bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human cold adaptation: An unfinished agenda v2.0
Authors: Ocobock Cara
Published: June 2023

Background

Research on human extreme cold climate adaptations has benefitted from a recent resurgence since Ted Steegmann laid out his Human Cold Adaptation Agenda in 2007. Human biologists have drastically expanded our knowledge in this area during the last 15 years, but we still have a great deal more work to do to fulfill the cold climate adaptation agenda.

Methods

Here, I follow Steegmann's example by providing a review of cold climate adaptations and setting forth a new, expanded agenda.

Results

I review the foundational work on cold climate adaptations including classic Bergmann, Allen, and Thomson rules as well as early work assessing metabolic differences among Indigenous cold climate populations. From there, I discuss some of the groundbreaking work currently taking place on cold climate adaptations such as brown adipose tissue (a heat generating organ), physical activity levels, metabolic rates, and behavioral/cultural mechanisms. Finally, I present a path forward for future research with a focus on some of the basic extreme cold adaptations as well as how human biologists should approach the effects of climate change on human health and well‐being, particularly within a cold climate context.

Conclusion

The Arctic has felt the dramatic effects of climate change sooner and more acutely than other parts of the world, making it an ideal location for studying both cold climate adaptations and climate change resilience. Human biologists have a great deal to contribute to the conversation on not only adaptations to extreme cold, but also the ways in which climate change is being embodied by cold climate populations.
Halogen‐Bond‐Promoted Hydroxyperfluoroalkylation of Olefins with Molecular Oxygen under Visible‐Light Irradiation
Authors: Tagami Koto , Yajima Tomoko
Published: June 2023

Fluorinated organic compounds are indispensable, and the development of perfluoroalkylation reaction is an important topic of concern. In this paper, we present the generation of an amine‐promoted visible‐light‐induced hydroxyperfluoroalkylation reaction of olefines using molecular oxygen as a hydroxy source. This reaction is caused by the formation of perfluoroalkyl radicals due to visible‐light irradiation to halogen‐bonded complex of a tertiary amine and a perfluoroalkyl iodide. This transformation is applicable for various types of electron‐deficient olefins and styrene, and various fluoroalkyl iodides are acceptable as well. This visible‐light induced, metal‐free reaction using inexpensive and readily available reagents is a sustainable method for the synthesis of fluorine‐containing compounds.
Increase in the prevalence of follicular regulatory T cells correlates with clinical efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy with house dust mites
Authors: Murao Takuya , Kouzaki Hideaki , Arai Hiroyuki , Matsumoto Koji , Nakamura Keigo , Kawakita Kento , Tojima Ichiro , Shimizu Shino , Yuta Atsushi , Shimizu Takeshi
Published: June 2023

Background

Allergic rhinitis (AR) impairs quality of life and affects nearly 40% of the Japanese population. Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is the disease‐modifying treatment for AR, but requires the selection of a biomarker associate with clinical efficacy in patients with AR who are treated with SLIT. The present study sought to examine objective biomarkers used for assessing the clinical efficacy of SLIT.

Methods

The authors examined the effects of 1 year of SLIT treatment with house dust mites (HDMs) using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and serum from patients with AR. The prevalences of follicular regulatory T (Tfr), type 2 follicular helper T (Tfh2), type 2 helper T (Th2), conventional regulatory T (Treg), and type 1 regulatory T (Tr1) cells were examined by flow cytometry. Serum concentrations of HDM‐specific IgA, IgE, and IgG4 antibodies, and HDM‐induced production of interleukin (IL) 5 and IL‐10 from cultured PBMCs were evaluated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Following 1 year of SLIT, the prevalences of Tfr, conventional Treg, and Tr1 cells were significantly increased, whereas that of Th2 cells and Tfh2 cells were significantly decreased; the serum concentration of HDM‐specific IgG4 was significantly increased; and HDM‐induced production of IL‐5 from PBMCs was significantly decreased, while that of IL‐10 was significantly increased. The increase in the prevalence of Tfr cells after SLIT correlated positively with the improvement of clinical symptom scores.

Conclusion

An increase in Tfr cells may play an important role in SLIT, and may be a useful indicator for the clinical efficacy of SLIT.
EarlyMagnetic Resonance ImagingFeatures of New Paramagnetic Rim Lesions in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Clark Kelly A. , Manning Abby R. , Chen Luyun , Liu Fang , Cao Quy , Bar‐Or Amit , Shinohara Russell T. , Sweeney Elizabeth , Schindler Matthew K.
Published: June 2023

Objective

To determine early magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of new multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions that will develop into paramagnetic rim lesions (PRLs), which have been associated with progressive tissue injury in MS.

Methods

New contrast‐enhancing lesions observed on routine clinical MRI were imaged at 7 T within 4 weeks of observation, and 3 and 6 months later. The 6‐month MRI was used to classify PRL status (PRL or non‐PRL). The relationship between early lesion characteristics and subsequent PRL status was assessed using generalized linear mixed effects models. Random forest classification was performed to classify early predictors of subsequent PRL status.

Results

From 93 contrast‐enhancing lesions in 23 MS patients, 37 lesions developed into a PRL. In lesions that developed into PRLs compared with those that did not, the average lesion T1on the initial 7 T MRI was 1994 ms compared with 1,670 ms (p‐value <0.001), and the average volume was 168.7 mL compared with 44 mL (p‐value <0.001) in lesions that did not. These volume differences were also found on 3 T scans (p‐value <0.001), and for intensity‐normalized T1‐w (p‐value = 0.011) and fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (p‐value = 0.005). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the random forest classification with leave‐one‐out cross‐validation was found to be 0.86 using initial 7 T features.

