bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enzymatic Synthesis of Indole‐Based Imidazopyridine using α‐Amylase
Authors: Kamboj Priya , Tyagi Vikas
Published: January 2024

The imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine scaffold has gained significant attention due to its presence as a lead structure in several commercially available pharmaceuticals like zolimidine, zolpidem, olprinone, soraprazan, etc. Further, indole‐based imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine derivatives have been found interesting due to their anticancer and antibacterial activities. However, limited methods have been reported for the synthesis of indole‐based imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines. In this study, we have successfully developed a biocatalytic process for synthesizing indole‐based imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine derivatives using the α‐amylase enzyme catalyzed Groebke‐Blackburn‐Bienayme (GBB) multicomponent reaction of 2‐aminopyridine, indole‐3‐carboxaldehyde, and isocyanide. The generality and robustness of this protocol were shown by synthesizing differently substituted indole‐based imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines in good isolated yields. Furthermore, to make α‐amylase a reusable catalyst for GBB multicomponent reaction, it was immobilized onto magnetic metal‐organic framework (MOF) materials [Fe3O4@MIL‐100(Fe)] and found reusable up to four consecutive catalytic cycles without the significant loss in catalytic activity.
Intelligent Nano‐Colloidal Electrolytes for Stabilizing Lithium Metal Anodes: A Review
Authors: Lim Minhong , Seo Jiyeon , Choi Bokyung , Kim Beomjun , Lee Jiwon , Park Sanghyun , Lee Hongkyung
Published: January 2024

Although Li‐metal has been revisited as the most attractive anode in building high‐energy‐density batteries owing to its superiority, such as ultimate theoretical capacity and lowest working voltage, notorious Li dendrite growth has plagued its practical uses. Since dendritic Li electroplating is mostly caused by poor Li+ transport and inferior stability of solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI), an innovative reframing of the electrolyte is crucial to the success of Li‐metal anodes (LMAs). This review presents a new class of electrolytes, nano‐colloidal electrolytes (NCEs), providing a new avenue for next‐generation Li‐metal batteries (LMBs). Without searching for new salts/solvents or their compositional tuning, NCEs exploiting multi‐functional nanoparticles dispersed in liquid electrolytes can promote Li+ transport and reinforce the SEI of liquid electrolytes that are solely used. This review discusses various types of nanoparticles and their key roles in demonstrating excellent suppression of Li dendrite growth and enhancing the cycling stability of LMBs. Unraveling the underlying design principles of NCEs offers practical solutions for stabilizing LMAs, paving the way for developing intelligent battery systems.
C−C Coupling in CO2 Electroreduction on Single Cu‐Modified Covalent Triazine Frameworks: A Static and Dynamic Density Functional Theory Study
Authors: Ohashi Keitaro , Nagita Kaito , Yamamoto Hiroki , Nakanishi Shuji , Kamiya Kazuhide
Published: January 2024

The electrochemical reduction of CO2 into C2+ products represents a promising solution to completing the carbon cycle, thereby fostering a sustainable energy supply. Single‐atom electrocatalysts (SAECs) have garnered significant attention as efficient electrocatalysts for the CO2 reduction reaction. Herein, we carried out a first‐principles study on the mechanism of C−C bond formation on single‐Cu‐atom‐modified covalent triazine frameworks (Cu‐CTFs), which are a promising platform for SAECs. Static density functional calculations indicated that the dimerization of CO, which is the main mechanism for C−C bond formation on bulk Cu metals, was not favorable for Cu‐CTFs because of the lack of adjacent Cu sites for co‐adsorption of CO molecules. Rather than CO dimerization, the reaction between adsorbed *CHO and CO to produce *COCHO has a relatively low reaction energy barrier. Constrained ab initio molecular dynamics analyses revealed that the C−C bond‐forming reaction proceeds via insertion of CO at the *CHO intermediate, which has a modest activation energy of 0.09 eV. Specifically, when CO molecule is constrained to be brought close to *CHO, CO insertion between *CHO and Cu occurs at a C−C distance of 1.8 Å. This insertion reaction is the transition step for this C−C bond formation.
Synthesis of Superelastic, Highly Conductive Graphene Aerogel/Liquid Metal Foam and its Piezoresistive Application
Authors: Ma Jinlong , Yan Rui , Wo Xiaoye , Cao Yanpeng , Yu Xiao , Li Aijun , Huang Jian , Li Fenghua , Luo Liqiang , Zhang Qixian
Published: January 2024

Graphene aerogel (GA) has important application potential as piezoresistive sensors due to its low density, high conductivity, high porosity, and good mechanical properties. However, the fabrication of GA‐based sensors with good mechanical properties and excellent sensing performance is still challenging. Herein, liquid‐ metal‐modified GAs (GA/LM) are proposed for the development of an excellent GA‐based sensor. GA/LM with three‐dimensional interconnected layered structure exhibits excellent compressive stress of 41 KPa and fast response time (<20 ms). While generally flexible GA composites cannot be compressed beyond 80 % strain without plastic deformation, GA/LM demonstrates a high compressive strength of 60 kPa under a strain of 90 %. A real‐time pressure sensor was fabricated based on GA/LM‐2 to monitor swallowing, pulse beating, finger, wrist and knee bending, and even plantar pressure during walking. These excellent features enable potential applications in health detection.
Age at diagnosis and social risks among Black cancer survivors: Results from the Detroit Research on Cancer Survivors cohort
Authors: Hastert Theresa A. , McDougall Jean A. , Robinson Jamaica R. M. , Palakshappa Deepak , Seaton Randell , Ruterbusch Julie J. , Beebe‐Dimmer Jennifer L. , Schwartz Ann G.
Published: January 2024

Background

Social risks are common among cancer survivors who have the fewest financial resources; however, little is known about how prevalence differs by age at diagnosis, despite younger survivors’ relatively low incomes and wealth.

