bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of thermocycling on the bond strength of a glass-infiltrated ceramic and a resin luting cement
Authors: Andreatta Filho Osvaldo Daniel , Bottino Marco Antonio , Nishioka Renato Sussumu , Valandro Luiz Felipe , Leite Fabíola Pessoa Pereira
Published: April 2005

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of thermocycling on the bond strength between the surface of the glass-infiltrated alumina ceramic In-Ceram (VITA) and the Panavia F resin cement (Kuraray CO.). Four 5x6x6mm In-Ceram blocks were obtained. One of the 6x6mm faces of each block was conditioned with Cojet - System (tribochemical silica coating, ESPE-3M) and then luted under a constant 750g pressure with Panavia F cement to another identical face of a resin composit block (Clearfil AP-X, Kuraray) obtained by reproduction of the ceramic one from Express (3M) addition curing silicone impressions. The four sets so formed by ceramic, luting cement and resin have been each one serially sectioned in 20 sticks so that the adhesive surface in each presented 1mm² of area. The samples were divided in 2 groups (n=10): G1- stored for 7 days in deionized water at 36 ± 2ºC; G2 - thermocycled 1500 times between 5 and 55ºC dwell times. The microtensile tests were accomplished in an universal testing machine (EMIC) at a crosshead speed of 0,5 mm/min. The results showed that the mean tensile bond strength values (MPa) for the group G2: (22,815 ± 5,254) had not statistically differ of the values of group G1: (25,628 ± 3,353) (t = 1,427; gl = 18; p-value = 0,171), at the level of a= 5%. It can be concluded that the thermocycling technique used in the present experiment had not produced statistically significant differences between the bond strength results of the specimens obtained by the two used techniques.
Tromboprofilaxia na colecistectomia videolaparoscópica
Authors: Maciel Renato , Barreto Sérgio Saldanha Menna
Published: April 2005

Inspirados no caso de um paciente que desenvolveu tromboembolia pulmonar três dias após a realização de uma colecistectomia videolaparoscópica, mesmo tendo feito uso de heparina não fracionada no pré e nas primeiras 24hs de pós-operatório.Os autores analisaram a ocorrência de tromboembolia venosa na colecistectomia videolaparoscópica , os fatores de risco, as medidas de tromboprofilaxia e sugerem a conduta a ser adotada neste tipo de procedimento.
Asymmetrical Dimethylarginine Plasma Concentrations Are Related to Basal Nitric Oxide Release but Not Endothelium-Dependent Vasodilation of Resistance Arteries in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Mittermayer Friedrich , Schaller Georg , Pleiner Johannes , Vychytil Andreas , Sunder-Plassmann Gere , Hörl Walter H. , Wolzt Michael
Published: April 2005

Vascular dysfunction in chronic renal failure may be linked to reduced nitric oxide (NO) bioactivity and increased circulating concentrations of the endogenous NO synthase inhibitor asymmetrical dimethyl l-arginine (ADMA). The association between ADMA and basal endothelial NO release and endothelium-dependent vasodilation in resistance arteries of chronic renal failure patients is unknown. Forearm blood flow responses to the endothelium-dependent vasodilator acetylcholine, the endothelium-independent vasodilator nitroglycerine, and the endothelium-dependent vasoconstrictor N(G)-monomethyl-l-arginine (l-NMMA) were assessed in 37 peritoneal dialysis patients. l-arginine and ADMA plasma concentrations were measured by HPLC. ADMA (mean ± SEM: 0.68 ± 0.02 μmol/L) was associated with basal forearm blood flow (

r

= −0.33;

P

< 0.05) and l-NMMA induced vasoconstriction (

r

= −0.55;

P

< 0.0005), but not with dilator effects of acetylcholine or nitroglycerine. l-arginine (68 ± 3 μmol/L) tended to correlate with acetylcholine-induced vasodilation (

r

= 0.32;

P

= 0.05) but was not associated with other parameters. ADMA is related to basal but not to acetylcholine-stimulated NO bioactivity in patients on peritoneal dialysis. Impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation found in chronic renal failure is not explained by elevated circulating NO synthase inhibitors in renal failure.
COVID-19 in Pediatric Patients With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia or Lymphoma
Authors: Hashmi Saman K. , Bodea Jessica , Patni Tushar , Angel Savannah , Bhakta Nickhill H. , Jeha Sima , Karol Seth E. , Ribeiro Raul C. , Rubnitz Jeffrey E. , Wolf Joshua , Li Yimei , Pui Ching-Hon , Hijano Diego R. , Inaba Hiroto
Published: February 2024

Importance

COVID-19 in pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia or lymphoma (ALL/LLy) has not been described in detail and may affect chemotherapy administration and long-term outcomes.

Objective

To describe the clinical presentation of COVID-19 and chemotherapy modifications in pediatric patients with ALL/LLy.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This is a retrospective case series of patients at St Jude Children’s Research Hospital and its affiliate sites with newly diagnosed ALL/LLy who were treated on the Total XVII protocol (NCT03117751) between March 30, 2020, and June 20, 2022. Participants included patients aged 1 to 18 years who were receiving protocol chemotherapy. Acute symptoms and chemotherapy modifications were evaluated for 60 days after the COVID-19 diagnosis, and viral clearance, adverse events, and second SARS-CoV-2 infections were followed up during the 27-month study period.

Exposures

SARS-CoV-2; all patients were screened at least weekly and at symptom onset and/or after known exposure to SARS-CoV-2.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Description of the spectrum of COVID-19 illness and chemotherapy modifications.

