bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The co‐location of CD14+APOE+ cells and MMP7+ tumour cells contributed to worse immunotherapy response in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Fan Guangyu , Xie Tongji , Tang Le , Li Lin , Han Xiaohong , Shi Yuankai
Published: August 2024

Intra‐tumour immune infiltration is a crucial determinant affecting immunotherapy response in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, its phenotype and related spatial structure have remained elusive. To overcome these restrictions, we undertook a comprehensive study comprising spatial transcriptomic (ST) data (28 712 spots from six samples). We identified two distinct intra‐tumour infiltration patterns: immune exclusion (characterised by myeloid cells) and immune activation (characterised by plasma cells). The immune exclusion and immune activation signatures showed adverse and favourable roles in NSCLC patients' survival, respectively. Notably, CD14+APOE+ cells were recognised as the main cell type in immune exclusion samples, with increased epithelial‒mesenchymal transition and decreased immune activities. The co‐location of CD14+APOE+ cells and MMP7+ tumour cells was observed in both ST and bulk transcriptomics data, validated by multiplex immunofluorescence performed on 20 NSCLC samples. The co‐location area exhibited the upregulation of proliferation‐related pathways and hypoxia activities. This co‐localisation inhibited T‐cell infiltration and the formation of tertiary lymphoid structures. Both CD14+APOE+ cells and MMP7+ tumour cells were associated with worse survival. In an immunotherapy cohort from the ORIENT‐3 clinical trial, NSCLC patients who responded unfavourably exhibited higher infiltration of CD14+APOE+ cells and MMP7+ tumour cells. Within the co‐location area, the MK, SEMA3 and Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) signalling pathway was most active in cell‒cell communication. This study identified immune exclusion and activation patterns in NSCLC and the co‐location of CD14+APOE+ cells and MMP7+ tumour cells as contributors to immune resistance.
Pleomorphic Liposarcoma Cytologically Detected in Hemosiderotic Pleural Effusion: Pitfalls Mitigated by Cytologic Clues and Cellblock Immunocytochemistry
Authors: AbdullGaffar Badr , Keloth Tasnim
Published: August 2024

Sarcomatous serous effusions are uncommon and diagnostically challenging. Dedifferentiated and pleomorphic liposarcomas are rare tumors in pleural effusions revealing highly pleomorphic tumor cells mimicking carcinoma, mesothelioma, melanoma, and other sarcomas. Hematothoracic effusions further complicate the cytologic diagnosis. Correct cytologic recognition is important. We report pleomorphic liposarcoma cytologically detected in effusion fluid in a 56‐year‐old man who presented with a massive unilateral pleural effusion. ThinPrep showed hemorrhagic effusion fluid characterized by lysed red blood cells, foamy macrophages, and siderophages intermixed with highly pleomorphic predominantly naked mononuclear and giant nuclei. The aggregated siderophages and vacuolated macrophages could be mistaken for tumor cells, whereas the bare nuclei may be missed as nonspecific degenerate changes. Cellblock sections showed highly pleomorphic mononuclear and multinucleated giant tumor cells with diagnostic lipoblasts, intermixed with foamy macrophages and siderophages. Cellblock immunocytochemistry showed staining for vimentin and S‐100 protein in the tumor cells. Other lineage‐specific immunomarkers were negative. CD68 and calretinin revealed frequent background macrophages and scarce mesothelial cells. The tumor cells were negative for MDM2 and CDK4. The entertained cytopathologic diagnosis was pleomorphic liposarcoma. Core needle biopsy was procured from the mass. The histopathologic features and immunoprofile of the tissue specimen matched the cytopathologic and immunocytochemical findings confirming the cytologic diagnosis of pleomorphic liposarcoma. Pleomorphic liposarcoma is an unexpected cytologically challenging finding in effusions, particularly when compounded by pitfalls introduced by hemosiderotic fluid. Attention to certain cytologic clues mitigate pitfalls. Cellblock is a valuable diagnostic tool when integrated with relevant negative and positive immunocytochemical markers.
A rapid and simple endoscopic resection of gastric fundus submucosal tumors
Authors: Guo Mingwen , Yang Bing , Guo Yi Juan , Yang WenGuang , Wen SiChao , Ren YuHong
Published: August 2024

A 56‐year‐old male patient was diagnosed with a submucosal tumor in the fundus of the stomach. The conventional operation method is endoscopic submucosal dissection. We present a case of rapid tumor resection without employing traditional endoscopic submucosal dissection instruments such as a mucotomy knife and endoscopic injection needle, resulting in substantial cost savings for the patients.
Unveiling the Catalytic Power of Molybdenum Complexes Formed from Acyl‐Hydrazones: Deciphering the Relationship Between Structure, Activity and Mechanisms
Authors: Mrkonja Silvija , Pajski Matea , Topić Edi , Agustin Dominique , Pisk Jana
Published: August 2024

