bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metal‐Organic Framework Functionalized Bioceramic Scaffolds with Antioxidative Activity for Enhanced Osteochondral Regeneration
Authors: Shu Chaoqin , Qin Chen , Chen Lei , Wang Yufeng , Shi Zhe , Yu Jiangming , Huang Jimin , Zhao Chaoqian , Huan Zhiguang , Wu Chengtie , Zhu Min , Zhu Yufang
Published: February 2023

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease that often causes cartilage lesions and even osteochondral damage. Osteochondral defects induced by OA are accompanied by an inflammatory arthrosis microenvironment with overproduced reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in the exacerbation of defects and difficulty regenerating osteochondral tissues. Therefore, it is urgently needed to develop osteochondral scaffolds that can not only promote the integrated regeneration of cartilage and subchondral bone, but also possess ROS‐scavenging ability to protect tissues from oxidative stress. Herein, zinc‐cobalt bimetallic organic framework (Zn/Co‐MOF) functionalized bioceramic scaffolds are designed for repairing osteochondral defects under OA environment. By functionalizing Zn/Co‐MOF on the 3D‐printed beta‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) scaffolds, the Zn/Co‐MOF functionalized β‐TCP (MOF‐TCP) scaffolds with broad‐spectrum ROS‐scavenging ability are successfully developed. Benefiting from its catalytic active sites and degradation products, Zn/Co‐MOF endows the scaffolds with excellent antioxidative and anti‐inflammatory properties to protect cells from ROS invasion, as well as dual‐bioactivities of simultaneously inducing osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation in vitro. Furthermore, in vivo results confirm that MOF‐TCP scaffolds accelerate the integrated regeneration of cartilage and subchondral bone in severe osteochondral defects. This study offers a promising strategy for treating defects induced by OA as well as other inflammatory diseases.
Anomalous Hall Conductivity and Nernst Effect of the Ideal Weyl Semimetallic Ferromagnet EuCd2As2
Authors: Roychowdhury Subhajit , Yao Mengyu , Samanta Kartik , Bae Seokjin , Chen Dong , Ju Sailong , Raghavan Arjun , Kumar Nitesh , Constantinou Procopios , Guin Satya N. , Plumb Nicholas Clark , Romanelli Marisa , Borrmann Horst , Vergniory Maia G. , Strocov Vladimir N. , Madhavan Vidya , Shekhar Chandra , Felser Claudia
Published: February 2023

Weyl semimetal is a unique topological phase with topologically protected band crossings in the bulk and robust surface states called Fermi arcs. Weyl nodes always appear in pairs with opposite chiralities, and they need to have either time‐reversal or inversion symmetry broken. When the time‐reversal symmetry is broken the minimum number of Weyl points (WPs) is two. If these WPs are located at the Fermi level, they form an ideal Weyl semimetal (WSM). In this study, intrinsic ferromagnetic (FM) EuCd2As2 are grown, predicted to be an ideal WSM and studied its electronic structure by angle‐resolved photoemission spectroscopy, and scanning tunneling microscopy which agrees closely with the first principles calculations. Moreover, anomalous Hall conductivity and Nernst effect are observed, resulting from the non‐zero Berry curvature, and the topological Hall effect arising from changes in the band structure caused by spin canting produced by magnetic fields. These findings can help realize several exotic quantum phenomena in inorganic topological materials that are otherwise difficult to assess because of the presence of multiple pairs of Weyl nodes.
Bubble Up Induced Graphene Microspheres for Engineering Capacitive Energy Storage
Authors: Li Xiangming , Zheng Qinwen , Li Congming , Liu Gangqiang , Yang Qingzhen , Wang Yingche , Sun Pengcheng , Tian Hongmiao , Wang Chunhui , Chen Xiaoliang , Shao Jinyou
Published: February 2023

Translating the material merits of graphene to practical supercapacitor devices is critical for promoting capacitive energy storage, but is challenging due to the limited scalability in fabricating high‐performance graphene electrode films. Here, we demonstrate a method for fabricating graphene microsphere films, formed by the bubble‐induced destruction and agglomeration of the self‐assembled toplayer of mixed graphene oxide and exfoliated graphene over an adequately heated solution. The microspheres have compact, randomly distributed graphene flakes, endowing the films with a high bulk density (0.92 g cm−3) and ion conductivity to allow ultrahigh charge/discharge current densities of up to 1,000 A g−1 in an ionic liquid. The stack cell with an areal mass loading of 10 mg cm−2 exhibits an excellent energy density of 83.4 Wh L−1, superior to the state‐of‐the‐art carbon‐based supercapacitors, and approaching that of lead‐acid batteries. More importantly, a meter‐scale film is fabricated within half a minute by a developed roll‐to‐roll process, demonstrating the enormous potential of these films in the industrial manufacturing of supercapacitors. Furthermore, the film electrode is infilled with an ionogel electrolyte and assembled into an all‐solid‐state, flexible device with durable flexibility and multiple optional outputs, demonstrating the potential of these supercapacitors for powering flexible electronic devices.
Design of a Teflon‐Like Anion for Unprecedently Enhanced Lithium Metal Polymer Batteries
Authors: Tong Bo , Song Ziyu , Feng Wenfang , Zhu Jing , Yu Hailong , Huang Xuejie , Armand Michel , Zhou Zhibin , Zhang Heng
Published: February 2023

