bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monodisperse Chemical Oligophosphorylation of Peptides via Protected Oligophosphorimidazolide Reagents
Authors: Qian Kevin , Hanf Björn , Cummins Christopher , Fiedler Dorothea
Published: December 2024

Protein poly‐ and oligophosphorylation are recently discovered post‐translational modifications that remain poorly characterized due to (1) the difficulty of extracting endogenously polyphosphorylated species without degradation and (2) the absence of synthetic and analytical tools to prepare and characterize poly‐ and oligophosphorylated species in biochemical contexts. Herein, we report a methodology for the selective oligophosphorylation of peptides with monodisperse phosphate chain lengths (Pn=3–6). A library of oligophosphorimidazolide (oligoP‐imidazolide) reagents featuring benzyl and o‐nitrophenylethyl protecting groups was synthesized in moderate‐to‐good yields (65–93 %). These oligoP‐imidazolide reagents enabled the selective and simultaneous conjugation of multiple phosphate units to phosphoryl nucleophiles, circumventing tedious iterative processes. The generalizability of this approach is illustrated by a substrate scope study that includes several biologically relevant phosphopeptide sequences, culminating in the synthesis of >60 examples of peptide oligophosphates (Pn=2–6). Moreover, we report the preparation of oligoP‐diimidazolides (Pn=3–5) and discuss their application in generating unique condensed phosphate‐peptide conjugates. We also demonstrate that human phospho‐ubiquitin (pS65‐Ub) is amenable to functionalization by our reagents. Overall, we envision the methods described here will enable future studies that characterize these newly discovered but poorly understood phosphorylation modes.
Alloying Strategy Regulating Size and Electronic Structure of Mo0.25Nb0.75Se2 to Achieve High‐Performance Lithium−Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Yuan Jia , Wang Peng , Song Ning , Wang Yu , Ma Jizhen , Xiong Shenglin , Li Xiaogang , Feng Jinkui , Xi Baojuan
Published: December 2024

The utilization of catalysts in lithium−‐sulfur batteries has proven to be an efficacious avenue for enhancing the kinetics of polysulfide conversion. Specially, the size and electronic structure of catalysts play a pivotal role in harnessing the active sites and intrinsic catalysis activity. Outstanding MoSe2 and NbSe2 are were selected from 16 universal transition metal selenides based on the proposed binary descriptor. Then, an alloying strategy is was devised to prepare Mo0.25Nb0.75Se2 flakelets for further improvement of the intrinsic catalysis. The integration of density functional theory calculations and electrochemical analysis demonstrates that alloying Mo with Nb can regulate the surface energy and indexes of band match and lattice mismatch, thereby enabling Mo0.25Nb0.75Se2 to possess a small size, suitable adsorption energy and low reaction energy barrier. This optimization enhances the catalysis of sulfur reduction/evolution reaction and the reversible deposition/stripping of lithium. Consequently, an assembled Ah‐level pouch cell is realized with dramatic cycle stability. With the electrolyte/sulfur ratio of 2.36 μL mg S−1, the cell can deliver a high energy density of up to 505.4 Wh kgtotal−1. This work pioneers a universal strategy for sculpting the geometric configurations and electronic structures of catalysts, to achieve enhanced catalytic activity and precise interpretation of structure–activity relationships.
The Spin‐Selective Channels in Fully‐Exposed PtFe Clusters Enable Fast Cathodic Kinetics of Li‐O2 Battery
Authors: Rao Yuan , Yang Jiawei , Tian Jiaming , Ning Wenjie , Guo Shaohua , Zhou Haoshen
Published: December 2024

In Li‐O2 batteries (LOBs), the electron transfer between triplet O2 and singlet Li2O2 possesses a spin‐dependent character but is still neglected, while the spin‐conserved electron transfer without losing phase information should guarantee fast kinetics and reduced energy barriers. Here, we provide a paradigm of spin‐selective catalysis for LOB that the ferromagnetic quantum spin exchange interactions between Pt and Fe atoms in fully‐exposed PtFe clusters filter directional e‐spins for spin‐conserved electron transfer at Fe−Fe sites. The kinetics of O2/Li2O2 redox reaction is markedly accelerated as predicted by theoretical calculations, showing dramatically decreased relaxation time of the rate determining step for more than one order of magnitude, compared with the Fe clusters without spin‐selective behavior. In consequence, the assembled LOB provides ultrahigh energy conversion efficiency of 89.6 % at 100 mA g−1 under a discharge‐charge overpotential of only 0.32 V. This work provides new insights into the spin‐dependent mechanisms of O2/Li2O2 redox reaction, and the strategy of constructing spin catalysts at atomic level.
Molecular‐Squeeze Triggers Guest Desorption from Sponge‐Like Macrocycle Crystals
Authors: Zhang Linnan , Zheng Lifeng , Song Yingying , Huang Jingwei , Ning Hailong , Wang Leyong , Ma Jing , Jie Kecheng
Published: December 2024

