bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of prehospital treatment in STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI
Authors: Fabris Enrico , Menzio Sara , Gregorio Caterina , Pezzato Andrea , Stolfo Davide , Aleksova Aneta , Vitrella Giancarlo , Rakar Serena , Perkan Andrea , van't Hof Arnoud WJ , Sinagra Gianfranco
Published: March 2022

Background

The appropriate timing to administer antithrombotic therapies in ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remains uncertain. This study aims to evaluate the role of antithrombotic therapy administration at first medical contact (FMC) compared with the administration in the Cathlab.

Methods

We conducted a “before‐after” observational study enrolling STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Outcomes were evaluated during two successive periods, before (control group: aspirin only at FMC) and after (pretreated intervention group: heparin, aspirin plus ticagrelor at FMC) the introduction of a new regional pretreatment protocol.

Results

A total of 537 consecutive patients (300 in control vs. 237 in intervention group) were enrolled. The pretreated compared with no pretreated population showed better basal reperfusion, expressed as basal Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI)‐flow (p for trend p < 0.001). Pretreated population showed lower frequency of TIMI 0 (56.5% vs. 73.7%, odds ratio [OR]: 0.46, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.32–0.67, p < 0.001) and higher frequency of TIMI 2‐3 (33.3% vs. 19.3% OR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.38–2.00, p < 0.001) and TIMI 3 (14.3% vs. 9.7%, OR: 1.56, 95% CI: (0.92–2.65), p = 0.094). Pretreated compared with no pretreated population showed reduced infarct size expressed as Troponin Peak (20,286 (8726–75,027) versus 48,676 (17,229–113,900), p = 0.001), and higher left ventricular ejection fraction at discharge (53% (44–59) vs. 50% (44–56), p = 0.027). In‐hospital BARC ≥ 2 bleeding were similar (2.1% vs. 2.0%, p = 0.929, in pretreated versus no pretreated population, respectively).

Conclusion

This study provides support for an early pretreatment strategy in STEMI patients and confirmed the importance of an efficient organization of STEMI networks which allow initiation of antithrombotic treatment at FMC.
Complement inhibitor eculizumab in thrombotic microangiopathy: Single‐center case series
Authors: Vitkauskaitė Monika , Vinikovas Artūras , Miglinas Marius , Rimševičius Laurynas , Čerkauskaitė Agnė , Mačionienė Ernesta , Ašakienė Eglė
Published: March 2022

Our case series showed that eculizumab is efficacious and safe in treating thrombotic microangiopathy, as well as it has positive effects on quality of life. Further extensive studies are required to develop unified treatment guidelines.
Levetiracetam‐induced aggression and acute behavioral changes: A case report and literature review
Authors: Zhang Jeff F , Piryani Ravi , Swayampakula Anil K , Farooq Osman
Published: March 2022

Levetiracetam is a second‐generation antiepileptic medication used to treat a wide range of partial and generalized seizure disorders. While Levetiracetam is generally well‐tolerated, mild mood‐related side effects (e.g., anxiety, agitation, and depression) have been observed in a minority of patients in the days following initiation of therapy or changes in dosing. The development of acute aggression requiring termination of Levetiracetam therapy has been rarely reported in the medical literature but poses a limiting effect on treatment options for refractory epilepsy in pediatric patients. In this report, we present a teenage male patient with a history of seizure disorder who developed sudden, severe behavioral abnormalities and aggression following increases in his Levetiracetam dosing. His symptoms resolved rapidly after return of his medication dosing to baseline, with no further sequelae noted. Our observations suggest that Levetiracetam remains a safe and effective first‐line antiepileptic whose adverse behavioral side effect profile can be properly managed with close patient monitoring and dose titration.
Diagnostic challenges in childhood sarcoidosis
Authors: Manaa Linda , Youssef Monia , Chouchène Chokri , Ben abdejlil Nouha , Belhadjali Hichem , Chouchène Sleh , Zili Jameleddine
Published: March 2022

The aim of our clinical image was to emphasize the value of a careful skin examination in the diagnosis of early‐onset sarcoidosis in children.
Idiopathic sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis: An uncommon cause of intestinal obstruction in a virgin abdomen
Authors: Sghair Asma , Debaibi Mehdi , Kchaou Majdi , Talbi Skander , Sridi Azza , Chouchen Adnen
Published: March 2022

Idiopathic sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis is a clinical entity characterized by partial or complete encasement of the digestive tract by a fibrous membrane. The preoperative diagnosis is difficult to establish. The diagnosis of sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis should be considered for patients without any surgical history and admitted for intestinal obstruction, especially for patients having peritoneal dialysis. We herein report the case of a 50‐year‐old man with idiopathic encapsulating peritonitis complicated by intestinal obstruction and ischemia. Idiopathic sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis is a rare disease. The diagnosis is made generally during a surgical procedure. Surgery seems to be the best management option for patients with severe signs of intestinal obstruction. Total resection of membrane avoids recurrences but it is associated with higher morbidity and mortality
Promoting Proton Transfer and Stabilizing Intermediates in Catalytic Water Oxidation via Hydrophobic Outer Sphere Interactions
Authors: Liu Tianqi , Li Ge , Shen Nannan , Wang Linqin , Timmer Brian J. J. , Kravchenko Alexander , Zhou Shengyang , Gao Ying , Yang Yi , Yang Hao , Xu Bo , Zhang Biaobiao , Ahlquist Mårten S. G. , Sun Licheng
Published: March 2022

