bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Defined Protein Conjugates as Signaling Agents in Immunoassays
Authors: Russell John , Colpitts Tracey , Holets-McCormack Shelley , Spring Thomas , Stroupe Stephen
Published: July 2004

Background: Conventional methods for conjugation of macromolecules, such as antibodies and reporter groups, typically yield a mixture ranging from unconjugated starting materials to large aggregates. We explored the use of a solid-phase process to allow improved control in conjugation of macromolecules for use in immunodiagnostic reagents.

Methods: Activated components were sequentially delivered to an immobilized core protein, linking in concentric layers. For immunodiagnostic reagents, proteins with the desired signaling properties were added as interior layers and binding proteins were placed in the final surface layer. After assembly, the conjugates were released into solution by cleaving the linker holding the core protein to the support. Conjugates were prepared with use of three different reporter agents: R-phycoerythrin for microsphere fluorescence flow immunoassay, alkaline phosphatase for enzyme immunoassay, and acridinium for magnetic chemiluminescence immunoassay. For each reporter, six conjugates were prepared with various concentrations of both the reporter and an antibody directed against the α-subunit of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and the complexes were tested in appropriate assay formats for measurement of TSH.

Results: Products ranged in mass from ∼1 to ∼20 MDa. HPLC analysis of the conjugates on a gel-permeation column showed sizes and chromophore contents highly consistent with the intended structures. In appropriate assay formats, the signal generated by a conjugate increased with incubation time, then plateaued at an intensity approximately proportional to the reporter content but relatively independent of the antibody con-tent of the conjugate. The time required to reach this maximum decreased with increasing antibody content.

Conclusion: The high degree of structural control available with solid-phase assembly and the close correlation of structure with desired function of the resulting conjugates make this an attractive method for preparation of an important class of in vitro diagnostic reagents.
Comparisons of Fish Species Traits from Small Streams to Large Rivers
Authors: Goldstein Robert M. , Meador Michael R.
Published: July 2004

To examine the relations between fish community function and stream size, we classified 429 lotic freshwater fish species based on multiple categories within six species traits: (1) substrate preference, (2) geomorphic preference, (3) trophic ecology, (4) locomotion morphology, (5) reproductive strategy, and (6) stream size preference. Stream size categories included small streams, small, medium, and large rivers, and no size preference. The frequencies of each species trait category were determined for each stream size category based on life history information from the literature. Cluster analysis revealed the presence of covarying groups of species trait categories. One cluster (RUN) included the traits of planktivore and herbivore feeding ecology, migratory reproductive behavior and broadcast spawning, preferences for main‐channel habitats, and a lack of preferences for substrate type. The frequencies of classifications for the RUN cluster varied significantly across stream size categories (P = 0.009), being greater for large rivers than for small streams and rivers. Another cluster (RIFFLE) included the traits of invertivore feeding ecology, simple nester reproductive behavior, a preference for riffles, and a preference for bedrock, boulder, and cobble–rubble substrate. No significant differences in the frequency of classifications among stream size categories were detected for the RIFFLE cluster (P = 0.328). Our results suggest that fish community function is structured by large‐scale differences in habitat and is different for large rivers than for small streams and rivers. Our findings support theoretical predictions of variation in species traits among stream reaches based on ecological frameworks such as landscape filters, habitat templates, and the river continuum concept. We believe that the species trait classifications presented here provide an opportunity for further examination of fish species' relations to physical, chemical, and biological factors in lotic habitats ranging from small streams to large rivers.
Mitochondrial DNA Analysis Indicates Sea Lampreys Are Indigenous to Lake Ontario
Authors: Waldman John R. , Grunwald Cheryl , Roy Nirmal K. , Wirgin Isaac I.
Published: July 2004

The parasitic sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus occurs throughout North America's Great Lakes, where it has an immense economic impact on commercially and recreationally important fishes. Sea lampreys indisputably invaded Lake Erie and the upper Great Lakes from Lake Ontario in the mid‐1900s, but their official status as a nonnative species in Lake Ontario is based on circumstantial evidence and has long been subject to controversy. Presently, sea lampreys are considered by U.S. and Canadian government agencies to be an invasive species within the entire Great Lakes watershed, and millions of dollars are spent annually to suppress them. We sequenced 330 base pairs of the mitochondrial DNA control region of 224 sea lampreys collected from 10 locations (3 within the Lake Ontario drainage, 2 within the Lake Superior drainage, and 5 rivers between Quebec and New York that are tributary to the Atlantic Ocean). Eighteen haplotypes were revealed, of which 17 occurred in specimens from Atlantic coast rivers, 6 in specimens from Lake Ontario, and 2 in specimens from Lake Superior tributaries. Haplotype frequencies were not significantly different (P > 0.05) within regions, indicating low or no homing fidelity. But when haplotype frequencies were grouped within regions and compared along the hypothesized colonization pathway, significant differences were seen. Pronounced differences in haplotype frequency patterns between Atlantic coast and Lake Ontario drainage collections, together with arguments against the viability of canal passage, strongly support the idea of post‐Pleistocene natural colonization by one of at least three hypothesized zoogeographic pathways. If sea lampreys are indigenous to Lake Ontario, management policies aimed toward intense suppression might need reevaluation.
Timing of Adult Migration and Stock Structure for Sockeye Salmon in Bear Lake, Alaska
Authors: Boatright Chris , Quinn Thomas , Hilborn Ray
Published: July 2004

