bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protective efficacy of nafronyl in diabetic retinopathy through targeted inhibition of key enzymes
Authors: Eyush Eyush , Kumar Shivani , Sen Karishma , Sakarwal Anita , Ram Heera , Yadav Dharamveer , Kumar Antresh , Panwar Anil
Published: June 2024

Diabetic retinopathy is governed by abnormal apoptosis, increased capillary pressure, and other linked pathology that needs an efficient treatment by multitargeted approaches. Thus, the current study aimed to explore the potential of inhibition of targeted enzymes (DPP4, ACE‐2, and aldose reductase) and free radical scavenging capabilities of selected compounds (nafronyl or naftidrofuryl) through in silico and in vivo investigations. Significant binding energies were observed in complexes of aldolase reductase, angiotensin type 1 receptor, and DPP4 against the nafronyl and sitagliptin more than −7.5 kcal/mol. Further validation of free energy was confirmed by calculations of molecular mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann surface area (MMPBSA), and configurational stabilities examined by PCA (principal component analysis). Additionally, drug‐likeness was examined by the Swiss ADME web tool, which showed significant findings. Consequently, in vivo experimentations showed significant inflammation and alterations in retinal layers of inner plexiform (inner limiting membrane, nerve fibers, and ganglionic cells), inner nuclear layer (bipolar cells and horizontal cells), and photoreceptors cells. Whereas the treatments (nafronyl and sitagliptin) caused significant improvements in the histoarchitecture of the retina. Additionally, the HOMA indices (IR‐insulin resistance, sensitivity, and β cells functioning) and levels of free radicals were significantly altered in the diabetic control group in comparison to intact control. Nafronyl administration showed significant ameliorations in HOMA indices as well as antioxidant levels. Based on the results, it can be concluded that nafronyl efficiently interacts with target enzymes, which may result in potent inhibition and ameliorations in retinal histology as well as glucose homeostasis and antioxidants.
Lithium‐Sulfur‐Batteries under Lean Electrolyte Conditions: Improving Rate Capability by the Choice of the Lithium Salt in Dimethoxyethane‐Hydrofluoroether‐Based Electrolyte
Authors: Kirchhoff Sebastian , Härtel Paul , Dörfler Susanne , Abendroth Thomas , Althues Holger , Kaskel Stefan
Published: June 2024

Lithium‐sulfur batteries (LSBs) are discussed as the most promising post‐lithium‐ion battery technology due to the high theoretical energy density and the cost‐efficient, environmental‐friendly active material sulfur. Unfortunately, LSBs still suffer from several limitations such as cycle life and rate capability. To overcome these issues, the development of adapted electrolytes is one promising path. Consequently, in this study, we focus on the influence of the lithium salt on the performance of LSBs. In a fixed solvent system without employing LiNO3, five different lithium salts are compared. The electrolyte properties as well as the influence of polysulfides are determined and discussed in relation with the battery performance. Interestingly, although the different salts lead to different electrolyte properties, only a minor influence of the salt is observed at low C‐rates. By performing a rate capability test, however, a strong influence of the lithium salt is detected at high C‐rates, with LiFSI outperforming the other salts. This correlates well with ionic conductivity and a suppressed influence of polysulfides in case of LiFSI. To verify the results, multi‐layered pouch cells were tested under lean electrolyte conditions. The study emphasizes the significance of the lithium salt and provides guidance for electrolyte design under lean electrolyte conditions.
Establishment and evaluation of a new fluorescent probe method based on loop‐mediated isothermal amplification for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex
Authors: Batuer Mireguli , Yuan Yue , Yu Mengsi , Meng Cunren
Published: June 2024

We aimed to develop a novel diagnostic method called multiplex fluorescence of loop primer upon self‐dequenching loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (mFLOS‐LAMP) for the rapid detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC). A set of specific primers was designed to target the detection of IS1081 and IS6110 genes, which are insertion sequences within the MTBC. The 110 sputum specimens collected were assessed using the established mFLOS‐LAMP method, multiplex polymerase chain reaction, Xpert MTB/RIF, and smear microscopy. The optimal reaction temperature and duration for mFLOS‐LAMP were determined to be 65°C and 30 min, respectively, by optimizing the entire system. The detection sensitivity of mFLOS‐LAMP was 6.0 × 101 CFU/mL, by Bacillus Calmette‐Guerin, and the mFLOS‐LAMP sensitivity of M. tuberculosis H37Rv genomic DNA was 500 fg, and the specificity was 100%. The sensitivity of mFLOS‐LAMP was 94.2% and the specificity was 96.6%, when Xpert MTB/RIF was used as the reference method. There was no statistically significant difference in their detection rate (χ2 = 0, P = 1.000), and the consistency was good (kappa = 0.909, P < 0.001). The receiver operating characteristic analysis yielded the maximum area under the curve of 0.954. The mFLOS‐LAMP method demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity, allowing for swift and accurate detection of MTBC.
Functional role of geminivirus encoded proteins in the host: Past and present
Authors: Kamal Hira , Zafar Muhammad Mubashar , Razzaq Abdul , Parvaiz Aqsa , Ercisli Sezai , Qiao Fei , Jiang Xuefei
Published: June 2024