Methods

The authors used data from 3703 participants in the Detroit Research on Cancer Survivors (ROCS) cohort of Black cancer survivors. Participants self‐reported several forms of social risks, including food insecurity, housing instability, utility shut‐offs, not getting care because of cost or lack of transportation, and feeling unsafe in their home neighborhood. Modified Poisson models were used to estimate prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of social risks by age at diagnosis, controlling for demographic, socioeconomic, and cancer‐related factors.

Results

Overall, 35% of participants reported at least one social risk, and 17% reported two or more risks. Social risk prevalence was highest among young adults aged 20–39 years (47%) followed by those aged 40–54 years (43%), 55–64 years (38%), and 65 years and older (24%; p for trend < .001). Compared with survivors who were aged 65 years and older at diagnosis, adjusted prevalence ratios for any social risk were 1.75 (95% CI, 1.42–2.16) for survivors aged 20–39 years, 1.76 (95% CI, 1.52–2.03) for survivors aged 40–54 years, and 1.41 (95% CI, 1.23–1.60) for survivors aged 55‐64 years at diagnosis. Similar associations were observed for individual social risks and experiencing two or more risks.

Conclusions

In this population of Black cancer survivors, social risks were inversely associated with age at diagnosis. Diagnosis in young adulthood and middle age should be considered a risk factor for social risks and should be prioritized in work to reduce the financial effects of cancer on financially vulnerable cancer survivors.
CNT Sheets Co‐Loaded with Sulfur and Silicon Oxides: Free Standing Anodes for Lithium and Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Joshi Akhilesh C. , Dutta Dimple P. , Alexander Rajath , Roy Mainak , Dasgupta Kinshuk
Published: January 2024

Sulfur and silicon oxides loaded self‐supporting binder and collector free CNT sheets have been synthesized using floating catalyst chemical vapor deposition technique and investigated for their application as anodes in lithium/sodium ion battery. The CNT sheets have been characterized thoroughly using various microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. The addition of sulfur improves the interplanar spacing in the lattice and also generated abundant defects. The silicon oxides help in enhancing the specific capacity of the CNT sheet via conversion reactions. These features lead to enhanced electrochemical properties and the best performance has been demonstrated by the co‐loaded CNT/S/silicon oxide electrode. As anode in LIB, it delivers 830 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1 current density after 250 cycles. More importantly, the kinetic analysis confirms that sulfur/silicon oxide co‐loading can improve the Li+ diffusion coefficient in CNT anode and enhance the metal ion storage. The structural modifications also enhance Na+ ion storage and the CNT/S/Silicon oxide anode delivers 368 mAh g−1 after 250 cycles at a current rate of 1 A g−1 with a superior initial coulombic efficiency of 77.5 %.
Methylation Induces a Low‐energy Emissive State in N6‐methyladenine Containing Dinucleotides
Authors: Wang Danhong , Jia Menghui , He Xiaoxiao , Pan Haifeng , Chen Jinquan
Published: January 2024

Methylation of adenine at the N6 position is a crucial epigenetic modification that profoundly influences gene regulation and expression. Moreover, this modification intricately alters the excited state dynamics of adenine nucleobases. To explore the impact of N6‐methyladenine on the excited state dynamics within oligonucleotides, we conducted a comprehensive investigation of two dinucleotides containing N6‐methyladenosine, in conjunction with adenosine or guanosine. Using steady‐state and time‐resolved absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy techniques, we not only observed the customary monomer‐like and charge transfer emissive states, as reported in previous dinucleotides, but also identified an additional low‐energy emissive state. This unique state exhibits an extraordinary Stokes Shift exceeding 2.3 eV and has a relatively long lifetime of 4–5 ns. We propose that this state corresponds to a bonded exciplex state, governed by ground‐state geometries.
Spinocerebellar ataxia 27B: A novel, frequent and potentially treatable ataxia
Authors: Pellerin David , Danzi Matt C. , Renaud Mathilde , Houlden Henry , Synofzik Matthis , Zuchner Stephan , Brais Bernard
Published: January 2024

