bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decoding brain structure to stage Alzheimer's disease pathology in Down syndrome
Authors: Kennedy James T. , Wisch Julie K. , Dincer Aylin , Roman June , Gordon Brian A. , Handen Benjamin , Benzinger Tammie L. S. , Head Elizabeth , Mapstone Mark , Christian Bradley T. , Tudorascu Dana L. , Laymon Charles L. , Hartley Sigan L. , Lao Patrick , Brickman Adam M. , Zaman Shahid H. , Ances Beau M. ,   the ABC‐DS and DIAN Consortia
Published: January 2025

INTRODUCTION

Alzheimer's disease (AD) in Down syndrome (DS) is associated with changes in brain structure. It is unknown if thickness and volumetric changes can identify AD stages and if they are similar to other genetic forms of AD.

METHODS

Magnetic resonance imaging scans were collected for 178 DS adults (106 nonclinical, 45 preclinical, and 27 symptomatic). Cortical thickness and subcortical volumes were compared between DS groups and evaluated as a staging metric using receiver operating characteristic analyses. Thickness patterns were compared to those previously reported in autosomal‐dominant AD (ADAD).

RESULTS

Decreased parietal and temporal lobe thickness differentiated amyloid positivity (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.83) and impairment (AUC = 0.81), and slightly outperformed subcortical volumes (AUC = 0.8/0.74). Thickness differences in DS were more widespread, severe, and had better discriminative ability than ADAD.

DISCUSSION

Cortical thickness can stage AD pathology in DS. Identification of brain regions affected by AD may aid in tracking disease course and evaluating treatment effects.

Highlights

DSAD is associated with reduced temporal and parietal cortical thickness.

DSAD is associated with smaller hippocampal and striatal volumes.

Thickness differences can stage DSAD better than other forms of AD.

DSAD thickness differences are more extensive and severe than ADAD.
Unraveling the bidirectional link between cancer and dementia and the impact of cancer therapies on dementia risk: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ma Liwei , Tan Edwin C. K. , Goudey Benjamin , Jin Liang , Pan Yijun
Published: January 2025

Observational studies on the cancer–dementia relationship have yielded controversial results. This study systematically reviews the evidence to clarify this association. We searched Embase, Global Health, Ovid Medline, and APA PsycInfo. Colorectal and lung cancers showed the greatest risk reduction for all‐cause dementia (ACD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), respectively, while melanoma and colorectal cancers had the largest reduction in vascular dementia (VaD). Prostate cancer survivors on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) had a higher risk of ACD/AD, while breast cancer patients on tamoxifen had a lower AD risk. Chemotherapy was linked to a reduced AD risk. ACD patients saw a 30% risk reduction for bladder, colorectal, and lung cancers, while AD patients had a ≈ 35% reduction for bladder and lung cancers. Our study urges clinicians to monitor cognitive function in cancer patients, especially those on ADT, tamoxifen, or chemotherapy and highlights the need for research into cancer–dementia mechanisms.

Highlights

Cancer survivors have an 8% to 14% lower risk of dementia, while those with dementia have a 25% lower cancer risk.

Colorectal and non‐melanoma skin cancers were associated with reduced risks of all‐cause dementia (ACD; 16%/9%), Alzheimer's disease (AD; 13%/5%), and vascular dementia (VaD; 24%/9%).

Lung cancer reduced AD risk by 17%, and melanoma reduced VaD risk by 27%.

ACD and AD patients had lower risks of lung (30%/36%), bladder (32%/34%), breast (26%/20%), and colorectal (31%/28%) cancers.

Tamoxifen and chemotherapy reduced AD risk, while androgen deprivation therapy increased ACD risk.
Polyphenols as Wnt/β‐catenin pathway modulators: A promising strategy in clinical neurodegeneration
Authors: Utpal Biswajit Kumar , Roy Sajib Chandra , Zehravi Mehrukh , Sweilam Sherouk Hussein , Raja A. Dinesh , Haque M. Akiful , Nayak Chandan , Balakrishnan Senthilkumar , Singh Laliteshwar Pratap , Panigrahi Saswati , Alshehri Mohammed Ali , Rab Safia Obaidur , Minhaj Najmus Sakib , Emran Talha Bin
Published: January 2025

Polyphenols, a diverse group of naturally occurring compounds found in plants, have garnered significant attention for their potential therapeutic properties in treating neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). The Wnt/β‐catenin (WβC) signaling pathway, a crucial player in neurogenesis, neuronal survival, and synaptic plasticity, is involved in several cellular mechanisms related to NDs. Dysregulation of this pathway is a hallmark in the development of various NDs. This study explores multiple polyphenolic compounds, such as flavonoids, stilbenes, lignans, and phenolic acids, and their potential to protect the nervous system. It provides a comprehensive analysis of their effects on the WβC pathway, elucidating their modes of action. The study highlights the dual function of polyphenols in regulating and protecting the nervous system, providing reassurance about the research benefits. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the results obtained from both in vitro studies and in vivo research, shedding light on how these substances influence the various components of the pathway. The focus is mainly on the molecular mechanisms that allow polyphenols to reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptotic processes, ultimately improving the function and survival of neurons. This study aims to offer a thorough understanding of the potential of polyphenols in targeting the WβC signaling pathway, which could lead to the development of innovative therapeutic options for NDs.
Highly Tension‐Strained Copper Concentrates Diluted Cations for Selective Proton‐Exchange Membrane CO2 Electrolysis
Authors: Li Ye‐Cheng , Zhang Xiao‐Long , Tai Xiao‐Lin , Yang Xue‐Peng , Yu Peng‐Cheng , Dong Shi‐Chen , Chi Li‐Ping , Wu Zhi‐Zheng , Zhang Yu‐Cai , Sun Shu‐Ping , Lu Pu‐Gan , Zhu Lei , Gao Fei‐Yue , Lin Yue , Gao Min‐Rui
Published: January 2025

