bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of Bi2O3/TiO2–Montmorillonite Nanocomposites and Their Applications to the Photodegradation of Pentachlorophenol
Authors: Boumahdi Nacéra , Hadj-Ziane-Zafour Amel , Yaiche-Achour Hafsa , Khalaf Hussein
Published: November 2021

In the past decades, there has been a growing tendency to study the different techniques that can increase the photocatalytic efficiency as well as recyclability of new products “photocatalysts” for water treatment. In this last research the effect of bismuth addition to titanium was investigated. Bi/Ti-pillared montmorillonites have been prepared from natural Algerian bentonite exactly from deposits of Maghnia situated in the west side of the country. These nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) methods, and Fourier Transformed Infrared (FT-IR). The photocatalytic activities have been tested for the removal of pentaclorophenol (PCP) in water. The effect of preparation conditions, the pH of the solution and photocatalysts concentration, on these activities has been investigated. It was found that the photocatalytic degradation increase by addition of bismuth in pillaring process. The Mont-Bi-Ti is shown to be the best photocatalyst in term of photocatalytic activity. Copyright © 2021 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Mood Alterations in the Prodromal Phase of Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
Authors: Wurm Raphael , Klotz Sigrid , Erber Astrid , Gruber Felix , Leitner Stefan , Reichardt Berthold , Stögmann Elisabeth , Schernhammer Eva , Gelpi Ellen , Cetin Hakan
Published: December 2024

Importance

Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD) is a rare, rapidly progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease. Definite sCJD diagnosis can only be made post mortem, and little is known about the prodromal phase of the disease.

Objective

To compare drug prescription patterns before the clinical onset of sCJD between patients and matched controls for exploration of potential risk factors and to assess correlations between drug exposure and sCJD survival.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective analysis was designed as a case-control study, with data collected from January 2013 to December 2020 and analyzed in 2023. Follow-up was available until December 2020. Cases were collected from the Austrian Reference Centre for Human Prion Diseases, which receives all suspected cases at a national level in Austria. The analyses were conducted at a single center. Patients with autopsy-confirmed sCJD were linked with insurance claims data, and a minimum of 10 control individuals were matched by sex, age at onset, and area of residence for each patient with sCJD.

Exposure

Medication prescribed to 10% or more of the cohort with sCJD up to 5 years before symptom onset or the matching date in the control cohort.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Drug prescription before symptom onset or the matching date was compared between patients with sCJD and controls using conditional regression, and prescriptions in the cohort with sCJD were assessed for correlation with survival using Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

A total of 129 patients with sCJD (median [IQR] age, 68.9 [62.4-75.5] years; 67 female [51.9%]) and 1350 controls (median [IQR] age, 69.0 [62.2-75.3] years; 700 female [51.9%]) were included. As compared with controls, patients with sCJD were found to have significantly higher odds of being prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in the year preceding disease onset (odds ratio, 2.86; 95% CI, 1.63-4.95; P < .001). SSRI prescription rates started to increase 3 years before symptom onset in the cohort with sCJD.

Conclusions and Relevance

Results of this case-control study provide evidence for prodromal mood alterations as early as 3 years before symptom onset in patients with sCJD. Although sCJD remains an extremely rare cause of mood alterations, increased vigilance for neurodegenerative diseases in this setting could eventually help to extend the diagnostic window.
Expanding molecular and clinical spectrum of CPT1C‐associated hereditary spastic paraplegia (SPG73)—a case series
Authors: Brooks Alexandra K. , Quiroz Vicente , Schierbaum Luca , Tam Amy , Alecu Julian E. , Ebrahimi‐Fakhari Darius
Published: December 2024

Autosomal‐dominant variants in the CPT1C gene have been associated with hereditary spastic paraplegia type 73 (SPG73), which typically presents with slowly progressive lower limb weakness and spasticity and is therefore considered a pure form of hereditary spastic paraplegia. However, we report two unrelated males with novel CPT1C variants (NM_001199753.2: patient 1: c.2057_2061del (p.Ile686SerfsTer8) and patient 2: c.2020‐1G>C (p.?)) who presented with lower limb spasticity at 4 and 3 years old, respectively. Both patients also experienced significant cognitive impairment, seizures, or neurobehavioral symptoms. These cases illustrate a broader and more complex clinical spectrum of SPG73, extending beyond the traditionally recognized pure motor symptoms.
Regenerated Cellulose/Lignin Composite Aerogel with Unique Toast‐Like Structure and Their Potential Applications in Thermal Camouflage
Authors: Huang Zhiyu , Tong Aixin , Xing Tonghe , He Annan , Luo Yuxin , Zhang Yu , Wang Mengqi , Qiao Sijie , Shi Zhicheng , Chen Fengxiang , Xu Weilin
Published: December 2024

Camouflage clothing and cloaks are widely used in the military field. However, the widespread use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) equipped with infrared thermal imaging devices has rendered traditional camouflage ineffective in the face of its unparalleled detection capabilities in modern warfare. Inspired by the enhancement principles of cellulose and lignin in natural wood, the interfacial engineering of biomineralization, and the scale structure of pangolins, herein, a regenerated cellulose/lignin composite aerogel with a toast‐like structure by integrating all three biomimetic techniques into a single biomimetic design is developed. The unique toast‐like structure allows effective protection of the internal porous structure during surface modification. The prepared composite aerogel not only exhibits excellent mechanical properties but also demonstrates a desert sand‐like color, superior thermal insulation, and effective infrared blocking capabilities, highlighting its potential in thermal camouflage applications. This work proposes a green method for preparing regenerated cellulose composite aerogel sheets, which is expected to provide a design concept for the preparation, functionalization, and application of regenerated cellulose aerogel materials. In addition, factors such as the generalizability of the study, environmental impacts, and economic benefits are discussed.
Confined In Situ Synthesis of Uniformly Distributed Mixed Matrix Membranes via Solvent Evaporation for Efficient CO₂ Capture
Authors: Li Zhiying , Li Haotong , Jin Chuanlong , Li Jianbo , Bao Junjiang , Zhang Xiaopeng , Zhang Ning , He Gaohong , Chen Cong , Song Yongchen
Published: December 2024

