bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Advances in Carbon‐Based Electrodes for Energy Storage and Conversion
Authors: Kothandam Gopalakrishnan , Singh Gurwinder , Guan Xinwei , Lee Jang Mee , Ramadass Kavitha , Joseph Stalin , Benzigar Mercy , Karakoti Ajay , Yi Jiabao , Kumar Prashant , Vinu Ajayan
Published: April 2023

Carbon‐based nanomaterials, including graphene, fullerenes, and carbon nanotubes, are attracting significant attention as promising materials for next‐generation energy storage and conversion applications. They possess unique physicochemical properties, such as structural stability and flexibility, high porosity, and tunable physicochemical features, which render them well suited in these hot research fields. Technological advances at atomic and electronic levels are crucial for developing more efficient and durable devices. This comprehensive review provides a state‐of‐the‐art overview of these advanced carbon‐based nanomaterials for various energy storage and conversion applications, focusing on supercapacitors, lithium as well as sodium‐ion batteries, and hydrogen evolution reactions. Particular emphasis is placed on the strategies employed to enhance performance through nonmetallic elemental doping of N, B, S, and P in either individual doping or codoping, as well as structural modifications such as the creation of defect sites, edge functionalization, and inter‐layer distance manipulation, aiming to provide the general guidelines for designing these devices by the above approaches to achieve optimal performance. Furthermore, this review delves into the challenges and future prospects for the advancement of carbon‐based electrodes in energy storage and conversion.
A Sustainable Approach Using Nanocrystals Functionalized Green Alkanes as Efficient Antisolvents to Fabricate High‐Quality Perovskite Films
Authors: Xiu Jingwei , Han Bing , Gao Han , Chen Xihan , Chen Zhenhua , Gong Shaokuan , Yan Xianchang , Tian Wenming , Zhang Xusheng , Chen Tian , Feng Xiyuan , Chen Guocong , He Dong , Deng Yonghong , Jin Shengye , Slater Peter Raymond , He Zhubing
Published: April 2023

To address the toxicity concern of extensively used chlorobenzene (CB) and toluene antisolvents, it is urgent to explore green and more efficient antisolvents. In this work, a general and highly reproducible methodology of employing CsPbI3 nanocrystals (NCs) functionalized green alkanes with ultralow‐polarity (Alkane/NCs) as antisolvents to fabricate high‐quality perovskite films is reported. Compared with the CB processed, the perovskite films with much improved quality and high‐orientation are achieved by the Alkane/NCs approach. NCs in the alkane antisolvents are proven to provide enough heterogeneous nuclei, solving effectively the discontinuous film problem encountered from using pure alkanes. Strikingly, the lattice anchoring effect of NCs accounts for the high‐orientation growth of the perovskite films as revealed directly by cryo‐electron microscopy (cryo‐EM). Moreover, the phase segregation that easily occur in the CB processed perovskite film is successfully suppressed by the Alkane/NCs method. The optimal device conversion efficiency is enhanced from 21.59% to 23.10% from CB to octane (OCT)/NCs. Impressively, the alkane/NCs processed perovskite films and their devices exhibit much improved stability over CB, with the conversion efficiency remaining at 94% of its initial value after 500 h light soaking for OCT/NCs device, while the CB device fails at around 100 h.
A graph theory assisted Monte Carlo algorithm for simulating the topology structure of LDPE and connection with molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Wang Jie , Ren Yu , Yang Yao , Fan Xiaoqiang , Jiang Binbo , Huang Zhengliang , Wang Jingdai , Yang Yongrong
Published: April 2023

Precise simulation of the topology structure of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) chain is significant for product properties research. However, the chain structure symbolization methods in literature all rely on specially designed methods or temporary tricks, which are hard to understand and may induce some deviations in branch distribution prediction. To overcome this problem, a graph theory assisted Monte Carlo algorithm is developed for chain topology structure simulation of LDPE. The new symbolization method provides better accuracy and is much easy for code implementation and integration in other software. In detail, the average long chain branching predicted by this method is always smaller than that predicted by traditional methods, and much closer to the experimental results. Furthermore, the predicted topology structure information of LDPE chains can be provided as input data for molecular dynamics simulation to study the crystal process, and the predicted crystallinity and density also show good agreement with experiments.
Electroreductive Coupling of Aldehydes and Subsequent Pinacol Rearrangement for 1,2‐Disubstituted Ethanones
Authors: Zhao Youyuan , Jin Ye , Liu Mao , Zhao Wenfeng , Jiang Nan , Ge Qingmei , Cong Hang , Tao Zhu
Published: April 2023

An electrochemical method for the generation of 1,2‐diols through the reductive coupling of aldehydes has been developed, and the 1,2‐diols were used directly without separation for the pinacol rearrangement process. The electro‐organic strategy had mild reaction conditions and avoided the use of reductants. The pinacol rearrangement was controllable to access to the hydride‐migrated product 1,2‐disubstituted. The key factor in selectivity was the use of macrocyclic compound cucurbit[7]uril, which plays a key role in the interaction with aromatic ring of 1,2‐diol. On the basis of experimental results, the mechanism, include the electroreductive coupling and pinacol rearrangement process, was illustrated.
Outstanding Quadratic to Septic Optical Nonlinearity at Dipolar Alkynylmetal‐Porphyrin Hybrids
Authors: Wang Huan , Morshedi Mahbod , Kodikara Mahesh S. , de Coene Yovan , Clays Koen , Zhang Chi , G. Humphrey Mark
Published: April 2023

