bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrocatalytic Palladium Nanoclusters as Versatile Indicators of Bioassays: Rapid Electroanalytical Detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 by Reverse Transcription Loop‐Mediated Isothermal Amplification
Authors: Rodríguez‐Penedo Alejandro , Rioboó‐Legaspi Pablo , González‐López Andrea , Lores‐Padín Ana , Pereiro Rosario , García‐Suárez María del Mar , Cima‐Cabal María Dolores , Costa‐Rama Estefanía , Fernández Beatriz , Fernández‐Abedul M. Teresa
Published: January 2023

Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is considered the gold standard for pathogen detection. However, improvement is still required, especially regarding the possibilities of decentralization. Apart from other reasons, infectious diseases demand on‐site analysis to avoid pathogen spreading and increase treatment efficacy. In this paper, the detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 is carried out by reverse transcription loop‐mediated isothermal amplification, which has the advantage of requiring simple equipment, easily adaptable to decentralized analysis. It is proposed, for the first time, the use of palladium nanoclusters (PdNCs) as indicators of the amplification reaction at end point. The pH of the medium decreases during the reaction and, in turn, a variation in the catalytic activity of PdNCs on the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) can be electrochemically observed. For the detection, flexible and small‐size screen‐printed electrodes can be premodified with PdNCs, which together with the use of a simple and small electrochemical equipment would greatly facilitates their integration in field‐deployable devices. This would allow a faster detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 as well as of other future microbial threats after an easy adaptation.
Enhancing Photon Utilization Efficiency for High‐Performance Organic Photovoltaic Cells via Regulating Phase‐Transition Kinetics
Authors: Bi Pengqing , Wang Jianqiu , Cui Yong , Zhang Jianqi , Zhang Tao , Chen Zhihao , Qiao Jiawei , Dai Jiangbo , Zhang Shaoqing , Hao Xiaotao , Wei Zhixiang , Hou Jianhui
Published: January 2023

Efficient photon utilization is key to achieving high‐performance organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells. In this study, a multiscale fibril network morphology in a PBQx‐TCl:PBDB‐TF:eC9‐2Cl‐based system is constructed by regulating donor and acceptor phase‐transition kinetics. The distinctive phase‐transition process and crystal size are systematically investigated. PBQx‐TCl and eC9‐2Cl form fibril structures with diameters of ≈25 nm in ternary films. Additionally, fine fibrils assembled by PBDB‐TF are uniformly distributed over the fibril networks of PBQx‐TCl and eC9‐2Cl. The ideal multiscale fibril network morphology enables the ternary system to achieve superior charge transfer and transport processes compared to binary systems; these improvements promote enhanced photon utilization efficiency. Finally, a high power conversion efficiency of 19.51% in a single‐junction OPV cell is achieved. The external quantum efficiency of the optimized ternary cell exceeds 85% over a wide range of 500–800 nm. A tandem OPV cell is also fabricated to increase solar photon absorption. The tandem cell has an excellent PCE of more than 20%. This study provides guidance for constructing an ideal multiscale fibril network morphology and improving the photon utilization efficiency of OPV cells.
Photoinduced Dithiolane Crosslinking for Multiresponsive Dynamic Hydrogels
Authors: Nelson Benjamin R. , Kirkpatrick Bruce E. , Miksch Connor E. , Davidson Matthew D. , Skillin Nathaniel P. , Hach Grace K. , Khang Alex , Hummel Sydney N. , Fairbanks Benjamin D. , Burdick Jason A. , Bowman Christopher N. , Anseth Kristi S.
Published: January 2023

While many hydrogels are elastic networks crosslinked by covalent bonds, viscoelastic hydrogels with adaptable crosslinks are increasingly being developed to better recapitulate time and position‐dependent processes found in many tissues. In this work, 1,2‐dithiolanes are presented as dynamic covalent photocrosslinkers of hydrogels, resulting in disulfide bonds throughout the hydrogel that respond to multiple stimuli. Using lipoic acid as a model dithiolane, disulfide crosslinks are formed under physiological conditions, enabling cell encapsulation via an initiator‐free light‐induced dithiolane ring‐opening photopolymerization. The resulting hydrogels allow for multiple photoinduced dynamic responses including stress relaxation, stiffening, softening, and network functionalization using a single chemistry, which can be supplemented by permanent reaction with alkenes to further control network properties and connectivity using irreversible thioether crosslinks. Moreover, complementary photochemical approaches are used to achieve rapid and complete sample degradation via radical scission and post‐gelation network stiffening when irradiated in the presence of reactive gel precursor. The results herein demonstrate the versatility of this material chemistry to study and direct 2D and 3D cell‐material interactions. This work highlights dithiolane‐based hydrogel photocrosslinking as a robust method for generating adaptable hydrogels with a range of biologically relevant mechanical and chemical properties that are varied on demand.
Soft Plasmene Helical Nanostructures
Authors: Shi Qianqian , Dong Dashen , Gervinskas Gediminas , Lin Han , Sikdar Debabrata , Jia Baohua , Walia Sumeet , Sriram Sharath , Bhaskaran Madhu , Yap Lim Wei , Cheng Wenlong
Published: January 2023

