bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climatically robust multiscale species distribution models to support pronghorn recovery in California
Authors: Bean William T. , Butterfield H. Scott , Howard Jeanette K. , Batter Thomas J.
Published: June 2024

We combined two climate‐based distribution models with three finer‐scale suitability models to identify habitat for pronghorn recovery in California now and into the future. We used a consensus approach to identify areas of suitable climate now and future for pronghorn in California. We compared the results of climate models from two separate hypotheses about their historical ecology in the state. Under the migration hypothesis, pronghorn were expected to be limited climatically by extreme cold in winter and extreme heat in summer; under the niche reduction hypothesis, historical pronghorn of distribution would have better represented the climatic limitations of the species. We combined occurrences from GPS collars distributed across three populations of pronghorn in the state to create three distinct habitat suitability models: (1) an ensemble model using random forests, Maxent, classification and regression Trees, and a generalized linear model; (2) a step selection function; and (3) an expert‐driven model. We evaluated consensus among both the climate models and the suitability models to prioritize areas for, and evaluate the prospects of, pronghorn recovery. Climate suitability for pronghorn in the future depends heavily on model assumptions. Under the migration hypothesis, our model predicted that there will be no suitable climate in California in the future. Under the niche reduction hypothesis, by contrast, suitable climate will expand. Habitat suitability also depended on the methods used, but areas of consensus among all three models exist in large patches throughout the state. Identifying habitat for a species which has undergone extreme range collapse, and which has very fine scale habitat needs, presents novel challenges for spatial ecologists. Our multimethod, multihypothesis approach can allow habitat modelers to identify areas of consensus and, perhaps more importantly, fill critical knowledge gaps that could resolve disagreements among the models. For pronghorn, a better understanding of their upper thermal tolerances and whether historical populations migrated will be crucial to their potential recovery in California and throughout the arid Southwest.
Development of a highly polymorphic chloroplast SSR set in Abies grandis with transferability to other conifer species—A promising toolkit for gene flow investigations
Authors: Götz Jeremias , Leinemann Ludger , Gailing Oliver , Hardtke André , Caré Oliver
Published: June 2024

The genus Abies is widely distributed across the world and is of high importance for forestry. Since chloroplasts are usually uniparentally inherited, they are an important tool for specific scientific issues like gene flow, parentage, migration and, in general, evolutionary analysis. Established genetic markers for organelles in conifers are rather limited to RFLP markers, which are more labour and time intensive, compared with SSR markers. Using QUIAGEN CLC Workbench 23.03, we aligned two chloroplast genomes from different Abies species (NCBI accessions: NC_039581, NC_042778, NC_039582, NC_042410, NC_035067, NC_062889, NC_042775, NC_057314, NC_041464, MH706706, MH047653 and MH510244) to identify potential SSR candidates. Further selection and development of forward and reverse primers was performed using the NCBI Primer Blast Server application. In this article, we introduce a remarkably polymorphic SSR marker set for various Abies species, which can be useful for other conifer genera, such as Cedrus, Pinus, Pseudotsuga or Picea. In total, 17 cpSSRs showed reliable amplification and polymorphisms in A. grandis with a total of 68 haplotypes detected. All 17 cpSSRs amplified in the tested Abies spp. In the other tested species, except for Taxus baccata, at least one primer was polymorphic.
Physician‐directed patient self‐management in heart failure using left atrial pressure: Interim insights from the VECTOR‐HF I and IIa studies
Authors: Meerkin David , Perl Leor , Hasin Tal , Petriashvili Shalva , Kurashvili Levan , Metreveli Mikheil , Ince Hüseyin , Feickert Sebastian , Habib Manhal , Caspi Oren , Jonas Michael , Amat‐Santos Ignacio J. , Bayes‐Genis Antoni , Codina Pau , Koren Oran , Frydman Shir , Pachino Rachel M. , Anker Stefan D. , Abraham William T. ,   on behalf of the VECTOR‐HF I and IIa Trials Investigators
Published: June 2024

Aims

Haemodynamic monitoring using implantable pressure sensors reduces the risk of heart failure (HF) hospitalizations. Patient self‐management (PSM) of haemodynamics in HF has the potential to personalize treatment, increase adherence, and reduce the risk of worsening HF, while lowering clinicians' burden.

Methods and results

The VECTOR‐HF I and IIa studies are prospective, single‐arm, open‐label clinical trials assessing safety, usability and performance of left atrial pressure (LAP)‐guided HF management using PSM in New York Heart Association class II and III HF patients. Physician‐prescribed LAP thresholds trigger patient self‐adjustment of diuretics. Primary endpoints include the ability to perform LAP measurements and transmit data to the healthcare provider (HCP) interface and the patient guidance application, and safety outcomes. This is an interim analysis of 13 patients using the PSM approach. Over 12 months, no procedure‐ or device‐related major adverse cardiovascular or neurological events were observed, and there were no failures to obtain measurements from the sensor and transmit the data to the HCP interface and the patient guidance application. Patient adherence was 91.4%. Using PSM, annualized HF hospitalization rate significantly decreased compared to a similar period prior to PSM utilization (0 admissions vs. 0.69 admissions over 11.84 months, p = 0.004). At 6 months, 6‐min walk test distance and the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire overall summary score demonstrated significant improvement.