Results

Of 308 pediatric patients, 110 (36%) developed COVID-19 at a median age of 8.2 (IQR, 5.3-14.5) years. Sixty-eight patients (62%) were male. Most patients were in the continuation/maintenance phase of chemotherapy (101 [92%]). Severe disease was rare (7 [6%]) but was associated with older age, higher white blood cell counts at ALL/LLy diagnosis, lower absolute lymphocyte counts at COVID-19 diagnosis, abnormal chest imaging findings, and SARS-CoV-2 reinfection. Rare but serious thrombotic events included pulmonary embolism and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (n = 1 for each). No multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children or death was seen. SARS-CoV-2 reinfection occurred in 11 patients (10%) and was associated with older age and with receiving standard or high-risk vs low-risk ALL/LLy therapy. Chemotherapy interruptions occurred in 96 patients (87%) and were longer for patients with severe disease, SARS-CoV-2 reinfection, and/or a COVID-19 diagnosis during the pre-Omicron variant period vs the post-Omicron period (after December 27, 2021).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this case series of COVID-19 in pediatric patients with ALL/LLy, severe COVID-19 was rare, but chemotherapy administration was affected in most patients. Long-term studies are needed to establish the outcomes of COVID-19 in this population.
Novel RAF‐directed approaches to overcome current clinical limits and block the RAS/RAF node
Authors: Scardaci Rossella , Berlinska Ewa , Scaparone Pietro , Vietti Michelina Sandra , Garbo Edoardo , Novello Silvia , Santamaria David , Ambrogio Chiara
Published: February 2024

Mutations in the RAS–RAF–MEK–ERK pathway are frequent alterations in cancer and RASopathies, and while RAS oncogene activation alone affects 19% of all patients and accounts for approximately 3.4 million new cases every year, less frequent alterations in the cascade's downstream effectors are also involved in cancer etiology. RAS proteins initiate the signaling cascade by promoting the dimerization of RAF kinases, which can act as oncoproteins as well: BRAFV600E is the most common oncogenic driver, mutated in the 8% of all malignancies. Research in this field led to the development of drugs that target the BRAFV600‐like mutations (Class I), which are now utilized in clinics, but cause paradoxical activation of the pathway and resistance development. Furthermore, they are ineffective against non‐BRAFV600E malignancies that dimerize and could be either RTK/RAS independent or dependent (Class II and III, respectively), which are still lacking an effective treatment. This review discusses the recent advances in anti‐RAF therapies, including paradox breakers, dimer‐inhibitors, immunotherapies, and other novel approaches, critically evaluating their efficacy in overcoming the therapeutic limitations, and their putative role in blocking the RAS pathway.
PLK1 and FoxM1 expressions positively correlate in papillary thyroid carcinoma and their combined inhibition results in synergistic anti‐tumor effects
Authors: Poyil Pratheesh Kumar , Siraj Abdul K. , Padmaja Divya , Parvathareddy Sandeep Kumar , Thangavel Saravanan , Alobaisi Khadija , Diaz Roxanne , Begum Rafia , Haqawi Wael , Al‐Sobhi Saif S. , Al‐Dayel Fouad , Al‐Kuraya Khawla S.
Published: February 2024

Polo‐like kinase 1 (PLK1; also known as serine/threonine‐protein kinase PLK1) serves as a central player in cell proliferation, exerting critical regulatory roles in mitotic processes and cell survival. We conducted an analysis of PLK1 protein expression in a large cohort of samples from papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients and examined its functional significance in PTC cell lines, both in vitro and in vivo. PLK1 overexpression was noted in 54.2% of all PTC and was significantly associated with aggressive clinicopathological parameters; it was also found to be an independent prognostic marker for shorter recurrence‐free survival. Given the significant association between PLK1 and forkhead box protein M1 (FoxM1), and their concomitant overexpression in a large proportion of PTC samples, we explored their correlation and their combined inhibitions in PTC in vitro and in vivo. Inhibition of PLK1 expression indeed suppressed cell proliferation, leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in PTC cell lines. Significantly, the downregulation of PLK1 reduced the self‐renewal capability of spheroids formed from PTC cells. Immunoprecipitation analysis shows that PLK1 binds to FoxM1 and vice versa in vitro. Mechanistically, PLK1 knockdown suppresses FoxM1 expression, whereas inhibition of FoxM1 does not affect PLK1 expression, which suggests that PLK1 acts through the FoxM1 pathway. The combined treatment of a PLK1 inhibitor (volasertib) and a FoxM1 inhibitor (thiostrepton) demonstrated a synergistic effect in reducing PTC cell growth in vitro and delaying tumor growth in vivo. This study highlights the important role of PLK1 in PTC tumorigenesis and prognosis. It also highlights the synergistic therapeutic potential of dual‐targeting PLK1 and FoxM1 in PTC, unveiling a potential innovative therapeutic strategy for managing aggressive forms of PTC.
Testing the efficacy of the cognitive interview to road traffic accident investigations
Authors: Maulina Dewi , Irwanda Diandra Yasmine , Guritnaningsih  , Otgaar Henry , Nurfajriah Dela Septiana , Armas La Ode Muhammad Alwi , Dewi Aliqa Impuni
Published: February 2024

In the current set of experiments, we examined the effectiveness of the Cognitive Interview (CI) on memory for traffic accidents. Three online experiments were conducted among Indonesian young motorcyclists who had an accident experience. Participants were interviewed about their most memorable accident experience, either with a CI or a Standard Interview (SI) method (Experiment 1). We added the time delay as the second independent variable (less than a month versus between 6 and 10 months) in Experiment 2. In Experiment 3, the interview methods were compared across two age groups (adolescents versus young adults). In all experiments, the CI led to more event‐related and peripheral recall than the SI. Furthermore, this effect persisted even when the event happened a long time ago and was replicated in both age groups. Our results show empirical evidence for the effectiveness of the CI in a traffic accident context, especially in a non‐WEIRD country.
NY OTPs speak out on governor's proposal to cut OASAS budget
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: February 2024

