bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Concomitant percutaneous coronary intervention in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Fischer Julius , Steffen Julius , Arlart Tobias , Haum Magda , Gschwendtner Sarah , Doldi Philipp M. , Rizas Konstantinos , Theiss Hans , Braun Daniel , Orban Martin , Peterß Sven , Hausleiter Jörg , Massberg Steffen , Deseive Simon
Published: December 2023

Background

Patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) frequently have coronary artery disease requiring percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Usually, PCI and TAVI are performed in two separate procedures and current studies are investigating potential benefits regarding the order. However, the two interventions may also be performed simultaneously, thereby limiting the risk associated with repeated vascular access. Data evaluating benefit and harm of concomitant procedures are scarce.

Aims

Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate concomitant PCI (coPCI) in TAVI patients regarding Valve Academic Research Consortium 3 (VARC‐3) endpoints and long‐term mortality.

Methods

A total of 2233 consecutive TAVI patients from the EVERY‐VALVE registry were analyzed according to the VARC‐3 endpoint definitions. A total of 274 patients had undergone TAVI and concomitant PCI (coPCI group). They were compared to 226 TAVI patients who had received PCI within 60 days before TAVI in a stepwise approach (swPCI group) and to the remaining 1733 TAVI patients who had not undergone PCI recently (noPCI group).

Results

Overall median age was 81.4 years, median Society of Thoracic Surgeons score was 4.0%. Patients in the coPCI and in the swPCI group were predominantly male with reduced left‐ventricular ejection fraction. Rates of VARC‐3 composite endpoints technical success and 30‐day device success were comparable between all three groups. Mortality rates at 3 years after TAVI were similar (coPCI, 34.2% vs. swPCI, 31.9% vs. noPCI, 34.0% p = 0.84).

Conclusions

coPCI during TAVI seems comparable in a retrospective analysis. Compared to a stepwise approach, it has similar rates of composite endpoints technical success and device success as well as long‐term mortality.
Chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids triggered by Hodgkin's lymphoma: A case report and brief literature review
Authors: Shervedani Atiyeh Karimi , Tabibian Farinaz , Khotbesara Mahdiyeh Gholipour , Adibi Iman
Published: December 2023

Key Clinical Message

We presented a patient, diagnosed with lymphoma‐associated CLIPPERS, 11 years after lymphoma treatment. Therefore, CLIPPERS may be paraneoplastic neurological syndrome of lymphoma, which needs to be considered in the follow‐up of lymphoma cases.

Chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids (CLIPPERS) is a rare central nervous system disorder with a recent increase in incidence. There are few reports of lymphoma‐associated CLIPPERS, although the relationship between these two diseases and the pathophysiology of CLIPPERS in general need further investigation. Here, we present a patient with a history of Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) more than 10 years before the onset of CLIPPERS, in contrast to the majority of previously reported lymphoma‐associated cases, and discuss the possibility that CLIPPERS is the paraneoplastic neurological syndrome of HL. This highlights the need to consider CLIPPERS as a differential diagnosis during follow‐up of patients with a history of lymphoma.
Provably secure lightweight certificateless lattice‐based authenticated key exchange scheme for IIoT
Authors: Tan Zuowen , Jiao Jintao , Chen Yanliang
Published: December 2023

Through the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), the manufacturing enterprises have significantly enhanced the production efficiency. The transmission of data in IIoT over public channels has brought about information leakage issues. Therefore, it is crucial to agree on a session key among the participants. In recent years, numerous authenticated key exchange (AKE) schemes have been designed. However, those AKE schemes which adopt the certificateless approach to tackle certificate management and key escrow may remain vulnerable to quantum attacks, and other AKE schemes which are based on lattice hard problem so as to achieve the post quantum security may incur key management issues. To simultaneously address the aforementioned challenges, we propose a lightweight certificateless lattice‐based authenticated key exchange (C2LAKE) scheme. Upon the hardness assumptions of the inhomogeneous small integer solution (ISIS) and computational bilateral inhomogeneous small integer solution (CBi‐ISIS) problems, the C2LAKE scheme has been demonstrated to be secure in the eCK model and the random oracle model (ROM). Better trade‐off among security and functionality features, and communication and computation costs make the C2LAKE scheme suitable and applicable in the IIoT environment.
Coalition theory based task scheduling algorithm using DLFC‐NN model
Authors: Mishra Ashis Kumar , Mohapatra Subasish , Sahu Pradip Kumar
Published: December 2023

Resource management and job scheduling are essential in today's cloud computing world. Due to task scheduling and users' diverse submission of large‐scale requests, co‐located VM instances negatively impacted the performance of leased VM instances. This workload further led to resource rivalry across co‐located VMs. In order to address the aforementioned problems, numerous strategies have been presented, however, they fail to take the asynchronous nature of the cloud environment into account. To address this issue, a novel “CTA using DLFC‐NN model” is proposed. This proposed approach combines the coalition theory and DLFC‐NN techniques by including IRT‐OPTICS for task size clustering, digital metrology based on ionized information (DMBII) for defect detection in virtue machines (VM), and the dynamic levy flight hamster optimization algorithm for processing time optimization of the clusters. However, the implementation of task scheduling in an online environment is limited by a number of presumptions or oversimplifications made by current scheduling systems. As a result, a unique coalition theory is applied to efficiently schedule activities. In addition, the DLFC‐NN model is used to reduce resource consumption, span time, and be highly accurate and energy‐efficient when working on both online and offline jobs. Nevertheless, while optimizing the clusters' overall execution time, earlier approaches only decreased the make‐span time for task scheduling. However, the DLFC‐NN model solves the computation problem by using a fully weighted bipartite graph and the pseudo method to determine the fitness of the least makespan time. The enhanced methodology used in this study reduces the scheduling cost and minimizes job completion times according to different task counts when compared to the existing techniques.
Study of Geometrical, Electronic Structure, Spectral, and NLO Properties of Phenyl‐Based Azo Dyes of Dye Sensitizer for Solar Cells: A Theoretical Study
Authors: Dhivya K.S. , Karthika K. , Jothibasker N. , Srinivasan P.
Published: December 2023

