bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biofilm adaptation to sulfate reduction in anaerobic immobilized biomass reactors sujected to different COD/sulfate ratios
Authors: Damianovic M.H.R.Z. , Sakamoto I.K. , Foresti E.
Published: August 2006

Various aspects of biofilm adaptation to sulfate reduction in horizontal-flow anaerobic immobilized biomass (HAIB) reactors subjected to increasing sulfate concentrations and different COD/sulfate ratios are presented and discussed. Four bench-scale HAIB reactors filled with vegetal carbon (R1 and R2) and polyurethane foam matrices (R3 and R4) were utilized. Influent sulfate concentrations ranging from 500 to 3000 mg/L were applied at COD/sulfate ratios ranging from 5.0 to 1.7. Reactors R1 and R4 were operated with higher sulfate loads than those applied to R2 and R3. For the same COD/sulfate ratio, the highest sulfate reduction efficiency (∼80%) was displayed by the vegetal carbon reactor (R2) subjected to low sulfate loads. According to the results of our molecular biology analyses, the different support materials provided different biomass colonization conditions. The lowest diversity of sulfate-reducing bacteria was found in the HAIB filled with polyurethane foam matrices operating with high sulfate loads.
Performance of UASB and DAEB reactors in the anaerobic digestion of synthetic wastewater containing sodium oleate and sodium stereate
Authors: Miranda L.A.S. , Henriques J.A.P. , Monteggia L.O.
Published: August 2006

This study aimed at evaluating the performance of five laboratory-scale reactors, three UASB and two downflow anaerobic expanded bed (DAEB), fed with saccharose and long chain fatty acids (LCFA) for 410 days. Reactors operated at a temperature of 35 °C. The organic load rates were changed between 3.45 and 6.38 kg COD.m3.d−1.During period I the substrate was saccharose and in periods II, III and IV it was saccharose plus sodium oleate, stereate and a mixture of sodium oleate and stereate. The UASB and DAEB reactors showed a similar performance. In UASB reactors specific methanogenic activity decreased in the periods II, III and IV. COD removal, biogas production and CH4 concentration in biogas decreased in all reactors at the end of the study. A washout occurred in UASB 2 and 3 when sodium stereate exceeded 500 mg.L−1. In DAEB reactors the main problem was adsorption of LCFA particles onto the solid support.
Anaerobic on-site black water and kitchen waste treatment using UASB-septic tanks at low temperatures
Authors: Luostarinen S. , Rintala J.
Published: August 2006

Anaerobic on-site treatment of black water (BW) and a mixture of black water and kitchen waste (BWKW) was studied in a two-phased upflow anaerobic sludge blanket septic tank (UASBst) at 10–20 °C. The processes were fed either continuously or discontinuously (twice per weekday). Moreover, BWKW was post-treated for nitrogen removal in an intermittently aerated moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) at 20 °C. Removal of total chemical oxygen demand (CODt) was efficient at minimum 90% with all three UASBst at all temperatures. Removal of dissolved COD (CODdis) was also high at approx. 70% with continuously fed BW and discontinuously fed BWKW, while with discontinuous BW feeding it was 20%. Temperature decrease had little effect on COD removals, though the need for phase 2 increased with decreasing temperature, especially with BWKW. Post-treatment of BWKW in MBBR resulted in approx. 50% nitrogen removal, but suffered from lack of carbon for denitrification. With carbon addition, removal of ca. 83% was achieved.
Potentials of high-temperature anaerobic treatment and redox mediators for the reductive decolorization of azo dyes from textile wastewaters
Authors: Dos Santos A.B. , Cervantes F.J. , van Lier J.B.
Published: August 2006

The discharge of dye-colored wastewaters in surface water represents a serious environmental problem because it may decrease the water transparency, therefore having an effect on photosynthesis, and a public health concern because dyes and their reducing products are carcinogenic. In recent years, big achievements have been made in the use of anaerobic granular sludge not only on colored wastewaters but also on the detoxification of other xenobiotics compounds. This paper compiles some important findings related to the potentials of high-temperature anaerobic treatment and redox mediators on the reductive decolorization of azo dyes from textile wastewaters.
Treatment of chemical-pharmaceutical wastewater in packed bed anaerobic reactors
Authors: Nacheva P.M. , Peña-Loera B. , Moralez-Guzmán F.
Published: August 2006

Biological degradation in packed bed anaerobic mesophilic reactors with five different support materials was studied for the treatment of chemical-pharmaceutical wastewater with high COD (23–31 g/L), which contains toxic organic compounds. Experimental up-flow bio-filters were operated at different organic loads for a two-year period. Removals of 80–98% were obtained in the reactors with sand, anthracite and black tezontle, but at relatively low organic loads, less than 3.6 kg m−3 d−1. The reactor with granular activated carbon (GAC) had a better performance; efficiencies higher than 95% were obtained at loads up to 17 kg m−3 d−1 and higher than 80% with loads up to 26 kg m−3 d−1. Second in performance was the reactor with red tezontle which allows COD removals higher than 80% with loads up to 6 kg m−3 d−1. The use of GAC as support material allows greater biodegradation rates than the rest of the materials and it makes the process more resistant to organic load increases, inhibition effects and toxicity. Methanogenic activity was inhibited at loads higher than 21.9 kg m−3 d−1 in the GAC-reactor and at loads higher than 3.6 kg m−3 d−1 in the rest of the reactors. At loads lower than the previously mentioned, high methane production yield was obtained, 0.32–0.35 m3CH4/kg CODremoved.
Catalytic effects of different redox mediators on the reductive decolorization of azo dyes
Authors: Encinas-Yocupicio A.A. , Razo-Flores E. , Sánchez-Díaz F. , dos Santos A.B. , Field J.A. , Cervantes F.J.
Published: August 2006