The outer coordination sphere of metalloenzyme often plays an important role in its high catalytic activity, however, this principle is rarely considered in the design of man‐made molecular catalysts. Herein, four Ru‐bda (bda=2,2′‐bipyridine‐6,6′‐dicarboxylate) based molecular water oxidation catalysts with well‐defined outer spheres are designed and synthesized. Experimental and theoretical studies showed that the hydrophobic environment around the Ru center could lead to thermodynamic stabilization of the high‐valent intermediates and kinetic acceleration of the proton transfer process during catalytic water oxidation. By this outer sphere stabilization, a 6‐fold rate increase for water oxidation catalysis has been achieved.
Tetranuclear Dicationic Aurophilic Gold(I) Catalysts in Enyne Cycloisomerization: Cooperativity for a Dramatic Shift in Selectivity
Authors: Nguyen Tuan‐Anh , Daiann Sosa Carrizo E. , Cattey Hélène , Fleurat‐Lessard Paul , Roger Julien , Hierso Jean‐Cyrille
Published: March 2022

In comparison to mononuclear gold Lewis acid catalysts, digold complexes and dual‐gold catalysis have illustrated a distinct and powerful potential for the activation of carbon‐carbon multiple bonds. Herein, this concept is pushed further by designing novel tetranuclear gold(I) dicationic complexes structurally supported by strongly stabilizing constraint diphosphinoferrocenyl ligands and attractive closed‐shell Au⋅⋅⋅Au aurophilic interactions. The use of a molecularly‐defined tetranuclear dicationic aurophilic gold(I) precatalyst for the selectivity‐challenging cycloisomerization of low‐substituted 1,6‐enynes favors the formation with high selectivity of strained azabicyclo[4.1.0]hept‐4‐enes – even in the complete absence of activating/orienting substituents on alkyne and olefin reactive functions. This selectivity is not achieved by the reported phosphine‐ and carbene‐stabilized mono‐ and dinuclear cationic gold(I) complexes, including the ones formed from the same ligands. More importantly this selectivity differs also from nanoparticles and heterogeneous gold catalysts reported to date. DFT studies correlated to experimental mechanistic investigations support an unprecedented “cluster‐like” reactivity from polynuclear cooperation at the origin of this peculiar selectivity where the aurophilic interactions preexist, and pre‐organize, gold cluster reactive intermediates.
Experimental methods in chemical engineering: Scanning electron microscopy andX‐ray ultra‐microscopy—SEMandXuM
Authors: Davies Thomas E. , Li He , Bessette Stéphanie , Gauvin Raynald , Patience Gregory S. , Dummer Nicholas F.
Published: March 2022

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) produces images at 500 000 times magnification and better than 1 nm resolution to characterize inorganic and organic solid morphology, surface topography, and crystallography. An electron beam interacts with the material and generates secondary electrons (SE) and backscattered electrons (BSE) that detectors capture. Coupled with X‐ray energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (X‐EDS), SEM‐EDS identifies elemental composition. X‐ray ultra‐microscopy (XuM) traverses particles to identify phase changes and areas of high density and voids without slicing through the solids by microtome. Although SEM instrument capability continuously evolves with higher magnification and better resolution, desktop SEMs are becoming standard in laboratories that require frequent imaging and lower magnification. Hand‐held cameras (800–1500×) have the advantage of low cost, ease of use, and better colours. SEM depth of field is better than visible light microscopy, but image stacking software has narrowed the gap between the two. Modern user interfaces mean that today's SEM instruments are easier to operate and data acquisition is faster, but operators must be able to select the right technique for the application (e.g., SE vs. BSE). Furthermore, they must understand how operating parameters like probe current, accelerating voltage, spot‐diameter, convergence angle, and working distance compromise sample integrity. The number of articles the Web of Science indexes that mention SEM has grown from 1000 in 1990 to over 40 000 in 2021. A bibliometric map identified four clusters of research: mechanical properties and microstructure; nanoparticles, composites, and graphene; antibacterial and green synthesis; and adsorption and wastewater.
Versatile Magnetic Nanoparticles for Spatially Organized Assemblies of Enzyme Cascades: A Comprehensive Investigation of Catalytic Performance
Authors: Chu Xinshuang , Shi Qinghong
Published: March 2022