Electrolysis of carbon dioxide (CO2) in acid offers a promising route to overcome CO2 loss in alkaline and neutral electrolytes, but requires concentrated alkali cations (typical ≥3 M) to mitigate the trade‐off between low pH and high hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) rate, causing salt precipitation. Here we report a strategy to resolve this problem by introducing tensile strain in a copper (Cu) catalyst, which can selectively reduce CO2 to valuable multicarbon products, particularly ethylene, in a pH 1 electrolyte with 1 M potassium ions. We find that the tension‐strained Cu creates an electron‐rich surface that concentrates diluted potassium ions, contributing to CO2 activation and HER suppression. With this catalyst, we show constant ethylene Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 44.3 % over 100 hours at 400 mA cm−2 and a cell voltage of 3.1 volts in a proton‐exchange membrane electrolyser. Moreover, selective electrosynthesis of ethylene oxide using the as‐produced ethylene was demonstrated in an integrated system.
A photosynthesis‐derived bionic system for sustainable biosynthesis
Authors: Chen Na , Shen Ruichen , He Tianpei , Xi Jing , Zhao Rui , Du Na , Yang Yangbing , Yu Lilei , Yuan Quan
Published: January 2025

“Cell factory” strategy based on microbial anabolism pathways offers an intriguing alternative to relieve the dependence on fossil fuels, which are recognized as the main sources of CO2 emission. Typically, anabolism of intracellular substance in cell factory requires the consumption of sufficient reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide /nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate NAD(P)H and adenosine triphosphate ATP. However, it is of great challenge to modify the natural limited anabolism and to increase the insufficient level of NAD(P)H and ATP to optimum concentrations without causing metabolic disorder. Inspired by the natural photosynthesis process in which NAD(P)H and ATP can both be produced through the coupled electron‐proton transfer processes driven by sunlight, herein we designed a light‐driven bionic system composed of three modules including photo‐induced electron module, electron transfer channel module and proton gradient module. The proposed strategy of light‐driven bionic system enables for achieving simultaneous and controllable supplies of NAD(P)H and ATP, thus facilitating both highly efficient CO2 fixation and biomanufacturing. The proposed light‐driven bionic system design strategy in this work might pave new sustainable ways for reducing power and energy regeneration to optimize microbial metabolism, offering intriguing alternatives for CO2 emission mitigation and high‐value chemical biomanufacturing.
Copper‐Catalysed Electrochemical CO2 Methanation via the Alloying of Single Cobalt Atoms
Authors: Li Jiawei , Wei Miaojin , Ji Bifa , Hu Sunpei , Xue Jing , Zhao Donghao , Wang Haoyuan , Liu Chunxiao , Ye Yifan , Xu Jilong , Zeng Jie , Ye Ruquan , Zheng Yongping , Zheng Tingting , Xia Chuan
Published: January 2025

The electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) to methane (CH4) presents a promising solution for mitigating CO2 emissions while producing valuable chemical feedstocks. Although single‐atom catalysts have shown potential in selectively converting CO2 to CH4, their limited active sites often hinder the realization of high current densities, posing a selectivity‐activity dilemma. In this study, we developed a single‐atom cobalt (Co) doped copper catalyst (Co1Cu) that achieved a CH4 Faradaic efficiency exceeding 60 % with a partial current density of −482.7 mA cm−2. Mechanistic investigations revealed that the incorporation of single Co atoms enhances the activation and dissociation of H2O molecules, thereby lowering the energy barrier for the hydrogenation of *CO intermediates. In situ spectroscopic experiments and density functional theory simulations further demonstrated that the modulation of the *CO adsorption configuration, with stronger bridge‐binding, favours deep reduction to CH4 over the C−C coupling or CO desorption pathways. Our findings underscore the potential of Co1Cu catalysts in overcoming the selectivity‐activity trade‐off, paving the way for efficient and scalable CO2‐to‐CH4 conversion technologies.
Zero‐Valent Copper Catalysis Enables Regio‐ and Stereoselective Difunctionalization of Alkynes
Authors: Prakash Aishwarya , Basappa Suma , Urkude Rajashri R. , Jangir Ravindra , Dhayal Rajendra S. , Kumar Bose Shubhankar
Published: January 2025

The development of a metallic copper‐based catalyst system remains a significant challenge. Herein, we report the synthesis of highly stable, active, and reusable Cu0 catalyst for the carboboration of alkynes using carbon electrophiles and bis(pinacolato)diboron (B2pin2) as chemical feedstocks to afford di‐ and trisubstituted vinylboronate esters in a regio‐ and stereoselective manner with appreciable turnover number (TON) of up to 2535 under mild reaction conditions. This three‐component coupling reaction works well with a variety of substituted electrophiles and alkynes with broad functional group tolerance. In addition, a wide range of terminal and challenging internal alkynes were efficiently converted into hydroborated products in up to >99 % yield with excellent regioselectivity in the absence of carbon electrophiles. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X‐ray absorption near‐edge spectroscopy (XANES) analysis confirm that the oxidation state of the copper in the catalyst is zero. The broad range of organic transformations, effectiveness, and recyclability of this Cu0 catalyst are the major achievements that provide an environmentally friendly route for the efficient production of tri‐ and tetrasubstituted olefins, key intermediates in organic synthesis. The gram‐scale reaction and synthetic transformations further highlights the usefulness of these methods.
Observation of the Smallest Three‐Dimensional Neutral Boron Cluster
Authors: Xu Cong‐Qiao , Wang Tiantong , Wang Chong , Dong Xin‐Ran , Zheng Huijun , Zhao Ya , Pan Li‐Li , Yang Jiayue , Zhang Weiqing , Wu Guorong , Xie Hua , Li Gang , Li Jun , Jiang Ling , Yang Xueming , Wang Lai‐Sheng
Published: January 2025

