bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical Constituents from the Stem Bark of Ficus thonningii and their Chemotaxonomic Significance
Authors: Hashim Ibrahim , Omosa Leonidah Kerubo , Onyari John Mmari , Maru Shital Mahindra , Mukavi Justus
Published: October 2022

Background of the Study: Tropical plants of the Ficus genus (Moraceae) are among the earliest fruit trees that humans have cultivated. Since ancient times, many folk medicines have used species of this genus to treat a variety of ailments. Evidence from earlier investigations has shown these plants contain abundant secondary metabolites with a variety of structural properties and biological functions.

Place and Duration of Study: The research was carried out at the University of Nairobi (Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Chemistry) from January to June 2022.

Aim: The study focuses on isolating and identifying secondary metabolites from the stem bark of Ficus thonningii Blume found in Kenya and their chemotaxonomic significance.

Methodology: Dried powdered stem bark of Ficus thonningii was extracted by maceration at room temperature using CH2Cl2/CH3OH (1:1) to yield a crude extract which was fractionated in a chromatographic column (CC) using silica gel (60 – 120 mesh) as an adsorbent eluting with EtOAc/n-hexane followed by CH3OH/EtOAc. The fractions were purified using silica gel (70 – 230, 230 – 400 mesh) CC and chromatotron eluting with solvents of different polarity, as well as a crystallization technique. Structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated and identified using the spectroscopic method (NMR (1D and 2D)) and by comparison with reported literature data.

Results: Phytochemical investigation of the stem bark of Ficus thonningii afforded seven compounds, including yukovanol (1), 5,7,4′-trihydroxy-3′-(2-hydroxy-3-methyl-3-butenyl)isoflavone (2), cajanin (3), taxifolin (4), protocatechuic acid (5), saccharose (6), and stigmasterol (7). Compounds 1 - 3, 5 and 7 were not reported from F. thonningii until now. Further, compound 6 is being isolated from the genus Ficus for the first time.

Conclusion: The chemotaxonomic significance of the isolated phytochemicals demonstrates the taxonomic position of F. thonningii in the genus Ficus and explains its multiple ethnomedicinal applications.
Performance of Different Varieties of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) under Prayagraj Agro-climatic Condition
Authors: Prashanthi Chintha , Prasad Vipin M. , Topno Samir Ebson , Vani K. Leela , Singh Yash Kumar
Published: October 2022

A study entitled “Performance of different varieties of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) under Prayagraj agro-climatic condition” was carried out at crop Vegetable Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj (Allahabad), U. P. during academic session 2021-22. The experiment consists of   7 Varieties in 3 replications. The result showed that there were significant differences found among all the varieties. Growth parameters viz. plant height, plant spread, no. of leaves/plant and leaf area were significantly higher in V1(GREEN MAGIC) their respected values are 59.26cm, 65.77cm, 20.33 and 207.33cm² whereas minimum in V7 (WALTHAM) 55.58cm, 63.22cm, 18.11 and 146.55cm² respectively. Yield parameters viz. head diameter, net curd weight, total curd weight, curd yield /plot(kg) and curd yield /hectare (tonnes) were higher in V1(GREEN MAGIC) their respected values are 25.67cm, 517.69grams, 592.49grams, 3.92kg and 21.80tonnes whereas minimum in V7 (WALTHAM) 318.28grams, 375.58grams, 2.58kg and 14.39tonnes respectively. Regarding quality parameters viz. TSS and Vitamin-C Content were significantly higher in V1 (GREEN MAGIC) (8.20 0B and 82.12 mg/100 g).  And quality parameters of the crop were lower in V7 (WALTHAM). Further, it can be concluded that V1 (GREEN MAGIC) was the best Variety on the basis of growth, yield and quality parameters.
Assessment of Genotypes X Environment Interaction of Black Gram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper) Using Multivariate Analysis
Authors: Patel K. V. , Parmar D. J. , Adsul H. R. , Pali Vikas , Makani A. Y. , Parmar H. C.
Published: October 2022

Twenty black gram genotypes were evaluated at five different locations of middle Gujarat in kharif 2016 to assess the genotype x environmental interactions in RBD design with two replications. The data were analyzed according to the AMMI model and AMMI based stability measures (ASV Wi(AMMI) and ASTABi). Analysis of variance on the data pooled over locations and G x E interaction was found significant indicated genotypes performed differently in different locations. IPCA1 and IPCA2 were found significant in AMMI model and both combined accounted for by 78.7% variance of GEI. Environments viz., Devgadhbaria, Derol and Dahod were found high yielding environments whereas Vadodara and Jabugam were low yielding environments. Genotypes G3, G18, G16 and G10 gave high yield in environment E3, E1 & E4, E5 and E2, respectively as they were vertex genotypes in polygon of AMMI2. According to AMMI model, ASV, Wi(AMMI) and ASTABi, G19 was found stable and high yielding genotype, whereas G16 was unstable genotypes.
Characterization of childhood cancer in Brazil from the hospital-based cancer registries, 2000-2016 / Caracterização do câncer infantojuvenil no Brasil a partir dos Registros Hospitalares de Câncer (RHC), 2000-2016
Authors: Nando Nóbrega de Lucena Nyellisonn , Cristina Leite Damascena Lecidamia , Dos Santos Camêlo Moreira Mayara , Medeiros Araújo Lima-Filho Luiz , Gondim Valença Ana Maria
Published: October 2022

