bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INviting Veterans InTo Enrollment in Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers (INVITE‐ADRC): An NIA and VA–sponsored initiative to increase veteran participation in aging and dementia research
Authors: Padula Claudia B. , Ball Sherry , Wyman Mary F. , Evans Kirsten , Grant Harli , Periyakoil Vyjeyanthi S. , Zhu Carolyn W. , Yaffe Kristine , Huang Grant D.
Published: February 2024

INTRODUCTION

Older military veterans often present with unique and complex risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias. Increasing veteran participation in research studies offers one avenue to advance the field and improve health outcomes.

METHODS

To this end, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) partnered to build infrastructure, improve collaboration, and intensify targeted recruitment of veterans. This initiative, INviting Veterans InTo Enrollment in Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers (INVITE‐ADRC), provided funding for five sites and cross‐site organizing structure. Diverse and innovative recruitment strategies were used.

RESULTS

Across five sites, 172 veterans entered registries, and 99 were enrolled into ADRC studies. Of the enrolled, 39 were veterans from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This initiative laid the groundwork to establish sustainable relationships between the VA and ADRCs. The partnership between both federal agencies demonstrates how mutual interests can accelerate progress. In turn, efforts can help our aging veterans.
Polar Aromatic Two‐dimensional Dion‐Jacobson Halide Perovskites for Efficient Photocatalytic H2 Evolution
Authors: Peng Yu , Zhang Yang , Wang Xing , Sui Xin Yuan , Lin Miao Yu , Zhu Yan , Jing Changfei , Yuan Hai Yang , Yang Shuang , Liu Peng Fei , Dai Sheng , Zheng Zhaoke , Yang Hua Gui , Hou Yu
Published: February 2024

Polar materials with spontaneous polarization (Ps) have emerged as highly promising photocatalysts for efficient photocatalytic H2 evolution owing to the Ps‐enhanced photogenerated carrier separation. However, traditional inorganic polar materials often suffer from limitations such as wide band gaps and poor carrier transport, which hinders their photocatalytic H2 evolution efficiency. Here, we rationally synthesized a series of isostructural two‐dimensional (2D) aromatic Dion–Jacobson (DJ) perovskites, namely (2‐(2‐Aminoethyl)pyridinium)PbI4 (2‐APDPI), (3‐(2‐Aminoethyl)pyridinium)PbI4 (3‐APDPI), and (4‐(2‐Aminoethyl)pyridinium)PbI4 (4‐APDPI), where 2‐APDPI and 4‐APDPI crystalize in polar space groups with piezoelectric constants (d33) of approximately 40 pm V−1 and 3‐APDPI adopts a centrosymmetric structure. Strikingly, owing to the Ps‐facilitated separation of photogenerated carriers, polar 2‐APDPI and 4‐APDPI exhibit a 3.9‐ and 2.8‐fold increase, respectively, in photocatalytic H2 evolution compared to the centrosymmetric 3‐APDPI. As a pioneering study, this work provides an efficient approach for exploring new polar photocatalysts and highlights their potential in promoting photocatalytic H2 evolution.
Improving the proton conductivity of HKUST‐1 by hole expansion and ionic liquid introduction
Authors: Liu Yu‐Hang , Liu Yeping , Zheng Xiaofeng , Wang Qinghui , Tang Huan , Liu Jie , Ma Yingying , Jing Zhihong , Liu Zhe
Published: February 2024

As a new type of proton conductor, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted much attention because of their superior properties over conventional materials, such as the modifiability of framework, reversibility of coordination bond, high specific surface area, and porosity. It is predicted that the proton conductivities of MOFs can be improved by hole expansion and ionic liquid introduction. In this work, HKUST‐1 and LP‐HKUST‐1 were prepared, which were filled with different proportions of N‐methylimidazole triflate (MIM‐CF3SO3) to prepare composite materials MIM‐CF3SO3@HKUST‐1‐100% and MIM‐CF3SO3@LP‐HKUST‐1‐x (x = 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%). A total of seven kinds of materials were synthesized. The proton conductivities of all the materials at 75% RH were tested from 303 to 353 K. In this environment, MIM‐CF3SO3@LP‐HKUST‐1‐100% shows excellent proton conductivity (σ = 0.341 S·cm−1 at 353 K, 75% relatively humidity [RH]), being 7060 times that of HKUST‐1, and reaches the peak value of MOF family in recent years. Then, the conductivities of parts of the materials were tested in extreme environments, such as in high‐humidity environment (303–353 K, 100% RH), high‐temperature environment (373–423 K, N2 atmosphere), and low‐temperature environment (253–283 K, 75% RH). The results show that under all conditions above, the proton conductivity of MIM‐CF3SO3@LP‐HKUST‐1‐100% is the best, up to 0.341 S·cm−1 at 353 K and 75% RH, 0.179 S·cm−1 at 353 K and 100% RH, 1.31 × 10−3 S·cm−1 at 283 K and 75% RH, and 2.31 × 10−4 S·cm−1 at 423 K and N2 atmosphere, indicating that proton conductivity of HKUST‐1 is improved by hole expansion and ionic liquid introduction. Finally, the stability test showed that MIM‐CF3SO3@LP‐HKUST‐1‐100% was stable in all environments above. Moreover, the conductive mechanism of HKUST‐1 before and after introduction of ionic liquids was also discussed, providing a theoretical basis for the enhancement of proton conductivities of MOFs using ionic liquid introduction and hole expansion.
Nickel/α‐diimine catalysts in C (sp2)–C (sp2) homocoupling: An underestimated and versatile ligand family
Authors: Kudakina Vera A. , Asachenko Andrey F. , Valaeva Valentina N. , Lebedev Artyom Y. , Razavi Abbaz , Mladentsev Dmitry Y. , Uborsky Dmitry V. , Voskoboynikov Alexander Z.
Published: February 2024

