bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic evaluation of nutrition risk screening tools in hospitalized adults with normal weight range, overweight, or obesity: A comparative analysis
Authors: Chites Victória Silva , Burgel Camila Ferri , de Almeida Jussara Carnevale , Silva Flávia Moraes
Published: January 2025

Background

Many nutrition risk screening tools include low body mass index (BMI). It remains uncertain whether it affects the validity of these tools in patients with overweight or obesity. We aimed to determine the frequency of malnutrition risk and evaluate its association with hospital length of stay in hospitalized adults according to BMI classification.

Methods

Secondary analysis involving inpatients with BMI ≥ 18.5 kg/m2. Malnutrition risk was assessed using the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS‐2002), Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST), Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool, Short Nutritional Assessment Questionnaire, and Nutritional Risk in Emergency‐2017. Length of hospital stay, in‐hospital mortality, readmission, and mortality within 6 months postdischarge were considered as outcomes.

Results

Among the 582 patients analyzed, the malnutrition risk ranged from 34.5% to 49.7% in patients with normal weight (n = 171), 20.8% to 33.9% in patients with overweight (n = 221), and 5.3% to 22.1% in patients with obesity (n = 190). Malnutrition risk by the NRS‐2002 was associated with prolonged hospital stay, regardless of BMI category, and with 6‐month hospital readmission in normal weight and those with obesity. The MST was associated with prolonged hospital stay, mortality, and hospital readmission in 6 months in normal‐weight patients and with the first two outcomes in patients with overweight. No tool was associated with in‐hospital death.

Conclusion

The prognostic value of nutrition risk screening tools varies according to BMI: the MST appears to be more appropriate for normal‐weight and overweight patients, whereas the NRS‐2002 may be more suitable for patients with obesity.
Enhancing the Fertilizer Value of Recycled Phosphorus for Horticulture Crops Through Acidification and Placement
Authors: Sica Pietro , Müller‐Stöver Dorette , Magid Jakob
Published: January 2025

Background

Placement and acidification pretreatments are strategies to enhance the phosphorus (P) fertilizer value of biowastes. However, their impact on the commercial yield of horticultural crops and the effects on the contents of undesirable elements in the edible product are not well known.

Aims

The main objective of this study was to assess how the placement and acidification of biowastes affect commercial yield and nutritional quality of vegetables.

Methods

To investigate this, we selected two byproducts from agroindustries, meat and bone meal (MBM) and digestate solid fraction (DSF), and conducted a pot experiment with peas and onions growing in 10‐L pots. Four treatments were assessed for each biowaste: untreated mixed (UM), untreated placed (UP), acidified mixed (AM), and acidified placed (AP).

Results

Acidification increased the water‐soluble P of both byprodutcs to over 70% of the total P. For DSF, the AP treatment yielded over 100% more than UM, with a fertilizer value exceeding triple superphosphate. However, for MBM, no significant differences were found among UM, AM, and AP treatments, with UP yielding even less than the negative control, indicating a toxicity effect, probably of ammonium that reduced plant growth. Although acidification may have increased the solubility of undesirable elements, it was not reflected in plant composition, as higher P solubility contributed to increased commercial yields, diluting undesirable element content.

Conclusions

Therefore, the placement of acidified DSF shows promise in improving fertilizer value, with no adverse effects on the content of undesirable elements in onion bulbs and pea grains.
Exploring the Application of Zeolite Technology in Ethiopia: A Path to Sustainable Agriculture Development
Authors: Nakachew Kelemu , Gelaye Yohannes , Ali Solomon , Gebeyehu Tewabe , Eskezia Alemnesh
Published: January 2025

Ethiopia faces significant agricultural challenges, including soil degradation, nutrient depletion, and water scarcity, which threaten food security and sustainable development. Addressing these issues requires innovative solutions to enhance soil health, conserve water resources, and improve crop productivity. This bibliographic review systematically explores the potential of zeolite technology as a tool for tackling these challenges in Ethiopia. Studies sourced from databases, such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and AGRIS, were analyzed, with 123 articles selected on the basis of relevance, credibility, and data support. Zeolite technology offers multiple benefits, including reducing nutrient leaching by 65%–86%, increasing soil pH levels from 7.05 to 8.12 with a 7.5 t ha−1 zeolite application, and improving grain yields by 15.9%–31.8% across crops like rice, barley, and maize with a 10 t ha−1 application. Despite these advantages, the adoption of zeolite technology in Ethiopia remains limited. This review highlights the need for field trials to assess crop‐specific responses and socio‐economic impacts. If the identified research gaps are addressed, zeolite technology could become an essential component of Ethiopia's agricultural toolkit, enabling farmers to improve productivity, adapt to climate variability, and achieve sustainable food security. Its adoption could transform farming systems, contributing to Ethiopia's resilience against environmental stresses and supporting long‐term agricultural development.
New records of Lutra simplicidens Thenius, 1965 from Europe
Authors: Marciszak Adrian , Bower Alfie
Published: January 2025

New material of Lutra simplicidens, a key species for understanding the evolution of Eurasian Lutrinae, is described from the English site of Corton (0.7‒0.6 Ma) and the Polish site of Żabia Cave (1.7‒1.5 Ma). Both records are represented by incomplete mandibles with partially preserved dentition. The record from Żabia Cave documents the presence of an older and more carnivorous Lutra simplicidens tamanensis. A less carnivorous Lutra simplicidens simplicidens was found in Corton. Both findings contribute valuable data on the evolutionary history of the species.
Paleoearthquakes along the northeastern segment of the Yabrai range‐front fault in the Alashan Block, northeast of the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Xie Chao , Li Wei , Liu Xiang , Dang Hao , Huang Yuemin , Long Pengwei
Published: January 2025

