bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Opal photonic crystal double‐network hydrogel for visual detection through structural color and fluorescent responsiveness
Authors: Lv Hanlin , Zheng Wan , Wang Yuhang , Hu Zhengsheng , Chen Yanjun , Wang Yifeng
Published: February 2024

Photonic crystal hydrogels are widely used in the field of visual detection, based on the response of the structural color to external stimulus, such as pH, temperature, near‐infrared light, and so on. Here, we develop an opal photonic crystal hydrogel by combining polystyrene (PS) photonic crystals with a fluorescent double‐network hydrogel and focus on both its visual detection function and mechanical property. The opal hydrogel is composed of nanocomposite hydrogel as the first network and ionic crosslinked hydrogel as the second network. The introduction of PS photonic crystals and terbium ions endows the opal hydrogel distinctive structural colors and fluorescence, respectively. Because of volume changes, the structural color of the opal hydrogel selectively responses to metal ions and organic solvents. Attributing to the ion exchange interaction, the opal hydrogel exhibits fluorescent responses to various metal ions. Combining the responsiveness of structural color and fluorescence, a visual dual‐detection mode is set up, with better detection sensitivity and selectivity. Moreover, the characteristics of nanocomposite and double‐network crosslinking ensure the opal hydrogel enough mechanical properties to undergo cycle visual detection. Consequently, the fabricated opal hydrogel is promising for use in visual detection to multiple substances in single‐ or dual‐detection mode.
Photosynthetic nano fibers: Living microalgae packaging into polyvinyl alcohol nanofibers using an electrospinning method
Authors: Haraguchi Ryota , Demura Mikihide , Kawakita Hidetaka , Oishi Yushi , Narita Takayuki
Published: February 2024

Although microalgae are often studied for their biochemical extracts, utilizing them in a viable state opens new avenues for sustainable oxygenation in various systems. This study addresses the challenges of maintaining system homeostasis and presents an effective method for immobilizing live microalgae within poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanofibers using electrospinning technology. Characterization techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fluorescence microscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), were used to validate successful immobilization. Rheological studies were performed to investigate the influence of microalgae on the fiber morphology. Changing the PVA concentration, the fiber diameter could be regulated between 150 and 650 nm in the spinnable range. The addition of microalgae to the solution increased the viscosity of the prepared solution and reduced the resulting fiber diameter by approximately 2/3. Our results show that PVA nanofibers effectively encapsulate living microalgae and allow for sustained transport of nutrients and metabolites. The photosynthetic efficacy of the encapsulated microalgae was evaluated using dissolved oxygen measurements and showed two times higher rates of oxygen production and consumption compared with a film‐based approach. Our results show that PVA nanofibers effectively encapsulated living microalgae and allowed for the sustained transport of nutrients and metabolites. This innovative methodology provides a robust platform for immobilizing living microorganisms, with broad implications for applications ranging from regenerative medicine to sustainable agriculture.
Einfluss rezyklierter Gesteinskörnung auf das Verbundverhalten von Betonstahl in Beton
Authors: Wild Peter , Baudrexler Andreas , Kustermann Andrea , Stengel Thorsten
Published: February 2024

Die Verwendung rezyklierter Gesteinskörnung in gängigen Hochbaubetonen wird als vielversprechender Ansatz betrachtet, um natürliche Ressourcen zu schonen. Die vorliegende Studie konzentriert sich darauf, das Verbundverhalten von Bewehrungsstahl in Betonen mit hohen Anteilen rezyklierter Gesteinskörnung aus Betonbruch zu untersuchen. Um einen möglichen Einfluss der Eigenschaften der Gesteinskörnung zu klären, wurden fünf unterschiedliche Körnungen in zwölf Betonen untersucht. Die Ergebnisse der Pull‐out‐Versuche wurden mithilfe eines analytischen Verbundgesetzes ausgewertet, um auf eine resultierende Bemessungsverbundspannung schließen zu können. Eine tendenzielle Abnahme der maximal aufnehmbaren Verbundspannung mit hohen Anteilen an rezyklierter Körnung konnte beobachtet werden. Die daraus resultierenden Bemessungswerte der Verbundfestigkeit liegen niedriger als beim Referenzbeton, jedoch über den Vorgaben des Eurocode 2. Die Abnahme der Bemessungsverbundspannung scheint sowohl über die Volumenanteile rezyklierter Körnung als auch über die Betonrohdichte abschätzbar. Insgesamt zeigt die Studie, dass das Verbundverhalten von Beton mit rezyklierter Gesteinskörnung dem des Normalbetons in Haft‐, Scher‐ und Reibungsverbund ähnelt, wobei die tatsächlichen Auswirkungen auch von den spezifischen Eigenschaften der verwendeten Körnung abhängen.
Women on corporate boards and firm financial performance: Empirical evidence from a multi‐country in Asia
Authors: Tran Thu Huong , Nguyen Thanh Si , Lien Mai Le Truc
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this research is to investigate the relationship between board gender diversity in management teams and financial performance of Asian firms in the transportation and logistics industry. To fulfill the research objectives, a total of 444 firm‐year observations operating in various nations of the Asia region from 2017 to 2020 were used in this present study, which was done by adopting the panel data regression approach. Results from a study demonstrate that the presence of female board members in the management structure will have a positive effect on financial performance of Asian firms in the sector of transportation and logistics at a certain level. Finally, our findings contribute to proposing some governance recommendations to enhance the presence and role of women in management positions in a firm's organizational structure in particular, while also promoting firm performance in the transportation and logistics industry in general.
Examining the impact of corporate social responsibility on customer delight, customer revisit intention and sustainable destination building: An empirical study of the hospitality industry
Authors: Bhat Dada Ab Rouf , Amar Shubam , Sharma Vivek
Published: February 2024