During plant–pathogen interaction, plant exhibits a strong defense system utilizing diverse groups of proteins to suppress the infection and subsequent establishment of the pathogen. However, in response, pathogens trigger an anti‐silencing mechanism to overcome the host defense machinery. Among plant viruses, geminiviruses are the second largest virus family with a worldwide distribution and continue to be production constraints to food, feed, and fiber crops. These viruses are spread by a diverse group of insects, predominantly by whiteflies, and are characterized by a single‐stranded DNA (ssDNA) genome coding for four to eight proteins that facilitate viral infection. The most effective means to managing these viruses is through an integrated disease management strategy that includes virus‐resistant cultivars, vector management, and cultural practices. Dynamic changes in this virus family enable the species to manipulate their genome organization to respond to external changes in the environment. Therefore, the evolutionary nature of geminiviruses leads to new and novel approaches for developing virus‐resistant cultivars and it is essential to study molecular ecology and evolution of geminiviruses. This review summarizes the multifunctionality of each geminivirus‐encoded protein. These protein‐based interactions trigger the abrupt changes in the host methyl cycle and signaling pathways that turn over protein normal production and impair the plant antiviral defense system. Studying these geminivirus interactions localized at cytoplasm‐nucleus could reveal a more clear picture of host–pathogen relation. Data collected from this antagonistic relationship among geminivirus, vector, and its host, will provide extensive knowledge on their virulence mode and diversity with climate change.
Development of a biotechnology process for the production of a novel hyperglycosylated long‐acting recombinant bovine follicle‐stimulating hormone
Authors: Villarraza Javier , Antuña Sebastián , Tardivo María Belén , Rodríguez María Celeste , Díaz Pablo Uriel , Notaro Ulises Sebastián , Ortega Hugo Héctor , Prieto Claudio , Ceaglio Natalia
Published: June 2024

Follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) is an important protein used for bovine ovarian hyperstimulation in multiple ovulation and embryo transfer technology (MOET). Several attempts to produce bovine FSH (bFSH) in recombinant systems have been reported, nonetheless, up to date, the most commonly used products are partially purified preparations derived from porcine or ovine (pFSH or oFSH) pituitaries. Here we describe the development of a biotechnology process to produce a novel, hyperglycosylated, long‐acting recombinant bFSH (LA‐rbFSH) by fusing copies of a highly O‐glycosylated peptide. LA‐rbFSH and a nonmodified version (rbFSH) were produced in suspension CHO cell cultures and purified by IMAC with high purity levels (>99%). LA‐rbFSH presented a higher glycosylation degree and sialic acid content than rbFSH. It also demonstrated a notable improvement in pharmacokinetic properties after administration to rats, including a higher concentration in plasma and a significant (seven‐fold) reduction in apparent clearance (CLapp). In addition, the in vivo specific bioactivity of LA‐rbFSH in rats was 2.4‐fold higher compared to rbFSH. These results postulate this new molecule as an attractive substitute for commercially available porcine pituitary‐derived products.
Comparative analysis of brain language templates with primary language areas detected from presurgical fMRI of brain tumor patients
Authors: Lee Jina , Kumar Vinodh A. , Teo Jian Ming , Eldaya Rami W. , Hou Ping , Noll Kyle R. , Ferguson Sherise D. , Prabhu Sujit S. , Liu Ho‐Ling
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Functional brain templates are often used in the analysis of clinical functional MRI (fMRI) studies. However, these templates are mostly built based on anatomy or fMRI of healthy subjects, which have not been fully vetted in clinical cohorts. Our aim was to evaluate language templates by comparing with primary language areas (PLAs) detected from presurgical fMRI of brain tumor patients.

Methods

Four language templates (A–D) based on anatomy, task‐based fMRI, resting‐state fMRI, and meta‐analysis, respectively, were compared with PLAs detected by fMRI with word generation and sentence completion paradigms. For each template, the fraction of PLA activations enclosed by the template (positive inclusion fraction, [PIF]), the fraction of activations within the template but that did not belong to PLAs (false inclusion fraction, [FIF]), and their Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) with PLA activations were calculated.

Results

For anterior PLAs, Template A had the greatest PIF (median, 0.95), whereas Template D had both the lowest FIF (median, 0.074), and the highest DSC (median, 0.30), which were all significant compared to other templates. For posterior PLAs, Templates B and D had similar PIF (median, 0.91 and 0.90, respectively) and DSC (both medians, 0.059), which were all significantly higher than that of Template C. Templates B and C had significantly lower FIF (median, 0.061 and 0.054, respectively) compared to Template D.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated significant differences between language templates in their inclusiveness of and spatial agreement with the PLAs detected in the presurgical fMRI of the patient cohort. These findings may help guide the selection of language templates tailored to their applications in clinical fMRI studies.
Shaping supply chain ethical leadership via green intellectual capital: The mediating role of ambidextrous environmental strategy
Authors: Liu Shasha , Jiang Wenbo , Liu Yingyi , Feng Taiwen
Published: June 2024

