bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protein‐Engineered Elastin Fibers as Building Blocks for The Textile‐Based Assembly of Tissue Equivalents
Authors: El Maachi Ikram , Loewen Alexander , Acosta Sergio , Rütten Stephan , Rodríguez‐Cabello J. Carlos , Jockenhoevel Stefan , Fernández‐Colino Alicia
Published: February 2024

Native tissues feature unique hierarchical designs, in which fiber units are arranged from the bottom up in anisotropic patterns. The processing of biomaterials into fibers, followed by their textile‐like assembly into complex patterns, is therefore a promising avenue to engineer native‐like tissue replacements. Here it is shown for the first time the fabrication of meter‐long hydrogel fibers prepared from engineered elastin using a microinjection system and exploiting the catalyst‐free click chemistry. Given their similarity to native elastin, the fabricated elastin‐like fibers achieved excellent stretching (500%) and recoiling performance. Moreover, the fabrication scheme is compatible with the implementation of a salt‐leaching gas‐foaming approach, resulting in highly porous elastin‐like fibers (the first of their kind). From the translation perspective, the fibers can be autoclaved, which allows for sterilization and long‐term storage. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells cultured on autoclaved fibers produced a confluent endothelial layer lining the fiber surface, in which the cells became aligned in response to physiological fiber stretching. It is also shown that these functional fibers can be assembled by weaving, braiding and knitting, with various spatial patterns. Overall, the elastin‐like fibers can be used as building blocks for the reconstruction of functional tissues using the principles of textile technology.
Ruthenium And Silver Synergetic Regulation NiFe LDH Boosting Long‐Duration Industrial Seawater Electrolysis
Authors: Chen Hengyi , Gao Rui‐Ting , Chen Haojie , Yang Yang , Wu Limin , Wang Lei
Published: February 2024

The chloride ions in seawater result in corrosion, low catalytic efficiency, and poor stability of the electrocatalysts in direct seawater electrolysis, which limits the use of large‐scale seawater electrolysis technology. Herein, a corrosion‐resistant Ag/NiFeRu layered double hydroxide (LDH) electrocatalyst for seawater electrolysis at industrial current density, in which Ru and Ag species in the catalyst can have a corrosion‐resistance of chloride ions from the anode surface and enhance its robustness in seawater is designed. The catalyst requires the overpotentials of 256 and 287 mV to obtain a current density of 1 A cm−2 in 1 m KOH and 1 m KOH + seawater, respectively. More importantly, it works stably for over 1000 h at 1 A cm−2 in alkaline seawater. Further quasi‐industrial conditions measurement (6 m KOH + seawater, 60 °C) shows a markedly low overpotential of 174 mV at 1 A cm−2 on Ag/NiFeRu LDH, obtaining over 140 h under harsh industrial conditions. Theoretical calculations demonstrate that the Ru species can effectively regulate the local electronic structure of NiFe LDH, and enhance the intrinsic activity of NiFe LDH. The transformation of Ag2O from Ag during OER stabilizes the Fe site in NiFe LDH, which improves the overall stability of the electrocatalyst.
Regulating the Electronic Configuration of Ni Sites by Breaking Symmetry of Ni‐Porphyrin to Facilitate CO2 Photocatalytic Reduction
Authors: Zhong Yuan‐Hui , Wang Yang , Zhao Sheng‐Yi , Xie Ze‐Xiang , Chung Lai‐Hon , Liao Wei‐Ming , Yu Lin , Wong Wai‐Yeung , He Jun
Published: February 2024

Adapting the coordination environment to influence the electronic configuration of active sites represents an efficient approach for improving the photocatalytic performance of the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) but how to execute it precisely remains challenging. Herein, heteroatom‐substitution in Ni‐porphyrin to break the coordination symmetry of Ni center is proposed to be an effective solution. Based on this, two symmetry‐breaking Ni‐porphyrins, namely Ni(Cl)ON3Por and Ni(Cl)SN3Por, are designed and successfully prepared. By theoretical calculation, it is found that symmetry‐breaking efficiently regulates the 3d orbital energy levels of Ni center. Furthermore, experimental and theoretical findings jointly revealed that coordination symmetry‐breaking of Ni‐porphyrins facilitates the generation of highly reactive NiI species during the catalytic process, effectively stabilizing and reducing the energy barrier of formation of the key *COOH intermediate. As a result, Ni(Cl)ON3Por and Ni(Cl)SN3Por gave CO production rates of 24.7 and 38.8 mmol g−1 h−1 as well as selectivity toward CO of 94.0% and 96.4%, respectively, outperforming that of symmetric NiN4Por (CO production rate of 6.6 mmol g−1 h−1 and selectivity of 82.8%). These findings offer microscopic insights into how to modulate the catalytic activity by precisely tuning the coordination environment of active sites and rational design of competent catalyst for CO2RR photocatalysis.
Green Printing for Scalable Organic Photovoltaic Modules by Controlling the Gradient Marangoni Flow
Authors: Wang Hanlin , Liu Siqi , Li Haojie , Li Mingfei , Wu Xueting , Zhang Shaohua , Ye Long , Hu Xiaotian , Chen Yiwang
Published: February 2024

