bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relieving the Ion Migration and Increasing Superoxide Resistance with Glutathione Incorporation for Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Jintao , Wang Zhenyu , Chen Shuming , Jiang Ning , Yuan Long , Zhang Jian , Duan Yu
Published: March 2023

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have the great potential for the next‐generation energy application, while the serious issue about longevity has still been a long‐standing concern. The rapid crystallization process would inevitably introduce defects, and the perovskite film decomposed rapidly when exposed to water/oxygen. Herein, the reduced l‐glutathione (GSH) is introduced into the perovskite precursor to tailor the crystallization process and passivate defects, thus relief the detrimental ion migration. Furthermore, GSH can effectively inhibit the formation of superoxide. As a result, the optimized PSCs demonstrate the champion power conversion efficiency of 22.89% and maintained 91% of its initial efficiency under ambient environment for 1000 h.
Multifaceted Domino Knoevenagel‐Cyclization Reactions; Four Movements for 2H‐Chromenes and Chromans
Authors: Balázs Király Sándor , Tóth László , Kovács Tibor , Bényei Attila , Lisztes Erika , István Tóth Balázs , Bíró Tamás , Kiss‐Szikszai Attila , Kövér Katalin E. , Mándi Attila , Kurtán Tibor
Published: March 2023

Domino Knoevenagel‐cyclization reactions of 2H‐chromene and chroman derivatives containing o‐formylaryl amine or ether side‐chain was carried out to produce four series of chiral condensed heterocycles representing four novel skeletons and exhibiting antiproliferative activity. The cyclization step occurred with four different mechanisms: a concerted intramolecular hetero Diels‐Alder reaction (IMHDA), a stepwise polar [2+2] cycloaddition, a [1,5]‐hydride shift‐6‐endo cyclization or a multi‐step nitro hetero Diels‐Alder‐ring‐opening‐Cadogan‐type cyclization sequence. The latter reaction provided a new route to hydroxyindoles by an inverse Cadogan‐type cyclization, in which the nitro group is deoxygenated by a nitro IMHDA‐ring‐opening sequence. The cyclization mechanisms and their stereoselectivity were studied by DFT calculations, based on which we proposed a mechanism for the multi‐step cyclization to hydroxyindoles and explained the observed diastereoselectivity.
Pure Chloride 2D/3D Heterostructure Passivation for Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Tan Li , Shen Lina , Song Peiquan , Luo Yujie , Zheng Lingfang , Tian Chengbo , Xie Liqiang , Yang Jinxin , Wei Zhanhua
Published: March 2023

To date, organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have reached a certified efficiency of 25.7%, showing their great potential in industrial commercialization. However, defects at the surface and grain boundaries hinder their device performance and long‐term stability. Herein, long‐chain dodecylammonium halides (DACl, DABr, and DAI) to treat the perovskite surface and improve the device performance are introduced. It is found that the three passivators can all form 2D perovskites but with different halide compositions. The DACl‐treated perovskite forms a pure chloride DA2PbCl4 2D perovskite, while the DABr and DAI‐treated surfaces form a pure iodide DA2PbI4 2D perovskite. Compared with the DA2PbI4 layer, it is found that the DA2PbCl4 passivation layer can more effectively passivate defects, improve carrier separation at the perovskite surface, and optimize the energy alignment between the perovskite film and hole transport layer. As a result, a champion power conversion efficiency of 23.91% is achieved for the DACl‐treated PSCs. Moreover, the device maintains around 95% of its initial efficiency after 1000 h storage under relative humidity of 10% at 25 °C.
Optical and Electrochemical Probes for Monitoring Cytochrome c in Subcellular Compartments During Apoptosis
Authors: Duan Zhijuan , Ouyang Yu , Fu Yuzhe , Huang Fujian , Xia Fan , Willner Itamar
Published: March 2023

Cytochrome c (Cyt. c) is a key initiator of the caspases that activate cell apoptosis. The spatiotemporal evaluation of the contents of Cyt. c in cellular compartments and the detection of Cyt. c delivery between cellular compartments upon apoptosis is important for probing cell viabilities. We introduce an optical probe and an electrochemical probe for the quantitative assessment of Cyt. c in cellular compartments at the single cell level. The optical or electrochemical probes are functionalized with photoresponsive o‐nitrobenzylphosphate ester‐caged Cyt. c aptamer constituents. These are uncaged by light stimuli at single cell compartments, allowing the spatiotemporal detection of Cyt. c through the formation of Cyt. c/aptamer complexes at non‐apoptotic or apoptotic conditions. The probes are applied to distinguish the contents of Cyt. c in cellular compartments of epithelial MCF‐10A breast cells and malignant MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231 breast cells under apoptotic/non‐apoptotic conditions.
Asymmetric Coordination of Iridium Single‐atom IrN3O Boosting Formic Acid Oxidation Catalysis
Authors: Wang Lei , Ji Bifa , Zheng Yongping , Tang Yongbing
Published: March 2023

