bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Self‐Powered Photodetector Based on Graphene Enhanced WSe2/PtSe2 Heterodiode with Fast Speed and Broadband Response
Authors: Wang Xiuxiu , Wang Suofu , Wu Yanwei , Wang Wenhui , Cao Zhangyu , Wei Binbin , Han Tao , Li Feng , Wang Shaoliang , Shan Lei , Long Mingsheng
Published: March 2024

Narrow bandgap 2D layered material platinum selenide (PtSe2) with good environmental stability, high carrier mobility, and high light absorption, has been widely investigated for uncooled midwave‐infrared (MWIR) photodetection. However, the phototransistor based on the PtSe2 operation at room temperature suffered from the high dark current and background noise. Here, a graphene (G)‐enhanced G‐WSe2/PtSe2 hetero‐diode placed on a metal electrode is reported. To enhance the photogain, a graphene layer placed on the WSe2/PtSe2 heterodiode as a local gating layer is designed. The device exhibits an ultra‐high light on/off ratio of up to 108 and ultra‐fast photoresponse speed with raising time τr = 0.9 µs and decay time of τd = 1.5 µs in the visible spectra range. Notably, ultrabroad band photoresponse from 405 to 3366 nm is demonstrated under the self‐power model. Notably, the device presented a competitive photovoltaic effect with a high energy conversion efficiency (PCE) of 3.45%. The results pave the way toward a new approach to tuning the performance of the atomic thin layered materials photodetector.
Three‐Component Radical Cross‐Coupling: Asymmetric Vicinal Sulfonyl‐Esterification of Alkenes Involving Sulfur Dioxide
Authors: Chang Zhiqian , Zhang Xuemei , Lv Haiping , Sun Haotian , Lian Zhong
Published: March 2024

A novel catalytic system for radical cross‐coupling reactions based on copper and chiral Pyridyl‐bis(imidazole) (PyBim) ligands is described. It overcomes the challenges of chemoselectivity and enantioselectivity, achieving a highly enantioselective vicinal sulfonyl‐esterification reaction of alkenes involving sulfur dioxide. This strategy involves the use of earth‐abundant metal catalyst, mild reaction conditions, a broad range of substrates (84 examples), high yields (up to 97% yield), and exceptional control over enantioselectivity. The reaction system is compatible with different types of radical precursors, including O‐acylhydroxylamines, cycloketone oxime esters, aryldiazonium salts, and drug molecules. Chiral ligand PyBim is identified as particularly effective in achieving the desired high enantioselectivity. Mechanistic studies reveal that copper/PyBim system plays a vital role in C─O coupling, employing an outer‐sphere model. In addition, the side arm effect of ligand is observed.
Long‐ and Short‐Term Memory Characteristics Controlled by Electrical and Optical Stimulations in InZnO‐Based Synaptic Device for Reservoir Computing
Authors: Park Hyogeun , Ju Dongyeol , Mahata Chandreswar , Emelyanov Andrey , Koo Minsuk , Kim Sungjun
Published: March 2024

In this study, the resistive switching phenomenon and synaptic mimicry characteristics of an indium tin oxide (ITO)/indium zinc oxide (IZO)/Al2O3/TaN device are characterized. The insertion of a thin Al2O3 layer via atomic layer deposition improves the resistive switching characteristics such as cycle‐to‐cycle and device‐to‐device uniformity and reduces the power consumption of the proposed device with respect to a single‐layer ITO/IZO/TaN device. The proposed device exhibits the coexistence of volatile and nonvolatile characteristics under optical and electrical measurement conditions. Nonvolatile memory characteristics with stable retention results are used for synaptic applications by emulating potentiation, depression, and spike‐timing‐dependent plasticity. Furthermore, the device shows volatile characteristics under ultraviolet‐light illumination, emulating paired‐pulse facilitation and excitatory post‐synaptic current responses. Finally, optical‐enhanced reservoir computing is implemented based on the nonlinear and volatile nature of the IZO‐based resistive random‐access memory device.
Enhanced Li+ and Mg2+ Diffusion at the Polymer–Ionic Liquid Interface within PVDF‐Based Ionogel Electrolytes for Batteries and Metal‐Ion Capacitors
Authors: Demarthe Nicolas , O'Dell Luke A. , Humbert Bernard , Arrua R. Dario , Evans Drew , Brousse Thierry , Le Bideau Jean
Published: March 2024

With the widespread use of batteries, their increased performance is of growing in importance. One avenue for this is the enhancement of ion diffusion, particularly for solid‐state electrolytes, for different ions such as lithium (Li+) and magnesium (Mg2+). Unraveling the origin of better cation diffusion in confined ionic liquids (ILs) in a polymer matrix (ionogels) is compared to that of the IL itself. Ionic conductivity measured by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy for ionogels (7.0 mS cm−1 at 30 °C) is very close to the conductivity of the non‐confined IL (8.9 mS cm−1 at 30 °C), that is, 1‐ethyl‐3‐methyimidazolium bis(trifluorosulfonyl)imide (EMIM TFSI). An even better ionic conductivity is observed for confined EMIM TFSI with high concentrations (1 m) of lithium or magnesium salt added. The improved macroscopic transport properties can be explained by the higher self‐diffusion of each ion at the liquid‐to‐solid interface induced by the confinement in a poly‐vinylidenedifluoride (PVDF) polymer matrix. Upon confinement, the strong breaking down of ion aggregates enables a better diffusion, especially for TFSI anion and strongly polarizing cations (e.g., Li+, Mg2+.). The coordination number of these cations in the liquid phase confirmed that Li+ and Mg2+ interact with the polymer matrix. Moreover, it is a major result that the activation energy for diffusion is lowered.
Textbook outcome contributes to long‐term prognosis in elderly patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Matsumoto Chihiro , Iwatsuki Masaaki , Mitsuura Chishou , Morito Atsushi , Maeda Yuto , Toihata Tasuku , Kosumi Keisuke , Baba Yoshifumi , Yoshida Naoya , Baba Hideo
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Textbook outcome (TO) is a composite quality measurement of outcomes for evaluating surgical procedures. We investigated whether TO can be used to predict outcomes after curative resection for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in elderly patients.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 105 patients who underwent curative esophagectomy for ESCC from 2005 to 2020. In accordance with previous reports, TO consisted of 10 parameters. The patients were divided into two groups: those who achieved TO (TO) and those who failed to achieve TO (non‐TO). We evaluated the association between TO and long‐term survival.