Rechargeable lithium metal polymer batteries (LMPBs) utilizing solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) have gained increasing attention during the past five decades, owing to the superior flexibility, good process‐ability, and no‐leakage of SPEs versus traditional non‐aqueous liquid and inorganic solid electrolytes. Undoubtedly, among all of the SPE components, salt anions have a significant impact on the overall performances of LMPBs. Yet, lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, being commonly applied in the prevailing SPEs shows relatively poor interphasial stability toward lithium metal (Li°) anode, which greatly impedes the long‐term cycling stability of LMPBs. Herein, a Teflon‐like sulfonimide salt, lithium bis(n‐nonafluorobutanesulfonyl)imide (LiNFSI), is ingeniously selected for modulating the properties of solid–electrolyte‐interphases on the anode side, in view of the peculiar film‐forming ability of n‐nonafluorobutanesulfonyl group. In‐depth physical, chemical, and electrochemical characterizations demonstrate that the incorporation of the Teflon‐like anion, NFSI−, results in a remarkably enhanced electrochemical stability between Li° anode and SPEs, with a negligible expense of ionic conductivities. The Teflon‐like sulfonimide anion suggested in this work provides an elegant path toward the wider application of LMPBs in energy storage and electric vehicles in the near future.
Ion Selective and Water Resistant Cellulose Nanofiber/MXene Membrane Enabled Cycling Zn Anode at High Currents
Authors: Xu Wangwang , Liao Xiaobin , Xu Weina , Zhao Kangning , Yao Guang , Wu Qinglin
Published: February 2023

Aqueous rechargeable zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) are regarded as a promising candidates for next‐generation energy storage devices but strongly hindered by the limited utilization of the zinc metal anode (below 5%) due to the active water/anion corrosion. Herein, an ion selective and water‐resistant cellulose nanofiber (CNF)/MXene composite membrane has been developed through molecular sieving to restrict active water and anions from the electrode/electrolyte interface through dehydration of zinc ions, avoiding the water/anion‐induced corrosion/decomposition. In this way, the CNF/MXene@Zn anode exhibits significantly enhanced coulombic efficiency (99.5 % at 10 mA cm‐2) and low voltage hysteresis. Moreover, coated with CNF/MXene composite membrane, zinc symmetric batteries can be operated at the extremely high current of 100 mA cm‐2 and ultra‐high Zn utilization of 88.2% to achieve record‐high cumulative plating capacity of 12 Ah cm‐2. Furthermore, the full vanadium dioxide (VO2) |CNF/MXene@Zn batteries exhibit a high capacity of 357 mAh g‐1 at 2 A g‐1 and retain 93.3% of the capacity after 500 cycles. Moreover, at negative/ positive capacity (N/P) ratio of 2.8, the CNF/MXene membrane coated zinc is able to stably cycle for 100 cycles, demonstrating the potential for high energy zinc battery. This designed CNF/MXene membrane enables ZIBs as viable energy storage devices for practical applications.
Modeling covariance structures for genetic and non‐genetic effects in cowpea multi‐environment trials
Authors: Araújo Maurício dos Santos , Chaves Saulo Fabrício da Silva , Damasceno‐Silva Kaesel Jackson , Dias Luiz Antônio dos Santos , de Rocha Maurisrael de Moura
Published: February 2023

In cowpea breeding, multi‐environment trials are conducted to select lines with high yield. The occurrence of genetic and/or statistical imbalance is common in these experiments, in addition to the possibility of (co)variance between genetic and non‐genetic effects. We explore the restricted maximum likelihood/best linear unbiased prediction features to select the model with the most appropriated covariance structure and compare the results with the traditional model (homogenous variances and no covariances). Then, 17 inbred lines and three cultivars were evaluated in six experiments during two crop years in the semiarid zone of Northeast Brazil. The trait evaluated was the 100‐grain weight. We selected the best model considering the Akaike Information Criterion. The model with diagonal structure for the residual effects and heterogeneous compound symmetry for the genetic effects had the best fit. The predicted genetic gain of lines selected in this model was 1.18% higher compared to the traditional model. Modeling different (co)variance structures for genetic and non‐genetic effects is an efficient approach in selecting superior genotypes in multi‐environment trials in cowpea breeding.
Contribution of Alzheimer's disease pathology to biological and clinical progression: A longitudinal study across two cohorts
Authors: Zhang Wei , Wang Hui‐Fu , Kuo Kevin , Wang Linbo , Li Yuzhu , Yu Jintai , Feng Jianfeng , Cheng Wei
Published: February 2023

INTRODUCTION

Amyloid beta (Aβ) deposition, tau accumulation, and brain atrophy occurr in sequence, but the contribution of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology to biological and clinical progression remains unclear.

METHODS

We included 290 and 70 participants with longitudinal assessment on Aβ‐positron emission tomography (PET), tau‐PET, magnetic resonance imaging, and cognitive function from the Harvard Aging Brain Study (HABS) and Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) datasets, respectively. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS‐SEM) was used to determine the contribution of AD pathology to the biological and clinical longitudinal changes.

RESULTS

Imaging biomarkers and cognitive function were significantly associated in cross‐sectional and longitudinal analyses. At the final time point, the percentage of variance explained by PLS‐SEM was 27% for Aβ, 30% for tau (Aβ accounted for 61%), 29% for brain atrophy (tau accounted for 37%), and 37% for cognitive decline (brain atrophy accounted for 35%).