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed cutting the budget of the state's Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) by more than 13% and supplanting the funding with money from the opioid settlement fund. This, according to treatment providers and other experts, is not good policy.
Analysis: Reduced drinking lowers craving, even at severe AUD level
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: February 2024

Results of an analysis of three medication trials for alcohol use disorder (AUD) lend weight to the argument that drinking reductions short of abstinence can benefit even those individuals at the most severe levels of illness.
Self‐Assembly of 2D Polyphthalocyanine in Lysosome Enables Multienzyme Activity Enhancement to Induce Tumor Ferroptosis
Authors: Rong Mingjie , Liu Jian , Lu Lehui
Published: February 2024

Nanozymes show great potential in facilitating tumor ferroptosis by upregulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and downregulation of glutathione (GSH). However, mild acidity (pH 6.5–6.9) of tumor microenvironment severely restricts the activity of nanozymes. Although lysosomes as acidic organelles (pH = 3.5–5.5) are hopeful for improving enzyme‐like activity, most reported nanozymes are not capable of effectively accumulating in the lysosomes. Herein, an acid‐responsive self‐assembly strategy based on iron phthalocyanine‐rich covalent organic framework nanosheets (COFFePc NSs) is developed, which enables lysosomal targeting aggregation of COFFePc NSs due to the existence of abundant negative hydroxyl groups and rigid structure. Meanwhile, COFFePc NSs display exceptional multienzyme‐mimic performance at lower pH to efficiently generate ROS to cause lysosome damage and apoptosis by synergistic photothermal effect. Subsequently, the released COFFePc with GSH oxidase‐mimicking activity can consume GSH to promote ferroptosis. This is the first report of a 2D COF using its own properties to achieve lysosomal self‐assembly. Overall, the work provides a new paradigm for the development of lysosome‐targeted nanosystems.
Nanomedicine Tumor Targeting
Authors: Lammers Twan
Published: February 2024

Nanomedicines are extensively explored for cancer therapy. By delivering drug molecules more efficiently to pathological sites and by attenuating their accumulation in healthy organs and tissues, nanomedicine formulations aim to improve the balance between drug efficacy and toxicity. More than 20 cancer nanomedicines are approved for clinical use, and hundreds of formulations are in (pre)clinical development. Over the years, several key pitfalls have been identified as bottlenecks in nanomedicine tumor targeting and translation. These go beyond materials‐ and production‐related issues, and particularly also encompass biological barriers and pathophysiological heterogeneity. In this manuscript, the author describes the most important principles, progress, and products in nanomedicine tumor targeting, delineates key current problems and challenges, and discusses the most promising future prospects to create clinical impact.
Enhancing Stability and Efficiency of Inverted Inorganic Perovskite Solar Cells with In‐Situ Interfacial Cross‐Linked Modifier
Authors: Xu Tianfei , Xiang Wanchun , Ru Xiaoning , Wang Zezhang , Liu Yali , Li Nan , Xu Haojie , Liu Shengzhong
Published: February 2024

Inverted inorganic perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is potential as the top cells in tandem configurations, owing to the ideal bandgap, good thermal and light stability of inorganic perovskites. However, challenges such as mismatch of energy levels between charge transport layer and perovskite, significant non‐radiative recombination caused by surface defects, and poor water stability have led to the urgent need for further improvement in the performance of inverted inorganic PSCs. Herein, the fabrication of efficient and stable CsPbI3−xBrx PSCs through surface treatment of (3‐mercaptopropyl) trimethoxysilane (MPTS), is reported. The silane groups in MPTS can in situ crosslink in the presence of moisture to build a 3‐dimensional (3D) network by Si‐O‐Si bonds, which forms a hydrophobic layer on perovskite surface to inhibit water invasion. Additionally, ‐SH can strongly interact with the undercoordinated Pb2+ at the perovskite surface, effectively minimizing interfacial charge recombination. Consequently, the efficiency of the inverted inorganic PSCs improves dramatically from 19.0% to 21.0% under 100 mW cm−2 illumination with MPTS treatment. Remarkably, perovskite films with crosslinked MPTS exhibit superior stability when soaking in water. The optimized PSC maintains 91% of its initial efficiency after aging 1000 h in ambient atmosphere, and 86% in 800 h of operational stability testing.
Graphene‐Based Lateral Heterojunctions for 2D Integrated Circuits
Authors: Haidari Mohd.Musaib , Jang Dong Jin , Yoon Duhee , Kim Hakseong , Choi Hong Kyw , Yi Yoonsik , Kim Jin Hong , Ko Jin‐Yong , Lee Dooho , Kee Eun Hee , Jeong Hu Young , Park Jeong Young , Park Bae Ho , Choi Jin Sik
Published: February 2024

A method for patterning single‐layer graphene (SLG) and single‐layer oxidized graphene (SOG) within a continuous atomic layer to form lateral heterojunctions is presented. Raman spectroscopy is employed to investigate the evolution of defect‐related Raman peaks during excimer‐UV irradiation, facilitating the identification of structural changes and defect formation processes. Electrical transport measurements reveal that SOG‐patterned field‐effect transistors (FETs) exhibit varying characteristics depending on the degree of oxidation, thus offering the potential to tailor the electrical properties of graphene devices for specific requirements. Scanning Kelvin probe microscopy measurements reveal the surface potential and work function of the SOG regions compared with those of SLG. The effective functionality of the SOG pattern to operate as a resistor, allowing control of the electrical conductivity in the SOG‐patterned SLG channels, is demonstrated. This capability restricts the current flow while preserving the pristine electrical properties of the graphene channel. Moreover, the SOG pattern can serve as a potential barrier to constructing SLG‐SOG‐patterned integrated circuits, providing exciting opportunities for engineering advanced electronic components. This breakthrough in graphene devices simplifies the fabrication process of graphene‐based FETs and provides the foundation for developing atomically thin integrated circuits for a wide range of applications.
Dhurrin content and biomass yield in sorghum hybrids throughout plant growth cycle
Authors: Macolino Stefano , Pornaro Cristina , Pignata Guido , Lauriault Leonard
Published: February 2024