Conclusions

Interim findings suggest that PSM using a LAP monitoring system is feasible and safe. PSM is associated with high patient adherence, potentially improving HF patients' functional status, quality of life, and limiting HF hospitalizations.
Using 3‐monochloropropanediol esters and glycidyl esters to discriminate adulteration of cold‐pressed avocado oils and their refined variants
Authors: Wu Chia‐Chen , Chuang Yung‐Kun , Ho Yu‐Chi , Lin Zih‐Ee , Lee Wei‐Ju
Published: June 2024

The adulteration of cold‐pressed avocado oil (AVO), a high‐value commodity, poses significant economic and health concerns. This study aimed to develop a method for identifying adulteration of cold‐pressed AVO with refined oil and its utilization to evaluate commercial AVO (cAVO) samples. Avocados from the United States and New Zealand at different stages of maturity were subjected to oven‐drying and microwave‐drying to produce authentic in‐house AVOs. Various parameters, including glycidyl ester (GE) and 3‐monochloropropanediol ester (3‐MCPDE) contents, fatty acid composition, phytosterol content, acid value, and pigment contents, were measured. In‐house AVOs exhibited trace amounts of 3‐MCPDE formation, and a threshold of 0.25 mg kg–1 for GEs and 3‐MCPDEs was established to differentiate samples adulterated with refined oil. However, no clear correlation between 3‐MCPDE concentrations and adulteration ratios was observed. Determination of chlorophyll and carotenoid contents enabled the identification of partial or complete adulteration. The acid value and phytosterol content did not provide sufficient distinctions for detecting adulteration. GE and 3‐MCPDE contents could effectively be used to discriminate cold‐pressed AVO blended with refined oil, providing a reliable method for detecting misrepresentation of cAVO products.

Practical Applications: Measuring GEs and 3‐MCPDEs is crucial for identifying refined oil adulteration of cold‐pressed oils. The systematic discrimination methods and criteria developed in this study can be applied to different types of high‐value pressed oils in the future. Addressing this issue is essential for maintaining the authenticity and quality of cold‐pressed oils in the industry.
Chemical Enhanced Oil Recovery and Viscose Flooding into Sandstone Reservoirs Using a Natural Polymer Extracted from Sucrose‐Rich Waste by Bacterial Activity
Authors: Nowrouzi Iman , Mohammadi Amir H. , Khaksar Manshad Abbas
Published: June 2024

In this research, it was attempted to describe in vitro the efficiency of a natural polymer synthesized from sugarcane waste by bacteria for application in enhanced crude oil recovery. Necessary experiments were carried out with the main targets of extraction and description of the polymer and its effectiveness in enhanced oil recovery. It is shown that in the polymer concentrations of 1, 2, 5, and 8 wt%, the viscosity is equal to 26.08, 76.51, 100.94, and 168.36 mPa s. A shear‐thinning flow behavior is observed at initial shear rates. The sandstone wettability alteration is observed through the contact angles  at concentrations of 1, 2, 5, and 8 wt% that are 85.93°, 72.19°, 76.51°, and 71.09°, respectively. Based on salinity compatibility, the polymer work up to a salinity of 90 000 ppm and based on viscosity tests, up to a salinity of 120 000 ppm. Regarding the performance of the polymer solution against temperature, it shows an acceptable performance in increasing the viscosity at the highest temperature of 75 °C. The water cut reaches its minimum of 8%, and then increases. By injecting 3.3 Pore volum (PV), the oil recovery reaches 81.4%. In a polymeric slug injection program, the oil recovery factor reaches 74.8%.Similarly, the water cut starts to decrease after the injection of polymer, and finally, after the injection of 0.9 PV including 0.5 PV of the polymer solution and 0.4 PV of water, reaches its minimum during the experiment, i.e., 22%.
Photothermal Utility Heating with Diffused Indoor Light via Multiple Transparent Fe3O4@Cu2−xS Thin Films
Authors: Katepalli Anudeep , Tene Neshwanth Kumar , Wang Yuxin , Harfmann Anton , Bonmarin Mathias , Krupczak John , Shi Donglu
Published: June 2024

By introducing a novel photothermal radiator that effectively harnesses diffused light through plasmonic Fe3O4@Cu2−xS nanoparticles, it is sought to offer a sustainable solution for maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures without heavy reliance on traditional solar sources. The approach involves the use of ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) lights to photothermally activate transparent Fe3O4@Cu2−xS thin films, showcasing a proactive strategy to optimize energy capture even in low‐light scenarios such as cloudy days or nighttime hours. This innovative technology carries immense potential for energy‐neutral buildings, paving the way to reduce dependence on external energy grids and promoting a more sustainable future for indoor heating and comfort control. The developed photothermal radiator incorporates multiple transparent thin films infused with plasmonic Fe3O4@Cu2−xS nanoparticles, known for their robust UV and IR absorptions driven by localized surface plasmon resonance. Through the application of UV and IR lights, these thin films efficiently convert incident photons into thermal energy. The experiments within a specially constructed diffused light photothermal box, designed to simulate indoor environments, demonstrate the system's capability to raise temperatures above 50 °C effectively. This pioneering photothermal radiator offers a promising pathway for sustainable heat generation in indoor spaces, harnessing ubiquitous diffused light sources to enhance energy efficiency.
Schaftoside from Plumula nelumbinis mitigates “Shanghuo” by inhibiting low‐grade inflammation, diminishing oxidative stress, and enhancing energy metabolism
Authors: Li Zhiqiang , Wu Weijie , Liu Ruiling , Chen Huizhi , Wang Lishu , Niu Ben , Mu Honglei , Gao Haiyan , Chen Hangjun
Published: June 2024

