bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tissue iron distribution in patients with anemia of inflammation: Results of a pilot study
Authors: Lanser Lukas , Plaikner Michaela , Schroll Andrea , Burkert Francesco Robert , Seiwald Stefanie , Fauser Josia , Petzer Verena , Bellmann‐Weiler Rosa , Fritsche Gernot , Tancevski Ivan , Duftner Christina , Pircher Andreas , Seeber Andreas , Zoller Heinz , Kremser Christian , Henninger Benjamin , Weiss Günter
Published: March 2023

Anemia of inflammation (AI) is frequently present in subjects with inflammatory disorders, primarily caused by inflammation‐driven iron retention in macrophages. So far, only limited data on qualitative and quantitative estimates of tissue iron retention in AI patients exist. We performed a prospective cohort study analyzing splenic, hepatic, pancreatic, and cardiac iron content with MRI‐based R2*‐relaxometry in AI patients, including subjects with concomitant true iron deficiency (AI+IDA) hospitalized between 05/2020–01/2022. Control groups were individuals without inflammation. Spleen R2* values in AI patients with ferritin ≤200 μg/L (AI+IDA) were comparable with those found in controls. In AI patients with ferritin >200 μg/L, spleen (47.6 s−1 vs. 19.3 s−1, p < .001) and pancreatic R2* values (32.5 s−1 vs. 24.9 s−1, p = .011) were significantly higher compared with controls, while liver and heart R2*‐values did not differ. Higher spleen R2* values were associated with higher ferritin, hepcidin, CRP, and IL‐6 concentrations. Spleen R2* values normalized in AI patients after recovery (23.6 s−1 vs. 47.6 s−1, p = .008), while no changes were found in patients with baseline AI+IDA. This is the first study investigating tissue iron distribution in patients with inflammatory anemia and AI with concomitant true iron deficiency. The results support the findings in animal models demonstrating iron retention in macrophages, which are primarily accumulating in the spleen under inflammatory conditions. MRI‐related iron measurement may help to better characterize actual iron needs and to define better biomarker thresholds in the diagnosis of true ID in patients with AI. It may qualify as a useful diagnostic method to estimate the need for iron supplementation and to guide therapy.
Prevalence of suspected dementia in a sample of adults living in Kinshasa‐Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Ikanga Jean , Reyes Anny , Kaba Didine , Akilimali Pierre , Mampunza Samuel , Epenge Emmanuel , Gikelekele Guy , Kavugho Immaculee , Tshengele Nathan , Hammers Dustin B. , Alonso Alvaro
Published: March 2023

Background

The prevalence of dementia in Sub‐Saharan Africa, particularly in French‐speaking countries, has received limited attention. This study investigates the prevalence and risk factors of suspected dementia in elderly adults in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Methods

A community‐based sample of 355 individuals over 65 years old was selected using multistage probability sampling in Kinshasa. Participants were screened using the Community Screening Instrument for Dementia, Alzheimer's Questionnaire, Geriatric Depression Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Individual Fragility Questionnaire, followed by clinical interview and neurological examination. Suspected dementia diagnoses were made based on the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM‐5) criteria including significant cognitive and functional impairments. Prevalence and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using, respectively, regression and logistic regression.

Results

Among 355 participants (mean age 74, SD = 7; 51% male), the crude prevalence of suspected dementia was 6.2% (9.0% in women and 3.8% in men). Female sex was a significant factor associated with suspected dementia [OR = 2.81, 95% CI (1.08–7.41)]. The prevalence of dementia increased with age (14.0% after 75 years and 23.1% after 85 years), with age being significantly associated with suspected dementia [OR = 5.42, 95% CI (2.86–10.28)]. Greater education was associated with a lower prevalence of suspected dementia [OR = 2.36, 95% CI (2.14–2.94), comparing those with ≥7.3 years of education to those with <7.3 years of education]. Other factors associated with the prevalence of suspected dementia included being widowed (OR = 1.66, 95% CI (1.05–2.61), being retired or semi‐retired (OR = 3.25, 95% CI (1.50–7.03)], a diagnosis of anxiety [OR = 2.56, 95% CI (1.05–6.13)], and death of a spouse or a relative after age 65 [OR = 1.73, 95% CI (1.58–1.92)]. In contrast, depression [OR = 1.92, 95% CI (0.81–4.57)], hypertension [OR = 1.16, 95% CI (0.79–1.71)], body mass index (BMI) [OR = 1.06, 95% CI (0.40–2.79)], and alcohol consumption [OR = 0.83, 95% CI (0.19–3.58)] were not significantly associated with suspected dementia.

Conclusions

This study found a prevalence of suspected dementia in Kinshasa/DRC similar to other developing countries and Central African countries. Reported risk factors provide information to identify high‐risk individuals and develop preventive strategies in this setting.
Protein Oligomer Engineering: A New Frontier for Studying Protein Structure, Function, and Toxicity
Authors: Liu Chang , Luo Jinghui
Published: March 2023

Prevalent in nature, protein oligomers play critical roles both physiologically and pathologically. The multimeric nature and conformational transiency of protein oligomers greatly complicate a more detailed glimpse into the molecular structure as well as function. In this minireview, the oligomers are classified and described on the basis of biological function, toxicity, and application. We also define the bottlenecks in recent oligomer studies and further review numerous frontier methods for engineering protein oligomers. Progress is being made on many fronts for a wide variety of applications, and protein grafting is highlighted as a promising and robust method for oligomer engineering. These advances collectively allow the engineering and design of stabilized oligomers that bring us one step closer to understanding their biological functions, toxicity, and a wide range of applications.
Toward Scalable Nanofluidic Osmotic Power Generation from Hypersaline Water Sources with a Metal–Organic Framework Membrane
Authors: Pan Shangfa , Liu Peng , Li Qi , Zhu Bin , Liu Xueli , Lao Junchao , Gao Jun , Jiang Lei
Published: March 2023

