bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From bribes to bequests and gifts to gratuities: The black, white, and shades of gray of how and why consumers pay what they want
Authors: Raghubir Priya , Bluvstein Shirley
Published: December 2023

This conceptual paper presents a framework that integrates 11 forms of voluntary payments as seemingly disparate as bribes and bequests, and gifts and gratuities to show that “voluntary” payments vary in the shades of gray not only in terms of how much like bribes they are but also in terms of how voluntary they actually are. We provocatively suggest that these payment types might be susceptible to becoming entrenched through self‐reinforcing norms because the voluntary payments are not necessarily voluntary and to an extent akin to bribes. Specifically, it provides an overarching framework to showcase the similarities and differences between bribes, lobbying efforts, suggested fees, pay what you want, tips, bequests, legacies, charity, crowdsourcing, dowry, and gifts, identifying gaps in domains that are under‐researched. Starting with the question as to whether a service has been, is being, or will be performed for the voluntary payment, and whether payments are made to an individual or a cause, the framework highlights the following: (1) the differences in the purpose underlying these payments, (2) the different modes of payment used; (3) the economic and social norms governing the payments; and (4) external and internal emotions associated with these payment types. The integrative framework allows for an amalgam of disparate literatures ranging from morality and behavioral pricing to charity and gift giving. The process model suggests a multitude of areas for future research in the domain of consumers' voluntary payment decisions.
Liposomes modified with a multivalent glutamic hexapeptide: A novel and effective way to promote bone targeting
Authors: Zhao Yi , Yang Yang , Cui Yamin , Zhao Ze , Chen Xing
Published: December 2023

It is well known that bone‐related diseases are difficult to treat due to the relatively low blood flow. Therefore, targeting the delivery of drugs to bone may not only improve the therapeutic effect but also reduce the dose. To prepare liposomes, a series of novel multivalent glutamic hexapeptide derivatives were designed and synthesized as liposome ligands, which can effectively deliver paclitaxel (PTX) to bone. The liposomes were prepared and their encapsulation efficiency, particle size, stability, zeta potential, hemolysis, and release behavior were characterized. The results indicated that the coated liposomes, PTX‐Glu61‐Lip, PTX‐Glu62‐Lip, PTX‐Glu63‐Lip, and PTX‐Glu65‐Lip, showed remarkable bone‐targeting activity. Compared with the other coated liposomes, PTX‐Glu65‐Lip showed prominent targeting ability and anti‐bone metastasis activity on the basis of in vitro and in vivo evaluations. Our study may contribute to the field of design of bone‐targeting drugs.
Screening of Environmental Chemicals to Characterize Exposures in Participants With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Lanata Cristina M. , Taylor Kimberly E. , Hurst‐Hopf James , Nititham Joanne , Blazer Ashira , Trupin Laura , Katz Patricia , Dall'Era Maria , Yazdany Jinoos , Chung Sharon A. , Abrahamsson Dimitri , Gerona Roy , Criswell Lindsey A.
Published: December 2023

Objective

There is a need to characterize exposures associated with the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this pilot study, we explore a hypothesis‐free approach that can measure thousands of exogenous chemicals in blood (“exposome”) in patients with SLE and unaffected controls.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study analyzed a cohort of patients with prevalent SLE (n = 285) and controls (n = 106). Plasma was analyzed by liquid chromatography–quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (LC‐QTOF/MS). Mass spectrometry features present in at least 25% of all samples were selected for association analysis (n = 2,737). Features were matched to potential chemicals using available databases. Association analysis of abundances of features with SLE status was performed, adjusting for age and sex. We also explored features associated with SLE phenotypes, sociodemographic factors, and current medication use.

Results

We found 30 features significantly associated with SLE status (Bonferroni P < 0.05). Of these, seven matched chemical names based on databases. These seven features included phthalate metabolites, a formetanate metabolite, and eugenol. The abundance of acid pesticides differed between patients with SLE and controls (Bonferroni P < 0.05). Two unmatched features were associated with a history of lupus nephritis, and one with anti–double‐stranded DNA antibody production (Bonferroni P < 0.05). Seventeen features varied by self‐reported race and ethnicity, including a polyfluoroalkyl substance (analysis of variance P < 1.69 × 10−5). Eleven features correlated with antimalarials, 6 with mycophenolate mofetil, and 29 with prednisone use.

Conclusion

This proof‐of‐concept study demonstrates that LC‐QTOF/MS is a powerful tool that agnostically detects circulating exogenous compounds. These analyses can generate hypotheses of disease‐related exposures for future prospective, longitudinal studies.

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Incidence of congenital heart disease in fetuses diagnosed with single isolated umbilical artery. Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Solano M. Armicson Felipe , García‐Perdomo Herney Andrés
Published: December 2023

Objective

To estimate the proportion of heart disease in fetuses with a prenatal diagnosis of a single isolated umbilical artery.

Methods

We performed a search strategy in MEDLINE (OVID), EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) from inception to the present. We assessed the risk of bias and performed a meta‐analysis. We completed the subgroup analysis according to the region.

Results

We found 1384 studies by the search strategy. After carefully reviewing the full‐text, 15 studies were included. A total of 2008 fetuses with a single isolated umbilical artery were included, and 177 had cardiac malformations. There was an overall incidence of 9% 95%CI (0.05–0.14) I2 90%. The incidence by country of origin was between 5% and 19%. The most common heart disease reported was a ventricular septal defect. Seven studies were found describing 25 cases. We described other malformations, such as tetralogy of Fallot, coarctation of the aorta, and hypoplastic left ventricle, among others.