The catalytic effects of redox mediators, with distinct standard redox potentials (E′0), were evaluated on the first-order rate constant of decolorization (Kd) of recalcitrant azo dyes by an anaerobic granular sludge. The dyes studied included mono-azo (Reactive Orange 14, RO14), di-azo (Direct Blue 53, DB53), and tri-azo (Direct Blue 71, DB71) compounds. Toxicity and auto-catalytic aspects seemed to play a role in determining the rate of decolorization. Addition of riboflavin, anthraquinone-2,6-disulphonate (AQDS) or lawsone as a redox mediator, increased the Kd value for all dyes studied, although their impact varied in every case. Kd values were increased from 1.1-fold up to 3.8-fold depending on the redox mediator applied. Moreover, catalysts with moderately similar E′0 value caused distinct stimulation on the rate of decolorization. These results should be considered for selecting the proper redox mediator to be applied during the anaerobic treatment of textile wastewaters and effluents containing electron-withdrawing pollutants, such as nitro-aromatic and polychlorinated compounds.
Biological treatment of heavy metals in acid mine drainage using sulfate reducing bioreactors
Authors: Sierra-Alvarez R. , Karri S. , Freeman S. , Field J.A.
Published: August 2006

The uncontrolled release of acid mine drainage (AMD) from abandoned mines and tailing piles threatens water resources in many sites worldwide. AMD introduces elevated concentrations of sulfate ions and dissolved heavy metals as well as high acidity levels to groundwater and receiving surface water. Anaerobic biological processes relying on the activity of sulfate reducing bacteria are being considered for the treatment of AMD and other heavy metal containing effluents. Biogenic sulfides form insoluble complexes with heavy metals resulting in their precipitation. The objective of this study was to investigate the remediation of AMD in sulfate reducing bioreactors inoculated with anaerobic granular sludge and fed with an influent containing ethanol. Biological treatment of an acidic (pH 4.0) synthetic AMD containing high concentrations of heavy metals (100 mg Cu2+l−1; 10 mg Ni2+l−1, 10 mg Zn2+l−1) increased the effluent pH level to 7.0–7.2 and resulted in metal removal efficiencies exceeding 99.2%. The highest metal precipitation rates attained for Cu, Ni and Zn averaged 92.5, 14.6 and 15.8 mg metal l−1 of reactor d−1. The results of this work demonstrate that an ethanol-fed sulfidogenic reactor was highly effective to remove heavy metal contamination and neutralized the acidity of the synthetic wastewater.
Post-treatment of a slaughterhouse wastewater: stability of the microbial community of a sequencing batch reactor operated under oxygen limited conditions
Authors: Cabezas A. , Draper P. , Muxí L. , Etchebehere C.
Published: August 2006

Slaughterhouse wastewater is a complex effluent with an important content of organic nitrogen. After an anaerobic treatment where most of the organic matter is removed, the nitrogen, remains as ammonium and post-treatment of the effluent is necessary. Sequencing batch reactor (SBR) technology has been developed to completely remove nitrogen in one single reactor combining aerobic and anoxic stages. Under oxygen limited conditions only nitrite is produced with concomitant energy saving. The stability and diversity of the microbial community from a nitrifying denitrifying SBR operated under oxygen limited conditions were studied using molecular and respirometric methods. The AOB (ammonia oxidizing bacteria) community was relatively stable Nitrosomonas being the dominant genera although Nitrosospira and Nitrosococcus were detected in low proportions. Nitrite oxidizing bacteria were out competed during the operation under oxygen-limited conditions. After an increase of the DO in the reactor Nitrobacter spp were detected suggesting that they remained in the system. Changes in the AOB and denitrifying communities were observed after the DO increase. Sedimentation problems were detected during operation, this could be related to the predominance of Thauera spp detected by FISH and T-RFLP.
Enhanced biogas recovery by applying post-digestion in large-scale centralized biogas plants
Authors: Angelidaki I. , Heinfelt A. , Ellegaard L.
Published: August 2006

The main objective of this study was to investigate the degradation efficiency of centralized biogas plants and provide guidance for the design of more efficient digester and post-digestion systems. These centralized biogas plants in Denmark digest manure together with organic waste from the food industry to generate biogas, which is used for electricity and thermal energy. A total of 20 such plants are currently active in Denmark, most of which were included in the investigation. From the plants, samples were obtained from various steps of the process. Samples were analysed and the residual biogas potential determined by batch post-digestion at various temperature levels. Results were correlated with plant characteristics and production statistics in order to judge the efficiency of various digestion concepts. A simplified model based on a two-step biogas production process was developed and experimental data were used to determine kinetic constants. Experimental results and analysis combined with model simulations showed that the residual biogas potential in the main digestion step effluent is originating mainly from undegraded particulate matter in the biomass. For thermophilic plants 93% of the residual biogas potential was originating from particulate matter and 88% for the mesophilic biogas plants. This indicates that the residual biogas potential is mainly due to insufficient retention time in the main digestion step for hydrolysis of particulate material and that the hydrolysis step is the methane yield limiting factor, while conversion of soluble material such as VFA is the rate limiting factor critical for achieving a stable process.
Increasing microbial activity in thermophilic anaerobic digestion of physicochemical sludge
Authors: Tinajero A. , Noyola A.
Published: August 2006

