bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eine makrozyklische Hybrid‐PET/MRT‐Sonde für die quantitative Perfusionsbildgebung in vivo
Authors: Kretschmer Jan , Chiaffarelli Remy , Vuozzo Marta , Cotton Jonathan , Blahut Jan , Ráliš Jan , Dračínský Martin , Matějková Stanislava , Seeling Ulrike , Schmid Andreas M. , Martins André F. , Polasek Miloslav
Published: July 2024

Die Perfusionsdynamik spielt eine entscheidende Rolle bei der Versorgung des Gewebes mit lebenswichtigen Nährstoffen und Sauerstoff und der Abführung von Stoffwechselendprodukten. Bildgebende Verfahren wie die Magnetresonanztomographie (MRT), die Computertomographie (CT) und die Positronen‐Emissions‐Tomographie (PET) verwenden Kontrastmittel, um Perfusions‐ und Ausscheidungsmuster sichtbar zu machen. Hybrid‐PET/MRT kombiniert die quantitativen Möglichkeiten und Empfindlichkeit der PET mit der hohen funktionellen und anatomischen Detailgenauigkeit der MRT und verspricht eine hohe Präzision bei der molekularen Bildgebung. Die Entwicklung von dualen PET/MRT‐Sonden wurde jedoch durch die anspruchsvolle Synthese und Markierung mit radioaktiven Isotopen erschwert. Hier stellen wir eine neuartige PET/MRT‐Sonde, [18F][Gd(FL1)], vor, die eine hervorragende Stabilität aufweist, die mit der von makrozyklischen MRT‐Kontrastmitteln vergleichbar ist, welche in der klinischen Praxis eingesetzt werden. Das einzigartige molekulare Design von [18F][Gd(FL1)] ermöglicht eine selektive und schnelle Markierung des Gadoliniumchelats im letzten Syntheseschritt. Durch die Nutzung der Stärken von MRT‐ und PET‐Signalen ermöglicht die Sonde eine quantitative in vivo‐Darstellung der Perfusions‐ und Ausscheidungsdynamik durch eine innovative voxelbasierte Analyse. Die diagnostischen Fähigkeiten von [18F][Gd(FL1)] wurden in einer Pilotstudie an gesunden Mäusen nachgewiesen, in der erfolgreich frühe Fälle von einseitiger Nierenfunktionsstörung, einer Erkrankung, die in der Regel schwer zu diagnostizieren ist, nachgewiesen wurden. Diese Studie stellt einen neuen Ansatz für PET/MRT vor und betont ein optimiertes Sondendesign für eine praktische Synthese und eine verbesserte diagnostische Genauigkeit.
Standardized Parts for Activation of Small GTPase Signaling in Living Cells
Authors: He Yuchen , Faulkner Benjamin M. , Roberti Meaghan A. , Bassford Dana K. , Stains. Cliff I.
Published: July 2024

Small GTPases comprise a superfamily of over 167 proteins in the human genome and are critical regulators of a variety of pathways including cell migration and proliferation. Despite the importance of these proteins in cell signaling, a standardized approach for controlling small GTPase activation within living cells is lacking. Herein, we report a split‐protein‐based approach to directly activate small GTPase signaling in living cells. Importantly, our fragmentation site can be applied across the small GTPase superfamily. We highlight the utility of these standardized parts by demonstrating the ability to directly modulate the activity of four different small GTPases with user‐defined inputs, providing the first plug and play system for direct activation of small GTPases in living cells.
Light‐Induced Electron Transfer in a [NiFe] Hydrogenase Opens a Photochemical Shortcut for Catalytic Dihydrogen Cleavage
Authors: Karafoulidi‐Retsou Chara , Lorent Christian , Katz Sagie , Rippers Yvonne , Matsuura Hiroaki , Higuchi Yoshiki , Zebger Ingo , Horch Marius
Published: July 2024

[NiFe] hydrogenases catalyze the reversible cleavage of molecular hydrogen into protons and electrons. Here, we have studied the impact of temperature and illumination on an oxygen‐tolerant and thermostable [NiFe] hydrogenase by IR and EPR spectroscopy. Equilibrium mixtures of two catalytic [NiFe] states, Nia‐C and Nia‐SR’’, were found to drastically change with temperature, indicating a thermal exchange of electrons between the [NiFe] active site and iron‐sulfur clusters of the enzyme. In addition, IR and EPR experiments performed under illumination revealed an unusual photochemical response of the enzyme. Nia‐SR’’, a fully reduced hydride intermediate of the catalytic cycle, was found to be reversibly photoconverted into another catalytic state, Nia‐L. In contrast to the well‐known photolysis of the more oxidized hydride intermediate Nia‐C, photoconversion of Nia‐SR’’ into Nia‐L is an active‐site redox reaction that involves light‐driven electron transfer towards the enzyme's iron‐sulfur clusters. Omitting the ground‐state intermediate Nia‐C, this direct interconversion of these two states represents a potential photochemical shortcut of the catalytic cycle that integrates multiple redox sites of the enzyme. In total, our findings reveal the non‐local redistribution of electrons via thermal and photochemical reaction channels and the potential of accelerating or controlling [NiFe] hydrogenases by light.
Preparation, physicochemical, anticancer, and theoretical studies of mono‐ and bi‐nuclear Ni(II), Co(II), and Cd(II) complexes containing chromone moiety
Authors: Shebl Magdy , Adly Omima M. I. , Abdelrhman Ebtesam M. , El‐Shetary Basheir
Published: July 2024

