bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indazole to 2‐Cyanoindole Scaffold Progression for Mycobacterial Lipoamide Dehydrogenase Inhibitors Achieves Extended Target Residence Time and Improved Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Sun Shan , Ginn John , Kochanczyk Tomasz , Arango Nancy , Jiang Xiuju , Huggins David J. , Bean James , Michino Mayako , Baxt Leigh , Liverton Nigel , Meinke Peter T. , Bryk Ruslana
Published: July 2024

Tuberculosis remains a leading cause of death from a single infection worldwide. Drug resistance to existing and even new antimycobacterials calls for research into novel targets and unexplored mechanisms of action. Recently we reported on the development of tight‐binding inhibitors of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) lipoamide dehydrogenase (Lpd), which selectively inhibit the bacterial but not the human enzyme based on a differential modality of inhibitor interaction with these targets. Here we report on the striking improvement in inhibitor residence time on the Mtb enzyme associated with scaffold progression from an indazole to 2‐cyanoindole. Cryo‐EM of Lpd with the bound 2‐cyanoindole inhibitor 19 confirmed displacement of the buried water molecule deep in the binding channel with a cyano group. The ensuing hours‐long improvement in on‐target residence time is associated with enhanced antibacterial activity in axenic culture and in primary mouse macrophages. Resistance to 2‐cyanoindole inhibitors involves mutations within the inhibitor binding site that have little effect on inhibitor affinity but change the modality of inhibitor‐target interaction, resulting in fast dissociation from Lpd. These findings underscore that on‐target residence time is a major determinant of antibacterial activity and in vivo efficacy.
Photoinduced Electron Donor Acceptor Complex‐Enabled α‐C(sp3)−H Alkenylation of Amines
Authors: Lu Jianzhong , Yuan Kaiyao , Zheng Jialian , Zhang He , Chen Shuting , Ma Ji , Liu Xinyu , Tu Binbin , Zhang Guozhu , Guo Rui
Published: July 2024

Allylic amines are prevalent and vital structural components present in many bioactive compounds and natural products. Additionally, they serve as valuable intermediates and building blocks, with wide‐ranging applications in organic synthesis. However, direct α‐C(sp3)−H alkenylation of feedstock amines, particularly for the preparation of α‐alkenylated cyclic amines, has posed a longstanding challenge. Herein, we present a general, mild, operationally simple, and transition‐metal‐free α‐alkenylation of various readily available amines with alkenylborate esters in excellent E/Z ‐ and diastereoselectivities. This method features good compatibility with water and oxygen, broad substrate scope, and excellent functional group tolerance, thereby enabling the late‐stage modification of various complex molecules. Mechanistic studies suggest that the formation of a photoactive electron donor‐acceptor complex between 2‐iodobenzamide and the tetraalkoxyborate anion, which subsequently undergoes photoinduced single electron transfer and intramolecular 1,5‐hydrogen atom transfer to generate the crucial α‐amino radicals, is the key to success of this chemistry.
Short‐cut polyisophthaloyl metaphenylene diamine fiber reinforced polyimide aerogel composites for improving thermal insulation and mechanical performance
Authors: Liu Chen , Wang Boxue , Zhang Jin , Chen Mingpeng , Liu Qingju
Published: July 2024

Polyimide aerogels are often constrained by the poor mechanical performance when used as thermal insulation. In addition, there is requirement for flame retardant performance in the practical use. In this paper, a fiber‐reinforced polyimide aerogel material was prepared by compounding polyisophthaloyl metaphenylene diamine fibers with the aerogel, which present good thermal insulation and excellent mechanical properties, flame retardancy, thermal stability, and certain hydrophobicity, as well as being very lightweight. The compressive strength of the polyimide aerogel was increased from 0.34 to 0.58 MPa by using the fibers as the reinforcing phase; meanwhile, the flame‐retardant property was improved, and the limit oxygen index was increased from 33.8 to 36.5. The composite aerogel material has good potential for application in the fields of thermal insulation, building insulation, aerospace, etc.
Facile construction of recyclable heat‐resistant polymers via alkaline‐induced cation‐π cross‐linking
Authors: Yuan Rui , Huang Ying , Ma Tengning , Kang Ming , Yang Li , Liang Qianqian , Chang Guanjun
Published: July 2024

The cation‐π cross‐linked heat‐resistant K‐poly(N‐aryleneindole sulphone) PINSU film, which has a high glass transition temperature (Tg = 268°C) and a decomposition temperature (Td = 547°C), was prepared by soaking PINSU film in alkaline aqueous solutions. Compared with the linear polymer PINSU, the Tg and Td of the K‐PINSU were significantly enhanced. The dynamic cation‐π cross‐linking can be reversibly removed and reconstructed driven by external stimulations in the polymer network, which endows the cross‐linked K‐PINSU with cyclable behavior and excellent mechanical stability. In addition, we have successfully demonstrated that the Tg of the K‐PINSU can be nondestructively detected by monitoring the changes in fluorescence intensity.
Validating motor delays across the developmental coordination disorder‐questionnaire and the Vineland adaptive behavior scales (VABS) in children with autism spectrum disorderASD: A SPARK dataset analysis
Authors: Bhat A. N.
Published: July 2024