Objetivo: caracterizar o câncer infantojuvenil no Brasil, a partir da investigação nacional e regional dos registros hospitalares de câncer (RHC), no período de 2000 a 2016. Métodos: estudo observacional, retrospectivo e de base secundária, com amostra de 71.925 registros contendo informações de crianças e adolescentes (0 a 19 anos). Resultados: o câncer infantojuvenil foi mais frequente no sexo masculino (54,3%), entre crianças de 0 e 4 anos de idade (31,1%), com cor de pele parda (40,4%), e residentes da região Nordeste (59,7%). As leucemias, doenças mieloproliferativas e doenças mielodisplásicas (28,8%) foram as patologias mais relevantes. Houve predominância dos tumores sólidos (58,5) e a quimioterapia foi a terapêutica mais administrada no início do tratamento (48,7%). Percebeu-se que 78,6% dos indivíduos iniciaram o tratamento até 60 dias após comprovação diagnóstica. Conclusão: foi possível conhecer o perfil demográfico, clínico e assistencial das crianças e adolescentes com câncer no Brasil, e por regiões.
Candida Manassasensis Infection in Mass Mortality Case of Siberian Sturgeon Acipenser Baerii Fingerlings in the Republic of Korea: A Case Report
Authors: Kim Sang Wha , Han Se Jin , Giri Sib Sankar , Kim Sang Guen , Kwon Jun , Lee Sung Bin , Park Se Chang
Published: October 2022

With the growing demand for caviar products, sturgeon (family Acipenseridae) have become some of the most popular species in the aquaculture industry. Since sturgeon need more than 10 years to become sexually mature, protection against fatal diseases becomes particularly important in the industry. In March 2018, approximately 10% of Siberian Sturgeon Acipenser baerii fingerlings in a sturgeon hatchery in Jeolla Province, Republic of Korea, exhibited anorexia, abdominal distension, buoyancy loss, and abnormal behavior and eventually showed a 90% fatality rate. Twenty moribund fish were necropsied, and a distended stomach filled with gas was found in every case. A single colony dominated the intestinal lumen smear and was identified as Candida manassasensis by polymerase chain reaction targeting 18S ribosomal RNA. The same microorganism was also detected in the sturgeons' feed. Antifungal resistance was examined using the VITEK 2 system, and the isolate was susceptible to voriconazole, caspofungin, micafungin, and flucytosine. The environmental stress factor for this case was speculated as decreased water temperature. Since similar cases have been observed for many years, further research to optimize precise treatment and prevention methods is required.
Ultra‐High Speed, High‐Sensitivity Spin‐Cast MXene‐Semiconductor‐MXene Photodetectors
Authors: Montazeri Kiana , Currie Marc , Barsoum Michel W , Nabet Bahram
Published: October 2022

A simple room‐temperature process of depositing MXene on a III‐V structure with embedded 2D electron gas (2DEG) is used, which results in a large area, , photodetector (PD) device that greatly outperforms vacuum deposited Ti/Au metal‐semiconductor‐metal (MSM) PD's. By co‐optimizing properties of 2D MXene contacts and the III‐V material heterojunctions, this device sets new operating records with responsivity up to 1.04 A W‐1 at low optical powers, corresponding to >230% internal quantum efficiency, dark current of 50 , >105.6‐dB dynamic range, and 25–150 ps response time, which improves the previous MXene‐Semiconductor‐MXene responsivity by >2.7 times and is 7 × 103 –−106 times faster compared to other MXene‐based PDs. This is achieved by enhancing the Schottky barrier height by forming a Van der Waals (vdW) heterojunction between a wide bandgap AlGaAs surface layer and spin coated Ti3C2Tz electrodes. A layered architecture transports the optically generated electrons to a 2DEG channel at the GaAs/AlGaAs heterointerface, where they are rapidly collected. The landscaped electric field pushes the slow holes to an underlying low temperature‐grown GaAs (LT‐GaAs) region where they recombine. The proposed Schottky‐2DEG Photoconductor‐Schottky model for device operation shows how this device circumvents the canonical limitations of gain‐bandwidth product, and carrier transit time, while replacing the need for vacuum deposition of gold or other precious metals.
Light‐Programmable Nanocomposite Hydrogel for State‐Switchable Wound Healing Promotion and Bacterial Infection Elimination
Authors: Zhang Zhekun , Xie Juning , Xing Jun , Li Changhao , Wong Tak Man , Yu Hui , Li Yuanxing , Yang Fabang , Tian Yu , Zhang Huan , Li Wei , Ning Chengyun , Wang Xiaolan , Yu Peng
Published: October 2022

Developing an ideal wound dressing that not only accelerates wound healing but also eliminates potential bacterial infections remains a difficult balancing act. This work reports the design of a light‐programmable sodium alginate nanocomposite hydrogel loaded with BiOCl/polypyrrole (BOC/PPy) nanosheets for state‐switchable wound healing promotion and bacterial infection elimination remotely. The nanocomposite hydrogel possesses programmable photoelectric or photothermal conversion due to the expanded light absorption range, optimized electron transmission interface, promoted photo‐generated charge separation, and transfer of the BOC/PPy nanosheets. Under white light irradiation state, the nanocomposite hydrogel induces human umbilical vein endothelial cells migration and angiogenesis, and accelerates the healing efficiency of mouse skin in vivo. Under near‐infrared light irradiation state, the nanocomposite hydrogel presents superior antibacterial capability in vitro, and reaches an antibacterial rate of 99.1% for Staphylococcus aureus infected skin wound in vivo. This light‐programmable nanocomposite hydrogel provides an on‐demand resolution of biological state‐switching to balance wound healing and elimination of bacterial infection.
The Use of Exchange Coupled Atom Qubits as Atomic‐Scale Magnetic Field Sensors
Authors: Kranz Ludwik , Gorman Samuel K. , Thorgrimsson Brandur , Monir Serajum , He Yu , Keith Daniel , Charde Keshavi , Keizer Joris G. , Rahman Rajib , Simmons Michelle Y.
Published: October 2022

