bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population-Level Trends in Emergency Department Encounters for Sexual Assault Preceding and During the COVID-19 Pandemic Across Ontario, Canada
Authors: Muldoon Katherine A. , Talarico Robert , Fell Deshayne B. , Illingworth Heidi , Sampsel Kari , Manuel Douglas G.
Published: December 2022

Importance

Lockdown measures and the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic are factors associated with increased risk of violence, yet there is limited information on trends in emergency department (ED) encounters for sexual assault.

Objective

To compare changes in ED encounters for sexual assault during the COVID-19 pandemic vs prepandemic estimates.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective, population-based cohort study used linked health administrative data from 197 EDs across Ontario, Canada, representing more than 15 million residents. Participants included all patients who presented to an ED in Ontario from January 11, 2019, to September 10, 2021. Male and female individuals of all ages were included. Data analysis was performed from March to October 2022.

Exposures

Sexual assault, defined through 27 International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision, procedure and diagnoses codes.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Ten bimonthly time periods were used to compare differences in the frequency and rates of ED encounters for sexual assault between 2020 to 2021 (during the pandemic) compared with baseline prepandemic rates in 2019. Rate differences (RDs) and age adjusted rate ratios (aRRs) and Wald 95% CIs were calculated using Poisson regression.

Results

From January 11, 2019, to September 10, 2021, there were 14 476 656 ED encounters, including 10 523 for sexual assault (9304 [88.4%] among female individuals). The median (IQR) age was 23 (17-33) years for female individuals and 15 (4-29) years for male individuals. Two months before the pandemic, ED encounters increased for sexual assault among female individuals (8.4 vs 6.9 cases per 100 000; RD, 1.51 [95% CI, 1.06 to 1.96]; aRR, 1.22 [95% CI, 1.09 to 1.38]) and male individuals (1.2 vs 1.0 cases per 100 000; RD, 0.19 [95% CI, 0.05 to 0.36]; aRR, 1.19 [95% CI, 0.87 to 1.64]). During the first 2 months of the pandemic, the rates decreased for female individuals (4.2 vs 8.3 cases per 100 000; RD, −4.07 [95% CI, −4.48 to −3.67]; aRR, 0.51 [95% CI, 0.44 to 0.58]) and male individuals (0.5 vs 1.2 cases per 100 000; RD, −0.72 [95% CI, −0.86 to −0.57]; aRR, 0.39 [95% CI, 0.26 to 0.58]). For the remainder of the study period, the rates of sexual assault oscillated, returning to prepandemic levels during the summer months and between COVID-19 waves.

Conclusions and Relevance

These findings suggest that lockdown protocols should evaluate the impact of limited care for sexual assault. Survivors should still present to EDs, especially when clinical care or legal interventions are needed.
Testing for EGFR Variants in Pleural and Pericardial Effusion Cell-Free DNA in Patients With Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Lee Kirsty W. C. , Li Molly S. C. , Gai Wanxia , Lau Yat Ming , Chan Allen K. C. , Chan Oscar S. H. , Lee Chee Khoon , Yeung Rebecca M. W. , Fung Sherwood Y. H. , Cheung Wai F. , Chan Vivian W. , Leung Linda , Kam Kenny N. P. , Mok Tony S. K.
Published: December 2022

Importance

Molecular testing in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is commonly limited by inadequate tumor sample. Plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) genotyping as a complementary test is specific but only moderately sensitive. Genotyping of cfDNA in pleural and pericardial effusion (PE-cfDNA) can further optimize molecular diagnostic yield and reduce the need for repeated biopsies.

Objective

To prospectively validate droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) for detection of sensitizing EGFR variants and acquired Thr790Met variant (T790M) from PE-cfDNA in patients with NSCLC.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This prospective diagnostic validation study was conducted between September 6, 2016, and January 21, 2021 at 2 major Hong Kong cancer centers. Patients with advanced NSCLC with both wild-type and variant EGFR status and exudative PE who underwent thoracocentesis or pericardiocentesis were randomly enrolled. Patients were either EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) naive (cohort 1) or EGFR-TKI treated but osimertinib naive (cohort 2). Enrolled patients underwent pleural- or pericardial-fluid and blood sampling for ddPCR EGFR testing. EGFR status results with ddPCR testing of PE-cfDNA and blood were compared with EGFR status in matched tumor biopsy or PE cell block samples.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Specificity, sensitivity, and concordance of PE-cfDNA for detection of sensitizing EGFR variants and acquired T790M variation.

Results

Among 171 patients (54% female) enrolled, there were 104 in cohort 1 and 67 in cohort 2. In cohort 1, 37% (38/102) were EGFR-variant positive; PE-cfDNA showed 97% sensitivity (95% CI, 92%-100%), 97% specificity (95% CI, 93%-100%), and 97% concordance (ĸ = 0.94, P < .001) for the detection of sensitizing EGFR variants. It was more sensitive than plasma in detecting sensitizing EGFR variants (97% vs 74%, P < .001). In cohort 2, 38% (15 of 40) were positive for the EGFR T790M variant; PE-cfDNA showed 87% sensitivity (95% CI, 69%-100%), 60% specificity (95% CI, 41%-79%), and 70% concordance (ĸ = 0.42, P = .004) for acquired T790M. The EGFR T790M variant was detected in 51% of PE-cfDNA vs 25% of PE cell block samples.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this diagnostic study, EGFR variants could be accurately detected from PE-cfDNA in patients with NSCLC. More EGFR T790M was detected in PE-cfDNA than in guideline-recommended PE cell block preparations. These results suggest that PE-cfDNA can complement plasma and tumor genotyping for detecting EGFR variants in patients with advanced NSCLC.
Ring‐Opening Reactions of Epoxides With Titanium(III) Reagents
Authors: (Babu) RajanBabu T. V. , Nugent William A. , Halder Sandipan
Published: December 2022

