bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lattice Matching Engineering Driven Growth of Large‐Area 2D CeO2 for High‐Performance Photodetection
Authors: Chen Keyu , Yu Chen Guan , Hu Xinyi , Wu Hao , Gu Mingwei , Luan Yange , Zhang Baoyue , Hu Yihong , Cheng Yinfen , Tang Tao , Huang Haibo , Chen Liguo , Ou Jian Zhen
Published: October 2023

Few rare‐earth (RE) atoms incorporated in lattice greatly tunned the optical, electrical, magnetic, and catalytic performance of doped crystal through the peculiar atomic electron structure of RE. The dimensionality scale‐down of RE oxides can further promote their unique traits and broaden their applications. The UV photodetection performance of (111) oriented CeO2 thin film is limited by the existence of grain boundaries, defects, and strains. Consequently, single‐crystal 2D CeO2 is promising for photodetection as it lacks of grain boundaries and defects. However, the synthesis of large‐sized high‐quality 2D CeO2 with lateral dimensions over 100 µm is challenging. In this work, a 3.9 nm thick CeO2 single crystal with 120 µm lateral size is synthesized over a sapphire substrate through a salt‐assisted chemical vapor deposition method, in which an intermediate insulating CeAlO3 layer is formed between the substrate and 2D CeO2 to enhance the crystal lattice matching and therefore facilitates the large area growth. The photodetector based on 2D CeO2 exhibits a photo response from 395 to 532 nm, possibly ascribed to a micro‐strain narrowed bandgap induced at the heterointerface. The photoresponsivity reaches 43.6 A W−1 while the detectivity reaches 7.58 × 1011 Jones under the 395 nm laser irradiation. Besides, the sub‐ms switching kinetics is achieved without gating bias, which is significantly improved over other reported RE oxides‐based photodetectors. This work demonstrates the possibility of the synthesis of large‐size high‐quality 2D RE oxides and their strong potential in high‐performance optoelectronic devices.
Imbedded Perovskite Nanocrystals in Metal Halide Microcrystal: Synthesis and Heterostructure
Authors: Hui Minqi , Zhao Xueyang , Li Zhenhua , Wang Xicheng , Wang Yuhua
Published: October 2023

Lead halide perovskite nanocrystals and other metal halides have received considerable attention due to their unique optoelectronic properties. A combined perovskite nanocrystal‐metal halide heterostructure can achieve desirable properties for enriched applications. However, the construction of such a heterostructure is challenging. In this study, a CsPbBr3/Cs2ZnBr4 heterostructured microcrystal with perovskite nanocrystals embedded in a metal halide matrix is successfully synthesized using a facile ultrasound‐assisted post‐processing method. The heterostructure of the perovskite‐metal halide composite materials is fully deciphered through ab initio calculations and multiscale characterizations. The heterostructure‐induced variation in optical properties is elucidated based on micro‐nano spectral and luminescence kinetic behaviors. This study provides new insights into the design of perovskite nanocrystal‐based heterostructured materials, improving the understanding of metal halides and extending their applications.
Effects of forest fragmentation on the dietary ecology and activity of a nocturnal lemur community in North West Madagascar
Authors: Hending Daniel , Randrianarison Heriniaina , Andriamavosoloarisoa Niaina N. M. , Ranohatra‐Hending Christina , Cotton Sam , Holderied Marc , McCabe Grainne
Published: October 2023

Deforestation and habitat fragmentation is the primary threat to primate populations. The primates that live within degraded and anthropogenically disturbed habitats typical of fragmented landscapes have to cope with lower availability of resources in comparison to primates in continuous, undisturbed forests. While some species are sensitive to forest fragmentation, some evidence exists to suggest that primates can alter their behavior and adapt to such changes, which enables their survival in suboptimal habitat. In this study, we assessed how forest fragmentation and its associated edge‐effects impact the feeding ecology and activity levels of a nocturnal primate community in the Sahamalaza‐Iles Radama National Park, North West Madagascar. From March 06, 2019 to May 17, 2022, we collected data on tree and invertebrate phenology at our study site, and feeding ecology and activity for 159 lemur individuals from four species. Fruit and flower availability varied significantly between continuous and fragmented forest, and between forest core and edge areas, with continuous forest exhibiting higher continuous fruit and flower availability. Lemur feeding ecology varied significantly too, as the feeding niches of all four species were significantly different between continuous and fragmented forest and between core and edge areas. However, lemur activity levels were mostly consistent among all forest areas. The results of this study suggest that nocturnal lemurs are able to adapt their dietary ecology in response to the available food sources within their habitat. Due to this flexible ecology and dietary plasticity, the lemurs do not need to significantly alter their behavior in different environments to fulfill their dietary needs. While nocturnal lemurs demonstrate adaptability and flexibility to degraded habitat, it is unclear how far this plasticity will stretch considering that Madagascar's forests are still being cleared at an alarming rate. Urgent conservation action is therefore needed to ensure the future of lemur habitat.
A Genuine Multipartite Entanglement Measure Generated by the Parametrized Entanglement Measure
Authors: Shi Xian , Chen Lin
Published: October 2023

