bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hospital-Onset Bacteremia Among Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Patients
Authors: Prochaska Erica C. , Xiao Shaoming , Colantuoni Elizabeth , Clark Reese H. , Johnson Julia , Mukhopadhyay Sagori , Kalu Ibukunoluwa C. , Zerr Danielle M. , Reich Patrick J. , Roberts Jessica , Flannery Dustin D. , Milstone Aaron M. ,   CDC Prevention Epicenters Program
Published: June 2024

Importance

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention plans to introduce hospital-onset bacteremia (HOB) as a health care–associated infection measure. The epidemiology and clinical characteristics of HOB among infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are unknown.

Objective

To estimate the rate of HOB among infants admitted to the NICU, measure the association of HOB risk with birth weight group and postnatal age, and estimate HOB-attributable mortality.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective multicenter cohort study and emulated trial from 2016 to 2021 included a convenience sample of 322 NICUs in the United States. Participants were infants admitted to participating NICUs for 4 or more days.

Exposures

The primary exposures were birth weight and postnatal age. Additional exposures included small for gestational age and central line presence.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary study outcomes were HOB and HOB-attributable mortality.

Results

Of 451 443 included infants, 250 763 (55.6%) were male, 200 680 (44.4%) were female, and 62 091 (13.8%) were born 1500 g or less. Of 9015 HOB events that occurred among 8356 infants (2%) during 8 163 432 days at risk (unadjusted incidence rate, 1.1 per 1000 patient-days; 95% CI, 1.0-1.2), 4888 HOB events (54.2%) occurred in the absence of a central line. Within the first 2 weeks after birth, the HOB rate was 14.2 per 1000 patient-days (95% CI, 12.6-16.1) among infants born 750 g or less, to 0.4 events per 1000 patient-days among infants born more than 2500 g (95% CI, 0.4-0.5). Among infants born 750 g or less, the relative HOB risk decreased by 90% after day 42 compared with days 4 to 14 (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 0.10; 95% CI, 0.1-0.1). Conversely, among infants born more than 2500 g, the relative HOB risk increased by 50% after day 42 compared with days 4 to 14 (IRR, 1.5, 95% CI, 1.2-1.9). Compared with otherwise similar infants without HOB, infants with HOB had an absolute difference in attributable mortality of 5.5% (95% CI, 4.7-6.3).

Conclusions and Relevance

This study found that HOB events in the NICU are associated with increased mortality. Birth weight is an important risk factor for HOB; however, the relative rate of HOB decreases over postnatal age among low-birth-weight infants and increases among infants born more than 2500 g. Identifying strategies to prevent HOB and programs to decrease HOB risk are urgently needed to reduce infant mortality.
Advantages of Total Reflection X‐Ray Fluorescence Analysis Over Conventional Trace Analytical Techniques in Different Areas of Material Characterization
Authors: Mishra Nand L.
Published: June 2024

Total reflection X‐ray fluorescence (TXRF) spectrometry, a variant of energy‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (EDXRF), has its detection limits comparable with conventional trace elemental determination techniques, e.g. inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) and inductively coupled plasma – atomic emission spectrometry (ICP‐AES). In addition, it has several advantages over these techniques, e.g. requirement of only a few microliters of sample (or picogram level of analytes), possibility of determination of metal and nonmetals alike, analysis of solids without dissolving (either rubbing on TXRF supports or making slurry), determination of low‐atomic‐number elements, and wide elemental range from C to Pu with modification of instrumental and sample preparation conditions. Due to these advantages, TXRF analysis is preferred over ICP‐MS or ICP‐AES in those areas where sample amount available is in minute quantity, dissolution of sample is difficult or not possible, sample dissolution is not preferred, or sample analysis is to be rechecked on same specimen in case of a doubt. There are several such studies reported on preferential application of TXRF in forensic, environmental, biological, agricultural, nuclear and several other areas. Some of these applications include analysis of gunshot residues (GSR), biological samples, and plutonium analysis for major and trace elements where sample amount available or preferred is very small. Similarly studies on TXRF applications for analysis of sintered (U,Th)O
2
pellets, soil samples, milk samples, tissue cells, etc. are also reported in various publications. Direct elemental analysis of environmental samples, e.g. aerosol particles, is another preferential area of TXRF spectrometry. Some of these studies are described in the present article.
Relativism, Moral
Authors: Wong David B.
Published: June 2024

Two kinds of moral relativism – metaethical and normative – are here distinguished. Metaethical relativism holds that conflicting moral judgments can both be correct. Normative relativism holds that we have moral reason not to impose our moral views on others if their opposing views are as correct as ours. The most radical versions of these views attract the most attention and criticism: as morally dangerous because they allegedly encourage a light regard for morality and the need for patient, critical examination of difficult moral issues; as confused because they conflate the moral value of tolerance with moral neutrality; and as ill‐founded because they take diversity in moral belief as direct evidence for the absence of universally valid moral requirements. On the other side, moral relativists have taken such criticisms to reflect a moral imperialism that does not trouble itself with an attempt to understand before judging the different to be inferior or mistaking dogmatism for well‐founded conviction. In their more moderate forms these relativist views deserve dispassionate consideration on the basis of their power to explain and respond to fundamental moral disagreement.
Free Riding
Authors: Cullity Garrett
Published: June 2024

Free riding is the taking of a jointly produced benefit without contributing toward its production. Moral and political philosophy asks two main questions about it: Under what conditions is this wrong? And can those conditions be invoked to provide a grounding for obligations to obey the authority of the state?
Intransitivity
Authors: Carlson Erik
Published: June 2024