Molybdenum complexes featuring acyl‐hydrazones ligands with several substitutions, H2L, have been synthesized using classic solution‐based, hydrothermal, and mechanochemical techniques in diverse solvent environments. Elemental analysis (EA), infrared attenuated total reflection spectroscopy (IR‐ATR), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) helped to elucidate the structural and thermal properties of these complexes. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (SCXRD) experiments were conducted to determine the crystal and molecular structures of one ligand and six mononuclear complexes, denoted [MoO2(L)(D)] (D=MeOH, EtOH, H2O). The catalytic potential of those Mo compounds was explored in the (ep)oxidation reactions of cyclooctene as model substrate and linalool as natural substrate issued from biomass, employing aqueous tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as an oxidising agent and no additional organic solvent. Experimental findings were complemented by theoretical density functional theory (DFT) calculations, establishing a correlation between experimental results and theoretical predictions. Insights gained from this comprehensive investigation shed light on the role of ligands in catalytic pathways for both cyclooctene and linalool oxidation, thereby advancing our better understanding of molybdenum‐based catalytic systems.
Electroreduction Reactions Mediated by Organic Molecules: Recent Advances and Applications
Authors: Huang Yubing
Published: August 2024

Electroreduction is an important aspect of organic electrochemistry. Its chemistry does not require the addition of additional reductants, making it an effective alternative to various traditional reduction reactions. Among them, organo‐mediated electroreduction is recognized as a promising approach. Organo‐mediators can be reduced directly at the cathode to form reactive radical anions that subsequently reduce the substrate via electron transfer (ET) to initiate the reaction being investigated. Organo‐mediators typically have a more positive reduction potential, and their role in the whole reaction is similar to that of catalysts. Their addition transforms the ET process from the original heterogeneous process into a homogeneous one. Organo‐mediated electroreduction can effectively avoid the over‐electrolysis of the substrate and the product at the electrode and the intolerance of sensitive substrates or functional groups during electrolysis, thereby preventing the occurrence of side reactions. It can also prevent the excessive consumption of reagents and electrical energy while promoting the reaction to achieve higher or completely different selectivity. Considering the advantages of this type of reaction, this review will provide a detailed description of electroreduction reactions mediated by organic molecules in recent years and elucidate the mechanism of the organo‐mediators in the transformations.
FishAI: Automated hierarchical marine fish image classification with vision transformer
Authors: Yang Chenghan , Zhou Peng , Wang Chun‐Sheng , Fu Ge‐Yi , Xu Xue‐Wei , Niu Zhibin , Zhu Lin , Yuan Ye , Shen Hong‐Bin , Pan Xiaoyong
Published: August 2024

To address the issues of high demand for efficiently recognizing fish species in marine scientific research, such as impact assessments on biodiversity and monitoring, an automated hierarchical image classification web‐based platform, named FishAI, was developed. Trained with marine fish images collected from the World Register of Marine Species, FishAI used the Vision Transformer (ViT) model, to classify fish. The model considers hierarchy levels, covering 3 classes, 38 orders, 154 families, 438 genera, and 808 species. The FishAI achieved accuracies of 0.975 (Class), 0.798 (Order), 0.743 (Family), 0.638 (Genus), and 0.626 (Species) on test images, respectively, by using the hyperparameter optimization. Comparison between ViT and other baseline backbones proves its superiority by capturing long‐distance dependency. In addition, FishAI yields the top‐5 prediction accuracies of 1.000 (Class), 0.887 (Order), 0.816 (Family), 0.729 (Genus), and 0.727 (Species), respectively. In order to further enhance the practicality of FishAI, the user‐friendly graphic interface (http://www.csbio.sjtu.edu.cn/bioinf/FishAI/) facilitates its easy‐to‐use application. Furthermore, interpretability analysis by Grad‐CAM provides a visual explanation of the highlighted regions on the images for FishAI's prediction among different hierarchies.
Metabolic engineering of crocins and picrocrocin apocarotenoids in potato group phureja
Authors: Gómez‐Gómez Lourdes , López‐Jimenez Alberto José , Martinez Fajardo Cristian , Morote Lucía , Frusciante Sarah , Rambla José Luis , Diretto Gianfranco , Rubio‐Moraga Ángela , Mondejar‐López María , Niza Enrique , Argandoña Javier , Presa Silvia , Granell Antonio , Ahrazem Oussama
Published: August 2024

The stigmas of Crocus sativus accumulate the exclusive apocarotenoids crocin and picrocrocin, which are dried and desiccated to make commercial saffron. In addition to providing characteristic organoleptic qualities, saffron apocarotenoids are valuable compounds in the pharmaceutical and health industries. Previously, we developed Desirée potato tubers enriched with these apocarotenoids which also showed increased potential benefits for human health. In the current study, Solanum tuberosum (S. tuberosum) Group Phureja 01H15 which accumulates high levels of zeaxanthin, was engineered to produce saffron apocarotenoids to increase the levels of these metabolites in potato tubers using a construct namely O6, which contains the CsCCD2L, UGT74AD1, and UGT709G1 genes necessary for the biosynthesis of crocin and picrocrocin under the control of the patatin promoter. Here, we obtained transgenic S. tuberosum Group Phureja 01H15 lines with high concentrations of crocins and picrocrocin (up to 3.648 mg/g DW, 2.345 mg/g DW, respectively), which were up to 10 and 3 times higher than those obtained in the Desirée background, respectively. Furthermore, we performed transcriptome analyses of tubers from Desirée and 01H15 wild type and carrying O6 construct. Differentially expressed gene analysis revealed transcript changes not only on tuber carotenoid and apocarotenoid genes but also in other related pathways, suggesting a possible role in isoprenoid metabolism remodeling. Thus, this heterologous system serves as a robust platform for the production of these valuable metabolites.
Co–Mn Bimetallic Metal–Organic Frameworks Nanosheets for Efficient Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalysis
Authors: Hao Yongchao , Wang Ling , Cheng Shuling , Cheng Huiya , He Qianyun , Yi Lizhi
Published: August 2024