Comprehensive Summary

Inspired by nature, precise spatial organization of enzyme cascades of interest is crucial to the improvement of catalytic performance. Herein, DNA scaffolds were introduced to construct a toolkit for versatile immobilization of enzyme pairs on dextran‐coated magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). After the glucose oxidase (GOx) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) pair was immobilized through random covalent, DNA‐directed and DNA tile‐directed strategies, the immobilized GOx/HRP pair on the MNP‐based carrier assembled with DNA tile (TD@MNPs) exhibited the highest activity due to rational spatial organization and less conformational change of constituent enzymes. With a decrease in interenzyme distance on TD@MNPs, furthermore, the catalytic efficiency of the HRP/GOx pair increased further for both substrates, 2,2’‐azinobis(3‐ethyl‐benzthiazoline‐6‐sulfonate) (ABTS) and 3,3',5,5'‐tetramethyl benzidine (TMB). As the assembled HRP was closer to the carrier surface, the catalytic efficiency of the GOx/HRP pair increased by 6.2‐fold for positively charged TMB and only by 62% for negatively charged ABTS compared with the free GOx/HRP pair. Moreover, a reversal of catalytic efficiency was found after the GOx/HRP pair was assembled on a positively charged carrier (TD@pMNPs). This research demonstrated that MNP‐based carriers had the potential to become a versatile toolkit for shedding an insight into catalytic performance and the development of new biocatalysts.
QTL mapping for adult plant field resistance to stripe rust in the AAC Cameron/P2711 spring wheat population
Authors: Farzand Momna , Dhariwal Raman , Hiebert Colin W. , Spaner Dean , Randhawa Harpinder S.
Published: March 2022

Stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is a devastating disease of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Deployment of resistant wheat cultivars is one of the best strategies to mitigate disease‐associated risks. The genotype P2711 possesses effective stripe rust resistance under field conditions in western Canada, however, the genetic basis of this resistance is unknown. To identify resistance, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population comprised of 252 RILs was developed from the cross AAC Cameron/P2711. This population was evaluated for stripe rust severity at the adult plant stage in Creston, BC (in 2018, 2019, and 2020) and Lethbridge, AB (in 2018 and 2020), and was genotyped using the wheat 90K iSelect single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) assay. A high‐density genetic map comprised of 8,915 markers was constructed covering all the wheat chromosomes. Four resistance quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were contributed by P2711 and three from AAC Cameron. QYr.lrdc‐2A.1, corresponding to the Yr17 gene, was the most stable QTL and detected in four out of five environments, whereas QYr.lrdc‐2B was the second most stable QTL. These two QTL along with QYr.lrdc‐5A showed a significant reduction in stripe rust severity when present together. Where most of the QTLs detected in both locations, QYr.lrdc‐1A.1 and QYr.lrdc‐1A.2, both were detected only in Creston, BC. Stable QTLs on chromosome 2A, 2B, and 5A, and their closely associated markers identified in this study could be utilized in marker‐assisted selection for stripe rust resistant cultivar development.
Study of self‐organised criticality in a coaxial plasma source with gridded cathode
Authors: Bose Subhojit , Paul Manash Kumar
Published: March 2022

Multiple luminous sheath structures develop in the localised plasma formation inside a cylindrical gridded cathode plasma source. These structures gradually expand into the whole vessel and undergo a critical state through self‐organised criticality (SOC) along with pronounced sheath oscillations during the variation of anode potential. The present investigation emphasises the stability properties associated with the oscillations of the sheath potential structures in the cylindrical‐gridded cathode in glow discharge regime through SOC phenomena through non‐linear time series analysis. The non‐linear temporal and spatial analysis of potential structure and dynamics of charged particles are correlated with SOC in cylindrical‐gridded cathode in glow discharge regime through the dynamics of multiple sheath structure formations. The existence of flicker noise and long‐range correlation in the time series suggests the existence of SOC behaviour in the system, the multiple sheath structures evolve through reduction and addition of layers. Cylindrical‐gridded cathode discharge initiation during formations of multiple sheath structures, switching of discharge regimes with anode potential, layer reduction and addition inside the sheath structures through SOC behaviour, renders uniqueness to the present regime of investigation. Self‐organised pattern formations and self‐organised criticality behaviour investigated in the present glow discharge regime using the cylindrical‐gridded cathode source are of prime importance to understand the complex behaviour of plasmas in the field of hollow cathode discharges.
Faulty node detection and recovery scheme for large‐scale wireless sensor network using hosted cuckoo optimization algorithm
Authors: Palanikumar R. , Ramasamy K. , Srinivasa Ragavan P.
Published: March 2022

Large‐scale wireless sensor networks (LS‐WSNs) are used for collecting and monitoring the physical state of the environment. These networks are first sending information to the base station and then the recipient. LS‐WSNs consist of several components, such as battery, sensor, transmitter, receiver and microcontroller circuits. If any one of these hardware components does not work properly, then the entire system will become faulty condition, resulting reducing network life and accuracy. To overcome these hardware node faults, this manuscript proposes an effective deep reinforcement learning (DRL)‐adopted faulty node detection and recovery scheme (FND‐RS) integrated with the hosted cuckoo‐based optimal routing scheme for LS‐WSNs. Here, the DRL process is utilized for noticing and recovering the hardware node fault on sensor. The major objective of this system is ‘to enhance the network life with least energy consumption and also enhance the accuracy of Large Scale Wireless Sensor Networks using hosted cuckoo optimization (HO‐COA) algorithms’. The simulation is done in MATLAB. The experimental results shows that the proposed method attains lower overhead 15.65%, energy loss 21.62%, average packet delivery ratio 13.13%, energy efficiency 23.25%, network lifetime 19.12%, throughput 13.5%, time complexity 19.35% and lower delay 17.55% when compared to the existing methods, like FND‐RS for LS‐WSN in distributed intermittent fault diagnosis algorithm (NDR‐WSN‐DISFD), FND‐RS for LS‐WSN in harmony search algorithm (FNDR‐WSN‐HAS), FND‐RS for LS‐WSN in t‐distribution‐based satin bowerbird optimization (FNDR‐WSN‐t‐DSBO), FND‐RS for LS‐WSN in optimal emperor penguin optimization (FNDR‐WSN‐OEPO) and FND‐RS for LS‐WSN in particle swarm optimization algorithm (FNDR‐WSN‐PSO) respectively.
Specific depression dimensions are associated with a faster rate of cognitive decline in older adults
Authors: Soleimani Laili , Schnaider Beeri Michal , Grossman Hillel , Sano Mary , Zhu Carolyn W.
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Understanding the relationship between different depression presentations and cognitive outcome may elucidate high‐risk sub‐groups for cognitive decline.