It is usually taken for granted that if
a
is better than
b
, and
b
is better than
c
, then
a
is better than
c
. In other words, betterness is normally thought to be a
transitive
relation. Transitivity is a crucial assumption in theories of value aggregation and measurement, and it appears essential for normative theories as well. Arguably, any plausible moral theory puts some weight on promoting the good. If betterness is not always transitive, it may be that option
a
has a better outcome than option
b
, and
b
has a better outcome than option
c
, but
c
has a better outcome than
a
. In such a case, the requirement to promote the good provides no guide to action. Several philosophers have nevertheless questioned the transitivity assumption. A number of alleged counterexamples have been devised, and explanations of how intransitive betterness is possible have been offered. In response, other philosophers have provided arguments in favor of the transitivity assumption.
Shoulder Symptom Trajectories Over Four Years: Data From a Longitudinal Study on Osteoarthritis
Authors: Tran Gui , Dube Bright , Kingsbury Sarah R. , Conaghan Philip G.
Published: June 2024

Objective

Limited data exist on the natural history of shoulder symptoms. We aimed to describe longitudinal patterns of shoulder symptoms and determine risk factors for incidence and persistence.

Methods

Data from Osteoarthritis Initiative participants observed annually for four years were used to describe shoulder symptom (yes/no, side) incidence and prevalence using descriptive analyses. Regression analyses investigated the association among three shoulder symptoms outcomes (persistent, incident, and intermittent) and clinical factors. Latent class growth analysis (LCGA) identified trajectories in those reporting pain at one or more time point.

Results

In total, 4,796 participants (58% women, mean age 61.2 years) were included. Baseline shoulder symptom prevalence was 22%; 32% of these reported bilateral symptoms. In those reporting right symptoms, 260 of 1,886 (14%) had persistent symptoms. Those with persistent symptoms had worse baseline and four‐year clinical status (poorer function, mental health, and quality of life). In regression analysis, persistent symptoms were associated with sleep disturbance (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.97, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.49–2.62), work absenteeism (aOR 2.16, 95% CI 1.38–2.62), lower limb weakness (aOR 1.76, 95% CI 1.37–2.27), multiple‐site joint symptoms (≥3 joints excluding shoulders) (aOR 4.90, 95% CI 2.79–8.58) and White race (aOR 1.39, 95% CI 1.04–1.88). Lower limb weakness was also associated with incident symptoms; no variables were associated with intermittent symptoms. LCGA identified two trajectories: the trajectory with high probability for symptoms (9% of LCGA analysis cohort) showed similar relationships to clinical variables as in the persistent symptoms group.

Conclusion

In this large, four‐year study, persistent shoulder symptoms were common and associated with worse clinical outcomes. At least one risk factor for incident symptoms is modifiable.
Edge Dislocation and Grain Boundaries Effects on the Mechanical Properties in NiCoAl$N i C o A l$ Medium Entropy Alloy
Authors: Khan Mithun , Ali Md. Lokman
Published: June 2024

Medium‐entropy alloys (MEAs) are becoming increasingly popular owing to their superior mechanical features. For the first time, using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, investigation is done on how grain boundaries (GBs) and dislocations affect the mechanical properties of face‐centered cubic (FCC) equiatomic MEA. Lattice distortion, elastic constants and moduli, machinability index, Vickers hardness, and Kleinman parameters to explore how grain boundaries affect MEA are analyzed. It tends to become more rigid based on the link between its elastic moduli and GBs. Interestingly, the analyses of Cauchy pressure, Poisson's, and Pugh's ratios all indicate the ductility of the studied MEA. The investigation of anisotropy factors indicates that MEA exhibits anisotropy, which is reduced by the addition of GBs. Mechanical properties of the considered MEA, such as ductility, fracture toughness, and stability, are significantly influenced by the GBs. The obtained results show that studying these phenomena can help design structural nano‐metal materials with superior mechanical properties, allowing them to be used in various applications.
Tetrahedral Framework Nucleic Acid‐Based Delivery of Astaxanthin Suppresses Chondrocyte Pyroptosis and Modulates Oxidative Stress for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis
Authors: Li Yifan , Li Jiafeng , Xu Sheng , Li Dongdong , Zhang Zhen , Huang Qianshuo , Wang Xuanwei , Shen Miaoda , Xu Sanzhong
Published: June 2024

Worldwide, osteoarthritis (OA) is regarded as the most widespread, distressing, and limiting chronic disease that affects degenerative joints. Currently, there is no treatment available to modify the progression of OA. The pathogenesis of OA is significantly linked with oxidative stress and pyroptosis. Astaxanthin (Ast) is a natural ketocarotenoid pigment with potent antioxidant activity and is shown to effectively alleviate cartilage damage in OA. However, its bioavailability is greatly limited due to poor water solubility, high sensitivity to light, temperature, and pH. In this study, Ast‐loaded tetrahedral framework nucleic acids (tFNAs) or tFNA/Ast complexes (TAC) for Ast delivery are developed. Compared with free Ast and tFNA alone, TAC exhibits improved drug stability and cellular uptake. Most importantly, TAC effectively protects chondrocytes against oxidative stress‐induced pyroptosis while promoting extracellular matrix anabolism by chondrocytes, and ultimately alleviates cartilage damage in a mouse destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) model. Thus, TAC holds great promise for the treatment of OA patients.
Injectable Therapeutic Hydrogel with H2O2 Self‐Supplying and GSH Consumption for Synergistic Chemodynamic/Low‐Temperature Photothermal Inhibition of Postoperative Tumor Recurrence and Wound Infection
Authors: Hu Peng , Jia Zhili , Zhao Shuang , Lin Kunpeng , Yang Guoye , Guo Wujie , Yu Shuling , Cheng Jianjun , Du Guanhua , Shi Jiahua
Published: June 2024