Sockeye salmon Oncorhynchus nerka returning to the Bear Lake system on the Alaska Peninsula exhibit a bimodal pattern of adult spawning migration timing produced by early and late migrants. We examined, by field observation of tagged adults, the relationship between adult migration date, breeding site, and breeding date for sockeye salmon returning to Bear Lake to assess stock structure within the system and determine whether distinct populations were segregated as they passed through the commercial fishery. Observed tag recoveries documented that (1) early and late migrants breed in different locations, (2) early migrants breed earlier in the reproductive season than late migrants (i.e., the chronological order of spawning followed the adult migration order), and (3) the adult migration has three major temporal components rather than two. Bear Lake's sockeye salmon population complex is composed of at least seven distinct spawning populations that display substantial temporal separation as they enter freshwater. The low level of abundance at the middle of the season is misleading; it is predominated by a single, discrete population rather than being merely a low point between two peaks. Given the brief (14‐km), low‐gradient migration from the Bering Sea to Bear Lake, the populations are probably segregated as they pass through the commercial fishery and thus the temporal distribution of fishery openings has the potential for disproportionate exploitation and reduction of representation by some genotypes.
Physical Activity and Cognitive Decline Among Older Adults
Authors: Iso-Markku Paula , Aaltonen Sari , Kujala Urho M. , Halme Hanna-Leena , Phipps Daniel , Knittle Keegan , Vuoksimaa Eero , Waller Katja
Published: February 2024

Importance

Physical activity is associated with the risk for cognitive decline, but much of the evidence in this domain comes from studies with short follow-ups, which is prone to reverse causation bias.

Objective

To examine how length of follow-up, baseline age, physical activity amount, and study quality modify the longitudinal associations of physical activity with cognition.

Data Sources

Observational studies of adults with a prospective follow-up of at least 1 year, a valid baseline cognitive measure or midlife cohort, and an estimate of the association of baseline physical activity and follow-up cognition were sought from PsycInfo, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and PubMed, with the final search conducted on November 2, 2022.

Study Selection

Two independent researchers screened titles with abstracts and full-text reports.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Two reviewers independently assessed study quality and extracted data. Pooled estimates of association were calculated with random-effects meta-analyses. An extensive set of moderators, funnel plots, and scatter plots of physical activity amount were examined. This study is reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guideline.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Pooled estimates of the associations between physical activity and global cognition, as well as specific cognitive domains, were examined.

Results

A total of 104 studies with 341 471 participants were assessed. Analysis of binary outcomes included 45 studies with 102 452 individuals, analysis of follow-up global cognition included 14 studies with 41 045 individuals, and analysis of change in global cognition included 25 studies with 67 463 individuals. Physical activity was associated with a decreased incidence of cognitive impairment or decline after correction for funnel plot asymmetry (pooled risk ratio, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.97-0.99), but there was no significant association in follow-ups longer than 10 years. Physical activity was associated with follow-up global cognition (standardized regression coefficient, 0.03; 95% CI, 0.02-0.03) and change in global cognition (standardized regression coefficient, 0.01; 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.02) from trim-and-fill analyses, with no clear dose-response or moderation by follow-up length, baseline age, study quality or adjustment for baseline cognition. The specific cognitive domains associated with physical activity were episodic memory (standardized regression coefficient, 0.03; 95% CI, 0.02-0.04) and verbal fluency (standardized regression coefficient, 0.05; 95% CI, 0.03-0.08).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this meta-analysis of the association of physical activity with cognitive decline, physical activity was associated with better late-life cognition, but the association was weak. However, even a weak association is important from a population health perspective.
Circulating Tumor DNA Posttreatment Measurements and Clinical Correlates in Retinoblastoma
Authors: Abramson David H. , Robbins Melissa A. , Gobin Y. Pierre , Dunkel Ira J. , Francis Jasmine H.
Published: February 2024

Importance

Plasma measurements of RB1 circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) after completion of treatment may be associated with the development of metastases in patients with retinoblastoma.

Objective

To determine if the absence of previously detectable plasma ctDNA is associated with metastasis-free survival in patients with a minimum of 1 year follow-up after treatment of retinoblastoma.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study was conducted from June 2019 to September 2023. Patients with retinoblastoma who had measurable ctDNA levels at diagnosis and had repeated ctDNA measurements after ocular treatment (enucleation or intra-arterial chemotherapy) with a minimum of 1 year of follow-up (mean [SD], 28.2 [10.3] months) were included in the study. Patients were recruited from a single-center, tertiary cancer hospital.

Exposure

Memorial Sloan Kettering’s New York State–approved gene test, which interrogates 129 known cancer genes (called ACCESS), was performed on plasma samples before and after ocular treatments. All exons of the RB1 gene are included in the test and listed as ctDNA in this article.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Plasma ctDNA level before treatment, after completion of ocular treatment, and development or absence of metastases.

Results

A total of 24 patients (mean [SD] age, 20.7 [17.1] months; 15 female [62.5%]) were included in the study. None of the 23 patients who had a measurable ctDNA level and then no detectable ctDNA level after completion of ocular treatment developed metastases with a minimum of 1 year of follow-up. One patient had persistent measurable ctDNA after initial treatment and developed metastases.

