bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The AKT kinase is activated in multiple myeloma tumor cells
Authors: Hsu Jung-hsin , Shi Yijiang , Krajewski Stanislaw , Renner Stephen , Fisher Myrna , Reed John C. , Franke Thomas F. , Lichtenstein Alan
Published: July 2002

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed on archived bone marrow (BM) with a phosphospecific anti-AKT antibody. IHC on 26 BM biopsies from patients with multiple myeloma (MM) demonstrated phospho-AKT staining of malignant plasma cells in a cell membrane–specific pattern, whereas nonmalignant hematopoietic cells did not stain. Preabsorption of the antibody with phosphorylated AKT peptide, but not nonphosphorylated peptide, abrogated staining. Frequency of plasma cell staining in BMs of patients with stage I or smoldering MM was significantly less than that of stage III MM marrows. Plasma cells in 10 patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance were not stained by the antibody. To investigate the significance of AKT activation, 2 cell lines initiated from cultures of primary MM cells were also studied. Both demonstrated constitutive AKT activation. Interruption of AKT activation and activity, achieved by either exposure to wortmannin or by ectopic expression of a dominant negative AKT mutant, resulted in inhibition of MM cell growth in vitro. These results indicate that activation of the AKT kinase is a characteristic of MM cells and suggest that AKT activity is important for MM cell expansion.
Expression of the granzyme B inhibitor, protease inhibitor 9, by tumor cells in patients with non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin lymphoma: a novel protective mechanism for tumor cells to circumvent the immune system?
Authors: Bladergroen Bellinda A. , Meijer Chris J. L. M. , ten Berge Rosita L. , Hack C. Erik , Muris Jettie J. F. , Dukers Danny F. , Chott Andreas , Kazama Yoshiaki , Oudejans Joost J. , van Berkum Oskar , Kummer J. Alain
Published: July 2002

In tumor cells, the serine protease granzyme B is the primary mediator of apoptosis induced by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs)/natural killer (NK) cells. The human intracellular serpin proteinase inhibitor 9 (PI9) is the only known human protein able to inhibit the proteolytic activity of granzyme B. When present in the cytoplasm of T lymphocytes, PI9 is thought to protect CTLs against apoptosis induced by their own misdirected granzyme B. Based on the speculation that tumors may also express PI9 to escape CTL/NK cell surveillance, immunohistochemical studies on the expression of PI9 in various lymphomas were performed. Ninety-two cases of T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), 75 cases of B-cell NHL, and 57 cases of Hodgkin lymphomas were stained with a PI9-specific monoclonal antibody. In T-cell NHL, highest PI9 expression was found in the extranodal T-cell NHL. In nearly 90% of enteropathy-type T-cell NHLs and 80% of NK/T-cell, nasal-type lymphomas, the majority of the tumor cells expressed PI9. In nodal T-anaplastic large cell lymphomas and peripheral T-cell lymphomas (not otherwise specified), PI9 expression occurred less frequently. In B-cell NHL, PI9 expression was associated with high-grade malignancy; 43% of diffuse large B-cell lymphomas showed PI9+ tumor cells. Finally, PI9 expression was also found in 10% of Hodgkin lymphomas. This is the first report describing the expression of the granzyme B inhibitor PI9 in human neoplastic cells in vivo. Expression of this inhibitor is yet another mechanism used by tumor cells to escape their elimination by cytotoxic lymphocytes.
Reduced-intensity conditioning followed by allografting of hematopoietic cells can produce clinical and molecular remissions in patients with poor-risk hematologic malignancies
Authors: Corradini Paolo , Tarella Corrado , Olivieri Attilio , Gianni Alessandro M. , Voena Claudia , Zallio Francesco , Ladetto Marco , Falda Michele , Lucesole Moira , Dodero Anna , Ciceri Fabio , Benedetti Fabio , Rambaldi Alessandro , Sajeva Maria R. , Tresoldi Moreno , Pileri Alessandro , Bordignon Claudio , Bregni Marco
Published: July 2002

A reduced-intensity conditioning regimen was investigated in 45 patients with hematologic malignancies who were considered poor candidates for conventional myeloablative regimens. Median patient age was 49 years. Twenty-six patients previously failed autologous transplantation, and 18 patients had a refractory disease at the time of transplantation. In order to decrease nonrelapse mortality, and enhance the graft-versus-tumor effect, a program was designed in which a reduced conditioning with thiotepa, fludarabine, and cyclophosphamide was associated with programmed reinfusions of donor lymphocytes for patients without graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), not achieving clinical and molecular remission after transplantation. GVHD prophylaxis consisted of cyclosporine A and methotrexate. Seventeen patients received marrow cells and 28 received mobilized hematopoietic cells. All patients engrafted. The probability of grades II-IV and III-IV acute GVHD were 47% and 13%, respectively. The probability of nonrelapse mortality, progression-free survival, and overall survival were 13%, 57%, and 53%, respectively. Thirteen patients in complete remission had a polymerase chain reaction marker for minimal disease monitoring; 10 achieved molecular remission after transplantation. Nine patients received donor lymphocytes: one patient with mantle cell lymphoma had a minimal response, one patient with refractory anemia with excess of blasts in transformation achieved complete remission, and 7 patients did not respond. At a median follow-up of 385 days (range, 24 to 820 days), 25 patients (55%) were alive in complete remission. Although longer follow-up is needed to evaluate the long-term outcome, the study shows that this regimen is associated with a durable engraftment, has a low nonrelapse mortality rate, and can induce clinical and molecular remissions.
α1-Acid glycoprotein expressed in the plasma of chronic myeloid leukemia patients does not mediate significant in vitro resistance to STI571
Authors: Jørgensen Heather G. , Elliott Moira A. , Allan Elaine K. , Carr Christine E. , Holyoake Tessa L. , Smith Kevin D.
Published: July 2002

Despite the efficacy of STI571 (Glivec, Novartis, Basle, Switzerland) in treating chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), drug resistance has already been noted both in vitro and in vivo. As plasma proteins, including alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), may reduce drug efficacy through binding, AGP was investigated for its ability to interact with STI571.