Methods

In this study we utilized longitudinal data from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC) on 16,743 initially not demented older adults followed every 12 months for an average of 5 years. Depression dimensions were defined based on the 15‐item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS‐15), that is, dysphoric mood, Withdrawal‐Apathy‐Vigor (WAV), anxiety, hopelessness, and subjective memory complaint (SMC).

Results

After adjustment for sociodemographic and clinical covariates, SMC and hopelessness were associated with faster decline in global cognition and all cognitive domains and WAV with decline executive function. Dysphoric mood and anxiety were not associated with a faster cognitive decline in any of the cognitive domains.

Discussion

Different depression dimensions had different associations with the rate of cognitive decline, suggesting distinct pathophysiology and the need for more targeted interventions.
Developmental administration of valproic acid alters DNA methylation and maternal behavior
Authors: Collins Nicholas J. , Zimmerman Catherine W. , Phillips Natalia L. H. , Fern Samantha , Doherty Tiffany S. , Roth Tania L.
Published: March 2022

Exposure to adversity in early development has powerful and potentially lasting consequences on behavior. Previous work in our laboratory using female Long‐Evans rats has demonstrated that exposure to early‐life maltreatment manifests into alterations in dam behavior, including a perpetuation of the maltreatment phenotype. These observed behavioral changes coincide with changes in epigenetic activity in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Further, treating dams with a chromatin modifying agent (Zebularine) normalizes methylation and maltreatment phenotypes, suggesting a link between epigenetic programming and phenotypic outcomes. Here, we sought to investigate if administration of a chromatin modifying agent concurrent with the experience of maltreatment normalizes epigenetic activity associated with maltreatment and alters behavioral trajectories. Administration of valproic acid (VPA) transiently lowered levels of global DNA methylation in the PFC, regardless of exposure to nurturing care or maltreatment. When VPA‐exposed animals reached adulthood, they engaged in more adverse behaviors toward their offspring. These data provide further evidence linking epigenetic changes in the developing brain with effects on behavior.
How to approach the study of syndromes in macroevolution and ecology
Authors: Sinnott‐Armstrong Miranda A. , Deanna Rocio , Pretz Chelsea , Liu Sukuan , Harris Jesse C. , Dunbar‐Wallis Amy , Smith Stacey D. , Wheeler Lucas C.
Published: March 2022

Syndromes, wherein multiple traits evolve convergently in response to a shared selective driver, form a central concept in ecology and evolution. Recent work has questioned the existence of some classic syndromes, such as pollination and seed dispersal syndromes. Here, we discuss some of the major issues that have afflicted research into syndromes in macroevolution and ecology. First, correlated evolution of traits and hypothesized selective drivers is often relied on as the only evidence for adaptation of those traits to those hypothesized drivers, without supporting evidence. Second, the selective driver is often inferred from a combination of traits without explicit testing. Third, researchers often measure traits that are easy for humans to observe rather than measuring traits that are suited to testing the hypothesis of adaptation. Finally, species are often chosen for study because of their striking phenotypes, which leads to the illusion of syndromes and divergence. We argue that these issues can be avoided by combining studies of trait variation across entire clades or communities with explicit tests of adaptive hypotheses and that taking this approach will lead to a better understanding of syndrome‐like evolution and its drivers.
Divergent water requirements partition exposure risk to parasites in wild equids
Authors: Tombak Kaia J. , Easterling Laurel A. , Martinez Lindsay , Seng Monica S. , Wait Liana F. , Rubenstein Daniel I.
Published: March 2022

For grazing herbivores, dung density in feeding areas is an important determinant of exposure risk to fecal‐orally transmitted parasites. When host species share the same parasite species, a nonrandom distribution of their cumulative dung density and/or nonrandom ranging and feeding behavior may skew exposure risk and the relative selection pressure parasites impose on each host. The arid‐adapted Grevy's zebra (Equus grevyi) can range more widely than the water‐dependent plains zebra (Equus quagga), with which it shares the same species of gastrointestinal nematodes. We studied how the spatial distribution of zebra dung relates to ranging and feeding behavior to assess parasite exposure risk in Grevy's and plains zebras at a site inhabited by both zebra species. We found that zebra dung density declined with distance from water, Grevy's zebra home ranges (excluding those of territorial males) were farther from water than those of plains zebras, and plains zebra grazing areas had higher dung density than random points while Grevy's zebra grazing areas did not, suggesting a greater exposure risk in plains zebras associated with their water dependence. Fecal egg counts increased with home range proximity to water for both species, but the response was stronger in plains zebras, indicating that this host species may be particularly vulnerable to the elevated exposure risk close to water. We further ran experiments on microclimatic effects on dung infectivity and showed that fewer nematode eggs embryonated in dung in the sun than in the shade. However, only 5% of the zebra dung on the landscape was in shade, indicating that the microclimatic effects of shade on the density of infective larvae is not a major influence on exposure risk dynamics. Ranging constraints based on water requirements appear to be key mediators of nematode parasite exposure in free‐ranging equids.
Interaction between Cymbidium aloifolium and Apis cerana: Incidence of an outlier in modular pollination network of oil flowers
Authors: Adit Arjun , Koul Monika , Choudhary Ashish Kumar , Tandon Rajesh
Published: March 2022