Results

TO was achieved in 28 (26%) patients. The patients in the TO group were significantly older (p = 0.02). The parameter with the lowest achievement rate was “No hospital stay ≥21 days”. The patients in non‐TO group had significantly shorter overall survival than those in TO group (p = 0.03). Multivariable Cox regression analyses of overall survival revealed that lymph node metastasis (hazard ratio [HR], 3.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.73–6.78; p < 0.0002) and non‐TO (HR, 2.37; 95% CI, 1.05–5.65; p = 0.03) were significantly associated with poor overall survival.

Conclusion

TO can be used to predict outcomes after curative esophagectomy in elderly patients with ESCC.
Building Text and Speech Benchmark Datasets and Models for Low‐Resourced East African Languages: Experiences and Lessons
Authors: Nakatumba‐Nabende Joyce , Babirye Claire , Nabende Peter , Tusubira Jeremy Francis , Mukiibi Jonathan , Wairagala Eric Peter , Mutebi Chodrine , Bateesa Tobius Saul , Nahabwe Alvin , Tusiime Hewitt , Katumba Andrew
Published: March 2024

Africa has over 2000 languages; however, those languages are not well represented in the existing natural language processing ecosystem. African languages lack essential digital resources to effectively engage in advancing language technologies. There is a need to generate high‐quality natural language processing resources for low‐resourced African languages. Obtaining high‐quality speech and text data is expensive and tedious because it can involve manual sourcing and verification of data sources. This paper discusses the process taken to curate and annotate text and speech datasets for five East African languages: Luganda, Runyankore‐Rukiga, Acholi, Lumasaba, and Swahili. We also present results obtained from baseline models for machine translation, topic modeling and classification, sentiment classification, and automatic speech recognition tasks. Finally, we discuss the experiences, challenges, and lessons learned in creating the text and speech datasets.
Implementation of a minimally invasive cell culture system to measure the regulation of inflammation in a school‐based sample of adolescents
Authors: McDade Thomas W. , Giletta Matteo , Miller Aaron A. , Krause Keegan C. , Michels Nathalie
Published: March 2024

Dysregulated inflammation underlies many human diseases, and measures of responsiveness to activation, and sensitivity to inhibition, provide important information beyond baseline assessments of chronic inflammation. This study implements a simplified cell culture protocol in a school‐based setting, using finger stick capillary blood collected from 333 adolescents (age 11.4–15.6 years) incubated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Median cytokine responses for IL6, IL1β, and TNFα were 61.9, 26.2, and 11.2 pg/mL, respectively. Samples were also incubated with LPS and glucocorticoid (GC) to measure GC sensitivity. Median responses were reduced in the presence of GC inhibition for IL6 (20.3 pg/mL), IL1β (10.5 pg/mL), and TNFα (3.3 pg/mL). Minimally invasive cell culture protocols provide novel opportunities for measuring inflammatory phenotypes in a wide range of non‐clinical settings.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Povidone‐Iodine Versus Chlorhexidine Gluconate With Isopropyl Alcohol for Preoperative Vaginal Antisepsis
Authors: Dunn Debra , Yannotti Kara , Centrella‐Nigro Andrea , Correa Stacy , O'Dea Denise , Wiley Sandra
Published: March 2024

Many surgeons request use of 10% povidone‐iodine (PI) for vaginal antisepsis; however, when PI is contraindicated, some surgeons request use of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) instead. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to determine any significant differences in self‐reported symptoms associated with vaginal antisepsis with either 10% PI scrub or 4% CHG with 4% isopropyl alcohol. The control group comprised 62 participants who underwent vaginal antisepsis with the PI product, and the intervention group comprised 58 participants who underwent vaginal antisepsis with the CHG product. Participants completed surveys immediately before surgery, immediately after surgery, and 48 to 72 hours after surgery. No significant differences were found in the reported vaginal symptoms between the two groups for any survey. One participant in the intervention group reported symptoms consistent with an allergic reaction. Additional studies are needed on the use of CHG for vaginal antisepsis.
Highly transparent and flame‐retardant polyvinyl alcohol membranes crosslinked with 2‐methyl‐2,5‐dioxo‐1,2‐oxaphospholane
Authors: Wang Jinlu , Ruan Xiao , Shen Kaixin , Wang Yijia , Zhang Yan , Liu Jiyan , Liu Xueqing
Published: March 2024

