goal of this study was to provide complete, robust data on annual systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) incidence rates over nearly two decades from the Southeast Norway area (2.9 million inhabitants) and assess accuracy of SLE‐specific International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes for SLE diagnosis.

Methods

From administrative databases, we identified all cases International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision (ICD‐10) coded as SLE during 1999 through 2017 in Southeast Norway. We manually reviewed the chart of every case ICD‐10 coded as SLE to either confirm or reject SLE diagnosis. Using SLE classification criteria, we classified all cases with confirmed SLE. We estimated annual incidence rates of classified SLE, and subsets, defined by age at diagnosis, sex, and parental country of birth. The chi‐square test was applied for linear time‐trend analyses of incidence.

Results

Among the 3,488 cases ICD‐10 coded as SLE, chart reviews confirmed SLE diagnosis in 1,558 (45%), of which 797 had new‐onset disease during 1999 through 2017. Annual SLE incidence rates fell during 1999 to 2017. The fall was most pronounced in female persons 50 to 59 years old at diagnosis, in whom incidence fell from 3.4 to 1.1 per 100,000 persons (P trend < 0.001). Concurrent ecological data from the study area showed a 74% reduction in prescriptions of menopausal hormone treatment. Accuracy of ICD‐10 codes for incident SLE diagnosis was acceptable in juveniles and young adults (up to 20 years) but otherwise low.

Conclusion

In a presumably complete population‐based cohort, we identified decreasing incidence of SLE, especially among female persons 50 to 59 years old. Although reasons for declining incidence are not clear, ecological data indicate a possible role of environmental factors, for example, menopausal hormone treatments.

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Amorphous Ni(OH)2‐Ni3S2/NF nano‐flower heterostructure catalyst promotes efficient urea assisted overall water splitting
Authors: Zhou Lixue , Feng Daming , Liu Chang , Sun Ying , Fu Yang , Ma Tianyi
Published: December 2023

Urea assisted overall water splitting represents a cost‐effective and efficient technology for hydrogen production, which not only obviates the generation of explosive H2 and O2 gas mixture but also minimizes the energy cost for the water splitting. In this study, we employed a one‐pot hydrothermal method to directly synthesize Ni(OH)2‐Ni3S2/NF hybrid nanoflowers on a nickel foam (NF) substrate, resulting in efficient and stable bi‐functional electrocatalysts for urea oxidation reaction (UOR) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Under alkaline conditions, the Ni(OH)2‐Ni3S2/NF catalyst exhibits low voltage requirements of 1.346 V and −0.014 V vs. RHE with a current density of 10 mA cm−2 for UOR and HER, respectively. Furthermore, when employing the Ni(OH)2‐Ni3S2/NF catalyst as both anode and cathode for urea‐assisted overall water splitting, it requires a cell voltage of merely 1.396 V with a current density of 10 mA cm−2, which is notably lower than the voltage required for complete water decomposition at the same current density (1.568 V vs. RHE). The one‐step synthesis of the Ni(OH)2‐Ni3S2/NF catalyst lays a foundation for further exploration of other transition metal complexes as dual‐function electrocatalysts, enabling energy‐efficient electrolytic hydrogen production and the treatment of urea‐rich wastewater.
Increased anticholinergic medication use in middle‐aged and older autistic adults and its associations with self‐reported memory difficulties and cognitive decline
Authors: McQuaid Goldie A. , Duane Sean C. , Ahmed Neha , Lee Nancy Raitano , Charlton Rebecca , Wallace Gregory L.
Published: December 2023