Motor delays in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are being increasingly recognized using a brief screening tool, called the Developmental Coordination Disorder‐Questionnaire (DCD‐Q). Further validation of these motor delays using a more robust normed, developmental measure is clearly warranted. In this analysis, a nationally representative sample from the SPARK study was used wherein parents completed the DCD‐Q and a more widely used developmental/adaptive functioning measure, called the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS); which comprises of various developmental domains including the motor domain (N = 2,644 completed the DCD‐Q and VABS). Eighty two percent children with ASD had a motor delay based on their DCD‐Q scores whereas 77% children with ASD had a motor delay based on their VABS motor domain scores. Approximately 70% children with ASD had concurrent motor delay on the DCD‐Q and the VABS (i.e., positive predictive value of DCD‐Q). Furthermore, there was 81.2% accuracy in reporting a risk/no risk of motor delay across both measures. Overall, these statistics align with the recent reports on proportions of children with ASD having motor delays. Parents of ~70% children with ASD are reporting motor delays that are corroborated across two different motor measures. This not only validates the motor delays reported based on the DCD‐Q but also indicates the need for concurrent motor screening using both DCD‐Q and VABS for better detection of motor delays in children with ASD. Only 10%–32% of the current SPARK sample received any physical or recreational therapies. This mismatch between presence of motor delays and the lack of access to motor services highlights the need for more motor intervention referrals for children with ASD.
Novel calibration design improves knowledge transfer across products for the characterization of pharmaceutical bioprocesses
Authors: Helleckes Laura M. , Wirnsperger Claus , Polak Jakub , Guillén‐Gosálbez Gonzalo , Butté Alessandro , von Stosch Moritz
Published: July 2024

Modern machine learning has the potential to fundamentally change the way bioprocesses are developed. In particular, horizontal knowledge transfer methods, which seek to exploit data from historical processes to facilitate process development for a new product, provide an opportunity to rethink current workflows. In this work, we first assess the potential of two knowledge transfer approaches, meta learning and one‐hot encoding, in combination with Gaussian process (GP) models. We compare their performance with GPs trained only on data of the new process, that is, local models. Using simulated mammalian cell culture data, we observe that both knowledge transfer approaches exhibit test set errors that are approximately halved compared to those of the local models when two, four, or eight experiments of the new product are used for training. Subsequently, we address the question whether experiments for a new product could be designed more effectively by exploiting existing knowledge. In particular, we suggest to specifically design a few runs for the novel product to calibrate knowledge transfer models, a task that we coin calibration design. We propose a customized objective function to identify a set of calibration design runs, which exploits differences in the process evolution of historical products. In two simulated case studies, we observed that training with calibration designs yields similar test set errors compared to common design of experiments approaches. However, the former requires approximately four times fewer experiments. Overall, the results suggest that process development could be significantly streamlined when systematically carrying knowledge from one product to the next.
Trends in primary care blood tests prior to lung and colorectal cancer diagnosis—A retrospective cohort study using linked Australian data
Authors: Rafiq Meena , Drosdowsky Allison , Solomon Ben , Alexander Marliese , Gibbs Peter , Wright Gavin , Yeung Justin M. , Lyratzopoulos Georgios , Emery Jon
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Abnormal results in common blood tests may occur several months before lung cancer (LC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis. Identifying early blood markers of cancer and distinct blood test signatures could support earlier diagnosis in general practice.

Methods

Using linked Australian primary care and hospital cancer registry data, we conducted a cohort study of 855 LC and 399 CRC patients diagnosed between 2001 and 2021. Requests and results from general practice blood tests (six acute phase reactants [APR] and six red blood cell indices [RBCI]) were examined in the 2 years before cancer diagnosis. Poisson regression models were used to estimate monthly incidence rates and examine pre‐diagnostic trends in blood test use and abnormal results prior to cancer diagnosis, comparing patterns in LC and CRC patients.

Results

General practice blood test requests increase from 7 months before CRC and 6 months before LC diagnosis. Abnormalities in many APR and RBCI tests increase several months before cancer diagnosis, often occur prior to or in the absence of anaemia (in 51% of CRC and 81% of LC patients with abnormalities), and are different in LC and CRC patients.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates an increase in diagnostic activity in Australian general practice several months before LC and CRC diagnosis, indicating potential opportunities for earlier diagnosis. It identifies blood test abnormalities and distinct signatures that are early markers of LC and CRC. If combined with other pre‐diagnostic information, these blood tests have potential to support GPs in prioritising patients for cancer investigation of different sites to expedite diagnosis.
Retinoic acid reduces kidney injury by regulating oxidative stress, NRF‐2, and apoptosis in hyperoxic mice
Authors: Kayalar Ozgecan , Bayrak Bertan Boran , Yildirim Merve , Yanardag Refiye , Oztay Fusun
Published: July 2024

