bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Designing Multifunctional Cobalt Oxide Layers for Efficient and Stable Electrochemical Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Kuhl Matthias , Henning Alex , Haller Lukas , Wagner Laura I. , Jiang Chang‐Ming , Streibel Verena , Sharp Ian D. , Eichhorn Johanna
Published: June 2022

Disordered and porous metal oxides are promising earth‐abundant and cost‐effective alternatives to noble‐metal electrocatalysts. Herein, nonsaturated oxidation in plasma‐enhanced atomic layer deposition is leveraged to tune the structural, mechanical, and optical properties of biphasic cobalt hydroxide films, thereby tailoring their catalytic activities and chemical stabilities. Short oxygen plasma exposure times and low plasma powers incompletely oxidize the cobaltocene precursor to Co(OH)2 and result in carbon impurity incorporation. These Co(OH)2 films are highly porous and catalytically active, but their electrochemical stability is impacted by poor substrate adhesion. In contrast, long exposure times and high powers completely oxidize the precursor to Co3O4, reduce the carbon incorporation, and improve the crystallinity. While the Co3O4 films have high electrochemical stability, they are characterized by low oxygen evolution reaction activity. To overcome these competing properties, the established relation between deposition parameters and functional film properties is applied to design bilayer films exhibiting simultaneously improved electrochemical performance and chemical stability. The bilayer films combine a highly active Co(OH)2 surface with a stable Co3O4 interface layer. These coatings exhibit minimal light absorption, thus making them suitable as protective catalytic layers on semiconductor light absorbers for application in photoelectrochemical devices.
TMED3 Complex Mediates ER Stress‐Associated Secretion of CFTR, Pendrin, and SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike
Authors: Park Hak , Seo Soo Kyung , Sim Ju‐Ri , Hwang Su Jin , Kim Ye Jin , Shin Dong Hoon , Jang Dong Geon , Noh Shin Hye , Park Pil‐Gu , Ko Si Hwan , Shin Mi Hwa , Choi Jae Young , Ito Yukishige , Kang Chung‐Min , Lee Jae Myun , Lee Min Goo
Published: June 2022

Under ER stress conditions, the ER form of transmembrane proteins can reach the plasma membrane via a Golgi‐independent unconventional protein secretion (UPS) pathway. However, the targeting mechanisms of membrane proteins for UPS are unknown. Here, this study reports that TMED proteins play a critical role in the ER stress‐associated UPS of transmembrane proteins. The gene silencing results reveal that TMED2, TMED3, TMED9 and TMED10 are involved in the UPS of transmembrane proteins, such as CFTR, pendrin and SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike. Subsequent mechanistic analyses indicate that TMED3 recognizes the ER core‐glycosylated protein cargos and that the heteromeric TMED2/3/9/10 complex mediates their UPS. Co‐expression of all four TMEDs improves, while each single expression reduces, the UPS and ion transport function of trafficking‐deficient ΔF508‐CFTR and p.H723R‐pendrin, which cause cystic fibrosis and Pendred syndrome, respectively. In contrast, TMED2/3/9/10 silencing reduces SARS‐CoV‐2 viral release. These results provide evidence for a common role of TMED3 and related TMEDs in the ER stress‐associated, Golgi‐independent secretion of transmembrane proteins.
Binary Blend All‐Polymer Solar Cells with a Record Efficiency of 17.41% Enabled by Programmed Fluorination Both on Donor and Acceptor Blocks
Authors: Zhou Dehong , Liao Chentong , Peng Shaoqian , Xu Xiaopeng , Guo Yuanyuan , Xia Jianlong , Meng Huifeng , Yu Liyang , Li Ruipeng , Peng Qiang
Published: June 2022

Despite remarkable breakthrough made by virtue of “polymerized small‐molecule acceptor (PSMA)” strategy recently, the limited selection pool of high‐performance polymer acceptors and long‐standing challenge in morphology control impede their further developments. Herein, three PSMAs of PYDT‐2F, PYDT‐3F, and PYDT‐4F are developed by introducing different fluorine atoms on the end groups and/or bithiophene spacers to fine‐tune their optoelectronic properties for high‐performance PSMAs. The PSMAs exhibit narrow bandgap and energy levels that match well with PM6 donor. The fluorination promotes the crystallization of the polymer chain for enhanced electron mobility, which is further improved by following n‐doping with benzyl viologen additive. Moreover, the miscibility is also improved by introducing more fluorine atoms, which promotes the intermixing with PM6 donor. Among them, PYDT‐3F exhibits well‐balanced high crystallinity and miscibility with PM6 donor; thus, the layer‐by‐layer processed PM6/PYDT‐3F film obtains an optimal nanofibril morphology with submicron length and ≈23 nm width of fibrils, facilitating the charge separation and transport. The resulting PM6/PYDT‐3F devices realizes a record high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.41% and fill factor of 77.01%, higher than the PM6/PYDT‐2F (PCE = 16.25%) and PM6/PYDT‐4F (PCE = 16.77%) devices.
Speckle‐Based Optical Cryptosystem and its Application for Human Face Recognition via Deep Learning
Authors: Zhao Qi , Li Huanhao , Yu Zhipeng , Woo Chi Man , Zhong Tianting , Cheng Shengfu , Zheng Yuanjin , Liu Honglin , Tian Jie , Lai Puxiang
Published: June 2022

