bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanotherapeutics for Alleviating Anesthesia‐Associated Complications
Authors: Lu Bin , Wei Ling , Shi Gaoxiang , Du Jiangfeng
Published: February 2024

Current management of anesthesia‐associated complications falls short in terms of both efficacy and safety. Nanomaterials with versatile properties and unique nano‐bio interactions hold substantial promise as therapeutics for addressing these complications. This review conducts a thorough examination of the existing nanotherapeutics and highlights the strategies for developing prospective nanomedicines to mitigate anesthetics‐related toxicity. Initially, general, regional, and local anesthesia along with the commonly used anesthetics and related prevalent side effects are introduced. Furthermore, employing nanotechnology to prevent and alleviate the complications of anesthetics is systematically demonstrated from three aspects, that is, developing 1) safe nano‐formulization for anesthetics; 2) nano‐antidotes to sequester overdosed anesthetics and alter their pharmacokinetics; 3) nanomedicines with pharmacodynamic activities to treat anesthetics toxicity. Finally, the prospects and challenges facing the clinical translation of nanotherapeutics for anesthesia‐related complications are discussed. This work provides a comprehensive roadmap for developing effective nanotherapeutics to prevent and mitigate anesthesia‐associated toxicity, which can potentially revolutionize the management of anesthesia complications.
Cost‐Effective 3D‐Printed Bionic Hydrogel Evaporator for Stable Solar Desalination
Authors: Zhang Shuang , Li Meng , Jiang Chaorui , Zhu Dandan , Zhang Zhihui
Published: February 2024

Solar desalination using hydrogel evaporators is an eco‐friendly, highly efficient means with natural sunlight for sustainable freshwater production. However, it remains challenging to develop a cost‐effective and scalable method to prepare salt‐resistant hydrogel evaporators for stable desalination. Here, inspired by tree transpiration and hierarchical porous structure, a 3D‐printed bionic hydrogel evaporator (3DP‐BHE) is designed for long‐term solar desalination. Commercialized activated carbon (AC) is introduced into biomass starch skeleton as a solar light absorber to build 3DP‐BHE in a cost‐effective fashion ($10.14 m−2 of total materials cost). The bionic tree leaf layer for 94.01% light absorption and timely vapor diffusion. The bionic tree trunk layer with 3D printed bimodal porous structure for water transfer, thermal isolation, and salt ions convection and diffusion. With the unique bionic structure, the 3DP‐BHE achieves a stable evaporation rate of 2.13 kg m−2 h−1 at ≈90.5% energy efficiency under one sun (1 kW m−2). During the 7‐day desalination of 10 wt.% brine, a steady evaporation rate of 1.98 kg m−2 h−1 is maintained with a record‐high cost‐effectiveness (195.3 g h−1 $−1) manner. This 3DP‐BHE will open significant opportunities for affordable solar desalination systems on multiple scales, from individual households to off‐grid communities.
Pharmacological Polarization of Tumor‐Associated Macrophages Toward a CXCL9 Antitumor Phenotype
Authors: Enbergs Noah , Halabi Elias A. , Goubet Anne‐Gaëlle , Schleyer Kelton , Fredrich Ina R. , Kohler Rainer H. , Garris Christopher S. , Pittet Mikaël J. , Weissleder Ralph
Published: February 2024

Tumor‐associated macrophages (TAM) are a diverse population of myeloid cells that are often abundant and immunosuppressive in human cancers. CXCL9Hi TAM has recently been described to have an antitumor phenotype and is linked to immune checkpoint response. Despite the emerging understanding of the unique antitumor TAM phenotype, there is a lack of TAM‐specific therapeutics to exploit this new biological understanding. Here, the discovery and characterization of multiple small‐molecule enhancers of chemokine ligand 9 (CXCL9) and their targeted delivery in a TAM‐avid systemic nanoformulation is reported. With this strategy, it is efficient encapsulation and release of multiple drug loads that can efficiently induce CXCL9 expression in macrophages, both in vitro and in vivo in a mouse tumor model. These observations provide a window into the molecular features that define TAM‐specific states, an insight a novel therapeutic anticancer approach is used to discover.
Electric, Optoelectronic, and Thermoelectric Properties of Moiré Superlattices of Bilayer Borophene with Different Twist Angles
Authors: Song Jizhe , Wang Jingang , Yu Jing , Sun Mengtao
Published: February 2024

In this study, the electrical, optoelectronic, and thermoelectric properties of bilayer borophene moiré superlattices at different twist angles are investigated in detail. The results reveal that the transport properties of bilayer borophene are significantly impacted by different twist angles. Specifically, the device with 30° is of better transport properties compared to the two devices, due to the absence of interlayer covalent bond. The study reveals the essential influence of twist angle on the moiré superlattice of bilayer borophene and provides a theoretical basis for its potential applications in electronic, optoelectronic, and thermoelectric devices.
Progress in Single/Multi Atoms and 2D‐Nanomaterials for Electro/Photocatalytic Nitrogen Reduction: Experimental, Computational and Machine Leaning Developments
Authors: Singh Aditya Narayan , Anand Rohit , Zafari Mohammad , Ha Miran , Kim Kwang S.
Published: February 2024

