bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advances in Synthesis and Characterization of Aluminum‐Based Amorphous Alloys: A Review
Authors: Sahu Ashutosh , Maurya Ram Sajeevan , Laha Tapas
Published: November 2023

Aluminum‐based glassy alloys and composites exhibit more than two times higher tensile and compressive strength and superior corrosion resistance compared to the conventional Al alloys. However, the low glass‐forming ability (GFA) of Al‐based glass‐forming compositions restricts the synthesis of large dimension Al‐based amorphous alloys. In contrast, powder metallurgy route leads to synthesis of higher‐dimension Al‐based metallic glasses and composites. A detailed review on the efforts made to improve the dimension and mechanical properties of the Al‐based glassy alloys and composites is essential to further develop these materials for industrial applications. Researchers aspiring to develop high‐strength light‐weight materials can be benefited from such a detailed review on Al‐based amorphous alloys and composites. In this review article, a holistic approach is made to understand the GFA, crystallization behavior, corrosion resistance, and mechanical and electronic properties of Al‐based glassy alloys and composites. The effects of various alloying elements on GFA and criteria to optimize Al‐based glass‐forming alloy composition are discussed. The crystallization behavior is discussed with phase‐separation and quenched‐in nuclei models. The effects of various crystalline phases in the amorphous matrix on corrosion resistance and mechanical and electronic properties are discussed in detail.
Phase‐Controlled Growth of 1T′‐MoS2 Nanoribbons on 1H‐MoS2 Nanosheets
Authors: Wang Yongji , Zhai Wei , Ren Yi , Zhang Qinghua , Yao Yao , Li Siyuan , Yang Qi , Zhou Xichen , Li Zijian , Chi Banlan , Liang Jinzhe , He Zhen , Gu Lin , Zhang Hua
Published: November 2023

2D heterostructures are emerging as alternatives to conventional semiconductors, such as silicon, germanium, and gallium nitride, for next‐generation electronics and optoelectronics. However, the direct growth of 2D heterostructures, especially for those with metastable phases still remains challenging. To obtain 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) with designed phases, it is highly desired to develop phase‐controlled synthetic strategies. Here, a facile chemical vapor deposition method is reported to prepare vertical 1H/1T′ MoS2 heterophase structures. By simply changing the growth atmosphere, semimetallic 1T′‐MoS2 can be in situ grown on the top of semiconducting 1H‐MoS2, forming vertical semiconductor/semimetal 1H/1T′ heterophase structures with a sharp interface. The integrated device based on the 1H/1T′ MoS2 heterophase structure displays a typical rectifying behavior with a current rectifying ratio of ≈103. Moreover, the 1H/1T′ MoS2‐based photodetector achieves a responsivity of 1.07 A W−1 at 532 nm with an ultralow dark current of less than 10−11 A. The aforementioned results indicate that 1H/1T′ MoS2 heterophase structures can be a promising candidate for future rectifiers and photodetectors. Importantly, the approach may pave the way toward tailoring the phases of TMDs, which can help us utilize phase engineering strategies to promote the performance of electronic devices.
Recent Advances in Multi‐Photon 3D Laser Printing: Active Materials and Applications
Authors: Mainik Philipp , Spiegel Christoph A. , Blasco Eva
Published: November 2023

Since the pioneering work of Kawata and colleagues in 1997, multi‐photon 3D laser printing, also known as direct laser writing, has made significant advancements in a wide range of fields. Moreover, the development and commercialization of photocurable inks for this technique have expanded rapidly. One of the current trends is the transition from static to active printable materials, often referred to as 4D microprinting, which enables a new degree of control in the printed systems. This review focuses on four primary application areas: microrobotics, optics and photonics, microfluidics, and life sciences, highlighting recent progress and the crucial role of active materials, including liquid crystalline elastomers, hydrogels, shape memory polymers, and composites, among others. It also addresses ongoing challenges and provides insights into the future prospects in the different fields.
Calloso‐adreno‐scrotal agenesis associated with biallelic MAPK‐activating death domain protein (MADD) variant: Further phenotypic delineation of MADD deficiency
Authors: Darouich Sihem , Darouich Samia
Published: November 2023

MAPK‐activating death domain protein (MADD) deficiency is associated with a broad clinical spectrum ranging from mild developmental impairment to fatal multisystem disorder. We report an additional case of severe form with some overlapping and unreported systemic features in a growth‐restricted full‐term male newborn. The novel findings include corpus callosum agenesis, bilateral adrenal agenesis, scrotal aplasia, and abnormal skin pigmentation. Microscopic changes are only remarkable in thyroid gland that shows decreased, variously sized follicles with absent or non‐vacuolated pale colloid. This unique constellation of birth defects is associated with a novel homozygous in‐frame MADD gene deletion (NM_003682.4: c.4853_4855delGCT:p.Cys1618del). This case report expands the phenotypic and genetic spectrum of MADD deficiency.
Bicyclic Guanidine Promoted Mechanistically Divergent Depolymerization and Recycling of a Biobased Polycarbonate
Authors: Lamparelli David H. , Villar‐Yanez Alba , Dittrich Lorenz , Rintjema Jeroen , Bravo Fernando , Bo Carles , Kleij Arjan W.
Published: November 2023

