bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engineered In Vitro Multi‐Cell Type Ventricle Model Generates Long‐Term Pulsatile Flow and Modulates Cardiac Output in Response to Cardioactive Drugs
Authors: Kuckelkorn Christoph , Aksoy Ebru , Stojanovic Natalija , Oulahyane Laila , Ritter Mira , Pfannkuche Kurt , Fischer Horst
Published: February 2025

Cardiac in vitro models serve as promising platforms for physiological and pathological studies, drug testing, and regenerative medicine. This study hypothesizes that immobilizing cardiomyocytes derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC‐CMs) on a biofunctionalized, hemispherical membrane can generate pulsatile flow through synchronized contractions, thus offering as an in vitro left ventricle model. To test this, a ventricle using a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membrane coated with polydopamine and laminin 511 E8 fragments is engineered. Human iPSC‐CMs are cultured on these membranes, alone or in co‐culture with cardiac fibroblasts or endothelial cells, for 28 and 14 days, respectively, in a newly developed bioreactor. Flow measurements track beating and flow generation, while drug response, cardiac gene expression, and cell morphology are analyzed. The engineered ventricles maintain continuous beating and flow, achieving a theoretical cardiac output of up to 4 µL min−1 over 28 days, indicating stable cell adhesion and synchronized contraction. Cardiomyocytes respond to cardioactive drugs (carbachol, isoproterenol) and show expected changes in heart rate and cardiac output. In conclusion, the results demonstrate that the proposed engineered ventricle can serve as an in vitro left ventricle model by supporting cardiomyocyte culture and differentiation, generating long‐term stable flow, and responding physiologically to cardioactive drugs.
High‐Performance Pressure and Temperature Dual‐Mode Sensor Based on Thermoelectric Aerogels for Multimodal Intellectual Panel Application
Authors: Jiang Saihua , Wang Zubin , Li Shun , Huang Yubing , Lan Yang , Li Guohui
Published: February 2025

Developing sensors with multi‐sensory detection capabilities will streamline integrated systems and simplify the integration process. Herein, dual‐mode temperature and pressure sensors based on PEDOT: PSS/CNTs/CNF/MXene (PCCM) is established. In terms of temperature sensing, the aerogel structure and introduction of MXene provide ultra‐low thermal conductivity, ensuring a stable temperature gradient. The addition of CNTs forms an excellent conductive network, significantly enhancing temperature sensing performance and achieving a maximum Seebeck coefficient of 28.2 µV K−1, the introduction of MXene ensures PCCM the output electrical signal has ultra‐low noise and a high signal‐to‐noise ratio, allowing the detection of temperature differences as small as 0.05 K. Regarding pressure sensing, the sensitivity exhibited in the low‐pressure range (0–4 kPa) is −11.44% kPa−1. Additionally, MXene significantly increases the sensor's electrical conductivity, reducing electron scattering and obstacles, shortening the response and recovery times (120 ms) for pressure measurements, and combining with CNTs/CNF increasing the hardness of the PCCM sensor, thereby expanding the pressure measurement range (0–20 kPa). It also highlights its promising potential for skin‐like sensing and human–computer interaction applications by developing a multimodal intellectual panel. This work provides a simple and scalable fabrication method to design high‐performance multifunctional sensors for various applications, such as e‐skin and robotics.
Nucleation and Growth of Blue Phase 3D Cubic Structure Under Continuously Changing Curved Boundary Conditions
Authors: Wang Xiaowei , Pawale Tejal , Swain Justin , Czaplewski David A. , Divan Ralu Nana Silvia , Tierra Giordano , Li Xiao
Published: February 2025

The blue phase of liquid crystals (BPLCs) with a cubic lattice of disclination lines and 3D nanostructure enables the modulation of photonic bandgap thus casting them in the category of photonic crystals. Its unique nature promises applications in display technologies, electro‐optics, and sensors. To integrate these ordered materials into wearable devices a fundamental understanding of curvature, and spatial confinement is necessary. Although continuous confinement in flat geometries have been studied, confining curvature has shown to induce strong destabilization effects on the cubic structure and formation of topological defects, thereby deteriorating their optical performance. Moreover, limitations in controlling the curvature of droplets further hinder studies of nucleation and growth of BPLCs. To address these challenges, micro‐scale patterned surfaces of concentric cylinders are exploited to systematically control curvatures. The impact of curvature on the confined BPLCs is revealed in terms of phase transition temperature, nucleation and growth, morphology, as well as phase transformation. This research offers valuable insights into the stability, and structural characteristics of BPLCs in adaptive photonic devices, paving the way for future advancements in flexible displays, sensors, and other technologies leveraging liquid crystal (LC) materials.
Bio‐Inspired Multifunctional Smart Windows: Surface Wrinkle‐Crack for Dynamic Optical and Wettability Modulations
Authors: Zhang Qiuting , Zhu Tingting , Li Na , Hu Yuwei , Xu Ye , Chen Xi , Long Yi , Ke Yujie
Published: February 2025

