bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
"Ein unwahrscheinlicher Alptraum bei hellem Licht": Peter Weiß' Berliner Phantasmagorie "Die Besiegten"
Authors: Voßkamp Wilhelm
Published: June 2007

Nachdem Peter Weiß vom Juni bis August 1947 "Sieben Reportagen aus Deutschland für die schwedische "Stockholms Tidningen" veröffentlicht hatte, ließ er diesen Artikeln 1948 einen zunächst aufschwedisch erschienenen Text unter dem Titel Die "Besiegten" folgen. Bis auf einzelne Hinweise im Zusammenhang des Gesamtwerks von Peter Weiß ist diese Charakterisierung des im Zweiten Weltkrieg zerstörten Berlin bisher kaum gebührend gewürdigt worden. Es handelt sich um ein fiktionales Pendant zu den dokumentarischen Reportagen, die Peter Weiß über ein "Politisches Konzert," eine Buchaustellung, die Bibliothek unter den Linden, über Kinder in Berlin und die Situation des Schwarzmarkts verfasst hat; abgeschlossen werden die Berichte mit allgemeinen Bemerkungen über die deutsche Elite und das aktuelle literarische Leben in Deutschland.
Digital Avatars and Personalized Voices—How AI Is Helping to Restore Speech to Patients
Authors: Anderer Samantha , Hswen Yulin
Published: March 2024

In this Medical News article, Edward Chang, MD, chair of the department of neurological surgery at the University of California, San Francisco Weill Institute for Neurosciences joins JAMA Editor in Chief Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, PhD, MD, MAS, to discuss the potential for AI to revolutionize communication for those unable to speak due to aphasia.
Administrative Frictions and the Mental Health Workforce
Authors: Zhu Jane M. , Eisenberg Matthew
Published: March 2024

This Viewpoint describes the administrative barriers experienced by mental health professionals and recommends strategies to address these barriers.
Greenbeard Mechanism and the Evolution of Cooperation
Authors: Sathe Santosh
Published: March 2024

Explaining the origin and maintenance of cooperation through Darwin's theory of biological evolution by natural selection is one of the most challenging but now widely studied problems in evolutionary biology. A genetic mechanism that enhances the inclusive fitness of a cooperative gene, proposed by Hamilton and later popularised by Dawkins as the greenbeard mechanism, suggests that cooperation can evolve even without genealogical relatedness (between nonkin) if the social partners share greenbeard genes. These genes encode a phenotypic marker (metaphorically, a green beard) and cause their bearers to cooperate with those who have the marker (cooperators) and avoid or harm those who do not (defectors). The marker and the cooperative trait are encoded either by a single gene or by a group of linked genes that co‐inherit. Thus, cooperation is maintained by direct and indirect reciprocity between individuals that are unrelated elsewhere in the genome but possess copies of the greenbeard genes.

Key Concepts

The evolution of cooperation implies the evolution of a trait (or behaviour) that is costly to the actor but beneficial to the recipient; starvation‐induced fruiting body formation in
Dictyostelium
, for example, involves the altruistic death of the amoebae that form the stalk.

Since natural selection works by selecting individuals that survive longer and reproduce more than their competitors, how do cooperative behaviours, which reduce the chances of survival and reproduction of individuals who cooperate, evolve through natural selection?

In 1964, Hamilton proposed a genetic mechanism (now called the greenbeard mechanism, after Dawkins' colourful analogy) for the evolution of altruistic cooperation.

In the greenbeard mechanism, a gene or a group of linked genes encodes for a cooperative trait, a perceptible marker (the hypothetical green beard) and the ability to recognise this marker in other individuals and behave cooperatively towards those with the marker or harm those without the marker.

The greenbeard mechanism can mediate cooperation between genealogically unrelated individuals (no kinship), such as those from different species, as long as they share a greenbeard gene (kind selection).

Depending on their effect on the recipient, the greenbeard genes can be helping or harming types, and each can be either facultative or obligatory.

The greenbeard effect can be mediated by a single gene or by multiple genes.

The greenbeard genes can be monomorphic or polymorphic and they can cause the greenbeard effect directly (e.g. by encoding cell adhesion proteins) or indirectly (e.g. by activating the downstream behavioural genes).

Individuals with falsebeards can evolve and reap the benefits of cooperation without paying the costs of cooperation. The long‐term stability of greenbeard‐mediated cooperation, therefore, requires polychromatic or diverse greenbeards.
Design and Synthesis of Dibenzothiadiazolopyrrolothiophene (DBTPT)‐Based Acceptors for Efficient Organic Photovoltaic Cells
Authors: Wang Tao , Wang Wenxuan , Cui Yong , Ren Junzhen , Chen Zhihao , Wang Jianqiu , Li Hao , Li Jiayao , Hou Jianhui
Published: March 2024

