bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental study on the effect of tight gas fracturing flowback fluid composition on the performance of modified polyacrylamide viscosity reducing and slippery water system
Authors: Xiong Feng , Wang Xue‐Qiang , Liu Yang , Chen Long , Zhao Zhi‐Hong , Yang Hao , Hu Jing‐Yu , Li Ding , Zhang Yu , Li Ya‐Ding
Published: July 2023

Tight gas belongs to unconventional gas reservoirs, and to obtain high gas production, it needs to be fractured and reformed. After the construction is completed, a large amount of flowback fluid is produced. In order to reduce the cost of flowback fluid treatment and avoid environmental pollution, a slippery water system with flowback fluid is usually used on the site of hydraulic fracturing. Almost all flowback fluids contain high‐order cations such as calcium ions, magnesium ions, iron ions, and a large amount of suspended solids. Some flowback fluids contain incomplete gel‐breaking micelles and unseparated condensate oil. The performance of the viscosity‐reducing and slippery water system with flowback fluid as the base fluid is poor, usually manifested as low viscosity of the slippery water, low friction reduction rate, and high formation damage. To study the effect of tight gas fracturing flowback fluid on the performance of modified polyacrylamide viscosity‐reducing and slippery water system, this paper found through cryo‐electron microscopy scanning experiments that the flowback fluid made the modified polyacrylamide molecular chain unable to form a complex network structure and showed the phenomenon of reduced strength and aggregation. The effects of mineralization degree, calcium and magnesium ions, divalent and trivalent iron ions, suspended solids, pH value, and oil content on the viscosity, friction reduction performance, and rock damage of the viscosity‐reducing and slippery water system were analyzed experimentally. It was found that the viscosity of the viscosity‐reducing and slippery water system was mainly affected by divalent iron ions, calcium and magnesium ions and other divalent cations; the friction reduction rate was mainly affected by the content of suspended solids and oil content; and the rock damage was mainly affected by the pH value and the content of suspended solids. Based on this, recommended parameters for reusing tight gas fracturing flowback fluid are given to guide the smooth progress of hydraulic fracturing construction on‐site.
Properties of co‐precipitated jack bean starch‐based magnetic nanoparticles derivatives
Authors: Oladebeye Abraham Olasupo , Nomiye Margaret Moji , Osisike Miracle , Gbadamosi Kabirat Omotoyosi , Adeyemi Adewale Fatai , Ashogbon Adeleke Omodunbi , Oladebeye Aderonke Adenike
Published: July 2023

Low‐ and high‐derivatives of magnetic starch nanoparticles (MSNPs) are obtained at respective 5 and 10 mL of 25% glutaraldehyde at 60, 70, and 80°C via coprecipitation of iron (II, III) oxide with jack bean starch. Their swelling power, solubility, bulk density, Fourier transform infra‐red (FTIR) patterns, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)‐differential thermal analysis (DTA), x‐ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmet–Teller (BET) properties, and morphology are analyzed. The results show that the MSNPs derivatives are pH‐responsive and temperature‐dependent. Peak swelling power (4.19 ± 0.01 g/g) of MSNPs derivative is obtained at 60°C. MSNPs derivatives are more soluble in acidic medium than alkaline medium. Bulk density improves three times more in MSNPs derivatives. FeO stretching bonds are observed at 530.73, 551.03, and 621.44 cm−1 for the MSNPs derivatives in addition to peaks of OH stretching at 3251.06 cm−1 (native starch [NS]), 3308.41 cm−1 (low‐substituted MSNPs), and 3133.28 cm−1 (high‐substituted MSNPs). The TGA‐DTA curves are endothermic and MSNPs are thermally stable beyond 700°C. MSNPs derivatives exhibit average lattice constant of 0.82382 nm with prominent peaks at 30.00° 2θ and 32.00° 2θ. MSNPs derivatives are mesoporous with peak BET surface area of 50.462 m2g−1. The microstructures of NS and MSNPs derivatives are predominantly oval. The MSNPs studied can serve as alternative functional biomaterials and nanosorbents.
Ezh2‐dependent methylation in oral epithelia promotes secondary palatogenesis
Authors: Sun Bo , Reynolds Kurt , Saha Subbroto Kumar , Zhang Shuwen , McMahon Moira , Zhou Chengji J.
Published: July 2023

Background

In addition to genomic risk variants and environmental influences, increasing evidence suggests epigenetic modifications are important for orofacial development and their alterations can contribute to orofacial clefts. Ezh2 encodes a core catalytic component of the Polycomb repressive complex responsible for addition of methyl marks to Histone H3 as a mechanism of repressing target genes. The role of Ezh2 in orofacial clefts remains unknown.

Aims

To investigate the epithelial role of Ezh2‐dependent methylation in secondary palatogenesis.

Methods

We used conditional gene‐targeting methods to ablate Ezh2 in the surface ectoderm‐derived oral epithelium of mouse embryos. We then performed single‐cell RNA sequencing combined with immunofluorescence and RT‐qPCR to investigate gene expression in conditional mutant palate. We also employed double knockout analyses of Ezh1 and Ezh2 to address if they have synergistic roles in palatogenesis.

Results

We found that conditional inactivation of Ezh2 in oral epithelia results in partially penetrant cleft palate. Double knockout analyses revealed that another family member Ezh1 is dispensable in orofacial development, and it does not have synergistic roles with Ezh2 in palatogenesis. Histochemistry and single‐cell RNA‐seq analyses revealed dysregulation of cell cycle regulators in the palatal epithelia of Ezh2 mutant mouse embryos disrupts palatogenesis.

