bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brain Radiotherapy With Pyrotinib and Capecitabine in Patients With ERBB2-Positive Advanced Breast Cancer and Brain Metastases
Authors: Yang Zhaozhi , Meng Jin , Mei Xin , Mo Miao , Xiao Qin , Han Xu , Zhang Li , Shi Wei , Chen Xingxing , Ma Jinli , Palmer Joshua , Shao Zhimin , Zhang Zhen , Yu Xiaoli , Guo Xiaomao
Published: January 2024

Importance

The potential benefit of combining intracranial effective systemic therapy with radiotherapy for patients with breast cancer with brain metastases remains unclear.

Objective

To assess the activity and safety of combining radiotherapy with pyrotinib and capecitabine in patients with ERBB2-positive breast cancer and brain metastases.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a single-arm, single-center, phase 2 nonrandomized clinical trial with a safety run-in phase. Between January 2020 and August 2022, patients with ERBB2-positive breast cancer and brain metastases were enrolled. The data cutoff date was February 1, 2023.

Interventions

Patients received either fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy or whole-brain radiotherapy. Treatment with pyrotinib (400 mg, once daily) and capecitabine (1000 mg/m2, twice daily, on days 1-14 of each 21-day cycle) was initiated from the first day of radiotherapy to the seventh day after the completion of radiotherapy and continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxic effects.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary end point was 1-year central nervous system (CNS) progression-free survival (PFS) rate. Secondary end points included CNS objective response rate (ORR), PFS, overall survival (OS), safety, and changes in neurocognitive function.

Results

A total of 40 female patients (median age, 50.5 years [IQR, 46-59 years]) were enrolled and received treatment, including 3 patients in safety run-in phase. With a median follow-up of 17.3 months (IQR, 10.3-26.9), the 1-year CNS PFS rate was 74.9% (95% CI, 61.9%-90.7%), and the median CNS PFS was 18.0 months (95% CI, 15.5 to not reached). The 1-year PFS rate was 66.9% (95% CI, 53.1%-84.2%), and the median PFS was 17.6 months (95% CI, 12.8-34.1). The CNS objective response rate was 85% (34 of 40). Median overall survival was not reached. The most common grade 3 or 4 treatment-related adverse event was diarrhea (7.5%). Asymptomatic radiation necrosis was identified in 4 of 67 lesions (6.0%) treated with fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy. Most patients maintained neurocognitive function, as evaluated by the Mini-Mental State Examination at different points.

Conclusions and Relevance

The results of this trial suggest that radiotherapy combined with pyrotinib and capecitabine is associated with long intracranial survival benefit in patients with ERBB2-positive advanced breast cancer and brain metastases with an acceptable safety profile. This combination deserves further validation.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04582968
Alzheimer Disease Treatment With Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors and Incident Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Sutton S. Scott , Magagnoli Joseph , Cummings Tammy H. , Hardin James W. , Ambati Jayakrishna
Published: January 2024

Importance

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a serious and common ophthalmologic disorder that is hypothesized to result, in part, from inflammatory reactions in the macula. Alzheimer disease (AD) treatment, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs), have anti-inflammatory effects and it remains unclear if they modify the risk of AMD.

Objective

To investigate the association between AChEI medications and the incidence of AMD.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This propensity score–matched retrospective cohort study took place at health care facilities within the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system from January 2000 through September 2023. Participants included patients diagnosed with AD between ages 55 and 80 years with no preexisting diagnosis of AMD in the VA database.

Exposure

AChEIs prescription dispensed as pharmacologic treatments for AD.

Main Outcomes and Measure

The first diagnosis of AMD.

Results

A total of 21 823 veterans with AD (mean [SD] age, 72.3 [6.1] years; 21 313 male participants [97.7%] and 510 female participants [2.3%]) were included. Propensity score–matched Cox model reveals each additional year of AChEI treatment was associated with a 6% lower hazard of AMD (hazard ratio, 0.94; 95% CI, (0.89-0.99).