The central core in non‐fullerene acceptors (NFAs) plays a crucial role in determining the efficiency of organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells. To further advance the development of OPV cells, it is crucial to synthesize novel central cores for constructing high‐performance NFAs. Here, dibenzothiadiazolopyrrolothiophene (DBTPT) is introduced, a ladder‐type [1,2,5]thiadiazolo[3,4‐e]indole‐fused pentacyclic thiophene unit, into photovoltaic materials. By employing the DBTPT unit as the rigid molecular backbone and modifying the side chain of the thiophene π‐bridge, two new acceptor‐π‐acceptor’‐donor‐acceptor’‐π‐acceptor (A‐π‐A'DA’‐π‐A)‐type acceptors (T6 and T9) are synthesized. The effects of lateral alkyl and alkoxy side chains on the optoelectronic properties, charge transport, and molecular packing order are systematically investigated. When blended with polymer donor Poly[(2,6‐(4,8‐bis(5‐(2‐ethylhexyl)thiophen‐2‐yl)‐benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b']dithiophene))‐alt‐(5,5‐(1',3'‐di‐2‐thienyl‐5'7'‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)benzo[1',2'‐c:4',5'‐c']dithiophene‐4,8‐dione))] (PBDB‐T), the blend film based on T9 with alkoxy side chains shows favorable molecular stacking and phase separation, resulting in excellent charge transfer performance. Benefiting low energetic disorder, PBDB‐T:T9‐based cell achieves an efficiency of 12.6% with a markedly low energy loss of 0.568 eV. The preliminary results demonstrate that the DBTPT unit has great potential for the construction of novel NFAs for high‐performance OPV cells.
A Responsive DNA Hydrogel Containing Poly‐Aptamers as Dual‐Target Inhibitors for Localized Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Zhang Rui , Lv Zhaoyue , Chang Lele , Wang Jing , Tang Jianpu , Wang Ziqing , Li Siqi , Guo Jianfeng , Yao Chi , Yang Dayong
Published: March 2024

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) is emerging as an efficient strategy for cancer immunotherapy, which highly relies on the controlled loading and release of immune checkpoints inhibitors. Herein, a responsive DNA hydrogel containing polyvalent aptamers as dual‐target inhibitors is reported to achieve ICB for localized cancer immunotherapy. This DNA hydrogel is constructed by two ultralong DNA chains generated via rolling circle amplification (RCA), which contained two polyvalent aptamers (PD‐1 and CTLA‐4 aptamers), and is loaded with inflammatory‐responsive nanoparticles that encapsulated restriction endonuclease. The DNA hydrogel achieved the specific enrichment of T cells. The restriction endonuclease is specifically released by responding to the inflammatory microenvironment, which subsequently cleaved the DNA hydrogel at the cutting sites of DNA chains. The released PD‐1 and CTLA‐4 aptamers executed the biological functions as immune checkpoint inhibitors, successfully blocking immune checkpoints to activate T cells in tumor sites; as a result, the killing efficacy toward tumor cells is significantly enhanced. In a melanoma tumor‐bearing mouse model, the DNA hydrogel activated the immune response in tumor tissues and showed notable therapeutic efficacy for the inhibition of tumor progression (≈65%). This responsive DNA hydrogel is expected to be a promising formulation for immunotherapeutic medicines.
NIR‐II Excitable Semiconducting Polymers with AIE Characteristics for Fluorescence‐Photoacoustic Imaging‐Guided Synergistic Phototherapy
Authors: Li Jiangao , Zhang Zhijun , Jiang Shanshan , Kang Miaomiao , Wang Deliang , Li Xue , Huang Peng , Gao Xike , Wang Dong , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: March 2024

The development of semiconducting polymers (SPs) with simultaneous second near‐infrared (NIR‐II) absorption and multimodal phototheranostic functions is highly desired in the field of oncotherapy. Aggregation‐induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) have been acknowledged to possess unique potential in integrating multiple diagnostic and therapeutic modalities into one organic molecule. Nevertheless, SPs are hard to achieve AIE activity due to their extended π‐conjugated skeletons as well as the large and planar configuration of commonly‐used electrophilic acceptor moieties. Herein, an ingenious acceptor dimerization‐based acceptor distortion strategy is proposed in current work by taking advantage of the sterically encumbered acceptors with large and planar structure for the successful construction of AIE‐active SPs. Through further finely adjusting the molecular donor–acceptor interaction strength, one of the obtained AIE‐active SPs named SP3 bearing the highest intramolecular charge transfer effect presented desired NIR‐II absorption and aggregation‐induced NIR‐II fluorescence emission, good reactive oxygen species production ability, as well as superior photothermal conversion performance. Accordingly, SP3 is selected to fabricate into nanoparticles and successfully applied in the NIR‐II laser‐triggered fluorescence‐photoacoustic imaging‐guided photodynamic‐photothermal therapy of tumors. This study represents the first NIR‐II excitable AIE‐active SP, and offers a new perspective on designing advanced multimodal phototheranostic polymers for efficient treatment of malignant tumor.
I2‐Promoted sp3 C−H Oxidation/Annulation Sequences for the Synthesis of Indoloquinolines from 2‐(1H‐indol‐2‐yl)anilines and Aryl Methyl Ketones
Authors: Arockiaraj Mariyaraj , Rajeshkumar Venkatachalam
Published: March 2024

An iodine/DMSO‐promoted approach has been developed for the synthesis of indoloquinolines via a sequential sp3 C−H oxidation/intramolecular cyclization using 2‐(1H‐indol‐2‐yl)anilines and aryl methyl ketones. A wide range of aryl methyl ketones, including drugs and complex bioactive molecule‐derived substrates were compatible in the present reaction with yields in the range of 30–96%. This protocol proceeds through sp3 C−H oxidation of aryl methyl ketones to phenylglyoxals, subsequent imine formation, and cyclization to furnish the indoloquinolines. Further, the reaction is applicable for gram‐scale synthesis and is operationally simple.
Study of triglyceride changes during pregnancy and neonatal birth weight and adverse outcomes
Authors: Wei Hongjuan , Tang Yinyan , Xia Yu , Yu Yang
Published: March 2024

Background

Changes of maternal triglyceride concentrations are closely associated with intrauterine fetal growth and development, but the effect of mid‐ to late‐term triglyceride changes on birth weight is uncertain. This study investigated the association between changes in triglycerides in mid to late in pregnant women gestational age ≥ 35 weeks on neonatal birth weight and adverse outcomes.