The conversion of atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into ammonia (NH3), known as nitrogen fixation, plays a crucial role in sustaining life on Earth, facing innovation with electrocatalytic and photocatalytic methods. These approaches promise gentler conversions from atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia, diverging from the energy‐intensive Haber‐Bosch process, which requires complex plant infrastructure. Vitality lies in eco‐friendly, cost‐effective, and energy‐efficient pathways. The challenge is that electrocatalysts and photocatalysts for nitrogen reduction have shown low Faraday efficiency, hampered by hydrogen evolution. This work delves into recent strides in electro/photo‐catalytic nitrogen fixation/reduction, deciphering mechanisms, catalysts, and prospects. By unveiling the core principles steering these processes, it dissects efficiency drivers. Experimental and theoretical studies, ranging from density functional calculations/simulations to machine learning‐based catalyst screening, mark the path toward highly efficient catalysts, including single/multi‐atom catalysts embedded in 2D materials. The journey explores diverse catalysts, assessing their performance, spotlighting emerging nanomaterials, heterostructures, and co‐catalyst techniques. Perspectives on future directions and potential applications of electro/photo‐catalytic nitrogen fixation/reduction are offered, by emphasizing their role in sustainable nitrogen management and their implications for global agriculture and environmental sustainability.
Multiuse Polystyrene Plates for Phasing Out Single‐Use Plastics: Chemical Performances and Environmental Impact Assessment Through a Life Cycle Approach
Authors: Miele Ylenia , Esposito Gaia , Ricciardi Maria , Faggiano Antonio , Pulselli Federico Maria , Marchettini Nadia , Motta Oriana , Proto Antonio
Published: February 2024

European governments are addressing plastic pollution by implementing the Directive EU 2019/904 that bans single‐use items like cutlery, plates, straws, and beverage stirrers. One strategy proposed by several industries to continue their production is the conversion of single‐use items into multiuse items. Herein, the focus is on the production of polystyrene reusable plates and the suitability of this product for microwave and dishwasher use is assessed: in proper conditions, the structure is preserved without cuts or visible deformations, and the chemical stability is guaranteed. To get a full picture of the benefits and impacts of this new product, a life cycle assessment methodology is applied to compare the performances of one reusable plate with 20 single‐use plates. Results indicate that proper use is crucial: a reusable plate disposed after one use is more impactful than a single‐use plate. In contrast, the reuse of plates for 20 times allows to reduce carbon footprint and acidification potential. Eutrophication and ozone layer depletion, on the other hand, increase due to the washing phase. The solutions that can mitigate these issues and enhance the sustainability of the reusable plates include the improvement of the detergent compositions and the use of electricity from renewable sources.
Ionic liquid binary mixtures: Machine learning‐assisted modeling, solvent tailoring, process design, and optimization
Authors: Chen Yuqiu , Ma Sulei , Lei Yang , Liang Xiaodong , Liu Xinyan , Kontogeorgis Georgios M. , Gani Rafiqul
Published: February 2024

This work conducts a comprehensive modeling study on the viscosity, density, heat capacity, and surface tension of ionic liquid (IL)‐IL binary mixtures by combining the group contribution (GC) method with three machine learning algorithms: artificial neural network, XGBoost, and LightGBM. A large number of experimental data from reliable open sources is exhaustively collected to train, validate, and test the proposed ML‐based GC models. Furthermore, the Shapley Additive Explanations technique is employed to quantify the influential factors behind all the studied properties. Finally, these ML‐based GC models are sequentially integrated into computer‐aided mixed solvent design, process design, and optimization through an industrial case study of recovering hydrogen from raw coke oven gas. Optimization results demonstrate their high computational efficiency and integrability in solvent and process design, while also highlighting the significant potential of IL‐IL binary mixtures in practical applications.
Long‐term follow‐up of VIALE‐A: Venetoclax and azacitidine in chemotherapy‐ineligible untreated acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Pratz Keith W. , Jonas Brian A. , Pullarkat Vinod , Thirman Michael J. , Garcia Jacqueline S. , Döhner Hartmut , Récher Christian , Fiedler Walter , Yamamoto Kazuhito , Wang Jianxiang , Yoon Sung‐Soo , Wolach Ofir , Yeh Su‐Peng , Leber Brian , Esteve Jordi , Mayer Jiri , Porkka Kimmo , Illés Árpád , Lemoli Roberto M. , Turgut Mehmet , Ku Grace , Miller Catherine , Zhou Ying , Zhang Meng , Chyla Brenda , Potluri Jalaja , DiNardo Courtney D.
Published: February 2024

