bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A case report of immune checkpoint inhibitor‐related myositis and cholangitis induced by pembrolizumab
Authors: Yamano Takafumi , Hamakawa Masamitsu , Akaike Yoko , Ishida Tadashi
Published: July 2024

Key Clinical Message

Rare but severe, immune‐related adverse events such as myositis and sclerosing cholangitis can occur with immune checkpoint inhibitors in lung cancer treatment. This case report highlights their co‐occurrence after pembrolizumab treatment, indicating the need for vigilance and management strategies in immune checkpoint inhibitors therapy.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are used in advanced treatment of lung cancer but can lead to immune‐related adverse events. ICI‐related myositis and cholangitis are rare, and their combination has not been previously reported. Here, we report the first case of ICI‐related myositis and sclerosing cholangitis. A patient with stage IV lung adenocarcinoma who received one cycle of pembrolizumab with cisplatin and pemetrexed developed myositis. Treatment with prednisolone improved the myositis, but the patient subsequently developed cholangitis. The patient did not respond to a regimen of prednisolone, mycophenolate mofetil, and azathioprine, and eventually died due to worsening lung cancer. An autopsy confirmed the presence of ICI‐related myositis and sclerosing cholangitis.
ATR‐FTIR Spectroscopy Preprocessing Technique Selection for Identification of Geographical Origins of Gastrodia elata Blume
Authors: Liu Hong , Liu Honggao , Li Jieqing , Wang Yuanzhong
Published: July 2024

Gastrodia elata Blume from different regions varies in growth conditions, soil types, and climate, which directly affects the content and quality of its medicinal components. Accurately identifying the origin can effectively ensure the medicinal value of G. elata Bl., prevent the circulation of counterfeit products, and thus protect the interests and health of consumers. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy is a rapid and effective method for verifying the authenticity of traditional Chinese medicines. However, the presence of scattering effects in the spectra poses challenges in establishing reliable discrimination models. Therefore, employing appropriate scattering correction techniques is crucial for improving the quality of spectral data and the accuracy of discrimination models. This study uses two ensemble preprocessing approaches; the first type is series fusion of scatter correction technologies (SCSF), and another method is sequential preprocessing through orthogonalization (SPORT). Four discriminant models were established using a single scattering correction technique and two ensemble preprocessing approaches. The results show that the data‐driven version of the soft independent modeling of class analogy (DD‐SIMCA) model built based on multiplicative scatter correction (MSC) preprocessing has a sensitivity of 0.98 and a specificity of 0.91, able to effectively distinguish whether a sample of G. elata Bl. originates from Zhaotong. In addition, three discriminant models including support vector machine (SVM), partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA), and three gradient boosting machine (GBM) algorithms built using the ensemble preprocessing approach have good classification and generalization capabilities. Among them, the SCSF‐PLS‐DA model has the best performance with 99.68% and 98.08% accuracy for the training and test sets, respectively, and F1 of 0.97; the SPORT‐SVM model achieved the second‐best classification ability. The results show that the ensemble preprocessing approach used can improve the success rate of G. elata Bl. geographical origin classification.
Highly Graphitized Coal Tar Pitch‐Derived Porous Carbon as High‐Performance Lithium Storage Materials
Authors: Zhao Lu‐Lu , Qi Si‐Yu , Zhang Nan , Wang Peng‐Fei , Liu Zong‐Lin , Yi Ting‐Feng
Published: July 2024

Because of its high specific capacity and superior rate performance, porous carbon is regarded as a potential anode material for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). However, porous carbon materials with wide pore diameter distributions suffer from low structural stability and low electrical conductivity during the application process. During this study, the calcium carbonate nanoparticle template method is used to prepare coal tar pitch‐derived porous carbon (CTP−X). The coal tar pitch‐derived porous carbon has a well‐developed macroporous‐mesoporous‐microporous hierarchical porous network structure, which provides abundant active sites for Li+ storage, significantly reduces polarization and charge transfer resistance, shortens the diffusion path and promotes the rapid transport of Li+. More specifically, the CTP‐2 anode shows high charge capacity (496.9 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1), excellent rate performance (413.6 mAh g−1 even at 500 mA g−1), and high cycling stability (capacity retention rate of about 100 % after 1,000 cycles at 2 A g−1). The clean and eco‐friendly large‐scale utilization of coal tar pitch will facilitate the development of high‐performance anodes in the field of LIBs.
Searching for “Greener” Bioequivalents of CF3 to Lower its Environmental Impact
Authors: Minneci Marco , Misevicius Matas , Rozas Isabel
Published: July 2024

Considering the broad use of the trifluoromethyl functional group (−CF3) in medicinal chemistry and taking into account the recent concerns on the negative environmental effects of CF3 containing compounds, we are searching for “greener” alternatives. Thus, different chemical groups (i. e. iodide, fluoride, cyclopropyl, isopropyl, cyclobutyl, 3‐oxetyl, 2‐oxetyl, methylsulfide, pentafluorosulfide, methylsulfonyl and sulfonamide) have been considered as potential bioequivalents of −CF3 aiming to use them in compounds with therapeutic interest instead of the polyfluoride functionality. Different structural (molecular surface and volume) and physicochemical (electronic and lipophilic) aspects of the bioequivalent functionalities proposed have been theoretically calculated and compared to those of −CF3. Additionally, the corresponding phenyl derivatives carrying these functionalities have been purchased or prepared and their experimental lipophilicity (i. e. LogP) measured using shake‐flask experiments and UV‐vis spectroscopy.
Phosphonium SF5− Salts Derived from Sulfur Hexafluoride as Deoxyfluorination Reagents
Authors: Röthel Maike B. , Schöler Andreas , Buß Florenz , Löwe Pawel , Dielmann Fabian
Published: July 2024