Despite the rapid development in the performances of organic solar cells (OSCs), high‐performance OSC modules based on green printing are still limited. The severe Coffee‐ring effect (CRE) is considered to be the primary reason for the nonuniform distribution of active layer films. To solve this key printing problem, the cosolvent strategy is presented to deposit the active layer films. The guest solvent Mesitylene with a higher boiling point and a lower surface tension is incorporated into the host solvent o‐XY to optimize the rheological properties, such as surface tension and viscosity of the active layer solutions. And the synergistic effect of inward Marangoni flow generation and solution thickening caused by the cosolvent strategy can effectively restrain CRE, resulting in highly homogeneous large‐area active layer films. In addition, the optimized crystallization and phase separation of active layer films effectively accelerate the charge transport and exciton dissociation of devices. Consequently, based on PM6:BTP‐eC9 system, the device prepared with the co‐solvent strategy shows the a power conversion efficiency of 17.80%. Moreover, as the effective area scales to 1 and 16.94 cm2, the recorded performances are altered to 16.71% and 14.58%. This study provides a universal pathway for the development of green‐printed high‐efficiency organic photovoltaics.
Multi‐Hierarchical Heterostructure NiCo2O4/ZnCo2O4/CC Anode for Fast and Stable Lithium Storage
Authors: Li Shuangpeng , Yuan Yi , Zhou Jiaying , Xiao Huang , Zhao Chenyu , Xia Xiaohong , Bao Yuwen , Lourenco Manon , Homewood Kevin , Gao Yun
Published: February 2024

Transition metal oxides, especially bimetal oxides, are considered as one of the most promising anode materials for high‐performance lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) due to their ultra‐high theoretical capacity. However, it is difficult to achieve fast charging at high rates due to the issues of poor electrical conductivity, large volume expansion, and poor reaction kinetics. The design of advanced nanostructured anode materials is very important to boost lithium storage performance. Herein, the multi‐hierarchical heterostructure material NiCo2O4/ZnCo2O4/Carbon Cloth (NCO/ZCO/CC) including carbon cloth substrate, ZnCo2O4 nanosheets, and NiCo2O4 nanowires is prepared as a binder‐free anode for LIBs. Benefiting from the special hierarchical nanostructure and the synergistic interaction of the component, the as‐prepared NCO/ZCO/CC anode material exhibits good electrical conductivity, structural stability, and electrochemical kinetics, which can provide a high reversible areal capacity of 2.55 mAh cm−2 at 2 mA cm−2 after 200 cycles. At a high current density of 5 mA cm−2, the NCO/ZCO/CC electrode only takes about 20 min to fully charge and it can still reach a capacity of 1.50 mAh cm−2 with a capacity retention of 86.2% after 400 cycles, revealing the potential for fast charging at high rates.
Graphene‐Assisted Chemical Stabilization of Liquid Metal Nano Droplets for Liquid Metal Based Energy Storage
Authors: Sanati Afsaneh L. , Nikitin Timur , Fausto Rui , Majidi Carmel , Tavakoli Mahmoud
Published: February 2024

Energy storage devices with liquid‐metal electrodes have attracted interest in recent years due to their potential for mechanical resilience, self‐healing, dendrite‐free operation, and fast reaction kinetics. Gallium alloys like Eutectic Gallium Indium (EGaIn) are appealing due to their low melting point and high theoretical specific capacity. However, EGaIn electrodes are unstable in highly alkaline electrolytes due to Gallium oxide dissolution. In this letter, this bottleneck is addressed by introducing chemically stable films in which nanoscale droplets of EGaIn are coated with trace amounts of graphene oxide (GO). It is demonstrated that a GO to EGaIn weight ratio as low as 0.01 provides enough protection for a thin film formed by GO@EGaIn nanocomposite against significantly acidic or alkaline environments (pH 1‐14). It is shown that GO coating significantly enhances the surface stability in such environments, thus improving the energy storage capacity by over 10x. Microstructural analysis confirms GO@EGaIn composite stability and enhanced electrochemical performance. Utilizing this, a thin‐film supercapacitor is fabricated. Results indicate that when coating the EGaIn with GO to EGaIn ratio of 0.001, the areal capacitance improves by 10 times, reaching 20.02 mF cm−2. This breakthrough paves the way for advanced liquid metal‐based thin‐film electrodes, promising significant improvements in energy storage applications.
Continuous Growth of Crystalline InGaZnO on InLaO by Spray Pyrolysis for High‐Performance Thin‐Film Transistors with Excellent Stability
Authors: Ali Arqum , Islam Md Mobaidul , Jang Jin
Published: February 2024

InGaZnO (IGZO) based thin film transistors (TFTs) are successfully employed in commercial displays due to their excellent electrical properties  but next‐generation displaybackplanes demand higher mobility. A heterojunction structure crystalline oxides can offer superior mobility and stability. Herein, the continuous growth of IGZO is reported on the crystalline InLaO (ILO) layer by spray pyrolysis, which closely resembles the crystalline structure of grown ILO layer. The crystalline structure of the IGZO is confirmed by grazing incidence X‐ray diffraction and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. The bilayer IGZO/ILO TFT exhibits remarkable electrical performance, including a high saturation mobility of 55.0 cm2 V−1 s−1, low subthreshold swing of 110 mV dec−1, and high ION/OFF ratio of ≈109 with excellent stability under positive bias temperature stress with In addition, the inverter and ring oscillator based on the IGZO/ILO TFTs demonstrate a high voltage gain of 120 and a low propagation delay of 16.8 ns, respectively. The remarkable performance of bilayer IGZO/ILO TFT by spray pyrolysis is attributed to the In2O3‐like crystalline IGZO grown on ILO film. This leads to reduced lattice mismatch, resulting in minimizing grain boundaries and defects that can hinder electron transport at the interface. The matched crystal structure leads to efficient charge transport at the IGZO and ILO heterojunction, resulting in remarkable TFT performance.
Smart Switchable Window with Bistability and Tunability of Transmission
Authors: Zhou Ziyuan , Zhang Xinfang , Halder Suman , Hu Lang , Shin Yunho , Yang Deng‐Ke
Published: February 2024

