bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of the Inflammatory Burden Index With Increased Mortality Among Cancer Patients: Insights From the NHANES Study
Authors: Qiu Xiuxiu , Zhang Yiyi , Zhu Yingjie , Yang Ming , Tao Li
Published: December 2024

Background

The systemic inflammatory response significantly influences the progression and prognosis of various cancers. The novel Inflammatory Burden Index (IBI) was recently introduced as a biomarker to gauge systemic inflammation and evaluate cancer patient prognosis. However, studies investigating the relationship between IBI and mortality rates in cancer patients remain limited.

Methods

This study analyzed data from 2748 cancer patients enrolled in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys between 1999 and 2018. We used weighted Cox regression analysis and restricted cubic spline models to examine the relationship between the IBI and mortality due to all causes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer. Furthermore, we employed Kaplan‐Meier survival curves, subgroup analyses, and receiver operating characteristic curves to elaborate on these associations.

Results

Over a median follow‐up period of 112 months, the cohort experienced 1067 deaths, including 320 from cancer, 239 attributable to heart disease, and 508 from various other causes. The Kaplan‐Meier curve indicated that individuals in the higher quartiles of the IBI faced significantly increased mortality risks compared to those in lower quartiles. Analyses using weighted Cox proportional hazards models demonstrated that subjects in the top IBI quartile were at a substantially higher risk for all‐cause mortality (Hazard Ratio [HR] 2.09, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.67–2.62, p < 0.001), CVD mortality (HR = 1.95, 95% CI= 1.18–3.23, p = 0.010), and cancer mortality (HR = 2.06, 95% CI = 1.31–3.26, p = 0.002). Furthermore, stratification and interaction analyses affirmed the uniformity of these initial findings. The areas under the curve for the 3‐, 5‐, and 10‐year survival predictions for all‐cause mortality were 0.62, 0.62, and 0.67, respectively; for cardiovascular mortality, they were 0.64, 0.64, and 0.70; and for cancer mortality, they were 0.62, 0.77, and 0.70.

Conclusion

In cancer patients, higher IBI levels significantly correlate with increased mortality from all causes, CVD, and cancer‐specific deaths. This index could possess considerable diagnostic and prognostic importance, possibly acting as a new biomarker for evaluating outcomes in cancer patients.
Unusual synchronous and metachronous association of hematologic neoplasms with gynecologic neoplasms: A case series and literature review
Authors: Ozcivit Erkan Ipek Betul , Kuru Oguzhan , Turker Saricoban Cansu , Wardak Marwa , Hamzaoglu Canbolat Kubra , Eskazan Ahmet Emre
Published: December 2024

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the occurrence of synchronous or metachronous hematologic and gynecologic malignancies. The medical database of the pathology department at a tertiary center was searched from 2016 to 2024 for cases involving both hematologic and gynecologic tumors. A literature search using Google Scholar and PubMed was also conducted between May and June 2024. Articles reporting surgical pathology data were included, while radiologic studies and those lacking pathology data were excluded. Cases involving one gynecologic cancer and one hematologic malignancy were analyzed. Three cases from our center and 25 cases from 15 English‐language articles were identified. The mean age of the cases at diagnosis was 61.4 ± 9.4 years. A total of 19 patients (68%) were diagnosed with synchronous cancers, while the rest had metachronous diagnoses. Endometrial cancer was seen in 20 cases (71.4%): 14 synchronous and five metachronous endometrioid adenocarcinomas, and one unspecified metachronous endometrial cancer. This was followed by five cases of ovarian cancer (17.9%): three synchronous serous ovarian carcinomas, one metachronous serous ovarian carcinoma, and one synchronous ovarian adenocarcinoma. Additionally, there were two cases of cervical cancer (7.1%): one synchronous adenosquamous carcinoma and one metachronous invasive squamous carcinoma, and one case of carcinosarcoma (3.6%). Involvement of more than one site is possible for hematolymphoid cancer, commonly affecting the pelvic or para‐aortic lymph nodes in 16 patients (57.1%), with other sites including the cervix (4 cases, 14.3%), ovary (4 cases, 14.3%), uterus (2 cases, 7.1%), iliac/inguinal lymph nodes (2 cases, 7.1%), fallopian tube (1 case, 3.6%), vagina (1 case, 3.6%), liver (1 case, 3.6%), abdomen (1 case, 3.6%), and appendix (1 case, 3.6%). Two cases were unspecified. Non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), primarily of B cell lineage, was the most common hematologic malignancy (25 cases, 89.3%, with 22 cases being B cell lineage). In contrast, Hodgkin lymphoma was observed in two cases (7.1%), and acute leukemia in one case (3.6%). Among 21 patients with available follow‐up data, eight died during the follow‐up period. The co‐occurrence of NHL, Hodgkin lymphoma, and acute leukemia with gynecologic cancers is rare. However, during surgery for gynecologic cancers, the potential of synchronous lymphoma should be considered, particularly in cases with unusual retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy.
Propofol‐induced moderate–deep sedation modulates pediatric neural activity: A functional connectivity study
Authors: Zheng Qiang , Zhang Yiyu , Zhang Lin , Wang Jian , Liu Jungang
Published: December 2024

Background

Previous studies have demonstrated the underlying neurophysiologic mechanism during general anesthesia in adults. However, the mechanism of propofol‐induced moderate–deep sedation (PMDS) in modulating pediatric neural activity remains unknown, which therefore was investigated in the present study based on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Methods

A total of 41 children (5.10 ± 1.14 years, male/female 21/20) with fMRI were employed to construct the functional connectivity network (FCN). The network communication, graph‐theoretic properties, and network hub identification were statistically analyzed (t test and Bonferroni correction) between sedation (21 children) and awake (20 children) groups. All involved analyses were established on the whole‐brain FCN and seven sub‐networks, which included the default mode network (DMN), dorsal attentional network (DAN), salience network (SAN), auditory network (AUD), visual network (VIS), subcortical network (SUB), and other networks (Other).