Sulfur based deoxyfluorination reagents are usually derived from the corrosive gas SF4. Herein, we report the synthesis and properties of an easily accessible phosphonium salt [(tmg)3PF]+SF5− (1) which was obtained from the reaction of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) with tris(tetramethylguanidinyl)phosphine. The performance of this crystalline SF5− salt as a reagent in deoxyfluorination reactions was investigated together with a second SF5− salt [(R1)3PF]+SF5− (2) containing bulky substituents (R1=1,3‐di‐tert‐butylimidazolidin‐2‐ylidenamino). Both reagents proved to be effective for the deoxyfluorination of various functional groups including alcohols, anhydrides, and amides.
N/S‐Doped Hierarchical Porous Bamboo Carbon Fibers with Ultra‐Large Surface Area and Highly Exposed Active Sites for Flexible Zinc‐Air Battery†
Authors: Qian Yuhang , Liu Xinye , Zheng Xiangjun , Yang Zilong , Yu Yanjie , Gao Fei , Guo Xingmei , Liu Yuanjun , Cao Xuecheng , Guo Ruihua , Zhang Junhao
Published: July 2024

Comprehensive Summary

Facile mass transport channel and accessible active sites are crucial for binder‐free air electrode catalysts in rechargeable flexible zinc‐air battery (ZAB). Herein, a ZnS/NH3 dual‐assisted pyrolysis strategy is proposed to prepare N/S‐doped hierarchical porous bamboo carbon cloth (HP‐NS‐BCC) as binder‐free air electrode catalyst for ZAB. BCC fabric with abundant micropores is firstly used as flexible carbon support to facilitate the heteroatom‐doping and construct the hierarchical porous structure. ZnS nanospheres and NH3 activization together facilitate the electronic modulation of carbon matrix by N/S‐doping and optimize the macro/meso/micropores structure of carbon fibers. Benefiting from the highly‐exposed N/S‐induced sites with enhanced intrinsic activity, the optimized mass transport of biocarbon fibers, as well as the ultra‐large specific surface area of 2436.1 m2·g–1, the resultant HP‐NS‐BCC catalyst exhibits improved kinetics for oxygen reduction/evolution reaction. When applied to rechargeable aqueous ZABs, it achieves a significant peak power density of 249.1 mW·cm−2. As binder‐free air electrode catalyst, the flexible ZAB also displays stable cycling over 500 cycles with a minimal voltage gap of 0.42 V, showcasing promising applications in flexible electronic devices.
PD‐L1 and nectin‐4 expression and genomic characterization of bladder cancer with divergent differentiation
Authors: Martini Dylan J. , Case Katherine B. , Gratz Derrik , Pellegrini Kathryn , Beagle Elizabeth , Schneider Thomas , Dababneh Melad , Nazha Bassel , Brown Jacqueline T. , Joshi Shreyas S. , Narayan Vikram M. , Ogan Kenneth , Master Viraj A. , Carthon Bradley C. , Kucuk Omer , Harik Lara R. , Bilen Mehmet Asim
Published: July 2024

Background

Bladder cancer with divergent differentiation (BCDD) comprises a heterogenous group of tumors with a poor prognosis, and differential expression of nectin‐4 and programmed death ligand‐1 (PD‐L1) has been reported in BCDD. Importantly, nectin‐4 expression in bladder cancer is associated with response to enfortumab vedotin, and PD‐L1 expression is associated with responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).

Methods

The authors conducted a retrospective review identifying 117 patients with advanced or metastatic BCDD who were treated at Winship Cancer Institute from 2011 to 2021. They performed immunohistochemistry staining for nectin‐4 and PD‐L1 expression by histologic subtype as well as genomic analysis of these patients, including RNA sequencing, whole‐exome sequencing, and fusion detection analysis as well as a subgroup genomic analysis of patients with BCDD who received ICIs.

Results

The results indicated that nectin‐4 expression was highest in the groups who had the squamous and plasmacytoid subtypes, whereas the group that had the sarcomatoid subtype (70.8%) had the highest proportion of PD‐L1–positive patients. Genomic analysis yielded several key findings, including a 50% RB1 mutation rate in patients who had small cell BCDD, targetable PIK3CA mutations across multiple subtypes of BCDD, and significantly higher expression of TEC in responders to ICIs.