The Yabrai range‐front fault (YRF) is a large‐scale fault within the Alashan Block, located northeast of the Tibetan Plateau, which has undergone several surface rupture events on the southwestern and middle segments since the late Quaternary. As no relevant research has been conducted on the northeastern segment, paleoseismic data for this area are lacking, which restricts our overall understanding of the spatiotemporal and intensity distribution of strong earthquakes on the YRF. To address this problem, we conducted investigations based on trench wall interpretation and stratigraphic optically stimulated luminescence ages. Four paleoearthquakes were identified in the middle of the northeastern segment, and occurred after 11.6 ± 0.7 ka and between 11.6 ± 0.7 to 6.9 ± 0.5, 6.9 ± 0.5 to 4.8 ± 0.6 and 4.8 ± 0.6 to 3.9 ± 0.7 ka, respectively. Three paleoearthquake events, one of which occurred at around 23.6 ± 1.6 ka, were identified at the northeastern end of the fault. According to the spatiotemporal distribution of the ruptured events on the YRF, the middle segment may be a long seismic gap (~8 ka), and combined with the status of tectonic stress concentration, this segment can be regarded as a zone of high seismic probability with the ability to produce a magnitude 7.2 earthquake. Furthermore, from the late Pleistocene to early Holocene, cascading ruptures may have occurred on the middle and northeastern segments of the YRF, with magnitudes approaching 7.3. In terms of tectonic relationships, we suggest that the YRF and the Langshan piedmont fault are two independent faults even though they are connected.
Differences in the composition of plasma metabolites and intestinal flora of piglets with different weaning weights revealed by untargeted metabolomics and 16S rRNA gene sequencing
Authors: Geng Yanchao , Li Long , Yuan Xuefeng , Hong Liang , Pu Lei , Qin Shunyi , Li Liuan , Yang Hua , Zhang Jianbin
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND

Piglets with different weaning body weights exhibit varying growth performance. This study explores the relationship between their plasma metabolites and gut microbiota to reveal differences in metabolic regulation and microbial composition.

RESULTS

Plasma and colon content samples from piglets of different weaning weights were collected. Untargeted metabolomics, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, multivariate statistics, and bioinformatics were used to identify and compare metabolites.

Six key findings emerged. First, 23 differential metabolites were found, with three upregulated in high‐weight piglets and 20 downregulated in low‐weight piglets. A total of 15 were lipids or lipid‐like molecules. Second, metabolic pathway enrichment analysis indicated that the sphingolipid signaling pathway, HIF‐1 signaling pathway, sphingolipid metabolism pathway, ascorbate and aldarate metabolism pathway, and glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism pathway were the most significantly affected pathways in the plasma of piglets with different weaning body weights. Third, alpha diversity was lower in low‐weight weaned piglets. Fourth, Lactobacillus was 23.16% in high‐weight piglets, higher than 19.62% in low‐weight ones. Fifth, linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) analysis showed that Faecalibacterium is a biomarker for low‐body‐weight piglets and Oscillospira is a biomarker for high‐body‐weight piglets. Finally, Spearman correlation analysis indicated that Lactobacillus, Prevotella, Ruminococcus, and Oscillospira were negatively correlated with differential metabolites in plasma.

CONCLUSION

The plasma metabolites and colon microbiota differed between piglets of different body weights. Lipid‐related plasma metabolites contributed to weight variation, being lower in heavier piglets. The colonic microbiota, especially Oscillospira and Roseburia, exhibited strong correlations with these metabolites. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
The Association of Sarcopenia and Body Composition With Benign Positional Paroxysmal Vertigo in Older Adults
Authors: Demircan Sultan Keskin , Öner Fatih
Published: January 2025

Objectives

One‐third of older adults suffer from dizziness and vertigo. Benign positional paroxysmal vertigo (BPPV), which occurs due to otoconia moving into the semicircular canal, is the most common vestibular disorder. We evaluated the connection between BPPV and geriatric symptoms.

Methods

A comprehensive geriatric evaluation included daily living activities, Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Geriatric Depression Scale tests for all patients. Patients' nutritional status was assessed using the Mini‐Nutritional Assessment. Body weight and fat free mass were determined from the bioimpedance analyzer. Hand grip strength was measured using an electronic hand dynamometer to determine muscle strength. Sarcopenia was assessed using the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People‐2 recommendations. The patients were divided into three groups as BPPV‐positive, BPPV‐negative, and healthy (control).

Results

Obesity, low muscle mass, dynapenia, gait speed, low gait speed, and history of falling statistically significantly differed between the three groups, but age, gender, smoking, alcohol consumption, body mass index, MMSE, depression, number of falls, and comorbid diseases did not differ. The BPPV‐positive group had greater rates of obesity, low muscle mass, dynapenia, and sarcopenia than the control group (p = 0.008, 0.007, 0.01, 0.03). In the unadjusted univariate analysis, low muscle mass, sarcopenia, and obesity were risk factors for “BPPV” (Odds Ratio [OR]: 3.43, Confidence Interval [Cl]: 1.25–9.37, p = 0.016; OR: 3.47, Cl: 1.32–9.13, p = 0.011; OR: 2.71, Cl: 1.09–6.70, p = 0.031).

