bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stage-Specific Risk of Recurrence and Death From Melanoma in Denmark, 2008-2021
Authors: Helvind Neel M. , Brinch-Møller Weitemeyer Marie , Chakera Annette H. , Hendel Helle W. , Ellebæk Eva , Svane Inge Marie , Kjærskov Mette W. , Bojesen Sophie , Skyum Helle , Petersen Søren K. , Bastholt Lars , Johansen Christoffer , Bidstrup Pernille E. , Hölmich Lisbet R.
Published: August 2023

Importance

To ensure optimal treatment and surveillance of patients with melanoma, knowledge of the clinical stage-specific risk of recurrence, mortality, and recurrence patterns across the American Joint Committee on Cancer Eighth Edition (AJCC8) substages is needed.

Objective

To estimate stage-specific recurrence and melanoma-specific mortality rates, assess absolute stage-specific risks of recurrence and mortality, and describe stage-specific recurrence patterns, including conditional rates.

Design

Retrospective cohort study of prospectively collected nationwide population-based registry data.

Setting

Nationwide, population-based cohort study.

Participants

The 25 720 Danish patients, 18 years or older, diagnosed with first-time stage IA to IV cutaneous melanoma between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2019, were included and followed up from time of primary treatment until December 31, 2021.

Exposures

First diagnosis of stage IA to IV cutaneous melanoma.

Main Outcomes

Stage-specific cumulative incidence of recurrence and melanoma-specific mortality, melanoma-specific recurrence-free survival, and assessed absolute stage-specific risks of recurrence and melanoma-specific mortality. Secondary outcomes were stage-specific recurrence patterns, including conditional rates, and melanoma-specific survival.

Results

We followed up 25 720 patients for a median of 5.9 years (95% CI, 58.9-59.3 years). Mean age was 59.1 years (95% CI, 58.9-59.3 years). Patients with stage IIB to IIC melanoma were older, had more comorbidities at diagnosis, and had the lowest rate of pathologic staging by sentinel node biopsy (81.6%-87.4%). A total of 10.6% of patients developed recurrence; first recurrence included distant recurrence, alone or with synchronous locoregional recurrence, in 56.6% of patients. We found a comparable risk of recurrence in stages IIIA and IIB (29.7% vs 33.2%) and in stages IIIB and IIC (35.9% vs 36.8%), respectively. Melanoma-specific mortality was comparable between stages IIIA and IIA (13.0% vs 13.6%) and between stages IIIB and IIB (18.4% vs 22.0%), respectively. These risk patterns persisted in cause-specific hazards models.

Conclusions and Relevance

This nationwide, population-based cohort study found that the increasing stages of the current AJCC8 staging system do not accurately reflect an increasing risk of recurrence and mortality in melanoma. The high proportion of distant recurrences suggests that hematogenous spread is a more common metastatic pathway than previously assumed, and surveillance with routine functional/cross-sectional imaging should be considered for stages IIB to IV. Future efforts should be put toward developing new tools for risk stratification and determining the survival effect of routine imaging in surveillance.
Cost-Effectiveness of Pharmacotherapy for the Treatment of Obesity in Adolescents
Authors: Lim Francesca , Bellows Brandon K. , Tan Sarah Xinhui , Aziz Zainab , Woo Baidal Jennifer A. , Kelly Aaron S. , Hur Chin
Published: August 2023

Importance

Antiobesity pharmacotherapy is recommended for adolescents ages 12 years and older with obesity. Several medications have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for adolescent use, but the most cost-effective medication remains unclear.

Objective

To estimate the cost-effectiveness of lifestyle counseling alone and as adjunct to liraglutide, mid-dose phentermine and topiramate (7.5 mg phentermine and 46 mg topiramate), top-dose phentermine and topiramate (15 mg phentermine and 92 mg topiramate), or semaglutide among adolescent patients with obesity.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This economic evaluation used a microsimulation model to project health and cost outcomes of lifestyle counseling alone and adjunct to liraglutide, mid-dose phentermine and topiramate, top-dose phentermine and topiramate, or semaglutide over 13 months, 2 years, and 5 years among a hypothetical cohort of 100 000 adolescents with obesity, defined as an initial body mass index (BMI; calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) of 37. Model inputs were derived from clinical trials, published literature, and national sources. Data were analyzed from April 2022 to July 2023.

Exposures

Lifestyle counseling alone and as adjunct to liraglutide, mid-dose phentermine and topiramate, top-dose phentermine and topiramate, or semaglutide.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcome was quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), costs (2022 US dollars), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs), with future costs and QALYs discounted 3.0% annually. A strategy was considered cost-effective if the ICER was less than $100 000 per QALY gained. The preferred strategy was determined as the strategy with the greatest increase in QALYs while being cost-effective. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were used to assess parameter uncertainty.

Results

The model simulated 100 000 adolescents at age 15 with an initial BMI of 37, of whom 58 000 (58%) were female. At 13 months and 2 years, lifestyle counseling was estimated to be the preferred strategy. At 5 years, top-dose phentermine and topiramate was projected to be the preferred strategy with an ICER of $56 876 per QALY gained vs lifestyle counseling. Semaglutide was projected to yield the most QALYs, but with an unfavorable ICER of $1.1 million per QALY gained compared with top-dose phentermine and topiramate. Model results were most sensitive to utility of weight reduction and weight loss of lifestyle counseling and top-dose phentermine and topiramate.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this economic evaluation of pharmacotherapy for adolescents with obesity, top-dose phentermine and topiramate as adjunct to lifestyle counseling was estimated to be cost-effective after 5 years. Long-term clinical trials in adolescents are needed to fully evaluate the outcomes of pharmacotherapy, especially into adulthood.
Neighborhood Disadvantage, African Genetic Ancestry, Cancer Subtype, and Mortality Among Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Iyer Hari S. , Zeinomar Nur , Omilian Angela R. , Perlstein Marley , Davis Melissa B. , Omene Coral O. , Pawlish Karen , Demissie Kitaw , Hong Chi-Chen , Yao Song , Ambrosone Christine B. , Bandera Elisa V. , Qin Bo
Published: August 2023

Importance

Racial disparities in breast cancer (BC) survival arise from multilevel causes, which may exert influence at different stages of BC progression. Clarifying the importance of genetic and social factors could help prioritize interventions.

