bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating the activation energy of crystallization in blends of poly L‐lactic acid and poly(propylene 2,5‐furan dicarboxylate) during isothermal melt crystallization using temperature dependent infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Sharma Reeha , Lata Roselyn , Patel Tejesvi , Bikiaris Dimitrios N. , Kuboyama Keiichi , Rohindra David
Published: September 2024

Blends of Poly‐L‐Lactic Acid (PLLA) and Poly(propylene‐2,5‐furan dicarboxylate) (PPF) which have similar thermal properties were prepared by melt‐mixing. The crystalline/crystalline blends were investigated by Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Polarized Optical Microscopy, Wide Angle X‐Ray Diffraction and temperature dependent Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. The presence of two glass transition temperatures (Tg) in the blends confirmed immiscibility. The X‐Ray diffraction pattern ruled out the formation of new crystal morphology. PLLA formed large negative birefringent spherulites while PPF spherulites were extremely small. The isothermal crystallization kinetics of the two polyesters in the blends were investigated by monitoring the absorbance intensities of the crystalline infrared bands at 711 cm−1 and 990 cm−1 for PLLA and PPF respectively. Both neat polyesters exhibited a slower crystallization rate, but their behavior varied in the blends. The activation energy (Ea) of crystallization of PLLA and PPF calculated using the Arrhenius equation were −96.58 and −148.59 kJmol−1 respectively. The Ea of both polyesters increased as the content of PLLA in the blends increased. Temperature dependent FTIR was successful in determining the crystallization parameters in crystalline/crystalline blends of PLLA and PPF.
Efficacy and Safety of Intravenous Secukinumab in Patients With Active Axial Spondyloarthritis: Results From a Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled, Phase 3 Study
Authors: Deodhar Atul , Supronik Jerzy , Kivitz Alan , Valenzuela Guillermo , Kapur Karen , Rohrer Susanne , Dokoupilová Eva , Richards Hanno B. , Pavelka Karel
Published: September 2024

Objective

Our goal was to assess the efficacy and safety of intravenous (IV) secukinumab for the treatment of adults with active axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) in INVIGORATE‐1.

Methods

INVIGORATE‐1 (NCT04156620) was a randomized, double‐blind, parallel‐group, phase 3 trial in patients with active axSpA (either radiographic or nonradiographic). Patients were randomized one to one to receive IV secukinumab (6 mg/kg at baseline followed by 3 mg/kg every four weeks) or IV placebo for 16 weeks. After week 16, patients randomized to placebo were switched to IV secukinumab (3 mg/kg every four weeks), and patients randomized to secukinumab continued treatment through week 52. The primary endpoint was the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society (ASAS40) response at week 16. Safety was evaluated through week 60.

Results

Among patients initially randomized to IV secukinumab (n = 264) or placebo (n = 262), 86.0% and 88.9% completed the entire 60‐week study period, respectively. A higher proportion of patients receiving secukinumab versus placebo met the primary endpoint (ASAS40 response) at week 16 (40.9% vs 22.9%; P < 0.0001). By week 24, patients who switched from placebo to secukinumab at week 16 achieved ASAS40 response rates comparable to those in patients originally randomized to secukinumab. All secondary efficacy endpoints were met at week 16, and responses were sustained through week 52. No new or unexpected safety signals were observed with IV secukinumab.

Conclusion

IV secukinumab was effective for the treatment of adults with active axSpA over 52 weeks. The safety profile was consistent with that in previous reports on subcutaneous secukinumab.
Efficacy and Safety of Intravenous Secukinumab for the Treatment of Active Psoriatic Arthritis: Results From a Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Phase 3 Study
Authors: Kivitz Alan , Sedova Liliana , Churchill Melvin , Kotha Roshan , Singhal Atul , Torres Alexander , Valenzuela Guillermo , Whelan Sarah , Dumortier Thomas , Zhu Xuan , Martin Ruvie , Pricop Luminita
Published: September 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous (IV) secukinumab in patients with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Methods

INVIGORATE‐2 (NCT04209205) was a randomized, placebo‐controlled, phase 3 trial. Patients with active PsA were randomized 1:1 to receive IV secukinumab (6 mg/kg at baseline followed by 3 mg/kg every four weeks [q4w]) or placebo. At week 16, patients randomized to placebo were switched to IV secukinumab (3 mg/kg q4w), and patients who received IV secukinumab continued treatment through week 52. The primary efficacy endpoint was achievement of 50% improvement in American College of Rheumatology response criteria (ACR50) at week 16. Efficacy and safety were evaluated through weeks 52 and 60, respectively.

Results

Among 191 patients randomized to IV secukinumab and 190 to placebo/IV secukinumab, 177 (92.7%) and 170 (89.5%) completed the entire study period, respectively. A significantly higher proportion of patients who received IV secukinumab versus placebo achieved ACR50 at week 16 (31.4% vs 6.3%; adjusted P < 0.0001). All secondary efficacy endpoints were met at week 16 (all adjusted P < 0.05 using the predefined hypothesis‐testing hierarchy). Patients who switched from placebo to secukinumab at week 16 showed rapid improvements in ACR50 rates; by week 52, both treatment arms experienced similar improvements in efficacy outcomes. No new or unexpected safety signals were observed with receiving IV secukinumab. One death was reported in the placebo group before week 16.