In recent years, the use of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] in crop rotation as a green manure to decrease nematode infestation and promote the growth of subsequent crops has strongly increased. The reason why sorghum is effective in biofumigation against root‐knot nematodes is because it releases dhurrin, a cyanogenic glycoside found in epidermal leaf tissue. Currently, there is little information regarding dhurrin production deriving from dhurrin concentration and biomass produced. A field study was conducted in northeastern Italy to investigate the change in dhurrin content and biomass production of three commercial sorghum‐sudangrass cultivars (Hay Day, Mataco, and Ruzrok), over their entire growth cycle under seeding dates (May and July). Regardless of the growing period, Ruzrok displayed a higher dhurrin production. During the early growth stages, Ruzrok did not exhibit a higher yield compared with Mataco and Hay Day, hence its higher potential as a biofumigant is due to the higher concentration of dhurrin in plant tissues. During spring conditions, all tested cultivars showed higher dhurrin production up to a height of 100 cm, while the amount of dhurrin did not significantly change during the entire growing period in summer.
A non‐metal single atom nanozyme for cutting off the energy and reducing power of tumors
Authors: Cheng Junjie , Li Li , Jin Duo , Zhang Yajie , Yu Wenxin , Yu Jiaji , Zou Jianhua , Dai Yi , Zhu Yang , Liu Manman , Zhang Miya , Sun Yongfu , Liu Yangzhong , Chen Xiaoyuan
Published: February 2024

Enzymes are considered safe and effective therapeutic tools for various diseases. With the increasing integration of biomedicine and nanotechnology, artificial nanozymes offer advanced controllability and functionality in medical design. However, several notable gaps, such as catalytic diversity, specificity and biosafety, still exist between nanozymes and their native counterparts. Here we report a non‐metal single‐selenium (Se)‐atom nanozyme (SeSAE), which exhibits potent nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase‐mimetic activity. This novel single atom nanozyme provides a safe alternative to conventional metal‐based catalysts and effectively cuts off the cellular energy and reduction equivalents through its distinctive catalytic function in tumors. In this study, we have demonstrated the substantial efficacy of SeSAE as an antitumor nanomedicine across diverse mouse models without discernible systemic adverse effects. The mechanism of the NADPH oxidase‐like activity of the non‐metal SeSAE was rationalized by density functional theory calculations. Furthermore, comprehensive elucidation of the biological functions, cell death pathways, and metabolic remodeling effects of the nanozyme was conducted, aiming to provide valuable insights into the development of single atom nanozymes with clinical translation potential.
Aza[5]helicene‐Derived Semiconducting Polymers for Improved Performance in Perovskite Solar Cells: Exploring Energetic and Morphological Influences
Authors: Zhang Yuyan , He Lifei , Cai Yaohang , Zhang Jing , Wang Peng
Published: February 2024

The strategic design of solution‐processable semiconducting polymers possessing both matched energy levels and elevated glass transition temperatures is of urgent importance in the progression of thermally robust n‐i‐p perovskite solar cells with efficiencies exceeding 25 %. In this work, we employed direct arylation polymerization to achieve the high‐yield synthesis of three aza[5]helicene‐derived copolymers with distinct HOMO energy levels and exceptional glass transition temperatures. Upon integration of these semiconducting polymers into formamidinium lead triiodide‐based perovskite solar cells, marked disparities in photovoltaic parameters manifest, primarily stemming from variations in the electrical conductivity and film morphology of the hole transport layers. The p‐A5HP‐E‐POZOD‐E copolymer, featuring a main chain comprising alternating repeats of aza[5]helicene, ethylenedioxythiophene, phenoxazine, and ethylenedioxythiophene, attains an initial average efficiency of 25.5 %, markedly surpassing reference materials such as spiro‐OMeTAD (23.0 %), PTAA (17.0 %), and P3HT (11.6 %). Notably, p‐A5HP‐E‐POZOD‐E exhibits a high cohesive energy density, resulting in enhanced Young's modulus and diminished external species diffusion coefficients, thereby conferring perovskite solar cells with exceptional 85 °C tolerance and operational stability.
Fluorinated MOF‐Based Hexafluoropropylene Nanotrap for Highly Efficient Purification of Octafluoropropane Electronic Specialty Gas
Authors: Zheng Mingze , Xue Wenjuan , Yan Tongan , Jiang Zefeng , Fang Zhi , Huang Hongliang , Zhong Chongli
Published: February 2024