Objective

To jointly examine associations between African genetic ancestry, social environment, and mortality from any cause and BC in Black BC survivors.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This population-based cohort study enrolled self-identified Black women aged 20 to 75 years with histologically confirmed BC from June 2005 to May 2019 and followed them up until death or censoring in September 2021. Participants lived in 10 New Jersey counties. Data were analyzed between December 2022 and April 2023.

Exposures

A neighborhood socioeconomic status (nSES) index composed of census tract measures (education, income, wealth, employment status, and occupation) was linked to residential addresses at diagnosis. Percentage African ancestry was estimated using the ADMIXTURE program.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Sequentially adjusted (age adjusted: age and interview year; fully adjusted: age adjusted with individual SES, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities) logistic regression models were fit to estimate associations with tumor subtypes (estrogen receptor–negative [ER−] vs estrogen receptor–positive [ER+]; triple-negative breast cancer [TNBC] vs luminal A), and Cox models were fit for associations with all-cause mortality (ACM) and breast cancer–specific mortality (BCSM). Models for BCSM were fit using Fine-Gray competing risks models, and robust standard errors were used to account for census tract–level clustering.

Results

Among 1575 participants, median (IQR) African ancestry was 85% (76%-90%), and median (IQR) age was 55 (46-63) years. A 10–percentage point increase in African ancestry was associated with higher odds of ER− vs ER+ (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.08; 95% CI, 0.98-1.18) and TNBC vs luminal (aOR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.02-1.31) tumors, but not with ACM or BCSM. A 1-IQR increase in nSES was associated with lower ACM (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.76; 95% CI, 0.63-0.93), and the HR for BCSM was less than 1 but not statistically significant (aHR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.62-1.04) in age-adjusted models, but associations attenuated following further adjustment for potential mediators (individual SES, lifestyles, comorbidities).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of Black female BC survivors, higher African ancestry was associated with aggressive tumor subtypes. Compared with genetic ancestry, mediating pathways related to social environments may be more important for survival in these patients.
War and Health Care Services Utilization for Chronic Diseases in Rural and Semiurban Areas of Tigray, Ethiopia
Authors: Gebrehiwet Tesfay Gebregzabher , Abebe Haftom Temesgen , Woldemichael Abraha , Gebresilassie Kibrom , Tsadik Mache , Asgedom Akeza Awealom , Fisseha Girmatsion , Berhane Kiros , Gebreyesus Aregawi , Alemayoh Yibrah , Gebresilassie Measho , Godefay Hagos , Gesesew Hailay Abrha , Tesfaye Solomon , Siraj Elias S. , Aregawi Maru W. , Mulugeta Afework
Published: August 2023

Importance

The war in Tigray, Ethiopia, has disrupted the health care system of the region. However, its association with health care services disruption for chronic diseases has not been well documented.

Objective

To assess the association of the war with the utilization of health care services for patients with chronic diseases.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Of 135 primary health care facilities, a registry-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 44 rural and semiurban facilities of Tigray. Data on health services utilization were extracted for patients with tuberculosis, HIV, diabetes, hypertension, and psychiatric disorders in the prewar period (September 1, to October 31, 2020) and during the first phase of the war period (November 4, 2020, to June 30, 2021).

Main Outcomes and Measures

Records on the number of follow-up, laboratory tests, and patients undergoing treatment of the aforementioned chronic diseases were counted during the prewar and war periods.

Results

Of 4645 records of patients with chronic diseases undergoing treatment during the prewar period, 998 records (21%) indicated having treatment during the war period. Compared with the prewar period, 59 of 180 individuals (33%; 95% CI, 26%-40%) had tuberculosis, 522 of 2211 (24%; 95% CI, 22%-26%) had HIV, 228 of 1195 (19%; 95% CI, 17%-21%) had hypertension, 123 of 632 (20%; 95% CI, 16%-22%) had psychiatric disorders, and 66 of 427 (15%; 95% CI, 12%-18%) had type 2 diabetes records, which revealed continued treatment during the war period. Of 174 records of patients with type 1 diabetes in the prewar period, at 2 to 3 months into the war, the numbers dropped to 10 with 94% decline compared with prewar observations.

Conclusions and Relevance

This study found that the war in Tigray has resulted in critical health care service disruption and high loss to follow-up for patients with chronic disease, likely leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Local, national, and global policymakers must understand the extent and impact of the service disruption and urge their efforts toward restoration of those services.
Association of Birth Weight Centiles and Gestational Age With Cognitive Performance at Age 5 Years
Authors: Eves Robert , Wolke Dieter , Spiegler Juliane , Lemola Sakari
Published: August 2023

Importance

Birth weight percentiles (BWPs) are often dichotomized at the 10th percentile and show statistically significant association with later cognitive performance, for both preterm and term-born children. However, research testing nonlinear associations between BWPs and cognitive performance is scarce.

Objective

To investigate culturally invariant, nonlinear associations of BWPs and gestational age with later cognitive performance.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this cohort study, participants with valid neonatal and cognitive data were combined from 4 observational cohorts, including the Millennium Cohort Study, the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 Child and Young Adult cohort, Growing Up in Ireland, and the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children, with children born between 2000 and 2002, 1980 and 2010, 2007 and 2008, and 2003 and 2004, respectively. Neonatal data were parent reported before age 1 year. At approximately 5 years of age, multiple cognitive tests were performed. Follow-up at 5 years of age was the predominant focus. Data were analyzed July 17, 2023.

