bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Absolute accuracy and sensitivity analysis of OP-FTIR retrievals of CO2, CH4 and CO over concentrations representative of ''clean air'' and ''polluted plumes''
Authors: Smith T. E. L. , Wooster M. J. , Tattaris M. , Griffith D. W. T.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. When compared to established point-sampling methods, Open-Path Fourier Transform Infrared (OP-FTIR) spectroscopy can provide path-integrated concentrations of multiple gases simultaneously, in situ and near-continuously. Concentrations can be retrieved from the measured IR spectra using a forward model coupled to a non-linear least squares fitting procedure, without requiring ''background'' spectral measurements unaffected by the gases of interest. However, few studies have investigated the accuracy of such retrievals for CO2, CH4 and CO, particularly across a broad concentration range covering ambient to highly polluted air (e.g. from biomass burning or industrial plumes). Here we perform such an assessment using data collected by a field-portable FTIR spectrometer. The FTIR was positioned to view a fixed IR source placed at the other end of an IR-transparent cell filled with the gases of interest, whose target concentrations were varied by up to two orders of magnitude. Retrievals made using the forward model are complicated by absorption line pressure broadening, the effects of temperature on absorption band shape and by convolution of the gas absorption lines and the instrument line shape (ILS). Despite this, with optimal forward model parameterisation (i.e. the wavenumber range used in the retrieval, gas temperature, pressure and ILS), concentration retrievals for all gases were able to be made to within 5% of the true value. Sensitivity to the aforementioned model inputs was also investigated. CO retrievals were shown to be most sensitive to the ILS (a function of the assumed instrument FOV), which is due to the narrow nature of CO absorption lines and their consequent sensitivity to convolution with the ILS. Conversely, CO2 retrievals were most sensitive to assumed atmospheric parameters, particularly temperature. The analysis suggests that trace gas concentration retrieval errors can remain well below 10%, even with the uncertainties in atmospheric pressure and temperature that might arise when studying plumes in field situations (e.g. at uncertain altitudes or temperatures). Our findings provide confidence that FTIR-derived trace gas retrievals of CO2, CH4 and CO based on forward modeling can yield accurate results, even over very large concentration ranges that can prove difficult to retrieve via standard classical least squares (CLS) techniques.
The Implications of the Public’s Preexisting Condition—Amnesia
Authors: Levitt Larry
Published: May 2024

This JAMA Forum discusses how the Affordable Care Act (ACA) ended the denial of coverage to people with preexisting conditions and the potential ramifications if the ACA is repealed or replaced in the future.
Trends in Industry-Sponsored Research Payments to Physician Principal Investigators
Authors: Su Zhuo T. , Hammadeh Zeyad , Cheaib Joseph G. , Jing Yuezhou , Trock Bruce J. , Han Misop
Published: May 2024

This cohort study investigates trends in total and per-physician industry-sponsored research payments to physician principal investigators from 2015 to 2022.
Physician and Artificial Intelligence Chatbot Responses to Cancer Questions From Social Media
Authors: Chen David , Parsa Rod , Hope Andrew , Hannon Breffni , Mak Ernie , Eng Lawson , Liu Fei-Fei , Fallah-Rad Nazanin , Heesters Ann M. , Raman Srinivas
Published: May 2024

Importance

Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots pose the opportunity to draft template responses to patient questions. However, the ability of chatbots to generate responses based on domain-specific knowledge of cancer remains to be tested.

Objective

To evaluate the competency of AI chatbots (GPT-3.5 [chatbot 1], GPT-4 [chatbot 2], and Claude AI [chatbot 3]) to generate high-quality, empathetic, and readable responses to patient questions about cancer.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This equivalence study compared the AI chatbot responses and responses by 6 verified oncologists to 200 patient questions about cancer from a public online forum. Data were collected on May 31, 2023.

Exposures

Random sample of 200 patient questions related to cancer from a public online forum (Reddit r/AskDocs) spanning from January 1, 2018, to May 31, 2023, was posed to 3 AI chatbots.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcomes were pilot ratings of the quality, empathy, and readability on a Likert scale from 1 (very poor) to 5 (very good). Two teams of attending oncology specialists evaluated each response based on pilot measures of quality, empathy, and readability in triplicate. The secondary outcome was readability assessed using Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level.

Results

Responses to 200 questions generated by chatbot 3, the best-performing AI chatbot, were rated consistently higher in overall measures of quality (mean, 3.56 [95% CI, 3.48-3.63] vs 3.00 [95% CI, 2.91-3.09]; P < .001), empathy (mean, 3.62 [95% CI, 3.53-3.70] vs 2.43 [95% CI, 2.32-2.53]; P < .001), and readability (mean, 3.79 [95% CI, 3.72-3.87] vs 3.07 [95% CI, 3.00-3.15]; P < .001) compared with physician responses. The mean Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level of physician responses (mean, 10.11 [95% CI, 9.21-11.03]) was not significantly different from chatbot 3 responses (mean, 10.31 [95% CI, 9.89-10.72]; P > .99) but was lower than those from chatbot 1 (mean, 12.33 [95% CI, 11.84-12.83]; P < .001) and chatbot 2 (mean, 11.32 [95% CI, 11.05-11.79]; P = .01).