Venetoclax‐azacitidine is approved for treatment of patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) ineligible for intensive chemotherapy based on the interim overall survival (OS) analysis of the VIALE‐A study (NCT02993523). Here, long‐term follow‐up is presented to address survival benefit and long‐term outcomes with venetoclax‐azacitidine. Patients with newly diagnosed AML who were ineligible for intensive chemotherapy were randomized 2:1 to receive venetoclax‐azacitidine or placebo‐azacitidine. OS was the primary endpoint; complete remission with/without blood count recovery (CR/CRi) was a key secondary endpoint. This final analysis was conducted when 100% of the predefined 360 OS events occurred. In VIALE‐A, 431 patients were enrolled to venetoclax‐azacitidine (n = 286) or placebo‐azacitidine (n = 145). At 43.2 months median follow‐up, median OS was 14.7 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 12.1–18.7) with venetoclax‐azacitidine, and 9.6 months (95% CI, 7.4–12.7) with placebo‐azacitidine (hazard ratio, 0.58 [95% CI, 0.47–0.72], p < .001); the estimated 24‐month OS rate was 37.5% and 16.9%, respectively. Median OS for patients with IDH1/2 mutations and those with measurable residual disease responses was reached in this final analysis. CR/CRi rate was similar to interim analysis. Any‐grade hematologic and gastrointestinal adverse events were most common in venetoclax‐azacitidine and placebo‐azacitidine arms, including thrombocytopenia (47% and 42%) and neutropenia (43% and 29%). No new safety signals were identified. Long‐term efficacy and safety confirm venetoclax‐azacitidine is an improvement in standard‐of‐care for patients with AML who are not eligible for intensive chemotherapy because of advanced age or comorbidities.
Liquid organic hydrogen carriers: Process design and economic analysis for manufacturing N‐ethylcarbazole
Authors: Uijthof E. M. T. , Chavan B. S. , Sluijer M. J. , Komath V. C. , van der Ham A. G. J. , van den Berg H. , Lange J.‐P. , Higler A. , Wijnans S.
Published: February 2024

This paper revisits the economics of manufacturing N‐ethylcarbazole (NEC), a strong candidate for large‐scale liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) supply chains, because of its high H2 storage capacity (6 wt%), selective hydrogenation and dehydrogenation reactions, and favorable reaction enthalpy and reaction temperatures compared to other LOHC systems. Two different process routes for producing NEC from industrial chemicals are selected out of 10 possible options: one using aniline and the other using cyclohexanone and nitrobenzene as feedstock. The required capital and operational costs are estimated to determine a NEC break‐even cost for a capacity of 225 ktpa. NEC break‐even costs of $3.0 and $2.6 per kg LOHC are found for the routes. This is significantly less than the $40/kg cost that has generally been reported in literature for NEC, thus improving the economic viability of using NEC as LOHC. The total fixed capital costs are estimated to be $200 MM and $250 MM. Furthermore, the prices of the feedstock show the largest influence (76% and 72%) on the final NEC break‐even costs. The overall LOHC price contribution to the levelized H2 cost is estimated to be $0.77–$0.90 per kg H2 for a 60‐day roundtrip and $0.09–$0.10 per kg H2 for a 7‐day roundtrip. It is important to note that both routes rely heavily on laboratory scale data and the corresponding assumptions that stem from this limitation. Therefore, this research can serve as a guide to future experimental studies into validating the key assumptions made for this analysis.
Selective Intracellular Delivery of Antibodies in Cancer Cells with Nanocarriers Sensing Endo/Lysosomal Enzymatic Activity
Authors: Chen Pengwen , Yang Wenqian , Mochida Yuki , Li Shangwei , Hong Taehun , Kinoh Hiroaki , Kataoka Kazunori , Cabral Horacio
Published: February 2024

The differential enzymatic activity in the endo/lysosomes of particular cells could trigger targeted endosomal escape functions, enabling selective intracellular protein delivery. However, this strategy may be jeopardized due to protein degradation during endosomal trafficking. Herein, using custom made fluorescent probes to assess the endosomal activity of cathepsin B (CTSB) and protein degradation, we found that certain cancer cells with hyperacidified endosomes grant a spatiotemporal window where CTSB activity surpass protein digestion. This inspired the engineering of antibody‐loaded polymeric nanocarriers having CTSB‐activatable endosomal escape ability. The nanocarriers selectively escaped from the endo/lysosomes in the cells with high endosomal CTSB activity and delivered active antibodies to intracellular targets. This study provides a viable strategy for cell‐specific protein delivery using stimuli‐responsive nanocarriers with controlled endosomal escape.
Bioinspired Selenium‐Nitrogen Exchange (SeNEx) Click Chemistry Suitable for Nanomole‐Scale Medicinal Chemistry and Bioconjugation
Authors: Hou Wei , Zhang Yiyuan , Huang Fuchao , Chen Wanting , Gu Yuang , Wang Yan , Pang Jiacheng , Dong Hewei , Pan Kangyin , Zhang Shuning , Ma Peixiang , Xu Hongtao
Published: February 2024

Click chemistry is a powerful molecular assembly strategy for rapid functional discovery. The development of click reactions with new connecting linkage is of great importance for expanding the click chemistry toolbox. We report the first selenium‐nitrogen exchange (SeNEx) click reaction between benzoselenazolones and terminal alkynes (Se−N to Se−C), which is inspired by the biochemical SeNEx between Ebselen and cysteine (Cys) residue (Se−N to Se−S). The formed selenoalkyne connection is readily elaborated, thus endowing this chemistry with multidimensional molecular diversity. Besides, this reaction is modular, predictable, and high‐yielding, features fast kinetics (k2≥14.43 M−1 s−1), excellent functional group compatibility, and works well at miniaturization (nanomole‐scale), opening up many interesting opportunities for organo‐Se synthesis and bioconjugation, as exemplified by sequential click chemistry (coupled with ruthenium‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (RuAAC) and sulfur‐fluoride exchange (SuFEx)), selenomacrocycle synthesis, nanomole‐scale synthesis of Se‐containing natural product library and DNA‐encoded library (DEL), late‐stage peptide modification and ligation, and multiple functionalization of proteins. These results indicated that SeNEx is a useful strategy for new click chemistry developments, and the established SeNEx chemistry will serve as a transformative platform in multidisciplinary fields such as synthetic chemistry, material science, chemical biology, medical chemistry, and drug discovery.
Algorithms in selection decisions: Effective, but unappreciated
Authors: Rabinovitch Hagai , Budescu David V. , Meyer Yoella Bereby
Published: February 2024