The study was focused on the therapeutic potential of schaftoside (SS), a key bioactive compound found in Plumula nelumbinis, in the context of “Shanghuo,” an excessive internal heat condition induced by the overconsumption of capsaicin. “Shanghuo” in traditional Chinese medicine is characterized by symptoms like skin and mucous membrane redness, swelling, fever, and discomfort. It is commonly used to describe symptoms such as intense thirst, constipation, and a rapid or surging pulse. In modern medicine, it is associated with various factors, including dietary irritants, stress, gut microbiota imbalances, and immunological issues. The concept of Yin–Yang balance is pivotal in the theory of traditional Chinese medicine. Yin embodies elements of stability and inhibition, whereas Yang is indicative of vitality and assertiveness. Excessive capsaicin intake can also trigger “Shanghuo” symptoms by disrupting the body's balance of “Yin and Yang.” In the present study, we isolated SS from P. nelumbinis and performed in vitro antioxidant assays. SS exhibited a concentration‐dependent increase in antioxidant activity, indicating its potential to combat oxidative stress. In animal experiments, rats exposed to a high dose of capsaicin showed elevated levels of inflammatory markers and reduced antioxidant levels. SS effectively mitigated these imbalances, restored antioxidant enzyme activity, and reduced inflammation. Furthermore, capsaicin‐treated rats showed decreased energy metabolism and altered gut microbiota. SS treatment enhanced energy metabolism and increased the abundance of intestinal flora, highlighting its potential to restore metabolic balance. In conclusion, SS from P. nelumbinis shows promise in alleviating “Shanghuo” induced by excessive capsaicin intake.
A Novel, Industrially‐feasible Synthetic Route to (+)‐Biotin from L‐Cysteine
Authors: Zhang Qiongmei , Peng Kun , Bonrath Werner , Zhang Zili , Zhu Zhibin , Xing Yuehan , Wang Xiaoyan , Gao Bo , Medlock Jonathan A.
Published: June 2024

A novel, industrially viable synthetic route to (+)‐biotin has been developed starting from L‐cysteine via the known key thiolactone intermediate. The route takes advantage of the in‐built stereochemistry of the cysteine starting material and the best features of the two current industrialized processes. The key transformations are the conversion of L‐cysteine into a hydantoin avoiding racemization followed by catalytic cyanation and thiolactonization to form the required thiolactone intermediate. This known intermediate can be readily further transformed into (+)‐biotin.
Cytocompatibility, cell‐material interaction, and osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3‐E1 pre‐osteoblasts in contact with engineered Mg/PLA composites
Authors: Ali Wahaaj , Ordoño Jesus , Kopp Alexander , González Carlos , Echeverry‐Rendón Mónica , LLorca Javier
Published: June 2024

Bioabsorbable Mg wire‐reinforced poly‐lactic acid (PLA) matrix composites are potential candidate for load‐bearing orthopedic implants offering tailorable mechanical and degradation properties by stacking sequence, volume fraction and surface modification of Mg wires. In this study, we investigated the cytocompatibility, cell‐material interaction, and bone differentiation behavior of MC3T3‐E1 pre‐osteoblast cells for medical‐grade PLA, Mg/PLA, and PEO‐Mg/PLA (having PEO surface modification on Mg wires) composites. MTT and live/dead assay showed excellent biocompatibility of both composites while cell‐material interaction analysis revealed that cells were able to adhere and proliferate on the surface of composites. Cells on the longitudinal surface of composites showed a high and uniform cell density while those on transversal surfaces initially avoided Mg regions but later migrated back after the formation of the passivation layer. Bone differentiation tests showed that cells in extracts of PLA and composites were able to initiate the differentiation process as osteogenesis‐related gene expressions, alkaline phosphatase protein quantity, and calcium mineralization increased after 7 and 14 days of culture. Interestingly, the bone differentiation response of PEO‐Mg/PLA composite was found to be similar to medical‐grade PLA, proving its superiority over Mg/PLA composite.
Association of computed tomography‐derived muscle mass and quality with delayed acquisition independent walking after cardiovascular surgery
Authors: Shimizu Kazuya , Matsuzawa Ryota , Nakamura Shinya , Murakawa Keita , Kawakami Hideo , Tabuchi Masaki , Ohnaka Motoaki , Matsumori Masamichi , Tamaki Akira
Published: June 2024

Background

In the context of cardiovascular surgery, the foremost concern lies in delayed functional recovery, as typified by the acquisition of independent walking after surgery, among older patients with decline in skeletal muscle mass and quality. Computed tomography (CT), which is typically employed for the preoperative assessment of pathological conditions in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery, is also suitable for screening for potential decline in skeletal muscle mass and quality. The aim of this study was to examine the predictive capabilities of CT‐derived parameters such as muscle mass and muscle quality for the delayed acquisition of independent walking in the postoperative period.

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled consecutive Japanese patients who underwent elective cardiovascular surgery between May 2020 and January 2023. In total, 139 patients were included in the analyses. Based on the preoperative CT image, the psoas muscle volume index (PMVI) and psoas muscle attenuation (PMA) were calculated. Information on patient characteristics, including preoperative physical fitness such as handgrip strength/body mass index (GS/BMI), short physical performance battery (SPPB), and 6‐min walking distance (6MWD), were obtained from the medical records. We defined delayed acquisition of independent walking after surgery as the inability to walk 100 m within 4 days after surgery.

