bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spasticity Predicts Motor Recovery for Patients with Subacute Motor Complete Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Sangari Sina , Chen Bing , Grover Francis , Salsabili Hoda , Sheth Manasi , Gohil Kavita , Hobbs Sara , Olson Amanda , Eisner‐Janowicz Ines , Anschel Alan , Kim Ki , Chen David , Kessler Allison , Heinemann Allen W. , Oudega Martin , Kwon Brian K. , Kirshblum Steven , Guest James D. , Perez Monica A.
Published: August 2023

Objective

A motor complete spinal cord injury (SCI) results in the loss of voluntary motor control below the point of injury. Some of these patients can regain partial motor function through inpatient rehabilitation; however, there is currently no biomarker to easily identify which patients have this potential. Evidence indicates that spasticity could be that marker. Patients with motor complete SCI who exhibit spasticity show preservation of descending motor pathways, the pathways necessary for motor signals to be carried from the brain to the target muscle. We hypothesized that the presence of spasticity predicts motor recovery after subacute motor complete SCI.

Methods

Spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale and pendulum test) and descending connectivity (motor evoked potentials) were tested in the rectus femoris muscle in patients with subacute motor complete (n = 36) and motor incomplete (n = 30) SCI. Motor recovery was assessed by using the International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury and the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS). All measurements were taken at admission and discharge from inpatient rehabilitation.

Results

We found that motor complete SCI patients with spasticity improved in motor scores and showed AIS conversion to either motor or sensory incomplete. Conversely, patients without spasticity showed no changes in motor scores and AIS conversion. In incomplete SCI patients, motor scores improved and AIS conversion occurred regardless of spasticity.

Interpretation

These findings suggest that spasticity represents an easy‐to‐use clinical outcome that might help to predict motor recovery after severe SCI. This knowledge can improve inpatient rehabilitation effectiveness for motor complete SCI patients. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:71–86
Bifunctional Near‐Neutral Electrolyte Enhances Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Zhao Kaiyue , Tao Yu , Fu Linke , Li Chen , Xu Bingjun
Published: August 2023

Performance of electrocatalytic reactions depends on not only the composition and structure of the active sites, but also their local environment, including the surrounding electrolyte. In this work, we demonstrate that BF2(OH)2− anion is the key fluoroborate species formed in the mixed KBi/KF (KBi=potassium borate) electrolyte to enhance the rate of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at near‐neutral pH. Through a combination of electrokinetic and in situ spectroscopic studies, we show that the mixed KBi/KF electrolyte promotes the OER via two pathways: 1) stabilizing the interfacial pH during the proton‐producing reaction with its high buffering capacity; and 2) activating the interfacial water via strong hydrogen bonds with F‐containing species. With the KBi/KF electrolyte, electrodeposited Co(OH)2 is able to achieve 100 mA/cm2 at 1.74 V, which is among the highest reported activities with earth‐abundant electrocatalysts at near neutral conditions. These findings highlight the potential of leveraging electrolyte‐engineering for improving the electrochemical performance of the OER.
Hybrid Vesicles Enable Mechano‐Responsive Hydrogel Degradation
Authors: Hwang Sung‐Won , Lim Chung‐Man , Huynh Cong Truc , Moghimianavval Hossein , Kotov Nicholas A. , Alsberg Eben , Liu Allen P.
Published: August 2023

Stimuli‐responsive hydrogels are intriguing biomimetic materials. Previous efforts to develop mechano‐responsive hydrogels have mostly relied on chemical modifications of the hydrogel structures. Here, we present a simple, generalizable strategy that confers mechano‐responsive behavior on hydrogels. Our approach involves embedding hybrid vesicles, composed of phospholipids and amphiphilic block copolymers, within the hydrogel matrix to act as signal transducers. Under mechanical stress, these vesicles undergo deformation and rupture, releasing encapsulated compounds that can control the hydrogel network. To demonstrate this concept, we embedded vesicles containing ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid (EGTA), a calcium chelator, into a calcium‐crosslinked alginate hydrogel. When compressed, the released EGTA sequesters calcium ions and degrades the hydrogel. This study provides a novel method for engineering mechano‐responsive hydrogels that may be useful in various biomedical applications.
Directing (110) Oriented Lithium Deposition through High‐flux Solid Electrolyte Interphase for Dendrite‐free Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Sun Zehui , Wang Yuankun , Shen Shenyu , Li Xinyang , Hu Xiaofei , Hu Mingyou , Su Yaqiong , Ding Shujiang , Xiao Chunhui
Published: August 2023

Controlling lithium (Li) electrocrystallization with preferred orientation is a promising strategy to realize highly reversible Li metal batteries (LMBs) but lack of facile regulation methods. Herein, we report a high‐flux solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) strategy to direct (110) preferred Li deposition even on (200)‐orientated Li substrate. Bravais rule and Curie‐Wulff principle are expanded in Li electrocrystallization process to decouple the relationship between SEI engineering and preferred crystal orientation. Multi‐spectroscopic techniques combined with dynamics analysis reveal that the high‐flux CF3Si(CH3)3 (F3) induced SEI (F3‐SEI) with high LiF and −Si(CH3)3 contents can ingeniously accelerate Li+ transport dynamics and ensure the sufficient Li+ concentration below SEI to direct Li (110) orientation. The induced Li (110) can in turn further promote the surface migration of Li atoms to avoid tip aggregation, resulting in a planar, dendrite‐free morphology of Li. As a result, our F3‐SEI enables ultra‐long stability of Li||Li symmetrical cells for more than 336 days. Furthermore, F3‐SEI modified Li can significantly enhance the cycle life of Li||LiFePO4 and Li||NCM811 coin and pouch full cells in practical conditions. Our crystallographic strategy for Li dendrite suppression paves a path to achieve reliable LMBs and may provide guidance for the preferred orientation of other metal crystals.
Conjugated Nanohoop Polymers based on Antiaromatic Dibenzopentalenes for Charge Storage in Organic Batteries
Authors: Seitz Philipp , Bhosale Manik , Rzesny Luisa , Uhlmann Anselm , Wössner Jan S. , Wessling Robin , Esser Birgit
Published: August 2023

