bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adenine methylation is very scarce in the drosophila genome and not erased by the Ten Eleven Translocation dioxygenase
Authors: Boulet Manon , Gilbert Guerric , Renaud Yoan , Schmidt-Dengler Martina , Plantié Emilie , Bertrand Romane , Nan Xinsheng , Jurkowski Tomasz , Helm Mark , Vandel Laurence , Waltzer Lucas
Published: December 2023

N6-methyladenine (6mA) DNA modification has recently been described in metazoans, including in drosophila, for which the erasure of this epigenetic mark has been ascribed to the Ten Eleven Translocation (TET) enzyme. Here, we re-evaluated 6mA presence and TET impact on drosophila genome. Using axenic or conventional breeding conditions, we found traces of 6mA by LC-MS/MS and no significant increase in 6mA levels in the absence of TET, suggesting that this modification is present at very low levels in the drosophila genome but not regulated by TET. Consistent with this latter hypothesis, further molecular and genetic analyses showed that TET does not demethylate 6mA but acts essentially in an enzymatic-independent manner. Our results call for further caution concerning the role and regulation of 6mA DNA modification in metazoans and underline the importance of TET non-enzymatic activity for fly development.
The Margins Matter
Authors: Waltman Belinda
Published: December 2023

In this narrative medicine essay, an internist illustrates how working class patients juggle their health care needs−whether to eat, pay rent, or lose wages—before illness or pain propels them to see a clinician.
Change in Epidemiology of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease in the US, 2007-2020
Authors: Crane Matthew A. , Nair-Desai Sameer , Gemmill Alison , Romley John A. , Probasco John C.
Published: December 2023

This cross-sectional study uses Centers for Disease Control and Prevention multiple cause of death data to examine recent US trends in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.
Trends in Age and Disease Severity in Children Hospitalized With RSV Infection Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Garcia-Maurino Cristina , Brenes-Chacón Helena , Halabi Katia C. , Sánchez Pablo J. , Ramilo Octavio , Mejias Asuncion
Published: December 2023

This cohort study evaluates respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)–related hospitalizations and disease severity from 2012 to 2023 in children younger than 5 years.
A Universal Superhydrophobic‐Ionophilic Interfacial Strategy for Cycling Stable Aqueous Zinc Metal Electrodes under Low Current Density
Authors: Xu Xiaoyun , Li Songmei , Yan Huibo , Du Juan , Yang Shubin , Li Bin
Published: December 2023

A key challenge to apply aqueous zinc‐metal batteries (AZMBs) as next‐generation energy storage devices is to eliminate the adverse reactions of hydrogen evolution, especially in low current. Here, superhydrophobic and ionophilic artificial solid electrolyte interface (HI‐SEI) on zinc anode is proposed and constructed by enhancing roughness and etching ion channels in universal polysiloxane polymer backbones. The HI‐SEI exhibits superhydrophobicity with high contact angle of 151.5° and ionophilicity with low activation energy of 23.97 kJ mol−1. Thus, the HI‐SEI isolates Zn metal and solvent water and promotes desolvation kinetics of Zn2+. Besides, the HI‐SEI alters the double electric layer structure to form a compact layer hardly any adsorbed solvent water, achieving a small nucleation overpotential of 5 mV and low self‐corrosion current density of 0.95 µA cm−2. Moreover, a symmetric cell with HI‐SEI@Zn anode has a cycle life of >1330 h at low current of 0.1 mA cm−2. And a full cell with HI‐SEI@Zn anode and NaV3O8‐1.5H2O cathode provides long cycle life and low capacity degradation (180 mAh g−1 after 1100 cycles). Hopefully, SEI designs based on such a strategy will be able to improve the low‐current cycling performance of the next‐generation AZMBs.
A Smart DNA Nanoassembly Containing Multivalent Aptamers Enables Controlled Delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 for Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Lv Zhaoyue , Li Zhemian , Zou Shaolan , Li Peiran , Song Nachuan , Zhang Rui , Xu Mengdi , Liu Mingxing , Li Fengqin , Li Junru , Liu Peifeng , Yao Chi , Yang Dayong
Published: December 2023

CRISPR/Cas9 system is promising for the reversal of tumor immunosuppression in immunotherapy, but the controlled delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 remains challenging. Herein, the study reported a smart DNA nanoassembly containing multivalent aptamers, realizing the controlled delivery of Cas9/sgRNA ribonucleoprotein (RNP) for enhanced cancer immunotherapy. A single‐stranded DNA complementary to sgRNA in the Cas9/sgRNA RNP can initiate a cascade‐clamped hybridization chain reaction (C‐HCR) to wrap the Cas9/sgRNA RNP up in the DNA nanoassembly. After selective internalization of DNA nanoassembly by cancer cells, Cas9/sgRNA RNP is released to cytoplasm in response to endogenous RNase H and enters the nuclei to knock out β‐catenin. The expression of the programmed death‐ligand one gene is effectively suppressed, and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment is reprogrammed. Meanwhile, the migration of cancer cells is inhibited, and the apoptosis of cancer cells is promoted. In a breast cancer mouse model, the administration of DNA nanoassembly effectively increased the infiltration of CD8+ T cells, eventually achieving high therapeutic efficacy.
Self‐Assembled Multilayered Coatings with Multiple Cyclic Self‐Healing Capability, Bacteria Killing, Osteogenesis, and Angiogenesis Properties on Magnesium Alloys
Authors: Zhao Yanbin , He Peng , Yao Junyan , Li Mei , Bai Jing , Xue Feng , Chu Chenglin , Cong Yu , Chu Paul K.
Published: December 2023