Reactions of a chromone‐based hydrazone (SalHFC; HL) with Ni(II), Co(II), and Cd(II) ions yielded new solid chelates with the general formula [M(L)X].nZ, M = Ni(II), Co(II) and Cd(II), X = NO3− or OAc−, n = 0.5–2, Z = H2O or EtOH for complexes 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 and [M2(L)(OAc)3X].0.5EtOH.nH2O, M = Ni(II) and Co(II), X = H2O or EtOH, n = 1 or zero for complexes 2 and 5. The synthesized chelates have been successfully characterized by means of different analytical and spectroscopic tools. SalHFC performs as a monoanionic tridentate in all chelates except chelate 2 and 5 (monoanionic tetradentate). Molar conductivity measurements demonstrated a non‐electrolytic manner of all chelates. Nickel(II) and cobalt(II)‐SalHFC chelates displayed tetrahedral geometries whereas cadmium(II) chelates (7 and 8) were octahedral. TG was employed to inspect the thermal degradation patterns of SalHFC‐complexes, and the Coats‐Redfern equations were employed to estimate the kinetic parameters of the thermal degradation steps. Density functional theory (DFT) level implementation in the Gaussian 09 program at B3LYP/6‐311G(d,p) level was efficaciously used to predict the molecular structural properties of SalHFC and its chelates and the theoretical data and experimental findings were then integrated. SalHFC and its chelates displayed anticancer action against the HepG2 cell line and the results were verified by molecular docking studies.
Half‐sandwich iridium complexes: Synthesis and catalytic activity in dehydrogenation of alcohols to carboxylic acids
Authors: Ye Lin‐Wu , Yao Zi‐Jian
Published: July 2024

A series of N,N‐chelate half‐sandwich iridium complexes were synthesized by a simple method with good yields. The dehydrogenation of a series of aromatic and aliphatic primary alcohols to corresponding carboxylic acids has been successfully achieved by the prepared air stable iridium complexes under mild reaction conditions. Carboxylic acids were obtained in high yields under open flask condition with broad substrates and good tolerance to sensitive functional groups. Such a half‐sandwich iridium catalyst system showed desirable stability and catalytic activity, and the achievement of a high TOF of 372.0 h−1 could be observed with an extremely low catalyst loading of only 0.05 mol%. Furthermore, the sustainable catalyst could be reused for a minimum of five cycles without obviously losing its activity, highlighting its potential application in industry. Structure of N,N‐chelate iridium complexes 1 and 3 were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray analysis.
Construction of ternary heterostructure of zeolite/Fe3O4/CuS/CuWO4 as a reusable: Characterization studies
Authors: Ali Alyaa Hussein , Alwared Abeer I.
Published: July 2024

The presence of pharmaceutical pollutants in the environment has become a growing concern due to their persistence and toxic nature. In response to this issue, semiconductor photocatalyst materials have emerged as promising candidates for environmental pollutant removal, particularly under solar light irradiation. In this study, we developed a novel zeolite/Fe3O4/CuS/CuWO4 heterojunction nanocomposite through a simple and facile method. The fabrication process involved a multistep approach wherein Fe3O4, CuS, and CuWO4 were incorporated onto the surface of pure zeolite nanoparticles. X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared, photoluminescence, and vibrating sample magnetometry were analyzed. The results demonstrated that the zeolite/Fe3O4/CuS/CuWO4 heterojunction nanocomposite exhibited a synergistic integration of excellent properties, indicative of the successful construction of a heterostructure within the nanocomposite. Furthermore, the photocatalytic efficiency of the nanocomposite was evaluated for the degradation of the pharmaceutical pollutant fluoroquinolone levofloxacin (LEVO), and it outperformed individual photocatalysts. Notably, the zeolite/Fe3O4/CuS/CuWO4 nanocomposite achieved an impressive degradation rate of approximately 82.67% of LEVO after 120 min of exposure. Importantly, the synthesized nanocomposite demonstrated excellent reusability, with a photodegradation efficiency of 60.45% after the fifth cycle of LEVO degradation, as there was no significant loss in photocatalytic activity over repeated cycles. Furthermore the highest total organic carbon removal efficiency estimated is 57.43% for heterojunction nanocomposite. These findings highlight the potential of the zeolite/Fe3O4/CuS/CuWO4 heterojunction nanocomposite as an effective, eco‐friendly photocatalyst for pharmaceutical pollutant removal from the environment.
Synthesis of new phenothiazine derivatives: Molecular docking, assessment of cytotoxic activity and oxidant–antioxidant properties on PCS‐201‐012, HT‐29, and SH‐SY5Y cell lines
Authors: Tan Bensu , Kartal Yasemin , Yesilyurt Fatma , Akdoğan Nurdan , Doyduk Doğukan , Dişli Ali
Published: July 2024