Considering the serious environmental uncertainties and challenges facing the supply chain, the focal firm with supply chain ethical leadership (SCEL) can effectively coordinate the economic and environmental relationships and achieve sustainable supply chain. Although its importance, the knowledge of how to shape SCEL is limited. Based on signaling theory, we explore that the mechanism and boundary conditions of green intellectual capital (GIC) shape SCEL via ambidextrous environmental strategy and the moderating role of supply chain trust. Using 317 survey data from Chinese manufacturers, we conducted the hierarchical regression analysis to test the hypotheses. Our results reveal that both green human capital and green relational capital have direct and indirect impacts on SCEL, while green structural capital only contributes to SCEL via ambidextrous environmental strategy. Moreover, when the degree of supply chain trust increases, the effect of ambidextrous environmental strategy on SCEL becomes stronger. This research contributes to the supply chain leadership and environmental strategy literature and provides novel insights into better understanding the mechanisms of shaping SCEL. Managers would do better to shape SCEL by sending reliable signals of GIC and ambidextrous environmental strategy.
Treatment patterns and survival outcomes of patients admitted to the intensive care unit due to immune‐related adverse events of immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Lin Lishi , Houwink Aletta P. I. , van Dieren Jolanda M. , Wolthuis Esther K. , van Thienen Johannes V. , van der Heijden Michiel S. , Haanen John B. A. G. , Beijnen Jos H. , Huitema Alwin D. R.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Severe immune‐related adverse events (irAEs) due to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can lead to admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). In this retrospective study, we determined the incidence, treatment patterns and survival outcomes of this patient population at a comprehensive cancer center.

Methods

All patients admitted to the ICU due to irAEs from ICI treatment between January 2015 and July 2022 were included. Descriptive statistics were reported on patient characteristics and treatment patterns during hospital admission. Overall survival (OS) from the time of ICU discharge to death was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

Over the study period, 5561 patients received at least one ICI administration, of which 32 patients (0.6%) were admitted to the ICU due to irAEs. Twenty patients were treated with anti‐PD‐1 plus anti‐CTLA‐4 treatment, whereas 12 patients were treated with ICI monotherapy. The type of irAEs were de novo diabetes‐related ketoacidosis (n = 8), immune‐related gastrointestinal toxicity (n = 8), myocarditis or myositis (n = 10), nephritis (n = 3), pneumonitis (n = 2), and myelitis (n = 1). The median duration of ICU admission was 3 days (interquartile range: 2–6 days). Three patients died during ICU admission. The median OS of the patients who were discharged from the ICU was 18 months (95% confidence interval, 5.0—NA).

Conclusion

The incidence of irAEs leading to ICU admission in patients treated with ICI was low in this study. ICU mortality due to irAEs was low and a subset of this patient population even had long‐term survival.
Pathological and clinical outcomes following neoadjuvant dual HER2 therapy for early‐stage breast cancer: An Australian institutional real‐world experience
Authors: Narayanan Sathya , Ngui Nicholas K. , Kinchington Ben , Choi Joseph Do Woong , Hughes Thomas Michael D. , Rutovitz Josie , Hasovits Csilla , Nahar Kazi J. , Edirimanne Senarath , Marx Gavin
Published: June 2024

Aim

There has been significant progress made in developing novel targeted therapies in the neoadjuvant setting for non‐metastatic HER2‐positive breast cancer, which may be used in combination with conventional chemotherapy to optimise pathological responses at surgery. However, these therapies, particularly the chemotherapeutic components, may portend significant and long‐lasting toxicity. Hence, de‐escalation of treatment intensity has been an area of interest and was evaluated in the phase II NeoSphere study. Herein, we report the real‐world pathological and survival outcomes from neoadjuvant taxane and dual HER2 blockade recorded at our centre.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients receiving neoadjuvant pertuzumab, trastuzumab and taxane chemotherapy for non‐metastatic HER2‐positive breast cancer at a single centre in Sydney, Australia. We collected data pertaining to baseline demographic characteristics, pathological response rates, post‐surgical prescribing patterns and also undertook survival analyses for invasive disease‐free survival (iDFS) as well as exploratory analyses for correlations between pre‐specified clinicopathologic factors and pathological response at surgery.

Results

Our population was largely similar at baseline to the NeoSphere study. 71 patients were included in the final analysis. 61% achieved a pathological complete response (pCR). Three patients received conventional chemotherapy in the adjuvant setting. 92% of included patients were alive and disease‐free at 3 years of follow‐up. Only 3 events of recurrence or death were recorded at a median follow‐up of 32 months. No significant difference in iDFS was noted between patients achieving pCR and those with residual disease at surgery.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that de‐escalated adjuvant treatment for HER2‐positive early breast cancer achieved favourable pathological and long‐term outcomes comparable to large trials, some utilising more intensive chemotherapeutic components.
Discriminating atypical parotid carcinoma and pleomorphic adenoma utilizing extracellular volume fraction and arterial enhancement fraction derived from contrast‐enhanced CT imaging: A multicenter study
Authors: Xu Zhen‐Yu , Huang Lin‐Wen , Yang Yun‐Jun , Cai Zhi‐Ping , Chen Mei‐Lin , Lu Rui‐Liang , Ouyang Yong‐Xi , Hong Zhen‐Kai , Huang Wei‐Jun , Xu Zhi‐Feng
Published: June 2024

Objectives

To investigate the added value of extracellular volume fraction (ECV) and arterial enhancement fraction (AEF) derived from enhanced CT to conventional image and clinical features for differentiating between pleomorphic adenoma (PA) and atypical parotid adenocarcinoma (PCA) pre‐operation.

