bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Roses have thorns for a reason”: The promises and perils of critical youth participatory research with system‐impacted girls of Color
Authors: Rose Raquel E. , Singh Sukhmani , Berezin McKenzie N. , Javdani Shabnam
Published: April 2023

Scholarship on girlhood—especially for girls of Color—is often relegated to studying risk and emphasizing individual deficits over humanizing girls and centering their voices. This approach to generating scholarship renders oppressive systems and processes invisible from inquiry and unaddressed by practice, with particularly insidious consequences for youth in the legal system. Critical youth participatory action research (YPAR) is acknowledged as an antidote to these conceptualizations because it resists deficit‐oriented narratives circling systems‐impacted youth by inviting them to the knowledge‐generating table. In this paper, we present an empirical analysis of the promises and perils that emerged as we conducted a year‐long critical YPAR project alongside five system‐impacted girls of Color. Our thematic analysis of process notes (30 meetings, 120 h) documents the stories posited by girls, in a democratized space, about the injustices of interconnected institutions, and unearths a complicated tension for both youth and adult coresearchers around the promises and perils of engaging in YPAR within the academy. These findings underscore the importance of using intersectional, collaborative research to challenge perceptions around how we legitimize knowledge. We describe lessons learned in conducting YPAR in academic settings and highlight recommendations to grow youth–adult partnerships within oppressive systems to share power.
Ultra‐processed food and homemade fried food consumption is associated with overweight/obesity in Latin American university students during COVID‐19
Authors: Morales Gladys , Durán‐Agüero Samuel , Parra‐Soto Solange , Landaeta‐Díaz Leslie , Carpio Valeria , Cavagnari Brian , Rios‐Castillo Israel , Nava‐González Edna , Bejarano‐Roncancio Jhon , Núñez‐Martínez Beatriz , Cordón‐Arrivillaga Karla , Meza‐Miranda Eliana , Mauricio‐Alza Saby , Gómez Georgina , Murillo Gabriela , Araneda‐Flores Jacqueline
Published: April 2023

Objective

We estimated the association between the consumption of select ultra‐processed food (UPF), homemade fried food and overweight/obesity in Latin American university undergraduate students during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

We conducted an analytical cross‐sectional study. 4539 university students (73.6% female, mean age 22.5 ± 4.4) from 10 Latin American countries completed a self‐administered online survey. UPF eating habits and homemade fried food were measured according to a validated survey. Height and body weight were self‐reported. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated. A BMI ≥25 kg/m2 was categorized as overweight/obesity. Ordinal logistic regression models were applied.

Results

Snacks (36.2%) and homemade fried food (30.2%) had a higher prevalence of consumption than sugary drinks (22.5%) and fast food (7.2%). The greatest strength of association was found between fast food consumption [odds ratio (OR) = 2.16; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.63–2.85], sugary drinks [OR = 2.05; CI: 1.63–2.59] and homemade fried food [OR = 1.46; CI: 1.16–1.85] with overweight/obesity.

Conclusion

Latin American university undergraduates present risky eating behaviors associated with overweight and obesity. Effective policies to promote healthy eating should be incorporated and issued from universities to reduce the consumption of UPF and promote homemade, healthier and more natural food.
Impacts of age, diabetes, and hypertension on serum endothelial monocyte‐activating polypeptide‐II after prolonged work in the heat
Authors: Journeay W. Shane , McCormick James J. , King Kelli E. , Notley Sean R. , Goulet Nicholas , Fujii Naoto , Amano Tatsuro , Kenny Glen P.
Published: April 2023

Background

With rising temperature extremes, older workers are becoming increasingly vulnerable to heat‐related injuries because of age‐ and disease‐associated decrements in thermoregulatory function. Endothelial monocyte‐activating polypeptide‐II (EMAP‐II) is a proinflammatory cytokine that has not yet been well‐characterized during heat stress, and which may mediate the inflammatory response to high levels of physiological strain.

Methods

We evaluated serum EMAP‐II concentrations before and after 180 min of moderate‐intensity work (200 W/m2) in temperate (wet‐bulb globe temperature [WBGT] 16°C) and hot (WBGT 32°C) environments in heat‐unacclimatized, healthy young (n = 13; mean [SD]; 22 [3] years) and older men (n = 12; 59 [4] years), and unacclimatized older men with hypertension (HTN) (n = 10; 60 [4] years) or type 2 diabetes (T2D) (n = 9; 60 [5] years). Core temperature and heart rate were measured continuously.

Results

In the hot environment, work tolerance time was lower in older men with HTN and T2D compared to healthy older men (bothp < 0.049). While core temperature and heart rate reserve increased significantly (p < 0.001), they did not differ across groups. End‐exercise serum EMAP‐II concentrations were higher in young men relative to their older counterparts due to higher baseline levels (bothp ≤ 0.02). Elevations in serum EMAP‐II concentrations were similar between healthy older men and older men with HTN, while serum EMAP‐II concentrations did not change in older men with T2D following prolonged work in the heat.