Despite major progress in the investigation of boron cluster anions, direct experimental study of neutral boron clusters remains a significant challenge because of the difficulty in size selection. Here we report a size‐specific study of the neutral B9 cluster using threshold photoionization with a tunable vacuum ultraviolet free electron laser. The ionization potential of B9 is measured to be 8.45±0.02 eV and it is found to have a heptagonal bipyramid D7h structure, quite different from the planar molecular wheel of the B9‐ anionic cluster. Chemical bonding analyses reveal superior stability of the bipyramidal structure arising from delocalized σ and π bonding interactions within the B7 ring and between the B7 ring and the capping atoms. Photoionization of B9 breaks the single‐electron B‐B bond of the capping atoms, which undergo off‐axis distortion to enhance interactions with the B7 ring in the singlet ground state of B9+. The single‐electron B‐B bond of the capping atoms appears to be crucial in stabilizing the D7h structure of B9. This work opens avenues for direct size‐dependent experimental studies of a large variety of neutral boron clusters to explore the stepwise development of network structures.
Integrating Enzymes with Reticular Frameworks To Govern Biocatalysis
Authors: Tong Linjing , Huang Siming , Chen Guosheng , Ouyang Gangfeng
Published: January 2025

Integrating enzymes with reticular frameworks offers promising avenues for access to functionally tailorable biocatalysis. This Minireview explores recent advances in enzyme‐reticular framework hybrid biocomposites, focusing on the utilization of porous reticular frameworks, including metal‐organic frameworks, covalent‐organic frameworks, and hydrogen‐bonded organic frameworks, to regulate the reactivity of an enzyme encapsulated inside mainly by pore infiltration and in situ encapsulation strategies. We highlight how pore engineering and host‐guest interfacial interactions within reticular frameworks create tailored microenvironments that substantially impact the mass transfer and enzyme conformation, leading to biocatalytic rate enhancement, or imparting enzymes with non‐native biocatalytic functions, including substrate selectivity and new activity. Additionally, the feasibility of leveraging the photothermal effect of a framework to optimize the local reaction temperature and photoelectric effect to elicit diverse photoenzyme‐coupled reactions is also summarized in detail, which can expand the functional repertoire of biocatalytic transformations under light irradiation. This Minireview underscores the potential of reticular frameworks as tunable and reliable platforms to govern biocatalysis, offering pathways for engineering sustainable, efficient, and selective biocatalytic reactors in pharmaceutical, environmental, and energy‐related applications.
Amorphization Stabilizes Te‐Based Aqueous Batteries via Confining Free Water
Authors: Zhang Yanyan , Zhou Wanhai , Wang Boya , Zhang Tengsheng , Yu Xiaoyu , Li Xinran , Li Gaoyang , Jin Hongrun , Chen Minghua , Li Wei , Zhao Dongyuan , Liu Xin , Chao Dongliang
Published: January 2025

Tellurium (Te), with its rich valence states (−2 to +6), could endow aqueous batteries with potentially high specific capacity. However, achieving complete and stable hypervalent Te0/Te4+ electrochemistry in an aqueous environment poses significant challenges, owing to the sluggish reduction kinetics, easy dissolution of Te4+ species, and a controversial energy storage mechanism. Herein, we demonstrate a crystallographic regulation strategy for robust aqueous Te redox electrochemistry. With strong hydrogen bonding, NH4Ac confines free water, prompting the amorphization of TeO2 (a‐TeO2). In situ synchrotron characterization, spectroscopy analysis, electrochemical evaluation, and theoretical calculations reveal a specific 4 e− solid‐solid transition pathway (Te to a‐TeO2) with accelerated diffusion and charge transfer kinetics, attributed to a closer unoccupied electron orbital to the Fermi level and a reduced water desorption energy barrier in a‐TeO2. Impressively, the a‐TeO2/Te redox exhibits a high reversible capacity of 834 mAh g−1 (99% of Te redox utilization), superior rate performance (644 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1), and an ultralong lifespan (over 3000 cycles). These findings prove a new tactic to advance aqueous Te redox electrochemistry toward high‐energy aqueous batteries.
A Two‐in‐One Strategy to Simultaneously Boost the Site Density and Turnover Frequency of Fe−N−C Oxygen Reduction Catalysts
Authors: Liu Jianbin , Liu Yao , Nan Bing , Wang Dashuai , Allen Christopher , Gong Zhichao , He Guanchao , Fu Kaixing , Ye Gonglan , Fei Huilong
Published: January 2025