We here report the organocatalytic and temperature‐controlled depolymerization of biobased poly(limonene carbonate) providing access to its trans‐configured cyclic carbonate as the major product. The base TBD (1,5,7‐triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec‐5‐ene) offers a unique opportunity to break down polycarbonates via end‐group activation or main chain scission pathways as supported by various controls and computational analysis. These energetically competitive processes represent an unprecedented divergent approach to polycarbonate recycling. The trans limonene carbonate can be converted back to its polycarbonate via ring‐opening polymerization using the same organocatalyst in the presence of an alcohol initiator, offering thus a potential circular and practical route for polycarbonate recycling.
Cu3BiS3: Two‐Dimensional Coordination Induces Out‐of‐Plane Phonon Scattering Enabling Ultralow Thermal Conductivity
Authors: Jia Fei , Zhao Shuang , Wu Jing , Chen Ling , Liu Te‐Huan , Wu Li‐Ming
Published: November 2023

The discovery of compounds with low thermal conductivity and the understanding of their microscopic mechanisms are of great challenges and scientific significance. Herein, we report a unique ternary sulfide compound, Cu3BiS3, in which all Cu atoms are coordinated within a two‐dimensional [CuS3] triangle plane. This local coordination leads to efficient out‐of‐plane phonon scattering and an ultralow thermal conductivity. Through DFT phonon spectrum calculations and analyses, we reveal that the lowest vibration frequency decreases from 2 THz for high‐dimensional [CuS4] tetrahedral coordinated Cu atoms in CuBiS2 (CN=4, with an average Cu−S bond length of 2.328 Å) to 1.5 THz for low‐dimensional [CuS3] triangular coordinated Cu atoms in Cu3BiS3 (CN=3, with a shorter Cu−S bond length of 2.285 Å). This is due to the out‐of‐plane thermal vibration of the Cu atoms in the latter. Consequently,Cu3BiS3 exhibits one of the lowest values of κlat (0.32 W/m K) among its peer, with a 36 % reduction compared to CuBiS2 (0.50 W/m K). This groundbreaking discovery highlights the significant role of 2D local coordination in reducing thermal conductivity through characteristic out‐of‐plane phonon scattering, while also contributing to a large Grüneisen parameter (2.06) in Cu3BiS3.
Design and synthesis of bioreductive prodrugs of class I histone deacetylase inhibitors and their biological evaluation in virally transfected acute myeloid leukemia cells
Authors: Abdelsalam Mohamed , Zmyslia Mariia , Schmidtkunz Karin , Vecchio Anita , Hilscher Sebastian , Ibrahim Hany S. , Schutkowski Mike , Jung Manfred , Jessen‐Trefzer Claudia , Sippl Wolfgang
Published: November 2023

Although histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors show promise in treating various types of hematologic malignancies, they have some limitations, including poor pharmacokinetics and off‐target side effects. Prodrug design has shown promise as an approach to improve pharmacokinetic properties and to improve target tissue specificity. In this work, several bioreductive prodrugs for class I HDACs were designed based on known selective HDAC inhibitors. The zinc‐binding group of the HDAC inhibitors was masked with various nitroarylmethyl residues to make them substrates of nitroreductase (NTR). The developed prodrugs showed weak HDAC inhibitory activity compared to their parent inhibitors. The prodrugs were tested against wild‐type and NTR‐transfected THP1 cells. Cellular assays showed that both 2‐nitroimidazole‐based prodrugs 5 and 6 were best activated by the NTR and exhibited potent activity against NTR‐THP1 cells. Compound 6 showed the highest cellular activity (GI50 = 77 nM) and exhibited moderate selectivity. Moreover, activation of prodrug 6 by NTR was confirmed by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis, which showed the release of the parent inhibitor after incubation with Escherichia coli NTR. Thus, compound 6 can be considered a novel prodrug selective for class I HDACs, which could be used as a good starting point for increasing selectivity and for further optimization.
Clinical and procedural outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention for de novo lesions involving the ostial left circumflex coronary artery
Authors: Cozzi Ottavia , Maurina Matteo , Cacia Michele , Bernardini Valentina , Gohar Aisha , Cao Davide , Mangieri Antonio , Condello Francesco , Leone Pier Pasquale , Sticchi Alessandro , Rossi Marco L. , Gasparini Gabriele , Stefanini Giulio G. , Condorelli Gianluigi , Reimers Bernhard , Colombo Antonio , Regazzoli Damiano
Published: November 2023

Background

Percutaneous treatment for ostial left circumflex artery (LCx) lesions is known to be associated with suboptimal results.

Aims

The present study aims to assess the procedural and long‐term clinical outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for de novo ostial LCx lesions overall and according to the coronary revascularization strategy.

Methods

Consecutive patients undergoing PCI with second generation drug eluting stents or drug coated balloons for de novo ostial LCx lesions in three high‐volume Italian centers between 2012 and 2021 were retrospectively evaluated. The primary endpoint was target‐vessel revascularization (TVR) at 2 years. Secondary endpoints included major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), target lesion revascularization, myocardial infarction, stroke, all‐cause death, and repeat revascularization.

Results

A total of 366 patients were included in the analysis with a median follow‐up of 901 (IQR: 450−1728) days. 79.5% of the patients were male, 33.6% were diabetic, 49.7% had a previous PCI, and 23.1% a prior surgical revascularization. Very ostial LCx stenting was performed in 34.1%, crossover from left main to LCx in 17.3%, and a two‐stent strategy in 48.6% of cases, respectively. In the overall population, the incidence of TVR at 2 years was 19.0% while MACCE rate was 25.7%. No major differences in clinical outcomes were found according to the stenting strategy. Use of intracoronary imaging was associated with fewer MACCE (HR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.25−1.13, p = 0.01), while the diameter of the stent implanted in the ostial LCx was associated with less TVR (HR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.25−0.75, p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Percutaneous revascularization of the ostial LCx is associated with a high rate of TVR, regardless of the stenting strategy. Intracoronary imaging and proper stent sizing may reduce the failure rates.
On the Structure Insensitivity of Propane Total Oxidation over Pt/CeO2: A Comparison between Single Atoms, Clusters and Nanoparticles
Authors: Gao Biwen , Zhang Kefeng , Wang Yu , Lu Jiqing , Liu Pengxin
Published: November 2023

