bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of brain‐derived extracellular vesicle enrichment for blood biomarker analysis in age‐related neurodegenerative diseases: An international overview
Authors: Badhwar AmanPreet , Hirschberg Yael , Valle‐Tamayo Natalia , Iulita M. Florencia , Udeh‐Momoh Chinedu T. , Matton Anna , Tarawneh Rawan M. , Rissman Robert A. , Ledreux Aurélie , Winston Charisse N. , Haqqani Arsalan S. ,   for the Alzheimer's Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer's Research and Treatment: Biofluid Based Biomarkers Professional Interest Area‐Exosome Working Group (ISTAART‐BBB‐PIA‐EWG)
Published: June 2024

INTRODUCTION

Brain‐derived extracellular vesicles (BEVs) in blood allows for minimally‐invasive investigations of central nervous system (CNS) ‐specific markers of age‐related neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). Polymer‐based EV‐ and immunoprecipitation (IP)‐based BEV‐enrichment protocols from blood have gained popularity. We systematically investigated protocol consistency across studies, and determined CNS‐specificity of proteins associated with these protocols.

METHODS

NDD articles investigating BEVs in blood using polymer‐based and/or IP‐based BEV enrichment protocols were systematically identified, and protocols compared. Proteins used for BEV‐enrichment and/or post‐enrichment were assessed for CNS‐ and brain‐cell‐type‐specificity, extracellular domains (ECD+), and presence in EV‐databases.

RESULTS

A total of 82.1% of studies used polymer‐based (ExoQuick) EV‐enrichment, and 92.3% used L1CAM for IP‐based BEV‐enrichment. Centrifugation times differed across studies. A total of 26.8% of 82 proteins systematically identified were CNS‐specific: 50% ECD+, 77.3% were listed in EV‐databases.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified protocol steps requiring standardization, and recommend additional CNS‐specific proteins that can be used for BEV‐enrichment or as BEV‐biomarkers.

Highlights

Across NDDs, we identified protocols commonly used for EV/BEV enrichment from blood.

We identified protocol steps showing variability that require harmonization.

We assessed CNS‐specificity of proteins used for BEV‐enrichment or found in BEV cargo.

CNS‐specific EV proteins with ECD+ or without were identified.

We recommend evaluation of blood‐BEV enrichment using these additional ECD+ proteins.
Synergistic Modulation of Multiple Sites Boosts Anti‐Poisoning Hydrogen Electrooxidation Reaction with Ultrasmall (Pt0.9Rh0.1)3V Ternary Intermetallic Nanoparticles
Authors: Hou Yu‐Cheng , Shen Tao , Hu Kan , Wang Xue , Zheng Qing‐Na , Le Jia‐Bo , Dong Jin‐Chao , Li Jian‐Feng
Published: June 2024

Promoting the hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) activity and poisoning tolerance of electrocatalysts is crucial for the large‐scale application of hydrogen‐oxygen fuel cell. However, it is severely hindered by the scaling relations among different intermediates. Herein, lattice‐contracted Pt−Rh in ultrasmall ternary L12‐(Pt0.9Rh0.1)3V intermetallic nanoparticles (~2.2 nm) were fabricated to promote the HOR performances through an oxides self‐confined growth strategy. The prepared (Pt0.9Rh0.1)3V displayed 5.5/3.7 times promotion in HOR mass/specific activity than Pt/C in pure H2 and dramatically limited activity attenuation in 1000 ppm CO/H2 mixture. In situ Raman spectra tracked the superior anti‐CO* capability as a result of compressive strained Pt, and the adsorption of oxygen‐containing species was promoted due to the dual‐functional effect. Further assisted by density functional theory calculations, both the adsorption of H* and CO* on (Pt0.9Rh0.1)3V were reduced compared with that of Pt due to lattice contraction, while the adsorption of OH* was enhanced by introducing oxyphilic Rh sites. This work provides an effective tactic to stimulate the electrocatalytic performances by optimizing the adsorption of different intermediates severally.
Lithium Hydride in the Solid Electrolyte Interphase of Lithium‐Ion Batteries as a Pulverization Accelerator of Silicon
Authors: Sun Jinran , Chen Guodong , Wang Bo , Li Jiedong , Xu Gaojie , Wu Tianyuan , Tang Yongfu , Dong Shanmu , Huang Jianyu , Cui Guanglei
Published: June 2024

As a highly promising next‐generation high‐specific capacity anode, the industrial‐scale utilization of micron silicon has been hindered by the issue of pulverization during cycling. Although numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of regulating the inorganic components of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) in improving pulverization, the evolution of most key inorganic components in the SEI and their correlation with silicon failure mechanisms remain ambiguous. This study provides a clear and direct correlation between the lithium hydride (LiH) in the SEI and the degree of micron silicon pulverization in the battery system. The reverse lithiation behavior of LiH on micron silicon during de‐lithiation exacerbates the localized stress in silicon particles and contributes to particle pulverization. This work successfully proposes a novel approach to decouple the SEI from electrochemical performance, which can be significant to decipher the evolution of critical SEI components at varied battery anode interfaces and analyze their corresponding failure mechanisms.
A Facile Strategy for Constructing High‐Performance Polymer Electrolytes via Anion Modification and Click Chemistry for Rechargeable Magnesium Batteries
Authors: Sun Yukun , Pan Ming , Wang Yuanhao , Hu Anyi , Zhou Qinnan , Zhang Duo , Zhang Shuxin , Zhao Yazhen , Wang Yaru , Chen Shaopeng , Zhou Miao , Chen Yan , Yang Jun , Wang nJiulin , NuLi Yanna
Published: June 2024