Two thermophilic lab-scale reactors of 5 L were operated on a daily fed basis. Digester T1 received raw sludge (control) and digester T2 was fed with raw sludge plus metallic micronutrients and a bacilli additive. Raw sludge was obtained from a municipal chemically enhanced primary treatment plant. The effect of additives was clear on methane production, since on day 50, digester T2 produced 900 ml more methane than T1, an increase of 64%. On day 80, T2 reached twice the production of biogas of T1. Volatile solid removal (% VSR) in T2 increased to 29%; while T1 achieved only 15%. Acetic acid concentration in T2 diminished to 100 mg/L, which related to the higher biogas production. Based on the Mexican biosolids standard, the digested sludge reached Class A biosolids, in both digesters: fecal coliforms were reduced to less than 1000 MPN/gTS; Salmonella spp was totally eliminated and helminth egg counts were lower than one viable egg per gram of total solids.
Start-up and steady-state results of a full-scale UASB reactor treating malting wastewater
Authors: Borzacconi L. , López I. , Passeggi M.
Published: August 2006

An Imhoff tank was reconstructed into a 250 m3 UASB reactor in order to treat a malting plant wastewater. The UASB was inoculated with sludge from an anaerobic lagoon used for slaughterhouse wastewater treatment. After two months of operation the reactor achieved full load with an HRT of 17 h, a COD removal higher than 80% and a biogas production of 300 m3/day (77% average methane content), with an organic loading rate of 3.6 kgCOD/m3.d (0.24 kgCOD/kgVSS.d). A yield coefficient of 0.09 gVSS/gCODrem was found from a mass balance. The fat present in the inoculated sludge (48 mg/gSSV) did not affect the start up performance. Sludge from the inoculum with high content of fat (270 mg/gSSV), was separated by flotation in the first week of operation. The COD removal efficiency was scarcely influenced by the reactor operation temperature (17–25 °C).
Behaviour of a full-scale expanded bed reactor with overlaid anaerobic and aerobic zones for domestic wastewater treatment
Authors: Mendonça N.M. , Siman R.R. , Niciura C.L. , Campos J.R.
Published: August 2006

This paper presents the behaviour of a full-scale expanded bed reactor (160 m3) with overlaid anaerobic and aerobic zones used for municipal wastewater treatment. The research was carried out in two experimental steps: anaerobic and anaerobic–aerobic conditions, and the experimental results presented in this paper refer to four months of reactor operation. In the anaerobic condition, after inoculation and 60 days of operation, the reactor treating 3.40 kg CODm−3 d−1 for θH of 2.69 h, reached mean removal efficiencies of 76% for BOD, 72% for COD, and 80% for TSS, when the effluent presented mean values of 225 mg.L−1 of COD, 98 mg.L−1 of BOD and 35 mg.L−1 of TSS. Under these conditions, for nitrogen loading of 0.27 kgN.m−3d−1, the reactor generated an effluent with mean N-org. of 8 mg.L−1 and N-ammon. of 37 mg.L−1, demonstrating high potential of ammonification. For the anaerobic–aerobic condition (118th day) the system was operated with θH of 5.38 h presented mean removal efficiencies of 84% for BOD, 79% for COD, 76% for TSS, and 30% for TKN. The reactor's operation time was less than two months, which was not long enough to reach nitrification. Regarding the obtained results, this research confirmed that this reactor is configured as a flexible and adequate alternative for the treatment of sewage, requiring relatively small area and only θH of 10 h that can be adjusted to the local circumstances.
Spirituality: A Glowing and Useful Term in Search of a Meaning
Authors: Bregman Lucy
Published: August 2006

The article examines the remarkable popularity of the term “spirituality” and its proliferating definitions. Multiple uses for term keep its exact meaning fuzzy. This term is the latest within long quest for personal and positive dimension of religion, within perceived secularization of society. The quest continues Schleiermacher's and Tillich's theological attempts to define and isolate such a de-institutionalized religion. Sociologists of religion noted the new models of “quilted together” identities that support such private-sphere invisible religion. “Spirituality” also does duty to preserve the contributions of humanistic psychology and existentialism within the death awareness movement's basic language and vision. It is a non-contentious term somewhere in between religion and scientific psychology.
Hospice and the Politics of Spirituality
Authors: Garces-Foley Kathleen
Published: August 2006

Within the hospice literature, spirituality and religion are usually defined in opposition to one another, with religion negatively associated with the external, authoritarian doctrines of Christianity and spirituality positively associated with the free search for truth, meaning, and authenticity. According to survey data, however, most Americans integrate spirituality and traditional religious commitments. The hospice literature is promoting spirituality to its own detriment by alienating potential patients and depriving religious patients of the resources that religious traditions and their affiliated religious communities have to offer.
When Spiritual Horizons Beckon: Recognizing Ultimate Meaning at the End of Life
Authors: Stanworth Rachel
Published: August 2006