 At all stages of CML, AGP plasma level was significantly higher than in normal controls (P < .05). The glycoprotein was purified from normal plasma and individual chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients' plasma by low-pressure chromatography. The influence of α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), in the presence of STI571, on the proliferation of Philadelphia chromosome–positive (Ph+) cells was examined. Normal AGP, even at supraphysiological concentrations, did not block the effect of STI571 on K562-cell proliferation in vitro. Moreover, CML-derived AGP failed to block the effect of STI571 on Ph+ cells in vitro. Thus, these in vitro findings suggest that AGP will not abrogate the antileukemic activity of STI571.
Immunophenotypic evaluation of the plasma cell compartment in multiple myeloma: a tool for comparing the efficacy of different treatment strategies and predicting outcome
Authors: San Miguel Jesús F. , Almeida Julia , Mateo Gema , Bladé Joan , López-Berges Consuelo , Caballero Dolores , Hernández José , Moro Marı́a Jesús , Fernández-Calvo Javier , Dı́az-Mediavilla Joaquı́n , Palomera Luis , Orfao Alberto
Published: July 2002

Multiparametric immunophenotyping can be a sensitive method for analyzing the plasma cell (PC) compartment in patients with multiple myeloma because it discriminates between myelomatous and normal PCs. Using this approach, we compared the efficacy of high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) with that of conventional chemotherapy. We found that ASCT provided a significantly greater reduction in the level of residual tumor PCs and with better recovery of normal PCs. This profile of coexistence of normal PCs and myelomatous PCs resembled that observed in monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance. We also found that treatment-induced changes in the PC compartment correlated with disease outcome. Thus, patients in whom at least 30% of gated PCs had a normal phenotype after treatment had a significantly longer progression-free survival (60 ± 6 months versus 34 ± 12 months;P = .02).
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Arising in Bone in Children and Adolescents Is Associated With an Excellent Outcome: A Children’s Cancer Group Report
Authors: Lones Mark A. , Perkins Sherrie L. , Sposto Richard , Tedeschi Nicole , Kadin Marshall E. , Kjeldsberg Carl R. , Wilson John F. , Zwick David L. , Cairo Mitchell S.
Published: July 2002

PURPOSE: Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) arising in bone is a heterogeneous histologic type of NHL that includes large-cell lymphoma, lymphoblastic lymphoma, and small noncleaved-cell lymphoma. NHL arising in bone is well recognized in adults but is less well characterized and infrequent in children and adolescents.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of Children’s Cancer Group (CCG) studies treating children and adolescents with NHL over a 20-year period (CCG-551, CCG-501, CCG-502, CCG-503, CCG-552, CCG-5911, and CCG-5941) and determined the response and event-free survival (EFS) rates in 31 patients with NHL arising in bone.

RESULTS: The patients ranged in age from 3 to 17 years (median, 11 years; mean, 11 years), and 64.5% were male. All 31 (100%) patients achieved complete response. For 31 patients with NHL arising in bone, the product-limit estimated 5-year EFS was 83.8% ± 6.7%. EFS in 17 patients with localized disease (Murphy stages I and II) was 94.1% ± 5.7%, and EFS in 14 patients with disseminated disease (Murphy stage III) was 70.7% ± 12.4% (log-rank P = .10). EFS in 17 patients treated with chemotherapy and radiation was 70.1% ± 11.2%, and EFS in 14 patients treated with chemotherapy without radiation was 100% (P = .03). EFS in 26 patients with histology-directed treatment (LSA2-L2 or ADCOMP for lymphoblastic, other therapy for nonlymphoblastic) was 92.2% ± 5.3%, and in five patients with nonhistology-directed treatment it was 40.0% ± 21.9% (P < .001).

CONCLUSION: NHL arising in bone is a heterogeneous type of NHL that makes up approximately 2.0% of NHL in children and adolescents on CCG studies. Response and survival in this young age group seem superb, with histology-directed treatment protocols without radiation in both localized and disseminated disease.
Characterization of a Novel Prostate-Specific Antigen–Activated Peptide-Doxorubicin Conjugate in Patients With Prostate Cancer
Authors: DiPaola Robert S. , Rinehart John , Nemunaitis John , Ebbinghaus Scott , Rubin Eric , Capanna Terry , Ciardella Marie , Doyle-Lindrud Susan , Goodwin Susan , Fontaine Michelle , Adams Ned , Williams Adrienne , Schwartz Michael , Winchell Greg , Wickersham Karen , Deutsch Paul , Yao Siu-Long
Published: July 2002

PURPOSE: To evaluate safety and pharmacokinetics (PK), and determine the recommended dose for efficacy studies, of L-377202, a novel peptide conjugate of doxorubicin (Dox) that releases the active metabolites leucine-doxorubicin (Leu-Dox) and Dox on cleavage by membrane-bound prostate-specific antigen (PSA).