Polymer electrolytes play a crucial role in advancing rechargeable magnesium batteries (RMBs) owing to their exceptional characteristics, including high flexibility, superior interface compatibility, broad electrochemical stability window, and enhanced safety features. Despite these advantages, research in this domain remains nascent, plagued by single preparation approaches and challenges associated with the compatibility between polymer electrolytes and Mg metal anode. In this study, we present a novel synthesis strategy to fabricate a glycerol α,α′‐diallyl ether‐3,6‐dioxa‐1,8‐octanedithiol‐based composite gel polymer electrolyte supported by glass fiber substrate (GDT@GF CGPE) through anion modification and thiol‐ene click chemistry polymerization. The developed route exhibits novelty and high efficiency, leading to the production of GDT@GF CGPEs featuring exceptional mechanical properties, heightened ionic conductivity, elevated Mg2+ transference number, and commendable compatibility with Mg anode. The assembled modified Mo6S8||GDT@GF||Mg cells exhibit outstanding performance across a wide temperature range and address critical safety concerns, showcasing the potential for applications under extreme conditions. Our innovative preparation strategy offers a promising avenue for the advancement of polymer electrolytes in high‐performance rechargeable magnesium batteries, while also opens up possibilities for future large‐scale applications and the development of flexible electronic devices.
Enantioselective Relay Coupling of Perfluoroalkyl and Vinylogous Ketyl Radicals
Authors: Zhao Yuxin , Zhang Yichi , Huang Yong
Published: June 2024

β‐Chiral carboxylic acids and their derivatives are highly valuable structural motifs in the fields of asymmetric synthesis and medicinal chemistry. However, the introduction of a sterically demanding sidechain to the β‐carbon, such as an all‐carbon quaternary center, remains a significant challenge in classical polar processes. Recently, N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) mediated coupling reactions involving persistent ketyl radicals have emerged as a promising strategy to assemble highly crowded carbon‐carbon bonds. Nevertheless, achieving enantioselectivity in these reactions remains highly challenging. In this work, we report our recent progress in controlling enantioselectivity for relay coupling of perfluoroalkyl and persistent vinylogous ketyl radicals. We developed a chiral bifunctional NHC‐squaramide catalyst that achieves high facial selectivity in a critical bond‐forming event involving the coupling of a congested tertiary carbon radical and vinylogous ketyl radical. Chiral carboxylates bearing an all‐carbon quaternary center at the β‐position can be prepared in good yield and excellent enantiomeric excess. Results from density functional theory (DFT) calculations and nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) experiments indicate that the N,N’‐diaryl squaramide motif adopts an unusual syn‐syn conformation, enabling hydrogen bonding interactions with the enolate oxygen, thereby rigidifying the overall conformation of the transition state.
Rational Understanding Hydroxide Diffusion Mechanism in Anion Exchange Membranes during Electrochemical Processes with RDAnalyzer
Authors: Ma Lunliang , Wang Tao
Published: June 2024

Enhancing the understanding of hydroxide transport mechanisms in anion exchange membranes (AEMs) is beneficial for the rational design of high‐performance AEMs in the renewable energy system. However, the high complexity and lack of adequate analytic tools make it challenging to clarify different mechanisms unambiguously. Herein, we developed an in‐house toolkit, the Reactive Diffusion Analyzer (RDAnalyzer), to conduct an effective analysis of hydroxide diffusion mechanisms from ReaxFF molecular dynamic simulations. Using the experimentally well‐synthesized T20NC6NC5N as a model system, we successfully decoupled the hydroxide diffusion mechanisms into free Vehicular and free Grotthuss, as well as associated Vehicular and associated Grotthuss, which was not yet achieved previously. Meanwhile, RDAnalyzer managed to specifically identify the drift length of hydroxide species for each mechanism under the electric field, which worked as a useful variable for calculating the conductivity of AEMs. Our theoretically predicted conductivity for T20NC6NC5N agrees reasonably with experimental results, indicating the reliability of RDAnalyzer. This work not only provides a rational understanding of the complex hydroxide diffusion mechanisms in AEMs but also holds the potential to guide the rational design of high‐performance AEMs with computations.
Modifying Proton Relay into Bioinspired Dye‐Based Coordination Polymer for Photocatalytic Proton‐Coupled Electron Transfer
Authors: Li Mochen , Zhang Tiexin , Shi Yusheng , He Cheng , Duan Chunying
Published: June 2024

