bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Bismuth‐Based Zeolitic Organic Framework with Coordination‐Linked Metal Cages for Efficient Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction to HCOOH
Authors: Jiang Zhiqiang , Zhang Minyi , Chen Xingliang , Wang Bing , Fan Wenjuan , Yang Chenhuai , Yang Xiaoju , Zhang Zhicheng , Yang Xuan , Li Chunsen , Zhou Tianhua
Published: September 2023

Zeolitic metal–organic frameworks (ZMOFs) have emerged as one of the most promsing catalysts for energy conversion, but they suffer from either weak bonding between metal‐organic cubes (MOCs) that decrease their stability during catalysis processes or low activity due to inadequate active sites. In this work, through ligand‐directing strategy, we successfully obtain an unprecedented bismuth‐based ZMOF (Bi‐ZMOF) featuring a ACO topological crystal structure with strong coordination bonding between the Bi‐based cages. As a result, it enables efficient reduction of CO2 to formic acid (HCOOH) with Faradaic efficiency as high as 91 %. A combination of in situ surface‐enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy and density functional theory calculation reveals that the Bi−N coordination contributes to facilitating charge transfer from N to Bi atoms, which stabilize the intermediate to boost the reduction efficiency of CO2 to HCOOH. This finding highlights the importance of the coordination environment of metal active sites on electrocatalytic CO2 reduction. We believe that this work will offer a new clue to rationally design zeolitic MOFs for catalytic reaction
Photo‐thermal Cooperative Carbonylation of Ethanol with CO2 on Cu2O‐SrTiCuO3‐x
Authors: Zhang Jian , Shang Chuanbao , An Zhe , Zhu Yanru , Song Hongyan , Chai Zhigang , Shu Xin , Zheng Lirong , He Jing
Published: September 2023

Carbonylation of ethanol with CO2 as carbonyl source into value‐added esters is of considerable significance and interest, while remains of great challenge due to the harsh conditions for activation of inert CO2 in that the harsh conditions result in undesired activation of α‐C−H and even cleavage of C−C bond in ethanol to deteriorate the specific activation of O−H bond. Herein, we propose a photo‐thermal cooperative strategy for carbonylation of ethanol with CO2, in which CO2 is activated to reactive CO via photo‐catalysis with the assistance of *H from thermally‐catalyzed dissociation of alcoholic O−H bond. To achieve this proposal, an interfacial site and oxygen vacancy both abundant SrTiCuO3‐x supported Cu2O (Cu2O‐SrTiCuO3‐x) has been designed. A production of up to 320 μmol g−1 h−1 for ethyl formate with a selectivity of 85.6 % to targeted alcoholic O−H activation has been afforded in photo‐thermal assisted gas‐solid process under 3.29 W cm−1 of UV/Vis light irradiation (144 °C) and 0.2 MPa CO2. In the photo‐driven activation of CO2 and following carbonylation, CO2 activation energy decreases to 12.6 kJ mol−1, and the cleavage of alcoholic α‐C−H bond has been suppressed.
Metal‐Free Stereoconvergent C−H Borylation of Enamides
Authors: Wang Tianhang , Wang Zheng‐Jun , Wang Minyan , Wu Lei , Fang Xiaowu , Liang Yong , Lv Jiahang , Shi Zhuangzhi
Published: September 2023

Enamides, functional derivatives of enamines, play a significant role as synthetic targets. However, the stereoselective synthesis of these molecules has posed a longstanding challenge in organic chemistry, particularly for acyclic enamides that are less thermodynamically stable. In this study, we present a general strategy for constructing β‐borylenamides by C−H borylation, which provides a versatile platform for generating the stereodefined enamides. Our approach involves the utilization of metalloid borenium cation, generated through the reaction of BBr3 and enamides in the presence of two different additives, avoiding any exogenous catalyst. Importantly, the stereoconvergent nature of this methodology allows for the use of starting materials with mixed E/Z configurations, thus highlighting the unique advantage of this chemistry. Mechanistic investigations have shed light on the pivotal roles played by the two additives, the reactive boron species, and the phenomenon of stereoconvergence.
Metastable biological matter in liquid phase separation
Authors: Liu Jianhui , Liu Xiaolin , Zhang Tianfu , Huang Jinqing , Tang Ben Zhong , Chau Ying
Published: September 2023

Membraneless organelles (MLOs) are likely assembled via liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS). The liquid‐like MLOs afford multifold peculiarities including high dynamics, reversibility and responsiveness. It is common to see fast, drastic, and reversible formation and dissolution events of MLOs, as well as transition into more stable glassy or gel‐like states, which suggests a metastable assembly state. Moreover, the alteration of metastability of LLPS is linked with cellular pathology. Here, we review the “metastability” related to MLOs driven by liquid phase separation, from multifaceted regards including energy state, molecular interactions, molecular structure, phase transition, as well as the associations with diseases. This review can help to advance the insight into properties and pathogenesis associated with LLPS of biological matter.
Hintergründe und Nachweisgrundlagen zur Brandschutzbemessung von Brettsperrholzkonstruktionen – Teil 2
Authors: Werther Norman , Schmid Joachim , Fahrni Reto , Klippel Michael
Published: September 2023