Interpretation

New MS lesions that evolve into PRLs can be identified early in lesion evolution. These findings suggest that biological mechanisms underlying PRL development begin early, which has important implications for clinical trials targeting PRLs development and subsequent therapeutics. ANN NEUROL 2023;94:736–744
Development of novel ferrocene‐based MNP and its catalytic activity investigation in the synthesis of 3‐amino benzyl‐4‐hydroxycoumarin derivatives
Authors: Pakjo Leila , Rahimpour Shabnam , Teimuri‐Mofrad Reza
Published: June 2023

In the present study, a nanomagnetic bisethylferrocene‐containing ionic liquid (IL) supported on silica‐coated Fe3O4, [Fe3O4@SiO2@{CH2}3‐Imidazolium‐Fc{H2PO4}], was designed and synthesized as a novel catalyst using a simple chemical co‐precipitation procedure. The synthesized nanoparticles were identified by using EDX, FE‐SEM, XRD, and FT‐IR techniques. The catalytic activities of the novel magnetic nanoparticle were tested in the one‐pot synthesis of hydroxycoumarin derivatives through the three‐component reaction (t‐CR) between 4‐hydroxycoumarin, various aromatic aldehydes, and secondary amines at room temperature. Based on the obtained results, the prepared nano‐catalyst has progressed through a t‐CR due to the presence of acidic and basic segments in its structure. The short reaction time, high yield, eco‐friendly properties, and easy work‐up are some of the advantages of new synthesized nanomagnetic catalysts. The easy separation of the new magnetic catalyst from the reaction mixture makes it possible to reuse it after washing and drying.
Functionalization of graphitic C3N5 with Pd nanoparticles: An efficient photocatalyst for Suzuki‐Miyaura coupling reaction
Authors: Mohammadikish Maryam , Mosleh Nazanin
Published: June 2023

Utilizing sunlight as a driving force in chemical reactions is a great benefit for a sustainable future. Metal‐based composites are basic components in various catalytic reactions. However, few researches reported carbon nitride‐supported Pd nanoparticles in photocatalytic coupling reactions. This study reports the preparation of a graphitic‐carbon nitride system (C3N5) followed by modification with various amounts of Pd nanoparticles. The C3N5 was synthesized by thermal deammoniation of melem hydrazine precursor and then modified by Pd cations to create a metallic composite. Regarding the N‐rich surface of C3N5, Pd2+ cations are rapidly reduced to Pd nanoparticles in mild conditions, which is strongly supported by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. Moreover, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) analyses clearly depicted the formation of 20 nm Pd nanoparticles on the surface of C3N5. The obtained Pd/C3N5 composite exhibited prominent photocatalytic performance for Suzuki‐Miyaura coupling reactions (91% during 25 min at room temperature). This study also compares the effect of various amounts of Pd cation in the progress of Suzuki‐Miyaura coupling reactions.
Eggshell integrated GelMA/CSMA/HyMA hybrid hydrogels for cell therapy/tissue engineering
Authors: Yüce‐Erarslan Elif , İzbudak Burçin , Kızılkurtlu Ahmet Akif , Topal Merve , Akpek Ali , Bal‐Öztürk Ayça
Published: June 2023

The use of biocompatible materials with improved behaviors for potential applications in the area of tissue engineering has increased as the developments in biomaterials have increased in recent years. Current approaches concentrate on hybrid combinations of synthetic and natural polymers. In this context, obtaining porous scaffolds with good mechanical properties is still challenging. Herein, a hybrid tissue scaffold consisting of methacrylated gelatin (GelMA), methacrylated chondroitin sulfate (CSMA), methacrylated hyaluronic acid (HyMA) and eggshell particles with enhanced pore morphology and mechanical property was fabricated by photo‐polymerization. The effect of different amounts of eggshell particles on the behaviors of hybrid hydrogel scaffolds was investigated. It was determined by scanning electron microscope analysis (SEM) that the particles were well‐dispersed and triggered the formation of an interconnected porous structure in the hybrid tissue scaffold containing 10% by weight of eggshell particles. It was concluded that the mechanical behaviors of the hybrid tissue scaffold containing 10% by weight of eggshell particles improved by 47% compared to the neat hydrogel scaffold. There were no toxic effects of eggshell particles‐integrated scaffolds against osteoblast cells. In addition, cells successfully adhered onto the scaffolds and proliferated. Consequently, GelMA/CSMA/HyMA scaffolds containing 10% eggshell particles were found to be biocompatible and suitable for cell therapy and tissue engineering applications.
Global reach, regional strength: Spatial patterns of a big science facility
Authors: Söderström Kristofer Rolf
Published: June 2023