Plasmene is recently defined as 2D arrays of plasmonic nanoparticles, which could be fabricated by the bottom‐up self‐assembly approach and demonstrated a wide range of applications in sensing, energy harvesting, nanophotonics and encryption. Herein, this work further demonstrates a 3D helical plasmonic nanostructures that can be fabricated from 2D plasmene nanosheet. Inspired by chocolate curls‐making process, a micro‐spatula‐based strategy is developed to selectively scrape substrate‐supported plasmene to free space, which spontaneously folds the plasmene nanosheet into various complex helical nanostructures with controlled dimensions. 3D nanospirals can also be obtained by focus ion beam (FIB)‐based lithography on free‐standing plasmene. Helical plasmene structures are robust, exhibiting elastic mechanical properties and chiral optical response. This methodology represents a versatile fabrication route combining both bottom‐up and top‐down approaches to create soft plasmonic helical structures for potential applications in next‐generation flexible nanophotonic devices.
Open‐label, Phase 2 study of roxadustat for the treatment of anemia in patients receiving chemotherapy for non‐myeloid malignancies
Authors: Glaspy John , Gabrail Nashat Y. , Locantore‐Ford Patricia , Lee Tyson , Modelska Katharina , Samal Vivek , Henry David H.
Published: January 2023

Anemia is a common side effect of myelosuppressive chemotherapy; however, chemotherapy‐induced anemia (CIA) management options are suboptimal. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of roxadustat in this setting. This open‐label Phase 2 study included patients with non‐myeloid malignancies and CIA (hemoglobin [Hb] ≤10 g/dL) who had planned concurrent myelosuppressive chemotherapy for ≥8 additional weeks. Oral roxadustat was administered for ≤16 weeks (starting dose 2.0 or 2.5 mg/kg, then titrated every 4 weeks). The primary efficacy endpoint was mean maximum change in Hb within 16 weeks of baseline without red blood cell (RBC) transfusion. Patients were assigned to roxadustat 2.0 (n = 31) or 2.5 mg/kg (n = 61) starting doses, and 89 were assessed for efficacy. The mean (standard deviation) maximum Hb change from baseline without RBC transfusion was 2.4 (1.5) and 2.5 (1.5) g/dL in the roxadustat 2.0 and 2.5 mg/kg groups, respectively. Median (range) time to Hb increase of ≥2 g/dL was 71 (57–92) days. Twelve patients (14.5%) had RBC transfusions (Week 5 to the end of treatment). Roxadustat was efficacious regardless of tumor type and chemotherapy regimen. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) occurred in 14 (15.2%) and nine (9.8%) patients, respectively, and three had serious adverse events attributed to roxadustat in the opinion of the investigators (PE: n = 2 [2.2%]; DVT: n = 1 [1.1%]). Roxadustat increased Hb in patients with CIA regardless of tumor type and chemotherapy regimen. Adverse events were consistent with observations in patients with advanced‐stage malignancies.
Difficulties in distinguishing silicosis and pulmonary tuberculosis in silica‐exposed gold miners: A report of four cases
Authors: Maboso Botembetume , te Water Naude Jim , Rees David , Goodman Hillel , Ehrlich Rodney
Published: January 2023

Silicosis and tuberculosis (TB) are both global health concerns, with high prevalence among miners from the South African gold mines. Although knowledge has accumulated about these two conditions as distinct diseases since the early 20th century, and despite progress in technology with multiple diagnostic tools and treatment options available for TB, the challenge of distinguishing and therefore efficiently managing these two conditions in this population remains as current as it was 100 years ago. To illustrate the diagnostic and health service problems of distinguishing TB and silicosis clinically and radiologically in former gold miners from the South African mines living in resource‐poor areas, we discuss four cases reviewed for this report by a panel of experts. For each case, occupational history, past and current medical history, physical examination, radiological and laboratory findings are described. Common themes are: (1) poor agreement between radiological and clinical presentation; (2) poor agreement between radiology findings and detection of active TB on sputum Xpert MTB/RIF testing; and (3) difficulty in distinguishing the clinical and radiological presentations of silicosis and tuberculosis. Possible consequences at the population level are undertreatment or overtreatment of TB, and underdiagnosis or overdiagnosis of silicosis. There is a need for training of practitioners who are screening or attending to former gold miners in the clinical and radiological features of combined disease, using a curated database of miners' chest X‐ray images. Investment in protocols for management of both acute and chronic silicotuberculosis in ex‐miners is needed, as is clinical, epidemiologic, and operations research.
CRISPR‐Cas Biochemistry and CRISPR‐Based Molecular Diagnostics
Authors: Weng Zhengyan , You Zheng , Yang Jie , Mohammad Noor , Lin Mengshi , Wei Qingshan , Gao Xue , Zhang Yi
Published: January 2023

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based nucleic acid testing has played a critical role in disease diagnostics, pathogen surveillance, and many more. However, this method requires a long turnaround time, expensive equipment, and trained personnel, limiting its widespread availability and diagnostic capacity. On the other hand, the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) technology has recently demonstrated capability for nucleic acid detection with high sensitivity and specificity. CRISPR‐mediated biosensing holds great promise for revolutionizing nucleic acid testing procedures and developing point‐of‐care diagnostics. This review focuses on recent developments in both fundamental CRISPR biochemistry and CRISPR‐based nucleic acid detection techniques. Four ongoing research hotspots in molecular diagnostics‐target preamplification‐free detection, microRNA (miRNA) testing, non‐nucleic‐acid detection, and SARS‐CoV‐2 detection‐are also covered.
In Situ Probing and Identification of Electrochemical Reaction Intermediates by Floating Electrolytic Electrospray Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Chen Jianxiong , Wang Xiangyu , Cui Xi , Li Yongyi , Feng Yuqi , Wei Zhenwei
Published: January 2023