Conclusion

Serum EMAP‐II concentrations increased following prolonged moderate‐intensity work in the heat and this response is influenced by age and the presence of HTN or T2D.
Visible‐Light‐Induced Multicomponent Synthesis of Tetrasubstituted Imidazoles
Authors: Borkotoky Lodsna , Bora Kaushik , Maurya Ram Awatar
Published: April 2023

An efficient visible light photocatalyzed one‐pot, three‐component synthesis of tetrasubstituted imidazoles was developed. Catalytic amount of 2,4‐dinitrophenol (2,4‐DNP) was necessary for the successful coupling of anilines, aldehydes and α‐keto vinyl azides to yield imidazoles in the presence of 7 W blue LED light. The scope of the reaction was demonstrated by synthesizing a series of highly functionalized imidazoles in excellent yields (75–86%). Control experiments were carried out and a mechanistic rationalization of the three‐component reaction was proposed.
Photoenzymatic Hydrosulfonylation for the Stereoselective Synthesis of Chiral Sulfones
Authors: Chen Xiaoyang , Zheng Dannan , Jiang Linye , Wang Zhiguo , Duan Xinyu , Cui Dong , Liu Shuang , Zhang Yuan , Yu Xiaomin , Ge Jingyan , Xu Jian
Published: April 2023

Chiral sulfones are recurrent motifs in pharmaceuticals and bioactive molecules. Although chemical methods have been developed to afford α‐ or β‐ chiral sulfones, these protocols rely heavily on the pre‐synthesis of structurally complicated starting materials and chiral metal complexes. Herein, we described a photoenzymatic approach for the radical‐mediated stereoselective hydrosulfonylation. Engineered variants of ene reductases provide efficient biocatalysts for this transformation, enabling to achieve a series of β‐chiral sulfonyl compounds with high yields (up to 92 %) and excellent e.r. values (up to 99 : 1).
Exclusive Co‐N4 Sites Confined in Two‐dimensional Metal‐Organic Layers Enabling Highly Selective CO2 Electroreduction at Industrial‐Level Current
Authors: Zhang Wenjun , Liu Shanshan , Yang Yue , Qi Haifeng , Xi Shibo , Wei Yanping , Ding Jie , Wang Zhu‐Jun , Li Qunxiang , Liu Bin , Chen Zupeng
Published: April 2023

Metal‐organic framework catalysts bring new opportunities for CO2 electrocatalysis. Herein, we first conduct density‐functional theory calculations and predict that Co‐based porphyrin porous organic layers (Co‐PPOLs) exhibit good activity for CO2 conversion because of the low *CO adsorption energy at Co‐N4 sites, which facilitates *CO desorption and CO formation. Then, we prepare two‐dimensional Co‐PPOLs with exclusive Co‐N4 sites through a facile surfactant‐assisted bottom‐up method. The ultrathin feature ensures the exposure of catalytic centers. Together with large specific area, high electrical conductivity and CO2 adsorption capability, Co‐PPOLs achieve a peak faradaic efficiency for CO production (FECO=94.2 %) at a moderate potential in CO2 electroreduction, accompanied with good stability. Moreover, Co‐PPOLs reach an industrial‐level current above 200 mA in a membrane electrode assembly reactor, and maintain near‐unity CO selectivity (FECO>90 %) over 20 h in CO2 electrolysis.
Ring‐opening Polymerization of Enantiopure Bicyclic Ether‐ester Monomers toward Closed‐loop Recyclable and Crystalline Stereoregular Polyesters via Chemical Upcycling of Bioplastic
Authors: Li Zheng , Zhao Dongfang , Shen Yong , Li Zhibo
Published: April 2023

Although great successes have been achieved, the preparation of closed‐loop recyclable polyesters with high working temperatures still remains as a big challenge. Herein, we present the syntheses of a series of enantiopure bicyclic ether‐ester monomers by upcycling of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) bioplastic. The “living”/controlled ring‐opening polymerizations of these enantiopure monomers to produce stereoregular polyesters with controlled molecular weights and well‐defined chain ends were achieved. The effects of stereoconfiguration and substituent on polymerization kinetics and thermodynamics as well as the thermal properties of resultant polyesters were investigated. Of note, the stereoregular polyesters are semi‐crystalline materials with melting temperatures up to 176 °C, even higher than the commodity polyolefin plastics. These polyesters can be depolymerized back to recover pristine monomers, thus successfully establishing a closed‐loop life cycle.
Manipulating Coulombic Efficiency of Cathodes in Aqueous Zinc Batteries by Anion Chemistry
Authors: Li Pei , Wang Yiqiao , Xiong Qi , Hou Yue , Yang Shuo , Cui Huilin , Zhu Jiaxiong , Li Xinliang , Wang Yanbo , Zhang Rong , Zhang Shaoce , Wang Xiaoqi , Jin Xu , Bai Shengchi , Zhi Chunyi
Published: April 2023

Electrolyte environments, including cations, anions, and solvents are critical for the performance delivery of cathodes of batteries. Most works focused on interactions between cations and cathode materials, in contrast, there is a lack of in‐depth research on the correlation between anions and cathodes. Here, we systematically investigated how anions manipulate the coulombic efficiency (CE) of cathodes of zinc batteries. We take intercalation‐type V2O5 and conversion‐type I2 cathodes as typical cases for profound studies. It was found that electronic properties of anions, including charge density and its distribution, can tune conversion or intercalation reactions, leading to significant CE differences. Using operando visual Raman microscopy and theoretical simulations, we confirm that competitive coordination between anions and I− can regulate CEs by modulating polyiodide diffusion rates in Zn−I2 cells. In Zn−V2O5 cells, anion‐tuned solvation structures vastly affect CEs through varying Zn2+ intercalation kinetics. Conversion I2 cathode achieves a 99 % CE with highly electron‐donating anions, while anions with preferable charge structures that interact strongly with Zn2+ afford an intercalation V2O5 a nearly 100 % CE. Understanding the mechanism of anion‐governed CEs will help us evaluate compatibility of electrolytes with electrodes, thus providing a guideline for anion selection and electrolyte design for high‐energy, long‐cycling zinc batteries.
Unveiling the Critical Role of Ion Coordination Configuration of Ether Electrolytes for High Voltage Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Chen Shunqiang , Fan JiaJia , Cui Zhuangzhuang , Tan Lijiang , Ruan Digen , Zhao Xin , Jiang Jinyu , Jiao Shuhong , Ren Xiaodi
Published: April 2023