Conclusion and Relevance

Patients with retinoblastoma who had a measurable ctDNA level at diagnosis did not develop metastases if the plasma ctDNA level became unrecordable after ocular treatment; 1 patient who had persistent measurable ctDNA after treatment did develop metastasis.
Combinatorial Screening of Biscarbamate Ionizable Lipids Identifies a Low Reactogenicity Lipid for Lipid Nanoparticle mRNA Delivery
Authors: De Lombaerde Emily , Chen Yong , Ye Tingting , Deckers Julie , Mencarelli Giulia , De Swarte Kim , Lauwers Heleen , De Coen Ruben , Kasmi Sabah , Bevers Sanne , Kuchmiy Anna , Bogaert Bram , Baekens Lies , Zhong Zifu , Lamoot Alexander , Sanders Niek N. , Lambrecht Bart N. , Baptista Antonio P. , De Koker Stefaan , De Geest Bruno G.
Published: February 2024

Messenger RNA (mRNA) has emerged as a promising therapeutic modality for various diseases. However, efficient delivery of mRNA into target cells remains a significant challenge. In this study, the combinatorial synthesis and characterization of a novel series of ionizable biscarbamate lipids (IBLs) for mRNA lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery are reported. A simplified and scalable method is developed, resulting in IBLs suitable for formulating mRNA into stable LNPs. Two generations of IBLs are synthesized and evaluated for their mRNA transfection capacity in vitro, using eGFP as a reporter protein, leading to the identification of S‐Ac7‐DOG as a lead IBL. Upon intramuscular vaccination, S‐Ac7‐DOG LNPs instigated robust antigen‐specific CD8+ T cell responses against an mRNA encoded viral oncoprotein and a tumor neo‐antigen. In comparison to MC3 LNPs, which are used as a benchmark, S‐Ac7‐DOG LNPs exhibit low reactogenicity, robust mRNA transfection, and a distinct biodistribution, with higher accumulation in draining lymph nodes and spleen. These findings highlight the potential of IBLs as a novel and promising class of ionizable lipids for mRNA delivery in vaccines and beyond.
Elevating Cycle Stability and Reaction Kinetics in Ni‐Rich Cathodes Through Tailored Bulk and Interface Chemistry for Sulfide‐Based All‐Solid‐State Lithium Batteries
Authors: Lin Chunxi , Liu Yu , Su Han , Zhong Yu , Wang Xiuli , Gu Changdong , Tu Jiangping
Published: February 2024

Sulfide‐based all‐solid‐state lithium batteries (ASSLBs) featuring Ni‐rich layered oxide cathodes are emerging as the leading contenders for the next generation of rechargeable batteries with outstanding safety and energy density characteristics. However, the composites of Ni‐rich oxides and sulfide electrolytes continue to grapple with persistent challenges encompassing structural deterioration, adverse interfacial parasitic reactions, and sluggish kinetics within the carbon‐free cathodes. Here, a synergistic design to circumvent these issues via the coupling of Zr/F co‐doping and conductive cyclized polyacrylonitrile (cPAN) coating to tailor both the bulk and surface chemistry of the Ni‐rich layered oxide LiNi0.83Co0.12Mn0.05O2 (NCM83125) cathode is proposed. The cathode subjected to this coordinated modification strategy showcases exceptional performance in sulfide‐based ASSLBs. It demonstrates robust cycling performance, with a capacity retention of 95% observed after 300 cycles at a rate of 0.2 C, alongside satisfactory rate performance, achieving a capacity of 109 mAh g‒1 at a high rate of 3 C.
In Situ Rapid‐Formation Sprayable Hydrogels for Challenging Tissue Injury Management
Authors: Li Xiaolei , Lin Han , Yu Yilin , Lu Yukun , He Bin , Liu Meng , Zhuang Lin , Xu Yue , Li Weichang
Published: February 2024

Rapid‐acting, convenient, and broadly applicable medical materials are in high demand for the treatment of extensive and intricate tissue injuries in extremely medical scarcity environment, such as battlefields, wilderness, and traffic accidents. Conventional biomaterials fail to meet all the high criteria simultaneously for emergency management. Here, a multifunctional hydrogel system capable of rapid gelation and in situ spraying, addressing clinical challenges related to hemostasis, barrier establishment, support, and subsequent therapeutic treatment of irregular, complex, and urgent injured tissues, is designed. This hydrogel can be fast formed in less than 0.5 s under ultraviolet initiation. The precursor maintains an impressively low viscosity of 0.018 Pa s, while the hydrogel demonstrates a storage modulus of 0.65 MPa, achieving the delicate balance between sprayable fluidity and the mechanical strength requirements in practice, allowing flexible customization of the hydrogel system for differentiated handling and treatment of various tissues. Notably, the interactions between the component of this hydrogel and the cell surface protein confer upon its inherently bioactive functionalities such as osteogenesis, anti‐inflammation, and angiogenesis. This research endeavors to provide new insights and designs into emergency management and complex tissue injuries treatment.
Association between proton pump inhibitor use and the risk of hepatobiliary cancers: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Yi Tai‐Yung , Peng Tzu‐Rong , Wu Ta‐Wei , Wu An‐Jan
Published: February 2024

