bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lewis Base-Catalyzed Mannich-type Reaction between Aldimine and Trimethylsilyl Enolate
Authors: Fujisawa Hidehiko , Takahashi Eiki , Nakagawa Takashi , Mukaiyama Teruaki
Published: October 2003

Lithium benzamide- or potassium phthalimide-catalyzed Mannich-type reaction between trimethylsilyl enolates and aldimines proceeded smoothly in a DMF solvent to afford the corresponding β-amino esters in good to high yields.
Highly Efficient and Convenient Deprotection of Methoxymethyl Ethers and Esters Using Bismuth Triflate in an Aqueous Medium
Authors: Reddy S Venkat , Rao R Jagadeeshwar , Kumar U Sampath , Rao J Madhusudana
Published: October 2003

A simple and efficient method has been developed for the hydrolysis of methoxymethyl (MOM) ethers and esters to the corresponding alcohols and acids employing a catalytic amount of bismuth triflate in an aqueous medium. The conversions occur at ambient temperature and the yields of the deprotected alcohols are very good. The reaction was highly selective in the presence of other protecting groups such as TBDMS, TBDPS, benzyl, and allyl ethers.
Synthesis of a Reduced Tridecavanadate Dimer Linked by Eight Hydrogen Bonds
Authors: Kurata Taisei , Hayashi Yoshihito , Uehara Akira , Isobe Kiyoshi
Published: October 2003

The reaction of highly condensed heptadecavanadate with labile metal compound gave the first reduced tridecavanadate with hydrogen bonds to make a novel dimeric structure: the protonated and reduced sites were unambiguously determined by X-ray analysis. The reduced tridecavanadate was not directly converted chemically or electrochemically into the oxidized form.
Reline Materials—Handle with Care?
Authors: Williams David R , Chacko David , Jagger Daryll C , Harrison Alan
Published: October 2003

Introduction

The fit of the denture base to the alveolar ridge progressively declines with alveolar ridge resorption. Once a denture becomes ill-fitting there are two main treatment options: to construct a new denture or to restore the fit of the existing denture. A denture may be relined as a laboratory procedure or at the chairside in the dental clinic. The chairside reline technique involves the direct application of auto-polymerising acrylic resin materials to the prepared denture base and the material is allowed to polymerise in the patient's mouth. The reline materials are generally supplied as a powder and a liquid. Clinicians and laboratory dental staff do not always follow manufacturers’ recommended guidelines and the tendency can be simply to add varying quantities of powder and liquid until the desired consistency is achieved. This method however may have deleterious effects on the properties of the resultant material.

Materials and method

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of varying the powder/liquid ratio on some properties of three auto-polymerising acrylic resin reline materials. The properties investigated were the flow characteristics in terms of the manipulation and setting time and the hardness. Four powder and liquid ratios were chosen.

Results and conclusions

For all the materials studied, a clinically useful lengthening of the manipulation time can be achieved by increasing the amount of liquid added to the powder. However, this is perhaps offset by the fact that it is associated with a corresponding increase in the setting time and resultant increase in clinical chair-side time. There were significant differences in surface hardness when the powder/liquid ratio was altered.
Investigation of Genetic Alterations Associated With Interval Breast Cancer
Authors: Rodriguez Juan , Grassmann Felix , Xiao Qingyang , Eriksson Mikael , Mao Xinhe , Bajalica-Lagercrantz Svetlana , Hall Per , Czene Kamila
Published: January 2024

Importance

Breast cancers (BCs) diagnosed between 2 screening examinations are called interval cancers (ICs), and they have worse clinicopathological characteristics and poorer prognosis than screen-detected cancers (SDCs). However, the association of rare germline genetic variants with IC have not been studied.

Objective

To evaluate whether rare germline deleterious protein-truncating variants (PTVs) can be applied to discriminate between IC and SDC while considering mammographic density.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This population-based genetic association study was based on women aged 40 to 76 years who were attending mammographic screening in Sweden. All women with a diagnosis of BC between January 2001 and January 2016 were included, together with age-matched controls. Patients with BC were followed up for survival until 2021. Statistical analysis was performed from September 2021 to December 2022.

Exposure

Germline PTVs in 34 BC susceptibility genes as analyzed by targeted sequencing.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Odds ratios (ORs) were used to compare IC with SDC using logistic regression. Hazard ratios were used to investigate BC-specific survival using Cox regression.

Results

All 4121 patients with BC (IC, n = 1229; SDC, n = 2892) were female, with a mean (SD) age of 55.5 (7.1) years. There were 5631 age-matched controls. The PTVs of the ATM, BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, and PALB2 genes were more common in patients with IC compared with SDC (OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.06-2.05). This association was primarily influenced by BRCA1/2 and PALB2 variants. A family history of BC together with PTVs of any of these genes synergistically increased the probability of receiving a diagnosis of IC rather than SDC (OR, 3.95; 95% CI, 1.97-7.92). Furthermore, 10-year BC-specific survival revealed that if a patient received a diagnosis of an IC, carriers of PTVs in any of these 5 genes had significantly worse survival compared with patients not carrying any of them (hazard ratio, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.06-3.92). All of these associations were further pronounced in a subset of patients with IC who had a low mammographic density at prior screening examination.