Conclusion

Ezh2‐dependent histone H3K27 methylation represses expression of cell cycle regulator Cdkn1a and promotes proliferation in the epithelium of the developing palatal shelves. Loss of this regulation may perturb movement of the palatal shelves, causing a delay in palate elevation which may result in failure of the secondary palate to close altogether.
Noninvasive treatment of psoriasis and skin rejuvenation using an akermanite‐type narrowband emitting phosphor
Authors: Sharma Aachal A. , Rakshita M. , Pradhan Payal P. , Prasad K. A. K. Durga , Mishra Siju , Jayanthi K. , Haranath D.
Published: July 2023

Psoriasis is a noncontagious, long‐lasting skin infection that affects many people around the world. Numerous therapeutic artificial treatments are available for the treatment of psoriasis, such as photodynamic therapy using broadband ultraviolet (UV) lamps, which have harmful effects on human skin. Similarly, the natural healing systems such as sunlight have a higher risk of sunburn and can cause dangerous forms of skin cancer. Significant light emission of a specific wavelength (in the UV range), and phosphor‐based devices demonstrate the effectiveness of treating psoriasis without damaging the skin. Gd3+‐doped calcium magnesium silicate [Ca2MgSi2O7:Gd3+,(CMS:Gd3+)] phosphor is one of the ideal phosphors that emit specific narrow UV wavelengths for curing psoriasis and is in great demand in the field of dermatology. Photoluminescence analysis at room temperature (~25°C) shows that the synthesized CMS:Gd3+ phosphor emits narrowband UV‐B light with a peak intensity at 314 nm. Comparative studies of the standard action spectrum of psoriasis with the emission spectrum of the CMS:Gd3+ phosphor show that the synthesized phosphor was the most suitable material for treating a variety of diseases, including psoriasis, vitiligo, type‐1 diabetes, dental disease, sleep and mood disorders, and other skin diseases.
Cost‐effectiveness analysis of sintilimab plus IBI305 versus sorafenib for unresectable hepatic cell carcinoma in China
Authors: Xu Zhe , Ye Zhuo‐miao , Tang Yu‐kai , Deng Dong‐feng , Zhou Qin , Fang Man , Zhang Ying‐ying , Li Xiang‐ping
Published: July 2023

Background

Sintilimab combined with IBI305 treatment regimen had potential clinical benefits than sorafenib in the first‐line treatment of patients with unresectable hepatic cell carcinoma (HCC). However, whether sintilimab plus IBI305 has economic benefits in China remains unclear.

Methods

From the perspective of Chinese payers, we used the Markov model to simulate patients with HCC receiving treatment with sintilimab plus IBI305 and sorafenib. The transition probability between health states was estimated using the parametric survival model, and the cumulative medical costs and utility of the two treatment methods were estimated. Considering the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs) as the evaluation index, sensitivity analyses were performed to explore the impact of uncertainty on the results.

Results

Compared to sorafenib, sintilimab plus IBI305 generated an additional $17552.17 and 0.33 quality‐adjusted life years, resulting in an ICER of $52817.89. The analysis outcomes were most sensitive to the total cost of sintilimab plus IBI305. With a willingness‐to‐pay threshold of $38,334, sintilimab plus IBI305 showed a 1.28% probability of being cost‐effective. The total cost of sintilimab plus IBI305 should be reduced by at least 31.9% to be accepted by Chinese payers.

Conclusions

Regardless of whether the price of sintilimab plus IBI305 and sorafenib is covered by Medicare, sintilimab plus IBI305 is unlikely to be cost‐effective for first‐line treatment of patients with unresectable HCC.
Value of the application of computed tomography‐based radiomics for preoperative prediction of unfavorable pathology in initial bladder cancer
Authors: Xiong Situ , Dong Wentao , Deng Zhikang , Jiang Ming , Li Sheng , Hu Bing , Liu Xiaoqiang , Chen Luyao , Xu Songhui , Fan Bing , Fu Bin
Published: July 2023

Objectives

To construct and validate unfavorable pathology (UFP) prediction models for patients with the first diagnosis of bladder cancer (initial BLCA) and to compare the comprehensive predictive performance of these models.

Materials and Methods

A total of 105 patients with initial BLCA were included and randomly enrolled into the training and testing cohorts in a 7:3 ratio. The clinical model was constructed using independent UFP‐risk factors determined by multivariate logistic regression (LR) analysis in the training cohort. Radiomics features were extracted from manually segmented regions of interest in computed tomography (CT) images. The optimal CT‐based radiomics features to predict UFP were determined by the optimal feature filter and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm. The radiomics model consist with the optimal features was constructed by the best of the six machine learning filters. The clinic‐radiomics model combined the clinical and radiomics models via LR. The area under the curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, calibration curve and decision curve analysis were used to evaluate the predictive performance of the models.