This research empirically investigates the impact of corporate social responsibility on customer delight and revisit intention of customers in the hospitality and tourism industry. Moreover, it investigates the impact of corporate social responsibility on the sustainable destination building. In order to achieve the set targets, data were sought through questionnaires from 282 guests visiting luxury hotels rendering services in Jammu and Kashmir and Delhi, India. To examine the link between the hypotheses, various normality tests, exploratory/confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were employed. The results show a strong correlation between all of the integrated model's elements and offer insightful managerial advice and implications for the hospitality sector.
Kurarinone targets JAK2‐STAT3 signaling in colon cancer‐stem‐like cells
Authors: Prajapati Kumari Sunita , Kumar Shashank
Published: February 2024

Natural compounds are known to regulate stemness/self‐renewal properties in colon cancer cells at molecular level. In the present study, we first time studied the colon cancer stem‐like cells targeting potential of Kurarinone (KU) and explored the underlying mechanism. Cytotoxic potential of KU was checked in colon cancer cells. Colonosphere formation assay was performed to check the spheroid formation reduction potential of KU in HCT‐116 cells by using phase‐contrast microscopy. Stemness/self‐renewal marker expression was studied at mRNA and protein levels in colonosphere. The qRT‐PCR, western blot analysis, and flow cytometer techniques were used to assess the effect of KU treatment on cell cycle progression and apoptosis induction in colon cancer cells and colonosphere. Further, effect of KU treatment on pSTAT3 status and its nuclear translocation was also studied. KU treatment significantly decreased HCT‐116 cell proliferation and reduced sphere formation potential at IC30 (8.71 µM) and IC50 (20.34 µM) concentrations compared to respective vehicle‐treated groups, respectively. KU exposure significantly reduced the expression of CD44, c‐Myc, Bmi‐1, and Sox2 stemness/self‐renewal markers in colonosphere in a dose‐dependent manner. KU treatment inhibits JAK2‐STAT3 signaling pathway by reducing pSTAT3 levels and its nuclear translocation in HCT‐116 cells and colonosphere at IC50 concentration. KU treatment significantly decreased the expression of CCND1 and CDK4 cell cycle‐specific markers and arrested the HCT‐116 cells and colonosphere in G1‐phase. Further, KU treatment increased Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio, apoptotic cell population, cleaved caspase 3, and PARP‐1 in HCT‐116 cells and colonosphere. In conclusion, KU treatment decreases stemness/self‐renewal, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in HCT‐116 colonosphere by down‐regulating CD44‐JAK2‐STAT3 axis. Thus, targeting stemness/self‐renewal and other cancer hallmark(s) by KU through CD44/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway might be a novel strategy to target colon cancer stem‐like cells.
Disseminated Aspergillus citrinoterreus and concurrent localized dermal phaeohyphomycosis in an immunosuppressed dog
Authors: Sender David , Hulsey Benjamin , Cañete‐Gibas Connie , Wiederhold Nathan , Lee Jung Keun , Finley Abigail , Cruz Catherine , White Mary E.
Published: February 2024

Key Clinical message

We report on a dog with immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) treated with immunomodulatory therapy that developed phaeohyphomycosis and Aspergillus citrinoterreus infections. This is the first reported case of A. citrinoterreus in dogs. It details cytological and microbiological findings leading to diagnosis and highlights the importance of investigating new lesions in immunocompromised patients.

A 5‐year‐old Staffordshire terrier mix treated with immunosuppressive therapy for IMHA was diagnosed with concurrent disseminated A. citrinoterreus and localized Curvularia lunata infections. This case highlights the potential development of multiple concurrent opportunistic fungal infections and is the first reported case of A. citrinoterreus infection in a dog.
A rare case of thyrotoxic periodic paralysis revealing Graves' disease in a young Malian
Authors: Dembélé Mohamed Emile , Yalcouyé Abdoulaye , Cissoko Mamadou , Cissé Lassana , Guinto Cheick Oumar , Landouré Guida
Published: February 2024

Sporadic thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is a rare muscle disorder that manifests with abrupt muscle weakness and hypokalemia associated with hyperthyroidism. It is mostly reported in the Asian population, and rare in Caucasians. Only few cases have been reported in people with black ancestry. Here, we report a rare case of thyrotoxic periodic paralysis revealing Graves' disease in a young Malian. A 17‐year‐old man was admitted in the Neurology clinic with rapid proximal tetraplegia that started after strenuous physical activities at the school. Clinical examination confirmed the proximal weakness. In addition, he had bilateral ptosis, exophthalmia, and horizontal ophthalmoplegia. Laboratory testing showed normal serum potassium and creatinine, low calcium and TSH levels. However, CK, FT4, thyroid stimulating hormone antibody, and acetylcholine receptor antibody levels were high. In addition, electrocardiogram was normal while thyroid Doppler‐ultrasound showed heterogeneous, hypoechogenic, hypertrophic, and hyper vascularized gland. Patient had completely recovered his limb weakness within the following hours with symptomatic treatment. The clinical findings were consistent with Graves' disease, and he was put on Neomercazole. He did not present another episode of paralysis after 4‐years of follow up. This is a first case of thyrotoxic periodic paralysis reported in Mali and one of the rare cases in sub‐Saharan Africa. Despite its scarcity, all patients with acute weakness consecutive to effort, whether recurring or not, should be screened for TPP.
An Organocatalytic Highly Enantioselective Stereospecific Synthesis of 1,1‐Disubstituted‐1,3‐Dihydroisobenzofurans
Authors: Kamilya Chandan , Gorad Sachin S. , Ghorai Prasanta
Published: February 2024