The European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF), a leading facility in synchrotron science, plays a crucial role in supporting both the local and the international scientific community by providing advanced instrumentation for their research. However, our understanding of the actual reach of the facility and its spatial dynamics remains limited. Thus, a methodology is proposed where author affiliation links are processed, analyzed, and visualized. A case study that focuses on the ESRF is implemented, where the author affiliation links of 17,870 publications over the period 2011–2021 are processed, revealing 76,850 addresses, of which 11,120 are unique locations. The results of the case study bring to light robust patterns of increased internationalization over time, accompanied by regional agglomeration and the emergence of potential research hotspots. The methodology and results are likely to be of interest to researchers in Spatial Scientometrics, which addresses some of the current challenges in the field. Managers, funders, and policy‐makers can utilize this method or similar approaches to enrich impact analyses of large‐scale science facilities, vital for insuring their sustained support. The code for the methodology, as well as the interactive visualizations, is freely available on GitHub for further exploration and replication of the methodology.
Fault‐tolerant control of multi‐agent systems with input delay and sensor failure
Authors: Syed Ali Muhammed , Mubeen Tajudeen Muhammed Haneef , Rajchakit Grienggrai , Hammachukiattikul Porpattama , Cao Jinde
Published: June 2023

The problem of fault‐tolerant control (FTC) for a multi‐agent system (MAS) with input delay and sensor failures is addressed in this study. The topology of communication is an undirected subgraph having directed connections between the followers and leader. The Lyapunov approach is used to identify sufficient criteria for consensus control. We propose a fault‐tolerant controller based on observed descriptors. On the basis of proposed fault‐tolerant control, actuator problems, sensor faults, and state estimations can be solved. To minimize the size of the data, the Artstein–Kwon–Pearson reduction method is applied. Based on a Lyapunov functional predictive descriptor observer architecture, sufficient conditions are derived to guarantee the asymptotic stability. To demonstrate the theoretical results, numerical examples are provided.
Anxiety in autistic preschool children: Phenomenology and a network analysis of correlates
Authors: Vasa Roma A. , Kerns Connor M. , Singh Vini , McDonald Rachel , Jang Yeon Sik , Keefer Amy
Published: June 2023

Anxiety disorders in autistic children are associated with significant functional impairment. Few studies have examined impairing anxiety presentations in autistic preschool children (i.e., 3–5 years old). This cross‐sectional study examined the phenomenology of impairing anxiety and the strongest correlates of anxiety in 75 autistic preschool children. Parents completed a diagnostic interview that assesses two anxiety types, DSM‐5 anxiety disorders and impairing distinct anxiety presentations, and measures of anxiety correlates. An exploratory network analysis examined connections between anxiety and its correlates. Forty percent of children had impairing anxiety. Specific phobia followed by ‘other social fear,’ a type of distinct anxiety, were the most common anxiety types. Child intolerance of uncertainty (IU) was the only correlate that was associated with anxiety in a network analysis framework. Child IU linked anxiety to two other correlates, sensory over‐responsivity and somatic symptoms. Findings emphasize the need for early intervention for anxiety and further research on its correlates.
Butanol and caproate production by consolidated bioprocessing after adaptive evolution of a fermentative microbial community
Authors: González‐Tenorio Diana , Dudek Karol , Valdez‐Vazquez Idania
Published: June 2023

Butanol production from cellulose by consolidated bioprocessing may accelerate the commercialization of lignocellulosic biofuels. This study applied adaptive evolution to a natural microbial community consisting of different taxa of fermenters and plant‐degrading bacteria to increase its production of butanol. To this end, the parental microbial community was subjected to the stepwise enrichment of butanol at four initial concentrations in repeated‐batch fermentations using pretreated corn stover as the sole substrate. After the adaptive evolution, the microbial community exposed to the highest concentration of butanol produced 13.8 g L‐1 butanol, which was nine times higher than the parental microbial community. The adapted microbial community also produced the medium‐chain fatty acid caproate (7.5 g L‐1) from the condensation of alcohols (ethanol/butanol) with short‐chain fatty acids at the end of the fermentation. A network analysis revealed that the largest subcommunities were represented by Clostridium sensu stricto 7 and Caproiciproducens, which are associated with the production of alcohols (ethanol/butanol) and medium‐chain fatty acids, respectively. In the smaller subcommunities, Pseudomonas, Sutterella, and Pandoraea became more important after adaptive evolution, suggesting the production of extracellular polymeric substances and cross‐stress protection as mechanisms of protection and adaptation against butanol. This study demonstrated that butanol production by the consolidated bioprocessing of cellulose required solventogenic bacteria, diverse taxa of plant‐degrading bacteria that established unique interactions with the fermenters and, more important, members with mechanisms of protection and tolerance to solvents. © 2023 The Authors. Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining published by Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Structural, optical, and luminescence properties of Dy3+‐activated potassium calcium silicate phosphor for white light‐emitting diodes
Authors: Sharma Vibha , Maurya Shreya , Anu  , Prasad Aman , Rao Allam Srinivasa
Published: June 2023

A dysprosium (Dy3+)‐activated potassium calcium silicate (K4CaSi3O9) phosphor was prepared using a solid‐state synthesis route. The phosphor had a cubic structure with the space group Pa
as confirmed using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. Details of surface morphology and elemental composition of the as‐synthesized undoped KCS phosphor was obtained using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) spectroscopy. The chemical structure as well as the vibrational modes present in the as‐prepared KCS phosphor was analyzed using Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy. Diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS) were used to determine the optical bandgap of the phosphors and were found to be in the optical range 3.52–3.71 eV. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra showed intense yellow emission corresponding to the 4F9/2→6H13/2 transition under 350 nm excitation. Commission International de l′Eclairage colour chromaticity coordinates were evaluated using the PL spectral data lie within the white region. Dexter theory and the Inokuti–Hirayama (I–H) model were applied to study the nature of the energy transfer mechanism in the as‐prepared phosphors. The relatively high activation energy of the phosphors was evaluated using temperature‐dependent PL (TDPL) data and confirmed the high thermal stability of the titled phosphor. The abovementioned results indicated that the as‐prepared KCS:Dy3+ phosphor was a promising candidate for n‐UV‐based white light‐emitting diodes.
Cancer inequalities in incidence and mortality in the State of São Paulo, Brazil 2001–17
Authors: Ribeiro Adeylson Guimarães , Ferlay Jacques , Vaccarella Salvatore , Latorre Maria do Rosário Dias de Oliveira , Fregnani José Humberto Tavares Guerreiro , Bray Freddie
Published: June 2023

