bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current scenario of chalcone hybrids with antibreast cancer therapeutic applications
Authors: Wang Huan , Zhu Juanying , Zhang Qianru , Tang Jie , Huang Xufeng
Published: January 2024

Breast cancer, an epithelial malignant tumor that occurs in the terminal ducts of the breast, is the most common female malignancy. Currently, approximately 70%–80% of breast cancer with early‐stage, nonmetastatic disorder is curable, but the emergency of drug resistance often leads to treatment failure. Moreover, advanced breast cancer with distant organ metastases is incurable with the available therapeutics, creating an urgent demand to explore novel antibreast cancer agents. Chalcones, the precursors for flavonoids and isoflavonoids, exhibit promising activity against various breast cancer hallmarks, inclusive of proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, inflammation, stemness, and regulation of cancer epigenetics, representing useful scaffolds for the discovery of novel antibreast cancer chemotherapeutic candidates. In particular, chalcone hybrids could act on two or more different biological targets simultaneously with more efficacy, lower toxicity, and less susceptibility to resistance. Accordingly, there is a huge scope for application of chalcone hybrids to tackle the present difficulties in breast cancer therapy. This review outlines the chalcone hybrids with antibreast cancer potential developed from 2018. The structure–activity relationships as well as mechanisms of action are also discussed to shed light on the development of more effective and multitargeted chalcone candidates.
Improving the descendant relationship of cluster galaxies atz< 1
Authors: Souza de Jesus Cleivison , Luis Batista Ribeiro Andre , Cordula Dantas Christine
Published: January 2024

In this work, we study how to improve well‐known techniques for detecting progenitors/descendants of galaxies, such as the NDpredict program, when applied to galaxies in clusters. The improvement of this particular method is based on the use of the red sequence of galaxies in those environments. Objects close to the red sequence in the color and magnitude diagram are more likely to belong to the cluster. This defines a probability scale which is then combined with the one generated by NDpredict. This procedure is optimized for the study of galaxies in clusters over different epochs. Our main result is that, for a sample composed of clusters, with masses greater than , selected from the IllustrisTNG simulations (namely, the TNG100 runs). In of the cases (i.e., systems), we obtain better performance with the red sequence method in comparison to the original NDpredict, and the average gain obtained is in the identification of descendants for this sample of cluster galaxies.
Tetralogy of Fallot: Hypoxia, the villain of the story?
Authors: Bojórquez Martínez Carlos Ariel , García Murillo Ingrid Montserrat , Segón Mora Santiago , López Mereles Andrea
Published: January 2024

Background

Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) is a cyanotic congenital heart disease, composed of four malformations: persistent communication between the right and the left ventricle, pulmonary stenosis, overriding aorta, and right ventricle hypertrophy. The etiology of this disease is not entirely known as yet, but it has been proposed that the pathology has genetic components. During embryonic development, the fetus is exposed to a physiological hypoxia to facilitate the formation of blood vessels and blood cells through de novo processes.

Methods

After researching scientific databases on the implications of oxygen on the normal and abnormal development of organs, especially the heart, we were able to propose that oxygen deprivation may be the cause of the disease.

Results

During this period, the hypoxia‐inducible factor is activated and triggers transcriptional responses that enable adaptation to the hypoxic environment through angiogenic activation. High levels of this protein can alter certain physiological pathways, such as those related to the vascular endothelial growth factor. Research has shown that prolonged oxygen deprivation during embryological development can lead to the occurrence of congenital heart diseases, such as ToF.

Conclusions

Studies using animal models have demonstrated that the deficiency or disruption of a protein called “CITED2,” which plays an important role in cardiac morphogenesis and its loss, results in the alteration of pluripotent, cardiac, and neural lineage differentiation, thereby disrupting the normal development of the heart and other tissues.
Unveiling the potential anti‐cancer activity of calycosin against multivarious cancers with molecular insights: A promising frontier in cancer research
Authors: Sohel Md , Zahra Shova Fatema Tuj , shuvo Shahporan , Mahjabin Taiyara , Mojnu Mia Md. , Halder Dibyendu , Islam Hafizul , Roman Mogal Md , Biswas Partha , Saha Hasi Rani , Sarkar Bidhan Chandra , Mamun Abdullah Al
Published: January 2024

Background

Calycosin may be a potential candidate regarding chemotherapeutic agent, because already some studies against multivarious cancer have been made with this natural compound.

Aim

This review elucidated a brief overview of previous studies on calycosin potential effects on various cancers and its potential mechanism of action.

Methodology

Data retrieved by systematic searches of Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Scopus by using keywords including calycosin, cancer types, anti‐cancer mechanism, synergistic, and pharmacokinetic and commonly used tools are BioRender, ChemDraw Professional 16.0, and ADMETlab 2.0.

Results

Based on our review, calycosin is available in nature and effective against around 15 different types of cancer. Generally, the anti‐cancer mechanism of this compound is mediated through a variety of processes, including regulation of apoptotic pathways, cell cycle, angiogenesis and metastasis, oncogenes, enzymatic pathways, and signal transduction process. These study conducted in various study models, including in silico, in vitro, preclinical and clinical models. The molecular framework behind the anti‐cancer effect is targeting some oncogenic and therapeutic proteins and multiple signaling cascades. Therapies based on nano‐formulated calycosin may make excellent nanocarriers for the delivery of this compound to targeted tissue as well as particular organ. This natural compound becomes very effective when combined with other natural compounds and some standard drugs. Moreover, proper use of this compound can reverse resistance to existing anti‐cancer drugs through a variety of strategies. Calycosin showed better pharmacokinetic properties with less toxicity in human bodies.