Smart windows are promising to promote building energy efficiency. Bio‐inspired smart windows are expected to fulfill the independent energy‐saving and on‐demand privacy modes simultaneously, while further improvement is necessary. Here, an improved composite based on tungsten‐doped vanadium dioxides (W‐VO2), silica (SiO2) nanospheres, and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomers is reported. It is found that the composite can simultaneously fulfill the on‐demand privacy and energy‐saving modes under a low temperature of ≈45 °C. More importantly, the surface morphology effects are investigated on optical and wettability modulation and provide insight into the SiO2‐based wrinkle formation mechanisms. It is demonstrated that surface wrinkles are more effective than cracks in achieving privacy mode, indicated by the diffraction patterns. Increasing the surface wrinkles and cracks also causes a change from hydrophilic to hydrophobic properties accompanied by the contact angle change from 19° to 115°, suggesting the potential for self‐cleaning functionality. It is also demonstrated that SiO₂ spheres are essential in forming wrinkles: small gaps between nearby SiO₂ spheres promote localized strain and increase the overall Young's modulus, resulting in larger wrinkle amplitude. Combining the improved method and insight understanding, this work is expected to support future developments in mechano‐/thermos‐chromic materials, smart windows, and bioinspired optical materials designs.
Boosting Hydrogen Evolution on MoS2/N‐doped‐C Nanotubes via Integrated Van der Waals Engineering and Morphology Engineering
Authors: Feng Sizhuo , Wang Fengshun , Gu Chen , Chen Jianmei , Liu Shujuan , Wang Longlu , Zhao Qiang
Published: February 2025

In the realm of electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is a material that holds great promise as a substitute for platinum (Pt), which is both expensive and scarce. The restricted number of active sites and low conductivity of MoS2 have an impact on its catalytic efficiency, however, which hampers the application of MoS2‐based catalysts in practical catalytic hydrogen production. The integrated Van der Waals (vdW) engineering and morphology engineering hold the potential to effectively boost hydrogen evolution on MoS2. Herein, hierarchical nanotubes (MoS2/N‐doped‐C) assembled from MoS2 nanosheets sandwiched by N‐doped‐C layers are synthesized utilizing an integration of hydrothermal and annealing. The 3D hierarchical structure with stepped edges, produced by directly integrating carbon layers into the MoS2 interlayers, enhances the catalytic activity and stability of the HER compared to MoS2 scattered on conductive carriers. The experimental results demonstrate that MoS2/N‐doped‐C shows excellent electrocatalytic HER activity under acidic conditions, exhibiting an extremely small Tafel slope of 42 mV dec−1, an extremely low overpotential of 41 mV at a geometric current density of 10 mA cm−2, and maintaining durability for more than 100 h.
Boosting the Efficiency and Mechanical Stability of Organic Solar Cells Through a Polymer Acceptor by Reducing the Elastic Modulus
Authors: Wang Yan , Yu Han , Zhao Dan , Liu Wei , Liu Baoze , Wu Xin , Gao Danpeng , Zhang Dong , Zhang Shoufeng , Sun Xianglang , Zhang Chunlei , Zhao Chaoyue , Fu Yuchen , Song Wei , Gong Shaokuan , Fu Yuang , Kwok Chung Hang , Ge Ziyi , Lu Xinhui , Chen Xihan , Xiao Shuang , Wong Wai‐Yeung , Chai Yu , Yan He , Zhu Zonglong
Published: February 2025

Organic solar cells (OSCs) are regarded as one of the most promising flexible power sources due to their lightweight and flexible properties, with the improvement of photovoltaic and mechanical performance. To improve the current density and power conversion efficiency (PCE), mPh4F‐TS (TS) and PYSe2F‐T (PA) are introduced into the binary host, PM6/mPh4F‐TT (PM6/TT) as third components. It is demonstrated that the corresponding ternary devices, in both rigid and flexible devices, achieved superior efficiencies (19.6%/17.7% for PM6/TT+TS, and 19.2%/17.4% for PM6/TT+PA) outperform the binary counterparts (18.3%/16.4%). However, distinct differences in mechanical performance are observed between the polymer acceptor (PA) and small‐molecular acceptor (TS). The PM6/TT+PA significantly improved the mechanical stability of flexible devices with a lower elastic modulus of 3.6 GPa, while the PM6/TT+TS resulted in the opposite effect with a higher elastic modulus of 5.5 GPa. Through in‐depth investigation, a clear correlation between the elastic modulus, crack density, and mechanical stability of the active layer blends is successfully established, revealing the key role of reducing the elastic modulus in enhancing the mechanical stability of flexible OSCs. This study provides important guidance for the development of flexible photovoltaic devices with both high efficiency and mechanical robustness.
Metal−Organic Framework with Constrained Flexibility for Benchmark Separation of Hexane Isomers
Authors: Wen Kuishan , Zhou Jingyi , Ke Tian , Li Jinjian , Jin Yuanyuan , Zhang Qianglong , Zhang Zhiguo , Bao Zongbi , Ren Qilong , Yang Qiwei
Published: February 2025

Flexible metal−organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising candidates for adsorptive separations, but achieving a balance among flexibility, adsorption capacity, and selectivity remains challenging. Herein, we report a novel flexible MOF, Ni(bhdc)(ted)0.5 (ZUL−C6), incorporating hybrid three‐dimensional alkane‐bridged ligands, which realizes high‐capacity molecular sieving for hexane isomer separation ‐ a critical process in the petroleum industry. The alkyl‐rich, confined pore system within the ZUL−C6 framework facilitated a strong affinity for n‐hexane and 3‐methylpentane. However, the narrow pore size and the constrained flexibility limited the uptake of 2,2‐dimethylbutane (<4.0 mg/g), accompanied by a high gate‐opening pressure. The gating behavior was elucidated by guest‐loaded single‐crystal (SC) X‐ray diffraction and density functional theory (DFT) simulations, which revealed a unique SC to SC transformation driven by the non‐centrosymmetric rotation of the 3D bhdc linker and distortion of the metal cluster and pillar units, along with a high deformation energy barrier. As a result, ZUL−C6 exhibited not only significantly higher uptake and selectivity than the industrially used 5 A molecular sieve, but also the record‐high nHEX/3MP breakthrough uptake (92.8/73.9 mg/g) and unprecedented 22DMB producing time (309.2 min/g, corresponding to the productivity of 770 mmol/kg and yield of 92.8 %) among reported MOFs.
Combining the Folch method with a simplified alternative fat extraction technique for use in a colorimetric assay to measure the degree of unsaturation in fat samples in a biochemistry laboratory
Authors: Pragash Vimoshini , Ediriweera Meran Keshawa
Published: February 2025