Herein, we disclosed the asymmetric construction of an oxa‐quaternary stereocenter via an intramolecular oxa‐Michael (IOM) reaction in β‐substituted ortho‐hydroxymethyl chalcone by the formation of 1,1‐disubstituted‐1,3‐dihydroisobenzofuran using cinchona alkaloid‐based chiral amino‐squaramide catalyst. Both the (E‐ and Z)‐β‐substituted ortho‐hydroxymethyl chalcone provide (S)‐ and (R)‐enantiomers of the 1,1‐disubstituted‐1,3‐dihydroisobenzofuran with excellent stereospecificity. In general, excellent yields (up to 95 %) and enantioselectivity (up to 98 % ee) were obtained. Furthermore, the resulting 1,1‐disubstituted isobenzofuran or phthalan was converted to corresponding chiral 3,3‐disubstituted phthalides without losing the enantioselectivity. This methodology provides the core moiety of the (S)‐citalopram drug.
NiCo‐LDH coupled with 2D ZIF‐derived Co nitrogen doped carbon nanosheet arrays as a self‐supporting electrocatalyst for detection of formaldehyde
Authors: Ling Chengshuang , Xu Li , Ou Lian , Wu Jiaying , Tan Chao , Zhu Liping , Xiong Xiaoli
Published: February 2024

Formaldehyde is susceptible to illegal addition to foodstuffs to extend their shelf life due to its antimicrobial, preservative and bleaching properties. In this study, a self‐supporting “nanosheet on nanosheet” arrays electrocatalyst with core‐shell heterostructure was prepared in situ by coupling NiCo layer double hydroxide with 2D ZIF derived Co‐nitrogen‐doped porous carbon on carbon cloth (Co−N/C@NiCo‐LDH NSAs/CC). Co−N/C nanosheet arrays act as a scaffold core with good electrical conductivity, providing more NiCo‐LDH nucleation sites to avoid NiCo‐LDH agglomeration, thus having fast mass/charge transfer performance. While the NiCo‐LDH nanosheet arrays shell with high specific surface area provide more active sites for electrochemical reactions. As an electrocatalytic sensing electrode, Co−N/C@NiCo‐LDH NSAs/CC has a wide linear range of 1 μM to 13 mM for formaldehyde detection, and the detection limit is 82 nM. Besides, the sensor has been applied to the detection of formaldehyde in food samples with satisfactory results.
An Efficient Probe for Bacterial Nitroreductase Imaging and Detection Based on NanoLuc‐Furimazine Bioluminescent Pair
Authors: Shi Ximeng , Wang Yumeng , Yu Jiaoyang , Yang Yating , Jin Zecheng , Wang Hanghang , Wu Dalei , Chen Wei , Guo Jianming , Zhang Yinan
Published: February 2024

Comprehensive Summary

The detection of critical endogenous species, such as bacteria in microenvironments in the body, requires better imaging tools for visualization and monitoring of biological events. Bioluminescence imaging is the most popular strategy for obtaining real‐time in living cells and organisms. Herein, we introduced a nitroaryl group on the C‐3 position and a hydroxy group at the C‐6 phenyl ring on furimazine to report the first bioluminescent probe (7) based on NanoLuc‐furimazine bioluminescent pair for the detection of nitroreductase in bacteria. The probe, which possessed up to 560‐fold intensity increase with a low detection limit of 16 ng/mL of nitroreductase, has the most efficient uncage efficiency in comparison with other bioluminescent congeners, thus enabling highly selective and sensitive visualization of NTR activity in a panel of clinical priority pathogens. Additionally, imaging of the recombinant strain as well as the NTR from mouse feces indicated the potential of this probe in the application of different mouse disease models.
Misalignment of social support in the social media posts of young adult cancer caregivers
Authors: Bybee Sara G. , Waters Austin R. , Smith Keely , Warner Echo L.
Published: February 2024

Background

Compared with older cancer caregivers, young adult cancer caregivers (YACC) experience greater stress and depression during the first 6 months of caregiving. Social support can buffer the negative psychological effects associated with cancer caregiving. However, the misalignment of social support is associated with increased distress and worse emotional well‐being. As YACC are more likely to utilize social media (SM) to seek social support compared with older cancer caregivers, they may be at greater risk of experiencing the misalignment of social support and related negative outcomes.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to identify ways that SM posts containing support for YACC's were potentially misaligned with the social support desired by YACC.

Methods

In this secondary analysis, cancer‐related SM posts (N = 760) from 34 YACC's SM accounts were extracted for 6 months following the day of cancer diagnosis and imported into NVivo qualitative analysis software. Open coding of posts from four YACC identified a pattern of SM posts containing responses that may misalign with social support requests, and could be perceived as dismissive of YACC's emotions. Similar posts were grouped together, forming categories which were used to create a codebook and applied in coding all posts from the remaining 30 YACC.

