bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Histological Lesions and Immunohistochemical Staining of Proteinase-resistant Prion Protein in a Naturally Occurring Spongiform Encephalopathy of Free-ranging Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) with Those of Chronic Wasting Disease of Captive Mule Deer
Authors: Spraker T. R. , Zink R. R. , Cummings B. A. , Wild M. A. , Miller M. W. , O'Rourke K. I.
Published: April 2003

In this investigation, the nature and distribution of histologic lesions and immunohistochemical staining (IHC) of a proteinase-resistant prion protein were compared in free-ranging mule deer ( Odocoileus hemionus) dying of a naturally occurring spongiform encephalopathy (SE) and captive mule deer dying of chronic wasting disease (CWD). Sixteen free-ranging deer with SE, 12 free-ranging deer without SE, and 10 captive deer with CWD were examined at necropsy. Tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and duplicate sections were stained with a monoclonal antibody (F89/160.1.5). Histological lesions in the freeranging deer with SE and captive deer with CWD were found throughout the brain and spinal cord but were especially prominent in the myelencephalon, diencephalon, and rhinencephalon. The lesions were characterized by spongiform degeneration of gray matter neuropil, intracytoplasmic vacuolation and degeneration of neurons, and astrocytosis. IHC was found throughout the brain and retina of deer with SE and CWD. Positive IHC was found in lymphoid tissue of deer with SE and CWD. Histologic lesions and IHC were not found in multiple sections of integument, digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine, musculoskeletal, and urogenital systems of deer with SE or CWD. Comparison of histologic lesions and IHC in tissues of free-ranging deer with those of captive deer provides strong evidence that these two diseases are indistinguishable morphologically.
Cutaneous Melanoma in a Ferret (Mustela putorius furo)
Authors: Tunev S. S. , Wells M. G.
Published: April 2003

A 4-year-old spayed female ferret (Mustela putorius furo) was clinically evaluated for a slightly raised subcutaneous mass in the dorsal lumbar area. The mass was surgically excised and submitted for histopathologic evaluation. Histologically, the mass was composed of closely packeted large, atypical, polygonal to spindle-shaped cells arranged in sheets and short bundles. A few cells contained variable amounts of granular, brown to black intracytoplasmic pigment. Warthin-Starry and Fontana-Masson silver stains demonstrated variable numbers of fine black intracytoplasmic granules in most cells. The atypical cells stained positively for vimentin and S100 protein and negatively for cytokeratin and Melan A. Ultrastructurally, the neoplastic cells contained intracytoplasmic melanosomes in different stages of development. Compound melanosomes were not identified. To our knowledge, this report documents the first case of a spontaneous cutaneous melanoma in the ferret.
The Ribonuclease Protection Assay: A Powerful Tool for the Veterinary Pathologist
Authors: Rottman J. B.
Published: April 2003

Veterinary pathologists engaged in basic research use a variety of methods to study disease pathogenesis at the light microscopic and submicroscopic (protein and mRNA) levels. The ribonuclease protection assay is a sensitive and accurate method to measure mRNA expression. The major advantages of the assay are that multiple mRNA species can be measured simultaneously in a single total RNA sample and that the assay has relatively high throughput. The major disadvantage is that the assay requires moderate technical skill.
Tumor Suppressor PTEN is Mutated in Canine Osteosarcoma Cell Lines and Tumors
Authors: Levine R. A. , Forest T. , Smith C.
Published: April 2003

Canine osteosarcoma (OS) cell lines contain mutations that directly or indirectly inactivate the tumor suppressor genes p53 and retinoblastoma. Another important tumor suppressor, PTEN, is mutated in many human cancers. To determine whether inactivation of PTEN plays a role in the pathogenesis of canine OS, we studied its expression in canine OS cell lines and tumors. Four of five canine OS cell lines (CO2, CO3, CO5, and CO7) constitutively express high levels of the phosphorylated form of Akt, an indirect indicator of aberrant PTEN expression. PTEN protein is essentially absent from three of these cell lines (CO2, CO5, and CO7), whereas CO3 contains a potentially inactivating amino acid substitution in PTEN at codon 340. Genomic hybridization experiments indicate that CO2, CO5, and CO7 contain large deletions within the PTEN gene. Ten of 15 OS tumors exhibit variable or negative PTEN staining. Evaluation of a PTEN-negative staining tumor by Southern blotting indicates that the PTEN gene is deleted in this tumor. These results indicate that PTEN is mutated or downregulated in a high percentage of canine OS cell lines and tumors and likely plays an important role in the pathogenesis of the disease.
Myocarditis in Sibling Boxer Puppies Associated with Citrobacter koseri Infection
Authors: Cassidy J. P. , Callanan J. J. , McCarthy G. , O'Mahony M. C.
Published: April 2003

Two sibling Boxer puppies presented with severe suppurative myocarditis in the absence of additional disseminated suppurative foci. The identification of gram-negative bacteria within areas of myocarditis in both puppies and the pure growth of large numbers of Citrobacter koseri from the myocardial lesions in one of the dogs were consistent with a bacterial etiology. The fact that C. koseri is an opportunist pathogen suggested intercurrent immunosuppression. The finding of a concomitant bacterial myocarditis in two canine siblings is novel. The case is also unusual in that syncope could be related to the myocardial injury.
Single Ventricle, Total Transposition, and Hypoplastic Aorta in a Calf
Authors: Lee E. , Halina W. , Fisher K. R. S. , Partlow G. D. , Physick-Sheard P.
Published: April 2003