Self‐healing coatings improve the durability of magnesium (Mg) implants, but rapid corrosion still poses a challenge in the healing stage. Moreover, Mg‐based materials with acceptable bacteria killing, osteogenic and angiogenic properties are challenging in biomedical applications. Herein, the self‐healing polymeric coatings are fabricated on Mg alloys using the spin‐assisted layer‐by‐layer (SLbL) assembly of hyaluronic acid (HA) and branched polyethyleneimine (bPEI) followed by chemical crosslinking treatment. The self‐healing coatings show excellent adhesion strength and structure stability. The corrosion resistance is improved due to the physical barrier of polymer coatings, which also promotes the formation of hydroxyapatite (HAp) during degradation for further protection of Mg substrate. Owing to the dynamic reversible hydrogen bonds existing between HA and bPEI, the crosslinked multilayered coatings possess fast, substantial, and cyclic self‐healing capabilities leading to restoration of the original structure and functions. In vitro investigations reveal that the self‐healing coatings have multiple functionalities pertaining to bacteria killing, cytocompatibility, osteogenesis, as well as angiogenesis. In addition, the self‐healing coatings stimulate alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP), extracellular matrix (ECM) mineralization, and the expression of osteogenesis‐related genes of mBMSCs and HUVECs. This study reveals a feasible strategy to design and prepare versatile self‐healing coatings on Mg implants for biomedical applications.
Contact Pressure‐Guided Wearable Dual‐Channel Bioimpedance Device for Continuous Hemodynamic Monitoring
Authors: Namkoong Myeong , McMurray Justin , Branan Kimberly , Hernandez Joanna , Gandhi Mishika , Ida‐Oze Samuel , Cote Gerard , Tian Limei
Published: December 2023

Wearable devices for continuous monitoring of arterial pulse waves have the potential to improve the diagnosis, prognosis, and management of cardiovascular diseases. These pulse wave signals are often affected by the contact pressure between the wearable device and the skin, limiting the accuracy and reliability of hemodynamic parameter quantification. Here, a continuous hemodynamic monitoring device that enables the simultaneous recording of dual‐channel bioimpedance and quantification of pulse wave velocity (PWV) and blood pressure (BP) is reported. The investigations demonstrate the effect of contact pressure on bioimpedance and PWV. The pulsatile bioimpedance magnitude reached its maximum when the contact pressure approximated the mean arterial pressure of the subject. PWV is employed to continuously quantify BP while maintaining comfortable contact pressure for prolonged wear. The mean absolute error and standard deviation of the error compared to the reference value are determined to be 0.1 ± 3.3 mmHg for systolic BP, 1.3 ± 3.7 mmHg for diastolic BP, and −0.4 ± 3.0 mmHg for mean arterial pressure when measurements are conducted in the lying down position. This research demonstrates the potential of wearable dual‐bioimpedance sensors with contact pressure guidance for reliable and continuous hemodynamic monitoring.
Discovery of PRDM16‐Mediated TRPA1 Induction as the Mechanism for Low Tubulo‐Interstitial Fibrosis in Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Xu Fang , Jiang Hongwei , Li Xiaozhou , Pan Jian , Li Huiling , Wang Luxiang , Zhang Pan , Chen Junxiang , Qiu Shuangfa , Xie Yuxin , Li Yijian , Zhang Dongshan , Dong Zheng
Published: December 2023

The pathogenesis of Diabetic kidney disease(DKD) involves pathological changes in both tubulo‐interstitium and the glomerulus. Surprisingly, tubulo‐interstitial fibrosis (TIF), does not develop significantly until the late stage of DKD. Here, it is demonstrated that PR domain‐containing 16 (PRDM16) is a key to the low level of TIF in DKD. In the experiments, PRDM16 is upregulated in high glucose‐treated renal tubular cells, DKD mouse kidneys, and renal biopsy of human DKD patients via activation of NF‐κB signal pathway. High glucose‐induced expression of fibrotic proteins in renal tubular cells is suppressed by PRDM16. Mechanistically, PRDM16 bound to the promotor region of Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) to transactivate its expression and then suppressed MAPK (P38, ERK1/2) activation and downstream expression of TGF‐β1. Knockout of PRDM16 from kidney proximal tubules in mice blocked TRPA1 expression and enhanced MAPK activation, TGF‐β1 production, TIF development, and DKD progression, whereas knock‐in of PRDM16 has opposite effects. In addition, overexpression of PRDM16 or its induction by formononetin ameliorated renal dysfunction and fibrosis in db/db diabetic mice. Finally, the above finding are detected in renal biopsies of DKD patients. Together, these results unveil PRDM16/TRPA1 as the mechanism responsible for the low level of TIF in the early stage of DKD by suppressing and TGF‐β1 expression.
Mapping of Spin‐Wave Transport in Thulium Iron Garnet Thin Films Using Diamond Quantum Microscopy
Authors: Timalsina Rupak , Wang Haohan , Giri Bharat , Erickson Adam , Xu Xiaoshan , Laraoui Abdelghani
Published: December 2023