Results

Content analysis identified three categories of social support misalignment originating from YACC's SM posts: supplications (n = 251, 33%), prevailing (n = 7, 10.1%), and consolations (n = 16, 2.1%). Supplications involved prayer or trust in god, prevailing posts compared dealing with cancer to a fight and suggested that the person would overcome cancer, and consolations used quotes, song lyrics, and or general reassurances in SM posts.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that when YACC use SM during cancer experiences, they may interpret SM posts as social support or as misalignment of social support requests, which in turn can lead to either improved quality of life or additional distress (respectively). This study adds to the body of knowledge regarding how YACC use social media for social support and may inform future interventions designed to match YACC's desired support with support offered.
A Liouville‐type theorem for cylindrical cones
Authors: Edelen Nick , Székelyhidi Gábor
Published: February 2024

Suppose that is a smooth strictly minimizing and strictly stable minimal hypercone (such as the Simons cone), , and a complete embedded minimal hypersurface of lying to one side of . If the density at infinity of is less than twice the density of , then we show that , where is the Hardt–Simon foliation of . This extends a result of L. Simon, where an additional smallness assumption is required for the normal vector of .
Impact of Drug Recalls on Patients in The Netherlands: A 5‐Year Retrospective Data Analysis
Authors: Annema Pieter A. , Derijks Hieronymus J. , Bouvy Marcel L. , van Marum Rob J.
Published: February 2024

Drug recalls occur frequently and have the potential to impact considerable numbers of patients and healthcare providers. However, in the absence of a comprehensive overview the extent of conducted recalls and their impact on patients remains unknown. To address this, we developed a comprehensive overview of drug recalls affecting patients. We compiled this overview based on the drug recall registrations from the Jeroen Bosch Hospital (JBZ), the University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), and the Royal Dutch Pharmacists Association (KNMP). A retrospective data analysis was conducted to identify drug recalls that affected patients. Specifically, we defined these as drug recalls that required patients to actively switch their drug to a different batch or brand of the same drug or to switch to a drug within the same or a different class of drugs. To quantify the impact, we used real‐world drug dispensing data. Between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2021, we identified 48 drug recalls that necessitated patients to make active changes to their medications an estimated 855,000 times. Most of the affected patients (292,000) were required to switch to a different brand of the same drug, whereas in 95,000 cases patients had to switch to a drug from another drug class. Our study suggests that a significant number of patients are affected by drug recalls. Future efforts are needed to elucidate patients’ experiences and preferences regarding drug recalls, which could provide valuable insights to aid decision‐making by relevant (national) authorities concerning drug recalls.
CRISPR‐based gene therapy for wet age‐related macular degeneration in mouse model
Authors: Xie Dongchun , Chen Yuxi , Hu Sihui , Huang Li , Huang Junjiu
Published: February 2024

Wet age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common cause of vision loss in the elderly. It is characterised by choroidal neovascularisation (CNV), caused by overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), resulting in abnormal vessel proliferation. Current clinical management predominantly relies on anti‐VEGF agents, which require frequent and costly injections. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) technology has emerged as a promising strategy for permanently suppressing angiogenesis by targeting the VEGF‐related pathway. Increased research suggests that disrupting this pathway holds potential for preventing CNV progression. This review provides an overview of the aetiology, classification and pathophysiology of wet AMD, followed by a concise summary of current gene editing research using the CRISPR/Cas system via viral vector delivery strategies to target ocular pro‐angiogenic factors, including Hif‐1α, VEGF and VEGFR. The importance of timely targeting of VEGFA is emphasised and the challenges associated with gene editing therapies are also highlighted.
Targeting KDM4 family epigenetically triggers antitumour immunity via enhancing tumour‐intrinsic innate sensing and immunogenicity
Authors: Sun Mayu , Han Xiaoyu , Li Jinyang , Zheng Jiali , Li Jingquan , Wang Hui , Li Xiaoguang
Published: February 2024

Despite the remarkable clinical efficacy of cancer immunotherapy, considerable patients fail to benefit from it due to primary or acquired resistance. Tumours frequently hijack diverse epigenetic mechanisms to evade immune detection, thereby highlighting the potential for pharmacologically targeting epigenetic regulators to restore the impaired immunosurveillance and re‐sensitise tumours to immunotherapy. Herein, we demonstrated that KDM4‐targeting chemotherapeutic drug JIB‐04, epigenetically triggered the tumour‐intrinsic innate immune responses and immunogenic cell death (ICD), resulting in impressive antitumour effects. Specifically, JIB‐04 induced H3K9 hypermethylation through specific inhibition of the KDM4 family (KDM4A–D), leading to impaired DNA repair signalling and subsequent DNA damage. As a result, JIB‐04 not only activated the tumour‐intrinsic cyclic GMP‐AMP synthase (cGAS)‐STING pathway via DNA‐damage‐induced cytosolic DNA accumulation, but also promoted ICD, releasing numerous damage‐associated molecular patterns. Furthermore, JIB‐04 induced adaptive resistance through the upregulation of programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1), which could be overcome with additional PD‐L1 blockade. In human tumours, KDM4B expression was negatively correlated with clinical outcomes, type I interferon signatures, and responses to immunotherapy. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that targeting KDM4 family can activate tumour‐intrinsic innate sensing and immunogenicity, and synergise with immunotherapy to improve antitumour outcomes.
Association of CSF biomarkers with MRI brain changes in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Seidu Nazib M , Kern Silke , Sacuiu Simona , Sterner Therese Rydberg , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik , Lindberg Olof , Ferreira Daniel , Westman Eric , Zettergren Anna , Skoog Ingmar
Published: February 2024