Face recognition has become ubiquitous for authentication or security purposes. Meanwhile, there are increasing concerns about the privacy of face images, which are sensitive biometric data and should be protected. Software‐based cryptosystems are widely adopted to encrypt face images, but the security level is limited by insufficient digital secret key length or computing power. Hardware‐based optical cryptosystems can generate enormously longer secret keys and enable encryption at light speed, but most reported optical methods, such as double random phase encryption, are less compatible with other systems due to system complexity. In this study, a plain yet highly efficient speckle‐based optical cryptosystem is proposed and implemented. A scattering ground glass is exploited to generate physical secret keys of 17.2 gigabit length and encrypt face images via seemingly random optical speckles at light speed. Face images can then be decrypted from random speckles by a well‐trained decryption neural network, such that face recognition can be realized with up to 98% accuracy. Furthermore, attack analyses are carried out to show the cryptosystem's security. Due to its high security, fast speed, and low cost, the speckle‐based optical cryptosystem is suitable for practical applications and can inspire other high‐security cryptosystems.
Resistive Switching in Ferroelectric Bi2FeCrO6 Thin Films and Impact on the Photovoltaic Effect
Authors: Walch David S. , Yun Yeseul , Ramakrishnegowda Niranjan , Mühlenbein Lutz , Lotnyk Andriy , Himcinschi Cameliu , Bhatnagar Akash
Published: June 2022

The multiferroic character of Bi2FeCrO6 (BFCO), that is, the coexistence of ferroelectricity and ferromagnetism, has been predicted and demonstrated in different studies. Intriguingly, the material system also exhibits a reduced band gap, in addition to bulk‐driven photovoltaic effect. The co‐existence of all these attributes in a single system is a rare occurrence and paves way to a multitude of practical applications, with ferroelectric solar cell as one of them. In this work, epitaxially grown BFCO thin films, deposited with pulsed laser deposition on single crystalline SrTiO3 (STO) substrates, reveal a self‐ordered ionic arrangement which is proven with X‐ray and transmission electron micrcoscope (TEM) measurements. A lowered band gap and a higher conductivity lead to a superior photovoltaic performance compared to a BiFeO3 (BFO) reference film. Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) is used to test locally the ferroelectric switching properties. Poling with electric field not only caused a reliable change in the state of polarization, but also resulted in substantial changes in the resistance of the regions. Macroscopic measurements using transparent In2O3:Sn (ITO) electrodes demonstrate a bi‐directional multi‐stage resistive switching, which in turn influences the photovoltaic performance of the heterostucture.
Cis–Trans Reisomerization Precedes Reprotonation of the Retinal Chromophore in the Photocycle of Schizorhodopsin 4
Authors: Hayashi Kouhei , Mizuno Misao , Kandori Hideki , Mizutani Yasuhisa
Published: June 2022

Recent discoveries of light‐driven inward proton‐pumping rhodopsins have opened new avenues to exploring the mechanism of unidirectional transport because these proteins transport protons in the opposite direction to conventional proton‐pumping rhodopsins, despite their similar protein structure and membrane topology. Schizorhodopsin (SzR) is a newly discovered rhodopsin family of light‐driven inward proton pumps. Here, we report time‐resolved resonance Raman spectra showing that cis–trans thermal reisomerization precedes reprotonation at the Schiff base of the retinal chromophore in the photocycle of SzR AM_5_00977. This sequence has not been observed for the photocycles of conventional proton‐pumping rhodopsins, in which reisomerization follows reprotonation, and thus provides insights into the mechanism of proton uptake to the chromophore during inward proton pumping. The present findings are expected to contribute to controlling the direction of proton transport in engineered proteins.
Amine‐Directed Formation of B−N Bonds for BN‐Fused Polycyclic Aromatic Multiple Resonance Emitters with Narrowband Emission
Authors: Meng Guoyun , Dai Hengyi , Huang Tianyu , Wei Jinbei , Zhou Jianping , Li Xiao , Wang Xiang , Hong Xiangchen , Yin Chen , Zeng Xuan , Zhang Yuewei , Yang Dezhi , Ma Dongge , Li Guomeng , Zhang Dongdong , Duan Lian
Published: June 2022

Despite the remarkable multiple resonance (MR) optoelectronic properties of organic nanographenes with boron and nitrogen atoms disposedparato each other, the synthetic procedures are sophisticated with low yields and the molecular skeletons are limited. Here, a new paradigm of easy‐to‐access MR emitter is constructed by simplifying the multiborylation through amine‐directed formation of B−N bonds while introducing an additionalpara‐positioned nitrogen atom to trigger the MR effect. The proof‐of‐concept molecules exhibit narrowband emissions at 480 and 490 nm, with full width at half maxima (FWHMs) of only 29 and 34 nm. The devices based on them showed external quantum efficiencies (EQE) of >33.0 %, which remained above 24.0 % even at a high brightness of 5000 cd m−2. This is the first example of MR emitters with a B−N covalent bond, not only decreasing the synthesis difficulty but also increasing the diversity of MR skeletons for emerging new optoelectronic properties.
Inhibition of electrical trees degradation of crosslinked polyethylene at high temperatures by electron‐buffering voltage stabilizers
Authors: Hong Zelin , Chen Xiangrong , Zhu Guangyu , Awais Muhammad , Shi Yiwen , Zhu Hanshan , Li Hao , Paramane Ashish
Published: June 2022

