bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Perinatal Outcomes for Women With and Without Epilepsy
Authors: Mazzone Paolo Pierino , Hogg Kirsty Mhairi , Weir Christopher J. , Stephen Jacqueline , Bhattacharya Sohinee , Chin Richard F. M.
Published: March 2023

Importance

Pregnant women who have epilepsy need adequate engagement, information, and pregnancy planning and management to improve pregnancy outcomes.

Objective

To investigate perinatal outcomes in women with epilepsy compared with women without epilepsy.

Data Sources

Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were searched with no language or date restrictions (database inception through December 6, 2022). Searches also included OpenGrey and Google Scholar and manual searching in journals and reference lists of included studies.

Study Selection

All observational studies comparing women with and without epilepsy were included.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

The PRISMA checklist was used for abstracting data and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for risk-of-bias assessment. Data extraction and risk-of-bias assessment were done independently by 2 authors with mediation conducted independently by a third author. Pooled unadjusted odds ratios (OR) or mean differences were reported with 95% CI from random-effects (I2 heterogeneity statistic >50%) or fixed-effects (I2 < 50%) meta-analyses.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Maternal, fetal, and neonatal complications.

Results

Of 8313 articles identified, 76 were included in the meta-analyses. Women with epilepsy had increased odds of miscarriage (12 articles, 25 478 pregnancies; OR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.15-2.29), stillbirth (20 articles, 28 134 229 pregnancies; OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.29-1.47), preterm birth (37 articles, 29 268 866 pregnancies; OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.32-1.51) and maternal death (4 articles, 23 288 083 pregnancies; OR, 5.00; 95% CI, 1.38-18.04). Neonates born to women with epilepsy had increased odds of congenital conditions (29 articles, 24 238 334 pregnancies; OR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.66-2.12), neonatal intensive care unit admission (8 articles, 1 204 428 pregnancies; OR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.58-2.51), and neonatal or infant death (13 articles, 1 426 692 pregnancies; OR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.56-2.24). The increased odds of poor outcomes was increased with greater use of antiseizure medication.

Conclusions and Relevance

This systematic review and meta-analysis found that women with epilepsy have worse perinatal outcomes compared with women without epilepsy. Women with epilepsy should receive pregnancy counseling from an epilepsy specialist who can also optimize their antiseizure medication regimen before and during pregnancy.
Lecanemab and APOE Genotyping in Clinical Practice—Navigating Uncharted Terrain
Authors: Thambisetty Madhav , Howard Robert
Published: March 2023

This Viewpoint discusses the findings of the Clarity AD trial, which studied lecanemab for patients with early-stage Alzheimer disease.
Ebselen oxide and derivatives are new allosteric HER2 inhibitors for HER2‐positive cancers
Authors: Blasquez Lucas , Bouzinba‐Segard Haniaa , Bourdoulous Sandrine , Faure Camille
Published: March 2023

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (ErbB2/HER2) is a tyrosine kinase receptor that is overexpressed in 25% of primary human breast cancers, as well as in multiple other cancers. HER2‐targeted therapies improved progression‐free and overall survival in patients with HER2+ breast cancers. However, associated resistance mechanisms and toxicity highlight the need for new therapeutic approaches for these cancers. We recently established that, in normal cells, HER2 is stabilized in a catalytically repressed state by direct interaction with members of the ezrin/radixin/moesin (ERM) family. In HER2‐overexpressing tumors, the low expression of moesin contributes to the aberrant activation of HER2. Through a screen designed to find moesin‐mimicking compounds, we identified ebselen oxide. We show that ebselen oxide, and some derivatives, conferred an efficient allosteric inhibition of overexpressed HER2, as well as mutated and truncated oncogenic forms of HER2, which are resistant to current therapies. Ebselen oxide selectively inhibited anchorage‐dependent and ‐independent proliferation of HER2+ cancer cells and showed a significant benefit in combination with current anti‐HER2 therapeutic agents. Finally, ebselen oxide significantly blocked HER2+ breast tumor progression in vivo. Collectively, these data provide evidence that ebselen oxide is a newly identified allosteric inhibitor of HER2 to be considered for therapeutic intervention on HER2+ cancers.
Intensity modulated proton arc therapy via geometry‐based energy selection for ependymoma
Authors: Cao Wenhua , Li Yupeng , Zhang Xiaodong , Poenisch Falk , Yepes Pablo , Sahoo Narayan , Grosshans David , McGovern Susan , Gunn G. Brandon , Frank Steven J. , Zhu Xiaorong R.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

We developed and tested a novel method of creating intensity modulated proton arc therapy (IMPAT) plans that uses computing resources similar to those for regular intensity‐modulated proton therapy (IMPT) plans and may offer a dosimetric benefit for patients with ependymoma or similar tumor geometries.

Methods

Our IMPAT planning method consists of a geometry‐based energy selection step with major scanning spot contributions as inputs computed using ray‐tracing and single‐Gaussian approximation of lateral spot profiles. Based on the geometric relation of scanning spots and dose voxels, our energy selection module selects a minimum set of energy layers at each gantry angle such that each target voxel is covered by sufficient scanning spots as specified by the planner, with dose contributions above the specified threshold. Finally, IMPAT plans are generated by robustly optimizing scanning spots of the selected energy layers using a commercial proton treatment planning system (TPS). The IMPAT plan quality was assessed for four ependymoma patients. Reference three‐field IMPT plans were created with similar planning objective functions and compared with the IMPAT plans.

