bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What is the crux of successful living‐donor liver transplantation for recipients aged 70 and beyond?
Authors: Toshima Takeo , Itoh Shinji , Nagao Yoshihiro , Yoshiya Shohei , Bekki Yuki , Izumi Takuma , Iseda Norifumi , Tsutsui Yuriko , Toshida Katsuya , Yoshizumi Tomoharu
Published: January 2024

Aim

There is limited evidence regarding the feasibility of living‐donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for patients aged over 70. The aims of this study were to assess postoperative outcomes in elderly recipients and to ascertain the potential feasibility and acceptability of LDLT.

Methods

Data were collected from 762 recipients, including 26 in the elderly group (aged ≥70) and 736 in the younger group (aged <70), and reviewed even by propensity score matching (PSM).

Results

No significant differences were observed in the frequency of postoperative complications between the two groups. Additionally, both groups exhibited a comparable 30‐day mortality rate after LDLT (3.9% in both) and similar hospital stays (36 days vs. 40 days). The 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year graft survival rates in the elderly group were 92.0%, which was comparable to those in the younger group (p = 0.517), as confirmed by PSM. Notably, all donors for elderly patients were the children of the recipients, with an average age of 41.6 years, and grafts from donors aged ≥50 years were not utilized, signifying the use of high‐quality grafts. Our inclusion criterion for elderly recipients was strictly defined as an ECOG‐PS score of 0–2, which played a pivotal role in achieving favorable postoperative outcomes.

Conclusion

LDLT can be performed safely for elderly patients aged 70 years or older, provided they have a preserved PS and receive high‐quality grafts from younger donors, inevitably all children of elderly recipients. This approach yields acceptable long‐term outcomes. Consequently, age alone should not serve as an absolute contraindication for LDLT.
Evaluation of functionality‐mobility in patients with skeletal dysplasias. Application of the STEMS tool (“everyday symptoms and mobility screening tool for skeletal dysplasias”)
Authors: Ramos‐Mejia Rosario , Isoldi G. , Ireland P. J. , Rodriguez Celin M. , Fano V.
Published: January 2024

Individuals with differing forms of skeletal dysplasias (SD) frequently report impaired mobility and symptoms. With the objetive to evaluate mobility and associated symptoms in people with SD at an Argentinian pediatric hospital, using an Argentinian version of the Screening Tool for Everyday Mobility and Symptoms (STEMS), a simple questionnaire that allows clinicians to quickly identify the presence of symptoms associated with mobility in people with SD, while considering different environmental settings and the use of assistive devices, an analytical study of a consecutive sample of patients older than 5 years with SD and their affected relatives was carried out.Diagnosis, comorbidities, socioenvironmental, therapeutic, auxological and mobility variables were recorded. The presence and intensity of symptoms was noted through use of both the STEMS and validated scales. Descriptive, association and correlation analyzes were performed. One hundred and nineteen individuals with SD were enrolled in the study and divided into groups: Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI, n = 55), Achondroplasia (ACH, n = 36) and Other SD resulting in disproportionate short stature (n = 28). Mobility assistive devices were almost exclusively used by individuals with OI. They were more frequently used by individuals with overweight and obesity, more severe form of the disease and in the outdoor settings. Two thirds (66.4%) of the individuals assessed in this study reported pain, 87.4% reported fatigue, and 58.8% reported both pain and fatigue. The intensity of symptoms was similar between groups and correlated with age and auxological variables. The STEMS was clear, easy and quick to use for identifying presence of pain and fatigue in this population group. The STEMS proved to be a simple and useful tool for evaluating functional mobility and associated symptoms in our population of individuals with SD.
Ligand‐Mediated Magnetism‐Conversion Nanoprobes for Activatable Ultra‐High Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Liang Zeyu , Xiao Lin , Wang Qiyue , Zhang Bo , Mo Wenkui , Xie Shangzhi , Liu Xun , Chen Ying , Yang Shengfei , Du Hui , Wang Pengzhan , Li Fangyuan , Ling Daishun
Published: January 2024

Ultra‐high field (UHF) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged as a focal point of interest in the field of cancer diagnosis. Despite the ability of current paramagnetic or superparamagnetic smart MRI contrast agents to selectively enhance tumor signals in low‐field MRI, their effectiveness at UHF remains inadequate due to inherent magnetism. Here, we report a ligand‐mediated magnetism‐conversion nanoprobe (MCNP) composed of 3‐mercaptopropionic acid ligand‐coated silver‐gadolinium bimetallic nanoparticles. The MCNP exhibits a pH‐dependent magnetism conversion from ferromagnetism to diamagnetism, facilitating tunable nanomagnetism for pH‐activatable UHF MRI. Under neutral pH, the thiolate (−S−) ligands lead to short τ′m and increased magnetization of the MCNPs. Conversely, in the acidic tumor microenvironment, the thiolate ligands are protonated and transform into thiol (−SH) ligands, resulting in prolonged τ′m and decreased magnetization of the MCNP, thereby enhancing longitudinal relaxivity (r1) values at UHF MRI. Notably, under a 9 T MRI field, the pH‐sensitive changes in Ag−S binding affinity of the MCNP lead to a remarkable (>10‐fold) r1 increase in an acidic medium (pH 5.0). In vivo studies demonstrate the capability of MCNPs to amplify MRI signal of hepatic tumors, suggesting their potential as a next‐generation UHF‐tailored smart MRI contrast agent.
Indirect solution modeling of melting behavior of SiO2 based on the image processing technology
Authors: Lu Cunhao , Zhang Yi , Zhang Jiayi , Sun Weixiang , Xia Anying , Zhang Mingli , Chen Jian
Published: January 2024

