bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduction of Microbial Contamination of Chechin nchabe (Cooked Fermented Cassava) Produced in Noun (West Cameroon) by a Second Fermentation
Authors: Tchikoua R. , Ngoundam M. Pepouore , Ngoune L. Tatsadjieu
Published: June 2023

The Chechim nchabe is a traditional food widely consumed in Foumban, Foumbot, Koutaba, Massangam, Kouoptamo, Malentouen and Magba, 07 Departments of Noun (West region of Cameroon). It is obtained by fermenting cassava sticks cooked on the surface of river or spring water. Unfortunately, the bad hygienic quality of the environment during production promotes its contamination by pathogenic germs. The objective of this study is to carry out a second fermentation in order to reduce contamination of Chechim nchabe by pathogens germs during production. To achieve this objective, a survey on the socio-economic data, profile of the producers, production protocol and characteristics of product have been realized. After microbiological analysis of Chechim nchabe, a second fermentation was performed in the laboratory. From the results, it appears that all the producers are women, aged between 51 and 58 years and 87% of them not attending school. The water used for soaking the cassava revealed that 54% of women use river water and 46% spring water. The Chechim nchabe samples collected after traditional production in the 07 Departments of Noun, show average contamination of Enterobacteriaceae, moulds, staphylococci, Escherichia coli and lactic acid bacteria with respective concentrations of 4.7; 4.1; 4.4; 4.7 and 4.8 Log10ufc/mL. However, Chechim nchabe produced in urban areas such as Foumbot and Foumban recorded low contamination compared to that produced in rural areas like Massangam, which were heavily contaminated with Escherichia coli and Enterobacteriaceae. It was also noted that the Chechim nchabe produced in spring water is more contaminated than that produced in river water. The second fermentation for 10 hours of Chechim nchabe in a basin, after 12 hours of traditional fermentation, eliminated all of pathogenic germs from Chechim nchabe.  This second fermentation of 10 hours could be a solution to guarantee the sanitary quality of Chechim nchabe before its consumption.
Racial, Ethnic, and Sex Differences in Methadone-Involved Overdose Deaths Before and After the US Federal Policy Change Expanding Take-home Methadone Doses
Authors: Harris Rebecca Arden , Long Judith A. , Bao Yuhua , Mandell David S.
Published: June 2023

Importance

In March 2020, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) permitted states to relax restrictions on take-home methadone doses for treatment-adherent patients to minimize COVID-19 exposures.

Objective

To assess whether the methadone take-home policy change was associated with drug overdose deaths among different racial, ethnic, and sex groups.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Interrupted time series analysis from January 1, 2018, to June 30, 2022. Data analysis was conducted from February 18, 2023, to February 28, 2023. In this population-based cohort study of drug overdose mortality including 14 529 methadone-involved deaths, monthly counts of methadone-involved drug overdose deaths were obtained for 6 demographic groups: Hispanic men and women, non-Hispanic Black men and women, and non-Hispanic White men and women.

Exposure

On March 16, 2020, in response to the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, SAMHSA issued an exemption to the states that permitted up to 28 days of take-home methadone for stable patients and 14 days for less stable patients.

Main Outcome Measures

Monthly methadone-involved overdose deaths.

Results

From January 1, 2018, to June 30, 2022 (54 months), there were 14 529 methadone-involved deaths in the United States; 14 112 (97.1%) occurred in the study’s 6 demographic groups (Black men, 1234; Black women, 754; Hispanic men, 1061; Hispanic women, 520; White men, 5991; and White women, 4552). Among Black men, there was a decrease in monthly methadone deaths associated with the March 2020 policy change (change of slope from the preintervention period, −0.55 [95% CI, −0.95 to −0.15]). Hispanic men also experienced a decrease in monthly methadone deaths associated with the policy change (−0.42 [95% CI, −0.68 to −0.17]). Among Black women, Hispanic women, White men, and White women, the policy change was not associated with a change in monthly methadone deaths (Black women, −0.27 [95% CI, −1.13 to 0.59]; Hispanic women, 0.29 [95% CI, −0.46 to 1.04]; White men, –0.08 [95% CI, −1.05 to 0.88]; and White women, −0.43 [95% CI, −1.26 to 0.40]).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this interrupted time series study of monthly methadone-involved overdose deaths, the take-home policy may have helped reduce deaths for Black and Hispanic men but had no association with deaths of Black or Hispanic women or White men or women.
Comparison of Price Index Methods and Drug Price Inflation Estimates for Hepatitis C Virus Medications
Authors: Mattingly T. Joseph , Anderson Gerard F. , Levy Joseph F.
Published: June 2023

Importance

Measuring drug price inflation is challenging because new drugs continually enter the market, some drugs transition from branded to generic, and current inflation indexes do not account for these market basket changes. Instead, they measure the price increases after new drugs have been launched. Therefore, the public pays the higher costs of newer and usually more expensive drugs, but the inflation indexes do not reflect the increases over existing drugs previously used to treat the same conditions.

Objective

To assess how price index methods can affect estimates of drug price inflation using a case study of hepatitis C virus (HCV) medication and to explore other approaches for constructing a price index.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study used data from outpatient pharmacies to compile a list of all HCV medications that were ever on the market (brand and generic) from 2013 to 2020. Using National Drug Codes of HCV drugs, a 20% nationally representative sample of Medicare Part D claims from 2013 to 2020 was queried. Alternative drug price indexes, including product-level vs class-level product and quantity definitions were developed in which gross vs net price definitions were used and an adjustment was created and applied to capture treatment duration because newer drugs often required a shorter duration.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Price index value and rate of inflation from 2013 to 2020 for each methodologic approach to constructing a drug pricing index.