In the present paper, crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) membranes with high transparency and excellent flame retardancy were obtained by blending 2‐methyl‐2,5‐dioxo‐1,2‐oxaphospholane (OP) with a PVA water solution at the molecular scale. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry and differential scanning calorimetry were used to investigate the crosslinking reaction. The surface morphology and micromechanical assessments of the membrane were examined using nanoindentation. The limited oxygen index (LOI) and vertical flame microscale combustion calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were employed to evaluate the flame retardancy and reveal the corresponding mechanisms. It was found that OP reacted with PVA below 120°C. The crosslinked membranes have a rougher surface and higher hydrophilicity and lower hardness and modulus than pure PVA does. The crosslinked membranes exhibit enhanced flame retardancy and high transparency. The membrane passes the UL 94 V 0 rating with an LOI of 27.6% and achieves a transmittance of 90.2% when the OP content is 20 wt.%. The SEM, EDS, and XPS results demonstrate that the interaction between OP and PVA effectively promotes the formation of a continuous and stable char in the condensed phase.
Characterization and application of a microemulsion as model system for lipophilic phytochemicals in high‐pressure processing
Authors: Tauber Svenja , Fehn Simon , Schmidt Mario , Schwarzenbolz Uwe , Böhm Volker
Published: March 2024

High‐pressure processing (HPP) is considered as gentle preservation technique for especially heat‐sensitive food ingredients. So far, the focus has been on the fact that it is called a nonthermal process and high pressure can affect bioavailability, but it is questionable whether the high pressure affects the ingredients themselves. By using an o/w‐microemulsion (ME) as a model system, it was possible to investigate the influence of pressure, especially on lipophilic compounds (e.g., carotenoids and vitamin E), without the complexity of a food matrix. The ME consisted of Capryol® TM 90, Tween® 80 or 20, Transcutol® HP and distilled water. Lipophilic and hydrophilic compounds were introduced to the oil phase and to the aqueous phase, respectively. Storage experiments confirmed the applicability for β‐carotene and α‐tocopherol. HPP of MEs, performed for 10 min at room temperature (RT) and up to 600 MPa, resulted in pressure stability of β‐carotene (exceptional at 400 MPa; −11%) and α‐tocopherol. Multicomponent ME showed that both had a positive effect on the stability of chlorophyll a/b during HPP. An ME environment was used to facilitate co‐oxidation of β‐carotene via lipoxygenase (LOX) from an Edamame‐based crude enzyme extract and lyophilized LOX‐1 from soybeans during storage (RT and 4°C, dark conditions) and HPP treatment. A loss of β‐carotene occurred after addition of linoleic acid, whereas effects of added α‐tocopherol could be related to β‐carotene protection. Overall, the introduced ME for studying HPP effects on lipophilic food ingredients showed promising results as versatile model system for future investigations regarding interactions of phytochemicals.
Verbundverhalten von Faserkunststoffbewehrungsstäben
Authors: Caspari Christian , Pahn Matthias
Published: March 2024

Durch die nichtrostenden Eigenschaften von Faserkunststoffbewehrung (FKB) ist es möglich, diese Bewehrung oberflächennah in Bauteilen zu positionieren, ohne deren Dauerhaftigkeit einzuschränken. In diesem Fall verbleibt an der Mindestbetondeckung der Anteil zur Sicherstellung des Verbunds. Die normative Mindestbetondeckung ist auf das Verbundverhalten von Betonstahl angepasst. Da die Geometrie‐ und Materialeigenschaften von FKB variieren, ist deren Verbundverhalten stabspezifisch und nicht dem von Betonstahl gleichzusetzen. Aus diesem Grund ist die Übertragbarkeit der für Betonstahl definierten Mindestbetondeckung zur Sicherstellung des Verbunds für FKB infrage zu stellen. Zur Ableitung einer Mindestbetondeckung ist die Erforschung der Spannungsverteilung entlang der Verbundlänge erforderlich. Zur experimentellen Erfassung der längs des Bewehrungsstabs wirkenden Verbundspannung τ und des radial wirkenden Innendrucks pi wurde in den 1990er‐Jahren der Ringtest entwickelt. Ziel dieses Beitrags ist es, die Spannungsverteilung entlang der Verbundlänge für unterschiedliche FKB experimentell zu ermitteln. Hierzu wird der Ringtest modifiziert, sodass eine (quasi‐)kontinuierlichen Erfassung der Verbundspannung und des Innendrucks entlang der Verbundlänge in Abhängigkeit von der Ausziehkraft ermöglicht wird. Im Ergebnis werden die Spannungsverteilungen gegenübergestellt und aus dem Innendruck eine Mindestbetondeckung zur Sicherstellung des Verbunds hergeleitet.
Recent progress of atmospheric and room‐temperature plasma as a new and promising mutagenesis technology
Authors: Li Dongao , Shen Jie , Ding Qiang , Wu Jinyong , Chen Xiangsong
Published: March 2024

At present, atmospheric and room‐temperature plasma (ARTP) is regarded as a new and powerful mutagenesis technology with the advantages of environment‐friendliness, operation under mild conditions, and fast mutagenesis speed. Compared with traditional mutagenesis strategies, ARTP is used mainly to change the structure of microbial DNA, enzymes, and proteins through a series of physical, chemical, and electromagnetic effects with the organisms, leading to nucleotide breakage, conversion or inversion, causing various DNA damages, so as to screen out the microbial mutants with better biological characteristics. As a result, in recent years, ARTP mutagenesis and the combination of ARTP with traditional mutagenesis have been widely used in microbiology, showing great potential for application. In this review, the recent progress of ARTP mutagenesis in different application fields and bottlenecks of this technology are systematically summarized, with a view to providing a theoretical basis and technical support for better application. Finally, the outlook of ARTP mutagenesis is presented, and we identify the challenges in the field of microbial mutagenesis by ARTP.
Therapeutic significance of long noncoding RNAs in estrogen receptor‐positive breast cancer
Authors: Alzahrani Abdullah Ali , Saleh Raed Obaid , latypova Amaliya , Bokov Dmitry Olegovich , Kareem Anaheed Hussein , Talib Hayder Abdullah , Hameed Noora M. , Pramanik Atreyi , Alawadi Ahmed , Alsalamy Ali
Published: March 2024