Developing an efficient oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalyst is the footstone of many electrochemical energy conversion devices. Herein, a cobalt–manganese bimetallic metal–organic framework (MOF) is developed as an efficient OER catalyst (denoted as Co3Mn1 BDC). The Co3Mn1 BDC nanosheets demonstrate advantages in specific surface area, pore size distribution comparing with monometallic Co BDC and Mn BDC. The performance investigations demonstrate that the doping of Mn in Co‐based MOFs facilitates the electrochemical area, charge transfer efficiency, reaction kinetics, and turnover frequency. As a consequence, the Co3Mn1 BDC exhibits a low overpotential of 289 mV at current of 10 mA cm−2 and a favorable Tafel slope of 56.8 mV dec−1 on glassy carbon electrode, which is better than IrO2. When the catalyst is loaded on Ni foam, the overpotential and Tafel slope are further decreased to 231 mV and 50.8 mV dec−1. Moreover, the Raman spectrum confirms that the Co3Mn1 BDC can be transformed into active CoOOH, suggesting the bright prospect in electrocatalysis devices as “precatalyst”.
Establishment of a Flow-Through System for the Macrophyte Growth Inhibition Test (OECD 239) Including Photosynthetic Activity Measurement to Determine Early Effects
Authors: Lousberg Joëlle , Hanfland Jost , Kosak Lena Alix , Eilebrecht Sebastian , Ringbeck Benedikt , Schlich Karsten
Published: August 2024

Maintaining constant exposure concentrations during ecotoxicological studies while testing rapidly degradable substances is a challenge. To achieve stable concentrations during exposure, flow-through systems are used. To assess the impact of substances on higher aquatic plants, the 14-day macrophyte water–sediment Myriophyllum spicatum growth inhibition test (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development [OECD, 2014a] test guideline 239) only includes a static or a semistatic test design. The main aim of our study was to investigate the applicability of a flow-through system for M. spicatum. The standard OECD test design was miniaturized, and a flow-through system with spill-over was developed to achieve stable exposure concentrations of a rapidly degrading substance. The main endpoints were total shoot length and fresh and dry weight. Photosynthetic activity was used as an endpoint for the identification of early effects using the noninvasive Image-Producing Pulse Amplitude Modulation (IMAGING-PAM) procedure. Atorvastatin (AV; fast degrading) and bentazone (BT; photosynthesis inhibitor) were used as model substances to observe differences of the effect concentration depending on the test design. At higher exposure levels of AV, stronger necrosis combined with lower effect concentrations was observed in the flow-through test compared with the semistatic test, indicating the applicability of the flow-through test for evaluating degradable substances. The test with BT demonstrated a concentration-dependent decrease in the photosynthetic yield (Y(II)) from day 3 onward even before macroscopically visible changes occurred. Our results show that the flow-through system in the macrophyte growth inhibition test (OECD test guideline 239; 2014a) is a suitable alternative when one is testing rapidly degradable substances such as AV. In addition, we showed that photosynthetic yield can serve as a supplementary endpoint, when one is testing substances with photosynthesis inhibition as a mode of action. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:2589–2600. © 2024 The Author(s). Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Astrocytic Ca2+ activation by chemogenetics mitigates the effect of kainic acid‐induced excitotoxicity on the hippocampus
Authors: Hernández‐Martín Nira , Martínez María Gómez , Bascuñana Pablo , Fernández de la Rosa Rubén , García‐García Luis , Gómez Francisca , Solas Maite , Martín Eduardo D. , Pozo Miguel A.
Published: August 2024

Astrocytes play a multifaceted role regulating brain glucose metabolism, ion homeostasis, neurotransmitters clearance, and water dynamics being essential in supporting synaptic function. Under different pathological conditions such as brain stroke, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative disorders, excitotoxicity plays a crucial role, however, the contribution of astrocytic activity in protecting neurons from excitotoxicity‐induced damage is yet to be fully understood. In this work, we evaluated the effect of astrocytic activation by Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs) on brain glucose metabolism in wild‐type (WT) mice, and we investigated the effects of sustained astrocyte activation following an insult induced by intrahippocampal (iHPC) kainic acid (KA) injection using 2‐deoxy‐2‐[18F]‐fluoro‐D‐glucose (18F‐FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, along with behavioral test, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and histochemistry. Astrocytic Ca2+ activation increased the 18F‐FDG uptake, but this effect was not found when the study was performed in knock out mice for type‐2 inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptor (Ip3r2−/−) nor in floxed mice to abolish glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) expression in hippocampal astrocytes (GLUT1ΔGFAP). Sustained astrocyte activation after KA injection reversed the brain glucose hypometabolism, restored hippocampal function, prevented neuronal death, and increased hippocampal GABA levels. The findings of our study indicate that astrocytic GLUT1 function is crucial for regulating brain glucose metabolism. Astrocytic Ca2+ activation has been shown to promote adaptive changes that significantly contribute to mitigating the effects of KA‐induced damage. This evidence suggests a protective role of activated astrocytes against KA‐induced excitotoxicity.
Influences of thermal and mass stratification on unsteady magnetohydrodynamics parabolic flow along an infinite vertical plate with periodic temperature variation and exponential mass diffusion in porous medium
Authors: Sahu Digbash , Deka Rudra Kanta
Published: August 2024

