bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The development of a conceptual framework on PrEP stigma among adolescent girls and young women in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Hartmann Miriam , Nyblade Laura , Otticha Sophie , Marton Tozoe , Agot Kawango , Roberts Sarah T.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Stigma is a well‐known barrier to HIV testing and treatment and is an emerging barrier to pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use. To guide future research, measurement and interventions, we developed a conceptual framework for PrEP stigma among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in sub‐Saharan Africa, a priority population for PrEP.

Methods

A literature review, expert consultations and focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted to adapt the Health Stigma and Discrimination Framework, describing the stigmatization process nested within the socio‐ecological framework. We reviewed all articles on PrEP stigma and on HIV, contraceptive or sexuality stigma among AGYW from 2009 to 2019. Expert consultations were conducted with 10 stigma or PrEP researchers and two Kenyan youth advisory boards to revise the framework. Finally, FGDs were conducted with AGYW PrEP users (4 FGDs; n = 20) and key influencers (14 FGDs; n = 72) in Kenya with the help of a Youth Research Team who aided in FGD conduct and results interpretation. Results from each phase were reviewed and the framework was updated to incorporate new and divergent findings. This was validated against an updated literature search from 2020 to 2023.

Results

The conceptual framework identifies potential drivers, facilitators and manifestations of PrEP stigma, its outcomes and health impacts, and relevant intersecting stigmas. The main findings include: (1) PrEP stigma is driven by HIV, gender and sexuality stigmas, and low PrEP community awareness. (2) Stigma is facilitated by factors at multiple levels: policy (e.g. targeting of PrEP to high‐risk populations), health systems (e.g. youth‐friendly service availability), community (e.g. social capital) and individual (e.g. empowerment). (3) Similar to other stigmas, manifestations include labelling, violence and shame. (4) PrEP stigma results in decreased access to and acceptability of PrEP, limited social support and community resistance, which can impact mental health and decrease PrEP uptake and adherence. (5) Stigma may engender resilience by motivating AGYW to think of PrEP as an exercise in personal agency.

Conclusions

Our PrEP stigma conceptual framework highlights potential intervention targets at multiple levels in the stigmatization process. Its adoption would enable researchers to develop standardized measures and compare stigma across timepoints and populations as well as design and evaluate interventions.
Non‐targeted metabolomic analysis reveals the mechanism of quality formation of citrus flower‐green tea
Authors: Yang Hui , Shen Lan , Li Yuren , Wu Shenqun , Zhang Xiaoyu , Yang Xiaoping
Published: February 2024

Background

Citrus flower‐green tea (CT) is a scented tea processed from green tea (GT) and fresh citrus flower, which is favored by consumers due to its potential health benefits and unique citrus flavor. This study evaluated the quality of CT and revealed the mechanism of its quality formation.

Results

The CT had a significant citrus flavor and a good antioxidant activity, and its sensory quality was superior to that of GT. Headspace solid‐phase microextraction‐gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS‐SPME‐GC–MS) analysis revealed that the scenting process resulted in a significant increase of alkenes such as β‐pinene, trans‐β‐ocimene, α‐farnesene, isoterpinolene, and γ‐terpinene, as well as a significant decrease of alcohols such as α‐terpineol, l‐menthol, and linalool in CT in comparison with GT. Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) analysis revealed that the levels of flavonoids (such as neohesperidin, hesperidin, tangeritin, hesperetin 5‐O‐glucoside, and nobiletin) and alkaloids (such as trigonelline and theobromine) in CT increased significantly after scenting process, while the levels of amino acids (such as valine and l‐phenylalanine) and organic acids (such as ascorbic acid) decreased significantly.

Conclusion

These observations showed that the scenting process promoted the absorption of aroma from citrus flowers by GT and the changes in its non‐volatile metabolites, leading to the formation of citrus flavor quality in CT. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Intra‐ and Interimage Reliability of Inter‐Rectus Distance Measurements Determined via Ultrasound Imaging by the Same or Different Testers in Women in the Early Postpartum Period
Authors: Jiang Qing , Gao Ya , Xia Shuyu , Gu Yuefan , Gu Jun , Guo Jianfeng , Feng Guannan , Deng Qifeng , Deng Xuedong
Published: February 2024

Objectives

No consensus regarding the optimal position and location for the measurement of the inter‐rectus distance (IRD) via ultrasound (US) has been reached. By investigating the intra‐ and interimage reliability of IRD measurements taken in different positions and at different locations within and between testers, this study provides a theoretical basis for the current situation.

Methods

The IRD was measured via US in 46 women at 42–60 days after delivery at the superior margin of the umbilicus and 3 cm above, 5 cm above and 3 cm below the umbilicus while the women were in the supine, crunch and standing positions. In the interimage test, every participant was tested 2 times by Physician X and 1 time by Physician Y; in the intraimage test, the images collected by Physician X during the first test were saved in the machines, and two measurements were performed by Physician X and one measurement was performed by Physician Y. Paired t tests and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated.

Results

Only the first IRD measurements by tester X and tester Y at 3 cm below the umbilicus in the crunch position were significantly different (9.56 ± 6.00 versus 11.00 ± 5.55) (P < .05). All the ICCs were greater than .75, and the intratester ICCs were greater than or equal to the corresponding intertester ICCs. The ICCs at 3 cm below the umbilicus were the smallest in the supine and crunch positions and the largest in the standing position due to the increased frequency of IRD values of 0. The ICCs for the crunch position were greatest according to the intraimage test but smallest according to the interimage test. The interimage ICCs between the two testers in the supine position at the superior margin, 3 cm above, 5 cm above, and 3 cm below the umbilicus were .972, .974, .975, and .956, respectively.