DISCUSSION

This study highlights distinctive contributing proportions of AD pathology to biological and clinical progression. Treatments targeting Aβ and tau may partially block AD progression.
A call for clinical trial globalization in Alzheimer's disease and related dementia
Authors: Llibre‐Guerra Jorge J. , Heavener Anika , Brucki Sonia Maria Dozzi , Marante Juan Pablo Díaz , Pintado‐Caipa Maritza , Chen Yaohua , Behrens María Isabel , Hardi Angela , Admirall‐Sanchez Arianna , Akinyemi Rufus , Alladi Suvarna , Dorsman Karen A. , Rodriguez‐Salgado Ana M. , Solorzano Joel , Babulal Ganesh M. ,   for the Diversity and Disparity Professional Interest Area Increasing Sustained Diversity in Clinical Trials Working Group
Published: February 2023

Background

The burden of Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD) is projected to disproportionally impact low‐middle‐income countries (LMICs). However, there is a systematic under‐representation of LMICs in ADRD clinical trial platforms.

Methods

We aimed to determine the global distribution of ADRD clinical trials and identify existing barriers for conducting clinical trials in LMICs. Primary data sources to identify trial distribution in LMICs included ClinicalTrials.gov and the International Trials Registry Platform. An additional systematic review and expert consensus interviews were conducted to identify barriers for conducting clinical trials in LMICs.

Findings

Among 1237 disease‐modifying therapies tested in ADRD clinical trials, only 11.6% have been or are conducted in emerging economies (upper‐middle income [9.6%] and low‐middle income [2.0%]). We identified several limitations for trial implementation including a lack of financial resources, low industry presence, regulatory obstacles, and operational barriers

Interpretation

Although LMICs bear the greatest burden of ADRD globally, substantial development of clinical trial platforms to address this inequity and health disparity is lacking.
Differences between ante mortem Alzheimer's disease biomarkers in predicting neuropathology at autopsy
Authors: Wang Zhi‐Bo , Tan Lan , Wang Hui‐Fu , Chen Shi‐Dong , Fu Yan , Gao Pei‐Yang , Ma Ya‐Hui , Guo Yu , Hou Jia‐Hui , Zhang Dan‐Dan , Yu Jin‐Tai ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: February 2023

Introduction

This study aimed to assess whether biomarkers related to amyloid, tau, and neurodegeneration can accurately predict Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathology at autopsy in early and late clinical stages.

Methods

We included 100 participants who had ante mortem biomarker measurements and underwent post mortem neuropathological examination. Based on ante mortem clinical diagnosis, participants were divided into non‐dementia and dementia, as early or late clinical stages.

Results

Amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) amyloid beta (Aβ)42/phosphorylated tau (p‐tau)181 showed excellent performance in differentiating autopsy‐confirmed AD and predicting the risk of neuropathological changes in early and late clinical stages. However, CSF Aβ42 performed better in the early clinical stage, while CSF p‐tau181, CSF t‐tau, and plasma p‐tau181 performed better in the late clinical stage.

Discussion

Our findings provide important clinical information that, if using PET, CSF, and plasma biomarkers to detect AD pathology, researchers must consider their differential performances at different clinical stages of AD.

Highlights

Amyloid PET and CSF Aβ42/p‐tau181 were the most promising candidate biomarkers for predicting AD pathology.

CSF Aβ42 can serve as a candidate predictive biomarker in the early clinical stage of AD.

CSF p‐tau181, CSF t‐tau, and plasma p‐tau181 can serve as candidate predictive biomarkers in the late clinical stage of AD.

Combining APOE ε4 genotypes can significantly improve the predictive accuracy of AD‐related biomarkers for AD pathology.
Evaluating memory testing to distinguish dementia severity among White, Black, and Spanish‐speaking individuals in the Uniform Data Set (UDS)
Authors: Loizos Maria , Zhu Carolyn W. , Akrivos Jimmy , Sewell Margaret , Li Clara , Neugroschl Judith , Melnick Jonah , Ljekocevic Martin , Martin Jane , Grossman Hillel , Aloysi Amy , Schimming Corbett , Sano Mary
Published: February 2023

INTRODUCTION

Little work has compared the effectiveness of using multiple types of memory tests alone or in combination to distinguish dementia severity in diverse research cohorts including Black individuals and Spanish speakers. Here we evaluate word list and paragraph recall tests to distinguish cognitively normal, mild cognitively impaired, and those with Alzheimer's disease in diverse cohorts.

METHODS

Using Uniform Data Set (UDS) and site‐specific supplemental data, logistic regression models and receiver operating characteristic–area under the curve were used to compare paragraph recall versus word list in differentiating among Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scale level.

RESULTS

Results reveal high discriminability for all groups and no difference between either test in distinguishing between CDR levels. Combining tests improved discriminability for the whole group but did not for Black individuals or Spanish speakers.