Methods

This cohort study was based on 931 pregnant women with a singleton delivery at gestational age ≥ 35 weeks from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022 at Nanjing Lishui People's Hospital (NJLSPH) in China, with all maternal triglyceride concentrations measured at mid‐term and late‐term before delivery. The primary outcomes were neonatal birth weight and the risk of macrosomia.

Results

Late term triglyceride levels were positively associated with birth weight (β = 126.40, 95% CI: 61.95, 190.84, p < .001) and risk of macrosomia (OR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.12, 3.98, p = .022). Late mid‐term triglyceride was positively associated with birth weight (β = 27.58, 95% CI: 9.67, 45.50, p = .003), and no correlation with risk of macrosomia (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 0.95, 1.31, p = .178). Mid‐term triglyceride was not associated with birth weight (β = 45.79, 95% CI: −28.73, 120.30, p = .229) and risk of macrosomia (OR = 1.83, 95% CI: 0.89, 3.78, p = .101).

Conclusion

Late triglyceride levels were associated with birth weight and risk of macrosomia, while late to mid‐term triglyceride were associated with birth weight but not with risk of macrosomia. This suggests that maternal triglyceride changes may affect fetal growth and development, and more studies focusing on the effects of gestational triglyceride profiles are warranted.
ELMO2 biallelic pathogenic variants in a patient with gingival hypertrophy and cherubism phenotype: Case report and molecular review
Authors: Perrone Eduardo , Coelho Antonio Victor Campos , Virmond Luiza do Amaral , Espolaor Jessica Grasiela de Araujo , Filho João Bosco de Oliveira , Nascimento Amanda Thamires Batista do , Matta Marina Cadena da , Meira Joanna Goes Castro , Cardoso—Júnior Laércio Moreira , Andrade Ana Camila Mendes , Chaves Ricardo Zantieff Topolski , Acosta Angelina Xavier
Published: March 2024

Ramon syndrome (OMIM #266270) was first described in a patient with cherubism, gingival fibromatosis, epilepsy, intellectual disability, hypertrichosis, and stunted growth. In 2018, Mehawej et al. described a patient with Ramon syndrome in whom a homozygous variant in ELMO2 was identified, suggesting that this gene may be the causative for this syndrome. ELMO2 biallelic pathogenic variants were also described in patients with a primary intraosseous vascular malformation (PIVM; OMIM #606893). These patients presented gingival bleeding and cherubism phenotype. Herein, a patient with gingival hypertrophy, neurodevelopmental delay, and cherubism phenotype with a novel homozygous predicted loss‐of‐function (LOF) variant in the ELMO2 gene and family recurrence was reported. A surgical approach to treat gingival bleeding and mandible vascular malformation was also described. Furthermore, this study includes a comprehensive literature review of molecular data regarding the ELMO2 gene. All the variants, except one described in the ELMO2, were predicted as LOF, including our patient's variant. There is an overlapping between PIVM, also caused by LOF biallelic variants in the ELMO2 gene, and Ramon syndrome, which can suggest that they are not different entities. However, due to a limited number of cases described with molecular evaluation, it is hard to establish a genotype–phenotype correlation. Our study supports that LOF pathogenic biallelic variants in the ELMO2 gene cause a phenotype that has cherubism and gingival hypertrophy as main characteristics.
Beyond skeletal studies: A computational analysis of nasal airway function in climate adaptation
Authors: Bastir Markus , Sanz‐Prieto Daniel , Burgos Manuel A. , Pérez‐Ramos Alejandro , Heuzé Yann , Maréchal Laura , Evteev Andrej , Toro‐Ibacache Viviana , Esteban‐Ortega Francisco
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Ecogeographic variation in human nasal anatomy has historically been analyzed on skeletal morphology and interpreted in the context of climatic adaptations to respiratory air‐conditioning. Only a few studies have analyzed nasal soft tissue morphology, actively involved in air‐conditioning physiology.

Materials and Methods

We used in vivo computer tomographic scans of (N = 146) adult individuals from Cambodia, Chile, Russia, and Spain. We conducted (N = 438) airflow simulations during inspiration using computational fluid dynamics to analyze the air‐conditioning capacities of the nasal soft tissue in the inflow, functional, and outflow tract, under three different environmental conditions: cold–dry; hot–dry; and hot–humid. We performed statistical comparisons between populations and sexes.

Results

Subjects from hot–humid regions showed significantly lower air‐conditioning capacities than subjects from colder regions in all the three conditions, specifically within the isthmus region in the inflow tract, and the anterior part of the internal functional tract. Posterior to the functional tract, no differences were detected. No differences between sexes were found in any of the tracts and under any of the conditions.

Discussion

Our statistical analyses support models of climatic adaptations of anterior nasal soft tissue morphology that fit with, and complement, previous research on dry skulls. However, our results challenge a morpho‐functional model that attributes air‐conditioning capacities exclusively to the functional tract located within the nasal cavity. Instead, our findings support studies that have suggested that both, the external nose and the intra‐facial soft tissue airways contribute to efficiently warming and humidifying air during inspiration. This supports functional interpretations in modern midfacial variation and evolution.
Cyclopropene als Chemische Reporter für die Duale Bioorthogonale und Orthogonale Metabolische Markierung von DNA
Authors: Seul Nicola , Lamade Dennis , Stoychev Petko , Mijic Michaela , Michenfelder Rita T. , Rieger Lisa , Geng Philipp , Wagenknecht Hans‐Achim
Published: March 2024