Im Rahmen dieses zweiteiligen Beitrags wird auf die brandschutztechnische Bemessung für Brettsperrholzelemente und ‐konstruktionen eingegangen und deren Besonderheit im Vergleich zu Voll‐ und Brettschichtholz aufgezeigt. Der zweite Teil erläutert die Nachweisansätze der raumabschließenden Funktion von bekleideten und unbekleideten Brettsperrholzbauteilen, stellt die Prinzipien zur brandschutztechnisch sicheren Detailausbildung dar und gibt Erläuterungen zum Einfluss von Brettsperrholz auf die Branddynamik.
Wide spectrum of NR5A1‐related phenotypes in 46,XY and 46,XX individuals
Authors: Domenice Sorahia , Machado Aline Zamboni , Ferreira Frederico Moraes , Ferraz‐de‐Souza Bruno , Lerario Antonio Marcondes , Lin Lin , Nishi Mirian Yumie , Gomes Nathalia Lisboa , da Silva Thatiana Evelin , Silva Rosana Barbosa , Correa Rafaela Vieira , Montenegro Luciana Ribeiro , Narciso Amanda , Costa Elaine Maria Frade , Achermann John C , Mendonca Berenice Bilharinho
Published: September 2023

Steroidogenic factor 1 (NR5A1, SF‐1, Ad4BP) is a transcriptional regulator of genes involved in adrenal and gonadal development and function. Mutations in NR5A1 have been among the most frequently identified genetic causes of gonadal development disorders and are associated with a wide phenotypic spectrum. In 46,XY individuals, NR5A1‐related phenotypes may range from disorders of sex development (DSD) to oligo/azoospermia, and in 46,XX individuals, from 46,XX ovotesticular and testicular DSD to primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). The most common 46,XY phenotype is atypical or female external genitalia with clitoromegaly, palpable gonads, and absence of Müllerian derivatives. Notably, an undervirilized external genitalia is frequently seen at birth, while spontaneous virilization may occur later, at puberty. In 46,XX individuals, NR5A1 mutations are a rare genetic cause of POI, manifesting as primary or secondary amenorrhea, infertility, hypoestrogenism, and elevated gonadotropin levels. Mothers and sisters of 46,XY DSD patients carrying heterozygous NR5A1 mutations may develop POI, and therefore require appropriate counseling. Moreover, the recurrent heterozygous p.Arg92Trp NR5A1 mutation is associated with variable degrees of testis development in 46,XX patients. A clear genotype‐phenotype correlation is not seen in patients bearing NR5A1 mutations, suggesting that genetic modifiers, such as pathogenic variants in other testis/ovarian‐determining genes, may contribute to the phenotypic expression. Here, we review the published literature on NR5A1‐related disease, and discuss our findings at a single tertiary center in Brazil, including ten novel NR5A1 mutations identified in 46,XY DSD patients. The ever‐expanding phenotypic range associated with NR5A1 variants in XY and XX individuals confirms its pivotal role in reproductive biology, and should alert clinicians to the possibility of NR5A1 defects in a variety of phenotypes presenting with gonadal dysfunction. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 108:309–320, 2016. © 2016 The Authors Birth Defects Research Part C: Embryo Today: Reviews Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Review disorders of sex development: The evolving role of genomics in diagnosis and gene discovery
Authors: Croft Brittany , Ayers Katie , Sinclair Andrew , Ohnesorg Thomas
Published: September 2023

Disorders of Sex Development (DSDs) are a major paediatric concern and are estimated to occur in around 1.7% of all live births (Fausto‐Sterling, Sexing the Body: Gender Politics and the Construction of Sexuality, Basic Books, New York, 2000). They are often caused by the breakdown in the complex genetic mechanisms that underlie gonadal development and differentiation. Having a genetic diagnosis can be important for patients with a DSD: it can increase acceptance of a disorder often surrounded by stigma, alter clinical management and it can assist in reproductive planning. While Massively Parallel Sequencing (MPS) is advancing the genetic diagnosis of rare Mendelian disorders, it is not yet clear which MPS assay is best suited for the clinical diagnosis of DSD patients and to what extent other established methods are still relevant. To complicate matters, DSDs represent a wide spectrum of disorders caused by an array of different genetic changes, many of which are yet unknown. Here we discuss the different genetic lesions that are known to contribute to different DSDs, and review the utility of a range of MPS approaches for diagnosing DSD patients. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 108:337–350, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quiet eye training–based intervention can ameliorate inhibitory control but not visuospatial working memory in children with ADHD
Authors: Psotta Rudolf , Sarvestan Javad , Valtr Ludvík , Ješina Ondrej
Published: September 2023

Intro

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of quiet eye training (QET) on inhibitory control, visuospatial working memory (WM), and tonic attention in children with attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Methods

Forty‐eight children with ADHD aged 9–12 years were randomly assigned to QET and control (CON) groups. The QET group practiced targeted hand–eye tasks within a QET protocol developed to optimize controlled attention and gaze through eye fixations. We used the go/no‐go (GNG) test, the Corsi test, and the reaction test of alertness (RTA) to verify the effects of QET on inhibition control, WM, and tonic attention.

Results

QET group showed significantly shorter reaction times, a higher number of correct responses, and a lower number of omissions in the GNG inhibition test after QET as compared to the pre‐measurements, whereas the CON group did not demonstrate significant changes in this test. The measures of WM (Corsi test) and tonic attention (RTA) did not change significantly with the QET‐based intervention.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated that the QET protocol, which includes instructions and a video demonstration to optimize eye fixation on a target during aiming tasks, is acceptable and usable for children with ADHD. Overall, a short‐term, 5‐week visuomotor training intervention based on the quiet eye paradigm was shown to be effective in improving inhibitory control and focused visual attention, but not visuospatial WM and intrinsic attention in 9–12‐year‐old children with inattentive or combined ADHD.
Prominent cerebral veins on susceptibility‐weighted angiography in acute meningoencephalitis
Authors: Jung Yo Han , Park Mina , Joo Bio , Suh Sang Hyun , Lee Kyung‐Yul , Ahn Sung Jun
Published: September 2023

Background and purpose

We have commonly observed prominent cerebral veins on susceptibility‐weighted angiography (SWAN) in acute meningoencephalitis. This study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of these findings.