Spirituality refers to the interpretive story and ensuing values of an experience that is deeply human yet ultimately significant. Encounters with patients illustrate this “surplus of meaning.” Spiritual horizons are recognizably present in the here and now but they may not be defined. Life is larger than language. Metaphors and stories, however, do exert cognitive purchase. They make real for us what cannot otherwise be said. Suffering, personal realization (“coming to know and to be”) and liberation are discussed in the context of spiritual care and patient/carer dynamics. Attention is drawn to aspects of daily life that generally tend to be overlooked.
With or without Faith. Spiritual Care in the Church of Sweden at a Time of Transition
Authors: Grassman Eva Jeppsson , Whitaker Anna
Published: August 2006

The article describes spiritual care offered by the Church of Sweden to people in the last phase of their lives and to the bereaved. The Church ministers in a secularized society. Its changed place in the culture can be seen in the fact that it was recently officially separated from the State. The article contrasts the languages of spiritual care about the support given to those in their last phase of life, compared to those in grief. Traditional theological language is used with the dying, while the newer psychological “clinical lore” is used with the bereaved. These contrasts are expressions of the different positions linked to expectations that are connected with roles that the representatives of the Church are trying to meet.
The Sacred Self: Suffering Narratives in Old Age
Authors: Black Helen K.
Published: August 2006

This article is based on ongoing qualitative research that explores elders' (80+) experiences of suffering. We show how respondents link the subject of suffering to a personal sense of the sacred in order to find meaning for suffering. We describe the major concepts of this article: the sacred, suffering, aging identity, and narrative. Through case studies, we show how an individual's sense of the sacred and experiences of suffering are revealed through the use of metaphors and symbols in the narrative. A key finding of this article is that concepts and experiences of suffering and a personal sacred emerge contextually from an elder's individual biography and communal history, as well as from present life circumstances.
Current State of Dermatology Mobile Applications With Artificial Intelligence Features
Authors: Wongvibulsin Shannon , Yan Matthew J. , Pahalyants Vartan , Murphy William , Daneshjou Roxana , Rotemberg Veronica
Published: March 2024

Importance

With advancements in mobile technology and artificial intelligence (AI) methods, there has been a substantial surge in the availability of direct-to-consumer mobile applications (apps) claiming to aid in the assessment and management of diverse skin conditions. Despite widespread patient downloads, these apps exhibit limited evidence supporting their efficacy.

Objective

To identify and characterize current English-language AI dermatology mobile apps available for download, focusing on aspects such as purpose, supporting evidence, regulatory status, clinician input, data privacy measures, and use of image data.

Evidence Review

In this cross-sectional study, both Apple and Android mobile app stores were systematically searched for dermatology-related apps that use AI algorithms. Each app’s purpose, target audience, evidence-based claims, algorithm details, data availability, clinician input during development, and data usage privacy policies were evaluated.

Findings

A total of 909 apps were initially identified. Following the removal of 518 duplicates, 391 apps remained. Subsequent review excluded 350 apps due to nonmedical nature, non-English languages, absence of AI features, or unavailability, ultimately leaving 41 apps for detailed analysis. The findings revealed several concerning aspects of the current landscape of AI apps in dermatology. Notably, none of the apps were approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, and only 2 of the apps included disclaimers for the lack of regulatory approval. Overall, the study found that these apps lack supporting evidence, input from clinicians and/or dermatologists, and transparency in algorithm development, data usage, and user privacy.

Conclusions and Relevance

This cross-sectional study determined that although AI dermatology mobile apps hold promise for improving access to care and patient outcomes, in their current state, they may pose harm due to potential risks, lack of consistent validation, and misleading user communication. Addressing challenges in efficacy, safety, and transparency through effective regulation, validation, and standardized evaluation criteria is essential to harness the benefits of these apps while minimizing risks.
Mental Health–Related Outpatient Visits Among Adolescents and Young Adults, 2006-2019
Authors: Ahn-Horst Rosa Y. , Bourgeois Florence T.
Published: March 2024

Importance

Concerns over the mental health of young people have been increasing over the past decade, especially with the rise in mental health burden seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. Examining trends in mental health–related outpatient visits provides critical information to elucidate contributing factors, identify vulnerable populations, and inform strategies to address the mental health crisis.

Objective

To examine characteristics and trends in mental health–related outpatient visits and psychotropic medication use among US adolescents and young adults.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of nationally representative data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, an annual probability sample survey, was conducted from January 2006 to December 2019. Participants included adolescents (age 13-17 years) and young adults (age 18-24 years) with office-based outpatient visits in the US. Data were analyzed from March 1, 2023, to September 15, 2023.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Mental health–related outpatient visits were identified based on established sets of diagnostic codes for psychiatric disorders. Temporal trends in the annual proportion of mental health–related outpatient visits were assessed, including visits associated with use of psychotropic medications. Analyses were stratified by age and sex.

Results

From 2006 to 2019, there were an estimated 1.1 billion outpatient visits by adolescents and young adults, of which 145.0 million (13.1%) were associated with a mental health condition (mean [SD] age, 18.4 [3.5] years; 74.0 million females [51.0%]). Mental health–related diagnoses were more prevalent among visits by male (16.8%) compared with female (10.9%) patients (P < .001). This difference was most pronounced among young adults, with 20.1% of visits associated with a psychiatric diagnosis among males vs 10.1% among females (P < .001). The proportion of mental health–related visits nearly doubled, from 8.9% in 2006 to 16.9% in 2019 (P < .001). Among all outpatient visits, 17.2% were associated with the prescription of at least 1 psychotropic medication, with significant increases from 12.8% to 22.4% by 2019 (P < .001).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study, there were substantial increases in mental health–related outpatient visits and use of psychotropic medications, with greater overall burden among male patients. These findings provide a baseline for understanding post-pandemic shifts and suggest that current treatment and prevention strategies will need to address preexisting psychiatric needs in addition to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Stereotactic Radiation Therapy in Early Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer and Interstitial Lung Disease
Authors: Palma David A. , Bahig Houda , Hope Andrew , Harrow Stephen , Debenham Brock J. , Louie Alexander V. , Vu Thi Trinh Thuc (Toni) , Filion Edith , Bezjak Andrea , Campeau Marie-Pierre , Duimering Adele , Giuliani Meredith E. , Laba Joanna M. , Lang Pencilla , Lok Benjamin H. , Qu X. Melody , Raman Srinivas , Rodrigues George B. , Goodman Christopher D. , Gaede Stewart , Morisset Julie , Warner Andrew , Dhaliwal Inderdeep , Ryerson Christopher J.
Published: March 2024