Rational design of the proximal coordination of an active site to achieve its optimum catalytic activity is the ultimate goal in single‐atom catalysis, but still challenging. Here, we report theoretical prediction and experimental realization of an asymmetrically coordinated iridium single‐atom catalyst (IrN3O) for the formic acid oxidation reaction (FAOR). Theoretical calculations reveal that the substitution of one or two nitrogen with more electronegative oxygen in the symmetric IrN4 motif splits and downshifts the Ir 5d orbitals with respect to the Fermi level, moderating the binding strength of key intermediates on IrN4−xOx (x=1, 2) sites, especially that the IrN3O motif shows ideal activity for FAOR with a near‐zero overpotential. The as‐designed asymmetric Ir motifs were realized by pyrolyzing Ir precursor with oxygen‐rich glucose and nitrogen‐rich melamine, exhibiting a mass activity of 25 and 87 times greater than those of state‐of‐the‐art Pd/C and Pt/C, respectively.
Taphonomic skeletal disturbances in the Sima de los Huesos postcranial remains
Authors: Sala Nohemi , Martínez Ignacio , Lorenzo Carlos , García Rebeca , Carretero José Miguel , Rodríguez Laura , Gómez‐Olivencia Asier , Aranburu Arantza , García Nuria , Quam Rolf , Gracia Ana , Ortega Mª Cruz , Arsuaga Juan Luis
Published: March 2023

The postcranial skeleton of fossil hominins is crucial for reconstructing the processes that occurred between the time of death and the recovery of the bones. Thousands of postcranial skeletal fragments from at least 29 hominin individuals have been recovered from the Sima de los Huesos Middle Pleistocene site in Spain. This study's primary objective is to address the main taphonomic features of the postcranial remains from the Sima de los Huesos sample, including antemortem, perimortem, and postmortem skeletal disturbances. We present an updated assessment of the bone surface modification analysis, the fracture pattern analysis, and the skeletal part representation to facilitate interpretation of the biostratinomic and fossil‐diagenetic processes in this large paleoanthropological collection. We conclude that carnivores (probably bears) had limited access to the hominin bones and complete bodies were probably placed in the site.
Adaptive fractional‐order nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode formation control of multiple quadrotor UAVs‐based distributed estimator
Authors: Wang Hongbin , Li Ning , Luo Qianda
Published: March 2023

This paper mainly solves two major problems that are unavoidable in leader–follower formation process of quadrotor UAV group: the existence of external uncertainty disturbance and communication limited between quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) group. To solve the problem that only one of the followers in the leader–follower formation can obtain the leader's information, an improved distributed estimator is proposed in this paper, which can accurately estimate the leader's information for each follower. In addition, in order to eliminate the influence of uncertain external disturbance on the performance of quadrotor UAV, an adaptive estimation law is designed based only on velocity and position variables. For the attitude and position subsystem of the quadrotor UAV, a sliding surface with fractional‐order term is designed. Which makes the quadrotor UAV tracking error system obtain good robustness at the stage of reaching the sliding surface and fast convergence and accurate tracking performance in the sliding stage. Based on Lyapunov stability theory, the convergence results are analyzed strictly. The results show that the algorithm can make the position distance between leader and followers converge to the desired offset. Simulation results verify the effectiveness and superiority of the control algorithm.
Ambipolar Electrochemistry of Pre‐Intercalated Ti3C2Tx MXene in Ionic Liquid Electrolyte
Authors: Valurouthu Geetha , Panigrahi Rachita , Saraf Mohit , Shuck Christopher E. , Mallik Bhabani S. , Kurra Narendra , Gogotsi Yury
Published: March 2023

Cation intercalation with or without redox remains the dominant charge storage mechanism for two‐dimensional (2D) Ti3C2Tx MXene. Anion‐based charge storage remains unexplored due to intrinsic negative surface charge of MXenes preventing spontaneous intercalation of anions and irreversible oxidation of Ti at anodic potentials in aqueous electrolytes. In this work, we report on the ambipolar electrochemical behavior of the Ti3C2Tx in ionic liquid electrolyte over a 2.5 V electrochemically stable window. The experiments are conducted on a thin Ti3C2Tx film current collector coated with an electroactive layer of small flakes (∼150 nm) of Ti3C2Tx pre‐intercalated with 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis‐(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)‐imide (EMIM‐TFSI) ionic liquid. Couples of redox peaks with a very small potential separation during the voltage sweep are observed at high negative (−0.75 V vs. Ag wire) and high positive (+0.75 V vs. Ag wire) potentials. Our experimental electrochemical data combined with density functional theory (DFT) calculations suggest feasibility of pseudo‐intercalation of TFSI anions between Ti3C2Tx flakes. This study provides a pathway for elucidating anion intercalation for different MXene chemistries in solvent‐free electrolytes, which can lead to development of MXene based energy storage devices with improved performance.
Aspergetherins A‐D, New Chlorinated Biphenyls with anti‐MRSA Activity from the Marine Sponge Symbiotic Fungus Aspergillus terreus 164018
Authors: Li Jia‐Xin , Xu Qi‐Hang , Shang Ru‐Yi , Liu Qian , Luo Xiang‐Chao , Lin Hou‐Wen , Jiao Wei‐Hua
Published: March 2023

Aspergetherins A‐D (1–4), four new chlorinated biphenyls, were isolated from the rice fermentation of a marine sponge symbiotic fungus Aspergillus terreus 164018, along with seven known biphenyl derivatives (5–11). The structures of four new compounds were determined by a comprehensive analysis of the spectroscopic data, including HR‐ESI‐MS and 2D NMR data. All 11 isolates were evaluated for their anti‐bacterial activity against two strains of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Among them, compounds 1, 3, 8 and 10 showed anti‐MRSA activity with MIC values of 1.0–128 μg/mL. Preliminary structure‐activity relationship analysis unveiled that both chlorinated substitution and esterification of 2‐carboxylic acid could impact the antibacterial activity of biphenyls.
Comparative Bioavailability of a Novel Solution and a Tablet Formulation of Levothyroxine
Authors: Vandse Sunil , Psarrakis Yannis , Washington Kris , Baron Michelle A.
Published: March 2023

