bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The One‐Stop Integrated Nanoagent Based on Photothermal Therapy for Deep Infection Healing and Inflammation Inhibition
Authors: Wang Wentao , Gao Yumeng , Xu Wang , Xu Yan , Zhou Ninglin , Li Yuanyuan , Zhang Ming , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: October 2023

Chronic wounds caused by bacterial infections are a major challenge in medical fields. The hypoxia condition extremely induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and upregulates the expression of hypoxia‐inducible factor, both of which can increase the pro‐inflammatory M1 subtype macrophages production while reducing the anti‐inflammatory M2 subtype macrophages. Besides, bacteria‐formed biofilms can hinder the penetration of therapeutic agents. Encouraged by natural motors automatically executing tasks, hypothesized that supplying sufficient oxygen (O2) would simultaneously drive therapeutic agent movement, rescue the hypoxic microenvironment, and disrupt the vicious cycle of inflammation. Here, small organic molecule‐based nanoparticles (2TT‐mC6B@Cu5.4O NPs) that possess high photothermal conversion efficiency and enzymatic activities are developed, including superoxide dismutase‐, catalase‐, and glutathione peroxidase‐like activity. 2TT‐mC6B@Cu5.4O NPs exhibit superior ROS‐scavenging and O2 production abilities that synergistically relieve inflammation, alleviate hypoxia conditions, and promote their deep penetration in chronic wound tissues. Transcriptome analysis further demonstrates that 2TT‐mC6B@Cu5.4O NPs inhibit biological activities inside bacteria. Furthermore, in vivo experiments prove that 2TT‐mC6B@Cu5.4O NPs‐based hyperthermia can effectively eliminate bacteria in biofilms to promote wound healing.
Wireless Human Motion Monitoring by a Wearable 3D Spiral Liquid Metal Sensor with a Spinning Top‐Shaped Structure
Authors: Qu Qing , Yan Jinli , Liu Sidi , Xiao Xiang , Zhang Yiqiu , Nie Baoqing , Liu Jian
Published: October 2023

Flexible wireless pressure sensors based on the LC resonance principle have emerged for critical applications in wearable devices. However, the challenge remains to promote the sensing performance while maintaining good wearability of the devices. Herein, a 3D spiral liquid metal sensor (3D‐SLMS) is reported with a spinning top‐shaped structure for wireless human motion detection. The device is composed of only liquid metals embedded in Ecoflex elastomer, thus being highly flexible. The study develops a unique method to fabricate 3D‐SLMS by integration of mask‐assisted spraying of liquid metals and virtual molding tuned by vacuum. Under an external load, the deformation of the spinning top‐shaped structure leads to changes in both inductance and capacitance, offering a detectable shift in the resonant frequency of the sensor. The 3D‐SLMS technology allows for a high sensitivity of −0.502 MHz N−1, a limit of detection as low as 0.71 mN, fast response time of 0.6 s, and stretchability up to 158% without device failure. As a proof‐of‐concept, the wireless pressure detection of various human motions such as arm bending, fisting, boxing, coughing, and flatfoot diagnosis is successfully implemented, thus promising translation of wearable electronics for sport monitoring and medical rehabilitation.
Evaluating the Use of Critical Current Density Tests of Symmetric Lithium Transference Cells with Solid Electrolytes
Authors: Fuchs Till , Haslam Catherine G. , Richter Felix H. , Sakamoto Jeff , Janek Jürgen
Published: October 2023

Alkali metal filament penetration into solid electrolytes causes short circuit induced cell failure, commonly evaluated using the bidirectional critical current density (CCD) test with stepwise increases in current density in alternating directions across symmetric lithium cells. However, the CCD is neither intrinsic to the cell nor to the material but rather depends on various extrinsic factors, such as current profile, transferred charge, pressure, resting intervals, and interface chemistry. The purpose of this study is to disambiguate the interpretation of CCD analyses in the literature and propose alternative approaches to analyze the stability and kinetics of the alkali metal/solid electrolyte interface. Two types of failure modes of electrochemical cells with solid electrolytes are defined: 1) failure of the solid electrolyte by crack formation coupled with or followed by dendrite growth, and 2) failure of the alkali metal electrode by the formation of pores at the interface with the solid electrolyte followed by filament initiation that eventually leads to short‐circuiting. Therefore, the study recommends that CCD tests specify the failure mode. It is demonstrated that unidirectional polarization enablesunambiguous differentiation between failure modes. The proposals for bi‐ and unidirectional testing presented here are expected to provide more reliable and consistent CCD values across the community.
Effects of row spacing and potassium foliar applications on yield of cotton
Authors: Menefee Dorothy , Smith Douglas R. , Zwonitzer Martha , Collins Harold P.
Published: October 2023