Results

In all plans, the prescribed dose covered 95% of the clinical target volume (CTV) while maintaining similar maximum doses for the brainstem. While IMPAT and IMPT achieved comparable plan robustness, the IMPAT plans achieved better homogeneity and conformity than the IMPT plans. The IMPAT plans also exhibited higher relative biological effectiveness (RBE) enhancement than did the corresponding reference IMPT plans for the CTV in all four patients and brainstem in three of them.

Conclusions

The proposed method demonstrated potential as an efficient technique for IMPAT planning and may offer a dosimetric benefit for patients with ependymoma or tumors in close proximity to critical organs. IMPAT plans created using this method had elevated RBE enhancement associated with increased linear energy transfer (LET) in both targets and abutting critical organs.
Responsiveness and Minimum Clinically Important Difference in Patient‐Reported Outcome Measures Among Patients With Psoriatic Arthritis: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Karmacharya Paras , Stull Courtney , Stephens‐Shields Alisa , Husni M. Elaine , Scher Jose U. , Craig Ethan , Fitzsimmons Robert , Reddy Soumya M. , Magrey Marina N. , Ogdie Alexis , Walsh Jessica A.
Published: March 2023

Objective

To determine the responsiveness to therapy and minimum clinically important improvement (MCII) for patient‐reported outcome measures in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and to examine the impact of baseline disease activity on the ability to demonstrate change.

Methods

A longitudinal cohort study was performed within the PsA Research Consortium. Patients completed several patient‐reported outcomes, including the Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data, the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), the Psoriatic Arthritis Impact of Disease 12‐item (PsAID12) questionnaire, and others. The mean change in the scores between visits and standardized response means (SRMs) were calculated. The MCII was calculated as the mean change in score among patients who reported minimal improvement. SRMs and MCIIs were compared among subgroups with moderate to highly active PsA and those with lower disease activity.

Results

Among 171 patients, 266 therapy courses were included. The mean ± SD age was 51 ± 13.8 years, 53% were female, and the mean swollen and tender joint counts were 3 and 6, respectively, at baseline. SRMs and MCII for all measures were small to moderate, although greater among those with higher baseline disease activity. BASDAI had the best SRM overall and for less active PsA, and the clinical Disease Activity of PsA (cDAPSA) and PsAID12 were best for those with higher disease activity.

Conclusion

SRMs and MCII were relatively small in this real‐world population, particularly among those with lower disease activity at baseline. BASDAI, cDAPSA, and PsAID12 had good sensitivity to change, but selection for use in trials should consider the baseline disease activity of patients to be enrolled.
Flexible MXene‐Based Composite Films for Multi‐Spectra Defense in Radar, Infrared and Visible Light Bands
Authors: Wen Caiyue , Zhao Biao , Liu Yihao , Xu Chunyang , Wu Yuyang , Cheng Yifeng , Liu Jiwei , Liu Yanxia , Yang Yaxiong , Pan Hongge , Zhang Jincang , Wu Limin , Che Renchao
Published: March 2023

Simultaneously developing protective electronics film for multi‐spectra, including the radar, infrared (IR), and visible ranges, for both the military and civilian sectors is extremely challenging. The existing multi‐spectra‐compatible materials mainly concentrate on either the radar/IR or IR/visible bands, trailing the rapid evolution of advanced devices for monitoring electromagnetic signals. Here, it is designed and fabricated an ultra‐thin MXene‐based composite film (20 µm) containing black phosphorus (BP) and Ni chains (M‐B‐M(Ni)) with integrated highly efficient thermal IR stealth, visible light absorption, and electromagnetic wave shielding. M‐B‐M(Ni) exhibits an extremely low IR emissivity of 0.1, decreasing the radiation temperature difference between the surrounding environment and target device. BP offers a high solar absorptance of 80%, which guarantees energy conversion from visible light to heat. Moreover, the absorption proportion of the electromagnetic shielding effectiveness for M‐B‐M(Ni) is 16% higher than that of pure MXene films (68.7%), owing to the improved magnetic loss by decoration with magnetic Ni chains. Due to the combined merits of MXene, BP, and Ni chains, M‐B‐M(Ni) opens an avenue for the construction of advanced multi‐spectra compatible materials for versatile applications in thermal IR stealth, electromagnetic wave shielding, and energy transformation.
Doped Mn Enhanced NiS Electrooxidation Performance of HMF into FDCA at Industrial‐Level Current Density
Authors: Li Suiqin , Wang Shibin , Wang Yuhang , He Jiahui , Li Kai , Xu Yinjie , Wang Mengxin , Zhao Shuying , Li Xiaonian , Zhong Xing , Wang Jianguo
Published: March 2023