Albeit ethers are favorable electrolyte solvents for lithium (Li) metal anode, their inferior oxidation stability (<4.0 V vs. Li/Li+) is problematic for high‐voltage cathodes. Studies of ether electrolytes have been focusing on the archetype glyme structure with ethylene oxide moieties. Herein, we unveil the crucial effect of ion coordination configuration on oxidation stability by varying the ether backbone structure. The designed 1,3‐dimethoxypropane (DMP, C3) forms a unique six‐membered chelating complex with Li+, whose stronger solvating ability suppresses oxidation side reactions. In addition, the favored hydrogen transfer reaction between C3 and anion induces a dramatic enrichment of LiF (a total atomic ratio of 76.7 %) on the cathode surface. As a result, the C3‐based electrolyte enables greatly improved cycling of nickel‐rich cathodes under 4.7 V. This study offers fundamental insights into rational electrolyte design for developing high‐energy‐density batteries.
Tuning the Electronic Properties of Platinum in Hybrid‐Nanoparticle Assemblies for use in Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Yang Ling , Grzeschik Roland , Jiang Ping , Yu Linfeng , Hu Cejun , Du Aoxuan , Schlücker Sebastian , Xie Wei
Published: April 2023

Platinum is the best electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Here, we demonstrate that by contact electrification of Pt nanoparticle satellites on a gold or silver core, the Fermi level of Pt can be tuned. The electronic properties of Pt in such hybrid nanocatalysts were experimentally characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) with the probe molecule 2,6‐dimethyl phenyl isocyanide (2,6‐DMPI). Our experimental findings are corroborated by a hybridization model and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Finally, we demonstrate that tuning of the Fermi level of Pt results in reduced or increased overpotentials in water splitting.
Utilizing Cationic Vacancies and Spontaneous Polarization on Cathode to Enhance Zinc‐Ion Storage and Inhibit Dendrite Growth in Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Bai Liqi , Hu Zihan , Hu Cheng , Zhang Songge , Ying Yiran , Zhang Yingge , Li Lu , Zhang Hanfang , Li Nan , Shi Shanshan , Liu Shuo , Hao Lin , Liu Tongyao , Huang Hongwei , Huang Haitao , Zhang Yihe
Published: April 2023

High energy density and intrinsic safety are the central pursuits in developing rechargeable Zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs). The capacity and stability of nickel cobalt oxide (NCO) cathode are unsatisfactory because of its semiconductor character. Herein, we propose a built‐in electric field (BEF) approach by synergizing cationic vacancies and ferroelectric spontaneous polarization on cathode side to facilitate electron adsorption and suppress zinc dendrite growth on the anode side. Concretely, NCO with cationic vacancies was constructed to expand lattice spacing for enhanced zinc‐ion storage. Heterojunction with BEF leads to the Heterojunction//Zn cell exhibiting a capacity of 170.3 mAh g−1 at 400 mA g−1 and delivering a competitive capacity retention of 83.3 % over 3000 cycles at 2 A g−1. We conclude the role of spontaneous polarization in suppressing zinc dendrite growth dynamics, which is conducive to developing high‐capacity and high‐safety batteries via tailoring defective materials with ferroelectric polarization on the cathode.
Dual Photochemical H‐Atom Transfer and Cobalt Catalysis for the Desaturative Synthesis of Phenols from Cyclohexanones
Authors: Caldora Henry P. , Zhang Zhenhua , Tilby Michael J. , Turner Oliver , Leonori Daniele
Published: April 2023

Phenols are integral aromatic molecules widely encountered in the structure of natural products and routinely utilised for the synthesis of high‐value materials. Accessing highly substituted derivatives can often be difficult, especially when their functionalization pattern does not match the intrinsic reactivity leveraged by electrophilic aromatic substitution (SEAr) chemistry. Here, we provide an alternative and mechanistically distinct approach for phenol synthesis using saturated cyclohexanone precursors. This process operates at ambient temperature, under simple purple light irradiation, and features a dual catalytic manifold carrying four sequential H‐atom transfer processes.
Design of Multicomponent Peptide Fibrils with Ordered and Programmable Compositional Patterns
Authors: Cheng Dan , Chen Xin , Zhang Weijia , Guo Pan , Xue Wenhui , Xia Junfan , Wu Siyu , Shi Junhui , Ma Dan , Zuo Xiaobing , Jiang Bin , Li Shaowei , Xia Ningshao , Jiang Yunbao , Conticello Vincent P. , Jiang Tao
Published: April 2023

