bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The clinical manifestations and treatment outcomes of Behçet's disease: A single‐center experience
Authors: Hama Hussein Karokh F. , Abdullah Hiwa O. , Ahmed Shaho F. , Qadir Aso N. , Asaad Hoshmand R. , Fattah Fattah H. , Hama Amin Bnar J. , Gharib Dana T. , Mohammed Shvan H. , Salih Rawezh Q. , Abdalla Berun A. , Kakamad Fahmi H. , Mohammed Shorsh A.
Published: July 2024

Background and Aims

Behçet's disease is a chronic, multisystemic, and relapsing inflammatory disorder. It lacks a permanent cure, the focus of treatment is on mitigating symptoms, decreasing the frequency and severity of relapses, and preventing life‐threatening complications. This study aims to report the experience of a single center in managing patients with Behçet's disease and discuss the treatment outcomes.

Methods

This study was a retrospective case series conducted over 2 years. All cases were clinically diagnosed according to the International Criteria for Behçet's Disease. The extracted data were demographics, family history, clinical findings, criteria scores, treatment, and outcomes.

Results

A total of 31 patients were included, consisting of 13 males (42%) and 18 females (58%). Most cases were over the age of 30, and both genders were nearly equally distributed among age groups. The most commonly affected site was the oral cavity, observed in 96.77% of cases. Genital, cutaneous, and vascular involvements were more common in males, while females were more likely to have oral, ocular, and musculoskeletal involvements. For various treatment regimens, oral, cutaneous, vascular, and musculoskeletal involvements showed complete response in all cases. Among cases with genital involvement, complete response was achieved in seven cases (41.2%), while four cases (23.5%) showed only partial response, and six cases (35.3%) experienced recurrence. In cases with ocular involvement, only partial responses were observed.

Conclusion

Oral, cutaneous, vascular, and musculoskeletal involvements may have a higher likelihood of a complete response to treatment regimens. However, genital involvement may be the most recurrent manifestation, followed by ocular involvement.
A comparison between Hankel and Fourier methods for photothermal radiometry analysis
Authors: Sheikh Raza , Pompidou Quentin , Villarreal Ezekiel , Horny Nicolas , Ban Heng
Published: July 2024

Photothermal radiometry has recently been investigated for use in the multidimensional thermal characterization of anisotropic samples. In application, there are two principal thermal models available for such characterization: a Cartesian model for the heat equation, which requires the application of three Fourier transforms to arrive at a solution (dubbed the Fourier technique), and a cylindrical model for the heat equation, which requires the application of a Hankel transform and a single Fourier transform (dubbed the Hankel technique). The Fourier technique allows for three‐dimensional characterization, while the Hankel technique is expected to greatly reduce the computational time required. As these models can be very computationally expensive, the potential to reduce this cost is of great interest. In this work, these multidimensional models are presented after which they are compared for accuracy, computational time, and assumption limitations. It was found that both the Fourier and Hankel techniques could accurately arrive at desired thermal properties, but that the Hankel Technique reduced the computational time by between 100× and 250× depending upon mesh spacings. Accuracy limitations were found as the eccentricity of the heating laser was increased with a less than 13% error being induced from a beam with a 3–1 axis ratio. The Hankel technique shows ideal application in computationally expensive models which employ a relatively circular beam shape.
Association of opium use and tobacco smoking with α‐, β‐, and γ‐human papillomavirus oral infection
Authors: Karimi Abbas , Mohebbi Elham , Mckay‐Chopin Sandrine , Hadji Maryam , Rashidian Hamideh , Marzban Maryam , Naghibzadeh‐Tahami Ahmad , Gholipour Mahin , Eslami Hadi , Kamangar Farin , Tommasino Massimo , Gheit Tarik , Zendehdel Kazem
Published: July 2024

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are linked to tobacco smoking, opium use, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. However, little is known about the association of HPV infection with risk factors of HNSCCs, including opium and tobacco use. This cross‐sectional analysis of a national multi‐center case–control study in Iran included 498 HNSCC cases and 242 controls. We investigated the association of opium and tobacco use with α‐ (n = 21), β‐ (n = 46), and γ‐HPV (n = 52) types in saliva samples using type‐specific bead‐based multiplex genotyping assays (TS‐MPG). We found that α‐HPV positivity was significantly associated with tobacco smoking (OR = 10.35; 95% CI = 1.15, 93; p = .03), but not with opium use (OR = 1.06; 95% CI = 0.41, 2.76; p = .89). Additionally, tobacco smoking correlated with an elevated risk of β‐species 2 HPV infection (OR = 1.28; 95% CI = 1.04, 1.58; p = .020). Conversely, opium use showed a positive association with γ‐species 12 HPV infection (OR = 5.67; 95% CI = 1.43, 22.44; p = .013). These findings indicate that tobacco and opium use may influence the risk of HPV infection in different ways depending on the HPV genus and species. Further studies are needed to replicate these findings in other populations.
Analyzing the role of ferroptosis in ribosome‐related bone marrow failure disorders: From pathophysiology to potential pharmacological exploitation
Authors: Papadimitriou‐Tsantarliotou Aliki , Avgeros Chrysostomos , Konstantinidou Maria , Vizirianakis Ioannis S.
Published: July 2024