Background

Cancer disparities exist between and within countries; we sought to compare cancer‐specific incidence and mortality according to area‐level socioeconomic status (SES) in the State of São Paulo, Brazil.

Methods

Cancer cases diagnosed 2003–2017 in the Barretos region and 2001–2015 in the municipality of São Paulo were obtained from the respective cancer registries. Corresponding cancer deaths were obtained from a Brazilian public government database. Age‐standardized rates for all cancer combined and the six most common cancers were calculated by SES quartiles.

Results

There were 14,628 cancer cases and 7513 cancer deaths in Barretos, and 472,712 corresponding cases and 194,705 deaths in São Paulo. A clear SES‐cancer gradient was seen in São Paulo, with rates varying from 188.4 to 333.1 in low to high SES areas, respectively. There was a lesser social gradient for mortality, with rates in low to high SES areas ranging from 86.4 to 98.0 in Barretos, and from 99.2 to 100.1 in São Paulo. The magnitude of the incidence rates rose markedly with increasing SES in São Paulo city for colorectal, lung, female breast, and prostate cancer. Conversely, both cervical cancer incidence and mortality rose with lower levels of SES in both regions.

Conclusions

A clear SES association was seen for cancers of the prostate, female breast, colorectum, and lung for São Paulo. This study offers a better understanding of the cancer incidence and mortality profile according to SES within a highly populated Brazilian state.
Should I adopt an integrated virtual clinic? A dual‐factor theory perspective
Authors: Shankar Amit , Kumar Aman , Yadav Rambalak , Misra Pooja , Pani Saroj Kumar
Published: June 2023

This study investigates consumers' adoption intention toward the virtual clinic. The theory of planned behavior and status‐quo‐bias theory are used as underpinning theories to investigate the effects of enablers and inhibitors, respectively. Further, the mediating role of perceived values on the relationship between enablers, inhibitors, and adoption intention is also investigated. The study also investigates how mediating effect of perceived values varies at different levels of perceived information privacy concerns. The results of this study reveal that attitude, subjective norm, regret avoidance, inertia, and switching costs significantly influence the adoption intention toward virtual clinics. The study's findings will enrich technology adoption and online health literature, especially emerging literature related to the virtual clinic. The study helps healthcare service providers understand consumers' adoption intention of the virtual clinic.
A Novel Multifunctional Crosslinking PVA/CMCS Hydrogel Containing Cyclic Peptide Actinomycin X2 and PA@Fe with Excellent Antibacterial and Commendable Mechanical Properties
Authors: Chen Fengyun , Javeed Ansar , Zeng Qiuyu , Zhang Quan , Han Bingnan
Published: June 2023

Bacterial infected environments and resulting bacterial infections have been threatening the human health globally. Due to increased bacterial resistance caused by improper and excessive use of antibiotics, antibacterial biomaterials are being developed as alternatives to antibiotics in some cases. Herein, an advanced multifunctional hydrogel with excellent antibacterial properties, enhanced mechanical properties, biocompatibility and self‐healing performance, was designed through freezing‐thawing method. This hydrogel network is composed of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS), protocatechualdehyde (PA), ferric iron (Fe) and an antimicrobial cyclic peptide actinomycin X2 (Ac.X2). The double dynamic bonds among protocatechualdehyde (PA), ferric iron (Fe) and carboxymethyl chitosan containing coordinate bond (catechol‐Fe) as well as dynamic Schiff base bonds and hydrogen bonds endowed the hydrogel with enhanced mechanical properties. Successful formation of hydrogel was confirmed through ATR‐IR and XRD, and structural evaluation through SEM analysis, whereas mechanical properties were tested with electromechanical universal testing machine. The resulting PVA/CMCS/Ac.X2/PA@Fe (PCXPA) hydrogel has favorable biocompatibility and excellent broad‐spectrum antimicrobial activity against both S. aureus (95.3 %) and E. coli (90.2 %) compared with free‐soluble Ac.X2, which exhibited subpar performance against E. coli reported in our previous studies. This work provides a new insight on preparing multifunctional hydrogels containing antimicrobial peptides as antibacterial material.
Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis and skull base osteomyelitis as manifestations of cat‐scratch disease in a pediatric patient: A case report and literature review
Authors: Otufowora Ayodeji , Lee Christine , Mohideen Aneeb , DeSena Grace , Pringle Charlene , Guyer Freddie , Sharma Priya , Baines Torrey , Carr Silvana
Published: June 2023