Conclusion

The incidence of congenital heart disease in fetuses with a single isolated umbilical artery was high. In addition, half of these correspond to significant heart disease. Based on the above, we suggest that fetuses with a single isolated umbilical artery should have a complete anatomic evaluation emphasizing cardiac evaluation.
Microfluidic vascular formation model for assessing angiogenic capacities of single islets
Authors: Nashimoto Yuji , Konno An , Imaizumi Takuto , Nishikawa Kaori , Ino Kosuke , Hori Takeshi , Kaji Hirokazu , Shintaku Hirofumi , Goto Masafumi , Shiku Hitoshi
Published: December 2023

Pancreatic islet transplantation presents a promising therapy for individuals suffering from type 1 diabetes. To maintain the function of transplanted islets in vivo, it is imperative to induce angiogenesis. However, the mechanisms underlying angiogenesis triggered by islets remain unclear. In this study, we introduced a microphysiological system to study the angiogenic capacity and dynamics of individual islets. The system, which features an open‐top structure, uniquely facilitates the inoculation of islets and the longitudinal observation of vascular formation in in vivo like microenvironment with islet‐endothelial cell communication. By leveraging our system, we discovered notable islet−islet heterogeneity in the angiogenic capacity. Transcriptomic analysis of the vascularized islets revealed that islets with high angiogenic capacity exhibited upregulation of genes related to insulin secretion and downregulation of genes related to angiogenesis and fibroblasts. In conclusion, our microfluidic approach is effective in characterizing the vascular formation of individual islets and holds great promise for elucidating the angiogenic mechanisms that enhance islet transplantation therapy.
Chromosome recombination and modification by LoxP‐mediated evolution in Vibrio natriegens using CRISPR‐associated transposases
Authors: Xu Jiaqi , Sun Yijie , Wu Jianping , Yang Sheng , Yang Lirong
Published: December 2023

Chromosome rearrangement by LoxP‐mediated evolution has emerged as a powerful approach to studying how chromosome architecture impacts phenotypes. However, it relies on the in vitro synthesis of artificial chromosomes. The recently reported CRISPR‐associated transposases (CASTs) held great promise for the efficient insertion of abundant LoxP sites directly onto the genome of wild‐type strains. In this study, with the fastest‐growing bacterium Vibrio natrigens (V. natriegens) as an object, a multiplex genome integration tool derived from CASTs was employed to achieve the insertion of cargo genes at eight specific genomic loci within 2 days. Next, we introduced 30 LoxP sites onto chromosome 2 (Chr2) of V. natriegens. Rigorously induced Cre recombinase was used to demonstrate Chromosome Rearrangement and Modification by LoxP‐mediated Evolution (CRaMbLE). Growth characterization and genome sequencing showed that the ~358 kb fragment on Chr2 was accountable for the rapid growth of V. natriegens. The enabling tools we developed can help identify genomic regions that influence the rapid growth of V. natriegens without a prior understanding of genome mechanisms. This groundbreaking demonstration may also be extended to other organisms such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas putida, Bacillus subtilis, and so on.
Glucose‐mediated mitochondrial reprogramming by cholesterol export at TM4SF5‐enriched mitochondria‐lysosome contact sites
Authors: Kim Ji Eon , Park So‐Young , Kwak Chulhwan , Lee Yoonji , Song Dae‐Geun , Jung Jae Woo , Lee Haesong , Shin Eun‐Ae , Pinanga Yangie , Pyo Kyung‐hee , Lee Eun Hae , Kim Wonsik , Kim Soyeon , Jun Chang‐Duck , Yun Jeanho , Choi Sun , Rhee Hyun‐Woo , Liu Kwang‐Hyeon , Lee Jung Weon
Published: December 2023

Background

Transmembrane 4 L six family member 5 (TM4SF5) translocates subcellularly and functions metabolically, although it is unclear how intracellular TM4SF5 translocation is linked to metabolic contexts. It is thus of interests to understand how the traffic dynamics of TM4SF5 to subcellular endosomal membranes are correlated to regulatory roles of metabolisms.

Methods

Here, we explored the metabolic significance of TM4SF5 localization at mitochondria‐lysosome contact sites (MLCSs), using in vitro cells and in vivo animal systems, via approaches by immunofluorescence, proximity labelling based proteomics analysis, organelle reconstitution etc.

Results

Upon extracellular glucose repletion following depletion, TM4SF5 became enriched at MLCSs via an interaction between mitochondrial FK506‐binding protein 8 (FKBP8) and lysosomal TM4SF5. Proximity labeling showed molecular clustering of phospho‐dynamic‐related protein I (DRP1) and certain mitophagy receptors at TM4SF5‐enriched MLCSs, leading to mitochondrial fission and autophagy. TM4SF5 bound NPC intracellular cholesterol transporter 1 (NPC1) and free cholesterol, and mediated export of lysosomal cholesterol to mitochondria, leading to impaired oxidative phosphorylation but intact tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and β‐oxidation. In mouse models, hepatocyte Tm4sf5 promoted mitophagy and cholesterol transport to mitochondria, both with positive relations to liver malignancy.