Selection decisions are often affected by irrelevant variables such as gender or race. People can discount this irrelevant information by adjusting their predictions accordingly, yet they fail to do so intuitively. In five online studies (N = 1077), participants were asked to make selection decisions in which the selection test was affected by irrelevant attributes. We examined whether in such decisions people are willing to be advised by algorithms, human advisors or prefer to decide without advice. We found that people fail to adjust for irrelevant information by themselves, and those who received advice from an algorithm or human advisor made better decisions. Interestingly, although most participants stated they prefer advice from human advisors, they tend to rely equally on algorithms in actual selection tasks. The sole exception is when they are forced to choose between an algorithm and a human advisor. In that case, they pick human advisors. We conclude that while algorithms may not be people's preferred source of advice in selection decisions, they are equally useful and can be implemented.
HESI workshop summary: Interpretation of developmental and reproductive toxicity endpoints and the impact on data interpretation of adverse events
Authors: Green M. L. , Kluever A. , Chen Connie , Dobreniecki S. , Halpern Wendy , Hannas Bethany , Hoberman Alan , McNerney M. E. , Mitchell‐Ryan S. , Shafer T. J. , Van Cruchten Steven , White Tacey
Published: February 2024

The Health and Environmental Sciences Institute Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology (HESI‐DART) group held a hybrid in‐person and virtual workshop in Washington, DC, in 2022. The workshop was entitled, “Interpretation of DART in Regulatory Contexts and Frameworks.” There were 154 participants (37 in person and 117 virtual) across 9 countries. The purpose of the workshop was to capture key consensus approaches used to assess DART risks associated with chemical product exposure when a nonclinical finding is identified. The decision‐making process for determining whether a DART endpoint is considered adverse is critical because the outcome may have downstream implications (e.g., increased animal usage, modifications to reproductive classification and pregnancy labeling, impact on enrollment in clinical trials and value chains). The workshop included a series of webinar modules to train and engage in discussions with federal and international regulators, clinicians, academic investigators, nongovernmental organizations, contract research organization scientists, and private sector scientists on the best practices and principles of interpreting DART and new approach methodologies in the context of regulatory requirements and processes. Despite the differences in regulatory frameworks between the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors, the same foundational principles for data interpretation should be applied. The discussions led to the categorization of principles, which offer guidance for the systematic interpretation of data. Step 1 entails identifying any hazard by closely analyzing the data at the study endpoint level, while Step 2 involves assessing risk using weight of evidence. These guiding principles were derived from the collective outcomes of the workshop deliberations.
Deep hybrid modeling of a HEK293 process: Combining long short‐term memory networks with first principles equations
Authors: Ramos João R. C. , Pinto José , Poiares‐Oliveira Gil , Peeters Ludovic , Dumas Patrick , Oliveira Rui
Published: February 2024

The combination of physical equations with deep learning is becoming a promising methodology for bioprocess digitalization. In this paper, we investigate for the first time the combination of long short‐term memory (LSTM) networks with first principles equations in a hybrid workflow to describe human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) culture dynamics. Experimental data of 27 extracellular state variables in 20 fed‐batch HEK293 cultures were collected in a parallel high throughput 250 mL cultivation system in an industrial process development setting. The adaptive moment estimation method with stochastic regularization and cross‐validation were employed for deep learning. A total of 784 hybrid models with varying deep neural network architectures, depths, layers sizes and node activation functions were compared. In most scenarios, hybrid LSTM models outperformed classical hybrid Feedforward Neural Network (FFNN) models in terms of training and testing error. Hybrid LSTM models revealed to be less sensitive to data resampling than FFNN hybrid models. As disadvantages, Hybrid LSTM models are in general more complex (higher number of parameters) and have a higher computation cost than FFNN hybrid models. The hybrid model with the highest prediction accuracy consisted in a LSTM network with seven internal states connected in series with dynamic material balance equations. This hybrid model correctly predicted the dynamics of the 27 state variables (R2 = 0.93 in the test data set), including biomass, key substrates, amino acids and metabolic by‐products for around 10 cultivation days.
Heed guidance from new OCR letter for handling AAOs/no contact orders
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: February 2024

The Office for Civil Rights has published its first determination letter of 2024 on its website (bit.ly/3SpW9Ol). Although not the sole focus of the determination, the letter and accompanying Title IX analysis offer extremely valuable guidance on how to issue and monitor active avoidance orders/no contact orders in compliance with Title IX.
Characteristics and Influence Factors of Pb(II) Adsorption by Graphene Oxide‐Montmorillonite Composite
Authors: Zhifang Zhou , Xiaotian Xu , Dongxia Luo , Qian Peng , Jiali Song , Tianfeng Wang , Jinlin Chen , Jiyi Zhang
Published: February 2024

