bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pregabalin for Neuropathic Pain and Itch in Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa
Authors: Calvo Margarita , Tejos-Bravo Macarena , Passi-Solar Alvaro , Espinoza Fernanda , Fuentes Ignacia , Lara-Corrales Irene , Pope Elena
Published: October 2024

Importance

Patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) experience neuropathic pain and itch. There is a lack of evidence on any treatment for these symptoms in patients with RDEB.

Objectives

To test the efficacy of pregabalin in the treatment of neuropathic pain and itch in patients with RDEB.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A randomized, double-blinded, crossover trial of oral pregabalin (50-300 mg/d) vs placebo was conducted at 2 sites, Toronto (Canada) and Santiago (Chile) from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2020. Patients eligible to participate were diagnosed with RDEB, aged 8 to 40 years, not pregnant or lactating (if female), and had evidence of probable neuropathic pain and itching defined as distal thermal sensory loss (confirmed by thermal roller), score of 4 or greater on the Douleur Neuropathique 4 questionnaire (DN4), and score greater than 4 on the 10-point visual analog scale [VAS]). Patients with a clinically important or poorly controlled medical or psychiatric condition or pregabalin intolerance or allergy were excluded. Of 41 patients screened, 3 were not eligible and 28 declined enrollment. Data analyses were performed in 2021 through 2023.

Intervention

Participants received both pregabalin and matched placebo (titrated to a maximum-tolerated dose of 300 mg/day) in a randomized sequence so that comparisons could be made within participants and between groups.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Difference in the mean pain and itch scores between pregabalin and placebo treatment (measured using VAS) before and after intervention.

Results

In all, 10 participants were randomized to 2 groups, 6 patients (mean [SD] age, 26.7 [8.1] years; 3 females [50%]) in group 1, and 4 patients (mean [SD] age, 26.5 [7.8] years, 2 females [50%]) in group 2. Group 1 received a sequence of pregabalin-placebo while group 2 received placebo-pregabalin. Pregabalin significantly reduced mean (SD) pain scores by 1.9 (1.5) points when controlling for sequence and treatment period vs baseline, while placebo had 0.1 (2.0) points of reduction. The effect of pregabalin was a mild but significant reduction in itch compared to baseline (mean [SD] points, 0.9 [2.2]), whereas the placebo produced no reduction (0.1 [2.5]). The mean pregabalin dose was generally well tolerated.

Conclusions and Relevance

The results of this randomized crossover trial indicate that pregabalin significantly reduced pain and itch scores from baseline compared to placebo in patients with RDEB. This feasibility study provided preliminary data on the efficacy of pregabalin in managing pain and itch in RDEB and gathered essential data to inform the design of a larger cohort trial.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03928093
Diagnosing and Treating ADHD in Adults
Authors: Blanco Carlos , Surman Craig B. H.
Published: October 2024

This Viewpoint advocates for proactively addressing concerns related to the diagnosis and treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in US adults to balance individual benefits with population-level risk.
The effect of disaster case management on housing recovery: Analysis of disaster survivor support in Sendai City using the synthetic control method
Authors: Kawami Fuminori , Tatsuki Shigeo
Published: October 2024

This study investigated how disaster case management (DCM) and disaster public housing reconstruction influence housing recovery using 4 open‐data sources. The trends in the number of households under designated temporary housing in Sendai and 18 other cities in Miyagi Prefecture were analyzed. The results revealed that both DCM and the reconstruction of public housing for disaster recovery promote housing restoration from temporary housing. Finally, Mary Richmond's discussion of wholesale and retail methods was used to elucidate policy implications for disaster victim support.
Analyzing Protection Motivation Theory and Cognitive Failures in Texting While Driving Behavior Among Young Drivers
Authors: Gabaldon Janeth , Niranjan Suman , Hawkins Timothy G. , McBride Maranda E. , Savitskie Katrina
Published: October 2024

Texting while driving (TWD) poses a significant hazard, particularly among young adults, as it requires simultaneous engagement in competing tasks. Despite widespread awareness of its dangers, drivers continue to engage in TWD. This study investigates the psychological and cognitive factors that influence TWD, employing the protection motivation theory (PMT). Structural equation modeling was conducted on a sample of 674 survey respondents aged 18–25. Factors influencing TWD behavior were revealed, including response cost, threat vulnerability, cognitive failure, self‐efficacy, and threat severity. Response cost was the primary barrier. Notably, not all subdimensions of threat appraisal and coping appraisal have a direct impact on TWD; cognitive failures serve as a mediator solely between threat vulnerability and response cost. An understanding of TWD provides insights into the TWD behavior of young drivers. By integrating the PMT with cognitive failure, this approach informs the development of interventions and regulations aimed at discouraging TWD and improving road safety.
Ultralow Concentration Nonflammable Electrolytes Mediated by Intermolecular Interactions for Safer Potassium‐Ion Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Li Qian , Liu Gang , Kumar Pushpendra , Zhao Fei , Wang Yuqi , Cai Tao , Chen Yinghua , Xie Hongliang , Wahyudi Wandi , Ma Zheng , Ming Jun
Published: October 2024

