bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methanol Synthesis from Sustainable Feedstocks – A Quantitative Side Product Analysis
Authors: Nestler Florian , Voß Johannes , Fastabend Anna , Niemeier Tammarat , Ruland Holger , Hadrich Max J.
Published: May 2024

Methanol synthesis from sustainable feedstocks will play an important role in the future's energy system. To enable an accurate design of crude methanol distillation systems, detailed knowledge about the amounts of side products in crude methanol is required. In this study, crude methanol samples obtained from four experimental setups covering a wide range of process conditions were analyzed for their main and side compounds. By means of a Spearman correlation analysis, the amount of carbon oxides in the reactor feed was identified as determining for the formation of side products. Trend lines describing the amount of side products were derived from the experimental data to enable studies on the downstream treatment of crude methanol.
Synthesis of fluorene‐flanked diketopyrrolopyrrole‐based semiconducting polymers with thermocleavable side chains and their application in organic field effect transistors
Authors: Singh Ravinder , Venkateswarlu Samala , Zhong YuFang , Li Yuning
Published: May 2024

This study introduces the first fluorene‐flanked diketopyrrolopyrrole (FDPP)‐based semiconducting polymers, named Boc‐FDPP‐CoMs (CoM = TT or BT), synthesized via copolymerization of tert‐butoxycarbonyl (t‐Boc)‐substituted FDPP as the acceptor unit with thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene (TT) or bithiophene (BT) as the donor comonomers. The incorporation of t‐Boc groups addresses challenges related to poor solubility and polymer backbone twisting associated with the FDPP building block. While Boc‐FDPP‐CoMs demonstrate solubility in common organic solvents, facilitating favourable solution‐processability for uniform film fabrication, they exhibit significant backbone twisting, leading to poor charge transport properties. Post‐deposition thermal annealing at a mild temperature as low as 170°C conveniently removes t‐Boc groups. The resulting t‐Boc‐free copolymers, NH‐FDPP‐TT and NH‐FDPP‐BT, exhibit hole mobilities up to 5.0 × 10−3 and 2.2 × 10−3 cm2 V−1 s−1 in organic field effect transistors (OFETs), respectively, representing a substantial increase compared to their counterparts with t‐Boc groups. This study underscores a meticulously designed strategy for achieving solution solubility and backbone coplanarity through side‐chain engineering for FDPP and potentially other sterically demanding building blocks to construct high‐performance semiconducting polymers for OFETs and other applications.
Nitrogen‐containing microporous carbon with specific morphology for non‐metallic catalytic NO oxidation at room temperature: The effect of morphology and nitrogen doping
Authors: Guan Jie , Zhu Yujie , Wang Jitong , Cheng Xiaomin , Ma Cheng , Ling Licheng , Qiao Wenming
Published: May 2024

The optimization of the gas diffusion path and surface coordination environment through morphology control can improve the intrinsic activity of the catalyst in NO oxidation reactions. Microporous nanosheets, nanowires, and spheres of carbon were constructed using resorcinol and formaldehyde as carbon sources, melamine as nitrogen source, and graphene oxide or carbon nanowires as structure‐directing agents to reveal the effects of morphology and nitrogen‐doping on NO oxidation activity at room temperature. With the increase of coating thickness, the ultramicroporous structure becomes pronounced and the nitrogen content increases, which contribute to the improvement of steady‐state NO conversion. The 2D microporous nanosheets (TDC‐200) with sheet structure shows prominent diffusion and adsorption capability than 1D nanowires and sphere, which shortens the gas diffusion path and enhances the efficient utilization of ultramicropores, thereby presenting the highest NO oxidation activity of 78.4% at room temperature. The results of DFT calculations further demonstrate that doping of nitrogen atoms could significantly reduce the (2NO + O2)ads energy barrier and accelerate the reaction. This study provides a deeper understanding of the NO oxidation on non‐metallic catalyst.
A comparative analysis of paxillin and Hic‐5 proximity interactomes
Authors: Brock Katia , Alpha Kyle M. , Brennan Grant , De Jong Ebbing P. , Luke Elizabeth , Turner Christopher E.
Published: May 2024

Focal adhesions serve as structural and signaling hubs, facilitating bidirectional communication at the cell–extracellular matrix interface. Paxillin and the related Hic‐5 (TGFβ1i1) are adaptor/scaffold proteins that recruit numerous structural and regulatory proteins to focal adhesions, where they perform both overlapping and discrete functions. In this study, paxillin and Hic‐5 were expressed in U2OS osteosarcoma cells as biotin ligase (BioID2) fusion proteins and used as bait proteins for proximity‐dependent biotinylation in order to directly compare their respective interactomes. The fusion proteins localized to both focal adhesions and the centrosome, resulting in biotinylation of components of each of these structures. Biotinylated proteins were purified and analyzed by mass spectrometry. The list of proximity interactors for paxillin and Hic‐5 comprised numerous shared core focal adhesion proteins that likely contribute to their similar functions in cell adhesion and migration, as well as proteins unique to paxillin and Hic‐5 that have been previously localized to focal adhesions, the centrosome, or the nucleus. Western blotting confirmed biotinylation and enrichment of FAK and vinculin, known interactors of Hic‐5 and paxillin, as well as several potentially unique proximity interactors of Hic‐5 and paxillin, including septin 7 and ponsin, respectively. Further investigation into the functional relationship between the unique interactors and Hic‐5 or paxillin may yield novel insights into their distinct roles in cell migration.
Estimating the impact of enhanced care at minority‐serving hospitals on disparities in the treatment of breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancers
Authors: Beatrici Edoardo , Paciotti Marco , Nguyen David‐Dan , Filipas Dejan K. , Qian Zhiyu , Lughezzani Giovanni , Daniels Danesha , Lipsitz Stuart R. , Kibel Adam S. , Cole Alexander P. , Trinh Quoc‐Dien
Published: May 2024

Background

The objective of this study was to quantify disparities in cancer treatment delivery between minority‐serving hospitals (MSHs) and non‐MSHs for breast, prostate, nonsmall cell lung, and colon cancers from 2010 to 2019 and to estimate the impact of improving care at MSHs on national disparities.

