bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasensitive Solvatochirochromism of Single Benzene Chromophores
Authors: Liu Yiping , Hao Aiyou , Xing Pengyao
Published: February 2024

Solvents influence the structure, aggregation and folding behaviors of solvatochromic compounds. Ultrasensitive solvent mediated chiroptical response is conducive to the fabrication of molecular platform for sensing and recognition, which however, remains great challenges in conceptual or applicable design. Here we report a cysteine‐based single benzene chromophore system that shows ultrasensitivity to solvents. Compared to the ratiometrically responsive systems, the chiroptical activities could be triggered or inverted depending on the substituents of chiral entities with an ultralow solvent volume fraction (<1 vol %). One drop of dipolar solvents shall significantly induce the emergence or inversion of chiroptical signals in bulky phases. Based on the experimental and computational studies, the ultrasensitivity is contributed to the intimate interplay between solvents and chiral compounds that anchors the specific chiral conformation. It illustrates that structurally simple organic compounds without aggregation or folding behaviors possess pronounced solvatochiroptical properties, which sheds light on the next‐generation of chiroptical sensors and switches.
Chloride ion titration – new indicator for teaching chemistry chemistry
Authors: Zell Lukas , Oßwald Samuel , Friedrich Jens , Oetken Marco
Published: February 2024

Die Chloridionentitration nach Mohr ist eine geeignete Methode, um in der Schule quantitative Analytik zu thematisieren. Bei dieser Titration werden Chloridionen als schwerlösliches Silberchlorid gefällt. Am Äquivalenzpunkt sorgt wiederum ein schwerlösliches Silbersalz als Indikator für einen Farbumschlag. Im ursprünglichen Ansatz werden Chromationen als Indikator eingesetzt. Aufgrund der hohen Toxizität ist es bedenklich, die Titration als Schülerversuch durchzuführen. Im Rahmen einer Substitutionsprüfung wurde ein Indikator gefunden, der den Ansprüchen an Farbigkeit und Löslichkeit genügt. Phosphat fällt analog zu Chromat als farbiges Silbersalz aus und zeigt so zuverlässig den Endpunkt der Titration. Die Chloridionentitration ist mit diesem Indikator als Schülerversuch bedenkenlos möglich.
AMter: An end‐to‐end model for transcriptional terminators prediction by extracting semantic feature automatically based on attention mechanism
Authors: Zhang Haotian , Li Jinzhe , Hu Fang , Lin Haobo , Ma Jiali
Published: February 2024

The Terminator, a specific DNA sequence, provides the transcriptional termination signal to RNA polymerase, making it a critical aspect of transcriptional regulation. This article proposes AMter, the first end‐to‐end model designed for predicting transcriptional terminators, leveraging attention mechanisms. In AMter, rather than manual feature engineering, two distinct modules based on attention mechanism, known as Frequency‐Attention and Allkmer‐Attention, are employed to automatically learn efficient features. Frequency‐Attention generates informative features by autonomously determining the significance of various frequency features, while Allkmer‐Attention aims to capture the relationships among all k‐mers within a DNA sequence. Features generated by Frequency‐Attention and Allkmer‐Attention demonstrate high informativeness and discriminative capacity, allowing precise discrimination of whether a DNA sequence is a terminator through a simple prediction network. The results of the 5‐fold cross‐validation test indicate the remarkable achievement of our proposed method, attaining 100% accuracy in both the training and validation datasets. Furthermore, AMter demonstrates outstanding prediction accuracy on two independent datasets, with 100% accuracy for Escherichia coli and 99.30% for Bacillus subtilis, marking a significant 94.4% relative improvement over prior methods. Experimental results conclusively demonstrate that AMter surpasses existing approaches, establishing a new state‐of‐the‐art in transcriptional terminator prediction.
Optimization of layout for embedding half hypercube into conventional tree architectures
Authors: Immanuel Paul , Greeni A. Berin
Published: February 2024

Embedding a graph into another graph can be utilized for structural simulation, processor allocation, and algorithm porting in the field of parallel architecture. This has the potential to enhance the physical layout of network‐on‐chip (NoC) devices as well as to investigate their virtualization possibilities. Layout is one of the many indicators of graph embedding. An optimal layout in NoC design can result in a decreased wiring area and cost, as well as the reduction in communication delay between parallel processing components. In this work, the guest graph is the half hypercube, which possess efficient routing, fault tolerance, and Hamiltonian features. The edge isoperimetric problems is solved for the half hypercube using a novel technique called the isochronal ordering. The host graphs considered in our work are complete binary trees, ‐rooted complete binary trees, and other few predominantly investigated tree based architectures.
Constructing Heptazine‐COF@TiO2 Heterojunction Photocatalysts for Efficient Photodegradation of Acetaminophen under Visible Light
Authors: Ge Shijie , Cai Yixiao , Deng Lili , Jin Mengtian , Qu Xiangyang , Liu He , Wang Huaping , Wang Biao
Published: February 2024