Conclusion

Calycosin exhibits excellent potential as a therapeutic drug against several cancer types and should be consumed until standard chemotherapeutics are available in pharma markets.
GLUT1 regulates the release of VEGF‐A in the alveolar epithelium of lipopolysaccharide‐induced acute lung injury
Authors: Liang Yan , Zhang Hailing , Li Jiahui , Wang Xilong , Xie Jianpeng , Li Yijian , Li Jiehong , Qian Yunyao , Zhang Haiyun , Wang Tao , Tang Haixiong , Chen Xin
Published: January 2024

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a severe disease with high mortality and poor prognosis, characterized by excessive and uncontrolled inflammatory response. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF‐A) contributes to the development and progression of ALI. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) in alveolar epithelial VEGF‐A production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced ALI. An ALI mouse model was induced by LPS oropharyngeal instillation. Mice were challenged with LPS and then treated with WZB117, a specific antagonist of GLUT1. For the vitro experiments, cultured A549 cells (airway epithelial cell line) were exposed to LPS, with or without the GLUT1 inhibitors WZB117 or BAY876. LPS significantly upregulated of GLUT1 and VEGF‐A both in the lung from ALI mice and in cultured A549. In vivo, treatment with WZB117 not only markedly decreased LPS‐induced pulmonary edema, injury, neutrophilia, as well as levels of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6 and tumor necrosis factor‐α in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), but also reduced VEGF‐A production. Yet, the maximum tolerated concentration of WZB117 failed to suppress LPS‐induced VEGF‐A overexpression in vitro. While administration of BAY876 inhibited gene and protein expression as well as secretion of VEGF‐A in response to LPS in A549. These results illustrated that GLUT1 upregulates VEGF‐A production in alveolar epithelia from LPS‐induced ALI, and inhibition of GLUT1 alleviates ALI.
Ag‐Nanocatalysts Based on Porous Organic Polymers in Chemical Fixation of CO2 for the N‐Methylation and N‐Formylation of Amines
Authors: Chakrabortty Pekham , Kumar Susmitha , Chowdhury Avik , Khan Aslam , Bhaumik Asim , Islam Sk Manirul
Published: January 2024

Chemical fixation of CO2 for the synthesis of valuable chemicals is very demanding in the context of green and sustainable chemistry. Herein, we report highly efficient silver‐loaded porous organic polymer catalysts for the exclusive N‐formylation and N‐methylation of amines under ambient reaction conditions using CO2 as a green C1 source. By adjusting the solvent and temperature of the reaction, the successful production of formamides and methylamines could be accomplished with high levels of selectivity and efficiency. POP‐based materials Ag@TTP‐1 and Ag@PAN‐T are utilized as low‐cost catalysts for both the N‐methylation and N‐formylation of primary and secondary amines and the product yields up to 98 % could be achieved. Ag@TTP‐1 demonstrated superior catalytic efficiency compared to Ag@PAN‐T in the N‐methylation and N‐formylation reactions. This result suggests that the grafting of Ag nanoparticles onto POP surface with a high surface area plays a crucial role in these CO2 fixation reactions. The above‐mentioned catalysts (Ag@TTP‐1 and Ag@PAN‐T) are characterized through powder XRD, FT IR spectroscopy, FE‐SEM, TEM, thermogravimetric techniques, N2 sorption and XPS analysis. Ag‐nanocatalysts demonstrated heterogeneous nature and high recycling efficiency for several cycles in this CO2 fixation reaction.
Organic Polar Crystals, Second Harmonic Generation, and Piezoelectric Effects from Heteroadamantanes in the Space Group R3m
Authors: Abdur‐Rashid Kareem , Saha Shraman K. , Mugisha Jules , Teale Sam , Wang Sasa , Saber Meelad , Lough Alan J. , Sargent Edward H. , Fekl Ulrich
Published: January 2024

Polar crystalline materials, a subset of the non‐centrosymmetric materials, are highly sought after. Their symmetry properties make them pyroelectric and also piezoelectric and capable of second‐harmonic generation (SHG). For SHG and piezoelectric applications, metal oxides are commonly used. The advantages of oxides are durability and hardness – downsides are the need for high‐temperature synthesis/processing and often the need to include toxic metals. Organic polar crystals, on the other hand, can avoid toxic metals and can be amenable to solution‐state processing. While the vast majority of polar organic molecules crystallize in non‐polar space groups, we found that both 7‐chloro‐1,3,5‐triazaadamantane, for short Cl‐TAA, and also the related Br‐TAA (but not I‐TAA) form polar crystals in the space group R3m, easily obtained from dichloromethane solution. Measurements confirm piezoelectric and SHG properties for Cl‐TAA and Br‐TAA. When the two species are crystallized together, solid solutions form, suggesting that properties of future materials can be tuned continuously.
Synthesis and Photophysical Characterization of a pH‐Sensitive Quadracyclic Uridine (qU) Analogue
Authors: Le Hoang‐Ngoan , Kuchlyan Jagannath , Baladi Tom , Albinsson Bo , Dahlén Anders , Wilhelmsson L. Marcus
Published: January 2024

