bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Myocarditis during SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Series of 15 Cases
Authors: Benhlima A. , Bouzekraoui I. , Taj A. , Bouchaala A. , Elhamzaoui H. , Alilou M.
Published: June 2023

COVID-19 is a global health problem responsible for significant morbidity and mortality and a major socioeconomic impact. While the major manifestation is respirator with a risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome, several extrapulmonary aspects, particularly cardiovascular, have emerged over time.

The aim of this work is to study the clinical, biological, radiological, therapeutic, and evolutionary characteristics of acute myocarditis associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in comparison to data from the literature.

This is a prospective cohort study conducted at the Ibn Sina University Hospital in Rabat over a period of 9 months (from January 1, 2021, to September 30, 2021) and included patients hospitalized in different departments managing COVID-19 and diagnosed with acute myocarditis confirmed by cardiac MRI.

Fifteen patients were included during the study period. The average age of patients was 40 years old with a slight male predominance (sex ratio M/F-1.14). The average time between the onset of COVID-19 infection and the appearance of myocarditis symptoms was 17 days. The symptoms were mainly dominated by chest pain (40% of cases), unexplained cardiogenic shock (40% of cases), and palpitations (20% of cases). ECG revealed diffuse repolarization abnormalities in more than half of the cases (53%) and supraventricular tachycardia (27%). The inflammatory markers were significantly disturbed (CRP = 102 +/-47.30 mg/L and ferritin - 510 +/-336.45 ng/mL). Troponin I was elevated with myocarditis kinetics in all patients. Cardiac MRI showed T2 hypersignal corresponding to edema with early and late subepicardial enhancement, mainly located at the level of the left ventricular lateral wall.

The evolution was marked by the occurrence of death in 5 patients (33.33%) in the days following hospitalization for cardiogenic shock and dilated cardiomyopathy in only one case (6.67%). It was favourable for the rest of the patients (60%).

The results of this study have highlighted several characteristics of myocarditis associated with SARS-CoV-2. Firstly, there is a delayed interval between virus infection and the onset of cardiac symptoms. Additionally, the kinetics of myocardial injury markers are distinct, and there is significant disruption of inflammatory markers at the time of diagnosis. Moreover, fulminant forms of myocarditis are associated with a reserved prognosis and high mortality.

Furthermore, the study emphasizes the crucial importance of cardiac MRI availability for confirming the diagnosis in the absence of histological evidence from endomyocardial biopsy.
Post-Traumatic Pulmonary Pneumatoceles: A Case Report
Authors: Jaabouti Ghizlane , Bencchakroun Soumia , Mahraoui Chafiq , Hafidi Naima El
Published: June 2023

Road accidents are the main cause of serious injuries worldwide, accounting for over 10% of trauma cases resulting in death or significant physical impairment. Thoracic injuries, on the other hand, are responsible for a quarter of all trauma-related deaths. In such cases, pneumothorax is the most common thoracic injury, affecting 30 to 40% of patients with thoracic trauma. This injury occurs twice as often in closed traumas as in penetrating traumas. However, post-traumatic pulmonary pneumatocele is a very rare condition that occurs mostly in children and young adults. It’s often a sequelae of acute pneumonia or barotrauma resulting from alveolar hyperpressure in the context of closed glottis trauma.

Recognizing these injuries quickly can save lives, whether the patient is outside or in a modern intensive care unit.

The reported case is an 8-year-old female child with no medical history, no delayed growth or development, who was involved in a public road accident with a thoracic impact. She presented with hemoptysis and chest pain, and a thoracic CT scan revealed bilateral pulmonary parenchymal contusions predominantly on the right, with post-traumatic pneumatoceles on the right side and a right pneumothorax blade, with good progress under surveillance, oxygen therapy, and prophylactic antibiotic treatment.
Experimental Investigation for Augmentation of Thermal Performance of Solar Air Collector
Authors: Sinon Souleymane , Tera Salifou , Sanogo Oumar , Sandwidi Sayouba , Korgo Bruno , Kam Sié
Published: June 2023

This paper presents a study of the thermal performance of a solar air collector used to heat the drying air of a fruit and vegetable dryer. The prototype collector could be a viable solution to improve energy efficiency and food security in Burkina Faso and other developing countries, by contributing to the reduction of post-harvest losses and the increase of income for local agricultural producers. The collector is first realized by using black painted cans as air ducts, perforated to increase turbulence, and a glass covering the collection surface. After realization, the collector is connected to the dryer and a measurement campaign is conducted to evaluate the thermal performance of it. The measured parameters are the sunshine and the air temperature by keeping the air speed fixed at 0.3 m/s. The analysis of the results shows an important variation of the air temperature difference going from 0.1°C to 74.4°C, between the inlet and the outlet of the collector for an irradiation which varies between 142 W/m2 and 837 W/m2. The black painted surface of the air ducts as well as the increase in turbulence contributed to improve the efficiency of the collector which varies between 0.94% and 50.68% and allowing to record air temperatures ranging from 27.2°C to 69.2°C inside the dryer. This temperature range is favorable for the drying of most food products.
Molecular Detection of Enterotoxigenic Staphylococcus aureus in Ready-to-eat Cowhide (‘Ponmo’) Collected from Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: David Teniola, Olakunle , Solomon Abisoye, Fiyinfoluwa , Veronica Folounso, Temitayo , Muinah Fowora, Adenike , Felix Ikuesan, Adeleke , Tajudeen A. Bamidele,
Published: June 2023

Aims: Ready-to-eat [RTE] animal products like ponmo are preferred by consumers due to its palatability and quality. However, foodborne pathogens particularly Staphylococcus aureus are sources of concern due to cross-contamination of raw and cooked cowhide. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of enterotoxigenic S. aureus in ready-to-eat locally processed cowhide.