Desorption in conventional porous sorbents often employ external forces including inert gas blowing, heating, vacuum treatment to trigger guest release. We here report an unprecedented molecular‐squeeze triggered guest release behavior from sponge‐like macrocycle crystals. The crystals function as typical sponge to include guest molecules within their microscopic voids that are adaptively formed, thus acting as adsorbents for toluene/pyridine separations. Intriguingly, vaporized ethyl acetate (EA) molecules trigger the guest release from the crystals without entering the pores or voids of the crystals to replace the guests. Instead, they work as external forces applied directly onto the crystals themselves, ‘‘squeezing” the materials to close the voids through supramolecular interactions between EA and macrocycles on the crystal surface and release the guest molecules. Various experimental techniques as well as molecular dynamics simulations reveal the mechanism of the molecular‐squeeze induced guest release procedure. The EA‐regenerated crystals can be recycled multiple times without the loss of separation performance. Compared with conventional guest release procedure, this method is manipulated in a mild condition, showing the potential in saving cost and energy.
Bottom‐Up Strategy to Enhance Long‐Range Order of Poly(Heptazine Imide) Nanorods for Efficient Photocatalytic CO2 Methanation
Authors: Wu Jiaming , Li Keyan , Zhou Bing , Li Rui , Yan Siyang , Liu Jiaxu , Shi Hainan , Song Chunshan , Guo Xinwen
Published: December 2024

Poly(heptazine imide) (PHI), one of the crystalline or long‐range ordered allotropes of polymeric carbon nitride, is a promising polymeric photocatalyst; however, preparation of highly crystalline PHI remains a challenge. Herein, through a bottom‐up strategy involving repair of structural defects and increase of specific surface area of melon precursor, we prepared PHI nanorods with dramatically improved long‐range order. The resulting PHI exhibited a shift of product selectivity in CO2 photoreduction from CO to CH4 with a high methanation activity in contrast to the pristine PHI with relatively low long‐range order. The improvement of long‐range order for PHI remarkably enhanced the separation efficiency and transfer kinetics of photogenerated charges as well as the adsorption for *CO intermediate. This study revealed the relationship between the precursor structure and PHI crystal growth in ionothermal synthesis, and also showcased the great potential of highly crystalline PHI in artificial photosynthesis.
A Generally Applicable Method for Disentangling the Effect of Individual Noncovalent Interactions on the Binding Energy
Authors: Altun Ahmet , Leach Isaac F. , Neese Frank , Bistoni Giovanni
Published: December 2024

We introduce the fragment‐pairwise Local Energy Decomposition (fp‐LED) scheme for precise quantification of individual interactions contributing to the binding energy of arbitrary chemical entities, such as protein‐ligand binding energies, lattice energies of molecular crystals, or association energies of large biomolecular assemblies. Using fp‐LED, we can assess whether the contribution to the binding energy arising from noncovalent interactions between pairs of molecular fragments in any chemical system is attractive or repulsive, and accurately quantify its magnitude at the coupled cluster level ‐ commonly considered as the “gold standard” of computational chemistry. Such insights are crucial for advancing molecular and material design strategies in fields like catalysis and therapeutic development. Illustrative applications across diverse fields demonstrate the versatility and accuracy of this theoretical framework, promising profound implications for fundamental understanding and practical applications.
Development of Extramusculoskeletal Manifestations in Upadacitinib‐Treated Patients With Psoriatic Arthritis or Axial Spondyloarthritis
Authors: Poddubnyy Denis , Parikh Bhumik , Elewaut Dirk , Navarro‐Compán Victoria , Siebert Stefan , Paley Michael , Coombs Derek , Lagunes Ivan , Biljan Ana , Nakasato Priscila , Wung Peter , Lubrano Ennio
Published: December 2024

Objective

To assess the development of extramusculoskeletal manifestations (EMMs) among patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) or axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) treated with upadacitinib 15 mg.

Methods

Data (cutoff: August 15, 2022) from five clinical trials in PsA (2), radiographic axSpA (r‐axSpA; previously ankylosing spondylitis) (2), and nonradiographic axSpA (nr‐axSpA) (1) were analyzed. Treatment‐emergent adverse events of EMMs including uveitis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and psoriasis were assessed in patients treated with placebo, upadacitinib 15 mg, or adalimumab (PsA only) and are reported as exposure‐adjusted event rates (events per 100 patient‐years [E/100 PY]).

Results

Most patients (87.1%–99.3%) did not have a history of EMMs at baseline. In PsA, development of uveitis and IBD were low regardless of treatment or prior EMM history; rates were similar with upadacitinib 15 mg and adalimumab. In r‐axSpA, development of uveitis was numerically lower (E/100 PY) in patients treated with upadacitinib 15 mg (2.8) versus placebo (7.5) and in patients with no history of uveitis (upadacitinib 15 mg 0.6; placebo 1.2) versus a history of uveitis (upadacitinib 15 mg 2.1; placebo 6.2); occurrence of IBD and psoriasis were low regardless of treatment or history. In nr‐axSpA, development of uveitis was low regardless of history but was numerically lower in patients treated with upadacitinib 15 mg (0.9) versus placebo (2.1); occurrence of IBD and psoriasis were low or absent.

Conclusion

In patients with spondyloarthritis, development of EMMs was generally low with upadacitinib 15 mg. Uveitis was numerically lower in patients treated with upadacitinib 15 mg versus placebo, and particularly in r‐axSpA. Regardless of treatment in r‐axSpA, having a history of uveitis appeared to predispose patients for future uveitis events.