Results

Patients in the UFP group had a significantly older age (69.61 vs. 63.93 years, p = 0.034), lager tumor size (45.7% vs. 11.1%, p = 0.002) and higher neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR; 2.76 vs. 2.33, p = 0.017) than favorable pathologic group in the training cohort. Tumor size (OR, 6.02; 95% CI, 1.50–24.10; p = 0.011) and NLR (OR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.05–2.16; p = 0.026) were identified as independent predictive factors for UFP, and the clinical model was constructed using these factors. The LR classifier with the best AUC (0.817, the testing cohorts) was used to construct the radiomics model based on the optimal radiomics features. Finally, the clinic‐radiomics model was developed by combining the clinical and radiomics models using LR. After comparison, the clinic‐radiomics model had the best performance in comprehensive predictive efficacy (accuracy = 0.750, AUC = 0.817, the testing cohorts) and clinical net benefit among UFP‐prediction models, while the clinical model (accuracy = 0.625, AUC = 0.742, the testing cohorts) was the worst.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that the clinic‐radiomics model exhibits the best predictive efficacy and clinical net benefit for predicting UFP in initial BLCA compared with the clinical and radiomics model. The integration of radiomics features significantly improves the comprehensive performance of the clinical model.
Identification of age‐ and immune‐related gene signatures for clinical outcome prediction in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhou Andrew , Zhang Dalin , Kang Xiaoman , Brooks James D.
Published: July 2023

Background

The understanding of the factors causing decreased overall survival (OS) in older patients compared to younger patients in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains.

Methods

Gene expression profiles of LUAD were obtained from publicly available databases by Kaplan‐Meier analysis was performed to determine whether age was associated with patient OS. The immune cell composition in the tumor microenvironment (TME) was evaluated using CIBERSORT. The fraction of stromal and immune cells in tumor samples were also using assessed using multiple tools including ESTIMATE, EPIC, and TIMER. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from the RNA‐Seq data that were associated with age and immune cell composition were identified using the R package DEGseq. A 22‐gene signature composed of DEGs associated with age and immune cell composition that predicted OS were constructed using Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO).

Results

In The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)‐LUAD dataset, we found that younger patients (≤70) had a significant better OS compared to older patients (>70). In addition, older patients had significantly higher expression of immune checkpoint proteins including inhibitory T cell receptors and their ligands. Moreover, analyses using multiple bioinformatics tools showed increased immune infiltration, including CD4+ T cells, in older patients compared to younger patients. We identified a panel of genes differentially expressed between patients >70 years compared to those ≤70 years, as well as between patients with high or low immune scores and selected 84 common genes to construct a prognostic gene signature. A risk score calculated based on 22 genes selected by LASSO predicted 1, 3, and 5‐year OS, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.72, 0.72, 0.69, receptively, in TCGA‐LUAD dataset and an independent validation dataset available from the European Genome‐phenome Archive (EGA).

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that age contributes to OS of LUAD patients atleast in part through its association with immune infiltration in the TME.
ZDHHC11B is decreased in lung adenocarcinoma and inhibits tumorigenesis via regulating epithelial–mesenchymal transition
Authors: Dai Huanyu , Wu Ruiyue , Zhang Jiatong , Dou Rong , Xu Maohong , Wang Jiahui , Wang Jun , Su Fei , Zhang Tao
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The role and mechanism of zinc finger DHHC protein 11B (ZDHHC11B) in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remain unclear. We, thus, analyzed the expression pattern, biological function, and potential mechanism of ZDHHC11B in LUAD.

Methods

The expression level and prognostic value of ZDHHC11B were evaluated based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and further confirmed in LUAD tissues and cells. The effect of ZDHHC11B on the malignant biological progression of LUAD was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and western blot were used to explore the molecular mechanisms of ZDHHC11B.

Results

In vitro, ZDHHC11B inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of LUAD cells and induced the apoptosis of LUAD cells. In addition, ZDHHC11B inhibited the growth of tumors in nude mice. GSEA revealed that ZDHHC11B expression is positively correlated with epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Western blot analysis demonstrated that molecular markers of EMT were inhibited under ZDHHC11B overexpression conditions.

Conclusions

Our findings indicated that ZDHHC11B plays a significant role in inhibiting tumorigenesis via EMT. In addition, ZDHHC11B may be a candidate molecular target for LUAD treatment.
The effect of artificial intelligence (AI) robot characteristics and dialectical thinking on AI robot adoption intention
Authors: Kim Dongyoup , Hwang Kyusung , Lee Eunkyung , Yoon Yeosun
Published: July 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) is an essential strategic element for many industries. Practitioners are exploring ways to incorporate AI into their products, services, and processes, as it transforms everyday life. Recent studies have increasingly examined how consumers respond to various forms of AI robots. This study adds to the existing literature by investigating the factors that drive consumers to adopt AI robots and the underlying psychological processes. Through three studies, we show that consumers' perceived congruence in an AI robot plays an important role in determining their adoption intention for the AI robot. We further demonstrate that such a perception of congruence is jointly determined by the AI robot's benefit type and appearance familiarity. The findings suggest that consumers are more inclined to adopt an AI robot when they are designed to provide hedonic benefits and resembles real‐life objects. By contrast, an AI robot designed for utilitarian benefits are more likely to be adopted when it has the appearance of a machine. In addition, we show that perception of fit mediates this joint effect. Furthermore, we show that the effect of congruence perception on adoption intention is attenuated when consumers have a higher level of dialectical thinking. This study discusses both the theoretical and practical implications.
Optimization of β‐Cyclodextrin‐Assisted Extraction of Apigenin and Luteolin from Chrysanthemum indicum L. Using Response Surface Methodology Combined with Different Optimization Algorithms and Evaluation of Its Antioxidant Capacity
Authors: Nguyen Thu Hang , Nguyen Thu Hang , Nguyen‐Van Phuong
Published: July 2023