Constructing heterojunction photocatalysts are widely applied to boost the photocatalytic activity of materials. Here, a novel covalent organic framework (COF) material with heptazine units was developed and hybridized with TiO2 nano particles (NPs) to fabricate the Heptazine‐COF@TiO2 photocatalysts for acetaminophen (AAP) photodegradation. The successfully assembled heptazine unit endows the Heptazine‐COF with outstanding semiconductor property (optical bandgap is 2.53 eV). The synthesized Heptazine‐COF@TiO2 hybrids is proved to have the heterojunction structure with high visible light activity and fast charge‐carrier mobility, and exhibits better performance in photodegradation of AAP under visible light. The excellent photodegradation efficiency (rate constant: 0.758 min−1) and high reusability (rate constant: 0.452 min−1 in the 6th cycles) of the optimized sample outperform the traditional inorganic photocatalysts and other heterojunction photocatalysts. In addition, these photocatalysts present universal degradation activity for other dyes and antibiotics.
Dosing and Exposure of Vancomycin With Continuous Infusion: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Derijks‐Engwegen Judith Y. M. N. , Jager Nynke G.L.
Published: February 2024

Vancomycin continuous infusion (CI) has suggested benefits over intermittent infusion: reduced nephrotoxicity, higher target attainment, and simpler therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). Empiric dosing regimens range from 30–60 mg/kg/day and it is unclear which regimen results in optimal exposure. This study evaluates whether a dosing regimen of 45 mg/kg/day after a 20 mg/kg loading dose for patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 50 mL/min results in adequate exposure. We retrospectively analyzed plasma concentrations from patients treated with vancomycin CI as routine clinical care between February and October 2021. Patients under 18 years old, with renal replacement therapy, reduced creatinine clearance (Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration < 50 mL min/1.73 m2) or outpatient antibiotic therapy were excluded. Dose, renal function, and blood draw procedures were assessed for each measured vancomycin sample. Initially, 121 samples were included. Subsequently, 7 samples, 6 of which with concentrations ≥ 40 mg/L, were verified to be incorrectly drawn and excluded. With doses of 40–50 mg/kg/day concentrations ranged from 18.4–61.0 mg/L. Only 25% were within the target window of 17–25 mg/L and 15% were ≥ 40 mg/L. Supratherapeutic concentrations were observed in 89% of samples from patients dosed 40–60 mg/kg/day with eGFR 50–80 mL/min. Concluding, an empiric dosing regimen of 45 mg/kg results in too high vancomycin exposure and thus we recommend lower doses and differentiation according to renal function. Additionally, when measuring concentrations over 40 mg/L incorrect sampling must be excluded before dose adjustment and the large variability in exposure between patients, warrants the need for swift TDM.
The current perspective and opportunities of small nucleic acid‐based therapeutics
Authors: Chen Yang , Li Yang , Li Chao , Zhang Dandan , Liu Yuheng , Zhang Jingjing , Guan Shan , Ding Xiaoyan , Xiao Qin
Published: February 2024

Compared to traditional small molecule and antibody drugs, RNA‐based drugs offer a simple design, short research and development cycles, high specificity, broad treatment fields, and long‐term efficacy. As a result, RNA‐based drugs are extensively used to treat genetic diseases, tumors, viral infections, and other illnesses, suggesting that they have the potential to become the third‐largest drug class after small molecule and antibody drugs. Currently, more than 10 small nucleic acid drugs have gained regulatory approval. The commercialization successes of small nucleic acid drugs will stimulate the development of RNA‐based drugs. Small nucleic acid drugs primarily target liver diseases, metabolic diseases, genetic diseases, and tumors, and there is also significant potential for expanding indications in the future. This review provides a brief overview of the advantages and development of small nucleic acid‐based therapeutics and shows a focus on platform technologies such as chemical modifications and delivery systems that have enabled the clinical translation of small nucleic acid‐based therapeutics. Additionally, we summarize the latest clinical progress in small nucleic acid‐based therapeutics for the treatment of various diseases, including rare diseases, liver diseases, metabolic diseases, and tumors. Finally, we highlight the future prospects for this promising treatment approach.
Analysing the spatiotemporal variation and influencing factors of Lake Chaohu's CDOM over the past 40 years using machine learning
Authors: Zhang Zijie , Zhang Han , Jin Yifan , Guo Hongwei , Tian Shang , Huang Jinhui Jeanne , Zhu Xiaotong
Published: February 2024

Chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) in aquatic environments is an important component of the biogeochemical cycle and carbon cycle. The aim of this study is to investigate the long‐term changes in CDOM in shallow and eutrophic Chaohu Lake, as well as its relationship with climate, environment and social factors. Using long time series Landsat image data and machine learning technology, the spatiotemporal evolution of Chaohu CDOM since 1987 was reconstructed. A total of 180 samples were collected, which were divided into three parts based on regional and hydrological characteristics. The results show that the water quality in different regions were significantly different, and TN may be the key factor driving the change of CDOM in Chaohu Lake. Machine learning algorithms including random forest (RF), support vector regression (SVR), neural network (NN), multimodal deep learning (MDL) model and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) were used, among which XGBoost model performed best (R2 = 0.955, mean absolute error [MAE] = 0.024 mg/L, root mean square error [RMSE] = 0.036 mg/L, bias = 1.005) and was used for CDOM spatiotemporal variation retrieval. The change of CDOM was seasonal, highest in August (0.67 m−1) and lowest in December (0.48 m−1), and the western lake is the main source of CDOM. Annual variability of the CDOM indicates that it began to decline after the completion of water pollution control in 2000. Temperature changes were closely related to CDOM (P < 0.01) and agricultural non‐point source pollution plays an important role in Chaohu Lake. This study will provide feasible methods and scientific basis for the long‐term remote sensing supervision of CDOM.
Metal–Organic Framework‐Derived MnO/C Nanocomposite with Lamellar Porous Structure for High‐Performance Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Battery
Authors: Pan Guangxing , Hu Yuanyuan , Wang Zhenyuan , Li Hao , Wu Dong , Zhang Ling , Zhang Jiaheng
Published: February 2024

