bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atherosclerotic Plaque Progression and Incident Cardiovascular Events in a 10‐Year Prospective Study of Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: The Impact of Persistent Cardiovascular Risk Factor Target Attainment and Sustained DORIS Remission
Authors: Papazoglou Nikolaos , Sfikakis Petros P. , Tektonidou Maria G.
Published: December 2024

Objective

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death in individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We assessed atherosclerotic plaque progression and incident cardiovascular events in patients with SLE over a 10‐year follow‐up.

Methods

We prospectively analyzed 738 carotid ultrasound measurements (413 in patients with SLE and 325 in age/sex‐matched healthy controls [HCs]) to assess new plaque development from baseline to 3‐, 7‐, and 10‐year follow‐up. Multivariate mixed‐effects Poisson regression models examined potential predictors of plaque progression, including patient characteristics, Systemic Coronary Risk Evaluation, traditional cardiovascular risk factor (CVRF) target attainment, Definition of Remission in SLE (DORIS), medications, and persistent triple anti‐phospholipid antibody (aPL) positivity during follow‐up. Ten‐year incident cardiovascular events were recorded, and univariate Cox regression analysis assessed potential associations.

Results

Patients with SLE had a 2.3‐fold higher risk of carotid plaque progression than HCs (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 2.26, P = 0.002). Plaque progression risk in patients with SLE was reduced by 32% (IRR 0.68, P = 0.004) per each sustainedly attained CVRF target during follow‐up, including blood pressure, lipids, smoking, body weight, and physical activity. DORIS achievement ≥75% of follow‐up was associated with a 43% decrease in atherosclerosis progression risk (IRR 0.57, P = 0.033). Ten‐year risk of incident cardiovascular events was higher in individuals with SLE than HCs (eight versus one event, permutation‐based log‐rank P = 0.036) and was associated with persistent triple aPL positivity.

Conclusion

Patients with SLE experience a 2.3‐fold higher 10‐year atherosclerosis progression risk than HCs, mitigated by sustained CVRF control and prolonged clinical remission. Persistent triple aPL positivity is associated with increased incidence of CVD events.
Tuning Fluorescence Properties of BIM Probes via Clay Integration: Targeting Rifampicin with Improved Selectivity
Authors: Fernandes Rikitha S , Dey Nilanjan
Published: December 2024

Abstract: The incorporation of photoactive organic dyes into layered inorganic materials substantially improves the optical and chemical properties, rendering them highly suitable for sensing applications. Therefore, we integrated Bisindolyl methane (BIM)‐based neutral probes with bentonite clay, an inorganic layered material. Probes 1 and 2 were unoxidized and oxidized BIM‐derivatives respectively, which typically exhibited quenched luminescence due to intramolecular rotations in the solution. By embedding probe 1 within bentonite interlayers or adsorbing it onto the clay surface, the molecular conformation of the probe was immobilized. Furthermore, the restricted intramolecular rotation via molecular flattening (planarization), resulted in enhanced fluorescence emission in the 1. clay composite. On the other hand, it was observed that the unoxidized rigid probe 2 was predominantly adsorbed on the clay surface, consequently resulting in fluorescence quenching. Detailed photophysical analysis revealed that the intercalation of probe 1 into the clay induces a planarization that differs from its behavior in solution. Moreover, the 1. clay composite was successfully utilized for the selective detection of rifampicin. The fluorescence intensity of the 1. clay composite was quenched, with the appearance of a new red‐shifted band in the presence of rifampicin. The quenched band originally attributed to the probe, suggests that rifampicin displaced probe molecules from the clay interlayer into the solution, likely due to strong hydrogen bonding between hydroxyl groups of rifampicin and the clay interlayers. Additionally, the probe demonstrated higher selectivity for rifampicin over other tuberculosis drugs. This finding highlights the potential application of the 1. clay in developing a highly selective and efficient sensing platform for rifampicin detection, which could be employed in clinical diagnostics or therapeutic drug monitoring.
Application of Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Model to Compare the Biodistribution of Liposomal Amphotericin B With Conventional Amphotericin B Deoxycholate in Humans
Authors: Zhang Xueyuan , Yang Yingying , Wang Manman , Qi Huanhuan , Li Chunlei , Zhao Limei
Published: December 2024

Amphotericin B (AmB) has been a cornerstone in the treatment of invasive fungal infections for over 6 decades. Compared with conventional amphotericin B deoxycholate (AmB‐DOC), liposomal amphotericin B has comparable efficacy but less nephrotoxicity. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the reason why liposomal amphotericin B has similar therapeutic effects but lower toxicity and the differences of distribution in humans between liposomal amphotericin B and AmB‐DOC. To compare the distribution of liposomal amphotericin B and AmB‐DOC in humans, the physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model was established by bottom‐up stepwise method. A rat PBPK model was established firstly, then verified in mouse level in consideration of interspecies differences in physiological‐ and drug‐specific parameters, and finally the PBPK model was extrapolated to humans. Based on preclinical and clinical pharmacokinetic (PK) studies, the AmB‐DOC and liposomal amphotericin B PBPK model were established, respectively. The simulated results of human PBPK model showed that the liposomal formulation changed the pharmacokinetic characteristics of AmB. Compared with AmB‐DOC, the plasma exposure of liposomal formulation was higher, but the renal exposure was significantly reduced.
Levelling down? Understanding the decline of the maintained nursery sector in England
Authors: Stewart Kitty , Gambaro Ludovica , Reader Mary
Published: December 2024