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Nineteen patients with advanced hormone-refractory prostate cancer were treated intravenously with 71 cycles of L-377202 at escalating dose levels of 20 (n = 1), 40 (n = 3), 80 (n = 4), 160 (n = 3), 225 (n = 6), and 315 mg/m2 (n = 2) once every 3 weeks. Toxicity, response, and PK of L-377202 were assessed.

RESULTS: L-377202 was well tolerated. Dose-limiting grade 4 neutropenia was noted in two of two patients administered 315 mg/m2 (both patients were able to resume therapy at 225 mg/m2). The recommended dose for efficacy studies was 225 mg/m2, which induced grade 4 neutropenia in one of six patients. PK studies demonstrated that L-377202 was metabolized to Leu-Dox and Dox. PK were linear; after administration of single doses of 225 mg/m2, the mean area under the concentration-time profiles of L-377202, Leu-Dox, and Dox were 6 μmol·L/h, 4 μmol·L/h, and 1 μmol·L/h, and peak concentrations were 14 μmol/L, 5 μmol/L, and 120 nmol/L, respectively. At 225 and 315 mg/m2, five patients completed at least three cycles of therapy; two patients had a greater than 75% decrease in PSA, and one patient had a stabilized PSA. No response was noted at dose levels less than 225 mg/m2.

CONCLUSION: This is the first study of selective drug delivery in humans using a novel PSA-activated agent. L-377202 was cleaved to produce detectable levels of the active metabolites Leu-Dox and Dox. L-377202 was well tolerated and established a safe dose level for further study.
Phase II Trial of Carmustine Plus O6-Benzylguanine for Patients With Nitrosourea-Resistant Recurrent or Progressive Malignant Glioma
Authors: Quinn Jennifer A. , Pluda James , Dolan M. Eileen , Delaney Shannon , Kaplan Richard , Rich Jeremy N. , Friedman Allan H. , Reardon David A. , Sampson John H. , Colvin O. Michael , Haglund Michael M. , Pegg Anthony E. , Moschel Robert C. , McLendon Roger E. , Provenzale James M. , Gururangan Sridharan , Tourt-Uhlig Sandra , Herndon James E. , Bigner Darell D. , Friedman Henry S.
Published: July 2002

PURPOSE: We conducted a phase II trial of carmustine (BCNU) plus the O6-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase inhibitor O6-benzylguanine (O6-BG) to define the activity and toxicity of this regimen in the treatment of adults with progressive or recurrent malignant glioma resistant to nitrosoureas.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were treated with O6-BG at an intravenous dose of 120 mg/m2 followed 1 hour later by 40 mg/m2 of BCNU, with cycles repeated at 6-week intervals.

RESULTS: Eighteen patients were treated (15 with glioblastoma multiforme, two with anaplastic astrocytoma, and one with malignant glioma). None of the 18 patients demonstrated a partial or complete response. Two patients exhibited stable disease for 12 weeks before their tumors progressed. Three patients demonstrated stable disease for 6, 12, and 18 weeks before discontinuing therapy because of hematopoietic toxicity. Twelve patients experienced reversible ≥ grade 3 hematopoietic toxicity. There was no difference in half-lives (0.56 ± 0.21 hour v 0.54 ± 0.20 hour) or area under the curve values (4.8 ± 1.7 μg/mL/h v 5.0 ± 1.3 μg/mL/h) of O6-BG for patients receiving phenytoin and those not treated with this drug.

CONCLUSION: These results indicate that O6-BG plus BCNU at the dose schedule used in this trial is unsuccessful in producing tumor regression in patients with nitrosourea-resistant malignant glioma, although stable disease was seen in five patients for 6, 12, 12, 12, and 18 weeks. Future use of this approach will require strategies to minimize dose-limiting toxicity of BCNU such as regional delivery or hematopoietic stem-cell protection.
Preoperative Paclitaxel and Concurrent Rapid-Fractionation Radiation for Resectable Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: Toxicities, Histologic Response Rates, and Event-Free Outcome
Authors: T. Pisters Peter W. , Wolff Robert A. , Janjan Nora A. , Cleary Karen R. , Charnsangavej Chusilp , Crane Christopher N. , Lenzi Renato , Nicolas Vauthey J. , Lee Jeffrey E. , Abbruzzese James L. , Evans Douglas B.
Published: July 2002

PURPOSE: To evaluate the toxicity of a preoperative regimen of paclitaxel and concurrent external-beam radiation therapy, pancreaticoduodenectomy, and electron-beam intraoperative radiation therapy (EB-IORT) for patients with resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with localized, potentially resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma were treated with 30 Gy external-beam radiation therapy and concomitant weekly 3-hour infusions of paclitaxel (60 mg/m2). Radiographic restaging was performed 4 to 6 weeks after chemoradiation, and patients with localized disease underwent pancreatectomy with EB-IORT.

RESULTS: Thirty-five patients completed chemoradiation; 16 (46%) experienced grade 3 toxicity. Four patients (11%) required hospitalization for dehydration due to grade 3 nausea and vomiting. Twenty (80%) of 25 patients who underwent surgery underwent pancreatectomy; EB-IORT was used in 13 patients. There were no histologic complete responses to preoperative therapy; 21% of specimens demonstrated more than 50% nonviable cells (grade 2b treatment effect). With a median follow-up period of 46 months, the 3-year overall survival rate with chemoradiation and pancreatectomy was 28%.