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have become one of the most commonly prescribed medications worldwide. Although PPIs are generally considered safe and well‐tolerated, studies indicate that they may be associated with certain cancer types. This study aimed to examine the association between the use of PPIs and the risk of hepatobiliary cancer using newly available evidence. Effect sizes with their variances and other characteristics were extracted from 10 eligible studies appraised from combined search results published up to September 16, 2022, from PubMed, Cochrane library, and Google Scholar. Sensitivity and trial sequential analyses were also conducted to ensure the robustness of the synthesized results. The estimated pooled relative risk for this study was 1.69 (95% CI 1.44–1.98), and the test result for the overall effect was p < .01 under a zero effect null hypothesis. According to the sensitivity analysis, the results should be robust. A significant association was observed between the use of PPIs and the risk of developing hepatobiliary cancer. The use of PPIs should be determined by prescribers as either absolutely or conditionally necessary, and, when possible, a patient's perspective should be considered in the decision‐making process for PPI use.
Young evolutionary origins of dioecy in the genus Asparagus
Authors: Bentz Philip C. , Liu Zhengjie , Yang Jun‐Bo , Zhang Le , Burrows Sandra , Burrows John , Kanno Akira , Mao Zichao , Leebens‐Mack Jim
Published: February 2024

Premise

Dioecy (separate sexes) has independently evolved numerous times across the angiosperm phylogeny and is recently derived in many lineages. However, our understanding is limited regarding the evolutionary mechanisms that drive the origins of dioecy in plants. The recent and repeated evolution of dioecy across angiosperms offers an opportunity to make strong inferences about the ecological, developmental, and molecular factors influencing the evolution of dioecy, and thus sex chromosomes. The genus Asparagus (Asparagaceae) is an emerging model taxon for studying dioecy and sex chromosome evolution, yet estimates for the age and origin of dioecy in the genus are lacking.

Methods

We use plastome sequences and fossil time calibrations in phylogenetic analyses to investigate the age and origin of dioecy in the genus Asparagus. We also review the diversity of sexual systems present across the genus to address contradicting reports in the literature.

Results

We estimate that dioecy evolved once or twice approximately 2.78−3.78 million years ago in Asparagus, of which roughly 27% of the species are dioecious and the remaining are hermaphroditic with monoclinous flowers.

Conclusions

Our findings support previous work implicating a young age and the possibility of two origins of dioecy in Asparagus, which appear to be associated with rapid radiations and range expansion out of Africa. Lastly, we speculate that paleoclimatic oscillations throughout northern Africa may have helped set the stage for the origin(s) of dioecy in Asparagus approximately 2.78−3.78 million years ago.
Co(II), Mn(II), and Fe(III) complexes of water‐soluble hydrazone bearing 2‐nicotinoylhydrazineylidene moiety: Preparation, characterization, cyclic voltammetry, computational and biological studies
Authors: Mohammed Mahdi A. , Fetoh Ahmed , Ali Tamer Awad , Youssef Magdy M. , El‐Reash Y. G. Abou , Abu El‐Reash Gaber M.
Published: February 2024

A water‐soluble hydrazone ligand bearing 2‐nicotinoylhydrazineylidene moiety, sodium 4‐hydroxy‐3‐([2‐nicotinoylhydrazineylidene]methyl) benzenesulfonate (NaH2NH), and its complexes with Co(II), Fe(III), and Mn(II) have been synthesized and characterized. The structure of the ligand and its complexes were analyzed using various spectroscopic techniques such as FT‐IR, 1H‐ and 13C‐NMR, EI‐mass, powder X‐ray diffraction, UV–visible spectra, and magnetic measurements. The infrared spectra indicated that the ligand behaves as a negatively charged bidentate ligand (ON) through the deprotonation of the enolic (OH) group and the azomethine (C=N) group in the [Co (NaHNH)2(H2O)4Cl2].3H2O complex. In the [Fe (NaNH)2(H2O)Cl].2H2O complex, the ligand behaves as bi‐negative tetradentate (O2N2) through the protonation of the enolic oxygen and the nitrogen atom of the azomethine group in two nicotinic hydrazone molecules. Another coordination type was observed for [Mn (NaNH)(H2O)3] complex in which NaH2NH acts as bi‐negative tridentate ONO through the nitrogen atom of the azomethine group, the protonated of enolic and phenolic groups. The fluorescence spectrum of the NaH2NH was found to be quenched upon addition of these Co(II) and Mn(II) ions. The antimicrobial results indicated that the Mn(II) complex exhibited the highest antibacterial potency against all targeted organisms. The results of antioxidants demonstrated that the complexes exhibited higher activity compared to the free ligand, indicating an enhancement of antioxidant activity through complexation. The tested substances established strong nuclease‐like activity at a high concentration of 7.5 mM, leading to the complete degradation of DNA as observed in agarose gel electrophoresis. This suggests that these compounds have the potential to serve as antitumor agents in vivo by inhibiting DNA replication in cancer cells and preventing tumor growth. The interaction of the isolated compounds with 1c14 and 6vj3 targets was discussed using molecular docking.
Wall mosaics of Thessaloniki: A comparative study of the brown tesserae
Authors: Kyranoudi Maria , Malletzidou Lamprini , Zorba Triantafillia , Vourlias George , Melfos Vasilios , Pavlidou Eleni , Chrissafis Konstantinos
Published: February 2024