The relation between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures is poorly understood in cognitively healthy individuals from the general population. Participants’ (n = 226) mean age was 70.9 years (SD = 0.4). CSF concentrations of amyloid beta (Aβ)1‐42, total tau (t‐tau), phosphorylated tau (p‐tau), neurogranin, and neurofilament light, and volumes of hippocampus, amygdala, total basal forebrain (TBF), and cortical thickness were measured. Linear associations between CSF biomarkers and MRI measures were investigated. In Aβ1‐42 positives, higher t‐tau and p‐tau were associated with smaller hippocampus (P = 0.001 and P = 0.003) and amygdala (P = 0.005 and P = 0.01). In Aβ1‐42 negatives, higher t‐tau, p‐tau, and neurogranin were associated with larger TBF volume (P = 0.001, P = 0.001, and P = 0.01). No associations were observed between the CSF biomarkers and an AD signature score of cortical thickness. AD‐specific biomarkers in cognitively healthy 70‐year‐olds may be related to TBF, hippocampus, and amygdala. Lack of association with cortical thickness might be due to early stage of disease.
Clinical classification of memory and cognitive impairment with multimodal digital biomarkers
Authors: Banks Russell , Higgins Connor , Greene Barry R. , Jannati Ali , Gomes‐Osman Joyce , Tobyne Sean , Bates David , Pascual‐Leone Alvaro
Published: February 2024

INTRODUCTION

Early detection of Alzheimer's disease and cognitive impairment is critical to improving the healthcare trajectories of aging adults, enabling early intervention and potential prevention of decline.

METHODS

To evaluate multi‐modal feature sets for assessing memory and cognitive impairment, feature selection and subsequent logistic regressions were used to identify the most salient features in classifying Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test‐determined memory impairment.

RESULTS

Multimodal models incorporating graphomotor, memory, and speech and voice features provided the stronger classification performance (area under the curve = 0.83; sensitivity = 0.81, specificity = 0.80). Multimodal models were superior to all other single modality and demographics models.

DISCUSSION

The current research contributes to the prevailing multimodal profile of those with cognitive impairment, suggesting that it is associated with slower speech with a particular effect on the duration, frequency, and percentage of pauses compared to normal healthy speech.
Insights into the Origins of Solar‐Assisted Electrochemical Water Oxidation in Allotropic Co5.47N/CoN Heterojunctions
Authors: Liu Sirui , Gao Qiong , Geng Bo , Wu Lili , Xu Zhikun , Ma Xinzhi , Liu Shijie , Li Boquan , Zhang Mingyi , Zhang Lirong , Zhang Xitian
Published: February 2024

Solar irradiation can efficiently promote the kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) during water splitting, where heterojunction catalysts exhibit excellent photoresponsive properties. However, insights into the origins of photoassisted OER catalysis remain unclear, especially the interfaced promotion under convergent solar irradiation (CSI). Herein, novel allotropic Co5.47N/CoN heterojunctions were synthesized, and corresponding OER mechanisms under CSI were comprehensively uncovered from physical and chemical aspects using the in situ Raman technique and electrochemical cyclic voltammetry method. Our results provide a unique mechanism where high‐energy UV light promotes the Co3+/4+ conversion process in addition to the ordinary photoelectric effect excitation of the Co2+ material. Importantly, visible light under CSI can produce a photothermal effect for Co2+ excitation and Co3+/4+ conversion, which promotes the OER significantly more than the usual photoelectric effect. As a result, Co5.47N/CoN (containing 28% CoN) obtained 317.9% OER enhancement, which provides a pathway for constructing excellent OER catalysts.
Quality parameters and lipid composition of oil extracted from spent coffee grounds: A promising alternative to vegetable oils used for consumption and cosmetic purposes
Authors: Sakouhi Faouzi , Saadi Chaima , Omrani Ikbel , Boukhchina Sadok , Solana Raquel Rodriguez
Published: February 2024

Coffee grounds are the most commonly generated daily waste in the world, raising numerous questions regarding their proper management and their environmental impact. The present study focuses on the physical and chemical characterization of oil extracted from spent coffee grounds (SCG), with the aim of valorizing this by‐product as a potential source for oil production. The results obtained from the analysis of SCG oil were also compared to those of some edible oils (soybean, corn, and sunflower oils) and cosmetic oils (lentisc, sweet almond, and castor oils). The results revealed that spent coffee waste yielded an important amount of oil, specifically 17.19%, as compared to corn (4.31%) and soybean (19.52%) seeds. Regarding the fatty acids composition of SCG oil, eight components were identified, with a high percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids accounting for more than 45% of total fatty acids. The phytosterols composition of SCG oil revealed the presence of seven components, with β‐sitosterol being the predominant one. The tocopherol analysis showed that SCG oil contained only α and β isomers, with β‐tocopherol being the dominant form at over 68%. These findings accentuate the potential of spent coffee waste as a promising alternative for oil production and open up new applications for SCG oil, such as in the food industry, pharmaceutical applications, and cosmetics.

