bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innovations in the Solid‐State Fluorescence of Carbon Dots: Strategies, Optical Manipulations, and Applications
Authors: Wang Haolin , Ai Lin , Song Haoqiang , Song Ziqi , Yong Xue , Qu Songnan , Lu Siyu
Published: June 2023

Carbon dots (CDs)—carbon nanoparticles smaller than 10 nm—have attracted widespread attention owing to their excellent optical properties. However, high‐performing CDs often suffer from severe aggregation‐induced quenching in the solid state, which limits their commercial applicability. Therefore, CD materials with efficient solid‐state luminescence are sought. As research on the structure and photoluminescence mechanisms of CDs has intensified in recent years, strategies to construct fluorescent solid‐state CD materials and tune their emissions have broadened. This article reviews recent advances in the strategies and mechanisms for attaining solid‐state fluorescence in CDs, describes specific ways to tune the optical properties of this fluorescence, introduces the latest applications of the resulting CDs to optoelectronics, biology, and sensing, and finally considers the prospects for future application and current challenges facing the development of solid‐state fluorescence in CDs.
Drug‐Eluting Porous Embolic Microspheres for Trans‐Arterial Delivery of Dual Synergistic Anticancer Therapy for the Treatment of Liver Cancer
Authors: Amoyav Benzion , Bloom Allan I. , Goldstein Yoel , Miller Rafael , Sharam Mariana , Fluksman Arnon , Benny Ofra
Published: June 2023

Blockage of blood supply while administering chemotherapy to tumors, using trans‐arterial chemoembolization (TACE), is the most common treatment for intermediate and advanced‐stage unresectable Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, HCC is characterized by a poor prognosis and high recurrence rates (≈30%), partly due to a hypoxic pro‐angiogenic and pro‐cancerous microenvironment. This study investigates how modifying tissue stress while improving drug exposure in target organs may maximize the therapeutic outcomes. Porous degradable polymeric microspheres (MS) are designed to obtain a gradual occlusion of the hepatic artery that nourishes the liver, while enabling efficient drug perfusion to the tumor site. The fabricated porous MS are introduced intrahepatically and designed to release a combination therapy of Doxorubicin (DOX) and Tirapazamine (TPZ), which is a hypoxia‐activated prodrug. Liver cancer cell lines that are treated with the combination therapy under hypoxia reveal a synergic anti‐proliferation effect. An orthotopic liver cancer model, based on N1‐S1 hepatoma in rats, is used for the efficacy, biodistribution, and safety studies. Porous DOX‐TPZ MS are very effective in suppressing tumor growth in rats, and induction tissue necrosis is associated with high intratumor drug concentrations. Porous particles without drugs show some advantages over nonporous particles, suggesting that morphology may affect the treatment outcomes.
Recent Advances in the Direct Synthesis of Sulfur‐Containing Organophosphorus Compounds via Radical Processes
Authors: Liu Xiaofang , Zhou Lijun , Yang Ruchun , Song Xian‐Rong , Xiao Qiang
Published: June 2023

Phosphonothioates, phosphinothioates and phosphorothioates are regarded as an important class of sulfur‐containing organophosphorus compounds. Because of the unique P(O)S−R group, these compounds have important biological activities and thus have been widely used in the fields of pharmaceuticals and pesticides. In recent years, the development of sulfur‐containing organophosphorus compounds by radical processes has attracted considerable attention in organophosphorus chemistry. Along these lines, in this review, the recent advances in the synthesis of sulfur‐containing organophosphorus compounds were systematically summarized. According to the different ways of generating radicals during the formation process of phosphonothioates, phosphinothioates and phosphorothioates, these transformations can be divided into four categories: (1) Oxidant or metal‐free promoted radical transformation to fabricate sulfur‐containing organophosphorus compounds; (2) Copper‐catalyzed radical transformation to produce sulfur‐containing organophosphorus compounds; (3) Photo‐induced radical transformation to prepare sulfur‐containing organophosphorus compounds; (4) Electro‐induced radical transformation to derive sulfur‐containing organophosphorus compounds.
Efficiency Boost of (Ag0.5,Cu0.5)(In1‐x,Gax)Se2 Thin Film Solar Cells by Using a Sequential Process: Effects of Ag‐Front Grading and Surface Phase Engineering
Authors: Tu Lung‐Hsin , Tran Ngoc Thanh Thuy , Lin Shih‐Kang , Lai Chih‐Huang
Published: June 2023

Post‐selenization‐fabricated (using elemental Se vapor) Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cell efficiency is limited by a low open‐circuit voltage, which is attributable to the Ga‐deficient surface and insufficient grain growth. In this study, a band‐grading structure is demonstrated by combining Ag‐front and Ga‐back grading in selenized (Ag,Cu)(In,Ga)Se2 (ACIGSe) absorbers with a properly designed precursor structure (Mo/CuGa/In/AgGa) and high Ag content ([Ag]/([Ag]+[Cu]) = 0.5). The phase evolution during post‐selenization reveals that the precursor structure suppresses Ag2Se formation and promotes the ACIGSe phase formed at a low temperature with enhanced grain growth. A widened surface bandgap by Ag‐front grading substantially increases the open‐circuit voltage. Furthermore, Ag addition promotes ordered vacancy compound (OVC) formation on the front surface to enlarge the valence band offset, which in turn reduces interface recombination. Furthermore, the OVC phase also assists interface passivation. Promoting surface OVC phase by Ag addition is also validated by first‐principles calculations. Furthermore, the K‐doped CuGa precursor is used for a ACIGSe absorber to address the significantly reduced carrier density by the Ag addition. With a band‐grading structure and surface OVC phase, the superior device achieves an efficiency of > 19%, the highest efficiency by post‐selenization with an elemental Se source.
Crop and soil productivity of a rice‐green gram system under integrative nutrient management
Authors: Mangaraj Satyabrata , Paikaray Rabindra Kumar , Garnayak Lalita Mohan , Behera Stuti Debapriya , Patra Bishnupriya , Sethi Debadatta , Pradhan Shriram Ratan , Jena Rupak
Published: June 2023