Proton‐coupled electron transfer (PCET) imparts an energetic advantage over single electron transfer in activating inert substances. Natural PCET enzyme catalysis generally requires tripartite preorganization of proton relay, substrate‐bound active center, and redox mediator, making the processes efficient and precluding side reactions. Inspired by this, a heterogeneous photocatalytic PCET system was established to achieve higher PCET driving forces by modifying proton relays into anthraquinone‐based anionic coordination polymers. The proximally separated proton relays and photoredox‐mediating anthraquinone moiety allowed pre‐assembly of inert substrate between them, merging proton and electron into unsaturated bonds by photoreductive PCET, which enhanced reaction kinetics compared with the counter catalyst without proton relay. This photocatalytic PCET method was applied to a broad‐scoped reduction of aryl ketones, unsaturated carbonyls, and aromatic compounds. The distinctive regioselectivities for the reduction of isoquinoline derivatives were found to occur on the carbon‐ring sides. PCET‐generated radical intermediate of quinoline could be trapped by alkene for proton relay‐assisted Minisci addition, forming the pharmaceutical aza‐acenaphthene scaffold within one step. When using heteroatom(X)−H/C−H compounds as proton‐electron donors, this protocol could activate these inert bonds through photooxidative PCET to afford radicals and trap them by electron‐deficient unsaturated compounds, furnishing the direct X−H/C−H functionalization.
Recent Progress in CO Detection Probes Based on Different Fluorophores
Authors: Fang Xinkuo , Jiang Pengcheng , Yu Haitao , Qi Yanyu
Published: June 2024

Carbon monoxide (CO), a simple and well‐known toxic gas, is a naturally occurring gaseous transmitter that plays a crucial role in the regulation of physiological and pathological processes in living organisms. Usually, the development of various diseases can lead to the dysregulation of CO levels. Interestingly, CO has been shown to exert therapeutic effects in inflammation‐related disease models. Fluorescent probes for CO detection have become a vital research field in the past decades owing to their advantages of excellent selectivity, exceptional sensitivity, and real‐time in situ detection, which have been employed for the precise detection of CO in cells, tissues, and even living organisms. This paper reviews research advancements in CO fluorescent probes over the last decade, outlines the design concepts and detection mechanisms of relevant fluorescent probes, and provides design guidelines and future development prospects.
Modified cotton gauze with high hemostatic efficacy due to controllable hygroscopicity and wet tissue adhesiveness
Authors: Li Huiying , Chen Shuichang , Huang Hongjian , Fang Yan , Weng Yunxiang , Chen Qinhui , Liu Xinqing , Liu Haiqing
Published: June 2024

In circumstances of severe traumatic bleeding, urgent bleeding control is vital to the wellness and life of the wounded person. Among many hemostatic measures, gauze is widely used because of cost‐effectiveness, safety and efficiency. However, it may suck a large amount of blood before bleeding stops. Thus, advanced hemostatic gauzes less blood loss and quick hemostatic rate and is greatly demanded. Herein, a novel tissue adhesive gauze (TA‐gauze) is developed by coating a thin layer of polyethyleneimine/poly(acrylic acid) (PEI/PAA) on the plain cotton gauze. This TA‐gauze has a reduced hydrophilicity and gets a new trait of wet tissue adhesiveness from the PEI/PAA coating layer. The TA‐gauze shows much improved hemostatic performance in the rat injury models, that is, its blood loss in the rat femoral artery model is just 13% that of the cotton gauze, due to it can retard the blood movement in the gauze and at the seam of gauze/tissue through a synergistic effect of tissue adhesion and hygroscopicity. It is biocompatible and on‐demand detachable. The simple preparation procedure and high hemostatic efficiency of the TA‐gauze may promise a bright future for an ideal hemostatic dressing for bleeding control.
Synthesis of a superabsorbent hydrogel from Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam seed polysaccharides and its application in relieving drought stress in plants
Authors: Krishnasamy Ravindran , Obbineni Jagan M.
Published: June 2024

Sustainability in agriculture can only be achieved by protecting important resources, one of them being water. Availability of water in the soil greatly influences agricultural productivity. Hydrogels play a key role in ensuring water availability and achieving agricultural sustainability. A novel superabsorbent hydrogel was synthesized from Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam seed polysaccharides. The synthesized hydrogel was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. Swelling capacity of the hydrogel in different solutions, water retention duration, its influence on the soil water holding capacity (SWHC), and degradation in soil were assessed. The hydrogel absorbs up to 326 g/g and degrades naturally at around 1.4 wt% daily. The hydrogel improved the SWHC by 34% at a concentration of 0.3% w/w. Further pot experiments with black gram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper) plants showed that the superabsorbent hydrogel ensured water availability for 35 days and relieved the plants from drought‐induced stress. The data presented here indicates that the synthesized hydrogel can potentially be used as a soil conditioner for the sustained release of water and fertilizer.
Pharmacophore‐based, rationale design, and efficient synthesis of novel tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophene candidates as potential dual Topo I/II inhibitors and DNA intercalators
Authors: Nofal Hager R. , Al‐Karmalawy Ahmed A. , Elmaaty Ayman Abo , Ismail Mahmoud F. , Ali Ali Khalil , Abbass Eslam M.
Published: June 2024

