bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reaction Mechanism of Hydrogen Generation and Nitrogen Fixation at Carbon Nitride/Double Perovskite Heterojunctions
Authors: Tedesco Costanza , Gregori Luca , Simbula Angelica , Pitzalis Federico , Speltini Andrea , Merlo Francesca , Colella Silvia , Listorti Andrea , Mosconi Edoardo , Alothman Asma A. , Kaiser Waldemar , Saba Michele , Profumo Antonella , De Angelis Filippo , Malavasi Lorenzo
Published: May 2024

Photocatalytically active heterojunctions based on metal halide perovskites (MHPs) are drawing significant interest for their chameleon ability to foster several redox reactions. The lack of mechanistic insights into their performance, however, limits the ability of engineering novel and optimized materials. Herein, a report is made on a composite system including a double perovskite, Cs2AgBiCl6/g‐C3N4, used in parallel for solar‐driven hydrogen generation and nitrogen reduction, quantified by a rigorous analytical approach. The composite efficiently promotes the two reactions, but its activity strongly depends on the perovskite/carbon nitride relative amounts. Through advanced spectroscopic investigation and density function theory (DFT) modeling the H2 and NH3 production reaction mechanisms are studied, finding perovskite halide vacancies as the primary reactive sites for hydrogen generation together with a positive contribution of low loaded g‐C3N4 in reducing carrier recombination. For nitrogen reduction, instead, the active sites are g‐C3N4 nitrogen vacancies, and the heterojunction best performs at low perovskites loadings where the composites maximize light absorption and reduce carrier losses. It is believed that these insights are important add‐ons toward universal exploitation of MHPs in contemporary photocatalysis.
Direct Cation Stabilization Effects of CO Dimerization for Boosting C2 Pathways of CO2 Reduction on Noble Metal Surfaces
Authors: Wong Hon Ho , Sun Mingzi , Wu Tong , Lu Lu , Lu Qiuyang , Chen Baian , Hei Chan Cheuk , Huang Bolong
Published: May 2024

The carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) is one of the most promising solutions for realizing carbon neutralization via converting the emitted CO2 into value‐added chemicals. The CC coupling step for CO dimerization is the rate‐determining step for C2 pathways, which have not been thoroughly investigated. Herein, the direct cation stabilization effects on CO dimerization for *OCCO formation on the representative Cu(100) and Pt(100) surfaces are investigated. Density functional theory calculations show that the presence of alkali metal ions plays a vital role in promoting the coupling of *CO monomers on both metal surfaces, where Cu shows a stronger stabilization effect. More importantly, a strong linear correlation (R2 ≈ 0.9) between the dimer stabilization energy and the reaction energy is revealed for the first time, which is a promising indicator for the selectivity of C2 pathways. Further investigations on electronic structures reveal that the promoting effect on *OCCO formation is strongly related to the negative charges of the molecules, in which the negative charge accumulation is favored by the directional electron transfer due to the chemisorption of *OCCO on Cu(100) surface. This work offers insights into the understanding of CC coupling reactions for CO2RR mechanisms.
Water use and yield response of rainfed safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) in Vertisols with varying soil depths
Authors: Ponakala Padmavathi , Garg Kaushal K. , Anantha K. H.
Published: May 2024

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is an edible oilseed crop mainly cultivated in marginal lands. This study evaluates safflower crop water requirements to understand its feasibility to cultivate under rainfed ecosystem through a field experiment undertaken at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semiarid Tropics research farm, India. Eight improved and stress‐tolerant safflower cultivars (five spiny and three non‐spiny) were evaluated in Vertisols at three soil depths, that is, shallow: <0.60 m, medium: 0.60–1.20 m, and deep:1.20–1.80 m, over 3 years (2009–2012). Wet, normal, and deficit rainfall years were experienced during 2009/2010, 2010/2011, and 2011/2012, respectively. Soil moisture, crop yield, and growth parameters were measured, and field‐scale hydrology was captured through a calibrated one‐dimensional water balance model. Safflower responded to available residual soil moisture which varied with soil depth and rainfall received in different years. Total crop water use was 300–320 mm during the postrainy season, of which about 70% was extracted in deep Vertisols and 55% in medium Vertisols through residual soil moisture. In addition, 30% of water requirement was met through postrainy season rainfall. Safflower grown in shallow Vertisols could only meet 40% of crop water requirement. Spiny cultivar NARI‐H‐15 grown in deep soil recorded a maximum yield of 1890 kg ha−1 in the wet year. Seed yield from spiny cultivars grown in deep and medium soils was nearly similar (1500–1600 kg ha−1) during wet and normal years; a significant reduction in yield (>50%) occurred in shallow soils and also during a rainfall deficit year. Spiny cultivars produced 10%–50% higher seed yield compared to non‐spiny cultivars. Growing safflower in medium and deep Vertisols provides opportunities for crop intensification.
Fast Exploring Literature by Language Machine Learning for Perovskite Solar Cell Materials Design
Authors: Zhang Lei , Huang Yiru , Yan Leiming , Ge Jinghao , Ma Xiaokang , Liu Zhike , You Jiaxue , Jen Alex K. Y. , Frank Liu Shengzhong
Published: May 2024