A field study was conducted at the Instructional Farm, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India, on exploring productivity and soil quality of aromatic rice‐green gram system by dual influence of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients. Among integrated nutrient management practices, 50% NPK + 50% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN)‐farm yard manure (FYM) to rice produced the highest grain yield (3875 kg ha−1) followed by 75% NPK+ green manure (GM; 3489 kg ha−1). Likewise, residual effect of 50% NPK + 50% RDN‐FYM to rice and application of 75% NPK+ Rhizobium+ phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) to green gram produced the highest seed yield of green gram (812 kg ha−1).Combined application of 50% NPK+ 50% RDN− FYM to rice and 75% NPK + Rhizobium+ PSB to green gram resulted in significantly (p = 0.05) higher system rice equivalent yield (6521 kg ha−1) and production efficiency (31.2 kg ha−1 day−1) while increasing the nutrient uptake of short grain aromatic rice‐green gram system. The highest PFPN (132.7 ± 12.4 kg kg−1) and nitrogen uptake efficiency (0.73 ± 0.06 kg kg−1) were also recorded due to the application of 50% NPK+ 50% RDN‐FYM to rice and 75% NPK + Rhizobium + PSB to green gram (99.0 ± 26.3 kg kg−1, 0.61 ± 0.01 kg kg−1, 1.32 ± 0.40, and 19.5 ± 2.9, respectively). Application of 75% NPK+ GM to rice and 75% NPK + Rhizobium + PSB to green gram significantly (p = 0.05) increased soil organic carbon, available N, P, K, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu as well as microbial status of soil.
Thrombectomy with or without Intravenous Thrombolytics in Basilar Artery Occlusion
Authors: Maïer Benjamin , Finitsis Stephanos , Mazighi Mikael , Lapergue Bertrand , Marnat Gaultier , Sibon Igor , Richard Sebastien , Cognard Christophe , Viguier Alain , Olivot Jean‐Marc , Gory Benjamin ,   the ETIS Registry Investigators
Published: June 2023

Objective

Two randomized trials demonstrated the benefit of endovascular therapy (EVT) in patients suffering from a stroke due to a basilar artery occlusion (BAO). However, intravenous thrombolytic (IVT) use before EVT was low in these trials, questioning the added value of this treatment in this setting. We sought to investigate the efficacy and safety of EVT alone compared to IVT + EVT in stroke patients with a BAO.

Methods

We analyzed data from the Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke registry, a prospective, observational, multicenter study of acute ischemic stroke patients treated with EVT in 21 centers in France between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2021. We included patients with BAO and/or intracranial vertebral artery occlusion and compared patients treated with EVT alone versus IVT + EVT after propensity score (PS) matching. Variables selected for the PS were pre‐stroke mRS, dyslipidemia, diabetes, anticoagulation, admission mode, baseline NIHSS and ASPECTS, type of anesthesia, and time from symptom onset to puncture. Efficacy outcomes were good functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] 0‐3) and functional independence (mRS 0–2) at 90 days. Safety outcomes were symptomatic intracranial hemorrhages and all‐cause mortality at 90 days.

Results

Among 385 patients, 243 (134 EVT alone and 109 IVT + EVT) were included after PS matching. There was no difference between EVT alone and IVT + EVT regarding good functional outcome (adjusted odd ratio [aOR] labeling = 1.27, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.68–2.37, p = 0.45) and functional independence (aOR = 1.50, 95% CI, 0.79–2.85, p = 0.21). Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and all‐cause mortality were also similar between the two groups (aOR = 0.42, 95% CI, 0.10–1.79, p = 0.24 and aOR = 0.56, 95% CI, 0.29–1.10, p = 0.09, respectively).

Interpretation

In this PS matching analysis, EVT alone seemed to lead to similar neurological recovery than IVT + EVT, with comparable safety profile. However, given our sample size and the observational nature of this study, further studies are needed to confirm these findings. ANN NEUROL 2023;94:596–604
Unraveling the Oxidation Behaviors of MXenes in Aqueous Systems by Active‐Learning‐Potential Molecular‐Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Hou Pengfei , Tian Yumiao , Xie Yu , Du Fei , Chen Gang , Vojvodic Aleksandra , Wu Jianzhong , Meng Xing
Published: June 2023

