bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lower cerebral blood flow predicts cognitive decline in patients with vascular cognitive impairment
Authors: van Dinther Maud , Hooghiemstra Astrid M. , Bron Esther E. , Versteeg Adriaan , Leeuwis Anna E. , Kalay Tugba , Moonen Justine E. , Kuipers Sanne , Backes Walter H. , Jansen Jacobus F. A. , van Osch Mathias J. P. , Biessels Geert‐Jan , Staals Julie , van Oostenbrugge Robert J. ,   Heart‐Brain Connection consortium
Published: July 2023

INTRODUCTION

Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion is one of the assumed pathophysiological mechanisms underlying vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). We investigated the association between baseline cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cognitive decline after 2 years in patients with VCI and reference participants.

METHODS

One hundred eighty‐one participants (mean age 66.3 ± 7.4 years, 43.6% women) underwent arterial spin labeling (ASL) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and neuropsychological assessment at baseline and at 2‐year follow‐up. We determined the association between baseline global and lobar CBF and cognitive decline with multivariable regression analysis.

RESULTS

Lower global CBF at baseline was associated with more global cognitive decline in VCI and reference participants. This association was most profound in the domain of attention/psychomotor speed. Lower temporal and frontal CBF at baseline were associated with more cognitive decline in memory.

DISCUSSION

Our study supports the role of hypoperfusion in the pathophysiological and clinical progression of VCI.

Highlights

Impaired cerebral blood flow (CBF) at baseline is associated with faster cognitive decline in VCI and normal aging.

Our results suggest that low CBF precedes and contributes to the development of vascular cognitive impairment.

CBF determined by ASL might be used as a biomarker to monitor disease progression or treatment responses in VCI.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Flow in Patients with Huntington's Disease
Authors: Hett Kilian , Eisma Jarrod J. , Hernandez Adreanna B. , McKnight Colin D. , Song Alexander , Elenberger Jason , Considine Ciaran , Donahue Manus J. , Claassen Daniel O.
Published: July 2023

Objective

Investigations of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow aberrations in Huntington's disease (HD) are of growing interest, as impaired CSF flow may contribute to mutant Huntington retention and observed heterogeneous responsiveness to intrathecally administered therapies.

Method

We assessed net cerebral aqueduct CSF flow and velocity in 29 HD participants (17 premanifest and 12 manifest) and 51 age‐ and sex matched non‐HD control participants using 3‐Tesla magnetic resonance imaging methods. Regression models were applied to test hypotheses regarding: (i) net CSF flow and cohort, (ii) net CSF flow and disease severity (CAP‐score), and (iii) CSF volume after correcting for age and sex.

Results

Group‐wise analyses support a decrease in net CSF flow in HD (mean 0.14 ± 0.27 mL/min) relative to control (mean 0.32 ± 0.20 mL/min) participants (p = 0.02), with lowest flow in the manifest HD cohort (mean 0.04 ± 0.25 mL/min). This finding was explained by hyperdynamic CSF movement, manifesting as higher caudal systolic CSF flow velocity and higher diastolic cranial CSF flow velocity across the cardiac cycle, in HD (caudal flow: 0.17 ± 0.07 mL/s, cranial flow: 0.14 ± 0.08 mL/s) compared to control (caudal flow: 0.13 ± 0.06 mL/s, cranial flow: 0.11 ± 0.04 mL/s) participants. A positive correlation between cranial diastolic flow and disease severity was observed (p = 0.02).

Interpretations

Findings support aqueductal CSF flow dynamics changing with disease severity in HD. These accelerated changes are consistent with changes observed over the typical adult lifespan, and may have relevance to mutant Huntington retention and intrathecally administered therapeutics responsiveness. ANN NEUROL 2023;94:885–894
Liquids with Permanent Macroporosity
Authors: Egleston Benjamin D. , Greenaway Rebecca L.
Published: July 2023

Permanent macropores (>50 nm) had not been reported in the liquid state until a recent report by Tao Li and co‐workers describing a synthetic strategy to form a porous liquid with dual micro‐macroporosity. This is prepared by producing hierarchically porous particles that are surface coated and fluidised by dispersion. Surface micropores enable permanent porosity by steric exclusion of the fluid phase. The material has a considerable water uptake capacity (27 % w/w) due to large (480 nm) unoccupied macropores. This also enables switching of thermal conductivity on uptake of water. These are new properties translated from porous solids to the liquid state.
Probing Magnetic Ordering in Air Stable Iron‐Rich Van der Waals Minerals
Authors: Khan Muhammad Zubair , Peil Oleg E. , Sharma Apoorva , Selyshchev Oleksandr , Valencia Sergio , Kronast Florian , Zimmermann Maik , Aslam Muhammad Awais , Raith Johann G. , Teichert Christian , Zahn Dietrich R. T. , Salvan Georgeta , Matković Aleksandar
Published: July 2023