Postoperative tumor recurrence and wound infection remain significant clinical challenges in surgery, often requiring adjuvant therapies. The combination treatment of photothermal therapy (PTT) and chemodynamic therapy (CDT) has proven to be effective in cancer treatment and wound infection. However, the hyperthermia during PTT increases the risk of normal tissue damage, severely impeding its application. Moreover, the efficacy of CDT is limited by insufficient hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and excessive glutathione (GSH) levels at tumor or infection sites. Herein, an injectable and multifunctional CuO2@Au hydrogel system (CuO2@Au Gel) is developed for synergistic CDT and low‐temperature PTT (LTPTT) to prevent tumor recurrence and bacterial wound infections. CuO2@Au Gel is constructed by embedding therapeutic CuO2@Au into low‐melting point agarose hydrogel. In vitro and in vivo experiments confirm that the CuO2@Au in CuO2@Au Gel is capable of self‐supplying H2O2 and depleting GSH, exhibiting effective CDT effect in acidic tumor or bacterial infected microenvironment. Additionally, it exhibits favorable photothermal conversion ability, inducing localized temperature elevation and synergistically enhancing CDT efficiency. The prepared CuO2@Au Gel demonstrates efficient tumor ablation capability in post‐surgery recurrence mouse models and exhibits promising anti‐infective efficiency in bacterial infection wound models, indicating significant potential in adjuvant therapy for post‐surgical treatment and recovery.
Chirality‐Induced Memristor of Chiral Nanostructured Half‐Metallic Fe3O4 Films
Authors: Zhang Baiwen , Bai Te , Han Lu , Che Shunai , Duan Yingying
Published: June 2024

Spintronic memristors, which combine the nonvolatile characteristics of memristors with the scalability of a spin‐transfer torque device, are expected to play a crucial role in advancing quantitative information processing. This field commonly relies on magnetic tunnel junctions, domain wall motion, and spin waves. Here, the discovery of chirality‐induced memristor behavior in chiral nanostructured Fe3O4 films (CNFFs) is reported. These CNFFs are grown on fluorine tin oxide (FTO) substrates using enantiomeric glutamic acid (Glu) as symmetry‐breaking agents and consist of arrays of oriented twisted nanofibers. At 100 K, the L‐CNFF exhibits memristor behavior as a pinched hysteresis loop in the I‐V curve, while the D‐CNFF exhibits semiconductor behavior with constant electrical resistance. The intrinsic spin polarization of half‐metallic Fe3O4 and the chirality‐induced spin selectivity (CISS) are speculated to contribute to the memristor in one handedness of the chiral structure. These findings present a novel spinristor that combines the functions of a memristor and a spin‐filter based on chiral structures, which may promote the development of spintronic devices.
Biphasic Interfacial Swimming Top‐Down Growth of Ruddlesden‒Popper Halide Perovskite Single‐Crystal Sheets with Few Defects
Authors: Zhang Dongning , Wei Xiangfeng , Wang Fei , Tang Hangyu , Deng Weiqiao , Liu Jiehua
Published: June 2024

Ruddlesden‐Popper (RP) hybrid perovskites have the characteristics of controllable quantum well thickness, excellent stability, and good photoelectric performance. However, traditional space‐limited methods easily induce additional defects at the crystal interface. Herein, a novel swimming top‐down method is proposed for growing high‐quality perovskite single‐crystal sheets in a biphasic liquid–liquid n‐dodecane/γ‐butyrolactone (GBL) system. The (BA)2MAPb2I7 single‐crystal sheet exhibited the lowest defect density on the top surface because of interfacial features, including a flat biphasic confined interface, a large area for GBL molecule diffusion, and sufficient traction for swimming growth. As a typical result, (BA)2MAPb2I7 single‐crystal‐based photodetectors exhibit outstanding weak‐light photoelectric performance with a responsivity of 1.02 A W−1, an external quantum efficiency of 226.9%, and a detectivity of 8.7 × 1012 Jones; these values are 310%, 310%, and 700%, respectively, as high as those of photodetectors obtained by the antisolvent vapor‐assisted crystallization method.
Highly Efficient Blue‐Emission by Regulating the Hydrogen Bond Structure in Lead Halide Perovskites
Authors: Xiong Hui , Wu Min , Zheng Huiqun , Zhuang Bihao , Tan Ziyu , Yang Wenjian , Fan Jiandong , Li Wenzhe
Published: June 2024

Low‐dimensional organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites (OIHPs) have attracted extensive attention due to their outstanding photoluminescence properties. However, the charge transfer between the organic A‐site and the inorganic framework is impeded, resulting in lower photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY). Herein, m‐xylylenediamine (MXD) is incorporated into the perovskite, realizing the synthesis of a series of 0D perovskite‐like single crystals, i.e., (MXD)2PbX6 (X = Cl, Br, I). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal the presence of effective hydrogen bonding between MXD and [PbX6]4−, which is enhanced through the controlled modification of halogen sites, enables the establishment of efficient charge transfer channels, and facilitates charge migration. Accordingly, (MXD)2PbCl6 achieves a PLQY as high as 55.9% at 460 nm, characterized by blue light emission and remarkable air stability.
Platinum Decorated Palladium Nanowires for Room‐Temperature Hydrogen Detection
Authors: Kumar Abhishek , Zhao Yaoli , Mohsenifard Sadaf , Maheshkar Vaishali , Thundat Thomas , Swihart Mark T.
Published: June 2024