Die duale bioorthogonale Markierung ermöglicht die Untersuchung und das Verständnis von Wechselwirkungen in der biologischen Umgebung, die mit einer einzigen Markierung nicht zugänglich sind. Eine Herausforderung bleibt jedoch die Anwendung von zwei bioorthogonalen Reaktionen in der gleichen Umgebung aufgrund von Kreuzreaktivität. Um dieses Problem für die duale und orthogonale Markierung von DNA zu lösen, haben wir zwei unterschiedlich modifizierte 2′‐Desoxynukleoside entwickelt. Mit Hilfe der Diels‐Alder‐Reaktion mit inversem Elektronenbedarf und Photoklick‐Reaktion wurde genomische DNA in Zellen mit zwei verschiedenen fluorogenen Markern verknüpft. Aus einer kleinen synthetischen Bibliothek aus 1‐ und 3‐methylcyclopropenyl‐modifizierten 2′‐Desoxynukleosiden wurden zwei 2′‐Desoxyuridine identifiziert, die am schnellsten in jeweils einer der beiden bioorthogonalen Reaktionen reagieren. Ihre orthogonale Reaktivität konnte in vitro nachgewiesen werden. Ihre Replikationseigenschaften als Ersatz für Thymidin wurden in Primerverlängerungsexperimenten untersucht, um die anschließenden Markierungsreaktionen an DNA abzuschätzen. Schließlich wurde eine duale, orthogonale und metabolische Fluoreszenzmarkierung von genomischer DNA in HeLa‐Zellen nachgewiesen. Es wurde ein experimentelles Protokoll entwickelt, das den intrazellulären Transport und den metabolischen DNA‐Einbau der beiden 2′‐Desoxyuridine mit der anschließenden dualen bioorthogonalen Markierung unter Verwendung eines fluorogenen Cyanin‐Styryl‐Tetrazins und eines fluorogenen Pyren‐Tetrazols kombiniert. Diese Ergebnisse sind von grundlegender Bedeutung für fortgeschrittene metabolische Markierungsstrategien für Nukleinsäuren in der Zukunft, insbesondere in lebenden Zellen.
Photo‐Switchable Peroxidase/Catalase‐Like Activity of Carbon Quantum Dots
Authors: Yang Wei , Leng Tianchi , Miao Weicheng , Cao Xiao , Chen Haoran , Xu Feifei , Fang Yimin
Published: March 2024

Nanozymes possess multi‐enzyme activities over the natural enzymes, which produce multi‐pathway synergistic effects for varies of biomedical applications. Unfortunately, their multi‐enzyme activities are in fighting, significantly reducing the synergistic effects. Dynamic regulation of their multi‐enzyme activities is the bottleneck for intelligent therapies. Herein, we construct a novel oxygen‐nitrogen functionalized carbon quantum dots (O/N‐CQDs) with peroxidase‐like (Reactive oxygen species (ROS) producer) activity. Interestingly, the peroxidase‐like activity can be reversibly converted to catalase‐like (ROS scavenger) activity under visible light irradiation. It is found that both the peroxidase/catalase‐like activity of O/N‐CQDs can be precisely manipulated by the light intensity. The mechanism of switchable enzyme activities is attributed to the polarization of quinoid nitrogen in polyaniline (PANI) precursor retained on O/N‐CQDs under visible light, which consumes the ROS to produce O2 and H2O. As a proof‐of‐concept demonstration, we are able to non‐intrusively up and down regulate the ROS level in cells successfully by simply switching off and on the light respectively, potentially facilitating the precise medicine based on the development of the disease. Indeed, the photo‐switchable peroxidase/catalase‐like activity of O/N‐CQDs opens a non‐invasive strategy for better manipulations of the multi‐activity of nanozymes, promising their wider and more intelligent biomedical applications.
Carbodiimide‐Driven Toughening of Interpenetrated Polymer Networks
Authors: Rajawasam Chamoni W. H. , Tran Corvo , Sparks Jessica L. , Krueger William H. , Hartley C. Scott , Konkolewicz Dominik
Published: March 2024

Recent work has demonstrated that temporary crosslinks in polymer networks generated by chemical “fuels” afford materials with large, transient changes in their mechanical properties. This can be accomplished in carboxylic‐acid‐functionalized polymer hydrogels using carbodiimides, which generate anhydride crosslinks with lifetimes on the order of minutes to hours. Here, the impact of the polymer network architecture on the mechanical properties of transiently crosslinked materials was explored. Single networks (SNs) were compared to interpenetrated networks (IPNs). Notably, semi‐IPN precursors that give IPNs on treatment with carbodiimide give much higher fracture energies (i.e., resistance to fracture) and superior resistance to compressive strain compared to other network architectures. A precursor semi‐IPN material featuring acrylic acid in only the free polymer chains yields, on treatment with carbodiimide, an IPN with a fracture energy of 2400 J/m2, a fourfold increase compared to an analogous semi‐IPN precursor that yields a SN. This resistance to fracture enables the formation of macroscopic complex cut patterns, even at high strain, underscoring the pivotal role of polymer architecture in mechanical performance.
Na2C3O2: The First Crystalline Compound with the Elusive −C≡C−COO− Anion
Authors: Krüger Markus , Lamann‐Glees Alexandra , Sebastian Sean S. , Siegel Renée , Senker Jürgen , Hempelmann Jan , Dronskowski Richard , Ruschewitz Uwe
Published: March 2024