DISCUSSION

Our findings indicate that using multiple memory tests may not improve differentiation between cognitive impairment levels for diverse cohorts. The burden of added testing may be a barrier for maximizing inclusion of under‐represented groups in research.
Emerging Biosensors Based on Noble Metal Self‐Assembly for In Vitro Disease Diagnosis
Authors: Li Xvelian , Qian Kun , Huang Lin
Published: February 2023

The biosensing systems are powerful tools in characterizing the pathological state of patients, promising in vitro disease diagnosis at an early stage. Noble metals are introduced into emerging biosensors benefiting from their outstanding properties, such as surface plasmon resonance and photothermal conversion. The ordered arrangements of noble metals into superstructures through self‐assembling offer improved selectivity and sensitivity in biosensing disease biomarkers. Herein, the current strategies for preparing noble metal self‐assemblies are summarized, with particular emphasis on the driving forces triggering the assembling process. The functions that noble metal self‐assemblies exert in biosensing systems are then reviewed, highlighting their potential to be integrated into diagnostic applications. It is foreseen that noble metal self‐assembly brings far‐reaching implications in clinical diagnosis, serving as advanced tools to unlock the power of translational medicine.
Green preparation of bract extract (Musa acuminate) doped magnesium oxide nanoparticles and their bioefficacy
Authors: Shanmugam Jayashree , Sharmili Sundararaj Aruna , Shanmugasundaram Roshitha , Ravichandran Balaji , Mani Mahendrakumar , Mohammed Riyaz Savaas Umar , Dhayalan Manikandan , Cid‐Samamed Antonio , Simal‐Gandara Jesus
Published: February 2023

Magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgONPs) synthesized by efficient green approach have unique physiochemical properties. In this study, MgONPs are synthesized with bract extract of Musa acuminate, an agro waste. The surface plasmon resonance at 450 nm in UV spectrum and FTIR peaks at 601 and 890 cm−1 confirmed the presence of MgONPs. XRD pattern revealed high crystallinity of the nanoparticles with an intense orientation peak at 111, and the size was 13 nm. The particles were spherical with an average size of 24.85 nm. The elemental percentage of magnesium and oxygen were 68.55% and 31.45%. MgONPs had antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Vibrio harveyi, Vibrio parahemolyticus, and Staphylococcus aureus with MIC, 6 μg/mL. The IC50 value for MCF‐7 cell was 113.56 μg/mL, and the normal cell line was 785.69 μg/mL. The NPs also exhibited hemolytic features in a dose‐dependent manner. The MgONPs exhibited photocatalytic degradation of methyl violet, CBB G‐250, and malachite green in 60 min duration. MgONPs had promising antibacterial, cytotoxic, hemolytic, photocatalytic, and seed germination activity. They have the potential to serve as an additive in a variety of biological applications.
Effect of quinacridone content on the performance of graphene/epoxy coatings
Authors: Liu Ziqiang , Gao Hangshan , Wen Shifeng , Lin Hongjiao
Published: February 2023

In this article, long‐lasting anti‐corrosion graphene/epoxy coatings were successfully prepared using quinacridone as dispersant by solution mixing method. The results showed that quinacridone and graphene can form π–π bonds and improve the dispersibility of each other in epoxy coatings. Mechanical and anti‐corrosion properties of epoxy coatings with different contents of quinacridone and graphene have been tested, the results showed that the optimum weight ratio of graphene to quinacridone was 2:5. The tensile strength of the epoxy coatings with 0.2 wt% graphene and 0.5 wt% quinacridone reached 8.12 MPa, which was 1.44 times of the pure epoxy coatings. Moreover, the impedance modulus of the coatings reinforced with quinacridone and graphene was greater than 1011 Ω·cm2 after being immersed in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution for 140 days, which was two orders of magnitude higher than that of the pure epoxy coatings. We found that the reason for the improved performance of the epoxy coatings was not only that quinacridone improved the dispersibility of graphene in the coatings, but also more importantly, quinacridone adsorbed on the surface of graphene to form scale‐like crystalline structures, which enables graphene to reduce folds and wrinkles, thus giving full play to the shielding effect of graphene against corrosion factors.
Metabolic interaction between biflavonoids in Ginkgo biloba leaves and tacrolimus
Authors: Bai Jie , Zhang Chao
Published: February 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of biflavonoids in Ginkgo biloba leaves on tacrolimus metabolism. First, the inhibitory effects of five main biflavonoids (amentoflavone, sciadopitysin, ginkgetin, isoginkgetin, bilobetin) in G. biloba leaves on tacrolimus metabolism were investigated in vitro in human liver microsomes (HLM), and the concentration‐dependent inhibition was further calculated. Then the time‐dependent inhibition activities of five biflavonoids were studied and the drug interaction was studied in Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats. Finally, the molecular mechanism of inhibition was explored by molecular docking. The results of in vitro incubation in HLM showed tacrolimus metabolism was strongly inhibited by amentoflavone, ginkgetin, and bilobetin, whose IC50 value was 5.57, 3.16, and 5.03 μM, respectively. The time‐dependent inhibition of the three above biflavonoids at 50 μM was 33.47%–50.89%. In the in vivo study in rats, the AUC0−t and Cmax of tacrolimus increased 3.8‐fold and 2.5‐fold after oral preadministration with amentoflavone. The molecular docking results showed that the inhibitory effect may be related to the formation of hydrogen bonds. The results showed that long‐term combination of G. biloba leaves and tacrolimus may cause drug–drug interactions. This study provided theoretical and experimental basis for rational drug use in clinical practice.
Development of HPLC–MS/MS assay for quantitation of ensartinib in human plasma and its application to a pharmacokinetics study in Chinese patients
Authors: Li Hua , Wang Yang , Chen Xuefei , Chen Chen , Cui Jianxin , Han Ying , Ding Lieming
Published: February 2023