Making computers automatically extract latent scientific knowledge from literature is highly desired for future materials and chemical research in the artificial intelligence era. Herein, the natural language processing (NLP)‐based machine learning technique to build language models and automatically extract hidden information regarding perovskite solar cell (PSC) materials from 29 060 publications is employed. The concept that there are light‐absorbing materials, electron‐transporting materials, and hole‐transporting materials in PSCs is successfully learned by the NLP‐based machine learning model without a time‐consuming human expert training process. The NLP model highlights a hole‐transporting material that receives insufficient attention in the literature, which is then elaborated via density functional theory calculations to provide an atomistic view of the perovskite/hole‐transporting layer heterostructures and their optoelectronic properties. Finally, the above results are confirmed by device experiments. The present study demonstrates the viability of NLP as a universal machine learning tool to extract useful information from existing publications.
Improving Targeted Mass Spectrometry Data Analysis with Nested Active Machine Learning
Authors: Bao Duran , Shu Qingbo , Ning Bo , Tang Michael , Liu Yubing , Wong Noel , Ding Zhengming , Zheng Zizhan , Lyon Christopher J. , Hu Tony , Fan Jia
Published: May 2024

Targeted mass spectrometry (MS) holds promise for precise protein and protein‐representative peptide identification and quantification, enhancing disease diagnosis. However, its clinical application is hindered by complex data analysis and expert review requirements. It is hypothesized that machine learning (ML) models can automate data analysis to accelerate the clinical application of MS. The approach involves an ML‐driven pipeline that extracts statistical and morphological features from an MS target region and feeds these features into ML algorithms to generate and assess predictive models. The findings demonstrate ML prediction models exhibit superior performance when trained on extracted features versus raw spectra intensity data and that random forest models exhibit robust classification performance in both internal and external validation datasets. These models remain effective across varying training dataset sizes and positive sample rates and are enhanced by a nested active learning approach. This approach can thus revolutionize clinical MS applications.
Quality of life in retired workers with past exposure to asbestos
Authors: Siefert Emmanuelle , Delva Fleur , Paris Christophe , Pairon Jean‐Claude , Thaon Isabelle
Published: May 2024

Background

Asbestos causes cancer and non‐cancerous lung and pleural diseases and can also have a negative psychological impact but little is known about its effect on health‐related quality of life.

Objectives

The aim of this study is to describe the health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) of retired men with a history of occupational exposure to asbestos and examine factors linked with low HRQoL.

Methods

Retired male workers of the French Asbestos‐Related Disease Cohort (ARDCO) completed self‐questionnaires that included SF‐36v2 and HAD scales, questions about their perception of asbestos (perceived dangers and level of exposure, expectations to fall ill, or knowing someone who is) and their respiratory symptoms. Asbestos exposure was assessed by industrial hygienists. A perceived risk score was created using factorial analysis. Multivariable regressions were performed for all SF‐36 subscales.

Results

A total of 1266 of 2075 questionnaires (61%) were returned complete and included in analysis. After adjustment for potential confounders, an increase in perceived risk score resulted in a decrease in physical component summary score (PCS), up to 10.7 points (p = 0.048) and in mental component summary score (MCS) (p = 0.044). Presence of respiratory symptoms was also associated with significantly decreased PCS and MCS (p < 0.001). Poor HRQoL was linked to higher perceived risk score with p ≤ 0.01 for all SF‐36 dimensions. Asbestos exposure assessed by an expert was not associated with any outcome.

Conclusions

All dimensions of HRQoL appear to be affected by the perceived risk of incurring asbestos‐related disease and respiratory symptoms.
Metabolic landscape of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma informs a novel kynurenine/Siglec‐15 axis in immune escape
Authors: Zhang Xin‐Yu , Shi Jian‐Bo , Jin Shu‐Fang , Wang Rui‐Jie , Li Ming‐Yu , Zhang Zhi‐Yuan , Yang Xi , Ma Hai‐Long
Published: May 2024

Background

Metabolic reprograming and immune escape are two hallmarks of cancer. However, how metabolic disorders drive immune escape in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the metabolic landscape of HNSCC and its mechanism of driving immune escape.

Methods

Analysis of paired tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues from 69 HNSCC patients was performed using liquid/gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry and RNA‐sequencing. The tumor‐promoting function of kynurenine (Kyn) was explored in vitro and in vivo. The downstream target of Kyn was investigated in CD8+ T cells. The regulation of CD8+ T cells was investigated after Siglec‐15 overexpression in vivo. An engineering nanoparticle was established to deliver Siglec‐15 small interfering RNA (siS15), and its association with immunotherapy response were investigated. The association between Siglec‐15 and CD8+ programmed cell death 1 (PD‐1)+ T cells was analyzed in a HNSCC patient cohort.

Results

A total of 178 metabolites showed significant dysregulation in HNSCC, including carbohydrates, lipids and lipid‐like molecules, and amino acids. Among these, amino acid metabolism was the most significantly altered, especially Kyn, which promoted tumor proliferation and metastasis. In addition, most immune checkpoint molecules were upregulated in Kyn‐high patients based on RNA‐sequencing. Furthermore, tumor‐derived Kyn was transferred into CD8+ T cells and induced T cell functional exhaustion, and blocking Kyn transporters restored its killing activity. Accroding to the results, mechanistically, Kyn transcriptionally regulated the expression of Siglec‐15 via aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), and overexpression of Siglec‐15 promoted immune escape by suppressing T cell infiltration and activation. Targeting AhR in vivo reduced Kyn‐mediated Siglec‐15 expression and promoted intratumoral CD8+ T cell infiltration and killing capacity. Finally, a NH2‐modified mesoporous silica nanoparticle was designed to deliver siS15, which restored CD8+ T cell function status and enhanced anti‐PD‐1 efficacy in tumor‐bearing immunocompetent mice. Clinically, Siglec‐15 was positively correlated with AhR expression and CD8+PD‐1+ T cell infiltration in HNSCC tissues.