High‐purity octafluoropropane (C3F8) electronic specialty gas is a key chemical raw material in semiconductor and integrated circuit manufacturing industry, while selective removal of hexafluoropropylene (C3F6) impurity for C3F8 purification is essential but a challenging task. Here we report a fluorinated cage‐like MOF Zn‐bzc‐CF3 (bzc=5‐(trifluoromethyl)‐1H‐pyrazole‐4‐carboxylic acid) for C3F6/C3F8 separation. The incorporation of −CF3 groups not only provides suitable pore aperture size for highly efficient size‐exclusive C3F6/C3F8 separation, but also creates hydrophobic microenvironments, endowing Zn‐bz‐CF3 high chemical stability. Remarkably, Zn‐bzc‐CF3 exhibits high C3F6 adsorption capacity while excluding C3F8, achieving ideal molecular‐sieving C3F6/C3F8 separation. Breakthrough experiments show that Zn‐bzc‐CF3 can efficiently separate C3F6/C3F8 mixture and high‐purity C3F8 (99.9 %) can be obtained.
Updated EUROCAT guidelines for classification of cases with congenital anomalies
Authors: Bergman Jorieke E. H. , Perraud Annie , Barišić Ingeborg , Kinsner‐Ovaskainen Agnieszka , Morris Joan K. , Tucker David , Wellesley Diana , Garne Ester
Published: February 2024

Background

Precise and correct classification of congenital anomalies is important in epidemiological studies, not only to classify according to etiology but also to group similar congenital anomalies together, to create homogeneous subgroups for surveillance and research. This paper presents the updated EUROCAT (European surveillance of congenital anomalies) subgroups of congenital anomalies and the updated multiple congenital anomaly (MCA) algorithm and provides the underlying arguments for the revisions.

Methods

The EUROCAT methodology is described. In addition, we show how we validated the revised EUROCAT subgroups and MCA algorithm, which are both based on the International Classification of Diseases (ICD10/ICD9) codes.

Results

The updated EUROCAT subgroups and the updated MCA algorithm are described in detail and the updated version is compared to the previous versions.

Conclusion

The EUROCAT subgroups and MCA algorithm provide a standardized and clear methodology for congenital anomaly research and epidemiological surveillance of congenital anomalies in order to facilitate the identification of teratogenic exposures and to assess the impact of primary prevention and prenatal screening policies. The EUROCAT subgroups and MCA algorithm are made freely available for other researchers via the EUROCAT Database Management Software.
Intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke patients with pre‐stroke disability: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bao Qiangji , Wu Xinting , Li Yiming , Chen Shujun , Zhang Qiang , Yang Mingfei , Yang Peng
Published: February 2024

Background

Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT), which is safe and effective, is the first‐line therapy for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). However, its benefit for AIS patients with pre‐stroke disability (PSD) is controversial.

Objective

We determined the association of PSD with the safety and efficacy of IVT among patients with AIS.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from inception to May 23, 2022. The articles focusing on outcomes of AIS patients with PSD receiving IVT were retrieved. We used the random‐effects model to pool outcomes including mortality, 24 h NIHSS improvement, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), favorable functional outcome (FFO), the favorable outcome, and mortality prevalence.

Results

Ten studies (including 245,773 participants) that reported the outcomes of AIS patients with PSD undergoing IVT were included. In unadjusted analyses, PSD was associated with mortality (10 studies; odds ratio [OR] 1.739, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.336–2.407), FFO (7 studies; OR 1.057, 95% CI, 1.015–1.100), 24 h NIHSS improvement (5 studies; OR .840, 95% CI, .819–.917, p = .000), and sICH (9 studies; OR .773, 95% CI, .481–1.243). In adjusted analyses, PSD was associated with mortality (seven studies; ORadj 1.789, 95% CI, 1.413–2.264), FFO (five studies; ORadj 1.087, 95% CI, 1.002–1.179), 24 h NIHSS improvement (five studies; ORadj .837, 95% CI, .799–.876), and sICH (five studies; ORadj .857, 95% CI, .725–1.012). The prevalence of FFO and mortality in patients with pre‐stroke modified Rankin Scale scores of 2–5 were 49% (0.42–0.56) and 37% (0.21–0.53), respectively.

Conclusions

Patients with PSD undergoing IVT had a higher mortality rate than those without PSD. Meanwhile, PSD was associated with FFO, and there was no significant difference in sICH and 24 h NIHSS improvement. High‐quality data are needed to clarify the benefits of administering IVT in these patients.
Association of cigarette smoking with cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers of insulin sensitivity and neurodegeneration
Authors: Wang Fan , Li Hui , Kong Tiantian , Shan Ligang , Guo Jiajia , Wu Yan , Luo Xingguang , Satyanarayanan Senthil Kumaran , Su Kuan‐Pin , Liu Yanlong
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Cigarette smoking increases both the risk for insulin resistance and amyloid‐β (Aβ) aggregation, and impaired brain insulin/insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF1) signaling might increase risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD). We aimed to investigate the association among cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) insulin sensitivity/IGF1, glucose/lactate, and Aβ42 and further explore whether insulin sensitivity contributed to the risk for AD in active smokers.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, levels of insulin, IGF1, and lactate/glucose of 75 active smokers and 78 nonsmokers in CSF were measured. Three polymorphisms regulating IGF1 were genotyped. Analysis of variance was used to compare differences of variables between groups. Partial correlation was performed to test the relationship between CSF biomarkers and smoking status. General linear models were applied to test the interaction of the effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms and cigarette smoking on CSF IGF1 levels.

Results

In the CSF from active smokers, IGF1 and lactate levels were significantly lower (p = .016 and p = .010, respectively), whereas Aβ42 (derived from our earlier research) and insulin levels were significantly higher (p < .001 and p = .022, respectively) as compared to the CSF from nonsmokers. The AG + GG genotype of rs6218 in active smokers had a significant effect on lower CSF IGF1 levels (p = .004) and lower CSF insulin levels in nonsmokers (p = .016).