MXenes are 2D materials with great potential in various applications. However, the degradation of MXenes in humid environments has become a main obstacle in their practical use. Here we combine deep neural networks and an active learning scheme to develop a neural network potential (NNP) for aqueous MXene systems with ab initio precision but low cost. The oxidation behaviors of super large aqueous MXene systems are investigated systematically at nanosecond timescales for the first time. The oxidation process of MXenes is clearly displayed at the atomic level. Free protons and oxides greatly inhibit subsequent oxidation reactions, leading to the degree of oxidation of MXenes to exponentially decay with time, which is consistent with the oxidation rate of MXenes measured experimentally. Importantly, this computational study represents the first exploration of the kinetic process of oxidation of super‐sized aqueous MXene systems. It opens a promising avenue for the future development of effective protection strategies aimed at controlling the stability of MXenes.
Reprocessible Triketoenamine‐Based Vitrimers with Closed‐Loop Recyclability
Authors: Hu Zeyou , Hu Fan , Deng Lifeng , Yang Yumin , Xie Qiujian , Gao Zhu , Pan Chunyue , Jin Yinghua , Tang Juntao , Yu Guipeng , Zhang Wei
Published: June 2023

Development of thermosets that can be repeatedly recycled via both chemical route (closed‐loop) and thermo‐mechanical process is attractive and remains an imperative task. In this work, we reported a triketoenamine based dynamic covalent network derived from 2,4,6‐triformylphloroglucinol and secondary amines. The resulting triketoenamine based network does not have intramolecular hydrogen bonds, thus reducing its π‐electron delocalization, lowering the stability of the tautomer structure, and enabling its dynamic feature. By virtue of the highly reversible bond exchange, this novel dynamic covalent bond enables the easy construction of highly crosslinked and chemically reprocessable networks from commercially available monomers. The as‐made polymer monoliths exhibit high mechanical properties (tensile strength of 79.4 MPa and Young's modulus of 571.4 MPa) and can undergo a monomer‐network‐monomer (yields up to 90 %) recycling mediated by an aqueous solution, with the new‐generation polymer capable of restoring the material strength to its original state. In addition, owing to its dynamic nature, a catalyst‐free and low‐temperature reprogrammable covalent adaptable network (vitrimer) was achieved. The design concept reported herein can be applied to the development of other novel vitrimers with high repressibility and recyclability, and sheds light on future design of sustainable polymers with minimal environmental impact.
Discovery of dual inhibitors of pan‐RAF and VEGFR2
Authors: Park Eun Sun , Choi Jihye , Hong Sung Pyo , Kwon Ho‐Seok , Kim Jinho , Ahn Soon Kil
Published: June 2023

Colorectal cancer is among the most common and lethal malignancies globally, with K‐Ras mutations found in about 45% of colorectal cancer patients. Early‐stage BRAF‐specific inhibitors have been developed to prevent aberrant activation of RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signaling caused by K‐Ras mutation, however, these BRAF‐specific inhibitors lead to RAF dimer formation and paradoxical CRAF activation. Consequently, there is a need to develop pan‐RAF inhibitors. In addition, it was reported that the inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) is crucial for the treatment of colorectal cancer. In this study, we designed and synthesized 94 N‐(phenyl)‐3‐(9H‐purin‐6‐yl)pyridine‐2‐amine derivatives, and discovered that N‐(5‐(3‐(9H‐purin‐6‐yl)pyridin‐2‐ylamino)‐2‐fluorophenyl)‐3‐(trifluoromethyl)benzamide (15h), 3‐(2‐cyanopropan‐2‐yl)benzamide derivative 16h, and 3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl) benzamide derivative 17ab are the most potent dual inhibitors against LS513 (GI50 = 0.08, 0.2, and 0.3 μM, respectively) and VEGFR2 (IC50 = 0.01, 0.004, and 0.01 μM, respectively). These compounds are excellent preclinical candidates for the treatment of K‐Ras mutated colorectal cancer.
Systemic management and periodontal treatment of HIV‐necrotizing periodontitis: A case report
Authors: Golob Deeb Janina , Elnakka Lina , Deeb George R
Published: June 2023

Background

Necrotizing periodontitis (NP) is a rare form of periodontal disease. It can manifest in immunocompromised patients and present as painful and rapidly progressing destruction with necrotic and ulcerated periodontal tissues. This case report describes a rare case of severe NP in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐positive patient including medical management and periodontal treatment.

Methods

A 28‐year‐old male presented to the periodontal clinic with chief complaint of severe oral pain leading to loss of chewing ability, spontaneous gingival bleeding, generalized gingival recession, tooth mobility, and dentinal hypersensitivity. Clinical and radiographic examination revealed generalized tissue necrosis with severe periodontal destruction, extensive bleeding, spontaneous suppuration, and heavy biofilm.

Results

Medical history was positive for perinatal HIV infection, which was treated and patient was asymptomatic until he discontinued antiviral medications nine years ago. Following initial examination, patient was referred to the Infectious disease clinic and multidisciplinary management was initiated with comprehensive management of primary disease including systemic antiviral, antibiotic, and antifungal therapy to establish immunocompetence compatible with providing mechanical nonsurgical periodontal treatment.