Fluorescent base analogues (FBAs) have become useful tools for applications in biophysical chemistry, chemical biology, live‐cell imaging, and RNA therapeutics. Herein, two synthetic routes towards a novel FBA of uracil named qU (quadracyclic uracil/uridine) are described. The qU nucleobase bears a tetracyclic fused ring system and is designed to allow for specific Watson‐Crick base pairing with adenine. We find that qU absorbs light in the visible region of the spectrum and emits brightly with a quantum yield of 27 % and a dual‐band character in a wide pH range. With evidence, among other things, from fluorescence lifetime measurements we suggest that this dual emission feature results from an excited‐state proton transfer (ESPT) process. Furthermore, we find that both absorption and emission of qU are highly sensitive to pH. The high brightness in combination with excitation in the visible and pH responsiveness makes qU an interesting native‐like nucleic acid label in spectroscopy and microscopy applications in, for example, the field of mRNA and antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapeutics.
One‐Step Photochemical Preparation of CdS/Poly(MMA‐co‐MAA) Composite with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Huang Zhenxun , Ma Qingrong , Sun Fengqiang
Published: January 2024

This paper presents a one‐step photochemical method for the preparation of CdS/Poly(MMA‐co‐MAA) composite photocatalyst, based on the concept of simultaneous photocatalytic polymerization of organic monomers during UV‐light induced formation of CdS. The preparation is carried out in an aqueous solution of Na2S2O3, CdSO4, methyl methacrylate (MMA) and methacrylic acid (MAA), under a UV lamp. The continuously formed CdS particles with photocatalytic activity act the role of initiator to directly initiate the copolymerization of MMA and MAA, resulting in the in situ formation of the composite and full contact of the CdS particles with the oxygen‐containing groups in the polymer. Taking the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue as a case study, the composite exhibited significantly higher activity under simulated solar light compared to the pure CdS. By analysis on various data, the enhanced photocatalytic activity is attributed to the enhanced visible light absorption, and especially the high electron‐hole separation efficiency caused by the electrostatic interaction between photogenerated holes and carbonyl oxygen atoms with negatively charged features. Furthermore, the composite displays excellent sunlight activity and recyclability, suggesting its potential for practical applications. Such a one‐step construction strategy relying only on photo‐energy is green, low‐cost and promising in obtaining high‐performance semiconductor/polymer composite photocatalysts.
Total Synthesis of Ganoderma Meroterpenoids Cochlearol B and Its Congeners Driven by Structural Similarity and Biological Homology
Authors: Zhou Qin , Ma Xia , Qiao Jin‐Bao , He Wen‐Jing , Jiang Ming‐Rui , Shao Hui , Zhao Yu‐Ming
Published: January 2024

Secondary metabolites that have the same biological origin must share some relationship in their biosynthesis. Exploring this relationship has always been a significant task for synthetic biologists. However, from the perspective of synthetic chemists, it is equally important to propose, prove, or refute potential biosynthetic pathways in order to elucidate and understand the biosynthesis of homologous secondary metabolites. In this study, driven by the high structural similarity between the homologous Ganoderma meroterpenoids cochlearol B and ganocin B, two chemically synthetic strategies were designed and investigated sequentially for the synthesis of cochlearol B from ganocin B. These strategies include intramolecular metal‐catalyzed hydrogen atom transfer (MHAT) and intramolecular photochemical [2+2] cycloaddition. The aim was to reveal their potential biosynthetic conversion relationship using chemical synthesis methods. As a result, a highly efficient total synthesis of cochlearol B, cochlearol T, cochlearol F, as well as the formal total synthesis of ganocins A–B, and ganocochlearins C–D, has been achieved. Additionally, a novel synthetic approach for the synthesis of 6,6‐disubstituted 6H‐dibenzo[b,d]pyran and its analogues has been developed through palladium(II)‐catalyzed Wacker‐type/cross‐coupling cascade reactions.
Contractility, ventriculoarterial coupling, and stroke work after acute myocardial infarction using CMR‐derived pressure‐volume loop data
Authors: Nordlund David , Lav Theodor , Jablonowski Robert , Khoshnood Ardavan , Ekelund Ulf , Atar Dan , Erlinge David , Engblom Henrik , Arheden Håkan
Published: January 2024

Background

Noninvasive left ventricular (LV) pressure‐volume (PV) loops derived by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) have recently been shown to enable characterization of cardiac hemodynamics. Thus, such PV loops could potentially provide additional diagnostic information such as contractility, arterial elastance (Ea) and stroke work (SW) currently not available in clinical routine. This study sought to investigate to what extent PV‐loop variables derived with a novel noninvasive method can provide incremental physiological information over cardiac dimensions and blood pressure in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods

A total of 100 patients with acute MI and 75 controls were included in the study. All patients underwent CMR 2−6 days after MI including assessment of myocardium at risk (MaR) and infarct size (IS). Noninvasive PV loops were generated from CMR derived LV volumes and brachial blood pressure measurements. The following variables were quantified: Maximal elastance (Emax) reflecting contractility, Ea, ventriculoarterial coupling (Ea/Emax), SW, potential energy, external power, energy per ejected volume, and efficiency.