The fabrication of polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs)‐based mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) is an effective strategy to combine the superior selectivity of porous nanofillers and the high gas permeability of PIMs, which is expected to be a new generation of membrane for efficient CO2 capture. However, the aggregation and sedimentation of the nanofillers along with their insufficient interfacial compatibility with PIMs matrix often result in uncontrollable defects and non‐selective voids among the polymer matrix, which seriously deteriorate the anticipated gas separation performance. For the first time, this work proposes a “solvent‐evaporation‐induced‐confinement” strategy for in situ growth of zeolitic imidazole framework‐90 (ZIF‐90) nanofillers throughout amidoxime‐functionalized PIM‐1 (AOPIM‐1) matrix. The defect‐free microporous membrane exhibits a uniform distribution of highly loaded nanofillers with excellent PIMs‐MOF interfacial compatibility. The optimized AOPIM‐1/ZIF‐90 (AO/ZIF) MMM exhibits an exceptional CO2 separation performance with the CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4 selectivity of 42.08 and 71.25, respectively, and a CO2 gas permeability of 1719.1 Barrer. In addition, in situ preparation of ZIF‐8 and ZIF‐67 nanofillers among the AOPIM‐1 matrix further confirms the versatility of the proposed “solvent‐evaporation‐induced‐confinement” strategy. The proposed strategy presents a versatile approach to achieve tunable growth of MOF nanofillers for the preparation of high‐performance PIMs‐based MMMs for carbon capture.
Laser Derived Co1Ni1@MOF with Efficient Charge Exchanges Boosting Selective Catalytic Hydrogenation
Authors: Wang Jiulong , Ren Lanxing , Kong Yan , Shuang Yazhou , Ye Qian , Hong Chunxia , Wang Shiyuan , Ma Zelin , Wang Fang , Jian Jie , Fan XiaoLi , Song Lijuan , Cao Tengfei , Wang Hongqiang
Published: December 2024

Metal–organic framework (MOF) catalysts promise selective hydrogenation of C═O bonds, a process that is thermodynamically unfavorable because of the presence of C─O, C═C, and C─C bonds within furan rings. However, the reactivity and stability of MOF are often impeded in catalytic reactions by structural collapse or phase transition stemming from commonly employed strategies such as defect engineering. The present work investigates a novel strategy for designing highly active Co₁Ni₁@UiO‐66‐NH₂ catalysts by embedding Co₁Ni₁ within the UiO‐66‐NH₂ framework. This approach facilitates efficient charge transfer between the reactants and the catalysts, thereby preserving both reactivity and structural integrity. The turnover frequency of Co1Ni1@UiO‐66‐NH2 is 430 h⁻¹, in contrast to 18 h⁻¹ of UiO‐66‐NH2, demonstrating that the transfer hydrogenation activity of Co1Ni1@UiO‐66‐NH2 is 24 times greater than that of UiO‐66‐NH2. More importantly, the reaction rate achieves 7.27 mol g⁻¹ h⁻¹, with a furfuryl alcohol (FOL) yield of 100%, and the Co₁Ni₁@UiO‐66‐NH₂ catalyst retains its excellent catalytic activity even after eight cycles of applications. Density functional theory calculations indicate that, in comparison to UiO‐66‐NH₂, Co‐ and Ni@UiO‐66‐NH₂, Co₁Ni₁@UiO‐66‐NH₂ exhibits relatively strong interactions and significant charge exchanges between reactants and catalysts. These interactions not only facilitate the dehydrogenation of isopropanol but also enhance the hydrogenation of furfural. Furthermore, the density of states reveals a greater number of states near the Fermi level in Co1Ni1@UiO‐66‐NH2 compared to Co‐ and Ni@UiO‐66‐NH2, and thereby facilitates the substantial charge exchanges and efficient catalytic performance of Co1Ni1@UiO‐66‐NH2.
Rejuvenation Modulation of Nucleus Pulposus Progenitor Cells Reverses Senescence‐Associated Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Authors: Zhao Da‐wang , Zhang Jing , Chen Chen , Sun Weiyi , Liu Ying , Han Maosen , Zhang Yulin , Fu Zhipeng , Shi Chongdeng , Zhao Xiaotian , Yang Zhenmei , Tang Chunwei , Zhao Kun , Zhu Danqing , Zhang Yuankai , Cheng Lei , Jiang Xinyi
Published: December 2024