Conclusions

The findings describe the metabolic landscape of HNSCC comprehensively and reveal that the Kyn/Siglec‐15 axis may be a novel potential immunometabolism mechanism, providing a promising therapeutic strategy for cancers.
Continuous Lithium‐Ion Extraction From Seawater and Mine Water With a Fuel Cell System and Ceramic Membranes
Authors: Kök Cansu , Wang Lei , Ruthes Jean Gustavo A. , Quade Antje , Suss Matthew E. , Presser Volker
Published: May 2024

The demand for electronic devices that utilize lithium is steadily increasing in this rapidly advancing technological world. Obtaining high‐purity lithium in an environmentally friendly way is challenging by using commercialized methods. Herein, we propose the first fuel cell system for continuous lithium‐ion extraction using a lithium superionic conductor membrane and advanced electrode. The fuel cell system for extracting lithium‐ion has demonstrated a twofold increase in the selectivity of Li+/Na+ while producing electricity. Our data show that the fuel cell with a titania‐coated electrode achieves 95% lithium‐ion purity while generating 10.23 Wh of energy per gram of lithium. Our investigation revealed that using atomic layer deposition improved the electrode's uniformity, stability, and electrocatalytic activity. After 2000 cycles determined by cyclic voltammetry, the electrode preserved its stability.
Renal function and natriuresis‐guided diuretic therapy – a pre‐specified analysis from the PUSH‐AHF trial
Authors: Damman Kevin , Beldhuis Iris E. , van der Meer Peter , Krikken Jan A. , Coster Jenifer E. , Nieuwland Wybe , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Voors Adriaan A. , ter Maaten Jozine M.
Published: May 2024

Aim

In a randomized controlled trial, we recently showed that a natriuresis‐guided diuretic approach improved natriuresis and diuresis in patients with acute heart failure (HF). In this pre‐specified analysis, we investigated the association between (worsening) renal function, outcomes and the effect of intensive natriuresis‐guided loop diuretic therapy as compared with standard of care.

Methods and results

The Pragmatic Urinary Sodium‐based algoritHm in Acute Heart Failure (PUSH‐AHF) trial randomized patients to natriuresis‐guided diuretic therapy or standard of care. Serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were assessed at fixed timepoints, and worsening renal function (WRF) was assessed at 72 h. The primary outcome was the interaction between randomized treatment allocation, baseline eGFR and the dual primary outcome of PUSH‐AHF: total natriuresis at 24 h and time to all‐cause mortality or HF rehospitalization at 180 days. In 309 patients, median baseline eGFR was 53 (35–73) ml/min/1.73 m2, and 58% had eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2. Baseline eGFR did not significantly modify the treatment effect of natriuresis‐guided diuretic therapy on natriuresis at 24 h (p for interaction = 0.730). However, baseline eGFR significantly modified the effect on all‐cause mortality and HF rehospitalization (p for interaction = 0.017): the risk of this second primary outcome was lower in patients with lower eGFR who were randomized to the natriuresis‐guided group. In the natriuresis‐guided arm, eGFR decreased more (−11.0 vs. −6.91 ml/min/1.73 m2; p = 0.002) during the first 3 days, but this effect was attenuated at discharge (−10.3 vs. −8.69 ml/min/1.73 m2; p = 0.38). WRF was more frequently observed in patients randomized to natriuresis‐guided treatment, but was not associated with worse clinical outcomes.

Conclusions

Natriuresis‐guided diuretic treatment improved diuresis and natriuresis irrespective of baseline eGFR and occurrence of WRF, was effective even in patients with low eGFR, and the observed effect on eGFR was transient and not associated with worse clinical outcomes.
Engineering strategies for high‐voltage LiCoO2 based high‐energy Li‐ion batteries
Authors: Ma Xiaoshuang , Wang Jinkun , Wang Zehua , Wang Li , Xu Hong , He Xiangming
Published: May 2024

To drive electronic devices for a long range, the energy density of Li‐ion batteries must be further enhanced, and high‐energy cathode materials are required. Among the cathode materials, LiCoO2 (LCO) is one of the most promising candidates when charged to higher voltages over 4.3 V. However, high‐voltage LCO materials are confronted with severe surface and bulk issues inducing poor cyclic stability. To completely unleash the potential of LCO cathodes, a more comprehensive theoretical understanding of the underlying issues is necessary, along with active exploration of previous modifications. This paper mainly presents the degradation mechanisms of LCO under high voltage, the formation and evolution mechanisms of the cathode electrolyte interface, and the surface engineering strategies employed to enhance the cell performance. By organizing and summarizing these modifications, this work aims to establish associations among common research issues and to suggest future research priorities, thus facilitating the rapid development of high‐voltage LCO.
Synthesis and Properties of Halide Perovskites Nanocrystals Toward Solar Cells Application
Authors: Chini Mrinmoy Kumar
Published: May 2024