Hereditary ataxias, especially when presenting sporadically in adulthood, present a particular diagnostic challenge owing to their great clinical and genetic heterogeneity. Currently, up to 75% of such patients remain without a genetic diagnosis. In an era of emerging disease‐modifying gene‐stratified therapies, the identification of causative alleles has become increasingly important. Over the past few years, the implementation of advanced bioinformatics tools and long‐read sequencing has allowed the identification of a number of novel repeat expansion disorders, such as the recently described spinocerebellar ataxia 27B (SCA27B) caused by a (GAA)•(TTC) repeat expansion in intron 1 of the fibroblast growth factor 14 (FGF14) gene. SCA27B is rapidly gaining recognition as one of the most common forms of adult‐onset hereditary ataxia, with several studies showing that it accounts for a substantial number (9–61%) of previously undiagnosed cases from different cohorts. First natural history studies and multiple reports have already outlined the progression and core phenotype of this novel disease, which consists of a late‐onset slowly progressive pan‐cerebellar syndrome that is frequently associated with cerebellar oculomotor signs, such as downbeat nystagmus, and episodic symptoms. Furthermore, preliminary studies in patients with SCA27B have shown promising symptomatic benefits of 4‐aminopyridine, an already marketed drug. This review describes the current knowledge of the genetic and molecular basis, epidemiology, clinical features and prospective treatment strategies in SCA27B.
Combining TIGIT blockade with IL‐15 stimulation is a promising immunotherapy strategy for lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Luo Baohong , Sun Yu , Zhan Qinru , Luo Yuting , Chen Yu , Fu Tongze , Yang Tiantian , Ren Lijuan , Xie Zhongpeng , Situ Xiaohua , Liu Bixia , Tang Kejing , Ke Zunfu
Published: January 2024

Background

T‐cell immunoglobulin and immunoreceptor tyrosine‐based inhibitory motif domain (TIGIT) is an immune checkpoint molecule that suppresses CD8+ T‐cell function in cancer. However, the expression profile and functional significance of TIGIT in the immune microenvironment of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remain elusive. Interleukin (IL)‐15 has emerged as a promising candidate for enhancing CD8+ T‐cell mediated tumour eradication. Exploring therapeutic strategies that combine IL‐15 with TIGIT blockade in LUAD is warranted.

Methods

We investigated the regulatory network involving coinhibitory TIGIT and CD96, as well as costimulatory CD226 in LUAD using clinical samples. The potential role of TIGIT in regulating the pathogenesis of LUAD was addressed through a murine model with transplanted tumours constructed in Tigit−/− mice. The therapeutic strategy that combines TIGIT blockade with IL‐15 stimulation was verified using a transplanted tumour murine model and a patient‐derived organoid (PDO) model.

Results

The frequency of TIGIT+CD8+ T cells was significantly increased in LUAD. Increased TIGIT expression indicated poorer prognosis in LUAD patients. Furthermore, the effector function of TIGIT+CD8+ tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) was impaired in LUAD patients and TIGIT inhibited antitumour immune response of CD8+ TILs in tumour‐bearing mice. Mechanistically, IL‐15 enhanced the effector function of CD8+ TILs but stimulated the expression of TIGIT on CD8+ TILs concomitantly. The application of IL‐15 combined with TIGIT blockade showed additive effects in enhancing the cytotoxicity of CD8+ TILs and thus further increased the antitumour immune response in LUAD.

Conclusions

Our findings identified TIGIT as a promising therapeutic target for LUAD. LUAD could benefit more from the combined therapy of IL‐15 stimulation and TIGIT blockade.
Microwave electrothermal thruster with surface wave plasma
Authors: Kiss'ovski Zhivko , Yordanov Velin , Marinov Simeon , Popov Georgi , Ivanov Stoil
Published: January 2024

A new microwave electrothermal thruster (MET) with small dimensions (length of 25 mm and diameter of 6 mm), utilizing surface wave (SW) plasma at low average power consumption Pav ˜ 2 W, is made. It uses microwaves at a frequency of 2.45 GHz for plasma generation within a dielectric chamber enclosed in a metal shield. The SW is excited at the plasma‐dielectric interface by a coaxial launcher and a standing wave is created due to the wave reflection from the shield. The high‐density plasma produced in this resonant chamber heats up the argon gas, which expands through the nozzle in the axial direction. The temperature of the gas decreases from 1900 K at atmospheric pressure to 1200 K at 10 Torr ambient pressure. This small‐sized MET shows stable low‐pressure operation with a thrust of 4 mN and an efficiency of 8% and is suitable for nanosatellite orbit control.
Dendrobine regulates STAT3 to attenuate mitochondrial dysfunction and senescence in vascular endothelial cells triggered by oxidized low‐density lipoprotein
Authors: Xia Jia , Chen Jingyi , Xing Xinyue , Meng Jing , Song Xiaoying , Lou Danfei
Published: January 2024

Our previous studies have highlighted the potential therapeutic efficacy of dendrobine, an alkaloid, in atherosclerosis (AS), nevertheless, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study employs a combination of network pharmacology and in vitro experiments to explore the regulatory pathways involved. Through network pharmacology, the biological function for intersection targets between dendrobine and AS were identified. Molecular docking was conducted to investigate the interaction between the dominant target and dendrobine. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL) to mimic AS, and the effects of dendrobine on cell viability, lipid deposition, mitochondrial function, and cellular senescence were evaluated. Subsequently, cells were treated with the mitophagy inhibitor Mdivi‐1 and the STAT3 agonist colivelin to assess the role of mitophagy and STAT3 signaling in dendrobine regulation. Intersection targets were associated with biological processes, including reactive oxygen species production. Dendrobine attenuated the effects of ox‐LDL treatment on HUVECs, mitigating changes in cell activity, lipid deposition, mitochondrial function, and cellular senescence. Both Mdivi‐1 and colivelin treatments resulted in decreased cell viability and increased cellular senescence, with colivelin suppressing mitophagy. Cotreatment with Mdivi‐1 and colivelin further aggravated cellular senescence and inhibited FoxO signaling. Together, this study indicated that dendrobine regulated the STAT3/FoxO signaling pathway, alleviating mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular senescence. This study contributes valuable insights to the potential clinical application of dendrobine.
Promoting Resilience to Improve Disordered Eating (PRIDE): A case series of an eating disorder treatment for sexual minority individuals
Authors: Brown Tiffany A. , Klimek‐Johnson Patrycja , Siegel Jaclyn A. , Convertino Alexandra D. , Douglas Valerie J. , Pachankis John , Blashill Aaron J.
Published: January 2024