About 70% of cases of breast cancer are compromised by Estrogen‐positive breast cancer. Through its regulation of several processes, including cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis, Estrogen signaling plays a pivotal role in the genesis and progression of this particular kind of breast cancer. One of the best treatment strategies for treating Estrogen‐positive breast cancer is blocking Estrogen signaling. However, patients' treatment failure is mainly caused by the emergence of resistance and metastases, necessitating the development of novel therapeutic targets. Numerous studies have shown long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) to play a role in Estrogen‐mediated carcinogenesis. These lncRNAs interact with co‐regulators and the Estrogen signaling cascade components, primarily due to Estrogen activation. Vimentin and E‐cadherin are examples of epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition markers, and they regulate genes involved in cell cycle progression, such as Cyclins, to affect the growth, proliferation, and metastasis of Estrogen‐positive breast cancer. Furthermore, a few of these lncRNAs contribute to developing resistance to chemotherapy, making them more desirable targets for enhancing results. Thus, to shed light on the creation of fresh approaches for treating this cancer, this review attempts to compile recently conducted studies on the relationship between lncRNAs and the advancement of Estrogen‐positive breast cancer.
Overcoming Solubility Challenges: Liposomal isoCoQ‐Carbazole as a Promising Anti‐Tumor Agent for Inoperable and Radiation‐Insensitive cancers
Authors: Lamaa Diana , Cailleau Catherine , Vergnaud Juliette , Mougin Julie , Bignon Jérôme , Alami Mouad , Fattal Elias , Hamze Abdallah , Tsapis Nicolas
Published: March 2024

This study evaluated the potential of isoCoQ‐Carbazole, a diheterocyclic analog of isoCA‐4, as an anti‐tumor agent. To overcome its low aqueous solubility, liposomes were developed as a delivery system for the compound. In vitro experiments showed that loaded liposomes exhibited similar activity to the free form on multiple human tumor cell lines. In vivo experiments using a palliative intratumoral injection chemotherapy approach further demonstrated that isoCoQ‐Carbazole loaded liposomes significantly reduced tumor growth in a CA‐4‐resistant HT29 cell model, without inducing any observable toxicity or weight loss in the treated mice. These findings suggest that liposomal isoCoQ‐Carbazole may hold promise as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of inoperable, radiation‐insensitive cancers.
An optimized protocol for routine development of cell culture from adult oyster, Crassostrea madrasensis
Authors: Balakrishnan Soumya , Sajeevan Ambadi Kannan Maliyekkal , Parvathi Sreevidya Chandrasekharan , Bright Singh I. S. , Puthumana Jayesh
Published: March 2024

Marine molluscan cell lines, required for virus screening and cultivation, form essential tools for developing health management strategies for these animals in the blue economy. Moreover, they are also crucial to develop cultivated seafood. As there is no valid marine molluscan cell line, primary cell cultures are relied upon for all investigations. A sound protocol for generating primary cell cultures from molluscs is entailed, but existing protocols often involve heavy antibiotic usage and depuration that invariably affect gene expression and cell health. This work presents an easy‐to‐adopt, time‐saving protocol using non‐depurated mollusc Crassostrea madrasensis, which requires only initial antibiotic treatment and minimal exposure or no use of antibiotics in the cell culture medium. The important experimental considerations for arriving at this protocol have been elucidated. Accordingly, sodium hypochlorite and neomycin sulfate were chosen for disinfecting tissues. The study is the first to use shrimp cell culture medium (SCCM) as a cell culture medium for molluscan cell culture. Despite being osmoconformers, the oysters exhibited stable intracellular osmotic conditions and pH, which, when provided in vitro, promoted effective cardiomyocyte formation. The cell viability could be enhanced using 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), but healthy cell culture could also be obtained using SCCM without FBS. The optimized culture conditions allowed for regular beating cardiomyocyte clusters that could be retained for a month. Limited cell proliferation, as shown by the BrdU assay, demands further interventions, such as possibly producing induced pluripotent stem cells. The optimized protocol and culture conditions also align with some requirements for producing cultivated meat from marine molluscs.
An uncommon cause of sub‐acute intestinal obstruction in young adult: Wilkie's syndrome
Authors: Shrestha Kala , Thapa Niranjan , Basukala Sunil , Acharya Manisha , Bhulan Bibek Lama , Singh Kaushal Kumar , Shrestha Oshan , Chaudhary Kabita , Neupane Milan Kumar
Published: March 2024

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome, also known as Wilkie's syndrome, is a rare disease presenting as an acute abdomen. It has a clinical presentation similar to intestinal obstruction and is often missed during diagnosis. Reduced weight leading to loss of fat pad between SMA and aorta is the main pathophysiology. Diagnosis is made through barium meal and CT scan. Conservative management remains the treatment of choice; however, surgery is opted for in refractory cases.