Conclusions

Our findings suggested that TM4SF5‐enriched MLCSs regulate glucose catabolism by facilitating cholesterol export for mitochondrial reprogramming, presumably while hepatocellular carcinogenesis, recapitulating aspects for hepatocellular carcinoma metabolism with mitochondrial reprogramming to support biomolecule synthesis in addition to glycolytic energetics.
PIVKA‐II combined with tumor burden score to predict long‐term outcomes of AFP‐negative hepatocellular carcinoma patients after liver resection
Authors: Qiu Zhan‐cheng , Wu You‐wei , Qi Wei‐li , Li Chuan
Published: December 2023

Background

This study aimed to establish a simple prognostic scoring model based on tumor burden score (TBS) and PIVKA‐II to predict long‐term outcomes of α‐fetoprotein (AFP)‐negative hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients.

Methods

511 patients were divided into the training cohort (n = 305) and the validation cohort (n = 206) at a ratio of 6:4. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) were established to identify cutoff values of TBS and PIVKA‐II. Kaplan–Meier curves were used to analyze survival outcomes. The multivariable Cox regression was used to identify variables independently associated with survival outcomes. The predictive performance of the TBS‐PIVKA II score (TPS) model was compared with Barcelona clinic liver cancer (BCLC) stage and American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC TNM) stage.

Results

The present study established the TPS model using a simple scoring system (0, 1 for low/high TBS [cutoff value: 4.1]; 0, 1 for low/high PIVKA‐II [cutoff value: 239 mAU/mL]). The TPS scoring model was divided into three levels according to the summation of TBS score and PIVKA‐II score: TPS 0, TPS 1, and TPS 2. The TPS scoring model was able to stratify OS (training: p < 0.001, validation: p < 0.001) and early recurrence (training: p < 0.001; validation: p = 0.001) in the training cohort and the validation cohort. The TPS score was independently associated with OS (TPS 1 vs. 0, HR: 2.28, 95% CI: 1.01–5.17; TPS 2 vs. 0, HR: 4.21, 95% CI: 2.01–8.84) and early recurrence (TPS 1 vs. 0, HR: 3.50, 95% CI: 1.71–7.16; TPS 2 vs. 0, HR: 3.79, 95% CI: 1.86–7.75) in the training cohort. The TPS scoring model outperformed BCLC stage and AJCC TNM stage in predicting OS and early recurrence in the training cohort and the validation cohort. But the TPS scoring model was unable to stratify the late recurrence in the training cohort (p = 0.872) and the validation cohort (p = 0.458).

Conclusions

The TPS model outperformed the BCLC stage and AJCC TNM stage in predicting OS and early recurrence of AFP‐negative HCC patients after liver resection, which might better assist surgeons in screening AFP‐negative HCC patients who may benefit from liver resection.
Diterpenoid Alkaloids from Delphinium ajacis and Their Anti‐inflammatory Activity
Authors: Tang Qing , Shen Xi , Hao Yi‐Kun , Yang Si‐Yu , Fu Jin‐Tao , Wu Tian‐Yuan , Zhao Hai‐Yue , Qin Baifu , Li Yao‐Lan , Zhang Yu‐Bo , Wang Guo‐Cai
Published: December 2023

Three novel diterpenoid alkaloids, comprising two C19–diterpenoid alkaloids (1 and 2) and one C20–diterpenoid alkaloid (3), were isolated from Delphinium ajacis, alongside the six known compounds (4–9). Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods (MS, UV, IR, 1D and 2D NMR) and chemical properties. Simultaneously, the anti‐inflammatory properties of all compounds (1–9) was conducted, focusing on nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS‐induced BV‐2 cells. The results indicated compounds 1–3, 7, and 8 have potential anti‐inflammatory activity.
Nanocatalysts Based on Ni Nanoparticles in Functionalized Ionic Liquids for Chemoselective Hydrogenation and Transfer Hydrogenation of α,β‐unsaturated Carbonyl Compounds
Authors: Krishnan Deepthy , Schill Leonhard , Axet M. Rosa , Philippot Karine , Riisager Anders
Published: December 2023

For the development of catalytically active and selective Ni nanoparticle (NP) catalysts both the choice of the synthesis method and the selection of stabilizer are key parameters. A series of Ni NPs were synthesized in various ionic liquids (Ni/ILs) and applied as catalysts for the chemoselective reduction of 2‐cyclohexen‐1‐one (1), as a representative of the group of α,β‐unsaturated carbonyl compounds with industrial relevance. The Ni/ILs systems were found to be efficient catalysts for the selective hydrogenation of 1 to cyclohexanone (2) under quite mild reaction conditions (130‐170 °C, 10 bar H2, 1/Ni molar ratio of 100/1), achieving high conversions in a short reaction time (1 h). The oxidized counterparts (Ni‐NiO/ILs) showed to be active for the selective catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) of 1 to 2‐cyclohexen‐1‐ol (3) with 2‐propanol, also under mild reaction conditions (150 °C, 48 h, 1/Ni ratio of 50/1).
Rechargeable Zn−MnO2 Batteries: Progress, Challenges, Rational Design, and Perspectives
Authors: Meng Linghui , Zhu Yanzhe , Lu Yile , Liang Tianyue , Zhou Lu , Fan Jiajun , Kuo Yu‐Chieh , Guan Peiyuan , Wan Tao , Hu Long , Chu Dewei
Published: December 2023