The in‐depth study of electrochemical (EC) synthesis can require a powerful mass spectrometry (MS) analytical platform which can discover and identify fleeting intermediates in EC reactions. Here we report a floating electrolytic electrospray ionization (FE‐ESI) strategy that can perform EC processes in a floating electrolytic cell and monitor intermediates by high‐resolution MS. Compared with previous EC‐MS methods, a significant advantage of FE‐ESI‐MS is that it allows one to modulate the electrolytic and electrospray process individually, ensuring its high sensitivity in discovering intermediates and universality to investigate redox reactions in different scenarios. This powerful platform has been successfully used to investigate the EC reductive coupling of p‐tolylboronic acid and p‐nitrotoluene. A series of nitrene intermediates were discovered and identified by FE‐ESI‐MS, indicating that a hidden mechanism involving nitrene formation might play a key role in EC reductive coupling process.
Processing PLA/P(3HB)(4HB) blends for the manufacture of highly transparent, gas barrier and fully bio‐based films for compostable packaging applications
Authors: Aversa Clizia , Barletta Massimiliano , Koca Nazan
Published: January 2023

In this study, the extrusion process of PLA/P(3HB)(4HB) blends was studied and the effect on mechanical, thermal and physical properties of the blends containing increasing amounts of P(3HB)(4HB) was evaluated. The blends were prepared by means of a twin screw extruder and subsequently film samples were manufactured using a lab scale cast extruder. A potential industrial application of the studied materials was also validated by testing the films on a pilot thermoforming machine for the production of food containers. The extrusion process demonstrated good processability of blends containing 10%, 20%, and 30% of P(3HB)(4HB). Increasing the amount of P(3HB)(4HB) up to 40% and 50%, processability problems occurred related to tackiness of the materials both during extrusion compounding and during cast extrusion. Both granules and films were characterized and thermo‐physical and mechanical properties of the samples are hereinafter reported. The novel polymeric blends are found to be suitable for extrusion compounding, cast extrusion and thermoforming processes. Moreover, the blends exhibit enhanced performances in terms of flexibility and impact resistance as well as protection against gas permeation and boast exceptional transparency. Therefore, the innovative PLA/P(3HB)(4HB) blends prove to be suitable for the production of compostable single‐use packaging requiring high transparency and gas barrier.
Understanding data culture/s: Influences, activities, and initiatives: An Annual Review of Information Science and Technology (ARIST) paper.
Authors: Oliver Gillian , Cranefield Jocelyn , Lilley Spencer , Lewellen Matthew J.
Published: January 2023

Data culture/s as a research topic has begun to attract attention from a wide range of disciplines, albeit with inconsistent application of definitions, dimensions, and applications. This work builds on a call to investigate data culture/s within the information studies domain as a topic related to, but distinct from, information culture. The purpose of this study is to explore what is known about data culture/s in greater depth. We apply a retroductive approach to select and consider likely dimensions, inputs, and aspects of data culture/s in order to further map this construct to the literature, and thereby highlight gaps and opportunities to add to this body of knowledge. The initial candidate dimensions explored below include data‐related skills and attitudes, data sharing, data use/reuse, data ethics and governance, and a specific focus on Indigenous perspectives to provide insights on why and how a group may contest the emergent dominant discourse of data culture/s. Our conclusion highlights areas needing further research to fully define and examine the dimensions, inputs, and aspects of data culture/s, and calls for greater understanding and engagement with data culture/s from the information studies community.
Bacterial delivery of therapeutic proteins to the nuclei of cancer cells
Authors: Bloom Shoshana M. K. , O'Hare Nicholas , Forbes Neil S.
Published: January 2023

Targeting nucleic targets with therapeutic proteins would enhance the treatment of hard‐to‐treat cancers. However, exogenous proteins are excluded from the nucleus by both the cellular and nuclear membranes. We have recently developed Salmonella that deliver active proteins into the cytoplasm of cancer cells. Here, we hypothesized that bacterially delivered proteins accumulate within nuclei, nuclear localization sequences (NLSs) increase delivery, and bacterially delivered proteins kill cancer cells. To test this hypothesis, we developed intranuclear delivering (IND) Salmonella and quantified the delivery of three model proteins. IND Salmonella delivered both ovalbumin and green fluorescent protein to nuclei of MCF7 cancer cells. The amount of protein in nuclei was linearly dependent on the amount delivered to the cytoplasm. The addition of a NLSs increased both the amount of protein in each nucleus and the number of nuclei that received protein. Delivery of Omomyc, a protein inhibitor of the nuclear transcript factor, Myc, altered cell physiology, and significantly induced cell death. These results show that IND Salmonella deliver functional proteins to the nucleus of cancerous cells. Extending this method to other transcription factors will increase the number of accessible targets for cancer therapy.
Dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction and Monte Carlo simulation of margin of safety for octocrylene, EHMC, 2ES, and homosalate in sunscreens
Authors: Lukić Jelena , Đurkić Tatjana , Onjia Antonije
Published: January 2023

Dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) using a floating organic drop has been optimized and used for the sample preparation of four commonly used ultraviolet filter (UVF) substances in sunscreens. Plackett–Burman experimental design was used to screen 10 variables in DLLME. The most significant variables were then optimized by using a response surface method with a Box–Behnken design. DLLME followed by an optimized HPLC identified octocrylene, 2‐ethylhexyl‐4‐methoxycinnamate, ethylhexyl salicylate, and homosalate as the frequently found UVFs in commercial sunscreens. The systemic exposure dosage and margin of safety (MoS) for the identified UVFs were estimated using in‐use concentrations and application patterns. The average systemic exposure dosage values for octocrylene, 2‐ethylhexyl‐4‐methoxycinnamate, ethylhexyl salicylate, and homosalate were 0.52, 0.61, 0.020, and 0.079 mg/kg body weight per day, respectively. Whereas the average MoS values for individual UVFs ranging from 296 to 3160 were all significantly higher than the limit value of 100, the combined exposure risks were slightly above the limit. The probabilistic health risk assessment using Monte Carlo simulation revealed that the combined MoS values were (mean, 10‰, 90‰) 342, 119, and 441, respectively. Regarding the usage of sunscreen cosmetics containing the UVFs studied, these results indicate a safety concern for those who apply multiple UVF products.
Nanomaterials for mRNA‐based therapeutics: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Li De‐feng , Liu Qi‐song , Yang Mei‐feng , Xu Hao‐ming , Zhu Min‐zheng , Zhang Yuan , Xu Jing , Tian Cheng‐mei , Yao Jun , Wang Li‐sheng , Liang Yu‐jie
Published: January 2023

Messenger RNA (mRNA) holds great potential in developing immunotherapy, protein replacement, and genome editing. In general, mRNA does not have the risk of being incorporated into the host genome and does not need to enter the nucleus for transfection, and it can be expressed even in nondividing cells. Therefore, mRNA‐based therapeutics provide a promising strategy for clinical treatment. However, the efficient and safe delivery of mRNA remains a crucial constraint for the clinical application of mRNA therapeutics. Although the stability and tolerability of mRNA can be enhanced by directly retouching the mRNA structure, there is still an urgent need to improve the delivery of mRNA. Recently, significant progress has been made in nanobiotechnology, providing tools for developing mRNA nanocarriers. Nano‐drug delivery system is directly used for loading, protecting, and releasing mRNA in the biological microenvironment and can be used to stimulate the translation of mRNA to develop effective intervention strategies. In the present review, we summarized the concept of emerging nanomaterials for mRNA delivery and the latest progress in enhancing the function of mRNA, primarily focusing on the role of exosomes in mRNA delivery. Moreover, we outlined its clinical applications so far. Finally, the key obstacles of mRNA nanocarriers are emphasized, and promising strategies to overcome these obstacles are proposed. Collectively, nano‐design materials exert functions for specific mRNA applications, provide new perception for next‐generation nanomaterials, and thus revolution of mRNA technology.
Asymmetric Ene‐Reduction by F420‐Dependent Oxidoreductases B (FDOR‐B) from Mycobacterium smegmatis
Authors: Kang Suk Woo , Antoney James , Lupton David W. , Speight Robert , Scott Colin , Jackson Colin J.
Published: January 2023

Asymmetric reduction by ene‐reductases has received considerable attention in recent decades. While several enzyme families possess ene‐reductase activity, the Old Yellow Enzyme (OYE) family has received the most scientific and industrial attention. However, there is a limited substrate range and few stereocomplementary pairs of current ene‐reductases, necessitating the development of a complementary class. Flavin/deazaflavin oxidoreductases (FDORs) that use the uncommon cofactor F420 have recently gained attention as ene‐reductases for use in biocatalysis due to their stereocomplementarity with OYEs. Although the enzymes of the FDOR‐As sub‐group have been characterized in this context and reported to catalyse ene‐reductions enantioselectively, enzymes from the similarly large, but more diverse, FDOR‐B sub‐group have not been investigated in this context. In this study, we investigated the activity of eight FDOR‐B enzymes distributed across this sub‐group, evaluating their specific activity, kinetic properties, and stereoselectivity against α,β‐unsaturated compounds. The stereochemical outcomes of the FDOR‐Bs are compared with enzymes of the FDOR‐A sub‐group and OYE family. Computational modelling and induced‐fit docking are used to rationalize the observed catalytic behaviour and proposed a catalytic mechanism.
Dihydroxybenzene‐derived ILs as Halide‐Free, Single‐component Organocatalysts for CO2 Insertion Reactions
Authors: Bragato Nicola , Perosa Alvise , Selva Maurizio , Fiorani Giulia
Published: January 2023

A series of dihydroxybenzene‐derived ILs was synthesised via a halide‐free, eco‐friendly methodology and fully characterized. Their activity as single component catalyst towards synthesis of cyclic organic carbonates (COCs) via CO2 insertion into terminal epoxides was evaluated, observing that methyltrioctylammonium hydroquinolate, [N1888][HYD], was the most active catalyst in the proposed optimized conditions ([N1888][HYD] 10 % mol, T=120 °C, t=6 h, p0(CO2)=2.0 MPa, 12 examples, conversion >99 %, yield up to 98 %). Interestingly, [N1888][HYD] was also an active catalyst for CO2 insertion reactions with cyclohexene oxide (CHO), observing formation of both the COC and polycarbonate product. It is proposed that for p0(CO2)≥1.0 MPa, the catalytically active species is the hemicarbonate derivative of the hydroquinolate anion, active towards epoxide ring opening via an unusual hemicarbonate‐alkoxide pathway.
Boron Doping to Limit Sulfur Poisoning on Metal Catalysts**
Authors: Almofleh Ali , Aljama Hassan A.
Published: January 2023