Early education provision in the state‐maintained sector has historically played an important role in ensuring equitable access to high‐quality early education in England. These settings have higher qualification requirements than other providers, and as they have been concentrated in areas of higher disadvantage, children from lower income households have been more likely to attend them. This paper shows that this phenomenon is changing: children from lower income households are considerably less likely to attend maintained settings than they were in 2010. Their higher likelihood compared with other children is also declining, while the share attending private nursery settings has increased sharply. Using the National Pupil Database, the paper explores the reasons why, identifying three main factors: a general decline in maintained provision across the country, probably linked to changes in national funding practices; changes in the geography of poverty; and the extension of free early education places to disadvantaged 2‐year‐olds, which inadvertently led to children entering and remaining in lower quality settings. The paper illustrates the inherent trade‐off policymakers face between expanding early childhood education and care provision and maintaining the quality necessary for services to function as social investment. It contributes both to early childhood education and care policy studies in England and to the wider international literature on mixed economy approaches to early childhood education and care.
Biogenic Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles for Nanosensor‐Based Mercury Detection
Authors: Vanaja M. , Paulkumar K. , Sivakavinesan M. , Annadurai G. , Hirad Abdurahman Hajinur , Alarfaj Abdullah A. , Murugan A. M.
Published: December 2024

The production of nanoparticles via green methods is a developing study domain due to potential environmental applications. The green synthesis method is very easy, less toxic and eco‐friendly when compared to the chemical synthesis method. This study addresses the silver nanoparticle synthesis utilizing the Acorus calamus leaf extract, which was then employed for environmental applications. The synthesized silver nanoparticles had been verified by UV–vis spectrophotometer, while XRD (X‐Ray Diffraction) demonstrated their crystalline structure. The morphology characters of the silver nanoparticles were observed by TEM (transmission electron microscope) as well as SAED (selected area electron diffraction) pattern. The produced silver nanoparticles have been used in selective detection of mercury ions, which is an easy, eco‐friendly, less time consuming process. Utilizing an EDAX (energy dispersive X‐ray analysis) along with SEM (scanning electron microscope), it was determined that mercury ions had been attached to the surface of silver nanoparticles. FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) had been utilized to characterize the functional groups that exist in the silver nanoparticles that were involved in mercury detection.
Audit Committee Characteristics and Sustainable Firms' Performance: Evidence From the Financial Sector in Bangladesh
Authors: Karim Rejaul , Roshid Md. Mustaqim , Dhar Bablu Kumar , Nahiduzzaman Md. , Kuri Bapon Chandra
Published: December 2024

This study examines how audit committee characteristics influence sustainable firms' performance within Bangladeshi commercial banks. Using data from 26 publicly traded banks over 13 years (2011–2023), this research investigates the impact of audit committee size, independence, and meeting frequency on both financial and market‐based performance metrics. Specifically, the findings reveal that larger audit committees (ACs) are associated with higher market valuation, indicating that committee size contributes to strategic oversight and governance effectiveness. Independent audit committee members also enhance both financial (Return on Assets) and market‐based (Tobin's Q) performance, underscoring their role in promoting transparency, accountability, and alignment with sustainable goals. However, frequent audit committee meetings correlate with diminished performance, suggesting that overly frequent sessions may lead to inefficiencies rather than improved oversight. These results indicate that structuring ACs with balanced size and independence and avoiding excessive meetings, is essential to support sustainable growth, particularly in emerging economies such as Bangladesh. The study contributes to corporate governance and sustainability literature by providing empirical insights into audit committee practices that align governance structures with long‐term corporate strategy and sustainable growth. Practical implications include the potential for regulatory reforms that enhance corporate governance, focusing on committee composition and meeting practices to foster sustainable firm performance in the financial sector.
Current status and perspectives of esophageal cancer: a comprehensive review
Authors: Jiang Wei , Zhang Bo , Xu Jiaqi , Xue Liyan , Wang Luhua
Published: December 2024

Esophageal cancer (EC) continues to be a significant global health concern, with two main subtypes: esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and esophageal adenocarcinoma. Prevention and changes in etiology, improvements in early detection, and refinements in the treatment have led to remarkable progress in the outcomes of EC patients in the past two decades. This seminar provides an in‐depth analysis of advances in the epidemiology, disease biology, screening, diagnosis, and treatment landscape of esophageal cancer, focusing on the ongoing debate surrounding multimodality therapy. Despite significant advancements, EC remains a deadly disease, underscoring the need for continued research into early detection methods, understanding the molecular mechanisms, and developing effective treatments.
Transcatheter Approaches to Atrial Functional Mitral Regurgitation: How Far Have We Come?
Authors: Preda Alberto , Coppi Francesca , Melillo Francesco , Leo Giulio , Margonato Davide , Sgura Fabio Alfredo , Galdieri Carmine , Liberale Luca , Montecucco Fabrizio , Porto Italo , Ameri Pietro , Di Donna Paolo , Agricola Eustachio , Mazzone Patrizio , Maisano Francesco , Godino Cosmo
Published: December 2024