A purebred Ayrshire calf was born with multiple congenital cardiac defects. The major defects included absence of an interventricular septum (i.e., single ventricle), transposition of the aorta and pulmonary trunk, interatrial septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus, and aortic arch anomalies. Despite the severity of the anomalies, the calf survived to 5 days of age, when it was found dead. This particular combination of cardiac defects has not been previously described in domestic animals.
A Comparative Review of Melanocytic Neoplasms
Authors: Smith S. H. , Goldschmidt M. H. , McManus P. M.
Published: April 2003

Melanoma is a devastating disease frequently encountered within both veterinary and human medicine. Molecular changes linked with neoplastic transformation of melanocytes include mutations in genes that encode proteins intrinsic to the regulatory pathways of two tumor suppressor proteins (retinoblastoma protein and p53), proto-oncogene mutation to oncogenes, altered expression of epithelial cadherin and CD44 adhesion molecules, and upregulation of angiogenic factors and other growth factors. Histologic evaluation of the primary mass is the most common means of diagnosis, with cytology used more frequently to document metastasis. Melanoma's highly variable histologic and cytologic patterns can make diagnosis by either method problematic. Adherent epithelioid morphology, including signet ring forms, and nonadherent round and spindle forms are recognized, with pigmentation an inconsistent finding. The site of the tumor, the thickness of the primary tumor or depth of invasion, and the number of mitotic figures per high-power field or per millimeter are used histologically to predict biologic behavior, whereas site and degree of pleomorphism are typically used for cytologic preparations. Diagnosis of amelanotic melanoma can be aided by ancillary diagnostic techniques. Tumor cells are usually positive for vimentin, S100, neuron-specific enolase, and Melan-A, and negative for cytokeratin. Melan-A as a positive marker is not as sensitive as the others are but is likely more specific. Monoclonal antibodies to human melanosome-specific antigens 1 and 5 cross-react with canine antigens for a combined sensitivity rate of 83%. Mouse monoclonal antibody IBF9 specifically recognizes canine melanoma antigen and also has good sensitivity. Serologic markers, including cytokines, cell adhesion molecules, and melanoma-inhibitory activity, are being investigated as potential sentinels of melanoma. Currently, there is no single diagnostic technique capable of differentiating benign from malignant melanocytic neoplasms or predicting survival time.
Localization of Classical Swine Fever Virus from Chronically Infected Pigs by In Situ Hybridization and Immunohistochemistry
Authors: Choi C. , Chae C.
Published: April 2003

Classical swine fever (CSF) virus (CSFV) nucleic acid and antigen were detected in 15 pigs with naturally occurring chronic CSF by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. The most consistent and prominent microscopic lesions were perivascular mononuclear cell infiltration and gliosis in the central nervous system of pigs with chronic CSF. Positive cells typically exhibited a dark brown (in situ hybridization) or red (immunohistochemistry) reaction product in the cytoplasm without background staining. A positive signal for both in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry was detected in mononuclear cells and lymphocytes of lymphoid tissues. Viral nucleic acid was detected in some tissue sections in the absence of viral antigen. The in situ hybridization technique developed in this study was useful for the detection of CSFV RNA in tissues taken from chronically infected pigs and may be a valuable technique for studying the pathogenesis of chronic CSFV infection.
Accumulation of Pathogenic Prion Protein (PrPSc) in Nervous and Lymphoid Tissues of Sheep with Subclinical Scrapie
Authors: Ersdal C. , Ulvund M. J. , Benestad S. L. , Tranulis M. A.
Published: April 2003

All sheep older than 1 year of age from a flock of the Rygja breed in which clinical scrapie was detected for the first time in two animals (4%) were examined for accumulation of pathogenic prion protein (PrPSc) by immunohistochemistry in the obex, the cerebellum, and the medial retrophayngeal lymph node. In addition, six lambs, 2–3 months old, all offspring of PrPSc-positive dams, were examined for PrPSc in the ileal Peyers' patch (IPP), the distal jejunal lymph node, the spleen, and the medial retropharyngeal lymph node (RPLN). In this flock, 35% (17/48) of the adult sheep showed accumulation of PrPSc, an eightfold increase compared with clinical disease. All positives carried susceptible PrP genotypes. Three sheep had deposits of PrPSc in the RPLN and not in the brain, suggesting that this organ, easily accessible at slaughter, is suitable for screening purposes. Two 7-year-old clinically healthy homozygous V136Q171 ewes showed sparse immunostaining in the central nervous system and may have been infected as adults. Further, two littermates, 86-days-old, showed PrPSc in the IPP. Interestingly, one of these lambs had the intermediate susceptible PrP genotype, VA136QR171. In addition to early immunolabeling in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagal nerve, a few of the sheep had early involvement of the cerebellum. In fact, a 2-year-old sheep had sparse deposits of PrPSc in the cerebellum only. Because experimental bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in sheep seems to behave in a similar manner as natural scrapie, these results, particularly regarding spread of infectivity, may have implications for the handling of BSE should it be diagnosed in sheep.
Quantitative Analysis of Tryptase- and Chymase-containing Mast Cells in Eosinophilic Conditions of Cats
Authors: Noli C. , Welle M. , Scarampella F. , Abramo F.
Published: April 2003