A series of tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophene derivatives was designed and synthesized as dual topoisomerase (Topo) I/II inhibitors implicating potential DNA intercalation. Ethyl‐2‐amino‐3‐cyano‐4,5,6,7‐tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophene‐4‐carboxylate (1) was prepared by modification of the Gewald reaction procedure using a Fe2O3 nanocatalyst and then it was used as a building block for the synthesis of tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophene candidates (2–14). Interestingly, compound 14 showed the best cytotoxic potential against hepatocellular, colorectal, and breast cancer cell lines (IC50 = 7.79, 8.10, and 3.53 µM), respectively, surpassing doxorubicin at breast cancer (IC50 = 4.17 µM). Meanwhile, the Topo I and II inhibition assay displayed that compound 3 could exhibit the best inhibitory potential among the investigated candidates (IC50 = 25.26 and 10.01 nM), respectively, in comparison to camptothecin (IC50 = 28.34 nM) and doxorubicin (IC50 = 11.01 nM), as reference standards. In addition, the DNA intercalation assay showed that compound 14 could display the best binding affinity with an IC50 value of 77.82 µM in comparison to doxorubicin (IC50 = 58.03 µM). Furthermore, cell cycle and apoptosis analyses described that compound 3 prompts the G1 phase arrest in michigan cancer foundation‐7 cancer cells and increases the apoptosis ratio by 29.31% with respect to untreated cells (2.25%). Additionally, the conducted molecular docking assured the promising binding of the investigated members toward Topo I and II with potential DNA intercalation. Accordingly, the synthesized compounds could be treated as promising anticancer candidates for future optimization.
Exposure assessment and cytogenetic biomonitoring study of workers occupationally exposed to extremely low‐frequency magnetic fields
Authors: Nguyen Ha , Vandewalle Giovani , Mertens Birgit , Collard Jean‐Francois , Hinsenkamp Maurice , Verschaeve Luc , Feipel Veronique , Magne Isabelle , Souques Martine , Beauvois Véronique , Ledent Maryse
Published: June 2024

Human cytogenetic biomonitoring (HCB) has long been used to evaluate the potential effects of work environments on the DNA integrity of workers. However, HCB studies on the genotoxic effects of occupational exposure to extremely low‐frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF‐MFs) were limited by the quality of the exposure assessment. More specifically, concerns were raised regarding the method of exposure assessment, the selection of exposure metrics, and the definition of exposure group. In this study, genotoxic effects of occupational exposure to ELF‐MFs were assessed on peripheral blood lymphocytes of 88 workers from the electrical sector using the comet and cytokinesis‐block micronucleus assay, considering workers' actual exposure over three consecutive days. Different methods were applied to define exposure groups. Overall, the summarized ELF‐MF data indicated a low exposure level in the whole study population. It also showed that relying solely on job titles might misclassify 12 workers into exposure groups. We proposed combining hierarchical agglomerative clustering on personal exposure data and job titles to define exposure groups. The final results showed that occupational MF exposure did not significantly induce more genetic damage. Other factors such as age or past smoking rather than ELF‐MF exposure could affect the cytogenetic test outcomes.
Fabrication of a decellularized liver matrix–based hepatic patch for the repair of CCl4‐induced liver injury
Authors: Wu Ting‐Yi , Hsieh Yi‐Cheng , Yin Wei‐Rong , Cheng Kai‐Yi , Hou Yung‐Te
Published: June 2024

This article primarily introduces a new treatment for liver fibrosis/cirrhosis. We developed a hepatic patch by combining decellularized liver matrix (DLM) with the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/heparin–complex and evaluated its restorative efficacy. In vitro prophylactic results, the HGF/heparin–DLM patches effectively mitigated CCl4‐induced hepatocyte toxicity and restored the cytotoxicity levels to the baseline levels by day 5. Furthermore, these patches restored albumin synthesis of injured hepatocytes to more than 70% of the normal levels within 5 days. In vitro therapeutic results, the urea synthesis of the injured hepatocytes reached 91% of the normal levels after 10 days of culture, indicating successful restoration of hepatic function by the HGF/heparin–DLM patches in both prophylactic and therapeutic models. In vivo results, HGF/heparin–DLM patches attached to the liver and gut exhibited a significant decrease in collagen content (4.44 times and 2.77 times, respectively) and an increase in glycogen content (1.19 times and 1.12 times, respectively) compared to the fibrosis group after 1 week, separately. In summary, liver function was restored and inflammation was inhibited through the combined effects of DLM and the HGF/heparin–complex in fibrotic liver. The newly designed hepatic patch holds promise for both in vitro and in vivo regeneration therapy and preventive health care for liver tissue engineering.
Development of the IMP biosensor for rapid and stable analysis of IMP concentrations in fermentation broth
Authors: Jiang Shibo , Lin Ying , Zheng Suiping
Published: June 2024

IMP (inosinic acid) is a crucial intermediate in the purine metabolic pathway and is continuously synthesized in all cells. Besides its role as a precursor for DNA and RNA, IMP also plays a critical or essential role in cell growth, energy storage, conversion, and metabolism. In our study, we utilized the circularly permuted fluorescent protein (cpFP) and IMP dehydrogenase to screen and develop the IMP biosensor, IMPCP1. By introducing a mutation in the catalytically active site of IMPCP1, from Cys to Ala, we disrupted its ability to catalyze IMP while retaining its capability to bind to IMP without affecting the IMP concentration in the sample. To immobilize IMPCP1, we employed the SpyCatcher/SpyTag system and securely attached it to Magarose‐Epoxy, resulting in the development of the IMP rapid test kit, referred to as IMPTK. The biosensor integrated into IMPTK offers enhanced stability, resistance to degradation activity, and specific recognition of IMP. It is also resistant to peroxides and temperature changes. IMPTK serves as a rapid and stable assay for analyzing IMP concentrations in fermentation broth. Within the linear range of IMP concentrations, it can be utilized as a substitute for HPLC. The IMPTK biosensor provides a reliable and efficient alternative for monitoring IMP levels, offering advantages such as speed, stability, and resistance to environmental factors.
Radiotherapeutic outcomes of Rosai–Dorfman disease with falx cerebri and superior sagittal sinus involvement: A rare case report with long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Nasrollahi Hamid , Andalibi Susan , Ansari Mansour , Mokhtari Maral , Hosseini Ehsan Mohammad , Foroughi Mina , Sourani Arman
Published: June 2024

Key Clinical Message

Intracranial RDD is rare medical event mimicking different diagnoses. Although the surgical resection is the best treatment option, but radiation therapy can also achieves long‐term suboptimal outcomes.