The Folch method is a commonly employed, simple biochemical procedure used to extract fat from food items and biological samples in biochemistry laboratories. The iodine number of fat reflects its degree of unsaturation. In the present study, the iodine number of fat extracted using the Folch method from cow milk, goat milk, chicken egg yolk and coconut milk was determined using a simple colorimetric procedure that comprises an iodine solution in ethanol and a starch solution, replacing the Wijs reagent and conventional titration procedures with sodium thiosulfate standard solutions. Resembling the Folch method, a low‐cost alternative approach, utilizing kerosene oil, isopropyl alcohol, and water, which can be used to extract fat from commonly consumed liquid food items, was also developed in the present study as a simple and reliable approach. The extracted fat from the proposed method can be sent to a biochemistry laboratory to determine the iodine number using the proposed 96‐well plate‐based colorimetric procedure. The proposed methods are suitable for laboratories in low‐income settings.
A Phase IB Trial of Selinexor in Combination With Immune Checkpoint Blockade in Patients With Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Alhalabi Omar , Gouda Mohamed A. , Milton Denái R. , Momin Hassan Ahmed , Yilmaz Bulent , Stephen Bettzy , Ejezie Chinenye Lynette , Moyers Justin Tyler , Gurses Serdar A. , How Jeffrey , Fu Siqing , Rodon Jordi , Hong David S. , Piha‐Paul Sarina A. , Subbiah Vivek , Elena Dumbrava Ecaterina , Karp Daniel D. , Janku Filip , Meric‐Bernstam Funda , Tannir Nizar M. , Naing Aung
Published: February 2025

Background

Selinexor (SEL) is a nuclear exportin 1 inhibitor that blocks the transport of nuclear proteins, including tumor suppressors, to the cytoplasm. Preclinical data suggest that the combination of SEL with checkpoint blockade may result in improved response to immunotherapy.

Methods

NCT02419495 was a multiarm phase IB study of SEL in combination with other standard regimens in patients with advanced malignancies. Arm M utilized twice weekly oral SEL and intravenous nivolumab (NIVO). Arm N utilized weekly oral SEL with NIVO plus ipilimumab (IPI). The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the safety of SEL + NIVO and SEL + NIVO+IPI. Secondary objectives included determining the objective response rate (ORR) and progression‐free survival (PFS).

Results

Twenty‐nine patients were enrolled in the study, of which 26 (90%) had clear cell RCC (ccRCC). Most patients (72%, n = 21) had prior systemic therapies. All patients (100%) developed at least one treatment‐emergent adverse event, and 93% had a treatment‐related adverse event (TRAE). Grade ≥ 3 TRAE occurred in 31% of patients, including 10% with hyponatremia, 7% with neutropenia, and 7% with thromboembolic events. At a median follow‐up of 12.4 months, the ORR in 27 patients evaluable for response was 19% (n = 5). An additional 17 patients (63%) had stable disease (SD) as the best response. The median PFS for the overall cohort was 14.5 months (95% CI 5.2–17.4 months; SEL + NIVO+IPI: 12.2 months, SEL + NIVO: 14.5 months). The median overall survival was 27.8 months (95% CI 15.3–32.5; SEL + NIVO+IPI: unreached, SEL + NIVO: 21.3 months).

Conclusions

SEL in combination with NIVO or NIVO+IPI had a potentially favorable safety profile and showed modest clinical activity in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma.

Trial Registration: This clinical trial was registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02419495)
Maintenance therapy with the FMS‐like tyrosine kinase 3 inhibitor gilteritinib in patients with FMS‐like tyrosine kinase 3–internal tandem duplication acute myeloid leukemia: A phase 2 study
Authors: Gyan Emmanuel , Minden Mark D. , Kubo Kohmei , Rambaldi Alessandro , Juliusson Gunnar , Jädersten Martin , Kelly Richard J. , Szerafin László , He Wensheng , Gill Stanley C. , Hill Jason E. , Chen Caroline , Delgado David , Hasabou Nahla
Published: February 2025

Background

The GOSSAMER phase 2 study assessed the FMS‐like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) inhibitor gilteritinib as maintenance therapy in patients with FLT3–internal tandem duplication (FLT3‐ITD) acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in first complete remission without previous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

Methods

Patients had to be within 2 months of their last consolidation cycle and have completed the recommended number of cycles per local practice. FLT3 inhibitors were allowed only during induction and/or consolidation. The primary end point was relapse‐free survival (RFS). Secondary end points included overall survival (OS), event‐free survival, and measurable residual disease (MRD).

Results

In total, 98 patients were randomized (gilteritinib, n = 63; placebo, n = 35). RFS was not significantly different between the arms (hazard ratio, 0.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.41–1.34; p = .16). RFS rates for the gilteritinib and placebo arms were 68.5% and 55.3% at 1 year, 51.8% and 44.9% at 2 years, and 41.2% and 40.8% at 3 years, respectively. OS was not significantly different between the arms but may have been affected by subsequent AML therapies after discontinuation. In patients who received subsequent therapy (gilteritinib, 46.8%; placebo, 60.0%), a higher percentage of placebo‐treated (57.1%) versus gilteritinib‐treated patients (27.6%) underwent HSCT. At the end of treatment, 96.4% of gilteritinib‐treated and 85.7% of placebo‐treated patients had undetectable MRD. Relapsed placebo‐treated (86.7%) versus gilteritinib‐treated patients (34.8%) had a greater FLT3 mutational burden. No new significant safety concerns were noted.