The presence and density of tryptase-positive/chymase-positive mast cells (MCs) (MCTC), chymase-positive/tryptase-negative MCs (MCC), and tryptase-positive/chymase-negative MCs (MCT) in lesional skin from cats with eosinophilic conditions were investigated. Skin biopsy specimens from eight cats with eosinophilic plaque (three cats), eosinophilic granuloma (two cats), and eosinophilic dermatitis (three cats) were studied. Toluidine blue staining and a double-enzyme-immunohistochemical staining technique were performed to determine MC density and MC subtypes, respectively. MC density varied from 170.3 to 503 cells/mm2 (mean value of 314.9 cells/mm2). In the superficial dermis, 5.9% of the MC belonged to the MCT, 12.8% to the MCC, and 81.2% to the MCTC subtype. In the deep dermis, 12.8% belonged to the MCT, 12.8% to the MCC, and 73.8% to the MCTC subtype. It is the first time that MCC have been identified. The double-labeling procedure proved to be a reliable tool for identifying simultaneously the presence of MC subtypes in feline skin.
Enhancement of Strength and Hardness in Copper–Chromium–Zirconium Alloy Using Single‐Pass Multi‐Angular Twist Channel Extrusion: A Microstructural and Deformation Study
Authors: Muralidharan Swaminathan , Iqbal Usuff Mohammed
Published: February 2025

Herein, the strength and hardness of copper–chromium–zirconium alloy are enhanced in a single pass by a severe plastic deformation (SPD) technique called the multiangular twist channel extrusion (MATE) process. In equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) and twist extrusion (TE), requisite strain and uniformity are achieved through several extrusion passes. MATE is a single‐pass novel SPD technique developed by integrating TE with the ECAP followed by a direct channel zone. The deformation behavior of metal in the MATE process is elucidated through experimental and microstructural studies conducted in each zone. The MATE‐processed Cu–Cr–Zr alloy achieves a hardness of 184.4 Hv and a tensile strength of 645.2 MPa, reflecting an increase of 80.43% and 69.7%, respectively, relative to the annealed condition. The electrical conductivity of the MATE‐processed Cu–Cr–Zr alloy decreases to 74.29% International Annealed Copper Standard. The electron backscatter diffraction investigation reveals an average grain size of 2.8 μm, with 61% comprising low‐angle grain boundaries, while the calculated dislocation density, from X‐ray diffraction analysis, is 3.93 × 1014 m−2. The transmission electron microscopy image verifies the existence of dislocations and precipitates in the Cu–Cr–Zr alloy. The experimental and microstructural findings in each zone have aligned effectively.
Localized Negatively Charged Interfaces for Seawater Electrolyte‐Based Zinc‐Air Batteries
Authors: Liu Yurong , Feng Suyang , Shan Lutong , Zhu Yousheng , Zhou Chuancong , Li Jing , Shi Xiaodong , Kang Zhenye , Tian Xinlong , Rao Peng
Published: February 2025

Seawater electrolyte‐based zinc‐air batteries (S‐ZABs) are considered the promising choice for highly efficient marine power supply, owing to their high specific energy, low cost, and eco‐friendliness. However, the air‐cathode suffers from the sluggish oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) kinetics together with the severe adsorption of Cl− in seawater electrolytes, which severely limits the service life and efficiency of S‐ZABs. Herein, precisely decorating axially coordinated Cl ions (Cl−) on Fe atomic sites (Cl‐FeSA/NC) to construct a local negatively charged interface to inhibit the adsorption of Cl− is proposed, which exhibits a desirable ORR activity, and good stability with almost no loss in electrocatalytic performance after long‐term stability test. Moreover, the assembled battery achieves a peak power density of 208.0 mW cm−2, which is 1.45 times higher than commercial Pt/C‐based S‐ZABs. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the axially coordinated Cl− not only constructs a local negatively charged interface to inhibit the corrosion and poisoning of Fe active sites by Cl−, but also regulates the electronic states of Fe active sites to optimize adsorption/desorption energy of intermates, thus improving the electrocatalytic activity and stability of Cl‐FeSA/NC.
A Scalable Route to Constructing Hydrogel‐Encapsulated Lithium‐Ion Sieves‐Based Photothermal Fabric Adsorbent for Solar‐Enhanced Lithium Extraction from Seawater
Authors: Han Zihang , Qi Shumao , Fu Mengtao , Han Li , Hong Chenxiao , Shen Zhongyi , Wang Xuecheng , Su Kaiyuan , Xue Xiaogang , Zhang Bowu , Gu Jianzhong , Ma Hongjuan
Published: February 2025

Lithium extraction from seawater is deemed as the promising solution to coping with the booming demand for lithium. However, the trace lithium concentration and low temperature in seawater limit the adsorption amount of lithium on conventional adsorbents. Here, a novel scalable method is developed for constructing a photothermal fabric adsorbent for lithium extraction by encapsulating graphite powder (GP) and lithium‐ion sieves (LISs) with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), which is then simultaneously coated onto commercial cotton fabric through electron beam (EB) irradiation‐induced crosslinking. Benefited from the evaporation‐induced ion concentration effects and solar‐heated microenvironment, the lithium adsorption kinetics of the adsorbent is accelerated with the assistance of solar illumination, which achieve a 55.0% lithium removal ratio in seawater in just 30 min sun illumination, whereas just 30.0% under dark condition. A 21‐day solar‐assisted offshore adsorption test confirmed the photothermal fabric adsorbent can sequester 15.71 mgLi g−1, ≈25.9% increase in comparison with that without solar illumination. Considering the cost of the adsorbent as low as 2.98 $ kg−1, this research provides a simple and scalable method for the preparation of low‐cost photothermal adsorbent for efficient extraction of lithium from seawater on an industrial scale.
Electrocrystallization of Copper 7,7,8,8‐Tetracyanoquinodimethane Charge‐Transfer Complex on Flexible Substrates for Real‐Time Ammonia Gas Sensing
Authors: Wang Ren , Kilani Mohamed , Lin Jiancheng , Chandrawati Rona , Mao Guangzhao
Published: February 2025