Magnetic monolayers show great promise for future applications in nanoelectronics, data storage, and sensing. The research in magnetic two‐dimensional (2D) materials focuses on synthetic iodides and tellurides, which suffer from a lack of ambient stability. So far, naturally occurring layered magnetic materials have been overlooked. These minerals offer a unique opportunity to explore complex air‐stable layered systems with high concentration of magnetic ions. Magnetic ordering in iron‐rich phyllosilicates is demonstrated, focusing on minnesotaite, annite, and biotite. These naturally occurring layered materials integrate local moment baring ions of iron via magnesium/aluminum substitution in their octahedral sites. Self‐inherent capping by silicate/aluminate tetrahedral groups enables air stability of ultra‐thin layers. Their structure and iron oxidation states are determined via Raman and X‐ray spectroscopies. Superconducting quantum interference device magnetometry measurements are performed to examine the magnetic ordering. Paramagnetic or superparamagnetic characteristics at room temperature are observed. Below 40 K ferrimagnetic or antiferromagnetic ordering occurs. In‐field magnetic force microscopy on exfoliated flakes confirms that the paramagnetic response at room temperature persists down to monolayers. Further, a correlation between the mixture of the oxidation states of iron and the critical ordering temperature is established, indicating a path to design materials with higher critical temperatures via oxidation state engineering.
On the Viability of Lithium Bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide as Electrolyte Salt for Use in Lithium‐Ion Capacitors
Authors: Schweigart Philipp , Eleri Obinna Egwu , Nylund Inger‐Emma , Lai Samson Yuxiu , Lou Fengliu , Svensson Ann Mari
Published: July 2023

Lithium‐ion capacitors (LICs) represent promising high‐power energy storage devices, most commonly composed of a lithium‐ion intercalation anode (e. g., graphite or hard carbon), a supercapacitor activated carbon (AC) cathode, and an electrolyte with 1 M LiPF6 in carbonate solvents. LiPF6 is susceptible to hydrolysis, forming HF, which leads to challenges for disassembly and recycling, risks during hazardous events, and extensive energy consumption during production. Here, we report on the feasibility of replacing LiPF6 with the non‐hydrolysing salt LiFSI for use with AC electrodes. Based on voltage hold measurements in a half‐cell setup, good long‐term stability is achieved with an upper cut‐off voltage of 3.95 V vs. Li/Li+, potentially enabling cell voltages of ~3.8 V when combined with graphite or silicon‐based anodes (operating at ~0.1 V vs. Li/Li+) in LIC full cells. The lower cut‐off voltage was determined to be 2.15 V vs. Li/Li+. The systematic comparison of CV, leakage current analysis and capacity retention upon voltage hold highlights the importance of the latter method to provide a realistic assessment of the electrochemical stability window (ESW) of LiFSI on a commercial AC electrode. The morphological and surface‐chemical post‐mortem analysis of AC electrodes used with LiFSI revealed that the oxidation of the FSI anion, as evidenced by the presence of new S 2p and N 1s features in the XPS spectra, and an increasing number of oxygenated species on the AC were the main processes causing capacity fade at positive polarization.
Scientific impact of the National Birth Defects Prevention Network multistate collaborative publications
Authors: Bascom Jacqueline T. , Stephens Sara B. , Lupo Philip J. , Canfield Mark A. , Kirby Russell S. , Nestoridi Eirini , Salemi Jason L. , Mai Cara T. , Nembhard Wendy N. , Forestieri Nina E. , Romitti Paul A. , St. Louis Amanda M. , Agopian A. J.
Published: July 2023

Background

Given the lack of a national, population‐based birth defects surveillance program in the United States, the National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN) has facilitated important studies on surveillance, research, and prevention of major birth defects. We sought to summarize NBDPN peer‐reviewed publications and their impact.

Methods

We obtained and reviewed a curated list of 49 NBDPN multistate collaborative publications during 2000–2022, as of December 31, 2022. Each publication was reviewed and classified by type (e.g., risk factor association analysis). Key characteristics of study populations and analytic approaches used, along with publication impact (e.g., number of citations), were tabulated.

Results

NBDPN publications focused on prevalence estimates (N = 17), surveillance methods (N = 11), risk factor associations (N = 10), mortality and other outcomes among affected individuals (N = 6), and descriptive epidemiology of various birth defects (N = 5). The most cited publications were those that reported on prevalence estimates for a spectrum of defects and those that assessed changes in neural tube defects (NTD) prevalence following mandatory folic acid fortification in the United States.

Conclusions

Results from multistate NBDPN publications have provided critical information not available through other sources, including US prevalence estimates of major birth defects, folic acid fortification and NTD prevention, and improved understanding of defect trends and surveillance efforts. Until a national birth defects surveillance program is established in the United States, NBDPN collaborative publications remain an important resource for investigating birth defects and informing decisions related to health services planning of secondary disabilities prevention and care.
Thermoluminescence dosimeter (TLD) studies of Ca10K(PO4)7:Dy phosphor for applications in radiation dosimetry
Authors: Chand Sansar , Mehra Rohit , Chopra Vibha
Published: July 2023

