bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Control the Single‐, Two‐, and Three‐Photon Excited Fluorescence of Atomically Precise Metal Nanoclusters
Authors: Pan Peiyao , Liu Lingling , Zhang Lidi , Wei Xiao , Tian Yupeng , Kang Xi , Zhang Qiong , Zhu Manzhou
Published: October 2022

It remains challenging to control the single‐, two‐, and three‐photon excited fluorescence of metal nanoclusters. In this work, the control over the non‐linear optics of metal nanoclusters as single‐, two‐, and three‐photon excited fluorescence has been accomplished via exploiting the solvent effect. An emissive nanocluster, Au9Ag6(SPhtOMe)4(DPPOE)3Cl3, was synthesized and structurally determined. The solvent effect can not only control the fluorescence of this nanocluster, but more significantly, it can also regulate the photoluminescence nature of the cluster as single‐, two‐, and three‐photon excited fluorescence. We concluded that the increased solution polarity, improved dipole moment, enlarged HOMO–LUMO energy gap, and reduced solution viscosity of the cluster in solutions endow them with excellent high‐order multiphoton excited fluorescence. The results provide an intriguing cluster template that enables us to manipulate the linear and nonlinear optics at the atomic level.
Modified Intramolecular‐Lock Strategy Enables Efficient Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Emitters for Non‐Doped OLEDs
Authors: Huang Zhenmei , Lei Bowen , Yang Dezhi , Ma Dongge , Bin Zhengyang , You Jingsong
Published: October 2022

The development of intramolecular‐lock strategy is an appealing task for designing efficient thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) molecules, but only limited examples have been reported so far. Herein we present a “medium ring”‐lock strategy to develop TADF emitters for improving the efficiency of organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). The installation of an electron‐deficient heptagonal diimide lock onto a highly rotatable biphenyl‐based emitter not only enhances electron‐withdrawing ability of acceptor that decreases singlet‐triplet energy gap (ΔEST), but also endows the skeleton with modest rigidity and flexibility that increases photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) in neat film. In particular, the integration of the diimide lock also leads to an increase in horizontal orientation factor (Θ//) from 69 % to 83 %. Consequently, this modified intramolecular‐lock strategy enables an efficient TADF emitter to assemble high‐performance non‐doped OLEDs with a high external quantum efficiency of 26.2 % and a power efficiency of 76.6 lm W−1.
Suprasomes Based on Host–Guest Molecular Recognition: An Excellent Alternative to Liposomes in Cancer Theranostics
Authors: Yang Kai , Hua Bin , Qi Shaolong , Bai Bing , Yu Chunyang , Huang Feihe , Yu Guocan
Published: October 2022

Liposomes and polymersomes, typical vesicular drug delivery systems (DDSs), have faced some limitations in cancer theranostics. Suprasomes, supramolecular vesicles assembled from amphiphiles linked by noncovalent interactions, show potential as new generation of vesicular DDSs. We construct suprasomes based on host–guest recognition, by which the desired functions can be integrated into carriers without tedious synthesis. Photothermally active host–guest complex is formed between a functional guest and pillar[5]arene, which further self‐assembles into hollow suprasomes. A supramolecular nanomedicine is developed by encapsulating cisplatin in the suprasomes. The obtained cisplatin@Suprasomes achieve excellent anticancer efficacy and anti‐metastasis combining chemotherapy and photothermal therapy, which ablate the tumors without relapse and metastasis. This work demonstrates the facile functionalization of suprasomes, holding promise as alternatives to liposomes and polymersomes.
Temperature‐Programmed Separation of Hexane Isomers by a Porous Calcium Chloranilate Metal‐Organic Framework
Authors: Lin Yuhan , Yu Liang , Ullah Saif , Li Xingyu , Wang Hao , Xia Qibin , Thonhauser Timo , Li Jing
Published: October 2022

The full separation of alkane isomers as a function of different degrees of branching remains a daunting challenge due to its stringent requirement with respect to pore dimensions of the adsorbents. In this work, we report a novel microporous coordination network built on calcium (II) and chloranilate. The compound has a flexible framework and exhibits temperature‐dependent adsorption behavior toward hexane isomers. At 30 °C, it accommodates substantial amounts of linear and monobranched hexanes but fully excludes their dibranched isomer, and at elevated temperatures such as 150 °C, it acts as a splitter for linear and branched alkanes. Its capability of efficient discrimination of hexane isomers as a function of branching is verified by experimental breakthrough measurements. Ab initio calculations have uncovered the underlying selective size‐exclusion separation mechanism.
Anti‐Hofmeister Anion Selectivity via a Mechanical Bond Effect in Neutral Halogen‐Bonding [2]Rotaxanes
Authors: Docker Andrew , Tse Yuen Cheong , Tay Hui Min , Taylor Andrew J. , Zhang Zongyao , Beer Paul D.
Published: October 2022