Objective

Despite the increased risk for eating disorders (EDs) among sexual minority (SM) individuals, no ED treatments exist specifically for this population. SM stress and appearance‐based pressures may initiate and/or maintain ED symptoms in SM individuals; thus, incorporating strategies to reduce SM stressors into existing treatments may help address SM individuals' increased ED risk. This mixed‐methods study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of Promoting Resilience to Improve Disordered Eating (PRIDE)—a novel ED treatment for SM individuals.

Methods

N = 14 SM individuals with an ED diagnosis received 14 weekly sessions integrating Enhanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for EDs (CBT‐E) with techniques and principles of SM‐affirmative CBT developed to address SM stressors. Participants completed qualitative interviews and assessments of ED symptoms and SM stress reactions at baseline (pretreatment), posttreatment, and 1‐month follow‐up.

Results

Supporting feasibility, 12 of the 14 (85.7%) enrolled participants completed treatment, and qualitative and quantitative data supported PRIDE's acceptability (quantitative rating = 3.73/4). By 1‐month follow‐up, 75% of the sample was fully remitted from an ED diagnosis. Preliminary efficacy results suggested large and significant improvements in ED symptoms, clinical impairment, and body dissatisfaction, significant medium‐large improvements in internalized stigma and nonsignificant small‐medium effects of sexual orientation concealment.

Discussion

Initial results support the feasibility, acceptability, and initial efficacy of PRIDE, an ED treatment developed to address SM stressors. Future research should evaluate PRIDE in a larger sample, compare it to an active control condition, and explore whether reductions in SM stress reactions explain reductions in ED symptoms.

Public Significance

This study evaluated a treatment for SM individuals with EDs that integrated empirically supported ED treatment with SM‐affirmative treatment in a case series. Results support that this treatment was well‐accepted by participants and was associated with improvements in ED symptoms and minority stress outcomes.
Using macroinvertebrate‐based biotic indices and diversity indices to assess water quality: A case study on the Karasu Stream (Kastamonu, Türkiye)
Authors: Etriieki Abdulhamed M. Omar , Küçükbasmacı İbrahim
Published: January 2024

Biomonitoring is an approach that uses indicators or sentinel species to assess the health or pollution of an environment, combining diversity based on specific taxonomic groups with the taxa's indicator of pollution into a single index or score. Benthic macroinvertebrates are among the most preferred and valuable indicators of the biotic index. Our study aims to evaluate water quality and ecological status using biotic and diversity indices based on benthic macroinvertebrates. The macroinvertebrate samples used in this study were collected seasonally from 16 stations determined in Karasu Stream. These samples consist of 14,747 specimens belonging to 9 orders and 40 families of Insecta, Malacostraca, Hirudinea and Oligochaeta. In addition, some physicochemical parameters were measured at the stations. The data obtained were analysed using the Turkey‐Biological Monitoring Working Group (TR‐BMWP), Average Score per Taxon (ASPT), Family Biotic Index (FBI), Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (EPT) taxon richness index, and Shannon–Wiener, Simpson and Hill's diversity indices. Our results showed that the last six stations of Karasu Stream were under pressure due to various anthropogenic effects. According to biotic indexes, the ecological quality status of the water in the stations was determined to be high or good in the first 10 stations and average, poor or bad in the last 6 stations. The results of our study showed that TR‐BMWP, FBI and EPT indices are more reliable in determining water quality than the ASPT index and reflect the environmental situation better. Since the TR‐BMWP index is adapted to macroinvertebrate taxa distributed in Türkiye, it can be used as a suitable tool for evaluating other rivers' water quality in Türkiye.
Modulating the Electrolyte Inner Solvation Structure via Low Polarity Co‐solvent for Low‐Temperature Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Kang Yongchao , Zhang Feng , Li Houzhen , Wei Wangran , Dong Huitong , Chen Hao , Sang Yuanhua , Liu Hong , Wang Shuhua
Published: January 2024

Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries are regarded as the promising candidates for large‐scale energy storage systems owing to low cost and high safety; however, their applications are restricted by their poor low‐temperature performance. Herein, a low‐temperature electrolyte for low‐temperature aqueous zinc‐ion batteries is designed by introducing low‐polarity diglyme into an aqueous solution of Zn(ClO4)2. The diglyme disrupts the hydrogen‐bonding network of water and lowers the freezing point of the electrolyte to −105 °C. The designed electrolyte achieves ionic conductivity up to 16.18 mS cm−1 at −45 °C. The diglyme and ClO4− reconfigure the solvated structure of Zn2+, which is more favorable for the desolvation of Zn2+ at low temperatures. In addition, the diglyme effectively suppresses the dendrites, hydrogen evolution reaction, and by‐products of the zinc anode, improving the cycle stability of the battery. At −20 °C, a Zn||Zn symmetrical cell is cycled for 5200 h at 1 mA cm−2 and 1 mA h cm−2, and a Zn||polyaniline battery achieves an ultra‐long cycle life of 10 000 times. This study sheds light on the future design of electrolytes with high ionic conductivity and easy desolvation at low temperatures for rechargeable batteries.
Estimating the clinical and budgetary impact of using angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor as first line therapy in patients with HFrEF
Authors: Bergh Nicklas , Lindmark Krister , Lissdaniels Johannes , Lanne Gustav , Käck Oskar , Cowie Martin R.
Published: January 2024

Aims

Recent updates of international treatment guidelines for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) differ regarding the use of angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) as first‐line treatment. The American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology/Heart Failure Society of America (AHA/ACC/HFSA) 2022 guidelines gives ARNI a Class IA recommendation for HFrEF patients while the European Society of Cardiology's guidelines are less clear when ARNI could be considered as first line treatment option in de novo patients. This study aimed to model the clinical and budgetary outcomes of implementing these guidelines, comparing conservative ARNI prescription patterns with less conservative in Sweden and in the United Kingdom.

Methods and results

A health economic model was developed to compare different treatment patterns for HFrEF. Incident cohorts were included on an annual basis and followed over 10 years. The model included treatment specific all‐cause mortality and hospitalization rates, as well as drug acquisition, monitoring, and hospitalization costs. Increasing the use of ARNI could lead to about 7000–12 300 life years gained and 2600–4600 hospitalizations prevented in Sweden. These health benefits come with an additional cost of 112–195 million euros. Similar results were estimated for the United Kingdom, albeit on a larger population.

Conclusions

Increasing the proportion of patients receiving ARNI instead of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors as first‐line treatment of HFrEF will lead to a considerable number of additional life years gained and prevented hospitalizations but with additional cost in terms of health care expenditure in Sweden and in the United Kingdom.
Anxiety disorder and cardiovascular disease: a two‐sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Peng Bo , Meng Hong , Guo Liang , Zhu Jun , Kong Bin , Qu Zongze , Shuai Wei , Huang He
Published: January 2024

Aims

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Anxiety disorders are common psychiatric conditions associated with cardiovascular outcomes. This two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study investigated the causal relationship between anxiety disorders and coronary heart disease (CHD), myocardial infarction (MI), heart failure (HF), and atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with anxiety disorders (16 730 cases; 101 021 controls) were obtained from the UK Biobank genome‐wide association study (GWAS). Cardiovascular outcome data were derived from the FinnGen study (CHD: 21 012 cases and 197 780 controls; MI: 12 801 cases and 187 840 controls; HF: 23 397 cases and 194 811 controls; and AF: 22 068 cases and 116 926 controls). Inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR–Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode analyses examined causality.

Results

IVW analysis demonstrated significant causal relationships between anxiety disorders and increased risk of CHD [odds ratio (OR): 4.496; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.777–11.378; P = 0.002], MI (OR: 5.042; 95% CI: 1.451–17.518; P = 0.011), and HF (OR: 3.255; 95% CI: 1.461–7.252; P = 0.004). No relationship was observed with AF (OR: 1.775; 95% CI: 0.612–5.146; P = 0.29). Other methods showed non‐significant associations. Two‐way analysis indicated no reverse causality.

Conclusions

Anxiety disorders were causally associated with greater risk of CHD, MI, and HF but not AF among individuals of European descent. Further research on mediating mechanisms and in diverse populations is warranted.
Computed tomography or chest X‐ray to assess pulmonary congestion in dyspnoeic patients with acute heart failure
Authors: Miger Kristina , Overgaard Olesen Anne Sophie , Grand Johannes , Fabricius‐Bjerre Andreas , Sajadieh Ahmad , Høst Nis , Køber Nanna , Abild Annemette , Pedersen Lars , Lawaetz Schultz Hans Henrik , Torp‐Pedersen Christian , Ploug Boesen Mikael , Thune Jens Jakob , Nielsen Olav W.
Published: January 2024

Aims

While computed tomography (CT) is widely acknowledged as superior to chest radiographs for acute diagnostics, its efficacy in diagnosing acute heart failure (AHF) remains unexplored. This prospective study included consecutive patients with dyspnoea undergoing simultaneous low‐dose chest CT (LDCT) and chest radiographs. Here, we aimed to determine if LDCT is superior to chest radiographs to confirm pulmonary congestion in dyspnoeic patients with suspected AHF.