Sulfur poisoning is a major challenge in catalytic processes where it can result in a gradual decline in the activity of the metal catalyst or a complete deactivation of the catalyst. Many studies were conducted to investigate the effects of sulfur poisoning on metals and address this challenge by developing a catalyst that is resistant to sulfur poisoning without compromising its performance. Boron doping showed to be a promising approach to modify the properties of metal catalysts and improve their performance in various applications. In this work, periodic density functional theory (DFT) calculations were conducted to study boron doping on a number of metals and its impact on sulfur poisoning. The DFT calculations show that boron doping impacts metals differently. Boron doping is favourable on few metals (Pd, Pt, Rh and Ru) and very unfavourable on other metals (e. g. Ag and Cu). On Pd, Pt and Rh, boron doping has a positive impact on reducing sulfur poisoning, with the impact varying with boron concentration. Finally, as a case study, the impact of boron doping on H2S splitting to create H2 was examined and boron doping was shown to have a positive impact on the performance of Pd‐based catalyst.
Personality predictors of career exploration: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Lee Samuel D. , Aquino Anna , Kuncel Nathan R. , Hansen Jo‐Ida C.
Published: January 2023

In this meta‐analysis, correlations of personality traits and career decision‐making self‐efficacy with self and environmental career exploration were estimated across 71 samples and a pairwise sample of 19,846. Traits included the Big Five personality traits, shyness, locus of control, vocational decision styles, and stress. Many measures of career exploration were based on scores of self and environmental exploration on the Career Exploration Survey. Results varied by characteristics with the largest effects for locus of control, vocational decision style: thinking‐feeling and self‐efficacy. Environmental exploration and self‐exploration were moderately correlated and demonstrated different relations with traits that were consistent with theory. Self‐exploration was related to openness to experience and unrelated to extraversion, while environmental exploration was correlated with extraversion. Both were similarly correlated with conscientiousness such that conscientious individuals were more likely to engage in career exploration.
Quest for a Rational Molecular Design of Alkyl‐Distyrylbenzene Liquid by Substitution Pattern Modulation**
Authors: Zheng Xiao , Nagura Kazuhiko , Takaya Tomohisa , Hashi Kenjiro , Nakanishi Takashi
Published: January 2023

Alkyl‐π functional molecular liquids (FMLs) are of interest for fabricating soft electronic devices due to their fluidic nature and innate optoelectronic functions from the π‐conjugated moiety. However, predictable development of alkyl‐π FMLs with the desired liquid and optoelectronic properties is challenging. A series of alkyl‐distyrylbenzene (DSB) liquids was studied in terms of the substituent position effect by attaching 2‐octyldodecyl chains at (2,4‐), (2,5‐), (2,6‐), and (3,5‐). The effect of the alkyl chain length was investigated by attaching 2‐hexyldecyl, 2‐decyltetradecyl (C10C14), and 2‐dodecylhexadecyl at the (2,5‐) substituent position. The 2,5‐C10C14substituent pattern constructed a superior alkyl‐DSB liquid with a lower viscosity, intrinsic optical properties, and high thermal‐ and photo‐stabilities. The discovered 2,5‐C10C14was applied to dicyanostyrylbenzene and comparable liquid physical and optical superiorities were confirmed. This molecular design is useful for creating alkyl‐π FMLs with the aforementioned advantages, which are applicable for deformable and flowable optoelectronic devices.
Earlier continuous administration of mepolizumab for eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis based on cutaneous findings
Authors: Ikeda Takaharu , Komatsu Toshiro , Yokoyama Kae , Kawakami Tamihiro
Published: January 2023

Earlier continuous administration of mepolizumab could be useful in controlling relapse and refractory disease of EGPA. The administration can reduce the need for less desirable treatment protocols such as long‐term corticosteroids.
An Overview of Computer‐aided Molecular and Process Design
Authors: Iftakher Ashfaq , Monjur Mohammed Sadaf , Hasan M. M. Faruque
Published: January 2023

Identifying sustainable chemical processes often depends on the choice of enabling materials that directly influence the overall performance. Matching property targets while incorporating adequate process knowledge is essential for optimal material selection. Multi‐scale decisions need to be taken simultaneously to determine the optimal process configurations, operating conditions, and material structures. Integrating molecular to process scale decisions within an equation‐oriented optimization framework leads to large‐scale mixed‐integer nonlinear programs (MINLP). Over the years, several solution approaches have been suggested to tackle this issue. Here, the current state‐of‐the‐art in the field of computer‐aided molecular and process design (CAMPD) is discussed and key challenges and open questions are highlighted that may stimulate future research.
ACHEMA 2022 – Digital Twins
Authors: Geuer Lena
Published: January 2023

Prozessentwicklung und Qualitätssicherung durch Vernetzungsstrukturen zwischen digitaler und realer Welt bilden sich häufig in sog. Digitial Twins (digitaler Zwilling) ab. Der Kurzbericht stellt aktuelle Trends und Entwicklungen, deren Besonderheiten aber auch Herausforderungen zu Digital Twins vor. Die Zusammenfassung beinhaltet eine Auswahl unterschiedlicher Neu‐ und Weiterentwicklungen, Einsatzmöglichkeiten und Forschungsvorhaben, die auf der ACHEMA 2022 ausgestellt waren.
Hypothalamic GnRH expression and pulsatility depends on a balance of prolactin receptors in the plains vizcacha, Lagostomus maximus
Authors: Cortasa Santiago Andrés , Schmidt Alejandro Raúl , Proietto Sofía , Corso María Clara , Inserra Pablo Ignacio Felipe , Giorgio Noelia Paula Di , Lux‐Lantos Victoria , Vitullo Alfredo Daniel , Halperin Julia , Dorfman Verónica Berta
Published: January 2023