Exposure

The parent-reported neonatal data were used to calculate BWPs according to the Fenton growth chart.

Main Outcome and Measure

Scores for IQ were created from multiple measures of cognition, which were z standardized separately within each cohort.

Results

Of 30 643 participants (50.8% male), 7.5% were born preterm (before 37 weeks gestation) and 92.5% were term born (between 37 and 42 weeks gestation). In the pooled data using multivariate adaptive regression splines, IQ linearly increased by 4.2 points as BWPs increased from the first to the 69th percentile before completely plateauing. For gestational age, IQ linearly increased by 1.3 points per week up until 32 weeks, with the association reducing to 0.3 points per week after 32 weeks. The association of BWP with IQ was not moderated by gestational age. For term-born infants, the estimated IQ score was only clinically meaningfully lower than average when birth weight was below the third percentile. Consistent results were found when instead using multivariable regression where gestational age and BWPs were categorized into groups.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, lower BWPs and gestational age were independently associated with lower IQ. For term-born infants, a cutoff of the third percentile would be more appropriate than the traditionally used 10th percentile when the aim is estimating meaningful cognitive differences.
Porosity and fluid budget of a water‐rich megathrust revealed with electromagnetic data at the Middle America Trench
Authors: Naif Samer , Key Kerry , Constable Steven , Evans Rob L.
Published: August 2023

At convergent margins, the distribution of fluids released from the downgoing slab modulates the state of stress and seismic coupling at the megathrust plate interface. However, existing geophysical data are unable to quantify the porosity along this interface. Here we use controlled‐source electromagnetic data collected across the Middle America Trench offshore Nicaragua to image the electrical conductivity structure of the outer fore arc. Our results detect a highly conductive channel, inferred to be the region around the décollement, showing the entire section of water‐rich seafloor sediments underthrust with the subducting lithosphere. We use an empirical model of the electrical conductivity of porous media to quantify the channel porosity. Our estimates are consistent with sediment compaction studies, showing a rapid decay of 65%–10% porosity from the trench to 25 km landward. We constrain the channel thickness and use the porosity estimates to determine the water budget, which represents the fraction taken up by fluid. The porosity and water budget estimates show significant lateral variations that we attribute to changes in subducted sediment thickness caused by outer rise bending faults. Between 18 and 23 km from the trench, the conductive channel broadens greatly to 1.5–2 km thick, possibly due to concentrated blind faults or sediment underplating, which suggests a sudden change in hydrogeologic structure at the plate interface. The impact of the anomalous conductor on the seismic coupling and mechanical properties of the megathrust is potentially related to the discrepancy in estimated fault slip between seismic and tsunami source inversions for the 1992 Nicaragua tsunami earthquake.
Proteomics and mathematical modeling of longitudinal CSF differentiates fast versus slow ALS progression
Authors: Vu Lucas , Garcia‐Mansfield Krystine , Pompeiano Antonio , An Jiyan , David‐Dirgo Victoria , Sharma Ritin , Venugopal Vinisha , Halait Harkeerat , Marcucci Guido , Kuo Ya‐Huei , Uechi Lisa , Rockne Russell C. , Pirrotte Patrick , Bowser Robert
Published: August 2023

Objective

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a heterogeneous disease with a complex etiology that lacks biomarkers predicting disease progression. The objective of this study was to use longitudinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples to identify biomarkers that distinguish fast progression (FP) from slow progression (SP) and assess their temporal response.

Methods

We utilized mass spectrometry (MS)‐based proteomics to identify candidate biomarkers using longitudinal CSF from a discovery cohort of SP and FP ALS patients. Immunoassays were used to quantify and validate levels of the top biomarkers. A state‐transition mathematical model was created using the longitudinal MS data that also predicted FP versus SP.

Results

We identified a total of 1148 proteins in the CSF of all ALS patients. Pathway analysis determined enrichment of pathways related to complement and coagulation cascades in FPs and synaptogenesis and glucose metabolism in SPs. Longitudinal analysis revealed a panel of 59 candidate markers that could segregate FP and SP ALS. Based on multivariate analysis, we identified three biomarkers (F12, RBP4, and SERPINA4) as top candidates that segregate ALS based on rate of disease progression. These proteins were validated in the discovery and a separate validation cohort. Our state‐transition model determined that the overall variance of the proteome over time was predictive of the disease progression rate.

Interpretation

We identified pathways and protein biomarkers that distinguish rate of ALS disease progression. A mathematical model of the CSF proteome determined that the change in entropy of the proteome over time was predictive of FP versus SP.
Magnetoelectric Core–Shell Nanoparticle–Based Wearable Hybrid Energy Harvesters for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Murali Nandan , Mukherjee Dibyajyoti , Das Shashank Bhushan , Dhillon Ashish Kumar , Siddhanta Soumik , Mallick Dhiman , Betal Soutik
Published: August 2023

In this work, a novel barium titanate–coated cobalt ferrite core–shell magnetoelectric nanoparticle and poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene): polystyrene sulfonate–based wearable energy‐harvesting patch for wireless power‐transfer applications are proposed. The developed flexible patch has unique ease of fabrication and high‐efficiency energy conversion capability from the magnetic field and mechanical motion to the electric field as compared to bulk or thin‐film‐based devices. This unique power‐transfer capability of this device is achieved due to the crystalline nature of fabricated nanoparticles, which is confirmed using X‐ray diffraction and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. This wearable patch can generate a high voltage of 560 mV when exposed to a 40 μT alternating magnetic field at the resonance frequency of 48.6 kHz. The hybrid mode of electric power generation is achieved by coupling bodily motion with the remotely applied alternating magnetic field (40 μT), which results in the generation of a higher electric potential of 860 mV and maximum power density of 0.458 mW cm−3across a 10 kΩ load. The maximum magnetoelectric coefficient is recorded as 1300 mV cm−1 Oe−1. The flexible nature and hybrid operation of the proposed device make it an efficient alternative for powering a wide range of wearable medical electronic devices.
Developing Single‐Ion Conductive Polymer Electrolytes for High‐Energy‐Density Solid State Batteries
Authors: Meng Nan , Ye Yuning , Yang Zhaoxia , Li Hao , Lian Fang
Published: August 2023