Conclusions

The primary end point was not achieved; however, an observed trend toward potential benefit was noted in patients with FLT3‐ITD AML who had not undergone prior HSCT.
Unraveling the Curcumin's Molecular Targets and Its Potential in Suppressing Skin Inflammation Using Network Pharmacology and In Vitro Studies
Authors: Sureshbabu Anjana , Smirnova Elena , Tuong Do Thi Cat , Vinod Sangeetha , Chin Sungyeon , Moniruzzaman Mohammad , Senthil Kalaiselvi , Lee Dong I. , Adhimoolam Karthikeyan , Min Taesun
Published: February 2025

Curcumin, a polyphenol compound derived from turmeric, has garnered attention for its anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a promising candidate for treating skin inflammation. Despite its potential, the underlying pharmacological effects to skin inflammation remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to reveal the curcumin's molecular targets and its potential in suppressing skin inflammation using network pharmacology and in vitro experiments. A total of 7,393 and 239 targets related to curcumin and skin inflammation, respectively, were obtained from public databases. By drawing a Venn diagram, 216 common targets were identified as candidate targets. These targets were subjected to gene function and pathway enrichment analyses, and a protein‐protein interaction network was established to investigate curcumin's impact on inflammation. The gene functions were mainly associated with inflammatory response, membrane raft, and serine‐type endopeptidase activity. The NF‐κB and MAPK pathways could be the major pathways through which curcumin acts on skin inflammation. Ten major targets of curcumin in the treatment of skin inflammation were identified: AKT1, TNF, EGFR, APP, MMP9, STAT3, HIF1A, PTGS2, EP300, and GSK3B. Molecular docking analysis results showed high binding affinity of curcumin to PTGS2, GSK3B, HIF1A, and STAT3, which may contribute to its inhibitory effect on skin inflammation. In vitro experiments confirmed curcumin's anti‐inflammatory effect on inflammation by reducing the expression levels of NO, IL‐1β, and IL‐6 in LPS‐induced HaCaT cells. Taken together, this study reveals major targets and pathways of curcumin in the treatment of skin inflammation, paving the way for invivo and clinical investigations.
In Vitro and In Silico Assessment of Antileishmanial Potential of Novel Tri‐ and Penta‐Valent Antimony Complexes With Phenolic Ligands
Authors: Shehzadi Syeda Aaliya , Ahmed Faiz , Islam Arshad , Ahmed Zeshan , Abdullah Khizar , Younas Farhan , Haider Ali , Tariq Muhammad , Noureldeen Ahmed , Albogami Bander , Darwish Hadeer , Alajmi Fatemah Enad M.
Published: February 2025

Leishmaniasis, caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania, affects nearly 12 million people annually worldwide, and has limited, highly toxic therapeutic options. This study reports the synthesis, in vitro and in silico evaluations of four novel antimony complexes (3a‐3d) as potent and safe antileishmanial agents. The complexes were synthesized using Sb‐salts with different phenolic ligands and characterized by elemental analysis, FT‐IR and NMR spectroscopic techniques. Structural parameters were further evaluated via DFT studies. The antileishmanial activity of these complexes (3a‐3d) was assessed in vitro against promastigote and axenic amastigote forms of Leishmania tropica, showing promising potential as antileishmanial agents. Complex 3a and 3c were particularly active, with IC50 values of 10.8 ± 2.1 and 11.0 ± 2.0 μmol/L against promastigotes, and 20.14 ± 6.11 and 27.72 ± 0.13 μmol/L against amastigotes, respectively. Molecular docking analysis against receptor protein (PDB ID: 8FI6) from genus Leishmania revealed high binding conformations of synthesized molecules within the active cavity of the target protein. With the lowest Ki value of 1.25 and a pattern of hydrophobic π‐interactions and strong conventional hydrogen bonds, complex 3d demonstrated excellent binding affinities within the active pocket. Notably, these complexes exhibited low cytotoxicity, compared to the standard antileishmanial drugs, TA (potassium antimonyl tartrate) and AmB (Amphotericin B), with hemolysis rates of < 12% for all complexes. Our findings suggest that these complexes (3a‐3d) are promising candidates for the development of new, safer antileishmanial therapies, combining potent activity against L. tropica with significantly lower cytotoxicity compared to existing treatments.
Functional Reproductive and Developmental Traits Differences Between Two Macrocystis Ecomorphs: Importance of Neutral Lipids
Authors: Rodríguez‐Villegas Camilo , Buschmann Alejandro H. , Barrios Mayra A. , Pereda Sandra , Camus Carolina , Fernández Pamela , Hérnandez‐González María C. , Baldrich Ángela M. , Urrutia Cynthia , Poza Ailen M. , Villegas Karina , Martínez Camila , Vargas Jaime
Published: February 2025

The kelp genus Macrocystis presents populations recognizable by distinct morphological traits, which has raised discussions on its taxonomical status. Recently, whole genome sequencing arose global evidence of Macrocystis ecomorphs “integrifolia” and “pyrifera” being genetically distinct. In the southern hemisphere, both ecomorphs maintain a separated distribution that coincides, without overlap, in the area of 33° S. Besides the fact that both ecomorphs are interfertile, at least under laboratory conditions, several differences in their reproductive strategies and early developmental traits have arisen in over 20 years of ecological and ecophysiological studies. In this study, we evaluated the content of neutral lipids in zoospores of both ecomorphs as a proxy of the required energy to swim and settle. The finding showed that zoospores of “integrifolia” ecomorph have a significantly lower level of neutral lipids than the southern “pyrifera” ecomorph. This correlates with the lower motility of the cells and lower germination capacity in the ‘integrifolia’ ecomorph, which has been consistently seen over the years. Further, we have seen a highly consistent pattern of a higher zoospore production, germination rate, sexual reproductive success, and early developmental performance (growth and survival) of juvenile sporophytes of “pyrifera” compared to “integrifolia.” Hence, both ecomorphs show, in addition to genetic and morphological differences, differential reproductive functional traits consistent in time and space that further support the hypothesis of an ongoing separation of these two Macrocystis ecomorphs.
Intake of High‐Calorie Diet and Phytonutrients: A New Paradigm to Treat Cerebral Palsy in Children
Authors: Tufail Tabussam , Ain Huma Bader Ul , Mahwish  , Noreen Sana , Ijaz Aiman , Ikram Ali , Arshad Muhammad Tayyab , Abdullahi Muhammed Adem
Published: February 2025