The ring‐opening reactions of epoxides with titanium(III) reagents such as Cp
2
TiCl are critically reviewed, including the scope, limitations, and mechanism of these synthetically useful transformations. The initial reaction proceeds by single‐electron transfer to give a carbon‐centered β‐titanoxy radical. The resulting radical can be terminated by a number of different reaction pathways, including epoxide deoxygenation, reduction to the alcohol, intermolecular addition to activated olefins, and intramolecular addition (cyclization). The literature is surveyed from the first reported examples in 1988 through October, 2021.
An Integrated Solar Panel with a Triboelectric Nanogenerator Array for Synergistic Harvesting of Raindrop and Solar Energy
Authors: Ye Cuiying , Liu Di , Chen Pengfei , Cao Leo N. Y. , Li Xunjia , Jiang Tao , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: December 2022

The triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is regarded as an effective strategy for harvesting energy from raindrops, and is a complementary solution with solar cells to achieve all‐weather energy harvesting and sustainable energy supply. However, due to the irregularity of natural rainfalls in the volume, frequency, density, and location, designing high‐efficiency raindrop TENG (R‐TENG) arrays faces great challenges. In this work, a highly transparent, large‐area, and high‐efficiency R‐TENG array with rational material choice, electrode structure, and array distribution is developed for efficiently harvesting irregular raindrop energy. The problem of electrical signal cancellation among adjacent raindrops can be fully avoided, as viewed from the high‐resolution space–time analyses of high‐speed camera and electrical signal characteristics. With the rationally designed electrode instead of multiple complex electrodes, all charges can be exported by the R‐TENG array in a simulated irregular raindrop scenario. Moreover, it is demonstrated that the R‐TENG possesses higher average power density (40.80 mW m−2) than that of the solar cell (37.03 mW m−2) in rainy condition. Additionally, a self‐powered wireless light‐intensity‐monitoring system is demonstrated for real‐time and all‐day weather monitoring. This work provides useful guidance for designing high‐efficiency TENG arrays integrated with solar panels for harvesting irregular raindrop energy and solar energy.
Liquid‐Phase Synthesis of Highly Deformable and Air‐Stable Sn‐Substituted Li3PS4 for All‐Solid‐State Batteries Fabricated and Operated under Low Pressures
Authors: Woo Jehoon , Song Yong Bae , Kwak Hiram , Jun Seunggoo , Jang Bo Yeong , Park Juhyoun , Kim Kyu Tae , Park Changhyun , Lee Chanhee , Park Kern‐Ho , Lee Hyun‐Wook , Jung Yoon Seok
Published: December 2022

The liquid‐phase synthesis (LS) of sulfide solid electrolytes (SEs) has promising potential for mass production of practical all‐solid‐state Li batteries (ASLBs). However, their accessible SE compositions are mostly metal‐free. Moreover, liquid‐phase‐synthesized‐SEs (LS‐SEs) suffer from high electronic conductivity due to carbon impurities, resulting in below‐par electrochemical performance of ASLBs. Here, the LS of highly deformable and air‐stable Li3+xP1‐xSnxS4 (0.19 mS cm−1) using 1,2‐ethylene diamine‐1,2‐ethanedithiol with tetrahydrofuran is reported. A low heat‐treatment temperature (260 °C) prevents the carbonization of organic residues. Importantly, a remarkable enhancement in the deformability of LS‐SEs compared to that of conventional solid‐state‐synthesized SEs (SS‐SEs) is identified for the first time. LiNi0.7Co0.15Mn0.15O2 electrodes employing LS‐SEs in ASLBs significantly outperform those using SS‐SEs, notably when assembled under a low fabricating pressure (148 vs 370 MPa, e.g., capacity loss: 2 vs 41 mA h g−1) or tested under a low operating pressure (12 or 3 MPa), which is attributed to reduced electrochemo‐mechanical effects. Finally, when employing SEs that are exposed to air (dew point of −20 °C), LiNi0.7Co0.15Mn0.15O2 electrodes employing SEs with Sn‐substituted composition or prepared by LS exhibit significantly better capacity retention than conventional SEs with Sn‐free composition or prepared by SS (e.g., 92.2% for LS‐Li3.2P0.8Sn0.2S4 vs 32.5% for SS‐Li3PS4).
Long noncoding RNA 01534 maintains cancer stemness by downregulating endoplasmic reticulum stress response in colorectal cancer
Authors: Ichihara Momoko , Takahashi Hidekazu , Nishida Naohiro , Ivan Cristina , Okuzaki Daisuke , Yokoyama Yuhki , Ohtsuka Masahisa , Miyoshi Norikatsu , Uemura Mamoru , Tanaka Shinji , Calin George Adrian , Mori Masaki , Doki Yuichiro , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Yamamoto Hirofumi
Published: December 2022

Background

Studies have shown that cancer stemness and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response are inversely regulated in colorectal cancer (CRC), but the mechanism has not been fully clarified. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play key roles in cancer progression and metastasis. In this study we investigated lncRNA 01534 (LINC01534) as a possible modulator between cancer stemness and ER stress response.