Results

Under PMDS, significant decreases in network communication were observed between SUB‐VIS, SUB‐DAN, and VIS‐DAN, and between brain regions from the temporal lobe, limbic system, and subcortical tissues. However, no significant decrease in thalamus‐related communication was observed. Most graph‐theoretic properties were significantly decreased in the sedation group, and all graphical features of the DMN showed significant group differences. The superior parietal cortex with different neurological functions was identified as a network hub that was not greatly affected.

Conclusions

Although the children had a depressed level of neural activity under PMDS, the crucial thalamus‐related communication was maintained, and the network hub superior parietal cortex stayed active, which highlighted clinical practices that the human body under PMDS is still perceptible to external stimuli and can be awakened by sound or touch.
Intrinsic Factors Behind the Long‐COVID: V. Immunometabolic Disorders
Authors: Adilović Muhamed , Hromić‐Jahjefendić Altijana , Mahmutović Lejla , Šutković Jasmin , Rubio‐Casillas Alberto , Redwan Elrashdy M. , Uversky Vladimir N.
Published: December 2024

The complex link between COVID‐19 and immunometabolic diseases demonstrates the important interaction between metabolic dysfunction and immunological response during viral infections. Severe COVID‐19, defined by a hyperinflammatory state, is greatly impacted by underlying chronic illnesses aggravating the cytokine storm caused by increased levels of Pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Metabolic reprogramming, including increased glycolysis and altered mitochondrial function, promotes viral replication and stimulates inflammatory cytokine production, contributing to illness severity. Mitochondrial metabolism abnormalities, strongly linked to various systemic illnesses, worsen metabolic dysfunction during and after the pandemic, increasing cardiovascular consequences. Long COVID‐19, defined by chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation, poses continuous problems, highlighting the need for comprehensive therapy solutions that address both immunological and metabolic aspects. Understanding these relationships shows promise for effectively managing COVID‐19 and its long‐term repercussions, which is the focus of this review paper.
Distribution of HPV Types in Cervical Cancer in Pakistan: Implications for Screening and Vaccination Programs
Authors: Aziz Hafsa , Mehmood Humera , Arif Sarosh , Afzal Khadija , Hanif Saba , Saeed Muhammad Adnan , Faheem Mohammad
Published: December 2024

Background

HPV plays a key role in the development of cervical cancer. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of HPV genotypes in patients with Squamous cell carcinoma (SSC) and Adenocarcinoma (ADC) at NORI cancer Hospital Pakistan, with the aim of improving screening and prevention strategies.

Method

Cervical scrapings were collected from 129 diagnosed cervical cancer patients. HPV typing was performed using a real‐time PCR assay and sequencing.

Result

Among the patients, 73.6% (90/129) were HPV positive. Proportion of HPV positivity was observed within each group. The highest incidence of HPV was observed in the 50–60 years age group (80.9%), followed by the 40‐to‐50‐year group (75.8%). The positivity rate declined in the 60‐to‐70‐year‐old (63.6%) and further in the 70–80 years (62.5%). Eight different HPV subtypes were identified, with HPV 16 being the most prevalent (80.0%), followed by HPV 18 (9.5%), HPV 45 in 2 (2.1%), HPV 31 in 1 (1.1%), HPV 35 in 1 (1.1%), HPV 59 in 1 (1.1%), HPV 66 in 1 (1.1%), and HPV 89 in 1 (1.15). Histologically, 89.2% of the cases were Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and 10.8% were Adenocarcinomas. In SCC patients, HPV 16 was found in 80.9% of cases, while in Adenocarcinoma patients, HPV 16 was detected in 66.7% of cases.

Conclusion

The prevalence of high‐risk HPV types, both vaccine and non‐vaccine, targeted in Pakistan highlights the urgent need for widespread screening and vaccination programs. Tailored public health strategies are essential to effectively reduce cervical cancer rates and mortality.
DMT1 Maintains Iron Homeostasis to Regulate Mitochondrial Function in Porcine Oocytes
Authors: Zhang Jin‐Xin , Lan Meng‐Fan , Shang Jian‐Zhou , Lai Xin‐Le , Li Li‐Shu , Duan Tong‐Tong , Xu Ru‐Hai , Chen Kun‐Lin , Duan Xing
Published: December 2024