Cyclodextrins and their derivatives have shown successful applications in extracting active compounds from medicinal plants. However, the use of β‐cyclodextrin derivatives for extracting apigenin and luteolin from Chrysanthemum indicum L. remains unexplored. Additionally, the application of nature‐inspired optimization algorithms in optimizing extraction conditions has been limited. Therefore, this study was performed with the aims of optimizing the extraction of apigenin and luteolin from C. indicum with the assistance of 2‐hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (HP‐β‐CD) using response surface methodology combined with various optimization algorithms, including desirability function approach, genetic algorithm, particle swarm optimization, and firefly algorithm. The results showed that the optimal conditions obtained by the four algorithms were consistent, with an extraction time of 60 min, HP‐β‐CD concentration of 30 mg/mL, and a solvent‐to‐solid ratio of 24 mg/mL. At these conditions, the apigenin and luteolin contents were 1.362±0.008 and 8.724±0.117 mg/g, respectively. The results also showed that HP‐β‐CD‐assisted extraction exhibited significantly higher apigenin and luteolin contents compared to conventional solvent. Comparable results were also yielded from the antioxidant assay. Our study suggested that the nature‐inspired optimization algorithms might be potential options in enhancing the effectiveness of the traditional response surface methodology for the optimization of extraction of natural products.
Dessert or Poison? The Roles of Glycosylation in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's Disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Yang Jiajun , Li Hongmei , Zhao Yuhui
Published: July 2023

Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Neurons and glial cells of the central nervous system (CNS) are modified by glycosylation and rely on glycosylation to achieve normal neural function. Neurodegenerative disease is a common disease of the elderly, affecting their healthy life span and quality of life, and no effective treatment is currently available. Recent research implies that various glycosylation traits are altered during neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting a potential implication of glycosylation in disease pathology. Herein, we summarized the current knowledge about glycosylation associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pathogenesis, focusing on their promising functional avenues. Moreover, we collected research aimed at highlighting the need for such studies to provide a wealth of disease‐related glycosylation information that will help us better understand the pathophysiological mechanisms and hopefully specific glycosylation information to provide further diagnostic and therapeutic directions for neurodegenerative diseases.
Processing black rice grains to obtain flour: Influence of pretreatments on mass transfer, in vitro digestibility, and technological properties
Authors: Santos Newton C. , Almeida Raphael Lucas J. , Saraiva Maria Monique T. , Silva Virgínia M. de A. , de Sousa Francisca M. , de Lima Thalis L. B. , Carvalho Raniza de O. , Gonçalves Mailson G. , Silva Eugênia T. de V. , André Anastácia Maria M. C. N. , Nascimento Amanda P. da S. , Leite Filho Manoel T.
Published: July 2023

Background and Objectives

The objective of this work was to evaluate the processing of black rice grains to obtain flour and to verify the influence of pretreatments on mass transfer, in vitro digestibility, and technological properties. The grains were submitted to heat moisture treatment (HMT) with a final humidity of 30% at 110°C for 2 h, black rice pretreatment with ethanol (BRE) in the proportion 1:1 (wt/wt) for 5 min/25°C, and high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) under conditions of 200 MPa for 10 min/25°C. Then, the grains were dried at 60°C at an air velocity of 1.5 m/s and ground in an electric multigrain grinder. Was analyzed the mass transfer, in vitro digestion, water, oil, and milk retention capacity, total phenolic compounds (TPC), total anthocyanins (TA), antioxidant activities by (2,2′‐azino‐bis‐(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic) acid, 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl, ferric‐reducing antioxidant power, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity Surface appearance by scanning electron microscopy, and thermal analysis by differential scanning calorimetry was carried out.

Findings

The grains when submitted to the HHP obtained a reduction of 58.82% in the drying time, while the HMT promoted an increase of 23.5% when compared to the control. The pretreatments influenced the in vitro digestibility, where the HHP had the highest value (86.33), as well as the highest water, oil, and milk retention capacities. BRE positively impacted TPC, TA, and antioxidant activities regardless of the methods used. HMT promoted the formation of cavities, fissures, and holes on the surface, resulting in a rough appearance and presenting greater thermal resistance with an enthalpy of 12.35 J/g.

Conclusions

This research paved the way for potential commercial applications of black rice flour as an ingredient in functional foods.

Significance and Novelty

This study adds to the significance and novelty of research on black rice processing by evaluating the influence of different pretreatments on mass transfer, in vitro digestibility, and technological properties.
Lethal multiple pterygium syndrome in a newborn, a case report
Authors: Sadeghimoghadam Parvaneh , Shirdel Saeedeh , Hantoushzadeh Sedigheh , Hashemi Zeinab , Ghaemi Marjan
Published: July 2023

Key Clinical Message

Lethal multiple pterygium syndrome is a very rare genetic disorder. The manifestations of this condition include growth deficiency of the fetus, craniofacial anomalies, joint contracture, and skin webbing (pterygia). This disorder is fatal before birth or shortly after birth. We reported a case of lethal multiple pterygium syndrome with multiple anomalies including pterygia involving the axilla, bilateral antecubital fossa, and groin. Arthrogryposis involving multiple lower and upper extremities joints. Cleft palate, microstomia and limitation of mouth opening, webbed neck, asymmetric small and narrow chest, ambiguous genitalia, depressed and wide nasal bridge, antemongoloid slant, low‐set, malformed, and posteriorly rotated ears, pterygia, syndactyly and camptodactyly of hands and rocket bottom feet. LMPS is a congenital genetic disease with multiple anomalies that is fatal in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy or shortly after birth. With genetic testing and counseling, it can be prevented from recurring in subsequent pregnancies.
Impact of Weibull Wind Speed Distribution on the Costs of Producing Power‐to‐X Products
Authors: Machhammer Otto , Janisch Ingo
Published: July 2023