Levothyroxine (LT4) is the standard of care for treating hypothyroidism. Despite the established efficacy of LT4, 50% of treated patients fail to achieve normal thyrotropin levels. Oral formulations of LT4 that bypass the gastric phase of dissolution may offset some of the therapeutic shortcomings observed with tablets. An oral solution of LT4 can be administered to patients who are unable to swallow tablets; allows flexibility to individualize dosing; and may mitigate interference with LT4 absorption caused by food, coffee, increased gastric pH from atrophic gastritis, and malabsorption from bariatric surgery. The bioavailability of a novel LT4 oral solution and a reference LT4 tablet were compared in a randomized, laboratory‐blinded, single‐dose, 2‐period, 2‐sequence, crossover study in healthy euthyroid subjects. A single 600‐μg oral dose of LT4 solution (30 mL × 100 μg/5 mL) or tablet (2 × 300‐μg tablet) was administered under fasting conditions in each study period, and total thyroxine concentrations were measured for 72 hours after administration. The ratio of geometric least‐squares means and 90% confidence intervals for area under the concentration‐time curve from time 0 to 72 hours and maximum plasma concentration were calculated. Among 42 subjects in the pharmacokinetic population, the geometric least‐squares mean ratio of area under the concentration‐time curve from time 0 to 72 hours and maximum plasma concentration for baseline‐adjusted thyroxine was 109.1% and 107.9%, respectively, meeting Food and Drug Administration bioequivalence criteria. Adverse events (AEs) were similar between treatment groups with no serious AEs or discontinuations for AEs. Comparable bioavailability was observed between the LT4 oral solution and reference tablet after a single oral 600‐μg dose under fasting conditions.
Real‐time trust aware scheduling in fog‐cloud systems
Authors: Kaur Amanjot , Auluck Nitin
Published: March 2023

Fog computing offers cloud‐like facilities at the network edge, delivering reduced response times to latency sensitive applications. It comprises of fog devices/micro data centers/cloudlets located between users and the cloud data center. Fog devices are generally susceptible to privacy, security, and trust issues. We propose RT‐TADS (Real Time‐Trust Aware Dynamic Scheduling), a scheduling algorithm that accounts for privacy, trust and real‐time performance. To compute the trustworthiness of fog devices, we propose a trust computation model. This model factors in direct and recommended trust techniques for each fog device, and updates their aggregated trust values at regular intervals. User tasks are tagged as: private, semi‐private, and public. Fog devices are classified as: extremely highly trusted, highly trusted, normal trusted, low trusted, and untrusted. RT‐TADS maps the input jobs according to their privacy constraints on trustworthy fog devices, which increases the overall Success Ratio, hence improving real‐time performance. Using the Bitbrain dataset, the real‐time performance of RT‐TADS has been demonstrated, versus comparable algorithms. The results indicate that the proposed RT‐TADS offers an average improvement of 13%, 45%, and 71% in task success ratio compared to RLTCM, no‐trust, and cdc‐only respectively.
Cu‐MOF‐808 as a Sensing Material for Gaseous Hydrogen Sulfide
Authors: Marquardt Nele , Dahlke Melina , Schaate Andreas
Published: March 2023

The selective detection of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an important task because of its potentially hazardous effects not only on the environment but also on human health. Here, we present the zirconium‐based MOF‐808, which was modified with copper salts, as a colorimetric sensor material for the visible, reversible and sensitive H2S detection at room temperature. The copper cations, which are incorporated in the oxidation state +II, are installed at the inorganic building units (IBUs) of the framework so that they are accessible for interactions with H2S. The activated copper doped MOF‐808 powder shows significant and fast color change in the presence of H2S, which can be detected by UV‐vis spectroscopy. Moreover, the detection process is reversible by heating the material to 120 °C under ambient conditions leading to its decolorization. The detection performance of the material was studied by in situ UV‐vis measurements in a reaction chamber. The material was able to respond to 100 ppm H2S in several cycles of exposure and heating to 120 °C under moist air conditions in a defined wavelength range. This reversibility is very uncommon for copper‐based H2S sensing reactions and highlights the potential of MOFs as selective sensing materials.
Curiosity and intentions to use myblu e‐cigarettes and an examination of the ‘gateway’ theory: Data from cross‐sectional nationally representative surveys
Authors: Fearon Ian M. , Seltzer Ryan G. N. , Houser Trisha L. , Tope Andrew , Cahours Xavier , Verron Thomas , Malt Layla , Nahde Thomas , O'Connell Grant , Nides Mitchell
Published: March 2023