An 83‐year‐old male with a history of tension‐type headaches was evaluated. He was conscious with no focal neurological deficits. His brain MRI revealed an enhancable bifrontal tumor originating from falx cerebri and superior sagittal sinus dura. Due to the patient's preference and decline for gross total resection, she underwent a stereotactic biopsy. The pathology was positive for Rosai–Dorfman diseases. He received definitive targeted radiation with a total dose of 4500 cGy administered in 200 cGy daily fractions. His 4‐year follow‐up showed regional tumor control with excellent neurological outcome.
Native and prosthetic valve infective endocarditis complicated by rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and its diagnostic challenges and therapeutic implications
Authors: Getachew Yitagesu , Getahun Zerubabel , Wondafrash Getachew , Asmare Zemenay , Solela Gashaw , Aberra Beka , Daba Merga
Published: June 2024

Key Clinical Message

Concomitant native and prosthetic valve infective endocarditis (IE) is very rare, and both can rarely be complicated by rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN). This diagnosis has therapeutic implications, as not all RPGN need immunosuppression therapy.

Native and prosthetic valve infective endocarditis (IE) may be rarely complicated by rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN). The diagnosis of IE as a cause of RPGN may be missed, and patients may be subjected to inappropriate immune suppressive therapy. Moreover, IE involving multi‐valves has rarely been described, and there are only few case reports of simultaneous native and prosthetic valve endocarditis. Here, we present a case of 34‐year‐old female patient who has RPGN and whose initial workup missed IE. However, further workup revealed a diagnosis of native and prosthetic valve IE and our patient, who would have been subjected to inappropriate immune suppressive therapy, was treated with intravenous antibiotics alone and discharged with improvement.
Autopsy findings in a rare case of pleomorphic carcinoma in a patient on dialysis
Authors: Okada Keiichiro , Kita Serina , Yamanouchi Hirotaka , Nakao Shinichiro , Matsuda Yuto , Kusuno Yui , Nomura Kazutoshi , Yabe Tomohisa , Hayashi Norifumi , Fujimoto Keiji , Furuichi Kengo
Published: June 2024

Key Clinical Message

Pleomorphic lung cancer is a very rare type of cancer and very few cases have been reported in the literature. We present a case of pleomorphic lung cancer in a patient with history of IgA nephropathy on hemodialysis.
Use of pulse field ablation in the treatment of an atrial tachycardia: A case report
Authors: Elbanhawy Noha
Published: June 2024

Key Clinical Message

This case illustrates the safety and efficacy of pulse field ablation (PFA) in the short and medium term. It could be used to isolate extra pulmonary sites including the posterior wall. PFA could be used in the treatment of atrial tachycardias both focal and reentrant in combination with ultrahigh density electroanatomic mapping. It is also important to understand that different catheter shapes are available and their use can be tailored to the targeted anatomical site.
Unusual giant plunging sublingual epidermoid cyst: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Safwan Mohamad , Godbole Aditya Amit , Médéus Arens Jean Ricardo , García‐González Oxiris Yexalén , Sanker Vivek , Prashanth Polasu Sri Satya Sai , Dave Tirth
Published: June 2024

Key Clinical Message

When treating a painless or asymptomatic mass in the submental or floor of the mouth, sublingual epidermoid cyst should be considered. Despite its irregularity, preventing malignant transformation is essential for a successful outcome.

Dermoid and epidermoid cysts are rarely found in the head and neck region. They account for less than 0.01% of all oral cavity cysts. This is a rare case of a sublingual epidermoid cyst of the oral cavity in a 25‐year‐old male. The patient presented with a painless sublingual swelling for a duration of 1 month. The clinical examination revealed a non‐tender swelling in the sublingual region extending to the submental triangle. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a 6.2 × 7.7 × 3.2 cm cystic lesion in the sublingual space. Fine needle aspiration cytology confirmed dermoid cyst contents. Intra‐oral surgical excision under general anesthesia was performed successfully. Histopathological analysis revealed that the cyst wall was lined by stratified squamous epithelium. The presence of a prominent granular layer and keratin flakes confirmed the diagnosis of an epidermoid cyst. Postoperative recovery was good, and no recurrence was observed during follow‐up. This case emphasizes the infrequent and unusual presentation of a case of a giant plunging sublingual epidermoid cyst and promotes awareness and potential studies in the enhancement of patient care in this area.
Cocaine, amphetamine, or titin: Unraveling the genetic underpinnings of dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Panjiyar Binay Kumar , Changlani Nikita , Medina Clarisa , Trevino Lisa R.
Published: June 2024

Key Clinical Message

An interesting case that shows the importance of identifying a pathogenic TTN gene mutation through genetic assessment in unexplained cardiomyopathy, especially with family history. This case highlights the need for genetic counseling and testing for at‐risk relatives, and advocates for personalized management considering both genetic and lifestyle factors.

