bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal associations between psychological and social well‐being: Exploring within‐person dynamics
Authors: Joshanloo Mohsen
Published: December 2023

This study examines the longitudinal associations between psychological and social well‐being, which represent the private and public dimensions of eudaimonic well‐being, respectively. Data were drawn from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) project (N = 6,453). Participants were assessed at three‐time points, each approximately a decade apart. Both between‐person and within‐person associations between social and psychological well‐being are examined. The results reveal a strong between‐person association, consistent with previous cross‐sectional results. In addition, novel insights are gained by uncovering longitudinal within‐person associations that suggest consistent and coordinated changes in psychological and social well‐being over time. More specifically, deviations from typical levels in one dimension are associated with corresponding deviations in the other dimension after about 10 years, suggesting a reciprocal link. Notably, person‐specific changes in social well‐being are a better predictor of subsequent changes in psychological well‐being, than the other way around. These findings underscore the interdependence of the two facets of eudaimonic well‐being and highlight the importance of considering both dimensions in intervention strategies. Taken together, these findings enrich our understanding of the dynamic nature of eudaimonic well‐being. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.
Identification of Marker Molecules in Aqueous Plant Extracts Affecting the Gold Nanostructures’ Morphology and Size
Authors: Elgaleidh Mareia Ahmed‐M. , Dilek Tepe Hafize , Doyuk Fatma , Çeter Talip , Yazgan İdris
Published: December 2023

This work was performed as a comparative study using nine different aqueous pollen grain extracts from eight different genera (Juniperus, Biota, Cupressus, Abies, Pinus, Cedrus, Populus and Corylus) to synthesize gold nanostructures (AuNSs) to understand if there is any possible marker that helps to predict the final morphology and size of the AuNSs. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that Apigenin and Pinoresinol compounds are the marker molecules in determination of the AuNSs physical characteristics while total protein, reducing carbohydrate, flavonoid and phenol contents did not show any statistically meaningful outcome. The “dominancy hypothesis” was tested by paying attention to the most concentrated phenolic acids and flavonoids in the control of AuNSs morphology and size, for which correlation analysis were performed. The statistical findings were tested using two new more pollen extracts to validate the models. Three main findings of the study were (i) determination of Apigenin and Pinoresinol levels in pollen extract can give an insight into the AuNSs physical characters, (ii) the most concentrated phenolic acids and flavonoids don't need to be same to pose same dictative effect on AuNSs morphology and size, rather relatively abundant ones in the extract play the key role and (iii) differences in the polymeric structures (e. g. lignin, cellulosic compounds etc.) have minor effect on the final morphology and size of the AuNSs.
HMGB1 in exosomes derived from gastric cancer cells induces M2‐like macrophage polarization by inhibiting the NF‐κB signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Ke , Wang Hui , Zhou Jumei , Zhu Suyu , Ma Min , Xiao Hua , Ding Yi
Published: December 2023

Gastric cancer (GC) seriously threatens human health. High mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1) and M2‐like macrophages are closely associated with core events about human cancers, such as invasion, and metastasis, and cancer microenvironment. This study mainly determined the regulatory effect of HMGB1 in GC cell‐derived exosomes on M2‐like macrophage polarization as well as the underlying mechanism. HMGB1 was found to be highly expressed in gastric tissue specimens, which might lead to the poor prognosis of GC. High levels of HMGB1 were also observed in the plasma of GC patients, indicating the possibility that it regulates the immune microenvironment via exosomes. Further study revealed and confirmed the regulatory effect of exosomes derived from GC cells with high HMGB1 level on inducing M2‐like macrophage polarization. Mechanistically, by interacting with the transcription factor POU2F1, exosomal HMGB1 inhibited the transcriptional activity of p50, resulting in the inactivation of NF‐κB signaling pathway and thereby inducing M2‐like macrophage polarization. Moreover, instead of promoting the proliferation of GC cells, exosomes with high HMGB1 levels induced M2‐like macrophage polarization and promoted GC progression. This study reveals a novel mechanism by which HMGB1 promotes GC progression, which may provide new insights for improving the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy.
Wheel of misfortune: A unique case of MRSA pyomyositis of the adductor muscle group from blunt unicycle trauma
Authors: Gaelen Jordan I. , Awoyemi Toluwalase , Okematti Emmanuel , Ramanathan Meera
Published: December 2023

Key Clinical Message

In patients with infectious symptoms and severe muscle pain, it is crucial to consider pyomyositis as a significant potential cause. A normal complete blood count should not exclude this possibility early in the course. Early advanced imaging modalities and blood cultures are crucial in narrowing the differential. Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus is increasingly implicated.
Effect of Carbon Xerogel Activation on Fe−N−C Catalyst Activity in Fuel Cells
Authors: Álvarez‐Manuel Laura , Alegre Cinthia , Sebastián David , Napal Pedro F. , Moreno Cristina , Bailón‐García Esther , Carrasco‐Marín Francisco , Lázaro María J.
Published: December 2023