Within the last decade, the scientific community has witnessed the importance of ferroptosis as a novel cascade of molecular events leading to cellular decisions of death distinct from apoptosis and other known forms of cell death. Notably, such non‐ apoptotic and iron‐dependent regulated cell death has been found to be intricately linked to several physiological processes as well as to the pathogenesis of various diseases. To this end, recent data support the notion that a potential molecular connection between ferroptosis and inherited bone marrow failure (IBMF) in individuals with ribosomopathies may exist. In this review, we suggest that in ribosome‐related IBMFs the identified mutations in ribosomal proteins lead to changes in the ribosome composition of the hematopoietic progenitors, changes that seem to affect ribosomal function, thus enhancing the expression of some mRNAs subgroups while reducing the expression of others. These events lead to an imbalance inside the cell as some molecular pathways are promoted while others are inhibited. This disturbance is accompanied by ROS production and lipid peroxidation, while an additional finding in most of them is iron accumulation. Once lipid peroxidation and iron accumulation are the two main characteristics of ferroptosis, it is possible that this mechanism plays a key role in the manifestation of IBMF in this type of disease. If this molecular mechanism is further confirmed, new pharmacological targets such as ferroptosis inhibitors that are already exploited for the treatment of other diseases, could be utilized to improve the treatment of ribosomopathies.
Análisis taxonómico de Passiflora cubensis Urb.
Authors: Gongora María Elvira Duharte
Published: July 2024

Se analizan especímenes determinados como Passiflora cubensis Urb. y se comparan mediante análisis biométricos con el lectotipo, obteniéndose diferencias significativas en la morfología de las hojas v flores que junto a los resultados del estudio epidérmico y atendiendo a la distribución geográfica permiten la separación de una nueva subespecie y una nueva especie.
Queer, transgender, Black, and/or Indigenous people of color experiences in substance use disorder counseling: Enhancing QTBIPOC counseling care
Authors: Gorritz FitzSimons Frank B. , Byrd Jacklyn J.
Published: July 2024

This PhotoVoice study explored the lived experiences of queer, transgender, Black, and Indigenous people of color (QTBIPOC) in substance use disorder counseling. Furthermore, this study utilized a Critical Participatory Action Research framework to discuss QTBIPOC strategies and ideas on enhancing substance use disorder counseling for QTBIPOC communities. The group dialogues in this study further explored how QTBIPOC experience minority stress and affirmative counseling experiences when seeking out counseling for substance use. Substance use disorder counselors and institutions can strongly benefit from the implications of this study as part of enhancing overall QTBIPOC counseling care.
Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate‐exposition in male rats during the peripubertal period impairs inflammatory mechanisms, antioxidant activity, and apoptosis process in kidneys of male pubertal rats
Authors: Honório da Silva João Vinícius , Erthal Rafaela Pires , Vercellone Isadora Chagas , Santos Dayane Priscila dos , Ferraz Camila Rodrigues , de Matos Ricardo Luís Nascimento , Gonçalves Luís Eduardo Duarte , Bracarense Ana Paula Frederico Rodrigues Loureiro , Verri Waldiceu Aparecido , Câmara Niels Olsen Saraiva , de Andrade Fábio Goulart , Fernandes Glaura Scantamburlo Alves
Published: July 2024

Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX) is a prodrug of dextroamphetamine, which has been widely recommended for the treatment of Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). There are still no data in the literature relating the possible toxic effects of LDX in the kidney. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate the effects of LDX exposure on morphological, oxidative stress, cell death and inflammation parameters in the kidneys of male pubertal Wistar rats, since the kidneys are organs related to the excretion of most drugs. For this, twenty male Wistar rats were distributed randomly into two experimental groups: LDX group—received 11,3 mg/kg/day of LDX; and Control group—received tap water. Animals were treated by gavage from postnatal day (PND) 25 to 65. At PND 66, plasma was collected to the biochemical dosage, and the kidneys were collected for determinations of the inflammatory profile, oxidative status, cell death, and for histochemical, and morphometric analyses. Our results show that there was an increase in the number of cells marked for cell death, and a reduction of proximal and distal convoluted tubules mean diameter in the group that received LDX. In addition, our results also showed an increase in MPO and NAG activity, indicating an inflammatory response. The oxidative status showed that the antioxidant system is working undisrupted and avoiding oxidative stress. Therefore, LDX‐exposition in male rats during the peripubertal period causes renal changes in pubertal age involving inflammatory mechanisms, antioxidant activity and apoptosis process.
Covalent organic frameworks and metal–organic frameworks for sustainable adsorptive removal/extraction of dirty dozen chemicals: A review
Authors: Emmanuel Stephen Sunday , Aniekezie Favour Chizoba , Adesibikan Ademidun Adeola
Published: July 2024