Advanced applications of biomacromolecular assemblies require a stringent degree of control over molecular arrangement, which is a challenge to current synthetic methods. Here we used a neighbor‐controlled patterning strategy to build multicomponent peptide fibrils with an unprecedented capacity to manipulate local composition and peptide positions. Eight peptides were designed to have regulable nearest neighbors upon co‐assembly, which, by simulation, afforded 412 different patterns within fibrils, with varied compositions and/or peptide positions. The fibrils with six prescribed patterns were experimentally constructed with high accuracy. The controlled patterning also applies to functionalities appended to the peptides, as exemplified by arranging carbohydrate ligands at nanoscale precision for protein recognition. This study offers a route to molecular editing of inner structures of peptide assemblies, prefiguring the uniqueness and richness of patterning‐based material design.
Modification of ZSM‐5 zeolite nanoparticles by graphene oxide to improve anticorrosion properties of polyurethane coating
Authors: Darabinajand Bahman , Mirmohseni Abdolreza , Niaei Aligholi
Published: April 2023

Polyurethane coatings are a good option for the protection of various structures due to their unique properties. In order to improve their barrier performance against corrosive species, various nanoparticles have been embedded into polymer coating. In this project, the ZSM‐5 zeolite nanoparticles are modified with graphene oxide. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy are used for characterizing unmodified and GO‐modified ZSM‐5 zeolites. The effect of ZSM‐5 zeolite and ZSM‐5 zeolite modified with GO addition on the anticorrosion properties of polyurethane (PU) coating is evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, Tafel polarization, and Pull‐off tests. Modification of ZSM‐5 zeolite with GO has greatly influenced the anticorrosion properties of zeolite nanoparticles in polyurethane coatings. Among various PU coatings, the PU/ZSM‐5‐GO coating on mild steel shows the best protective properties (highest Rct and lowest icorr) against active corrosive species.
Impact of cost of solid biofuels on the viability of their application to generate process heat in Mexico: a case study
Authors: Durán M. D. , Jiménez J. , García M. , Mora E. G. , Weber B.
Published: April 2023

This study determines the cost of producing different biofuels such as wood chips and pellets. It evaluates the factors that determine the cost of solid biofuels (SBFs), such as raw material, location, and transportation cost. The analysis is carried out with two different raw materials, sawdust, forest residue and pruning, and takes into account three different locations: Durango, State of Mexico, and Jalisco. The production cost in USD per GJ is determined. This cost is compared with the cost of generating the same amount of energy using fuel oil to evaluate the circumstances under which the application of solid biofuel would be feasible. An elementary CO2 emissions analysis of transportation has also been developed to compare these emissions with those of the fuel oil currently used to evaluate the feasibility from an environmental point of view. Transportation largely determines the cost of production and the feasibility of applying solid biofuel. Some indications about the maximum distances that the SBF can be transported to its final use are provided. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Leicht bauen mit Beton – ausgewählte Forschungsarbeiten des ILEK – Teil 2: Strukturleichtbau
Authors: Blandini Lucio , Kovaleva Daria , Haufe Carl Niklas , Nething Christoph , Nigl David , Nitzlader Markus , Smirnova Maiia , Strahm Benedikt , Bosch Matthias , Funaro Daniele , Nistler Maximilian
Published: April 2023

Seit mehr als 20 Jahren setzt sich das Institut für Leichtbau Entwerfen und Konstruieren in interdisziplinären Forschungsvorhaben mit dem vermeintlichen Paradoxon „Leicht bauen mit Beton“ auseinander. In einem zweiteiligen Beitrag werden nun Auszüge aus der aktuellen Forschung hierzu vorgestellt. Während im ersten Teil dieses Aufsatzes der Fokus auf den Materialleichtbau gelegt wird, behandelt der zweite Teil den Strukturleichtbau mit dem Schwerpunkt auf Entwurfs‐ und Herstellungsansätzen für ressourceneffiziente, nachhaltige Betonstrukturen. Dazu zählen insbesondere neuere Untersuchungen zum Tragverhalten und zur Vorspannung von Bauteilen aus Gradientenbeton. Neben der Minimierung des Bauteilgewichts wird auch aufgezeigt, wie der ökologische Fußabdruck durch wiederverwendbare Betonsegmente weiter reduziert werden kann. Ansätze zur abfallfreien Herstellung von ressourcenschonenden filigranen Komponenten mittels additiver Fertigungsverfahren werden am Beispiel von 3D‐gedruckten Sandschalungen und Biobeton aufgezeigt. Über den klassischen Leichtbau hinaus werden abschließend Potenziale für weitere Materialeinsparungen durch adaptive Betonbauteile vorgestellt.
Monte Carlo sensitivity analysis for unmeasured confounding in dynamic treatment regimes
Authors: Rose Eric J. , Moodie Erica E. M. , Shortreed Susan M.
Published: April 2023

Data‐driven methods for personalizing treatment assignment have garnered much attention from clinicians and researchers. Dynamic treatment regimes formalize this through a sequence of decision rules that map individual patient characteristics to a recommended treatment. Observational studies are commonly used for estimating dynamic treatment regimes due to the potentially prohibitive costs of conducting sequential multiple assignment randomized trials. However, estimating a dynamic treatment regime from observational data can lead to bias in the estimated regime due to unmeasured confounding. Sensitivity analyses are useful for assessing how robust the conclusions of the study are to a potential unmeasured confounder. A Monte Carlo sensitivity analysis is a probabilistic approach that involves positing and sampling from distributions for the parameters governing the bias. We propose a method for performing a Monte Carlo sensitivity analysis of the bias due to unmeasured confounding in the estimation of dynamic treatment regimes. We demonstrate the performance of the proposed procedure with a simulation study and apply it to an observational study examining tailoring the use of antidepressant medication for reducing symptoms of depression using data from Kaiser Permanente Washington.
The impact of a story on learning ketone body metabolism
Authors: Romero‐Zambrano Génesis , Valdivieso‐Rivera Fernando , Almeida José Rafael
Published: April 2023