A calculation method based on Weibull parameters and cost functions is presented to optimize the levelized cost of electricity and the costs for subsequent power‐to‐X (PTX) production from wind power. PTX products considered are methanol, ammonia, synthetic gasoline, and synthetic diesel as well as the hydrogenation of liquid organic hydrogen carrier. The onshore production sites Haru‐Oni in Chile, Tarfaya in Morocco, and Dornum in Germany were used for illustrative purposes. The model calculations show that the rated power of the installed wind turbines for power generation is generally optimal between 1 and 3 MWel in contrast to the current trend towards ever higher rated power. Also, it has been found that the recoverable wind energy increases with rising Weibull shape factor k if the wind speed at which the rated power is reached is smaller than the Weibull scaling factor A.
EPR Sensing of a Cation Species by Aza‐Crown Ethers Incorporating a Persistent Nitroxidic Radical Unit
Authors: Poderi Cecilia , Neira Iago , Franchi Paola , Mezzina Elisabetta , Baù Ilario , Neviani Paolo , Lucarini Marco
Published: July 2023

New nitroxides based on aza‐crown ethers were prepared and employed as selective sensors for the detection of inorganic and organic cations by EPR analysis of the corresponding host–guest complexes. The nitroxide unit behaves as a sensitive probe for a number of alkali and alkaline earth metal cations affording EPR spectra differing in the value of nitrogen hyperfine constants and in the appearance of splitted signals due to the non‐zero nuclear spin of some metal cation upon complexation. Owing to the remarkable EPR spectral differences between the host and the corresponding cation complex the new macrocycles are likely to act as multitasking tools to recognize several cationic species. EPR behaviour of the larger nitroxide azacrown 1⋅ when acting as a wheel in a radical synthetic bistable [2]rotaxane containing both secondary dialkylammonium and 1,2‐bis(pyridinium) molecular stations, was also investigated. Reversible movements of the macrocycle between the two recognition sites in the rotaxane were promptly revealed by EPR, which shows significant changes either in nitrogen coupling constant values (aN) or in the spectral shape in the two rotaxane co‐conformations.
Selective and pH‐Independent Detection of Ba2+ in Water by a Benzo‐21‐crown‐7‐Functionalized BODIPY
Authors: Sprenger Tobias , Schwarze Thomas , Müller Holger , Sperlich Eric , Holdt Hans‐Jürgen , Nazaré Marc , Hentsch Axel , Eidner Sascha , Kraft Ronja , Kumke Michael U.
Published: July 2023

Herein, we report on highly Ba2+ selective fluorescence sensing in water by a fluorescent probe consisting of a benzo‐21‐crown‐7 as a Ba2+ binding unit (ionophore) and a tetramethylated BODIPY fluorophore as a fluorescence reporter. This fluorescent probe showed a Ba2+ induced fluorescence enhancement (FE) by a factor of 12±1 independently of the pH value and a high Ba2+ sensitivity with a limit of detection (LOD) of (17.2±0.3) μM. Moreover, a second fluorescent probe consisting of the same BODIPY fluorophore, but a benzo‐18‐crown‐6 as a cation‐responsive binding moiety, showed an even higher FE upon Ba2+ complexation by a factor of 85±3 and a lower LOD of (13±3) μM albeit a lower Ba2+ selectivity. The fluorescence sensing mechanism of Ba2+ was further investigated by time‐resolved fluorescence as well as transient absorption spectroscopy (TAS) and it turned out that within these probes a blocking of a photoinduced electron transfer (PET) by Ba2+ is very likely responsible for the FE.
Finding Order in Disorder: The Highly Disordered Lithium Oxonitridophosphate Double Salt Li8+xP3O10−xN1+x (x=1.4(5))
Authors: Schneider Stefanie , Kreiner Sandra T. , Balzat Lucas G. , Lotsch Bettina V. , Schnick Wolfgang
Published: July 2023

The crystalline lithium oxonitridophosphate Li8+xP3O10−xN1+x, was obtained in an ampoule synthesis from P3N5 and Li2O. The compound crystallizes in the triclinic space group P
with a=5.125(2), b=9.888(5), c=10.217(5) Å, α=70.30(2), β=76.65(2), γ=77.89(2)°. Li8+xP3O10−xN1+x is a double salt, the structure of which contains distinctive complex anion species, namely non‐condensed P(O,N)4 tetrahedra, and P(O,N)7 double tetrahedra connected by one N atom. Additionally, there is mixed occupation of O/N positions, which enables further anionic species by variation of O/N occupancies. To characterize these motifs in detail, complementary analytical methods were applied. The double tetrahedron exhibits significant disorder in single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Furthermore, the title compound is a Li+ ion conductor with a total ionic conductivity of 1.2×10−7 S cm−1 at 25 °C, and a corresponding total activation energy of 0.47(2) eV.
Rethinking Membrane Processes for Food: From Particle Behavior to Innovative Membrane Cascades
Authors: Schroën Karin , Bouhid de Aguiar Izabella
Published: July 2023

Within the food industry, membrane separation is commonplace due to its relatively low energy consumption. It allows fractionation of various feeds (e.g., milk) into starting materials for food design. We feel that considerable progress can still be made. For this, the specific properties of the components of interest would need to be taken into account, such as their mobility in flow, and their deformability in relation to the actual membrane structure. Furthermore, improvements are possible through cascaded use of membrane processes, and upgrading waste streams, which leads to new opportunities.
Impact of pericoronary adipose tissue attenuation on recurrence after radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation
Authors: Wang Zhe , Wang Yi‐Jia , Chen Jia‐Wei , Ren Li‐Chen , Guo He‐He , Chen Xiao‐Jie , Dong Jian‐Zeng , Chen Ying‐Wei , Sun Yi‐Hong
Published: July 2023

Background

Inflammation plays a vital role in the occurrence and progression of atrial fibrillation (AF). The association between pericoronary adipose tissue attenuation (PCATA) and AF recurrence following ablation has not been fully clarified.