With their bent π‐systems, cyclic conjugation and inherent cavities, conjugated nanohoops are attractive for organic electronics applications. For ease of processing and morphological stability, an incorporation into polymers is desirable, but to date was hampered with few exceptions by synthetic difficulties. We herein present a unique strategy for the synthesis of conjugated nanohoop polymers using a dibenzo[a,e]pentalene (DBP) as central connector. We demonstrate this versatility by synthesizing three electronically diverse copolymers with dithienyldiketo(pyrrolopyrrol), fluorene and carbazole comonomers, and report the first donor‐acceptor nanohoop polymer. Optoelectronic investigations reveal the prevalence of cyclic or linear conjugation, depending on the comonomer unit, and ambipolar electrochemical properties through the antiaromatic character of the DBP units. As the first report on using conjugated nanohoops for charge storage as positive electrode materials, we show a significant improvement in battery performance in a nanohoop‐containing polymer compared to an equivalent nanohoop‐free reference polymer. We believe this study will pave the way for the synthesis of a diverse range of nanohoop polymers and further stimulate their exploration for charge storage in batteries.
Sustainable and selective transfer hydrogenation using waste shrimp shell‐based tetrazene‐Ru (II) para‐cymene catalyst with ethanol as a hydrogen source
Authors: Patil Rahul Daga , Shelte Amishwar Raysing , Biradar Ankush V. , Pratihar Sanjay
Published: August 2023

Sustainable chemical research emphasizes chitosan‐based catalysts and the need to explore the direct utilization of waste shrimp shells, whereas the use of ethanol as a hydrogen source in transfer hydrogenation is less explored due to its unfavorable redox potential, higher energy barriers, generation of reactive intermediates, and catalyst poising via metal carbonyl species or decarbonylation. Herein, we disclosed an efficient synthetic approach, conducted at ambient temperature, for surface functionalization of waste shrimp shells with 3‐(3,5‐dimethyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl)‐1,2,4,5‐tetrazine (DMPZ‐Tz) via nucleophilic substitution using 3,6‐bis(3,5‐dimethyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl)‐1,2,4,5‐tetrazine (BDMPZ‐Tz). This method results in a color change and a 75% increase in surface nitrogen content, eliminating the need for multiple syntheses and harsh reaction conditions. We utilized the strong coordination property between DMPZ‐Tz and [Ru(p‐cym)Cl2]2/RuCl3.3H2O to develop ruthenium‐embedded transfer hydrogenation catalysts supported on shrimp shells. These catalysts were employed for the selective transfer hydrogenation of unsaturated carbonyl/aldehydes to saturated carbonyl/alcohols, utilizing ethanol as the hydrogen source and potassium carbonate as the base. The performance, selectivity, and reusability of the catalyst were thoroughly assessed through spectroscopic studies, in‐situ monitoring of the reaction progress, initial rate kinetics, and control experiments. The obtained results strongly indicated that the anchoring of DMPZ‐Tz played a crucial role in achieving superior performance compared with catalysts synthesized without it or utilizing its homogeneous counterparts. The catalyst exhibits efficient reactivity, selectivity, and broad substrate scope.
A multivariate approach to qualify “Moroccan Picholine” virgin olive oil according to extraction and environmental factors
Authors: El Yamani Mohamed , Sakar El Hassan , Boussakouran Abdelali , Gharby Said , Ainane Tarik , Rharrabti Yahia
Published: August 2023

This paper describes the composition and quality characteristics of the “Moroccan Picholine” virgin olive oil (VOO) produced in Taza province (northern Morocco). Legal quality indices, pigments, total phenols, oxidative stability, and fatty acid composition were analyzed under the impact of three extraction systems (two phase [C2] and three phase [C3] centrifugation decanters and super‐pressure [SP]) in three production sites (Bni Frassen, Bouchfaa, and Taza) during three consecutive crop seasons (2014, 2015, and 2016). All the assessed parameters were largely affected by the extraction system. Indeed, the two phase centrifugation system provided the better quality of VOO with the lowest values of free fatty acids and oxidation indices and the highest amounts of oleic acid, carotenoids, and total phenols therefore the greatest oxidative stability. Crop season and production site had only significant impacts on some parameters. VOO produced in 2015 from Bni Frassen was richer on total phenols hence presented lower values of peroxide value. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed a clear separation along PC1 (58%) between C2 with better VOO characteristics from both C3 and SP, while PC2 (11%) allowed a net distinction of VOO produced in 2014 from those in 2015 and 2016. Moreover, the oxidative stability of the assessed VOO was found strongly related to total phenol and carotenoid contents as well as oleic/linoleic ratio.
Development of novel composite bipolar plates using surface‐modified conductive carbon filler materials for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells
Authors: Mathew Cijo , Mohamed Samsudeen Naina , Lenin Singaravelu D.
Published: August 2023