Conclusions

This case report highlights a severe and generalized form of NP in an HIV patient due to the cessation of antiviral therapy. Favorable course of interdisciplinary medical and periodontal therapy resulted in significant improvement in patient's systemic, oral, and periodontal health.
Green Synthesis of Genistein‐Fortified Zinc Ferrite Nanoparticles as a Potent Hepatic Cancer Inhibitor: Validation through Experimental and Computational Studies
Authors: Otuechere Chiagoziem A. , Neupane Netra P. , Adewuyi Adewale , Pathak Prateek , Novak Jurica , Grishina Maria , Khalilullah Habibullah , Jaremko Mariusz , Verma Amita
Published: June 2023

In hepatic cancer, precancerous nodules account for damage and inflammation in liver cells. Studies have proved that phyto‐compounds based on biosynthetic metallic nanoparticles display superior action against hepatic tumors. This study targeted the synthesis of genistein‐fortified zinc ferrite nanoparticles (GENP) trailed by anticancer activity assessment against diethylnitrosamine and N‐acetyl‐2‐aminofluorene induced hepatic cancer. The process of nucleation was confirmed by UV/VIS spectrophotometry, X‐ray beam diffraction, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, and FT‐IR. An in vitro antioxidant assay illustrated that the leaves of Pterocarpus mildbraedii have strong tendency as a reductant and, in the nanoformulation synthesis, as a natural capping agent. A MTT assay confirmed that GENP have a strong selective cytotoxic potential against HepG2 cancer cells. In silico studies of genistein exemplified the binding tendency towards human matrix metalloproteinase comparative to the standard drug marimastat. An in vivo anticancer evaluation showed that GENP effectively inhibit the growth of hepatic cancer by interfering with hepatic and non‐hepatic biochemical markers.
Oral chemical ulceration due to iatrogenic hydraulic oil leakage from the dental unit of a surgical handpiece: A case report
Authors: AL‐Hamad Khalid A.
Published: June 2023

Key Clinical Message

Oral chemical ulceration is a rare condition. The causes differ from misuse of dental material by dentists and over‐the‐counter drugs (OTC) to the herbal ingredients in our foods. Detailed patient history helps to explore the diagnosis and further management of such a lesion, which extend from no intervention in mild cases to surgical intervention in severe cases. This report represents a case of chemical ulceration of the mouth caused by hydraulic fluid oil leakage inside a dental chair in a 24‐year‐old female, leading to the patient developing multiple painful oral ulceration after surgical extraction. The purpose of the report is to increase awareness among health practitioners of unusual causes that could happen during dental interventions.
The progression of traumatic Stanford type A acute aortic dissection
Authors: Nishiori Hironobu , Fujita Hisanori , Yamaguchi Seiichi
Published: June 2023

Key Clinical Message

Cardiopulmonary bypass for trauma patients carries the risk of bleeding from injured organs, while traumatic aortic dissection can progress rapidly. It is sometimes difficult to determine the optimal time for aortic repair in trauma patients.

An 85‐year‐old woman was diagnosed with traumatic ascending aortic dissection, right clavicle and left first rib fracture, and abdominal contusions after a vehicle accident. After admission, the aortic dissection progressed, and emergent surgery was performed. Although the risk of hemorrhagic complications needs to be evaluated, prompt aortic repair is required.
Primary scrotal lipoma posing a diagnostic quandary: Experience from northern Tanzania, a case report
Authors: Mbwambo Orgeness Jasper , Pallangyo Angela , Mbwambo Jasper Saidi , Bright Frank , Mteta Alfred K. , Bogdanowicz Jacques , Ngowi Bartholomeo Nicholaus
Published: June 2023

Primary scrotal lipoma is a rare urological diagnosis. It is usually diagnosed incidentally as most of time initial diagnosis may be confused with other common etiology of scrotal masses. A rare case of scrotal lipoma with initial misdiagnosis of hydrocele at primary health facility is presented in this article.
Harlequin syndrome during peripheral cardiopulmonary bypass in a patient with an obstructing tracheal schwannoma: A case report
Authors: Karam Cynthia , Abou Nafeh Nancy , Aouad Marie T. , Siddik‐Sayyid Sahar , Kaddoum Roland , Zeeni Carine , Anka Sandra , Shaya Bashir , Khalili Amro
Published: June 2023

Surgical resection of obstructive tracheal tumors can be challenging to cardiothoracic surgeons and anesthesiologists. It is often difficult in these cases to maintain oxygenation by face mask ventilation during induction of general anesthesia. Also, the extent and location of these tracheal tumors can preclude conventional induction of general anesthesia and subsequent successful endotracheal intubation. Peripheral cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) under local anesthesia and mild intravenous sedation may be safe to support the patient until securing a definitive airway. We describe a case of a 19‐year‐old female with a tracheal schwannoma, who developed differential hypoxemia (Harlequin, or North–South, syndrome) after institution of awake peripheral femorofemoral venoarterial (VA) partial CBP.
Plexiform neurofibromatosis of the bladder leading to cystectomy: A rare complication of von Recklinghausen disease
Authors: Paymannejad Saina , Rafei Dehkordi Pardis , Kazemi Reza
Published: June 2023

Key Clinical Message

We report a 20‐year‐old man with neurofibromatosis type 1 presenting with frequent episodes of suprapubic pain. The episodes started 6 months ago, occurred 1 h a day, and were not related to urination. A prostate‐sparing cystectomy with orthotopic diversion was performed. Histopathological assessment of the specimen confirmed bladder plexiform neurofibromatosis.
Upper extremity deep vein thrombosis following BBIBP‐CorV COVID‐19 vaccine (Sinopharm vaccine): A case report
Authors: Riazi Ali , Faghih Dinevari Masood , Abbasian Samaneh , Jabbaripour Sarmadian Amirreza
Published: June 2023

Key Clinical Message

In patients with acute symptoms such as pain, swelling, and erythema of the upper extremities shortly after receiving COVID‐19 vaccines, even inactivated virus vaccines, these symptoms may indicate thrombosis, which may be due to the vaccination.