Methods

Cerebral veins on SWAN of 98 patients with acute meningoencephalitis diagnosed from February 2016 through October 2020 were classified into three groups according to the degree of venous prominence (mild, 23; moderate, 53; and prominent, 22). Clinical variables and laboratory findings were compared between these groups. The influence of variables on the prediction of prominent cerebral veins was measured by random forest (RF) and gradient boosting machine (GBM).

Results

As cerebral veins became more prominent, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) glucose level decreased (69.61 ± 29.05 vs. 59.72 ± 22.57 vs. 48.36 ± 20.29 mg/dL, p = .01) and CSF protein level increased (100.73 ± 82.98 vs. 104.73 ± 70.99 vs. 159.12 ± 118.15 mg/dL, p = .03). The etiology of meningoencephalitis, neurological symptoms, and increased intracranial pressure (ICP) signs differed between groups (p < .05). RF and GBM demonstrated that CSF protein level was the variable with the highest power to predict the prominent cerebral vein (mean decrease in node impurity: 4.19, relative influence: 50.66).

Conclusion

The presence of prominent cerebral veins on SWAN in acute meningoencephalitis was significantly associated with a low CSF glucose level and a high CSF protein level, as well as ICP. Thus, the visual grade of the cerebral veins on SWAN may be utilized for the management of patients with acute meningoencephalitis.
Intratumoral nanofluidic system enhanced tumor biodistribution of PD‐L1 antibody in triple‐negative breast cancer
Authors: Liu Hsuan‐Chen , Capuani Simone , Badachhape Andrew A. , Di Trani Nicola , Davila Gonzalez Daniel , Vander Pol Robin S. , Viswanath Dixita I. , Saunders Shani , Hernandez Nathanael , Ghaghada Ketan B. , Chen Shu‐Hsia , Nance Elizabeth , Annapragada Ananth V. , Chua Corrine Ying Xuan , Grattoni Alessandro
Published: September 2023

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), pembrolizumab and atezolizumab, were recently approved for treatment‐refractory triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC), where those with Programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) positive early‐stage disease had improved responses. ICIs are administered systemically in the clinic, however, reaching effective therapeutic dosing is challenging due to severe off‐tumor toxicities. As such, intratumoral (IT) injection is increasingly investigated as an alternative delivery approach. However, repeated administration, which sometimes is invasive, is required due to rapid drug clearance from the tumor caused by increased interstitial fluid pressure. To minimize off‐target drug biodistribution, we developed the nanofluidic drug‐eluting seed (NDES) platform for sustained intratumoral release of therapeutic via molecular diffusion. Here we compared drug biodistribution between the NDES, intraperitoneal (IP) and intratumoral (IT) injection using fluorescently labeled PD‐L1 monoclonal antibody (αPD‐L1). We used two syngeneic TNBC murine models, EMT6 and 4T1, that differ in PD‐L1 expression, immunogenicity, and transport phenotype. We investigated on‐target (tumor) and off‐target distribution using different treatment approaches. As radiotherapy is increasingly used in combination with immunotherapy, we sought to investigate its effect on αPD‐L1 tumor accumulation and systemic distribution. The NDES‐treated cohort displayed sustained levels of αPD‐L1 in the tumor over the study period of 14 days with significantly lower off‐target organ distribution, compared to the IP or IT injection. However, we observed differences in the biodistribution of αPD‐L1 across tumor models and with radiation pretreatment. Thus, we sought to extensively characterize the tumor properties via histological analysis, diffusion evaluation and nanoparticles contrast‐enhanced CT. Overall, we demonstrate that ICI delivery via NDES is an effective method for sustained on‐target tumor delivery across tumor models and combination treatments.
Essential Oils from Different Parts of Magnolia laevifolia: Chemical Constituents and Insecticidal Activities against Liposcelis bostrychophila
Authors: Zhang Jia‐Wei , Feng Yi.‐Xi , Zheng Yu , Wang Cheng‐Fang , Du Shu‐Shan
Published: September 2023

Many synthetic pesticides were used to control a severe storage pest, booklouse (Liposcelis bostrychophila). However, considering the environmental impact, plant secondary metabolites were acceptable alternatives. An endemic plant, Magnolia laevifolia, has a significant and unique odour, so its essential oil (EO) could be an option for bio‐pesticide development. This study extracted EOs from leaves, flowers, carpels and seeds of M. laevifolia. The common and major compound of EOs was isocapnell‐9‐en‐8‐one, which was present at 17.7 to 91.6 % in these four parts. We found no regular pattern in the composition of EO in terms of parts and collection time according to principal component analysis. The contact and repellent activities of EOs against the booklouse were then conducted. Leaves and flowers’ EOs collected in the flowering stage had the best contact toxicity. The percent repellency values of the EOs from different parts of M. laevifolia reached above 80 % after 2 and 4 h exposure at 63.17 nL/cm2, with the same levels as DEET (p<0.05). It was shown that parts of plants and collecting time could influence the insecticidal activities of M. laevifolia EOs against booklouse, but collecting time played a significant decisive role in the contact test.
Carbon Dioxide Hydrogenation to Formate Catalyzed by a Neutral, Coordinatively Saturated Tris‐Carbonyl Mn(I)‐PNP Pincer‐Type Complex
Authors: Kostera Sylwia , Manca Gabriele , Gonsalvi Luca
Published: September 2023