The requirement for a lightweight bipolar plate (BP) for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) is increasing to make it feasible to power hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles. Composite BP with carbon materials as conductive fillers and polymer as the binder are preferable over pure graphite and metallic BP. This study investigates the effect of Surface‐enhanced flake graphite (SEFG) as a novel filler material in composite BP. A composite BP is developed with Epoxy Resin (ER) as the binder and Natural Flake Graphite (NFG), Carbon Black (CB) and SEFG as conductive fillers. Composite BP fabricated with 10 vol% SEFG, 10 vol% CB, and 40 vol% NFG exhibited an electrical conductivity of 158 S cm−1, flexural strength of 38 MPa, water contact angle of 90.410 and corrosion current density of 0.261 μA cm−2. The composite BP also achieved a density of 1.55 g cm−3, water absorption of 0.6% and thermal conductivity of 3.6 W m−1 K−1 at 120°C. These results are highly favorable for BPs used in PEMFC. This paper provides an insight into using surface‐modified conductive carbon filler materials to develop composite BP for application in PEMFC.
Highly hydrophilic and antifouling poly(vinylidene fluoride) hybrid ultrafiltration membranes incorporated with silver‐loaded iron‐based metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Rameesha Laila , Rana Dipak , Nagendran Alagumalai
Published: August 2023

Silver‐loaded iron‐based metal–organic frameworks (Ag@FeBTC) are synthesized and incorporated with poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) to make hybrid ultrafiltration (UF) membranes and are efficiently utilized to treat water containing macromolecular pollutants. The chemical functionality and semi‐amorphous nature of the Ag@FeBTC are validated by FT‐IR and XRD, respectively. The morphology and elemental composition of PVDF/Ag@FeBTC membranes are probed by SEM and EDX mapping. The creation of pores is visibly seen in cross‐sectional SEM images and the improvement in roughness is noticed in AFM images. Because of the improved hydrophilicity of Ag@FeBTC on the PVDF membrane matrix, the contact angle is reduced to 33.9°. The excellent dispersion of Ag@FeBTC on the PVDF membrane matrix is observed through elemental mapping. The PVDF/Ag@FeBTC hybrid membranes exhibited higher pure water flux (160 L m−2 h−1) and greater than 90% rejection as well as flux recovery ratio for foulant removal (BSA and HA). The antimicrobial property of PVDF/Ag@FeBTC hybrid membranes is probed using a zone of inhibition test against E. coli and S. aureus, and the results revealed that the hybrid membranes possess superior antibacterial behavior. The long‐term stability of MOF in hybrid membranes is confirmed by AAS. Overall characterization and performance results of the hybrid PVDF/Ag@FeBTC UF membrane clearly demonstrated its potential use for water treatment applications.
Sorbitol‐based epoxy anti‐smudge coatings with liquid repellency for various applications
Authors: Wu Zhijun , Lin Yixing , Yuan Xinyi , Zhou Xiaosong , Luo Jin , Zhou Xunfu , Liu Canqun , Qu Jinqing
Published: August 2023

In this work, a novel sorbitol‐based epoxy anti‐smudge coatings (EPs) system were developed with sorbitol epoxy resin (SE) as raw material, branched amino poly (dimethysiloxane) (PDMS‐NH2) as a liquid‐repellent agent and isophorone diamine as a curing agent. These coatings have excellent thermal stability. The resultant coatings with 0.5 wt% PDMS‐NH2 content incorporated are exhibited remarkable self‐cleaning performance, and has good liquid repellency to various liquids (water, fingerprint fluid, strong acid solution, cola, ink, hexadecane, pump oil, milk, corn oil, soy sauce, machine oil, and strong alkali solution), sliding down the coating surface and leaving no trace. Besides, these sorbitol‐based epoxy anti‐smudge coating system show highly transparency, excellent corrosion resistance, and excellent anti‐ink performance on different substrates. More strikingly, sorbitol‐based epoxy anti‐smudge coatings can be dyed into different colors without affecting its anti‐ink performance, indicating sorbitol‐based epoxy anti‐smudge coatings possessed practical application availability.
Preparation and properties of SBR/PPTA nanocomposite via in‐situ interfacial polycondensation
Authors: Zhao Zhiping , Gong Xiangjun , Sun Changmei , Zhang Ying , Qu Rongjun , Wang Ying
Published: August 2023

In this article, Styrene butadiene rubber/poly‐p‐phenylene terephthamide (SBR/PPTA) nanocomposite was synthesized via in‐situ interfacial polycondensation of para‐phenylenediamine (PPD) and para‐benzoyl chloride (TPC) between the interface of SBR‐containing cyclohexanone (CYC) solution and water. Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and x‐ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the formation of PPTA in SBR matrix. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated PPTA nanosheets were uniformly dispersed in the SBR matrix. The thermal stability and mechanical properties of SBR/PPTA nanocomposite were also studied. Results showed that PPTA significantly improved the mechanical properties and thermal stability of SBR. The tensile strength and 200% tensile stress of SBR/PPTA‐3 were 120.9% and 150.8% higher than those of Pure rubber, respectively. The tensile strength and elongation at break of SBR/ PPTA‐3‐30% were 187.2% and 36.9% higher than those of Pure rubber, enabling promising applications of this new composite rubber material.
Frequency and polymorphism of acetylcholinesterase gene involved in the organophosphate resistance ofMusca domesticain Guizhou Province, China
Authors: Yang Xi , Mou Rong , Liang Qiuguo , Cheng Jinzhi , Wu Yuanming , Tan Weilong , Wu Jiahong
Published: August 2023