Nanofluidic membranes have shown great promise in harvesting osmotic energy but its scalablity remains challenging since most studies only tested with a membrane area of ≈10−2 mm2 or smaller. We demonstrate that metal‐organic‐framework membranes with subnanometer pores can be used for scalable osmotic power generation from hypersaline water sources. Our membrane can be scaled up to a few mm2, and the power density can be stabilized at 1.7 W m−2. We reveal that the key is to improve the out‐of‐membrane conductance while keeping the membrane's charge selectivity, contradicting the previous conception that the ionic conductivity of the membrane plays the dominating role. We highlight that subnanometer pores are essential to ensure the charge selectivity in hypersaline water sources. Our results suggest the importance to engineer the interplay between the in‐membrane and out‐of‐membrane ion transport properties for scalable osmotic power generation.
Lattice Mismatch Guided Nickel‐Indium Heterogeneous Alloy Electrocatalysts for Promoting the Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Mondal Surajit , Dutta Supriti , Mal Santanu , Pati Swapan K. , Bhattacharyya Sayan
Published: March 2023

The immiscibility of crystallographic facets in multi‐metallic catalysts plays a key role in driving the green H2 production by water electrolysis. The lattice mismatch between tetragonal In and face‐centered cubic (fcc) Ni is 14.9 % but the mismatch with hexagonal close‐packed (hcp) Ni is 49.8 %. Hence, in a series of Ni−In heterogeneous alloys, In is selectively incorporated in the fcc Ni. The 18–20 nm Ni particles have 36 wt % fcc phase, which increases to 86 % after In incorporation. The charge transfer from In to Ni, stabilizes the Ni0 state and In develops a fractional positive charge that favors *OH adsorption. With only 5 at% In, 153 mL h−1 H2 is evolved at −385 mV with mass activity of 57.5 A g−1 at—400 mV, 200 h stability at −0.18 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), and Pt‐like activity at high current densities, due to the spontaneous water dissociation, lower activation energy barrier, optimal adsorption energy of OH− ions and the prevention of catalyst poisoning.
Isolation of Structurally Heterogeneous TCR‐CD3 Extracellular Vesicle Subpopulations Using Caliper Strategy
Authors: Yin Wen , Chen Haitian , Cai Jianye , Huang Xing , Zhang Lang , Xu Yuzhi , Zheng Jun , Liu Si‐Yang , Zou Xiaoyong , Dai Zong , Yang Yang
Published: March 2023

Cells in different states can release diverse types of extracellular vesicles (EVs) that participate in intracellular communication or pathological processes. The identification and isolation of EV subpopulations are significant to explore their physiological functions and clinical value. In this study, structurally heterogeneous T‐cell receptor (TCR)‐CD3 EVs were proposed and verified for the first time using a caliper strategy. Two CD3‐targeting aptamers were designed in the shape of a caliper with an optimized probe distance and were assembled on gold nanoparticles (Au‐Caliper) to distinguish TCR‐CD3 monomeric and dimeric EVs (m/dCD3 EVs) in skin‐transplanted mouse plasma. Phenotyping and sequencing analysis revealed clear heterogeneity in the isolated m/dCD3 EVs, providing the potential for mCD3 EVs as a candidate biomarker of acute cellular rejection (ACR) and holding great prospects for distinguishing EV subpopulations based on protein oligomerization states.
StereoselectiveC‐Aryl Glycosylation by Catalytic Cross‐Coupling of Heteroaryl Glycosyl Sulfones
Authors: Wang Quanquan , Lee Boon Chong , Song NingXi , Koh Ming Joo
Published: March 2023

StereoselectiveC‐glycosylation reactions are increasingly gaining attention in carbohydrate chemistry because they enable glycosyl precursors, readily accessible as anomeric mixtures, to converge to a single diastereomeric product. However, controlling the stereochemical outcome through transition‐metal catalysis remains challenging, and methods that leverage bench‐stable heteroaryl glycosyl sulfone donors to facilitate glycosylation are rare. Herein, we show two complementary nonprecious metal catalytic systems, based on iron or nickel, which are capable of promoting efficient C−C coupling between heteroaryl glycosyl sulfones and aromatic nucleophiles or electrophiles through distinct mechanisms and modes of activation. DiverseC‐aryl glycosides were secured with excellent selectivity, scope, and functional‐group compatibility, and reliable access to both α and β isomers was possible for key sugar residues.
Study of Intermolecular Reconfiguration of Flexible COF‐5 Film and Its Ultra‐high Chemiresistive Humidity Sensitivity
Authors: Mei Aohan , Chen Wen , Yang Zifan , Zhou Min , Jin Wei , Yang Shuang , Chen Keqiang , Liu Yueli
Published: March 2023