The use of hydrogen as an energy carrier will require low‐cost, low‐power hydrogen sensors. Toward this goal, penta‐twinned palladium nanowires (Pd NWs) are synthesized and fabricated sensors from them by drop‐casting. Pd NWs drop‐cast onto an interdigitated electrode (IDE) gave a response of 0.3% to 1 vol.% H2, with response and recovery times of 12 and 20 s, respectively. However, they exhibited a negative response (decreased resistance) at low H2 concentrations. Pd NWs on a paper substrate provided a tenfold higher response to 1 vol.% H2, with response and recovery times of 10 s each, but still exhibited negative response at low H2 concentration. Exposing the Pd NW‐on‐paper sensor to ozone‐generating UV light degraded the PVP used in Pd NW synthesis, eliminating the reverse sensing response, and providing a response of 5% to 1 vol.% H2, with response and recovery times of 15 s. This allowed reliable H2 detection down to 100 ppm H2. Finally, coating the Pd NWs with a small amount of Pt (<5%) reduced the response and recovery times to 5 s by catalyzing H2 dissociation. This work provides a path to low‐cost sensors to enable the safe use of H2 as an energy carrier.
Stepwise Stiffening Chromophore Strategy Realizes a Series of Ultralong Blue Room‐Temperature Phosphorescent Materials
Authors: Guan Zhihao , Tang Zhaorun , Zeng Jianwen , Zheng Yuewei , Ding Lin , Chen Dongzhi , Li Houbin , Liu Xinghai
Published: June 2024

Ultralong room‐temperature phosphorescent (URTP) materials have attracted wide attention in anti‐counterfeiting, optoelectronic display, and bio‐imaging due to their special optical properties. However, room‐temperature blue phosphorescent materials are very scarce during applications because of the need to simultaneously populate and stabilize high‐energy excited states. In this work, a stepwise stiffening chromophore strategy is proposed to suppress non‐radiative jump by continuously reducing the internal spin of the chromophore, and successfully developing a series of blue phosphorescent materials. Phosphorescence lifetimes of more than 3 s are achieved, with the longest lifetime reaching 5.44 s and lasting more than 70 s in the naked eye. As far as is know, this is the best result that has been reported. By adjusting the chromophore conjugation, multicolor phosphorescences from cyan to green have been realized. In addition, these chromophores exhibit the same excellent optical properties in urea and polyvinyl alcohmance (PVA). Finally, these materials are successfully applied to luminescent displays.
Synergistic Electrocatalysis and Spatial Nanoconfinement to Accelerate Sulfur Conversion Kinetics in Aqueous Zn−S Battery
Authors: Li Jun , Liu Jinlong , Xie Fangxi , Bi Ran , Zhang Lei
Published: June 2024

Aqueous zinc batteries based on the conversion‐type sulfur cathodes are promising in energy storage system due to the high theoretical energy density, low cost, and good safety. However, the multi‐electron solid‐state intermediate conversion reaction of sulfur cathodes generally possess sluggish kinetics, which leads to lower discharge voltage and inefficient sulfur utilization, thus suppressing the practical energy density. Herein, sulfur nanoparticles derived from metal–organic frameworks confined in situ within electrospun fibers derived sulfur and nitrogen co‐doped carbon nanofibers (S@S,N−CNF) composite, which possesses yolk–shell S@C nanostructure, is fabricated through successive sulfidation, pyrolysis, and sulfide oxidation processes, and served as a high‐performance cathode material for Zn−S battery. The S and N dopants on carbon can collectively catalyse sulfur reduction reaction (SRR) by lowering energy barrier and accelerating kinetics to increase discharge voltage and specific capacity. Meanwhile, the yolk–shell S@C structure with spatially confined S nanoparticle yolks is beneficial to improve charge transfer and lower activation energy, thus further expediting SRR kinetics. Furthermore, extensive density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that S and N dual‐doping can thermodynamically and dynamically reduce the energy barrier of rate‐determining step (i.e., the transformation of *ZnS4 into *ZnS2) for the overall SRR, thereby significantly accelerating SRR kinetics.
Synthesis of 2‐phenylnaphthalenoid amide derivatives and their topoisomerase IIα inhibitory and antiproliferative activities
Authors: Wu Xiaoxia , Xu Guangsen , Lu Chunhua , Shen Yuemao
Published: June 2024

Topoisomerases are highly associated with cell proliferation, becoming an important target for the development of antitumor drugs. 2‐Phenylnaphthalenoids (2PNs) have been identified as human DNA topoisomerase IIα (TopoIIα) inhibitors. In this study, based on the 2PN scaffold, 20 amide derivatives (J1–J10, K1–K10) were synthesized. Among them, K10 showed high TopoIIα inhibitory activity and stronger antiproliferation activity against HepG‐2 and MDA‐MB‐231 cells (IC50 0.33 and 0.63 μM, respectively) than the positive control VP‐16 (IC50 9.19 and 10.86 μM) and the lead F2 (IC50 0.64 and 1.51 μM). Meanwhile, K10 could also inhibit migration and promote apoptosis of HepG‐2 and MDA‐MB‐231 cells. Therefore, K10 can be developed into a potent TopoIIα inhibitor as an antitumor agent. The structure–activity relationship was also discussed.
3‐Methylpyridine: Synthesis and Applications
Authors: Yin Zihang , Cao Yanwei , Sun Wen , Chen Gang , Fang Xianjie , He Lin
Published: June 2024