Nuclear factor‐erythroid‐2‐related factor‐2 (NRF‐2) is a cellular resistance protein to oxidants. We investigated the effect of exogenous all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on the antioxidant system and NRF‐2 in mice kidneys under hyperoxia‐induced oxidative stress. Mice were divided into four groups. Daily, two groups were given either peanut‐oil/dimethyl sulfoxide (PoDMSO) mixture or 50 mg/kg ATRA. Oxidative stress was induced by hyperoxia in the remaining groups. They were treated with PoDMSO or ATRA as described above, following hyperoxia (100% oxygen) for 72 h. NRF‐2 and active‐caspase‐3 levels, lipid peroxidation (LPO), activities of antioxidant enzymes, xanthine oxidase (XO), paraoxonase1 (PON1), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), tissue factor (TF), and prolidase were assayed in kidneys. Hyperoxia causes kidney damage induced by oxidative stress and apoptosis. Increased LPO, LDH, TF, and XO activities and decreased PON1 and prolidase activities contributed to kidney damage in hyperoxic mice. After hyperoxia, increases in the activities of antioxidant enzymes and NRF‐2 level could not prevent this damage. ATRA attenuated damage via its oxidative stress‐lowering effect. The decreased LDH and TF activities increased PON1 and prolidase activities, and normalized antioxidant statuses are indicators of the positive effects of ATRA. We recommend that ATRA can be used as a renoprotective agent against oxidative stress induced‐kidney damage.
Complex Formation and Hydrolytic Processes of Protected Peptides Containing the −SXH− Motif in the Presence of Nickel(II) Ion
Authors: Sándor Balázs , Grenács Ágnes , Nagy Lajos , Hollóczki Oldamur , Várnagy Katalin
Published: July 2024

Interactions between metal ions and proteins are considered reversible, such as the coordination of a metal ion to a protein or enzyme, but irreversible processes like the oxidative reactions, aggregation or hydrolytic processes may occur. In the presence of Ni(II)‐ions selective hydrolysis of the peptides containing the −SXH− or −TXH− motif was observed. Since the side chain of histidine serves as the metal ion binding site for many native proteins, and very often histidine is present in a −SXH− or −TXH− sequence, to study the complex formation and hydrolytic processes in presence of nickel(II) ion four peptides were synthesised: Ac‐SKHM‐NH2, A3SSH‐NH2, A4SSH‐NH2, AAAϵKSH‐NH2. The Ni(II)‐induced hydrolysis of Ac‐SKHM‐NH2 peptide occurs rapidly in alkaline medium already at room temperature. In two peptides containing −SSH− sequence on the C‐termini, the N‐terminal part is the major binding site for the nickel(II) ion, but the formation of dinuclear complexes was also observed. In the [Ni2LH−6]2− complex of hexapeptide, the coordination sphere of the metal ions is saturated with deprotonated Ser‐O−, which does not result in hydrolysis of the peptide. For A4SSH‐NH2, both Ni(II) ions fulfill the conditions for hydrolysis, which was confirmed by HPLC analyses at pH ≈8.2 and 25 °C.
Left main coronary artery aneurysm occlusion presenting as myocardial infarction with cardiogenic shock: Patient saved by securing left anterior descending artery at cost the of other vessels
Authors: Chandra Sharad , Choudhary Rajeev Krishna , Shukla Ayush , Chaudhary Gaurav , Mahalawat Somya , Nagar Saurabh , Sharma Akhil
Published: July 2024

Key Clinical Message

Coronary artery aneurysms and ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction are rare in clinical practice, presenting a management challenge. To the best of our knowledge, this case appears to be the first successful percutaneous treatment of a completely obstructed aneurysmal left main coronary artery.
Goat milk as the connecting link in dengue and brucella coinfection
Authors: Khanal Shambhu , Subedi Prativa , Bhandari Sushmita
Published: July 2024

In areas with widespread prevalence of myth of goat milk as a platelet booster, the goat milk can be connecting link in dengue and brucella coinfection.
Diagnostic and therapy of an early‐stage primary leiomyosarcoma of the sigmoid colon: A case report
Authors: Fickenscher M. , Gvozdenovic N. , Ponsel O.
Published: July 2024

Key Clinical Message

Primary leiomyosarcoma of the colon is a very rare tumor entity. Because of unspecific findings, diagnostic can be challenging. Most cases are diagnosed in advanced stages with poor overall survival. Unclear histological findings of smooth muscle cell tissue in colon biopsies together with a tumor of the colon wall in computed tomography (CT) imaging should lead to the differential diagnosis of primary colonic leiomyosarcoma and further diagnostic procedures.

Primary colonic leiomyosarcoma is an extremely rare tumor entity arising from smooth muscle cells in the colon wall. Only 0.1% of all colorectal malignancies are leiomyosarcomas. Most patients are diagnosed in advanced disease stages. The overall survival rates are low, and recurrence rates are high. Only few data regarding the outcome in localized early disease stages are available. We report the case of an early‐stage primary leiomyosarcoma of the sigmoid colon treated with surgical resection. We present the case of a 53‐year‐old male patient who underwent a colonoscopy due to intermittent rectal bleeding. Colonoscopy revealed an intraluminal polypoid growing tumor in the sigmoid colon. A biopsy was performed with inconclusive histological results. A CT scan revealed a process in the sigmoid colon with wall thickening; there was no evidence of metastatic lesions. After laparoscopic oncological resection of the sigmoid colon, histological examination surprisingly revealed a localized high‐grade leiomyosarcoma. Primary leiomyosarcoma of the colon is a rare tumor entity and diagnostic can be challenging. Only a few patients with colonic leiomyosarcoma diagnosed in localized early disease stages and treated with complete surgical resection have been reported in the literature. These patients seem to have a better prognosis with longer overall survival. Because of unspecific diagnostic findings and the lack of symptoms in early disease stages, interdisciplinary collaborations between gastroenterologists, radiologists, pathologists, and surgeons are crucial for early diagnosis and treatment.
Remarkable improvement of symptoms and signs of severe dry eye treated by ocular immersion hydrotherapy
Authors: Tao Yong , Cui Haoran , Zhang Shuang , Zhang Tao
Published: July 2024

Key Clinical Message

Traditional treatment options are often insufficient in treating severe dry eyes caused by systemic diseases. This case demonstrates that ocular immersion hydrotherapy significantly alleviated symptoms and ocular surface inflammation in ocular graft‐versus‐host disease. Based on these findings, we propose it as a promising option for managing severe dry eye disease.