Methods

Data from the National Cancer Database (2010–2019) identified patients who were eligible for definitive treatments for the specified cancers. Hospitals in the top decile by minority patient proportion were classified as MSHs. Multivariable logistic regression adjusted for patient and hospital characteristics compared the odds of receiving definitive treatment at MSHs versus non‐MSHs. A simulation was used to estimate the increase in patients receiving definitive treatment if MSH care matched the levels of non‐MSH care.

Results

Of 2,927,191 patients from 1330 hospitals, 9.3% were treated at MSHs. MSHs had significant lower odds of delivering definitive therapy across all cancer types (adjusted odds ratio: breast cancer, 0.83; prostate cancer, 0.69; nonsmall cell lung cancer, 0.73; colon cancer, 0.81). No site of care–race interaction was significant for any of the cancers (p > .05). Equalizing treatment rates at MSHs could result in 5719 additional patients receiving definitive treatment over 10 years.

Conclusions

The current findings underscore systemic disparities in definitive cancer treatment delivery between MSHs and non‐MSHs for breast, prostate, nonsmall cell lung, and colon cancers. Although targeted improvements at MSHs represent a critical step toward equity, this study highlights the need for integrated, system‐wide efforts to address the multifaceted nature of racial and ethnic health disparities. Enhancing care at MSHs could serve as a pivotal strategy in a broader initiative to achieve health care equity for all.
Malignant melanoma in a 12‐year‐old boy 17 months after completing hepatoblastoma treatment
Authors: Kanezawa Koji , Yagasaki Hiroshi , Arakawa Ayumu , Hoshi Reina , Uehara Shuichiro , Morioka Ichiro
Published: May 2024

Background

Melanoma is rare as a secondary malignant neoplasm among childhood cancer survivors.

Case

We report a case of a 12‐year‐old boy who developed malignant melanoma with systemic metastases 17 months after completing treatment for hepatoblastoma. The diagnosis was made unexpectedly based on a bone marrow examination. The patient did not respond to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy and died 6 weeks after being diagnosed with melanoma. Whole‐exome sequencing to examine 103 genes associated with cancer predisposition did not identify any germ‐line variants.

Conclusion

This case study provides a unique example of melanoma in a childhood cancer survivor following hepatoblastoma treatment but does not identify any candidate variant to link hepatoblastoma and melanoma.
Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics Investigation on the Permeation of Sodium and Chloride Ions Through Nanopores in Graphene and Hexagonal Boron Nitride Membranes
Authors: Dehhaghi Yasaman , Kiakojouri Ali , Frank Irmgard , Nadimi Ebrahim
Published: May 2024

Nanoporous membranes promise energy‐efficient water desalination. Hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN), like graphene, exhibits outstanding physical and chemical properties, making it a promising candidate for water treatment. We employed Car‐Parrinello molecular dynamics simulations to establish an accurate modeling of Na+ and Cl− permeation through hydrogen passivated nanopores in graphene and h‐BN membranes. We demonstrate that ion separation works well for the h‐BN system by imposing a barrier of 0.13 eV and 0.24 eV for Na+ and Cl− permeation, respectively. In contrast, for permeation of the graphene nanopore, the Cl− ion faces a minimum of energy of 0.68 eV in the nanopore plane and is prone toward blockade of the nanopore, while the Na+ ion experiences a slight minimum of 0.03 eV. Overall, the desalination performance of h‐BN nanopores surpasses that of their graphene counterparts.
New Insights in the Computational pKb Determination of Primary Amines and Anilines
Authors: Pezzola Silvia , Venanzi Mariano , Conte Valeria , Sabuzi Federica , Galloni Pierluca
Published: May 2024

Extensive research has already provided reliable methods for the in silico prediction of pKa, while a trustworthy strategy for pKb determination is still being sought. Indeed, the approaches previously exploited for computing pKa have shown their weakness in predicting pKb. In the light of the exceptional reliability demonstrated in the pKa calculation of a wide panel of organic acids, in this work, we exploited our “easy to use methodology”, based on the direct approach, to predict the pKb of primary amines. Herein, CAM‐B3LYP was compared to WB97XD and B3PW91, exploring the solvation model based on density (SMD) and the polarizable continuum model (PCM), in the presence of two explicit water molecules. Noteworthy, CAM‐B3LYP and WB97XD returned completely different solvent accessible surfaces (SAS) and electron potential maps (EPM) for the bases and the conjugated acids, independently from the nature of the substituents. Once again, CAM‐B3LYP/SMD/2H2O method confirmed its remarkable reliability, leading to a minimum average error (MAE) lower than 0.3. This outstanding result strengthens the trustworthiness of our method, already successfully applied to predict the pKa of different substituted phenols and carboxylic acids. Thus, our “easy‐to‐use” process can predict also the pKb of primary ammines and anilines, always ensuring consistent outputs.
Effect of Fluorination on the Properties of 9,9′‐(Sulfonylbis(4,1‐Phenylene))bis(3‐(tert‐Butyl)‐6‐Fluoro‐9H‐Carbazole) as Host for Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescent Emitters
Authors: Jamel Nor Shafiq Mohd , Lin Woon Kai , AbdWahab Muhammad Kumayl , Volyniuk Dmytro , Gužauskas Matas , Supangat Azzuliani , Nordin Nurdiana , Nasir FH Abd , Ghasemi Melika , Bareikaite Kamile , Monkman Andrew , Seng Tan Yee , Hing Goh Bey , Grazulevicius Juozas Vidas , Ariffin Azhar
Published: May 2024