Exceptionally strong halogen bonding (XB) donor‐chloride interactions are exploited for the chloride anion template synthesis of neutral XB [2]rotaxane host systems which contain perfluoroaryl‐functionalised axle components, including a remarkably potent novel 4,6‐dinitro‐1,3‐bis‐iodotriazole motif. Halide anion recognition properties in aqueous‐organic media, determined via extensive1H NMR halide anion titration experiments, reveal the rotaxane host systems exhibit dramatically enhanced affinities for hydrophilic Cl−and Br−, but conversely diminished affinities for hydrophobic I−, relative to their non‐interlocked axle counterparts. Crucially, this mechanical bond effect induces a binding selectivity which directly opposes Hofmeister bias. Free‐energy analysis of this mechanical bond enhancement demonstrates anion recognition by neutral XB interlocked host systems as a rare and general strategy to engineer anti‐Hofmeister bias anion selectivity in synthetic receptor design.
Electrifying Adipic Acid Production: Copper‐Promoted Oxidation and C−C Cleavage of Cyclohexanol
Authors: Wang Ran , Kang Yikun , Wu Jianxiang , Jiang Tao , Wang Yongjie , Gu Limin , Li Yefei , Yang Xuejing , Liu Zhipan , Gong Ming
Published: October 2022

Adipic acid is a central platform molecule for the polymer industry. Production of adipic acid with electroreforming technology is more sustainable compared to the thermochemical synthesis route. We discovered that incorporation of Cu2+ into a Ni hydroxide lattice significantly improved the electrocatalytic oxidation of cyclohexanol into adipate with a high yield (84 %) and selectivity (87 %). This Cu promotion effect serves as a mechanistic probe that can be combined with product analysis, steady‐state kinetics, and in situ spectroscopy. A two‐electron oxidation into cyclohexanone first occurs, followed by consecutive hydroxylation and C−C cleavage before dione formation. The central role of Cu2+ is to weaken the interaction between the NiOOH and surface‐adsorbed O‐centered radical that facilitates subsequent C−C cleavage. This enables a highly efficient two‐electrode system capable of electroreforming KA oil into adipate and pure H2.
{Mo126W30}: Polyoxometalate Cages Shaped by π–π Interactions
Authors: Zhu Minghui , Han Shicheng , Liu Junrui , Tan Mengjin , Wang Wei , Suzuki Kosuke , Yin Panchao , Xia Debin , Fang Xikui
Published: October 2022

Here we report the formation of giant {Mo126W30} polyoxometalate cages templated by π‐conjugated planar ligands. Their inorganic shells incorporate arrays of 18 stacked aromatic carboxylates, such as 1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxylate or 5‐nitroisophthalate, and the assembly is stabilized by multiple π–π interactions. NMR data confirmed that the cages are stable in solution and the inner aromatic templates can be postsynthetically replaced by selected aliphatic dicarboxylates, paving the way for endo‐functionalization and exploration of the reactivities within the cage cavities.
A systematic review of structures, and geometries of the thermoelectric generators
Authors: Jaldurgam Farheen F. , Ahmad Zubair
Published: October 2022

This systematic review presents the experimental and numerical optimization of the structure, design, and geometry of thermoelectric generators (TEGs). The critical aspect of this study is to evaluate the structures of different TEG designs in terms of their electric and thermal equivalent models. Thermal stress, contact resistance, heat pipe, and pulsed heating and cooling optimization have been judgmentally reviewed. This article will serve as a valuable and indispensable source of information on all aspects of thermoelectric design, structure, and geometry optimization.
Exploring the Factors which Result in Cytochrome P450 Catalyzed Desaturation Versus Hydroxylation
Authors: Coleman Tom , Doherty Daniel Z. , Zhang Ting , Podgorski Matthew N. , Qiao Ruihong , Lee Joel H. Z. , Bruning John B. , De Voss James J. , Zhou Weihong , Bell Stephen G.
Published: October 2022

The cytochrome P450 family of monooxygenase enzymes have essential biological roles involving the selective oxidation of carbon‐hydrogen bonds. They can also catalyze other important metabolic reactions including desaturation to form alkenes. Currently the factors that control the partition between P450 hydroxylation and desaturation pathways are poorly defined. The CYP199A4 enzyme from the bacterium Rhodopseudomonas palustris HaA2 catalyzes the oxidation of 4‐ethyl‐ and 4‐isopropyl‐ benzoic acids with hydroxylation and desaturation occurring in significant quantities. Here we demonstrate that 4‐cyclopropylbenzoic acid is regioselectively hydroxylated by CYP199A4 at the benzylic carbon. In contrast, the oxidation of 4‐n‐propylbenzoic acid by CYP199A4 results in three major metabolites: an alkene from desaturation and two hydroxylation products at the benzylic (Cα) and Cβ carbons in similar quantities. Extending the length of the alkyl substituent resulted in 4‐n‐butylbenzoic acid being oxidized at the benzylic position (45%) and desaturated (55%). In contrast, 4‐isobutylbenzoic generated very little alkene (5%) but was hydroxylated at the benzylic position (54%) and at the tertiary Cβ position (41%). The oxidation of 4‐n‐propylbenzoic acid by the F298 V mutant of CYP199A4 occurred with no hydroxylation at Cβ and a significant increase in metabolites arising from desaturation (73%). The X‐ray crystal structures of CYP199A4 with each substrate revealed that they bind in the active site with the alkyl substituent positioned over the heme. However, the longer alkylbenzoic acids were bound in a different conformation as was 4‐n‐propylbenzoic acid in the F298 V mutant. Overall, the changes in metabolite distribution could be ascribed to bond strength differences and the position of the alkyl group relative to the heme.
Use of DNA‐alkylating pyrrole‐imidazole polyamides for anti‐cancer drug sensitivity screening in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Tsujimoto Akiko , Matsuo Niina , Lai Xiaoyi , Inoue Takahiro , Yoda Hiroyuki , Lin Jason , Shinozaki Yoshinao , Watanabe Takayoshi , Koshikawa Nobuko , Takatori Atsushi , Nagase Hiroki
Published: October 2022

Background

Activating mutations of the KRAS occurs in >90% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cases. However, direct pharmacological targeting of the activated KRAS protein has been challenging. We previously reported that KR12, a DNA‐alkylating pyrrole‐imidazole polyamide designed to recognize the KRAS G12D/V mutation, showed an anti‐tumor effect in colorectal cancer. In this study, we evaluated the anti‐tumor effect of KR12 in PDAC.