Encouraging adult smokers who are uninterested or unwilling to quit, and would otherwise continue to smoke, to transition to potentially less harmful nicotine products such as electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) may positively impact population health. However, counterbalancing this benefit is the societal concern that ENDS may be used by never smokers and youth and serve as a ‘gateway’ into cigarette smoking. Data were analysed from two independent surveys of the prevalence and perceptions of myblu ENDS use in the United States. Total sample size was 22,232 young adults and 23,264 adults. Being curious to use myblu was 1.6–2.0 times more likely in young adult current smokers than young adult never smokers. This likelihood was 2.8 times greater for adult current smokers compared with adult never smokers in the perceptions survey, while in the prevalence survey, there was no difference between adult current and never smokers. Intentions to use myblu were significantly greater in young adult current smokers compared with young adult never smokers in both surveys and in adults in the prevalence survey. In all surveys and age cohorts, 124 of 45,496 participants (0.1% of the total survey population) reported first using myblu prior to smoking cigarettes and went on to become established smokers. Curiosity and intentions to use myblu were generally higher in current smokers compared with never smokers. There was minimal evidence to suggest the existence of a ‘gateway’ effect to established cigarette smoking among never‐smoking myblu users.
Synthesis, Properties and Reactivity Studies of a Hetero‐dicopper Complex Consisting of a Porphyrin and a Bispyridylamine Moiety Connected by a Xanthene Backbone
Authors: Budhija Vishal , van Langevelde Phebe H. , Krause Konstantin B. , Cula Beatrice , Hetterscheid D. G. H. , Schwalbe Matthias
Published: March 2023

Synthesis, characterization and reactivity studies of a hetero‐dicopper complex, particularly towards oxygen reduction are presented. A bischlorido copper(II) trishistidine‐type coordination unit is positioned directly above a copper porphyrin unit. The close distance between the two coordination fragments is secured by a rigid xanthene backbone. Surprisingly, the dinuclear complex is not active towards oxygen reduction unlike the earlier published mononuclear analogues with a bispyridylamine copper center. However, the compound architecture of this multinuclear metal complex is interesting and can play an important role in the development of new catalysts for ORR.
Synthesis of Dibenzo[b,e]azepin‐6(11H)‐ones via a Sequential Ugi‐4CR and Sulfur Ylide‐Mediated Rearrangement Reaction
Authors: Kong Han‐Han , Zhao Long , Pan Hong‐Ling , Ding Ming‐Wu
Published: March 2023

A new one‐pot preparation of dibenzo[b,e]azepin‐6(11H)‐one by a sequential Ugi‐4CR and sulfur ylide‐mediated rearrangement reaction has been developed. A series of polysubstituted dibenzo[b,e]azepin‐6(11H)‐ones were obtained in 69–84 % yields from readily available sulfonium salts, 2‐aminophenyl ketones, aldehydes and isocyanides in the presence of DBU.
Tumor treating fields as novel combination partner in the multimodal treatment of head and neck cancer
Authors: Regnery Sebastian , Franke Henrik , Held Thomas , Trinh Thuy , Naveh Ariel , Abraham Yissachar , Hörner‐Rieber Juliane , Hess Jochen , Huber Peter E. , Debus Jürgen , Lopez Perez Ramon , Adeberg Sebastian
Published: March 2023

Background

We aimed to demonstrate the effects of tumor treating fields (TTFields) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells when combined with radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy.

Methods

Two human HNSCC cell lines (Cal27, FaDu) received five different treatments: TTFields, RT +/− TTFields and RT + simultaneous cisplatin +/− TTFields. Effects were quantified using clonogenic assays and flow cytometric analyses of DAPI, caspase‐3 activation and γH2AX foci.

Results

Treatment with RT + TTFields decreased the clonogenic survival as strong as treatment with RT + simultaneous cisplatin. The triple combination of RT + simultaneous cisplatin + TTFields even further decreased the clonogenic survival. Accordingly, combination of TTFields with RT or RT + simultaneous cisplatin increased cellular apoptosis and DNA double‐strand breaks.

Conclusion

TTFields therapy seems a promising combination partner in the multimodal treatment of locally advanced HNSCC. It could be used to intensify chemoradiotherapy or as alternative to chemotherapy.
Mechanochemical Synthesis and Reactivity of a Stable Nickel Borohydride
Authors: Raje Sakthi , Mani Kalaikodikumaran , Dinesh Shruthi , Yadav Archana , Chahal Manoj , Butcher Ray J. , Angamuthu Raja
Published: March 2023

We report the solvent‐assisted mechanochemically synthesised mononuclear Ni(II) borohydride complex supported by a macrocyclic tetradentate ligand. It was characterised as stable high‐spin [(LMe)Ni(η2‐BH4)]+ cation in solid‐state and in solution by various physicochemical methods and capable of transferring hydride. The stoichiometric reactivity of [(LMe)Ni(η2‐BH4)]+ cation was examined with trityl cation, alkyl halide, disulphide, thiol, carboxylic acid and enol at room temperature.
Eupatilin alleviates inflammatory response after subarachnoid hemorrhage by inhibition of TLR4/MyD88/NF‐κB axis
Authors: Hong Yu , He Shiqing , Zou Qin , Li Chong , Wang Jianpeng , Chen Rui
Published: March 2023