To enhance organic light emitting diode (OLED) performance, host materials with high triplet energies are crucial for confining excitons, despite increasing driving voltages due to the singlet‐triplet energy gap. We synthesized sulfonylbis(4,1‐phenylene)bis(3,6‐disubstituted‐9H‐carbazole) derivatives as donor‐acceptor‐donor host materials, namely compounds 3, 5 and 7, with varying fluorination levels. These compounds show moderate singlet‐triplet energy splitting and molecular dipole moments, allowing for fine‐tuning of hole‐transport mobilities, deeper frontier orbital energies, and a red shift in singlet emission while maintaining high triplet energy levels. These adjustments impact a range of physical, electronic and optical properties. The materials exhibit exceptional thermal stability, with decomposition starting above 400 °C and glass transition temperatures over 130 °C. Used with the green TADF emitter DACT‐II, these hosts enable reverse intersystem crossing rates between 7.43×104 s−1 and 1.77×105 s−1. While OLEDs using mCP as a reference host achieve a maximum quantum efficiency of 18.5 %, those with host 5 show lower efficiency roll‐off, leading to higher external quantum efficiency at brightness levels above 2000 cd/m2 without colour shift. The reduced roll‐off in devices with host 5 compared to mCP is attributed to effective Förster and Dexter energy transfers to DACT‐II at high currents, enhancing light emission pathways.
Comparing the effects of Bone+B® xenograft and InterOss® xenograft bone material on rabbit calvaria bone defect regeneration
Authors: Naini Afshin Yadegari , Kobravi Sepehr , Jafari Aida , Lotfalizadeh Mohammadhassan , Lotfalizadeh Narges , Farhadi Sareh
Published: May 2024

Background

The bone regeneration therapy is often used in patients with inadequate bone support for implants, particularly following tooth extractions. Xenografts derived from animal tissues are effective bone reconstructive options that resist resorption and pose a low risk of transmitting disease. Therefore, these implants may be a good option for enhancing and stabilizing maxillary sinuses. The purpose of this study was to compare two xenografts, Bone+B® and InterOss®, for the reconstruction of rabbit calvaria defects.

Methods and Materials

The study involved seven male New Zealand white rabbits. In the surgical procedure, 21 spots were created on both sides of the midline calvarium by creating three 8‐millimeter defects. A control group was used, as well as two treatment groups utilizing Bone+B® Grafts and InterOss® Grafts. After 3 months, the rabbits were euthanized, followed by pathological evaluation. Analysis of these samples focused on bone formation, xenograft remaining material, and inflammation levels, using Adobe Photoshop CS 8.0 and SPSS version 24.

Results

With the application of Bone+B® graft, bone formation ranged from 32% to 45%, with a mean of 37.80% (±5.63), and the remaining material ranged from 28% to 37%, with a mean of 32.60% (±3.65). Using InterOss® grafts, bone formation was 61% to 75%, the mean was 65.83% (±4.75), and the remaining material was 9% to 18%, with a mean of 13.17% (±3.06). The bone formation in the control group ranged from 10% to 25%, with a mean of 17.17% (±6.11). InterOss® had lower inflammation levels than other groups, but the difference was not statistically significant (p > .05).

Conclusion

InterOss® bone powder is the best option for maxillofacial surgery and bone reconstruction. This is due to more bone formation, less remaining material, and a lower inflammation level. Compared to the control group, Bone+B® improves healing and bone quality, thus making it an alternative to InterOss®.
Optimizing esthetic zone periodontal regeneration in a 1–2‐wall infrabony defect using recombinant human platelet‐derived growth factor BB and β‐tricalcium phosphate: A case report
Authors: Rattanaprukskul Kantapon , Neiva Rodrigo , Korostoff Jonathan
Published: May 2024

Objective

Periodontitis is an inflammatory condition induced by subgingival bacterial dysbiosis, resulting in inflammatory‐mediated destruction of tooth‐supporting structures, potentially leading to the formation of infrabony defects. This case report describes the treatment of a patient who presented with a combination 1–2‐wall defect on tooth 21. To maintain the residual periodontal attachment and minimize esthetic consequences, a regenerative approach was performed using recombinant human platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB (rh‐PDGF‐BB) and β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP).

Materials and Methods

At the time of postscaling/root planing reevaluation, a 34‐year‐old Asian male initially diagnosed with molar/incisor pattern stage III grade C periodontitis exhibited a 6‐mm residual probing depth on the mesiopalatal aspect of tooth 21. Periodontal regenerative surgery was performed using rh‐PDGF‐BB with β‐TCP, without the use of a membrane.