Real‐time monitoring of public safety, individual health, and environmental conditions relies on accurate continuous data collected by gas sensors, which provide users with cost‐effective insights to support informed decision‐making. This study presents an innovative approach that simplifies the manufacturing process of nanowire (NW)‐based gas sensors by enabling direct electrodeposition of NW crystals on various substrates, such as silicon wafers and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Copper 7,7,8,8‐Tetracyanoquinodimethane (CuTCNQ), a charge‐transfer complex, is electrodeposited directly onto photolithographically patterned interdigitated triangle‐tip electrodes and functions as a chemiresistive gas sensor that responds to ammonia gas through charge interactions. The sensor's performance can be precisely controlled using electrochemical techniques, allowing for tailored sensitivity across different concentration ranges. To enhance the practical application of this technology, a flexible, near‐field communication‐based passive tag is developed by integrating the CuTCNQ gas sensor with a flexible printed circuit board. This device enables on‐demand ammonia concentration analysis and operates battery‐free and wireless through mobile phone scanning. This capability is crucial for wearable or industrial devices and aligns with the increasing demand for robust environmental monitoring solutions. This approach represents a significant step forward in improving both human health and environmental protection through accessible and efficient gas sensing technology.
Fabrication of Graphene Polyhedra: Unveiling New Structures, Forms, and Properties
Authors: Lim Joong Yeon , Kim Seonghwan , Rahman Muhammad Toyabur , Kim Young‐Seong
Published: February 2025

A hybrid nanoporous carbon alloy material is synthesized using a core–shell structure based on metal–organic frameworks, revealing a novel graphene polyhedral form. The presence of carbon and metal as doped cobalt carbides based on morphed graphene within the graphene polyhedra is confirmed through a combination of X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy analyses. These novel graphene polyhedra exhibit magnetoelectric coupling properties at room temperature. The magnetic state control is verified using a magnetic probe; the changes in the magnetic state increased with a higher applied bias, and the poling direction of the magnetic phase is reversed based on the scanning direction of the probe. This discovery holds promise for future applications in ultrafast devices and carbon‐based spintronics research.
Micro‐Engraving UV‐Sensitive Thin‐Film Transistor from Metal–Metal Oxide Nanoparticles with Band‐Gap Engineering
Authors: Yang U Jeong , Park Sehyun , Choi Woosung , Tsukruk Vladimir V.
Published: February 2025

As known, n‐type inorganic semiconductor nanoparticles such as zinc oxide nanoparticles have been explored in various sensing applications, which demand high‐density electronic elements placement for rapid operation. Herein, high‐resolution designs of conductive channels of noble metal‐doped zinc oxide nanoparticles is demonstrated using an engraving transfer printing process and silver metal doping approach. Such thin‐film transistors with reduced feature size to 2 µm fabricated exhibited significantly enhanced electron mobility up 3.46 × 10−2 cm2 V−1 s−1 and light sensitivity. Furthermore, the integration of this micropatterning technology and metal doping in thin‐film transistors is utilized for control of current–voltage characteristics under the ultraviolet radiation with high sensitivity. It is suggested that this approach to design of doped inorganic nanoparticle channels paves the way for high‐density thin‐film transistors suitable for optoelectronic circuit, UV photodetectors and neuromorphic computing systems.
Industrial‐Level Paired Electrosynthesis of Valuable Chemicals over a High‐Performance Heterostructural Electrode
Authors: Zhou Guorong , Cheng Han , Wu Yilin , Tong Yun , Dai Ruihao , Zhu Jiaye , Zheng Xiaonan , Lin Cong , Chen Pengzuo , Wu Changzheng
Published: February 2025

Paired electrosynthetic technology is of significance to realize the co‐production of high‐added value chemicals. However, exploiting efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst of the concurrent electrocatalysis to achieve the industrial‐level performance is still challenging. Herein, an amorphous Co2P@MoOx heterostructure is rationally designed by in situ electrodeposition strategy, which is acted as excellent bifunctional catalysts for the electrocatalytic nitrite reduction reaction (NO2RR) and glycerol oxidation reaction (GOR). The membrane‐electrode assembly (MEA) electrolyzer realizes a low voltage of 1.30 V, robust stability over 200 h at 100 mA cm−2, high Faraday efficiencies and yield of NH3 (above 95 %, 49.7 mg h−1 cm−2) and formate (above 95 %, 304.4 mg h−1 cm−2) at industrial‐level current density of 500 mA cm−2. In situ spectroscopy studies have shown that high‐valence CoOOH is the main active material of GOR, and the main catalytic conversion pathway of NO2RR involves key *NH2OH reaction intermediates. In addition, theoretical calculations confirm that the Co2P@MoOx heterostructure has strong interfacial electronic interaction and optimized reaction energy barriers, which endows its intrinsically high electrocatalytic activity for the co‐electrosynthesis of NH3 and formate.
Biochar from crop residues mitigates N2O emissions and increases carbon content in tropical soils
Authors: Gabetto Fernanda Palmeira , Tenelli Sarah , Netto‐Ferreira Julia Barra , Martins Junior Joaquim , Almeida Octávio Augusto Costa , Cosenza Marcela Lamas , Strauss Mathias , Carvalho João Luis Nunes
Published: February 2025