Methods

From January 2010 to October 2023, a total of 187 cases of parotid tumors were recruited, and divided into training cohort (102 PAs and 51 PCAs) and testing cohort (24 PAs and 10 atypical PCAs). Clinical and CT image features of tumor were assessed. Both enhanced CT‐derived ECV and AEF were calculated. Univariate analysis identified variables with statistically significant differences between the two subgroups in the training cohort. Multivariate logistic regression analysis with the forward variable selection method was used to build four models (clinical model, clinical model+ECV, clinical model+AEF, and combined model). Diagnostic performances were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses. Delong's test compared model differences, and calibration curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) assessed calibration and clinical application.

Results

Age and boundary were chosen to build clinical model, and to construct its ROC curve. Amalgamating the clinical model, ECV, and AEF to establish a combined model demonstrated superior diagnostic effectiveness compared to the clinical model in both the training and test cohorts (AUC = 0.888, 0.867). There was a significant statistical difference between the combined model and the clinical model in the training cohort (p = 0.0145).

Conclusions

ECV and AEF are helpful in differentiating PA and atypical PCA, and integrating clinical and CT image features can further improve the diagnostic performance.
Sex‐based immune microenvironmental feature heterogeneity in response to PD‐1 blockade in combination with chemotherapy for patients with untreated advanced non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Yu Xiaofeng , You Zhaolei , Liu Ying , Fang Jian , Zhao Qi , Sun Zhihong , Song Yingjian , Liu Jie , Sun Chengming
Published: June 2024

Background

To investigate the sex‐based heterogeneity of immune microenvironmental feature and its impact on the response to first‐line PD‐1 blockade plus chemotherapy in patients with driver‐negative advanced or metastatic non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Patients and Methods

A total of 439 patients with advanced NSCLC treated with first‐line PD‐1 blockade plus chemotherapy or chemotherapy were identified. Differences in clinical outcomes between female and male patients were determined using Kaplan–Meier curves. Neoantigen burden and five immune microenvironmental markers expression including PD‐L1, CD4, CD8, FOXP3, and CD68 were compared between two groups.

Results

Of 175 eligible patients, 89 received PD‐1 blockade plus chemotherapy and 86 received first‐line chemotherapy. Forty five were women (25.7%) and 130 were men (74.3%). Female patients received first‐line PD‐1 blockade in combination with chemotherapy had dramatically better ORR (85.2% vs. 53.2%; p = 0.009), PFS (23.7 vs. 7.3 months; p = 0.013), and OS (46.2 vs. 20.0 months; p = 0.004) than males. Treatment outcomes were similar between females and males in chemotherapy group. Multivariate analyses showed that sex was the independent prognostic factor for patients received PD‐1 blockade combined with chemotherapy. Although female patients had significantly lower tumor mutational and neoantigen burden than males, pretreatment tumor tissues of female patients had markedly higher CD4, CD4/FOXP3, and CD4/FOXP3/PD‐L1 expression level than male patients.

Conclusions

Female patients with untreated advanced or metastatic NSCLC would derive a larger benefit from PD‐1 blockade in combination with chemotherapy than males. The biological significances of heterogeneity of tumor immune microenvironmental features between them need further investigation.
RSM and ANN Comparative Modelling with a Granulation Treatment in Mixed Waters
Authors: Sanchez‐Sanchez Celina , Morales‐Rivera Juan , Moeller‐Chávez Gabriela , Moreno‐Rodríguez Ernestina , Flores‐Gómez Jean
Published: June 2024

A Box‐Behnken design was used for the analysis using a gray wolf optimizer (GWO)‐coupled artificial neural network (ANN) model and response surface methodology (RSM) to analyze the effect of three operating parameters (volumetric exchange ratio [VER], aeration rate [AR], and cycle time [CT]) manipulated during an aerobic granular sludge process (AGS) sequencing batch reactor on modeling the removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) in mixed wastewater. The most efficient architecture for COD showed the highest efficiency for modeling the AGS. The RSM model and plot results indicate that the CT and AR were the most influential on COD removal efficiency. When compared with models with statistical indices, GWO‐ANN demonstrated higher performance compared to RSM.
Constrained Bayes in multiplicative area‐level models under the precautionary loss function
Authors: Torkashvand Elaheh , Jafari Jozani Mohammad
Published: June 2024

Consider the problem of benchmarking small‐area estimates under multiplicative models with positive parameters. The goal is to propose a loss function that guarantees positive constrained estimates of small‐area parameters in this situation. The weighted precautionary loss function is introduced to solve the problem. Compared with the weighted Kullback–Leibler (KL) loss function, our proposed loss function penalizes underestimation of the small‐area parameters of interest more for small values of parameters. This property is appealing when we estimate disease rates. It tends to give larger estimates of small‐area parameters compared with those obtained under the KL loss function. The hierarchical empirical Bayes and constrained hierarchical empirical Bayes estimates of small‐area parameters and their corresponding risk functions under the new proposed loss function are obtained. The performance of the proposed methods is investigated using simulation studies and a real dataset.
Socioeconomic status and different forms of rhinitis in Swedish adults
Authors: Bashir Muwada Bashir Awad , Pullerits Teet , Ekerljung Linda , Backman Helena , Wennergren Göran , Kankaanranta Hannu , Nwaru Bright I.
Published: June 2024

Background

Rhinitis encompasses diverse forms. Each form has distinct pathophysiology and clinical manifestations and may be influenced by differential risk factors. The association between socioeconomic status (SES) and different forms of rhinitis remains poorly understood. Our aim was to examine SES variations in allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinitis, and chronic rhinosinusitis in adults.