Importance

Patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) and early-stage non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have been reported to be at high risk of toxic effects after stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR), but for many patients, there are limited alternative treatment options.

Objective

To prospectively assess the benefits and toxic effects of SABR in this patient population.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This prospective cohort study was conducted at 6 academic radiation oncology institutions, 5 in Canada and 1 in Scotland, with accrual between March 7, 2019, and January 12, 2022. Patients aged 18 years or older with fibrotic ILD and a diagnosis of T1-2N0 NSCLC who were not candidates for surgical resection were enrolled.

Intervention

Patients were treated with SABR to a dose of 50 Gy in 5 fractions every other day.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The study prespecified that SABR would be considered worthwhile if median overall survival—the primary end point—was longer than 1 year, with a grade 3 to 4 risk of toxic effects less than 35% and a grade 5 risk of toxic effects less than 15%. Secondary end points included toxic effects, progression-free survival (PFS), local control (LC), quality-of-life outcomes, and changes in pulmonary function. Intention-to-treat analysis was conducted.

Results

Thirty-nine patients enrolled and received SABR. Median age was 78 (IQR, 67-83) years and 59% (n = 23) were male. At baseline, 70% (26 of 37) of patients reported dyspnea, median forced expiratory volume in first second of expiration was 80% (IQR, 66%-90%) predicted, median forced vital capacity was 84% (IQR, 69%-94%) predicted, and median diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide was 49% (IQR, 38%-61%) predicted. Median follow-up was 19 (IQR, 14-25) months. Overall survival at 1 year was 79% (95%, CI 62%-89%; P < .001 vs the unacceptable rate), and median overall survival was 25 months (95% CI, 14 months to not reached). Median PFS was 19 months (95% CI, 13-28 months), and 2-year LC was 92% (95% CI, 69%-98%). Adverse event rates (highest grade per patient) were grade 1 to 2: n = 12 (31%), grade 3: n = 4 (10%), grade 4: n = 0, and grade 5: n = 3 (7.7%, all due to respiratory deterioration).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this trial, use of SABR in patients with fibrotic ILD met the prespecified acceptability thresholds for both toxicity and efficacy, supporting the use of SABR for curative-intent treatment after a careful discussion of risks and benefits.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03485378
Sudden Death in a Child With Ocular Lesions
Authors: Martin Bree E. , Vargas Sara O. , Hindman Holly B. , Rothstein Anna , Folberg Robert , Goldstein Richard D.
Published: March 2024

This case report describes a patient treated for ocular lesions who died suddenly at age 8 years and was diagnosed postmortem with Carney complex.
Off‐the‐Shelf Synthetic Biodegradable Grafts Transform In Situ into a Living Arteriovenous Fistula in a Large Animal Model
Authors: Besseling Paul J. , Szymczyk Wojciech , Teraa Martin , Toorop Raechel J. , Wu Dan Jing , Driessen Rob C. H. , Lichauco Arturo M. , Janssen Henk M. , van de Kaa Melanie , den Ouden Krista , de Bree Petra M. , Fledderus Joost O. , Bouten Carlijn V. C. , de Borst Gert J. , Dankers Patricia Y. W. , Verhaar Marianne C.
Published: March 2024

Current vascular access options require frequent interventions. In situ tissue engineering (TE) may overcome these limitations by combining the initial success of synthetic grafts with long‐term advantages of autologous vessels by using biodegradable grafts that transform into autologous vascular tissue at the site of implantation. Scaffolds (6 mm‐Ø) made of supramolecular polycarbonate‐bisurea (PC‐BU), with a polycaprolactone (PCL) anti‐kinking‐coil, are implanted between the carotid artery and jugular vein in goats. A subset is bio‐functionalized using bisurea‐modified‐Stromal cell‐derived factor‐1α (SDF1α) derived peptides and ePTFE grafts as controls. Grafts are explanted after 1 and 3 months, and evaluated for material degradation, tissue formation, compliance, and patency. At 3 months, the scaffold is resorbed and replaced by vascular neo‐tissue, including elastin, contractile markers, and endothelial lining. No dilations, ruptures, or aneurysms are observed and grafts are successfully cannulated at termination. SDF‐1α‐peptide‐biofunctionalization does not influence outcomes. Patency is lower in TE grafts (50%) compared to controls (100% patency), predominantly caused by intimal hyperplasia. Rapid remodeling of a synthetic, biodegradable vascular scaffold into a living, compliant arteriovenous fistula is demonstrated in a large animal model. Despite lower patency compared to ePTFE, transformation into autologous and compliant living tissue with self‐healing capacity may have long‐term advantages.
Designing Ultratough Single‐Network Hydrogels with Centimeter‐Scale Fractocohesive Lengths via Inelastic Crack Blunting
Authors: Ma Jie , Zhang Xizhe , Yin Daochen , Cai Yijie , Shen Zihang , Sheng Zhi , Bai Jiabao , Qu Shaoxing , Zhu Shuze , Jia Zheng
Published: March 2024