Phenothiazine (PTZ) derivatives have been acknowledged as versatile compounds with significant implications across various areas of medicine, particularly, in cancer research. The cytotoxic effects of synthesized compounds on both normal and cancerous cells, along with their oxidant–antioxidant properties, are pivotal factors in cancer treatment strategies. In the current study, eight new PTZ derivatives were synthesized and the compounds' cytotoxic activities were assessed by 3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay while the oxidant–antioxidant properties were evaluated by oxidative stress index (OSI) calculation in SH‐SY5Y (a human neuroblastoma cell line), HT‐29 (a human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line), and PCS‐201‐012 (a human primary dermal fibroblast cell line) cells. Consequently, the half‐maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of compound 3a were determined to be 218.72, 202.85, and 227.86 μM while the IC50 values of compound 3b were defined to be 227.42, 199.27, and 250.11 μM in PCS‐201‐012, HT‐29, and SH‐SY5Y cells, respectively. Additionally, it was determined that the synthesized compounds demonstrated the lowest OSI in PCS‐201‐012 cells as compared to the other cell lines.
TiO2 for efficient photocatalytic decomposition of acetaldehyde: An investigation of the effects of annealing temperature, humidity, and binder
Authors: Kwon Yong‐Sog , Jung Kyu‐Chul , Zhao Shufang , Ji Yujing , Saqlain Shahid , Kim Young Dok
Published: July 2024

TiO2 photocatalysts were synthesized by simple sol gel method and annealed at 300, 500, and 600°C. Photocatalytic performance of as‐prepared TiO2 and annealed TiO2 samples was evaluated for the decomposition of acetaldehyde under UV light irradiation. TiO2 annealed at 500°C (T500) showed the highest acetaldehyde removal performance, which was attributed to combined effects of its crystallinity, defect density, surface area, narrow band gap with the dual phase of TiO2, and lifetimes of charge carriers. In humid conditions, overall acetaldehyde removal performance of T500 slightly decreased, but the extent of total oxidation of acetaldehyde into CO2 increased in high humidity as compared to dry conditions. Moreover, fixation of T500 on mica sheet using binders resulted in promising photocatalytic performance, making it a potential candidate for air purification applications. Fourier‐transform infra‐red (FT‐IR) analysis confirmed the stable existence of binder structure under dry air and UV treatment, which is crucial for real applications.
Gamification strategy to promote social and human factors in the training of software engineers: A case study
Authors: Gasca‐Hurtado Gloria Piedad , Machuca‐Villegas Liliana
Published: July 2024

Software Engineering is a discipline frequently reflected in training strategies. This discipline requires certain levels of abstraction to achieve the competencies and skills necessary for the professional development of future software developers. The software industry increasingly demands that professionals in this discipline have social and human skills to achieve highly productive teams. Therefore, these teams should respond to such demands in a world with increasing dependence on technology and the development of software products. Traditional pedagogical strategies often need help adapting to the new generations of software engineers and responding in a limited way to the demands of teaching processes related to this discipline. This article evaluates a gamification‐based strategy designed for the Software Engineering course at a Latin American higher education institution. This course addressed software project management as a training objective. Such a strategy was designed with a gamification‐based model to influence the productivity of software development teams. The results of using the model show its efficiency and usefulness as a guide for implementing new strategies based on gamification that considers social and human factors (SHFs) to intervene in the productivity of software development teams. The challenges designed in the proposal presented managed to promote SHFs in the participants, according to the analysis of the prepared case study. According to these results, the factors considered relate to skills and experience in managing software development projects, motivation, and communication. The activities executed by the participants in the context of the case study strengthened the human side of the team and allowed its growth to achieve its objectives.
Ethnomedicinal Uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicology of Ruellia tuberosa L.: A Review
Authors: Sharma Akanksha , Kumar Adarsh , Singh Ankit Kumar , Kumar K. Jayaram , Narasimhan Balasubramanian , Kumar Pradeep
Published: July 2024

Natural Products continue to be the purest source of physiologically active molecules employed in the identification of possible lead compounds in the drug discovery process. Acanthaceae is a big plant family with around 2500 species, found primarily in subtropical and tropical regions, as well as the Mediterranean, Australia, and the United States. Several species of the Acanthaceae family have been used traditionally to treat a variety of diseases, including gastrointestinal and cardiovascular ailments, etc. Ruellia tuberosa commonly known as “Mexican Bluebell” is a perennial herb that originated in Central America and has spread to some countries in the Southern tropics and Southeast Asia. It has been utilized as a traditional Rasayana plant from ancient times. R. tuberosa extracts and phytochemicals showed potent bioactivities, such as anticancer, anti‐inflammatory, wound healing, antifungal, antimicrobial, anti‐diabetic, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, gastro‐protective, and anthelminthic activities. Chemical analyses have unveiled a range of bioactive constituents within the plant, including alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and phenolic compounds, suggestive of its therapeutic potential. Collectively, this review provides an overview of R. tuberosa, encompassing its traditional uses, ethnomedicinal importance, phytochemistry, pharmacological properties, and toxicity.
A hazardous collateral pathway following asymptomatic lead‐related venous occlusion?
Authors: Zagkli Fani , Chiladakis John
Published: July 2024

Key Clinical Message

Routine venography should be performed before the device upgrade. Clinicians should not be unconcerned because of the lack of symptoms following lead‐related venous occlusion. Knowledge of collateral anatomy is essential for future interventional plans. The venous pathway's return to the right atrium may entail risks to patient outcomes.
Extraction of an ectopic supernumerary tooth through nasal cavity with piezosurgery under local anesthesia: A case report
Authors: Ainiwaer Ailimaierdan , Yiminjiang Bumairemu , Ling Wang
Published: July 2024

Key Clinical Message

The ectopic supernumerary teeth (ST) commonly occur in the oral cavity. Ectopic ST in the maxilla can be extracted not only through an intraoral approach but also through a nasal approach.