Conclusions and Relevance

The results of this study may be helpful in future optimizations of screening programs that aim to lower mortality as well as the clinical treatment of patients with BC.
Examining Medicaid Waivers—An Opportunity to Promote Equity in Cancer Care
Authors: Greene Lily J. , Carter Benjamin , Loehrer Andrew P.
Published: January 2024

This Viewpoint discusses the impact of Medicaid Section 1115 waivers on the equity of cancer care delivery in the US.
Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomy in Patients Receiving Dual Antiplatelet Therapy
Authors: Noy Roee , Shkedy Yotam , Simchon Omri , Gvozdev Natalia , Epstein Danny
Published: January 2024

This cohort study investigates bleeding and mortality outcomes of percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy among critically ill patients receiving dual antiplatelet therapy.
Functional interplay of lipid droplets and mitochondria
Authors: Enkler Ludovic , Spang Anne
Published: January 2024

Our body stores energy mostly in form of fatty acids (FAs) in lipid droplets (LDs). From there the FAs can be mobilized and transferred to peroxisomes and mitochondria. This transfer is dependent on close opposition of LDs and mitochondria and peroxisomes and happens at membrane contact sites. However, the composition and the dynamics of these contact sites is not well understood, which is in part due to the dependence on the metabolic state of the cell and on the cell‐ and tissue‐type. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on the contacts between lipid droplets and mitochondria both in mammals and in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, in which various contact sites are well studied. We discuss possible functions of the contact site and their implication in disease.
Uncovering mechanisms of interorganelle lipid transport by enzymatic mass tagging
Authors: John Peter Arun T. , Kornmann Benoit
Published: January 2024

Lipid trafficking is critical for the biogenesis and expansion of organelle membranes. Lipid transport proteins (LTPs) have been proposed to facilitate lipid transport at contact sites between organelles. Despite the fundamental importance of LTPs in cell physiology, our knowledge on the mechanisms of interorganelle lipid distribution remains poor due to the scarcity of assays to monitor lipid flux in vivo. In this review, we highlight the recent development of a versatile method named METALIC (Mass tagging‐Enabled Tracking of Lipids in Cells), which uses a combination of enzymatic mass tagging and mass spectrometry to track lipid flux between organelles inside living cells. We discuss the methodology, its distinct advantages, limitations as well as its potential to unearth the pipelines of lipid transport and LTP function in vivo.
A quantitative evaluation of the deep learning model of segmentation and measurement of cervical spine MRI in healthy adults
Authors: Zhu Yifeng , Li Yushi , Wang Kexin , Li Jinpeng , Zhang Xiaodong , Zhang Yaofeng , Li Jialun , Wang Xiaoying
Published: January 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the 3D U‐Net model for automatic segmentation and measurement of cervical spine structures using magnetic resonance (MR) images of healthy adults.

Materials and methods

MR images of the cervical spine from 160 healthy adults were collected retrospectively. A previously constructed deep‐learning model was used to automatically segment anatomical structures. Segmentation and localization results were checked by experienced radiologists. Pearson's correlation analyses were conducted to examine relationships between patient and image parameters.

Results

No measurement was significantly correlated with age or sex. The mean values of the areas of the subarachnoid space and spinal cord from the C2/3 (cervical spine 2–3) to C6/7 intervertebral disc levels were 102.85–358.12 mm2 and 53.71–110.32 mm2, respectively. The ratios of the areas of the spinal cord to the subarachnoid space were 0.25–0.68. The transverse and anterior‐posterior diameters of the subarachnoid space were 14.77–26.56 mm and 7.38–17.58 mm, respectively. The transverse and anterior‐posterior diameters of the spinal cord were 9.11–16.02 mm and 5.47–10.12 mm, respectively.

Conclusion

A deep learning model based on 3D U‐Net automatically segmented and performed measurements on cervical spine MR images from healthy adults, paving the way for quantitative diagnosis models for spinal cord diseases.
An Interactive Hybrid Book Integrating Capacitive, Piezoelectric, and Piezoresistive Polymer‐Based Technologies
Authors: Gonçalves Sérgio Abílio P. , Pereira Nelson , Costa Carlos M. , Branco Pedro , Lanceros‐Mendez Senentxu
Published: January 2024

The arising of novel paradigms in human–computer interaction, including tangible user interfaces, shape‐changing interfaces, or ubiquitous computing, is breaking down the boundary between physical and digital realms, leading to more natural and immersive forms of interaction. Advances in active and responsive smart materials allow to transform once inanimate objects, such as books, into actively responsive objects. Herein, a hybrid interactive book has been developed. It includes a capacitive touchpad, a piezoelectric speaker, and a piezoresistive platform for drawing and writing digitalization. All interactive elements are based on electroactive polymer films and are processed by additive manufacturing techniques. This work provides a compelling demonstration of how advanced materials can be seamlessly integrated in traditional physical interfaces to enhance interactivity and user experience.
Efficient Near‐Infrared Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes with Emission Peak Above 900 nm Enabled by Enhanced Photoluminescence Quantum Yields and Out‐Coupling Efficiencies
Authors: An Chen , Deng Wanyuan , Xie Yuan , An Kang , Cao Huan , Yang Dezhi , Chen Yihui , Liu Wansheng , Xu Yuhang , Li Ning , Wu Hongbin , Cao Yong
Published: January 2024