As a new type of secondary ion battery, aqueous zinc‐ion battery has a broad application prospect in the field of large‐scale energy storage due to its characteristics of low cost, high safety, environmental friendliness, and high‐power density. In recent years, manganese dioxide (MnO2)‐based materials have been extensively explored as cathodes for Zn‐ion batteries. Based on the research experiences of our group in the field of aqueous zinc ion batteries and combining with the latest literature of system, we systematically summarize the research progress of Zn−MnO2 batteries. This article first reviews the current research progress and reaction mechanism of Zn−MnO2 batteries, and then respectively expounds the optimization of MnO2 cathode, Zn anodes, and diverse electrolytes and their effects on battery performance. Additionally, primary challenges related to different components and their respective strategies for mitigating them are discussed, with the ultimate objective of offering comprehensive guidance for the design and fabrication of high‐performance Zn−MnO2 batteries. Finally, the future research and development direction of aqueous Zn−MnO2 batteries with high energy density, high safety and long life is envisioned.
Eisenträger mit Doppelfunktion
Authors: Hille‐Rehfeld Annette
Published: December 2023

Wenn pathogene Mikroorganismen untereinander oder mit dem Wirtsorganismus um Nährstoffe konkurrieren, sichern Eisen‐bindende Siderophore die Versorgung mit dem Spurenelement. Dass ein Siderophor zusätzlich zur Eisenakquisition auch als Waffe dienen kann, die Konkurrenten ausschalten soll, und wie sich die Angegriffenen dagegen wehren, zeigte sich jetzt anhand eines gemischten bakteriellen Biofilms.
Copper Catalyzed Enantioconvergent Nucleophilic Substitutions†
Authors: Huang Chunxi , Wan Zilong , Zhu Aoping , Chen Caiyou
Published: December 2023

Comprehensive Summary

As a versatile earth‐abundant transition metal, Cu has long been widely applied in the C—C and C—X bond forming reactions. As for now, low‐valent Cu(I) is known to reduce the redox active electrophiles via an SET pathway to give the corresponding radical and Cu(II) species. The resulting Cu(II) species can interact with the radical via the out‐sphere pathway, affording the coupling product. Alternatively, Cu(II) can trap the radical through the inner‐sphere process to generate Cu(III) species and then realize challenging bond formations due to the facile reductive elimination of Cu(III) intermediate. Although copper catalysis has been widely applied in arylations of various nucleophiles, copper‐catalyzed enantioconvergent nucleophilic substitutions of racemic alkyl electrophiles have been less explored, likely due to the difficulties in overcoming the reduction potential of alkyl electrophiles, elimination of side reactions, and enantiomeric control. In order to overcome the high reduction potential of alkyl electrophiles, the photo‐induced strategy has been developed under mild conditions. An alternative strategy with new anionic tridentate ligands has also been reported in this regard. This review summarizes recent developments in copper‐catalyzed enantioconvergent nucleophilic substitutions of alkyl electrophiles by various nucleophiles to realize C—N, C—C, C—B, C—P and C—O bond formations and their brief mechanistic studies.

Key Scientists

In 2016, Fu and Peters et al. reported the first photo‐induced Cu‐catalyzed enantiocovergent C—N bond formations of tertiary alkyl halides with N‐hetereocycles, opening the door for the Cu‐catalyzed enantiocovergent nucleophilic substitutions. The photo‐induced strategy has been developed that greatly enhances the reducing power of Cu(I). The Cu‐catalyzed enantioconvergent cyanation (decarboxylative) and borylation were then successively presented by Liu and Ito in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Other than the photo‐induced strategy, Liu et al. in 2019 demonstrated that anionic ligands can also significantly enhance the reducing ability of Cu(I). The cinchona‐based chiral anionic tridentate ligands have been utilized for a series of Cu‐catalyzed enantiocovergent nucleophilic substitutions. Zhang et al. also developed chiral anionic tridentate ligands containing the oxazoline binding sites in 2020. In 2020, Xiao and Lu et al. reported the Cu‐catalyzed enantiocovergent deoxygenative cyanation. Later in 2022, Feng and Liu et al. developed the new guanidine hybrid ligands. This review focuses on the Cu‐catalyzed enantioconvergent nucleophilic substitutions that emerged in recent years.
Morphology evolution of CoNi‐LDHs synergistically engineered by precipitant and variable cobalt for asymmetric supercapacitor with superior cycling stability
Authors: Wang Xuan , Ding Hongzhi , Luo Wei , Yu Yi , Chen Qingliang , Luo Bin , Xie Mingjiang , Guo Xuefeng
Published: December 2023