Spin waves, collective dynamic magnetic excitations, offer crucial insights into magnetic material properties. Rare‐earth iron garnets offer an ideal spin‐wave (SW) platform with long propagation length, short wavelength, gigahertz frequency, and applicability to magnon spintronic platforms. Of particular interest, thulium iron garnet (TmIG) has attracted huge interest recently due to its successful growth down to a few nanometers, observed topological Hall effect, and spin‐orbit torque‐induced switching effects. However, there is no direct spatial measurement of its SW properties. This work uses diamond nitrogen‐vacancy (NV) magnetometry in combination with SW electrical transmission spectroscopy to study SW transport properties in TmIG thin films. NV magnetometry allows probing spin waves at the sub‐micrometer scale, seen by the amplification of the local microwave magnetic field due to the coupling of NV spin qubits with the stray magnetic field produced by the microwave‐excited spin waves. By monitoring the NV spin resonances, the SW properties in TmIG thin films are measured as a function of the applied magnetic field, including their amplitude, decay length (≈50 µm), and wavelength (0.8–2 µm). These results pave the way for studying spin qubit‐magnon interactions in rare‐earth magnetic insulators, relevant to quantum magnonics applications.
A New Single‐Electrode Generator for Water Droplet Energy Harvesting with A 3 mA Current Output
Authors: Meng Jie , Zhang Liqiang , Liu Hongmei , Sun Weixiang , Wang Wenqi , Wang Hanchao , Yang Di , Feng Min , Feng Yange , Wang Daoai
Published: December 2023

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) based on water droplets can harvest water kinetic energy using triboelectrification and electrostatic induction mechanisms. However, the development of traditional liquid–solid TENGs (L–S TENGs) is severely limited due to their low‐performance output and high device encapsulation requirements for preparation technology. In this work, a single‐electrode mode droplet‐based TENG (D‐TENG) is devised to effectively harvest water kinetic energy by optimizing the interface contact behavior of droplets, increasing the short‐circuit current (ISC) of one drop of water from microamperes to milliamperes levels. In the D‐TENG configuration, the electrode is positioned above the dielectric rather than at the bottom, allowing efficient utilization of generated friction charges and reducing the dissipation of these charges, thereby enhancing the output performance of the TENG. The influencing factors and operational mechanisms of D‐TENG are studied to obtain optimized working conditions to improve its output performance. Under optimal conditions, the D‐TENG can saturate the charge of the PTFE surface with only 8 droplets, achieving an ISC of up to 3.51 mA and an output voltage (VO) of 298.27 V. This work provides a convenient method for efficiently harvesting water kinetic energy based on interfacial behavior control.
Enhanced Methanol Synthesis over Self‐Limited ZnOx Overlayers on Cu Nanoparticles Formed via Gas‐Phase Migration Route
Authors: Song Tongyuan , Li Rongtan , Wang Jianyang , Dong Cui , Feng Xiaohui , Ning Yanxiao , Mu Rentao , Fu Qiang
Published: December 2023

Supported metal catalysts are widely used for chemical conversion, in which construction of high density metal‐oxide or oxide‐metal interface is an important means to improve their reaction performance. Here, Cu@ZnOx encapsulation structure has been in situ constructed through gas‐phase migration of Zn species from ZnO particles onto surface of Cu nanoparticles under CO2 hydrogenation atmosphere at 450 °C. The gas‐phase deposition of Zn species onto the Cu surface and growth of ZnOx overlayer is self‐limited under the high temperature and redox gas (CO2/H2) conditions. Accordingly, high density ZnOx‐Cu interface sites can be effectively tailored to have an enhanced activity in CO2 hydrogenation to methanol. This work reveals a new route for the construction of active oxide‐metal interface and classic strong metal‐support interaction state through gas‐phase migration of support species induced by high temperature redox reaction atmosphere.
Quantitative N‐ or C‐Terminal Labelling of Proteins with Unactivated Peptides by Use of Sortases and a d‐Aminopeptidase
Authors: Arnott Zoe L. P. , Morgan Holly E. , Hollingsworth Kristian , Stevenson Charlotte M. E. , Collins Lawrence J. , Tamasanu Alexandra , Machin Darren C. , Dolan Jonathan P. , Kamiński Tomasz P. , Wildsmith Gemma C. , Williamson Daniel J. , Pickles Isabelle B. , Warriner Stuart L. , Turnbull W. Bruce , Webb Michael E.
Published: December 2023

Quantitative and selective labelling of proteins is widely used in both academic and industrial laboratories, and catalytic labelling of proteins using transpeptidases, such as sortases, has proved to be a popular strategy for such selective modification. A major challenge for this class of enzymes is that the majority of procedures require an excess of the labelling reagent or, alternatively, activated substrates rather than simple commercially sourced peptides. We report the use of a coupled enzyme strategy which enables quantitative N‐ and C‐terminal labelling of proteins using unactivated labelling peptides. The use of an aminopeptidase in conjunction with a transpeptidase allows sequence‐specific degradation of the peptide by‐product, shifting the equilibrium to favor product formation, which greatly enhances the reaction efficiency. Subsequent optimisation of the reaction allows N‐terminal labelling of proteins using essentially equimolar ratios of peptide label to protein and C‐terminal labelling with only a small excess. Minimizing the amount of substrate required for quantitative labelling has the potential to improve industrial processes and facilitate the use of transpeptidation as a method for protein labelling.
Symmetry Breaking Enhancing the Activity of Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction on an Icosahedron‐Kernel Cluster by Cu Atoms Regulation
Authors: Tan Yesen , Sun Guilin , Jiang Tingting , Liu Dong , Li Qinzhen , Yang Sha , Chai Jinsong , Gao Shan , Yu Haizhu , Zhu Manzhou
Published: December 2023