The present study focuses on the archaeometric investigation of 10 brown tesserae belonging to Early Christian/Byzantine wall mosaics of three monuments of Thessaloniki, inscribed on the World Heritage List of UNESCO: Rotunda, St. Sophia, and St. Demetrios. The tesserae were analyzed via optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and UV‐Vis reflectance spectroscopy to define their composition and technological characteristics. Nine of the tesserae are made of silica glass while one tessera is made of a siliceous rock. The majority of the glass tesserae, despite the chronological distance of the monuments they were collected from, present similar technological features, base glass composition, colorants, and opacifiers. Metallic copper is the main element responsible for the brown color in relation to iron which serves as a reducing agent. Opacification is attributed to tin compounds.
Biochar‐based catalysts derived from biomass waste: production, characterization, and application for liquid biofuel synthesis
Authors: Nguyen Van Nhanh , Sharma Prabhakar , Rowinski Lech , Le Huu Cuong , Le Duc Trong Nguyen , Osman Sameh M. , Le Huu Son , Truong Thanh Hai , Nguyen Phuoc Quy Phong , Cao Dao Nam
Published: February 2024

Among the feasible options for valorizing lignocellulosic biomass into value‐added products, biochar is considered to be extremely appealing and it could be applied easily in several established thermochemical processes. Biochar possesses a large surface area due to its porous nature, which permits easy use in various applications, including catalytic biofuel production. This work summarizes research on biochar generation processes, its critical physicochemical properties, and factors that influence them. Important studies adopting biochar catalysts for liquid biofuel production are critically reviewed, and the reaction mechanisms and biofuel yield are analyzed. Finally, challenges in the use of biochar‐based catalysts for biofuel production are presented, together with possible solutions. In general, this current work aims to provide the critical characteristics of biochar as a potential catalyst to biofuel synthesis toward sustainable bioenergy production.
Estimation of spectral similarities utilizing segmented regions' probability distribution in the block‐optimized pan‐sharpened image for material classification
Authors: S Jayashree , V. Karki Maya , K Indira , P A Dinesh
Published: February 2024

Pan‐sharpening is an image fusion approach that combines the spectral information in multispectral (MS) images with the spatial properties of PAN (Panchromatic) images. This vital technique is used in categorization, detection, and other remote sensing applications. In the first step, the article focuses on increasing the finer spatial details in the MS image with PAN images using two levels of fusion without causing spectral deterioration. The suggested fusion method efficiently utilizes image transformation techniques and spatial domain image fusion methods. The luminance component of MS images typically contains spatial features that are not as detailed as the PAN images. A multiscale transform is applied to the intensity/luminance component and PAN image to introduce features into the intensity component. In the first level of processing, coefficients obtained from the non‐subsampled contourlet transform are subjected to particle swarm optimization weighted block‐based fusion. The second level of fusion is carried out using the concept of spatial frequency to reduce spectral distortion. Numerous reference and non‐reference parameters are used to evaluate the sharpened image's quality. In the next step, the article focuses on designing an evaluation metric for analysing spectral distortion based on the Bhattacharyya coefficient and distance. The Bhattacharyya coefficient and distance are calculated for each segmented region to assess the sharpened images' quality. Spectral degradation analysis using proposed techniques can also be useful for analysing materials in the segmented regions. The research findings demonstrate that the spatial features of fused images obtained from the proposed technique increased with the least spectral degradation.
Navigating a net‐zero economy future: Antecedents and consequences of net‐zero economy‐based green innovation
Authors: Mehmood Khalid , Kautish Pradeep , Mangla Sachin Kumar , Ali Ahsan , Kazancoglu Yigit
Published: February 2024

The pursuit of net‐zero economy goals and government emphasis on sustainable performance has compelled numerous firms to focus on sustainable production through the adoption of net‐zero economy‐based green innovation. The digital transformation of manufacturing systems and supply chains, supported by the utilization of big data and the adoption of net‐zero economy‐oriented lean practices in the presence of net‐zero economy‐based green practices, can converge to enhance net‐zero economy‐based green innovation in manufacturing firms. This convergence leads to an improvement in green competitive advantage and net zero‐based green performance. To examine the aforementioned linkages using a framework based on the dynamic capabilities view paradigm, a time‐lagged design was employed to collect data from 594 manufacturing firms. The empirical findings indicate that big data analytics capabilities and net‐zero economy‐oriented lean practices of firms significantly influence net‐zero economy‐based green innovation. Green organizational identity strengthens the effect of net zero‐based green innovation on green competitive advantage and net zero‐based green performance.
Real‐world analysis of adverse event rates after initiation of ibrutinib among Medicare beneficiaries with chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Huntington Scott F. , de Nigris Enrico , Puckett Justin T. , Kamal‐Bahl Sachin , Farooqui Mohammed , Ryland Katherine , Sarpong Eric M. , Leng Siyang , Yang Xiaoqin , Doshi Jalpa A.
Published: February 2024

Background

The first‐generation BTK inhibitor ibrutinib is a standard‐of‐care therapy in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) despite potential side effects that often lead to discontinuation.

Methods

This study used 2013–2019 claims data to describe the incidence rate of adverse events (AEs) among elderly Medicare beneficiaries newly initiating ibrutinib for CLL.