CONCLUSION: Preoperative paclitaxel-based concurrent chemoradiation is feasible. The toxicity of this regimen seems greater than that with fluorouracil. The histologic responses and survival are similar, suggesting no advantages to paclitaxel-based preoperative treatment.
Prevalence of Nicotine Pouch Use Among US Adults
Authors: Dai Hongying Daisy , Leventhal Adam M.
Published: July 2024

This cross-sectional study uses data from the 2022 Tobacco Use Supplement of the Current Population Survey to estimate the prevalence of adult US nicotine pouch use and the characteristics of the individuals using pouches.
Health and Globalization
Authors: Shinohara Chika
Published: July 2024

Health and globalization have received tremendous attention in sociology. Aging and longevity are not the only reasons for its popularity, which is also influenced by the global health system, governance, and culture. The emergence of COVID‐19 has certainly contributed to the expansion of health research in globalization. Sociologists pay attention to the social stratifications of health status and other related variables created and affected by globalization. Others also study how medical health knowledge and technology cross national borders and identify distinct types of health problems, concerns, and issues. In such processes, international organizations play important roles in disseminating information on health and illnesses, supplying preventive knowledge, and regulating medical interventions. Sociology has shown the significance of class, gender, and culture to health and care in globalization. Maternal health and children's mortality are major challenges that affect well‐being and life expectancy. Some important contributors in daily life to such health outcomes are lifestyle choices and living environments. Health information and professionals cross national boundaries with some regularity, creating more effects for future sociological investigations. Healthcare worker migration, medical tourism, and artificial intelligence in healthcare, in particular, are modern phenomena that expose inequalities in the sociological study of health and globalization.
Anti‐Semitism (Religion)
Authors: Veitch Adam , Davis Raven
Published: July 2024

Anti‐Semitism is prejudice and discrimination against individuals or groups based on Jewish ethnicity, religion, or culture. This entry explores the modern history of the phenomenon, with a focus on the USA. The Holocaust was the most extreme extension of hatred of Jewish groups. However, there are many instances of anti‐Semitism in Europe, the USA, and other regions of the world before and after Nazi Germany. Theories of anti‐Semitism are discussed through sociological frameworks. More recently, the rise of anti‐Semitism online and through social media has become prominent. This is linked to the history and sociology of this specific form of prejudice and discrimination.
Elections
Authors: Jackson Stewart
Published: July 2024

As a form of leader selection, elections have been practiced since the Greek city‐states, but until the modern period they have generally been used only by a narrow “selectorate,” of whom the selected leader is closely representative. In modern democracies, with mass voting, ideological undercurrents, religious divides, and social classes, why people vote in the ways they do has become an increasingly important field of study. The key to elections, the ramifications of elections, and the hegemonic power of elections is understanding the role and purpose of elections in modern liberal democracies.
Pro‐Choice and Pro‐Life Movements
Authors: Weitz Tracy A. , Gaytán Marie Sarita
Published: July 2024

Abortion is one of the most contested social issues in the USA. In recent history, there have been three periods of high social movement activity: the physician antiabortion movement of the mid‐nineteenth century; the abortion rights reform/repeal movement of the 1960s; and the 1973–2022
Roe
era after the
Roe v. Wade
Supreme Court decision in 1973. The
Roe
decision served as the catalyst for the two modern social movements most identified with the issue of abortion: the pro‐life movement and the pro‐choice movement. The constitutional right to abortion ended with the Supreme Court ruling in 2022 to overturn
Roe v. Wade
.
Same‐Sex Marriage, Civil Unions, and Marriage Equality
Authors: Gaytán Marie Sarita , Heaphy Brain
Published: July 2024

The term “gay marriage” is sometimes used to refer to same‐sex marriage, although not everyone is necessarily gay. Other terminology includes “marriage for same‐sex couples.” Marriage equality is the movement advocating for same‐sex marriage, the legal union of two people of the same birth sex or gender identity. Theoretically, in places with full marriage equality, identical rights and responsibilities are afforded same‐sex and heterosexual married couples. Civil unions, which are distinct from marriage, provide recognition and legal protections for same‐sex couples.
Violent Crime
Authors: Hansen Laura Pinto
Published: July 2024

The list of violent crimes may be extensive, depending on the definition. The FBI's definition is restricted to include only murder and manslaughter, assaults, rape, and robbery. However, the United Nations' and World Health Organization's definitions are much broader and include several crimes against women and children, crimes against civilians during armed conflicts, and other “crimes against humanity.” This entry includes brief discussion of some of the common forms of violent crime, including intimate partner violence and other domestic violence offenses, and of the most horrific violent crimes, those committed against children, and gang violence.
Bridging Nature and Technology: A Perspective on Role of Machine Learning in Bioinspired Ceramics
Authors: Sarvestani Hamidreza Yazdani , Singh Aditi , Ashrafi Behnam
Published: July 2024

Nature has long inspired scientific and engineering advancements, particularly in the development of bioinspired ceramics. However, replicating nature's intricate structures through subtractive manufacturing techniques remains a significant challenge due to the limitations of precise and controlled material removal while maintaining structural integrity and complexity. This perspective article explores the transformative potential of machine learning (ML), particularly advancements in generative artificial intelligence (generative adversarial networks, transformer models) and multimodal learning, in accelerating the discovery of high‐performance bioinspired ceramics. ML offers an avenue to optimize material behavior beyond the constraints of traditional experimental methods. Recent advancements have shown ML's effectiveness in predicting mechanical properties and refining material designs, often surpassing conventional approaches. ML excels at identifying complex relationships even with incomplete data during training. The integration of cutting‐edge experimental data, cross‐scale simulations, and ML facilitates high‐fidelity multiscale modeling for predicting intricate phenomena like crack propagation paths in bioinspired ceramic structures. This article emphasizes the significant potential of ML to propel the field of bioinspired ceramics forward, paving the way for the discovery of ceramics with superior and tailored properties.
Tunable Photoluminescence from Monolayer Molybdenum Disulfide
Authors: Healy Brendan F. M. , Pain Sophie L. , Lloyd‐Hughes James , Grant Nicholas E. , Murphy John D.
Published: July 2024