In mammals, gestation is considered a physiological hyperprolactinemia status. Prolactin (PRL) is one of the modulators of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons function. The South American plains vizcacha (Lagostomus maximus) is a unique model to study the regulation of hypothalamic GnRH neurons by direct and indirect steroid‐dependent pathways. The aim was to characterize the hypothalamic expression of endocrine markers in vizcacha during gestation as well as their response to experimental induced hyperprolactinemia. The possible involvement of PRL regulatory pathways on GnRH in the context of hypothalamic and pituitary reactivation in mid‐gestating vizcachas was discussed. Using two in vivo approaches, we determined changes in the hypothalamic expression and distribution of prolactin receptor (PRLR), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and dopamine type 2 receptor. A significant increment in the number of tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic (TIDA) neurons was determined in the arcuate nucleus from early to term pregnancy. On the other hand, at preoptic area, the number of both TH+PRLR+ and GnRH+PRLR+ double‐labeled neurons significantly decreased at mid‐pregnancy probably allowing the recovery of GnRH expression indicating that both types of neurons may represent the key points of PRL indirect and direct pathways modulating GnRH. Moreover, in a model of induced hyperprolactinemic vizcachas, the inhibitory effect of PRL on GnRH at both expression and delivery levels were confirmed. These results suggest the concomitant participation of both PRL regulatory pathways on GnRH modulation and pinpoint the key role of PRL on GnRH expression enabling the recovery of the hypothalamic activity during the gestation in this species.
Endodontic retreatment decision‐making: The influence of the framing effect
Authors: Kvist Thomas , Henelius Daniela , Smakiqi Agnesa
Published: January 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore the influence of a framing effect in retreatment decision‐making of a root‐filled tooth with asymptomatic apical periodontitis (AP).

Method

Two variants of a questionnaire were created in which the factual information about a root filled with AP was identical. The options in the first variant were framed in favor to wait and see (FW) and those in the other variant were framed in favor of retreatment (FR) Two hundred and forty‐eight volunteers were by chance given one of the two versions and were asked to choose between having retreatment or to wait and see.

Results

Of the 125 participants given the FW version, 69 (55.2%) chose to wait and see while out of the 123 participants who were given the FR version, 38 (30.9%) made the alike choice (p = .0002).

Conclusion

A framing effect is likely to play an essential role in endodontic retreatment decision‐making of root‐filled teeth with asymptomatic apical periodontitis.
Nasojejunal tube‐assisted endoscopic ultrasound‐guided gastrojejunostomy for the management of gastric outlet obstruction is safe and effective
Authors: Rai Praveer , Kumar Pankaj , Goel Amit , Singh Thakur Prashant , Sharma Malay
Published: January 2023

Background and aims

Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided gastrojejunostomy (EUS‐GJ) is a therapeutic option for patients with gastric outlet obstruction (GOO), which provides long‐term luminal patency without the risk of tumor ingrowth and/or overgrowth and avoids surgical morbidity. The goal of this study was to assess technical success, clinical success, and adverse events associated with a nasojejunal tube‐assisted EUS‐ GJ technique.

Methods

This was a retrospective study conducted at a single tertiary care center. The nasojejunal tube (14F) was used to perform the EUS‐GJ (device‐assisted method). During the study period, consecutive GOO patients who underwent EUS‐GJ between August 2018 and December 2021 were included. Technical success was defined as adequate positioning and deployment of the stent. The patient's ability to tolerate a normal oral diet without vomiting was defined as clinical success.

Results

Thirty patients underwent EUS‐GJ during this study period. Twenty‐six patients had malignant GOO, while four had a benign obstruction. EUS‐GJ was successfully performed in 29 patients, and technical success was 96.67% (29/30). Nasojejunal tube‐assisted EUS‐GJ technique was used in all patients. Clinical success was achieved in all patients who had technical success (29/29, 100%). The adverse events rate was 6.6%. During the procedure, the median procedure time was 25 min (interquartile range 15–42.5), and the average hospitalization was 4.4 days. Normal meals were tolerated by all patients. After 210 days of median follow‐up (range 5–880 days), no recurrence of symptoms was observed.

Conclusion

The nasojejunal tube‐assisted EUS‐GJ is a safe and effective technique to treat GOO symptoms.
An evolutionary explanation of female‐biased sexual size dimorphism in North Sea plaice, Pleuronectes platessa L.
Authors: Mollet Fabian M. , Enberg Katja , Boukal David S. , Rijnsdorp Adriaan D. , Dieckmann Ulf
Published: January 2023

