bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Full‐Color Electrochromics with Donor‐Gradient Architectures for Chameleon‐Like Adaptive Camouflage
Authors: Li Ang , Zhuang Biying , Gong Hui , Xu Jinheng , Zhang Qianqian , Chen Xiaoqing , Zheng Zilong , Liu Jingbing , Wang Hao
Published: May 2024

Multicolor electrochromics have emerged as a promising solution for achieving active color modulation akin to chameleon‐like adaptive camouflage. However, the development of electrochromics with full‐color tunability still remains challenging, given the weak molecular polarity of inherent active materials and the difficulty in forming polarizer orbitals under varying applied voltages. Employing molecular polarity adjustments, a novel electrochromic polymer is successfully developed with a donor‐gradient design of molecular architecture, enabling comprehensive full‐color tunability. The polymer demonstrates outstanding overall electrochromic performance, including fast switching (around 1.4 s), high coloration efficiency (395.1 cm2 C−1@550 nm) and excellent reversibility (over 92% retention after 5000 cycles). Leveraging the full‐color tunability and rapid response, the electrochromic polymer is further integrated with sensing and control modules to create an environmental adaptive camouflage prototype system capable of seamlessly blending colors with dynamic background environments. This work is expected to provide a straightforward approach for developing full‐color electrochromics for electrochromic camouflage applications.
Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks Based Anticancer Drug Delivery System Associated with Dual Action of Surface Charge and Lewis Base Ligand
Authors: Yang Wenjuan , Tian Lingling , Zhao Ning , Feng Lingyan , Zhou Bingpu , Zhu Yongheng , Gao Xinghua , Zhang Yuan
Published: May 2024

Zeolitic imidazole frameworks (ZIFs), which combine the favorable characteristics of tunable porosity, controlled structure, and facile functionalization, are explored as a novel class of nanocarriers for biomedical applications. In this study, different ZIF materials are investigated, including ZIF‐8, ZIF‐67, ZIF‐90, ZIF‐92, and ZIF‐108, with the same sodalite topology as the adenosine‐5′‐triphosphate (ATP)‐triggered drug delivery systems. Results indicated that ZIF‐90 and ZIF‐108 displayed good biological compatibility and efficiently accumulated in the mitochondria through competitive coordination between the metal nodes of the ZIFs and ATP, suggesting efficient intracellular delivery. With further interactions between these metal ions and ATP, the encapsulated drugs are released from the ZIF nanoparticles, thereby achieving optimal anti‐tumor activity. Through a systematic evaluation of the physicochemical properties of different ZIFs, it demonstrates that the surface charges of ZIFs have a significant impact on the cytotoxicity of cells, whereas the Lewis basicity of imidazole‐based ligands plays an essential role in the competitive coordination between the metal ions and ATP. These findings provide a potential method for screening ZIFs based nanocarriers with minimal toxicity and explain the different delivery efficiencies of these materials with similar topologies.
Utilization of aggregation‐induced emission materials in urinary system diseases
Authors: Xu Haodong , Chen Xin , Wang He , Wang Chaozhong , Guo Yunjie , Lin Yuxin , Huang Yuhua , Hou Jianquan , Wei Xuedong
Published: May 2024

With the development of aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) materials, the drawbacks of conventional fluorescence materials subjected to aggregation‐caused quenching (ACQ) have been resolved. This has allowed for the improvement of novel AIE fluorescent materials that exhibit enhanced photostability, a higher signal‐to‐noise ratio, and better imaging quality. Meanwhile, the enhanced phototherapeutic effect of AIE materials has garnered widespread attention in the realm of tumor treatment. The distinct physiological and anatomical characteristics of the urinary system make it suitable for the use of AIE materials. Additionally, AIE‐based phototherapy provides a superior solution to deal with the weaknesses of conventional treatments for urologic neoplasms. In this review, the scientific advancement on the use of AIE materials in urinary system diseases since the emergence of the AIE concept is reviewed in detail. The review highlights the promise of AIE materials for biomarkers detection, fluorescence imaging (FLI) in vivo and in vitro, AIE‐based phototherapy, and synergistic therapy from both diagnostic and therapeutic viewpoints. It is firmly believed that AIE materials hold immense untapped potential for the diagnosis and treatment of urologic disease, as well as all diseases of the human body.
Reviving Cost‐Effective Organic Cathodes in Halide‐Based All‐Solid‐State Lithium Batteries
Authors: Gao Yingjie , Fu Jiamin , Hu Yang , Zhao Feipeng , Li Weihan , Deng Sixu , Sun Yipeng , Hao Xiaoge , Ma Jinjin , Lin Xiaoting , Wang Changhong , Li Ruying , Sun Xueliang
Published: May 2024