Recently, abundant active materials are developed to achieve the wearable detection of human body humidity. However, the limited response signal and sensitivity restrict further application due to their moderate affinity to water. Herein, we propose a flexible COF‐5 film synthesized by a brief vapor‐assisted method at room temperature. Intermediates are calculated by DFT simulation to investigate the interaction between COF‐5 and water. The adsorption and desorption of water molecule result in a reversible deformation of COF layers while creating new conductive path by π–π stacking. The as‐prepared COF‐5 films are applied to the flexible humidity sensors, exhibiting a resistance change in 4 orders of magnitude with remarkable linear relation between log function of resistance and relative humidity (RH) in 11 %–98 % RH range. Applications including respiratory monitoring and non‐contact switch are tested, providing a promising prospect for the detection of human body humidity.
Sulfonyl‐PYBOX Ligands Enable Kinetic Resolution of α‐Tertiary Azides by CuAAC
Authors: Gong Yi , Wang Cai , Zhou Feng , Liao Kui , Wang Xi‐Yu , Sun Ying , Zhang Yan‐Xue , Tu Zhi , Wang Xin , Zhou Jian
Published: March 2023

We report the first highly selective kinetic resolution of racemic α‐chiral azides via Cu‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC). Newly developed pyridine‐bisoxazoline (PYBOX) ligands, bearing a C4 sulfonyl group, enable effective kinetic resolution of racemic azides derived from privileged scaffolds such as indanone, cyclopentenone, and oxindole, and their asymmetric CuAAC to afford α‐tertiary 1,2,3‐triazoles with high to excellent ee values. DFT calculations and control experiments reveal that the C4 sulfonyl group decreases the Lewis basicity of the ligand and increases the electrophilicity of the copper center for better recognition of azides, and functions as a shielding group to make the chiral pocket of the catalyst more effective.
Rationally Modulating the Functions of Ni3Sn2‐NiSnOx Nanocomposite Electrocatalysts towards Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Wang Xiaomei , Long Guifa , Liu Bo , Li Zelong , Gao Wensheng , Zhang Pengfei , Zhang Hong , Zhou Xia , Duan Ruizhi , Hu Wei , Li Can
Published: March 2023

Identifying electrocatalysts with functions of easy dissociation of water, rapid transformation of hydroxyl and facile hydrogen‐hydrogen bond formation are indispensable while challenge for realizing efficient alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Herein, we presented the design of Ni3Sn2‐NiSnOx nanocomposites towards addressing this challenge. We showed that Ni3Sn2 possessed ideal hydrogen adsorption and low hydroxyl adsorption abilities and NiSnOx facilitated water dissociation and hydroxyl transfer process, respectively. Consequently, the fine‐tuned interplay of the two functional parts realized the mutual coordination among the multiple functions and led to significantly boosted HER kinetics. Current densities of 10 and 1000 mA cm−2 were obtained at overpotentials of 14 and 165 mV on the optimized catalyst. This work highlights the significance of considering intrinsic interactions between active sites and all pertinent intermediates on obtaining promising electrocatalysts.
Superior anti‐smudge and flame retardancy of polydimethylsiloxane composite coating with phosphorus modified CO0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4
Authors: Yang Lei , Chen Yuese , Zhang Ting , Fu Heqing
Published: March 2023

In this work, the CO0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticles modified by phosphoric acid and NCO groups were prepared as flame‐retardants and cross‐linking centers. After modification, the dispersibility and flame‐retardant properties of the nanoparticles were effectively improved. On this basis, a kind of two‐component polyester‐based anti‐smudge and flame retardant hybrid coating in situ polymerization was prepared by using dihydroxy mono‐terminated PDMS to provide low surface energy, dipentaerythritol (Di‐PE) as a charring agent to provide sufficient cross‐linking sites. Water, ink, pump oil, and cooking oil could slide off the coated surface without leaving any traces. These novel hybrid coatings exhibit excellent anti‐graffiti properties and corrosion resistance even with 2 wt% PDMS and 3 wt% modified nanoparticles content. Moreover, Si, P, and CO0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4 all resulted in the formation of a char protective layer during burning. The thermal properties and flame retardant properties of the hybrid coatings were significantly improved. The peak heat release rate (PHRR) curves and the smoke production rate (PSPR) of hybrid coatings (3 wt% modified CO0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4) decreased by 44.2%, 55.7%, respectively, compared with pure composites. Besides, the hybrid coatings can be applied to a variety of substrates, including glass, steel, and fabric.
Stones, stories and ceremonies: A Gamilaraay, Arrernte, Luritja, Pitjantatjarra, Yankuntjatjarra perspective
Authors: Brennan Wayne , Wickman Sam Jupparula
Published: March 2023

Cylcons are common in Australia, reported in early accounts (e.g., by Etheridge, McCarthy) as spiritually important for Aboriginal people, but where are the Indigenous perspectives on these important stones? Here we provide two stories about our engagement with these objects and then look at an archaeological excavation that allowed culture and science to come together helping us to interpret these stones.
Circular RNA hsa_circ_0000690 as a potential biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of intracranial aneurysm: Closely relating to the volume of hemorrhage
Authors: Huang Yanming , Cao Huimin , Qi Xiaolong , Guan Celin , Que Shuanglin
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to explore circular RNA (circRNA) hsa_circ_0000690 as a potential biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of intracranial aneurysm (IA) and its relationship with clinical factors and complications of IA.

Material/methods

216 IA patients admitted to the neurosurgery department of our hospital from January 2019 to December 2020 were selected as the experimental group, and 186 healthy volunteers were selected as the control group. The expression of hsa_circ_0000690 in peripheral blood was detected by quantitative real‐time PCR, and its diagnostic value was assessed by receiver operating characteristic curve. Relationship between hsa_circ_0000690 and clinical factors of IA was assessed by chi‐square test. Nonparametric test was used in univariate analysis, and regression analysis was used in multivariate analysis. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to analyze the survival time.