Practical Application: Given the significant increase in the demand for vegetable oils, the oil industry has recently begun to explore new plant matrices, particularly those having low costs. SCG are the most commonly generated daily by‐product in the world. The present investigation aims to characterize and valorize the oil extracted from SCG. The obtained results revealed the potential of SCG as a promising alternative for oil production. Consequently, valorizing spent coffee waste as a natural by‐product for oil production can be an ideal solution to address numerous issues related to its proper management and its environmental impact. Hence, the oil industry can promote spent coffee waste, cheapest by‐products, as a promising alternative for oil production. Moreover, the present investigation represents a commendable model of the circular economy since the remaining waste obtained after extracting lipids from the coffee grounds waste can be used as natural fertilizer rich in protein for plant development.
Applicability of soil‐type index for shear wave velocity‐based liquefaction assessment
Authors: Ecemis Nurhan , Monkul Mehmet Murat , Orucu Murat
Published: February 2024

The current simplified liquefaction assessment method based on the shear‐wave velocity, Vs has uncertainties about how the fine contents change the Vs‐based liquefaction resistance. According to the simplified method, for a given Vs, the cyclic resistance ratio (CRR) increases with an increase in fine contents. However, field investigations recently revealed that for various silty sands, the correlation between CRR and Vs is soil‐type index dependent and not specific for all sand‐silt mixtures with the same fine contents. Therefore, a detailed experimental research program is performed in this study to clarify the effect of the soil‐type index on the shear wave velocity and CRR correlation. In the first part of the present study, the cyclic resistance of sand mixed with non‐plastic (NP) fines (dry weight of 0%, 5%, 15%, and 35%) was investigated using cyclic direct simple shear (CDSS) tests. Seismic cone penetration (SCPT) tests were performed inside the large‐scale box to facilitate normalized cone penetration resistance (qc1N) and shear wave velocity measurements on the soils used in the CDSS tests. A new correlation was proposed between the qc1N and normalized shear wave velocity (Vs1) using the soil‐type index Ic representing the behavior of soil. Then, CRR‐Vs1 correlation was obtained experimentally for four distinct ranges of soil‐type index. Finally, the results of this study and the proposed CRR‐Vs1 trends in other investigations were used to discuss the soil‐type dependent Vs‐based liquefaction susceptibility zones.
Simplified state‐dependent seismic fragility assessment
Authors: Orlacchio Mabel , Baltzopoulos Georgios , Iervolino Iunio
Published: February 2024

Earthquakes are clustered in time and space; therefore, structures may be subjected to multiple consecutive instances of potentially damaging shaking, with insufficient in‐between time for repair operations to take place. Methodologies to evaluate the risk dynamics in this situation require vulnerability models that are able to capture the transitions between damage states, from the intact conditions to failure, due to multiple damaging earthquakes, that is, state‐dependent fragility curves. One of the state‐of‐the‐art methods for the assessment of structure‐specific state‐dependent fragility curves relies on a variant of incremental dynamic analysis (IDA), which is often termed back‐to‐back or B2B‐IDA. The computational costs typically involved in B2B‐IDA motivate attempts to simplify the evaluation of state‐dependent fragility curves. This paper presents a simplified method for multi‐story moment‐resisting frame structures, based on pushover analysis in conjunction with a predictive model for the main features of a damaged structural system, such as residual deformations and loss of stiffness and/or strength. The predictive model enables the probabilistic definition of the post‐earthquake pushover curve of a damaged structural system, given the displacement demand imposed by a preceding damaging shock. The state‐dependent fragility curves are then evaluated via IDA of single‐degree‐of‐freedom oscillators based on these pushover curves. Illustrative applications validate the ability of the proposed methodology to provide state‐dependent fragilities with reduced computational costs compared to the back‐to‐back IDA method.
Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of people with oldest older age bipolar disorder in a global sample: Results from the global aging and geriatric experiments in bipolar disorder project
Authors: Chen Peijun , Sajatovic Martha , Briggs Farren B. S. , Mulsant Benoit , Dols Annemiek A. , Gildengers Ariel , Yala Joy , Beunders Alexandra J. M. , Blumberg Hilary P. , Rej Soham , Forlenza Orestes V. , Jimenez Esther , Schouws Sigfried , Orhan Melis , Sutherland Ashley N. , Vieta Eduard , Tsai Shangying , Sarna Kaylee , Eyler Lisa T. ,   the GAGE‐BD Investigators
Published: February 2024

Objects

Studies of older age bipolar disorder (OABD) have mostly focused on “younger old” individuals. Little is known about the oldest OABD (OOABD) individuals aged ≥70 years old. The Global Aging and Geriatric Experiments in Bipolar Disorder (GAGE‐BD) project provides an opportunity to evaluate the OOABD group to understand their characteristics compared to younger groups.

Methods

We conducted cross‐sectional analyses of the GAGE‐BD database, an integrated, harmonized dataset from 19 international studies. We compared the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of those aged <50 (YABD, n = 184), 50–69 (OABD, n = 881), and ≥70 (OOABD, n = 304). To standardize the comparisons between age categories and all characteristics, we used multinomial logistic regression models with age category as the dependent variable, with each characteristic as the independent variable, and clustering of standard errors to account for the correlation between observations from each of the studies.

Results

OOABD and OABD had lower severity of manic symptoms (Mean YMRS = 3.3, 3.8 respectively) than YABD (YMRS = 7.6), and lower depressive symptoms (% of absent = 65.4%, and 59.5% respectively) than YABD (18.3%). OOABD and OABD had higher physical burden than YABD, especially in the cardiovascular domain (prevalence = 65% in OOABD, 41% in OABD and 17% in YABD); OOABD had the highest prevalence (56%) in the musculoskeletal domain (significantly differed from 39% in OABD and 31% in YABD which didn't differ from each other). Overall, OOABD had significant cumulative physical burden in numbers of domains (mean = 4) compared to both OABD (mean = 2) and YABD (mean = 1). OOABD had the lowest rates of suicidal thoughts (10%), which significantly differed from YABD (26%) though didn't differ from OABD (21%). Functional status was higher in both OOABD (GAF = 63) and OABD (GAF = 64), though only OABD had significantly higher function than YABD (GAF = 59).

