bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the probability of Magnus Carlsen reaching 2900
Authors: Bendre Sohan , Maharaj Shiva , Polson Nick , Sokolov Vadim
Published: January 2023

How likely is it that Magnus Carlsen will achieve his goal of a 2900 Elo rating? At what level of play does Magnus have a reasonable chance of reaching the 2900 goal? These two questions are of great current interest to Magnus and the chess community. The probabilistic properties of Elo's rating system are well known, and together with a Brownian motion model of rating evolution, we use simulation‐based methods to address these questions. Our model assesses that Magnus has a 4.5% chance of reaching 2900 if he continues his 2020–2022 level of play. However, this increases dramatically to % chance if he can repeat his hot streak performance of 2019 which is not an easy undertaking. The probabilities are intimately related to Elo's choice ‐factor used for grandmaster chess play. Finally, we conclude with a discussion of the policy issues involved with the choice of ‐factor.
An enhanced electron transport chain improved astaxanthin production in Phaffia rhodozyma
Authors: Luna‐Flores Carlos H. , Wang Alexander , Cui Zhenling , von Hellens Juhani , Speight Robert E.
Published: January 2023

Astaxanthin (AX) is a carotenoid pigment with antioxidant properties widely used as a feed supplement. Wild‐type strains of Phaffia rhodozyma naturally produce low AX yields, but we increased AX yields 50‐fold in previous research using random mutagenesis of P. rhodozyma CBS6938 and fermentation optimization. On that study, genome changes were linked with phenotype, but relevant metabolic changes were not resolved. In this study, the wild‐type and the superior P. rhodozyma mutant strains were grown in chemically defined media and instrumented fermenters. Differential kinetic, metabolomics, and transcriptomics data were collected. Our results suggest that carotenoid production was mainly associated with cell growth and had a positive regulation of central carbon metabolism metabolites, amino acids, and fatty acids. In the stationary phase, amino acids associated with the TCA cycle increased, but most of the fatty acids and central carbon metabolism metabolites decreased. TCA cycle metabolites were in abundance and media supplementation of citrate, malate, α‐ketoglutarate, succinate, or fumarate increased AX production in the mutant strain. Transcriptomic data correlated with the metabolic and genomic data and found a positive regulation of genes associated with the electron transport chain suggesting this to be the main driver for improved AX production in the mutant strain.
Going from attitude to action: Analyzing how the orientations of sustainable food businesses influence their business strategies
Authors: Jusuf Katherine , Nuttavuthisit Krittinee
Published: January 2023

Following an increasing interest in sustainable food systems, businesses have begun to look for ways to incorporate sustainability practices into their business models and strategies. However, the ability to follow through with their ambitions is obstructed by the attitude–behavior gap, a phenomenon that refers to the discrepancy between a decision‐maker's attitudes and beliefs and their resulting actions. This research studies the attitudes (including motives and intentions) of food‐related businesses in Thailand and their subsequent business decisions by conducting semi‐structured interviews with companies of varying sizes and types. The aim is to analyze possible gaps between attitudes and behaviors along the value chain management and explore relevant business practices. This study categorizes firms into profit, performance, and partnership orientations towards sustainability and concludes that different orientations result in differing degrees of attitude–behavior gap and divergent business strategies. Furthermore, business strategies in various markets are proposed to transition between sustainability orientations.
Genetic alterations of GI‐NECs involving three main signaling pathways
Authors: Dai Qiong , Zhang Jinping , Long Weili , Haybaeck Johannes , Yang Zhihui
Published: January 2023

Background

Gastrointestinal (GI)‐neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are subclassified in neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs), and mixed neuroendocrine–non‐neuroendocrine neoplasms (MiNENs). The genetic characteristics of GI‐NEN has been a hot issue in recent years, but more studies are needed to provide further details. This study aims to provide additional data about genomic characteristics of GI‐NENs and the genetic differences between NETs and NECs.

Patients and Methods

Thirteen samples were selected for next‐generation sequencing (NGS) analysis with a 425‐gene panel. Microsatellite instability (MSI) and tumor mutational burden (TMB) were calculated as well as immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to test for protein expression.

Results

Genetic alterations were very common in NECs, but rare in NETs. The average TMB of NETs and NECs was 2.3 and 6.9, respectively. The TMB of NECs was significantly higher compared to NETs. The TP53 mutation rate was significantly higher in NECs than in NETs (100% vs. 20%), other mutations involved MTOR (n = 2, 15.4%), DDR2 (n = 3, 23.1%), ERBB4 (n = 1, 7.7%), BRCA1 (n = 1, 7.7%), BRCA2 (n = 1, 7.7%), ATM (n = 1, 7.7%), and SMAD4 (n = 1, 7.7%). Deep loss of SMAD4 (1/3, 33.3%), SDHB (1/3, 33.3%), RB1 (1/3, 33.3%), and BRCA2 (1/3, 33.3%), high‐level amplification of CRKL (1/3, 33.3%), CCNE1(1/3, 33.3%), and MCL1(1/3, 33.3%) were found in NECs. The integrated analysis found these genetic alterations frequently involve DNA repair and cell cycle, PI3K/AKT/mTOR and TGF‐β/SMAD4 signaling pathways.

