bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial dysfunction in NPC1‐deficiency is not rescued by drugs targeting the glucosylceramidase GBA2 and the cholesterol‐binding proteins TSPO and StARD1
Authors: Wheeler Simon , Bhardwaj Meenakshi , Kenyon Victor , Ferraz Maria J. , Aerts Johannes M. F. G. , Sillence Dan J.
Published: February 2024

Niemann–Pick type C disease (NPCD) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder most commonly caused by mutations in the lysosomal protein Niemann–Pick C1 (NPC1), which is implicated in cholesterol export. Mitochondrial insufficiency forms a significant feature of the pathology of this disease, yet studies attempting to address this are rare. The working hypothesis is that mitochondria become overloaded with cholesterol which renders them dysfunctional. We examined two potential protein targets—translocator protein (TSPO) and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein D1 (StARD1)—which are implicated in cholesterol transport to mitochondria, in addition to glucocerbrosidase 2 (GBA2), the target of miglustat, which is currently the only approved treatment for NPCD. However, inhibiting these proteins did not correct the mitochondrial defect in NPC1‐deficient cells.
DoD OIG: White House gave out drugs including fentanyl, Provigil, and Ambien
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: February 2024

Billing the Department of Defense for prescriptions for people who were ineligible for those benefits — 6 to 20 per week — and giving out too many controlled substances in extremely large amounts without any controls are just two of the results reported in a blistering evaluation by the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (DoD OIG) last week. The report is dated Jan. 8 but was not released until almost four weeks later.
NASEM considers a national prevention infrastructure
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: February 2024

This is a typical “reinventing the wheel” without thinking about it first story. In this case, without asking the most important stakeholders first.
Kratom survey: Most daily users wanted more energy
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: February 2024

A survey of kratom users found that most used it in a problematic way, and that when it did become a problem, it was because they were trying to stop but couldn't because of withdrawal. Avoidance of withdrawal was, therefore, a motivator. This sounds a lot like the theory of George Koob, Ph.D., National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholish director, of hyperkatifeia as the reason why people keep drinking (see “COVID‐19 experience reinforces theory that negative emotions drive alcohol use,” ADAW Nov. 9, 2020; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adaw.32887).
SAMHSA issues final rule updating OTP methadone rules
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: February 2024

Last week the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) finally issued its rule loosening the rules for Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) on methadone. The rule, scheduled to be published in the Federal Register Feb. 2, was long fought for by OTPs themselves. The proposed rule was issued in December, 2022 (see “SAMHSA proposes reforms to methadone rules, keeps OTPs in charge,” ADAW Dec. 19, 2022; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adaw.33643).
Thiourea‐Cation Chelation Based Hydrogel and its Application as Antibacterial Dressing for the Repair of Diabetic Wound
Authors: Meng Weilin , Lin Ze , Cheng Xuan , Gou Shuangqian , Wang Rong , Bu Pengzhen , Li Yan , Mi Bobin , Yu Yongsheng , Feng Qian , Cai Kaiyong
Published: February 2024

For various chronic wounds, bacterial infection is one of the important reasons that hinder their healing. Ion‐crosslinked antibacterial hydrogel dressings based on Ag+, Cu2+ and Zn2+, have made progress in clinical application. However, the toxicity of released metal ions cannot be ignored. Therefore, how to ensure the antibacterial performance of hydrogel dressing while reducing the amount of metal ions is a major challenge for the fabrication of metal ion based antibacterial hydrogel. In this study, a general method is proposed to design cationic ion‐crosslinked hydrogel based on thiourea groups. Taking the hydrogel formed by mixing thiourea modified hyaluronic acid (H‐ANCSN) with Ag+ (HA‐NCSN/Ag+ hydrogel) as an example, the characteristics and application potential of this kind of hydrogel are thoroughly explored. Due to the strong cationic chelation characteristics of thiourea groups, HA‐NCSN/Ag+ hydrogel can gel at low Ag+ concentration and achieve long‐term slow release of Ag+ at stable concentration to balance the antibacterial and biocompatible properties. Moreover, this dynamic thiourea‐Ag+ crosslinking also endowed the hydrogel with the property of “gelation and encapsulation first, injection to cover wound when necessary”. Then, the mangiferin self‐assembled nanoparticles are loaded into HA‐NCSN/Ag+ hydrogel as the radical oxygen species scavenger.
Hierarchical Scaffold with Directional Microchannels Promotes Cell Ingrowth for Bone Regeneration
Authors: Cheng Yaling , Li Xing , Gu Peiyang , Mao Ruiqi , Zou Yaping , Tong Lei , Li Zhulian , Fan Yujiang , Zhang Xingdong , Liang Jie , Sun Yong
Published: February 2024

Bone regenerative scaffolds with a bionic natural bone hierarchical porous structure provide a suitable microenvironment for cell migration and proliferation. Here, a bionic scaffold (DP‐PLGA/HAp) with directional microchannels is prepared by combining 3D printing and directional freezing technology. The 3D printed framework provides structural support for new bone tissue growth, while the directional pore embedded in the scaffolds provides an express lane for cell migration and nutrition transport, facilitating cell growth and differentiation. The hierarchical porous scaffolds achieve rapid infiltration and adhesion of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and improve the expression of osteogenesis‐related genes. The rabbit cranial defect experiment presents significant new bone formation, demonstrating that DP‐PLGA/HAp offers an effective means to guide cranial bone regeneration. The combination of 3D printing and directional freezing technology might be a promising strategy for developing bone regenerative biomaterials.
Thiolation‐Based Protein–Protein Hydrogels for Improved Wound Healing
Authors: Liu Xing , Guo Zhao , Wang Jie , Shen Wenting , Jia Zhenzhen , Jia Shuang , Li Limiao , Wang Jieqi , Wang Liping , Li Jiaqi , Sun Yinan , Chen Yufang , Zhang Min , Bai Jia , Wang Liyao , Li Xinyu
Published: February 2024