Results

The final sample contained 11,870 Medicare beneficiaries with CLL (mean age 77.2) newly initiating ibrutinib, of whom 65.2% discontinued over mean follow‐up of 2.3 years. The overall incidence rate of AEs was 62.5 per 1000 patient‐months for all discontinuers and 32.9 per 1000 patient‐months for non‐discontinuers. Discontinuers had a higher incidence rate of AEs per 1000 patient‐months compared with non‐discontinuers for all AEs examined, including infection (22.8 vs. 14.5), atrial fibrillation (15.1 vs. 7.0), anemia (21.9 vs. 14.5), and arthralgia/myalgia (19.5 vs. 13.6).

Conclusion

In this first real‐world study of a national sample of elderly US patients treated with ibrutinib, we found a clear unmet need for improved management of ibrutinib‐related AEs and/or new treatments to improve real‐world outcomes in patients with CLL.
Antimicrobial peptide mimetic minimalistic approach leads to very short peptide amphiphiles‐gold nanostructures for potent antibacterial activity
Authors: Swain Narayan , Sharma Shruti , Maitra Rahul , Saxena Deepanshi , Kautu Aanand , Singh Ramesh , Kesharwani Khushboo , Chopra Sidharth , Joshi Khashti Ballabh
Published: February 2024

Strategically controlling concentrations of lipid‐conjugated L‐tryptophan (vsPA) guides the self‐assembly of nanostructures, transitioning from nanorods to fibres and culminating in spherical shapes. The resulting Peptide‐Au hybrids, exhibiting size‐controlled 1D, 2D, and 3D nanostructures, show potential in antibacterial applications. Their high biocompatibility, favourable surface area‐to‐volume ratio, and plasmonic properties contribute to their effectiveness against clinically relevant bacteria. This controlled approach not only yields diverse nanostructures but also holds promise for applications in antibacterial therapeutics.
H2O2 Self‐Supplying CaO2/CuO2/Fe3O4 Nanoplatform for Enhanced Chemodynamic Therapy of Cancer Cells
Authors: Liu Bojian , Wang Xiaohui , Yang Wei , Peng Hongshang , Zhang Hongxin
Published: February 2024

Due to the properties of hypoxia, lower pH, and higher hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the tumor microenvironment (TME), a wide variety of metal peroxide nanomaterials have got great attention for efficient TME‐responsive and ‐regulated tumor therapy. However, a single species of metal peroxide is inadequate to realize high effective anticancer therapy. Herein, we have synthesized a hyaluronic acid (HA) modified CaO2/CuO2/Fe3O4 nanocomposite by a simple and flexible strategy. CaO2 can generate H2O2 by reacting with water in slightly acidic TME, and the self‐supplying H2O2 can be catalyzed to generate ⋅OH by both Cu2+ and Fe2+ via Fenton‐type reaction. Strongly oxidizing ⋅OH can induce tumor cells death for enhanced chemodynamic therapy (CDT). The H2O2 self‐supplying and ⋅OH self‐catalyzed nanocomposite exhibited favorable pH‐controlled ⋅OH generation and excellent cancer cells growth inhibition ability, providing a potential nanotheranostics platform with active targeting and favorable therapeutic efficacy in tumor therapy.
AE‐Integrated: Real‐time network intrusion detection with Apache Kafka and autoencoder
Authors: Roshan Khushnaseeb , Zafar Aasim
Published: February 2024

Unknown cyber‐attack detection in network traffic streams is challenging but crucial to ensure network security. It is observed that new security threats occur on a daily basis and make cyberspace vulnerable. In the literature, machine learning and deep learning‐based network intrusion detection systems have gained a lot of success but still face many challenges in detecting new security threats and unknown cyber‐attacks in real‐time. Additionally, high false alarm rates and real‐time detection in constantly evolving high‐dimensional network data streams are open issues for the research community. To address this issue, a DL‐based solution is developed to detect real‐time network anomalies in streaming data with high detection accuracy, precision, recall and low false negative and positive scenarios. The proposed novel algorithm, AE‐Integrated, is developed and evaluated on the latest CICIDS‐2017 dataset. The AE‐Integrated is updated with the newest network traffic data stream by the human administrator after a certain period to maintain its prediction accuracy for future inference. The simulation study is conducted with the Apache Kafka and Slack API to get real‐time anomaly alerts. Finally, we compared the result with recent state‐of‐the‐art research to evaluate the significance of the proposed algorithm. It is concluded that combining multiple lightweight autoencoders into a single large architecture provides optimal results. The accuracy, recall, and AUC of AE‐Integrated obtained are 99.54%, 99.53%, and 0.998, respectively.
Green, Low‐carbon Silk‐based Materials in Water Treatment: Current State and Future Trends
Authors: Sun Yuxu , Ma Lantian , Wei Tiancheng , Zheng Meidan , Mao Chuanbin , Yang Mingying , Shuai Yajun
Published: February 2024