Results

All PV‐loop variables were significantly different in MI patients compared to healthy volunteers, including contractility (Emax: 1.34 ± 0.48 versus 1.50 ± 0.41 mmHg/mL, p = .024), ventriculoarterial coupling (Ea/Emax: 1.27 ± 0.61 versus 0.73 ± 0.17, p < .001) and SW (0.96 ± 0.32 versus 1.38 ± 0.32 J, p < .001). These variables correlated to both MaR and IS (Emax: r2 = 0.25 and r2 = 0.29; Ea/Emax: r2 = 0.36 and r2 = 0.41; SW: r2 = 0.21 and r2 = 0.25).

Conclusions

Noninvasive PV‐loops provide physiological information beyond conventional diagnostic variables, such as ejection fraction, early after MI, including measures of contractility, ventriculoarterial coupling, and SW.
A digital geometric approach for discrete Voronoi diagram construction using GPU
Authors: Dhar Soumi , Pal Shyamosree , Bhattacharjee Gaurav , Pandey Abhishek
Published: January 2024

Voronoi diagram is a versatile geometric structure used in solving many computational geometry problems in the field of image analysis, computer vision, engineering, medicine, molecular biology and various other disciplines. As a result it is a popular research domain. The literature boasts of many elegant and efficient methods for the construction of the Voronoi diagram in the real space. But these algorithms often fail to perform well when applied to the discrete domain. We present in this paper a novel algorithm for the construction of discrete Voronoi diagram using digital geometric concepts that takes care of the geometric perspective of the Voronoi diagram in the discrete domain. Although our technique is more suited for the CPU but by careful use of some cut‐off heuristics we are able to design a parallel programming approach for the construction of the Voronoi diagram making use of the GPU computational power. The speedup of our algorithm is compatible with the popular GPU technique for Voronoi diagram construction, namely, Jump flood algorithm. But since our algorithm uses the geometric perspective for the construction of Voronoi diagram it gives more accurate output and hence requires no correction step as is the case for the Jump flood algorithm. Furthermore, our approach focuses on extensibility, allowing for easy amenability for construction of higher dimensional Voronoi diagram. This ensures that the Voronoi diagram generation process can be adapted and expanded upon to meet specific requirements or incorporate future enhancements. We present an implementation of the proposed algorithm on a GPU using TAICHI language and describe its performance benefits on multiple input sites.
Cadmium Dicyanoaurates and Their Reaction with Ammonia
Authors: Varju Bryton R. , Pells Jefferson A. , Wollschlaeger Sara A. , Leznoff Daniel B.
Published: January 2024

The synthesis and crystal structures of two anionic cadmium dicyanoaurate coordination polymers, [nBu4N]6[(Cd4Cl4)2(Au(CN)2)12][CdCl4] (TCCA) and [nBu4N]2[Cd(Au(CN)2)4], and their reaction with ammonia vapour is reported. TCCA and the isostructural [nBu4N]6[(Cd4Br4)2(Au(CN)2)12][CdBr4] form 3‐D arrays with [Cd4X4]4+ (X=Cl, Br) cubane clusters linked from each octahedral Cd(II) centre by three bridging [Au(CN)2]− units. TCCA reacts with ammonia with concentrations of 1000 ppm or higher to give a product with a quantum yield of 0.88, while [nBu4N]2[Cd(Au(CN)2)4], which forms a 2‐D anionic Cd[Au(CN)2]2 sheet structure with axially pendant [Au(CN)2]− units, reacts with concentrated ammonia vapour to generate Cd(NH3)2[Au(CN)2]2; this has a similar 2‐D sheet structure but with axial NH3 units. Vibrational spectroscopy illustrated that the reaction of both Cd/[Au(CN)2]‐based materials with ammonia proceeded by breaking Cd‐NC bonds. For [nBu4N]2[Cd(Au(CN)2)4], this results in decomposition into [nBu4N][Au(CN)2] ⋅ 0.5H2O and Cd(NH3)2[Au(CN)2]2, while the reaction of ammonia with TCCA is reversible by heating the ammonia‐bound sample above 110 °C. Cd[Au(CN)2]2 can be prepared by thermal removal of NH3 units from Cd(NH3)2[Au(CN)2]2.
Design and Synthesis of Viologen‐based Copolymers for High Performance Li‐Dual‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Yu Ao , Li Chengqiu , Chen Xianhe , Zhang Chenxing , Mei Shilin , Yao Chang‐Jiang
Published: January 2024

Dual‐ion batteries based on organic electrodes show great potential to break through the bottlenecks existed in conventional LIBs due to their high specific capacity, lifted working voltage, and environmental benignity. Herein, two innovative viologen‐based bipolar copolymers poly(viologen‐pyrene‐4,5,9,10‐tetrone dichloride) (PVPTOCl2) and poly(viologen‐anthraquinone dichloride) (PVAQCl2) were synthesized and applied as high performance cathodes for lithium‐dual‐ion battery. Bearing the dual‐ion storage capability of viologen and carbonyls, as well as the conjugated structure of pyrene‐4,5,9,10‐tetrone, the synthesized copolymers show remarkable electrochemical performances for LIBs. Compared to PVAQCl2, PVPTOCl2 shows superior electrochemical performance with high initial specific capacity (235.0 mAh g−1 at 200 mA g−1), high reversibility (coulombic efficiency up to 99.96 % at 1 A g−1), excellent rate performance (150.3 mAh g−1 at 5 A g−1) and outstanding cycling stability (a reversible capacity of 197.5 mAh g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1 and a low capacity loss per cycle of 0.11‰ during 3000 cycles). Moreover, the charge storage mechanism was systematically investigated by ex‐situ FT‐IR, ex‐situ XPS and DFT calculations. The results clearly reveal the structure‐property relationship of the bipolar‐molecules, providing a new platform to develop efficient bipolar materials for dual‐ion batteries.
A low‐power low‐dropout regulator with improved transient response and power supply rejection
Authors: Rezaei Yeganeh Moradzadeh , Mojarad Mortaza
Published: January 2024