Fractocohesive length, defined as the ratio of fracture toughness to work of fracture, measures the sensitivity of materials to fracture in the presence of flaws. The larger the fractocohesive length, the more flaw‐tolerant and crack‐resistant the hydrogel. For synthetic soft materials, the fractocohesive length is short, often on the scale of 1 mm. Here, highly flaw‐insensitive (HFI) single‐network hydrogels containing an entangled inhomogeneous polymer network of widely distributed chain lengths are designed. The HFI hydrogels demonstrate a centimeter‐scale fractocohesive length of 2.21 cm, which is the highest ever recorded for synthetic hydrogels, and an unprecedented fracture toughness of ≈13 300 J m−2. The uncommon flaw insensitivity results from the inelastic crack blunting inherent to the highly inhomogeneous network. When the HFI hydrogel is stretched, a large number of short chains break while coiled long chains can disentangle, unwind, and straighten, producing large inelastic deformation that substantially blunts the crack tip in a plastic manner, thereby deconcentrating crack‐tip stresses and blocking crack extension. The flaw‐insensitive design strategy is applicable to various hydrogels such as polyacrylamide and poly(N,N‐dimethylacrylamide) hydrogels and enables the development of HFI soft composites.
Chemical Logic Gates on Active Colloids
Authors: Chen Jiang‐Xing , Hu Jia‐Qi , Kapral Raymond
Published: March 2024

Recent studies have shown that active colloidal motors using enzymatic reactions for propulsion hold special promise for applications in fields ranging from biology to material science. It will be desirable to have active colloids with capability of computation so that they can act autonomously to sense their surroundings and alter their own dynamics. It is shown how small chemical networks that make use of enzymatic chemical reactions on the colloid surface can be used to construct motor‐based chemical logic gates. The basic features of coupled enzymatic reactions that are responsible for propulsion and underlie the construction and function of chemical gates are described using continuum theory and molecular simulation. Examples are given that show how colloids with specific chemical logic gates, can perform simple sensing tasks. Due to the diverse functions of different enzyme gates, operating alone or in circuits, the work presented here supports the suggestion that synthetic motors using such gates could be designed to operate in an autonomous way in order to complete complicated tasks.
A Bioinspired and Cost‐Effective Device for Minimally Invasive Blood Sampling
Authors: Zoratto Nicole , Klein‐Cerrejon David , Gao Daniel , Inchiparambil Tino , Sachs David , Luo Zhi , Leroux Jean‐Christophe
Published: March 2024

Conventional venipuncture is invasive and challenging in low and middle‐income countries. Conversely, point‐of‐care devices paired with fingersticks, although less invasive, suffer from high variability and low blood volume collection. Recently approved microsampling devices address some of these issues but remain cost‐prohibitive for resource‐limited settings. In this work, a cost‐effective microsampling device is described for the collection of liquid blood with minimal invasiveness and sufficient volume retrieval for laboratory analyses or immediate point‐of‐care testing. Inspired by the anatomy of sanguivorous leeches, the single‐use device features a storage compartment for blood collection and a microneedle patch hidden within a suction cup. Finite Element Method simulations, corroborated by mechanical analyses, guide the material selection for device fabrication and design optimization. In piglets, the device successfully collects ≈195 µL of blood with minimal invasiveness. Additionally, a tailor‐made lid and adapter enable safe fluid transportation and integration with commercially available point‐of‐care systems for on‐site analyses, respectively. Taken together, the proposed platform holds significant promise for enhancing healthcare in the pediatric population by improving patient compliance and reducing the risk of needlestick injuries through concealed microneedles. Most importantly, given its cost‐effective fabrication, the open‐source microsampling device may have a meaningful impact in resource‐limited healthcare settings.
LUMBAR syndrome–OEIS complex overlap: A case series and review
Authors: Barrios L. , Chamlin S. , Keppler‐Noreuil Kim M. , Rialon K. L. , Austin Paul , Alhajjat A. , Bowen D. , Metry Denise W. , Siegel D. H.
Published: March 2024

We present three new and six published infants with overlapping features of LUMBAR syndrome (lower body hemangioma, urogenital anomalies, spinal cord malformations, bony deformities, anorectal/arterial anomalies and renal anomalies) and OEIS complex (omphalocele, exstrophy, imperforate anus, and spinal defects), also known as cloacal exstrophy. OEIS is included under the recently proposed umbrella coined recurrent constellations of embryonic malformations (RCEMs). The RCEMs represent a phenotypically overlapping spectrum of rare disorders of caudal dysgenesis with unknown cause but likely shared pathogenesis. It has recently been proposed that LUMBAR be considered an RCEM. This report of infants with combined features of OEIS and LUMBAR is the first to demonstrate an overlap between LUMBAR and another RCEM, which supports LUMBAR's inclusion within the RCEM spectrum.
Fe SAC on Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon: An Efficient Catalyst for S‐Alkylation of Dithiocarbamates via Borrowing Hydrogen Strategy
Authors: M. Vageesh , P. Hima , Bhobe Preeti A. , Dey Raju
Published: March 2024