Key Clinical Message

Cat‐scratch disease (CSD) is caused by Bartonella henselae and usually presents with regional lymphadenopathy. Skull base osteomyelitis and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis are rarely reported, particularly in immunocompetent children. CSD should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any patient with persistent headaches in the setting of cat exposure.
Isolated Hodgkin lymphoma of the intracranial dura: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Kanagalingam Tharsan , Velker Vikram , Pejhan Shervin , Zhang Qi , Mangel Joy , Young Sympascho
Published: June 2023

Primary dural Hodgkin lymphoma (PDHL) is an extremely rare subset of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). Its existence is controversial, as Hodgkin lymphoma is not traditionally thought to arise from the central nervous system (CNS) or its meninges and only 0.02% of patients with Hodgkin lymphoma have any CNS involvement. We report a case of a 71‐year‐old Caucasian man who presented with progressive fatigue and sudden onset slurred speech, disorientation, and memory loss. Brain imaging identified a large extra‐axial right frontal mass, and he underwent urgent subtotal resection. Pathology and subsequent workup revealed Stage IAE classical Hodgkin lymphoma of the right frontal dura, with no extra‐cranial disease or leptomeningeal spread detected. The patient was subsequently treated with ABVD chemotherapy (completed 2.5 of 4 planned cycles) and 36 Gy in 20 fractions of consolidative involved‐site radiotherapy (ISRT). He has been followed for 5 years with no clinical or radiological signs of recurrence. This is the second confirmed case of intracranial PDHL reported in the literature, with the longest follow‐up for any case of PDHL.
Perforated marginal ulcer following Whipple procedure: A case report
Authors: Rijal Sabina , Awal Shila , Basukala Sunil , Shah Kunda Bikram
Published: June 2023

Key Clinical Message

Marginal ulcers are rare complications of pancreatoduodenectomy. Patient can present with varying symptoms such as epigastric discomfort, pain, dysphagia, or can present in emergency department with complications like bleeding and perforation.
“Listen louder”: Counselor trainee understanding of diversity in diagnosis
Authors: Dunson Caputo Laura G. , Storlie Cassandra A.
Published: June 2023

Using grounded theory methodology, authors utilized four online focus groups to explore counselor trainees’ understanding of diversity in a mental health diagnosis course. Four overarching themes, each embodied by two subthemes, emerged from the data. Implications for counselor educators teaching diversity in diagnosis to counselor trainees are provided.
Scalable Synthesis of Pre‐Intercalated Manganese(III/IV) Oxide Nanostructures for Supercapacitor Electrodes: Electrochemical Comparison of Birnessite and Cryptomelane Products
Authors: Jones Daniel R. , Hussein Haytham E. M. , Worsley Eleri A. , Kiani Sajad , Kamlungsua Kittiwat , Fone Thomas M. , Phillips Christopher O. , Deganello Davide
Published: June 2023

Manganese(III/IV) oxide is a promising pseudocapacitive material for supercapacitor electrodes due to favorable attributes such as its chemical resilience, high earth abundance and low specific cost. Herein, the morphological, compositional and electrochemical characteristics of co‐precipitated manganese(III/IV) oxide products, each described by the general formula NaxKyMnOz, are investigated to establish how these properties are influenced by synthesis conditions. NaxKyMnOz growths in low‐temperature (<100 °C) basic and acidic environments are shown to promote the formation of turbostratic birnessite and cryptomelane phases, respectively, with the latter polymorph containing a relatively low concentration of interstitial Na+ and K+ cations. It is demonstrated that K+ pre‐insertion during synthesis yields lower initial charge‐transfer resistances than equivalent Na+ intercalation, and that this parameter correlates strongly with storage performance. Accordingly, Na‐mediated storage initially delivers inferior specific capacitances and Coulombic efficiencies than K‐based mechanisms, but K+ intercalation/deintercalation causes faster capacitance decay during prolonged galvanostatic cycling. Furthermore, whilst crystallographic phase is shown to have a weaker effect on NaxKyMnOz storage properties than the choice of intercalating guest cations, cryptomelane electrodes are more susceptible to cycling‐induced capacitance and efficiency losses than their birnessite counterparts. In combination, these insights provide an instructive foundation for the optimization of NaxKyMnOz in high‐power storage applications.
Valbenazine isomers and enantiomer determination by chiral normal phase liquid chromatography
Authors: Deshmukh Balasaheb R. , Akshinthala Parameswari , Katari Naresh Kumar , Kowtharapu Leela Prasad , Deshpande Girish K. , Battula Sreenivas Rao , Gundla Rambabu
Published: June 2023

A novel, simple, specific, rapid, enantioselective normal phase chiral high‐performance liquid chromatographic method with amylose‐based Chiral Pak IG‐3(250 × 4.6 mM) 3.0 μM column was developed and validated for separation and quantification of isomers and enantiomer of Valbenazine. The mobile phase composed of n‐Heptane, isopropyl alcohol, dichloromethane, ethanol, and diethylamine in the ratio of 70:10:15:5:0.1 (V/V/V/VV) with a gradient flow rate was applied. The injection volume was 10 μl, and detection was carried out using a photodiode array detector at 282 nM. The column compartment was set at 35°C. The resolution between the enantiomer and isomers was found to be more than 2.0. The method was linear over the concentration range of limit of quantitation to 250% for isomers and enantiomers. The method was found to be robust with column temperature. The proposed chiral method is applicable for the determination of isomers and enantiomer of Valibenazine and was successfully used in the quality control of bulk drug manufacturing and pharmaceuticals.
Chloride‐Promoted Photoelectrochemical C—H Silylation of Heteroarenes†
Authors: Zhao Xin‐Ru , Zhang Yu‐Chen , Hou Zhong‐Wei , Wang Lei
Published: June 2023