Conclusions

Obesity, sarcopenia, and low muscle mass are risk factors for BPPV, and we urge the older population to adopt healthy diet and exercise regimens to reduce BPPV‐related falls.

Level of Evidence

Level 3 Laryngoscope, 2025
Chirp‐Managed, High‐Energy, Low‐Repetition Mamyshev Oscillator Based on Hollow Core Fiber
Authors: Yan Jikun , Xu Duanyang , Lin Di , Mulvad Hans Christian H. , Mousavi Seyed Mohammad Abokhamis , Jung Yongmin , Richardson David , Poletti Francesco , Xu Lin
Published: January 2025

Mamyshev oscillator (MO) represents a powerful mode‐locking technique to produce high energy and ultrashort pulses from a fiber system. However, it is challenging to achieve low repetition rates directly from an oscillator while fully exploiting the outstanding characteristics of MOs due to the constraint of large dispersion and high nonlinearity of conventional solid‐core fibers. Here, a new method of combining a low‐dispersion and low‐nonlinearity hollow‐core fiber (HCF) with the MO is proposed to overcome the problem, achieving a reduction in repetition rate from 20 to 1 MHz and realizing sub‐50 fs pulses. Furthermore, the HCF provides anomalous dispersion and offers chirp management in the 1 MHz MO, effectively improving the pulse energy from 381 nJ (20 MHz all‐normal‐dispersion MO) to 514 nJ. The influence of intracavity chirp management is investigated by numerical simulations. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first time of realizing high‐energy sub‐50 fs pulses at 1 MHz repetition rate directly from an oscillator. The maximum peak power of the output pulses is more than 100 times higher than the previously reported low‐repetition ultrafast fiber lasers. This high‐performance laser has good potential for applications such as high‐precision micromachining, high‐order nonlinear microscopy imaging, and femtosecond‐laser‐assisted chemical ionization mass spectroscopy.
On space‐like class A$\mathcal {A}$ surfaces in Robertson–Walker spacetimes
Authors: Demirci Burcu Bektaş , Turgay Nurettin Cenk , Şen Rüya Yeğin
Published: January 2025

In this paper, we consider space‐like surfaces in Robertson–Walker spacetimes with the comoving observer field . We study some problems related to such surfaces satisfying the geometric conditions imposed on the tangential and normal parts of the unit vector field , as naturally defined. First, we investigate space‐like surfaces in satisfying that the tangent component of is an eigenvector of all shape operators, called class surfaces. Then, we get a classification theorem for space‐like class surfaces in . Also, we examine minimal space‐like class surfaces in . Finally, we give the parameterizations of space‐like surfaces in when the normal part of the unit vector field is parallel.
FOXM1‐Cx31 Axis Drives Pancreatic Cancer Stem Cell‐Like Properties and Chemoresistance
Authors: Chen Yang , Sun Qihui , Zou Qi , Zhu Xiaoqi , Wen Tingting , Li Xiaojia , Li Shu , He Jie , Wei Fang , Xie Keping
Published: January 2025

Pancreatic cancer is a highly lethal malignancy with few effective treatment options. Connexin 31 (Cx31) is a membrane protein capable of forming hexameric channels to facilitate the exchange of metabolites and signaling molecules. Yet, the contribution of Cx31 to the onset and progression of pancreatic cancer remains to be understood. We analyzed Cx31 expression in pancreatic cancer tissues and cell lines using public databases and experimental models. The correlation between Cx31 expression and clinical outcomes was evaluated. The effects of Cx31 on pancreatic cancer cell proliferation, stemness, migration, chemoresistance, and immune infiltration were investigated. Transcriptome analysis and bioinformatics tools were employed to explore the underlying mechanisms. Cx31 was found to be upregulated in pancreatic cancer tissues compared to normal tissues, and its high expression correlated with shorter overall survival and higher mortality risk. Cx31 promoted acinar‐to‐ductal metaplasia (ADM), stemness, proliferation, migration, metastasis, and chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer cells. Bioinformatics analysis suggested a positive correlation between Cx31 and stemness‐related genes. Cx31 knockdown altered the expression of genes involved in stemness and chemoresistance pathways, such as Wnt and Notch. Additionally, Cx31 was identified as a direct target of the transcription factor FOXM1, which upregulated its expression. Cx31 plays a multifaceted role in pancreatic cancer, influencing processes from initiation to metastasis and chemoresistance. It may serve as a potential therapeutic target to combat the aggressive nature of pancreatic cancer. The FOXM1‐Cx31 axis could be a promising target for overcoming treatment resistance in pancreatic cancer.
Tumor Microenvironment Targeted by Polysaccharides in Cancer Prevention: Expanding Roles of Gut Microbiota and Metabolites
Authors: Han Shuai , Luo Yi , Hu Zuomin , Li Xinhua , Zhou Yaping , Luo Feijun
Published: January 2025