The effect of adding electron‐buffering voltage stabilizer (1 wt% m‐aminobenzoic acid) on the electrical tree‐induced degradation of cross‐linked polyethylene (XLPE) was studied at high temperatures. The electrical tree inception, growth, and partial discharge characteristics were simultaneously analyzed at 30, 50, and 70°C, respectively. The results showed that the growth rate of electrical tree and partial discharge activity as well as the discharge repetition rate, significantly increased with the temperature for pure XLPE and XLPE stabilizer blend. However, the XLPE stabilizer blend exhibited higher tree inception voltage, lower tree growth rate, and partial discharge activity than pure XLPE. The addition of the voltage stabilizer reduced the carbon layer thickness in the tree channel and offered higher resistance to the electrical tree growth. Surface potential decay demonstrated that the voltage stabilizer addition decreased the trap energy level, but increased the shallow trap density of the XLPE. Quantum chemical calculations showed that the voltage stabilizer enhanced the ability to buffer the high‐energy electrons in the XLPE. A high‐energy electron buffering mechanism was also proposed to explain the effect of voltage stabilizer on the electrical treeing and partial discharge activity in the XLPE at high temperatures.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of sulfonamide‐based compounds as inhibitors of carbonic anhydrase from Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Mancuso Francesca , Angeli Andrea , De Luca Viviana , Bucolo Federica , De Luca Laura , Capasso Clemente , Supuran Claudiu T. , Gitto Rosaria
Published: June 2022

This study reports our continued efforts to identify inhibitors capable of targeting carbonic anhydrases (CAs) expressed in bacteria. Based on previously identified chemotypes, we designed and synthesized new analogs that were screened toward the α, β, and γ classes encoded in Vibrio cholerae (Vch). The Ki values measured in the stopped‐flow hydrase assay revealed that very simple structural modifications might induce a relevant impact on the inhibitory effects as well as the selectivity profile over ubiquitous human isozymes (hCA I/II). Unfortunately, the best active VchCA inhibitors demonstrated a dramatic loss of hCA II selectivity when compared to previously reported compounds. Among the new series of sulfonamides, several molecules proved to be about sevenfold more potent against VchCAγ than the reference compound acetazolamide, thus furnishing new insights for further development of inhibitors targeting CAs expressed in bacteria.
Proteolytic control in ciliogenesis: Temporal restriction or early initiation?
Authors: Habeck Gregor , Schweiggert Jörg
Published: June 2022

Cellular processes are highly dependent on a dynamic proteome that undergoes structural and functional rearrangements to allow swift conversion between different cellular states. By inducing proteasomal degradation of inhibitory or stimulating factors, ubiquitylation is particularly well suited to trigger such transitions. One prominent example is the remodelling of the centrosome upon cell cycle exit, which is required for the formation of primary cilia – antenna‐like structures on the surface of most cells that act as integrative hubs for various extracellular signals. Over the last decade, many reports on ubiquitin‐related events involved in the regulation of ciliogenesis have emerged. Very often, these processes are considered to be initiated ad hoc, that is, directly before its effect on cilia biogenesis becomes evident. While such a temporal restriction may hold true for the majority of events, there is evidence that some of them are initiated earlier during the cell cycle. Here, we provide an overview of ubiquitin‐dependent processes in ciliogenesis and discuss available data that indicate such an early onset of proteolytic regulation within preceding cell cycle stages.
Genomic landscape of non‐small‐cell lung cancer with methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP) deficiency
Authors: Ashok Kumar Prashanth , Graziano Stephen L. , Danziger Natalie , Pavlick Dean , Severson Eric A. , Ramkissoon Shakti H. , Huang Richard S. P. , Decker Brennan , Ross Jeffrey S.
Published: June 2022

Introduction

New treatment strategies for advanced non‐small‐cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) include synthetic lethality targets focused on protein arginine methyl transferases such as PRMT5 that exploit the impact of genomic loss of methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP).

Methods

Twenty nine thousand three hundred seventy nine advanced NSCLC cases underwent hybrid‐capture based comprehensive genomic profiling between June 1, 2018 and May 31, 2020. PD‐L1 expression was determined by immunohistochemistry (Dako 22C3 PharmDx assay).

Results

13.4% (3928/29,379) NSCLC cases exhibited MTAP loss distributed in adenocarcinoma (59%), squamous cell carcinoma (22%), NSCLC not otherwise specified (16%), and 1% each for large‐cell neuroendocrine, sarcomatoid, and adenosquamous carcinoma. Statistically significant differences in mitogenic driver alterations included more KRAS G12C mutations in MTAP‐intact versus MTAP‐lost (12% vs. 10%, p = 0.0003) and fewer EGFR short variant mutations in MTAP‐intact versus MTAP‐lost NSCLC (10% vs. 13%, p < 0.0001). Statistically significant differences in currently untargetable genomic alterations included higher frequencies of TP53 (70% vs. 63%, p < 0.0001) and RB1 inactivation (10% vs. 2%, p < 0.0001) in MTAP‐intact compared to MTAP‐lost NSCLC. SMARCA4 inactivation (7% vs. 10%, p < 0.0001) was less frequent in MTAP‐intact versus MTAP‐lost NSCLC. Alterations in ERBB2, MET, ALK, ROS1, and NTRK1 did not significantly differ between the two groups. Predictors of immunotherapy efficacy were higher in MTAP‐intact versus MTAP‐lost NSCLC including tumor mutational burden (9.4 vs. 8.6 mut/Mb, p = 0.001) and low (30% vs. 28%, p = 0.01) and high PD‐L1 (32% vs. 30%, p = 0.01) expression. Alterations in biomarkers potentially predictive of immune checkpoint inhibitor resistance (STK11, KEAP1, and MDM2) were similar in the two groups.