A series of Pt/CeO2 catalysts with varied sizes of Pt domains are prepared and evaluated in propane total oxidation reaction, to investigate the structural sensitivity regarding the particle sizes and metal‐support interactions. Over Pt single atoms, clusters or nanoparticles (NP), the obtained similar turnover frequencies and apparent activation energies suggest the reaction is structure insensitive to the sizes of Pt domains. Nonetheless, detailed kinetic study reveals different adsorption behavior of reactants (C3H8 and O2) over these Pt species. Following a Langmuir‐Hinshelwood mechanism, C3H8 and O2 competitively adsorb on Pt surface. The adsorption of C3H8 and O2 on Pt single atom is much easier than on Pt nanoparticles due to its lower coordination. These findings provide experimental evidences for the reaction behavior of C3H8 oxidation over Pt/CeO2 catalysts, and lay a foundation for further understanding of the structure‐property relationship.
TiO2−CeOx−Pt Hollow Nanosphere Catalyst for Low‐Temperature CO Oxidation
Authors: Liebertseder Mareike , Maliakkal Carina B. , Crone Marlene , Nails Gülperi , Casapu Maria , Grunwaldt Jan‐Dierk , Türk Michael , Kübel Christian , Feldmann Claus
Published: November 2023

TiO2−CeO2−Pt hollow nanospheres (1 wt‐% Pt) are realized using a liquid‐phase strategy using NaCl as a template. The NaCl template is first coated with TiO2 and thereafter with CeO2 via the hydrolyzation of TiCl(OiPr)3 and Ce(OiPr)4 as suitable alkoxides. Finally, the NaCl template is removed by washing with water. The resulting @TiO2−CeO2 hollow nanospheres (□: inner cavity) exhibit an outer diameter of 140–180 nm, a wall thickness of 30–40 nm, an inner cavity of 80–100 nm, a specific surface area of 210 m2/g, a pore volume and area of 0.08 cm3/g and 191 m2/g, mainly with micropores ≥5 Å and ≤14 Å. The hollow nanosphere support is impregnated with Pt nanoparticles, using two different methods – a wet‐chemical deposition (Pt(ac)2, acetone, 25 °C) and a supercritical fluid reactive deposition (SFRD) process ([Pt(COD)Me2], supercritical CO2, 80 °C, 15.6 MPa) resulting in an uniform size distribution with Pt nanoparticles 2.5±0.1 nm (TiO2−CeO2−PtWCD) and 2.3±0.1 nm (TiO2−CeO2−PtSFRD) in size. The catalytic properties of the TiO2−CeO2−Pt hollow nanospheres are evaluated for CO oxidation between 50 and 500 °C. A promising catalytic activity and stable light‐out/light‐off temperatures are observed especially for the TiO2−CeO2−PtSFRD sample, indicating the suitability of hollow nanospheres as high‐porosity catalyst material.
Chiral‐at‐Metal Racemization Unraveled for MX2(a‐chel)2 by Means of a Computational Analysis of MoO2(acnac)2
Authors: Dhimba George , Muller Alfred , Lammertsma Koop
Published: November 2023

Invited for the cover of this issue are Koop Lammertsma and co‐workers at the University of Johannesburg and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. The image of the kudu's antlers depicts the isomerization and racemization of the chiral‐at‐metal complex MoO2(acnac)2 (acnac=β‐ketoiminate). Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202302516.
Treatment of children with favorable histology Wilms tumor with extrapulmonary metastases: A report from the COG studies AREN0533 and AREN03B2 and NWTSG study NWTS‐5
Authors: Benedetti Daniel J. , Varela Carly R. , Renfro Lindsay A. , Tornwall Brett , Dix David B. , Ehrlich Peter F. , Glick Richard D. , Kalapurakal John , Perlman Elizabeth , Gratias Eric , Seibel Nita L. , Geller James I. , Khanna Geetika , Malogolowkin Marcio , Grundy Paul , Fernandez Conrad V. , Dome Jeffrey S. , Mullen Elizabeth A.
Published: November 2023

Background

Patients with stage IV favorable histology Wilms tumor (FHWT) with extrapulmonary metastases (EPM) constitute a small subset of patients with FHWT. Because of their rarity and heterogeneity, optimal FHWT treatment is not well understood. Children’s Oncology Group protocol AREN0533 assigned patients with FHWT and EPM to intensified chemotherapy, regimen M, after initial DD‐4A chemotherapy. To improve understanding of prognostic factors and best therapies, experiences of patients with EPM on AREN0533, as well as on protocols AREN03B2 and NWTS‐5, were reviewed.

Methods

Combined outcomes for patients with EPM from NWTS‐5, AREN0533, and AREN03B2 were determined. Those treated on AREN0533 were compared with those treated on NWTS‐5. Prognostic factors were explored in the pooled cohort.

Results

Forty‐seven patients with FHWT with EPM enrolled on AREN0533, 37 enrolled on NWTS‐5, and 64 were followed only on AREN03B2. The pooled cohort of all 148 patients demonstrated a 4‐year event‐free survival (EFS) of 77.3% (95% CI, 70.8–84.4) and 4‐year overall survival of 88.9% (95% CI, 83.9–94.2). Four‐year EFS of patients with EPM treated on AREN0533 was 76.0% (95% CI, 64.6–89.4) vs 64.9% (95% CI, 51.7–82.2) on NWTS‐5; hazard ratio, 0.64, p = .26; no difference in overall survival was observed. Increasing linear age and slow incomplete lung response were associated with worse EFS in a pooled cohort.