Iron plays critical roles in many cellular functions, including energy production, metabolism, and cell proliferation. However, the role of iron in maintaining oocyte quality remains unclear. In this study, DMT1 was identified as a key iron transporter during porcine oocyte maturation. The results demonstrated that iron deficiency in porcine oocyte led to aberrant meiotic progression, accompanied by increased gene expression of DMT1. Inhibition of DMT1 resulted in the failure of cumulus cell expansion and oocyte maturation, along by the abnormal actin and microtubule assembly. Furthermore, loss of DMT1 function caused disruption in mitochondrial function and dynamics, resulting in oxidative stress and Ca2+ dyshomeostasis. Additionally, the absence of DMT1 function activated PINK1/Parkin‐dependent mitophagy in porcine oocyte. These findings suggested that DMT1 played a crucial role in safeguarding oocyte quality by protecting against iron‐deficiency‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction and autophagy. This study provided compelling evidence that DMT1 and iron homeostasis were crucial for maintaining the capacity of porcine oocyte maturation. Moreover, the results hinted at the potential of DMT1 as a novel therapeutic target for treating iron deficiency‐related female reproductive disorders.
Long‐Term Changes in the Relative Humidity in Poland in 1966–2020
Authors: Krawczyk Ewelina
Published: December 2024

The main purpose of this paper was to identify significant changes in air moisture conditions in Poland, which accompany climate warming. Meteorological data used in the research included the relative humidity (RH) values from 48 stations obtained from the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management—National Research Institute from 1966 to 2020. The monthly mean, standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation of RH from 12 PM for all months (with particular reference to the middle months of seasons—January, April, July and October) were used. Additionally, the dry weather (RH < 30%) frequency in the warm half of the year was observed. Long‐term changes were found by comparing relative humidity values in three 15‐year subperiods (1966–1980, 1986–2000 and 2006–2020) and the statistical significance was estimated using the Mann‐Kendall test. The most considerable long‐term changes were noticed in April and July, especially in the last 15‐year subperiod. The statistical significance was higher, mostly in warmer months. The SD was also higher in April and July than in January and October. Hence the humidity conditions in the warmer half of the year fluctuated more and more widely. A significant decrease in the RH mean values and an increase in SDs in spring and summer impact the increasing frequency of dry weather. Relations between meteorological characteristics suggest the warming climate contributes to drying the near‐surface atmosphere but also impacts intensive precipitation events or snow cover parameters. The decreasing trend of long‐term relative humidity may negatively impact the environment, human health and well‐being and cause serious economic losses.
Structure Elucidation of New Kavalactone Dimers From Alpinia zerumbet Pericarps Using NMR Calculations
Authors: Nishidono Yuto , Tanaka Ken
Published: December 2024

Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) B.L.Burtt & R.M.Sm, known as shell ginger, is an aromatic plant widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. In Guizhou Province of China, its mature fruits have been used by the Miao people for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Although the bioactivities of mature fruits of A. zerumbet are derived from phytochemicals in the seeds and pericarps of the plant, there remains a dearth of reports on the isolation of phytochemicals from the pericarp of A. zerumbet. In the present study, the pericarps of mature fruits of A. zerumbet were extracted, and two new kavalactone dimers, alpingsin E (1) and aniba dimer D (2), were isolated. Their structures were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis and NMR calculations. Especially, density functional theory–based NMR chemical shift calculations were employed to elucidate and confirm the relative configuration of 1 and 2.
What Are the Predictors of Acute Care Nurses' Stroke Knowledge?: Empirical Research Quantitative
Authors: Leach Catherine T. , Bolin Linda P. , Swanson Melvin S. , Burch Ashley E. , Woltz Patricia C.
Published: December 2024

Aims

To examine the predictability of categorical and quantitative study variables on acute stroke knowledge amongst study participants.

Design

Non‐experimental, descriptive correlational.

Methods

A convenience sample of registered nurses caring for adult, hospitalized patients recruited from the urban Southeast. A three‐part survey was emailed to the nurses: demographics, stroke education and experience, and the Acute Stroke Management Questionnaire.

Results

Intensive Care Unit and Emergency Department nurses had the highest level of stroke knowledge. Nurses reporting three or more post‐licensure education modalities had higher stroke knowledge scores than those reporting two or less. Practice setting, self‐perception of stroke knowledge, self‐identified knowledge of acute stroke management and three items related to code stroke were significantly correlated with stroke knowledge.

Conclusion

Various methods of training and reinforcement of learning using varying teaching styles are effective in increasing nurses' stroke knowledge. Further stroke education is needed for nurses across the acute care setting.

Implications

Future studies should explore lived experiences of nurses to gain understanding of nonquantifiable factors that nurses feel have strengthened their stroke knowledge.

Impact

What Problem Did the Study Address?

Addressing the gap in the knowledge of predictors of nurse stroke knowledge.

Main Findings?

Practice setting, post‐licensure stroke education, code stroke familiarity, confidence and understanding were all predictive of the overall stroke knowledge.

Whom Will the Research Have an Impact?

Nurses, nurse educators, patients experiencing and at risk for stroke.

Reporting Method

The STROBE checklist was used to strengthen the reporting of the results.

Patient or Public Contribution

Nurses voluntarily participated in this study by completing the online questionnaire.

What Does This Paper Contribute to the Wider Global Clinical Community?

Provides predictors of stroke knowledge for nurse leaders to have a better understanding of nurses' educational needs.

Provides evidence of a quick, effective measure of nurses' stroke knowledge.
Prenatal Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Anorectal Malformations: Correlating Prenatal Signs With Postnatal Outcomes
Authors: Huijgen D. , Versteegh H. P. , Wijnen R. M. H. , Galjaard S. , Peters N. C. J. , Sloots C. E. J.
Published: December 2024

Objective

This study explored prenatal ultrasound markers in patients with anorectal malformations (ARMs).