Ensartinib is a novel anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitor with potent activity against a broad range of known crizotinib‐resistant ALK mutations and is developed to treat patients with non‐small‐cell lung cancer. This study was the first to develop and validate a rapid and sensitive HPLC–MS/MS method for the determination of ensartinib in human plasma. The plasma samples were extracted using liquid extraction, and chromatographic separation was performed using a Phenomenex, Luna phenyl‐hexyl column (50 × 2.0 mm, 5 μm). Electrospray ionization in positive‐ion mode and multiple reaction monitoring were used to monitor ion transitions at m/z 561.3 → 257.1 (ensartinib) and 565.2 → 261.2 (internal standard: X‐396‐d4), respectively. The method yielded excellent linearity in the range of 0.5–500 ng/ml with the lowest quantification of 0.5 ng/ml. Both intra‐ and inter‐run precisions (relative standard deviation %) were less than 15%, with accuracy (relative error %) between ±15%. Extraction recovery, matrix effect, selectivity, and stability were also validated and found to be satisfactory. Finally, the validated method was successfully applied in a phase I clinical study of ensartinib in Chinese subjects with advanced ALK‐positive non‐small‐cell lung cancer.
Screening for α‐glucosidase inhibitors from Selaginella uncinata based on the ligand fishing combined with ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time‐of‐flight–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Fan Zhiyu , Yang Gangqiang , Wu Xinjie , Yang Yanan , Xu Jinfang
Published: February 2023

Biflavonoids are naturally occurring compounds consisting of two flavonoid moieties that have received substantial attention from researchers. Although many kinds of biflavonoids are typically distributed in Selaginella uncinata with hypoglycemic effect, their anti‐α‐glucosidase activities are not yet clear. In this study, a ligand fishing strategy for fast screening of α‐glucosidase inhibitors from S. uncinata was proposed. α‐Glucosidase was first immobilized on Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and then the α‐glucosidase–functionalized MNPs were incubated with crude extracts of S. uncinata to fish out the ligands. Furthermore, considering the similarity and easy confusion of the structures of biflavonoids, the fragmentation patterns of different types of biflavonoids were studied. Based on this, 11 biflavonoids ligands with α‐glucosidase inhibitory activities were accurately and quickly identified from S. uncinata with ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time‐of‐flight–tandem mass spectrometry. Furthermore, these ligands were confirmed to be potential inhibitors through the in vitro inhibitory assay and molecular docking.
Distal ureteral calculi in a patient with ileal conduit and urinary diversion treated via antegrade ureteroscopic lithotripsy: A case report
Authors: Eslahi Ali , Salehipour Mehdi , Ahmed Faisal , Askarpour Mohammad Reza , Kiani Sajad , Akrami Firoozeh
Published: February 2023

Ureteral calculi management in patients with urinary diversion is challenging for most urologists. The surgeon should consider the patient's diversion type, BMI, stone size and location, and his/her experience with the procedure. We report an 85‐year‐old ileal conduit diversion man presented with ureteral calculi and treated via antegrade ureteroscopic lithotripsy.
Spontaneous perforation of primary gastric diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Daoud Rahma , Harbi Houssem , Kallel Rim , Sallemi‐Boudawara Tahya , Kchaou Ali , Boujelbene Salah
Published: February 2023

Primary gastric malignant lymphoma is a rare tumor. The complications associated with lymphoma are perforation, bleeding, or upper gastrointestinal stricture. While it is well known that perforations in gastric lymphoma often occurs during chemotherapy, spontaneous perforation is extremely rare in patients who did not receive chemotherapy. This complication requires a surgical treatment.
Transverse sinus obstruction caused by extradural supra‐infratentorial hydatid cyst: A case report and literature review
Authors: Namvar Mohamad , Sedaghat Pedram , Iranmehr Arad
Published: February 2023

Approximately 1–3% of cases of hydatid disease involve the central nervous system (CNS). This study aims to report an extremely rare case of supra‐infratentorially located epidural hydatid cyst with transverse venous sinus obstruction which presented with chronic cerebral vein thrombosis (CVT) signs and symptoms.
Lower leukemia burden maximizes the impact of blinatumomab therapy
Authors: Logan Aaron C.
Published: February 2023

Queudeville et al. pooled data from five trials in which blinatumomab was employed as a single agent for relapsed/refractory B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and assessed outcomes based on bone marrow blast burden before treatment. They report that across these trials, responses to blinatumomab were superior in those with <50% bone marrow blasts.
Low leukemia burden improves blinatumomab efficacy in patients with relapsed/refractory B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Queudeville Manon , Stein Anthony S. , Locatelli Franco , Ebinger Martin , Handgretinger Rupert , Gökbuget Nicola , Gore Lia , Zeng Yi , Gokani Priya , Zugmaier Gerhard , Kantarjian Hagop M.
Published: February 2023

Background

A lower baseline bone marrow blast percentage (bBMB%) is associated with better outcomes in patients with B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B‐ALL) receiving blinatumomab. The objective of this analysis was to investigate the association between bBMB% and treatment outcomes in relapsed/refractory (R/R) B‐ALL.

Methods

Data from five trials of blinatumomab for R/R B‐ALL were pooled for analyses. Patients were placed in one of three groups: group 1, ≥50% bBMBs; group 2, ≥25% to <50% bBMBs; group 3, ≥5% to <25% bBMBs. Response and survival outcomes were compared between groups.