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this study suggest that chatbots can generate quality, empathetic, and readable responses to patient questions comparable to physician responses sourced from an online forum. Further research is required to assess the scope, process integration, and patient and physician outcomes of chatbot-facilitated interactions.
Axillary Surgery for Chemoresidual (ypN-Positive) Nodal Disease
Authors: Brooks Eric D. , Deladisma Adeline M. , Morris Christopher G. , Mobley Erin M. , Neumayer Leigh A. , Bradley Julie A. , Mailhot Vega Raymond B.
Published: May 2024

This cohort study using pooled data from 2 randomized clinical trials examines whether removing more lymph nodes with axillary lymph node dissection improved outcomes over sentinel lymph node biopsy when most patients received adjuvant radiation therapy or regional nodal irradiation.
Treatment of Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis Using Upadacitinib
Authors: Kito Kazuhiro , Fukuda Ken , Kishimoto Tatsuma , Yamashiro Kenji , Yagami Akiko
Published: May 2024

This case report presents a case of improvement of vernal keratoconjunctivitis associated with initiation of an oral Janus kinase inhibitor upadacitinib.
Capillary Condensation Mediated Fluidic Straining for Enhanced Bacterial Inactivation
Authors: Zhao Yuanyuan , A Hubao , Cheung Yuk Ha , Lam Yintung , Tang Jiayue , Li Han , Yang Zhibing , Xin John Haozhong
Published: May 2024

Biomaterials capable of continuously inactivating pathogens are essential for suppressing transmission of infectious diseases, such as epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis and pulmonary tuberculosis. Here, capillary condensation of air moisture within nano‐confined spaces between superhydrophilic rigid nanorods is shown and target microbiology spontaneously stretch and inactivate aerosolized microorganisms. Specifically, the negative Gaussian curvature‐shaped water condensate causes fluidic straining, comprising surface tension and Laplace pressure, strong enough to deform and eliminate the selected bacteria. Plate counting quantifies the sharply reduced contact‐killing period for superhydrophilic and bare nanorods (6 vs 100 min for E. coli, 20 vs 120 min for S. aureus) under relative humidity of 70%. Theoretical calculations and experimental studies indicate increased mechanical straining and mechano‐bactericidal by improving air moisture content. To further illustrate utility, long‐term antibacterial medical masks are fabricated by integrating such nanorods onto commercial fabrics. Collectively, these findings highlight the immense potential of capillary condensation‐induced fluidic straining as an eco‐friendly, broad‐spectrum, and highly efficient antibacterial strategy.
Selective and Real‐Time Ion Monitoring with Integrated Floating‐Gate Organic Electrochemical Transistor Sensing Circuits
Authors: Frusconi Giulia , Kovács‐Vajna Zsolt M. , Torricelli Fabrizio
Published: May 2024

Ion‐selective transistor‐based sensors play a pivotal role in quantifying ion concentrations in aqueous media. Existing solutions rely on direct coupling between ion‐selective membrane and channel, requiring bulky electrolyte reservoirs or complex technological approaches and material interfaces. This work introduces a transformative paradigm with ion‐selective floating‐gate organic electrochemical transistors (ISFG‐OECTs) and their integration in sensing circuits. ISFG‐OECTs feature spatial separation between ion‐selective gating and ionic‐electronic current modulation. Leveraging volumetric capacitance and solid‐state ionic liquid, efficient ionic coupling with the channel is obtained. These distinctive features make them an ideal solution for streamlined materials integration, eliminating the need for liquid reservoirs. Theoretical foundations and design guidelines for efficient ISFG‐OECT implementation are elucidated. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of ISFG‐OECTs in both transistor‐sensors and current‐driven circuit configurations, revealing highly selective detection of K+ ions with a limit of detection as low as 11 × 10−6 m, even in the presence of interfering Na+ ions at concentrations two orders of magnitude higher. The proposed approach is simple, reliable, and scalable, offering opportunities for a broad range of fields, such as medical diagnostics, precision agriculture, and environmental monitoring.
High‐Linear‐Energy Layered Fiber Batteries Using Roll‐to‐Roll Lamination and Laser Cutting
Authors: Altmaier Rachel A. , Tiffany Jason E. , Simmonds Adam G. , McHale Courtney A. , Fernandes Diarny O. , Hamann Tanner R. , Hoover Denise E. , Elazar Mittelman Stav A. , Meseke Joseph R. , Sharp Jacalynn O. , Knowlton Nicholas A. , Gerasopoulos Konstantinos
Published: May 2024

Fiber batteries are essential for the realization of high‐performance wearable and textile electronics with the desirable features of conventional textiles, including breathability, stretchability, and washability. However, the development of fiber batteries is limited by scalability and performance since most reported fabrication techniques are not compatible with standard battery manufacturing. This work presents a novel method for the scalable fabrication of fiber batteries with a stacked design analogous to that of conventional pouch cells using layer lamination and laser machining. To accomplish this, several poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF‐HFP) separators are developed, enabling lamination between conventional battery electrodes using a heated rolling press. The laminated strips are subsequently laser cut to form fibers with widths as narrow as 650–700 µm. These prototypes are successfully cycled in pouch cells and capillary tubes, delivering very high linear energies up to 0.61 mWh cm−1. Custom equipment is designed to demonstrate scalable fiber battery fabrication processing in a roll‐to‐roll fashion. This work marks a paradigm shift in fiber battery research by demonstrating substantial benefits over all previous approaches including optimal active material utilization, low inactive material content, scalability, and compatibility with equipment already used widely in the battery industry.
Continuously Geometrical Tuning to Boost Circular Dichroism in 3D Chiral Metamaterials
Authors: Chen Qiang , Wu Yawei , She Yongzhi , Zhao Yilong , Yang Jinlong , Chen Lijuan , Liu Peiwu , Wu Min , Zeng Changgan , Qi Zeming , Hu Chuansheng , Liu Hengjie , Xiong Ying , Tian Yangchao , Chen Yang , Cai Hongbing , Pan Nan , Wang Xiaoping
Published: May 2024

