bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long‐term personalized high‐protein, high‐fat diet in pediatric patients with glycogen storage disease type IIIa: Evaluation of myopathy, metabolic control, physical activity, growth, and dietary compliance
Authors: Kalkan Uçar Sema , Altınok Yasemin Atik , Mansuroglu Yelda , Canda Ebru , Yazıcı Havva , Çelik Merve Yoldaş , Erdem Fehime , Yanbolu Ayşe Yüksel , Ülger Zülal , Çoker Mahmut
Published: April 2024

Dietary lipid manipulation has recently been proposed for managing glycogen storage disease (GSD) type IIIa. This study aimed to evaluate the myopathic, cardiac, and metabolic status, physical activity, growth, and dietary compliance of a personalized diet high in protein and fat for 24 months. Of 31 patients with type IIIa GSD, 12 met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 10 patients (mean age 11.2 ± 7.4 years) completed the study. Patients were prescribed a personalized high‐protein, high‐fat diet, comprising 3.0–3.5 g/kg/day of protein and 3.0–4.5 g/kg/day of fat, constituting 18.5%–28% and 70.5%–75.7% of daily energy, respectively. Dietary compliance was ensured and assessed via the regular administration of questionnaires. Our results revealed consistent and significant decreases of 22%, 54%, and 30% in the creatinine kinase, creatine kinase–myocardial band, and lactate dehydrogenase levels, respectively. Echocardiography revealed improvements in the Z‐scores of the left ventricular mass and interventricular septum thickness. A significant increase in body muscle mass was observed, and a higher score was achieved using the Daily Activity Questionnaire. Growth monitoring revealed an arrest in the height‐SDS at the 6th and 12th months, followed by subsequent improvement at the end of the second year. A gradual and persistent decline in the periods of hypo‐ and hyperglycemia has been reported. Biotinidase activity decreased, whereas hepatosteatosis increased and then decreased by the end of the study. Implementing a high‐protein, high‐fat diet and monitoring key parameters in patients with type IIIa GSD can lead to myopathic and cardiac improvements and increased physical activity.
Naturally developed HPV16 antibodies and risk of newly detected cervical HPV infection outcomes
Authors: Trevisan Andrea , Candeias João M. G. , Thomann Patrícia , Villa Luisa L. , Franco Eduardo L. , Trottier Helen
Published: April 2024

Little is known about the protection conferred by antibodies from natural human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Our objective was to evaluate the association between HPV16 seroreactivity and HPV16 redetection, newly detected HPV infections, and loss of HPV DNA detection during follow‐up. We analyzed data from 2462 unvaccinated Brazilian women. HPV16 IgG and neutralizing antibodies at baseline were assessed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (n = 1975) and by the pseudovirus‐based papillomavirus neutralization assay (n = 487). HPV detection, genotyping, and viral load were assessed by PCR‐based methods. The associations were analyzed by Cox proportional hazards models. We observed a positive association between HPV16 IgG seroreactivity and redetection of HPV16 infections. Age‐adjusted hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) ranged from 2.45 (1.04–5.74) to 5.10 (1.37–19.00). Positive associations were also observed between HPV16 IgG antibodies and (1) newly detected HPV infections by genotypes unrelated to HPV16 (age‐adjusted HR [95% CI] = 1.32 [1.08–1.2]) and (2) loss of detection of HPV infections by genotypes unrelated to HPV16 (age‐adjusted HR [95% CI] = 1.24 [1.03–1.50]). Naturally developed HPV16 antibodies do not prevent recurrent HPV infections. Overall HPV16 IgG and neutralizing antibodies seem to be serological markers for latent or past infections.
Neural correlates of metacognition: Disentangling the brain circuits underlying prospective and retrospective second‐order judgments through noninvasive brain stimulation
Authors: Saccenti Daniele , Moro Andrea Stefano , Sassaroli Sandra , Malgaroli Antonio , Ferro Mattia , Lamanna Jacopo
Published: April 2024

Metacognition encompasses the capability to monitor and control one's cognitive processes, with metamemory and metadecision configuring among the most studied higher order functions. Although imaging experiments evaluated the role of disparate brain regions, neural substrates of metacognitive judgments remain undetermined. The aim of this systematic review is to summarize and discuss the available evidence concerning the neural bases of metacognition which has been collected by assessing the effects of noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) on human subjects' metacognitive capacities. Based on such literature analysis, our goal is, at first, to verify whether prospective and retrospective second‐order judgments are localized within separate brain circuits and, subsequently, to provide compelling clues useful for identifying new targets for future NIBS studies. The search was conducted following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses guidelines among PubMed, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, PSYNDEX, MEDLINE, and ERIC databases. Overall, 25 studies met the eligibility criteria, yielding a total of 36 experiments employing transcranial magnetic stimulation and 16 ones making use of transcranial electrical stimulation techniques, including transcranial direct current stimulation and transcranial alternating current stimulation. Importantly, we found that both perspective and retrospective judgments about both memory and perceptual decision‐making performances depend on the activation of the anterior and lateral portions of the prefrontal cortex, as well as on the activity of more caudal regions such as the premotor cortex and the precuneus. Combining this evidence with results from previous imaging and lesion studies, we advance ventromedial prefrontal cortex as a promising target for future NIBS studies.
3D preoperative predictions of in vivo hip stability and edge loading for neutral and lipped liners
Authors: LaCour Michael , Nachtrab Jarrod , Nguyen Thang , Dessinger Garett M. , Jacobs Andrew , Komistek Richard
Published: April 2024