Results

The median age of the patients was 72 (interquartile: 64–78) years, and 74.8% (104/139) were men; 47.5% corresponded to the delayed group. The areas under the curves of SPPB, GS/BMI, 6MWD, PMVI, and PMA against delayed acquisition of independent walking after surgery were 0.68 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.59 to 0.77], 0.72 (95% CI: 0.63 to 0.80), 0.73 (95% CI: 0.65 to 0.82), 0.69 (95% CI: 0.60 to 0.78), and 0.78 (95% CI: 0.70 to 0.85), respectively. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, low PMA was significantly associated with delayed acquisition of independent walking even after adjustment for patient characteristics including physical fitness [model 1: SPPB (OR, 1.14; 95% CI: 1.03–1.25), model 2: GS/BMI (OR, 1.13; 95% CI: 1.03–1.25), and model 3: 6MWD (OR, 1.14; 95% CI: 1.03–1.25)], but PMVI was not.

Conclusions

Our study revealed a strong association between PMA, a marker of CT‐derived muscle quality, and the postoperative delay in achieving independent walking in patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery. The technique to obtain information on muscle quality during the time period before surgery may be an option for timely therapeutic intervention in patients who may have delayed acquisition of independent walking after surgery.
The use of ultrasound for noninvasive monitoring of anesthetic effects in renal ischemia‐reperfusion injury
Authors: Wang Li
Published: June 2024

Objective

Compared with the use of ultrasound for noninvasive monitoring of the anesthetic sodium pentobarbital versus tribromoethanol in an animal model of renal ischemia‐reperfusion injury in rats.

Methods

Adult rats were randomly assigned to a renal ischemia‐reperfusion injury model, and preoperative anesthetics were administered as either sodium pentobarbital or tribromoethanol. Color Doppler ultrasound and spectral Doppler ultrasound were used to detect changes in respiratory rate and heart rate during and after the surgery, as well as measure renal hemodynamic parameters including peak systolic velocity, end‐diastolic velocity, and resistance index.

Results

The frequency of changes in respiration and heart rate was significantly higher in the sodium pentobarbital anesthesia group compared to the tribromoethanol anesthesia group. The peak systolic velocity and end‐diastolic velocity values in the sodium pentobarbital anesthesia group were significantly lower than those in the tribromoethanol group. However, the resistance index in the sodium pentobarbital group was higher than that in the tribromoethanol group.

Conclusion

Ultrasound can be used to dynamically monitor the effects of anesthesia during the experiment, including changes in respiratory rate and heart rate, as well as semi‐quantitatively monitor hemodynamic changes in the kidneys, which indirectly reflects whole‐body hemodynamic changes in rats.
Synthesis of 1,3‐oxazepine derivatives via tandem reaction of 5‐benzylidine Meldrum's acids with TosMIC in presence of potassium carbonate
Authors: Aslanoglu Furgan
Published: June 2024

A new and efficient method for synthesizing 1,3‐oxazepines has been developed. The synthetic strategy of this method is based initially on the Knoevenagel reaction to form 5‐benzylidine Meldrum's acid, followed by a 7‐endo‐cyclization reaction with TosMIC (p‐toluenesulfonylmethyl isocyanide) in the presence of base. In the optimization studies carried out on this tandem reaction, the highest yield was obtained when K2CO3 was used as the base.
Single‐tube, single‐strip lateral flow assays utilizing loop‐mediated isothermal amplification for simultaneous hepatitis B and C viral detection
Authors: Guo Jing‐Wen , Ho Hsin‐Ying , Dai Chia‐Yen , Chen Yen‐Hsu , Yu Ming‐Lung , Yu Ling‐Shan
Published: June 2024

Globally, hepatitis B virus (HBV) affects over 250 million people, whereas hepatitis C virus (HCV) affects approximately 70 million people, posing major public health challenges. Despite the availability of vaccines and treatments, a lack of comprehensive diagnostic coverage has left many cases undiagnosed and untreated. To address the need for sensitive, specific, and accessible diagnostics, this study introduced a multiplex loop‐mediated isothermal amplification assay with lateral flow detection for simultaneous HBV and HCV testing. This assay achieved exceptional sensitivity and was capable of detecting HBV and HCV concurrently in a single tube and on a single strip within 25 min, achieving the required clinical sensitivity (10 and 103 genomic copies/reaction for HBV and HCV, respectively). The method was validated in clinical samples of various viral genotypes, achieving an equivalent limit of detection. Additionally, a custom portable heating device was developed for field use. The assay developed here, capable of direct viral detection on the strip, shows promise in supplanting current methods that solely identify antibodies and necessitate additional qPCR for viral activity assessment. This economical and rapid assay aligns with point‐of‐care testing needs, offering significant advancements in enhancing viral hepatitis diagnostics in settings with limited resources.
Caregiver‐reported symptom burden and preferences for therapeutic goals in pediatric primary sclerosing cholangitis
Authors: Shifman Holly Payton , Hatchett Joanne , Pai Ruth‐Anne , Safer Ricky , Gomel Rachel , Vyas Mary , Li Michael , Lai Jennifer C. , Wadhwani Sharad I.
Published: June 2024

This study analyzed qualitative and quantitative survey responses from 51 pediatric primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) patients and caregivers using the PSC Partners Patient Registry–Our Voices survey. The most common symptoms reported by children/caregivers include: fatigue (71%), abdominal pain (69%), anxiety (59%), appetite loss (51%), insomnia (49%), and pruritus (45%). When experiencing symptoms at their worst, over half of patients/caregivers reported limitations in physically demanding activities (67%), work/school duties (63%), social life activities (55%), and activities for fun or exercise (53%). Over half of patients/caregivers expressed willingness to participate in clinical trials, however none reported ever participating in trials for new or investigational PSC drugs. This study revealed a substantial patient/caregiver‐reported symptom burden for children with PSC that impacts quality of life and limits access to clinical trials. Future efforts should focus on developing patient‐centered clinical endpoints for PSC trials, increasing trial availability for pediatric PSC patients, and reducing logistical barriers to trial involvement.
Rise and decline of Holocene tufas across Europe: exploring east/west and north/south similarities and differences in their development
Authors: Dabkowski Julie , Beaumont Léa
Published: June 2024