Site density (SD) and turnover frequency (TOF) are the two fundamental kinetic descriptors that determine the oxygen reduction activity of iron‐nitrogen‐carbon (Fe−N−C) catalysts that represent the most promising alternatives to precious and scarce platinum. However, it remains a grand challenge to simultaneously optimize these two parameters in a single Fe−N−C catalyst. Here we show that treating a typical Fe−N−C catalyst with ammonium iodine (NH4I) vapor via a one‐step chemical vapor deposition process not only increases the surface area and porosity of the catalyst (and thus enhanced exposure of active sites) via the etching effect of the in situ released NH3, but also regulates the electronic structure of the Fe−N−C moieties by the iodine dopants incorporated into the carbon matrix. As a result, the NH4I‐treated Fe−N−C catalyst possesses both high values in the SD of 2.15×1019 sites g−1 (×2 enhancement compared to the untreated counterpart) and TOF of 3.71 electrons site−1 s−1 (×3 enhancement) that correspond to a high mass activity of 12.78 A g−1, as determined by in situ nitrite stripping technique. Moreover, this catalyst exhibits an excellent oxygen reduction activity in base with a half‐wave potential (E1/2) of 0.924 V and acceptable activity in acid with E1/2 =0.795 V, and superior power density of 249.1 mW cm−2 in a zinc‐air battery.
Thiazolidinone‐Based Electron‐Collecting Monolayers for n‐i‐p Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Miyake Yuki , Nakamura Tomoya , Truong Minh Anh , Murdey Richard , Wakamiya Atsushi
Published: January 2025

The development of efficient electron‐collecting monolayer materials is desired to lower manufacturing costs and improve the performance of regular (negative‐intrinsic‐positive, n‐i‐p) type perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Here, we designed and synthesized four electron‐collecting monolayer materials based on thiazolidinone skeletons, with different lowest‐unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) levels (rhodanine or thiazolidinedione) and different anchoring groups to the transparent electrode (phosphonic acid or carboxylic acid). These molecules, when adsorbed on indium tin oxide (ITO) substrates, lower the work function of ITO, decreasing the energy barrier for electron extraction at the ITO/perovskite interface and improving the device performance. The shift of work function, rather than the LUMO levels of the molecules themselves, was found to be correlated with the performance of the perovskite solar cells.
Die qualifizierte Führungskraft (QuF)
Authors: Motzke Gerd
Published: January 2025

Das mangelfreie Gelingen eines Instandhaltungs‐Werks bedingt das kluge und sorgfältige Tätigwerden vieler Planer und Baubeteiligter. Denn der Auftraggeber stellt ein Bauwerk, das der Instandhaltung/Instandsetzung bedarf. Dieses instandhaltungs‐/instandsetzungsbedürftige Bestandsobjekt ist der vom Auftraggeber gestellte „Baustoff“, der der Untersuchung und Bewertung bedarf, um darauf aufbauend das Instandhaltungs‐/Instandsetzungsziel bestimmen und die darauf ausgerichtete Instandhaltungsplanung erstellen zu können. Diese geistige Leitung, die den Einsatz spezieller Planer – Sachkundiger Planer (SKP) – bedarf, bewirkt jedoch für sich nichts. Die Planungsleistung muss umgesetzt werden, also muss entsprechend der Planung gleichsam an den „Baustoff“ – das Bestandsobjekt – Hand angelegt werden. Hierfür bedarf es des fachkundigen Unternehmers – Verarbeiter –, der seinerseits fachkundiges Personal einzusetzen hat. Denn ohne qualifiziertes Personal ist der Verarbeiter nicht in der Lage, das beauftragte Instandsetzungswerk unter Berücksichtigung des vorgefundenen Istzustands mangelfrei entsprechend den vertraglichen Anforderungen zu erstellen. Wie der Sachkundige Planer (SKP) auf der Auftraggeberseite tätig wird, wirkt auf der Auftragnehmerseite unter anderem – neben dem Bauleiter, dem Baustellenfachpersonal und dem Baustellenpersonal (Teil 3 der DAfStb‐Richtlinie Schutz und Instandsetzung von Betonbauteilen (Instandsetzungsrichtlinie, Rili, 2001 [1]) – die Qualifizierte Führungskraft (QuF). Deren Aufgabe, Funktion und Verantwortung soll näher beleuchtet und zusätzlich dargestellt werden, was diesbezüglich als Begründung nach Technik‐ und Rechtsregeln einschlägig ist. Diese hohe Verantwortlichkeit eines Beschäftigten eines Unternehmers – Verarbeiter –, der diesem die Aufgabe der QuF arbeitsrechtlich zugewiesen hat, hat notwendig zur Folge, dass der Unternehmer die Voraussetzungen schaffen muss, damit die QuF überhaupt in der Lage ist, der gestellten Aufgabe verantwortlich gerecht zu werden.
Management of Acute Coronary Syndrome in Patients With Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Review
Authors: Hirsch Joshua R. , Mascarenhas Lorraine , Kayani Waleed T. , Denktas Ali E. , Khalid Mirza U. , Liu Jing
Published: January 2025

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has become a viable treatment option for patients with severe aortic stenosis among all risk subsets. As TAVR use becomes more prevalent and patients live longer with their transcatheter valve, an increasing number of these patients can be expected to present with ACS. Overall, there is a paucity of high‐quality data detailing incidence, pathophysiology, and management of ACS in this subset. While most ACS cases post‐TAVR are Type II myocardial infarctions (MI), the incidence of Type I MI and ST‐elevation myocardial infarction is not negligible. Additionally, ACS in TAVR patients is associated with poor outcomes. While medical management is similar in this cohort to non‐TAVR patients, procedural issues pose a unique challenge, especially as related to coronary access in the presence of valve prosthesis. Despite the proven benefit of invasive therapies in the management of ACS in non‐TAVR patients, administrative databases suggest a lower utilization of invasive therapies in this cohort, which may highlight a disparity in care and potential for improvement. In this review, we summarize available data regarding the incidence, pathophysiology, and management of ACS in TAVR patients as well as strategies for coronary access post‐TAVR.
Intra‐Aortic Balloon Pump: Down But Not Out
Authors: Guddeti Raviteja R. , Henry Timothy D.
Published: January 2025

Key Points

IABP use in AMI‐CS has declined in the USA and elsewhere, secondary to the lack of significant mortality benefit and the availability of alternative devices with higher levels of support.