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is an important crop in drought‐prone central Texas. Foliar potassium (K) application and skip‐row planting have the potential to improve productivity of rainfed cotton in this region. The objective of this study was to quantify the effects of skip‐row planting and foliar K on cotton lint yield, biomass, nutrient uptake, and lint quality in rainfed cotton from 2017 to 2020. Foliar K was applied at 0, 20, and 40 kg ha−1. Row arrangement treatments consisted of two planting geometries: 2 × 1 skip row and standard full row. Cotton yield was not affected by foliar K in all years or by row spacing in 2017, 2019, or 2020. In 2018 alone, there was greater lint yield from skip row (530 kg ha−1) compared to full row (423 kg ha−1). The skip‐row treatment resulted in significantly lower vegetative biomass and vegetative K uptake, but improved fiber quality. While foliar K application did not impact lint yield, total biomass and vegetative nitrogen and phosphorus uptake were increased with foliar K. There were year‐to‐year differences in seed and vegetative biomass, nutrient uptake, and lint quality, likely driven by differences in rainfall, with 2018 being unusually dry. Weather variation had more impact on cotton productivity than either treatment. However, given that the skip‐row treatment increased quality and yield in the driest year while not affecting yield in wetter years makes it a viable option for cotton producers looking to reduce costs and increase profits in drought‐prone regions.
Diversification of a Novel α‐Galactosyl Ceramide Hotspot Boosts the Adjuvant Properties in Parenteral and Mucosal Vaccines
Authors: Méndez Yanira , Vasco Aldrin V. , Ebensen Thomas , Schulze Kai , Yousefi Mohammad , Davari Mehdi D. , Wessjohann Ludger A. , Guzmán Carlos A. , Rivera Daniel G. , Westermann Bernhard
Published: October 2023

The development of potent adjuvants is an important step for improving the performance of subunit vaccines. CD1d agonists, such as the prototypical α‐galactosyl ceramide (α‐GalCer), are of special interest due to their ability to activate iNKT cells and trigger rapid dendritic cell maturation and B‐cell activation. Herein, we introduce a novel derivatization hotspot at the α‐GalCer skeleton, namely the N‐substituent at the amide bond. The multicomponent diversification of this previously unexplored glycolipid chemotype space permitted the introduction of a variety of extra functionalities that can either potentiate the adjuvant properties or serve as handles for further conjugation to antigens toward the development of self‐adjuvanting vaccines. This strategy led to the discovery of compounds eliciting enhanced antigen‐specific T cell stimulation and a higher antibody response when delivered by either the parenteral or the mucosal route, as compared to a known potent CD1d agonist. Notably, various functionalized α‐GalCer analogues showed a more potent adjuvant effect after intranasal immunization than a PEGylated α‐GalCer analogue previously optimized for this purpose. Ultimately, this work could open multiple avenues of opportunity for the use of mucosal vaccines against microbial infections.
Criteria for Efficient Photocatalytic Water Splitting Revealed by Studying Carrier Dynamics in a Model Al‐doped SrTiO3 Photocatalyst
Authors: Li Ronghua , Takata Tsuyoshi , Zhang Beibei , Feng Chao , Wu Qianbao , Cui Chunhua , Zhang Zemin , Domen Kazunari , Li Yanbo
Published: October 2023

Overall water splitting (OWS) using semiconductor photocatalysts is a promising method for solar fuel production. Achieving a high quantum efficiency is one of the most important prerequisites for photocatalysts to realize high solar‐to‐fuel efficiency. In a recent study (Nature 2020, 58, 411–414), a quantum efficiency of almost 100 % has been achieved in an aluminum‐doped strontium titanate (SrTiO3 : Al) photocatalyst. Herein, using the SrTiO3 : Al as a model photocatalyst, we reveal the criteria for efficient photocatalytic water splitting by investigating the carrier dynamics through a comprehensive photoluminescence study. It is found that the Al doping suppresses the generation of Ti3+ recombination centers in SrTiO3, the surface band bending facilitates charge separation, and the in situ photo‐deposited Rh/Cr2O3 and CoOOH co‐catalysts render efficient charge extraction. By suppressing photocarrier recombination and establishing a facile charge separation and extraction mechanism, high quantum efficiency can be achieved even on photocatalysts with a very short (sub‐ns) intrinsic photocarrier lifetime, challenging the belief that a long carrier lifetime is a fundamental requirement. Our findings could provide guidance on the design of OWS photocatalysts toward more efficient solar‐to‐fuel conversion.
An Extended NIR‐II Superior Imaging Window from 1500 to 1900 nm for High‐Resolution In Vivo Multiplexed Imaging Based on Lanthanide Nanocrystals
Authors: Chen Zi‐Han , Wang Xiaohan , Yang Mingzhu , Ming Jiang , Yun Baofeng , Zhang Lu , Wang Xusheng , Yu Peng , Xu Jing , Zhang Hongxin , Zhang Fan
Published: October 2023

High‐resolution in vivo optical multiplexing in second near‐infrared window (NIR‐II, 1000–1700 nm) is vital to biomedical research. Presently, limited by bio‐tissue scattering, only luminescent probes located at NIR‐IIb (1500–1700 nm) window can provide high‐resolution in vivo multiplexed imaging. However, the number of available luminescent probes in this narrow NIR‐IIb region is limited, which hampers the available multiplexed channels of in vivo imaging. To overcome the above challenges, through theoretical simulation we expanded the conventional NIR‐IIb window to NIR‐II long‐wavelength (NIR‐II‐L, 1500–1900 nm) window on the basis of photon‐scattering and water‐absorption. We developed a series of novel lanthanide luminescent nanoprobes with emission wavelengths from 1852 nm to 2842 nm. NIR‐II‐L nanoprobes enabled high‐resolution in vivo dynamic multiplexed imaging on blood vessels and intestines, and provided multi‐channels imaging on lymph tubes, tumors and intestines. The proposed NIR‐II‐L probes without mutual interference are powerful tools for high‐contrast in vivo multiplexed detection, which holds promise for revealing physiological process in living body.
Super‐Oxidizing Covalent Triazine Framework Electrocatalyst for Two‐Electron Water Oxidation to H2O2
Authors: Khan Ruqia , Chakraborty Jeet , Singh Rawat Kuber , Morent Rino , De Geyter Nathalie , Van Speybroeck Veronique , Van Der Voort Pascal
Published: October 2023