Conclusions and Relevance

This observational study reports a small reduction in the risk of AMD among veterans with AD receiving AChEIs. Randomized clinical trials would be needed to determine if there is a cause-and-effect relationship and further research is required to validate these findings across diverse populations.
Hearing Loss, Hearing Aid Use, and Risk of Dementia in Older Adults
Authors: Cantuaria Manuella Lech , Pedersen Ellen Raben , Waldorff Frans Boch , Wermuth Lene , Pedersen Kjeld Møller , Poulsen Aslak Harbo , Raaschou-Nielsen Ole , Sørensen Mette , Schmidt Jesper Hvass
Published: January 2024

Importance

Hearing loss has been suggested as a risk factor for dementia, but there is still a need for high-quality research to better understand the association between these 2 conditions and the underlying causal mechanisms and treatment benefits using larger cohorts and detailed data.

Objective

To investigate the association between hearing loss and incident dementia, as well as how hearing aid use contributes to this association.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This population-based cohort study was conducted in Southern Denmark between January 2003 and December 2017 and included all residents 50 years and older. We excluded all persons with dementia before baseline as well as those who did not live in the region 5 years before baseline, with incomplete address history, or who had missing covariate information.

Exposures

Individual hearing status based on the Hearing Examinations in Southern Denmark database, which contains data on all pure-tone audiometry examinations performed at public hearing rehabilitation clinics in Southern Denmark.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Incident cases of dementia and Alzheimer disease as identified from national registries.

Results

The study population comprised 573 088 persons (298 006 women [52%]; mean [SD] age, 60.8 [11.3] years) with 23 023 cases of dementia and mean (SD) follow-up of 8.6 (4.3) years. Having a hearing loss was associated with an increased risk of dementia, with an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 1.07 (95% CI, 1.04-1.11) compared with having no hearing loss. Severe hearing loss in the better and worse ear was associated with a higher dementia risk, with an HR of 1.20 (95% CI, 1.09-1.32) and 1.13 (95% CI, 1.06-1.20), respectively, compared with having no hearing loss in the corresponding ear. Compared with people without hearing loss, the risk of dementia was higher among people with hearing loss who were not using hearing aids than those who had hearing loss and were using hearing aids, with HRs of 1.20 (95% CI, 1.13-1.27) and 1.06 (95% CI, 1.01-1.10), respectively.

Conclusions and Relevance

The results of this cohort study suggest that hearing loss was associated with increased dementia risk, especially among people not using hearing aids, suggesting that hearing aids might prevent or delay the onset and progression of dementia. The risk estimates were lower than in previous studies, highlighting the need for more high-quality longitudinal studies.
Ultra‐Fast Pulsed Discharge Preparation of Coordinatively Unsaturated Asymmetric Copper Single‐Atom Catalysts for CO2 Reduction
Authors: Liu Kaiyuan , Sun Zhiyi , Chen Wenxing , Lang Xiufeng , Gao Xin , Chen Pengwan
Published: January 2024

Single‐atom catalysts possess great potential for applications in electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reactions. Recently, the fast and low‐cost preparation of highly efficient single‐atom catalysts remains a challenge. Herein, a high‐density current generated by pulsed discharge is employed for the formation of graphene aerogel anchored Cu single atom catalysts perfectly. The Cu atoms decomposed by Cu(NO3)2•xH2O are fixed on graphene under the local transient high temperature and intense electromagnetic field. The activity and selectivity of formic acid are correlated with the coordinatively unsaturated Cu─N1O1 moieties, reaching an optimal Faradaic efficiency (93.7%) at −0.9 V versus a reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). In situ characterizations reveal that the asymmetric Cu─N/O structure in a pinched state displays better catalytic activity in CO2RR. Density functional theory results indicate that the Cu─N1O1 sites regulate the adsorption configuration of intermediates and lower the energy barrier for the hydrogenation of *OCHO species, thereby promoting CO2‐to‐HCOOH conversion.
Organic Frameworks Memristor: An Emerging Candidate for Data Storage, Artificial Synapse, and Neuromorphic Device
Authors: Xu Zheng , Li Yixiang , Xia Yang , Shi Chunyan , Chen Shijie , Ma Chunlan , Zhang Cheng , Li Yang
Published: January 2024