The utilization of tempered blast‐furnace slag through the direct fiber forming process to produce high‐value thermal insulation materials offers a dual benefit: it efficiently utilizes the latent heat in the unused slag and significantly increases the value of blast‐furnace slag utilization. However, measuring the melting properties of iron slag at high temperatures is challenging. In this study, the melting behavior of SiO2 in a high‐temperature molten pool was investigated. We employ dynamic visual data (video stream) captured via a non‐contact charge coupled device video recording system to extract SiO2 contours through image processing. The change in image centroid characteristics is used to establish a convolution function relationship, and MATLAB's traversal search algorithm determines the centroid position of SiO2. Given that SiO2 is proportionate to crucible pixels, the area of the SiO2 is calculated through pixel statistics within these contours. A new indirect method is then proposed to process image information to obtain SiO2 volume and mass at different time points. An exponential fitting yields the melting rate function of SiO2. Finally, this indirect method has been compared with shape from shading, quantitative characterization, and dimensional analysis techniques. Besides, the strengths and limitations of each method have been discussed. Our findings reveal that the indirect solution method presented here boasts straightforward calculation steps and imposes minimal image format requirements, which provides theoretical and technical support for the direct fiber forming process of blast‐furnace slag.
Living and post‐mortemCTscans in the gross anatomy lab: A study investigating differences in first‐year medical students' exam performance and perceptions
Authors: Brown William , Afshari Sam , Zhou Megan , Lythgoe Jacob , Walsh Ryan , Hielscher Abigail C.
Published: January 2024

Basic competency in radiological imaging is essential for physicians to identify and manage diseases. An optimal place in which to include imaging in the medical curriculum is during anatomy as students can correlate the 3D anatomy from their body donors with the 2D cross‐sectional anatomy. The goal of this project was to enhance first‐year medical students' knowledge of cross‐sectional imaging in the gross anatomy lab and to investigate whether there are benefits to learning cross sectional imaging via scans from body donors versus living individuals. Student participant performance was evaluated on laboratory practical examinations, CT image questions and spatial anatomical knowledge in the thorax and abdomen sections of gross anatomy. Students learned the cross‐sectional imaging during dissections where they accessed the images relevant to their study on Pacsbin, a web‐based Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine viewer, via iPads. Results showed no statistically significant differences in practical examination scores, spatial anatomical knowledge, or identification of anatomical structures on CT image questions between participants who learned from images on body donors versus living individuals. In a questionnaire given at the end of the course, participants cited that the CT images improved their anatomical and imaging knowledge and that they felt better prepared to use imaging software and interpret diagnostic imaging results upon entering clerkships. While there were no differences in academic performance between the groups, positive outcomes regarding student perceptions of anatomical and imaging knowledge and preparedness for use of imaging software were identified in this study.
Case study on the formation of a torrential‐rainfall‐producing southwest vortex: Backward trajectory analyses and sensitivity simulations
Authors: Yang Kang‐Quan , Xiao Di‐Xiang , Jiang Xing‐Wen , Mai Zi , Fu Shen‐Ming
Published: January 2024

The southwest vortices (SWVs) are a unique type of mesoscale vortex that frequently induce torrential rainfall in China. In this study, we focused a long‐lived quasi‐stationary SWV, which was the primary system for producing an extremely heavy rainstorm within/around Sichuan (the maximum hourly precipitation was ~103.8 mm) in Mid July 2021. After reproduced the SWV's formation by using Weather Research and Forecasting model, we conducted trajectory analyses and topography sensitivity simulations to understand the effects of complicated topography on the vortex's formation. It is found that, the regions south and southwest of the SWV acted as the most important source regions for the air clusters that formed the SWV (proportion ≥ 65%), and the air clusters originated from the upper layer contributed the most (≥60%). Of these, the air clusters sourced from the upper layer southwest and south of the SWV played the most important role in the SWV's formation, as their increase in cyclonic vorticity and their contributions to trajectory number and vorticity were all much larger than those of the others. Sensitivity simulations indicated that, detailed topography features around the Sichuan Basin were crucial in determining the structure, intensity and precipitation of the SWV, whereas, the topography features were not a decisive factor for the SWV's formation. In summary, our findings are useful to enrich the current understanding of the SWVs' formation, which would be helpful to improve the related forecasts.
Charmed meson pair production in high‐energy pp$$ pp $$ collisions within the QCD color dipole approach
Authors: Sampaio dos Santos Glauber , da Silveira Gustavo Gil , Machado Magno Valério Trindade
Published: January 2024

A study of double‐charmed meson production in high‐energy proton–proton collisions at the Large Hadron Collider is presented. Considering the color dipole formalism developed in the transverse momentum representation along with the double parton scattering mechanism, predictions are made for the transverse momentum differential cross section for different pairs of ‐mesons. The theoretical results cover the center‐of‐mass energy and forward rapidities available by the LHCb experiment. The proton–proton results considering different unintegrated gluon distributions are compared to the respective data collected at the LHC.
Fast concurrent determination of guaifenesin and pholcodine in formulations and spiked plasma using first derivative synchronous spectrofluorimetric approach
Authors: Roshdy Aya , Salam Randa Abdel , Hadad Ghada , Belal Fathalla , Elmansi Heba
Published: January 2024