So far, oil‐rewarding flowers are known to be pollinated only by oil‐collecting bees, which gather and use lipids for larval feed and nest building. As honeybees do not have oil‐collecting appendages on their legs, they have not been associated with pollination of such flowers. In a predominantly Apis pollinated and food deceptive clade of wild Cymbidiums, we investigated the reproductive strategy of Cymbidium aloifolium, hitherto unknown for its floral oil reward. Our study demonstrates the requisites for establishment of mutualistic interaction between the oil flower and Apis cerana indica, a corbiculate bee. Success in pollination requires learning by honeybees to access the food reward, thereby displaying cognitive ability of the pollinator to access the customized reward. Morphometric matching between orchid flowers and the pollinator, and that between pollinia and stigmatic cavity also appear to be essential in the pollination success. Absence of pollinator competition and prolonged flower‐handling time are suggested to promote floral constancy. The present study highlights the need to explore the spectrum of pollination rewards pursued by honeybees, which may include unconventional composition of floral resources.
Resource limitation has a limited impact on the outcome of virus–fungus co‐infection in an insect host
Authors: Deschodt Pauline S. , Cory Jenny S.
Published: March 2022

Infection by pathogens is strongly affected by the diet or condition of the prospective host. Studies that examine the impact of diet have mainly focused on single pathogens; however, co‐infections within a single host are thought to be common. Different pathogen groups might respond differently to resource availability and diverse infections could increase the costs of host defense, meaning the outcome of mixed infections under varying dietary regimes is likely to be hard to predict. We used the generalist cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni and two of its pathogens, the DNA virus T. ni nucleopolyhedrovirus (TniSNPV) and the entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana to examine how nutrient reduction affected the outcome of mixed pathogen infection. We challenged insects with a low or high effective dose of virus, alone or combined with a single dose of fungus. We manipulated food availability after pathogen challenge by diluting artificial diet with cellulose, a non‐nutritious bulking agent, and examined its impact on host and pathogen fitness. Reducing diet quantity did not alter overall or pathogen‐specific mortality. In all cases, TniSNPV‐induced mortality was negatively affected by fungus challenge. Similarly, B. bassiana‐induced mortality was negatively affected by TniSNPV challenge, but only at the higher virus dose. Dietary dilution mainly affected B. bassiana speed of kill when mixed with a high dose of TniSNPV, with an increase in the duration of fungal infection when cellulose was low (high quantity). One pathogen dominated the production of transmission stages in the cadavers and co‐infection did not affect the yield of either pathogen. There was no evidence that co‐infections were more costly to the survivors of pathogen challenge. In conclusion, dietary dilution did not determine the outcome of mixed pathogen infection, but it had more subtle effects, that differed between the two pathogens and could potentially alter pathogen recycling and host–pathogen dynamics.
Jahn‐Teller Effect Directed Bandgap Tuning of Birnessite for Pseudocapacitive Application
Authors: Zhu Sheng , Wang Yuechao , Zhang Jinshu , Sheng Jian , Yang Feng , Wang Meng , Ni Jiangfeng , Jiang Hong , Li Yan
Published: March 2022

Birnessite MxMnO2 (M = Na+, K+, etc.) has emerged as a promising alternative to the classical MnO2 material owing to its improved pseudocapacitive performance for energy storage. Understanding their structure–property correlation is essential for the development and application of advanced supercapacitors. Herein, we adopt the crystal field theory and density functional simulation to reveal the structural dependence of the pseudocapacitive property of KxMnO2. Attributing to the Jahn–Teller effect of Mn3+, the bandgap of KxMnO2 can be tuned by changing the x value (i.e., the Mn(III)/Mn(IV) ratio). Then, we design a narrow‐bandgap K0.25MnO2 (0.84 eV), which affords a high capacitance of 415 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 and a desirable rate capability of 293 F g−1 at 20 A g−1. Operando Raman spectroscopy confirms that the Jahn–Teller induced structure evolution of [MnO6] octahedron accounts for the superior pseudocapacitive behavior of K0.25MnO2. This finding offers theoretical guidance to the design and application of birnessite materials for pseudocapacitors.
Citizen participation in the governance of nature‐based solutions
Authors: Kiss Bernadett , Sekulova Filka , Hörschelmann Kathrin , Salk Carl F. , Takahashi Wakana , Wamsler Christine
Published: March 2022