Conclusions

Outcomes for patients with EPM are among the lowest for children with FHWT. Further trials with standardized surgical and radiation treatment to metastatic sites, and prospectively collected biologic and treatment details are needed.

Clinical trial registration

Clinical Trials.gov identifiers: NCT00379340, NCT00898365, and NCT00002611.
Guideline‐directed medical therapy in severe heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: An analysis from the HELP‐HF registry
Authors: Tomasoni Daniela , Pagnesi Matteo , Colombo Giada , Chiarito Mauro , Stolfo Davide , Baldetti Luca , Lombardi Carlo Mario , Adamo Marianna , Maggi Giuseppe , Inciardi Riccardo Maria , Loiacono Ferdinando , Maccallini Marta , Villaschi Alessandro , Gasparini Gaia , Montella Marco , Contessi Stefano , Cocianni Daniele , Perotto Maria , Barone Giuseppe , Merlo Marco , Cappelletti Alberto Maria , Rosano Giuseppe , Sinagra Gianfranco , Pini Daniela , Savarese Gianluigi , Metra Marco
Published: November 2023

Aim

Persistent symptoms despite guideline‐directed medical therapy (GDMT) and poor tolerance of GDMT are hallmarks of patients with advanced heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). However, real‐world data on GDMT use, dose, and prognostic implications are lacking.

Methods and results

We included 699 consecutive patients with HFrEF and at least one ‘I NEED HELP’ marker for advanced HF enrolled in a multicentre registry. Beta‐blockers (BB) were administered to 574 (82%) patients, angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers or angiotensin receptor–neprilysin inhibitors (ACEi/ARB/ARNI) were administered to 381 (55%) patients and 416 (60%) received mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA). Overall, ≥50% of target doses were reached in 41%, 22%, and 56% of the patients on BB, ACEi/ARB/ARNI and MRA, respectively. Hypotension, bradycardia, kidney dysfunction and hyperkalaemia were the main causes of underprescription and/or underdosing, but up to a half of the patients did not receive target doses for unknown causes (51%, 41%, and 55% for BB, ACEi/ARB/ARNI and MRA, respectively). The proportions of patients receiving BB and ACEi/ARB/ARNI were lower among those fulfilling the 2018 HFA‐ESC criteria for advanced HF. Treatment with BB and ACEi/ARB/ARNI were associated with a lower risk of death or HF hospitalizations (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.48–0.84, and HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.58–0.95, respectively).

Conclusions

In a large, real‐world, contemporary cohort of patients with severe HFrEF, with at least one marker for advanced HF, prescription and uptitration of GDMT remained limited. A significant proportion of patients were undertreated due to unknown reasons suggesting a potential role of clinical inertia either by the prescribing healthcare professional or by the patient. Treatment with BB and ACEi/ARB/ARNI was associated with lower mortality/morbidity.
Sublethal Toxicity of 17 Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances with Diverse Structures to Ceriodaphnia dubia, Hyalella azteca, and Chironomus dilutus
Authors: Kadlec Sarah M. , Backe Will J. , Erickson Russell J. , Hockett J. Russell , Howe Sarah E. , Mundy Ian D. , Piasecki Edward , Sluka Henry , Votava Lauren K. , Mount David R.
Published: November 2023

Seven-day sublethal toxicity tests were performed with the freshwater invertebrates Ceriodaphnia dubia, Hyalella azteca, and Chironomus dilutus to determine the effects of per- or polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) of varying chain length within four classes: perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs), perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs), perfluoroalkane sulfonamides, and fluorotelomer sulfonic acids. In general, toxicity increased with increasing chain length, but the slopes of these relationships varied markedly by species and chemical class. The toxicity of individual PFCAs was similar among species. The toxicity of PFSAs was similar to PFCAs for C. dubia and H. azteca, whereas PFSAs were much more toxic to C. dilutus, with median effect concentrations (EC50s) as low as 0.022 mg perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)/L and 0.012 mg perfluorononane sulfonate (PFNS)/L. Despite the high sensitivity to PFOS and PFNS, C. dilutus was not very sensitive to structurally similar fluorotelomer sulfonates (6:2 and 8:2). Perfluoroalkane sulfonamides were the most toxic class tested among all species (e.g., EC50s of 0.011 and 0.017 mg perfluorooctane sulfonamide/L for C. dilutus and H. azteca, respectively). The differences in toxicity among species and chemical classes suggest that mechanisms of PFAS toxicity may differ as a function of both. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:359–373. Published 2023. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Study on the influence of air supply and smoke exhaust on full transverse exhaust of long highway tunnel
Authors: Peng Min , Zhou Yun , Ming Yuyang , Song Chunxiao , He Kun , Wu Zhenkun , Zhu Guoqing
Published: November 2023

This study investigated the efficacy of the full transverse exhaust method for smoke extraction in tunnel fires. It examines factors such as the number and layout of air supply and exhaust outlets, analyzing their impact on smoke spread, tunnel temperature, visibility, and airflow. The results demonstrate that the full transverse exhaust method effectively controls smoke emissions in raised highway tunnels. It limits smoke spread, reduces tunnel temperature, and effectively controls the fire‐affected area. The number and layout of outlets significantly influence smoke dispersion, with fewer exhaust outlets providing better smoke control and optimizing the tunnel environment. However, insufficient outlets disrupt gas flow stability. The position of exhaust outlets affects smoke distribution, and caution is advised to prevent directing fresh air flow toward the fire. Opening an equal number of exhaust outlets on one side of the fire source yields superior smoke extraction results, reducing tunnel ceiling temperatures and minimizing risks to personnel and structures. Though stabilization may take longer, this configuration proves advantageous. The study offers valuable insights and practical guidelines for implementing the full transverse smoke control method in real‐world scenarios.
The effect of solution plasma treatment on the microbial safety and quality characteristics of albumen
Authors: Akarca Gökhan , Avci Ayşin Kahraman
Published: November 2023