The molecular geometry, electronic structure, and absorption spectra of some important phenyl derivatives are investigated by using DFT and TD‐DFT with B3LYP and CAM‐B3LYP functional. The highest HOMO–LUMO energy gap, Non‐linear optical properties of dipole moment, polarizability, and hyperpolarizability are calculated. In both methods hyperpolarizability PDP values (16.77 × 10−30 and 16.59 × 10−30 esu) are higher than PDNA, PDN, and MPAN dye. The Molecular electrostatic potential shows that PDNA dye has more electronegative potential. Comparing all the dyes, PDP dye shows a higher light harvesting efficiency in the UV–vis region. The vibrational frequencies are assigned based on the potential energy distribution (PED) using the VEDA‐4 program.
Smart pillar[5]arene‐based PDMAEMA/PES beads for selective dye pollutants removal: design, synthesis, chemical‐physical characterization, and adsorption kinetic studies
Authors: Rando Giulia , Sfameni Silvia , Milone Marco , Mezzi Alessio , Brucale Marco , Notti Anna , Plutino Maria Rosaria
Published: December 2023

This article reports on the synthesis of an innovative smart polymer, P5‐QPDMAEMA, opportunely developed with the aim of combining the responsiveness of PDMAEMA polymer and the host‐guest properties of covalently linked pillar[5]arenes. Thanks to a traditional Non‐Induced Phase Separation (NIPS) process performed at various coagulation pH, the blending of P5‐QPDMAEMA with polyethersulfone gave rise to the formation of functional beads for the removal of organic dyes in water. Adsorption tests are carried out on all the produced blend‐based beads by employing two representative dyes, the cationic methylene blue (MB), and the anionic methyl orange (MO). In particular, the P5‐QPDMAEMA based beads, prepared at acidic pH, featured the best MO removal rate (i. e., 91.3 % after 150 minutes starting from a 20 mg ⋅ L−1 solution) and a high selectivity towards the removal of the selected anionic dye. Based on the adsorption kinetics and isotherm calculations, the pseudo‐first order and Freundlich models were shown to be the most suitable to describe the MO adsorption behavior, achieving a maximum adsorption capacity of 21.54 mg ⋅ g−1. Furthermore, zwitterionic beads are obtained by a post‐functionalization of the PDMAEMA and the P5‐QPDMAEMA based beads, to test their removal capability towards both anionic and cationic dyes, as shown.
The role of geoarchaeology in the interpretation of fragmented buildings and occupation surfaces: The case of coastal settlements in northeast Scotland
Authors: Reid Vanessa , Milek Karen , O'Brien Charlotte , Sveinbjarnarson Óskar G. , Noble Gordon
Published: December 2023

Around the world, poorly preserved buildings and occupation deposits often represent the primary evidence for archaeological structures and settlements. Integrated geoarchaeological methods, such as soil chemistry and micromorphology, can be used to maximise the information obtained from such deposits regarding site preservation and the use of space. However, archaeologists are often reluctant to apply these methods if they suspect that preservation is poor or stratigraphy is not visible in the field. To assess the role that geoarchaeology can play in the interpretation of fragmented and poorly preserved structures, this paper presents the results of two case studies in which multiple geoarchaeological methods (microrefuse analysis, pH, electrical conductivity, magnetic susceptibility, loss‐on‐ignition, portable XRF and micromorphology) were applied to poorly preserved occupation deposits and fragmented buildings in early medieval coastal settlements in northeast Scotland. Micromorphology proved to be fundamental for recognising and understanding the composition of occupation deposits that had formerly been floor surfaces. It also aided interpretations for the use of space and maintenance practices and improved an understanding of the post‐depositional processes that had affected stratigraphic visibility at the macroscale. When subjected to principal component analysis, the geochemical, magnetic and microrefuse data were able to provide new details about activity areas, and successfully identified and filtered out the effects of post‐medieval contamination. Most significantly, the integrated approach demonstrates that fragmented buildings and poorly preserved occupation surfaces can retain surviving characteristics of the use of space, even if the floor surfaces were not preserved well enough to be clearly defined in the field or in thin section.
Intensification of multiphase systems with a jet‐loop reactor: characterization of mass transfer, mixing time, drop oil size, and biomass growth
Authors: Bourguett‐Rosas Paola Gabriela , Arenas‐García Mario Alfonso , Vergara‐Porras Berenice , Guerrero‐Barajas Claudia , Ordaz Alberto
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

The development of processes for transforming vegetable oils into useful products has received increasing attention in the biotechnological field. The reactor used for this purpose should meet adequate mass transfer, mixing, and oil dispersion conditions. In this work, comprehensive research into the use of a jet‐loop reactor as a potential alternative to airlift and stirred tank reactors was conducted in the presence of avocado oil in a water‐air system. Additionally, the assessment of the jet‐loop for biomass growth in the presence of oil was performed.