The limitations of protein‐based hydrogels, including their insufficient mechanical properties and restricted biological functions, arise from the highly specific functions of proteins as natural building blocks. A potential solution to overcome these shortcomings is the development of protein–protein hydrogels, which integrate structural and functional proteins. In this study, a protein–protein hydrogel formed by crosslinking bovine serum albumin (BSA) and a genetically engineered intrinsically disordered collagen‐like protein (CLP) through Ag─S bonding is introduced. The approach involves thiolating lysine residues of BSA and crosslinking CLP with Ag+ ions, utilizing thiolation of BSA and the free‐cysteines of CLP. The resulting protein–protein hydrogels exhibit exceptional properties, including notable plasticity, inherent self‐healing capabilities, and gel–sol transition in response to redox conditions. In comparison to standalone BSA hydrogels, these protein–protein hydrogels demonstrate enhanced cellular viability, and improved cellular migration. In vivo experiments provide conclusive evidence of accelerated wound healing, observed not only in murine models with streptozotocin (Step)‐induced diabetes but also in zebrafish models subjected to UV‐burn injuries. Detailed mechanistic insights, combined with assessments of proinflammatory cytokines and the expression of epidermal differentiation‐related proteins, robustly validate the protein–protein hydrogel's effectiveness in promoting wound repair.
Ultrathin, Transferred Layers of Silicon Oxynitrides as Tunable Biofluid Barriers for Bioresorbable Electronic Systems
Authors: Hu Ziying , Zhao Jie , Guo Hexia , Li Rui , Wu Mingzheng , Shen Jiahong , Wang Yue , Qiao Zheng , Xu Yue , Haugstad Greg , An Dongqi , Xie Zhaoqian , Kandela Irawati , Nandoliya Khizar R. , Chen Yu , Yu Yi , Yuan Qunyao , Hou Junyu , Deng Yujun , AlDubayan Abdulaziz H. , Yang Quansan , Zeng Liangsong , Lu Di , Koo Jahyun , Bai Wubin , Song Enming , Yao Shenglian , Wolverton Chris , Huang Yonggang , Rogers John A.
Published: February 2024

Bio/ecoresorbable electronic systems create unique opportunities in implantable medical devices that serve a need over a finite time period and then disappear naturally to eliminate the need for extraction surgeries. A critical challenge in the development of this type of technology is in materials that can serve as thin, stable barriers to surrounding ground water or biofluids, yet ultimately dissolve completely to benign end products. This paper describes a class of inorganic material (silicon oxynitride, SiON) that can be formed in thin films by plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition for this purpose. In vitro studies suggest that SiON and its dissolution products are biocompatible, indicating the potential for its use in implantable devices. A facile process to fabricate flexible, wafer‐scale multilayer films bypasses limitations associated with the mechanical fragility of inorganic thin films. Systematic computational, analytical, and experimental studies highlight the essential materials aspects. Demonstrations in wireless light‐emitting diodes both in vitro and in vivo illustrate the practical use of these materials strategies. The ability to select degradation rates and water permeability through fine tuning of chemical compositions and thicknesses provides the opportunity to obtain a range of functional lifetimes to meet different application requirements.
Isomerization of Benzothiadiazole Yields a Promising Polymer Donor and Organic Solar Cells with Efficiency of 19.0%
Authors: Lin Tao , Hai Yulong , Luo Yongmin , Feng Lingwei , Jia Tao , Wu Jiaying , Ma Ruijie , Dela Peña Top Archie , Li Yao , Xing Zengshan , Li Mingjie , Wang Min , Xiao Biao , Wong Kam Sing , Liu Shengjian , Li Gang
Published: February 2024

The exploration of high‐performance and low‐cost wide‐bandgap polymer donors remains critical to achieve high‐efficiency nonfullerene organic solar cells (OSCs) beyond current thresholds. Herein, the 1,2,3‐benzothiadiazole (iBT), which is an isomer of 2,1,3‐benzothiadiazole (BT), is used to design wide‐bandgap polymer donor PiBT. The PiBT‐based solar cells reach efficiency of 19.0%, which is one of the highest efficiencies in binary OSCs. Systemic studies show that isomerization of BT to iBT can finely regulate the polymers’ photoelectric properties including i) increasing the extinction coefficient and photon harvest, ii) downshifting the highest occupied molecular orbital energy levels, iii) improving the coplanarity of polymer backbones, iv) offering good thermodynamic miscibility with acceptors. Consequently, the PiBT:Y6 bulk heterojunction (BHJ) device simultaneously reaches advantageous nanoscale morphology, efficient exciton generation and dissociation, fast charge transportation, and suppressed charge recombination, leading to larger VOC of 0.87 V, higher JSC of 28.2 mA cm−2, greater fill factor of 77.3%, and thus higher efficiency of 19.0%, while the analog‐PBT‐based OSCs reach efficiency of only 12.9%. Moreover, the key intermediate iBT can be easily afforded from industry chemicals via two‐step procedure. Overall, this contribution highlights that iBT is a promising motif for designing high‐performance polymer donors.
Exploring and Engineering 2D Transition Metal Dichalcogenides toward Ultimate SERS Performance
Authors: Tang Xiao , Hao Qi , Hou Xiangyu , Lan Leilei , Li Mingze , Yao Lei , Zhao Xing , Ni Zhenhua , Fan Xingce , Qiu Teng
Published: February 2024

Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is an ultrasensitive surface analysis technique that is widely used in chemical sensing, bioanalysis, and environmental monitoring. The design of the SERS substrates is crucial for obtaining high‐quality SERS signals. Recently, 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (2D TMDs) have emerged as high‐performance SERS substrates due to their superior stability, ease of fabrication, biocompatibility, controllable doping, and tunable bandgaps and excitons. In this review, a systematic overview of the latest advancements in 2D TMDs SERS substrates is provided. This review comprehensively summarizes the candidate 2D TMDs SERS materials, elucidates their working principles for SERS, explores the strategies to optimize their SERS performance, and highlights their practical applications. Particularly delved into are the material engineering strategies, including defect engineering, alloy engineering, thickness engineering, and heterojunction engineering. Additionally, the challenges and future prospects associated with the development of 2D TMDs SERS substrates are discussed, outlining potential directions that may lead to significant breakthroughs in practical applications.
Analytical modeling of particle size effect on impact wear deformation characteristics of ductile materials
Authors: Cao Xuewen , Chen Junwen , Zang Xuerui , Feng Jiaxin , Peng Wenshan , Sun Xiaoyang , Hou Jian , Bian Jiang
Published: February 2024

This study aims to analytically predict the material impact wear rate and improve the prediction accuracy and applicability of existing impact wear prediction models. The ABAQUS software was used to numerically model and analyze the erosion pit morphology and stress distribution characteristics. Micromorphological testing was used to investigate the impact wear damage mechanism, and an improved impact wear prediction model was developed by introducing the particle size. The results show that the maximum von Mises stress in the impact area of the target material can reflect the severity of the damage to the target material. The peak stress varies with the impact angle. The target material significantly absorbs the energy of small particles at higher impact angles and large particles at vertical impacts. The depth of the hardened layer resulting from particle impact increases from 3 to 10 μm with increasing impact angle. When the impact angle is unchanged, the depth of the hardened layer increases by 3% to 5% with an increase in particle size. The hardened layer limits further plastic deformation of the metal material. Comparing the analysis results with the experimental results reveals that the proposed formula that uses the size factor can predict the volume loss of plastic metallic materials with different particle sizes, impact angles, and impact velocities more accurately.
Development and evaluation of 2,4‐disubstituted‐5‐aryl pyrimidine derivatives as antibacterial agents
Authors: Khalifa Hend , Rasheed Sari , Haupenthal Jörg , Herrmann Jennifer , Mandour Yasmine M. , Abadi Ashraf H. , Engel Matthias , Müller Rolf , Hirsch Anna K. H. , Abdel‐Halim Mohammad , Hamed Mostafa M.
Published: February 2024

Designing novel candidates as potential antibacterial scaffolds has become crucial due to the lack of new antibiotics entering the market and the persistent rise in multidrug resistance. Here, we describe a new class of potent antibacterial agents based on a 5‐aryl‐N2,N4‐dibutylpyrimidine‐2,4‐diamine scaffold. Structural optimization focused on the 5‐aryl moiety and the bioisosteric replacement of the side chain linker atom. Screening of the synthesized compounds focused on a panel of bacterial strains, including gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus strains (Newman MSSA, methicillin‐ and vancomycin‐resistant), and the gram‐negative Escherichia coli (ΔAcrB strain). Several compounds showed broad‐spectrum antibacterial activity with compound 12, bearing a 4‐chlorophenyl substituent, being the most potent among this series of compounds. This frontrunner compound revealed a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 1 µg/mL against the S. aureus strain (Mu50 methicillin‐resistant S. aureus/vancomycin‐intermediate S. aureus) and an MIC of 2 µg/mL against other tested strains. The most potent derivatives were further tested against a wider panel of bacteria and evaluated for their cytotoxicity, revealing further potent activities toward Streptococcus pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecium, and Enterococcus faecalis. To explore the mode of action, compound 12 was tested in a macromolecule inhibition assay. The obtained data were supported by the safety profile of compound 12, which possessed an IC50 of 12.3 µg/mL against HepG2 cells. The current results hold good potential for a new class of extended‐spectrum antibacterial agents.
Response Surface Optimization of Polysaccharides from Jaboticaba (Myrciaria cauliflora [Mart.] O.Berg) Fruits: Ultrasound‐Assisted Extraction, Structure Properties, and Antioxidant/Hypoglycemic Activities
Authors: Zhang Shaojie , Zhang Qian , Wang Tanggan , Li Chong , Tang Liqun , Xiao Leyi
Published: February 2024

Ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE) method proves to be more effective compared to traditional extraction methods. In the present study, response surface methodology (RSM) was used to determine the optimal process parameters for extracting polysaccharides (U‐MCP) from jaboticaba fruit using UAE. The optimum extraction conditions were ultrasonic time 70 min, extraction temperature 60 °C, and power 350 W. Under these conditions, the sugar content of U‐MCP was 52.8 %. The molecular weights of the ultrasound‐assisted extracted U‐MCP ranged from 9.52×102 to 3.27×103 Da, and consisted of five monosaccharides including mannose, galacturonic acid, glucose, galactose, and arabinose. Moreover, in vitro antioxidant and hypoglycaemic assay revealed that U‐MCP has prominent anti‐oxidant activities (1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl‐hydrazyl (DPPH) radicals, hydroxyl radicals and 2,2′‐Azinobis (3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic Acid Ammonium Salt) (ABTS) radicals scavenging activities) and hypoglycemic activities (α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase inhibition activities).
The clinical and genetic characteristics of maternally inherited diabetes and deafness (MIDD) with mitochondrial m.3243A > G mutation: A 10‐year follow‐up observation study and literature review
Authors: Zheng Shasha , Wang Juanjuan , Sun Minxian , Wang Pei , Shi Wei , Zhang Zhongzhi , Wang Zhongjing , Zhang Hongmei
Published: February 2024