The last half‐a‐century has seen a marked demand for authentic citizen participation in public policy‐and decision‐making, not least in the field of sustainability. The depth and forms of citizen engagement in nature‐based solutions (NBS), for example, and how such participation shapes their trajectories is gaining increasing attention. In this paper, we analyze current forms and implications of citizen participation in 58 NBS case studies conducted in 21 cities in the light of supporting wider sustainability goals. Our results show that while tokenistic forms dominate citizen participation across a variety of NBS contexts, collaborative multi‐stakeholder forms of engagement do not automatically lead to enhanced ecological functions. Deeper forms of engagement, however, strengthen and diversify both expected and unexpected social outcomes, including social learning, enhanced sense of belonging, environmental stewardship, and inclusiveness and equity, in general. Driven by neoliberal austerity logic governments often cede power to NBS promoters whose interests predefine an intervention's vision of nature. Deeper levels of participation are hence limited by inherent institutional structures, neoliberal regimes and the lack of trust among actors involved. These limitations can be partially bridged by strengthening relational and reflexive capacities of public institutions. Focusing on the process of citizen engagement and creating multiple arenas for discussion could bring out new voices and narratives and also transform the culture of participation.
Heart failure quality of care and in‐hospital outcomes during the COVID‐19 pandemic: findings from the Get With The Guidelines‐Heart Failure registry
Authors: Keshvani Neil , Mehta Anurag , Alger Heather M. , Rutan Christine , Williams Joseph , Zhang Shuiaqi , Young Rebecca , Alhanti Brooke , Chiswell Karen , Greene Stephen J. , DeVore Adam D. , Yancy Clyde W. , Fonarow Gregg C. , Pandey Ambarish
Published: March 2022

Aims

To assess heart failure (HF) in‐hospital quality of care and outcomes before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods and results

Patients hospitalized for HF with ejection fraction (EF) <40% in the American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines©‐HF (GWTG‐HF) registry during the COVID‐19 pandemic (3/1/2020–4/1/2021) and pre‐pandemic (2/1/2019–2/29/2020) periods were included. Adherence to HF process of care measures, in‐hospital mortality, and length of stay (LOS) were compared in pre‐pandemic vs. pandemic periods and in patients with vs. without COVID‐19. Overall, 42 004 pre‐pandemic and 37 027 pandemic period patients (median age 68, 33% women, 58% White) were included without observed differences across clinical characteristics, comorbidities, vital signs, or EF. Utilization of guideline‐directed medical therapy at discharge was comparable across both periods, with rates of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) placement or prescription lower during the pandemic (vs. pre‐pandemic period). In‐hospital mortality (3.0% vs. 2.5%, p <0.0001) and LOS (mean 5.7 vs. 5.4 days, p <0.0004) were higher during the pandemic vs. pre‐pandemic. The highest in‐hospital mortality during the pandemic was observed among patients hospitalized in the Northeast region (3.4%). Among patients concurrently diagnosed with COVID‐19 (n = 549; 1.5%), adherence to ICD placement or prescription, prescription of aldosterone antagonist or angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker/angiotensin receptor–neprilysin inhibitor at discharge were lower, and in‐hospital mortality (8.2% vs. 3.0%, p <0.0001) and LOS (mean 7.7 vs. 5.7 days, p <0.0001) were higher than those without COVID‐19.

Conclusion

Among GWTG‐HF participating hospitals, patients hospitalized for HF with reduced EF during the pandemic received similar care quality but experienced higher in‐hospital mortality than the pre‐pandemic period.
Base‐Mediated Remote Deuteration of N‐Heteroarenes – Broad Scope and Mechanism
Authors: Kopf Sara , Liu Jiali , Franke Robert , Jiao Haijun , Neumann Helfried , Beller Matthias
Published: March 2022

Deuterated organic molecules provide the basis for many applications in life sciences and material research. Thus, methodologies to access labeled compounds with defined selectivity continue to be important. Using KOtBu as base and DMSO‐d6 as deuterium source, we present a general and applicable method for the selective deuteration of a set of nitrogen‐containing heterocycles (pyridines, azines and bioactive molecules). Experimental and DFT mechanistic studies indicate that this reaction proceeds via deprotonation of the substrates by the dimsyl anion. The relative thermodynamic stability of the heterocycle anions determines the distribution and degree of deuteration.
A platform method for plasmid isoforms analysis by capillary gel electrophoresis
Authors: Wang Meng , Liu Jun‐Kai , Gao Tie , Xu Ling‐Li , Zhang Xiao‐Xia , Nie Jian‐Hui , Li Yan , Chen Hong‐Xu
Published: March 2022