RESULTS

The increase of avocado oil from 1% to 5% v/v resulted in a reduction in the performance of the three reactors. Despite the airlift reactor having the lowest power input, it exhibited the worst performance in terms of mass transfer, mixing, and oil dispersion. The estimation of the energetic oxygen transfer efficiency (Kg O2 KW−1 h−1) allowed the determination that the jet‐loop reactor was superior to the stirred tank. This superiority was attributed to the low values of the mixing time and oil droplet diameter observed in the jet‐loop reactor. Finally, all these parameters had a positive impact on the growth of Wautersia eutropha in the jet‐loop reactor compared with the other two reactors.

CONCLUSION

The results showed that the jet‐loop reactor presented superior performance in most cases compared to the stirred tank and airlift reactors. Particularly, the jet‐loop exhibits an interesting potential to reduce the size of the avocado oil droplets, which could lead to a significative increase in the growth rate of Wautersia eutropha. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Immunogenicity and safety of inactivated SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines in people living with HIV: A longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Li Jie , Nie Ling , Guo Caiping , Deng Yuchuan , Guo Qiong , Pang Can , Xin Ruolei , Li Jia , Lu Hongyan , Huang Chun
Published: December 2023

To clarify the characteristics in immunogenicity and safety of inactivated SARS‐Cov‐2 vaccines among HIV‐infected individuals, a longitudinal cohort study was performed on HIV‐infected and HIV‐uninfected participants with no history of COVID‐19 infection and COVID‐19 vaccine inoculation. Participants information and adverse events were collected. Blood samples were collected on the same day before vaccination, 21 days after the first shot, 28 days after the second shot, 6 months after the second vaccination and 14 days after the third dose to test anti‐receptor‐binding domain IgG antibody, viral load, CD4+, CD8+ T cell count. Our result showed that although HIV‐infected adults with low nadir CD4+ T cell count ≤ 350 cells/mm3 generate significantly lower immune response after three shots of vaccine compared with HIV‐negative controls, 100% of all the HIV‐infected and healthy controls were seroconverted after the third shot. Seroconversion ratio and antibody level of 190 days after two shots of vaccination for HIV‐infected with nadir CD4+ T cell count ≤ 350 were significantly lower than that of healthy controls. No significant difference was found in viral load among blood samples collected at each time points. CD4 and CD4/CD8 ratio value were found increased greatly after each shot of inoculation in HIV‐infected individuals with nadir CD4+ T cell count ≤ 350. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that among HIV‐infected individuals, PLWH with CD4+ T cell count ≤ 350 were less likely experience seroconversion 21 days after the first shot, and less likely maintained antibody immunity 6 months post 2nd dose. Adverse events after each inoculation were not serious and recovered within 1 week. In conclusion, inactivated COVID‐19 vaccine was safe and effective in people living with HIV after three shots of vaccination. HIV‐infected individuals with low nadir CD4+ T cell count ≤ 350 was associated with a nonoptimal antibody response. Further vaccination strategies could be developed for those with low CD4+ T cell counts.
IL‐36 signaling pathway dysregulation in Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever virus patients: A potential therapeutic avenue
Authors: Doğan Kübra , Büyüktuna Seyit A.
Published: December 2023

Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a severe viral disease. The scientific literature is growing, emphasizing the significance of the interleukin (IL)‐36 family in the proinflammatory signaling pathway. However, to date, no research has explored the potential of IL‐36 family members as biomarkers in CCHF. This study aims to bridge this gap by evaluating IL‐36α, IL‐36β, and IL‐36γ levels in CCHF patients and healthy controls and investigating their association with disease severity and prognosis. Sixty confirmed CCHF patients and 29 healthy controls were enrolled in this case‐control study. Serum levels of IL‐36α, IL‐36β, and IL‐36γ were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. Significantly higher levels of IL‐36α and IL‐36β were observed in CCHF patients compared to healthy controls (p < 0.05). However, no statistically significant changes were found in IL‐36γ levels between the two groups. Among the CCHF patients, those who did not survive exhibited significantly elevated IL‐36α and IL‐36γ levels compared to survivors (p < 0.01). Positive correlations were identified between IL‐36α and IL‐36γ levels with activated partial thromboplastin time, and D‐dimer (p < 0.01). Conversely, platelet levels showed a negative correlation with IL‐36α and IL‐36γ levels (p < 0.01). The increased levels of IL‐36α, IL‐36β, and IL‐36γ in patients indicate their participation in proinflammatory reactions in CCHF patients. Understanding the role of IL‐36 family members in CCHF pathogenesis could offer valuable insights into disease progression and facilitate the development of targeted therapeutic strategies.
Sarcoma in patients with Lynch syndrome and response to immunotherapy
Authors: Shehata Michael S. , Lofftus Serena Y. , Park Joon Y. , Singh Arun S. , Federman Noah C. , Eilber Fritz C. , Crompton Joseph G. , McCaw Tyler R.
Published: December 2023

Background

Lynch syndrome (LS) is an autosomal dominant genetic predisposition to multiple malignancies and is characterized by deficient DNA mismatch repair. Increased incidence of sarcomas is not formally ascribed to LS; however, increasing evidence suggests a preponderance of these malignancies in affected families. Sarcomas typically possess a low tumor mutational burden and incite a poor immune infiltrate, thereby rendering them poorly responsive to immunotherapy.