Near‐infrared organic light‐emitting diodes (NIR OLEDs) with emission peak above 900 nm are attractive for many emerging applications, spanning from bioimaging to light detection and ranging. However, the device performance of NIR OLEDs is generally limited by the low quantum efficiency of emitters because of the fast nonradiative transition process imposed by energy‐gap law and aggregation quenching. So far, only a few Pt(II) complexes delivering external quantum efficiency (EQE) over 1% are reported, while there is no comparable electroluminescence in heavy‐metal‐free fluorescent organic emitters. Here, NIR OLEDs centered at 934 nm by blending an acceptor–donor–acceptor type molecule Y11 into a polymer host poly[(9,9‐dioctylfluorenyl‐2,7‐diyl)‐alt‐(4,4′‐(N‐(4‐sec‐butylphenyl)diphenylamine) (TFB) are reported. The OLEDs show a remarkably high EQE of 1.72%. Moreover, owing to a low turn‐on voltage (≈0.9 V), the resultant NIR OLEDs have an electricity‐to‐light power efficiency surpassing 20 mW W−1. The improved device performance can be attributed to enhanced photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) of the blends owing to suppressed aggregation quenching, and favorable light extraction from the emissive layer. Such values are the highest among fluorescent OLEDs with electroluminescence above 900 nm.
Precision Medicine in Parkinson's Disease Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Kim Min Seong , Kim Hyesoo , Lee Gabsang
Published: January 2024

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most devastating neurological diseases; however, there is no effective cure yet. The availability of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) provides unprecedented opportunities to understand the pathogenic mechanism and identification of new therapy for PD. Here a new model system of PD, including 2D human iPSC‐derived midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) neurons, 3D iPSC‐derived midbrain organoids (MOs) with cellular complexity, and more advanced microphysiological systems (MPS) with 3D organoids, is introduced. It is believed that successful integrations and applications of iPSC, organoid, and MPS technologies can bring new insight on PD's pathogenesis that will lead to more effective treatments for this debilitating disease.
3D Stem Cell Spheroids with 2D Hetero‐Nanostructures for In Vivo Osteogenic and Immunologic Modulated Bone Repair
Authors: Liu Xifeng , Astudillo Potes Maria D. , Dashtdar Babak , Schreiber Areonna C. , Tilton Maryam , Li Linli , Elder Benjamin D. , Lu Lichun
Published: January 2024

3D stem cell spheroids have immense potential for various tissue engineering applications. However, current spheroid fabrication techniques encounter cell viability issues due to limited oxygen access for cells trapped within the core, as well as nonspecific differentiation issues due to the complicated environment following transplantation. In this study, functional 3D spheroids are developed using mesenchymal stem cells with 2D hetero‐nanostructures (HNSs) composed of single‐stranded DNA (ssDNA) binding carbon nanotubes (sdCNTs) and gelatin‐bind black phosphorus nanosheets (gBPNSs). An osteogenic molecule, dexamethasone (DEX), is further loaded to fabricate an sdCNTgBP‐DEX HNS. This approach aims to establish a multifunctional cell‐inductive 3D spheroid with improved oxygen transportation through hollow nanotubes, stimulated stem cell growth by phosphate ions supplied from BP oxidation, in situ immunoregulation, and osteogenesis induction by DEX molecules after implantation. Initial transplantation of the 3D spheroids in rat calvarial bone defect shows in vivo macrophage shifts to an M2 phenotype, leading to a pro‐healing microenvironment for regeneration. Prolonged implantation demonstrates outstanding in vivo neovascularization, osteointegration, and new bone regeneration. Therefore, these engineered 3D spheroids hold great promise for bone repair as they allow for stem cell delivery and provide immunoregulative and osteogenic signals within an all‐in‐one construct.
Interlayer Biatomic Pair Bridging the van der Waals Gap for 100% Activation of 2D Layered Material
Authors: Wang Chenyang , Yang Wenxuan , Ding Yiran , Bai Pengfei , Zeng Ziyue , Lv Haifeng , Li Xiang , Wang Huiliu , Wang Zhouyang , Zeng Mengqi , Wu Xiaojun , Fu Lei
Published: January 2024

2D layered materials are regarded as prospective catalyst candidates due to their advantageous atomic exposure ratio. Nevertheless, the predominant population of atoms residing on the basal plane with saturated coordination, exhibit inert behavior, while a mere fraction of atoms located at the periphery display reactivity. Here, a novel approach is reported to attain complete atom activation in 2D layered materials through the construction of an interlayer biatomic pair bridge. The atoms in question have been strategically optimized to achieve a highly favorable state for the adsorption of intermediates. This optimization results from the introduction of new gap states around the Fermi level. Moreover, the presence of the interlayer bridge facilitates the electron transfer across the van der Waals gap, thereby enhancing the reaction kinetics. The hydrogen evolution reaction exhibits an impressive ultrahigh current density of 2000 mA cm−2 at 397 mV, surpassing the pristine MoS2 by approximately two orders of magnitude (26 mA cm−2 at 397 mV). This study provides new insights for enhancing the efficacy of 2D layered catalysts.
Competing Mechanisms Determine Oxygen Redox in Doped Ni–Mn Based Layered Oxides for Na‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Yongchun , Mazzio Katherine A. , Yaqoob Najma , Sun Yanan , Freytag Annica I. , Wong Deniz , Schulz Christian , Baran Volodymyr , Mendez Alba San Jose , Schuck Götz , Zając Marcin , Kaghazchi Payam , Adelhelm Philipp
Published: January 2024