Key Clinical Message

Maternally inherited diabetes and deafness (MIDD) is often caused by the m.3243A > G mutation in mitochondrial DNA. Unfortunately, the characteristics of MIDD, especially long‐term outcomes and heteroplasmic changes, have not been well described previously. The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical and genetic features of a family with MIDD after 10 years of follow‐up.A 33‐year‐old male patient with typical characteristics of MIDD, including early‐onset diabetes, deafness, and low body mass index, was admitted to our department. Further investigation revealed that the vast majority of his maternal relatives suffered from diabetes with or without deafness. A detailed family history was then requested from the patient and a pedigree was constructed. The patient suspected of MIDD was screened for mutations using whole mitochondrial DNA sequencing. Candidate pathogenic variants were then validated in other family members through Sanger sequencing. The patient was diagnosed with MIDD, with inherited m.3243A > G mutation in the mitochondrially encoded tRNA leucine 1 (MT‐TL1) gene, after 10 years of symptom onset. The patient was then treated with insulin and coenzyme Q10 to improve mitochondrial function. During the follow‐up period, his fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels were improved and the incidence of diabetic ketoacidosis was significantly reduced. Our findings indicate that whole mitochondrial DNA sequencing should be considered for patients suspected of MIDD to improve the efficiency of diagnosis and prognosis.
Effects of micro‐ and nanoplastics on the physiology and metabolism of Portunus trituberculatus
Authors: Chen Xiaocong , Sun Yixin , Feng Zhihua , Mu Changkao , Zhang Tao
Published: February 2024

Portunus trituberculatus is important in coastal benthic communities and a favorite seafood for coastal residents. However, microplastics have been detected in different tissues of P. trituberculatus, but the toxicological effects of micro‐ and nanoplastics (MNPs) on the different tissues of P. trituberculatus have not been reported. We found that the lethal effect of MNPs on P. trituberculatus is not obvious, but they can stimulate the body's stress response. The responses of P. trituberculatus tissues to MNPs are different, which may be due to differences in enzyme reactions between tissues and organs. Compared with microplastics (MPs), nanoplastics (NPs) have a more significant physiological and metabolic stress effect on P. trituberculatus because of their smaller particle size. In summary, plastic particles have physiological stress effects on the physiological metabolism of P. trituberculatus, which may be closely related to the plastic's particle size and concentration.
Directing Group Assisted Copper‐Catalyzed C−H sulfanylation of Alkenyl Carbonyl Compounds with Disulfides
Authors: Bai Yan‐Mei , Ai Lu‐Lu , Zhang Xin‐Mei , Wu Fang‐Hui , Kang Yan‐Shang
Published: February 2024

A highly efficient and straightforward copper‐catalyzed sulfanylation of acrylamides with readily available disulfides has been developed. Through 8‐aminoquinoline‐assisted activation of the alkenyl C−H bond, a broad scope of (Z)‐alkenyl sulfides were constructed in moderate to excellent yields with good compatibility of functional groups. Moreover, the bidentate directing auxiliary promotes high regioselectivity of (Z)‐β‐alkenyl sulfides, and enables the excellent performance of copper catalyst in this transformation.
Strategic drivers for the deployment of energy economics principles in the developing construction industry: A Nigerian perspective
Authors: Oke Ayodeji Emmanuel , Aliu John , Ebekozien Andrew , Akinpelu Taiwo Marcus , Olatunde Tosin Michael , Ogunsanya Oluwabukunmi A.
Published: February 2024

In developing countries, there is a scarcity of research focusing on the factors that drive the adoption and utilization of energy economics principles (EEPs). EEPs encompass a diverse set of strategies and practices designed to encourage energy efficiency, promote the adoption of renewable energy sources, and foster sustainable energy practices among construction stakeholders. Despite their potential benefits, such as reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, there remains a knowledge gap regarding the specific drivers influencing the implementation of EEPs in developing countries. Therefore, this study addresses this knowledge gap by examining the primary drivers for utilizing EEPs in the Nigerian construction industry. To achieve this objective, a quantitative research approach was adopted. Close‐ended questionnaires were developed and distributed to professionals in the construction industry, encompassing architects, builders, engineers, and quantity surveyors. The normality of the data was confirmed through univariate skewness and kurtosis analysis. Based on the relative importance index (RII) and mean scores, the highest‐ranked driver was government policies and regulations, followed by economic growth and job creation. Environmental sustainability ranked third, while energy cost savings and return on investment occupied the fourth and fifth positions respectively. Through exploratory factor analysis and fuzzy synthetic evaluation, six key criteria that drive the adoption of EEPs were identified: financial‐related drivers, environmental‐related drivers, social‐related drivers, government‐related drivers, technological‐related drivers, and behavioral‐related drivers. By identifying these six distinct clusters of drivers, this study enhances the understanding of the drivers for implementing EEPs, ultimately facilitating the transition to more energy‐efficient and sustainable practices in the construction sector and beyond.
Mitigating type 1 error inflation and power loss in GxE PRS: Genotype–environment interaction in polygenic risk score models
Authors: Jayasinghe Dovini , Momin Md. Moksedul , Beckmann Kerri , Hyppönen Elina , Benyamin Beben , Lee S. Hong
Published: February 2024