Chiral metamaterials possess unique optical chiral responses, and the attainment of remarkable intrinsic chirality typically necessitates the disruption of their mirror symmetry to facilitate cross‐coupling between electric and magnetic dipoles. However, achieving such symmetry breaking in a flexible and controllable manner remains challenging due to the limited range of applications afforded by available methodologies. Here, a method is proposed for fabricating robust three‐dimensional (3D) chiral metamaterials by projecting arbitrary planar chiral metasurfaces onto on‐demand height‐tunable 3D silicon structures, thereby effectively modulating their optical chiral responses through continuously tuning the degree of cross‐coupling between dipoles. Experimental and simulation results demonstrate this approach's ability to precisely control circular dichroism (CD) from a non‐chiral state to various activated and enhanced chirality. Enhancing CD with high precision and continuous control manners can naturally provide an advanced opportunity and platform for the future design and actual applications of chiral optical systems.
Gastrointestinal Incomplete Degradation Exacerbates Neurotoxic Effects of PLA Microplastics via Oligomer Nanoplastics Formation
Authors: Liang Boxuan , Deng Yanhong , Zhong Yizhou , Chen Xiaoqing , Huang Yuji , Li Zhiming , Huang Xiyun , Yang Xiaohong , Du Jiaxin , Ye Rongyi , Xian Hongyi , Feng Yu , Bai Ruobing , Fan Bingchi , Yang Xingfen , Huang Zhenlie
Published: May 2024

Biodegradable plastics, hailed for their environmental friendliness, may pose unforeseen risks as they undergo gastrointestinal degradation, forming oligomer nanoplastics. Despite this, the influence of gastrointestinal degradation on the potential human toxicity of biodegradable plastics remains poorly understood. To this end, the impact of the murine in vivo digestive system is investigated on the biotransformation, biodistribution, and toxicity of PLA polymer and PLA oligomer MPs. Through a 28‐day repeated oral gavage study in mice, it is revealed that PLA polymer and oligomer microplastics undergo incomplete and complete degradation, respectively, in the gastrointestinal tract. Incompletely degraded PLA polymer microplastics transform into oligomer nanoplastics, heightening bioavailability and toxicity, thereby exacerbating overall toxic effects. Conversely, complete degradation of PLA oligomer microplastics reduces bioavailability and mitigates toxicity, offering a potential avenue for toxicity reduction. Additionally, the study illuminates shared targets and toxicity mechanisms in Parkinson's disease‐like neurotoxicity induced by both PLA polymer and PLA oligomer microplastics. This involves the upregulation of MICU3 in midbrains, leading to neuronal mitochondrial calcium overload. Notably, neurotoxicity is mitigated by inhibiting mitochondrial calcium influx with MCU‐i4 or facilitating mitochondrial calcium efflux with DBcAMP in mice. These findings enhance the understanding of the toxicological implications of biodegradable microplastics on human health.
Enhancing Rate Capability, Capacity, and Durability of Co‐Doped Germanium Phosphide Anodes for Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Wenwu , Wang Jeng‐Han , Yen Hung‐Yu , Liu Meilin
Published: May 2024

While germanium‐based anodes for Li‐ion batteries (LIBs) have potential to offer high energy density, their commercialization is impeded by low ionic and electronic conductivity and poor tolerance to volume change during cycling. Here a new quaternary CuGeSiP3 anode is reported to simultaneously overcome these limitations. Synthesized via ball milling process, CuGeSiP3 displays high ionic and electronic conductivity and excellent flexibility to accommodate volume change, attributed to increased structural entropy and reversible formation of favorable intermediates of both electronic and Li ion conductors, as confirmed by experimental measurements and theoretical calculations. When used as an LIB anode, CuGeSiP3 demonstrates large reversible capacity, high Coulombic efficiency, robust cycling stability, and high‐rate capability because it undergoes a reversible lithiation process that involves intercalation and conversion reaction. When composited with layered graphite, the electrode demonstrates exceptional cycling stability (1 261 mA h g−1 after 600 cycles at 400 mA g−1 and 861 mA h g−1 after 1 450 cycles at 20 00 mA g−1) and ultrahigh rate capability (448 mA h g−1 at 20 000 mA g−1). Further, the quaternary, pentanary, and hexanary cation‐disordered phosphides are also synthesized, all having similar Li‐storage superiority, implying the multiple co‐doping strategy is applicable to other material systems.
An Amphiphilic Cell‐Penetrating Macrocycle for Efficient Cytosolic Delivery of Proteins, DNA, and CRISPR Cas9
Authors: Qutub Somayah S. , Bhat Imtiyaz Ahmad , Maatouk Batoul I. , Moosa Basem , Fakim Aliyah , Nawaz Kashif , Diaz‐Galicia Escarlet , Lin Weibin , Grünberg Raik , Arold Stefan T. , Khashab Niveen M.
Published: May 2024