Functional mitral regurgitation (MR) is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and over the past decade, the diagnosis of atrial functional mitral regurgitation (aFMR) has been increasingly observed in the elderly, especially in those with atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Annular enlargement, perturbations of annular contraction, and atriogenic leaflet tethering distinguish the pathophysiology of aFMR from the one of ventricular origin. However, no consensus provides recommendations regarding the differential diagnosis and the subsequent management of aFMR. The advent of transcatheter mitral valve repair has paved the way for various treatments including edge‐to‐edge repair (TEER), mitral annuloplasty, and replacement, with optimistic results on short‐medium‐term outcome provided by preliminary studies. In parallel, rhythm control of AF for paroxysmal and persistent types, should be pursued to induce reverse remodeling and restoring the normal leaflet coaptation. In this setting, catheter ablation aiming for electrical isolation of the pulmonary veins is the most widely recognized and effective strategy for maintaining sinus rhythm. Nevertheless, arrhythmia‐free survival is lower in patients with persistent and long‐term persistent AF, leading to the adoption of hybrid strategies combining transcatheter endocardial ablation and thoracoscopic epicardial surgical ablation. This review provides an update on the diagnosis and treatment of aFMR, focusing on available transcatheter approaches that can be performed in the catheterization lab and electrophysiology lab.
Predictive Value of Machine Learning for the Risk of In‐Hospital Death in Patients With Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Yan Liyuan , Zhang Jinlong , Chen Le , Zhu Zongcheng , Sheng Xiaodong , Zheng Guanqun , Yuan Jiamin
Published: December 2024

Background

The efficiency of machine learning (ML) based predictive models in predicting in‐hospital mortality for heart failure (HF) patients is a topic of debate. In this context, this study's objective is to conduct a meta‐analysis to compare and assess existing prognostic models designed for predicting in‐hospital mortality in HF patients.

Methods

A systematic search of databases was conducted, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library up to January 2023. To ensure comprehensiveness, we performed an additional search in June 2023. The Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool was employed to assess the validity and reliability of ML models.

Results

Our analysis incorporated 28 studies involving a total of 106 predictive models based on 14 different ML techniques. In the training data set, these models showed a combined C‐index of 0.781, sensitivity of 0.56, and specificity of 0.94. In the validation data set, the models exhibited a combined C‐index of 0.758, sensitivity of 0.57, and specificity of 0.84. Logistic regression (LR) was the most frequently used ML algorithm. LR models in the training set had a combined C‐index of 0.795, sensitivity of 0.63, and specificity of 0.85, and these measures for LR models in the validation set were 0.751, 0.66, and 0.79, respectively.

Conclusions

Our study indicates that although ML is increasingly being leveraged to predict in‐hospital mortality for HF patients, the predictive performance remains suboptimal. Although these models have relatively high C‐index and specificity, their ability to predict positive events is limited, as indicated by their low sensitivity.
Influence of Vessel Geometry, Flow Conditions, and Thrombin Concentration on Fibrin Accumulation and Cerebral Aneurysm Occlusion After Flow Diversion
Authors: Cebral Juan R. , Mut Fernando , Löhner Rainald , Marsh Laurel , Chitsaz Alireza , Bilgin Cem , Bayraktar Esref , Kallmes David , Kadirvel Ramanathan
Published: December 2024

As the number of cerebral aneurysms treated with flow diverters continues to increase, it is important to understand what factors influence not only thrombus formation within the aneurysm cavity but also fibrin accumulation across the device and its associated disruption and blockage of the inflow stream. Both processes contribute to the eventual occlusion of the aneurysm or its continued patency and incomplete occlusion which may require future re‐treatment. To investigate fibrin accumulation on flow diverters placed across the neck of cerebral aneurysms, a previously developed computational model that couples flow and fibrin dynamics is used in combination with experimental in vitro models of cerebral aneurysms treated with flow diverters. Fibrin accumulation was previously investigated in four glass models of cerebral aneurysms with varying parent artery geometries placed in a flow loop at different flow rates. Corresponding computational models were constructed and compared with the experimental findings. The computational model based on fibrin production stimulated from flow shear stress and subsequent adhesion to device wires was able to reproduce and explain the fibrin accumulation patterns observed in the experimental aneurysms treated with flow diverters. Specifically, these models indicated that increasing vessel curvature, flow rate, and thrombin concentration induced faster fibrin accumulation and associated aneurysm inflow disruption and blockage. The models described and tested in this paper are valuable to understand the detailed mechanisms leading to aneurysm occlusion and healing or incomplete occlusions after treatment with flow diverting devices.
Effect of Voltage on Two‐Step Micro‐Arc Oxide Film of Mg‐13Gd‐4Y‐2Zn‐0.5Zr Alloy
Authors: Li Dalong , Chen Wei , Li ChangWei , Jing Xin , Sun Kun , Fan Jiaqing , Huang Huagui
Published: December 2024