A genuine multipartite entanglement measure based on the geometric method is investigated in this paper. This measure has desirable properties for quantifying the genuine multipartite entanglement. A lower bound of the genuine multipartite entanglement measure derived with the fidelity‐based method is then presented. The advantages of the measure proposed here with other measures are also presented. At last, examples are presented to show that the genuine entanglement measure has distinct entanglement ordering from other measures.
Biodegradable Dual‐Network Cellulosic Composite Bioplastic Metafilm for Plastic Substitute
Authors: Wang Dong , Shi Shuo , Mao Yanyun , Lei Leqi , Fu Shaohai , Hu Jinlian
Published: October 2023

With the escalating environmental and health concerns over petroleum‐based plastics, sustainable and biodegradable cellulosic materials are a promising alternative to plastics, yet remain unsatisfied properties such as fragility, inflammability and water sensitivity for practical usage. Herein, we present a novel dual‐network design strategy to address these limitations and fabricate a high‐performance cellulosic composite bioplastic metafilm with the exceptional mechanical toughness (23.5 MJ m−3), flame retardance, and solvent resistance by in situ growth of cyclotriphosphazene‐bridged organosilica network within bacterial cellulose matrix. The phosphorus, nitrogen‐containing organosilica network, verified by the experimental and theoretical results, plays a triple action on significantly enhancing tensile strength, toughness, flame retardance and water resistance of composite bioplastic metafilm. Furthermore, cellulosic bioplastic composite metafilm demonstrates a higher maximum usage temperature (245 °C), lower thermal expansion coefficient (15.19 ppm °C−1), and better solvent resistance than traditional plastics, good biocompatibility and natural biodegradation. Moreover, the composite bioplastic metafilm have a good transparency of average 74 % and a high haze over 80 %, which can serve as an outstanding substrate substitute for commercial polyethylene terephthalate film to address the demand of flexible ITO films. This work paves a creative way to design and manufacture the competitive bioplastic composite to replace daily‐used plastics.
A reversible water‐based electrostatic adhesive
Authors: Sierra‐Romero Adriana , Novakovic Katarina , Geoghegan Mark
Published: October 2023

Commercial adhesives typically fall into two categories: structural or pressure sensitive. Structural glues rely on covalent bonds formed during curing and provide high tensile strength whilst pressure‐sensitive adhesives use physical bonding to provide weaker adhesion, but with considerable convenience for the user. Here, a new class of adhesive is presented that is also reversible, with a bond strength intermediate between those of pressure‐sensitive and structural adhesives. Complementary water‐based formulations incorporating oppositely charged polyelectrolytes form electrostatic bonds that may be reversed through immersion in a low or high pH aqueous environment. This electrostatic adhesive has the advantageous property that it exhibits good adhesion to low‐energy surfaces such as polypropylene. Furthermore, it is produced by the emulsion copolymerization of commodity materials, styrene and butyl acrylate, which makes it inexpensive and opens the possibility of industrial production. Bio‐based materials have been also integrated into the formulations to further increase sustainability. Moreover, unlike other water‐based glues, adhesion does not significantly degrade in humid environments. Because such electrostatic adhesives do not require mechanical detachment, they are appropriate for the large‐scale recycling of, e.g., bottle labels or food packaging. The adhesive is also suitable for dismantling components in areas as varied as automotive parts and electronics.
Thermally Robust yet Deconstructable and Chemically Recyclable High‐Density Polyethylene (HDPE)‐Like Materials Based on Si−O Bonds
Authors: Johnson Alayna M. , Johnson Jeremiah A.
Published: October 2023

Polyethylene (PE) is the most widely produced synthetic polymer. By installing chemically cleavable bonds into the backbone of PE, it is possible to produce chemically deconstructable PE derivatives; to date, however, such designs have primarily relied on carbonyl‐ and olefin‐related functional groups. Bifunctional silyl ethers (BSEs; SiR2(OR′2)) could expand the functional scope of PE mimics as they possess strong Si−O bonds and facile chemical tunability. Here, we report BSE‐containing high‐density polyethylene (HDPE)‐like materials synthesized through a one‐pot catalytic ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) and hydrogenation sequence. The crystallinity of these materials can be adjusted by varying the BSE concentration or the steric bulk of the Si‐substituents, providing handles to control thermomechanical properties. Two methods for chemical recycling of HDPE mimics are introduced, including a circular approach that leverages acid‐catalyzed Si−O bond exchange with 1‐propanol. Additionally, despite the fact that the starting HDPE mimics were synthesized by chain‐growth polymerization (ROMP), we show that it is possible to recover the molar mass and dispersity of recycled HDPE products using step‐growth Si−O bond formation or exchange, generating high molecular weight recycled HDPE products with mechanical properties similar to commercial HDPE.
Modeling of bioprocess pre‐stages for optimization of perfusion profiles and increased process understanding
Authors: Pogodaev Aleksandr , Hernández Rodríguez Tanja , Li Mengyao , García Münzer David Gerardo
Published: October 2023