Methods

In vitro experiments using CRC cell lines were performed to explore a possible role of LINC01534. The expression of LINC01534 in clinical CRC samples was assessed by quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and in situ hybridization.

Results

Silencing LINC01534 led to suppression of cell proliferation, invasiveness, and cell cycle progression at the G2‐M phase, and promoted apoptosis. Moreover, we found that silencing LINC01534 suppressed cancer stemness, while it activated the ER stress response, especially through the PERK/eIF2α signaling pathway. In situ hybridization revealed LINC01534 was expressed in tumor cells and upregulated in CRC tissues compared with normal epithelium. A survival survey indicated that high LINC01534 expression was significantly associated with shorter overall survival in 187 CRC patients.

Conclusion

This is the first report on LINC01534 in human cancer. Our findings suggest that LINC01534 may be an important modulator of the maintenance of cancer stemness and suppression of the ER stress response, and that it could be a novel prognostic factor in CRC.
A novel deleterious ETFA promoter variant causative of multiple acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency
Authors: Prasun Pankaj , Evans Anthony , Cork Emalyn , Houten Sander M. , Webb Bryn D.
Published: December 2022

Multiple acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MADD) is an autosomal recessive disorder of fatty acid, amino acid, and choline metabolism. We describe a patient identified through newborn screening in which the diagnosis of MADD was confirmed based on metabolic profiling, but clinical molecular sequencing of ETFA, ETFB, and ETFDH was normal. In order to identify the genetic etiology of MADD, we performed whole genome sequencing and identified a novel homozygous promoter variant in ETFA (c.‐85G > A). Subsequent studies showed decreased ETFA protein expression in lymphoblasts. A promoter luciferase assay confirmed decreased activity of the mutant promoter. In both assays, the variant displayed considerable residual activity, therefore we speculate that our patient may have a late onset form of MADD (Type III). Our findings may be helpful in establishing a molecular diagnosis in other MADD patients with a characteristic biochemical profile but apparently normal molecular studies.
Assembly of Dihydropyridazines via [4+2] Cycloaddition of In Situ Generated Azoalkenes
Authors: Yuan Cheng , Wang Jiatong , Wang Gangqiang , Sun Shaofa , Wang Jian
Published: December 2022

The unprecedented example for the synthesis of multi‐substituted pyridazines via [4+2] cycloaddition of azoalkenes generated in situ is described. This protocol features broad substrate scope and allows rapid assembly of pyridazines. Notably, this process provides an alternative method for in situ generation of azoalkenes.
Highly Bright Near‐Infrared Chemiluminescent Probes for Cancer Imaging and Laparotomy
Authors: Wei Xin , Huang Jingsheng , Zhang Chi , Xu Cheng , Pu Kanyi , Zhang Yan
Published: December 2022

Near‐infrared (NIR) chemiluminescence imaging holds potential for sensitive imaging of cancer due to its low background; however, few NIR chemiluminophores are available, which share the drawback of low chemiluminescence quantum yields (ΦCL). Herein, we report the synthesis of NIR chemiluminophores for cancer imaging and laparotomy. Molecular engineering of the electron‐withdrawing group at the para‐position of the phenol‐dioxetane leads to a highly bright NIR chemiluminophore (DPT), showing the ΦCL(4.6×10−2 Einstein mol−1) that is 3 to 5‐fold higher than existing NIR chemiluminophores. By caging the phenol group of DPT with a cathepsin B (CatB) responsive moiety, an activatable chemiluminescence probe (DPTCB) is developed for real‐time turn‐on detection of deeply buried tumor tissues in living mice. Due to its high brightness, DPTCBpermits accurate chemiluminescence‐guided laparotomy.
A Triply Negatively Charged Nanographene Bilayer with Spin Frustration
Authors: Wang Wenqing , Ma Xiao‐Hui , Liu Min , Tang Shuxuan , Ding Xuguang , Zhao Yue , Tan Yuan‐Zhi , Kertesz Miklos , Wang Xinping
Published: December 2022

We report on the largest open‐shell graphenic bilayer and also the first example of triply negatively charged radical π‐dimer. Upon three‐electron reduction, bilayer nanographene fragment molecule (C96H24Ar6)2(Ar=2,6‐dimethylphenyl) (12) was transformed to a triply negatively charged species123⋅−, which has been characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and magnetic properties on a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID).123⋅−features a 96‐center‐3‐electron (96c/3e) pancake bond with a doublet ground state, which can be thermally excited to a quartet state. It consists of 34 π‐fused rings with 96 conjugatedsp2carbon atoms. Spin frustration is observed with the frustration parameterf>31.8 at low temperatures in123⋅−, which indicates graphene upon reduction doping may behave as a quantum spin liquid.
Emergence of Visible‐Light Water Oxidation Upon Hexaniobate‐Ligand Entrapment of Quantum‐Confined Copper‐Oxide Cores
Authors: Kumar Tiwari Chandan , Roy Shubasis , Tubul‐Sterin Tal , Baranov Mark , Leffler Nitai , Li Mu , Yin Panchao , Neyman Alevtina , Weinstock Ira A.
Published: December 2022