Application of α‐diimine ligands in Ni‐catalyzed reductive homocoupling of haloarenes is reported. The Ni/α‐diimine catalysts are shown to be highly active and allow for preparation of a broad scope of biaryls, including practically important cyclization and polycondensation products. The synthetic availability and versatility of α‐diimines allows for easy tuning of their structure aimed at achieving higher yields of each specific homocoupling product.
Current Development of Lanthanide Complexes for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Wang Mengfei , Kitagawa Yuichi , Hasegawa Yasuchika
Published: February 2024

Luminescent molecule–based bioimaging system is widely used for precise localization and distinction of cancer/tumor cells. Luminescent lanthanide (Ln(III)) complexes offer long–lived (sub–millisecond time scale) and sharp (FWHM <10 nm) emission, arising from the forbidden 4f–4f electronic transitions. Luminescent Ln(III) complex–based bioimaging has emerged as a promising option for both in vitro and in vivo visualizations. In this mini–review, the historical development and recent significant progress of luminescent Ln(III) probes for bioapplications are introduced. The recent studies are mainly focused on three points: (i) the structural modifications of Ln(III) complexes in both macrocyclic and small ligands, (ii) the acquirement of high resolution luminescence images of cancer/tumor cells and (iii) the constructions of ratiometric biosensors. Furthermore, our recent study is explained as a new Cancer GPS (cancer grade probing for determining tumor grade through photophysical property analyses of intracellular Eu(III) complex.
Behcet disease: A case report on the utilization of T1‐weighted black blood fat‐suppressed sequences for the detection of venous vasculitis
Authors: Weiss Daniel , Appel Elisabeth , Turowski Bernd
Published: February 2024

Key Clinical Message

T1‐weighted black blood FS sequences may provide a useful addition to imaging protocols in detection of subtle changes in venous vasculitides and, therefore, may have an impact on treatment options.
Bart syndrome: A case report of neonatal disorder
Authors: Eghtedari Mohammad Amin , sharafi Monireh , Ahmadijazi Abes
Published: February 2024

Key Clinical Message

Bart Syndrome, characterized by congenital skin absence, blistering, and nail abnormalities, presents complex neonatal challenges. This rare condition demands a multidisciplinary approach for accurate diagnosis and comprehensive care.
Addressing elements of white supremacy in counselor education: The path forward for racial justice in the counseling field
Authors: Gorritz Frank
Published: February 2024

Despite a perceived post‐racist era prevalent in various forms of social discourse, racial injustice is still perpetuated throughout the United States. This conceptual article explores the ways white supremacy is still prevalent in counselor education as well as ways to disrupt white supremacy in counselor education.
Recent Advances in Palladium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Heck/Tsuji–Trost Reactions of 1,n‐Dienes
Authors: Zhao Guofeng , Li Wenbo , Zhang Junliang
Published: February 2024

Transition–metal catalyzed tandem asymmetric reactions were powerful tools to access various chiral compounds. Many strategies have been developed for the coupling of 1,n‐dienes with aryl halides via a tandem Heck/Tsuji–Trost process. However, the control of regio‐ and stereo‐chemistry remains a challenging task. This minireview details the recent advances in the field of asymmetric Heck/Tsuji–Trost reactions catalyzed by palladium complex, which have opened new opportunities and expanded our understanding in this area of research in recent years.
Pyrrolidium‐ and Imidazolium‐Based Ionic Liquids and Electrolytes with Flexible Oligoether Anions
Authors: Ahmed Mukhtiar , Filippov Andrei , Johansson Patrik , Shah Faiz Ullah
Published: February 2024

A new class of fluorine‐free ionic liquids (ILs) and electrolytes based on aliphatic flexible oligoether anions, 2‐(2‐methoxyethoxy)acetate (MEA) and 2‐[2‐(2‐methoxyethoxy)ethoxy]acetate (MEEA), coupled with pyrrolidinium and imidazolium cations is introduced. For the ILs with MEEA anions, Li+ conducting electrolytes are created by doping the ILs with 30 mol % of LiMEEA. The structural flexibility of the oligoether functionality in the anion results in glass transition temperatures (Tg) as low as −60 °C for the neat ILs and the electrolytes. The imidazolium‐based ILs and electrolytes reveal better thermal stabilities but higher Tg and lower electrochemical stabilities than the corresponding pyrrolidinium‐based analogues. All neat ILs show comparable transport properties for the cations and these decrease by the addition of lithium salt – the pyrrolidinium‐based electrolyte being affected the most.
INTEGRAL‐ILCCO cohort data analysis revealed the association of clonal haematopoiesis with an increased risk of lung cancer
Authors: Cheng Chao , Hong Wei , Amos Christopher I
Published: February 2024