CO2 catalytic hydrogenation to formate was achieved (TONmax=ca. 3800) in the presence of the neutral, halide‐free, coordinatively saturated tris(carbonyl) manganese pincer‐type complex [Mn(PNP)(CO)3], bearing a diarylamido pincer‐type PNP ligand, using DBU as base and LiOTf as Lewis acid additive, under mild reaction conditions (60 bar, 80 °C). DFT calculations suggest that the precatalyst activation key step occurs by intermolecular, base assisted dihydrogen heterolytic splitting rather than by the expected ligand‐assisted intramolecular MLC‐type mechanism.
Pharmacokinetic and Bioequivalence Study of Lisinopril/Hydrochlorothiazide Tablet Under Fasting and Postprandial Conditions in Healthy Chinese Subjects
Authors: Yang Zhuan , Mi Xiaolan , Li Qin , Chen Lu , Zeng Yan , Du Peng , Liu Lin , Liu Shijing , Zeng Chen , Zhang Qian , Zhou Yan , Xiong Yun , Li Na , Ze Qiuyuan , Chen Jiyu , He Yan
Published: September 2023

The objective of this research was to evaluate and compare the pharmacokinetic profiles and safety of lisinopril/hydrochlorothiazide (10 mg/12.5 mg) tablets in the test and reference formulations administered to participants in both fasting and postprandial states and to evaluate the bioequivalence of the 2 products in healthy Chinese volunteers. This study employed a single‐center, randomized, open‐label, single‐dose dosing trial involving a cumulative 96 healthy adult participants (60 in the fasting group and 36 in the postprandial group). Each group comprised 2 sequence sets, and a 2‐week washout period was implemented. There were no statistically significant differences in time to maximum concentration and terminal elimination half‐life between the test and control groups under fasting and postprandial conditions (P > .05), and the 90% CIs for area under the plasma concentration–time curve and maximum plasma concentration were within the bioequivalence range of 80%‐125%. Pharmacokinetic results indicate a large food effect for lisinopril, meaning that there is a loss of approximately 20%‐25% of systemic exposure from fasting to postprandial administration for both preparations. The study demonstrated that a single oral dose of generic lisinopril/hydrochlorothiazide is bioequivalent to the reference product and well tolerated, with no significant adverse events observed, and that both products are similarly safe in a cohort of healthy Chinese male and female participants, following administration under fasting and postprandial conditions.
Characterization and Comparative Study of Energy Efficient Mechanochemically Induced NASICON Sodium Solid Electrolyte Synthesis
Authors: Gebi Asma'u I. , Dolokto Oleksandr , Mereacre Liuda , Geckle Udo , Radinger Hannes , Knapp Michael , Ehrenberg Helmut
Published: September 2023

In recent years, there is growing interest in solid‐state electrolytes due to their many promising properties, making them key to the future of battery technology. This future depends among other things on easy processing technologies for the solid electrolyte. The sodium superionic conductor (NASICON) Na3Zr2Si2PO12 is a promising sodium solid electrolyte; however, reported methods of synthesis are time consuming. To this effect, attempt was made to develop a simple time efficient alternative processing route. Firstly, a comparative study between a new method and commonly reported methods was carried out to gain a clear insight into the mechanism of formation of sodium superionic conductors (NASICON). It was observed that through a careful selection of precursors, and the use of high‐energy milling (HEM) the NASICON conversion process was enhanced and optimized, this reduces the processing time and required energy, opening up a new alternative route for synthesis. The obtained solid electrolyte was stable during Na cycling vs. Na‐metal at 1 mA cm−1, and a room temperature conductivity of 1.8 mS cm−1 was attained.
Functional Polymers as Artificial Solid Electrolyte Interfaces for Stabilizing Lithium Metal Anode
Authors: Naren Tuoya , Jiang Ruheng , Kuang Gui‐chao , Zhou Liangjun , Chen Libao
Published: September 2023

The practical implementation of the lithium metal anode (LMA) has long been pursued due to its extremely high specific capacity and low electrochemical equilibrium potential. However, the unstable interfaces resulting from lithium ultrahigh reactivity have significantly hindered the use of LMA. This instability directly leads to dendrite growth behavior, dead lithium, low Coulombic efficiency, and even safety concerns. Therefore, artificial solid electrolyte interfaces (ASEI) with enhanced physicochemical and electrochemistry properties have been explored to stabilize LMA. Polymer materials, with their flexible structures and multiple functional groups, offer a promising way for structurally designing ASEIs to address the challenges faced by LMA. This Concept demonstrates an overview of polymer ASEIs with different functionalities, such as providing uniform lithium ion and single‐ion transportation, inhibiting side reactions, possessing self‐healing ability, and improving air stability. Furthermore, challenges and prospects for the future application of polymeric ASEIs in commercial lithium metal batteries (LMBs) are also discussed.
Machine and deep learning approaches to understand and predict habitat suitability for seabird breeding
Authors: Garcia‐Quintas Antonio , Roy Amédée , Barbraud Christophe , Demarcq Hervé , Denis Dennis , Lanco Bertrand Sophie
Published: September 2023

The way animals select their breeding habitat may have great impacts on individual fitness. This complex process depends on the integration of information on various environmental factors, over a wide range of spatiotemporal scales. For seabirds, breeding habitat selection integrates both land and sea features over several spatial scales. Seabirds explore these features prior to breeding, assessing habitats' quality. However, the information‐gathering and decision‐making process by seabirds when choosing a breeding habitat remains poorly understood. We compiled 49 historical records of larids colonies in Cuba from 1980 to 2020. Then, we predicted potentially suitable breeding sites for larids and assessed their breeding macrohabitat selection, using deep and machine learning algorithms respectively. Using a convolutional neural network and Landsat satellite images we predicted the suitability for nesting of non‐monitored sites of this archipelago. Furthermore, we assessed the relative contribution of 18 land‐ and marine‐based environmental covariates describing macrohabitats at three spatial scales (i.e. 10, 50 and 100 km) using random forests. Convolutional neural network exhibited good performance at training, validation and test (F1‐scores >85%). Sites with higher habitat suitability (p > .75) covered 20.3% of the predicting area. Larids breeding macrohabitats were sites relatively close to main islands, featuring sparse vegetation cover and high chlorophyll‐a concentration at sea in 50 and 100 km around colonies. Lower sea surface temperature at larger spatial scales was determinant to distinguish the breeding from non‐breeding sites. A more comprehensive understanding of the seabird breeding macrohabitats selection can be reached from the complementary use of convolutional neural networks and random forest models. Our analysis provides crucial knowledge in tropical regions that lack complete and regular monitoring of seabirds' breeding sites.
Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy caused by Fabry disease: implications for surgical myectomy
Authors: Frustaci Andrea , Borghetti Valentino , Pentiricci Samuele , Verardo Romina , Scialla Rossella , Russo Matteo Antonio
Published: September 2023

Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy can be the phenotype of storage disorders as Fabry disease cardiomyopathy. In this instance, its recognition through GLA gene analysis and preventive administration of enzyme replacement therapy may reduce heart failure risk of surgical septal myectomy (SSM). A 59‐year‐old man was referred for SSM as dyspnoea and low threshold muscle fatigue associated to severe left ventricular outflow obstruction (gradient of 100 mmHg) due to both interventricular septal hypertrophy and mitral leaflet systolic anterior motion were not controlled by metoprolol 100 mg bid. Electrocardiogram showed sinus rhythm and a complete left bundle branch block. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging showed a preserved left ventricular (LV) contractility (ejection fraction 70%) but failed to reveal reduced T1 mapping and fibrosis of postero‐lateral LV wall suggesting Fabry disease cardiomyopathy. Cardiac catheterization and coronary angiography documented increased LV end‐diastolic pressure but normal coronary arteries. SSM was followed by acute renal and heart failure with left ventricular ejection fraction declining to 35%. Histology of SSM showed regularly arranged severely enlarged cardiomyocytes containing extensive vacuoles that were intensely positive to immunofluorescence with anti‐Gb3 antibodies and appeared at electron microscopy to consist of myelin bodies suggesting the diagnosis of FD. This entity was confirmed by low blood levels of alpha‐galactosidase A (0.8 nmol/mL/h; NV > 1), high values of Lyso‐Gb3 (5.85 nmol/L; NV < 2.3), and the presence of the pathogenic mutation c.644A>G in the exon 5 of GLA gene. This study emphasizes the importance of a genetic screening for FD before SSM be considered for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.
Effects of repeated frying on physicochemical characteristics, oxidative stress, and free radical scavenging potential of canola oil and ghee
Authors: Nawaz Haq , Zafar Nadia , Jabeen Raheela , Amjad Adnan , Shah Mohibullah , Munir Saba
Published: September 2023

The repeated use of cooking oils and ghee for the deep frying of food materials may affect their nutritional quality. The present study evaluated the effect of repeated frying on the physicochemical characteristics and antiradical potential of canola oil and ghee. The oil and ghee were used for frying of fish and chicken for 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 frying cycles followed by the analysis of physicochemical, oxidative stress, and antiradical parameters. Regression analysis of the data showed a frying cycle‐dependent significant linear increase in saponification (R2 = 0.9507–0.9748), peroxide and acid values (R2 = 0.956–0.9915), and malondialdehyde (MDA) production (R2 = 0.9058–0.9557) of canola oil and ghee subjected to fish and chicken frying but exponential increase in saponification value (R2 = 0.9778) and MDA production (R2 = 0.7407) of canola oil and ghee used for fish frying. The increase in the number of frying cycles linearly decreased the iodine value (R2 = 0.9781–0.9924), and 1, 1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl, hydroxyl, and 2, 2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) radical scavenging potential (R2 = 0.9089–0.9979) of canola oil and ghee. Repeated frying in cooking oil and ghee increases oxidative stress and decreases their physicochemical and antioxidant qualities. Canola oil was comparatively more oxidative resistant than canola ghee. The regression equations derived from regression analysis will guide researchers to conduct similar types of univariate studies.
Efficacy of thermal ablation for treatment of biopsy‐confirmed high‐grade cervical precancer among women living with HIV in Kenya
Authors: Mungo Chemtai , Osongo Cirilus Ogollah , Ambaka Jeniffer , Omoto Jackton , Cohen Craig R.
Published: September 2023

The World Health Organization recommends thermal ablation (TA) as an alternative to cryotherapy within “screen‐and‐treat” cervical cancer programs in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs), including among women living with HIV (WLWH). Data on TA efficacy among WLWH are limited, however. We conducted a clinical trial to evaluate efficacy of TA for treatment of biopsy‐confirmed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grades 2 and 3 (CIN2/3) among WLWH in Kenya. Nonpregnant HPV‐positive WLWH age 25 to 65 years underwent colposcopy‐directed biopsy, and same‐day treatment with TA, if eligible. Women with biopsy‐confirmed CIN2/3 at baseline had colposcopy‐directed biopsies at 12 months to determine cure. A total of 376 participants underwent TA during the study period. At baseline, 238 (63.3%) had normal histology, 39 (10.4%) had CIN1, 15 (4.0%) had CIN2, 55 (14.6%) had CIN3, 7 (1.9%) had microinvasive cancer and 22 (5.6%) had indeterminate results. Twelve‐month follow‐up pathology results are available for 59 of 70 (84.3%) participants with CIN2/3 at baseline. Of these, 39 (66.1%, 95% CI 0.54‐0.99) had successful treatment, defined as biopsy‐confirmed CIN1 or normal findings, while 20 (33.9%, 95% CI 0.22‐0.46) had treatment failure, defined as persistent biopsy‐confirmed CIN2 or worse. Treatment failure was 23.1% (95% CI 0.17‐0.46) and 39.9% (95% CI 0.23‐0.51) among women with CIN2 and CIN3 at baseline, respectively. HIV‐positive women with CIN2/3 have high rates of treatment failure at 1‐year following thermal ablation. This highlights a significant limitation in the current WHO cervical cancer secondary‐prevention strategy and calls for strategies to optimize cervical precancer treatment in this population.
An overview of current evaluation methods of postgraduate dental specialty residents
Authors: Ringer Jordan B. , Chapple Andrew G. , Ballard Richard W. , Armbruster Paul C.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

A lack of contemporary dental literature exists on evaluating dental residents in postgraduate education, with no standardized criteria or information on technology adoption. This study aims to understand current evaluation methods in dental residency programs and compare them to existing literature.