Fe−N−C catalysts are an interesting option for polymer electrolyte fuel cells due to their low cost and high activity towards the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Since Fe−N−C active sites are preferentially formed in the micropores of the carbon matrix, increasing the microporosity is highly appealing. In this work, carbon xerogels (CXG) were activated by physical and chemical methods to favor the formation of micropores, used as carbon matrices for Fe−N−C catalysts, and investigated for the ORR. The catalysts were characterized by solid‐state techniques to determine chemical composition and pore structure. Physical activation increased microporosity up to 2‐fold leading to catalysts with a larger density of active sites (more than twice iron and nitrogen uptake, pyridinic N and Nx−Fe). This entailed a higher ORR intrinsic activity determined in a 3‐electrode cell (80 mV better half‐wave potential). At the cathode of a fuel cell, the catalysts based on activated carbon materials showed 26 % lower power density ascribed to a more hydrophilic surface, causing a larger extent of flooding of the electrode that counterbalances the higher intrinsic activity. Interestingly, a more stable behavior was observed for the activated catalysts, with up to 2‐fold better relative power density retention after 20‐hour operation.
Pertechnetate/perrhenate‐capped Zr/Hf‐Dihydroxide Dimers: Elucidating Zr−TcO4 Co‐Mobility in the Nuclear Fuel Cycle
Authors: Shohel Mohammad , Bustos Jenna , Roseborough Alexander , Nyman May
Published: December 2023

Spent nuclear fuel contains heavy element fission products that must be separated for effective reprocessing for a safe and sustainable nuclear fuel cycle. 93Zr and 99Tc are high‐yield fission products that co‐transport in liquid‐liquid extraction processes. Here we seek atomic‐level information of this co‐extraction process, as well as fundamental knowledge about ZrIV (and HfIV) aqueous speciation in the presence of topology‐directing ligands such as pertechnetate (TcO4−) and non‐radioactive surrogate perrhenate (ReO4−). In this context, we show that the flat tetrameric oxyhydroxyl‐cluster [MIV4(OH)8(H2O)16]8+ (and related polymers) is dissociated by perrhenate/pertechnetate to yield isostructural dimers, M2(OH)2(XO4−)6(H2O)6 ⋅ 3H2O (M=Zr/HfIV; X=Re/TcVII), elucidated by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. We used these model compounds to understand the pervasive 93Zr‐99Tc coextraction with further speciation studies in water, nitric acid, and tetrabutylphosphate (TBP) ‐kerosene; where the latter two media are relevant to nuclear fuel reprocessing. SAXS (small angle X‐ray scattering), compositional evaluation, and where experimentally feasible, ESI‐MS (electrospray ionization mass spectrometry) showed that perrhenate/pertechnetate influence Zr/HfIV‐speciation in water. In Zr‐XO4 solvent extraction studies to simulate fuel reprocessing, we provide evidence that TcO4− enhances extraction of ZrIV, and compositional analysis of the extracted metal‐complexes (Zr‐ReO4 study) is consistent with the crystallized ZrIV2(OH)2(ReVIIO4−)6(H2O)6⋅dimer.
Phosphinidenes: Fundamental Properties and Reactivity
Authors: Lu Bo , Zeng Xiaoqing
Published: December 2023

Phosphinidenes are heavy congeners of nitrenes that have been broadly used as in situ reagents in synthetic phosphorus chemistry and also serve as versatile ligands in coordination with transition metals. However, the detection of free phosphinidenes is largely challenged by their high reactivity and also the lack of suitable synthetic methods, rendering the knowledge about the fundamental properties of this class of low‐valent phosphorus compounds limited. Recently, an increasing number of free phosphinidenes bearing prototype structural and bonding properties have been prepared for the first time, thus enabling the exploration of their distinct reactivity from the nitrene analogues. This Concept article will discuss the experimental approaches for the generation of the highly unstable phosphinidenes and highlight their distinct reactivity from the nitrogen analogues so as to stimuate future studies about their potential applications in phosphorus chemistry.
Psilocybin‐assisted group therapy in patients with cancer diagnosed with a major depressive disorder
Authors: Agrawal Manish , Richards William , Beaussant Yvan , Shnayder Sarah , Ameli Rezvan , Roddy Kimberly , Stevens Norma , Richards Brian , Schor Nick , Honstein Heather , Jenkins Betsy , Bates Mark , Thambi Paul
Published: December 2023

Background

Depression is common in patients with cancer and is associated with lower treatment adherence and reduced quality of life. Antidepressants and psychotherapy have limited success in improving depression among patients with cancer. This study explored the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of psilocybin‐assisted therapy in patients with cancer and major depressive disorder.

Methods

This phase 2, open‐label trial enrolled patients with curable and noncurable cancer and major depressive disorder at a single community oncology practice site. A single 25‐mg dose of psilocybin was administered simultaneously to cohorts of three to four participants with individual (4.25 hours in 1:1 therapist‐to‐patient ratio) and group therapeutic support (3.75 hours) before, during, and after psilocybin administration. Outcomes included depression severity, anxiety, pain, demoralization, and disability.

Results

Thirty participants completed the study. No psilocybin‐related serious adverse events occurred; treatment‐related adverse events (e.g., nausea, headache) were generally mild and expected. There were no laboratory or electrocardiogram abnormalities. No suicidality was reported. Efficacy was suggested with a robust reduction in depression severity scores from baseline to posttreatment of 19.1 points (95% CI, 22.3 to –16.0; p < .0001) by week 8. Eighty percent of participants demonstrated a sustained response to psilocybin treatment; 50% showed full remission of depressive symptoms at week 1, which was sustained for 8 weeks.