Methodology: Sixty (60) RTE cowhide samples were collected from different locations in Lagos, Nigeria and analyzed using conventional microbiological and molecular techniques for the detection of toxigenic S. aureus contamination. Suspected S. aureus isolates were confirmed by the presence of thermostable endonuclease [nuc] gene in their genome.

Results: Result showed that 25 (41.67%) and 20 (33.50%) samples harbored coagulase-positive S. aureus and 20 other bacterial species different from S. aureus, respectively while 15 (24.83%) of the tested ponmo samples yielded no bacterial growth. Thirteen of the 15 randomly selected from the 25 suspected isolates were confirmed as S. aureus by the presence of thermostable endonuclease [nuc] gene in their genome. Enterotoxigenic genes were confirmed in all the 13 PCR detected S. aureus. Enterotoxin B gene is most prevalent in ponmo. Multiplex PCR detection of S. aureus enterotoxins [SE] genes revealed the molecular detection of different isolates carrying staphylococcal enterotoxin types A and B, mixed strain carrying both staphylococcal enterotoxins type A and type D. Antibiotic susceptibility of 20 S. aureus isolates revealed varying degrees of susceptibility patterns against the antimicrobial agents. Generally, gentamicin 70% (14/20), azithromycin 75% (15/20), co-trimoxazole 85% (17/20), levofloxacin 95% (19/20) were the most effective antibiotics to S. aureus. A low, ≥50% susceptibility was recorded to chloramphenicol 55% (11/20) and nitrofurantoin 65% (13/20). A higher resistance to streptomycin (90%; 18/20) and ceftazidime (95%; 19/20) was identified, with resistance to ceftazidime being the highest (95%; 19/20).

Conclusion: It can be concluded that RTE ponmo vended in the study sites is of low hygienic quality and may be of health risk to consumers. High level hygiene practice and good manufacturing practices are required during the production, distribution and marketing of ponmo to curb the potential health consequences of eating ponmo.
Evaluation of Some Haematological Metrics among Smokers in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Beatrice W. Moore-Igwe, , Goodnews N. Nwika , Priya Chukwu, , Tamunonengiye-Ofori Lenox-Prince,
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Smoking is extremely toxic and has had a significant negative impact on society. One of the leading contributors to preventable illness and mortality has been found to be cigarette smoking.

Aim: The goal of this study is to evaluate a few haematological metrics among smokers in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and to verify the idea that smoking cigarettes either has a negative or favorable impact on these variables.

Methodology: In this cross-sectional study, 100 participants between the ages of 20 and 45 were included, 50 of whom were smokers and 50 non-smokers. Venipuncture was used to obtain blood samples from the patients, which was then put into an EDTA vial for a full blood count (FBC) and other haematological analysis. The full blood count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were done using Haemo Auto Analyzer, Model XP-300 KOBE Japan by SYSMEX and the Westergreen method respectively.  In order to analyze the data, Graph Prism Pad 6.2 and Microsoft Office Excel 2016 were both used. Using the student's independent t-test, a comparative study of mean and standard deviation values for the various parameters for test and reference ranges was conducted.

Results: According to the findings, the average age of 50 smokers was 43.6200± 9.7250 years and that for the 50 non-smokers was 42.7800± 6.5440 years, which was statistically insignificant with p valve of 0.6130. Smokers’ haemoglobin level was 14.5080 ± 1.5590 (g/dL) and non-smokers was 12.1340 ± 0.70410 (g/dL). According to statistics, the level of Hb was significantly higher in smokers compared to non-smokers (P<0.0001). In comparison to non-smokers, the RBC count dramatically increased in smokers (P<0.0001) greater than in non-smokers at 5.2550 ± 0.6629 (x1012/L) and 4.6340 ± 0.5530 (x1012/L) respectively. While the total leucocyte count (TLC) in smokers is 8.0500 ± 1.8796 (x109/L), compared to 6.8580 ± 1.2454 (x109/L) in non-smokers. Statistics show that smokers have a higher total leucocyte count than non-smokers (P<0.0002). Smokers' platelet count is 255.7600±61.8351 (x109/L) while non-smokers' is 216.5800±35.5752 (x109/L).The study has statistically shown that smokers' platelet counts rose considerably in comparison to non-smokers (P<0.012).

Conclusion: It may be concluded that uninterrupted smoking has an undue negative impact on haematological parameters such that increase occur in values of Hb, RBC, TLC and platelets. Significantly, these changes may increase the risk of serious health issues such as heart related defects, hardening of the arteries, Vaquez-Osler disease. It is recommended that smokers have these metrics regularly monitored.
Intercomparison of Mechanical Transplanted Rice and Direct Seeded Rice in Climate Change Resilient for Improving Crop-Water Productivity and Soil Health in North West IGP: A Review
Authors: Kumar Arun , Singh P. K. , Naresh R. K. , Tiwari Himanshu , Maurya Durgesh , Kumar Rahul , Hota Rojalin , Singh Nand Lal , Kataria S. K.
Published: June 2023