Porphyrins are important macrocycles with applications in several areas including therapy, catalysis, and sensing. Strong nonlinear optical (NLO) responses are the key to fully exploiting the potential of these biocompatible molecules. We herein report that certain metal‐alkynyl donor/nitro acceptor‐functionalized porphyrins are attractive candidates for NLO applications. We show that specific examples exhibit record quadratic optical nonlinearity, exceptional two‐photon absorption, and outstanding three‐photon absorption, and we report the first porphyrins that exhibit four‐photon absorption. The two‐, three‐, and four‐photon absorption maxima are found at the corresponding multiples of linear absorption bands that time‐dependent density functional theory assigns as admixtures of porphyrin‐localized π*←π and donor‐porphyrin to porphyrin‐acceptor charge‐transfer transitions.
Diazoalkene – Von einem flüchtigen Intermediat zu einer neuen stabilen Substanzklasse in der Organischen Chemie
Authors: Hansmann Max M.
Published: April 2023

Über Jahrzehnte wurden Diazoalkene (R2C=C=N2) als reaktive Intermediate in der organischen Chemie postuliert, obwohl sich ihr direkter spektroskopischer Nachweis als sehr schwierig erwies. In den 1970/80er Jahren untersuchten mehrere Gruppen ihre Existenz hauptsächlich indirekt durch Abfangexperimente oder direkt durch Matrixisolationsstudien. In 2021 berichteten unsere Gruppe und die Severin Gruppe unabhängig voneinander über die Synthese und Charakterisierung der ersten bei Raumtemperatur stabilen Diazoalkene, was ein schnell expandierendes Forschungsgebiet darstellt. Soweit wurden vier verschiedene Klassen von N‐heterozyklisch substituierten, raumtemperaturstabilen Diazoalkenen beschrieben. Ihre Eigenschaften und einzigartige Reaktivität, wie z. B. N2/CO‐Austausch oder die Verwendung als Vinylidenvorläufer in der organischen und Übergangsmetallchemie, werden vorgestellt. Diese Übersicht fasst die frühen Entdeckungen von Diazoalkenen zusammen, von ihrer anfänglichen Postulierung als flüchtige, schwer fassbare Spezies bis hin zu den jüngsten Erkenntnissen über raumtemperaturstabile Derivate.
Sulfone‐Modified Covalent Organic Frameworks Enabling Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Peroxide Generation via One‐Step Two‐Electron O2 Reduction
Authors: Luo Yu , Zhang Beiping , Liu Chenchen , Xia Dehua , Ou Xinwen , Cai Yanpeng , Zhou Yang , Jiang Jin , Han Bin
Published: April 2023

Photocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) offers a promising hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) synthetic strategy, especially the one‐step two‐electron (2e−) ORR route holds great potential in achieving highly efficient and selectivity. However, efficient one‐step 2e− ORR is rarely harvested and the underlying mechanism for regulating the ORR pathways remains greatly obscure. Here, by loading sulfone units into covalent organic frameworks (FS‐COFs), we present an efficient photocatalyst for H2O2 generation via one‐step 2e− ORR from pure water and air. Under visible light irradiation, FS‐COFs exert a superb H2O2 yield of 3904.2 μmol h−1 g−1, outperforming most reported metal‐free catalysts under similar conditions. Experimental and theoretical investigation reveals that the sulfone units accelerate the separation of photoinduced electron‐hole (e−‐h+) pairs, enhance the protonation of COFs, and promote O2 adsorption in the Yeager‐type, which jointly alters the reaction process from two‐step 2e− ORR to the one‐step one, thereby achieving efficient H2O2 generation with high selectivity.
Effects of artificial diet breeding on intestinal microbial populations at the young stage of silkworm (Bombyx mori)
Authors: Shu Qilong , Wang Yuanfei , Gu Haoyi , Zhu Qingyu , Liu Wei , Dai Yan , Li Fanchi , Li Bing
Published: April 2023

The silkworm (Bombyx mori) is an economically important insect and serves as a model organism for Lepidoptera. To investigate the effects of the intestinal microbial population on the growth and development of larvae fed an artificial diet (AD) during the young stages, we analyzed the characteristics of the intestinal microbial population using 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology. Our results revealed that the intestinal flora of the AD group tended to be simple by the 3rd‐instar, which Lactobacillus accounting for 14.85% and leading to a decreased pH in the intestinal fluid. In contrast, the intestinal flora of silkworms in the mulberry leaf (ML) group showed continuous growth of diversity, with Proteobacteria accounting for 37.10%, Firmicutes accounting for 21.44%, and Actinobacteria accounting for 17.36%. Additionally, we detected the activity of intestinal digestive enzymes at different instars and found that the activity of digestive enzymes in the AD group increased by larval instar. Protease activity in the AD group was lower during the 1st‐ to 3rd‐instars compared to the ML group, while α‐amylase and lipase activities were significantly higher in the AD group during the 2nd‐ and 3rd‐instar compared to the ML group. Furthermore, our experimental results indicated that changes in the intestinal population decreased the pH and affected the activity of proteases, which might contribute to the slower growth and development of larvae in the AD group. In summary, this study provides a reference for investigating the relationship between artificial diet and intestinal flora balance.
Ionothermally Synthesized Nanoporous Ti0.95W0.05Nb2O7: a Novel Anode Material for High‐Performance Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Tao Runming , Zhang Tianyu , Sun Xiao‐Guang , Do‐Thanh Chi‐Linh , Dai Sheng
Published: April 2023