This case report investigates the efficacy of ocular immersion hydrotherapy (OIH) in treating severe dry eye secondary to ocular graft‐versus‐host disease (oGVHD). A 35‐year‐old female with a history of acute myeloid leukemia‐M2 and subsequent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) developed high‐intensity oGVHD unresponsive to conventional treatments, including topical corticosteroids and lubricants. We introduced OIH, utilizing sterilized swimming goggles filled with intraocular irrigating solutions, providing a moist microenvironment for the ocular surface. Symptoms were significantly relieved after treatment. Corneal filaments and epithelial defects were significantly reduced, and in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) demonstrated resolution of inflammation and reappearance of corneal nerves. This case indicates that OIH could be a promising therapeutic approach for severe dry eye conditions arising from oGVHD, particularly for patients refractory to traditional treatments. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the long‐term benefits and mechanisms of OIH in oGVHD management.
Dynamic Kinetic Resolution of 2‐Hydroxybiaryl Atropisomers via Lipase‐Catalyzed Enantioselective O‐Acylation
Authors: Dhiman Neha , Moustafa Gamal A. I. , Kasama Kengo , Aoyama Hiroshi , Kanomata Kyohei , Gröger Harald , Akai Shuji
Published: July 2024

The increasing interest in axially chiral biaryl moieties, which are prevalent in chiral ligands, organocatalysts, and bioactive molecules, has raised the need for developing novel efficient synthetic methods for these types of molecules. In addition to the currently available methods, such as kinetic resolution, desymmetrization and enantio‐ and diastereo‐selective biaryl coupling, we herein report a lipase‐catalyzed dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) of racemic 2‐hydroxybiaryls through enantioselective O‐acylation. This method features the production of enantiomerically enriched atropisomers (89 %–98 % ee) in 91 %–99 % yields from eleven racemates. Notably, the DKR proceeds without any racemization catalyst since in situ‐racemization was achieved by easy rotation about the biaryl axis of the substrates. The enzymatic O‐acylation then furnished conformationally stable biaryl‐containing esters, in which the increased steric bulkiness of the O‐acyl moiety suppresses the rotation, i. e., racemization, under the reaction conditions of 35–50 °C. This experimental study was accompanied by a computational determination of the rotational barrier of substrates and products. The choice of suitable substrates with a significant difference in their rotational barrier compared to that of their products turned out to be the key to an efficient implementation of this method.
Influence of Catalyst Structural Remodelling on The Performance of NH3‐SCR Reactions: A Mini Review
Authors: Liu Jun , Lv Dengke , Wang Ying , Zhao Yuqiong , Li Guoqiang , Zhang Guojie
Published: July 2024

With the continuous expansion of industrial activities worldwide, industrial emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) pose a serious threat to both ecosystems and human health. Ammonia selective catalytic reduction of NO (NH3‐SCR) technology has emerged as the most effective means to reduce NOx emissions, and the development of catalysts is crucial for the successful implementation of this technology. In gas‐solid multiphase catalytic systems, the performance limitations of conventional catalysts can be effectively overcome by meticulously designing the nanostructures of the catalysts to achieve improved catalytic efficiency. In this review, the unique structural features of core‐shell structures, layered double hydroxide (LDHs), hollow nano spheres and nanotubes, along with their preparation processes, are systematically examined, beginning with the effects of structural changes on catalytic performance. Based on this review, the impact of structural modifications on the catalytic efficiency of the catalysts for the NH3‐SCR reaction and their anti‐poisoning performance were investigated. Ultimately, the influence of catalyst structural changes on the future design of catalysts is anticipated. This provides a robust scientific foundation for the conception of higher performance catalysts, paving the way for technological innovation and advancements in NOx emission reduction practices.
High‐Temperature Heat Pumps for Industrial Use
Authors: Bever Paul‐Michael , Bless Frédéric , Arpagaus Cordin , Bertsch Stefan S.
Published: July 2024

Compared to heat pumps established in the building sector, high‐temperature heat pumps (HTHPs) suitable for industrial use still face challenges, not only from a mechanical engineering point of view but also regarding integration into existing processes. They need to supply larger amounts of heat at higher temperatures. The mere replacement of a gas boiler by an HTHP will rarely deliver an energy‐efficient solution. Instead, these units must often be tailored to the application and vice versa, making specifications a complex task. This paper intends to link thermodynamic and economic basics of HTHPs to the process engineering of the actual production process. It also ventures an outlook on the economic and regulatory boundary conditions in the EU as corner stones for a sustainable investment decision.
An SIR‐based Bayesian framework for COVID‐19 infection estimation
Authors: Wu Haoyu , Stephens David A. , Moodie Erica E. M.
Published: July 2024