Dirty dozen chemicals (DDCs) are a group of 12 extremely toxic chemicals that were recognized at the Stockholm convention in 2001 for their severe impact on the ecosystem and human health. Despite the embargo and restraint placed on DDCs usage, these chemicals continue to find their way into the ecosystem because they are still secretly or openly applied by many nations, especially in African regions. Moreover, DDCs can still be perceived where they have been employed previously before the Stockholm convention treaty due to their persistent profile. This study aimed to critically review original works directed toward the removal of various dirty dozen chemicals using covalent and metal–organic frameworks (COFs and MOFs). Specifically, in this study, various COFs/MOFs and their composites with remarkably tailored adsorptive profiles are evaluated for their adsorption efficiency for different DDCs. In addition, the effect of various operating parameters that are of importance to environmentalists and various stakeholders for optimization purposes was empirically discussed. This review also fills knowledge vacuums about the COF/MOF‐DDCs adsorption process, offers insights into their reusability potential, fundamental mechanism, isotherm, and kinetic modeling, and offers a framework for future studies. Findings from this study revealed that COF and MOF have high DDC removal capacity and reusability potential attributed to their admirable porosity and the existence of a plethora of oxygen‐rich functional groups that allow for better interactions with DDCs through chelation, halogen bonding, H‐bonding, and π‐π interactions and stacking. This points to the upscaling potential of this remediation technique. Future researchers need to direct more efforts to the use of density functional theory for mechanism interpretation, exploration of hybrid technology, cost analysis, scalability, isotherm, thermodynamics, adsorption, and desorption kinetic modeling.
Extracellular vesicle surface display of αPD‐L1 and αCD3 antibodies via engineered late domain‐based scaffold to activate T‐cell anti‐tumor immunity
Authors: Chen Rui , Kang Ziqin , Li Wenhao , Xu Tianshu , Wang Yongqiang , Jiang Qiming , Wang Yuepeng , Huang Zixian , Xu Xiaoding , Huang Zhiquan
Published: July 2024

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging as promising carriers for the delivery of therapeutic biologics. Genetic engineering represents a robust strategy for loading proteins of interest into EVs. Identification of EV‐enriched proteins facilitates protein cargo loading efficiency. Many EV‐enriched proteins are sorted into EVs via an endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT)‐dependent pathway. In parallel, viruses hijack this EV biosynthesis machinery via conserved late domain motifs to promote egress from host cells. Inspired by the similarity of biogenesis between EVs and viruses, we developed a synthetic, Late domain‐based EV scaffold protein that enables the display of a set of single chain variable fragments (scFvs) on the EV surface. We named this scaffold the Late domain‐based exosomal antibody surface display platform (LEAP). We applied the LEAP scaffold to reprogramme HEK293T cell‐derived EVs to elicit T‐cell anti‐tumor immunity by simultaneously displaying αPD‐L1 and αCD3 scFvs on the EV surface (denoted as αPD‐L1×αCD3 bispecific T‐cell engaging exosomes, BiTExos). We demonstrated that αPD‐L1×αCD3 BiTExos actively redirected T cells to bind to PD‐L1+ tumor cells, promoting T‐cell activation, proliferation and tumoricidal cytokine production. Furthermore, the αPD‐L1×αCD3 BiTExos promoted T‐cell infiltration into the tumor microenvironment to mitigate the tumor burden in vivo. Our study suggested that the LEAP scaffold may serve as a platform for EV surface display and could be applied for a broad range of EV‐based biomedical applications.
Human placental mesenchymal stromal cell‐derived small extracellular vesicles as a treatment for severe COVID‐19: A double‐blind randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Zamanian Mohammad Hossein , Norooznezhad Amir Hossein , Hosseinkhani Zohreh , Hassaninia Daryoush , Mansouri Feizollah , Vaziri Siavash , Payandeh Mehrdad , Heydarpour Fatemeh , Kiani Sara , Shirvani Maria , Rajati Mojgan , Bakhtiari Mitra , Esmaili Farzaneh , Yarani Reza , Mansouri Kamran
Published: July 2024

The current study aimed to investigate the effects of human placental mesenchymal stromal cell‐derived small extracellular vesicles (hPMSC‐sEVs) as a treatment for COVID‐19. This double‐blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted on two groups of patients with COVID‐19‐associated acute respiratory distress syndrome. After randomization, the control group received standard treatment and placebo, and the intervention arm received standard treatment plus hPMSC‐sEVs. The number of hospital deaths was considered the primary outcome. After meeting the exclusion and inclusion criteria, 21 and 24 patients were allocated to intervention and control arms, respectively. Besides admission SpO2 levels, which were significantly lower in the intervention arm (p = 0.008), all the baseline demo‐biographic and laboratory variables were similar between the groups. It was shown that hPMSC‐sEVs could significantly (p = 0.015) decrease the mortality ratio in the intervention group (4/21 [19.04%]) compared to the controls (13/24 [54.16%]). The mean time to death in the intervention and control groups was 28.06 and 11.10 days, respectively (p < 0.001). This study showed that hPMSC‐sEVs are a possible treatment for critically ill patients with COVID‐19.
The effect of group size on sleep in a neotropical bat, Artibeus jamaicensis
Authors: Heckley Alexis M. , Harding Christian D. , Page Rachel A. , Klein Barrett A. , Yovel Yossi , Diebold Clarice A. , Tilley Hannah B.
Published: July 2024