Conclusions

MTAP loss occurs in 13% of NSCLC, supporting the development of targeted therapies to exploit PRMT5 hyper‐dependence. MTAP loss is accompanied by small differences in targeted and immunotherapy options which may impact future combination strategies.
Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Functionalized with Fucoidan: a Potential Theranostic Nanotool for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Geinguenaud Frédéric , Sainte‐Catherine Odile , Poirier Florence , Besnard Valérie , Haddad Oualid , Chaubet Frédéric , Lalatonne Yoann , Lutomski Didier , Sutton Angela , Motte Laurence
Published: June 2022

Fucoidan is a natural sulfated polysaccharide with a large range of biological activities including anticancer and anti‐oxidation activities. Hepatocellular carcinoma is the fourth most common aggressive cancer type. The aim of this study was to investigate the bioactivity of free fucoidan versus its vectorization using nanoparticles (NPs) in human hepatoma cells, Huh‐7. Iron oxide NPs were functionalized with fucoidan by a one‐step surface complexation. NP cellular uptake was quantified by magnetic measurement at various extracellular iron concentrations. Cell invasion and migration were reduced with NPs while free fucoidan increases these events at low fucoidan concentration (≤0.5 μM). Concomitantly, a high decrease of reactive oxygen species production related with a decrease of the matrix metalloproteinase‐9 activity and an increase of its expression was observed with NPs compared to free fucoidan. A proteomic analysis evidenced that some fucoidan regulated proteins appeared, which were related to protein synthesis, N‐glycan processing, and cellular stress. To our knowledge, this is the first study which reveals such activity induced by fucoidan. These results pave the way for USPIO‐fucoidan‐NPs as potential theranostic nanotools for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment.
Effective Controlling of Ni3S2/MoS2 Porous Hollow Spheres on Ni Foam by Non‐ionic Surfactant Micelles for Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Xu Xuequan , Zhang Jinying , Yang Na , Zhao Xuewen , Gu Mengyue , Cheng Yonghong , Niu Chunming
Published: June 2022

The hollow sphere structure has attracted various attention in the catalytic field due to its high specific surface. The good dispersion and morphology of hollow spheres are important to provide high active sites. It is a big challenge to control the morphology and distribution of the active materials during synthesis. Serious deformation and uneven distribution of the spheres were usually obtained due to inappropriate templates. A facile one‐step hydrothermal method using micelles of triblock copolymer surfactant P123 was adopted to in‐situ grow Ni3S2/MoS2 porous hollow spheres on Ni foam with uniform distribution. The as‐produced Ni3S2/MoS2 porous hollow spheres have been demonstrated to have excellent oxygen evolution reaction catalytic performance as integrated electrodes. Low overpotentials of 314 mV and 337 mV have been achieved at current densities of 50 mA cm−2 and 100 mA cm−2 with a Tafel slope of 57 mV dec−1 and an excellent long‐term stability, which is better than other Ni‐base material.
Development of a Bacterial Enzyme‐Based Biosensor for the Detection and Quantification of Selenate
Authors: Motlagh Mozhgan Khorasani , Noroozifar Meissam , Sodhi Rana N. S. , Kraatz Heinz‐Bernhard
Published: June 2022

An enzymatic biosensor has been developed for the determination of selenate (SeO42−), in which selenate reductase (SeR) is chemically attached to a gold disk electrode by lipoic acid N‐hydroxysuccinimide ester as linker, allowing the catalytic reduction of the SeO42− to SeO32−. Modification of the gold electrode was characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy (ToF‐SIMS), and electrochemistry. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) measurements were performed in different buffers for selenate determination. Under optimum conditions, the calibration curve was linear over the range 7.0–3900.0 μg L−1 with limits of detection and quantification of 4.97 and 15.56 μg L−1, respectively. The possible interference of the relevant oxyanions SO42−, NO3−, NO2−, PO43− and AsO43− in the determination of SeO42− was studied. Finally, the proposed biosensor was used to determine SeO42− with recovery between 95.2 and 102.4 % in different real water samples.
Proton and Lithium Cations Linked to π‐Electron and σ‐Electron Systems: Are Such Interactions beyond or within the Definition of Hydrogen/Lithium Bond?
Authors: Gholami Samira , Aarabi Mohammad , Grabowski Sławomir J.
Published: June 2022

MP2/aug‐cc‐pVTZ calculations were performed on systems containing a proton or a lithium cation located between two π‐electron systems or between π‐electron and σ‐electron units. The proton or the lithium cation attached to the acetylene or its derivative may be treated as the Lewis acid unit while the remaining part of the complex, the π‐electron species or the dihydrogen, act as the Lewis base through their π‐electrons or σ‐electrons, respectively. The complexes analysed here are linked by the π⋅⋅⋅H+/Li+⋅⋅⋅π and π⋅⋅⋅H+/Li+⋅⋅⋅σ interactions. It is discussed whether these interactions are classified as hydrogen and lithium bonds. Therefore, different definitions of the latter interactions are presented. The Electron Localization Function (ELF) and the Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) approaches were applied to analyse the above‐mentioned complexes. The unique properties of interactions with the proton and with the lithium cation that occur in complexes analysed here are described.
Quercetin ameliorates salivary gland apoptosis and inflammation in primary Sjögren's syndrome through regulation of the leptin/OB‐R signaling
Authors: Chang Lihua , Kong Aibin , Guo Yun , Zhang Jing , Sun Yue , Chen Penglu , Wang Xiaofei
Published: June 2022