Conclusion

Genetic alterations were very common in NECs and rare in NETs, and frequently involved three main signaling pathways. NEC patients harboring these genetic alterations may benefit from targeted therapy and PD‐1/PD‐L1 immunotherapy.
Stairway to Stereoisomers: Engineering Short‐ and Medium‐Chain Ketoreductases To Produce Chiral Alcohols
Authors: Shanbhag Anirudh P.
Published: January 2023

The short‐ and medium‐chain dehydrogenase/reductase superfamilies are responsible for most chiral alcohol production in laboratories and industries. In nature, they participate in diverse roles such as detoxification, housekeeping, secondary metabolite production, and catalysis of several chemicals with commercial and environmental significance. As a result, they are used in industries to create biopolymers, active pharmaceutical intermediates (APIs), and are also used as components of modular enzymes like polyketide synthases for fabricating bioactive molecules. Consequently, random, semi‐rational and rational engineering have helped transform these enzymes into product‐oriented efficient catalysts. The rise of newer synthetic chemicals and their enantiopure counterparts has proved challenging, and engineering them has been the subject of numerous studies. However, they are frequently limited to the synthesis of a single chiral alcohol. The study attempts to defragment and describe hotspots of engineering short‐ and medium‐chain dehydrogenases/reductases for the production of chiral synthons.
Involvement of HIF1 stabilization and VEGF signaling modulated by Grx‐1 in murine model of bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Han Wenli , Zhang Fengmei , Mo Dandan , Zhang Xiao , Chen Bailin , Ding Xionghui , Guo Hongjie , Li Fang , Guo Chunbao
Published: January 2023

Hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)−1α could be stabilized by Grx1 deletion, which is implicated critical in the pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Until now, the stabilization of HIF‐1α by glutathionylation to regulate the pulmonary microcirculation in BPD is not well addressed. In this study, we investigated whether the HIF‐1α stabilization modulated by Grx1 ablation could ameliorate the pathological changes in the mouse model of BPD, including angiogenesis and alveolar formation. We found that depletion of Grx1 increased levels of GSH‐protein adducts, which was associated with the improvement in the numbers of alveoli, the capillary density in the pulmonary microcirculation and the survival rate in the littermates with hyperoxic exposure. Grx1 ablation could promote HIF‐1α glutathionylation by increasing GSH adducts to stabilize HIF‐1α and to induce VEGF‐A production in the lung tissue. The above phenotype of capillary density and VEGF‐A production was removed by the pharmacological administration of YC‐1, the HIF‐1α inhibitor, suggesting the HIF‐1α dependent manner for pulmonary microcirculatory perfusion. These data indicate that HIF‐1α stabilization plays an critical role in modification pulmonary microcirculatory perfusion, which is associated with the pathological damage under hyperoxic conditions, suggesting that targeting with HIF‐1α stabilization should be a potential clinical and therapeutic strategy for BPD treatment.
Development and application of naturally derived, cost‐effective CQDs with cancer targeting potential
Authors: El‐borlsy Hanaa , Hanafy Nemany A. N. , El‐Kemary Maged A.
Published: January 2023

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) derived from natural sources have obtained potential interest in biomedical imaging and therapy because of their excellent biocompatibility properties, which include water solubility, simple synthesis and low cytotoxicity. Here the cytotoxicity of ethylene‐diamine doped carbon quantum dots (N‐CQDs) delivered to breast cancer MCF‐7 cells was investigated. Folic acid was used to raise folate recognition and increase FA‐NCQD accumulation in the cells, then apoptosis was assayed using nuclear fragmentation, acridine orange labeling, fluorescence imaging, flow cytometry, and caspase 3 expression. The data show that functionalization of these CQDs, derived from a natural source, have potential application in eliminating cancer cells, as shown here for the invasive breast cancer cells, MCF‐7. This nano‐delivery system provides a novel target therapy possibility therapeutic approach for cancer cells.
Effect of randomized prophylactic nitroglycerin on radial artery spasm during transradial catheterization: An analysis based on operator experience
Authors: da Silva Roberto L. , Dangas George D. , de Andrade Pedro B , Joaquim Rodrigo M. , da Silva Thais R. W. , Fattah Tammuz , Pereira Vanderlei C. , Zanella Ricardo A. , Sousa Amanda G. M. , Feres Fausto , Costa José R.
Published: January 2023

One limitation to transradial access (TRA) is the occurrence of spasms (RAS), for which the use of prophylactic medications is recommended. Improvement in TRA material combined with the increase in operators' expertise, might mitigate this benefit. We assess the effect of preventive nitroglycerin on RAS during TRA, evaluating the role of the operator's experience. Patients received 500 μg nitroglycerin or placebo. The operator's expertise was classified as: inexperienced (I), intermediate (M), and experienced (E). 2040 patients were included. Prophylactic use of nitroglycerin did not reduce RAS (10.8% vs. 13.4% (placebo), p = 0.07). RAS incidence was 14.5% in I, 12.5% in M, and 9.7% in E (p = 0.01). In group I, nitroglycerin reduced RAS (17.4% vs. 11.1%, p = 0.04), which was not observed in other groups. Overall, nitroglycerin does not prevent RAS, which is more common among inexperienced operators. More experienced operators could abolish preventive nitroglycerin use.
Conjugating Coumarin with Tetraphenylethylene to Achieve Dual‐State Emission for Reversible Mechanofluorochromism and Live Cell Imaging
Authors: Huang Ze , Ding Aixiang , Yang Jiaxiang , Wang Chengyuan , Tang Fang
Published: January 2023