Single‐ion conductive polymer electrolytes (SICPEs) with a cationic transference number (tLi+) close to unity exhibit specific advantages in solid‐state batteries (SSBs), including mitigating the ion concentration gradient and derived problems, suppressing the growth of lithium dendrites, and improving the utilization of cathode materials and the rate performance of SSBs. However, the application of SICPEs remains major challenges, i.e., the ionic conductivity is inferior at room temperature. Therefore, the recent accomplishments in improving the ambient ionic conductivity to be compatible SICPEs with a high transference number are discussed in this review. In particular, some strategies of delocalizing charges in polyanions, designing a highly conductive polymer matrix, and utilizing synergistic effects in SICPEs are focused to shed light on the further development of solid polymer electrolytes for SSBs. Finally, multifunctional species of SICPEs are discussed in view of the mechanical contact and/or charge transfer problems at the solid–solid interface in SSBs.
2D Weyl‐Semimetal States Achieved by a Thickness‐Dependent Crossover and Topological Phase Transition in Bi0.96Sb0.04 Thin Films
Authors: Jang Chan Wook , Salawu Yusuff Adeyemi , Kim Jin Hee , Nguyen Van Quang , Kim Min Seop , Lee Sang‐Eon , Son Hyebin , Kim Heon‐Jung , Rhyee Jong‐Soo , Hoa Vu Thi , Cho Sunglae , Lee Jong Seok , Jung Myung‐Hwa , Shon Won Hyuk , Jeong Tae Jin , Kim Sung , Yum Han‐Yup , Kim Jung Ho , Wang Xiaolin , Elliman R. G. , Park Sang J. , Kim Junseok , Jin Hyungyu , Choi Suk‐Ho
Published: August 2023

Despite theoretical expectations for 2D Weyl semimetals (WSMs), realizing stable 2D topological semimetal states experimentally is currently a great challenge. Here, 2D WSM states achieved by a thickness‐dependent topological phase transition from 3D Dirac semimetal to 2D WSM in molecular‐beam‐epitaxy‐grown Bi0.96Sb0.04 thin films are reported. 2D weak anti‐localization (WAL) and chiral anomaly arise in the Bi0.96Sb0.04 films for thicknesses below ≈10 nm, supporting 2D Weyl semimetallic transport in the films. This is particularly evident from magnetoresistance (MR) measurements which show cusp structures at around B = 0, indicating WAL, and negative MR, typical of chiral anomaly, only for layers with thicknesses below ≈10 nm. The temperature dependencies of the dephasing length for various thicknesses are consistent with those of the MR. Analysis based on second harmonic generation, terahertz emission, Seebeck/Hall effects, Raman scattering, X‐ray diffraction, and X‐ray photoemission demonstrates that the Dirac‐ to Weyl‐semimetal phase transition for films thinner than ≈10 nm is induced by inversion‐symmetry breaking due to the lattice‐mismatch strain between the Bi0.96Sb0.04 film and substrate. The realization of 2D WSMs is particularly significant for applications in high‐speed electronics, spintronics, and quantum computations due to their high mobility, chiral spin, and topologically‐protected quantum qubits.
High Anti‐Jamming Flexible Capacitive Pressure Sensors Based on Core–Shell Structured AgNWs@TiO2
Authors: Han Renhou , Liu Yue , Mo Yepei , Xu Huichen , Yang Zhengwen , Bao Rongrong , Pan Caofeng
Published: August 2023

Flexible capacitive pressure sensors play an important role in electronic skin and human–machine interaction due to their high sensitivity and convenient preparation, comparing with those resistive/piezoresistive sensors. However, due to the complexity of the application environment, reported capacitive sensors often experience signal instability by electromagnetic interference and proximity effects. The great challenge for capacitive sensors is to maintain sensitivity and wide linear range while reducing interference. This study proposes a high anti‐jamming capacitive flexible pressure sensor with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)@AgNWs@TiO2 film as the dielectric layer. Core–shell structure‐based AgNWs@TiO2 is embedded into the PVDF film. The introduction of the core–shell structure not only enhances the initial capacitance but also balances the dielectric constant, dielectric loss, and breakdown strength of the dielectric layer. The sensor is validated to exhibit a high signal‐to‐noise ratio for a variety of interference sources and is demonstrated with an intelligent glove sensing system, which provides a new idea for developing a high anti‐jamming capacitive flexible pressure sensor.
Inkjet‐Printed and Nanopatterned Photonic Phosphor Motifs with Strongly Polarized and Directional Light‐Emission
Authors: Cabello‐Olmo Elena , Romero Manuel , Kainz Michael , Bernroitner Anna , Kopp Sonja , Mühlberger Michael , Lozano Gabriel , Míguez Hernán
Published: August 2023