Monolayer molybdenum disulfide (1L MoS2), a promising optoelectronic material, emits strong visible photoluminescence (PL). Systematic control of the intensity, energy, and spectral width of PL from 1L MoS2 on silicon dioxide/silicon (SiO2/Si) is demonstrated via simple external treatments. Treating MoS2 with solutions formed from the superacid bis‐(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide (TFSA) enhances, blueshifts, and sharpens the PL. Treatments with solutions from structurally analogous chemicals that lack sulfur, in the case of bis(trifluoroacetamide) (BTFA), or lack fluorine, in the case of methanesulfonamide (MSA), show the same trend, suggesting a two‐component mechanism for TFSA involving the presence of electronegative species and sulfur vacancy passivation. Up to ≈100× enhancement of the PL intensity is achieved, with the peak blueshifted by ≈30 meV and the spectral linewidth halved. Conversely, direct thermal atomic layer deposition (ALD) of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) or hafnium oxide (HfO2) is found to suppress the PL by up to a factor of ≈3, redshift by up to ≈70 meV, and broaden by ≈3×. Single‐spot and mapping Raman/PL techniques are combined in a robust characterization process to associate changes in the PL character to charge doping. This work demonstrates the convenient tunability of the optical behavior of 1L MoS2 by varying the electron density.
Dissecting the Superior Drivers for the Simultaneous Improvement of Fiber Quality and Yield Under Drought Stress Via Genome‐Wide Artificial Introgressions of Gossypium barbadense into Gossypium hirsutum
Authors: Han Bei , Zhang Wenhao , Wang Fengjiao , Yue Pengkai , Liu Zhilin , Yue Dandan , Zhang Bing , Ma Yizan , Lin Zhongxu , Yu Yu , Wang Yanqin , Zhang Xianlong , Yang Xiyan
Published: July 2024

Global water scarcity and extreme weather intensify drought stress, significantly reducing cotton yield and quality worldwide. Drought treatments are conducted using a population of chromosome segment substitution lines generated from E22 (G. hirsutum) and 3–79 (G. barbadense) as parental lines either show superior yields or fiber quality under both control and drought conditions. Fourteen datasets, covering 4 yields and 4 quality traits, are compiled and assessed for drought resistance using the drought resistance coefficient (DRC) and membership function value of drought resistance (MFVD). Genome‐wide association studies, linkage analysis, and bulked segregant analysis are combined to analyze the DR‐related QTL. A total of 121 significant QTL are identified by DRC and MFVD of the 8 traits. CRISPR/Cas9 and virus‐induced gene silencing techniques verified DRR1 and DRT1 as pivotal genes in regulating drought resistant of cotton, with hap3‐79 exhibiting greater drought resistance than hapE22 concerning DRR1 and DRT1. Moreover, 14 markers with superior yield and fiber quality are selected for drought treatment. This study offers valuable insights into yield and fiber quality variations between G. hirsutum and G. barbadense amid drought, providing crucial theoretical and technological backing for developing cotton varieties resilient to drought, with high yield and superior fiber quality.
Modular Prodrug‐Engineered Oxygen Nano‐Tank With Outstanding Nanoassembly Performance, High Oxygen Loading, and Closed‐Loop Tumor Hypoxia Relief
Authors: Yang Fujun , Li Shumeng , Ji Qingyu , Zhang Hongyuan , Zhou Mingyang , Wang Yuequan , Zhang Shenwu , Sun Jin , He Zhonggui , Luo Cong
Published: July 2024

The clinical translation of tumor hypoxia intervention modalities still falls short of expectation, restricted by poor biocompatibility of oxygen‐carrying materials, unsatisfactory oxygen loading performance, and abnormally high cellular oxygen consumption‐caused insufficient hypoxia relief. Herein, a carrier‐free oxygen nano‐tank based on modular fluorination prodrug design and co‐assembly nanotechnology is elaborately exploited, which is facilely fabricated through the molecular nanoassembly of a fluorinated prodrug (FSSP) of pyropheophorbide a (PPa) and an oxygen consumption inhibitor (atovaquone, ATO). The nano‐tank adeptly achieves sufficient oxygen enrichment while simultaneously suppressing oxygen consumption within tumors for complete tumor hypoxia alleviation. Significant, the fluorination module in FSSP not only confers favorable co‐assemblage of FSSP and ATO, but also empowers the nanoassembly to readily carry oxygen. As expected, it displays excellent oxygen carrying capacity, favorable pharmacokinetics, on‐demand laser‐triggerable ATO release, closed‐loop tumor hypoxia relief, and significant enhancement to PPa‐mediated PDT in vitro and in vivo. This study provides a novel nanotherapeutic paradigm for tumor hypoxia intervention‐enhanced cancer therapy.
Gold Nanodots‐Anchored Cobalt Ferrite Nanoflowers as Versatile Tumor Microenvironment Modulators for Reinforced Redox Dyshomeostasis
Authors: Zeng Guicheng , Mao Jinning , Xing Haiyan , Xu Zhigang , Cao Zhong , Kang Yuejun , Liu Guodong , Xue Peng
Published: July 2024