Comprehensive Summary

A photoelectrochemical approach for the C—H silylation of heteroarenes through dehydrogenation cross‐coupling with H2 evolution has been developed. The photoelectrochemical C—H silylation depends on hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) from silanes to Cl‐radical generated through the light‐induced homolytic cleavage of Cl2, in which Cl2 was produced by electrochemical oxidation of chloride. A large number of silylated heterocyclic molecules are rapidly constructed in satisfactory yields without relying on oxidants and metal reagents.
Direct admission versus interhospital transfer for revascularisation in non‐ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: van Steenbergen Gijs J. , Demandt Jesse P. A. , Schulz Daniela N. , Tonino Pim A. , Dekker Lukas , Vermeer‐Gerritzen Iris , Wijnbergen Inge F. , Thijssen Eric J. M. , Theunissen Luc J. H. J. , Heijmen Eric P. C. M. , Haest Rutger J. P. , Vlaar Pieter‐Jan , van Veghel Dennis
Published: June 2023

Background

The differences in outcomes and process parameters for NSTEMI patients who are directly admitted to an intervention centre and patients who are first admitted to a general centre are largely unknown.

Hypothesis

There are differences in process indicators, but not for clinical outcomes, for NSTEMI who are directly admitted to an intervention centre and patients who are first admitted to a general centre.

Methods

We aim to compare process indicators, costs and clinical outcomes of non‐ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients stratified by center of first presentation and revascularisation strategy. Hospital claim data from patients admitted with a NSTEMI between 2017 and 2019 were used for this study. Included patients were stratified by center of admission (intervention vs. general center) and subdivided by revascularisation strategy (PCI, CABG, or no revascularisation [noRevasc]). The primary outcome was length of hospital stay. Secondary outcomes included: duration between admission and diagnostic angiography and revascularisation, number of intracoronary procedures, clinical outcomes at 30 days (MACE: all‐cause mortality, recurrent myocardial infarction and cardiac readmission) and total costs (accumulation of costs for hospital claims and interhospital ambulance rides).

Results

A total of 9641 NSTEMI events (9167 unique patients) were analyzed of which 5399 patients (56%) were admitted at an intervention center and 4242 patients to a general center. Duration of hospitalization was significantly shorter at direct presentation at an intervention centre for all study groups (5 days [2–11] vs. 7 days [4–12], p < 0.001). For PCI, direct presentation at an intervention center yielded shorter time to diagnostic angiography (1 day [0–2] vs. 1 day [1–2], p < 0.01) and revascularisation (1 day [0–3] vs. 4 days [1–7], p < 0.001) and less intracoronary procedures per patient (2 [1–2] vs. 2 [2–2], p < 0.001). For CABG, time to revascularisation was shorter (8 days [5–12] vs. 10 days [7–14], p < 0.001). Total costs were significantly lower in case of direct presentation in an intervention center for all treatment groups €10.211 (8750–18.192) versus €13.741 (11.588–19.381), p < 0.001) while MACE was similar 11.8% versus 12.4%, p = 0.344).

Conclusion

NSTEMI patients who were directly presented to an intervention center account for shorter duration of hospitalization, less time to revascularisation, less interhospital transfers, less intracoronary procedures and lower costs compared to patients who present at a general center.
Sex‐specific differences in colorectal cancer: A multicenter retrospective cohort study
Authors: Joo Hyun Jin , Lee Hyun Seok , Jang Byung Ik , Kim Dae Bum , Kim Jae Hyun , Park Jae Jun , Kim Hyun Gun , Baek Il Hyun , Lee Jun , Kim Bun
Published: June 2023

Background

Due to sex‐specific differences in the incidence and clinical and histopathological characteristics of colorectal cancer (CRC), understanding the impact of sex on CRC may suggest sex‐targeted strategies for screening, treatment, and prevention, leading to improved prognosis of CRC. However, there have been few studies investigating the sex‐specific differences in CRC in the Republic of Korea. We aimed to assess sex differences in CRC in the Republic of Korea.

Methods

This was a retrospective, multicenter, cohort study of patients diagnosed with CRC between January 2012 and December 2013 at nine hospitals. Patients who had an uncertain CRC stage, were diagnosed with other cancers within 5 years, had carcinoma in situ, non‐epithelial cancer, or primary cancer other than CRC, were excluded. Factors associated with overall survival or progression‐free survival were investigated using Cox regression analysis. Cumulative probability of metachronous lesions was compared using the Kaplan–Meier estimator survival analysis and we compared the survival curves of each group using a log‐rank test. Outcomes were compared using the chi‐square, Fisher's exact, or Student's t‐test, as appropriate.

Results

Three thousand one hundred and forteen patients (1999 men, 1315 women) were included. There was no significant difference in the age at onset between men and women. The proportion of patients diagnosed through regular health check‐ups, and asymptomatic at time of diagnosis, was higher in men (48.9% men vs. 42.0% women, p < .001). Rectal cancers were more common in men (38.8% men vs. 31.8% women, p < .001). Right colon cancers were more common in women (31.4% women vs. 22.7% men, p < .001). KRAS mutations were found in 109/317 (34.4%) women and 112/480 (23.3%) men. Overall CRC survival and progression‐free survival were similar in both sexes.