Conclusions

Psilocybin‐assisted therapy in group cohort administration was safe and feasible in patients with cancer and depression. Efficacy was suggested based on clinically meaningful reductions in depressive symptoms. The novel, group‐oriented format, compact delivery time, community cancer center setting, and one‐to‐one therapist‐to‐patient ratio could also add to therapeutic gains and efficiency of administration.

Trial Registration

NCT04593563.

Plain Language Summary

Depression is common in patients with cancer and associated with lower treatment adherence, reduced quality of life, and limited response to antidepressants and psychotherapy.

We conducted a phase 2 trial to study a single dose of psilocybin administered in a group therapy setting with one‐to‐one therapist‐to‐participant psychological support to patients with curable and noncurable cancer and major depressive disorder.

Findings of the study showed safety (no treatment‐related serious adverse events or suicidality) with psilocybin and suggested efficacy, with a significant reduction in depression severity scores from baseline to posttreatment. Further investigation is warranted.
Innovations in group‐based psilocybin‐assisted therapy of major depression in patients with cancer
Authors: Thrul Johannes , Kozak Zofia , Carducci Michael A. , Garcia‐Romeu Albert , Yaden David B.
Published: December 2023

Several recent studies have investigated psilocybin as a novel therapeutic compound for the treatment of existential distress in patients with cancer, demonstrating persistent, positive effects on mood. This editorial discusses two articles in the current issue of Cancer that report findings of a group‐based psilocybin‐assisted intervention for treatment of depression in patients diagnosed with cancer.
Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacokinetics of a Novel Oral Phosphodiesterase 4 Inhibitor, ME3183: First‐in‐Human Phase 1 Study
Authors: Kato Seiji , Cho Naoki , Koresawa Tomokazu , Otake Kazunari , Kano Akiko
Published: December 2023

A novel, oral phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor, ME3183, is under development for the treatment of psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and other inflammatory diseases. To evaluate its safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, single ascending dose (SAD), and multiple ascending dose (MAD) phase 1 studies were conducted in 126 healthy adults. The food effect was evaluated in a randomized, open‐label, crossover manner (n = 5). ME3183 was safe and tolerable up to 25 mg in the SAD part and up to 10 mg twice daily in the MAD part. Frequently observed treatment‐emergent adverse events included diarrhea and headache, as commonly reported for approved PDE4 inhibitors, providing no novel safety concerns. Pharmacokinetic analysis showed dose‐dependent increases in Cmax and AUC, with later tmax and longer t1/2 than apremilast, an approved PDE4 inhibitor. The food effect study showed slightly decreased systemic exposure. In the MAD part, plasma exposure levels of ME3183 were higher even at the minimal dose (2.5 mg twice daily) than the estimated therapeutically effective level. These results show the safe profile of ME3183 and support further studies to confirm the safety and efficacy of the drug in patients with psoriasis and other inflammatory diseases.
Assessment of the CYP3A4 Induction Potential by Carbamazepine: Insights from Two Clinical DDI Studies and PBPK Modeling
Authors: Kanefendt Friederike , Dallmann André , Chen Huijun , Francke Klaus , Liu Tianxing , Brase Christine , Frechen Sebastian , Schultze‐Mosgau Marcus‐Hillert
Published: December 2023

In the past, rifampicin was well‐established as strong index CYP3A inducer in clinical drug–drug interaction (DDI) studies. However, due to identified potentially genotoxic nitrosamine impurities, it should not any longer be used in healthy volunteer studies. Available clinical data suggest carbamazepine as an alternative to rifampicin as strong index CYP3A4 inducer in clinical DDI studies. Further, physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling is a tool with increasing importance to support the DDI risk assessment of drugs during drug development. CYP3A4 induction properties and the safety profile of carbamazepine were investigated in two open‐label, fixed sequence, crossover clinical pharmacology studies in healthy volunteers using midazolam as a sensitive index CYP3A4 substrate. Carbamazepine was up‐titrated from 100 mg twice daily (b.i.d.) to 200 mg b.i.d., and to a final dose of 300 mg b.i.d. for 10 consecutive days. Mean area under plasma concentration‐time curve from zero to infinity (AUC(0‐∞)) of midazolam consistently decreased by 71.8% (ratio: 0.282, 90% confidence interval (CI): 0.235–0.340) and 67.7% (ratio: 0.323, 90% CI: 0.256–0.407) in study 1 and study 2, respectively. The effect was adequately described by an internally developed PBPK model for carbamazepine which has been made freely available to the scientific community. Further, carbamazepine was safe and well‐tolerated in the investigated dosing regimen in healthy participants. The results demonstrated that the presented design is appropriate for the use of carbamazepine as alternative inducer to rifampicin in DDI studies acknowledging its CYP3A4 inductive potency and safety profile.
Machine Learning in Modeling Disease Trajectory and Treatment Outcomes: An Emerging Enabler for Model‐Informed Precision Medicine
Authors: Terranova Nadia , Venkatakrishnan Karthik
Published: December 2023