Electrooxidation of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) into 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) is a highly promising approach for producing value‐added chemicals from biomass. However, developing highly efficient electrocatalysts for HMF oxidation (HMFOR) with high current density in large‐scale productions remains a challenge. Herein, it is demonstrated that the Mn‐doped NiS nanosheet electrocatalysts grown directly on 3D graphite felt (GF) substrates can efficiently perform electrooxidation of HMF into FDCA at industrial‐level current density (500 mA cm−2) in the H‐cell. The Mn0.2NiS/GF exhibits excellent HMFOR performance with high selectivity (98.3%), yield (97.6%), faradaic efficiency (94.2%), and robust stability (10 cycles). Especially, FDCA production rate up to 4.56 g h−1 can be achieved, superior to those reported in HMFOR literatures. Furthermore, by scaling up the Mn0.2NiS/GF electrode area and assembling it in a continuous‐flow electrolyzer, high FDCA production rate of 44.32 g h−1 is achieved. The high activity of Mn0.2NiS/GF for HMFOR can be attributed to incorporation of Mn into NiS material, theoretical calculation results indicate that the Mn and Ni as both the adsorption sites for HMF oxidation, thereby effectively facilitate the HMF electro‐oxidation performance. This work provides a strategy for developing potential industrial‐grade electrocatalysts at a large current density.
Reaction Mechanisms in Platinum‐Mediated Electrodynamic Therapy
Authors: Lu Zijie , Zhou Linming , Yao Yingpei , Li Feiyu , Hong Zijian , Wu Yongjun , Li Xiang
Published: March 2023

Electrodynamic therapy (EDT) has emerged as an alternative stimuli‐responsive approach for tumor treatment. The current understanding of its mechanism is that an electric field activates water dissociation on platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) to produce toxic hydroxyl radicals. Nevertheless, the argument here remains that, if without direct contact with electrodes, the equipotential surfaces of PtNPs may hardly trigger electrocatalytic reactions and thus the induction of any radicals. Clearly, the limited understanding of EDT has considerably hindered its current and further explorations. Herein, the fundamental mechanism of EDT is revealed from the view of heterogeneous catalysis. First and foremost, the free chlorine generated during electrolysis is identified as the crucial reactant, which is not observed previously. Through experimental examinations and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the fundamental reaction is confirmed to be the catalytic activation of HOCl by PtNPs, resulting in the production of oxygen anion radicals and the corrosion of PtNPs. Moreover, the cytotoxicity and intracellular abnormalities further verify the findings and provide new insight into its in vitro anti‐cancer mechanism. This study not only assists in re‐recognizing the nature of EDT, but also provides core knowledge in guiding its future investigations in catalytic medicine and medical technologies.
Dimensional Regulation of Titanosilicate by Kinetically Controlled Intergrowth Crystals
Authors: Lin Dong , Feng Xiang , Zheng Xiuhui , Xu Yang , Zhao Hui , Song Zhaoning , Wang Liang , Shan Honghong , Xiao Feng‐Shou , Chen De , Yang Chaohe
Published: March 2023

Dimensional regulation of titanosilicates from conventional 3D to revolutionary 2D without extra additives is limited by the Ostwald ripening process together with the mismatch of hydrolysis rate between Ti and Si species. Herein, the kinetically controlled and additive‐free strategy is devised to continuously regulate the dimensionality of intergrowth titanosilicate from 3D bulk to 2D nanosheets. The kinetic relative growth rate of orthorhombic MFI to tetragonal MEL (rMFI/rMEL) dominated by temperature control can determine the morphology of intermediates. Crisscross intermediates assembled by MFI branches along a direction and MEL connectors along a/b directions restrain the Ostwald ripening of titanosilicate and further transform into 2D nanosheets (≈2 nm), which show enhanced olefin epoxidation performance due to boosted diffusion ability. This kinetically controlled strategy unlocks green and efficient regulation of titanosilicate dimension.
An Engineered Probiotic Platform for Cancer Epitope‐Independent Targeted Radionuclide Therapy of Solid Tumors
Authors: Siddiqui Nabil A. , Ventrola Alec J. , Hartman Alexandra R. , Konare Tohonne , Kamble Nitin S. , Thomas Shindu C. , Madaan Tushar , Kharofa Jordan , Sertorio Mathieu G. , Kotagiri Nalinikanth
Published: March 2023

Targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT) is an emerging therapeutic modality for the treatment of various solid cancers. Current approaches rely on the presence of cancer‐specific epitopes and receptors against which a radiolabeled ligand is systemically administered to specifically deliver cytotoxic doses of α and β particles to tumors. In this proof‐of‐concept study, tumor‐colonizing Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) is utilized to deliver a bacteria‐specific radiopharmaceutical to solid tumors in a cancer‐epitope independent manner. In this microbe‐based pretargeted approach, the siderophore‐mediated metal uptake pathway is leveraged to selectively concentrate copper radioisotopes, 64Cu and 67Cu, complexed to yersiniabactin (YbT) in the genetically modified bacteria. 64Cu‐YbT facilitates positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of the intratumoral bacteria, whereas 67Cu‐YbT delivers a cytotoxic dose to the surrounding cancer cells. PET imaging with 64Cu‐YbT reveals persistence and sustained growth of the bioengineered microbes in the tumor microenvironment. Survival studies with 67Cu‐YbT reveals significant attenuation of tumor growth and extends survival of both MC38 and 4T1  tumor‐bearing mice harboring the microbes. Tumor response to this pretargeted approach correlates with promising anti‐tumor immunity, with noticeable CD8+ T:Treg cell ratio. Their strategy offers a pathway to target and ablate multiple solid tumors independent of their epitope and receptor phenotype.
Coacervation‐Mediated Cytocompatible Formation of Supramolecular Hydrogels with Self‐Evolving Macropores for 3D Multicellular Spheroid Culture
Authors: Yang Xuefeng , Yang Boguang , Deng Yingrui , Xie Xian , Qi Yanwei , Yan Guoqing , Peng Xin , Zhao Pengchao , Bian Liming
Published: March 2023