Sleep is associated with many costs, but is also important to survival, with a lack of sleep impairing cognitive function and increasing mortality. Sleeping in groups could alleviate sleep‐associated costs, or could introduce new costs if social sleeping disrupts sleep. Working with the Jamaican fruit bat (Artibeus jamaicensis), we aimed to: (1) describe sleep architecture, (2) assess how sleeping in groups affects sleep, and (3) quantify total sleep time and identify rapid eye movement (REM) sleep using behavioral indicators that complement physiological evidence of sleep. Twenty‐five adult bats were captured in Panama and recorded sleeping in an artificial roost enclosure. Three bats were fitted with an electromyograph and accelerometer and video recorded sleeping alone in controlled laboratory settings. The remaining 22 bats were assigned to differing social configurations (alone, dyad, triad, and tetrad) and video recorded sleeping in an outdoor flight cage. We found that sleep was highly variable among individuals (ranging from 2 h 53 min to 9 h 39 min over a 12‐h period). Although we did not detect statistically significant effects and our sample size was limited, preliminary trends suggest that male bats may sleep longer than females, and individuals sleeping in groups may sleep longer than individuals sleeping alone. We also found a high correspondence between total sleep time quantified visually and quantified using actigraphy (with a 2‐min immobility threshold) and identified physiological correlates of behaviorally‐defined REM. These results serve as a starting point for future work on the ecology and evolution of sleep in bats and other wild mammals.
Validity of different algorithmic methods to identify hospital readmissions from routinely coded medical data
Authors: Havranek Michael M. , Dahlem Yuliya , Bilger Selina , Rüter Florian , Ehbrecht Daniela , Oliveira Leonel , Moos Rudolf M. , Westerhoff Christian , Gemperli Armin , Beck Thomas
Published: July 2024

Background

Hospital readmission rates are used for quality and pay‐for‐performance initiatives. To identify readmissions from administrative data, two commonly employed methods are focusing either on unplanned readmissions (used by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, CMS) or potentially avoidable readmissions (used by commercial vendors such as SQLape or 3 M). However, it is not known which of these methods has higher criterion validity and can more accurately identify actually avoidable readmissions.

Objectives

A manual record review based on data from seven hospitals was used to compare the validity of the methods by CMS and SQLape.

Methods

Seven independent reviewers reviewed 738 single inpatient stays. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and F1 score were examined to characterize the ability of an original CMS method, an adapted version of the CMS method, and the SQLape method to identify unplanned, potentially avoidable, and actually avoidable readmissions.

Results

Both versions of the CMS method had greater sensitivity (92/86% vs. 62%) and a higher PPV (84/91% vs. 71%) than the SQLape method, in terms of identifying their outcomes of interest (unplanned vs. potentially avoidable readmissions, respectively). To distinguish actually avoidable readmissions, the two versions of the CMS method again displayed higher sensitivity (90/85% vs. 66%), although the PPV did not differ significantly between the different methods.

Conclusions

Thus, the CMS method has both higher criterion validity and greater sensitivity for identifying actually avoidable readmissions, compared with the SQLape method. Consequently, the CMS method should primarily be used for quality initiatives.
Pathological variants in nuclear genes causing mitochondrial complex III deficiency: An update
Authors: Čunátová Kristýna , Fernández‐Vizarra Erika
Published: July 2024

Mitochondrial disorders are a group of clinically and biochemically heterogeneous genetic diseases within the group of inborn errors of metabolism. Primary mitochondrial diseases are mainly caused by defects in one or several components of the oxidative phosphorylation system (complexes I–V). Within these disorders, those associated with complex III deficiencies are the least common. However, thanks to a deeper knowledge about complex III biogenesis, improved clinical diagnosis and the implementation of next‐generation sequencing techniques, the number of pathological variants identified in nuclear genes causing complex III deficiency has expanded significantly. This updated review summarizes the current knowledge concerning the genetic basis of complex III deficiency, and the main clinical features associated with these conditions.
Novel neurocranial fenestrae and expansions in Monomitopus and Selachophidium (Teleostei: Ophidiidae), with comments on the morphology, taxonomy, and evolution of the genera
Authors: Girard Matthew G. , Johnson G. David
Published: July 2024

The Ophidiidae is a group of more than 300 species of fishes characterized by elongated, snake‐like bodies and continuous dorsal, anal, and caudal fins. While describing a new species in the genus Monomitopus, we discovered a bilaterally paired fenestra on the dorsomedial surface of the neurocranium. We surveyed the distribution of this fenestra across species of Monomitopus and previously hypothesized allies in the genera Dannevigia, Dicrolene, Homostolus, Neobythites, and Selachophidium, finding variation in its presence and size. We also found a prominent bilaterally paired lateral fenestra and a posterior expansion of the exoccipital in the neurocrania of M. americanus and S. guentheri, with soft tissue connecting the back of the neurocranium to the first epineural and pectoral girdle in S. guentheri. In this study, we describe the distribution of and variation in these features. We integrate morphological characters and DNA data to generate a phylogeny of Monomitopus and allies to understand their relationships and trace the evolutionary history of these novel features. Our results call the monophyly of Monomitopus into question. The presence of the lateral neurocranial fenestra and posterior expansion of the exoccipital support the reclassification of M. americanus as a species of Selachophidium.
Network meta‐analysis: Looping back
Authors: Lumley Thomas
Published: July 2024

This discussion contribution provides some subjective early history of network meta‐analysis and also proposes a new bipartite graph structure to better represent multi‐arm trials.
Cryosphere degradation in a changing climate
Authors: Fernández‐Fernández José M. , Oliva Marc , Ribolini Adriano , Sæmundsson Þorsteinn
Published: July 2024

Over the last few decades, the instrumental climate record shows a progressive global warming. As one of the most sensitive elements of the Earth's climate system, the cryosphere is significantly affected by this trend. As a result, its various components are readjusting in a situation of disequilibrium with the climate through a series of dynamics. These include the thinning and retreat of glaciers that may lead to the formation of new lakes; the thawing of ground ice, leading to the deformation of terrain; the reduction of snow cover; and the occurrence of mass movements that threaten populations and infrastructures. This Special Issue contains 23 scientific papers with case studies that explore the above issues in the Arctic, Antarctic and high mountain regions.
No tillage and organic fertilization improved kiwifruit productivity through shifting soil properties and microbiome
Authors: Liu Zhe , Wu Juan , Zheng Guiliang
Published: July 2024