Improving bioprocess efficiency is important to reduce the current costs of biologics on the market, bring them faster to the market, and to improve the environmental footprint. The process intensification efforts were historically focused on the main stage, while intensification of pre‐stages has started to gain attention only in the past decade. Performing bioprocess pre‐stages in the perfusion mode is one of the most efficient options to achieve higher viable cell densities over traditional batch methods. While the perfusion‐mode operation allows to reach higher viable cell densities, it also consumes large amount of medium, making it cost‐intensive. The change of perfusion rate during a process (perfusion profile) determines how much medium is consumed, thereby running a process in optimal conditions is key to reduce medium consumption. However, the selection of the perfusion profile is often made empirically, without full understanding of bioprocess dynamics. This fact is hindering potential process improvements and means for cost reduction. In this study, we propose a process modeling approach to identify the optimal perfusion profile during bioprocess pre‐stages. The developed process model was used internally during process development. We could reduce perfused medium volume by 25%–45% (project‐dependent), while keeping the difference in the final cell within 5%–10% compared to the original settings. Additionally, the model helps to reduce the experimental workload by 30%–70% and to predict an optimal perfusion profile when process conditions need to be changed (e.g., higher seeding density, change of operating mode from batch to perfusion, etc.). This study demonstrates the potential of process modeling as a powerful tool for optimizing bioprocess pre‐stages and thereby guiding process development, improving overall bioprocess efficiency, and reducing operational costs, while strongly reducing the need for wet‐lab experiments.
Meso‐ and thermophilic posttreatment of press water coming from a thermophilic municipal solid waste digester
Authors: Prem Eva Maria , Markt Rudolf , Wunderer Mathias , Wagner Andreas Otto
Published: October 2023

An efficient biogas production out of organic (waste) materials is important to contribute to a carbon‐neutral future. In this study, thermophilic press water (PW) coming from an organic fraction of the municipal solid waste digester was further digested in a thermo‐ and mesophilic posttreatment approach using two semicontinuous 14 L digesters. The results showed that the PW can still have considerable high biogas potential—at least during the touristic high season in central Europe. The change in temperature led to an increase in volatile fatty acid concentrations and a decrease in biogas production in the mesophilic approach in the first days. However, the losses in biogas production at the beginning could be compensated thus there were no considerable differences in biogas production between thermo‐ and mesophilic posttreatment at the end of incubation. This can most probably be contributed to a change in the microbial community, and potentially problematic intermediates like valerate could be better degraded in the mesophilic reactor. Especially the abundance of representatives of the phylum Bacteroidota, like Fermentimonas spp., increased during mesophilic anaerobic digestion.
Prediction of liver and lung metastases in patients with early‐onset colorectal cancer by nomograms based on heterogeneous and homogenous risk factors
Authors: E Yimin , Sun Sizheng , Fan Xiaoyu , Lu Chen , Ji Pengcheng , Huang Yicheng , Sun Jing , Yang Xiaojun , Yu Chunzhao
Published: October 2023

Background

Identifying the risk factors for distant metastasis in early‐onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) is crucial for elucidating its etiology and facilitating preventive treatment. This study aims to characterize the variability in EOCRC incidence and discern both heterogeneous and homogeneous risk factors associated with synchronous liver, lung, and hepato‐lung metastases.

Methods

This study included patients with EOCRC enrolled in the SEER database between 2010 and 2015 and divided patients into three groups by synchronous liver, lung, and hepato‐lung metastases. Each group of patients with different metastasis types was randomly assigned to the development and validation cohort in a ratio of 7:3. Logistic regression was used to analyze the heterogeneous and homogenous risk factors for synchronous liver, lung, and hepato‐lung metastases in the development cohort of patients. Nomograms were built to calculate the risk of metastasis, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and calibration curve were used to quantitatively evaluate their performance.

Results

A total of 16,336 eligible patients with EOCRC were included in this study, of which 17.90% (2924/16,336) had distant metastases. The overall incidences of synchronous liver, lung, and hepato‐lung metastases were 11.90% (1921/16,146), 2.42% (390/16,126), and 1.50% (241/16,108), respectively. Positive CEA values before treatment, increased lymphatic metastases, and deeper invasion of intestinal wall were positively correlated with three distant types of metastases. On the contrary, the correlation of age, ethnicity, location of primary tumor, and histologic grade among the three types was inconsistent. The ROC curve and calibration curve proved to have fine performance in predicting distant metastases of EOCRC.

Conclusions

There are significant differences in the incidence of distant metastases in EOCRC, and related risk factors are heterogeneous and homogenous. Although limited risk factors were incorporated in this study, the established nomograms indicated good predictive performance.
Essential cancer medicines and cancer outcomes: Cross‐sectional study of 124 countries
Authors: Ikpeni Oghenefejiro (Theresa) , Maraj Darshanand , Woods Hannah , Workentin Aine , Booth Christopher M. , Persaud Nav
Published: October 2023

Background

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Alongside other interventions, access to certain medicines may decrease cancer‐associated mortality. Listing medicines on national essential medicines lists may improve health outcomes. We examine the association between cancer mortality amenable to care and the listing of cancer medicines on national essential medicines lists (NEMLs) of 124 countries.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, we determined the number of medicines used to treat eight cancers on NEMLs and used multiple linear regression to analyze the association between cancer health outcome scores and the number of medicines on NEMLs while controlling for GDP. A sensitivity analysis was also conducted using selected medicines.