A high‐precision fast‐settling low‐dropout (LDO) regulator has been presented in this paper. A novel frequency compensation scheme has been proposed to acquire wider bandwidth while sufficient stability is guaranteed for all loading conditions without using external compensation capacitors. Moreover, novel auxiliary circuits have been proposed to improve the slew rate and minimize the settling time. The new LDO has been designed in a standard 0.18‐μm CMOS process. Postlayout simulation results show that the LDO achieves 2.7‐ and 2.48‐MHz unity‐gain frequency for 100 and 0 mA of load current, respectively, while the minimum phase margin is 64°. The results also demonstrate that the worst‐case settling time is almost equal to 1.95 μs. It is shown that by using the new slew rate enhancement technique, the settling time has been reduced from 18 to 1.9 μs. The LDO consumes a quiescent current of 21.5 μA, and the power supply rejection is −46 dB at 10‐kHz offset, which makes the LDO capable of adequately suppressing input supply ripples. The large loop gain of the proposed circuit improves the accuracy of the LDO, and the load and line regulations are 0.1 mV/mA and 0.1 mV/V, respectively.
A retrospective analysis of 350 cases of parotid gland tumors and the value of ultrasound in the diagnosis of benign and malignant parotid gland tumors
Authors: Gao Wen , Feng Lifei , Huang Zishi , Chen Duoxuan , Guo Wei , Yin Gaofei , Zhang Yang , Huang Zhigang
Published: January 2024

Objective

To retrospective analysis of the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of parotid gland tumors, and to explore the value of ultrasound in the differentiation of benign and malignant parotid gland tumors.

Methods

The clinical data of 350 patients with parotid gland tumors in our hospital from 2002 to 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. These patients were examined by ultrasound. The postoperative pathological test results were used as the “gold standard” to verify and analyze the value of color Doppler ultrasound in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant parotid tumors (PT).

Results

The male‐to‐female ratio of 350 patients with parotid gland tumors was 1.16:1. The age of patients ranged from 12 to 87 years old. Patients aged 40–65 years accounted for 54.6%, which was the most common age of parotid gland tumors. Among 350 cases, 259 were benign and 91 were malignant. The top three benign PTs were pleomorphic adenoma, Warthin tumor, and basal cell adenoma. The top three malignant tumors were mucoepidermoid carcinoma, acinar cell carcinoma, and adenoid cystic carcinoma. The specificity, sensitivity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of benign and malignant parotid masses were 96.53%, 69.23%, 89.43%, 87.50%, and 87.72%, respectively.

Conclusion

The pathological types of parotid gland tumors are complex and diverse. Ultrasonography has high accuracy in the diagnosis of PT, which can provide important evidence for the differentiation of benign and malignant PT, and then assist in the clinical selection of individualized surgical programs.
Dry ice sublimation performance as affected by binding agent, density, and age
Authors: Hafner Kimberly , Welt Bruce , Pelletier William , Boz Özdemir Ziynet
Published: January 2024

Dry ice is one of the world's most in‐demand commodities for cold chain distribution of temperature sensitive products in insulated shippers. A commonly used rule of thumb is that dry ice sublimates about 8% every 24 h, without consideration for dry ice type, size, or geometry. This study explored sublimation rates of dry ice composition (binding agent and density), age, and geometry (size and shape). Dry ice block manufacturing often involves dosing propylene glycol‐water “binder” solution to liquid carbon dioxide. Tests performed in this study revealed that the binding agent did not influence the dry ice sublimation rate. Dry ice density was found to impact sublimation rate. Fresh and aged blocks of similar dimensions and mass were found to have similar performance outcomes. Mass loss curves for pellets and various sized dry ice blocks showed a dependence on surface area and volume. Chunked blocks and pellets with and without binding agent sublimated at similar rates of 2.84 and 2.53% h−1 (w/w), respectively, whereas block varieties with significantly lower surface area to volume ratios had lower sublimation rates of 0.98–1.60% h−1.
Experimental Study on Microwave Drying Characteristics of Granite Slabs
Authors: Bi Wenbo , Liu Na , Wang Xinyu
Published: January 2024

Granite slabs are a significant building material, which is widely used in the construction field. An important process in granite slab processing is drying treatment. Currently traditional drying methods such as natural drying and hot air drying have inherent drawbacks such as high energy consumption and low efficiency, which pose higher requirements for drying processes. Herein, a kinetic model of microwave drying for characterizing the variation rule of moisture content in the drying process of granite sheets is established. The effects of microwave power and plate thickness on the drying characteristics of granite slabs are studied through a large number of comparative experiments. On this basis, the variation rule of granite slab moisture ratio during the drying process is further obtained. Experimental results show that microwave drying of granite mainly includes accelerated drying and reduced drying stages, which are consistent with the predicted results of the model. These excellent results prove the effectiveness of the proposed model in this article.
Ecological restoration success on the Loess Plateau of China: A qualitative and quantitative exploration based on rephotography
Authors: Liu Lanmin , Gao Yanchen , Chen Junru , Zvomuya Francis , He Hailong
Published: January 2024