The decreased regeneration potential of aging nucleus pulposus resident progenitor cells (NPPCs) fails to resist intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD), and strategies to remodel the regeneration capacity of senescent NPPC are urgently needed. A decrease in Klotho gene expression in NPPCs of both old mice and humans exacerbates the impaired regenerative functionality of NPPC. Here, an NPPC‐targeted lipid thymine nanoparticle (NT‐LNP) is reported for the in situ manipulation of the regenerative repair potential of NPPCs, restoration of degenerated nucleus pulposus tissue, and mitigation of IVDD. Specifically, the results showed that the in‐house customized lipid nanoparticles efficiently introduced Klotho circular ribonucleic acid (circRNA) into NPPCs to engender a renascent phenotype and tuned the balance of extracellular matrix synthesis/catabolism in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, an intradiscal injectable hydrogel system that scavenges chemokines (MCP1 and IL8) in tandem with NPPCs rejuvenated NT‐LNPs in the IVD, modulating the inflammatory environment and synergistically promoting the regeneration of degenerated intervertebral discs. In summary, the findings establish that NPPCs can be re‐engineered to be youthful and pluripotent to maintain homeostasis and rejuvenation, thereby providing a reversible treatment strategy for IVDD with broad application in other senescence‐related diseases.
An Adaptable Structure of Metal‐Organic Framework Glass Interlayer Enables Superior Performance in Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Jiang Zhenjing , Zhang Yanfei , Ravnsbæk Dorthe Bomholdt , Gao Chengwei , Christensen Nanna Bjerre , Cui Fuhan , Pan Rui , Luo Kailin , Zhang Guoju , Zhang Wei , Lei Shuangying , Sun Litao , He Guanjie , Yin Kuibo , Yue Yuanzheng
Published: December 2024

The practical application of safe and cost‐effective aqueous zinc‐ion batteries is enhanced by the metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), which possess tunable porous structures and chemical compositions that can facilitate the desolvation and transport of Zn2+ ions at the anode interface. However, ensuring the structural stability and operational life of crystalline MOFs in batteries remains a challenge. Here, a breakthrough is presented in tackling this dilemma. A MOF glass interlayer, specifically the ZIF‐62 glass interlayer, is designed and fabricated for the Zn anode. The integration of this interlayer endows the Zn anode with a remarkable cyclic lifespan. It also achieves outstanding cyclability in Zn||MnO2 full‐cell with limited Zn excess, showing no capacity decay after 600 cycles at 0.5 A g−1, and in a Zn||iodine pouch battery with a mass loading of 12.85 mg cm−2. This superior cyclicity is attributed to the ease of distortion of Zn[ligand]4 tetrahedra and the reduced likelihood of disconnection between adjacent tetrahedra within the glass interlayer, as compared to its crystalline counterpart. The unique structure of ZIF‐62 glass provides an increased degree of configurational freedom, allowing it to withstand mechanical stress and extend the Zn2+ ion diffusion pathway. This ensures high cycling stability and rapid interfacial diffusion kinetics.
A Universal Strategy to Mitigate Microphase Separation via Cellulose Nanocrystal Hydration in Fabricating Strong, Tough, and Fatigue‐Resistant Hydrogels
Authors: Wang Siheng , Yu Zhengyang , Sun Xia , Panahi‐Sarmad Mahyar , Yang Pu , Zhu Penghui , Zhu Yeling , Liu He , Jiang Feng
Published: December 2024

As a common natural phenomenon, phase separation is exploited for the development of high‐performance hydrogels. Using supersaturated salt to create microphase‐separated hydrogels with strengthened mechanical properties has gained widespread attention. However, such strengthened hydrogel loses its intrinsic flexibility, making the phase separation strategy unsuitable for the fabrication of stretchable and tough hydrogels. Here, a phase‐engineering design strategy is introduced to produce stretchable yet tough hydrogels using supersaturated NaAc salt, by leveraging the hydration effect of cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) to mitigate microphase separation. The CNC‐mitigated microphase‐separated hydrogel presents unprecedented mechanical properties, for example, tensile strength of 1.8 MPa with a fracture strain of 4730%, toughness of 43.1 MJ m−3, fracture energy of 75.4 kJ m−2, and fatigue threshold up to 3884.7 J m−2. Furthermore, this approach is universal in synthesizing various microphase separation‐enhanced polymer gels, including polyacrylic acid, poly(acrylic acid‐co‐acrylamide), gelatin, and alginate. These advancements provide insights into the incorporation of CNC‐mediated microphase separation structures in hydrogels, which will foster the future development of high‐performance soft materials.
Fluorine‐Free, Auger‐Resistive, and UV‐Emitting MXene Quantum Dots
Authors: Sharbirin Anir S. , Fadli Afrizal L. , Ariffin Annas S. , Tran Trang Thu , Lee Hyoyoung , Duong Dinh Loc , Kim Jeongyong
Published: December 2024

MXene quantum dots (MQDs), in contrast to their precursor metallic MXenes, display photoluminescence (PL), and with the advantages of non‐toxicity, ease of synthesis, and low cost, they are promising quantum materials for optoelectronic and photonic devices. However, as‐synthesized MQDs suffer from low quantum yield (QY) and a large Stokes shift, limiting efficient UV emission, and are subject to Auger recombination, that is, a severe decline of QY and PL lifetime with increasing exciton density. Here, fluorine‐free Ti2N MQDs are synthesized using a single‐step solvothermal process, which emits UV light of a peak wavelength of 370 nm with a greatly improved QY of 17.4%, and superior resistance to Auger recombination. Band structure calculations and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements indicate that Ti2N MQDs synthesized by using the solvothermal process are free of fluorine which is normally prevalent on the surfaces of MQDs prepared by an ordinary hydrothermal process. The results shed light on the mechanism of improving QY and mitigating Auger recombination of MQDs helping their practical applications, especially for photonic devices in the UV range.
Lanthanides‐Induced Enhancement in Self‐Trapped Excitons Emission and Anti‐Thermal Quenching of Cs2KInCl6 for Highly Sensitive Optical Thermometry
Authors: Liu Yihan , Zhang Zhichao , Mao Yingjie , Liu Kai , Xu Denghui , Liu Dan , Li Xiong , Zhou Jun
Published: December 2024