The improper and inadequate treatment of industrial, agricultural, and household wastewater exerts substantial pressure on the existing ecosystem and poses a serious threat to the health of both humans and animals. To address these issues, different types of materials have been employed to eradicate detrimental pollutants from wastewater and facilitate the reuse of water resources. Nevertheless, owing to the challenges associated with the degradation of these traditional materials post‐use and their incompatibility with the environment, natural biopolymers have garnered considerable interest. Silk protein, as a biomacromolecule, exhibits advantageous characteristics including environmental friendliness, low carbon emissions, biodegradability, sustainability, and biocompatibility. Considering recent research findings, this comprehensive review outlines the structure and properties of silk proteins and offers a detailed overview of the manufacturing techniques employed in the production of silk‐based materials (SBMs) spanning different forms. Furthermore, it conducts an in‐depth analysis of the state‐of‐the‐art SBMs for water treatment purposes, encompassing adsorption, catalysis, water disinfection, desalination, and biosensing. The review highlights the potential of SBMs in addressing the challenges of wastewater treatment and provides valuable insights into prospective avenues for further research.
Synthesizing Hypercrosslinked Polymers with Deep Eutectic Solvents to Enhance CO2/N2 Selectivity
Authors: Ding Liang , Chanchaona Nadhita , Konstas Kristina , Hill Matthew R. , Fan Xianfeng , Wood Colin D. , Lau Cher Hon
Published: February 2024

Hypercrosslinked polymers (HCPs) are widely used in ion exchange, water purification, and gas separation. However, HCP synthesis typically requires hazardous halogenated solvents e. g., dichloroethane, dichloromethane and chloroform which are toxic to human health and environment. Herein we hypothesize that the use of halogenated solvents in HCP synthesis can be overcome with deep eutectic solvents (DES) comprising metal halides–FeCl3, ZnCl2 that can act as both the solvent hydrogen bond donor and catalyst for polymer crosslinking via Friedel Crafts alkylation. We validated our hypothesis by synthesizing HCPs in DESs via internal and external crosslinking strategies. [ChCl][ZnCl2]2 and [ChCl][FeCl3]2 was more suitable for internal and external hypercrosslinking, respectively. The specific surface areas of HCPs synthesized in DES were 20–60 % lower than those from halogenated solvents, but their CO2/N2 selectivities were up to 453 % higher (CO2/N2 selectivity of poly‐α,α’‐dichloro‐p‐xylene synthesized in [ChCl][ZnCl2]2 via internal crosslinking reached a value of 105). This was attributed to the narrower pore size distributions of HCPs synthesized in DESs.
IBRtools: An R package for calculating integrated biomarker indexes
Authors: Resende Anna Carolina , Pereira Diego Mauro Carneiro
Published: February 2024

Multibiomarker studies are useful to evaluate the early warning signs of environmental degradation, and their unified responses are often assessed through two common indexes, Integrated Biomarker Response (IBR) and Integrated Biological Responses version 2 (IBRv2). The R package IBRtools allows users to calculate both IBR and IBRv2 while simultaneously incorporating all the biomarkers under evaluation. The package includes functions for calculating the indexes IBR and IBRv2 and obtaining their standardized values, as well a function for radar chart creation and three example datasets. Here we describe the main algorithms involved in IBR and IBRv2 calculations, a description of the novel package and illustrate a workflow using data examples available on the package to guide the user on how to accurately acquire the values for either the IBR index or the IBRv2 index. The IBRtools package provides a user‐friendly platform for R users to obtain IBR index and IBRv2 values, making it straightforward even for large datasets.
Accelerating the open research agenda to solve global challenges
Authors: Zagrodzka Zuzanna B. , Johnson Thomas F. , Beckerman Andrew P.
Published: February 2024

Harnessing science‐based policy is key to addressing global challenges like the biodiversity and climate crises. Open research principles underpin effective science‐based policy, but the uptake of these principles is likely constrained by the politicisation, commoditisation and conflicting motives of stakeholders in the research landscape. Here, using the mission and vision statements from 129 stakeholders from across the research landscape, we explore alignment in open research principles between stakeholders. We find poor alignment between stakeholders, largely focussed around journals, societies and funders, all of which have low open research language‐use. We argue that this poor alignment stifles knowledge flow within the research landscape, ultimately limiting the mobilisation of impactful science‐based policy. We offer recommendations on how the research landscape could embrace open research principles to accelerate societies' ability to solve global challenges.
New species and new record of Statherotmantis Diakonoff, 1973 from China (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Olethreutinae)
Authors: Jing Wenqing , Niu Zehua , Ma Shuang , Yu Haili
Published: February 2024

In China, six species of Statherotmantis Diakonoff, 1973 were previously recorded. In the present study, four other species were recognized using morphology and DNA barcording analysis. Among these, three of which, S. miniscula sp. n., S. calva sp. n., and S. longiuscula sp. n., are described as new. In addition, one species, S. laetana Kuznetzov, 1988, is a new record for China. Adults and genitalia are illustrated, and keys to identify the Chinese species of Statherotmantis are provided.
Application of intense pulsed light in the development of poly(vinyl butyral)‐based all‐solid‐state Ag/AgCl reference electrodes
Authors: Krivačić Sara , Zubak Marko , Vrsaljko Domagoj , Kassal Petar
Published: February 2024

Intense pulsed light was investigated for partial photoreduction of AgCl in a poly(vinyl butyral) matrix to obtain a Ag/AgCl reference membrane. The membrane was deposited on both glassy carbon and inkjet‐printed silver electrodes giving all‐solid‐state reference electrodes. Regardless of the electrode material, a sufficient potential stability was obtained in a broad concentration range of various salt solutions. Long‐term potential stability was significantly improved with inkjet‐printed silver electrical contacts. The electroanalytical performance of inkjet‐printed electrodes was successfully demonstrated in potentiometric and amperometric systems.
Probiotic and prebiotic interventions in eating disorders: A narrative review
Authors: Baenas Isabel , Camacho‐Barcia Lucía , Miranda‐Olivos Romina , Solé‐Morata Neus , Misiolek Alejandra , Jiménez‐Murcia Susana , Fernández‐Aranda Fernando
Published: February 2024

Aims

The review aimed to summarise and discuss findings focused on therapeutic probiotic and prebiotic interventions in eating disorders (ED).