The increasing breadth and depth of resolution in biological and clinical data, including ‐omics and real‐world data, requires advanced analytical techniques like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to fully appreciate the impact of multi‐dimensional population variability in intrinsic and extrinsic factors on disease progression and treatment outcomes. Integration of advanced data analytics in Quantitative Pharmacology is crucial for drug‐disease knowledge management, enabling precise, efficient and inclusive drug development and utilization – an application we refer to as model‐informed precision medicine. AI/ML enables characterization of the molecular and clinical sources of heterogeneity in disease trajectory, advancing end point qualification and biomarker discovery, and informing patient enrichment for proof‐of‐concept studies as well as trial designs for efficient evidence generation incorporating digital twins and virtual control arms. Explainable ML methods are valuable in elucidating predictors of efficacy and safety of pharmacological treatments, thereby informing response monitoring and risk mitigation strategies. In oncology, emerging opportunities exist for development of the next generation of disease models via ML‐assisted joint longitudinal modeling of high‐dimensional biomarker data such as circulating tumor DNA and radiomics profiles as predictors of survival outcomes. Finally, mining real‐world data leveraging ML algorithms enables understanding of the impact of exclusion criteria on clinical outcomes, thereby informing rational design of appropriately inclusive clinical trials through data‐driven broadening of eligibility criteria. Herein, we provide an overview of the aforementioned contexts of use of ML in drug‐disease modeling based on examples across multiple therapeutic areas including neurology, rare diseases, autoimmune diseases, oncology and immuno‐oncology.
Catalytic Domino Three‐Component Synthesis of Functionalized Heterocycles from Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Shi Wangyu , Qiao Chang , Benet‐Buchholz Jordi , Kleij Arjan W.
Published: December 2023

A catalytic domino, three‐component reaction has been developed for the transformation of carbon dioxide into functionalized six‐membered cyclic carbonates. The catalytic process combines an initial carboxylative cyclization of β‐epoxy alcohols followed by an oxa‐Michael reaction affording an unparalleled scope of heterocyclic structures. The wide range of functional groups, including free‐alcohols, empowers the access to a range of products including C11‐oxo‐based bicyclic heterocycles. The versatility of these functionalized carbonates is further complemented by a series of synthetic diversifications. Control experiments are consistent with the first step of this domino process being promoted by a binary Lewis acid/base catalyst, while the second stage only requires catalytic base.
Exploratory correlation of the human structural connectome with non‐MRI variables in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Aganj Iman , Mora Jocelyn , Frau‐Pascual Aina , Fischl Bruce ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Discovery of the associations between brain structural connectivity and clinical and demographic variables can help to better understand the vulnerability and resilience of the brain architecture to neurodegenerative diseases and to discover biomarkers.

Methods

We used four diffusion‐MRI databases, three related to Alzheimer's disease (AD), to exploratorily correlate structural connections between 85 brain regions with non‐MRI variables, while stringently correcting the significance values for multiple testing and ruling out spurious correlations via careful visual inspection. We repeated the analysis with brain connectivity augmented with multi‐synaptic neural pathways.

Results

We found 85 and 101 significant relationships with direct and augmented connectivity, respectively, which were generally stronger for the latter. Age was consistently linked to decreased connectivity, and healthier clinical scores were generally linked to increased connectivity.

Discussion

Our findings help to elucidate which structural brain networks are affected in AD and aging and highlight the importance of including indirect connections.
Facies distribution and depositional cycles in lacustrine and palustrine carbonates: The Lutetian–Aquitanian record in the Paris Basin
Authors: Moreau Kévin , Andrieu Simon , Briais Justine , Brigaud Benjamin , Ader Magali
Published: December 2023

The difficulty of correlating continental deposits hinders predicting lacustrine and palustrine carbonate facies variations in time and space. This study aims to understand better the factors governing these facies heterogeneities by measuring carbonate isotopes and conducting facies, petrographic and sequence stratigraphic analyses of the Lutetian–Aquitanian deposits of the Paris Basin, that record the transition from marine to lacustrine environments. Large‐scale correlations enabled the definition of two lacustrine–palustrine carbonate facies models. (1) The coastal lacustrine system (Bartonian to Rupelian), consists of fine‐grained brackish carbonate exhibiting episodic marine inputs during short‐term relative sea‐level maxima and evaporite sedimentation during relative sea‐level minima. Lacustrine sediments differ notably from marine ones with more negative δ13C and δ18O compositions that co‐vary and a biota adapted to low salinity conditions. In the associated palustrine environment, depositional sequences evolve upwards from micritic lacustrine deposits to nodular and then laminar calcretes. Microbial‐coated grains and rhizoliths indicate biological processes during repeated subaerial exposure phases in sub‐tropical to arid climates. (2) The inland lacustrine system (Rupelian and Aquitanian) was disconnected from the marine domain and showed evidence of microbial activity with microbial crusts and oncoidal rudstones. Facies rich in micritic intraclasts composed of palustrine and lacustrine facies indicate the reworking of already lithified sediments along the margins. In the palustrine domain, the calcrete facies are less abundant than breccias formed in‐situ by desiccation, limestones with root traces, or organic‐rich wackestones and marls. This system reflects a more temperate climate with more developed microbial structures and less exposed carbonates than the coastal lacustrine system. The southward migration of the depocentre and the transition from marine environments to (1) coastal and then (2) inland systems are controlled by uplift phases induced by Pyrenean and Alpine orogenesis. Third‐order relative sea‐level variations appear to control only short‐term cycles in coastal systems.
Synthesis of 2,5‐Disubstituted Pyridines using the Gold(I)‐Catalyzed Cycloisomerization of 1‐Bromoalkynes as Key Step
Authors: Miguélez Rubén , Arto Omar , Rodríguez‐Arias Carlos , del Blanco Ángel , Barrio Pablo , González José M.
Published: December 2023