Halide perovskite nanocrystals (HP NCs) based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have attracted serious attention along with relatively unstable bulk HP‐based thin‐ﬁlm solar cells aiming to make more eﬃcient and stable PSCs. HP NCs have still limited employment in PSCs despite their inherent unique properties such as strong absorption and photoluminescence, controlled transport and charge‐carrier mobility, low defect density, solution processability, and compatibility with large‐scale deposition techniques suitable for PSCs. Nanostructuring of the perovskites offers other unique characteristics such as confinement effects. These exciting characteristics together with the exceptional tunability in their shape, composition, and functionalities make HP NCs promising for PVs applications. In order to develop efficient HP NCs PSCs, major focus lies on discussing the various synthesis approaches, optoelectrical behaviors of HP NCs, and optimized device architectures. In this context, this review article deals with various approaches to HP NCs synthesis, properties, current challenges, and factors affecting the performance of the NC‐based PSCs. Based on these discussions, perspectives on promising directions for effective utilization of HP NCs toward the improvement and commercialization of the exciting promising material‐based stable and efficient PSCs in the near future are provided.
Exploring the combination of individual and organizational–environmental factors in the expression of radical and incremental creativity
Authors: Jung Suk , Hong Ah Jeong
Published: May 2024

Innovative products and services are key factors in corporate competitiveness, and the expression “employee creativity” is the top priority factor in leading corporate innovation. This study aims to investigate the differences between the predictive variables for the expression of radical and incremental creativity and the combinations of the predictive variables, which aid in the expression of two types of creativity. A research survey was conducted with 600 employees working in newspaper, broadcasting, and film businesses. The results were derived by conducting a fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis (fs/QCA) on 513 useful samples. Using necessity and sufficiency analysis of a fs/QCA, the results indicate that the three personal factors—job expertise, creative process engagement, and work engagement—are commonly required for two types of creativity. Conversely, organizational–environmental factors, a risk‐taking climate, and external networking behavior are only predictive variables of radical creativity. This study's results provide insights regarding the personal and environmental resources that employees must secure to express radical and incremental creativity. Because a clear difference was found in the factors required for the expression of the two types of creativity, based on the results of this study, Human Resource Development(HRD) can devise an effective method to support the expression of the two types of differential creativity.
Understanding host immune responses in Clostridioides difficile infection: Implications for pathogenesis and immunotherapy
Authors: Wang Lamei , Villafuerte Gálvez Javier A. , Lee Christina , Wu Shengru , Kelly Ciaran P. , Chen Xinhua , Cao Yangchun
Published: May 2024

Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) is the predominant causative agent of nosocomial diarrhea worldwide. Infection with C. difficile occurs due to the secretion of large glycosylating toxin proteins, which can lead to toxic megacolon or mortality in susceptible hosts. A critical aspect of C. difficile's biology is its ability to persist asymptomatically within the human host. Individuals harboring asymptomatic colonization or experiencing a single episode of C. difficile infection (CDI) without recurrence exhibit heightened immune responses compared to symptomatic counterparts. The significance of these immune responses cannot be overstated, as they play critical roles in the development, progression, prognosis, and outcomes of CDI. Nonetheless, our current comprehension of the immune responses implicated in CDI remains limited. Therefore, further investigation is imperative to elucidate their underlying mechanisms. This review explores recent advancements in comprehending CDI pathogenesis and how the host immune system response influences disease progression and severity, aiming to enhance our capacity to develop immunotherapy‐based treatments for CDI.
Childhood maltreatment, peer victimization, borderline personality feature, suicidal risk in adolescents: Direct and indirect associations among developmental trajectories
Authors: Yang Jiaping
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Childhood maltreatment, peer victimization, and borderline personality traits have all been shown to be linked to suicidal risk. However, there remains a need to illuminate the possible direct and indirect pathways among them from a developmental perspective that could serve as intervention targets. This study thus aimed to investigate the direct and indirect relationships among developmental trajectories of childhood maltreatment, peer victimization, borderline personality feature, and suicidal risk in adolescents.

Methods

A total of 1648 Chinese adolescents (48.12% boys; Mage = 13.69; SD = 0.82) in junior middle schools completed self‐report measures on three‐time points across 1 year. Latent growth curve modeling was used to evaluate the direct and indirect relationships among the developmental trajectories of the aforementioned study variables.

Results

The developmental trajectories of childhood maltreatment, peer victimization, and borderline personality feature were positively and directly related to the developmental trajectory of suicidal risk; and the developmental trajectories of childhood maltreatment, peer victimization were indirectly related to the developmental trajectory of suicidal risk through the mediating effect of the developmental trajectory of borderline personality feature.

Conclusions

The findings elucidated the direct and indirect longitudinal relationships among childhood maltreatment, peer victimization, borderline personality feature, and suicidal risk, highlighting that interventions should target childhood maltreatment, peer victimization, and borderline personality feature to decrease suicidal risk in adolescents with a developmental perspective.
Outcomes associated with initial narrow‐spectrum versus broad‐spectrum antibiotics in children hospitalized with urinary tract infections
Authors: Markham Jessica L. , Burns Alaina , Hall Matthew , Molloy Matthew J. , Stephens John R. , McCoy Elisha , Ugalde Irma T. , Steiner Michael J. , Cotter Jillian M. , House Samantha A. , Collins Megan E. , Yu Andrew G. , Tchou Michael J. , Shah Samir S.
Published: May 2024

Objective

The aim of this study is to describe the proportion of children hospitalized with urinary tract infections (UTIs) who receive initial narrow‐ versus broad‐spectrum antibiotics across children's hospitals and explore whether the use of initial narrow‐spectrum antibiotics is associated with different outcomes.