Methods

KR12 was synthesized by an automated peptide synthesizer PSSM‐8 and tested for anti‐tumor effect in PDAC mouse models.

Result

KR12 inhibited tumor growth in a spontaneous PDAC mouse model, although the anti‐tumor activity appeared to be limited in a human PDAC xenograft model. We developed a pyrrole‐imidazole polyamide screening process based on the hypothesis that genetic elements otherwise unaffected by KR12 could exert attenuating effects on KRAS‐suppression‐resistant PDAC. We identified RAD51 as a potential therapeutic target in human PDAC cells. A RAD51 inhibitor showed an inhibitory effect on cell growth and affected the cytotoxic activity of KR12 in PDAC cells.

Conclusion

These data suggested that the simultaneous inhibition of RAD51 and mutant KRAS blockage would be an important therapeutic strategy for PDAC.
Patterns of critical consciousness and associations with sociocultural factors in black adolescents
Authors: Briggs Alexis S. , Hope Elan C. , Cryer‐Coupet Qiana R.
Published: October 2022

Critical consciousness includes an understanding of structural oppression, agency to act and actions to redress oppression. Questions remain regarding how youth's experiences with oppression and their social identities might relate to their critical consciousness. In this study, we explored associations between critical consciousness (critical reflection, critical agency, and action) and sociocultural factors (racial identity, racial socialization, and racial stress) among Black adolescents (n = 604; Mage = 15.44, SD = 1.24). We used latent profile analysis and identified four profiles of critical consciousness: Precritical Bystander (62.7%), Liberated Actor (19.9%), Precritical Actor (10.8%), and Acritical Bystander (6.6%). These profiles were distinct in critical reflection, critical agency, and critical action. Next, we examined associations between critical consciousness profiles and sociocultural factors. We found that profile membership was differentially associated with some aspects of racial identity, racial socialization, and racial stress. These findings suggest that there are specific patterns of critical consciousness among Black youth which are differentially associated with racial identity, racial socialization that emphasizes cultural pride, and experiences of cultural racism. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.
Long‐term outcomes of intermediate coronary stenosis in patients undergoing hemodialysis after deferred revascularization based on fractional flow reserve
Authors: Nagasaka Takashi , Amanai Shiro , Ishibashi Yohei , Aihara Kazufumi , Ohyama Yoshiaki , Takama Noriaki , Koitabashi Norimichi , Ishii Hideki
Published: October 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the long‐term outcomes of patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) after deferred revascularization based on fractional flow reserve (FFR).

Background

FFR is a practical technique for assessing the functional severity of intermediate coronary stenosis. Prior research has revealed a satisfactory outcome in patients after the deferral of percutaneous coronary intervention for coronary lesions based on FFR measurement. However, little research has been conducted focusing on patients undergoing HD.

Methods

The retrospective study comprised 225 consecutive patients with FFR assessment and deferred revascularization between January 2016 and December 2019. Based on a deferral cutoff FFR value of >0.80, we assessed the differences in all‐cause death, major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), and target vessel failure (TVF) between the HD (n = 69) and non‐HD groups (n = 156) during a mean ± standard deviation routine follow‐up of 32.2 ± 13.4 months.

Results

Although the HD group had significantly higher rates of diabetes mellitus than the non‐HD group (53.6% vs. 37.2%, p = 0.021), there were no significant differences in sex, left ventricular ejection fraction, or other risk factors between the groups, nor with respect to stenosis diameter or mean FFR. The HD group had a significantly higher incidence of TVF than the non‐HD group (34.8% vs. 14.1%, p < 0.001), as well as a significantly higher risk of all‐cause death and MACEs.

Conclusions

The study revealed that deferred revascularization in coronary lesions with an FFR value of >0.80 in patients undergoing HD was associated with poor outcomes. Therefore, it is important to carefully monitor patients with intermediate coronary stenosis undergoing HD.
Modulating the Local Electronic Property and Intermediate Binding Energy of ZnO by Heteroatom Doping for Efficient Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: Cui Xiaomin , Gao Bo , Zheng Xiaoli , Zhang Gaoxiang , Wang Jing , Liu Jiahui , Chen Yining , Xu Qun
Published: October 2022