Early brain injury (EBI) is associated with the adverse prognosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients. The key bioactive component of the Chinese herbal medicine Artemisia asiatica Nakai (Asteraceae) is eupatilin. Recent research reports that eupatilin suppresses inflammatory responses induced by intracranial hemorrhage. This work is performed to validate whether eupatilin can attenuate EBI and deciphers its mechanism. A SAH rat model was established by intravascular perforation in vivo. At 6 h after SAH in rats, 10 mg/kg eupatilin was injected into the rats via the caudal vein. A Sham group was set as the control. In vitro, BV2 microglia was treated with 10 μM Oxyhemoglobin (OxyHb) for 24 h, followed by 50 μM eupatilin treatment for 24 h. The SAH grade, brain water content, neurological score, and blood‐brain barrier (BBB) permeability of the rats were measured 24 h later. The content of proinflammatory factors was detected via enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Western blot analysis was conducted to analyze the expression levels of TLR4/MyD88/NF‐κB pathway‐associated proteins. In vivo, eupatilin administration alleviated neurological injury, and decreased brain edema and BBB injury after SAH in rats. Eupatilin markedly reduced the levels of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐6, and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and suppressed the expression levels of MyD88, TLR4, and p‐NF‐κB p65 in the SAH rats' cerebral tissues. Eupatilin treatment also reduced the levels of IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α, and repressed the expression levels of MyD88, TLR4, and p‐NF‐κB p65 in OxyHb‐induced BV2 microglia. Additionally, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate or resatorvid enhanced the suppressive effects of eupatilin on OxyHb‐induced inflammatory responses in BV2 microglia. Eupatilin ameliorates SAH‐induced EBI via modulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF‐κB pathway in rat model.
The prognostic value of the combination of body composition and systemic inflammation in patients with cancer cachexia
Authors: Xie Hai‐Lun , Ruan Guo‐Tian , Wei Lishuang , Zhang Qi , Ge Yi‐Zhong , Song Meng‐Meng , Zhang Xi , Lin Shi‐qi , Liu Xiao‐yue , Zhang Xiao‐Wei , Li Xiang‐Rui , Zhang Kang‐Ping , Hu Chun‐Lei , Yang Ming , Tang Meng , Song Chun‐Hua , Cong Ming‐Hua , Weng Min , Li Zeng‐Ning , Li Wei , Wang Kun‐Hua , Shi Han‐Ping
Published: March 2023

Background

Changes in body composition and systemic inflammation are important characteristics of cancer cachexia. This multi‐centre retrospective study aimed to explore the prognostic value of the combination of body composition and systemic inflammation in patients with cancer cachexia.

Methods

The modified advanced lung cancer inflammation index (mALI), which combines body composition and systemic inflammation, was defined as appendicular skeletal muscle index (ASMI) × serum albumin/neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio. The ASMI was estimated according to a previously validated anthropometric equation. Restricted cubic splines were used to evaluate the relationship between mALI and all‐cause mortality in patients with cancer cachexia. Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard regression analysis were used to evaluate the prognostic value of mALI in cancer cachexia. A receiver operator characteristic curve was used to compare the effectiveness of mALI and nutritional inflammatory indicators in predicting all‐cause mortality in patients with cancer cachexia.

Results

A total of 2438 patients with cancer cachexia were enrolled, including 1431 males and 1007 females. The sex‐specific optimal cut‐off values of mALI for males and females were 7.12 and 6.52, respectively. There was a non‐linear relationship between mALI and all‐cause mortality in patients with cancer cachexia. Low mALI was significantly associated with poor nutritional status, high tumour burden, and high inflammation. Patients with low mALI had significantly lower overall survival (OS) than those with high mALI (39.5% vs. 65.5%, P < 0.001). In the male population, OS was significantly lower in the low mALI group than in the high group (34.3% vs. 59.2%, P < 0.001). Similar results were also observed in the female population (46.3% vs. 75.0%, P < 0.001). mALI was an independent prognostic factor for patients with cancer cachexia (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.974, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.959–0.990, P = 0.001). For every standard deviation [SD] increase in mALI, the risk of poor prognosis for patients with cancer cachexia was reduced by 2.9% (HR = 0.971, 95%CI = 0.943–0.964, P < 0.001) in males and 8.9% (HR = 0.911, 95%CI = 0.893–0.930, P < 0.001) in females. mALI is an effective complement to the traditional Tumour, Lymph Nodes, Metastasis (TNM) staging system for prognosis evaluation and a promising nutritional inflammatory indicator with a better prognostic effect than the most commonly used clinical nutritional inflammatory indicators.

Conclusions

Low mALI is associated with poor survival in both male and female patients with cancer cachexia and is a practical and valuable prognostic assessment tool.
Accessory ESCRT‐III proteins are conserved and selective regulators of Rab11a‐exosome formation
Authors: Marie Pauline P. , Fan Shih‐Jung , Mason John , Wells Adam , Mendes Cláudia C. , Wainwright S. Mark , Scott Sheherezade , Fischer Roman , Harris Adrian L. , Wilson Clive , Goberdhan Deborah C. I.
Published: March 2023

Exosomes are secreted nanovesicles with potent signalling activity that are initially formed as intraluminal vesicles (ILVs) in late Rab7‐positive multivesicular endosomes, and also in recycling Rab11a‐positive endosomes, particularly under some forms of nutrient stress. The core proteins of the Endosomal Sorting Complex Required for Transport (ESCRT) participate in exosome biogenesis and ILV‐mediated destruction of ubiquitinylated cargos. Accessory ESCRT‐III components have reported roles in ESCRT‐III‐mediated vesicle scission, but their precise functions are poorly defined. They frequently only appear essential under stress. Comparative proteomics analysis of human small extracellular vesicles revealed that accessory ESCRT‐III proteins, CHMP1A, CHMP1B, CHMP5 and IST1, are increased in Rab11a‐enriched exosome preparations. We show that these proteins are required to form ILVs in Drosophila secondary cell recycling endosomes, but unlike core ESCRTs, they are not involved in degradation of ubiquitinylated proteins in late endosomes. Furthermore, CHMP5 knockdown in human HCT116 colorectal cancer cells selectively inhibits Rab11a‐exosome production. Accessory ESCRT‐III knockdown suppresses seminal fluid‐mediated reproductive signalling by secondary cells and the growth‐promoting activity of Rab11a‐exosome‐containing EVs from HCT116 cells. We conclude that accessory ESCRT‐III components have a specific, ubiquitin‐independent role in Rab11a‐exosome generation, a mechanism that might be targeted to selectively block pro‐tumorigenic activities of these vesicles in cancer.
Low Prevalence of Late Myocardial Injury on Cardiac MRI Following COVID‐19 Infection
Authors: Orbach Ady , Ghugre Nilesh R. , Biswas Labonny , Connelly Kim A. , Chan Adrienne , Strauss Bradley H. , Wright Graham A. , Roifman Idan
Published: March 2023

Background

The prevalence of abnormal cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings indicative of myocardial injury in patients who recovered from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is currently unclear, with a high variability in the reported prevalence.