An extended inventory of 82 well‐dated European calcareous tufas is used to discuss the timing and amplitude of their onset, maximum and decline; in particular differences from east to west and between the Mediterranean area and the rest of Europe. Eastern deposits start to develop and reach their maximum slightly earlier than western tufas. Strong east–west differences in the timing and intensity of the climatic improvement during the first half of the Holocene explain the earlier development of eastern tufas compared with the west. The strongest differences are observed between Mediterranean deposits and other European tufas both in their development and decline, whether all or only fluvial deposits are considered, reflecting the important decoupling between Mediterranean and mid‐latitude climate records. During the Late Holocene, the earlier and more pronounced tufa decline observed in European mid‐latitudes is likely to result from more intense and rapid deforestation compared with the Mediterranean region.
Derivation and Initial Validation of the Utility Function for the Hearing Utility Measure (HUM)
Authors: Dixon Peter R. , Shapiro Justin , McRackan Theodore R. , Feeny David , Cushing Sharon L. , Chen Joseph M. , Tomlinson George
Published: June 2024

Objective

The Hearing Utility Measure (HUM) is a replacement hearing attribute for the Health Utilities Index, Mark 3 (HUI‐3) designed to improve the responsiveness of utility estimates to changes in hearing‐related quality of life. The final development step is to derive the instrument's utility scoring function.

Methods

Residents of Ontario, Canada, aged ≥18 years participated in standard gamble and visual analogue scale exercises. Valuations for levels (response options) within each domain, and for each domain relative to the other domains were elicited and used to generate a hearing utility function. The function outputs hearing utility ranging from 0 = ‘unable to hear at all’ to 1 = ‘perfect hearing’ for each of the 25,920 hearing states classifiable by the HUM. Performance was assessed relative to the criterion standard: directly elicited standard gamble utility. Distributions of HUM‐derived hearing utility were compared with legacy HUI‐3 derived estimates.

Results

A total of 126 respondents participated (mean age 39.2, range 18–85 years, 53% female [67/126]). The utility function performed well in the estimation of directly elicited utilities (mean difference 0.03, RMSE 0.06). Using the legacy HUI‐3, estimated hearing utility was 1.0 for 118/126 respondents (93.6%) compared with just 66/126 (52.4%) using the HUM.

Conclusion

The new hearing attribute is capable of measuring variations in hearing utility not captured by the legacy HUI‐3, especially near the ceiling of hearing function. These findings justify its application and further work to study its measurement properties in hearing loss populations.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:4754–4762, 2024
Dopa Responsiveness in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Gandhi Sacha E. , Nodehi Anahita , Lawton Michael A. , Grosset Katherine A. , Marshall Vicky , Ben‐Shlomo Yoav , Grosset Donald G.
Published: June 2024

Background

Dopaminergic responsiveness is a defining feature of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, there is limited information on how this evolves over time.

Objectives

To examine serial dopaminergic responses, if there are distinct patterns, and which factors predict these.

Methods

We analyzed data from the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative on repeated dopaminergic challenge tests (≥24.5% defined as a definite response). Growth‐mixture modeling evaluated for different response patterns and multinomial logistic regression tested for predictors of these clusters.

Results

1525 dopaminergic challenge tests were performed in 336 patients. At enrolment, mean age was 61.2 years (SD 9.6), 66.4% were male and disease duration was 0.5 years (SD 0.5). 1 to 2 years after diagnosis, 48.0% of tests showed a definite response, but this proportion increased with longer disease duration (51.1–74.3%). We identified 3 response groups: “Striking” (n = 29, 8.7%); “Excellent” (n = 110; 32.7%) and “Modest” (n = 197, 58.6%). Significant differences were as follows: striking responders commenced treatment earlier (P = 0.02), were less likely to be on dopamine agonist monotherapy (P = 0.01), and had better cognition (P < 0.01) and activities of daily living (P = 0.01). Excellent responders had higher challenge doses (P = 0.03) and were more likely to be on combination therapy (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Three distinct patterns of the dopaminergic response were observed. As the proportion of PD cases with definite dopa responsiveness increased over time, the initial treatment response may be an unreliable diagnostic aid.
Biallelic ZBTB11 Variants: A Neurodevelopmental Condition with Progressive Complex Movement Disorders
Authors: Ortigoza‐Escobar Juan Darío , Zamani Mina , Dorison Nathalie , Sadeghian Saeid , Azizimalamiri Reza , Alvi Javeria Raza , Sultan Tipu , Galehdari Hamid , Shariati Gholamreza , Saberi Alihossein , Leeuwen Lisette , Zifarelli Giovanni , Bauer Peter , d'Hardemare Vincent , Doummar Diane , Roze Emmanuel , Travaglini Lorena , Nicita Francesco , Ojea Ponce Núria , Zahraei Seyed Mohammadsaleh , Alabdi Lama , Tamim Abdullah , Hashem Mais O. , Ababneh Faroug , Morrow Michelle M , Curry Cynthia , Tam Allison , Ruedy Jessica , Bhambhani Vikas , Veith Regan , Strømme Petter , Efthymiou Stephanie , Alkuraya Fowzan S , Moreno‐De‐Luca Andres , Burglen Lydie , Houlden Henry , Maroofian Reza
Published: June 2024

Background

Biallelic ZBTB11 variants have previously been associated with an ultrarare subtype of autosomal recessive intellectual developmental disorder (MRT69).