The ectopic supernumerary teeth (ST) commonly occur in the oral cavity. We are reporting a case of a 23‐year‐old female patient with one ectopic ST in the anterior midmaxillary region. We extracted the ectopic ST under local tissue anesthesia through the nasal cavity using piezosurgery and minimally invasive extraction tools. During the operation, the adjacent structures remained intact, and the patient discomfort. This case indicates that ectopic ST in the maxilla can be extracted not only through an intraoral approach but also through a nasal approach.
Enhanced Electrochemical Performance of NiMn Layered Double Hydroxides/Graphene Oxide Composites Synthesized by One‐Step Hydrothermal Method for Supercapacitors
Authors: Chen Jun , Jing Xin , Wang Ji‐Chao , Zhang Wan‐Qing , Zhang Yong
Published: July 2024

This study aims to enhance the performance of supercapacitors, focusing particularly on optimizing electrode materials. While pure NiMn layered double hydroxides (LDHs) exhibit excellent electrochemical properties, they have limitations in achieving high specific capacitance. Therefore, this paper successfully synthesized composite materials of NiMn LDHs with varying loadings of graphene oxide (GO) using a hydrothermal method. Systematic physicochemical characterization of the synthesized materials, such as powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), and Raman spectroscopy, revealed the influence of GO doping on the microstructure and electrochemical performance of NiMn LDHs. Electrochemical tests demonstrated that the NiMn LDHs/GO electrode material exhibited optimal electrochemical performance with a specific capacitance of 2096 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 current density and 1471 F g−1 at 10 A g−1, when GO doping level was 0.45 wt %. Furthermore, after 1000 cycles of stability testing, the material retained 53.3 % capacitance at 5 A g−1, indicating good cyclic stability. This study not only provides new directions for research on supercapacitor electrode materials but also offers new strategies for developing low‐cost and efficient electrode materials.
Can Chirality Answer Whether We Are Alone?
Authors: Bagdžiūnas Gintautas
Published: July 2024

Detecting biosignatures of life in extraterrestrial environments remains one of the primary objectives of scientific inquiry. Currently, both remote and direct detection methods are primarily aimed at identifying key molecular classes fundamental to terrestrial biology. However, a more universally applicable spectroscopic approach could involve searching for homochiral molecules. Thus, this perspective delves into the significance of homochirality as a critical factor in the origin of life. Without homochirality, the formation of self‐recognizing and self‐replicating complex molecules would be hindered. The various hypotheses concerning the origin of homochiral molecules have been explored and analyzed within this context. This perspective emphasizes the potential for discovering extraterrestrial microscopic life through the detection of homochiral molecules using chirodetecting methods such as chromatography and chiroptical spectroscopy or circular polarimetry as a promising remote technique. This discussion highlights the importance of homochirality in the broader search for life beyond Earth and underscores the need for innovative methodologies and instrumentation in astrobiological research. These techniques can be an effective method for detecting homochirality on future planetary missions.
Preparation and performance analysis of nano‐crosslinking agent for sulphonated guar gum fracturing fluid
Authors: Zhou Chengyu , Chen Yating , Xiao Ying , Wu Yani , Yang Chunming , Yu Mengjie , Liu Lin
Published: July 2024

In order to solve the problems of poor temperature resistance and low crosslinking efficiency of crosslinking agent for sulphonated guar gum fracturing fluid, in this paper, nano‐silica was reacted with 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane to obtain surface‐modified nano‐silica, which was then reacted with boric acid and n‐butyl titanate to obtain nano‐silica‐based boron‐titanium composite crosslinking agent. Its physical properties and structure were characterized by infrared (IR), laser particle size analysis, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The sulphonated hydroxypropyl guar gum fracturing fluids formed by nano‐crosslinking agent were analyzed: When the temperature was uniformly increased from 25 to 120°C and the shear rate was 170 s−1, the viscosity was finally constant at about 50 mPa · s, which indicated that the temperature and shear resistance were good; the system had a better filtration‐loss reduction performance; the average sedimentation rate of ceramic grains in the fracturing fluid system was 0.00872 cm · min−1, indicating that the system had good sand carrying performance; the damage rate of fracturing fluid filtrate to the core was 23.33%; the gel breaking performance test showed that the fracturing fluid had good gel breaking performance. By analyzing the performance of the fracturing fluid, it can be seen that the nano‐crosslinking agent has the advantages of good temperature resistance and high cross‐linking efficiency compared with the traditional boron and titanium cross‐linking agents.
FeNi‐LDH Coated With Orange‐Peel Carbon Aerogel for Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Teng Yang , Ji Peng‐Cheng , Jia Hai‐Lang
Published: July 2024