In the production of novel biological products, plasmids are often engineered into delivery vectors for target genes, which can be used directly as vaccines or as intermediate products for gene/cell therapy. Plasmid DNA exists in several topological forms such as supercoiled, linear, and open circular. As supercoiled plasmid shows the highest efficiency in transfecting eukaryotic cells, the content of supercoiled plasmids becomes an important indicator of plasmid quality. CGE is an effective analysis method for separating different topological structures of plasmids. For the purpose of providing plasmid manufacturers and regulatory agencies with an efficient and readily used tool for monitoring the quality of plasmids, this article identifies the optimal separation and detection conditions of CGE, presents a platform‐based plasmid analytical method, and uses plasmid of different sizes to verify the feasibility of this method. In terms of detector, the LIF detector has obvious advantages over the ultraviolet detector in sensitivity and resolution. Using the optimal CE condition (10× gel buffer), baseline separation of different topological forms and impurities can be achieved for different plasmid sizes (5.9, 7.8, 15.4 kb). In addition, 6.5 kb plasmid was used to compare the different separation technologies such as CGE‐LIF, ion exchange chromatography and agarose gel electrophoresis. The result shows that CGE‐LIF can provide better resolution and quantitation accuracy than ion exchange chromatography and agarose gel electrophoresis. CGE‐LIF, as a quick and convenient method to separate and quantify plasmids, has the advantages of high sensitivity, high resolution, and high quantitative accuracy. Therefore, it is ideal for analysis of plasmids with different sizes, and it can also be used as a platform method for manufacturers and regulatory agencies to monitor the purity and stability of plasmids.
Cloud healthcare services: A comprehensive and systematic literature review
Authors: Rahimi Morteza , Navimipour Nima Jafari , Hosseinzadeh Mehdi , Moattar Mohammad Hossein , Darwesh Aso
Published: March 2022

Over the last decade, the landscape of cloud computing has been significantly changed. It has been known as a paradigm in which a shared pool of computing resources is accessible for users. The rapid growth of the healthcare environment provides better medical services to reduce costs and increase competition among healthcare providers. Despite its crucial role in the cloud, no thorough study exists in this domain. This article presents a systematic study for healthcare services in the cloud environment. A well‐organized overview of all the databases has been explored. By clustering the research goals of the found papers, we have derived four main research groups. We have further evaluated the papers concerning the background of the paper, QoS parameters, application area, or methods used for applying and formulating the main ideas presented in the works. This survey emphasizes the challenges, needs, benefits of using cloud computing in healthcare systems and provides a comprehensive and detailed study on cloud healthcare services, strengths, and weaknesses of the existing methods. Highlighting cloud health services can be the major focus of research for developing the urban healthcare system.
Nowcasting world GDP growth with high‐frequency data
Authors: Jardet Caroline , Meunier Baptiste
Published: March 2022

Although the Covid‐19 crisis has shown how high‐frequency data can help track the economy in real time, we investigate whether it can improve the nowcasting accuracy of world GDP growth. To this end, we build a large dataset of 718 monthly and 255 weekly series. Our approach builds on a Factor‐Augmented MIxed DAta Sampling (FA‐MIDAS), which we extend with a preselection of variables. We find that this preselection markedly enhances performances. This approach also outperforms a LASSO‐MIDAS—another technique for dimension reduction in a mixed‐frequency setting. Though we find that a FA‐MIDAS with weekly data outperform other models relying on monthly or quarterly data, we also point to asymmetries. Models with weekly data have indeed performances similar to other models during “normal” times but can strongly outperform them during “crisis” episodes, above all the Covid‐19 period. Finally, we build a nowcasting model for world GDP annual growth incorporating weekly data that give timely (one per week) and accurate forecasts (close to IMF and OECD projections but with 1‐ to 3‐month lead). Policy‐wise, this can provide an alternative benchmark for world GDP growth during crisis episodes when sudden swings in the economy make usual benchmark projections (IMF's or OECD's) quickly outdated.
Effect of steam explosion pretreatment on the composition and bioactive characteristic of phenolic compounds in Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat cv. Hangbaiju powder with various sieve fractions
Authors: Song Gongshuai , Liu Jiayuan , Shui Ruofan , Sun Jiachen , Weng Qian , Qiu Shaoping , Wang Danli , Liu Shiwang , Xiao Gongnian , Chen Xi , Shen Qing , Gong Jinyan , Zheng Fuping
Published: March 2022

Steam explosion (SE) pretreatment is an efficient technique to promote the fiber degradation and disrupt materials' cell wall. In this study, the effect of SE pretreatment on the changes in phenolic profile, and the in vitro digestion property of a Chinese indigenous herb “Hangbaiju” (HBJ) powder with various sieve fractions (150‐, 180‐, 250‐, 425‐, and 850‐μm sieves) were studied. After SE pretreatment, the morphological structure, color attributes, and composition of phenolic compounds were altered significantly (p < .05). The composition and content of phenolic compounds were strongly correlated with particle sizes. The higher extraction yield of phenolic compounds was reached in the intermediate sieve fraction (ca. 250‐μm sieves). During in vitro digestion, the changes in phenolic compounds were significant due to the transition from an acidic to the alkaline environment (p < .05). Based on the multivariate statistical analysis, apigenin‐7‐O‐glucoside, luteolin‐7‐O‐glucoside, and linarin, were viewed as the characteristic compounds among various samples. The results highlighted that the phytochemical properties mainly including the composition of phenolic compounds, and in vitro digestion properties of HBJ powder with intermediate sieve fraction could be improved after SE pretreatment.
Age‐dependent white matter disruptions after military traumatic brain injury: Multivariate analysis results from ENIGMA brain injury
Authors: Bouchard Heather C. , Sun Delin , Dennis Emily L. , Newsome Mary R. , Disner Seth G. , Elman Jeremy , Silva Annelise , Velez Carmen , Irimia Andrei , Davenport Nicholas D. , Sponheim Scott R. , Franz Carol E. , Kremen William S. , Coleman Michael J. , Williams M. Wright , Geuze Elbert , Koerte Inga K. , Shenton Martha E. , Adamson Maheen M. , Coimbra Raul , Grant Gerald , Shutter Lori , George Mark S. , Zafonte Ross D. , McAllister Thomas W. , Stein Murray B. , Thompson Paul M. , Wilde Elisabeth A. , Tate David F. , Sotiras Aristeidis , Morey Rajendra A.
Published: March 2022