Cation doping is an effective strategy for improving the cyclability of layered oxide cathode materials through suppression of phase transitions in the high voltage region. In this study, Mg and Sc are chosen as dopants in P2‐Na0.67Ni0.33Mn0.67O2, and both have found to positively impact the cycling stability, but influence the high voltage regime in different ways. Through a combination of synchrotron‐based methods and theoretical calculations it is shown that it is more than just suppression of the P2 to O2 phase transition that is critical for promoting the favorable properties, and that the interplay between Ni and O activity is also a critical aspect that dictates the performance. With Mg doping, the Ni activity can be enhanced while simultaneously suppressing the O activity. This is surprising because it is in contrast to what has been reported in other Mn‐based layered oxides where Mg is known to trigger oxygen redox. This contradiction is addressed by proposing a competing mechanism between Ni and Mg that impacts differences in O activity in Na0.67MgxNi0.33‐xMn0.67O2 (x < 0 < 0.33). These findings provide a new direction in understanding the effects of cation doping on the electrochemical behavior of layered oxides.
Ultrasound Imaging of Tumor Vascular CD93 with MMRN2 Modified Microbubbles for Immune Microenvironment Prediction
Authors: Wang Dingyi , Xing Changyang , Liang Yuan , Wang Chen , Zhao Ping , Liang Xiao , Li Qiuyang , Yuan Lijun
Published: January 2024

Vascular microenvironment is found to be closely related to immunotherapy efficacy. Identification and ultrasound imaging of the unique vascular characteristics, able to predict immune microenvironment, is important for immunotherapy decision‐making. Herein, it is proved that high CD93 expression in the tumor vessels is closely related to the poor immune response of prostate cancer. For ultrasound molecular imaging of CD93, CD93‐targeted microbubbles (MBs) consist a gaseous core and the MMRN2 (Multimerin‐2) containing cell membrane (CM) /lipid hybrid membrane is then synthesized. In vitro and in vivo assays demonstrate that these MBs can recognize CD93 efficiently and then accumulate within tumor regions highly expressing CD93. Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) imaging with CD93‐targeted MBs demonstrates that targeted ultrasound intensity is negatively related to inflammatory tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and cytotoxic T cell infiltration. Together, endothelial expression of CD93 in tumor is a unique predictor of immunosuppressive microenvironment and CD93‐targeted MBs have a great potential to evaluate tumor immune status.
Proton‐Assisted Assembly of Colloidal Nanoparticles into Wafer‐Scale Monolayers in Seconds
Authors: Kim Doeun , Lee JuHyeong , Kim Gyurin , Ma Jiyeong , Kim Hyun Min , Han Jang‐Hwan , Jeong Hyeon‐Ho
Published: January 2024

Underwater adhesion processes in nature promise controllable assembly of functional nanoparticles for industrial mass production; However, their artificial strategies have faced challenges to uniformly transfer nanoparticles into a monolayer, particularly those below 100 nm in size, over large areas. Here a scalable “one‐shot” self‐limiting nanoparticle transfer technique is presented, enabling the efficient transport of nanoparticles from water in microscopic volumes to an entire 2‐inch wafer in a remarkably short time of 10 seconds to reach near‐maximal surface coverage (≈40%) in a 2D mono‐layered fashion. Employing proton engineering in electrostatic assembly accelerates the diffusion of nanoparticles (over 50 µm2/s), resulting in a hundredfold faster coating speed than the previously reported results in the literature. This charge‐sensitive process further enables “pick‐and‐place” nanoparticle patterning at the wafer scale, with large flexibility in surface materials, including flexible metal oxides and 3D‐printed polymers. As a result, the fabrication of wafer‐scale disordered plasmonic metasurfaces in seconds is successfully demonstrated. These metasurfaces exhibit consistent resonating colors across diverse material and geometrical platforms, showcasing their potential for applications in full‐color painting and optical encryption devices.
Soluble B‐cell maturation antigen in multiple myeloma
Authors: Costa Bruno Almeida , Ortiz Ricardo J. , Lesokhin Alexander M. , Richter Joshua
Published: January 2024

B‐cell maturation antigen (BCMA) has emerged as a promising immunotherapeutic target in multiple myeloma (MM) management, with the successive approval of antibody‐drug conjugates, bispecific antibodies, and chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell therapies directed to this membrane receptor. Soluble BCMA (sBCMA), a truncated version produced through gamma‐secretase cleavage, can be quantified in serum/plasma samples from patients with MM via electrochemiluminescence, fluorescence, or enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays, as well as through mass spectrometry‐based proteomics. Besides its short serum half‐life and independence from kidney function, sBCMA represents a reliable and convenient tool for MM monitoring in patients with nonsecretory or oligosecretory disease. Numerous studies have suggested a potential utility of this bioanalyte in the risk stratification of premalignant plasma cell disorders, diagnosis and prognostication of MM, and response evaluation following anti‐myeloma therapies. In short, sBCMA might be the “Swiss army knife” of MM laboratory testing, but is it ready for prime time?
Hired crop worker injury risks on farms in the United States during three different periods between 2002 and 2015
Authors: Layne Larry A. , Siordia Carlos
Published: January 2024

Background

Hired crop workers have high incidence of work‐related injuries, but little has been documented about potential risks at the national level.