Methods

Based on a 2016 postal questionnaire survey within the West Sweden Asthma Study, we analyzed data from 36,213 subjects aged 16–75 years. The measures of SES were levels of education and occupation. Adjusted logistic regression was used to examine associations between SES and the rhinitis outcomes.

Results

Attaining a secondary school and tertiary education, compared to a primary school, were associated with increased risk of allergic rhinitis (secondary OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.22–1.45; tertiary 1.54, 1.41–1.69) and chronic rhinitis (secondary 1.18, 1.08–1.29; tertiary 1.17, 1.06–1.28). The influence of occupation was consistent with respect to allergic rhinitis. For instance, compared to the lowest occupational skill level, the highest level (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.04–1.48) and the lower high occupation levels (1.24, 1.04–1.49) were associated with an increased risk of allergic rhinitis. No significant link was found between education and chronic rhinosinusitis or between occupation levels and risk of either chronic rhinitis or chronic rhinosinusitis.

Conclusion

Individuals with higher education and those at higher occupational levels may be at higher risk of having different forms of rhinitis than those at lower education and occupation levels. Assessment of rhinitis burden via SES can be one strategy to develop preventive strategies.
Structure and function of FAP47 in the central pair apparatus of Chlamydomonas flagella
Authors: Tani Yuma , Yanagisawa Haruaki , Yagi Toshiki , Kikkawa Masahide
Published: June 2024

Motile cilia have a so‐called “9 + 2” structure, which consists of nine doublet microtubules and a central pair apparatus. The central pair apparatus (CA) is thought to interact mechanically with radial spokes and to control the flagellar beating. Recently, the components of the CA have been identified by proteomic and genomic analyses. Still, the mechanism of how the CA contributes to ciliary motility has much to be revealed. Here, we focused on one CA component with a large molecular weight: FAP47, and its relationship with two other CA components with large molecular weight: HYDIN, and CPC1. The analyses of motility of the Chlamydomonas mutants revealed that in contrast to cpc1 or hydin, which swam more slowly than the wild type, fap47 cells displayed wild‐type swimming velocity and flagellar beat frequency, yet interestingly, fap47 cells have phototaxis defects and swim straighter than the wild‐type cells. Furthermore, the double mutant fap47cpc1 and fap47hydin showed significantly slower swimming than cpc1 and hydin cells, and the motility defect of fap47cpc1 was rescued to the cpc1 level with GFP‐tagged FAP47, indicating that the lack of FAP47 makes the motility defect of cpc1 worse. Cryo‐electron tomography demonstrated that the fap47 lacks a part of the C1–C2 bridge of CA. Taken together, these observations indicate that FAP47 maintains the structural stiffness of the CA, which is important for flagellar regulation.
Therapeutic Alliance in Family‐Based Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa: In‐Person Versus Telehealth
Authors: Cooper Marita , Connor Chloe , Orloff Natalia , Herrington John D. , Timko C. Alix
Published: June 2024

Objective

The therapeutic alliance is broadly linked with positive outcomes. However, nearly all research in this area involves in‐person therapy, whereas teletherapy has grown increasing common since the COVID‐19 pandemic. There is now a pressing need to establish whether the nature and importance of the therapeutic alliance is impacted by teletherapy. This study examined therapeutic alliance in families of youth with anorexia nervosa who were participating in a randomized controlled trial that transitioned from in‐person to telehealth visits during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Method

We analysed data from 53 adolescents and their parents (20 began in‐person, 33 began with telehealth). Both parents, youth and therapist completed the Working Alliance Inventory–Short Revised after 4 weeks of treatment.

Results

We found no significant differences across telehealth and in‐person treatment for paternal or therapist reported data. However, both adolescents and mothers reported higher bond and goal‐related alliance for in‐person sessions compared to telehealth.

Conclusions

Findings regarding alliance across telehealth and in‐person sessions were mixed, with some preference among mothers and youth for in‐person treatment. Future studies should determine whether possible adaptations can improve working alliance during family‐based treatment for anorexia nervosa via telehealth.
Comprehensive pan‐cancer analysis of mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilisation activity reveals positive immunomodulation and assists in identifying potential therapeutic targets for immunotherapy resistance
Authors: Chen Qingshan , Gao Fenglin , Wu Junwan , Zhang Kaiming , Du Tian , Chen Yuhong , Cai Ruizhao , Zhao Dechang , Deng Rong , Tang Jun
Published: June 2024

Background

Mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilisation (MOMP) plays a pivotal role in cellular death and immune activation. A deeper understanding of the impact of tumour MOMP on immunity will aid in guiding more effective immunotherapeutic strategies.

Methods

A comprehensive pan‐cancer dataset comprising 30 cancer‐type transcriptomic cohorts, 20 immunotherapy transcriptomic cohorts and three immunotherapy scRNA‐seq datasets was collected and analysed to determine the influence of tumour MOMP activity on clinical prognosis, immune infiltration and immunotherapy effectiveness. Leveraging 65 scRNA‐Seq datasets, the MOMP signature (MOMP.Sig) was developed to accurately reflect tumour MOMP activity. The clinical predictive value of MOMP.Sig was explored through machine learning models. Integration of the MOMP.Sig model and a pan‐cancer immunotherapy CRISPR screen further investigated potential targets to overcome immunotherapy resistance, which subsequently underwent clinical validation.