Design, Setting and Participants

We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of children aged 2 months to 17 years hospitalized with UTI (inclusive of pyelonephritis) using the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database.

Main Outcome and Measures

We analyzed the proportions of children initially receiving narrow‐ versus broad‐spectrum antibiotics; additionally, we compiled antibiogram data for common uropathogenic organisms from participating hospitals to compare with the observed antibiotic susceptibility patterns. We examined the association of antibiotic type with adjusted outcomes including length of stay (LOS), costs, and 7‐ and 30‐day emergency department (ED) revisits and hospital readmissions.

Results

We identified 10,740 hospitalizations for UTI across 39 hospitals. Approximately 5% of encounters demonstrated initial narrow‐spectrum antibiotics, with hospital‐level narrow‐spectrum use ranging from <1% to 25%. Approximately 80% of hospital antibiograms demonstrated >80% Escherichia coli susceptibility to cefazolin. In adjusted models, those who received initial narrow‐spectrum antibiotics had shorter LOS (narrow‐spectrum: 33.1 [95% confidence interval; CI]: 30.8–35.4] h vs. broad‐spectrum: 46.1 [95% CI: 44.1–48.2] h) and reduced costs (narrow‐spectrum: $4570 [$3751–5568] versus broad‐spectrum: $5699 [$5005–$6491]). There were no differences in ED revisits or hospital readmissions. In summary, children's hospitals have low rates of narrow‐spectrum antibiotic use for UTIs despite many reporting high rates of cefazolin‐susceptible E. coli. These findings, coupled with the observed decreased LOS and costs among those receiving narrow‐spectrum antibiotics, highlight potential antibiotic stewardship opportunities.
Key messages on obesity care from the 2023 ASPEN Physician Preconference Course: A narrative review
Authors: Basishvili Givi , Newberry Carolyn , Mechanick Jeffrey I. , Barazzoni Rocco , Hennessy Sara
Published: May 2024

Obesity is a challenging chronic disease process that continues to affect a large percentage of the population at large. With the advent of new therapeutic options and interventions and a deeper scientific understanding of obesity as a complex illness, there is hope in curtailing this evolving pandemic. In this article, we present key medical information to engage and empower nutrition‐focused providers to manage obesity and its nutrition complications. The topics summarized here were presented during the 2023 American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Preconference Physician Course and include pathophysiology and hormonal regulation of obesity, multidisciplinary care planning and nutrition risk stratification of patients, and common approaches to treatment, including lifestyle modifications, antiobesity medications, and procedures from the perspective of the nutrition specialist.
Henoch–Schönlein purpura following COVID‐19 vaccine
Authors: Salah Nesrine Ben , Lahouel Maha , Douh Lella , Trimeche Khaoula , Aounallah Amina , Atig Amira , Belajouza Colandane , Denguesli Mohamed
Published: May 2024

Henoch–Schönlein purpura (HSP) is an immunoglobulin A (IgA)‐mediated small‐vessel vasculitis mostly observed in children and rarely in adults. It can affect many organs, mainly the skin, kidneys, joints, and gastrointestinal tract. We report a case of HSP occurring after COVID‐19 vaccine (Pfizer‐BioNTech).
Rapid and sustained improvement of psoriasis with Bimekizumab: A real‐world case series
Authors: Santos‐Alarcón Sergio , Mataix‐Diaz Francisco Javier , Schneller‐Pavelescu Apetrei Constantin Luca , Belinchón‐Romero Isabel
Published: May 2024

This retrospective case series examines the efficacy and safety of Bimekizumab in 22 patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in a real‐world clinical setting. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the participants, including a mean age of 43.7 years and a gender distribution of 60% male and 40% female, are summarised. Notably, 70% of the patients had previously received systemic therapy, and 50% had concurrent psoriatic arthritis. The evaluation over a 12‐week treatment period revealed a significant reduction in psoriasis area and severity index scores from a baseline mean of 11.5−1.0 at Week 4 and further down to 0.3 by Week 12. Similar improvements were observed in body surface area, physician's global assessment and dermatology life quality index scores. Bimekizumab was well‐tolerated with no reported adverse events, leading to no treatment discontinuations. These findings highlight the potential of Bimekizumab to provide rapid and sustained improvements in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, underlining its value in clinical practice.
Efficient optimization of an accelerator neutron source for neutron capture therapy using genetic algorithms
Authors: Ge Yulin , Zhong Yao , Murata Isao , Tamaki Shingo , Yuan Nan , Sun Yanbing , Ma Wei , Zou Liping , Yang Zhen , Lu Liang
Published: May 2024

Background

In recent years, genetic algorithms have been applied in the field of nuclear technology design, producing superior optimization results compared to traditional methods. They can be employed in the design and optimization of beam shaping assemblies (BSA) BSA to obtain the desired neutron beams. But it should be noted that the direct combination of Monte Carlo methods with genetic algorithms requires a significant amount of computational resources and time.