This study reports the thermoluminescence (TL) aspects of Ca10K(PO4)7:Dy phosphor synthesized using a wet chemical method for the first time. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) results confirm the formation of the desired crystalline phase. Surface morphological studies reveal the formation of polyhedrons and agglomerations having an average diameter of 200 nm, while energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) data show the presence and composition of the elements in appropriate amounts. The effect of Dy doping concentration has been studied on the TL properties with exposure to gamma radiations from the Co‐60 source. The best TL response has been observed for 5 mol% Dy doping concentration. The glow curve is simple and consists of a single peak at 130°C. The effect of the heating rate has been studied on the TL glow curve, and the heating rate of 5°C/s shows the best TL response. The various TL properties such as annealing conditions, dose–response, TL linearity, fading, and reusability of the prepared phosphor have been studied to check its suitability as a good TL dosimeter (TLD). TL characterization of the phosphor reports that the TL response is linear from 5‐ to 2000 Gy. The results show that this phosphor can be a good TLD for the dosimetry of gamma radiations from Co‐60.
Current challenges and recent advances on the path towards continuous biomanufacturing
Authors: Drobnjakovic Milos , Hart Roger , Kulvatunyou Boonserm (Serm) , Ivezic Nenad , Srinivasan Vijay
Published: July 2023

Continuous biopharmaceutical manufacturing is currently a field of intense research due to its potential to make the entire production process more optimal for the modern, ever‐evolving biopharmaceutical market. Compared to traditional batch manufacturing, continuous bioprocessing is more efficient, adjustable, and sustainable and has reduced capital costs. However, despite its clear advantages, continuous bioprocessing is yet to be widely adopted in commercial manufacturing. This article provides an overview of the technological roadblocks for extensive adoptions and points out the recent advances that could help overcome them. In total, three key areas for improvement are identified: Quality by Design (QbD) implementation, integration of upstream and downstream technologies, and data and knowledge management. First, the challenges to QbD implementation are explored. Specifically, process control, process analytical technology (PAT), critical process parameter (CPP) identification, and mathematical models for bioprocess control and design are recognized as crucial for successful QbD realizations. Next, the difficulties of end‐to‐end process integration are examined, with a particular emphasis on downstream processing. Finally, the problem of data and knowledge management and its potential solutions are outlined where ontologies and data standards are pointed out as key drivers of progress.
Embryological basis of polyorchidism including classification, reproductive potential, and risk of malignancy: A review
Authors: Pliszka Anna , Wawrzyniak Agata , Walocha Jerzy , Musiał Agata , Bonczar Michał , Ostrowski Tomasz , Polguj Michał , Wysiadecki Grzegorz , Clarke Edward , Tubbs R. Shane , Balawender Krzysztof
Published: July 2023

Polyorchidism, a congenital malformation characterized by supernumerary testes (SNTs), is usually revealed incidentally during ultrasound or open scrotal surgery. In the approximately 200 cases so far published in the literature, the left side is affected more often than the right. Despite the rarity of this anomaly, a surgeon must have basic knowledge of its embryological basis and classifications to implement proper treatment and avoid overlooking it, since the consequences could harm the patient. This review summarizes previous classifications. It can be assumed that determining the risk of malignancy, and the level of reproductive potential based on location, vascularization, ductus deferens drainage, and environmental factors (e.g., temperature) affecting the SNTs, indicates the best approach to management. Therefore, we have created a new classification based on previous ones, addressing the aforementioned issues, which will guide the clinician to select the most appropriate treatment.
Global trends of cancer: The role of diet, lifestyle, and environmental factors
Authors: Bahrami Hassan , Tafrihi Majid
Published: July 2023

Effective treatment of cancer requires understanding the nature of the disease and accurately addressing the main root causes. General risk factors for cancer include poor nutrition, an acidogenic diet, an unhealthy lifestyle, and exposure to carcinogens such as toxins, chemicals, and radiation. The risk of developing cancers may be reduced by sufficient oxygenation and maintaining optimal alkalinity and nutritional balance at the cell level. The review paper summarizes some diet and lifestyle modifications that may potentially be considered for preventing and controlling some cancers. Moreover, worldwide statistical data for cancer incidence rates published by International Agency for Research on Cancer are analyzed for certain cancers regionally, concerning the effect of dietary habits and environmental factors that meaningfully correlate with the global trends of cancer. The study of cancer root causes integrated with analyzing the statistics related to cancer incidence rates suggests that the risk of developing cancer may be reduced by modifying dietary habits and lifestyle factors, as well as reducing exposure to carcinogens. Those with healthy balanced dietary habits may have a lower cancer risk than those who frequently have unhealthy diets; hence, considering a balanced natural diet and healthy lifestyle may be suggested as a complementary or alternative solution in cancer treatments.
Design, Synthesis, and Antifungal Activities of Novel Carboxamides Derivatives Bearing a Chalcone Scaffold as Potential SDHIs
Authors: Luo Bo , Zhang Chongchong , Liang Suya , Zhou Wei , Hu Yihan , Li Yulin , Hu Jiayi , Qu Lailiang
Published: July 2023