Windows are used everywhere, from buildings to vehicles. Smart switchable windows are highly sought‐after in order to reduce energy consumption. An ideal smart window should have two functions. First, it should be able to control privacy. Second, it should be able to control radiant energy flow. Here, a smart window is reported that possesses the two functions. The smart window is based on a dichroic dye‐doped cholesteric liquid crystal. It exhibits two stable states in the absence of applied voltage. One of them is the planar state that is optically absorbing without haze and can control radiant energy flow. The other state is the focal conic state that is optically scattering and can control privacy. Furthermore, when voltage is applied, the liquid crystal is switched to a heliconical state, where the transmittance can be tuned continuously. Thanks to its superior performance, this smart window has a big potential for applications in architectural and vehicle windows.
Perovskite Thin Single Crystal for a High Performance and Long Endurance Memristor
Authors: Fernandez‐Guillen Ismael , Aranda Clara A. , Betancur Pablo F. , Vallés‐Pelarda Marta , Momblona Cristina , Ripolles Teresa S. , Abargues Rafael , Boix Pablo P.
Published: February 2024

Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) exhibit electronic and ionic characteristics suitable for memristors. However, polycrystalline thin film perovskite memristors often suffer from reliability issues due to grain boundaries, while bulk single‐crystal perovskite memristors struggle to achieve high LRS/HRS ratios. In this study, a single crystal memristive device utilizing a wide bandgap perovskite is introduced, MAPbBr3, in a high surface/thickness configuration. This thin single crystal overcomes these challenges, exhibiting a remarkable LRS/HRS ratio of up to 50 and endurance of 103 cycles, representing one of the highest reported values to date. This exceptional stability enables to analyze the electroforming process and LRS through impedance spectroscopy, providing insights into the underlying operational mechanism. As far as it is known, this is the first reported thin single‐crystal MHP memristor device and the first time that the electroforming process is recorded through impedance spectroscopy. This device's outstanding stability and performance position it as a promising candidate for high‐density data storage and neuromorphic applications.
Emergency medicine resident productivity across consecutive shifts
Authors: Shaw Daniel L. , Kravitz Max S. , Stenson Bryan A. , Lewis Jason J. , Chiu David T.
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Clinical productivity is an important operational and educational metric for emergency medicine (EM) residents. It is unclear whether working consecutive days and circadian disruption impact resident productivity. The objective of this study was to determine whether there is a correlation between consecutive shifts and productivity.

Methods

This was a single‐site retrospective observational study using data from academic year 2021–2022 (July 1, 2021–June 23, 2022). Productivity was defined as primary resident encounters with patients per hour (PPH). Postgraduate year (PGY)‐1 and PGY‐2 productivity data and schedules were abstracted from the electronic medical record and scheduling software. Descriptive statistics, including arithmetic mean, standard deviation, and confidence interval (CI), were determined for each shift number and stratified by PGY level. Subgroup analysis of night shifts was performed. Analysis of variance and linear regression analysis were performed.

Results

A total of 2950 shifts were identified, including 1328 PGY‐1 shifts and 1622 PGY‐2 shifts, which involved a total of 32,379 patient encounters. PGY‐1 residents saw a mean of 0.88–0.96 PPH on sequential shifts 1–7, respectively (y‐intercept 0.923, slope 0.001, 95% CI −0.008 to 0.009, p = 0.86). PGY‐2 residents saw a mean of 1.61–1.75 PPH on Shifts 1–7, respectively (y‐intercept 1.628, slope 0.004, 95% CI –0.007 to 0.015, p = 0.50). A subgroup analysis of 598 overnight shifts (11 p.m.–7 a.m.) was performed, in which residents saw a mean of 1.29–1.56 PPH on Sequential Shifts 1–7 (y‐intercept 1.286, slope 0.011, 95% CI −0.011 to 0.033, p = 0.34).

Conclusions

EM resident productivity remained relatively constant across consecutive shifts, including night shifts. These findings may have educational and operational implications. Further research is required to understand patient‐ and provider‐oriented consequences of consecutive shift scheduling.
Role of social network in fostering consumers' omni‐channel purchasing behavior towards infant milk powder retailers
Authors: Zhou Qingjie , Du Mingyue , Hou Jiangyuan
Published: February 2024

Social network plays an essential role in the consumers' omni‐channel purchasing behaviors (OPBs). In this context, this research delves into two questions. First, do consumers make the omni‐channel purchase decision of infant milk powder via social network? Second, which social network do consumers prefer about the different buying channel? To solve these problems, employing the Berry–Levinson–Pakes and distance‐metric models, we explore the impact of social network modes on the consumers' OPBs based on the home‐scan consumption data. These analyses provide compelling evidence for the positive impact of social network on consumers' OPBs. In particular, recommendation from friends accounts for 90.57% of the contribution to the increase in the online consumers' utility, whereas the voice from relative explains about 50% of the contribution to the offline consumers' utility, which is positively associated with consumer income. The regression results also demonstrate that (i) consumer trust has a significant moderating role in the consumers' OPBs and (ii) consumer trust has a larger moderating role in the consumers' OPBs relative to single‐channel purchasing behavior. We expect that this paper can contribute to the existing literature and provide marketers with important practical suggestions [EconLit Citations: Q11, Q13].
The Photosalient Effect and Thermochromic Luminescence Based on o‐Carborane‐Assisted π‐Stacking in the Crystalline State
Authors: Yuhara Kazuhiro , Tanaka Kazuo
Published: February 2024