Results

In all, 27 different HCV drug regimens were identified in Medicare Part D claims in 2013 to 2020. A product-level approach for measuring inflation estimated a 10% gross drug price increase from 2013 to 2020 for HCV drugs, whereas a class-level approach including the higher prices of the new drugs showed a 31% gross price increase. After adjusting for manufacturer rebates to estimate net prices, the findings showed that HCV drug prices fell by 31% from 2013 to 2020.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this cross-sectional study indicate that the current product-level methods to estimate drug price inflation underestimated price increases for HCV drugs by failing to include the high launch prices of new market entrants. Using a class-level approach, the index captured higher spending on new products at launch. Prescription-level analyses, which did not consider shorter durations of treatment, overestimated price increases.
Risk of Rabies and Implications for Postexposure Prophylaxis Administration in the US
Authors: Charniga Kelly , Nakazawa Yoshinori , Brown Jen , Jeon Seonghye , Wallace Ryan M.
Published: June 2023

Importance

In the US, rabies postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) is often administered without a comprehensive and regionally appropriate rabies risk assessment. For low-risk exposures, this can result in patients incurring out-of-pocket expenses or experiencing adverse effects of PEP unnecessarily.

Objective

To use a model to estimate (1) the probability that an animal would test positive for rabies virus (RABV) given that a person was exposed, and (2) the probability that a person would die from rabies given that they were exposed to a suspect rabid animal and did not receive PEP, and to propose a risk threshold for recommending PEP according to model estimates and a survey.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this decision analytical modeling study, positivity rates were calculated using more than 900 000 animal samples tested for RABV between 2011 and 2020. Other parameters were estimated from a subset of the surveillance data and the literature. Probabilities were estimated using Bayes’ rule. A survey was administered among a convenience sample of state public health officials in all US states (excluding Hawaii) plus Washington, DC and Puerto Rico to determine a risk threshold for PEP recommendation. Respondents were asked whether they would recommend PEP given 24 standardized exposure scenarios while accounting for local rabies epidemiology.

Main Outcomes and Measures

A quantitative and regionally appropriate approach for helping health care practitioners and public health professionals determine whether to recommend and/or administer rabies PEP.

Results

A total of 1728 unique observations were obtained from the model for the probability that an animal would test positive for RABV given that a person was exposed, and 41 472 for ) the probability that a person would die from rabies given that they were exposed to a suspect rabid animal and did not receive PEP. The median probability that an animal would test positive for RABV given that a person was exposed ranged from 3 × 10−7 to 0.97, while the probability that a person would die from rabies given that they were exposed to a suspect rabid animal and did not receive PEP ranged from 1 × 10−10 to 0.55. Fifty public health officials out of a target sample size of 102 responded to the survey. Using logistic regression, a risk threshold was estimated for PEP recommendation of 0.0004; PEP may not be recommended for exposures with probabilities below this threshold.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this modeling study of rabies in the US, the risk of death|exposure was quantified and a risk threshold was estimated. These results could be used to inform the decision-making process as to the appropriateness of recommending rabies PEP.
Pseudoflavonifractor
Authors: Alauzet Corentine , Cailliez‐Grimal Catherine , Lozniewski Alain
Published: June 2023

Pseu.do.fla.vo.ni.frac'tor. Gr. adj.
pseudês
, false; N.L. masc. n.
Flavonifractor
, a bacterial genus name; N.L. masc. n.
Pseudoflavonifractor
, a false Flavonifractor.

Firmicutes / Clostridia / Clostridiales / Oscillospiraceae / Pseudoflavonifractor

Pseudoflavonifractor
is a genus in the phylum
Firmicutes
, class
Clostridia
, order
Clostridiales
, family
Oscillospiraceae
. It currently comprises three species with validly published names.
Pseudoflavonifractor capillosus
, was proposed in 2010 to reclassify
Bacteroides capillosus
based on its phylogenetic position, biochemical properties, and DNA G + C content. Two other species,
Pseudoflavonifractor gallinarum
and
Pseudoflavonifractor hominis
, were described in 2021. Although phylogenetically linked to typical Gram‐positive bacteria, members of this genus stain Gram‐negative. Cells are strictly anaerobic, nonmotile, and non‐spore‐forming rods, occasionally ovoid (
P. hominis
). Optimal growth is described after at least 48 h of anaerobic incubation in nutrient‐rich broth or on sheep/horse blood agar. Colonies are minute, circular, colorless, smooth, and translucent. Members of the genus
Pseudoflavonifractor
are asaccharolytic although able to weakly ferment some sugars. They produce acetic and succinic acids when grown in TGY (trypticase/glucose/yeast extract) broth. The dominant fatty acids are C
14:0
and C
16:0
dimethyl acetal (DMA). They are described as members of the human and animal gut microbiota.
P. capillosus
has also been recovered from clinical samples as an opportunistic pathogen.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 49.22–60 (
T
m
and HPLC).