Designing electrolytes that are compatible with graphite anodes and possess flame‐retardant features is strongly demanded in potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) to inhibit solvent co‐insertion and graphite exfoliation, and also stabilize the highly active potassium‐based species (e.g., KC8). Herein, a nonflammable electrolyte is designed by introducing the fluoroethers to stabilize graphite anodes, particularly at an ultralow concentration (<0.43 m) that is rarely reported before. It is discovered that intermolecular interactions can form between the 1,1,2,2‐tetrafluoroethyl‐2,2,3,3‐tetrafluoropropyl ether (i.e., HFE) diluent and trimethyl phosphate (TMP) flame‐retardant by electronegative fluorine (δ−F) and electropositive hydrogen (δ+H). The intermolecular interactions can change the potassium ion (K+) solvation structure (e.g., weakening the K+‐TMP interaction), and then determine the properties of the K+‐solvent‐anion complex at the electrode interface. a molecular interfacial model is presented with a new coordination mechanism involving the diluent to elucidate the relationship between the intermolecular interactions and electrode performance (i.e., K+‐solvent co‐insertion, or reversible K+ (de)intercalation) at the molecular scale, facilitating the design of high safety and high energy density potassium‐ion sulfur batteries. This study sheds light on the importance of intermolecular interactions to tune electrolyte properties and also opens new avenues for designing electrolytes for safe and practical PIBs.
Pitaya‐Inspired Metal‐Organic Framework Nanozyme for Multimodal Imaging‐Guided Synergistic Cuproptosis, Nanocatalytic Therapy, and Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Yue Quer , Zeng Qingbin , Guo Qianni , Zhao Xiuchao , Yuan Yaping , Yang Yuqi , Jiang Weiping , Zhou Xin
Published: October 2024

Nature often provides invaluable insights into technological innovation and the construction of nanomaterials. Inspired by the pitaya fruit's strategy of wrapping seeds within its pulp to enhance seed survival, a unique nanocomposite based on metal‐organic framework (MOF)‐encapsulated CuS nanoparticles (NPs) is developed. This design effectively addresses the challenge of short retention time afforded by CuS NPs for therapeutic and imaging purposes. The MOF acts as the “pitaya pulp” protecting the internal CuS NPs (“pitaya seeds”), thereby increasing their retention time in vivo. This system exhibits triple‐enzyme‐mimicking activities and is proposed for application in photoacoustic and magnetic resonance imaging‐guided therapies, including chemodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, and cuproptosis‐related therapy. The exceptional enzyme‐mimicking activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase not only produce oxygen to alleviate hypoxia but also generate a reactive oxygen species (ROS) storm for effective tumor destruction. By combining these multienzymatic properties, superior photothermal performance, and Cu‐induced cuproptosis, nanozyme‐treated mice exhibited an 84% inhibition of tumor growth—approximately double the effect observed in mice treated with CuS NPs alone. This study presents a smart strategy for integrating imaging with therapeutic modalities, achieving exceptional outcomes for precise imaging‐guided tumor therapy.
Low Fibrillation Lyocell Fiber: Analysis of Fiber and its Crosslinking Agent
Authors: Guo Yaoxian , Li Ting , Cheng Chunzu , Xu Jigang , Ma Xuele , Cheng Min , Zhang Jiayu , Guo Shanping
Published: October 2024

In this paper, the hydrolysis process of Dichlorohydroxytriazine (NHDT) under alkaline conditions are studied. A qualitative and quantitative method for the determination of HNDT and its hydrolysis products are established, which further clarified the hydrolysis mechanism of NHDT. Under alkaline conditions, the hydrolysis products are mainly compound 4, compound 6 and chloride (Cl−). The hydrolysis rate of NHDT at different NaOH concentration and temperature is studied. This research can be used to guide the high efficiency preparation of low fibrillation Lyocell fiber. According to the quantitative detection of wet abrasion numbers and the qualitative analysis of the fiber by SEM after slapping, it is concluded that the low fibrillation Lyocell fiber is less prone to fibrillation under the combined action of wet state and mechanical force. Due to hydrolysis of the unreacted second chlorine resulting in harmful products on the low fibrillation Lyocell fiber, the fibrillation propensity increased with the increase of storage time. The mechanical properties of low fibrillation Lyocell fiber prepared under different fiber states are studied. The tensile breaking strength of low fibrillation Lyocell fiber prepared in the form of sequentially arranged fiber bundles are better, which is closely related to the fiber surface.
Integrated Functionality of Photothermal Hydrogels and Membranes in Solar Water, Chemical, Mechanical, and Electrical Domains
Authors: Ong Wei Li , Lu Wanheng , Zhang Tianxi , Ho Ghim Wei
Published: October 2024

Solar energy can be harnessed and converted into heat via the photothermal effect, which can then be utilized to drive many other reactions to produce important resources, such as water, fuel, electricity, and even mechanical actuation in a clean and sustainable manner. Hydrogels and membranes coupled with photothermal materials are particularly suitable for this purpose because they possess advantageous properties, such as porosity and adaptability. These properties allow for the introduction of diverse additives and functionalities, ensuring that photothermal systems can be customized for specific tasks, thereby enhancing their overall performance, functionality and versatility. This review aims to provide an overview of recent developments and the significance of employing photothermal hydrogels and membranes in multiple fields ranging from clean water, fuel production, electricity generation to mechanical actuation, followed by a discussion on key considerations in materials design and engineering. Finally, the review addresses the challenges and future directions of photothermal applications.
Hepatocyte‐Targeted Lipid Nanoparticle Delivery of HERC2 Plasmid Controls Drug‐Induced Hepatotoxicity by Limiting β‐Catenin‐Regulated CYP2E1 Expression
Authors: Liu Yunzhi , Xu Qishan , Liu Yan , Cao Sihang , Luo Jialiang , Zheng Zhuojun , Zhou Jia , Lu Xiao , Zhang Liyun , Tan Yanan , Chen Qingyun , Zuo Daming
Published: October 2024