Conclusion

IV secukinumab led to rapid and sustained improvements in clinical measures of PsA, and the safety profile was consistent with that of secukinumab administered subcutaneously.
Synthesis and characterization of piperine‐modified mesoporous silica nanoparticles for biomedical applications
Authors: Mohan Shimi , Thankaswamy Jarin
Published: September 2024

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have displayed high‐potential prospects in biomedical use, especially for drug delivery due to large surface area, tunable pore size and simple surface functionalization. The objective behind the present research is to synthesize and profile piperine‐modified MSNs for their preparation due to antioxidative anticarcinogenic, anti‐inflammatory properties of the alkaloid chosen as a modifier. In the study, silica piperine nanoparticles (SPN) were fabricated based on a modified Stöber method. Characterization techniques including SEM, TEM, AFM, FTIR, XRD, and DSC showed significant differences of incorporated piperine in the production process to plain MSN properties. Piperine was observed to inhibit nanoparticles’ growth so that they became smaller, heterogeneous, with a changed morphology and surface chemistry. As a strong confirmation of covalent incorporation, spectroscopic data showed the presence of electrons in the piperine's functional group that were exchanged into some silanol groups and removed excessive surface energy. The antioxidant activity of SPNs revealed that the silica matrix, and moreover bioactive piperine combination resulted to significant increase in enhanced antioxidant potential. In general, the results of this study offer meaningful lessons about the utilization and manipulation of piperine to suit MSN in a bid to optimize them for biomedical uses such as drug delivery applications where its antioxidant characteristics may bring therapeutic benefits. This holistic characterization and standardization of piperine‐modified MSNs sets the solid stage for further project practice and advance adjustment in aluminosilicate nanostructures designed for biomedical application.
Extracellular glypican‐1 affects tumor progression and prognosis in esophageal cancer
Authors: Shibata Rie , Konishi Hirotaka , Arita Tomohiro , Yamamoto Yusuke , Matsuda Hayato , Yamamoto Taiga , Ohashi Takuma , Shimizu Hiroki , Komatsu Shuhei , Shiozaki Atsushi , Kubota Takeshi , Fujiwara Hitoshi , Otsuji Eigo
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Cells are covered with a glycan surface layer that is referred to as the glycocalyx (GCX). It has been reported that the formation of the GCX is promoted on cancer cells and is associated with tumor growth and metastasis. Heparan sulfate proteoglycan glypican‐1 (GPC1) is a core protein of the GCX that is overexpressed in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and is involved in the development and progression of cancer cells. The purpose of the present study is to analyze the utility of GPC1 as a new biomarker ralated to glycocalyx that reflects therapeutic effect and prognosis of ESCC.

Methods

We measured the concentration of GPC1 protein in preoperative plasma from advanced esophageal cancer patients and examined its relationships with clinicopathological factors and therapeutic efficacy, and the effects of extracellular GPC1 were investigated.

Results

The following clinical factors were significantly correlated with the preoperative high GPC1 concentration: male, tumor size ≥30 mm, venous invasion, pT factor ≥2, pStage ≥3, residual tumor, and distant metastatic recurrence. Both overall and recurrence‐free survival were significantly worse in the high GPC1 group. Extracellular GPC1 protein concentration reflected intracellular GPC1 expression. Furthermore, we examined the effects of extracellular recombinant human (rh)GPC1 on ESCC cells, and found that extracellular rhGPC1 affects cell motility, including migration and invasion.

Conclusions

These results demonstrated the utility of extracellular GPC1 as a biomarker, which can be assayed from a less invasive blood sample‐based liquid biopsy. Extracellular GPC1 protein plays a role in both tumor cell motility and cancer progression. Thus, plasma GPC1 is a useful biomarker for esophageal cancer progression and may be a potential candidate of therapeutic target.
Utilizing patient data: A tutorial on predicting second cancer with machine learning models
Authors: Sadeghi Hossein , Seif Fatemeh , Farahani Erfan Hatamabadi , Khanmohammadi Soraya , Nahidinezhad Shahla
Published: September 2024

Background

The article explores the potential risk of secondary cancer (SC) due to radiation therapy (RT) and highlights the necessity for new modeling techniques to mitigate this risk.

Methods

By employing machine learning (ML) models, specifically decision trees, in the research process, a practical framework is established for forecasting the occurrence of SC using patient data.

Results & Discussion

This framework aids in categorizing patients into high‐risk or low‐risk groups, thereby enabling personalized treatment plans and interventions. The paper also underscores the many factors that contribute to the likelihood of SC, such as radiation dosage, patient age, and genetic predisposition, while emphasizing the limitations of current models in encompassing all relevant parameters. These limitations arise from the non‐linear dependencies between variables and the failure to consider factors such as genetics, hormones, lifestyle, radiation from secondary particles, and imaging dosage. To instruct and assess ML models for predicting the occurrence of SC based on patient data, the paper utilizes a dataset consisting of instances and attributes.

Conclusion

The practical implications of this research lie in enhancing our understanding and prediction of SC following RT, facilitating personalized treatment approaches, and establishing a framework for leveraging patient data within the realm of ML models.
Safety, effectiveness and the optimal duration of preoperative imatinib in locally advanced gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Sun Xiangfei , Lin Xiaohan , Zhang Qiang , Li Chao , Shu Ping , Gao Xiaodong , Shen Kuntang
Published: September 2024

Background

The optimal duration of preoperative imatinib (IM) remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the safety, therapeutic effectiveness, and optimal duration of preoperative IM in patients with locally advanced gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST).