This study presents the fabrication of a novel porous composite of graphene oxide‐montmorillonite (GO‐MMT) through the modification of montmorillonite using the freeze‐drying method for the purpose of Pb removal. The characterization of the GO‐MMT composite was conducted using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, and X‐ray diffraction. The results from batch adsorption experiments revealed that the GO‐MMT composite exhibited a superior capacity for Pb removal compared to MMT. Furthermore, a single factor experiment confirmed that the dosage of the GO‐MMT composite or GO, pH, temperature, and reaction time all significantly influenced the adsorption of Pb by the GO‐MMT composite, MMT, or GO. This superiority can be attributed to the presence of oxygen‐containing functional groups, the site‐blocking effect, and the ion exchange mechanism exhibited by the GO‐MMT composite.
Strategies for the Construction of Benzobicyclo[3.2.1]octane in Natural Product Synthesis
Authors: Liu Jia‐Xuan , Li Hui , Zhang Shi‐Peng , Lu Shi‐Chao , Gong Ya‐Ling , Xu Shu
Published: February 2024

Benzobicyclo[3.2.1]octane is a cage‐like unique motif containing a bicyclo[3.2.1]octane structure fused with at least one benzene ring. It is found in various natural products that exhibit structural complexities and important biological activities. The total synthesis of natural products possessing this challenging structure has received considerable attention, and great advances have been made in this field during the past 15 years. This review summarizes thus far achieved chemical syntheses and synthetic studies of natural compounds featuring the benzobicyclo[3.2.1]octane core. It focuses on strategic approaches constructing the bridged structure, aiming to provide a useful reference for inspiring further advancements in strategies and total syntheses of natural products with such a framework.
A cross talk between microbial metabolites and host immunity: Its relevance for allergic diseases
Authors: Losol Purevsuren , Wolska Magdalena , Wypych Tomasz P. , Yao Lu , O'Mahony Liam , Sokolowska Milena
Published: February 2024

Background

Allergic diseases, including respiratory and food allergies, as well as allergic skin conditions have surged in prevalence in recent decades. In allergic diseases, the gut microbiome is dysbiotic, with reduced diversity of beneficial bacteria and increased abundance of potential pathogens. Research findings suggest that the microbiome, which is highly influenced by environmental and dietary factors, plays a central role in the development, progression, and severity of allergic diseases. The microbiome generates metabolites, which can regulate many of the host’s cellular metabolic processes and host immune responses.

Aims and Methods

Our goal is to provide a narrative and comprehensive literature review of the mechanisms through which microbial metabolites regulate host immune function and immune metabolism both in homeostasis and in the context of allergic diseases.

Results and Discussion

We describe key microbial metabolites such as short‐chain fatty acids, amino acids, bile acids and polyamines, elucidating their mechanisms of action, cellular targets and their roles in regulating metabolism within innate and adaptive immune cells. Furthermore, we characterize the role of bacterial metabolites in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases including allergic asthma, atopic dermatitis and food allergy.

Conclusion

Future research efforts should focus on investigating the physiological functions of microbiota‐derived metabolites to help develop new diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for allergic diseases.
The long‐term efficacy of intra‐cervical lymphatic immunotherapy on adults with allergic rhinitis: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Qin Yang , Huang Weijun , Zheng Rui , Wang Qixing , Yu Qingqing , Li Yin , Wang Kai , Tang Jun
Published: February 2024

Background

The efficacy and safety of the novel immunotherapy method, intra‐cervical lymphatic immunotherapy (ICLIT), need to be investigated. Comparing it with subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), we clarified the long‐term efficacy and safety of intra‐cervical lymphatic immunotherapy on allergic rhinitis (AR), and investigated the improvement of clinical efficacy of the booster injection at 1 year after ICLIT treatment.

Methods

Ninety adult patients with dust mite allergy were randomly divided into 3 groups: 30 in the SCIT group, 30 in the ILCLIT group, and 30 in ICLIT booster group. Changes in total symptom score (TSS), nasal symptom score (TNSS), ocular symptom score (TOSS) and total medication score (TMS) were evaluated in the three groups. Adverse reactions were recorded, and serum dust mite specific IgE (sIgE) and specific IgG4 were assessed in the ICLIT group and ICLIT booster group.

Results

TSS, TNSS, TOSS, and TMS scores were significantly lower in the three groups at 36 months after treatment (p < 0. 05). And at 36 months the ICLIT‐booster group showed results similar to SCIT and superior to ICLIT (p < 0. 05). Serum specific IgE decreased in all three groups at 12 and 36 months after treatment, p < 0.01. The ICLIT group and the ICLIT booster group showed a significant increase in sIgG4, p < 0.01. None of the patients in the three groups had any serious systemic adverse effects during the 3‐year follow‐up.

Conclusion

The ICLIT treatment is effective and safe on AR. One booster injection of allergens at 1 year can greatly improve its long‐term efficacy.