Doping lanthanide ions in double perovskites (DPs) offers a promising approach to tailor optical and optoelectronic properties for versatile applications. However, achieving efficient and thermal stable DPs remains a significant challenge. In this paper, a series of Cs2KInCl6:Yb3+,Er3+ DPs with a negative thermal quenching behavior and high sensitivity are fabricated. The intrinsic luminescence properties of Cs2KInCl6 are studied with a broad intrinsic self‐trapped excitons (STEs) emission peak at 500 nm, which can be enhanced by doping Er3+ ions accompanied with greater distortion of the [InCl6]3− octahedrons as well as multiple characteristic emission modes of Er3+ under ultraviolet and near‐infrared excitation. Notably, the addition of sensitizer Yb3+ ions leads to the enhanced up‐conversion emission of Er3+ (up‐conversion quantum yield up to 1.66%), anti‐thermal quenching performance brought by the phonon‐assisted energy transfer up‐conversion process, as well as high sensitivity and reproducibility based on fluorescence intensity ratio technology. This work provides an effective strategy to enhance the STEs emission of DPs and achieve efficient optical temperature sensors through lanthanide ions doping.
Structural Repair of Reduced Graphene Oxide Promoted by Single‐Layer Graphene
Authors: Guo Minghao , Yuan Hong , Ni Kun , Ye Chuanren , Pan Fei , Xiong Juan , Zhu Yanwu
Published: December 2024

High‐temperature graphitization of graphene oxide (GO) is a crucial step for enhancing interlayer stacking and repairing the in‐plane defects of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) films. However, the fine control of the structural repair and reducing the energy consumption in thermal treatment remain challenges. In this study, ab‐initio molecular dynamics simulations combined with experiments are used to investigate the structural evolution of rGO upon thermal annealing, with or without the presence of single‐layer graphene (SLG). It is found that the SLG promotes the repair of the carbon honeycombed matrix and alleviates the release of carbon‐containing groups during graphitization. Further electronic analysis reveals the crucial role of charge transfer from SLG to defective graphene in strengthening the C─C bonds. The result of Raman spectroscopy matches with the simulation, demonstrating an improved repairing degree of rGO upon contacting with SLG. This study provides a deeper understanding of the graphitization and repair mechanism of rGO, which may be useful for the highly efficient preparation of high‐quality graphene films.
Combined Blockade of Lipid Uptake and Synthesis by CD36 Inhibitor and SCD1 siRNA Is Beneficial for the Treatment of Refractory Prostate Cancer
Authors: Chen Jiyuan , Yu Xiaoyan , Yang Gang , Chen Xueying , Gong Chunai , Han Lu , Wang Yujie , Wang Rong , Wang Lei , Yuan Yongfang
Published: December 2024

Drug resistance is an important factor for prostate cancer (PCa) to progress into refractory PCa, and abnormal lipid metabolism usually occurs in refractory PCa, which presents great challenges for PCa therapy. Here, a cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) inhibitor sulfosuccinimidyl oleate sodium (CD36i) and stearoyl‐CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) siRNA (siSCD1) are selected to inhibit lipid uptake and synthesis in PCa, respectively. To this end, a multiresponsive drug delivery nanosystem, HA@CD36i‐TR@siSCD1 is designed. The hyaluronic acid (HA) gel “shell” of HA‐TR nanosystem can release drugs in response to the acidic tumor microenvironment and hyaluronidase, and the tumor targeting (TR) cationic micellar “core” can release drugs in response to glutathione. This multiresponsive drug release is beneficial for the exogenous inhibition of lipid uptake by CD36i and the endogenous inhibition of lipid synthesis by siSCD1. The established HA‐TR nanosystem has good tumor targeting ability and tumor penetration ability, and that HA@CD36i‐TR@siSCD1 has good synergistic effects, which can significantly restrain the growth, invasion, and metastasis of PCa. Moreover, under high‐fat conditions, the tumors are more sensitive to HA@CD36i‐TR@siSCD1 treatment, almost no accumulation of lipid droplets is observed in HA@CD36i‐TR@siSCD1‐treated tumors, with enhanced antitumor immunity. Hence, this study provides a new treatment option for refractory PCa patients, especially those with a high‐fat diet.
TRIM21 Promotes Tumor Growth and Gemcitabine Resistance in Pancreatic Cancer by Inhibiting EPHX1‐Mediated Arachidonic Acid Metabolism
Authors: Fan Xiaona , Dai Yisheng , Mo Chuanfeng , Li Hengzhen , Luan Xindi , Wang Bojun , Yang Jiani , Jiao Guangtao , Lu XiaoLin , Chen Zhuo , Liao Yuanyu , Qu Ling , Yang Huike , Lou Changjie , Liu Chao , Li Zhiwei
Published: December 2024

Pancreatic cancer (PC) progresses rapidly, and gemcitabine‐based chemotherapy has brought only limited efficacy. Identifying key drivers and therapeutic targets holds significant clinical value. In this study, through comprehensive analysis of multiple PC databases, this work identifies TRIM21 as a promising driver mediator. This work further performs loss‐ and gain‐of‐function assays for TRIM21, revealing that TRIM21 knockout inhibits tumor proliferation and gemcitabine resistance both in vitro and vivo. Lipidomics reveal that silencing TRIM21 reduce the arachidonic acid production, and inhibit ferroptosis. Mechanically, through proteomics, ubiquitomics, and liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry analysis, the key metabolic enzyme of arachidonic acid ‐EPHX1 is identified as a downstream substrate of TRIM21. TRIM21 interacts with EPHX1 through its SPRY domain and promotes ubiquitin‐mediated degradation of EPHX1 via K33‐ and K48‐linked ubiquitination at the K105 site. Given the targeting potential, this work screens Bezafibrate to block the interaction between TRIM21 and EPHX1 and validates its sensitizing effect. In summary, TRIM21 promotes tumour growth and gemcitabine resistance in PC by inhibiting EPHX1‐mediated arachidonic acid metabolism. This provides a novel and promising target for clinical treatment of PC.
Relationship Between Dietary Patterns and Blood Pressure During Adolescence: A Longitudinal Analysis From Dados Study
Authors: Fernández‐Galván Luis Miguel , Adelantado‐Renau Mireia , Beltran‐Valls Maria Reyes , Moliner‐Urdiales Diego
Published: December 2024