Manganese oxide (MnO) is a promising cathode for aqueous zinc‐ion batteries; however, issues such as low electrical conductivity, Mn2+ dissolution, and sluggish kinetics lead to poor electrochemical performance that block its commercialized application. Herein, the first utilization of Mn‐based metal–organic frameworks synthesized from manganese salt and 1,2,4,5‐benzenetetracarboxylic acid to fabricate MnO/C composite materials is presented. The analysis of electrochemical testing demonstrates that carbon‐coated MnO can effectively promote electrochemical properties compared to the pure MnO. Additionally, the Zn2+/Mn2+ concentration is optimized in order to maximize the electrode's potential in terms of electrochemical performance. The MnO/C‐600 electrode delivers a higher specific capacity of 322 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 and exhibits a capacity of 270 mAh g−1 after 360 cycles at 0.5 A g−1 in the 2.0 m ZnSO4 + 0.2 m MnSO4 system. The results also indicate that the MnO/C‐600 electrode has higher diffusion coefficients, and its unique structure improves structural stability and ion/electron transfer. Furthermore, the energy storage mechanism of the MnO/C‐600 electrode is investigated. Herein, a method is provided for preparing an inexpensive and convenient MnO/C cathode for high‐performance aqueous zinc‐ion batteries.
MXene‐Based Semiconductor Materials for Various Applications in Photocatalysis Field
Authors: Yi Youwei , Chen Xi , Zhao Yanhui , Xu Xinyang , Zhang Pingfan , Li Chunmei
Published: February 2024

The escalating issues of energy crises and environmental pollution have drawn increasing attention for photocatalysis as a green and sustainable solution. In this context, the emergence of MXene materials has injected new vitality into the field of photocatalysis. These materials are garnering significant interest due to their rich surface functional groups, interlayer interactions, and tunable interlayer spacing. Hence, this review provides an overview of the role of MXene materials in photocatalytic technology, using various theoretical simulations analysis methods on these MXene materials and the various applications involved in photoreduction of CO2 to the valuable products, photocatalytic H2 evolution from water splitting, photodegradation of organic contaminants, and so forth. Furthermore, the current challenges and potential directions are discussed for perfecting the photocatalysis application of MXene materials. It is sincerely hoped that this review will stimulate more research attention to meet the needs of practical applications in the future.
Nondestructive Evaluation of Metal Bioaccumulation and Biochemical Biomarkers in Blood of Broad-Snouted Caiman (Caiman latirostris) from Northeastern Brasil
Authors: dos Santos Rayssa Lima , Mariz Jr. Célio Freire , Mascarenhas-Júnior Paulo Braga , Barboza Rafael Sá Leitão , dos Santos Ednilza Maranhão , Sousa Correia Jozélia Maria , Carvalho Paulo Sérgio Martins
Published: February 2024

Studies on the bioaccumulation and toxicity of contaminants in Crocodylians are scarce. We evaluated alterations in concentrations of the nondestructive biomarkers butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH), together with bioaccumulation of the metals iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), chronium (Cr), aluminium (Al), and lead (Pb) in Caiman latirostris captured in Tapacurá Reservoir (TR; São Lourenço da Mata, Pernambuco, Brasil), in urbanized areas of Pernambuco State (UA; Brasil) and from the AME Brasil caiman farm (AF; Marechal Deodoro, Alagoas, Brasil); the latter was used as a potential reference with low levels of contamination. For metal analysis, 500 µL of blood was digested in 65% HNO3 and 30% H2O2. The samples were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry. For analysis of biomarkers, an aliquot of blood was centrifuged to obtain plasma in which biochemical assays were performed. Blood concentrations of metals analyzed in animals from AF were lower compared with TR and UA, confirming that animals from the caiman farm could be used as references with low levels of contamination. Iron, Cu, Mn, Al, and Pb exceeded toxic levels for other vertebrates in animals from TR and UA. Butyrylcholinesterase activity showed significant reduction in adults from UA and TR compared with AF. An increase in the activity of GST and GSH, in adults of TR and UA in relation to AF, was verified. Superoxide dismutase activity showed a significant reduction in adults of TR in relation to AF, and the concentrations of Cu and Mn were negatively correlated with SOD activity. Animals from UA and TR showed greater concentrations of the analyzed metals compared with reference animals, and changes in biomarkers were seen, confirming the potential of these nondestructive chemical and biological parameters in blood of C. latirostris for biomonitoring of pollution. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:878–895. © 2024 SETAC
Novel Reproduction Toxicity Test Method for Hyalella azteca Using Sexually Mature Amphipods Provides More Robust Data Than Standard Methods in Exposures to Imidacloprid
Authors: Khan Hufsa N. , Bartlett Adrienne J. , Hedges Amanda M. , Prosser Ryan S.
Published: February 2024