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2015 United States Public Health Service optimal fluoride level adherence and operation among adjusting water systems in 40 states: 2016–2021
Authors: Boehmer Theresa J. , Hamilton Erin K. , Lesaja Srdjan , Thomas Bertram , Espinoza Lorena , Kaufmann Rachel , Ladva Chandresh N.
Published: December 2024

In 2015, the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) set a target fluoride level for drinking water at 0.7 mg/L to maximize oral health benefits while minimizing any potential harms. Using water fluoridation operational data reported by water systems to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Water Fluoridation Reporting System (WFRS) during 2016–2021, this study assesses how water systems performed around this target. The authors summarize completeness of data reporting, assess the distribution of monthly average fluoride readings (MAFR) values, and evaluate precision in maintaining fluoride levels. About 69% of adjusting systems provided data, with an average completeness of 63.8% among them. MAFR mean was 0.71 mg/L (SD: 0.20 mg/L), indicating that water systems have primarily adopted the USPHS target. About 76% of MAFRs fell ± 0.1 mg/L around the reporting system point's mean, indicating feasibility in maintaining precision around a target. State programs and water systems could work together to improve data quality and educate operators on best practices.
Strengthening of structures with UHPC – experiments and experience from application
Authors: Vítek Jan L. , Vráblík Lukáš , Coufal Robert
Published: December 2024

UHPC has been developed in the Czech republic for about 15 years. The paper shows some of the new footbridges with the deck made of UHPC and then focuses on repair and strengthening of existing structures. Extensive experimental work was carried out as a basis for applications. Different loading situations were examined so that the structural performance in serviceability and in ultimate limit states was investigated. Experience from the construction of structures made of UHPC, from extensive experimental campaign, and from literature resulted in development of the Technical conditions for production of UHPC, design and execution and for reconstruction of structures with UHPC, which were approved by the Ministry of Transport in 2024. The document provides a possibility to apply UHPC also in structures of the transport infrastructure. Finally, example of application of UHPC in repair of a heavily loaded road bridge is introduced. Now, the fourth stage of the repair is under construction. Experience from earlier stages led to minor modifications of the original technology.
Polyethylene Glycol‐Based Refolding Kinetic Modulation of CRABP I Protein
Authors: Subadini Suchismita , Bera Krishnendu , Behera Devi Prasanna , Hritz Jozef , Sahoo Harekrushna
Published: December 2024

Crowding environment has a significant impact on the folding and stability of protein in biological systems. In this work, we have used four different sizes of a molecular crowder, polyethylene glycol (PEG), to analyze the unfolding and refolding kinetics of an iLBP protein, CRABP I, using urea as chemical denaturant. In general, the stability of the native state of the protein is boosted by the presence of crowding agents in the solution. However, our findings show that not only the type of crowder but also the crowder size played a key role in the effects of excluded volume. In case of lower molecular weight of PEG (M.W. 400), even at 200 g/L concentration, only the viscosity effect is observed, whereas for higher molecular weight of PEG (M.W. 1000), both the viscosity effect and excluded volume effect are noticed, and even at a higher concentration (200 g/L) of PEG 1000, the excluded volume predominates over the viscosity effect. Using the transition state theory, we were also able to determine the free energies of activation for the unfolding and refolding studies from their respective rate constants. Additionally, MD simulation studies provide strong support for our experimental observation. Analysis of secondary structure propensity (SSP) reveals a marked decline in the presence of structural elements (β‐sheet, β‐bridge, turn, and α‐helix) from 81% to 43% over the 1 μs time scale unfolding MD simulation under 8 M urea conditions. Conversely, in a 200 ns refolding simulation, the rate of refolding notably increases at a concentration of 200 g/L PEG 1000.
Characterization of the Ubiquitin‐Modified Proteome of Recombinant Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells in Response to Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Selvaprakash Karuppuchamy , Sideri Christiana‐Kondylo , Henry Michael , Efeoglu Esen , Ryan David , Meleady Paula
Published: December 2024

Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells remain the most widely used host cell line for biotherapeutics production. Despite their widespread use, understanding endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress conditions in recombinant protein production remains limited, often creating bottlenecks preventing improved production titers and product quality. Ubiquitination not only targets substrates (e.g., misfolded proteins) for proteasome degradation but also has important regulatory control functions including cell cycle regulation, translation, apoptosis, autophagy, etc. and hence is likely to be central to understanding and controlling the productivity of recombinant biotherapeutics. This study aimed to uncover differentially expressed ubiquitinated proteins following artificial induction of ER‐stress in recombinant CHO cells. CHO cells were treated with the stress inducer tunicamycin and the proteasome inhibitor MG132, followed by LC‐MS/MS proteomic analysis. We identified >4000 ubiquitinated peptides from CHO‐DP12 cells under ER stress conditions and proteasome inhibition. Moreover, data analysis showed altered abundance levels of >900 ubiquitinated proteins under the combination of ER stress and proteasome inhibition compared to untreated controls. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis of these ubiquitinated proteins resulted in a significant enrichment of key pathways involving the proteasome, protein processing in the ER, N‐glycan biosynthesis, and ubiquitin‐mediated proteolysis. ER stress response proteins such as GRP78, HSP90B1, ATF6, HERPUD1, and PDIA4 were found to be highly ubiquitinated and exhibited a significant increase in abundance following induction of ER‐stress conditions. This study broadens our comprehension of the roles played by protein ubiquitination in CHO cell stress responses, potentially revealing targets for tailored cell line engineering aimed at enhancing stress tolerance and production efficiency.
Hospital Quality and Racial Differences in Outcomes After Genitourinary Cancer Surgery
Authors: Dall Christopher P. , Liu Xiu , Faraj Kassem S. , Srivastava Arnav , Kaufman Samuel R. , Hartman Nicholas , Shahinian Vahakn B. , Hollenbeck Brent K.
Published: December 2024

Introduction and Objectives

Prior work has demonstrated racial disparities in surgical outcomes for solid organ cancers. We sought to assess the relationship between hospital quality and racial disparities in achievement of textbook outcomes among patients undergoing surgery for prostate, kidney, and bladder cancer.