Results

CircRNA hsa_circ_0000690 of IA patients was relatively lower than that in the control group (p < .001). The AUC of hsa_circ_0000690 was 0.752, the specificity was 0.780, and sensitivity was 0.620, with diagnostic threshold of 0.0449. In addition, hsa_circ_0000690 expression was correlated with Glasgow Coma Scale, the volume of subarachnoid hemorrhage, modified Fisher scale, Hunt–Hess levels and surgical type. For hydrocephalus and delayed cerebral ischemia, hsa_circ_0000690 was significant in univariate analysis, but nonsignificant in multivariate analysis. For prognosis, hsa_circ_0000690 was significantly associated with modified Rankin Scales after surgery for 3 months, but not associated with survival time.

Conclusions

The expression of hsa_circ_0000690 can act as a diagnostic marker for IA and predict the prognosis of 3 months after operation and is closely related to the volume of hemorrhage.
Environmental, social, and governance risks and environmentally sensitive competitive strategies: A case study of a multinational logistics company
Authors: Gündoğdu Hakan Gökhan , Aytekin Ahmet , Toptancı Şura , Korucuk Selçuk , Karamaşa Çağlar
Published: March 2023

Global climate change continues to have a negative impact on many sectors, particularly supply chains and logistics. Companies are progressively incorporating environmentally friendly practices into their strategies to tackle this global problem. Accordingly, the increase in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks has increased the importance of sustainable corporate governance. As a result, companies tend to place more emphasis on ESG initiatives. The study aims to analyze the importance levels of ESG criteria and to select the most ideal environmentally sensitive competitive strategy for multinational logistics companies. For this purpose, a set of criteria and alternatives for the businesses in the context of the related problem was defined, and a decision model was proposed to handle problems, which include uncertain information. In this context, q‐rung orthopair fuzzy (q‐ROF) weighted average technique was used for weighting the criteria and q‐ROF‐evaluation based on distance from average solution (q‐ROF‐EDAS) method was utilized for prioritizing the strategies. As a result, “greenhouse gas emissions” was identified as the most important criterion, while “eco‐efficiency” was selected as the best option for environmentally conscious competitive strategies.
Anatomical proposal for hyaluronic acid filler injection in subzygomatic arch depression: A dual‐plane injection technique
Authors: Yi Kyu‐Ho , Oh Wook , Kim Hyoung Moon , Ahn Hyo‐Sang , Hu Hyewon , Kim Hee‐Jin
Published: March 2023

A subzygomatic arch depression creates a bulky face outline. To smoothen these depressions and correct facial contours, hyaluronic acid filler injection methods are frequently used. However, the complexity of the subzygomatic region make it difficult for practitioners to effectively volume the region. The conventional injection of single layer injection has limitations of lack in volume addition and unwanted undulations and spreading. The anatomical factors were reviewed with ultrasonography, three‐dimensional photogrammetric analysis, and cadaver dissection. In this anatomical study, the present knowledge on localizing filler injection with a more precisely demarcated dual‐plane injection was suggested. This study presents novel anatomical findings related to the injection of hyaluronic acid filler injection in the subzygomatic arch depression.
The role of viruses in cancer development versus cancer therapy: An oncological perspective
Authors: Javid Hossein , Sharbaf Mashhad Alireza , Yazdani Shaghayegh , Akbari Oryani Mahsa , Akbari Sanaz , Rezagholinejad Nastaran , Tajaldini Mahboubeh , Karimi‐Shahri Mehdi
Published: March 2023

Despite great medical advances, oncological research is still looking for novel therapeutic approaches due to the limitation of conventional therapeutic agents. Virotherapy is one of these new emerging therapeutic approaches that attract attention with their widespread applications. Virotherapy use lives oncolytic viruses or genetically engineered viruses that selectively infect the tumor cells, replicate, and disrupt the cancerous cells that also induce their anticancer activity by stimulating the host antitumor immune response. Moreover, viruses are widely used as target delivery vectors for specifically delivering different genes, therapeutic agents, and immune‐stimulating agents. In addition to having antitumor activity by themselves in combination with conventional therapeutic agents like immune therapy and chemotherapy, Virotherapy agents also elicit promising outcomes. Therefore, in addition to their promising result in monotherapy use, virotherapy agents can also be used in combination with conventional cancer therapy, epigenetic modulators, and even microRNAs without any cross‐resistance, which allows the patient not to be deprived of her routine medicine. Still, this combination therapy reduces the adverse effect of the conventional therapies. All together suggest that virotherapy agents as novel potential agents in the field of cancer therapy.
Clinical implications and molecular features of tertiary lymphoid structures in stage I lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Xu Xuejun , Gao Yifeng , Duan Shanzhou , Ding Qifeng , Wang Xiaofan , Dai Xiaoxiao , Zhang Yongsheng , Chen Yongbing , Chen Donglai
Published: March 2023

Aims

We investigated the clinical implications and molecular features of TLS in stage I lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the clinicopathological characteristics of 540 patients with p‐stage I LUAD. Logistic regression analysis was applied to determining the relationships between clinicopathological features and the presence of TLS. TLS‐associated immune infiltration pattern and signature genes were characterized using the transcriptomic profiles of 511 LUADs from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database.