Hyalella azteca is an epibenthic crustacean used in ecotoxicology, but there are challenges associated with standard methods using reproduction as an endpoint. A novel, 28-day reproduction toxicity test method for H. azteca was created to address these issues by initiating tests with sexually mature amphipods to eliminate the confounding effects of growth, using a sex ratio of seven females to three males to reduce reproductive variability, and conducting tests in water-only conditions to make recovery of juveniles easier and expand testing capabilities to water-soluble compounds. In the present study, we evaluated the 28-day novel method by comparing it with the 42-day standard test method in duplicate and parallel water-only, static-renewal exposures to sublethal concentrations of imidacloprid (0.5–8 µg/L). Both methods showed similar effects on survival, with survival approaching 50% in the highest test concentration (8 µg/L). However, the 42-day median effect concentrations (EC50s) for growth were more sensitive in the standard method (1.5–3.2 µg/L) compared with the 28-day EC50s generated by the novel method (>8 µg/L). Reproduction endpoints (juveniles/female) produced similar EC50s between methods, but the data were less variable in novel tests (smaller coefficients of variation); therefore, fewer replicates would be required to detect effects on reproduction compared with the standard method. In addition, novel tests generated 28 days of reproduction data compared with 14 days using standard tests and allowed survival and growth of sexes to be assessed independently. Thus, the novel method shows promise to improve the use of reproduction as an endpoint in water-only toxicity tests with H. azteca. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:723–735. © 2024 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Physical activity and associated factors in Australian women during pregnancy: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ceprnja Dragana , Chipchase Lucy , Liamputtong Pranee , Gupta Amitabh
Published: February 2024

Issue Addressed

Whilst the benefits of regular physical activity during pregnancy are well known, the few studies conducted in Australian pregnant women suggest that most do not meet recommended exercise guidelines. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of physical activity, sedentary behaviours, and associated factors in Australian pregnant women.

Methods

A random sample of pregnant women (N = 780) of (mean [SD]) 31 (5) years of age completed a questionnaire describing weekly physical activity and sedentary behaviours. A number of potential risk factors, including socio‐demographic characteristics and ethnicity, were investigated using logistic regression.

Results

Approximately one‐third (34%) of women were classified as “active”; however, only 7% of women performed the recommended amount of physical activity according to Australian guidelines. Women reported (mean [95% CI]) sitting for 8 (7.8–8.2) hours and lying down during the day for 0.5 (0.5–0.6) hour while pregnant. Being university educated (OR [95% CI]) (2.87 [1.6–4.9]), in paid employment (2.12 [1.14–3.94]) and having a lower body mass index (0.91 [0.87–0.95]) were factors associated with being active.

Conclusion

Australian women performed low levels of physical activity during pregnancy and spend long periods of time in sedentary behaviours.

So What?

There is a strong need for a concerted health promotion strategy to endorse increased physical activity, along with a reduction in sedentary behaviours, during pregnancy to support better maternal outcomes in Australia.
A case of Legionella pneumonia after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy
Authors: Nukaya Takuhisa , Ishikawa Kiyohito , Takahara Kiyoshi , Takenaka Masashi , Zennami Kenji , Ichino Manabu , Sasaki Hitomi , Sumitomo Makoto , Shiroki Ryoichi
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Postoperative Legionella pneumonia is very rare.

Case presentation

A 71‐year‐old male patient with prostate cancer (cT2bN0M0) underwent a robotic‐assisted radical prostatectomy. On the 5th postoperative day, the patient developed chills and a fever of 39.2°C. Chest radiography revealed decreased permeability in the right middle lung field, leading to the diagnosis of postoperative pneumonia. Antimicrobial therapy was initiated immediately. Blood tests on postoperative day 10 revealed mild liver function abnormalities, electrolyte abnormalities, and a markedly elevated inflammatory response. Legionella pneumonia was suspected based on blood sample results and systemic symptoms, such as diarrhea and nausea. Furthermore, Legionella antigens were detected in the patient's urine, prompting further administration of levofloxacin. The patient's subsequent clinical course was favorable.

Conclusion

When bacterial pneumonia fails to respond to antimicrobial therapy and systemic symptoms develop, atypical pneumonia, caused by pathogens such as Legionella pneumophila, should be considered even in cases of postoperative pneumonia.
Peer desirability and academic achievement
Authors: Mehic Adrian
Published: February 2024

Using the random assignment of university engineering students to peer groups during introductory freshmen weeks, this paper studies how a student's parental income and facial attractiveness affect the grade outcomes of peers. The results show that exposure to highly desirable peers with respect to socioeconomic background and beauty improves grades. The results operate chiefly through a direct spillover channel and also through an indirect marriage market channel, through which exposure to high‐desirability peers improves well‐being. A field experiment suggests that the marriage market mechanism is likely to be limited to students not currently in a romantic relationship.
ToxMPNN: A deep learning model for small molecule toxicity prediction
Authors: Zhou Yini , Ning Chao , Tan Yijun , Li Yaqi , Wang Jiaxu , Shu Yuanyuan , Liang Songping , Liu Zhonghua , Wang Ying
Published: February 2024