Rare earth alloying is one of the effective ways to improve the performance of magnesium alloys, but strong galvanic corrosion occurs when rare earth magnesium alloys meet corrosive substances. To improve the corrosion resistance of rare earth magnesium alloys, this article takes Mg‐13Gd‐4Y‐2Zn‐0.5Zr rare earth magnesium alloy as the research object. First, a one‐step micro arc oxidation process is used to obtain the film layer. The experiment shows that when the chemical composition and concentration of the electrolyte are constant, changing the voltage parameter of the one‐step micro arc oxidation alone cannot prepare a thick, dense, and corrosion‐resistant micro arc oxidation film layer, which cannot meet the practical application needs of rare earth magnesium alloys. Then, the one‐step micro arc oxidation film layer is used as the substrate sample. By changing the voltage parameters, the sample is subjected to a second micro arc oxidation treatment to prepare a two‐step micro arc oxidation film layer. In the study, it is found that the two‐step microarc oxidation process increased the thickness of the film layer, which has good densification and corrosion resistance at a voltage of 452.5 V, improving the corrosion resistance of the film layer.
Feasibility, validity, and normative data for the remote Uniform Data Set neuropsychological battery at the University of Pennsylvania Alzheimer's Disease Research Center
Authors: Hackett Katherine , Shi Yidan , Schankel Laura , Oliveira Nicole , Kelley Melissa , McCoubrey Hannah , Peskin Sara Manning , O'Brien Kyra , Xie Sharon X. , Wolk David , Mechanic‐Hamilton Dawn
Published: December 2024

INTRODUCTION

We investigated the feasibility and validity of the remotely‐administered neuropsychological battery from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set (UDS T‐Cog).

METHODS

Two hundred twenty Penn Alzheimer's Disease Research Center participants with unimpaired cognition, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia completed the T‐Cog during their annual UDS evaluation. We assessed administration feasibility and diagnostic group differences cross‐sectionally across telephone versus videoconference modalities, and compared T‐Cog to prior in‐person UDS scores longitudinally.

RESULTS

Administration time averaged 54 min and 79% of participants who initiated a T‐Cog completed all 12 subtests; completion time and rates differed by diagnostic group but not by modality. Performance varied expectedly across groups with moderate to strong associations between most T‐Cog measures and in‐person correlates, although select subtests demonstrated lower comparability.

DISCUSSION

The T‐Cog is feasibly administered and shows preliminary validity in a cognitively heterogeneous cohort. Normative data from this cohort should be expanded to more diverse populations to enhance utility and generalizability.

Highlights

This study examined the feasibility and validity of the remote Uniform Data Set (also known as the T‐Cog) and contributes key normative data for widespread use.

A remote neuropsychological battery was feasibly administered with high overall engagement and completion rates, adequate reliability compared to in‐person testing, and evidence of validity across diagnostic groups.

Typical barriers to administration included hearing impairment, technology issues, and distractions; hearing difficulties were particularly common among cognitively impaired groups.

Certain tests were less closely related to their in‐person correlates and should be used with caution.
Sulfamethizole Attenuates Pentylenetetrazole‐Induced Seizures in Mice via mTOR Inhibition
Authors: Kambli Lazari , Raut Dezaree , Bhatt Lokesh Kumar
Published: December 2024

Epilepsy affects at least 1% of the global population of all socioeconomic backgrounds. Data obtained from previous studies suggest the role of mTOR signaling in epileptogenesis. The present study aimed to investigate the hypothesis that mTOR inhibitor sulfamethizole might produce antiepileptic effects in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)‐induced kindling seizures in mice. For induction of kindling, mice were administered 40 mg/kg PTZ on alternate days for 13 days. The severity of kindling was analyzed using a seizure intensity score. Rotarod performance, actophotometer, and chimney tests were performed to check muscle coordination and locomotor functions. mTOR and IL‐6 levels were measured in the brain homogenate. Histological analyses were done using hematoxylin–eosin and cresyl violet stains. Sulfamethizole was administered daily at 10 and 50 mg/kg doses. PTZ administration resulted in kindling seizures in the PTZ‐veh group. In addition, mice from the PTZ‐veh group showed decreased fall time in rotarod performance, reduced locomotor activity, and failed chimney tests. mTOR and IL‐6 levels were also increased in the brain, along with neuronal degeneration and a decreased layer of neuronal cells in the hippocampus. Treatment with sulfamethizole at 50 mg/kg significantly ameliorated seizure intensity score, seizure latency and duration, muscle coordination, and locomotor functions compared to the PTZ‐veh group. It also downregulated brain mTOR and IL‐6 expression significantly. In conclusion, sulfamethizole showed antiepileptic activity against PTZ‐induced kindling seizure in mice via mTOR inhibition.
Toward a Unified, Inclusive, and Standardized Approach for Assessing Help‐Seeking Behavior in Eating Disorder Populations: A Commentary on Ali et al. (2024)
Authors: Nicula Maria , Couturier Jennifer
Published: December 2024