To investigate the association between clonal haematopoiesis (CH) and lung cancer risk, we identified CH mutations in 1 059 lung cancer cases and 899 controls using the blood whole‐exome sequencing data generated from the Integrative Analysis of Lung Cancer Etiology and Risk project of the International Lung Cancer Consortium (INTEGRAL‐ILCCO). Based on the variant allele frequency (VAF) of these mutations, we stratified CH carriers into two groups, low VAF (1%–10%) and high VAF (â‰¥10%), respectively. We observed a significant association between the presence of CH mutations and the risk of lung cancer after adjusting for known risk factors (odd ratio, OR = 1.37, 95% confidence interval, CI = 1.02–1.85). Such an association was largely driven by CH mutations with high‐VAF, the OR for high‐VAF CH and low‐VAF CH were 2.54 (1.38–4.93) and 1.14 (0.82–1.6), respectively. Trend analysis indicated a significant dose–response relationship (P trend = 0.004). This association between high‐VAF CH and lung cancer risk remained consistent when subjects were stratified by risk factors or lung cancer histological subtypes. A combination of results from INTEGRAL‐ILCCO, UKBB, and MGBB cohorts resulted in a meta‐analysed OR of 1.36 (95% CI = 1.14–1.62) for all CH carriers and of 1.76 (95% CI = 1.34–2.31) for high‐VAF CH carriers, respectively. In conclusion, our analysis revealed a significant association between CH and increased risk of lung cancer as supported by three independent cohorts.
Cold storage and cryopreservation methods for spermatozoa of the sea urchins Lytechinus pictus and Strongylocentrotus purpuratus
Authors: Vacquier Victor D. , Hamdoun Amro
Published: February 2024

Background

Sea urchins have contributed greatly to knowledge of fertilization, embryogenesis, and cell biology. However, until now, they have not been genetic model organisms because of their long generation times and lack of tools for husbandry and gene manipulation. We recently established the sea urchin Lytechinus pictus, as a multigenerational model Echinoderm, because of its relatively short generation time of 4–6 months and ease of laboratory culture. To take full advantage of this new multigenerational species, methods are needed to biobank and share genetically modified L. pictus sperm.

Results

Here, we describe a method, based on sperm ion physiology that maintains L. pictus and Strongylocentrotus purpuratus sperm fertilizable for at least 5–10 weeks when stored at 0°C. We also describe a new method to cryopreserve sperm of both species. Sperm of both species can be frozen and thawed at least twice and still give rise to larvae that undergo metamorphosis.

Conclusions

The simple methods we describe work well for both species, achieving >90% embryo development and producing larvae that undergo metamorphosis to juvenile adults. We hope that these methods will be useful to others working on marine invertebrate sperm.
The evolution of entomopathogeny in nematodes
Authors: Trejo‐Meléndez V. J. , Ibarra‐Rendón J. , Contreras‐Garduño J.
Published: February 2024

Understanding how parasites evolved is crucial to understand the host and parasite interaction. The evolution of entomopathogenesis in rhabditid nematodes has traditionally been thought to have occurred twice within the phylum Nematoda: in Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae families, which are associated with the entomopathogenic bacteria Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus, respectively. However, nematodes from other families that are associated with entomopathogenic bacteria have not been considered to meet the criteria for “entomopathogenic nematodes.” The evolution of parasitism in nematodes suggests that ecological and evolutionary properties shared by families in the order Rhabditida favor the convergent evolution of the entomopathogenic trait in lineages with diverse lifestyles, such as saprotrophs, phoretic, and necromenic nematodes. For this reason, this paper proposes expanding the term “entomopathogenic nematode” considering the diverse modes of this attribute within Rhabditida. Despite studies are required to test the authenticity of the entomopathogenic trait in the reported species, they are valuable links that represent the early stages of specialized lineages to entomopathogenic lifestyle. An ecological and evolutionary exploration of these nematodes has the potential to deepen our comprehension of the evolution of entomopathogenesis as a convergent trait spanning across the Nematoda.
Are sub‐alpine species' seedling emergence and establishment in the alpine limited by climate or biotic interactions?
Authors: Dahle Ingrid J. , Gya Ragnhild , Töpper Joachim P. , Vandvik Vigdis
Published: February 2024

One of the ways in which plants are responding to climate change is by shifting their ranges to higher elevations. Early life‐history stages are major bottlenecks for species' range shifts, and variation in seedling emergence and establishment success can therefore be important determinants of species' ability to establish at higher elevations. Previous studies have found that warming per se tends to not only increase seedling establishment in alpine climates but it also increases plant productivity, which could limit establishment success through increased competition for light. Here we disentangle the relative importance of several climate‐related abiotic and biotic factors on sub‐alpine species' seedling emergence and survival in the alpine. Specifically, we test how temperature, precipitation and competition from neighbouring vegetation impacts establishment, and also whether species' functional traits, or strategies impact their ability to colonise alpine locations. We found that our six sub‐alpine study species were all able to recruit from seed in alpine locations under the extant alpine climate, but their emergence was limited by competition from neighbouring vegetation. This indicates that biotic interactions can hinder the range shifts expected as a result of climate warming. Species with a resource conservative strategy had higher emergence in the extant alpine climate than species with a resource acquisitive strategy, and they were largely unaffected by changes in temperature. The resource acquisitive species, in contrast, had faster emergence under warming, especially when they were released from competition from neighbouring vegetation. Our results indicate that competition from the established vegetation is limiting the spread of lowland species into the alpine, and as the climate continues to warm, species with resource acquisitive traits might gain an advantage.
Digitalization concepts in academic bioprocess development
Authors: Habich Tessa , Beutel Sascha
Published: February 2024