The application of biochar may offer a cost‐effective solution to decrease nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions in agriculture soils while having the potential to enhance soil carbon (C) accumulation. Biochar can be produced primarily from a range of agricultural and woody residual biomass, potentially resulting in biochar types with distinct properties. This study evaluated the effects of four different biochar types on soil N2O emissions, C storage, and diversity of the soil microbial community in a tropical environment. A greenhouse experiment with sugarcane plants was conducted with six treatments: soil only (CTR); soil + N fertilizer (NF); NF + sugarcane straw biochar (NF+SB); NF + sugarcane bagasse biochar (NF+BB); NF + Pinus residue biochar (NF+PB); and NF + eucalyptus residue biochar (NF+EB). Regardless of the origin of the feedstock, all biochar reduced the cumulative N2O emissions by 25% to 50% in comparison with the nitrogen‐fertilized treatment. Only NF+EB registered higher N2O emissions than NF+SB. The feedstock material also influenced the chemical properties of biochar, showing a negative correlation between oxidized functional groups and N2O emissions. Variations in the physicochemical properties of biochar did not affect soil C levels or microbial diversity, as all treatments with biochar presented similar results. All biochar types increased soil C levels, but only those derived from wood residues showed higher C content than CTR and NF. Despite biochar having no effects on overall soil microbiome diversity, the amendment tended to increase the abundance of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria, while suppressing the ammonia‐oxidizing phylum Thaumarchaeota. Biochar application had no significant effect on ammonium availability; however, it exhibited the capacity to retain nitrate. The application of biochar in tropical soils can therefore be considered a nature‐based solution to decrease N2O emissions and increase C levels without changing microbial diversity.
Recent Advances in Achieving High Energy/Power Density of Lithium–Sulfur Batteries for Current and Near‐Future Applications
Authors: Heo Junyoung , Gu Hawon , Lee Changhee , Sung Junghwan , Kim Dong‐Hee , Han Jiye , Oh Yeong‐Seok , Ahn Seongki , Jeon Il , Park Jun‐Woo
Published: February 2025

Although lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) are promising next‐generation secondary batteries, their mass commercialization has not yet been achieved primarily owing to critical issues such as the “shuttle effect” of soluble lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) and uncontrollable Li dendrite growth. Thus, most reviews on LSBs are focused on strategies for inhibiting shuttle behavior and achieving dendrite‐free LSBs to improve the cycle life and Coulombic efficiency of LSBs. However, LSBs have various promising advantages, including an ultrahigh energy density (2600 Wh kg−1), cost‐effectiveness, environmental friendliness, low weight, and flexible attributes, which suggest the feasibility of their current and near‐future practical applications in fields that require these characteristics, irrespective of their moderate lifespan. Here, for the first time, challenges impeding the current and near‐future applications of LSBs are comprehensively addressed. In particular, the latest progress and novel materials based on their electrochemical characteristics are summarized, with a focus on the gravimetric/volumetric energy density (capacity), loading mass and sulfur content in cathodes, electrolyte‐to‐sulfur ratios, rate capability, and maximization of these advantageous characteristics for applications in specific areas. Additionally, potential areas for practical applications of LSBs are suggested, with insights for improving LSB performances from a different standpoint and facilitating their integration into various application domains.
Citrus Flavonoids as Antimicrobials
Authors: Ciriminna Rosaria , Petri Giovanna Li , Angellotti Giuseppe , Luque Rafael , Fabiano-Tixier Anne-Sylvie , Meneguzzo Francesco , Pagliaro Mario
Published: February 2025

Citrus flavonoids are highly bioactive compounds exerting numerous health benefits including anticancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti‐inflammatory, mitoprotective and neuroprotective activity. Research on their broad‐scope bioactivity experienced a renaissance in the early 2000s and further accelerated after COVID‐19, including research on their antimicrobial properties. Summarizing selected research achievements on the antimicrobial activity of the main Citrus flavonoids, this study aims to provide a unified picture on the antimicrobial properties of these valued compounds that will hopefully assist in the development of flavonoid‐based antimicrobials, including antibacterial treatments suitable for clinical use minimizing antimicrobial resistance.
Serial Change and Clinical Impact of Irregular Protrusion in Lesions With Chronic Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Okamoto Naotaka , Mizote Isamu , Ishihara Takayuki , Nakamura Daisuke , Shiraki Tatsusya , Itaya Naoki , Tsujimura Takuya , Takahara Mitsuyoshi , Hikosou Shungo , Mano Toshiaki , Ueno Takahumi , Nishino Masami , Nanto Shinsuke , Sakata Yasushi
Published: February 2025

Background

The changes over time and effects on long‐term clinical outcomes beyond 1 year of irregular protrusion (IP) in chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) remains unclear.

Aims

This study aimed to assess the time‐dependent change and long‐term clinical impact of IP in CCS lesions.

Methods

This study was a post hoc analysis of COLLABORATION study, which was a multicenter, prospective, observational study conducted from July 2018 to February 2020, assessing 1‐ and 12‐month serial vessel responses after stent implantation using OCT and coronary angioscopy. Time‐dependent change in the presence of IP was evaluated using the serial OCT examinations. The cumulative 3‐year incidence of TLR was compared between the lesions with and without IP, as well as between those with and without residual IP at 1 month.

Results

Among 107 lesions, IP was detected in post‐OCT pullbacks in 38 (35.5%) lesions. Out of the 38 lesions, IP remained in 9 (23.7%) lesions at 1 month and existed in 2 (5.3%) lesions at 12 months. The cumulative 3‐year incidence of TLR was significantly higher in IP group than in non‐IP group (13.6% vs. 3.0%, p = 0.04). Similarly, it was significantly higher in lesions with residual IP at 1 month than those without (33.3% vs. 4.3%, p < 0.01). All residual IP at 1 month were composed of angioscopic yellow plaques and red thrombi.