In this work, the waste orange‐peel was used as carbon source, and the orange‐peel derived carbon material can be obtained through simple pyrolysis. Then, we designed the structure of orange‐peel carbon aerogel grown on iron‐nickel layered double hydroxides in situ to achieve the effect of carbon coating (FeNi‐LDH/CA). The oxygen evolution reaction catalytic performance of FeNi‐LDH/CA is excellent, far exceeding that of commercial RuO2. In 1 M KOH, the overpotential of FeNi‐LDH/CA is only 250 mV (10 mA cm−2), obviously better than that of commercial RuO2 (295 mV). FeNi‐LDH/CA shows good cycling stability, and after long‐term i‐t testing, the performance only decays by 3 % after running at 100 mA cm−2 for 100 h. When used as an anode, the voltage of water‐splitting is only 1.48 V at 10 mA cm−2. The rechargeable liquid zinc‐air battery based on Pt/C‐FeNi‐LDH/CA catalyst has higher open‐circuit voltage (1.543 V) and galvanostatic discharge capacity at 1.23 V (830 min, 10 mA cm−2). Moreover, the zinc‐air battery based on Pt/C‐FeNi‐LDH/CA has a small charge‐discharge voltage gap (0.65 V) at 10 mA cm−2, after 200 consecutive cycles (66 h), the charge‐discharge voltage gap only increased by about 30 mV, indicating good cycling stability.
Primary SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in children and adults results in similar Fc‐mediated antibody effector function patterns
Authors: Gelderloos Anne T , Lakerveld Anke J , Schepp Rutger M , Nicolaie Mioara Alina , van Beek Josine , Beckers Lisa , van Binnendijk Robert S , Rots Nynke Y , van Kasteren Puck B
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Increasing evidence suggests that Fc‐mediated antibody effector functions have an important role in protection against respiratory viruses, including SARS‐CoV‐2. However, limited data are available on the potential differences in the development, heterogeneity and durability of these responses in children compared to adults.

Methods

Here, we assessed the development of spike S1‐specific serum antibody‐dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP), complement deposition (ADCD) and natural killer cell activation (ADNKA), alongside specific antibody binding concentrations (IgG, IgA and IgM) and IgG avidity in healthy adults (n = 38, 18–56 years) and children (n = 21, 5–16 years) following primary SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, with a 10‐month longitudinal follow‐up. Differences between groups were assessed using a nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis test with Dunn's multiple comparisons test.

Results

We found similar (functional) antibody responses in children compared to adults, with a tendency for increased durability in children, which was statistically significant for ADCD (P < 0.05). While ADNKA was strongly reduced in both adults (P < 0.001) and children (P < 0.05) at the latest time point, ADCP remained relatively stable over time, possibly relating to an increase in avidity of the spike‐specific antibodies (P < 0.001). Finally, the ADNKA capacity relative to antibody concentration appeared to decrease over time in both children and adults.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our data provide novel insights into the development of SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific antibody Fc‐mediated effector functions in children and adults. An increased understanding of these characteristics in specific age populations is valuable for the future design of novel and improved vaccination strategies for respiratory viruses such as SARS‐CoV‐2.
Epstein–Barr virus‐positive inflammatory follicular dendritic cell sarcoma: A brief report of a rare neoplasm diagnosed with cytopathology on a splenic biopsy
Authors: Simoes Nathalie J. Rodrigues , Parra Ourania , Schoolcraft Daniel K. , Karrs Jeremiah X. , Liu Xiaoying
Published: July 2024

Splenic biopsies for cytology remain challenging due to the inherent difficulty in obtaining adequate samples and the paucity of literature on rare entities arising in the spleen. Among these, are tumors arising from blood vessels, lymphomas and rarely, mesenchymal dendritic cell neoplasms. An important but rarely considered entity primarily arising in the spleen is Epstein–Barr virus‐positive inflammatory follicular dendritic cell sarcoma (EBV+ IFDCS). EBV+ IFDCS is an indolent neoplasm with useful cytomorphologic and distinct biologic characteristics that can be evaluated on fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) cytology and small biopsies. In this report, we present a challenging case with the final diagnosis facilitated by cytomorphology and diagnostic markers in an ambiguous initial presentation.
Increase of serum pancreatic enzymes during hospitalization for acute heart failure
Authors: Vijver Marlene A.T. , Dams Olivier C. , ter Maaten Jozine M. , Beldhuis Iris E. , Damman Kevin , Voors Adriaan A. , Verdonk Robert C. , van Veldhuisen Dirk J.
Published: July 2024

Aims

Acute heart failure (AHF) is associated with end‐organ dysfunction. The effect of AHF on the pancreas has not been studied. We aim to evaluate serum markers of pancreatic damage during hospitalization for AHF.

Methods and results

In data from the Pragmatic Urinary Sodium‐based treatment algoritHm in Acute Heart Failure (PUSH‐AHF) study, amylase and lipase values were extracted from available serum samples at baseline, and at 24 and 72 h after hospitalization. The differences between pancreatic enzymes between timepoints were evaluated using the Friedman test. Associations with N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) were tested using linear regression analysis. The study population consisted of 274 patients. Mean age was 73 ± 11 years, and 117 (43%) were women. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 38 ± 14%; 53 (19%) patients had HF with a preserved LVEF (≥50%). At baseline, median amylase and lipase were within normal range (47 [33–63] U/L and 30 [21–44] U/L, respectively). Both enzymes significantly increased in the first 72 h (P‐value for trend <0.001); mean change was 9 ± 22 U/L for amylase, and 10 ± 22 U/L for lipase. Moreover, NT‐proBNP at baseline showed a positive correlation with mean change in pancreatic enzymes in 72 h (P = 0.02 for amylase and P = 0.006 for lipase).