Organophosphate (OP) resistance has been prevalent inMusca domesticapopulations worldwide since 1960s. Previous studies have demonstrated that point mutations of the acetylcholinesterase gene (Ace) are one of the important molecular mechanisms underlying OP resistance. However, few studies have investigated the molecular mechanisms of OP resistance in the past 10 years in China. In this study, we investigated the status of OP resistance and genetic diversity ofAcein the field populations of houseflies in Guizhou Province of China. The bioassays showed that the houseflies had 142–304‐fold resistance to dichlorvos (DDVP) and 122–364‐fold resistance to temephos, compared to the susceptible houseflies. Five nonsynonymous mutations (Y226F, V260L, G342A/V, F407Y) inAcewere detected among the 7 field populations, with an average frequency of 5.4%, 55%, 68%, 32%, and 94%, respectively, of which the Y226F mutation had not been reported previously. Eleven combinations of triple mutations (at positions 260, 342, and 407) were observed, of which the combination 260L/V+342A/V+407Y was predominant. The ZY and AS populations showed greatest diversity of allelic combination and the other five populations showed different distributions among different regions. These results indicate that the resistance to OPs is prevalent among the housefly populations and target‐site insensitivity is the main cause of resistance in Guizhou Province. The difference in distribution and the allelic diversity ofAcein field populations may be due to the complexity and variability of insecticide application. It is necessary to monitor resistance to insecticides and conduct management of houseflies in Guizhou Province.
Molecular characterization and expression patterns of a ryanodine receptor in soybean looper, Chrysodeixis includens
Authors: Isbilir Sena , Catchot Beverly , Catchot Lauren , Musser Fred R. , Ahn Seung‐Joon
Published: August 2023

Diamide insecticides, such as chlorantraniliprole, have been widely used to control insect pests by targeting the insect ryanodine receptor (RyR). Due to the efficacious insecticidal activity of diamides, as well as an increasing number of resistance cases, the molecular structure of RyR has been studied in many economically important insects. However, no research has been conducted on diamide resistance and RyR in the soybean looper, Chrysodeixis includens, a significant crop pest. In this study, we found moderate resistance to chlorantraniliprole in a field population from Puerto Rico and sequenced the full‐length cDNA of the C. includens RyR gene, which encodes a 5124 amino acid‐long protein. Genomic analysis revealed that the CincRyR gene consists of 113 exons, one of the largest exon numbers reported for RyR. Alternative splicing sites were detected in the cytosolic region. The protein sequence showed high similarity to other noctuid RyRs. Conserved structural features included the selectivity filter motif critical for ryanodine binding and ion conduction, as well as various domains involved in ion transport. Two mutation sites associated with diamide resistance in other insects were screened but not found in the Puerto Rico field populations or in the susceptible lab strain. Gene expression analysis indicated high expression of RyR in the third instar larval stage, particularly in muscle‐containing tissues. Furthermore, exposure to a sublethal dose of chlorantraniliprole reduced RyR expression levels after 96 h. This study provides a molecular basis for understanding RyR structure and sheds light on potential mechanisms of diamide resistance in C. includens.
Design, synthesis, and evaluation of new benzimidazole‏ ‏‎thiourea ‎derivatives as antitumor agents
Authors: Aboutaleb Mohamed H. , El‐Gohary Nadia S. , Ghabbour Hazem A. , El‐Kerdawy Mohamed M.
Published: August 2023

Novel benzimidazole thiourea derivatives were designed and synthesized based on sorafenib as a lead compound. The benzimidazole moiety was traded by the pyridine ring to enhance the hydrophobic interaction and retain hydrogen bonding in the hinge region, while lipophilic moieties with different bulkiness were employed in the deep hydrophobic pocket for better hydrophobic interactions. Thiourea as a urea bioisostere was also utilized. Substantial activity was demonstrated against a leukemia subpanel in an in vitro antitumor screening at the NCI. In the single‐dose assay, compounds 7i, 7j, and 7l had a GI%) higher than sorafenib against most leukemia cell lines (GI% = 86.2%–137.1%), while in the five‐dose assay, compound 7l outperformed sorafenib against the HL‐60(TB) and SR leukemia cell lines in terms of GI50, TGI, and LC50. Compound 7l also caused cycle arrest at the G0–G1 and S phases in the HL‐60(TB) leukemia cell line and induced apoptosis via elevating the Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio and increasing caspases 3, 7, and 9 by 5.1‐, 3.2‐, and 5.2‐fold, respectively. Compounds 7i, 7j, and 7l also inhibited the vascular ‎endothelial growth factor receptor‐2 (VEGFR‐2), B‐Raf(V600E), and platelet‐derived growth factor receptor ‎beta (PDGFR‐β) enzymes with an IC50 range of 0.063–0.44 μM. COMPARE analysis and a molecular docking study were also performed to predict the possible mechanism of action and binding mode, respectively.
Well‐being spectrum traits are associated with polygenic scores for autism
Authors: Mohammad Salahuddin , de Ruijter Markus J. T. , Rukh Gull , Rask‐Andersen Mathias , Mwinyi Jessica , Schiöth Helgi B.
Published: August 2023