The preservation of edaphic quality and productivity is critical for the ecological sustainability of vine orchards. The heavy utilization of intensified tillage and singular chemical fertilizers can shift changes in edaphic physicochemical and biological features, thus exerting significant pressure on agroecosystems. In current research, we assessed the shifts in soil physicochemical features and soil microbiome composition over 11 years carrying out no tillage and organic fertilizer substitution in a typical Chinese Guanzhong kiwifruit production area, and explore the fundamental factors that contribute to alterations in the microbial community and the influence on kiwifruit performance. Results showed that long‐term no tillage and organic fertilizer improved the soil condition by significantly increasing the proportion of soil macroaggregates, bulk density, and nutrient content (e.g., organic matter, nitrogen, and ammonia), as compared to conventional tillage with chemical fertilization. Moreover, no tillage significantly increased soil bacterial α‐diversity but had no significant effects on fungal. No tillage also enhanced the abundance of potential beneficial soil bacteria (e.g., Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Nitrospira), while decreasing the abundance of Proteobacteria, Pseudomonas, and Fusarium. In addition, no tillage and mixed fertilized soil microbial network exhibited higher complexity (i.e., node and edge numbers, and positive edge proportion) and connectivity (i.e., average number of neighbors) than conventional tillage and chemical fertilization group. Changes in nitrate, ammonia, available phosphorus, and pH values accounted for the variation in the structure of soil microbial community. Hence, the utilization of both no tillage and organic fertilization practices could serve as a suitable and sustainable approach for managing kiwifruit production in the fragile environmental conditions of the Chinese Guanzhong region, and lead to an improvement in soil nutrient levels and help regulate the soil microbial community.
Phytotoxicity of 6PPD and its oxidized product 6PPD‐Q on pakchoi (Brassica rapa L. ssp. chinensis)
Authors: Liu Jinzheng , Yu Miao , Li Xiang , Ge Yichen , Shi Ruiying , Bao Yanyu , Liu Jianv , Liu Weitao
Published: July 2024

N‐(1,3‐dimethylbutyl)‐N′‐phenyl‐p‐phenylenediamine (6PPD) and N‐(1,3‐Dimethylbutyl)‐N′‐phenyl‐p‐phenylenediamine‐quinone (6PPD‐Q) are the derivatives of tire wear particles (TWPs) that can enter the agricultural environment. Their negative consequences on the agricultural environment remain unknown, particularly their toxic effects on edible plants. In this experiment, the toxicity of different concentrations of 6PPD and 6PPD‐Q on pakchoi (Brassica rapa L. ssp. chinensis) was explored by hydroponics. The results revealed that seed germination was inhibited by 6PPD and 6PPD‐Q to various degrees. However, we observed an increase in the fresh weight of pakchoi seedling. Environmental concentration (1 μg L−1) of 6PPD and 6PPD‐Q significantly increased ROS levels and caused changes in antioxidant enzyme activities. The MDA content of pakchoi was significantly elevated under 6PPD‐Q treatment, indicating severe oxidative damage. These results demonstrated the phytotoxicity induced by 6PPD and 6PPD‐Q, which is of great significance for assessing their potential ecological risks in the environment.
NIR‐II Luminescence With A Recorded 76% EQE Through Energy Extraction From Dark Cr3+
Authors: Liu Shengqiang , Guo Yang , Zhao Ming , Du Jingxuan , Song Zhen , Zhang Xin , Wang Feng , Liu Quanlin
Published: July 2024

NIR‐II luminescent materials are the key enablers of smart spectroscopy‐based techniques, offering capabilities for nondestructive analysis and bio‐imaging. Here, a broadband NIR‐II luminescence with a recorded external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 76% in LiGa5O8 are demonstrated, using heavily doping Cr3+ ion (10%) as a light harvester and a controllable energy transfer (ET) from Cr3+ to Ni2+ (0.4%) ions. Even though the Cr3+ ion produces substantially weak luminescence due to concentration quenching, the introduction of Ni2+ ions effectively extract the excitation energy to generate NIR‐II luminescence. Complementary investigations using synchrotron‐based EXAFS fittings and structural refinement disclose a significant structural distortion in the LiGa5O8 compound, which facilitates the relaxation of the parity‐selection rules for Cr3+ and Ni2+ ions. Additionally, DFT calculations identify specific site occupations, which favor unidirectional ET from Cr3+ to Ni2+ ions. As a result, the significant absorption of excitation light by heavy‐doping Cr3+ ions and high radiative transition probability in Ni2+ ions synergistically result in a record high EQE. These findings provide pioneering insight into rational NIR‐II light generation by deliberated control of ET pathway in heavily doped systems, thereby with promising implications for NIR spectroscopy applications.
Deciphering the Mechanism of Ultrafast Scintillation in 1D Silver Halides
Authors: Wen Xuemin , Buryi Maksym , Babin Vladimir , John David , Kučerková Romana , Nikl Martin , Wang Qian , Li Yunyun , Li Wen , Yang Fan , OuYang Xiaoping , Wu Yuntao
Published: July 2024