Estimating the COVID‐19 infection fatality rate, inferring the latent incidence and predicting the future epidemic evolution are critical to public health surveillance, but often challenging due to limited data availability or quality. Recently, a Bayesian framework combining time series deconvolution of deaths with a parametric Susceptible–Infectious–Recovered (SIR) model was proposed by Irons and Raftery, 2021. We assess the parameter identifiability of the model using the profile likelihood approach and simulations, when only the time series of deaths and seroprevalence survey data are available. The robustness of the model to the more complex but also more realistic Susceptible–Exposed–Infectious–Recovered (SEIR)‐based epidemics is evaluated through simulations; the influence of potential biases in the serosurveys on the inference is also investigated. We use a stationary first‐order autoregressive prior to account for the variability of transmission rate over time. The results suggest that the model is relatively robust to SEIR‐based epidemics, especially when the reproductive number is low, given sufficient information from serosurveys or priors. However, the lack of parameter identifiability under limited data availability cannot be neglected. We apply the model to infer the COVID‐19 infections in Ontario and Quebec, Canada during the Omicron era.
A Mechanistic Insight into the Acidic‐stable MnSb2O6 for Electrocatalytic Water Oxidation
Authors: Yin Li , Ding Yunxuan , Li Yingzheng , Liu Chang , Zhao Ziqi , Ning Hongxia , Zhang Peili , Li Fei , Sun Licheng , Li Fusheng
Published: July 2024

The abundant, active, and acidic‐stable catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are rare to proton exchange membrane‐based water electrolysis. Mn‐based materials show promise as electrocatalysts for OER in acid electrolytes. However, the relationship between the stability, activity and structure of Mn‐based catalysts in acidic environments remains unclear. In this study, phase‐pure MnSb2O6 was successfully prepared and investigated as a catalyst for OER in a sulfuric acid solution (pH of 2.0). A comprehensive mechanistic comparison between MnSb2O6 and Mn3O4 revealed that the rate‐determining step for OER on MnSb2O6 is the direct formation of MnIV=O from MnII−H2O by the 2H+/2e− process. This process avoids the rearrangement of adjacent MnIII intermediates, leading to outstanding stability and activity.
Clinical and translational research on cancer of the stomach and gastroesophageal junction: A pathologist's view
Authors: Röcken Christoph
Published: July 2024

Adenocarcinomas of the stomach and gastroesophageal junction remain one of the most common malignant tumours in humans worldwide, often with a poor prognosis. Particularly in countries without upper gastrointestinal tract screening endoscopy, tumours that have been asymptomatic for a long time are only diagnosed at an advanced stage. This limits the therapeutic options. Often only palliative therapy concepts are available. Great progress has been made in the last two decades. The genetic basis of adenocarcinomas of the stomach and gastroesophageal junction has been deciphered and new targeted drugs have been developed. Cell and tissue‐based predictive diagnostics are becoming increasingly important in therapy planning. Here, surgical pathology forms an important link between basic research, clinical trials, and translation into clinical application. This review article summarizes the experiences made in translational tumour research, which point to the problems of spatial and temporal intratumoral heterogeneity of adenocarcinomas of the stomach and gastroesophageal, the development and continuous re‐assessment of therapeutically relevant cut‐off values, resistance mechanisms, tumour microenvironment, sexual dimorphism and the pitfalls molecular tumour boards may face.
B‐cell performance in chemotherapy: Unravelling the mystery of B‐cell therapeutic potential
Authors: Li Zizhuo , Lin Anqi , Gao Zhifei , Jiang Aimin , Xiong Minying , Song Jiapeng , Liu Zaoqu , Cheng Quan , Zhang Jian , Luo Peng
Published: July 2024

Background and main body

The anti‐tumour and tumour‐promoting roles of B cells in the tumour microenvironment (TME) have gained considerable attention in recent years. As essential orchestrators of humoral immunity, B cells potentially play a crucial role in anti‐tumour therapies. Chemotherapy, a mainstay in cancer treatment, influences the proliferation and function of diverse B‐cell subsets and their crosstalk with the TME. Modulating B‐cell function by targeting B cells or their associated cells may enhance chemotherapy efficacy, presenting a promising avenue for future targeted therapy investigations.

Conclusion

This review explores the intricate interplay between chemotherapy and B cells, underscoring the pivotal role of B cells in chemotherapy treatment. We summarise promising B‐cell‐related therapeutic targets, illustrating the immense potential of B cells in anti‐tumour therapy. Our work lays a theoretical foundation for harnessing B cells in chemotherapy and combination strategies for cancer treatment.

Key points

Chemotherapy can inhibit B‐cell proliferation and alter subset distributions and functions, including factor secretion, receptor signalling, and costimulation.

Chemotherapy can modulate complex B‐cell–T‐cell interactions with variable effects on anti‐tumour immunity.

Targeting B‐cell surface markers or signalling improves chemotherapy responses, blocks immune evasion and inhibits tumour growth.