Phosphorus atoms in silicon offer a rich quantum computing platform where both nuclear and electron spins can be used to store and process quantum information. While individual control of electron and nuclear spins has been demonstrated, the interplay between them during qubit operations has been largely unexplored. This study investigates the use of exchange‐based operation between donor bound electron spins to probe the local magnetic fields experienced by the qubits with exquisite precision at the atomic scale. To achieve this, coherent exchange oscillations are performed between two electron spin qubits, where the left and right qubits are hosted by three and two phosphorus donors, respectively. The frequency spectrum of exchange oscillations shows quantized changes in the local magnetic fields at the qubit sites, corresponding to the different hyperfine coupling between the electron and each of the qubit‐hosting nuclear spins. This ability to sense the hyperfine fields of individual nuclear spins using the exchange interaction constitutes a unique metrology technique, which reveals the exact crystallographic arrangements of the phosphorus atoms in the silicon crystal for each qubit. The detailed knowledge obtained of the local magnetic environment can then be used to engineer hyperfine fields in multi‐donor qubits for high‐fidelity two‐qubit gates.
Zinc‐Assisted Cobalt Ditelluride Polyhedra Inducing Lattice Strain to Endow Efficient Adsorption‐Catalysis for High‐Energy Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Wang Bin , Wang Lu , Ding Dong , Zhai Yanjun , Wang Fengbo , Jing Zhongxin , Yang Xiaofan , Kong Yueyue , Qian Yitai , Xu Liqiang
Published: October 2022

Developing a conductive catalyst with high catalytic activity is considered to be an effective strategy for improving cathode kinetics of lithium–sulfur batteries, especially at large current density and with lean electrolytes. Lattice‐strain engineering has been a strategy to tune the local structure of catalysts and to help understand the structure–activity relationship between strain and catalyst performance. Here, Co0.9Zn0.1Te2@NC is constructed after zinc atoms are uniformly doped into the CoTe2 lattice. The experimental/theoretical results indicate that a change of the coordination environment for the cobalt atom by the lattice strain modulates the d‐band center with more electrons occupied in antibonding orbitals, thus balancing the adsorption of polysulfides and the intrinsic catalytic effect, thereby activating the intrinsic activity of the catalyst. Benefiting from the merits, with only 4 wt% dosages of catalyst in the cathode, an initial discharge capacity of 1030 mAh g−1 can be achieved at 1 C and stable cycling performances are achieved for 1500/2500 cycles at 1 C/2 C. Upon sulfur loading of 7.7 mg cm−2, the areal capacity can reach 12.8 mAh cm−2. This work provides a guiding methodology for the design of catalytic materials and refinement of adsorption‐catalysis strategies for the rational design of cathode in lithium–sulfur batteries.
Bioinspired Chiral Template Guided Mineralization for Biophotonic Structural Materials
Authors: Xiong Rui , Wu Wanlin , Lu Canhui , Cölfen Helmut
Published: October 2022

Nature provides numerous biomineral design inspirations for constructing structural materials with desired functionalities. However, large‐scale production of damage‐tolerant Bouligand structural materials with biologically comparable photonics remains a longstanding challenge. Here, an efficient and scalable artificial molting strategy, based on self‐assembly of cellulose nanocrystals and subsequent mineralization of amorphous calcium carbonate, is developed to produce biomimetic materials with an exceptional combination of mechanical and photonic properties that are usually mutually exclusive in synthetic materials. These biomimetic composites exhibit tunable mechanics from “strong and flexible”, which exceeds the benchmark of natural chiral materials, to “stiff and hard”, which is comparable to natural and synthetic counterparts. Especially, the biomimetic composites possess ultrahigh stiffness of 2 GPa in their fully water‐swollen state—a value well beyond hydrated crab exoskeleton, cartilage, tendon, and stiffest synthetic hydrogels, combined with exceptional strength and resilience. Additionally, these composites are distinguished by the tunable chiral structural color and water‐triggered switchable photonics that are absent in most artificial mineralized materials, as well as unique hydroplastic properties. This study opens the door for a scalable synthesis of resilient biophotonic structural materials in practical bulk form.
4D Biofabrication of T‐Shaped Vascular Bifurcation
Authors: Kitana Waseem , Apsite Indra , Hazur Jonas , Boccaccini Aldo R. , Ionov Leonid
Published: October 2022

4D Biofabrication – a pioneering biofabrication technique – involves the automated fabrication of 3D constructs that are dynamic and show shape‐transformation capability. Although current 4D biofabrication methods are highly promising for the fabrication of vascular elements such as tubes, the fabrication of tubular junctions is still highly challenging. Here, for the first time, a 4D biofabrication‐based concept for the fabrication of a T‐shaped vascular bifurcation using 3D printed shape‐changing layers based on a mathematical model is reported. The formation of tubular structures with various diameters is achieved by precisely controlling the parameters (e.g. crosslinking time). Consequently, the 3D printed films show self‐transformation into a T‐junction upon immersion in water with a diameter of a few millimeters. Perfusion of the tubular T‐junction with an aqueous medium simulating blood flow through vessels shows minimal leakages with a maximum flow velocity of 0.11 m s–1. Furthermore, human umbilical vein endothelial cells seeded on the inner surface of the plain T‐junction show outstanding growth properties and excellent cell viability. The achieved diameters are comparable to the native blood vessels, which is still a challenge in 3D biofabrication. This approach paves the way for the fabrication of fully automatic self‐actuated vascular bifurcations as vascular grafts.
Printing Convertible Microstructures into Elastomer Matrix for Multiliquids Adaptive Information Encryption
Authors: Li Boya , Ni Haisong , Cai Gao , Sha Wenjing , Wang Yangxin , Zhao Huaixia , Cui Jiaxi
Published: October 2022