Conclusions

In this study, the authors identified clinically relevant data on nectin‐4 and PD‐L1 expression in patients with rare bladder tumors. They also identified several novel findings in the genomic analysis that highlight the role of precision medicine in this population of patients. Larger, prospective studies are needed to validate these hypothesis‐generating data.
The Chemistry of Angucyclines
Authors: Vysloužilová Denisa , Kováč Ondřej
Published: July 2024

Angucyclines and angucyclinones represent a class of natural compounds that belong to the group of aromatic polyketides. They exhibit a wide array of biological properties, such as antimicrobial, antiviral, and cytotoxic. Their considerable therapeutic potential and diverse scaffolds have attracted many synthetic chemists to devise novel strategies to construct their intricate molecular architecture. Over 300 class members have been isolated from natural sources, mainly from bacterial strains of Streptomyces species. This review highlights recent advancements in their synthesis, such as oxidative cyclization, photooxidation, and metal‐catalyzed [4+2]‐cycloaddition, which has facilitated the efficient and practical total syntheses of various angucycline and angucyclinone natural products.
Solving dynamic electric circuit with nonlinear hysteretic inductor using harmonics interpolation method
Authors: Divac Srđan , Koprivica Branko
Published: July 2024

The aim of this paper is to present a methodology for solving а dynamic electric circuit with nonlinear hysteretic inductor without the use of hysteresis model or equivalent circuits. A consideration of nonlinear and hysteretic behaviour of the magnetic core under quasistatic conditions is based on applying harmonics interpolation method (HIM) to the measured magnetising field strength waveforms. A dynamic behaviour of the magnetic core is considered through the application of the statistical theory of losses (STL). A considered electric circuit consists of AC voltage source connected in series with shunt resistor, additional linear resistor and inductor, as well as a nonlinear hysteretic inductor. The solution for electric current of the circuit is obtained by solving equation derived from Kirchhoff's laws through a series of successive iterations. Coupling of electric and magnetic part of the circuit is obtained from fundamental laws of electromagnetism. Methodology is validated for four cases of the considered electric circuit — without additional elements, with one additional or both additional elements, for sinusoidal voltage source amplitudes of 2, 4, 6, 8 and 9 V and frequency of 50 Hz. Validation is repeated for frequencies of 100, 200 and 300 Hz while keeping the ratio of the amplitude to frequency constant. Detailed theoretical approach and methodology, comparisons between measured and calculated results, as well as adequate discussion are presented.
Preliminary evaluation of antiproliferative and apoptotic activities of novel indolin‐2‐one derivatives
Authors: Turhal Gulseren , Demirkan Busra , Baslilar Izel Nermin , Yuncu Nimet Sule , Baytas Sultan Nacak , Demiroglu‐Zergeroglu Asuman
Published: July 2024

Indole‐based agents are frequently used in targeted or supportive therapy of several cancers. In this study, we investigated the anticancer properties of originally synthesized novel indolin‐2‐one derivatives (6a‐d) against Malignant Mesothelioma, Breast cancer, and Colon Cancer cells. Our results revealed that all derivatives were effectively delayed cell proliferation by inhibiting the ERK1/2, AKT, and STAT3 signaling pathways in a concentration‐dependent manner. Additionally, these variants induced cell cycle arrest in the S phase, accompanied by elevated levels of p21 and p27 expressions. Derivatives also initiated mitochondrial apoptosis through the upregulation of Bax and downregulation of Bcl‐2 proteins, leading to the activation of caspase 3 and PARP cleavage in exposed cells. Remarkably, three of the indolin‐2‐one derivatives displayed significant selectivity towards Breast and Colon Cancer cells, with compound 6d promising as the most potent and wide spectral one for all cancer cell lines.
Discovery of interspecific alloparental care of silver‐eared mesia nestlings by a mountain bulbul
Authors: Liu Jianping , Li Bin , Liang Wei
Published: July 2024

Although brood parasitism has been well documented among bird species, interspecific alloparenting, which is parenting behavior of adult individuals of one species toward the progeny of another species, is increasingly being reported. However, compared with the many reports of interspecific alloparenting behavior in North America and Europe, this phenomenon is less well known in China, with only two prior cases of interspecific alloparenting behavior in birds having been recorded. On June 23, 2022, we observed an instance of interspecific alloparental care provided by a mountain bulbul (Ixos mcclellandii) towards silver‐eared mesia (Leiothrix argentauris) nestlings in Caihu Village, Jingdong County, Yunnan Province, southwestern China. We recorded 19.5 h of footage during the period in which the mountain bulbul provided care for the nestlings with the aim of documenting detailed observations of interspecific alloparenting to contribute to our overall understanding of this behavior. The alloparenting behavior of the mountain bulbul lasted for at least 5 days. During this period, both silver‐eared mesia parents fed their nestlings 157 times and removed their nestlings' fecal sacs 5 times, while the mountain bulbul fed the nestlings 30 times and removed the nestlings' fecal sacs 4 times. In addition, the male silver‐eared mesia parent chased the mountain bulbul away during nestling feeding. As there was no life history information for the mountain bulbul at that time, we were unable to directly determine why it exhibited interspecific alloparental care. Regardless of the reason for the mountain bulbul's behavior, these findings provide valuable information for future studies on the reproductive ecology of these two bird species.
Density of a cryptic Australian small mammal: The threatened Julia Creek dunnart (Sminthopsis douglasi)
Authors: Bakker Alice H. , Patterson Charlotte R. , Mifsud Greg , Reside April E. , Fuller Susan , Baker Andrew M.
Published: July 2024