Conclusion

Sex differences in CRC may be due to the biological and social‐behavioral differences between the sexes. They should be considered during screening, diagnosis, and treatment of CRC for better outcomes.
Treatment outcomes of pediatric acute myeloid leukemia in Western Kenya before and after the implementation of the SIOP PODC treatment guideline
Authors: van Weelderen Romy E. , Wijnen Noa E. , Njuguna Festus , Klein Kim , Vik Terry A. , Olbara Gilbert , Kaspers Gertjan J. L.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The Pediatric Oncology in Developing Countries (PODC) committee of the International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP) published a pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML)‐specific adapted treatment guideline for low‐ and middle‐income countries. We evaluated the outcomes of children with AML at a large Kenyan academic hospital before (period 1) and after (period 2) implementing this guideline.

Patients and Methods

Records of children (≤17 years) newly diagnosed with AML between 2010 and 2021 were retrospectively studied. In period 1, induction therapy comprised two courses with doxorubicin and cytarabine, and consolidation comprised two courses with etoposide and cytarabine. In period 2, a prephase with intravenous low‐dose etoposide was administered prior to induction therapy, induction course I was intensified, and consolidation was adapted to two high‐dose cytarabine courses. Probabilities of event‐free survival (pEFS) and overall survival (pOS) were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

One‐hundred twenty‐two children with AML were included – 83 in period 1 and 39 in period 2. Overall, 95 patients received chemotherapy. The abandonment rate was 19% (16/83) in period 1 and 3% (1/39) in period 2. The early death, treatment‐related mortality, complete remission, and relapse rates in periods 1 and 2 were 46% (29/63) versus 44% (14/32), 36% (12/33) versus 47% (8/17), 33% (21/63) versus 38% (12/32), and 57% (12/21) versus 17% (2/12), respectively. The 2‐year pEFS and pOS in periods 1 and 2 were 5% versus 15% (p = .53), and 8% versus 16% (p = .93), respectively.

Conclusion

The implementation of the SIOP PODC guideline did not result in improved outcomes of Kenyan children with AML. Survival of these children remains dismal, mainly attributable to early mortality.
Electron‐Deficient Phenanthrenequinone Derivative for Photoactivated Hydrogen Atom Transfer Mediated Oxidation of Secondary Alcohols
Authors: Talvitie Juulia , Alanko Iida , Lenarda Anna , Durandin Nikita , Tkachenko Nikolai , Nieger Martin , Helaja Juho
Published: June 2023

In 2000, Fukuzumi and co‐workers reported a seminal study on the photochemical oxidation of benzylic alcohols with visible‐light‐excited 9,10‐phenanthrenequinone (PQ) under argon atmosphere (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2000, 122, 8435). We optimized the reaction conditions they reported and were able to oxidize 1‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)ethanol quantitatively to 4'‐methoxyacetophenone in only 15 min with 10 mol % PQ as a photocatalyst under oxygen. However, we observed a significant decrease in the oxidation rate with more electron‐deficient benzylic alcohols as starting materials. To improve the photooxidation performance, we designed a high‐yielding synthetic route for a novel, more electron‐deficient PQ derivative, 3,6‐bis(trifluoromethyl)‐9,10‐phenanthrenequinone (PQ‐CF3). Its efficiency as a photocatalyst in the fast oxidation of secondary alcohols was demonstrated not only with several electronically diverse benzylic alcohols but also with aliphatic substrates. The comprehensive mechanistic studies based on Hammett plot construction, kinetic isotope experiments, and DFT computations suggest that the mechanistic pathway of the alcohol oxidation is dependent on the electronic properties of both the catalyst and the substrate. As the key mechanistic discovery, we showed that the newly developed PQ‐CF3 operates as a highly efficient hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) catalyst.
Structure‐Induced Enhanced Dissolving Properties of Mg(OH)2 Prepared by Glycine‐Assisted MgO Hydration
Authors: Tang Xiaojia , Du Zhongyuan , Wang Yufei , Zhu Yimin , Unluer Cise , Liu Pengfei
Published: June 2023

Mg(OH)2’s dissolving properties have a considerable influence on its application performance. This study aims to improve the dissolving properties of Mg(OH)2 by modifying its crystal structure. Mg(OH)2 crystals with a large diameter‐to‐height ratio (≈40) structure are synthesized via a glycine‐assisted MgO hydration method utilizing glycine's differing adsorption energy on the (001) and (110) surfaces of Mg(OH)2 (−306.2 and −277.4 kJ mol−1). Compared to the control sample, the results of the dissolution kinetics investigation indicate that glycine‐assisted hydration considerably improves the apparent reaction rate constant of dissolution from 0.0020–0.0071 to 0.0039–0.0120 min−1. The enhanced dissolving properties are mostly induced by the large and thin crystal grain structure, which disintegrates easily during the dissolution process, exposing more reactive sites. The findings reported in this study provide a new approach to improving the dissolving properties of Mg(OH)2 that can enable its enhanced use in various applications.
Motivations and drivers for adopting sustainability and circular business strategies in businesses in Victoria
Authors: Gajanayake Akvan , Ho Oanh Thi‐Kieu , Iyer‐Raniga Usha
Published: June 2023