Methods

We searched the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) sarcoma program database for patients with a diagnosis of sarcoma and LS from 2016 to 2023. Three such patients were identified and all three were treated with PD1 blockade.

Results

We present three cases of LS‐associated sarcomas (two soft tissue sarcoma and one osteosarcoma) with increased tumor mutational burdens. These patients were each treated with an anti‐PD1 antibody and experienced a response far superior to that reported for non‐LS‐associated sarcomas.

Conclusions

Increased mutational burden and immune infiltrate are observed for sarcomas associated with LS. Although unselected patients with sarcoma have demonstrated poor response rates to immunotherapy, our findings suggest that patients with Lynch‐associated sarcomas are more likely to respond to treatment with anti‐PD1. These patients should be given consideration for immunotherapy.
Glutathione‐triggered prodrugs: Design strategies, potential applications, and perspectives
Authors: Zhao Jintao , Li Xinming , Ma Tao , Chang Bingbing , Zhang Baoxin , Fang Jianguo
Published: December 2023

The burgeoning prodrug strategy offers a promising avenue toward improving the efficacy and specificity of cytotoxic drugs. Elevated intracellular levels of glutathione (GSH) have been regarded as a hallmark of tumor cells and characteristic feature of the tumor microenvironment. Considering the pivotal involvement of elevated GSH in the tumorigenic process, a diverse repertoire of GSH‐triggered prodrugs has been developed for cancer therapy, facilitating the attenuation of deleterious side effects associated with conventional chemotherapeutic agents and/or the attainment of more efficacious therapeutic outcomes. These prodrug formulations encompass a spectrum of architectures, spanning from small molecules to polymer‐based and organic–inorganic nanomaterial constructs. Although the GSH‐triggered prodrugs have been gaining increasing interests, a comprehensive review of the advancements made in the field is still lacking. To fill the existing lacuna, this review undertakes a retrospective analysis of noteworthy research endeavors, based on a categorization of these molecules by their diverse recognition units (i.e., disulfides, diselenides, Michael acceptors, and sulfonamides/sulfonates). This review also focuses on explaining the distinct benefits of employing various chemical architecture strategies in the design of these prodrug agents. Furthermore, we highlight the potential for synergistic functionality by incorporating multiple‐targeting conjugates, theranostic entities, and combinational treatment modalities, all of which rely on the GSH‐triggering. Overall, an extensive overview of the emerging field is presented in this review, highlighting the obstacles and opportunities that lie ahead. Our overarching goal is to furnish methodological guidance for the development of more efficacious GSH‐triggered prodrugs in the future. By assessing the pros and cons of current GSH‐triggered prodrugs, we expect that this review will be a handful reference for prodrug design, and would provide a guidance for improving the properties of prodrugs and discovering novel trigger scaffolds for constructing GSH‐triggered prodrugs.
Torreya grandis Kernel Oil Alleviates Loperamide‐Induced Slow Transit Constipation via Up‐Regulating the Colonic Expressions of Occludin/Claudin‐1/ZO‐1 and 5‐HT3R/5‐HT4R in BALB/c Mice
Authors: Wang Xuezhu , Guo Rui , Yu Zhuoli , Zikela Lalai , Li Jiaomei , Li Songtao , Han Qiang
Published: December 2023

Scope

Torreya grandis kernel has traditionally been used to remove intestinal parasites and increases intestinal motility. However, the effect of Torreya grandis kernel oil (TKO) on constipation has not yet been investigated. Therefore, mouse model is used to investigate the effect of TKO on slow transit constipation (STC) and its possible mechanism.

Methods and results

The effects of TKO on intestinal motility of STC mice are evaluated by fecal weight, fecal water content, colon length, defecation test, and intestinal propulsion test. The mechanism of TKO alleviating STC is explored by detecting biochemical analysis, histological analysis, western blot, qRT‐PCR, immunohistochemistry, and gut microbiota analysis. The results reveal that TKO effectively promotes defecation and intestinal motility, increases the level of endothelin‐1, and restores the histopathological morphology of the colon under LOP pretreatment. The expression levels of occludin, claudin‐1, and zonula occludens‐1 (ZO‐1) mRNA and protein are up‐regulated in mice receiving TKO treatment. The colonic 5‐hydroxytryptamine 3R/4R (5‐HT3R/5‐HT4R) expressions are also increased by TKO supplementation. Additionally, TKO rescues LOP‐caused disorders of the gut microbiota.