Conclusions

Ultrasound imaging (USI) is a reliable method for measuring the IRD in women in the early postpartum period. The dynamic measurement of the IRD at or above the umbilicus in the supine position by different testers in real time showed the highest reliability.
Serum Biomarkers after Adenotonsillectomy for Pediatric OSA: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Ding Yichen , Koh Jin Hean , Cheah Xing Yi , Yeo Brian Sheng Yep , Leong Darien W.J. , Teo Yao Hao , Tan Benjamin Kye Jyn , See Anna , Toh Song Tar
Published: February 2024

Objective

To assess whether adenotonsillectomy improves levels of inflammatory and cardiometabolic markers in children with polysomnographically diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Data Sources

Two authors independently searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases up to August 16, 2022, for studies relating to pre‐ and post‐operative levels of serum markers in pediatric patients undergoing adenotonsillectomy.

Review Methods

Data were extracted from included articles into a structured proforma. Meta‐analyses of the standardized mean difference (SMD) were conducted in random‐effects models. We calculated the probability of benefit (POB) and number needed to treat (NNT) for outcomes that demonstrated a statistically significant effect after adenotonsillectomy. The primary outcomes were changes in serum markers including C‐reactive protein (CRP), high‐sensitivity CRP (hs‐CRP), Insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1), interleukin‐10 (IL‐10), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), insulin, glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), high‐density lipoprotein (HDL).

Results

We screened 1616 studies and included 26 studies with 1331 participants. Meta‐analysis was performed on 20 of the included studies. Adenotonsillectomy was associated with a significant decrease in insulin levels (SMD = −0.322, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = −0.583 to −0.061), CRP (SMD = −0.946, 95% CI = −1.578 to −0.314), and BNP (SMD = −1.416, 95% CI = −2.355 to −0.477) and significant increase in levels of IGF‐1 (SMD = 0.691, 95% CI = 0.207 to 1.176). There were no significant changes in levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, TNF‐α, LDL, HDL, glucose, IL‐10, and IL‐6.

Conclusion

In children with polysomnographically diagnosed OSA, adenotonsillectomy was associated with improvements in serum biomarkers, comprising lower CRP, insulin, and BNP, and higher IGF‐1. Laryngoscope, 134:3030–3037, 2024
Bilateral Concha Bullosa Within Concha Bullosa: Unique Middle Concha Variation
Authors: Gülmez M. İhsan , Kaya Mustafa Emrah
Published: February 2024

The middle nasal turbinate is an important anatomical formation located on the lateral nasal wall. Concha bullosa can be defined as the presence of an air gap inside the turbinate. It is the most common middle nasal turbinate variation. It is often asymptomatic, but can sometimes cause nasal obstruction. In this study, an asymptomatic patient with concha bullosa within concha bullosa in both middle turbinates, which has not been reported before in the literature, is presented. Laryngoscope, 134:3516–3518, 2024
Phytoremediation of heavy metal and tetracycline co‐contaminated soil by Solanum nigrum L.: Response of tetracycline‐resistant genes
Authors: Li Lin , Guo Ruichao , Ma Wencong , Liu Huan , Chang Zhuobin , Li Xuhui , Wang Yulong
Published: February 2024

Co‐contamination with heavy metals (HMs) and tetracyclines (TCs) in soils has been widely reported and has resulted in serious consequences, such as the diffusion of tetracycline‐resistant genes (TRGs). Phytoremediation displays high potential for the remediation of co‐contaminated soils. Here, we chose a Cd hyperaccumulator (Solanum nigrum L.) to explore the accumulation of HMs in plants and the effect of TRG diffusion in HM‐TC‐contaminated soil by conducting a pot experiment. The results showed that the shoot biomass of S. nigrum L. decreased by 28.39%–73.00% in treatments with HM (Cd and Cu) contamination singly caused by the toxicity of a nontarget element (Cu). The Cd concentrations in S. nigrum L. shoots increased by 30 times, while the Cu concentrations increased by less than 3 times. The bioconcentration factors (BCFs) and translocation factors (TFs) of Cd ranged from 1.05 to 7.98 and 0.80 to 2.27, respectively, which decreased with increasing TC concentrations in most treatments. The TC residuals in soils increased greatly with increasing TC and HM concentrations. Their concentrations in S. nigrum L. tissues followed the order chlorotetracycline > tetracycline > oxytetracycline. Phytoremediation stimulated the growth of soil microorganisms and increased the abundance of mobile genetic elements (intI 1) and TRGs, especially efflux pump genes (tet C and tet G, which increased 2.97 and 4.13 logs after phytoremediation, respectively). Our results suggested that phytoremediation had a high potential for HM and TC removal; however, it increased the diffusion risk of TRGs, especially for efflux pump genes that functioned in both HM and TC resistance.
A quantitative analysis of Twitter (“X”) trends in the discussion of rhinoplasty
Authors: Mandava Shreya , Oyer Samuel L. , Park Stephen S.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Rhinoplasty is one of the most common cosmetic surgical procedures performed globally. Twitter, also known as “X,” is used by both patients and physicians and has been studied as a useful tool for analyzing trends in healthcare. The public social media discourse of rhinoplasty has not been previously reported in the field of otolaryngology. The goal of this study was to characterize the most common user type, sentiment, and temporal trends in the discussion of rhinoplasty on Twitter to guide facial plastic surgeons in their clinical and social media practices.