Alternative indications for IABP use continue to exist, including ADHF‐CS and mechanical complications from AMI.

Careful patient selection is critical in identifying responders to IABP. Further studies are needed to clarify the appropriate indications for IABP.
Angiographic Characterization and Sex‐Related Anatomical Differences of Atrial Coronary Arteries Anatomy—A Proposal of Systematic Classification
Authors: Marques‐ Antunes Miguel , van Oort Martijn J. H. , Oliveri Federico , Al Amri Ibtihal , Bingen Brian O. , Cruz‐Ferreira Rui , Wouter Jukema J. , Montero‐Cabezas Jose M.
Published: January 2025

Background

The coronary atrial circulation is the network of vessels that supply blood to the atria, originating from the left circumflex and right coronary arteries. Current descriptions of this arterial system are based on anatomical studies with a limited number of patients, predominantly male. In addition, there is a lack of consensus its angiographic nomenclature.

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate the anatomical variations of coronary atrial branches (CAB) and investigate sex‐related differences in their distribution.

Methods

Consecutive patients with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction who underwent primary PCI at a tertiary center between 2004 and 2013 were included. Angiographic anatomy of all visible CAB on index coronary angiography was systematically evaluated following a stepwise method, including type of branch; coronary artery of origin; segment of origin, branch course, and atrial dominancy. Specific differences between both sexes were analyzed.

Results

A total of 998 patients (age 61 ± 12, 79% male) were included. The sinus node artery was the dominant CAB in 916 (93%), originating in 37% from distal coronary segments. Different CAB anatomical patterns were identified in both sexes. Compared to females, males presented a higher prevalence of left‐sided CAB (left circumflex CAB 459 [58%] vs. 96 [45%], p < 0.001; sigma‐shaped CAB 267 [30%] vs. 39 [21%], p = 0.003) and of a left‐balanced atrial circulation pattern‐defined as the presence of at least two CAB originating from the LCx, with one of them being the dominant CAB—245 (31%) versus 45 (21%), p = 0.005.

Conclusions

This study provides a systematic approach to the angiographic evaluation of CAB. Sex‐related phenotypical differences of CAB distribution were found, with males presenting a higher presence of left‐sided CAB and a left‐balanced atrial circulation pattern.
Identifying cognitive test scores associated with early tau burden in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Terao Caitlin M. , Alexander Madeline Wood , Chalmers R. Philip , Boshmaf Silina Z. , Paterson Jane , Black Sandra E. , Papp Kathryn V. , Sperling Reisa A. , Rabin Jennifer S.
Published: January 2025

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to identify cognitive tests that optimally relate to tau positron emission tomography (PET) signal in the inferior temporal cortex (ITC), a neocortical region associated with early tau accumulation in Alzheimer's disease (AD).

METHODS

We analyzed cross‐sectional data from the harvard aging brain study (HABS) (n = 128) and the Anti‐Amyloid Treatment in Asymptomatic Alzheimer's (A4) study (n = 393). We used elastic net regression to identify the most robust cognitive correlates of tau PET signal in the ITC. Secondary analyses examined whether the cognitive correlates remained significantly associated with tau after adjusting for structural brain measures.

RESULTS

Episodic memory measures, including both total and “process” scores, were the most robust correlates of ITC tau across both cohorts. These cognitive test scores remained significant after accounting for structural brain measures.

DISCUSSION

These findings highlight the potential of specific episodic memory test scores to detect and monitor neuropathological changes associated with early AD.

Highlights

Machine learning identified cognitive correlates of early Alzheimer's disease tau burden.

Both traditional and process scores predicted early tau burden.

Episodic memory scores were among the strongest correlates.

Cognitive scores remained significant after accounting for structural brain measures.
Professionalism is fundamental: Discipline in professional degree programs
Authors: Masinter Michael R.
Published: January 2025

Healthcare professional schools regularly assess students based on demonstrated professionalism, as defined by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, including “respect, compassion, and integrity; a responsiveness to the needs of the patient and society that supersedes self‐interest; accountability” and “a commitment to ethical principles” (bit.ly/4iV8LrU). Similar requirements are common in other health care professional schools from nursing to physical therapy and have also increasingly been adopted by law schools. When students demonstrate continuing unprofessional behavior, professional schools may dismiss them from their programs.
Aerobic Exercise Prescription for Pain Reduction in Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Casanova‐Rodríguez David , Ranchal‐Sánchez Antonio , Rodríguez Rodrigo Bertoletti , Jurado‐Castro Jose Manuel
Published: January 2025

Background and Objective

Fibromyalgia is a condition characterised by disabling levels of pain of varying intensity. Aerobic exercise may play a role in reducing pain in these patients. The aim of this review is to assess the dose of aerobic exercise needed, based on the frequency, intensity, type, time, volume and progression (FITT‐VP) model, to obtain clinically relevant reductions in pain.

Databases and Data Treatment

A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised clinical trials was conducted in the Web of Science (WoS), PEDro, PubMed and Scopus databases, the search having been conducted between July and October of 2023. Risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias assessment tool 2.