The use of polygenic risk score (PRS) models has transformed the field of genetics by enabling the prediction of complex traits and diseases based on an individual's genetic profile. However, the impact of genotype–environment interaction (GxE) on the performance and applicability of PRS models remains a crucial aspect to be explored. Currently, existing genotype–environment interaction polygenic risk score (GxE PRS) models are often inappropriately used, which can result in inflated type 1 error rates and compromised results. In this study, we propose novel GxE PRS models that jointly incorporate additive and interaction genetic effects although also including an additional quadratic term for nongenetic covariates, enhancing their robustness against model misspecification. Through extensive simulations, we demonstrate that our proposed models outperform existing models in terms of controlling type 1 error rates and enhancing statistical power. Furthermore, we apply the proposed models to real data, and report significant GxE effects. Specifically, we highlight the impact of our models on both quantitative and binary traits. For quantitative traits, we uncover the GxE modulation of genetic effects on body mass index by alcohol intake frequency. In the case of binary traits, we identify the GxE modulation of genetic effects on hypertension by waist‐to‐hip ratio. These findings underscore the importance of employing a robust model that effectively controls type 1 error rates, thus preventing the occurrence of spurious GxE signals. To facilitate the implementation of our approach, we have developed an innovative R software package called GxEprs, specifically designed to detect and estimate GxE effects. Overall, our study highlights the importance of accurate GxE modeling and its implications for genetic risk prediction, although providing a practical tool to support further research in this area.
Cover Image
Authors: Dou Lirong , Zhang Xinshun , Xiao Kunye , Xi Dangpeng , Du Yebo , Wang Li , Hu Jie , Hu Ying , Zheng Qianyu
Published: February 2024

The cover image is based on the Research Article Early Cretaceous (Aptian to Albian) vegetation and climate change in Central Africa: Novel palynological evidence from the Doseo Basin by Lirong Dou et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/gj.4873.

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Malignancy risk of indeterminate lymph node at the central compartment in patients with thyroid cancer and concomitant sonographic thyroiditis
Authors: Rhim Jung Hyo , Lee Ji Ye , Park Sun‐Won , Lee Younghen , Jung So Lyung , Yun Tae Jin , Ha Eun Ju , Baek Jung Hwan , Kim Jinna , Na Dong Gyu , Kim Ji‐hoon
Published: February 2024

Background

To evaluate the malignancy risk of sonographic (US) indeterminate lymph node (LN)s at the central compartment in thyroid cancer patients with US‐thyroiditis (ST).

Methods

Among the central compartments of suspicious, indeterminate, and probably benign LN US categories, the malignancy rates were compared between ST and non‐US‐thyroiditis (non‐ST) groups. Those of indeterminate category were compared with suspicious and probably benign categories.

Results

At 531 central compartments from 349 patients, the malignancy rate was lower in ST group (34.4% [44/128]) than non‐ST group (43.4% [175/403]), although statistically not significant (p = 0.08). The malignancy rate of indeterminate category in ST group (35.7% [5/14]) was lower than non‐ST group (71.9% [23/32]) (p = 0.047). Within ST group, the malignancy rate of indeterminate category (35.7% [5/14]) did not differ from probably benign category (29.1% [30/103]) (p = 0.756), but was lower than suspicious category (81.8% [9/11]) (p = 0.042).

Conclusions

The malignancy risk of US indeterminate LNs at the central compartment in thyroid cancer patients with US thyroiditis was lower than that in patients without US thyroiditis.
Ureteral reimplantation for the management of pelvic lipomatosis
Authors: Zong Dapeng , Xu Xin , Yan Kai , Xu Nianbiao , Jiang Xingkang , Xu Guoping , Ma Baojie
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Pelvic lipomatosis is a rare benign disease characterized by urethral elongation, bladder deformity, and/or hydronephrosis. Conservative management is not effective, and urinary diversion is the most effective treatment option but is usually unacceptable for relatively young patients. Ureteral reimplantation seemed to be an appropriate modality under these conditions. We present one case in which pelvic lipomatosis was managed with ureteral reimplantation.

Patient presentation

A 45‐year‐old, previously healthy man presented with right flank pain. Pelvic CT and CT urography showed excessive pelvic fat, bilateral hydronephrosis, tortuous ureters, and a pear‐shaped bladder, all of which indicated a diagnosis of pelvic lipomatosis. We performed laparoscopic bilateral urinary tract infection on this patient. At follow‐up, bilateral hydronephrosis and flank pain were greatly relieved.

Conclusion

Pelvic lipomatosis can be managed safely and effectively by urinary tract infection, but longer follow‐up periods are needed to evaluate the long‐term efficacy of this approach.
Rapid and accurate identification of marine bacteria spores at a single‐cell resolution by laser tweezers Raman spectroscopy and deep learning
Authors: Hu Jianchang , He Lin , Wang Guiwen , Liu Liwei , Wang Yiping , Song Jun , Qu Junle , Peng Xiao , Yuan Yufeng
Published: February 2024

Marine bacteria have been considered as important participants in revealing various carbon/sulfur/nitrogen cycles of marine ecosystem. Thus, how to accurately identify rare marine bacteria without a culture process is significant and valuable. In this work, we constructed a single‐cell Raman spectra dataset from five living bacteria spores and utilized convolutional neural network to rapidly, accurately, nondestructively identify bacteria spores. The optimal CNN architecture can provide a prediction accuracy of five bacteria spore as high as 94.93% ± 1.78%. To evaluate the classification weight of extracted spectra features, we proposed a novel algorithm by occluding fingerprint Raman bands. Based on the relative classification weight arranged from large to small, four Raman bands located at 1518, 1397, 1666, and 1017 cm−1 mostly contribute to producing such high prediction accuracy. It can be foreseen that, LTRS combined with CNN approach have great potential for identifying marine bacteria, which cannot be cultured under normal condition.
Design, synthesis, and pesticidal activities of novel pyrimidin‐4‐amine derivatives containing trifluoroethyl sulfide moiety
Authors: Li Guojun , Liu Aiping , Xiao Ting , Long Chuyun , Ouyang Wensen , Li Jun , Li Jianming , Hu Li , Lan Shilin , Xie Jianjun
Published: February 2024