Results

Our research revealed that elevated MOMP activity reduces mortality risk in cancer patients, drives the formation of an anti‐tumour immune environment and enhances the response to immunotherapy. This finding emphasises the potential clinical application value of MOMP activity in immunotherapy. MOMP.Sig, offering a more precise indicator of tumour cell MOMP activity, demonstrated outstanding predictive efficacy in machine‐learning models. Moreover, with the assistance of the MOMP.Sig model, FOXO1 was identified as a core modulator that promotes immune resistance. Finally, these findings were successfully validated in clinical immunotherapy cohorts of skin cutaneous melanoma and triple‐negative breast cancer patients.

Conclusions

This study enhances our understanding of MOMP activity in immune modulation, providing valuable insights for more effective immunotherapeutic strategies across diverse tumours.
Hybrid Salp Swarm and Improved Whale Optimization Algorithm‐based clustering scheme for improving network lifespan in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Manoharan Mathankumar , Ponnusamy Thirumoorthi , Subramaniam Umashankar
Published: June 2024

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) represent the collection of restricted energy sensor nodes that are deployed in an area of target for gathering potential environment data for decision‐making with respect to their objective of application. However, the implementation of energy‐effective data gathering strategies in large‐scale WSNs is the most challenging due to the limited energy resources. Clustering‐based data gathering strategies are identified to be quite effective for energy saving that directly attributes to extended network lifetime. Moreover, optimal path amid the cluster head (CH) and sink node needs to be selected for sustaining energy efficiency and improving network lifespan. In this article, Hybrid Salp Swarm and Improved Whale Optimization Algorithm (HSSIWOA)‐based clustering scheme is proposed for improving the network lifetime and routing optimization with maximized energy efficacy. It integrated the exploration capability of Salp Swarm Optimization Algorithm (SSOA) with exploitation benefits of Improved Whale Optimization Algorithm (IWOA) for balancing the trade‐off between the rate of exploration and exploitation during CH selection process. It utilized the parameters of residual energy, load balance, intra‐cluster distance, inter‐cluster distance, and node centrality into account during the process of fitness evaluation. It performed well by constructing an optimized number of clusters, such that energy stability and network lifetime are maintained in the network. The experimental results of the proposed HSSIWOA scheme confirmed extended network lifetime of 21.64%, minimized energy utilization of 23.42%, and maximized throughput of 18.56%, better than the baseline approaches.
The Early–Middle Miocene climate as reflected by a mid‐latitude lacustrine record in the Ebro Basin, north‐east Iberia
Authors: Arenas Concha , Osácar Cinta , Pérez‐Rivarés Francisco Javier , Bastida Joaquín , Gil Andrés , Auqué Luis F.
Published: June 2024

This contribution examines the climate variations reflected by a mainly lacustrine succession spanning from 17.73 to 14.0 Ma in north‐east Iberia, thus encompassing the Miocene Climatic Optimum (MCO). The study is based on the δ13C and δ18O composition of an array of carbonate facies and marl samples, complemented with sedimentological analysis, illite crystallinity index and magnetic susceptibility data. The onset and ending of the MCO have been detected at ca 17.10‐17.06 Ma and 14.56 Ma, roughly equivalent to the boundaries in the marine record, although with relatively short lags. The variability of the data series evidenced changes in humidity and air temperature through the MCO, some of which coincided with similar variations in other records. Specifically, an evolving positive shift in δ13C values, from 16.5 to 14.5 Ma, seems to fit the Monterey excursion observed in marine records. Likewise, increases in δ18O values between 16.8 and 16.5 Ma and between 14.85 and 14.56 Ma in the study succession concurred with warming intervals recorded in palaeosols of Central Europe, emphasising the coincidence with the temperature maximum at ca 16.6 Ma. A general decline in temperature and an increase in humidity are detected from 14.56 Ma, both with steeper trends until 14.41 Ma then more gradual onwards, indicating the beginning of the Middle Miocene Climatic Transition. These results shed light upon the tightly coincidental features between terrestrial and marine records over those time intervals and, more importantly, highlight the earlier warming and the faster cooling experienced by the lake system as compared with the marine record. These findings provide further evidence to help infer palaeoclimate conditions on a much broader reach than the regional context.
Metal ions limit or enhance environmental DNA detectability in marine sediments
Authors: Dumoulin Laury‐Ann , Chevrinais Marion , St‐Louis Richard , Parent Geneviève J.
Published: June 2024