Conclusions

The presence of IP decreased over time, but approximately one‐fourth of IP remained at 1 month. IP and residual IP at 1 month were important post‐stent OCT findings leading to long‐term TLR in patients with CCS.
Long‐Term Impact of Early Subclinical Leaflet Thrombosis After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
Authors: Iwata Juri , Hayashida Kentaro , Arita Ryo , Moriizumi Tomonari , Kajino Akiyoshi , Sakata Shingo , Ryuzaki Toshinobu , Shinada Keitaro , Tsuruta Hikaru , Yamada Yoshitake , Kato Jungo , Takahashi Tatsuo , Yamazaki Masataka , Jinzaki Masahiro , Shimizu Hideyuki , Ieda Masaki
Published: February 2025

Background

Hypoattenuated leaflet thickening (HALT) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) detected on multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is considered leaflet thrombosis. However, its impact on long‐term clinical outcomes remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impact of early HALT detection after TAVI on long‐term clinical outcomes and structural valve deterioration beyond 6 years.

Methods

Of the 672 consecutive patients who underwent TAVI between 2013 and 2018, 448 were treated with either SAPIEN XT or SAPIEN 3 and underwent MDCT analysis within 30 days after TAVI. MDCT results and echocardiographic data were analyzed annually.

Results

HALT was detected in 68 (15.2%) of 448 eligible patients within 30 days after TAVI. No significant difference in effective orifice area was observed by echocardiography within 30 days after TAVI between the HALT and the non‐HALT groups in SAPIEN XT (HALT vs. non‐HALT: 1.62 ± 0.66 cm2 vs. 1.72 ± 0.43 cm2; p = 0.26) and in SAPIEN 3 (1.42 ± 0.35 cm2 vs. 1.45 ± 0.34 cm2; p = 0.63). No significant differences in all‐cause mortality (52.9% vs. 60.0%; hazard ratio (HR): 1.19; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.83−1.70; p = 0.3), stroke incidence (5.9% vs. 7.1%; HR: 1.06; 95% CI: 0.08−13.7; p = 0.97), heart failure rehospitalization (10.3% vs. 15.0%; HR: 2.3; 95% CI: 0.89−5.99; p = 0.09), and structural valve deterioration (14.7% vs. 17.9%; HR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.45−1.73; p = 0.73) were observed between the HALT and the non‐HALT groups during the median follow‐up of 1872 (interquartile range; 1203−2468) days.

Conclusions

HALT within 30 days was not associated with clinical outcomes or hemodynamic performance during long‐term follow‐up.
Impact of Side Branch Occlusion on Patient Outcomes After Bifurcation Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Strepkos Dimitrios , Alexandrou Michaella , Mutlu Deniz , Carvalho Pedro E. P. , Ser Ozgur S. , Jalli Sandeep , Voudris Konstantinos , Burke M. Nicholas , Sandoval Yader , Brilakis Emmanouil S.
Published: February 2025

Background

The outcomes and characteristics of patients with side branch occlusion (SBO) after bifurcation percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have received limited study.

Methods

We compared the procedural characteristics and outcomes of patients with and without SBO among 933 provisional bifurcation PCIs performed in 803 patients at six centers between 2014 and 2024.

Results

The prevalence of SBO was 13% (n = 121). SBO patients had lower rates of hypertension, prior coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG), and prior PCI but higher angiographic complexity, with higher prevalence of left anterior descending artery stenoses, smaller side branch diameter and more severe side branch diameter stenoses. SBO patients were more likely to convert from provisional to two‐stent strategies (24.8% vs 6.0%, p < 0.001), and to require plaque modification (39.7% vs 17.5%, p < 0.001) and side branch percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) (25.6% vs 12.9%, p < 0.001). SBO patients had lower technical (78.5% vs 96.2%, p < 0.001) and procedural (73.5% vs 92.2%, p < 0.001) success and similar in‐hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), but higher dissection rates (7.1% vs 2.0%, p = 0.007). Patients with untreated SBO had similar in‐hospital MACE with untreated SBO patients. During a median follow‐up of 1,095 days patients with treated SBO (83.9%, n = 94) had lower follow‐up MACE (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.29, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.10, 0.84, p = 0.023) and mortality (HR: 0.22, CI: 0.065, 0.755, p = 0.016) compared with patients with untreated SBO.

Conclusions

SBO occurs in 13% of provisional PCIs. SBO patients had more complex coronary lesions and worse follow‐up clinical outcomes if the SBO was left untreated.
Unified Protocol vs Mentalization‐Based Therapy for Adolescents With Borderline Personality Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Mohajerin Banafsheh , Gallagher Matthew W. , Howard Richard
Published: February 2025

Background

Despite several treatments, e.g., mentalization‐based therapy (MBT) and Unified Protocol (UP), being adapted to treat adolescents with borderline personality disorder (BPD), there exists a dearth of literature regarding their relative efficacy. In this study modified forms of MBT and UP – MBT‐A and UP‐A respectively—were compared in their ability to reduce borderline symptoms in a sample of 91 Iranian adolescents (two‐thirds female) with a BPD diagnosis.

Methods

Individuals randomly allocated to one of two treatment groups, MBT‐A (N = 45) or UP‐A (N = 46) were followed up across 36 months following treatment. A MIXED ANCOVA was applied to compare the effectiveness of these interventions in reducing severity of borderline symptoms (the primary outcome), impulsivity, self‐harm, emotion dysregulation and anger (secondary outcomes). The trial was retrospectively registered at IRCT20231106059970N1.

Results

Both primary outcomes and secondary outcomes decreased significantly following both MBT‐A and UP‐A. In comparison with MBT‐A, UP‐A was more effective in reducing emotional dysregulation, but levels of remission declined progressively up to 36 months of follow‐up following both treatments.