Methods

All patients treated for ARM in our institution from January 2014 to December 2021 with an available expert fetal anomaly scan (eFAS) were reviewed. The eFAS images were assessed to evaluate the fetal anus, specifically by identifying hyperechoic anal mucosa surrounded by hypoechoic anal sphincter, referred to as “target sign” (TS). Furthermore, indirect signs of ARM were assessed and correlated with postnatal clinical symptoms.

Results

Of the 115 patients treated for ARM, 32 mothers underwent eFAS. TS was assessed in 22 fetuses, of which 17 (77.3%) had an absent or abnormal TS. Of the patients with a postnatally confirmed complex type of ARM, 90% had an absent or abnormal TS. One or more indirect signs of ARM were found in 16 out of 32 fetuses (50.0%), comprising echogenic bowel (n = 3), echogenic meconium (n = 2), dilated intestines (n = 7), echo‐lucent cavity behind the urinary bladder (n = 4), abnormal external genitalia (n = 6), and polyhydramnios (n = 5).

Conclusion

This retrospective cohort study provides valuable insights into the potential role of TS assessment and indirect signs in the prenatal diagnosis of ARM. Future studies should further validate our findings and elicit whether TS assessment should be incorporated into prenatal screening protocols.
New insights into transreaction mechanism between poly (ethylene terephthalate) and bisphenol A polycarbonate in melt
Authors: Mikhaylov Pavel A. , Filatova Marina P. , Kulichikhin Valeriy G.
Published: December 2024

In the present study, the macromolecular chain composition of copolymers prepared by the reactive blending of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and bisphenol A polycarbonate (PC) in the presence of Ti(OBu)4 catalyst was tested using 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The NMR spectra were meticulously analyzed across all regions, revealing unexpected results that provide new insights into the transreaction mechanism occurring between these two polymers in the melt phase. It was found that only two primary reactions occurred: the formation of a bisphenol A terephthalate bond accompanied by the release of ethylene carbonate and the formation of an aliphatic–aromatic ether bond with the release of CO2. The release of ethylene carbonate during the PET‐PC blending led to a loss of ethylene glycol (EG). The kinetics of EG loss and ether bond formation were examined. A new transreaction mechanism for PET‐PC reactive blending is proposed. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Sol–Gel Synthesis of Porous Na2Ti6O13: Effects of Polyethylene Glycol on Photocatalytic Degradation of Ofloxacin
Authors: Dong Yangqing , Zhang Wenjie , Ye Chang
Published: December 2024

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) modified Na2Ti6O13(m = gram of PEG in the precursor) samples are synthesized via a sol–gel method to determine the effects of PEG on the porosity and activity of Na2Ti6O13. PEG prohibited the growth of Na2Ti6O13 crystals in a rhombic system. The Na2Ti6O13(m) samples prepared using PEG are quite porous without large and dense particles. PEG obviously increased the porosity in Na2Ti6O13(m), while the specific surface area increased from 4.3 m2 g−1 (Na2Ti6O13) to 15.7 m2 g−1 (Na2Ti6O13(1.5)), and the pore volume increased from 0.0072  to 0.0265 cm3 g−1 at the same time. The bandgap energies of Na2Ti6O13, Na2Ti6O13(0.5), Na2Ti6O13(1.5) and Na2Ti6O13(2.5) are 3.15, 3.31, 3.53, and 3.58 eV, respectively. The photoluminescence intensities of the Na2Ti6O13(m) samples are in the reducing sequence: Na2Ti6O13, Na2Ti6O13(2.5), Na2Ti6O13(0.5) and Na2Ti6O13(1.5). The initial ofloxacin molecules in the solution are almost fully degraded after 70 min of irradiation using Na2Ti6O13(1.5), while the degradation efficiency of Na2Ti6O13 is only 61.0% at the same time.
Screening and identification of viruses in termites: behavior‐regulating roles of RcBsV and RcBV
Authors: Huang Qinge , Hassan Ali , Long Qi , Xie Jiatao , Huang Qiuying
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND

Termites live underground in a social setting having continuous contact with microorganism. However, there is no comparative study on virus diversity and relative abundance between termites, castes and body parts in termites. To address this gap, pseudergates of Cryptotermes declivis, workers of the Odontotermes formosanus, and workers, soldiers and alates of the Reticulitermes chinensis were used as experimental materials to perform virome sequencing, virus annotations and their relative abundance analysis.

RESULTS

It was found that three termites showed different virome taxonomic compositions, abundances and distributions. Small number of viruses were detected in the head, which indicated that the diversity of the virus in the thorax‐abdomen is greater than that in the head. Notable differences in viruses between castes in R. chinensis were observed. Eight candidate viruses from the virome of R. chinensis were cloned and identified. To check the influences of viruses on termite behaviors, RNA interference of R. chinensis betsystermes virus (RcBsV) and R. chinensis bracovirus (RcBV) was successfully performed. The relative abundance of the two targeted viruses were significantly decreased in workers of R. chinensis fed on dsRcBsV and dsRcBV. The duration of aggressive behaviors significantly increased, while altruistic behaviors significantly decreased, suggesting that the reduced relative abundance of RcBsV and RcBV resulted in the disruption of normal social behaviors in termites.