Since the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), immunotherapy has been widely used as a novel cancer treatment. However, the efficacy of tumor immunotherapy is largely dependent on the tumor microenvironment (TME). The high degree of heterogeneity within TME remains a major obstacle to acquire satisfactory therapeutic. Emerging studies suggest that gut microbiota is becoming an important regulator of TME. Polysaccharides as tumor immunotherapeutic agents or immune adjuvants not only exhibit antitumor activity by targeting gut microbiota, but also expand their role in the tumor immunotherapy by remodeling TME. To date, the mechanism by which polysaccharides targeting TME for tumor prevention via gut microbiota has not been deeply investigated. In this review, recent advances in the regulation of TME by polysaccharides through gut microbiota were systematically outlined, and the challenges and possible solutions in the clinical application of TME‐targeted polysaccharides were discussed. Exploring the relationship between polysaccharides and TME from the perspective of gut microbiota may provide new ideas for the application of polysaccharides in tumor immunotherapy. This is a new area with major challenges that deserve further exploration.
Epigallocatechin Gallate Alleviates Cisplatin Induced Intestinal Injury in Rats via Inhibiting NRF2/Keap1 Signaling Pathway and Regulating Gut Microbiota and Metabolites
Authors: Xu Enshuang , Sun Yue , Yu Zhiying , Zheng Jiasan
Published: January 2025

Cisplatin (CIS) is a broad‐spectrum anticancer drug widely used in the clinic; however, one of its side effects is that it can cause intestinal damage such as loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea in patients. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is one of the main active substances in green tea, which has the effects of antitumor multiple drug resistance, antioxidation, and antiinflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to explore the protective effect of EGCG on CIS‐induced intestinal injury in rats. First, physiological indices and HE staining indicated that compared with the control group, the physiological state of rats in the CIS group was worse, and the intestinal tissue was damaged, especially the ileum. In contrast, pretreatment with EGCG (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg) effectively alleviated the intestinal damage induced by CIS, with the 40 mg/kg dose demonstrating the most substantial protective effect. Additionally, 40 mg/kg EGCG pretreatment mitigated CIS‐induced morphological and ultrastructural damage to intestinal tissues, reduced bacterial translocation, and preserved the integrity of the intestinal barrier. This treatment also altered the abundance of 19 bacterial species, including Lactobacillus and Shigella, and influenced amino acid metabolism and 15 metabolic pathways, including vitamin B6 metabolism by 16S RNA and metabolome sequencing. Furthermore, the expression of proteins associated with autophagy and the NRF2/Keap1 signaling pathway was inhibited. Lastly, ML385 (NRF2 signaling pathway inhibitor) reversed the protective effects of EGCG. Taken together, our findings indicate that EGCG ameliorates CIS induced hepatoenteric toxicity in rats by regulating the intestinal flora and targeting the Nrf2/Keap1 signal axis.
Pitfalls of the E‐Ref Procedure: Tie Values and the Proportion of the Abnormal Data
Authors: Tachiyama Keisuke , Kanbayashi Takamichi , Kawabata Akiko , Hoshino Satoshi , Miyaji Yosuke , Kobayashi Shunsuke , Maruyama Hirofumi , Sonoo Masahiro
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Extrapolated reference values (E‐Ref) procedure is a new method for determining the cutoff value without collecting the control data. We tried to apply this method to determine the cutoff value for the distal motor latency of the median nerve (median DML). During this process, we found two pitfalls of the E‐Ref method. First, the E‐Ref procedure did not correctly work when the DML values measured with 0.1 ms accuracy frequently took on tie values. Second, the result was influenced by the proportion of abnormal values. This study investigated these issues.

Methods

Data of the median DML were extracted from our laboratory database. To solve the problem of tie values, we tried a wider post‐smoothing window in the original E‐Ref method. We also devised a modified method conducting pre‐smoothing. To see the effect of the proportion of abnormal data, we simulated many datasets having different proportion of abnormal data.

Results

In total, 1016 DML values were identified. False deflections due to tie values were often identified as the E‐Ref point using the original methods even using a wider window, resulting in unrealistically low values. Modified method was free from this drawback. For all methods, the E‐Ref value increased as the proportion of abnormal values increased.

Discussion

The problem of tie values, a pitfall of the E‐Ref method, might be solved by pre‐smoothing the data. The E‐Ref value is influenced by the proportion of the normal data, and datasets containing less than 20% abnormal data may achieve appropriate results.
Crack Propagation Prediction Using Partial Differential Equations‐Based Neural Network With Discovered Governing Equations
Authors: Muraoka Genki , Toyoshi Takuya , Arai Yuki , Wada Yoshitaka
Published: January 2025

This paper presents a regularization technique using discovered partial differential equations (PDEs) with an example of a surrogate model of crack propagation. Regularization techniques are so essential in machine learning to improve generalization performance. Recently, physics‐informed neural networks (PINN) have been proposed, which can be trained to solve supervised learning tasks while respecting any given PDE(s). However, the observational data are often measured under complex physical phenomena with fluctuations. PINN is, therefore, difficult to apply to multiphysics problems. Thus, PDE(s) is discovered, and the loss is defined by the weighted sum of the prediction loss and the PDE(s) loss as regularization, which is expected to reduce the validation loss and improve the generalization performance. PDE(s) is discovered using data that have been partially differentiated using Pytorch's automatic differentiation package. Automatic differentiation allows us to discover PDE(s) consisting of input and output parameters. In the surrogate model of crack propagation, the interpretable PDEs were discovered using AI Feynman, which consists of the derivatives of crack propagation vectors and their rate with respect to the coordinates of the analysis model. The validation loss for training constrained by PDEs was reduced by about 93% compared to the unconstrained validation loss. The error in crack length reduced from 2.23% to 0.12%, and the error in crack propagation rate reduced from 19.26% to 1.60%. The effectiveness of the discovered PDE regularization is discussed based on training results.
Onset and Outcome of Ocular Lesions in Neonatal Severe Protein C Deficiency: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Miyauchi Yuta , Egami Naoki , Inoue Hirosuke , Sonoda Motoshi , Eguchi Katsuhide , Ishimura Masataka , Ochiai Masayuki , Tsukamoto Shoko , Matsumoto Shinya , Uchiumi Takeshi , Sonoda Koh‐Hei , Ohga Shouichi
Published: January 2025