Globally, hundreds of mammal species face the threat of extinction in the coming decades, and in many cases, their ecology remains poorly understood. Fundamental ecological knowledge is crucial for effective conservation management of these species, but it is particularly lacking for small, cryptic mammals. The Julia Creek dunnart (Sminthopsis douglasi), a threatened, cryptic carnivorous marsupial that occurs in scattered populations in the central west of Queensland, Australia, was once so poorly studied that it was believed extinct. Sporadic research since its rediscovery in the early 1990s has revealed that S. douglasi is distributed across land at risk from many threats. Fundamental knowledge of S. douglasi population density is urgently required to inform conservation management at key sites, yet the species has historically proven hard to detect. Indeed, the status of the largest known population of S. douglasi, in Bladensburg National Park, is unknown. Here, we conducted a population study on S. douglasi at two sites within Bladensburg National Park via live mark–recapture surveys during 2022 and 2023. From likelihood‐based spatially explicit capture–recapture (SECR) modelling we provide the first estimates of density and population size for S. douglasi. Live trapping resulted in captures of 49 individual S. douglasi (with 83 captures total, including recaptures). We estimated S. douglasi to occur at a density of 0.38 individuals ha−1 (0.25–0.58) at one site and 0.16 individuals ha−1 (0.09–0.27) at another site, with an estimated mean population size in suitable habitat at Bladensburg National Park of 1211 individuals (776–1646). Our S. douglasi density estimates were similar to that reported for other threatened small mammals in Australia. We also found evidence of extreme S. douglasi population fluctuations over time at Bladensburg National Park, which is of concern for its future conservation. Our study has provided the first estimate of density for S. douglasi, a threatened dasyurid species from the Mitchell Grass Downs of central western Queensland, Australia. Our research provides crucial population data to assist the management of this poorly studied species. We demonstrate a method that can be applied to species with low detection probability to ultimately help address the mammal extinction crisis faced by Australia and the rest of the world.
Land‐based literacies in local naturecultures: Walking, reading, and storying the forests in rural Colombia
Authors: Becerra Posada Tatiana , Ehret Christian
Published: July 2024

Land‐based literacies scholars have worked to expand understandings of literacies to include often marginalized cultures who understand literacy as resulting from human and more‐than‐human relations. In this article, we contribute to this broadening of literacies with an analysis of how nature influences the meaning‐making practices of rural, subaltern communities in the Global South. Our inspiration stems from indigenous scholars who have advanced indigenous and relational epistemologies, seeking to bridge the nature/culture divide that remains prevalent in Western thinking. The central question that guides this article is: How are Land‐based literacies produced through the felt and sensed relationships with nature, history and culture in the Callemar community? Drawing on micro‐analysis of participant‐generated video data from two walks with Colombian youth and adults from the Callemar community, we illustrate ways naturecultures, specifically the assemblages of Land, collective memory and cultural practices, produce Land‐based literacies. We describe Land‐ walking, including forest‐ and creek‐crossing practices, as literacies that require reading and meaning‐making with the Land, and that which allow individuals to relate to other beings and thrive in the changing landscape of their rural community. Our description and discussion of Land‐based literacies in this rural community poses important implications for informing pluriversal literacies pedagogies that draw on local knowledges and contexts to make literacy learning more relevant and equitable. Furthermore, we describe the relevance of Land‐based literacies for sustainable stewardship of the Land during times of drastic environmental change.
Deep learning classification of ex vivo human colon tissues using spectroscopic optical coherence tomography
Authors: Kendall Wesley Y. , Tian Qinyi , Zhao Shi , Mirminachi Seyedbabak , O'Kane Erin , Joseph Abel , Dufault Darin , Miller David A. , Shi Chanjuan , Roper Jatin , Wax Adam
Published: July 2024

Screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) with colonoscopy has improved patient outcomes; however, it remains the third leading cause of cancer‐related mortality, novel strategies to improve screening are needed. Here, we propose an optical biopsy technique based on spectroscopic optical coherence tomography (OCT). Depth resolved OCT images are analyzed as a function of wavelength to measure optical tissue properties and used as input to machine learning algorithms. Previously, we used this approach to analyze mouse colon polyps. Here, we extend the approach to examine human biopsied colonic epithelial tissue samples ex vivo. Optical properties are used as input to a novel deep learning architecture, producing accuracy of up to 97.9% in discriminating tissue type. SOCT parameters are used to create false colored en face OCT images and deep learning classifications are used to enable visual classification by tissue type. This study advances SOCT toward clinical utility for analysis of colonic epithelium.
Stitching method for panoramic nail fold images based on capillary contour enhancement
Authors: Lin Jianan , Yin Hao , Wu Yanxiong , Luo Jiaxiong , Ye Qianyao , Zhou Bin , Xie Mugui , Ye Cong , Liang Junzhao , Li Xiaosong , Bin Wei , Yang Zhimin
Published: July 2024

Nail fold capillaroscopy is an important means of monitoring human health. Panoramic nail fold images improve the efficiency and accuracy of examinations. However, the acquisition of panoramic nail fold images is seldom studied and the problem manifests of few matching feature points when image stitching is used for such images. Therefore, this paper presents a method for panoramic nail fold image stitching based on vascular contour enhancement, which first solves the problem of few matching feature points by pre‐processing the image with contrast‐constrained adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE), bilateral filtering (BF), and sharpening algorithms. The panoramic images of the nail fold blood vessels are then successfully stitched using the fast robust feature (SURF), fast library of approximate nearest neighbors (FLANN) and random sample agreement (RANSAC) algorithms. The experimental results show that the panoramic image stitched by this paper's algorithm has a field of view width of 7.43 mm, which improves the efficiency and accuracy of diagnosis.
A Study on Associations of Long Noncoding RNA HOTAIR Polymorphisms With Genetic Susceptibility to Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Majidpour Mahdi , Saravani Ramin , Sargazi Saman , Sargazi Sara , Harati‐Sadegh Mahdiyeh , Khorrami Shadi , Sarhadi Mohammad , Alidadi Ali
Published: July 2024

Background

The importance of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in various biological processes has been increasingly recognized in recent years. This study investigated how gene polymorphism in HOX transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR) lncRNA affects the predisposition to chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods

This study comprised 150 patients with CKD and 150 healthy controls. A PCR‐RFLP and ARMS‐PCR techniques were used for genotyping the five target polymorphisms.