Methods

A survey with 22 questions was sent to program directors of 749 ADA/CODA (American Dental Association/Commission on Dental Accreditation)‐accredited postgraduate dental residencies. The questions focused on evaluation frequency, faculty involvement, submission methods, and electronic software usage.

Results

The survey response rate was 30.2% (226 responses). Results show that 98% of program directors are involved in evaluations, but require more support from auxiliary faculty. Evaluations are typically submitted twice or four times a year, with 12% of programs wanting increased frequency. Face‐to‐face delivery of feedback is considered crucial. While desktop computers are widely used for evaluation submission, 55% of programs utilize mobile devices, which correlates with higher program director satisfaction. The most popular evaluation software includes New Innovations, MEd Hub, and Qualtrics. Overall, 86.96% of program directors are satisfied with current evaluation practices. Areas needing improvement are non‐program director faculty involvement, resident response/feedback, and software navigation.

Conclusion

This study found that a majority of program directors of the postgraduate dental education system are using electronic technology for their resident evaluation systems and are satisfied with their current mechanism of evaluation.
Molecular insight into CREBBP and TANGO2 variants causing intellectual disability
Authors: Hussain Syeda Iqra , Muhammad Nazif , Khan Niamatullah , Khan Mobeen , Fardous Fardous , Tahir Raheel , Yasin Muhammad , Khan Sher Alam , Saleha Shamim , Muhammad Noor , Wasif Naveed , Khan Saadullah
Published: September 2023

Background

Intellectual disability (ID) can be associated with different syndromes such as Rubinstein‐Taybi syndrome (RSTS) and can also be related to conditions such as metabolic encephalomyopathic crises, recurrent,with rhabdomyolysis, cardiac arrhythmias and neurodegeneration. Rare congenital RSTS1 (OMIM 180849) is characterized by mental and growth retardation, significant and duplicated distal phalanges of thumbs and halluces, facial dysmorphisms, and an elevated risk of malignancies. Microdeletions and point mutations in the CREB‐binding protein (CREBBP) gene, located at 16p13.3, have been reported to cause RSTS. By contrast, TANGO2‐related metabolic encephalopathy and arrhythmia (TRMEA) is a rare metabolic condition that causes repeated metabolic crises, hypoglycemia, lactic acidosis, rhabdomyolysis, arrhythmias and encephalopathy with cognitive decline. Clinicians need more clinical and genetic evidence to detect and comprehend the phenotypic spectrum of this disorder.

Methods

Exome sequencing was used to identify the disease‐causing variants in two affected families A and B from District Kohat and District Karak, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Affected individuals from both families presented symptoms of ID, developmental delay and behavioral abnormalities. The validation and co‐segregation analysis of the filtered variant was carried out using Sanger sequencing.

Results

In the present study, two families (A and B) exhibiting various forms of IDs were enrolled. In Family A, exome sequencing revealed a novel missense variant (NM 004380.3: c.4571A>G; NP_004371.2: p.Lys1524Arg) in the CREBBP gene, whereas, in Family B, a splice site variant (NM 152906.7: c.605 + 1G>A) in the TANGO2 gene was identified. Sanger sequencing of both variants confirmed their segregation with ID in both families. The in silico tools verified the aberrant changes in the CREBBP protein structure. Wild‐type and mutant CREBBP protein structures were superimposed and conformational changes were observed likely altering the protein function.

Conclusions

RSTS and TRMEA are exceedingly rare disorders for which specific clinical characteristics have been clearly established, but more investigations are underway and required. Multicenter studies are needed to increase our understanding of the clinical phenotypes, mainly showing the genotype–phenotype associations.
Classical homocystinuria presenting with transient basal ganglia pathology and dystonia
Authors: Averdunk Luisa , Thimm Eva , Klee Dirk , Haack Tobias B. , Distelmaier Felix
Published: September 2023

Classical homocystinuria is caused by pathogenic variants in the CBS gene leading to a deficiency of the vitamin B6‐dependent enzyme cystathionine beta synthase. The disease is typically associated with high blood homocysteine concentrations. Clinical features include developmental delay/intellectual disability, psychiatric problems, thromboembolism, lens dislocation, and marfanoid habitus. We report on a child with classical homocystinuria presenting with acute episodes of dystonia and symmetrical basal ganglia abnormalities mimicking a mitochondrial disease. After starting treatment with vitamin B6, homocysteine levels rapidly normalized and dystonic episodes did not re‐occur. Moreover, brain‐imaging findings almost completely disappeared. The case illustrates that homocystinuria should be considered as a treatable differential diagnosis of dystonia.
Construction and characterization of a new hepatitis C virus genotype 6a subgenomic replicon that is prone to render the sofosbuvir resistance
Authors: Liu Chaolun , Guo Mingzhe , Han Lin , Lu Jie , Xiang Xiaogang , Xie Qing , Nouhin Janin , Duong Veasna , Tong Yimin , Zhong Jin
Published: September 2023