This case report examines a 33‐year‐old Hispanic male with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and a history of substance use, presenting with acute respiratory failure and cardiac arrest. The patient's nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) highlights the critical role of genetic factors, particularly titin gene (TTN) mutations, in cardiomyopathy pathogenesis. Through genetic analysis, we explore the intersection of lifestyle factors and genetic predisposition in DCM, underscoring the importance of comprehensive genetic testing for accurate diagnosis and targeted therapy. This case contributes to the evolving understanding of DCM etiology, emphasizing the necessity of considering both environmental and genetic factors in clinical assessment and management.
Using Phosphonic Acid Monolayers to Control CO2 Adsorption and Hydrogenation on Pt/Al2O3
Authors: Blanchette Zachary , Zhou Xinpei , Schwartz Daniel K. , Medlin J. Will
Published: June 2024

Phosphonic acid (PA) self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) were deposited onto Pt/Al2O3 catalysts to modify the support to enable control over CO2 adsorption and CO2 hydrogenation activity. Significant differences in catalytic activity toward CO2 hydrogenation (reverse water‐gas shift, RWGS) were observed after coating Al2O3 with PAs, suggesting that the reaction was mediated by CO2 adsorption on the support. Amine‐functionalized PAs were found to outperform their alkyl counterparts in terms of activity, however there was little effect of amine location in the SAM (i. e., spacing between the amine functional group and phosphonate attachment group). One amine‐PA and one alkyl‐PA, aminopropyl phosphonic acid (C3NH2PA) and methyl phosphonic acid (C1PA), respectively, were investigated in more detail. The C3NH2PA‐modified catalyst was found to bind CO2 as a combination of carbamate and bicarbonate. Additionally, at 30 °C, both PAs were found to reduce CO2 adsorption uptake by approximately 50 % compared to unmodified 5 %Pt/Al2O3. CO2 adsorption enthalpy was measured for the catalysts and found to be strongly correlated with hydrogenation activity, with the trend in binding enthalpy and CO2 hydrogen rate trending as uncoated >C3NH2PA>C1PA. PA SAMs were found to have weaker effects on CO binding and CO selectivity, consistent with selective modification of the Al2O3 support by the PAs.
Advancements in Dry Electrode Technologies: Towards Sustainable and Efficient Battery Manufacturing
Authors: Jin Wooyoung , Song Gyujin , Yoo Jung‐Keun , Jung Sung‐Kyun , Kim Tae‐Hee , Kim Jinsoo
Published: June 2024

To address the urgent demand for sustainable battery manufacturing, this review contrasts traditional wet process with emerging dry electrode technologies. Dry process stands out because of its reduced energy and environmental footprint, offering considerable economic benefits and facilitating the production of high‐energy‐density electrodes. We spotlight technological innovations that exemplify the paradigm shift towards eco‐friendliness and cost‐efficiency. This review synthesizes the latest developments in dry electrode production, comparing the techniques with conventional methods, and outlines future research for further optimization toward a higher technology readiness level. We suggest that the evolution of battery manufacturing hinges on the synergy between process innovation and materials science, which is crucial for meeting the dual goals of environmental sustainability and economic practicality.
Oxygen‐Promoted on‐Surface Synthesis of Polyboroxine Molecules
Authors: Toffoli Daniele , Turco Elia , Stredansky Matus , Costantini Roberto , Dell'Angela Martina , Floreano Luca , Goldoni Andrea , Morgante Alberto , Kladnik Gregor , Cvetko Dean , de Oteyza Dimas G. , Colazzo Luciano , Mohammed Mohammed S. G. , Sala Alessandro , Comelli Giovanni , Africh Cristina , Fronzoni Giovanna , Balducci Gabriele , Stener Mauro , Ustunel Hande , Cossaro Albano
Published: June 2024

We present a protocol for the on‐surface synthesis of polyboroxine molecules derived from boroxine molecules precursors. This process is promoted by oxygen species present on the Au(111) surface: oxygen atoms facilitate the detachment of naphthalene units of trinaphthyl‐boroxine molecules and bridge two unsaturated boroxine centers to form a boroxine‐O‐boroxine chemical motif. X‐ray spectroscopic characterization shows that, as the synthesis process proceeds, it progressively tunes the electronic properties of the interface, thus providing a promising route to control the electron level alignment.
Multi Stimuli Responsive Dual Aggregation‐Induced Emission and Photochromic Behavior of a Tetraphenyl Substituted Triphenylamine Derivative and its Application as Anti‐counterfeiting Agent
Authors: Bokotial Dikshit , Bhattacharyya Soumalya , Arunkumar S. , Das Trisha , Mini Rajendran Gokul Raj , Chowdhury Aniket
Published: June 2024

A multi‐stimuli responsive tetraphenyl substituted tripehnylamine‐based aggregation induced emissive (AIE) material coupled with spiropyran was prepared. Owing to the presence of AIE and photochromic moiety, the molecule exhibits emissive aggregates, photochromism, and acidochromism. The multiple stimuli sensitive behavior of the molecule was explored for anti‐counterfeiting behavior on TLC plate and commercial banknotes. The fluorogenic and photogenic response under UV and visible light established the potential of the candidate as a new generation encryption material.
Changes in the Crystal Lattice Parameters of Bismuth Films on Substrates with Different Thermal Expansion
Authors: Suslov Anton , Gerega Vasilisa , Rodionov Arkadi , Fedoseev Mikhail , Komarov Vladimir , Grabov Vladimir
Published: June 2024