Herein we report, the synthesis of single‐atom iron on nitrogen‐doped carbon as a catalyst for the direct formation of Csp3−S bond via borrowing hydrogen strategy using alcohols as the alkylating agent. The catalyst was synthesized by encapsulating ferrocene within the ZIF‐8 framework, followed by pyrolysis and characterized precisely by FE‐SEM, HR‐TEM, XPS, Raman, XRD and EXAFS. The catalyst is robust, displayed an excellent reactivity in borrowing hydrogen reaction and could be recycled five times without any appreciable loss in activity.
Preparation and Structures of Multicomponent Crystals Composed of Heteroaromatic Cations, p‐Toluenesulfonate Anion, and Aromatic Hydrogen‐Bond Donors
Authors: Uno Koya , Yamakado Ryohei , Okada Shuji , Usman Anwar
Published: March 2024

Cocrystals with three π‐components, which were a π‐cation, a π‐anion acting as a hydrogen‐bond acceptor, and a π‐molecule acting as a hydrogen‐bond donor, were prepared by the solution‐growth methods. The first and second components were ion pairs of 1‐methylpyridinium or 1‐methylquinolinium p‐toluenesulfonate derivatives, and the third components were dihydric phenol derivatives, like hydroquinone, 1,4‐naphthalenediol, 4,4’‐biphenol, and 1,1’‐bi‐2‐naphthol, or benzoic acid derivatives with hydroxy or amino group at the para position. Among 23 cocrystals found from 35 possible combinations of five ion‐pairs and seven hydrogen‐bond donors, 20 cocrystals were investigated by the X‐ray crystallographic analyses. Some of them also contained solvent molecules. In these cocrystals, hydrogen‐bond sequences composed of p‐toluenesulfonate and the hydrogen‐bond donors were observed, and ionic bonds between the first and second components and hydrogen bonds between the second and third components were found to be responsible for three‐π‐component cocrystals. When the cations were 4‐cyanopyridinium or quinolinium derivatives, the cocrystals showed charge‐transfer absorption bands due to electronic interaction between the cations and the hydrogen‐bond donors. To the mixture of quinolinium p‐toluenesulfonate and 1,1’‐bi‐2‐naphthol forming the three‐π‐component cocrystals, tetrathiafulvalene were added to form four‐π‐component cocrystals with ethanol or water molecules.
Genetic modifiers of cognitive decline in PSEN1 E280A Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Sepulveda‐Falla Diego , Vélez Jorge I. , Acosta‐Baena Natalia , Baena Ana , Moreno Sonia , Krasemann Susanne , Lopera Francisco , Mastronardi Claudio A. , Arcos‐Burgos Mauricio
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCTION

Rate of cognitive decline (RCD) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) determines the degree of impairment for patients and of burden for caretakers. We studied the association of RCD with genetic variants in AD.

METHODS

RCD was evaluated in 62 familial AD (FAD) and 53 sporadic AD (SAD) cases, and analyzed by whole‐exome sequencing for association with common exonic functional variants. Findings were validated in post mortem brain tissue.

RESULTS

One hundred seventy‐two gene variants in FAD, and 227 gene variants in SAD associated with RCD. In FAD, performance decline of the immediate recall of the Rey‐Osterrieth figure test associated with 122 genetic variants. Olfactory receptor OR51B6 showed the highest number of associated variants. Its expression was detected in temporal cortex neurons.

DISCUSSION

Impaired olfactory function has been associated with cognitive impairment in AD. Genetic variants in these or other genes could help to identify risk of faster memory decline in FAD and SAD patients.
Unveiling Phenoxazine's Unique Reversible Two‐Electron Transfer Process and Stable Redox Intermediates for High‐Performance Aqueous Zinc‐ion Batteries
Authors: Ning Jiaoyi , Zhang Xiaopeng , Xie Dongjiu , He Qiang , Hu Jun , Tang Jinjing , Li Rui , Meng Hong , Yao Ke Xin
Published: March 2024

The low specific capacity determined by the limited electron transfer of p‐type cathode materials is the main obstruction to their application towards high‐performance aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs). To overcome this challenge, boosting multi‐electron transfer is essential for improving the charge storage capacity. Here, as a typical heteroaromatic p‐type material, we unveil the unique reversible two‐electron redox properties of phenoxazine in the aqueous electrolytes for the first time. The second oxidation process is stabilized in the aqueous electrolytes, a notable contrast to its less reversibility in the non‐aqueous electrolytes. A comprehensive investigation of the redox chemistry mechanism demonstrates remarkably stable redox intermediates, including a stable cation radical PNO⋅+ characterized by effective electron delocalization and a closed‐shell state dication PNO2+. Meanwhile, the heightened aromaticity contributes to superior structural stability during the redox process, distinguishing it from phenazine, which features a non‐equivalent hybridized sp2‐N motif. Leveraging these synergistic advantages, the PNO electrodes deliver a high capacity of 215 mAh g−1 compared to other p‐type materials, and impressive long cycling stability with 100 % capacity retention over 3500 cycles. This work marks a crucial step forward in advanced organic electrodes based on multi‐electron transfer phenoxazine moieties for high‐performance aqueous ZIBs.
Mechanically Adaptive Polymers Constructed from Dynamic Coordination Equilibria
Authors: Zhao Zi‐Han , Chen Shi‐Yi , Zhao Pei‐Chen , Luo Wen‐Lin , Luo Yan‐Long , Zuo Jing‐Lin , Li Cheng‐Hui
Published: March 2024