Cobalt–nickel layered double hydroxides (CoNi‐LDHs) have been extensively synthesized through precipitation methods for their application in supercapacitors (SC). However, the influence of precipitant quantity on both morphology evolution and SC performance has been an underexplored area. This study systematically examines the morphological changes in CoNi‐LDHs by varying the alkaline quantity and evaluates the performance of asymmetric SC. The findings reveal a progressive transformation in the morphology of CoNi‐LDHs with an increase in alkaline content, starting from nanorod (Co1Ni2(OH)2‐1HMA), progressing to nanorod/nansosheet composite (Co1Ni2(OH)2‐4HMA), and ultimately evolving into nanosheet (Co1Ni2(OH)2‐8HMA). This evolution is attributed to the synergetic effect of the precipitant and variable cobalt, which provides multiple valences and induces morphology evolution. The resulting LDHs demonstrate different SC performances: (1) Co1Ni2(OH)2‐1HMA exhibits a maximum capacitance of 1764 F/g, while Co1Ni2(OH)2‐4HMA and Co1Ni2(OH)2‐8HMA show values of 1460 F/g and 1676 F/g, respectively; (2) rate capabilities showcase percentages of 60.5% for Co1Ni2(OH)2‐1HMA, 83.1% for Co1Ni2(OH)2‐4HMA, and 66.3% for Co1Ni2(OH)2‐8HMA; (3) maximum energy densities are recorded at 72.1 Wh/kg for Co1Ni2(OH)2‐1HMA, 41.3 Wh/kg for Co1Ni2(OH)2‐4HMA, and 62.8 Wh/kg for Co1Ni2(OH)2‐8HMA. Particularly, Co1Ni2(OH)2‐8HMA exhibits superlong cycling stability, retaining approximately 99% capacitance after 25000 consecutive charge/discharge cycles at 7.0 A/g. This result underscores its significant potential for efficient energy storage applications.
Clark's nutcracker forest community visitation: Whitebark pine maintains a keystone seed disperser
Authors: McLaren Thomas H. , Tomback Diana F. , Grevstad Nels , Wunder Michael B. , Wehtje Walter , Walker Lauren E. , Smith Douglas W.
Published: December 2023

Clark's nutcrackers (Nucifraga columbiana) are obligate seed dispersers for whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis), but they frequently use other conifer seed resources because of annual variability in cone production or geographic variation in whitebark pine availability. Whitebark pine is declining from several threats including white pine blister rust, leading to potential population declines in the nutcracker and the pine. We hypothesize that where there are few additional seed resources, whitebark pine becomes the key and limiting resource supporting nutcracker populations. We investigated how nutcrackers use coniferous forest community types within Yellowstone National Park to determine potential seed resources and the importance of whitebark pine. We established sites representing five forest community types, including whitebark pine, lodgepole pine (P. contorta), Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii), limber pine (P. flexilis), and Douglas‐fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). Each transect annually generated nutcracker point counts, conifer cone production indices, community composition data, and seed resource use observations. We compared hierarchical distance sampling models, estimating nutcracker density and its relationship to forest community type, seed harvesting time‐period, year, study site, and cone seed energy. We found cone production varied across years indicating annual variability in energy availability. Nutcracker density was best predicted by forest community type and survey time‐period and was highest in whitebark pine stands during the mid‐harvesting season. Nutcracker density was comparatively low for all other forest community types. This finding underscores the importance of whitebark pine as a key seed resource for Clark's nutcracker in Yellowstone National Park. The decline of whitebark pine potentially leads to a downward spiral in nutcrackers and whitebark pine, arguing for continued monitoring of nutcrackers and implementation of restoration treatments for whitebark pine.
The role of multimorbidity in patients with heart failure across the left ventricular ejection fraction spectrum: Data from the Swedish Heart Failure Registry
Authors: Tomasoni Daniela , Vitale Cristiana , Guidetti Federica , Benson Lina , Braunschweig Frieder , Dahlström Ulf , Melin Michael , Rosano Giuseppe M.C. , Lund Lars H. , Metra Marco , Savarese Gianluigi
Published: December 2023

Aims

The aim of this analysis was to provide data on the overall comorbidity burden, both cardiovascular (CV) and non‐CV, in a large real‐world heart failure (HF) population across the ejection fraction (EF).

Methods and results

Patients with HF from the Swedish HF Registry between 2000 and 2021 were included. Of 91 463 patients (median age 76 years [interquartile range 67–82]), 98% had at least one among the 17 explored comorbidities (94% at least one CV and 85% at least one non‐CV comorbidity). All comorbidities, except for coronary artery disease (CAD), were more frequent in HF with preserved EF (HFpEF). Patients with multiple comorbidities were older, more likely female, inpatients, with HFpEF, worse New York Heart Association class and higher N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide levels. In a multivariable Cox model, 12 comorbidities were independently associated with a higher risk of death from any cause. The highest risk was associated with dementia (hazard ratio [HR] 1.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.45–1.65), chronic kidney disease (HR 1.37, 95% CI 1.34–1.41), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (HR 1.32, 95% CI 1.28–1.35). Obesity was associated with a lower risk of all‐cause death (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.79–0.84). CAD and valvular heart disease were associated with a higher risk of all‐cause and CV mortality, but not non‐CV mortality, whereas cancer and musculo‐skeletal disease increased the risk of non‐CV mortality. A significant interaction with EF was observed for several comorbidities. Occurrence of CV and non‐CV outcomes was related to the number of CV and non‐CV comorbidities, respectively.