This study explores the dynamics of unsteady magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) parabolic flow along an infinite vertical plate, emphasizing the effects of thermal and mass stratification in a porous medium subjected to periodic temperature variation and exponential mass diffusion. Utilizing the Laplace transform technique to obtain precise solutions, this study effectively integrates the impacts of both thermal and mass stratification without dependence on approximations. The main goal is to assess how thermal and mass stratification impact MHD flow dynamics, temperature, and concentration profiles under varying conditions. The study provides a thorough comparison of these findings with traditional nonstratified scenarios, presenting a comprehensive analysis of fluid behavior under diverse conditions. The conclusions reveal that thermal and mass stratifications considerably diminish velocity and stabilize temperature distributions, which suggests a damping influence on fluid movement and improved management of diffusion processes. Enhanced Grashof numbers improve heat and mass transfer efficiency, while magnetic and Darcy parameters significantly influence flow resistance and heat transfer characteristics. These conditions also result in higher Nusselt and Sherwood numbers, indicating increased efficiency in heat and mass transfer. In contrast, scenarios without stratification display higher velocities and more unstable temperature and concentration profiles. The findings highlight the critical role of stratification in improving fluid dynamics and increasing the efficiency of heat and mass transfer processes, offering valuable insights for engineering and environmental applications in similar conditions. The main novelty of the research is being the first to use the Laplace transform for exact solutions on combined thermal and mass stratification in MHD flows, enhancing prediction accuracy and process control.
The preventive and therapeutic role of Lactobacillus spp. in in vitro model of inflammation via affecting autophagy signaling pathway
Authors: Haririzadeh Jouriani Fatemeh , Torfeh Mahnaz , Torkamaneh Mahdi , Sepehr Amin , Rohani Mahdi , Aghamohammad Shadi
Published: August 2024

Background

Intestinal inflammation has various causes and leads to some inflammatory diseases, of which autophagy pathway dysfunction could be considered as one of them. Probiotics could have a positive effect on reducing inflammation by activating the autophagy pathway. To evaluate the precise effects of probiotics as preventive and therapeutic agents to control the symptoms of inflammatory diseases, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of Lactobacillus spp. in regulating the autophagy signaling pathway.

Methods

A quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay was used to analyze the expression of autophagy genes involved in the formation of phagophores, autophagosomes, and autolysosomes after exposing the HT‐29 cell line to sonicated pathogens and adding Lactobacillus spp. before, after, and simultaneously with inflammation. A cytokine assay was also accomplished to evaluate the interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐1β level following the probiotic treatment.

Results

Lactobacillus spp. generally increased autophagy gene expression and consumption of Lactobacillus spp. before, simultaneously, and after inflammation, ultimately leading to activate autophagy pathways. The proinflammatory cytokines including IL‐6 and IL‐1β decreased after probiotic treatment.

Conclusions

Our native probiotic Lactobacillus spp. showed beneficial effects on HT‐29 cells by increasing autophagy gene expression and decreasing the proinflammatory cytokines production in all treatments. Therefore, this novel probiotic cocktail Lactobacillus spp. can prevent and treat inflammation‐related diseases.
Optimal therapeutic strategies for hepatic metachronous oligometastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma: Insights from a retrospective study
Authors: Huang Haoyang , Zhao Yuping , Deng Ying , Zhan Zejiang , Huang Yingying , Cao Xun , Chen Xi , Zhou Jiayu , Liang Chixiong , Zhang Lulu , Luo Zhuoying , Guo Xiang , Lv Xing
Published: August 2024

Hepatic metachronous oligometastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (hmoNPC) exhibits distinct clinical characteristics compared to other types of metastatic NPC. We investigated the optimal therapy for hmoNPC. 160 patients with hmoNPC treated in Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer Center between 2010 and 2021 were retrospectively recruited. A total of 56 patients were classified into the local therapy (LT) cohort, 23 into the systemic therapy (ST) cohort and 81 into the combination therapy (LT + ST) cohort. The median PFS was 7.9 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.1–11.9 months) in the LT cohort, 15.5 months (95% CI: 10.5–32.3 months) in the ST cohort, and 31.3 months (95% CI: 20.3 to NA months) in the LT + ST cohort. The median OS was 41.1 months (95% CI: 30.0–54.0 months) in the LT cohort, 50.4 months (95% CI: 41.5 to NA months) in the ST cohort and not reached (NR) (95% CI: 77.3 to NA months) in the LT + ST cohort. Cox analysis was used to construct nomograms to predict patient outcomes. Among patients with no evidence of disease status after LT, the prognosis was significantly better in the LT + ST cohort than LT cohort (median PFS: NR [95% CI: 29.0 to NA months] vs. 20.0 months [95% CI: 10.4 to NA months]). More survival benefits were achieved with platinum‐based chemotherapy than oral monotherapy (median PFS: NR [95% CI: 21.7 to NA months] vs. 17.2 months [95% CI: 10.2 to NA months]). Fewer postoperative early progression events were observed in neoadjuvant chemotherapy cohort than in adjuvant chemotherapy cohort (2.78% vs. 18.81%, P = .013). In conclusion, combining neoadjuvant platinum‐based chemotherapy and local therapy was the best strategy for patients with hmoNPC.
Association of pre‐pregnancy body mass index and gestational weight gain on postpartum pelvic floor muscle morphology and function in Chinese primiparous women: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Shao Fei‐Xue , He Ping , Mao Ya‐Jing , Liu Huan‐Rong , Wan Sheng , Qin Shi , Luo Wei‐Jia , Cheng Jie‐Jun , Ren Min , Hua Xiao‐Lin
Published: August 2024