The evolution of inorganic solid electrolytes has revolutionized the field of sustainable organic cathode materials, particularly by addressing the dissolution problems in traditional liquid electrolytes. However, current sulfide‐based all‐solid‐state lithium‐organic batteries still face challenges such as high working temperatures, high costs, and low voltages. Here, we design an all‐solid‐state lithium battery based on a cost‐effective organic cathode material phenanthrenequinone (PQ) and a halide solid electrolyte Li2ZrCl6. Thanks to the good compatibility between PQ and Li2ZrCl6, the PQ cathode achieved a high specific capacity of 248 mAh g−1 (96 % of the theoretical capacity), a high average discharge voltage of 2.74 V (vs. Li+/Li), and a good capacity retention of 95 % after 100 cycles at room temperature (25 °C). Furthermore, the interactions between the high‐voltage carbonyl PQ cathode and both sulfide and halide solid electrolytes, as well as the redox mechanism of the PQ cathode in all‐solid‐state batteries, were carefully studied by a variety of advanced characterizations. We believe such a design and the corresponding investigations into the underlying chemistry give insights for the further development of practical all‐solid‐state lithium‐organic batteries.
Enantioselective Dearomatization of Pyridinium Salts by Copper‐Catalyzed C4‐Selective Addition of Silicon Nucleophiles
Authors: Xiao Yao , Zhao Zhi‐Yuan , Kemper Sebastian , Irran Elisabeth , Oestreich Martin
Published: May 2024

A copper‐catalyzed C4‐selective addition of silicon nucleophiles released from an Si−B reagent to prochiral pyridinium triflates is reported. The dearomatization proceeds with excellent enantioselectivity using Cu(CH3CN)4PF6 as the precatalyst and (R,R)‐Ph‐BPE (1,2‐bis[(2R,5R)‐2,5‐diphenylphospholan‐1‐yl]ethane) as the chiral ligand. A carbonyl group at C3 is required for this, likely acting a weak donor group to preorganize and direct the nucleophilic attack towards C4. The resulting 4‐silylated 1,4‐dihydropyridines can be further converted into functionalized piperidine derivatives.
A [Co5] cluster‐based organic framework as fluorescent detection platform toward quinolone antibiotics
Authors: Lin Changjiao , Wang Huihui , Li Ting , Zhang Zhan‐Yun , Chen Zilu , Liu Dongcheng , Hu Huan‐Cheng
Published: May 2024

The detection of quinolone antibiotics is an important research hotspot for protecting human health. Herein, a three‐dimensional metal–organic framework with the formula of {[Co5(TPT)2(BPDC)3(μ3‐O)2(H2O)4]·8MeCN·3DMF}n (NS‐3, TPT = tris(4‐pyridyl)‐1,3,5‐triazin, H2BPDC = 1,4‐benzenedicarboxylic acid) has been successfully prepared through solvothermal method. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed that three‐dimensional NS‐3 can be viewed as an eight‐connected sqc4 net with pentanuclear [Co5(μ3‐O)2]6+ cluster as metal nodes. Importantly, when norfloxacin, ofloxacin, and enrofloxacin were added in NS‐3 ethanol suspension, the luminescence intensity of NS‐3 at 333 nm was obviously decreased while new emission peaks clearly emerged, indicating that NS‐3 can be a potential rare fluorescent detection to recognize quinolone antibiotics in ethanol. Additionally, NS‐3 exhibits high sensitivity to norfloxacin, ofloxacin, and enrofloxacin with a limit of detection of 43, 34, and 139 nM, respectively, which is superior to most of the reported metal–organic frameworks.
Effect of amine groups on the NO adsorptive separation selectivity of FeAl‐BDC‐NH2 MOFs
Authors: Mu Yile , Li Hao , Zhang Han , Yue Xinyu , Hu Jie , Tang Fushun
Published: May 2024

In this work, the effect of amine groups of MOFs materials on the NO separation selectivity under the simulated mixed atmosphere had been first investigated by comparison of NO adsorptive separation selectivity of Fe‐BDC, Al‐BDC, FeAl‐BDC and Fe‐BDC‐NH2, Al‐BDC‐NH2, FeAl‐BDC‐NH2 synthesized by solvothermal method. The experimental results showed that the adsorption capacity of NO by Fe‐BDC‐NH2, Al‐BDC‐NH2, and FeAl‐BDC‐NH2 was significantly larger than Fe‐BDC, Al‐BDC, and FeAl‐BDC at 100 kPa, which indicated ‐NH2 promotes the adsorption of NO and was much higher than the adsorption capacity of CO2, O2, and N2 under the same conditions. The NO adsorption capacity and selectivity of bimetallic FeAl‐BDC‐NH2 were significantly better than that of monometallic Fe‐BDC‐NH2 and Al‐BDC‐NH2. The NO adsorption capacity of FeAl‐BDC‐NH2 can reach 216.42 cc g−1, which exceeded lots of MOFs materials reported, and the adsorption selectivities of NO/CO2 and NO/O2 by IAST under the simulated mixed atmosphere reached 1,350 and 15,962. It also proved that the material adsorbed NO because NO forms NONOate with ‐NH2 by the in situ IR and enthalpy calculation of adsorption, and the adsorption mechanism of NO was preliminarily investigated. The results provided a new direction for the application of adsorption and separation of NO in flue gas.
Green synthesis and characterization of silver anchored ZnO nanoparticle as the antimicrobial reinforcement for polylactide films
Authors: Ganesan Vellaiyan , Hariram Muruganandham , Vivekanandhan Singaravelu , Muthuramkumar Sankaralingam
Published: May 2024