Findings

The number of cancer medicines on NEMLs was not associated with cancer health outcome scores when GDP was controlled for non‐melanoma skin (p = 0.224), uterine (p = 0.221), breast (p = 0.145), Hodgkin's lymphoma (p = 0.697), colon (p = 0.299), leukemia (p = 0.103), cervical (p = 0.834), and testicular cancers (p = 0.178).

Interpretation

There was a weak association between listing medicines for eight cancers in NEMLs and amenable mortality. Further studies are required to explore association between cancer health outcomes and other factors such as actual availability of medicines listed, access to surgeries, accurate diagnosis, radiotherapy, and early detection.
ENAH‐202 promotes cancer progression in oral squamous cell carcinoma by regulating ZNF502/VIM axis
Authors: Zhang Xinyue , Chen Xi , Sun Dongyuan , Song Ning , Li Minmin , Zheng Wentian , Yu Yang , Ding Gang , Jiang Yingying
Published: October 2023

Background

We aimed to demonstrate the regulatory effect of long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) ENAH‐202 on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) development as well as its molecular mechanism.

Methods

We detected ENAH‐202 expression in OSCC tissues and cell lines by quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR). The biological function of ENAH‐202 was assessed in vitro and in vivo using CCK‐8, colony formation assays, transwell assays, xenograft formation, and tail vein injection. The further molecular mechanism by which ENAH‐202 promoted OSCC progression was identified using RNA pull‐down, LS‐MS/MS analysis, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays.

Results

ENAH‐202 was significantly upregulated in OSCC tissues and cells. ENAH‐202 promoted OSCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro and in vivo. The expression of enabled homolog (ENAH) and epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐related proteins was changed with the expression of ENAH‐202. Moreover, ENAH‐202 promoted the transcription of Vimentin (VIM) by binding with ZNF502, which can help ENAH‐202 promote OSCC progression.

Conclusions

ENAH‐202 facilitated OSCC cell proliferation and metastasis by regulating ZNF502/VIM axis, which played an important role in OSCC progression.
Cancer stage at diagnosis: Comparison of insurance status in SEER to the Department of Defense Cancer Registry
Authors: Flanary James T. , Lin Jie , Shriver Craig D. , Zhu Kangmin
Published: October 2023

Background

Military individuals, retirees, and their families have free care or minimal out‐of‐pocket costs in the US military health system (MHS). In contrast, out‐of‐pocket costs in the US general population vary substantially. This study compared cancer patients with various insurance types in the general population to those in the MHS in cancer stage at diagnosis.

Methods

Patients were identified from the US Department of Defense's (DoD) Automated Central Tumor Registry (ACTUR) and the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program. Tumor stage at diagnosis of breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancers during 2007–2013 was compared between ACTUR and SEER insurance categories of “insured,” “insured‐no specifics,” “any Medicaid,” and “uninsured,” A multivariable logistic regression analysis estimated the odds ratio (OR) of late stage (Stages III and IV) versus early stage (Stages I and II) cancers comparing SEER insurance status to ACTUR.

Results

There were 18,440 eligible patients identified from ACTUR and 831,959 patients identified from SEER. For all cancer types, patients in the SEER‐insured/no specifics, Medicaid, and uninsured groups had significantly greater likelihood of late stage diagnosis compared to ACTUR patients. The adjusted ORs were greatest among uninsured and Medicaid patients. The SEER‐insured group also had a significantly higher odds of advanced stage disease than ACTUR patients for prostate cancer and lung cancer.

Conclusion

Patients in the MHS with universal access to healthcare were diagnosed at an earlier stage than those in the general population. This difference was most evident compared to Medicaid and uninsured groups.
Circulating inflammatory cytokines in relation to the risk of renal cell carcinoma: A gender‐specific two‐sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Tao Shuixiang , Lin Yiwei , Huang Shengqiang , Lin Shen , Jin Ke , Chen Hong
Published: October 2023

Background

Currently there is no specific molecular biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Here we performed a gender‐specific two‐sample Mendelian randomization analysis to systematically assess the effects of circulating cytokines on RCC.

Methods

We have employed cis‐quantitative trait loci as instrumental variables for the protein levels and expression of circulating cytokines. We estimated the causal effects of circulating cytokines on RCC risk in males and females with several Mendelian randomization methods.

Results

We observed a significant causal effect of Eotaxin on the increased risk of RCC in males (Odds ratio [OR] = 2.546, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.617–4.010, p value = 5.496 × 10–5), but not in females (OR = 1.352, 95% CI = 0.766–2.388, p value = 0.298). Besides, we also identified several cytokines as potentially associated with RCC in males including RANTES, MCP3, PDGFbb, TRAIL, and several other cytokines as potentially associated with RCC in females including sICAM and SCGFb.