Purpose

To assess the prevalence of myocardial injury after a COVID‐19 infection.

Study Type

Prospective, bicentric study.

Subjects

Seventy consecutive patients who recovered from COVID‐19 and were previously hospitalized. Mean age was 57 years and 39% of the patients were female. Ten healthy controls and a comparator group of 75 nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) patients were employed.

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5‐T, steady‐state free precession (SSFP) gradient‐echo sequence, modified Look‐Locker inversion recovery sequence with balanced SSFP readout, T2‐prepared spiral readout sequence and a T1‐weighted inversion recovery fast gradient‐echo sequence was acquired ~4–5 months after recovery from COVID‐19.

Assessment

The SSFP sequence was utilized for the calculation of left and right ventricular volumes and ejection fractions (LVEF and RVEF) following manual endocardial contouring. T1 and T2 mapping was performed by pixel‐wise exponential fitting, and T1 and T2 values were computed by manual contouring of the left ventricular endocardial and epicardial walls. Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) images were graded qualitatively as LGE present or absent.

Statistical Tests

T‐tests and the χ2 or Fisher's exact tests were used to compare continuous and categorical variables respectively between the COVID‐19 and NICM groups. Inter‐rater agreement was evaluated by the intraclass correlation coefficient for continuous variables and Cohen's kappa test for LGE.

Results

Reduced RVEF occurred in 10%, LGE and elevated native T1 in 9%, reduced LVEF in 4%, and elevated T2 in 3% of COVID‐19 patients, respectively. Patients with NICM had lower mean LVEF (41.6% ± 6% vs. 60% ± 7%), RVEF (46% ± 5% vs. 61% ± 9%), and a significantly higher prevalence of LGE (27% vs. 9%) when compared to those post‐COVID‐19.

Data Conclusion

Abnormal cardiac MRI findings may show a low prevalence in patients who recovered from COVID‐19 and were previously hospitalized.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Multigenerational physiological compensation and body size reduction dampen the effects of warming on copepods
Authors: de Juan Carlos , Griffell Kaiene , Calbet Albert , Saiz Enric
Published: March 2023

Under the current ocean warming scenario, multigenerational studies are essential to address possible adaptive changes in phenotypic traits of copepod populations. In this study, we exposed the calanoid copepod Paracartia grani, reared in the laboratory at 19°C, to warmer conditions (22°C and 25°C) to investigate the changes in key phenotypic traits in the 1st, 10th, and 11th generations. Development rates and adult body size were inversely related to temperature in all generations. We also found a decline in copepod egg size at higher temperatures. Temperature had positive effects on the ingestion and egg production rate of females in the first generation, but the thermal response of the copepods diminished significantly in the consecutive generations. The decrease in thermal effects on feeding and egg production rates after multigenerational exposure cannot be explained only by the shrinkage in body size at warmer temperatures, but also involves the action of physiological compensation. These adaptive processes did not appear to have a significant cost on other traits, such as egg hatching success, gross growth efficiency, and sex ratio. Our findings have implications for the prediction of ocean warming effects on copepod activity rates and highlight the importance of physiological adaptation processes after multigenerational exposure.
The influence of light on the availability of photoreactive and photostable iron(III)–ligand complexes to diatoms
Authors: Kong Liangliang , Li Meizhen , Price Neil M.
Published: March 2023

Uptake of iron (Fe) by eukaryotic phytoplankton is suggested to proceed by a reductive pathway in which Fe(III) bound to inorganic and organic ligands is reduced prior to Fe internalization. Photochemical reduction of the Fe–ligand complexes can increase Fe bioavailability, but the role of light in regulating physiological processes related to Fe acquisition is not well known. Here, we report how model Fe–ligand complexes differing in photolability affected growth, cellular Fe reduction, and Fe uptake rates of two marine diatoms as a function of irradiance. Growth rates of Thalassiosira oceanica and Phaeodactylum tricornutum in media amended with Fe complexed with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (Fe‐EDTA) and desferrioxamine B (FeDFB) increased linearly with light between 50 and 400 μmol photons m−2 s−1 under Fe‐limiting conditions. Steady‐state Fe uptake rates (ρSS) were also light dependent, increasing proportionally with growth irradiance for both Fe–ligand complexes. Photolysis of the Fe‐EDTA complex could explain the increase in ρSS in Fe‐EDTA‐amended medium because it increased [Fe(III)’], but it could not account for the faster rate of Fe uptake from FeDFB at high light because FeDFB is photostable. Short‐term Fe uptake rates measured in the absence of photochemically mediated Fe(III) reduction showed that cells preconditioned to high growth irradiance took up Fe faster than cells grown at low light. Thus, growth at high light induced a physiological response that increased Fe uptake. High growth irradiance also increased the rate of cellular Fe(III)’ reduction in the dark, similar to its stimulatory effect on short‐term Fe uptake. These results identify a previously unrecognized Fe–light interaction that could be important in enhancing Fe availability to diatoms. We suggest that the light effect could be the result of a light‐dependent regulation of cellular Fe(III) reduction.
The abundance of the potential pathogen Staphylococcus hominis in the air microbiome in a dental clinic and its susceptibility to far‐UVC light
Authors: Aquino de Muro Marilena , Shuryak Igor , Uhlemann Anne‐Catrin , Tillman Alice , Seeram Dwayne , Zakaria Joseph , Welch David , Erde Steven M. , Brenner David J.
Published: March 2023