Methods

Data were obtained from a national probability sample of hired crop workers in the United States (U.S.) during 2002–2004 (period I), 2008–2010 (period II), and 2014–2015 (period III). Multivariable logistic regression models of work‐related injury were constructed using an occupational exposure adjustment for weeks worked in the previous year.

Results

Hired crop workers reporting that their employer did not provide clean drinking water and disposable cups every day were estimated to be at greater odds of injury during all three periods. Having at least some English‐speaking ability was associated with increased odds of injury in two periods, while owning a dwelling in the U.S. showed greater injury risk during period II but was associated with lower risk during period III. Other items significantly associated with injury during at least one of the study periods in the final multivariable logistic models included being a direct‐hire, a migrant worker, U.S.‐born, receiving public aid, and having a health condition.

Conclusions

Hired crop workers are an extremely marginalized population of workers in the U.S. Innovative intervention methods must extend beyond traditional occupational models to focus on the overall health of hired crop workers, including increasing healthcare access, ending agricultural exceptionalism to provide equal regulatory protections afforded to workers in other industries, and adequate enforcement of existing regulations. These findings contribute to the understanding of correlates related to increased work‐related injury among hired crop workers, and have implications in fields of prevention, intervention, and policy.
Epilepsy in Legius syndrome: Coincidence or causation?
Authors: Medina Lemus Adalbeis , Boelman Cyrus , Myers Kenneth A.
Published: January 2024

Legius syndrome is a rare genetic disorder, caused by heterozygous SPRED1 pathogenic variants, which shares phenotypic features with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Both conditions typically involve café‐au‐lait macules, axillary freckling, and macrocephaly; however, patients with NF1 are also at risk for tumors, such as optic nerve gliomas and neurofibromas. Seizure risk is known to be elevated in NF1, but there has been little study of this aspect of Legius syndrome. The reported epilepsy incidence is 3.3%–5%, well above the general population incidence of ~0.5%–1%, but the few reports in the literature have very little data regarding epilepsy phenotype. We identified two unrelated individuals, both with Legius syndrome and epilepsy, and performed thorough phenotyping. One individual's mother also had Legius syndrome and now‐resolved childhood epilepsy, as well as reports of more distant relatives who also had multiple café‐au‐lait macules and seizures. Both probands had experienced childhood‐onset focal seizures, with normal brain MRI. In one patient, EEG later showed apparently generalized epileptiform abnormalities. Based on the data from this small case series and literature review, seizure risk is increased in people with Legius syndrome, but the epilepsy prognosis appears to be generally good, with patients having either self‐limited or pharmacoresponsive courses.
Occupational and domestic exposure associations with cerebral small vessel disease and vascular dementia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Clancy Una , Cheng Yajun , Brara Amrita , Doubal Fergus N. , Wardlaw Joanna M.
Published: January 2024

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of cerebral smallvessel disease (SVD) and vascular dementia according to workplace or domestic exposure to hazardous substances is unclear.

METHODS

We included studies assessing occupational and domestic hazards/at‐risk occupations and SVD features. We pooled prevalence estimates using random‐effects models where possible, or presented a narrative synthesis.

RESULTS

We included 85 studies (n = 47,743, mean age = 44·5 years). 52/85 reported poolable estimates. SVD prevalence in populations exposed to carbon monoxide was 81%(95% CI = 60‐93%; n = 1373; results unchanged in meta‐regression), carbon disulfide73% (95% CI = 54‐87%; n = 131), 1,2‐dichloroethane 88% (95% CI = 4‐100%, n = 40), toluene 82% (95% CI = 3‐100%, n = 64), high altitude 49% (95% CI = 38‐60%; n = 164),and diving 24% (95% CI = 5‐67%, n = 172). We narratively reviewed vascular dementia studies and contact sport, lead, military, pesticide, and solvent exposures as estimates were too few/varied to pool.

DISCUSSION

SVD and vascular dementia may be associated with occupational/domestic exposure to hazardous substances. CRD42021297800.
Algebraic Localization–Delocalization Phase Transition in Moving Potential Wells on a Lattice
Authors: Longhi Stefano
Published: January 2024