Conclusion

Our study highlighted that a higher level of circulating Eotaxin is causally associated with an increased risk of RCC in males but not in females. Further studies are needed to elucidate the exact mechanism and its potential application in the prognosis and treatment of RCC.
Therapeutic drug monitoring to personalize dosing of imatinib, sunitinib, and pazopanib: A mixed methods study on barriers and facilitators
Authors: Westerdijk Kim , Steeghs Neeltje , Tacke Casper S. J. , van der Graaf Winette T. A. , van Erp Nielka P. , van Oortmerssen Gerard , Hermens Rosella P. M. G. , Desar Ingrid M. E. ,   In collaboration with the Dutch Pharmacology Oncology Group (DPOG)
Published: October 2023

Background

Personalized dosing based on measurement of individual drug levels and adjusting the dose accordingly can improve efficacy and decrease unnecessary toxicity of oncological treatment. For imatinib, sunitinib, and pazopanib, this therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM)‐guided dosing is, however, not routinely used, despite accumulating evidence favoring individualized dosing. Therefore, we aimed to identify and quantify (potential) barriers and facilitators in TDM‐guided dosing for imatinib, sunitinib, and pazopanib.

Methods

We performed a mixed methods study among all stakeholders involved: patients, healthcare professionals (HCPs), pharmaceutical companies, and health insurance companies. During the first qualitative part of this study, we performed semi‐structured individual interviews and one focus group interview to identify all (potential) barriers and facilitators, and during the second quantitative part of this study, we used a web‐based survey to quantify these findings. The interviews addressed the six domains of the implementation of change model of Grol and Wensing: (1) the innovation itself; (2) the HCP; (3) the patient; (4) social context; (5) organizational context; and (6) finances, law, and governance.

Results

In the qualitative study, we interviewed 20 patients, 18 HCPs and 10 representatives of pharmaceutical and health insurance companies and identified 72 barriers and 90 facilitators. In the quantitative study, the survey was responded by 66 HCPs and 58 patients. Important barriers were on the domain of the HCP, such as a lack of experience with TDM (36.4%), on the domain of the patient, such as lack of awareness of TDM (39.7%), and the processing time for measurement and interpretation of the TDM result (40.9%) (organizational domain). Important facilitators were education of HCPs (95.5%), education of patients (87.9%) and facilitating an overview of when and where TDM measurements are being performed (86.4%).

Conclusion

We identified and quantified important barriers and facilitators for the implementation of TDM‐guided dosing for imatinib, sunitinib, and pazopanib. Based on our results, the implementation strategy should mainly focus on educating both HCPs and patients and on the organizational aspect of TDM.
Keep your eye on…
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: October 2023

Whether and how to tell a child about serious illness

The FDA's crackdown on selling vapes to youth
Corporal punishment — aka spanking — should be banned: AAP
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: October 2023

Rewarding positive behavior, and not corporal punishment, should be the main mode of discipline by schools and families, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), which wants it to be banned in all states by law. First, it causes harm to children. Second, it doesn't work. And third, it leads to even worse behavior.
Isolated torsion of the utero‐ovarian ligament
Authors: Hla Audrey , Harold Justin , Andikyan Vaagn
Published: October 2023

Key Clinical Message

Isolated utero‐ovarian torsion poses a challenge to diagnosing adnexal torsion, as it may not present with imaging findings. Clinicians with high suspicion for torsion but lack of evidence on ultrasonography should proceed to diagnostic laparoscopy.

Adnexal torsion occurs when the ovary rotates around its supporting ligaments, the infundibulopelvic and utero‐ovarian (UO) ligaments, often causing disruption of blood supply. This pathology often presents with acute pelvic pain and is a gynecologic surgical emergency. Diagnosis is typically made with Doppler ultrasound, although dual blood supply to the ovary poses additional diagnostic challenges and sensitivity of this tool is debated. In this case study, we present a case of missed torsion due to isolated compromise of UO ligament.
Partial nephrectomy of a horseshoe kidney associated with renal cell carcinoma and ureteral stone: A clinical case report
Authors: Khayyamfar Feraidoon , Dalil Davood , Khayyamfar Amirmahdi
Published: October 2023

Key Clinical Message

Although anatomical and vascular abnormalities of the horseshoe kidney might be challenging, complete preoperative imaging evaluations and accurate organ‐sparing surgical planning can lead to much lower complications.

Horseshoe kidney (HK) is one of the most common renal fusion anomalies. Renal carcinoids are rarely reported in HK patients. Here, we described a rare case of advanced right renal cell carcinoma (RCC) along with proximal left ureter stone in a 41‐year‐old man who presented with a complaint of turbid urine. Early blood tests revealed a blood urea nitrogen of 44 mg/dL and serum creatinine of 1.35 mg/dL. The urine analysis showed microscopic hematuria (6–8 RBCs) and few calcium oxalate crystals. The imaging evaluations revealed an HK anomaly with a solid mass on the right side and a 4 mm stone in the proximal left ureter. The findings suggested RCC which was confirmed by histopathology examination. Consequently, the patient was scheduled for an organ‐preserving open surgery of a right kidney tumor with concomitant left ureterolithotomy. The 16‐month follow‐up showed no urological complications, metastasis, or tumor proliferation. Although the anatomical and vascular abnormalities of HK might be challenging, organ‐sparing surgical treatment should be considered in feasibly resectable tumors. Complete preoperative imaging evaluations to identify the characteristics of HK, as well as accurate surgical planning, can lead to much lower complications.
Anion‐Rocking Chair Batteries with Tuneable Voltage using Viologen‐ and Phenothiazine Polymer‐based Electrodes**
Authors: Bhosale Manik , Schmidt Caroline , Penert Philipp , Studer Gauthier , Esser Birgit
Published: October 2023