Given that tumor microenvironment (TME) exerts adverse impact on the therapeutic response and clinical outcome, robust TME modulators may significantly improve the curative effect and increase survival benefits of cancer patients. Here, Au nanodots‐anchored CoFe2O4 nanoflowers with PEGylation (CFAP) are developed to respond to TME cues, aiming to exacerbate redox dyshomeostasis for efficacious antineoplastic therapy under ultrasound (US) irradiation. After uptake by tumor cells, CFAP with glucose oxidase (GOx)‐like activity can facilitate glucose depletion and promote the production of H2O2. Multivalent elements of Co(II)/Co(III) and Fe(II)/Fe(III) in CFAP display strong Fenton‐like activity for·OH production from H2O2. On the other hand, energy band structure CFAP is superior for US‐actuated 1O2 generation, relying on the enhanced separation and retarded recombination of e−/h+ pairs. In addition, catalase‐mimic CFAP can react with cytosolic H2O2 to generate molecular oxygen, which may increase the product yields from O2‐consuming reactions, such as glucose oxidation and sonosensitization processes. Besides the massive production of reactive oxygen species, CFAP is also capable of exhausting glutathione to devastate intracellular redox balance. Severe immunogenic cell death and effective inhibition of solid tumor by CFAP demonstrates the clinical potency of such heterogeneous structure and may inspire more relevant designs for disease therapy.
RuCo/ZrO2 Tandem Catalysts with Photothermal Confinement Effect for Enhanced CO2 Methanation
Authors: Yang Fan , Liu Xiaoyu , Xing Chuanshun , Chen Zizheng , Zhao Lili , Liu Xingwu , Gao Wenqiang , Zhu Luyi , Liu Hong , Zhou Weijia
Published: July 2024

Photothermal CO2 methanation reaction represents a promising strategy for addressing CO2‐related environmental issues. The presence of efficient tandem catalytic sites with a localized high‐temperature is an effective pathway to enhance the performance of CO2 methanation. Here the bimetallic RuCo nanoparticles anchored on ZrO2 fiber cotton (RuCo/ZrO2) as a photothermal catalyst for CO2 methanation are prepared. A significant photothermal CO2 methanation performance with optimal CH4 selectivity (99%) and rate (169.93 mmol gcat−1 h−1) is achieved. The photothermal energy of the RuCo bimetallic nanoparticles, confined by the infrared insulation and low thermal conductivity of the ZrO2 fiber cotton (ZrO2 FC), provides a localized high‐temperature. In situ spectroscopic experiments on RuCo/ZrO2, Ru/ZrO2, and Co/ZrO2 indicate that the construction of tandem catalytic sites, where the Co site favors CO2 conversion to CO while incorporating Ru enhances CO* adsorption for subsequent hydrogenation, results in a higher selectivity toward CH4. This work opens a new insight into designing tandem catalysts with a photothermal confinement effect in CO2 methanation reaction.
Bereavement scheduling policy for emergency medicine residents: A descriptive pilot study
Authors: Kelly Timothy D. , de Venecia Bryce T. , Pang Peter S. , Turner Joseph S. , Reed Kyra D. , Pettit Katie E.
Published: July 2024

Background

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education has tasked residency programs to prioritize resident wellness, reduce trainee stress, and prevent burnout. Grief and bereavement can significantly impact residents' wellness during difficult clinical training schedules. There are no best practices on how to support residents during this time.

Methods

In a split academic county emergency medicine (EM) residency, this pilot study documents a resident‐driven change to scheduling practices for bereavement leave. An advisory group of residents, chief residents, and program directors informally polled peer institutions to develop bereavement leave guidelines. Considerations were made to balance resident wellness, education, and patient care in developing a bereavement scheduling policy.

Results

The bereavement policy was adopted in January 2023, aiming to “support the resident during a difficult time and reduce concerns around shift coverage” following the death of a family member without impacting sick call. The number of covered days depended on the relationship of the resident to the deceased. Residents covering bereavement days for their peers were financially compensated. During the first 7 months following implementation, five residents utilized the policy. These residents noted this to be the most positive impact on the residency during the past year. Based on resident feedback, the scope was expanded to include grave medical illness of a family member as an implementation criterion.

Conclusions

This article outlines the creation, implementation, and benefits of a bereavement scheduling policy within an EM residency. Describing this approach will provide guidance for other residencies to adopt similar wellness‐focused strategies.
A comparison of sex‐specific markers for two wild masu salmon populations in Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Hosoki Takuya K. , Clark Noël M. , Futamura Ryo , Moriyama Senri , Kishida Osamu , Kanno Yoichiro
Published: July 2024

We evaluated the utility of three male‐specific molecular markers, sdY, sdY 227U and OtY2m, in two wild populations of masu salmon (Oncorhynchus masou) in southwestern Hokkaido, Japan. Male‐specific fragments amplified in all phenotypic males across the markers. Phenotypic females were genetically identified as males using sdY (57%) and sdY 227U (4%), but no phenotypic females were identified as males using OtY2m. We conclude that OtY2m was the most reliable sex marker, followed closely by sdY 227U, among those tested in our study populations. Additional research is warranted to test the applicability of these markers in other populations and Oncorhynchus species.
Enhancing Longitudinal Flight Performance of Drones through the Coupling of Wings Morphing and Deflection of Aerodynamic Surfaces
Authors: Zhang Junming , Liu Yubin , Gao Liang , Zhu Yanhe , Zang Xizhe , Cai Hegao , Zhao Jie
Published: July 2024