Methods

The clinicopathologic data of 41 patients with locally advanced gastric GIST who received preoperative IM and underwent surgical resection from January 2014 and December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

After a median of 7.0 (IQR: 4.5–10) months of preoperative IM treatment, 30 patients experienced adverse events (AEs), 80% of which were grade 1/2 AEs. The mean tumor size decreased from 12.71 ± 5.34 cm to 8.26 ± 4.00 cm, with a reduction rate of 35%. Setting 8 months as the cut‐off value according to the results of ROC analysis. The proportion of laparoscopic surgery was higher in patients with short‐term (≤8 months) versus long‐term (>8 months) preoperative IM. Compared with the subtotal/total gastrectomy group, patients in the local gastrectomy group exhibited less intraoperative blood loss, shorter length of postoperative hospital stay, and fewer postoperative complications. The 3‐year recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 82.9% and 97.6%, and the expected 5‐year RFS and OS rates were 75.6% and 90.2% respectively. RFS was better in the short‐term than in the long‐term preoperative IM treatment group, and it was also better in pre‐ plus postoperative IM treatment group than that in the preoperative IM alone group. Both univariate and multivariate COX analysis showed that a higher mitotic index and long‐term preoperative IM treatment were associated with worse RFS, while postoperative IM treatment could significantly improve RFS.

Conclusions

The study suggests that in patients with locally advanced gastric GIST, preoperative short‐term (≤8 months) use of IM is associated with higher RFS than long‐term use.
Structural Characterization and Anti‐Inflammatory Activities of a Purified Polysaccharide from Veronica persica Poir.
Authors: Song Qiaoying , Gu Lingbiao , Kong Lingqi
Published: September 2024

In this manuscript, the polysaccharide (VPP‐I) from Veronica persica Poir., was characterized in detail by high performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). In addition, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced inflammation model of RAW264.7 cells was used to evaluate the in vitro anti‐inflammatory activity of VPP‐I. The results showed that the relative molecular weight of VPP‐I was 2.355 KDa, which was mainly composed of mannose (Man), glucose (Glc) and galactose (Gal) in a ratio of 1 : 32.46 : 28.76. Moreover, the VPP‐I contained sugar alcohol derivatives of T‐DGlcp(1→, →4)‐D‐Galp(1→, →3,6)‐D‐Manp(1→, →4)‐D‐Glcp(1→, →6)‐D‐Galp(1→ and →6)‐D‐Glcp(1→. In vitro anti‐inflammatory results showed that VPP‐I could inhibit the secretion of IL‐β, IL‐6 and TNF‐α in RAW264.7 cells induced by LPS. Moreover, compared to the LPS group, the mRNA expression levels of iNOS, COX‐2, IL‐β, IL‐6 and TNF‐α produced by RAW264.7 were significantly decreased after treatment with VPP‐I (P<0.05). In addition, VPP‐I could increase the SOD and GSH−Px enzymes activity and decrease the content of MDA in LPS‐induced RAW264.7 cells (P<0.05). In summary, this paper laid theoretical foundation for the application of Veronica persica Poir. in the field of medicine.
Discovery of 18F Labeled AZD5213 Derivatives as Novel Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Radioligands Targeting Histamine Subtype‐3 Receptor
Authors: Song Zhendong , Li Yinlong , Dahl Kenneth , Chaudhary Ahmad , Sun Zhenkun , Zhou Xin , Chen Jiahui , Gao Yabiao , Rong Jian , Zhao Chunyu , Patel Jimmy S. , Collier Lee , Ran Chongzhao , Zhai Chuangyan , Zhang Linqi , Haider Achi , Mühlfenzl Kim S. , Yuan Hongjie , Elmore Charles S. , Schou Magnus , Liang Steven H
Published: September 2024

The histamine subtype 3 (H3) receptor is an important drug target in the central nervous system (CNS), and PET imaging offers a promising technique for the noninvasive evaluation of CNS disease related to the H3 receptor. In this study, we synthesized and evaluated the binding effects of [18F]H3–2404 and [18F]H3–2405 by modifying the structure of AZD5213, a selective H3 antagonist. These two radioligands were prepared in high radiochemical yields and displayed stability in serum. The in vitro autoradiographic study in rat brain tissue and the following in vivo PET studies in mice demonstrated sufficient brain uptake but predominantly non‐specific distribution in rodent brain. Although these data suggest that [18F]H3–2404 and [18F]H3–2405 are unsuitable as PET tracers for brain imaging of the H3 receptor, this study provides a valuable attempt for optimizing 18F labeled radiotracers based on AZD5213.
Usefulness of unwinding the colonoscope shaft loop via the universal cord for colorectal endoscopic resections
Authors: Yoshimoto Taiji , Takihara Hiroshi , Yamamoto Ryuichi
Published: September 2024

Key Clinical Message

The colonoscope shaft loop can be unwound by establishing a loop in the universal cord of the colonoscope to maintain the same endoscopic view during colorectal endoscopic resections.
Advancements in π‐Magnetism and Precision Engineering of Carbon‐Based Nanostructures
Authors: Zhang Yi , Fu Boyu , Li Nianqiang , Lu Jianchen , Cai Jinming
Published: September 2024