BBIBP‐CorV COVID‐19 vaccine (Sinopharm vaccine) is an inactivated whole virus vaccine to control the COVID‐19 pandemic. Studies concluded that inactivated COVID‐19 vaccines do not increase the risk of thrombosis. This report presents a 23‐year‐old man with the chief complaint of severe pain, swelling, and erythema of the right upper extremity following his second dose of the Sinopharm vaccine. Duplex ultrasound of the right upper extremity revealed upper extremity deep vein thrombosis, and treatment started with oral anticoagulation. It is probably the first upper extremity deep vein thrombosis case following inactivated COVID‐19 vaccines.
Imaging of a case of atrioventricular septal defect: The added value of using the third dimension in echocardiography
Authors: Abdelnabi Mahmoud , Almaghraby Abdallah , Abdelgawad Hoda
Published: June 2023

Key Clinical Message

The role of 3D echocardiography has been increasing in the management of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD), particularly in pre‐surgical planning, catheter‐guided interventions, and functional assessment of the heart.
Optical frequency domain imaging of the scoring balloon elements shift
Authors: Karashima Eiji , Kaneko Takeo
Published: June 2023

Key Clinical Message

Here, we report a case of endovascular treatment in which optical frequency domain imaging evaluated the scoring balloon elements shift when three inflations without shaft rotation performed with a scoring balloon.
Successful penile reimplantation after 8 h post penile self‐mutilation: A case report
Authors: Salem Mohammed Saleh E. Khalifa , Alherek Abdul , Muangalayi Francis , Tshiala Alain Kabongo , Mukendi Alain Mwamba
Published: June 2023

Key Clinical Message

Penile self‐mutilation may result from a suicidal attempt during a major depression crisis. The management of this urological emergency should be multidisciplinary. A macroscopic penile reimplantation performed meticulously by a urological surgeon may yield an excellent cosmetic and functional outcome.

Penile self‐mutilation is an infrequent form of self‐harming behavior seen primarily in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and rarely reported in those with major depressive disorders.

We herewith present a major depression related case of penile self‐mutilation successfully managed by macroscopic penile reimplantation performed 8 h after the incident.
Addressable DNA Information Processing System with a Fluorescent Readout for Rewritable Memory
Authors: Xi Zirui , Yang Mengyao , Hu Yuqiang , Wu Tongbo
Published: June 2023

Comprehensive Summary

DNA‐based nanostructure allows the construction of molecular devices useful in biological computing and information processing. Herein, an addressable and editable DNA information processing system established on a fluorescence intensity signal detection platform to save and encrypt information is proposed. The system operates by encoding information into distinct and changeable units of the trigger strands decoding by fluorescence intensity signal detection. Through toehold‐mediated strand displacement reactions, the trigger strand can be precisely added to and removed from the memorizer and reporter to implement the function of editing, encrypting, and decrypting. Our strategy is simple to implement, requiring only two mixing steps at room temperature for each operation and fluorescence intensity signal detection to read the data. And the system can realize accurate retrieval of specific individual information, eliminating all unnecessary redundant readouts. Because of its point‐to‐point accurate readout and programmability, the system is expected to become a powerful tool for the future development of information storage and sensing of biological molecules.
Rhodium(III)‐Catalyzed Atroposelective C—H Indolylization of 1‐Aryl Isoquinolines with 3‐Indolylphenyliodonium Salts†
Authors: Zheng Dong‐Song , Zheng Jun , Wang Qiang , Gu Qing , You Shu‐Li
Published: June 2023

Comprehensive Summary

Rhodium(III)‐catalyzed enantioselective C—H indolylization of isoquinolines was developed. The C—H coupling reactions between 1‐aryl isoquinoline derivatives and 3‐indolylphenyliodonium salts proceeded smoothly in the presence of a modified chiral cyclopentadienyl‐Rh(III) complex, affording a series of axially chiral indolylated biaryl products in excellent yields and enantioselectivity (up to 98% yield and 95% ee).
Hemimegalencephaly and intractable focal seizures related to NPRL3 mutation with variable familial expressivity treated with anatomic hemispherectomy
Authors: Carozza Richard B. , Naftel Robert P. , Sarma Asha , Carter Emma G.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Hemimegalencephaly is a syndrome of dysplastic cortical formation, with hamartomatous overgrowth of a cerebral hemisphere, classically associated with intractable focal epilepsy, hemiparesis, and hemianopia. While often cryptogenic, associations with various proliferative syndromes have been implicated, such as in our patients.

Patient Description

We present a newborn with intractable focal epilepsy due to hemimegalencephaly caused by an inherited mutation in nitrogen permease regulator‐like 3 (NPRL3). He underwent anatomic hemispherectomy. His phenotype was more severe than that of other family member, which is consistent with recent studies suggesting that NPRL3 and other genes implicated in familial focal epilepsy with variable foci (FFEVF) produce a phenotypic range.