Herein, we report the unique multiple‐stimuli responsiveness of anthracene‐tethered o‐carborane derivatives. We designed and synthesized anthracene derivatives with different substitution positions and numbers of the o‐carborane units. Two compounds had characteristic crystal structures involving the columnar π‐stacking structures of the anthracene units. From the analysis of crystalline‐state structure–property relationships, it was revealed that the crystals exhibited the photosalient effect accompanied by photochemical [4+4] cycloaddition reactions and temperature‐dependent photophysical dual‐emission properties including excimer emission of anthracene. Those properties were considered as non‐radiative and radiative deactivation pathways through the excimer formation in the excited state and the formation of excimer species was facilitated by the π‐stacking structure of anthracene units. Moreover, we found unusual temperature dependency on the occurrence of the photosalient effect. According to the data from variable temperature X‐ray crystallography, a strong correlation between lattice shrinkage and strain accumulation is suggested.
Surveying and monitoring submerged archaeological sites in inland waters through a multiproxy strategy: The case of Dolmen de Guadalperal and other sites from Valdecañas reservoir (Spain)
Authors: Cerrillo‐Cuenca Enrique , de Sanjosé Blasco José Juan , Belinchón Rocío Castillo , Bueno‐Ramírez Primitiva , Cordero Antonio González , Pérez‐Álvarez Juan Antonio
Published: February 2024

The evolving dynamics of climate change and water resource management present unique challenges for the research and conservation of archaeological heritage, particularly within reservoirs. The Dolmen of Guadalperal in Spain and its surrounding archaeological sites exemplify such a scenario. This study is dedicated to the development and application of a comprehensive methodology for archaeological documentation and site detection, integrating an array of approaches including Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) from Sentinel‐1, photogrammetric restitution using historical imagery and geometric recording of sites with diverse sensing equipment. A distinctive aspect of this research lies in juxtaposing multibeam sonar data, typically associated with underwater surveys, with standard land‐based documentation methods like photogrammetry and LiDAR. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of integrating data from these diverse techniques in detecting new archaeological sites and monitoring their alterations, which could be potentially harmful.
Exploring experiences of online ‘pro‐ana’ networks: An interpretative phenomenological analysis approach
Authors: Sharman Jessica , Rolfe Alison , Morrey Tara
Published: February 2024

Objective

Online pro‐ana communities encourage, rather than denounce, eating disorder (ED) behaviours. Most research analyses online pro‐ana content. Fewer studies have interviewed bloggers directly. To the authors' knowledge, no previous studies have analysed both posts and interview data from pro‐ana bloggers. This study aimed to explore bloggers' experiences of online pro‐ana communities, analysing posts and interview data.

Method

Five pro‐ana bloggers participated in semi‐structured interviews over Skype or Telegram. Bloggers' posts and interview data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis, a qualitative method of analysis that emphasises the detailed exploration of participants' individual experiences and how they make sense of these experiences.

Results

Five superordinate themes were identified: ambivalence towards pro‐ana; social support; ‘Ana’ way of life; body/weight desperation; and hidden ED identity. Participants reported hiding their pro‐ana blog, for fear of judgement from offline others. In contrast, participants experienced online pro‐ana communities as a source of understanding, connection and solidarity that counteracted stigma experienced in the offline world. All participants idealised ‘Ana’ (anorexia), either as an admirable lifestyle or as the idealised, personification of anorexia, named ‘Ana’. Simultaneously, participants experienced pro‐ana communities as deceptive and/or harmful, demonstrating ambivalence towards pro‐ana.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that community and shared understanding are important to individuals accessing pro‐ana content. Therapists may explore this further with clients, alongside any ambivalence towards pro‐ana and/or alternative supportive environments, such as online support groups. This may reduce isolation, without idealising ED behaviours. Future research could explore bloggers' relationships with the personified ‘Ana’ and experiences of non‐Western and male users.
Organocatalytic Synthesis and DNA Interactive Studies of New 1,2,3‐triazolyl‐thiazolidines Hybrids
Authors: Larroza Allya , Soares Liane K. , Morais Roberto B. , Bach Mariana F. , Jacoby Caroline G. , Iglesias Bernardo A. , Schneider Paulo Henrique , Alves Diego
Published: February 2024

An organocatalytic [3+2] cycloaddition reaction between thiazolidine‐containing β‐ketoester 1 and aryl azides 2 was employed to synthesize new 1,2,3‐triazolyl‐thiazolidine hybrids 3. In this metal‐free approach, twelve compounds were isolated in yields ranging from 23 % to 96 % by using diethylamine (10 mol%) and DMSO at 75 °C for 24 hours. DNA‐binding assays were conducted through absorption, emission spectroscopy and viscosimetry analysis, to evaluate the interaction capacity of the studied derivatives with nucleic acids. All the synthesized compounds were evaluated for their interactions with a specific group of compounds containing the pharmacophoric groups triazole and thiazolidine through a molecular docking speculative study, aimed at identifying the interaction profile of these compounds with DNA. The obtained results suggest that 1,2,3‐triazolyl‐thiazolidine hybrids could be a promising approach in the development of novel therapeutic agents targeting DNA‐related processes.
Primary pancreatic peripheral T‐cell lymphoma‐not otherwise specified mimicking acute pancreatitis: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Zarimeidani Fatemeh , Rahmati Rahem , Meftah Elahe , Soheilipour Maryam
Published: February 2024