The aim of this study was to make eggs microbially safe and increase their durability without damaging the functional properties of the albumen and preserving the solubility of its proteins as much as possible by the solution plasma technique. The pH, Brix, density, and viscosity values of samples decreased during treatment (p < .05 except pH). Although the L* and a* values of both the albumen and egg foam decreased, the b*, hue angle, and chroma values of both increased during treatment. The L* and a* values of the albumen decreased by 7.01 and 1.89 units, and the values of the egg foam decreased by 10.93 and 1.03 units, respectively. At the end of the treatment, foaming capacity and foam stability were decreased by 25% and 21.42%, respectively. Foaming capacity values obtained as a result of this treatment were higher and foam stability values were lower compared to the values obtained in pasteurization of eggs by heat treatment. The count of the two pathogenic bacteria inoculated into the albumen decreased during the treatment (p < .05), the count of Salmonella Enteritidis decreased to 0, and the count of Staphylococcus aureus decreased by 1.09 log cfu/g at the end of the treatment. Compared to current heat treatments, solution plasma treatment caused significantly less adverse effects on albumen quality characteristics. In particular, the foaming properties of the albumen were much less affected by this method and remained at higher values compared to the values achieved by other methods. The treatment also produced a microbiologically safer product.
Selection of the most suitable pretreatment method by PROMETHEE for baker's yeast production wastewater in Microbial Fuel Cell
Authors: Durna Pişkin Elif , Genç Nevim
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

The high organic load and low biodegradability of the effluent from baker's yeast production limit its use as a substrate in microbial fuel cell (MFC) systems. In this study, baker's yeast production wastewater was used as a substrate in the anode chamber to assess the impact of various pretreatment methods [dilution, microwave (MW), acidic‐thermal, basic‐thermal and ultrasound (US)] on electricity generation and waste treatment. Additionally, azo dye was used as an electron acceptor at the cathode. Power density and coulomb efficiency were evaluated for electricity generation, and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal and azo dye removal parameters were evaluated for treatability.

RESULTS

The maximum power densities obtained were 83.53, 46.54, 19.41, 67.40, 41 and 33 mW m−2 for MW, acidic thermal, alkaline‐thermal and US pretreatments, diluted raw and raw wastewater, respectively. To determine the most suitable pretreatment method, PROMETHEE was performed using the criteria of maximum power density, COD removal, azo dye removal, coulombic efficiency and pretreatment cost. The most suitable method was found to be MW pretreatment. The order of the alternatives was found to be MW > US > acidic/thermal > diluted raw > raw > alkaline/thermal. With the MW pretreatment, 81.34% azo dye removal, 5 g L−1 COD removal, 0.27% coulombic efficiency and €0.284 L−1 pretreatment cost were obtained.

CONCLUSION

The most suitable pretreatment method to be applied to wastewater for the treatment of baker's yeast production wastewater and high energy production was determined as MW using the PROMETHEE approach. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Effect of sugammadex administration on neural tube development in 48‐h chick embryos
Authors: Büyükerkmen Elif , Atay Emre , Firat Fatma , Yüksek Ahmet , Bilir Abdülkadir , Albaş Kurt Gülan , Saritaş Alperen
Published: November 2023

Sugammadex is a new generation drug that has led to significant changes in the practice of anesthesia. However, its effects on fetal development are not yet fully known. The aim of this study is to investigate the teratogenic effects of sugammadex on neural tube and embryonic development in early chick embryos. In this study, 50 0‐day fertile specific non‐pathogenic (SPF) eggs were used. Fifty eggs were divided into 5 different groups, each consisting of 10 pieces. While no substance was given to the control group at the 28th hour of the study, 4 different doses of sugammadex were administered to the experimental groups, respectively 2, 4, 8, 16 mg/kg. Cranio‐caudal lengths of embryos, somite numbers, average number of argyrophilic nucleolar regulatory regions (AgNOR) per nucleus, total AgNOR area/total nuclear area (TAA/NA) ratios, Caspase‐3 H‐Score results, and presence of neural tube defect were compared among the groups. While the mean cranio‐caudal lengths, somite counts, TAA/NA ratios and AgNOR counts of the embryos were found to be statistically significantly lower than the control group, Caspase‐3 H‐Score mean results were found to be significantly higher (p < .05). In addition, it was observed that there was an increase in neural tube patency and developmental delay. As a result, sugammadex crossing the placenta was revealed to increase the release of proapopitotic molecules and disrupt the developmental stages of embryos. Thus, it was determined that sugammadex in increased developmental delay and incidence of neural tube defects in early chick embryos with increased dose dependent. Despite these results, the effects of sugammadex on fetal development in in vivo and in vitro environments should be studied with further studies.