Methods and results

An observational, prospective study, including dyspnoeic patients from the emergency department. All patients underwent concurrent clinical examination, laboratory tests, echocardiogram, chest radiographs, and LDCT. The primary efficacy measure to compare the two radiological methods was conditional odds ratio (cOR). The primary outcome was adjudicated AHF, ascertained by comprehensive expert consensus. The secondary outcome, echo‐bnp AHF, was an objective AHF diagnosis based on echocardiographic cardiac dysfunction, elevated cardiac filling pressure, loop diuretic administration, and NT‐pro brain natriuretic peptide > 300 pg/mL. Of 228 dyspnoeic patients, 64 patients (28%) had adjudicated AHF, and 79 patients (35%) had echo‐bnp AHF. Patients with AHF were older (78 years vs. 73 years), had lower left ventricular ejection fraction (36% vs. 55%), had higher elevated left ventricular filling pressures (98% vs. 18%), and had higher NT‐pro brain natriuretic peptide levels (3628 pg/mL vs. 470 pg/mL). The odds to diagnose adjudicated AHF and echo‐bnp AHF were up to four times greater using LDCT (cOR: 3.89 [2.15, 7.06] and cOR: 2.52 [1.45, 4.38], respectively). For each radiologic sign of pulmonary congestion, the LDCT provided superior or equivalent results as the chest radiographs, and the interrater agreement was higher using LDCT (kappa 0.88 [95% CI: 0.81, 0.95] vs. 0.73 [95% CI: 0.63, 0.82]). As first‐line imaging modality, LDCT will find one additional adjudicated AHF in 12.5 patients and prevent one false‐positive in 20 patients. Similar results were demonstrated for echo‐bnp AHF.

Conclusions

In consecutive dyspnoeic patients admitted to the emergency department, LDCT is significantly better than chest radiographs in detecting pulmonary congestion.
Exploring an Optimised Approach for Converting 6‐Thioguanosine Derivatives to Asymmetric Disulphides
Authors: Kurpiejewski Karol , Piecyk Karolina , Pietrow Paulina , Pancer Sandra , Jankowska‐Anyszka Marzena
Published: January 2024

Here we present a systematic analysis of the synthesis of unsymmetrical disulphides employing 6‐thioguanosine and its mono‐ and dinucleotides by three of the most common strategies: a nucleophilic substitution of the thiol, a thiol exchange reaction with another disulphide and oxidative dehydrogenation coupling reactions of S−H bonds. The exchange reaction was found to be the most efficient approach and could be used not only for nucleosides but also for nucleotides.
Enantioseparation of organometallic compounds by electromigration techniques
Authors: Peluso Paola , Sechi Barbara , Jibuti Giorgi
Published: January 2024

Over time, chiral organometallic compounds have attracted great interest in several fields, with applications going across several disciplines of chemical, biological, medical, and material sciences. In the last decades, due to advancements in molecular design and computational modeling, the chemistry of chiral transition metal complexes had a remarkable flowering, with the development of new structures for applications in asymmetric synthesis, bioinorganic chemistry, and molecular recognition. In these fields, fast chiral analysis to determine the enantiomeric purity of organometallic structures prepared by asymmetric synthesis, and for high‐throughput screening of analytes, catalysts, and reactions, is very important. Capillary electrophoresis and related techniques proved to be extremely versatile for chiral analysis, showing unsurpassed advantages compared to chromatography like low consumption of materials, production of limited amounts of waste, fast equilibration, and possibility to replace easily type and concentration of the chiral selector, among others. Furthermore, electromigration techniques may be useful to gain details about the stereochemistry of the enantiomers of new compounds and to study analyte–selector noncovalent interactions at molecular level. On this basis, this short review aims to provide the reader with a comprehensive view on the enantioseparation of organometallic compounds by electromigration techniques, examining the topic from the historical perspective and showing what was made in this field so far, an essential know‐how for developing new and advanced applications in the next future.
Recent Advancement in Solar‐Driven Interfacial Steam Generation for Desalination: A State‐of‐the‐Art Review
Authors: Hazra Soumya Kanti , Saleque Ahmed Mortuza , Thakur Amrit Kumar , Ivan Md. Nahian Al Subri , Biswas Dipankar , Khan Shahid Ali , Saidur Rahman , Ma Zhenjun , Sathyamurthy Ravishankar
Published: January 2024

Solar energy is one of the most efficient origins of energy for a wide range of environmentally beneficial purposes. Water desalination by steam generation with the help of solar energy is not only an economical and straightforward approach, but it also utilizes free energy sources to solve the problem of increasing freshwater scarcity. Solar water evaporation is an essential component of the low‐energy method for generating fresh water, which is required for economic development and human health. Freshwater productivity determines how effectively the system captures incoming solar energy and transforms it into usable heat. Effective water distillation has recently gained a lot of attention. The photothermal conversion process is built on the performance of the evaporator. This review thoroughly examines the most recent developments in photothermal materials, structure design, and engineering strategies, including design principles for highly efficient photothermal conversion, thermal management, water transport phenomena, salt rejection behavior, and improved evaporation rate. The prospective applications of this technique in saline water desalination, waste water purification, and energy generation are highlighted. Furthermore, the most recent scientific advancements are utilized to demonstrate the potential, prospects, and challenges of solar‐driven evaporation in energy conversion.
Effects of physical activity on depressive symptoms in older caregivers: The IMPACCT randomized controlled trial
Authors: Loi Samantha M. , Gaffy Ellen , Malta Sue , Russell Melissa A. , Williams Susan , Ames David , Hill Keith D. , Batchelor Frances , Cyarto Elizabeth V. , Haines Terence , Lautenschlager Nicola T. , Mackenzie Lynette , Moore Kirsten J. , Savvas Steven M. , Dow Briony
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Physical activity (PA) can reduce depressive symptoms but has not been tested amongst depressed older caregivers and their care‐recipients. The aim of this single‐blind randomized controlled trial was to investigate the effect of a 6‐month tailored PA program on depressive symptoms in older caregivers.