Hip dislocation is one of the leading causes of failure and revision surgery for total hip arthroplasty. To reduce dislocation rates, lipped liners have been designed with an elevated portion of the rim, to increase jump distance and maintain greater contact area. While it has been documented that lipped liners help reduce dislocation, the objective of this study is to investigate whether lipped liners also help reduce smaller instances of hip micromotion, separation, and edge loading. This study uses an advanced three‐dimensional preoperative planning tool to analyze 10 patients, each implanted with both a neutral and lipped liner. Patients within the simulation performed stance phase of gait, and each cup was implanted with the rotation center aligned with the preoperative acetabulum center as well as shifted medially by 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 mm, yielding 120 total simulations. Specific postoperative outcomes‐of‐interest included specified component offset, resultant in vivo hip forces, hip separation, and contact area to evaluate edge loading. The planner predicted a reduction in hip separation and an increase in articulating contact area for when using a lipped liner compared to a neutral liner. Additionally, regardless of liner type, increases in hip separation corresponded to decreases in contact area, therefore resulting in edge loading of the liner. Together, this indicates that improper component alignment and offsets may lead to an increase in hip separation and edge loading, but the use of a lipped liner may provide improved stability and resistance to this micromotion.
The effects of adding various starches on the structures of restructured potato‐based dough and the oil uptake of potato chips
Authors: Zhang Jin , Ni Yang , Li Jinwei , Fan Liuping
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

The material composition significantly influences the oil absorption and quality characteristics of fried food products. The oil absorption of restructured potato chips is highly dependent on the structural properties of the restructured potato‐based dough produced prior to frying. In this study, three types of starch were added to modify the structure of restructured potato‐based dough, allowing the production of potato chips with less oil absorption.

RESULTS

Distinct differences were observed among the three types of starch in terms of amylose content, chain length distribution, swelling power, solubility, crystalline structure and pasting properties. The addition of wheat starch, corn starch and tapioca starch changed the rheological properties, water distribution and strength of the restructured dough. Importantly, adding wheat starch and corn starch significantly lowered the oil content of potato chips by 7.94% and 13.06%, respectively. The reduction in oil absorption by potato chips was attributed to the increased strength of the starchy gel network of the dough, a slower rate of water evaporation and a limitation of dough expansion during frying.

CONCLUSION

Adding wheat starch or corn starch to restructured potato‐based dough resulted in a decrease in the oil absorption of potato chips by creating a stronger starchy gel network in the dough. This study could guide the development of suitable material compositions, which are important for producing fried food products with lower oil content. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
The efficacy of multi‐disciplinary lifestyle modifications in Taiwanese nonalcoholic steatohepatitis patients
Authors: Yeh Ming‐Lun , Dai Chia‐Yen , Huang Chung‐Feng , Huang Shiu‐Feng , Tsai Pei‐Chien , Hsu Po‐Yau , Huang Ching‐I , Wei Yu‐Ju , Liang Po‐Cheng , Bair Ming‐Jong , Lee Mei‐Hsuan , Lin Zu‐Yau , Huang Jee‐Fu , Yu Ming‐Lung , Chuang Wan‐Long
Published: April 2024

Lifestyle modification is the standard of care for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of a short‐term lifestyle modification program in the disease course of Taiwanese nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) patients with paired biopsies. All patients received a 6‐month, strict multidisciplinary program of lifestyle modifications led by physicians, dieticians, and nursing staff. The histopathological and clinical features were assessed. The endpoints were normalization of transaminase levels, metabolic parameters, a decrease in the NAFLD activity score (NAS) ≥1, and a decrease in the fibrosis stage ≥1. We also aimed to elucidate the predictors associated with disease progression. A total of 37 patients with biopsy‐proven NASH were enrolled. The normalization of transaminase levels increased from 0% to 13.5%. There were also significantly increased proportions of patients with normal total cholesterol, triglyceride, and hemoglobin A1c levels. Fifteen (40.5%) patients had an increased NAS ≥1, whereas 10 (27.0%) patients had NAS regression. Twelve (32.4%) patients had increased fibrosis ≥1 stage. Only 2 (5.4%) patients experienced fibrosis regression. A high fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level was associated with NAS progression. Older age and higher transaminase and FPG levels were factors associated with fibrosis progression. Seven (18.9%) patients achieved a body weight reduction >3%, and 4 (57.1%) of them experienced NAS regression. No significant effect of weight reduction on the progression of fibrosis was observed. The short‐term lifestyle modification program significantly decreased liver enzymes and metabolic parameters in NASH patients. A more precise or intensive program may be needed for fibrosis improvement.
Cy3‐Based Nanoviscosity Determination of Mucus: Effect of Mucus Collection Methods and Antibiotics Treatment
Authors: Gottwald Jacqueline , Balke Jens , Stellmacher Johannes , van Vorst Kira , Ghazisaeedi Fereshteh , Fulde Marcus , Alexiev Ulrike
Published: April 2024