Conclusion

Patients admitted for AHF exhibited a significant increase in serum values of pancreatic enzymes in the first 72 h, suggesting that an episode of AHF affects the pancreatic tissue. This rise in pancreatic enzymes was associated with HF severity, as reflected by NT‐proBNP.
Testing seismic isolators for the effect of maximum earthquake based on measure of cumulative energy
Authors: Kim Hyun‐Myung , Constantinou Michael C.
Published: July 2024

This paper presents results on what the conditions of testing for assessing the adequacy of seismic isolators in the maximum considered earthquake should be by utilizing an approach in which the cumulative dissipated energy history is used as the performance parameter. This test is what is described as Item 4 in section 17.8.2.2 of standard ASCE/SEI 7. The approach used follows the paradigm of another study in which the history of temperature at the sliding interfaces or in the bulk of the lead core of isolators was used. In conducting this work, many isolation systems (a total of 96 systems, single friction pendulum, triple friction pendulum, and lead‐rubber) were used, with isolator models capable of simulating the effects of heating on the strength of the isolators. The study utilized a large set of bi‐directional ground motions with short‐ and long‐duration characteristics (71 pairs of short‐ and long‐duration ground motions, 96 isolation systems, three seismic intensities, for a total of 40,896 ground motion pairs). The adequacy tests were designed to reproduce various percentile cumulative energy histories obtained in the response history analysis. The requirements of these tests are compared to the testing requirements obtained by the use of temperature history as the performance criterion, and the test currently prescribed as test item 4 of section 17.8.2.2 of standard ASCE/SEI‐7. The study shows that use of the cumulative dissipated energy as the performance criterion for designing tests to represent the effects of maximum earthquake results in onerous testing requirements. This is because the cumulative energy increases monotonically without accounting for fluctuations in the seismic ground motion intensity, unlike the history of temperature at the sliding interfaces or the lead core of isolators. Accordingly, tests designed using the temperature as the performance criterion are recommended for use in specifications for testing.
Research on crack distribution characteristics and control technology of surrounding rock in soft rock roadway under different lateral pressure coefficients
Authors: Ma Yujie , Wang Weijun , Fan Lei , Yuan Chao , Tian Xinyu , Shu Shihai
Published: July 2024

To solve the problem of controlling large deformation of surrounding rock in deep soft rock roadway, the distribution characteristics and deformation mechanism of surrounding rock cracks in soft rock roadway under different lateral pressure coefficients are studied using numerical simulation, theoretical analysis, and field measurement. The results show that under different lateral pressure coefficients, the range of surrounding rock cracks shows three forms: round, oval, and butterfly. No matter what lateral pressure coefficient the roadway is in, the surrounding rock cracks always appear in the plastic zone, and there is a high correlation between the surrounding rock crack range and the plastic zone. The stress characteristics of the surrounding rock in the plastic zone include two main aspects. One is that the direction of the principal stress of the surrounding rock is deflected, which is manifested as an annular distribution of the direction of the maximum principal stress around the roadway. The direction of the minimum principal stress in the upper part of the roadway points to the center of the roadway, and the direction of the minimum principal stress in the lower part of the roadway deviates from the center of the roadway. Second, the ratio of the maximum to minimum principal stress in the surrounding rock is large. Under this stress characteristic, the surrounding rock in the plastic zone has strong shear dilation. The shear dilation makes the crack of the surrounding rock open so that the surrounding rock is squeezed into the roadway space, and then the roadway produces large deformation. Due to the large range of cracks in the butterfly‐shaped plastic zone, the shear dilation deformation produced by the butterfly‐shaped plastic zone is far more than that of the round/oval plastic zone. According to the crack range of roadway surrounding rock under different lateral pressure coefficients, the corresponding support scheme is put forward. Field experiments show that the support scheme can effectively control the deformation of surrounding rock and meet the requirements of roadway use.
A comprehensive study on effective triple‐phase boundary density and its correlation with active anode thickness in solid oxide fuel cells
Authors: Shaukat Shingruf , Tabish Asif Nadeem , Irshad Muneeb , Akbar Samina , Farhat Iqra , Fan Liyuan
Published: July 2024

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are highly promising devices for efficient and low‐emission energy conversion. The effective triple‐phase boundary (TPB) density refers to the fraction of percolated TPB density that effectively contributes to the current production during cell operation. This is one of the most fundamental and least understood aspects of the cell design and performance assessment. This study methodically investigates the effective TPB density, using a computational fluid dynamics model based on the TPB‐based kinetics and its correlation with the active anode thickness. Experimental data from previously published studies with varying thicknesses of anode functional layer and operating regimes are utilized to validate the model. The results of this study reaffirm that a significant fraction of the percolated TPB density in SOFCs remains unused during cell operation. This finding emphasizes the need to consider the effective TPB density for theoretical and experimental investigations focusing on optimizing cell performance. Furthermore, an inverse relationship is observed between the effective TPB density and the active anode thickness; a lower active anode thickness corresponds to a higher effective TPB density and vice versa. These findings contribute to advancing sustainable energy systems by guiding the development of more efficient SOFC designs and operational strategies that effectively utilize TPB sites.
Pro‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐21 correlates with the reactive oxygen species and 25‐hydroxy vitamin D in rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Shufang Ma , Xiaojiao Han , Yinhong Kang
Published: July 2024

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder and its characteristics include the immune system's invasion of the healthy lining of the joints and the articular structures degeneration. The IL‐21 pro‐inflammatory cytokine, and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) might have a role in the RA etiopathogenesis. The present study assessed the correlation of IL‐21 with vitamin 25(OH)D and the ROS.