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) tend to experience lower well‐being as demonstrated mostly for children and adolescents in epidemiological studies. A further investigation of inclusive well‐being, in terms of five well‐being spectrum (5‐WBS) traits including neuroticism, depression, loneliness, life satisfaction, and positive affect, among adults with ASD may deepen our understanding of their well‐being, and lead to the possibility to further modify societal supportive mechanisms for individuals with ASD. This study aims to investigate if a genetic predisposition for ASD is associated with 5‐WBS traits using polygenic risk score (PRS) analysis. PRS for ASD were calculated based on the latest genome‐wide association study of ASD by the Psychiatric Genetics Consortium (18,381 cases, 27,969 controls) and were created in the independent cohort UK Biobank. Regression analyses were performed to investigate the association between ASD PRS and 5‐WBS traits in the UK Biobank population including 337,423 individuals. ASD PRS were significantly associated with all 5‐WBS traits, showing a positive association with the negative WBS traits, neuroticism (max R2 = 0.04%, p < 1 × 10−4), depression (max R2 = 0.06%, p < 1 × 10−4), loneliness (max R2 = 0.04%, p < 1 × 10−4), and a negative association with the positive WBS traits, life satisfaction (max R2 = 0.08%, p < 1 × 10−4), positive affect (max R2 = 0.10%, p < 1 × 10−4). The findings suggest that adults carrying a high load of risk single nucleotide peptides (SNPs) for ASD are more likely to report decreased well‐being. The study demonstrates a considerable connection between susceptibility to ASD, its underlying genetic etiology and well‐being.
Why it is so challenging to perform economic evaluations of interventions in autism and what to do about it
Authors: Tsiplova Kate , Ungar Wendy J.
Published: August 2023

Economic evaluation is used to determine the optimal provision of services and programs under budget constraints and to inform public and private payer funding decisions. To maximize value‐for‐money in the design and delivery of programs and services for persons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it's essential to generate high‐quality economic evidence to inform budget allocation. There is a paucity however, of economic evaluations of interventions for ASD. This is due in part to challenges in conducting economic evaluations in this population and the lack of guidance on suitable approaches. These challenges are related to the inherent heterogeneity of the autistic population; establishing short‐ and long‐term effectiveness; measurement of costs and the availability of valid instruments for collecting economic data; the appropriateness of outcomes for use in economic evaluation; and achieving statistical power. This commentary addresses a lack of awareness and needed guidance on these issues by discussing the challenges and providing recommendations for how economic evaluations in ASD could be improved to generate high‐quality evidence for program funding decision‐making.
Enhanced Electrochemical Properties of γ‐MnS@rGO Composite as Anodes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Nam Wonbin , Seong Honggyu , Moon Joon Ha , Jin Youngho , Kim Geongil , Yoo Hyerin , Jung Taejung , Yang MinHo , Cho Se Youn , Choi Jaewon
Published: August 2023

Manganese sulfide (MnS) is a metal chalcogenide with a high theoretical capacity (616 mAh g−1) and can be used as an alternative anode material for lithium‐ion batteries. Generally, metal chalcogenides have intrinsic limitations, such as low stability resulting from volume expansion and poor electronic conductivity. Herein, the authors propose a synthesis strategy of nano‐sized γ‐MnS, and one‐step composite process by the growth of nanoparticles on the surface of reduced graphene oxide (rGO). These strategies can effectively prevent particle aggregation and enhance an electrochemical stability. The electrochemical performance of the γ‐MnS@rGO composite was evaluated using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge and discharge measurements. The results showed that the γ‐MnS@rGO composite delivered a high specific capacity (624 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 after 100 cycles), good cycling stability, and excellent rate capability compared to bare γ‐MnS.
The evolution of selective autophagy as a mechanism of oxidative stress response
Authors: Ratliffe Joshua , Kataura Tetsushi , Otten Elsje G. , Korolchuk Viktor I.
Published: August 2023

Ageing is associated with a decline in autophagy and elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can breach the capacity of antioxidant systems. Resulting oxidative stress can cause further cellular damage, including DNA breaks and protein misfolding. This poses a challenge for longevous organisms, including humans. In this review, we hypothesise that in the course of human evolution selective autophagy receptors (SARs) acquired the ability to sense and respond to localised oxidative stress. We posit that in the vicinity of protein aggregates and dysfunctional mitochondria oxidation of key cysteine residues in SARs induces their oligomerisation which initiates autophagy. The degradation of damaged cellular components thus could reduce ROS production and restore redox homeostasis. This evolutionarily acquired function of SARs may represent one of the biological adaptations that contributed to longer lifespan. Inversely, loss of this mechanism can lead to age‐related diseases associated with impaired autophagy and oxidative stress.
Cashew nut shell oil as a potential feedstock for biodiesel production: An overview
Authors: Kandaswamy Srinivasan , Swarupa Venkatesa Murthy , Sur Souvik , Choubey Gautam , Devarajan Yuvarajan , Mishra Ruby
Published: August 2023

Biodiesel outperforms diesel in emissions and engine performance. They burn efficiently in diesel engines and are eco‐friendly. Since cashew nut shell liquid (CNSO) is waste, commercial biodiesel production from it should be profitable. CNSO is cheap and can reduce cashew processing factory waste. From cashew kernels, CNSL is extracted using various mechanical, thermal, and solvent extraction techniques. This article examines current research into using cashew nutshell liquid biodiesel (CNSLBD) in diesel engines. The work also discusses Indian biodiesel demand, availability, export information, life cycle cost analysis, cost economics of per hectare yield, Indian government initiative of CNSO. This review also evaluates the viability of this fuel as an alternative energy source. CNSLBD is a prospective alternative fuel that has the potential to benefit both the cashew nut industry and the energy industry. In addition to this, the study examines the procedures for extracting CNSO. According to the findings of the study, CNSO is a prospective alternative fuel that has the potential to benefit both the cashew nut industry and the energy industry.
Development and validation of an HPLC method for quantification of dolutegravir in human plasma
Authors: Li Dongsheng , Fu Qiang , Du Xiaoli , Li Taisheng
Published: August 2023