Neonatal protein C (PC) deficiency, which presents with purpura fulminans or hemorrhagic infarction, has a poor prognosis. In a sporadic case of prenatal‐onset purpura fulminans, preemptive intervention saved the patient but not her vision. Among 38 survivors from 47 cases with ocular lesions and biallelic PROC variants, 23 had total blindness and eight had unilateral blindness. Only one had intact vision. Prenatal‐onset ocular lesions occurred in 11 cases (29% [corneal opacities, n = 7; bilateral persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous, n = 1; both, n = 3]). The eyes are the first organ affected by heritable severe PC deficiency. Prenatal intervention is needed to improve visual outcomes.
Clinical characteristics of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia with airway involvement in children
Authors: Zheng Baoying , Yan Yuchun , Cao Ling
Published: January 2025

Importance

Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) with chest computed tomography (CT) findings showing airway involvement as the main manifestation has begun to be noted and increasingly reported. This type of MPP has different clinical features and may progress to bronchiolitis obliterans (BO). Early recognition and treatment are helpful for reducing sequelae.

Objective

To investigate the clinical characteristics of MPP patients with airway involvement and provide guidance for clinical recognition of this type.

Methods

Data from children diagnosed with MPP were collected. Forty‐one patients were assigned to the airway group according to chest CT, and 114 patients were assigned to the air space group. The clinical data of the two groups were compared and analyzed.

Results

The children in the airway group were younger, and the prevalence of wheezing, pulmonary moist rales, and allergic background in the airway group was greater. The prevalence of severe MPP, the proportions of neutrophils, C‐reactive protein, and D‐dimer were lower in the airway group than in the air space group. Significantly more patients had lung involvement in both airways in the airway group. No cases of BO were found in the airway group.

Interpretation

Mycoplasma pneumoniae‐associated airway involvement mostly occurs in young children, especially in atopic individuals. Patients with this type of pneumonia are prone to have clinical wheezing and pulmonary moist rales. The airway group included relatively few severe cases, but more patients had involvement of both lungs. Whether the patients in the airway group had a greater chance of developing BO needs further investigation.
Preparation of polyhydroxyalkanoate nanocomposites for biomedical applications
Authors: Chen Jia , Gong Chunjie
Published: January 2025

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) have been recognized as potential replacements for fossil fuel‐based, non‐biodegradable plastics. PHAs exhibit properties that are analogous to those of synthetic plastics. The production of PHAs offers a multitude of advantages, primarily due to their biodegradability and biocompatibility. The most naturally occurring form of PHAs are the polyhydroxybutyrates (P(3HB)s). The major limitations of P(3HB)s are their brittle nature and inferior mechanical properties. Hence, these biopolymers have been observed to have limited biotechnological applications. In contrast to P(3HB)s, copolymers of PHAs have almost all the desirable properties, making them suitable for high‐end applications such as those in the medical sector. Structural modifications in PHA molecules have expanded the scope of their applications, including in medical implants, wound healing and bone grafts. It is noteworthy that considerable progress has been made in the field of PHA nanocomposites, which are now being explored for their biotechnological applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering and biosensors. The prospects for PHA nanocomposites are also summarized. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
The Impact of Viral Co‐Infection in Children Treated With Respiratory Support Due to Lower Respiratory Tract Infections. An Observational Study
Authors: Vahlkvist Signe , Mohammad Arman , Kofoed Poul‐Erik
Published: January 2025

Objective

To investigate the effect of viral co‐infections on treatment length and treatment failure in children with lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) supported with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or high‐flow nasal cannula oxygenation therapy (HFNC).

Methods

Patients aged 0–5 years hospitalized with viral LRTI and in need of respiratory support between August 1 and December 31, 2021, were retrospectively evaluated by patient chart audits.

Results

A total of 148 children (median age 10.1 [IQR 2.2–17.6] months) were included. Of this, 98 children were treated with HFNC and 50 with CPAP. Five children were transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit. In 17 children, HFNC treatment failed, leading to a shift to CPAP. The median treatment length was 90.6 (IQR 61–136) h. A total of 93 children were mono‐infected: 66 with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), 14 with rhino/enterovirus (REV), 11 with metapneumovirus (MPV), 1 with adenovirus (AV), and 1 with coronavirus. Fourteen children were co‐infected with either RSV, REV or MPV and AV or parainfluenza virus (PIV). A total of 41 children were infected with both RSV and REV, RSV and MPV, MPV and REV, or all three viruses. Co‐infections with RSV, MPV, and/or REV were independent predictors of treatment failure with HFNC (p < 0.05) and length of treatment (p < 0.01), whereas co‐infections with AV or PIV had no effect.