Engineering the electronic properties of catalysts by element doping to obtain appropriate intermediate binding energy is a promising strategy to design efficient catalysts for electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). Herein, we dope ZnO with heteroatoms (Bi, Mn, Co) of different external electronic activities and electronegativities, which lead to different CO2RR performances. The introduction of Bi (p‐block metal element with stable external electrons and relatively high electronegativity) into ZnO results in enhanced CO2RR performance. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrate that Bi−ZnO could regulate the local charge distribution of ZnO, as well as weak the binding energy of *H and *COOH while increase the binding energy of *OCHO, thus significantly inhibit hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and accelerate CO2RR. This work demonstrates the feasibility of modulating electronic property of electrocatalysts in optimizing CO2RR selectivity and activity.
Assembly of Rolling Circle Amplification‐Produced Ultralong Single‐Stranded DNA to Construct Biofunctional DNA Materials
Authors: Tang Jianpu , Liang Aiqi , Yao Chi , Yang Dayong
Published: October 2022

The Review by Yang, Yao and colleagues (DOI: 10.1002/chem.202202673) describes recent developments in biofunctional DNA hydrogels and DNA nanocomplexes based on rolling circle amplification (RCA) and introduces assembly strategies and functionalization methods of the ultralong single‐strand DNA produced by RCA to construct biofunctional materials.
What if the age at which a woman started regular mammographic screening depended on her risk, not age?
Authors: Hopper John L. , Nguyen Tuong L. , Li Shuai
Published: October 2022

Lay summary

Durham and colleagues found evidence that mammographic screening for breast cancer could start earlier if a woman had a first‐degree relative with breast cancer, no matter how old the relative was at diagnosis.

The difference between the age at diagnosis of the relative and the age of starting screening was not a fixed number such as 10 years: it actually increased with the age at diagnosis of the relative.

Therefore, this is not just an issue for young women with a relative diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age, and it has wide implications for mammographic screening worldwide.
The diagnosis of benign renal tumors on limited material
Authors: Renshaw Andrew A.
Published: October 2022

Angiomyolipoma, papillary adenoma, oncocytoma, and clear cell papillary renal cell tumor are common benign renal tumors that may be encountered on biopsy material. The diagnostic criteria, limitations, and accuracy as well as specific sign out terminology are reviewed.
CovidBChain: Framework for access‐control, authentication, and integrity of Covid‐19 data
Authors: Pawar Vijayant , Sachdeva Shelly
Published: October 2022

In the Covid‐19 pandemic, information about the medical equipment such as personal protective equipment, ventilators, testing kits, oxygen cylinders, ICU beds, and patient diagnostic status is a black box for the patients. This article proposes a blockchain‐assisted Covid‐19 big data chain (CovidBChain) framework to handle the Covid‐19 data, which is of colossal size (volume), coming from different sources (variety) and generated at every time instance (velocity). CovidBChain is proposed to protect electronic health records and Covid‐19 equipment's information from illegal modification. CovidBChain provides transparency, access control, and integrity to Covid‐19 data. The status of critical equipment like ventilator, Covid‐19 beds, oxygen cylinder, and ICU status each such operation is integrated into the CovidBChain as a transaction. A prototype has been simulated using Ganache, Metamask, InterPlanetary File System, and Reactjs. The comparative assessment using proof‐of‐work (PoW) and proof‐of‐authority (PoA) deduces that the upload and retrieval time in PoA is less than PoW, while the transaction cost is more in PoW. The overhead of message exchange communication is reduced by a factor of in PoA as compared to the PoW approach. CovidBChain has been tested on the Ethereum official test network Ropsten for PoW and Goerli for PoA.
A Theoretical Investigation of Cu+, Ni2+ and Co2+‐Exchanged Zeolites for Hydrogen Storage
Authors: Ozbek M. Olus , Ipek Bahar
Published: October 2022

The front cover artwork is provided by M. Olus Ozbek. The image shows the application of ion exchanged zeolite structures for hydrogen storage to be used in the fuel cell vehicles. The image also represents our atomic level understanding and solution to a macro‐level problem. Read the full text of the Research Article at 10.1002/cphc.202200272.
Evaluation of P53 protein expression in gingival tissues of patients with chronic periodontitis by immunohistochemistry methods
Authors: Minabian Samaneh , Soleimani S. Shima , Torabi Molook , Mohammadi Mohammad , Ranjbar Hadi
Published: October 2022

Objective

Periodontitis is one of the most important periodontal diseases that can be affected by many factors. Although the mechanism of periodontitis development is not yet fully understood, previous studies suggest that apoptosis may be one of the pathological factors that can affect the process of the disease by destroying old and damaged cells. Low expression of P53 protein is one of the reasons for delaying cell death that allows damaged cells to survive longer and gives more time for the chance of mutations and pathogenesis. Because of the important role of P53 in gingival cells of patients with chronic periodontitis, the objective of our study is to evaluate the P53 protein expression in gingival tissues of patients with chronic periodontitis by immunohistochemistry methods.

Materials and Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, 35 patients with severe to moderate chronic periodontitis (loss of attachment ≥3 mm, probing depth ≥5 mm) with no treatment and 25 people who were healthy for periodontal problems were examined. Gingival biopsies from marginal and attached gingiva were obtained, prepared, and mounted on slides. Then, the expression of P53 on each slide was evaluated by optic microscopy after using P53 antibodies and staining with hematoxylin‐eosin (immunohistochemistry method). Data were analyzed using independent t‐test, Mann–Whitney U‐test, and Spearman correlation test using SPSS Statistics version 18.0.

Results

The mean ages of participants in the case and control groups were 37.58 and 32.09, respectively. Our results showed that the expression of P53 was not significant in periodontitis compared to the control group (p > .05). Also, gender could not affect the expression of P53 in both groups (p > .05), and there was no significant relationship between age and P53 gene incidence.