Adaptive optical performance based on convertible microstructures is very useful for information encryption. However, the facile patterning of microstructures in reliable manner and the unclonable coding are still major challenges. The direct 3D printing of water droplets is reported as templates to polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) precursor, followed by water evaporation in curing, which introduces convertible microcrease in the elastomeric matrix. The samples show optical response to liquids with the conversion of inner creases to ponds or cavities. The stochastic array of the resulted microstructures ensures the unclonability of the codes. Water‐responsive fluorescence emission is observed when a hydrosoluble dye is added to the microstructures, further enhancing the encryption safe level. Besides, the high stability of the PDMS matrix to ultraviolet irradiation and extreme temperature environment endows the material large application potentials in varied fields. This research provides a potential solution for facile, tough, and fundamentally safe information encryption.
LixAg1–xGaSe2: Interplay Between Lithium and Silver in Mid‐Infrared Nonlinear Optical Chalcogenides
Authors: Isaenko L. , Dong Linfeng , Kurus A. , Lin Zheshuai , Yelisseyev A. , Lobanov S. , Molokeev M. , Korzhneva K. , Goloshumova A.
Published: October 2022

AgGaSe2 and LiGaSe2 are two famous mid‐infrared nonlinear optical (NLO) materials with similar chemical formula but different structural symmetry. The former material has relatively larger NLO effect and birefringence but rather small energy band gap, while the latter is the opposite. Aiming at achieving a good balance of NLO properties, here the substitution between silver and lithium ions on the evolution of structural and optical properties in a new series of LixAg1–xGaSe2 crystals is systematically investigated. It reveals that, with the increase of Li content, LixAg1–xGaSe2 almost keeps the same tetragonal symmetry with AgGaSe2 until x ≈ 0.9. The NLO effects and birefringence values vary with respect to x with the largest variation at x = 0.8–0.9. The optimal combination of birefringence (0.03–0.025) and nonlinear parameters (26–30 pm V−1) is achieved at x = 0.4–0.5. As the energy band gap increases with the increase of x, the maximal value of 2.2 eV for chalcopyrite structure suggests that the laser‐induced damage threshold of LixAg1–xGaSe2 would be as large as five‐fold of AgGaSe2. This study provides a good example to show that the rational substitution between Li and Ag can significantly improve the balance of NLO properties in chalcogenides.
A High Potential, Low Capacity Fade Rate Iron Complex Posolyte for Aqueous Organic Flow Batteries
Authors: Gao Jinxu , Amini Kiana , George Thomas Y. , Jing Yan , Tsukamoto Tatsuhiro , Xi Dawei , Gordon Roy G. , Aziz Michael J.
Published: October 2022

An iron complex, tris(4,4′‐bis(hydroxymethyl)‐2,2′‐bipyridine) iron dichloride is reported, which operates at near‐neutral pH with a redox potential of 0.985 V versus SHE. This high potential compound is employed in the posolyte of an aqueous flow battery, paired with bis(3‐trimethylammonio)propyl viologen tetrachloride in the negolyte, exhibiting an open‐circuit voltage of 1.3 V at near‐neutral pH. It demonstrates excellent cycling performance with a low temporal capacity fade rate of 0.07% per day over 35 days of cycling. The extended cycling lifetime is the result of low permeability and improved structural stability of the newly developed iron complex compared to that of the iron tris(bipyridine) complex. The combination of high redox potential and low capacity fade rate compares favorably with those of all previously demonstrated organic and organometallic aqueous posolytes. Extensive investigation into the possible degradation mechanisms, including post‐mortem chemical and electrochemical analyses, indicates that stepwise ligand dissociations of the iron complex are responsible for the reported capacity loss during cell cycling. This investigation provides unprecedented insight to guide further improvements of such metalorganic compounds for energy storage and conversion applications.
FeF3 as Reversible Cathode for All‐Solid‐State Fluoride Batteries
Authors: Inoishi Atsushi , Setoguchi Naoko , Hori Hironobu , Kobayashi Eiichi , Sakamoto Ryo , Sakaebe Hikari , Okada Shigeto
Published: October 2022

Fluoride batteries are attracting intensive attention because they can provide a higher energy density than conventional lithium‐ion batteries. Among various metal fluorides, FeF3 is a promising candidate for the cathode material of fluoride batteries because of its high theoretical capacity. In this report, the reversibility of an FeF3 cathode is investigated in conjunction with fluorite‐type Ba0.6La0.4F2.4 as the electrolyte and Pb as the counter‐electrode material. For the first time, the discharge–charge performance of a fluoride battery using FeF3 cathode is investigated. The initial discharge capacity is 579 mAh g−1, and a capacity of 461 mAh g−1 is retained at the 10th cycle. The reversible conversion reaction mechanism for FeF3 is clarified by X‐ray diffraction and X‐ray adsorption spectroscopy. The results revealed that FeF3 is reduced to FeF2 at the first‐stage plateau and then to Fe metal at the second‐stage plateau; they also reveal that the reverse process proceeded during charging. Ex situ scanning electron microscopy observations show that the morphology of the cathode changed reversibly and that, when the battery is in the discharged state, voids are present because of shrinkage of the electrode.
ERI1: A case report of an autosomal recessive syndrome associated with developmental delay and distal limb abnormalities
Authors: Hoxha Valbona , Aliu Ermal
Published: October 2022