Herein a versatile and scalable method to prepare periodically corrugated nanophosphor surface patterns displaying strongly polarized and directional visible light emission is demonstrated. A combination of inkjet printing and soft lithography techniques is employed to obtain arbitrarily shaped light emitting motifs. Such predesigned luminescent drawings, in which the polarization and angular properties of the emitted light are determined and finely tuned through the surface relief, can be used as anti‐counterfeiting labels, as these two specific optical features provide additional means to identify any unauthorized or forged copy of the protected item. The potential of this approach is exemplified by processing a self‐standing photoluminescent quick response code whose emission is both polarized and directionally beamed. Physical insight of the mechanism behind the directional out‐coupled photoluminescence observed is provided by finite‐difference time‐domain calculations.
Defective S‐TiO2−x/CeO2 Heterojunction for Mutual Reinforcing Chemodynamic/Sonocatalytic Antibacterial Therapy and Sonoelectric/Ion‐Activated Bone Regeneration
Authors: Wang Chaofeng , Lei Jie , Mao Congyang , Wu Shuilin , Zheng Yufeng , Liang Chunyong , Yang Lei , Zhu Shengli , Li Zhaoyang , Jiang Hui , Zhang Yu , Yang Cao , Liu Xiangmei
Published: August 2023

Sonocatalysis and chemodynamics have attracted widespread attention in antibacterial therapy. The transfer efficiency of electrons plays an important role in sonocatalysis and chemodynamics, and how to regulate electron transfer and achieve mutual‐reinforcement between sonocatalysis and chemodynamic to achieve efficient antibacterial therapy is a difficult problem. Here, this study develops a defective S‐doped TiO2 and CeO2 heterojunction(S‐TiO2−x/CeO2）sonosensitizer that can enhance chemodynamic therapy by regulating valence transitions of CeIII/CeIV by sonoelectrons, and enhancing sonocatalytic therapy by creating heterojunctions to accelerate the transfer of interface electron, thereby achieving mutual reinforcement of sonocatalysis and chemodynamic. It could kill 99.3% of S. aureus under ultrasound (US) irradiation . Due to the presence of mixed valence states CeIII/CeIV in CeO2, S‐TiO2−x/CeO2 could be as oxy‐substrates. Ce4+ can deplete glutathione and reacts with H2O2 in bacteria to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). These activities combines with ROS generated from sonocatalysis, resulting in bacterial death. Meanwhile, the electrical signal generated by S‐TiO2−x/CeO2 under US stimulation and the cerium ions could activate the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway to induce hBMSCs to differentiate into osteoblast. S‐TiO2−x/CeO2 successfully treats osteomyelitis under US irradiation by effectively clearing infection, suppressing inflammatory, and promoting bone regeneration, and it provides effective treatment for patients with deep infection.
Covalently Bonded Graphene Sheets on Carbon Nanotubes: Direct Growth and Outstanding Properties
Authors: Sheng Jian , Han Zhen , Jia Guodong , Zhu Sheng , Xu Yifan , Zhang Xinrui , Yao Yixi , Li Yan
Published: August 2023

Integrating 1D carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and 2D graphene with covalent bonds can inherit the outstanding properties of both components and obtain additional advantages. Here, this work reports the preparation of covalently bonded graphene/CNT (G/CNT) structure by a normal chemical vapor deposition method. Specifically, the pre‐synthesized defects on the sidewall of CNTs act as nucleation sites for the growth of graphene sheets to form a branch‐leaf structure. Graphene leaves restrict the sliding and re‐stacking of CNTs, endowing G/CNT hybrid demonstrates excellent anti‐agglomeration properties that are not present in either graphene or CNTs. In addition, the covalently bonded structure and high graphitization degree of graphene sheets and CNTs significantly enhance the comprehensive properties of the G/CNT hybrid material, such as large specific surface area, excellent thermal stability, and high electrical conductivity. Consequently, the microwave absorption properties of G/CNT are significantly enhanced compared with CNTs. This work provides a feasible pathway to synthesize high‐performance covalently bonded G/CNT hybrids.
A Porous Organic Framework‐Based Nanoplatform for Directional Destruction on Endoplasmic Reticulum to Enhance Tumor Immunotherapy
Authors: Zhang Hao , Liu Yang , Cao Yue , Song Peizhe , Li Wanying , Lv Zhijia , Song Shuyan , Wang Yinghui , Zhang Hongjie
Published: August 2023

With the development of oncology, immunotherapy holds great promise for tumor treatment. However, immunogenic cell death (ICD), an important stimulator of immune response, often fails to trigger effective immunotherapy. Herein, a strategy to cause endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress for further amplifying ICD is reported. A porous organic framework‐based nanoplatform (PLGH‐TER) with good targeting ER ability for chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer (CRET) based‐photodynamic therapy (PDT) is developed, which solves the limitations of the restricted penetration of light and suboptimal bioavailability of commonly used photosensitizers (PS). Once accumulated in ER, PLGH‐TER activates the translation from glucose to H2O2 for starvation therapy and further elicit CRET‐based‐PDT, which results in ER stress and amplified ICD ultimately. Then, the amplified ICD promotes the release of damage‐associated molecular patterns , realizing enhanced immunotherapy. Consequently, PLGH‐TER can achieve directional destruction on ER and inhibit tumor invasion and recurrence, which expands the application of porous organic framework for tumor immunotherapy.
Fine AgPd Nanoalloys Achieving Size and Ensemble Synergy for High‐Efficiency CO2 to CO Electroreduction
Authors: Zeng Qing , Tian Shaonan , Liu Hui , Xu Lin , Cui Penglei , Chen Dong , Wang Jing , Yang Jun
Published: August 2023