Machine learning (ML) has shown a great promise in predicting toxicity of small molecules. However, the availability of data for such predictions is often limited. Because of the unsatisfactory performance of models trained on a single toxicity endpoint, we collected toxic small molecules with multiple toxicity endpoints from previous study. The dataset comprises 27 toxic endpoints categorized into seven toxicity classes, namely, carcinogenicity and mutagenicity, acute oral toxicity, respiratory toxicity, irritation and corrosion, cardiotoxicity, CYP450, and endocrine disruption. In addition, a binary classification Common‐Toxicity task was added based on the aforementioned dataset. To improve the performance of the models, we added marketed drugs as negative samples. This study presents a toxicity predictive model, ToxMPNN, based on the message passing neural network (MPNN) architecture, aiming to predict the toxicity of small molecules. The results demonstrate that ToxMPNN outperforms other models in capturing toxic features within the molecular structure, resulting in more precise predictions with the ROC_AUC testing score of 0.886 for the Toxicity_drug dataset. Furthermore, it was observed that adding marketed drugs as negative samples not only improves the predictive performance of the binary classification Common‐Toxicity task but also enhances the stability of the model prediction. It shows that the graph‐based deep learning (DL) algorithms in this study can be used as a trustworthy and effective tool to assess small molecule toxicity in the development of new drugs.
Alternating parity weak sequencing
Authors: Costa Simone , Della Fiore Stefano
Published: February 2024

A subset of a group is ‐weakly sequenceable if there is an ordering of its elements such that the partial sums , given by and for , satisfy whenever and . By Costa et al., it was proved that if the order of a group is then all sufficiently large subsets of the nonidentity elements are ‐weakly sequenceable when is prime, and . Inspired by this result, we show that, if is the semidirect product of and and the subset is balanced, then admits, regardless of its size, an alternating parity ‐weak sequencing whenever is prime and . A subset of is balanced if it contains the same number of even elements and odd elements and an alternating parity ordering alternates even and odd elements. Then using a hybrid approach that combines both Ramsey theory and the probabilistic method we also prove, for groups that are semidirect products of a generic (nonnecessarily abelian) group and , that all sufficiently large balanced subsets of the nonidentity elements admit an alternating parity ‐weak sequencing. The same procedure works also for studying the weak sequenceability for generic sufficiently large (not necessarily balanced) sets. Here we have been able to prove that, if the size of a subset of a group is large enough and if does not contain 0, then is ‐weakly sequenceable.
Profile of matrix‐entrapped extracellular vesicles of microenvironmental and infiltrating cell origin in decellularized colorectal cancer and adjacent mucosa
Authors: Tassinari Sarah , D'Angelo Edoardo , Caicci Federico , Grange Cristina , Burrello Jacopo , Fassan Matteo , Brossa Alessia , Bao Riccardo Quoc , Spolverato Gaya , Agostini Marco , Collino Federica , Bussolati Benedetta
Published: February 2024

Cellular elements that infiltrate and surround tumours and pre‐metastatic tissues have a prominent role in tumour invasion and growth. The extracellular vesicles specifically entrapped and stored within the extracellular matrix (ECM‐EVs) may reflect the different populations of the tumour microenvironment and their change during tumour progression. However, their profile is at present unknown. To elucidate this aspect, we isolated and characterized EVs from decellularized surgical specimens of colorectal cancer and adjacent colon mucosa and analyzed their surface marker profile. ECM‐EVs in tumours and surrounding mucosa mainly expressed markers of lymphocytes, natural killer cells, antigen‐presenting cells, and platelets, as well as epithelial cells, representing a multicellular microenvironment. No difference in surface marker expression was observed between tumour and mucosa ECM‐EVs in stage II‐III tumours. At variance, in the colon mucosa adjacent to stage IV carcinomas, ECM‐EV profile showed a significantly increased level of immune, epithelial and platelet markers in comparison to the matrix of the corresponding tumour. The increase of EVs from immune cells and platelets was not observed in the mucosa adjacent to low‐stage tumours. In addition, CD25, a T‐lymphocyte marker, resulted specifically overexpressed by ECM‐EVs from stage IV carcinomas, possibly correlated with the pro‐tolerogenic environment found in the corresponding tumour tissue. These results outline the tissue microenvironmental profile of EVs in colorectal carcinoma‐derived ECM and unveil a profound change in the healthy mucosa adjacent to high‐stage tumours.
Genome editing in Acinetobacter baumannii through enhanced natural transformation
Authors: Yilmaz Ilknur , Ozbek Tulin
Published: February 2024