Gold‐catalyzed cycloisomerization reaction of 1‐bromoalkynes allowed for the preparation of a variety of 1‐bromocyclopentene derivatives. These have been used as substrates in a 3‐step synthetic sequence comprising a cross‐coupling reaction, followed by ozonolysis, and final condensation towards the corresponding 2,5‐disubstituted pyridine. In addition, bicyclic fused pyridines are achieved, including the first total synthesis of the natural product Sinensine B.
Change in pain expectations but no open‐label placebo analgesia: An experimental study using the heat pain paradigm
Authors: Friehs Thilo , Milde Christopher , Glombiewski Julia Anna , Kube Tobias
Published: December 2023

Background

Open‐label placebos (OLP) prescribed without deception and with a convincing rationale have been shown to evoke powerful treatment effects. Patients’ treatment expectations seem to influence the magnitude of the effect.

Objective

We examined if two different OLP rationales increased pain tolerance and reduced pain intensity and unpleasantness in a standardized heat pain experiment.

Methods

Participants (N = 71) who self‐reported reoccurring pain for at least the last 3 months were randomly assigned to one of three groups. We compared a personal‐emotional and a scientific‐matter‐of‐fact rationale with a control group (CG) that received the same placebo without any rationale. The rationale suggested a desensitizing effect on pain perception and improved pain coping of the placebo, whereas in the CG it was introduced as an ointment for measurement. The primary outcomes were pre–post changes in pain tolerance, expected and experienced pain intensity and unpleasantness.

Results

Participants showed a decrease in expected pain intensity, but not expected pain unpleasantness for both rationales. There were no differences in pain tolerance and experienced pain intensity and unpleasantness.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that evoking positive treatment expectations is not sufficient to elicit an OLP response. Possibly, the magnitude of expectations change in this study was not powerful enough to evoke an OLP effect. Additionally, it is possible that OLP effects in pain are unrelated to positive treatment expectations. The failure of OLP in our study is in contrast to a number of previous studies examining the effects of OLP in experimental and clinical pain.

Significance

This study provides evidence that positive treatment expectations are not sufficient to evoke an open‐label placebo effect in a standardized heat pain experiment. We showed that two different rationales improved participants treatment expectations, but failed to evoke a placebo effect in comparison to a control group that received the same placebo, labelled as an ointment to improve measurement quality.
Autopsy of a failed trial part 2: Outcomes, challenges, and lessons learnt from the DAISIES trial
Authors: İnce Başak , Phillips Matthew D. , Zenasni Zohra , Shearer James , Dalton Bethan , Irish Madeleine , Mercado Daniela , Webb Hannah , McCombie Catherine , Au Katie , Kern Nikola , Clark‐Stone Sam , Connan Frances , Johnston A. Louise , Lazarova Stanimira , Zadeh Ewa , Newell Ciarán , Pathan Tayeem , Wales Jackie , Cashmore Rebecca , Marshall Sandra , Arcelus Jon , Robinson Paul , Byford Sarah , Landau Sabine , Lawrence Vanessa , Himmerich Hubertus , Treasure Janet , Schmidt Ulrike
Published: December 2023

Objective

The relative merits of inpatient or day‐treatment for adults with anorexia nervosa (AN) are unknown. The DAISIES trial aimed to establish the non‐inferiority of a stepped‐care day patient treatment (DPT) approach versus inpatient treatment as usual (IP‐TAU) for improving body mass index (BMI) at 12 months in adults with AN. The trial was terminated due to poor recruitment. This paper presents outcomes and investigates the reasons behind the trial's failure.

Method

Fifteen patients with AN (of 53 approached) participated and were followed‐up to 6 or 12 months. Summary statistics were calculated due to low sample size, and qualitative data concerning treatment experiences were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

At baseline, participants in both trial arms rated stepped‐care DPT as more acceptable. At 12 months, participants' BMIs had increased in both trial arms. Qualitative analysis highlighted valued and challenging aspects of care across settings. Only 6/12 sites opened for recruitment. Among patients approached, the most common reason for declining participation was their treatment preference (n = 12/38).

Conclusions

No conclusions can be drawn concerning the effectiveness of IP‐TAU and stepped‐care DPT, but the latter was perceived more positively. Patient‐related, service‐related and systemic factors (COVID‐19) contributed to the trial's failure. Lessons learnt can inform future studies.
Friction effects on connection systems in modern concrete segmental linings
Authors: Oliveira David , Asche Harry , Harding Anthony
Published: December 2023