Results

Seventeen studies were included. The risk of bias varied, with six studies showing low risk; five, some concerns; and six, high risk. Aerobic exercise interventions were analysed using the FITT‐VP model. Frequency ranged from 1 to 10 times per week, intensity varied from light to vigorous, and the types of exercise included music‐based exercise, interval training, pool‐based exercise, stationary cycling, swimming and walking. The intervention durations ranged from 3 to 24 weeks, with session lengths ranging from 10 to 45 min. Most of the studies presented significant differences, favouring aerobic exercise (MD −0.49; CI [−0.90, −0.08; p = 0.02]), with moderate to low heterogeneity in subgroup analyses.

Conclusions

The study findings underscore the efficacy of aerobic exercise in alleviating pain among fibromyalgia patients, advocating for tailored exercise dosing to optimise adherence and outcomes.

Significance Statement

Individuals with fibromyalgia should engage in aerobic exercises two to three times weekly, for twenty‐five to forty minutes in each session, aiming for more than a hundred minutes per week. They should start at low intensity, gradually increasing to higher intensities over six to twelve weeks, for optimal pain management. Exercise types should be selected in collaboration with the patient and based on personal preferences and accessibility, such as walking, and swimming, to ensure long‐term adherence to the regimen.
Challenges and Lessons Learned From Pseudo‐Dynamic Hybrid Simulations on Ductile Steel Braced Frame Systems
Authors: Mortazavi Pedram , Kwon Oh‐Sung , Christopoulos Constantin
Published: January 2025

Performance‐based seismic design, which emerged more than two decades ago, requires accurate numerical models to capture the response of structural elements that undergo inelastic deformations under random loading histories. High‐fidelity benchmark test results under real natural hazards are therefore required to assist researchers and practitioners with this effort. Substructuring pseudo‐dynamic hybrid simulation (PsDHS) is an efficient, yet effective testing method for evaluating the system‐level response of structures under extreme loading scenarios, and for forming a database of high‐fidelity benchmark test results. In PsDHS, the response of the critical structural components is captured in a laboratory through physical testing and is integrated with the numerical response of the remainder of the structure in a numerical model, by establishing a communication framework between the two. The former is referred to as a physical substructure and the latter is often referred to as the integration module. Despite its efficiency and effectiveness, large‐scale hybrid simulation introduces researchers to a range of non‐trivial challenges, especially in laboratories that are new to the methodology. This paper presents challenges and lessons learned from 21 large‐scale pseudo‐dynamic hybrid simulations on different ductile steel braced frame systems including a buckling‐restrained braced frame (BRBF), a special concentrically braced frame (SCBF), a yielding brace system (YBS) equipped with cast steel yielding connectors (YCs), and eccentrically braced frames (EBFs) designed with cast steel replaceable modular yielding links (CMLs). Details for each hybrid simulation including the experimental setups, reference buildings, earthquake records, etc. along with selected results are presented. Challenges that were faced in each hybrid simulation related to hardware, the control system, integration schemes, etc., and attempted solutions are discussed. The findings from each set of hybrid simulations on each braced frame system are summarized. The experimental results are organized as a dataset in an online data repository, which is available for download. The organization of the dataset is presented to facilitate access to the experimental results. In the end, concluding remarks and visions for future research are presented.
Full‐Scale Beam‐To‐Column Subassemblage Testing for Seismic Evaluation of Deep Columns
Authors: Sepulveda Claudio , Ozkula Gulen , Mosqueda Gilberto , Uang Chia‐Ming , Chou Chung‐Che , Wang Kung‐Juin , El‐Tawil Sherif , McCormick Jason
Published: January 2025

Steel moment frames composed of wide‐flange steel members are commonly used in seismic regions, with deep and slender column sections often selected to economically satisfy drift limit requirements. The section slenderness makes the columns more susceptible to local and global buckling and subsequent axial shortening when subjected to combined high axial forces and lateral deformations. Numerous tests have been conducted on individual column members under a wide range of axial loads and loading patterns. Experimental data of subassembly or complete frame configurations providing insight into system level interaction of the column with the frame are more limited. To address this concern, a full‐scale testing program was conducted on four cruciform beam‐to‐column subassemblage subjected to loading patterns based on cyclic quasi‐static and slow hybrid simulation. Quasi‐static tests followed standard AISC loading protocol with constant column axial load ranging from 20% to 40% of the yield capacity. Advanced hybrid simulations subjected the specimens to realistic earthquake loading patterns to levels consistent with design basis earthquake (DBE) and maximum considered earthquake (MCE) ground motions. A full nonlinear model of a complete 6‐story frame was developed for the numerical substructure in the hybrid simulation. The observed local and global responses of two quasi‐static and two hybrid tests are presented, providing valuable data towards improving the understanding of progress of damage for these systems through advanced testing techniques.
Dynamic Analysis of a Periodic Soil‐Structure Interaction System to Reduce Ground Vibration
Authors: Nguyen Dinh‐Tuan , Lee Jin Ho
Published: January 2025