Type species
:
Pseudoflavonifractor capillosus
Carlier et al. 2010
VP
(basonym:
Bacteroides capillosus
(Tissier 1908) Kelly 1957
AL
).
Assessing facial weakness in myasthenia gravis with facial recognition software and deep learning
Authors: Ruiter Annabel M. , Wang Ziqi , Yin Zhao , Naber Willemijn C. , Simons Jerrel , Blom Jurre T. , van Gemert Jan C. , Verschuuren Jan J. G. M. , Tannemaat Martijn R.
Published: June 2023

Objective

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease leading to fatigable muscle weakness. Extra‐ocular and bulbar muscles are most commonly affected. We aimed to investigate whether facial weakness can be quantified automatically and used for diagnosis and disease monitoring.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, we analyzed video recordings of 70 MG patients and 69 healthy controls (HC) with two different methods. Facial weakness was first quantified with facial expression recognition software. Subsequently, a deep learning (DL) computer model was trained for the classification of diagnosis and disease severity using multiple cross‐validations on videos of 50 patients and 50 controls. Results were validated using unseen videos of 20 MG patients and 19 HC.

Results

Expression of anger (p = 0.026), fear (p = 0.003), and happiness (p < 0.001) was significantly decreased in MG compared to HC. Specific patterns of decreased facial movement were detectable in each emotion. Results of the DL model for diagnosis were as follows: area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operator curve 0.75 (95% CI 0.65–0.85), sensitivity 0.76, specificity 0.76, and accuracy 76%. For disease severity: AUC 0.75 (95% CI 0.60–0.90), sensitivity 0.93, specificity 0.63, and accuracy 80%. Results of validation, diagnosis: AUC 0.82 (95% CI: 0.67–0.97), sensitivity 1.0, specificity 0.74, and accuracy 87%. For disease severity: AUC 0.88 (95% CI: 0.67–1.0), sensitivity 1.0, specificity 0.86, and accuracy 94%.

Interpretation

Patterns of facial weakness can be detected with facial recognition software. Second, this study delivers a ‘proof of concept’ for a DL model that can distinguish MG from HC and classifies disease severity.
Layered Titanium Carbide‐Mediated Fast Shape Switching and Excellent Thermal and Electrical Transport in Shape‐Memory‐Polymer Composites for Smart Technologies: MAX Versus MXene
Authors: Jaiswal Shubham , Vishwakarma Jeet , Bhatt Shubham , Karak Saheb , Bharti Pankaj , Dhand Chetna , Kumar Rajeev , Kumar Pradip , Saifullah Mohammad S. M. , Saha Surajit , Mishra Rahul , Dwivedi Neeraj
Published: June 2023

Stimuli‐responsive materials can frequently tune between their temporary and original shapes, and have the potential for artificial intelligence‐based technologies in robotics, aerospace, biomedical, engineering, security, etc. Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are promising for these technologies but their inadequate thermal and electrical characteristics causing slow shape recovery limit their practical applications. Herein, for the first time, comprehensively and precisely the shape memory polyurethane (PU), a promising SMP, via a variety of novel layered titanium carbides fillers, namely, Ti2AlC (MAX1), Ti3AlC2 (MAX2), and Ti3C2 (MXene), is engineered. The resultant PU‐composites show 30–50% faster shape recovery in different environments, 20–25% greater extent of shape recovery in the load‐constrained environment, 100–125% higher thermal conductivity, and 700–16 000× higher electrical current. Importantly, the reinforcement of even a small amount of MAX and MXene (such as 0.25 wt%) has largely boosted the performance of PU. Considering ease of processability and performance enhancement factors, the MAX‐phase fillers may be preferred over MXene‐phase fillers for next‐generation composites development. Employing PU composite component as both heat‐sensor and actuator, a unique heat detector/fire alarm device that works successfully in simulated heat and fire environments is demonstrated. This work is crucial for enabling futuristic technologies.
Meta‐Aerogel Ion Motor for Nanofluid Osmotic Energy Harvesting
Authors: Zhang Feng , Yu Jianyong , Si Yang , Ding Bin
Published: June 2023

Osmotic power, also known as “blue energy”, is a vast, sustainable, and clean energy source that can be directly converted into electricity by nanofluidic membranes. However, the key technological bottleneck for large‐scale osmotic electricity is that macroscopic‐scale bulky membrane cannot synergistically satisfy the demands of high power density and low resistance without sacrificing scalability and mechanical robustness. Here, inspired by the anatomy and working principle of electric eels, which harness osmotic energy through embedded neuron‐mediated fibril nanochannels with nanoconfined transport dynamics. Fibrous nanofluidic meta‐aerogel ion motors, 3D‐assembled from nanofluidic cable fibers with actuatable stimulation/transport “ion highways” are engineered. The meta‐aerogel exhibits the integrated coupling effect of boosted ion propulsion and surface‐charge‐dominated selective ion transport. Driven by osmosis, the meta‐aerogel ion motor can produce an unprecedented output power density of up to 30.7 W m−2 under a 50‐fold salinity gradient. Advancing ultra‐selective ion transport in nanofluidic meta‐aerogels may provide a promising roadmap for blue energy harvesting.
Electrochemical Nitrate Reduction: Ammonia Synthesis and the Beyond
Authors: Xiong Yuecheng , Wang Yunhao , Zhou Jingwen , Liu Fu , Hao Fengkun , Fan Zhanxi
Published: June 2023