Conclusions

Cigarette smoking as the “at‐risk” factor for AD might be due to lower cerebral insulin sensitivity in CSF, and the subjects with rs6218G allele seem to be more susceptible to the neurodegenerative risks for cigarette smoking.
Oxygen Activation in Aromatic Ring Cleaving Salicylate Dioxygenase: Detection of Reaction Intermediates with a Nitro‐substituted Substrate Analog
Authors: Wang Qian , Li Hanbin , Bujupi Uran , Gröning Janosch , Stolz Andreas , Bongiorno Angelo , Gupta Rupal
Published: February 2024

Cupin dioxygenases such as salicylate 1,2‐dioxygense (SDO) perform aromatic C−C bond scission via a 3‐His motif tethered iron cofactor. Here, transient kinetics measurements are used to monitor the catalytic cycle of SDO by using a nitro‐substituted substrate analog, 3‐nitrogentisate. Compared to the natural substrate, the nitro group reduces the enzymatic kcat by 500‐fold, thereby facilitating the detection and kinetic characterization of reaction intermediates. Sums and products of reciprocal relaxation times derived from kinetic measurements were found to be linearly dependent on O2 concentration, suggesting reversible formation of two distinct intermediates. Dioxygen binding to the metal cofactor takes place with a forward rate of 5.9×103 M−1 s−1: two orders of magnitude slower than other comparable ring‐cleaving dioxygenses. Optical chromophore of the first intermediate is distinct from the in situ generated SDO Fe(III)−O2⋅− complex but closer to the enzyme‐substrate precursor.
Insights on DHAP Aldolases ability to convert Dioxygen or a Ketone as Electrophile: use of a Strain Depleted in Triose Phosphate Isomerase
Authors: Paulat Léo , Laurent Victor , Hélaine Virgil , Théveniot Mariline , Petit Jean‐Louis , Lemaire Marielle , Delmas Valérie , Bouzon Madeleine , De Berardinis Véronique , Guérard‐Hélaine Christine
Published: February 2024

Rhamnulose‐1‐phosphate aldolases (RhuA) were the first dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) aldolases to be demonstrated to efficiently accept a ketone as the electrophile, providing the highly sought‐after chiral tertiary alcohol motif. It has also been found that this enzyme family can use dioxygen as an electrophile, forcing to work under inert atmosphere conditions when the target electrophile is poorly reactive. However, these features have not been explored in all DHAP‐aldolase families. Here, we present a study of E. coli K12 fuculose‐1‐phosphate‐ (FucAK12), fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphate‐ (FruAK12) and tagatose‐1,6‐bisphosphate (TagAK12) aldolases. For the latter two enzymes, this was made possible by the development of a triose phosphate isomerase (TPI)‐deleted E coli strain, which prevents DHAP isomerization into d‐glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate (G3P), its natural electrophile. Like RhuA, TagAK12 was found to be able to oxidize DHAP into hydroxypyruvaldehyde phosphate under dioxygen, leading to the corresponding diulose. On the other hand, FucAK12 was revealed to be capable of converting ketone electrophiles with greater stereoselectivity than RhuA, and without the requirement of an inert atmosphere, since it was unable to oxidize DHAP. Finally, FruAK12 proved unable either to oxidize DHAP and or to accept ketones as electrophiles.
Hierarchical Sea Urchin‐like Fe‐doped Heazlewoodite for High‐Efficient Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Shang Kun , Guo Junpo , Ma Yingjun , Liu Hangning , Zhang Xiaoling , Wang Huizhen , Wang Jie , Yan Zhenhua
Published: February 2024

Electrochemical water‐splitting to produce hydrogen is potential to substitute the traditional industrial coal gasification, but the oxygen evolution kinetics at the anode remains sluggish. In this paper, sea urchin‐like Fe doped Ni3S2 catalyst growing on nickel foam (NF) substrate is constructed via a simple two‐step strategy, including surface iron activation and post sulfuration process. The NF‐Fe‐Ni3S2 obtains at temperature of 130 °C (NF‐Fe‐Ni3S2‐130) features nanoneedle‐like arrays which are vertically grown on the particles to form sea urchin‐like morphology, features high electrochemical surface area. As oxygen evolution catalyst, NF‐Fe‐Ni3S2‐130 exhibits excellent oxygen evolution activities, fast reaction kinetics, and superior reaction stability. The excellent OER performance of sea urchin‐like NF‐Fe‐Ni3S2‐130 is mainly ascribed to the high‐vertically dispersive of nanoneedles and the existing Fe dopants, which obviously improved the reaction kinetics and the intrinsic catalytic properties. The simple preparation strategy is conducive to establish high‐electrochemical‐interface catalysts, which shows great potential in renewable energy conversion.
Wide hybridization in sorghum with tertiary gene pool for diversification of parental lines
Authors: Meena Kanti , Jacob Jinu , Bhavyasri M. , Aruna C. , Sanjana Reddy P. , Rajendrakumar P. , Singode Avinash , Tara Satyavathi C. , Visarada K. B. R. S.
Published: February 2024