Methods

A total of 1,427,015 tweets published from 2015 to 2020 containing the keywords “rhinoplasty” or “nose job” were extracted using Twitter Academic API. Tweets were standardized and filtered for spam and duplication. Natural language processing (NLP) algorithms and data visualization techniques were applied to characterize tweets.

Results

Significantly more “nose job” tweets (80.8%) were published compared with “rhinoplasty” (19.2%). Annual tweet frequency increased over the 5 years, with “rhinoplasty” tweets peaking in January and “nose job” tweets peaking in the summer and winter months. Most “rhinoplasty” tweets were linked to a surgeon or medical practice source, while most “nose job” tweets were from isolated laypersons. While discussion was positive in sentiment overall (M = +0.08), “nose job” tweets had lower average sentiment scores (P < .001) and over twice the proportion of negative tweets. The top 20 most prolific accounts contributed to 14,758 (10.6%) of total “rhinoplasty” tweets. Exactly 90% (18/20) of those accounts linked to non‐academic surgeons compared with 10% (2/20) linked to academic surgeons.

Conclusions

Rhinoplasty‐related posts on Twitter were cumulatively positive in sentiment and tweet volume is steadily increasing over time, especially during popular holiday months. The search term “nose job” yields significantly more results than “rhinoplasty,” and is the preferred term of non‐healthcare users. We found a large digital contribution from surgeons and medical practices, particularly in the non‐academic and private practice sector, utilizing Twitter for promotional purposes.
Hit or miss? Impact of time series resolution on resolving phytoplankton dynamics at hourly, weekly, and satellite remote sensing frequencies
Authors: Sonnet Virginie , Mouw Colleen B. , Ciochetto Audrey B. , Carney‐Almeida Jessica
Published: February 2024

Characterizing marine phytoplankton community variability is crucial to designing sampling strategies and interpreting time series. Satellite remote sensing, microscopy sampling, and flow through imaging systems have widely different resolutions: from weekly or monthly with microscopy sampling to daily when no cloud cover or glint is present with polar‐orbiting satellites, and hourly for autonomous imaging instruments. To improve our understanding of data robustness against sampling resolution at different taxonomic levels, we analyze 2 yr of data from an Imaging FlowCytobot with hourly resolution and resample it to daily, satellite‐temporal, and weekly microscopy sampling resolution. We show that weekly and satellite‐temporal resolutions are sufficient to resolve general community composition but that the randomness of satellite‐temporal resolution can result in overrepresenting or underrepresenting certain categories. While the yearly phytoplankton biomass bloom is detected in late winter by all four resolutions, category‐specific yearly blooms are generally consistent in timing but often underestimated or missed by the weekly and satellite‐temporal resolutions, introducing a bias in year‐to‐year comparisons. A minimum of biweekly sampling, particularly during known bloom periods, would lower the bias in such categories. Similarly, sampling time should be considered as daily variations are category‐specific. Overall, morning and low tide sampling tended to have higher biomass. We provide tables for categories detected by the IFCB in Narragansett Bay with their major bloom characteristics and recorded daily variability to inform future sampling designs. These results provide tools to interpret past and future time series, including possible detection of specific taxonomic groups with targeted satellite algorithms.
Navigating energy landscapes for materials discovery: Integrating modeling, simulation, and machine learning
Authors: Mannan Sajid , Bihani Vaibhav , Krishnan N. M. Anoop , Mauro John C.
Published: February 2024

The energy landscape represents a high‐dimensional mapping of the configurational states of an atomic system with their respective energies. Under isobaric conditions, enthalpy landscapes can be used to account for volumetric changes of the system. Understanding the energy or enthalpy landscape holds the key for discovering materials with targeted properties, since the landscape encapsulates the complete thermodynamic and kinetic behavior of a system, including relaxation, metastable phases, and reactivity. However, the curse of dimensionality prohibits one from enumerating and visualizing the energy landscape—the energy landscape of an N‐atom system has 3N dimensions. Here, we outline the emerging computational techniques that allow the exploration of complex energy landscapes of materials in three distinct categories: the classical, metaheuristic, and machine learning approaches. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages associated with each of these methods, with a focus on the nature of problems where they can provide excellent solutions (and vice versa). Altogether, in addition to giving an overview of existing approaches, we hope the review provides an impetus to develop novel methods to explore the energy landscapes that can, in turn, provide both a fundamental understanding of the physics of materials and accelerate the discovery of novel materials.
Global solutions of two‐dimensional inviscid and resistive magnetohydrodynamics system near an equilibrium
Authors: Qiao Yuanyuan
Published: February 2024

We investigate the global existence of classical solutions for two‐dimensional incompressible, inviscid, and resistive magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) system. Assuming that the initial magnetic field is close to an equilibrium state of constant magnetic vorticity, the global existence result could be obtained using a time‐weighted energy estimate.
Quantitative measurement of mammographic density in breast‐tissue explants using portable NMR: Precision and accuracy
Authors: Foongkajornkiat Satcha , Sokolowski Kamil , Stephenson James , Lloyd Thomas , Hugo Honor J. , Thompson Erik W. , Momot Konstantin I.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Single‐sided portable NMR (pNMR) has previously been demonstrated to be suitable for quantification of mammographic density (MD) in excised breast tissue samples. Here we investigate the precision and accuracy of pNMR measurements of MD ex vivo as compared with the gold standards.