Natural nitrogen cycle has been severely disrupted by anthropogenic activities. The overuse of N‐containing fertilizers induces the increase of nitrate level in surface and ground waters, and substantial emission of nitrogen oxides causes heavy air pollution. Nitrogen gas, as the main component of air, has been used for mass ammonia production for over a century, providing enough nutrition for agriculture to support world population increase. In the last decade, researchers have made great efforts to develop ammonia processes under ambient conditions to combat the intensive energy consumption and high carbon emission associated with the Haber–Bosch process. Among different techniques, electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) can achieve nitrate removal and ammonia generation simultaneously using renewable electricity as the power, and there is an exponential growth of studies in this research direction. Here, a timely and comprehensive review on the important progresses of electrochemical NO3RR, covering the rational design of electrocatalysts, emerging CN coupling reactions, and advanced energy conversion and storage systems is provided. Moreover, future perspectives are proposed to accelerate the industrialized NH3 production and green synthesis of chemicals, leading to a sustainable nitrogen cycle via prosperous N‐based electrochemistry.
A Novel Process for the Preparation of Binder‐Free Zeolite Beads (Lta‐5a) via Photopolymerization Applied in Co2 Adsorption Field
Authors: Zhang Yijun , Josien Ludovic , Vaulot Cyril , Simon‐Masseron Angélique , Lalevée Jacques
Published: June 2023

The increasing CO2 concentration in the atmosphere has a severe influence on both the environment and human health, resulting in global warming. According to the high adsorption capacity for CO2 removal, zeolites play an important role for CO2 capture and sequestration. However, its powdery form limits their use in adsorption applications. When binding agents are used, the zeolite porosity is partially occluded that compromises the CO2 adsorption capacity severely. How to prepare binder‐free zeolite beads with a certain structure strength and how to keep the high surface area and porosity are a great challenge. In this work, LTA‐5A beads composites (80 wt.%) are prepared via cationic photopolymerization and then calcination is performed to remove organic part to obtain LTA‐5A beads with different sizes (<1.0 mm, 1.0–2.0 mm, and 2.0–3.0 mm). These beads (0.1 g) are characterized by good mechanical strength without any binder (partial bead fragmentation under 200 g‐load) with a preserved zeolite porosity. This method allows to exploit the zeolite beads reaching a high specific surface area (586 688 m2 g−1) and good CO2 adsorption capacity (4.5‐4.9 mmol g−1). These values are higher than those of commercial LTA‐5A beads (515 m2 g−1 and 3.8 mmol g−1, respectively), which is in agreement with their binder‐free structure.
Palladium and Copper‐Catalyzed Friedel–Crafts Acylation with Activated Amides
Authors: Park Haeun , Lee Sunwoo
Published: June 2023

The Friedel‐Crafts acylation reaction between activated amides and arenes was carried out by employing [Pd(cinnamyl)Cl]2 and Cu(OTf)2 as catalysts. A range of N‐phenyl‐N‐tosylbenzamides, which were substituted at the phenyl ring of the benzamide moiety, underwent reaction with various arenes, such as mesitylene, toluene, anisole, 4‐tert‐butylbenzene, o‐xylene, m‐xylene, and p‐xylene, affording the corresponding diaryl ketones with yields ranging from 49% to 89%.
Energy and Thermal Performance Analysis of Quantum Dot Luminescent Solar Concentrators in Greenhouses
Authors: Liu Yaling , Keil John , Ferry Vivian E. , Kortshagen Uwe R.
Published: June 2023

Greenhouses provide a controlled environment for plant growth, which increases crop yields, reduces the use of water and fertilizers, and offers resilience to droughts and extreme weather. However, greenhouse operation is energy intensive due to their heating and cooling loads. Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) are promising for semitransparent greenhouse roofs that produce clean electricity, thus reducing the greenhouse energy demand, while also transmitting enough light to satisfy plant growth. Herein, we model the performance of LSC roofs designed as glass panels coated with quantum dot (QD)/polymer nanocomposite films and front‐facing surface‐mounted photovolatic cells. Five widely studied QD materials are examined to demonstrate that the proposed QD LSC roofs can have effective power conversion efficiencies exceeding 10% while also increasing the red‐light fraction, which is beneficial for plant growth. The effect of LSC integration on the greenhouse thermal energy demands is studied for the example of silicon (Si) QD LSC roofs. In warm climates, solar power generated by the Si QD LSC roofs satisfies the entire greenhouse energy demand and thus enables net‐zero energy operation. Overall, the results of the current research demonstrate the strong potential of integrating QD LSCs into greenhouses to reduce energy costs and enhance plant growth.
Mechanical Perspective of CsSe Half‐Metallic Ferromagnet from DFT
Authors: Tayade Nishant T. , Tirpude Manish P.
Published: June 2023

CsSe is reported as a half‐metallic ferromagnet compound which is optimized using the first principle calculation, but it is yet to prepared experimentally. CsCl‐type and NaCl‐type structures are preferred in literature to form from their electronic structures. Whether these two structures physically withstand or not is still unclear. Their mechanical properties can give a clear picture. The present study works in this direction and uncovers the mechanical perspective using DFT (Density Functional Theory) framework. The elastic stiffness tensor is obtained first, evaluated the mechanical parameters and then revealed how the mechanical formation is possible. Overall study elucidates to the evidence of why the CsSe compound occurs in CsCl‐type and how it has withstood at a room temperature using the elastic and mechanical properties through DFT. The stability of CsCl‐type has been confirmed from the phonon dispersion by DFPT (Density Functional Perturbation Theory) in this paper. The study also conducted the examination of the CsCl‐type's spintronic nature.
A Numeric Approach for Investigating Electron Dynamics in Zinc‐Blende Semiconductor Heterostructures
Authors: Reichman Yair , Caspary Toroker Maytal
Published: June 2023