Understanding the molecular mechanisms that bridge hepatic inflammation and liver injury is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies for drug‐induced liver injury (DILI) management. HECT domain and RCC1‐like domain 2 (HERC2) belongs to the large Herc family of ubiquitin E3 ligases, which are implicated in tissue development and inflammation. The observation reveals a pronounced HERC2 expression in specific hepatocyte subsets that proliferate in response to DILI in humans, prompting an investigation into the role of HERC2 in distinct DILI progression. Under the APAP challenge, liver‐specific HERC2‐deficient mice suffer more severe liver damage. Integrated single‐cell RNA sequencing analysis unveils a negative correlation between HERC2 and CYP2E1, a vital metabolic enzyme for xenobiotics, in hepatocytes from APAP‐challenged mice. Mechanistically, HERC2 interacts with β‐catenin to promote its ubiquitination, thereby governing CYP2E1 transcriptional regulation. Targeted hepatic delivery of lipid nanoparticle‐encapsulated HERC2‐overexpressing plasmid markedly reduces liver damage caused by APAP overdose. Collectively, these findings elucidate a previously unrecognized protective role of HERC2 in protecting against acute liver injury associated with drug metabolism disorders, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target in treating DILI.
In Vivo Assessment of Deep Vascular Patterns in Murine Colitis Using Optoacoustic Mesoscopic Imaging
Authors: Buehler Adrian , Brown Emma L. , Nedoschill Emmanuel , Eckstein Markus , Ludwig Petra , Wachter Felix , Mandelbaum Henriette , Raming Roman , Oraiopoulou Mariam‐Eleni , Paulus Lars‐Philip , Rother Ulrich , Friedrich Oliver , Neurath Markus F. , Woelfle Joachim , Waldner Maximilian J. , Knieling Ferdinand , Bohndiek Sarah E. , Regensburger Adrian P.
Published: October 2024

The analysis of vascular morphology and functionality enables the assessment of disease activity and therapeutic effects in various pathologies. Raster‐scanning optoacoustic mesoscopy (RSOM) is an imaging modality that enables the visualization of superficial vascular networks in vivo. In murine models of colitis, deep vascular networks in the colon wall can be visualized by transrectal absorber guide raster‐scanning optoacoustic mesoscopy (TAG‐RSOM). In order to accelerate the implementation of this technology in translational studies of inflammatory bowel disease, an image‐processing pipeline for TAG‐RSOM data has been developed. Using optoacoustic data from a murine model of chemically‐induced colitis, different image segmentation methods are compared for visualization and quantification of deep vascular patterns in terms of vascular network length and complexity, blood volume, and vessel diameter. The presented image‐processing pipeline for TAG‐RSOM enables label‐free in vivo assessment of changes in the vascular network in murine colitis with broad applications for inflammatory bowel disease research.
Spatio‐Selective Reconfiguration of Mechanical Metamaterials Through the Use of Dynamic Covalent Chemistries
Authors: Abbasoglu Tansu , Skarsetz Oliver , Fanlo Paula , Grignard Bruno , Detrembleur Christophe , Walther Andreas , Sardon Haritz
Published: October 2024

Mechanical metamaterials achieve unprecedented mechanical properties through their periodically interconnected unit cell structure. However, their geometrical design and resulting mechanical properties are typically fixed during fabrication. Despite efforts to implement covalent adaptable networks (CANs) into metamaterials for permanent shape reconfigurability, emphasis is given to global rather than local shape reconfiguration. Furthermore, the change of effective material properties like Poisson's ratio remains to be explored. In this work, a non‐isocyanate polyurethane elastomeric CAN, which can be thermally reconfigured, is introduced into a metamaterial architecture. Structural reconfiguration allows for the local and global reprogramming of the Poisson's ratio with change of unit cell angle from 60° to 90° for the auxetic and 120° to 90° for the honeycomb metamaterial. The respective Poisson's ratio changes from −1.4 up to −0.4 for the auxetic and from +0.7 to +0.2 for the honeycomb metamaterial. Carbon nanotubes are deposited on the metamaterials to enable global and spatial electrothermal heating for on‐demand reshaping with a heterogeneous Poisson's ratio ranging from −2 to ≈0 for a single auxetic or +0.6 to ≈0 for a single honeycomb metamaterial. Finite element simulations reveal how permanent geometrical reconfiguration results from locally and globally relaxed heated patterns.
Quantifying Efficiency Roll‐Off Factors in Quantum‐Dot Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Yan Xianchang , Zhu Xitong , Wu Boning , Jin Yizheng , Tian Wenming , Jin Shengye
Published: October 2024