By reaction of sodium electride or NaC2H with the anhydrous sodium salt of propiolic acid, Na(OOC−C≡C−H), in liquid ammonia crystalline powders of Na2C3O2 were obtained. The structure analysis based on synchrotron powder diffraction data revealed that Na2C3O2 crystallizes in a monoclinic unit cell (I2/a, Z=4) exhibiting the elusive Y‐shaped −C≡C−COO− anion, which is unprecedented in a crystalline compound up to now. IR/Raman and solid‐state NMR spectroscopic investigations with assignments supported by DFT‐based ab initio calculations confirm this finding. Reaction with sodium electride led to a higher crystallinity of the product, but additionally a by‐product apparently due to decomposition and polymerization of Na2C3O2 was formed. No such by‐product was observed in the reaction with NaC2H, which turned out to be a milder metalation route. However, the product of the latter reaction is less crystalline.
Photosensitized covalent organic framework as a light‐induced oxidase mimic for colorimetric detection of uric acid
Authors: Wang Meng Ping , Li Hui Han , Wu Ting , Xiao Sai Jin , Liu Guang Zhou , Zhang Li
Published: March 2024

As large numbers of people are suffering from gout, an accurate, rapid, and sensitive method for the detection of gout biomarker, uric acid, is important for its effective control, diagnosis, and therapy. Although colorimetric detection methods based on uricase have been considered, they still have limitations as they produce toxic H2O2 and are expensive and not stable. Here, a novel uricase‐free colorimetric method was developed for the sensitive and selective detection of uric acid based on the light‐induced oxidase‐mimicking activity of a new photosensitized covalent organic framework (COF) (2,4,6‐trimethylpyridine‐3,5‐dicarbonitrile–4‐[2‐(4‐formylphenyl)ethynyl]benzaldehyde COF [DCTP–EDA COF]). DCTP–EDA COF has a strong ability to harvest visible light, and it could catalyze the oxidation of 1,4‐dioxane, 3,3′,5,5′‐tetramethylbenzidine under visible light irradiation to produce obvious color changes. With the addition of uric acid, however, the significant inhibition of the oxidase‐mimicking activity of DCTP–EDA COF remarkably faded the color, and thus uric acid could be colorimetrically detected in the range of 2.0–150 μM with a limit of detection of 0.62 μM (3σ/K). Moreover, the present colorimetric method exhibited high selectivity; uric acid level in serum samples was successfully determined, and the recoveries ranged from 96.5% to 105.64%, suggesting the high accuracy of the present colorimetric method, which demonstrates great promise in clinical analysis.
A novel green spectrofluorimetric method for simultaneous determination of antazoline and tetryzoline in their ophthalmic formulation
Authors: Hussein Ola G. , Ahmed Dina A. , Abdelkawy Mohamed , Rezk Mamdouh R. , Rostom Yasmin
Published: March 2024

A novel spectrofluorimetric method has been developed for determination of antazoline (ANT) and tetryzoline (TET) in their pharmaceutical formulation. A combined application of synchronous spectrofluorimetry and second derivative mathematical treatment was developed. The proposed method depends on reacting the cited drugs with dansyl chloride (DNS‐Cl) being a suitable derivatizing agent generating highly fluorescent derivatives measured at emission wavelengths of 703.0 and 642.0 nm after excitation wavelengths of 350.0 and 320.0 nm for ANT and TET, respectively. The joint use of synchronous spectrofluorimetry with second derivative mathematical treatment is for the first time to be developed and optimized in aid of using fluorescence data manager software generating second derivative peak amplitudes at 556.5 nm for ANT and 516.7 nm for TET. Linear responses have been represented over a wide range of concentration (0.5–12.0 μg/mL for ANT and 0.5–10.0 μg/mL for TET). Additionally, statistical comparison of the developed method with the official ones has been carried out where no significant difference was found. Additionally, greenness profile assessment was accomplished by means of four metric tools. Indeed, the method developed is found to be precise, sensitive, and discriminating to assess the cited drugs for regular analysis.
Grain protein and amino acid dynamics in sorghum with in‐season split‐nitrogen application
Authors: Ostmeyer Troy J. , Impa S. M. , Peiris Kamaranga H. S. , Bean Scott R. , Ritchie Glen , Krishna Jagadish S. V.
Published: March 2024

Background and Objectives

Field experiments were conducted to assess the influence of in‐season split application of nitrogen (N) on grain protein, protein digestibility, and amino acid dynamics in grain sorghum, in three different environments. Treatments included a zero N check and eight treatments with varying N application timings and amounts.

Findings

The five high N treatments had significantly greater grain protein content than all the lower N treatments. As the total protein increased, the kafirin portion of the protein increased, whereas the albumin‐globulin levels decreased. Nitrogen treatment had a significant effect on 13 of the 18 amino acids. High N applications significantly increased amino acids on a protein basis including alanine, glutamic acid, leucine, proline, and phenylalanine.

Conclusions

Treatment N92 with N applied at 92 kg N ha−1 as split application at three different growth stages including planting, panicle initiation, and booting emerged as the optimum N treatment for increasing protein and amino acid concentration in grain sorghum.