Ali et al. (2024) found that help‐seeking rates remain low among individuals meeting the diagnostic criteria for eating disorders (EDs). Their review highlighted variability in definitions of help‐seeking and a lack of adequate representation of marginalized groups across the included studies. Building on these findings, this commentary offers four recommendations to guide future researchers toward a more unified and inclusive approach when studying help‐seeking patterns in ED populations by: (1) capturing alternative and indirect forms of help‐seeking by engaging partners with lived experience of EDs; (2) prioritizing the inclusion of marginalized groups in the pursuit of understanding diverse help‐seeking behaviors; (3) establishing a consensus on standardized measures of help‐seeking within the research community; and (4) simultaneously collecting data regarding the receipt of help and treatment when conducting help‐seeking research. These recommendations aim to expand upon the authors' work by proposing new ways for researchers to more accurately capture where individuals are seeking help for their ED concerns, which is an essential step in ensuring that accessible care is available to meet their needs.
Thermoelectric performance enhancement of environmentally‐friendly SrTiO3 epitaxial films by hydrogen substitution
Authors: Kimura Masatoshi , Ochiai Masahiro , He Xinyi , Katase Takayoshi , Hiramatsu Hidenori , Hosono Hideo , Kamiya Toshio
Published: December 2024

Developing high‐efficiency and environmentally‐friendly thermoelectric materials has been a significant challenge. Conventional thermometric materials consist of heavy (toxic) elements to reduce thermal conductivity (κ), while we demonstrated light‐element hydride anion (H−) substitution in SrTiO3 can largely reduce κ and enhance thermometric efficiency (ZT) without heavy elements. In this paper, we succeeded in maximizing the ZT of SrTiO3−xHx by applying topochemical reaction directly to SrTiO3 epitaxial films with CaH2, which realized wide‐range control of carrier concentration (ne) from 1.5 × 1020 cm−3 to 4.1 × 1021 cm−3. The power factor (PF) showed a dome‐shaped behavior with respect to ne, and the maximum PF = 22.5 μW/(cmK2) was obtained at the optimal ne = 3.4 × 1020 cm−3. Carrier transport analyses clarified that the carrier mobility was limited by impurity scattering of H‐related impurities in the SrTiO3−xHx films, while the hydrogen substitution induced a much lower κ of 4.6 W/(mK) than other heavy‐element substituted Sr1−xLaxTiO3 and SrTi1−xNbxO3 films in the wide ne range, resulting in the higher ZT value of 0.14 in maximum at room temperature. In addition, the ZT increased to 0.17 at 373 K due to the large decrease in κ for a SrTiO3−xHx film with the hydrogen concentration of 1.2 × 1021 cm−3. Further study on H− substitution approach and modulation of the H state in transition metal oxides would lead to development of high ZT environmentally‐friendly thermoelectric materials.
Ammonium oxidation by bacteria and archaea have functional implications for nitrification across a forested landscape
Authors: Wen Jennifer , Upchurch Rima , Zak Donald R.
Published: December 2024

Ammonia‐oxidizing archaea (AOA) and ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria (AOB) control nitrification in terrestrial systems. Soil pH and substrate availability (NH4+) can influence community composition, which may affect the contributions of these organisms to nitrification in forest soils. Using high‐throughput sequencing, we identified the amoA of AOA and AOB from northern forest stands that occur across a natural gradient of nitrification, soil pH, and net N mineralization (i.e., NH4+ availability). Specifically, we investigated changes in relative abundance and community composition of AOA and AOB across a soil pH and net N mineralization gradient, and how turnover in community composition is linked to nitrification. We found that soil pH was a stronger driver of AOA and AOB relative abundance than was NH4+ availability. Generally, AOA and AOB turnover were positively associated with soil pH; however, some AOA taxa also displayed a negative association. Interestingly, the relative abundance of only a small number of AOA and AOB taxa was significantly associated with net nitrification rates. Our findings reveal that coexisting taxonomical groups of ammonia‐oxidizers in forest soils have diverse responses to environmental factors, which influence how ammonia‐oxidizer communities are structured, likely having direct implications for nitrification and the regulation of N cycling in forest systems.
Experimental study on the load‐carrying capacity of steel‐mesh‐reinforced rubber bearings under axial compression
Authors: Li Han , Tian Shengze , Shahria Alam M.
Published: December 2024

Isolation bearings play an important role in the seismic resilience of highway bridges. Flexible and high‐strength reinforcement has been applied in elastomeric isolation bearings to substitute conventional rigid steel plate reinforcement to enhance their lateral performance, for example, lower lateral stiffness and larger deformability. However, the main literature shows that existing flexible reinforcement, such as carbon/glass fiber fabric, may not guarantee a sufficient vertical load‐carrying capacity of elastomeric bearings to meet the design requirement of 30 MPa considering the vertical seismic effect. To this end, the emerging high‐strength steel woven wire mesh was introduced as an alternative flexible reinforcement for the bearings in this study to increase their ultimate compression capacity while maintaining superior lateral performance. Vertical compression tests were conducted on 34 specimens of the proposed unbonded steel‐mesh‐reinforced bearings (USRBs) to investigate the ultimate compression capacity. In addition to the general ultimate behavior of USRBs under vertical loading, the influence of various design parameters (i.e., individual rubber layer thickness, number of reinforcement layers, bearing design load) was investigated through comparisons among the specimens. From the test results, the compressive failure mechanism of USRBs was unveiled, which originated from the tensile failure of the steel mesh reinforcement. The steel mesh reinforcement was proved to increase the bearing ultimate compression capacity to an average of 52.0 MPa compared to fiber‐reinforced bearings, with 85% of specimens exceeding 30 MPa. Moreover, the compression capacity of USRBs was identified to be significantly affected by the individual rubber layer thickness. Specific discussions were further provided concerning the influence of potential manufacturing defects. Finally, suggestions were provided to further enhance the ultimate compression capacity of USRBs based on the results and discussions.
Construction of Dibenzo[a,c]Carbazoles through Oxidative Diels‐Alder Reaction of 2‐Phenyl‐1H‐Indoles and Benzynes
Authors: Xu Xinlu , Wang Yanqiao , Xu Weijie , Wei Qi , Ruan Xin , Zhang Xiaofeng , Huang Qiufeng
Published: December 2024