Dolutegravir (DTG) has been the first‐line drug in many human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) guidelines for the treatment of naïve and experienced HIV‐infected individuals, which calls for cost‐effective and convenient methods for quantitative detection of DTG in human plasma for pharmacokinetic studies and patient adherence evaluation. Here, an HPLC–ultraviolet method in combination with liquid–liquid extraction with isocratic elution was developed for the first time. The analysis was performed on a CLC‐ODS column (6 mm internal diameter × 15 cm, 5 μm) using a mixture of acetonitrile and phosphate buffer (40:60, v/v) as the mobile phase at the flow rate of 1 mL/min. Using triamcinolone as the internal standard, 100 μL of plasma sample was extracted by methyl tert‐butyl ether, followed by evaporating under nitrogen stream, re‐dissolving with 100 μL mobile phase, and injection of 20–40 μL of supernatant into the chromatographic system. The linearity of DTG was good in the range of 0.05–10 μg/mL (r = 0.9995), and the inter‐ and intra‐day variabilities were 0.4%–4.3% (n = 10) and 1.2%–6.2% (n = 10) for the lower limit of quantification, low‐, medium‐, and high‐concentration quality control samples (0.05, 0.1, 0.8, and 8 μg/mL), respectively, while the methodological and extraction recoveries were 98.0%–103.0% (n = 20) and 65.2%–75.7% (n = 3), respectively. This method was successfully applied to analyze DTG plasma concentration in 84 Chinese patients with HIV.
Yujin powder improves large intestine dampness‐heat syndrome by regulating gut microbiota and serum metabolism
Authors: Zhang Yahui , Yao Wanling , Zhang Wangdong , Wen Yanqiao , Hua Yongli , Ji Peng , Wei Yanming
Published: August 2023

Large intestine dampness‐heat syndrome (LIDHS) is a common syndrome type in animal diarrheal diseases. Yujin powder (YJP) is one of the classic prescriptions for treating damp‐heat diarrhea. The aim of this study was to investigate the regulatory effects of YJP on gut microbiota and serum metabolism in LIDHS rats using 16S rRNA sequencing and nontargeted metabolomics. The LIDHS rat model was induced through a high‐sugar and high‐fat diet, exposure to a high‐temperature and high‐humidity environment, and infection with Escherichia coli. The results demonstrated that the administration of YJP resulted in a decrease in the abundance of Desulfovibrio, Parabacteroides, Bacteroides, Allobaculum, Escherichia, Butyricimonas, Parasutterella, and Blautia and an increase in Ruminococcus, Akkermansia, Roseburia, and Lachnoclostridium. A total of 25 potential biomarkers were identified in three groups of rats. These metabolites were primarily involved in glycerophospholipid metabolism, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, glycerol ester metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, primary bile acid synthesis, and tryptophan metabolism. Our study demonstrated that YJP has the potential to alleviate LIDHS by modulating gut microbial and serum metabolic homeostasis. These results establish a foundation and offer valuable guidance for the utilization of YJP in the treatment of LIDHS.
Drivers and barriers in the institutionalisation of circular economy practices in food supply chains: A review
Authors: Ouro‐Salim Omar , Guarnieri Patricia
Published: August 2023

The circular economy (CE) has gained global attention for its potential to promote sustainable production and consumption through continuous growth and the efficient use of resources. Despite several reports highlighting its benefits, there is still a lack of concrete and proven studies examining the importance of institutional pressures for the transition towards CE in food supply chains. This study aims to address this gap by conducting a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to identify the drivers and barriers to the institutionalisation of CE in food supply chains, and to propose practical and managerial implications for achieving this transition through institutional pressure. We reviewed 25 studies and conducted a descriptive analysis of papers per year and journal, followed by a categorical thematic analysis. The results indicate that normative pressures were the most frequently identified among the different institutional pressures, followed by mimetic and coercive pressures. Therefore, promoting CE in food supply chains may require the implementation of laws, policies, and strict governance to reduce risks. This paper contributes to the existing literature and provides valuable insights for researchers and practitioners interested in the transition towards a CE in food supply chains.
Biodegradable scaffolds for enhancing vaccine delivery
Authors: Kerr Matthew D. , Johnson Wade T. , McBride David A. , Chumber Arun K. , Shah Nisarg J.
Published: August 2023

Sustained release of vaccine components is a potential method to boost efficacy compared with traditional bolus injection. Here, we show that a biodegradable hyaluronic acid (HA)‐scaffold, termed HA cryogel, mediates sustained antigen and adjuvant release in vivo leading to a durable immune response. Delivery from subcutaneously injected HA cryogels was assessed and a formulation which enhanced the immune response while minimizing the inflammation associated with the foreign body response was identified, termed CpG‐OVA‐HAC2. Dose escalation studies with CpG‐OVA‐HAC2 demonstrated that both the antibody and T cell responses were dose‐dependent and influenced by the competency of neutrophils to perform oxidative burst. In immunodeficient post‐hematopoietic stem cell transplanted mice, immunization with CpG‐OVA‐HAC2 elicited a strong antibody response, three orders of magnitude higher than dose‐matched bolus injection. In a melanoma model, CpG‐OVA‐HAC2 induced dose‐responsive prophylactic protection, slowing the tumor growth rate and enhancing overall survival. Upon rechallenge, none of the mice developed new tumors suggesting the development of robust immunological memory and long‐lasting protection against repeat infections. CpG‐OVA‐HAC2 also enhanced survival in mice with established tumors. The results from this work support the potential for CpG‐OVA‐HAC2 to enhance vaccine delivery.
Association of CDX2 and mucin expression with chemotherapeutic benefits in patients with stage II/III gastric cancer
Authors: Gao Xianchun , Han Weili , Chen Ling , Li Hongwei , Zhou Fenli , Bai Bin , Yan Junya , Guo Yong , Liu Kun , Li Wenjiao , Li Renlong , Yuan Qiangqiang , Zhang Jiehao , Lu Yuanyuan , Zhao Xiaodi , Ji Gang , Li Mengbin , Zhao Qingchuan , Wu Kaichun , Li Zengshan , Nie Yongzhan
Published: August 2023