In order to overcome the problem of pesticide resistance, it is necessary to discover novel pesticides with new mechanisms of action. Herein, a series of novel pyrimidin‐4‐amine derivatives containing trifluoroethyl sulfide moiety were designed and synthesized. Bioassays indicated that the title compounds synthesized possessed excellent acaricidal activity against Tetranychus urticae and fungicidal activity against Erysiphe graminis and Puccinia sorghi. Especially, the acaricidal activity of 5‐chloro‐6‐(difluoromethyl)‐N‐(2‐(2‐fluoro‐4‐methyl‐5‐((2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl)thio)phenoxy)ethyl)pyrimidin‐4‐amine (compound T4, LC50 = 0.19 mg/L) against T. urticae was close to commercial acaricide cyenopyrafen, and the fungicidal activity of 5‐chloro‐6‐(difluoromethyl)‐2‐methyl‐N‐(2‐(3‐((2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl)thio)phenoxy)ethyl)pyrimidin‐4‐amine (compound T15, EC50 = 1.32 mg/L) against P. sorghi. was superior to commercial fungicide tebuconazole. The synthesis and characterization of these compounds were given and the structure–activity relationships were discussed.
救急外来でdual energy CTによる診断を行った高齢者脊椎骨折の3例(Three cases of vertebral fractures in elderly patients diagnosed by dual energy CT in the emergency department)
Authors: 滋雄 日上 , 誠司 守田 , 真理子 杉田 , 和之 遠藤 , 貞樹 猪口 , 光泉 長谷部 , 儀英 中川
Published: February 2024

Dual–energy computed tomography（DECT）は2つの異なるエネルギーレベルのX線を用いる撮像装置で，様々な元素を識別できる。皮質骨や海面骨からカルシウムを識別・除去するvirtual non–calcium法を用いて，通常のCTでは診断困難な骨折に伴う骨髄浮腫や軟部組織損傷を診断できるが，本邦で救急搬送例に用いた報告は少ない。今回我々は，救急搬送された脊椎骨折3例をDECTで診断したので報告する。症例1は85歳の女性，L1の新鮮圧迫骨折，症例2は85歳の女性，自転車転倒によるL2の陳旧性骨折内の新鮮圧迫骨折，症例3は83歳の女性，自宅内での転倒によるS2の骨折で，いずれもDECTで骨髄浮腫を診断でき，MRIで確定した。高齢化社会が進むなか，救急外来におけるMRIが実施困難な骨折例への代替検査法としてDECTが一定の役割を果たすことが期待される。
コロナウイルスm–RNAワクチンに関連する可能性がある劇症型心筋炎をV–A ECMOにより救命し社会復帰できた1例(Fulminant myocarditis with possible association to coronavirus m–RNA vaccine and full recovery after veno–arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA–ECMO): Case report)
Authors: 悠 松本 , 喬之 鈴木 , 拓磨 中嶋 , 明日美 水柿 , 雄太 小林 , 琢真 佐藤 , 峰司 早川
Published: February 2024

症例は22歳男性，特記すべき既往，家族歴はない。コロナウイルス修飾ウリジンRNAワクチンの3回目接種を行った翌日，発熱と胸部違和感を認め，近隣医療機関を受診したが，心電図異常なく帰宅となった。接種翌々日に胸痛が増悪し当院に搬入された。搬入時は発熱と増悪する胸痛，心電図上でST上昇を認め，心筋トロポニンTおよびヒト脳性ナトリウム利尿ペプチド前駆体N端フラグメントの上昇を認め，コロナウイルスワクチンに関連する心筋炎の疑いとして入院とした。入院7時間後に突如，心室細動を認めた。胸骨圧迫のみで洞調律へ復帰したが，複数回心室細動を繰り返し，左室駆出率も著明に低下したため，静脈–動脈体外式膜型人工肺（veno arteria extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: VA–ECMO）を導入した。その後，心機能は改善し，第4病日にVA–ECMO離脱，第28病日に自宅退院となった。ワクチン関連の心筋炎は一般的な心筋炎と同様に急速に増悪する可能性があり，モニタリングを行いながら，慎重な経過観察が必要と思われる。
Reference Values for Water‐Specific T1 of the Liver at 3 T: T2*‐Compensation and the Confounding Effects of Fat
Authors: Thompson Richard B. , Sherrington Rachel , Beaulieu Christian , Kirkham Amy , Paterson David I. , Seres Peter , Grenier Justin
Published: February 2024

Background

T1 mapping of the liver is confounded by the presence of fat. Multiparametric T1 mapping combines fat‐water separation with T1‐weighting to enable imaging of water‐specific T1 (T1Water), proton density fat fraction (PDFF), and T2* values. However, normative T1Water values in the liver and its dependence on age/sex is unknown.

Purpose

Determine normative values for T1Water in the liver with comparison to MOLLI and evaluate a T2*‐compensation approach to reduce T1 variability.

Study Type

Prospective observational; phantoms.

Populations

One hundred twenty‐four controls (56 male, 18–75 years), 50 patients at‐risk for liver disease (18 male, 30–76 years).

Field Strength/Sequence

2.89 T; Saturation‐recovery chemical‐shift encoded T1 Mapping (SR‐CSE); MOLLI.

Assessment

SR‐CSE provided T1Water measurements, PDFF and T2* values in the liver across three slices in 6 seconds. These were compared with MOLLI T1 values. A new T2*‐compensation approach to reduce T1 variability was evaluated test/re‐test reproducibility.