Hypothesis

We aimed to evaluate the association between PCATA and AF recurrence after radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA).

Methods

Patients who underwent the first RFCA for AF and performed coronary computed tomography angiography before ablation between 2018 and 2021 were enrolled. The predictive values of PCATA for AF recurrence after ablation were investigated. The area under curve (AUC), relative integrated discrimination improvement (IDI), and categorical free net reclassification improvement (NRI) were used to assess the discrimination ability of different models for AF recurrence.

Results

During 1‐year follow‐up, 34.1% patients experienced AF recurrence. The multivariable analysis model revealed that PCATA of the right coronary artery (RCA) was an independent risk factor for AF recurrence. Patients with a high level of RCA‐PCATA had a high risk of recurrence, after adjusting for other risk factors by restricted cubic splines. The performance in predicting AF recurrence was significantly improved by adding the marker of RCA‐PCATA to the clinical model (AUC: 0.724 vs. 0.686, p = .024), with a relative IDI of 0.043 (p = .006) and continuous NRI of 0.521 (p < .001).

Conclusions

PCATA of RCA was independently associated with AF recurrence after ablation. PCATA may be helpful for risk classification for AF ablation patients.
Transition Metal Complexes as Antimalarial Agents: A Review
Authors: Mandal Apurba , Kushwaha Rajesh , Mandal Arif Ali , Bajpai Sumit , Yadav Ashish Kumar , Banerjee Samya
Published: July 2023

In antimalarial drug development research, overcoming drug resistance has been a major challenge for researchers. Nowadays, several drugs like chloroquine, mefloquine, sulfadoxine, and artemisinin are used to treat malaria. But increment in drug resistance has pushed researchers to find novel drugs to tackle drug resistance problems. The idea of using transition metal complexes with pharmacophores as ligands/ligand pendants to show enhanced antimalarial activity with a novel mechanism of action has gained significant attention recently. The advantages of metal complexes include tunable chemical/physical properties, redox activity, avoiding resistance factors, etc. Several recent reports have successfully demonstrated that the metal complexation of known organic antimalarial drugs can overcome drug resistance by showing enhanced activities than the parent drugs. This review has discussed the fruitful research works done in the past few years falling into this criterion. Based on transition metal series (3d, 4d, or 5d), the antimalarial metal complexes have been divided into three broad categories (3d, 4d, or 5d metal‐based), and their activities have been compared with the similar control complexes as well as the parent drugs. Furthermore, we have also commented on the potential issues and their possible solution for translating these metal‐based antimalarial complexes into the clinic.
The impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers, a mini review
Authors: Aryanian Zeinab , Balighi Kamran , Goodarzi Azadeh , Sadeghi Nia Ali , Afshar Zeinab Mohseni , Hatami Parvaneh
Published: July 2023

Background

The SARS‐Cov‐2 pandemic has caused dermatologists around the world to adapt their practice in the aim of protecting patients with special clinical conditions such as those having skin cancers or premalignant conditions and some diagnostic or therapeutic programs would be suspended due to being infected to SARS‐CoV‐2. We focused the existing data in this regard through searching on PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus and tried to summarize recommendations for treating this group of patients in COVID era to provide a practical guide for clinicians.

Recent findings

The number of diagnosed skin cancers dropped significantly since the beginning of the pandemic, specially in the peaks of various variants of the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. The new guidelines allowed even a 3‐month delay in excision and recommended surgery for non‐melanoma growing skin cancers.

Conclusion

Dermatologists should perform a careful, individualized risk–benefit assessment for their patients and consider some changes in routine protocols such as having a delayed diagnostic or therapeutic intervention.
Autologous natural killer cells as a promising immunotherapy for locally advanced colon adenocarcinoma: Three years follow‐up of resectable case
Authors: Bagus Budhi Ida
Published: July 2023

Background

Over the last decade, a new modality of immunotherapy has been announced, with the expectation of better long‐term clinical outcomes and disease‐free survival after the definitive surgical treatment of colon cancer. Natural killer (NK) cells as part of cellular therapy in immunotherapy have the potential effect as an adjuvant therapy for locally advanced and metastasized colorectal adenocarcinoma. We would evaluate the clinical outcome of autologous NK cell therapy for resectable colon cancer.

Case

A 64‐year‐old woman presented with a transverse colon tumor‐related partial intestinal obstruction and a history of bloody diarrhea. A transverse colectomy has been done, and the pathology report reported adenocarcinoma of the transverse colon and positive lymph node involvement (TNM stage III). The patient had R0 resection status. A PET scan was done 6 months later, with positive lymph node glucose uptake at mesocolic. NK cell therapy was administered for 2 cycles with a 3‐month interval, and PET scan follow‐up was done 3 years after resection; no more glucose uptake was found, and the patients tolerated the therapy well with no immune‐related adverse effects reported.