Coacervation driven liquid–liquid phase separation of biopolymers has aroused considerable attention for diverse applications, especially for the construction of microstructured polymeric materials. Herein, a coacervate‐to‐hydrogel transition strategy is developed to create macroporous hydrogels (MPH), which are formed via the coacervation process of supramolecular assemblies (SA) built by the host–guest complexation between γ‐cyclodextrin and anthracene dimer. The weak and reversible supramolecular crosslinks endow the SA with liquid‐like rheological properties, which facilitate the formation of SA‐derived macroporous coacervates and the subsequent transition to MPH (pore size ≈ 100 µm). The excellent structural dynamics (derived from SA) and the cytocompatible void‐forming process of MPH can better accommodate the dramatic volumetric expansion associated with colony growth of encapsulated multicellular spheroids compared with the non‐porous static hydrogel with similar initial mechanical properties. The findings of this work not only provide valuable guidance to the design of biomaterials with self‐evolving structures but also present a promising strategy for 3D multicellular spheroid culture and other diverse biomedical applications.
δ‐Phase Management of FAPbBr3 for Semitransparent Solar Cells
Authors: Zhu Helong , Wu Wenping , Wu Yanjie , Zhang Dezhong , Zhan Hongmei , Cheng Yanxiang , Wang Lixiang , Qin Chuanjiang
Published: March 2023

Formamidinium lead bromide (FAPbBr3) perovskite owing to suitable wide band gap has promising application in the fields of semitransparent and tandem solar cells. However, the effect of photoinactive δ phase (δ‐FAPbBr3) on the film and device properties is still unclear and rarely investigated. In this work, the authors find that the growth of δ‐FAPbBr3 has a strong relationship with the property of the underlayer. On the hydrophilic underlayer, crystalline δ‐FAPbBr3 is uniformly distributed in the bulk of the α‐FAPbBr3 film, which has a lower defect density and better carrier transport. A power conversion efficiency of 9.12% is achieved by the management of δ‐FAPbBr3 and using a phosphonate/phosphine oxide dyad additive, which is the highest value among the inverted FAPbBr3‐based perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Moreover, the light utilization efficiency of a semitransparent device reaches 3.15%. This work provides new insights and methods for the realization of high‐performance FAPbBr3‐based PSCs.
Continuum Modeling with Functional Lennard–Jones Parameters for DNA‐Graphene Interactions
Authors: Stevens Kyle , Thamwattana Ngamta , Tran‐Duc Thien
Published: March 2023

Carbon nanostructures are of particular interest as platforms for molecular storage and adsorption. In this paper, the adsorption of a single stranded DNA molecule onto a graphene sheet is considered. Even though DNA molecules are complicated heterogeneous structures comprising several types of atoms, it is found that the repeated patterns within the DNA molecules enable the use of a continuum approach to model the DNA‐graphene sheet interaction. Here, a model is proposed such that the heterogeneity across the DNA molecule is captured by interaction functions, which are used to replace the attractive and repulsive constants in the Lennard‐Jones potential. Result from this new model shows better agreement to molecular dynamics simulations compared to the traditional continuum approach where atoms on the DNA are averaged evenly across the molecule. Finally, the paper comments on the model, its parameters, and suggests ways for improvement.
Synthesis of Triazolo[c]coumarins and Differences in the Fluorescence Properties of Their Isomers
Authors: Sekine Miyu , Ishida Hiroaki , Itoh Toshimasa
Published: March 2023

Despite the simple structures of 3,4‐fused tricyclo coumarins, their fluorescence properties have not been studied extensively. We have synthesized triazolo[c]coumarins using Huisgen cycloaddition and investigated their fluorescence properties. The Huisgen cycloaddition was found to proceed in excellent yields when subjected to heating under solvent‐free conditions. As is generally known, fluorescence is enhanced with an increase in the electron‐donating group at the 7‐position. The 7‐NEt2‐triazolo[c]coumarin derivatives showed useful fluorescence, and their relative fluorescence quantum yields in aprotic polar organic solvents were high. It revealed that fluorescence properties of triazolo[c]coumarins depended on the regio isomer. The electron distribution was hardly extended to alkyl side chain on triazole from the molecular orbital calculation by density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent DFT (TD‐DFT). This result suggests that the trend of fluorescence properties is similar to the present result even when various substituents are introduced on triazole.
Perfect Narrow‐Band Absorber of Monolayer Borophene in All‐Dielectric Grating Based on Quasi‐Bound State in the Continuum
Authors: Liu Jinzhe , Liu Youwen
Published: March 2023

Borophene has the unique optical properties of two‐dimensional materials and its own anisotropic characteristics. This work proposes a perfect narrow‐band absorption structure to enhance the interaction of light with the monolayer borophene inserted into two different dielectric gratings. The structure efficiently improves absorption efficiency based on the quasi‐bound states in the continuum (Q‐BIC). The absorption characteristics are numerically simulated and theoretically analyzed by using the rigorous coupled‐wave analysis (RCWA) method and the finite element method (FEM). The absorption efficiency of the monolayer borophene is high, up to 99.18% with a full‐width at half maximum (FWHW) of 0.62 nm, achieving nearly perfect narrow‐band absorption. Moreover, the mechanism of enhanced absorption of monolayer borophene is verified by the coupled mode theory (CMT), which indicates that the nearly perfect absorption is also derived from the critical coupling. At the same time, the influence of the thickness and width of the two layer dielectric structure on the absorption efficiency is theoretically analyzed. Furthermore, due to the anisotropic optical properties of the structure for TE and TM polarized light, a narrow‐band polarization plate or sensor can be realized. The structure designed provides a new possibility to enhance the interaction between monolayer borophene and light.
Tuning the Microenvironment in Monolayer MgAl Layered Double Hydroxide for CO2‐to‐Ethylene Electrocatalysis in Neutral Media
Authors: Xu Yi Ning , Li Wenjing , Fu Huai Qin , Zhang Xin Yu , Zhao Jia Yue , Wu Xuefeng , Yuan Hai Yang , Zhu Minghui , Dai Sheng , Liu Peng Fei , Yang Hua Gui
Published: March 2023

The electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide provides a feasibility to achieve a carbon‐neutral energy cycle. However, there are a number of bottleneck issues to be resolved before industrial application, such as the low conversion efficiency, selectivity and reaction rate, etc. Engineering local environment is a critical way to address these challenges. Here, a monolayer MgAl‐LDH was proposed to optimize the local environment of Cu for stimulating industrial‐current‐density CO2‐to‐C2H4 electroreduction in neutral media. In situ spectroscopic results and theoretical study demonstrated that the Cu electrode modified by MgAl‐LDH (MgAl‐LDH/Cu) displayed a much higher surface pH value compared to the bare Cu, which could be attributed to the decreased energy barrier for hydrolysis on MgAl‐LDH sites with more OH− ions on the surface of the electrode. As a result, MgAl‐LDH/Cu achieved a C2H4 Faradaic efficiency of 55.1 % at a current density up to 300 mA cm−2 in 1.0 M KHCO3 electrolyte.
Ruthenium/TiO2‐Catalyzed Hydrogenolysis of Polyethylene Terephthalate: Reaction Pathways Dominated by Coordination Environment
Authors: Ye Mingxing , Li Yurou , Yang Zhirong , Yao Chang , Sun Weixiao , Zhang Xiangxue , Chen Wenyao , Qian Gang , Duan Xuezhi , Cao Yueqiang , Li Lina , Zhou Xinggui , Zhang Jing
Published: March 2023

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) hydrogenolysis can produce benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX), where the selectivity control is challenging. We report a reaction pathway dictated by the Ru coordination environment by examining the binding geometries of adsorbates on differently coordinated Ru centers and their evolution during PET hydrogenolysis. A BTX yield of 77 % was obtained using a Ru/TiO2 with a Ru coordination number of ca. 5.0 where edge/corner sites are dominant, while more gas and saturated products were formed for Ru/TiO2 containing primarily terrace sites. Density functional theory and isotopic labelling revealed that under‐coordinated Ru edge sites favor “upright” adsorption of aromatic adsorbates while well‐coordinated Ru sites favor “flat‐lying” adsorption, where the former mitigates ring hydrogenation and opening. This study demonstrates that reaction pathways can be directed through controlled reactant/intermediate binding via tuning of the Ru coordination environment for efficient conversion of PET to BTX.
NIR Light‐Mediated Mitochondrial RNA Modification for Cancer RNA Interference Therapeutics
Authors: Feng Yali , Fang Jing , Zhao Yan , Ye Shuyue , Wang Anna , Zhang Yuqi , Zhu Jinfeng , Li Jiachen , Lv Zhengzhong , Zhao Zhongsheng , Shi Haibin
Published: March 2023

Mitochondrial RNA (mtRNA) plays a critical role in synthesis of mitochondrial proteins. Interfering mtRNA is a highly effective way to induce cell apoptosis. Herein, we report a near‐infrared (NIR) light‐mediated mitochondrial RNA modification approach for long‐term imaging and effective suppression of tumors. A tumor‐targetable NIR fluorescent probe f‐CRI consisting of a cyclic RGD peptide, a NIR fluorophore IR780, and a singlet oxygen (1O2)‐labile furan group for RNA modification was rationally designed and synthesized. This probe was demonstrated to dominantly accumulate in cellular mitochondria and could be covalently conjugated onto mtRNA upon 808 nm irradiation resulting in prolonged retention in tumors. More notably, this covalent modification of mtRNA by f‐CRI could perturb the function of mitochondria leading to remarkable tumor suppression. We thus envision that our current approach would offer a potential approach for cancer RNA interference therapeutics.
Construction of Acyclic All‐Carbon Quaternary Stereocenters and 1,3‐Nonadjacent Stereoelements via Organo/Metal Dual Catalyzed Asymmetric Allenylic Substitution of Aldehydes
Authors: Dai Jun , Li Long , Ye Ronghua , Wang Shan , Wang Yingcheng , Peng Fangzhi , Shao Zhihui
Published: March 2023

A method for the asymmetric construction of functionalized acyclic all‐carbon quaternary stereocenters and 1,3‐nonadjacent stereoelements has been developed via organo/metal dual catalyzed asymmetric allenylic substitution of branched and linear aldehydes, by developing an unknown acyclic secondary‐secondary diamine as the enabling organocatalyst. Although it is believed that secondary‐secondary diamines are difficult to be used as the organocatalysts in organo/metal dual catalysis, this study demonstrates that such diamines can be successfully combined with a metal catalyst in organo/metal dual catalysis. Our study enables the asymmetric construction of two important classes of motifs which were previously difficult to access, axially chiral allene‐containing acyclic all‐carbon quaternary stereocenters and 1,3‐nonadjacent stereoelements bearing allenyl axial chirality and central chirality, in good yields with high enantio‐ and diastereoselectivity.
Recent Development of SnII, SbIII‐based Birefringent Material: Crystal Chemistry and Investigation of Birefringence
Authors: Han Shujuan , Tudi Abudukadi , Zhang Wenbin , Hou Xueling , Yang Zhihua , Pan Shilie
Published: March 2023