Natural matrices affect environmental DNA (eDNA) detections. Effects of matrix‐eluted compounds on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) step have been the focus of most inhibition studies. Factors affecting eDNA detections in a typical laboratory workflow, i.e., DNA extraction and PCR steps, are mostly unknown. Here, we assessed the effect of four metal ions (Ca2+, Fe3+, Mn2+, Cu2+) present in marine sediments on DNA detectability for both the extraction and the PCR detection steps. A single metal ion and exogenous DNA were added to marine sediments treated chemically to remove inhibitors. Our results showed that natural concentrations of calcium, iron, and manganese ions in surface marine sediments can impede completely DNA detections. Alternatively, copper ions added to the matrix increased DNA detectability by 7.7%. We also observed bimodal inhibitory effects of calcium and iron ions on DNA detectability, suggesting that the extraction and the PCR steps are both affected. Our findings highlight new limitations of eDNA detections. Avenues to optimize eDNA detection protocols applicable to multiple matrices are discussed.
Rh‐Catalyzed [4+3] Annulation of N‐Sulfonyl‐1,2,3‐Triazoles with 4‐Vinyl Indoles to Access Azepinoindoles
Authors: Wang Ze‐Hua , Xu Ze‐Feng , Feng Jing , Yu Mingming
Published: June 2024

The present study provided an efficient synthesis pathway to the azepino[5,4,3‐cd]indoles using N‐sulfonyl‐1,2,3‐triazoles and 4‐vinylindoles through a cascade carbene insertion and intramolecular aza‐Michael addition. This method is distinguished by mild reaction conditions, straightforward operational steps, accessible starting materials and broad substrate compatibility. Furthermore, the versatility of this reaction with various Michael acceptors significantly broadens the scope of potential substrates. The ability to further transform the resulting multifunctional products underscores the promising applications of this approach in indole nitrogen heterocyclic synthesis.
One‐Step Synthesis of Lead‐Free and Hole Transport Layer‐Free Methylammonium Bismuth Chloride ((CH3NH3)3Bi2IxCl9−x)‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Palanichamy Pavithrakumar , Santhanam Agilan , Natarajan Muthukumarasamy , Velauthapillai Dhayalan
Published: June 2024

The scientific community is moving toward a green environment using several nontoxic photon‐absorbing materials like tin, germanium, antimony, and bismuth. Bismuth halides have essential advantages like low toxicity, Earth abundance, good chemical stability, and optoelectronic behavior which make them suitable for lead‐free perovskite solar cells. Herein, a streamlined one‐step spin‐coating technique is employed using DMF to enhance the morphology of thin films based on BiCl3 perovskite. The resulting thin films of methylammonium bismuth halide ((CH3NH3)3Bi2IxCl9−x) display a remarkably uniform, pinhole‐free, and finely nanostructured morphology, ensuring consistent surface coverage. For the development of hole conductor‐free Bi‐perovskite solar cells (PSCs), carbon is utilized as both counter electrode and hole extraction layer. The device configuration entails FTO/Compact TiO2/meso‐TiO2/((CH3NH3)3Bi2IxCl9−x)/Carbon/FTO, a novel arrangement for Bi‐PSCs. Notably, the fabricated devices demonstrate commendable photovoltaic properties, including Voc of 280 mV, Jsc of 0.25 mA, fill factor of 0.60, and a notably elevated power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 0.042% which has proven significantly advantageous in achieving higher PCE. Furthermore, the fabricated devices exhibit robust chemical stability over 40 d when exposed to an ambient atmosphere without encapsulation. The solar cells retain 25% of their initial PCE after 168 h, further highlighting their durability and suitability for practical applications.
Unlocking fast‐charging capabilities of lithium‐ion batteries through liquid electrolyte engineering
Authors: Song Chaeeun , Han Seung Hee , Moon Hyeongyu , Choi Nam‐Soon
Published: June 2024

Global trends toward green energy have empowered the extensive application of high‐performance energy storage systems. With the worldwide spread of electric vehicles (EVs), lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) capable of fast‐charging have become increasingly important. Nonetheless, state‐of‐the‐art LIBs have failed to satisfy the demands of prospective customers, including rapid charging, extended cycle life, and high energy density. Addressing these challenges through innovations in material science and other advanced battery technologies is essential for meeting the growing demands of prospective customers. Besides the choice of active materials, electrolyte formulation has a significant impact on the fast‐charging performance and cycle life of LIBs over a wide range of temperatures. The liquid electrolyte is typically composed of lithium salts to provide an ion source, solvents to carry Li+ ions, and functional additives to build a stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). To enable the fast movement of Li+ ions, the liquid electrolytes should have low viscosity and high ionic conductivity. Meanwhile, SEI layers must be thin, uniform and ionically conductive. Furthermore, the low binding energy of the solvent facilitates desolvation of the solvation sheath, enabling fast Li+ ion transport to the anode during fast charging. This review provides the latest insights into rapid Li+ ion transport during fast charging, focusing on ensuring a deeper understanding of liquid electrolyte chemistry. The involvement of existing electrolyte mechanisms in materials discovery will develop electrolyte engineering techniques to improve the fast‐charging performance of batteries over a wide temperature range and will also facilitate the development of EV‐adoptable advanced electrodes.

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Clinical features of unilateral multilobar and hemispheric polymicrogyria (PMG)‐related epilepsy and seizure outcome with different treatment options
Authors: Wu Pengxia , Liu Qingzhu , Liu Xianyu , Sun Yu , Zhang Jie , Wang Ruofan , Ji Taoyun , Wang Shuang , Liu Xiaoyan , Jiang Yuwu , Cai Lixin , Wu Ye
Published: June 2024

Objective

To provide evidence for choosing surgical or nonsurgical treatment for epilepsy in patients with unilateral multilobar and hemispheric polymicrogyria (PMG).