In nature, gliding birds frequently execute intricate flight maneuvers such as aerial somersaults, perched landings, and swift descents, enabling them to navigate obstacles or hunt prey. It is evident that birds rely on different wing–tail configurations to accomplish a wide range of aerial maneuvers. For traditional fixed‐wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), pitch control primarily comes from the tail's elevators, while adjusting flight lift and drag involves deploying wing flaps. Although these designs ensure reliable flight, they compromise the drones’ maneuverability to maintain longitudinal stability. Therefore, the study introduces a biomimetic morphing wing UAV, and presents a pitch control strategy that simultaneously engages morphing wings, ailerons, and tail elevators. The pull‐up maneuver tests indicate that the proposed control method results in a pitch rate that is approximately 2.5 times greater than when using only the elevator control. A closed‐loop control system for the drone is also established. The closed‐loop flight experiment, which tracks a 45° pitch angle, demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed coupled control method in adjusting the flight attitude. In addition, during cruising, the UAV employs three configurations, straight wing, forward‐swept wing, and back‐swept wing, to cater to different mission objectives and augment its flight capabilities.
Racial and ethnic differences in the risk of dementia diagnosis under hypothetical blood pressure–lowering interventions: The Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Rojas‐Saunero L. Paloma , Hughes Timothy M. , Mayeda Elizabeth Rose , Jimenez Marcia Pescador
Published: July 2024

INTRODUCTION

Substantial racial and ethnic disparities in hypertension and dementia exist in the United States. We evaluated the effect of maintaining systolic blood pressure (SBP) below clinical thresholds on dementia incidence.

METHODS

We included 6806 Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis participants (44 to 84 years old). We implemented the parametric g‐formula to simulate the hypothetical interventions to reduce SBP below 120 and 140 mmHg over time, accounting for time‐varying confounding. We estimated risk ratios (RRs) and risk differences for dementia incidence at 19 years.

RESULTS

The RRs (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) comparing an intervention reducing SBP below 120 mmHg to no intervention were 0.93 (0.87 to 0.99) for total sample, 0.95 (0.88 to 1.02) for White, 0.90 (0.79 to 1.02) for Black, 0.90 (0.78 to 1.05) for Latino, and 1.16 (0.83 to 1.55) for Chinese American participants. Results for lowering SBP below 140 mmHg and with death as competing event were attenuated.

DISCUSSION

The reduction of SBP below 120 mmHg over time has modest effects on reducing dementia incidence. More work is needed to understand the heterogeneity across racial and ethnic groups.

Highlights

There is a potential beneficial effect in lowering SBP to reduce the risk of dementia, which may vary by race and ethnicity.

The percentage of participants who would need intervention on blood pressure to meet clinical thresholds is greater for Black and Latino communities.

Results are sensitive to the way that death is specified in the research question and analysis.
Boosting Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production by MOF‐Derived Metal Oxide Heterojunctions with a 10.0 % Apparent Quantum Yield
Authors: Musa Emmanuel N. , Yadav Ankit K. , Smith Kyle T. , Jung Min Soo , Stickle William F. , Eschbach Peter , Ji Xiulei , Stylianou Kyriakos C.
Published: July 2024

Photocatalytic hydrogen production offers an alternative pathway to establish a sustainable energy economy, utilizing the Earth's natural sunlight and water resources to address environmental concerns associated with fossil fuel combustion. While numerous photoactive materials exhibit high potential for generating hydrogen from water, the synergy achieved by combining two different materials with complementary properties in the form of heterojunctions can significantly enhance the rate of hydrogen production and quantum efficiency. Our study describes the design and generation of the metal–organic framework‐derived (MOF) metal oxide heterojunction herein referred to as RTTA, composed of RuO2/N,S‐TiO2. The RuO2/N,S‐TiO2 is generated through the pyrolysis of MOFs, Ru‐HKUST‐1, and the amino‐functionalized MIL‐125‐NH2 in the presence of thiourea. Among the various RTTA materials tested, RTTA‐1, characterized by the lowest RuO2 content, exhibited the highest hydrogen evolution rate, producing 10,761 μmol ⋅ hr−1 ⋅ g−1 of hydrogen with an apparent quantum yield of 10.0 % in pure water containing glycerol. In addition to RTTA‐1, we generated two other MOF‐derived metal oxide heterojunctions, namely ZTTA‐1 (ZnO/N,S‐TiO2) and ITTA‐1 (In2O3/N,S‐TiO2). These heterojunctions were tested for their photocatalytic activity, leading to apparent quantum yields of 0.7 % and 0.3 %, respectively. The remarkable photocatalytic activity observed in RTTA‐1 is thought to be attributed to the synergistic effects arising from the combination of metallic properties inherent in the metal oxides, complemented by the presence of suitable band alignment, porosity, and surface properties inherited from the parent MOFs. These properties enhance electron transfer and restrict hole movement. The photocatalytic efficiency of RTTA‐1 was further demonstrated in actual water samples, producing hydrogen with a rate of 8,190 μmol ⋅ hr−1 ⋅ g−1 in tap water, and 6,390 μmol ⋅ hr−1 ⋅ g−1 in river water.
Business education and its paradoxes: Linking business and biodiversity through critical pedagogy curriculum
Authors: Kopnina Helen , Hughes Alice C. , Zhang Ruopiao (Scarlett) , Russell Mike , Fellinger Engelbert , Smith Simon M. , Tickner Les
Published: July 2024