The combination of SnII or SbIII with π, non‐π‐conjugated units has produced birefringent crystals with birefringence ranging from 0.005 to 0.468@1064 nm. It is proven that introducing SnII or SbIII into crystals is a feasible strategy to enlarge the birefringence, which not only promotes the miniaturization of fabricated devices, but also effectively modulates polarized light. Herein, recently discovered SnII, SbIII‐based birefringent crystals with birefringence investigated are summarized, including their crystal structure and optical properties, especially birefringence. This review also presents the influence of SnII, SbIII with stereochemically active lone pair on the optical anisotropy. We hope that this work provides a clear perspective on the crystal chemistry of SnII, SbIII‐based optical functional crystals and promotes the development of new birefringent crystals with large optical anisotropy.
A Composite Serum Biomarker Index for the Diagnosis of Systemic Sclerosis–Associated Interstitial Lung Disease: A Multicenter, Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Jee Adelle S. , Stewart Iain , Youssef Peter , Adelstein Stephen , Lai Donna , Hua Sheng , Stevens Wendy , Proudman Susanna , Ngian Gene‐Siew , Glaspole Ian N. , Moodley Yuben P. , Bleasel Jane F. , Macansh Sacha , Nikpour Mandana , Sahhar Joanne , Corte Tamera J. ,   the Australian Scleroderma Cohort Study, Australian Scleroderma Interest Group, Australian Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Registry, and associated investigators
Published: March 2023

Objective

In patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), we investigated composite serum biomarker panels for the diagnosis and risk stratification of SSc–associated interstitial lung disease (SSc‐ILD).

Methods

We analyzed 28 biomarkers in 640 participants: 259 patients with SSc‐ILD and 179 SSc patients without ILD (Australian Scleroderma Cohort Study), 172 patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF‐controls) (Australian IPF Registry), and 30 healthy controls. A composite index was developed from biomarkers associated with ILD in multivariable analysis derived at empirical thresholds. We evaluated the performance of the index to identify ILD, and specifically SSc‐ILD, and its association with lung function, disease extent on radiography, and patient health–related quality of life in derivation and validation cohorts. Biomarkers to distinguish SSc‐ILD from IPF‐controls were identified.

Results

A composite biomarker index, comprising surfactant protein D (SP‐D), Ca15‐3, and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM‐1), was strongly associated with SSc‐ILD diagnosis, independent of age, sex, smoking history, and lung function (for biomarker index score 3, pooled adjusted odds ratio was 12.72 (95% confidence interval 4.59–35.21) (P < 0.001). The composite index strengthened the performance of individual biomarkers for SSc‐ILD identification. In SSc patients, a higher index was associated with worse baseline disease severity (for biomarker index score 3 relative to biomarker index score 0, the adjusted absolute change in forced vital capacity percent predicted was −17.84% and the diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide percent predicted was −20.16%; both P < 0.001).

Conclusion

A composite serum biomarker index, comprising SP‐D, Ca15‐3, and ICAM‐1, may improve the identification and risk stratification of ILD in SSc patients at baseline.
Real‐world treatment and outcomes of patients with metastatic BRAF mutant colorectal cancer
Authors: Xu Ting , Li Jian , Wang Zhenghang , Zhang Xiaotian , Zhou Jun , Lu Zhihao , Shen Lin , Wang Xicheng
Published: March 2023

Background

BRAF mutation occurs in 5%–10% of metastatic colorectal cancers (mCRCs). Patients with BRAF mutant mCRC exhibit a specific metastatic pattern and poor prognosis. Survival outcomes are heterogeneous in cases of mCRC with a BRAF mutation. The optimal first‐line therapy is still controversial.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with mCRC between June 2010 and December 2021. Clinicopathologic characteristics, treatment and BRAF mutation testing results were collected. Patients with a BRAF mutation were included. Kaplan–Meier methods and log‐rank tests were used to analyze and compare survival. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to establish the predictive nomogram model.

Results

Of the 4475 mCRC, 261 have a BRAF mutation, including 240 V600E and 21 non‐V600E mutants. The median overall survival (OS) was 18.2 months in the BRAF V600E mutant group versus 38.0 months in the non‐V600E mutant group (p = 0.022). ECOG score, tumor differentiation, liver metastasis, bone metastasis and primary tumor resection were independent prognostic factors for the OS of BRAF V600E mutant mCRC. A nomogram model was established using these factors. The median OS was 39.3 m, 18.2 m and 10.7 m for the low‐risk, intermediate‐risk and high‐risk groups defined by this model, respectively (p < 0.0001). Patients who received first‐line triplet chemotherapy ± bevacizumab had comparable progression free survival (PFS) and OS compared with those treated with doublets ± bevacizumab.