3‐Methylpyridine holds a pivotal role in organic chemistry as it constitutes a fundamental structure in numerous biologically active compounds. Its significance is underscored by its involvement in synthesizing vitamin B3 and developing pyridine insecticides, garnering considerable attention. Consequently, chemists have dedicated efforts to devising efficient and environmentally friendly methods for its preparation. This review systematically reviews several synthetic routes to 3‐methylpyridine, alongside recent advancements, while summarizing its application progress in various organic transformations.
Utilization of deep eutectic solvents in the production of high‐value compounds from biomass
Authors: Monroy Andrés F. , Caicedo Gerardo A. , Martínez José J. , Romanelli Gustavo P.
Published: June 2024

This review examines the role of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) in the biorefinery process. It covers the characteristics and classification of two‐component DESs, their preparation methods, and their physicochemical properties. The various applications of DES systems in biomass pretreatment, including lignin and hemicellulose removal, production of cellulose nanofibers, and the extraction of proteins, lipids, and phenolic compounds, among others, are explored. The synthesis of platform molecules using DES is also discussed. Finally, this review provides some tools that may be useful for researching the involvement of DES systems in high‐ or low‐biomass biorefineries.
Recent advances in photoresponsive printing inks for security encoding applications
Authors: Abdelrahman Meram S. , Khattab Tawfik A.
Published: June 2024

Counterfeiting of banknotes, important documents, and branded goods continues to be a major worldwide problem for governments, businesses, and consumers. This problem has serious financial, security, and health implications. Due to their stability for printing on various substrates, the photochromic anticounterfeiting inks have received important interest. There have been various photochromic agents, such as polymer nanoparticles, quantum and carbon dots, and organic and inorganic fluorophores and luminophores, which have been broadly used for antiforging applications. In comparison to organic agents, inorganic photochromic materials have better stability under reversible/long‐term light illumination. Recently, the remarkable optical characteristics and chemical stability of photoluminescent and photochromic agents have led to their extensive usage anticounterfeiting products. There have been also several strategies to tackle the rising problem of counterfeiting. Both of solvent‐based and water‐based inks have been developed for security encoding purposes. Additionally, the printing methods, including screen printing, labeling, stamping, inkjet printing, and handwriting, that have been used to apply anticounterfeiting inks onto various surfaces are discussed. The limitations of photoluminescent and photochromic agents and the potential for their future preparation to combat counterfeiting were discussed. This review would benefit academic researchers and industrial developers who are interested in the area of security printing.
Sustainability in design: Sustainable fashion design practices and environmental impact using mixed‐method analysis
Authors: Ma Juan , Huang Lijun , Guo Qi , Zhu Yilin
Published: June 2024

Sustainable fashion design arises as a crucial reaction to the industry's fashion necessity for environmental influence reduction and addressing sustainability challenges effectively. This study examines the nuanced dimensions of this pursuit and its influence on the industry's environmental performance. Through a mixed‐method research approach involving 268 designers and 159 participants included in the interview process (fashion experts, entrepreneurs, and business strategists), the investigation explored the efficacy of eco‐friendly practices in enhancing overall sustainability. The findings underscore significant improvements in environmental performance metrics for fashion companies embracing sustainable design practices, revealing a direct correlation between such practices and a reduction in carbon footprint. The study identifies key drivers prompting fashion businesses to invest in innovative sustainable design solutions, particularly in response to sustainability challenges and consumer demand for eco‐friendly products. Collaboration with eco‐conscious suppliers and transparent supply chain practices is pivotal for effectively addressing sustainability challenges. Besides, the research underscores the significance of incorporating principles of circular economy, including recycling and upcycling, to augment environmental performance within the fashion sector. By offering practical insights and theoretical reflections, our research enriches the discourse on sustainable fashion (SF), guiding industry stakeholders, policymakers, and researchers aiming for a sustainable and ethical future.
A retrospective study of first‐line therapy and subsequent pyrotinib treatment in advanced lung adenocarcinoma with HER2 mutations
Authors: Wang Li , Wu Yueran , Ren Zhixuan , Chu Xiangling , Chen Jianing , Liu Li , Zhao Jing , Yu Xin , Xie Mengqing , Su Chunxia
Published: June 2024

Objectives

HER2 is an infrequently mutated driver gene in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). At present, there has been no comprehensive large‐scale clinical study to establish the optimal first‐line treatment strategy for advanced lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) with HER2‐Mutant. Besides that, the effectiveness and safety of pyrotinib, a pan‐HER inhibitor, in the context of NSCLC are still undergoing investigation.

Materials and Methods

In this study, we conducted a retrospective data collection of HER2‐Mutated advanced LUAD who received first‐line treatment and pyrotinib between May 2014 and June 2023. Patients treated with chemotherapy, chemotherapy + immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), chemotherapy + bevacizumab and pyrotinib in first‐line treatment. Furthermore, we collected data on the efficacy and safety of pyrotinib in these patients after disease progression. The main endpoint of the study was progression‐free survival (PFS).

Results

In the final analysis, 89 patients were included in the first‐line cohort and 30 patients were included in the pyrotinib cohort. In the first‐line treatment cohort, chemotherapy + ICIs, chemotherapy + bevacizumab, and pyrotinib exhibited notable survival benefits compared to chemotherapy (median PFS: 9.87 vs. 7.77 vs. 7.10 vs. 5.40 months, p‐value < 0.05). Furthermore, patients with a first‐line treatment PFS of less than 6 months may potentially benefit from subsequent treatment with pyrotinib (median PFS: 7.467 vs. 3.000, p‐value = 0.0490).