Methods

The study included 120 RA patients and 60 healthy group. The RA patients were categorized based on rheumatoid factor (RF) seropositivity or seronegativity and the RA severity. Chemiluminescent immunoassay and 10% hematocrit were used to check levels of vitamin 25(OH)D and ROS, respectively. ELISA was used for the detection of IL‐21 in the plasma.

Results

The RA patients had a significantly reduced vitamin 25(OH)D level compared to the healthy controls. The IL‐21 and ROS were however significantly increased in the RA patients compared to the controls. Further, the seropositive RF and the high RA severity patients had significant IL‐21 and ROS increase in comparison with the seronegative RF and the low severity RA patients. Finally, IL‐21 negatively correlated with vitamin 25(OH)D, but positively correlated with the ROS.

Conclusion

This is the first investigation to confirm the relationship between IL‐21 with vitamin 25(OH)D and the ROS among the RA patients. The findings indicate that vitamin 25(OH)D is reduced in the RA patients' serum. ROS and IL‐21 are also associated with increased RA severity.
The affecting factors of COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy in parents of children with cancer: A cross‐sectional Jordanian study
Authors: Mubarak Sawsan , AlGhawire Hadeel , AlNaimat Sumaiah
Published: July 2024

Background and Objective

Children with cancer have higher mortality and morbidity rates than have been reported in general children patients infected by coronavirus infection 2019 (COVID‐19). Thus, for children with cancer, COVID‐19 vaccination is a priority. This study aims to investigate the factors influencing COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy in parents of children with cancer in Jordan.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted during the third quarter of 2022 at the King Hussein Cancer Center in Amman, Jordan. The study employed a self‐administered questionnaire, incorporating COVID‐specific questions. Participants included parents of children aged 18 years or younger undergoing treatment or monitoring at the center. A straightforward random sampling approach was used to recruit participants. Ethical approval and institutional permission were obtained, ensuring voluntary participation with the right to withdraw.

Results

A total of 409 participants, predominantly female, were enrolled in the study. Notably, most of the enrolled parents did not intend to have their children vaccinated either for seasonal flu or for COVID‐19, 76.2% and 78.7%, respectively. The bulk of the parents were encouraged to vaccinate their child by the child's pediatrician (82.9%). Parents' age and their children's age were significantly influenced their willingness to vaccinate their children with the COVID‐19 vaccine (p < .001), in which parents' age group 45−54 years and children's age group above 15 years old show the highest vaccination rate. Meanwhile, there was a significant association between children's vaccination with parents suffering from chronic disease (p < .001) and parents receiving the COVID‐19 vaccine (p = .014). There are still some concerns regarding the COVID‐19 vaccine's effectiveness, safety, and whether it is essential for their child.

Conclusion

A large proportion of parents in Jordan are hesitant about the COVID‐19 vaccine when considering its administration to their children with cancer. This finding emphasizes the importance of communication and education to address vaccination hesitancy.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the association between the D‐dimer and rheumatic diseases
Authors: Zinellu Angelo , Mangoni Arduino A.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

There is good evidence that specific autoimmune rheumatic diseases (RDs), for example, rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), are associated with a state of hypercoagulability and an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, limited information regarding this association is available for other autoimmune or autoinflammatory RDs. We sought to address this issue by conducting a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the association between the d‐dimer, an established marker of hypercoagulability and VTE, and RDs and the possible clinical and demographic factors mediating this association.

Methods

We searched the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus from inception to January 31, 2024. The risk of bias and the certainty of evidence were assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist and GRADE, respectively.

Results

In 31 studies selected for analysis (2724 RD patients and 3437 healthy controls), RD patients had overall significantly higher d‐dimer concentrations when compared to controls (standard mean difference = 0.93, 95% CI 0.76−1.10, p < .001; I2 = 86.1%, p < .001; moderate certainty of evidence). The results were stable in a sensitivity analysis. Significant associations were observed between the effect size of the between‐group differences in d‐dimer concentration and age, specific RD and RD category, RD duration, fibrinogen, plasminogen activator inhibitor, C‐reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

Conclusions

Overall, patients with RDs have significantly higher d‐dimer concentrations when compared with healthy controls, indicating a state of hypercoagulability. The alterations in d‐dimer concentrations are mediated by age, specific RD and RD category, RD duration, and markers of anticoagulation and inflammation. Further research is warranted to investigate d‐dimer concentrations across the spectrum of RDs and their utility in predicting and managing VTE in these patients (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42024517712).
Development and characterization of a multimeric recombinant protein using the spike protein receptor binding domain as an antigen to induce SARS‐CoV‐2 neutralization
Authors: de Lima Veronica A. , Nunes João P. S. , Rosa Daniela S. , Ferreira Rodrigo , Oliva Maria L. V. , Andreata‐Santos Robert , Duarte‐Barbosa Marcia , Janini Luiz M. R. , Maricato Juliana T. , Akamatsu Milena A. , Ho Paulo L. , Schenkman Sergio
Published: July 2024

Background

SARS‐CoV2 virus, responsible for the COVID‐19 pandemic, has four structural proteins and 16 nonstructural proteins. S‐protein is one of the structural proteins exposed on the virus surface and is the main target for producing neutralizing antibodies and vaccines. The S‐protein forms a trimer that can bind the angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) through its receptor binding domain (RBD) for cell entry.