Charge transport via interfaces in materials is crucial in comprehending the constraints of many electronic devices. Gaining the knowledge and understanding of the processes entail when two materials form contact between them may allow designing better performance devices. Nonetheless, simulating experimental length scale structures puts a computational challenge. This work investigates several heterostructure systems of typical semiconductors with zinc‐blende unit cells forming an interface in the contact plane. The purpose is to understand the trends in the electronic properties of such heterostructures regarding the strain profile, as it occurs near the interface and far away in deeper atomic planes. The local band‐gap values of each layer of atoms are calculated to demonstrate how the gaps have changed with respect to the distance from the interface. Finally, the potential energy at the interface region is parameterized. The correlation between the transmission coefficient of the one‐electron wave function is analyzed to pass through the interface and interface characteristic parameters. The primary conclusion is that the system's electrostatic potential embeds the heterostructure's unique properties. It is demonstrated how one can predict the transmission coefficient of the electronic wave function at the interface by examining the material's potential parameters at the interface exclusively.
Occupational heat‐related illness in Washington State: A descriptive study of day of illness and prior day ambient temperatures among cases and clusters, 2006–2021
Authors: Spector June T. , Sampson Luke , Flunker John C. , Adams Darrin , Bonauto David K.
Published: June 2023

Background

Insufficient heat acclimatization is a risk factor for heat‐related illness (HRI) morbidity, particularly during periods of sudden temperature increase. We sought to characterize heat exposure on days before, and days of, occupational HRIs.

Methods

A total of 1241 Washington State workers' compensation State Fund HRI claims from 2006 to 2021 were linked with modeled parameter‐elevation regressions on independent slopes model (PRISM) meteorological data. We determined location‐specific maximum temperatures (Tmax,PRISM) on the day of illness (DOI) and prior days, and whether theTmax,PRISMwas ≥10.0°F (~5.6°C) higher than the average of past 5 days (“sudden increase”) for each HRI claim. Claims occurring on days with ≥10 HRI claims (“clusters”) were compared with “non‐cluster” claims usingttests andχ2tests.

Results

Seventy‐six percent of analyzed HRI claims occurred on days with aTmax,PRISM ≥ 80°F. Claims occurring on “cluster” days, compared to “non‐cluster” days, had both a significantly higher mean DOITmax,PRISM(99.3°F vs. 85.8°F [37.4°C vs. 29.9°C],t(148) = −18,p < 0.001) and a higher proportion of “sudden increase” claims (80.2% vs. 24.3%,χ2[1] = 132.9,p < 0.001). Compared to “cluster” days, HRI claims occurring during the 2021 Pacific Northwest “heat dome” had a similar increased trajectory of meanTmax,PRISMon the days before the DOI, but with higher meanTmax,PRISM.

Conclusions

Occupational HRI risk assessments should consider both current temperatures and changes in temperatures relative to prior days. Heat prevention programs should include provisions to address acclimatization and, when increases in temperature occur too quickly to allow for sufficient acclimatization, additional precautions.
Photocatalytic 2‐Iodoethanol Coupling to Produce 1,4‐Butanediol Mediated by TiO2 and a Catalytic Nickel Complex
Authors: Xu Qingchun , Ren Puning , Peng Yang , Luo Nengchao , Gao Zhuyan , Meng Caixia , Zhang Jian , Wang Feng
Published: June 2023

Photocatalytic 2‐iodoethanol (IEO) coupling provides 1,4‐butanediol (BDO) of particular interest to produce degradable polyesters. However, the reduction potential of IEO is too negative (−1.9 vs NHE) to be satisfied by most of the semiconductors, and the kinetics of transferring one electron for IEO coupling is slow. Here we design a catalytic Ni complex, which works synergistically with TiO2, realizing reductive coupling of IEO powered by photo‐energy. Coordinating by terpyridine stabilizes Ni2+ from being photo‐deposited to TiO2, thereby retaining the steric configuration beneficial for IEO coupling. The Ni complex can rapidly extract electrons from TiO2, generating a low‐valent Ni capable of reducing IEO. The photocatalytic IEO coupling thus provides BDO in 72 % selectivity. By a stepwise procedure, BDO is obtained with 70 % selectivity from ethylene glycol. This work put forward a strategy for the photocatalytic reduction of molecules requiring strong negative potential.
Methane Oxidation over Cu2+/[CuOH]+ Pairs and Site‐Specific Kinetics in Copper Mordenite Revealed by Operando Electron Paramagnetic Resonance and UV/Visible Spectroscopy
Authors: Fischer Jörg Wolfram Anselm , Brenig Andreas , Klose Daniel , van Bokhoven Jeroen Anton , Sushkevich Vitaly L. , Jeschke Gunnar
Published: June 2023

Cu‐exchanged mordenite (MOR) is a promising material for partial CH4 oxidation. The structural diversity of Cu species within MOR makes it difficult to identify the active Cu sites and to determine their redox and kinetic properties. In this study, the Cu speciation in Cu‐MOR materials with different Cu loadings has been determined using operando electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and operando ultraviolet‐visible (UV/Vis) spectroscopy as well as in situ photoluminescence (PL) and Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. A novel pathway for CH4 oxidation involving paired [CuOH]+ and bare Cu2+ species has been identified. The reduction of bare Cu2+ ions facilitated by adjacent [CuOH]+ demonstrates that the frequently reported assumption of redox‐inert Cu2+ centers does not generally apply. The measured site‐specific reaction kinetics show that dimeric Cu species exhibit a faster reaction rate and a higher apparent activation energy than monomeric Cu2+ active sites highlighting their difference in the CH4 oxidation potential.
Modulating Electronic Metal‐Support Interactions to Boost Visible‐Light‐Driven Hydrolysis of Ammonia Borane: Nickel‐Platinum Nanoparticles Supported on Phosphorus‐Doped Titania
Authors: Wan Chao , Li Gui , Wang Jiapei , Xu Lixin , Cheng Dang‐guo , Chen Fengqiu , Asakura Yusuke , Kang Yunqing , Yamauchi Yusuke
Published: June 2023