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a challenge to human public health despite the development of highly effective direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs). Sofosbuvir (SOF), a key component in most DAA‐based anti‐HCV cocktail regimens, is a potent viral RNA polymerase (NS5B) inhibitor with a high barrier to drug resistance. The serine‐to‐threonine mutation at NS5B 282 (S282T) confers the SOF resistance, but severely impairs viral replication in most HCV genotypes (GTs) and cannot be stably maintained after the termination of the SOF‐based therapies. In this study, we first developed a new HCV GT‐6a subgenomic replicon PR58D6. Next, we selected SOF‐resistant PR58D6 variants by culturing the replicon cells in the presence of SOF. Interestingly, unlike many other HCV replicons which require additional mutations to compensate for the S282T‐inducing fitness loss, S282T alone in PR58D6 is genetically stable and confers the SOF resistance without significantly impairing viral replication. Furthermore, we showed that amino acid residue at NS5B 74 (R74) and 556 (D556) which are conserved in GT 6a HCV contribute to efficient replication of PR58D6 containing S282T. Finally, we showed that the G556D mutation in NS5B could rescue the replication deficiency of the S282T in JFH1, a GT‐2a replicon. In conclusion, we showed that a novel GT‐6a HCV replicon may easily render SOF resistance, which may call for attention to potential drug resistance during DAA therapies of HCV GT‐6a patients.
Monitoring of plasma Torque teno virus, total Anelloviridae and Human Pegivirus 1 viral load for the prediction of infectious events and acute graft versus host disease in the allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation setting
Authors: Forqué Lorena , Albert Eliseo , Piñana José L. , Pérez Ariadna , Hernani Rafael , Solano Carlos , Navarro David , Giménez Estela
Published: September 2023

Anelloviridae and Human Pegivirus 1 (HPgV‐1) blood burden have been postulated to behave as surrogate markers for immunosuppression in transplant recipients. Here, we assessed the potential utility plasma Torque teno virus (TTV), total Anelloviridae (TAV), and HPgV‐1 load monitoring for the identification of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients (allo‐HSCT) at increased risk of infectious events or acute graft versus host disease (aGvHD). In this single‐center, observational study, plasma TTV DNA, TAV DNA, and HPgV‐1 RNA loads were monitored in 75 nonconsecutive allo‐HSCT recipients (median age, 54 years). Monitoring was conducted before at baseline or by days +30, +60, +90, +120, and +180 after transplantation. Pneumonia due to different viruses or Pneumocystis jirovecii, BK polyomavirus‐associated haemorrhagic cystitis (BKPyV‐HC), and Cytomegalovirus DNAemia were the infectious events considered in the current study. Kinetics of plasma TTV, TAV DNA, and HPgV‐1 RNA load was comparable, with though and peak levels measured by days +30 and day +90 (+120 for HPgV‐1). Forty patients (53%) developed one or more infectious events during the first 180 days after allo‐HSCT, whereas 29 patients (39%) had aGvHD (grade II–IV in 18). Neither, TTV, TAV, nor HPgV‐1 loads were predictive of overall infection or CMV DNAemia. A TTV DNA load cut‐off ≥4.40 log10 (pretransplant) and ≥4.58 log10 (baseline) copies/mL predicted the occurrence of BKPyV‐HC (sensitivity ≥89%, negative predictive value, ≥96%). TTV DNA loads ≥3.38 log10 by day +30 anticipated the occurrence of aGvHD (sensitivity, 90%; negative predictive value, 97%). Pretransplant HPgV‐1 loads were significantly lower (p = 0.03) in patients who had aGvHD than in those who did not. Monitoring of TTV DNA or HPgV‐1 RNA plasma levels either before or early after transplantation may be ancillary to identify allo‐HSCT recipients at increased risk of BKPyV‐HC or aGvHD.
Impact of Pacific–Japan pattern on temperature and heatwave events in summer over Taiwan
Authors: Tseng Wan‐Ling , Lin Szu‐Ying , Wang Yi‐Chi , Lo Shih‐How , Lo Min‐Hui , Lee Shih‐Yu , Tsai Chieh‐Ting , Hsu Huang‐Hsiung
Published: September 2023

The prediction of heatwave events is vital to provide information on possible hazards caused by extremely high temperature. The Pacific–Japan (PJ) pattern is a significant climate variability that controls the summer climate over East Asia. Previous studies have reported that the meridional propagating wave structure associated with the PJ pattern can modulate summer temperature and heatwave characteristics over northeast Asian countries, such as Korea and Japan. Nevertheless, its impacts on the subtropical regions, including Taiwan, a mountainous subtropical island with an approximate population of 24 million, is not yet fully understood. In this study, we investigate the impacts of the PJ pattern on the summer temperature and heatwave characteristics in Taiwan on the interannual timescale using long‐term station‐based temperature and rainfall dataset. We found an island‐wide increase in temperature during the positive phase of the PJ pattern, which is characterized by an anticyclonic anomalous circulation over Taiwan. Meanwhile, the averaged effective area and frequency of heatwave extremes over Taiwan have increased significantly, indicating an increase of exposure to heatwaves. Our examinations of large‐scale environment suggest that the adiabatic warming due to subsidence anomaly associated with the anticyclone over Taiwan is primary contributor of surface warming, which is balanced by diabatic cooling and meridional advective cooling on a seasonal timescale. Our study consolidated the links between the PJ pattern as a climate driver, hot summers and increased summer heatwave events over Taiwan. By combining with the seasonal prediction systems and early warning systems, such understanding can help sectors that are vulnerable to heat stress to prepare for potential hazards.
Phenomenological model for Raman spectra calculating based on “bond charge” taking into account deformation and electro‐optical mechanisms, including Fröhlich scattering
Authors: Sachkov Victor A. , Volodin Vladimir A.
Published: September 2023