Dual‐state emission luminogens (DSEgens) are receiving research interest in the construction of multifunctional materials due to their inherent advantage of high emission efficiency in both the molecularly dispersed solution state and the solid state. However, it remains challenging in synthesizing DSEgens via a delicate manipulation of the molecular structures. This work presents an example of bright DSEgen synthesis by tuning the molecular electronic structures and conformations. Three coumarin‐tetraphenylethylene (TPE) molecules with a donor‐acceptor electronic structure and highly twisting conformations have been synthesized. While compound resulting from direct conjugation of coumarin with a TPE unit shows aggregation‐induced emission, compound with an N,N‐diaminoethyl modification on the 7‐position of coumarin and compound with a further phenyl linker between coumarin and TPE units feature strong dual‐state emission. Benefiting from their strong solid emission and twisting conformations, these fluorophores display reversible mechanofluorochromism. Finally, applications for rewritable information storage in the solid state and live‐cell imaging in the solution state were demonstrated.
{V6} Ring Sandwiched Polyoxoniobate as Molecular Electrocatalyst for Oxidant‐Free Synthesis of Sulfoxides
Authors: Zhen Ni , Dong Jing , Lin Zhengguo , Li Zhen , Liu Chengpeng , Li Xiaoxia , Geng Weijie , Chi Yingnan , Hu Changwen
Published: January 2023

Electrocatalytic oxidation of organic molecules to value‐added chemicals has attracted recent attention. Although a series of transition metal based electrocatalytic materials have been developed, the lack of precise structure information generates great challenges in understanding the catalytic mechanism at a molecular level. Herein, we present the synthesis and characterization of a molecular electrocatalyst, Na2K6H14[(VO)6(α‐TeNb9O33)2] ⋅ 31H2O ⋅ 2.5 C2H8N2 (abbreviated as V6(TeNb9)2), where a reduced {V6} ring is sandwiched by two trivacant Keggin‐type {α‐TeNb9O33}. V6(TeNb9)2 as heterogeneous electrocatalyst can selectively convert 95 % of thioanisole to sulfoxide with the Faraday efficiency up to 98 %. Notably, the important role of the embedded {V6} ring in the electrocatalytic oxidation was illustrated by comparing with {Nb6} ring sandwiched catalyst, Na5K7H4[(NbO)6(α‐TeNb9O33)2] ⋅ 17H2O (abbreviated as Nb6(TeNb9)2). Mechanism studies reveal that during the electrocatalytic oxidation process water is the only oxygen source and a key intermediate PhCH3S+⋅ is involved.
Depression and anxiety in patients with uveal melanoma undergoing curative proton treatment—A prospective study
Authors: Rabsahl Christopher , Boehmer Dirk , Boeker Alexander , Gauger Ulrich , Goerling Ute , Gollrad Johannes
Published: January 2023

Objective

We prospectively addressed whether patient characteristics, oncological outcomes, or metastatic risk impacted depression and anxiety in patients undergoing curative proton treatment for uveal melanoma (UM).

Methods

We assessed patient‐reported outcomes regarding anxiety (GAD‐7) before and 2 years after proton therapy and depression (PHQ‐9) before, 1, and 2 years after proton therapy. We performed descriptive statistics and used linear mixed effect modeling to analyze how the oncological outcome and baseline characteristics impacted anxiety and depression scores.

Results

Of 130 (65 female) patients included, six developed metastatic disease and three died during the 2‐year follow‐up. The mean anxiety declined from 5.86 (SE = 0.56) at baseline to 3.74 (SE = 0.46) at 2 years (β = 2.11; SE = 0.6; p < .001). Depressive symptoms decreased moderately from 4.36 (SE = 0.37) at baseline to 3.67 (SE = 0.38) 2 years later. Patients with unfavorable metastatic risk or disease progression had elevated anxiety and depression scores. Although female patients reported overall higher anxiety scores, both sexes recovered substantially and to a similar extent during the 2‐year follow‐up (β = 2.35; SE 0.87; p = .007 vs. β = 1.88; SE = 0.60; p = .002). A trend for prolonged depressive symptoms was observed in patients living alone compared to patients living with family members 1 year after the treatment (M = 5.04 [SE = 0.85] vs. M = 3.73 [SE = 0.31], β = 1.32; SE = 0.92; p = .152). Patients with high baseline anxiety levels showed initially more severe depressive symptoms, which improved significantly during follow‐up (β = 1.65; SE = 0.68; p = .017).

Conclusion

Most patients undergoing proton therapy for UM experienced mild, transient depressive symptoms and anxiety. Patients with high pre‐treatment anxiety, unfavorable prognoses, and patients living alone may be more vulnerable to prolonged depressive symptoms. To these patients a more tailored support could be offered at an early stage of the disease.
Exploring therapist characteristics as potential moderators of the effects of client feedback on treatment outcome
Authors: Janse Pauline D. , Veerkamp Carola , de Jong Kim , van Dijk Maarten K. , Hutschemaekers Giel J. M. , Verbraak Marc J. P. M.
Published: January 2023

Although studies have shown that client feedback can improve treatment outcome, little is known about which factors might possibly moderate the effects of such feedback. The present study investigated potential therapist variables that might influence whether frequent client feedback is effective, including the Big Five personality traits, internal/external feedback propensity and self‐efficacy. Data from two previous studies, a quasi‐experimental study and a randomized controlled trial, were combined. The sample consisted of 38 therapists and 843 clients (55.4% females, mean age = 42.05 years, SD = 11.75) from an outpatient mental health institution. The control condition consisted of cognitive‐behavioural therapies combined with low frequency monitoring of clients' symptoms. In the experimental condition, high‐intensity (i.e., frequent) client feedback as an add‐on to treatment as usual was provided. Outcomes were measured as adjusted post‐treatment symptom severity on the Symptom Checklist‐90 and drop out from treatment. The final model of the multilevel analyses showed that therapists with higher levels of self‐efficacy had poorer treatment outcomes, but when high‐intensity client feedback was provided, their effectiveness improved. Furthermore, higher self‐efficacy was associated with a higher estimation of therapists' own effectiveness, but therapists' self‐assessment of effectiveness was not correlated with their actual effectiveness. The results of this study might indicate that therapists with high levels of self‐efficacy benefit from client feedback because it can correct their biases. However, for therapists with low self‐efficacy, client feedback might be less beneficial, possibly because it can make them more insecure. These hypotheses need to be investigated in future research.
Long‐term suicide risk in youth lowered by family‐based intervention
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: January 2023