Research Highlights

Sugammadex is a new generation drug that has led to significant changes in the practice of anesthesia. However, its effects on fetal development are not yet fully known. It has been observed that different doses of sugammadex increase the risk of neural tube defect development on chick embryos and slow the embryo development in a dose‐dependent manner.
Maximising the potential of academic–practitioner collaborations in international development
Authors: Brunese Priyanka , Lee Min K. , Bessenbacher Ann , Raman Arvind , Yih Yuehwern
Published: November 2023

A call to action has been issued for cross‐sector partnerships such as academic–practitioner collaborations to develop evidence‐based solutions to address development challenges. This study investigated correlations between factors such as motivation, involvement in co‐creation of research, usability of research outputs and past partnering experiences with the future participation in such collaborations. Using survey data from members of the LASER PULSE Consortium, we not only present empirical evidence on the mismatch of expectations between academics and practitioners but also recommend a framework to maximise the potential of such collaborations by understanding value propositions and managing partnering experience.
Activation of Toll‐like receptor 3 inhibits HIV infection of human iPSC‐derived microglia
Authors: Wang Peng , Liu Jin‐Biao , Wang Xu , Meng Feng‐Zheng , Xiao Qian‐Hao , Liu Lu , Zhu Jian , Hu Wen‐Hui , Ho Wen‐Zhe
Published: November 2023

As a key immune cell in the brain, microglia are essential for protecting the central nervous system (CNS) from viral infections, including HIV. Microglia possess functional Toll‐like receptor 3 (TLR3), a key viral sensor for activating interferon (IFN) signaling pathway‐mediated antiviral immunity. We, therefore, studied the effect of poly (I:C), a synthetic ligand of TLR3, on the activation of the intracellular innate immunity against HIV in human iPSC‐derived microglia (iMg). We found that poly (I:C) treatment of iMg effectively inhibits HIV infection/replication at both mRNA and protein levels. Investigations of the mechanisms revealed that TLR3 activation of iMg by poly (I:C) induced the expression of both type I and type III IFNs. Compared with untreated cells, the poly (I:C)‐treated iMg expressed significantly higher levels of IFN‐stimulated genes (ISGs) with known anti‐HIV activities (ISG15, MxB, Viperin, MxA, and OAS‐1). In addition, TLR3 activation elicited the expression of the HIV entry coreceptor CCR5 ligands (CC chemokines) in iMg. Furthermore, the transcriptional profile analysis showed that poly (I:C)‐treated cells had the upregulated IFN signaling genes (ISG15, ISG20, IFITM1, IFITM2, IFITM3, IFITM10, APOBEC3A, OAS‐2, MxA, and MxB) and the increased CC chemokine signaling genes (CCL1, CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, and CCL15). These observations indicate that TLR3 is a potential therapy target for activating the intracellular innate immunity against HIV infection/replication in human microglial cells. Therefore, further studies with animal models and clinical specimens are necessary to determine the role of TLR3 activation‐driven antiviral response in the control and elimination of HIV in infected host cells.
IFIT3 inhibits Epstein‐Barr virus reactivation via upregulating innate immunity
Authors: Zhang Wentao , Jiang Mingjuan , Liao Xuefei , Li Yanling , Xin Shuyu , Yang Li , Xin Yujie , Umar Abdulrahim , Lu Jianhong
Published: November 2023

Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV), a member of the γ‐herpesvirus family, can establish latent infection in B lymphocytes and certain epithelial cells after primary infection. Under certain circumstances, EBV can enter into lytic replication. However, the regulation of EBV latent‐lytic infection remains largely unclear. The important immune molecule, interferon‐induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 3 (IFIT3), was upregulated in EBV latently infected cells. When the lytic replication of EBV was induced, the expression of IFIT3 was further increased. In turn, IFIT3 overexpression dramatically inhibited the lytic replication of EBV, while IFIT3 knockdown facilitated EBV lytic replication. Moreover, upon the lytic induction, the ectopic IFIT3 expression promoted the activation of the interferon (IFN) pathway, including the production of IFN‐stimulated genes (ISGs), IFNB1, and the phosphorylation of IFN‐regulatory factor 3 (IRF3). In contrast, the depletion of IFIT3 led to decreased ISGs and IFNB1 expression. Mechanically, IFIT3 inhibited EBV lytic replication through IFN signaling. This study revealed that the host innate immune‐related factor IFIT3 played an important role in regulating EBV latent‐lytic homeostasis. The results implied that EBV has evolved well to utilize host factors to maintain latent infection.
Recent advances in treating female genital human papillomavirus related neoplasms with topical imiquimod
Authors: Borella Fulvio , Gallio Niccolò , Mangherini Luca , Cassoni Paola , Bertero Luca , Benedetto Chiara , Preti Mario
Published: November 2023

Human papillomavirus (HPV) encompasses a group of viruses that infect the skin and mucous membranes. In the presence of certain factors, persistent infection with high‐risk HPVs can trigger a process of neoplastic transformation. Imiquimod is a topical agent that acts as a Toll‐like receptor 7/8 agonist, stimulating the innate and adaptive immune system to exert antitumor and antiviral effects. It has been approved for the treatment of various skin conditions, however, its efficacy and safety in the management of HPV‐related‐neoplasms of the lower genital tract, such as vulvar, vaginal, and cervical neoplasia, are still under investigation. This review summarizes the current evidence on the use of imiquimod for the treatment of HPV‐induced lesions of the female lower genital tract, focusing on its indications, mechanisms of action, outcomes, and predictors of response.
Quality attributes and functional properties of whole wheat bread baked from frozen dough with the addition of enzymes and hydrocolloids
Authors: He Ni , Xia Mingwei , Zhang Xia , He Min , Li Lin , Li Bing
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

The increased demand for healthy and standardized bread has led to a demand for an efficient and promising dough improver, of natural origin, to reduce the deterioration of whole wheat bread baked from frozen dough caused by the high levels of dietary fiber and by freezing treatment. In this study, the combined effects of xylanase (XYL), lipase (LIP), and xanthan gum (XAN) on the quality attributes and functional properties of whole wheat bread baked from frozen dough were evaluated.