CONCLUSION

These findings enhance our understanding of viral diversity in different termites and castes and its behavioral impacts on termites, which can be used to control termites. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
The probability distribution of relative humidity in the lower troposphere
Authors: Shakespeare Callum J. , Roderick Michael L.
Published: December 2024

Water vapour in the lower troposphere plays a major role in the energy balance at the Earth's surface through modifying radiative and latent heat fluxes. Here we develop an analytic model for the probability density function (PDF) of relative humidity in the lower troposphere based on the advection–condensation paradigm. Our theory represents a significant advance on previous work by describing the continuous vertical structure of the PDF throughout the lower troposphere, including the sub‐cloud layer. The PDF depends on only three parameters: the decay scale of saturation specific humidity with height, the near‐surface relative humidity, and the strength of the mean vertical (synoptic) motion at a given location. The theoretical PDFs closely match those derived from the ERA5 reanalysis at both global and regional scales. Our theory thus provides a basis to understand the distribution of tropospheric water vapour better in current and future climates.
Dynamic Process Dispersion Monitoring Through Bayesian‐Driven Smoothing Adjustments
Authors: Khan Imad , Albogamy Fahad R.
Published: December 2024

This study introduces a Bayesian adaptive exponentially weighted moving average (AEWMA) control chart designed to monitor process dispersion in case of normal distribution by integrating various loss functions. It exhibits robust performance in identifying shifts in process dispersion across different scales. Evaluation involves Monte Carlo simulations to calculate run length characteristics and a comprehensive comparative analysis against existing charts. Our findings emphasize the increased sensitivity of the Bayesian AEWMA control chart to shifts of different magnitudes. Furthermore, an experiment was performed in the context of another field, specifically semiconductor manufacturing, to compare the performance of the proposed Bayesian control chart using different loss functions. It showed that the suggested chart was much better than the existing control charts in terms of observing out‐of‐control signals. In summary, this article develops an innovative approach with various loss function approaches and improves the accuracy and efficiency depending on the dispersion change in the Phase II process, thus it is a valuable contribution to the further development of the quality control and monitoring process.
Output Feedback Control for T‐S Fuzzy Markov Jump Systems Subjected to Parameter‐Dependent Dissipative Performance
Authors: Wang Jian , Dong Jiuxiang
Published: December 2024

This article is committed to the matter of asynchronous dynamic output feedback control for a class of Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy Markov jump systems. The principal concept is to construct a high‐level Markovian process governed controller under an asynchronous event‐triggered scheme and to develop a time‐varying dissipative index. As a salient feature that distinguishes it from the reported works with the common index, this paper firstly proposes a dissipative index with mode and membership functions‐dependence. Secondly, governed by the high‐level Markovian process, the asynchronous dynamic output feedback controller is constructed under the mode‐dependent partitioned regions. Meanwhile, to mitigate the communication pressure, an asynchronous dynamic event‐triggered mechanism is investigated with making allowances for the inaccessible system mode. What's more, as a first effort, this article presents a unified framework for co‐designing the strategy of asynchronous event generators and controllers. This is done under the proposed performance index and the mode‐dependent fuzzy state‐space partitions, resulting in more design flexibility. Based on the mode and region‐dependent Lyapunov functional, sufficient criteria are obtained to ensure the proposed dissipative performance and stochastic stability. Eventually, the practicabilities and advantages of the theoretic results are illustrated by a modified tunnel diode circuit model.
Innovative Ultrasound‐Assisted Synthesis of Isoxazolo[5,4‐b]Pyridines from Aryl Glyoxal, 5‐Aminoisoxazoles, and Malononitrile in Acetic Acid as a Solvent and Catalyst
Authors: Alizadeh Abdolali , Hosseini Seyed Ali
Published: December 2024

In this work, a novel strategy for the straightforward synthesis of isoxazolo[5,4‐b]pyridines from a one‐pot reaction of aryl glyoxal, 5‐aminoisoxazoles, and malononitrile under ultrasound (US) irradiation is described. In the reaction, acetic acid has a dual role as solvent and catalyst. The advantages of this reaction include easy purification of products, raw materials with easy access, short reaction time, high efficiency, and green conditions by utilizing ultrasound irradiation as an energy source and using acetic acid as solvent and Lewis acid. The synthesis achieved high yields of isoxazolo[5,4‐b]pyridines with a broad substrate scope, successfully producing twelve diverse derivatives. The methodology capitalizes on the benefits of sonochemistry, which accelerates reaction rates and improves selectivity while minimizing waste. The proposed mechanism involves a series of reactions including Knoevenagel condensation, Michael addition, and subsequent cyclization processes. This approach not only streamlines the synthesis of complex heterocycles but also aligns with environmentally friendly practices.
Novel Spirooxindole–Benzofuran Scaffold: Potential Inhibition Against Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Targeting MDM2‐p53 Interaction
Authors: Al‐Muhanna Muhanna K. , Barakat Assem , Islam Mohammad Shahidul , Ali M. , Alayyaf Abdulmajeed Abdullah , Zia Komal , Ul‐Haq Zaheer , Dömling Alexander , El‐Senduny Fardous F. , Badria Farid A.
Published: December 2024

We synthesized a novel compound library featuring a spirooxindole core structure combined with various heterocycles, including benzofuran, benzothiophene, and thiophene scaffolds. Evaluation using MTT assays against HepG2, 4T1, and MDA‐MB‐231 cells revealed the most potent candidate, spirooxindole hybrid 5c, with an IC50 of 5 ± 0.6 µM against HepG2, inducing G2/M phase cell cycle arrest, inhibition of the wound healing, and induction of ROS. Selected spirooxindole conjugates exhibited significant inhibitory potential against MDM2, with KD values ranging from 0.0531 to 16.8 µM. Notably, the salt of spirooxindole analogue 5q demonstrated the highest inhibitory activity at KD = 53.1 nM. Molecular docking studies revealed excellent accommodation of the designed compounds within the MDM2 receptor. All compounds displayed favorable ADME profiles, suggesting their potential as lead compounds for further optimization.
Facile Synthesis of Perovskite SrSnO3/N‐rGO Composite as a Durable Electrocatalyst for Effective Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Behera Debendra , Nayak Bibhuti Bhushan , Soren Siba , Parhi Purnendu
Published: December 2024