Climate change is a major issue facing humanity, and the most common method for growing rice is manual puddled transplanted rice (PTR). Direct-seeded rice (DSR) is becoming increasingly popular due to its reduced methane emissions and reduced labour costs. However, there are drawbacks to this transition, such as an increase in weeds, herbicide resistance, nitrous oxide emissions, nutritional disorders, and soil-borne diseases. To reduce these issues,  appropriate weed, water, and fertilizer management practices should be applied. Chemical and biotechnological methods, such as herbicide-resistant and more competitive allelopathic variants, will be required for sustainable rice production. The development of site- and soil-specific integrated packages will increase the adoption of DSR and decrease the negative effects of PTR on the environment.
Effect of NPK and Organic Manures on Growth, Yield and Quality of Pak Choi (Brassica rapa sp. chinensis) cv. Pusa Pak Choi-1
Authors: Kumari Surbhi , Bahadur Vijay , Topno Samir E.
Published: June 2023

A field experiment was done on non-heading type of Chinese cabbage i.e. Pak choi (Brassica rapa sp. chinensis) on the topic the “Effect of NPK and Organic Manures on growth, yield and quality of Pak choi (Brassica rapa sp. chinensis) cv. Pusa pak choi-1 was undertaken at vegetable research farm, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology &Sciences, Prayagraj (UP) in December 2021.The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with 9 treatments and 3 replications. The treatments were T0(control), T1 (FYM @20t/ha), T2 (poultry manure@15t/ha) T3 (VC@10t/ha) T4 (FYM+PM+VC@4t/ha+2t/ha+1t/ha) T5 (75%NPK+25%FYM) T6 (75%NPK+25%VC) T7 (75%NPK+25%PM) T8 (25%NPK+25%FYM+25%VC+25%PM). Seed were sown at the spacing of 30 cm×45 cm. Result of this experiment revealed as T2 (PM@15t/ha) was found best among all treatments with respect to plant height (17.84 cm), number of leaves (11.40), T.S.S (3.690Brix), Ascorbic acid (2.28mg/100g), fibre content (.74g), yield (77.18q/ha). Similarly, Gross return (Rs.154400) recorded maximum in T2. But net return (Rs.79560) and benefit cost ratio were recorded maximum in T5 (75%FYM+25%NPK).
Response of Spring Greengram (Vigna radiata L.) Cultivars to Integrated Nutrient Management in Bundelkhand Region of Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Tiwari Ankit , Tripathi A. K. , Pathak Jagannath , Shukla Gaurav , Shukla Aditya , Singh Shivam
Published: June 2023

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on growth and yield of spring mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) cultivars in Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh during season of 2019 at Banda University of Agriculture and Technology, Banda (Uttar Pradesh). The experiment was laid out in asymmetrical factorial randomized block design with 6 treatment combinations of integrated nutrient management practices with 2 varieties. Results revealed that cultivar “Shikha” suits to be the better over “Samrat” in respect of growth, yield attributes, seed yield and economics. Additionally, INM practices had better effect on growth, yield attributes compared to sole application of inorganic fertilizers and vermicompost treatments. 100% RDF + 100% vermicompost had highest seed yield (771kg/ha), closely followed by 75% RDF + 50% vermicompost (741 kg/ha) compared to rest of treatments. Among the INM treatments, application of 50% RDF blended with 50% vermicompost recorded at par values of growth, yield attributes and seed yield over the application of 100% RDF + 100% vermicompost and 75% RDF + 50% vermicompost. On an average, INM treatments noted 69.89, 14.07 and 43.39% higher net returns as well as 68.92, 21.2 and 51.57% more benefit: cost ratio over the control, 100% RDF and 100% vermicompost, respectively. Therefore, application of 50% RDF + 50% vermicompost (1.25 t/ha) was optimum under the existing condition of Bundelkhand.
Cyber Threat Intelligence: Current Trends and Future Perspectives
Authors: Cinar Burak
Published: June 2023

Many organizations are continually put in danger by sophisticated and malevolent cyber attacks in today's rapidly developing threat landscape, which is evolving at a rapid rate. Cybercriminals, who are more skilled, more organized, and have more financial resources than in the past. Cyber Threat Intelligence, abbreviated as CTI, has emerged as a popular topic and is now being considered by many organizations as a potential solution to the growing number of cyber attacks. The purpose of this work is to conduct a literature review on the previous research that has been done on CTI. The most fundamental question about what CTI is investigated through the process of doing a literature study. This is done by contrasting several definitions in order to identify areas of agreement and disagreement. It has been discovered that neither the organization nor the suppliers have a comprehensive grasp of the information that is deemed to be CTI; hence, further study is required in order to define CTI. This article also listed existing CTI products and services, including as threat intelligence data feeds, threat intelligence standards, and tools that are being utilized in CTI. This study outlines four research issues in cyber threat intelligence and assesses contemporary work carried out in each of those areas. These difficulties were determined based on an assessment of the CTI definition, standards, and technologies. When an organization is inundated with a massive amount of threat data, the need for trained threat data analysts who are able to fully utilize CTI and transform the data into actionable information becomes more vital than it has ever been before. The problem of poor data quality is not a recent development; nonetheless, because to the increasing use of CTI, further study in this field is required.
Prophylaxis Against Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia in Adults
Authors: Zhou Shiwei , Aitken Samuel L.
Published: June 2023

This JAMA Insights Clinical Update discusses current recommendations regarding prevention of Pneumocystis pneumonia in patients who are immunocompromised.
Evidence for Anchoring Bias During Physician Decision-Making
Authors: Ly Dan P. , Shekelle Paul G. , Song Zirui
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Cognitive biases are hypothesized to influence physician decision-making, but large-scale evidence consistent with their influence is limited. One such bias is anchoring bias, or the focus on a single—often initial—piece of information when making clinical decisions without sufficiently adjusting to later information.