Organic battery electrode materials offer the unique opportunity for full cells to operate in an anion‐rocking chair mode. For this configuration a pair of p‐type redox‐active electrode materials is required with a substantial potential gap between their redox processes. We herein investigate viologen‐functionalized polystyrenes as negative electrode paired with a phenothiazine polymer as positive electrode in all‐organic full cells. The 10 % crosslinked viologen polymer X10‐PVBV gave better performance than the linear PVBV and was employed in a full cell as negative electrode with cross‐linked poly(3‐vinyl‐N‐methylphenothiazine) (X‐PVMPT) as positive electrode. Three cell configurations regarding the voltage range were investigated, of which one with an operating potential of 0.9 V gave the highest performance. The full cell delivered a specific discharge capacity of 64 mA h g−1 (of X‐PVMPT) in the first cycle and a capacity retention of 79 % after 100 cycles. This is one of only few reported anion rocking chair all‐organic cells and the first employing a phenothiazine‐based positive electrode material.
Critical education for sustainability and Chantal Mouffe's green democratic revolution
Authors: Huckle John
Published: October 2023

How should the curriculum for older school students address the transition to sustainable futures? This article seeks to answer this question by reference to the marginalisation of education for sustainability (EfS) in England after 2010; its re‐emergence around 2020, prompted largely by students' protests over climate change: and the continuing need for critical approaches that acknowledge the contested nature of sustainability. Gramsci's theory of hegemony as developed by Gilbert and Williams, is used to explain the marginalisation of EfS while Mouffe's advocacy of a green democratic revolution, shaped by a blend of eco‐socialist, post‐developmental and decolonial thought, suggests what a critical EfS should cover and why it should be linked to radical global citizenship education. Neoliberal, socially democratic and eco‐socialist discourses of sustainability and a green transition should feature in the curriculum and agonistic pedagogy should be employed to enable students to reflect and act on these and so develop their political literacy. The Curriculum for Wales can accommodate such pedagogy and an incoming Labour government in Westminster can learn from its example.
Does the joint expansion of urban agglomerations threaten the supply and demand of water‐related ecosystem services? A case study in north‐west Hubei, China
Authors: Shao Shuai , Yang Yong
Published: October 2023

In the ecological protection zone, it is unclear how the joint development of urban agglomeration affects the supply–demand of water‐related ecosystem services (ESs). This study took northwest Hubei, China (Exibei), a national ecological function area, as a case study and predicted the land‐cover distribution in 2040 under three scenarios: natural scenario (2040NS), economic development (2040ED) and ecological protection (2040EP). And the supply–demand risks of water‐related ESs were simulated under three scenarios. Results indicated that (1) the increase in forest land (0.70%) under 2040NS, construction land (50.03%) under 2040ED and water body (15.16%) under 2040EP basically happened through the occupation of cultivated land; (2) under three scenarios, although the water yield demand in 2040 increased significantly, the supply still fully meet demand; (3) from 2020 to 2040, more than 13.50% of the areas in Exibei of water yield changed from surplus to deficit, mainly covering the north Xiangyang City and the middle Shiyan City; and (4) the change in supply and demand of soil retention from 2020 to 2040 was not obvious. This study provides assistance in water resources rational allocation in ecological function zones with rapid economic development and urban expansion.
Copper‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling of Acylzirconocenes and Diaryliodonium Salts: An Efficient Synthesis of Alkyl‐aryl‐ketones from Alkenes
Authors: Grosso Simone , Mlynczak Marcelina , Evano Gwilherm , Riant Olivier
Published: October 2023

An efficient and unprecedented cross‐coupling between acylzirconocenes, readily available starting materials conveniently prepared by hydrozirconation of alkenes and a subsequent carbonylation with carbon monoxide, and diaryliodonium tetrafluoroborates is reported. This procedure enables the synthesis of a broad variety of alkyl‐aryl‐ketones upon simple catalysis with copper cyanide without the need of additional ligands and only requires a low pressure of carbon monoxide generated in situ, in a two‐chamber reactor, from N‐formylsaccharin.
Through the interface: New insights of the hydrogen evolution and oxidation reactions in aqueous solutions
Authors: Liu Ershuai , Jiao Li , Jia Qingying , Mukerjee Sanjeev
Published: October 2023

Hydrogen evolution and oxidation reactions (HER/HOR) are the most fundamental reactions in electrocatalysis. Despite the practical significance, the mechanisms of HER/HOR in aqueous solutions are still elusive. Various theories have been proposed to rationalize the pH effect, cation effect, and structure effect of HER/HOR but none of them can explain all observations. In this review, we discuss four schools of thought for the HER/HOR, focusing on the strengths and shortcomings of each hypothesis and highlighting the magnitude of electrochemical interface structure in hydrogen electrocatalysis.
Prediagnostic serum concentrations of per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances and risk of papillary thyroid cancer in the Finnish Maternity Cohort
Authors: Madrigal Jessica M. , Troisi Rebecca , Surcel Heljä‐Marja , Öhman Hanna , Kivelä Juha , Kiviranta Hannu , Rantakokko Panu , Koponen Jani , Medgyesi Danielle N. , Kitahara Cari M. , McGlynn Katherine A. , Sampson Joshua , Albert Paul S. , Ward Mary H. , Jones Rena R.
Published: October 2023