Results

At the 1‐year follow‐up, a significant reduction in probing depth and radiographic evidence of bone fill were observed. Additionally, re‐entry surgery for implant placement at site tooth 23 confirmed bone fill in the defect on tooth 21.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate the efficacy of rh‐PDGF‐BB with β‐TCP in enhancing periodontal regeneration and support its use as a treatment option when treating poorly contained infrabony defects in the esthetic zone.
Convergent Paired Electrolysis for [3+2] Cycloaddition of Azidotrimethylsilane with N‐Heterocycles
Authors: Bankura Abhijit , Ghosh Subhadeep , Biswas Sumit , Das Indrajit
Published: May 2024

A widely used method to obtain tetrazoles is through the azide and nitrile [3+2] cycloaddition. However, this process often involves using non‐recyclable transition metals or Lewis acid catalysts and stoichiometric amounts of oxidants and additives, which reduces atom efficiency. We have discovered a convergent paired electrochemical reaction to perform this cycloaddition reaction, without the need for metal catalysts or oxidants. This tetrazolation strategy uses azidotrimethylsilane (TMSN3) and N‐heterocycles in an undivided cell at a constant current. We use a mixture of CH3CN and equivalent amounts of H2O as co‐solvent at room temperature. It is crucial to produce a stoichiometric amount of active hydroxyl ions through the cathodic reduction of water. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) studies and control experiments confirm that the cycloaddition reaction is specific to the electrode electron transfer process, eliminating the need for a mediator to shuttle electrons. This metal‐ and oxidant‐free strategy is highly compatible with different functional groups and produces products with moderate to good yields. We have successfully tetrazolated bioactive compounds at a late stage, scaled up batches efficiently, and synthesized free amino‐containing N‐heterocycles via denitrogenation of tetrazoles.
An intelligent optimized users resource searching and nearest peer identification in Mobile networks
Authors: Karunkuzhali Danassou , Raja Murali Prasad , Venkatesan Kondan Janardhanan Prasanna
Published: May 2024

Mobile networks have advanced in many fields to share information with others. But finding the required resources for each user to share the data is a complex task because of the moving environment. So, the present research article has introduced a novel Chimp‐based Random Forest Peer Identification Framework (CbRFPIF) in the mobile environment. Initially, the required nodes were designed dynamically in the moving background. Hence, the designed wireless moving environment has included sender, peer, and receiver nodes. Moreover, the Chimp fitness model predicted the users' requested resources in the primary stage, then the nearest peer and the user locations were predicted. Consequently, the requested resource by users was distributed to the particular closest peers, and the peer forwarded the data to the specific users. Finally, the planned model is simulated in the NS2 environment, and the communication parameters were calculated and compared with other associated models, which gained the highest throughput and search rate.
Effects of Rattling Behavior of K and Cd Atoms along Different Directions in Anisotropic KCdAs on Lattice Thermal Transport and Thermoelectric Properties
Authors: Wang Yue , Zhao Yinchang , Ni Jun , Dai Zhenhong
Published: May 2024

We employ advanced first principles methodology, merging self‐consistent phonon theory and the Boltzmann transport equation, to comprehensively explore the thermal transport and thermoelectric properties of KCdAs. Notably, the study accounts for the impact of quartic anharmonicity on phonon group velocities in the pursuit of lattice thermal conductivity and investigates 3ph and 4ph scattering processes on phonon lifetimes. Through various methodologies, including examining atomic vibrational modes and analyzing 3ph and 4ph scattering processes, the article unveils microphysical mechanisms contributing to the low κL within KCdAs. Key features include significant anisotropy in Cd atoms, pronounced anharmonicity in K atoms, and relative vibrations in non‐equivalent As atomic layers. Cd atoms, situated between As layers, exhibit rattling modes and strong lattice anharmonicity, contributing to the observed low κL. Remarkably flat bands near the valence band maximum translate into high PF, aligning with ultralow κL for exceptional thermoelectric performance. Under optimal temperature and carrier concentration doping, outstanding ZT values are achieved: 4.25 (a(b)‐axis, p‐type, 3 × 1019 cm−3, 500 K), 0.90 (c‐axis, p‐type, 5 × 1020 cm−3, 700 K), 1.61 (a(b)‐axis, n‐type, 2 × 1018 cm−3, 700 K), and 3.06 (c‐axis, n‐type, 9 × 1017 cm−3, 700 K).
Multistage Microstructured Ionic Skin for Real‐Time Vital Signs Monitoring and Human‐Machine Interaction
Authors: Wang Xueke , Zi Jinyu , Chen Yi , Wu Qiang , Xiang Zhimin , Tu Yongqiang , Yang Peng , Wan Yanfen
Published: May 2024

Skin‐like electronics research aiming to mimic even surpass human‐like specific tactile cognition by operating perception‐to‐cognition‐to‐feedback of stimulus to build intelligent cognition systems for certain imperceptible or inappreciable signals was so attractive. Herein, we constructed an all‐in‐one tri‐modal pressure sensing wearable device to address the issue of power supply by integrating multistage microstructured ionic skin (MM i‐skin) and thermoelectric self‐power staffs, which exhibits high sensitivity simultaneously. The MM i‐skin with multi‐stage “interlocked” configurations achieved precise recognition of subtle signals, where the sensitivity reached up to 3.95 kPa−1, as well as response time of 46 ms, cyclic stability (over 1500 cycles), a wide detection range of 0–200 kPa. Furthermore, we developed the thermoelectricity nanogenerator, piezoelectricity nanogenerator, and piezocapacitive sensing as an integrated tri‐modal pressure sensing, denoted as P‐iskin, T‐iskin, and C‐iskin, respectively. This multifunctional ionic skin enables real‐time monitoring of weak body signals, rehab guidance, and robotic motion recognition, demonstrating potential for Internet of things (IoT) applications involving the artificial intelligence‐motivated sapiential healthcare Internet (SHI) and widely distributed human‐machine interaction (HMI).
Male–female differences following concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting and aortic valve replacement surgery
Authors: Krey Rebecca , Jakob Moritz , Karck Matthias , Arif Rawa , Farag Mina
Published: May 2024

Aims

Combined coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and aortic valve replacement (AVR), and female sex are associated with increased perioperative mortality in clinical risk scores. This study investigated male–female differences in short‐term outcome stratified by age groups.