The discovery of safe platforms that can circumvent the endocytic pathway is of great significance for biological therapeutics that are usually degraded during endocytosis. Here we show that a self‐assembled and dynamic macrocycle can passively diffuse through the cell membrane and deliver a broad range of biologics, including proteins, CRISPR Cas9, and ssDNA, directly to the cytosol while retaining their bioactivity. Cell‐penetrating macrocycle CPM can be easily prepared from the room temperature condensation of diketopyrrolopyrrole lactams with diamines. We attribute the high cellular permeability of CPM to its amphiphilic nature and chameleonic properties. It adopts conformations that partially bury polar groups and expose hydrophobic side chains, thus self‐assembling into micellar‐like structures. Its superior fluorescence makes CPM trackable inside cells where it follows the endomembrane system. CPM outperformed commercial reagents for biologics delivery and showed high RNA knockdown efficiency of CRISPR Cas9. We envisage that this macrocycle will be an ideal starting point to design and synthesize biomimetic macrocyclic tags that can readily facilitate the interaction and uptake of biomolecules and overcome endosomal digestion.
Engineering Low Volume Resuscitants for the Prehospital Care of Severe Hemorrhagic Shock
Authors: Pichon Trey J. , Wang Xu , Mickelson Ethan E. , Huang Wen‐Chia , Hilburg Shayna L. , Stucky Sarah , Ling Melissa , S. John Alexander E. , Ringgold Kristyn M. , Snyder Jessica M. , Pozzo Lilo D. , Lu Maggie , White Nathan J. , Pun Suzie H.
Published: May 2024

Globally, traumatic injury is a leading cause of suffering and death. The ability to curtail damage and ensure survival after major injury requires a time‐sensitive response balancing organ perfusion, blood loss, and portability, underscoring the need for novel therapies for the prehospital environment. Currently, there are few options available for damage control resuscitation (DCR) of trauma victims. We hypothesize that synthetic polymers, which are tunable, portable, and stable under austere conditions, can be developed as effective injectable therapies for trauma medicine. In this work, we design injectable polymers for use as low volume resuscitants (LVRs). Using RAFT polymerization, we evaluate the effect of polymer size, architecture, and chemical composition upon both blood coagulation and resuscitation in a rat hemorrhagic shock model. Our therapy is evaluated against a clinically used colloid resuscitant, Hextend. We demonstrate that a radiant star poly(glycerol monomethacrylate) polymer did not interfere with coagulation while successfully correcting metabolic deficit and resuscitating animals from hemorrhagic shock to the desired mean arterial pressure range for DCR – correcting a 60 % total blood volume (TBV) loss when given at only 10 % TBV. This highly portable and non‐coagulopathic resuscitant has profound potential for application in trauma medicine.
Electrochemical Generation of Aryl Radicals from Organoboron Reagents Enabled by Pulsed Electrosynthesis
Authors: Boudjelel Maxime , Zhong Jessica , Ballerini Lorenzo , Vanswearingen Ian , Al‐Dhufari Rossul , Malapit Christian A.
Published: May 2024

Aryl radicals play a pivotal role as reactive intermediates in chemical synthesis, commonly arising from aryl halides and aryl diazo compounds. Expanding the repertoire of sources for aryl radical generation to include abundant and stable organoboron reagents would significantly advance radical chemistry and broaden their reactivity profile. While traditional approaches utilize stoichiometric oxidants or photocatalysis to generate aryl radicals from these reagents, electrochemical conditions have been largely underexplored. Through rigorous mechanistic investigations, we identified fundamental challenges hindering aryl radical generation. In addition to the high oxidation potentials of aromatic organoboron compounds, electrode passivation through radical grafting, homocoupling of aryl radicals, and decomposition issues were identified. We demonstrate that pulsed electrosynthesis enables selective and efficient aryl radical generation by mitigating the fundamental challenges. Our discoveries facilitated the development of the first electrochemical conversion of aryl potassium trifluoroborate salts into aryl C−P bonds. This sustainable and straightforward oxidative electrochemical approach exhibited a broad substrate scope, accommodating various heterocycles and aryl chlorides, typical substrates in transition‐metal catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions. Furthermore, we extended this methodology to form aryl C−Se, C−Te, and C−S bonds, showcasing its versatility and potential in bond formation processes.
Synergistic exploration of antimicrobial potency, cytotoxicity, and molecular mechanisms: A tripartite investigation integrating in vitro, in vivo, and in silico approaches for pyrimidine‐based metal (II) complexes
Authors: Bagul Abhay , Kumar Manish , Tufail Aisha , Tufail Nasir , Gaikwad Digambar , Dubey Amit
Published: May 2024