Methods

We used 100% national Medicare Provider Analysis and Review files from 2017 to 2020 to assess textbook outcomes in Patients undergoing bladder (i.e., radical cystectomy), kidney (i.e., radical or partial nephrectomy), and prostate (i.e., radical prostatectomy) surgery for genitourinary malignancies. Our exposure was hospital‐level quality, assessed by the predicted to expected ratio of achievement of textbook outcomes, agnostic to social and economic determinants of health. Our main outcome was achievement of textbook outcomes in White and Black patients. We defined the textbook outcome as the absence of in‐hospital mortality, mortality within 30 days of surgery, readmission within 30 days of discharge, a postoperative complication, and prolonged length of stay. The secondary outcome was percentage of Black and White patients treated at the highest quality hospitals.

Results

As hospital quality increased, disparities in the receipt of textbook outcome for White and Black patients narrowed. For every 0.1 increment increase in the predicted to expected ratio of hospital quality, Black‐White disparities in the odds of achieving textbook outcomes decreased by 5.7% (interaction OR: 1.06; 95% CI 1.01–1.11 p = 0.026). Black patients were less likely to be treated at the highest quality hospitals compared to White patients (45.2% vs. 49.5% p = < 0.001%).

Conclusions

Compared to White patients, Black patients had lower odds of textbook outcomes after surgery for prostate, kidney, and bladder cancer. The racial differences in achieving textbook outcomes were narrowed as hospital quality increased. Black patients were less likely than White patients to be treated at the highest‐quality hospitals. Our findings underscore the importance of improved access to high quality care among Black patients.
Mass Spectrometry‐Based Molecular Networks Applied to Study the Molecular Interaction Between Two Endophytic Fungi Isolated From Tibouchina granulosa (Vell.) Cogn (Melastomataceae)
Authors: Fruet Thomas Kehrwald , Polonio Julio Cesar , Golias Halison Correia , Gomes Ramos Anderson Valdiney , Zawoski Gomes Ellen Carolina , Baldoqui Debora Cristina , Vicentini Veronica Elisa Pimenta , Pamphile João Alencar
Published: December 2024

Establishing a microorganism as an endophyte involves complex molecular interactions with its host plant and a broader microbial community. Precise detection methods and comprehensive metabolite annotation are essential to study these interactions. This study focused on characterizing the chemical composition of metabolites produced by two endophytic fungi, Colletotrichum siamense and Xylaria berteroi, isolated from Tibouchina granulosa leaves in axenic conditions and coculture. We examined the fungal metabolites using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with high‐resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC–HR‐MS/MS) and analysis tools like Cytoscape and Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking. Co‐cultivation revealed unique compounds not produced in isolation, including N‐acetyltryptamine. A total of 32 compounds were identified, many with biotechnological potential due to their bioactivities. The untargeted metabolomics approach demonstrated that interactions among these T. granulosa endophytes can activate inactive metabolic pathways under axenic conditions, potentially producing novel bioactive molecules. This study is the first study of the chemical profile and interaction between endophytes isolated from T. granulosa.
Optimizing lab methods for consistent rice milling analysis
Authors: Olaoni Samuel O. , Regonda Bindu , Luthra Kaushik , Atungulu Griffiths G.
Published: December 2024

Background and Objectives

Milling is one of the most important postharvest processes in rice production. Traditionally, the McGill #2 mill has been used for lab milling to assess rice milling performance as per the recommendation of the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS). However, as the FGIS is phasing out the use of the McGill #2 mill, there is a need to recalibrate milling assessments for standardized milling evaluation across various labs. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the milling performance of three laboratory mills (McGill #2, Satake, and Zaccaria mills) on the head rice yield (HRY), milled rice yield (MRY), and whiteness index (WI) of rice.

Findings

MRY was greater than 60%, while HRY varied between 28% and 60% over all treatments. The Satake mill demonstrated a higher MRY and is significantly different from the McGill #2 and Zaccaria mills. Similarly, the Satake mill produced the highest HRY, followed by the Zaccaria mill and the McGill #2. On the contrary, the Satake mill exhibited the lowest WI, about 0.6 and 0.9 percentage points (pp) lower than McGill #2 and the Zaccaria mill, respectively.

Conclusions

Rice cultivars and mill types had the most significant impact on the aforementioned explored variables. Among the mills, the Satake mill displayed the highest MRY and HRY but had the lowest WI. We recommend that the 0.4 SLC value associated with well‐milled rice be reviewed, which could perhaps lead to more HRY and impact the economic value of rice for growers.