Although TiNb2O7 is regarded as a fast‐rechargeable lithium‐ion battery (LIB) anode material, the intrinsic poor electrochemical kinetics of TiNb2O7 still dramatically impedes its development. Herein, an ionothermal synthesis‐assisted doping strategy is proposed for the preparation of a new W6+‐doped TiNb2O7 material (Ti0.95W0.05Nb2O7) with nanoporous structure (denoted as NPTWNO). The improved Li+ diffusion coefficient of NPTWNO suggests that the ionic‐liquid‐templated nanoporous architecture improves the Li+ diffusion kinetics. The density functional theory computational study reveals that the doped W6+ successfully boosts the electronic conductivity due to the narrowed conduction‐valance bandgap resulted from charge redistribution, which is reflected by the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data. With the simultaneously enhanced Li+ diffusivity and electronic conductivity, NPTWNO achieves fast‐rechargeability in LIBs. Therefore, this work indicates the potential of ionothermal synthesis‐assisted doping strategy on energy storage materials and offers NPTWNO material with promising electrochemical performance.
Clinical features of patients with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis at plateau areas
Authors: Yang Yongxiang , Cheng Jingmin , Peng Yuping , Luo Yan , Zou Dongbo , Yang Yongjian , Ma Yuan
Published: April 2023

Objective

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is believed to be associated with high‐altitude exposure and has worse clinical prognosis in plateau areas than in plain areas, although this needs to be further verified. This retrospective study aims to compare the clinical differences of patients with CVST in plateau and plain areas and further ascertain the role of high‐altitude exposure in the etiology of aggravating predisposition toward CVST.

Methods

Twenty‐four symptomatic CVST patients occurring at plateau areas (altitude ≥ 4000 m), in corresponding with 24 CVST patients occurring at plain areas (altitude ≤ 1000 m), were recruited according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria from June 2020 to December 2021. The collected data and compared parameters include clinical features, neuroimaging findings, hematology profile, lipid profile, and coagulation profile within 24 h of hospital admission, as well as the treatment method and final outcome.

Results

There were no obvious differences of demographic characteristics, including gender, age, height, and weight between patients with CVST in plateau and plain areas, as well as medical history, neuroimaging findings, treatment protocols, and clinical outcome (all p > .05). Compared to patients with CVST at plain areas, time before hospital admission was longer and heartbeat was slower in patients with CVST at plateau areas (all p < .05). More importantly, elevated red blood cells counts, hemoglobin level, and altered coagulation function were found in patients with CVST at plateau areas (all p < .05).

Conclusion

CVST patients in plateau areas presented with altered clinical characteristics, altered coagulation function, and aggravated predisposition toward venous thromboembolism compared with CVST patients in plain areas. Future prospective studies will be needed to further elucidate the influences of a high altitude on the pathogenesis of CVST.
The posterior gastric artery: A meta‐analysis and systematic review
Authors: Nikov Andrej , Gürlich Robert , Kachlík David , Whitley Adam
Published: April 2023

The aim of this study was to review the literature on the posterior gastric artery, estimate its prevalence and summarize its reported origins. The databases Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar were searched to find all studies describing the prevalence and origin of the posterior gastric artery. Pooled prevalences were estimated using a random effects model. Thirty‐eight studies with a total of 3366 subjects were included in the analysis. The overall prevalence of the posterior gastric artery was 57.4% (95% CI = 49.1%–65.7%). The prevalence of the posterior gastric artery was significantly higher in surgical studies than in cadaveric and angiographic studies. There were no differences in prevalence between multi‐detector computed tomography studies and cadaveric studies, nor were there differences when comparing geographical location or study size. Origin data were extracted from 34 studies, with a total of 1533 cases. The posterior gastric artery arose as a single vessel from the splenic artery in 1160 cases (pooled prevalence 86.5% [95% CI = 78.5%–94.7%]), from the superior polar splenic artery in 339 cases (pooled prevalence 11.8% [95% CI = 3.7%–19.9%]) and from other origins in 50 cases (pooled prevalence 0.27% [95% CI = 0.00–0.71%]). The posterior gastric artery is present in 57.4% of cases and most commonly arises from the splenic artery. It should be identified before gastric resections as it may be an important source of blood to the gastric stump. Multi‐detector computed tomography has sufficient sensitivity to detect it before surgery.
What is the appropriate genetic testing criteria for breast cancer in the Chinese population?—Analysis of genetic and clinical features from a single cancer center database
Authors: Ni Mengqian , Wang Fang , Yang Anli , Shao Qiong , Xue Cong , Xia Wen , Xu Fei , Lin Xi , Huang Jiajia , Bi Xiwen , Hong Ruoxi , Chen Meiting , Zheng Qiufan , Jiang Kuikui , Xie Xinhua , Tang Jun , Wang Xi , Yuan Zhongyu , Wang Shusen , Shi Yanxia , An Xin
Published: April 2023

Background

Genetic testing plays an important role in guiding screening, diagnosis, and precision treatment of breast cancer (BC). However, the appropriate genetic testing criteria remain controversial. The current study aims to facilitate the development of suitable strategies by analyzing the germline mutational profiles and clinicopathological features of large‐scale Chinese BC patients.