The localization and scattering properties of potential wells or barriers uniformly moving on a lattice are strongly dependent on the drift velocity, owing to a violation of the Galilean invariance of the discrete Schrödinger equation. Here a type of localization–delocalization phase transition of algebraic type is unraveled, which does not require any kind of disorder and arises when a power‐law potential well drifts fast on a lattice. While for an algebraic exponent lower than the critical value dynamical delocalization is observed, for asymptotic localization, corresponding to asymptotic frozen dynamics, is instead realized. At the critical phase transition point an oscillatory dynamics is found, corresponding to Bloch oscillations. An experimentally accessible photonic platform for the observation of the predicted algebraic phase transition, based on light dynamics in synthetic mesh lattices, is suggested.
Functional neural networks stratify Parkinson's disease patients across the spectrum of cognitive impairment
Authors: Hajebrahimi Farzin , Budak Miray , Saricaoglu Mevhibe , Temel Zeynep , Demir Tugce Kahraman , Hanoglu Lutfu , Yildirim Suleyman , Bayraktaroglu Zubeyir
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Cognitive impairment (CI) is a significant non‐motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD) that often precedes the emergence of motor symptoms by several years. Patients with PD hypothetically progress from stages without CI (PD‐normal cognition [NC]) to stages with Mild CI (PD‐MCI) and PD dementia (PDD). CI symptoms in PD are linked to different brain regions and neural pathways, in addition to being the result of dysfunctional subcortical regions. However, it is still unknown how functional dysregulation correlates to progression during the CI. Neuroimaging techniques hold promise in discriminating CI stages of PD and further contribute to the biomarker formation of CI in PD. In this study, we explore disparities in the clinical assessments and resting‐state functional connectivity (FC) among three CI stages of PD.

Methods

We enrolled 88 patients with PD and 26 healthy controls (HC) for a cross sectional clinical study and performed intra‐ and inter‐network FC analysis in conjunction with comprehensive clinical cognitive assessment.

Results

Our findings underscore the significance of several neural networks, namely, the default mode network (DMN), frontoparietal network (FPN), dorsal attention network, and visual network (VN) and their inter–intra‐network FC in differentiating between PD‐MCI and PDD. Additionally, our results showed the importance of sensory motor network, VN, DMN, and salience network (SN) in the discriminating PD‐NC from PDD. Finally, in comparison to HC, we found DMN, FPN, VN, and SN as pivotal networks for further differential diagnosis of CI stages of PD.

Conclusion

We propose that resting‐state networks (RSN) can be a discriminating factor in distinguishing the CI stages of PD and progressing from PD‐NC to MCI or PDD. The integration of clinical and neuroimaging data may enhance the early detection of PD in clinical settings and potentially prevent the disease from advancing to more severe stages.
Analysis of translesion polymerases in colorectal cancer cells following cetuximab treatment: A network perspective
Authors: Das Anubrata , Gkoutos Georgios V. , Acharjee Animesh
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Adaptive mutagenesis observed in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells upon exposure to EGFR inhibitors contributes to the development of resistance and recurrence. Multiple investigations have indicated a parallel between cancer cells and bacteria in terms of exhibiting adaptive mutagenesis. This phenomenon entails a transient and coordinated escalation of error‐prone translesion synthesis polymerases (TLS polymerases), resulting in mutagenesis of a magnitude sufficient to drive the selection of resistant phenotypes.

Methods

In this study, we conducted a comprehensive pan‐transcriptome analysis of the regulatory framework within CRC cells, with the objective of identifying potential transcriptome modules encompassing certain translesion polymerases and the associated transcription factors (TFs) that govern them. Our sampling strategy involved the collection of transcriptomic data from tumors treated with cetuximab, an EGFR inhibitor, untreated CRC tumors, and colorectal‐derived cell lines, resulting in a diverse dataset. Subsequently, we identified co‐regulated modules using weighted correlation network analysis with a minKMEtostay threshold set at 0.5 to minimize false‐positive module identifications and mapped the modules to STRING annotations. Furthermore, we explored the putative TFs influencing these modules using KBoost, a kernel PCA regression model.

Results

Our analysis did not reveal a distinct transcriptional profile specific to cetuximab treatment. Moreover, we elucidated co‐expression modules housing genes, for example, POLK, POLI, POLQ, REV1, POLN, and POLM. Specifically, POLK, POLI, and POLQ were assigned to the “blue” module, which also encompassed critical DNA damage response enzymes, for example. BRCA1, BRCA2, MSH6, and MSH2. To delineate the transcriptional control of this module, we investigated associated TFs, highlighting the roles of prominent cancer‐associated TFs, such as CENPA, HNF1A, and E2F7.

Conclusion

We found that translesion polymerases are co‐regulated with DNA mismatch repair and cell cycle‐associated factors. We did not, however, identified any networks specific to cetuximab treatment indicating that the response to EGFR inhibitors relates to a general stress response mechanism.
Mild and Efficient Extraction of Fluorescent Chlorophyll a from Spinach Leaves for Application as the Sustainable Emitter in Light‐Emitting Electrochemical Cells
Authors: Kotewicz Krzysztof , Tang Shi , Edman Ludvig , Wang Ergang
Published: January 2024