The formation of small 1 to 3 nm organic‐ligand free metal‐oxide nanocrystals (NCs) is essential to utilization of their attractive size‐dependent properties in electronic devices and catalysis. We now report that hexaniobate cluster‐anions, [Nb6O19]8−, can arrest the growth of metal‐oxide NCs and stabilize them as water‐soluble complexes. This is exemplified by formation of hexaniobate‐complexed 2.4‐nm monoclinic‐phase CuO NCs (1), whose ca. 350 Cu‐atom cores feature quantum‐confinement effects that impart an unprecedented ability to catalyze visible‐light water oxidation with no added photosensitizers or applied potentials, and at rates exceeding those of hematite NCs. The findings point to polyoxoniobate‐ligand entrapment as a potentially general method for harnessing the size‐dependent properties of very small semiconductor NCs as the cores of versatile, entirely‐inorganic complexes.
Carboxy‐thioether‐thiolato titanium–graphene oxide nanocomposite as drug delivery system for targeted cancer therapy: Design, characterization, bovine serum albumin binding study, and biological evaluation
Authors: Mohamed Hanan A. , Ibrahim Mohamed M. , El‐Mehasseb Ibrahim M. , Ramadan Abd El‐Motaleb M. , Shaban Shaban Y.
Published: December 2022

Carboxy‐thioether‐thiolato Ti (IV) complex (TiCTT) and its graphene oxide nanocomposite (GO–TiCTT) were prepared and characterized for the development of novel compounds with enhanced antibacterial and anticancer capabilities, and the loading ratio of TiCTT was found to be approximately 33.3%. Thermal studies and zeta potential revealed that GO–TiCTT is more stable than GO, whereas SEM and TEM revealed efficient TiCTT adsorption on the surface of GO. Various biophysical procedures were used to investigate the interactions of CTT, TiCTT, GO, and GO–TiCTT nanocomposite with bovine serum albumin (BSA). The results revealed that the intrinsic fluorescence quenching of BSA resulting from low concentrations was caused by the formation of stable BSA adducts via the binding interaction with BSA. The stable adduct had a stoichiometry of 1:1 and binding constants (Kb) in the order of 105 M1 at 310 K for CTT, TiCTT, and GO–TiCTT, indicating a very strong binding interaction with BSA. Based on the sign and magnitude of the free energy change (G#), it can be concluded that the binding process with BSA was spontaneous, with van der Waals force and hydrogen bonding interaction as the main interaction forces. A combined quenching process was observed at higher concentrations of these compounds. Using the stopped‐flow technique, the TiCTT release behavior from the nanocomposite was investigated, and the GO–TiCTT system demonstrated pH‐responsive and sustained drug release. Furthermore, when compared to GO, CTT, TiCTT, and GO–TiCTT nanocomposite demonstrated good antibacterial activity against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. They also have higher cytotoxicity against HepG2 human liver cancer cells than CTT. The calculated BSA‐binding constants matched the antimicrobial and cytotoxic results well. As a result, this research could lead to the development of a drug delivery system.
Modified Smith predictor‐based optimal fractional PD‐PD controller for double integrating processes with considerable time delay
Authors: Sengupta Sayani , Karan Somak , Dey Chanchal
Published: December 2022

Modified Smith predictor (MSP)‐based fractional propotional derivative (PD)‐PD controller (FO [PD‐PD]) is presented here for controlling double integrating plus time delay (DIPTD) processes. The proposed scheme comprises of two fractional PD controllers together and a first‐order filter to ascertain satisfactory servo as well as regulatory responses. Here, forward path fractional PD controller works towards attaining improved servo response and feedback path fractional PD controller ensures enhanced load regulation. Tuning parameters of both the controllers are obtained through optimization algorithm. The first‐order filter present in the feedback path is responsible for providing improved robustness and is designed with single tuning parameter—closed‐loop time constant (
). Efficacy of the proposed MSP‐based fractional order PD‐PD controller or MSP‐FO (PD‐PD) is substantiated through simulation study, and its superiority is established in comparison with others' recent works on DIPTD processes.
Prediction of Erosive Disease Development by Antimitochondrial Antibodies in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Moore Richard E. , Wang Ting , Duvvuri Bhargavi , Feser Marie L. , Deane Kevin D. , Solomon Joshua J. , Nelson J. Lee , Demoruelle M. Kristen , Lood Christian
Published: December 2022

Objective

Mitochondria are found in the extracellular space in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, whether mitochondria are a source of autoantigens in RA has not been carefully addressed. Thus, we undertook this study to investigate the presence and significance of antimitochondrial antibodies (AMAs) in patients with RA.

Methods

AMAs were measured in serum samples from 3 cross‐sectional cohorts of RA patients (n = 95, n = 192, and n = 117) and healthy individuals (n = 38, n = 72, and n = 50) using a flow cytometry–based assay. Further, AMAs were detected using an anti–mitofusin‐1 (anti–MFN‐1) IgG enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot analysis. A longitudinal inception cohort, followed up for a median of 8 years, was used to study disease progression.

Results

AMA levels were elevated in RA patients from all 3 cohorts as compared to healthy individuals (P < 0.001, P < 0.05, and P < 0.01), with a range of 14–26% positivity. Levels of anti–MFN‐1 antibodies correlated with AMA levels (r = 0.31, P = 0.006) and were elevated in RA patients as compared to healthy individuals (P < 0.001). The presence of AMAs was associated with erosive disease (P < 0.05) and interstitial lung disease (P < 0.01). Further, AMA levels were found to predict erosive disease (odds ratio [OR] 4.59, P = 0.006) and joint space narrowing (OR 3.08, P = 0.02) independent of anti–citrullinated protein antibodies. Finally, anti–MFN‐1 antibodies identified seronegative patients developing erosive disease (OR 9.33; P = 0.02).