The integrity of the protective mucus layer as a primary defense against pathogen invasion and microbial leakage into the intestinal epithelium can be compromised by the effects of antibiotics on the commensal microbiome. Changes in mucus integrity directly affect the solvent viscosity in the immediate vicinity of the mucin network, that is, the nanoviscosity, which in turn affects both biochemical reactions and selective transport. To assess mucus nanoviscosity, a reliable readout via the viscosity‐dependent fluorescence lifetime of the molecular rotor dye cyanine 3 is established and nanoviscosities from porcine and murine ex vivo mucus are determined. To account for different mucin concentrations due to the removal of digestive residues during mucus collection, the power law dependence of mucin concentration on viscosity is used. The impact of antibiotics combinations (meropenem/vancomycin, gentamycin/ampicillin) on ex vivo intestinal mucus nanoviscosity is presented. The significant increase in viscosity of murine intestinal mucus after treatment suggests an effect of antibiotics on the microbiota that affects mucus integrity. This method will be a useful tool to assess how drugs, directly or indirectly, affect mucus integrity. Additionally, the method can be utilized to analyze the role of mucus nanoviscosity in health and disease, as well as in drug development.
Integrating factor‐based time integrators for the Cahn–Hilliard equation
Authors: Garai Gobinda , Mandal Bankim C.
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we propose integrating factor (IF)‐based methods for solving the Cahn–Hilliard (CH) equation, which was originally proposed to describe the phase separation phenomenon for binary melted alloy below the critical temperature, and since then, it has appeared in many fields. Being a nonlinear equation, it is of great importance to develop efficient numerical methods for investigating the solution behavior of the CH equation. We present a few important linear and nonlinear schemes for the CH equation and obtain error estimates for those schemes. The integrators that we present here are of first and second order in time. We show numerical results to illustrate our theoretical findings.
Global strong solutions to the anisotropic three‐dimensional incompressible magnetohydrodynamic system
Authors: Han Bin , Zhao Na
Published: April 2024

In this article, we consider the Cauchy problem of the three‐dimensional incompressible magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) system with only horizontal dissipation and vertical magnetic diffusion near the equilibrium. We establish the global a priori estimate of the smooth solution for this system, with initial data
sufficiently small in
, by using the special structure of the nonlinear terms and the anisotropic Sobolev inequality.
Highly‐accelerated CEST MRI using frequency‐offset‐dependent k‐space sampling and deep‐learning reconstruction
Authors: Liu Chuyu , Li Zhongsen , Chen Zhensen , Zhao Benqi , Zheng Zhuozhao , Song Xiaolei
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To develop a highly accelerated CEST Z‐spectral acquisition method using a specifically‐designed k‐space sampling pattern and corresponding deep‐learning‐based reconstruction.

Methods

For k‐space down‐sampling, a customized pattern was proposed for CEST, with the randomized probability following a frequency‐offset‐dependent (FOD) function in the direction of saturation offset. For reconstruction, the convolution network (CNN) was enhanced with a Partially Separable (PS) function to optimize the spatial domain and frequency domain separately. Retrospective experiments on a self‐acquired human brain dataset (13 healthy adults and 15 brain tumor patients) were conducted using k‐space resampling. The prospective performance was also assessed on six healthy subjects.

Results

In retrospective experiments, the combination of FOD sampling and PS network (FOD + PSN) showed the best quantitative metrics for reconstruction, outperforming three other combinations of conventional sampling with varying density and a regular CNN (nMSE and SSIM, p < 0.001 for healthy subjects). Across all acceleration factors from 4 to 14, the FOD + PSN approach consistently outperformed the comparative methods in four contrast maps including MTRasym, MTRrex, as well as the Lorentzian Difference maps of amide and nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE). In the subspace replacement experiment, the error distribution demonstrated the denoising benefits achieved in the spatial subspace. Finally, our prospective results obtained from healthy adults and brain tumor patients (14×) exhibited the initial feasibility of our method, albeit with less accurate reconstruction than retrospective ones.

Conclusion

The combination of FOD sampling and PSN reconstruction enabled highly accelerated CEST MRI acquisition, which may facilitate CEST metabolic MRI for brain tumor patients.
Knowledge of urinary incontinence among women 6 weeks to 1 year after delivery
Authors: Li Jie , Zhao Xiaoling , Li Juanhua , Liu Yuanwen , Li Tiantian
Published: April 2024

Background

Urinary incontinence (UI) is common among postpartum women, but many do not seek medical help due to limited knowledge. Understanding the level of knowledge about UI in this population is essential for improving care‐seeking behaviors and implementing targeted interventions.

Objective

The objective was to examine knowledge regarding UI among postpartum women with UI within 6 weeks to 1 year after delivery.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted at obstetric clinic in two level‐three grade A hospitals in Shenzhen, China, from January 2023 to June 2023. Women in their 6 weeks to 1 year after delivery with UI were asked to complete a questionnaire comprising three sections: (1) demographic variable; (2) International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ‐UI SF); and (3) The Urinary Incontinence Quiz (UIQ).