Background

Previous research in adults has suggested that healthy dietary patterns could be an effective strategy for blood pressure (BP) control. However, during adolescence, the scientific literature examining this relationship is scarce and controversial since inverse and null associations have been reported. Thus, the aim of our study was to analyze the relationship between the level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables at baseline with changes in BP over a two‐year period during adolescence.

Methods

The analyses included 197 adolescents (92 girls) aged 13.9 ± 0.3 years. Adherence to the MD and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables were assessed using the KIDMED questionnaire and a food frequency questionnaire, respectively. BP values were measured using an automatic sphygmomanometer according to standardized procedures.

Results

Adolescents with high adherence levels to the MD, and high consumption of vegetables (but not fruits) at baseline, showed smaller increases in diastolic BP changes over two years (percentage of reduction ranging from ~48% to ~88%, all p < 0.026). No significant relationships were identified in systolic BP over the two‐year period.

Conclusion

Our findings underscore the importance of promoting MD and vegetable consumption to reduce diastolic BP during adolescence, contributing to lowering future cardiovascular risk.
Carbon Dioxide Upgrading to Biodegradable Plastics through Photo/Electro‐Synthetic Biohybrid Systems
Authors: Kuang Min , Li Bingbing , Zhou Linjiao , Huang Zichao , Wu Jing , Wang Shaobin , Yang Jianping
Published: December 2024

The escalating emissions of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) and the pervasive issue of nondegradable plastic pollution underscore dual urgent challenges in pursuit of a sustainable society. Achieving such sustainability in the plastic industry, while effectively addressing these environmental concerns, necessitates the development and implementation of innovative strategies for the synthesis of biodegradable polymers utilizing CO2 as feedstocks. The technologies not only facilitate the mitigation of elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations but also introduce a renewable carbon resource for polymer manufacturing. While considerable research has been undertaken in CO2 upgrading to various C1‐3 products, the production of biodegradable polymers from CO2 remains a formidable challenge. Here, we delineate the principal methodologies for catalytic CO2 upgrading to biodegradable polymers, encompassing photocatalytic‐biological processes and electrocatalytic‐biological approaches. The emphasis of this perspective is on the optimization of production processes and catalyst efficiency, which are paramount in addressing the imperative challenge of decarbonization in the plastic industry, thereby aligning with global environmental sustainability goals.
From moral condemnation to acceptance, compassion and understanding of context: Reflections on practice principles supporting healing in families from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds
Authors: Caveny Katherine , Tipping Susannah , Rezaei Elham , Akimana Septime , Brooks Harrison , Flihan Rima , Khanijou Suphawan (Saakshi) , Kuyang Magdalena , McBride Kathleen , Mitchell Elizabeth , Paulsen Catalina , Mangubat Ruchi , Mufambali Imani Safi , Sakaria Consy
Published: December 2024

Informed by participatory action research methodology, this article adopts a unique collaborative co‐writing process providing a means for practitioners of diverse cultural and professional backgrounds to share and reflect on family work, including but not limited to family therapy, happening across a specialist torture and trauma recovery service. Through exploring historical and contemporary ways of working with families at the Queensland Program of Assistance to Survivors of Torture and Trauma, an agency providing support to people from refugee backgrounds, some common practice principles were identified as well as key theories and frameworks underpinning collective family work. Guiding principles identified include: the need for a systemic lens, flexibility in service delivery, building safety and trusting relationships, cultural humility and valuing lived experience, recognising complexity and avoiding assumptions, and listening and responding to client and community needs. In moving away from moral condemnation, the article underscores the value of thinking systemically and abiding by recognising each family's unique story and the need for culturally sensitive interventions. Ongoing opportunities to connect over practice are considered valuable for practitioners engaged in different types of family work.
Development of pH‐Responsive Hydrogel Excipient From Karaya Gum for Improved Oral Delivery of Donepezil Hydrochloride in Alzheimer's Disease Treatment
Authors: Avvadukkam Jayashree , Kodoth Arun Krishna , Subramani Thency Monnikanda , Bhandari Sukesh Ganesh , Kaiprath Dhyana , Kunhanna Sarojini Balladka , Venugopal Deepa Mugudthi , Raghu Shamprasad Varija
Published: December 2024

The present study focused on fabricating an efficient excipient for donepezil HCl from karaya gum as the base material. The karaya gum was grafted and crosslinked with N‐isopropyl acrylamide and N,N′‐methylene(bis)acrylamide, respectively, using microwave. The successful fabrication of the resulting hydrogel was confirmed and characterized by FTIR, FESEM, and TGA analyses. Remarkably, the synthesized gel exhibited distinct swelling behavior in different pH mediums ranging from 1.2 to 13. As expected, the gel exhibited an impressive 96% release of donepezil, a widely used hydrophilic drug for treating Alzheimer's disease, in a buffer solution of pH 1.2, within a 48‐h timeframe. Kinetic studies further revealed that drug release from the gel aligns with the Higuchi model. Cytotoxicity studies using
Drosophila melanogaster
as a model system showed the biocompatible nature of the excipient. This characteristic highlights its potential application as a drug carrier for the oral delivery of Donepezil HCl in treating Alzheimer's disease.
Vascular‐Associated Mononuclear Phagocytes: First‐Line Soldiers Ambushing Metastasis
Authors: Huang Han‐ying , Zheng Xin‐nan , Tian Lin
Published: December 2024