Results

The presence of TLS was associated with a higher pT stage, low‐ and middle‐grade patterns, and the absence of tumor spreading through air spaces (STAS) and subsolid nodules. Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified that the presence of TLS was associated with favorable overall survival (OS) (p < 0.001) and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) (p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that the most favorable OS (p < 0.001) and RFS (p < 0.001) favored the TLS + PD‐1‐ subgroup. The presence of TLS was characterized by abundance in antitumor immunocytes including activated CD8+ T and B cells as well as dentritic cells in TCGA cohort.

Conclusion

The presence of TLS was an independent favorable factor for patients with stage I LUAD. The presence TLS was featured by special immune profiles which might aid oncologists in determining personalized adjuvant treatment.
The impact of dialectical behaviour therapy training on therapists in Singapore: A mixed‐methods study
Authors: Tan Michelle Yan Ling , Saw Young Ern , Keng Shian‐Ling , Lim Denise Su Hui
Published: March 2023

Background

While dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) has much empirical support for treating borderline personality disorder (BPD) and other conditions, little research has examined the dissemination of DBT in Southeast Asia.

Aims

This study evaluated training outcomes following a 5‐day intensive DBT training programme in a group of psychologists in Singapore, who were in the process of implementing DBT as part of the training's objectives.

Methodology

A mixed‐methods design was employed. Fourteen psychologists from a public psychiatric hospital in Singapore were recruited. Seven self‐selected into DBT training, and the remaining were matched controls who were not attending the training programme. The latter served as a nonrandomised control group. Prior to and 3 months after training, all participants completed measures of stigma towards BPD patients, burnout and therapeutic alliance. DBT training participants additionally attended a focus group discussion assessing their experiences and challenges implementing DBT in Singapore's context.

Findings

Quantitative analyses using mixed ANOVA showed that, compared with controls, DBT‐trained participants demonstrated significantly greater increases in acceptance towards BPD patients. No between‐group differences were found on changes in burnout or therapy alliance with patients. Analyses of qualitative data using thematic analysis revealed that DBT training impacted the way participants conceptualised and delivered therapy for BPD patients, and highlighted several challenges in implementing DBT in the local hospital context.

Conclusion

The findings demonstrate the potential of DBT training in improving clinicians' attitudes towards BPD patients and support a need for policymakers to prepare organisations for DBT implementation to ensure programme sustainability.
Three‐year clinical outcomes of the novel sirolimus‐eluting bioresorbable scaffold for the treatment of de novo coronary artery disease: A prospective patient‐level pooled analysis of NeoVas trials
Authors: Wang Xiaozeng , Li Yang , Fu Guosheng , Xu Bo , Zhou Yujie , Su Xi , Liu Huiliang , Zhang Zheng , Yu Bo , Tao Ling , Zheng Qun , Li Lang , Xu Kai , Han Yaling ,   the NeoVas OPC Investigators
Published: March 2023

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate the long‐term outcomes of the novel NeoVas sirolimus‐eluting bioresorbable scaffold (BRS) for the treatment of de novo coronary artery disease.

Background

The long‐term safety and efficacy of the novel NeoVas BRS are still needed to be elucidated.

Methods

A total of 1103 patients with de novo native coronary lesions for coronary stenting were enrolled. The primary endpoint of target lesion failure (TLF) was defined as a composite of cardiac death (CD), target vessel myocardial infarction (TV‐MI), or ischemia‐driven‐target lesion revascularization (ID‐TLR).

Results

A three‐year clinical follow‐up period was available for 1,091 (98.9%) patients. The cumulative TLF rate was 7.2% with 0.8% for CD, 2.6% for TV‐MI, and 5.1% for ID‐TLR. Additionally, 128 (11.8%) patient‐oriented composite endpoint and 11 definite/probable stent thromboses (1.0%) were recorded.

Conclusions

The extended outcomes of the NeoVas objective performance criterion trial demonstrated a promising 3‐year efficacy and safety of the NeoVas BRS in low‐risk patients with low complexity in terms of lesions and comorbidities.
Organocatalytic Assembly Based on Aromatic Donor–Acceptor Interactions for the Asymmetric Aldol Reaction on Water
Authors: Meso Garrett , Gregorich David , Waite Aya Jane , Smith Sam , Liu Linang , Cortez Jacob , Harris Ender , Baluyut Rev Derek , Correa Natalia , Liang Jian , Liu Yu
Published: March 2023

Aromatic donor modified prolinamide and aromatic acceptor modified thiourea were synthesized. They self‐assembled into a cooperative organocatalytic system through the aromatic donor‐acceptor interaction and catalyzed aldol reactions in high yields and stereoselectivity on water. The aromatic donor‐acceptor interaction was confirmed by mass spectrum, UV‐vis titraition and 1H‐NMR titration experiments.
Modeling of Solar Photocatalytic Degradation of Rhodamine B Dye by TiO2 Nanoparticles Using an Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Reddy P. Swapna , Das Susmita
Published: March 2023

An artificial neural network (ANN) model was developed for the photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B by TiO2 nanoparticles synthesized by the electrochemical method, under direct sunlight irradiation. The four inputs are: irradiation time, initial dye concentration, pH of the initial solution, and catalyst loading. The ANN model with 20 hidden neurons and with R2 of 0.999 shows minimum values of the performance metrics of 0.169, 2.020, 1.531, and 0.215 for the mean square error, the root mean square error, the mean absolute error, and the mean absolute percentage error, respectively. The optimized ANN configuration of 4‐20‐1 shows a good fit with the experimental data. The result shows that the sunlight irradiation time has the main impact on rhodamine B degradation at ∼55 %.
Taming the Lewis Superacid Al(ORF)3 (RF=C(CF3)3): DFT Guided Identification of the “Stable yet Reactive” Adduct SiPr2→Al(ORF)3; Its Use as ORF‐ Abstractor from a “Ni‐ORF” complex
Authors: Petit Julien , Babinot Julien , Saffon‐Merceron Nathalie , Magna Lionel , Mézailles Nicolas
Published: March 2023