Electrochemical two‐electron water oxidation (2e WOR) is gaining surging research traction for sustainable hydrogen peroxide production. However, the strong oxidizing environment and thermodynamically competitive side‐reaction (4e WOR) posit as thresholds for the 2e WOR. We herein report a custom‐crafted covalent triazine network possessing strong oxidizing properties as a proof‐of‐concept metal‐free functional organic network electrocatalyst for catalyzing 2e WOR. As the first‐of‐its‐kind, the material shows a maximum of 89.9 % Faradaic Efficiency and 1428 μmol/h/cm2 H2O2 production rate at 3.0 V bias potential (vs reversible hydrogen electrode, RHE), which are either better or comparable to the state‐of‐the‐art electrocatalysts. We have experimentally confirmed a stepwise 2e WOR mechanism which was further computationally endorsed by density functional theory studies.
Electrospray deposition ofin‐situ UV‐photoactivatedpolyimide films
Authors: Kingsley Bryce J. , Chiarot Paul R.
Published: October 2023

In electrospray deposition, a precursor solution, composed of a solute material in a volatile carrier solvent, is atomized into a spray of charged microdroplets under the influence of a strong electric field. As the droplets are in‐flight, the carrier solvent evaporates, leaving behind the solute material that can be delivered to a target surface to create a film. In this work, we employ electrospray deposition to create films of UV‐photosensitive polyimide. Films were deposited using in‐situ UV exposure, where the in‐flight droplets and deposited material were exposed to UV during deposition. The characteristics of these films were compared to films exposed to UV only after deposition (referred to as post‐UV exposure). The microstructure of the deposited films was notably different for the two exposure modes, in which the in‐situ UV exposed films have a wavy/dimpled surface, compared to the flat and smooth surface of the post‐UV exposed films. However, thermogravimetric analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that the UV activation of the in‐situ UV and post‐UV exposed films was nearly identical. Breakdown testing was conducted to evaluate the dielectric strength of the films. Overall, the in‐situ UV and post‐UV exposed films exhibited similar breakdown strengths of approx. 430–450 V/μm. The use of in‐situ UV exposure cuts in half the processing time for producing thin polyimide films.
Validierung und Kalibrierung eines hypoplastischen Stoffmodells für expansive Böden
Authors: Nitsch Antonia , Machaček Jan , Wichtmann Torsten , Grandas Tavera Carlos Eduardo
Published: October 2023

Einige Böden neigen aufgrund ihrer tonmineralogischen Zusammensetzung bei Kontakt mit Wasser zur Volumenänderung, welche sich phänomenologisch entweder als Expansion oder durch eine Quelldruckentwicklung äußert. In der Baupraxis müssen sowohl die Quellphänomene als auch das hydromechanisch gekoppelte Materialverhalten allgemein z.B. bei der Bemessung von Tunnelbauwerken oder Abdichtungen berücksichtigt werden. Existierende empirische Modelle sind für komplexe Randbedingungen oft unzureichend, doch die Anwendung höherwertiger mechanischer Stoffmodelle stellt aufgrund komplexer Modellformulierungen und meist aufwendiger Bestimmung der benötigten Materialparameter eine große Hürde dar. In diesem Aufsatz wird ein von den Autor:innen kürzlich vorgestelltes neuartiges hypoplastisches Stoffmodell für expansive Böden durch die Anwendung auf weitere experimentelle Studien validiert. Zur Erleichterung der Anwendung des Stoffmodells in der Praxis wird eine vereinfachte Parameterkalibrierung erläutert, die keine aufwendige experimentelle Untersuchung erfordert.
Kinetic and functional analysis of abundant microRNAs in extracellular vesicles from normal and stressed cultures of Chinese hamster ovary cells
Authors: Belliveau Jessica , Thompson Will , Papoutsakis Eleftherios T.
Published: October 2023

Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells release and exchange large quantities of extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs are highly enriched in microRNAs (miRs, or miRNAs), which are responsible for most of their biological effects. We have recently shown that the miR content of CHO EVs varies significantly under culture stress conditions. Here, we provide a novel stoichiometric (“per‐EV”) quantification of miR and protein levels in large CHO EVs produced under ammonia, lactate, osmotic, and age‐related stress. Each stress resulted in distinct EV miR levels, with selective miR loading by parent cells. Our data provide a proof of concept for the use of CHO EV cargo as a diagnostic tool for identifying culture stress. We also tested the impact of three select miRs (let‐7a, miR‐21, and miR‐92a) on CHO cell growth and viability. Let‐7a—abundant in CHO EVs from stressed cultures—reduced CHO cell viability, while miR‐92a—abundant in CHO EVs from unstressed cultures—promoted cell survival. Overexpression of miR‐21 had a slight detrimental impact on CHO cell growth and viability during late exponential‐phase culture, an unexpected result based on the reported antiapoptotic role of miR‐21 in other mammalian cell lines. These findings provide novel relationships between CHO EV cargo and cell phenotype, suggesting that CHO EVs may exert both pro‐ and antiapoptotic effects on target cells, depending on the conditions under which they were produced.
Progress in constructing functional coacervate systems using microfluidics
Authors: Geng Yuhao , Yu Jing
Published: October 2023

Coacervates formed by liquid‐liquid phase separation play significant roles in a variety of intracellular and extracellular biological processes. Recently, substantial efforts have been invested in creating protocells using coacervates. Microfluidic technology has rapidly gained prominence in this area due to its capability to construct monodisperse and stable coacervate droplets. This review highlights recent advancements in utilizing microfluidic devices to construct coacervate‐core‐vesicle (COV) systems. These COV systems can be employed to realize the sequestration and release of biomolecules as well as to control enzymatic reactions within the coacervate systems in a spatiotemporal manner. Lastly, we delve into the current challenges and opportunities related to the development of functional coacervate systems based on microfluidic technology.
Metabolic reprogramming, autophagy, and ferroptosis: Novel arsenals to overcome immunotherapy resistance in gastrointestinal cancer
Authors: Wang Xiangwen , Zhou Liwen , Wang Hongpeng , Chen Wei , Jiang Lei , Ming Guangtao , Wang Jun
Published: October 2023

Background

Gastrointestinal cancer poses a serious health threat owing to its high morbidity and mortality. Although immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies have achieved meaningful success in most solid tumors, the improvement in survival in gastrointestinal cancers is modest, owing to sparse immune response and widespread resistance. Metabolic reprogramming, autophagy, and ferroptosis are key regulators of tumor progression.

Methods

A literature review was conducted to investigate the role of the metabolic reprogramming, autophagy, and ferroptosis in immunotherapy resistance of gastrointestinal cancer.

Results

Metabolic reprogramming, autophagy, and ferroptosis play pivotal roles in regulating the survival, differentiation, and function of immune cells within the tumor microenvironment. These processes redefine the nutrient allocation blueprint between cancer cells and immune cells, facilitating tumor immune evasion, which critically impacts the therapeutic efficacy of immunotherapy for gastrointestinal cancers. Additionally, there exists profound crosstalk among metabolic reprogramming, autophagy, and ferroptosis. These interactions are paramount in anti‐tumor immunity, further promoting the formation of an immunosuppressive microenvironment and resistance to immunotherapy.

Conclusions

Consequently, it is imperative to conduct comprehensive research on the roles of metabolic reprogramming, autophagy, and ferroptosis in the resistance of gastrointestinal tumor immunotherapy. This understanding will illuminate the clinical potential of targeting these pathways and their regulatory mechanisms to overcome immunotherapy resistance in gastrointestinal cancers.
Orthogonal End Labelling of Oligonucleotides through Dual Incorporation of Click‐Reactive NTP Analogues
Authors: Schönegger Eva S. , Crisp Antony , Radukic Marco , Burmester Jonas , Frischmuth Thomas , Carell Thomas
Published: October 2023

Post‐synthetic modification of nucleic acid structures with clickable functionality is a versatile tool that facilitates many emerging applications, including immune evasion, enhancements in stability, fluorescent labelling, chemical 5′‐RNA‐capping and the development of functional aptamers. While certain chemoenzymatic approaches for 3′‐azido and alkynyl labelling are known, equivalent 5′‐strategies are either inefficient, complex, or require harsh chemical conditions. Here, we present a modular and facile technology to consecutively modify DNA and RNA strands at both ends with click‐modifiable functional groups. Our approach using γ‐modified ATP analogues facilitates T4 PNK‐catalysed 5′‐modification of oligonucleotides, a process that is compatible with TdT‐catalysed 3′‐elongation using 3′‐azido‐2′,3′‐ddGTP. Finally, we demonstrate that our approach is suitable for both oligo‐oligo ligations, as well ssDNA circularization. We anticipate that such approaches will pave the way for the synthesis of highly functionalised oligonucleotides, improving the therapeutic and diagnostic applicability of oligonucleotides such as in the realm of next‐generation sequencing.
Acute pancreatitis with colon cutoff sign
Authors: Shinomiya Ryo , Inoue Naonori , Kawamura Takuji , Uno Koji
Published: October 2023

Key Clinical Message

Acute pancreatitis can present with a colon cutoff sign. The colon cutoff sign can also occur in gastric cancer, splenic artery bleeding, and ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. A CT scout image can also be an important laboratory finding for diagnosing a disease.