Results

A total of 1228 women completed the questionnaire. Their mean UIQ score was 6.63 ± 3.51 (minimum = 2, maximum = 15), indicating the deficiency of UI knowledge among Chinese postpartum women. A total of 86.4% of participants experienced slight or moderate postpartum UI. The results of multivariate linear regression models for UIQ reveal significant independent associations between questionnaire scores and two variables: experience in pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) (p < 0.001) and UI treatment in the past (p < 0.001). The overall model fit was R2 = 0.559 (p < 0.001). The regression coefficients for the experience in PFMT and UI treatment in the past were 2.301 and 4.916, respectively. However, no other discernible factors were identified to distinguish between those with and without adequate knowledge.

Conclusions

Postpartum women with UI within 6 weeks to 1 year after delivery had poor knowledge of UI. Targeted educational interventions focusing on PFMT and early treatment for UI are essential.
SMS2DC: Synchronous mobile sinks scheduling for data collection in internet of things‐enabled wireless sensor networks
Authors: Swapna Nagalapuram Selvarajan , Krishna Raguru Jaya , Reddy Avija Vishnuvardhan , Rao Patike Kiran , Prakash Perumalla Suman
Published: April 2024

Energy‐efficient data collection in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is crucial due to the limited battery capacity of sensor nodes (SNs). Using a mobile sink (MS) for data collection can lower the energy consumption of SNs to avoid relaying in WSNs. However, a single MS is not a feasible solution for large‐scale WSNs, so it was necessary to use multiple MSs to collect data. A synchronous MS scheduling strategy for data collection (SMS2DC) is proposed in this paper, which uses two types of MS, a local MS to collect data from SN and a global MS to collect data from local MS. In this process, we begin by partitioning the network based on chemical reaction optimization. For each partition, a MS is assigned and scheduled using a path construction strategy according to a geometric path construction approach. In addition, a global MS is scheduled based on a local MS trajectory by identifying the most appropriate collision point to collect data. As a result, the algorithm increases data collection accuracy while minimizing network data loss. The asymptotic time complexity of the proposed SMS2DC algorithm needed . The comparison results show the superiority of the proposed SMS2DC strategy under multiple scenarios under various deployment conditions.
Plug‐and‐play adaptive surrogate modeling of parametric nonlinear dynamics in frequency domain
Authors: Huwiler Phillip , Pradovera Davide , Schiffmann Jürg
Published: April 2024

We present an algorithm for constructing efficient surrogate frequency‐domain models of (nonlinear) parametric dynamical systems in anon‐intrusiveway. To capture the dependence of the underlying system on frequency and parameters, our proposed approach combines rational approximation and smooth interpolation. In the approximation effort, locally adaptive sparse grids are applied to effectively explore the parameter domain even if the number of parameters is modest or high. Adaptivity is also employed to build rational approximations that efficiently capture the frequency dependence of the problem. These two features enable our method to build surrogate models that achieve a user‐prescribed approximation accuracy, without wasting resources in “oversampling” the frequency and parameter domains. Thanks to its non‐intrusiveness, our proposed method, as opposed to projection‐based techniques for model order reduction, can be applied regardless of the complexity of the underlying physical model. Notably, our algorithm for adaptive sampling can be used even when prior knowledge of the problem structure is not available. To showcase the effectiveness of our approach, we apply it in the study of an aerodynamic bearing. Our method allows us to build surrogate models that adequately identify the bearing's behavior with respect to both design and operational parameters, while still achieving significant speedups.
Trajectories of self‐management and independence in youth with spina bifida: Family‐related predictors of growth
Authors: Ridosh Monique M. , Adams William , Driscoll Colleen F. B. , Magaña Fabiola , Sawin Kathleen J. , Holmbeck Grayson N.
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this study was to assess family‐related predictors of self‐management trajectories in youth with spina bifida (SB). Participants with SB completed the Adolescent/Young Adult Self‐Management and Independence Scale (AMIS II) interview across four time points. Family functioning, family‐related stress, and perceived family support were assessed by multiple reporters and multiple methods. Growth in AMIS II total self‐management and the AMIS II subscales (Condition and Independent Living) were estimated using linear mixed effect models as a function of family factors, after controlling for socio‐demographic, condition‐related, and neuropsychological variables that had been found to be significant predictors of self‐management in prior studies. Model fit and parsimony were assessed using Akaike's information criterion (AIC). This diverse community sample included 99 respondents aged 18–27 years old. About half were female (52.5%) and White (52.5%); 15.2% were Black, and 32.3% were Hispanic/Latino. Observed family cohesion at baseline was associated with all self‐management scales at age 18 (all p < 0.05). Growth in self‐management was associated with parent‐reported number of family stress events. For growth in total self‐management, the best model included age, race/ethnicity, family income, shunt status, lesion level, neuropsychological function, observed family cohesion, and an age‐by‐number of family stress events interaction effect. The study findings suggested that family factors were important predictors of self‐management trajectories, even after controlling for socio‐demographic, condition‐related, and neuropsychological covariates. Risk and protective factors identified in families of youth with SB can inform family‐focused interventions for self‐management.
Robust high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography (HPTLC) method for stability assessment and simultaneous quantification of epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate and rosmarinic acid in lipid‐based nanoparticles and biological matrices
Authors: Koli Rahul , Mannur Vinod S. , Shetti Priya P.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Skin cancer poses a significant health risk globally, necessitating effective and safe therapeutic interventions. Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) from green tea and rosmarinic acid (RA) from herbs like rosemary offer promising anticancer properties. Combining these compounds may enhance their effectiveness, prompting the need for a reliable analytical method to quantify them.