Key Clinical Message

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome, also known as Wilkie's syndrome, is a rare disease presenting as an acute abdomen with clinical features similar to intestinal obstruction. This is a case of SMA syndrome in an adult male with a decrease in aortomesenteric angle, with no predisposing condition.
A chronic myeloid leukemia present with an unusual relapse in central nervous system: A case report
Authors: Musleh Mais , Alhussien Qossay
Published: March 2024

Key Clinical Message

Extramedullary involvement of the central nervous system (CNS) in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is an uncommon relapse. In this case, we present a unique instance of a 43‐year‐old male diagnosed with CML experiencing a CNS blast crisis.
CO2 Photoreduction over Semiconducting 2D Materials with Supported Single Atoms: Recent Progress and Challenges
Authors: Dai Zhangben , Yang Kejun , Yang Tianyi , Guo Yalin , Huang Jianfeng
Published: March 2024

In the face of the growing energy crisis and environmental challenges, substantial efforts are now directed toward sustainable clean energy as a replacement for traditional fossil fuels. CO2 photoreduction into value‐added chemicals and fuels is widely recognized as a promising approach to mitigate current energy and environmental concerns. Photocatalysts comprising single atoms (SAs) supported on two‐dimensional (2D) semiconducting materials (SAs‐2DSemi) have emerged as a novel frontier due to the combined merits of SA catalysts and 2D materials. In this study, we review advancements in metal SAs confined on 2DSemi substrates, categorized into four groups: (1) metal oxide‐based, (2) g‐C3N4‐based, (3) emerging, and (4) hybridized 2DSemi, for photocatalytic CO2 conversion over the past few years. With a particular focus on highlighting the distinct advantages of SAs‐2DSemi, we delve into the synthesis of state‐of‐the‐art catalysts, their catalytic performances, and mechanistic elucidation facilitated by experimental characterizations and theoretical calculations. Following this, we outline the challenges in this field and offer perspectives on harnessing the potential of SAs‐2DSemi as promising photocatalysts. This comprehensive review aims to provide valuable insights for the future development of 2D photocatalytic materials involving SAs for CO2 reduction.
Stabilization of the Neutral [25]Hexaphyrin(1.0.1.0.1.0) Radical by Hetero‐Bimetal‐Coordination
Authors: Xue Songlin , Dong Yuting , Lv Xiaojuan , Qiu Fengxian , Wang Yue , Furuta Hiroyuki , Teranishi Toshiharu , Wu Fan
Published: March 2024

Stabilization of hexaphyrin(1.0.1.0.1.0) (named “rosarin”) in its 25π radical state is achieved using a hetero‐bimetal‐coordination strategy. The antiaromatic BF2 complex B‐1 was first synthesized, and then rhodium ion was inserted into B‐1 to produce the BF2/Rh(CO)2 mixed complex Rh‐B‐1 as a highly air‐stable radical. The structures of B‐1 and Rh‐B‐1 were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffractions, and the antiaromatic or radical character was identified by various spectroscopy evidence and theoretical calculations. Rh‐B‐1 exhibits excellent redox properties, enabling amphoteric aromatic‐antiaromatic conversion to their 24/26π states. Compared to the 24/26π conjugation systems on the same skeleton, Rh‐B‐1 has the narrowest electrochemical and optical band gaps, with the longest absorption band at 1010 nm. The ring‐current analysis reveals intense paratropic currents for B‐1 and co‐existing diatropic‐paratropic currents for Rh‐B‐1. This hetero‐bimetal‐coordination system provides a novel platform for organic radical stabilization on porphyrinoids, showing the prospect of modulating ligand oxidation states through rational coordination design.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of mixing hydrochloric acid and organic acid as stimulation fluids in a tight gas carbonate reservoir
Authors: Khaleghi Mohammad Reza , Khamehchi Ehsan , Abbasi Amirhossein , Kalatehno Javad Mahdavi
Published: March 2024

Matrix acidizing is a widely used technique in carbonate formations to improve production and injection rates by restoring or improving permeability. This study evaluates the stimulation efficacy of organic and inorganic acid combinations in the Sarajeh carbonate formation, with a focus on improving permeability within this potential tight gas formation. Through solubility and continuous flow tests, a mixture of HCl 7.5% + HAc 2.5% was found to significantly outperform the traditional HCl 15% solution. The HCl 7.5% + HAc 2.5% mixture had a solubility rate of 59.27% and improved permeability by 4.4 times compared to HCl 15%, indicating a higher dissolving capacity. The results of continuous flow tests showed that the mixed acid had the best pore volume to breakthrough (PVBt) value of 2.574 at a controlled injection rate of 2 cc/min. This study demonstrates the superior performance of a lower concentration HCl‐HAc acid formulation in matrix acidizing carbonate formations and confirms its potential as a more effective alternative to high concentration HCl treatments for the Sarajeh reservoir.
Improving model performance of shortest‐path‐based centrality measures in network models through scale space
Authors: Menguc Kenan , Yilmaz Alper
Published: March 2024

The quality of the solution in resolving a complex network depends on either the speed or accuracy of the results. While some health studies prioritize high performance, fast algorithms are favored in scenarios requiring rapid decision‐making. A comprehensive understanding of the problem necessitates a detailed analysis of the network and its individual components. Betweenness Centrality (BC) and Closeness Centrality (CC) are commonly employed measures in network studies. This study introduces a new strategy to compute BC and CC that assesses their sensitivity in the scale space while measuring the shortest path. The scale space is generated by incorporating a scale parameter that is shown to achieve up to 60% performance improvements for various datasets. The study provides in‐depth insights into the importance of the scale space analysis. Finally, a flexible measurement tool is provided that is suitable for various types of problems. To demonstrate the flexibility and applicability, we experimented with two methods for 10 different graphs using the proposed approach.
Spent Lithium‐Ion Batteries Derived Co3O4 for Electrocatalytic Polyethylene Terephthalate Plastic Recycling
Authors: Zhao Xinhui , Kuang Cheng , Liu Hongshu , An Chaopeng , Wang Mingyan , Mu Tiancheng
Published: March 2024