Trial Registry

Clinical trial registration number: ChiCTR1800017130.
Microstructure‐based nuclear lamina constitutive model
Authors: Mostafazadeh Nima , Peng Zhangli
Published: February 2024

The nuclear lamina is widely recognized as the most crucial component in providing mechanical stability to the nucleus. However, it is still a significant challenge to model the mechanics of this multilayered protein network. We developed a constitutive model of the nuclear lamina network based on its microstructure, which accounts for the deformation phases at the dimer level, as well as the orientational arrangement and density of lamin filaments. Instead of relying on homology modeling in the previous studies, we conducted molecular simulations to predict the force‐extension response of a highly accurate lamin dimer structure obtained through X‐ray diffraction crystallography experimentation. Furthermore, we devised a semiflexible worm‐like chain extension‐force model of lamin dimer as a substitute, incorporating phases of initial stretching, uncoiling of the dimer coiled‐coil, and transition of secondary structures. Subsequently, we developed a 2D network continuum model for the nuclear lamina by using our extension‐force lamin dimer model and derived stress resultants. By comparing with experimentally measured lamina modulus, we found that the lamina network has sharp initial strain‐hardening behavior. This also enabled us to carry out finite element simulations of the entire nucleus with an accurate microstructure‐based nuclear lamina model. Finally, we conducted simulations of transendothelial transmigration of a nucleus and investigated the impact of varying network density and uncoiling constants on the critical force required for successful transmigration. The model allows us to incorporate the microstructure characteristics of the nuclear lamina into the nucleus model, thereby gaining insights into how laminopathies and mutations affect nuclear mechanics.
Quantitative and qualitative 3D analysis of mandibular lingual concavities: Implications for dental implant planning in the posterior mandible
Authors: Alqutaibi Ahmed Yaseen , Alghauli Mohammed Ahmed , Aboalrejal Afaf , Mulla Abduljabbar K. , Almohammadi Anwar A. , Aljayyar Abdullah W. , Alharbi Shahad O. , Almuzaini Esam S. , Alsaeedi Ahmed K. , Arabi Lina F. , Alhajj Mohammed Nasser , Halboub Esam
Published: February 2024

Objective

The purpose of this study is to investigate the type of ridge (degree of angulation of the lingual concavity) and the buccolingual dimensions in the area of the first and second molars in both genders of different ages and how this will affect implant placement in the posterior mandible.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective cross‐sectional study comprised cone beam computed tomography images of 150 dental patients (75 males and 71 aged ≥30). The following were measured/reported: type (morphology) of the ridge (convex [C], parallel [P], or undercut [U]), buccolingual width at the base and the crest of the ridge, and ridge height. The concavity angle, depth, and length of the U‐shaped ridge were measured too.

Results

The prevalence of type U ridge ranged from 32.7% in the first molar region to 62.7% in the second molar region. Almost all measurements and ridge type distributions were comparable amongst the age groups (p > .05). Very few significant differences were found when comparing #36 versus #37 and #46 versus #47 teeth, with no differences in the distribution of the ridge types (p > .05). Quite the inverse, all measurements were statistically different when comparing #36 versus #37 and #46 versus #47 teeth, and type U ridge was more frequent in second molar compared to the first molar regions, respectively (p < .05). Many measurements were statistically higher in females; the inverse was true for a few measurements (p < .05). Type U ridge in #36 and #37 was found more frequently among males (p < .001). In contrast, the ridge types in #37 and #47 were not statistically different gender‐wise.

Conclusions

The U type of ridge was more prevalent in the investigated population, encountered more frequently in the second molars generally and in the first molars of males than females. Most posterior mandibular measurements are similar age‐ and side‐wise but seem different gender‐ and tooth‐wise.
ESG disclosure in G7 countries: Do board cultural diversity and structure policy matter?
Authors: Aliani Khaoula , Hamza Fadhila , Alessa Noha , Borgi Hela , Albitar Khaldoon
Published: February 2024

The aim of this paper is to investigate the impact of board cultural diversity (BCDIV) and board structure policy (BSP) on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosure. The sample of this study includes 2988 companies from G7 countries during the 2015–2022 period. Our empirical results reveal that boards with heterogeneous cultural directors and the existence of BSP improve overall ESG scores. Further analysis shows that BSP is a crucial determinant of the governance dimension, one of the pillars of ESG disclosures, whereas BCDIV affects the social dimension more. The findings of this paper offer policy insights, highlighting the importance of BCDIV and BSP for better ESG disclosure. Policymakers should therefore establish regulations that encourage BCDIV and BSP and promote ESG disclosure. Corporate governance reforms that aim to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of boards are critical in order for companies to attain both financial and sustainable development.
Employees' engagement, family ownership, or gender diversity? Searching for determinants of SMEs' green behaviors in CEE countries
Authors: Kotkova Striteska Michaela , Myslivcova Katerina , Prokop Viktor , Zapletalova Lucie
Published: February 2024

Results of this study go against previous expectations regarding the positive effects of boards' and owners' gender diversity and family ownership on SMEs' green behaviors, expressed by the implementation of proactive environmental strategies (PES) and energy consumption monitoring (ECM). We show that such generally accepted and recommended concepts may not always work, specifically within Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries. Based on the foundations of stakeholder theory, we surprisingly reject hypotheses expecting positive effects of boards' gender diversity on SMEs' green behaviors. Compared to the research to date, we newly examine the effect of the frequency of manager–employee meetings on SMEs' green behaviors. We show that SMEs' implementation of PES and ECM requires a different frequency of employee engagements. In addition, we confirm that the presence of environmental managers is fruitful for the implementation of PES in family firms. We also reveal that family firms' ECM is significantly triggered by energy taxes, but also by the owners' gender diversity. By linking the managerial perspective including employees' engagement and PES with the technical discipline of ECM, this study provides several theoretical and practical implications.
The use of corporate social responsibility in response to product‐harm crisis: How do stock market reactions matter?
Authors: Ouyang Zhe , Wang Xiaojiao , Liu Yang
Published: February 2024