Objective

Our study aimed to investigate the association between maternal pre‐pregnancy body mass index (BMI), gestational weight gain (GWG), and impaired pelvic floor muscle (PFM) morphology and function during the early postpartum period.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted at Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital from December 2020 to December 2022. A total of 1118 primiparous women with singleton pregnancies who underwent vaginal deliveries and participated in postpartum PFM assessments were included. Maternal pre‐pregnancy BMI and GWG were considered as exposures. PFM morphology and function impairment were the primary outcomes. PFM morphology impairment, defined as levator ani muscle avulsion, was assessed using transperineal ultrasound. PFM function impairment, manifested as diminished PFM fiber strength, was assessed through vaginal manometry. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Restricted cubic spline models were used to validate and visualize the relationship.

Results

Women with lower pre‐pregnancy BMI were at an increased risk of levator ani muscle avulsion (aOR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.10–2.70, P = 0.017), particularly when combined with excessive GWG during pregnancy (aOR = 3.20, 95% CI: 1.15–8.97, P = 0.027). Lower pre‐pregnancy BMI was also identified as an independent predictor of PFM weakness (aOR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.08–2.16, P = 0.017 for type I fiber injuries). Notably, regardless of the avulsion status, both underweight and overweight/obese women faced an elevated risk of reduced PFM strength (aOR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.17–2.59, P = 0.006 for underweight women with type I fiber injuries; aOR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.06–2.64, P = 0.027; and aOR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.09–2.76, P = 0.021 for overweight/obese women with type I and type II fibers injuries, respectively).

Conclusions

Both lower and higher pre‐pregnancy BMI, as well as excessive GWG, were strongly associated with PFM impairments. These findings highlighted the critical importance of comprehensive weight management throughout pregnancy to effectively promote women's pelvic health.
Application of Non‐Immersive Virtual Reality in Cerebral Palsy Children: A Systematic Review
Authors: Dwarkadas Agrawal Luckykumar , Talasila Viswanath , Kirmani Sheeraz , Challa Rama Krishna , Srinivasa K. G.
Published: August 2024

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a movement disorder caused by brain damage. Virtual reality (VR) can improve motor function and daily life activities in CP patients. This systematic review examines the use of non‐immersive VR in treating CP children. The objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of non‐immersive VR in rehabilitating CP children as a standalone intervention or in combination with traditional therapy. The review follows the PRISMA guidelines and includes a comprehensive search of five bibliographic databases. Two reviewers independently assess the search results, evaluate full‐text publications, and extract relevant data. The outcomes were described by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health for Children and Youth (ICF‐CY) framework. A total of 20 English‐language studies published between January 2013 and January 2023 are included in the review based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The findings demonstrate that non‐immersive VR, when used in conjunction with traditional therapy, yields positive effects on body structure and function (hand function, grip strength, and upper extremity function), activity (motor function, activities of daily life [ADL], balance), and participation (caretakers' assessment, usability, motivation, and user satisfaction) in CP children. Moreover, non‐immersive VR alone is found to be more efficient than traditional therapy in improving manual dexterity in CP children. The non‐immersive VR can be effective in rehabilitating CP children, and the review concludes by recommending future research with larger sample sizes and randomized trials to investigate further the potential benefits of non‐immersive VR in this population.
Wafer‐scale single‐crystal two‐dimensional materials for integrated optoelectronics
Authors: Feng Xin , Ma Yiran , Huang Tian , Liu Shenghong , Liu Lixin , Guo Erjuan , Liu Kailang , Li Yuan , Zhou Xing , Li Huiqiao , Zhai Tianyou
Published: August 2024

Since the pioneering research on graphene, two‐dimensional (2D) materials have been considered as the most promising candidates to continue advancing Moore's Law, and an emerging material family, which has bred a lot of novel functional applications beyond the Si‐based integrated circuit. Unfortunately, abundant challenges in the synthesis of wafer‐scale single‐crystal (WSSC) 2D materials and their on‐chip integration technology severely hinder their commercialization road. Over the past few years, significant technique breakthroughs of WSSC 2D materials have been increasingly achieved, accordingly a comprehensive review and critical evaluation of these new advances are pressingly required. In this review article, the outstanding research progress on the synthesis of WSSC 2D materials and 2D material‐based on‐chip integration technology, including 2D materials integration, nanopatterning, electrode integration, and dielectric integration, are summarized in detail. Then, the major application prospect of different types of WSSC 2D materials in optoelectronics is discussed. Finally, a critical assessment of these advancements is given, as well as the potential challenges and opportunities in the foreseeable future.
Computing imaging in shortwave infrared bands enabled by MoTe2/Si 2D‐3D heterojunction‐based photodiode
Authors: Shi Dongfeng , Chen Jiawang , Zhu Menglei , Guo Zijun , He Zixin , Li Ming , Wu Di , Wang Yingjian , Li Liang
Published: August 2024