Alloying the active metal with a second metal is an effective way to tailor the adsorption of reaction intermediates through an ensemble effect. Herein, based on theoretical calculations validating that the ensemble sites composed of Ag and Pd atoms could reduce the energy gap for *COOH and *CO intermediates generated during electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (eCO2RR) by either weakening the CO adsorption or enhancing the COOH adsorption, a strategy to produce AgPd alloy nanoparticles with fine sizes for synergizing the ensemble effect and size leverage toward high CO faradaic efficiency in eCO2RR is reported. In particular, the AgPd alloy nanoparticles at an optimized Ag/Pd atomic ratio of 35/65 affords a maximum CO faradaic efficiency of 98.9% and a CO partial current density of 5.1 mA cm−2 at the potential of −0.8 V (vs RHE) with satisfactory durability of up to 25 h, outperforming those of most Pd‐based electrocatalysts recently reported and demonstrating great potential for further application in producing CO via eCO2RR at ambient conditions.
Zn Ionophores to Suppress Hydrogen Evolution and Promote Uniform Zn Deposition in Aqueous Zn Batteries
Authors: Bai Xue , Nan Yang , Yang Kai , Deng Bijian , Shao Jiajia , Hu Weiguo , Pu Xiong
Published: August 2023

Uncontrolled Zn dendrites and undesirable side reactions such as Zn self‐corrosion and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) remain major challenges for the further development of aqueous Zn batteries (AZBs). In this study, macrolide antibiotics are proposed to be added to aqueous electrolyte, serving as Zn ionophores to modulate Zn2+ solvation structure, regulate Zn electrodeposition, and suppress undesirable parasitic reactions. Azithromycin (Azi), a representative macrolide antibiotic, is demonstrated to undergo bidentate coordination with Zn ions and remodel the solvation structure into [ZnAzi(H2O)4]2+. Meanwhile, the self‐corrosion and HER at the Zn anode side are significantly suppressed, evidenced quantitatively by the on‐line hydrogen production monitoring. Furthermore, the promotion of dense and uniform Zn electrodeposition by the ionophores is also confirmed. The repeated Zn plating/stripping test with 0.1 m Azi in electrolyte reaches a high cumulative capacity of 10 Ah cm−2 at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and an area capacity of 10 mAh cm−2. Moreover, the corresponding Zn‐V2O5 pouch cell achieves stable operation for 100 cycles without bulging caused by gas evolution. Thus, the electrolyte engineering approach presents a practically viable strategy for the development of AZBs.
Energy Efficient Artificial Olfactory System with Integrated Sensing and Computing Capabilities for Food Spoilage Detection
Authors: Jung Gyuweon , Kim Jaehyeon , Hong Seongbin , Shin Hunhee , Jeong Yujeong , Shin Wonjun , Kwon Dongseok , Choi Woo Young , Lee Jong‐Ho
Published: August 2023

Artificial olfactory systems (AOSs) that mimic biological olfactory systems are of great interest. However, most existing AOSs suffer from high energy consumption levels and latency issues due to data conversion and transmission. In this work, an energy‐ and area‐efficient AOS based on near‐sensor computing is proposed. The AOS efficiently integrates an array of sensing units (merged field effect transistor (FET)‐type gas sensors and amplifier circuits) and an AND‐type nonvolatile memory (NVM) array. The signals of the sensing units are directly connected to the NVM array and are computed in memory, and the meaningful linear combinations of signals are output as bit line currents. The AOS is designed to detect food spoilage by employing thin zinc oxide films as gas‐sensing materials, and it exhibits low detection limits for H2S and NH3 gases (0.01 ppm), which are high‐protein food spoilage markers. As a proof of concept, monitoring the entire spoilage process of chicken tenderloin is demonstrated. The system can continuously track freshness scores and food conditions throughout the spoilage process. The proposed AOS platform is applicable to various applications due to its ability to change the sensing temperature and programmable NVM cells.
Improving agronomic effectiveness of elemental sulfur to increase productivity in sulfur‐deficient soils
Authors: Boubakry Cissé , Agyin‐Birikorang Sampson , Adu‐Gyamfi Raphael , Chambers Rachel A. , Tindjina Ignatius , Angzenaa Albert B.
Published: August 2023

Elemental sulfur (ES), a byproduct of oil and gas processing, could be an alternate sulfur (S) fertilizer source for crop production if its bioavailability is improved. Increasing the specific surface of ES by reducing its particle size can accelerate ES oxidation to enhance its bioavailability. In field trials at six locations across three countries: two each in the United States, Ghana, and Mali, we determined the agronomic effectiveness of micronized ES (MES). Specific objectives were to quantify (i) corn (Zea mays L.) productivity, (ii) S recovery, and (iii) residual soil S concentration; following MES application, compared to ammonium sulfate (AS), a commercially available sulfate fertilizer, at four application rates—(i) locally recommended sulfur application rate (SR), (ii) 50%_SR, (iii) 75%_SR, and (iv) 125%_SR—and a control where no S was applied. Averaged across all sites and in the three growing seasons, AS at 50%_SR increased corn yield by ≤8% relative to control. Increasing to 75%_SR, SR, and 125%_SR resulted in 12%, 26%, and 28% yield increases, respectively. Applying MES at 50%_SR increased yield by ≤6%, and at 75%_SR, yield increased by ≤26%. Increasing the S application rate to SR and 125%_SR resulted in marginal yield increases. The combined data suggest that MES can be applied at a reduced rate of 75_SR to achieve similar yields as AS applied at SR. We conclude that MES could be an efficient S fertilizer alternative. However, economic analysis is needed to determine the potential profitability of using MES fertilizer products for crop production.
Age‐adjusted D‐dimer, clinical pre‐test probability‐adjusted D‐dimer, and whole leg ultrasound in ruling out suspected proximal and calf deep venous thrombosis
Authors: Sartori Michelangelo , Borgese Laura , Favaretto Elisabetta , Lasala Elisa , Bortolotti Roberta , Cosmi Benilde
Published: August 2023