Natural pigments are sustainable compounds that can be employed as emitters, sensors and sensitisers in optoelectronics. The most abundant pigment, chlorophyll, offers advantages of easily available and plentiful feedstock, biodegradability and non‐toxicity. However, strenuous extraction and separation limit its application on larger scale. In this work, a practically mild and scalable extraction and separation method for rapid isolation of chlorophyll a from spinach is presented. Three different stationary phases for column chromatography were evaluated, and a new solvent system was developed for the elution of chlorophyll a on a neutral alumina chromatography column. The purified product was obtained with a yield of 0.98 mg ⋅ g−1 with respect to the dry leaves. A first light‐emitting electrochemical cell (LEC) based on chlorophyll a as the emitter is reported, using the extracted chlorophyll a as the guest compound dispersed in a blend‐host matrix in a concentration of 2.5 or 5 mass %. The higher‐chlorophyll‐concentration LEC exhibits emission solely from the chlorophyll emitter, with the main emission peak located at 675 nm. The lower‐chlorophyll‐concentration LEC features two distinct emission bands, one in the red region that is originating from the chlorophyll guest and one in the blue region (main peak at 430 nm) that stems from the blend host. This combined red:blue emission can be attractive for, e. g., greenhouse applications, since it matches the action spectrum of plant photosynthesis.
Functionalized Polyamine Synthesis with Photoredox Catalysis
Authors: Makihara Yuta , Maeda Bumpei , Akiyoshi Ryohei , Tanaka Daisuke , Murakami Kei
Published: January 2024

Polyamines, such as putrescine and spermidine, are pivotal in various biological processes across living organisms. Despite their significance, structurally modified polyamines offer a less‐explored avenue for discovering bioactive compounds. The limitation is attributed to the synthetic difficulty of accessing functionalized polyamines. In this study, we accomplished photoredox‐catalyzed functionalization of polyamines to diversify their structure. The rapid functionalization allows attaching fluorophores to the target polyamine, facilitating the development of molecular probes for advancing chemical biology studies.
Radiation therapy dose escalation achieves high rates of local control with tolerable toxicity profile in pediatric and young adult patients with Ewing sarcoma
Authors: Kacar Marija , Nagel Margaret B. , Liang Jia , Li Yimei , Neel Michael D. , Lucas John T. , McCarville M. Beth , Santiago Teresa , Pappo Alberto S. , Krasin Matthew J.
Published: January 2024

Background

Local control for patients with Ewing sarcoma (EWS) who present with large tumors are suboptimal when treated with standard radiation therapy (RT) doses of 54–55.8 Gy. The purpose of this study is to determine local control and toxicity of dose‐escalated RT for tumors ≥8 cm (greatest diameter at diagnosis) in pediatric and young adult patients with EWS.

Methods

Eligible patients ≤30 years old with newly diagnosed EWS ≥8 cm treated with definitive conformal or intensity modulated photon, or proton radiation therapy techniques were included. All patients in the study received dose‐escalated RT doses. Outcomes included overall survival (OS), event‐free survival (EFS), local failure rates, and toxicity.

Results

Thirty‐two patients were included, 20 patients presented with metastatic disease and 12 patients with localized disease. The median RT dose was 64.8 Gy (range, 59.4–69.4 Gy) with variability of doses to protect normal surrounding tissues. All patients received systemic chemotherapy. The 5‐year OS and EFS for the cohort was 64.2% and 42%, respectively. The 5‐year cumulative incidence of local failure was 6.6%. There were two combined local and distant failures with no isolated local failures. Twenty‐nine patients experienced short term toxicity, 90% of those being radiation dermatitis. Twenty‐seven patients experienced long‐term toxicity, with only one experiencing grade 4 toxicity, a secondary malignancy after therapy.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that definitive RT for pediatric and young adult patients with EWS ≥8 cm provides high rates of local control, while maintaining a tolerable toxicity profile.
Efficacy and safety of nanoparticle albumin‐bound paclitaxel in taxane‐pretreated metastatic breast cancer patients
Authors: Xiong Weili , Xu Ting , Liu Xiao , Zhang Lili , Yuan Yuan
Published: January 2024

Background

Taxanes are the basic components of breast cancer chemotherapy. Nanoparticle albumin‐bound paclitaxel (nab‐paclitaxel) shows improved antitumor effects because of more targeted delivery. However, the effects of nab‐paclitaxel have not been systematically studied in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) pretreated with taxanes. Considering the limited treatment options for MBC, this study retrospectively evaluated the clinical efficacy and adverse effects of nab‐paclitaxel in patients with taxane‐pretreated MBC.

Methods

Patients who had previously received taxanes and subsequently received nab‐paclitaxel chemotherapy for MBC at Jiangsu Cancer Hospital between October 2014 and April 2022 were included for analysis. The primary end point was progression‐free survival (PFS), and the secondary end points were the objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), clinical benefit rate (CBR), and side effects.

Results

A total of 236 female patients with MBC were included. The median PFS was 7.20 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.63–7.80 months), and the ORR, DCR, and CBR were 29.55% (95% CI, 23.50%–35.60%), 83.64% (95% CI, 78.70%–88.60%), and 56.36% (95% CI, 49.80%–63.00%), respectively. Following nab‐paclitaxel treatment, the median PFS of patients who were sensitive to taxanes during previous treatments was significantly longer than that of patients who were resistant to taxanes (7.57 months vs. 4.43 months, p < .001). The most common adverse events were sensory neuropathy (89.83%), neutropenia (48.73%), leukopenia (46.61%), and anemia (35.59%).