Digitalization with integrated devices, digital and physical assistants, automation, and simulation is setting a new direction for laboratory work. Even with complex research workflows, high staff turnover, and a limited budget some laboratories have already shown that digitalization is indeed possible. However, academic bioprocess laboratories often struggle to follow the trend of digitalization. Due to their diverse research circumstances, high variety of team composition, goals, and limitations the concepts are substantially different. Here, we will provide an overview on different aspects of digitalization and describe how academic laboratories successfully digitalized their working environment. The key aspect is the collaboration and communication between IT‐experts and scientific staff. The developed digital infrastructure is only useful if it supports the laboratory worker and does not complicate their work. Thereby, laboratory researchers have to collaborate closely with IT‐experts in order for a well‐developed and maintainable digitalization concept that fits their individual needs and level of complexity. This review may serve as a starting point or a collection of ideas for the transformation toward a digitalized laboratory.
Gyroid‐Structured Au Materials with 3D Interconnected Networks for Highly Efficient Heat Localization and Solar Vapor Generation
Authors: Sun Peng , Liu Jianguo , Zhang Wang , Zhang Di
Published: February 2024

Effective solar steam generation is regarded as a prospective technology for seawater desalination and water purification, owing to its capability of solar light absorption and heat conversion. Numerous efforts have been dedicated to exploring photothermal materials with various delicate microstructures. However, investigations of the coupling effect of structure and component still need to be done. Herein, a superior solar steam generator of 3D bicontinuous interconnected gyroid‐structured Au materials (Au gyroid) by depositing Au nanoparticles onto C. rubi butterfly wings is reported. Au gyroid is proven to possess the evaporation rate and efficiency of 1.29 kg m−2 h−1 and 74.0%, under 1 sun irradiation. What is more, the evaporation rate and efficiency of lattice‐structured Au materials (Au lattice) as a comparison are 1.14 kg m−2 h−1 and 65.4%. The outstanding performance of Au gyroid is mainly ascribed to its 3D densely distributed hotspots and interconnected nanochannels, which are beneficial for strong broadband light absorption, sufficient water supply, as well as confinement effect for water heating. This work will provide insight into the future design and synthesis of novel plasmonic absorbers in photothermal conversion, photocatalysis, and photovoltaic devices.
Safety and effectiveness of diazepam nasal spray in male and female patients: Post hoc analysis of data from a phase 3 safety study
Authors: Wheless James W. , Hogan Robert Edward , Davis Charles S. , Carrazana Enrique , Rabinowicz Adrian L.
Published: February 2024

Sex differences in drug pharmacokinetics include variations in the expression of the cytochrome P450 enzymes, which are involved in the metabolism of benzodiazepines. It is unclear whether sex influences outcomes associated with intranasally administered drugs. A post hoc analysis of sex differences was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of diazepam nasal spray, which included examining changes in the number of days between seizure clusters over time (SEIzure interVAL [SEIVAL]). Diazepam nasal spray is approved for acute treatment of seizure clusters in patients with epilepsy aged ≥6 years. Data from a phase 3 safety study were used to determine the proportion of second doses used within 24 h (ie, a proxy for effectiveness) and SEIVAL. Adverse events were recorded. Of 163 treated patients, 89 were female, and 74 were male. Approximately 16% of both sexes self‐administered the study drug. A slightly higher proportion of seizure clusters was treated with a second dose in female (14.7%) than male (9.4%) patients. SEIVAL increased significantly and substantially over a year for all patients. The safety profile was generally similar between the sexes. These results suggest that potential sex differences in benzodiazepine pharmacokinetics do not meaningfully influence outcomes associated with diazepam nasal spray.

Plain Language Summary

Some drugs may have differences in absorption and metabolism between genders that could translate into differences in safety and effectiveness. This safety study looked at diazepam nasal spray for treating seizure clusters in patients at least 6 years old. It found that safety was about the same for females and males. For both groups, most clusters stopped after only 1 dose of the drug, and the time between treated clusters got longer over a year.
A full‐probabilistic cloud analysis for structural seismic fragility via decoupled M‐PDEM
Authors: Lyu Meng‐Ze , Feng De‐Cheng , Cao Xu‐Yang , Beer Michael
Published: February 2024