Methods

Forty‐five breast‐tissue explants from 9 prophylactic mastectomy patients were measured. The relative tissue water content was taken as the MD‐equivalent quantity. In each sample, the water content was measured using some combination of three pNMR techniques (apparent T2, diffusion, and T1measurements) and two gold‐standard techniques (computed microtomography [μCT] and hematoxylin and eosin [H&E] histology). Pairwise correlation plots and Bland–Altman analysis were used to quantify the degree of agreement between pNMR techniques and the gold standards.

Results

Relative water content measured from both apparent T2relaxation spectra, and diffusion decays exhibited strong correlation with the H&E and μCT results. Bland–Altman analysis yielded average bias values of −0.4, −2.6, 2.6, and 2.8 water percentage points (pp) and 95% confidence intervals of 13.1, 7.5, 11.2, and 11.8 pp for the H&E – T2, μCT – T2, H&E – diffusion, and μCT – diffusion comparison pairs, respectively. T1‐based measurements were found to be less reliable, with the Bland–Altman confidence intervals of 27.7 and 33.0 pp when compared with H&E and μCT, respectively.

Conclusion

Apparent T2‐based and diffusion‐based pNMR measurements enable quantification of MD in breast‐tissue explants with the precision of approximately 10 pp and accuracy of approximately 3 pp or better, making pNMR a promising measurement modality for radiation‐free quantification of MD.
Quasi‐steady‐state (QUASS) reconstruction enhances T1 normalization in apparent exchange‐dependent relaxation (AREX) analysis: A reevaluation of T1 correction in quantitative CEST MRI of rodent brain tumor models
Authors: Sun Phillip Zhe
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The apparent exchange‐dependent relaxation (AREX) analysis has been proposed as an effective means to correct T1 contribution in CEST quantification. However, it has been recognized that AREX T1 correction is not straightforward if CEST scans are not performed under the equilibrium condition. Our study aimed to test if quasi‐steady‐state (QUASS) reconstruction could boost the accuracy of the AREX metric under common non‐equilibrium scan conditions.

Theory and Methods

Numerical simulation and in vivo scans were performed to assess the AREX metric accuracy. The CEST signal was simulated under different relaxation delays, RF saturation amplitudes, and durations. The AREX was evaluated as a function of the bulk water T1 and labile proton concentration using the multiple linear regression model. AREX MRI was also assessed in brain tumor rodent models, with both apparent CEST scans and QUASS reconstruction.

Results

Simulation showed that the AREX calculation from apparent CEST scans, under non‐equilibrium conditions, had significant dependence on labile proton fraction ratio, RF saturation time, and T1. In comparison, QUASS‐boosted AREX depended on the labile proton fraction ratio without significant dependence on T1 and RF saturation time. Whereas the apparent (2.7 ± 0.8%) and QUASS MTR asymmetry (2.8 ± 0.8%) contrast between normal and tumor regions of interest (ROIs) were significant, the difference was small. In comparison, AREX contrast between normal and tumor ROIs calculated from the apparent CEST scan and QUASS reconstruction was 3.8 ± 1.1%/s and 4.4 ± 1.2%/s, respectively, statistically different from each other.

Conclusions

AREX analysis benefits from the QUASS‐reconstructed equilibrium CEST effect for improved T1 correction and quantitative CEST analysis.
Efficacy of ravulizumab in patients with generalized myasthenia gravis by time from diagnosis: A post hoc subgroup analysis of the CHAMPION MG study
Authors: Howard James F. , Vu Tuan , Mantegazza Renato , Kushlaf Hani , Suzuki Shigeaki , Wiendl Heinz , Beasley Kathleen N. , Liao Serena , Meisel Andreas ,   the CHAMPION MG Study Group
Published: February 2024

Introduction/Aims

The CHAMPION MG study demonstrated that ravulizumab significantly improved Myasthenia Gravis‐Activities of Daily Living (MG‐ADL) and Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis (QMG) total scores versus placebo in adults with acetylcholine receptor antibody‐positive generalized myasthenia gravis (AChR+ gMG). This post hoc analysis aimed to assess these outcomes by time from MG diagnosis.

Methods

Changes from baseline to week 26 in MG‐ADL and QMG total scores were analyzed by time from MG diagnosis to study entry (≤2 vs. >2 years). Within each subgroup, least‐squares (LS) mean changes for ravulizumab and placebo were compared using mixed models for repeated measures.

Results

In ravulizumab‐treated patients, differences in LS mean (standard error of the mean) changes from baseline to week 26 were not statistically significant in the ≤2‐years subgroup versus the >2‐years subgroup for MG‐ADL (−4.3 [0.70] vs. −2.9 [0.37]; p = .0511) or QMG (−4.3 [0.94] vs. −2.5 [0.50]; p = .0822) scores. No clear trends were observed in the placebo group. LS mean changes from baseline were significantly greater for ravulizumab versus placebo in both the ≤2 and >2 years from diagnosis subgroups for MG‐ADL and QMG scores (all p < .05). The difference in treatment effect between the ≤2‐years and >2‐years subgroups was not statistically significant. No clinically meaningful between‐subgroup differences in treatment‐emergent adverse events were observed in ravulizumab‐treated patients.