Recently, CO2 hydrogenation had a new breakthrough resulting from the design of catalysts to effectively activate linear CO2 with symmetry‐breaking sites. However, understanding the relationship between symmetry‐breaking sites and catalytic activity at the atomic level is still a great challenge. In this study, a set of gold‐copper alloy Au13Cux (x=0–4) nanoclusters were used as research objects to show the symmetry‐controlled breaking structure on the surface of nanoclusters with the help of manipulability of the Cu atoms. Among them, Au13Cu3 nanocluster displays the highest degree of symmetry‐breaking on its crystal structure compared with the other nanoclusters in the family. Where the three copper atoms occupying the surface of the icosahedral kernel unevenly with one copper atom is coordinately unsaturated (CuS2 motif relative to CuS3 motif). As expected, Au13Cu3 has an excellent hydrogenation activity of CO2, in which the current density is as high as 70 mA cm−2 (−0.97 V) and the maximum FECO reaches 99 % at −0.58 V. Through the combination of crystal structures and theoretical calculations, the excellent catalytic activity of Au13Cu3 is revealed to be indeed closely related to its asymmetric structure.
Highly Efficient Spatially–Temporally Synchronized Construction of Robust Li3PO4‐rich Solid–Electrolyte Interphases in Aqueous Li‐ion Batteries
Authors: Zhu Xiangzhen , Lin Zejing , Lai Jingning , Lv Tianshi , Lin Ting , Pan Hongyi , Feng Jingnan , Wang Qiyu , Han Shuai , Chen Renjie , Chen Liquan , Suo Liumin
Published: December 2023

Solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) makes the electrochemical window of aqueous electrolytes beyond the thermodynamics limitation of water. However, achieving the energetic and robust SEI is more challenging in aqueous electrolytes because the low SEI formation efficiency (SFE) only contributed from anion‐reduced products, and the low SEI formation quality (SFQ) negatively impacted by the hydrogen evolution, resulting in a high Li loss to compensate for SEI formation. Herein, we propose a highly efficient strategy to construct Spatially‐Temporally Synchronized (STS) robust SEI by the involvement of synergistic chemical precipitation‐electrochemical reduction. In this case, a robust Li3PO4‐rich SEI enables intelligent inherent growth at the active site of the hydrogen by the chemical capture of the OH− stemmed from the HER to trigger the ionization balance of dihydrogen phosphate (H2PO4−) shift to insoluble solid Li3PO4. It is worth highlighting that the Li3PO4 formation does not extra‐consume lithium derived from the cathode but makes good use of the product of HER (OH−), prompting the SEI to achieve 100 % SFE and pushing the HER potential into −1.8 V vs. Ag/AgCl. This energetic and robust SEI offers a new way to achieve anion/concentration‐independent interfacial chemistry for the aqueous batteries.
Synthesis and evaluation of dioctyl 2,5‐thiophenedicarboxylate as a potentially bio‐based plasticizer for poly(vinyl chloride)
Authors: Meng Qingliang , Dong Yunxiao , Yang Yong , Wang Jinggang , Li Juan , Zhu Jin
Published: December 2023

In this work, dioctyl 2,5‐thiophenedicarboxylate (DOT), a potentially bio‐based plasticizer, was synthesized and evaluated as an alternative to traditional petroleum‐based plasticizers. The chemical structure of DOT was confirmed by FTIR and 1H NMR. Besides, its plasticization effect on poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) was investigated in detail, and dioctyl 2,5‐furandicarboxylate (DOF) as well as dioctyl isophthalate (DOIP) with similar chemical structures were used as references. The DMA results showed that the glass transition temperature (Tg) of PVC/DOT, PVC/DOF, and PVC/DOIP was 45.1°C, 33.6°C, and 51.3°C, respectively, indicating that the plasticizing efficiency of DOT was better than that of DOIP but lower than that of DOF. However, the tensile test results exhibited that the elongation at the break of PVC/DOT was higher than that of PVC/DOF, which was attributed to the easy phase separation between DOF and PVC. In addition, DOT displayed the best volatility resistance and exudation resistance among the three plasticizers, attributed to its highest molecular weight. Moreover, the migration loss of DOT in non‐polar solvents was much smaller than that of DOIP because of its stronger molecular polarity. In conclusion, DOT has good potential to replace traditional petroleum‐based plasticizers and be used as a primary plasticizer for PVC.
Novel FSH receptor heterodimer may be related to the high prolificacy of Jintang black goat
Authors: Cao Ye , Zhao Sujun , Chu Mingxing , Di Ran , Liu Yufang , Liu Li , Zhang Xueqin , Qian Shaoping , Zhang Yizheng
Published: December 2023

Follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) is the central hormone of the mammalian reproductive system. It targets the FSH receptor (FSHR), a member of the G protein‐coupled receptor family, to induce the FSH signal transduction. In the highly prolific Jintang black goat, gonadotropin level is not higher than that of Boer goat. However, two isoforms of FSHRs (FSHRA and FSHRB), generated from the alternative splicing of the same primary FSHR transcript, were expressed in the reproductive organs of Jintang black goat simultaneously. The mRNA level of FSHRB is 45.89, 3.80, and 13.81 times greater than that of FSHRA in the hypothalamus, pituitary, and ovary of the Jintang black goat, respectively. We found that FSHRA could interact with FSHRB protein, leading to augment of the FSH signaling transduction pathway. The enhancement of FSH signaling could increase the in vitro oocyte maturation rate. It implied that this might be the important reason for the high prolificacy in Jintang black goat.
Adaptive path planning and tracking system based on model predictive control for autonomous vehicle local obstacle avoidance
Authors: Zhang Lixia , Ge Wuyi , Pan Fuquan , Li Baogang , Zhao Kun
Published: December 2023

Path planning and tracking control are the key technologies of autonomous vehicle. The planned path and tracking results affect driving stability and safety directly. In this paper, an improved local path planning method based on model predictive control is proposed to match the variation of vehicle speed and road adhesion coefficient. A two‐layer model predictive control (MPC) path planning and tracking system is further designed to validate the method and the simulation results show that the proposed solution solves the problem of excessive avoidance and reduces the lateral deviation with the reference path.
Developing nanosize carrier systems for Amphotericin‐B: A review on the biomedical application of nanoparticles for the treatment of leishmaniasis and fungal infections
Authors: Sharifi Neda , Alitaneh Zahra , Asadi Sahar , Vahidinia Zeinab , Aghaei Zarch Seyed Mohsen , Esmaeili Ali , Bagheri‐Mohammadi Saeid , Najafi Sajad , Mazhari Yosra
Published: December 2023

New formulations of Amphotericin‐B (Am‐B), the most popular therapeutic drug for many human infections such as parasitic and fungal pathogens, are safe, economical, and effective in the world. Several newly designed carrier systems for Am‐B can also be considered orally with sufficient gastrointestinal permeability and good solubility. However, the clinical application of several new formulations of Am‐B with organ cytotoxicity, low bioavailability, high costs, and technical problems have caused some issues. Therefore, more attention and scientific design are required to progress safe and effective drug delivery systems. Currently, the application of nano‐based technology and nanomaterials in the advancement of drug delivery systems exhibits promising outcomes to cure many human systemic infections. Designing novel drug delivery systems including solid lipid nanostructured materials, lipo‐polymersomes, drug conjugates and microneedles, liposomes, polymer and protein‐based nanostructured materials, dendrimers, emulsions, mixed micelles, polymeric micelles, cyclodextrins, nanocapsules, and nanocochleate for Am‐B has many advantages to reducing several related issues. The unique properties of nanostructured particles such as proper morphology, small size, surface coatings, and, electrical charge, permit scientists to design new nanocomposite materials against microorganisms for application in various human diseases. These features have made these nanoparticles an ideal candidate for drug delivery systems in clinical approaches to cure a number of human disorders and currently, several therapeutic nanostructured material formulations are under different stages of clinical tests. Hence, this scientific paper mainly discussed the advances in new formulations of Am‐B for the treatment of human systemic infections and related clinical tests.
Anatomic prognostic factors and their potential roles in refining M1 classification for de novo metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Lu Tian‐Zhu , Zeng Fu‐juan , Hu Yu‐Jun , Fang Min , Zhong Fang‐yan , Chen Bi‐juan , Zhang Hao , Guo Qiao‐juan , Pan Jian‐ji , Gong Xiao‐chang , Huang Shao Hui , Liao Zhao‐hui , Xia Yunfei , Li Jin‐gao
Published: December 2023

Background and Purpose

To identify anatomic prognostic factors and their potential roles in refining M1 classification for de novo metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (M1‐NPC).

Materials and Methods

All M1‐NPC treated with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy between 2010 and 2019 from two centers (training and validation cohort) were included. The prognostic value of metastatic disease extent and involved organs for overall survival (OS) were assessed by several multivariable analyses (MVA) models. A new M1 classification was proposed and validated in a separate cohort who received immuno‐chemotherapy.

Results

A total of 197 M1‐NPC in the training and 307 in the validation cohorts were included for M1 subdivision study with median follow‐up of 46 and 57 months. MVA model with “≤2 organs/≤5 lesions” as the definition of oligometastasis had the highest C‐index (0.623) versus others (0.606–0.621). Patients with oligometastasis had better OS versus polymetastasis (hazard ratio [HR] 0.47/0.63) while liver metastases carried worse OS (HR 1.57/1.45) in MVA in the training/validation cohorts, respectively. We proposed to divide M1‐NPC into M1a (oligometastasis without liver metastases) and M1b (liver metastases or polymetastasis) with 3‐year OS of 66.5%/31.7% and 64.9%/35.0% in the training/validation cohorts, respectively. M1a subset had a better median progress‐free survival (not reach vs. 17 months, p < 0.001) in the immuno‐chemotherapy cohort (n = 163).