Cerebral palsy (CP) encompasses neurodevelopmental disorders affecting movement and posture, arising from nonprogressive brain damage during prenatal, perinatal, or postnatal periods. Diagnosis typically occurs between ages 3 and 5, with symptoms including abnormal muscle tone and impaired motor skills. CP's etiology is diverse, ranging from genetic predispositions to perinatal complications, often exacerbated by poor nutrition. Management requires a multidisciplinary approach involving neurologists, therapists, surgeons, psychologists, and social workers to address motor impairments and co‐morbidities like epilepsy, cognitive deficits, and sensory impairments. Neurological rehabilitation, primarily through physical and occupational therapies, forms the cornerstone of CP management. Addressing feeding difficulties, common in CP, often necessitates enteral or parenteral feeding, each with potential complications. High‐calorie formulas offer a promising strategy to combat undernutrition and improve motor outcomes. Research also explores the potential benefits of natural compounds like kaempferol and resveratrol, though further investigation is needed.
Determination of Carbohydrates in Syngonium podophyllum Biomass by Capillary Electrophoresis After Saccharification Process Under Different Sample Preparation Techniques
Authors: Aredes Rafaella Silva , Quattrociocchi Daniel Garcez Santos , Madriaga Vinicius Gomes , Offrede Giovanni , Paranhos Maria Clara de Souza , Lima Thiago de Melo , Duarte Lucas Mattos , Marques Flávia Ferreira de Carvalho
Published: February 2025

To achieve a more sustainable future, it is crucial to conduct studies on lignocellulosic biomass as a source of carbohydrates, ultimately serving as feedstocks for platform molecules that can be converted into biofuels, biopolymers, and chemicals. Urban residue lignocellulosic biomass, exemplified by Syngonium podophyllum, shows promise as an alternative source. This study employed capillary zone electrophoresis with indirect UV detection as an environmentally friendly method for determining xylose and glucose after treating, depolymerizing, and saccharifying Syngonium biomass. Three different hydrolysis methods yielded distinct outcomes. Heating under reflux treatment resulted in a 37 ± 3 mg g−1 xylose content, whereas ultrasonication significantly increased xylose yield, measuring 110 ± 5 mg g−1. Interestingly, these two methods did not detect glucose, suggesting they may be less effective at producing detectable monosaccharide levels. On the other hand, microwave‐assisted hydrolysis produced the highest xylose content at 290 ± 13 mg g−1 and glucose at 124 ± 6 mg g−1. These results highlighted the effectiveness of microwave‐assisted hydrolysis in converting carbohydrates from the urban Syngonium biomass, demonstrating its potential in processing lignocellulosic biomass through a cheap and sustainable route.
The Incidence and Prevalence of Dementia Among Ontario Adults With and Without Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Patel Prachi , Sun Winnie , Mataruga Andrea , Fung Kinwah , Balogh Robert
Published: February 2025

Objectives

There are more than 66,000 Ontario adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). While the risk of dementia is well established among those with Down Syndrome (DS), there is limited research in persons with IDD excluding DS (Non‐DS IDD). This study aimed to compare the incidence and prevalence of dementia in Ontario adults with and without IDD over time and by demographic information.

Methods

Administrative data were used to calculate and compare the annual age‐ and sex‐adjusted cumulative incidence and period prevalence of dementia from fiscal years 2011/12 to 2020/21 in three cohorts: (1) Non‐DS IDD, (2) DS, and (3) No IDD.

Results

Compared to persons without IDD, cumulative incidence of dementia was on average 4.27 and 5.33 times higher in persons with Non‐DS IDD and DS respectively and period prevalence of dementia was on average 4.87 and 5.93 times higher in persons with Non‐DS IDD and DS respectively.

Conclusions

Given the increased rates of dementia within the IDD population, it is imperative that early dementia screening take place, appropriate health and social services are implemented and more actions are taken to delay the onset of dementia, while considering the needs of this population.
Mapping the Numbers of Dementia in Brazil: A Delphi Consensus Study
Authors: Aliberti Márlon Juliano Romero , Suemoto Claudia Kimie , Laks Jerson , Caramelli Paulo , Dozzi Brucki Sonia Maria , Farina Nicolas , Apolinario Daniel , Camargos Einstein Francisco , d'Orsi Eleonora , Alves Gilberto Sousa , César‐Freitas Karolina Gouveia , Rangel Luís Fernando , Chaves Márcia Lorena Fagundes , Lopes Marcos Antonio , Coletta Marcus Vinicius Della , Barbosa Matheus Ghossain , Frota Norberto Anizio Ferreira , Nitrini Ricardo , Ferri Cleusa Pinheiro
Published: February 2025

Objectives

As the global dementia crisis intensifies, especially in low‐and middle‐income countries (LMICs), there is a pressing need for comprehensive prevalence data across diverse regions, including Brazil, where studies have been predominantly limited to affluent urban centers. This study aimed to conduct an expert consensus to determine the prevalence of all‐cause dementia in Brazil, considering various age groups, sexes, and geographical areas.