Conclusion

Consumption of TKO is beneficial to STC recovery, and it can alleviate LOP‐induced STC by up‐regulating the colonic expressions of Occludin/Claudin‐1/ZO‐1 and 5‐HT3R/5‐HT4R.
Interlaminar and translaminar fracture toughness of 3D‐printed continuous fiber reinforced composites: A review and prospect
Authors: Xiang Jiangyang , Cheng Ping , Wang Kui , Wu Yaxian , Rao Yanni , Peng Yong
Published: December 2023

Fracture toughness is a critical parameter in the evaluation of a component's structural integrity and damage tolerance. For 3D‐printed continuous fiber reinforced composites (CFRCs) based on the fused deposition modeling (FDM) technique, the fracture behavior differed from that of composites manufactured by traditional processes due to the presence of voids and interfaces at different scales, receiving significant attention. Recently published research attempted to apply various testing standards (for other materials) to investigate the fracture behavior of 3D‐printed CFRCs. In these results, the fracture toughness of CFRCs was influenced by the manufacturing parameters dependent on structural porosity and interfacial bonding quality. This paper reviewed fracture toughness measurement standards compatible with CFRCs, factors influencing fracture behavior, and methods improving the fracture toughness of CFRCs. Lastly, this review explored limitations in current studies focused on fracture toughness measurement of 3D‐printed CFRCs and future perspectives for the fabrication of 3D‐printed CFRCs with improved fracture toughness.

Highlights

This review focuses on fracture toughness measurement standards compatible with 3D‐printed continuous fiber reinforced composites (CFRCs).

The manufacturing parameters influencing fracture behavior and methods improving fracture toughness were summarized.

This review explores limitations in current studies focused on fracture toughness measurement of 3D‐printed CFRCs.
Enhanced thermal conductivity of electrically insulating polydimethylsiloxane composites with boron nitride nanosheet and aluminum oxide for thermal management on flexible electronics
Authors: Liu Qing‐qing , Dai Zheng‐xing , Sun De‐xiang , Qi Xiao‐dong , Yang Jing‐hui , Wang Yong
Published: December 2023

With the trend of integration and miniaturization of stretchable electronics, thermal management has been a crucial issue. Developing novel materials with high thermal conductivity (TC) and flexibility is urgent. Herein, we report a stretchable polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)/boron nitride nanosheet (BNNS)@spherical aluminum oxide (Al2O3) composite with high TC and electrical insulation prepared by a two‐step strategy of sucrose‐template and hot‐pressing. An effective foam‐pressing route benefits the composites to form a three‐dimensional thermally conductive networks, improving the in‐plane TC value of the resultant composite to 4.03 W/(mK) at the filler mass fraction of 35.7 wt% and enhancing to 4.66 W/(mK) under 40% stretching ratio. Meanwhile, the composites can be restored to their former state and retain thermally conductive stability with repeated bending and twisting tests. Moreover, the composites were applied in LED with stretching, exhibiting good heat dissipation performance. These results demonstrate this PDMS composite can be potentially utilized as a high‐performance material to solve thermal management problems in flexible electronics.

Highlights

The heat conduction network is prepared by sucrose‐template and hot‐pressing.

BNNS@P‐Al2O3 fillers are self‐assembled via the electrostatic interaction.

The composites exhibit good thermal conduction and superior flexibility.

The thermal conductivity of the composite increases after stretching.

The composites can retain thermal conductive stability after deformation.
Prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA) glycoforms in prostate cancer patients seminal plasma
Authors: Mackay Stephen , Oduor Ian O. , Burch Tanya C. , Troyer Dean A. , Semmes Oliver J. , Nyalwidhe Julius O.
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a US Food and Drug Administration‐approved theranostic target for prostate cancer (PCa). Although PSMA is known to be glycosylated, the composition and functional roles of its N‐linked glycoforms have not been fully characterized.

Methods

PSMA was isolated from pooled seminal plasma from low‐risk grade Groups 1 and 2 PCa patients. Intact glycopeptides were analyzed by mass spectrometry to identify site‐specific glycoforms.

Results

We observed a rich distribution of PSMA glycoforms in seminal plasma from low and low‐intermediate‐risk PCa patients. Some interesting generalities can be drawn based on the predicted topology of PSMA on the plasma membrane. The glycoforms at ASN‐459, ASN‐476, and ASN‐638 residues that are located at the basal domain facing the plasma membrane in cells, are predominantly high mannose glycans. ASN‐76 which is located in the interdomain region adjacent to the apical domain of the protein shows a mixture of high mannose glycans and complex glycans, whereas ASN‐121, ASN‐195 and ASN‐336 that are located and are exposed at the apical domain of the protein predominantly possess complex sialylated and fucosylated N‐linked glycans. These highly accessible glycosites display the greatest diversity in isoforms across the patient samples.

Conclusions

Our study provides novel qualitative insights into PSMA glycoforms that are present in the seminal fluid of PCa patients. The presence of a rich diversity of glycoforms in seminal plasma provides untapped potential for glycoprotein biomarker discovery and as a clinical sample for noninvasive diagnostics of male urological disorders and diseases including PCa. Specifically, our glycomics approach will be critical in uncovering PSMA glycoforms with utility in staging and risk stratification of PCa.
Targeting Rab‐RILPL interactions as a strategy to downregulate pathogenic LRRK2 in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Alexander Krista K. , Naaldijk Yahaira , Fasiczka Rachel , Brahmia Besma , Chen Tiancheng , Hilfiker Sabine , Kennedy Eileen J.
Published: December 2023