Designing a low‐cost, long‐lasting, and active electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is crucial to replace the high‐cost commercial Pt/C electrocatalyst. We have examined the electrocatalytic activity of a stannate‐based perovskite system modified with N‐doped reduced graphene oxide (SrSnO3/NrGO). The sol–gel method was used to synthesize SrSnO3 nanoparticles. Later on, hydrothermal technique was employed to prepare SrSnO3/rGO and SrSnO3/NrGO, respectively. We assessed the ORR performance of all the three synthesized catalyst. Compared to SrSnO3 and SrSnO3/rGO, the composites, SrSnO3/NrGO exhibit more activity in oxygen reduction processes in a 0.1 M KOH medium with an onset potential of 0.84 V versus RHE. In addition, SrSnO3/NrGO exhibits superior stability and better methanol tolerant when compared to commercial Pt/C (20 wt%).
Synthesis of γ‐ and β‐Carbolines via Diphenyl Phosphate‐Mediated Condensation of 3/2‐Carbonyl‐2/3‐Vinylindoles with Phenyl Hydrazine Followed by Electrocyclization
Authors: Agneswaran Rudrasenan , Mohanakrishnan Arasambattu K.
Published: December 2024

A facile synthesis of 3‐alkyl‐2‐aryl substituted γ‐carboline derivatives is reported involving diphenyl phosphate catalyzed condensation of 3‐(acetyl/propionyl)‐2‐(nitroaryl)vinyl‐1‐phenylsulfonylindoles with phenyl hydrazine followed by concurrent electrocyclization and aromatization through elimination of aniline. This strategy could be successfully explored with 1‐phenylsulfonylindole‐3/2‐carboxaldehydes containing vinyl unit at 2/3‐position to afford the respective γ‐and β‐carboline derivatives. The domino reaction of easily accessible 2/3‐carbonyl indoles containing a vinyl unit at the adjacent positions with phenyl hydrazine as an amine source afforded a wide variety of carboline derivatives in good to acceptable yields. The synthetic utility of a representative γ‐carboline could be demonstrated via transformation into the corresponding indolo[a]carboline framework.
Membraneless Compartmentalization of Cell‐Free Transcription‐Translation by Polymer‐Assisted Liquid–Liquid Phase Separation
Authors: Izri Ziane , Noireaux Vincent
Published: December 2024

Living cells use liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) to compartmentalize metabolic functions into mesoscopic‐sized droplets. Deciphering the mechanisms at play in LLPS is therefore critical to understanding the structuration and functions of cells at the subcellular level. Although observed and achieved to a significant degree of control in vivo, the reconstitution of LLPS integrating advanced biological functions, such as gene expression, has been so far limited in vitro. LLPS of cell‐free transcription‐translation (TXTL) reactions require multi‐step experimental approaches that lack biomimetic and have relatively poor efficacy, thus limiting their usage in cell‐free engineered systems such as synthetic cells. Here the polymer‐assisted LLPS of TXTL reactions are reported as the single‐pot one‐step compartmentalization of a model complex metabolic system obtain without using solvents or surfactants. LLPS occurs by adding the biocompatible polymers poly(ethylene glycol), poly(vinyl alcohol), and dextran to a TXTL reaction, that remains highly active. These polymers serve as partitioning agents that localize TXTL in mesoscopic‐sized droplets rich in dextran. Cytoplasmic and membrane‐interacting proteins are synthesized preferentially inside these droplets, and localize either uniformly or preferentially at the interface, depending on their nature. The LLPS‐TXTL system presented in this work is a step toward the design of synthetic membraneless active organelles.
Dynamics of Ferroelectric Flux Closure Array in Oxide Superlattices
Authors: Tanwani Mohit , Gupta Pushpendra , Powar Sadanand , Das Sujit
Published: December 2024

Topological polar soliton such as skyrmions, merons, vortices, flux closures represent topologically nontrivial structures with their stability governed by specific boundary conditions. These polar solitons can be utilized in enhancing memory density and reducing energy consumption in nanoelectronic devices. Flux closure domains exhibit high density and thermal stability, with a strain gradient as large as ≈106 m−1 at the core, which is tunable by adjusting the materials thickness, periodicity. The practical utilization of topological structures like flux closure in advanced applications requires the ability to manipulate them using external stimuli and ensuring their stability under thermal excitation. In this study, piezo‐force microscopy is employed to investigate the manipulation of flux closure nano‐domains through external electric field and temperature to observe their evolution. The findings demonstrate that the application of electric field can create or annihilate these nano‐domains and modify their density. Temperature variations significantly affect the density of flux closure domains, domain walls, correlating with enhanced capacitance of the system. This is crucial for improving the memory density of storage devices. Thus, by adjusting the density of these domains, it is possible to tailor the functional properties of nanoelectronic devices, such as capacitance and electromechanical response, enabling advanced application.
Self‐Cleaning and Anticorrosive Silica Microsphere@Boron Nitride Nanosheets Core–Shell Hierarchical Structure for Highly Efficient Passive Radiative Cooling
Authors: Zhang Beiyi , Bao Yao , Lin Yibing , Chen Jing , Sun Jingwen , Wang Jilin , Yu Yuanlie
Published: December 2024