Methods

We searched published studies until September 2022 related to unilateral multilobar and hemispheric PMG and included patients who were followed up at the Pediatric Epilepsy Centre of Peking University First Hospital in the past 10 years. We summarized the clinical characteristics and compared the long‐term outcomes after surgical or nonsurgical (anti‐seizure medications, ASMs) treatment.

Results

A total of 70 patients (49 surgical, 21 non‐surgical) with unilateral multilobar and hemispheric PMG were included. The median age at epilepsy onset was 2.5 years (1.0–4.1). The most common seizure types were focal and atypical absence seizures. In the whole cohort, 87.3% had hemiparesis and 67.1% had electrical status epilepticus during slow sleep (ESES). There were significant differences in age at epilepsy onset, extent of lesion, and EEG interictal discharges between the two groups. At the last follow‐up (median 14.1 years), the rates of seizure‐freedom (81.6% vs. 57.1%, p = 0.032) and ASM discontinuation (44.4% vs. 6.3%, p = 0.006) were higher in the surgical group than in the nonsurgical group. Patients in the surgical group had a higher rate of seizure‐freedom with complete resection/disconnection than with subtotal resection (87.5% vs. 55.6%, p = 0.078), but with no statistically significant difference. In the nonsurgical group, more extensive lesions were associated with worse seizure outcomes. Cognition improved postoperatively in 90% of surgical patients.

Significance

In patients with unilateral multilobar and hemispheric PMG, the age of seizure onset, the extent of the lesion and EEG features can help determine whether surgery should be performed early. Additionally, surgery could be more favorable for achieving seizure freedom and cognitive improvement sooner.

Plain Language Summary

We aim to summarize clinical characteristics and compare the long‐term outcomes after surgical and nonsurgical (ASM) treatment to provide a basis for treatment decisions for patients with unilateral multilobar and hemispheric polymicrogyria (PMG)‐related epilepsy. We found that patients with unilateral hemispheric and multilobar PMG had significantly higher rates of seizure freedom and ASM discontinuation with surgical treatment than with nonsurgical treatment. In the surgical group, seizure outcomes were better in patients treated with complete resection/disconnection than in those treated with subtotal resection, but the difference was not statistically significant.
Recent advances and research progress on the role of carbon‐based biomass in ultra‐capacitors: A systematic review
Authors: Balasubramanian Dhinesh , Varadharajan Hariharan , Papla Venugopal Inbanaathan , Varuvel Edwin Geo
Published: June 2024

Biomass‐derived carbon material has drawn significant attention recently due to its wide availability, environmentally free, and effective performance of the resulting porous carbons for supercapacitor (SC) applications. Carbon electrode material derived from biomass is used for energy storage (ES) because it has distinct qualities in porosity, a large specific surface area, and excellent conductivity. Furthermore, these materials' homogeneous, flawless biological structures can be used as models to create electrode materials with accurate geometries. The ES devices, known as SCs, also known as ultra‐capacitors, serve as a link between a capacitor and a battery. Due to their charge storage, SCs can produce a much higher density than batteries. Several factors, including the electrode's potential window, the electrode materials characteristics, and the electrolyte choice, have a major effect on SC performance. Therefore, all efforts have been made to develop SC electrode materials. This paper explains the different types of SCs and how they work. The various available biomass resources, as well as the methods for producing them, are outlined. In addition, the different types of electrode materials, activation methods, heteroatom functionalization, and electrolyte types are all thoroughly examined. The application and research advancement of biomass‐derived carbon used in SCs over the past 3 years are highlighted. Furthermore, this research outlines the benefits of SCs for the environment and the economy, as well as present challenges and future recommendations for advancing biomass‐derived carbon applications. This article aims to give an in‐depth knowledge of carbon‐based biomass materials that are used in SCs.
Roles of non‐visible light and temperature in the regulation of anthocyanin synthesis in fruits and vegetables
Authors: Yin Haining , Wang Lin , Wu Yanjun , Xi Zhumei
Published: June 2024

The depletion of the ozone layer creates a gate for non‐visible spectra to impact the Earth's surface and interfere with fruit and vegetable growth and developments by affecting their morphology and physiology. The potential contribution of visible light to photosynthetic activity has received significant attention, particularly blue and red/far‐red light in the visible spectrum. However, plants are also inevitably exposed to relatively high doses of non‐visible spectra, including ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation. This review examines the literature on the impact of such non‐visible spectra on fruit and vegetable growth and development. The accumulation of radiation‐absorbing compounds is a primary mechanism of acclimation to changing radiation levels. Anthocyanins are compounds that exhibit high sensitivity to UV and IR radiation as well as temperature variations, playing a crucial protective role against detrimental radiation in plants. Current research helps to elucidate the involvement of low and high temperatures in the control of UVB‐induced anthocyanin accumulation. Different UV radiation types have been shown to affect fruit and vegetable growth and pigment content differentially. Recent studies have also revealed that IR radiation increases anthocyanin content. Furthermore, specific non‐visible spectra mitigate the inhibitory effect of high and low temperature stress on anthocyanin accumulation in fruits and vegetables. These findings have important implications for the horticultural industry, as they suggest that the application of specific of non‐visible light spectra could be a promising approach to increasing the nutritional value and marketability of fruits and vegetables.