The emergence of π‐magnetism in low‐dimensional carbon‐based nanostructures, such as nanographenes (NGs), has captured significant attention due to their unique properties and potential applications in spintronics and quantum technologies. Recent advancements in on‐surface synthesis under ultra‐high vacuum conditions have enabled the atomically precise engineering of these nanostructures, effectively overcoming the challenges posed by their inherent strong chemical reactivity. This review highlights the essential concepts and synthesis methods used in studying NGs. It also outlines the remarkable progress made in understanding and controlling their magnetic properties. Advanced characterization techniques, such as scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and non‐contact atomic force microscopy (nc‐AFM), have been instrumental in visualizing and manipulating these nanostructures, which highlighting their critical role in the field. The review underscores the versatility of carbon‐based π‐magnetic materials and their potential for integration into next‐generation electronic devices. It also outlines future research directions aimed at optimizing their synthesis and exploring applications in cutting‐edge technologies.
The American Cancer Society National Lung Cancer Roundtable strategic plan: Lung cancer in women
Authors: Backhus Leah M. , Chang Ching‐Fei , Sakoda Lori C. , Chambers Shonta R. , Henderson Louise M. , Henschke Claudia I. , Hollenbeck Gina J. , Jacobson Francine L. , Martin Linda W. , Proctor Elridge D. , Schiller Joan H. , Siegfried Jill M. , Wisnivesky Juan P. , Wolf Andrea S. , Jemal Ahmedin , Kelly Karen , Sandler Kim L. , Watkins Patricia N. , Smith Robert A. , Rivera M. Patricia
Published: September 2024

Lung cancer in women is a modern epidemic and represents a global health crisis. Cigarette smoking remains the most important risk factor for lung cancer in all patients and, among women globally, rates of smoking continue to increase. Although some data exist supporting sex‐based differences across the continuum of lung cancer, there is currently a dearth of research exploring the differences in risk, biology, and treatment outcomes in women. Consequently, the American Cancer Society National Lung Cancer Roundtable recognizes the urgent need to promote awareness and future research that will close the knowledge gaps regarding lung cancer in women. To this end, the American Cancer Society National Lung Cancer Roundtable Task Group on Lung Cancer in Women convened a summit undertaking the following to: (1) summarize existing evidence and identify knowledge gaps surrounding the epidemiology, risk factors, biologic differences, and outcomes of lung cancer in women; (2) develop and prioritize research topics and questions that address research gaps and advance knowledge to improve quality of care of lung cancer in women; and (3) propose strategies for future research.

Plain language summary

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality in women, and, despite comparatively lower exposures to occupational and environmental carcinogens compared with men, disproportionately higher lung cancer rates in women who ever smoked and women who never smoked call for increased awareness and research that will close the knowledge gaps regarding lung cancer in women.
Identification of HEPACAM2 as a novel and specific marker of small cell carcinoma
Authors: McColl Karen S. , Ajay Abhishek , Wang Han , Wildey Gary M. , Yoon Suzy , Grubb Brandon , Kopp Shelby R. , Joseph Peronne L. , Saviana Michela , Romano Giulia , Nana‐Sinkam Patrick , Peacock Craig D. , Yun Zixi , Mneimneh Wadad , Lam Minh , Miyagi Masaru , Kao Hung‐Ying , Dowlati Afshin
Published: September 2024

Background

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is the most aggressive neuroendocrine lung cancer, with a dismal 5‐year survival rate. No reliable biomarkers or imaging are available for early SCLC detection. In a search for a specific marker of SCLC, this study identified that hepatocyte cell adhesion molecule 2 (HEPACAM2), a member of the immunoglobulin‐like superfamily, is highly and specifically expressed in SCLC.

Methods

This study investigated HEPACAM2 expression in patients with SCLC via RNA sequencing and evaluated its relationship to progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Immunofluorescence microscopy was used to assess the cellular location of HEPACAM2 and to conduct in vitro and in vivo studies to understand its expression and functional significance. These findings were integrated with databases of patients with SCLC.

Results

HEPACAM2 is highly expressed and specific to SCLC. HEPACAM2 levels are inversely correlated with PFS and OS in patients with SCLC and are expressed at all stages. Moreover, HEPACAM2 messenger RNA and its peptides can be detected in the secretomes in cell lines. Positively correlated with ASCL1 expression in SCLC tumors, HEPACAM2 is localized primarily to the plasma membrane and linked to extracellular matrix signaling and cellular migration. A loss of HEPACAM2 in SCLC cells attenuated ASCL1 and MYC expression. Consistent with clinical data, in vitro and in vivo studies suggested that HEPACAM2 promotes cancer cell growth.

Conclusions

With its remarkable specificity, high expression, presence in early disease, and extracellular secretion, HEPACAM2 could be a potential diagnostic cell surface biomarker for early SCLC detection. These findings warrant further investigation into its role in the pathobiology of SCLC.
Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacokinetic Profile of the Low‐Impact Ampakine CX1739 in Young Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Radin Daniel P. , Cerne Rok , Witkin Jeffrey M. , Lippa Arnold
Published: September 2024