Conclusion

In children with viral LRTI, the combination of RSV/REV/MPV had an impact on treatment length and failure with HFNC, whereas co‐infections with either RSV, REV or MPV, and AV or PIV had not.
Pure Exciton UV Emission of Colloidal ZnO Nanocrystals and Evidence of Surface Origin of Green Luminescence
Authors: Zhu Jiahuan , Miao Ruonan , Wu Huaxin , Sun Xueli , Fan Jiyang
Published: January 2025

A semiconductor–molecule interface acts as a quasi‐two dimensional system with fruitful physics. Up to date, how the surface or interface affects the photophysical properties of the ZnO nanocrystals (NCs) is still under debate. Here, we fabricate the ideally surface‐passivated colloidal ZnO NCs, which exhibit nearly pure exciton‐stemmed UV emission. The nitrogen atoms of amino‐moiety of the long‐chain oleylamine groups passivate the ZnO NC surfaces and cause complete vanishing of the green emission exhibited in the un‐passivated ZnO NCs and usually observed in various kinds of ZnO nanostructures. It is found that the arising and disappearance of the green emission are reversible by breaking and recovering the optimal surface passivation. The green emission of these ZnO NCs originates from the electronic transition from the conduction‐band delocalized state to surface‐localized state.
Metabolomics Analysis Using Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry to Investigate the Mechanism of Cyclosporine in the Treatment of Aplastic Anemia
Authors: Guo Ming‐xin , Wan Lin , Sun Xiang , Zhou Xi‐han , Fang Wen‐tong , Sun Zhang‐zhang , Hu Zhi‐qiang , Xue Li‐li
Published: January 2025

Objective

The aim of this study was to use metabolomics techniques to detect differential metabolites in the plasma of patients with aplastic anemia (AA). We explore important biomarkers and potential pathways in cyclosporine A (CsA) in the treatment of AA.

Methods

Plasma samples from five patients with AA before and after treatment and plasma samples from five healthy people were collected and analyzed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Multivariate statistical methods were employed to screen for differential compounds, followed by enrichment analysis of the differentially metabolites.

Results

The experimental samples showed good stability and reproducibility. A total of 167 differential metabolites, including phospholipids, amino acids, and saturated or unsaturated fatty acids, were identified between AA patients and healthy individuals. Enrichment analysis of differential metabolites revealed the involvement of pathways such as pyrimidine metabolism, galactose metabolism, pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, and forkhead box transcription factors signaling. A total of 26 differential metabolites were identified between AA patients and stable patients after treatment. Enrichment analysis of these metabolites showed the involvement of pathways such as pyrimidine metabolism, linoleic acid/α‐linoleic acid metabolism, pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, and beta‐alanine metabolism.

Conclusion

Significant differences in metabolites were observed between AA patients and healthy individuals, suggesting that immune‐related and energy metabolism pathways may be key targets in AA treatment. CsA intervention in AA may be achieved through the regulation of immune‐related metabolic pathways.
Synthesis of ZIF‐8/GO for the Removal of Congo Red From Wastewater With a High Salt Concentration
Authors: Deng Qiulin , Zhang Yuling , Liao Xuanzhe , He Qianru , Zeng Boli , Luo Hong , Shi Lianjun , Jiang Jinlong , Dong Faqin
Published: January 2025

Dye wastewater is high‐concentration salt‐containing chemical wastewater. It contains numerous toxic pollutants that are difficult to degrade, and its direct discharge without treatment will cause serious environmental problems. Herein, ZIF‐8/GO adsorbent was prepared by the one‐pot method to purify wastewater containing Congo red dye (CR). ZIF‐8/GO possessed an SBET of 70.252 m2/g, pore volume of 0.036 cm3/g, and pore size of 3.22 nm. Adsorption experiments of ZIF‐8/GO were performed based on various parameters, such as pH, concentration, dose, temperature, and salt concentration. The results showed that the adsorption capacity of ZIF‐8/GO was better than ZIF‐8 and GO for CR, which the adsorption process of 0.1‐ZIF‐8/GO (10.0 mg) for CR (50 mg/L) reached equilibrium in 60 min at 35 °C under the high‐salt parameter (10 g/L NaCl). And the maximum removal ratio was up to 98%. Adsorption data were fitted using the Langmuir, and Freundlich isotherm models and pseudo‐first‐order, pseudo‐second‐order kinetics model and liquid film diffusion model, intra‐particle diffusion model. The results indicated that the quasi‐second‐order kinetic model and Freundlich model were more suitable to describe the adsorption process for the removal of CR by ZIF‐8/GO. ZIF‐8/GO possesses a high removal ratio and it has promising applications in high‐concentration salts‐containing wastewater.
Effect of Zirconium Addition on Cu/Si Catalyst for Methanol Steam Reforming to Produce Hydrogen
Authors: Li Xin‐Yu , Zhou Jiu‐Lin , Lu Sheng‐Hui , Mei Hua , Xu Yan
Published: January 2025

The effects of various amounts of zirconium on the catalytic performance of copper‐based catalysts for methanol steam reforming to produce hydrogen were investigated. The correlation between catalyst structure and performance was analyzed using characterization techniques such as SEM, XRD, BET, H2‐TPR, and XPS. The results showed that the Cu/Si catalyst modified with Zr had a larger specific surface area and stronger interaction between CuO, carrier, and Zr, exhibiting better catalytic activity. Additionally, when the zirconium content was 5.6 wt%, the catalyst showed higher Cu dispersion, lower CuO reduction temperature, and accelerated the electron transfer between Cu and Zr, which was conducive to the formation of more active Cu+ species. The methanol conversion reached 100% at a reaction temperature of 270 °C and a molar ratio of water to alcohol of 1.5, while the CO selectivity was only 0.74%.
Continuous Flow Synthesis of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Enabling Rapid Screening of Synthesis‐Structure‐Property Relationships
Authors: Jellicoe Matt , Yang Yibo , Stokes William , Simmons Matthew , Yang Lina , Foster Stephanie , Aslam Zabeada , Cohen Jennifer , Rashid Ashi , Nelson Andrew L. , Kapur Nikil , Drummond‐Brydson Rik , Chamberlain Thomas W.
Published: January 2025