Purpose

Design and optimize BSA more efficiently to achieve neutron beams that meet specified recommendations.

Methods

We propose an approach of NSGA II with crucial variables which are identified by multivariate statistical techniques. This approach significantly reduces the problem sizes, thus reducing the time required for optimization. We illustrate this methodology using the example of BSA design for AB‐BNCT.

Results

The computational efficiency has tripled with crucial variables. By using NSGA II, we obtained optimized models conforming to both the new and old version IAEA BNCT guidelines through a single optimization process and subjected them to phantom analysis. The results demonstrate that models obtained through this method can meet the IAEA recommendations with deep advantage depth (AD) and high absorbed ratio (AR).

Conclusion

The genetic algorithm with crucial variables displays tremendous potential in addressing BSA optimization challenges.
Genetic and epigenetic alterations in precursor lesions of endometrial endometrioid carcinoma
Authors: Gotoh Osamu , Sugiyama Yuko , Tonooka Akiko , Kosugi Mayuko , Kitaura Sunao , Minegishi Ryu , Sano Masatoshi , Amino Sayuri , Furuya Rie , Tanaka Norio , Kaneyasu Tomoko , Kumegawa Kohei , Abe Akiko , Nomura Hidetaka , Takazawa Yutaka , Kanao Hiroyuki , Maruyama Reo , Noda Tetsuo , Mori Seiichi
Published: May 2024

The hyperplasia–carcinoma sequence is a stepwise tumourigenic programme towards endometrial cancer in which normal endometrial epithelium becomes neoplastic through non‐atypical endometrial hyperplasia (NAEH) and atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH), under the influence of unopposed oestrogen. NAEH and AEH are known to exhibit polyclonal and monoclonal cell growth, respectively; yet, aside from focal PTEN protein loss, the genetic and epigenetic alterations that occur during the cellular transition remain largely unknown. We sought to explore the potential molecular mechanisms that promote the NAEH–AEH transition and identify molecular markers that could help to differentiate between these two states. We conducted target‐panel sequencing on the coding exons of 596 genes, including 96 endometrial cancer driver genes, and DNA methylome microarrays for 48 NAEH and 44 AEH lesions that were separately collected via macro‐ or micro‐dissection from the endometrial tissues of 30 cases. Sequencing analyses revealed acquisition of the PTEN mutation and the clonal expansion of tumour cells in AEH samples. Further, across the transition, alterations to the DNA methylome were characterised by hypermethylation of promoter/enhancer regions and CpG islands, as well as hypo‐ and hyper‐methylation of DNA‐binding regions for transcription factors relevant to endometrial cell differentiation and/or tumourigenesis, including FOXA2, SOX17, and HAND2. The identified DNA methylation signature distinguishing NAEH and AEH lesions was reproducible in a validation cohort with modest discriminative capability. These findings not only support the concept that the transition from NAEH to AEH is an essential step within neoplastic cell transformation of endometrial epithelium but also provide deep insight into the molecular mechanism of the tumourigenic programme. © 2024 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
ARAP3 protects from excessive formylated peptide‐induced microvascular leakage by acting on endothelial cells and neutrophils
Authors: Chu Julia Y , McCormick Barry , Sundaram Kruthika , Hardisty Gareth , Karmakar Utsa , Pumpe Caroline , Krull Elizabeth , Lucas Christopher D , Amado‐Azevedo Joana , Hordijk Peter L , Caporali Andrea , Mellor Harry , Baillie J Kenneth , Rossi Adriano G , Vermeren Sonja
Published: May 2024

Vascular permeability is temporarily heightened during inflammation, but excessive inflammation‐associated microvascular leakage can be detrimental, as evidenced in the inflamed lung. Formylated peptides regulate vascular leakage indirectly via formylated peptide receptor‐1 (FPR1)‐mediated recruitment and activation of neutrophils. Here we identify how the GTPase‐activating protein ARAP3 protects against formylated peptide‐induced microvascular permeability via endothelial cells and neutrophils. In vitro, Arap3−/− endothelial monolayers were characterised by enhanced formylated peptide‐induced permeability due to upregulated endothelial FPR1 and enhanced vascular endothelial cadherin internalisation. In vivo, enhanced inflammation‐associated microvascular leakage was observed in Arap3−/− mice. Leakage of plasma protein into the lungs of Arap3−/− mice increased within hours of formylated peptide administration. Adoptive transfer experiments indicated this was dependent upon ARAP3 deficiency in both immune and non‐immune cells. Bronchoalveolar lavages of formylated peptide‐challenged Arap3−/− mice contained neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Pharmacological inhibition of NET formation abrogated excessive microvascular leakage, indicating a critical function of NETs in this context. The observation that Arap3−/− mice developed more severe influenza suggests these findings are pertinent to pathological situations characterised by abundant formylated peptides. © 2024 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Morphologic patterns observed in prostate biopsy cases with discrepant grade group and molecular risk classification
Authors: Greenland Nancy Y. , Cooperberg Matthew R. , Carroll Peter R. , Cowan Janet E. , Simko Jeffry P. , Stohr Bradley A. , Chan Emily
Published: May 2024

Background

Molecular‐based risk classifier tests are increasingly being utilized by urologists and radiation oncologists to guide clinical decision making. The Decipher prostate biopsy test is a 22‐gene RNA biomarker assay designed to predict likelihood of high‐grade disease at radical prostatectomy and risk of metastasis and mortality. The test provides a risk category of low, intermediate, or high. We investigated histologic features of biopsies in which the Grade Group (GG) and Decipher risk category (molecular risk) were discrepant.