RESULTS

The optimal combination, which contained XYL (0.12 g kg−1), LIP (0.25 g kg−1), and XAN (3.1 g kg−1), was obtained using response surface methodology (RSM). The addition of the optimal combination endowed frozen dough bread with a higher specific volume, softer texture, better brown crumb color, and greater overall acceptability. The optimal combination had no adverse impact on the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of frozen dough bread. In terms of the functional properties of bread, the water‐holding capacity (WHC), oil‐holding capacity (OHC), and swelling capacity (SWC) of dietary fiber in frozen dough bread decreased in the presence of the optimal combination, whereas the glucose adsorption capacity (GAC) did not affect them. Correspondingly, the in vitro digestive glucose release was not significantly different between the control group and the optimal combination group after frozen storage.

CONCLUSION

The optimal combination could improve the quality attributes and functional properties of whole wheat bread baked from frozen dough effectively, thereby increasing consumption. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Chemical composition analysis of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels and its four processed products by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole‐orbitrap mass spectrometry combining with nontargeted metabolomics
Authors: Wang Kangyu , Liu Xiaokang , Cai Guangzhi , Gong Jiyu , Guo Yunlong , Gao Wenyi
Published: November 2023

Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels. has been used for women to enrich the blood, prevent and treat blood deficiency syndrome in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. Wine‐processed Angelica sinensis, soil‐processed Angelica sinensis, oil‐processed Angelica sinensis, and charred‐processed Angelica sinensis are the most significant four processed products used in Chinese clinic. However, there have been few studies aimed at comparing their chemical differences. Ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole‐orbitrap mass spectrometry combining with nontargeted metabolomics was applied to investigate the diversity of processed products of Angelica sinensis. A total of 74 compounds with the variable importance in the projection value more than 1.5 and P less than 0.05 in ANOVA were highlighted as the compounds that contribute most to the discrimination of Angelica sinensis and four processed products. The results showed the metabolic changes between Angelica sinensis and its four processed products, there were 19 metabolites, 3 metabolites, 6 metabolites, and 45 metabolites were tentatively assigned in soil‐processed Angelica sinensis, wine‐processed Angelica sinensis, oil‐processed Angelica sinensis, and charred‐processed Angelica sinensis, respectively. These results suggested that the proposed metabolomics approach was useful for the quality evaluation and control of processed products of Angelica sinensis.
Exploring the in vitro anti‐inflammatory activity of gross saponins of Tribulus terrestris L. fruit by using liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry‐based cell metabolomics approach
Authors: Xu Xiaohang , Guo Wenjun , Zhao Liang , Sun Yuanhe , Xu Dandan , Yang Jingxuan , Liu Yue , Xie Shengxu , Wang Yang , Xu Yajuan
Published: November 2023

Our previous studies confirmed the efficacy of gross saponins of Tribulus terrestris L. fruit in treating cerebral ischemia. This study aimed to investigate the related mechanisms in vitro. The lipopolysaccharide‐induced BV2 cells model was constructed and treated with gross saponins at different concentrations to explore its anti‐inflammatory activity. The cell metabolite changes were tracked by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC‐MS)‐based metabolomics, and the metabolic biomarkers and related metabolic pathways were analyzed. Molecular biochemistry analysis was further used to verify the relevant inflammatory pathways. The results showed that the saponins reduced nitric oxide release and the secretion of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, interleukin‐1β, and interleukin‐6 from lipopolysaccharide‐induced BV2 cells. Metabolic perturbations occurred in lipopolysaccharide‐treated BV2 cells, which could be reversed by drug treatment via mainly regulating glycerophospholipid metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, purine metabolism pathways, etc. The western blot analysis demonstrated that saponin could suppress the activation of the inflammatory‐related signaling pathway. The present study explored the in vitro anti‐inflammatory mechanism of gross saponins of Tribulus terrestris L. fruit using an LC‐MS‐based cell metabolomics approach, which confirms the great potential of LC‐MS for drug efficacy evaluation and can be applied in other herbal medicine‐related analyses.
The Impact of Tracheal Stenosis on Distal Airway Pressure with Jet Ventilation
Authors: Gottman Drew C. , Corbisiero Michaele Francesco , Sus Ruba , Fink Daniel S.
Published: November 2023

Objective

This study investigates the effects of tracheal stenosis on distal airway pressure during low‐frequency jet ventilation (LFJV) in tracheal stenosis resection procedures, focusing on variables like stenosis size, depth, scope type, and inlet pressure.

Methods

A 3D‐printed human airway model was employed, featuring inserted tracheal stenoses of varied sizes and depths. Distal airway pressure was measured with 16 pressure transducers, and data were processed via MATLAB. The study varied stenosis size, depth, scope type, and inlet pressure during five sequential jet bursts under LFJV.

Results

Using a subglottiscope resulted in significantly reduced distal airway pressure compared to a laryngoscope. Interestingly, neither stenosis size nor depth significantly influenced distal airway pressure. However, increased distance between the scope and stenosis raised normalized pressure. A linear rise in normalized distal airway pressure was noted with increased inlet pressure, regardless of stenosis dimensions.

Conclusion

In this model, scope type and inlet pressure were noted to be significant determinants of distal airway pressure, while stenosis size and depth were not. The distance between the scope and the stenosis did influence distal pressures. These findings may have clinical implications for managing airway pressures in patients undergoing LFJV, potentially reducing the risk of ventilator‐induced lung injury.