Dry mouth is the main manifestation of Sjögren syndrome (SS). Quercetin has been reported to alleviate radiation‐induced salivary gland damage, yet the effect of quercetin on SS‐caused salivary gland damage remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of quercetin on SS‐induced salivary gland damage and the mechanism underlying its therapeutic potential in SS. Here, NOD/Ltj mice were used to spontaneously mimic SS‐induced salivary gland inflammation in vivo and salivary gland epithelial cells (SGECs) were stimulated by interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) to mimic cell inflammation in vitro. Results showed that quercetin significantly reduced loss of saliva flow, salivary gland damage, cell apoptosis, and inflammatory response in NOD/Ltj mice. Quercetin treatment also significantly reduced the increased serum leptin (LP) levels in NOD/Ltj mice. Furthermore, quercetin blocked the increases in the expression of obesity receptor (OB‐R) and its downstream Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) signaling in the salivary glands. In vitro experiments confirmed that quercetin could protect SGECs from IFN‐γ‐induced cell apoptosis and inflammation through the LP/OB‐R‐activated JAK2/STAT3 signaling. Hence, quercetin might protect against SS‐induced salivary gland damage by relieving cell apoptosis and inflammation by inhibiting the LP/OB‐R signaling, providing a new perspective for treating SS‐induced dry mouth.
Analysis of dried blood spots is a feasible alternative for detecting ephedrine in doping control
Authors: Solheim Sara Amalie , Thomas Andreas , Ringsted Thomas Kamm , Thevis Mario , Breenfeldt Andersen Andreas , Holm‐Sørensen Henrik , Nordsborg Nikolai B. , Mørkeberg Jakob
Published: June 2022

Dried blood spot (DBS) testing allows fast, easy and minimally invasive collection of microvolumes of blood. In an anti‐doping context, DBS testing has particular relevance for substances prohibited in‐competition only such as ephedrine, which is currently detected by urine analysis, because DBS can add information about the blood drug concentrations during the in‐competition period. Several collection methods and devices exist for DBS collection from different anatomical sites. Thus, agreements between concentrations of target analytes in DBS samples from different sampling sites, along with between DBS and those in conventional venous plasma samples, need to be evaluated. Herein, we collected matched upper‐arm DBS, fingerprick DBS and venous plasma samples from eight healthy male subjects in an 8‐h period following oral administrations of 20 mg (‘low dose’) and 60 mg (‘high dose’) of ephedrine. We show that the use of alternative sampling sites and matrices is a feasible possibility for ephedrine analysis in doping control. We observed very good agreement between collection sites and that specificity and sensitivity can be upheld despite use of an alternative collection site. However, potential concentration differences between DBS and venous plasma should be considered, and distinct threshold might be necessary if implementing both blood matrices in ephedrine analysis.
Evaluation of factors affecting tetracycline and diclofenac adsorption by agricultural soils using response surface methodology
Authors: Guler Ulker Asli , Tuncel Eliza , Ersan Mehtap
Published: June 2022

The adsorption process of the pharmaceutical pollutant in the soil is affected by its physicochemical properties and soil properties. In this study, the factors affecting the adsorption of tetracycline and diclofenac onto two different soils (S and M) were investigated using response surface methodology (RSM). The RSM design was used to optimize the five variable factors (pH (2–10), contact time (5–180 min), soil amount (1–10 g/L), temperature (25–45°C)) on the adsorption of tetracycline and diclofenac. The predicted optimal conditions obtained by RSM showed that pH was the most important variable affecting the adsorption of tetracycline and diclofenac. The optimum pH for the adsorption of tetracycline and diclofenac onto the soil samples S and M were found to be 4 and 2, respectively. The adsorbed amounts of tetracycline and diclofenac onto the soils S and M were calculated to be 14.82 mg/g, 12.43 mg/g, 189.40 mg/g, and 144.81 mg/g, respectively. In addition, the effects of soil organic matter, salt, and divalent cations on the adsorption of tetracycline and diclofenac onto soils were studied. The removal of soil organic matter slightly increased tetracycline adsorption, while inhibiting diclofenac adsorption. The presence of salt and divalent cations prominently suppressed the adsorption of tetracycline and diclofenac onto soils. A possible complex mechanism was proposed for TC and DCF adsorption, including ion exchange, electrostatic interaction, and some chemical bonds.
Placental location and obstetrical‐neonatal outcomes: A retrospective study
Authors: Doctory Neta , Romano Asaf , Navon Inbal , Barbash‐Hazan Shiri , Bardin Ron , Hadar Eran
Published: June 2022

Objective

To explore the potential association of lateral placentation with pregnancy outcome.

Methods

The database of a tertiary medical center was searched for women who gave birth to a singleton neonate from 2012 to 2020 for whom placental location was documented during antepartum sonographic examination. Clinical data were compared between patients with a central (anterior/posterior/fundal) or lateral placenta using standard statistics. The primary outcome measure was neonatal birthweight, and secondary outcome measures were pregnancy complications and mode of delivery.