An adjustable and scalable method for the continuous flow synthesis of cupric oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs), targetted the reduction of their activity to synthetic biomembranes to inform the fabrication of nanoparticles (NPs) with reduced toxicity for commercial applications. By manipulating key factors; temperature, residence time, and the ratio of precursor to reductant, precise control over the morphology of CuO NPs is achieved with X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirming the formation of needle‐shaped CuO NPs. One‐variable‐at‐a‐time studies reveal a relationship between the synthesis conditions and the characteristics of the resultant NPs, with CuO NPs varying controllably between 10–50 nanometres in length and 4–10 nanometres in width. Subsequently, Design of Experiment (DoE) exploration of the biomembrane activity of the CuO NPs intriguingly revealed only minimal effects on their membrane‐disruptive properties in the chemical space defined by the synthesis conditions explored. This study marks a significant milestone, as it introduces a facile, easy to scale, continuous flow synthesis of CuO NPs, with control over the length and width of the needle NPs and reveals that, regardless of the exact shape, the NPs have minimal impact on biomembranes, prompting more detailed exploration in the future for use in biomedical applications.
A Modular Self‐Assembling and Self‐Adjuvanting Multiepitope Peptide Nanoparticle Vaccine Platform to Improve the Efficacy and Immunogenicity of BCG
Authors: Zhao Guangzu , Sathkumara Harindra D. , Miranda‐Hernandez Socorro , Seifert Julia , Valencia‐Hernandez Ana Maria , Puri Munish , Huang Wenbin , Toth Istvan , Daly Norelle , Skwarczynski Mariusz , Kupz Andreas
Published: January 2025

After more than a century since its initial development, Bacille Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) remains the only licensed vaccine against tuberculosis (TB). Subunit boosters are considered a viable strategy to enhance BCG efficacy, which often wanes in adolescence. While many studies on booster subunit vaccines have concentrated on recombinant proteins, here we developed a novel modular peptide‐based subunit vaccine platform that is flexible, cold‐chain independent and customizable to diverse circumstances and populations. Each individual peptide building block consists of a linear arrangement comprising a 15‐leucine self‐assembly inducer moiety, a Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) target epitope and an human leukocyte antigen E (HLA‐E) binding moiety, with each moiety separated by a triple lysine spacer. The building blocks, in any combination, are able to form a multiepitope nanoparticle. Six Mtb epitopes were selected to produce the self‐assembling and self‐adjuvating peptide‐based TB nano‐vaccine candidate PNx6. In vivo vaccination‐challenge experiments demonstrated that subcutaneous boost of parenteral BCG immunization with PNx6 significantly enhanced its immunogenicity and improved its protective efficacy in a murine model of TB by more than 5‐fold. This study presents evidence that purely amphiphilic peptides self‐assemble into self‐adjuvating nanoparticles with appropriate size and morphology for TB vaccination with great potential for a multitude of other diseases.
Nanostructured Surfaces with Plasmonic Activity and Superhydrophobicity: Review of Fabrication Strategies and Applications
Authors: Ruzi Mahmut , Celik Nusret , Sahin Furkan , Sakir Menekse , Onses M. Serdar
Published: January 2025

Plasmonics and superhydrophobicity have garnered broad interest from academics and industry alike, spanning fundamental scientific inquiry and practical technological applications. Plasmonic activity and superhydrophobicity rely heavily on nanostructured surfaces, providing opportunities for their mutually beneficial integration. Engineering surfaces at microscopic and nanoscopic length scales is necessary to achieve superhydrophobicity and plasmonic activity. However, the dissimilar surface energies of materials commonly used in fabricating plasmonic and superhydrophobic surfaces and different length scales pose various challenges to harnessing their properties in synergy. In this review, an overview of various techniques and materials that researchers have developed over the years to overcome this challenge is provided. The underlying mechanisms of both plasmonics and superhydrophobicity are first overviewed. Next, a general classification scheme is introduced for strategies to achieve plasmonic and superhydrophobic properties. Following that, applications of multifunctional plasmonic and superhydrophobic surfaces are presented. Lastly, a future perspective is presented, highlighting shortcomings, and opportunities for new directions.
Contact‐Engineered Oxide Memtransistors for Homeostasis‐Based High‐Linearity and Precision Neuromorphic Computing
Authors: Nam San , Kang Donghyun , Jeon Seong‐Pil , Nam Dayul , Jo Jeong‐Wan , Park Sang‐Joon , Lee Jiyong , Kim Myung‐Gil , Ha Tae‐Jun , Park Sung Kyu , Kim Yong‐Hoon
Published: January 2025