Method

Caregivers were included if they had scores of ≥5 on the 15‐item geriatric depression scale (GDS‐15). Care‐recipients could have any type of physical, mental or cognitive condition requiring support. The PA intervention group completed an individualized program based on the Otago‐Plus Exercise Program. The primary outcome was improvement in depressive symptoms in caregivers measured at six and 12 months.

Results

Two hundred and twelve participants (91 dyads and 30 caregivers only) were randomized using a 3:3:1 ratio to PA intervention, social‐control, and usual‐care control groups. There were no significant differences in depressive symptoms of the caregivers between the three groups at 6 months or 12 months. However, more than 50% of caregivers in all three groups no longer had a GDS‐15 score ≥5 at 6 months. Further analysis revealed that caregivers in the PA group caring for someone with a standardised mini‐mental state examination (SMMSE) score ≥24 had significantly less depressive symptoms than those caring for someone with a SMMSE score <24 compared with social‐control (p < 0.02) and usual‐care groups (p < 0.02).

Conclusions

A PA intervention may be beneficial for some caregivers in reducing symptoms of depression but may not be as beneficial to caregivers of people living with cognitive impairment.
Scaling‐up an evidence‐based intervention for family carers of people with dementia: Current and future costs and outcomes
Authors: Knapp Martin , Lorenz‐Dant Klara , Walbaum Magdalena , Comas‐Herrera Adelina , Cyhlarova Eva , Livingston Gill , Wittenberg Raphael
Published: January 2024

Objectives

The STrAtegies for RelaTives (START) intervention is effective and cost‐effective in supporting family carers of people with dementia. It is currently not available to all eligible carers in England. What would be the impacts on service costs and carer health‐related quality of life if START was provided to all eligible carers in England, currently and in future?

Methods

Effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness data from a previously conducted randomised controlled trial were combined with current and future projections of numbers of people with newly diagnosed dementia to estimate overall and component costs and health‐related quality of life outcomes between 2015 (base year for projections) and 2040.

Results

Scaling‐up START requires investments increasing annually but would lead to significant savings in health and social care costs. Family carers of people with dementia would experience improvements in mental health and quality of life, with clinical effects lasting at least 6 years. Scaling up the START intervention to eligible carers was estimated to cost £9.4 million in 2020, but these costs would lead to annual savings of £68 million, and total annual quality‐adjusted life year (QALY) gains of 1247. Although the costs of START would increase to £19.8 million in 2040, savings would rise to £142.7 million and Quality adjusted life years gained to 1883.

Conclusions

Scaling‐up START for family carers of people with dementia in England would improve the lives of family carers and reduce public sector costs. Family carers play a vital part in dementia care; evidence‐based interventions that help them to maintain this role, such as START, should be available across the country.
Incidence, risk factors, and outcome of asymptomatic central nervous system involvement in adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Virijevic Marijana , Kraguljac‐Kurtovic Nada , Mitrovic Mirjana , Jakovic Ljubomir , Bukumuric Zoran , Pantic Nikola , Sabljic Nikica , Pravdic Zlatko , Cvetkovic Mirjana , Knezevic Vesna , Dragovic‐Ivancevic Tijana , Djunić Irena , Rajic Jovan , Milosevic Violeta , Todorovic‐Balint Milena , Vidovic Ana , Suvajdzic‐Vukovic Nada
Published: January 2024

Examination of central nervous system (CNS) involvement is not routine diagnostic practice in adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Therefore, many asymptomatic patients with CNS involvement might go undetected. The effect of CNS involvement on the AML disease course is not well defined, with conflicting results regarding clinical outcome. This study aimed to determine the incidence of asymptomatic CNS involvement in AML estimated by multiparametric flow cytometry of cerebrospinal fluid (MFC‐CSF) at diagnosis, the related potential risk factors, and prognosis. In total, 645 patients with de novo AML were screened; 183 (28.4%) of them fulfilled institutional practice for MFC‐CSF analysis based on presence of CNS symptoms and/or clinical features. CNS symptoms and signs were observed in 8/183 (4.4%) patients, but most patients (175/183, 95.6%) were asymptomatic. In the asymptomatic group, 73/175 (41.7%) patients had positive or suspicious cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings categorized as CNS positive (CNSpos) and 102/175 (58.3%) had normal CNS findings categorized as CNS negative (CNSneg). The presence of leukemic blasts was confirmed in 81/183 (44.3%) patients; the total incidence of CNS involvement in the whole AML group was 12.6% (81/645). Compared with asymptomatic patients with CNSneg, those with CNSpos had a significantly higher frequency of lymphadenopathy, white blood cell count ≥30 × 109/L, presence of the monocytic phenotype, and a high percentage of bone marrow (BM) blasts. The multivariate logistic regression model identified monocytic phenotype (p = 0.047) and high percentage of BM blasts (p = 0.042) as predictors for CNSpos. CNSpos did not affect overall survival in patients with AML. There was a higher incidence of CNS involvement in asymptomatic adult patients with de novo AML, emphasizing possible undervalued rates of CNS disease at diagnosis. Prospective studies should determine whether diagnostic lumbar puncture for MFC‐CSF analysis and CNS prophylaxis could contribute to better selection and prognosis in this patient population.
Ischemic priapism caused by self intracavernous injection of tadalafil
Authors: Wada Naoki , Hatakeyama Tsubasa , Takagi Haruka , Tsunekawa Ryoken , Kobayashi Shin , Nagabuchi Masaya , Kitta Takeya , Kakizaki Hidehiro
Published: January 2024

Introduction

We present a case of ischemic priapism caused by self intracavernous injection of tadalafil.