Conclusion

Oligometastasis (≤2 organs/≤5 lesions) and liver metastasis are prognostic for M1‐NPC. Subdivision of M1‐NPC into M1a (oligometastasis without liver metastasis) and M1b (liver metastasis or polymetastasis) depicts the prognosis well in M1‐NPC patients who received immuno‐chemotherapy.
‘To succeed at work, you just need to work hard’: How beliefs in professional meritocracy serve to blame unemployed people
Authors: Rauscher Charlotte , Louvet Eva , Bourguignon David
Published: December 2023

Unemployed people constitute a stigmatized group. They are perceived as lazy hucksters who could find a job if they just really tried. The aim of the present work was to identify mechanisms underlying this negative perception of unemployment in the context of intergroup relationships. Specifically, we focused on the influence of meritocratic beliefs on the tendency to attribute unemployment to the unemployed individuals themselves. In three experimental studies, participants had to explain the situation of a person presented either as ‘working’ or as ‘looking for a job’. Before this task and in an ostensible unrelated study, meritocratic beliefs were measured. Results showed that participants high in meritocratic beliefs explained unemployment less externally and more internally than participants low in meritocratic beliefs. Interestingly, these differences in causal attributions between high and low meritocratic believers appeared specifically for unemployment in Studies 1 and 2. Taken together, these results suggest that high meritocratic believers tend to consider that unemployed individuals are responsible for their unfortunate situation and have only themselves to blame. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.
Parietin, the Vibrant Natural Dye in Xanthoria parietina
Authors: Mendili Mohamed , Khadhri Ayda , Sabatini Francesca , Degano Ilaria , Aschi‐Smiti Samira
Published: December 2023

The use of natural dyes in several areas is regulated by current European and non‐European legislation, due to various problems with synthetic dyes. The analysis revealed that the lichen studied: Xanthoria parietina has potential natural dye sources and provides bright colors for extraction solvents. Furthermore, dyed wool and toile fabric have good fastness properties in ammonia fermentation and boiling water, both with and without mordants. The sample dyes with Xanthoria parietina were characterized by several analytical techniques: high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC‐DAD) and electrospray ionization with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC‐ESI‐Q‐ToF). As compounds from Xanthoria parietina form a complex with mordants and tissues, it is impossible to identify the molecules responsible for coloring using chromatographic techniques. However, we have evaluated the dyeing power of their major molecule, parietin. To further confirm the coloring power of the isolated parietin molecule, we performed a dye test with pure parietin. Thus, CIALAB analyses have shown parietin is the molecule responsible for the coloring obtained by Xanthoria parietina. The utilization of parietin derived from lichens facilitates the development of sustainable dyes for textile coloring, presenting an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic dyes while simultaneously enriching lichen biodiversity.
Histone globular domain epigenetic modifications: The regulators of chromatin dynamics in malaria parasite
Authors: Jabeena C. A. , Rajavelu Arumugam
Published: December 2023

Plasmodium species adapt a complex lifecycle with multiple phenotypes to survive inside various cell types of humans and mosquitoes. Stage‐specific gene expression in the developmental stages of parasites is tightly controlled in Plasmodium species; however, the underlying mechanisms have yet to be explored. Genome organization and gene expression for each stage of the malaria parasite need to be better characterized. Recent studies indicated that epigenetic modifications of histone proteins play a vital role in chromatin plasticity. Like other eukaryotes, Plasmodium species N‐terminal tail modifications form a distinct “histone code,” which creates the docking sites for histone reader proteins, including gene activator/repressor complexes, to regulate gene expression. The emerging research findings shed light on various unconventional epigenetic changes in histone proteins′ core/globular domain regions, which might contribute to the chromatin organization in different developmental stages of the malaria parasite. The malaria parasite lost many transcription factors during evolution, and it is proposed that the nature of local chromatin structure essentially regulates the stage‐specific gene expression. This review highlights recent discoveries of unconventional histone globular domain epigenetic modifications and their functions in regulating chromatin structure dynamics in various developmental stages of malaria parasites.
A unique presentation of metaplastic breast carcinoma, NOS: A case report
Authors: Mremi Alex , Mwakyembe Theresia Edward , Suleman Mujaheed , Lodhia Jay
Published: December 2023

Key Clinical Message

A rare form of invasive breast carcinoma, NOS, also known as matrix‐producing carcinoma made up of epithelial and mesenchymal components. Usually, they are triple negative and clinically aggressive and respond poorly to neoadjuvant systemic therapy.

Metaplastic breast carcinomas (MBCs) are ductal carcinomas that undergo metaplasia to form nonglandular growth patterns. They are extremely rare, constituting less than 1% of all invasive breast carcinomas. Matrix‐producing carcinoma is an exceedingly rare form of MBC distinguished by a ductal carcinomatous component with direct transition to areas of cartilaginous or osseous differentiation without the presence of an intervening spindle cell element. MBCs are clinically aggressive, but matrix‐producing subtypes have a relatively better prognosis. The tumors are usually triple negative. Therefore, surgery and chemotherapy are the main therapeutic approaches. Our report describes this unique form of MBC with prominent osseous differentiation in a 33‐year‐old female patient. Its distinct histological features and peculiar clinical behavior necessitate a thorough understanding of this one‐of‐a‐kind disease entity.
Photo‐Controllable Ultralong Room‐Temperature Phosphorescence: State of the Art
Authors: Nie Fei , Yan Dongpeng
Published: December 2023