Conclusions

OOABD have unique features, suggesting that (1) OOABD individuals may be easier to manage psychiatrically, but require more attention to comorbid physical conditions; (2) OOABD is a survivor cohort associated with resilience despite high medical burden, warranting both qualitative and quantitative methods to better understand how to advance clinical care and ways to age successfully with BD.
Hidden Ethical Challenges in Health Data Infrastructure
Authors: Contaxis Nicole
Published: February 2024

Data infrastructure includes the bureaucratic, technical, and social mechanisms that assist in actions like data management, analysis, storage, and sharing. While issues like data sharing have been addressed in depth in bioethical literature, data infrastructure presents its own ethical considerations, apart from the actions (such as data sharing and data analysis) that it enables. This essay outlines some of these considerations—namely, the ethics of efficiency, the visibility of infrastructure, the power of standards, and the impact of new technologies—in order to invite the bioethics community to participate in conversations about infrastructure, as their expertise is both needed and welcomed.
Latissimus dorsi myocutaneous free flap for the laryngopharyngectomy defect
Authors: Kinkhabwala Corin M. , Amin Julian , Rist Tyler , Vaitaitis Vilija J. , Skoner Judith M.
Published: February 2024

Background

Partial or total laryngopharyngectomy defects have traditionally been reconstructed using the radial forearm, anterolateral thigh, or jejunal free flaps. The latissimus dorsi myocutaneous free flap (LDMFF) is an option for high‐risk patients with complex laryngopharyngeal ± cutaneous neck defects.

Methods

Retrospective single‐surgeon case series from 2017 to 2022. Outcomes were assessed at both the back donor site and head and neck.

Results

Twenty‐four patients were identified. Flap survival was 100%. There was 1 (4.2%) pharyngocutaneous fistula and 2 (8.3%) tracheo‐esophageal peristomal fistulas. At last follow‐up, 17 (71%) were sustaining weight on oral intake, and 7 (29%) were G‐tube dependent with 4 of these able to do some type of oral intake. Seven (29.2%) had post‐operative stricture/stenosis requiring dilation. There were only minor donor site complications, all managed conservatively.

Conclusions

The LDMFF can be a robust reconstructive option, particularly for radiated high‐risk patients with complex pharyngeal defects, including skin.
Evolution and variation in amide aminoacyl‐tRNA synthesis
Authors: Lewis Alexander M. , Fallon Trevor , Dittemore Georgia A. , Sheppard Kelly
Published: February 2024

The amide proteogenic amino acids, asparagine and glutamine, are two of the twenty amino acids used in translation by all known life. The aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetases for asparagine and glutamine, asparaginyl‐tRNA synthetase and glutaminyl tRNA synthetase, evolved after the split in the last universal common ancestor of modern organisms. Before that split, life used two‐step indirect pathways to synthesize asparagine and glutamine on their cognate tRNAs to form the aminoacyl‐tRNA used in translation. These two‐step pathways were retained throughout much of the bacterial and archaeal domains of life and eukaryotic organelles. The indirect routes use non‐discriminating aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetases (non‐discriminating aspartyl‐tRNA synthetase and non‐discriminating glutamyl‐tRNA synthetase) to misaminoacylate the tRNA. The misaminoacylated tRNA formed is then transamidated into the amide aminoacyl‐tRNA used in protein synthesis by tRNA‐dependent amidotransferases (GatCAB and GatDE). The enzymes and tRNAs involved assemble into complexes known as transamidosomes to help maintain translational fidelity. These pathways have evolved to meet the varied cellular needs across a diverse set of organisms, leading to significant variation. In certain bacteria, the indirect pathways may provide a means to adapt to cellular stress by reducing the fidelity of protein synthesis. The retention of these indirect pathways versus acquisition of asparaginyl‐tRNA synthetase and glutaminyl tRNA synthetase in lineages likely involves a complex interplay of the competing uses of glutamine and asparagine beyond translation, energetic costs, co‐evolution between enzymes and tRNA, and involvement in stress response that await further investigation.
Somatostatin in the Treatment of a Pancreatic Pseudocyst in a Child
Authors: Bosman‐Vermeeren J. M. , Veereman‐Wauters G. , Broos P. , Eggermont E.
Published: February 2024

Pancreatic pseudocyst is a know complication of acute pancreatitis and pancreatic trauma. The treatment of pancreatitis remains a challenge and the pancreatic pseudocyst is often approached surgically. Lately, the use of somatostatin and its long‐acting analogue octreotide have proved useful in the treatment of pancreatitis and its complications in adults. This is the first report on the use of somatostatin in the treatment of a pancreatic pseudocyst in a child. We present the case of a posttraumatic pancreatic pseudocyst in a 10‐year‐old boy, regressing rapidly under somatostatin treatment, by which means surgical re‐intervention could be avoided.
A Curable Cause of Chronic Idiopathic Intestinal Pseudo‐Obstruction in Children: Idiopathic Myositis of the Small Intestine
Authors: Giniès Jean‐Louis , François Henri , Joseph Marie‐Geneviève , Champion Gérard , Coupris Lionel , Limal Jean‐Marie
Published: February 2024