A 22‐year‐old woman visited our hospital with a complaint of epigastric pain. An abdominal contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan revealed that intestinal gas was interrupted at the splenic flexure on the CT scout image (colon cutoff sign). Scan images showed a poorly contrasted area in the pancreatic tail. Based on these results, the patient was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. The colon cutoff sign is an image showing the spread of inflammation to the colon. A CT scout image can also be an important laboratory finding for diagnosing a disease.
The significance of heart rate variability in patients with frequent premature ventricular complex originating from the ventricular outflow tract
Authors: Zhang Baowei , Yu Jinbo , Wu Yizhang , Li Xiaorong , Xie Xin , Tao Aibin , Yang Bing
Published: October 2023

Background

As an indicator of cardiac autonomic nervous activity, heart rate variability (HRV) is closely linked to premature ventricular complexes (PVCs). However, its role in patients with frequent PVCs originating from the ventricular outflow tract remains unclear.

Hypothesis

Here, we hypothesize that there may be alterations in HRV among patients with frequent PVCs originating from the ventricular outflow tract, which could play significant roles in the management of such patients.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted, including 106 patients with frequent outflow tract PVCs and 106 healthy participants as controls. HRV was assessed based on the 24‐hour Holter recording. The originating foci of PVCs were identified during radiofrequency catheter ablation.

Results

Patients with frequent outflow tract PVCs exhibited decreased levels of high frequency (HF), standard deviation of all NN intervals, and standard deviation of the average NN intervals, but increased ratios of low frequency to HF (LF/HF ratio), even after propensity score‐matched analysis. Further investigation revealed that patients with PVCs originating from right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) had much higher LF/HF ratios. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the LF/HF ratio was independently associated with PVCs originating from RVOT. Receiver operating characteristics curve indicated that the LF/HF ratio effectively determined the origin of PVCs (the area under the curve = 0.75, p < .001).

Conclusions

Patients with frequent outflow tract PVCs exhibited impaired HRV. Additionally, the LF/HF ratio played a significant role in determining the origin of outflow tract PVCs.
INTRAGRO: A machine learning approach to predict future growth of trees under climate change
Authors: Aryal Sugam , Grießinger Jussi , Dyola Nita , Gaire Narayan Prasad , Bhattarai Tribikram , Bräuning Achim
Published: October 2023

The escalating impact of climate change on global terrestrial ecosystems demands a robust prediction of the trees' growth patterns and physiological adaptation for sustainable forestry and successful conservation efforts. Understanding these dynamics at an intra‐annual resolution can offer deeper insights into tree responses under various future climate scenarios. However, the existing approaches to infer cambial or leaf phenological change are mainly focused on certain climatic zones (such as higher latitudes) or species with foliage discolouration during the fall season. In this study, we demonstrated a novel approach (INTRAGRO) to combine intra‐annual circumference records generated by dendrometers coupled to the output of climate models to predict future tree growth at intra‐annual resolution using a series of supervised and unsupervised machine learning algorithms. INTRAGRO performed well using our dataset, that is dendrometer data ofP. roxburghiiSarg. from the subtropical mid‐elevation belt of Nepal, with robust test statistics. Our growth prediction shows enhanced tree growth at our study site for the middle and end of the 21st century. This result is remarkable since the predicted growing season by INTRAGRO is expected to shorten due to changes in seasonal precipitation. INTRAGRO's key advantage is the opportunity to analyse changes in trees' intra‐annual growth dynamics on a global scale, regardless of the investigated tree species, regional climate and geographical conditions. Such information is important to assess tree species' growth performance and physiological adaptation to growing season change under different climate scenarios.
Microhabitat characteristics of the critically endangered big‐headed turtle Platysternon megacephalum
Authors: Xiao Fanrong , Bu Rongping , Ye Zihao , Wang Jichao , Shi Hai‐Tao
Published: October 2023

Understanding the microhabitat requirements of an animal is vital for ensuring the success of targeted conservation and microhabitat restoration measures. The big‐headed turtle (Platysternon megacephalum) is a freshwater species that is distributed across Southeast Asia. Owing to the human threats posed by illegal pet trade and overharvesting for food and medicinal purposes, the species has undergone rapid decline. However, in Hainan, their microhabitat characteristics are still unknown, which is neither conducive to the conservation of the species nor to the establishment of the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park. This study examined the microhabitat characteristics of P. megacephalum using sample plot methods in the Diaoluo Mountain area of Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park. Our results indicated that P. megacephalum prefers stream microhabitats with rocky substrates, several caves, and a high diversity of food sources. Microhabitat characteristics did not differ significantly between adults and juveniles. Our results suggest that protecting microhabitats and main food sources is important for the conservation of P. megacephalum. Our findings provide a reference for the protection of this species in Jianfeng Ridge, Yingge Ridge, and other areas in Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park.
How much do field mice prefer dwarf bamboo seeds? Two‐choice experiments between seeds of Sasa borealis and several tree species on the forest floor
Authors: Suzuki Hanami , Kajimura Hisashi
Published: October 2023