Human exposure to per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) occurs globally through contaminated food, dust, and drinking water. Studies of PFAS and thyroid cancer have been limited. We conducted a nested case‐control study of prediagnostic serum levels of 19 PFAS and papillary thyroid cancer (400 cases, 400 controls) in the Finnish Maternity Cohort (pregnancies 1986‐2010; follow‐up through 2016), individually matched on sample year and age. We used conditional logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for log2 transformed and categorical exposures, overall and stratified by calendar period, birth cohort, and median age at diagnosis. We adjusted for other PFAS with Spearman correlation rho = 0.3‐0.6. Seven PFAS, including perfluoroctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), N‐ethyl‐perfluorooctane sulfonamidoacetic acid (EtFOSAA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) were detected in >50% of women. These PFAS were not associated with risk of thyroid cancer, except for PFHxS, which was inversely associated (OR log2 = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.70‐0.97). We observed suggestive but imprecise increased risks associated with PFOA, PFOS, and EtFOSAA for those diagnosed at ages <40 years, whereas associations were null or inverse among those diagnosed at 40+ years (P‐interaction: .02, .08, .13, respectively). There was little evidence of other interactions. These results show no clear association between PFAS and papillary thyroid cancer risk. Future work would benefit from evaluation of these relationships among those with higher exposure levels and during periods of early development when the thyroid gland may be more susceptible to environmental harms.
Perinatal outcomes in patients undergoing repeat cerclage: A retrospective case series study
Authors: Ru Ping , Ni Xiaotian , Xu Wenyi , Liu Yun , Meng Lulu , Yuan Wenjun , Gu Zhuorong , Shi Junyao , Su Xiujuan , Liu Ming , Duan Tao
Published: October 2023

Objective

This study aimed to describe the pregnancy outcomes of a case series of patients with probable cerclage failure who received repeat cerclage (RC) with potential indications.

Methods

We retrospectively collected a case series of 55 singleton pregnancies with RC from 2019 to 2022 in Shanghai, China. All included women provided written informed consent, and the study was approved by the ethics committees of the two hospitals. We compared pregnancy outcomes between pregnancies with RC for different indications.

Results

Among the case series, nine patients underwent RC for the indication of protruding membranes below the previous suture loop (group A), and the other 46 patients for painless cervix dilation (group B). Gestational age at delivery was shorter in group B than in group A (30.7 vs 37.6 weeks, P = 0.009). Rates of preterm birth <32 weeks (63.0% vs 22.2%, P = 0.033) and < 37 weeks (76.1% vs 33.3%, P = 0.002) were significantly higher in group B than in group A. Of the 46 patients who underwent RC for painless cervical dilation, 28 had cervical dilation of 1 to 2 cm (group C) and the other 18 had cervical dilation of 3 to 6 cm (group D). The gestational age at delivery was shorter in group D than in group C (27.4 vs 31.5 weeks, P = 0.037). However, rates of preterm birth <32 or <37 weeks were similar between the groups.

Conclusion

RC may constitute a rescue strategy for patients with probable cerclage failure. Protrusion of membranes below the cerclage loop or cervical dilation <3 cm may be an indicator of better pregnancy outcome.
Cultural relevance of fine motor domain of the ASQ in Guatemala
Authors: Angulo Abigail S. , Cunningham Maureen , Domek Gretchen , Friedman Sandra , Talmi Ayelet
Published: October 2023

Previous research suggests that the Ages and Stages Questionnaire—3rd ed. (ASQ) fine motor domain (FMD) may not be culturally relevant for developmental screening in a rural Guatemalan community, as the FMD accounts for 40% of all abnormal screenings after a needs assessment in this community. We hypothesize this is due to a lack of exposure to objects assessed in the questionnaire, such as blocks or light switches. The FMD scores of rural Guatemalan children (n = 56) participating in a child development program were compared with Spanish‐ and English‐speaking Latinx‐American children attending a US primary care clinic and screened at yearly well‐child checks. Groups were matched for age gender, and socioeconomic status. Item‐level analyses explored differences across the three groups. In the Guatemalan sample, the FMD abnormal score rates were 16%, 62%, and zero in the 12‐, 24‐, and 36‐month‐old children, respectively. Abnormal scores for the Guatemalan sample on the 24‐month ASQ‐3 significantly differed (p = .01) when compared to the Latinx‐American groups. The 24‐month questionnaire has more questions about objects than the 12‐ and 36‐month questionnaires, which may explain the higher rates of abnormal scores. Developmental screening with ASQ‐3 may not adequately capture the skills of children in similar communities.
Unintended effects of preferential tax assessment on farmland protection: Evidence from Utah's farmland assessment act
Authors: Siu Wai Yan , Li Man , Caplan Arthur J.
Published: October 2023