ERI1 is an evolutionary conserved 3′–5′ exonuclease with an important function in multiple RNA processing pathways. Although the molecular mechanisms in which ERI1 is involved have been studied extensively in model organisms, the pathology associated with ERI1 variants in humans has remained elusive because no case has been reported so far. Here, we present a case of a female patient with a homozygous nonsense variant in ERI1 gene. The patient exhibits mild intellectual disability, eyelid ptosis, and anomalies in her hands and feet (brachydactyly, clinodactyly, dysplastic/short nail of halluces, brachytelephalangy, short metacarpals, and toe syndactyly). This case report is the first of its kind and is invaluable for understanding ERI1 pathology in humans.
Human primary muscle stem cells regenerate injured urethral sphincter in athymic rats
Authors: Bekele Biniam M. , Schöwel‐Wolf Verena , Kieshauer Janine , Marg Andreas , Busjahn Andreas , Davis Sarah , Nugent Gayle , Ebert Anne‐Karoline , Spuler Simone
Published: October 2022

Background

The aim of the study was to demonstrate the efficacy of human muscle stem cells (MuSCs) isolated using innovative technology in restoring internal urinary sphincter function in a preclinical animal model.

Methods

Colonies of pure human MuSCs were obtained from muscle biopsy specimens. Athymic rats were subjected to internal urethral sphincter damage by electrocauterization. Five days after injury, 2 × 105 muscle stem cells or medium as control were injected into the area of sphincter damage (n = 5 in each group). Peak bladder pressure and rise in pressure were chosen as outcome measures. To repeatedly obtain the necessary pressure values, telemetry sensors had been implanted into the rat bladders 10 days prior to injury.

Results

There was a highly significant improvement in the ability to build up peak pressure as well as a pressure rise in animals that had received muscle stem cells as compared to control (p = 0.007) 3 weeks after the cells had been injected. Only minimal histologic evidence of scarring was observed in treated rats.

Conclusion

Primary human muscle stem cells obtained using innovative technology functionally restore internal urethral sphincter function after injury. Translation into use in clinical settings is foreseeable.
Novel functional material incorporating flexirubin‐type pigment in polyvinyl alcohol_kefiran/polycaprolactone nanofibers
Authors: Amorim Lúcia F. A. , Fangueiro Raul , Gouveia Isabel C.
Published: October 2022

In this study, needleless electrospinning technology was used to obtain flexirubin (F)‐loaded polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)_kefiran (KF)/polycaprolactone (PCL) electrospun nanofibers. The SEM images of PVA_KF_ F and PCL_F nanofibers displayed beadless morphology with average diameters of 211.90 ± 96.08 and 1610.71 ± 996.68 nm, respectively. FTIR‐ATR analysis revealed increased intensity at specific wavelengths, after pigment incorporation. The high porosity exhibited by each layer and the mechanical properties of the double‐layered nanofibrous material remained unaffected after flexirubin‐type pigment incorporation. In addition, PVA_KF_F/PCL_F nanofibers showed antioxidant activity of 41.03 ± 0.29%, evaluated by the scavenging of the ABTS radical as well as the ability to reduce enzymatic browning of apple slices. Thus, we believe that the fabricated PVA_KF_F/PCL_F double‐layered material can be considered for application in active food packaging systems.
Quantized Collision/Fusion Events of Anionic Ionosomes at a Polarized Soft Micro‐Interface
Authors: Zhang Jingcheng , Huang Linhan , Fang Taoxiong , Xiang Zhipeng , He Sijia , Peljo Pekka , Gan Shiyu , Huang Xinjian , Deng Haiqiang
Published: October 2022

Single‐entity collisional electrochemistry (SECE) can capture physicochemical information at the single entity level. In the present work, we systematically studied in‐situ generation and detection of single anionic ionosomes via SECE combined with a miniaturized interface between two immiscible electrolyte solutions (ITIES). Ionosome is an ionic‐bilayer encapsulated nanoscopic water cluster/droplet that carries a net charge. Discrete spiky ionic currents were observed upon collisions/fusions of individual F− or Cl−‐ionosomes with a positively polarized micro‐ITIES. This fusion process was proved to follow the bulk electrolysis model. With this method, some essential factors such as concentration and charge density of the hydrated anions, and the interfacial area, were revealed. It demonstrates that anionic ionosomes share a common theoretical framework with their counterparts (i. e., cationic ionosomes, like Li+‐ionosomes). This work will spur the advancements in a myriad of fields, including such as the colloid and interface science, micro‐ and/or nanoscale electrochemistry, and electrophysiology and brain sciences.
Reduced social attention in autism is magnified by perceptual load in naturalistic environments
Authors: Haskins Amanda J. , Mentch Jeff , Botch Thomas L. , Garcia Brenda D. , Burrows Alexandra L. , Robertson Caroline E.
Published: October 2022