Conclusion

The burden of both CV and non‐CV comorbidities was high in HF regardless of EF, but overall higher in HFpEF. Multimorbidity was associated with a high risk of death with a different burden on CV or non‐CV outcomes.
Synthesis of 13–16‐Membered Cyclotetrapeptide Mimics by Ugi Reactions with Diacids and Diisonitriles
Authors: Fuse Yurika , Ookubo Sou , Yoshimura Tomoyuki , Matsuo Jun‐ichi
Published: December 2023

13–16‐Membered cyclic tetraamides were synthesized by Ugi reactions using diisonitriles and dicarboxylic acids in 2,2,2‐trifluoroethanol without (pseudo) high dilution conditions. Structures of these cyclic tetraamides were investigated by NMR and X‐ray crystallography.
Human behaviors driving disease emergence
Authors: Friant Sagan
Published: December 2023

Interactions between humans, animals, and the environment facilitate zoonotic spillover—the transmission of pathogens from animals to humans. Narratives that cast modern humans as exogenous and disruptive forces that encroach upon “natural” disease systems limit our understanding of human drivers of disease. This review leverages theory from evolutionary anthropology that situates humans as functional components of disease ecologies, to argue that human adaptive strategies to resource acquisition shape predictable patterns of high‐risk human–animal interactions, (2) humans construct ecological processes that facilitate spillover, and (3) contemporary patterns of epidemiological risk are emergent properties of interactions between human foraging ecology and niche construction. In turn, disease ecology serves as an important vehicle to link what some cast as opposing bodies of theory in human ecology. Disease control measures should consider human drivers of disease as rational, adaptive, and dynamic and capitalize on our capacity to influence ecological processes to mitigate risk.
Insight into uniform filming of LiF‐rich interphase via synergistic adsorption for high‐performance lithium metal anode
Authors: He Yufang , Wang Li , Wang Aiping , Zhang Bo , Pham Hiep , Park Jonghyun , He Xiangming
Published: December 2023

Multi‐scale simulation is an important basis for constructing digital batteries to improve battery design and application. LiF‐rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) is experimentally proven to be crucial for the electrochemical performance of lithium metal batteries. However, the LiF‐rich SEI is sensitive to various electrolyte formulas and the fundamental mechanism is still unclear. Herein, the structure and formation mechanism of LiF‐rich SEI in different electrolyte formulas have been reviewed. On this basis, it further discussed the possible filming mechanism of LiF‐rich SEI determined by the initial adsorption of the electrolyte‐derived species on the lithium metal anode (LMA). It proposed that individual LiF species follow the Volmer–Weber mode of film growth due to its poor wettability on LMA. Whereas, the synergistic adsorption of additive‐derived species with LiF promotes the Frank‐Vander Merwe mode of film growth, resulting in uniform LiF deposition on the LMA surface. This perspective provides new insight into the correlation between high LiF content, wettability of LiF, and highperformance of uniform LiF‐rich SEI. It disclosed the importance of additive assistant synergistic adsorption on the uniform growth of LiF‐rich SEI, contributing to the reasonable design of electrolyte formulas and high‐performance LMA, and enlightening the way for multi‐scale simulation of SEI.
Effect of Allium spices (garlic and onion) on the bioaccessibility of iron from Moringa oleifera leaves
Authors: Mawouma Saliou , Doudou Walko Florence , Mbyeya Jude , Hamidou Yaya Souaibou , Awoudamkine Emmanuel , Funtong Carl Moses Mbofung
Published: December 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of garlic and onion, two Allium spices rich in sulfur compounds, on the bioaccessibility of iron from Moringa oleifera leaves. We first quantified anti‐nutritional factors in various cooked mixtures of Moringa oleifera leaves and spices, with increasing level of incorporation of garlic or onion. We then assessed the iron bioaccessibility of the various mixtures using a simulated in vitro digestion method. Finally, we studied the speciation of bioaccessible iron. Total phenols contents ranging from 801.44 to 903.07 and from 869.78 to 990.72 mg/100 g of dry matter in garlic and onion mixtures, respectively, increased (p < .05) with the level of incorporation of spices. Phytates contents followed the same tendency with values ranging from 1.84 to 2.12 and from 1.75 to 2.02 mg/100 g of dry matter in garlic and onion mixtures, respectively. Although the presence of garlic and onion significantly reduced (p < .05) the total iron content of the mixtures (11.56–11.96 mg/100 g of dry matter), we noticed that bioaccessible iron was significantly higher (p < .05) in spiced mixtures (36.35%–48.40%) compared to the control (23.28%), with the greatest amount found in the mixture containing 10 g of onion. The predominant specie of bioaccessible iron was organic iron, whose amounts in the spiced mixtures (0.59–0.69 mg/L) were all significantly higher (p < .05) than in the control (0.32 mg/L). Globally, the presence of spices produced no significant variation (p > .05) in amounts of ferrous iron, the major inorganic specie of bioaccessible iron. The use of garlic and onion as ingredients could help improving the iron status of populations consuming iron‐rich leafy vegetables.
Analytical analysis of cylindrical cavity expansion considering particle breakage effect of sand and its application for cone penetration tests
Authors: Wang Changhong , Tang Daofei , Wang Kun , Hu Baolin
Published: December 2023