Biochemistry is a core subject in the cross‐disciplinary training on Biotechnology engineering courses. Metabolic pathways teaching has traditionally integrated hands‐on laboratory experiences and traditional lectures, which detail a large number of reactions at a molecular level, their enzymes and regulation. The current scenario of Covid‐19 outbreak have motivated the development of complementary tools that expand the horizon of metabolism teaching. In this study, we employed a story‐based methodology to strengthen the metabolic pathways learning and to measure students' perception. Specifically, a peer‐reviewed tale describing the ketone body metabolism was used during five semesters as a didactic strategy to teach this biochemical process. A questionnaire assessed the students' understanding and acceptance of the methodology (n = 83). Our findings showed that a high proportion of students (83.13%) were able to relate the story to the topics studied in the classroom (ketogenesis and ketolysis). On the other hand, they were satisfied and suggested that such methodology is effective and fun. In summary, most of the survey responses related to acceptance of story‐based strategy ranged from 72% to 97%. Collectively, these results indicated that the story is appropriate to decomplex pathways, becoming a simple tool for driving motivation, learning and engagement of students. The narrative represents a bridge to connect the intriguing series of chemical reactions involved in the anabolism and degradation of 3‐hydroxybutyrate (3‐OHB), acetoacetate, and acetone with previously learned knowledge, emotions, and key concepts. In conclusion, the tale was useful to decode ketone body‐related pathways and making metabolism learning more interesting and easier.
Development of simultaneous quantitative analytical method for metabolites of hexosamine biosynthesis pathway in lung cancer cells using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Seo Yerim , Chung Eun Kyoung , Jung Byung Hwa
Published: April 2023

The hexosamine biosynthesis pathway (HBP) is a glucose metabolism pathway that produces uridine diphosphate N‐acetyl glucosamine (UDP‐GlcNAc). Substantial changes in HBP, including elevated HBP flux and UDP‐GlcNAc levels, are associated with cancer pathogenesis. Particularly, cancer cells expressing oncogenic Kirsten rat sarcoma virus (KRAS) are highly dependent on HBP for growth and survival. To differentiate between HBP metabolites in KRAS wild‐type (WT) and mutant (MT) lung cancer cells, a simultaneous quantitative method for analyzing seven HPB metabolites was developed using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. A simple method without complicated preparation steps, such as derivatization or isotope labeling, was optimized for the simultaneous analysis of highly hydrophilic HBP metabolites, and the developed method was successfully verified. The intra‐ and inter‐day coefficients of variation were less than 15% for all HBP metabolites, and the recovery was 89.67–114.5%. All results of the validation list were in accordance with ICM M10 guidelines. Through this method, HBP metabolites in lung cancer cells were accurately quantified, and it was confirmed that all HBP metabolites were upregulated in KRAS MT cells compared with KRAS WT lung cancer cells. We expect that this will be a useful tool for metabolic research on cancer and for the development of new drugs for cancer treatment.
Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma has superior response rates to vinorelbine compared to embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma in patients with relapsed/refractory disease: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Allen‐Rhoades Wendy , Lupo Philip J. , Scheurer Michael E. , Chi Yueh‐Yun , Kuttesch John F. , Venkatramani Rajkumar , Meyer William H. , Mascarenhas Leo
Published: April 2023

Background

Patients with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) have inferior outcomes compared to patients with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS) and more effective chemotherapy options are needed for these patients. Vinorelbine is a semisynthetic vinca alkaloid that has clinical activity in relapsed rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) when used alone or in combination with cyclophosphamide.

Aims

The goal of our study was to evaluate whether RMS histology subtype influences response rate to vinorelbine alone or in combination.

Materials & Methods

Five Phase 2 trials that enrolled RMS patients were included in the meta‐analysis. Two studies evaluated vinorelbine alone, two studies evaluated vinorelbine in combination with low dose oral cyclophosphamide, and one study evaluated vinorelbine and intravenous cyclophosphamide in combination with temsirolimus or bevacizumab. All RMS patients had relapsed or refractory disease and had received at least one prior therapy. Response was reported according to RECIST1.1 and was defined as a complete or partial response. Response data was obtained from published results or from trial principal investigator. RMS NOS patients were grouped with ERMS patients for this analysis. Summary estimates comparing differences between ARMS and ERMS response rates were generated using a random‐effects model to account for heterogeneity among the studies.

Results

One hundred fifty‐six enrolled patients evaluable for response were included in the meta‐analysis, 85 ARMS, 64 ERMS and 7 RMS‐NOS. The combined effect generated from the random‐effects model demonstrated a 41% increase (p = 0.001, 95% CI; 0.21–0.60) in response to vinorelbine as a single agent or in combination in patients with ARMS compared to patients with ERMS. There was no significant difference in the rate of progressive disease between patients with ARMS compared to ERMS (p = 0.1, 95%CI; −0.26–0.02).

Discussion

Vinorelbine is an active agent for the treatment of relapsed or refractory RMS and a meta‐analysis of Phase 2 studies shows that radiographic responses in patients with ARMS were significantly higher than ERMS or RMS‐NOS.