Results

The cohort included 12 306 women: 11 608 (94%) with a central placenta and 698 (5.6%) with a lateral placenta. The lateral placenta group had higher rates (P < 0.05) of prior and current cesarean delivery, assisted delivery, and preterm birth. On multivariate regression analyses, placental location (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11–1.66) and maternal age (aOR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01–1.03) were associated with risk of preterm birth. Lateral placenta (aOR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.02–1.47), maternal age (aOR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.06–1.08), parity (aOR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.28–0.35), and prior cesarean delivery (aOR, 12.00; 95% CI, 10.60–13.60) were associated with risk of current cesarean delivery.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that lateral placentation may pose a risk of preterm birth and cesarean delivery compared with central placentation.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the prostate with SMARCA4 alteration in a Japanese patient
Authors: Kaneko Yuta , Kosaka Takeo , Nakamura Kohei , Mikami Shuji , Nishihara Hiroshi , Oya Mototsugu
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Squamous cell carcinoma of the prostate is very rare. Due to difficulty in diagnosis, it is often detected in advanced stages. Effective treatment of squamous cell carcinoma and the genetic profiling has not yet been established.

Case presentation

We experienced the case of a 79‐year‐old man who was diagnosed with primary squamous cell carcinoma of the prostate. He had multiple lymph node metastases, liver metastases, and lung metastases, and he was treated with gemcitabine and carboplatin. However, he had poor patient status: it became difficult to continue after one course, and best supportive care was provided. We also performed targeted next‐generation sequencing of 160 cancer‐related genes and detected SMARCA4 mutation.

Conclusion

This is the first study reporting the genomic profiling of squamous cell carcinoma of prostate in Japan.
Composition, host responses and clinical applications of bioadhesives
Authors: Dhandapani Vignesh , Ringuette Vickie , Desrochers Monika , Sirois Marco , Vermette Patrick
Published: June 2022

Bioadhesives are medical devices used to join or seal tissues that have been injured or incised. They have been classified into tissue adhesives, sealants, and hemostatic agents. Bioadhesives such as FloSeal®, CoSeal®, BioGlue®, Evicel®, Tisseel®, Progel™ PALS, and TissuGlu® have been commercialized and used in clinical setting. They can be formulated with natural or synthetic components or a combination of both including albumin, glutaraldehyde, chitosan, cyanoacrylate, fibrin and thrombin, gelatin, polyethylene glycol (PEG), along with urethanes. Each formulation has intrinsic properties and has been developed and validated for a specific application. This review article briefs the mechanisms by which bioadhesives forms adhesion to tissues and highlights the correlation between bioadhesives composition and their potential host responses. Furthermore, clinical applications of bioadhesives and their application‐driven requirements are outlined.
Early differentiated CD28+ CD27+ T lymphocytes as a biomarker for short and long-term outcomes in older patients with pneumonia
Authors: Franco-Leyva Teresa , Torres Olga H , Saez Prieto María Encarnación , Boera-Carnicero Gemma , Santos Álvaro , Clotet Sandra , Albert-Jares Daniel , El-Ebiary Yasmin , Agustí-Martí Manuela , Casademont Jordi , Juárez Cándido , Martínez-Martínez Laura
Published: June 2022

This study tested the hypothesis that a more senescent immune system would predict a worse outcome in older patients hospitalized for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). CAP has long been responsible for high rates of mortality and readmissions among older people. Although immunosenescence is a key factor in the increased susceptibility to infections, there are no related biomarkers currently available in clinical practice. In this context, the aim of this prospective study was to identify immunosenescence-related biomarkers to predict outcomes in patients older than 65 years hospitalized for CAP. We evaluated 97 patients admitted to our hospital for CAP in 2019 and 2020. All patients were followed for 1 year. Our findings showed that elevated levels of early differentiated CD28+ CD27+ T cells at admission were associated with better short (2 months) and long-term (1 year) outcomes in terms of mortality and readmissions. Early differentiated CD28+ CD27+ CD4+ T cell counts were even better long-term predictors. In conclusion, early differentiated CD28+ CD27+ T cells could be useful biomarkers to identify high-risk older patients with CAP, helping clinicians with risk stratification and follow-up.
Improvement of photoprotection with sunscreen formulas containing the cyclic merocyanine UVA1 absorber MCE: In vivo demonstration under simulated and real sun exposure conditions in three randomised controlled trials
Authors: de Dormael Romain , Bernerd Francoise , Bastien Philippe , Candau Didier , Roudot Angelina , Tricaud Caroline
Published: June 2022

Background

Chronic sun exposure induces skin damage leading to skin ageing and skin colour heterogeneity with hyperpigmented spots. In this process ultra violet A (UVA) rays highly contribute, especially long‐UVA (UVA1) supporting the need for an efficient photoprotection over the whole UV spectrum. A new UVA1 filter, methoxypropylamino cyclohexenylidene ethoxyethylcyanoacetate (MCE), with a pic of absorption at 385 nm, has been recently approved for use in sunscreen products.

Objective

Three randomised clinical studies were performed to evaluate the additional photoprotection afforded by a sunscreen formula containing MCE compared to state‐of‐the‐art sunscreen lacking absorption in the longest UVA1 wavelengths. Two studies were performed on European volunteers with UV‐controlled (UVA1, ultra violet B (UVB) + UVA) exposures and one on Indian volunteers under real sun exposures.

Methods

Three intraindividual trials (two randomised UV‐controlled and one real sun) were conducted on a total of 62 healthy subjects with Fitzpatrick III–IV and individual typology angle (ITA°) values between −18° and 35°. The MCE at 2% was formulated in a state‐of‐the‐art sun protection factor 30 sunscreen reference allowing to enlarge the absorption profile up to 400 nm. UV‐induced pigmentation was assessed by colorimetric measures and visual scoring at different time points after a single exposure to UVA1 (Study 1) or repeated exposures to daily UV radiation comprising both UVB and UVA (Study 2) or under real sun (Study 3).