Due to the sensitivity of the electronic structure of semi‐metals to small distortions of the crystal lattice, the study of the electrical and galvanomagnetic properties of bismuth films requires taking into account the deformation that occurs in the film‐substrate system due to the difference in the thermal expansion of the film and substrate materials. The magnitude of these deformations plays an important role in analyzing the temperature dependencies of the transport properties of charge carriers. The paper presents an experimental study of the magnitude of deformation of bismuth films on various substrates at 300 and 77 K using X‐ray diffraction. Changes in the lattice constant of crystallites, the trigonal axis of which is perpendicular to the film plane, depending on the substrate material, are obtained. A comparison between the assessment of the deformation of these crystallites in the film plane based on Hooke's law and the difference in the coefficients thermal expansion of the film and substrate materials is made.
Opto‐Electronic Properties of Gap1‐xSbx Alloys for IR Applications
Authors: Chaudhary Priya , Rathi Amit , Singh Amit Kumar
Published: June 2024

The full potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP‐LAPW) method is used to compute structural, electronic, and optical properties of III‐V semiconductor ternary alloys GaP1‐xSbx (0≤x≤1) using first‐principle calculations within density functional theory. To calculate the ground state parameters of the structure, the energy exchange‐correlation Wu‐cohen generalized gradient approximation is employed in the wiek2k program. The Tran–Blaha‐modified Becke–Johnson (TB‐mBJ) pseudopotential is employed in addition to the Wu‐Cohen generalised gradient approximation to achieve a precise bandgap. After this, WC‐mBJ is used to examine optical properties such as real and imaginary parts of the dielectric constant, and energy loss. This study illustrates the nonlinear dependency on the various Sb compositions by examining the composition impacts on the bandgap, bulk modulus, and lattice constant. Using WC‐mBJ, the estimated band structures for alloys GaP0.75Sb0.25, GaP0.50Sb0.50, and GaP0.25Sb0.75 show direct energy bandgaps of 2.008 eV (617 nm), 1.482 eV (836 nm), and 1.055 eV (1174 nm), respectively. As a result, this material system has enormous potential for use in applications spanning the visible to infrared spectrum.
Model‐based multi‐genotype characterization of drought stress Target Population of Environments for the common bean in East Africa
Authors: Jha Prakash Kumar , Beebe Steve , Urban Milan , Soto Jonatan , Assefa Teshale , Ramirez‐Villegas Julian
Published: June 2024

Efforts toward the development of common bean varieties that can perform better under the drought conditions in Eastern Africa are constrained by significant genotype–environment–management (G × E × M) interactions. To address this, an attempt was made previously to assess drought stress for Eastern Africa using the Target Population of Environments (TPE) approach, albeit by using a single cultivar. Here, we extend earlier TPE work with a larger sample of representative genotypes from East Africa including commercial and breeding lines. By using a larger genotype pool, we are able to (1) assess the extent to which TPEs identified vary across genotypes (i.e., generality of the TPEs) and (2) identify best‐performing genotypes for the various environments identified. To perform the analyses, we used the CROPGRO‐DRYBEAN cropping system model available in the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) v4.7 calibrated and evaluated from field trials in Africa and Colombia with 10 genotypes. Our findings indicate that despite some level of genotype‐related variation, the dominant drought stress patterns, and their priorities—drought stress‐free conditions remain the dominant TPE, followed by terminal drought stress—remain unaltered. Moreover, we find that it is possible to reduce the extent and intensity of drought stress in various TPEs by adequately targeting genotypes from the pool considered herein. Importantly, the genotype characteristics for stress‐free, extreme terminal drought and moderate terminal drought stress are significantly different, confirming a differentiated breeding strategy is required between the TPEs. The findings from this study are useful for the modernization of the bean breeding programs in Africa.
Unbiased method for spectral analysis of cells with great diversity of autofluorescence spectra
Authors: Roet Janna E. G. , Mikula Aleksandra M. , de Kok Michael , Chadick Cora H. , Garcia Vallejo Juan J. , Roest Henk P. , van der Laan Luc J. W. , de Winde Charlotte M. , Mebius Reina E.
Published: June 2024

Autofluorescence is an intrinsic feature of cells, caused by the natural emission of light by photo‐excitatory molecular content, which can complicate analysis of flow cytometry data. Different cell types have different autofluorescence spectra and, even within one cell type, heterogeneity of autofluorescence spectra can be present, for example, as a consequence of activation status or metabolic changes. By using full spectrum flow cytometry, the emission spectrum of a fluorochrome is captured by a set of photo detectors across a range of wavelengths, creating an unique signature for that fluorochrome. This signature is then used to identify, or unmix, that fluorochrome's unique spectrum from a multicolor sample containing different fluorescent molecules. Importantly, this means that this technology can also be used to identify intrinsic autofluorescence signal of an unstained sample, which can be used for unmixing purposes and to separate the autofluorescence signal from the fluorophore signals. However, this only works if the sample has a singular, relatively homogeneous and bright autofluorescence spectrum. To analyze samples with heterogeneous autofluorescence spectral profiles, we setup an unbiased workflow to more quickly identify differing autofluorescence spectra present in a sample to include as “autofluorescence signatures” during the unmixing of the full stained samples. First, clusters of cells with similar autofluorescence spectra are identified by unbiased dimensional reduction and clustering of unstained cells. Then, unique autofluorescence clusters are determined and are used to improve the unmixing accuracy of the full stained sample. Independent of the intensity of the autofluorescence and immunophenotyping of cell subsets, this unbiased method allows for the identification of most of the distinct autofluorescence spectra present in a sample, leading to less confounding autofluorescence spillover and spread into extrinsic phenotyping markers. Furthermore, this method is equally useful for spectral analysis of different biological samples, including tissue cell suspensions, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and in vitro cultures of (primary) cells.
Diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic ultrasonographic shear wave elastography for assessing early chronic pancreatitis using the Japanese diagnostic criteria 2019
Authors: Shintani Shuhei , Inatomi Osamu , Okamoto Takuya , Hiroe Kosuke , Eguchi Takaaki , Tomozawa Yuki , Inoue Akitoshi , Kimura Hidenori , Nishida Atsushi , Tsuji Yoshihisa , Watanabe Yoshiyuki , Andoh Akira
Published: June 2024