The Kunming‐Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, launched during the United Nations Biodiversity Conference in December 2022, encourages governments, companies and investors to publish data on their nature‐related risks, dependencies and impacts. These disclosures are intended to drive businesses to recognise, manage and mitigate their reliance on ecosystem goods and services. However, there is a ‘biodiversity blind spot’ that is evident for most organisations and business schools. Business education rarely addresses the root causes of biodiversity loss, such as the unsustainable exploitation of natural resources. As the dominant positioning of Education for Sustainable Development Goals (ESDG) presents biodiversity in anthropocentric instrumental terms inadequate for addressing ecosystem decline, we posit that a more progressive and transformative ecocentric education through ecopedagogy and ecoliteracy is needed. Both approaches include the development of critical thinking about degrowth, the circular economy and conventional stakeholder theory to include non‐human stakeholders. Using comparative case studies from Northumbria University, the University of Hong Kong and Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, we illustrate how business education can be transformed to address biodiversity loss, providing theoretical guidance and practical recommendations to academic practitioners and future business leaders.
Decoupling the climate walk from the climate talk: Evidence from Australia
Authors: Morrison Leanne J. , Jia Jing , Arora Mitali Panchal
Published: July 2024

A lack of regulation around greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has led Australian companies to employ arbitrary targets for measuring GHG emissions reduction, which are not translating to the level of emissions reduction required to meet global targets. Despite the well accepted urgency of climate change action, there is a gap in literature with no studies discussing the effectiveness of the various targets for measuring GHG emissions to meet global emission reduction goal. Using correlation and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analysis, our study of Australian Stock Exchange listed companies shows that the targets suggested by Task Force on Climate‐related Financial Disclosure (TCFD) are the most closely associated with the required emissions reduction. The findings from this study advocate that organisations adopt TCFD recommendations for achieving optimal reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to meet the global targets. Our findings should inform policymakers and practice to align targets to the TCFD recommendations to meet the global emissions reduction commitments and mitigate the most severe impacts of climate change.
Axonal profiling of the common fibular nerve and its branches: Their functional composition and clinical implications
Authors: Kim Taeyeon , Cho Tae‐Hyeon , Kim Shin Hyung , Yang Hun‐Mu
Published: July 2024

The articular branch (Arb) from the common fibular nerve (CFN) plays a pivotal role in procedures such as genicular nerve blocks since it extensively innervates the anterolateral knee joint. It remains unclear whether the Arb can be classified as purely sensory, and understanding its axonal composition is critical to prevent muscle weakness during nerve blocks. We conducted a histological analysis on six cadaveric nerve specimens (four males and two females; mean age at death, 81.3 years old). The axonal composition of the main trunk of the CFN, the deep and superficial fibular nerves (DFN and SFN), and the Arb was verified through double immunofluorescence labeling with antibodies against neurofilament 200 and choline acetyltransferase. We revealed that the DFN contains motor and sensory fascicles that serve the anterior muscular compartment of the leg, including the fibularis longus and the first web space of the foot. Moreover, we showed that the SFN includes a major sensory branch innervating the skin of the lateral leg and the dorsum of the foot and a minor motor branch for the lateral muscular compartment of the leg. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the Abr contains a major sensory branch that targets the infrapatellar fat pad, the knee joint, and a minor motor branch innervating the superior part of the anterior muscular compartment of the leg. Thus, our study proves that the Arb is a motor–sensory mixed nerve, suggesting that an Arb block may significantly weaken the anterior leg muscles.
Main pulmonary artery diameter related to pneumonia severity
Authors: Lozano‐Carrillo Luis Carlos , Alvarez‐Lozada Luis Adrian , Fernández‐Reyes Bernardo Alfonso , Rodríguez‐Alanís Karla V. , Montemayor‐Martinez Alberto , de‐la‐Garza‐Castro Oscar , Quiroga‐Garza Alejandro , Elizondo‐Omaña Rodrigo Enrique
Published: July 2024

The diameter (mPAD) of the main pulmonary artery (pulmonary artery trunk) is a crucial indicator for cardiovascular health and prognoses in various conditions. Its enlargement is associated with increased mortality and severity in COVID‐19‐related pneumonia. However, its relevance to non‐COVID pneumonia remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to establish an association between mPAD and the severity of non‐COVID pneumonia. Eligible participants with qualified Chest Computed Tomography scans from November 2019 to February 2023 were recruited to a cross‐sectional retrospective study. They were stratified into pneumonia and non‐pneumonia cohorts. Exclusion criteria included pulmonary hypertension, polytrauma, lung neoplasia, or a history of pulmonary stenosis repair. The mPAD was measured in both groups, and medical records were reviewed to identify comorbidities. Pulmonary CT data were classified by pattern and severity, and the mPAD was measured perpendicularly to the long axis of the artery at the point of bifurcation on an axial slice. Analysis of 380 CT scans (52.6% men, 47.4% women; mean age 52.88 ± 17.58) revealed a significant difference in mPAD between pneumonia and non‐pneumonia cases (mean difference: 1.19 mm, 95% CI [0.46, 1.92], p = 0.001). Age correlated positively with mPAD (r = 0.231, 95% CI [0.028, 0.069], p < 0.0001), and this correlation persisted after adjusting for confounders (r = 0.220, 95% CI [0.019, 0.073], p = 0.001). Ordinal logistic regression indicated 1.28 times higher odds of severe pneumonia with a larger diameter. The study highlights associations between mPAD, pneumonia, and severity, suggesting clinical relevance. Furthermore, the mPAD should be carefully considered in defining severity criteria for adverse outcomes in pneumonia patients. Further research is needed to refine clinical criteria on the basis of these findings.
15 Years of Evolution of ChemCatChem
Authors: González‐Gallardo Sandra , Chen Junting
Published: July 2024

ChemCatChem continues to serve an increasingly interdisciplinary and collaborative community. In our 15th year of existence, we share with you some of the initiatives that will bring our journal closer to the global and diverse community of scientists in catalysis research and adjacent fields.