The aqueous extract of endophytic fungi (Periconia sp.) was effectively used as a reducing agent to anchor Ag nanoparticles on the ZnO surface. The XRD, UV‐Vis, SEM‐EDX and TEM analyses were performed to ensure the formation of AgNP@ZnO architecture. TEM analysis confirmed that the 4–20 nm sized Ag nanoparticles were anchored evenly on the surface of ZnO with 16–78 nm in size. The antimicrobial study showed the superior performance of AgNP@ZnO functional nanoparticles than the pristine ZnO against pathogenic bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (gram‐positive) and Escherichia coli (gram‐negative). Hence, AgNP@ZnO functional particles were effectively explored as antimicrobial reinforcement for fabricating composite films using polylactic acid (PLA) as a matrix. The obtained nanocomposite films showed excellent antibacterial activity, which increases with increasing AgNP@ZnO loading.
mRNA context and translation factors determine decoding in alternative nuclear genetic codes
Authors: Salman Ali , Biziaev Nikita , Shuvalova Ekaterina , Alkalaeva Elena
Published: May 2024

The genetic code is a set of instructions that determine how the information in our genetic material is translated into amino acids. In general, it is universal for all organisms, from viruses and bacteria to humans. However, in the last few decades, exceptions to this rule have been identified both in pro‐ and eukaryotes. In this review, we discuss the 16 described alternative eukaryotic nuclear genetic codes and observe theories of their appearance in evolution. We consider possible molecular mechanisms that allow codon reassignment. Most reassignments in nuclear genetic codes are observed for stop codons. Moreover, in several organisms, stop codons can simultaneously encode amino acids and serve as termination signals. In this case, the meaning of the codon is determined by the additional factors besides the triplets. A comprehensive review of various non‐standard coding events in the nuclear genomes provides a new insight into the translation mechanism in eukaryotes.
Board engagement is vital for effective ethics and compliance
Authors: Francis Ty
Published: May 2024

Ty Francis, MBE, is chief advisory officer for LRN, a global provider of ethics and compliance learning solutions for corporate and institutional clients. In this article, he discusses why board involvement in ethics and compliance programs is crucial to business performance.
The impact of a chatbot working as an assistant in a course for supporting student learning and engagement
Authors: Roca Mónica De La , Chan Miguel M. , Garcia‐Cabot Antonio , Garcia‐Lopez Eva , Amado‐Salvatierra Héctor
Published: May 2024

Nowadays, many digital learning tools can be integrated into a course to enhance the teaching–learning process. It is a fact that technology is changing how students learn and how professors teach. The growing utilization of AI chatbots in education to support students' learning underscores the importance of identifying critical aspects related to students' acceptance of this technology. Teachers require a deeper understanding of how students perceive and respond to chatbot assistance, as well as methods to measure levels of satisfaction, engagement, and knowledge acquired while using these technological tools. The aim of this study was, on the one hand, to illustrate the integration of a chatbot into a course to assist students in solving specific learning activities. On the other hand, it aimed to analyze the correlation between the factors influencing university students' intention to use chatbots and their perceived usefulness. It is noteworthy that the learning activity integrated two technologies: an Integrated Development Environment and a chatbot, offering additional educational value to students. The Technology Acceptance Model was used to measure the students' perceived usefulness and attitude toward this digital learning tool. The findings of this study provided insights to faculty on how to integrate and use chatbots to enhance students' engagement and motivation. The results revealed that the perceived usefulness of chatbots does, in fact, influence students' intention to use them. Most of the students expressed satisfaction with having a chatbot to assist them in solving exercises. Students highlighted that one of the most significant benefits was the 24/7 chatbot's support availability and its user‐friendly interface.
Debriefing experiential learning in counselor education
Authors: Trottier Dana George
Published: May 2024

Counselors‐in‐training require continuous opportunities to reflect on strengths and growing edges. Applying experiential learning theory and the Promoting Excellence and Reflective Learning in Simulation debriefing framework could optimize learning and provide counselor educators with a roadmap to develop a reflective practice within the context of counseling. Psychological safety and cultural considerations are also discussed.
Ideas Behind the Tryptophan‐Mediated Petasis Reaction (TMPR) Concept for Peptide Stapling
Authors: Krajcovicova Sona
Published: May 2024

This Concept short review offers an insightful analysis of pivotal research papers and explores the key synthetic ideas behind the intersection of two realms in peptide chemistry: using tryptophan and Petasis multicomponent reactions for macrocyclisation and labelling of peptides. The recently published tryptophan‐mediated Petasis reaction (TMPR) concept represents a critical junction between these two worlds, highlighting how combining such methodologies leads to more effective and versatile synthetic strategies, setting a potentially new direction for future research in the field of peptide‐drug conjugates.
The Role of Alkali Cations on the Selectivity of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural Electroreduction on Glassy Carbon
Authors: Asfia Mohammad Peirow , Cuomo Angelina , Kloth Ricarda , Mayrhofer Karl J. J. , Nikolaienko Pavlo
Published: May 2024

In the past decade, organic electrosynthesis has emerged as an atom‐ and energy‐efficient strategy for harvesting renewable electricity that provides exceptional control over the reaction parameters. A profound and fundamental understanding of electrochemical interfaces becomes imperative to advance the knowledge‐based development of electrochemical processes. The major strategy toward an efficient electrochemical system is based on the advancement in material science for electrocatalysis. Studies on the complex interplay among electrode surface, electrolyte, and transformation intermediates have only recently started to emerge. It involves acquiring atomic‐scale insights into the electrochemical double layer, for which the identity and concentration of composing ions play a crucial role. In this study, we present how the identity and concentration of alkali cations impact the selectivity of aldehyde functionality electroreduction. As a case‐study transformation, we set the electrochemical conversion of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), a promising biomass‐derived feedstock for the sustainable production of polymer or fuel precursors. Our findings reveal a consistent trend of the selectivity shift towards 2,5‐bis(hydroxymethyl)furan (BHMF) as a function of cation size and concentration, rationalized by specific cation adsorption at the glassy carbon (GC), followed by the increase in the electrode surface charge density.
Analysis and design of an efficient three‐phase voltage source inverter with performance optimization
Authors: Wang Qiang , He Jianfeng , Wang Youzheng
Published: May 2024