Significance and Novelty

This study offers insights into the milling capabilities of the evaluated mills. However, further research is necessary to understand and optimize other modern laboratory mills.
Synergistic Catalysis by MgO Induced Acid‐Base Bifunctional Sites for Cross Condensation of HCHO and Acetaldehyde
Authors: Wang Mingwei , Shi Zhen , Yu Zhiquan , Li Shushuang , Zhang Zhixin , Wang Feng
Published: December 2024

Acid‐base synergistic catalysis greatly enhances the performance of MgO‐based catalysts in the Aldol condensation. In this paper, the effect of acid‐base strength/concentration/proportion and the synergistic catalysis on the performance of cross condensation between HCHO and acetaldehyde were studied. The NH3/CO2‐TPD results indicated that the weak acidic sites combined with the medium basic sites were beneficial for the cross condensation of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde. The loading of MgO nanocrystals on SiO2 induced the generation of new acidic sites (Mg‐O‐Si). Combined with the inherent basic sites (Mg‐O‐Mg) and Mg‐O‐Si, the acid‐base bifunctions sites could catalyze the cross condensation of HCHO and acetaldehyde synergistically. The appropriate proportion of acidic/basic sites (10/1) was critical for the cross condensation in the presence of vast water in formalin. The effect of reaction parameters, including molar ratio of substrates, reaction temperature, linear velocity and weight hourly space velocity, were investigated for the cross condensation. The results showed that 10 wt% MgO/SiO2 catalysts exhibited the highest catalytic activity (57.9% conversion of acetaldehyde and 84.3% selectivity of acrolein) under the optimal reaction parameters among the investigated catalysts. The catalytic performance of MgO/SiO2 could be recovered after in situ regeneration in air to remove the carbon deposition.
Nitride Zeolites from Ammonothermal Synthesis
Authors: Engelsberger Florian M. , Schnick Wolfgang
Published: December 2024

Oxide zeolites are synthesized from aqueous solutions in an established way employing hydrothermal synthesis. Transferring this approach to nitride zeolites requires a solvent providing nitrogen for which ammonia has proven to be particularly suitable. We present the successful ammonothermal synthesis of the (oxo)nitridosilicate compounds Ce3[Si6N11], Li2RE4[Si4N8]O3 (RE=La, Ce) and K1.25Ce7.75[Si11N21O2]O0.75. Within this procedure, the usage of supercritical ammonia as a solvent as well as the utilization of the mineralizers NaN3, Li3N and KN3, respectively, allowed the targeted synthesis of large single crystals. Formation of these (oxo)nitridosilicates depends mainly on the employed mineralizer despite their similar degree of condensation. The three compounds were structurally characterized using X‐ray diffraction and their crystal structures contain a wide range of different ring sizes within their tetrahedra networks. The zeolite(‐like) crystal structures are elucidated and compared to known nitridosilicate representatives of the respective structure types. Their elemental composition was investigated using energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) spectroscopy and incorporation of the O rather than N−H functionality was confirmed by Fourier‐Transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy as well as by charge distribution (CHARDI) and bond valence sum (BVS) calculations. The presented examples demonstrate that ammonothermal synthesis provides a one‐step access from elemental starting materials towards nitride zeolites.
Self‐assembled supramolecular materials for photocatalytic reactions
Authors: Tan Xin‐Gang , Jeyakkumar Ponmani , Zhang Yi‐Xuan , Chu Lin‐Wang , Hao Yu‐Ru , Li Sheng‐Ke , Wang Kai‐Ya , Hu Xiao‐Yu
Published: December 2024

The modern lifestyle necessitates significant energy consumption, which continues to increase as human development progresses. Solar energy presents an attractive alternative resource that can meet the global demand for energy in light of the limited availability of fossil fuels. In nature, photosynthetic organelles utilize solar energy to convert inorganic matter into organic matter through photosynthesis. Solar energy can be converted into chemical energy through a natural process, and humans can replicate this technology through artificial photosynthesis. Artificial photosynthesis is an emerging discipline that imitates the mechanism of photosynthesis found in living organisms. Significant advancements have been made in this field, and this review specifically focuses on the self‐assembly process of supramolecular nanomaterials through non‐covalent bonding. The self‐assembly process of photosensitizer molecules combined with catalysts and substrates for photocatalytic reactions is of particular interest. This review presents three categories of photocatalytic reactions, followed by a brief discussion of the prospects and challenges within this field.
Fathers' Experience of Their Child's Paediatric Brain Tumour
Authors: Labrell Florence , Hassler Christine , Dufour Christelle , Grill Jacques , Câmara‐Costa Hugo
Published: December 2024

Background

This exploratory study explores the impact of paediatric brain cancer on the experiences of the fathers from the time of diagnosis, while most studies have focused on the mothers.

Methods

The content of interviews conducted with six fathers of children who had brain tumours at the age of approximately 10 years was analysed using a qualitative methodology, following the COREQ guidelines.

Results

The fathers first talked about their feelings about the way the brain tumour affected their child and how he/she coped with the illness and treatments, and they also described the difficulties encountered. These French fathers likewise talked about their rights, their need to be listened to, and their wish to remain close to their child during treatment.