Results

Data from 683 patients (166 pediatric, 517 adult) were analyzed. Collectively, patients in groups 2 and 3 had significantly higher odds of achieving a complete remission (CR) (odds ratio [OR], 3.50 [95% confidence interval (CI), 2.23–5.48] and 3.93 [95% CI, 2.50–6.18], respectively; p < .001) and minimal/measurable residual disease response (OR, 2.61 and 3.37, respectively; p < .001) when compared with group 1 (reference). Groups 2 and 3 had a 37% and 46% reduction in the risk of death (hazard ratio [HR], 0.63 and 0.54, respectively; p < .001) and a 41% and 43% reduction in the risk of an event (relapse or death) (HR, 0.59 and 0.57, respectively; p < .001) compared with group 1. No significant differences in response or survival outcomes were observed between groups 2 and 3. Seven of nine patients whose bBMB% was lowered to <50% with dexamethasone achieved CR with blinatumomab.

Conclusion

Any bBMB% <50% was associated with improved efficacy following blinatumomab treatment for R/R B‐ALL.
Bone marrow niche chemoprotection of metastatic solid tumors mediated by CYP3A4
Authors: Ghiaur Gabriel , Valkenburg Kenneth C. , Esteb Christopher , Ambinder Alexander , Imus Philip H. , Pienta Kenneth J. , Jones Richard J.
Published: February 2023

Background

The bone/bone marrow is one of the most common sites for metastatic solid tumors. Moreover, the tumor microenvironment is an essential part of cancer homeostasis. Previously, it was shown that cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs) are present in the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment, particularly in the mesenchymal stroma cells, at levels comparable to those of hepatocytes. It was found that the CYPs play important roles in nurturing and maintaining normal hematopoietic stem cells as well as multiple myeloma and leukemia cells, including protecting them from toxic insults. It was hypothesized that the CYPs in the BM microenvironment might play a similar role in solid tumors metastatic to bone.

Methods

The interaction between the BM microenvironment and malignant cells that routinely metastasize to the bone (lung, breast, and prostate cancer) was modeled. Via genetic engineering and pharmacological approaches, the role of stromal cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) in drug resistance promoted by the BM microenvironment in niche–cancer models in vitro and in vivo was interrogated.

Results

BM stroma protected prostate, breast, and lung cancer cells from cytotoxic chemotherapy. Stromal CYP3A4 was at least partially responsible for this protection in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, inhibiting CYP3A4 with clarithromycin overcame the stroma‐mediated chemoresistance toward prostate, breast, and lung cancer cells.

Conclusions

These results suggest that, similar to observations from hematologic malignancies, the BM microenvironment, through expression of CYPs, creates a sanctuary site from chemotherapy for metastatic solid tumors. Targeting these sanctuaries holds promise for eradicating bone metastasis in solid tumors.
Cardiac arrest caused by coronary occlusion during transcatheter aortic valve implantation: a unique cause
Authors: Gao Xin , Chen Feifei , Jiang Xiaoxiao , Chen Na , Liu Jinqiu , Luan Yong , Yang Guang , Yin Da , Guo Ran
Published: February 2023

Coronary artery occlusion (CAO) is a rare but life‐threatening complication of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The mechanism of CAO is the displacement of the native calcified valve leaflet over the coronary ostium. Here, we report on a woman who experienced sudden cardiac arrest and abrupt CAO during TAVI, which was caused by two different original obstructions, a rupture of aortic plaque or a partial tear of the aortic intima blocking the upper 2/3 of the left main trunk (LMT) ostium, and the transcatheter heart valve (THV) blocking the lower 1/3 of the LMT ostium. She was eventually successfully treated with the chimney stenting technique. Aortography other than coronary angiography was used to ascertain CAO. In patients presenting with abrupt cardiac arrest or cardiogenic shock with LMT occlusion, there must be prompt identification, and the causes of CAO may be various and rare. The identification of CAO relies not only on CAG but also on aortography, especially if the locations and origins of obstructions are special. Supportive therapy with an attempt at percutaneous revascularization is necessary. Pre‐procedural assessment is crucial prior to TAVI interventions. In cases with high risk of CAO, upfront coronary artery protection can be provided.
Thermo‐chemical conversion of pre‐treated cucumber peel
Authors: Tahir Mudassir Hussain , Mubashir Tayyaba , Naseem Khalida , Bashir Maryam , Zhang Yiteng , Farrukh Aftab , Ul Hassan Najam , Irfan Rana Muhammad
Published: February 2023

In this study, cucumber peel (CP) was treated with Calcium Hydroxide i.e. Ca(OH)2 and its thermal behavior was examined. The pre‐treated cucumber peel (PTCP) was thermally degraded mainly through three steps; first, moisture and light volatile compounds loss (30–132°C); second, primary devolatilization (132 to 337°C) involving intense degradation with mainly re‐formation process and third and final, secondary reactions (337 to 800°C). Lower PTCP activation energy (192.77–183.33 KJ/mol) reflects its easy thermal conversion initiation. The non‐condensable compounds (CO2 & CH4) and condensable products (H2O, CH3CH2OH, CH3COOH, C=C, C6H5OH, HCOOH) were found as 29.75% and 70.25% respectively determined by TG‐FTIR analysis. While, with temperature, relative concentration of condensable compounds decrease significantly and found as 61.38% and 42.5% at lower and higher temperature respectively. By Py/GC–MS analysis, presence of the high energy optimizing compounds and valuable chemicals, i.e. toluene (5.12%), benzene (4.31%) and phenols (27.38%) was confirmed. All these datasets shows that pre‐treatment of CP with Ca(OH)2 might be suitable approach to produce Bioenergy and Bio‐chemicals.
Identification of QTLs and candidate genes for rice seed germinability under low temperature using high‐density genetic mapping and RNA‐seq
Authors: Yang Jing , Chen Aie , Wei Ji , Xu Jifen , Chen Shengnan , Tang Wei , Liu Jing , Wang Hongyang
Published: February 2023