Background and Aim

Endoscopic ultrasound shear wave elastography (EUS‐SWE) can facilitate an objective evaluation of pancreatic fibrosis. Although it is primarily applied in evaluating chronic pancreatitis, its efficacy in assessing early chronic pancreatitis (ECP) remains underinvestigated. This study evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of EUS‐SWE for assessing ECP diagnosed using the Japanese diagnostic criteria 2019.

Methods

In total, 657 patients underwent EUS‐SWE. Propensity score matching was used, and the participants were classified into the ECP and normal groups. ECP was diagnosed using the Japanese diagnostic criteria 2019. Pancreatic stiffness was assessed based on velocity (Vs) on EUS‐SWE, and the optimal Vs cutoff value for ECP diagnosis was determined. A practical shear wave Vs value of ≥50% was considered significant.

Results

Each group included 22 patients. The ECP group had higher pancreatic stiffness than the normal group (2.31 ± 0.67 m/s vs. 1.59 ± 0.40 m/s, p < 0.001). The Vs cutoff value for the diagnostic accuracy of ECP, as determined using the receiver operating characteristic curve, was 2.24m/s, with an area under the curve of 0.82 (95% confidence interval: 0.69–0.94). A high Vs was strongly correlated with the number of EUS findings (rs = 0.626, p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis revealed that a history of acute pancreatitis and ≥2 EUS findings were independent predictors of a high Vs.

Conclusions

There is a strong correlation between EUS‐SWE findings and the Japanese diagnostic criteria 2019 for ECP. Hence, EUS‐SWE can be an objective and invaluable diagnostic tool for ECP diagnosis.
Coupling process controlling data and numerical simulation in mechanised tunnelling
Authors: Zendaki Yaman , Cao Ba‐Trung , Stascheit Janosch , Alsahly Abdullah , Freitag Steffen , Maidl Ulrich , Meschke Günther
Published: June 2024

Nowadays, both process data management and numerical analysis are necessary for decision‐making in a tunnel project from its early design stage to the construction phase. Traditional generation of simulation models largely depends on tunnel design and reports, which are error prone due to the involvement of manual intervention. This article presents the application of a digital workflow to efficiently transfer automatically acquired data from tunnel projects to computational simulations. The application workflow is developed and executed through a web‐based environment. Project data from the Victory Boogie Woogie tunnel is retrieved from the process controlling software PROCON via web services to generate numerical simulations for settlement predictions at different tunnel sections. The simulated results are validated using real measured settlements in the project to prove the quality of the simulation model. Different scenarios of applying operational steering parameters are then investigated, utilising the simulation model, which can be used to support the on‐site engineers as an assistance system to drive the tunnel boring machines. The work has been carried out within the framework of the transfer project T2 of the Collaborative Research Center “Interaction Modeling in Mechanized Tunneling” (SFB 837), which aims to implement and test a digital twin for process control under practical conditions in the tunnelling industry.
The glue that binds us: The positive relationships between whanaungatanga (belonging), the wellbeing, and identity pride for takatāpui who are trans and non‐binary
Authors: Hamley Logan , Kerekere Elizabeth , Nopera Tāwhanga , Tan Kyle , Byrne Jack , Veale Jaimie , Clark Terryann
Published: June 2024

Issue Addressed

This article explores how belonging can enhance well‐being for takatāpui (a traditional Māori term that embraces all Māori with diverse genders, sexualities and sex characteristics) who are trans and non‐binary across a range of contexts.

Methods

We drew data from the 2018 Counting Ourselves, a nationwide community‐based survey of trans and non‐binary people in Aotearoa (New Zealand) (N = 1178); of which 161 (13.7%) identified as Māori, the Indigenous people of Aotearoa.

Results

Based on generalised regression models, feelings of belonging with friends, takatāpui communities, Māori communities, and work communities were correlated to higher feelings of life satisfaction, life worthwhileness, and identity pride for takatāpui who are trans and non‐binary. In Te Ao Maōri (the Māori worldview), such concepts of belonging and relationships are collectively known as whanaungatanga.

Conclusions

Our findings affirm whanaungatanga as foundational to well‐being among trans Māori people, enabling them to locate themselves within nurturing and supportive networks.

So What?

Whanaungatanga is a key policy agenda, alongside other system‐level change, that is needed to buffer takatāpui who are trans and non‐binary from poverty, stigma, and racism they face. This will require changes to the current policy and practice context. We argue that whanaungatanga, while an important strategy of well‐being for trans and non‐binary people, must also occur alongside wider system transformations to address transphobia, racism, and cisheteronormativity.