Many commonly used prescription and over‐the‐counter medicines have potent anticholinergic (AC) effects. Among older adults, AC medications are associated with cognitive impairment and risk for cognitive disorders, including Alzheimer's disease. Collectively, the impact of AC medications is known as anticholinergic cognitive burden (ACB). Because of the high rates of co‐occurring medical and psychiatric conditions, autistic adults may have high AC exposure and, thus, may experience elevated ACB. However, no research has characterized AC exposure or examined its associations with cognitive outcomes in autistic adults. Autistic adults (40–83 years) recruited via Simons Powering Autism Research's (SPARK) Research Match service self‐reported their medication use (N = 415) and memory complaints (N = 382) at Time (T)1. At T2, 2 years later, a subset of T1 participants (N = 197) self‐reported on decline in cognition. Medications were coded using two scales of AC potency. A high proportion (48.2%–62.9%, depending upon the AC potency scale) of autistic adults reported taking at least one medication with AC effects, and 20.5% to 26.5% of autistic adults reported clinically‐relevant levels of AC medication (potency ≥3). After controlling for birth‐sex, and age, hierarchical linear regression models showed total ACB scores and AC potency values of ≥3 predicted greater memory complaints. Logistic regression models showed that AC medicines at T1 were associated with self‐reported cognitive decline at follow‐up 2 years later. Understanding AC medications—including potentially earlier AC polypharmacy—and their impacts on cognition (e.g., dementia risk) in autistic adults is warranted.
Life‐cycle analysis of sustainable aviation fuel production through catalytic hydrothermolysis
Authors: Chen Peter Hua , Lee Uisung , Liu Xinyu , Cai Hao , Wang Michael
Published: December 2023

Catalytic hydrothermolysis (CH) is a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) pathway that has been recently approved for use in aircraft fuel production. In alignment with broader sustainable aviation goals, SAF production through CH requires a quantitative assessment of carbon intensity (CI) impacts. In this study, a current‐day life‐cycle analysis (LCA) was performed on SAF produced via CH to determine the CI. Various oily feedstocks were considered, including vegetable oils (soybean, carinata, camelina and canola) and low‐burden oils and greases (corn oil, yellow grease and brown grease). Life‐cycle inventory data were collected on all processes within the CH LCA boundary: feedstock cultivation and/or collection, preprocessing, hydrothermal cleanup and CH, biocrude refining, fuel transportation and end use through combustion. Baseline results show that the CH‐produced SAF can be generated with CI reductions ranging from 48 to 82% compared with conventional jet fuel. Modest improvements to CI can be achieved through incremental changes to the brown grease CH process, such as relaxing the dewatering specification and implementing renewable natural gas and electricity, which could decrease the CI from 22.9 to 7.9 g CO2e/MJ. Total CH fuel production potential was also assessed on the basis of current or near‐future feedstock availability and CI. The total biofuel production potential of CH (SAF and renewable fuel co‐products) in the US sums to approximately 3487 million gallons per year, with 97% of these volumes having a CI below 50% of that for petroleum jet fuel. The study shows that from an LCA perspective, CH offers a viable SAF pathway that is comparable with existing SAF pathways like hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids.
Anti‐inflammatory activity of a new lactone isolated from the leaves of Ardisia crenata Sims
Authors: Tao Hui‐Hui , Zhou Yong‐Qiang , Wei Xin , Yin Xin , Zhao Chunli , Zhou Ying
Published: December 2023

One new lactone (1) named Ardisicreolide C, together with three saponin compounds, Ardisiacrispin B (2), Ardisicrenoside A (3), Ardisiacrispin A (4) were isolated and identified from the leaves of Ardisia crenata Sims. The structures of 1–4 were elucidated by 1D, 2D‐NMR and HR‐MS spectra and together with the published data. In view of structures with lactone moieties showed good anti‐inflammatory activity, the anti‐inflammatory effects of Ardisicreolide C on LPS‐induced RAW264.7 cells were evaluated by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. As a result, Ardisicreolide C could reduce release of nitric oxide (NO), tumour necrosis factor α (TNF‐α), interleukin 1β (IL‐1β), interleukin 4 (IL‐4) and interleukin 10 (IL‐10) of the cell supernatant to exert anti‐inflammatory activity. This indicates that the leaves as non‐medicinal parts of Ardisia crenata Sims contain compounds with good anti‐inflammatory activity, which provides a new direction for the discovery of anti‐inflammatory drugs.
Predictionof Environmental FateandToxicityofInsecticidesUsing Multi‐Target QSAR Approach
Authors: Pandey Vandana
Published: December 2023