AMPA‐type glutamate receptors (AMPARs) mediate the majority of fast excitatory synaptic transmission in the mammalian brain. Ampakines, positive allosteric modulators of AMPAR, hold significant potential for the treatment of a wide range of neurological/neuropsychiatric disorders in which excitatory synaptic transmission is compromised. Low‐impact ampakines are a distinct subset of ampakines that accelerate channel opening yet minimally affect receptor desensitization, which may explain their lack of seizurogenic effects at therapeutic doses in preclinical models. CX1739 is a low‐impact ampakine that has shown efficacy in preclinical studies. The current clinical study examined the tolerability and pharmacokinetics of CX1739 in healthy male volunteers in a 2‐part study. Part A was a single dose escalation study (100‐1200 mg, 48 patients) and Part B was a multiple dose ascending study (300‐600 mg BID for 7‐10 days, 32 patients). CX1739 was well tolerated up to 900 mg once daily (QD) and 450 mg twice a day, with the prominent side effects being headache and nausea. Importantly, the half‐life of CX1739 was 6‐9 hours, and Tmax was 1‐5 hours. CX1739 Cmax and AUC were dose‐proportional. These findings thus set the stage for further explorations of this drug candidate in phase 2 clinical studies.
Novel Photobase Generators Derived from Proazaphosphatrane–Aryl Borate for High‐Pressure Mercury Lamp Lithography
Authors: Shibasaki Yuji , Sato Junichi
Published: September 2024

Herein, novel borate‐type photobase generators (PBGs) that generate a proazaphosphatrane known as Verkade's base (2,8,9‐triisobuthyl‐2,5,8,9‐tetraaza‐1‐phosphabicyclo[3.3.3]undecane (TTP)) were developed for photopatterning using a high‐pressure mercury lamp. Eight PBGs were synthesized, each featuring distinct borate substituents: phenyl, p‐fluorophenyl, p‐tolyl, p‐methoxyphenyl, m‐fluoro‐p‐methylphenyl, 4‐biphenyl, 2‐naphthyl, and 6‐methoxy‐2‐naphthyl. The relation between these substituents and their light absorption characteristics was analyzed via ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy and time‐dependent density functional theory calculations. The PBG with the 6‐methoxy‐2‐naphthylborate group (TTP–tetrakis[2‐(6‐methoxynaphthyl)]borate (TTP–TMNB)) demonstrated substantial light absorption near 365 nm (the i‐line of the high‐pressure mercury lamp), generating approximately 60 % of the corresponding TTP in deuterated tetrahydrofuran (THF) upon exposure to 650 mJ/cm2, as confirmed via 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. To evaluate its photolithographic potential, TTP–TMNB was mixed with epoxy resin (jER1001) and a poly(methacrylic acid)‐co‐poly(methyl methacrylate) copolymer (PMA1.6‐co‐PMMA100) in THF. The resulting mixture was spin‐coated onto a silicon wafer and irradiated with the i‐line through a photomask to create a negative‐tone image. The sensitivity and contrast of this photopolymer system were measured to be 45 mJ/cm2 and 1.0, respectively; moreover, a clear 10‐μm negative‐tone resolution was achieved.
Modulating N−H Bond Cleavage in Catalytic Ammonia Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Wu Lei , Chen Zhenlin , Zhang Yuchao
Published: September 2024

The ammonia oxidation reaction (AOR) exhibits significant potential for environmental remediation and energy utilization. Nevertheless, the complex reaction mechanism of the AOR poses numerous challenges to its application. To overcome these challenges and realize an efficient AOR process, a thorough understanding of every elementary reaction step, especially the cleavage of N−H bonds, is crucial. This review delves into the influence of N−H bond cleavage on the rate and selectivity of AOR, and summarizes the latest advancements in promoting this crucial step. Furthermore, we discuss the challenges faced by N−H bond cleavage and provide insights into the design of efficient catalytic AOR systems.
Breeding and genetics of resistance to major diseases in Cucurbita—A review
Authors: Sabharwal Prerna , Thakur Shallu , Shrestha Swati , Fu Yuqing , Meru Geoffrey
Published: September 2024

Cucurbita crops, which include market types of pumpkin and squash, have unparalleled fruit variation and equally important economic value worldwide. Pumpkin and squash have versatile uses but are most popular in culinary, ornamental, snacking, and seed oil industries. The production of Cucurbita crops is hindered by diseases caused by fungal, oomycetes, and viral pathogens. Host resistance is an important component of integrated disease management for Cucurbita crops and is a major goal for plant breeders. This review addresses the major diseases of Cucurbita, including powdery mildew, downy mildew, Phytophthora rot, and aphid and whitefly transmitted viruses, with an emphasis on germplasm exploitation for the development of resistant cultivars. Resistance to powdery mildew derived from Cucurbita okeechobeensis subsp. martinezii (designated PM‐0) has been extensively deployed in commercial cultivars and was recently mapped on chromosomes 3 and 10 of Cucurbita moschata and Cucurbita pepo, respectively. Resistance to Phytophthora crown rot is present across several Cucurbita species, including Cucurbita lundelliana, C. okeechobeenesis subsp. okeechobeenesis, C. moschata, and C. pepo. Mapping studies have identified significant loci associated with Phytophthora crown rot resistance on chromosomes 4, 11, and 20 of C. moschata and chromosomes 4, 5, 8, 12, 13, 16, and 19 of C. pepo. Sources of resistance to aphid‐transmitted viruses exist in C. moschata, Cucurbita ficifolia, Cucurbita ecuadorensis, Cucurbita martinezii, C. ecuadorensis, Cucurbita maxima, and Cucurbita foetidissima. The availability of DNA markers linked to resistance against zucchini yellow mosaic virus and papaya ringspot virus in C. moschata and C. pepo has facilitated marker‐assisted selection (MAS) in breeding programs. On the other hand, sources of resistance to tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV), a major whitefly‐transmitted virus in Cucurbita, have been identified in C. moschata, C. lundelliana, and C. okeechobeensis. A major locus conferring resistance to ToLCNDV in C. moschata was recently mapped on chromosome 8 enabling the application of MAS with a prediction accuracy of 94.3%. Overall, the continued discovery and application of genomic tools for resistance breeding in Cucurbita will accelerate the rate of genetic gain while reducing costs associated with phenotyping.
Aqueous Photocatalytic Oxidation of Thioethers with Polydiacetylene Micelle Nanoreactors
Authors: Tchuiteng Kouatchou Joel Armel , Huber Gaspard , Moinard Morgane , Gravel Edmond , Doris Eric
Published: September 2024