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate the presence of novel autoantibodies targeting mitochondria in the setting of RA. AMAs were used to stratify patients based on disease phenotype and to predict development of erosive disease, including in patients with seronegative disease. Our results highlight the essential role of mitochondria in the pathogenesis of RA and suggest a possible benefit of therapies targeting mitochondrial‐mediated inflammation and clearance in these patients.
Insight of smart biosensors for COVID‐19: A review
Authors: Tomichan Rosemary , Sharma Avinash , Akash K. , Siddiqui Adeeb Ahmad , Dubey Amit , Upadhyay Tarun Kumar , Kumar Deepak , Pandey Sadanand , Nagraik Rupak
Published: December 2022

The review discusses the diagnostic application of biosensors as point‐of‐care devices in the COVID‐19 pandemic. Biosensors are important analytical tools that can be used for the robust and effective detection of infectious diseases in real‐time. In this current scenario, the utilization of smart, efficient biosensors for COVID‐19 detection is increasing and we have included a few smart biosensors such as smart and intelligent based biosensors, plasmonic biosensors, field effect transistor (FET) biosensors, smart optical biosensors, surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) biosensor, screen printed electrode (SPE)‐based biosensor, molecular imprinted polymer (MIP)‐based biosensor, MXene‐based biosensor and metal–organic frame smart sensor. Their significance as well as the benefits and drawbacks of each kind of smart sensor are mentioned in depth. Furthermore, we have compiled a list of various biosensors which have been developed across the globe for COVID‐19 and have shown promise as commercial detection devices. Significant challenges in the development of effective diagnostic methods are discussed and recommendations have been made for better diagnostic outcomes to manage the ongoing pandemic effectively.
Identifying cathode and anode polarizations during practical high‐rate charging/discharging in different Li‐ion pouch batteries
Authors: Wang Li , Xie Leqiong , Song Youzhi , Liu Xiaomei , Zhang Hao , He Xiangming
Published: December 2022

Cell design is effective to improve the performances of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). For identifying the bottleneck of a full battery used for high‐rate charging/discharging, we developed a simple method, by a reference electrode in practical pouch cells, to quick obtain the polarizations of the cathode and the anode. For a Li(Ni0.6Co0.2Mn0.2)O2/graphite full cell, 63.9% and 97.0% of the polarizations originate from the anode at 50% state of charge (SOC) during 2.0 C charging and discharging rates, respectively. While for LiFePO4/graphite system, 62.5% and 55.8% of the polarizations originate from the anode at the same charging and discharging conditions. These indicate that the anode is the limitation during fast charging/discharging, which is consistent with the common understanding but in contrary to the results obtained by coin cells reported previously. While the rate limitation from anode in LiFePO4/graphite system during fast charging/discharging is significantly changed to both cathode and anode compared with Li(Ni0.6Co0.2Mn0.2)O2/graphite. Besides, graphite anodes in LiFePO4/graphite cells more readily dive to the Li‐metal plating potential at high charging rate. This leads to safety concerns of LiFePO4/graphite cells during fast charging. This is a facile strategy for fast distinguishing polarizations from cathodes and anodes of high‐rate LIBs.
Electrolyte engineering strategies for regulation of the Zn metal anode in aqueous Zn‐ion batteries
Authors: Li Zixuan , Robertson Alex W.
Published: December 2022

Rechargeable aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZBs), with their high theoretical capacity, low cost, safety, and environmental friendliness, have risen as a promising candidate for next‐generation energy storage. Despite the fruitful progress in cathode material research, the electrochemical performance of the AZB remains hindered by the physical and chemical instability of the Zn anode. The Zn anode suffers from dendrite growth and chemical reactions with the electrolyte, leading to efficiency decay and capacity loss. Recently, significant effort has been dedicated to regulating the Zn anode. Electrolyte manipulation, including tailoring the salt, additives, or concentration, is a useful strategy as the electrolyte strongly influences the anode's failure processes. It is thus worthwhile to gain an in‐depth understanding of these electrolyte‐dependent regulation mechanisms. With this in mind, this review first outlines the two main issues behind Zn anode failure, dendrite growth, and side reactions. Subsequently, an understanding of the electrolyte tailoring strategy, namely, the influence of the salt, additive, and concentration on the Zn anode, is provided. We conclude by summarizing the future prospects of the Zn metal anode and potential electrolyte‐based solutions.
Standard pancreatoduodenectomy versus extended pancreatoduodenectomy with modified retroperitoneal nerve resection in patients with pancreatic head cancer: a multicenter randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lin Qing , Zheng Shangyou , Yu Xianjun , Chen Meifu , Zhou Yu , Zhou Quanbo , Hu Chonghui , Gu Jing , Xu Zhongdong , Wang Lin , Liu Yimin , Liu Qingyu , Wang Min , Li Guolin , Cheng He , Zhou Dongkai , Liu Guodong , Fu Zhiqiang , Long Yu , Li Yixiong , Wang Weilin , Qin Renyi , Li Zhihua , Chen Rufu
Published: December 2022

Background

The extent of pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic head cancer remains controversial, and more high‐level clinical evidence is needed. This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of extended pancreatoduodenectomy (EPD) with retroperitoneal nerve resection in pancreatic head cancer.

Methods

This multicenter randomized trial was performed at 6 Chinese high‐volume hospitals that enrolled patients between October 3, 2012, and September 21, 2017. Four hundred patients with stage I or II pancreatic head cancer and without specific pancreatic cancer treatments (preoperative chemotherapy or chemoradiation) within three months were randomly assigned to undergo standard pancreatoduodenectomy (SPD) or EPD, with the latter followed by dissection of additional lymph nodes (LNs), nerves and soft tissues 270° on the right side surrounding the superior mesenteric artery and celiac axis. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS) by intention‐to‐treat (ITT). The secondary endpoints were disease‐free survival (DFS), mortality, morbidity, and postoperative pain intensity.