Mononuclear phagocytes (MPs), which consist of dendritic cells, monocytes, and macrophages, are distributed throughout the body and actively eliminate invading microorganisms and abnormal cells. Depending on the local microenvironment, MPs manifest considerably various lifespans and phenotypes to maintain tissue homeostasis. Vascular‐associated mononuclear phagocytes (VaMPs) are the special subsets of MPs that are localized either within the lumen side or on the apical surface of vessels, acting as the critical sentinels to recognize and defend against disseminated tumor cells. In this review, we introduce three major types of VaMPs, patrolling monocytes, Kupffer cells, and perivascular macrophages, and discuss their emerging roles in immunosurveillance during incipient metastasis. We also explore the roles of lineage‐determining transcription factors and cell surface receptors that endow VaMPs with potent anti‐tumor activity. Finally, we highlight the molecular and cellular mechanisms that drive the phenotypic plasticity of VaMPs and summarize combinatory strategies for targeting VaMPs in overt metastasis.
Ecologic and Economic Evaluation of Combined Methanol Synthesis from CO2 and Biotechnological Upgrading to Value Products. Part 1: Environmental Impact
Authors: Taherkhani Mehran , Hanau Niels , Lehmpfuhl Rebecca , Ehret Ralf
Published: December 2024

The conversion of waste biomass with green hydrogen into methanol and subsequent biotechnological conversion of this into valuable materials could be a promising value chain. Starting from biogenic CO2 and green H2, methanol is produced in a first process path. This is then split into two separate process paths: methanol is used (i) in a biotechnological process with genetically modified bacteria to produce crotonic acid and (ii) to produce biomass protein. To evaluate the ecologically and economic benefits of both biological processes to the conventional production routes, first life cycle assessment and techno‐economic assessment of biotechnological and chemical processes are accomplished. For this, a baseline scenario and several scenarios are calculated to investigate the influence of various parameters on environmental impact and economic efficiency. The results also identify the processes that are mainly responsible for costs and environmental impact, as well as the material, energy and waste flows, and process parameters that cause them. From this, measures and conditions for improving economic efficiency and environmental impact are derived.
Patients with detectable KIT p.D816V in peripheral blood are at high risk for adverse systemic events during venom immunotherapy and treatment failure
Authors: Luzar Ajda Demšar , Otorepec Jakob , Košnik Mitja , Kopač Peter , Šelb Julij , Korošec Peter , Rijavec Matija
Published: December 2024

Background

Recent studies have highlighted the importance of routine screening for the somatic missense KIT p.D816V variant in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL), and its association with severe sting anaphylaxis. Our study aimed to evaluate the clinical relevance of KIT p.D816V detected in PBL on systemic adverse events (SAEs) and the efficacy of venom immunotherapy (VIT).

Methods

This retrospective study included 839 patients receiving VIT. The KIT p.D816V variant was assayed with a highly sensitive, allele‐specific, quantitative PCR.

Results

KIT p.D816V was detected in the PBL of 125 (15%) of 839 VIT patients. The majority (70%, 88/125) of these individuals had normal BST levels. Notably, half of the KIT‐positive patients receiving honeybee venom immunotherapy had SAEs during treatment (48%, 18/37; p = 0.0136), and the KIT p.D816V allele burden was higher than 0.01% in the majority of those patients (61%, 11/18). Furthermore, a significant difference was observed between KIT‐positive and KIT‐negative patients treated with VIT in the past and who experienced a recurrent reaction to a sting after treatment termination (VIT failure). KIT‐positive patients with VIT failure had a higher allele burden than those with successful VIT (80% vs. 40% with a KIT p.D816V higher than 0.01%; p = 0.0019). KIT p.D816V was a predictor of SAEs during honeybee VIT (univariate; OR = 2.43, p = 0.012/multivariate; OR = 2.26, p = 0.033) and a strong predictor of VIT failure in patients treated with wasp venom (univariate; OR = 4.1, p = 0.002/multivariate; OR = 3.54, p = 0.008).

Conclusion

Our study revealed the high clinical relevance of KIT p.D816V detected in PBL. KIT p.D816V was a significant predictor of SAEs during honeybee VIT and a significant predictor of VIT failure after completing wasp VIT.
Pain in Parkinson's disease is impacted by motor complications, anxiety and sleep disturbances
Authors: Rukavina Katarina , Staunton Juliet , Zinzalias Pavlos , Skoric Magdalena Krbot , Poplawska‐Domaszewicz Karolina , Pisani Antonio , Bannister Kirsty , Chaudhuri K Ray
Published: December 2024

Background

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease. Over two thirds of People with Parkinson's (PwP) live with chronic PD‐related pain, but its successful management remains an unmet need. Unrevealing links between pain and other motor and non‐motor symptoms (NMS) of PD may accelerate delivery of much needed precision pain medicine approaches for PwP.

Methods

An exploratory, cross‐sectional analysis of the prospective, observational, multicentre, international study ‘The Non‐motor International Longitudinal, Real‐Life Study in PD ‐ NILS’.