Objective

To examine whether physicians were less likely to test patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) presenting to the emergency department (ED) with shortness of breath (SOB) for pulmonary embolism (PE) when the patient visit reason section, documented in triage before physicians see the patient, mentioned CHF.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this cross-sectional study of 2011 to 2018 national Veterans Affairs data, patients with CHF presenting with SOB in Veterans Affairs EDs were included in the analysis. Analyses were performed from July 2019 to January 2023.

Exposure

The patient visit reason section, documented in triage before physicians see the patient, mentions CHF.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcomes were testing for PE (D-dimer, computed tomography scan of the chest with contrast, ventilation/perfusion scan, lower-extremity ultrasonography), time to PE testing (among those tested for PE), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) testing, acute PE diagnosed in the ED, and acute PE ultimately diagnosed (within 30 days of ED visit).

Results

The present sample included 108 019 patients (mean [SD] age, 71.9 [10.8] years; 2.5% female) with CHF presenting with SOB, 4.1% of whom had mention of CHF in the patient visit reason section of the triage documentation. Overall, 13.2% of patients received PE testing, on average within 76 minutes, 71.4% received BNP testing, 0.23% were diagnosed with acute PE in the ED, and 1.1% were ultimately diagnosed with acute PE. In adjusted analyses, mention of CHF was associated with a 4.6 percentage point (pp) reduction (95% CI, −5.7 to −3.5 pp) in PE testing, 15.5 more minutes (95% CI, 5.7-25.3 minutes) to PE testing, and 6.9 pp (95% CI, 4.3-9.4 pp) more BNP testing. Mention of CHF was associated with a 0.15 pp lower (95% CI, −0.23 to −0.08 pp) likelihood of PE diagnosis in the ED, although no significant association between the mention of CHF and ultimately diagnosed PE was observed (0.06 pp difference; 95% CI, −0.23 to 0.36 pp).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study among patients with CHF presenting with SOB, physicians were less likely to test for PE when the patient visit reason that was documented before they saw the patient mentioned CHF. Physicians may anchor on such initial information in decision-making, which in this case was associated with delayed workup and diagnosis of PE.
Evaluation of Heart Murmurs in Children
Authors: O’Meara Daniel
Published: June 2023

This Patient Page describes how heart murmurs may be found in children and what treatment and follow-up may look like if an abnormal murmur is found.
Short-Course Therapy for Urinary Tract Infections in Children
Authors: Zaoutis Theoklis , Shaikh Nader , Fisher Brian T. , Coffin Susan E. , Bhatnagar Sonika , Downes Kevin J. , Gerber Jeffrey S. , Shope Timothy R. , Martin Judith M. , Muniz Gysella B. , Green Michael , Nagg Jennifer P. , Myers Sage R. , Mistry Rakesh D. , O’Connor Shawn , Faig Walter , Black Stephen , Rowley Elizabeth , Liston Kellie , Hoberman Alejandro
Published: June 2023

Importance

There is a paucity of pediatric-specific comparative data to guide duration of therapy recommendations in children with urinary tract infection (UTI).

Objective

To compare the efficacy of standard-course and short-course therapy for children with UTI.

Design, Setting, Participants

The Short Course Therapy for Urinary Tract Infections (SCOUT) randomized clinical noninferiority trial took place at outpatient clinics and emergency departments at 2 children’s hospitals from May 2012, through, August 2019. Data were analyzed from January 2020, through, February 2023. Participants included children aged 2 months to 10 years with UTI exhibiting clinical improvement after 5 days of antimicrobials.

Intervention

Another 5 days of antimicrobials (standard-course therapy) or 5 days of placebo (short-course therapy).

Main Outcome Measures

The primary outcome, treatment failure, was defined as symptomatic UTI at or before the first follow-up visit (day 11 to 14). Secondary outcomes included UTI after the first follow-up visit, asymptomatic bacteriuria, positive urine culture, and gastrointestinal colonization with resistant organisms.

Results

Analysis for the primary outcome included 664 randomized children (639 female [96%]; median age, 4 years). Among children evaluable for the primary outcome, 2 of 328 assigned to standard-course (0.6%) and 14 of 336 assigned to short-course (4.2%) had a treatment failure (absolute difference of 3.6% with upper bound 95% CI of 5.5.%). Children receiving short-course therapy were more likely to have asymptomatic bacteriuria or a positive urine culture at or by the first follow-up visit. There were no differences between groups in rates of UTI after the first follow-up visit, incidence of adverse events, or incidence of gastrointestinal colonization with resistant organisms.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this randomized clinical trial, children assigned to standard-course therapy had lower rates of treatment failure than children assigned to short-course therapy. However, the low failure rate of short-course therapy suggests that it could be considered as a reasonable option for children exhibiting clinical improvement after 5 days of antimicrobial treatment.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01595529
The Machiavellian bully revisited: A closer look at differences and processes of Machiavellian bullying and cyberbullying perpetration
Authors: Blötner Christian , Bergold Sebastian
Published: June 2023