Methods

BC patients who had undergone genetic testing at the Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer Center (SYSUCC) from September 2014 to March 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Different screening criteria were applied and compared in the population cohort.

Results

A total of 1035 BC patients were enrolled, 237 pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants (P/LPV) were identified in 235 patients, including 41 out of 203 (19.6%) patients tested only for BRCA1/2 genes, and 194 out of 832 (23.3%) received 21 genes panel testing. Among the 235 P/LPV carriers, 222 (94.5%) met the NCCN high‐risk criteria, and 13 (5.5%) did not. While using Desai's criteria of testing, all females diagnosed with BC by 60 years and NCCN criteria for older patients, 234 (99.6%) met the high‐risk standard, and only one did not. The 21 genes panel testing identified 4.9% of non‐BRCA P/LPVs and a significantly high rate of variants of uncertain significance (VUSs) (33.9%). The most common non‐BRCA P/LPVs were PALB2 (11, 1.3%), TP53 (10, 1.2%), PTEN (3, 0.4%), CHEK2 (3, 0.4%), ATM (3, 0.4%), BARD1 (3, 0.4%), and RAD51C (2, 0.2%). Compared with BRCA1/2 P/LPVs, non‐BRCA P/LPVs showed a significantly low incidence of NCCN criteria listed family history, second primary cancer, and different molecular subtypes.

Conclusions

Desai's criteria might be a more appropriate genetic testing strategy for Chinese BC patients. Panel testing could identify more non‐BRCA P/LPVs than BRCA1/2 testing alone. Compared with BRCA1/2 P/LPVs, non‐BRCA P/LPVs exhibited different personal and family histories of cancer and molecular subtype distributions. The optimal genetic testing strategy for BC still needs to be investigated with larger continuous population studies.
The changes of subtype markers between first and second primary breast cancers
Authors: Li Chenyang , Lyu Zhangyan , Wang Zhipeng , Hao Chunfang , Huang Yubei , Song Fengju
Published: April 2023

Background

Previous studies investigated the changes of subtype markers [estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)] in several clinical settings, but not for second primary breast cancer (SPBC) after first primary breast cancer (FPBC).

Methods

A total of 15,390 patients with SPBC were preliminarily selected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program, and 3777 patients with complete information on three subtype markers in both FPBC and SPBC were included in the final analyses. The changes of subtype markers and their prognostic implications and potential influential factors were well investigated.

Results

The overall change rates of ER, PR, and HER2 between FPBC and SPBC were 23.0% (867/3777), 35.0% (1322/3777), and 18.3% (691/3777), respectively. Gains of ER, PR, and HER2 after negative index markers were 48.7% (364/748), 37.9% (418/1103), and 11.5% (370/3211), while losses of markers after positive index markers were 16.6% (503/3029), 33.8%(904/2674), and 56.7%(321/566). Loss of ER was significantly associated with increased mortality (18.1% vs. 7.9%, p < 0.001), while gain of ER was significantly associated with decreased mortality (11.5% vs. 23.2%, p < 0.001). Similar results were observed for changes of PR status. However, loss of HER2 was significantly associated with decreased mortality (8.7% vs. 16.3%, p = 0.014), and no significant association was observed between the gain of HER2 and the prognosis of SPBC. Multivariate competing risk analyses showed similar results. HER2 status in FPBC, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy was significantly associated with changes of ER/PR (all p < 0.05), and no available therapies associated with HER2 change.

Conclusion

The changes of subtype markers are observed in a considerable proportion of patients and has statistically significant prognostic implications. Biopsies should be taken as a routine procedure for better therapy management.
Latent heterogeneity of muscle‐invasive bladder cancer in patient characteristics and survival: A population‐based nation‐wide study in the Bladder Cancer Data Base Sweden (BladderBaSe)
Authors: Häggström Christel , Rowley Mark , Liedberg Fredrik , Coolen Anthony C. C. , Holmberg Lars
Published: April 2023

Background

Patients with muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) constitute a heterogenous group in terms of patient and tumour characteristics (‘case‐mix’) and prognosis. The aim of the current study was to investigate whether differences in survival could be used to separate MIBC patients into separate classes using a recently developed latent class regression method for survival analysis with competing risks.

Methods

We selected all participants diagnosed with MIBC in the Bladder Cancer Data Base Sweden (BladderBase) and analysed inter‐patient heterogeneity in risk of death from bladder cancer and other causes.

Results

Using data from 9653 MIBC patients, we detected heterogeneity with six distinct latent classes in the studied population. The largest, and most frail class included 50% of the study population and was characterised by a somewhat larger proportion of women, higher age at diagnosis, more advanced disease and lower probability of curative treatment. Despite this, patients in this class treated with curative intent by radical cystectomy or radiotherapy had a lower association to risk of death. The second largest class included 23% and was substantially less frail as compared to the largest class. The third and fourth class included each around 9%–10%, whereas the fifth and sixth class included each 3%–4% of the population.