Memristors have recently become powerful competitors toward artificial synapses and neuromorphic computation, arising from their structural and electrical similarity to biological synapses and neurons. From the diversity of materials, numerous organic and inorganic materials have proven to exhibit great potential in the application of memristors. Herein, this work focuses on a class of memristors based on organic frameworks (OFs) materials, and pay attention to the most advanced experimental demonstrations. First, the typical device structures and memristive switching mechanisms are introduced. Second, the latest progress of OFs‐based memristors is comprehensively summarized, including metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), and hydrogen‐bonded organic frameworks (HOFs), as well as their applications in data storage, artificial synapses, and neuromorphic devices. Finally, the future challenges and prospects of OFs‐based memristors are deeply discussed.
BSA‐Gold Nanoclusters Enhanced Clusterization‐Triggered–Emission of Nonconventional Luminophores‐Hydrogels in Dilute Aqueous Solution
Authors: Chen Fengjiao , Dang Hao , Li Hanlin , Su Hongbin , Chen Liuxian , Gong Yao , Jiang Lanxin , Tang Hua , Chen Rui , Cheng Wei
Published: January 2024

The application of nonconventional nonaromatic luminophores‐based hydrogels (NLHs) in bioanalysis is severely limited due to their luminescence in concentrated solution or solid state. Herein, a nonconventional NLH (B‐Au@PDMAA) with high signal‐to‐noise ratio and stability in dilute solutions is designed by enhancing nonaromatic luminophores intermolecular aggregation through bovine serum albumin‐gold nanoclusters (B‐Au) confined space interaction. Importantly, the established NLHs could be rapidly polymerized in situ on magnetic beads (MB) surface in dilute solutions, and the fluorescence intensity after polymerization is 5.63‐fold higher than that of direct polymerization. Moreover, proposed B‐Au@PDMAA@MB constructed homogeneous immunoassay platform is demonstrated to be highly sensitive for detecting hepatitis B surface antigen with a sensitivity of 3.39 ng mL−1, which is 28.6‐fold lower than that of B‐Au@PDMAA based immunoassay and comparable to the sensitivity of the chemiluminescence immunoassay. This work presents a new strategy for the synthesis of NLHs with high brightness and stability in dilute solutions, and opens new avenues for the construction of novel homogeneous immunoassay platforms.
Asymmetric SO3CF3−‐Grafted Boron‐Center Anion Enables Boron‐Containing Interphase for High‐Performance Rechargeable Mg Batteries
Authors: Huang Xueting , Tan Shuangshuang , Chen Jinlong , Que Ziwei , Deng Rongrui , Long Juncai , Xiong Fangyu , Huang Guangsheng , Zhou Xiaoyuan , Li Lingjie , Wang Jingfeng , Mai Liqiang , Pan Fusheng
Published: January 2024

Mg(SO3CF3)2 (Mg(OTf)2) is a simple and cost‐effective magnesium salt, which can promote the future applications of rechargeable magnesium batteries (RMBs). However, the simple Mg(OTf)2/ether electrolytes suffer from poor electrochemical properties due to the low solubility of Mg(OTf)2 and the serious decomposition passivation of the [Mg2+‐OTf−] ion pair on Mg. Herein, the OTf− anion is successfully grafted on low‐cost fluoride boronic esters (B(OCxHyF2x‐y+1)3) to obtain the asymmetric and weak‐coordination boron‐center [B(OCxHyF2x‐y+1)3OTf]− anion in ether electrolytes. The ‐OCH2CF3 (TFE) groups in B(TFE)3 effectively realize the charge delocalization of the OTf− and B‐O plane, restraining the independent decomposition of the [Mg2+‐OTf−] ion pair. The co‐decomposition of the asymmetric [B(TFE)3OTf]− induces the formation of the B‐containing organic/inorganic interphase, thus achieving a reversible Mg plating/stripping. After the further solubilization reaction, the obtained electrolyte exhibits a high average coulombic efficiency of 98.13% and long‐term cycling stability (1000 h). Notably, the long cycling life (capacity retention of 90.2% after 600 cycles at 1 C) and high‐rate capacity (43.0 mAh g−1 at 5 C) of the Mg/Mo6S8 full cell demonstrate a favorable electrolyte/cathode compatibility. This work brings new insights to design the new‐type and low‐cost Mg‐salts and high‐performance electrolytes for commercial RMBs.
Dynamic Li+ Capture through Ligand‐Chain Interaction for the Regeneration of Depleted LiFePO4 Cathode
Authors: Zhao Xin‐Xin , Wang Xiao‐Tong , Guo Jin‐Zhi , Gu Zhen‐Yi , Cao Jun‐Ming , Yang Jia‐Lin , Lu Feng‐Qi , Zhang Jing‐Ping , Wu Xing‐Long
Published: January 2024