Bambusoideae is a taxon of mass‐flowering monocarpic perennials with a long life cycle. Forest ecosystems are affected by Bambusoideae seeding and death events in various ways, including an increased abundance of Apodemus spp. The utilization and preference of dwarf bamboo seeds over tree seeds by field mice remain elusive. Therefore, we aimed to determine whether field mice prefer dwarf bamboo to tree seeds. We examined one dwarf bamboo species (Sasa borealis) against four tree species with varying acorn/fruit traits (Castanea crenata, Quercus crispula, Fagus crenata, and Lindera triloba). The seeds were placed in a container in a forest among dead S. borealis culms, with an automatic camera monitoring the setup. The examined seeds were mainly foraged by two field mouse species, Apodemus speciosus and Apodemus argenteus, with preference in the following order: C. crenata, L. triloba, S. borealis, F. crenata, and Q. crispula. Our findings indicated that during S. borealis mast seeding years, predation pressure on F. crenata and Q. crispula seeds could be considerably reduced. This suggests that mast seeding might disrupt the normal pattern of survival, and seed dispersal patterns, potentially altering the forest vegetation composition.
Fear, concealment, and time of day interactively predict group size of a common ungulate
Authors: Delisle Zackary J. , Sample Richard D. , Swihart Robert K.
Published: October 2023

Animals commonly form groups with conspecifics. Hypotheses on the drivers of group size often (but not always) pertain to fear of predation and food availability or quality. However, for a more complete understanding of group forming, multiple, possibly interacting mechanisms should be considered. We used camera traps, detectability estimates from distance sampling, and hierarchical Bayesian modeling to index group size and test multiple additive and interacting group‐formation hypotheses in white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), within Indiana, USA. We found a strong relationship between our index of group size and (1) a three‐way interaction between spatiotemporal pulses in fear of natural predation risk and anthropogenic development and (2) a three‐way interaction between the local cover (defined as the amount of vegetative cover in the immediate area of the camera), the area of concealment (defined as forests or wetlands) within the larger landscape, and time of day. Specifically, we documented larger groups in areas near anthropogenic development, in areas with high predator use intensity, and when predators were active. Additionally, we found larger groups during dawn and dusk when deer were most active in locations with sparse local cover when the area of concealment in the surrounding landscape was small, and within dense local cover when the area of concealment in the surrounding landscape was large. Our methods can aid future behavioral and ecological studies, as we present a clear and easily replicable strategy that infers group membership from spatiotemporal proximity, corrects for differences in detectability, and enables sampling across large spatial and long temporal scales. Our findings indicate that fear of natural predators and anthropogenic disturbance interactively explain variation in group size.
Photolysis Products of Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals: A Combined Fluorine Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Mass Spectrometry Approach
Authors: Mundhenke Thomas F. , Bhat Akash P. , Pomerantz William C.K. , Arnold William A.
Published: October 2023

The aqueous photolysis of four pharmaceuticals with varying fluorinated functional groups was assessed under neutral, alkaline, advanced oxidation, and advanced reduction conditions with varying light sources. Solar simulator quantum yields were 2.21 × 10−1 mol Ei−1 for enrofloxacin, 9.36 × 10−3 mol Ei−1 for voriconazole, and 1.49 × 10−2 mol Ei−1 for flecainide. Florfenicol direct photolysis was slow, taking 150 h for three degradation half-lives. Bimolecular rate constants between pharmaceuticals and hydroxyl radicals were 109 to 1010 M−1 s−1. Using a combined quantitative fluorine nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (19F-NMR) and mass spectrometry approach, fluorine mass balances and photolysis product structures were elucidated. Enrofloxacin formed a variety of short-lived fluorinated intermediates that retained the aryl F motif. Extended photolysis time led to complete aryl F mineralization to fluoride. The aliphatic F moiety on florfenicol was also mineralized to fluoride, but the resulting product was a known antibiotic (thiamphenicol). For voriconazole, the two aryl Fs contributed more to fluoride production compared with the heteroaromatic F, indicating higher stability of the heteroaromatic F motif. The two aliphatic CF3 moieties in the flecainide structure remained intact under all conditions, further supporting the stability of these moieties found in per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances under a variety of conditions. The advanced treatment conditions generating hydroxyl radicals or hydrated electrons accelerated the degradation, but not the defluorination, of flecainide. The combination of 19F-NMR and mass spectrometry proved powerful in allowing identification of fluorinated products and verifying the functional groups present in the intermediates and products. The results found in the present study will aid in the understanding of which fluorinated functional groups should be incorporated into pharmaceuticals to ensure organofluorine byproducts are not formed in the environment and help determine the water-treatment processes that effectively remove specific pharmaceuticals and more generally fluorinated motifs. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:2285–2296. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Emergency medical services preparedness in mass casualty incidents: A qualitative study
Authors: Saadatmand Vahid , Ahmadi Marzaleh Milad , Abbasi Hamid Reza , Peyravi Mahmoud Reza , Shokrpour Nasrin
Published: October 2023

Background and Aims

The effective response of emergency medical services in mass casualty incidents (MCIs) calls for sufficient preparation. The components of preparation must be determined first to achieve this goal. This study aimed to describe the elements of preparedness of emergency medical services for MCIs.

Methods

A qualitative study was carried out on emergency medical service systems in Iran (from April 2022 to mid‐March 2023), using in‐depth semistructured interviews with participants who were managers and members of the incident command team, experts, technicians, paramedics, and telecommunicators of emergency medical services. Interviews were carried out face‐to‐face and via telephone. The data were collected using voice recorder and transcript and analyzed by content analysis method. This study was conducted using the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research.