Results

In 109 PwP (41.3% women, age 64.29 ± 9.80 years, disease duration 5.50 (2.44–10.89) years, H&Y stage 2 (1–4), levodopa equivalent daily dose 575.00 (315.00–1004.00) mg), strong correlations were noted between the total burden of PD‐related pain and the total NMS burden (rs = 0.641) and moderate with disturbances of sleep/fatigue (rs = 0.483), cognitive issues (rs = 0.445), motor complications (rs = 0.421), anxiety (rs = 0.441) and depression (rs = 0.451). In a multivariate linear regression analysis, motor complications (B = 2.063, 95% CI for B 1.152–2.974, p < 0.001), sleep disturbances/fatigue (B = 0.392, 95% CI for B 0.064–0.720, p = 0.020) and anxiety (B = 0.912, 95% CI for B 0.165–1.659, p = 0.017) significantly impacted the overall burden of pain.

Conclusions

In PwP, PD‐related pain is significantly impacted by motor complications, anxiety and sleep disturbances. A personalized, tailored approach to management of pain in PwP need to accurately identify and tackle all its interrelated symptoms. Whether successful management of motor complications, anxiety and sleep disturbances may contribute to pain relief in PwP for specified cohorts needs to be a focus of future randomized controlled clinical trials.

Significance statement

This explorative analysis identifies the frequent overlap of chronic pain, motor complications, sleep disturbances and anxiety in Parkinson's disease and could help advance the development of precise and effective pain management strategies tailored to the needs of People with Parkinson's.
Antidune simulations using continuum‐based models
Authors: Escauriaza Cristián , Williams Megan
Published: December 2024

The interactions of supercritical flows with sand or gravel beds in river channels or tidal inlets lead to the formation of antidunes. These bedforms are generally identified as nearly periodic sedimentary patterns of symmetrical shape that are in phase with the surface waves in the flow and have important effects on flow resistance and bedload transport. In addition, they play a fundamental role on morphodynamical processes in estuarine systems, on the scour around hydraulic infrastructure, and their bed signature can help to interpret paleofloods from sedimentary records. Despite the importance and ubiquity of antidunes in environmental flows, very few numerical simulations have captured their dynamics. In this work, we develop a model that couples the shallow‐water and Exner equations in two‐dimensions (2D) and demonstrate that a higher‐level theory can reproduce the experimental antidune results of Pascal et al. (2021), independent of interactions at the particle scale. The flows are characterised by Froude numbers between 1.31 and 1.45, sediment diameters of mm and with 3° mean bed slopes. Using this information, we aim to identify the minimum requirements for a numerical model to capture in detail the migration of these bedforms. We use spectral analysis and compute statistics of bed elevation to determine the relevant temporal and spatial scales associated to the antidune propagation. The results of the model yield new insights on the mechanisms of bedform migration, providing tools to improve their description and assess the morphodynamic feedbacks.
From Economic Policy Uncertainty to Implied Market Volatility: Nothing to Fear?
Authors: Yang Lu
Published: December 2024

This paper investigates the interdependence between economic policy uncertainty (EPU) and implied market volatility using a Bayesian copula network. The results indicate that market‐implied volatilities serve as more reliable forward‐looking indicators of uncertainty compared to newspaper‐based EPU. Through a complex partial wavelet coherence approach, the study further explores the dynamic interdependence between these variables, revealing the specific time‐domain patterns of their effects on economic uncertainty and the conditions under which they can be distinguished as measures of risk aversion and ambiguity aversion. Notably, the findings suggest that, in the short time scales, the media tends to generate ambiguity, contributing to belief divergence among market participants. However, over longer time scales, EPU increasingly reflects economic uncertainty. These insights are valuable for gaining a deeper understanding of the media's role in conveying information and the behavioral traits influencing economic decision‐making.
Prophylactic HPV vaccination in HPV‐related gynecologic cancers: European Society of Gynecological Oncology (ESGO) prevention committee opinion
Authors: Bizzarri Nicolò , Kyrgiou Maria , De Vincenzo Rosa , Zapardiel Ignacio , Razumova Zoia , Taumberger Nadja , Toth Ico , Theofanakis Charalampos , Gultekin Murat , Joura Elmar A.
Published: December 2024

Many clinicians recommend that patients diagnosed with HPV‐related gynecologic cancers receive prophylactic HPV vaccination at the time of cancer diagnosis or after cancer treatment. In view of the large use of such practice, we aimed to assess the literature evidence supporting the use of prophylactic HPV vaccines after diagnosis or treatment of HPV‐related gynecologic cancers. Women who develop HPV‐related cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers represent a subgroup of patients who may be particularly sensitive to HPV infection and re‐acquire infections. The rationale that the use of prophylactic HPV vaccination at the time or after treatment for cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers might reduce the risk of future HPV‐related diseases might be explained by the data coming from the use of HPV vaccination after treatment of pre‐invasive disease; however, the evidence on the use of HPV vaccination in the setting of HPV‐related gynecologic cancers is currently absent. In this context, observational and experimental studies document an important drop in effectiveness of HPV vaccination by age. Physicians should be aware of catch‐up programs in their countries and should be ready to counsel patients about prophylactic HPV vaccine efficacy according to their age. In general, no evidence exists supporting the use of prophylactic HPV vaccine in patients diagnosed with HPV‐related gynecologic cancers; therefore, the European Society of Gynecological Oncology (ESGO) prevention committee opinion is to counsel these patients as any HPV‐related non‐gynecologic cancer (such as anal or oropharyngeal cancer) and non‐cancer patient, suggesting vaccination according to patient's age and prognosis, knowing there is a decrease of efficacy with increasing age. Studies on the use of prophylactic HPV vaccine in patients diagnosed with HPV‐related gynecologic cancers are strongly needed.
Cesarean section: One procedure, varied techniques. Detailed observations of 1013 first cesarean sections in a tertiary hospital in Ghana
Authors: Asah‐Opoku Kwaku , Heesterman Tessa , Zeevaert Mona Lu , Agyabeng Kofi , Browne Joyce L. , Damale Nelson , Grobbee Rick , Nuamah Mercy A. , Bloemenkamp Kitty W. M. , Rijken Marcus J.
Published: December 2024

Objective

Cesarean sections (CS) are among the most performed surgical procedures in the world. Small variations in surgical techniques could have a significant impact on a global scale, for example, in postoperative complications. In the present study we aimed to observe and audit every single step used during first time CS.