Numerous studies on personality traits conducive to traditional bullying and cyberbullying mentioned Machiavellianism as an influential predictor of these behaviors. Machiavellianism comprises manipulative, egotistic orientations that help acquire desired outcomes. However, it is questionable whether bullying and cyberbullying reflect unidimensional constructs since they are frequently categorized into verbal, relational, and physical aspects (with the latter being applicable only in traditional bullying). Similarly, evidence suggests that Machiavellianism is not a uniform trait. In this research, using a sample of 634 students (339 girls; 54%) from 40 classes from eighth to tenth grades, a five‐dimensional measure of bullying and cyberbullying was devised and suggested that aspects of (cyber)bullying are related but still separable. Subsequently, differential relations between the five forms of (cyber)bullying and two facets of Machiavellianism were modeled. Those facets were Machiavellian approach (i.e., manipulative aspects of Machiavellianism) and Machiavellian avoidance (i.e., distrustful aspects of Machiavellianism). Multilevel models revealed that Machiavellian approach predicted relational bullying (but not relational cyberbullying) and Machiavellian avoidance predicted verbal (cyber)bullying and physical bullying. All links were mediated by overt dehumanization, that is, the tendency to cognitively deprive a person of typically human characteristics.
Preliminary evidence of a relationship between sleep spindles and treatment response in epileptic encephalopathy
Authors: McLaren John R. , Luo Yancheng , Kwon Hunki , Shi Wen , Kramer Mark A. , Chu Catherine J.
Published: June 2023

Objective

Epileptic encephalopathy with spike‐wave activation in sleep (EE‐SWAS) is a challenging neurodevelopmental disease characterized by abundant epileptiform spikes during non‐rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep accompanied by cognitive dysfunction. The mechanism of cognitive dysfunction is unknown, but treatment with high‐dose diazepam may improve symptoms. Spike rate does not predict treatment response, but spikes may disrupt sleep spindles. We hypothesized that in patients with EE‐SWAS: (1) spikes and spindles would be anti‐correlated, (2) high‐dose diazepam would increase spindles and decrease spikes, and (3) spindle response would be greater in those with cognitive improvement.

Methods

Consecutive EE‐SWAS patients treated with high‐dose diazepam that met the criteria were included. Using a validated automated spindle detector, spindle rate, duration, and percentage were computed in pre‐ and post‐treatment NREM sleep. Spikes were quantified using a validated automated spike detector. The cognitive response was determined from a chart review.

Results

Spindle rate was anti‐correlated with the spike rate in the channel with the maximal spike rate (p = 0.002) and averaged across all channels (p = 0.0005). Spindle rate, duration, and percentage each increased, and spike rate decreased, after high‐dose diazepam treatment (p ≤ 2e‐5, all tests). Spindle rate, duration, and percentage (p ≤ 0.004, all tests) were increased in patients with cognitive improvement after treatment, but not those without. Changes in spindle rate but not changes in spike rate distinguished between groups.

Interpretation

These findings confirm thalamocortical disruption in EE‐SWAS, identify a mechanism through which benzodiazepines may support cognitive recovery, and introduce sleep spindles as a promising mechanistic biomarker to detect treatment response in severe epileptic encephalopathies.
Thinking in the digital age: Everyday cognition and the dawn of a new age of metacognition research
Authors: Risko Evan F. , Kelly Megan O.
Published: June 2023

The special issue “Rethinking Cognition in a Digital Age” features a diverse set of contributions examining interactions between cognition and technology. In this commentary, we draw connections between this work and similar efforts in the everyday cognition tradition that emphasizes the importance of examining cognition in context. In addition, using the present contributions as inspiration, we suggest that one of the key directions for future research will be metacognitive. That is, with technology increasingly performing cognitive functions for us, understanding how we monitor and control internal and external cognitive resources to achieve our goals represents an important and exciting new frontier in cognitive psychology.
Multimode Emission from Lanthanide‐Based Metal–Organic Frameworks for Advanced Information Encryption
Authors: Xie Yao , Sun Guotao , Li Jiwei , Sun Lining
Published: June 2023

Although remarkable progress on luminescent materials is made in advanced optical information storage and anti‐counterfeiting applications, many challenges still remain in these fields. Currently, most luminescent materials are based on a single photoluminescent model that can be easily imitated by substitutes. In this work, a series of multimodal emission lanthanide‐based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are developed, where they emit red and green light originating from Eu3+ and Tb3+ under ultraviolet light irradiation. Meanwhile, under 980 nm near‐infrared laser irradiation, these MOFs show cyan upconversion cooperative luminescence derived from Yb3+ and characteristic upconversion luminescence from lanthanide activators (Eu3+, Tb3+, or Ho3+), respectively. Based on the integrated optical functionality, the functional information storage applications are successfully designed, which indicates that multimodal emission features can be easily detected under ultraviolet lamps (254 or 393 nm) or 980 nm near‐infrared laser. And, the unique optical features show a high level of security in the advanced information storage application, which would be sufficiently complex to be forged.
Black Phosphorus Nanosheets Assist Nanoerythrosomes for Efficient mRNA Vaccine Delivery and Immune Activation
Authors: Yang Lixin , Wang Tengqi , Zhang Dexin , Huang Xin , Dong Yuqin , Gao Wen , Ye Youqing , Ren Ke , Zhao Wei , Qiao Haishi , Jia Lizhou
Published: June 2023