Significance and Novelty

The ideal N application approach identified can be used to screen a wide range of sorghum hybrids under varying levels of irrigation and the same N treatments can be adopted by producers to enhance grain protein in sorghum.
Pregnancy‐associated osteoporosis following in vitro fertilization: A case report
Authors: Rahimi Mehran , Daneshvar Sara , Khabbazi Alireza
Published: March 2024

Key Clinical Message

This case report illustrates that in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be a potential risk factor for pregnancy‐associated osteoporosis (PAO), highlighting the need for awareness and monitoring of bone health in women undergoing IVF treatments. PAO is a rare disease resulting from an imbalance of calcium in the body during pregnancy and lactation and presenting with fragility fractures. PAO occurs in late pregnancy or early postpartum period. A 28‐year‐old woman who conceived through IVF experienced severe back pain 2 days after delivery. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine showed wedge‐shaped fractures of T9‐T12 vertebrae. Bone mineral density (BMD) was low on dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry. The laboratory tests were within the normal range. Based on the clinical manifestations, osteoporotic spine fracture, results of BMD, and exclusion of other causes of osteoporosis, the patient was diagnosed with PAO. Considering the deleterious effect of treatment with gonadotropin‐releasing hormone and repeated superovulation on bone, we hypothesized that IVF may be an etiological factor for PAO.
Lignin‐derived carbon with pyridine N‐B doping and a nanosandwich structure for high and stable lithium storage
Authors: Wu Dichao , Li Jiayuan , Zhao Yuying , Wang Ao , Zhang Gaoyue , Jiang Jianchun , Fan Mengmeng , Sun Kang
Published: March 2024

Biomass‐derived carbon is a promising electrode material in energy storage devices. However, how to improve its low capacity and stability, and slow diffusion kinetics during lithium storage remains a challenge. In this research, we propose a “self‐assembly‐template” method to prepare B, N codoped porous carbon (BN‐C) with a nanosandwich structure and abundant pyridinic N‐B species. The nanosandwich structure can increase powder density and cycle stability by constructing a stable solid electrolyte interphase film, shortening the Li+ diffusion pathway, and accommodating volume expansion during repeated charging/discharging. The abundant pyridinic N‐B species can simultaneously promote the adsorption/desorption of Li+/PF6− and reduce the diffusion barrier. The BN‐C electrode showed a high lithium‐ion storage capacity of above 1140 mAh g−1 at 0.05 A g−1 and superior stability (96.5% retained after 2000 cycles). Moreover, owing to the synergistic effect of the nanosandwich structure and pyridinic N‐B species, the assembled symmetrical BN‐C//BN‐C full cell shows a high energy density of 234.7 W h kg−1, high power density of 39.38 kW kg−1, and excellent cycling stability, superior to most of the other cells reported in the literature. As the density functional theory simulation demonstrated, pyridinic N‐B shows enhanced adsorption activity for Li+ and PF6−, which promotes an increase in the capacity of the anode and cathode, respectively. Meanwhile, the relatively lower diffusion barrier of pyridinic N‐B promotes Li+ migration, resulting in good rate performance. Therefore, this study provides a new approach for the synergistic modulation of a nanostructure and an active site simultaneously to fabricate the carbon electrode material in energy storage devices.
Producing Conventional and Transient Amino(mercapto)methyl Radicals by Addition of Muonium to a Crystalline Thioformamide (Mes*NHCH=S)
Authors: Akama Hikaru , Kojima Kenji M. , McKenzie Iain , Ito Shigekazu
Published: March 2024

Muonium (Mu=μ+e−) is composed of a muon of light isotope of proton (μ+) and electron (e−) and can be used as a light surrogate for a hydrogen atom. In this paper, we investigated addition of muonium to a newly synthesized Mes*‐substituted thioformamide (Mes*NHCH=S, Mes*=2,4,6‐tBu3C6H2). Transverse‐field muon spin rotation (TF‐μSR) of a solution sample of the thioformamide confirmed addition of muonium to the sulfur atom leading to the corresponding C‐centered radical [Mes*NHC(H)⋅−SMu]. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations assigned a conventional amino(mercapto)methyl radical, in which both nitrogen and carbon were slightly pyramidalized, and the calculated muon hyperfine coupling constant (hfcc) including the muon isotope effect was compatible with the experimentally determined parameter. However, the muon level‐crossing resonance (μLCR) spectrum of an anisotropic crystalline sample indicated two paramagnetic species, and the major product showed the considerably larger muon hfcc compared with the conventional structure of the amino(mercapto)methyl radical. The unusual transient muoniated thioformamide with the larger muon hfcc that showed rapid relaxation could be only explained by a transient structure including planarization of the nitrogen and carbon atoms in Mes*NHC(H)⋅−SMu.
Liquid biopsy of wash samples obtained via endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle biopsy: Comparison with liquid biopsy of plasma in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Ohyama Hiroshi , Hirotsu Yosuke , Amemiya Kenji , Amano Hiroyuki , Hirose Sumio , Oyama Toshio , Iimuro Yuji , Kojima Yuichiro , Mikata Rintaro , Mochizuki Hitoshi , Kato Naoya , Omata Masao
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Pancreatic cancer (PC) has a poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Liquid biopsy, which analyzes circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in blood, holds promise for precision medicine; however, low ctDNA detection rates pose challenges. This study aimed to investigate the utility of wash samples obtained via endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle biopsy (EUS‐FNB) as a liquid biopsy for PC.

Methods

A total of 166 samples (42 formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded [FFPE] tissues, 80 wash samples, and 44 plasma samples) were collected from 48 patients with PC for genomic analysis. DNA was extracted and quantified, and 60 significantly mutated genes were sequenced. The genomic profiles of FFPE tissues, wash samples, and plasma samples were compared. Finally, the ability to detect druggable mutations in 80 wash samples and 44 plasma samples was investigated.

Results

The amount of DNA was significantly lower in plasma samples than in wash samples. Genomic analysis revealed a higher detection rate of oncogenic mutations in FFPE tissues (98%) and wash samples (96%) than in plasma samples (18%) and a comparable detection rate in FFPE tissues and wash samples. Tumor‐derived oncogenic mutations were detected more frequently in wash samples than in plasma samples. Furthermore, the oncogenic mutations detection rate remained high in wash samples at all PC stages but low in plasma samples even at advanced PC stages. Using wash samples was more sensitive than plasma samples for identifying oncogenic and druggable mutations.