After application in electric vehicles, spent LiFePO4 (LFP) batteries are typically decommissioned. Traditional recycling methods face economic and environmental constraints. Therefore, direct regeneration has emerged as a promising alternative. However, irreversible phase changes can significantly hinder the efficiency of the regeneration process owing to structural degradation. Moreover, improper storage and treatment practices can lead to metamorphism, further complicating the regeneration process. In this study, a sustainable recovery method is proposed for the electrochemical repair of LFP batteries. A ligand‐chain Zn‐complex (ZnDEA) is utilized as a structural regulator, with its ─NH─ group alternatingly facilitating the binding of preferential transition metal ions (Fe3+ during charging and Zn2+ during discharging). This dynamic coordination ability helps to modulate volume changes within the recovered LFP framework. Consequently, the recovered LFP framework can store more Li‐ions, enhance phase transition reversibility between LFP and FePO4 (FP), modify the initial Coulombic efficiency, and reduce polarization voltage differences. The recovered LFP cells exhibit excellent capacity retention of 96.30% after 1500 cycles at 2 C. The ligand chain repair mechanism promotes structural evolution to facilitate ion migration, providing valuable insights into the targeted ion compensation for environmentally friendly recycling in practical applications.
Flexible, Biodegradable, and Wireless Magnetoelectric Paper for Simple In Situ Personalization of Bioelectric Implants
Authors: Choe Jun Kyu , Kim Suntae , Lee Ah‐young , Choi Cholong , Cho Jae‐Hyeon , Jo Wook , Song Myoung Hoon , Cha Chaenyung , Kim Jiyun
Published: January 2024

Bioelectronic implants delivering electrical stimulation offer an attractive alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals in electrotherapy. However, achieving simple, rapid, and cost‐effective personalization of these implants for customized treatment in unique clinical and physical scenarios presents a substantial challenge. This challenge is further compounded by the need to ensure safety and minimal invasiveness, requiring essential attributes such as flexibility, biocompatibility, lightness, biodegradability, and wireless stimulation capability. Here, a flexible, biodegradable bioelectronic paper with homogeneously distributed wireless stimulation functionality for simple personalization of bioelectronic implants is introduced. The bioelectronic paper synergistically combines i) lead‐free magnetoelectric nanoparticles (MENs) that facilitate electrical stimulation in response to external magnetic field and ii) flexible and biodegradable nanofibers (NFs) that enable localization of MENs for high‐selectivity stimulation, oxygen/nutrient permeation, cell orientation modulation, and biodegradation rate control. The effectiveness of wireless electrical stimulation in vitro through enhanced neuronal differentiation of neuron‐like PC12 cells and the controllability of their microstructural orientation are shown. Also, scalability, design flexibility, and rapid customizability of the bioelectronic paper are shown by creating various 3D macrostructures using simple paper crafting techniques such as cutting and folding. This platform holds promise for simple and rapid personalization of temporary bioelectronic implants for minimally invasive wireless stimulation therapies.
Topological Engineering Electrodes with Ultrafast Oxygen Transport for Super‐Power Sodium‐Oxygen Batteries
Authors: Yuan Ruoxin , Tan Chuan , Zhang Zhuojun , Zeng Li , Kang Wenbin , Liu Jingfeng , Gao Xiangwen , Tan, Peng , Chen, Yuhui , Zhang Chuhong
Published: January 2024