Spent lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) are an essential secondary resource containing valuable metal elements. Transforming spent LIBs into efficient catalysts through a simple process presents a promising strategy to address both metal resource scarcity and clean energy challenges. Herein, a deep eutectic solvent‐assisted synthesis of Co3O4 material from spent LIBs is proposed. The obtained Co3O4 material possesses efficient and stable electrocatalytic activity for converting raw polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles into high‐purity formic acid and terephthalic acid products under ambient conditions. As expected, the Co3O4 catalyst exhibits a high FE of 92 % with a concentration of produced potassium formate of 23.6 mM under alkaline conditions. This study presents a waste‐treating‐waste strategy for the simultaneous recovery of spent LIBs and PET waste in a greener manner.
Sex‐specific blood biomarkers linked to memory changes in middle‐aged adults: The Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Ding Huitong , Liu Chunyu , Li Yi , Ang Ting Fang Alvin , Devine Sherral , Liu Yulin , Au Rhoda , Doraiswamy P. Murali
Published: March 2024

The relationship between sex‐specific blood biomarkers and memory changes in middle‐aged adults remains unclear. We aimed to investigate this relationship using the data from the Framingham Heart Study (FHS). We conducted association analysis, partial correlation analysis, and causal dose–response curves using blood biomarkers and other data from 793 middle‐aged participants (≤ 60 years) from the FHS Offspring Cohort. The results revealed associations of adiponectin and fasting blood glucose with midlife memory change, along with a U‐shaped relationship of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol with memory change. No significant associations were found for the other blood biomarkers (e.g., amyloid beta protein 42) with memory change. To our knowledge, this is the first sex‐specific network analysis of blood biomarkers related to midlife memory change in a prospective cohort study. Our findings highlight the importance of targeting cardiometabolic risks and the need to validate midlife‐specific biomarkers that can accelerate the development of primary preventive strategies.
Predicting 5‐year dementia conversion in veterans with mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Irwin Chase , Tjandra Donna , Hu Chengcheng , Aggarwal Vinod , Lienau Amanda , Giordani Bruno , Wiens Jenna , Migrino Raymond Q.
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCTION

Identifying mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients at risk for dementia could facilitate early interventions. Using electronic health records (EHRs), we developed a model to predict MCI to all‐cause dementia (ACD) conversion at 5 years.

METHODS

Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify predictors of ACD conversion from EHR data in veterans with MCI. Model performance (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] and Brier score) was evaluated on a held‐out data subset.

RESULTS

Of 59,782 MCI patients, 15,420 (25.8%) converted to ACD. The model had good discriminative performance (AUC 0.73 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.72–0.74]), and calibration (Brier score 0.18 [95% CI 0.17–0.18]). Age, stroke, cerebrovascular disease, myocardial infarction, hypertension, and diabetes were risk factors, while body mass index, alcohol abuse, and sleep apnea were protective factors.

DISCUSSION

EHR‐based prediction model had good performance in identifying 5‐year MCI to ACD conversion and has potential to assist triaging of at‐risk patients.

Highlights

Of 59,782 veterans with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), 15,420 (25.8%) converted to all‐cause dementia within 5 years.

Electronic health record prediction models demonstrated good performance (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.73; Brier 0.18).

Age and vascular‐related morbidities were predictors of dementia conversion.

Synthetic data was comparable to real data in modeling MCI to dementia conversion.

Key Points

An electronic health record–based model using demographic and co‐morbidity data had good performance in identifying veterans who convert from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to all‐cause dementia (ACD) within 5 years.

Increased age, stroke, cerebrovascular disease, myocardial infarction, hypertension, and diabetes were risk factors for 5‐year conversion from MCI to ACD.

High body mass index, alcohol abuse, and sleep apnea were protective factors for 5‐year conversion from MCI to ACD.

Models using synthetic data, analogs of real patient data that retain the distribution, density, and covariance between variables of real patient data but are not attributable to any specific patient, performed just as well as models using real patient data. This could have significant implications in facilitating widely distributed computing of health‐care data with minimized patient privacy concern that could accelerate scientific discoveries.
Probiotics: Bridging the interplay of a healthy gut and psychoneurological well‐being
Authors: Meher Ashish K. , Acharya Biswajeet , Sahu Prafulla K.
Published: March 2024

The establishment of a healthy microbiota, particularly during infancy, profoundly influences psychological health and neurological function through the gut‐brain axis. This review delves into the intricate connections between probiotics, gut microbiome development, and their impact on neurological disorders. Biotics, live microorganisms with proven health benefits, have emerged as a promising intervention, particularly during critical developmental stages. Administering specific probiotic strains (Lactobacillus species and Bifidobacterium) in infancy has shown promise in preventing and alleviating gut disorders, with implications for psychological well‐being. The bidirectional communication along the gut‐brain axis underscores the potential of probiotics in influencing neurological outcomes, ranging from anxiety to neurodevelopmental disorders. Additionally, this review explores emerging food engineering techniques (microencapsulation, genome editing, fermentation, protein engineering, immobilization, etc.) employed in preparing probiotic‐based foods, ensuring the viability and targeted release of probiotics in the gastrointestinal tract.
Laryngeal paraganglioma: The analysis of misdiagnosed cases and literature review
Authors: Dong Yi‐Jun , Zhang Hong‐Hui , Liang Jia‐Qiao , Gao Ya‐Ya , Xiong Ming , Yang Hui
Published: March 2024