With the need to transition to a Circular Economy being highlighted at government and industry level, business research has focused on how firms incorporate circular business practices. However, there is a lack of research on what motivates and drives businesses to implement environmental and CE practices, specially from an Australian context. This research aims to understand what factors drive and motivate businesses to implement sustainability practices, using a survey distributed among businesses operating in Victoria, Australia. The results show that the major motivation for businesses to implement actions was the belief of doing the right thing. Although financial returns were not considered a major driver, the results reveal that firms may not implement environmental activities if it is not financially viable. The responses also illustrate that understanding of CE‐related terminology within businesses were low, and that this could be a result of common terms used within the Australian context. Improving the ethical and moral conscience of business decision makers and incorporating wider CE actions into the general concept of doing the right thing could increase businesses implementing CE practices more broadly.
A novel dual NLRP1 and NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor for the treatment of inflammatory diseases
Authors: Docherty Callum AH , Fernando Anuruddika J , Rosli Sarah , Lam Maggie , Dolle Roland E , Navia Manuel A , Farquhar Ronald , La France Danny , Tate Michelle D , Murphy Christopher K , Rossi Adriano G , Mansell Ashley
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Inflammasomes induce maturation of the inflammatory cytokines IL‐1β and IL‐18, whose activity is associated with the pathophysiology of a wide range of infectious and inflammatory diseases. As validated therapeutic targets for the treatment of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases, there has been intense interest in developing small‐molecule inhibitors to target inflammasome activity and reduce disease‐associated inflammatory burden.

Methods

We examined the therapeutic potential of a novel small‐molecule inhibitor, and associated derivatives, termed ADS032 to target and reduce inflammasome‐mediated inflammation in vivo. In vitro, we characterised ADS032 function, target engagement and specificity.

Results

We describe ADS032 as the first dual NLRP1 and NLRP3 inhibitor. ADS032 is a rapid, reversible and stable inflammasome inhibitor that directly binds both NLRP1 and NLRP3, reducing secretion and maturation of IL‐1β in human‐derived macrophages and bronchial epithelial cells in response to the activation of NLPR1 and NLRP3. ADS032 also reduced NLRP3‐induced ASC speck formation, indicative of targeting inflammasome formation. In vivo, ADS032 reduced IL‐1β and TNF‐α levels in the serum of mice challenged i.p. with LPS and reduced pulmonary inflammation in an acute model of lung silicosis. Critically, ADS032 protected mice from lethal influenza A virus challenge, displayed increased survival and reduced pulmonary inflammation.

Conclusion

ADS032 is the first described dual inflammasome inhibitor and a potential therapeutic to treat both NLRP1‐ and NLRP3‐associated inflammatory diseases and also constitutes a novel tool that allows examination of the role of NLRP1 in human disease.
Single‐cell analysis reveals the multiple patterns of immune escape in the nasopharyngeal carcinoma microenvironment
Authors: Lin Qianyu , Zhou Yaqi , Ma Jie , Han Sanyang , Huang Yunchuanxiang , Wu Feng , Wang Xuejuan , Zhang Yanan , Mei Xueshuang , Ma Lan
Published: June 2023

Background

Single‐cell transcriptomics has revolutionised our understanding of the cellular composition of the tumour microenvironment (TME) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Despite this progress, a key limitation of this technique has been its inability to capture epithelial/tumour cells, which has hindered further investigation of tumour heterogeneity and immune escape in NPC.

Methods

In this study, we aimed to address these limitations by analysing the transcriptomics and spatial characteristics of NPC tumour cells at single‐cell resolution using scRNA/snRNA‐seq and imaging mass cytometry techniques.

Results

Our findings demonstrate multiple patterns of immune escape mechanisms in NPC, including the loss of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules in malignant cells, induction of epithelial–mesenchymal transition in fibroblast‐like malignant cells and the use of hyperplastic cells in tumour nests to protect tumour cells from immune infiltration. Additionally, we identified, for the first time, a CD8+ natural killer (NK) cell cluster that is specific to the NPC TME.

Conclusions

These findings provide new insights into the complexity of NPC immune landscape and may lead to novel therapeutic strategies for this disease.
Automated detection of progressive speech changes in early Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Robin Jessica , Xu Mengdan , Balagopalan Aparna , Novikova Jekaterina , Kahn Laura , Oday Abdi , Hejrati Mohsen , Hashemifar Somaye , Negahdar Mohammadreza , Simpson William , Teng Edmond
Published: June 2023

Speech and language changes occur in Alzheimer's disease (AD), but few studies have characterized their longitudinal course. We analyzed open‐ended speech samples from a prodromal‐to‐mild AD cohort to develop a novel composite score to characterize progressive speech changes. Participant speech from the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) interview was analyzed to compute metrics reflecting speech and language characteristics. We determined the aspects of speech and language that exhibited significant longitudinal change over 18 months. Nine acoustic and linguistic measures were combined to create a novel composite score. The speech composite exhibited significant correlations with primary and secondary clinical endpoints and a similar effect size for detecting longitudinal change. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of using automated speech processing to characterize longitudinal change in early AD. Speech‐based composite scores could be used to monitor change and detect response to treatment in future research.

HIGHLIGHTS

Longitudinal speech samples were analyzed to characterize speech changes in early AD.

Acoustic and linguistic measures showed significant change over 18 months.

A novel speech composite score was computed to characterize longitudinal change.

The speech composite correlated with primary and secondary trial endpoints.

Automated speech analysis could facilitate remote, high frequency monitoring in AD.