The application of quantum‐dot light‐emitting diodes (QLEDs) is hindered by efficiency roll‐off at high current densities. Factors contributing to this roll‐off include Auger recombination, electric field‐induced quenching, Joule heating, and electron leakage into the hole transport layer. However, a method to quantitatively attribute the contribution of each factor to roll‐off has not yet been available, leaving the primary cause of roll‐off unidentified. This work addresses this gap using electrically pumped transient absorption spectroscopy, which measures the accumulated electrons and electric field in quantum dots (QDs). This study also introduces a method to quantify electron leakage in QLEDs using this spectroscopic technique. Based on the spectroscopic experimental results, the contribution of each factor to roll‐off is quantified. A green QLED with a peak external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 26.8% is studied as an example. The EQE declines to 20.5% at a current density of 354 mA cm−2, where field‐induced quenching accounts for 5% of the efficiency roll‐off, and electron leakage contributes 95%. Contributions from Auger recombination and heat‐induced quenching are negligible. This work demonstrates strong correlations between roll‐off and electron leakage amplitude using statistical data obtained in multiple QLEDs, confirming that electron leakage is the primary factor in EQE roll‐off.
UV‐Triggered In Situ Formation of a Robust SEI on Black Phosphorus for Advanced Energy Storage: Boosting Efficiency and Safety via Rapid Charge Integration Plasticity
Authors: Wang Qingxiang , Liu Fusheng , Qi Zhenguo , Qin Guohui , Wang Li , He Xiangming
Published: October 2024

Black phosphorus (BP) emerges as a highly promising electrode material for next generation of energy‐storage systems. Yet, its full potential is hindered by the instability of the solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI) and the inflammability of its liquid systems. Here a pioneering UV‐induced in situ strategy is introduced for SEI construction, which leverages rapid electron supply to fracture sulfur‐dihalide bonds. This technique yields internal dihalide inorganic components and an external polymer segment, with any excess organic material being purged through pores. The (E)‐2‐chloro‐4‐((3′‐chloro‐4′‐hydroxyphenyl)diazinyl)phenyl acrylate (CA), with chlorine‐terminated groups, is initially in situ transformed into a flame‐retardant phenyl carboxylic acid (PCA), and then encapsulated within an ultrathin BP nanostructure, further nested in nitrogen (N), boron (B) co‐doped carbon (C) sheets that accommodate cobalt (Co) single atoms/nanoclusters (Co‐NBC). The Co‐NBC@BP@PCA construct demonstrates an impressive initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) of 99.1% and maintains exceptional stabilities in terms of mechanical, chemical, and electrochemical performancecritical for prolonged cycle and calendar life. This research sheds light on the interplay between the rapid charge supply integrated in situ plasticity (RSIP) approach and the proactive establishment of an artificial SEI layer, offering profound insights into enhancing the durability and providing a solid foundation for advancements in energy storage technology.
Processing‐induced reduction in dianthrones content and toxicity of Polygonum multiflorum: Insights from ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry analysis and toxicological assessment
Authors: Li Wan‐Fang , Wang Ying , Qiu Cai‐Xia , Li Jie , Bao Jie , Yang Jian‐Bo , Jin Hong‐Tao
Published: October 2024

Background

Polygonum multiflorum‐induced liver injury (PM‐DILI) has significantly hindered its clinical application and development.

Methods

This study investigates the variation in content and toxicity of dianthrones, the toxic components of P. multiflorum, during different processing cycles. We employed the ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry method to quantify six dianthrones in raw P. multiflorum and formulations processed with a method called nine cycles of steaming and sunning. Additionally, toxicity assessments were conducted using human normal liver cell line L02 and zebrafish embryos.

Results

Results indicate a gradual reduction in dianthrones content with increasing processing cycles. Processed formulations exhibited significantly reduced cytotoxicity in L02 cells and hepatotoxicity in zebrafish embryos.

Conclusions

Our findings elucidate the relationship between processing cycles and P. multiflorum toxicity, providing theoretical support for its safe use.
Influence of wettability and surface tension on bubble formation from a needle
Authors: Jia Meng , Pang Mingjun
Published: October 2024

The multiphase flow accompanied by contact line motion is a common flow phenomenon in nature and industry. When investigating the bubble formation from a needle, it is generally assumed that the contact line is fixed at the inner diameter of a needle. Namely, the influence of contact line motion on bubble formation is ignored. In this paper, the effects of wettability and surface tension on the characteristics of bubble formation were studied using volume of fluid method. The changes of bubble volume, instantaneous contact angle, contact line radius, and the motion mechanism of contact line were analyzed in detail. It is found that when surface wettability and/or surface tension are different, the motion type of contact line during bubble formation is different, and the stage of bubble formation shows a great difference too. The motion of contact line is mainly affected by the pressure inside a bubble, the adhesion force, and the hydrostatic pressure of liquid outside a bubble. The sum of all forces driving contact line to move inward or outward controls the motion type of contact line.
Arrangements of intramembranous muscles of wings are influenced by body mass across the radiation of phyllostomid bats
Authors: Conceição‐da‐Silva Alana , Louzada Nathália Siqueira Veríssimo , Tavares William Corrêa
Published: October 2024