Ecological restoration programs such as the “Grain for Green Project” (GFGP) have significantly reduced soil erosion and increased vegetation cover on the Loess Plateau (LP) of China over the last decades. The LP has become the paragon of ecological restoration and soil and water conservation across the world and has been highlighted by numerous reports in the literature. However, there is a lack of “seeing is believing” evidence (that is, a picture is worth a thousand words) depicting the effectiveness of the ecological restoration on the LP. Rephotography (repeat photography) was used in this study to compare historical and current photographs of the same locations to explore the landscape changes associated with ecological restoration. Twenty‐nine photo pairs between 1925 and 2021 were compiled and combined with satellite imagery and the deduced Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) between 1986 and 2021. This allowed the establishment of a rephotography library reflecting the achievements of ecological remediation and reconstruction on the LP. This in turn provides intuitive and detailed evidence for the ecological environment construction of the LP and resonates with the notion of “lucid waters and lush mountains being invaluable assets”. In addition to presenting a great opportunity to investigate landscape change over time, which is difficult to discern using other approaches, the study provides a scientific reference and a basis for government decision‐making. The potential use of rephotography for calibrating remote sensed data was also discussed. Good agreement was found between the NDVI derived from rephotography of large areas and NDVI derived from satellite imageries, which may facilitate the accurate reconstruction of time series NDVI.
The Use of TOEFL iBT® in Admissions Decisions: Stakeholder Perceptions of Policies and Practices
Authors: Cushing Sara T. , Ren Haoshan , Tan Yi
Published: January 2024

This paper reports partial results from a larger study of how three different groups of stakeholders—university admissions officers, faculty in graduate programs involved in admissions decisions, and Intensive English Program (IEP) faculty—interpret and use TOEFL iBT® scores in making admissions decisions or preparing students to meet minimum test score requirements. Our overall goal was to gain a better understanding of the perceived role of English language proficiency in admissions decisions and the internal and external factors that inform decisions about acceptable ways to demonstrate proficiency and minimal standards. To that end, we designed surveys for each stakeholder group that contained questions for all groups and questions specific to each group. This report focuses on the questions that were common to all three groups across two areas: (1) understandings of and participation in institutional policy making around English language proficiency tests and (2) knowledge of and attitudes toward the TOEFL iBT test itself. Our results suggested that, as predicted, university admissions staff were the most aware of and involved in policy making but frequently consulted with ESL experts such as IEP faculty when setting policies. This stakeholder group was also the most knowledgeable about the TOEFL iBT test. Faculty in graduate programs varied in their understanding of and involvement in policy making and reported the least familiarity with the test. However, they reported that more information about many aspects of the test would help them make better admissions decisions. The results of the study add to the growing literature on language assessment literacy among various stakeholder groups, especially in terms of identifying aspects of assessment literacy that are important to different groups of stakeholders.
Impact of salvage chemotherapy after immune checkpoint inhibitor for recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer
Authors: Matoba Takuma , Minohara Kiyoshi , Kawakita Daisuke , Sawabe Michi , Takano Gaku , Oguri Keisuke , Murashima Akihiro , Iwaki Sho , Tsuge Hiroshi , Imaizumi Sae , Hojo Wataru , Kondo Ayano , Tsukamoto Koji , Iwasaki Shinichi
Published: January 2024

Background

It is unclear witch regimen is optimal as salvage chemotherapy (SCT) after immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) monotherapy for recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer (RM‐HNC).

Methods

This study enrolled 109 patients. Overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival 2 (PFS2) were compared between patients stratified by SCT regimen.

Results

Of the 109 patients, 55 underwent SCT after the failure of ICI monotherapy. The OS of these 55 patients was longer than that of patients who did not undergo SCT. The OS and PFS2 were similar between patients treated with paclitaxel (PTX) and cetuximab (Cmab) combination and those treated with PTX monotherapy. The occurrence of irAEs did not impact PFS2 nor OS.

Conclusions

SCT can improve the survival outcomes of patients with RM‐HNC. In addition to PTX and Cmab, PTX monotherapy is also considered an effective SCT regimen. SCT is effective regardless of the presence or absence of irAEs.
Recent advances in breast cancer cell line research
Authors: Sharma Manika P , Shukla Supriya , Misra Gauri
Published: January 2024

Breast cancer, a formidable global health challenge, needs continuous translational research to understand the complexity of mechanisms and improve therapeutic and diagnostic strategies. Breast cancer cell lines are of paramount importance as they significantly contribute to the initial stage of research to understand cancer biology. This review provides insights into targeted therapies and immunotherapies that have emerged using in vitro models and microbiome analysis. It focuses on therapeutic development using cell lines and the limitations of tumor heterogeneity and microenvironment. We explore the evolving landscape of breast cancer cell lines from two‐dimensional (2‐D) cultures to patient‐derived xenograft (PDX) models advancing both fundamental and translational research. Patient‐derived xenografts, cell line‐derived xenografts (CDX), three‐dimensional (3‐D) cultures, organoids, and circulating tumor cells (CTC) models provide promising alternatives that capture the intricacies of the tumor microenvironment. This review bridges the gap between traditional cell lines and newer developments exploring the therapeutic and diagnostic advancements and needs for cell lines to expedite the progress in breast cancer research and treatment.
Digitalization and firms' systematic risk in China
Authors: Jiang Kangqi , Zhou Mengling , Chen Zhongfei
Published: January 2024