Conclusion

Chronic periodontitis has no significant effect on P53 expression, so changes in apoptosis due to P53 expression in periodontitis are not significant.
Association of service use with subjective oral health indicators in a freedom of choice pilot
Authors: Raittio Eero , Torppa‐Saarinen Eeva , Sokka Taru , Lahti Satu , Suominen Auli , Suominen Anna Liisa , Heikkinen Anna Maria
Published: October 2022

Objectives

A freedom of choice pilot provided access to private oral health care services without queuing and with fixed public service‐fees for participants in Tampere region, Finland in 2018–2019. The aim of this study was to investigate how use of oral health care services differed by demographics, socioeconomic status, dental fear, and self‐reported oral health in this pilot.

Material and methods

SMS‐messages including a link to online questionnaire were sent to participants who had booked an appointment, and to those who had not booked an appointment despite registering to pilot. We categorized participants to (1) those who had booked their first appointment before receiving SMS (visitors), (2) those who booked an appointment after receiving the SMS‐message (late‐visitors), and (3) those who had not booked an appointment during pilot (nonvisitors). We used regression analysis to estimate the association of age, gender, dental fear, economic situation, Oral Health Impact Profile‐14‐severity (oral health‐related quality of life [OHRQoL]), self‐reported oral health and need for oral health care (exposures) with oral health care service use during the pilot (outcome).

Results

Out of 2300 participants, 636 (28%) responded. Late‐visitors were more likely older and reported more likely need for oral health care, poorer oral health and OHRQoL than visitors or nonvisitors. Nonvisitors were younger and had better OHRQoL than the others. The differences in the service use by gender, economic situation, and dental fear were small.

Conclusions

Service use during the pilot depended on the subjective oral health. Our findings highlight the potential of reminders in increasing care use among those with perceived need for services.
Update on immune checkpoint therapy for melanoma
Authors: Everdell Emily , Tsao Hensin
Published: October 2022

Background

The field of immunotherapy has seen dramatic advancements in recent years, with immune checkpoint therapy becoming paramount in the treatment of melanoma. The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) began with the discovery of two important cell‐surface proteins, cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte‐associated protein 4 (CTLA‐4) and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1), which regulate the body's immune response. This led to the establishment of CTLA‐4 and PD‐1 inhibitors as key players in checkpoint therapy. A third ICI, LAG‐3, is under investigation and is emerging as a promising new therapeutic option.

Objective

To provide a current and concise update on the topic of immunotherapy and the role it has played in advancing the treatment of melanoma.

Findings

Combined checkpoint blockade continues to show superior outcomes in the treatment of melanoma compared to monotherapy, however, this success comes at the cost of increased toxicity. The increased toxic effect of these regimens requires continued research to determine how to maintain efficacy while limiting adverse events. The latest advancements in the field have focused on optimizing ICI therapy in the adjuvant and neoadjuvant settings, with neoadjuvant therapies showing promising results for the future of individualized treatment.

Conclusion

This review summarizes the latest updates in each of the major areas of immune checkpoint therapy, highlighting the respective clinical trials that have led to the approval of these therapies in melanoma. We also discuss therapy‐related adverse events, the role of developing predictive biomarkers, as well as future directions that will be necessary to advance the field of immunotherapy in melanoma.
The DAPA‐DIET study: Metabolic response to Dapagliflozin combined with dietary carbohydrate restriction in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity—A longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Hanson Petra , Randeva Harpal , Cuthbertson Dan J. , O'Hare Paul J. , Parsons Nick , Chatha Kamaljit , Reidy Gemma , Weickert Martin O. , Barber Thomas M.
Published: October 2022

Objective

The cardio‐renal benefits of sodium glucose‐like transporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) therapies have been demonstrated in patients with and without type 2 diabetes. However, no studies have explored the long‐term metabolic effects of SGLT2i, combined with dietary carbohydrate restriction. Our primary objective was to describe long‐term changes in weight, energy expenditure, appetite and body composition after 12 months of Dapagliflozin therapy, with carbohydrate restriction, in people with type 2 diabetes and obesity. Our secondary objective was to assess changes in adiponectin and leptin.

Method

This was a 12‐month cohort study in a secondary care setting. Participants (n = 18) with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and class 3 obesity underwent baseline indirect calorimetry for determination of 24‐h energy expenditure, body composition, fasting serum leptin and adiponectin levels, and appetitive assessments. Following initiation of Dapagliflozin (and dietary carbohydrate restriction), measurements were repeated at monthly intervals up to 12 months.

Results

Mean starting weight of participants was 129.4 kg (SD 25.9), mean BMI 46.1 kg/m2 (SD 8.3) and mean HbA1c 53.9 mmol/mol (14.1). Seventeen participants completed the study; after 12 months of Dapagliflozin and dietary carbohydrate restriction, mean weight loss was 8.1 kg (SD 11.3 kg; p = .009). This was mediated by reduced fat mass (mean loss, 9.9 kg; SD 10.4 kg; p = .002) associated with reduced serum leptin at 12 months (mean reduction 11,254 pg/ml; SD 16,075; p = .011). There were no significant changes in self‐reported appetite, 24‐h energy expenditure or serum adiponectin during follow‐up.