Ammonia borane (AB) is a promising material for chemical H2 storage owing to its high H2 density (up to 19.6 wt %). However, the development of an efficient catalyst for driving H2 evolution through AB hydrolysis remains challenging. Therefore, a visible‐light‐driven strategy for generating H2 through AB hydrolysis was implemented in this study using Ni−Pt nanoparticles supported on phosphorus‐doped TiO2 (Ni‐Pt/P‐TiO2) as photocatalysts. Through surface engineering, P‐TiO2 was prepared by phytic‐acid‐assisted phosphorization and then employed as an ideal support for immobilizing Ni−Pt nanoparticles via a facile co‐reduction strategy. Under visible‐light irradiation at 283 K, Ni40Pt60/P‐TiO2 exhibited improved recyclability and a high turnover frequency of 967.8 mol
 molPt−1 min−1. Characterization experiments and density functional theory calculations indicated that the enhanced performance of Ni40Pt60/P‐TiO2 originated from a combination of the Ni−Pt alloying effect, the Mott–Schottky junction at the metal‐semiconductor interface, and strong metal‐support interactions. These findings not only underscore the benefits of utilizing multipronged effects to construct highly active AB‐hydrolyzing catalysts, but also pave a path toward designing high‐performance catalysts by surface engineering to modulate the electronic metal‐support interactions for other visible‐light‐induced reactions.
Site‐Selective Synthesis and Concurrent Immobilization of Imine‐Based Covalent Organic Frameworks on Electrodes Using an Electrogenerated Acid
Authors: Shirokura Tomoki , Hirohata Tomoki , Sato Kosuke , Villani Elena , Sekiya Kazuyasu , Chien Yu‐An , Kurioka Tomoyuki , Hifumi Ryoyu , Hattori Yoshiyuki , Sone Masato , Tomita Ikuyoshi , Inagi Shinsuke
Published: June 2023

Imine‐based covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are crystalline porous materials with prospective uses in various devices. However, general bulk synthetic methods usually produce COFs as powders that are insoluble in most of the common organic solvents, arising challenges for the subsequent molding and fixing of these materials on substrates. Here, we report a novel synthetic methodology that utilizes an electrogenerated acid (EGA), which is produced at an electrode surface by electrochemical oxidation of a suitable precursor, acting as an effective Brønsted acid catalyst for imine bond formation from the corresponding amine and aldehyde monomers. Simultaneously, it provides the corresponding COF film deposited on the electrode surface. The COF structures obtained with this method exhibited high crystallinities and porosities, and the film thickness could be controlled. Furthermore, such process was applied for the synthesis of various imine‐based COFs, including a three‐dimensional (3D) COF structure.
MXene‐based dual‐network conductive organic hydrogel for wearable sensor to monitor human motions
Authors: Zeng Jiawei , Qian Hongxiang , Jia Runping , Mengting Xu , Shuai Wang , Xiaowei Xu , Shufang Chang , Dandan Wu , Jichao Shi , Sheng Han
Published: June 2023

Conductive hydrogel is a novel material that can be used to prepare flexible wearable strain sensors. It paves the way for future uses in electronic skin, human‐computer interaction, and personalized medical monitoring. However, because the majority of conductive hydrogels use pure water as their medium, they will freeze at low temperatures. It will inevitably lose water at room temperature. We developed a PAM/SA/MXene organic hydrogel (denoted as PSMOH). First, MXene nanosheets were added as conductive filler into the double network polymer hydrogel, which was composed of polyacrylamide (PAM) and sodium alginate (SA), we denoted as PSMH. And then immerse the prepared PSMH in a glycerol solution using a solvent displacement method to obtain PSMOH. Even if at extreme temperatures (−30°C), the prepared PSMOH has a strong antifreezing ability and can retain moisture for 8 days. The sensor also has excellent mechanical properties (tensile strain is 1579%), self‐adhesive property, excellent sensitivity (gauge factor is 49.92), low detection limit (1% strain), and excellent fatigue resistance (800 cycles at 30% strain). As a result, the hydrogel can be assembled into a flexible wearable sensor for real‐time monitoring of human motions and other activities.
Preparation of CO2 responsive cellulose composite adsorbent and its application in protein separation
Authors: Zhang Shoucun , Bian Yujing , Yan Xueyin , Fang Guoli , Guo Shengwei
Published: June 2023