Conclusions

Hemimegalencephaly can produce intractable focal epilepsy and has been associated with various genetic causes, including NPRL3 mutations. We describe the fifth patient with hemimegalencephaly secondary to NPRL3 and the only one to undergo anatomic hemispherectomy. Given the small number of documented patients, more research is needed to elucidate the role of interventions such as sirolimus and palliative surgical procedures such as hemispherectomy.
A novel two‐staged network for skin disease detection using atrous residual convolutional networks
Authors: Ramamurthy Karthik , Muthuswamy Anirudh , Mathimariappan Nagharjun , Kathiresan Gugan S.
Published: June 2023

The preferred modality for the identification of skin disease has predominantly been dermoscopy. Skin lesion identification is the primary diagnostic basis for the dermatologist to evaluate the severity and impact of the disease. Current diagnostic procedures for the identification of skin lesions may be subjected to misdiagnosis among observers. Also, these procedures are conventionally labour‐intensive and prone to delays in treatment. Deep learning has proven to be beneficial for automated computer‐aided diagnosis in the medical field. This research presents a two‐stage approach involving segmentation and classification architectures for the effective detection of skin disease. The proposed approach aims to combine the architectural benefits of residual learning with the contextual retention of atrous convolutions. The classification is performed on seven different classes of skin lesions namely, melanoma (MEL), melanocytic nevus (NV), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), actinic keratosis/Bowen's disease (AKIEC), benign keratosis (BKL), dermatofibroma (DF), and vascular lesion (VASC). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first research that reports the impact of a two‐staged detection network using atrous residual convolutions for these seven classes. Experimental observations indicate that the proposed model is characteristically balanced in terms of inter‐class performance, with precise segmentation. The proposed network was trained with the HAM10000 dataset and reported a classification accuracy and precision of 89.27% and 89.06%, respectively.
Genetic diversity of North American popcorn germplasm and the effect of population structure on nicosulfuron response
Authors: Sullivan Madsen , Williams Martin M. , Studer Anthony J.
Published: June 2023

Popcorn (Zea mays) is an important crop in the United States; however, genetic analyses of popcorn are limited and tend to utilize relatively few markers that cannot capture the total genomic variation. To improve the genomic resources in popcorn, a panel of 320 popcorn accessions was evaluated using 308,811 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) generated using a genotyping‐by‐sequencing approach. Using this genomic data, several model‐based clustering analyses identified two major groups. The first comprised North American Yellow Pearl Popcorns and accessions of the Chilean Curagua landrace, separated into three subgroups. The second, the Pointed and Latin American Popcorns, included all remaining North American, Latin American, and global accessions. These groups exhibited differences in population structure and genetic diversity. The North American Yellow Pearl Popcorns contain limited genetic diversity compared to the Pointed and Latin American Popcorns. Additionally, phenotypic differences between the two groups were observed in kernel color and nicosulfuron sensitivity. A filtered set of SNPs was curated and used for genome‐wide association studies and popcorn‐specific candidate genes for nicosulfuron tolerance were identified. The genomic characterization described here can be used by breeding programs to accelerate the rate of genetic gain and incorporate genetic diversity into elite popcorn germplasm.
Recent Research Progress into Zinc Ion Battery Solid‐Electrolyte Interfaces
Authors: Li Le , Jia Shaofeng , Cheng Zhiyi , Zhang Changming
Published: June 2023

Aqueous zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) are prospective next‐generation energy storage device candidates owing to resource abundance, affordability, eco‐friendliness, and safety. The solid‐electrolyte interface (SEI) produced in a ZIB by electrolyte/electrode interactions significantly impacts battery performance. The SEI is known to promote dendrite growth, determine the electrochemical stability window, passivate zinc‐metal‐anodic corrosion, and mutate the electrolyte. Accordingly, the SEI is closely related to the overall property of a ZIB device. This review provides an overview of the impact of SEIs on ZIB performance recently and provides an SEI design strategy based on the formation mechanism, type, and characteristics of the SEI. Finally, future investigational directions for SEIs in ZIBs are expected to lead to a deep understanding of the SEI, enhance ZIB performance, and facilitate their extensive implementation.
Design of new metamaterial with negative permeability for efficient wireless power transfer
Authors: Wang Meng , Wang Mengmeng , Shi Yanyan , Guo Jingjing , Song Guangcheng , Yin Renliang
Published: June 2023

To solve the problem that the efficiency of a wireless power transfer system decreases with increasing transmission distance, metamaterial (MTM) has offered an effective solution. In this paper, a novel compact MTM with negative permeability is designed to improve the transfer efficiency of wireless power transfer at the operating frequency of 13.56 MHz. By placing the MTM slab at different positions between coils, the transmission coefficient of the wireless power transfer system with one MTM slab is calculated. Also, the impact of transmission distance is studied. Based on the two‐port network method, the transfer efficiency of wireless power transfer is respectively calculated for the system with one MTM slab and with two MTM slabs. The results demonstrate that transfer efficiency at the transmission distance of 150, 200, and 250 mm are, respectively, 82.4%, 67.8%, and 47.3% when one MTM slab is introduced. For the system with two MTM slabs, the corresponding transfer efficiency is 84.9%, 77.3%, and 66.1% separately. Compared with the system without MTM, it is found that there is a large improvement in transfer efficiency especially when two MTM slabs are positioned between coils at the transmission distance of 250 mm. The magnetic field distribution of the system with one or two MTM slabs introduced is investigated. The results show that magnetic coupling between coils is strengthened, which is favorable for transfer efficiency enhancement.
BMP6 knockdown enhances cardiac fibrosis in a mouse myocardial infarction model by upregulating AP‐1/CEMIP expression
Authors: Lu Guiping , Ge Zhuowang , Chen Xinyuan , Ma Yue , Yuan Ancai , Xie Yuquan , Pu Jun
Published: June 2023

Background

The cardiac repair process following a myocardial infarction is a key factor in patient prognosis. In this repair process, cardiac fibrosis takes a critically important role. Among those featured genes for fibrosis, transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) is known to be involved in the fibrosis in various organs. And bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)6 belongs to the TGF‐β superfamily. Although BMPs are known to play exclusive roles in cardiac repair processes, the character of BMP6 in cardiac remodelling remains unclear.