Performance‐based earthquake engineering (PBEE) is essential for ensuring engineering safety. Conducting seismic fragility analysis within this framework is imperative. Existing methods for seismic fragility analysis often rely heavily on double loop reanalysis and empirical data fitting, leading to challenges in obtaining high‐precision results with a limited number of representative structural analysis instances. In this context, a new methodology for seismic fragility based on a full‐probabilistic cloud analysis is proposed via the decoupled multi‐probability density evolution method (M‐PDEM). In the proposed method, the assumption of a log‐normal distribution is not required. According to the random event description of the principle of preservation of probability, the transient probability density functions (PDFs) of intensity measure (IM) and engineering demand parameter (EDP), as key response quantities of the seismic‐structural system, are governed by one‐dimensional Li‐Chen equations, where the physics‐driven forces are determined by representative analysis data of the stochastic dynamic system. By generating ground motions based on representative points of basic random variables and performing structural dynamic analysis, the decoupled M‐PDEM is employed to solve the one‐dimensional Li‐Chen equations. This yields the joint PDF of IM and EDP, as well as the conditional PDF of EDP given IM, resulting in seismic fragility analysis outcomes. The numerical implementation procedure is elaborated in detail, and validation is performed using a six‐story nonlinear reinforced concrete (RC) frame subjected to non‐stationary stochastic ground motions. Comparative analysis against Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) and traditional cloud analysis based on least squares regression (LSR) reveals that the proposed method achieves higher computational precision at comparable structural analysis costs. By directly solving the physics‐driven Li‐Chen equations, the method provides the full‐probabilistic joint information of IM and EDP required for cloud analysis, surpassing the accuracy achieved by traditional methods based on statistical moment fitting and empirical distribution assumptions.
Effect of different preservatives on the physicochemical characteristics and shelf stability of Rasmalai: A comparative study
Authors: Qureshi Tahir Mahmood , Mueen‐ud‐Din Ghulam , Nadeem Muhammad , Sirjan Ali , Khalid Waseem , Salim‐Ur‐Rehman  , Ahmad Naushad , Nawaz Asad , Khalid Muhammad Zubair , Madilo Felix Kwashie
Published: February 2024

Rasmalai is a very popular, delicious, and nutritious indigenous sweet dish in Indo‐Pakistani civilization. It has a very short shelf life, i.e., up to 3 days. The study was designed to assess the effect of preservatives (potassium sorbate and calcium propionate) on the shelf stability of Rasmalai. Moreover, proximate composition and sensory evaluation of prepared Rasmalai were also carried out in the present study. In general, potassium sorbate and calcium propionate significantly increased the shelf life of Rasmalai. But treatment (R5) containing a combination of both potassium sorbate and calcium propionate (500 ppm each) improved its shelf life by up to 12 days by keeping good sensorial characteristics. The maximum total plate counts as well as yeast and molds were observed in control Rasmalai (without any preservatives) whereas minimum counts were found in R5 treatment containing a combination of both potassium sorbate and calcium propionate (500 ppm each). In conclusion, all the preservatives used in the present study were effective in enhancing the shelf life of Rasmalai but R5 treatment containing a combination of both potassium sorbate and calcium propionate (500 ppm each) was the most effective in enhancing shelf life without deleterious effect on sensorial characteristics.
Wearable functional near‐infrared spectroscopy for measuring dissociable activation dynamics of prefrontal cortex subregions during working memory
Authors: Shin Jung Han , Kang Min Jun , Lee Sang Ah
Published: February 2024

The prefrontal cortex (PFC) has been extensively studied in relation to various cognitive abilities, including executive function, attention, and memory. Nevertheless, there is a gap in our scientific knowledge regarding the functionally dissociable neural dynamics across the PFC during a cognitive task and their individual differences in performance. Here, we explored this possibility using a delayed match‐to‐sample (DMTS) working memory (WM) task using NIRSIT, a high‐density, wireless, wearable functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) system. First, upon presentation of the sample stimulus, we observed an immediate signal increase in the ventral (orbitofrontal) region of the anterior PFC, followed by activity in the dorsolateral PFC. After the DMTS test stimulus appeared, the orbitofrontal cortex activated once again, while the rest of the PFC showed overall disengagement. Individuals with higher accuracy showed earlier and sustained activation of the PFC across the trial. Furthermore, higher network efficiency and functional connectivity in the PFC were correlated with individual WM performance. Our study sheds new light on the dynamics of PFC subregional activity during a cognitive task and its potential applicability in explaining individual differences in experimental, educational, or clinical populations.

Practitioner Points

Wearable functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) captured dissociable temporal dynamics across prefrontal subregions during a delayed match‐to‐sample task.

Anterior regions of the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) activated first during the delay period, followed by the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (PFC).

PFC disengaged overall after the delay, but the OFC reactivated to the test stimulus.

Earlier and sustained activation of PFC was associated with better accuracy.

Functional connectivity and network efficiency also varied with task performance.
Coffee consumption is associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer recurrence and all‐cause mortality
Authors: Oyelere Abisola M. , Kok Dieuwertje E. , Bos Daniel , Gunter Marc J. , Ferrari Pietro , Keski‐Rahkonen Pekka , de Wilt Johannes H. W. , van Halteren Henk K. , Kouwenhoven Ewout A. , van Duijnhoven Fränzel J. B. , Kampman Ellen
Published: February 2024