We synthesized and characterized bioactive metal (II) complexes from a pyrimidine‐based Schiff base ligand, 4‐[2‐(4‐chlorobenzylidene) hydrazinyl]‐7H‐pyrrolo[2,3‐d]pyrimidine. Through thorough elemental analysis and various physicochemical techniques, we characterized both the ligand and its Zn(II), Cd(II), and Hg(II) complexes. Coordination of the metallic ion was established via nitrogen atoms from the ligand's pyrrolo and pyrimidine rings, yielding tetrahedral complexes of the type [M(PPHpCB)2]. These complexes are identified as non‐electrolytes due to their low molar conductance. Furthermore, we investigated the coordination behavior of the pyrimidine‐based Schiff base ligand (HPPHpCB) with metal ions through comprehensive spectroscopic analysis. 1H NMR spectral data showed bonding between HPPHpCB and metal ions, while UV spectra confirmed intra‐ligand and ligand‐to‐metal charge transfer transitions, indicating coordination through nitrogen atoms. The determination of tetrahedral geometry for metal complexes confirmed their diamagnetic properties. Analysis using 13C NMR and electrospray ionization mass spectra (ESI‐MS) revealed variations in chemical shifts, confirming successful complex formation and elucidating structural modifications, electronic interactions, and metal–ligand coordination modes. Moreover, evaluation of in vitro antimicrobial activities using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) approach revealed significant antibacterial and antifungal activities for Hg(II) and Cd(II) complexes, respectively. The Hg(II) complex displayed superior antioxidant activity, while Zn(II) and Cd(II) complexes also demonstrated considerable potential. In vivo, cytotoxicity assessments against Artemia salina provided insights into the cytotoxic properties of ligands and metal complexes. Computational techniques suggested their potential in combating infectious ailments. Overall, our study establishes the synthesis, characterization, and multifaceted biological activities of metal (II) complexes derived from the pyrimidine‐based Schiff base ligand, highlighting their promising role in combating various infectious diseases.
Fabrication of porous poly(L‐lactide‐co‐ε‐caprolactone) micropowder for microbubble effect and ultrasound‐mediated drug delivery
Authors: Lim Jin Ik
Published: May 2024

Biodegradable elastic poly(L‐lactide‐co‐ε‐caprolactone) (PLCL) copolymer (50:50, lactide:caprolactone molar ratio) was synthesized and porous PLCL micropowders was fabricated by a simple method involving rapid cooling of 0.1, 0.5, and 1% (wt/vol) PLCL/dioxane spray into liquid nitrogen. The physicochemical properties of the porous PLCL micropowders were examined by measuring their pore size, pore morphology, and microbead size using a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dye and temozolomide (TMZ)‐release testing under ultrasound. Human U‐87MG, glioblastoma (GBM) cell culture tests were performed to evaluate cell cytotoxicity by released drug from PLCL micropowders. In this study, the porous PLCL micropowders prepared from 1 wt%/vol% PLCL solutions showed a highly porous structure, satisfactory mechanical properties, and optimal drug release efficiency compared with those produced from 0.1 or 0.5 wt%/vol% solutions. The results of the accumulated release test with the results of the absorbance of the dye initially applied, it was confirmed that more than 80% of the added dye was trapped inside the micropowder, and clearly GBM cytotoxicity effect could be observed by the released TMZ. The drug release system using micropowders and ultrasound can be applied as a drug supply system for various diseases such as brain tumors with low drug permeability.
Identification of collagen subtypes of gastric cancer for distinguishing patient prognosis and therapeutic response
Authors: Wang Di , Zhang Jing , Wang Jianchao , Cai Zhonglin , Jin Shanfeng , Chen Gang
Published: May 2024

Background

Gastric cancer is a highly heterogeneous disease, presenting a major obstacle to personalized treatment. Effective markers of the immune checkpoint blockade response are needed for precise patient classification. We, therefore, divided patients with gastric cancer according to collagen gene expression to indicate their prognosis and treatment response.

Methods

We collected data for 1250 patients with gastric cancer from four cohorts. For the TCGA‐STAD cohort, we used consensus clustering to stratify patients based on expression levels of 44 collagen genes and compared the prognosis and clinical characteristics between collagen subtypes. We then identified distinct transcriptomic and genetic alteration signatures for the subtypes. We analyzed the associations of collagen subtypes with the responses to chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. We also established a platform‐independent collagen‐subtype predictor. We verified the findings in three validation cohorts (GSE84433, GSE62254, and GSE15459) and compared the collagen subtyping method with other molecular subtyping methods.

Results

We identified two subtypes of gastric adenocarcinoma: a high‐expression collagen subtype (CS‐H) and a low‐expression collagen subtype (CS‐L). Collagen subtype was an independent prognostic factor, with better overall survival in the CS‐L subgroup. The inflammatory response, angiogenesis, and phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathways were transcriptionally active in the CS‐H subtype, while DNA repair activity was significantly greater in the CS‐L subtype. PIK3CA was frequently amplified in the CS‐H subtype, while PIK3C2A, PIK3C2G, and PIK3R1 were frequently deleted in the CS‐L subtype. CS‐H subtype tumors were more sensitive to fluorouracil, while CS‐L subtype tumors were more sensitive to immune checkpoint blockade. CS‐L subtype was predicted to be more sensitive to HER2‐targeted drugs, and CS‐H subtype was predicted to be more sensitive to vascular endothelial growth factor and PI3K pathway‐targeting drugs. Collagen subtyping also has the potential to be combined with existing molecular subtyping methods for better patient classification.

Conclusions

We classified gastric cancers into two subtypes based on collagen gene expression and validated these subtypes in three validation cohorts. The collagen subgroups differed in terms of prognosis, clinical characteristics, transcriptome, and genetic alterations. The subtypes were closely related to patient responses to chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy.
Treatment and prognosis study of spontaneous rupture hemorrhage in hepatocellular carcinoma: Recommendations for adding the A1 stage to the BCLC staging system
Authors: Ni Qingqiang , Jia Hongtao , Zhang Yazhou , Lu Jun , Chang Hong
Published: May 2024

Background

The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system is an internationally recognized clinical staging system for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, this staging system does not address the staging and surgical treatment strategies for patients with spontaneous rupture hemorrhage in HCC. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prognosis of patients with BCLC stage A undergoing liver resection for HCC with spontaneous rupture hemorrhage and compare it with the prognosis of patients with BCLC stage A undergoing liver resection without rupture.