Critical knowledge gaps remain regarding B‐cell interactions in TME, B‐cell chemoresistance mechanisms, TLS biology, heterogeneity, spatial distributions, chemotherapy drug selection and B‐cell targets that future studies should address.
Outcomes of a Virtual Day Treatment Program for Adults With Eating Disorders—Comparison With In‐Person Day Treatment
Authors: Thaler Lea , Booij Linda , St‐Hilaire Annie , Paquin‐Hodge Chloé , Mesli Nesrine , Burko Hope , Lee Viveca , Oliverio Stephanie , Israël Mimi , Steiger Howard
Published: July 2024

Objective

Previous studies have indicated that virtual treatments for eating disorders (EDs) are roughly as effective as are in‐person treatments; the present nonrandomized study aimed to expand on the current body of evidence by comparing outcomes from a virtual day treatment program with those of an in‐person program in an adult ED sample.

Method

Participants were 109 patients who completed at least 60% of day treatment sessions (n = 55 in‐person and n = 54 virtual). Outcome measures included ED and comorbid symptoms, and motivation.

Results

Linear mixed models showed that global EDE‐Q scores decreased during treatment (AIC = 376.396, F = 10.94, p = 0.002), irrespective of treatment modality (p = 0.186). BMI significantly increased over time (AIC = 389.029, F = 27.97, p < 0.001), with no effect of treatment modality (p = 0.779).

Discussion

Our findings suggest that the virtual delivery of day treatments produces comparable outcomes to those obtained using in‐person formats, and that virtual formats may represent a pragmatic treatment option, especially in situations in which access to in‐person care is limited.
Controlled Study of Pre‐ and Postoperative Headache in Patients with Sellar Masses (HEADs‐uP Study)
Authors: Slagboom Tessa N. A. , Boertien Tessel M. , Bisschop Peter H. , Fliers Eric , Baaijen Johannes C. , Hoogmoed Jantien , Drent Madeleine L.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Sellar masses are common intracranial neoplasms. Their clinical manifestations vary widely and include headache. We aimed to determine whether the prevalence and characteristics of headache in patients with sellar tumours differ from the general population and to investigate the effect of tumour resection on this complaint.

Methods

We performed a prospective, controlled study in a single tertiary centre and included 57 patients that underwent transsphenoidal resection for a sellar mass (53% females, mean age 53.5 ± 16.4) and 29 of their partners (controls; 45% females, mean age 54.8 ± 14.9). Outcome measures were prevalence, characteristics and impact of headache 1 month preoperatively and at neurosurgical follow‐up 3 months postoperatively.

Results

Preoperatively, the prevalence of regular headache (≥1 time per month) was higher in patients than in controls (54% vs. 17%, p < 0.001), and patients scored higher on headache impact questionnaires (all p ≤ 0.01). At postoperative follow‐up, headache prevalence decreased in both groups, but the decrease in regular headache frequency and impact was larger in patients than in controls, and no between‐group differences remained.

Conclusions

More than half of patients with sellar tumours suffer from at least once‐monthly headaches, and both regular headache occurrence and impact are higher compared with controls. The more pronounced decrease in headache complaints in patients versus controls at postoperative follow‐up suggests an additional effect of tumour resection next to the factor time.
A Review on Soft Ionic Touch Point Sensors
Authors: Lee Gibeom , Lee Donghyun , Im Gwang‐Bum , Lee Younghoon
Published: July 2024

A touch sensor is an essential component in meeting the growing demand for human‐machine interfaces. These sensors have been developed in wearable, attachable, and even implantable forms to acquire a wide range of information from humans. To be applied to the human body, sensors are required to be biocompatible and not restrict the natural movement of the body. Ionic materials are a promising candidate for soft touch sensors due to their outstanding properties, which include high stretchability, transparency, ionic conductivity, and biocompatibility. Here, this review discusses the unique features of soft ionic touch point sensors, focusing on the ionic material and its key role in the sensor. The touch sensing mechanisms include piezocapacitive, piezoresistive, surface capacitive, piezoelectric, and triboelectric and triboresistive sensing. This review analyzes the implementation hurdles and future research directions of the soft ionic touch sensors for their transformative potential.
Stable and Reusable Pd/Cu Bimetallic Nanoparticle Catalysts for the Synthesis of Hydroxy Isoindolones by Domino C−H Activation and Annulation
Authors: Narasimha Rao Gollapalli , Behera Mousumi , Kathirvel Krishnamoorthy , Sekar Govindasamy
Published: July 2024

A domino C−H activation and annulation process catalyzed by stable and reusable bimetallic nanoparticles (Pd/Cu‐binapthyl nanoparticles) was developed for the synthesis of 3‐hydroxyisoindolin‐1‐ones/thiones. The scope of the reaction was examined utilizing a variety of N‐alkoxy benzamide/benzothioamide derivatives and benzaldehydes, which yielded moderate to good yields of 3‐hydroxyisoindolin‐1‐ones/thiones, one of which was used to synthesize a BRD4 inhibitor. A gram‐scale synthesis is also reported. The Pd/Cu‐binapthyl nanocatalyst has been recovered and reused up to four times without any major change in particle size and reactivity.
Investigation into the overcurrent failure and combustion characteristics of copper‐clad aluminum conductors
Authors: Wang Weifeng , He Di , Zhao Xuanchong , Ji Xiaohan , Zhang Fangzhi , Wang Lin , Yang Ze
Published: July 2024