Conclusions

The wash sample obtained via EUS‐FNB is an ideal specimen for use as a liquid biopsy for PC.
Warm places, warm years, and warm seasons increase parasitizing of moose by winter ticks
Authors: DeCesare Nicholas J. , Harris Richard B. , Atwood M. Paul , Bergman Eric J. , Courtemanch Alyson B. , Cross Paul C. , Fralick Gary L. , Hersey Kent R. , Hurley Mark A. , Koser Troy M. , Levine Rebecca L. , Monteith Kevin L. , Newby Jesse R. , Peterson Collin J. , Robertson Samuel , Wise Benjamin L.
Published: March 2024

Observed links between parasites, such as ticks, and climate change have aroused concern for human health, wildlife population dynamics, and broader ecosystem effects. The one‐host life history of the winter tick (Dermacentor albipictus) links each annual cohort to environmental conditions during three specific time periods when they are predictably vulnerable: spring detachment from hosts, summer larval stage, and fall questing for hosts. We used mixed‐effects generalized linear models to investigate the drivers of tick loads carried by moose (Alces alces) relative to these time periods and across 750 moose, 10 years, and 16 study areas in the western United States. We tested for the effects of biotic factors (moose density, shared winter range, vegetation, migratory behavior) and weather conditions (temperature, snow, humidity) during each seasonal period when ticks are vulnerable and off‐host. We found that warm climatic regions, warm seasonal periods across multiple partitions of the annual tick life cycle, and warm years relative to long‐term averages each contributed to increased tick loads. We also found important effects of snow and other biotic factors such as host density and vegetation. Tick loads in the western United States were, on average, lower than those where tick‐related die‐offs in moose populations have occurred recently, but loads carried by some individuals may be sufficient to cause mortality. Lastly, we found interannual variation in tick loads to be most correlated with spring snowpack, suggesting this environmental component may have the highest potential to induce change in tick load dynamics in the immediate future of this region.
Metal‐based smart nanosystems in cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Luo Ying , He Xiaojing , Du Qianying , Xu Lian , Xu Jie , Wang Junrui , Zhang Wenli , Zhong Yixin , Guo Dajing , Liu Yun , Chen Xiaoyuan
Published: March 2024

Metals are an emerging topic in cancer immunotherapy that have shown great potential in modulating cancer immunity cycle and promoting antitumor immunity by activating the intrinsic immunostimulatory mechanisms which have been identified in recent years. The main challenge of metal‐assisted immunotherapy lies in the fact that the free metals as ion forms are easily cleared during circulation, and even cause systemic metal toxicity due to the off‐target effects. With the rapid development of nanomedicine, metal‐based smart nanosystems (MSNs) with unique controllable structure become one of the most promising delivery carriers to solve the issue, owing to their various endogenous/external stimuli‐responsiveness to release free metal ions for metalloimmunotherapy. In this review, the state‐of‐the‐art research progress in metal‐related immunotherapy is comprehensively summarized. First, the mainstream mechanisms of MSNs‐assisted immunotherapy will be delineated. The immunological effects of certain metals and categorization of MSNs with different characters and compositions are then provided, followed by the representative exemplar applications of MSNs in cancer treatment, and synergistic combination immunotherapy. Finally, we conclude this review with a summary of the remaining challenges associated with MSNs and provide the authors' perspective on their further advances.
Higher area deprivation index is associated with poorer local control and overall survival in non‐metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Malik Nauman H. , Montero Mackenzie , Chen Jie Jane , Sinha Sumi , Yom Sue S. , Chan Jason W.
Published: March 2024

Background

Neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation impacts outcomes in various cancers. We examined this association in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients using the area deprivation index (ADI).

Methods

We conducted a single‐institution retrospective cohort study on NPC patients treated with definitive radiotherapy from 1980 to 2023. ADI was used as the primary exposure measure. Higher ADI indicates higher levels of socioeconomic deprivation.

Results

Of 561 patients, those with higher ADI (6–10 vs. 1–5) presented more commonly with AJCC stage III/IV compared to I/II (87% vs. 76%, p = 0.03). Increasing ADI decile score correlated with poorer overall survival (HR 1.14, 95% CI 1.01–1.28, p = 0.04). Local control was worse in patients from the most deprived quartile in the cohort ADI 5–10 (HR 2.11, 95% CI 1.01–4.41, p = 0.05).

Conclusions

NPC patients from more disadvantaged neighborhoods undergoing radiotherapy had worse local control and survival outcomes. Interventions to address structural determinants of health and neighborhood disparities may improve these outcomes.
The prevalence of 17 common respiratory viruses in patients with respiratory illness but negative for COVID‐19: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Sadeh Tehrani Reyhaneh , Mohammadjafari Hanieh , Alizadeh Sheida , Naseroleslami Maryam , Karbalaie Niya Mohammad Hadi
Published: March 2024

Background and Aims

Second to COVID‐19 pandemic, other viral respiratory infections are still important causes of human diseases or co‐infections. Hence, the present study was carried out to investigate the common respiratory viruses in patients with respiratory illness diagnosed negative for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 in primary screening.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional study, a real‐time PCR was carried out using HiTeq. 17 Viro Respiratory pathogen One Step RT‐PCR Kit (Genova, Bonda Faravar, Bioluence, Tehran, Iran).