Methods

Clinical data of 99 patients with HCC who underwent curative liver resection surgery were rigorously followed up and treated at Shandong Provincial Hospital from January 2013 to January 2023. A retrospective cohort study design was used to determine whether the presence of ruptured HCC (rHCC) is a risk factor for recurrence and survival after curative liver resection for HCC. Prognostic comparisons were made between patients with ruptured and non‐ruptured BCLC stage A HCC (rHCC and nrHCC, respectively) who underwent curative liver resection.

Results

rHCC (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.974, [p] = 0.016) and tumor diameter greater than 5 cm (HR = 2.819, p = 0.022) were identified as independent risk factors for overall survival (OS) after curative resection of BCLC stage A HCC. The postoperative OS of the spontaneous rupture in the HCC group (Group I) was shorter than that in the BCLC stage A group (Group II) (p = 0.008). Tumor invasion without penetration of the capsule was determined to be an independent risk factor for recurrence‐free survival (RFS) after liver resection for HCC (HR = 2.584, p = 0.002).

Conclusion

HCC with concurrent spontaneous rupture hemorrhage is an independent risk factor for postoperative OS after liver resection. The BCLC stage A1 should be added to complement the current BCLC staging system to provide further guidance for the treatment of patients with spontaneous rupture of HCC.
Exploring the perspective of adolescent childhood cancer survivors on follow‐up care and their concerns regarding the transition process—A qualitative content analysis
Authors: Winzig Jana , Inhestern Laura , Sigmund Désirée , Paul Verena , Hail Lesley‐Ann , Rutkowski Stefan , Escherich Gabriele , Bergelt Corinna
Published: May 2024

Purpose

In Germany, children diagnosed with cancer survive their initial disease in more than 80%, and the majority will become long‐term survivors. Around the age of 18, survivors are transferred to adult healthcare. The transition can be a critical period in the process of care at which many childhood cancer survivors discontinue to participate in regular follow‐up care. Hence, the objective of the paper was to explore (a) survivors' attitudes towards pediatric follow‐up care and (b) their concerns regarding the transition process to draw conclusions for optimizing pediatric care and transition processes.

Methods

We conducted semi‐structured interviews with 21 adolescent childhood cancer survivors between the ages of 14 and 20. The survivors were recruited via a pediatric oncology department of a university hospital in Germany. Based on the principles of qualitative content analysis, a deductive‐inductive method according to Kuckartz was applied.

Results

Based on the interview guide and derived from the exploratory research questions, two key categories were generated: (a) Survivors' attitudes towards pediatric follow‐up care, which encompasses all formal and emotional aspects of survivors regarding follow‐up care, and (b) their concerns regarding transition from pediatric to adult healthcare, where hindering and facilitating factors for a successful transition occur. Our results show high satisfaction among survivors with follow‐up care. Nevertheless, they wish to be more integrated into processes and the organization of their follow‐up care. Most adolescent survivors do not feel ready for transition.

Conclusion

The integration of survivors into the organization processes and routines, and the promotion of emotional detachment from pediatric health care professionals (HCPs) are important to reduce concerns and uncertainties of adolescent survivors regarding the transition process and to promote subjective readiness for transition. To gain confidence in the adult healthcare, it is crucial to provide tailored education depending on individual requirements and needs and to build trusting relationships between survivors and adult HCPs.
Role of melatonin in carcinogenesis and metastasis: From mechanistic insights to intermeshed networks of noncoding RNAs
Authors: Lin Xiukun , Qureshi Muhammad Zahid , Tahir Fatima , Yilmaz Seher , Romero Mirna Azalea , Attar Rukset , Farooqi Ammad A.
Published: May 2024

In recent years, seminal studies have been devoted to unraveling the puzzling mysteries associated with the cancer preventive/inhibitory role of melatonin. Our current knowledge of the translational mechanisms and the detailed structural insights have highlighted the characteristically exclusive role of melatonin in the inhibition of carcinogenesis and metastatic dissemination. This mini‐review outlines recent discoveries related to mechanistic role of melatonin in prevention of carcinogenesis and metastasis. Moreover, another exciting facet of this mini‐review is related to phenomenal breakthroughs linked with regulation of noncoding RNAs by melatonin in wide variety of cancers.
Sequence‐Guided Redesign of an Omega‐Transaminase from Bacillus megaterium for the Asymmetric Synthesis of Chiral Amines
Authors: Xu Zhexian , Xu Jiaqi , Zhang Tao , Wang Ziyuan , Wu Jianping , Yang Lirong
Published: May 2024

ω‐Transaminases (ω‐TAs) are attractive biocatalysts asymmetrically catalyzing ketones to chiral amines. However, poor non‐native catalytic activity and substrate promiscuity severely hamper its wide application in industrial production. Protein engineering efforts have generally focused on reshaping the substrate‐binding pockets of ω‐TAs. However, hotspots around the substrate tunnel as well as distant sites outside the pockets may also affect its activity. In this study, the ω‐TA from Bacillus megaterium (BmeTA) was selected for engineering. The tunnel mutation Y164F synergy with distant mutation A245T which was acquired through a multiple sequence alignment showed improved soluble expression, a 3.7‐fold higher specific activity and a 19.9‐fold longer half‐life at 45 °C. Molecule Dynamics simulation explains the mechanism of improved catalytic activity, enhanced thermostability and improved soluble expression of BmeTAY164F/A245T(2 M). Finally, the resting cells of 2 M were used for biocatalytic processes. 450 mM of S‐methoxyisopropylamine (S‐MOIPA) was obtained with an ee value of 97.3 % and a conversion rate of 90 %, laying the foundation for its industrial production. Mutant 2 M was also found to be more advantageous in catalyzing the transamination of various ketones. These results demonstrated that sites that are far away from the active center also play an important role in the redesign of ω‐TAs.
Community‐Science‐ Projekte in der Wissenschaft
Authors: Ließmann Fabian , Landsmann Anja , Rossa Jan , Meiler Jens
Published: May 2024