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate how BMP6 functioned in cardiac fibrosis following myocardial infarction (MI).

Results

In this paper, we demonstrated that BMP6 expression was upregulated after myocardial infarction in wild‐type (WT) mice. Furthermore, BMP6−/− mice showed a more significant decline in cardiac function and lower survival curves after MI. An enlarged infarct area, increased fibrosis and more pronounced inflammatory infiltration were observed in BMP6−/− mice compared to WT mice. The expression of collagen I, collagen III and α‐SMA was increased in BMP6−/− mice. In vitro, through gain‐of‐function and loss‐of‐function experiments, it was demonstrated that BMP6 decreases collagen secretion in fibroblasts. Mechanistically, knocking down BMP6 promoted AP‐1 phosphorylation, which in turn promotes CEMIP expression, led to an acceleration in the progression of cardiac fibrosis. Finally, it was found that rhBMP6 would alleviate ventricular remodelling abnormalities after myocardial infarction.

Conclusion

Therefore, BMP6 may be a novel molecular target for improving myocardial fibrosis and cardiac function after myocardial infarction.
Oblique Bernstein wave propagation in electron‐ion plasma with electron quantization effects
Authors: Hussain A. , Majeed A. , Ayub M. , Murtaza G. , Iqbal Z.
Published: June 2023

We have studied the role of electron quantization effects on the dispersion characteristics of the oblique electron Bernstein wave (EBW) in an electron‐ion plasma using Vlasov‐Poisson model. Our analysis shows that large thermal effects (as compared to quantization effects) give rise to the usual classical results while in the limit of strong magnetic field, the dispersion characteristics changes. The existence of a quantum Bernstein mode has been proposed which appears purely due to the electron quantization effects. The damping of the oblique EBW has also been analyzed in detail and we found that the magnitude of the damping of the wave decreases as we decrease the obliqueness parameter (parallel to perpendicular wavenumber ratio) which agrees with the earlier theoretical and experimental findings. Moreover, the strong quantization effects () also tend to suppress the damping of EBW which contributes to the stabilization of the waves. The present findings are relevant to the laboratory laser‐produced plasmas where strong external magnetic fields exist, and also to the dense astrophysical plasma environments.
Antibody titrations are critical for microflow cytometric analysis of extracellular vesicles
Authors: Pink Desmond , Basu Arghya , Wong Michael , Pham Diana , Valencia Juliana , Triana Vivian , Beatty Perrin H. , Rieger Aja M. , Lewis John D.
Published: June 2023

Optimization of flow cytometry assays for extracellular vesicles (EVs) often fail to include appropriate reagent titrations – the most critically antibody titration is either not performed or is incomplete. Using nonoptimal antibody concentration is one of the main sources of error leading to a lack of reproducible data. Antibody titration for the analysis of antigens on the surface of EVs is challenging for a variety of technical reasons. Using platelets as surrogates for cells and platelet‐derived particles as surrogates for EV populations, we demonstrate our process for antibody titration, highlighting some of the key analysis parameters that may confound and surprise new researchers moving into the field of EV research. Additional care must be exercised to ensure instrument and reagent controls are utilized appropriately. Complete graphical analysis of positive and negative signal intensities, concentration, and separation or stain index data is highly beneficial when paired with visual analysis of the cytometry data. Using analytical flow cytometry procedures optimized for cells for EV analysis can lead to misleading and nonreproducible results.
Multigram Synthesis of α‐ and γ‐((Hetera)cyclo)alkylpyridines through α‐Arylation of (Hetero)aliphatic Nitriles
Authors: Sierov Dmytro I. , Dzhulai Illia V. , Siryk Kateryna I. , Shvydenko Kostiantyn V. , Shvydenko Tetiana I. , Nazarenko Kostiantyn , Kostyuk Aleksandr , Liashuk Oleksandr S. , Grygorenko Oleksandr O.
Published: June 2023

A systematic study on the SnAr reaction of halogenated fluoropyridines and (hetero)aliphatic nitrile anions as an approach to the synthesis of functionalized pyridines bearing a (cyclo)alkyl or saturated heterocyclic substituent by is described. The scope of the method was demonstrated on a wide range of (hetero)aliphatic nitriles (including three‐ to six‐membered cycloalkane derivatives and N‐, O‐, S‐containing saturated heterocycles) and all isomeric halogenated 2‐and 4‐fluoropyridines. High chemo‐ and regioselectivity (i. e., exclusive substitution of the fluorine atom), as well as excellent scalability of the proposed reaction sequence were demonstrated (up to 450 g for the arylation step or up to 77 g of cycloalkylpyridine over two steps in a single run). The utility of the synthesized products was illustrated in the additional functional group transformations resulting in synthetically valuable pyridine‐containing building blocks.
A Critical Review of Amphibian Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Ecotoxicity Research Studies: Identification of Screening Levels in Water and Other Useful Resources for Site-Specific Ecological Risk Assessments
Authors: Pandelides Zacharias , Conder Jason , Choi Youn , Allmon Elizabeth , Hoskins Tyler , Lee Linda , Hoverman Jason , Sepúlveda Maria
Published: June 2023