Statistical Tests

Linear regression, ANCOVA, t‐test, Bland and Altman, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Liver T1 values were significantly higher in healthy females (F) than males (M) for both SR‐CSE (F‐973 ± 78 msec, M‐930 ± 72 msec) and MOLLI (F‐802 ± 55 msec, M‐759 ± 69 msec). T1 values were negatively correlated with age, with similar sex‐ and age‐dependencies observed in T2*. The T2*‐compensation model reduced the variability of T1 values by half and removed sex‐ and age‐differences (SR‐CSE: F‐946 ± 36 msec, M‐941 ± 43 msec; MOLLI: F‐775 ± 35 msec, M‐770 ± 35 msec). At‐risk participants had elevated PDFF and T1 values, which became more distinct from the healthy cohort after T2*‐compensation. MOLLI systematically underestimated liver T1 values by ~170 msec with an additional positive T1‐bias from fat content (~11 msec/1% in PDFF). Reproducibility ICC values were ≥0.96 for all parameters.

Data Conclusion

Liver T1Water values were lower in males and decreased with age, as observed for SR‐CSE and MOLLI acquisitions. MOLLI underestimated liver T1 with an additional large positive fat‐modulated T1 bias. T2*‐compensation removed sex‐ and age‐dependence in liver T1, reduced the range of healthy values and increased T1 group differences between healthy and at‐risk groups.

Evidence Level

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
Addressing challenges with evaluating hydrogen‐selective membrane performance by quadrupole mass spectrometry
Authors: Kurtishaj Ardita , Žumer Marko , Nemanič Vincenc , Cvelbar Uroš
Published: February 2024

Hydrogen separation using nanostructured membranes has gained research attention because of its potential to produce high‐purity hydrogen by separating gases at the molecular level. Quadrupole mass spectrometry (QMS) is one method to evaluate these membranes' effectiveness in separating hydrogen from gas mixtures. However, quantifying gases in a mixture with QMS is challenging, especially when heavier gas ions interfere with a light gas ion, resulting in lower quantification accuracy. This study addresses this challenge by presenting a detailed calibration procedure that significantly improves hydrogen quantification accuracy up to a factor of 2.5. CO and CO2 were chosen as interfering gases because they are commonly released in conventional hydrogen production processes. By carefully evaluating the performance of these membranes, new opportunities for hydrogen separation may be realized.
Machine learning versus multivariate logistic regression for predicting severe COVID‐19 in hospitalized children with Omicron variant infection
Authors: Liu Pan , Xing Zixuan , Peng Xiaokang , Zhang Mengyi , Shu Chang , Wang Ce , Li Ruina , Tang Li , Wei Huijing , Ran Xiaoshan , Qiu Sikai , Gao Ning , Yeo Yee Hui , Liu Xiaoguai , Ji Fanpu
Published: February 2024

With the emergence of the Omicron variant, the number of pediatric Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) cases requiring hospitalization and developing severe or critical illness has significantly increased. Machine learning and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to predict risk factors and develop prognostic models for severe COVID‐19 in hospitalized children with the Omicron variant in this study. Of the 544 hospitalized children including 243 and 301 in the mild and severe groups, respectively. Fever (92.3%) was the most common symptom, followed by cough (79.4%), convulsions (36.8%), and vomiting (23.2%). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age (1–3 years old, odds ratio (OR): 3.193, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.778–5.733], comorbidity (OR: 1.993, 95% CI:1.154–3.443), cough (OR: 0.409, 95% CI:0.236–0.709), and baseline neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (OR: 1.108, 95% CI: 1.023–1.200), lactate dehydrogenase (OR: 1.993, 95% CI: 1.154–3.443), blood urea nitrogen (OR: 1.002, 95% CI: 1.000–1.003) and total bilirubin (OR: 1.178, 95% CI: 1.005–3.381) were independent risk factors for severe COVID‐19. The area under the curve (AUC) of the prediction models constructed by multivariate logistic regression analysis and machine learning (RandomForest + TomekLinks) were 0.7770 and 0.8590, respectively. The top 10 most important variables of random forest variables were selected to build a prediction model, with an AUC of 0.8210. Compared with multivariate logistic regression, machine learning models could more accurately predict severe COVID‐19 in children with Omicron variant infection.
Climate and community in Central Mesa Verde
Authors: Field Sean , Glowacki Donna M.
Published: February 2024

Periods of acute climate stress – the convergence of low subsistence yields due to poor climate conditions and ineffective buffering strategies due to climate variability – critically reduces peoples’ ability to subsist and mitigate food shortages, thereby creating conditions that could result in profound social change. Here, paleoclimate reconstructions are used to identify periods of acute stress at three large Ancestral Pueblo villages in the US Southwest. These periods are examined in relation to occupation histories at each village showing that in certain instances, acute climate stress played a primary role in people's decisions to leave communities. However, not all of the communities reacted to stress in the same way indicating that distinct patterns of climate and social context played an important role in influencing how acute climate stress was experienced by different groups. Results from this study highlight the importance of community‐specific histories when considering the impact of climate stress on past people.
Formation of factors of creation of multi‐purpose cadaster in Ukraine at the regional level
Authors: Bieliatynskyi Andrii , Mamonov Kostyantyn , Shao Meiyu , Holovachov Vitalii , Kanivets Olena
Published: February 2024

Modern conditions in Ukraine require a rethinking of approaches to the formation of rights, restrictions, responsibilities, real estate accounting, and assessment of factors influencing these processes. Therefore, the article aims to identify the factors affecting the formation and use of the multi‐purpose cadaster as a multi‐level information system, which allows it to form a systemic environment and develop the theoretical and methodological foundations of the territorial development of regions. As a result, it is established that the multi‐purpose cadaster is a modern information system that forms the basis for the implementation of the European land administration system, provides land and real estate management, taking into account spatial, urban, environmental, and investment factors, and the level of stakeholder interaction at the regional level. Finally, the relevance of the research consists in the fact that military actions, the consequences of the COVID‐19 pandemic, deforming economic transformations, imbalances in regional ties, and social imbalances have a negative impact. In such conditions, the development and implementation of a multi‐purpose cadaster at the regional level are of particular importance, taking into account the impact of spatial, urban, environmental, and investment factors and European experience in implementing land relations.
Biotic and thermal drivers alter zooplankton phenology in western Lake Erie
Authors: Bailey Jenna , Hood James M.
Published: February 2024