Conclusions

UP‐A appears to be more effective than MBT‐A in reducing emotional dysregulation in adolescents with BPD, despite being a shorter and less intensive treatment. An important caveat is that the treatment induced changes were largely limited to the emotion dysregulation aspect of BPD; other aspects (interpersonal and identity disturbances) were largely unchanged by either treatment.
Single‐Phase Single‐Stage Integrated Ćuk Inverter Operating in Discontinuous Conduction Mode for Autonomous Operation
Authors: Inoue Rafael Takeshi , Dionizio Anderson Aparecido , Sampaio Leonardo Poltronieri , da Silva Sérgio Augusto Oliveira , de Brito Moacyr Aureliano Gomes
Published: February 2025

DC microgrids are required to supply energy to AC local loads in many applications. To address this need, integrated inverters have been rising as an excellent solution for interfacing AC loads with the microgrid due to their good conversion efficiency, lower costs, and enhanced reliability. Thus, this paper explores and analyzes the single‐phase single‐stage integrated Ćuk inverter (ICI). The ICI is designed to operate in discontinuous conduction mode with an improved switching strategy. The inverter's output voltage is regulated by a single‐loop control system employing a proportional integral multiresonant controller. This paper presents a comprehensive qualitative and quantitative mathematical analysis of the ICI, such as the main system equations, component sizing, and the converter modeling using the state‐space technique associated with the small‐signal analysis. The ICI distinguishes itself by (i) reduced number of electrical/electrical components; (ii) operation with a single high‐frequency switch, while the remaining bridge switches operate at low frequency; and (iii) ability to step up the input voltage while supplying an AC voltage in its output. The feasibility and functionality of the ICI are demonstrated from computational simulation and experimental results. The ICI provides an AC output voltage with low harmonic distortion and presents an efficiency greater than 96%.
Analysis and Design of Constant Current/Constant Voltage Output of Array Multitransmitter Inductive Power Transfer System
Authors: Li Da , Sun Pan , Lu Jianghua , Rong Enguo , Li Yuan , Wu Xusheng , Deng Qijun
Published: February 2025

Wireless power transfer has been widely used in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) charging due to its convenient and flexible noncontact charging characteristics. The working area of the uncoupler inductive power transfer (IPT) system is limited, and ZVS is easily lost in phase‐shift modulation. This paper proposes a method for constant current (CC) /constant voltage (CV) output in an array multitransmitter IPT system based on HFP modulation in a wide working area. The HFP modulation method easily realizes the current phase synchronization of multiple transmitter coils, and the size can be adjusted. At the same time, an efficient optimization model for a multitransmitter IPT system based on HFP modulation is proposed. Finally, an experimental platform for the array multitransmitter IPT system is built to verify the effectiveness of the CC/CV output realization method and the efficiency optimization model for the multitransmitter IPT system. The maximum errors in charging current and voltage are less than 2.52% and 2.1%, respectively, and the peak efficiency of the IPT system reaches 87.3%.
Clinical Outcomes Among Adolescents Diagnosed With Anorexia Nervosa During the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Coret Alon , Burstein Brett , Agostino Holly
Published: February 2025

Objective

The COVID‐19 pandemic was associated with a significant rise in the incidence of anorexia nervosa (AN) and atypical anorexia nervosa (AAN), longer wait times and reduced opportunities for in‐person medical services. How these changes affected clinical outcomes among adolescents newly diagnosed with AN/AAN remains largely unknown.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of standardized intake and follow‐up data from a pediatric eating disorder program to compare clinical outcomes among adolescents newly diagnosed with AN/AAN during pre‐pandemic (July/2017–December/2018) and pandemic (July/2020–December/2021) periods. Clinical data were collected at the time of diagnosis and at 1‐, 3‐, 6‐, and 12‐month intervals. The primary outcomes were unscheduled AN/AAN‐related emergency department visits and need for medical hospitalization.

Results

Overall, 253 patients were included (pre‐pandemic = 77; pandemic = 176). By 12‐months following diagnosis, 18.8% (95% CI 13.3%–25.3%) of patients diagnosed during the pandemic had unscheduled AN/AAN‐related emergency department visits, compared to 7.8% (95% CI 2.9%–16.2%, p = 0.03) of those diagnosed pre‐pandemic. Medical hospitalization was required more frequently in the pandemic group (35.8%; 95% CI 28.7%–43.4%) compared to pre‐pandemic (15.6%; 95% CI 8.3%–25.6%, p = 0.001). Mean weight gain at 12‐months did not differ between groups (8.1 kg pre‐pandemic vs. 8.8 kg pandemic; p = 0.35) however the mean time to target weight was longer in the pandemic group (2.7 vs. 4.4 months; p = 0.002).

Conclusion

Patients newly diagnosed with AN/AAN during the pandemic had significantly more AN/AAN‐related emergency department visits and hospitalizations and took longer to achieve target weight than those diagnosed pre‐pandemic. These findings suggest a more complicated treatment course among adolescents diagnosed with AN/AAN during the pandemic.
Growth differentiation factor‐15 and N‐terminal pro‐BNP in acute heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Otaki Yoichiro , Watanabe Tetsu , Shimizu Mari , Tachibana Shingo , Sato Junya , Kobayashi Yuta , Tamura Harutoshi , Kato Shigehiko , Nishiyama Satoshi , Takahashi Hiroki , Arimoto Takanori , Watanabe Masafumi
Published: February 2025

Aims

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) continues to be an increasingly common health problem associated with a high mortality rate. Elevated levels of Growth differentiation factor‐15 (GDF15) and N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) are reportedly associated with poor clinical outcomes in a broad range of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of the combined assessment of these markers on clinical outcomes in patients with HFpEF.