Conclusion

As a new modality in immunotherapy strategies for locally advanced colon adenocarcinoma, particularly in cases unsuitable for standard chemotherapeutic treatment, autologous NK cells have a promising effect and are feasible and well tolerated in our clinical practice.
Colossal Stability of SiB11(BO)12−: An Implication as Potential Electrolyte in High‐Voltage Alkali‐ion Battery
Authors: Kumar Kushwaha Anoop , Soumya Jena Sushri , Ranjan Sahoo Mihir , Das Debashish , Kumar Nayak Saroj
Published: July 2023

High‐voltage alkali metal‐ion batteries (AMIBs) require a non‐hazardous, low‐cost, and highly stable electrolyte with a large operating potential and rapid ion conductivity. Here, we have reported a halogen‐free high‐voltage electrolyte based on SiB11(BO)12−. Because of the weak π‐orbital interaction of −BO as well as the mixed covalent and ionic interaction between SiB11‐cage and −BO ligand, SiB11(BO)12− has colossal stability. SiB11(BO)12− possesses extremely high vertical detachment energy (9.95 eV), anodic voltage limit (∼10.05 V), and electrochemical stability window (∼9.95 V). Furthermore, SiB11(BO)12− is thermodynamically stable at high temperatures, and its large size allows for faster cation movement. The alkali salts MSiB11(BO)12 (M=Li, Na, and K) are easily dissociated into ionic components. Electrolytes based on SiB11(BO)12− greatly outperform commercial electrolytes. In short, SiB11(BO)12−‐based compound is demonstrated to be a high‐voltage electrolyte for AMIBs.
Enhancing youth's retention in potato farming enterprise through consortium agribusiness models in Tanzania
Authors: Ngozi Semeni , Feleke Shiferaw
Published: July 2023

The future of African youth probably lies in agriculture; however, this can be realized by making agriculture both profitable and attractive to young people. The importance of increasing youth involvement in agricultural value chains is primarily to sustain food production and secondly to reduce youth unemployment. Youth can be involved in various segments of agriculture and food value chains including production, post‐harvest handling, distribution, value addition, and marketing. In Tanzania, Agri‐Hub networks promote entrepreneurship by linking the youth to processing, markets, agricultural input dealers, extension services, and the promotion of existing and emerging agribusiness opportunities. It is believed that market access is critical in igniting an agricultural transformation that will upgrade African farmers (youth) from subsistence to business‐focused production. Kilimo Trust in Tanzania has been employing an innovative consortium agribusiness model to efficiently link youth farmers to outputs and inputs markets. The model helped these farmers in accessing sustainable, profitable, and structured input and output markets, particularly those engaged in potato production. Thus, a study was designed to find how the consortium business model influences youth engagement and retention in potato farming enterprises. The study employed a multistage sampling technique to collect data from 144 participants and 120 non‐participants of the consortium business model. A questionnaire and key informant interviews were employed to collect data. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, content analysis, and propensity score matching. The findings of this study reveal that young small‐scale farmers participated in collaborative procurement of inputs and marketing of potatoes and attended training during project implementation. The results further show that participation in the consortium business model has a positive and significant effect on youth's retention in potato farming enterprises. Youth potato farmers participating in the consortium business model have higher profit per hectare (2,392,326.5TZS/Ha) than youth in groups not utilizing the consortium business model to the group membership (2,170,405 TZS/Ha). Therefore, this study recommends that governments support policies that will facilitate the establishment and strengthening of the consortium business models. This will assist in sustainably engaging and retaining youth in agriculture through increased productivity and profit.
A 3.83–5.55 GHz high frequency resolution DCO with optimized switched‐capacitor ladder and low‐coupled eight‐shaped transformer
Authors: Zou Wei , Li Lei , Cheng Zhengwang , Zhang Li , Wang Mei , Ma Xinguo , Zou Xuecheng
Published: July 2023

A high frequency resolution digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) is proposed for wireless transceivers, in which the scheme adopts an optimized cascaded differential switched‐capacitor (SC) ladder and a low‐coupled eight‐shaped transformer. The frequency resolution is further improved by the low electromagnetic coupling effect between the primary and secondary coils of the on‐chip transformer, thus reducing quantization noise and phase noise. An eight‐shaped transformer designed using two coils cross‐connected each other is adopted to reduce the magnetic coupling and frequency pulling. The proposed DCO is implemented in a TSMC 180‐nm CMOS process, and a tuning range of 36.7% from 3.83 to 5.55 GHz with a frequency resolution of 17 kHz is achieved. The phase noise is −120.29 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset from the 3.83 GHz carrier frequency. The DCO consumes 9.26 mA from a 1.8 V supply, while the figure of merit with tuning range is −191 dBc/Hz. The chip size is 0.294 mm2.
A pregnancy‐specific Glucose management indicator derived from continuous glucose monitoring in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Ling Ping , Yang Daizhi , Wang Chaofan , Zheng Xueying , Luo Sihui , Yang Xubin , Deng Hongrong , Xu Wen , Yan Jinhua , Weng Jianping
Published: July 2023

Objective

Glucose management indicator (GMI) is a core metric derived from continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and is widely used to evaluate glucose control in patients with diabetes. No study has explored the pregnancy‐specific GMI. This study aimed to derive a best‐fitting model to calculate GMI from mean blood glucose (MBG) obtained from CGM among pregnant women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

Methods

A total of 272 CGM data and corresponding laboratory HbA1c from 98 pregnant women with T1DM in the CARNATION study were analysed in this study. Continuous glucose monitoring data were collected to calculate MBG, time‐in‐range (TIR), and glycaemic variability parameters. The relationships between the MBG and HbA1c during pregnancy and postpartum were explored. Mix‐effect regression analysis with polynomial terms and cross‐validation method was conducted to investigate the best‐fitting model to calculate GMI from MBG obtained by CGM.