Metamaterials have been developed to control electromagnetic, acoustic, and elastic waves, and can also be employed to manage seismic waves. As building clusters can significantly affect ground vibrations, this study extends the concept of metamaterials to evaluate a periodic soil‐structure interaction (SSI) system capable of reducing the ground vibrations caused by seismic waves. Using the theory of SSI with Floquet–Bloch theorem, a governing equation for a unit cell in a periodic SSI system is derived with effective earthquake forces from exterior sources. The dispersion relations of the periodic SSI system are subsequently obtained, and its frequency band gaps (FBGs) for surface waves are identified. Furthermore, the dynamic stiffness of rigid foundation, on which periodic superstructures are installed, and corresponding input motion are calculated when Rayleigh surface waves are incident to the system. The results indicated that foundation input motion is significantly reduced resulting in a reduction of structural response, and the dynamic displacements of the soil surface are significantly reduced owing to the FBGs within the SSI system. Finally, a parametric study is conducted to examine the effects of clear spacing between buildings, building height, and shear wave velocity in the underlying half‐space on SSI system behavior. The results confirm that the dynamic characteristics of a periodic SSI system depend on these factors and it must be designed accordingly.
Copper Benzene‐1,3,5‐Tricarboxylate Metal‐Organic Framework Performance as a Heterogeneous Catalyst for Biodiesel Production
Authors: Lau Jason Ik C. , Khadaroo Sabeeha N. B. A. , Chew Jiuan J. , Khaerudini Deni S. , Saptoro Agus , Sunarso Jaka
Published: January 2025

The increasing demand for sustainable fuels has driven extensive research into biodiesel production, which typically relies on the use of active catalysts to facilitate the transesterification of oils. While homogeneous catalysts are commonly employed, they pose challenges in terms of recyclability and environmental impact, leading to growing interest in heterogeneous catalysts. Among these, metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have gained attention due to their high surface area and tuneable properties. This study investigates the performance of a copper benzene‐1,3,5‐tricarboxylate (CuBTC) MOF as an effective heterogeneous catalyst for biodiesel production. CuBTC was synthesised via solvothermal method and thoroughly characterised using scanning electron microscopy to examine the morphology, powder X‐ray diffraction to determine the crystalline structure, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to identify the functional groups. The synthesised CuBTC has an octahedral morphology and successfully catalysed biodiesel production with unsaturated fatty acids within the C16 to C18 range, achieving a yield of 78.6% using 1 wt.% CuBTC and a 10:1 methanol‐to‐oil molar ratio. The iodine value of the produced biodiesel was 59.3 g I/g, and the higher heating value was 39.2 MJ/kg. Recycled CuBTC maintained its efficacy, yielding 76.6% and 63.4% fatty acid methyl esters in the first and second recycling runs, respectively, with 16.6% and 15.3% of C16 to C18 fatty acids. The produced biodiesel met quality standards outlined in EN 14214, highlighting CuBTC's potential for sustainable biodiesel production.
Effects of Heat Transport Characteristics and Chemical Reaction in Unsteady Flow of Williamson Fluid and Entropy Generation: The Keller‐Box Numerical Scheme
Authors: Olkha Amala , Kumar Mukesh , Meena Sunil Kumar
Published: January 2025

The study of heat and mass transport in non‐Newtonian fluid flow over a stretching surface accompanying relevant characteristics is important in several engineering and industrial processes like annealing and thinning of copper wires, aerodynamic extrusion of plastic and rubber sheet, glass fiber, and so forth. Based on significant practical applications, the objective of this investigation is to assess the time‐dependent flow of Williamson fluid influenced by porous sheet stretching in exponential manner accompanied by thermal and mass transport and entropy generation. Various factors affecting fluid flow, thermal and mass transport (viscous dissipation, non‐linear radiation, porous media, chemical reaction, and heat source) are considered. The regulating PDEs are turned into ODEs in nondimensional form utilizing adequate similarity transformation relations. The problem is solved numerically on MATLAB adopting the Keller‐Box scheme. On fluid flow, temperature, and concentration distribution the effects of relevant parameters are depicted by drawing sketches and discussed. Besides, second law analysis is also evoked in the study in terms of entropy generation accompanying the Bejan number. Moreover, quantities of physical significance such as skin friction coefficient, Sherwood number, and Nusselt number are computed, compared with prior research and found in excellent agreement. It is concluded that temperature profile magnifies due to radiation and heat generation effects. The reaction coefficient and order of the reaction exhibited opposite effects on concentration profile. It is also concluded that entropy production reduces with increasing slips and temperature difference parameter, while opposite effect is observed due to Brinkman number. Furthermore, it is observed that skin‐friction coefficient at the surface decreases with velocity slip and non‐Newtonian parameter however, trend is reversed due to unsteadiness parameter. The results of the study may find applications of practical importance in engineering fields such as designing heat exchangers, cooling processes, improving energy storage systems, and so forth.
The Disclosure Fog: Institutional Investors and Corporate Greenwashing
Authors: Zhu Fumin , Fan Haoyuan , Zheng Zunxin
Published: January 2025

Corporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosure is often a superficial signal rather than something of substance and is an easily negligible form of greenwashing. Here, we explore the relationship between corporate disclosure greenwashing and institutional investors using data from Chinese listed heavily polluting firms from 2012 to 2021. We hypothesise and discover that while institutional investors encourage firms to publish social responsibility reports, they may actually discourage the use of sustainability‐related phrases in these reports. The findings hold even after performing several endogeneity and robustness tests. We also identify three mechanisms through which institutional investors influence corporate greenwashing: corporate governance, information transparency, and corporate operations. Additionally, pressure‐sensitive institutional investors are more likely to facilitate corporate greenwashing than pressure‐insensitive and pressure‐uncertain investors. However, after the Guidance on Building Green Financial System's implementation in 2016, the positive relationship between disclosure greenwashing and institutional investors has rapidly declined. The promotional effect of institutional investor‐induced greenwashing is also lower in state‐owned enterprises. Overall, our findings not only enrich the literature on institutional investors and corporate information disclosure but also have implications for improving the green financial system.
Zerumbone Induces Apoptosis in Non‐Small‐Cell Lung Cancer via Biomolecular Alterations: A Microscopic and Spectroscopic Study
Authors: Köprü Çağla Zübeyde , Baba Burcu , Yonar Dilek
Published: January 2025