Results

According to our findings, rs4759314 confers strong protection against CKD in allelic, dominant, and codominant heterozygote genetic patterns. Furthermore, rs3816153 decreased CKD risk by 78% when TT versus GG, 55% when GG+GT versus TT, and 74% when GT versus TT+GG. In contrast, the CC+CT genotype [odds ratio (OR) = 1.66, 95% confidence intervals (CIs) = 1.05–2.63] and the T allele (OR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.06–2.11) of rs12826786, as well as the TT genotype (OR = 2.52, 95% CI = 1.06–5.98) of rs3816153 markedly increased the risk of CKD in the Iranian population. Although no linkage disequilibrium was found between the studied variants, the Crs12826786Trs920778Grs1899663Grs4759314Grs3816153 haplotype was associated with a decreased risk of CKD by 86% (OR = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.03–0.66).

Conclusion

The rs920778 was not correlated with CKD risk, whereas the HOTAIR rs4759314, rs12826786, rs1899663, and rs3816153 polymorphisms affected the risk of CKD in our population. It seems essential to conduct repeated studies across various ethnic groups to explore the link between HOTAIR variants and their impact on the disease outcome.
No energy, no autophagy—Mechanisms and therapeutic implications of autophagic response energy requirements
Authors: Mandic Milos , Paunovic Verica , Vucicevic Ljubica , Kosic Milica , Mijatovic Srdjan , Trajkovic Vladimir , Harhaji‐Trajkovic Ljubica
Published: July 2024

Autophagy is a lysosome‐mediated self‐degradation process of central importance for cellular quality control. It also provides macromolecule building blocks and substrates for energy metabolism during nutrient or energy deficiency, which are the main stimuli for autophagy induction. However, like most biological processes, autophagy itself requires ATP, and there is an energy threshold for its initiation and execution. We here present the first comprehensive review of this often‐overlooked aspect of autophagy research. The studies in which ATP deficiency suppressed autophagy in vitro and in vivo were classified according to the energy pathway involved (oxidative phosphorylation or glycolysis). A mechanistic insight was provided by pinpointing the critical ATP‐consuming autophagic events, including transcription/translation/interaction of autophagy‐related molecules, autophagosome formation/elongation, autophagosome fusion with the lysosome, and lysosome acidification. The significance of energy‐dependent fine‐tuning of autophagic response for preserving the cell homeostasis, and potential implications for the therapy of cancer, autoimmunity, metabolic disorders, and neurodegeneration are discussed.
Antimicrobial framework nucleic acid‐based DNAzyme cluster with high catalytic efficiency
Authors: Afshan Noshin , Tariq Ruba , Riaz Iqra , Manan Abdul , Iqbal Azhar , Ejaz Muhammad , Sohail Amir , Bari Alina , Mahmood Sajid , Iqbal Shahid , Alotaibi Khalid M , Alshalwi Matar
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Hydroxyl radical‐mediated materials primarily liberate more reactive and acutely lethal hydroxyl radical (•OH) and act as potent bactericidal antibiotics, for example H2O2. Hydroxyl radical possess higher tendency than that of H2O2 to attack various biological molecules such as DNA, proteins and iron–sulfur clusters, and impair their proper functioning, actively leading to strongly potent bactericidal effect. To acquire the desired antimicrobial effect, high concentration of H2O2 is required that has found medically harmful to healthy tissues of humans.

RESULTS

We herein report framework nucleic acid‐regulated DNAzyme cluster (FDC) – that is, peroxidase‐like hemin‐bound G‐quadruplex (G4/H) DNAzyme – to amplify the catalytic reduction potential of G4/H complex, leading to high conversion rate of H2O2 to more reactive hydroxyl radical that potentially shows the same antibacterial efficiency at lower and safer H2O2 concentration. Specifically, we have grafted multiple copies of DNAzymes outside framework nucleic acid (FNA) to successively achieve 3–9 orders of magnitude enhancement in catalytic activity and antibacterial efficiency of FDC.

CONCLUSION

Our designed FDC has successfully alleviated H2O2 toxicity and increased its efficiency as antibacterial material, as FDC amplified the catalytic reduction potential of G4/H DNAzyme, leading to high conversion rate of H2O2 to more reactive •OH that potentially shows the same antibacterial efficiency at lower and safer H2O2 concentration. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Phosphate buffer‐driven precursor polycondensation to promote fermentative humification
Authors: Li Jiabin , Zhang Yunlong , Li Xiufen
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Aerobic fermentation always suffers from nitrogen loss and low humification degree. The objective of this study was to investigate the promotion of phosphate buffer on organic matter degradation and precursor polymerization into humus (HS) in aerobic fermentation, and to analyze the key roles played by different precursors. In order to achieve this, sludge aerobic fermentation tests were conducted on control (CK), phosphate buffer addition treatment (KP) and potassium chloride addition treatment (K).