Discussion

Ravulizumab treatment improved clinical outcomes for patients with AChR+ gMG regardless of time from diagnosis. A numerical trend was observed favoring greater treatment effect with earlier versus later treatment after diagnosis. Further studies are required for confirmation.
Sustainability reporting: How consistency and interdependence in financial and managerial accounting enhance eco‐controls
Authors: Varma Ashish , Mancini Daniela , Kaushik Shreya
Published: February 2024

Sustainability reporting requires consistency and interdependency of financial accounting and managerial accounting. Accounting is closely entangled with the eco control (EC) in organisations. The quality of (sustainability) reporting and the disclosures is only as good as the quality and consistency of accounting data captured. Therefore, accounting choices and practises have an important role to play in sustainability reporting. This study explores the mechanism through which accounting informs EC. Through the independent and serial use of two levers, first ‘interdependency’ between financial accounting and management accounting and second, though the use of ‘digitalized information’ as a moderating variable, it is probed as to how EC are shaped. An empirical investigation is undertaken by carefully curating primary data, analysed through partial least squares structural equation modelling technique to inform broader debates in the ‘sustainability reporting’ literature concerning the mechanisms through which EC, are influenced by accounting mechanics, choices and disclosures. Sound EC contributes to sustainability accounting and governance to meet needs of the firms direct and indirect stakeholders without comprising the firm's ability to meet the needs of future stakeholders. The study established that the interdependency between the financial accountants and the management accountants output, mediates the effect of a consistent financial language on EC practises and this effect is independent of the firm size or the industry category. This article brings to the fore, the interplay of FA and MA in informing the environmental controls. The under researched perspective addressed by this study is that EC are highly interdependent with the consistency and comprehensiveness of accounting that informs it which in turn is effected by the cooperation and coordination (interdependency) between FA and MA information providers.
Preparation and properties of polyvinylidene fluoride dielectric nanocomposites for energy storage applications through synergistic addition of ionic liquid‐modified graphene oxide nanosheets and functionalized barium titanate hybrid fillers
Authors: Ni Keyang , Yang Shangke , Jing Siyi , Bian Jun , Luo Rui , Li Xinkang , Lin Hailan , Chen Daiqiang
Published: February 2024

To tackle the challenge of filler agglomeration and low interfacial bonding strength during manufacturing filled polymer dielectric nanocomposites containing graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets, the author proposed an interface design strategy based on the synergistic hybridization of ionic liquid (IL) modification and different dimensional fillers. GO nanosheets were functionalized by IL, and then polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) dielectric nanocomposites (GO‐g‐IL/PVDF) were prepared and evaluated. Based on this, hydroxylated barium titanate BT‐OH@GO‐g‐IL/PVDF ternary nanocomposites were further prepared. A comprehensive analysis of the morphology, mechanical, thermal, electrical, and dielectric properties of the PVDF dielectric nanocomposites was systematically conducted. The results showed that IL was successfully grafted on GO, benefiting an increase in the filler dispersion and interfacial bonding strength. GO‐g‐IL also promoted β‐crystal formation of PVDF and increment of crystallinity. DSC test further revealed that the inclusion of BT‐OH@GO‐g‐IL as dielectric nanofillers promoted the formation of multiple crystal types in PVDF and accelerated the crystallization process. The incorporation of GO‐g‐IL facilitated the formation of localized conductive networks within the PVDF matrix, leading to enhanced electronic displacement polarization and an improved dielectric constant. The dielectric constants of the GO‐g‐IL/PVDF composites containing 2% and 8% of GO‐g‐IL were measured to be 24.28 and 78.46, which were found to be 2.6 and 8.4 times higher than that of pure PVDF. However, the dielectric loss also increased sharply at high nanofiller loading. The dielectric constant and loss of the BT‐OH@GO‐g‐IL/PVDF nanocomposites were found to be 40.32 and 0.38, with a content of 2% for GO‐g‐IL and 20% for BT‐OH.

Highlights

A facile interface design strategy based on ionic liquid (IL) integrating GO nanosheets and hydroxylated barium titanate (BT‐OH) to form BT‐OH@GO‐g‐IL compounding nanofiller has been proposed.

PVDF dielectric nanocomposites containing BT‐OH@GO‐g‐IL compounding nanofiller were systematically investigated and compared.

The effects of interfacial interactions between BT‐OH@GO‐g‐IL and PVDF contribute to the uniform dispersion and comprehensive property improvements of PVDF dielectric nanocomposites.