We present here a convenient synthesis of the dibenzo[a,c]carbazoles via oxidative [4+2] Diels‐Alder cycloaddition of 2‐phenyl‐1H‐indoles with benzynes. The features of this protocol include the use of readily available raw materials, molecular oxygen as the oxidant, it being free of transition‐metal‐catalyst, and convenient method for the preparation of π‐extended dibenzo[a,c]carbazoles.
Ictal semiology in temporo‐frontal epilepsy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Oane Irina , Barborica Andrei , Mîndruţă Ioana
Published: December 2024

We performed a systematic review of the ictal semiology of temporo‐frontal seizures with the aim to summarize the state‐of‐the‐art anatomo‐clinical correlations in the field, and help guide the interpretation of ictal semiology within the framework of presurgical evaluation. We conducted the systematic review and meta‐analysis, and reported its results according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis statement. We searched electronic databases (Scopus, PUBMED, Web of Science, and EMBASE) using relevant keywords related to temporal, frontal and sublobar structures, semiology, and electroencephalography/stereoelectroencephalography exploration. The risk of bias was evaluated using the QUADAS2. We included articles in English, reporting the seizure semiology of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy with temporal‐frontal involvement and patients with frontal lobe epilepsy and fronto‐temporal network involved. We performed hierarchical cluster analysis to determine signs and symptoms associated with the temporo‐frontal epileptogenic network for all patients and for each subgroup (frontal/temporal seizure onset). Fisher exact test was performed to evaluate the difference in seizure freedom and clinical sign/symptom occurrence in patients that underwent unilobar versus bilobar resection. Meta‐analysis on the prevalence of temporo‐frontal/fronto‐temporal involvement applying a random‐effect model was used. We included 40 articles and we extracted data from 109 patients. The meta‐analysis showed the total prevalence of temporo‐frontal/fronto‐temporal network involvement was 19.75%, CI 12.02–27.47, high heterogeneity (82.71%). For the whole group and subgroups, the main cluster of clinical manifestations is emotional, autonomic, cognitive, grimace, hyperkinetic (association coefficient higher than .6). Elementary motor semiology is significantly associated with multilobar resection (p = .022 whole group and p = .0012 fronto‐temporal subgroup). Fifty‐eight patients were seizure‐free after surgery. There was no significant difference between seizure freedom in uni versus bilobar resections (p = .28). Seizures involving temporo‐frontal/fronto‐temporal network usually manifest with a cluster of signs and symptoms: emotional, autonomic, grimace, cognitive and hyperkinetic behavior. Based on semiology, one cannot distinguish between fronto‐temporal and temporo‐frontal cases at individual patient level. In those patients undergoing a surgical procedure, elementary motor seizure semiology is significantly associated with multilobar resection.
Preparation of Collagen Peptide Nanoliposomes From Sturgeon Fish Cartilage and Explore Their Anti‐Osteoarthritis Effects in Rats
Authors: Kung Chia‐Chi , Lin Mei‐Zhen , Chen Bing‐Huei
Published: December 2024

This study aims to extract pepsin soluble collagen (PSC) from sturgeon cartilage, hydrolyze to sturgeon cartilage collagen peptides (SCCP), and prepare SCCP nanoliposomes to explore the treatment effects of osteoarthritis (OA) in rats. PSC was extracted using 0.5 M acetic acid and pepsin (10%) and enzymatically hydrolyzed with 4.5% alcalase plus 4.5% flavourzyme to obtain SCCP. Amino acid analysis revealed the presence of glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline in high amounts, while SDS‐PAGE showed that the PSC belonged to type II collagen with molecular weight (MW) of SCCP being <2 kDa and MALDI‐TOF‐MS indicated the MW distribution to range from 302.594 to 683.050 Da with the peptide fragments <500 Da accounting for 89.71%. SCCP nanoliposomes composed of phosphatidylcholine, fatty acid sucrose ester, glycerol, and deionized water were prepared with size at 34.58 nm, polydispersity index at 0.19, zeta potential at ‐54.53 mV, and encapsulation efficiency at 88.14%. Tube feeding of SCCP/SCCP nanoliposomes into OA rats alleviated pain responses by joint damage through reduction in hind limb weight‐bearing difference, knee joint width difference, and levels of serum biomarkers including CTX‐II, TGF‐β1, PIICP, and COMP. Histopathologic images demonstrated the mitigation of joint damage symptoms in the tissue by reducing cartilage joint damage, inhibiting chondrocyte apoptosis, promoting chondrocyte regeneration, and reducing synovitis. Collectively, the high dose of SCCP nanoliposomes was the most effective in alleviating OA possessing a great potential to be developed into a health food or botanic drug for the treatment of joint‐related disease.
segcsvdWMH: A Convolutional Neural Network‐Based Tool for Quantifying White Matter Hyperintensities in Heterogeneous Patient Cohorts
Authors: Gibson Erin , Ramirez Joel , Woods Lauren Abby , Ottoy Julie , Berberian Stephanie , Scott Christopher J. M. , Yhap Vanessa , Gao Fuqiang , Coello Roberto Duarte , Valdes Hernandez Maria , Lang Anthony E. , Tartaglia Carmela M. , Kumar Sanjeev , Binns Malcolm A. , Bartha Robert , Symons Sean , Swartz Richard H. , Masellis Mario , Singh Navneet , Moody Alan , MacIntosh Bradley J. , Wardlaw Joanna M. , Black Sandra E. , Lim Andrew S. P. , Goubran Maged ,   ONDRI Investigators, ADNI, CAIN Investigators, colleagues from the Foundation Leducq Transatlantic Network of Excellence
Published: December 2024