RESULTS

The HS content of KP treatment exhibited a notable increase compared to the CK and K treatments, with a maximum increase of 38.29%. In addition, phosphate addition improved the nitrogen retention capacity and the complexity of the HS structure. Phosphate buffer enhanced both the polyphenol and Maillard humification pathways by promoting the condensation of precursors (polysaccharides, reducing sugars, polyphenols, amino acids and proteins). Among these precursors, reducing sugars, amino acids and proteins were identified as the key driving precursors of phosphate.

CONCLUSIONS

Phosphate, as an exogenous additive to the fermentation system, reduces nitrogen loss while promoting precursor polymerization to form HS, which benefits the improvement of soil fertility and crop growth upon organic fertilizer application. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of clinical trials assessing safety and efficacy of human extracellular vesicle‐based therapy
Authors: Van Delen Mats , Derdelinckx Judith , Wouters Kristien , Nelissen Inge , Cools Nathalie
Published: July 2024

Nowadays, it has become clear that extracellular vesicles (EVs) are not a cellular waste disposal vesicle but are an essential part of an intercellular communication system. Besides the use of EVs in biomarker studies and diagnostics, the potential of EV‐therapeutics has been seen by many. They provide unique properties for disease therapy, including strong immune‐modulatory actions, the possibility of engineering, low immunogenicity, and the capability of crossing biological barriers. Proof‐of‐concept of EV‐therapeutics for various pathologies has been achieved in preclinical studies. However, clinical trials with EVs have only been emerging slowly. Here, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state‐of‐the‐art concerning clinical studies using EVs in human therapy. By approaching the current knowledge in a systematic manner, we were able to include 21 reports for meta‐analysis of safety and evaluation of efficacy outcomes. Overall, we have shown that EV‐based therapy is safe with a low incidence of serious adverse events (SAE; 0.7% (95%‐CI: 0.1–5.2%), and adverse events (AE; 4.4% (95%‐CI: 0.7–22.2%). Subgroup analysis showed no significant difference in SAE when comparing autologous versus allogeneic administration, as well as engineered versus non‐engineered EV products. A significantly higher number of AE was seen in autologous versus allogeneic administration. However, the clinical relevance remains questionable. Evaluation of the clinical outcomes of immunostimulatory, immunosuppressive or regenerative EV‐therapies indicated improvement in the majority of treated patients. Despite these promising results, data need to be approached with caution due to a high heterogeneity in the EVs manufacturing methods, study design, and reporting of (S)AE. Overall, we conclude that EV‐based therapy is safe and presents a promising opportunity in therapy. More efforts are needed in the standardization and harmonization of reporting of EV isolation and characterization data as well as in the reporting of (S)AE to allow inter‐study comparison.
Urine sodium concentration and 28‐day weight velocity in preterm infants: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Brody Natalia , Oakes Chelsea , Huang Hanwen , Stansfield Brian K.
Published: July 2024

Background

Urine sodium concentration has been suggested as a marker to guide enteral sodium supplementation in preterm infants; however, no previous data have demonstrated relationships between urine sodium concentration and postnatal growth.

Methods

We performed a single‐center retrospective cohort study on 224 preterm infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at the Children's Hospital of Georgia between January 2010 and July 2022. Spot urine sodium was measured in preterm infants (<34 weeks postmenstrual age [PMA]) between days of life (DOLs) 7 and 28. Our exposure of interest was spot urine sodium concentration (milliequivalents per liter) obtained between postnatal days 7 and 28, and our primary outcome was weight velocity (grams per kilograms per day) determined at DOL 28. Statistical relationships were assessed by multivariate analysis with subgroup comparisons by Student t test and analysis of variance.

Results

In 224 preterm infants (199 ± 17 days, 56% male, 71% Black), urine sodium concentration did not associate with weight velocity at DOL 28 and 36 weeks PMA. Urine sodium concentration was weakly associated with gestational age at birth, and Black preterm infants had higher urine sodium values when compared with “other,” but not White preterm infants.

Conclusion

Spot urine sodium during the first month of life does not associate with weight velocity at DOL 28 or 36 weeks PMA.
Invertebrate trophic structure on marine ferromanganese and phosphorite hardgrounds
Authors: Pereira Olívia S. , Vlach Devin , Bradley Angelica , Gonzalez Jennifer , Mizell Kira , Levin Lisa A.
Published: July 2024

The Southern California Borderland hosts a variety of geologic and oceanographic features that allow for diverse habitats to occur in a restricted region with a strong oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) and hard substrates. These include ferromanganese (FeMn) crusts and phosphorites targeted for deep‐seabed mining in other regions. Baseline studies regarding hardground macro‐ (> 0.3 mm) and megafaunal (> 2 cm) invertebrates are lacking, although they contribute to understanding nutrient cycling and resilience of deep‐sea communities to ocean deoxygenation, fishing, or mineral extraction. With the goal of understanding how substrate type, depth, and dissolved oxygen concentration influence invertebrate trophic structure, we surveyed δ13C and δ15N values of invertebrates on hard substrates on the Southern California Borderland margin along a depth gradient (120–2400 m) through the OMZ at inshore (< 100 km from shore) and offshore (100–250 km from shore) sites, using generalized additive models and community‐level metrics. Macrofaunal isotopic values correlate with substrate type, exhibiting higher trophic diversity on FeMn crusts and specialized communities on phosphorites. Megafaunal isotopic values correlate with proximity to shore; animals offshore seem to depend more on phytoplanktonic production than animals inshore. In general, δ15N increased with decreasing dissolved oxygen and increasing depth, possibly due to remineralization processes within the OMZ and with depth. We discuss how feeding modes and community composition might influence the observed patterns. This study elucidates the importance of the environmental context in shaping invertebrate trophic structure on continental margins and provides baseline knowledge that may be useful in regions where these minerals are targeted for extraction.
On dense, locally finite subgroups of the automorphism group of certain homogeneous structures
Authors: Sági Gábor
Published: July 2024