Background

Better predictors of patients with stage II/III gastric cancer (GC) most likely to benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy are urgently needed. This study aimed to assess the ability of CDX2 and mucin markers to predict prognosis and fluorouracil‐based adjuvant chemotherapy benefits.

Methods

CDX2 and mucin protein expressions were examined by immunohistochemistry and compared with survival and adjuvant chemotherapy benefits in a prospective evaluation cohort of 782 stage II/III GC patients. Then, the main findings were validated in an independent validation cohort (n = 386) and an external mRNA sequencing dataset (ACRG cohort, n = 193).

Results

In the evaluation cohort, CDX2, CD10, MUC2, MUC5AC, and MUC6 expressions were observed in 59.7%, 26.7%, 27.6%, 55.1%, and 57.7% of patients, respectively. However, only the expression of CDX2 was found to be associated with adjuvant chemotherapy benefits. Most importantly, CDX2‐negative patients had a poorer prognosis when treated with surgery only, while the prognosis of CDX2‐negative and CDX2‐positive patients was similar when receiving postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy. Further analysis revealed that patients with CDX2 negative tumors benefited from chemotherapy (5‐year overall survival rates: 60.0% with chemotherapy vs. 23.2% with surgery‐only, p < 0.001), whereas patients with CDX2 positive tumors did not (pinteraction = 0.004). Consistent results were obtained in the validation and ACRG cohorts.

Conclusions

Negative expression of CDX2 is an independent risk factor for survival in stage II/III GC, but subsequent adjuvant chemotherapy is able to compensate for this unfavorable effect. Therefore, active chemotherapy is more urgent for patients with negative CDX2 expression than for patients with positive CDX2 expression.
Methods for the purification and detection of single nucleotide KRAS mutations on extrachromosomal circular DNA in human plasma
Authors: Bøllehuus Hansen Lasse , Jakobsen Sandra Fugl , Zole Egija , Noer Julie Boertmann , Fang Li Tai , Alizadeh Sefa , Johansen Julia Sidenius , Mohiyuddin Marghoob , Regenberg Birgitte
Published: August 2023

Backgrounds

Despite recent advances, many cancers are still detected too late for curative treatment. There is, therefore, a need for the development of new diagnostic methods and biomarkers. One approach may arise from the detection of extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA), which is part of cell‐free DNA in human plasma.

Aims

First, we assessed and compared two methods for the purification of eccDNA from plasma. Second, we tested for an easy diagnostic application of eccDNA liquid biopsy‐based assays.

Materials & Methods

For the comparison we tested a solid‐phase silica purification method and a phenol/chloroform method with salt precipitation.

For the diagnostic application of eccDNA we developed and tested a qPCR primer‐based SNP detection system, for the detection of two well‐established cancer‐causing KRAS mutations (G12V and G12R) on circular DNA. This investigation was supported by purifying, sequencing, and analysing clinical plasma samples for eccDNAs containing KRAS mutant alleles in 0.5 mL plasma from 16 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients and 19 healthy controls.

Results

In our method comparison we observed, that following exonuclease treatment a lower eccDNA yield was found for the phenol/chloroform method (15.7%–26.7%) compared with the solid‐phase purification approach (47.8%–65.9%).

For the diagnostic application of eccDNA tests, the sensitivity of the tested qPCR assay only reached ~10−3 in a background of 105 wild type (wt) KRAS circular entities, which was not improved by general amplification or primer‐based inhibition of wt KRAS amplification. Furthermore, we did not detect eccDNA containing KRAS in any of the clinical samples.

Discussion

A potential explanation for our inability to detect any KRAS mutations in the clinical samples may be related to the general low abundance of eccDNA in plasma.

Conclusion

Taken together our results provide a benchmark for eccDNA purification methods while raising the question of what is required for the optimal fast and sensitive detection of SNP mutations on eccDNA with greater sensitivity than primer‐based qPCR detection.
Histologic heterogeneity predicts patient prognosis of HER2‐positive metastatic breast cancer: A retrospective study based on SEER database
Authors: Wang Yajie , Liang Yiran , Ye Fangzhou , Luo Dan , Jin Yuhan , Li Yaming , Zhao Wenjing , Chen Bing , Wang Lijuan , Yang Qifeng
Published: August 2023

Background

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2‐positive (HER2+) metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is a subtype of breast cancer with a worse prognosis. Little is known about the relationship between histology and prognosis among different distant metastasis sites (DMS). Our aims were to explore the prognostic value of histologic subtypes in different DMS and screen out specific subtypes with particular DMS that need more attention in HER2+ MBC.