The initial stock market reaction to a product‐harm crisis is an important factor motivating firms to engage in corporate social responsibility (CSR). By analyzing event data on product‐harm crises in Chinese listed companies spanning from 2009 to 2019, we uncover evidence that crisis‐related abnormal returns have a significant negative association with the subsequent growth of CSR. Importantly, we find that this negative relationship is especially pronounced for firms that have a greater need to restore moral legitimacy, such as those receiving high levels of media favorability and positive analyst recommendations. These findings offer novel insights into the motivations behind firms' increased investment in CSR following product‐harm crises from a legitimacy perspective.
An enhanced predictive current control technique for interior permanent magnet synchronous motor drives with extended voltage space vectors for electric vehicles
Authors: Kumar Kasoju Bharath , Praveen Kumar Kunisetti V.
Published: February 2024

Permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM) are widely employed in the application of electric vehicles (EVs) due to their simplicity of operation. Model predictive current control (MPCC) is an advanced technique used to control the PMSM owing advantages like multi‐variable cost function and good dynamic performance. Cost function of predictive current control (PCC) does not require the flux weighting factor; hence, it is simple in the selection of suitable voltage vector (VV). The conventional PCC (C‐PCC) applied to interior PMSM (IPMSM) contains more torque and flux ripples as it includes only one set of voltage vectors for all speed ranges. In proposed PCC (P‐PCC), the magnitude and location of voltage vectors is to be selected as large and small VVs to reduce torque ripples. The P‐PCC in this article utilizes two set of extended voltage vectors (large and small VVs) based on the applied speed change in dynamic conditions and hence reduces the ripple content. Incorporating maximum torque per ampere (MTPA) control in this article serves the purpose of optimizing the machine performance. By adding MTPA to the proposed method, it is aimed to enhance the machine performance with less ripples and improved torque response. Simulation results are presented for conventional and P‐PCC to highlight the effectiveness and efficacy of the P‐PCC. The P‐PCC is experimentally verified with 3.7 kW PMSM using d‐SPACE controller.
Single‐cell RNA sequencing reveals telocytes subsets of human lung
Authors: Dai Lihua , Cai Songshan , Wang Lingyan , Liu Yifei , Liu Fangming , Wang Xiangdong , Song Dongli
Published: February 2024

Background

Telocyte (TC) is a recently defined renewed cell and its dominant intercommunication with other cells displays multiple functions in tissue homeostasis and diseases. Alveolar epithelial cells and immune cells were in the lung cancer heterogeneity, progression, and metastasis, and further associated with antitumor therapeutic strategies. However, few studies focus on the roles of TCs in lung cancer.

Methods

In this article, we used the public scRNA‐Seq data (including healthy control, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, non–small cell lung cancer, lymph node metastases from non–small cell lung cancer, and systemic sclerosis–associated interstitial lung disease patients) to analyze the cellular dynamics in human lung and distinct types of TCs and their communication networks with the variety of cell types.

Results

Six subclusters of TCs were identified by expression of specific biological function markers, which demonstrated the diversity of TCs subsets in lung tissue. Further results showed TCs had communication with epithelial cells or immune cells subsets by the ligand–receptor interaction, including TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 1CD63, fibulin 1integrin subunit beta 1, vimentinCD44, macrophage migration inhibitory factorCD74, and amyloid beta precursor proteinCD74. Ligand–receptor interaction heterogeneity was revealed in lung tissue of healthy or diseases. Enhanced specific signals in ligandreceptor interaction were revealed, including integrin beta 1 and CD44 were appraised in the communication of TCs with epithelial cells, NK cells, NKT cells, CD4+ exhausted T cells, CD4+ memory/effector T cells, CD4+ naïve T cells, CD8+ exhausted T cells, CD8+ memory/effector T cells, and CD8+ naïve T cells. CD63, a marker identified in TCs exosomes was emphasized in our current analysis which is closely related to communication of TCs with other cell types.

Conclusion

These results will provide us with new insight into the mechanisms of TCs‐dominated communication and promise therapy of TC exosomes in lung diseases.
OMIP‐101: 27‐color flow cytometry panel for immunophenotyping of major leukocyte populations in fixed whole blood
Authors: Imbratta Claire , Reid Timothy D. , Toefy Asma , Scriba Thomas J. , Nemes Elisa
Published: February 2024

This 27‐color flow cytometry antibody panel allows broad immune‐profiling of major leukocyte subsets in human whole blood (WB). It includes lineage markers to identify myeloid and lymphoid cell populations including granulocytes, monocytes, myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs), natural killer (NK) cells, NKT‐like cells, B cells, conventional CD4 and CD8 T cells, γδ T cells, mucosa‐associated invariant T (MAIT) cells and innate lymphoid cells (ILC). To further characterize each of these populations, markers defining stages of cell differentiation (CCR7, CD27, CD45RA, CD127, CD57), cytotoxic potential (perforin, granzyme B) and cell activation/proliferation (HLA‐DR, CD38, Ki‐67) were included. This panel was developed for quantifying absolute counts and phenotyping major leukocyte populations in cryopreserved, fixed WB collected from participants enrolled in large multi‐site tuberculosis (TB) vaccine clinical trials. This antibody panel can be applied to profile major leukocyte subsets in other sample types such as fresh WB or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with only minor additional optimization.
A novel linear and planar multiband fractal‐shaped antenna arrays with low sidelobes
Authors: Mohammed Jafar Ramadhan
Published: February 2024