Familial Parkinson's disease (PD) is frequently linked to multiple disease‐causing mutations within Leucine‐Rich Repeat Protein Kinase 2 (LRRK2), leading to aberrant kinase activity. Multiple pathogenic effects of enhanced LRRK2 activity have been identified, including loss of cilia and centrosomal cohesion defects. When phosphorylated by LRRK2, Rab8a and Rab10 bind to phospho‐specific RILPL effector proteins. RILPL‐mediated accumulation of pRabs proximal to the mother centriole is critical for initiating deficits in ciliogenesis and centrosome cohesion mediated by LRRK2. We hypothesized that Rab‐derived phospho‐mimics may serve to block phosphorylated Rab proteins from docking with RILPL in the context of hyperactive LRRK2 mutants. This would serve as an alternative strategy to downregulate pathogenic signaling mediated by LRRK2, rather than targeting LRRK2 kinase activity itself. To test this theory, we designed a series of constrained peptides mimicking phosphorylated Switch II derived from Rab8. These RILPL interacting peptides, termed RIP, were further shown to permeate cells. Further, several peptides were found to bind RILPL2 and restore ciliogenesis and centrosomal cohesion defects in cells expressing PD‐associated mutant LRRK2. This research demonstrates the utility of constrained peptides as downstream inhibitors to target pathogenic LRRK2 activity and may provide an alternative approach to target specific pathways activated by LRRK2.
Relationship of human cytomegalovirus‐infected endothelial cells and circulating leukocytes in the pathogenesis of disseminated human cytomegalovirus infection: A narrative review
Authors: Gerna Giuseppe , Lilleri Daniele , Fornara Chiara , d’Angelo Piera , Baldanti Fausto
Published: December 2023

Among the leucocyte subpopulations circulating in peripheral blood of immune‐compromised patients with disseminated Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection, polymorphonuclear leuckocytes (PMNL) and M/M may carry infectious virus. While only in PMNL early HCMV replicative events do occur, monocytes are susceptible to complete virus replication when they enter human organs, where as macrophages become a site of active complete virus replication. In vivo leucocytes and endothelial cells interact continuously, as suggested by several in vitro experimental findings showing the bidirectional HCMV transmission from leucocytes to and from endothelial cells with the critical aid of adhesion molecules. Recently, the neutralising antibody response in sera from subjects with primary HCMV infection was reported to be much higher and earlier than in human embryonic lung fibroblasts (HELF) cells when measured in endothelial cells and epithelial cells, where virus entry is mediated mostly by the pentamer complex gH/gL/pUL128/pUL130/pUL131, whereas it was much lower and delayed when determined in HELF, where virus entry is mediated mostly by the trimer complex gH/gL/gO. Thus, these results suggested that products of UL128L were the molecules primary responsible for the differential neutralising antibody response. This conclusion was confirmed by a series of polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies directed to the components of pUL128L. Very recently, based on two sets of experiments including inhibition and immunoblotting assays, the pentamer complex/trimer complex ratio has been finally identified as the main factor of the neutralising antibody response. This ratio may change with the virus suspension producer and target cell system as well as number of cell culture passages.
Tailoring Broadband Nonlinear Optical Characteristics and Ultrafast Photocarrier Dynamics of Bi2O2S Nanosheets by Defect Engineering
Authors: Dong Junhao , Zhang Lesong , Lau Kuenyao , Shu Yu , Wang Shijin , Fu Zhuang , Wu Zhanggui , Liu Xiaofeng , Sa Baisheng , Pei Jiajie , Zheng Jingying , Zhan Hongbing , Wang Qianting
Published: December 2023

Low‐dimensional bismuth oxychalcogenides have shown promising potential in optoelectronics due to their high stability, photoresponse, and carrier mobility. However, the relevant studies on deep understanding for Bi2O2S is quite limited. Here, comprehensive experimental and computational investigations are conducted in the regulated band structure, nonlinear optical (NLO) characteristics, and carrier dynamics of Bi2O2S nanosheets via defect engineering, taking O vacancy (OV) and substitutional Se doping as examples. As the OV continuously increased to ≈35%, the optical bandgaps progressively narrow from ≈1.21 to ≈0.81 eV and NLO wavelengths are extended to near‐infrared regions with enhanced saturable absorption. Simultaneously, the relaxation processes are effectively accelerated from tens of picoseconds to several picoseconds, as the generated defect energy levels can serve as both additional absorption cross‐sections and fast relaxation channels supported by theoretical calculations. Furthermore, substitutional Se doping in Bi2O2S nanosheets also modulate their optical properties with the similar trends. As a proof‐of‐concept, passively mode‐locked pulsed lasers in the ≈1.0 µm based on the defect‐rich samples (≈35% OV and ≈50% Se‐doping) exhibit excellent performance. This work deepens the insight of defect functions on optical properties of Bi2O2S nanosheets and provides new avenues for designing advanced photonic devices based on low‐dimensional bismuth oxychalcogenides.
Nanofabrication and Demonstration of a Direct‐Write Microevaporator
Authors: Doi Xella , Nittala Pavani Vamsi Krishna , Fu Brian , Latt Kyaw Zin , Mishra Suryakant , Silverman Luke , Woodard Linus , Divan Ralu , Guha Supratik
Published: December 2023