This work provides a novel strategy for the fabrication of PVDF dielectric nanocomposites, inspiring the research and development of PVDF in the energy storage applications areas in the future.
Self‐assembly and cross‐linking preparation of tilapia‐skin‐derived collagen/alginate hydrogels for efficient wound repairing
Authors: Li Yu , Wang Haonan , Li Jie , Zhang Naili , Xu Bingzheng , Li Yueming , Ding Ning , Ge Baosheng
Published: February 2024

Collagen (Col)‐based composite hydrogels have attracted wide attention because of the additional properties that the second component brings to the hydrogel. Here we reported self‐assembly of collagen and cross‐linking of alginate with Ca2+ to prepare a novel composite hydrogel with Tilapia‐skin‐derived collagen and alginate for efficient wound repairing as the wound dressing. The composite hydrogels exhibited higher water content, coupled with a significant increase in water retention rates upon the incorporation of alginate. As the concentration of alginate rose, the cross‐linking network became tighter, thereby not only modifying the internal structure of the hydrogel but also enhancing its mechanical strength. Moreover, the collagen degradation rate in the composite hydrogels was greatly reduced through addition of alginate, and the collagen‐alginate composite hydrogels exhibited low cytotoxicity, and improved wound healing efficacy, accelerating the maturation of skin attachments and the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). These results suggested that the composite hydrogel formed by fish‐derived collagen and alginate held promising potential as a wound dressing for challenging and refractory wounds.
Composition dependence of electronic defects in CuGaS2
Authors: Adeleye Damilola , Sood Mohit , Melchiorre Michele , Debot Alice , Siebentritt Susanne
Published: February 2024

CuGaS2 films grown by physical vapor deposition were studied by photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, using excitation intensity and temperature‐dependent analyses. We observed free and bound exciton recombinations, three donor‐to‐acceptor (DA) transitions, and deep‐level transitions. The DA transitions at ~2.41, 2.398, and ~2.29 eV are attributed to a common donor level ~35 meV and two shallow acceptors at ~75 and ~90 meV and a deeper acceptor at 210 meV above the valence band. This electronic structure is similar to those of other chalcopyrite materials. The observed DA transitions are accompanied by several phonon replicas. The Cu‐rich and near‐stoichiometric CuGaS2 films are dominated by transitions involving the acceptor at 210 meV. All films show deep‐level transitions at ~2.15 and 1.85 eV due to broad deep defect bands. The slightly Cu‐deficient films were dominated by intense transitions at ~2.45 eV, which were attributed to excitonic transitions, and a broad defect transition at 2.15 eV.
Stepwise introduction of stabilizing mutations reveals nonlinear additive effects in de novoTIM barrels
Authors: Koch Johanna‐Sophie , Romero‐Romero Sergio , Höcker Birte
Published: February 2024

Over the past decades, the TIM‐barrel fold has served as a model system for the exploration of how changes in protein sequences affect their structural, stability, and functional characteristics, and moreover, how this information can be leveraged to design proteins from the ground up. After numerous attempts to design de novo proteins with this specific fold, sTIM11 was the first validated de novo design of an idealized four‐fold symmetric TIM barrel. Subsequent efforts to enhance the stability of this initial design resulted in the development of DeNovoTIMs, a family of de novo TIM barrels with various stabilizing mutations. In this study, we present an investigation into the biophysical and thermodynamic effects upon introducing a varying number of stabilizing mutations per quarter along the sequence of a four‐fold symmetric TIM barrel. We compared the base design DeNovoTIM0 without any stabilizing mutations with variants containing mutations in one, two, three, and all four quarters—designated TIM1q, TIM2q, TIM3q, and DeNovoTIM6, respectively. This analysis revealed a stepwise and nonlinear change in the thermodynamic properties that correlated with the number of mutated quarters, suggesting positive nonadditive effects. To shed light on the significance of the location of stabilized quarters, we engineered two variants of TIM2q which contain the same number of mutations but positioned in different quarter locations. Characterization of these TIM2q variants revealed that the mutations exhibit varying effects on the overall protein stability, contingent upon the specific region in which they are introduced. These findings emphasize that the amount and location of stabilized interfaces among the four quarters play a crucial role in shaping the conformational stability of these four‐fold symmetric TIM barrels. Analysis of de novo proteins, as described in this study, enhances our understanding of how sequence variations can finely modulate stability in both naturally occurring and computationally designed proteins.
Recognition, diagnosis, and operability assessment of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH): A global cross‐sectional scientific survey (CLARITY)
Authors: Kopeć Grzegorz , Forfia Paul , Abe Kohtaro , Beaudet Amélie , Gressin Virginie , Jevnikar Mitja , Meijer Catherina , Tan Yan Zhi , Moiseeva Olga , Sheares Karen , Skoro‐Sajer Nika , Terra‐Filho Mario , Whitford Helen , Zhai Zhenguo , Heresi Gustavo A.
Published: February 2024

Early recognition and diagnosis of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is crucial for improving prognosis and reducing the disease burden. Established clinical practice guidelines describe interventions for the diagnosis and evaluation of CTEPH, yet limited insight remains into clinical practice variation and barriers to care. The CTEPH global cross‐sectional scientific survey (CLARITY) was developed to gather insights into the current diagnosis, treatment, and management of CTEPH and to identify unmet medical needs. This paper focuses on the recognition and diagnosis of CTEPH and the referral and evaluation of these patients. The survey was offered to hospital‐based medical specialists through Scientific Societies and other medical organizations, from September 2021 to May 2022. Response data from 353 physicians showed that self‐reported awareness of CTEPH increased over the past 10 years among 96% of respondents. Clinical practices in acute pulmonary embolism (PE) follow‐up and CTEPH diagnosis differed among respondents. While 50% of respondents working in a nonexpert center reported to refer patients to an expert pulmonary hypertension/CTEPH center when CTEPH is suspected, 51% of these physicians did not report referral of patients with a confirmed diagnosis for further evaluation. Up to 50% of respondents involved in the evaluation of referred patients have concluded a different operability status than that indicated by the referring center. This study indicates that early diagnosis and timely treatment of CTEPH is challenged by suboptimal acute PE follow‐up and patient referral practices. Nonadherence to guideline recommendations may be impacted by various barriers to care, which were shown to vary by geographical region.
Two cases of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis evaluated by dynamic digital radiography for diaphragmatic motion and disease progression
Authors: Nikaido Takefumi , Tanino Yoshinori , Sato Yuki , Togawa Ryuichi , Kawamata Takaya , Watanabe Natsumi , Minemura Hiroyuki , Ono Kojiro , Sato Katsumasa , Shibata Yoko
Published: February 2024