The dental clinic air microbiome incorporates microbes from the oral cavity and upper respiratory tract (URT). This study aimed to establish a reliable methodology for air sampling in a dental clinic setting and quantify the abundance of culturable mesophilic aerobic bacteria present in these samples using regression modeling. Staphylococcus hominis, a potentially pathogenic bacterium typically found in the human oropharynx and URT, was consistently isolated. S. hominis was the most abundant species of aerobic bacteria (22%–24%) and comprised 60%–80% of all Staphylococcus spp. The study also assessed the susceptibility of S. hominis to 222 nm‐far‐UVC light in laboratory experiments, which showed an exponential surface inactivation constant of k = 0.475 cm2/mJ. This constant is a critical parameter for future on‐site use of far‐UVC light as a technique for reducing pathogenic bacterial load in dental clinics.
A tuberculosis model with early and late latency, imperfect vaccination, and relapse: An application to China
Authors: Jiang Qian , Liu Zhijun , Wang Lianwen , Tan Ronghua
Published: March 2023

Screening those individuals who are latent but at higher risk of rapidly developing active tuberculosis (TB) is one of the intervention measures to control the spread of TB. This work proposes a TB SVELIT (S‐Susceptible, V‐Vaccinated, E‐Early latent, L‐Late latent, I‐Infected, T‐Treated) transmission model with relapse. In particular, a complete threshold dynamical analysis for the model is performed and the existence of optimal control is obtained. Meanwhile, the validity of the model is shown by comparing the real data with the fitted curve and the future trend in the incidence of TB in China is predicted. More importantly, the effects of four strategies, including vaccination, media propaganda, screening latent individuals, and receiving treatment, are evaluated numerically. The results suggest that the above four strategies can effectively control TB and shorten the duration of the epidemic. Interestingly, treatment is more effective than vaccination in controlling TB, but media propaganda and latent screening are cheaper and easier to implement.
Physical activity levels of individuals with chronic musculoskeletal disorders: Their relationship with barriers and facilitators
Authors: Kalın Ayse Sevim , Aytur Yesim Kurtais
Published: March 2023

Background

Individuals with chronic musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) often avoid physical activity (PA) and exercise although these are the key factors in managing their condition and pain.

Objectives

To determine the PA levels of individuals with chronic MSD and their relationship with barriers and facilitators.

Design

Three hundred and five subjects with five MSD groups; fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, periarticular regional pain and degenerative spine problems were included in the study. The visual analogue scale was used to assess pain, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale to assess emotional impact, and the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) to assess quality of life. PA levels were categorised by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire‐Short Form. Perceived barriers and facilitators for PA/exercise were determined by questionnaire.

Results

66 (21.6%) were male, 239 (78.4%) were female. 196 (64.3%) of the subjects were physically inactive, 94 (31.1%) low‐active, and 15 (4.6%) sufficiently active. The most frequently reported barriers for PA/exercise were fatigue/feeling too tired (72.1%), pain (66.2%), and lack of motivation/willingness (54.4%). The most frequently reported facilitators were the desire to be in good health (72.8%), enjoying exercise (59.7%), and the desire to keep fit and lose weight (59%).

Conclusion

The level of PA in individuals with MSD was quite low. Identifying the underlying causes of PA is important since PA/exercise is beneficial for musculoskeletal health. Yet, barriers and facilitators for PA were revealed for this study population. Identifying and understanding these barriers and facilitators would facilitate the individualised PA/exercise programs for both clinical practice and research.
The relationship of stress coping styles on substance use, depressive symptoms, and personality traits of nurses in higher education institution
Authors: Tokumitsu Keita , Sugawara Norio , Okayasu Hiroaki , Kawamata Yasushi , Shinozaki Masataka , Sato Yoshiteru , Sato Aoi , Uchibori Yumiko , Komatsu Tomie , Yasui‐Furukori Norio , Shimoda Kazutaka
Published: March 2023

Aim

This study examined the collective characteristics of nurses and their stress coping style.

Methods

We conducted a cluster analysis of the stress coping strategies of 841 nurses belonging to Dokkyo Medical University Hospital, as measured by the Brief COPE (Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced). We also conducted multivariate analyses of each cluster's sociodemographic characteristics, personality traits, depressive symptoms, work attitudes, sense of fairness, and turnover intention.

Results

The results of cluster analysis using the standardized z scores of the Brief COPE demonstrated that the study participants were classified into three clusters. The “emotional‐response type” tended to favor the use of emotional support, venting, and self‐blame. The “reality‐escape type” tended to prefer alcohol and substance use, behavioral resignation, use of instrumental support, and lack of acceptance. The “problem‐solving type” tended to prefer planning, positive reframing, and acceptance and to dislike “alcohol and substance use” and behavioral disengagement. A multinomial logistic regression analysis revealed that compared to the problem‐solving type, the emotional‐response type had a lower job title, a higher “neuroticism” score on the TIPI‐J, and a higher K6 score. However, compared to the problem‐solving type, the reality‐escape type was younger, consumed more alcohol and substances, and had a higher K6 score.