The particle breakage effect in sand exerts a significant influence on the design of underground space structure. However, the existing theories seldom consider the breakage effect and often lack accurate descriptions of void ratio changes, leading to substantial errors in the numerical calculations compared to the actual scenario. This study employs the simple critical state sand model (SIMSAND) to account for the particle breakage effect and transforms the drained cylindrical cavity expansion problem into a set of first‐order ordinary differential equations described by the Lagrangian method. The analytical solution of the cylindrical cavity expansion problem is calculated using Matlab programming codes. Firstly, Fontainebleau sand is investigated to analyse the influence of initial stress, void ratio and specific volume around the cavity. The combined effects of initial stress and particle breakage on the soil around the cavities result in dilatancy characteristics and a reduction in void ratio. The stress path analysis reveals that the soil around the cavities only reaches a critical state under high initial stresses. Secondly, a plane strain numerical model is established for twice expansion to verify the calculation outcomes from the cylindrical cavity expansion theory. Finally, an axisymmetric cone penetration test (CPT) model is developed to analyse the theoretical and numerical solutions for expansion stress and sleeve friction. The research results indicate that the CPT in sand need to consider the particle breakage effect, especially under high stress conditions. Without considering particle breakage, the sleeve friction is overestimated. These research findings can offer guidance for geotechnical engineering applications, such as CPT, pressuremeter tests and predictions of bearing capacity for pile foundations in sand.
Shared Problems
Authors: Kaebnick Gregory E.
Published: December 2023

Several pieces in the November‐December 2023 issue of the Hastings Center Report contribute to developing an expansive vision of bioethics. In the lead article, Sean Valles calls on the field to work against the problem of mass incarceration in the United States not only by addressing “what happens to people once they are inside prisons” but also with respect to the “ripple effects” the system has on health and well‐being in surrounding communities. Commentaries by Homer Venters and Jennifer Elyse James underscore and extend Valles's recommendations. In an essay, Jalayne Arias and colleagues propose a research agenda to shape a better response to the care needs of older incarcerated people. And in two other essays, Lawrence Gostin and colleagues call for strengthening the International Health Regulations, which are legally binding on World Health Organization member states, and Andrew Schroeder argues that a nation's public health policy should be responsive to the public's values as deliberated upon by the public itself.
Forgotten and without Protections: Older Adults in Prison Settings
Authors: Arias Jalayne J. , Morgado Lillian , Prost Stephanie Grace
Published: December 2023

The number of older adults incarcerated in prisons is growing significantly, and there is a great need for legal authority, processes, and resources to mitigate individual and social burdens of elder neglect and abuse within these settings. Older adults in prison may be particularly vulnerable to abuse, neglect, or exploitation. They are dependent on the carceral system for basic resources, are at risk for retaliatory actions for reporting mistreatment, and bear disproportionately high health burdens. This essay first considers standards and resources for mitigating elder mistreatment in the community and residential‐care settings in contrast to the available resources in prisons. Arguing that a conceptual model of elder abuse tailored to the prison population is needed, the essay proposes a research agenda through which such a model could be developed. The model could then be used in the creation of policy for detecting and mitigating elder mistreatment of incarcerated people. The essay concludes with a call to action to address the rift in legal protections and processes that leave older adults in prison at increased risk of abuse and neglect without a clear pathway for recourse.
Clinician Moral Distress: Toward an Ethics of Agent‐Regret
Authors: Kim Daniel T. , Shelton Wayne , Applewhite Megan K.
Published: December 2023

Moral distress names a widely discussed and concerning clinician experience. Yet the precise nature of the distress and the appropriate practical response to it remain unclear. Clinicians speak of their moral distress in terms of guilt, regret, anger, or other distressing emotions, and they often invoke them interchangeably. But these emotions are distinct, and they are not all equally fitting in the same circumstances. This indicates a problematic ambiguity in the moral distress concept that obscures its distinctiveness, its relevant circumstances, and how individual clinicians and the medical community should practically respond to it. We argue that, in a range of situations that are said to be morally distressing, the characteristic emotion can be well‐understood in terms of what Bernard Williams calls “agent‐regret.” We show what can thereby be gained in terms of a less ambiguous concept and a more adequate ethical response to this distinctive and complex clinician experience.
Feminist Bioethics: Moving Forward in Coalition
Authors: Gary Mercer
Published: December 2023

The Routledge Handbook of Feminist Bioethics, edited by Wendy A. Rogers et al., presents a thorough, contemporary understanding of feminist bioethics, linking feminist efforts to other critical approaches in the field of bioethics. A more demanding standard for feminist scholarship is set by engaging gender at its intersections with race, class, sexuality, and ability––intersections that require bioethicists to attend to issues like incarceration and transmisogynistic violence that are less frequently tackled in the field. Editors and contributors alike in this volume show that long‐standing feminist conceptual interventions, especially those regarding the significance of relationality and epistemic marginalization, provide key tools for a coalition of critical approaches to bioethics.
Effects of water quality on fish parasite biodiversity and physiological responses in the host fish Clarias gariepinus from a eutrophic lake subjected to acid mine drainage in South Africa
Authors: Latief Lutfiyya , Gilbert Beric M. , Avenant-Oldewage Annemariè
Published: December 2023