Objective

Herein, we present the development and validation of a high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography (HPTLC) method for concurrent quantification of EGCG and RA in lipid‐based nanoparticles and biological samples.

Methodology

The method underwent optimisation through design of experiments (DoE), resulting in the establishment of robust chromatographic conditions. The separation process utilised aluminium HPTLC plates coated with silica gel 60 F254 as the stationary phase, with the mobile phase comprising ethyl acetate, toluene, formic acid, and methanol in a ratio of 4:4:1:1 v/v.

Results

The retention factor (Rf) values obtained were 0.38 for EGCG and 0.61 for RA. The method demonstrated linearity over a range of 100–500 ng/band for both compounds with excellent correlation coefficients. Limits of detection and quantification were determined, indicating high sensitivity. Precision evaluations revealed relative standard deviation below 2%, ensuring method reproducibility. Recovery assays in lipid‐based nanoparticles, plasma, and urine samples demonstrated excellent recoveries (96.2%–102.1%). Forced degradation studies revealed minimal degradation under various stress conditions, with photolytic degradation showing the least impact.

Conclusion

The developed HPTLC method offers a rapid, sensitive, and reliable approach for quantifying EGCG and RA, laying the groundwork for their further investigation as anticancer agents alone and in combination therapies.
Estimating risk to prevent damage: predicting and preventing coypu (Myocastor coypus) damage to transport infrastructure
Authors: Dondina Olivia , Orioli Valerio , Tirozzi Pietro , Bani Luciano
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

A major impact of invasive Myocastor coypus in their introduction range is the collapse of riverbanks and nearby infrastructure, such as railway lines, due to the species’ burrowing activities. Because widespread implementation of preventive measures along watercourses is unfeasible, identifying susceptible areas is key to guide targeted management actions. This study used species–habitat models to: (i) identify local environmental features of the railway line/watercourse intersections (RLWIs) that make them particularly susceptible to coypu damage, and (ii) predict species occurrence probability over a wide lowland–hilly area of northern Italy (Lombardy) to identify priority areas for monitoring.

RESULTS

Local‐scale models identified that the RLWIs most susceptible to burrowing were those surrounded by arable land with interspersed hedgerows locally characterized by high herbaceous vegetation and clay soil. In urbanized areas and areas of intensive agriculture, coypu dens were generally located significantly closer to the railway, increasing the risk of collapse. A landscape‐scale species distribution model showed that lowland areas along major rivers and lake shores, and also agricultural areas with a dense minor hydrographic network, particularly in the southeast of the study area, are more likely to be occupied by coypu.

CONCLUSION

Local‐scale models showed that specific environmental characteristics increase the risk of burrowing near RLWIs. The landscape‐scale model allowed us to predict which areas require thorough monitoring of RLWIs to search for such local characteristics to implement preventive management measures. The proposed model‐based framework can be applied to any geographical context to predict and prevent coypu damage. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Genetically encoded libraries and spider venoms as emerging sources for crop protective peptides
Authors: Marone Fassolo Elena , Guo Shaodong , Wang Yachen , Rosa Stefano , Herzig Volker
Published: April 2024

Agricultural crops are targeted by various pathogens (fungi, bacteria, and viruses) and pests (herbivorous arthropods). Antimicrobial and insecticidal peptides are increasingly recognized as eco‐friendly tools for crop protection due to their low propensity for resistance development and the fact that they are fully biodegradable. However, historical challenges have hindered their development, including poor stability, limited availability, reproducibility issues, high production costs, and unwanted toxicity. Toxicity is a primary concern because crop‐protective peptides interact with various organisms of environmental and economic significance. This review focuses on the potential of genetically encoded peptide libraries like the use of two‐hybrid‐based methods for antimicrobial peptides identification and insecticidal spider venom peptides as two main approaches for targeting plant pathogens and pests. We discuss some key findings and challenges regarding the practical application of each strategy. We conclude that genetically encoded peptide library‐ and spider venom‐derived crop protective peptides offer a sustainable and environmentally responsible approach for addressing modern crop protection needs in the agricultural sector.
Design and synthesis of peptides as stabilizers of histone deacetylase 4
Authors: Lill Annika , Schweipert Markus , Nehls Thomas , Wurster Eva , Lermyte Frederik , Meyer‐Almes Franz‐Josef , Schmitz Katja
Published: April 2024

Histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) contributes to gene repression by complex formation with HDAC3 and the corepressor silencing mediator for retinoid or thyroid hormone receptors (SMRT). We hypothesized that peptides derived from the class IIa specific binding site of SMRT would stabilize a specific conformation of its target protein and modulate its activity. Based on the SMRT‐motif 1 (SM1) involved in the interaction of SMRT with HDAC4, we systematically developed cyclic peptides that exhibit Ki values that are 9 to 56 times lower than that of the linear SMRT peptide. The peptide macrocycles stabilize the wildtype of the catalytic domain of HDAC4 (cHDAC4) considerably better than its thermally more stable ‘gain‐of‐function’ (GOF) variant, cHDAC4‐H976Y. Molecular docking and mutagenesis studies indicated that the cyclic peptides bind in a similar but not identical manner as the linear SMRT peptide to a discontinuous binding site. Ion mobility mass spectrometry showed no major changes in the protein fold upon peptide binding. Consistent with these results, preliminary hydrogen‐deuterium exchange mass spectrometry measurements indicated only minor conformational changes. Taken together, the cyclic SMRT peptides most likely stabilize the apo form of cHDAC4.
Population pharmacokinetics and exposure–response analyses of polatuzumab vedotin in patients with previously untreated DLBCL from the POLARIX study
Authors: Deng Rong , Gibiansky Leonid , Lu Tong , Flowers Christopher R. , Sehn Laurie H. , Liu Qi , Agarwal Priya , Liao Michael Z. , Dere Randall , Lee Calvin , Man Gabriel , Hirata Jamie , Li Chunze , Miles Dale
Published: April 2024

Polatuzumab vedotin is a CD79b‐directed antibody–drug conjugate that targets B cells and delivers the cytotoxic payload monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE). The phase III POLARIX study (NCT03274492) evaluated polatuzumab vedotin in combination with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone (R‐CHP) as first‐line treatment of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). To examine dosing decisions for this regimen, population pharmacokinetic (popPK) analysis, using a previously developed popPK model, and exposure–response (ER) analysis, were performed. The popPK analysis showed no clinically meaningful relationship between cycle 6 (C6) antibody‐conjugated (acMMAE)/unconjugated MMAE area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) or maximum concentration, and weight, sex, ethnicity, region, mild or moderate renal impairment, mild hepatic impairment, or other patient and disease characteristics. In the ER analysis, C6 acMMAE AUC was significantly associated with longer progression‐free and event‐free survival (both p = 0.01). An increase of <50% in acMMAE/unconjugated MMAE exposure did not lead to a clinically meaningful increase in adverse events of special interest. ER data and the benefit–risk profile support the use of polatuzumab vedotin 1.8 mg/kg once every 3 weeks with R‐CHP for six cycles in patients with previously untreated DLBCL.
Full floodplain connectivity: Realising opportunities for ‘Stage 0’ river restoration
Authors: Clarke Stewart J.
Published: April 2024

Continued declines in freshwater biodiversity and the challenges of climate change are creating greater interest in river restoration projects. Increasing recognition of the interaction between biological, geomorphological and hydrological processes has led to the development of ‘Stage 0’ river restoration. Stage 0 reaches are typically multi‐thread anabranching systems connected to the floodplain and its ecosystems. It is suggested that the defining characteristic of Stage 0 conditions is that of connectivity (longitudinal, lateral and vertical) at base flows. The methods or mechanisms that can re‐create such reaches are described, namely valley floor reset, beaver activity, beaver dam analogues and the use of large wood in the channel and floodplain. The scope for wider adoption of Stage 0 is then discussed and recommendations for expanding this approach across temperate regions with a long history of river modification and higher population densities are presented.
Assessing the impacts of urbanization and climate change on urban drainage system
Authors: Le Hoang Nghia , Vo Duc‐Phuoc , Nguyen Quang Dinh , Nguyen Binh Quang , Nguyen Chi Cong
Published: April 2024

Urban flooding is one of the significant issues that many cities are dealing with to ensure sustainable development. Upgrading the drainage systems is a standard measure that engineers have often used to reduce the risk of flooding. Because of climate change and urbanization, stormwater management systems may be inadequate to convey generated overflow in their catchment, which results in severe flooding in many cities worldwide. This research investigates climate change and urbanization's influence on urban flooding by simulating the EPA Stormwater Management Model for drainage systems in an urban catchment in An Ha, Tam Ky, Quang Nam. The results showed that urbanization shortens the initial abstraction ability while climate change increases extreme rainfall and water levels of receiving sources. Additionally, the impacts are even more substantial when the high urbanization rate increases by more than 70%, together with climate change.
Economy of production: A theory of household labor organization and material reuse
Authors: Meyers Maureen S.
Published: April 2024

Household economic studies of preindustrial societies have overlooked one very specific and common material aspect: thrift. This article introduces a theory of economic production for household analysis that focuses on the economic use of materials, space, and labor. This framework is especially integral to understanding emergence of hierarchies. In emerging hierarchies, craft production at the household level can play a key part in the accumulation of power because the scale and type of craft production are moderated by the availability and abundance of material, space, and labor. Control of craft production can mean control of material, space, and labor, and thrifty control can increase production; this is key to emerging economies, particularly those located in a frontier area. Because women are often most associated with household labor, examining cultural definitions of thrift and waste provides a more complete understanding of household gender relations and reframes the importance of women's labor. Using an example from a 14th‐century Mississippian frontier site in Virginia, I show that women engaged in craft production and that by using materials, space, and labor economically, they increased their power over time. An economy of production theoretical perspective highlights a significant factor, thrift, in household organization and agency.
On variance estimation of the inverse probability‐of‐treatment weighting estimator: A tutorial for different types of propensity score weights
Authors: Kostouraki Andriana , Hajage David , Rachet Bernard , Williamson Elizabeth J. , Chauvet Guillaume , Belot Aurélien , Leyrat Clémence
Published: April 2024