Results

Thirty‐six participants were included in the study. A total of 834 codes were analyzed. Thirteen components were extracted from the study and classified as five categories including “Strengthening management and organization,” “individual and group empowerment,” “capacity expansion,” “technology and infrastructure development,” and “operational response measures.”

Conclusion

Emergency medical service preparedness in response to MCIs is a critical issue. For improving preparedness, the main components must be identified. The study results described the elements of emergency medical service preparedness, which could be used as a framework for developing the national model of emergency medical service preparedness in MCIs.
Videographic analysis of blink dynamics in patients with chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia, myogenic ptosis, and facial nerve palsy using smartphone camera: A comparative analysis
Authors: Hedayati Amlashi Nazanin , Rajabi Mohammad Taher , Shafie Mahan , Heidarzadeh Somayeh , Rajabi Mohammad Bagher , Hosseini Seyedeh Simindokht , Haadi Ainaaz , Soltani Parnian
Published: October 2023

Background and Aims

Congenital myogenic ptosis (CMP), chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia (CPEO), and facial nerve palsy (FNP) are among the disorders which can seriously affect the blink dynamics of patients. Smartphone videography is a simple, convenient, and inexpensive way to capture eyelid movement. This study has measured and compared a variety of blink dynamics in these patients compared to healthy controls using 2‐dimensional smartphone videography to enhance the utility of this method in both clinical and research settings.

Methods

A total of 30 adult participants with a complaint of impaired eyelid movements including 10 with CMP, 10 with CPEO, and 10 with unilateral FNP, as well as 10 healthy controls were recruited. Using a smartphone camera with a resolution of 240 frames per second in 720 p, various blink dynamics were measured.

Results

All case groups had significantly lower values of peak and average closing velocities, average opening velocity, and palpebral aperture and significantly higher values of eyelid closing duration, compared to controls. FNP participants also had significantly lower values in the full blink rate and peak opening velocity (POV) measures, and CPEO patients showed significantly lower values in the POV. Other measures were not statistically significantly different compared to healthy controls.

Conclusion

Our results indicated that all patients with CMP, FNP, and CPEO had different blinking dynamics compared to healthy controls, which is consistent with previous studies. Smartphone videography has achieved sufficient resolution and frame‐rate to provide valuable information and anatomic details for clinical and research purposes. Further studies could utilize smartphone videography for further investigation and confirmation of the methodology in various conditions.
Development of a population‐level prediction model for intensive care unit (ICU) survivorship and mortality in older adults: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Khan Sikandar H. , Perkins Anthony J. , Fuchita Mikita , Holler Emma , Ortiz Damaris , Boustani Malaz , Khan Babar A. , Gao Sujuan
Published: October 2023

Background and Aims

Given the growing utilization of critical care services by an aging population, development of population‐level risk models which predict intensive care unit (ICU) survivorship and mortality may offer advantages for researchers and health systems. Our objective was to develop a risk model for ICU survivorship and mortality among community dwelling older adults.

Methods

This was a population‐based cohort study of 48,127 patients who were 50 years and older with at least one primary care visit between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2017. We used electronic health record (EHR) data to identify variables predictive of ICU survivorship.

Results

ICU admission and mortality within 2 years after index primary care visit date were used to divide patients into three groups of “alive without ICU admission”, “ICU survivors,” and “death.” Multinomial logistic regression was used to identify EHR predictive variables for the three patient outcomes. Cross‐validation by randomly splitting the data into derivation and validation data sets (60:40 split) was used to identify predictor variables and validate model performance using area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUC) curve. In our overall sample, 92.2% of patients were alive without ICU admission, 6.2% were admitted to the ICU at least once and survived, and 1.6% died. Greater deciles of age over 50 years, diagnoses of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder or chronic heart failure, and laboratory abnormalities in alkaline phosphatase, hematocrit, and albumin contributed highest risk score weights for mortality. Risk scores derived from the model discriminated between patients that died versus remained alive without ICU admission (AUC = 0.858), and between ICU survivors versus alive without ICU admission (AUC = 0.765).

Conclusion

Our risk scores provide a feasible and scalable tool for researchers and health systems to identify patient cohorts at increased risk for ICU admission and survivorship. Further studies are needed to prospectively validate the risk scores in other patient populations.
Exploring Depression and Nutritional Covariates Amongst US Adults using Shapely Additive Explanations
Authors: Huang Alexander A. , Huang Samuel Y.
Published: October 2023

Background

Depression affects personal and public well‐being and identification of natural therapeutics such as nutrition is necessary to help alleviate this public health concern.

Objective

The study aimed to identify feature importance in a machine learning model using solely nutrition covariates.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted using a modern, nationally representative cohort, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES 2017−2020). Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the validated 9‐item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐9), and all adult patients (total of 7929 individuals) who completed the PHQ‐9 and total nutritional intake questionnaire were included in the study. Univariable regression was used to identify significant nutritional covariates to be included in a machine learning model and feature importance was reported. The acquisition and analysis of the data were authorized by the National Center for Health Statistics Ethics Review Board.