Methods

Our institutional urologic outcomes database was searched for men who underwent prostate biopsies with subsequent Decipher testing from 2016 to 2020. We defined discrepant GG and molecular risk as either GG1‐2 with high Decipher risk category or GG ≥ 3 with low Decipher risk category. The biopsy slide on which Decipher testing was performed was re‐reviewed for GG and various histologic features, including % Gleason pattern 4, types of Gleason pattern 4 and 5, other “high risk” features (e.g., complex papillary, ductal carcinoma, intraductal carcinoma [IDC]), and other unusual and often “difficult to grade” patterns (e.g., atrophic carcinoma, mucin rupture, pseudohyperplastic carcinoma, collagenous fibroplasia, foamy gland carcinoma, carcinoma with basal cell marker expression, carcinoma with prominent vacuoles, and stromal reaction). Follow‐up data was also obtained from the electronic medical record.

Results

Of 178 men who underwent prostate biopsies and had Decipher testing performed, 41 (23%) had discrepant GG and molecular risk. Slides were available for review for 33/41 (80%). Of these 33 patients, 23 (70%) had GG1‐2 (GG1 n = 5, GG2 n = 18) with high Decipher risk, and 10 (30%) had GG ≥ 3 with low Decipher risk. Of the 5 GG1 cases, one case was considered GG2 on re‐review; no other high risk features were identified but each case showed at least one of the following “difficult to grade” patterns: 3 atrophic carcinoma, 1 collagenous fibroplasia, 1 carcinoma with mucin rupture, and 1 carcinoma with basal cell marker expression. Of the 18 GG2 high Decipher risk cases, 2 showed GG3 on re‐review, 5 showed large cribriform and/or other high risk features, and 10 showed a “difficult to grade” pattern. Of the 10 GG ≥ 3 low Decipher risk cases, 5 had known high risk features including 2 with large cribriform, 1 with IDC, and 1 with Gleason pattern 5.

Conclusions

In GG1‐2 high Decipher risk cases, difficult to grade patterns were frequently seen in the absence of other known high risk morphologic features; whether these constitute true high risk cases requires further study. In the GG ≥ 3 low Decipher risk cases, aggressive histologic patterns such as large cribriform and IDC were observed in half (50%) of cases; therefore, the molecular classifier may not capture all high risk histologic patterns.
Efficacy of a hydrogel spacer for improving quality of life in patients with prostate cancer undergoing low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy alone or in combination with intensity‐modulated radiotherapy: An observational study using propensity score matching
Authors: Nakai Yasushi , Tanaka Nobumichi , Asakawa Isao , Ohnishi Kenta , Miyake Makito , Yamaki Kaori , Torimoto Kazumasa , Fujimoto Kiyohide
Published: May 2024

Background

It is unclear whether a hydrogel spacer can improve quality of life (QOL) in patients undergoing low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy (LDR‐BT) alone or in combination with intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT).

Methods

We enrolled patients with prostate cancer who underwent LDR‐BT alone with (n = 186) or without (n = 348) a hydrogel spacer, or underwent LDR‐BT in combination with IMRT with (n = 70) or without (n = 217) a hydrogel spacer. QOL was evaluated using Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) questionnaires at baseline and 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after implantation. The groups were compared using propensity score matching analysis.

Results

Among patients who underwent LDR‐BT alone, there were no differences regarding changes in urinary, bowel, sexual, or hormonal domain scores between the spacer and no‐spacer groups; however, the dose at the bowel was significantly lower in the spacer group than in the no‐spacer group. Among patients who underwent LDR‐BT in combination with IMRT, there were no differences regarding changes in urinary, sexual, or hormonal domain scores between the spacer and no‐spacer groups. However, the changes in the bowel domain score were significantly lower in the spacer group than in the no‐spacer group (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

A hydrogel spacer may not improve impaired urinary, bowel, or sexual QOL in patients undergoing LDR‐BT alone. However, in patients undergoing LDR‐BT in combination with IMRT, a hydrogel spacer can improve impaired bowel QOL but not sexual or urinary QOL.
Overall and metastasis‐free survival of Afro‐Caribbean patients with biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Barriere Hugo , Kaulanjan Kévin , Stempfer Gautier , Mollard Philippe , Laguerre Mélanie , Senechal Cédric , Gourtaud Gilles , Roux Virginie , Sadreux Yvanne , Blanchet Pascal , Brureau Laurent
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Early salvage radiotherapy is indicated for patients with biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy. However, for various reasons, certain patients do not benefit from this treatment (OBS) or only at a late stage (LSR). There are few studies on this subject and none on a “high‐risk” population, such as patients of African descent. Our objective was to estimate the metastasis‐free (MFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients who did not receive salvage radiotherapy, and to identify risk factors of disease progression.

Patients and Methods

This was a single‐center retrospective study that included 154 patients, 99 in the OBS group and 55 in the LSR group. All were treated by total prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer between January 2000 and December 2020 and none received early salvage radiotherapy after biochemical recurrence.