The paper designs a novel efficient three‐phase voltage source inverter with performance optimization. When auxiliary circuits connected in parallel with every bridge arm are involved in working process of the designed inverter, main switches will realize zero‐voltage switching in the wide load range, which is beneficial for further decline of the loss of main switches. Furthermore, the optimized duty cycle of the gate drive signal of auxiliary switches is used to restrict circuiting current loss. Besides, when the designed inverter works in a dead zone, the resonance will occur in the auxiliary circuits to cause the output phase voltage to vary from zero or the DC supply voltage to the DC supply voltage or zero as soon as possible, which is beneficial for further decline of the output phase voltage error and the suppression of dead effect. The paper provides relevant analysis on each working status within a switching period along with design requirements. By analyzing test waveforms, it affirms that main switches realize zero‐voltage switching. The efficiency of the designed inverter reaches 98.8% at rating condition. The experiment affirms that the designed inverter has an edge over another two inverters for comparison in performance optimization.
Grow or die: A 49‐year growth history of a Japanese warm‐temperate tree species
Authors: Yamada Toshihiro , Aiba Shin‐Ichiro , Okubo Kumiko , Suzuki Eizi , Maenaka Hisayuki , Nagano Masahiro , Nakajima Yoshinori , Nagano Toru , Ishihara Masae Iwamoto , Yasumatsu Hiroki , Sawada Yoshimi , Kawashima Kazuyoshi , Takami Kunio
Published: May 2024

The growth trajectories of trees are not fully understood due to their long life span. We characterized the population dynamics of the canopy tree Castanopsis cuspidata (Thunb.) Schottky in a Japanese warm‐temperate forest over 49 years (1966–2015). Our study was initiated approximately 50 years after our study site was clear‐cut. The forest had a closed canopy for the first 23 years of the study. Strong typhoons in 1991 and 1993 seriously damaged the forest, and since then the forest has been recovering from these disturbances. The diameter distribution of this species was bell‐shaped in 1966, suggesting that the trees emerged simultaneously after the clear‐cut in the 1910s, and the recruitment of trees has remained unchanged since then. The lack of recruitment of C. cuspidata before the typhoon disturbance supports this conclusion. Assuming that the C. cuspidata trees in 1966 were cohorts that were established soon after the clear‐cut, the size differences reflect differences in growth rate, with small trees corresponding to slow growers and large trees corresponding to fast growers. Before the typhoon, slow growers had low survival, and the mortality rate of fast growers was low. Many fast growers were uprooted or snapped by strong winds by the typhoons. However, their mortality rate did not differ from that of slow growers because many slow growers were killed by large fallen trees. The growth of some slow‐growing survivors increased after the typhoon, which allowed them to rapidly reach the canopy. Therefore, the typhoon altered the distribution of canopy trees among slow and fast growers. Survivors experienced faster growth than trees that died during the census period, suggesting that growth rate provides a robust indicator of future survival. Before the typhoon, the survival of fast growers was higher than that of slow growers. This suggests that fast growers disproportionally contribute to reproduction compared with slow growers. However, no recruited tree was observed in this subperiod, suggesting that fast growers made no contribution to reproduction. Fast growers might not play a more significant demographic role than slow growers in this species.
Different strategies between queens and workers against fungal pathogens in the termite Reticulitermes chinensis
Authors: Dong Ya‐Nan , Niu Tong , Bai Zhuang‐Dong , Wang Huan , Wang Chao , Dunn Derek W. , Zhang He , Wang Rui‐Wu
Published: May 2024

Social insects are prone to pathogen infection because of high exposure rates from social interactions. However, it remains unclear whether queens have enhanced pathogen resistance, because reproduction is largely confined to queens. Here, we used a natural host–pathogen system, the subterranean termite Reticulitermes chinensis and the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae, to investigate the differences in allogrooming, locomotion, and immune gene expression between queens and workers against pathogen infection. We found that fungal infection significantly reduced survival in both queens and workers. Infected queens received significantly more grooming time from sanitary nestmates than infected workers, but they returned much less grooming time to sanitary nestmates than infected workers. Infection resulted in a reduction in the average locomotion speed and distance of queens but had no effect on worker locomotion. Infection resulted in upregulated expression of two immune genes (termicin and transferrin), two antioxidant genes (CAT and SOD), and phosphate genes CYP450 in queens but not in workers. Our results indicated that eusocial termites evolved strategies that prioritize the reproductive castes' welfare in defending against the pathogen infection to ensure continued reproduction and colony persistence.
Unraveling the effects of snow cover change on vegetation productivity: Insights from underlying surface types
Authors: Wang Yunhan , Xiao Pengfeng , Zhang Xueliang , Liu Hao , Wu Youlv , Sun Liyang
Published: May 2024