Aims

The goal of this study was to express in HEK293 cells a new RBD recombinant protein in a constitutive and stable manner in order to use it as an alternative immunogen and diagnostic tool for COVID‐19.

Materials & Methods

The protein was designed to contain an immunoglobulin signal sequence, an explanded C‐terminal section of the RBD, a region responsible for the bacteriophage T4 trimerization inducer, and six histidines in the pCDNA‐3.1 plasmid. Following transformation, the cells were selected with geneticin‐G418 and purified from serum‐fre culture supernatants using Ni2+‐agarand size exclusion chromatography. The protein was structurally identified by cross‐linking and circular dichroism experiments, and utilized to immunize mice in conjuction with AS03 or alum adjuvants. The mice sera were examined for antibody recognition, receptor‐binding inhibition, and virus neutralization, while spleens were evaluated for γ‐interferon production in the presence of RBD.

Results

The protein released in the culture supernatant of cells, and exhibited a molecular mass of 135 kDa with a secondary structure like the monomeric and trimeric RBD. After purification, it formed a multimeric structure comprising trimers and hexamers, which were able to bind the ACE2 receptor. It generated high antibody titers in mice when combined with AS03 adjuvant (up to 1:50,000). The sera were capable of inhibiting binding of biotin‐labeled ACE2 to the virus S1 subunit and could neutralize the entry of the Wuhan virus strain into cells at dilutions up to 1:2000. It produced specific IFN‐γ producing cells in immunized mouse splenocytes.

Discussion

Our data describe a new RBD containing protein, forming trimers and hexamers, which are able to induce a protective humoral and cellular response against SARS‐CoV2.

Conclusion

These results add a new arsenal to combat COVID‐19, as an alternative immunogen or antigen for diagnosis.
Infertility following trisomic pregnancies: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Wedenoja Satu , Pihlajamäki Mika , Gissler Mika , Wedenoja Juho , Öhman Hanna , Heinonen Seppo , Kere Juha , Kääriäinen Helena , Tanner Laura
Published: July 2024

Objective

To study whether gynecologic or reproductive disorders show association with trisomic conceptions.

Methods

This nationwide cohort study utilized the Registry of Congenital Malformations to identify women who had a trisomic pregnancy (n = 5784), either with trisomy 13 (T13; n = 351), trisomy 18 (T18; n = 1065) or trisomy 21 (T21; n = 4369) from 1987 to 2018. We used the Finnish Maternity cohort to match the cases to population controls (n = 34 422) on the age, residence, and timing of pregnancy. These data were cross‐linked to the ICD‐10 diagnoses of the national Care Registry for Health Care data on specialized health care in Finland during 1996 to 2019. Both inflammatory (ICD‐10 diagnoses: N70–N77) and noninflammatory disorders of the genital tract (N80–N98) were studied. Crude odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs were calculated for associations between diagnoses and trisomic conceptions.

Results

The diagnosis of female infertility (N97) at any time was associated with trisomic conceptions (OR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.08–1.32). In the subgroup analysis, this association was found for T18 (OR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.03–1.61) and T21 (OR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.04–1.32), but not for T13 (OR: 1.15, 95% CI: 0.75–1.72). When restricting the timing of the diagnosis of female infertility, an elevated OR was found only after the index pregnancy (OR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.56–2.09). These increased odds for infertility after trisomic conceptions were observed both in women <35 years (T18 OR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.21–3.00; T21 OR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.31–2.14) and in women ≥35 years (T18 OR: 2.17, 95% CI: 1.40–3.33; T21 OR: 1.87; 95% CI: 1.47–2.39), but not after T13 conceptions.

Conclusion

Our observational data suggest a link between trisomic conceptions and subsequent diagnoses of infertility but do not demonstrate causality. These data implicate that partially similar mechanisms might predispose to trisomy and infertility, regardless of maternal age.
Connections between academic motivation and benefits to low‐grade inflammatory regulation among the socioeconomically advantaged
Authors: Destin Mesmin , Debrosse Régine , Hernandez Ivan A.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Working to reach school goals during adolescence and rise in the socioeconomic hierarchy can have unexpected negative consequences for physical health, which are often linked to inflammation. However, certain forms of academic motivation, like finding meaning in difficulty, can benefit health and well‐being. The current study tests whether socioeconomic resources explain this paradox and moderate the relationship between motivational processes and indicators of inflammation among adolescents. Having greater socioeconomic resources may provide the circumstances necessary to experience a beneficial connection between higher school motivation and lower indicators of inflammation.

Method

Seventy‐nine adolescents in the United States from diverse backgrounds completed a survey and health screening (59.6% girls, Mage = 14). The survey included a key measure of motivation indicating how students respond to experiences of academic difficulty. The health screening produced assays of C‐reactive protein and interleukin 6 from antecubital blood samples, which provided an indicator of low‐grade inflammation.

Results

Multiple linear regression analyses demonstrated the expected pattern of moderation, such that students with high (but not low) socioeconomic resources experienced a positive connection between motivation and indicators of inflammatory regulation, especially C‐reactive protein.

Conclusions

The findings provide an important contribution to understanding the complex links between achievement and health. Future research on the health costs of mobility should consider the health benefits of motivation that may be observed uniquely among the socioeconomically advantaged. Further, education institutions should promote motivation in ways that are connected to health sustaining forms of support for all students.