Conclusions

Results from the current study are compatible with previous research and the method can be used to adjust comparisons in prognosis between MIBC populations for influential differences in the distribution of sub‐classes.
Identification of optimal primary tumor resection candidates for metastatic gastric cancer: Nomograms based on propensity score matching
Authors: Li Zhehong , Zheng Honghong , Zhao Ziming , Chen Guanyang , Wang Zheng , Amin Buhe , Zhang Nengwei
Published: April 2023

Background

This study sought to develop and validate nomograms for screening patients with metastatic gastric cancer (mGC) who are candidates for primary tumor resection (PTR) and evaluating the prognosis of mGC patients after PTR.

Methods

From 2010 to 2016, we screened mGC patients with complete data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Depending on whether or not PTR was performed, we categorized patients into surgery and non‐surgery groups. A 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was used to balance the characteristics of the two groups. The endpoints were overall survival (OS) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS). Two predictive nomograms were developed using logistic regression to assess the likelihood of benefit. Two additional prognostic nomograms were developed to assess prognosis in mGC patients after PTR by Cox regression. Finally, nomograms were evaluated using a variety of methodologies.

Results

Our study included 3594 mGC patients who met the criteria. PTR was associated with improved OS and CSS time (median OS time after PSM: 15 vs. 7 months, P < 0.05; median CSS time after PSM: 17 vs. 7 months, P < 0.05). The OS‐related predictive nomogram, including age, histologic type, grade, T stage, and chemotherapy, was developed. Moreover, the CSS‐related predictive nomogram, including age, histologic type, grade, and chemotherapy, was developed. Sex, histologic type, grade, T stage, N stage, and chemotherapy were found to be correlated with OS. Furthermore, the CSS correlated with histologic type, grade, T stage, N stage, and chemotherapy. Both predictive and prognostic nomograms were found to be valuable and reliable after different types of validation.

Conclusion

Predictive nomograms were developed and validated for identifying the optimal PTR mGC candidates. Prognostic nomograms were developed and validated for assessing the prognosis of mGC patients after PTR.
Three rare presentations of high‐altitude pulmonary edema at a high‐altitude clinic in the Everest region (4371 m): A case series
Authors: Subedi Sachin , Regmi Priyanka , Bhandari Sanjeeb S. , Dawadi Suvash
Published: April 2023

Key Clinical Message

Diagnosis of HAPE can be challenging when the presentation deviates from usual natural history. Point of care ultrasonography serves as a great diagnostic tool in such settings. An umbrella treatment could be beneficial during such scenarios.
Adult nondysraphic cervicomedullary intramedullary lipoma: A case report and literature review
Authors: Roohollahi Faramarz , Sharifi Vahid , abousaeidi Setare R. , Jouibari Morteza F.
Published: April 2023

Key clinical message

Intra‐dural perimedullary lipomas involving craniovertebral region are rare. There is no clear tumor‐cord border and patients are at high risk of neurological deficits after surgery. Partial resection of the mass and neural decompression are the main surgical strategies in symptomatic patients.
Pseudohyperkalemia associated with essential thrombocytosis; a hint for better clinical practice
Authors: Yaghoubi Fatemeh , Dalil Davood
Published: April 2023

A 75‐year‐old man was admitted with a diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperkalemia. During the treatment, he developed refractory hyperkalemia. Following our review, diagnosis of pseudohyperkalaemia secondary to thrombocytosis was made. We report this case to remind the importance of clinical suspicion of this phenomenon to prevent its serious consequences.
Coexistence of junctional epidermolysis bullosa, autosomal recessive deafness type 57, and Angelman syndrome: A case report
Authors: Amato Maria Eugenia , Ricart Silvia , Vicente Maria Asunción , Martorell Loreto , Armstrong Judith , Fernández Isern Guerau , Mascaro José Manuel , Balsells Sol , Alonso Itziar , Serrano Mercedes , Ortigoza‐Escobar Juan Darío
Published: April 2023

Key Clinical Message

The presence of more than one genetic/genomic disorder is not uncommon. It is therefore essential to continuously consider new signs and symptoms over time. Administration of gene therapy could be extremely difficult in particular situations.

A 9‐month‐old boy presented to our department for evaluation of developmental delay. We found that he was affected by intermediate junctional epidermolysis bullosa (COL17A1, c.3766 + 1G > A, homozygous), Angelman syndrome (5,5 Mb deletion of 15q11.2‐q13.1), and autosomal recessive deafness type 57 (PDZD7, c.883C > T, homozygous).
Recent advances of transition‐metal metaphosphates for efficient electrocatalytic water splitting
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Wu Jie , Guo Bingrong , Huo Haohao , Niu Siqi , Li Siwei , Xu Ping
Published: April 2023

Sustainable production of H2 through electrochemical water splitting is of great importance in the foreseeable future. Transition‐metal metaphosphates (TMMPs) have a three‐dimensional (3D) open‐framework structure and a high content of P (which exists as PO3−), and therefore have been recognized as highly efficient catalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and the bottleneck of electrochemical water splitting. Furthermore, TMMPs can also contribute to hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline and neutral media by facilitating water dissociation, and thus, overall water splitting can be achieved using this kind of material. In this timely review, we summarize the recent advances in the synthesis of TMMPs and their applications in OER and HER. We present a brief introduction of the structure and synthetic strategies of TMMPs in the first two parts. Then, we review the latest progress made in research on TMMPs as OER, HER, and overall water‐splitting electrocatalysts. In this part, the intrinsic activity of TMMPs as well as the current strategy for improving the catalytic activity will be discussed systematically. Finally, we present the future opportunities and the remaining challenges for the application of TMMPs in the electrocatalysis field.
New Hypothesis Insight of Structural Properties on Four Tau Peptide Fragments in Alzheimer's Disease: Origin from the Histidine Behaviors
Authors: Sun Yue , Li Changgui , Wang Jinping , Shi Hu
Published: April 2023