Objective

The aim was to provide insights into the clinical and genetic characteristics of ZBTB11‐related disorders (ZBTB11‐RD), with a particular emphasis on progressive complex movement abnormalities.

Methods

Thirteen new and 16 previously reported affected individuals, ranging in age from 2 to 50 years, with biallelic ZBTB11 variants underwent clinical and genetic characterization.

Results

All patients exhibited a range of neurodevelopmental phenotypes with varying severity, encompassing ocular and neurological features. Eleven new patients presented with complex abnormal movements, including ataxia, dystonia, myoclonus, stereotypies, and tremor, and 7 new patients exhibited cataracts. Deep brain stimulation was successful in treating 1 patient with generalized progressive dystonia. Our analysis revealed 13 novel variants.

Conclusions

This study provides additional insights into the clinical features and spectrum of ZBTB11‐RD, highlighting the progressive nature of movement abnormalities in the background of neurodevelopmental phenotype.
Assessing physiological arousal and emotional valence during behavioral intervention for pediatric feeding difficulties: A pilot study
Authors: Phipps Laura E. , Arce Walker S. , Walker Seth G. , Gehringer James E.
Published: June 2024

This study's purpose is to introduce a new measurement system that objectively assesses the social validity of behavioral feeding intervention from the child's perspective via the concurrent measurement of two dimensions of emotion. To date, the primary measures of social validity for behavioral feeding intervention are caregiver treatment acceptability and satisfaction surveys. This is the first study to objectively measure two dimensions of emotion, physiological arousal and emotional valence, while children received behavioral intervention for feeding difficulties. Data collectors used a new open‐source data collection software, cometrics, developed to synchronize and record physiological and observational data. Physiological data was collected using a wearable biosensor and observers recorded an index of child happiness, unhappiness, or neither using definitions by Phipps et al. (2022) for six children with a pediatric feeding disorder. Two out of six children needed programmed habituation to the device before data collection. All children assented to wearing the device during data collection. Recorded indices mapped to separable physiological states using electrodermal activity and its constituent components, skin conductance responses and skin conductance level, in addition to skin temperature. Findings demonstrated the feasibility of measuring two dimensions of child emotions during behavioral feeding intervention and revealed that children's physiological responses were distinctly different during intervals scored as happy, unhappy, or neither. This new data collection system has implications for future research on the child's emotional experience of behavioral feeding treatment and increases the possibilities for improving clinical practice.
Combined effects in coupled quasilinear elliptic systems via a “like” Gagliardo–Nirenberg inequality
Authors: Lin Ying‐Chieh , Wang Kuan‐Hsiang , Wu Tsung‐fang
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we study the existence, nonexistence and multiplicity results to a class of quasilinear elliptic system involving
‐Laplacian by exploiting the competition of nonlinearities. We mainly propose a “like” Gagliardo–Nirenberg inequality for a pair of functions, and use it to combine the variational method to prove the existence, nonexistence and multiplicity of nontrivial nonnegative solutions for a quasilinear elliptic system involving
‐Laplacian under different conditions between parameters.
Development of the trainer skill evaluation scale for metacognitive training
Authors: Hosono Masahito , Ishigaki Takuma , Ikeda Naoya , Ishikawa Ryotaro , Nishiguchi Yuki , Mizukami Katsuyoshi
Published: June 2024

Aim

The purpose of this study is manifold: to develop a trainer skill rating scale for metacognitive training (MCT), to determine the difficulty level of the behavioral checklist, and to examine the reliability and validity of the MCT Trainer Skills Rating Scale.

Method

In Study 1, an MCT trainer skill behavior checklist was developed with expert staff members, and a questionnaire was administered to MCT trainers. Item categorization was identical to that used in previous studies. In Study 2, a video was used to conduct the survey. All subjects were given a 1‐hour training session, instructed on evaluating the MCT Trainer Skills Rating Scale, and asked to rate their trainer skills on a mock video designed for beginners and a mock video designed for advanced trainers.

Result

In Study 1, responses from 49 respondents were obtained. The survey results showed that 72 items were classified similarly to previous studies. In Study 2, two pairs were randomly selected, and weighted kappa coefficients were calculated for the sub‐items of the MCT Trainer Skills Rating Scale. High agreement was obtained with K = 0.71 and K = 0.73, indicating high reliability.

Conclusion

High reliability was obtained for all eight items of the MCT Trainer Skills Rating Scale created in this study. In addition, the video evaluation scores for the advanced trainer were significantly higher than those for the beginner trainer, suggesting that discriminant validity was confirmed among the criterion‐related validity. These results confirm that the scale has both high reliability and validity.
Nonparametric empirical Bayes biomarker imputation and estimation
Authors: Barbehenn Alton , Zhao Sihai Dave
Published: June 2024