Conclusion

BRAF V600E mutant mCRCs exhibit unfavorable and heterogeneous prognosis. The first‐line intensive chemotherapy did not confer a marked impact on the PFS and OS.
Effect of Axial Ligand Length on Biological and Anticancer Properties of Axially Disubstituted Silicon Phthalocyanines
Authors: Yenilmez H. Yasemin , Farajzadeh Nazli , Güler Kuşçulu Nilgün , Bahar Dilek , Özdemir Sadin , Tollu Gülşah , Güllü Mithat , Altuntaş Bayır Zehra
Published: March 2023

In this study, three new axially disubstituted silicon phthalocyanines (SiPc1–3) and their quaternized phthalocyanine derivatives (QSiPc1–3) were prepared and characterized. The biological properties (antioxidant, antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and microbial cell viability activities) of the water‐soluble silicon phthalocyanines were examined, as well. A 1 % DMSO diluted with pure water was used as a solvent in biological activity studies. All the compounds exhibited high antioxidant activity. They displayed efficient antimicrobial and antimicrobial photodynamic therapeutic properties against various microorganisms, especially Gram (+) bacteria. Additionally, they demonstrated high antibiofilm activities against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. In addition, 100 % bacterial reduction was obtained for all the studied phthalocyanines against E. coli viable cells. Besides, the DNA cleavage and binding features of compounds (QSiPc1–3) were studied using pBR322 DNA and CT‐DNA, respectively. Furthermore, the human topoisomerase I enzyme inhibition activities of compounds QSiPc1–3 were studied. Anticancer properties of the water‐soluble compounds were investigated using cell proliferation MTT assay. They exhibited anticarcinogenic activity against the human colon cancer cell line (DLD‐1). Compounds QSiPc1 and QSiPc3 displayed a high anticarcinogenic effect on the DLD‐1 cell line. The obtained results indicated that all the studied compounds may be effective biological agents and anticancer drugs after further investigations.
Design, Synthesis, and Insecticidal Activities of Novel meta‐Diamide Compounds Containing Ethyl Acetate and Their Derivatives
Authors: Wang Jiaxuan , Xiang Juncheng , Wu Minghui , Long Huanyuan , Wu Daoxin , Liu Jiyong
Published: March 2023

In this study, a series of meta‐diamide compounds containing ethyl acetate group and their derivatives were designed and synthesized. Their insecticidal activities against Plutella xylostella, Spodoptera frugiperda and Alfalfa sprouts were evaluated. Preliminary bioassays showed that some of the title compounds exhibited excellent insecticidal activities. Especially compound ethyl N‐(3‐((2‐bromo‐4‐(perfluoropropan‐2‐yl)‐6‐(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)carbamoyl)‐2‐fluorophenyl)‐N‐(4‐cyanobenzoyl)glycinate and ethyl N‐(3‐((2‐bromo‐4‐(perfluoropropan‐2‐yl)‐6‐(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)carbamoyl)‐2‐fluorophenyl)‐N‐(6‐fluoronicotinoyl)glycinate showed 100 % mortality at 0.1 mg/L against Plutella xylostella and Spodoptera frugiperda, same to broflanilide. Their LC50 against Plutella xylostella is 0.286 mg/L and 0.0218 mg/L, respectively. Moreover, compound ethyl N‐(3‐((2‐bromo‐4‐(perfluoropropan‐2‐yl)‐6‐(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)carbamoyl)‐2‐fluorophenyl)‐N‐(6‐fluoronicotinoyl)glycinate displayed faster control efficacy than broflanilide at 0.1 mg/L. The results indicated that meta‐diamide compounds containing ethyl acetate group could be developed as novel and promising insecticides.
Time‐Resolved CIDNP as a Tool for Determination of Rate Constants of Triplet Quenching Using the Example of Photo‐Induced Oxidation of Histidine‐Containing Compounds**
Authors: Morozova Olga B. , Fishman Natalya N. , Yurkovskaya Alexandra V.
Published: March 2023

We describe the application of time‐resolved chemically induced dynamic nuclear polarization (TR CIDNP) in the determination of the bimolecular rate constants of triplet quenching. This method is based on the use of a CIDNP‐active reference triplet quencher with a known quenching rate constant. The quenching reaction of the triplet excited photosensitizer, 3,3′,4,4′‐tetracarboxy benzophenone (TCBP), was considered as the reaction under study. In each experiment, geminate CIDNP spectra were obtained during irradiation of the solution containing: (i) TCBP and a reference quencher; (ii) TCBP, a reference quencher, and a quencher whose triplet quenching rate constant was to be determined. The degree of decrease in the signal intensity of the reference quencher for the case (ii) compared to the case (i) depended on the desired quenching rate constant which made it possible to calculate the latter. Thus, the rate constants were determined for quenching of triplet TCBP by histidine‐containing compounds.
Surgical Procedure for Implantation of Opto‐Array in Nonhuman Primates
Authors: Azadi Reza , Bohn Simon , Eldridge Mark A. G. , Afraz Arash
Published: March 2023