Sorghum (S. bicolor) is a great millet that constitutes the staple food in many parts of the world and is cultivated in the semi‐arid tropics. The grain is bestowed with traits that make it amenable for many value‐added products, thus increasing the demand. Considerable progress is achieved in increasing the yield in the past through exploitation of primary gene pool species and secondary gene pool species to a very limited extent, but further increase is challenging and it necessitates bringing in the genetic diversity from other gene pools. Tertiary gene pool of sorghum has not been exploited so far due to limitations of cross‐incompatibility. We accomplished inter‐specific hybridization in sorghum with the wild species of tertiary gene pool. Derivatives from three inter‐specific crosses (ISCs), Sorghum bicolor × S. versicolor (ISC304 and ISC320) and S. bicolor × S. usumbarense (ISC812), with the parental lines of popular Indian sorghum hybrids, 27B and 126B, are developed. Thirteen promising lines are identified, and they are subjected to field evaluation and molecular analysis to develop inter‐specific derivatives that are equivalent to parent progenitors in agronomic traits yet diverse enough genetically. Analysis of phenotypic data in conjunction with genotype data revealed that derivatives of S. usumbarense are promising as compared to derivatives from S. versicolor, derivatives of S. usumbarense are closely clustered as compared to that of S. versicolor, and all the derivatives carry genomic regions from both the parents, with S. bicolor genome being predominant. GGE biplot analysis identified three genotypes (ISC320‐5, ISC320‐2, and ISC812‐2) as highly promising. We successfully generated promising inter‐specific derivatives from the tertiary gene pool in sorghum for ready use in crop improvement programs.
Co‐, Ni‐, and Cu‐Doped Fe‐Based Catalysts for the Microwave‐Assisted Catalytic Pyrolysis of Polyethylene
Authors: Zhang Bin , Li Ya'nan , Lu Shuai , Hu Yanbing , Li Yang , Wang Song , Liu Jie , Tang Tao , Li Sanxi
Published: February 2024

Environmental issues caused by waste polyethylene are becoming increasingly severe. Among potential treatment processes, microwave‐assisted catalytic pyrolysis is promising for converting waste plastics into valuable products owing to its energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. Herein, a modified citric acid combustion method was used to prepare a series of metal oxide catalysts with loose porous structures. The prepared Fe‐based catalysts doped with Co, Ni, or Cu were employed in the microwave‐assisted catalytic pyrolysis of polyethylene. The bimetallic Co1Fe1Ox catalyst exhibited the best performance, yielding hydrogen at a rate of 60.7 mmol/gplastic. Further variation in the Co : Fe ratio revealed that the Co1Fe9Ox catalyst achieved the highest hydrogen production efficiency (63.64 mmol/gplastic). Similar oil‐phase products were obtained over the various catalysts, as revealed by infrared spectroscopy and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) identified carbon nanotubes as the major solid product of pyrolysis, which were attached to the catalyst surface. Finally, a combination of thermogravimetric analysis, SEM, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy indicated that the reduction in catalytic activity following recycling was caused by the accumulation of carbonaceous products on the catalyst surface. Overall, Co1Fe9Ox catalysts were favorable for obtaining H2 and carbon nanotubes by the microwave‐assisted pyrolysis of polyethylene.
Seed priming with corona discharge plasma modified growth performance, improved metabolism, and elicited production of tropane alkaloids in Datura inoxia seedlings; plasma technology for application in plant in‐vitro cultures
Authors: Tardast Zahra , Iranbakhsh Alireza , Ebadi Mostafa , Oraghi Ardebili Zahra
Published: February 2024

This study monitored the growth, biochemical, and developmental responses of Datura seedlings to the cold plasma. The effectiveness of different methods was explored to break seed dormancy. Germinating seeds were exposed to corona discharge plasma for different durations, including 0, 60, 120, 180, and 300 s. A procedure consisting of illumination with a red light (20 min), soaking in water (4°C for 48 h), and removing a part of Testa was the best method for breaking seed dormancy. The plasma treatments of 60, 120, and 180 s improved the plant growth performance, while this trait was declined in response to the plasma treatment of 300 s. The proline concentrations in both root and leaves displayed a linear significant upward trend in response to the plasma treatments. The plasma for 180 s was the most effective method to increase tropane alkaloids. With increasing the exposure time from 60 to 300 s, the leaf soluble phenols were linearly enhanced. The plasma application for 60, 120, and 180 s significantly augmented total protein concentration, while the exposure of seeds for 300 s significantly diminished it. The highest amounts of photosynthetic pigments (chlorophylls and carotenoids) were recorded in the seedlings treated with plasma for 120 and 180 s. The activities of enzymatic antioxidants (catalase and peroxidase) showed a similar upward trend to that of proline. The plasma priming also improved the phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase activity (a secondary metabolism index). Further investigations are needed to optimize plasma parameters and understand the involved mechanisms to maximize its benefits while minimizing potential risks.
Caregivers’ attitudes toward blood‐based biomarker testing for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Bolsewig Katharina , Blok Hester , Willemse Eline A. J. , Zwaaftink Rob B. M. Groot , Kooistra Minke , Smets Ellen M. A. , Teunissen Charlotte E. , Visser Leonie N. C.
Published: February 2024

INTRODUCTION

We aimed to evaluate informal caregivers’ attitudes toward undergoing and future implementation of blood‐based biomarkers (BBBM) testing for Alzheimer's disease (AD).

METHODS

We explored caregivers’ perspectives, by combining an online survey (n = 107) with a subsequent focus group (n = 7). We used descriptive statistics and thematic content analysis to identify common themes in answers to open‐ended survey questions and focus group data.

RESULTS

Most caregivers (72.0%) favored BBBM for AD diagnosis. Provided with hypothetical scenarios, confidence in a normal result decreased significantly if experienced symptoms were more severe (mild: 78.5% vs. severe: 48.6%). Caregivers’ attitudes toward BBBM for screening purposes significantly improved with prospect of treatment (53.3% vs. 92.5%). Concerns toward BBBM testing included treatment unavailability, increased/prolonged distress, and AD‐related stigma. Potential benefits were actionability, explanation for symptoms, and opportunities for better care and future treatment.

DISCUSSION

Emerging AD treatment and reduction of AD‐related stigma could profoundly increase public interest in BBBM testing for AD.

Highlights

Most informal caregivers would want blood‐based biomarker (BBBM) testing for Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnosis.

Perceived (dis)advantages were related to diagnosing AD early.