White matter hyperintensities (WMH) of presumed vascular origin are a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐based biomarker of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). WMH are associated with cognitive decline and increased risk of stroke and dementia, and are commonly observed in aging, vascular cognitive impairment, and neurodegenerative diseases. The reliable and rapid measurement of WMH in large‐scale multisite clinical studies with heterogeneous patient populations remains challenging, where the diversity of imaging characteristics across studies adds additional complexity to this task. We present segcsvdWMH, a convolutional neural network‐based tool developed to provide reliable and accurate WMH quantification across diverse clinical datasets. segcsvdWMH was developed using a large dataset consisting of over 700 fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery MRI scans from seven multisite studies, spanning a wide range of clinical populations, WMH burdens, and imaging protocols. Model training incorporated anatomical information through a novel hierarchical segmentation approach, together with extensive data augmentation techniques to improve performance across varied imaging conditions. Benchmarked against three widely available segmentation tools, segcsvdWMH demonstrated superior accuracy, achieving mean Dice score improvements of 7.8% ± 9.7% over HyperMapp3r, 21.8% ± 8.6% over SAMSEG, and 43.5% ± 7.1% over WMH‐SynthSeg across four diverse test datasets. segcsvdWMH also maintained consistently high Dice scores across these test datasets (mean DSC = 0.86 ± 0.08), and exhibited strong, stable correlations with periventricular, deep, and total WMH ground truth volumes (mean r = 0.99 ± 0.01). Additionally, segcsvdWMH was robust to low and moderate levels of simulated MRI spike noise artifacts and maintained strong performance across a range of binary segmentation thresholds and WMH burden levels. These findings suggest that segcsvdWMH may provide more accurate and robust WMH segmentation performance for heterogeneous clinical datasets characterized by varying degrees of CSVD severity.
The Anatomy of Context
Authors: Burwell Rebecca D.
Published: December 2024

For most of my career, I focused on understanding how and where spatial context, the place where things happen, is represented in the brain. My interest in this began in the early 1990's, during my postdoctoral training with David Amaral, when we defined the rodent homolog of the primate parahippocampal cortex, a region implicated in processing spatial and contextual information. We parceled out the caudal portion of the rat perirhinal cortex (PER) and called it the postrhinal cortex (POR). In my own lab at Brown University, I continued to study the anatomy of the PER, POR, and entorhinal cortices. I also began to characterize and differentiate the functions of these regions, particularly the newly defined POR and the redefined PER. Our electrophysiological and behavioral evidence supports a view of POR function that aligns with our anatomical evidence. Briefly, the POR integrates object and feature information from the PER with spatial information from the retrosplenial, posterior parietal, and secondary visual cortices and the pulvinar and uses this information to represent specific environmental contexts, including the spatial arrangement of objects and features within each context. In addition to maintaining a representation of the current context, the POR plays an attentional role by continually monitoring the context for changes and updating the context representation when changes occur. This context representation is accessible to other regions for cognitive processes, including binding life events with context to form episodic memories, guiding context‐relevant behavior, and recognizing objects within scenes and contexts.
Assessing the Feasibility of a Novel Solar Still With Fins, Phase Change Materials, and Wick Materials for Sustainable Water Production
Authors: Mahala Trinath , Sharma Naveen
Published: December 2024