A DFT study of several L→Al(ORF)3 (L=Lewis bases) adducts allowed the identification of (iPr2S)→Al(ORF)3 1‐SiPr2 as a “stable yet reactive” adduct. 1‐SiPr2 was shown to act as a masked Lewis superacid able to release Al(ORF)3 under mild conditions. It could be used to abstract a ORF− ligand from (bipyMe2)Ni(ORF)2 (bipyMe2 : 6,6’‐dimethyl‐2,2’‐dipyridyl) and generate the nickel alkoxide complex [(bipyMe2)Ni(ORF)(iPr2S)]+[(RFO)3Al−F−Al(ORF)3]− 5. Ligand exchange of iPr2S by Ph3P yielded [(bipyMe2)Ni(ORF)(PPh3)]+[(RFO)3Al−F−Al(ORF)3]− 6.
Regulation of the Oxidase Mimetic Activity of Ceria Nanoparticles by Buffer Composition
Authors: Wu Yonghui , Yang Lu , Wu Qianqian , Liu Qingshan , Zou Ling , Yang Xiaochao , Tang Keyong
Published: March 2023

Ceria nanoparticles (CNPs) are important typical nanozymes with multiple enzyme mimetic activities, which could facilitate the oxidation of organic dyes in acidic conditions, because of the oxidase mimetic activity. Usually, the regulation of oxidase mimetic activity is focused on the adjustment of the structure, morphology, composition, surface, and other factors of nanozymes. However, the influence of the surrounding environment is not considered, which is very important during the reaction process. In this work, the oxidase mimetic activity of CNPs in buffer solutions including citric acid, acetic acid and glycine buffer solutions was investigated, with the results that carboxyl group in buffer solution could adsorb the CNPs on the surface to promote the oxidase mimetic activity. Due to the chelation with the cerium ion, the enhancement is more significant by molecules with polycarboxylic groups, and the enhancement is more efficient by carboxyl molecules in buffer solution, compared with the modification of the carboxyl groups on the surface, because of easier operation and smaller steric hindrance. From the viewpoint of increasing the oxidase mimetic activity of CNPs, the work is expected to provide references for the selection of the reaction systems to optimize the oxidase mimetic activity in bio‐detection applications.
Studies on Structural Changes of Modified MWCNTs: Material for Electrochemical Monitoring of Antiviral Drug in Human Serum Samples
Authors: Kaur Randeep , Bhardwaj Geetika , Singh Narinder , Kaur Navneet
Published: March 2023

The development of a universal approach for precisely tuning the electrochemical characteristics of conducting carbon nanotubes for tracking harmful agents in the human body with high selectivity and sensitivity remains a challenge. Herein, we describe a simplistic, versatile, and general approach to the construction of functionalized electrochemical material. The design of electrochemical material consists of (i) modification of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) with dipodal naphthyl‐based dipodal urea (KR‐1) through non‐covalent functionalization (KR‐1@MWCNT) which enhances the dispersibility of MWCNT and hence conductivity, (ii) complexation of KR‐1@MWCNT with Hg2+ accelerate the electron transfer in the material which amplify the detection response of functionalized material (i. e., Hg/KR‐1@MWCNT) towards various thymidine analogues. Further, the application of functionalized electrochemical material (Hg/KR‐1@MWCNT) achieves real‐time electrochemical monitoring of harmful antiviral drug 5‐iodo‐2’‐iododeoxyuridine (IUdR) levels in human serum for the first time.
Structural Dissection of Epsin‐1 N‐Terminal Helical Peptide: The Role of Hydrophobic Residues in Modulating Membrane Curvature
Authors: Nishimura Motoki , Kawaguchi Yoshimasa , Kuroki Kakeru , Nakagawa Yuna , Masuda Toshihiro , Sakai Takayuki , Kawano Kenichi , Hirose Hisaaki , Imanishi Miki , Takatani‐Nakase Tomoka , Afonin Sergii , Ulrich Anne S. , Futaki Shiroh
Published: March 2023

Spatiotemporal structural alterations in cellular membranes are the hallmark of many vital processes. In these cellular events, the induction of local changes in membrane curvature often plays a pivotal role. Many amphiphilic peptides are able to modulate membrane curvature, but there is little information on specific structural factors that direct the curvature change. Epsin‐1 is a representative protein thought to initiate invagination of the plasma membrane upon clathrin‐coated vesicles formation. Its N‐terminal helical segment (EpN18) plays a key role in inducing positive membrane curvature. This study aimed to elucidate the essential structural features of EpN18 in order to better understand general curvature‐inducing mechanisms, and to design effective tools for rationally controlling membrane curvature. Structural dissection of peptides derived from EpN18 revealed the decisive contribution of hydrophobic residues to (i) enhancing membrane interactions, (ii) helix structuring, (iii) inducing positive membrane curvature, and (iv) loosening lipid packing. The strongest effect was obtained by substitution with leucine residues, as this EpN18 analog showed a marked ability to promote the influx of octa‐arginine cell‐penetrating peptides into living cells.
Enantioselective Organocatalysis and Superacid Activation: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Michelet Bastien , Martin‐Mingot Agnès , Rodriguez Jean , Thibaudeau Sébastien , Bonne Damien
Published: March 2023