Results

Whatever the study exposure condition (UVA1, UVB + UVA, real sun), the level of pigmentation was increased as attested by colorimetric parameters (decreased luminance L* and ITA° values) and visual scorings. In the three studies, the comparison showed higher prevention of hyperpigmentation with the sunscreen enlarged in the longest UVA1 wavelengths with MCE compared to the state‐of‐the‐art sunscreen. No side effects were reported.

Conclusions

MCE is a valuable UVA1 filter to improve photoprotection over the entire UV spectrum in state‐of‐the‐art sunscreens and limits the impact of UVA1 rays.
Beyond prediction: Off‐target uses of artificial intelligence‐based predictive analytics in a learning health system
Authors: Keim‐Malpass Jessica , Moorman Liza P. , Monfredi Oliver J. , Clark Matthew T. , Bourque Jamieson M.
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Artificial‐intelligence (AI)‐based predictive analytics provide new opportunities to leverage rich sources of continuous data to improve patient care through early warning of the risk of clinical deterioration and improved situational awareness.Part of the success of predictive analytic implementation relies on integration of the analytic within complex clinical workflows. Pharmaceutical interventions have off‐target uses where a drug indication has not been formally studied for a different indication but has potential for clinical benefit. An analog has not been described in the context of AI‐based predictive analytics, that is, when a predictive analytic has been trained on one outcome of interest but is used for additional applications in clinical practice.

Methods

In this manuscript we present three clinical vignettes describing off‐target use of AI‐based predictive analytics that evolved organically through real‐world practice.

Results

Off‐target uses included:real‐time feedback about treatment effectiveness, indication of readiness to discharge, and indication of the acuity of a hospital unit.

Conclusion

Such practice fits well with the learning health system goals to continuously integrate data and experience to provide.
Further validation of the THINC‐it tool and extension of the normative data set in a study ofn = 10.019 typical controls
Authors: Dalby Maria , Annas Peter ,   23andMe Research Team, Harrison John E.
Published: June 2022

Introduction

We report further validation and normative data for the THINC‐Integrated Tool (THINC‐it), a measure of cognitive function designed for use with individuals living with Major Depressive Disorder, but which is finding use in further psychiatric and neurological diseases. THINC‐it comprises four objective computerised cognitive tests based on traditional psychological paradigms and a version of the Perceived Deficits Questionnaire assessment.

Methods

Sample size ofn = 10.019 typical control study participants were tested on one to two occasions to further validate the reliability of THINC‐it. Temporal reliability was assessed across 120–180 days.

Results

Test‐retest reliability correlations varied betweenr = 0.50 and 0.72 for the component measures andr = 0.75 (95% confidence intervals 0.74, 0.76) for the THINC‐it composite score. Normative data categorised by Age, Sex and Years of Education were calculated and the effect on task performance was reported.

Discussion

Our analysis confirms previously reported levels of reliability and validates previously reported normative data values.
Suspicion and Overlapping Orders of Precedence: Imagining Secret History in Founder‐Focused Societies of Eastern Indonesia
Authors: Riyanto Geger
Published: June 2022

This article describes how the dominant order of precedence in Seram, eastern Indonesia is challenged by the suspicion of the existence of a secret history. In a context where being the original founder is of importance and the sequence of predecessors' arrival is the basis of orders of precedence, such a suspicion evokes a hopeful possibility for marginal communities that the present social order is false and vulnerable to the abrupt revelation of the true past. Although generally inclined toward the founders, there are overlapping orders of precedence at work in Seram. Each order of precedence conjures up a different image of the marginal community, which, despite each placing them as the lesser group, induces a sense of contradiction and that the widely recounted history is problematic. In this respect, this article offers a contribution to the field of Austronesian studies, which has long been concerned with how orders of precedence emerge and are at play among the historically mobile Austronesian societies.
Electronegativity: A continuing enigma
Authors: Politzer Peter , Murray Jane S.
Published: June 2022

There continues to be confusion concerning the concept of electronegativity. Pauling's original approach, focusing upon an atom in a molecule, continues to be widely invoked. There has also been a more recent tendency to view electronegativity as the negative of the chemical potential and to extend it to molecules. However, this leads to results that are incompatible with chemical experience. A more effective approach, which gives results in overall agreement with Pauling's values, is to relate electronegativity to the average valence electron ionization energies of atoms.
Effect of upfront intensive therapy on oncological outcomes in older patients with high tumor burden metastatic castration‐sensitive prostate cancer: A multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Miura Yuki , Hatakeyama Shingo , Narita Shintaro , Kimura Takahiro , Hata Kenichi , Yanagisawa Takafumi , Tanaka Toshikazu , Ishi Noritaka , Kawamura Sadafumi , Hoshi Senji , Ishidoya Shigeto , Mitsuzuka Koji , Ito Akihiro , Tsuchiya Norihiko , Egawa Shin , Habuchi Tomonori , Ohyama Chikara
Published: June 2022

Background

The effect of upfront intensive therapy on the prognosis of older patients with metastatic castration‐sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC) remains unclear. Thus, we assessed the impact of older age (≥75 years) on oncological outcomes in mCSPC patients with a high tumor burden.