Breakthroughs brought about by two‐dimensional (2D) materials in the field of photodetection have opened up new possibilities in infrared imaging. However, challenges still exist in fabricating high‐density detector arrays using such materials, which are essential for traditional imaging systems. In this study, we present a state‐of‐the‐art computing imaging system that utilizes a MoTe2/Si self‐powered photodetector coupled with flexible Hadamard modulation algorithms. This system demonstrates remarkable capability to produce high‐quality images in the shortwave infrared (SWIR) band, surpassing the capabilities of devices based on alternative material systems. The exceptional infrared imaging capability primarily stems from the MoTe2/Si photodetector's inherent features, including an ultra‐wide spectral range (265–1550 nm) and extremely high sensitivity (linear dynamic range (LDR) up to 123 dB, responsivity (R) up to 0.33 A W–1, external quantum efficiency (EQE) up to 43% and a specific detectivity (D*) exceeding 2.9 × 1011 Jones). Moreover, the imaging system demonstrates the ability to achieve high‐quality edge imaging of objects in the SWIR band (1550 nm), even in strong scattering environments and under low sampling rate conditions (sampling rate of 25%). We believe that this work will effectively advance the application scope of 2D materials in the field of computational imaging in SWIR bands.

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Epigenetic alternations in the SYP and DLG4 genes due to low‐level methylmercury exposure during neuronal differentiation in vitro
Authors: Kurita Hisaka , Masuda Haruka , Okuda Ayu , Go Suzuna , Ohuchi Kazuki , Yoshioka Hiroki , Fujimura Masatake , Hozumi Isao , Inden Masatoshi
Published: August 2024

Methylmercury (MeHg) is an environmental toxin known to damage the central nervous system. When pregnant women ingest seafood, which may contain accumulated MeHg, fetal development may be affected. The embryonic period, a time of major epigenetic change, is susceptible to epigenetic disruptions due to chemical exposure. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanism underlying MeHg's effects on neuronal development requires consideration of epigenetic factors. In this study, we investigated epigenetic modifications in the synaptophysin (SYP) and discs large MAGUK scaffold protein 4 (DLG4) genes. LUHMES cells were exposed to 1 nM MeHg for 6 days during days 2–8 of neural differentiation. MeHg exposure significantly reduced the number of spikes observed on day 16 of differentiation. Both mRNA and protein expression levels of SYP and DLG4 were significantly decreased by MeHg exposure. Additionally, MeHg treatment reduced acetyl histone H3 levels associated with transcriptional activity in the SYP gene while increasing histone H3 lysine 27 tri‐methylation (H3K27me3) levels related to transcriptional repression. Conversely, regarding the DLG4 gene, MeHg exposure increased H3K27me3 levels. Differential changes in DNA methylation (high and low methylation states) were observed in the SYP and DLG4 genes due to MeHg exposure depending on CpG site position. In conclusion, this study suggests that epigenetic changes, particularly histone modifications, contribute to decreased MeHg exposure‐induced SYP and DLG4 expression during neuronal differentiation.
Comparative efficacy of double plasma molecular adsorption system combined with plasma exchange versus plasma exchange in treating acute‐on‐chronic liver failure due to hepatitis B: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Le , Ma Yan , Wang Xia , Ma Li‐Na , Ma Wanlong , Ding Xiang‐Chun
Published: August 2024

This meta‐analysis aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the double plasma molecular adsorption system (DPMAS) in combination with plasma exchange (PE) compared to plasma exchange alone in the treatment of Acute‐on‐Chronic liver failure (LF) caused by hepatitis B. Until August 31, 2023, a comprehensive search of databases including Embase, Chinese Medical Journal Full‐text Database, China Biomedical Literature Database, Wan Fang Medical Network, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library was carried out using keywords like “liver failure,” “acute‐on‐chronic liver failure,” “PE,” “DPMAS,” and related terms. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using QUADS (quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies). Software Revman 5.3 was used to examine the data, while Stata 15.1 was used to run Egger's test. Following thorough screening, 452 patients who received PE alone and 429 patients who received DPMAS in addition to PE were included. Every study that was included was of a high caliber. When comparing the DPMAS plus PE group to the PE alone group, the total bilirubin reduction was considerably higher (mean difference [MD] = −49.09, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −54.84 to −43.35, p < .00001). Prothrombin activity (PTA; MD = −1.53, 95% CI: −3.29 to −0.22, p = .09), albumin (ALB; MD = −0.58, 95% CI: −1.57 to 0.41, p = .25), prothrombin time (PT; MD = −0.07, 95% CI: −1.47 to 1.34, p = .92), and platelet count (PLT; MD = −0.08, 95% CI: −1.33 to 1.66, p = .90) did not differ significantly. The improvement in international standardized ratio (INR) was significantly greater in the PE group (MD = 0.07, 95% CI (0.03, 0.10), p = .0001). When combined with DPMAS, PE has been shown to be more effective in lowering total bilirubin levels. PE can also lower INR in individuals who have hepatitis B‐related ACLF. This therapeutic strategy also lessens the need for plasma transfusions.
Single‐crystal X‐ray analysis of the diketo form of asymmetric curcuminoids and coupled with NMR insights into its β‐Keto‐enol tautomerization at ambient temperature
Authors: Cheng Yang‐Je , Lin Jyun‐Yi , Shih Tzenge‐Lien , Hsieh Chung‐Hung
Published: August 2024