Since the pioneer reports of the groups of Akiyama and Terada on Brønsted acid organocatalysis, this field never stopped growing with the development of ingenious strategies for the activation of challenging poorly reactive substrates. The development of superacidic organocatalysts is an important way to selectively functionalize reluctant electrophiles and other approaches have also emerged such as the combination of Lewis and Brønsted acids as well as the consecutive organocatalysis and superacid activation. This Concept aims to highlight these different strategies and demonstrate their complementarity.
New SAMD9L heterozygous mutation leading to myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Monagel Dania A.
Published: March 2023

Background

SAMD9L mutation is linked to the development of myeloid neoplasm. The mutation has a wide range of clinical presentations involving neurological, immunological, and hematological manifestations. Until now, limited data regarding different variants of this genetic mutation existed. Here we present a 6‐year‐old girl who presented with acute myeloid leukemia/myelodysplastic changes and who carries a new germline variant mutation in the SAMD9L gene.

Case Presentation

A 6‐year‐old girl who presented initially as a case of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) was later diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic changes. In addition, she was found to have a new germline variant mutation in the SAMD9L gene (other known pathogenic variants known to cause ataxia pancytopenia syndrome). She was treated with chemotherapy followed by haplo identical transplant from her unaffected father. She is alive 30 months post‐transplant and in complete remission with full donor chimerism. Her initial brain MRI showed mild prominence of the anterior (superior) vermis folia, suggesting mild atrophy. Ongoing surveillance for accompanied neurological manifestation is ongoing, although the patient is asymptomatic.

Conclusion

For SAMD‐9L‐related disorder, a careful approach must be taken when a patient presents with a suspicious clinical feature even without a well‐known genetic mutation giving the diverse presentation across affected members within the same family. In addition, other associated abnormalities should be monitored long‐term.
Comparison of metaheuristic optimization algorithms for numerical solutions of optimal control problems
Authors: Çimen Murat Erhan , Garip Zeynep , Boz Ali Fuat
Published: March 2023

The objective in optimal control problems is to determine the control rule to be applied according to the objective function determined for a given system. Theoretically, different solution methods have been developed starting from calculus of variation such as Pontriagin, Hamilton, or Riccati. In this study, apart from analytical methods, it is proposed to apply algorithms inspired by nature to the same problem. Among these algorithms, genetic algorithm, firefly algorithm, Harris Hawk's optimization algorithm, and differential evolution optimization algorithm have been applied to given optimal control problems and their successes were compared in terms of statistical analysis such as minimum, maximum, average, Wilcoxon, and Friedman analysis. The originality of this study is to control the system with discrete control rule by partitioning the control signal, to be applied to the system which is wanted to be optimally controlled. This will allow the control of different techniques, such as MPC or NMPC, which will contribute to the determination of the global optimum control rule, especially in the solution of nonlinear systems. In addition, three different applications have been performed to demonstrate. As a result of these experiments, it has been shown that these algorithms can be applied successfully to such problems.
Reversible Entropy‐Driven Defect Migration and Insulator‐Metal Transition Suppression in VO2 Nanostructures for Phase‐Change Electronic Switching
Authors: Zhang Rui , Yang Wanli , Zhang Lepeng , Huang Tiantian , Niu Linkui , Xu Peiran , Chen Zhimin , Chen Xin , Hu Weida , Dai Ning
Published: March 2023

Oxygen defects are among essential issues and required to be manipulated in correlated electronic oxides with insulator‐metal transition (IMT). Besides, surface and interface control are necessary but challenging in field‐induced electronic switching towards advanced IMT‐triggered transistors and optical modulators. Herein, we demonstrated reversible entropy‐driven oxygen defect migrations and reversible IMT suppression in vanadium dioxide (VO2) phase‐change electronic switching. The initial IMT was suppressed with oxygen defects, which is caused by the entropy change during reversed surface oxygen ionosorption on the VO2 nanostructures. This IMT suppression is reversible and reverts when the adsorbed oxygen extracts electrons from the surface and heals defects again. The reversible IMT suppression observed in the VO2 nanobeam with M2 phase is accompanied by large variations in the IMT temperature. We also achieved irreversible and stable IMT by exploiting an Al2O3 partition layer prepared by atomic layer deposition (ALD) to disrupt the entropy‐driven defect migration. We expected that such reversible modulations would be helpful for understanding the origin of surface‐driven IMT in correlated vanadium oxides, and constructing functional phase‐change electronic and optical devices.
Impact of Chemical and Physical Properties of Organic Solvents on the Gas and Hydrogen Formation during Laser Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Fromme Theo , Tintrop Lucie K. , Reichenberger Sven , Schmidt Torsten C. , Barcikowski Stephan
Published: March 2023

Laser ablation in liquids has been established as a scalable preparation method of nanoparticles for various applications. Particularly for materials prone to oxidation, it is established to suppress oxidation by using organic solvents as a liquid medium. While this often functionalizes the nanoparticles with a carbon shell, the related chemical processes that result from laser‐induced decomposition reactions of the organic solvents remain uncertain. Using a systematic series of C6 solvents complemented by n‐pentane and n‐heptane during the nanosecond laser ablation of gold, the present study focuses on the solvent‐dependent influence on gas formation rates, nanoparticle productivity, and gas composition. Both the permanent gas and hydrogen formation was found to be linearly correlated with ablation rate, ΔHvap, and pyrolysis activation energy. Based on this, a decomposition pathway linked to pyrolysis is proposed allowing the deduction of first selection rules for solvents that influence the formation of carbon or permanent gases.
Development of Carbon Nanotube/Graphene‐Based Alginate Interpenetrating Hydrogels for Removal of Antibiotic Pollutants
Authors: Ni Kaijie , Xu Ruiqi , Wang Rui , Guo Ming , Chen Yanyang , Zhao Yuming
Published: March 2023