Community Science erlebt eine kleine Revolution mit vielen neuen Projekten, die teilweise moderne Computerwissenschaft mit menschlicher Kreativität und Spielen kombiniert. In FoldIt können Spieler Proteine falten, designen und passende Liganden dazu bilden. In DrugIt können sie kleine Moleküle für Zielstrukturen kreieren und somit direkt Einblicke in Konzepte der Arzneistoffentwicklung erhalten und diese direkt unterstützen. Die besten Ergebnisse aus dem Spiel werden in der Forschung analysiert und können sogar in der Wissenschaft publiziert werden.
Landscape features influencing gene flow and connectivity of an endangered passerine
Authors: Bustillo‐de la Rosa Daniel , Barrero Adrián , Traba Juan , García Jesús T. , Morales Manuel B. , Vázquez‐Domínguez Ella
Published: May 2024

Dispersal of individuals and gene flow are crucial aspects to maintain genetic diversity and viability of populations, especially in the case of threatened species. Landscape composition and structure may facilitate or limit individual movement within and among populations. We used a landscape genetics approach to assess the connectivity patterns of the threatened Dupont's lark (Chersophilus duponti subsp. duponti), considering their genetic patterns and the landscape features associated with its gene flow in Spain. We analysed the genetic relatedness based on 11 species‐specific polymorphic microsatellites on 416 Dupont's lark individuals sampled across peninsular Spain between 2017 and 2019, covering most of the European distribution of the species. To assess the relationship between the landscape composition and the species gene flow, we estimated genetic distance at the individual level (Dps). Next, we built a set of environmental surfaces from two time periods (years 1990 and 2018), based on factors such as land use and topography, influencing individuals' movement. We then obtained resistance surfaces from an optimization process on landscape variables. Landscape genetics analyses were done for single and composite surface models for each year separately. Our findings from both time points show that scatter or mosaic‐structured vegetation composed by low agricultural and tree cover and high presence of sclerophyllous shrubs favoured Dupont's lark dispersal, while dense and continuous tree cover, as well as areas of intensive agriculture, were limiting factors. Our results suggest the importance of steppe habitat patches for the species' establishment and dispersal. In addition, our results provide key information to develop conservation measures, including conserving and restoring steppe habitats as scattered and/or mosaic‐structured vegetation that could warrant the connectivity and persistence of Dupont's lark populations.
Identifying animal behaviours from accelerometers: Improving predictive accuracy of machine learning by refining the variables selected, data frequency, and sample duration
Authors: Dunford Carolyn E. , Marks Nikki J. , Wilson Rory P. , Scantlebury D. Michael
Published: May 2024

Observing animals in the wild often poses extreme challenges, but animal‐borne accelerometers are increasingly revealing unobservable behaviours. Automated machine learning streamlines behaviour identification from the substantial datasets generated during multi‐animal, long‐term studies; however, the accuracy of such models depends on the qualities of the training data. We examined how data processing influenced the predictive accuracy of random forest (RF) models, leveraging the easily observed domestic cat (Felis catus) as a model organism for terrestrial mammalian behaviours. Nine indoor domestic cats were equipped with collar‐mounted tri‐axial accelerometers, and behaviours were recorded alongside video footage. From this calibrated data, eight datasets were derived with (i) additional descriptive variables, (ii) altered frequencies of acceleration data (40 Hz vs. a mean over 1 s) and (iii) standardised durations of different behaviours. These training datasets were used to generate RF models that were validated against calibrated cat behaviours before identifying the behaviours of five free‐ranging tag‐equipped cats. These predictions were compared to those identified manually to validate the accuracy of the RF models for free‐ranging animal behaviours. RF models accurately predicted the behaviours of indoor domestic cats (F‐measure up to 0.96) with discernible improvements observed with post‐data‐collection processing. Additional variables, standardised durations of behaviours and higher recording frequencies improved model accuracy. However, prediction accuracy varied with different behaviours, where high‐frequency models excelled in identifying fast‐paced behaviours (e.g. locomotion), whereas lower‐frequency models (1 Hz) more accurately identified slower, aperiodic behaviours such as grooming and feeding, particularly when examining free‐ranging cat behaviours. While RF modelling offered a robust means of behaviour identification from accelerometer data, field validations were important to validate model accuracy for free‐ranging individuals. Future studies may benefit from employing similar data processing methods that enhance RF behaviour identification accuracy, with extensive advantages for investigations into ecology, welfare and management of wild animals.
A Perspective on Centrohexaindane Chemistry and a Deep‐Sleeping “Cartesian” Seed
Authors: Kuck Dietmar
Published: May 2024