Forced vital capacity has been utilized as a parameter of disease progression in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF); however, its measurement is difficult when patients do not understand or cooperate. Dynamic digital radiography (DDR) enables sequential chest X‐ray imaging during breathing, with lower radiation doses compared to conventional fluoroscopy or computed tomography. There is accumulating evidence showing that parameters obtained from DDR, particularly those related to diaphragmatic dynamics, are correlated with pulmonary function parameters, and are useful for pathophysiological evaluation. We herein present two cases that suggest parameters obtained from DDR during supine normal tidal breathing may predict disease progression of IPF.
Student leaders can boost accessibility beyond the classroom
Authors: Chen Doniqua S. , Fitzgerald Kelly Hawk
Published: February 2024

Complete access to the college experience includes being a part of the campus culture and having equitable opportunities to interact with peers beyond the classroom.
Martingale‐residual‐based greedy model averaging for high‐dimensional current status data
Authors: Wang Chang , Du Mingyue
Published: February 2024

Current status data are a type of failure time data that arise when the failure time of study subject cannot be determined precisely but is known only to occur before or after a random monitoring time. Variable selection methods for the failure time data have been discussed extensively in the literature. However, the statistical inference of the model selected based on the variable selection method ignores the uncertainty caused by model selection. To enhance the prediction accuracy for risk quantities such as survival probability, we propose two optimal model averaging methods under semiparametric additive hazards models. Specifically, based on martingale residuals processes, a delete‐one cross‐validation (CV) process is defined, and two new CV functional criteria are derived for choosing model weights. Furthermore, we present a greedy algorithm for the implementation of the techniques, and the asymptotic optimality of the proposed model averaging approaches is established, along with the convergence of the greedy averaging algorithms. A series of simulation experiments demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed methods. Finally, a real‐data example is provided as an illustration.
Handling missing disease information due to death in diseases that need two visits to diagnose
Authors: Thao Le Thi Phuong , Wolfe Rory , Heritier Stephane , Geskus Ronald
Published: February 2024

In studies that assess disease status periodically, time of disease onset is interval censored between visits. Participants who die between two visits may have unknown disease status after their last visit. In this work, we consider an additional scenario where diagnosis requires two consecutive positive tests, such that disease status can also be unknown at the last visit preceding death. We show that this impacts the choice of censoring time for those who die without an observed disease diagnosis. We investigate two classes of models that quantify the effect of risk factors on disease outcome: a Cox proportional hazards model with death as a competing risk and an illness death model that treats disease as a possible intermediate state. We also consider four censoring strategies: participants without observed disease are censored at death (Cox model only), the last visit, the last visit with a negative test, or the second last visit. We evaluate the performance of model and censoring strategy combinations on simulated data with a binary risk factor and illustrate with a real data application. We find that the illness death model with censoring at the second last visit shows the best performance in all simulation settings. Other combinations show bias that varies in magnitude and direction depending on the differential mortality between diseased and disease‐free subjects, the gap between visits, and the choice of the censoring time.
Molecular modeling studies of Indoline Scaffold derivatives as PD‐1/PD‐L1 pathway inhibitors by QSAR, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation techniques
Authors: Tong Jian‐Bo , Gao Peng , Xiao Xue‐Chun , Liu Yuan , Xu Hai‐Yin
Published: February 2024

In recent years, blocking the interaction of programmed cell death receptor‐1 (PD‐1) and programmed cell death ligand‐1 (PD‐L1) has been recognized as one of the promising cancer therapies. Due to the many limitations of monoclonal antibodies, the development of small molecule inhibitors targeting PD‐1/PD‐L1 is imminent. This study aims to systematically investigate the interaction mechanisms of novel PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitors containing indoline backbone structures using 3D/2D‐QSAR modeling, molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, and ADMET prediction. The performance and predictive ability of the constructed QSAR models were evaluated by internal and external validation techniques. Topomer CoMFA and HQSAR models showed good reliability and predictive capability. By searching for R‐groups in the Topomer search module and combining the existing molecules with high activity contribution values, 24 new compounds with theoretically high activity were obtained, which showed desirable docking scores, appropriate ADMET properties, and good stability. This work not only provides a reliable QSAR model as a valuable screening tool for the development of future drugs targeting PD‐1/PD‐L1, but also makes the newly designed inhibitors expected to be potential PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitors that can be used for further synthesis and characterization to obtain novel anti‐cancer drugs targeting PD‐1/PD‐L1.
Nanoengineering of Lanthanide‐Doped BaGdF5‐Graphene Oxide as a Tunable‐Nanocomposite Platform for Biological Applications
Authors: Lal Kewat Heera , Nath Chouryal Yogendra , Kumar Sharma Rahul , Jyoti Mondal Dibya , Abdullah Wani Ishfaq , Waghmare Ashwini , Konar Sanjit , Nigam Sandeep , Bhargava Yogesh , Ghosh Pushpal
Published: February 2024