Previous literature indicates that digitalization offers enterprises competitive advantages. However, However, its potential impact on risk management remains uncertain. Thus, this study explores the causality between digital transformation and systematic risk of Chinese public companies during 2007–2020. We developed a digital‐related keywords dictionary using textual analysis to identify investments in digital assets which serve as a measure of corporate digitalization. Our findings suggest a negative correlation between digital transformation and enterprise systematic risk. This relationship is further supported by robustness tests, adjustments for endogeneity, and random forest predictions. The risk‐reducing effect of digitalization is more pronounced in non‐state‐owned, small, high‐asset‐density, and low‐investor‐attention enterprises. Additionally, we explore potential mechanisms: the financial leverage channel, operating leverage channel, and investor loyalty channel. Empirical observations indicate that enterprise digitalization: (1) lowers financing costs, curbing an inclination towards excessive debt; (2) enhances operational cost management and stimulates sales growth; and (3) boosts long‐term investor holdings, decreases stock price synchronization, and mitigates crash risks. This study offers new insights into assessing the sustainability of digitalization and mitigating systematic risks of enterprises.
Impact of sentinel lymph node mapping on survival in patients with high‐risk endometrial cancer in the early stage: A matched cohort study
Authors: Jaafar Eya , Gaultier Victor , Wohrer Henri , Estevez Juan Pablo , Gonthier Clementine , Koskas Martin
Published: January 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare patient survival using sentinel lymph node (SLN) procedure and pelvic lymphadenectomy for stating early‐stage high risk endometrial cancer.

Methods

Patients who underwent surgery for early‐stage high risk endometrial cancer between 2010 and 2017 were extracted from the incidence registry of the SEER program. We identified patients who underwent SLN mapping. Patients who initially underwent pelvic lymphadenectomy were selected as the comparison group. One‐to‐one matching was performed according to age, ethnicity, histology, extension and grade. The primary outcome was disease‐specific survival. The secondary outcome was overall survival.

Results

A total of 326 patients who underwent SLN mapping and 326 who underwent pelvic lymphadenectomy initially were included in the study. The three‐year analysis did not find a significant difference between the SLN and lymphadenectomy groups on disease‐specific survival probability (88.2% vs 82.7, P = 0.07) and on overall survival probability (82.7% vs 78.2%, P = 0.57). Patients who underwent SLN mapping had a lower mean number of lymph nodes removed (mean 3 vs 16, P < 0.001) and there was a higher rate of patients with positive pelvic lymph nodes (18% vs 14%, P = 0.04). Following adjustment for confounding factors, disease‐specific survival did not vary according to the lymph node intervention performed (P = 0.056), but the SLN group had better overall survival than those in the lymphadenectomy group (P = 0.047).

Conclusion

The SLN technique was not associated with poorer disease‐specific survival than pelvic lymphadenectomy even after adjustment. These results suggest that SLN is an acceptable and safe procedure in surgical staging for early‐stage high‐risk endometrial cancer.
Impact of 2 years of COVID‐19 pandemic on preterm birth: Experience from a tertiary center of obstetrics in western Germany
Authors: Nagel Laura E. , Reisch Beatrix , Schwenk Udo , Kimmig Klaus Rainer , Darkwah Oppong Marvin , Dzietko Mark , Gellhaus Alexandra , Iannaccone Antonella
Published: January 2024

Objective

To compare preterm birth rates and reasons before and during the COVID‐19‐pandemic using a monocentric, retrospective study.

Methods

Univariate analysis identified differences in rates and reasons for preterm birth and neonatal outcomes between the pre‐pandemic period (January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2019) and during the pandemic (January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021) among all births at our tertiary obstetrical center, the University Hospital of Essen.

Results

The cohort consisted of 6086 deliveries with 593 liveborn preterm singletons. During the pandemic, the incidence of preterm birth decreased (10.7% vs. 8.6%; odds ratio [OR] 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.66–0.93). Spontaneous preterm birth (43.2% vs. 52.3%; OR 1.47; 95% CI 1.05–2.03), and placenta accreta spectrum disorder (3.7% vs. 8.2%; OR 2.36; 95% CI 1.15–4.84) were more common reasons for preterm birth. Placental dysfunction was a less common reason (34.1% vs. 24.3%; OR 0.62; 95% CI 0.43–0.90). Incidences of preterm premature rupture of membranes (28.13% vs. 40.25%; OR 1.72; 95% CI 1.12–2.43) and oligo−/anhydramnios (3.98% vs. 7.88%; OR 2.06; 95% CI 1.02–4.21) increased. Iatrogenic preterm birth decreased (54.5% vs. 49.5%; OR 0.81; 95% CI 0.58–1.13). Stillbirth rates did not change significantly. Among term births, there were fewer spontaneous deliveries (71.0% vs. 65.8%; OR 0.78; 95% CI 0.69–0.88), and more elective (12.3% vs. 15.1%; OR 1.26; 95% CI 1.07–1.50) and unplanned (9.3% vs. 10.9%; OR 1.19; 95% CI 0.98–1.45) cesarean sections. During the pandemic, more term newborns were admitted to neonatal intensive care (1.4% vs. 2.5%; OR 1.86; 95% CI 1.20–2.88).