Extensive research into bat flight mechanisms has highlighted the complex functional and evolutionary dynamics of their wing structures, yet the anatomical details of certain wing muscles remain elusive. In particular, the intramembranous plagiopatagiales proprii muscles, located within the plagiopatagium—an area of the wing lacking direct joint connections—exhibit remarkable variation across bat families. These muscles, which extend anteroposteriorly in macroscopic bundles, play a crucial role in wing stiffening, modulating membrane tension, and reducing wing curvature during flight. Since larger bats tend to have higher wing loading (WL; the ratio of body mass [BMa] to wing area) and may therefore experience increased patagial curvature and resultant drag, we hypothesized that body size significantly influences the evolutionary development of the plagiopatagiales proprii muscles. This study investigates the relationship between BMa and the morphology of the plagiopatagiales proprii in New World leaf‐nosed bats (Phyllostomidae), employing bivariate allometry, multivariate analysis, and comparative phylogenetic methods across 24 species from eight phyllostomid subfamilies. Our findings reveal a significant phylogenetic signal in muscle architecture, along with positive evolutionary allometry in muscle area. This suggests an adaptive increase in muscle size in larger species, likely to counterbalance the increased WL, reduce wing curvature, and minimize drag. This research enhances our understanding of the functional and adaptive morphological evolution of intramembranous wing muscles in phyllostomid bats, underscoring their evolutionary significance.
New Anti‐Angiogenic Therapy for Glioblastoma With the Anti‐Depressant Sertraline
Authors: Tsuboi Nobushige , Otani Yoshihiro , Uneda Atsuhito , Ishida Joji , Suruga Yasuki , Matsumoto Yuji , Fujimura Atsushi , Fujii Kentaro , Matsui Hideki , Kurozumi Kazuhiko , Date Isao , Michiue Hiroyuki
Published: October 2024

Background and Aims

Anti‐angiogenic therapies prolong patient survival in some malignancies but not glioblastoma. We focused on the relationship between the differentiation of glioma stem like cells (GSCs) into tumor derived endothelial cells (TDECs) and, anti‐angiogenic therapy resistance. Especially we aimed to elucidate the mechanisms of drug resistance of TDECs to anti‐angiogenic inhibitors and identify novel anti‐angiogenic drugs with clinical applications.

Results

The mouse GSCs, 005, were differentiated into TDECs under hypoxic conditions, and TDECs had endothelial cell characteristics independent of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway. In vivo, inhibition of the VEGF pathway had no anti‐tumor effect and increased the percentage of TDECs in the 005 mouse model. Novel anti‐angiogenic drugs for glioblastoma were evaluated using a tube formation assay and a drug repositioning strategy with existing blood–brain barrier permeable drugs. Drug screening revealed that the antidepressant sertraline inhibited tube formation of TDECs. Sertraline was administered to differentiated TDECs in vitro and 005 mouse models in vivo to evaluate genetic changes by RNA‐Seq and tumor regression effects by immunohistochemistry and MRI. Sertraline reduced Lama4 and Ang2 expressions of TDEC, which play an important role in non‐VEGF‐mediated angiogenesis in tumors. The combination of a VEGF receptor inhibitor axitinib, and sertraline improved survival and reduced tumor growth in the 005 mouse model.

Conclusion

Collectively, our findings showed the diversity of tumor vascular endothelial cells across VEGF and non‐VEGF pathways led to anti‐angiogenic resistance. The combination of axitinib and sertraline can represent an effective anti‐angiogenic therapy for glioblastoma with safe, low cost, and fast availability.
Screening Model for Bladder Cancer Early Detection With Serum miRNAs Based on Machine Learning: A Mixed‐Cohort Study Based on 16,189 Participants
Authors: Lai Cong , Hu Zhensheng , Hu Jintao , Li Zhuohang , Li Lin , Liu Mimi , Wu Zhikai , Zhou Yi , Liu Cheng , Xu Kewei
Published: October 2024

Background

Early detection of bladder cancer (BCa) can have a positive impact on patients' prognosis. However, there is currently no widely accepted method for early screening of BCa. We aimed to develop an efficient, clinically applicable, and noninvasive method for the early screening of BCa by detecting specific serum miRNA levels.

Methods

A mixed‐cohort (including BCa, 12 different other cancers, benign disease patients, and health population) study was conducted using a sample size of 16,189. Five machine learning algorithms were utilized to develop screening models for BCa using the training dataset. The performance of the model was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve and decision curve analysis on the testing dataset, and subsequently, the model with the best predictive power was selected. Furthermore, the selected model's screening performance was evaluated using both the validation set and external set.

Results

The BCaS3miR model, utilizing only three serum miRNAs (miR‐6087, miR‐1343‐3p, and miR‐5100) and based on the KNN algorithm, is the superior screening model chosen for BCa. BCaS3miR consistently performed well in both the testing, validation, and external sets, exceeding 90% sensitivity and specificity levels. The area under the curve was 0.990 (95% CI: 0.984–0.991), 0.964 (95% CI: 0.936–0.984), and 0.917 (95% CI: 0.836–0.953) in the testing, validation, and external set. The subgroup analysis revealed that the BCaS3miR model demonstrated outstanding screening accuracy in various clinical subgroups of BCa. In addition, we developed a BCa screening scoring model (BCaSS) based on the levels of miR‐1343‐3p/miR‐6087 and miR‐5100/miR‐6087. The screening effect of BCaSS is investigated and the findings indicate that it has predictability and distinct advantages.