Electrical fires perennially rank first in fire occurrence types, with conductor overcurrent being one of the main inducements. This topic draws significant attention from scientific researchers and fire investigators. To understand the overcurrent fault and combustion characteristics of copper‐clad aluminum conductors, this paper examines 2.5 mm2 copper‐clad aluminum conductors that meet national standards, investigating morphological changes, temperature variations in the core and insulation layer, and flame propagation patterns under overcurrent conditions. Experiments using an electrical fault simulation device were conducted to study overcurrent failures of copper‐clad aluminum conductors under 52.5–105 A conditions. The results indicate that when the current exceeds 67.5 A, the conductor undergoes a series of changes during energization, including smoking, expanding, carbonizing, burning, and breaking; at 52.5 A, the insulation layer reaches thermal equilibrium at 150 s without combustion; for currents between 60–67.5 A, wire core temperature variations can be divided into three stages; at 75 A, the insulation layer reaches thermal equilibrium 10s before breaking; currents above 82.5 A see a sharp increase in temperature in both the core and insulation layer before the conductor breaks; above 97.5 A, the conductor first breaks and then burns. The research results have significant theoretical value in improving the scientific rigor of fire accident investigations and forensic evidence examinations.
Shale gas‐bearing capacity and its controlling factors of Wufeng–Longmaxi formations in northern Guizhou, China
Authors: Cao Taotao , Xue Hao , Pan Anyang , Xiao Juanyi , Ning Gaofei
Published: July 2024

Great progress has been made in marine shale gas of Wufeng–Longmaxi formations in the Sichuan Basin. However, shale gas exploration in the complex structural belt around the Sichuan Basin still faces great challenges. In this study, shales of Wufeng–Longmaxi formations collected from the northern Guizhou were taken as the studied target, organic matter (OM) characteristics, mineral composition, pore structure, methane adsorption capacity and in situ desorption gas content were measured, and the controlling factors of shale gas content were further discussed. The results indicated that the sedimentary facies of Wufeng–Longmaxi formations in north Guizhou varies from shallow‐water shelf facies to deep‐water shelf facies from south to north, and organic‐rich shales are primarily distributed in Daozhen‐Xishui areas, with a maximum thickness of about 80–100 m. Organic‐rich shales are characterized by high total organic carbon (TOC) content, high thermal maturation and type I–II1 kerogens, which can be comparable with those in commercially produced shale gas field in Sichuan Basin. High‐quality shale gas reservoirs generally have a high content of brittle minerals, making them easier to be fractured. OM pores are the dominanted pore type in the studied shales, followed by intergranular pores associated with brittle minerals, dissolution pores within carbonate grains and microcracks, while clay mineral‐related pores are poorly developed. The Wufeng–Longmaxi Formation shales generally have strong methane adsorption capacities, but these vary greatly across different areas. Shale gas adsorption capacity is primarily controlled by TOC content and thermal maturation level. Similarly, total gas content, including desorption gas and lost gas, varies greatly in different areas, and it is obviously lower than that in Fuling and Luzhou shale gas field, due to the loss of shale gas and low‐pressure coefficient in the complex structural zone. It is worth explaining that shale gas is not always low in northern Guizhou, which is determined by burial depth and the distance of great fractures. Shale gas content is relatively high in LY1 well and DY1 well in Xishui‐Daozhen area, and it is extremely low in TY1 well and AY1 well in Tongzi‐Zheng'an area. Shale gas content in the same structural unit is primarily influenced by TOC content, OM pore development degree and water saturation. However, different structural units have different shale gas contents, due to the differences in preservation conditions. Shale reservoirs with good preservation conditions, that is, wide and gentle structure, far from a large fault and great burial depth, generally have high shale gas contents.
Newborn's neural representation of instrumental and vocal music as revealed by fMRI: A dynamic effective brain connectivity study
Authors: Loukas Serafeim , Filippa Manuela , de Almeida Joana Sa , Boehringer Andrew S. , Tolsa Cristina Borradori , Barcos‐Munoz Francisca , Grandjean Didier M. , van de Ville Dimitri , Hüppi Petra S.
Published: July 2024

Music is ubiquitous, both in its instrumental and vocal forms. While speech perception at birth has been at the core of an extensive corpus of research, the origins of the ability to discriminate instrumental or vocal melodies is still not well investigated. In previous studies comparing vocal and musical perception, the vocal stimuli were mainly related to speaking, including language, and not to the non‐language singing voice. In the present study, to better compare a melodic instrumental line with the voice, we used singing as a comparison stimulus, to reduce the dissimilarities between the two stimuli as much as possible, separating language perception from vocal musical perception. In the present study, 45 newborns were scanned, 10 full‐term born infants and 35 preterm infants at term‐equivalent age (mean gestational age at test = 40.17 weeks, SD = 0.44) using functional magnetic resonance imaging while listening to five melodies played by a musical instrument (flute) or sung by a female voice. To examine the dynamic task‐based effective connectivity, we employed a psychophysiological interaction of co‐activation patterns (PPI‐CAPs) analysis, using the auditory cortices as seed region, to investigate moment‐to‐moment changes in task‐driven modulation of cortical activity during an fMRI task. Our findings reveal condition‐specific, dynamically occurring patterns of co‐activation (PPI‐CAPs). During the vocal condition, the auditory cortex co‐activates with the sensorimotor and salience networks, while during the instrumental condition, it co‐activates with the visual cortex and the superior frontal cortex. Our results show that the vocal stimulus elicits sensorimotor aspects of the auditory perception and is processed as a more salient stimulus while the instrumental condition activated higher‐order cognitive and visuo‐spatial networks. Common neural signatures for both auditory stimuli were found in the precuneus and posterior cingulate gyrus. Finally, this study adds knowledge on the dynamic brain connectivity underlying the newborns capability of early and specialized auditory processing, highlighting the relevance of dynamic approaches to study brain function in newborn populations.
Social support, mental health, academic coping, and perceptions of teaching quality during COVID‐19: A cross‐lagged panel model of university students in Israel
Authors: Jabbari Jason , Frank Tyler , Ferris Dan , Pat‐Horenczyk Ruth , Benbenishty Rami , Schiff Miriam
Published: July 2024