Conclusion

These data support further investigation of vinorelbine in newly diagnosed patients with RMS particularly those with alveolar histology.
Cancer‐Specific health equity metrics in the United States of America: A scoping review
Authors: Starkweather Angela , Cohen Bevin , Gray Tamryn F. , Linder Lauri , Zanville Noah
Published: April 2023

Health disparities in cancer care persist, and in some cases are growing, despite decades of research aimed at achieving equal outcomes for all Americans. There is growing consensus that reducing disparities will require a shift from aiming to provide care that is equal, to aiming to provide care that is equitable. The current landscape of metrics and interventions that move beyond equality (i.e., care provided equally to all patients) and towards equity (i.e., care provided variably and justly such that patients achieve equal outcomes) have not been characterized. Thus, the aim of this scoping literature review was to identify cancer‐specific health equity metrics and interventions, and to explore current gaps in the field. Following PRISMA guidelines, PubMed, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and Scopus were searched for studies published in English between 2012 and 2022 that implemented a metric to identify or an intervention to address cancer care inequities in the United States. The search returned 36,724 unique articles, of which 40 articles (1%) included an intervention to advance health equity. Metrics included timeliness of screening and treatment, receipt of goal‐concordant care, and survival. The vast majority of articles were cross‐sectional or cohort studies that described health disparities using one or more outcome metrics. Gaps identified included research on receipt of guideline‐concordant care, interventions addressing multiple levels of structural and social determinants of health, inclusion of children and families, and patient‐reported outcomes or other sources of data that could help inform interventions to advance equity.
Incidence of pneumonitis following the use of different anaplastic lymphoma kinase tyrosine kinase inhibitor regimens: An updated systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Qie Wenting , Zhao Qian , Yang Linlin , Zou Bing , Duan Yanan , Yao YueYuan , Wang Linlin
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase tyrosine kinase inhibitors (ALK TKIs) have shown remarkable clinical activity in patients with non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, pneumonitis is a serious side effect of ALK TKIs in NSCLC patients. In this meta‐analysis, we aimed to determine the incidence of ALK‐TKI‐associated pneumonitis.

Materials and Methods

We searched electronic databases to identify relevant studies published until August 2022. The incidence of pneumonitis was calculated using a fixed‐effects model when no substantial heterogeneity was observed. Otherwise, a random‐effects model was used. Subgroup analyses of different treatment groups were performed. Statistical analyses were conducted using STATA 17.0.

Results

Twenty‐six clinical trials involving 4752 patients were eligible for analysis. All‐grade pneumonitis incidence was 2.92% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.79%–4.27%), high‐grade (Grade 3–4) pneumonitis incidence was 1.42% (95% CI: 0.84%–2.12%) and Grade 5 pneumonitis incidence was 0.09% (95% CI: 0.00%–0.28%). The subgroup analysis showed that brigatinib was associated with the highest incidence of both all‐grade and high‐grade pneumonitis (7.09% and 3.06%, respectively). ALK TKI treatment after chemotherapy was associated with a higher incidence of all‐grade and high‐grade pneumonitis than first‐line ALK TKI treatment (7.73% vs. 2.26% and 3.64% vs. 1.26%, respectively). Cohorts from Japanese trials had a higher incidence of all‐grade and high‐grade pneumonitis.

Conclusion

Our study provides precise data on the incidence of pneumonitis in patients receiving treatment with ALK TKIs. Overall, ALK TKIs have tolerable pulmonary toxicity. Early pneumonitis identification and treatment are required to prevent further deterioration in patients receiving treatment with brigatinib and in those who received prior chemotherapy, particularly in the Japanese population.
PCSK9 inhibitor attenuates atherosclerosis by regulating SNHG16/EZH2/TRAF5‐mediated VSMC proliferation, migration, and foam cell formation
Authors: Liu Yan , Zhao Yueyan , Feng Panyang , Jiang Haijie
Published: April 2023

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor has been demonstrated to exert a great cardioprotection in cardiometabolic impairments, including atherosclerosis. However, its underlying mechanism remains not fully understood. This study focuses on uncovering the actions of PCSK9 inhibitor on the connection between atherosclerosis and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) behaviors. qRT‐PCR was utilized to detect the expression of SNHG16. Proliferation and migration of VSMC were characterized by Cell Counting Kit‐8 and wound healing assays. The intracellular lipids and foam cell formation were assessed by Oil Red O staining, fluorescence image, and cholesterol quantification kit. Atherosclerosis in vivo was evaluated by imaging the atherosclerotic lesions, hematoxylin‐eosin staining, Oil Red O staining and Masson staining. The interaction between SNHG16 with EZH2 and histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) were investigated by fluorescence in situ hybridization, RNA immunoprecipitation, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. A ApoE−/− mice model was used to validate the role of PCSK9 inhibitor and SNHG16 for atherosclerosis. The protective regulation of PCSK9 inhibitor was observed both in high‐fat diet (HFD)‐fed mice and oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL)‐treated VSMC, as manifested in the decreased the atherosclerotic lesions in vivo, as well as the weakened cell proliferation, migration, and formation of foam cells in vitro. SNHG16 was identified to be a downstream effector of PCSK9 inhibitor‐mediated biological functions, of which knockdown also significantly ox‐LDL‐treated VSMC proliferation, migration, and foam cell formation abilities. SNHG16 epigenetically suppressed TRAF5 via recruiting EZH2. Silencing of TRAF5 abolished the protective effects of SNHG16 knockdown on the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Collectively, PCSK9 inhibitor attenuated atherosclerosis by regulating SNHG16/EZH2/TRAF5 axis to impair the proliferation, migration, and foam cell formation of VSMC.
Chemical Titration of Promoted Ag/α‐Al2O3 Ethylene Epoxidation Catalysts
Authors: Iyer Krishna R. , Bhan Aditya
Published: April 2023