Let be a countable structure such that each finite partial isomorphism of it can be extended to an automorphism. Evans asked if the age (set of finite substructures) of satisfies Hrushovski's extension property, then is it true that the automorphism group of contains a dense, locally finite subgroup? In order to investigate this question, in the previous decades a coherent variant of Hrushovski's extension property has been introduced and studied. Among other results, we provide equivalent conditions for the existence of a dense, locally finite subgroup of in terms of a (new) variant of the coherent extension property. We also compare our notion with other coherent extension properties.
Research on dynamic game operation behavior of multi‐oligopoly car‐sharing operators considering off‐peak pricing factors
Authors: Zhang Shuyuan , Yang Qiaoyan , Wu Yongchun , Zhu Meihong
Published: July 2024

In the practical evolution of shared vehicle systems, numerous societal factors come into play, such as inadequate parking infrastructure, battery capacity, and the budget for technological improvement. This study integrates the operational realities of shared vehicle systems with governmental carbon emission reduction policies and “double control” initiatives. Considering various perturbations, the paper constructs a Stackelberg short‐term model among diverse oligopolistic shared vehicle operators with technique sharing. It also develops a long‐term repeated game framework to scrutinize the impact of pertinent parameters on operators' decision variables and profits, along with system stability and complexity. The findings, elucidated through numerical analyses, reveal that the burgeoning sensitivity of users to energy conservation augments the overall shared vehicle market. The technique sharing mechanism boosts the benefit of the whole group of shared vehicle operators while diminishing the start‐up operators' revenue. In the long term, however, excessive price adjustments by SEV operators may lead to market chaos and profit erosion. Conversely, enhancing the adjustment coefficient of technological level levels by start‐up SEV2 operators may result solely in their own decision‐making becoming unmanageable. Finally, we found that both the methods of external force feedback control and parameter control are effective in restoring the chaotic market to stability.
Effect of prior depression diagnosis on bipolar disorder outcomes: A retrospective cohort study using a medical claims database
Authors: Sakurai Hitoshi , Nakashima Masayuki , Tsuboi Takashi , Baba Kenji , Nosaka Tadashi , Watanabe Koichiro , Kawakami Koji
Published: July 2024

Background

Bipolar disorder often emerges from depressive episodes and is initially diagnosed as depression. This study aimed to explore the effects of a prior depression diagnosis on outcomes in patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Methods

This cohort study analyzed data of patients aged 18–64 years who received a new bipolar disorder diagnosis in Japan, using medical claims data from January 2005 to October 2020 provided by JMDC, Inc. The index month was defined as the time of the bipolar diagnosis. The study assessed the incidence of psychiatric hospitalization, all‐cause hospitalization, and mortality, stratified by the presence of a preceding depression diagnosis and its duration (≥1 or <1 year). Hazard ratios (HRs) and p‐values were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models, adjusted for potential confounders, and supported by log‐rank tests.

Results

Of the 5595 patients analyzed, 2460 had a history of depression, with 1049 experiencing it for over a year and 1411 for less than a year. HRs for psychiatric hospitalization, all hospitalizations, and death in patients with a history of depression versus those without were 0.92 (95% CI = 0.78–1.08, p = 0.30), 0.87 (95% CI = 0.78–0.98, p = 0.017), and 0.61 (95% CI = 0.33–1.12, p = 0.11), respectively. In patients with preceding depression ≥1 year versus <1 year, HRs were 0.89 (95% CI = 0.67–1.19, p = 0.43) for psychiatric hospitalization, 0.85 (95% CI = 0.71–1.00, p = 0.052) for all hospitalizations, and 0.25 (95% CI = 0.07–0.89, p = 0.03) for death.

Conclusion

A prior history and duration of depression may not elevate psychiatric hospitalization risk after bipolar disorder diagnosis and might even correlate with reduced hospitalization and mortality rates.
Improved thermomechanical and rheological properties of polypropylene composites with thermomechanical pulp for injection molding
Authors: Jalaee Adel , Trottman Kai , French Victoria , Raghunath Sreenath , Brito dos Santos Fernanda , Foster E. Johan
Published: July 2024