Mild Traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a signature wound in military personnel, and repetitive mTBI has been linked to age‐related neurogenerative disorders that affect white matter (WM) in the brain. However, findings of injury to specific WM tracts have been variable and inconsistent. This may be due to the heterogeneity of mechanisms, etiology, and comorbid disorders related to mTBI. Non‐negative matrix factorization (NMF) is a data‐driven approach that detects covarying patterns (components) within high‐dimensional data. We applied NMF to diffusion imaging data from military Veterans with and without a self‐reported TBI history. NMF identified 12 independent components derived from fractional anisotropy (FA) in a large dataset (n = 1,475) gathered through the ENIGMA (Enhancing Neuroimaging Genetics through Meta‐Analysis) Military Brain Injury working group. Regressions were used to examine TBI‐ and mTBI‐related associations in NMF‐derived components while adjusting for age, sex, post‐traumatic stress disorder, depression, and data acquisition site/scanner. We found significantly stronger age‐dependent effects of lower FA in Veterans with TBI than Veterans without in four components (q < 0.05), which are spatially unconstrained by traditionally defined WM tracts. One component, occupying the most peripheral location, exhibited significantly stronger age‐dependent differences in Veterans with mTBI. We found NMF to be powerful and effective in detecting covarying patterns of FA associated with mTBI by applying standard parametric regression modeling. Our results highlight patterns of WM alteration that are differentially affected by TBI and mTBI in younger compared to older military Veterans.
Dimensions of performance and related key performance indicators addressed in healthcare organisations: A literature review
Authors: Gartner Jean‐Baptiste , Lemaire Célia
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Performance measurement systems have become essential managerial tools for healthcare organisations in the last few decades. They allow hospital managers to pilot their institution and assess the development of the organisation in helping managers in decision‐making and viewing the different impacts of these decisions. However, there is a need to investigate further the dimensions of performance those performance measurement systems address.

Methods

A literature review was primarily conduced about performance measures in healthcare organisations. A comparative study was secondly made to identify the different performance dimensions that are present in the literature during the last decade. Forty‐nine studies were considered and sixteen proposal frameworks were used to make the comparative analyses.

Results

We classified dimensions depending on the frequency of mobilisation of their components in four categories: the stars, the first runners‐up, the opportunists and the forgotten ones. For each of the dimensions presented in this classification, the main types of KPIs proposed in the theoretical frameworks are presented. A discussion on relevance and possible blind spots is then conducted.

Conclusion

Although they were a lot of proposal frameworks of KPI proposed in the last decades to assess healthcare organisations, some dimensions remain underrepresented. There is still a need to develop structure KPI and describe their links. To go further, the development of dashboards asks the question of the definition of KPI, the description of their interconnections and their temporality of driving, because static performance reporting systems are not able to completely satisfy healthcare manager's decision support needs.
Forest cover lessens the impact of drought on streamflow in Puerto Rico
Authors: Hall Jazlynn , Scholl Martha , Gorokhovich Yuri , Uriarte María
Published: March 2022

Tropical regions are experiencing high rates of forest cover loss coupled with changes in the volume and timing of rainfall. These shifts can compromise streamflow and water provision, highlighting the need to identify how forest cover influences streamflow generation under variable rainfall conditions. Although rainfall is the key driver of streamflow regimes, the role of forests is less clear, particularly in tropical regions where forest loss is an ongoing risk. Forest cover loss alters evapotranspiration, rainfall infiltration and storage, and may increase stream ecosystem vulnerability to rainfall extremes. Puerto Rico, an island with spatially heterogenous forest cover and a marked geographic rainfall gradient, is projected to experience more frequent droughts and flash flooding. Using 15‐min streamflow data collected between 2005 and 2016 from 20 US Geological Survey stream gages and 3‐hourly Multi‐Source Weighted‐Ensemble Precipitation rainfall estimates, we utilized flow‐duration curves and linear mixed regression models to examine the role of forest cover in regulating the timing and volume of streamflow. The mixed model approach helps to account for differences in watershed characteristics. We determined the effects of rainfall and forest cover on low and peak flows in Puerto Rican streams, then evaluated changes in these relationships under dry and wet antecedent rainfall conditions. Watersheds with high forest cover had consistently greater low and peak streamflow than deforested ones under all rainfall conditions, although the effect was more marked during wet antecedent conditions, suggesting that peak flow is largely the result of saturation excess overland flow. During dry antecedent rainfall conditions, highly forested watersheds had higher streamflow than deforested ones, suggesting greater hillslope storage and release may also be at play. Our results demonstrate that forest cover generated a net increase in hillslope infiltration and storage and may lessen drought impacts on streamflow in Puerto Rico. Resilience to prolonged drought may be limited by finite water storage potential in this steep, mountainous setting, highlighting maintenance of forest cover as an important water management strategy to increase infiltration.