We enumerate the active site density for a promoted Ag/α‐Al2O3 ethylene epoxidation catalyst (35 wt.% Ag) by using trifluoroethanol as a chemical titrant. Trifluoroethanol, when introduced into the reactant stream, deprotonates to deposit stable trifluoroethoxy or trifluoromethyl groups on the Ag surface and inhibits ethylene oxide (EO) rates, thus enabling us to assess catalytic site densities. Active site densities vary between 52 and 69 μmolTFE  gcat−1 across different chlorine coverages (0–0.4 monolayers) and different oxygen concentrations (2.5–7.7 mol%) in the reactor feed. Site densities measured by in situ trifluoroethanol chemical titration are distinct compared to those evaluated using ex‐situ N2O decomposition (12.3 μmolN2O gcat−1) suggesting that dynamic restructuring of the Ag surface under reaction conditions may render pre‐reaction chemisorption measurements insufficient to accurately enumerate the active sites relevant for ethylene epoxidation.
Dynamic Magnetic Properties of Germole‐ligated Lanthanide Sandwich Complexes
Authors: De Siddhartha , Mondal Arpan , Ruan Ze‐Yu , Tong Ming‐Liang , Layfield Richard A.
Published: April 2023

The first germole‐ligated single‐molecule magnets are reported, with contrasting properties found for the near‐linear sandwich complexes [(η8‐COT)Ln(η5‐CpGe]−, where Ln=Dy (1Dy) or Er (1Er), COT is cyclo‐octatetraenyl and CpGe is [GeC4‐2,5‐(SiMe3)2‐3,4‐Me2]2−. Whereas 1Er has an energy barrier of 120(1) cm−1 in zero applied field and open hysteresis loops up to 10 K, the relaxation in 1Dy is characterized by quantum tunneling within the ground state.
Modifications of Acyl Carrier Protein‐Bound Glycosylated Polyketides in Pactamycin Biosynthesis
Authors: Eida Auday A. , Samadi Arash , Tsunoda Takeshi , Mahmud Taifo
Published: April 2023

The potent antitumor antibiotic pactamycin is an aminocyclopentitol‐containing natural product produced by the soil bacterium Streptomyces pactum. Recent studies showed that the aminocyclopentitol unit is derived from N‐acetyl‐D‐glucosamine, which is attached to an acyl carrier protein (ACP)‐bound polyketide by a glycosyltransferase enzyme, PtmJ. Here, we report a series of post‐glycosylation modifications of the sugar moiety of the glycosylated polyketide while it is still attached to the carrier protein. In vitro reconstitution of PtmS (an AMP‐ligase), PtmI (an ACP), PtmJ, PtmN (an oxidoreductase), PtmA (an aminotransferase), and PtmB (a putative carbamoyltransferase) showed that the N‐acetyl‐D‐glucosamine moiety of the glycosylated polyketide is first oxidized by PtmN and then transaminated by PtmA to give ACP‐bound 3‐amino‐3‐deoxy‐N‐acetyl‐D‐glucosaminyl polyketide. The amino group is then coupled with carbamoyl phosphate by PtmB to give a urea functionality. We also show that PtmG is a deacetylase that hydrolyses the C‐2 N‐acetyl group to give a free amine.
A model offluid–structureand biochemical interactions for applications to subclinical leaflet thrombosis
Authors: Barrett Aaron , Brown Jordan A. , Smith Margaret Anne , Woodward Andrew , Vavalle John P. , Kheradvar Arash , Griffith Boyce E. , Fogelson Aaron L.
Published: April 2023

Subclinical leaflet thrombosis (SLT) is a potentially serious complication of aortic valve replacement with a bioprosthetic valve in which blood clots form on the replacement valve. SLT is associated with increased risk of transient ischemic attacks and strokes and can progress to clinical leaflet thrombosis. SLT following aortic valve replacement also may be related to subsequent structural valve deterioration, which can impair the durability of the valve replacement. Because of the difficulty in clinical imaging of SLT, models are needed to determine the mechanisms of SLT and could eventually predict which patients will develop SLT. To this end, we develop methods to simulate leaflet thrombosis that combine fluid–structure interaction and a simplified thrombosis model that allows for deposition along the moving leaflets. Additionally, this model can be adapted to model deposition or absorption along other moving boundaries. We present convergence results and quantify the model's ability to realize changes in valve opening and pressures. These new approaches are an important advancement in our tools for modeling thrombosis because they incorporate both adhesion to the surface of the moving leaflets and feedback to the fluid–structure interaction.
Bolt looseness detection based on Canny edge detection algorithm
Authors: Song Daoyuan , Xu Xinghua , Cui Xiaopeng , Ou Yangbin , Chen Weiming
Published: April 2023

Aiming at current serious problems that the bolt looseness can cause heavy damages and the manual bolt looseness detection is ineffective, this study presents a bolt looseness detection method based on Canny edge detector. First, HSV (hue, saturation, value) color space is used to extract the area of mark bar. Then, after expanding, eroding and median filtering the image, Canny edge detector is used to segment the marker area to extract its edge. Last, the fitted slope of edge is used to judge whether the bolt is loose. The experimental results show that the proposed method has F1 score of 88.37%, contributing to the automated detection of bolt looseness.
NMR Study of CO2 Capture by Butylamine and Oligopeptide KDDE in Aqueous Solution: Capture Efficiency and Gibbs Free Energy of the Capture Reaction as a Function of pH**
Authors: Yang Kaidi , Schell Joseph , Gallazzi Fabio , Wycoff Wei , Glaser Rainer
Published: April 2023