Methods and results

All patients undergoing AVR and CABG between January 2001 and June 2021 at our institution were included. 1963 patients were grouped by decades into: 59 years and younger (n = 127), 60–69 (n = 471), 70–79 (n = 1070), and 80 years and older (n = 295). The primary end points of this study were 30 and 180 days mortality. Secondary end points were influence of preoperative risk factors and impact of sex on survival and postoperative major adverse events. Female patients showed higher 30 and 180 days mortality after combined CABG and AVR surgery (8.3% vs. 4.2%, P < 0.01; 15.8% vs. 9.4%, P < 0.01). Stratified by age groups, 30 and 180 days mortality remained significantly higher in septuagenarians (9.6% vs. 2.5%, P < 0.01; 16.3% vs. 7.7%, P < 0.01). Females were significantly older, had better preserved left ventricular function, and higher incidence of diabetes mellitus compared with male patients in this subgroup (P < 0.01; P = 0.01; P < 0.01). Additionally, females received significantly less internal mammary artery (IMA) conduits (P < 0.01). Female sex (OR: 3.33, 95% CI: [1.76–6.31]; 1.93, [1.22–3.06]), higher age (1.28, [1.13–1.45]; 1.16, [1.06–1.26]), diabetes mellitus (1.93, [1.03–3.60]; 1.70, [1.08–2.67]) and LVEF <30% (3.26, [1.48–7.17]; 2.23, [1.24–4.02]) were correlated with 30 and 180 days mortality, respectively. Upon multivariable testing, sex (1.77, [1.21–2.58]) and LVEF <30% (3.71, [2.39–5.76]) remained independent predictors for major adverse postoperative events. Infrequent use of IMA grafts was associated with increased 30 and 180 days mortality as well as adverse events (0.47, [0.25–0.87]; 0.46, [0.29–0.72]; 0.61, [0.42–0.88]).

Conclusions

Sex disparities in baseline characteristics may delay operative intervention in female patients. The inherent risk profiles might be responsible for outcome differences in septuagenarians.
Sacubitril/valsartan for the treatment of non‐obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: An open label randomized controlled trial (SILICOFCM)
Authors: Velicki Lazar , Popovic Dejana , Okwose Nduka C. , Preveden Andrej , Tesic Milorad , Tafelmeier Maria , Charman Sarah J. , Barlocco Fausto , MacGowan Guy A. , Seferovic Petar M. , Filipovic Nenad , Ristic Arsen , Olivotto Iacopo , Maier Lars S. , Jakovljevic Djordje G. ,   SILICOFCM Investigators
Published: May 2024

Aim

Sacubitril/valsartan treatment reduces mortality and hospitalizations in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction but has limited application in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of sacubitril/valsartan on peak oxygen consumption (VO2) in patients with non‐obstructive HCM.

Methods and results

This is a phase II, randomized, open‐label multicentre study that enrolled adult patients with symptomatic non‐obstructive HCM (New York Heart Association class I–III) who were randomly assigned (2:1) to receive sacubitril/valsartan (target dose 97/103 mg) or control for 16 weeks. The primary endpoint was a change in peak VO2. Secondary endpoints included echocardiographic measures of cardiac structure and function, natriuretic peptides and other cardiac biomarkers, and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure quality of life. Between May 2018 and October 2021, 354 patients were screened for eligibility, 115 patients (mean age 58 years, 37% female) met the study inclusion criteria and were randomly assigned to sacubitril/valsartan (n = 79) or control (n = 36). At 16 weeks, there was no significant change in peak VO2 from baseline in the sacubitril/valsartan (15.3 [4.3] vs. 15.9 [4.3] ml/kg/min, p = 0.13) or control group (p = 0.47). No clinically significant changes were found in blood pressure, cardiac structure and function, plasma biomarkers, or quality of life.

Conclusion

In patients with HCM, a 16‐week treatment with sacubitril/valsartan was well tolerated but had no effect on exercise capacity, cardiac structure, or function.
Research on optimization of conductivity of multilevel fractures in tight sandstone based on similar circuit principle
Authors: Xiao Hui , Zhang Lei , Xiang Jiuzhou , Lu Yu
Published: May 2024

Volume fracturing technology is commonly used to develop tight sandstone reservoirs. During the fracturing process, it is important to not only focus on achieving a larger stimulation volume but also on creating a fracture network conductivity that is suitable for the tight reservoir. However, while there have been numerous studies on optimizing the conductivity of individual fractures, the optimization of fracture network conductivity is still incomplete. To address this issue, a reservoir numerical model is established to optimize the equivalent conductivity of the post‐fracturing fracture network, considering it as a high permeability zone, optimizing the equivalent conductivity to 9.7 μm2 cm. Utilizing the discrete element theory, a “pipe domain” discrete element model is developed to analyze fracture expansion. The findings indicate that the ratios of first‐level, second‐level, and third‐level fractures differ based on the number of clusters, such as 1:4:8 and 1:5:9 for three‐cluster and four‐cluster perforations. By applying the hydropower similarity principle, the fracture network is treated as a three‐level circuit to determine the conductivity of each fracture level. Finally, the model is fitted based on conductivity to determine the optimal fracture conductivity for different fracture number ratios, thereby enhancing the flow capability.
Varied root effects on soil detachment with growth time and hydrodynamic characteristics
Authors: Liu Junyang , Zhou Zhengchao , Chen Hao , Han Weixiao
Published: May 2024