Results

7929 patients met the inclusion criteria in this study. The machine learning model had 24 out of a total of 60 features that were found to be significant on univariate analysis (p < 0.01 used). In the XGBoost model the model had an Area Under the Receiver Operator Characteristic Curve (AUROC) = 0.603, Sensitivity = 0.943, Specificity = 0.163. The top four highest ranked features by gain, a measure of the percentage contribution of the covariate to the overall model prediction, were Potassium Intake (Gain = 6.8%), Vitamin E Intake (Gain = 5.7%), Number of Foods and Beverages Reported (Gain = 5.7%), and Vitamin K Intake (Gain 5.6%).

Conclusion

Machine learning models with feature importance can be utilized to identify nutritional covariates for further study in patients with clinical symptoms of depression.
Delivered relative dose intensity in adolescent and young adult germ cell tumours in England: Assessment of data quality and consistency from clinical trials compared to national cancer registration data
Authors: Hughes Nicola F. , Cromie Kirsten J. , Feltbower Richard G. , McCabe Martin G. , Stark Dan
Published: October 2023

Adolescent and young adults (AYA) with germ cell tumours (GCT) have poorer survival rates than children and many older adults with the same cancers. There are several likely contributing factors to this, including the treatment received. The prognostic benefit of intended dose intensity is well documented in GCT from trials comparing regimens. However, evidence specific to AYA is limited by poor recruitment of AYA to trials and dose delivery outside trials not being well examined. We examined the utility of cancer registration data and a clinical trials dataset to investigate the delivery of relative dose intensity (RDI) in routine National Health Service practice in England, compared to within international clinical trials. Linked data from the Cancer Outcomes and Services Dataset (COSD) and the Systemic Anti‐Cancer Therapy (SACT) dataset, and data from four international clinical trials were analysed. Survival over time was described using Kaplan‐Meier estimation; overall, by age category, International Germ‐Cell Cancer Collaborative Group (IGCCCG) classification, stage, tumour subtype, primary site, ethnicity and deprivation. Cox regression models were used to determine the fully adjusted effect of RDI on mortality risk. The quality of both datasets was critically evaluated and clinically enhanced. RDI was found to be well maintained in all datasets with higher RDIs associated with improved survival outcomes. Real‐world data demonstrated several strengths, including population coverage and inclusion of sociodemographic variables and comorbidity. It is limited in GCT however, by the poor completion of data items enabling risk classification of patients and a higher proportion of missing data.
Anxiety, distress tolerance, and the relationship between complex posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and alcohol use in veterans
Authors: Whiteford Seb , Quigley Martyn , Dighton Glen , Wood Katie , Kitchiner Neil , Armour Cherie , Dymond Simon
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Little is known about whether distress tolerance and anxiety mediate the relationship between comorbid complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) and alcohol use among military veterans. Here, we investigated the contribution of distress tolerance and anxiety on the strength of the CPTSD and alcohol use association. We hypothesized that the impact of a two‐factor model of CPTSD derived from subscale scores on the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ)—namely ITQ PTSD and ITQ Disturbances in Self Organization (DSO; e.g., issues with affective regulation/self‐belief and shame)—on alcohol use severity would be mediated by anxiety but not by distress tolerance.

Methods

Participants included 403 community‐dwelling United Kingdom (UK) veterans (91.64% male, Mage = 51.15 years, SD = 12.48) recruited as part of a larger, online study.

Results

Findings indicated that the influence of CPTSD symptoms on alcohol use severity was mediated by anxiety, not by distress tolerance, with greater relative impact due to ITQ DSO status than ITQ PTSD status.

Conclusions

We identified the mediational influence of anxiety and distress tolerance on the association between CPTSD subscales and alcohol use in UK veterans. Interventions for anxiety may be adapted for reducing problematic alcohol use and the impact of CPTSD symptoms in veterans with comorbid PTSD and alcohol use disorder.
External Validation of Obese/Critically Ill Vancomycin Population Pharmacokinetic Models in Critically Ill Patients Who Are Obese
Authors: Alsultan Abdullah , Dasuqi Shereen A. , Almohaizeie Abdullah , Aljutayli Abdullah , Aljamaan Fadi , Omran Rasha A. , Alolayan Abdulaziz , Hamad Mohammed A. , Alotaibi Haifa , Altamimi Sarah , Alghanem Sarah S.
Published: October 2023

Obesity combined with critical illness might increase the risk of acquiring infections and hence mortality. In this patient population the pharmacokinetics of antimicrobials vary significantly, making antimicrobial dosing challenging. The objective of this study was to assess the predictive performance of published population pharmacokinetic models of vancomycin in patients who are critically ill or obese for a cohort of critically ill patients who are obese. This was a multi‐center retrospective study conducted at 2 hospitals. Adult patients with a body mass index of ≥30 kg/m2 were included. PubMed was searched for published population pharmacokinetic studies in patients who were critically ill or obese. External validation was performed using Monolix software. A total of 4 models were identified in patients who were obese and 5 models were identified in patients who were critically ill. In total, 138 patients who were critically ill and obese were included, and the most accurate models for these patients were the Goti and Roberts models. In our analysis, models in patients who were critically ill outperformed models in patients who were obese. When looking at the most accurate models, both the Goti and the Roberts models had patient characteristics similar to ours in terms of age and creatinine clearance. This indicates that when selecting the proper model to apply in practice, it is important to account for all relevant variables, besides obesity.