Ecotoxicological risk assessments form the foundation of regulatory decisions for industrial chemicals used in various sectors. In this study, a multi‐target‐QSAR model established by a backpropagation neural network trained with the Levenberg‐Marquardt (LM) algorithm was used to construct a statistically robust and easily interpretable Mt‐QSAR model with high external predictability for the simultaneous prediction of the environmental fate in form of octanol‐water partition coefficient (LogP), (BCF) and acute oral toxicity in mammals and birds (LD50rat) and (LD50bird) for a wide range of chemical structural classes of insecticides. Principal component analysis was performed on descriptors selected by the SW‐MLR method, and the selected PCs were used for constructing the SW‐MLR‐PCA‐ANN model. The developed well‐trained model (RMSE=0.83, MPE=0.004, CCC=0.82, IIC=0.78, R2=0.69) was statistically robust as indicated by the external validation parameters (RMSE=0.93, MPE=0.008, CCC=0.77, IIC=0.68, R2=0.61). The AD of the developed Mt‐QSAR model was also defined to identify the most reliable predictions. Finally, the missing values in the dataset for the aforementioned targets were predicted using the constructed Mt‐QSAR model. The proposed approach can be used for simultaneous prediction of the environmental fate of new insecticides, especially ones that haven′t been tested yet.
An in silico approach to investigate the theranostic potential of coumarin‐derived self‐immolative luminescent probes
Authors: Venkatesan Swathi , Chanda Kaushik , Balamurali M. M.
Published: December 2023

Till date the challenge exists in the treatments of cancer for various reasons. Most importantly, the available diagnostics are expensive with research gap for enhancing the cancer detection sensitivity. Herein, a series of coumarin‐derived fluorescent theranostic probes are reported that can serve as potent anticancer agents as well as in the detection of cancer cells. The potential of these probes to efficiently block one of the well‐known cancer drug targets NADPH quinone oxidoreductase‐1 (NQO1) is evaluated through various pharmacokinetic methods including absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) properties evaluation, PASS (prediction of activity spectra for substance) algorithm along with molecular docking and dynamic simulations. Further the luminescent properties of these molecules were evaluated by investigating their electronic properties in the ground and excited states with the help of density functional theory methods. Results indicate that the proposed molecules can potentially block the NADPH (reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) binding site of NQO1, thereby inhibiting the activity of the enzyme to ultimately disrupt the metabolism of cancer cells.
Naringenin, Hesperidin and Quercetin Ameliorate Radiation‐Induced Damage In Rats: In Vivo And In Silico Evaluations
Authors: Uguz Handan , Avcı Bahri , Palabıyık Esra , Nurseli Sulumer Ayşe , Kızıltunç Özmen Hilal , Demir Yeliz , Aşkın Hakan
Published: December 2023

In this study, we sought to determine how well naringenin, hesperidin, and quercetin prevented damage brought on by radiotherapy. During the investigation, 48 adult female Sprague Dawley rats were used. Eight groups of eight rats each were formed by randomly assigning the rats to the groups. The normal control group was represented by Group 1. Group 2 rats were those that received a dose of 15 Gray (Gy) of radiotherapy. The rats assigned to Group 3 received only Naringenin, whereas those assigned to Group 4 received only quercetine, and those assigned to Group 5 received only hesperidin. Rats in Group 6, 7 and 8 were received naringenin, quarcetin and hesperidin at a dose of 50 mg/kg daily for one week prior to radiotheraphy exposition. After radiotheraphy and phenolic compounds rats were sacrificed and some metabolic enzyme (aldose reductase (AR), sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH), paraoxonase‐1 (PON1), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and glutathione S‐transferase (GST)) activity was determined in eye and brain tissues. It was found that phenolic compounds have protective effect against radiation‐induced damage because of their anti‐diabetic antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties. In addition, hesperidin was found to be superior to quercetin and naringenin in terms of enzyme activity efficacy. Furthermore, hesperidin exhibited favorable binding affinity for BChE in silico compared to other enzymes.