In this concept, we showcase the upsurge in the studies of dynamic ultralong room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP) materials containing inorganic and/or organic components as versatile photo‐responsive platforms. The goal is to provide a comprehensive analysis of photo‐controllable RTP, and meanwhile delve into the underlying RTP properties of various classes of photochromic materials including metal‐organic complexes, organic‐inorganic co‐crystals, purely organic small molecules and organic polymers. In particular, the design principles governing the integration of the photochromic and RTP moieties within a single material system, and the tuning of dynamic RTP in response to light are emphasized. As such, this concept sheds light on the challenges and opportunities of using these tunable RTP materials for potential applications in optoelectronics, particularly highlighting their use of reversible information encryption, erasable light printing and rewritable smart paper.
Aryl‐Bridged Thienonaphthalimides: Synthesis, Characterization and Optoelectronic Properties
Authors: Kulik Leonid V. , Krivenko Olga L. , Nevostruev Danil A. , Kobeleva Elena S. , Kravets Natalia V. , Uvarov Mikhail N. , Molchanov Ivan A. , Dmitriev Alexey A. , Kazantsev Maxim S. , Gatilov Yurii V. , Zinovyev Vladimir A. , Zelentsova Ekaterina A. , Tsentalovich Yuri P. , Degtyarenko Konstantin M. , Baranov Denis S.
Published: December 2023

Three small molecules consisting of thieno‐fused naphthalimide units connected via aromatic linkers were synthesized to study the effect of fused thiophene rings on the properties of naphthalimide‐based molecules. A protocol for the synthesis of thienonaphthalimide‐based molecules without prior preparation and use of thienonaphthalimide precursors and organoelement compounds (organolithium, organotin, or organoboron compounds) was developed. The protocol is based on double thienannulation of bis‐alkyne substrates with sodium sulfide. The thin‐film morphology, photophysical and electrochemical properties of the obtained small molecules were studied. Single‐layer non‐doped organic light‐emitting diodes based on fluorene‐bridged thienonaphthalimide dimer showed yellow emission with luminance of 2200 cd/m2, and current efficiency of 0.35 cd/A. Combination of transient electroluminescence and photo‐CELIV methods allowed to estimate electron and hole mobility in the synthesized compounds; both are in order of 10−6 cm2V−1 s−1.
Photoredox Polychloroalkylation/Spirocyclization of Activated Alkynes via C(sp3)‐H bond Cleavage
Authors: Luo Zhen‐Tao , Zhong Long‐Jin , Zhou Quan , Xiong Bi‐Quan , Tang Ke‐Wen , Liu Yu
Published: December 2023

A novel strategy of visible‐light photoredox catalysis ipso‐annulation of activated alkynes with polychloroalkanes for the synthesis of 3‐polychloroalkyl spiro[4,5]trienones, which used 4‐methoxybenzenediazonium tetrafluoroborate salt as a hydrogen atom transfer reagent, is described. This polychloroalkylation/ spirocyclization of alkynes offers a widely range of 3‐polychloroalkyl‐spiro[4,5]trienone derivatives in high yields with a broad substrate scope via selective C(sp3)‐H homolytic cleavage. The results of controlled experiments showed that this method involves a radical process. The polyhaloalkyl radical species generated from intermolecular hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) between aryl radical and polychloroalkanes.
Electrochemical determination of carbendazim in juice samples using carbon composite electrode modified with ion‐exchange resin
Authors: Papi Maurício A. P. , Bergamini Márcio F. , Marcolino‐Junior Luiz H.
Published: December 2023

This work describes a carbon composite modified electrode (CCME) easily prepared using a simple mixture of a commercial cation exchange resin (Amberlite IR 120H) as modifier, graphite powder and paraffin, which was successfully used for spontaneous preconcentration and voltametric determination of carbendazim (CBZ) in juice samples. Parameters such as amount of resin used in the composition of the electrode, pH and preconcentration time as well as instrumental parameters of differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) were studied. Under optimized conditions, the proposed sensor shows to be able to preconcentrate CBZ at an open circuit potential (OCP) condition and presented the highest analytical response in comparison to the unmodified electrode. An analytical curve was obtained for the CBZ determination employing the proposed CCME and showed a linear dynamic range (LDR) between 80.0 nmol L−1 to 2.0 μmol L−1, with a LOD of 19 nmol L−1 and LOQ of 65 nmol L−1. The effect of concomitants on the voltametric response was evaluated by addition and recovery study and a good selectivity was found. The proposed sensor was successfully applied for the determination of CBZ in spiked mango juice samples without any pretreatment.
Numerical simulations of sand‐screen performance in unconsolidated prepacked gravel screen
Authors: Ma Chengyun , Dou Yihua , Deng Jingen , Hui Cheng , Zhao Kai , Feng Yongcun , Dou Liangbin
Published: December 2023