Methods

This multicenter retrospective study included 252 patients aged ≥75 years treated with either upfront or conventional therapy between 2014 and 2021. We compared castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC)‐free survival (FS) and overall survival (OS) between patients with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) plus upfront intensive therapy (docetaxel [DTX] or abiraterone acetate [ABI] plus prednisolone) and conventional therapy (ADT monotherapy or ADT combined with bicalutamide). We evaluated the effect of upfront intensive therapy on prognosis by multivariable Cox regression analysis.

Results

The 231 patients enrolled in our study were classified in the conventional group (n = 148) or the upfront group (n = 104; DTX = 27 and ABI = 77). The upfront group had significantly prolonged CRPC‐FS and OS compared with the conventional group, and this was also the case in the background‐adjusted multivariable Cox regression analysis.

Conclusion

Patients aged ≥75 years who received upfront intensive therapy had significantly longer CRPC‐FS and OS compared with similar age patients treated with conventional therapy in real‐world practice. The oncological benefit may not diminish in this older population.
Altered intravenous drug disposition in people living with cystic fibrosis: A meta‐analysis integrating top‐down and bottom‐up data
Authors: De Sutter Pieter‐Jan , Van Haeverbeke Maxime , Van Braeckel Eva , Van Biervliet Stephanie , Van Bocxlaer Jan , Vermeulen An , Gasthuys Elke
Published: June 2022

Cystic fibrosis (CF) has been linked to altered drug disposition in various studies. However, the magnitude of these changes, influencing factors, and underlying mechanisms remain a matter of debate. The primary aim of this work was therefore to quantify changes in drug disposition (top‐down) and the pathophysiological parameters known to affect pharmacokinetics (PKs; bottom‐up). This was done through meta‐analyses and meta‐regressions in addition to theoretical PK simulations. Volumes of distribution and clearances were found to be elevated in people living with CF. These increases were larger in studies which included patients with pulmonary exacerbations. Differences in clearance were smaller in more recent studies and when results were normalized to body surface area or lean body mass instead of body weight. For the physiological parameters investigated, measured glomerular filtration rate and serum cytokine concentrations were found to be elevated in people living with CF, whereas serum albumin and creatinine levels were decreased. Possible pathophysiological mechanisms for these alterations relate to renal hyperfiltration, increases in free fraction, and inflammation. No differences were detected for cardiac output, body fat, fat free mass, hematocrit, creatinine clearance, and the activity of drug metabolizing enzymes. These findings imply that, in general, lower total plasma concentrations of drugs can be expected in people living with CF, especially when pulmonary exacerbations are present. Given the potential effect of CF on plasma protein binding and the variability in outcome observed between studies, the clinical relevance of adapting existing dosage regimens should be evaluated on a case‐by‐case basis.
How does a reservoir affect the fish assemblage structure in a Mediterranean River (Turkey)?
Authors: Yalçın Özdilek Şükran , Partal Nurbanu , Mestav Burcu
Published: June 2022

Most rivers around the Mediterranean region, regardless of size, are interrupted by human induced barriers. Although various studies have been conducted to investigate the impacts of reservoirs on undisrupted freshwater biota, what kind of effects they exert on the distribution of freshwater fish assemblages with respect to the presence of invasive species remains to be answered. To attend to this research need, the Karamenderes River, which is disrupted by the Bayramiç Reservoir, was selected as the research site. Relying on the river continuum concept (RCC), we hypothesized that fish assemblages in a given river would demonstrate a gradual downstream change unless the river is interrupted by any reservoir. The ad hoc unweighted pair group method with arithmetic means (UPGMA) agglomerative hierarchical cluster analyses revealed 11 fish assemblages 100 km down the studied river, which is characterized by four environmental gradients. Besides, co‐occurrence network analyses were performed to gain a better understanding of the constructs of the observed fish assemblages. The analyses yielded two distinct clusters along the river and showed that the Bayramiç Reservoir had no decisive part in the spatial clustering of these fish assemblages. The migratory species Anguilla anguilla was found only in and around the river mouth area. The co‐occurrence network analyses indicated that the freshwater, estuarine and introduced species were observable in distinct groups. It is notable that the non‐native Cyprinus carpio and invasive Carassius gibelio were determined in the native freshwater fish species module. The research evidenced that the reservoir had a triple effect, that is, a migration barrier to migratory fish species, a donor facilitating invasion, and a cause of homogenization of river fish assemblages along the river. The results suggest that the impact of the reservoir should be assessed in view of multiple nested model and fish passageways and controlling invasive species are two contradictory problems as far as the impacts of reservoirs are concerned. Therefore, river management should be performed in a way to allow the native migratory species to migrate freely while preventing the introduced species from moving upstream or downstream to preserve and promote rivers' heterogeneity.
Multirange percolation on oriented trees: Critical curve and limit behavior
Authors: de Lima Bernardo N. B. , Szabó Réka , Valesin Daniel
Published: June 2022

We consider an inhomogeneous oriented percolation model introduced by de Lima, Rolla and Valesin. In this model, the underlying graph is an oriented rooted tree in which each vertex points to each of its  children with “short” edges, and in addition, each vertex points to each of its  descendant at a fixed distance  with “long” edges. A bond percolation process is then considered on this graph, with the prescription that independently, short edges are open with probability  and long edges are open with probability . We study the behavior of the critical curve : we find the first two terms in the expansion of  as . We also prove limit theorems for the percolation cluster in the supercritical, subcritical and critical regimes.