Sexual size dimorphism (SSD) is caused by differences in selection pressures and life‐history trade‐offs faced by males and females. Proximate causes of SSD may involve sex‐specific mortality, energy acquisition, and energy expenditure for maintenance, reproductive tissues, and reproductive behavior. Using a quantitative, individual‐based, eco‐genetic model parameterized for North Sea plaice, we explore the importance of these mechanisms for female‐biased SSD, under which males are smaller and reach sexual maturity earlier than females (common among fish, but also arising in arthropods and mammals). We consider two mechanisms potentially serving as ultimate causes: (a) Male investments in male reproductive behavior might evolve to detract energy resources that would otherwise be available for somatic growth, and (b) diminishing returns on male reproductive investments might evolve to reduce energy acquisition. In general, both of these can bring about smaller male body sizes. We report the following findings. First, higher investments in male reproductive behavior alone cannot explain the North Sea plaice SSD. This is because such higher reproductive investments require increased energy acquisition, which would cause a delay in maturation, leading to male‐biased SSD contrary to observations. When accounting for the observed differential (lower) male mortality, maturation is postponed even further, leading to even larger males. Second, diminishing returns on male reproductive investments alone can qualitatively account for the North Sea plaice SSD, even though the quantitative match is imperfect. Third, both mechanisms can be reconciled with, and thus provide a mechanistic basis for, the previously advanced Ghiselin–Reiss hypothesis, according to which smaller males will evolve if their reproductive success is dominated by scramble competition for fertilizing females, as males would consequently invest more in reproduction than growth, potentially implying lower survival rates, and thus relaxing male–male competition. Fourth, a good quantitative fit with the North Sea plaice SSD is achieved by combining both mechanisms while accounting for sex‐specific costs males incur during their spawning season. Fifth, evolution caused by fishing is likely to have modified the North Sea plaice SSD.
Predation risk and personality influence seed predation and dispersal by a scatter‐hoarding small mammal
Authors: Merz Margaret R. , Boone Sara R. , Mortelliti Alessio
Published: January 2023

Small mammals are key scatter hoarders in forest ecosystems, acting as both seed predators and dispersers. The outcome of their interactions (i.e., predation vs. dispersal) is determined by a series of decisions made by small mammals, such as the choice of seed, whether the seed is immediately consumed or cached, and where it is cached. These decisions are influenced by a variety of factors, including the intrinsic traits of the seed, the individual personality of the scatter hoarder, and the perceived risk of predation while foraging. Furthermore, these factors may all interact to dictate the fate of the seed, with consequences for forest regeneration. Nevertheless, the ways in which perceived predation risk and personality interact to affect the seed dispersal decisions of scatter hoarders are still poorly understood. To contribute in filling this knowledge gap, we tested the hypotheses that southern red‐backed voles (Myodes gapperi), an important scatter hoarder in forest ecosystems, would exhibit personality‐mediated foraging and that predation risk would alter associations between personality and seed dispersal. We conducted a large‐scale field experiment, offering seed trays at stations with altered risk levels and recorded foraging decisions of free‐ranging voles with known personalities. We found that personality and perceived predation risk influenced decisions made by foraging voles. Specifically, docility, and boldness predicted foraging site selection, boldness predicted seed species selection and the number of seeds individuals selected, and the tendency to explore of an individual predicted whether voles would remove or consume seeds. Predation risk, mediated by the amount of cover at a site and by moon illumination, affected which foraging site individuals chose, seed species selection, and the probability of removal versus consumption. We did not find support for an interaction between personality and predation risk in predicting foraging decisions. These findings highlight the importance of scatter hoarder personality and perceived predation risk in affecting foraging decisions, with important consequences for seed dispersal and implications for altered patterns of forest regeneration in areas with different small mammal personality distributions or landscapes of fear.
Striking Stabilization Effect of Spinel Cobalt Oxide Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalysts in Neutral pH by Dual‐Sites Iron Incorporation
Authors: Zhu Shuairu , Wang Xue , Le Jiabo , An Na , Li Jianming , Liu Deyu , Kuang Yongbo
Published: January 2023

Developing stable and efficient nonprecious‐metal‐based oxygen evolution catalysts in the neutral electrolyte is a challenging but essential goal for various electrochemical systems. Particularly, cobalt‐based spinels have drawn a considerable amount of attention but most of them operate in alkali solutions. However, the frequently studied Co–Fe spinel system never exhibits appreciable stability in nonbasic conditions, not to mention attract further investigation on its key structural motif and transition states for activity loss. Herein, we report exceptional stable Co–Fe spinel oxygen evolution catalysts (~30% Fe is optimal) in a neutral electrolyte, owing to its unique metal ion arrangements in the crystal lattice. The introduced iron content enters both the octahedral and tetrahedral sites of the spinel as Fe2+ and Fe3+ (with Co ions having mixed distribution as well). Combining density functional theory calculations, we find that the introduction of Fe to Co3O4 lowers the covalency of metal‐oxygen bonds and can help suppress the oxidation of Co2+/3+ and O2−. It implies that the Co–Fe spinel will have minor surface reconstruction and less lattice oxygen loss during the oxygen evolution reaction process in comparison with Co3O4 and hence show much better stability. These findings suggest that there is still much chance for the spinel structures, especially using reasonable sublattices engineering via multimetal doping to develop advanced oxygen evolution catalysts.
Linearly Bridging N2 versus CO: Chemical Bonding and Spin‐Controlled Reactivity.
Authors: Fritz Maximilian , Demeshko Serhiy , Würtele Christian , Finger Markus , Schneider Sven
Published: January 2023