Acinetobacter baumannii, a multidrug‐resistant bacterium has become a significant cause of life‐threatening infections acquired in hospitals worldwide. The existing drugs used to treat A. baumannii infections are rapidly losing efficacy, and the increasing antimicrobial resistance, which is expected to turn into a global health crisis, underscores the urgency to develop novel prevention and treatment strategies. We reasoned that the discovery of novel virulence targets for vaccine and therapy interventions requires a more enhanced method for the introduction of multiple elements of foreign DNA for genome editing than the current methods of natural transformation techniques. Herein, we employed a novel and a much‐improved enhanced technique for the natural transformation of elements of the genome editing system CRISPR‐Cas9 to suppress specific genomic regions linked to selectively suppress bacterial virulence. We modified the genome of the laboratory‐adapted strain of A. baumannii BAA‐747 by targeting the AmpC, as a marker gene, for disruption by three different genomic manipulation strategies, and created mutant strains of A. baumannii that are, at least, fourfold susceptible to ampicillin. This work has established an optimized enhanced natural transformation system that enables efficient genome editing of pathogenic bacteria in a laboratory setting, providing a valuable future tool for exploring the function of unidentified virulence genes in bacterial genomes.
The role of bone remodeling in measuring migration of custom implants for large acetabular defects
Authors: De Angelis Sara , Di Laura Anna , Ramesh Angelika , Henckel Johann , Hart Alister
Published: February 2024

In revision total hip arthroplasty, achieving robust fixation is difficult and implant movement may occur over time. Bone may also rearrange around the implant as a result of mechanical loading, making the measurement of migration challenging. The study aimed to quantify changes in bone shape and implant position 1 year following acetabular reconstruction using custom three‐dimensional‐printed cups. This observational retrospective cohort study involved 23 patients with Paprosky type IIIB defects. Postop computed tomography scans taken within 1 week of surgery and at 1‐year postsurgery were co‐registered and analyzed. Three co‐registration strategies were implemented including bone‐to‐bone and implant‐to‐implant. (1) Co‐registration of the ipsilateral innominate bone (diseased anatomy) was used to measure changes in implant position. (2) Co‐registration of the implant was carried out to quantify changes in the ipsilateral innominate bone shape. (3) Co‐registration of the contralateral innominate bone (nondiseased anatomy) was performed to measure changes in the ipsilateral innominate bone shape and implant position. The median centroid distances (interquartile range [IQR]) were 2.3 mm (IQR: 3.7–1.7 mm) for changes in implant position, 2.4 mm (IQR: 3.6–1.6 mm) for changes in ipsilateral innominate bone shape, and 3.7 mm (IQR: 4.6–3.5 mm) for changes in ipsilateral innominate bone shape and implant position. Following acetabular reconstruction, implant movements and periprosthetic bone remodeling are physiological and of a similar extent. Surgeons and engineers should consider this when performing implant monitoring in these patients.
Cartilage regeneration is related to superior mid‐term patient‐reported outcomes after open‐wedge high tibial osteotomy
Authors: Tsushima Takahiro , Sasaki Eiji , Sakamoto Yukiko , Kimura Yuka , Tsuda Eiichi , Ishibashi Yasuyuki
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Medial open‐wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) is related to cartilage improvement in the medial compartment. This study aimed to evaluate factors associated with cartilage improvement and patient‐reported outcomes (PRO) after OWHTO. It was hypothesised that cartilage improvement is associated with favourable PRO.

Methods

This retrospective study included 94 patients who underwent OWHTO. The mean follow‐up period was 5 years. The weight‐bearing line ratio (WBLR) was defined as the ratio of the distance from the medial tibial edge to the tibial insertion of the weight‐bearing line and the tibial width. The International Cartilage Research Society grade evaluated the medial femoral condyle (MFC) and medial tibial plateau (MTP) at initial and second‐look arthroscopy, and cartilage improvement after OWHTO was assessed. Postoperative knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome scores (KOOS) were compared between the groups with improved and non‐improved cartilage. Additionally, factors related to cartilage improvement and postoperative KOOS scores were analysed.

Results

Regarding the MFC, KOOS pain, symptoms, activities of daily living (ADL) and quality of life (QOL) were significantly higher in the cartilage‐improved group than in the non‐improved group (p = 0.012, 0.003, 0.001, 0.006), and cartilage improvement was significantly related to KOOS pain, ADL and QOL (p = 0.021, 0.039, 0.013). In addition, the postoperative WBLR was associated with cartilage improvement, with a cutoff value of 54.0% (p = 0.046). Regarding the MTP, KOOS ADL and QOL (p = 0.026, 0.022) were significantly higher in the cartilage‐improved group than in the nonimproved group. Body mass index (BMI) was significantly related to the postoperative QOL (p = 0.018) and associated with cartilage improvement, with a cutoff value of 25.9 kg/m2 (p = 0.002).

Conclusion

A postoperative WBLR greater than 54.0% and a preoperative BMI below 25.9 kg/m2 were associated with cartilage improvement, positively impacting PRO after OWHTO.

Level of Evidence

Level III, retrospective comparative study.
Small medial proximal tibial angle is a radiographic finding strongly associated with less coronal alignment correction under valgus stress in medial knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Ichiyanagi Kazuki , Kuriyama Shinichi , Sakai Sayako , Maeda Takahiro , Yamawaki Yusuke , Nishitani Kohei , Nakamura Shinichiro , Matsuda Shuichi
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The degree to which varus knees can be corrected manually is important when considering total versus unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). The primary aim was to clarify the relationship between the degree of coronal alignment correction and radiographic parameters involved in UKA prognosis using preoperative full‐length lower extremity valgus stress radiography. The secondary aim was to identify the factors affecting alignment correction.