The separation of the proteins is of great theoretical and practical importance for biotechnological application. Considering the requirement of non‐destructive separation, the stimulus–response method is an alternative to the separation of protein. In this work, a cellulose‐based composite with CO2 stimulus–response property is prepared by a simple coprecipitation of poly (N, Nˊ‐diethylamino ethyl methacrylate)‐co‐poly (hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PDH) and cellulose mixture solution. Subsequently, these composites as the adsorption medium are used to separate the bovine serum albumin (BSA, as the model protein) from solution through stimulus–response course (by CO2/N2 alternation). The results indicate that the ratio of the copolymers/cellulose composite have an obvious effect on the separation of BSA. The average maximum adsorption capacity can get to 562.6 mg/g, and the composites exhibits good adsorption/desorption cycling characteristics. After the composite materials are cycled for three times, the adsorption capacity can still decrease to 300 mg/g. Due to its high adsorption capacity and low preparation cost, the composite is expected to be widely used in industry.
BCL11B expression in hepatocellular carcinoma relates to chemosensitivity and clinical prognosis
Authors: Abe Hiroyuki , Kamimura Kenya , Okuda Shujiro , Watanabe Yu , Inoue Jun , Aoyagi Yutaka , Wakai Toshifumi , Kominami Ryo , Terai Shuji
Published: June 2023

Introduction

B‐cell lymphoma/leukemia 11B (BCL11B) is a subunit of SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complexes and functions in cell cycle regulation and apoptosis upon DNA replication stress and damages via transcription. Many malignancies were reported to exhibit changes in BCL11B gene expression; however, no study has focused on the relationship between BCL11B and hepatocellular carcinoma, which potentially exhibits DNA replication stress and damages upon its oncogenesis. Thus, in this study, we examined the molecular characterization of BCL11B expression in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods and Results

The cumulative progression‐free survival and overall survival were significantly longer in the clinical cases of BCL11B‐negative hepatocellular carcinoma than BCL11B‐positve cases. Microarray and real‐time PCR analyses in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines indicated a correlation between BCL11B and GATA6, a gene reported to be correlated with oncogenic activities and resistance to anthracycline, which is often used for hepatocellular carcinoma chemotherapy. Consequently, BCL11B‐overexpressing cell lines exhibited resistance to anthracycline in cell growth assays and the resistance has been evidenced by the increased expression of BCL‐xL in cell lines. The results were supported by the analyses of human HCC samples showing the correlation between BCL11B and GATA6 expressions.

Discussions and Conclusion

Our results indicated that overexpression of BCL11B amplifies GATA6 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro and in vivo that leads to anti‐apoptotic signal activation, and induces resistance to chemotherapy, which influenced the postoperative prognosis.
A case of splenogonadal fusion in the left testis
Authors: Zhou Ting
Published: June 2023

Key Clinical Message

Splenic tissue outside the normal anatomical site can be collectively referred to as ectopic spleen. Clinically, the commonest causes of ectopic spleen include accessory spleen, splenic tissue implantation, and splenogonadal fusion (SGF). Accessory spleen is mostly caused by congenital dysplasia, is mostly located near the spleen, and may be supplied by the splenic artery. Splenic implantation is mostly caused by autologous spleen tissue transplantation caused by trauma or surgery. SGF is the abnormal fusion of the spleen with the gonad or with the mesonephric derivatives. As a rare developmental malformation, it is difficult to make a correct diagnosis preoperatively, and easily misdiagnosed as a testicular tumor cause lifelong harm to patients. An 18‐year‐old male student who developed left testicular pain without obvious cause that radiated to the perineum 4 months prior to presentation. He was diagnosed with cryptorchidism 12 years ago and underwent orchiopexy without intraoperative frozen section examination. An ultrasound was performed, identifying hypoechoic nodules in the left testis, suggestive of seminoma. During surgery, the testicular tumor revealed a dark red tissue and the diagnosis of a pathological ectopic splenic tissue was made. Because the clinical manifestations of SGF are not specific, misdiagnosis and unnecessary orchiectomy may occur. If a complete preoperative examination which includes biopsy or intraoperative frozen section is performed, unnecessary orchiectomy can be effectively avoided and bilateral fertility can be preserved.
Modelling of a vacuum residue hydrocracking in an industrial slurry phase reactor
Authors: Mishra Praneet , Yadav Ashutosh
Published: June 2023

The upgradation of the bottom of the barrel has gained much interest across the refineries due to severe environmental rules, limitations of conventional oil reserves, and its flexibility to produce light end products which benefit end users. Slurry phase hydrocracking is one of the growing technologies to fulfil the increasing demand for light cut. Modelling of an industrial slurry phase reactor (SPR) for vacuum residue hydrocracking using different kinetic models is proposed. The axial dispersion model (ADM) is used for modelling an industrial SPR. The mathematical model of the reactors is incorporated for the three different lump kinetic models. This study deals with the continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) and SPR modelling, followed by industrial SPR modelling. The small lab‐scale reactor models are validated with the experimental data reported in the literature. The study's objective was to investigate the one‐dimensional and two‐dimensional concentration dynamics of each lump along the axial and radial positions of industrial SPR. The vacuum residue conversion into the light fractions was obtained by more than 73% in industrial SPR. Also, the yield of vacuum gas oil and resins were evaluated as 49% and 63%, respectively. The sensitivity analysis was performed to explain the effect of process variables. The optimum range was found as a length of 15 m, liquid hourly space velocity (LHSV) of 0.2 h−1, 1% catalyst concentration, and 420°C reaction temperature to enhance the throughput of the reactor.
Inhibitors of Aspartate Transcarbamoylase Inhibit Mycobacterium tuberculosis Growth
Authors: Du Xiaochen , Sonawane Vidhisha , Zhang Bidong , Wang Chao , de Ruijter Bram , Dömling Alexander S. S. , Reiling Norbert , Groves Matthew R.
Published: June 2023