This study examines the effect of Utah's Greenbelt program, the state's preferential tax‐assessment effort to protect farmland, using an instrumental variable‐fixed effects strategy. We find that an unintended effect of the program leads to more conversion of agricultural land to development than the protection it provides. The protection effect is concentrated on parcels with smaller agricultural areas, while conversion occurs on parcels with larger agricultural areas. Our findings shed light on the rationale of a proposed amendment to the policy—Utah House Bill 25—which did not pass during the 2016 legislative session.
Antiresorptive Versus Anabolic Therapy in Managing Osteoporosis in People with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Vilaca Tatiane , Eastell Richard
Published: October 2023

Diabetes is characterized by hyperglycemia, but the two main types, type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D), have distinct pathophysiology and epidemiological profiles. Individuals with T1D and T2D have an increased risk of fractures, particularly of the hip, upper arm, ankle, and nonvertebral sites. The risk of fractures is higher in T1D compared to T2D. The diagnosis of osteoporosis in individuals with T1D and T2D follows similar criteria as in the general population, but treatment thresholds may differ. Antiresorptive therapies, the first‐line treatment for osteoporosis, are effective in individuals with T2D. Observational studies and post hoc analyses of previous trials have indicated that antiresorptive drugs, such as bisphosphonates and selective estrogen receptor modulators, are equally effective in reducing fracture risk and increasing bone mineral density (BMD) in individuals with and without T2D. Denosumab has shown similar effects on vertebral fracture risk but increases the risk of nonvertebral fractures. Considering the low bone turnover observed in T1D and T2D, anabolic therapies, which promote bone formation and resorption, have emerged as a potential treatment option for bone fragility in this population. Data from observational studies and post hoc analyses of previous trials also showed similar results in increasing BMD and reducing the risk of fractures in people with or without T2D. However, no evidence suggests that anabolic therapy has greater efficacy than antiresorptive drugs. In conclusion, there is an increased risk of fractures in T1D and T2D. Reductions in BMD cannot solely explain the relationship between T1D and T2D and fractures. Bone microarchitecture and other factors play a role. Antiresorptive and anabolic therapies have shown efficacy in reducing fracture risk in individuals with T2D, but the evidence is more robust for antiresorptive drugs. Evidence in T1D is scant. Further research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and optimize management strategies for bone fragility in T1D and T2D. © 2023 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
D3‐creatine dilution, computed tomography and dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry for assessing myopenia and physical function in colon cancer: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Cheng En , Caan Bette J. , Cawthon Peggy M. , Evans William J. , Hellerstein Marc K. , Shankaran Mahalakshmi , Campbell Kristin L. , Binder Alexandra M. , Sternfeld Barbara , Meyerhardt Jeffrey A. , Schmitz Kathryn H. , Cespedes Feliciano Elizabeth M.
Published: October 2023

Background

Low skeletal muscle mass (myopenia) is common in cancer populations and is associated with functional decline and mortality, but prior oncology studies did not assess total body skeletal muscle mass. Instead, they measured surrogates such as cross‐sectional area (CSA) of skeletal muscle at L3 from computed tomography (CT) or appendicular lean mass (ALM) from dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA). D3‐creatine (D3Cr) dilution is a non‐invasive method to assess total body skeletal muscle mass, which has been examined in a variety of populations but not in cancer. To compare the associations of D3Cr muscle mass, CT CSA, and DXA ALM with myopenia and physical function, we conducted a cross‐sectional study among 119 patients with colon cancer (2018–2022).

Methods

For each technique (D3Cr, CT and DXA), myopenia was defined as the lowest sex‐specific quartile of its measurement. Physical function was measured by the short physical performance battery and grip strength. We calculated Pearson correlations (r) among three techniques, computed Cohen's kappa coefficients (κ) to assess the agreement of myopenia, and estimated Pearson correlations (r) of three techniques with physical function. All analyses were sex‐specific.

Results

Sixty‐one (51.3%) participants were male, the mean (standard deviation) age was 56.6 (12.9) years, and most (68.9%) had high physical function (short physical performance battery: ≥11 points). Correlations and myopenia agreement among three techniques were greater in men than women; for example, regarding D3Cr muscle mass versus CT CSA, r was 0.73 (P < 0.001) for men versus 0.45 (P < 0.001) for women, and κ was 0.82 (95% CI: 0.65, 0.99) for men versus 0.24 (95% CI: −0.08, 0.52) for women. Among men, higher D3Cr muscle mass was significantly correlated with faster gait speed (r = 0.43, P < 0.01) and stronger grip strength (r = 0.32, P < 0.05); similar correlations were observed for CT CSA and DXA ALM. However, among women, no measure of muscle or lean mass was significantly associated with physical function.

Conclusions

This is the first study using D3‐creatine dilution method to assess muscle mass in a cancer population. Regardless of the techniques used for muscle or lean mass assessment, we observed stronger correlations, greater myopenia agreement, and more significant associations with physical function in men with colon cancer than women. D3Cr, CT and DXA are not interchangeable methods for assessing myopenia and physical function, especially in women with colon cancer. Future studies should consider relative advantages of these techniques and examine the D3‐creatine dilution method in other cancer types.