This work aims to enhance the performance of square pyramid solar stills, both conventional (CPSS) and modified (MPSS), by using wick materials, namely, black cotton cloth and jute cloth. The MPSS features fins and paraffin wax as the phase change material within the basin. The performance of solar stills (SSs) is evaluated through productivity, energy, exergy, economic, and environmental analyses, with sustainability assessed based on the energy production factor and energy payback period. The results confirm an improvement of about 43.08%, 30.77%, 29.23%, 17.89%, and 6.15% in daily yield for MPSS+C, MPSS+J, MPSS, CPSS+C, and CPSS+J, respectively, in comparison to CPSS. MPSS+C shows the maximum energy and exergy improvement of 45.82% and 177.2%, respectively. Energy production factors range from 1.87 to 4.79, with energy payback periods between 0.21 and 0.53 years across six cases. Interestingly, the MPSS+C shows a reduction in cost per liter in productivity and payback period of 10.1% each, in comparison to CPSS. The MPSS+C shows an increase in carbon credits of about 43%, while reducing the CO2 emission of 3.27 tons. The results also proved that the productivity of SS using cotton is 12.31% higher than that of jute.
Impacts of Urbanization on the Riverine Flooding in Major Cities Across the Eastern United States
Authors: Amorim Renato , Villarini Gabriele
Published: December 2024

The increase in the societal and economic impacts of flooding across the eastern United States has brought attention to the potential link between long‐term increases in urban areas and changes in the watersheds' flood response. One outstanding challenge is to isolate the effects of land cover changes from other flood‐related factors. To advance our understanding of these processes and their nexus, we utilise a statistical framework in which we use different parameterizations of the Generalised Pareto distribution (GPD) to model sub‐daily peak‐over‐threshold (POT) events at 102 stream gauges in the following metropolitan areas across the eastern United States: Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Charlotte, Atlanta, Houston, and Tampa. While we keep the shape parameter constant, we allow the scale parameter to: (1) be constant; (2) depend on hourly accumulated rainfall; or (3) be dependent on a combination of hourly accumulated rainfall and the temporal changes in the percentage of the watershed's developed land. Based on our modelling results, we select the model with the land change as a predictor in only 3% of the watersheds. Moreover, the model configuration in which rainfall is the only predictor is selected the most frequently (~80% of the sites) across the eight metropolitan regions. Therefore, our findings indicate that rainfall is the key flood driver in urban basins across the eastern United States considered in this study, without clear evidence linking long‐term changes of impervious area (i.e., urbanisation) and the watersheds' flood response.
Carbon Performance and Financial Performance: How R&D Makes a Difference Pre‐ and Post‐Paris Accord
Authors: Shahrour Mohamad H. , Rohani Alireza , Wojewodzki Michal , Tran Dung V.
Published: December 2024

This study examines how R&D investments influence U.S. firms' abilities to align environmental initiatives with financial outcomes. It employs a sample of 229 firms listed on the S&P 500 between 2003 and 2021 and multivariate panel regression models with fixed effects to explore how R&D moderates the relationship between corporate carbon performance (CP) and financial performance (ROA). Findings reveal that a 1% increase in CP corresponds to a 0.429% increase in ROA. Moreover, R&D positively enhances this association, with each additional 1% R&D amplifying the CP's effect on financial performance by 0.154 units. However, following the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, the moderating effect of R&D diminishes significantly. These results are robust to alternative analyses and emphasise the importance of stable climate policies for fostering green innovation. The study emphasises the important role of R&D to sustain long‐term competitive advantage in the face of evolving environmental regulations. It further suggests that firms can benefit from prioritising R&D, fostering innovation in green technologies and adapting to environmental regulations. This alignment of sustainability with profitability provides a competitive edge, promotes long‐term environmental goals and sets industry benchmarks, ultimately driving a more sustainable business landscape.
Impact of Climate Change on Adolescents' Health Outcomes: An Evidence Gap Map Review
Authors: Meherali Salima , Nisa Saba , Aynalem Yared Asmare , Kennedy Megan , Salami Bukola , Adjorlolo Samuel , Ali Parveen , Silva Kênia Lara , Aziato Lydia , Richter Solina , Lassi Zohra S.
Published: December 2024

Background

The evolving impact of climate change on adolescents' health is a pressing global concern. Climate change's effects on their physical, mental, and social well‐being worsen unique developmental challenges for adolescents. This study aims to map existing evidence, identify gaps, and highlight research and intervention needs.

Methods

Following Campbell standards, an evidence gap map (EGM) review was conducted. We searched for global studies on adverse climate events and adolescents aged 10–19 using five databases such as Medline, EMBASE, Global Health, CINAHL, and Scopus from September 1946 to June 01, 2023. Two independent reviewers completed the screening using Covidence software, and a critical appraisal of all included studies. EGM was developed using EPPI Mapper software, which presents a comprehensive overview of climate events and their impact on adolescents' health outcomes. This study protocol was registered in the International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis (INPLASY) (# INPLASY202410119).

Findings

We included 44 studies that explored the impact of climate change on adolescents' health. Most included studies were from Asia (35), with limited evidence from Africa, Australia, and South America (one study each). Earthquakes, hurricanes, and tornadoes were the major climate events impacting adolescents' health and well‐being globally (37 studies). However, wildfires, droughts, and extreme heat got less attention. Most studies reported climate change's impact on adolescents' mental health (44), with few studies reporting the effect on physiological and psychosocial aspects of adolescents' health and well‐being (10).

Conclusion

The systematic examination reveals significant evidence gaps, particularly in Africa, Australia, and South America, and in climate events like wildfires, droughts, and extreme heat. Most studies focus on mental health, with limited research on physiological and psychosocial aspects. These gaps highlight key areas for future research and targeted interventions at the intersection of adolescent health and climate change.