Material extrusion and injection molding are prevalent in polymer processing, but wood fiber‐reinforced polymer composites offer eco‐friendly alternatives for industries like automotive, and aviation. Our study explores biocomposites using bleached chemi‐thermomechanical pulp (BCTMP) and polypropylene (PP). BCTMP is rich in cellulose and hemicellulose and quite hydrophilic, while PP's hydrophobic structure creates a disconnect to creating a composite of the two. Traditional methods add costly coupling agents like maleic anhydride polypropylene (MAPP) in an attempt to enhance the adhesion properties of wood‐plastic composites. However, it is worth noting that even in the presence of MAPP, PP maintains its high hydrophobicity and low surface energy, despite exhibiting considerable heterogeneity. Further complexity arises from the thermal degradation characteristics of BCTMP during the melting processing of PP. Our proposed method involves premixing via cryo and planetary ball milling. This boosts PP and BCTMP adhesion, enhancing dispersion quality and mechanical properties without needing coupling agents. Moreover, the premixing of BCTMP and PP forms a thermal buffer layer around BCTMP, minimizing its thermal degradation during processing. This process also ensures even distribution of BCTMP into PP, resulting in a 200% rise in Young's modulus with 30 wt% BCTMP without compromising ultimate tensile strength.

Highlights

Exploration of biocomposites using bleached chemi‐thermomechanical pulp (BCTMP) and polypropylene (PP) thorough injection molding

Implementation of premixing to enhance PP/BCTMP adhesion without coupling agents

Premixing reduces thermal degradation of BCTMP, enhances dispersion, and improves mechanical properties

Achieving a 200% increase in Young's modulus with 30% BCTMP incorporation, while maintaining ultimate tensile strength
Low‐carbon pyrolysis of vacuum gas oil by non‐thermal plasma
Authors: Titov Evgeniy Yurevich , Bodrikov Ivan Vasilevich , Vasiliev Alexander Leonidovich , Ivanova Anna Gennadievna , Golovin Andrey Leonidovich , Shirokov Dmitry Alekseevich , Kurskii Yuriy Alekseevich , Titov Dmitry Yurievich , Bodrikova Evgenia Ruslanovna
Published: July 2024

The constant growth in the share of renewable electricity and the need to reduce CO2 emissions create prospects for the development of non‐thermal plasma (NTP) pyrolysis of heavy oil. NTP pyrolysis requires only electricity and does not require heating of raw materials to high temperatures, which significantly reduces the carbon footprint during processing. This paper investigates the characteristics of NTP pyrolysis of vacuum gas oil under the action of electric microsecond discharges in the liquid phase, depending on the voltage of the current source 300–700 V to optimize energy consumption, conversion of raw materials, and increase the yield of commercial demand products.
Associations of PM2.5 exposure with emergency department visits and readmissions among preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Nelin Timothy D. , Radack Joshua K. , Yang Nancy , Lorch Scott A. , DeMauro Sara B. , Bamat Nicolas A. , Jensen Erik A. , Gibbs Kathleen , Murosko Daria C. , Scott Kristan A. , Goldstein Nicolas P. Novick , Just Allan C. , Burris Heather H.
Published: July 2024

Objectives

To quantify the association of ambient air pollution (particulate matter, PM2.5) exposure with medically attended acute respiratory illness among infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).

Study Design

Single center, retrospective cohort study of preterm infants with BPD in Metropolitan Philadelphia. Multivariable logistic regression quantified associations of annual mean PM2.5 exposure (per μg/m3) at the census block group level with medically attended acute respiratory illness, defined as emergency department (ED) visits or hospital readmissions within a year after first hospital discharge adjusting for age at neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) discharge, year, sex, race, insurance, BPD severity, and census tract deprivation. As a secondary analysis, we examined whether BPD severity modified the associations.

Results

Of the 378 infants included in the analysis, 189 were non‐Hispanic Black and 235 were publicly insured. Census block PM2.5 level was not significantly associated with medically attended acute respiratory illnesses, ED visits, or hospital readmissions in the full study cohort. We observed significant effect modification by BPD grade; each 1 µg/m3 higher annual PM2.5 exposure was medically attended acute respiratory illness (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.65, 95% CI: 1.06–2.63) among infants with Grade 1 BPD but not among infants with grade 3 BPD (aOR 0.83, 95% CI: 0.47–1.48) (interaction p = .024).

Conclusions

Cumulative PM2.5 exposure in the year after NICU discharge was not significantly associated with medically attended acute respiratory illness among infants with BPD. However, infants with Grade 1 BPD had significantly higher odds with higher exposures. If replicated, these findings could inform anticipatory guidance for families of these infants to avoid outdoor activities during high pollution days after NICU discharge.
Findings from a National Survey of Canadian perspectives on predicting river channel migration and river bank erosion
Authors: Kupferschmidt C. , Binns A. D.
Published: July 2024

River bank erosion and river channel migration are geomorphic processes that can result in significant hazards when there are impacts to humans or infrastructure. Unlike flooding, there are limited national guidelines in Canada that provide recommendations on how to best assess riverine erosion hazards. Instead regional and local jurisdictions rely on techniques based on varying levels of policy maturity. The current study presents findings of a nationwide survey on Canadian perspectives on predicting river channel migration and river bank erosion which received more than 40 responses from across Canada. Results showed that predictions were used for a variety of purposes, but that confidence intervals were rarely reported. Aerial imagery and survey‐based methods were the well‐known and widely‐used techniques for predicting river channel migration and river bank erosion. A majority of respondents identified both technical and financial challenges to improving accuracy including client willingness to pay, data quality/cost issues, and hydrologic changes due to land use and climate change. Several recommendations for improving best‐practices are provided, with a focus on the development of erosion datasets, improving data access, and providing additional training opportunities.