Once grouted into place and compressed by ground and groundwater, modern segmental linings do not need additional connections except when the lining is required to withstand unusual conditions. Connection systems are provided for two reasons: to assist in the segment‐building process and/or to prevent undesirable actions. A particular focus is on creating and maintaining sufficient gasket compression to seal the lining in the short and long term. The evaluation and design of these connection systems usually involve a simple 1D calculation, ignoring the actual geometry and the presence of other segments and connectors. This study looks at an actual design situation highlighting the role of friction between adjacent segments and the utility of guide rods in the radial joints.
Vegetation destruction during an extreme flood: Multilevel modelling of an entire river in southern Korea
Authors: Lee Keonhak , Lee Cheolho , Baek Donghae , Park Gunwoo , Shim Taeyong , Kim Won , Cho Kang‐Hyun , Kim Daehyun
Published: December 2023

Human‐induced climate change causes extreme weather events, and flooding induced by heavy rainfall in the riparian system is no exception. The southern Korean Peninsula witnessed record‐breaking rainfall during the summer of 2020, resulting in an extreme flood event that caused extensive damage to the riparian ecosystem along the Seomjin River. This study was aimed at identifying the composite factors of riparian vegetation destruction along the entire river. Based on a spatially explicit multilevel approach, it was found that large‐scale geomorphic characteristics (i.e., alternation of plain and valley topographies) appeared to be essential determinants of hydraulic characteristics of the channel (e.g., shear stress and specific energy), which were the leading causes of vegetation destruction. Moreover, at small spatial scales, several trees situated upstream of a vegetation patch protected other plants on the patch from the direct hydraulic impact of the flood, thereby serving as ‘shield’ trees. These findings indicate that scale‐dependent fluvial biogeomorphic processes take place during extreme flood events; hence, identifying the optimal scales of these processes and associated factors could help in further understanding riparian hydrology from a biogeomorphic point of view. This study suggests that hydrologists consider both geomorphological and ecological factors when studying hydrological processes.
Overview of the epidemic characteristics of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection around COVID pandemic
Authors: Sun Hongmei , Xiao Li
Published: December 2023

Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) is a cell wall‐less respiratory pathogen causing community‐acquired pneumonia and extrapulmonary manifestations. It is transmitted through close contact and shows periodic regional outbreaks. The coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic interfered with the global spread of M. pneumoniae. A large‐scale post‐COVID outbreak is currently ongoing in China. To help physicians better understand and manage this epidemic, we provide this review summarizing current knowledge on the pathogenesis, epidemic characteristics, macrolide resistance, diagnostic methods, and clinical treatment strategies for this pathogen.
Duck pan‐genome reveals two transposon insertions caused bodyweight enlarging and white plumage phenotype formation during evolution
Authors: Wang Kejun , Hua Guoying , Li Jingyi , Yang Yu , Zhang Chenxi , Yang Lan , Hu Xiaoyu , Scheben Armin , Wu Yanan , Gong Ping , Zhang Shuangjie , Fan Yanfeng , Zeng Tao , Lu Lizhi , Gong Yanzhang , Jiang Ruirui , Sun Guirong , Tian Yadong , Kang Xiangtao , Hu Haifei , Li Wenting
Published: December 2023

Structural variations (SVs) are a major source of domestication and improvement traits. We present the first duck pan‐genome constructed using five genome assemblies capturing ∼40.98 Mb new sequences. This pan‐genome together with high‐depth sequencing data (∼46.5×) identified 101,041 SVs, of which substantial proportions were derived from transposable element (TE) activity. Many TE‐derived SVs anchoring in a gene body or regulatory region are linked to duck's domestication and improvement. By combining quantitative genetics with molecular experiments, we, for the first time, unraveled a 6945 bp Gypsy insertion as a functional mutation of the major gene IGF2BP1 associated with duck bodyweight. This Gypsy insertion, to our knowledge, explains the largest effect on bodyweight among avian species (27.61% of phenotypic variation). In addition, we also examined another 6634 bp Gypsy insertion in MITF intron, which triggers a novel transcript of MITF, thereby contributing to the development of white plumage. Our findings highlight the importance of using a pan‐genome as a reference in genomics studies and illuminate the impact of transposons in trait formation and livestock breeding.
Review of electrospun microtube array membrane (MTAM)‐a novel new class of hollow fiber for encapsulated cell therapy (ECT) in clinical applications
Authors: Chew Chee Ho , Lee Hsin‐Lun , Chen Amanda Lin , Huang Wan‐Ting , Chen Shu‐Mei , Liu Yen‐Lin , Chen Chien‐Chung
Published: December 2023

Encapsulated cell therapy (ECT) shows significant potential for treating neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, which currently lack curative medicines and must be managed symptomatically. This novel technique encapsulates functional cells with a semi‐permeable membrane, providing protection while enabling critical nutrients and therapeutic substances to pass through. Traditional ECT procedures, on the other hand, pose difficulties in terms of cell survival and retrieval. We introduce the Microtube Array Membrane (MTAM), a revolutionary technology that solves these constraints, in this comprehensive overview. Microtube Array Membrane has distinct microstructures that improve encapsulated cells' long‐term viability by combining the advantages of macro and micron scales. Importantly, the MTAM platform improves biosafety by allowing the entire encapsulated unit to be retrieved in the event of an adverse reaction. Our findings show that MTAM‐based ECT has a great potential in a variety of illness situations. For cancer treatment, hybridoma cells secreting anti‐CEACAM 6 antibodies inhibit triple‐negative breast cancer cell lines for an extended period of time. In animal brain models of Alzheimer's disease, hybridoma cells secreting anti‐pTau antibodies successfully reduce pTau buildup, accompanied by improvements in memory performance. In mouse models, MTAM‐encapsulated primary cardiac mesenchymal stem cells dramatically improve overall survival and heart function. These findings illustrate the efficacy and adaptability of MTAM‐based ECT in addressing major issues such as immunological isolation, cell viability, and patient safety. We provide new possibilities for the treatment of neurodegenerative illnesses and other conditions by combining the potential of ECT with MTAM. Continued research and development in this subject has a lot of promise for developing cell therapy and giving hope to people suffering from chronic diseases.
Preclinical models for studying corticosteroid‐induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head
Authors: Tsubosaka Masanori , Maruyama Masahiro , Lui Elaine , Kushioka Junichi , Toya Masakazu , Gao Qi , Shen Huaishuang , Li Xueping , Chow Simon Kwoon‐Ho , Zhang Ning , Yang Yunzhi Peter , Goodman Stuart B.
Published: December 2023

Nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a refractory condition that commonly results in femoral head collapse and degenerative arthritis of the hip. In the early stages, surgical procedures for hip preservation, including core decompression (CD), have been developed to prevent progressive collapse of the femoral head. Optimization of bone regeneration and biological augmentation may further enhance the therapeutic efficacy of CD for ONFH. Thus, combining CD with cell‐based therapy has recently been proposed. In fact, patients treated with cell‐based therapy using autologous bone marrow concentrate demonstrate improved survivorship of the femoral head, compared with conventional CD alone. Preclinical research studies to investigate adjunctive therapies for CD often utilize the rabbit model of corticosteroid‐induced ONFH. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are known to promote osteogenesis and angiogenesis, and decrease inflammation in bone. Local drug delivery systems have the potential to achieve targeted therapeutic effects by precisely controlling the drug release rate. Scaffolds can provide an osteoconductive structural framework to facilitate the repair of osteonecrotic bone tissue. We focused on the combination of both cell‐based and scaffold‐based therapies for bone tissue regeneration in ONFH. We hypothesized that combining CD and osteoconductive scaffolds would provide mechanical strength and structural cell guidance; and that combining CD and genetically modified (GM) MSCs to express relevant cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors would promote bone tissue repair. We developed GM MSCs that overexpress the anti‐inflammatory, pro‐reconstructive cytokines platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB to provide MSCs with additional benefits and investigated the efficacy of combinations of these GM MSCs and scaffolds for treatment of ONFH in skeletally mature male New Zealand white rabbits. In the future, the long‐term safety, efficacy, durability, and cost‐effectiveness of these and other biological and mechanical treatments must be demonstrated for the patients affected by ONFH.
Aluminum complexes of a hemilabile pyrrolylaldiminate ligand
Authors: Lee Pei‐Ying , Lin Yu‐Hsuan , Liang Lan‐Chang
Published: December 2023

Overview

This study describes the synthesis, characterization, and reactivity of aluminum complexes containing the amine‐functionalized pyrrolylaldiminate ligand N‐(2‐dimethylaminoethyl)‐5‐tert‐butyl‐pyrrol‐2‐ylaldiminate ([PyImN]−).

Synthesis

The condensation reaction of N,N‐dimethylethylenediamine with 5‐tert‐butylpyrrole‐2‐carbaldehyde in methanol at room temperature produces H[PyImN]. Alkane elimination reactions of MeAlCl2 with H[PyImN] in toluene at 110°C and AlR3 (R = Me, Et) with H[PyImN] in toluene at −35°C afford [PyImN]AlCl2 and [PyImN]AlR2, respectively.

Characterization

Solution NMR studies reveal the coordination preferences of [PyImN]—whose hemilabile amine donor is bound to the aluminum center in [PyImN]AlCl2 but unbound in [PyImN]AlR2 (R = Me, Et).

Catalysis

The catalytic activities of [PyImN]AlMe2 in controlled ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone are discussed.
Experiential learning in engineering education: A systematic literature review
Authors: Tembrevilla Gerald , Phillion André , Zeadin Melec
Published: December 2023

Background

The evolving transformations of our society at large, academic institutions, and engineering discipline in the 21st century have profound implications for the nature of experiential learning being offered in engineering education. However, what is experiential learning in the context of engineering education?

Purpose

The introduction and evaluation of experiential learning in undergraduate engineering education between 1995 and 2020, as well as the essential elements for consideration in its future implementation, have been analyzed and synthesized.

Design/Method

A population–intervention–comparison–outcome framework and PRISMA flow diagram were used to outline a systematic literature review on how experiential learning was introduced into undergraduate engineering curricula, how it was evaluated, and the essential elements for consideration in its future implementation.

Findings

A total of 220 studies were synthesized. These studies offered a new lens of seeing experiential learning, which were interpreted as “paradigm shifts.” More than one‐half of the total studies were conducted between 1995 and 2005. These studies were strongly directed at measuring student performance and occurred in a decade when many North American engineering curricula were being restructured. The review indicated that experiential learning has been successfully carried out via diverse methodologies. However, there is a strong need to enrich it with a theoretical basis.