Messenger RNA (mRNA)‐based vaccines have enormous potential in infectious disease prevention and tumor neoantigen application. However, developing an advanced delivery system for efficient mRNA delivery and intracellular release for protein translation remains a challenge. Herein, a biocompatible biomimetic system is designed using red blood cell‐derived nanoerythrosomes (NER) and black phosphorus nanosheets (BP) for mRNA delivery. BP is covalently modified with polyethyleneimine (PEI), serving as a core to efficiently condense mRNA via electrostatic interactions. To facilitate the spleen targeting of the mRNA‐loaded BP (BPmRNA), NER is co‐extruded with BPmRNA to construct a stable “core–shell” nanovaccine (NER@BPmRNA). The mRNA nanovaccine exhibits efficient protein expression and immune activation via BP‐mediated adjuvant effect and enhanced lysosomal escape. In vivo evaluation demonstrates that the system delivery of mRNA encoding coronavirus receptor‐binding domain (RBD) significantly increases the antibody titer and pseudovirus neutralization effect compared with that of NER without BP assistance. Furthermore, the mRNA extracted from mouse melanoma tissues is utilized to simulate tumor neoantigen delivered by NER@BPmRNA. In the vaccinated mice, BP‐assisted NER for the delivery of melanoma mRNA can induce more antibodies that specifically recognize tumor antigens. Thus, BP‐assisted NER can serve as a safe and effective delivery vehicle in mRNA‐based therapy.
A Bifunctional Catalyst for Green Ammonia Synthesis from Ubiquitous Air and Water
Authors: Gao Rui , Dai Tian‐Yi , Meng Zhe , Sun Xue‐Feng , Liu Dong‐Xue , Shi Miao‐Miao , Li Hong‐Rui , Kang Xia , Bi Bo , Zhang Yu‐Tian , Xu Tong‐Wen , Yan Jun‐Min , Jiang Qing
Published: June 2023

Ammonia (NH3) is essential for modern agriculture and industry, and, due to its high hydrogen density and no carbon emission, it is also expected to be the next‐generation of “clean” energy carrier. Herein, directly from air and water, a plasma‐electrocatalytic reaction system for NH3 production, which combines two steps of plasma‐air‐to‐NOx− and electrochemical NOx− reduction reaction (eNOxRR) with a bifunctional catalyst, is successfully established. Especially, the bifunctional catalyst of CuCo2O4/Ni can simultaneously promote plasma‐air‐to‐NOx− and eNOxRR processes. The easy adsorption and activation of O2 by CuCo2O4/Ni greatly improve the NOx− production rate at the first step. Further, CuCo2O4/Ni can also resolve the overbonding of the key intermediate of *NO, and thus reduce the energy barrier of the second step of eNOxRR. Finally, the “green” NH3 production achieves excellent FENH3 (96.8%) and record‐high NH3 yield rate of 145.8 mg h−1 cm−2 with large partial current density (1384.7 mA cm−2). Moreover, an enlarged self‐made H‐type electrolyzer improves the NH3 yield to 3.6 g h−1, and the obtained NH3 is then rapidly converted to a solid of magnesium ammonium phosphate hexahydrate, which favors the easy storage and transportation of NH3.
Biocatalytic Foams from Microdroplet‐Formulated Self‐Assembling Enzymes
Authors: Hertel Julian S. , Bitterwolf Patrick , Kröll Sandra , Winterhalter Astrid , Weber Annika J. , Grösche Maximilian , Walkowsky Laurenz B. , Heißler Stefan , Schwotzer Matthias , Wöll Christof , van de Kamp Thomas , Zuber Marcus , Baumbach Tilo , Rabe Kersten S. , Niemeyer Christof M.
Published: June 2023

Industrial biocatalysis plays an important role in the development of a sustainable economy, as enzymes can be used to synthesize an enormous range of complex molecules under environmentally friendly conditions. To further develop the field, intensive research is being conducted on process technologies for continuous flow biocatalysis in order to immobilize large quantities of enzyme biocatalysts in microstructured flow reactors under conditions that are as gentle as possible in order to realize efficient material conversions. Here, monodisperse foams consisting almost entirely of enzymes covalently linked via SpyCatcher/SpyTag conjugation are reported. The biocatalytic foams are readily available from recombinant enzymes via microfluidic air‐in‐water droplet formation, can be directly integrated into microreactors, and can be used for biocatalytic conversions after drying. Reactors prepared by this method show surprisingly high stability and biocatalytic activity. The physicochemical characterization of the new materials is described and exemplary applications in biocatalysis are shown using two‐enzyme cascades for the stereoselective synthesis of chiral alcohols and the rare sugar tagatose.
A Flexible Multifunctional Sensor Based on Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Measuring Variable Stiffness of Soft Grippers and Recognizing Item Size
Authors: Xu Jinsui , Xu Boyi , Xie Zhijie , Tian Ye , Ying Kai , Yue Honghao , Yang Fei
Published: June 2023

The monitoring of the grasping behavior of variable stiffness grippers has emerged as a challenge due to the increasing use of soft grippers in logistics sorting applications. In this research, a flexible multifunctional sensor is developed by combining a liquid metal microchannel structure with a granular single electrode which detects the bending angle and stiffness of the flexible gripper in real‐time. The novel works by integrating triboelectric nanogenerator with particle interference variable stiffness and detects the stiffness of the soft finger. It is found that increasing the loading force on the gripper by a factor of 2.39 does not affect the kinematic characteristics. The size of the grasped object is determined with 96% accuracy by detecting the resistance offered to the stretched liquid metal during the bending of the soft finger. A soft grasping system is built with multifunctional flexible sensors and the real‐time signal feedback during the grasp‐move‐release process of objects of different diameters and weights is demonstrated. Besides providing a theoretical and experimental foundation of variable stiffness and nondestructive grasping of the soft gripper, the anthropomorphism of the soft grasping gripper is implemented by employing a novel sensor.
Cross‐Linkable Cathode Interlayer for Inverted Organic Solar Cells with Enhanced Efficiency and Stability
Authors: Yang Yi , Xiao Yang , Xu Bowei , Hou Jianhui
Published: June 2023