Results

The R1 rate was slightly lower with EPD (8.46%) than with SPD (12.56%). The morbidity and mortality rates were similar between the two groups. The median OS was similar in the EPD and SPD groups by ITT in the whole study cohort (23.0 vs. 20.2 months, P = 0.100), while the median DFS was superior in the EPD group (16.1 vs. 13.2 months, P = 0.031). Patients with preoperative CA19–9 < 200.0 U/mL had significantly improved OS and DFS with EPD (EPD vs. SPD, 30.8 vs. 20.9 months, P = 0.009; 23.4 vs. 13.5 months, P < 0.001). The EPD group exhibited significantly lower locoregional (16.48% vs. 35.20%, P < 0.001) and mesenteric LN recurrence rates (3.98% vs. 10.06%, P = 0.022). The EPD group exhibited less back pain 6 months postoperation than the SPD group.

Conclusions

EPD for pancreatic head cancer did not significantly improve OS, but patients with EPD treatment had significantly improved DFS. In the subgroup analysis, improvements in both OS and DFS in the EPD arm were observed in patients with preoperative CA19–9 < 200.0 U/mL. EPD could be used as an effective surgical procedure for patients with pancreatic head cancer, especially those with preoperative CA19–9 < 200.0 U/mL.
Design, Synthesis and Molecular Docking of 1,3,4‐Oxadiazole‐2(3H)‐thione Derivatives Containing 1,4‐Benzodioxane Skeleton as Potential FabH Inhibitors
Authors: Sun Juan , Zhang Cui‐Ping , Chen Chong‐Hao , Guo Xiao‐Meng , Liu Cai‐Shi , Zhou Yang , Hu Fu‐Liang
Published: December 2022

Fatty acid biosynthesis is essential for bacterial survival. Of these promising targets, β‐ketoacyl‐acyl carrier protein (ACP) synthase III (FabH) is the most attractive target. A series of novel 1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐2(3H)‐thione derivatives containing 1,4‐benzodioxane skeleton targeting FabH were designed and synthesized. These compounds were determined by 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, MS and further confirmed by crystallographic diffraction study for compound 7m and 7n. Most of the compounds exhibited good inhibitory activity against bacteria by computer‐assisted screening, antibacterial activity test and E. coli FabH inhibitory activity test, wherein compounds 7e and 7q exhibited the most significant inhibitory activities. Besides, compound 7q showed the best E. coli FabH inhibitory activity (IC50=2.45 μΜ). Computational docking studies also showed that compound 7q interacts with FabH critical residues in the active site.
Diagnostic performance of angiography‐derived fractional flow reserve in patients with NSTEMI
Authors: Skalidis Ioannis , Meier David , De Bruyne Bernard , Collet Carlos , Sonck Jeroen , Mahendiran Thabo , Rotzinger David , Qanadli Salah Dine , Eeckhout Eric , Muller Olivier , Fournier Stephane
Published: December 2022

Noninvasive methods of estimating invasively measured fractional flow reserve (FFRinvasive) are actively being explored, aiming to avoid the use of an invasive pressure wire and the administration of hyperemia‐inducing drugs. Coronary angiography‐derived FFR (FFRangio) has already demonstrated its diagnostic performance in the context of stable coronary artery disease. However, its applicability in the context of non‐ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) has yet to be established. We sought to determine the diagnostic performance of FFRangio exclusively in patients presenting with NSTEMI. We performed a prospective, single‐center, single‐arm, double‐blinded study comparing FFR calculated by FFRangio to FFRinvasive in NSTEMI patients. FFRinvasive was measured in all angiographically intermediate lesions (30%–70% stenosis) and was then compared to FFRangio which was calculated at the same position, by a blinded operator. The primary endpoints were the sensitivity and specificity of FFRangio for predicting FFRinvasive using a cut‐off value of ≤0.80. Among 100 NSTEMI patients who were screened, 46 patients with 60 vessels in total underwent FFRinvasive and were included in the study. The mean value of FFRinvasive was 0.83 ± 0.3 with 22 (36%) being ≤0.80 while the mean FFRangio was 0.82 ± 0.1 with 22 (36%) being ≤0.80. FFRangio exhibited a sensitivity of 95.5%, a specificity of 97.4%, and a diagnostic accuracy of 96.7%. FFRangio can precisely and noninvasively estimate FFRinvasive in acute coronary syndromes and may have a role in guiding treatment decisions related to angiographically intermediate coronary lesions in this context.

What is known

FFRangio has demonstrated its diagnostic performance in validation studies, as a noninvasive and cost‐effective method in the context of stable coronary artery disease but its performance has never been exclusively evaluated in NSTEMI patients.

What is new

The present prospective single‐center study demonstrates the excellent diagnostic performance of FFRangio in detecting functionally significant coronary artery stenosis in the setting of NSTEMI, providing more confidence in utilizing FFRangio in this population, avoiding the risk of an invasive pressure wire and the administration of hyperemia‐inducing drugs.