The extensive use of pharmaceutical antibiotics in treatment of human and animal infections has resulted in growing concerns about antibiotic pollution worldwide. In this work a novel interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogel has been developed to function as an effective and non‐selective adsorbent for various antibiotic pollutants in aqueous solution. This IPN hydrogel is made of multiple active components, including carbon nanotube (CNTs), graphene oxide (GO), and urea‐modified sodium alginate (SA). It can be readily prepared through efficient carbodiimide‐mediated amide coupling reaction followed by calcium chloride‐induced alginate cross‐linking. The structural properties, swellability, and thermal stability of this hydrogel have been investigated, while its adsorption properties towards an important antibiotic pollutant, tetracycline, was thoroughly characterized based on adsorption kinetic and isotherm analyses. With a BET surface area of 38.7 m2/g, the IPN hydrogel shows an excellent adsorption capacity of 84.28±4.2 mg/g towards tetracycline in water, while the adsorption capacity is decreased by only 18 % after four cycles of use, demonstrating very good reusability. Adsorptive performance in removing two other antibiotics, neomycin and erythromycin, has also been examined and compared. Overall, our studies disclose that this newly designed hybrid hydrogel is an effective and reusable adsorbent material for treating antibiotic pollution in the environment.
The roles of E3 ubiquitin ligases in cancer progression and targeted therapy
Authors: Sampson Chibuzo , Wang Qiuping , Otkur Wuxiyar , Zhao Haifeng , Lu Yun , Liu Xiaolong , Piao Hai‐long
Published: March 2023

Ubiquitination is one of the most important post‐translational modifications which plays a significant role in conserving the homeostasis of cellular proteins. In the ubiquitination process, ubiquitin is conjugated to target protein substrates for degradation, translocation or activation, dysregulation of which is linked to several diseases including various types of cancers. E3 ubiquitin ligases are regarded as the most influential ubiquitin enzyme owing to their ability to select, bind and recruit target substrates for ubiquitination. In particular, E3 ligases are pivotal in the cancer hallmarks pathways where they serve as tumour promoters or suppressors. The specificity of E3 ligases coupled with their implication in cancer hallmarks engendered the development of compounds that specifically target E3 ligases for cancer therapy. In this review, we highlight the role of E3 ligases in cancer hallmarks such as sustained proliferation via cell cycle progression, immune evasion and tumour promoting inflammation, and in the evasion of apoptosis. In addition, we summarise the application and the role of small compounds that target E3 ligases for cancer treatment along with the significance of targeting E3 ligases as potential cancer therapy.
Spatial analysis for highly multiplexed imaging data to identify tissue microenvironments
Authors: Patrick Ellis , Canete Nicolas P. , Iyengar Sourish S. , Harman Andrew N. , Sutherland Greg T. , Yang Pengyi
Published: March 2023

Highly multiplexed in situ imaging cytometry assays have made it possible to study the spatial organization of numerous cell types simultaneously. We have addressed the challenge of quantifying complex multi‐cellular relationships by proposing a statistical method which clusters local indicators of spatial association. Our approach successfully identifies distinct tissue architectures in datasets generated from three state‐of‐the‐art high‐parameter assays demonstrating its value in summarizing the information‐rich data generated from these technologies.
Addition of formaldehyde releaser imidazolidinyl urea and MOPS buffer to urine samples enables delayed processing for flow cytometric analysis of urinary cells: A simple, two step conservation method of urinary cells for flow cytometry
Authors: Freund Paul , Skopnik Christopher M. , Metzke Diana , Goerlich Nina , Klocke Jan , Grothgar Emil , Prskalo Luka , Hiepe Falk , Enghard Philipp
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Kidney diseases are a major health concern worldwide. Currently there is a large unmet need for novel biomarkers to non‐invasively diagnose and monitor kidney diseases. Urinary cells are promising biomarkers and their analysis by flow cytometry has demonstrated its utility in diverse clinical settings. However, up to date this methodology depends on fresh samples, as cellular event counts and the signal‐to‐noise‐ratio deter over time. Here we developed an easy‐to‐use two‐step preservation method for conservation of urine samples for subsequent flow cytometry.

Methods

The protocol utilizes a combination of the formaldehyde releasing agent imidazolidinyl urea (IU) and MOPS buffer, leading to gentle fixation of urinary cells.

Results

The preservation method increases acceptable storing time of urine samples from several hours to up to 6 days. Cellular event counts and staining properties of cells remain comparable to fresh untreated samples.

Outlook

The hereby presented preservation method facilitates future investigations on flow cytometry of urinary cells as potential biomarkers and may enable broad implementation in clinical practice.
Fine‐needle aspiration cytology of parotid mucinous myoepithelioma with follow‐up histopathology: A case report
Authors: Thakur Abha , Lipi Lipika , Sarin Haimanti , Goel Ruchika K. , Gupta Rajiv , Sarin Deepak
Published: March 2023

Myoepitheliomas are rare tumours of salivary glands. Mucinous myoepithelioma (MM) is a newly described variant with rare cases reported in the literature. This case report highlights cytopathologic features with histologic follow up of MM.