Biomarkers are often measured in bulk to diagnose patients, monitor patient conditions, and research novel drug pathways. The measurement of these biomarkers often suffers from detection limits that result in missing and untrustworthy measurements. Frequently, missing biomarkers are imputed so that down‐stream analysis can be conducted with modern statistical methods that cannot normally handle data subject to informative censoring. This work develops an empirical Bayes ‐modeling method for imputing and denoising biomarker measurements. We establish superior estimation properties compared to popular methods in simulations and with real data, providing the useful biomarker measurement estimations for down‐stream analysis.
A Polycaprolactone‐Hydroxyapatite (PCL/HAp) Scaffold, Prepared from Blue Crab Shell (Portunus Pelagicus) Waste, for Bone Substitution Applications
Authors: Oktavia Ningrum Eva , Safari Azhar Imam , Ciptonugroho Wirawan , Sabar Sumiyyah , Suprapto Suprapto , Dwitama Karisma Achmad , Josef Kridanto Kamadjaja Michael , Anggi Margaretha Tamita , Ulayya Khoirummata'Addunya Nakhwah , Widiyanto Sinung
Published: June 2024

The fabrication of a biodegradable polycaprolactone (PCL)/hydroxyapatite (HAp) scaffold prepared from local waste blue crab shells (Portunus pelagicus) by melt spinning method was investigated. The effect of different KH2PO4 concentrations on the physico‐chemical properties of HAp is evaluated. Furthermore, the influence of PCL/HAp ratios on mechanical strength and particle size distribution is reported. The formation of HAp is confirmed by Infrared (IR) spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The biocompatibility of the PCL/HAp composites was evaluated using MTT assay and mechanical tests. The results reveal that the increase in KH2PO4 concentration contributed to the higher yield of HAp. However, the crystal and particle sizes are relatively invariable. SEM micrograph shows that the HAp introduction into PCL improves the material‘s porosity. Moreover, adding 10 % HAp into the PCL matrix significantly improved the mechanical strength of the filament compared to commercial PCL. MTT assay exhibits above 90 % cell viability, implying that the prepared PCL/HAp composite is non‐toxic and biocompatible with artificial bone replacement. After all, this study demonstrates that PCL/HAp filament derived from local blue crab waste is highly promising as a bone scaffolding material.
Lithium‐ion Battery Safety Enhancement via Internal Multi‐Parameter Simulation of Thermal and Pressure Conditions
Authors: Wang Longning , Tao Yuanzhi , Yang Zehang , Jia Shuhai , Lin Zihan , Zhang Huajian , Xu Chong , Liu Mingyang , Li Zhenming , Wei Bin
Published: June 2024

Safety incidents with lithium‐ion batteries have impeded the battery industry‘s progress. As internal battery reactions often precede visible symptoms, and traditional electrical parameters are insufficient for comprehensive state assessment and hazard prediction, this study utilized multi‐physics simulations to analyze non‐electrical parameters, focusing on temperature and pressure dynamics. Partial validation of the simulation results was achieved through temperature monitoring experiments under varying charge/discharge rates. The findings indicated that internal temperature uniformly increased, with higher rates leading to more pronounced rises, and identified that lithium dendrite formation and mechanical stress could initiate thermal runaway. To mitigate these risks, specific operational guidelines were suggested. The study also established a positive correlation between pressure changes and temperature, influencing the battery‘s volume. Temperature monitoring further validated the simulations′ precision. This research deepens the understanding of non‐electrical parameter functions during battery operation and provides scientific evidence for the prediction and prevention of lithium‐ion battery safety risks.
Synthesis, Electrochemical Studies and Theoretical Calculations of Sulfo‐Schiff Bases
Authors: Bozkurt Sema , Şahin Mustafa , Şahin Özlem , Taha Gülderen A. , Öztekin Yasemin
Published: June 2024

In this study, two different water‐soluble Schiff base ligands as sodium(Z)‐3((2,5‐dihydroxybenzylidene)amino)benzene sulfonate (SLI) ve sodium (Z)3‐((3,4‐dihydroxybenzylidene)amino)benzene sulfonate (SLII) were synthesized as a result of the condensation reaction of 3‐aminobenzenesulfonicacid containing sulfo group with 2,5‐dihydroxybenzaldehyde and 3,4‐dihydroxybenzaldehyde, respectively. The chemical structures of the synthesized Schiff base ligands were characterized by melting point determination, elemental analysis, FT‐IR and 1H‐NMR techniques. Electrochemical behaviors of synthesized SLI and SLII ligands were examined by cyclic voltammetry technique against Ag/AgCl/KCl(sat) at the glassy carbon electrode in Britton Robinson buffer solution, pH 5.0. Electrode surfaces modified with SLI and SLII ligands were characterized by cyclic voltammetry technique in the presence of ferrocene and potassium hexacyanoferrate (III) redox probes, water contact angle measurement, scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope and compared with the data of the bare glassy carbon electrode surface. Theoretical calculations of SLI and SLII ligand were performed with Density Functional Theory (DFT) and compared with experimental results.
Cu(II)‐Catalyzed Green Synthesis of 1,4,5‐Trisubstituted‐1,2,3‐Triazoles from Chalcone Derivatives – Studies on Their Cytotoxicity Profile
Authors: Mondal Joydip , Sivaramakrishna Akella
Published: June 2024