Suicide rates have increased by 35% over the last two decades. The biggest increases have been in females ages 10–14 and Black children ages 5–11.
No big increases in high school substance use in 2022
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: January 2023

Suicide rates have increased by 35% over the last two decades. The biggest increases have been in females ages 10–14 and Black children ages 5–11.
Corporate social responsibility performance and the cost of capital in BRICS countries. The problem of selectivity using environmental, social and governance scores
Authors: Fandella Paola , Sergi Bruno S. , Sironi Emiliano
Published: January 2023

The paper aims to test whether corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance affects the costs of debt, equity, and a weighted average of those two components in BRICS countries. Theoretically, a decline in the cost of capital is linked to a decrease in the firm risk. We measure CSR performance using the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) combined score from the Thomson Reuters EIKON database for non‐financial enterprises between 2014 and 2019. A panel regression analysis has been run in order to test whether (1) the inclusion in the ESG combined ranking or (2) the level of the scores for ESG combines is linked to a decline in the cost of capital. Empirical evidence suggests that the level of the ESG combined score does not affect the firm's financial risk. Inclusion in the ESG combined index decreases the cost of equity and the average cost of capital instead. Firms that received an ESG combined score pay lower returns to investors.
Photoinduced Catalytic Organic‐Hydride Transfer to CO2 Mediated with Ruthenium Complexes as NAD+/NADH Redox Couple Models**
Authors: Kinoshita Yusuke , Deromachi Nagisa , Kajiwara Takashi , Koizumi Take‐aki , Kitagawa Susumu , Tamiaki Hitoshi , Tanaka Koji
Published: January 2023

The catalytic organic‐hydride transfer to CO2 was first achieved through the photoinduced two‐electron reduction of the [Ru(bpy)2(pbn)]2+/[Ru(bpy)2(pbnHH)]2+ (bpy=2,2’‐bipyridine, pbn=2‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)benzo[b]‐1,5‐naphthyridine, and pbnHH=2‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐5,10‐dihydrobenzo[b]‐1,5‐naphthyridine) redox couple in the presence of 1,3‐dimethyl‐2‐phenyl‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazole (BIH). The active species for the catalytic hydride transfer to carbon dioxide giving formate is [Ru(bpy)(bpy⋅−)(pbnHH)]+ formed by one‐electron reduction of [Ru(bpy)2(pbnHH)]2+ with BI⋅.
Disentangling eating disorder diagnostic schemes. Commentary on Walsh et al., “A systematic review comparing atypical anorexia nervosa and anorexia nervosa”
Authors: Hay Phillipa
Published: January 2023

This commentary discusses the systematic review by Walsh et al. that has found that people with atypical anorexia nervosa have similar symptoms and severity as have people with anorexia nervosa. In this paper, the discussion is broadened to other eating disorders diagnoses and the problem of overlap and crossover between syndromes that impacts adversely on the need for diagnoses to be distinct both at assessment but also over time. It is argued that the derivation of eating disorder diagnostic criteria has also been vulnerable to erroneous assumptions and biased observations. Whether atypical anorexia nervosa becomes a standalone diagnosis or is joined with an expanded anorexia nervosa, future delineations should be based on empirical research including neuroscience.
Controlled Preparation of Hydrangea‐like 0.3Zn‐0.15Sn/CuO Catalysts for the Rochow‐Müller Reaction by Microwave‐Assisted Liquid‐Phase Synergistic Impregnation
Authors: Chen Fengyu , Yu Jie , Ding Xin , Hu Shuqiu , Yang Weitian , Li Shaoyuan , Ma Wenhui
Published: January 2023

In catalytic reactions, trace amounts of promoters can make up for the low activity of a catalyst and significantly affect the physicochemical properties of the catalyst. Exploring a simple and efficient composite Cu‐based catalyst is essential to the Rochow‐Müller reaction. In this work, monodisperse, a hydrangea‐like 0.3Zn‐0.15Sn/CuO composite catalyst in the Rochow‐Müller reaction. The composite was synthesized via a microwave‐assisted liquid‐phase synergistic impregnation method in which Sn and Zn were used to dope the CuO surface to create strong Si interaction points. A significant increase in the catalytic activity of CuO was observed after Sn and Zn doping, attributed to the rearrangement of charges on the CuO surface and increase in the Cu atom's core electron density. This work provided a novel and efficient method for preparing efficient Cu‐based catalysts for the Rochow‐Müller reaction.
Benzimidazolium‐Decorated Metalloporphyrin Molecule and Polymer: a Reliable Preparation Method and Application in Catalyzing the Cycloaddition Reaction of CO2and Epoxides
Authors: Yang Yong , Wang Qiang , Su Zhenping , Li Jun , Wang Ning
Published: January 2023