In search for SDHIs fungicides, twenty‐five novel carboxamides containing a chalcone scaffold were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for antifungal activities against five pathogenic fungi. The results showed that compound 5 k exhibited outstanding antifungal activity against R. solani with an EC50 value of 0.20 μg/mL, which was much better than that of commercial SDHIs Boscalid (EC50=0.74 μg/mL). Moreover, compound 5 k also displayed promising antifungal activities against S. sclerotiorum, B. cinerea, and A. alternate (IC50=2.53–4.06 μg/mL), indicating that 5 k had broad‐spectrum antifungal activity. Additionally, in vivo antifungal activities results showed that 5 k could significantly inhibit the growth of R. solani in rice leaves with good protective efficacy (57.78 %) and curative efficacy (58.45 %) at 100 μg/mL, both of which were much better than those of Boscalid, indicating a promising application prospect. Moreover, SEM analysis showed that compound 5 k could remarkably disrupt the typical structure and morphology of R. solani hyphae. Further SDH enzyme inhibition assay and molecular docking study revealed that lead compound 5 k had a similar mechanism of action as commercial SDHI Boscalid. These results indicated that compound 5 k showed potential as a SDHIs fungicide and deserved further investigation.
Carbon‐based interface engineering and architecture design for high‐performance lithium metal anodes
Authors: Zhu Na , Yang Yuxiang , Li Yu , Bai Ying , Rong Junfeng , Wu Chuan
Published: July 2023

Metallic lithium (Li) is considered the “Holy Grail” anode material for the next‐generation of Li batteries with high energy density owing to the extraordinary theoretical specific capacity and the lowest negative electrochemical potential. However, owing to inhomogeneous Li‐ion flux, Li anodes undergo uncontrollable Li deposition, leading to limited power output and practical applications. Carbon materials and their composites with controllable structures and properties have received extensive attention to guide the homogeneous growth of Li to achieve high‐performance Li anodes. In this review, the correlation between the behavior of Li anode and the properties of carbon materials is proposed. Subsequently, we review emerging strategies for rationally designing high‐performance Li anodes with carbon materials, including interface engineering (stabilizing solid electrolyte interphase layer and other functionalized interfacial layer) and architecture design of host carbon (constructing three‐dimension structure, preparing hollow structure, introducing lithiophilic sites, optimizing geometric effects, and compositing with Li). Based on the insights, some prospects on critical challenges and possible future research directions in this field are concluded. It is anticipated that further innovative works on the fundamental chemistry and theoretical research of Li anodes are needed.
Diverse Synthesis of 2H‐Isoindole‐Based Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds
Authors: Kawazoe Teru , Yanai Hikaru , Hagiyama Yuto , Funabiki Kazumasa , Matsumoto Takashi
Published: July 2023

1,3‐Disubstituted N‐aryl‐2H‐isoindoles have been synthesized by a cascade reaction of divinyl ethers, which are derived from easily available 4‐bromoisocoumarins, with substituted anilines in HFIP. This cascade reaction consists of a ring‐opening step through addition‐elimination mechanism and the following 5‐exo‐tet type ring‐closing step via the intramolecular nucleophilic substitution reaction. Thus obtained 2H‐isoindoles have been derivatized to high‐order nitrogen‐containing polycycles including less accessible benzo[a]ullazines.
PROTOCOL: Impact of summer programmes on the outcomes of disadvantaged or at risk young people: A systematic review
Authors: Muir Daniel , Newton Becci , Orlando Cristiana
Published: July 2023

This is the protocol for a Campbell systematic review. The objectives are as follows: based on the findings of the initial literature review regarding the types of summer programmes used to support disadvantaged or at risk young people, the outcomes they aim to affect and the goals of the funding organisations and research team, this review will seek to answer the following research questions: (1) to what extent does participation in summer employment programmes improve outcomes for disadvantaged or at risk young people, (2) to what extent does participation in summer educational programmes improve outcomes for disadvantaged or at risk young people, and (3) to what extent do the impacts of summer programmes vary based on the study, participant and intervention characteristics including the racial and ethnic make‐up of participants?
Integrability of Einstein deformations and desingularizations
Authors: Ozuch Tristan
Published: July 2023

We study the question of the integrability of Einstein deformations and relate it to the question of the desingularization of Einstein metrics. Our main application is a negative answer to the long‐standing question of whether or not every Einstein 4‐orbifold (which is an Einstein metric space in a synthetic sense) is limit of smooth Einstein 4‐manifolds. We more precisely show that spherical and hyperbolic 4‐orbifolds with the simplest singularities cannot be Gromov‐Hausdorff limits of smooth Einstein 4‐metrics without relying on previous integrability assumptions. For this, we analyze the integrability of deformations of Ricci‐flat ALE metrics through variations of Schoen's Pohozaev identity. Inspired by Taub's conserved quantity in General Relativity, we also introduce conserved integral quantities based on the symmetries of Einstein metrics. These quantities are obstructions to the integrability of infinitesimal Einstein deformations “closing up” inside a hypersurface – even with change of topology. We show that many previously identified obstructions to the desingularization of Einstein 4‐metrics are equivalent to these quantities on Ricci‐flat cones. In particular, all of the obstructions to desingularizations bubbling off Eguchi‐Hanson metrics are recovered. This lets us further interpret the obstructions to the desingularization of Einstein metrics as a defect of integrability.
Kraft Lignin: A Valuable, Sustainable Resource, Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Argyropoulos Dimitris D. S. , Crestini Claudia , Dahlstrand Christian , Furusjö Erik , Gioia Claudio , Jedvert Kerstin , Henriksson Gunnar , Hulteberg Christian , Lawoko Martin , Pierrou Clara , Samec Joseph S. M. , Subbotina Elena , Wallmo Henrik , Wimby Martin
Published: July 2023