The development of ultrafast scintillators is critical to the GHz X‐ray and time‐of‐flight (TOF) imaging techniques. Low‐dimensional silver‐based halides have emerged as promising candidates due to high radioluminescence efficiency and ultrafast decay time. However, the ultrafast scintillation mechanism in silver‐based halides, such as Rb2AgBr3 (RAB), remains controversial. Here, the study reveals the origin of ultrafast scintillation timing response in melt‐grown RAB bulk crystals. The RAB shows light‐yellow emission with a photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 13.9%. Under the picosecond (ps) pulse X‐ray irradiation, RAB has an ultrafast decay time of 3.2 ns that accounts for 40.5% of the total emitted light. The light yield is estimated as 3100 photons MeV−1 under 22Na irradiation. Based on the temperature‐dependent radioluminescence (RL) spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, and spectrally resolved thermally‐stimulated luminescence (TSL) glow curves, it is confirmed that the bromine vacancy as the F‐center is the origin of the ultrafast scintillation component. These findings provide elaborated and fundamental insights into the ultrafast luminescent mechanisms of low‐dimensional silver‐based halides, thereby opening up new design horizons in the development of ultrafast scintillators.
Combinatorial Synthesis of Alkyl Chain‐Capped Poly(β‐Amino Ester)s for Effective siRNA Delivery
Authors: Chen Baiqiu , Ren Qidi , Jiang Pingge , Wu Qiong , Shuai Qi , Yan Yunfeng
Published: July 2024

Poly (β‐amino ester) (PBAE) is a class of biodegradable polymers containing ester bonds in their main chain, extensively investigated as cationic polymer carriers for siRNA. Most current PBAE carriers rely on termination with hydrophilic or charged amines. In this study, a polymer platform consisting of 168 PBAE polymers with hydrophobic alkyl chain terminals is constructed through sequential aza‐Michael addition. A large number of effective carriers are identified through in vitro screening of the PBAE platform for siLuc delivery to HeLa‐Luc cells. Specifically, PA8‐C6 and PA8‐C8 achieve remarkable gene knockdown efficacies of up to 80% with low cytotoxicity. Certain materials from the PA2 and PA5 series demonstrate potent siRNA delivery capabilities associated with elevated cytotoxicity. The pKa value of PBAE is predominantly determined by the hydrophilic amine side chains rather than the end‐capping groups. A pKa range of ≈6.2–6.5 may contribute to the excellent delivery capability for PA8 series carriers. The co‐formulation of PBAE carriers with helper lipids leads to the reduced size and surface charges of the polyplex NPs with siRNA, consequently decreasing the cytotoxicity and enhancing siRNA delivery efficacy. These findings hold significant implications for the development of novel degradable polymer carriers for siRNA delivery.
Linking Invasive and Noninvasive Brain Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Goede Lukas L. , Oxenford Simon , Kroneberg Daniel , Meyer Garance M. , Rajamani Nanditha , Neudorfer Clemens , Krause Patricia , Lofredi Roxanne , Fox Michael D. , Kühn Andrea A. , Horn Andreas
Published: July 2024

Background

Recent imaging studies identified a brain network associated with clinical improvement following deep brain stimulation (DBS) in Parkinson's disease (PD), the PD response network.

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the impact of neuromodulation on PD motor symptoms by targeting this network noninvasively using multifocal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS).

Methods

In a prospective, randomized, double‐blinded, crossover trial, 21 PD patients (mean age 59.7 years, mean Hoehn & Yahr [H&Y] 2.4) received multifocal tDCS targeting the a‐priori network. Twenty‐minute sessions of tDCS and sham were administered on 2 days in randomized order. Movement Disorder Society‐Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale—Part III (MDS‐UPDRS‐III) scores were assessed.

Results

Before intervention, MDS‐UPDRS‐III scores were comparable in both conditions (stimulation days: 37.38 (standard deviation [SD] = 12.50, confidence interval [CI] = 32.04, 42.73) vs. sham days: 36.95 (SD = 13.94, CI = 30.99, 42.91), P = 0.63). Active stimulation resulted in a reduction by 3.6 points (9.7%) to 33.76 (SD = 11.19, CI = 28.98, 38.55) points, whereas no relevant change was observed after sham stimulation (36.43 [SD = 14.15, CI = 30.38, 42.48], average improvement: 0.5 [1.4%]). Repeated‐measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) confirmed significance (main effect of time: F(1,20)=4.35, P < 0.05). Tukey's post hoc tests indicated MDS‐UPDRS‐III improvement after active stimulation (t [20] = 2.9, P = 0.03) but not after sham (t [20] = 0.42, P > 0.05). In a subset of patients that underwent DBS surgery later, their DBS response correlated with tDCS effects (R = 0.55, P(1) = 0.04).

Conclusion

Noninvasive, multifocal tDCS targeting a DBS‐derived network significantly improved PD motor symptoms. Despite a small effect size, this study provides proof of principle for the successful noninvasive neuromodulation of an invasively identified network. Future studies should investigate repeated tDCS sessions and their utility for screening before DBS surgery. © 2024 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
A novel multi‐ary PolSK modulation for downstream signal in wavelength reusing wavelength division multiplexing passive optical network
Authors: Qiu Wenhao , Lu Yang , Lv Yunxin , Zhai Yanrong , Bi Meihua
Published: July 2024