Due to the synergistic effect of central metal and halide anion, cationic metalloporphyrins and derivatives exhibit outstanding catalytic activities for the cycloaddition reaction of epoxides and carbon dioxide. Herein, a generic strategy was developed to synthesize the benzimidazolium‐containing metalloporphyrin molecule and polymer. To demonstrate the method feasibility, we firstly synthesized the molecule1H, in which the benzimidazole groups were in‐site constructed by the cyclization of 5,10,15,20‐(4‐carboxyphenyl)‐porphyrin (H2TCPP) witho‐diaminobenzene (PEA). After post‐synthetic ionization and metallization, I−and Zn2+were introduced as the nucleophile and Lewis acid, respectively. The structure of1ZnILwas confirmed by single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. By using the similar conditions of model reaction,H2TCPPwas copolymerized with 1,2,4,5‐tetraaminobenzene (BTA) to prepare the polymerP‐1ZnIL. The prepared cationic molecule1ZnILand polymerP‐1ZnILshowed comparable activities in catalyzing the cycloaddition of carbon dioxide with epoxides to cyclic carbonates compared to the reported bifunctional catalysts based on metalloporphyrins.
Straightforward Access to Pyrazine‐(2,3)‐diones through Sequential Three‐Component Reaction
Authors: Mari Giacomo , De Crescentini Lucia , Favi Gianfranco , Santeusanio Stefania , Mantellini Fabio
Published: January 2023

A novel protocol for the assembly of polysubstituted 2,3‐dioxo‐1,4,5,6‐tetrahydropyrazines and 2,3‐dioxo‐hydro‐1H‐cycloalkyl[b]pyrazines has been developed by the sequential three‐component reaction of primary aliphatic amines, 1,2‐diaza‐1,3‐dienes (DDs) and oxalyl chloride. This synthetic sequence proceeds by initial aza‐Michael addition of the amine to the azo‐ene compounds and subsequent ring closure involving the oxalyl chloride. The ready availability of the starting materials as well as the high level of practicability of the reaction and work‐up make this approach an attractive opportunity towards these uncommon systems.
Recent advances in layered double hydroxides‐based electrochemical sensors: Insight in transition metal contribution
Authors: Mousty Christine , Farhat Hani
Published: January 2023

Among the nanomaterials reported in the literature, layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are considered promising for the electrochemical sensor technology. Transition metal‐based layered double hydroxides (TM‐LDHs) show excellent electrocatalytic properties that facilitate redox reactions with analytes, e. g. H2O2, glucose or glyphosate. Elaboration of porous nano‐structures with TM‐LDHs nanosheets on the electrode surface allows a rapid diffusion of the analytes and a good accessibility of the TM active sites. An association of TM‐LDHs with conductive materials, e. g. graphene or metal nanoparticles (M‐NPs), improves the electronic conductivity in the LDH‐based composites and also the electrocatalytic activity. With a selection of recent publications, the present mini‐review aims to discuss about the specific electrocatalytic role played by TMs (Ni, Co, Cu, Mn and Fe) present in the LDH layers on the performance (sensitivity and detection limit) of these TM‐LDHs‐based sensors.
Hair analysis as a new tool to monitor adherence to long‐term therapy to statins
Authors: Ballotari Marco , Taus Francesco , Gottardo Rossella , Tagliaro Franco , Bortolotti Federica
Published: January 2023

Statins are cholesterol‐lowering medications which are widely prescribed as first‐line treatment for hyperlipidemia, against high blood cholesterol aimed at reducing the risk of atherosclerotic diseases. Notwithstanding their undoubted efficacy, the needed long‐term treatment with these drugs is characterized by a high percentage of dropout. Consequently, an effective tool to verify the patients’ compliance to statin therapy is needed. In this context, the analysis for drugs and drug metabolites in the hair may represent an almost ideal tool because, according to a sound body of forensic toxicological literature, concentrations in the hair matrix reflect the chronic intake of drugs and pharmaceuticals. In this light, in the present study, a novel, specific and sensitive ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method has been developed to determine six statins and their metabolites (namely atorvastatin, (p)α‐OH‐atorvastatin‐lactone, (o)α‐OH‐atorvastatin‐lactone, rosuvastatin, N‐desmethyl rosuvastatin and pravastatin) in human hair. After optimization, the method was successfully validated in terms of selectivity, linearity, sensitivity, precision, accuracy, stability and matrix effect. Moreover, the practical applicability of this method for verifying adherence to statin therapy was assessed by testing samples of hair collected from subjects under long‐term therapy with statins.
Evolution of the theoretical description of the isoelectric focusing experiment: I. The path from Svensson's steady‐state model to the current two‐stage model of isoelectric focusing
Authors: Vigh Gyula , Gas Bohuslav
Published: January 2023

In 1961, Svensson described isoelectric focusing (IEF), the separation of ampholytic compounds in a stationary, natural pH gradient that was formed by passing current through a sucrose density gradient‐stabilized ampholyte mixture in a constant cross‐section apparatus, free of mixing. Stable pH gradients were formed as the electrophoretic transport built up a series of isoelectric ampholyte zones—the concentration of which decreased with their distance from the electrodes—and a diffusive flux which balanced the generating electrophoretic flux. When polyacrylamide gel replaced the sucrose density gradient as the stabilizing medium, the spatial and temporal stability of Svensson's pH gradient became lost, igniting a search for the explanation and mitigation of the loss. Over time, through a series of insightful suggestions, the currently held notion emerged that in the modern IEF experiment—where the carrier ampholyte (CA) mixture is placed between the anolyte‐ and catholyte‐containing large‐volume electrode vessels (open‐system IEF)—a two‐stage process operates that comprises a rapid first phase during which a linear pH gradient develops, and a subsequent slow, second stage, during which the pH gradient decays as isotachophoretic processes move the extreme pI CAs into the electrode vessels. Here we trace the development of the two‐stage IEF model using quotes from the original publications and point out critical results that the IEF community should have embraced but missed. This manuscript sets the foundation for the companion papers, Parts 2 and 3, in which an alternative model, transient bidirectional isotachophoresis is presented to describe the open‐system IEF experiment.
Fault diagnosis analysis of combined cycle based on the structural theory of thermo‐economics
Authors: Ban Ningning , Shi Yongfeng , Zhu Qunzhi , Fan Chenghao
Published: January 2023