Elevated concentrations of contaminants have negative impacts on aquatic organisms and their parasites. Changes in parasite infections have been proposed as a technique for monitoring the health of aquatic ecosystems. Furthermore, alterations in physiological responses (biomarkers) of organisms have also been used to delineate ecosystem quality. Lake Heritage is situated along the Crocodile River in Muldersdrift, Gauteng, South Africa, and is subject to contamination by acid mine drainage. Clarias gariepinus is a well-studied bioindicator species and host to numerous endoparasites and ectoparasites. The aims of this study were to delineate the health status of Lake Heritage through a multifaceted approach by comparing the water quality, biomarker responses, and parasite biodiversity of C. gariepinus, compared to unexposed laboratory-reared fish. Physical and chemical water quality parameters were determined using a hand-held probe, test kits, and element analysis with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Biomarker responses in the gill, liver, and muscle tissues from C. gariepinus were assessed for total protein, metallothioneins, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH) concentrations and activities of acetylcholinesterase and catalase. Results for water quality variables showed higher pH, nitrate, hardness, and copper levels compared with the South African Target Water Quality Guidelines. Catalase activity and concentrations of SOD and reduced GSH showed a response in C. gariepinus to the water quality. Ectoparasites had lower prevalence and mean intensity than endoparasites. However, there were no differences in the physiological responses between infected and uninfected hosts. The study shows that the eutrophic conditions in Lake Heritage cause biomarker responses in the host when compared to host fish in laboratory conditions. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1539–1553. © 2023 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

Key Points

The water quality in this river is impacted by acid mine drainage (AMD), sporadic treatment of AMD, point-source pollution, and runoff. Inhibition of acetylcholine esterase activity in Clarias gariepinus implies that organophosphate and carbamates are also entering the system, and the lake is eutrophic. Ectoparasite infection intensity, number, and diversity are reduced, while endoparasite numbers and diversity are higher. Water quality has a greater impact on the physiological response of the host, compared to the effect caused by the endoparasites or ectoparasites.
Enhancing explainability in brain tumor detection: A novel DeepEBTDNet model with LIME on MRI images
Authors: Ullah Naeem , Hassan Muhammad , Khan Javed Ali , Anwar Muhammad Shahid , Aurangzeb Khursheed
Published: December 2023

Early detection of brain tumors is vital for improving patient survival rates, yet the manual analysis of the extensive 3D MRI images can be error‐prone and time‐consuming. This study introduces the Deep Explainable Brain Tumor Deep Network (DeepEBTDNet), a novel deep learning model for binary classification of brain MRIs as tumorous or normal. Employing sub‐image dualistic histogram equalization (DSIHE) for enhanced image quality, DeepEBTDNet utilizes 12 convolutional layers with leaky ReLU (LReLU) activation for feature extraction, followed by a fully connected classification layer. Transparency and interpretability are emphasized through the application of the Local Interpretable Model‐Agnostic Explanations (LIME) method to explain model predictions. Results demonstrate DeepEBTDNet's efficacy in brain tumor detection, even across datasets, achieving a validation accuracy of 98.96% and testing accuracy of 94.0%. This study underscores the importance of explainable AI in healthcare, facilitating precise diagnoses and transparent decision‐making for early brain tumor identification and improved patient outcomes.
Shape phenotype of thigh fat and muscle and risk of major adverse cardiovascular events after fragility hip fracture
Authors: Lee Sheen‐Woo , Kim Seung‐Chan , Yi Jeong‐Eun
Published: December 2023

Background

Although sarcopenia has been recognized as a predictor of mortality in elderly patients with hip fracture, the association of thigh fat and muscle with cardiovascular (CV) outcome remains unclear. We examined the impact of computed tomography (CT)‐derived shape features of thigh fat and muscle on major adverse CV events (MACE) in elderly patients with hip fracture.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients aged ≥65 years who presented with hip fracture confirmed on pelvic bone CT scan and underwent hip fracture surgery at our institution from April 2019 to December 2021. The cross‐sectional area (CSA) and compactness (CM) of both the muscle and fat at the upper‐thigh level were calculated from two‐dimensional CT images using AVIEW Research (v1.1.38, Coreline Soft, Co. Ltd, Seoul, South Korea). The shape features of thigh fat and muscle were categorized into four groups based on the combination of CSA and CM: fat CSA (fat area [FA])/fat CM (FCM), muscle CSA (muscle area [MA])/muscle CM (MCM), FA/MCM and MA/FCM. In each of them, subjects were categorized into four subgroups: high CSA/high CM, high CSA/low CM, low CSA/high CM and low CSA/low CM. The primary outcome was MACE after 30 days of surgery, defined as a composite of all‐cause death, acute myocardial infarction, stroke or hospitalization for heart failure.

Results

Of 356 patients enrolled (median age, 82 years; 76.7% females), 72 (20.2%) had MACE over a median follow‐up of 13.1 months (ranges 5.9–21.0 months). Patients with MACE had a significantly lower median FA (193.7 vs. 226.2 cm2, P < 0.0001) and FCM (0.443 vs. 0.513, P = 0.001) compared with those without MACE, but no significant differences were found in MA, MCM and FA–MA ratio between the two groups. In a multivariate Cox regression analysis, low FA (<240.1 cm2) (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 2.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.39–6.44, P = 0.005) and low FCM (<0.477) (adjusted HR 2.00, 95% CI 1.10–3.63, P = 0.023) were associated with an increased risk of MACE. Among the shape phenotypes of thigh fat and muscle, the thigh fat phenotype of low FA/low FCM (adjusted HR 3.13, 95% CI 1.81–5.42, P < 0.0001 [reference, high FA/high FCM]) was found to be an independent predictor of MACE.

Conclusions

In elderly patients with fragility hip fracture, thigh CT‐derived measures of FA and FCM may provide useful prognostic information for predicting adverse CV outcomes.