Methods

Descriptive cross‐sectional study from January 1, 2018 to January 14, 2020 at a tertiary hospital in Ghana. Techniques used for CS were directly observed and thoroughly documented. Standard descriptive methods were used for data analysis.

Results

Of the 1013 first time CS, 81.4% were emergency procedures. The mean (SD) gestational age at CS was 38.4 ± 3 weeks. Low transverse incision was used in 993/1013 (98%) of cases. Blunt dissection of subcuticular tissue was done in 48/1013 (4.7%), blunt separation of rectus fascia in 386/1013 (38.1%), blunt opening of peritoneum in 838/1013 (82.7%) and lower uterine segment incision with scalpel in 995/1013 (98.2%) women. A total of 916/1013 (90.4%) had double layered uterine closure, 961/1013 (94.9%) had uterus exteriorized for repair, 382/1013 (37.7%) had closure of the peritoneum, 655/1013 (64.7%) had non‐closure of the rectus muscle, 677/1013 (66.8%) had subcutaneous tissue closed and 983/1013 (97.0%) had skin closed with subcuticular stitches. There were 493 different combinations of techniques observed performed by 85 surgeons for carrying out a complete first time CS.

Conclusion

There is a wide variety of methods used for first time CS. There is the need for training and retraining on the techniques for CS using evidence‐based guidelines.
Keratinocyte exosomal LOC285194 ameliorates psoriasis by inhibiting the differentiation of CD4+T cells to Th17 cells through regulating miR‐211‐5p/SIRT1 axis
Authors: Lin Jin , Cao Yi , Ma Lili , Tao Maocan , Yang Xiaohong
Published: December 2024

Keratinocytes exosome participates in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and exosomes always carry long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) into target cells to function as an essential immune regulator in psoriasis‐related diseases. LncRNA LOC285194 is closely associated with the occurrence of psoriasis. However, whether keratinocyte exosomal LOC285194 participates in the process of psoriasis remains vague. Exosomes were authenticated by transmission electron microscope and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). Relative gene expression was determined by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Flow cytometry was used to monitor the proportion of immune cells. Fluorescence in situ hybridization was employed to determine the colocalization of lncRNA and miRNA. Keratinocyte exosomal LOC285194 was reduced in psoriasis patients and had a negative association with Th17 cell infiltration in psoriasis patients. LOC285194‐downregulation contributed to the differentiation of CD4+T cells to Th17 cells. Cytokine cocktail treatment reduced LOC285194 expression in keratinocytes and keratinocyte exosome, subsequently promoted the differentiation of CD4+T cells to Th17 cells and Th17 cells‐related molecular levels including IL‐17A, IL‐22 and TNF‐α, which were notably abrogated by LOC285194‐upregulation in keratinocytes. As a sponge of LOC285194, miR‐211‐5p inhibition induced the increase of Th17 cell proportion in CD4+T cells, while exosomes treatment isolated from cytokine cocktail‐exposed keratinocytes further enhanced Th17 cell proportion, which were abolished by LOC285194 overexpressed‐exosome treatment. Furthermore, silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) mediated the regulation role of miR‐211‐5p on Th17 cell production. Combined with the imiquimod‐induced psoriasis animal model, exosomes isolated from LOC285194‐overexpressing keratinocytes relieved psoriasis symptom through regulating miR‐211‐5p/SIRT1 axis. LOC285194 upregulation in keratinocytes promoted the keratinocyte exosomal LOC285194, that could be absorbed by CD4+T cells, leading to the inhibition of Th17 cell differentiation through targeting miR‐211‐5p/SIRT1 axis. This study provides a novel molecular mechanism of Th17 cell accumulation‐mediated psoriasis.
Integration of Optical Coherence Tomography Images and Real‐Life Clinical Data for Deep Learning Modeling: A Unified Approach in Prognostication of Diabetic Macular Edema
Authors: Atik Muhammed Enes , Kocak İbrahim , Sayin Nihat , Bayramoglu Sadik Etka , Ozyigit Ahmet
Published: December 2024

The primary ocular effect of diabetes is diabetic retinopathy (DR), which is associated with diabetic microangiopathy. Diabetic macular edema (DME) can cause vision loss for people with DR. For this reason, deciding on the appropriate treatment and follow‐up has a critical role in terms of curing the disease. Current artificial intelligence (AI) approaches focus on OCT images and may ignore clinical, laboratory, and demographic information obtained by the specialist. This study presents a novel deep learning (DL) framework for evaluating the visual outcome of the TREX anti‐VEGF intravitreal injection regimen. DL models are trained to extract deep features from OCT and ILM topographic images and the obtained deep features are combined with patients' demographic, clinical, and laboratory findings to predict the direction of the treatment process. When the ResNet‐18 network is used, the proposed DL framework is able to predict the prognosis status of patients with the highest accuracy.