Methods

Using PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science all published studies were retrieved until February 2023, following PRISMA guidelines. From the 111 initial studies, 5 met the inclusion criteria for this review.

Results

All studies included in this narrative review were focused on anorexia nervosa (AN). Three longitudinal, randomised, controlled trials aimed to evaluate interventions with probiotics (Lactobacillus reuteri, yoghurt with Lactobacillus, and Streptococcus) in children and adolescents. These studies primarily emphasised medical outcomes and anthropometric measures following the administration of probiotics. However, the findings yielded mixed results in terms of short‐term weight gain or alterations in specific immunological parameters. With a lower level of evidence, supplementation with synbiotics (probiotic + prebiotic) has been associated with improvements in microbiota diversity and attenuation of inflammatory responses.

Conclusions

Research on probiotics and prebiotics in ED is limited, primarily focussing on anorexia nervosa (AN). Their use in AN regarding medical and anthropometric outcomes needs further confirmation and future research should be warranted to assess their impact on psychological and ED symptomatology, where there is a notable gap in the existing literature.
A systematic evaluation of the performance of GPT‐4 and PaLM2 to diagnose comorbidities in MIMIC‐IV patients
Authors: Sarvari Peter , Al‐fagih Zaid , Ghuwel Abdullatif , Al‐fagih Othman
Published: February 2024

Background

Given the strikingly high diagnostic error rate in hospitals, and the recent development of Large Language Models (LLMs), we set out to measure the diagnostic sensitivity of two popular LLMs: GPT‐4 and PaLM2. Small‐scale studies to evaluate the diagnostic ability of LLMs have shown promising results, with GPT‐4 demonstrating high accuracy in diagnosing test cases. However, larger evaluations on real electronic patient data are needed to provide more reliable estimates.

Methods

To fill this gap in the literature, we used a deidentified Electronic Health Record (EHR) data set of about 300,000 patients admitted to the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. This data set contained blood, imaging, microbiology and vital sign information as well as the patients' medical diagnostic codes. Based on the available EHR data, doctors curated a set of diagnoses for each patient, which we will refer to as ground truth diagnoses. We then designed carefully‐written prompts to get patient diagnostic predictions from the LLMs and compared this to the ground truth diagnoses in a random sample of 1000 patients.

Results

Based on the proportion of correctly predicted ground truth diagnoses, we estimated the diagnostic hit rate of GPT‐4 to be 93.9%. PaLM2 achieved 84.7% on the same data set. On these 1000 randomly selected EHRs, GPT‐4 correctly identified 1116 unique diagnoses.

Conclusion

The results suggest that artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential when working alongside clinicians to reduce cognitive errors which lead to hundreds of thousands of misdiagnoses every year. However, human oversight of AI remains essential: LLMs cannot replace clinicians, especially when it comes to human understanding and empathy. Furthermore, a significant number of challenges in incorporating AI into health care exist, including ethical, liability and regulatory barriers.
Prognostic value of coagulation markers in patients with colorectal cancer: A prospective study
Authors: Chen Wenxin , Li Yueying , Wang Weifeng , Xue Yingjun , Qian Jianxin , Liu Weiwei , Hu Xiaobo
Published: February 2024

Background and Aims

The occurrence, growth, and metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC) are connected to the hypercoagulable state of blood (CRC). This study aimed to identify significant coagulation factors to predict metastasis and prognosis of CRC.

Methods

Thrombomodulin (TM), thrombin‐antithrombin complex (TAT), α2‐plasmininhibitor‐plasmin complex (PIC), and tissue plasminogen activator‐inhibitor complex (t‐PAIC) were detected by chemiluminescence immunoassay using Sysmex HISCL5000 automated analyzers. The Sysmex CS 5100 automatic blood coagulation analyzer was used to detect d‐dimer (DD), fibrin degradation product (FDP), prothrombin time (PT), thrombin time (TT), international normalized ratio (INR), fibrinogen (Fbg), and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). Area under the curve (AUC) and the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) were used to assess the diagnostic efficacy of markers. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to calculate survival probabilities. Independent prognostic factors and the nomogram were developed using single‐factor and multifactor cox regression analysis model.

Results

The following indicators (TM, TAT, PIC, t‐PAIC, DD, FDP, PT, INR, APTT, and Fbg) were markedly higher in CRC patients than in healthy controls, and they were higher in the metastasis (M) group than in the nonmetastasis (NM) group. The combination “TAT + PIC + DD + FDP + Fbg” can distinguish M from NM with exceptional sensitivity and specificity. Patients with CRC who had high levels of TAT, PIC, DD, FDP, Fbg, TM, tPAIC, PT, and INR had significantly shorter survival.

Conclusion

The prognosis of CRC patients can be predicted by coagulation indicators. The independent predictive variables for overall survival were found to be TM and DD. To forecast CRC patient survival, a nomogram was created.