Interlayer materials play a critical role in fabricating high‐performance organic solar cells (OSCs). Herein, a cross‐linked and n‐doped cathode interlayer (CIL), namely, c‐NDI:N, for highly efficient and stable organic solar cells is developed. This study demonstrates that the combination of high‐temperature cross‐linking along with n‐doping endows the c‐NDI:N@200 °C film with excellent robustness, high conductivity, and good film morphology. The inverted OSC using c‐NDI:N@200 °C as CIL exhibits the highest power conversion efficiency of 17.5%, and most notably, appears in a negligible decline in device performance as the film thickness of CIL increases to ≈100 nm. Furthermore, c‐NDI:N can serve as a protecting layer to shield the device against water ingress. Interestingly, c‐NDI:N device can be used under water for photoelectrochemical water‐splitting, highlighting the great application of c‐NDI:N CIL in inverted OSCs.
Understanding the Irreversible Reaction Pathway of the Sacrificial Cathode Additive Li6CoO4
Authors: Jun KyuJung , Kaufman Lori , Jung Wangmo , Park Byungchun , Jo Chiho , Yoo Taegu , Lee Donghun , Lee Byungju , McCloskey Bryan D. , Kim Haegyeom , Ceder Gerbrand
Published: June 2023

The use of a sacrificial cathode additive that contains a large amount of lithium is one potential solution to compensate for the irreversible capacity loss associated with next‐generation anodes such as silicon. Antifluorite‐type Li6CoO4 has attracted attention as a potential cathode additive owing to its remarkably high theoretical lithium extraction capacity. However, the complex mechanism of lithium extraction as well as the oxygen loss from Li6CoO4 is not well understood. A generalizable computational thermodynamics and experimental framework is presented to understand the lithium‐extraction pathway of Li6CoO4. It is found that one lithium per formula unit can be topotactically extracted from Li6CoO4, followed by an irreversible and nontopotactic phase transformation to Li2CoO3 or LiCoO2 depending on the temperature. The results show that peroxide species may form to charge‐compensate for Li extraction which is undesirable as this can lead to gas release during battery operation. It is suggested that charging Li6CoO4 at an elevated temperature that the electrolyte can withstand, redirects the reaction pathway and prevents the formation of intermediate peroxide species making it an effective and stable sacrificial cathode additive.
Homogeneous drag models in gas–solid fluidization: Big data analytics and conventional correlation
Authors: Ouyang Bo , Zhu Li‐Tao , Wen Zhao‐Quan , Chen Xizhong , Luo Zheng‐Hong
Published: June 2023

The drag force model is vital for capturing gas–solid flow dynamics in many simulation approaches. Most of the homogeneous drag models in the literature are expressed as a function of phase fraction (ε) and particle Reynolds number (Res). In this work, we use a “big data” approach to analyze ~108 data points for drag coefficient (Fd) for Geldart Group A particles at atmospheric pressure and find that the contribution of Res on Fd is much less than ε based on the Maximal information coefficient analysis. Thus, these drag models are separately reduced to machine learning and conventional expressions only related to ε. The reduced models achieve almost the same predictive performance as the originals in bubbling, turbulent, and jet fluidizations. Moreover, the reduced models provide better numerical stability for coarse grid simulations. These findings provide new insights into the drag coefficient for Geldart Group A particles under full fluidization conditions.
Effect of dietary factors and time of day on iron absorption from oral iron supplements in iron deficient women
Authors: von Siebenthal Hanna K. , Moretti Diego , Zimmermann Michael B. , Stoffel Nicole U.
Published: June 2023

Guidelines generally recommend taking iron supplements in the morning away from meals and with ascorbic acid (AA) to increase iron absorption. However, there is little direct evidence on the effects of dietary factors and time of day on absorption from iron supplements. In iron‐depleted women (n = 34; median serum ferritin 19.4 μg/L), we administered 100 mg iron doses labeled with54Fe,57Fe, or58Fe in each of six different conditions with: (1) water (reference) in the morning; (2) 80 mg AA; (3) 500 mg AA; (4) coffee; (5) breakfast including coffee and orange juice (containing ~90 mg AA); and (6) water in the afternoon. Fractional iron absorption (FIA) from thesen = 204 doses was calculated based on erythrocyte incorporation of multiple isotopic labels. Compared to the reference: 80 mg AA increased FIA by 30% (p < .001) but 500 mg AA did not further increase FIA (p = .226); coffee decreased FIA by 54% (p = .004); coffee with breakfast decreased FIA by 66% (p < .001) despite the presence of ~90 mg of AA. Serum hepcidin was higher (p < .001) and FIA was 37% lower (p = .059) in the afternoon compared to the morning. Our data suggest that to maximize efficacy, ferrous iron supplements should be consumed in the morning, away from meals or coffee, and with an AA‐rich food or beverage. Compared to consuming a 100 mg iron dose in the morning with coffee or breakfast, consuming it with orange juice alone results in a ~ 4‐fold increase in iron absorption, and provides ~20 more mg of absorbed iron per dose. The trial was registered atClinicaltrials.gov(NCT04074707).
Proximal 1q21 duplication: A syndrome or a susceptibility locus?
Authors: Levy Michal , Shohat Mordechai , Kahana Sarit , Matar Reut , Klein Kochav , Fishman Ifat Agmon , Gurevitch Merav , Basel‐Salmon Lina , Maya Idit
Published: June 2023