Conclusions

Stress coping styles were found to be associated with substance use, depressive symptoms, and personality traits among nurses in higher education institutions. Thus, the results suggest that nurses who choose maladaptive stress coping styles require mental support and early identification of depressive symptoms and alcohol problems.
3D joint interpretation of potential field, geology, and well data to evaluate a salt dome in the Qarah‐Aghaje area, Zanjan, NW Iran
Authors: Ghari Hosseinali , Varfinezhad Ramin , Parnow Saeed
Published: March 2023

As geophysical parameters are not always functionally related, treating multiple geophysical data sets to have a realistic geological model is not straightforward. An effective strategy to derive a geological interpretation is a combination of several geophysical methods with geological and well observations, each with its advantages and limitations. Gravity and magnetic methods are encouraging tools to investigate salt domes due to enough density and susceptibility contrasts between salt minerals and the background sedimentary rocks. In this paper, the dome‐shaped salt unit in the Qarah‐Aghaje area in Zanjan, located in the northwestern part of Iran, is investigated through the integration of 3D inversion models obtained from gravity and magnetic data and geological and well information. The 3D inversion of both data sets is made using a weighted damped minimum length solution for which model weighting is constructed from multiplying depth weighting and compactness constraints. At first, a synthetic case with a high degree of similarity to the real case is considered to evaluate the efficiency of the adopted inverse algorithm. Then, the inversion algorithm is implemented on the collected gravity and magnetic methods, and interpretation is made utilizing 3D obtained inverse models and geologic and well data. The result shows a dome‐shaped potash‐bearing salt unit that starts from a depth of 12 m and continues to the depth of 200 m. The drilled well in the centre of the main source of the salt (Well 3) demonstrates a depth range of 11–115 m.
Longitudinal dietary trajectories from pregnancy to 3 years post delivery in women with obesity: relationships with adiposity
Authors: Dalrymple Kathryn V. , Vogel Christina , Flynn Angela C. , Seed Paul T. , Godfrey Keith M. , Poston Lucilla , Inskip Hazel M. , Crozier Sarah R.
Published: March 2023

Objective

The study aim was to examine the relationships between longitudinal dietary trajectories from early pregnancy to 3 years post delivery and adiposity measures in women with obesity.

Methods

The diets of 1208 women with obesity in the UPBEAT (UK Pregnancy Better Eating and Activity Trial) study were assessed using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) at 15+0 to 18+6 weeks’ gestation (baseline), 27+0 to 28+6 weeks’ gestation, and 34+0 to 36+0 weeks' gestation, as well as 6 months and 3 years post delivery. Using factor analysis of the baseline FFQ data, four dietary patterns were identified: fruit & vegetable, African/Caribbean, processed, and snacking. The baseline scoring system was applied to the FFQ data at the four subsequent time points. Group‐based trajectory modeling was used to extract longitudinal dietary pattern trajectories. Using adjusted regression, associations between dietary trajectories and log‐transformed/standardized adiposity measures (BMI and waist and mid‐upper arm circumferences) at 3 years post delivery were examined.

Results

Two trajectories were found to best describe the data for the four individual dietary patterns; these were characterized as high and low adherence. A high adherence to the processed pattern was associated with a higher BMI (β = 0.38 [95% CI: 0.06–0.69]) and higher waist (β = 0.35 [0.03–0.67]) and mid‐upper arm circumferences (β = 0.36 [0.04–0.67]) at 3 years post delivery.

Conclusions

In women with obesity, a processed dietary pattern across pregnancy and 3 years post delivery is associated with higher adiposity.
Enhanced degradation of epidermal growth factor receptor by metformin
Authors: Yamagata Mayuka , Higashi Sen , Yaida Noboru , Ichihara Akane , Habu Manabu , Sasaguri Masaaki , Tominaga Kazuhiro , Takeuchi Hiroshi
Published: March 2023

Aim

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is one of the most extensively studied molecular targets for newly developed antitumor drugs. Metformin, a widely used antidiabetic drug for type 2 diabetes, is expected to exhibit antitumor activity. Recently, it was reported that EGFR expression in tumor tissues from patients with type 2 diabetes was reduced in patients taking metformin compared with that in patients not taking metformin. Therefore, we investigated the effect of metformin on the expression of EGFR at the cellular level.

Methods

Cell lines derived from oral squamous cell carcinoma were used to investigate the effect of metformin on the cell proliferation and cellular content of EGFR. Cell proliferation was assessed by direct cell counting and water‐soluble tetrazolium (WST)‐based colorimetric assay. Expression level of EGFR messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein were analyzed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blotting, respectively.

Results

The proliferation of all three cell lines used in this study (Ca9‐22, SAS, and HSC‐2) was suppressed by metformin. Metformin downregulated the cellular content of EGFR without affecting its mRNA expression. Ligand‐induced EGFR internalization was accelerated by metformin. Ligand‐induced EGFR degradation was inhibited by the lysosomal and proteasomal inhibitors bafilomycin A1 and MG132, respectively.

Conclusion

These results suggest that metformin reduces EGFR by modifying the intracellular trafficking of the receptor, for example, promoting ligand‐induced internalization and degradation of EGFR, rather than suppressing the synthesis of the receptor. The effect of metformin on EGFR may affect therapeutic outcomes when metformin is combined with existing cancer treatments.