Conclusions

In the first‐line treatment of HER2‐Mutant LUAD, regimens involving combinations like chemotherapy + ICIs, chemotherapy + bevacizumab, and pyrotinib may confer enhanced survival advantages compared to chemotherapy. Nevertheless, no significant distinctions were observed among these three treatment strategies, underscoring the imperative to identify biomarkers for the discerning selection of suitable therapeutic modalities. Moreover, patients with suboptimal response to first‐line treatment may potentially derive more benefit from pyrotinib.
CRAFITY score benefits hepatocellular carcinoma patients treated with transarterial chemoembolization and lenvatinib
Authors: Zhang Lin , Yang Hongcai , Ning Shangkun , Wu Zhijuan , Wang Dianzhe , Liang Hexin , Wang Chunni , Chang Xu
Published: June 2024

Background

The CRAFITY score serves as a simple and effective predictive model for individuals diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and subjected to treatment with atezolizumab and bevacizumab (Atez/Bev). However, no large sample size studies have reported the application of the CRAFITY score among HCC patients undergoing transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in conjunction with lenvatinib. This research aims to assess the prognostic role of the CRAFITY score in the context of individuals with HCC receiving TACE in combination with lenvatinib.

Methods

This retrospective analysis encompassed 314 individuals diagnosed with HCC who underwent the combination of TACE and lenvatinib at two medical facilities in China from August 2019 to August 2022 (comprising a training cohort of n = 172 and a validation cohort of n = 142). We investigated the prognostic values of overall survival (OS), progression‐free survival (PFS), disease control rate, and objective response rate in the training cohort based on the CRAFITY scores. Furthermore, the predictive capacity of the model was corroborated through validation using an external cohort.

Results

We included 174 and 142 patients treated with TACE plus lenvatinib in the training and validation cohorts, correspondingly. PFS and OS differed across all three groups in all training and validation cohorts, based on the CRAFITY score (p < 0.001). In both cohorts, the CRAFITY score effectively predicted tumor response (p < 0.001). Moreover, among the 121 patients who received TACE, lenvatinib, and immunotherapy, the CRAFITY score showed promising predictive efficacy in PFS and OS.

Conclusions

The CRAFITY score, utilizing C‐reactive protein and alpha‐fetoprotein values, emerges as a dependable and pragmatic instrument for forecasting the effectiveness of TACE plus lenvatinib in individuals with unresectable HCC. This scoring system holds the potential to assist oncologists in making informed clinical decisions.
Chemoproteomic Strategy Identifies PfUCHL3 as the Target of Halofuginone
Authors: Yu Si‐Miao , Zhao Mei‐Mei , Zheng Yong‐Zhe , Zhang Ji‐Chao , Liu Zheng‐Ping , Tu Peng‐Fei , Wang Heng , Wei Chun‐Yan , Zeng Ke‐Wu
Published: June 2024

The human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) continues to pose a significant public health challenge, leading to millions of fatalities globally. Halofuginone (HF) has shown a significant anti‐P. falciparum effect, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for malaria treatment. In this study, we synthesized a photoaffinity labeling probe of HF to identify its direct target in P. falciparum. Our results reveal that ubiquitin carboxyl‐terminal hydrolase 3 (PfUCHL3) acts as a crucial target protein of HF, which modulates parasite growth in the intraerythrocytic cycle. In particular, we discovered that HF potentially forms hydrogen bonds with the Leu10, Glu11, and Arg217 sites of PfUCHL3, thereby inducing an allosteric effect by promoting the embedding of the helix 6’ region on the protein surface. Furthermore, HF disrupts the expression of multiple functional proteins mediated by PfUCHL3, specifically those that play crucial roles in amino acid biosynthesis and metabolism in P. falciparum. Taken together, this study highlights PfUCHL3 as a previously undisclosed druggable target of HF, which contributes to the development of novel anti‐malarial agents in the future.
Construction of Smartphone‐Integrated Nanozyme Sensor Based on Amino Acid‐Modulated Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Wu Congnan , Li Qing , Su Rongxin , Wang Yuefei , Qi Wei
Published: June 2024

Amino acids are not only the building blocks of proteins but also lead to the development of novel nanomaterials with unique properties. Herein, we proposed a simple strategy to produce gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) with peroxidase‐like (POD‐like) activities by using a series of amino acids as reducing agents, named Au NPs@M (M represents different amino acids). The Au NPs@His was identified as the nanozyme with the most potent catalytic performance, which was used in combination with smartphones to achieve rapid detection of hydrogen peroxide with a detection limit of 0.966 μM. It also enables rapid detection of glucose with a detection limit of 2.904 μM, highlighting the significant contribution of Au NPs@His in expediting the detection of critical biomolecules. This work not only provides a convenient and highly efficient method to identify glucose but also shows the potential of histidine as a reducing agent in constructing Au nanomaterials exerting enzyme‐like catalysis.
Comprehensive analysis of the prognostic value of glutathione S‐transferases Mu family members in breast cancer
Authors: Gohari Nazanin , Abbasi Elham , Akrami Hassan
Published: June 2024