Sodium‐oxygen battery has attracted tremendous interest due to its extraordinary theoretical specific energy (1605 Wh kg−1NaO2) and appealing element abundance. However, definite mechanistic factors governing efficient oxygen diffusion and consumption inside electrolyte‐flooded air cathodes remain elusive thus precluding a true gas diffusion electrode capable of high discharge current (i.e., several mA cm−2) and superior output power. Herein, 3D‐printing technology is adopted to create gas channels with tailored channel size and structure to demystify the diffusion‐limited oxygen delivery process. It is revealed that as the clogging discharging products increase, large channel size, and interconnected channel structure are essential to guaranteeing fast O2 diffusion. Moreover, to further encourage O2 diffusion, a bio‐inspired breathable cathode with progressively branching channels that balances between O2 passage and reaction is 3D printed. This elaborated 3D electrode allows a sodium‐oxygen cell to deliver an impressive discharging current density of up to 4 mA cm−2 and an output power of 8.4 mW cm−2, giving rise to an outstanding capacity of 18.4 mAh cm−2. The unraveled mystery of oxygen delivery enabled by 3D printing points to a valuable roadmap for the rational design of metal‐air batteries toward practical applications.
A Perfusable Multi‐Hydrogel Vasculature On‐Chip Engineered by 2‐Photon 3D Printing and Scaffold Molding to Improve Microfabrication Fidelity in Hydrogels
Authors: Cantoni Federico , Barbe Laurent , Pohlit Hannah , Tenje Maria
Published: January 2024

Engineering vasculature networks in physiologically relevant hydrogels represents a challenge in terms of both fabrication, due to the cell–bioink interactions, as well as the subsequent hydrogel‐device interfacing. Here, a new cell‐friendly fabrication strategy is presented to realize perfusable multi‐hydrogel vasculature models supporting co‐culture integrated in a microfluidic chip. The system comprises two different hydrogels to specifically support the growth and proliferation of two different cell types selected for the vessel model. First, the channels are printed in a gelatin‐based ink by two‐photon polymerization (2PP) inside the microfluidic device. Then, a human lung fibroblast‐laden fibrin hydrogel is injected to surround the printed network. Finally, human endothelial cells are seeded inside the printed channels. The printing parameters and fibrin composition are optimized to reduce hydrogel swelling and ensure a stable model that can be perfused with cell media. Fabricating the hydrogel structure in two steps ensures that no cells are exposed to cytotoxic fabrication processes, while still obtaining high fidelity printing. In this work, the possibility to guide the endothelial cell invasion through the 3D printed scaffold and perfusion of the co‐culture model for 10 days is successfully demonstrated on a custom‐made perfusion system.
Developing Graphene‐based Conductive Textiles Using Different Coating Methods
Authors: Abdi Babak , Tarhini Ali , Baniasadi Hossein , Tehrani‐Bagha Ali R.
Published: January 2024

In this research, a series of graphene‐based conductive textiles is developed by three different coating methods, including dip‐coating (D), airbrushing (A), and filtration (F). The cellulose substrate consists of a blend of cotton and rayon fabric, and the coating formulation is based on a mixture of graphene powder as a conductive filler, polyurethane (PU) as a binder, and poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF‐HFP) as a thermoplastic co‐binder. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results are used to prove an enhancement in the thermal stability of the coated fabrics. The graphene content of the coated samples is also estimated from the char residue at 800 °C of the TGA profiles. The graphene‐based coating converts the water‐adsorbing cellulose fabric to a hydrophobic surface as the water contact angle raises from 0° to more than 107° after coating. The mechanical properties of the plain cellulose fabric enhance considerably in terms of tensile strength and tensile modulus, where the highest improvement is seen in the Dip‐coating method, with an 89% increase in tensile strength compared to cellulose fabric. The graphene‐based coating developed in this work enhances the physical, thermal, mechanical, and conductivity properties of the plain cellulose substrate. The resulting coated fabrics can be potentially used in wearable smart electronic textiles.
A Low‐Cost, User‐Friendly Rheo‐Optical Compression Assay to Measure Mechanical Properties of Cell Spheroids in Standard Cell Culture Plates
Authors: Ferraro Rosalia , Caserta Sergio , Guido Stefano
Published: January 2024