Although social support is strongly related to college students' mental health in the context of COVID‐19, little is known about the academic mechanisms that explain and influence this relationship. This knowledge gap limits our ability to create effective interventions. Our current study extends the previous research by using longitudinal data from 2020 to 2021 and leveraging a unique panel dataset from over 1,500 university students in Israel. By using a cross‐lagged panel model, we examine how the relationship between social support and mental health is partially explained by academic coping, as well as how these relationships differ across perceived teaching quality. We find that academic coping partially explains the relationship between social support and depression for students who perceived higher‐quality instruction but not for students who perceived lower‐quality instruction. Moreover, these relationships are not apparent for anxiety, suggesting that anxiety may relate to out‐of‐school considerations like pandemic‐related health concerns and hardships. We close with implications for policy and practice.
Nosocomial Graft Fragmentation and Healing Response of an ePTFE Angioaccess Graft
Authors: Anderson James M. , Hering Thomas M. , Ansel A. Lee , Johnson John M.
Published: July 2024

This investigation was directed toward the tissue reaction and wound healing response of an ePTFE prosthesis implanted in a human subject as an arteriovenous fistulae for over 7 years. Due to the frequent puncture of the prosthesis for hemodialysis access, the pattern of healing is markedly different from that normally observed in ePTFE grafts in humans. The ePTFE graft material of the AV fistula was completely incorporated in fibrous tissue with prominent pseudointima formation (inner capsule), fibrous tissue within the graft and a well‐adhered periadventitial layer (outer capsule). In the portion of the graft most frequently punctured, the wall of the graft was composed mainly of fibrous tissue containing dissociated fragments of ePTFE. Biochemical analysis of the fibrous tissue across the wall of the graft revealed that it contained types I, III, and V collagen, with type I > III > V. The type V collagen was present in largest percentage at the luminal surface and in decreasing percentage in the ePTFE material and outer capsule. This analysis suggests that collagen type deposition in this prosthesis occurs in a manner similar to a normal healing wound, except for the unusual pattern of type V collagen deposition, which may be an adaptive variation of the healing response.
Review of Medical Biosensors and Associated Materials Problems
Authors: Regnault William F. , Picciolo Grace Lee
Published: July 2024

Developers of biosensors as medical devices are using emerging technologies that incorporate chemical assays with fiber optics and semiconductors. These biosensors will eventually become indwelling catheters for monitoring blood analyte concentrations as well as functioning as controlled feedback elements for artificial organs. Materials used in these devices are subject to problems of manufacture and reliability as well as those induced by the human body's response to these “foreign agents.” The Division of Mechanics and Materials Science in the Center for Devices and Radiological Health at the Food and Drug Administration has initiated a program to investigate factors that effect sensitivity, selectivity and reliability of sensors used in biological applications. Our group's principle focus is on sensors of chemical processes. This article is an outgrowth of our research efforts and is a review of some of the technologies that are currently available or becoming available for these applications. The goal of our research is to identify factors that will have an impact on the reliability of long‐term implanted medical devices with particular attention to sensors used in feedback‐controlled therapeutic systems.
Bioethics and Applied Biomaterials
Authors: Saha Subrata , Saha Pamela
Published: July 2024

Rapid growth in the field of applied biomaterials poses new ethical problems in the design, manufacture, evaluation, and regulation of medical devices and implants. This article addresses some of these ethical concerns and points out the ethical responsibilities of the scientists and engineers working in the field of biomaterials. The need for the development of a code of ethics by the Society for Biomaterials is also discussed.
Experimental evaluation of amylose succinate absorbable hemostat in a canine model
Authors: Largis Jean Kaminski , Katz Abraham R.
Published: July 2024

Using a semiquantitative animal model of standardized injuries to parenchymatous organs resulting in a range of degrees of hemorrhage, we compared freeze‐dried amylose succinate topical hemostat to the most widely used commercially available products. Hemostatic efficacy parameters included bleeding time, blood loss, incidence of rebleeding, and amount of material used. Although no material was consistently superior in all parameters, in general amylose succinate and microcrystalline collagen performed equally well and both were significantly more effective than oxidized regenerated cellulose. Both amylose succinate and oxidized regenerated cellulose were superior to microcrystalline collagen, however, in biodegradation time, inflammatory response and adhesion‐forming potential. Details of the animal model and an adhesion grading scheme are presented.