With severe symptoms, there was less confidence in normal BBBM results.

Treatment availability would significantly increase interest in BBBM testing for AD.

Informal caregivers showed uncertainty regarding the meaning of the term “AD.”
Myxoid neurofibroma masquerading as lymphatic‐venous malformation and poses a diagnostic challenge on fine needle aspiration biopsy
Authors: Shaker Nada , Iwenofu Hans , Shaker Nuha , Tynski Zofia , Sangueza Omar P. , Abid Abdul
Published: February 2024

Background

Myxoid neurofibromas (NF) are uncommon, benign spindle cell tumors that originate from peripheral nerve sheaths, often posing a diagnostic challenge due to their hypocellularity on cytology specimens. Distinguishing myxoid spindle cell lesions can be challenging, given the broad range of potential differential diagnoses.

Case Presentation

A 26‐year‐old female with a past medical history of embolized inguinal, flank, and retroperitoneal venolymphatic malformation presented with a left pelvic pain causing significant disability. CT scan showed an extensive 8.7 cm × 6.6 cm retroperitoneal mass. FNA was performed and alcohol‐fixed papanicolaou‐stained smears showed a hypocellular specimen with loosely arranged clusters of bland spindle cell proliferation in the background of a mucoid matrix. Spindle cells showed scant cytoplasm and elongated oval‐shaped regular nuclei. Prominent nucleoli were not seen. An excisional biopsy revealed a bland spindle cell proliferation in a myxoid background associated with shredded collagen bundles. Immunohistochemical staining showed diffuse positivity for S100 and CD34. Based on the overall findings, a definitive diagnosis of myxoid neurofibroma was rendered.

Discussion

Cytological features of myxoid neurofibroma include the presence of hypocellular spindle‐shaped cells arranged in small, loosely organized groups within a myxoid matrix background. Cells exhibit scant cytoplasm with regular oval and elongated nuclei. Nucleoli are typically not identified. The differential diagnosis includes myxoid neurofibroma, myxoma, myxoid liposarcoma, myxoid chondrosarcoma, myxoid dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, low‐grade fibromyxoid sarcoma, and low‐grade myxo‐fibrosarcoma.

Conclusion

We aim to highlight the importance of considering myxoid neurofibroma in the differential diagnosis of hypocellular myxoid spindle cell lesions encountered on fine‐needle aspiration cytology.
Chrononutrition in type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity: A narrative review
Authors: Verde Ludovica , Di Lorenzo Tonia , Savastano Silvia , Colao Annamaria , Barrea Luigi , Muscogiuri Giovanna
Published: February 2024

Chrononutrition is a nutritional regimen that follows our biological clock, marked by the changes in metabolism that occur during the day. This regimen includes the distribution of energy, the regularity and frequency of meals, and the importance of these factors for metabolic health. A growing body of animal and human evidence indicates that the timing of food intake throughout the day can have a significant and beneficial impact on the metabolic health and well‐being of individuals. In particular, both the timing and frequency of meals have been associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), cardiovascular disease, and other chronic conditions. Today's busy lifestyle makes many people skip breakfast and eat late at night. Eating late at night has been shown to cause a circadian misalignment, with the latter having a negative impact on weight control and glucose metabolism. Additionally, some studies have found a relatively strong association between skipping breakfast and insulin resistance, and T2DM. Against the backdrop of escalating obesity and T2DM rates, coupled with the recognized influence of food timing on disease evolution and control, this review aimed to synthesize insights from epidemiological and intervention studies of the interplay of timing of food intake and macronutrient consumption, reporting their impact on obesity and T2DM.
Cougars, wolves, and humans drive a dynamic landscape of fear for elk
Authors: Ganz Taylor R. , DeVivo Melia T. , Wirsing Aaron J. , Bassing Sarah B. , Kertson Brian N. , Walker Savanah L. , Prugh Laura R.
Published: February 2024

To manage predation risk, prey navigate a dynamic landscape of fear, or spatiotemporal variation in risk perception, reflecting predator distributions, traits, and activity cycles. Prey may seek to reduce risk across this landscape using habitat at times and in places when predators are less active. In multipredator landscapes, avoiding one predator could increase vulnerability to another, making the landscape of fear difficult to predict and navigate. Additionally, humans may shape interactions between predators and prey, and induce new sources of risk. Humans can function as a shield, providing a refuge for prey from human‐averse carnivores, and as a predator, causing mortality through hunting and vehicle collisions and eliciting a fear response that can exceed that of carnivores. We used telemetry data collected between 2017 and 2021 from 63 Global Positioning System‐collared elk (Cervus canadensis), 42 cougars (Puma concolor), and 16 wolves (Canis lupus) to examine how elk habitat selection changed in relation to carnivores and humans in northeastern Washington, USA. Using step selection functions, we evaluated elk habitat use in relation to cougars, wolves, and humans, diel period (daytime vs. nighttime), season (summer calving season vs. fall hunting season), and habitat structure (open vs. closed habitat). The diel cycle was critical to understanding elk movement, allowing elk to reduce encounters with predators where and when they would be the largest threat. Elk strongly avoided cougars at night but had a near‐neutral response to cougars during the day, whereas elk avoided wolves at all times of day. Elk generally used more open habitats where cougars and wolves were most active, rather than altering the use of habitat structure depending on the predator species. Elk avoided humans during the day and ~80% of adult female mortality was human caused, suggesting that humans functioned as a “super predator” in this system. Simultaneously, elk leveraged the human shield against wolves but not cougars at night, and no elk were confirmed to have been killed by wolves. Our results add to the mounting evidence that humans profoundly affect predator–prey interactions, highlighting the importance of studying these dynamics in anthropogenic areas.