Changes in snow cover have an important effect on vegetation gross primary productivity (GPP), but the role of underlying surface types in this effect still remains unclear. The underlying surface refers to the surface of the Earth and is located at the bottom of the snow cover during the snow season. Here, we focus on the influence of snow cover change on GPP in Northeast China from 1982 to 2015, revealing the various dependencies of the association between snow cover and GPP on forest, grassland, and dryland. The results show that the increases in GPP in dryland and grassland are primarily influenced by the increase in snow water equivalent, while the variations in GPP in forest are primarily influenced by snow phenological indicators, with snow cover end date and snow cover days dominating GPP in the early and peak growing seasons, respectively. Additionally, snow cover can have a rather strong time‐lagged effect on GPP by changing the soil temperature in dryland. Our findings emphasize the importance of considering underlying surface types in the snow–GPP relation and provide insight into how climate change may affect ecosystems in regions with comparable underlying surface types.
Discordance between aPTT and anti‐Xa in monitoring heparin anticoagulation in mechanical circulatory support
Authors: Li Song , Li Ang , Beckman Jennifer A. , Kim Christopher , Granich Marian A. , Mondin John , Sabath Daniel E. , Garcia David A. , Mahr Claudius
Published: May 2024

Aims

It is unclear whether activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) or anti‐Xa is more accurate for monitoring heparin anticoagulation in mechanical circulatory support (MCS) patients. This study investigates the relationship between aPTT and anti‐Xa in MCS patients and identifies predictors of discordance.

Methods and results

aPTT and anti‐Xa were simultaneously measured in a prospective cohort of MCS patients receiving unfractionated heparin at a tertiary academic medical centre. Therapeutic aPTT and anti‐Xa levels were 60–100 s and 0.3–0.7 IU/mL, respectively, and concordance was defined as both levels being subtherapeutic, therapeutic, or supratherapeutic. To identify predictors of discordance, both a machine learning random forest model and a multivariate regression model were applied to patient demographics, device type, and 14 laboratory variables; 23 001 pairs of simultaneously measured aPTT/anti‐Xa were collected from 699 MCS patients. aPTT and anti‐Xa were concordant in 35.5% of paired observations and discordant in 64.5% (aPTT > antiXa 61.5%; aPTT < antiXa 3.0%). Discordance with a high aPTT relative to anti‐Xa (aPTT > antiXa) was associated with high INR, eGFR, and total bilirubin, as well as low platelets, haemoglobin, pre‐albumin, white blood cell count, and haptoglobin. Total artificial heart and durable ventricular assist devices were more likely to be associated with aPTT > anti‐Xa than temporary MCS devices.

Conclusions

aPTT and anti‐Xa were frequently discordant in MCS patients receiving heparin anticoagulation. Clinical conditions common in MCS patients such as concurrent warfarin use, malnutrition, haemolysis, and thrombocytopenia, as well as durable type of MCS devices were associated with a high aPTT relative to anti‐Xa.
Iron homeostasis, recycling and vulnerability in the stressed kidney: A neglected dimension of iron‐deficient heart failure
Authors: Packer Milton
Published: May 2024

The available evidence suggests that the kidney may contribute importantly to the development of an iron deficiency state in patients with heart failure and may be injured by therapeutic efforts to achieve iron repletion. The exceptional workload of the proximal renal tubule requires substantial quantities of iron for ATP synthesis, which it derives from Fe3+ bound to transferrin in the bloodstream. Following ferrireduction, Fe2+ is conveyed by divalent transporters (e.g. DMT1) out of the endosome of the proximal renal tubule, and highly reactive Fe2+ can be directed to the mitochondria, sequestered safely in a ferritin nanocage or exported through the actions of hepcidin‐inhibitable ferroportin. The actions of ferroportin, together with transferrin endocytosis and DMT1‐mediated transport, play a key role in the recycling of iron from the tubular fluid into the bloodstream and preventing the loss of filtered iron in the urine. Activation of endogenous neurohormonal systems and proinflammatory signalling in heart failure decrease megalin‐mediated uptake and DMT1 expression, and increase hepcidin‐mediated suppression of ferroportin, promoting the loss of iron in the urine and contributing to the development of an iron deficiency state. Furthermore, the failure of ferroportin‐mediated efflux at the basolateral membrane heightens the susceptibility of the renal tubules to cytosolic excesses of Fe2+, causing lipid peroxidation and synchronized cell death (ferroptosis) through the iron‐dependent free radical theft of electrons from lipids in the cell membrane. Ferroptosis is a central mechanism to most disorders that can cause acute and chronic kidney disease. Short‐term bolus administration of intravenous iron can cause oxidative stress and is accompanied by markers of renal injury. Experimentally, long‐term maintenance of an iron‐replete state is accompanied by accelerated loss of nephrons, oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis. Intravenous iron therapy increases glomerular filtration rate rapidly in patients with heart failure (perhaps because of a haemodynamic effect) but not in patients with chronic kidney disease, and the effects of intravenous iron on the progression of renal dysfunction in the long‐term trials — AFFIRM‐AHF, IRONMAN and HEART‐FID — have not yet been reported. Given the potential role of dysregulated renal iron homeostasis in the pathogenesis of iron deficiency and the known vulnerability of the kidney to intravenous iron, the appropriate level of iron repletion with respect to the risk of acute and chronic kidney injury in patients with heart failure requires further study.
Tackling water scarcity in agriculture—Asian Development Bank's perspective
Authors: Yokoyama Kenichi
Published: May 2024