Designing materials capable of adapting their mechanical properties in response to external stimuli is the key to preventing failure and extending their service life. However, existing mechanically adaptive polymers are hindered by limitations such as inadequate load‐bearing capacity, difficulty in achieving reversible changes, high cost, and a lack of multiple responsiveness. Herein, we address these challenges using dynamic coordination bonds. A new type of mechanically adaptive material with both rate‐ and temperature‐responsiveness was developed. Owing to the stimuli‐responsiveness of the coordination equilibria, the prepared polymers, PBMBD‐Fe and PBMBD‐Co, exhibit mechanically adaptive properties, including temperature‐sensitive strength modulation and rate‐dependent impact hardening. Benefitting from the dynamic nature of the coordination bonds, the polymers exhibited impressive energy dissipation, damping capacity (loss factors of 1.15 and 2.09 at 1.0 Hz), self‐healing, and 3D printing abilities, offering durable and customizable impact resistance and protective performance. The development of impact‐resistant materials with comprehensive properties has potential applications in the sustainable and intelligent protection fields.
Achieving High Fill Factor in Organic Photovoltaic Cells by Tuning Molecular Electrostatic Potential Fluctuation
Authors: Wang Guanlin , Wang Jingwen , Cui Yong , Chen Zhihao , Wang Wenxuan , Yu Yue , Zhang Tao , Ma Lijiao , Xiao Yang , Qiao Jiawei , Xu Ye , Hao Xiao‐Tao , Hou Jianhui
Published: March 2024

In the field of organic photovoltaics (OPVs), significant progress has been made in tailoring molecular structures to enhance the open‐circuit voltage and the short‐circuit current density. However, there remains a crucial gap in the development of coordinated material design strategies focused on improving the fill factor (FF). Here, we introduce a molecular design strategy that incorporates electrostatic potential fluctuation to design organic photovoltaic materials. By reducing the fluctuation amplitude of IT‐4F, we synthesized a new acceptor named ITOC6‐4F. When using PBQx‐TF as a donor, the ITOC6‐4F‐based cell shows a markedly low recombination rate constant of 0.66×10−14 cm3 s−1 and demonstrates an outstanding FF of 0.816, both of which are new records for binary OPV cells. Also, we find that a small fluctuation amplitude could decrease the energetic disorder of OPV cells, reducing energy loss. Finally, the ITOC6‐4F‐based cell creates the highest efficiency of 16.0 % among medium‐gap OPV cells. Our work holds a vital implication for guiding the design of high‐performance OPV materials.
Imidazolium‐based ionic thermoplastic polyurethane with low surface energy and antibacterial activities
Authors: Sun Jie , Zhao Yue , Xu Zhiqian , Ge Zhen
Published: March 2024

A series of novel thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers with both low surface energy and antibacterial activity were synthesized in this paper. Firstly, four imidazole salt diols with different alkyl chain lengths at the N‐position of imidazolium cation ([CnIm+][Cl−]) were prepared. Then, imidazolium‐based ionic thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (Si‐ITPUs) were formulated by incorporating polydimethylsiloxane and polytetramethylene glycol as a mixed soft segment, 1,4‐butanediol and [CnIm+][Cl−] as a chain extender, and 4,4′‐dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate. The structure, thermal stability, mechanical properties, physical crosslinking density, and the anti‐graffiti properties of Si‐ITPUs were evaluated. The surface energy and water absorption were evaluated through static contact angle and water resistance tests, respectively. Furthermore, the antibacterial activities against both Staphylococcus.aureus and Escherichia coli were characterized by the plate colony counting method. The results demonstrated that Si‐ITPUs possessed surface energy of approximately 23 mN/m, which conferred excellent anti‐graffiti and self‐cleaning performance. Furthermore, the increase of the alkyl chain length of substitutions resulted in a decrease in the tensile strength but an increase in the elongation at break. Si‐ITPU‐C4 exhibited optimized antibacterial activities with an antibacterial rate of more than 99.9% against both S. aureus and E. coli. This novel polyurethane is anticipated to find applications in the medical device industry and food processing sector.
A search for factors associated with reduced carbohydrate intake and NTD risk in two population‐based studies
Authors: Shaw Gary M. , Yang Wei , Weber Kari A. , Olshan Andrew F. , Desrosiers Tania A. ,   The National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Published: March 2024

Background

Two population‐based case–control studies have reported an increased risk of neural tube defect (NTD)‐affected pregnancies among women with low carbohydrate diet in the periconceptional period. Given that only two studies have investigated this association, it is unclear to what degree the findings could be impacted by residual confounding. Here, we further interrogated both studies that observed this association with the objective to identify factors from a much larger number of factors that might explain the association.

Methods

By employing a machine learning algorithm (random forest), we investigated a baseline set of over 200 variables. These analyses produced the top 10 variables in each data set for cases and controls that predicted periconceptional low carbohydrate intake.

Results

Examining those prediction variables with logistic regression modeling, we did not observe any particular variable that substantially contributed to the NTD‐low carbohydrate association in either data set.

Conclusions

If there are underlying factors that explain the association, our findings suggest that none of the 200+ variables we examined were sufficiently correlated with what that true explanatory exposure may be. Alternatively, our findings may suggest that there are other unidentified factor(s) at play, or the association observed in two independent data sets is directly related to low carbohydrate intake.