Laryngeal paraganglioma (LP) is an exceptionally rare neuroendocrine tumor, underscoring importance of accurate identification to preclude misdiagnoses. In this review, we presented two typical misdiagnosed LPs, and offered reviews of LP cases reported over the preceding decade and all documented misdiagnosed LP cases. Furthermore, we systematically investigated the underlying causes of misdiagnosis and elucidated key points for effective differentiation. A retrospective analysis of 28 LP cases revealed a predominant occurrence in middle‐aged women, with an average history of 25.1 months. Through an analysis of all misdiagnosed cases (n = 37), supraglottic LPs were frequently misidentified as laryngeal carcinomas and vascular tumors, while subglottic LPs were often misdiagnosed as thyroid cancers. And the occurrence of misdiagnosis resulted in delayed and inappropriate treatments, contributing to the deterioration of LP patients (14 cases, 37.8%). In conclusion, this review endeavored to heighten awareness of LPs, with the ultimate goal of advancing diagnostic precision and enhancing patient outcomes.
Self‐reported sexually transmitted infections among men and women in Papua New Guinea: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Tetteh Justice Kanor , Aboagye Richard Gyan , Adu‐Gyamfi Addae Boateng , Appiah Seth Christopher Yaw , Seidu Abdul‐Aziz , Attila Frank Lamadoku , Ahinkorah Bright Opoku
Published: March 2024

Background and Aims

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) pose a considerable concern for global healthcare systems. We examined the prevalence and correlates of self‐reported STIs (SR‐STIs) among men and women in Papua New Guinea.

Methods

A total of 7,195 women and 4,069 men from Papua New Guinea who participated in the 2016–2018 Demographic and Health Survey were included in this study. Percentages were used to summarize the prevalence of SR‐STIs among men and women. A multivariable multilevel binary logistic regression was used to examine the correlates of SR‐STIs in men and women.

Results

An overall 5.9% and 4.6% prevalence of SR‐STIs were recorded among women and men, respectively, in Papua New Guinea. The odds of SR‐STIs were higher among women who ever tested for HIV (aOR = 2.47, CI: 1.80–3.39), those who had first sex below 20 years (aOR = 1.76, CI: 1.10–2.80), those who watched television less than once a week (aOR = 1.83, CI: 1.13–2.95) and those from the Highlands and Momase regions (aOR = 5.55, CI: 3.30–9.33) compared to their counterparts who never tested for HIV, who had their first sexual intercourse when they were 20 years and above, who did not watch television at all, and those from the Southern Region. For men, the odds of SR‐STIs were high among those who ever tested for HIV (aOR = 1.65, CI: 1.11–2.45), those with one (aOR= 2.08, CI: 1.05–4.14) and two or more (aOR = 3.77, CI: 1.49, 9.52) sexual partners excluding spouse in the 12 months preceding the survey, those living in the Highlands region (aOR = 2.52, CI: 1.48–4.29), and those living in communities with medium literacy level (aOR = 2.33, CI: 1.38–3.94) compared to their counterparts who had never tested for HIV, those with zero sexual partners excluding their spouse in the 12 months preceding the survey, those living in the Southern region, and those living in communities with low literacy levels.

Conclusion

We recommend that the National AIDS Council of Papua New Guinea through the National HIV and STI 2018–2022 Strategy program should be realigned to address these correlates and ensure that more sexual and reproductive health resources are provided to men and women in the Highlands and Momase regions.
Quantifying intra‐ and inter‐annual dynamics of river‐floodplain connectivity and wetland inundation with remote sensing and wavelet analysis
Authors: Zheng Hanwu , Tetzlaff Doerthe , Freymüller Jonas , Chmieleski Jana , Okujeni Akpona , Soulsby Chris
Published: March 2024

We used imagery from remote sensing (FORCE Time Series Analysis submodule (combining Landsat and Sentinel‐2 imagery) to derive spatially distributed times series (8 years) of NDWI data to infer patterns of floodplain inundation and river‐floodplain connectivity in two contrasting polders in the Lower Oder Valley National Park. The upstream Polder A (14.4 km2) was extensively flooded for prolonged periods most winters. Wavelet analysis showed that this strong seasonality was primarily driven by winter water levels in the river Oder that could enter and leave the polder through two opened floodgates. Subsequent drainage was slow and aided by a pumping station. Inundation of the downstream Polder 10 (17.7km2) was lower and had less marked seasonality. This reflected the impact of flood attenuation by storage in Polder A upstream, but also the greater connectivity (via 10 floodgates) to the Oder and a functional network of channels, which facilitated rapid drainage after flood peaks. In Polder A, secondary periods of transient inundation could also occur in response to local intense summer rainfall. Wavelet analysis also showed that groundwater recharge in and around Polder A is primarily induced by floodwater, whilst Polder 10 also reflects the influence of local rainfall‐driven recharge. The flood regimes of the two polders showed marked inter‐annual variation, largely dependent on flows from the upper Oder catchment. Understanding these patterns and processes of inundation is important for both managing flows and sustaining valuable wetland habitats within the National Park. Given projected climate change in eastern Europe and possible management alterations to the flow regime of the Oder, the potential implications for these habitats needs urgent attention.
To know or not to know: Effect of third‐trimester sonographic fetal weight estimation on outcomes of large‐for‐gestational age neonates
Authors: Zeevi Gil , Regev Noam , Key‐Segal Chen , Romano Asaf , Houri Ohad , Bercovich Or , Hadar Eran , Berezowsky Alexandra
Published: March 2024