Conclusion

Improving communication with fathers during care and medical visits could help promote more balanced support for both parents in the vulnerable period of serious paediatric illnesses such as brain tumours.
Cryopreservation of Human Adult Ventricular Tissue for the Preparation of Viable Myocardial Slices
Authors: Lodrini Alessandra M. , Groeneveld Esmee J. , Palmen Meindert , Hjortnaes Jesper , Smits Anke M. , Goumans Marie‐José
Published: December 2024

Living myocardial slices (LMS) are ultrathin sections of adult myocardium that can be maintained in culture. These slices provide a unique platform for studying interactions between cardiomyocytes (CMs), other cardiac cell types, and the extracellular matrix while maintaining the cytoarchitecture and electrical phenotype of CMs over extended periods. Despite their advantages over other cardiac models, LMS have limitations, particularly their reliance on slice quality. The primary factor influencing the quality of the slices is the method used to process the cardiac tissue block. Current methods typically require immediate slice preparation following the excision of the tissue block, which restricts the timing of experiments. To address this limitation, we developed a simple procedure for cryopreserving human adult myocardium, allowing the preparation of LMS at a later stage. The protocol provides a list of required equipment and reagents, as well as a detailed description of the methodology for processing the myocardium and slice preparation. We present typical results demonstrating that cryopreserved human cardiac tissue retains biomass and structural integrity comparable to freshly obtained myocardium. Furthermore, we assessed the LMS derived from both fresh and cryopreserved samples. Histological analysis confirmed the preservation of viability, normal cytomorphology, and gap junctions between CMs in all LMS after 24 h and up to 5 days of culture in the absence of electrical stimulation. Cryopreservation extends the interval between tissue collection and LMS preparation, facilitating longer‐term and more complex experiments. Further research into the impact of cryopreservation on various cardiac cell types will promote better donor organ management and efficient banking of cardiac samples from a multitude of donors and disease states. © 2024 The Author(s). Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Preparation and preservation of human adult myocardium

Basic Protocol 2: Preparation of adult living myocardial slices from cryopreserved blocks
The role of the interplay between macrophage glycolytic reprogramming and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Luo Lan , Zhuang Xiaoli , Fu Lin , Dong Ziyuan , Yi Shuyuan , Wang Kan , Jiang Yu , Zhao Ju , Yang Xiaofang , Hei Feilong
Published: December 2024

Acute lung injury (ALI)/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a severe respiratory condition associated with elevated morbidity and mortality. Understanding their complex pathophysiological mechanisms is crucial for developing new preventive and therapeutic strategies. Recent studies highlight the significant role of inflammation involved in ALI/ARDS, particularly the hyperactivation of the NOD‐like receptor thermal protein domain‐associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in macrophages. This activation drives pulmonary inflammation by releasing inflammatory signalling molecules and is linked to metabolic reprogramming, marked by increased glycolysis and reduced oxidative phosphorylation. However, the relationship between NLRP3 inflammasome activation and macrophage glycolytic reprogramming in ALI/ARDS, as well as the molecular mechanisms regulating these processes, remain elusive. This review provides a detailed description of the interactions and potential mechanisms linking NLRP3 inflammasome activation with macrophage glycolytic reprogramming, proposing that glycolytic reprogramming may represent a promising therapeutic target for mitigating inflammatory responses in ALI/ARDS.

Key points

NLRP3 inflammasome activation is pivotal in mediating the excessive inflammatory response in ALI/ARDS.

Glycolytic reprogramming regulates NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

Therapeutic potential of targeting glycolytic reprogramming to inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation in ALI/ARDS.
Role of the Lymphocyte Profile in Mediastinal Lymph Nodes in the Differential Diagnosis of Sarcoidosis and Tuberculous Lymphadenitis Patients Undergoing EBUS‐TBNA
Authors: Mi Song , Cui Na , Wang Jing , Zhang Liming , Huang Kewu
Published: December 2024

Background

The value of lymphocyte profiling (LP) in mediastinal lymph nodes for the differential diagnosis of sarcoidosis has not been extensively studied, and existing literature presents mixed results.

Methods

This was a prospective study of patients with intrathoracic lymphadenopathy who underwent endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA). LP in lymph node puncture fluid (LNPF) was evaluated using flow cytometry. The results of LP in sarcoidosis patients were compared with tuberculous lymphadenitis (TBLA) patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to determine the optimal cut‐offs of the statistically significant parameters for screening for sarcoidosis. Based on the optimal cut‐offs and the final diagnosis of sarcoidosis and TBLA, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of every statistically significant parameter and different combinations of the above three parameters were calculated for the diagnosis of sarcoidosis.

Results

Forty‐five cases of sarcoidosis and 33 cases of TBLA were enrolled in this study. Compared with the LP in TBLA patients, in sarcoidosis patients, the proportion of CD4 T cells and CD4/CD8 ratio increased, and the proportion of CD8 T cells and natural killer (NK) cells decreased. Among all single parameters, the CD4/CD8 ratio had high diagnostic sensitivity (84.4%), specificity (81.8%), and accuracy (83.3%) for sarcoidosis. Among all the combinations of three parameters, the combination of CD4, CD8, and NKT/NK ratio had high diagnostic sensitivity (91.1%), specificity (84.8%), and accuracy (87.2%) for sarcoidosis.