Reduced temperatures during germination adversely affect rice (Oryza sativa L.) production. Little is known, however, of the genes or genetic loci involved. Here, QTLs were investigated in a recombinant inbred line (RIL) resulting from a 02428 (japonica)‐YZX (indica) cross. The phenotypes of the cultivars differ significantly when exposed to low temperatures during germination. Mapping with a high‐density bin map identified 11 loci associated with low‐temperature germination of which loci 2 and 4 were identified by multiple traits over two seasons. Locus 2 was a major genetic locus, explaining 22.36% of phenotypic variation. The haplotype results showed that the pyramiding of favorable alleles of these two loci was beneficial to improving the rice seeds' low‐temperature germinability. RNA‐seq analysis was performed on the second day of germination at low temperature for both parents. Three DGEs (Os03g0119800, Os03g0120900, and Os03g0121300) were obtained for locus 2 and were confirmed as the most likely candidates by qRT‐PCR verification, gene sequence alignment, and haplotype analysis. Collectively, these quantitative trait loci and candidate genes may be valuable for the breeding of cold‐tolerant rice lines as well as broadening our knowledge of the genetics underlying germination at low temperatures.
Expanding Paid Sick Leave Laws: The Public Health Imperative
Authors: Rothstein Mark A. , Fox Dov
Published: February 2023

A key public health measure has received far too little attention over the course of the Covid‐19 pandemic: paid sick leave policies that encourage people at risk of spreading disease to stay home rather than come to work. The United States is one of the only developed countries that fails to guarantee paid sick leave at the federal level, leaving a patchwork of state and private policies that undersupply time off when people are contagious and protect top wage earners at wildly disproportionate rates compared with what workers with lower incomes experience. Other countries have shown that sick leave mandates are neither unjustified burdens on employers nor gratuitous giveaways to employees. In fact, sick leave saves on health care costs by making employees less likely to infect coworkers, to be absent for longer themselves, or to need treatment in expensive hospital emergency departments. Nationally guaranteed sick leave is urgently needed to promote public health.
Public Health at the Kitchen Table: Lessons from the Home HIV Test's Long Road to Approval
Authors: Zuger Abigail
Published: February 2023

Home diagnostic testing is becoming part of the modern medical landscape, but many ethical and policy questions remain unresolved. Most of them first surfaced during the long regulatory deliberations over the home HIV test, the first home test for a contagious illness sold in the United States. Between 1989 and 2012, federal regulators and their consultants debated the ideal metrics for such a test, its benefits, and its potential harms for both individuals and communities. Ultimately, two iterations of the home HIV test were marketed in the United States; neither one of them changed the course of the national HIV epidemic, as hoped. This failure has powerful implications for home testing for other contagious diseases.
Justifying Clinical Deception: Some Amendments to Brummett and Salter
Authors: Meyers Christopher
Published: February 2023

In Abram Brummett and Erica K. Salter's excellent paper, “Mapping the Moral Terrain of Clinical Deception,” they rightly note that it is sometimes ethically appropriate for health care professionals to deceive patients and families. However, they also note that because doing so violates a prima facie duty of honesty, the ethical burden of proof falls upon the deceiver. Hence, they also provide a sophisticated framework for determining whether any given case is warranted. I applaud their overall approach but also critique some of their claims, in particular, their conclusion that lies of commission require greater justification than those of omission and their conflation of the principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence. I also urge them to give greater attention to how power asymmetries should be accounted for and to the impact such deceptive choices might have on the clinician's character.
Vulnerability, Autonomy, and the Living Organ Donor
Authors: Simpson Christy
Published: February 2023

The Living Organ Donor as Patient: Theory and Practice, by Lainie Friedman Ross and J. Richard Thistlethwaite, Jr. (Oxford University Press, 2021), offers a stimulating opportunity to consider the ethics of living solid organ donation in more depth. Ross and Thistlethwaite detail a framework of five principles—respect for persons, beneficence, justice, vulnerability, and responsibility—that positions prospective living donors as patients. The authors engage readers by applying these principles across a series of examples, issues, and possibilities, the “practice.” Readers may wish to reflect further on the framework's implications, including those related to vulnerability, power, and social justice (to name a few), particularly as these relate to the “theory” of this book. The book is well worth the read for clinicians, ethicists, and others involved in organ donation and transplantation.
On Psychological Continuity and Dementia
Authors: Holland Tim
Published: February 2023

This letter responds to the article “On the Authority of Advance Euthanasia Directives for People with Severe Dementia: Reflections on a Dutch Case,” by Henri Wijsbek and Thomas Nys, in the September‐October 2022 issue of the Hastings Center Report.
Gross tumor volume margin and local control in p16‐positive oropharynx cancer patients treated with intensity modulated proton therapy
Authors: Pollock Ariel E. , Arons Danielle , Alexander Gregory S. , Alicia David , Birkman Kayla M. , Molitoris Jason K. , Mehra Ranee , Cullen Kevin J. , Hatten Kyle M. , Taylor Rodney J. , Wolf Jeffrey S. , Regine William F. , Witek Matthew E.
Published: February 2023

Background

To determine if the extent of high‐dose gross tumor volume (GTV) to clinical target volume (CTV) expansion is associated with local control in patients with p16‐positive oropharynx cancer (p16+ OPC) treated with definitive intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT).