Inorganic nanohosts doped with lanthanide ions are an indispensable tool for multimodal bioimaging and MRI applications due to their distinctive optical, magnetic, and biocompatible properties. Nanocomposites of such nanoprobes with functionalization capabilities could also enable their use in targeted therapy‐based applications. However, the influence of nanocomponents especially their proportion in a nanocomposite in modulating the physio‐chemical and biocompatibility properties of the nanocomposite is still elusive. To address this knowledge gap, we have engineered nanocomposites variants using an environmentally benign one‐step synthesis with ionic liquids. We have synthesized two nanocomposites, differing in the proportion of lanthanide‐doped ternary fluoride nanoparticles (as nanophase material with luminescent and magnetic traits) and graphene oxide (as host matrix phase with tunable functionalization potential for theranostics applications). We found that with increased GO nanomaterial, nanocomposites showed reduced crystallite size and photoluminescence properties without significantly affecting the magnetic traits. Thus, implying nanocomponents ratio has differential effect on the nanocomposite properties. To assess biocompatibility, we have employed sensitive biomarkers such as craniofacial development, cardiac rhythm, and overall survivability of zebrafish larvae. Remarkably, biocompatibility improved when the proportion of the GO was increased within the nanocomposite as compared to when the nanocomponents were assessed individually. Our results also revealed that biocompatibility of nanocomposites also depends on the synergistic interplay between the nanocomponents due to the spatial arrangement of each nanocomponent in the nanocomposites. Overall, our study offers an intriguing avenue for tuning the biocompatibility of such nanocomposites, rendering them as an application‐independent biocompatible‐platform for theranostics applications.
miRNA‐21 Inhibitor‐Loaded Cationic Liposomes Development using the Quality by Design Approach
Authors: Toma Ioana , Tefas Lucia Ruxandra , Raduly Lajos , Zanoaga Oana , Jurj Ancuta , Hales Dana , Porfire Alina Silvia , Berindan‐Neagoe Ioana , Tomuta Ioan
Published: February 2024

The success of efficiently delivering genetic material to target cells depends on developing an appropriate vector. Among the variety of nanocarriers used for gene therapy, cationic liposomes are the most investigated for delivering genetic material in different forms of cancer. Cationic liposomes contain lipids with positively charged head groups that form electrostatic bonds with the negatively charged phosphate group of nucleic acids, ensuring efficient loading of the genetic material. The aim of this study was the development and in vitro characterization of liposomal formulations for genetic material delivery using the Quality by Design (QbD) approach. We have employed the Design of Experiments (DoE) methodology to study the impact of selected formulation factors on the quality of the proposed non‐viral vectors. Among the varied factors, the ones that had an impact on the responses were the total lipid concentration and cationic lipid concentration. Two liposomal formulations with adequate critical quality attributes (CQAs) were selected for miRNA‐21 inhibitor encapsulation. We continued with the in vitro evaluation on lung cancer cell line. Fluorescence microscopy helped visualize the internalization of all liposomal formulations and apoptotic effects. Finally, we evaluated the cellular viability and migration events after treatment with the cationic liposomes.
Three New Biflavonoids from Selaginella delicatula (Desv. ex Poir.) Alston
Authors: Kang Shi‐Wen , Wang Cong‐Wei , Bahetjan Yerlan , Zheng Ni , Liu Wen‐Qi , Wan Ding‐Rong , Zhou Xiu‐Teng , Pang Ke‐Jian , Yang Xin‐Zhou
Published: February 2024

Ten compounds, including three new bioflavonoids (1–3) and seven known compounds (4–10), were identified in the ethyl acetate fraction of the 85 % ethanol extract of Selaginella delicatula. The structures of the new compounds were determined through spectroscopic data analysis, and their absolute configurations were established using circular dichroism (CD). All the isolated compounds were tested for their antiproliferative effects on MCF‐7, HepG2, and HEK 293T cells. Compounds 1 and 5 exhibited significant cytotoxicity against MCF‐7 cells, effectively inhibiting their proliferation. Meanwhile, compounds 1, 2, 5, and 7 respectively exhibited strong inhibitory effects on HepG2 cells. Furthermore, when we combined the IC50 values of compounds 3, 5, and 7 on HEK 293T cells, we discovered that they selectively inhibited cell growth.
Synthesis of 1‐phenyl‐3‐(quinolin‐8‐ylamino)prop‐2‐en‐1‐one and analysis of its structure by X‐ray crystallography, NMR, UV‐Vis spectroscopy and DFT calculations
Authors: Volkov Michael Yu. , Sharipova Alsu R. , Turanova Olga A. , Gubaidullin Aidar T. , Shaidullina Amina F. , Savostina Ludmila I. , Turanov Alexander N.
Published: February 2024

1‐phenyl‐3‐(quinolin‐8‐ylamino)prop‐2‐en‐1‐one was obtained by a two‐step synthesis. From X‐ray crystallography, NMR and UV‐vis spectra it follows that in the crystalline state and in solutions, regardless of the polarity of the solvent, 1‐phenyl‐3‐(quinolin‐8‐ylamino)prop‐2‐en‐1‐one exists in the ketone form of the cis‐isomer. DFT calculations confirmed that the cis‐isomer is the most energetically favorable among all its isomers.