Direct‐write vapor deposition is a new technique that would enable one‐step 3D maskless nanofabrication on a variety of substrates. A novel silicon chip‐based microevaporator is developed that allows evaporant to exit through 2000–300 nm nozzles while held at distances comparable to the nozzle diameter from the substrate by a three‐axis nanopositioning stage in vacuum. This results in a localized deposition on the substrate, which may be scanned relative to the substrate to produce direct‐write patterns. The performance of the microevaporator is tested by creating localized depositions of various materials and the line‐writing potential is demonstrated. The relationship between linewidth and source‐to‐substrate distance is investigated by the application of Knudsen's cosine law and Monte‐Carlo simulations, and then utilized to approximate the source‐to‐substrate distance from performed depositions.
Van der Waals Epitaxy of Bismuth‐Based Multiferroic Layered Supercell Oxide Thin Films Integrated on Flexible Mica Substrate
Authors: Shen Jianan , Tsai Benson Kunhung , Zhang Yizhi , Xu Ke , Barnard James P. , Hu Zedong , Zhang Xinghang , Wang Haiyan
Published: December 2023

Bi2NiMnO6 (BNMO) epitaxial thin films with a layered supercell (LSC) structure have emerged as a promising single‐phase multiferroic material recently. Because of the required strain state for the formation of the LSC structures, most of the previous BNMO films are demonstrated on rigid oxide substrates such as SrTiO3 and LaAlO3. Here, the potential of BNMO films grown on muscovite mica substrates via van der Waals epitaxy, spotlighting their suitability for cutting‐edge flexible device applications is delved. Comprehensive scanning transmission electron microscopy/energy‐dispersive X‐ray analyses reveal a layered structure in the BNMO film and a pristine interface with the mica substrate, indicating high‐quality deposition and minimal interfacial defects. Capitalizing on its unique property of easily cleavable layers due to weak van der Waals forces in mica substrates, flexible BNMO/mica samples are fixed. A standout feature of the BNMO film grown on mica substrate is its consistent multiferroic properties across varied mechanical conditions. A novel technique is introduced for thinning the mica substrate and subsequent transfer of the sample, with post‐transfer analyses validating the preserved structural and magnetic attributes of the film. Overall, this study illuminates the resilient multiferroic properties of BNMO films on mica, offering promising avenues for their integration for next‐generation flexible electronics.
Magnetron Sputtering Zn2SnO4 Electron‐Transport Layer for All Room‐Temperature‐Processed Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Liu Qiuju , Liu Yang , Liu Hu , Tian Qingyong , Fan Bin , Bai Hua
Published: December 2023

Room‐temperature‐processed (RTP) electron‐transport layer (ETL) is a prerequisite for fabricating fully RTP perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, an RTP‐Zn2SnO4 (ZSO) ETL is deposited for achieving RTP‐PSCs by magnetron sputtering using ZnO and SnO2 targets. The ZSO ETL exhibits great electrical properties, better band alignment, and yields increased grain size of the perovskite grown on it, thus facilitating electron extraction from the perovskite layer to the ETL. As a result, a champion power conversion efficiency of 21.06% is achieved in the ZSO‐based device, which is the highest value for RTP‐PSCs. The ZSO‐based PSCs also exhibit high device stability. Moreover, the efficiency of a large‐area perovskite module based on ZSO ETL reaches 17.79%.
Identification of fecal contamination sources of groundwater in rural areas of Vhembe District Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa
Authors: Sekgobela Jeridah Matlhokha , Murei Arinao , Khabo‐Mmekoa Colette Mmapenya , Momba Maggy Ndombo Benteke
Published: December 2023

Groundwater is a valuable source of drinking water worldwide, recognized as an improved drinking water source. However, on‐site sanitation systems may put groundwater at risk of fecal contamination. In the present study, two approaches were used to ascertain the sources of fecal contamination in groundwater used by communities of the Vhembe District Municipality. Overall, 87.5% of boreholes (n = 70) in the wet and 72.5% in the dry season were contaminated with Escherichia coli, and septic tank (n = 18) wastewaters displayed up to 104 cfu/mL E. coli. Host‐specific Bacteroidales quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays established the presence of human (BacHum and HF183) and animal (Cytb, BacCan, and Pig‐2Bac) genetic markers in groundwater from 15.7% of boreholes (wet) and 10% of boreholes (dry). No strong associations were founded between culturable E. coli counts and the presence/absence of marker genes for all the markers except for Cytb marker, which showed a weak significant correlation (r = 0.217; p = <0.01) between E. coli and the Cytb marker under dry seasonal conditions. Human markers and Cytb were present in the household septic tank wastewater samples. Significant differences in marker genes distribution in wastewater were observed using the Chi‐squared test: HF183 (p = <0.001) and BacHum (p = <0.001). Overall, no association was recorded between markers in groundwater and in wastewater for 18 households' septic tanks. A combined culturable E. coli and host‐specific Bacteroidales qPCR assays remain an appropriate approach for the identification of fecal contamination of groundwater.

Practitioner Points

Households primarily used private boreholes for drinking water, as a primary source.

Most households used on‐site sanitation systems, including ventilated improved pit latrines and flush toilets connected to septic tanks.

Escherichia coli was detected in groundwater, and the sources of fecal contamination were humans and animals (pigs, dogs, and chickens).

The presence of human and animal markers in groundwater suggests that humans and animals are liable for fecal contamination.