Conclusion

Our results, in line with data from other high‐income countries, suggest that the likely reason for the decreased preterm birth rates is the underdiagnosis of pregnancy complications.
Mandatory seatbelt laws and traffic fatalities: A reassessment
Authors: Anderson D. Mark , Liang Yang , Sabia Joseph J.
Published: January 2024

Using data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System for the period 1983–1997, Cohen and Einav (Review of Economics and Statistics 2003; 85[4]: 828–843) found that mandatory seatbelt laws were associated with a 4–6% reduction in traffic fatalities among motor vehicle occupants. After successfully replicating their two‐way fixed effects estimates, we (1) add 22 years of data (1998–2019) to capture additional seatbelt policy variation and observe a longer post‐treatment period, (2) employ the interaction‐weighted estimator proposed by Sun and Abraham (2021) to address potential bias due to heterogeneous and dynamic treatment effects, and (3) estimate event‐study models to investigate pre‐treatment trends and explore lagged post‐treatment effects. Consistent with Cohen and Einav (2003), our updated estimates show that primary seatbelt laws are associated with a 5 to 9% reduction in fatalities among motor vehicle occupants. Estimated effects of secondary seatbelt laws are smaller in magnitude and sensitive to model choice.
The macroeconomy as a random forest
Authors: Goulet Coulombe Philippe
Published: January 2024

I develop the macroeconomic random forest (MRF), an algorithm adapting the canonical machine learning (ML) tool, to flexibly model evolving parameters in a linear macro equation. Its main output, generalized time‐varying parameters (GTVPs), is a versatile device nesting many popular nonlinearities (threshold/switching, smooth transition, and structural breaks/change) and allowing for sophisticated new ones. The approach delivers clear forecasting gains over numerous alternatives, predicts the 2008 drastic rise in unemployment, and performs well for inflation. Unlike most ML‐based methods, MRF is directly interpretable—via its GTVPs. For instance, the successful unemployment forecast is due to the influence of forward‐looking variables (e.g., term spreads and housing starts) nearly doubling before every recession. Interestingly, the Phillips curve has indeed flattened, and its might is highly cyclical.
Comparative anatomy, histochemistry and phytochemistry of three species of the genus TarenayaRaf
Authors: dos Santos Magalhães Cledson , da Silva Flávia Carolina Lins , Randau Karina Perrelli
Published: January 2024

This study addresses the morphological similarities and taxonomic complexity of the genus Tarenaya Raf. of the family Cleomaceae Bercht. & J. Presl as well as the medicinal use of their species. The research compares potential anatomical diagnostic characters of the vegetative organs of species Tarenaya aculeata, Tarenaya diffusa, and Tarenaya spinosa to determine authenticity parameters. The study also carried out histochemical and phytochemical analyses of leaf blades to explore the medicinal use of these species. Semipermanent slides containing cross sections of the stems, petioles, and leaf blades, as well as paradermal sections of leaf blades, were prepared. The analyses were carried out in light and polarized optical microscopy. The histochemical analysis included different reagents depending on the target metabolite, which were analyzed by optical and fluorescence microscopy. Phytochemical tests of the methanolic extracts of the leaves were performed using thin layer chromatography. Anatomical characterization showed the characters of general occurrence in the family Cleomaceae and those that allow the differentiation of T. aculeata, T. diffusa, and T. spinosa. Histochemistry revealed the synthesis and/or storage sites of the metabolites and phytochemical tests; it was possible to observe the presence of different metabolites. The results bring comparative data on the anatomical and histochemical characterization of the species, thus increasing the taxonomic knowledge of the genus Tarenaya.

Research Highlights

The comparative anatomy of three Tarenaya from Brazil was studied.

Anatomical differences in different vegetative organs differ species.

Differences in histochemistry and phytochemistry.
Drug‐related: A case of idiopathic mesenteric phlebosclerosis combined with calcification of the esophageal veins
Authors: Liu Chang , Li Li
Published: January 2024

Idiopathic mesenteric phlebosclerosis (IMP) is characterized by mesenteric vein calcification and ischemic bowel disease. We describe a unique clinical case of IMP in a patient with a history of oral administration of various drugs, including traditional Chinese medicines (mainly selfheal), vitamin D, and calcium supplements. The disease was not diagnosed in its early stages and was later detected because of the initial symptoms of chest tightness and difficulties in swallowing. During medical examination, esophageal venous sinuses were found through gastroscopy, and CT revealed thickening and widespread calcification of the colonic wall (esophageal wall calcification). Moreover, typical purple‐brown changes in the colonic mucosa were found during colonoscopy. Microscopic examination showed more foam phagocyte, focal lymphocyte aggregation, small‐vessel proliferation, and surrounding collagen‐like deposition which is a typical finding of IMP. More specifically, the patient's mesenteric veins and colon veins were calcified, and the calcification extended to the esophageal veins. These findings were related to long‐term use of traditional Chinese medicines (mainly selfheal). It is possible that excessive intake vitamin D and calcium supplementation may have played a role in the occurrence of vascular calcification, which might have exacerbated the progression of IMP disease.