Results

Baseline characteristics were similar between groups, except for the time to biochemical recurrence. The median follow‐up was 10.0 and 11.8 years for the OBS and LSR groups, respectively. The median time from surgery to LSR was 5.1 years. The two groups did not show a significant difference in MFS: 90.6% at 10 years for the OBS group and 93.3% for the LSR group. The median MFS was 19.8 and 19.6 years for the OBS and LSR groups respectively. OS for the OBS group was significantly higher than that for the LSR group (HR: 2.14 [1.07–4.29]; p = 0.03), with 10‐year OS of 95.9% for the OBS group and 76.1% for the LSR group. Median OS was 16 and 15.6 years for the OBS and LSR groups, respectively.

Conclusion

In this study, we observed satisfactory metastasis‐free and OS rates relative to those reported in the scientific literature. The challenge is not to question the benefit of early salvage radiotherapy, but to improve the identification of patients at risk of progression through the development of molecular and genomic tests for more highly personalized medicine.
Enhanced Magnetic and Dielectric Properties of YFeO3 Ceramics via Formation of Solid‐Solution with Sr2Bi4Ti5O18 and ZnSnO3 Oxides
Authors: Venkatadri Kolleti , Zarena Dudekula
Published: May 2024

In the present investigation, magnetic and dielectric properties of solid‐solution formed between the YFeO3 with the similar crystal structure of other oxide materials are focused on. Orthorhombic crystal structure of YFeO3 (YFO), Sr2Bi4Ti5O18 (SBT), and ZnSnO3 (ZS) nanomaterials are considered to prepare the solid solutions at 1150 °C/3 h. YFO and solid solutions exhibit the orthorhombic crystal structure, which is conformed through Rietveld refinement using X‐Ray powder diffraction pattern. The decreased average grain size is observed for the solid solution (3.0 μm for YFO and ZS and 2.6 μm for YFO and SBT) when compared to YFO (3.4 μm) through scanning electron microscopy. Oxidation state of each atom/ion/element present in the YFO and solid solutions are conformed through X‐Ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies. The solid solution formed between the YFO and SBT exhibits high magnetization value (2.92 emu g−1) and high coercive filed (67.5 Oe) when compared to solid solution formed between the YFO and ZS (magnetization value = 2.48 emu g−1, and coercive filed = 46.4 Oe) and YFO (magnetization value = 1.91 emu g−1, and coercive filed = 61.8 Oe). High dielectric permittivity (εr), low dielectric loss (tan δ), and low conductivity are observed for the solid solution formed between the YFO and SBT, when compared to other materials in this study.
Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis of emPHasis‐10: The health‐related quality‐of‐life measure in pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Rawlings Gregg H. , Gaskell Chris , Beail Nigel , Thompson Andrew , Armstrong Iain
Published: May 2024

The emPHasis‐10 is a health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) unidimensional measure developed specifically for adults with pulmonary hypertension. The tool has excellent psychometric properties and is well used in research and clinical settings. Its factor structure has not been examined, which may help to identity a complimentary approach to using the measure to examine patient functioning. We performed an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) on a data set collected from 263 adults with PH recruited from a community setting. The EFA suggested the emPHasis‐10 consists of three underlying latent variables, which based on the loading of items, were termed “fatigue” (Items 3, 4, and 5), “independence” (Items 7, 8, 9, and 10), and “breathlessness” (Items 1, 2, and 6). All factors were found to have good internal consistency. “Independence” accounted for most of the variance (29%), followed by “breathlessness” (22%) and “fatigue” (19%). The CFA looked to confirm the fit of a three‐factor model. A higher‐order model was found to be the best fit consisting of HRQoL as a superordinate factor, for which the association between this factor and the 10 items was mediated through the three latent factors. Further analyses were performed testing the validity of the latent variables revealing all were significantly correlated with self‐reported measures of depression, anxiety, health‐anxiety, and dyspnea. Our analyses support the emPHasis‐10 as a measure of HRQoL, while also proposing the clinical utility of examining the three emergent factors, which could be used to glean additional insight into the respondent's functioning and inform care.
Positive and Negative Effects under Light Illumination in Halide Perovskites
Authors: Zhang Guijun , Wei Qianwen , Ghasemi Mehri , Liu Guangsheng , Wang Juan , Zhou Binjian , Luo Jingjing , Yang Yu , Jia Baohua , Wen Xiaoming
Published: May 2024

Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) have excellent characteristics and present great potential in a broad range of applications such as solar cells, light‐emitting diodes, and photodetectors. However, the light stability of devices remains an unresolved issue and has received great research attention. Under light illumination, MHPs exhibit various anomalous phenomena, such as photoluminescence (PL) enhancement, defect curing, PL blinking, and phase segregation. These phenomena are commonly considered intimately correlated with the performance and stability of MHP devices. In recent years, significant efforts have been made experimentally and theoretically toward understanding the physical origins of these anomalous effects. However, most research focuses on negative effects while the positive effects are mostly ignored. Herein, the positive effects and the negative effects of light soaking in MHPs are systematically discussed with a classification of the correlated physical mechanisms by specifically focusing on variation occurring in timescale from second to hour, corresponding to the unique ionic–electronic interaction. This intends to provide a new insight into ion effects on excellent properties of perovskites, and deep physical understanding of charge‐carrier and ion dynamics in perovskite, and theoretical guidelines for the fabrication of high‐quality and stability perovskite‐based photovoltaic and photoelectric devices.