Kraft lignin, a by‐product from the production of pulp, is currently incinerated in the recovery boiler during the chemical recovery cycle, generating valuable bioenergy and recycling inorganic chemicals to the pulping process operation. Removing lignin from the black liquor or its gasification lowers the recovery boiler load enabling increased pulp production. During the past ten years, lignin separation technologies have emerged and the interest of the research community to valorize this underutilized resource has been invigorated. The aim of this Review is to give (1) a dedicated overview of the kraft process with a focus on the lignin, (2) an overview of applications that are being developed, and (3) a techno‐economic and life cycle asseeements of value chains from black liquor to different products. Overall, it is anticipated that this effort will inspire further work for developing and using kraft lignin as a commodity raw material for new applications undeniably promoting pivotal global sustainability concerns.
Recent Advances in Transfer‐Free Synthesis of High‐Quality Graphene
Authors: Li Yinghan , Zhou Kaixuan , Ci Haina , Sun Jingyu
Published: July 2023

High‐quality graphene obtained by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique holds significant importance in constructing innovative electronic and optoelectronic devices. Direct growth of graphene over target substrates readily eliminates cumbersome transfer processes, offering compatibility with practical application scenarios. Recent years have witnessed growing strategic endeavors in the preparation of transfer‐free graphene with favorable quality. Nevertheless, timely review articles on this topic are still scarce. In this contribution, a systematic summary of recent advances in transfer‐free synthesis of high‐quality graphene on insulating substrates, with a focus on discussing synthetic strategies designed by elevating reaction temperature, confining gas flow, introducing growth promotor and regulating substrate surface is presented.
A biometric‐based implicit authentication protocol with privacy protection for ubiquitous communication environments
Authors: Liu Feng , Liu Hongyue , Kannadasan R. , Jiang Qi
Published: July 2023

Due to the proliferation of the wireless communication technologies, we are now in the era of ubiquitous computing. People can enjoy services almost in any time and any location based on the mobile intelligent devices. Meanwhile, more and more personal information are transmitted through the network. To protect these sensitive information, authentication and privacy protection are primary concerns in ubiquitous communication environments. However, traditional physical‐based biometric authentication scheme usually requires explicit cooperation of the user, which is inconvenient to the users. In order to solve this problem, a behavior biometric authentication protocol with privacy protection is designed using matrix multiplication and homomorphic encryption for ubiquitous communication environments. The correctness, security, and privacy protection properties are proved with security analysis. Performance evaluation shows that our protocol achieves stronger security and higher communication efficiency compared with other related protocols, which makes it very suitable for ubiquitous communication environments because communication consumes much more energy than computation does in mobile communication.
A robust harmonization approach for cognitive data from multiple aging and dementia cohorts
Authors: Giorgio Joseph , Tanna Ankeet , Malpetti Maura , White Simon R. , Wang Jingshen , Baker Suzanne , Landau Susan , Tanaka Tomotaka , Chen Christopher , Rowe James B. , O'Brien John , Fripp Jurgen , Breakspear Michael , Jagust William , Kourtzi Zoe ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, Australian Imaging Biomarkers and Lifestyle flagship study
Published: July 2023

INTRODUCTION

Although many cognitive measures have been developed to assess cognitive decline due to Alzheimer's disease (AD), there is little consensus on optimal measures, leading to varied assessments across research cohorts and clinical trials making it difficult to pool cognitive measures across studies.

METHODS

We used a two‐stage approach to harmonize cognitive data across cohorts and derive a cross‐cohort score of cognitive impairment due to AD. First, we pool and harmonize cognitive data from international cohorts of varying size and ethnic diversity. Next, we derived cognitive composites that leverage maximal data from the harmonized dataset.

RESULTS

We show that our cognitive composites are robust across cohorts and achieve greater or comparable sensitivity to AD‐related cognitive decline compared to the Mini‐Mental State Examination and Preclinical Alzheimer Cognitive Composite. Finally, we used an independent cohort validating both our harmonization approach and composite measures.

DISCUSSION

Our easy to implement and readily available pipeline offers an approach for researchers to harmonize their cognitive data with large publicly available cohorts, providing a simple way to pool data for the development or validation of findings related to cognitive decline due to AD.
Thimet oligopeptidase as a potential CSF biomarker for Alzheimer's disease: A cross‐platform validation study
Authors: Hok‐A‐Hin Yanaika S. , Bolsewig Katharina , Ruiters Daimy N. , Lleó Alberto , Alcolea Daniel , Lemstra Afina W. , van der Flier Wiesje M. , Teunissen Charlotte E. , del Campo Marta
Published: July 2023

INTRODUCTION

Our previous antibody‐based cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proteomics study showed that Thimet oligopeptidase (THOP1), an amyloid beta (Aβ) neuropeptidase, was increased in mild cognitive impairment with amyloid pathology (MCI‐Aβ+) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia compared with controls and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), highlighting the potential of CSF THOP1 as an early specific biomarker for AD. We aimed to develop THOP1 immunoassays for large‐scale analysis and validate our proteomics findings in two independent cohorts.

METHODS

We developed in‐house CSF THOP1 immunoassays on automated Ella and Simoa platforms. The performance of the different assays were compared using Passing–Bablok regression analysis in a subset of CSF samples from the discovery cohort (n = 72). Clinical validation was performed in two independent cohorts (cohort 1: n = 200; cohort 2: n = 165) using the Ella platform.