Methods

This study is the prospective observational study. We measured the serum levels of GDF15 and NT‐proBNP in 643 patients (mean age 73 ± 12, 42% females). All patients were prospectively followed up for a median period of 1998 days. Total 132 HF‐related events and 88 all‐cause deaths occurred during the follow‐up period.

Results

Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis demonstrated that both serum GDF15 and NT‐proBNP levels were independently associated with HF‐related events after adjustment for confounding risk factors (GDF15: hazard ratio, 1.72; 95% confidence interval, 1.35–2.19; P < 0.0001 and NT‐proBNP: hazard ratio, 1.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.25–2.13; P = 0.0003). Serum GDF15 levels improved the prediction capacity for HF‐related events (0.7405 vs. 0.7190; P = 0.0422), with a significant net reclassification index (0.2724) and integrated discrimination improvement (0.0246). The C indices of GDF15 for HF‐related events and all‐cause deaths were significantly larger than those of NT‐proBNP in men (HF‐related events: 0.7389 vs. 0.6721; P = 0.0393, and all‐cause deaths: 0.6922 vs.0.6109; P = 0.0262) but not in women. The combination of GDF15 and NT‐proBNP levels stratified patients with HFpEF, identifying those at a high risk for HF‐related events and all‐cause deaths.

Conclusions

Serum GDF15 could be an additional prognostic information to NT‐proBNP in patients with HFpEF. The prognostic abilities of serum GDF15 and NT‐proBNP differed according to sex. These markers were the feasible markers for patients with HFpEF, identifying those at a high risk for HF‐related events and all‐cause deaths.
Searching for New Four‐membered Palladacycles Derived from Anilines: Influence of the N‐Substituents in the Reaction Outcome
Authors: Chicote María‐Teresa , Bautista Delia , Vicente José , Saura‐Llamas Isabel
Published: February 2025

The reactions of iodoanilines IC6H4NRR′‐2 with [Pd(PPh3)4] gave complexes [Pd(C6H4NRR′‐2}I(PPh3)2] [R=H, R’=H (1 a), Me (1 b); R=R’=Me (1 c)] while a mixture of 1 a, and the dimeric [Pd{μ‐C,N‐C6H4NH2‐2)I(PPh3)]2 (2 a) was obtained when the appropriate iodoaniline was reacted with [Pd(dba)2] (dba=dibenzylideneacetone) and 1 equiv. of PPh3. The phosphonium salts [Ph3PC6H4NRMe‐2]OTf [R=H (3 b), Me (3 c)] formed upon reacting complexes 1 b,c with TlOTf (OTf=CF3SO3). Complexes of the type [Pd(C6H4NRR′‐2}I(N N)] (4) were obtained from the reaction of [Pd(dba)2] with the appropriate iodoaniline and a N N bidentate ligand (N N=4,4′‐di‐tert‐butyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine or N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylenediamine). Complexes 4 reacted with TlOTf and PPh3 or XyNC (Xy=C4H4Me2‐2,6) to give [Pd(C6H4NRR′‐2)(N N)(PPh3)]OTf (5) or [Pd{C,N‐C(=NHXy)C6H4NRR′‐2)(N N)]OTf (6), respectively. In the absence of any added ligand, the reactions of complexes 4 with TlOTf produced the dimeric complexes [Pd{μ‐C,N‐C6H4NHR‐2)(N N)]2(OTf)2 (7) or the four‐membered palladacycles [Pd(κ2‐C6H4NMe2‐2)(N N)]OTf (8), depending on the substitution degree of the aniline reagent.
Manganese‐Resorcin[4]Arene‐Based Metal‐Organic Framework: Syntheses, Structure and Lithium‐Ion Battery Application
Authors: Liu Jin‐Hua , Liu Dan , Yu Ming‐Yue , Liu Li , Wang Yan‐Qing , Huo Yan‐Fang , Sun Shi‐Qi , Hao Sha‐Sha
Published: February 2025

By employing a dodecarboxylic acid substituted resorcin[4]arene ligand (L), a new metal‐organic framework (MOF), [Mn6(L)(H2O)14] ⋅ DMA ⋅ 5H2O (defined as Mn‐L) has been synthesized under solvothermal conditions. Mn‐L shows a 3D framework with abundant carboxyl groups, which result in the excellent electrochemical performance as anode materials in lithium ion batteries (LIBs). The activated Mn‐L maintains the specific capacities of 598 mAh/g at 200 mA/g after 150 runs and 420 mAh/g at 500 mA/g after 350 runs. The excellent rate capacity, cyclic stability enable Mn‐L to be prospective anode material for LIBs.
A case of multiple bone metastases during the course of non‐invasive bladder and prostate cancer
Authors: Matsubara Keisuke , Hayakawa Nozomi , Kubota Yohei , Ohike Nobuyuki , Sunakawa Yu , Koike Junki , Kikuchi Eiji
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Secondary bladder tumor is rare. We report a case of a bladder tumor initially thought to be a recurrence of non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer that was ultimately identified as metastasis from gastric cancer treated 16 years prior.

Case presentation

A 75‐year‐old male with a history of gastric, prostate, and recurrent non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer was diagnosed to have multiple bone metastases. Open bone biopsy and cancer gene panel testing identified the primary origin of the metastases as gastric cancer. Retrospective evaluation revealed that what was initially suspected as recurrent bladder tumors were actually metastases from the gastric cancer.

Conclusion

In cases of metastases with an unknown primary origin, detailed evaluation, including biopsy of the metastatic lesion and genomic testing, is recommended.