Conclusion

Nab‐paclitaxel demonstrated clinical activity in taxane‐pretreated patients with MBC. This beneficial effect was observed both in patients who were sensitive and resistant to taxanes during previous treatments. These results suggest nab‐paclitaxel as the preferred chemotherapy regimen in patients with MBC, regardless of their sensitivity to taxanes during previous treatments.
Late mortality among 5‐year survivors of childhood cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Moskalewicz Alexandra , Martinez Benjamin , Uleryk Elizabeth M. , Pechlivanoglou Petros , Gupta Sumit , Nathan Paul C.
Published: January 2024

Background

Childhood cancer survivors are at increased risk of late mortality (death ≥5 years after diagnosis) from cancer recurrence and treatment‐related late effects. The authors conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to provide comprehensive estimates of late mortality risk among survivors internationally and to investigate differences in risk across world regions.

Methods

Health sciences databases were searched for cohort studies comprised of 5‐year childhood cancer survivors in which the risk of mortality was evaluated across multiple cancer types. Eligible studies assessed all‐cause mortality risk in survivors relative to the general population using the standardized mortality ratio (SMR). The absolute excess risk (AER) was assessed as a secondary measure to examine excess deaths. Cause‐specific mortality risk was also assessed, if reported. SMRs from nonoverlapping cohorts were combined in subgroup meta‐analysis, and the effect of world region was tested in univariate meta‐regression.

Results

Nineteen studies were included, and cohort sizes ranged from 314 to 77,423 survivors. Throughout survivorship, SMRs for all‐cause mortality generally declined, whereas AERs increased after 15–20 years from diagnosis in several cohorts. All‐cause SMRs were significantly lower overall in North American studies than in European studies (relative SMR, 0.63; 95% confidence interval, 0.49–0.80). SMRs for subsequent malignant neoplasms and for cardiovascular, respiratory, and external causes did not vary significantly between world regions.

Conclusions

The current findings suggest that late mortality risk may differ significantly between world regions, but these conclusions are based on a limited number of studies with considerable heterogeneity. Reasons for regional differences remain unclear but may be better elucidated through future analyses of individual‐level data.
Transparent Near‐IR Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells: Ultrafast Spectroscopy Reveals the Effects of Driving Force and Dye Aggregation
Authors: Kurucz Mate , Nikolinakos Ilias , Soueiti Jimmy , Baron Thibaut , Grifoni Fionnuala , Naim Waad , Pellegrin Yann , Sauvage Frédéric , Odobel Fabrice , Haacke Stefan
Published: January 2024

In the context of developing transparent near‐IR absorbing dye‐sensitized solar cells, diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) cyanine dyes have recently emerged as an alternative to strongly aggregating linear cyanines. In our efforts to increase both the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and the average visible transmittance (AVT), a thienylated version, called TB202, that shows a red‐shifted absorption with respect to our champion dye TB207 was designed. However, the lower energy LUMO level of TB202 brings along a lower driving force (−ΔG) for carrier injection, which we recently identified as the main parameter limiting the PCE to 1.5 % in the best device conditions. In the present paper, we publish a detailed account of the effect of the de‐aggregating cheno‐deoxycholic acid (CDCA) for both TB207 and TB202. Both transient absorption (TAS) and fluorescence up‐conversion (FLUPS) data are presented, which allow to quantitively compare the effect of −ΔG and the CDCA concentration, in terms of the kinetic competition of ensemble averaged carrier injection and monomer‐to‐aggregate energy transfer (ET) rates. A comprehensive picture emerges on how ET is reduced by higher CDCA concentrations, leading in the best device conditions to injection efficiencies in the range of 65 % for TB207 and only 35 % for TB202.
Leveraging Machine Learning to Improve Soil Greenhouse Gas Predictions
Authors: Joosse Tess
Published: January 2024

Agricultural soils are large sources of greenhouse gas emissions, particularly the potent nitrous oxide (N2O). While N2O emissions can be predicted by traditional biogeochemical models, these forecasts contain a lot of uncertainty. New efforts, including research (https://doi.org/10.1002/agj2.21185) published in the recent Agronomy Journal special section “Machine Learning in Agriculture,” use machine learning to improve N2O flux predictions and guide management interventions.
Enhanced deadbeat predictive current control with novel generalized space vector modulation for five‐level inverter fed permanent magnet synchronous motor drive with reduced torque ripples and less computational burden
Authors: Isradani Tangirala , Ramesh Tejavathu
Published: January 2024

Traditional electric drive control methodologies, such as field oriented control (FOC) and direct torque and flux control (DTFC), predominantly rely on multiple proportional‐integral (PI) controllers that demand complex tuning. While model predictive current control (MPCC) omits PI controllers, it has inherent challenges including high computational burden and tempered dynamics. Although two‐level inverters (2LI) are prevalent in many applications, their performance wanes in high‐power applications like high performance industrial drives and marine propulsions. Multilevel inverters (MLIs) are more efficient, but combined with space vector modulation (SVM), they add computational complexity, particularly at higher levels, limiting drive sampling frequencies and causing torque ripples and harmonics, affecting performance. To address the above drawbacks, this manuscript presents a deadbeat predictive current control of five‐level inverter fed permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) drive with a novel generalized SVM algorithm with reduced computational burden and improved performance. The proposed method is validated through MATLAB/Simulink‐based simulation study and experimental implementation. The results are presented and discussed. The results are compared with DTFC and MPCC where it is observed that the proposed method offers superior performance with reduced computational burden and streamlined implementation.