Triazoles are an important class of heterocyclic compounds due to their interesting structural features and versatile biological significance. In this regard, the present work highlights the synthesis of Cu(II)‐catalyzed 1,2,3‐trisubstituted triazoles through the cycloaddition of different chalcones with azides under neat methodology. A series of 16 triazole derivatives (3 a to 3 o) was prepared using 10 mol % Cu(II) complexes of 1,10‐phenanthroline and terpyridine‐based ligands as catalysts with moderate to excellent yields. All these derivatives were structurally analyzed by UV‐visible, infrared, 1H, 13C NMR and mass spectral data. The product, (4‐((4‐benzoyl‐5‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐1‐yl) methyl)benzonitrile) (3 j) was structurally analyzed by single crystal XRD analysis. Also, the molecular structure of one of the catalysts, [Cu(Phen)2]2+(NO3−)2) was obtained by single crystal XRD analysis. Additional investigations of all these derivatives exhibited potential cytotoxic characteristics against MCF‐7 cancer cell lines. Among them, compounds 3 j, 3 i, 3 c, 3 d and 3 g facilitated the notable IC50 values. Moreover, the studies on the photophysical properties of synthesized derivatives showed the absorption bands in the range of 267–290 nm, depending on the nature of the substituent and the compounds 3 e and 3 f demonstrated the highest and lowest quantum yields as 0.05339 % and 0.01914 %, respectively.
Probing the Adsorption Sites of 5‐amino‐2‐mercaptobenzimidazole Conformations on Colloidal Gold Nanoparticles Investigated by SERS and DFT
Authors: Hussain Shafqat , Karim Shafqat , Pang Yoonsoo
Published: June 2024

Gold nanoparticles (AuNP) have shown great potential in biomedical applications due to their unique and tunable properties. Understanding the ligand conformation on AuNP has profound interest in nanoparticle research leading to a precise drug delivery system. Colloidal AuNPs were synthesized using trisodium citrate as reducing agent. Normal Raman spectrum (NRS) in solid and aqueous phase identifies that 5‐amino‐2‐mercaptobenzimidazole (5A2MBI) mainly exist as thione form. Surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) investigation of 5A2MBI depending on pH was performed to explore the adsorption mechanism of thiolate and thione conformations on AuNPs. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were used to find the band assignments and molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) mapping to identify the electron rich site where metal can interact preferentially. Using SERS spectral analysis and DFT results, surface adsorption scheme was proposed. At basic pH, 5A2MBI adsorbs on AuNP as thiolate form bidentately via Sulfur and nitrogen atom of imidazole ring with tilted geometry. However, in acidic condition the thione form adsorbs on nanosurface with perpendicular orientation.
Investigation Of The Schottky Diode Performance of a new Diaminomaleonitrile‐Based Organic Material with D‐Π‐A Architecture
Authors: Erdoğan Musa , Rıza Deniz Ali , Çaldıran Zakir , Acar Murat
Published: June 2024

In this paper, firstly, a new organic material 9 containing triphenylamine (TPA) unit as an electron donor and diaminomaleonitrile (DAMN) unit as an electron acceptor and thiophene scaffold as a π‐linker bridge was designed for diode applications according to D‐π‐A architecture. The organic material 9 was synthesized in four reaction steps with excellent yield (94 %), and fully characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, FTIR, and HRMS spectra. The diode performance properties of the obtained organic material were examined in detail. Current‐voltage (I–V) and capacitance‐voltage (C–V) measurements of this diode were carried out. As a result of the analysis of these measurements, the effect of the organic material used as the interface material on the electrical properties of the diode was analyzed.
Graphene Loaded ZrO2 Nanocomposite for Antioxidant, Dye Removal, Electrochemical and Green Sensor Studies
Authors: Mylarappa M. , Chandruvasan S. , Harisha K. S. , Krishnamurthy G.
Published: June 2024

The present study demonstrates the preparation of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) incorporated zirconium oxide (ZrO2) nanocomposite by using reflux method. The ZrO2/rGO was confirmed by using UV‐Vis, FT‐IR, XRD, SEM, and EDAX techniques. In photocatalysis examination, the selected Rose Bengal (RB) was degraded effectively using ZrO2/rGO composite (76 %) at 180 minutes which follows first order kinetics. The antioxidant property against 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals was found to be 97 % activity with IC50 value of 314.53 mg/mL. Electrode reversibility (EO‐ER), diffusion coefficient (D) and capacitance of rGO, ZrO2 and ZrO2/rGO were measured by cyclic voltammetry method (CV). The electrochemical sensor detection of rGO, ZrO2 and ZrO2/rGO composite were assessed in 1 M NaCl electrolyte using tartaric acid and grape juice green sensors. The prepared electrode material plays a significant role for improving dye removal, electrochemical, antioxidant and sensor detection.
One‐Pot, One‐Step Synthesis of 2,5‐Diformylfuran from an Abundant Biomass Source and Low‐Cost Bromide Salts
Authors: Doan Vinh Thanh Chau , Le Thinh An Tan , Nguyen Trinh Hao , Phan Ha Bich , Tran Phuong Hoang
Published: June 2024

The process of synthesizing 2,5‐diformylfuran (DFF) from sucrose involves three sequential steps: hydrolyzing sucrose into fructose and glucose, dehydrating fructose into 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), and subsequently converting HMF into DFF. In this study, various potassium salts and metal bromides, as well as carbohydrates and solvents, were screened for the production of DFF. It was found that KBr was the optimal catalyst for the one‐pot, one‐step conversion of sucrose to DFF. The influences of reaction time, temperature, reactant/solvent ratio, and reactant/catalyst ratio were also completely investigated for process optimization. HMF from the sucrose hydrolysis and fructose dehydration was oxidized thoroughly to DFF. The maximum DFF yield of 62.5 % was achieved after 6 h at 140 °C in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) with sucrose/KBr weight ratio=5.75 and sucrose/DMSO weight ratio=0.104 as the catalyst in the absence of any additives. The large‐scale process was also tested, the main product was isolated by column chromatography and structurally characterized. By comparing the results of this study to previous ones, the process was proved to have benefits, including the utilization of accessible biomass material, available low‐cost catalyst, energy‐saving method, no oxidants or additives, short reaction time, and high DFF yield with 100 % HMF conversion.