In this study, we present a detailed analysis of the structural forms of asymmetric curcuminoids through single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Curcuminoids substituted with electron‐withdrawing groups (Cl and Br) predominantly adopt the β‐keto‐enol form, whereas those with an OMe group exhibit both diketo and β‐keto‐enol forms. Variable‐temperature X‐ray diffraction studies confirm that the structural state of curcuminoids is influenced by temperature. Our findings also reveal that the β‐keto‐enol form is favored in acidic and neutral conditions, while the diketo form is more prevalent in basic environments. The theoretical Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations further elucidate the energy differences between the diketo and β‐keto‐enol forms, emphasizing the significance of electronic effects and temperature on tautomeric distributions. These insights enhance our understanding of the structural dynamics of curcuminoids, with implications for their biological activity and pharmacological applications.
The added value of superb microvascular imaging for renal cortical thickness measurement in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Limpisook Poemporn , Waongenngarm Pooriput , Siripongsakun Surachate , Nuangchamnong Nannapat , Promrach Nutsurang , Thabsangthong Thananya
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate renal parenchymal thickness and renal cortical thickness measurements on brightness mode ultrasound (B‐mode US) and B‐mode US + Superb Microvascular Imaging (SMI) technique, comparing with computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) serving as a reference standard.

Methods

Renal parenchymal thickness and renal cortical thickness measurements were obtained from B‐mode US, B‐mode US + SMI, and CT/MRI in a group of healthy subjects and a group of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The mean differences and correlations of renal parenchymal thickness and renal cortical thickness were analyzed using dependent pair t‐test and Pearson's correlation, respectively.

Results

The mean difference in renal cortical thickness measurements between B‐mode US + SMI and CT/MRI was lower than the mean difference between B‐mode US alone and CT/MRI. Additionally, renal cortical thickness measured using B‐mode US + SMI showed a stronger correlation with values obtained from CT/MRI than values measured using standard B‐mode US alone.

Conclusion

The measurement of renal cortical thickness by B‐mode US + SMI is more accurate than that by B‐mode US alone.
Artificial neural network prediction of postoperative complications in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma based on preoperative ultrasonographic features
Authors: Yi Zhanxiong , He Enhui , Yang Peipei , Wang Zhixiang , Hu Xiangdong , Feng Ying
Published: August 2024

Objective

To predict post‐thyroidectomy complications in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) patients using a deep learning model based on preoperative ultrasonographic features. This study addresses the global rise in PTMC incidence and the challenges in treatment decision‐making with high‐resolution ultrasonography.

Method

This study enrolled 1638 patients with clinically staged cN0 PTMC who received surgical treatment from 1997 to 2019 at Beijing Friendship Hospital. Deep learning model was developed using fully connected neural network. Feature selection included 1000 iterations of Bootstrap sampling and Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE) to identify the top 10 features. Data preprocessing involved normalization and imputation for missing values. SMOTE addressed class imbalance. The model was trained and tested on random data split, with performance metrics including Accuracy (ACC), Area Under the Curve (AUC), Sensitivity (SEN), and Specificity (SPE), visualized through a ROC curve and confusion matrix.

Results

The fully connected deep neural network model demonstrated high accuracy (ACC 0.81), Area Under the Curve (AUC 0.74), sensitivity (SEN 0.65), and specificity (SPE 0.83) and visualized by ROC curve and confusion matrix. These results highlight the model's reliability and potential as an effective tool in predicting postoperative complications and assisting in clinical decision‐making for PTMC patients.

Conclusion

This study highlights the potential of deep learning in enhancing medical predictions and personalized healthcare. Despite promising results, limitations include a single‐center data source and unconsidered factors like lifestyle and genetics. Future research should expand data sources, include more influencing factors, and refine algorithms to improve accuracy and applicability in thyroid cancer treatment.
The significance of assessing the umbilical cord on the placental side: A case report on fused umbilical arteries
Authors: Kaymak Didem , Dobral Arzu , Oruc Simge Berrak Beyoglu , Daglar Halil Korkut
Published: August 2024

This report details the case of a fetus with fused umbilical arteries (FUAs), which exhibited the presence of a single umbilical artery near the site of placental insertion, as well as normal two umbilical arteries at the fetal end of the umbilical cord. In our case, as the pregnancy progressed, there was an occurrence of late‐onset fetal growth restriction and oligohydramnios. This is a possibility that FUAs might impact the development of the fetus.
The association of the medial meniscus covering ratio with knee cartilage thickness at 15 medial compartment subregions as found by three‐dimensional analysis using MRI
Authors: Ozeki Nobutake , Koga Hideyuki , Nakamura Tomomasa , Katagiri Hiroki , Nakagawa Yusuke , Hoshino Takashi , Katakura Mai , Amemiya Masaki , Yoshihara Aritoshi , Katano Hisako , Mizuno Mitsuru , Endo Kentaro , Masumoto Jun , Sekiya Ichiro
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The correlation of cartilage thickness measured by three‐dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the medial meniscal coverage ratio (MMCR), which presented pathology of the medial meniscus extrusion (MME) in 3D MRI, has not yet been elucidated. The study's purpose was to retrospectively verify whether the average cartilage thickness calculated by the automatic MRI 3D analysis system for each subregion was correlated with MMCR.

Methods

A total of 60 patients underwent medial meniscus repair or high tibial osteotomy to treat their medial knee osteoarthritis. Cartilage thickness and MMCR were automatically calculated using 3D MRI software. The MMCR was defined as the ratio of the area covered by the meniscus within the medial tibial cartilage area to the total medial tibial cartilage area. The association between MMCR and the average cartilage thickness at 15 subregions in the medial femoral condyle (MFC) and medial tibial plateau (MTP) was evaluated using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.