Coffee consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC). However, it is not clear whether coffee consumption is related to CRC progression. Hence, we assessed the association of coffee consumption with CRC recurrence and all‐cause mortality using data from a prospective cohort study of 1719 stage I–III CRC patients in the Netherlands. Coffee consumption and other lifestyle characteristics were self‐reported using questionnaires at the time of diagnosis. We retrieved recurrence and all‐cause mortality data from the Netherlands Cancer Registry and the Personal Records Database, respectively. Cox proportional hazard regression models with and without restricted cubic splines were used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) adjusted for age, sex, education, smoking status, cancer stage and tumor location. We observed 257 recurrences during a 6.2‐year median follow‐up and 309 deaths during a 6.6‐year median follow‐up. Consuming more than 4 cups/d of coffee compared to an intake of <2 cups/d was associated with a 32% lower risk of CRC recurrence (95% CI: 0.49, 0.94,). The association between coffee consumption and all‐cause mortality was U‐shaped; coffee intake seemed optimal at 3–5 cups/d with the lowest risk at 4 cups/d (HR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.53, 0.88). Our results suggest that coffee consumption may be associated with a lower risk of CRC recurrence and all‐cause mortality. The association between coffee consumption and all‐cause mortality appeared nonlinear. More studies are needed to understand the mechanism by which coffee consumption might improve CRC prognosis.
A density‐fitting implementation of the density‐based basis‐set correction method
Authors: Heßelmann Andreas , Giner Emmanuel , Reinhardt Peter , Knowles Peter J. , Werner Hans‐Joachim , Toulouse Julien
Published: February 2024

This work reports an efficient density‐fitting implementation of the density‐based basis‐set correction (DBBSC) method in the MOLPRO software. This method consists in correcting the energy calculated by a wave‐function method with a given basis set by an adapted basis‐set correction density functional incorporating the short‐range electron correlation effects missing in the basis set, resulting in an accelerated convergence to the complete‐basis‐set limit. Different basis‐set correction density‐functional approximations are explored and the complementary‐auxiliary‐basis‐set single‐excitation correction is added. The method is tested on a benchmark set of reaction energies at the second‐order Møller–Plesset (MP2) level and a comparison with the explicitly correlated MP2‐F12 method is provided. The results show that the DBBSC method greatly accelerates the basis convergence of MP2 reaction energies, without reaching the accuracy of the MP2‐F12 method but with a lower computational cost.
A novel approach to Hg2+ determination in water samples using carbon dots based on paper and fluorescence digital image analysis
Authors: Maia Matheus Valentin , Suarez Willian Toito , dos Santos Vagner Bezerra , de Oliveira Severino Carlos Bezerra , de Almeida João Paulo Barbosa
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

This work proposes the use of a simple, inexpensive method for the hydrothermal synthesis of fluorescent carbon dot nanoparticles (CDs) from rice starch aimed at the determination of Hg2+ in water. The proposed method involved using a paper‐based analytical device coupled to a 3D plate, with a UV‐LED chamber and a smartphone for the acquisition and analysis of the fluorescence digital images of the CDs.

RESULTS

The size of the carbon dots ranged from 0.5 to 3 nm, with an average particle size of ~1 nm. The functionalization of carbon dots with methimazole allowed a high selective for Hg2+ determination. The results obtained showed a linear response R2 of 0.997 and Hg2+ concentration in the range of 0.5–45.0 μmol L−1 with a limit of detection and limit of quantitation of 0.23 and 0.62 μmol L−1, respectively. The results of the study show that there were no significant differences, at 95% confidence level, between the data obtained from the application of the proposed method and the reference method.

CONCLUSION

The proposed method is in line with the principles of green chemistry, as it involves the use of renewable sources for starch extraction and a hydrothermal synthesis process that does not employ toxic reagents. In addition, the method employs only 15 μL reagent/sample. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Pragmatic use of ultrasound in plaster room
Authors: Congia Stefano , Uccheddu Gabrieleanselmo , Pisu Roberta , Varverakis Andrea , Moro Giorgia , Ferreli Alberto , Puddu Gianfranco , Carboni Giorgio
Published: February 2024

X‐ray represent gold standard to check reduction of fractures and dislocations. Sometimes plaster room is not equipped with C‐arm or similar devices. Practical and focused use of ultrasound in plaster room cannot replace X‐ray but may be a useful tool especially in tricky situations. We report three emblematic cases and we carry out a review of the literature.
Balancing agriculture and environment: Andrew Sharpley's nutrient, soil, and water management legacy
Authors: Flaten D. N. , Kleinman P. J. A. , Osmond D. L.
Published: February 2024

Managing agricultural phosphorus (P) to balance food security and water quality priorities is a massive challenge fraught with uncertainty and competing interests. Throughout his career, Andrew Sharpley addressed this challenge by building our understanding of the fundamental principles and processes that control P behavior in agricultural land, developing tools to assess P losses, and then evaluating and refining nutrient, soil, and water beneficial management practices (BMPs). Together with an exceptionally large and diverse group of collaborators, Sharpley developed, tested, refined, calibrated, and validated management practices and risk assessment tools to develop site‐specific recommendations for the right practices, in the right places, and at the right times. This approach has resonated globally, with the strategic use of BMPs in “critical source areas” widely implemented in an effort to improve the effectiveness of BMPs while reducing implementation costs. Additional contributions to nutrient management include determining environmental thresholds for soil test P and measuring the risk of P loss from different sources of P (e.g., various manures and commercial fertilizers). Sharpley's work was also distinctly realistic, ensuring that strategies for mitigating P loss were critically evaluated so that not only were the benefits highlighted, but also that trade‐offs were measured. Nowhere is this better illustrated than with trade‐offs in particulate P loss and dissolved P loss with conservation tillage. This review summarizes Sharpley's enormous contributions to our knowledge of agricultural P stewardship as well as his model of collaborative, multi‐disciplinary leadership, helping the world to maintain agricultural productivity and protect water quality.
Perspectives of genetic counseling supervisors regarding genetic counseling students' attainment of practice‐based competencies in clinical care through remote supervision
Authors: Shane‐Carson Kate P. , Stone Loan , Justice Kaitlin , Mwanda Shannah , Stagg Amy , Pilditch Jane , Hiner Sally , Schwoerer Jessica Scott , Berry Susan A. , Edick Mathew J.
Published: February 2024