Aspartate transcarbamoylase (ATCase) plays a key role in the second step of de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis in eukaryotes and has been proposed to be a target to suppress cell proliferation in E. coli, human cells and the malarial parasite. We hypothesized that a library of ATCase inhibitors developed for malarial ATCase (PfATCase) may also contain inhibitors of the tubercular ATCase and provide a similar inhibition of cellular proliferation. Of the 70 compounds screened, 10 showed single‐digit micromolar inhibition in an in vitro activity assay and were tested for their effect on M. tuberculosis cell growth in culture. The most promising compound demonstrated a MIC90 of 4 μM. A model of MtbATCase was generated using the experimental coordinates of PfATCase. In silico docking experiments showed this compound can occupy a similar allosteric pocket on MtbATCase to that seen on PfATCase, explaining the observed species selectivity seen for this compound series.
Use of nongynecologic cytologic–histologic correlation to identify patterns of error: An institutional experience
Authors: O’Conor Christopher J. , Dehan Lauren M. , Ely Kim A.
Published: June 2023

Background

Quality management practices empower cytology laboratories to deliver consistent, high‐quality patient care. Monitoring of key performance indicators is one way by which laboratories can identify patterns of error and focus their improvement activities. Cytologic–histologic correlation (CHC) identifies error by retrospectively reviewing cytology cases when discordant surgical pathology diagnoses are reported. Analysis of CHC data can elucidate patterns of error and direct quality improvement initiatives.

Methods

CHC data of nongynecologic cytology specimens were reviewed over a 3‐year period (2018–2021). Errors were separated by anatomic site and classified as either sampling or interpretive errors.

Results

A total of 364 discordant cases were identified out of 4422 cytologic–histologic pairs (a discordant rate of 8%). The majority (272; 75%) were sampling errors, with fewer interpretive errors (92; 25%). Sampling errors were found to occur most commonly in lower urinary tract and lung. Interpretive errors were most commonly found in lower urinary tract and thyroid.

Conclusions

Nongynecologic CHC data can be a valuable resource for cytology laboratories. By studying the types of errors, quality improvement activities can be targeted toward problem areas.
Patterns of genetic variation and morphology support the recognition of five species in the Gaultheria leucocarpa Blume (Ericaceae) group from mainland China
Authors: Li Yi‐Rong , Xu Yan‐Ling , Fritsch Peter W. , Lu Lu
Published: June 2023

Gaultheria leucocarpa and its varieties form a clade of aromatic shrubs that is widely distributed in subtropical and East Asian tropical regions. The group is taxonomically difficult and in need of thorough taxonomic investigation. This study focused on taxonomic delimitation within the G. leucocarpa group from mainland China. Field surveys covering the distributional range of G. leucocarpa in mainland China were conducted, wherein four populations from Yunnan and one from Hunan were found bearing morphological and habitat differences. A 63‐species phylogenetic tree of Gaultheria based on one nuclear and three chloroplast markers that included samples from the G. leucocarpa group was reconstructed with maximum likelihood to clarify the monophyly of the G. leucocarpa group. Taxonomic relationships among populations were investigated with morphology and population genetics, the latter by using two chloroplast genes and two low‐copy nuclear genes. Based on the sum of morphological and genetic analyses, we described three species of Gaultheria as new to science, clarified the taxonomic status of G. leucocarpa var. pingbienensis, elevating it to the species level, and resurrected G. crenulata and treated the varieties G. leucocarpa var. crenulata, and G. leucocarpa var. yunnanensis as synonyms of this species. We provide a key to the five species now recognized, along with descriptions and photographs.
Climate heterogeneity shapes phylogeographic pattern of Hippophae gyantsensis (Elaeagnaceae) in the east Himalaya‐Hengduan Mountains
Authors: Xu Ting , Wang Ruixue , La Qiong , Yonezawa Takahiro , Huang Xinyi , Sun Kun , Song Zhiping , Wang Yuguo , Bartish Igor V. , Zhang Wenju , Cheng Shanmei
Published: June 2023

The interaction of recent orographic uplift and climate heterogeneity acted as a key role in the East Himalaya‐Hengduan Mountains (EHHM) has been reported in many studies. However, how exactly the interaction promotes clade diversification remains poorly understood. In this study, we both used the chloroplast trnT‐trnF region and 11 nuclear microsatellite loci to investigate the phylogeographic structure and population dynamics of Hippophae gyantsensis and estimate what role geological barriers or ecological factors play in the spatial genetic structure. The results showed that this species had a strong east–west phylogeographic structure, with several mixed populations identified from microsatellite data in central location. The intraspecies divergence time was estimated to be about 3.59 Ma, corresponding well with the recent uplift of the Tibetan Plateau. Between the two lineages, there was significant climatic differentiation without geographic barriers. High consistency between lineage divergence, climatic heterogeneity, and Qingzang Movement demonstrated that climatic heterogeneity but not geographic isolation drives the divergence of H. gyantsensis, and the recent regional uplift of the QTP, as the Himalayas, creates heterogeneous climates by affecting the flow of the Indian monsoon. The east group of H. gyantsensis experienced population expansion c. 0.12 Ma, closely associated with the last interglacial interval. Subsequently, a genetic admixture event between east and west groups happened at 26.90 ka, a period corresponding to the warm inter‐glaciation again. These findings highlight the importance of the Quaternary climatic fluctuations in the recent evolutionary history of H. gyantsensis. Our study will improve the understanding of the history and mechanisms of biodiversity accumulation in the EHHM region.