The synthesis of the linearly N2 bridged, dichromium complex [(μ‐N2){Cr(PNP)}2] (PNP=N(CHCHPtBu2)2) is reported. Experimental and computational data favor a three‐spin electronic structure model with high‐spin CrII ions that are antiferromagnetically coupled to an N22− bridge due to spin‐polarized backbonding. Reaction with CO gave isocarbonyl complex [(PNP)(CO)2Cr(μ‐CO)Cr(PNP)] and [(PNP)(CO)2Cr(μ‐N2)Cr(PNP)] could be trapped as intermediate. The latter is best described by a (ls‐CrI)(N2−)(hs‐CrII) ground state model, while more covalent bonding with the CO bridge is reflected by a (ls‐Cr0)(CO0)(hs‐CrII) electronic structure description. The selectivity of the carbonylation reaction is attributed to a spin transition after binding of the first CO ligand to [(μ‐N2){Cr(PNP)}2].
Discovering functional connectivity features characterizing multiple sclerosis phenotypes using explainable artificial intelligence
Authors: Yamin Muhammad Abubakar , Valsasina Paola , Tessadori Jacopo , Filippi Massimo , Murino Vittorio , Rocca Maria A. , Sona Diego
Published: January 2023

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition characterized by severe structural brain damage and by functional reorganization of the main brain networks that try to limit the clinical consequences of structural burden. Resting‐state (RS) functional connectivity (FC) abnormalities found in this condition were shown to be variable across different MS phases, according to the severity of clinical manifestations. The article describes a system exploiting machine learning on RS FC matrices to discriminate different MS phenotypes and to identify relevant functional connections for MS stage characterization. To this end, the system exploits some mathematical properties of covariance‐based RS FC representation, which can be described by a Riemannian manifold. The classification performance of the proposed framework was significantly above the chance level for all MS phenotypes. Moreover, the proposed system was successful in identifying relevant RS FC alterations contributing to an accurate phenotype classification.
Protein State‐Dependent Chemical Biology
Authors: Scott Kevin A. , Zhang Tiffany L. , Xi Sarah Y. , Ngo Bryan , Vinogradova Ekaterina V.
Published: January 2023

Chemical methods that provide a readout of biochemical changes within a cell at the protein level enable precise characterization of biological phenotypes that may not always be encoded in the genome or inferred from the transcriptome. Post‐translational regulation of protein activity differs from genetic and transcriptional as it usually occurs on a timescale of seconds to minutes rather than hours and days. This regulation is associated with dynamic changes in protein landscapes as a direct result of protein conformational changes induced by post‐translational modifications of critical amino acid residues, protein translocations, and changes in protein interactomes. Herein, we reflect on current broad‐scale mass spectrometry‐enabled chemical biology methods used to interrogate different protein states and dynamic protein landscapes and provide an outlook on the field of state‐dependent chemical biology.
Primary cesarean scar choriocarcinoma: A case series and literature review
Authors: Huang Yibao , Zhou Ting , Li Yuting , Gao Xiaofan , Zhu Qingqing , Wu Mingfu
Published: January 2023

Objectives

To provide clinical guidance for early diagnosis and effective management of primary cesarean scar choriocarcinoma, which is an extremely rare but highly malignant trophoblastic tumor.

Methods

This retrospective case series summarized the clinical courses of seven patients diagnosed with cesarean scar choriocarcinoma.

Results

We identified two patients in our institution with cesarean scar choriocarcinoma. In addition, details of the previous five patients were extracted from databases and analyzed to provide more clinical information. The seven patients had an average age of 31.14 years, their tumor sizes ranged from 2.0 to 6.5 cm, and their pretreatment serum β‐human chorionic gonadotropin (β‐hCG) levels ranged from 3664 to 312 468 mIU/mL. All the patients were categorized as having FIGO Stage I disease, with four patients at low risk and three at high risk. Six of the seven were misdiagnosed with ectopic pregnancy before pathologic examination.

Conclusions

Clinicians should pay attention to masses in cesarean scar and to continuous elevation of serum β‐hCG levels after treatment. When cesarean scar choriocarcinoma is suspected, diagnostic surgery can be chosen for tentative treatment and pathologic sampling. Salvage EMA‐CO chemotherapy (etoposide, actinomycin D, methotrexate, cyclophosphamide and vincristine) should be performed as early as possible to prevent metastasis and recurrence after pathologic diagnosis.
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of prenatal care practitioners regarding oral health in pregnancy—A systematic review
Authors: Anunciação Beatriz Helena , Azevedo Maria João , Pereira Maria de Lurdes
Published: January 2023

Background

Hormonal and behavioral changes during pregnancy may impact the oral health of women, which can influence the pregnancy course. Prenatal care practitioners (PCP) must be aware of this bidirectional relation in order to include an oral assessment in routine prenatal care.

Objectives

To characterize the knowledge and attitudes of PCP regarding oral health in pregnant women.

Search Strategy

The search was carried out in PubMed, Web of Science, Lilacs, Scopus, and Embase on May 2022.

Selection Criteria

Peer‐reviewed cross‐sectional studies published in English within the last 5 years that assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of PCP towards oral health in pregnancy were selected.

Data Collection and Analysis

Data were standardly extracted by the three reviewers from the selected articles and their bias was assessed.

Main Results

From a total of 996 articles, 24 were selected. Overall, most PCP have an adequate level of knowledge regarding the importance of oral health during pregnancy. Although several professionals reported referring their patients to a dentist, the attitudes and practices of the majority of PCP were still inadequate.

Conclusions

PCP are aware of the importance of oral health during pregnancy but still lack translating this knowledge into clinical practice.