We have been interested in the development of rubisco‐based biomimetic systems for reversible CO2 capture from air. Our design of the chemical CO2 capture and release (CCR) system is informed by the understanding of the binding of the activator CO2 (ACO2) in rubisco (ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase). The active site consists of the tetrapeptide sequence Lys‐Asp‐Asp‐Glu (or KDDE) and the Lys sidechain amine is responsible for the CO2 capture reaction. We are studying the structural chemistry and the thermodynamics of CO2 capture based on the tetrapeptide CH3CO−KDDE−NH2 (“KDDE”) in aqueous solution to develop rubisco mimetic CCR systems. Here, we report the results of 1H NMR and 13C NMR analyses of CO2 capture by butylamine and by KDDE. The carbamylation of butylamine was studied to develop the NMR method and with the protocol established, we were able to quantify the oligopeptide carbamylation at much lower concentration. We performed a pH profile in the multi equilibrium system and measured amine species and carbamic acid/carbamate species by the integration of 1H NMR signals as a function of pH in the range 8≤pH≤11. The determination of ΔG1(R) for the reaction R−NH2+CO2
R−NH−COOH requires the solution of a multi‐equilibrium equation system, which accounts for the dissociation constants K2 and K3 controlling carbonate and bicarbonate concentrations, the acid dissociation constant K4 of the conjugated acid of the amine, and the acid dissociation constant K5 of the alkylcarbamic acid. We show how the multi‐equilibrium equation system can be solved with the measurements of the daughter/parent ratio X, the knowledge of the pH values, and the initial concentrations [HCO3−]0 and [R‐NH2]0. For the reaction energies of the carbamylations of butylamine and KDDE, our best values are ΔG1(Bu)=−1.57 kcal/mol and ΔG1(KDDE)=−1.17 kcal/mol. Both CO2 capture reactions are modestly exergonic and thereby ensure reversibility in an energy‐efficient manner. These results validate the hypothesis that KDDE‐type oligopeptides may serve as reversible CCR systems in aqueous solution and guide designs for their improvement.
Dose Adjustment in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis – Comparison of Two Different Modeling Approaches
Authors: Ozbey Agustos C. , Bachmann Fabio , Duthaler Urs , Annaert Pieter , Fowler Stephen , Umehara Kenichi , Parrott Neil , Krähenbühl Stephan
Published: April 2023

Failure to perform adequate dose adjustment in patients with liver cirrhosis may be associated with increased toxicity. We compared the prediction of area under the curve (AUC) and clearance for the six compounds of the Basel phenotyping cocktail (caffeine, efavirenz, flurbiprofen, omeprazole, metoprolol, and midazolam) using a well‐known physiology‐based pharmacokinetic approach (physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic [PBPK] approach, Simcyp) and a novel top‐down method based on the systemic clearance in healthy volunteers adjusted for markers of liver and renal dysfunction (“top‐down approach”). With few exceptions, plasma concentration‐time curves were accurately predicted by the PBPK approach. In comparison to the measured AUC and clearance of these drugs in patients with liver cirrhosis and healthy controls, except for efavirenz, the estimates of both approaches were within two standard deviations of the mean for total and free drug concentrations. For both approaches, a correction factor for dose adjustment in patients with liver cirrhosis could be calculated for the drugs administered. AUCs calculated using the adjusted doses were comparable to the AUCs measured in control subjects, with slightly more accurate predictions generated by the PBPK approach. For drugs with a free fraction < 50%, predictions using free drug concentrations were more accurate than with total drug concentrations. In conclusion, both methods provided good qualitative predictions of the changes by liver cirrhosis in the pharmacokinetics of the six compounds investigated. The top‐down approach is easier to implement but the PBPK approach predicted changes in drug exposure more accurately than the top‐down approach and provided reliable estimates for plasma concentrations.
Fate‐mapping studies in inbred mice: A model for understanding macrophage development and homeostasis?
Authors: Hume David A.
Published: April 2023

The mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS) was defined in the early 1970s as a family of cells including progenitors, monocytes in the circulation, and resident tissue macrophages. They arise during development in three waves, in the yolk sac, fetal liver, and bone marrow. Fate‐mapping studies using conditional reporter genes and regulated expression of cre recombinase have led to the view that most resident tissue macrophage populations are established during embryonic development and maintained in the adult by self‐renewal with minimal input from bone marrow progenitors or blood monocytes. The interpretation of fate‐mapping studies depends upon multiple assumptions: (i) that expression of cre recombinase has no effect on monocyte‐macrophage homeostasis, (ii) that tamoxifen is a neutral agonist, (iii) that life in an SPF animal facility reflects the normal life course of a mouse, and (iv) that the C57Bl/6J inbred mouse is a generalizable model and the biology of the MPS is unaffected by mouse genetic background or species. This review summarizes evidence that questions each of these assumptions and concludes that fate‐mapping studies may over‐estimate the longevity and relative contribution of fetal‐derived cells to resident tissue macrophage populations. In the opinion of the author, the original concept of the MPS does not require revision.