Plant roots significantly reduce soil detachment by overland flow. However, there have been few studies on how plant growth time and hydrodynamic characteristics affect the erosion‐reducing potential of plant roots. This study cultivated ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) as representative of plants possessing fibrous roots and taproots, respectively, in silty soil from the Loess Plateau, China. Root‐soil composites were collected monthly from March to September 2021 and subjected to flow scouring in a hydraulic flume at a 15° slope using five different flow discharges (0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2 and 0.3 L s−1). The results of the study indicated that root length density, root surface area density and root mass density exhibited a significant increase during the early growth phase, followed by a slight decrease. All parameters of fibrous roots revealed greater values than those of taproots, except for root mass density. The reduction in soil detachment under varying flow shear stresses showed a significant increase during the early phases of growth, followed by a gradual decline. Notably, fibrous roots demonstrated a greater impact on soil detachment than taproots, and this discrepancy fluctuated over time. Moreover, the contributions of fibrous and taproots to reducing soil detachment decreased from 55.81% to 39.66% and from 38.21% to 20.99% with increasing flow shear stress, respectively. It indicated that the erosion‐reducing potential of plant roots was greater when subjected to low‐flow shear stress compared to high‐flow shear stress. This study can provide a scientific basis for understanding the erosion‐reducing potential of plant roots at different growing stages and under varying hydrodynamic characteristics.
Metabolome and transcriptome analysis reveal the effect of methyl jasmonate on phytosterol biosynthesis in Brassica napus
Authors: Wang Xueyan , Liu Min , Yang Ruinan , Cui Xiaobo , Liu Jie , Zhang Yu , He Yizhou , Yu Li , Ma Fei , Zhang Xiong , Zhang Yuanyuan , Liu Shengyi , Li Peiwu , Zhang Liangxiao
Published: May 2024

Phytosterols are a group of nonpharmacological alternatives to prevent or control dyslipidemias and cardiovascular disease. Increasing the phytosterol content in rapeseed oil is important to enhance daily phytosterol intake. However, the mechanisms of biosynthesis and regulation of phytosterol in rapeseed remain unclear. In this study, two representative rapeseed cultivars with extremely high (H286) and low (H174) phytosterol content were selected and treated with various concentrations (0.5−5.0 mM) of methyl jasmonate (MeJA). The results showed that treatment with 1 mM MeJA increased the phytosterol content of H174 and H286 by 17% and 27%, respectively. Based on the multiomics data, a gene‐phytosterol regulatory network was constructed. We deduced that MeJA down‐regulated the expression level of BnaA07.SCL15, BnaC05.MYB61, and BnaC03.AGL2, thereby promoting the phytosterol biosynthesis , and which were validated through the transient expression in tobacco. Notably, overexpression of Arabidopsis BnaA07.SCL15 exhibited a significant decrease in their phytosterol content. Additionally, an integrative analysis of the high‐resolution metabolome and transcriptome revealed that the accumulation patterns of 997 metabolites were highly correlated with their corresponding gene expression patterns. MeJA also significantly affected flavonoid biosynthesis, α‐linolenic acid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism. Furthermore, BnaA09.TT8 and BnaC09.TT8 were found to regulate of flavonoids. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the phytosterol biosynthesis in rapeseed and offers a simple and effective approach for improving rapeseed quality.
Valorization of various nut residues grown in Turkiye: Antioxidant, anticholinesterase, antidiabetic, and cytotoxic activities1
Authors: Kutlu Gozde
Published: May 2024

The utilization of plant‐based residues has been extensively employed for the control of diverse illnesses, owing to their safety and minimal adverse effects. In the current study, it was aimed for the characterization of the bioactive, enzyme inhibitory, and cytotoxic activities of fresh pistachio shell skin (FPSS), green walnut husk and walnut membrane (GWH), almond outer shell and inner brown skin (ASIS), as well as peanut husk and inner skin (PHIS) to be used as industrial food processing by‐products. The results showed that the samples exhibited different extraction yields, with GWH having the highest percentage at 15.18%, followed by FPSS at 12.81%, ASIS at 10.29%, and PHIS at 7.80%. FPSS had the highest total phenolic content (16.28 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g) as well as the best antioxidant capabilities for DPPH (8.96 mg Trolox equivalent (TE)/g), FRAP (11.46 mg TE/g), and ABTS (22.38 mg TE/g) assays. FPSS was followed by PHIS, ASIS, and GWH, respectively. Moreover, the extracts exhibited relatively low activity against acetylcholinesterase, α‐glucosidase, and α‐amylase compared to standard acarbose or galantamine. Furthermore, the extracts may have the potential to induce cytotoxic effects, varying from moderate to mild, on both cancerous (IC50 = 454.55–617.28 μg/mL) and healthy cells (IC50 = 438.60–490.20 μg/mL). The results of this research showed that shell residues of nut hold promise for a variety of industrial applications spanning the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors.
Optimization of citrus fiber‐enriched vegan cream cheese alternative and its influence on chemical, physical, and sensory properties
Authors: Gurbuz Basak , Cayir Merve , Akdeniz Esra , Akyıl Öztürk Saniye , Karaman Safa , Karimidastjerd Atefeh , Toker Omer Said , Palabıyık İbrahim , Konar Nevzat
Published: May 2024