In this paper, an improved thermo‐economic diagnosis model based on the structural theory of thermo‐economics combined with advanced exergy analysis is proposed in a combined cycle fault diagnosis model. Diagnosis model simulation of a 590 MW combined cycle unit is implemented by EBSILON Professional in terms of advanced exergy analysis method. The characteristic fault value (CFV) required for diagnosis is quantitatively presented and precisely located in the diagnosis model. The results show that with 3% performance deterioration fault of the compressor, gas turbine and intermediate pressure cylinder of the turbine, gas turbine failure leads to three times fuel consumption to the unit compared to the compressor. In contrast, multiple fault diagnosis results show that the fault value generated by each component under multiple faults is not a simple superposition of a single fault. The impact of some component faults is partially offset or increased. However, the increased fuel consumption of the whole unit under multiple faults or malfunctions must be greater than the sum of the increased fuel consumption under a single fault. CFV can effectively perform precise positioning and quantitative analysis on single and multiple fault scenarios of the combined cycle unit. In addition, CFV has strong sensitivity and changes linearly with the performance deterioration of the components, which paves the way for a reliable approach for early‐stage warning and diagnosis.
Temperature, pressure, and adsorption dependent redox potentials: III. Processes of CO conversion to value‐added compounds
Authors: Fang Siyuan , Hu Yun Hang
Published: January 2023

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a primary air pollutant and a poisonous species for human beings, animals, and some catalytic reactions. Meanwhile, CO is also a versatile feedstock in the chemical industry to produce high‐value chemicals and clean fuels, which has stimulated extensive research interests in exploiting efficient CO conversion processes. Redox potential is a key thermodynamic quantity in these processes whereas only standard reduction potentials at 25°C and 1 atm are currently available. Herein, it is the first time to report the effects of temperature (0–1000°C), pressure (1–100 atm), and adsorption on the redox potentials of 18 CO conversion reactions to form carbon dioxide, methane, straight‐chain alkanes (ethane, propane, and butane), light olefins (ethylene, propylene, and butylene), benzene, alcohols, aldehydes, acids, and dimethyl ether, based on theoretical calculations. It was noticed that gas‐phase, aqueous‐phase, and adsorption‐state redox potentials decrease with increasing temperature at an increased rate while they show different responses to pressure change. Namely, gas‐phase and most aqueous‐phase redox potentials increase with pressure at a gradually declined rate, while adsorption‐state redox potentials are not influenced by pressure. Most importantly, the significant differences up to 2.06 V under varied conditions highlight the necessity of applying operando redox potentials for CO conversion reactions.
Forecasting inflation in open economies: What can a NOEM model do?
Authors: Duncan Roberto , Martínez‐García Enrique
Published: January 2023

This paper evaluates the forecasting ability when inflation is viewed as an inherently global phenomenon through the lens of the workhorse New Open Economy Macro (NOEM) model. The NOEM model emphasizes the importance of cross‐country spillovers arising through trade, and its reduced form solution can be represented by a finite‐order VAR that provides a tractable model of inflation forecasting. We use Bayesian techniques to estimate this VAR specification—we name it NOEM‐BVAR—and pseudo‐out‐of‐sample forecasts to assess its forecasting performance at different horizons in a diverse set of 18 countries. On average, the NOEM‐BVAR specification produces a similar or even lower root mean square prediction error (RMSPE) than its standard competitors, which include both purely statistical models and theoretically‐based forecasting models (e.g., Phillips‐curve‐type alternatives and others with global inflation measures). In a number of cases, the gains in smaller RMSPEs are statistically significant, especially at short horizons. The NOEM‐BVAR model is also accurate in predicting the direction of change for inflation and is often better than its competitors along this dimension as well. Even though purely statistical models can be useful as prediction tools, the NOEM‐BVAR is an attractive tool among those forecasting models motivated by economic theory.
Destabilizing Predictive Copper‐Catalyzed Click Reactions by Remote Interactions with a Zinc‐Porphyrin Backbone
Authors: Trouvé Jonathan , Gramage‐Doria Rafael
Published: January 2023

In order to obtain new supramolecular ligands that build up around a zinc‐porphyrin scaffold, we envisioned to access sulfonyl triazole intermediates by well‐known copper‐catalyzed click reactions. Unexpectedly, these triazole intermediates do not form due to the presence of the zinc‐porphyrin moiety at close proximity of the active copper species. Indeed, the copper catalyst undergoes a different chemo‐selective reaction pathway reacting with traces of alcohols or water from the media that behave as effective nucleophiles leading to sulfonyl imidates or sulfonyl amides covalently connected to the zinc‐porphyrin. We show that copper‐catalyzed click reactions can follow different reaction mechanisms when the catalytic events occur at close proximity of a zinc‐porphyrin unit which likely acts as a Lewis acid to stabilize otherwise inaccessible reaction intermediates.
Circ‐ERBB2 knockdown sensitized colorectal cancer cells to 5‐FU via miR‐181a‐5p/PTEN/Akt pathway
Authors: Zhang Yueli , Wang Xinchun , Wang Shuyun , Liu Jia , Li Ruijia , Li Xiaoxia , Zhang Rui
Published: January 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most deadly cancer worldwide, drug resistance impedes treatment of CRC. It is still urgent to find new molecular targets to improve the sensitivity of chemotherapeutic drugs. In this study, circ‐ERBB2 was upregulated in CRC cells. Upregulation of circ‐ERBB2 promoted CRC cells proliferation and clone formation, but inhibited apoptosis. We identified miR‐181a‐5p as circ‐ERBB2's target. The effect of miR‐181a‐5p on CRC cells was contrary to circ‐ERBB2, miR‐181a‐5p downregulation abolished the function of circ‐ERBB2 silencing in CRC cells. In addition, phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) was verified as miR‐181a‐5p's downstream target, circ‐ERBB2 activates the Akt pathway and inhibits cell apoptosis through modulating miR‐181a‐5p/PTEN. Circ‐ERBB2 silencing significantly reduced CRC cell resistance to 5‐FU. miR‐181a‐5p downregulation abolished the role of circ‐ERBB2 knockdown in CRC cell resistance to 5‐FU. In conclusion, upregulation of circ‐ERBB2 promoted the malignancy of CRC and reduced CRC cell resistance to 5‐FU. Besides, additional mechanism study provided a novel regulatory pathways that circ‐ERBB2 knockdown promoted CRC cell sensitivity to 5‐FU by regulating miR‐181a‐5p/PTEN/Akt pathway. This research indicated that circ‐ERBB2 may be a valuable biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment of CRC.
Mitochondria‐associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes dysfunction contributes to PARP‐1‐dependent cell death under oxidative stress in retinal precursor cells
Authors: Yang Yuting , Wu Jihong , Lu Wei , Dai Yiqin , Zhang Youjia , Sun Xinghuai
Published: January 2023