There are limited studies regarding the attainment of the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling Practice‐Based Competencies by genetic counseling students who complete clinical rotations in an in‐person setting versus in a remote setting that incudes telephone and/or video patient encounters. This study explored the perceptions of 17 patient‐facing genetic counselors who had served as supervisors for genetic counseling students regarding student attainment of practice‐based competencies in in‐person compared to remote rotations. Participants were recruited through an American Board of Genetic Counseling eblast and were required to have at least 2 years of clinical experience and experience providing genetic counseling supervision for at least one in‐person rotation and one remote rotation. Four focus groups were created comprising genetic counselors from various practice disciplines. Discussion focused on potential differences and similarities in supervisor perceptions of student attainment of each clinical practice‐based competency, and whether there were any concerns about students being able to attain each competency in remote rotations. Overall, participants discussed that genetic counseling students' attainment of clinical competencies through remote rotations was comparable to in‐person rotations; however, 15 themes were identified illustrating differences reported by participants in how they observed these skills being performed by students in in‐person versus remote clinical settings. The findings of this study highlight important considerations when developing a remote rotation, as well as ways in which certain clinical skills may be further enhanced through a combination of both in‐person and remote clinical experiences. A noted limitation of remote rotations is that students have less of an opportunity to interact with other providers, and so may require other opportunities for interprofessionalism and to understand their role as part of a larger organization. Further study is required to elucidate differences between telephone and video clinics, as well as potential differences pertaining to various specialty areas of practice.
Changes in hospitalization populations by level of complexity at children's hospitals
Authors: Hall Madelyn , Berry Jay G. , Hall Matt , Goodwin Emily J. , Margaret Wright S. , Bettenhausen Jessica , Colvin Jeffrey D.
Published: February 2024

It is important for hospitals to understand how hospitalizations for children are changing to adapt and best accommodate the future needs of all patient populations. This study aims to understand how hospitalizations for children with medical complexity (CMC) and non‐CMC have changed over time at children's hospitals, and how hospitalizations for these children will look in the future. Children with 3+ complex chronic conditions (CCC) accounted for 7% of discharges and over one‐quarter of days and one‐third of costs during the study period (2012–2022). The number of CCCs was associated with increased growth in discharges, hospital days, and costs. Understanding these trends can help hospitals better allocate resources and training to prepare for pediatric patients across the spectrum of complexity.
Determination of optimal component positioning in THA using 3D preoperative planning
Authors: LaCour Michael , Ta Manh , Nachtrab Jarrod , Nguyen Thang , Komistek Richard
Published: February 2024

Advancements in three‐dimensional (3D) preoperative planning tools can offer surgeons and design engineers detailed feedback and additional opportunities for clinical advancements. The objective of this study is to use a 3D total hip arthroplasty preoperative planning tool to compare femoral component alignment for three different stem systems. The planning tool in this study used morphology data of femoral bones gathered from a CT database, seven from postoperative patients and 63 from statistical shape models (SSMs), to suggest specific implant sizes and optimal placements in 3D to match each specific bone model. Retrospective validations of predicted stem size and femoral version were first performed by comparing planner‐chosen and surgeon‐implanted stem sizes and version angles for the seven postoperative patients. Next, the alignment of three different stem systems was evaluated using bone models generated from SSMs, with a quantitative focus on component head positioning. In the validation study, the planner accurately selected stem size and orientation compared to the surgeon for all assessed subjects. In the stem evaluation, the three stem systems yielded different accuracies in component placement, with the newest stem system demonstrating the closest restoration of anatomical head center location. It is evident that new stem designs may have the potential for increased accuracy over their predecessors, demonstrating that new stem designs can offer improved intraoperative and postoperative alignment potential. The 3D preoperative planning tools can provide novel and reliable data to both surgeons and design engineers, which can ultimately improve clinical outcomes and future implant designs.
Influence of supplementation with iron and probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus curvatus on selected parameters of inflammatory state in rats on a high‐fat iron‐deficient diet
Authors: Skrypnik Katarzyna , Schmidt Marcin , Olejnik‐Schmidt Agnieszka , Harahap Iskandar Azmy , Suliburska Joanna
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

A high‐fat (HF) diet, diet iron deficiency and iron supplementation may affect inflammatory parameters. Probiotics influence both iron metabolism and inflammation. We compared the inflammatory state in rats on a HF iron‐deficient diet receiving oral iron, Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus curvatus in different combinations.

METHODS

This was a two‐stage experiment. In groups C (n = 8) and HF (n = 8), rats ate a control or HF diet, respectively, for 16 weeks. In the group HFDEF (n = 48), rats ate a HF iron‐deficient diet for 8 weeks (first stage) and were subsequently divided into 6 groups (n = 8 each) receiving the following for a further 8 weeks (second stage): HFDEF – a HF iron‐deficient diet; HFDEFFe – a HF iron‐deficient diet with iron; HFDEFLp and HFDEFLc – a HF iron‐deficient diet with L. plantarum or L. curvatus, respectively; and HFDEFFeLp and HFDEFFeLc – a HF iron‐deficient diet with iron and L. plantarum or L. curvatus, respectively. Body composition analysis and blood sampling was performed. Markers of iron status and levels of total antioxidant status (TAS), C‐reactive protein (CRP), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) and interleukin 6 (IL‐6) were measured in the blood.