An approach is proposed that combines the deformation and electro‐optical mechanisms of Raman scattering, including Fröhlich scattering. Eigenwavenumbers and eigenvectors of phonon modes with a given wave vector are calculated in the “bond charge” model. The Raman spectra were calculated using the Wolkenstein additive polarizability model. The proposed approach has been tested for modeling the Raman spectra of short‐period GaAs/AlAs superlattices containing tens of atoms in a primitive cell, but can also be used to calculate the Raman spectra of various nanoobjects containing thousands of atoms in a primitive cell.
A compact UHF dual‐band rat‐race coupler with complex impedance load
Authors: Pakasiri Chatrpol , Wang Sen
Published: September 2023

A compact UHF dual‐band rat‐race coupler with complex terminated loads is proposed. The design procedure starts with design circuit with transmission line (TL) components, and design equations are also detailed in this letter for dual‐band operation. Moreover, the circuit size is further reduced by replacing the TLs with lumped components. An example circuit operating at 450/900 MHz is given. The measurement shows that the circuit has the reflection coefficient at the input port less than −13 dB, the transmission coefficient greater than −5.6 dB and phase difference less than ±10° at the output ports.
A 1 V 2.4‐6 GHz 6‐bit vector‐sum phase shifter with very low rms phase error and gain error
Authors: Zhang Youming , Huang Fengyi , Li Tianzhu , Tang Xusheng , Jiang Nan
Published: September 2023

We present a 2.4‐6 GHz 6‐bit vector‐sum phase shifter with a full 360° phase‐shift range based on 65‐nm CMOS technology. This paper exploits an improved reconfigurable quadrature all‐pass filter with a cross‐coupled buffer as the quadrature generator circuit, and a common‐gate programmable gain stage with optimal transistor size ratio and in‐phase/quadrature (I/Q) gain ratio as the I/Q variable gain amplifiers (VGAs). Through the optimization of circuit topologies, a superior overall performance has been achieved with extremely low root mean square (RMS) phase error and gain error, capable of low voltage, wide bandwidth, and high‐accuracy operations. The measured RMS phase error is less than 2°, 1.4°, and 1°, between 2.4‐6 GHz, 2.5‐5.6 GHz, and 3‐4.7 GHz & 4.9‐5.5 GHz, respectively, with a RMS gain error of less than 0.75 dB. The circuit draws 14.6 mW from a 1 V supply, with a chip size of 0.45 × 0.47 mm2.
A wideband circularly polarized cross‐shaped linearly tapered slot antenna
Authors: Chang Yu‐Lin , Jiao Yong‐Chang , Lin Chen , Zhang Li , Chen Guan‐tao
Published: September 2023

A new method to realize wideband circular polarization base on cross‐shaped TSA (tapered slot antenna) is proposed. The proposed antenna is obtained by integrating a wideband feed network and two cross placed loaded linearly TSAs (LLTSAs) together. Taking low‐cost, compact structure, and small shielding effect into consideration, a traditional planar feed network is divided into two parts and designed in cross‐shaped form. Loading structures are applied to suppress back radiation of the antenna. The antenna is simulated and tested. The results indicate that a − 10 dB reflection coefficient bandwidth of 109% (3.5‐11.9 GHz) and an axial ratio (AR) bandwidth of 92.5% (3.6‐9.8 GHz) for AR ≤ 3 dB are obtained. The simulated results exhibit that higher Front‐to‐Back Ratio (FBR) across the whole 3‐dB AR bandwidth can be obtained by loading. Moreover, a stable gain of 5.5 ± 0.1 dB is achieved from 7.5 GHz to 9.8 GHz.
A hybrid shielding structure for reduction of the leakage magnetic field in wireless power transfer system
Authors: Kim Jongchan , Jeong Minjoo , Hong Icpyo , Rhee Seungyeop , Cho Inkui , Kim Nam
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we propose a hybrid shielding structure for the reduction of the leakage magnetic field in the wireless power transfer (WPT) system operating at 175 kHz. This structure consists of ferrite slab staked on the aluminum plate. The improvement in the magnetic field reduction is achieved, while minimizing the power transfer loss by optimizing the design parameters. The power transfer efficiency and leakage magnetic field are analyzed and verified through simulation and experiment. The experimental results show 77% power transfer efficiency with proposed structure, while the normalized leakage magnetic field strength was reduced up to 80% compared with the conventional shielding structures.
Ultra‐compact, four‐port antenna for ATSC‐TV indoor reception
Authors: Haskou Abdullah , Pesin Anthony , Le Naour Jean‐Yves , Louzir Ali
Published: September 2023

In this letter, an ultra‐compact, wide‐band, four‐port antenna, integrated within the ATSC receiver housing for indoor reception of TV broadcast is presented. The four ports with moderate directivity are used to attenuate interferences and mitigate indoor multipath fading. The antenna hybrid topology is inspired from the Annular Slot Antenna (ASA) and the wide band printed monopole. The antenna is printed on an FR4 substrate with total dimensions of 280 × 280 × 1.2 mm3. It covers both high‐VHF and UHF TV broadcast bands in the US, with an S11 < ‐6 dB and a mean total efficiency of 18.5% in the VHF band and a S11 < ‐10 dB and a mean total efficiency of 52.9% in the UHF band. By switching between the four beams, a very good omni‐directional coverage is achieved in the horizontal plane. The antenna simulated performances are thoroughly analyzed and validated via measurements. The antenna was also integrated in a product and system tests for the indoor reception of TV broadcast in real field conditions revealed very promising performances.