Methods

This retrospective observational study included 115 knees with medial osteoarthritis that underwent knee osteotomy or arthroplasty. Percent mechanical axis without valgus stress (%MA: neutral, 50%; varus, <50% and valgus, >50%), mechanical lateral distal femoral angle, lateral bowing femoral angle, medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), joint line convergence angle, medial and lateral joint space width (LJSW) and medial femoral and tibial joint osteophyte size were measured using preoperative full‐length weight‐bearing radiographs. Correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were used to assess associations between parameters and %MA with valgus stress or amount of %MA change (%MA with valgus stress minus %MA without valgus stress).

Results

%MA with valgus stress was correlated with all radiographic parameters. %MA change was correlated with parameters except for MPTA and LJSW. Multiple regression analyses showed that %MA without valgus stress and MPTA were associated with both %MA with valgus stress and %MA change. When %MA with valgus stress was set at 30%, 40% and 50%, MPTA cutoff values were 81.6°, 83.5° and 84.9°, and cutoffs for %MA without valgus stress were 10.7%, 17.1% and 25.1%, respectively.

Conclusion

Small MPTA is strongly associated with less alignment correction under valgus stress in varus knees. The finding is useful in surgical planning, especially to avoid undercorrection with UKA when valgus stress radiographs are unavailable.

Level of Evidence

Level III.
Aesthetic Perceptions Regarding a Thyroidectomy Scar and Transvestibular Approach in Brazil
Authors: Agne Guilherme Reimann , Kohler Hugo Fontan , Lira Renan Bezerra , Belli Marcelo , Bento Gustavo Nunes , Viana Acklei , Kowalski Luiz Paulo
Published: February 2024

Objective

We investigated motivation levels across the general Brazilian population and subgroups and their willingness to spend for surgery without a cervical scar.

Methods

This random‐sample survey was performed by a specialized third‐party research institute. In this study, we created a hypothetical thyroidectomy scenario, and the transcervical and transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) were used. The survey included sociocultural data and questions regarding participants' surgical preferences.

Results

Data were obtained from 1250 participants; 42.4% were of the opinion that a cervical scar affects social or professional life. Young and childless women were most likely to be affected (p <0.001). All respondents accepted the transoral approach to avoid cervical scarring. However, 30.7% and 31.9% of respondents maintained their preference for TOETVA despite understanding the risks of a hypothetical increase in complications and unfavorable oncological outcomes and 98.6% were of the opinion that this approach was likely associated with greater postoperative pain. Only 16.2% were unwilling to spend for TOETVA. The variable that most affected patients' willingness to spend was a salary greater than 10 Brazilian minimum wages (odds ratio 9.797, 95% confidence interval, p <0.005). Upper class respondents were 10 times more likely to spend for TOETVA than lower class patients.

Conclusion

This study highlights patients' interest in TOETVA. Cervical scar perception is affected by concerned about appearance, particularly in certain societal subgroups. Our study population showed significant motivation to undergo TOETVA, which was emphasized by their acceptance of the complication rate, poor postoperative outcomes, greater postoperative pain, and willingness to spend on surgery with an invisible scar.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 134:3862–3867, 2024
Broadband Generation of Fractional Perfect Optical Vortices via Plasmonic Metasurface
Authors: Zhao Airong , Zhang Yanzeng , Liu Mingze , Huo Pengcheng , Lu Yanqing , Xu Ting
Published: February 2024

A fractional perfect optical vortex (FPOV) represents a class of structured light characterized by phase singularities carrying fractional orbital angular momentum (OAM). It manifests a notched annular intensity distribution, and notably, the size of this distribution remains independent of the topological charge. Conventional methods for generating FPOVs involve a series of cascaded bulk components, leading to optical aberrations due to alignment errors and impeding their integration into highly integrated devices. In this work, an experimental demonstration is presented of the broadband generation of FPOVs in the visible spectrum utilizing a monolithic plasmonic metasurface with phase‐only modulation. The metasurface allows for flexible control of various parameters of the FPOVs, including their topological charge, beam radius, ellipticity factor, orientation, and the number of opening gaps. Furthermore, as a proof‐of‐concept, an FPOV pair is utilized to encode a double‐digit hexadecimal number, showcasing the potential of a metasurface array for optical information encryption. This research establishes a highly integrated platform for FPOV generation, with implications for advancing their applications in optical information security.
Identifying virtual care modality in electronic health record data
Authors: Larson Annie E. , Stange Kurt C. , Heintzman John , Nishiike Yui , McGrath Brenda M. , Davis Melinda M. , Harvey S. Marie
Published: February 2024

Background

Virtual care increased dramatically during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The specific modality of virtual care (video, audio, eVisits, eConsults, and remote patient monitoring) has important implications for the accessibility and quality of care, but rates of use are relatively unknown. Methods for identifying virtual care modalities, especially in electronic health records (EHR) are inconsistent. This study (a) developed a method to identify virtual care modalities using EHR data and (b) described the distribution of these modalities over a 3‐year study period.

Methods

EHR data from 316 primary care safety net clinics throughout the study period (4/1/2020‐3/31/2023) were included. Visit type (in‐person vs virtual) by adults >18 years old were classified. Expert consultation informed the development of two algorithms to classify virtual care visit modalities; these algorithms prioritized different EHR data elements. We conducted descriptive analyses comparing algorithms and the frequency of virtual care modalities.