Level of Evidence

NA (Basic Research) Laryngoscope, 134:2300–2305, 2024
Synthesis of Novel Fluorescent Conjugated Polymers and Their Rapid Gas‐Phase Detection of Trace Nitro‐Explosives
Authors: Liu Wei , Chen Haibo , Zhang Shifeng , Li Peng , Wu Weibing
Published: November 2023

Fluorescent conjugated polymers are widely investigated for their excellent performance in detecting explosives. In this work, two simple monomers are used to synthesize two novel fluorescent conjugated polymers, 3 and 6, with different conjugated structures via the linkages of “single bond” and “alkyne bond” by coupling reaction, and the fluorescence sensing performance for 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene (TNT) is verified in both liquid and gas phases, aiming to demonstrate the influence of two different linkages on the fluorescence sensing properties. The fluorescent intensities of conjugated polymers in organic solvents gradually increase with increasing concentration within the low concentration range, while too high concentration leads to a decrease in the emission intensity because of the concentration quenching effect. The liquid‐phase limit of detection of 3 and 6 for TNT is as low as 1.9 and 1.6 µm in acetonitrile, respectively. The change rule of UV–vis absorption indicates that the static quenching model of TNT is predominant in liquid phase. Using a commercial portable explosives detector, 3 and 6 can effectively achieve the selective detection of gas‐phase TNT above 15 ng within 7 s and 8 ng within 5 s, respectively, demonstrating the great potential for rapid on‐site detection of trace explosives.
Preparation of HNTs‐e‐POSS hybrid nanoparticles and modification of gallic acid epoxy resin
Authors: Wang Ming Yuan , Zhao Xiao Lei , Yu Shou Wu , Hou Gui Xiang
Published: November 2023

Gallic acid is a renewable plant phenolic resource, and the polyphenolic bio‐based epoxy resin prepared from it can be used as a substitute for bisphenol A epoxy resin in certain fields. However, bio‐based epoxy resins used in the field of high‐performance composite material matrices often require modification. In this paper, firstly, γ‐(2,3‐epoxypropoxy)propyl trimethoxysilane (KH560) was used as the raw material to prepare epoxy‐based cage silsesquioxanes (E‐POSS). Then, E‐POSS was grafted onto γ‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (KH550) modified halloysite nanotubes (m‐HNTs) to prepare a novel hybrid nanoparticle HNTs‐e‐POSS. Experimental analysis shows that ring opening reactions of amino and epoxy groups can occur between m‐HNTs and E‐POSS, forming a hybrid nanoparticle system of POSS aggregates on the surface of HNTs. Bio‐based nanocomposites were prepared by adding different mass fractions of hybrid nanoparticles HNTs‐e‐POSS into polyphenol type gallic acid epoxy resin matrix (GAER) and using methyltetrahydrophthalic anhydride as curing agent. The properties and micromorphology of the composite were analyzed and characterized. The research showed that with the addition of HNTs‐e‐POSS nanoparticles, the strength and toughness of the composite resin system show a pattern of first increasing and then decreasing, while the storage modulus(E′), glass transition temperature (Tg), and thermal stability of the composite material increased. Mechanical performance analysis shows that the introduction of 0.5 wt% HNTs‐e‐POSS would increase the tensile strength of the composite by 25.46%, while adding 0.75 wt% HNTs‐e‐POSS can increase the impact strength by 15%. The E′(30°C) increased by 24.2% and Tg increased by 7.7°C when the HNTs‐e‐POSS addition was 0.25 wt%.

Highlights

Prepared hybrid nanoparticle HNTs‐e‐POSS by grafting POSS onto the HNTs surface.

Application of HNTs‐e‐POSS in modification of bio‐based gallic acid epoxy resin.

HNTs‐e‐POSS can co‐cured with epoxy matrix to increase the crosslinking degree.

The strength, toughness, and modulus of gallic acid epoxy resin are improved.

Tg and thermal stability of gallic acid epoxy resin are enhanced.
Fertility care among people with primary ciliary dyskinesia
Authors: Schreck Leonie D. , Goutaki Myrofora , Jörger Philippa , Dexter Katie , Manion Michele , Christin‐Maitre Sophie , Maitre Bernard ,   COVID‐PCD Patient Advisory Group, Kuehni Claudia E. , Pedersen Eva S. L.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Fertility care is important for people living with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) who are at increased risk of fertility problems. We investigated fertility care in an international participatory study.

Methods

Participants of the COVID‐PCD study completed an online questionnaire addressing fertility issues. We used logistic regression to study factors associated with fertility specialist visits.

Results

Among 384 respondents (response rate 53%), 266 were adults (median age 44 years, interquartile range [IQR]: 33–54, 68% female), 16 adolescents, and 102 parents of children with PCD. Only half of adult participants (128; 48%) received care from fertility specialists at a median age of 30 years (IQR: 27–33)—a median of 10 years after PCD diagnosis. Only 12% were referred to fertility specialists by their PCD physician. Fertility specialist visits were reported more often by adults with pregnancy attempts (odds ratio [OR]: 9.1, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.8–23.6) and among people who reported fertility as important for them (OR: 5.9, 95% CI: 2.6–14.6) and less often by females (OR: 0.4, 95% CI: 0.2–0.8). Only 56% of participants who talked with healthcare professionals about fertility were satisfied with information they received. They expressed needs for more comprehensive fertility information and reported dissatisfaction with physician knowledge about PCD and fertility.

Conclusion

People with PCD are inconsistently referred to fertility specialists. We recommend care from fertility specialists become standard in routine PCD care, and that PCD physicians provide initial fertility information either at diagnosis or no later than transition to adult care.