RESULTS

TAS was higher in the HFDEF group (756.57 ± 489.53 ng mL−1) versus the HFDEFLc group (187.04 ± 47.84 ng mL−1; P = 0.022). No more differences were found between groups, or in TAS, CRP, TNF‐α and IL‐6 concentrations. Also, no differences were found between groups for alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, glucose, total cholesterol, low‐ and high‐density lipoproteins and triglycerides. TAS level was positively correlated with ferritin concentration, IL‐6 with TAS and TNF‐α with hepcidin level.

CONCLUSIONS

Supplementation with L. plantarum, L. curvatus and iron in combinations exerts no influence on inflammatory status, lipid profile, hepatic function and serum fasting glucose in rats on a HF iron‐deficient diet. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Magnolin alleviated DSS‐induced colitis by inhibiting ALOX5‐mediated ferroptosis
Authors: Yao Ting , Yao Yuan‐Yuan , Wang Jin‐Zhi , Jiang Shi‐Man , Li Lan‐Juan
Published: February 2024

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic and incurable disorder associated with higher cancer risk and currently faces unsatisfactory treatment outcomes. Ferroptotic cells secrete damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) that recruit and activate immune cells, particularly macrophages. Magnolin has excellent antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties, but its effect on IBD has not yet been clearly understood. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanism of magnolin in IBD. For this purpose, in vivo and in vitro colitis models were established using dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), followed by optimization of magnolin concentration 2.5 μg/mL in vitro and 5 mg/kg in vivo. Bioinformatics analysis identified potential magnolin target sites and evaluated ferroptosis‐associated gene expressions. Body weight, food intake, disease activity index (DAI), pathological changes, and inflammation levels were assessed. The effect of magnolin on ferroptosis and macrophages was evaluated using quantitative real time‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), immunofluorescent staining, flow cytometry, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and western blotting. Results indicated that magnolin at a lower dose (5 mg/kg) alleviated DSS‐induced colitis symptoms and reduced inflammation in mice. The bioinformatics analysis showed arachidonate 5‐lipoxygenase (ALOX5) as a potential magnolin target. Furthermore, magnolin inhibited the expression of ALOX5 with no effect on GPX4. Moreover, magnolin regulated macrophage differentiation into the M2 phenotype and suppressed pro‐inflammatory factors, that is, interleukin‐6 and tumor necrosis factor‐α (IL‐6 and TNFα). These results suggested that magnolin possesses significant therapeutic potential in treating IBD by suppressing ALOX5‐mediated ferroptosis, inhibiting M1 while promoting M2 macrophages, which is envisaged to provide novel strategies for treating IBD.
Mass‐Spectrometric Identification of Proteins and Pathways Responsible for Fouling on Poly(ethylene glycol) Methacrylate Polymer Brushes
Authors: Riedelová Zuzana , de los Santos Pereira Andres , Dorado Daza Diego Fernando , Májek Pavel , Dyčka Filip , Riedel Tomáš
Published: February 2024

Prevention of fouling from proteins in blood plasma attracts significant efforts, and great progress is made in identifying surface coatings that display antifouling properties. In particular, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is widely used and dense PEG‐like cylindrical brushes of poly[oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylate] (poly(OEGMA)) can drastically reduce blood plasma fouling. Herein, a comprehensive study of the variation of blood plasma fouling on this surface, including the analysis of the composition of protein deposits on poly(OEGMA) coatings after contact with blood plasma from many different donors, is reported. Correlation between the plasma fouling behavior and protein deposit composition points to the activation of the complement system as the main culprit of dramatically increased and accelerated deposition of blood plasma proteins on this type of antifouling coating, specifically through the classical pathway. These findings are consistent with observations on PEGylated drug carriers and highlight the importance of understanding the potential interactions between antifouling coatings and their environment.
Directly using H2S to Synthesize Crystalline Poly(thioether‐ester)s via Organocatalysis
Authors: Liu Ziheng , Xia Yanni , Guo Wenqi , Zhang Chengjian , Zhang Xinghong
Published: February 2024

The direct utilization of H2S in polymerization is rarely reported. Here step polymerization of H2S and diacrylates using commercially available organic bases as the catalysts is reported. Poly(thioether‐ester)s are successfully synthesized in an atom‐economical way, as confirmed by 1H NMR spectra, and the molecular weights of these poly(thioether‐ester)s can be up to 64.7 kDa as determined by the gel permeation chromatography, which also shows the polymerization of H2S with diacrylates is stepwise manner. The calculation results show that H2S is first deprotonated by organic base, and the generated HS‐ attacks the double bond of diacrylates through anionic Michael addition, to form the intermediate with double bond and ─SH ends or two ─SH ends (slight excess H2S used). The continuous self‐Michael addition of the polymer species with double bond and ─SH ends is the main manner for chain growth. The resultant polymers exhibit tensile strength and elongation at breaks of as high as 21.6 MPa and 1031%, respectively and can be chemically recycled. This work provides a facile and atom‐economical method to produce sulfur‐containing polymers by directly using commercially available H2S.