A novel modulation, that is, multi‐ary polarization shift keying (PolSK) modulation is proposed for wavelength division multiplexing passive optical networks (PONs) to achieve colorless optical network units. The downstream signal applies the proposed multi‐ary PolSK to eliminate the induced crosstalk to the remodulated amplitude shift keying upstream signal. Different from traditional PolSK, there are more than two polarization states in the proposed multi‐ary PolSK, so it provides higher bit rates and spectra efficiency. Four‐ary and 6‐ary PolSK are demonstrated and evaluated by simulation. The results show the proposed multi‐ary PolSK supports high‐speed downstream signal in future PONs with very low crosstalk induced to the remodulated upstream signal.
Tail‐free fast start‐up 1 mW 5 G voltage controlled oscillator for new radio application
Authors: Shasidharan Pravinah , Rajendran Jagadheswaran , Mariappan Selvakumar , Kumar Narendra , Manaf Asrulnizam Abd
Published: July 2024

This article proposed a technique for a low‐power and fast start‐up voltage‐controlled oscillator (VCO) for a high data rate 5 G New Radio (5G‐NR) application. The 5G‐NR high data rate signals require a fast start‐up VCO to accommodate the short pulse width. In this proposed work, a cross‐coupled pair (XCP) is integrated with a center‐tapped orthogonal symmetry inductor placed at the gates of the XCP, forming an inductive booster VCO (IBVCO). The inductive impedance at the gate of the XCP preserve the symmetry signal profile of the output voltage swing while alleviating the intrinsic parasitic capacitance effect and flicker noise effect of the transistor under the absence of the tail current source. The concept proves with the improvement on the phase noise performance and generating a fast start‐up without affecting the VCO bandwidth. The VCO also provides the enhancement of the output voltage swing under low power consumption. The IBVCO has been fabricated in 180 nm complementary metal oxide semiconductor technology and consumes a minimum area of only 0.7 mm2. The IBVCO achieved a 13% tuning range from 3.3 to 3.75 GHz bandwidth with a supply voltage, VDD of 0.7 V. The total power consumption is 1 mW with a corresponding phase noise of −122.60 dBc/Hz and a Figure of Merit (FoM) of 193.48 dBc/Hz at 3.52 GHz carrier center frequency at 1 MHz offset. The start‐up time of the VCO achieved is 5 ns.
High‐efficiency Doherty power amplifier based on codesign with bonding wires
Authors: Zhong Cheng , He Songbai , Song Minxian , Shen Ce , Ma Mingming
Published: July 2024

In this letter, a method for designing a Doherty power amplifier (DPA) using bare die and bonding wires (BWs) is proposed. This method adjusts the geometric parameters of BWs to achieve the desired transmission characteristics, allowing BWs to actively participate in the formation of the matching network, thus realizing the codesigning of the DPA and BWs. By designing appropriate BWs compensation to mitigate the intrinsic parasitics of bare die, the inherent obstacles caused by transistor parasitic effects are mitigated. This strategy offers a distinct advantage in terms of concurrently adjusting the target load impedance and phase, leading to a streamlined DPA design process. At the same time, the nonclipping impedance region is expanded, which attenuates the nonlinear effects of parasitic effects. On the basis of the proposed methodology, a DPA operating at 3–4 GHz is designed. Measured results show that the DPA achieves a saturation output power of 42.4–43.6 dBm in the operating band, accompanied by a drain efficiency of 55%–66%, while achieving 42%–54% at 6 dB output back‐off level.
A heuristic with a performance guarantee for the commodity constrained split delivery vehicle routing problem
Authors: Petris Matteo , Archetti Claudia , Cattaruzza Diego , Ogier Maxime , Semet Frédéric
Published: July 2024

The commodity constrained split delivery vehicle routing problem (C‐SDVRP) is a routing problem where customer demands are composed of multiple commodities. A fleet of capacitated vehicles must serve customer demands in a way that minimizes the total routing costs. Vehicles can transport any set of commodities and customers are allowed to be visited multiple times. However, the demand for a single commodity must be delivered by one vehicle only. In this work, we developed a heuristic with a performance guarantee to solve the C‐SDVRP. The proposed heuristic is based on a set covering formulation, where the exponentially‐many variables correspond to routes. First, a subset of the variables is obtained by solving the linear relaxation of the formulation by means of a column generation approach which embeds a new pricing heuristic aimed to reduce the computational time. Solving the linear relaxation gives a valid lower bound used as a performance guarantee for the heuristic. Then, we devise a restricted master heuristic to provide good upper bounds: the formulation is restricted to the subset of variables found so far and solved as an integer program with a commercial solver. A local search based on a mathematical programming operator is applied to improve the solution. We test the heuristic algorithm on benchmark instances from the literature. The comparison with the state‐of‐the‐art heuristics for solving the C‐SDVRP shows that our approach significantly improves the solution time, while keeping a comparable solution quality and improving some best‐known solutions. In addition, our approach is able to solve large instances with 100 customers and six commodities, and also provides very good quality lower bounds. Furthermore, an instance of the C‐SDVRP can be transformed into a CVRP instance by simply duplicating each customer as many times as the requested commodities and by assigning as demand the demand of the single commodity. Hence, we compare heuristics for the C‐SDVRP against the state‐of‐the‐art heuristic for the Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem (CVRP). The latter approach revealed to have the best performance. However, our approach provides solutions of comparable quality and has the interest of providing a performance guarantee.
Rotational Spectroscopy as a Tool to Characterize Sweet Taste: The Study of Dulcin
Authors: Juarez Gabriela , Alonso Elena R. , Aguado Raúl , León Iker
Published: July 2024