This work addresses the ongoing challenge of optimizing sand control screens, attributed to a limited understanding of screen blocking. A novel one‐way computational fluid dynamics and discrete element method (CFD–DEM) coupling technique is presented to analyze the structural parameters of unconsolidated prepacked gravel screens (PPGS). CFD–DEM involves systematically investigating the width of the punched slot on the outer protective screen, the size of the gravel, and the efficiency of gravel packing to improve the antiblocking capability of unconsolidated PPGS. Results from numerical simulations reveal that under conditions of effective sand control, the amount of sand entering the gravel layer to the bridge (referred to as the sand pass rate) is positively correlated with the antilocking ability (referred to as oil productivity index) for unconsolidated PPGS. The efficiency of gravel packing has the most substantial effect on the antilocking performance of unconsolidated PPGS. The data suggest that appropriately reducing the efficiency of gravel packing can enhance the antilocking capability of unconsolidated PPGS. To design an unconsolidated PPGS with enhanced antilocking capability, the efficiency of gravel packing be determined first. Then, the gravel size is designed based on this efficiency, and the width relative to the gravel size is decided. This contemporary design principle diverges considerably from previous design principles for gravel‐packed sand control screens. Supporting validation experiments agree with simulation outcomes, suggesting the established one‐way CFD–DEM coupling method in this paper is suitable for analyzing the plugging mechanism of unconsolidated PPGS. Thus, the CFD–DEM coupling method improves the design of such screens for improved antiblocking performance.
Research on the differentiated support technology for roadways based on the mechanical response of the plastic zone
Authors: Fan Lei , Wang Weijun , Yuan Chao , Ma Yujie
Published: December 2023

With the advancement of coal resources mining to the deep part, the control of the surrounding rock of the roadway has become one of the main problems in the field of mining. At the present stage, the bolt support technology of the roadway in China still faces problems such as unclear support mechanism and poor support effect. Based on the mechanism of bolt support, through theoretical analysis and experimental research, this study proposes the differentiated support technology for roadways based on the mechanical response of the plastic zone and applies this method in the Gada Coal Mine. The results of the study showed that the plastic zones with different shapes have different mechanical responses. compared with other plastic zone shapes, the control method of the roadway with a butterfly‐shaped plastic zone is more complex. Consequently, the support design of a bolt should not only consider the scope of the plastic zone of support construction but also grasp the development law of the plastic zone. Effective support measures should be taken as early as possible for roadways with butterfly‐shaped plastic zones to prevent aggressive development of the butterfly‐shaped plastic zone. Field tests show that this support method realizes the ideal supporting effect in practical applications.
A response coordination design technology for the main loaded structures of the internal combustion engines based on NSEHO
Authors: Zhao Xin , Shi Jianhua , Liu Jiping , Han Zhengda , Tan Zhihui , Xiang Linhai
Published: December 2023

Response coordination design becomes an inevitable trend based on the multidisciplinary optimization design (MOD) in the development of the design for complex mechanical structures. Aiming at the problem of unclear mechanism of response coordination for main loaded structures, a response coordination design technology characterized by a response coordination evaluation system is proposed based on an analytic hierarchy process. In addition, a nondominated sorting elephant herding optimization (NSEHO) algorithm is proposed by introducing the Pareto optimization theory into elephant herding optimization and combining fixed‐sized candidate set adaptive random testing algorithm to overcome inherent limitations of the traditional algorithm in response coordination design. Taking the main bearing assembly structure as an example, the response coordination design is conducted based on the proposed technology and NSEHO algorithm. The response coordination design scheme of the main bearing assembly structure is experimentally verified. The results show that the Pareto frontier of NSEHO is smoother and is closer to the real Pareto frontier compared to NSGA‐II in condition of small population size and restricted iteration generations, revealing the advancement of the solving ability of NSEHO. The coordination coefficients of strength, stiffness, contact strength, and mass of the main bearing assembly structure are increased by 13.91%, 14.96%, 2.63%, and 0.07%, respectively, and the overall coordination coefficient are increased by 11.10%. The indicators of strength, stiffness, and contact strength of the response coordination scheme are better than those of the original scheme by experimental verification, demonstrating the effectiveness of the response coordination design technology. The proposed technology reveals the response coordination mechanism of the main loaded structures of internal combustion engines and provides an important guiding significance to MOD for complex mechanical structures.
Hybrid homomorphic‐asymmetric lightweight cryptosystem for securing smart devices: A review
Authors: Mathews Renie , Jose Deepa V.
Published: December 2023

The Internet of Things (IoT) has emerged as a new concept in information and communication technology, and its structure depends on smart device communications. It was evolving as a significant factor of the Internet and made the interconnection of huge devices likely, accumulating huge amounts of information through innovative technologies. Thus, the requirement for IoT security is more significant. Scalable services and applications are susceptible to information leakage and attacks, demanding higher privacy and security. Cryptography is a technique to secure data integrity, confidentiality, authentication, and network access control. Owing to several limitations of IoT devices, the classical cryptographic protocols are not appropriate for all IoT smart devices like smart cities, smart homes and so forth. Consequently, researchers have introduced numerous lightweight cryptographic (LWC) protocols and algorithms for IoT security. Numerous solutions are available in the research field regarding security using cryptographic algorithms in IoT environments; however, such solutions have not attained satisfactory outcomes. So, finding a solution by examining the recent issues is open research. This article investigates the various LWC protocols for IoT devices and provides a reasonable enquiry into existing ubiquitous ciphers. Furthermore, the article appraises various recently presented lightweight (LW) block ciphers and hybrid homomorphic LWC regarding security. In addition, this article assists in comprehending the significance of security features and progression in cryptographic algorithms. Finally, the article reports on the necessary changes and recommends upcoming research focuses. Also, this article assists in realizing the importance of security and progressions in cryptographic algorithms.