Methods

A Delphi consensus process with clinical and academic experts from across Brazil was conducted to provide dementia prevalence estimates in people aged ≥ 60 years living throughout Brazil for 2019. Each round consisted of answering structured questionnaires that incorporated information from the literature. A priori criteria were used to ascertain the point in which consensus was achieved for > 70% of the 15 prevalence estimates—for (1) total, (2) women and men, and (3) the five Brazilian macro‐regions. The current and projected dementia cases in Brazil were calculated based on age and sex population distributions.

Results

Fifteen experts, with a mean professional experience of 25 ± 10 years, reached a consensus in the fourth round. Experts agreed with a mean all‐cause dementia prevalence of 8.5% among Brazilians aged ≥ 60 years, which comprised 2.46 million people in 2019 in this age. They reported higher dementia rates in women (9.1%) than men (7.7%); the highest total prevalence was in those over 80 where it exceeds 20%. Regional variations were also noted, with lower prevalence in the South (7.3%) and higher in the North (8.9%) and Northeast (10.1%). Projections estimate that considering Brazil’s rapidly aging population, dementia cases will rise to 8.89 million by 2060.

Conclusions

This Delphi study estimated that dementia already affects roughly 1 in 12 older Brazilians aged 60 and above, with slightly higher prevalence in women and significant geographical variations. These results underscore the urgency for targeted public health strategies in Brazil and offer a framework for similar challenges in other LMICs, especially given that dementia cases are projected to increase by approximately 3.6 times in 4 decades.
A Network Analysis of the Associations Between the Dark Triad Traits and Domains of Emotional Functioning
Authors: Grabovac Beata , Dinić Bojana M. , Tomašević Aleksandar , Carroll Grace , Burke Tom
Published: February 2025

The aim of this study was to reexamine relationships between the Dark Triad traits and aspects of emotional functioning, such as emotional intelligence and empathy, as traits and abilities, by using a network analysis approach. The sample consisted of 359 Hungarians from Serbia. The results indicated that the optimal description of the network structure involved four communities: the Dark Triad traits, emotion recognition abilities as aspects of cognitive empathy, emotional intelligence traits and empathy and appraisal and expression of emotion in others as mainly traits of empathy focusing on others. Psychopathy and narcissism are central components connecting their Dark Triad community with emotional functioning communities. Psychopathy's main role stemmed from its negative relationship with emotional reactivity and recognising positive states, indicating emotional deficits in both trait and ability domains. On the other hand, narcissism had a positive relationship with the use of emotion to facilitate performance, but showed a negative relationship with recognising negative states, indicating a discrepancy between self‐image and objective abilities. Machiavellianism showed weak relationships with emotional intelligence and empathy traits, but a non‐significant one with the ability to recognise emotional states. Its strongest positive relationships were observed with cognitive empathy and the use of emotions to facilitate performance.
No significant impact of platelet‐rich plasma on recovery after Achilles tendon surgery: A double‐blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yasui Youichi , Miyamoto Wataru , Sasahara Jun , Keisuke Tsukada , Kubo Maya , Sasaki Gen , Yamamoto Asako , Kawano Hirotaka
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) have been scant. This study examines the therapeutic impact of PRP injection 3 weeks after surgery in middle‐aged males.

Methods

This double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial included consecutive ATR patients who satisfied the inclusion criteria and was conducted from 5 September 2018 to 24 June 2021. Three weeks after surgery using the side‐locking loop technique, PRP or saline was injected at the suture site under ultrasound guidance. Evaluations were conducted at predetermined intervals (6, 10, 12, 16 and 24 weeks and 1 and 2 years) after surgery. The primary outcome was the period needed to perform a bilateral heel raise, and the important secondary outcomes were the periods needed to perform a single heel raise and 20 unilateral heel raises, respectively.

Results

There were seven participants in the PRP group and seven in the saline group. Demographically, both groups exhibited comparable characteristics. No complications were reported. At 6 weeks after surgery, all participants achieved bilateral heel raise. The PRP and saline groups averaged 12.3 ± 2.7 and 15.7 ± 5.9 weeks to achieve a single heel raise and 14.3 ± 2.7 and 17.7 ± 4.5 weeks to achieve 20 unilateral heel raises, respectively, with no significant differences between both groups. Moreover, no substantial disparities in clinical scores, period of jogging initiation and magnetic resonance imaging tendon assessments were noted.

Conclusions

PRP did not offer a distinct advantage over saline in terms of recovery from ATR in middle‐aged males. This finding underscores the need to reassess the post‐operative significance of PRP and highlights the importance of further research to determine its potential advantages and risks.

Level of Evidence

Level I.
Real‐World Effectiveness of Sotrovimab in Patients Infected With SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron Subvariant BA.2 in Western Sydney, Australia
Authors: Kalo Eric , Basyouni Ziad , Katz Gideon Meyerowitz , Karkvandi Vahid , Watson Leanne , Crowther Helen , Read Scott , O'Sullivan Matthew V. N. , Ellis Jasmin , Medlin Joanne , Ahlenstiel Golo
Published: February 2025

Laboratory‐based findings suggest that Sotrovimab is significantly less effective against emerging CARS‐CoV‐2 variants, however, clinical data is lacking. Here we examined the effectiveness of sotrovimab, in preventing emergency department (ED) presentation and subsequent hospitalization in high‐risk subgroups of patients during the SARS‐CoV‐2 Delta and Omicron waves in Western Sydney, Australia (n = 515). Risk for ED attendance was comparable in Omicron patients, whether BA.1 or BA.2, compared to Delta patients (hazard ratio of 0.97 [0.36–2.64]). These findings highlight the need for caution when using in vitro findings to drive clinical practice, especially when the consequence is to withhold potentially lifesaving treatment.
Impact of baseline‐pool local impedance on lesion formation using a local impedance‐sensing catheter: Lessons from a porcine experimental model
Authors: Fukaya Hidehira , Ogawa Emiyu , Mori Hitoshi , Matsuura Gen , Toraiwa Megumi , Ogiso Sho , Arakawa Yuki , Kobayashi Shuhei , Nakamura Hironori , Ishizue Naruya , Kishihara Jun , Oikawa Jun , Niwano Shinichi , Ako Junya
Published: February 2025

Background

Impact of baseline‐pool local impedance (BP‐LI) on the lesion size remains unclear.