Conclusions

Using a mixed cohort with the largest known sample size to date, we have developed effective screening models for BCa, namely BCaS3miR and BCaSS. The models demonstrated remarkable screening accuracy, indicating potential for the early detection of BCa.
Machine Learning Model Based on Prognostic Nutritional Index for Predicting Long‐Term Outcomes in Patients With HCC Undergoing Ablation
Authors: Zhang Nan , Lin Ke , Qiao Bin , Yan Liwei , Jin Dongdong , Yang Daopeng , Yang Yue , Xie Xiaohua , Xie Xiaoyan , Zhuang Bowen
Published: October 2024

Aims

To develop multiple machine learning (ML) models based on the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and determine the optimal model for predicting long‐term survival outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients after local ablation.

Methods

From January 2009 to December 2019, we analyzed data from 848 primary HCC patients who underwent local ablation. ML models were constructed and evaluated using the concordance index (C‐index), concordance‐discordance area under curve (C/D AUC), and Brier scores. The optimal ML model was interpreted using the partial dependence plot (PDP) and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) framework. Additionally, the prognostic performance of our model was compared with other models.

Results

Alkaline phosphatase, preoperation alpha‐fetoprotein level, PNI, tumor number, and tumor size were identified as independent prognostic factors for ML model construction. Among the 19 ML algorithms tested, the Aorsf model showed superior performance in both the training cohort (C/D AUC: 0.733; C‐index: 0.736; Brier score: 0.133) and validation cohort (C/D AUC: 0.713; C‐index: 0.793; Brier score: 0.117). The time‐dependent AUC of the Aorsf model for predicting overall survival was as follows: 1‐, 3‐, 5‐, 7‐, and 9‐year were 0.828, 0.765, 0.781, 0.817, and 0.812 in the training cohort, 0.846, 0.859, 0.824, 0.845, and 0.874 in the validation cohort, respectively. The PDP and SHAP algorithms were employed for visual interpretation. Furthermore, time‐AUC and decision curve analysis demonstrated that the Aorsf model provided superior clinical benefits compared to other models.

Conclusion

The PNI‐based Aorsf model effectively predicts long‐term survival outcomes after ablation therapy, making a significant contribution to HCC research by improving surveillance, prevention, and treatment strategies.
Four New Tirucallane Triterpenoids from the Leaves of Ailanthus Triphysa with Anti‐Inflammatory Activities
Authors: Duc Duy Nguyen , Thi Dung Duong , Thi Trang Do , Anh Bang Ngo , Hai Yen Pham , Xuan Nhiem Nguyen , Thi Cuc Nguyen , Thanh Huong Phan Thi , Viet Dung Nguyen , Huy Hoang Nguyen , Thi Hai Yen Duong , Thi Kim Thuy Nguyen , The Cuong Nguyen , Huu Tai Bui , Van Kiem Phan
Published: October 2024

Isolation and determination of three new compounds from the leaves of Ailanthus triphysa (Dennst.) Alston with their anti‐inflammatory activity. Ten tirucallane triterpenes (1–10) including four undescribed compounds, ailantriphysas A–D (1–4), were isolated from the leaves of Ailanthus triphysa (Dennst.) Alston. Their structures were elucidated using IR, HR‐ESI‐MS, 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR spectra. Compound 1 inhibited lipopolysaccharide(LPS)‐induced nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 cells with an IC50 value of 8.1±μM. Additionally, compound 1 also displayed significant inhibitory effects on the secretion of IL‐6 and TNF‐α at tested concentrations of 4, 8, and 16 μM.
Fertilizer Industry Innovations Supporting Climate Mitigation
Authors: Bruulsema Tom , Nigon Leanna
Published: October 2024

Fertilizers, particularly nitrogen, comprise a large part of the carbon footprint of crop production. The industry is exploring and applying innovations toward reducing emissions of greenhouse gases arising from the manufacture and use of fertilizers. Earn 1 CEU in Nutrient Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.
Towards environmental disclosures: The role of intellectual capital
Authors: Arora Akshita , Tiwari Ranjit
Published: October 2024

The aim of our study is to investigate the impact of intellectual capital (IC) and its components such as human capital, structural capital, and capital employed on the environmental disclosures (ED) of a company. The IC has been measured using value‐added intellectual coefficient (VAIC) and alternate value‐added intellectual coefficient (A_VAIC). The study employs method of moments quantile regression (MM‐QR) approach to examine the heterogeneous effects of ED within firms by extracting relevant data from ProwessIQ and Bloomberg databases. The findings of the study indicate that the relationship between ED and IC is concave implying that IC initially has a significant positive impact on ED but beyond a point, it produces negative impact. Further, it is noticed that IC's impact increases as we move from lower (25th) to higher quantile (75th), indicating that low values of IC have low impact on ED, whereas high values of IC have greater impact on ED. This is the first study to examine the impact of IC on ED. It also adds to the scarce literature on the new statistical technique of method of moments quantile regression.
Recent Advances in Electrocatalytic C−N Coupling for Urea Synthesis
Authors: Li Qiuyue , Liu Jingjing , Wu Ze , Deng Aomeng , Liu Jiani , Chen Tian , Wei Jianlong , Zhang Yiqiong , Liu Hanwen
Published: October 2024