Propensity score methods, such as inverse probability‐of‐treatment weighting (IPTW), have been increasingly used for covariate balancing in both observational studies and randomized trials, allowing the control of both systematic and chance imbalances. Approaches using IPTW are based on two steps: (i) estimation of the individual propensity scores (PS), and (ii) estimation of the treatment effect by applying PS weights. Thus, a variance estimator that accounts for both steps is crucial for correct inference. Using a variance estimator which ignores the first step leads to overestimated variance when the estimand is the average treatment effect (ATE), and to under or overestimated estimates when targeting the average treatment effect on the treated (ATT). In this article, we emphasize the importance of using an IPTW variance estimator that correctly considers the uncertainty in PS estimation. We present a comprehensive tutorial to obtain unbiased variance estimates, by proposing and applying a unifying formula for different types of PS weights (ATE, ATT, matching and overlap weights). This can be derived either via the linearization approach or M‐estimation. Extensive R code is provided along with the corresponding large‐sample theory. We perform simulation studies to illustrate the behavior of the estimators under different treatment and outcome prevalences and demonstrate appropriate behavior of the analytical variance estimator. We also use a reproducible analysis of observational lung cancer data as an illustrative example, estimating the effect of receiving a PET‐CT scan on the receipt of surgery.
Longitudinal associations between self‐compassion, depression, and suicidal ideation in adolescent boys and girls
Authors: Pang Yaling , Li Wanjun , Song Chao
Published: April 2024

This study aims to elucidate associations among self‐compassion, depression, and suicidal ideation, particularly with respect to gender differences. Using a multigroup cross‐lagged panel model, we conducted a longitudinal evaluation of 424 Chinese adolescents (55.85% boys; Mage = 18.02, SD = 0.73 at baseline). Our findings indicated that suicidal ideation at T1 positively predicted depression 6 months later, while negatively predicted self‐compassion. However, self‐compassion negatively predicted depression 6 months later, specifically in boys, but not in girls. Furthermore, self‐compassion significantly mediated the relationship between suicidal ideation at T1 and depression at T2. This study helps to uncover the underlying relationships between self‐compassion, depression, and suicidal ideation, and also provide a detailed insight into the differential effects of self‐compassion on depression among boys and girls.
Ultrathin, Mechanically Durable, and Scalable Polymer‐in‐Salt Solid Electrolyte for High‐Rate Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Pan Long , Feng Shengfa , Sun Hui , Liu Xiong Xiong , Yuan Pengcheng , Cao Mufan , Gao Min , Wang Yaping , Sun ZhengMing
Published: April 2024

Polymer‐in‐salt solid‐state electrolytes (PIS SSEs) are emerging for high room‐temperature ionic conductivity and facile handling, but suffer from poor mechanical durability and large thickness. Here, Al2O3‐coated PE (PE/AO) separators are proposed as robust and large‐scale substrates to trim the thickness of PIS SSEs without compromising mechanical durability. Various characterizations unravel that introducing Al2O3 coating on PE separators efficiently improves the wettability, thermal stability, and Li‐dendrite resistance of PIS SSEs. The resulting PE/AO@PIS demonstrates ultra‐small thickness (25 µm), exceptional mechanical durability (55.1 MPa), high decomposition temperature (330 °C), and favorable ionic conductivity (0.12 mS cm−1 at 25 °C). Consequently, the symmetrical Li cells remain stable at 0.1 mA cm−2 for 3000 h, without Li dendrite formation. Besides, the LiFePO4|Li full cells showcase excellent rate capability (131.0 mAh g−1 at 10C) and cyclability (93.6% capacity retention at 2C after 400 cycles), and high‐mass‐loading performance (7.5 mg cm−2). Moreover, the PE/AO@PIS can also pair with nickel‐rich layered oxides (NCM811 and NCM9055), showing a remarkable specific capacity of 165.3 and 175.4 mAh g−1 at 0.2C after 100 cycles, respectively. This work presents an effective large‐scale preparation approach for mechanically durable and ultrathin PIS SSEs, driving their practical applications for next‐generation solid‐state Li‐metal batteries.
Low‐Temperature Processed Efficient and Reproducible Blade‐Coating Organic Photovoltaic Devices with γ‐Position Branched Inner Side Chains‐Containing Nonfullerene Acceptor
Authors: Won Donghoo , Kang So‐Huei , Park Jaeyeong , Park Jeewon , Kim Wonjun , Mai Thi Le Huyen , Lee Seunglok , Yang Changduk
Published: April 2024