What is next

Future randomized trials evaluating FFRangio‐guided treatment of coronary artery disease (stable or ACS) are now needed to definitively establish the role of FFRangio in the physiological assessment of coronary lesions.
A novel NGS‐based diagnostic algorithm for classifying multifocal lung adenocarcinomas in pN0M0 patients
Authors: Zhang Xin , Fan Xiaoxi , Sun Changbo , Wang Liang , Miao Yuan , Wang Liming , Yang Peng , Xu Yang , Ren Xue , Wu Xue , Xu Shun
Published: December 2022

The classification of multifocal lung adenocarcinomas (MLAs), including multiple primary lung adenocarcinomas (MPLAs) and intrapulmonary metastases (IPMs), has great clinical significance in staging and treatment determination. However, the application of molecular approaches in pN0M0 MLA diagnosis has not been well investigated. Here, we performed next‐generation sequencing (NGS) analysis in 45 pN0M0 MLA patients (101 lesion pairs) who were initially diagnosed as having MPLA by comprehensive histologic assessment (CHA). Five additional patients with intrathoracic metastases were used as positive controls, while 197 patients with unifocal lung adenocarcinomas (425 random lesion pairs) were used as negative controls. By utilizing a predefined NGS criterion, all IPMs in the positive control group could be accurately classified, whereas 13 lesion pairs (3.1%) in the negative control cohort were misdiagnosed as IPMs. Additionally, 14 IPM lesion pairs were diagnosed in the study group, with at least 7 misdiagnoses. We thus developed a refined algorithm, incorporating both NGS and histologic results, that could correctly diagnose all the known MPLAs and IPMs. In particular, all IPMs identified by the refined algorithm were diagnosed to be IPMs or suspected IPMs by CHA reassessment. The refined algorithm‐diagnosed MPLAs patients also had significantly better progression‐free survival than the refined algorithm‐diagnosed IPMs (p < 0.0001), which is superior to conventional NGS or CHA diagnoses. Overall, we developed an NGS‐based algorithm that could accurately distinguish IPMs from MPLAs in MLA patients. Our results demonstrate a promising clinical utility of NGS to complement traditional CHA‐based MLA diagnosis and help determine patient staging and treatment.
Understanding the Degradation Factors, Mechanism and Initiatives for Highly Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Miah Md. Helal , Rahman Md. Bulu , Nur‐E‐Alam Mohammad , Das Narottam , Soin Norhayati Binti , Hatta Sharifah Fatmadiana Wan Muhammad , Islam Mohammad Aminul
Published: December 2022

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are intriguing and viable challengers among all solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies worldwide due to their high conversion efficiency and simple manufacturing procedure. PSCs are currently thought to be very promising for the future generation of PV technology, which can make it easier to solving the rising energy demand. However, commercial mass production of PSCs is still far away due to their stability, and eco‐friendly material issues. Extrinsic degradation is one of the vital issues for PSCs and various approaches are proposed and developed by researchers towards improve the quality and the stability of perovskite and other active materials for a PSC with longer lifetime. In this article, we conduct a systematic study to identify the major intrinsic and extrinsic degradation factors, and the degradation mechanism of PSCs. We investigate the potential approaches related to improving the stability and performance of the PSCs including encapsulation, interfacial layer engineering, additive engineering, ion engineering, and fabrication techniques. We also briefly point out the recent promising approaches to improve stability and power conversion efficiency (PCE) under various harsh conditions. This review will provide a better insight into the present scenario of the PSC as well.
Early detection of liver disorders using hybrid soft computing techniques for optimal feature selection and classification
Authors: Varchagall Manjunath , Adaguru Yogegowda Prasad
Published: December 2022

Human liver disease is a sort of illness that starts in the ovaries and is particularly dangerous for women. As a consequence, aberrant cells develop that have the potential to spread to other parts of the body. Liver disease is a serious disorder that affects women's ovaries and is difficult to identify early on, which is why it is still one of the leading causes of mortality. The significance of unequivocal confirmation of intrinsic and typical components in establishing new frameworks to detect and eliminate danger is substantial. In this study, we present a hybrid soft computing approach for early diagnosis of liver problems (EDLD‐HS). For high and low level feature extraction models, we first employ an improved ant swarm optimization (IASO) approach. Then, for optimum feature selection, we develop a modified whale search optimization (MWSO) technique that combines features that may reflect both texture patterns and semantic backdrop scattered in the data. After that, we employed a hybrid swallow swarm intelligent‐deep neural network (HSSI‐DNN) classifier to determine the stage of liver illness. Finally, we used MATLAB R2014a to test our proposed EDLD‐HS method using well‐known benchmark datasets including BUPA, ILPD, and MPRLPD. The simulation findings are compared to existing state‐of‐the‐art methodologies in terms of accuracy, specificity, sensitivity, precision, recall, F1‐score, G‐mean, and area under curve (AUC). The detection accuracy of the proposed HSSI‐DNN classifier is 83.26% (BUPA), 84.26% (ILPD), and 91.23% (ILPD) (MPRLPD).
Basal Plane‐Activated Boron‐Doped MoS2 Nanosheets for Efficient Electrochemical Ammonia Synthesis
Authors: Chen Xiaoyue , Lu Shucao , Wei Yanjiao , Sun Mengjie , Wang Xu , Ma Min , Tian Jian
Published: December 2022