Urea, one of the most widely used nitrogen‐containing fertilizers globally, is essential for sustainable agriculture. Improving its production is crucial for meeting the increasing demand for fertilizers. Electrocatalytic co‐reduction of CO₂ and nitrogenous compounds (NO₂−/NO₃−) has emerged as a promising strategy for green and energy‐efficient urea synthesis. However, challenges such as slow reaction kinetics and complex multi‐step electron transfers have hindered the development of efficient urea synthesis methods. This review explores recent advances in the electrocatalytic C−N coupling process, focusing on bimetallic catalysts, metal oxide/hydroxide catalysts, and carbon‐based catalysts. The review also discusses the future prospects of designing effective catalysts for electrocatalytic C−N coupling to improve urea synthesis.
Evaluating species distribution model predictions through time against paleozoological records
Authors: Lazagabaster Ignacio A. , Thomas Chris D. , Spedding Juliet V. , Ikram Salima , Solano‐Regadera Irene , Snape Steven , Bro‐Jørgensen Jakob
Published: October 2024

Species distribution models (SDMs) are widely used to project how species distributions may vary over time, particularly in response climate change. Although the fit of such models to current distributions is regularly enumerated, SDMs are rarely tested across longer time spans to gauge their actual performance under environmental change. Here, we utilise paleozoological presence/absence records to independently assess the predictive accuracy of SDMs through time. To illustrate the approach, we focused on modelling the Holocene distribution of the hartebeest, Alcelaphus buselaphus, a widespread savannah‐adapted African antelope. We applied various modelling algorithms to three occurrence datasets, including a point dataset from online repositories and two range maps representing current and ‘natural’ (i.e. hypothetical assuming no human impact) distributions. We compared conventional model evaluation metrics which assess fit to current distributions (i.e. True Skill Statistic, TSSc, and Area Under the Curve, AUCc) to analogous ‘paleometrics’ for past distributions (i.e. TSSp, AUCp, and in addition Boycep, F2‐scorep and Sorensenp). Our findings reveal only a weak correlation between the ranking of conventional metrics and paleometrics, suggesting that the models most effectively capturing present‐day distributions may not be the most reliable to hindcast historical distributions, and that the choice of input data and modelling algorithm both significantly influences environmental suitability predictions and SDM performance. We thus advocate assessment of model performance using paleometrics, particularly those capturing the correct prediction of presences, such as F2‐scorep or Sorensenp, due to the potential unreliability of absence data in paleozoological records. By integrating archaeological and paleontological records into the assessment of alternative models' ability to project shifts in species distributions over time, we are likely to enhance our understanding of environmental constraints on species distributions.
Repeated Tree Inventories of Pine Forests in South Florida's Big Cypress National Preserve
Authors: Feeley Kenneth J. , Belles Holly A. , Snyder James R.
Published: October 2024

The natural forest ecosystems of South Florida, USA, support a high biodiversity of plant and animal species and provide valuable ecosystem services. However, these ecosystems remain poorly represented in global studies, primarily due to a paucity of standardized data. Here, we present previously unpublished data from 332 censuses of 54 permanent 1‐ha tree inventory plots in the Racoon Point area of Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida, USA, including a total of nearly 100,000 measurements (diameter or height) of > 17,000 individual living trees and palms (with additional measurements of nearly 6000 dead pine snags) collected sporadically over a 19‐year period (1993–2012). These data, which were originally collected as part of a project to investigate tree responses to different experimental burning regimes, provide unique insight into the diversity, composition, structure, and dynamics of South Florida's unique and endangered pine forest ecosystems. Data files include the species identity, size (dbh = diameter at breast height), and location of all trees ≥ 5 cm dbh in 54 individual tree plots. Additional data are provided about heights of palm trees, and the location and burn history of each plot. These data are freely available for noncommercial scientific use under a Creative Commons license; users are encouraged to cite this paper when using the data.
Rhizobial variation, more than plant variation, mediates plant symbiotic and fitness responses to herbicide stress
Authors: Iriart Veronica , Rarick Elizabeth M. , Ashman Tia‐Lynn
Published: October 2024

Symbiotic mutualisms provide critical ecosystem services throughout the world. Anthropogenic stressors, however, may disrupt mutualistic interactions and impact ecosystem health. The plant‐rhizobia symbiosis promotes plant growth and contributes to the nitrogen (N) cycle. While off‐target herbicide exposure is recognized as a significant stressor impacting wild plants, we lack knowledge about how it affects the symbiotic relationship between plants and rhizobia. Moreover, we do not know whether the impact of herbicide exposure on symbiotic traits or plant fitness might be ameliorated by plant or rhizobial genetic variation. To address these gaps, we conducted a greenhouse study where we grew 17 full‐sibling genetic families of red clover (Trifolium pratense) either alone (uninoculated) or in symbiosis with one of two genetic strains of rhizobia (Rhizobium leguminosarum) and exposed them to a concentration of the herbicide dicamba that simulated “drift” (i.e., off‐target atmospheric movement) or a control solution. We recorded responses in immediate vegetative injury, key features of the plant‐rhizobia mutualism (nodule number, nodule size, and N fixation), mutualism outcomes, and plant fitness (biomass). In general, we found that rhizobial variation more than plant variation determined outcomes of mutualism and plant fitness in response to herbicide exposure. Herbicide damage response depended on plant family, but also whether plants were inoculated with rhizobia and if so, with which strain. Rhizobial strain variation determined nodule number and size, but this was herbicide treatment‐dependent. In contrast, strain and herbicide treatment independently impacted symbiotic N fixation. And while herbicide exposure significantly reduced plant fitness, this effect depended on inoculation state. Furthermore, the differential fitness benefits that the two rhizobial strains provided plants seemed to diminish under herbicidal conditions. Altogether, these findings suggest that exposure to low levels of herbicide impact key components of the plant‐rhizobia mutualism as well as plant fitness, but genetic variation in the partners determines the magnitude and/or direction of these effects. In particular, our results highlight a strong role of rhizobial strain identity in driving both symbiotic and plant growth responses to herbicide stress.
Experimental species removal reveals species contributions to positive pollinator‐mediated reproductive interactions
Authors: Bi Cheng , Opedal Øystein H. , Yang Ting , Gao Erliang , Zhao Zhigang
Published: October 2024