We report an intestinal pseudo‐obstruction syndrome occurring in a 6‐month‐old infant girl suffering from acquired major and persistent abdominal distension, which 2 months later required ileostomy. Histologic examination of samples of the small intestine showed considerable inflammatory reaction in the muscular layers of the intestinal wall. Steroid therapy, begun as soon as the histologic results were known, resulted in recovery. In a similar case, reported previously, steroid therapy used after the lesions had already caused fibrosis and atrophy of the intestinal wall, proved ineffective. This particular form of pseudo‐obstruction is classified as “idiopathic myositis of the small intestine.” It is important to identify the condition because an early course of steroid therapy, before the appearance of fibrotic lesions, could improve the prognosis.
Inhibition of β‐Glucuronidase by Casein Hydrolysate Formula
Authors: Gourley Glenn R. , Kreamer Bill L. , Cohnen Monika
Published: February 2024

Background:

A casein hydrolysate infant formula has been shown to be associated with lower levels of neonatal jaundice than are standard infant formulas. Because β‐glucuronidase is related to neonatal jaundice, this study examined the effect of a casein hydrolysate formula on β‐glucuronidase.

Methods:

β‐glucuronidase activity was measured with or without added dietary components. The β‐glucuronidase sources used were meconium, breast milk, and the purified bovine liver enzyme. The dietary components assayed for their effect on β‐glucuronidase activity included casein hydrolysate formula (Nutramigen), whey‐predominant formula (Enfamil), breast milk, enzymatically hydrolyzed casein, and other constituents of the casein hydrolysate formula. Stool samples of 6‐day‐old infants, who were exclusively fed one of the two formulas or breast milk, were also assayed for inhibition of β‐glucuronidase.

Results:

Only Nutramigen, enzymatically hydrolyzed casein, and stool from Nutramigen‐fed infants consistently demonstrated significant inhibition of β‐glucuronidase activity, ranging from 45% to 85% of that in controls. The inhibition of β‐glucuronidase in purified bovine liver demonstrates a dose response in a pH range from 4 to 7.3.

Conclusions:

Hydrolyzed casein contains a β‐glucuronidase inhibitor that, in casein hydrolysate‐fed infants, persists after passage through the digestive tract. These data are consistent with the possibility that inhibition of β‐glucuronidase is a mechanism by which infants fed casein hydrolysate have lower jaundice levels than infants fed routine formulas or breast milk. Further study of this mechanism is needed.
Bound Iron Admixture Prevents the Spontaneous Generation of Peroxides in Total Parenteral Nutrition Solutions
Authors: Lavoie Jean‐Claude , Chessex Philippe
Published: February 2024

Background:

Parenteral administration of iron is a matter of controversy because it is feared that it could contribute to oxidative reactions. The aim of this study was to verify if iron‐dextran participates in the redox reactions occurring in total parenteral nutrition (TPN) solutions.

Methods:

Irondextran was compared with different forms of iron in the interaction with peroxides. Hydroperoxide levels were measured by a colorimetric technique in TPN solutions, in presence of varying sources (FeCl2, FeSO4, irondextran, iron sorbitol) and concentrations (0‐0.8 mM) of iron. The consumption and inhibition of peroxide generation were tested by analyzing the effect of iron on different sources of peroxides (H2O2, tert‐butyl and cumen hydroperoxide). The free radicals produced under conditions of a Fenton‐like reaction were measured by the oxidation of scopoletin. And the proportion of Fe3+ freed by both bound‐iron sources was counted by measuring the masking effect on the thiol function of cysteine.

Results:

Free‐iron admixture to parenteral nutrition induces the formation of free radicals, whereas sources of bound‐iron inhibit the generation of peroxides in parenteral nutrition without implying a Fenton‐like reaction.

Conclusion:

For patients requiring iron supplementation, bound‐iron should be added during the preparation of TPN solutions, because it protects against the spontaneous generation of peroxides.
Growth Hormone and Glutamine Do Not Stimulate Intestinal Adaptation Following Massive Small Bowel Resection in the Rat
Authors: Vanderhoof Jon A. , Kollman Kathryn A. , Griffin Scott , Adrian Thomas E.
Published: February 2024

Background:

Certain nutrients and other trophic factors are highly sensitive stimulants of intestinal adaptation following short bowel syndrome. Growth hormone and glutamine in a modified diet have been shown to enhance nutrient absorption in patients with severe short bowel syndrome. However, neither growth hormone nor glutamine is capable of enhancing adaptation in an animal model. This study was conducted to determine if the combination of glutamine and growth hormone could enhance gut adaptation following massive small bowel resection in the rat.

Methods:

Thirty‐four male rats received 70% jejunoileal resections. The first group received glycine and rat growth hormone, the second glutamine and rat growth hormone, and the third glycine but no growth hormone.

Results:

There was no evidence that the combination of glutamine and growth hormone could enhance mucosal mass, mucosal protein, or mucosal DNA levels relative to the other two control groups of animals. Likewise, sucrase activities were not enhanced by glutamine and growth hormone.

Conclusion:

It is unlikely that the combination of glutamine and growth hormone will be of benefit in the treatment of patients with short bowel syndrome. The results in previous human studies can be alternatively explained by the long‐term nonspecific effect of enteral nutrition on gut adaptation.