Objective

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of late third‐trimester sonographic estimation of large for gestational age fetuses on pregnancy management and selected fetal and maternal adverse outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted in a tertiary, university‐affiliated medical center between 2015 and 2019. All singleton large‐for‐gestational‐age neonates born during this period were included. The cohort was divided into two groups: neonates for whom fetal weight was estimated on late third trimester (<14 days before delivery) sonography and neonates with no recent fetal weight estimation. The groups were compared for pregnancy management strategies, rates of labor induction, cesarean deliveries, and maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Results

A total of 1712 neonates were included in the study, among whom 791 (46.2%) had a late third‐trimester fetal weight estimation (study group) and 921 (53.8%) did not (control group). Compared to the control group, the study group was characterized by higher rates of maternal primiparity (24.20% vs 19.20%, P = 0.013), higher maternal body mass index (26.0 ± 6.2 kg/m2 vs 24.7 ± 4.5 kg/m2, P = 0.002), more inductions of labor (29.84% vs 16.40%, P < 0.001) and cesarean deliveries (31.0% vs 19.97%, P < 0.001). There were no clinical differences in neonatal birth weight (4041 ± 256 g vs 3984 264 g, P < 0.001) and no significant differences between other neonatal outcomes, as rates of admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, jaundice, hypoglycemia, and shoulder dystocia.

Conclusion

Late third‐trimester sonographic fetal weight estimation is associated with a higher rate of labor induction and planned and intrapartum cesarean deliveries. In this retrospective cohort study, those interventions did not lead to reduction in maternal or neonatal adverse outcomes.
Emulgel based on fish skin collagen‐microalgae‐silver increased neovascularization and re‐epithelialization of full thickness burn in rats
Authors: de Souza Francisco Fábio Pereira , Castro‐Silva Igor Iuco , Andrade Fábia Karine , Mattos Adriano Lincoln Albuquerque , de Sousa Lopes Mirrael , da Silva Barroso Wallady , de Souza Bartolomeu Warlene Silva , de Sá Moreira de Souza‐Filho Men , da Silva André Luis Coelho
Published: March 2024

Deep skin burn represents a global morbidity and mortality problem, and the limitation of topical treatment agents has motivated research to development new formulations capable of preventing infections and accelerating healing. The aim of this work was to develop and characterize an emulgel based on collagen (COL) and gelatin (GEL) extracted from fish skin associated with Chlorella vulgaris extract (CE) and silver nitrate (AgNO3). COL and GEL were characterized by physicochemical and thermal analyses; and CE by electrophoresis and its antioxidant capacity. Three emulgels formulations were developed: COL (0.5%) + GEL (2.5%) (E1), COL+GEL+CE (1%) (E2), and COL+GEL+CE + AgNO3 (0.1%) (E3). All formulations were characterized by physicochemical, rheology assays, and preclinical analyses: cytotoxicity (in vitro) and healing potential using a burn model in rats. COL and GEL showed typical physicochemical characteristics, and CE presented 1.3 mg/mL of proteins and antioxidant activity of 76%. Emulgels presented a coherent physicochemical profile and pseudoplastic behavior. Preclinical analysis showed concentration‐dependent cytotoxicity against fibroblast and keratinocytes. In addition, all emulgels induced similar percentages of wound contraction and complete wound closure in 28 days. The histopathological analysis showed higher scores for polymorphonuclear cells to E1 and greater neovascularization and re‐epithelialization to E3. Then, E3 formulation has potential to improve burn healing, although its use in a clinical setting requires further studies.
Proton pump inhibitors enhance macropinocytosis‐mediated extracellular vesicle endocytosis by inducing membrane v‐ATPase assembly
Authors: Lu Xinliang , Song Zhengbo , Hao Jiayue , Kong Xianghui , Yuan Weiyi , Shen Yingying , Zhang Chengyan , Yang Jie , Yu Pengfei , Qian Yun , Zhang Gensheng , Feng Huajun , Wang Jianli , Cai Zhenzhai , Cai Zhijian
Published: March 2024

Besides participating in diverse pathological and physiological processes, extracellular vesicles (EVs) are also excellent drug‐delivery vehicles. However, clinical drugs modulating EV levels are still lacking. Here, we show that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) reduce EVs by enhancing macropinocytosis‐mediated EV uptake. PPIs accelerate intestinal cell endocytosis of autocrine immunosuppressive EVs through macropinocytosis, thereby aggravating inflammatory bowel disease. PPI‐induced macropinocytosis facilitates the clearance of immunosuppressive EVs from tumour cells, improving antitumor immunity. PPI‐induced macropinocytosis also increases doxorubicin and antisense oligonucleotides of microRNA‐155 delivery efficiency by EVs, leading to enhanced therapeutic effects of drug‐loaded EVs on tumours and acute liver failure. Mechanistically, PPIs reduce cytosolic pH, promote ATP6V1A (v‐ATPase subunit) disassembly from the vacuolar membrane and enhance the assembly of plasma membrane v‐ATPases, thereby inducing macropinocytosis. Altogether, our results reveal a mechanism for macropinocytic regulation and PPIs as potential modulators of EV levels, thus regulating their functions.