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with p16+ OPC treated with IMPT at a single institution between 2016 and 2021. Patients with a pre‐treatment PET–CT and restaging PET–CT within 4 months following completion of IMPT were analyzed.

Results

Sixty patients were included for analysis with a median follow‐up of 17 months. The median GTV to CTV expansion was 5 mm (IQR: 2 mm). Thirty‐three percent of patients (20 of 60) did not have a GTV to CTV expansion. There was one local failure within the expansion group (3%).

Conclusion

Excellent local control was achieved using IMPT for p16+ OPC independent of GTV expansion. IMPT with minimal target expansions represent a potential harm‐minimization technique for p16‐positive oropharynx cancer.
Perceptions and implications for cervical screening and self‐collection: A qualitative exploration of never and under‐screened Queensland women
Authors: Haarsager Jennie , Legerton Paula , DeBats Claire , Austin Glenn , Vardon Paul
Published: February 2023

Background

Over 70% of cervical cancers are detected in women not currently screening. Queensland Health wanted to better understand the drivers of screening to inform our planning and capitalise on self‐collection as an option to reach under‐screened women. In 2020 Queensland Health commissioned qualitative research to explore barriers and enablers to cervical screening with never‐screened and under‐screened women in Queensland (with under‐screeners defined as having last screened more than 4 years ago and being more than 2 years overdue). Additionally, the research explored the acceptability of self‐collection amongst this cohort.

Methods

A mixed methods qualitative approach of online focus groups and in‐depth interviews was employed. Online focus groups were conducted with under‐screeners. In‐depth telephone interviews were conducted with never‐screeners due to the anticipated personal nature of their reasons for not screening.

Results

A total of 51 Queensland women aged 30 to 50 years participated in the research.

Conclusions

Queensland women cited several negative experiences and aspects of the current program, as well as barriers in their social and personal lives that limited screening intention and behaviour. Barriers and enablers to cervical screening identified in this research have been classified into four categories: structural, knowledge and attitudinal, social, and personal. The research identified more factors associated with nonparticipation than participation. However, the research did uncover a range of potential enablers to encourage screening, some of which related to the program design.

So What?

The concept of self‐collection was broadly well accepted by research participants, particularly by never‐screeners. Recommendations resulting from this research include communications, systems, and eligibility changes, particularly regarding the availability and benefits of self‐collection.
Conditional relative survival in nonmetastatic esophagogastric cancer between 2006 and 2020: A population‐based study
Authors: Pape Marieke , Kuijper Steven C. , Vissers Pauline A. J. , Ruurda Jelle P. , Neelis Karen J. , van Laarhoven Hanneke W. M. , Verhoeven Rob H. A.
Published: February 2023

Conditional relative survival (CRS) is useful for communicating prognosis to patients as it provides an estimate of the life expectancy after having survived a certain time after treatment. Our study estimates the 3‐year relative survival conditional on having survived a certain period for patients with esophageal or gastric cancer. Patients with nonmetastatic esophageal or gastric cancer diagnosed between 2006 and 2020 treated with curative intent (resection with or without [neo]adjuvant therapy, or chemoradiotherapy) were selected from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. CRS was calculated since resection or last day of chemoradiotherapy. The probability of surviving an additional 3 years (ie, 3‐year CRS), if the patients survived 1, 3 and 5 years after diagnosis was 62%, 79%, 87% and 69%, 84%, 90% for esophageal and gastric cancer, respectively. The 3‐year CRS after having survived 3 years for patients with esophageal cancer who underwent a resection (n = 12 204) was 91%, 88%, 77% and 60% for pathological Stage 0, I, II and III, and for patients with esophageal cancer who received chemoradiotherapy (n = 4158) was 51% and 66% for clinical Stage II and III, respectively. The 3‐year CRS after having survived 3 years for patients with gastric cancer who underwent a resection (n = 6531) was 99%, 90%, 73% and 59% for pathological Stage 0, I, II and III, respectively. Despite poor prognosis of patients with esophageal or gastric cancer, life expectancy increases substantially after patients have survived several years after treatment. Our study provides valuable information for communication of prognosis to patients during follow‐up after treatment.
Caregivers’ positive emotion socialization tendencies are associated with positive affect in preschool age children
Authors: Hill Kaylin E. , Kujawa Autumn , Humphreys Kathryn L.
Published: February 2023

Longstanding theories of emotion socialization postulate that caregiver emotional and behavioral reactions to a child's emotions together shape the child's emotion displays over time. Despite the notable importance of positive valence system function, the majority of research on caregiver emotion socialization focuses on negative valence system emotions. In the current project, we leveraged a relatively large cross‐sectional study of caregivers (N = 234; 93.59% White) of preschool aged children to investigate whether and to what degree, caregiver (1) emotional experiences, or (2) external behaviors, in the context of preschoolers’ positive emotion displays in caregiver–child interactions, are associated with children's general positive affect tendencies. Results indicated that, in the context of everyday caregiver–child interactions, caregiver‐reported positively valenced emotions but not approach behaviors were positively associated with child general positive affect tendencies. However, when examining specific caregiver behaviors in response to everyday child positive emotion displays, caregiver report of narrating the child's emotion and joining in the emotion with their child was positively associated with child general positive affect tendencies. Together, these results suggest that in everyday caregiver–child interactions, caregivers’ emotional experiences and attunement with the child play a role in shaping preschoolers’ overall tendencies toward positive affect.