Guaifenesin and pholcodine are frequently co‐formulated in certain dosage forms. A new fast first derivative synchronous spectrofluorometric method has been used for their simultaneous analysis in mixtures. Here, first derivative synchronous spectrofluorometry enabled the successful simultaneous estimation of guaifenesin at 283 nm and pholcodine at 275 nm using a wavelength difference (Δλ) of 40 nm. The method was fully validated following International Council of Harmonization guidelines. For guaifenesin and pholcodine, linearity was determined within the corresponding ranges of 0.05–0.30 and 0.10–6.0 μg/ml. The two drugs were effectively analyzed using the developed approach in their respective formulations, and the results showed good agreement with those attained using reference methods. The method demonstrated excellent sensitivity, with detection limits down to 0.007 and 0.030 μg/ml and quantitation limits of 0.020 and 0.010 μg/ml for guaifenesin and pholcodine, respectively. Therefore, the procedure was successful in determining these drugs simultaneously in vitro in spiked plasma samples and syrup dosage form. The developed methodology also offered an environmentally friendly advantage by utilizing water as the optimal diluting solvent throughout the whole work. Different greenness approaches were investigated to ensure the method’s ecofriendly properties.
Dynamic flux balance analysis of high cell density fed‐batch culture of Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) with mass spectrometry‐based spent media analysis
Authors: Dodia Hardik , Mishra Vivek , Nakrani Prajval , Muddana Charandatta , Kedia Anant , Rana Sneha , Sahasrabuddhe Deepti , Wangikar Pramod P.
Published: January 2024

Dynamic flux balance analysis (FBA) allows estimation of intracellular reaction rates using organism‐specific genome‐scale metabolic models (GSMM) and by assuming instantaneous pseudo‐steady states for processes that are inherently dynamic. This technique is well‐suited for industrial bioprocesses employing complex media characterized by a hierarchy of substrate uptake and product secretion. However, knowledge of exchange rates of many components of the media would be required to obtain meaningful results. Here, we performed spent media analysis using mass spectrometry coupled with liquid and gas chromatography for a fed‐batch, high‐cell density cultivation of Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) expressing a recombinant protein. Time course measurements thus obtained for 246 metabolites were converted to instantaneous exchange rates. These were then used as constraints for dynamic FBA using a previously reported GSMM, thus providing insights into how the flux map evolves through the process. Changes in tri‐carboxylic acid cycle fluxes correlated with the increased demand for energy during recombinant protein production. The results show how amino acids act as hubs for the synthesis of other cellular metabolites. Our results provide a deeper understanding of an industrial bioprocess and will have implications in further optimizing the process.
Porous pathways: Exploring the future of conducting polymers
Authors: Ham Hyeonseong , Sim Geunhong , Choi Woongsik , Park Moon Jeong
Published: January 2024

Conducting polymers (CPs) possess the intrinsic attractive properties of conventional polymers, coupled with unique electronic characteristics reminiscent of metals or semiconductors. Nanostructured CPs have recently gained significant interest for their distinct advantages over bulk counterparts. They demonstrate potential applications in energy storage devices, sensors, and catalysts, attributed to their large surface areas and shortened charge transport paths. A crucial structural aspect in this context includes introducing porous morphologies into CPs, and enhancing their functionality through interconnected channels. In this review, various synthetic methods of nanostructured CPs are introduced, emphasizing two‐dimensional (2D) configurations. The primary objective is to achieve high‐performance devices with highly organized stacking of conjugated backbones. Particular attention is placed on integrating 2D structures and porous morphologies into CPs through ice‐assisted methods and interfacial synthesis. The review also highlights successful applications of porous 2D CPs in practical devices and explores insights into future developments in the porous CPs field.
Low‐dose fluconazole as a useful and safe prophylactic option in patients receiving allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Hirade Kentaro , Kusumoto Shigeru , Hashimoto Hiroya , Shiraga Kazuhide , Hagiwara Shinya , Oiwa Kana , Suzuki Tomotaka , Kinoshita Shiori , Ri Masaki , Komatsu Hirokazu , Iida Shinsuke
Published: January 2024

Background

Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) represent a potentially fatal complication in patients who undergo allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) if the initiation of therapy is delayed. Some guidelines recommend antifungal prophylaxis or preemptive therapy for these patients depending on the risk of IFIs following allogeneic HSCT. This retrospective study aimed to identify the group of patients who safely undergo allogeneic HSCT with low‐dose fluconazole (FLCZ) prophylaxis (100 mg/day).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 107 patients who underwent their first allogeneic HSCT at Nagoya City University Hospital from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2019. We analyzed the efficacy of low‐dose FLCZ prophylaxis and investigated the relationship between major risk factors and antifungal prophylaxis failure (APF) within 100 days post‐transplant.

Results

Of the 107 patients, 70 received low‐dose FLCZ prophylaxis, showing a cumulative incidence of APF of 37.1% and a proven/probable IFI rate of 4.3%. There were no fungal infection‐related deaths, including Aspergillus infections, in the FLCZ prophylaxis group. In a multivariable analysis, cord blood transplantation (CBT) (subdistribution hazard ratio (SHR), 3.55; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.44–8.77; p = 0.006) and abnormal findings on lung CT before transplantation (SHR, 2.24; 95% CI, 1.02–4.92; p = 0.044) were independent risk factors for APF in the FLCZ prophylaxis group.