Results

Kellgren–Lawrence grade exhibited a negative correlation with MMCR and a positive correlation with MME width. Cartilage thickness in the MTP had a moderately positive correlation with MMCR at four subregions and a weakly positive correlation at another subregion. Cartilage thickness in the MFC showed a moderately positive correlation with MMCR at five subregions and a weakly positive correlation at one subregion.

Conclusions

Cartilage thickness calculated by automatic MRI 3D analysis system had a positive correlation with MMCR for all subregions of the anterior and middle subregions in the MFC and for five regions of nine subregions of the anterior and middle subregions in the MTP.

Level of evidence

Level II, cross‐sectional study (diagnosis).
The impact of financial inclusion initiatives: Evidence from meta‐analysis
Authors: Biru Ashenafi , Molla Alemayehu , Ferraro Salvatore , Navon Yonatan
Published: August 2024

Developing an inclusive financial system is an important policy intervention to improve livelihood and reduce poverty. Despite this, the empirical evidence on the impacts of financial inclusion remains mixed. This study reports a meta‐analysis of studies on the impact of financial inclusion. The findings show that financial inclusion outcomes reflect small, positive and statistically significant average effects on consumption, income, asset and other poverty‐related indicators. The results of meta‐regression analysis also show that financial inclusion has a significant positive effect on household consumption. We discuss some of the sources of inconsistencies in financial inclusion studies, policy implications and future research directions.
19Fluorine‐MRI Based Longitudinal Immuno‐Microenvironment‐Monitoring for Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Reichardt Wilfried , Gewalt Tabea , Hafner Philipp , Keller Steffen J. , Chen Xun , Alrawashdeh Asma , Li Yayu , Besson Solène , Fichtner‐Feigl Stefan , von Elverfeldt Dominik , Jumaa Huda , Ruess Dietrich A.
Published: August 2024

Background

Pancreatic cancer has a poor prognosis. Targeting Kirsten Rat Sarcoma (KRAS) mutation and its related pathways may enhance immunotherapy efficacy. While in vivo monitoring of therapeutic response and immune cell migration remains challenging, Fluorine‐19 MRI (19F MRI) may allow noninvasive longitudinal imaging of immune cells.

Purpose

Evaluating the potential of 19F MRI for monitoring changes in the tumor immune microenvironment, in response to combined SHP2/MEK inhibition.

Study Type

Pre‐clinical animal study.

Animal Model

Murine genetically engineered pancreatic cancer model (N = 20, both sexes).

Field Strength/Sequence

9.4‐T, two‐dimensional multi‐slice Rapid Acquisition with Relaxation Enhancement sequence. Intravenous injection of 19F‐perfluorocarbon (PFC) nanoparticles.

Assessment

Upon tumor detection by conventional 1H MRI screening, 19F MRI was performed in mice 24 hours after PFC nanoparticle administration. Animals were randomly assigned to four treatment groups: allosteric Src‐homology‐2‐containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 2 (SHP2) inhibitor SHP099, the mitogen‐activated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (MEK1/2) inhibitor Trametinib, the combination of both, or a vehicle control (4 to 6 mice each group), administered every other day per oral gavage. 1H and 19F MRI was repeated 7 days and 14 days later. Pancreatic immune cell infiltrates were analyzed by flow cytometry and multiplex immunohistofluorescence (mIHF) upon sacrifice.

Statistical Tests

Independent t‐tests and one‐way analysis of variance.

Results

19F MRI revealed continuous decrease of PFC‐signals in tumors from vehicle controls (100%, 80%, and 74% on days 0, 7, and 14, respectively), contrasting with stable or increasing signals under KRAS‐pathway‐directed treatment. MEK inhibition showed 100%, 152%, and 84% and dual SHP2/MEK1/2 inhibition demonstrated signals of 100%, 134%, and 100% on days 0, 7, 14, respectively. mIHF analyses indicated CD11b+ macrophages/monocytes as primary contributors to the observed 19F MRI signal differences.

Data Conclusion

19F MRI might provide non‐invasive longitudinal estimates for abundance and spatial distribution of CD11b+ macrophages/monocytes in pancreatic cancer.

Evidence Level

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Enhanced interaction between ENSO and the South Atlantic subtropical dipole over the past four decades
Authors: Yu Lejiang , Zhong Shiyuan , Vihma Timo , Sui Cuijuan , Sun Bo
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the relationship between sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in the subtropical Atlantic Ocean, as represented by the Southern Atlantic subtropical dipole (SASD), and SST anomalies in the tropical Pacific Ocean, identified by the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Contrary to the previously held notion of a weak relationship between SASD and ENSO as suggested by earlier literature, our analysis reveals a substantial inverse correlation between the two. This correlation exhibits significant multi‐decadal variability, which has notably intensified over the most recent two decades compared with the preceding two decades. This intensification in the SASD–ENSO inverse correlation may be attributed to the shift in ENSO regime from predominance of eastern Pacific El Niño to central Pacific El Niño events around the turn of the century. This transition triggers wavetrains that propagate along different paths, consequently influencing the South Atlantic subtropical high and inducing alterations in anomalous SST patterns in the subtropical Atlantic Ocean. These findings advance our comprehension of the interactions between South Atlantic and Pacific SST variations, which strongly influence rainfall patterns, particularly in South America and southern Africa. Understanding such teleconnection holds promise for improving sub‐seasonal to seasonal precipitation predictions in these regions.