Case presentation

A 77‐year‐old man developed priapism due to self‐injection of tadalafil into the corpus cavernosum. He presented to our hospital 2 days after the development of priapism and severe penile pain. The blood gas analysis of the corpus cavernosum revealed ischemic priapism. At first, we performed percutaneous distal shunt (T‐shunt) and cavernosal irrigation, resulting in slight improvement of penile tumescence. Several hours later, penile tumescence and severe pain reappeared. Bilateral proximal (corpora‐spongiosal) shunt was performed under anesthesia again. Penile tumescence was slowly and gradually relieved. His erectile function was declined.

Conclusion

We experienced a case of priapism due to self intracavernous administration of tadalafil who needed a proximal shunt to relieve the severe penile pain. This case report may serve as a warning for physicians and patients not to use phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor inappropriately.
Farm to school programming spillovers and households' fruits and vegetables purchases
Authors: Mendis Sachintha S. , Bonanno Alessandro , Cho Clare
Published: January 2024

The number of US school food authority's (SFA) implementing Farm to School Programming (FTSP) is growing. Little is known about potential spillover effects of school children's exposure to FTSP on household food purchases. We measure the relationship between school age children's exposure to FTSP and household‐level Food‐At‐Home fruits and vegetables (FV) expenditures and expenditure shares. Combining Farm to School Census data on SFAs' FTSP participation with household‐level scanner data, we estimate positive relationships between FV expenditures and different measures of children's exposure to FTSPs, especially for metro households. However, the magnitude of these relationships is likely too small to be meaningful.
FZD3 regulates the viability, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix degradation of vaginal wall fibroblasts in pelvic organ prolapse via the Wnt signaling pathway
Authors: Li Jie , Zhang Junqin , Chu Zhaoping , Han Hua , Zhang Yuan
Published: January 2024

The occurrence of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) seriously affects women's quality of life. However, the pathogenesis of POP remains unclear. We aimed to clarify the role of Frizzled class receptor 3 (FZD3) in POP. FZD3 expression in the vaginal wall tissues was detected using immunohistochemistry, real‐time polymerase chain reaction, and western blot analysis. Then, vaginal wall fibroblasts (VWFs) were isolated from patients with POP and non‐POP, and were identified. Cell viability and apoptosis were evaluated using Cell Counting Kit‐8 and flow cytometry, respectively. Extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation was assessed by western blot analysis. The results illustrated that FZD3 was downregulated in POP. VWFs from POP had lower cell viability, ECM degradation, and higher apoptosis. Knockdown of FZD3 inhibited cell viability, ECM degradation, and promoted apoptosis of VWFs, whereas overexpression of FZD3 had opposite results. Moreover, IWP‐4 (Wingless‐type [Wnt] pathway inhibitor) reversed the role of FZD3 overexpression on biological behaviors. Taken together, FZD3 facilitates VWFs viability, ECM degradation, and inhibits apoptosis via the Wnt pathway in POP. The findings provide a potential target for the treatment of POP.
Effect of vinpocetine against acrylamide‐induced nephrotoxicity in rats
Authors: Ibrahim Doaa S.
Published: January 2024

Vinpocetine (VIN) is a synthetic drug derived from the natural alkaloid vincamine. The antioxidation and anti‐inflammation effects of VIN allow it to be used for multiple therapeutic purposes. So, the research aims to discover the possibility of using VIN to improve the nephrotoxicity of acrylamide (ACR). Twenty‐four male albino rats were used in the trial: rats in the control group received 0.5 mL of oral saline, rats in the VIN group received an oral dose of VIN (5 mg/kg), rats in the ACR group received an oral dose of ACR (38.27 mg/kg), and rats in the VIN + ACR group received VIN and then ACR 1 h later. Rat blood and kidneys were collected 10 days after the experiment began to assess biochemical parameters and to examine both renal histopathological and immunohistochemistry. The ACR‐treated rats showed high levels of serum kidney function biomarkers (creatinine, urea, and uric acid), serum protein biomarkers (total protein, albumin, and globulin), renal kidney injury molecule (KIM)−1, renal malondialdehyde (MDA), and renal caspase‐3 immunoexpression. Moreover, ACR lowed both renal superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and renal glutathione (GSH) level and caused renal histological alterations. While administration of VIN improved serum kidney function biomarkers, serum protein biomarkers, renal KIM‐1, renal oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA, SOD, and GSH), renal caspase‐3 immunoexpression, and renal histological alterations induced by ACR. The study confirmed the ability of VIN to reduce the nephrotoxic effects of ACR, which was evident through the results of biochemical parameters and histological and immunohistochemical examinations of the kidney tissues.