Conclusions

Assessment of LP in LNPF may improve the differential diagnostic accuracy of sarcoidosis from TBLA and further strengthen the importance of LP in LNPF in the diagnostic workup of sarcoidosis.
Enhancing Diagnostic Precision and Clinical Outcomes With FNAC in Parotid Gland Masses
Authors: Mutlu Fatih , Yaprak Bayrak Busra , Ozturk Murat
Published: December 2024

Background

Parotid gland masses encompassing both neoplastic and non‐neoplastic conditions present diagnostic challenges. Fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is commonly used to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions but has limitations such as variable sensitivity and potential sampling errors. This study assesses FNAC's accuracy for parotid gland lesions, evaluates the Milan Salivary Gland Cytopathology Reporting System (MSRSGC), and compares FNAC results with histopathological findings.

Methods

This retrospective study at our medical center analyzed data from 2321 patients who underwent parotid gland FNAC followed by surgical resection over 20 years. Patients were included if they had both cytological analysis and surgery between January 2004 and July 2024. Surgical procedures varied based on mass characteristics and FNAC results, and all samples were assessed using MSRSGC. Statistical analysis compared FNAC results with histopathology findings, calculating sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy.

Results

This study included 352 patients who underwent both FNAC and surgical resection. FNAC had an overall accuracy of 93.9%, with a sensitivity of 78.3% and specificity of 91.5%. The risk of malignancy was 30% for Milan Category I (nondiagnostic), 6.3% for Category II (non‐neoplastic), 0% for Category III (Atypia of Undetermined Significance), 2.3% for Category IVa (benign neoplasm), 5.8% for Category IVb (neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential), 58.8% for Category V (suspicious for malignancy), and 95% for Category VI (malignant). The false negative rate was 2.4%, while the false positive rate was 3.4%. The malignancy risk increased with age, and malignant masses were larger and more likely to cause facial paralysis.

Conclusion

FNAC is a key diagnostic tool for parotid gland masses, offering high specificity and accuracy despite some limitations. Patients with young ages and inappropriate histories should be assessed more carefully. MSRSGC is a useful system to show appropriate risk of malignancy.
A Calculation Model of Cutterhead Resistance for Pipe Jacking in Rock Strata and Soil–Rock Composite Strata
Authors: Cao Yulong , Zhong Ran , Tao Rongdong , Luo Feilun , Xiong Liang , Fan Yue , Mei Jiahao , Zhang Peng
Published: December 2024

Jacking force is one of the most important parameters in the design and construction of pipe jacking engineering, and cutterhead resistance is an important part of jacking force. Pipe jacking is increasingly applied to rock strata, but there are few calculation models for the jacking force in rock strata and soil–rock strata. For this reason, this article, under the assumption of stable conditions of pipe jacking face, summarizes the cutterhead resistance of soil strata. The rock‐breaking mechanism, stress model, and influence law of cutterhead of rock pipe jacking machine are analyzed. And on this basis, the calculation formula of cutterhead resistance of pipe jacking in rock strata is deduced. And the cutterhead resistance of soil–rock composite strata is determined according to the proportion of strata. Finally, the field measured values and code calculation results are compared with the formula values in this article. The results show: in rock pipe jacking, the compressive and shear strengths of the rock and the depth of the pipe jacking cutter cut into the rock directly determine the value of the cutterhead resistance; and the calculated value of cutterhead resistance of soil–rock composite strata determined according to the strata ratio is consistent with the measured cutterhead resistance, which proves its applicability.
Exploring the Idea of Task in the Context of the Young Language Learner Classroom
Authors: Timpe‐Laughlin Veronika , Roters Bianca , Butler Yuko Goto
Published: December 2024

Originating in adult education, the approach of task‐based language teaching (TBLT) has been promoted in young language learner (YLL) education. However, its application often encounters challenges due to varying interpretations of what constitutes a “task.” Previous research has repeatedly highlighted gaps in teachers' understanding of tasks, often reducing them to mere exercises rather than opportunities for genuine communication. A potential issue could be that some of the criteria of a task as defined in the literature that focuses on adult second/foreign language (L2) learners do not necessarily apply or may need to be modified in YLL education. For example, tasks have traditionally been defined as having “authenticity,” but this may vary, as YLLs are often engaged in play and driven by imagination. Additionally, for children, school represents their “real world,” so their concept of an “authentic” task may differ from that of adult L2 learners, who may be attending classes to improve workplace skills. In this study, we aimed to explore the concept of task in the context of teaching an additional language to YLLs in primary education. Utilizing a Delphi method, 16 well‐known experts who work at the intersection of applied linguistics, TBLT, and YLLs participated in three rounds of data collection via email. After providing written definitions of a task and its characteristics in the YLL classroom in Round 1, the experts rated each other's definitions on a 4‐point Likert scale and provided comments on the definitions in two subsequent rounds. Additionally, we conducted follow‐up interviews with a subsample of the participants (n = 6) relative to a particular task characteristic: “authenticity.” Using both quantitative and qualitative analyses, we identified key aspects from the data, including task characteristics, learner considerations, and implementation details. Findings showed a distinction between “activity” and “task,” with the latter being understood as featuring certain characteristics. Accordingly, a task in the YLL classroom has a goal orientation, an orientation to meaning rather than linguistic form, a need for YLLs to use their L2 repertoire, a type of information gap, and a real‐life connection. While largely congruent with the concept of task in the L2 adult literature, the experts particularly highlighted a learner‐oriented approach to tasks that stresses cognitive, social‐emotional, and affective development of YLLs. In particular, experts highlighted the significance of imagination as part of children's authentic world. Thus an “authentic” task for adults may reference a “real‐world” domain, whereas an authentic task for YLLs may reference an imaginary one. We discuss the findings and emphasize that the concept of task in YLL education should be broadened to include aspects of imaginary worlds and make‐believe.
Evaluating care: Anti‐Blackness and sexual assault sentencing in Milwaukee, WI
Authors: Mulla Sameena
Published: December 2024