Dairy product alternatives have increased in recent years as a result of medical prescriptions or personal preferences. The main purpose of the present study was to optimize vegan‐based cream cheese formulation added with citrus fiber considering the textural and physicochemical properties of the samples. The physicochemical (pH value, water activity, and color), texture, microstructure, and sensory properties of manufactured vegan‐based cream cheese were characterized and compared to those of a commercial one. Three optimized products were produced, according to the textural properties. The addition of citrus fiber did not affect the pH and water activity values of the cheese samples significantly. Although citrus fiber had an effect on the color values of the samples, a significant difference in the sensory scores was not recorded by the panelists. The sample having 1.21% citrus fiber (A) showed a hardness value similar to that of control sample and it received high sensory appreciation. The sample added with 1.41% citrus fiber (B) was scored high by the panelists, with no significant difference compared to commercial cream cheese, even though it showed high hardness. According to the results of the current research, vegan‐based cream cheese can be produced as a promising food as a new alternative to milk and dairy products.
Appetitive conditioning with pornographic stimuli elicits stronger activation in reward regions than monetary and gaming‐related stimuli
Authors: Krikova Kseniya , Klein Sanja , Kampa Miriam , Walter Bertram , Stark Rudolf , Klucken Tim
Published: May 2024

Appetitive conditioning plays an important role in the development and maintenance of pornography‐use and gaming disorders. It is assumed that primary and secondary reinforcers are involved in these processes. Despite the common use of pornography and gaming in the general population appetitive conditioning processes in this context are still not well studied. This study aims to compare appetitive conditioning processes using primary (pornographic) and secondary (monetary and gaming‐related) rewards as unconditioned stimuli (UCS) in the general population. Additionally, it investigates the conditioning processes with gaming‐related stimuli as this type of UCS was not used in previous studies. Thirty‐one subjects participated in a differential conditioning procedure in which four geometric symbols were paired with either pornographic, monetary, or gaming‐related rewards or with nothing to become conditioned stimuli (CS + porn, CS + game, CS + money, and CS−) in an functional magnetic resonance imaging study. We observed elevated arousal and valence ratings as well as skin conductance responses for each CS+ condition compared to the CS−. On the neural level, we found activations during the presentation of the CS + porn in the bilateral nucleus accumbens, right medial orbitofrontal cortex, and the right ventral anterior cingulate cortex compared to the CS−, but no significant activations during CS + money and CS + game compared to the CS−. These results indicate that different processes emerge depending on whether primary and secondary rewards are presented separately or together in the same experimental paradigm. Additionally, monetary and gaming‐related stimuli seem to have a lower appetitive value than pornographic rewards.
Low methylation marker levels among human papillomavirus‐vaccinated women with cervical high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions
Authors: Louvanto Karolina , Verhoef Lisanne , Pimenoff Ville , Eriksson Tiina , Leppälä Siiri , Lagheden Camilla , Gray Penelope , Scibior‐Bentkowska Dorota , Sumiec Elizabeth , Nieminen Pekka , Dillner Joakim , Berkhof Johannes , Meijer Chris J. L. M. , Lehtinen Matti , Nedjai Belinda , Heideman Daniëlle A. M.
Published: May 2024

Cervical cancer screening programs, including triage tests, need redesigning as human papillomavirus (HPV)‐vaccinated women are entering the programs. Methylation markers offer a potential solution to reduce false‐positive rates by identifying clinically relevant cervical lesions with progressive potential. In a nested case–control study, 9242 women who received the three‐dose HPV16/18‐vaccine at ages 12–15 or 18 in a community‐randomized trial were included. Subsequently, they were re‐randomized for either frequent or infrequent cervical cancer screening trials. Over a 15‐year post‐vaccination follow‐up until 2022, 17 high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) and 15 low‐grade (LSIL) cases were identified at the 25‐year screening round, alongside 371 age and community‐matched HPV16/18‐vaccinated controls. Methylation analyses were performed on cervical samples collected at age 25, preceding histologically confirmed LSIL or HSIL diagnoses. DNA methylation of viral (HPV16/18/31/33) and host‐cell genes (EPB41L3, FAM19A4, and miR124‐2) was measured, along with HPV‐genotyping. No HPV16/18 HSIL cases were observed. The predominant HPV‐genotypes were HPV52 (29.4%), HPV59/HPV51/HPV58 (each 23.5%), and HPV33 (17.7%). Methylation levels were generally low, with no significant differences in mean methylation levels of viral or host‐cell genes between the LSIL/HSIL and controls. However, a significant difference in methylation levels was found between HSIL cases and controls when considering a combination of viral genes and EPB41L3 (p value = .0001). HPV‐vaccinated women with HSIL had HPV infections with uncommon HPV types that very rarely cause cancer and displayed low methylation levels. Further investigation is warranted to understand the likely regressive nature of HSIL among HPV‐vaccinated women and its implications for management.
Stabilization of halide perovskites with silicon compounds for optoelectronic, catalytic, and bioimaging applications
Authors: Jana Atanu , Cho Sangeun , Meena Abhishek , Ahmed Abu Talha Aqueel , Sree Vijaya Gopalan , Park Youngsin , Kim Hyungsang , Im Hyunsik , Taylor Robert A.
Published: May 2024