RESULTS

THOP1 concentrations moderately correlated between proteomics analysis and our novel assays (Rho > 0.580). In both validation cohorts, CSF THOP1 was increased in MCI‐Aβ+ (>1.3‐fold) and AD (>1.2‐fold) compared with controls; and between MCI‐Aβ+ and DLB (>1.2‐fold). Higher THOP1 concentrations were detected in AD compared with DLB only when both cohorts were analyzed together. In both cohorts, THOP1 correlated with CSF total tau (t‐tau), phosphorylated tau (p‐tau), and Aβ40 (Rho > 0.540) but not Aβ42.

DISCUSSION

Validation of our proteomics findings underpins the potential of CSF THOP1 as an early specific biomarker associated with AD pathology. The use of antibody‐based platforms in both the discovery and validation phases facilitated the translation of proteomics findings, providing an additional workflow that may accelerate the development of biofluid‐based biomarkers.
Effects of a hydropower project on a high‐value Asian elephant population
Authors: Budd Kris , Suddychan Daophone , Tyson Martin , Coudrat Camille N. Z. , McWilliam Alex , Hallam Christopher D. , Johnson Arlyne , Eggert Lori S.
Published: July 2023

Habitat loss and fragmentation are leading contributors to the endangered status of species. In 2006, the Nakai Plateau contained the largest known Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) population in the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), and the population was among those with the highest genetic diversity reported for Asian elephants. In 2008, completion of the Nam Theun 2 hydroelectric dam inundated much of the Plateau, resulting in the loss of 40% of elephant habitat. We studied elephant presence, movements, and the incidence of human–elephant conflict (HEC) on the Nakai Plateau and surrounding areas from 2004 to 2020, before and for 12 years after dam completion. To examine contemporary population dynamics in the Nakai elephants, we used genetic sampling to compare minimum population numbers, demography, and levels of genetic diversity from the wet and dry seasons in 2018/2019, 10 years after dam completion, with those reported in a pre‐dam‐completion genetic survey. After dam completion, we found a major increase in HEC locally and the creation of new, serious, and persistent HEC problems as far as 100 km away. While we were unable to compare estimated population sizes before and after dam completion, our data revealed a decrease in genetic diversity, a male‐biased sex ratio, and evidence of dispersal from the Plateau by breeding‐age females. Our results raise concerns about the long‐term viability of this important population as well as that of other species in this region. Given that hydropower projects are of economic importance throughout Laos and elsewhere in southeast Asia, this study has important implications for understanding and mitigating their impact.
Palliative care in heart failure guidelines: A comparison of the 2021 ESC and the 2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA guidelines on heart failure
Authors: Blum Moritz , Goldstein Nathan E. , Jaarsma Tiny , Allen Larry A. , Gelfman Laura P.
Published: July 2023

The role of palliative care for patients with heart failure (HF) is discussed in both most recent HF guidelines, the 2021 ESC guideline and the 2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA guideline. This review compares the definitions, concepts and specific recommendations regarding palliative care for patients with HF in these two guidelines. Both HF guidelines define palliative care as a multidisciplinary approach aimed at alleviating physical, psychological and spiritual distress of patients and caregivers. Both agree emphatically on the importance of palliative care across all stages of HF with integration early in the illness trajectory. Also, the guidelines concur that palliative care should include symptom management, communication about prognosis and life‐sustaining therapies, as well as advance care planning. Despite this consensus, only the AHA/ACC/HFSA guideline gives official recommendations on the provision of palliative care. Moreover, the AHA/ACC/HFSA guideline advocates for a needs‐based approach to palliative care allocation while the ESC guideline ties palliative care closely to advanced HF and end‐of‐life care. The ESC guideline highlights the need for regular symptom assessment and provides detailed guidance on symptom management. The AHA/ACC/HFSA guideline elaborates further on shared decision‐making, caregiver and bereavement support, as well as hospice care, and distinguishes between primary palliative care (provided by all clinicians) and secondary (specialty‐level) palliative care. Although there is strong agreement on the importance and components of palliative care for patients with HF, there are nuanced differences between the two HF guidelines. Most notably, only the AHA/ACC/HFSA guideline issues recommendations for the provision of palliative care.
A High‐Performance Dual‐Carbon Na‐Ion Capacitor Fabricated from a Single Biowaste Precursor
Authors: Nanaji Katchala , Rao Tata N.
Published: July 2023

A major limitation of sodium‐ion capacitors (NIC) lies in their dissimilar charge storage mechanism of ion adsorption cathodes with fast reaction kinetics, versus battery‐like anodes, having slow kinetics. It is possible to address this concern by designing NIC architecture with effective electrode strategies. In this study, a dual carbon NIC is constructed from a single bio‐waste precursor (pistachio shell) by employing a facile approach to achieve a graphene sheet‐like activated carbon cathode and disordered hard carbon anode as respective positive and negative electrodes. Detailed textural analysis of the activated carbon material indicates a highly ordered sp2 carbon composition and a sheet‐like morphology. The dual carbon NIC delivers a specific capacity of 71 mAh g−1 and yields an excellent energy density of 141 Wh kg−1 at 198 W kg−1 (based on total active material mass) whereas the activated carbon‐based supercapacitor exhibits an energy density of 24 Wh kg−1 at 675 W kg−1. Hence, the pistachios shell derived carbon sheets with large effective surface area possess sufficient porosity for facile ion transfer kinetics resulting in high adsorption capacity, while hard carbon anode with disordered structure facilitates Na‐ion intercalation, thus balancing the electrode kinetics of both the electrode materials in NIC device.
Achievements and challenges of copper‐based single‐atom catalysts for the reduction of carbon dioxide to C2+ products
Authors: Tang Tianmi , Wang Zhenlu , Guan Jingqi
Published: July 2023