Passive radiative cooling is a promising technology that can achieve high‐efficient cooling by reflecting solar radiation while simultaneously emitting heat without consuming energy. However, to precisely construct the microstructure of the materials is crucial to maximize their performance. Herein, a self‐cleaning and anticorrosive 3D silica microsphere@boron nitride nanosheets core–shell hierarchical structure (SiO2@BNNSs) stacked coating is fabricated on the surface of aluminum oxide substrate. The cooperative integration of prominently sunlight reflective BNNSs and highly selective infrared emissive SiO2 microspheres, combined with sunlight scattering brought by the 3D interconnecting configuration, results in an outstanding solar radiation reflectance of 0.84 and a mid‐infrared emittance of 0.82 for the SiO2@BNNS coating. These features enable the SiO2@BNNS coating to exhibit excellent passive radiative cooling performances with high temperature drop of ≈17.5 °C on sunny day and ≈8.1 °C on overcast day, respectively. More importantly, the SiO2@BNNS coating also exhibits self‐cleaning performance and corrosion resistance in both acidic and alkaline conditions, ensuring the preeminent stability over a long time for various practical applications. This work demonstrates that the hybridization of the high reflection, scattering, and emittance of different materials through reasonable structure design can achieve high‐efficient passive radiative cooling, offering promising prospect for energy‐saving cooling technology.
Decellularized Cell‐Secreted Extracellular Matrices as Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Ramos‐Rodriguez David H. , Leach J. Kent
Published: December 2024

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is the naturally secreted biomaterial scaffold that provides support and regulates key aspects of cell behavior. This dynamic and complex network of structural proteins, proteoglycans, and soluble cues defines the cell microenvironment and is essential for tissue homeostasis. Because tissue engineering approaches aim to recapitulate aspects of the microenvironment to instruct tissue regeneration, ECM‐inspired or ‐derived scaffolds are some of the earliest tissue‐engineered constructs reported. However, conventional single‐protein constructs fail to provide the biochemical and structural complexity of the native ECM. Decellularized ECM is under investigation to improve cell adhesion, cell remodeling, migration, proliferation, and differentiation within tissue‐engineered constructs. However, challenges associated with poor mechanical properties and inherent chemical instability compared to synthetic or other natural polymers require additional considerations. This review describes the bioactive properties of ECM, current strategies to efficiently decellularize cell‐secreted and tissue‐derived ECM, standard fabrication techniques for ECM constructs, and current developments in the field of ECM‐based musculoskeletal platforms.
Screening Oxidoreductase Activities of Nanozymes: Toward Activity‐Tailored Guidelines
Authors: Mirra Giulia , Cursi Lorenzo , Boselli Luca , Pompa Pier Paolo
Published: December 2024

Nanozymes (NZs) are nanomaterials able to mimic natural enzymes, offering the advantages of better durability, wider range of operational conditions, and easier functionalization. In addition, some NZs exhibit multiple enzyme‐like activities and effective tandem/self‐cascade reactions. In this context, metallic and metal–oxide nanoparticles are among the most promising candidates for biomedical/biotechnological applications, thanks to their efficient oxidoreductase activities. However, characterizing NZs is challenging because the experimental set‐up of different assays strongly influence their performances. Consequently, currently available literature provides limited understanding of the characteristics of the various NZs, especially in terms of activity‐related performance, hindering their optimal selection and applicative potential. Here, leveraging on accurate characterization methodology, we report a direct comparison of several NZs (gold‐Au, platinum‐Pt, palladium‐Pd, ceria, iron oxide) possessing multi‐enzymatic activities. Our main findings indicate that 1) PtNZs outperform the other tested NZs in catalase‐like activity; 2) Pt and PdNZs present superior superoxide dismutase‐like activity; 3) for peroxidase‐ and oxidase‐like activity, the best‐performing NZ is substrate‐dependent; 4) competitive reactions in multifunctional NZs play a key role in their specific performance, and AuNZs can be the optimal choice in some peroxidase/oxidase configurations; 5) metallic NZs are more efficient than metal‐oxide ones, but 6) ceria presents unique phosphatase‐like activity.
Measuring the External Quantum Efficiency of Tandem Photovoltaic Modules Using an LED‐Based Solar Simulator
Authors: Chojniak David , Schmid Alexandra , Hohl‐Ebinger Jochen , Reichmuth Sebastian Kasimir , Siefer Gerald , Kirk Daniel , Case Chris , Glunz Stefan W.
Published: December 2024

An external quantum efficiency (EQE) measurement procedure for full‐size tandem modules using a light‐emitting diode (LED)‐based solar simulator is introduced. This elegant procedure uses the LED light source for both, setting a close to one‐sun bias spectrum and performing the actual EQE measurement by modulating individual LED channels. Measurement comparisons using filtered silicon solar cells and a perovskite on silicon (PSC/Si) single‐cell module demonstrate good agreement between the EQEs obtained with the presented procedure and reference EQEs, determined at Fraunhofer ISE CalLab PV Cells and the National Metrology Institute of Germany. Applying the procedure to a full‐size PSC/Si tandem module results in a close match of the full module EQE and the EQE of an optically similar single‐cell module measured at CalLab PV Cells. Performing a spectral adjustment of the LED solar simulator based on the full‐module and single‐cell module EQE, only minor spectral variations, reflected in minimal deviations of the resulting spectral mismatch factors of less than 0.4%, are determined. The presented results confirm the applicability of the procedure as an efficient and accurate approach for EQE measurements and underline its overall relevance for the calibration of full‐size tandem modules.
Merging Ajaniopsis (Asteraceae), an endangered genus endemic to the Tibet Plateau, into Artemisia: Implications for systematics and conservation
Authors: Wei Meng , Niu Guo‐Hao , Jiao Bo‐Han , Chen Xi‐Yang , Leostrin Artem , Seregin Alexey P. , Erst Andrey S. , Jabbour Florian , Wang Wei , Gao Tian‐Gang
Published: December 2024