Conclusion

In this study, combined Dapagliflozin therapy and carbohydrate restriction in patients with T2D and obesity resulted in a significant reduction of body weight and fat mass at 12 months without any discernible changes in energy expenditure or appetite. These results offer a scientific and clinical rationale to conduct an exploratory trial investigating the effects of a low carbohydrate diet combined with SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with T2D.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Cytotoxicity of a Reactive Platinum(IV) Monotrifluoromethyl Complex
Authors: Liu Yanpeng , Yao Houzong , Tse Man‐Kit , Chen Shu , Yiu Shek‐Man , Zhu Guangyu
Published: October 2022

Platinum‐based complexes are among the most widely utilized cancer therapeutics. Current Pt(II) drugs face some challenges including toxicity and drug resistance. To solve these issues, great efforts have been devoted to developing nonclassical platinum complexes, such as Pt(IV) prodrugs, that act via mechanisms distinct from those of the approved drugs. Compared with active Pt(II) counterparts, Pt(IV) complexes are relatively inert. Although direct interactions between Pt(IV) complexes and nucleotides have been reported, the reaction is slow due to the kinetic inertness of Pt(IV) complexes. Herein, we design and synthesize a Pt(IV) monotrifluoromethyl complex, in which the chloride ligand that is trans to trifluoromethyl ligand is reactive. The Pt(IV) monotrifluoromethyl complex is very stable in water but displays high reactivity towards various substrates including buffer components and 5’‐dGMP. The study of reaction mechanism reveals that this Pt(IV) complex reacts with phosphate via SN2 nucleophilic substitution pathway, which is different from Pt(II) drugs. The Pt(IV) monotrifluoromethyl complex is cytotoxic in human ovarian cancer cells. Our work reports an example of a reactive organometallic Pt(IV) complex that can directly interact with nucleophiles and implies its potential as an anticancer agent.
Development of ornamentation on ventifacts: An examination of flow and saltation kinematic mechanisms
Authors: McKenna Neuman Cheryl , Gillies John A. , O'Brien Patrick , Saarenvirta Gianna , Nickling William G.
Published: October 2022

Ventifacts are rocks that have been shaped through abrasion by wind‐transported sediment. Their surfaces may be ornamented with characteristic microscale features that are replicated and overlain to form complex patterns. Compared to a large body of work on the transport of unconsolidated sediment in which the atmospheric boundary‐layer flow and sand cloud respond to perturbations in the developing topography, no experimental work to this date has addressed morphodynamic feedback at the particle scale in aeolian systems dominated by abrasion. This article reports on a case study in which laser Doppler anemometry was used in wind tunnel experiments to measure air flow and sand transport over a highly ornamented, tabular ventifact from the Taylor Valley, Antarctica. Periodicity characterizing the static microtopography of the ventifact was observed to be strongly imprinted on the kinetics of both the airflow and particle cloud when sampled along a transect of the ventifact aligned with flow in the wind tunnel matching the dominant sand transporting wind direction for the ventifact in situ. The vertical velocity component was especially well synchronized, with changes in elevation on the order of 2–4 mm. The horizontal component of particle velocity demonstrated an offset in the downwind direction associated with the large forward momentum of the saltating sand particles. However, submillimeter relief on the fixed ventifact surface was not sufficient to initiate kinetic feedback, as observed along a transect aligned normal to a series of elongated flute structures and the dominant sand transporting wind direction. The particle‐scale experimental results confirm that (i) abrasion of this ventifact principally occurred under a unimodal wind and sand transport regime of low‐moderate intensity, and (ii) relief arising from weathering, as governed by the ventifact's lithology, likely initiated development of the present‐day ornamentation.
Observations from the Hydrolysis of the Green Sea Urchin (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis)
Authors: Solstad Runar Gjerp , James Philip
Published: October 2022

There is a large amount of coproduct generated by the sea urchin fisheries around the world as well as a growing interest in removing large quantities of undersize and low value sea urchins from barren areas in the northern Atlantic and Pacific coasts as well as other areas around the world. The authors believe there is scope to develop a hydrolysate product from this and this study gives preliminary observations on the characteristics of hydrolysate from the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis. The biochemical composition for S. droebachiensis is moisture 64.1%, protein 3.4%, oil 0.9%, and ash 29.8%. Amino acid composition, molecular weight distribution, lipid‐class, and fatty acid composition are also presented. The authors suggest a sensory‐panel mapping be undertaken on future sea urchin hydrolysates. Possible uses for the hydrolysate are unclear at this stage but the combination of amino acids and the relatively high levels of glycine, aspartic acid, and glutamic acid should be further investigated.
Reusing Waste Coffee Grounds as Electrode Materials: Recent Advances and Future Opportunities
Authors: Pagett Matthew , Teng Kar Seng , Sullivan Geraint , Zhang Wei
Published: October 2022