Methods

HER2+ MBC patient data were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between 2010 and 2014. Chi‐squared tests were utilized to compare histologic subtypes in four DMS. The logistic regression analyses were used to control confounding factors. The log‐rank tests were used to analyze the correlation of histologic subtype with disease‐specific survival and overall survival. The survival data was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier methods.

Results

A total of 1174 HER2+ MBC patients were involved. First, the distribution of histological subtypes varied across metastatic sites, and the proportions of metastatic sites in different histological subtypes were also different. Furthermore, different histological subtypes within specific DMS showed divergent prognoses, and the different outcomes were shown by distinct DMS for specific histological subtypes. Among them, lobular carcinoma (ILC) subtypes showed the worst prognosis in bone metastasis, and lung metastasis predicted the worst prognosis in infiltration duct and lobular carcinoma (IDC‐ILC) subtypes. After further consideration of hormone receptor (HR) status, the IDC‐ILC subtype with liver metastasis in HR+/HER2+ MBC patients and the ILC subtype with bone metastasis in HR−/HER2+ MBC patients proved to be noteworthy.

Conclusions

Histological subtypes are involved in determining the heterogeneity of HER2+ MBC patient prognosis, which is helpful to guide the prognosis prediction and monitoring of HER2+ breast cancer patients in clinics.
How to set safety boundary in virtual reality: A dynamic approach based on user motion prediction
Authors: Wang Haoxiang , Che Xiaoping , Chang Enyao , Qu Chenxin , Luo Yao , Wei Zhenlin
Published: August 2023

Virtual reality (VR) interaction safety is a prerequisite for all user activities in the virtual environment. While seeking a deep sense of immersion with little concern about surrounding obstacles, users may have limited ability to perceive the real‐world space, resulting in possible collisions with real‐world objects. Nowadays, recent works and rendering techniques such as the Chaperone can provide safety boundaries to users but confines them in a small static space and lack of immediacy. To solve this problem, we propose a dynamic approach based on user motion prediction named SCARF, which uses Spearman's correlation analysis, rule learning, and few‐shot learning to achieve prediction of user movements in specific VR tasks. Specifically, we study the relationship between user characteristics, human motion, and categories of VR tasks and provides an approach that uses biomechanical analysis to define the interaction space in VR dynamically.We report on a user study with 58 volunteers and establish a three dimensional kinematic dataset from a VR game. The experiments validate that our few‐shot learning model is effective and can improve the performance of motion prediction. Finally, we implement SCARF in VR environment for dynamic safety boundary adjustment.
In Vitro Genotoxic and Antigenotoxic Effects of Ten Novel Synthesized 4‐Thiazolidinone Derivatives
Authors: Alaylar Burak , Güllüce Medine , Turhan Kadir , Koç Taha Y. , Karadayı Mehmet , Tuğcu F. Tülay , Isaoglu Mine
Published: August 2023

Heterocyclic compounds are found in a variety of drug molecules, and bioactive natural products. 4‐Thiazolidinones (4‐TZDs), which represent an important class of heterocyclic compounds, are of great interest today with their diverse bioactivities. In this study, ten novel 4‐TZD derivatives (C1–C10) were synthesized, characterized by spectroscopic techniques, and their genotoxic, and antigenotoxic properties were investigated in vitro using the Ames Salmonella/microsome mutagenicity assay in the concentration range of 0.2–1.0 mM/plate. The results revealed that none of the compounds were mutagenic on the three different Salmonella typhimurium strains up to the highest concentration tested. Furthermore, in our study, C1, C4, C6, and C9 showed significant, ranging from moderate to strong, antigenotoxic effects against mutagen‐induced DNA damage at relatively higher doses. Among these, C4 had the best potential to inhibit the number of revertant colonies induced by 9‐aminoacridine (9‐AA), with a maximum inhibition rate of 47.9 % for 1.0 mM/plate. As a result, preliminary knowledge about the safety of the use of ten novel synthesized 4‐TZD compounds likely to exhibit many bioactivities was obtained in this study. In addition, the significant in vitro antimutagenic activity of some derivatives increases the importance of studies for the development of new pharmacological agents for cancer prevention.
Hydrodynamic Simulation and Analysis Using Computational Fluid Dynamics: Electrochemical Reactors and Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Meena Ram Raj , Kumar Sushil , Soni Pramod
Published: August 2023

State‐of‐the‐art applications of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in the analysis and optimization of electrochemical reactors and redox flow batteries are reviewed. Various factors are covered which affect the efficiency of electrochemical reactors and redox flow batteries created using CFD simulation approaches, including physical and chemical factors, such as pH, treatment time, temperature, and the conductivity of the solution, as well as design elements like inter‐electrode distance and electrode materials. Different hydrodynamic variables are discussed that impact the efficiency of these systems, such as pressure distribution, velocity, tracer mass fraction, geometry, flow‐based electrochemical energy storage, and residence time distribution. Although CFD methods are reliable, more straightforward, and cost‐effective, also the limitations of CFD and the challenges are considered that remain in its development and application in electrochemical engineering. The significant progress made in the use of CFD to study electrochemical reactors and redox flow batteries and the technology's potential to improve the efficiency and sustainability of these technologies are emphasized.
Fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia: A rare case report of prenatal treatment
Authors: Giouleka Sonia , Tsakiridis Ioannis , Zachomitros Fotios , Mamopoulos Apostolos , Kalogiannidis Ioannis , Athanasiadis Apostolos , Dagklis Themistoklis
Published: August 2023

Key Clinical Message

Fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) is a rare but serious condition. The first‐line antenatal management of FNAIT consists of weekly IVIG with or without corticosteroids, ideally starting before 16 weeks of gestation.