Breast cancer (BC) remains a significant public health concern globally, with a high number of reported cases and a substantial number of deaths every year. Accumulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress are related to BC and the Glutathione S‐transferases Mu (GSTM) family is one of the most important enzymatic detoxifiers associated with many cancers. In this study, UALCAN, Kaplan‐Meier plotter, bc‐GenExMiner, cBioPortal, STRING, Enrichr, and TIMER databases were employed to carry out a comprehensive bioinformatic analysis and provide new insight into the prognostic value of GSTMs in BC. GSTM2‐5 genes in mRNA and protein levels were found to be expressed at lower levels in breast tumors compared to normal tissues, and reduction in mRNA levels is linked to shorter overall survival (OS) and relapse‐free survival (RFS). The lower mRNA levels of GSTMs were strongly associated with the worse Scarff‐Bloom‐Richardson (SBR) grades (p < 0.0001). The mRNA levels of all five GSTMs were substantially higher in estrogen receptor (ER)‐positive and progesterone receptor (PR)‐positive compared to ER‐negative and PR‐negative BC patients. As well, when nodal status was compared, GSTM1, GSTM3, and GSTM5 were significantly higher in nodal‐positive BC patients (p < .01). Furthermore, GSTM4 had the most gene alteration (4%) among other family members, and GSTM5 showed the strongest correlation with CD4+ T cells (Cor= .234, p = 2.22e‐13). In conclusion, our results suggest that GSTM family members may be helpful as biomarkers for prognosis and as therapeutic targets in BC.
Corelating the molecular structure of BAG3 to its oncogenic role
Authors: Pattoo Tabinda Showkat , Khanday Firdous A.
Published: June 2024

BAG3 is a multifaceted protein characterised by having WW domain, PXXP motif and BAG domain. This protein gets upregulated during malignant transformation of cells and has been associated with poorer survival of patients. Procancerous activity of BAG domain of BAG3 is well documented. BAG domain interacts with ATPase domain of Hsp‐70 preventing protein delivery to proteasome. This impediment results in enhanced cell survival, proliferation, resistance to apoptosis and chemoresistance. Besides BAG domain other two domains/motifs of BAG3 are under research vigilance to explore its further oncogenic role. This review summarises the role of different structural determinants of BAG3 in elevating oncogenesis. Based on the already existing findings, more interacting partners of BAG3 are anticipated. The anticipated partners of BAG3 can shed a wealth of information into the mechanistic insights of its proproliferative role. Proper insights into the mechanistic details adopted by BAG3 to curtail/elaborate activity of anticipated interacting partners can serve as a potent target for development of therapeutic interventions.
Botulinum toxin therapy for isolated first dorsal interosseous muscle pain and hypertrophy: A case report
Authors: Rahimibarghani Sarvenaz , Aghaghazvini Leila , Shirzad Niloofar , Fateh Hamid R.
Published: June 2024

Key Clinical Message

Botulinum toxin (BTX) injection can be an effective treatment for persistent pain and functional impairment associated with hypertrophy of the first dorsal interosseous muscle. It offers a non‐surgical and minimally invasive alternative for those who have failed conservative treatment, showcasing the therapeutic promise of BTX for addressing similar musculoskeletal conditions.
Complete clinical response to chemoradiation in adenoid cystic carcinoma of the base of tongue: Case report of a rare tumor in a rare location
Authors: Bayani Reyhaneh , Hasanzadeh Elyas , Javadirad Etrat , Azarpeikan Ali Reza , Babaei Mohammad , Mousavi Darzikolaee Nima
Published: June 2024

Key Clinical Message

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is an uncommon malignancy of head and neck. Although the cornerstone of treatment is surgery, concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) might be used as an effective treatment for unresectable tumors. Herein we report a case of massive ACC of base of tongue with durable complete response to definitive CRT.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare tumor accounting for 1% of all head and neck cancers. The best treatment option is complete surgical resection with or without adjuvant radiotherapy. When surgical resection is not feasible, definitive radiotherapy with or without concurrent chemotherapy can be considered. Herein we report a non‐smoker 72‐year‐old woman presented with throat discomfort and sensation of a lump. Evaluation revealed an unresectable adenoid cystic carcinoma of the base of tongue in whom complete clinical response was achieved after definitive concurrent chemoradiation. Although the cornerstone of treatment is complete surgical resection, this case report indicates that concurrent chemoradiotherapy might result in complete clinical response and could be used as a definitive treatment in selected ACC tumors.
Postprandial abdominal pain and weight loss as the initial presentation of abdominal neuroendocrine tumor recurrence
Authors: Yingchoncharoen Pitchaporn , Bharathidasan Kavya , Thongpiya Jerapas , Bernal Diego , Abdelnabi Mahmoud
Published: June 2024

Key Clinical Message

Neuroendocrine tumors, rare and slow‐growing, primarily affect the gastrointestinal tract, causing symptoms due to hormone secretion or mass effect. This case image described postprandial abdominal pain as an atypical initial presentation of abdominal neuroendocrine tumor recurrence in a middle‐aged male.

Neuroendocrine tumors are a group of rare, slow‐growing neoplasms, most commonly affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Clinical presentations include symptoms related to the mass or hypersecretion of hormones, such as flushing, diarrhea, or bronchoconstriction. Postprandial abdominal pain is most commonly related to chronic mesenteric ischemia from atherosclerotic changes but is rarely linked to external mass compression, including gastrointestinal tumors. Hereby, the authors highlight an uncommon presentation of NET, which is very challenging to diagnose and demands a high index of suspicion.
Protein‐Protein Stabilization in VIVO/8‐Hydroxyquinoline–Lysozyme Adducts
Authors: Paolillo Maddalena , Ferraro Giarita , Pisanu Federico , Maréchal Jean‐Didier , Sciortino Giuseppe , Garribba Eugenio , Merlino Antonello
Published: June 2024