Fractal antenna arrays are usually used to tune multiband frequencies. However, these types of iteratively constructed antennas are associated with undesirable high sidelobe levels and low directivities. In this paper, an optimization procedure based on the genetic algorithm is used to find the optimal weights of the array elements such that the corresponding array patterns have low sidelobe levels and good directivity. Moreover, the fractal nature in the proposed arrays is maintained regardless of the optimized weights. Thus, the proposed fractal‐shaped array maintains its capability in performing multiband frequency operation. These good radiation features make the proposed fractal‐shaped array more appropriate for the current and future wireless communication applications. Simulation results confirm the superiority of the presented linear and planar fractal‐shaped array structures with compared to the conventional fractal cantor linear array and the standard Sierpinski carpet planar array. For the proposed fractal cantor linear array, the sidelobe level has been reduced to more than −20 dB at different operating frequencies, and the directivity has been improved by more than 8 dB, while the modified Sierpinski carpet planar array has achieved −30 dB depressions in the sidelobe level and 6 dB improvement in the directivity.
Net carbon sequestration implications of intensified timber harvest in Northeastern U.S. forests
Authors: Brown Michelle L. , Canham Charles D. , Buchholz Thomas , Gunn John S. , Donovan Therese M.
Published: February 2024

U.S. forests, particularly in the eastern states, provide an important offset to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Some have proposed that forest‐based natural climate solutions can be strengthened via a number of strategies, including increases in the production of forest biomass energy. We used output from a forest dynamics model (SORTIE‐ND) in combination with a GHG accounting tool (ForGATE) to estimate the carbon consequences of current and intensified timber harvest regimes in the Northeastern United States. We considered a range of carbon pools including forest ecosystem pools, forest product pools, and waste pools, along with different scenarios of feedstock production for biomass energy. The business‐as‐usual (BAU) scenario, which represents current harvest practices derived from the analysis of U.S. Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis data, sequestered more net CO2 equivalents than any of the intensified harvest and feedstock utilization scenarios over the next decade, the most important time period for combatting climate change. Increasing the intensity of timber harvest increased total emissions and reduced landscape average forest carbon stocks, resulting in reduced net carbon sequestration relative to current harvest regimes. Net carbon sequestration “parity points,” where the regional cumulative net carbon sequestration from alternate intensified harvest scenarios converge with and then exceed the BAU baseline, ranged from 12 to 40 years. A “no harvest” scenario provides an estimate of an upper bound on forest carbon sequestration in the region given the expected successional dynamics of the region's forests but ignores leakage. Regional net carbon sequestration is primarily influenced by (1) the harvest regime and amount of forest biomass removal, (2) the degree to which bioenergy displaces fossil fuel use, and (3) the proportion of biomass diverted to energy feedstocks versus wood products.
Takotsubo syndrome and vaccines: a systematic review
Authors: Li Chenlin , Li Pengyang , Peddibhotla Bharath , Teng Catherine , Shi Ao , Lu Xiaojia , Cai Peng , Dai Qiying , Wang Bin
Published: February 2024

Aims

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is a rare complication of vaccination. In this study, we sought to provide insight into the characteristics of reported TTS induced by vaccination.

Methods and results

We did a systematic review, searching PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Ovid MEDLINE, Journals@Ovid, and Scopus databases up to 26 April 2023 to identify case reports or case series of vaccine‐induced TTS. We then extracted and summarized the data from these reports. Eighteen reports were identified, with a total of 19 patients with TTS associated with vaccinations. Of the 19 included patients, the majority were female (n = 13, 68.4%) with a mean age of 56.6 ± 21.9 years. Seventeen patients developed TTS after coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination, 14 of whom received an mRNA vaccination. Two cases of TTS occurred after influenza vaccination. Among the 19 patients, 17 (89.5%) completed transthoracic echocardiography and 16 (84.2%) underwent angiography procedures. Seven patients (36.8%) completed cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. The median time to symptom onset was 2 (inter‐quartile range, 1–4) days. The most common symptoms were chest pain (68.4%), dyspnoea (57.9%), and digestive symptoms (31.6%). A total of 57.9% of patients developed nonspecific symptoms such as fatigue, myalgia, diaphoresis, and fever. Among the 16 reported cases of TTS, 15 patients (93.8%) exhibited elevated cardiac troponin levels, while among the nine reported cases, eight patients (88.9%) had elevated natriuretic peptide levels. All patients had electrocardiographic changes: ST‐segment change (47.1%), T‐wave inversion (58.8%), and prolonged corrected QT interval (35.3%). The most common TTS type was apical ballooning (88.2%). Treatment during hospitalization typically included beta‐blockers (44.4%), angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (33.3%), and diuretics (22.2%). After treatment, 81.3% of patients were discharged with improved symptoms. Among this group, nine patients (56.3%) were reported to have recovered ventricular wall motion during follow‐up. Two patients (12.5%) died following vaccination without resuscitation attempts.

Conclusions

TTS is a rare but potentially life‐threatening complication of vaccination. Typical TTS symptoms such as chest pain and dyspnoea should be considered alarming symptoms, though nonspecific symptoms are common. The risks of such rare adverse events should be balanced against the risks of infection.