Coffee industry produces more than eight million tons of waste coffee grounds (WCG) annually. These WCG contain caffeine, tannins, and polyphenols and can be of great environmental concern if not properly disposed of. On the other hand, components of WCG are mainly macromolecular cellulose and lignocellulose, which can be utilized as cheap carbon precursors. Accordingly, various forms of carbon materials have been reportedly synthesized from WCG, including activated carbon, mesoporous carbon, carbon nanosheets, carbon nanotubes, graphene sheet fibers (i.e., graphenated carbon nanotubes), and particle‐like graphene. Upcycling of various biomass and/or waste into value‐added functional materials is of growing significance to offer more sustainable solutions and enable circular economy. In this context, this review offers timely insight on the recent advances of WCG derived carbon as value‐added electrode materials. As electrodes, they have shown to possess excellent electrochemical properties and found applications in capacitor/supercapacitor, batteries, electrochemical sensors, owing to their low cost, high electrical conductivity, polarization, and chemical stability. Collectively, these efforts could represent an environmentally friendly and circular economy approach, which could not only help solve the food waste issue, but also generate high performance carbon‐based materials for many electrochemical applications.
Combining of Oncolytic Virotherapy and Other Immunotherapeutic Approaches in Cancer: A Powerful Functionalization Tactic
Authors: Zou Hai , Mou Xiao‐Zhou , Zhu Biao
Published: October 2022

Oncolytic viruses have found a good place in the treatment of cancer. Administering oncolytic viruses directly or by applying genetic changes can be effective in cancer treatment through the lysis of tumor cells and, in some cases, by inducing immune system responses. Moreover, oncolytic viruses induce antitumor immune responses via releasing tumor antigens in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and affect tumor cell growth and metabolism. Despite the success of virotherapy in cancer therapies, there are several challenges and limitations, such as immunosuppressive TME, lack of effective penetration into tumor tissue, low efficiency in hypoxia, antiviral immune responses, and off‐targeting. Evidence suggests that oncolytic viruses combined with cancer immunotherapy‐based methods such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive cell therapies can effectively overcome these challenges. This review summarizes the latest data on the use of oncolytic viruses for the treatment of cancer and the challenges of this method. Additionally, the effectiveness of mono, dual, and triple therapies using oncolytic viruses and other anticancer agents has been discussed based on the latest findings.
The use of mulch in cultivating the forage cactus optimizes yield in less time and increases the water use efficiency of the crop
Authors: Alves Hygor Kristoph Muniz Nunes , Silva Thieres George Freire da , Jardim Alexandre Maniçoba da Rosa Ferraz , de Souza Luciana Sandra Bastos , Araújo Júnior George do Nascimento , de Souza Carlos André Alves , de Moura Magna Soelma Beserra , de Araújo Gherman Garcia Leal , Campos Fleming Sena , da Cruz Neto José Francisco
Published: October 2022

Measurements of crop evapotranspiration (ETC) and crop coefficients (kC) in cactus have not yet been adjusted for the phenological stage using conservation practices (i.e. mulching). In this study, soil water dynamics, ETC and kC were measured in the forage cactus under cultivation systems with (WM) and without (NM) the use of mulch in the semi‐arid region of Brazil. Opuntia stricta was subjected to irrigation depths based on a percentage of the reference evapotranspiration (ET0) (rainfed, 25, 50, 75 and 100%) and to two systems of cultivation: WM and NM. Over time, the phenophases (φPh) were established; the soil water balance components were calculated and the crop yield was evaluated at harvest. The use of 8.2 Mg ha−1 mulch led to almost no reduced water consumption by the crop when compared to the NM system; however, the mulch did maximize yield, at 839°C day, when irrigated with 50% ET0. The kC value was higher under the WM system, with the differences decreasing throughout the cycle (φPhI, 36%; φPhII, 27%; φPhIII, 23%; φPhIV‐HT, 17%; and φPhIV‐RF, 14%). Therefore, the use of mulch in cultivating the cactus optimized forage production in less time and significantly increased the water use efficiency of the crop.
Optimizing the composition of gelatin methacryloyl and hyaluronic acid methacryloyl hydrogels to maximize mechanical and transport properties using response surface methodology
Authors: Talaei Alireza , O'Connell Cathal D. , Sayyar Sepidar , Maher Malachy , Yue Zhilian , Choong Peter F. , Wallace Gordon G.
Published: October 2022

Hydrogel materials are promising candidates in cartilage tissue engineering as they provide a 3D porous environment for cell proliferation and the development of new cartilage tissue. Both the mechanical and transport properties of hydrogel scaffolds influence the ability of encapsulated cells to produce neocartilage. In photocrosslinkable hydrogels, both of these material properties can be tuned by changing the crosslinking density. However, the interdependent nature of the structural, physical and biological properties of photocrosslinkable hydrogels means that optimizing composition is typically a complicated process, involving sequential and/or iterative steps of physiochemical and biological characterization. The combinational nature of the variables indicates that an exhaustive analysis of all reasonable concentration ranges would be impractical. Herein, response surface methodology (RSM) was used to efficiently optimize the composition of a hybrid of gelatin‐methacryloyl (GelMA) and hyaluronic acid methacryloyl (HAMA) with respect to both mechanical and transport properties. RSM was employed to investigate the effect of GelMA, HAMA, and photoinitiator concentration on the shear modulus and diffusion coefficient of the hydrogel membrane. Two mathematical models were fitted to the experimental data and used to predict the optimum hydrogel composition. Finally, the optimal composition was tested and compared with the predicted values.
A structural equation model of community development organizations (CDO)' capacity and collaborations to increase community satisfaction
Authors: Jang Eunmie , Park Duk‐Byeong
Published: October 2022