Methods

Lesion size in the porcine left ventricular myocardium was evaluated using the STABLEPOINT™ catheter across various ablation settings and BP‐LIs (100, 140, and 180 ohms).

Results

A total of 184 lesions were created with different durations (15/30/60 s) at 30 watts or with different powers (30/40/50 W) for 15 s. Lesion depth became deeper (2.8/3.0/3.6 mm at 15 s; p = .007, 4.0/4.9/4.6 mm at 30 s; p = .004, and 5.9/5.5/5.2 mm at 60 s; p = .710) and lesion width wider (5.8/6.3/7.6 mm at 15 s; p = .002, 7.0/8.9/8.9 mm at 30 s; p < .001, and 10.5/9.4/10.5 mm at 60 s; p = .262) as the BP‐LI increased under 30 W. Similarly, the lesion depth became significantly deeper (2.1/3.4/3.7 mm at 30 W; p < .001, 3.5/4.6/4.6 mm at 40 W; p < .001, and 4.1/4.7/5.2 mm at 50 W; p = .002) and lesion width broader (5.1/6.9/7.0 mm at 30 W; p < .001, 7.0/7.9/8.1 mm at 40 W; p = .004, and 7.7/8.2/9.6 mm at 50 W; p < .001, respectively) as the BP‐LI increased with a 15‐s ablation. The relationship between the LI drop and lesion size varied with the different BP‐LIs. Adjusted %LI drops (absolute LI drop divided by the BP‐LI) minimized the differences between the LI values and lesion formation among the three BP‐LIs.

Conclusion

Lesion size decreased with lower BP‐LI, and the relationship between the LI drops and lesion formation varied across the different BP‐LIs. Adjusted %LI drops may serve as a more reliable parameter for predicting the lesion formation.
Effectiveness of upgrade left bundle branch area pacing for right ventricular pacing‐induced cardiomyopathy: Extra QRS shortening matters
Authors: Huang Hao , Li Xiaofeng , Long Tianxin , Yu Yu , Cheng Sijing , Ning Xiaohui , Chen Xuhua , Gu Min , Niu Hongxia , Hua Wei
Published: February 2025

Background and Objectives

Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) has developed as a strategy for patients with pacing‐induced cardiomyopathy (PICM). We aimed to compare the upgrade effectiveness between LBBAP and traditional biventricular pacing (BVP) in PICM patients.

Methods

Consecutive PICM patients with successful device upgrades were enrolled. The primary outcome was the echocardiographic response, defined as absolute left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) improvement ≥5% at 6‐month follow up.

Results

A total of 92 patients were included. 61 underwent BVP and 31 underwent LBBAP. The median RVP burden was 96.8% (IQR: 93.0–99.0%). LBBAP achieved a shorter paced QRS duration (QRSd) compared with BVP (145.9 ± 22.4 ms vs. 157.5 ± 26.5 ms; p =.031). At 6 months, LBBAP had a higher echocardiographic response rate than BVP (67.7% vs. 39.3%, p =.019). LVEF increased from 37.8% ± 9.2% to 44.8% ± 10.2% (p <.001) in LBBAP compared with an improvement from 35.7% ± 8.9% to 38.2% ± 12.1% (p <.01) in BVP, with significantly greater change from baseline in LBBAP (7.0% ± 7.0% vs. 2.5% ± 8.7%; p =.024). Narrower pacing QRS after upgrade was associated with better echocardiographic response only in LBBAP but not in BVP. (P for interaction <.05). Both groups had similar rates of composite clinical outcome.

Conclusion

LBBAP improved echocardiographic response compared with BVP in PICM patients. The superior efficacy of LBBAP in reverse remodeling was dependent on improved electrical synchrony.
Prognostic and predictive effects of new steatotic liver disease nomenclatures: a large population‐based study
Authors: Zeng Huixian , Fang Letian , Yang Zhiyu , Zhao Xinyu , Chen Hongsen , Xing Puyi , Niu Zheyun , Li Zheng , Li Zishuai , Zhao Jiayi , Liu Wenbin , Jing Chunxia , You Hong , Cao Guangwen
Published: February 2025

We aimed to compare the association of metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), alcohol‐related liver disease (ALD), metabolic dysfunction and ALD (MetALD), and MASLD with viral hepatitis (MASLD‐Viral) with risks of cirrhosis, liver cancer, and mortality. The data of 464,556 adults from the UK Biobank (UKB), 13,526 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), and 2554 adults from BeijngFH Health Cohort Study (FHCS) were included. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) and odds ratios were calculated using Cox and Logistic regression models, respectively. Compared with non‐SLD, the risk of liver cancer increased from MetALD (aHR 1.70 [95% CI 1.37, 2.09]), MASLD (1.91 [1.66, 2.21]), MAFLD (2.01 [1.76, 2.29]), ALD (3.16 [2.54, 3.93]), to MASLD‐Viral (22.0 [10.8, 44.4]) in a stepwise manner in the UKB; the risk of all‐cause mortality increased from MetALD, MASLD, MAFLD, ALD, to MASLD‐Viral in the NHANES. The odds ratio of liver fibrosis increased from MASLD, MAFLD, to MASLD‐Viral in the FHCS. In patients with diabetes, metformin plus other drugs were associated with higher risks of cirrhosis, liver cancer, and all‐cause mortality in MASLD or MAFLD. Prevention rather than antiglycemic treatment is important for patients with diabetic MASLD or MAFLD.
Endothelial monocarboxylate transporter 1 drives atherosclerosis via a lactate/NADH/CtBP‐mediated transrepression pathway
Authors: Li Zou , Guo Shuai , Cao Kaixiang , Duan Yuxi , Zhao Yuan , Zhang Yuting , Yu Shihui , Bai Zaixia , Yu Runfa , Chen Yixin , Li Ziling , Huang Shuqi , Song Mingchuan , Wang Cailing , Hou Wenzhong , He Jun , Yang Bin , Xu Yiming
Published: February 2025