During protein folding and misfolding, structural properties and aggregation tendency can be significantly influenced by histidine behaviors (tautomeric behaviors and protonation behaviors). The original reasons were derived from the net charge changes and the various N/N−H orientation on imidazole rings. In the current study, total 18 independent REMD simulations were performed to investigate the histidine behaviors on four Tau peptide fragments (MBD, including R1, R2, R3, and R4 fragments). We found that, compared to R1, R2, R3 except (ϵδ), and R4 systems with flexible structural features, only R3(ϵδ) has dominating conformational structure (possibility of 81.3 %) with three β‐strand structures in parallel β‐sheet structures at I4‐K6 and I24‐H26, as well as antiparallel β‐sheet structure at G19‐L21. Importantly, the H25 and H26 residues (in R3(ϵδ) system) are directly involved in the sheet structure formations and strong H‐bonded interactions (possibility range of 31.3 %–44.7 %). Furthermore, the donors and acceptors analysis confirmed that only R3(ϵδ) shows faraway amino acids interaction features in both H25 and H26 residues, and such cooperation effects of two histidine residues contribute to current structural features. The current study will be helpful to further enrichment of the histidine behavior hypothesis, it provides new insight for understanding protein folding and misfolding.
Nitric Oxide‐Releasing Poly(L‐glutamic acid) Hybrid Hydrogels for Accelerating Diabetic Wound Healing†
Authors: Teng Lin , Song Yingying , Hu Lingli , Bai Qian , Zhang Xueliang , Dong Chang‐Ming
Published: April 2023

Comprehensive Summary

Diabetic wound healing is threatening worldwide and challenging in wound dressings. Aiming to inhibit heavy inflammation and bacterial infection in diabetic wounds, herein, we facilely construct a kind of NO‐releasing poly(L‐glutamic acid) (PGA) based graphene oxide (GO) hybrid hydrogel of HDGS at a lower solid percentage, presenting large microporous size of about 20 μm, mild photothermal conversion property, and good biocompatibility. Besides improving hemostasis performance, the less amount of GO endowed the hydrogel with near infrared (NIR) responsivity to control fast and pulsatile NO release for killing bacteria and inhibiting heavy inflammation to proheal diabetic wound, in which a broad spectrum of antibacterial activities toward killing S. aureus, E. coli and MRSA was achieved via a combined effect of photothermia and NO release. In vivo effective hemostasis was attained in a rat liver bleeding model with short hemostatic time of ~20 s and lower blood loss of 1.5%—2.0%. Moreover, the treatment of HDGS plus 4 times of mild NIR irradiation (10 min, 808 nm, 1 W/cm2 per time) performed superior full diabetic wound healing within 11—14 d, in which the regenerated skins were characteristic of thick epidermis/dermis, dense blood vessels, some hair follicles‐embedding, and high level of collagens.
Leiomyosarcoma, a rare smooth muscle cancer in the pancreas: An adjuvant radiotherapy treatment approach
Authors: Taghizadeh Kermani Ali , Khooei Alireza , Aliakbarian Mohsen , Arastouei Soudeh
Published: April 2023

Background

Leiomyosarcoma of visceral organs is uncommon, and pancreatic primary occurrence is even rarer. In terms of curative treatment, patients are generally managed with surgery alone, without significant data on the role or efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy.

Case presentation

This manuscript presents a case of a 22‐year‐old female with advanced primary leiomyosarcoma of the pancreas, treated with radical surgery and adjuvant radiation therapy.

Conclusion

With a low‐survival rate, consideration of radiation therapy in some advanced and unresectable cases could be potentially beneficial.
Chromosomal instability and its effect on cell lines
Authors: He Zichen , Wilson Andrew , Rich Fenella , Kenwright Diane , Stevens Aaron , Low Yee Syuen , Thunders Michelle
Published: April 2023

Background

Cancer cell lines are invaluable model systems for biomedical research because they provide an almost unlimited supply of biological materials. However, there is considerable skepticism regarding the reproducibility of data derived from these in vitro models.

Recent findings

Chromosomal instability (CIN) is one of the primary issues associated with cell lines, which can cause genetic heterogeneity and unstable cell properties within a cell population. Many of these problems can be avoided with some precautions. Here we review the underlying causes of CIN, including merotelic attachment, telomere dysfunction, DNA damage response defects, mitotic checkpoint defects and cell cycle disturbances.