Recent advancements in blade‐coating organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices utilizing eco‐friendly nonhalogenated solvents have demonstrated high power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) when processed at high substrate temperatures. However, this method poses challenges in device reproducibility and stability. Herein, a BTP‐eC9‐γ nonfullerene acceptor (analogous to BTP‐eC9) with γ‐position‐branched inner side chains within the BTP‐eC9‐based structural motif is developed. This pin‐sized extension in the branching position enhances the solubility of BTP‐eC9‐γ in nonhalogenated toluene solvent. This improvement not only mitigates excessive aggregation in the film state but also facilitates device fabrication at lower substrate temperatures. Optimized at a substrate temperature of 40 °C, the BTP‐eC9‐γ‐based blade‐coating devices with toluene achieve remarkable PCEs of 16.43% (0.04 cm2) and 14.95% (1.0 cm2). Furthermore, these devices retain their high film uniformity at 40 °C, which contributes to superior device reproducibility. This is attributed to the minimized alteration in the evolution kinetics of fluid flow. These findings signify a promising direction for the industrial production of blade‐coating OPV devices.
Development of a Plasmonic Light Management Architecture Integrated within an Interface Passivation Scheme for Ultrathin Solar Cells
Authors: Oliveira António J. N. , Teixeira Jennifer P. , Relvas Maria S. , Teixeira Alexandra , Violas André F. , Oliveira Kevin , Abalde‐Cela Sara , Diéguez Lorena , Cortinhal Mariana D. , Barquinha Pedro M. C. , Edoff Marika , Fernandes Paulo A. , Correia Maria Rosário P. , Salomé Pedro M. P.
Published: April 2024

In response to climate and resource challenges, the transition to a renewable and decentralized energy system is imperative. Ultrathin Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS)‐based solar cells are compatible with such transition due to their low material usage and improved production throughput. Despite the benchmark efficiency of CIGS technology, ultrathin configurations face efficiency drops arising from increased rear interface recombination and incomplete light absorption. Dielectric passivation schemes address rear interface recombination, but achieving simultaneous electrical and optical gains is crucial for thinning down the absorber. Plasmonic nanoparticles emerge as a solution, enhancing light interaction through resonant scattering. In the proposed architecture, the nanoparticles are encapsulated within a dielectric rear passivation layer, combining effective passivation and light trapping. A controlled deposition and encapsulation of individualized nanoparticles is achieved by an optimized process flow using microfluidic devices and nanoimprint lithography. With the developed plasmonic and passivated architecture, a 3.7 mA cm−2 short‐circuit current density and a 23 mV open‐circuit voltage improvements are obtained, leading to an almost 2% increase in light‐to‐power conversion efficiency compared to a reference device. This work showcases the developed architecture potential to tackle the electrical and optical downfalls arising from the absorber thickness reduction, contributing to the dissemination of ultrathin technology.
Versatile Synthesis of Nanofoams through Femtosecond Pulsed Laser Deposition
Authors: Orecchia Davide , Maffini Alessandro , Zavelani‐Rossi Margherita , Passoni Matteo
Published: April 2024

Nanofoam materials are gaining increasing interest in the scientific community, thanks to their unique properties such as ultralow density, complex nano‐ and microstructure, and high surface area. Nanofoams are attractive for multiple applications, ranging from advanced catalysis and energy storage to nuclear fusion and particle acceleration. The main issues hindering the widespread use of nanofoams are related to the choice of synthesis technique, highly dependent on the desired elemental composition and leading to a limited control over the main material properties. Herein, femtosecond pulsed laser deposition is proposed as a universal tool for the synthesis of nanofoams with tailored characteristics. Nanofoams made by elements with significantly different properties—namely, boron, silicon, copper, tungsten, and gold—can be produced by suitably tuning the deposition parameters. The effect of the background pressure is studied in detail, in relation to the morphological features and density of the resulting nanofoams and nanostructured films. This, together with the analysis of the specific features shown by nanofoams made of different elements, offers fresh insights into the aggregation process and its relation to the corresponding nanofoam properties down to the nanoscale, opening new perspectives toward the application of nanofoam‐based materials.
Utilizing latent connectivity among mediators in high‐dimensional mediation analysis
Authors: Hu Jia Yuan , DeSimone Marley , Wang Qing
Published: April 2024

Mediation analysis intends to unveil the underlying relationship between an outcome variable and an exposure variable through one or more intermediate variables called mediators. In recent decades, research on mediation analysis has been focusing on multivariate mediation models, where the number of mediating variables is possibly of high dimension. This paper concerns high‐dimensional mediation analysis and proposes a three‐step algorithm that extracts and utilizes inter‐connectivity among candidate mediators. More specifically, the proposed methodology starts with a screening procedure to reduce the dimensionality of the initial set of candidate mediators, followed by a penalized regression model that incorporates both parameter‐ and group‐wise regularization, and ends with fitting a multivariate mediation model and identifying active mediating variables through a joint significance test. To showcase the performance of the proposed algorithm, we conducted two simulation studies in high‐dimensional and ultra‐high‐dimensional settings, respectively. Furthermore, we demonstrate the practical applications of the proposal using a real data set that uncovers the possible impact of environmental toxicants on women's gestational age at delivery through 61 biomarkers that belong to 7 biological pathways.