This article considers how care emerges as an integrated phenomenon that enfolds defendants, victim‐witnesses, and their kin in complex ways. Care capacitates forms of racial sorting and resource allocations that manifest within sentencing hearings of persons found guilty of committing sexual offenses, a mode of dysselection as described by Sylvia Wynter. During sentencing hearings, the state asserts its authority to evaluate the inadequacies of the infrastructures of care to which the person being sentenced has access. While Black men are ostensibly the focus of these hearings, their participation in sentencing hearings becomes a portal through which the court scrutinizes Black women and girls who are often proclaimed to be inadequate caretakers. Simultaneously, the state claims that it can provide the care that will result in the rehabilitation of the person being sentenced, while protecting the community from the potential harms of the criminalized subject. The stark contrast between the state's characterizations of Black kinship and care, and the complex, subtle, and creative tactics narrated by Black interlocutors demonstrates the ways in which the state seeks to surveil Black mores of kinship, assign particular categories of worthiness or unworthiness to modes of care, and fix an anti‐Black racial hierarchy in place.
Models for the marrow: A comprehensive review of AI‐based cell classification methods and malignancy detection in bone marrow aspirate smears
Authors: Ghete Tabita , Kock Farina , Pontones Martina , Pfrang David , Westphal Max , Höfener Henning , Metzler Markus
Published: December 2024

Given the high prevalence of artificial intelligence (AI) research in medicine, the development of deep learning (DL) algorithms based on image recognition, such as the analysis of bone marrow aspirate (BMA) smears, is rapidly increasing in the field of hematology and oncology. The models are trained to identify the optimal regions of the BMA smear for differential cell count and subsequently detect and classify a number of cell types, which can ultimately be utilized for diagnostic purposes. Moreover, AI is capable of identifying genetic mutations phenotypically. This pipeline has the potential to offer an accurate and rapid preliminary analysis of the bone marrow in the clinical routine. However, the intrinsic complexity of hematological diseases presents several challenges for the automatic morphological assessment. To ensure general applicability across multiple medical centers and to deliver high accuracy on prospective clinical data, AI models would require highly heterogeneous training datasets. This review presents a systematic analysis of models for cell classification and detection of hematological malignancies published in the last 5 years (2019–2024). It provides insight into the challenges and opportunities of these DL‐assisted tasks.
Clinicopathological Characteristics of Extranodal Marginal Zone Lymphoma of the Mucosa Associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT‐Lymphoma) of the Intestine: A Single Center Analysis
Authors: Steinbrecher Oskar , Kiesewetter Barbara , Dolak Werner , Brand Rosa , Simonitsch‐Klupp Ingrid , Raderer Markus
Published: December 2024

Extranodal marginal zone B‐cell lymphoma of the mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT‐lymphoma) is an indolent B‐cell lymphoma with a distinct affinity for mucosal structures. Most commonly arising in the stomach, only roughly 2% of MALT‐lymphomas occur in the colon or the intestine. In view of this, we have retrospectively assessed all patients with MALT‐lymphoma involving the intestine for clinicopathological characteristics. Data of all patients with MALT‐lymphoma and intestinal involvement (i.e. both primary and secondary), treated and followed at the Medical University of Vienna between 1999 and 2021 were retrospectively collected from hospital records and analyzed. Differences in baseline and therapy characteristics, as well as survival between primary and secondary, and between intestinal and gastric MALT‐lymphoma (as the most common subgroup of patients) were investigated. In total, 42 patients were identified; 24/484 (5%) were classified as primary and 18 (3.7%) as secondary intestinal MALT‐lymphomas. The most common primary intestinal location was the colon (10/24) and the most frequent primary site in the 18 cases with secondary intestinal MALT‐lymphomas was the stomach (14/18). A total of 28/42 (66.7%) patients presented with LUGANO stage I, 7/42 (16.7%) with stage II/IIE and 7/42 (16.7%) with stage IV disease. Translocation t (11; 18) (q21; q21) was positive in 47% of patients with secondary and 25% of primary intestinal MALT‐lymphomas. Median OS in for intestinal MALT‐lymphoma was 301 months (95% CI n.a.) with 89.1% alive at 5 years and 77.2% alive at 10 years. Median PFS in the entire cohort was 50.4 months (95% CI 38.4–62.4 months), with an overall response rate and disease control rate of 73% and 97.3%, respectively. No difference in OS and PFS between primary and secondary intestinal, as well as between intestinal and gastric MALT‐lymphoma was detected. Our data suggest that dissemination within the GI tract does not seem to be an adverse prognostic feature and highlights the preferred use of the Lugano staging system in such patients, which also summarizes multiple lesions within the GI‐tract as Stage I.