Centrohexaindane (C41H24), a structurally unique polyaromatic hydrocarbon bearing six mutually fused indane wings stretched out along the Cartesian axes of space, may be viewed as a seed for the construction of covalent and supramolecular three‐dimensional frameworks. A kaleidoscope of established and yet‐to‐be‐explored aspects of centrohexaindane chemistry is presented in this article. After addressing some ideas about the naked centrohexacyclic (and topologically nonplanar) C17‐core, which can be considered a “centrohexaquinacyne”, the diversity of known but mostly unknown functionalization patterns at the framework of centrohexaindane is addressed in increasing order of substitution at the twelve equivalent peripheral positions. The variety of centrohexaindanes bearing three identical groups is displayed including a very first access to a centrohexaindane that bears a C3‐symmetrically functionalized tribenzotriquinacene (TBTQ) unit and, thus, a potential for 3D oligocondensation. The diversity of known tetra‐ and hexasubstituted centrohexaindane derivatives is presented and conceivable synthesis strategies are discussed for even more highly functionalized derivatives. Finally, the successful access to centrohexaindanes with exhaustive functionalization and hydrocarbon extension at the twelve peripheral positions completes this overview on what may be a vastly open field, still.
Volatility forecasting incorporating intraday positive and negative jumps based on deep learning model
Authors: Zhang Yilun , Song Yuping , Peng Ying , Wang Hanchao
Published: May 2024

Most existing studies on volatility forecasting have focused on interday characteristics and ignored intraday characteristics of high‐frequency data, especially the asymmetric impact of positive and negative jumps on volatility. In this paper, 5‐min high‐frequency data are used to construct realized volatility which is decomposed into continuous components and jump components with positive and negative directions. Then, this information is combined with the long short‐term memory model for the realized volatility prediction. The empirical analysis demonstrates that negative jumps resulting from negative news have a more significant impact on market volatility than positive jumps. Additionally, the long short‐term memory model, which incorporates positive and negative jump volatility, outperforms traditional econometric and machine learning models in predicting out‐of‐sample volatility. Furthermore, applying the prediction results to value at risk yields a better measurement effect than the generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity model.
Oral cancer incidence rate is associated with access to dental care: City and statewide analyses
Authors: Scussiatto Henrique Ochoa , Kim Seunghee , Kolak Marynia A. , Nocon Cheryl C. , Pinto Jayant M. , Bhayani Mihir K.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Access to dental care may affect diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). We tested whether the incidence rate of OSCC is higher in regions with less dental care access in the city of Chicago and state of Illinois.

Study Design

Ecological cohort.

Setting

Population, outpatients, and inpatients.

Methods

We extracted 5‐year averages of the state‐wide county‐level and city‐level OSCC incidence rates from 2015 to 2019 from the Illinois Department of Public Health. Dental care access information was also collected for each county for the same period, as well as the percentage of people that had ≥1 visit to a dentist in the previous year in Chicago. Multivariate Poisson regression was used to investigate the relationship between county‐level access to dental care (and city‐level dentist visits) and OSCC incidence rate, controlling for confounders, with additional flexible semiparametric models for confirmatory sensitivity analysis.

Results

In Illinois, higher 5‐year incidence rate of OSCC was significantly associated with low access to dental care by county (IRR = 0.96, 95% CI 0.91, 0.98). Southern/southwestern counties had higher incidence rates of OSCC (15.5%–28.4%) and the lowest rates of dental care access (47.5%–69.2%) compared to northern counties (10.3%–15% and 55.4%–80.6%, respectively). In Chicago, people with more dentist visits had a reduced chance of being diagnosed with OSCC (IRR = 0.97, 95% CI 0.91, 0.99), consistent with state‐wide analyses.

Conclusion

OSCC incidence rate is closely associated with poor local dental healthcare access in a major state and urban city. Increasing dental access could improve cancer outcomes via improved oral health and earlier detection.
Doppler Ultrasound and Resistive Indices in the Diagnosis of Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction in the Pediatric Population
Authors: Meyers Mariana L. , Walker Jonathan , Sevick Carter , Beltran Gemma G. , Vemulakonda Vijaya M.
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Mercapto acetyl tri‐glycine renogram (MAG3) scan has been the gold standard assessment of pediatric ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) but requires intravenous access and radiation exposure. While Doppler ultrasound measurements of resistive indices (RI) of the arcuate arteries have been proposed as an alternative assessment of obstruction, they have not been widely adopted in the pediatric population. We hypothesized that RI of the main renal artery (RA) is more strongly correlated with MAG3 findings than arcuate RI.

Methods

Pediatric patients with unilateral Society for Fetal Urology grade 3–4 hydronephrosis undergoing concomitant RUS and MAG3 were recruited. Doppler ultrasound peak systolic velocity (PSV); RI of bilateral RA at the origin, middle, and hilum; and RI of the superior, middle, and lower pole arcuate arteries were obtained. MAG3 differential renal function (DRF) and T½ were recorded. Differences in RI measurements (DRI) between the affected and normal kidney were calculated and compared with DRF and T½.

Results

31 patients (median 4.6‐month‐old) were enrolled. Only RA RI at the origin differed between affected and normal kidneys (p < .001). DRI RA at the origin showed weak evidence for an association with MAG3 DRF < 40% (p .07). DRI was not associated with T½ > 20 minutes.

Conclusion

There was weak evidence for an association between RA DRI at the origin and DRF but not with T½. These findings suggest that RA DRI may provide additional data in the evaluation of patients with UPJO to tailor the use of MAG3 and associated risk of radiation exposure to those patients most at risk for concomitant renal function impairment.