Copper is the only metal that can convert CO2 into C2 and C2+ in electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction (CO2RR). However, the Faraday efficiency of CO2 conversion to C2 and C2+ products at high current densities is still low, which cannot meet the actual industrial demand. Here, the design methods of single‐atom copper catalysts (including regulating the coordination environment of single‐atom copper, modifying the carbon base surface and constructing diatomic Cu catalysts) are reviewed, and the current limitations and future research directions of copper‐based single‐atom catalysts are proposed, providing directions for the industrial conversion of CO2 into C2 and C2+ products.
Improving ecological function of polluted coasts under a tide of plastic waste
Authors: McAfee Dominic , Leung Jonathan YS , Connell Sean D
Published: July 2023

Unprecedented levels of plastics are entering coastal seas, which are already subject to another insidious pollutant: excess nitrogen. Both pollutants were created to enhance human well‐being on land but once in the sea they impair the function of filter‐feeding organisms that help maintain coastal water quality. We conceptualized evidence to show that oysters (Ostrea spp), the reefs of which can provide a biological solution for managing water quality, can effectively reduce the threat of algal blooms caused by excess nitrogen pollution, even when exposed to moderate microplastic pollution. Yet the functional collapse of this ecosystem service (filter‐feeding by oysters) is at risk if current trends in plastic pollution continue, and pollution thresholds that predict functional collapse have already been exceeded in the world's most polluted rivers. Nevertheless, although the plastic problem is daunting, growing social and political awareness of the need to reduce plastic waste provides hope that a sustainable material society can be attained.
Divergent auditory activation in relation to inhibition task performance in children and adults
Authors: van Bijnen Sam , Muotka Joona , Parviainen Tiina
Published: July 2023

Adults and children show remarkable differences in cortical auditory activation which, in children, have shown relevance for cognitive performance, specifically inhibitory control. However, it has not been tested whether these differences translate to functional differences in response inhibition between adults and children. We recorded auditory responses of adults and school‐aged children (6–14 years) using combined magneto‐ and electroencephalography (M/EEG) during passive listening conditions and an auditory Go/No‐go task. The associations between auditory cortical responses and inhibition performance measures diverge between adults and children; while in children the brain–behavior associations are not significant, or stronger responses are beneficial, adults show negative associations between auditory cortical responses and inhibitory performance. Furthermore, we found differences in brain responses between adults and children; the late (~200 ms post stimulation) adult peak activation shifts from auditory to frontomedial areas. In contrast, children show prolonged obligatory responses in the auditory cortex. Together this likely translates to a functional difference between adults and children in the cortical resources for performance consistency in auditory‐based cognitive tasks.
Factors underlying burnout among rural village physicians in Southwestern China
Authors: Zhu Xingyue , Chen Yang , Liao Xingjiang
Published: July 2023

Background

Primary healthcare doctors in China often experience problems with occupational burnout, a condition known to relate to high job stress and low wages. In China, many medical alliances have recently been established in rural areas, where village physicians work as healthcare gatekeepers. However, burnout in village physicians in the context of medical alliances remains underresearched.

Methods

This cross‐sectional survey was conducted among 100 village physicians practicing at village clinics in Qiandongnan prefecture, Guizhou province, China. An online questionnaire was distributed to assess physicians' demographic characteristics and work situations. Burnout was measured using the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (validated Chinese version). A multivariate linear model with stepwise procedure was used to estimate the effects of factors of interest on burnout, focusing particularly on actions within the medical alliance that involved respondents' clinics, such as training and support for village physicians provided by higher‐level facilities.

Results

The overall response rate was 79%. The mean burnout score was 38.09 (standard deviation, 4.55; range, 25–47). The multivariate analysis showed that fewer working years and too much farming work were significantly related to exacerbation of burnout. Greater medical services in the total workload and greater support from higher‐level facilities were associated with burnout alleviation.