Results

Agreement between the algorithms was 96.5% for all visits and 89.3% for virtual care visits. The majority of disagreement between the algorithms was among encounters scheduled as audio‐only but billed as a video visit. Restricting to visits where the algorithms agreed on visit modality, there were 2‐fold more audio‐only than video visits.

Conclusion

Visit modality classification varies depending upon which data in the EHR are prioritized. Regardless of which algorithm is utilized, safety net clinics rely on audio‐only and video visits to provide care in virtual visits. Elimination of reimbursement for audio visits may exacerbate existing inequities in care for low‐income patients.
Ablative fractional CO2 laser treatment promotes wound healing phenotype in skin macrophages
Authors: Wiinberg Martin , Andresen Thomas L. , Haedersdal Merete , Olesen Uffe H.
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Ablative fractional laser (AFL) treatment is a well‐established method for reducing signs of skin photoaging. However, the biological mechanisms underlying AFL‐induced healing responses and skin rejuvenation remain largely unknown. It is known that macrophages play an important role in orchestrating healing, normalization, and remodeling processes in skin. Macrophage phenotypes are characterized by inflammatory markers, including arginase‐1 (Arg1), major histocompatibility class II molecules (MHC II), and CD206. This study aims to explore AFL's effect on macrophage phenotype by evaluating changes in inflammatory markers and the potential concurrent accumulation of Arg1 in the skin.

Methods

Mice (n = 9) received a single AFL treatment on the left side of the back skin (100 mJ/microbeam, 5% density) while the right side of the back remained untreated as control. Treated and untreated skin from each mouse were collected Day 5 posttreatment for flow cytometry and histology analysis. Flow cytometry evaluated the immune infiltration of macrophages and the expression of macrophage inflammatory markers (Arg1, MHC II, and CD206). In addition, Arg1 presence in the skin was evaluated through antibody staining of histology samples and quantification was performed using QuPath image analysis software.

Results

Following AFL, the number of macrophages increased 11‐fold (p = 0.0053). Phenotype analysis of AFL‐treated skin revealed an increase in the percentage of macrophages positive for Arg1 (p < 0.0001) and a decrease in the percentage of macrophages positive for MHC II (p < 0.0001) compared to untreated skin. No significant differences were observed in percentage of CD206‐positive macrophages (p = 0.8952). Visualization of AFL‐treated skin demonstrated a distinct pattern of Arg1 accumulation that correlated with the microscopic treatment zones (MTZ). Quantification of the percentage of Arg1‐positive area in epidermis and dermis showed a significant increase from 3.5% ± 1.2% to 5.2% ± 1.7 (p = 0.0232) and an increase from 2.2% ± 1.2% to 9.6% ± 3.3 (p < 0.0001) in whole skin samples.

Conclusion

AFL treatment polarizes macrophages toward a wound healing phenotype and induces Arg1 accumulation in the MTZ. We propose that the polarized wound healing macrophages are a major source for the increased Arg1 levels observed in the skin following treatment.
Ultrastructural and glycoproteomic characterization of Prevotella intermedia: Insights into O‐glycosylation and outer membrane vesicles
Authors: Ye Xi , Paul Bindusmita , Mo Joyce , Reynolds Eric C. , Ghosal Debnath , Veith Paul D.
Published: February 2024

Prevotella intermedia, a Gram‐negative bacterium from the Bacteroidota phylum, is associated with periodontitis. Other species within this phylum are known to possess the general O‐glycosylation system. The O‐glycoproteome has been characterized in several species, including Tannerella forsythia, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Flavobacterium johnsoniae. In our study, we used electron cryotomography (cryoET) and glycoproteomics to reveal the ultrastructure of P. intermedia and characterize its O‐glycoproteome. Our cryoET analysis unveiled the ultrastructural details of the cell envelope and outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) of P. intermedia. We observed an electron‐dense surface layer surrounding both cells and OMVs. The OMVs were often large (>200 nm) and presented two types, with lumens being either electron‐dense or translucent. LC‐MS/MS analyses of P. intermedia fractions led to the identification of 1655 proteins, which included 62 predicted T9SS cargo proteins. Within the glycoproteome, we identified 443 unique O‐glycosylation sites within 224 glycoproteins. Interestingly, the O‐glycosylation motif exhibited a broader range than reported in other species, with O‐glycosylation found at D(S/T)(A/I/L/M/T/V/S/C/G/F/N/E/Q/D/P). We identified a single O‐glycan with a delta mass of 1531.48 Da. Its sequence was determined by MS2 and MS3 analyses using both collision‐induced dissociation and high‐energy collisional dissociation fragmentation modes. After partial deglycosylation with trifluoromethanesulfonic acid, the O‐glycan sequence was confirmed to be dHex‐dHex‐HexNAc (HPO3‐C6H12O5)‐dHex‐Hex‐HexA‐Hex(dHex). Bioinformatic analyses predicted the localization of O‐glycoproteins, with 73 periplasmic proteins, 53 inner membrane proteins, 52 lipoproteins, 26 outer membrane proteins, and 14 proteins secreted by the T9SS.