A semi‐heterogeneous photocatalytic system was assembled through encapsulation of a lipophilic porphyrin in stabilized polydiacetylene micelles. The colloidal nanohybrid catalyst was valorized in the aerobic photo‐oxidation of sulfides to the corresponding sulfoxides. Micelles behaved as nanoreactors by creating a favorable environment for the photo‐activation of oxygen nearby thioethers and subsequent sulfoxidation. The process operates selectively under visible light and air atmosphere, with low catalytic loading and in water as the only solvent.
Plant neighbors differentially alter a focal species' biotic interactions through changes to resource allocation
Authors: Turner Sophia C. , Schweitzer Jennifer A.
Published: September 2024

Plant resource allocation strategies are thought to be largely a consequence of changing abiotic conditions and evolutionary history. However, biotic interactions also influence how a plant allocates resources. As a result, plants mediate indirect interactions between organisms above‐ and belowground through resource allocation. Neighboring plants can influence plant fitness directly through competition for resources, and indirectly by altering associated community interactions (associational effects), such as pollination, herbivory, and a suite of belowground interactions. Given the importance of community interactions for plant success, and the known ability for plant neighbors to change these interactions, the goal of this “pandemic project” was to understand how heterospecific plant neighbors alter plant resource allocation, whether this occurred through above‐ or belowground mechanisms, and whether this in turn alters biotic interactions and the relationship between a focal plant and its herbivore and soil community interactions. To do so, we established a common garden experiment, manipulating plant neighbor identity and the extent of interaction among neighbors (aboveground only, vs. above‐ and belowground interactions, using customized pot types), and measured changes to a focal plant and its biotic interactions over two growing seasons. We found evidence of both neighbor effects and pot type, showing that neighbor interactions affect a focal plant through both above‐ and belowground processes, and how the focal plant is affected depends on neighbor identity. Though neighbors did not directly alter herbivory or most soil microbial interactions, they did alter the relationship between belowground microbial communities and a plant response trait (specific leaf area). Plant resource allocation responses were reduced with time, showing the importance of extending experiments beyond a single growing season, and are an important consideration when making predictions about plant responses to changing conditions. This study contributes to a growing body of work showing how community contexts affect the above‐ and belowground interactions of a plant through plant resource allocation strategies.
Cardiac resynchronization therapy in heart failure based on Strauss criteria for left bundle branch block
Authors: Saplaouras Athanasios , Vlachos Konstantinos , Mililis Panagiotis , Batsouli Athena , Bazoukis George , Xydonas Sotirios , Niarchou Panagioula , Frontera Antonio , Dragasis Stylianos , Kariki Ourania , Patsiotis Ilias G. , Gkouziouta Aggeliki , Stachteas Panagiotis , Korantzopoulos Panagiotis , Tzeis Stylianos , Fragakis Nikolaos , Efremidis Michael , Letsas Konstantinos P.
Published: September 2024

Aims

The left bundle branch block (LBBB) is a strong predictor of response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). However, a significant number of patients do not respond to the treatment. The study sought to evaluate the impact of the stricter Strauss criteria for left bundle branch block (St‐LBBB) on CRT response, hospitalizations, ventricular arrhythmia (VA) events and mortality.

Methods

This study is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on heart failure (HF) patients with LBBB admitted for CRT implantation. Patients were divided into two groups according to the fulfilment or not of St‐LBBB criteria.

Results

The study included 82 patients with ischaemic (ICM) and non‐ischaemic (NICM) cardiomyopathy [46 (56%) with St‐LBBB and 36 (44%) with non‐St‐LBBB]. Patients with St‐LBBB showed higher CRT response rates compared with those with non‐St‐LBBB (P < 0.01), while the group with NICM exhibited the greatest benefit (P < 0.01). St‐LBBB CRT responders displayed significantly lower rates of HF hospitalization (P < 0.0001) compared with the non‐St‐LBBB group. According to Kaplan–Meier time curves, this was primarily evident in patients with NICM (P < 0.0001). CRT responders displayed significantly fewer VA events (P < 0.001) and lower mortality rates (P < 0.0001) than non‐responders. Kaplan–Meier estimates demonstrated a significantly lower incidence of VAs in NICM patients with St‐LBBB (P = 0.049) compared with ICM patients with St‐LBBB (P = 0.25). Lower mortality rates were observed in CRT responders than non‐responders (P < 0.0001), with the group of NICM with St‐LBBB criteria exhibiting the greatest benefit (P = 0.0238).