Individuals with autism spectrum conditions (ASC) describe differences in both social cognition and sensory processing, but little is known about the causal relationship between these disparate functional domains. In the present study, we sought to understand how a core characteristic of autism—reduced social attention—is impacted by the complex multisensory signals present in real‐world environments. We tested the hypothesis that reductions in social attention associated with autism would be magnified by increasing perceptual load (e.g., motion, multisensory cues). Adult participants (N = 40; 19 ASC) explored a diverse set of 360° real‐world scenes in a naturalistic, active viewing paradigm (immersive virtual reality + eyetracking). Across three conditions, we systematically varied perceptual load while holding the social and semantic information present in each scene constant. We demonstrate that reduced social attention is not a static signature of the autistic phenotype. Rather, group differences in social attention emerged with increasing perceptual load in naturalistic environments, and the susceptibility of social attention to perceptual load predicted continuous measures of autistic traits across groups. Crucially, this pattern was specific to the social domain: we did not observe differential impacts of perceptual load on attention directed toward nonsocial semantic (i.e., object, place) information or low‐level fixation behavior (i.e., overall fixation frequency or duration). This study provides a direct link between social and sensory processing in autism. Moreover, reduced social attention may be an inaccurate characterization of autism. Instead, our results suggest that social attention in autism is better explained by “social vulnerability,” particularly to the perceptual load of real‐world environments.
BCR::ABL1 levels at first month after TKI discontinuation predict subsequent maintenance of treatment‐free remission: A study from the “GRUPPO TRIVENETO LMC”
Authors: Di Giusto Sara , Toffoletti Eleonora , Bonifacio Massimiliano , Binotto Gianni , Miggiano Maria Cristina , Calistri Elisabetta , Stulle Manuela , Ermacora Anna , Stella Rossella , Scaffidi Luigi , D'Amore Fabio , Scotton Giorgia , Griguolo Davide , De Matteis Giovanna , Bertorelle Roberta , Krampera Mauro , Semenzato Gianpietro , Fanin Renato , Damiani Daniela , Tiribelli Mario
Published: October 2022

We analyzed BCR::ABL1 expression at stop and in the first month after discontinuation in 168 chronic myeloid leukemia patients who stopped imatinib or 2nd generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (2G‐TKIs) while in sustained deep molecular response. Patients were divided among those who maintained response (group 1, n = 123) and those who lost major molecular response (group 2, n = 45). Mean BCR::ABL1 RNA levels 1 month after discontinuation were higher in group 2 than in group 1 (p = 0.0005) and the difference was more evident 2 months after stop (p < 0.0001). The same trend was found both for imatinib and 2G‐TKIs. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to determine a threshold value of BCR::ABL1 at 1 month after discontinuation identified a cut‐off value of 0.0051%, with 92.2% specificity, 31.7% sensitivity and a likelihood ratio of 4.087.
Patient‐reported outcomes in childhood head and neck rhabdomyosarcoma survivors and their relation to physician‐graded adverse events—A multicenter study using the FACE‐Q Craniofacial module
Authors: Morfouace Michèle , Hol Marinka L. F. , Schoot Reineke A. , Slater Olga , Indelicato Daniel J. , Kolb Frédéric , Smeele Ludwig E. , Merks Johannes H. M. , Rae Charlene , Maurice‐Stam Heleen , Klassen Anne F. , Grootenhuis Martha A.
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Adverse events (AE) of treatment are prevalent and diverse in head and neck rhabdomyosarcoma (HNRMS) survivors. These AEs are often reported by physicians; however, patients' perceptions of specific AE are not well known. In this study, we explored patient‐reported outcomes measuring appearance, health‐related quality of life (HRQOL), and facial function in HNRMS survivors. Second, we assess the relationship between physician grading of AE and patient reporting.

Materials and Methods

Survivors of pediatric HNRMS, diagnosed between 1993 and 2017, who were at least 2 years after completing treatment were invited to an outpatient clinic as part of a multicenter cross‐sectional cohort study. At the outpatient clinics, survivors aged ≥8 years filled out the FACE‐Q Craniofacial module; a patient‐reported outcome instrument measuring issues specific to patients with facial differences. AE were systematically assessed by a multidisciplinary team based on the Common Terminology Criteria of Adverse Events system.

Results

Seventy‐seven survivors with a median age of 16 years (range 8–43) and median follow‐up of 10 years (range 2–42) completed the questionnaire and were screened for AEs. Patient‐reported outcomes varied widely between survivors. Many survivors reported negative consequences: 82% on appearance items, 81% on HRQOL items, and 38% on facial function items. There was a weak correlation between physician‐scored AEs and the majority of patient‐reported outcomes specific for those AEs.

Conclusions

Physician‐graded AEs are not sufficient to provide tailored care for HNMRS survivors. Findings from this study highlight the importance of incorporating patient‐reported outcome measures in survivorship follow‐up.
Identifying HER2 from serum‐derived exosomes in advanced gastric cancer as a promising biomarker for assessing tissue HER2 status and predicting the efficacy of trastuzumab‐based therapy
Authors: Li Qian , Lv Minzhi , Lv Lihua , Cao Nida , Zhao Aiguang , Chen Jiayan , Tang Xi , Luo Rongkui , Yu Shan , Zhou Yan , Cui Yuehong , Guo Wei , Liu Tianshu
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical relevance of exosomal HER2 (Exo HER2) level in assessing the tissue HER2 status and predicting the efficacy of trastuzumab treatment.

Methods

In this prospective study, patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC) from three hospitals between August 2016 to November 2020 were enrolled. The Exo HER2 level was detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was drawn referring to the HER2 tissue status to assess the diagnostic value of Exo HER2. Cox proportional hazards regression and logistic regression were used to evaluate the association between Exo HER2 and progression‐free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and objective response rate (ORR) in patients who received trastuzumab‐based first‐line therapy.