The accumulation of lactate in tissue microenvironments is associated with atherosclerosis, but its precise role in atherogenesis remains largely unknown. This study demonstrated that lactate accumulation in aortic tissues and blood is correlated with increased monocarboxylate transporter 1 (Mct1) expression in endothelial cells (ECs) within atherosclerotic plaques. Lactate uptake via Mct1 triggers an inflammatory response in ECs. The administration of endothelial‐targeting nanoparticles containing siRNA against Mct1 reduces endothelial inflammation and atherogenesis in Apoe−/− mice. Mechanistic studies revealed that the conversion of lactate to pyruvate, along with NADH production and oligomerization of the NADH‐sensitive transcriptional corepressor C‐terminal binding protein 1 (CtBP1), is necessary for the proinflammatory effects of lactate. Monomeric CtBP1 interacts with the transcriptional repressor forkhead box P1 (FOXP1) to suppress endothelial adhesion molecule expression. However, NADH‐induced oligomerization of CtBP1 prevents its binding to FOXP1, significantly reducing FOXP1‐mediated transrepression of endothelial adhesion molecules. Moreover, silencing Foxp1 in ECs negates the atheroprotective effect of endothelial Mct1 knockdown in Apoe−/− mice. These findings suggest that lactate/MCT1‐induced epigenetic reprogramming represents a potential therapeutic target in atherosclerosis.
Microbiota‐derived 3‐Methyl‐L‐histidine mediates the proatherogenic effect of high chicken protein diet
Authors: Zhu Shanshan , Liu Ludi , Zhao Yawen , Ye Bingqi , He Jialin , Li Wenkang , Xu Yingxi , Zhu Jiangyuan , Xia Min , Liu Yan
Published: February 2025

Diet rich in chicken protein has gained a widespread popularity for its profound effect on weight loss and glycemic control; however, its long‐term effect on cardiovascular health and the underlying mechanisms remains obscure. Here, we demonstrated that higher intake of chicken protein was an independent risk factor for sub‐clinical atherosclerosis. Adherence to high chicken protein diet (HCD) alleviated excessive weight gain and glycemic control regardless of the presence of gut microbiota in apolipoprotein E–deficient mice. In contrast, long‐term HCD administration enhanced intestinal cholesterol absorption and accelerated atherosclerotic plaque formation in a gut microbiota‐dependent manner. Integrative analysis of 16S rDNA sequencing and metabolomics profiling identified 3‐Methyl‐L‐histidine (3‐MH), resulting from an enrichment of Lachnospiraceae, as the key microbial effector to the atherogenic effect of HCD. Mechanistically, 3‐MH facilitated the binding of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1A (HNF1A) to the promoter of NPC1‐like intracellular cholesterol transporter 1 (NPC1L1), whereas inhibition of HNF1A–NPC1L1 axis abolished the atherogenic effect of 3‐MH. Our findings uncovered a novel link between microbiota‐derived 3‐MH and disturbed cholesterol homeostasis, which ultimately accelerated atherosclerosis, and argued against the recommendation of HCD as weight loss regimens considering its adverse role in vascular health.
Once‐weekly glucagon‐like peptide receptor agonist polyethylene glycol loxenatide protects against major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes: a multicenter ambispective cohort study (FLYING trial)
Authors: Li Jilin , Tian Yu , Li Liping , Zhao Yanyan , Yang Shuhui , Xu Wencan , Zhu Dan , Ye Junjun , Chen Jingxian , Liu Weiting , Xue Haibo , Wu Wei , Deng Feiying , Duan Yale , Hu Zhizhen , Xie Bin , Chen Zhe‐Sheng , Hou Kaijian
Published: February 2025

This study aimed to determine the effects of polyethylene glycol loxenatide (PEG‐Loxe), a glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist, on a three‐point major adverse cardiovascular event (3P‐MACE) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The study was conducted in six tertiary hospitals in three cities in China. Large language models were used to retrospectively screen and include 12,341 patients with T2DM who had either cardiovascular disease or cardiovascular risk factors. The patients were divided into the PEG‐Loxe cohort (treated with PEG‐Loxe, n = 1282) and the control cohort (treated with incretin glucose‐lowering agents, n = 11,059). After a median follow‐up of 4.0 years, 3P‐MACE occurred in 51 (4.0%) and 1263 (11.4%) patients in PEG‐Loxe and control cohorts, respectively (hazard ratio [HR] 0.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.49–0.94; p = 0.019). In the PEG‐Loxe versus control cohorts, 21 (1.6%) versus 476 (4.3%) patients experienced nonfatal stroke (HR 0.63; p = 0.041), whereas 22 (1.7%) versus 545 (4.9%) experienced nonfatal myocardial infarction (HR 0.66; p = 0.058), and the incidence of cardiovascular death was 8 (0.6%) versus 240 (2.2%), respectively (HR 0.56; p = 0.118). We found a significantly lower incidence of first nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, or cardiovascular deaths in the PEG‐Loxe cohort than the control cohort.