Conclusions

Patients with NICM and St‐LBBB present the greatest benefit concerning CRT response, HF hospitalizations, VA events and mortality. Although St‐LBBB criteria seem to improve patient selection for CRT, more data are needed to elucidate the role of St‐LBBB criteria in this setting.
Socio‐economic impact of solar cooking technologies on community kitchens under different climate conditions: A review
Authors: Verma Ashutosh , El‐Bayeh Claude Ziad , Buddhi Dharam , Amir Mohammad , Ahmad Furkan , Singh Hardial
Published: September 2024

Residential cooking with non‐renewable energy sources, such as firewood, charcoal, natural gas, participate in the emission of more than a gigaton of CO2 per year, which represents 2% of the global CO2 emissions. Additionally, toxic particles including sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and mercury are released leading to elevated levels of indoor air pollution, and adversely affecting the health of the inhabitants. The residential sector's non‐renewable energy cooking devices also pose significant problems, consuming approximately 30%–40% of global energy usage, with over 80% dedicated to cooking applications. To mitigate the negative impacts of traditional cooking on health and the environment, various renewable energy‐based cooking technologies have been developed recently. The primary contributions of our paper are to: (a) present a comprehensive review of concentrated solar thermal cooking technologies, assessing their social, economic, and environmental impact across different climatic zones in developing countries like India; (b) classify and compare different solar cooking technologies, highlighting their advantages and limitations in various scenarios; (c) evaluate the energy efficiency of diverse solar cooking technologies; (d) analyze the impact of solar cookers on communities in developing countries; and (e) identify the challenges and future directions for solar cooker technologies, particularly in solar community kitchens. Our novel findings demonstrate that using solar cooking devices can reduce energy consumption by up to 56% in Indian schools. Moreover, the payback period ranges from 3 to 6 years, contingent on the technology's cost, climatic conditions, and available subsidies. Consequently, significant positive impacts on society, the economy, and the environment are observed when traditional cooking devices are replaced by solar cooking devices. This study provides a unique and thorough analysis, contributing to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable cooking solutions and their potential to transform energy consumption patterns in developing regions.
LBCSC: Lattice‐based chameleon signcryption scheme for secure and privacy‐preserving vehicular communications
Authors: Zhang Jianhong , Cui Xinyan
Published: September 2024

Guaranteeing the anonymity of the vehicle and the integrity of the transmitted message are two indispensable conditions in vehicular ad‐hoc network. Anonymous signature can achieve the two function. However, existing anonymous signature schemes constructed based on traditional cryptosystems cannot withstand quantum attacks. In addition, in some cases, the schemes need to satisfy the non‐transferability of signatures to solve the problem of signature misuse due to publicly verified signatures. In order to resist quantum attacks and address the problem of signature misuse, this article proposes a lattice‐based chameleon signcryption scheme, which aims to protect vehicle identity and data security. The scheme is resistant to quantum attacks and satisfies signature non‐transferability, signer rejectability and non‐repudiation. Especially, we prove that the proposed scheme is secure in the Standard Model based on the error learning problem and the classical lattice small integer solution problem.
Forecasting of S&P 500 ESG Index by Using CEEMDAN and LSTM Approach
Authors: Aggarwal Divya , Banerjee Sougata
Published: September 2024

This study aims to forecast the S&P 500 ESG index using the mixture model of complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (CEEMDAN) and long short‐term memory (LSTM) prediction models. CEEMDAN enables decomposing the index's original return series into different intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) and a residual series. The decomposed IMFs are then regrouped into aggregate series depicting high frequency and medium frequency, while the residual series represent the trend component. LSTM algorithm is used on the aggregated series to obtain predicted values of the same. The study compares different prediction algorithms to identify their performance and explore the predictive power of the hybrid models.
River corridor beads are important areas of floodplain‐groundwater exchange within the Colorado River headwaters watershed
Authors: Schulz Evan Y. , Morrison Ryan R. , Bailey Ryan T. , Raffae Muhammad , Arnold Jeffrey G. , White Michael J.
Published: September 2024

Floodplains are essential ecosystems that provide a variety of economic, hydrologic, and ecologic services. Within floodplains, surface water‐groundwater exchange plays an important role in facilitating biogeochemical processes and can have a strong influence on stream hydrology through infiltration or discharge of water. These functions can be difficult to assess due to the heterogeneity of floodplains and monitoring constraints, so numerical models are useful tools to estimate fluxes, especially at large spatial extents. In this study, we use the SWAT+ (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) ecohydrological model to quantify magnitudes and spatiotemporal patterns of floodplain surface water‐groundwater exchange in a mountainous watershed using an updated version of the gwflow module that directly calculates floodplain‐aquifer exchange rates during periods of floodplain inundation. The gwflow module is a spatially distributed groundwater modelling subroutine within the SWAT+ code that uses a gridded network and physically based equations to predict groundwater storage, groundwater head, and groundwater fluxes. We used SWAT+ to model the 7516 km2 Colorado River headwaters watershed and streamflow data from USGS gages for calibration and testing. Models that included floodplain‐groundwater interactions outperformed those without such interactions and provided valuable information about floodplain exchange rates and volumes. Our analyses on the location of floodplain fluxes in the watershed also show that wider areas of floodplains, “beads” (e.g., like beads on a necklace), exchanged a higher net and per area volume of water, as well as higher rates of exchange, compared to narrower areas, “strings.” Study results show that floodplain channel‐groundwater exchange is a valuable process to include in hydrologic models, and model outputs could inform land conservation practises by indicating priority locations, such as beads, where substantial hydrologic exchange occurs.
Enhanced Deformation Vector Field Generation With Diffusion Models and Mamba‐Based Network for Registration Performance Enhancement
Authors: Huang Zengan , Gao Shan , Yu Xiaxia , Zhu Liangjia , Gao Yi
Published: September 2024