Conclusion

In this review we summarize studies highlighting the consequences of CIN in various cell lines and provide suggestions on monitoring and controlling CIN during cell culture.
Rfoot‐seq: Transcriptomic RNase Footprinting for Mapping Stable RNA‐Protein Complexes and Rapid Ribosome Profiling
Authors: Li Qianru , Stroup Emily K. , Ji Zhe
Published: April 2023

Ribosome profiling isolates ribosome‐protected fragments for sequencing and is a valuable method for studying different aspects of RNA translation. However, conventional protocols require millions of input cells and time‐consuming steps to isolate translating ribosome complexes using ultracentrifugation or immunoprecipitation. These limitations have prevented their application to rare physiological samples. To address these technical barriers, we developed an RNase footprinting approach named Rfoot‐seq to map stable transcriptomic RNA‐protein complexes that allows rapid ribosome profiling using low‐input samples (Li, Yang, Stroup, Wang, & Ji, 2022). In this assay, we treat a cell lysate with concentrated RNase without complex crosslinking and retained only RNA footprints associated with stable complexes for sequencing. The footprints in coding regions represent ribosome‐protected fragments and can be used to study cytosolic and mitochondrial translation simultaneously. Rfoot‐seq achieves comparable results to conventional ribosome profiling to quantify ribosome occupancy and works robustly for various cultured cells and primary tissue samples. Moreover, Rfoot‐seq maps RNA fragments associated with stable non‐ribosomal RNA‐protein complexes in noncoding domains of small noncoding RNAs and some long noncoding RNAs. Taken together, Rfoot‐seq opens an avenue to quantify transcriptomic translation and characterize functional noncoding RNA domains using low‐input samples. © 2023 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Harvesting and lysing adherent cells

Alternate Protocol 1: Harvesting and lysing suspension cells

Alternate Protocol 2: Harvesting and lysing primary tissue samples

Basic Protocol 2: RNase treatment and footprint purification for low‐input samples

Alternate Protocol 3: RNase treatment and footprint purification for ultra‐low‐input samples

Basic Protocol 3: Library preparation for high‐throughput sequencing

Support Protocol: Preparation of dsDNA markers for library size selection

Basic Protocol 4: Data analysis and quality control after sequencing
Permanent fillers—What is their role
Authors: Chan Lina , Li Andraia , Schlesinger Todd
Published: April 2023

Background

With the growing cosmetic industry, there have been numerous advancements in nonsurgical interventions including the use of permanent dermal filler injections. Permanent fillers are relatively novel in clinical use when compared to temporary and semi‐permanent fillers. The only FDA‐approved, non‐biodegradable permanent filler uses polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) microspheres. PMMA is suspended in bovine collagen and lidocaine solution for injection, absorbed by the body, and replaced overtime by collagen. ArteFill® was the first FDA approved permanent filler in 2005 for correction of nasolabial folds, with studies demonstrating rejuvenation for up to five years, trumping its predecessors in longevity. A decade later with rebranding, Bellafill® was indicated for correction of nasolabial fold and atrophic acne scars.

Aims

To review the development of permanent fillers, mechanism, and safety.

Materials & Methods

A qualitative systematic review was conducted on PMMA microspheres indications, contraindications, and off‐label use on benefits, risks, and adverse events.

Results

The durability of permanent fillers has a strong appeal for both patients and practitioners, however, usage for certain patient populations demonstrates increased risk for both early and late complications compared to temporary and semi‐permanent fillers. A skin test composed of purified 3.5% bovine collagen gel administered in the volar forearm is recommended one month prior to injection, to identify any patients who may have a positive response. Bovine collagen demonstrates low immunogenicity with the incidence of preexisting hypersensitivity reported to be between 2‐4%. Bovine collagen in dermatologic formulations use pepsin‐solubilized formulations in which telopeptides are cleaved to further help reduce aberrant immunogenic responses.

Discussion

Early and late complications may outweigh the benefits in use of permanent fillers, however these complications are patient dependent.

Conclusion

Permanent fillers may be useful in volume replacement for nasolabial folds and atrophic acne scars, however a provider must use good clinical judgement in deciding which patients are ideal candidates.
Exploring sensitivities to hydropeaking in Atlantic salmon parr using individual‐based modelling
Authors: Hedger Richard D. , Sundt‐Hansen Line E. , Juárez‐Gómez Ana , Alfredsen Knut , Foldvik Anders
Published: April 2023

Hydropeaking (the release of water pulses at hydropower plants) results in temporary reductions in river channel water‐covered area downstream, which may cause fish mortality through stranding. We used a mechanistic modelling approach to examine how both the form of the hydropeaking cycle and the characteristics of the affected fish control how hydropeaking may cause stranding mortality of fish. We modelled the response of Atlantic parr to hydropeaking in a regulated watercourse in central Norway (the River Nidelva) using an individual‐based population model designed explicitly to examine fish behaviour and stranding mortality during hydropeaking. A response to hydropeaking, involving migration from the riverbanks towards the mid‐channel on down‐ramping and a return to the riverbanks on up‐ramping, was based on individuals being parameterized to migrate to habitat properties that spatially changed throughout the hydropeaking cycle. We found that stranding mortality was strongly dependent on both the form of the hydropeaking cycle and on the fish response. Total stranding mortality was more dependent on the down‐ramping speed than the duration of the minimum flow period. Total stranding mortality was greatest when there was a low movement speed, leading to individuals being stranded, combined with a high probability of dying per unit of time when stranded. Given the sensitivity of mortality to the fish response and the lack of detailed field studies quantifying this, we conclude that this area requires further controlled studies for parameterizing models used to predict effects of hydropeaking on fish. Simulation‐based modelling, where there is a 100% control of and knowledge of fish characteristics, where a range of deterministic functions can be evaluated and in which boundary conditions can be easily controlled, may be a useful research tool to complement empirical studies.
Organocatalytic Upgrading of Biomass Derived Building Blocks
Authors: Meninno Sara
Published: April 2023