Key Clinical Message

Primary pancreatic lymphoma is a rare disease that can mimic acute pancreatitis. Since the prognosis and approaches differ, clinicians should differentiate it from other pancreatic diseases, especially autoimmune pancreatitis and adenocarcinoma.
Apraxia of speech due to the left postcentral gyrus lesion
Authors: Mitani Naoko , Sakurai Yasuhisa
Published: February 2024

Key Clinical Message

Apraxia of speech (AOS) due to a postcentral infarction differs from conventional precentral AOS with respect to phonemic errors (phoneme substitution) which are more common than phonetic errors (phoneme distortion) and preserved accent and intonation.

Clinical features of apraxia of speech caused by lesions in the postcentral gyrus have not yet been elucidated. Here, we report a patient with this lesion and show how postcentral apraxia of speech differs from the hitherto known precentral apraxia of speech. A 54‐year‐old man developed Broca's aphasia with apraxia of speech that resolved into pure apraxia of speech within 3 weeks following infarction of the postcentral gyrus. The diagnosis of apraxia of speech was based on the patient's effortful, slow speech and inconsistent phonetic distortions with phonemic paraphasia. The Western Aphasia Battery was used to examine the patient's speech samples. Speech was recorded using a digital voice recorder and transcribed into a narrow transcription of the International Phonetic Alphabet. The error types were categorized phonologically. The results revealed that (a) phonemic errors (vowel and consonant substitutions, also known as phonemic paraphasia) were more common than phonetic errors (vowel and consonant distortions). Similar to conduction aphasia, phonemic errors were more pronounced in confrontation naming than in repetition, accompanied by self‐correction, and (b) word accent and sentence intonation were preserved, although the speech was slow. These two features are characteristic of postcentral apraxia of speech, which can be differentiated from conventional precentral apraxia of speech.
Fulminant multiple sclerosis versus autoimmune encephalitis: A case report
Authors: Rezvanian Parastesh , Shams Yalda , Tabibian Farinaz , Shaygannejad Vahid
Published: February 2024

Key Clinical Message

This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment in prognosis of fulminant multiple sclerosis, and its similar management with autoimmune encephalitis in some clinical settings, in which these diseases are indistinguishable. This case also supports the use of rituximab in these patients with an adequate response to plasmapheresis.

Early diagnosis and treatment of fulminant multiple sclerosis (MS), also known as Marburg' or malignant variant of MS (MVMS), is of great value in reducing morbidity and mortality. Seronegative autoimmune encephalitis (AIE) is very similar to, and sometimes indistinguishable from, fulminant MS. However, the acute and long‐term management of the two diseases is often the same. This article describes the clinical course of a patient suspected of having MVMS or AIE and the challenges of their differential diagnosis and management.
IncRNA AC004943.2 regulates miR‐135a‐5p and PTK2/P13K axis to promote laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma progression
Authors: Zhu Xiaowen , Dong Wenming , Zhang Meijia
Published: February 2024

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in regulatory processes in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) at posttranscriptional epigenetic modification level. Yet, the function and underlying mechanism behind lncRNA AC004943.2 in LSCC is still obscure. Therefore, the potential role of AC004943.2 in LSCC progression was investigated. The expression of gene or protein was tested by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot. MTT, colony formation, wound healing, and transwell experiments were applied to detect LSCC cell viability, proliferation, migration and invasion, respectively. The interaction among AC004943.2, miR‐135a‐5p, and protein tyrosine kinase 2 (PTK2) were analyzed by bioinformatics prediction and luciferase assay. AC004943.2 was highly expressed in LSCC cells compared with normal human bronchial epithelial cells, while miR‐135a‐5p was lowly expressed. AC004943.2 knockdown or miR‐135a‐5p overexpression inhibited LSCC cell viability, proliferation, migration and invasion. Mechanistically, AC004943.2 increased PTK2 expression in LSCC cells by sponging miR‐135a‐5p. Furthermore, miR‐135a‐5p knockdown inverted the inhibitory effect of AC004943.2 silencing on LSCC cell malignant behaviors. MiR‐135a‐5p upregulation attenuated the PTK2/PI3K pathway to inhibit progression of LSCC. AC004943.2 facilitated the cancerous phenotypes of LSCC cells by activating the PTK2/PI3K pathway through targeting miR‐135a‐5p, which furnished a therapeutic candidate for LSCC treatment.
Regulation of Fluorescence and Self‐assembly of a Salicylaldehyde Azine‐Containing Amphiphile by Pillararene
Authors: Xia Danyu , Cheng Yujie , Zhang Meiru , Ma Jiaxin , Liang Bicong , Wang Pi
Published: February 2024

Regulation of fluorescence and self‐assembly of a salicylaldehyde azine‐containing amphiphile by a water‐soluble pillar[5]arene via host–guest recognition in water was realized. The fluorescence and the self‐assembled aggregates of the bola‐type amphiphile G can be tailored by adding different amounts of water‐soluble pillar[5]arene (WP5). In addition, the emission property and self‐assembly behavior of G and WP5 are responsive to pH conditions. Furthermore, the fluorescence emission property of G and the regulation by WP5 or pH conditions was applied as information encryption material, rewritable paper, and erasable ink. We believe that this fluorescence regulation strategy is promising for the construction of advanced fluorescent organic materials.
Hydrogeochemical investigation of irrigation water in the vicinity of metallic ore deposits in Kiraz‐İzmir, Turkey: Understanding the crucial nexus between “geology and food safety”
Authors: Somay‐Altas Melis
Published: February 2024