Results

The pregnant women had a mean age of 28.9 ± 3.8 years, with a diabetes duration of 8.8 ± 6.2 years and a mean body mass index (BMI) of 21.1 ± 2.5 kg/m2. The HbA1c levels were 6.1 ± 1.0% and 6.4 ± 1.0% during pregnancy and at postpartum (p = 0.024). The MBG levels were lower during pregnancy than those at postpartum (6.5 ± 1.1 mmol/L vs. 7.1 ± 1.5 mmol/L, p = 0.008). After adjusting the confounders of haemoglobin (Hb), BMI, trimesters, disease duration, mean amplitude of glycaemic excursions and CV%, we developed a pregnancy‐specific GMI‐MBG equation: GMI for pregnancy (%) = 0.84–0.28* [Trimester] + 0.08 * [ BMI in kg/m2 ] + 0.01 * [Hb in g/mL] + 0.50 * [MBG in mmol/L].

Conclusions

We derived a pregnancy‐specific GMI equation, which should be recommended for antenatal clinical care.

Clinical trial registry number

ChiCTR1900025955.
Shaking table test and cumulative deformation evaluation analysis of a tunnel across the hauling sliding surface
Authors: Pai Lifang , Wu Honggang , Wang Xu
Published: July 2023

To explore the cumulative deformation effect of the dynamic response of a tunnel crossing the hauling sliding surface under earthquakes, the shaking table test was conducted in this study. Combined with the numerical calculations, this study proposed magnification of the Arias intensity (MIa) to characterize the overall local deformation damage of the tunnel lining in terms of the deformation characteristics, frequency domain, and energy. Using the time‐domain analysis method, the plastic effect coefficient (PEC) was proposed to characterize the degree of plastic deformation, and the applicability of the seismic cumulative failure effect (SCFE) was discussed. The results show that the low‐frequency component (f1 and f2 ≤ 10 Hz) and the high‐frequency component (f3 and f4 > 10 Hz) acceleration mainly cause global and local deformation of the tunnel lining. The local deformation caused by the high‐frequency wave has an important effect on the seismic damage of the lining. The physical meaning of PEC is more clearly defined than that of the residual strain, and the SCFE of the tunnel lining can also be defined. The SCFE of the tunnel lining includes the elastic deformation effect stage (<0.15g), the elastic–plastic deformation effect stage (0.15g–0.30g), and the plastic deformation effect stage (0.30g–0.40g). This study can provide valuable theoretical and technical support for the construction of traffic tunnels in high‐intensity earthquake areas.
Cyclopentadienyl Complexes of IrIII for Attempted C−D Bond Activation
Authors: Robinson Robert D. , Kaminsky Werner , Scepaniak Jeremiah J.
Published: July 2023

The complexes Cp(MeIm)IrI2 and CpMe4(MeIm)IrCl2 have been prepared and subsequently methylated to form Cp(MeIm)IrMe2 and CpMe4(MeIm)IrMe2 (Cp=η5‐C5H5, CpMe4=η5‐C5HMe4, MeIm=1,3‐dimethylimidazol‐2‐ylidene). We attempted unsuccessfully to use the dimethyl complexes to study C−D bond activation via methyl‐group abstraction. Protonation with one equivalent of a weak acid, such as 2,6‐dimethylpyridinium chloride, affords methane and IrIII methyl chloride complexes. 1H‐NMR experiments show addition of pyridinium [BArF20]− (BArF20=[B(C6F5)4]−) to the dimethyl species forms [Cp(MeIm)IrMe(py)]+[BArF20]− (py=pyridine) or [CpMe4(MeIm)IrMe(py)]+[BArF20]− respectively, alongside methane, while use of the [BArF20]− salts of more bulky 2,6‐dimethylpyridinium and 2,6‐di‐tert‐butylpyridinium gave an intractable mixture. Likewise, the generation of 16 e− species [CpMe4(MeIm)IrMe]+[BArF20]− or [Cp(MeIm)IrMe]+[BarF20]− at low temperature using 2,6‐dimethylpyridinium or 2,6‐di‐tert‐butylpyridinium in thawing C6D6 or toluene‐d8 formed an intractable mixture and did not lead to C−D bond activation. X‐ray structures of several IrIII complexes show similar sterics as that found for the previously reported Cp* analogue.
Pd(II)‐Catalyzed Benzimidazole‐Assisted Annulation of 3‐(1H‐Benzo[d]imidazol‐2‐yl)‐2H‐chromen‐2‐one: Access to Imidazo[1,2‐a]chromeno[3,4‐c]pyridine
Authors: Singla Dinesh , Luxami Vijay , Paul Kamaldeep
Published: July 2023

Palladium‐catalyzed [4+2] oxidative annulation of coumarin‐benzimidazoles with olefins for the synthesis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons have been achieved. This synthetic protocol gives access to a wide range of structurally distinct imidazo[1,2‐a]chromeno[3,4‐c]pyridines in moderate to good yield with wide functional group tolerance. Further, photophysical properties of annulated scaffolds have been examined, which discloses their interesting solvatochromic emission behaviors.