The binding of the potential drug [VIVO(8‐HQ)2], where 8‐HQ is 8‐hydroxyquinolinato, with hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) was evaluated through spectroscopic (electron paramagnetic resonance, EPR, and UV‐visible), spectrometric (electrospray ionization‐mass spectrometry, ESI‐MS), crystallographic (X‐ray diffraction, XRD), and computational (DFT and docking) studies. ESI‐MS indicates the interaction of [VIVO(8‐HQ)(H2O)]+ and [VIVO(8‐HQ)2(H2O)] species with HEWL. Room temperature EPR spectra suggest both covalent and non‐covalent binding of the two different V‐containing fragments. XRD analyses confirm these findings, showing that [VIVO(8‐HQ)(H2O)]+ interacts covalently with the solvent exposed Asp119, while cis‐[VIVO(8‐HQ)2(H2O)] non‐covalently with Arg128 and Lys96 from a symmetry mate. The covalent binding of [VIVO(8‐HQ)(H2O)]+ to Asp119 is favored by a π‐π contact with Trp62 and a H‐bond with Asn103 of a symmetry‐related molecule. Additionally, the covalent binding of VVO2+ to Asp48 and non‐covalent binding of other V‐containing fragments to Arg5, Cys6, and Glu7 are revealed. Molecular docking indicates that, in the absence of the interactions occurring at the protein‐protein interface close to Asp119, the covalent binding to Glu35 or Asp52 should be preferred. Such a protein‐protein stabilization could be more common than what believed up today, at least in the solid state, and should be considered in the characterization of metal‐protein adducts.
Acupuncture for hot flashes in hormone receptor‐positive breast cancer: A pooled analysis of individual patient data from parallel randomized trials
Authors: Lu Weidong , Giobbie‐Hurder Anita , Tanasijevic Anna , Kassis Sylvia Baedorf , Park Sung Hwan , Jeong Young Ju , Shin Im Hee , Yao Chang , Jung Hyun Jung , Zhu Zhiyuan , Bao Chao , Bao Ting , Yang EunMee , Bierer Barbara E. , Ligibel Jennifer A.
Published: June 2024

Background

Hot flashes are a common side effect of endocrine therapy (ET) that contribute to poor quality of life and decreased treatment adherence.

Methods

Patients with breast cancer wo were receiving ET and experiencing hot flashes were enrolled through three parallel, randomized trials conducted in the United States, China, and South Korea. Participants were randomized to either immediate acupuncture (IA) or delayed acupuncture control (DAC). IA participants received 20 acupuncture sessions over 10 weeks, whereas DAC participants received usual care, then crossed over to acupuncture with a reduced intensity. The primary end point was a change in score on the endocrine symptom subscale of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT)‐Endocrine Symptoms between baseline and week 10. Secondary end points included the hot flash score and the FACT‐Breast score. A planned pooled analysis of individual patient data was performed using longitudinal mixed models.

Results

In total, 158 women with stage 0–III breast cancer were randomized (United States, n = 78; China, n = 40; South Korea, n = 40). At week 10, IA participants reported statistically significant improvements in the endocrine symptom subscale score (mean change ± standard error: 5.1 ± 0.9 vs. 0.2 ± 1.0; p = .0003), the hot flash score (−5.3 ± 0.9 vs. −1.4 ± 0.9; p < .003), and the FACT‐Breast total score (8.0 ± 1.6 vs. −0.01 ± 1.6; p = .0005) compared with DAC participants. The effect of the acupuncture intervention differed by site (p = .005).

Conclusions

Acupuncture led to statistically and clinically meaningful improvements in hot flashes, endocrine symptoms, and breast cancer‐specific quality of life in women undergoing ET for breast cancer in the United States, China, and South Korea.
As Faculty Members Continue to Adjust to the Changes Wrought by AI, Some Say the Technology Actually Makes the Job Worse
Authors: Arnett Autumn A.
Published: June 2024

Rua Mae Williams, an assistant professor in the User Experience Design program at Purdue University, recently shared on X (the network formerly known as Twitter) about the ways implicit bias about who and what intelligence looks and sounds like inspires greater use of artificial intelligence platforms, such as ChatGPT, among students who don’t feel they measure up.
Microwave‐Assisted Confining Growth and Liquid Exfoliation of sp3‐Hybrid Carbon Nitride Nano/Micro‐Crystals
Authors: Shen Chenglong , Lou Qing , Liu Kaikai , Zheng Guangsong , Song Runwei , Zang Jinhao , Yang Xigui , Li Xing , Dong Lin , Shan Chongxin
Published: June 2024

As one promising carbon‐based material, sp3‐hybrid carbon nitride has been predicted with various novel physicochemical properties. However, the synthesis of sp3‐hybrid carbon nitride is still limited by the nanaoscale, low crystallinity, complex source, and expensive instruments. Herein, we have presented a facile approach to the sp3‐hybrid carbon nitride nano/micro‐crystals with microwave‐assisted confining growth and liquid exfoliation. Actually, the carbon nitride nano/micro‐crystals can spontaneously emerge and grow in the microwave‐assisted polymerization of citric acid and urea, and the liquid exfoliation can break the bulk disorder polymer to retrieve the highly crystalline carbon nitride nano/micro‐crystals. The obtained carbon nitride nano/micro‐crystals present superior blue light absorption strength and surprising photoluminescence quantum yields of 57.96% in ethanol and 18.05% in solid state. The experimental characterizations and density functional theory calculations reveal that the interface‐trapped localized exciton may contribute to the excellent intrinsic light emission capability of carbon nitride nano/micro‐crystals and the interparticle staggered stacking will prevent the aggregation‐caused‐quenching partially. Finally, the carbon nitride nano/micro‐crystals are demonstrated to be potentially useful as the phosphor medium in light‐emitting‐diode for interrupting blue light‐induced eye damage. This work paves new light on the synthesis strategy of sp3‐hybrid carbon nitride materials and thus may push forward the development of multiple carbon nitride research.