The increasing drought due to climate change poses a threat to issues such as safe and accessible drinking water, food safety, and protection from diseases. The provision of water supply is vital for agricultural and livestock activities, which are commonly practiced around natural ore deposits. Examining traditional “irrigation water quality” methods alone is insufficient; investigating potentially toxic metal content in the region's waters is vital, especially around metallic ore deposits. This study focused on the Kiraz district in Turkey, known for its agricultural activities, to assess the impact of geogenic water pollution on irrigation water quality and its implications for food safety and human health. Geology determines nutrient availability, water resources, and land suitability for agriculture. Conventional irrigation water quality parameters indicate groundwater suitability for irrigation in the study area, considering Na%, sodium adsorption ratio, residual sodium carbonate, permeability index, Kelly ratio, magnesium hazard, and potential salinity. However, when examining the potential toxic metal content in the region, it was determined that the values of Al ranged from 96 to 8676 ppb, Ni values ranged from 27 to 360 ppb, and Sb concentrations varied between 9 and 53 432 ppb. Utilizing geogenically contaminated water for irrigation and its indiscriminate use in livestock, dairy, and food industries can lead to foodborne illnesses (cancer, endocrine disruptors, tuberculosis, antimony spots, thyroid tumors, goiter, neurologic and cardiovascular diseases) that endanger human health. The use of low‐quality water throughout the agricultural sector and food production chain increases food safety risks.
Safety and effectiveness of the radium‐223–taxane treatment sequence in patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer in a global observational study (REASSURE)
Authors: Higano Celestia S. , Dizdarevic Sabina , Logue John , Richardson Timothy , George Saby , de Jong Igle , Tomaszewski Jeffrey J. , Saad Fred , Miller Kurt , Meltzer Jeffrey , Sandström Per , Verholen Frank , Tombal Bertrand , Sartor Oliver
Published: February 2024

Background

Radium‐223 and taxane chemotherapy each improve survival of patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Whether the radium‐223–taxane sequence could extend survival without cumulative toxicity was explored.

Methods

The global, prospective, observational REASSURE study (NCT02141438) assessed real‐world safety and effectiveness of radium‐223 in patients with mCRPC. Using data from the prespecified second interim analysis (data cutoff, March 20, 2019), hematologic events and overall survival (OS) were evaluated in patients who were chemotherapy‐naive at radium‐223 initiation and subsequently received taxane chemotherapy starting ≤90 days (“immediate”) or >90 days (“delayed”) after the last radium‐223 dose.

Results

Following radium‐223 therapy, 182 patients received docetaxel (172 [95%]) and/or cabazitaxel (44 [24%]); 34 patients (19%) received both. Seventy‐three patients (40%) received immediate chemotherapy and 109 patients (60%) received delayed chemotherapy. Median time from last radium‐223 dose to first taxane cycle was 3.6 months (range, 0.3–28.4). Median duration of first taxane was 3.7 months (range, 0–22.0). Fourteen patients (10 in the immediate and four in the delayed subgroup) had grade 3/4 hematologic events during taxane chemotherapy, including neutropenia in two patients in the delayed subgroup and thrombocytopenia in one patient in each subgroup. Median OS was 24.3 months from radium‐223 initiation and 11.8 months from start of taxane therapy.

Conclusions

In real‐world clinical practice settings, a heterogeneous population of patients who received sequential radium‐223–taxane therapy had a low incidence of hematologic events, with a median survival of 1 year from taxane initiation. Thus, taxane chemotherapy is a feasible option for those who progress after radium‐223.

Clinical Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02141438.

Plain Language Summary

Radium‐223 and chemotherapy are treatment options for metastatic prostate cancer, which increase survival but may affect production of blood cells as a side effect.

We wanted to know what would happen if patients received chemotherapy after radium‐223.

Among the 182 men treated with radium‐223 who went on to receive chemotherapy, only two men had severe side effects affecting white blood cell production (neutropenia) during chemotherapy.

On average, the 182 men lived for 2 years after starting radium‐223 and 1 year after starting chemotherapy.

In conclusion, patients may benefit from chemotherapy after radium‐223 treatment without increasing the risk of side effects.
Ivosidenib significantly reduces triazole levels in patients with acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Dinh Ashley , Savoy J. Michael , Kontoyiannis Dimitrios P. , Takahashi Koichi , Issa Ghayas C. , Kantarjian Hagop M. , DiNardo Courtney D. , Rausch Caitlin R.
Published: February 2024

Background

Ivosidenib is primarily metabolized by CYP3A4; however, it induces CYP450 isozymes, including CYP3A4 and CYP2C9, whereas it inhibits drug transporters, including P‐glycoprotein. Patients with acute myeloid leukemia are at risk of invasive fungal infections, and therefore posaconazole and voriconazole are commonly used in this population. Voriconazole is a substrate of CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP3A4; therefore, concomitant ivosidenib may result in decreased serum concentrations. Although posaconazole is a substrate of P‐glycoprotein, it is metabolized primarily via UDP glucuronidation; thus, the impact of ivosidenib on posaconazole exposure is unknown.