The depletion of finite primary fossil fuels we are facing makes necessary a deep metamorphosis in fundamental parts of the chemical industry. A progressive transition from petro‐based starting materials toward renewable biomass‐derived sources will have to take place in the synthesis of added‐value chemicals, important for our everyday life, such as pharmaceuticals, polymers, agrochemicals etc. Moreover, greener processes, carried out under friendlier reaction conditions, must be designed to address current concerns about the climate change and the resulting pressing need to reduce the environmental footprint of chemical processes. To this end, organocatalysis could offer a valuable opportunity for upgrading biomass‐derived platform molecules in line with the principles of Green Chemistry. This review presents some of recent and remarkable advancements in this emerging area. Organocatalysis has proven to be an efficient tool to transform low value bio‐based renewable platform building blocks into new high value bio‐based chemicals, with potential applications as synthetic intermediates, innovative materials and pharmaceutically active compounds.
Design of cell expansion processes for adherent‐growing cells with mDoE‐workflow
Authors: Kuchemüller Kim B. , Pörtner Ralf , Möller Johannes
Published: April 2023

Adherent cells, mammalian or human, are ubiquitous for production of viral vaccines, in gene therapy and in immuno‐oncology. The development of a cell‐expansion process with adherent cells is challenging as scale‐up requires the expansion of the cell culture surface. Microcarrier (MC)‐based cultures are still predominate. However, the development of MC processes from scratch possesses particular challenges due to their complexity. A novel approach for the reduction of development times and costs of cell propagation processes is the combination of mathematical process models with statistical optimization methods, called model‐assisted Design of Experiments (mDoE). In this study, an mDoE workflow was evaluated successfully for the design of a MC‐based expansion process of adherent L929 cells at a very early stage of development with limited prior knowledge. At the start, the analytical methods and the screening of appropriate MCs were evaluated. Then, cause‐effect relationships (e.g., cell growth related to medium conditions) were worked out, and a mathematical process model was set‐up and adapted to experimental data for modeling purposes. The model was subsequently used in mDoE to identify optimized process conditions, which were proven experimentally. An eight‐fold increase in cell yield was achieved basically by reducing the initial MC concentration.
Fabrication of Screen‐Printed Single‐Electrode Triboelectric Nanogenerator‐Based Self‐Powered Sensor for Pulse Measurement and Its Characterization
Authors: Mathew Ammu Anna , Shanmugasundaram Vivekanandan
Published: April 2023

The development of triboelectric nanogenerator technology has many benefits across various fields, particularly in healthcare applications; herein, a concise single‐electrode pulse sensor with a high output performance at a reasonable cost is suggested. The device is made up of a polydimethylsiloxane film with a spacer‐created trench structure stacked on top of a graphene‐coated polyethylene terephthalate film. A comprehensive examination of sensor fabrication together with material and electrical characterization is explained. The entire study is carried out using a graphene–silver composite electrode device, giving an output performance of ≈1.66 and ≈2.9 V for tapping movement in plain and microstructured triboelectric surfaces, respectively; however, for the graphene electrode device, the output obtained is ≈5.5 V. This wearable sensor can successfully extract the typical human wrist pulse, which displays the pressure wave from the radial artery in the range of ≈5 V with the help of an exemplary amplifier circuit and will be suitable to integrate with IoT.
Design of an Efficient AgInSe2Chalcopyrite‐Based Heterojunction Thin‐Film Solar Cell
Authors: Hossen Md Sabuj , Abir Ahnaf Tahmid , Hossain Jaker
Published: April 2023

Herein, AgInSe2absorber–basedn‐In2S3/p‐AgInSe2/p+‐molybdenum disulfide heterojunction thin‐film solar device is numerically explored with the help of SCAPS‐1D software. The major focus of this numerical study is to inquire the performances of the purported solar cell and hence unearth the highest efficiency of the AgInSe2(AISe) solar cell. Herein, the functions of different parameters like thicknesses, doping and defect density, working temperature, series, and shunt resistances are investigated. The recommended solar cell parades the short‐circuit current density, open circuit voltage, fill factor, and efficiency of 39.11 mA cm−2, 1.10 V, 82.26%, and 35.44%, respectively. It is noteworthy that the efficiency is comparatively higher than the previously reported AISe‐based solar cell. The AgInSe2semiconductor is easy to fabricate as well as has good electrical properties, therefore this proposed solar cell is highly efficient and cost effective.
Correlation of DNA methylation and lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Feng , Zhu Siyi , Fang Jun , Dong Huilei , Zhu Chenfang
Published: April 2023

Background

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common type of thyroid cancer with a primarily good prognosis, and its 10‐year survival rate is over 90%. However, PTC is prone to early lymph node metastasis.

Methods

Thyroid cancer tissues from PTC patients with lymphatic metastasis and normal tissues were collected for DNA methylation analysis. Different methylation sites, different methylation regions, gene‐enriched pathways, and protein–protein interactions (PPIs) were analyzed.

Results

There were 1004 differentially methylated sites in the PTC group versus the control group; these involved 479 hypermethylated sites in 415 related genes, 525 hypomethylated sites in 482 related genes, 64 differentially methylated regions located in the CpG island region, 34 differentially methylated genes closely related to thyroid cancer, and 17 genes with differentially methylated genes in the DNA promoter region.

Conclusion

NDRG4 hypermethylation and FOXO3, ZEB2, and CDK6 hypomethylation were associated with PTC lymph node metastasis.