Proximal 1q21 microduplication is an incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity syndrome. This study reports 28 new cases and summarizes data on phenotype, gender, and parental origin. Data on isolated proximal 1q21.1 microduplications (g. chr1:145,394,956–145,762,959 GRCh37/hg19) was retrieved in postnatal and prenatal “clinical cases” group, and prenatal “control group.” The “clinical cases” cases included cases where chromosomal microarray (CMA) was performed due to congenital anomalies, autism spectrum disorder, seizures, and developmental delay/intellectual disability. The “control group” cases consisted of fetal CMA performed upon parental request despite normal nuchal translucency and anatomical second trimester fetal scans. We analyzed a local database of 27,990 cases and another cohort of 80,000 cases (including both indicated and non‐indicated cases) for population frequency analysis. A total of 62 heterozygous cases were found, including 28 index cases and 34 family members. Among the index cases, 13 (9 males, 4 females) were identified in the “clinical cases” group, of which 10 had developmental abnormalities. Parental origin was tested in 9/13 cases, and all were found to be maternally inherited. In the “control group,” which comprised non‐affected cases, of 15 cases (10 males, 5 females), only 5/11 were maternally inherited. Four cases with clinical follow‐up showed no reported neurodevelopmental abnormalities. No de‐novo cases were detected, and the population frequency in both cohorts was 1:1000. Proximal 1q21.1 microduplication is a recurrent copy number variant, associated with neurodevelopmental abnormalities. It has a greater impact on males inheriting it from their mothers than females from their fathers.
Inappropriate image duplications in rhinology research publications
Authors: Cho Do‐Yeon , Bishop Jessica , Grayson Jessica , Woodworth Bradford A.
Published: June 2023

Key points

Duplicated images in research articles erode integrity and credibility of biomedical science.

Forensic software is necessary to detect figures with inappropriately duplicated images.

This analysis reveals a significant issue of inappropriate image duplication in our field.
Backbone‐Installed Split Intein‐Assisted Ligation for the Chemical Synthesis of Mirror‐Image Proteins
Authors: Zhang Baochang , Zheng Yupeng , Chu Guochao , Deng Xiangyu , Wang Tongyue , Shi Weiwei , Zhou Yongkang , Tang Shan , Zheng Ji‐Shen , Liu Lei
Published: June 2023

Membrane‐associated D‐proteins are an important class of synthetic molecules needed for D‐peptide drug discovery, but their chemical synthesis using canonical ligation methods such as native chemical ligation is often hampered by the poor solubility of their constituent peptide segments. Here, we describe a Backbone‐Installed Split Intein‐Assisted Ligation (BISIAL) method for the synthesis of these proteins, wherein the native L‐forms of the N‐ and C‐intein fragments of the unique consensus‐fast (Cfa) (i.e. L–CfaN and L–CfaC) are separately installed onto the two D‐peptide segments to be ligated via a removable backbone modification. The ligation proceeds smoothly at micromolar (μM) concentrations under strongly chaotropic conditions (8.0 M urea), and the subsequent removal of the backbone modification groups affords the desired D‐proteins without leaving any “ligation scar” on the products. The effectiveness and practicality of the BISIAL method are exemplified by the synthesis of the D‐enantiomers of the extracellular domains of T cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT) and tropomyosin receptor kinase C (TrkC). The BISIAL method further expands the chemical protein synthesis ligation toolkit and provides practical access to challenging D‐protein targets.
Synthesis and Reactivity of a Zinc Diazoalkyl Complex: [3+2] Cycloaddition Reaction with Carbon Monoxide
Authors: Jiang Shengjie , Cai Yanping , Rajeshkumar Thayalan , del Rosal Iker , Maron Laurent , Xu Xin
Published: June 2023

This work reports the synthesis, characterization, and reactivity of the first example of a well‐defined zinc α‐diazoalkyl complex. Treatment of zinc(I)‐zinc(I) bonded compoundL2Zn2[L=CH3C(2,6‐iPr2C6H3N)CHC(CH3)(NCH2CH2PPh2)] or zinc(II) hydrideLZnH with trimethylsilyldiazomethane affords zinc diazoalkyl complexLZnC(N2)SiMe3. This complex liberates N2in the presence of a nickel catalyst to form an α‐zincated phosphorus ylide by reacting with the pendant phosphine. It selectively undergoes formal [3+2] cycloaddition with CO2or CO to form the corresponding product with a five‐membered heterocyclic core. Notably, the use of CO in such a [3+2] cycloaddition reaction is unprecedented, reflecting a novel CO reaction mode.
Characterization and comparison of oleogels and emulgels prepared from Schizochytrium algal oil using monolaurin and MAG/DAG as gelators
Authors: Hyatt Joseph R. , Zhang Siyu , Akoh Casimir C.
Published: June 2023

Oleogels and emulgels were developed with winterized algal oil from Schizochytrium spp. rich in ω‐3 fatty acids (FAs) to overcome physical limitations of using a highly unsaturated lipid source in food applications. Both gel types were developed using monolaurin or a combination of mono‐ and diacylglycerols (MAG/DAG) as the gelator at concentrations of 8%, 10%, or 12% (w/w) in oil or emulsion. A 30‐day oxidation study was conducted using peroxide value, p‐Anisidine value, and change in FA composition to measure the level of oxidation. Oleogel and emulgel samples exhibited a higher oxidative stability than bulk algal oil and oil‐in‐water emulsion as control groups, respectively. The 12% monolaurin oleogel outperformed others in oxidative stability, preventing oxidation of approximately 11.66% and 7.86% of EPA and DHA, respectively, compared to algal oil. Physical characteristics including thermal behavior, solid fat content (SFC), rheology, morphology, and polymorphism were studied. Results indicated that MAG/DAG oleogels and monolaurin emulgels were the most physically stable. The SFC of 12% MAG/DAG oleogel at 30°C was 10.27% whereas 12% monolaurin oleogel was only 4.51%. Both gel types developed with monolaurin and MAG/DAG could be used for different applications as they exhibited desirable qualities such as oxidative stability and improved physical characteristics.