Under the dual pressure of energy crisis and environmental pollution, ammonia (NH3) is an indispensable chemical product in the global economy. The electrocatalytic synthesis of NH3 directly from nitrogen and water using renewable electricity has become one of the most attractive and important topics. Basal plane‐activated boron‐doped MoS2 nanosheets (B−MoS2) as a non‐noble metal catalyst with excellent performance for N2 electroreduction are synthesized by a facile one‐step hydrothermal method. In 0.1 m Na2SO4 solution, MoS2 nanosheets doped with 300 mg boric acid (B−MoS2‐300) give rise to a good ammonia yield rate of 75.77 μg h−1 mg−1cat. at −0.75 V vs. RHE, and an excellent Faradaic efficiency of 40.11 % at −0.60 V vs. RHE. In addition, the B−MoS2‐300 nanosheets show good selectivity and chemical stability, and no hydrazine (N2H4) by‐product is generated during the reaction. 15N isotopic labeling confirms that nitrogen in produced ammonia originates from N2 in the electrolyte. On the one hand, the high conductivity of MoS2 guarantees guarantees a high electron transfer rate from nitrogen to ammonia; on the other hand, the successful incorporation of heteroatom B enlarges the interlayer spacing of MoS2, and the B atom can act as an active site for basal plane activation, providing more active sites for the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR). Density functional theory calculations show that the doping of B activates the base plane of 1T‐MoS2, which makes the adsorption of N2 on the base plane easier and promotes the NRR.
Face race and sex impact visual fixation strategies for upright and inverted faces in 3‐ to 6‐year‐old children
Authors: Farrell Julia , Conte Stefania , Barry‐Anwar Ryan , Scott Lisa S.
Published: December 2022

Everyday face experience tends to be biased, such that infants and young children interact more often with own‐race and female faces leading to differential processing of faces within these groups relative to others. In the present study, visual fixation strategies were recorded using eye tracking to determine the extent to which face race and sex/gender impact a key index of face processing in 3‐ to 6‐year‐old children (n = 47). Children viewed male and female upright and inverted White and Asian faces while visual fixations were recorded. Face orientation was found to have robust effects on children's visual fixations, such that children exhibited shorter first fixation and average fixation durations and a greater number of fixations for inverted compared to upright face trials. First fixations to the eye region were also greater for upright compared to inverted faces. Fewer fixations and longer duration fixations were found for trials with male compared to female faces and for upright compared to inverted unfamiliar‐race faces, but not familiar‐race faces. These findings demonstrate evidence of differential fixation strategies toward different types of faces in 3‐ to 6‐year‐old children, illustrating the importance of experience in the development of visual attention to faces.
Phenotypic senescence in a natural insect population
Authors: Pásztor Kata , Kőrösi Ádám , Gór Ádám , Szigeti Viktor , Vajna Flóra , Kis János
Published: December 2022

Senescence seems to be universal in living organisms and plays a major role in life‐history strategies. Phenotypic senescence, the decline of body condition and/or performance with age, is a largely understudied component of senescence in natural insect populations, although it would be important to understand how and why insects age under natural conditions. We aimed (i) to investigate how body mass and thorax width change with age in a natural population of the univoltine Clouded Apollo butterfly (Parnassius mnemosyne, Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) and (ii) to assess the relationship of this change with sex and wing length. We studied a population between 2014 and 2020 using mark‐recapture during the whole flight period each year. Repeated measurements of body mass and thorax width and single measurements of wing length were performed on marked individuals. We analyzed body mass and thorax width change with age (days since marking), wing length, and the date of the first capture. Both body mass and thorax width declined nonlinearly with age. Individuals appearing earlier in the flight period had significantly higher initial body mass and thorax width and their body mass declined faster than later ones. Initial body sizes of females were higher, but males' body sizes decreased slower. Initial thorax width showed higher annual variation than body mass. To our best knowledge, this is the first study that revealed phenotypic senescence in a natural butterfly population, using in vivo measurements. We found sexual differences in the rate of phenotypic senescence. Despite the annual variation of initial body sizes, the rate of senescence did not vary considerably across the years.
Biased gene expression reveals the contribution of subgenome to altitude adaptation in allopolyploid Isoetes sinensis
Authors: Wei Pei , Yu Xiao‐lei , Yang Yu‐jiao , Chen Zhu‐yifu , Zhao Shu‐qi , Li Xin‐zhong , Zhang Wen‐cai , Liu Chen‐lai , Li Xiao‐yan , Liu Xing
Published: December 2022

Allopolyploids are believed to inherit the genetic characteristics of its progenitors and exhibit stronger adaptability and vigor. The allotetraploid Isoetes sinensis was formed by the natural hybridization and polyploidization of two diploid progenitors, Isoetes taiwanensis and Isoetes yunguiensis, and was believed to have the potential to adapt to plateau environments. To explore the expression pattern of homoeologous genes and their contributions to altitude adaptation, we transplanted natural allotetraploid I. sinensis (TnTnYnYn) along the altitude gradient for a long‐term, and harvested them in summer and winter, respectively. One year after transplanting, it still lived well, even in the extreme environment of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau. Then, we performed high‐throughput RNA sequencing to measure their gene expression level. A total of 7801 homoeologous genes were expressed, among which 5786 were identified as shared expression in different altitudes and seasons. We further found that altitude variations could change the subgenome bias trend of I. sinensis, but season could not. Moreover, the functions of uniquely expressed genes indicated that temperature might be an important restrictive factor during the adaptation process. Through the analysis of DEGs and uniquely expressed genes, we found that Y subgenome provided more contributions to high altitude adaptation than T subgenome. These adaptive traits to high altitude may be inherited from its plateau progenitor I. yunguiensis. Through weighted gene co‐expression network analysis, pentatricopeptide repeats gene family and glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway were considered to play important roles in high‐altitude adaptation. Totally, this study will enrich our understanding of allopolyploid in environmental adaptation.