Zerumbone is a sesquiterpene phytochemical with cytotoxic activity against cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of zerumbone on cell viability by WST‐1 test, apoptosis by TUNEL, lipid peroxidation markers (malondialdehyde, MDA, and 4‐hydroxynonenal, HNE) by using assay kits, and biomolecular changes by ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy in A549 cells. After zerumbone (0–100 μM) incubation for 24, 48, and 72 h, the number of TUNEL‐positive cells was found to be higher in zerumbone‐treated cells than in controls, in consistent with cell morphology results. MDA levels increased significantly, although HNE levels increased non‐significantly in zerumbone‐treated cells. Spectral analyses revealed that the zerumbone‐treated groups had higher levels of total saturated and unsaturated lipids as well as comparatively shorter‐chain lipids. On the contrary, reduced RNA/DNA ratio, total nucleic acid, and protein content were found in zerumbone‐treated groups. Consequently, zerumbone‐induced apoptosis was accompanied by increased aldehyde products during lipid peroxidation as well as biomolecular alterations.
Characterization of Renal OAT3 and Hepatic CYP3A Activities in Pregnant Women with Acute Pyelonephritis Using the Endogenous Biomarker Cortisol and 6β‐Hydroxycortisol
Authors: Ximenez João Paulo Bianchi , Benzi Jhohann Richard de Lima , Colombari Julia Cristina , Thomaz Matheus de Lucca , Rocha Adriana , Rabelo e Silva Ana Cláudia , dos Santos Melli Patrícia Pereira , Duarte Geraldo , Lanchote Vera Lucia
Published: January 2025

This study evaluates the impact of acute pyelonephritis in pregnant women on the in vivo activity of renal OAT3 using the endogenous biomarker (EB) 6β‐hydroxycortisol (6β‐OHF) renal clearance (CLrenal 6β‐OHF) and AUC6β‐OHF validated by correlating with the secretion clearance (CLsec) of the probe drug furosemide. Additionally, 6β‐OHF formation clearance (CLformation 6β‐OHF) as well as urinary (Ae6β‐OHF/AeF) and plasma (AUC6βOHF/AUCF) ratios were also evaluated as EB for hepatic CYP3A activity. Pregnant women in their third trimester of gestation, diagnosed with acute pyelonephritis, were recruited before (pre‐treatment, n = 8) and after (post‐treatment, n = 8) cefuroxime treatment and resolution of acute pyelonephritis. All participants received a single dose of furosemide 40 mg for evaluation of OAT3 in vivo activity on both occasions followed by collection of urine and serial blood samples for 24 h. The CLrenal 6β‐OHF (geometric mean and 95% CI) increased from 1.81 L/h (0.86‐3.83) to 11.82 L/h (6.58‐21.24), whereas the AUC6β‐OHF decreased from 44.85 ng h/mL (30.96‐64.98) to 24.20 ng h/mL (16.05‐36.48) pre‐ and post‐treatment. Significant statistical correlations were observed between furosemide CLsec and CLrenal 6β‐OHF (R = 0.88, P = .01) and AUC6β‐OHF (R = −0.66, P > .001). Additionally, the CLformation 6β‐OHF was lower in pre‐treatment 26.81 L/h (10.18‐70.59) than in post‐treatment 96.18 L/h (64.21‐144.09), whereas AUC6βOHF/AUCF ratios were decreased from 0.014 (0.010‐0.019) pre‐treatment to 0.009 (0.006‐0.013) post‐treatment. Regarding Ae6β‐OHF/AeF ratios, no differences were observed between pre‐treatment and post‐treatment. In conclusion, CLrenal 6β‐OHF evaluates renal OAT3 activity when CYP3A is inhibited, whereas CLformation 6β‐OHF evaluates hepatic CYP3A when OAT3 is inhibited, such as in pregnant women with acute pyelonephritis.
Pollen Morphology of Gentiana L. (Gentianaceae) in Türkiye
Authors: Şeker Erkan , Çiçek Mehmet
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the pollen morphology of 13 taxa of Turkish Gentiana using a statistical approach, contributing to their taxonomy. The aim is to elucidate the palynological characteristics of the taxa and to reveal their contributions to the systematic understanding of the genus Gentiana. The pollen grains are monad, radially symmetrical, isopolar, and tricolporate. The shapes of pollen grains are mostly oblate‐spheroidal, occasionally subprolate, and rarely spheroidal. The polar axis ranges from 27.92 to 35.80 μm, the equatorial axis 25.33 to 35.42 μm. The ornamentation type is mostly observed as striate‐perforate; however, striate‐reticulate, striate, rugulate, reticulate, and rugulate‐perforate types have also been observed. The result of numerical analyzes showed that Turkish Gentiana were divided into three groups. The results of PCA analysis, correlated with 84.2% ratio, showed that pollen characters grouped into three principal component. According to PCA analysis, the pollen characters to be used for cluster analysis were determined. Equatorial axis, Clt, Plg, pore diameter, mesocolpium, and apocolpium of the measured pollens are in the first principal component (explains 53.4%). Polar axis, Clg, p/e of the pollen characters are in the second principal component (explains 20.4%). Exine, intine, and Clg/Clt are in the third principal component (explains 10.4%). In conclusion, ornamentation type, polar axis, Clg, Clt, pore diameter, intine, exine, and mesocolpium have been identified as significant and distinguishing characters in taxonomy. Our results support the close relationship among some taxa (i.e., G. gelida and G. boissieri, G. verna subspecies, G. pyrenaica, and G. aquatica).