D‐dimer (DD) and ultrasonography (US) are part of the diagnostic workup for lower‐extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Recent studies have shown that adjusting DD level cut‐offs by age or clinical pre‐test probability (PTP) decreases the use of US. We compared diagnostic accuracy of PTP‐adjusted DD and age‐adjusted DD in 3883 patients (F: 61.1%; age: 65.3 ± 16.8 y) referred to our unit for clinically suspected DVT. All patients underwent clinical evaluation, DD, and US. Proximal DVT was detected in 477 (12.4%) patients, and distal DVT was isolated in 342 (8.9%) patients. In the remaining 3064 patients there were 23 venous thromboembolic events (0.75%, 95% CI: 0.50–1.12) during the 3‐month follow‐up. The specificities of DD, age‐adjusted DD, and PTP‐adjusted DD in patients without high PTP levels were 47% (95% CI: 45–49), 61% (95% CI: 59–62), and 67% (95% CI: 65–68), respectively. The negative predictive value (NPV) was 96% (95% CI: 95–97) for all diagnostic strategies. When only proximal DVTs were considered, the NPV increased to 99% (95% CI: 98–99). US was avoided in 37% (95% CI: 36–38) of patients with a fixed cut‐off DD, 48% (95% CI: 47–50) with age‐adjusted DD, and 52% (95% CI: 51–54) with PTP‐adjusted DD. The failure rate for all DVTs of DD, age‐adjusted DD, and PTP‐adjusted DD was 2.0% (95% CI: 1.6–2.5), 2.7% (95% CI: 2.2–3.2), and 2.5% (95% CI: 2.1–3.0), respectively. Compared with the standard DD cut‐off, both age‐adjusted and PTP‐adjusted DD reduced the proportion of patients who required US at the cost of a small increase in failure rate.
Predictive factors for decreased baseline quality of life in patients with sinonasal malignancies
Authors: Fleseriu Cara M. , Beswick Daniel M. , Maoz Sabrina L. , Hwang Peter H. , Choby Garret , Kuan Edward C. , Chan Erik P. , Adappa Nithin D. , Geltzeiler Mathew , Getz Anne E. , Humphries Ian M. , Le Christopher H. , Abuzeid Waleed M. , Chang Eugene H. , Jafari Aria , Kingdom Todd T. , Kohanski Michael A. , Lee Jivianne K. , Nabavizadeh Seyed A. , Nayak Jayakar V. , Palmer James N. , Patel Zara M. , Pinheiro‐Neto Carlos D. , Resnick Adam C. , Smith Timothy L. , Snyderman Carl H. , St. John Maie A. , Storm Jay , Suh Jeffrey D. , Wang Marilene B. , Wang Eric W.
Published: August 2023

Background

The impact of sinonasal malignancies (SNMs) on quality of life (QOL) at presentation is poorly understood. The Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) and University of Washington Quality of Life (UWQOL) are validated QOL instruments with distinctive subdomains. This study aims to identify factors impacting pretreatment QOL in SNM patients to personalize multidisciplinary management and counseling.

Methods

Patients with previously untreated SNMs were prospectively enrolled (2015–2022) in a multicenter observational study. Baseline pretreatment QOL instruments (SNOT‐22, UWQOL) were obtained along with demographics, comorbidities, histopathology/staging, tumor involvement, and symptoms. Multivariable regression models identified factors associated with reduced baseline QOL.

Results

Among 204 patients, presenting baseline QOL was significantly reduced. Multivariable regression showed worse total SNOT‐22 QOL in patients with skull base erosion (p = 0.02). SNOT‐rhinologic QOL was worse in women (p = 0.009), patients with epistaxis (p = 0.036), and industrial exposure (p = 0.005). SNOT extranasal QOL was worse in patients with industrial exposure (p = 0.016); worse SNOT ear/facial QOL if perineural invasion (PNI) (p = 0.027). Squamous cell carcinoma pathology (p = 0.037), palate involvement (p = 0.012), and pain (p = 0.017) were associated with worse SNOT sleep QOL scores. SNOT psychological subdomain scores were significantly worse in patients with palate lesions (p = 0.022), skull base erosion (p = 0.025), and T1 staging (p = 0.023). Low QOL was more likely in the presence of PNI on UW health (p = 0.019) and orbital erosion on UW overall (p = 0.03). UW social QOL was worse if palatal involvement (p = 0.023) or PNI (p = 0.005).

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate a negative impact on baseline QOL in patients with SNMs and suggest sex‐specific and symptom‐related lower QOL scores, with minimal histopathology association. Anatomical tumor involvement may be more reflective of QOL than T‐staging, as orbital and skull base erosion, PNI, and palate lesions are significantly associated with reduced baseline QOL.
Toward Understanding the Formation Mechanism and OER Catalytic Mechanism of Hydroxides by In Situ and Operando Techniques
Authors: Chen Zongkun , Fan Qiqi , Zhou Jian , Wang Xingkun , Huang Minghua , Jiang Heqing , Cölfen Helmut
Published: August 2023

Developing efficient and affordable electrocatalysts for the sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER) remains a significant barrier that needs to be overcome for the practical applications of hydrogen production via water electrolysis, transforming CO2 to value‐added chemicals, and metal‐air batteries. Recently, hydroxides have shown promise as electrocatalysts for OER. In situ or operando techniques are particularly indispensable for monitoring the key intermediates together with understanding the reaction process, which is extremely important for revealing the formation/OER catalytic mechanism of hydroxides and preparing cost‐effective electrocatalysts for OER. However, there is a lack of comprehensive discussion on the current status and challenges of studying these mechanisms using in situ or operando techniques, which hinders our ability to identify and address the obstacles present in this field. This review offers an overview of in situ or operando techniques, outlining their capabilities, advantages, and disadvantages. Recent findings related to the formation mechanism and OER catalytic mechanism of hydroxides revealed by in situ or operando techniques are also discussed in detail. Additionally, some current challenges in this field are concluded and appropriate solution strategies are provided.
Bestimmung reaktionskinetischer Daten an Assoziations‐Dissoziations‐Gleichgewichten von H‐Brücken‐Assoziaten durch Ultraschallabsorptionsmessungen an verdünnten Lösungen
Authors: Maier Wilhelm , Rudolph Heinz Dieter
Published: August 2023