Conclusion

Low‐dose FLCZ prophylaxis is a useful and safe option for patients receiving allogeneic HSCT, except in those undergoing CBT or having any fungal risk features including history of fungal infections, positive fungal markers, and abnormal findings on lung CT before transplantation.
Actionable mutational profiling in solid tumors using hybrid‐capture‐based next‐generation sequencing in a real‐world setting in Spain
Authors: Zazo Sandra , Pérez‐Buira Sandra , Carvajal Nerea , Plaza‐Sánchez Jenifer , Manso Rebeca , Pérez‐González Nuria , Dominguez Carolina , Prieto‐Potin Iván , Rubio Jaime , Dómine Manuel , Lozano Virginia , Mohedano Patricia , Carcedo David , Carias Rafael , Rojo Federico
Published: January 2024

Objective

This study aimed to describe the performance of a next‐generation sequencing (NGS) panel for the detection of precise genomic alterations in cancer in Spanish clinical practice. The impact of tumor characteristics was evaluated on informative NGS and actionable mutation rates.

Materials and Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted at the Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital (May 2021–March 2022) where molecular diagnostic of 537 Formalin‐Fixed Paraffin‐Embedded (FFPE) tissue samples of diverse solid tumors (lung, colorectal, melanoma, gastrointestinal stromal, among others) was performed using AVENIO Tumor Tissue Targeted Kit. A descriptive analysis of the features of all samples was carried out. Multivariable logistic analysis was conducted to assess the impact of sample characteristics on NGS performance defined by informative results rate (for all tumors and for lung tumors), and on actionable mutations rate (for lung tumors only).

Results

AVENIO performance rate was 75.2% in all tumor samples and 75.3% in lung cancer samples, and the multivariable analysis showed that surgical specimens are most likely to provide informative results than diagnostic biopsies. Regarding the mutational findings, 727 pathogenic, likely pathogenic, or variant of unknown significance mutations were found in all tumor samples. Single nucleotide variant was the most common genomic alteration, both for all tumor samples (85.3% and 81.9% for all solid tumors and lung samples, respectively). In lung tumors, multivariable analysis showed that it is more likely to find actionable mutations from non‐smokers and patients with adenocarcinoma, large cell, or undifferentiated histologies.

Conclusion

This is the largest cohort‐level study in Spain to profile the analyses of biopsy samples of different tumors using NGS in routine clinical practice. Our findings showed that the use of NGS routinely provides good rates of informative results and can improve tumor characterization and identify a greater number of actionable mutations.
Effective extracellular vesicles in glioma: Focusing on effective ncRNA exosomes and immunotherapy methods for treatment
Authors: Al‐Hawary Sulieman Ibraheem Shelash , Alhajlah Sharif , Olegovich Bokov Dmitry , Hjazi Ahmed , Rajput Pranchal , Ali Saad Hayif Jasim , Abosoda Munther , Ihsan Ali , Oudah Shamam Kareem , Mustafa Yasser Fakri
Published: January 2024

This comprehensive article explores the complex field of glioma treatment, with a focus on the important roles of non‐coding RNAsRNAs (ncRNAs) and exosomes, as well as the potential synergies of immunotherapy. The investigation begins by examining the various functions of ncRNAs and their involvement in glioma pathogenesis, progression, and as potential diagnostic biomarkers. Special attention is given to exosomes as carriers of ncRNAs and their intricate dynamics within the tumor microenvironment. The exploration extends to immunotherapy methods, analyzing their mechanisms and clinical implications in the treatment of glioma. By synthesizing these components, the article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how ncRNAs, exosomes, and immunotherapy interact, offering valuable insights into the evolving landscape of glioma research and therapeutic strategies.
Risk factors and surgical approaches in neglected subaxial cervical spine fractures‐dislocations: Experiences with two cases and literature review
Authors: Pour‐Rashidi Ahmad , Pahwa Bhavya , Khanmirzaie Mohammad Hossein , Fallahpour Mahshid , Hanif Hamed , Shirani Mohammad
Published: January 2024

Key Clinical Message

This case report describes our experience of surgical strategies of two patients with neglected subaxial cervical spine fracture‐dislocation that came to our center with subsequent follow‐ups. Subaxial cervical spine fracture‐dislocation must be immediately diagnosed and treated. However, it can be neglected in some cases, especially in developing health care systems and patients with low socioeconomic status. We reported two neglected subaxial cervical fracture‐dislocation with a mean age of 54 years old who presented with axial cervical pain, and decreased muscle forces. In one out of two, cervical closed traction was applied, then unsuccessful result led to circumferential decompression and fixation via anterior–posterior (AP) approach. Accordingly, we used AP approach without applying closed reduction in another patient successfully. Except one of our cases who died after 2 weeks of surgery due to aspiration pneumonia, other one found complete improvement at the end of 6‐month follow‐up. Our study emphasizes the importance of AP approach in patients with irreducible joint dislocations. The approach can minimize the surgical risks and increase the cost–benefit as compared to three or more staged approaches. Our approach is less intensive than some other AP approaches while is a safe and efficacious procedure since the posterior reduction is not performed before discectomy and decompression.
Overview of Transition Metal Catalyzed Multicomponent Reactions Based on Trapping of Allylic Electrophiles
Authors: Gupta Kriti , Harariya Mahesh Singh , Tyagi Arushi , Jindal Garima
Published: January 2024