Results

In this study, 242 patients with advanced or metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma were registered. Of these, 238 AGC patients were eligible for evaluating serum‐derived exosome HER2 diagnostic value, including 114 HER2‐positive. Finally, 64 were eligible for efficacy analysis. The area under the ROC curve was 0.746. The optimal cutoff value for diagnosing tissue HER2‐positive status was 729.95 ng/ml, with a sensitivity of 66.7% and a specificity of 74.2%. In 64 patients treated with trastuzumab, higher baseline Exo HER2 level indicated better prognosis. 844 ng/ml and 723 ng/ml were the right cutoffs for distinguishing the population with superior PFS (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.41, P = 0.017) and OS (HR = 0.30, P < 0.001), respectively.

Conclusion

Serum exosomal HER2 level might serve as an effective biomarker for assessing tissue HER2 status in AGC and screening the potential patients who might benefit from anti‐HER2 therapy.
Systemic immune changes accompany combination treatment with immunotoxin LMB‐100 and nab‐paclitaxel
Authors: Pegna Guillaume Joe , Lee Min‐Jung , Peer Cody J. , Ahmad Mehwish I. , Venzon David J. , Yu Yunkai , Yuno Akira , Steinberg Seth M. , Cao Liang , Figg William D. , Donahue Renee N. , Hassan Raffit , Pastan Ira , Trepel Jane B. , Alewine Christine
Published: October 2022

LMB‐100 is a novel immune‐conjugate (immunotoxin) that targets mesothelin. A phase 1/2 clinical trial was conducted (NCT02810418) with primary objectives assessing the safety and efficacy of LMB‐100 ± nab‐paclitaxel. Participant blood samples were analyzed for changes in serum cytokines and circulating immune cell subsets associated with response or toxicity. On Arm A, participants (n = 20) received standard 30‐minute LMB‐100 infusion with nab‐paclitaxel. Although clinical efficacy was observed, the combination caused intolerable capillary leak syndrome (CLS), a major toxicity of unclear etiology that affects many immunotoxin drugs. Participants developing CLS experienced rapid elevations in IFNγ and IL‐8 compared to those without significant CLS, along with midcycle increases in Ki‐67‐ CD4 T cells that were CD38, HLA‐DR, or TIM3 positive. Additionally, a strong increase in activated CD4 and CD8 T cells and a concurrent decrease in Tregs were seen in the single Arm A patient achieving a partial response. In Arm B, administration of single agent LMB‐100 to participants (n = 20) as a long infusion given over 24–48 h was investigated based on pre‐clinical data that this format could reduce CLS. An optimal dose and schedule of long infusion LMB‐100 were identified, but no clinical efficacy was observed even in patients receiving LMB‐100 in combination with nab‐paclitaxel. Despite this, both Arm A and B participants experienced increases in specific subsets of proliferating CD4 and CD8 T cells following Cycle 1 treatment. In summary, LMB‐100 treatment causes systemic immune activation. Inflammatory and immune changes that accompany drug associated CLS were characterized for the first time.
LncRNA SNHG3 enhances BMI1 mRNA stability by binding and regulating c‐MYC: Implications for the carcinogenic role of SNHG3 in bladder cancer
Authors: Xie Jinbo , Ni Jinliang , Shi Huajuan , Wang Keyi , Ma Xiaoying , Li Wei , Peng Bo
Published: October 2022

The transformation of nonmuscle‐invasive bladder cancer (BLCa) to muscle‐invasive type and distant metastasis are the two major threats to patients after surgery. Thus, it is important to identify the key genes of BLCa cell invasion and metastasis. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) is a potential clinical tool for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Herein, we verified that lncRNA SNHG3 is upregulated in human BLCa specimens and is proportional to poor clinical prognosis via a combination of bioinformatic analyses and wet bench experiments. Then, we constructed SNHG3 knockdown and overexpression cell models via lentiviral packaging and CRISPR‐Cas9 technique. Fluorescence in situ hybridization assay showed that SNHG3 is distributed in both the nucleus and cytoplasm of BLCa cell lines. In vitro assays including CCK‐8, EdU, colony formation, wound healing, transwell, and tube formation demonstrated that SNHG3 knockdown and overexpression potently inhibited and enhanced BLCa cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis. In addition, IVIS imaging revealed that SNHG3 knockdown could significantly inhibit M‐NSG mice xenograft tumor growth. Next, RNA sequencing, bioinformatics analyses and western blots indicated that SNHG3 could promote c‐MYC expression. RNA immunoprecipitation, actinomycin D assay and western blot assays suggested that SNHG3 could also bind c‐MYC protein which subsequently facilitate the stabilization of BMI1 mRNA, thus enhancing BMI1 protein level. However, SNHG3 knockdown had a slightly weaker inhibitory effect on BMI1 expression than c‐MYC knockdown. Further, in vitro assays demonstrated that BMI1 knockdown could suppress the SNHG3 activation‐induced tumor promoting effect in BLCa cells. Overall, this study has provided new insights into the potential implication of lncRNA SNHG3 in the pathogenesis of BLCa. Importantly, SNHG3/c‐MYC/BMI1 axis may be a novel target for regulating tumor growth and metastasis in BLCa patients.
Attention‐Deficit/hyperactivity disorder and centralized pain: A review of the case of John F. Kennedy
Authors: Kasahara Satoshi , Matsudaira Ko , Sato Naoko , Niwa Shin‐Ichi
Published: October 2022