This study examines a structural equation model among community development organizational capacity, collaborations, and community satisfaction to develop a comprehensive model of community satisfaction in rural community development projects in South Korea. The model was tested on a sample of 592 participants in the rural community development project for enhancing community development in South Korea, using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. The findings suggest that the planning capacity of CDOs and community collaboration are significant determinants that influence community satisfaction. The leadership capacity, planning capacity, and administrative support capacity of CDOs can facilitate community collaboration. But leadership and planning capacity did not significantly affect community satisfaction. Practical and policy implications are included in the conclusion.
Evidence for human infection with avian influenza A(H9N2) virus via environmental transmission inside live poultry market in Xiamen, China
Authors: Jin Yifei , Cui Huan , Jiang Lina , Zhang Cheng , Li Jingjing , Cheng Hongliang , Chen Zehui , Zheng Jing , Zhang Yidun , Fu Yingying , Li Jiaming , Li Li , Guo Zhendong , Lu Bing , Wang Zhongyi
Published: October 2022

H9N2 avian influenza virus (AIV) has become prevalent in the live poultry market (LPM) worldwide, and environmental transmission mode is an important way for AIVs to infect human beings in the LPM. To find evidence of human infection with the influenza A(H9N2) virus via environmental contamination, we evaluated one human isolate and three environmental isolates inside LPMs in Xiamen, China. The phylogeny, transmissibility, and pathogenicity of the four isolates were sorted out systematically. As for the H9N2 virus, which evolved alongside the “Avian‐Environment‐Human” spreading chain in LPMs from the summer of 2019 to the summer of 2020, its overall efficiency of contact and aerosol transmissibility improved, which might contribute to the increasing probability of human infection. This study indicated that environmental exposure might act as an important source of human infection in LPMs.
Association of COVID‐19 vaccination before conception with maternal thyroid function during early pregnancy: A single‐center study in China
Authors: Zhao Yan , Zhao Yongbo , Zhang Yijun , Li Mengyuan , Su Xin , Zhou Yicheng , Zhang Ziyi , Jin Liping
Published: October 2022

Despite the high vaccination coverage, potential COVID‐19 vaccine‐induced adverse effects, especially in pregnant women, have not been fully characterized. We examined the association between COVID‐19 vaccination before conception and maternal thyroid function during early pregnancy. We conducted a retrospective cohort study in Shanghai, China. A total of 6979 pregnant women were included. Vaccine administration was obtained from electronic vaccination records. Serum levels of thyroid hormone were measured by fluorescence and chemiluminescence immunoassays. Among the 6979 included pregnant women, 3470 (49.7%) received at least two doses of an inactivated vaccine. COVID‐19 vaccination had a statistically significant association with both maternal serum levels of free thyroxine (FT4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Compared with unvaccinated pregnant women, the mean FT4 levels were lower in pregnant women who had been vaccinated within 3 months before the date of conception by 0.27 pmol/L (β = −0.27, 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.42, −0.12), and the mean TSH levels were higher by 0.08 mIU/L (β = 0.08, 95% CI, 0.00, 0.15). However, when the interval from vaccination to conception was prolonged to more than 3 months, COVID‐19 vaccination was not associated with serum FT4 or TSH levels. Moreover, we found that COVID‐19 vaccination did not significantly associate with maternal hypothyroidism. Our study suggested that vaccination with inactivated COVID‐19 vaccines before conception might result in a small change in maternal thyroid function, but this did not reach clinically significant levels.
Characterization of bioemulsifying EPS from Halobacillus trueperi MXM‐16, a halophilic adhered bacterial isolate from the mangrove ecosystem
Authors: Kharangate‐Lad Amrita , Bhosle Saroj
Published: October 2022

Exopolymeric substances (EPS) produced by bacterial cells play a crucial role in the interaction of the cells with the surrounding environment. Halobacillus trueperi manxer mangrove‐16, an adhered bacterial isolate from the mangrove ecosystem was found to produce EPS that was observed by Alcian blue staining and congo red‐coomassie blue agar. The EPS of the bacterial isolate exhibited emulsifying properties. Purification of the EPS by dialysis showed an emulsification index of 80% with hexadecane. Qualitative analysis and Fourier's Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed that the EPS was a glycoprotein in nature. The EPS showed no surface‐active properties. Further exploration of the potential of the EPS interaction with metal solutions showed the ability of the bioemulsifier to cause precipitation in the metal solutions and particularly change the color of the Chromium (VI) solution. The scanning electron microscopy‐energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS) of the cells and EPS particularly indicated the interaction of the EPS with the (Fe0) zerovalent iron nanoparticles and its effect on the cells and EPS of the bacteria. It is therefore concluded that the EPS is a crucial component that anchors the bacteria to particulate matter in the mangrove ecosystem and also plays an important role in interaction with metals and hydrocarbons.
Artificial intelligence and loan default: The case of commercial banks in India
Authors: Mor Surender , Aneja Ranjan , Madan Sonu , Gupta Sanjeev
Published: October 2022

The supervised machine learning algorithm‐based logistic regression predicts the loan default risk by correctly identifying banks with risky/safer loans in the Indian commercial banking sector. Higher levels of interest income and spread have been found negatively associated with the probability of loan default risk, while interest expended, operating expenses and credit deposit ratio are positively related to the level of loan risk. The study recommends that a high spread, low rate of interest expended and lower operating expenses, will effectively lower the probability of loan default risk in the Indian banking sector.