Pollinator‐mediated reproductive interactions among co‐flowering plant species provide a canonical example of how biotic factors may contribute to species coexistence, yet we lack understanding of the exact mechanisms. Flowering‐dominant and unusually attractive “magnet species” with disproportionate contributions to pollination may play key roles in such reproductive interactions, but their relative roles within the same community have rarely been assessed. We experimentally removed either a flowering‐dominant or a highly attractive magnet species and compared effects on visitation frequency, pollinator richness, and seed set of co‐flowering plants. Removal of either the flowering‐dominant species or the magnet species reduced community‐level pollinator visitation. Removal of the magnet species had the most consistent effect, including reduced pollinator visitation and richness, and reduced seed set of most co‐flowering plants. These results suggest that the magnet species, which interacts with a wider range of pollinator species than does the dominant species, promotes the visitation and reproductive fitness of most other species. Removal of the flowering‐dominant species affected only certain species, perhaps because these plants had floral traits similar to the dominant species. Our results highlight the role of attractive magnet species within a community in structuring reproductive interactions and identify potential mechanisms involved in coexistence facilitated by reproductive interactions.
eDNA State and Medium Affect DNA Degradation Patterns in Seminatural Systems of Southern African Waterholes
Authors: Sedlmayr Irmgard , Schenekar Tamara
Published: October 2024

Environmental DNA (eDNA) has evolved into a valuable asset of the ecologists' toolkit, enabling time‐ and cost‐efficient biodiversity assessments in a wide variety of ecosystems. Since eDNA can be isolated from a broad range of environmental substrates, its persistence times in those media are of decisive importance for drawing inferences about species presence. For the first time, we characterize eDNA persistence in water and sediment samples of seminatural waterholes in a savanna system in South Africa to gain a better understanding of eDNA decay in these waterbodies. Using mesocosm experiments, we tracked eDNA decay in two different DNA states (extracellular and membrane bound), during two different seasons (wet and dry), and from two different substrates (surface water and sediment). Extracellular DNA degraded rapidly in a first‐order exponential decay fashion and membrane‐bound DNA exhibited a slower decline with more intricate patterns, involving initial reduction followed by a subsequent increase in measured DNA concentrations. The latter we attribute to cell disassociation and cell lysis at 24–48 h after introduction into the environment. Higher stochasticity of membrane‐bound DNA capture in the dry season highlights the need for higher sampling efforts in natural systems in which eDNA is presumably more patchily distributed. Additionally, we observed longer eDNA persistence in sediments than in water samples, presumably due to better protection from nucleases. We could not reveal any effects of environmental parameters on eDNA decay, emphasizing that further research is needed to better understand eDNA dynamics in those waterbodies in order to exploit their full potential for eDNA‐based bioassessments in those systems.
Exploring Platinum Thin Films as Electrodes for High‐Temperature and ‐Pressure Electrochemical Studies in Aqueous Systems
Authors: Abdulaziz Muna , Petruk Ariel , George Tony , Shaw Nicolette , Sciaini German , Trevani Liliana
Published: October 2024

This work reports a methodology for the fabrication of Pt thin‐film electrodes for electrochemical studies in hydrothermal systems. The research process was meticulous, with particular attention paid to the multilayer Ti/Pt/Ti/Al2O3 film structure and annealing conditions that are expected to impact the morphology of the films, surface composition and electrochemical response. The findings of this study are significant, as they provide valuable insights into the behaviour of Pt thin‐film electrodes in various media and conditions. Two different approaches were adopted for the preparation of the electrodes: in one case, the Ti/Pt/Ti/Al2O3 films deposited on sapphire wafers were exposed to rapid thermal annealing at 900°C under argon for 5 min, followed by argon ion milling to etch the final electrode pattern (Pt‐RA(900)), while in the other case, uncapped Pt films were annealed, after etching, in a tubular oven under argon at specific temperatures between 200°C and 900°C (Pt‐TO). Rapid annealing at 900°C on capped films resulted in the formation of a Pt3Ti intermetallic alloy with remarkable mechanical and chemical stability even after 10 h of immersion in deionised water, acid (0.1 M H2SO4) and alkaline media (0.1 M KOH) conditions at temperatures up to 150°C, despite the dissolution of the Al2O3 top layer at 150°C and long immersion times (> 10 h). In the case of uncapped Pt films, diffusion and oxidation of Ti through the Pt film at high temperature resulted in the formation of TiO2 on the surface of Pt. The results were confirmed by using a comprehensive suite of ex‐situ characterisation techniques to follow changes in the Pt electrode surface morphology and composition before and after immersion in H2O, 0.1 M H2SO4 and 0.1 M KOH solutions under argon. Ex‐situ electrochemical characterisation studies were also conducted to correlate the changes in the electrode surface properties, including the electrochemical surface area, with different annealing conditions and after various hydrothermal treatments in neutral, alkaline and acidic media.