Methods

Patients treated with ivosidenib and concomitant triazole with at least one serum trough level were included. Subtherapeutic levels were defined as posaconazole <700 ng/mL and voriconazole <1.0 µg/mL. The incidences of breakthrough invasive fungal infections and QTc prolongation were identified at least 5 days after initiation of ivosidenib with concomitant triazole.

Results

Seventy‐eight serum triazole levels from 31 patients receiving ivosidenib‐containing therapy and concomitant triazole were evaluated. Of the 78 concomitant levels, 47 (60%) were subtherapeutic (posaconazole: n = 20 of 43 [47%]; voriconazole: n = 27 of 35 [77%]). Compared to levels drawn while patients were off ivosidenib, median triazole serum levels during concomitant ivosidenib were significantly reduced. There was no apparent increase in incidence of grade 3 QTc prolongation with concomitant azole antifungal and ivosidenib 500 mg daily.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that concomitant ivosidenib significantly reduced posaconazole and voriconazole levels. Voriconazole should be avoided, empiric high‐dose posaconazole (>300 mg/day) may be considered, and therapeutic drug monitoring is recommended in all patients receiving concomitant ivosidenib.
Cr‐ and Ga‐Modified ZSM‐5 Catalyst for the Production of Renewable BTX from Bioethanol
Authors: Saini Swati , Oluokun Tolulope , Sharma Bhawna , Verma Akash , Vorontsov Alexander , Smirniotis Panagiotis G. , Singh Raghuvir , Viswanadham Nagabhatla , Kumar Umesh
Published: February 2024

Light aromatics (benzene, toluene, and xylene, collectively known as BTX) are essential commodity chemicals in the petrochemical industry. The present study examines the aromatization of bioethanol with Cr‐ and Ga‐modified ZSM‐5. Both Cr and Ga were incorporated by the ion‐exchange method. Cr‐modified ZSM‐5 outperforms the Ga‐modified ZSM‐5 and H‐ZSM‐5 catalysts. Cr−H‐ZSM‐5 almost doubled the carbon yield of aromatics compared to H‐ZSM‐5 at an optimum reaction temperature of 450 °C. Cr−H‐ZSM‐5 produced aromatics with a yield of ~40 %. The effect of dilution in feed on BTX production is also studied. Cr−H‐ZSM‐5 was found to be more active than H‐ZSM‐5. Complete ethanol conversion was obtained with both pure and dilute bioethanol. The Bronsted‐Lewis acid (BLA) pair formed after metal incorporation is responsible for dehydrogenation followed by aromatization, leading to increased aromatic production.
Copper Vacancy and LSPR‐Activated MXene Synergistically Enabling Selective Photoreduction CO2 to Acetate
Authors: Liao Chen , Zhou Hongwei , Zhang Shunxin , Wang Feng , Liu Ya , Guo Liejin
Published: February 2024

Photocatalytic CO2 conversion towards C2+ fuels is a promising technology for simultaneously achieving carbon neutrality and alleviating the energy crisis. However, this strategy is inefficient due to the difficulty of both multi‐electron transfer and C−C coupling during C2+ formation. In this work, CuInS2/MXene heterostructure with Cu vacancy is rationally designed by in situ hydrothermal synthesis. The VCu−CuInS2/MXene heterostructure has a suitable band structure and tight interface contact. Catalytic performances under different testing conditions, in situ spectroscopy, and COMSOL simulation reveal that LSPR‐activated MXene promotes the formation of crucial intermediate CH2* and triggers the C−C coupling process under near‐infrared light, as the key to acetate. Moreover, in situ XPS analysis, DFT calculations, and photoelectrochemical characterizations unveil that copper vacancy can promote charge transfer from CuInS2 to MXene and boost local electron aggregation on the MXene, further enhancing the photocatalytic efficiency and selectivity of C2 products. Contributing to the synergistic effect of copper vacancy and plasmonic MXene, VCu−CuInS2/MXene achieved excellent CO2RR activity with an acetate evolution rate of 250.0 μmol/h/g and a selectivity of 97.5 % under the full spectrum irradiation, which is 38.8 and 3.3 times higher than that of VCu−CuInS2 and CuInS2/MXene, respectively.
Differences between Riemann–Liouville and Caputo calculus definitions in analyzing fractional boost converter with discontinuous‐conduction‐mode operation
Authors: Chen Yanfeng , Wang Xin , Zhang Bo , Xie Fan , Chen Sheng
Published: February 2024

Fractional‐order calculus is an extension of the integer‐order calculus in that its order is not limited to integers but can be noninteger as well, thus making the application of fractional‐order calculus more flexible. It has been shown that actual reactive elements such as capacitors and inductors have fractional‐order properties and that the theory of fractional‐order calculus can be utilized to more accurately characterize circuits and systems containing reactive elements. However, there is no uniform definition of fractional order calculus. Different definitions will yield different results in solving the same fractional‐order circuits and systems, and it is worth exploring whether these differences have an impact on the accuracy of solving fractional‐order systems. Taking a fractional‐order boost converter running in discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) as an example, this paper focuses on the differences between the Riemann–Liouville (R–L) and the Caputo fractional calculus definitions. Effects of the two definitions on the division of the converter's CCM (continuous conduction mode) and DCM operating regions are analyzed, as well as their impact on the characterization of a fractional‐order boost converter in DCM operation, including the DC (direct current) operating point, current ripple, and voltage gain. Simulations and experiments show that the analytical results based on the R–L definition can more accurately describe the operation of a real fractional‐order converter than those based on the Caputo definition.
Letter to the Editor: Does fetal movement shape the maternal brain?
Authors: Ayala Kathy , Voegtline Kristin , Rutherford Helena JV
Published: February 2024