Recent advancements in deformable image registration (DIR) have seen the emergence of supervised and unsupervised deep learning techniques. However, supervised methods are limited by the quality of deformation vector fields (DVFs), while unsupervised approaches often yield suboptimal results due to their reliance on indirect dissimilarity metrics. Moreover, both methods struggle to effectively model long‐range dependencies. This study proposes a novel DIR method that integrates the advantages of supervised and unsupervised learning and tackle issues related to long‐range dependencies, thereby improving registration results. Specifically, we propose a DVF generation diffusion model to enhance DVFs diversity, which could be used to facilitate the integration of supervised and unsupervised learning approaches. This fusion allows the method to leverage the benefits of both paradigms. Furthermore, a multi‐scale frequency‐weighted denoising module is integrated to enhance DVFs generation quality and improve the registration accuracy. Additionally, we propose a novel MambaReg network that adeptly manages long‐range dependencies, further optimizing registration outcomes. Experimental evaluation of four public data sets demonstrates that our method outperforms several state‐of‐the‐art techniques based on either supervised or unsupervised learning. Qualitative and quantitative comparisons highlight the superior performance of our approach.
A Stand‐Off Laser‐Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) System for Remote Bacteria Identification
Authors: Cheng Yong , Wang Shuqing , Chen Fei , Liang Jiahui , Zhang Yan , Zhang Lei , Yin Wangbao , Jia Suotang , Xiao Liantuan
Published: September 2024

Bacteria are the primary cause of infectious diseases, making rapid and accurate identification crucial for timely pathogen diagnosis and disease control. However, traditional identification techniques such as polymerase chain reaction and loop‐mediated isothermal amplification are complex, time‐consuming, and pose infection risks. This study explores remote (~3 m) bacterial identification using laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) with a Cassegrain reflective telescope. Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to reduce the dimensionality of the LIBS spectral data, and the accuracy of support vector machine (SVM) and Random Forest (RF) algorithms was compared. Multiple repeated experiments showed that the RF model achieved a classification accuracy, recall, precision, and F1‐score of 99.81%, 99.80%, 99.79%, and 0.9979, respectively, outperforming the SVM model and providing more accurate remote bacterial identification. The method based on laser‐induced plasma spectroscopy and machine learning has broad application prospects, supporting noncontact disease diagnosis, improving public health, and advancing medical research and technological development.
Can cavum septum pellucidum width and length measurements also be reliable indicators of corpus callosum measurements in normal fetuses?
Authors: Can Sevim Tuncer , Golbasi Hakan , Bayraktar Burak , Saglam Ceren , Omeroglu Ibrahim , Torun Raziye , Gercik Ilayda , Aktas Hale Ankara , Ekin Atalay
Published: September 2024

Objective

To examine the association between cavum septum pellucidum (CSP) and corpus callosum (CC) length and width measurements in mid‐trimester sonographic screening in normal fetuses.

Methods

This prospective cohort study examined 152 pregnant women who underwent mid‐trimester sonographic fetal anomaly screening. CSP and CC lengths and their anterior, middle, and posterior width measurements were examined sonographically. The association between length and width measurements of both structures, gestational week and CSP ratio (length/width) were evaluated.

Results

The mean CSP length was 7.96 ± 1.09 mm, and the mean middle width was 3.43 ± 0.82 mm. The mean CC length was 20 ± 3.76 mm, and the mean middle width was 3.43 ± 0.82 mm. There was a positive correlation between CSP and CC lengths (r = 0.691, p < 0.001). There was also a significant correlation between CSP and CC anterior, middle and posterior widths (anterior (r = 0.366, p < 0.001), middle (r = 0.305, p < 0.001), and posterior (r = 0.233, p = 0.004)). All CSP and CC measurements were correlated with gestational age, biparietal diameter (BPD), and head circumference (HC) (p < 0.001, for all). The CSP ratio was not related to CC dimensions (p > 0.05, for all) and also decreased with the increase in BPD and HC dimensions (r = −0.186, p = 0.022, and r = −0.174, p = 0.032; respectively).

Conclusion

In normal fetuses, the length and width of the CC and CSP structures developed in relation to each other, as well as to the gestational week, BPD, and HC dimensions. In addition, while the CSP ratio was not found to be associated with CC dimensions, it decreased due to the increase in BPD and HC sizes.
A right ventricular bulge: A clinical dilemma in diagnosis
Authors: Allwood Richard P.
Published: September 2024

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is an inherited disease characterized by progressive fibrofatty tissue replacement of the myocardium. Asymptomatic individuals can often present for the first time with acute cardiac symptoms, such as syncope and ventricular arrhythmias or sudden cardiac death (SCD), which can occur in young and athletic populations. In the field of inherited cardiomyopathies, ARVC is one of the most challenging to diagnose due to its variable expressivity, incomplete penetrance, and lack of specific, unique diagnostic criteria. Without additional clinical findings or context, current imaging modalities are unable to definitively distinguish ARVC from other disease entities. Right ventricular (RV) structural changes can lead to prominent ARVC features. An important component of the 2010 revised task force criteria (TFC) is the assessment of RV wall motion contraction by echocardiography; however, this can be difficult to assess. This case report explores the diagnostic criteria used for ARVC and the role of RV wall motion contraction in the diagnosis.