Multicomponent reactions provide an excellent approach toward quaternary carbon centres utilizing convergent chemical reactions in a highly selective manner under one‐pot conditions. The reactivity of substrates and metal catalysts is carefully controlled, precluding the formation of side‐products. In this context, transition metal catalyzed reactions of onium ylides generated via diazo precursors and nucleophiles with a third component (an electrophile) have garnered significant attention. Using an allylic precursor as the electrophilic partner provides opportunities to construct all‐carbon quaternary centres. Furthermore, the presence of an allyl fragment in the multicomponent product serves as a pivotal handle for carrying out subsequent modifications. Several recent studies have employed Rh, Pd, and dual Rh/Pd catalytic systems in multicomponent reactions involving allylic alkylation that proceed via a synergistic or relay pathway. Although not significantly successful, in a few cases, asymmetric induction is achieved through chiral phosphoric acids or chiral phosphine ligands. Limited substrate and catalyst scope and the underlying mechanistic complexities have posed formidable challenges, slowing the advancement of asymmetric reactions. This review provides details of multicomponent reactions using readily available substrates like diazo compounds, allylic carbonates, and nucleophiles (R‐OH, R‐NH2,,etc.) forming complex organic compounds. Our primary objective is to discuss the mechanistic issues that may facilitate the progress in asymmetric reactions in this field.
MXenes as Electrocatalysts for the CO2 Reduction Reaction: Recent Advances and Future Challenges
Authors: Meng Ling , Tayyebi Ebrahim , Exner Kai S. , Viñes Francesc , Illas Francesc
Published: January 2024

Electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction (CO2RR) is gaining momentum as an effective process to capture and convert CO2 into valuable chemicals and fuels, as well as to contribute reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Two‐dimensional transition metal carbides and/or nitrides (MXenes) are increasingly attracting attention as CO2RR electrocatalysts due to their enhanced chemical activity and selectivity, overcoming limitations of traditional metal CO2RR electrocatalysts, and likely breaking the scaling relations of reaction intermediates toward the desired product. The present concept reviews the state‐of‐the‐art in the computational description of CO2RR on MXenes, going from CO2 activation on pristine models to different surface terminations, and discuss possible ways to tune the catalytic activity and selectivity, including doping, defects, supported single metal atoms, solvent effects, and electric field effects, while putting in the spotlight prospects by including kinetic aspects.
Selectively Transport and Removal of Fluoride Ion by Pillar[5]Arene Polymer‐Filled Nanochannel Membrane
Authors: Chen Chunxiu , Xu Weiwei , Li Guang , Qu Haonan , Ma Cuiguang , Zhang Haifan , Bahojb Noruzi Ehsan , Cai Meng , Wang Miao , Hou Xu , Li Haibing
Published: January 2024

Excess fluoride ions in groundwater accumulate through the roots of crops, affecting photosynthesis and inhibiting their growth. Long‐term bioaccumulation also threatens human health because it is poorly degradable and toxic. Currently, one of the biggest challenges is developing a unique material that can efficiently remove fluoride ions from the environment. The excellent properties of functionalized pillar[5]arene polymer‐filled nanochannel membranes were explored to address this challenge. Constructing a multistage porous nanochannel membrane, consisting of microscale etched nanochannels and nanoscale pillar[5]arene cross‐linked polymer voids. A fluoride removal rate of 0.0088 mmol ⋅ L−1 ⋅ min−1 was achieved. Notably, this rate surpassed the rates observed with other control ions by a factor of 6 to 8.8. Our research provides a new direction for developing water fluoride ion removal materials.
Circularly Polarized Luminescence of Thiophene‐Bridged Macrocyclic pseudo‐meta [2.2]Paracyclophanes
Authors: Kress Charlotte , Sidler Eric , Downey Payton , Zwick Patrick , Fuhr Olaf , Fenske Dieter , Bernhard Stefan , Mayor Marcel
Published: January 2024

Chiral organic molecules possessing high quantum yields, circular dichroism, and circularly polarized luminescence values have great potential as optically active materials for future applications. Recently, the identification of a promising class of inherently chiral compounds was reported, namely macrocyclic 1,3‐butadiyne‐linked pseudo‐meta[2.2]paracyclophanes, displaying high circular dichroism and related gabs values albeit modest quantum yields. Increasing the quantum yields in an attempt to get bright circularly polarized light emitters, the high‐yielding heterocyclization of those 1,3‐butadiyne bridges resulting in macrocyclic 2,5‐thienyls‐linked pseudo‐meta [2.2]paracyclophanes is herein described. The chiroptical properties of both, the previously reported 1,3‐butadiyne, and the novel 2,5‐thienyl bridged macrocycles of various sizes, are experimentally recorded, and theoretically described using density‐functional theory.
[2,2]Paracyclophane Bridged, Thiophene Based Macrocycles: Synthesis and Electronic Properties in Different Redox States
Authors: Ren Longbin , Han Yi , Hou Xudong , Ni Yong , Wu Jishan
Published: January 2024