Here, we debate that fetal behavior may contribute to the dynamic changes observed in the maternal brain during the perinatal period. We call for future research to explore this perspective to understand the complex maternal–fetal relationship and how fetal signals influence the preparation for parenthood.
Plasma‐derived exosomal miRNA profiles associated with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Pang Haipeng , Fan Wenqi , Pi Linhua , Shi Xiajie , Wang Zhen , Luo Shuoming , Xiao Yang , Li Xia , Huang Gan , Xie Zhiguo , Zhou Zhiguang
Published: February 2024

Aims

Recently, exosomal miRNAs have been shown to play important roles in multiple diseases, including type 1 diabetes (T1D). To assess the biomarker potential of exosomal miRNAs for T1D, we measured the expression profiles of plasma‐derived exosomal miRNAs in T1D and explored their potential functions by bioinformatic analysis.

Materials and methods

In the discovery phase, exosome samples were isolated from plasma by size exclusion chromatography from 10 T1D patients and 10 sex‐ (p = 0.36), age‐ (p = 0.97), and body mass index‐matched (p = 0.47) healthy control subjects. Exosomal miRNA expression profiles were measured using the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform. With verification by quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‒PCR), we used multiple bioinformatics approaches to explore the potential biological functions of the identified differentially expressed miRNAs. The diagnostic signature of exosomal miRNAs was evaluated by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and evaluated based on the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

Results

In total, 43 differentially expressed miRNAs, among which 34 were upregulated and 9 were downregulated, were identified in T1D. After correcting for multiple testing using false discovery rate, 11 identified exosomal miRNAs still showed statistical significance. Among the 5 selected miRNAs, 3 miRNAs (miR‐103a‐3p, miR‐144‐5p and miR‐454‐3p) were successfully validated by qRT‒PCR. The biological analysis‐enriched terms included protein autophosphorylation and the Hedgehog signalling pathway. The highest AUC of exosomal miRNA was 0.889 under the LASSO model. The expression levels of 5 selected exosomal miRNAs were correlated with multiple clinical characteristics such as fasting C‐peptide and postprandial C‐peptide.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that plasma‐derived exosomal miRNAs could serve as promising diagnostic biomarkers of T1D.
The impact of sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors on dementia and cardiovascular events in diabetic patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Chen Yun‐Yu , Chang Hao‐Chih , Lin Yenn‐Jiang , Chien Kuo‐Liong , Hsieh Yu‐Cheng , Chung Fa‐Po , Lin Ching‐Heng , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Chen Shih‐Ann
Published: February 2024

Aims

The effectiveness of sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) on incident dementia in patients with diabetes and atrial fibrillation (AF) remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the association between SGLT2i and the risk of incident dementia in diabetic patients with AF, and to explore the interactions with oral anticoagulants or dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors (DPP4i).

Materials and Methods

We conducted a cohort study using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. Patients with diabetes and AFwithout a prior history of established cardiovascular diseases, were identified. Using propensity score matching, 810 patients receiving SGLT2i were matched with 1620 patients not receiving SGLT2i. The primary outcome was incident dementia, and secondary outcomes included composite cardiovascular events and mortality.

Results

After up to 5 years of follow‐up, SGLT2i use was associated with a significantly lower risk of incident dementia (hazard: 0.71, 95% confidence interval: 0.51–0.98), particularly vascular dementia (HR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.24–0.82). SGLT2i was related to reduced risks of AF‐related hospitalisation (HR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.56–0.93), stroke (HR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.60–0.94), and all‐cause death (HR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.24–0.44). The protective effects were consistent irrespective of the concurrent use of non‐vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) or DPP4i.

Conclusions

In diabetic patients with AF, SGLT2i was associated with reduced risks of incident dementia, AF‐related hospitalisation, stroke, and all‐cause death. The protective effects were independent of either concurrent use of NOACs or DPP4i.
Drivers of geophagy by red brocket deer (Mazama americana) at Amazonian interior forest mineral licks
Authors: Griffiths Brian M. , Griffiths Lesa G. , Jin Yan , Gilmore Michael P.
Published: February 2024

Mineral licks are key ecological components of the Amazon rainforest, providing critical dietary functions for herbivorous and frugivorous mammals and birds, which help maintain the structure and function of the forest itself through seed and nutrient dispersal. One of the most frequent visitors of interior forest mineral licks in the Amazon is the red brocket deer (Mazama americana), a large‐bodied ruminant frugivore and seed predator. While several hypotheses for the drivers of geophagy exist, including mineral supplementation, toxin adsorption, and habitat selection, robust data on geophagy for the red brocket deer for large numbers of mineral licks is nonexistent. We used soil data from 83 mineral licks in conjunction with camera trap data from 52 of those mineral licks and a mixed‐effects modeling approach to test the three proposed hypotheses of geophagy for the red brocket deer. We found that consumed soils at mineral licks had elevated concentrations of almost all major and minor biologically active minerals measured, including Ca, Na, Mg, K, Cu, Zn, and Mn. Model results suggest that all three hypotheses hold true to some extent for the red brocket deer, with the greatest support for the mineral supplementation hypothesis, in particular with respect to Mg, Ca, Na, Cu, and Zn. This study provides critical information on the feeding ecology of the red brocket deer in the wild, and the first robust analysis of geophagy of an Amazonian mammal involving a large sample size of interior forest mineral licks.