Fecal contamination in drinking water sources poses a significant concern due to pathogenic microorganisms posing potential human health risks.
Investigation of Debris Flow Impact Mechanisms and Designs
Authors: Ng Charles W. W. , Poudyal Sunil , Liu Haiming , Bhatta Aastha , De Silva W. A. Roanga K. , Jia Zhenyang
Published: December 2023

Debris flows are catastrophic landslides increasing in severity in recent decades due to the more frequent and intense rainfall events under climate change. Debris flows pose a serious threat to infrastructure, settlements, and the natural environment in mountainous regions around the world causing considerable economic losses every year. To mitigate debris flows, single and multiple rigid and flexible barriers are constructed along the predicted debris flow paths. Compared with single barriers, multiple barriers are more advantageous in mitigating large debris flow volumes by progressively retaining and decelerating the flow with much smaller barrier sizes. These smaller barriers are not only easier to construct on steep hillslopes but also reduce the carbon footprint compared to large single barriers. However, current understanding of debris flow impact mechanisms on single and multiple barriers is limited due to the complex composition and scale-dependent nature of debris flow. The need of using different barrier configurations further adds to this complexity and the impact mechanisms of debris flow against single and multiple barriers are yet to be elucidated, thereby hindering the development of scientific design guidelines. This paper examines the impact mechanisms of water, dry granular and two-phase debris flows on barriers of varying stiffness, openings and numbers based on physical and numerical results, and provides recommendations for design of debris-resisting single and multiple barriers.
Sources of Policy: Knowledge Brokering in Governmental Reports
Authors: Salö Linus , Hammarfelt Björn , Nelhans Gustaf
Published: December 2023

This chapter explores indirect, text-based knowledge brokering through a study of Swedish governmental reports, known asStatens offentliga utredningar(SOUs). To this end, we endeavor to gauge the impact of knowledge uptake in their sources as displayed in their reference lists. Because SOUs are the outcome of commissions, we seek to position this feature of Swedish policymaking culture as an overlooked yet vital enabling condition for productive science–policy interaction where scholars and their knowledge can matter. However, doing so effectively requires a better understanding of the characteristics of impactful knowledge objects and the dynamics required to make them effective. Our analysis shows that the lion’s share of the references cited in the SOUs studied can be classified as gray literature and are published in Swedish. This suggests that scholars wanting to matter in a policy context may consider other routes besides the predominating genre of the peer-reviewed journal article in an English-language journal. Further implications of these findings are discussed vis-à-vis recent conceptualizations of agency in knowledge brokering as a lens through which to view collaborative impact in the future.
Optimisation study of Ulmus pumila woody biomass fractionation by steam explosion for bioproducts production
Authors: Susmozas A. , Manzanares P. , Negro M. J. , Ballesteros I.
Published: December 2023

Ulmus pumila represents a promising lignocellulosic biomass source for biofuels and bioproducts production since it can grow in low rainfall and extreme temperature zones. A first step in the conversion process is biomass fractionation to enhance the performance of the hydrolysis and subsequent biological conversion steps. The aim of this work is to optimise the main variables (temperature, residence time and the addition or not of sulphuric acid) of steam explosion to pretreat Ulmus pumila biomass. The optimal conditions to maximise both glucose and xylose recovery were 204.8 °C and 30 mg H2SO4/g biomass, obtained through a multilevel factorial design of experiments. Additionally, enzymatic hydrolysis using high solid loads (15% and 20% (w/w)) and different enzyme doses was studied. As a result, steam explosion at optimal conditions followed by enzymatic hydrolysis with 20% solid loading and 60 mg protein/g cellulose of enzyme allow the recovery of 70% of the potential sugars.
Automated bone age assessment in a German pediatric cohort: agreement between an artificial intelligence software and the manual Greulich and Pyle method
Authors: Gräfe Daniel , Beeskow Anne Bettina , Pfäffle Roland , Rosolowski Maciej , Chung Tek Sin , DiFranco Matthew David
Published: December 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the performance of artificial intelligence (AI) software in bone age (BA) assessment, according to the Greulich and Pyle (G&P) method in a German pediatric cohort.

Materials and methods

Hand radiographs of 306 pediatric patients aged 1–18 years (153 boys, 153 girls, 18 patients per year of life)—including a subgroup of patients in the age group for which the software is declared (243 patients)—were analyzed retrospectively. Two pediatric radiologists and one endocrinologist made independent blinded BA reads. Subsequently, AI software estimated BA from the same images. Both agreements, accuracy, and interchangeability between AI and expert readers were assessed.

Results

The mean difference between the average of three expert readers and AI software was 0.39 months with a mean absolute difference (MAD) of 6.8 months (1.73 months for the mean difference and 6.0 months for MAD in the intended use subgroup). Performance in boys was slightly worse than in girls (MAD 6.3 months vs. 5.6 months). Regression analyses showed constant bias (slope of 1.01 with a 95% CI 0.99–1.02). The estimated equivalence index for interchangeability was − 14.3 (95% CI −27.6 to − 1.1).

Conclusion

In terms of BA assessment, the new AI software was interchangeable with expert readers using the G&P method.

Clinical relevance statement

The use of AI software enables every physician to provide expert reader quality in bone age assessment.

Key Points

• A novel artificial intelligence–based software for bone age estimation has not yet been clinically validated.

• Artificial intelligence showed a good agreement and high accuracy with expert radiologists performing bone age assessment.

• Artificial intelligence showed to be interchangeable with expert readers.