The study of through‐space electronic coupling in π‐conjugated systems remains an underexplored area. In this work, we present the facile synthesis of two isomeric macrocycles (1 and 2) bridged by [2,2]paracyclophane (pCp) and based on thiophene. The structures of these macrocycles have been confirmed through X‐ray crystallographic analysis. Our investigation centers on their electronic properties across various redox states, with a specific focus on potential through‐space electronic coupling and global aromaticity. Experimental measurements, including UV‐vis‐NIR electronic absorption, NMR, ESR spectra, and X‐ray diffraction, combined with theoretical calculations, reveal that both the neutral compounds and their tetracations exhibit a closed‐shell ground state. However, their dications manifest as diradical dications with a subtle magnetic exchange interaction. Consequently, the through‐space electronic coupling facilitated by the pCp unit in their respective ground states appears to be weak.
Long‐term efficacy of fuel reduction and restoration treatments inNorthernRockies dry forests
Authors: Hood Sharon M. , Crotteau Justin S. , Cleveland Cory C.
Published: January 2024

Fuel and restoration treatments seeking to mitigate the likelihood of uncharacteristic high‐severity wildfires in forests with historically frequent, low‐severity fire regimes are increasingly common, but long‐term treatment effects on fuels, aboveground carbon, plant community structure, ecosystem resilience, and other ecosystem attributes are understudied. We present 20‐year responses to thinning and prescribed burning treatments commonly used in dry, low‐elevation forests of the western United States from a long‐term study site in the Northern Rockies that is part of the National Fire and Fire Surrogate Study. We provide a comprehensive synthesis of short‐term (<4 years) and mid‐term (<14 years) results from previous findings. We then place these results in the context of a mountain pine beetle (MPB;Dendroctonus ponderosae) outbreak that impacted the site 5–10 years post‐treatment and describe 20‐year responses to assess the longevity of restoration and fuel reduction treatments in light of the MPB outbreak. Thinning treatments had persistently lower forest density and higher tree growth, but effects were more pronounced when thinning was combined with prescribed fire. The thinning+prescribed fire treatment had the additional benefit of maintaining the highest proportion of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) for overstory and regeneration. No differences in understory native plant cover and richness or exotic species cover remained after 20 years, but exotic species richness, while low relative to native species, was still higher in the thinning+prescribed fire treatment than the control. Aboveground live carbon stocks in thinning treatments recovered to near control and prescribed fire treatment levels by 20 years. The prescribed fire treatment and control had higher fuel loads than thinning treatments due to interactions with the MPB outbreak. The MPB‐induced changes to forest structure and fuels increased the fire hazard 20 years post‐treatment in the control and prescribed fire treatment. Should a wildfire occur now, the thinning+prescribed fire treatment would likely have the lowest intensity fire and highest tree survival and stable carbon stocks. Our findings show broad support that thinning and prescribed fire increase ponderosa pine forest resilience to both wildfire and bark beetles for up to 20 years, but efficacy is waning and additional fuel treatments are needed to maintain resilience.
Functional responses in American marten habitat selection indicate cumulative effects of progressive habitat change
Authors: Woollard Tyler F. , Harrison Daniel J. , Simons‐Legaard Erin M. , Fagan Kirstin E.
Published: January 2024

Shifts in habitat selection may serve as behavioral indicators of changing habitat quality and can provide an insight into the effects of chronic disturbance on wildlife populations before rates of occurrence and other metrics related to population viability are affected. Long‐term studies can provide unique opportunities to understand animals' behavioral responses to the cumulative effects of habitat disturbance that may be missed by short‐term studies or space‐for‐time substitution. Using the American marten (Martes americana) as a focal species, we evaluated the effects of progressive habitat disturbance on an animal population by identifying changes in habitat availability and selection over time. Marten are strongly associated with mature forest conditions and are thus sensitive to forest harvesting, which is a chronic and prevalent form of disturbance across the species' range. We developed resource selection functions that characterized both temporally consistent patterns and functional responses in the relative selection of habitats by marten at the patch scale. We used a combination of marten location data collected during three periods over 30 years of extensive forest change in northern Maine and a habitat classification scheme informed by species' behavior and designed to capture habitat changes over time. Marten increased their selection of tall (>12 m mean tree height) mature forest, including uncut forest and regenerated clearcuts, in response to decreased availability. Marten also increased avoidance of early‐successional forest (<9 m mean tree height) in response to increased availability. These functional responses in habitat selection appear to enable marten to maintain access to required resources in mature forest and limit exposure to risky or resource‐poor habitat within home ranges. However, a declining trend in the occurrence of resident adult females may indicate a limit to the functional response strategies for individuals unable to incur the energetic or prey‐related costs that may be associated with strong functional responses. Our results suggest that, despite adaptive habitat selection strategies, there are minimum thresholds of mature forest availability below which resident adults, particularly females, will struggle to persist. We recommend forest management strategies targeted at minimizing the strength of functional responses displayed by marten within occupied landscapes.
Integrating ecosystem and contaminant models to predict the effects of ecosystem fluxes on contaminant dynamics
Authors: McLeod Anne M. , Leroux Shawn J. , Rizzuto Matteo , Leibold Mathew A. , Schiesari Luis
Published: January 2024