‘Tackling water scarcity in agriculture’, which is the theme of the 25th Congress of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), is at the crux of the global challenge of ensuring a climate‐resilient and water‐ and food‐secure world for future generations. The Asian region faces significant threats due to its high vulnerability to climate change impacts and growing food insecurity and water stress across many river basins. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is stepping up assistance in line with the international commitments by the multilateral financial institutions. There are significant opportunities that are tapped to address this theme, including (i) exploring and replicating highly successful experiences of enhancing irrigated agriculture productivity manifold as seen in the Indian states of Chhattisgarh, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh and in other South Asian countries; (ii) reinvigorating efforts to operationalize integrated water resources management in river basins; (iii) adopting new technologies, such as remote sensing and automation, and digital technologies, including artificial intelligence; and (iv) pursuing institutional and financing innovations. Resources of ADB and other multilateral institutions can be utilized to develop and demonstrate successful innovations before they are replicated by the own sources of the developing countries.
Application of a terminal schedule probe method to inform schedule thinning with multiple schedules
Authors: Strohmeier Craig W. , Cengher Mirela , Chin Michelle D. , Falligant John Michael
Published: May 2024

Multiple schedules are effective at decreasing challenging behavior and maintaining alternative behavior at acceptable levels. Currently, no conclusive guidance is available for empirically deriving multiple‐schedule components (continuous reinforcement for alternative behavior and extinction for challenging behavior [discriminative stimulus] and extinction for both alternative and challenging behavior [delta stimulus]) during the schedule‐thinning process. In the current investigation, we describe a terminal schedule probe method to determine delta stimulus starting points and strategies for subsequent schedule‐thinning progressions to reach caregiver‐informed terminal schedules. We review schedule‐thinning outcomes for a clinical cohort using a consecutive controlled case series approach and report results for two groups: One group included applications of terminal probe thinning (n = 24), and the other involved traditional dense‐to‐lean thinning (n = 18). Outcomes suggest that the terminal schedule probe method produced effective treatments with less resurgence of challenging behavior and leaner, more feasible, multiple schedules.
Computed tomography technologies to measure key structural features of polymeric biomedical implants from bench to bedside
Authors: Pawelec Kendell M. , Schoborg Todd A. , Shapiro Erik M.
Published: May 2024

Implanted polymeric devices, designed to encourage tissue regeneration, require porosity. However, characterizing porosity, which affects many functional device properties, is non‐trivial. Computed tomography (CT) is a quick, versatile, and non‐destructive way to gain 3D structural information, yet various CT technologies, such as benchtop, preclinical and clinical systems, all have different capabilities. As system capabilities determine the structural information that can be obtained, seamless monitoring of key device features through all stages of clinical translation must be engineered intentionally. Therefore, in this study we tested feasibility of obtaining structural information in pre‐clinical systems and high‐resolution micro‐CT (μCT) under physiological conditions. To overcome the low CT contrast of polymers in hydrated environments, radiopaque nanoparticle contrast agent was incorporated into porous devices. The size of resolved features in porous structures is highly dependent on the resolution (voxel size) of the scan. As the voxel size of the CT scan increased (lower resolution) from 5 to 50 μm, the measured pore size was overestimated, and percentage porosity was underestimated by nearly 50%. With the homogeneous introduction of nanoparticles, changes to device structure could be quantified in the hydrated state, including at high‐resolution. Biopolymers had significant structural changes post‐hydration, including a mean increase of 130% in pore wall thickness that could potentially impact biological response. By incorporating imaging capabilities into polymeric devices, CT can be a facile way to monitor devices from initial design stages through to clinical translation.
Multi‐organ clinical ultrasound as a complement to the diagnostic process in an internal medicine consultation
Authors: González‐Muñoz Borja , Oñoro‐López Carlos , Díez‐Vidal Alejandro , Sorriguieta‐Torre Raquel , Quesada‐Simón María Angustias , Martínez‐Prieto Mónica , Marín‐Baselga Raquel , Moreno‐Fernández Alberto , Hontañón‐Antoñana Victor , Tung‐Chen Yale
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Evaluating outpatient cases in internal medicine consultations presents a significant diagnostic challenge. Ultrasound can be a highly useful tool in assessment and decision‐making.

Patients and Methods

A prospective observational study was conducted on a cohort of patients attending an internal medicine rapid assessment clinic. Eighty patients were prospectively recruited. A medical consultation was conducted as per usual clinical practice, followed by a POCUS evaluation; collecting pulmonary, cardiac, and abdominal data. All findings were analyzed and recorded, particularly those that were significant or altered the initial diagnosis, subsequent tests, or treatment.

Results

Significant ultrasound findings were found in 37.5% of the patients. Of all ultrasound scans, the most clinically relevant were in the heart region (31.9%), followed by the abdomen (26%). These findings led to a change in overall management in 27.5% of patients. Using logistic regression, a model was developed to estimate the presence of clinically relevant findings with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.78 (95% CI 0.66–0.89; p < 0.001) with 80% Sensitivity and 66% Specificity.