Silicon belongs to group 14 elements along with carbon, germanium, tin, and lead in the periodic table. Similar to carbon, silicon is capable of forming a wide range of stable compounds, including silicon hydrides, organosilicons, silicic acids, silicon oxides, and silicone polymers. These materials have been used extensively in optoelectronic devices, sensing, catalysis, and biomedical applications. In recent years, silicon compounds have also been shown to be suitable for stabilizing delicate halide perovskite structures. These composite materials are now receiving a lot of interest for their potential use in various real‐world applications. Despite exhibiting outstanding performance in various optoelectronic devices, halide perovskites are susceptible to breakdown in the presence of moisture, oxygen, heat, and UV light. Silicon compounds are thought to be excellent materials for improving both halide perovskite stability and the performance of perovskite‐based optoelectronic devices. In this work, a wide range of silicon compounds that have been used in halide perovskite research and their applications in various fields are discussed. The interfacial stability, structure–property correlations, and various application aspects of perovskite and silicon compounds are also analyzed at the molecular level. This study also explores the developments, difficulties, and potential future directions associated with the synthesis and application of perovskite‐silicon compounds.

image
Evaluation of potential irrigation water savings by assessing the soil water balance in a vineyard in central Chile
Authors: Salazar Osvaldo , Castro Marcela , Singh Ranvir , Ponstein Helena
Published: May 2024

The main aim of this study was to evaluate the potential savings of irrigation water by assessing the soil water balance during the growing season in a wine vineyard in the Maule region, Chile. This study provides insights into the influences of different irrigation water applications on soil water status and its potential effects on grape yields, water use efficiency (WUE) and the cost of irrigation to help improve irrigation practices in the region and other similar Mediterranean regions. The field experiment compared three levels of irrigation water applied: current irrigation of the vineyard (T0) and two deficit irrigation treatments with reductions to 75% (T1) and 50% of the irrigated water (T2). The measurements included volumetric soil water content, shallow groundwater table, canopy cover and grape yield at harvest during the entire growing season (October 2017 to April 2018). We found a potential reduction of 25% or 50% in the current irrigation system while maintaining the grape yield, increasing the WUE and reducing the cost of irrigation. Consideration of the water stored in the soil by the accumulation of rainfall in the winter season and the potential for capillary rise of shallow groundwaters is crucial for adjusting irrigation to vine water requirements.
Olsalazine pretreatment augments chemosensitivity of gemcitabine in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Sharma Ayush , Chhipa Abu Sufiyan , Verma Srashti , Parikh Palak , Patel Snehal
Published: May 2024

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effects of olsalazine pretreatment in the potentiation of chemosensitivity of gemcitabine for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In silico molecular docking was performed to analyze the interactions of olsalazine and gemcitabine with DNMT1 and DNA, respectively, using the AutoDock tools 1.5.6. Cytotoxicity of olsalazine, gemcitabine, and combination was measured on human HePG2 cells using MTT assay. Anti‐tumor effects of the combination were assessed using animal model of N‐nitrosodiethylamine and carbon tetrachloride‐induced HCC. Treatment was initiated from 8th week of induction to 11th week and changes in body weight, liver weight (absolute and relative), and survival rate were measured. Following treatment, blood samples were collected for estimation of serum biochemistry. Blood serum was used for the estimation of inflammatory cytokines: tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), C‐reactive protein [CRP], lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and P53 levels. Oxidative stress markers were measured in liver tissue homogenates. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were performed on liver sections to detect the morphological changes and P53 expression. Docking analysis revealed the interactions between olsalazine and DNMT1 with a binding energy score of −5.34 and gemcitabine and DNA with a binding energy score of −5.93. Olsalazine pretreatment potentiated the anticancer effects of gemcitabine in cell line study. In the groups receiving olsalazine pretreatment showed significant reductions in relative liver weight and improved survival rate. Serum biochemical markers: serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin revealed improved liver functions. Olsalazine pretreatment also reduced the levels of inflammatory markers: CRP, LDH, TNF‐α, and IL‐6 and oxidative stress markers dose dependently. Histopathology and IHC showed improved liver morphology with potentiated induction of P53 upon olsalazine pretreatment in combination with gemcitabine. In conclusion, sequential combination of olsalazine and gemcitabine improved the treatment outcomes during the progression of HCC.
Mitochondria‐specific antioxidant MitoTEMPO alleviates senescence of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in ovariectomized rats
Authors: Li Jiayi , Zhang Dahe , Zhang Yuxin , Ge Jing , Yang Chi
Published: May 2024

Senescence in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), triggered by excessive oxidative stress, plays a crucial role in the onset of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Recent studies underscore the importance of mitochondrial rehabilitation and quality control as key determinants in the modulation of oxidative stress and cellular senescence. MitoTEMPO, a mitochondria‐targeted antioxidant, has been shown to mitigate the heightened levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In our research, we observed that BMSCs from ovariectomized (OVX) rats displayed premature senescence, which was attributed to combined mitochondrial and lysosomal dysfunction, a condition that worsens with extended estrogen deprivation. Treatment with MitoTEMPO effectively reversed these effects, reinstating lysosomal functionality and suppressing the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt). Subsequent in vivo experiments corroborated these observations, revealing that MitoTEMPO administration in OVX rats curtailed trabecular bone loss and reduced the expression of p53, HSP60, and CLPP in the trabecular bone region of the proximal tibia. Overall, our findings suggest that MitoTEMPO holds promise as a therapeutic agent to counteract senescence in OVX‐BMSCs, offering a potential strategy for treating postmenopausal osteoporosis.