Environmental contamination is one of the major drivers of ecosystem change in the Anthropocene. Toxic chemicals are not constrained to their source of origin as they cross ecosystem boundaries via biotic (e.g., animal migration) and abiotic (e.g., water flow) vectors. Meta‐ecology has led to important insights on how spatial flows or subsidies of matter across ecosystem boundaries can have broad impacts on local and regional ecosystem dynamics but has not yet addressed the dynamics of pollutants in recipient ecosystems. Incorporating meta‐ecosystem processes (i.e., flux of materials across ecosystem boundaries) into contaminant dynamics can elucidate how contaminants may reverberate among local food chains. Here, we derive a modeling framework to predict how spatial ecosystem fluxes can influence contaminant dynamics and how this influence is dependent on the type of ecosystem flux (e.g., herbivore movement vs. abiotic chemical flows). We mix an analytical and numerical approach to analyze our integrative model which couples two subcomponents that have previously been studied independently of each other—an ecosystem model and a contaminant model. We observe an array of dynamics for how chemical concentrations change with increasing nutrient input and loss rate across trophic levels. When we tailor our range of chemical parameter values (e.g., environmental uptake of contaminant and assimilation efficiency of the contaminant) to specific organic chemicals, our results demonstrate that increasing nutrient input rates can lead to trophic dilution in pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyls across trophic levels. However, increasing nutrient loss rate causes an increase in the concentrations of chemicals across all trophic levels. A sensitivity analysis demonstrates that nutrient recycling is an important ecosystem process impacting contaminant concentrations, generating predictions to be addressed by future empirical studies. Importantly, our model demonstrates the utility of our framework for identifying drivers of contaminant dynamics in connected ecosystems including the importance that (1) ecosystem processes and (2) movement, especially movement of lower trophic levels, have on contaminant concentrations.
“Dual‐pressure theory” in pathogenesis of glaucomatous optic neuropathy from the Beijing intracranial and intraocular pressure study
Authors: Cheng Ying , Yusufu Mayinuer , Weinreb Robert N. , Wang Ningli
Published: January 2024

The mechanical theory of glaucoma indicates that high intraocular pressure (IOP) leads to glaucomatous optic nerve damage. However, nearly half of primary open‐angle glaucoma patients with normal intraocular pressure also exhibit progression of what appears to be glaucomatous optic nerve damage. Our earlier prospective study identified for the first time that the relatively low intracranial pressure (ICP) is also an important risk factor for progressive glaucomatous injury of normal‐tension glaucoma. When considering the results of studies in nonhuman primates, clinical research, large‐scale natural‐population studies, and basic laboratory investigations, a new understanding of the pathophysiology of glaucoma, the “Dual‐Pressure Theory”, has been proposed. This theory states that “either high IOP or low ICP contributes to increasing the translaminar cribrosa pressure difference; it is the pressure difference rather than the IOP alone that results in the glaucomatous optic neuropathy”. Here, we provide a systematic introduction to Dual‐Pressure Theory relating to glaucoma, the form of a research map, an outline of basic laboratory investigations, the main methodology, and research updates.
IL‐4/IL‐13 pathway in nasal type 2 inflammation: The central role and targeted therapy
Authors: Zhu Zhiqiu , Zhao Chaoran , Wang Ming
Published: January 2024

Type 2 dominant inflammation in nasal mucosa is the key underlying pathophysiological mechanism of allergic rhinitis (AR) and most presentations of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) and IL‐13 share common receptor subunits and signaling molecules, which lead to various pathological changes in different cells, playing key roles in the pathogenesis of nasal type 2 inflammation. Numerous clinical trials have shown that biologics targeting key molecules of the IL‐4/IL‐13 pathway, especially IL‐4 receptor alpha, can treat CRSwNP and AR with high efficacy, and are generally well tolerated. Several biologics have been approved for the treatment of difficult‐to‐control CRSwNP, while others also show promising results. Here, we review the IL‐4/IL‐13 pathway, its role in nasal type 2 inflammation, and current targeted therapies related to the IL‐4/IL‐13 pathway, with a focus on AR and CRSwNP.
Chitosan‐Based Nanogels Containing Ln3+ Chelates (Ln=Gd, Dy) as T1 and T2 MRI Probes
Authors: Ricci Marco , Carniato Fabio , Tei Lorenzo , Camorali Sara , Ferrauto Giuseppe , Botta Mauro
Published: January 2024

Novel nanogels, characterized by high stability and incorporating macrocyclic chelates of Gd(III) and Dy(III), were synthesized and assessed for their effectiveness as T1 and T2 relaxation agents, respectively. In this specific design, we employed octacoordinated bifunctional Gd‐1,7‐DOTAGA2 chelate to cross‐link chitosan chains. The results revealed that the sample exhibited a relaxivity value at clinical magnetic field strengths (1.5 T), approximately seven times higher than that of currently available clinical contrast agents and good MRI contrast efficacy at both 7.1 and 1 T. Furthermore, the nanogel displayed excellent stability in biological fluids, with no discernible interactions with serum biomolecules and no release of metal. In addition to Gd(III)‐based probes commonly used as T1 positive contrast agents, the nanogel with the corresponding Dy‐1,7‐DOTAGA2 chelate was prepared to explore its potential as a T2 MRI probe. Dy‐based nanogel demonstrated notably elevated transverse relaxivity values compared to the free chelate at high magnetic fields (>3 T) and significant T2 MRI contrast at 7.1 T, a capability often lacking when employing an equivalent concentration of a low‐molecular‐weight Dy(III) complex. The characterization of paramagnetic complexes was completed through the measurement of 1H NMRD profiles and 17O NMR data.
Lanthanide Amide Complexes Supported by the Bis‐tris(pyrazolyl)borate Ligand Environment
Authors: Chowdhury Tajrian , Wilson Claire , Maichle‐Mössmer Cäcilia , Anwander Reiner , Farnaby Joy H.
Published: January 2024