Persistent poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP‐1) activation has proven detrimental and can lead to PARP‐1‐dependent cell death. Mitochondria‐associated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membranes (MAMs) serve as essential hubs for many biological pathways, such as autophagy and mitochondria fission and fusion. This study aimed to alleviate the effects of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)‐induced persistent PARP‐1 activation and MAM dysregulation by the usage of a PARP‐1 inhibitor. Results showed that receptor‐interacting protein kinase (RIPK) 1 inhibitor (necrostatin‐1) and PARP‐1 inhibitor (olaparib) protected retinal precursor cells from H2O2‐induced death, while a pan‐caspase inhibitor (Z‐VAD‐FMK) failed to protect R28 cells. Olaparib also alleviated H2O2‐induced MAM dysregulation, as evidenced by decreased VDAC1/ITPR3 interactions and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential collapse. Additionally, olaparib also inhibited H2O2‐induced autophagy. Inhibiting autophagic flux increased MAM signaling under both normal and oxidative conditions. Furthermore, H2O2 treatment caused a reduction in the protein level of mitofusin‐2 (MFN2) in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. Mfn2 knockdown was found to further magnify MAM dysregulation and mitochondrial dysfunction under normal and oxidative conditions. Mfn2 overexpression surprisingly enhanced H2O2‐induced MAM signaling and failed to rescue H2O2‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction. These results indicate that MAMs probably serve as a membrane source for oxidative stress‐associated autophagy. MAM dysregulation also contributed to H2O2‐induced PARP‐1‐dependent cell death. However, more studies are required to decipher the link between the modulation of Mfn2 expression, changes in MAM integrity, and alterations in mitochondrial performances.
Ultrasound imaging in thyroid nodule diagnosis, therapy, and follow‐up: Current status and future trends
Authors: Boers Tim , Braak Sicco J. , Rikken Nicole E. T. , Versluis Michel , Manohar Srirang
Published: January 2023

Ultrasound, the primary imaging modality in thyroid nodule management, suffers from drawbacks including: high inter‐ and intra‐observer variability, limited field‐of‐view and limited functional imaging. Developments in ultrasound technologies are taking place to overcome these limitations, including three‐dimensional‐Doppler, ‐elastography, ‐nodule characteristics‐extraction, and novel machine‐learning algorithms. For thyroid ablative treatments and biopsies, perioperative use of three‐dimensional ultrasound opens a new field of research. This review provides an overview of the current and future applications of ultrasound, and discusses the potential of new developments and trends that may improve the diagnosis, therapy, and follow‐up of thyroid nodules.
Baricitinib or imatinib in hospitalized COVID‐19 patients: Results from COVINIB, an exploratory randomized clinical trial
Authors: Morales‐Ortega Alejandro , Farfán‐Sedano Ana Isabel , San Martín‐López Juan Víctor , Escribá‐Bárcena Almudena , Jaenes‐Barrios Beatriz , Madroñal‐Cerezo Elena , Llarena‐Barroso Cristina , Mesa‐Plaza Nieves , Frutos‐Pérez Begoña , Ruiz‐Giardín José Manuel , Duarte‐Millán Miguel Ángel , Piedrabuena‐García Sara Isabel , Carpintero‐García Lorena , Canalejo‐Castrillero Eduardo , Mora‐Hernández Belén , García‐Parra Carlos Javier , Magro‐García Héctor Agustín , Algaba‐García Alicia , Hernández‐Muniesa Belén , Nasarre‐López Berta , Ontañón‐Nasarre Ana , Domínguez‐García María Jesús , Gómez‐Santos Dulce , Prieto‐Menchero Santiago , García de Tena Jaime , Bermejo Fernando , García‐Gil Mario , Gonzalo‐Pascua Sonia , Bernal‐Bello David ,   the COVINIB Study Group investigators
Published: January 2023