Optogenetics allows precise temporal control of neuronal activity in the brain. Engineered viral vectors are routinely used to transduce neurons with light‐sensitive opsins. However, reliable virus injection and light delivery in animals with large brains, such as nonhuman primates, has proven challenging. The Opto‐Array is a novel yet simple device that is used to deliver light to extended regions of the cortex surface for high‐throughput behavioral optogenetics in large brains. Here we present protocols for surgical delivery of virus (Basic Protocol 1) and implantation of the Opto‐Array (Basic Protocol 2) in two separate surgeries in a rhesus monkey's inferior temporal cortex. As a proof of concept, we measured the behavioral performance of an animal detecting cortical optogenetic stimulations (Basic Protocol 3) with different illumination power and duration using the Opto‐Array. The animal was able to detect the optogenetic stimulation for all tested illumination powers and durations. Regression analysis also showed both power and duration of illumination significantly modulate the detectability of the optogenetic stimulation. The outcome of this approach is superior to the standard practice of injecting and recording through a chamber for large areas of the cortex surface. Moreover, the chronic nature of the Opto‐Array allows perturbation of neuronal activity of the same site across multiple sessions because it is highly stable; thus, data can be pooled over months. The detailed surgical method presented here makes it possible to use optogenetics to modulate neuronal activity across large regions of the cortex surface in the nonhuman primate brain. This method also lays the groundwork for future attempts to use optogenetics to restore vision in humans. © 2023 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Virus injection surgery

Basic Protocol 2: Opto‐Array implantation surgery

Basic Protocol 3: Cortical Perturbation Detection (CPD) task behavioral training
Sub‐Micro Organosolv Lignin as Bio‐Based Epoxy Polymer Component: A Sustainable Curing Agent and Additive
Authors: Pappa Christina P. , Torofias Stylianos , Triantafyllidis Konstantinos S.
Published: March 2023

Sub‐micro organosolv lignin (OBs) isolated from beechwood biomass, comprising of sub‐micro sized particles (570 nm) with low molecular weight and dispersity and relatively high total phenolic −OH content, is utilized for the production of bio‐based epoxy polymer composites. OBs lignin is incorporated into the glassy epoxy system based on diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) and aliphatic polyoxypropylene α,ω‐diamine (Jeffamine D‐230), being utilized both as a curing agent, partially replacing D‐230, and as an additive, substituting part of both petroleum‐derived components. Up to 12 wt % replacement of D‐230 by OBs lignin is achieved, whereas approximately 17 wt % of OBs effectively replaces the conventional epoxy polymer. The incorporation of OBs lignin in the polymeric matrix is achieved without the use of any solvent or previous functionalization. Enhanced properties are obtained, with substantial increases in tensile strength, strain, stiffness, glass transition temperature, antioxidant activity, and resistance to solvents.
A novel bidirectional modular multilevel inverter utilizing diode‐based bidirectional unit
Authors: Seifi Ali , Hosseinpour Majid , Hosseini Seyed Hossein
Published: March 2023

Multilevel inverters have many applications, such as the grid integration of photovoltaic cells, FACTSs devices, electric vehicles, variable speed drives, and smart grids. In this paper, a new bidirectional diode‐based unit is proposed for a symmetric single‐phase modular inverter topology that can achieve high output levels by using a small number of switching and circuit devices. The basic structure can generate nine‐level voltage with only nine IGBTs and two diodes. Another advantage of the proposed topology is the utilization of a half‐bridge module to change the voltage polarity and the low number of its voltage sources. Additionally, the proposed topology can be used as the cascaded structure with different approaches to select the value of voltage sources. The power losses are discussed for the proposed basic module. A comparison has been made with some recently presented topologies to compare the proposed multilevel inverter and demonstrate its superiority. The comparison is performed for the basic module and its generalized structure. In this paper, the pulse width modulation technique is utilized to achieve a voltage waveform with low harmonic content. The proposed basic structure has an efficiency of 58.98% in 5KW power. Finally, the operation of the proposed basic module is simulated, and the laboratory prototype results confirm the accuracy of the simulation results.
Exploring effects of vessels on walrus behaviors using telemetry, automatic identification system data and matching
Authors: Taylor Rebecca L. , Jay Chadwick V. , Beatty William S. , Fischbach Anthony S. , Quakenbush Lori T. , Crawford Justin A.
Published: March 2023

Arctic marine mammals have had little exposure to vessel traffic and potential associated disturbance, but sea ice loss has increased accessibility of Arctic waters to vessels. Vessel disturbance could influence marine mammal population dynamics by altering behavioral activity budgets that affect energy balance, which in turn can affect birth and death rates. As an initial step in studying these linkages, we conducted the first comprehensive analysis to evaluate the effects of vessel exposure on Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) behaviors. We obtained >120,000 h of location and behavior (foraging, in‐water not foraging, and hauled out) data from 218 satellite‐tagged walruses and linked them to vessel locations from the marine automatic identification system (AIS). This yielded 206 vessel‐exposed walrus telemetry hours for comparison to unexposed hours, which we used to assess if vessel exposure altered walrus behavior. We developed a filter to account for misclassification of vessel exposure of telemetered walruses. Then we tested for an effect of vessel exposure on walrus behaviors using a combination of exact and propensity score‐based matching to account for confounding covariates, and we conducted statistical power analyses. We did not detect an effect of vessel exposure on walrus behaviors even when statistical power was high (i.e., for foraging walruses), which may have been due to the sample size‐driven need to define vessel presence within a larger than desired distance (15‐km measured radius) around a walrus. Although this study did not determine at what distance vessel exposure affects walrus behaviors, it provided an upper bound on the distance at which the vessels encountered may disturb foraging walruses. When more situation‐specific information is lacking, this distance could be used as a conservative buffer to maintain between vessels and areas of high use by foraging walruses. Studies on behavioral consequences of closer proximities between walruses and vessels are needed, and our assessments of misclassification rates and statistical power can be used for future studies. We demonstrated that analytical approaches such as matching, which are rarely used in wildlife studies, are particularly useful for testing hypotheses with observational data.