Conclusion

Close connections and interactions across medical alliance member facilities could facilitate reduction in burnout for village physicians practicing as primary care gatekeepers.
Accounting‐based variables as an early warning indicator of financial distress in crisis and non‐crisis periods
Authors: Powell Robert J. , Dinh Dung V. , Vu Nam Thanh , Vo Duc Hong
Published: July 2023

Financial integration in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region is a key focus of the ASEAN Economic Community. Whereas many studies focus on modelling corporate default, this paper identifies early warning indicators of financial distress before a default, using multiple discriminant analysis (MDA) models with a sample of listed and delisted companies in the ASEAN region. The analysis examines 720 companies in 10 different industries across six ASEAN countries from 1997 to 2016. The study constructs individual models for each country as well as an overall model for the entire region, using both in‐sample and out‐of‐sample approaches. This overall model could be useful for an integrated banking system. To ensure robustness, the study also separately examines the predictive performance of the MDA models across different economic crises: the Asian financial crisis (AFC) from 1997 to 2000, the global financial crisis (GFC) from 2007 to 2009 and their pre‐ and post‐crisis periods. We find that profitability ratios are the best indicators of financial distress in the ASEAN region, followed by liquidity and leverage ratios. In addition, our findings reveal common indicators that can be used to predict financial distress across ASEAN countries. The single model performs reasonably well in predicting financial distress 1 year ahead. In addition, the model is extended to incorporate a market‐based indicator into the MDA models, the distance to default. However, the inclusion of this indicator does not significantly improve the accuracy of the models in predicting financial distress at listed firms in the ASEAN region.
Mother‐to‐child Chagas disease transmission: The challenge of detection and prevention in areas without the risk of vectorial transmission
Authors: Palacios Gil‐Antuñano Santiago , Gold Silvia , Abril Marcelo , Segovia Hernández Manuel , Cancelo‐Hidalgo Maria Jesus , Flores‐Chávez Maria , Pelayo‐Delgado Irene
Published: July 2023

Chagas disease (CD) is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Although it is endemic in many Latin American (LA) countries, mother‐to‐child transmission has caused it to expand to other countries and continents. In places where vector transmission is controlled or absent, the epidemiological importance of T. cruzi transmission of the infected mother to her child during pregnancy or childbirth (i.e., perinatal CD) increases. In countries where CD is not endemic, CD screening should be performed in pregnant or fertile women who are native to LA countries or whose mothers are native to LA countries. Diagnosis is established by detecting anti–T. cruzi IgG antibodies in a serum or plasma sample. Antiparasitic treatment cannot be offered during pregnancy, and since the majority of infected newborns are asymptomatic at birth, a diagnosis is made by direct observation or concentration (microhematocrit) or by using molecular testing techniques. Once the infected child receives a diagnosis, it is essential to offer treatment (benznidazole/nifurtimox) as soon as possible, with good tolerance and effectiveness in the first year of life. Even if the diagnosis is negative at birth, the newborn must be followed up for at least the first 9 months of life.
Anticholinergic Versus Antihistaminic Treatment for Simulator Sickness Prevention
Authors: Ben‐Ari Oded , Sarfati Shani , Gordon Barak , Assa Amit , Nakdimon Idan
Published: July 2023

Flight simulators have an essential role in aircrew training. Occasionally, symptoms of motion sickness, defined as simulator sickness, develop during these sessions. Preventive methods for motion sickness have been investigated thoroughly; however, only a few studies have examined preventive treatments for simulator sickness. The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of scopolamine (an anticholinergic drug) compared with cinnarizine (an antihistaminic drug) for helicopter simulator sickness prevention. A validated simulator sickness questionnaire (SSQ) score was used to determine the severity of simulator sickness symptoms in this study. Preliminary SSQ scores and SSQ scores after each sortie were calculated. Each participant was given scopolamine, cinnarizine, or a placebo in a double‐blind randomized manner before the first sortie of each training day. Forty‐one helicopter pilots participated in the trial. The average age was 30.5 ± 7.1 years. SSQ values significantly improved from an average of 73.30 in the preliminary SSQ questionnaire to an average of 30.92 after 2 hours following the administration of cinnarizine (P = .012, 95%CI 8.071‐76.703). Scopolamine was found to be less effective than both cinnarizine and the placebo in the alleviation of simulator sickness symptoms. This study is the first to compare scopolamine with cinnarizine for simulator sickness prevention. Based on the results of this study, we recommend the use of cinnarizine over scopolamine for simulator sickness prevention.
The effect of subjectivity and objectivity in online reviews: A convolutional neural network approach
Authors: Park Sang Kyu , Song Taikgun , Sela Aner
Published: July 2023

User reviews are now an essential source of information for consumers, exerting strong influence on purchase decisions. Broadly speaking, reviews rated by consumers as more helpful exert a greater influence downstream. The current research examines how the linguistic characteristics of a review affect its helpfulness score. Using a convolutional neural network (CNN), this research analyzes the linguistic subjectivity and objectivity of over 2 million reviews on Amazon. The results show that, ceteris paribus, both linguistic subjectivity and objectivity have a positive impact on review helpfulness. However, contrary to consumers' intuition, when subjectivity and objectivity are combined in the same review, review helpfulness increases less than their respective separate effects would predict, especially for hedonic products. We conceptualize that this results from the increased complexity of messages mixing subjective and objective sentences, which requires more effortful processing. The findings extend the literature on online reviews, word‐of‐mouth, and text analysis in marketing, and offer practical implications for marketing communication and facilitation of reviews.
Understanding the pathogenesis of portal vein thrombosis in liver cirrhosis: We are still on the way
Authors: Wang Ran , Tong Zhenhua , Jia Zhe , Qi Xingshun
Published: July 2023

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a common complication of liver cirrhosis. In this issue of theJournal of Clinical Ultrasound: Sonography and other Imaging Techniques, a systematic review and meta‐analysis by Giri et al assessed the role of portal system hemodynamics for predicting the presence and development of PVT in liver cirrhosis.