Baricitinib and imatinib are considered therapies for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), but their ultimate clinical impact remains to be elucidated, so our objective is to determine whether these kinase inhibitors provide benefit when added to standard care in hospitalized COVID‐19 patients. Phase‐2, open‐label, randomized trial with a pick‐the‐winner design conducted from September 2020 to June 2021 in a single Spanish center. Hospitalized adults with COVID‐19 pneumonia and a symptom duration ≤10 days were assigned to 3 arms: imatinib (400 mg qd, 7 days) plus standard‐care, baricitinib (4 mg qd, 7 days) plus standard‐care, or standard‐care alone. Primary outcome was time to clinical improvement (discharge alive or a reduction of 2 points in an ordinal scale of clinical status) compared on a day‐by‐day basis to identify differences ≥15% between the most and least favorable groups. Secondary outcomes included oxygenation and ventilatory support requirements, additional therapies administered, all‐cause mortality, and safety. One hundred and sixty‐five patients analyzed. Predefined criteria for selection of the most advantageous arm were met for baricitinib, but not for imatinib. However, no statistically significant differences were observed in formal analysis, but a trend toward better results in patients receiving baricitinib was found compared to standard care alone (hazard ratio [HR] for clinical improvement: 1.41, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.96−2.06; HR for discontinuing oxygen: 1.46, 95% CI: 0.94−2.28). No differences were found regarding additional therapies administered or safety. Baricitinib plus standard care showed better results for hospitalized COVID‐19 patients, being the most advantageous therapeutic strategy among those proposed in this exploratory clinical trial.
Colchicine and risk of hospitalization due to COVID‐19: A population‐based study
Authors: Sáenz‐Aldea María , Salgado‐Barreira Ángel , Taracido Trunk Margarita , Piñeiro‐Lamas María , Herdeiro Maria T. , Portela‐Romero Manuel , Saez Marc , Figueiras Adolfo
Published: January 2023

Colchicine is one of the most widely studied and best‐known anti‐inflammatory treatments. This study aimed to assess the effect of colchicine on risk of hospitalization due to COVID‐19; and its effect on susceptibility to and severity of the virus in patients with COVID‐19. We carried out a population‐based case‐control study. The following groups were applied: (1) to assess risk of hospitalization, cases were patients with a positive PCR who were hospitalized due to COVID‐19, and controls without a positive PCR; (2) to assess susceptibility to COVID‐19, cases were patients with a positive PCR (hospitalized and non‐hospitalized), and the same controls; (3) to determine potential severity, cases were subjects with COVID‐19 hospitalized, and controls patients with COVID‐19 nonhospitalised. Different electronic, linked, administrative health and clinical databases were used to extract data on sociodemographic variables, comorbidities, and medications dispensed. The study covered 3060 subjects with a positive PCR who were hospitalized, 26 757 with a positive PCR who were not hospitalized, and 56 785 healthy controls. After adjustment for sociodemographic variables, comorbidities and other treatments, colchicine did not modify risk of hospitalization due to COVID‐19 (adjusted odd ratio [OR] 1.08 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.76−1.53]), patients' susceptibility to contracting the disease (adjusted OR 1.12 (95% CI 0.91−1.37)) or the severity of the infection (adjusted OR 1.03 [95% CI 0.67−1.59]). Our results would neither support the prophylactic use of colchicine for prevention of the infection or hospitalization in any type of patient, nor justify the withdrawal of colchicine treatment due to a higher risk of contracting COVID‐19.
Impact of sea ice cover shrinkage on the atmospheric conditions in mid and high latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere
Authors: Jędruszkiewicz Joanna , Wibig Joanna , Piotrowski Piotr
Published: January 2023

We found substantial differences in the atmospheric response to sea ice area (SIA) loss depending on sectors and seasons. In the Eurasian sector, the highest SIA reduction occurred in the last 15 years, whereas in the American sector, single years of low SIA were also observed in the last two decades of the 20th century and at the beginning of the 21st century. For years of the lowest SIA in the Eurasian sector, the strong warming in the Barents and Kara Seas (BKS) and cooling in central Asia is created, giving rise to the Warm Arctic Cold Eurasia (WACE) pattern development. The enhancement of high‐pressure centre over Asia and the formation of Ural Blocking follows these anomalies. After the low SIA in May–June in the Eurasian sector, in summer, the very strong Greenland Blocking is created, reaching the North Pole and the whole of Eurasia (only in August), increasing in magnitude with altitude, which gives much warmer conditions in the North American high‐latitude region (NAH), BKS, and Europe. For the years of the lowest SIA in the American sector, the Pacific High is much more developed and extended in the entire vertical profile. This strong positive anomaly brings colder weather in Alaska and the western United States. It is most apparent after low SIA in summer and autumn and is probably due to significant changes in sea ice cover over the Chukchi Sea during that time. At the same time, the Aleutian Low is deepened in the Kamchatka neighbourhood.
Unintentional macular injury following high‐energy cosmetic laser calibration
Authors: Jbara Dean , Tiuseco Karen , Azar Domit
Published: January 2023

Unwelcome hair has become a significant issue encountered in our society by young people, particularly young women. Hair removal has been achieved through various methods, both mechanical, with intense pulse light therapy and laser photoablation of hair follicles using various energy delivery systems. There is a relative paucity of clinical trials comparing the safety and efficacy of various hair removal modalities. A comparative study between alexandrite, diode, and intense pulsed light (IPL) was conducted and found similar safety profile across all three modalities. Several adverse effects have been noted as a result of this therapy. Laser‐assisted hair removal can lead to ocular anterior segment and/or retinal injury. A laser beam directed toward the eye may easily penetrate both the eyelid or the cornea and cause catastrophic ocular injury. Unfortunately, regulation and licensing of the use of laser‐assisted hair removal devices has not yet been well elucidated nor standardized across Australia. There are few cases in the literature reporting retinal burns following inadvertent laser injury, with even fewer directly involving the macula. We report a case of unilateral anterior uveitis and a macular defect following inadvertent laser exposure, leading to photophobia and pain, and reduced visual acuity.