Environmental change, particularly warming and eutrophication, can alter phenology in aquatic systems. Understanding controls on zooplankton phenology is important due to their central role in food webs. While patterns in zooplankton phenology have been well documented, we lack an understanding of how abiotic and biotic drivers influence lake zooplankton phenology during the summer. We examined the phenology of four common zooplankton taxa (Daphnia retrocurva, Skistodiaptomus oregonensis, Mesocyclops spp., Dreissenid veligers) in western Lake Erie during 1995–2022, a period with increasing eutrophication and Bythotrephes longimanus biomass. Many phenology metrics varied by 3 weeks or more from 1995 to 2022. The dominant controls of phenology were temperature and biotic factors, especially grazer‐defended phytoplankton (cyanobacteria and other colonial or filamentous taxa) and the invasive predator B. longimanus, which frequently interacted. Our results show that aspects of environmental change interact to shape zooplankton phenology, which can influence phytoplankton biomass and energy flow to higher trophic levels.
Novel predefined‐time control for fractional‐order systems and its application to chaotic synchronization
Authors: Chen Jiale , Zhao Xiaoshan , Xiao Jingyu
Published: February 2024

Based on the fractional calculus and sliding mode control (SMC) techniques, this paper presents a predefined‐time synchronization scheme for fractional‐order chaotic systems (FOCSs). Firstly, a predefined‐time control method is proposed for fractional‐order systems. Subsequently, a novel sliding surface is presented to ensure predefined‐time convergence of the synchronization error. Then, a controller is designed by combining the predefined‐time stability and the SMC method to ensure that the synchronization error converges to zero within the predefined time. Finally, the feasibility and robustness of the scheme are illustrated with two numerical simulation examples.
On the exponential stability of a stochastic model for transmission dynamics of antimicrobial‐resistant infections
Authors: Melese Zinabu Teka , Berhe Hailay Weldegiorgis , Woldegerima Woldegebriel Assefa
Published: February 2024

In this research, a comprehensive stochastic model was developed to analyze the transmission dynamics of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in both hospital‐acquired and community‐acquired contexts. The study explored the existence and uniqueness of solutions and established the presence of a global solution. The investigation focused on assessing the boundedness, extinction, and persistence of MRSA strains in terms of their means. The analysis of the model revealed a noteworthy phenomenon known as competitive exclusion, where the community‐acquired MRSA strain gradually out‐competes the hospital‐acquired strain within hospital settings. In conclusion, effective interventions and preventive measures, such as improving hand hygiene compliance, implementing decolonization strategies, and enhancing disinfection rates, emerge as critical factors in controlling the transmission of these strains within hospital environments.
Supporting the assignment of NMR spectra with variable‐temperature experiments
Authors: Nawrocka Ewa K. , Jadwiszczak Michał , Leszczyński Piotr J. , Kazimierczuk Krzysztof
Published: February 2024

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is one of the most powerful tools in analytical chemistry. An important step in the analysis of NMR data is the assignment of resonance frequencies to the corresponding atoms in the molecule being investigated. The traditional approach considers the spectrum's characteristic parameters: chemical shift values, internuclear couplings, and peak intensities. In this paper, we show how to support the process of assigning a series of spectra of similar organic compounds by using temperature coefficients, that is, the rates of change in chemical shift values associated with given changes in temperature.
Singlet oxygen‐responsive hyaluronate dot clusters for tumor therapy
Authors: Yoon Hyunji , Lee Eunsol , Lee Eun Seong
Published: February 2024

In this study, we developed nanoclusters that respond to singlet oxygen and can be adjusted in size to enhance the efficacy of tumor therapy. Specifically, we engineered nanoclusters, denoted as dHAc‐PSDA‐Ce6, through the covalent conjugation of hyaluronate dots (dHA) with 3,3‐(propane‐2,2‐diylbis(sulfanediyl))dipropionic acid (PSDA) as a cleavable crosslinker mediated by singlet oxygen, and chlorin e6 (Ce6) as a representative model drug for photodynamic therapy. The hyaluronic acid (HA) component within dHAc‐PSDA‐Ce6 was harnessed for the specific targeting of CD44 receptors that are overexpressed on tumor cells. Upon subjecting the vicinity of tumor cells to light irradiation, the PSDA crosslinker within dHAc‐PSDA‐Ce6 undergoes cleavage, likely facilitated by the singlet oxygen generated by Ce6. This cleavage process leads to the formation of dHA‐Ce6 molecules. We hypothesized that a nanocluster, circulating safely within the bloodstream, would undergo a transformation into individual dHA‐Ce6 molecules upon light irradiation at the localized tumor site. This transformation, in turn, enhances the photodynamic antitumor effect. Our in vitro investigations have demonstrated the remarkable efficacy of dHAc‐PSDA‐Ce6 in inducing tumor cell death upon light irradiation. Furthermore, our in vivo biodistribution studies have revealed the substantial accumulation of these nanoclusters within the tumor site. We anticipate that this singlet oxygen‐responsive nanocluster harbors substantial promise for enhancing tumor accumulation and fortifying the effectiveness of tumor eradication.
Trend Diabetes Nursing Conference June 2023: key updates
Authors: Ogden Joy
Published: February 2024

The focus for the Trend Diabetes Nursing Conference in June 2023, which was held in London, Birmingham and Newcastle, was on ‘Diabetes: Making it personal’ and on continuing professional development in diabetes. Topics included presentations in women's health from cradle to grave and how they are impacted by diabetes, as well as specific challenges for men with diabetes.