Conclusions

Experiential learning introduced into engineering education appeared to be an interdependent self–school–community entity. In the changing work environment of the 21st century, heightened by the impacts of the COVID‐19 pandemic, invoking the inseparability of self, school, and community would provide unique perspectives to our evolving understanding of experiential learning and its relevance in engineering discipline.
Measles in vulnerable populations: An outbreak in Roma settlements of Loire‐Atlantique, France, 2019
Authors: Lefebvre M. , Gross L. , Ollivier R. , Bailly S. , Coste‐Burel M. , Coutherut J. , Dina J.
Published: December 2023

In May 2019, a measles outbreak occurred in the French subregion of Loire‐Atlantique, particularly affecting Roma settlements. Various obstacles hindered the implementation of postexposure measures among Roma population, resulting in the spread of the cases to other settlements. Suspected cases of measles were immediately investigated and concerned settlements were visited for measles–mumps–rubella (MMR) vaccination. From July 1 to September 3, 2019, a first and then a second Health Reserve team helped for vaccination on the affected and then also the measles‐free settlements. Vaccination uptake was monitored with the use of the department's vaccination center immunization registry. Genotyping of selected samples was performed for comparison with viruses circulating at the same time in France and Romania. As of September 16 2019, 109 cases of measles were confirmed among Roma population, including 99 (91%) children under 15 years. Of the 85 people eligible for vaccination, 60 (71%) had not been vaccinated and 23 (27%) had an unknown vaccination status. Sequence comparison revealed that 28/29 sequenced D8 strains were 100% identical to the strain responsible for a large number of cases throughout France in 2019, and to two sequences reported in Romania among sporadic cases. The vaccination campaign resulted in 1136 people on 35 settlements receiving at least one dose of MMR vaccine and in the increase of one‐dose MMR vaccine coverage at 24 months from 43% (23/53) to 91% (48/53). With measles transmission continuing in Europe, efforts must be made to meet immunization coverage targets, particularly in hard‐to‐reach communities where outbreaks may be difficult to control.
Coastal Lagoonal Evolution within the Early Holocene Humber Estuary, eastern England
Authors: Grant M. J. , Hill T. , Evans S. , Law M.
Published: December 2023

Rapid sea‐level rise during the Early Holocene around the North Sea coastal lowlands provided conditions under which estuarine and coastal features, with no modern equivalents, could be created. Investigation of nearshore sediments within the Outer Humber Estuary, UK, has identified a tidal lagoonal system, created between c. 9000 and 7800 cal a bp. These sequences show the initial flooding of a carr woodland, prior to the establishment of more saline conditions as the tidal lagoonal system developed. Inter‐core comparisons, based on diatom and pollen analyses, suggest variations in the structure of a tidal lagoon setting, which probably lasted for only a brief period before being submerged by rising sea levels. The absence of an erosive contact in several of the sequences studied has permitted the creation of the oldest sea‐level index points for the Outer Humber Estuary, providing validation for the current glacial isostatic adjustment models for the region.
Semi‐supervised liver segmentation based on local regions self‐supervision
Authors: Lou Qiong , Lin Tingyi , Qian Yaguan , Lu Fang
Published: December 2023

Background

Semi‐supervised learning has gained popularity in medical image segmentation due to its ability to reduce reliance on image annotation. A typical approach in semi‐supervised learning is to select reliable predictions as pseudo‐labels and eliminate unreliable predictions. Contrastive learning helps prevent the insufficient utilization of unreliable predictions, but neglecting the anatomical structure of medical images can lead to suboptimal optimization results.

Purpose

We propose a novel approach for semi‐supervised liver segmentation using contrastive learning, which leverages unlabeled data and enhances the suitability of contrastive learning for liver segmentation.

Method and materials

Contrastive learning helps prevent the inappropriate utilization of unreliable predictions, but neglecting the anatomical structure of medical images can lead to suboptimal optimization results. Therefore, we propose a semi‐supervised contrastive learning method with local regions self‐supervision (LRS2). On one side, we employ Shannon entropy to distinguish between reliable and unreliable predictions and reduce the dissimilarity between their representations within regional artificial units. Within each unit of the liver image, we strongly encourage unreliable predictions to acquire valuable information pertaining to the correct category by leveraging the representations of reliable predictions in their vicinity. On the other side, we introduce a dynamic reliability threshold based on the Shannon entropy of each prediction, gradually evaluating the confidence threshold of reliable predictions as predictive accuracy improves. After selecting reliable predictions, we sequentially apply erosion and dilation to refine them for better selection of qualified positive and negative samples. We evaluate our proposed method on abdominal CT images, including 131 images (train data: 77, validation data: 26, and testing data: 28) from 2017 ISBI Liver Tumors Segmentation Challenge.

Results

Our method obtains satisfactory performance in different proportion by exploiting the unreliable predictions. Compared with the result of VNet only under supervised settings (with 10, 30, 50, 70% and full labeled data), LRS2, respectively, brings an improvement of Dice coefficient by +6.11, +3.55, +4.43, and +2.25%, achieving Dice coefficients of 93.44, 93.31, 94.85, and 95.12%, respectively.

Conclusion

In this study, we carefully select appropriate positive and negative samples from reliable regions, ensuring that anchor pixels within unreliable regions are correctly assigned to their respective categories. With a consideration of the anatomical structure present in CT images, we partition the image representations into regional units, enabling anchor pixels to capture more precise sample information. Extensive experiments confirm the effectiveness of our method.