With the goal of aiding risk assessors conducting site-specific risk assessments at per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS)-contaminated sites, this critical review synthesizes information on the ecotoxicity of PFAS to amphibians in 10 amphibian species and 16 peer-reviewed publications. The studies in this review consisted of spiked-PFAS chronic toxicity experiments with perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), and 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTS) that evaluated apical endpoints typical of ecological risk-based decision making (survival, growth, and development). Body mass was the most sensitive endpoint, showing clear and biologically meaningful population level adverse effect sizes (≥20% adverse effects). From these results, we recommend chronic no observed effect concentration (NOEC) screening levels of 590 µg/L for PFOS and 130 µg/L for PFOA. At or above recommended chronic lowest observed effect concentration screening levels of 1100 µg/L PFOS and 1400 µg/L PFOA, there is an increased chance of adverse biologically relevant chronic effects. Biologically relevant adverse effects were not observed for PFHxS and 6:2 FTS, so unbounded NOECs of 1300 µg/L PFHxS and 1800 µg/L 6:2 FTS are recommended. Screening levels are also provided for the concentration of PFAS in an amphibian diet, amphibian tissue, and moss substrate. In addition, we recommend bioconcentration factors that can be useful to predict concentrations of PFAS in amphibians using concentrations in water; these values are useful for food web modeling to understand risks to vertebrate wildlife that prey on amphibians. Overall, the present study provides a guide to the wealth of ecotoxicological research on PFAS conducted by our research group and highlights the need for additional work that would improve the understanding of chemical risks to amphibians. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:2078–2090. © 2023 SETAC
Machine learning in computational histopathology: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Cooper Michael , Ji Zongliang , Krishnan Rahul G.
Published: June 2023

Digital histopathological images, high‐resolution images of stained tissue samples, are a vital tool for clinicians to diagnose and stage cancers. The visual analysis of patient state based on these images are an important part of oncology workflow. Although pathology workflows have historically been conducted in laboratories under a microscope, the increasing digitization of histopathological images has led to their analysis on computers in the clinic. The last decade has seen the emergence of machine learning, and deep learning in particular, a powerful set of tools for the analysis of histopathological images. Machine learning models trained on large datasets of digitized histopathology slides have resulted in automated models for prediction and stratification of patient risk. In this review, we provide context for the rise of such models in computational histopathology, highlight the clinical tasks they have found success in automating, discuss the various machine learning techniques that have been applied to this domain, and underscore open problems and opportunities.
Fluid migration along deep‐crustal shear zone: A case study of the Rhenosterkoppies Greenstone Belt in the northern Kaapvaal Craton, South Africa
Authors: Koizumi Tatsuya , Tsunogae Toshiaki , van Reenen Dirk D. , Smit C. A. , Belyanin Georgy A.
Published: June 2023

The north‐dipping Hout River Shear Zone (HRSZ), which marks the boundary between the high‐grade Limpopo Complex in its hanging wall and the low‐grade granite‐greenstone terrane of the Kaapvaal Craton in South Africa in its footwall, is a deep‐crustal shear zone that controlled emplacement of hot Limpopo Complex granulites over and against low‐grade granite‐greenstones during exhumation at ~2.72–2.62 Ga. This major shear zone controlled migration of large volumes of hydrous fluids released during devolatilization of underthrusted greenstones that infiltrated into hot overlying granulites, establishing a retrograde anthophyllite‐in isograd and associated zone of retrograde rehydrated granulite that bounds the Limpopo Complex in the south. Here, we report new petrological data based on mineral equilibrium modelling of amphibolites from the Rhenosterkoppies Greenstone Belt (RGB) located in the immediate footwall of the HRSZ and discuss evidence that these rocks also interacted with high‐temperature fluids that infiltrated along the HRSZ. This study provides an important perspective of the interaction of hot granulites with underthrusted relatively cold greenschist‐facies rocks along the steeply north‐dipping section of the HRSZ, and shows that evidence for such interaction is restricted to a relatively narrow zone in the footwall of the HRSZ termed a hot‐iron‐zone. The peak mineral assemblage of a garnet‐free amphibolite from the RGB (magnesio‐hornblende + plagioclase + quartz + clinopyroxene + titanite + ilmenite) yielded the peak P–T condition of 7–8 kbar and 640–680°C with H2O content of 3.5–3.8 mol%. Clinopyroxene is replaced by actinolite + quartz and epidote + quartz symplectites by a post‐peak hydration event at <5 kbar and <590°C caused by elevated H2O content in the rock (>4.0 mol%), possibly related to fluid infiltration along the HRSZ. Mineral equilibria in a garnet‐bearing amphibolite records a prograde path from 5 to 7 kbar and 540–630°C to the peak conditions at 7.6–8.7 kbar and 620–650°C. A clockwise P–T path suggesting rapid compression and decompression has been inferred for the amphibolites from the RGB, possibly because of pressure increase related to overthrusting of the high‐grade terrane (Southern Marginal Zone of the Limpopo Complex) onto the low‐grade granite‐greenstone terrane, followed by rapid exhumation. The quantity of H2O associated with the amphibolite‐facies metamorphism in the RGB was elevated from the peak stage (M(H2O) = 3.5–3.8 mol%) to the retrograde stage (M(H2O) = 4.0–4.5 mol%) of metamorphism in the RGB, possibly suggesting fluid infiltration not only from internal sources but also from external sources. The results of this study indicate that a H2O‐bearing fluid, which infiltrated along the HRSZ, affected both the footwall and the hanging wall sections of the shear zone, although the effect on the footwall section was limited.