Results

A total of 311 individuals (mean age ± SD: 48.2 ± 21.7 years, range: 1–97 years) underwent second PCR. Among these, 161 (51.7%) were female. In total, 55 (17.6%) cases (mean age ± SD: 45.7 ± 18.1 years) were found positive for respiratory viruses panel in the second PCR. The HCoV‐OC43/HKU1 was in 5.4% (17/311), Flu A in 4.5% (14/311), HCoV‐229E/NL63 in 2.8% (9/311), HMPV in 1.9% (6/311), HPiV 1, 2, 3 in 1.2% (4/311), HRSV in 0.9% (3/311), and HAdV in 0.6% (2/311) of the cases studies. Also, co‐infection was detected in 4 samples (1.2%). In addition, sore throat (0.028), headache (p = 0.016), and body pain (p = 0.0001) were statistically the most significant symptoms in studied cases.

Conclusion

According to the findings of our study, respiratory virus infections and co‐infections were 17.6% and 1.2% frequent, respectively. Interestingly, nearly half of our positive cases (47.2%) were identified by coronaviruses (ОС43, Е229, NL63, and HKUI), followed by influenza A virus (25.4%). However, for more comprehensive results, we recommend using greater sample size.
Diabetes mellitus, the fastest growing global public health concern: Early detection should be focused
Authors: Hossain Md. Jamal , Al‐Mamun Md. , Islam Md. Rabiul
Published: March 2024

Background and Aims

Diabetes is recognized as a significant factor in both mortality and morbidity worldwide, affecting various demographics regardless of geographic location, age group, or gender. This correspondence aims to express concern and draw the attention of leaders and policymakers worldwide to this critical public health issue.

Methods

A thorough literature search was conducted utilizing various databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) website, to collect the required data. Keywords were strategically applied to enhance search results, with preference given to English‐language articles containing pertinent information.

Results

According to the 2021 report by the IDF, approximately 537 million individuals globally were affected with diabetes, constituting roughly 10.5% of the world's populace. This condition incurred healthcare expenditures totaling $966 billion. Projections indicate a surge in diabetes cases to 783 million by 2045, with associated healthcare costs estimated to surpass $1054 billion. However, almost half of all people with diabetes are unaware of their medical condition, with the highest prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes Mellitus (DM) found in low and middle‐income countries (LMICs) of the regions of Africa, the Western Pacific, and Southeast Asia.

Conclusion

Collaborating with the World Health Organization (WHO), LMIC governments should improve healthcare accessibility, including more frequent diabetes screenings for individuals aged ≥ 45 years and younger individuals at elevated risk of having a family history.
Enhanced heat transfer study of microchannel heat sink with periodically arranged triangular cavities and arc‐shaped ribs
Authors: Wang Congle , Zhu Jinrong , Li Hui , Dai Dongqing , Lv Hui , Lv Qinghua
Published: March 2024

The microchannel heat sink with periodically arranged triangular cavities and arc‐shaped ribs (MC‐ARTC) is investigated numerically under the conditions of Reynolds number 147–736. The effects of triangular cavities and arc‐shaped ribs on velocity, pressure, and temperature distribution in the channel are analyzed in comparison with a rectangular microchannel heat sink, microchannel heat sink with arc‐shaped ribs, and microchannel heat sink with triangular cavities. The results show that the triangular cavity and the arc‐shaped rib have important effects on the flow and heat transfer characteristics in the microchannel heat sink. Both rib and cavity can cause a change in fluid flow direction and disturb the development of the flow boundary layer. The fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics of microchannels are improved. Among the four microchannels, the MC‐ARTC has the optimum comprehensive performance for the combined effect of the rib and cavity. Relative cavity width () and relative rib height () are also defined to study the effects of cavity width ( = 89–200 μm) and rib height ( = 8.9–28.9 μm) on the flow and heat transfer characteristics. It is found that the heat transfer of MC‐ARTC is enhanced with increasing and , while lead to higher pressure drop. When and are 252 and 249 μm, respectively, the comprehensive performance factor () of MC‐ARTC reaches 1.76.
Chemical etching of Ti‐6Al‐4V biomaterials fabricated by selective laser melting enhances mesenchymal stromal cell mineralization
Authors: O'Keeffe Conor , Kotlarz Marcin , Gonçalves Inês F. , Lally Caitríona , Kelly Daniel J.
Published: March 2024

Porous titanium scaffolds fabricated by powder bed fusion additive manufacturing techniques have been widely adopted for orthopedic and bone tissue engineering applications. Despite the many advantages of this approach, topological defects inherited from the fabrication process are well understood to negatively affect mechanical properties and pose a high risk if dislodged after implantation. Consequently, there is a need for further post‐process surface cleaning. Traditional techniques such as grinding or polishing are not suited to lattice structures, due to lack of a line of sight to internal features. Chemical etching is a promising alternative; however, it remains unclear if changes to surface properties associated with such protocols will influence how cells respond to the material surface. In this study, we explored the response of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) to Ti‐6Al‐4V whose surface was exposed to different durations of chemical etching. Cell morphology was influenced by local topological features inherited from the SLM fabrication process. On the as‐built surface, topological nonhomogeneities such as partially adhered powder drove a stretched anisotropic cellular morphology, with large areas of the cell suspended across the nonhomogeneous powder interface. As the etching process was continued, surface defects were gradually removed, and cell morphology appeared more isotropic and was suggestive of MSC differentiation along an osteoblastic‐lineage. This was accompanied by more extensive mineralization, indicative of progression along an osteogenic pathway. These findings point to the benefit of post‐process chemical etching of additively manufactured Ti‐6Al‐4V biomaterials targeting orthopedic applications.