Es wird zunächst eine kurze Darstellung der allgemeinen Theorie der durch ein chemisches Reaktionsgleichgewicht in verdünnter Lösung verursachten zusätzlichen Ultraschallabsorption gegeben. Diese Theorie wird dann auf den Fall eines Monomer‐Dimer‐Gleichgewichts spezialisiert. Einige Näherungen, für deren Gültigkeit Kriterien angegeben werden, vereinfachen die Absorptionsformel. Sie gewinnt eine besonders einfache Gestalt im Falle verdünnter Lösungen einer Substanz, bei der bei Konzentrationen von der Größenordnung 1 Mol‐% das Gleichgewicht stark zugunsten der Dimeren verschoben ist. Die Formel erlaubt dann eine Bestimmung der Reaktionsdaten aus Schallabsorptionsmessungen bei einer einzigen Schallfrequenz.
Der Vorgang H + Cl2 → HCl + Cl als Molekularstrahlreaktion
Authors: Martin H. , Diskowski H.
Published: August 2023

Es wird der Elementarprozeß

als Molekularstrahlreaktion durchgeführt, indem in hochverdünntes Chlor (Maxwellgas, Zimmertemperatur) thermisch erzeugte H‐Atome (Atomstrahl) eingestrahlt werden. Aus der Temperaturabhängigkeit der experimentell gefundenen Stoßausbeuten läßt sich die Aktivierungsenergie der Reaktion (1) berechnen, wenn man diese als die (beim unelastischen Stoß in innere Energie umwandelbare) Relativenergie E*rel der stoßenden Teilchen auffaßt.

Für die Stoßausbeuten wird gefunden:

für die Aktivierungsenergie errechnet man hieraus E*rel = 9,4 ± 0,4 kcal.
Die Methanbildung aus Wasserstoff und Kohlenstoff bei hohen Temperaturen und Drucken
Authors: Hedden K.
Published: August 2023

Die Reaktionsgeschwindigkeit der Methanbildung in einer von Wasserstoff durchströmten festen Schüttung von spektralreiner Elektrodenkohle wurde bei Temperaturen zwischen 1000 und 1250 °C und im Druckbereich von 10 bis 100 atm gemessen. Bei tieferen Temperaturen ist die Umsatzgeschwindigkeit sehr klein, während die Reaktion bei höheren Temperaturen wegen der sehr geringen Gleichgewichtskonzentration an Methan uninteressant wird. Die Aktivierungsenergie der Methanbildung ergab sich zu 85,5 kcal/mol. Die Übereinstimmung mit der Aktivierungsenergie der Boudouard‐Reaktion dürfte rein zufällig sein; der Häufigkeitsfaktor war bei dem verwendeten Kohlenstoff um den Faktor 230 kleiner als bei der Boudouard‐Reaktion. Bezüglich der Wasserstoffkonzentration verlief die Methanbildung nahezu nach 1. Ordnung. Aus dem Zusammenhang zwischen Umsatzgeschwindigkeit und Strömungsgeschwindigkeit kann man auf die Rückreaktion schließen; sie läßt sich durch einen Ansatz proportional zur Methankonzentration und umgekehrt proportional zur Wasserstoffkonzentration beschreiben. Unter der Voraussetzung, daß das von Zielke und Gorin vorgeschlagene Reaktionsschema zutrifft, dürfte die hydrierende Spaltung randständiger ‐CH2‐CH2—Gruppen des Graphitgitters geschwindigkeitsbestimmend sein. Bei Untersuchungen an Aktivkohle und Ruß, die wegen ihrer höheren Reaktionsfähigkeit im Temperaturbereich von 750 bis 1050 °C bzw. von 950 bis 1150 °C durchgeführt wurden, ergab sich mit steigender Temperatur ein Wechsel der scheinbaren Reaktionsordnung von 2 nach 1. Die hier gefundenen Meßergebnisse ließen sich gut darstellen durch die Gleichung

magnified image

Die Aktivierungsenergien und Häufigkeitsfaktoren bei der Umsetzung von Spektralkohle einerseits und Aktivkohle und Ruß andererseits unterscheiden sich erheblich.
Über die Druckabhängigkeit der CaCO3‐Bildung aus dem Oxyd
Authors: Nitsch W.
Published: August 2023

Es wurde die Kinetik der CaCO3‐Bildung aus dem Oxyd unter verschiedenen CO2‐Drucken untersucht und gefunden, daß die Geschwindigkeit der CO2‐Aufnahme bei Temperaturen über 800 °C durch die druck‐abhängige Keimbildung und den ebenfalls druckabhängigen Wachstumsprozeß bestimmt wird. Bei 800 °C und Drucken über 190 Torr findet Keimbildung nur in der Anfangsphase der Reaktion statt, während man im weiteren Verlauf die Wachstumsreaktion allein und somit deren Druckabhängigkeit verfolgen kann. Es werden die Bedingungen herausgearbeitet, bei denen die CO2‐Aufnahme proportional der Phasengrenzfläche, also nach einer 2/3‐Ordnung abläuft. Es wird ein Reaktionsmechanismus angegeben, der auf die experimentell gefundene Gleichung für die Druckabhängigkeit der CaCO2‐Wachstumsgeschwindigkeit führt: VWachstum = konst. (PCO2 ‐ P Gleichgewicht)

Im Temperaturbereich unter 550 °C ist der Reaktionsablauf unabhängig vom CO2‐Druck und die CO2‐Aufnahme erfolgt nach einem anderen, nicht durch eine einfache Ordnung zu beschreibenden Geschwindigkeitsgesetz.