Conclusion

The systematic and standardized incorporation of clinical ultrasound in internal medicine consultations contributes to decision‐making, can provide significant findings that allow for modifications in clinical suspicion and therapeutic management.
Sharp threshold for embedding balanced spanning trees in random geometric graphs
Authors: Espuny Díaz Alberto , Lichev Lyuben , Mitsche Dieter , Wesolek Alexandra
Published: May 2024

A rooted tree is balanced if the degree of a vertex depends only on its distance to the root. In this paper we determine the sharp threshold for the appearance of a large family of balanced spanning trees in the random geometric graph . In particular, we find the sharp threshold for balanced binary trees. More generally, we show that all sequences of balanced trees with uniformly bounded degrees and height tending to infinity appear above a sharp threshold, and none of these appears below the same value. Our results hold more generally for geometric graphs satisfying a mild condition on the distribution of their vertex set, and we provide a polynomial time algorithm to find such trees.
Glycoproteomics: Charting new territory in mass spectrometry and glycobiology
Authors: Malaker Stacy A.
Published: May 2024

Glycosylation is an incredibly common and diverse post‐translational modification that contributes widely to cellular health and disease. Mass spectrometry is the premier technique to study glycoproteins; however, glycoproteomics has lagged behind traditional proteomics due to the challenges associated with studying glycosylation. For instance, glycans dissociate by collision‐based fragmentation, thus necessitating electron‐based fragmentation for site‐localization. The vast glycan heterogeneity leads to lower overall abundance of each glycopeptide, and often, ion suppression is observed. One of the biggest issues facing glycoproteomics is the lack of reliable software for analysis, which necessitates manual validation and serves as a massive bottleneck in data processing. Here, I will discuss each of these challenges and some ways in which the field is attempting to address them, along with perspectives on how I believe we should move forward.
Molecular epidemiology of human herpesvirus 8 in patients with HHV‐8‐related diseases in Ireland
Authors: O'Rourke Sadhbh , Laoi Bairbre Ni , Clarke Susan , Crowley Brendan
Published: May 2024

Human Herpesvirus 8 (HHV‐8) has been classified by sequence analysis of open reading frame (ORF) K1, ORF K15, and variable sequence loci within the central constant region. The purpose of this study was to examine the molecular epidemiology of HHV‐8 in an Irish population. This retrospective study included 30 patients who had HHV‐8 DNA detected in plasma. Nested end‐point PCR was used to characterise four regions of the HHV‐8 genome, K1, T0.7 (K12), ORF 75, and K15. Sequencing data were obtained for 23 specimens from 19 patients. Phylogenetic analysis of ORF K1 demonstrated that subtypes A, B, C and F were present in 37%, 11%, 47% and 5%, respectively. For T0.7 and ORF 75, sequencing data were obtained for 12 patients. For T0.7, subtypes A/C, J, B, R and Q were present in 58%, 17%, 8%, 8%, and 8%, respectively. For ORF 75, subtypes A, B, C and D were present in 58%, 8%, 25%, and 8%, respectively. K15 sequences were determined for 13 patients. 69% had the P allele and 31% had the M allele. The data generated by this study demonstrate that a broad variety of HHV‐8 subtypes are represented in patients exhibiting HHV‐8‐related disease in Ireland, a low prevalence country. The predominance of C and A K1 subtypes was as expected for a Western European population. The 31% prevalence for K15 subtype M was higher than expected for a Western European population. This may represent the changing and evolving epidemiology in Ireland due to altered migration patterns.
Exploring viral infections' role in Kawasaki disease onset: A study during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Ishii Taku , Nawa Nobutoshi , Hosokawa Susumu , Morio Tomohiro , Fujiwara Takeo
Published: May 2024

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, known viral diseases declined in all ages. By using the current situation as a natural experiment, this study aimed to evaluate whether the change in the incidence of Kawasaki disease (KD) during the COVID‐19 pandemic varies with age and whether a specific infectious disease mediates the occurrence of KD. Monthly number of KD patients were extracted from the nationwide inpatient database. Segmented regression analysis was conducted on the interrupted time series data. Additionally, causal mediation analysis was performed to examine the role of viral infections in the changes in the number of KD patients. After the first emergency declaration for COVID‐19 in Japan, there was an immediate decrease in the number of KD patients per 100 000 population aged between 6 months and 4 years (immediate change = −2.66; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −5.16 to −0.16) and aged 5–15 years (immediate change = −0.26; 95% CI: −0.49 to −0.04). However, no immediate change was observed in patients under 6 months of age. In the causal mediation analysis for each viral infection, it was found that the decrease in the number of patients with KD was mediated by changes in the number of patients with pharyngoconjunctival fever and infectious gastroenteritis. The current results suggest that viral infections may be one of the etiological agents for KD, while they may not be the main cause in early infancy. Specifically, we found that adenovirus infection and gastroenteritis was closely related to the onset of KD in some areas of Japan.
Synovial fluid NMR‐based metabolomics in septic and aseptic revision total knee arthroplasty: Implications on diagnosis and treatment
Authors: de Paula Mozella Alan , Alexandre de Araujo Barros Cobra Hugo , Monteiro da Palma Idemar , Salim Rodrigo , Antonio Matheus Guimarães João , Costa Gilson , Carolina Leal Ana
Published: May 2024