Synthesis of primary lanthanide amides in the bis‐hydrotris(1‐pyrazolyl)borate ligand environment has been achieved. Salt metathesis of [Dy(Tp)2(OTf)] 1‐Dy (OTf=CF3SO3) with K(N′′) (N′′=N(SiMe3)2) in toluene yielded the [bis(silyl)]amide [Dy(Tp)2(N′′)] 2‐Dy. Complexes 1‐Ln and 2‐Ln were both used to access primary lanthanide amides, where either metathesis of 1‐Ln with K(NHArCF3) (ArCF3=C6H3(CF3)2‐3,5) or protonolysis of 2‐Ln with H2NArCF3 in toluene yielded [Ln(Tp)2(NHArCF3)] 3‐Ln (Ln=Y, Dy). The synthesis of parent amides was also attempted, but the metathesis of 1‐Y with NaNH2 yielded complicated reaction mixtures, but from which the dimeric parent amide [{Y(Tp)2(μ‐NH2)}2] 4‐Y and an ‘ate’‐salt [{Y(Tp)2(μ2‐OTf)(μ3‐OTf)Na(THF)2}2] 5‐Y were isolated. Full characterisation data are presented for all complexes, including the structure determination.
On the Keto‐Enol‐Tautomerism of 2‐(1‐Hydroxyethylidene)malononitrile and Its Lewis Adduct Formation with B(C6F5)3
Authors: Surkau Jonas , Bresien Jonas , Michalik Dirk , Rohregger Mara Elén , Villinger Alexander , Schulz Axel
Published: January 2024

2‐(1‐Hydroxyethylidene)malononitrile (4) is commercially sold as the keto isomer and is described in the literature as either a keto (4 b) or enol (4 a) species. Using NMR techniques and single crystal X‐ray diffraction, we were able to show that 4 exists exclusively as the enol isomer (4 a) in solution as well as in the solid state, which agrees with quantum chemical calculations. By adding one or two equivalents of the Lewis acid B(C6F5)3, the mono‐ or diadducts are formed in exergonic reactions, in which the enol form is further thermodynamically stabilized. The structure and acidity of enol 4 a and its borane adducts are discussed based on experimental and theoretical results.
Impact of cryogenic treatment on the performance of coated tungsten carbide inserts during machining of EN24 grade alloy steel
Authors: Prem Chand R. , Reddy T. V. Sreerama , Anjinappa Chandrashekar , Omprakash B. , Razak Abdul , Wodajo Anteneh Wogasso
Published: January 2024

Today's industries need to be more productive, especially those that shape and machine materials. As a result, engineers and scientists are seeking for cutting tool materials and technologies that have high hot hardness, chemical stability, wear resistance, and toughness while also improving tool life or contact time. Cryogenic treatment of cutting tools has been proven to be a good way for increasing the contact time of any cutting tool material. This study presents the results of turning alloy steel (EN24 grade) using P20 grade carbide inserts under various conditions under continuous machining. Cutting speeds varied from 100 to 500 m/min (in increments of 100 m/min), with feed rates ranging from 0.1 to 0.4 mm/rev in stages of 0.1 mm/rev and a constant radial depth of cut of 1.5 mm were considered under dry machining conditions. Cryogenic treated/coated inserts are better than other inserts in terms of tool life for optimized parameters such as cutting speed 100 m/min, feed rate 0.1 mm/rev, and depth of cut 1.5 mm, according to the study's findings. Under similar conditions of cutting speed, feed rate, and depth of cut, coated/cryotreated inserts had a tool life increase of about 97.5% over uncoated/untreated inserts, a 50.58% increase over uncoated/crytreated inserts, and a 23.89% increase over coated and untreated inserts, respectively.
The evaluation of L‐arginine solution as a solvent for propolis extraction: The phenolic profile, antioxidant, antibacterial activity, and in vitro bioaccessibility
Authors: Mergen Duymaz Gizem , Duz Gamze , Ozkan Kubra , Karadag Ayse , Yilmaz Ozlem , Karakus Ayca , Cengiz Ozlem , Akyildiz Ismail Emir , Basdogan Gunay , Damarlı Emel , Sagdic Osman
Published: January 2024

Ethanol has been widely used for the extraction of propolis. Due to its certain disadvantages, there has been an ongoing search to find alternative non‐ethanolic extraction solvents. This study aimed to compare the phenolics, antioxidant, and antibacterial activity of propolis extracts prepared with 70% ethanol (EWE), propylene glycol (PGE), and L‐arginine solution (BE). All extracts were subjected to an in vitro simulated digestion procedure, and the phenolic profile of non‐digested and digested samples was determined by using LC–MS/MS. Additionally, the change in total phenolic (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant capacities were determined at each digestion phase. TPC and TFC of non‐digested propolis extracts had similar values, although BE showed higher antioxidant capacity (p < .05). The amount of TPC reached or transformed at the intestinal stage was higher for BE and PG compared to EWE. BE also provided the highest antioxidant capacity assay in digested samples. The most common phenolics were pinocembrin, pinobanskin, galangin, and CAPE in non‐digested extracts. However, their concentration was drastically reduced by digestion, and their recovery (R%) ranged from 0% to 9.38% of the initial amount detected in the non‐digested extracts. Chrysin was the most bioaccessible flavonoid in all extracts. Among phenolic acids, the highest R% was determined for trans‐cinnamic acid (22.14%) from BE. All extracts showed in vitro inhibitory activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. This study suggests that an L‐arginine solution could be used as an alternative solvent to ethanol and propylene glycol for propolis extraction.