John Fitzgerald Kennedy (JFK), the 35th President of the USA, had chronic low back pain deemed to be centralized pain. Reportedly, attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) could associate with centralized pain. Based on his biographies, JFK could have had ADHD, a plausible cause of pain that afflicted him.
An unusual presentation of celiac disease in adult patient
Authors: Frioui Refka , Zaouak Anissa , Chamli Amal , Jouini Raja , Fenniche Samy , Hammami Houda
Published: October 2022

Pyoderma gangrenosum is among the exceptional extra‐intestinal manifestations of celiac disease. We report a case of a 52‐year‐old patient who presented with pyoderma gangrenosum that turned out to be the initial presentation of celiac disease.
Preliminary results from the LUX‐Dx insertable cardiac monitor remote programming and performance (LUX‐Dx PERFORM) study
Authors: Stolen Craig , Rosman Jonathan , Manyam Harish , Kwan Brian , Kelly Jonathan , Perschbacher David , Garner John , Richards Mark
Published: October 2022

Despite the wide adoption of insertable cardiac monitors (ICMs), high false‐positive rates, suboptimal signal quality, limited ability to detect atrial flutter, and lack of remote programming remain challenging. The LUX‐Dx PERFORM study was designed to evaluate novel technologies engineered to address these issues. Here, we present preliminary results from the trial focusing on the safety of ICM insertion, remote monitoring rates, and the feasibility of remote programming. LUX‐Dx PERFORM is a multicenter, prospective, single‐arm, post‐market, observational study with planned enrollment of up to 827 patients from 35 sites in North America. A preliminary cohort consisting of the first 369 patients who were enrolled between March and October 2021 was selected for analysis. Three hundred sixty‐three (363) patients had ICM insertions across inpatient and outpatient settings. The mean time followed was 103.4 ± 61.8 days per patient. The total infection rate was 0.8% (3/363). Interim results show high levels of remote monitoring with a median 94% of days with data transmission (interquartile range: 82–99). Thirteen (13) in‐clinic and 24 remote programming sessions were reported in 34 subjects. Reprogramming examples are presented to highlight signal quality, the ability to detect atrial flutter, and the positive impact of remote programming on patient management. Interim results from LUX‐Dx PERFORM study demonstrate the safety of insertion, high data transmission rates, the ability to detect atrial flutter, and the feasibility of remote programming to optimize arrhythmia detection and improve clinical workflow. Future results from LUX‐Dx PERFORM will further characterize improvements in signal quality and arrhythmia detection.
N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide and D‐dimer combined with left atrial diameter to predict the risk of ischemic stroke in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation
Authors: Shen Zican , Chen Dong , Cheng Hao , Tan Feng , Yan Jianwei , Deng Haiming , Fang Wei , Wang Sunan , Zhu Jianbing
Published: October 2022

Objectives

We aimed to explore the potential role of N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP), d‐dimer, and the echocardiographic parameter left atrial diameter (LAD) in identifying and predicting the occurrence of ischemic stroke (IS) in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of 445 patients with NVAF in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University. They were divided into the NVAF (309 cases) and NVAF with stroke (136 cases) groups according to whether acute ischemic stroke (AIS) occurred at admission. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the odds ratio (OR) of NT‐proBNP, d‐dimer, and LAD for IS. The predictive value of NT‐proBNP,
d‐dimer, and LAD in identifying the occurrence of IS in NVAF was determined by plotting the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

NT‐proBNP, d‐dimer, and LAD levels were significantly higher in the NVAF with stroke group than in the NVAF group (p < .05). NT‐ProBNP,
d‐dimer, and LAD were independently associated with IS in NVAF patients (odds ratio [OR] = 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08–1.16; OR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.37–2.55; OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.13–1.28, p < .01). The optimal cutoff points for NT‐ProBNP,
d‐dimer, and LAD levels to distinguish the NVAF group from the NVAF with stroke group were 715.0 pg/ml, 0.515 ng/ml, and 38.5 mm, respectively, with the area under the curve (AUC) being [0.801 (95% CI: 0.76–0.84); 0.770 (95% CI: 0.72–0.85); 0.752 (95% CI: 0.71–0.80), p < .01]. The combined score of NT‐proBNP,
d‐dimer, and LAD improved the predictive efficacy of the single index, with an AUC of 0.846 (95% CI: 0.81–0.88, p < .01), sensitivity of 77.2%, and specificity of 76.4%.

Conclusion

NT‐proBNP, d‐dimer, and the echocardiographic parameter LAD have outstanding value in predicting the risk of IS in patients with NVAF.
Pharmaceutical drugs expiry date tracking: A visionary approach
Authors: Goyal Pankhuri , Goyal Nupur , Singh Pavneet , Mittal Nischay , Jindal Neeru , Kaur Kanwarpreet
Published: October 2022

Every drug manufacturer is legally bound to display the expiry date on all pharmaceutical products as medicines may not be safe or as effective after the expiry date. The problem is that any pharmaceutical drug has all the important information such as expiry date, batch no., manufacturing date written on a small corner of the packaging. Once that part is rubbed or torn out while taking a pill from the leaflet or otherwise, there is no way to know that crucial information making that whole drug a complete waste as one cannot take risks with their health. This article proposes a solution to find out this crucial information even after it is lost from the leaflet. Therefore, this research work is focused to design an application (app) based on the features of optical character recognition, database management system, auto‐classification, aiming at helping people to use it with ease. One just need to scan the medicine once and the app will autosave all the required credentials that can be accessed later on by scanning it again. Compared to the existing technologies, this app does not depend on QR code as it can also be torn out while taking any pill.