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is one of the most challenging complications following total knee arthroplasty. Despite its importance, there is a paucity of reports in the literature regarding its pathogenesis. Recently, cellular metabolic reprogramming has been shown to play an important role in the progression and outcome of infectious diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the metabolites composition of the synovial fluid from patients with PJI or aseptic failure of total knee arthroplasties. The synovial fluids from 21 patients scheduled for revision total knee arthroplasty (11 with the diagnosis of PJI and 10 with aseptic failures) were analyzed using 1D 1H NMR spectroscopy. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyzes were used to identify metabolites that were differentially abundant between those groups. A total of 28 metabolites were identified and five of them found to be differentially abundant between infected and non‐infected synovial fluids. Lactate, acetate and 3‐hydroxybutyrate were found to be in a higher concentration, and glucose and creatine were found reduced in the synovial fluid from PJI patients. Synovial fluid from patients with PJI exhibit a distinct metabolic profile, possibly reflecting metabolic adaptation that occurs in the infected periprosthetic microenvironment. Further research and studies are warranted to gain a broader insight into the metabolic pathways engaged by both pathogen and immune cells in the context of a PJI.
Advancements in clinical approaches, analytical methods, and smart sampling for LC–MS‐based protein determination from dried matrix spots
Authors: Reubsaet Léon , Halvorsen Trine Grønhaug
Published: May 2024

Determination of proteins from dried matrix spots using MS is an expanding research area. Mainly, the collected dried matrix sample is whole blood from a finger or heal prick, resulting in dried blood spots. However as other matrices such as plasma, serum, urine, and tear fluid also can be collected in this way, the term dried matrix spot is used as an overarching term. In this review, the focus is on advancements in the field made from 2017 up to 2023. In the first part reviews concerning the subject are discussed. After this, advancements made for clinical purposes are highlighted. Both targeted protein analyses, with and without the use of affinity extractions, as well as untargeted, global proteomic approaches are discussed.

In the last part, both methodological advancements are being reviewed as well as the possibility to integrate sample preparation steps during the sample handling. The focus, of this so‐called smart sampling, is on the incorporation of cell separation, proteolysis, and antibody‐based affinity capture.
Simultaneous determination of six catechins and caffeine in tea and wine using salting‐out assisted liquid–liquid extraction and high‐performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection
Authors: Custodio‐Mendoza Jorge A. , Pokorski Patryk , Aktaş Havva , Carro Antonia M. , Kurek Marcin A.
Published: May 2024

Catechins, renowned for their antioxidant properties and health benefits, are commonly present in beverages, particularly tea and wine. An efficient and cost‐effective salting‐out assisted liquid–liquid extraction (SALLE) method has been developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of six catechins and caffeine in tea and wine samples using high‐performance liquid chromatography–ultraviolet (HPLC–UV). This method demonstrates outstanding performance: linearity (1–120 µg/mL, r2 > 0.999), accuracy (96.5%–103.4% recovery), and precision (≤14.7% relative standard deviation), meeting validation requirements set by the US Food and Drug Administration. The reduced sample size (0.1 g) minimizes matrix interferences and costs without compromising sensitivity. All analytes were detected in Camellia sinensis teas, with green tea displaying the highest total catechin content (47.5–100.1 mg/mL), followed by white and black teas. Analysis of wine samples reveals the presence of catechin in all red and white wines, and epigallocatechin gallate in all red wine samples, highlighting the impact of winemaking processes on catechin content. The SALLE–HPLC–UV approach represents a green alternative by eliminating organic waste, surpassing conventional dilution methods in specificity and sensitivity for catechin determination. AGREEprep assessment emphasizes the strengths of the SALLE procedure, including material reusability, throughput efficiency, minimal sample requirements, low energy consumption, and the absence of organic waste generation.
Medical Management of Headache and Facial Pain in CRS: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Heiland Luke D. , Marrero‐Gonzalez Alejandro R. , Nguyen Shaun A. , Farmer Hannah G. , Rathi Vinay K. , Soler Zachary M. , Schlosser Rodney J.
Published: May 2024

Objectives

This study aims to characterize the effect of medical therapy on headache and facial pain/pressure among patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

Data Sources

CINAHL, PubMed, and Scopus.

Methods

CINAHL, PubMed, and Scopus were searched from inception through April 10th, 2024, for English language articles reporting headache or facial pain/pressure outcomes in CRS patients. Inclusion was restricted to studies reporting results of the medical treatment of CRS in nonsurgical cohorts. Primary outcome measures included the sino‐nasal outcome test (SNOT) and the visual analogue scale (VAS). Meta‐analyses of continuous measures (mean), mean difference (Δ), and proportions (%) were conducted.

Results

The initial search yielded 2429 unique articles. After a full‐text review of 272 articles, 17 studies reporting outcomes for 2269 patients were included in the meta‐analysis. The mean patient age was 48.6 years (range 18.0–86.0; 95% CI: 46.5 to 50.6), among which 55.4% (95% CI: 51.5 to 59.4) were male and 82.9% (95% CI: 68.8 to 93.4) had nasal polyposis. SNOT facial pain/pressure scores improved by 1.1 points (95% CI: −1.7 to −0.5; relative reduction 40.4%) with non‐biologic therapies and 1.0 point (95% CI: −1.4 to −0.6; relative reduction 54.6%) with biologic therapies. On an 11‐point scale, VAS headaches scores improved by 1.8 units (95% CI: −3.3 to −0.3; 42.1% relative reduction) in CRSwNP patients and 1.0 unit (95% CI: −1.7 to −0.3; 54.0% relative reduction) in CRSsNP patients.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest medical therapy significantly reduces facial pain and pressure in the CRS population. Laryngoscope, 134:4458–4465, 2024