Homeostasis is essential in biological neural networks, optimizing information processing and experience‐dependent learning by maintaining the balance of neuronal activity. However, conventional two‐terminal memristors have limitations in implementing homeostatic functions due to the absence of global regulation ability. Here, three‐terminal oxide memtransistor‐based homeostatic synapses are demonstrated to perform highly linear synaptic weight update and enhanced accuracy in neuromorphic computing. Particularly, by leveraging the gate control of contact‐engineered indium‐gallium‐zinc‐oxide (IGZO) memtransistor, synaptic weight scaling is enabled for high‐linearity and precision neuromorphic computing. Moreover, sinusoidal control of gate voltage is demonstrated, possibly enabling the emulation of higher‐order synaptic functions. The device structure of IGZO memtransistor is optimized regarding the source/drain electrode materials and an interfacial layer inserted between the IGZO channel and source electrode. As a result, memtransistors exhibiting high current switching ratio of >104 and reliable endurance characteristics are obtained. Furthermore, through the adaptation of synaptic scaling, emulating the homeostasis, non‐linearity values of 0.01 and −0.01 are achieved for potentiation and depression, respectively, exhibiting a recognition accuracy of 91.77% for digit images. It is envisioned that the contact‐engineered IGZO memtransistors hold significant promise for implementing the homeostasis in neuromorphic computing for high linearity and high efficiency.
Asymmetric Coordination Engineering of Tin Single‐Atom Catalysts Toward CO2 Electroreduction: the Crucial Role of Charge Capacity in Selectivity
Authors: Zhang Juan , Wang Yu , Li Yafei
Published: January 2025

Electrochemical reduction of CO2 is an efficient strategy for CO2 utilization under mild conditions. Tin (Sn) single‐atom catalysts (SACs) are promising candidates due to their controllable CO/formate generation via asymmetric coordination engineering. Nevertheless, the factors that govern the selectivity remain unclear. Herein, using constant‐potential first‐principles calculations, the crucial role of charge capacity in affecting the catalytic selectivity is revealed. The conventional SnN4 moiety of Sn SACs exhibits a physisorbed CO2 configuration at operating potentials, thereby facilitating the generation of their energetically favorable intermediate, *OCHO. Remarkably, oxygen doping on the SnN4 moiety breaks the uniform charge distribution and improves the charge capacity of *CO2. This promotes CO2 adsorption with a V‐shaped chemisorption configuration, which is conducive to the formation of the kinetically dominant *COOH intermediate due to their similar configurations. Therefore, asymmetric coordination engineering not only enhances the reactivity of Sn SACs but also shifts the selectivity from formate to CO. The study provides a mechanistic understanding of CO2 reduction selectivity and offers practical guidance for the rational design of SACs.
A Bioinspired Antifouling Coating Based on “Host–Guest Interaction” Strategy: Durable Slipperiness and Tunable Transparency
Authors: Sun Rui , Zhang Shen , Tong Zheming , Wang Yixue , Gao Feng , Hu Jiankun , Hou Yang , Lu Jianguo , Cong Weiwei , Sun Yiming , Zhan Xiaoli , Zhang Qinghua
Published: January 2025

Lubricant‐mediated surfaces limit their practical application in transparent antifouling due to the inherent drawbacks of lubricant loss and poor transparency. Liquid‐Like Surfaces(LLSs)are expected to solve these problems. Herein, inspired by the skin structure of globefish, some slippery LLSs are prepared with the cyclodextrin–eugenol inclusion complexes as the poison glands and flexible silicone chains as the liquid‐like layer. LLSs kill attached organisms by slowly secreting environmentally friendly eugenol through poison glands. Short‐term explosive release of the drug is avoided owing to host‐guest interactions. In addition, due to low surface energy, the covalently linked flexible silicone chains spontaneously migrate to the surface of the coating, effectively preventing the adhesion of fouling and improving the durability of slippery surfaces, achieving both offense and defense. LLSs exhibit outstanding antifouling, mechanical, and adhesive performance. Interestingly, the transparency of LLSs in seawater and freshwater is quite different. This different behavior is attributed to ion‐dipole interactions weakening the hydrogen bonding of water molecules to the polymer network, which provides some insights into tuning the transparency responsiveness of polymers. Furthermore, LLSs‐coated lenses achieve a long‐lasting transparent application in seawater for 90 days, providing a promising approach for surface antifouling of lenses in marine environments.
Multi‐Dimensional Color Tunable Long Persistent Luminescence in Metal Halide‐Based CPs Through Precise Manipulation of Electronic and Steric Effects
Authors: Wang Dan , Zhu Jia‐Yu , Chen Xin‐Qi , Li Meng‐Yang , Ma Yangmin , Wang Zheng
Published: January 2025

Regulating strategies for long persistent luminescence (LPL) are always in high demand. Herein, a series of coordination polymers (CPs) (SUST‐Z1‐Z4) are fabricated using 1,10‐phenanthroline derivatives involving different substituents (─H, ─CH3, ─Cl, and ─Br) as ligands, respectively. Crystallographic data demonstrate that these CPs adopt alternating arrangements of cadmium halide chains and π‐conjugated ligands. Cadmium halide chains not only bring about heavy atom effects but also introduce abundant intermolecular interactions, including halogen bonding and π–π stacking, favoring the generation of stable triplet excitons. Additionally, distinct substituents featured different electron‐withdrawing abilities give rise to various spatial resistances between Phen planes, thereby resulting in diverse molecular packing modes and electronic structures. Thus, their aggregated state phosphorescence lifetimes range from 6.84 ms (SUST‐Z4) to 91.10 ms (SUST‐Z2), and the colors are modulated from orange to red at room temperature. SUST‐Z2 presents the longest‐lasting RTP and the most obvious red LPL, which is derived from the weakest electron‐withdrawing capability of ─CH3 in ligands. Moreover, owing to the co‐existence of single molecule and aggregated triplet excitons, these CPs also realize dynamic color‐tunable LPL from green/orange to yellow/red depending on the excitation wavelength, temperature, and time‐evolution. Based on quite different LPL of these CPs, multiple anti‐counterfeiting methods are proposed.