Ajaniopsis is a monotypic genus of Asteraceae endemic to the Tibetan Plateau, growing on alpine scree slopes. It has been widely recognized as a separate genus and employed in many evolutionary and ecological analyses for its unique morphological characters. Despite being treated as an endangered species and once included in lists of key protected plant species, its systematic position has never been critically evaluated in a phylogenetic context. Furthermore, neither its past nor future distributional range has been assessed or predicted. In this study, we undertook morphological and molecular investigations to elucidate its systematics, and employed niche modeling to evaluate its historical, current, and potential future distributional range. Our phylogenetic analyses, based on the plastid genome and two nuclear DNA regions, show that Ajaniopsis is deeply nested in the mega‐diverse genus Artemisia. Morphological analysis indicates that its unique characters are also present in many distantly related species of Artemisia, implying significant convergent evolution. Consequently, Ajaniopsis can be reduced into Artemisia rather than being considered a distinct genus. Niche modeling reveals that its distributional range underwent a dramatic contraction ca. 3.3 Ma and is likely to continue shrinking in the future. This dramatic range contraction might be associated with climate changes and human activities in its unique habitat. Therefore, immediate in situ conservation is imperative for this critically endangered species, necessitating the establishment of a nature reserve on the Tibetan Plateau. Our studies highlight that it is beneficial to explore the evolutionary history of endangered species in detail when drafting conservation strategies.
Superseding the neotypification of Celastrus montanus Roth (Celastraceae) – A name linked to a medicinally important plant
Authors: Bhat Abhishek T. , Prabhukumar Konickal Mambetta , Rana Tikam Singh
Published: December 2024

Celastrus montanus (≡ Gymnosporia montana), the type of the genus Gymnosporia is an important medicinal plant whose name had previously been neotypified. Original material has been found to be extant and thus, the previous neotypification is superseded and a suitable specimen in B is selected as lectotype.
Role of routine uterine artery Doppler at 18–22 and 24–28 weeks' gestation following routine first‐trimester screening for pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Bonacina E. , Del Barco E. , Farràs A. , Dalmau M. , Garcia E. , Gleeson‐Vallbona L. , Serrano B. , Armengol‐Alsina M. , Catalan S. , Hernadez A. , San José M. , Miserachs M. , Millan P. , Garcia‐Manau P. , Carreras E. , Mendoza M.
Published: December 2024

Objectives

To assess the performance of mean uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA‐PI) at 18–22 and 24–28 weeks of gestation in the prediction of pre‐eclampsia (PE) and small‐for‐gestational age (SGA), and its role in reassessing the risk of PE and SGA in pregnancies screened for PE in the first trimester.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational cohort study of 4464 women with singleton pregnancy screened routinely for PE in the first trimester, using the Gaussian algorithm, from March 2019 to May 2021, and who underwent UtA‐PI assessment at 18–22 gestational weeks. Women were categorized as low risk or high risk based on the risk index obtained after first‐trimester screening for PE. In high‐risk patients, UtA‐PI was also assessed at 24–28 weeks of gestation. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value (NPV), positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio and area under the receiver‐operating‐characteristics curve were calculated to assess the performance of UtA‐PI at 18–22 and 24–28 weeks in predicting PE and SGA in the high‐risk group. In all participants, different UtA‐PI percentiles at 18–22 or 24–28 weeks, or their combination, were analyzed to explore their role in reassessing the risk of PE and SGA following first‐trimester PE screening.

Results

The performance of UtA‐PI at 18–22 and 24–28 weeks in the high‐risk group was good for predicting preterm PE and preterm SGA, and excellent for predicting early‐onset PE and early‐onset SGA, with an NPV of > 97% for all outcomes. In the low‐risk group, UtA‐PI ≥ 95th percentile at 18–22 weeks' gestation identified a subgroup of pregnancies with a significantly higher risk of preterm SGA compared to the low‐risk group. In the high‐risk group, UtA‐PI < 60th percentile at 18–22 weeks' gestation, UtA‐PI < 85th percentile at 24–28 weeks' gestation, and UtA‐PI < 85th percentile at 24–28 weeks' gestation in women with UtA‐PI ≥ 60th percentile at 18–22 weeks, identified subgroups of pregnancies with a risk of PE and SGA comparable to that of the low‐risk group.

Conclusions

The performance of UtA‐PI at 18–22 and 24–28 gestational weeks in high‐risk pregnancies identified during first‐trimester screening for PE is similar to that in the general population. The risk of PE and SGA in a high‐risk cohort can be reassessed by measuring UtA‐PI at 18–22 weeks, 24–28 weeks or both, allowing adjustment of follow‐up, particularly de‐escalation of care. © 2024 The Author(s). Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.