According to old theories of sweetness, the perception of sweet substances is closely linked to the arrangement of atoms within them. To assess the validity of these theories, we conducted an analysis of the structure of the artificial sweetener dulcin for the first time, utilizing microwave spectroscopy and a laser ablation source. These techniques have enabled the identification of two conformers, which are stabilized by an intramolecular hydrogen bond between the amino group and the phenyl ring. The observed conformations were examined in light of the Shallenberger‐Acree‐Kier molecular theory of sweet taste, and they align with the hypothesized criteria. Furthermore, the study illustrates how conformational relaxation can alter the equilibrium conformational distribution, resulting in the absence of certain conformers in the conformational landscape.
Transition Metal‐Driven Selectivity in Direct C−H Arylation of Imidazo[2,1‐b]Thiazole
Authors: Del Vecchio Antonio , Rosadoni Elisabetta , Ballerini Lorenzo , Cuzzola Angela , Lipparini Filippo , Ronchi Paolo , Guariento Sara , Biagetti Matteo , Lessi Marco , Bellina Fabio
Published: July 2024

A selective direct arylation of the different Csp2‐H bonds of imidazo[2,1‐b]thiazole with (hetero) aryl halides can be achieved simply by switching from a palladium catalyst system to the use of stoichiometric amounts of copper. The observed selectivity, also rationalized by DFT calculations, can be explained by a change in the mechanistic pathways between electrophilic palladation and base‐promoted C−H metalation.
Food Protein‐Derived Zinc‐Binding Peptides: Isolation, Purification, and Biological Aspects
Authors: Mukhamedov Nurkhodja , Asrorov Akmal M. , Kayumov Muzaffar , Wali Ahmidin , Aisa Haji Akber , Mirzaakhmedov Sharafitdin , Yili Abulimiti
Published: July 2024

Zinc is the second most valuable microelement after iron, according to its abundance in the human body. Supplementation of this metal is not straightforward because of several factors like phytates and interference of other minerals during gastrointestinal digestion. For the last several years, intensive research has been developing new forms of zinc supplements based on zinc‐binding peptides from food products. Except for the advantages of supplementation, zinc‐peptide complexes are expected to be drug candidates against various diseases. Zinc supplementation can be improved by protein hydrolysates and peptides due to their zinc‐binding ability. They enhance zinc supplementation and contribute to preventing conditions leading to zinc deficiency that cause various diseases. Research on food‐derived zinc‐binding peptides is progressing in two directions: the isolation and identification of individual peptides (1) and the preparation of zinc complexes of protein hydrolysates (2). Both approaches are primarily aimed at developing effective mineral supplements, although some work on the second approach is also related to nutrition and therapy. Because zinc–protein hydrolysate complexes are nonstandardized mixtures of peptides, their biological activity mechanisms can be difficult to study. Therefore, it is important to focus more research on the biological activity of individual zinc‐binding complexes and their zinc complexes. This work reviewed recent advances in isolating and identifying zinc‐binding peptides from food sources, preparing protein hydrolysate–zinc complexes, and their biological activities. The established sequences of zinc‐binding peptides have been compiled into a table to review their amino‐acid composition and sequence. We also highlighted approaches for isolating and determining the zinc‐binding capacity of peptides in this class. The structural features of peptides affecting their zinc‐binding property were discussed in one section.
Cover Image, Volume 124, Issue 12
Authors: Salehfar S. , Azami S. M.
Published: July 2024

The cover image is based on the Research Article Asymmetric electronic deformation in graphene molecular capacitors by S. Salehfar et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/qua.27426.

[Correction added on 25 July 2024, after first online publication: Cover has been replaced.]

image
Economic and health‐related quality of life impacts of receiving recurrent miscarriage care in Ireland: Exploratory analysis drawing on results from a national care experience survey
Authors: Flannery Caragh , Burke Lee‐Ann , Gillespie Paddy , Hennessy Marita , O'Leary Hannah , Dennehy Rebecca , O'Donoghue Keelin
Published: July 2024

Objective

Undergoing miscarriage is a significant life event and having recurrent miscarriage (RM) can magnify psychological effects, including anxiety and depression, following a miscarriage. There is limited published evidence on impacts of RM on employment, personal finances, quality of life and use of health care services.

This study examines the impact on quality of life, work experiences and personal finances of people receiving RM care.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study using an anonymous national survey of people who experienced ≥2 consecutive first‐trimester miscarriages and received care for RM in Ireland in a 10‐year period. Questions encompassed sociodemographic information, details of RM care and workplace presenteeism (SPS‐6), health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) (SF‐12), healthcare utilisation and out‐of‐pocket expenses.

Results

Of the 135 participants included in analysis, 79% were aged 33–44 years. Participants scored low on the SF‐12 mental component (38.7), with 50% well below population norm. Participants needed time off work for investigations (66%), receiving results (62%), early reassurance scans (77%) and attending support services (18%). Participants spent, on average, 82 h off work attending RM care appointments. 70% experienced decreased productivity at work. Participants travelled 36.54 km, on average, attending RM care appointments, costing on average €372/participant for transport, parking and fuel. Other out‐of‐pocket expenses included further investigations, scans and services: total cost averaged €7930 per participant, plus costs for care of children/dependents while attending appointments of €245/participant.

Conclusion

Implementing care standards, clinical guidelines and interventions supporting women/couples with RM, with appropriate funding, is needed to mitigate psycho‐social impacts and prevent high patient costs.