The mechanical characterization of cell spheroids, one of the most widely used 3D biology models in vitro, is a hotspot of current research on the role played by the mechanical response of cells and tissues. The techniques proposed so far in the literature, while providing important scientific insights, require specialized equipment and technical skills that are not usually available in cell biology facilities. Here, an innovative rheo‐optical compression assay is presented: it is based on microscopy glass coverslips as the load is applied to cell spheroids in standard cell culture plates and on image acquisition with an optical microscope or even a smartphone equipped with adequate magnification lenses. Mechanical properties can be simply obtained by correlating the applied load to the deformation of cell spheroids measured by image analysis. The low‐cost, user‐friendly features of the proposed technique can boost mechanobiology research making it easily affordable to any biomedical lab equipped with cell culture facilities.
LaAlO3/SrTiO3 Heterointerface: 20 Years and Beyond
Authors: Chen Shunfeng , Ning Yuanjie , Tang Chi Sin , Dai Liang , Zeng Shengwei , Han Kun , Zhou Jun , Yang Ming , Guo Yanqun , Cai Chuanbing , Ariando Ariando , Wee Andrew T. S. , Yin Xinmao
Published: January 2024

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the discovery of LaAlO3/SrTiO3 (LAO/STO) oxide heterointerfaces. Since their discovery, transition metal oxide (TMO) interfaces have emerged as a fascinating and fast‐growing area of research, offering a variety of unique and exotic physical properties which has provided a strong impetus for the rapid advances and actualization of oxide electronics. This review revisits the fundamental mechanisms accounting for the two‐dimensional (2D) conducting interfaces, and how new models proposed to better account for the unique interfacial effects. Recent breakthroughs in the theoretical and experimental domains of oxide interfaces are also discussed including the detection and investigation of 2D quasiparticle. Moving beyond the well‐known LAO/STO interface, this review delves into other systems where unconventional interfacial superconductivity, interfacial magnetism, and spin polarization are dealt with in greater detail. In terms of device applications, this review proceeds with a treatment on the recent developments in domains including field effect transistors and freestanding heterostructure membranes. By emphasizing the opportunities and challenges of integrating oxide interfaces with existing technologies, the review will end off with an outlook projecting the progress and the trajectory of this research domain in the years to come.
Extrusion bioprinting of elastin‐containing bioactive double‐network tough hydrogels for complex elastic tissue regeneration
Authors: Wang Di , Zeng Jinshi , Zhu Hailin , Liu Siyu , Jia Litao , Liu Wenshuai , Wang Qian , Wang Senmao , Liu Wei , Zhou Jiayu , Chen Huimin , Liu Xia , Jiang Haiyue
Published: January 2024

Despite recent advances in extrusion bioprinting of cell‐laden hydrogels, using naturally derived bioinks to biofabricate complex elastic tissues with both satisfying biological functionalities and superior mechanical properties is hitherto an unmet challenge. Here, we address this challenge with precisely designed biological tough hydrogel bioinks featuring a double‐network structure. The tough hydrogels consisted of energy‐dissipative dynamically crosslinked glycosaminoglycan hyaluronic acid (o‐nitrobenzyl‐grafted hyaluronic acid) and elastin through Schiff's base reaction, and free‐radically polymerized gelatin methacryloyl. The incorporation of elastin further improved the elasticity, stretchability (∼170% strain), and toughness (∼45 kJ m−3) of the hydrogels due to the random coiling structure. We used this novel class of hydrogel bioinks to bioprint several complex elastic tissues with good shape retention. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo experiments also demonstrated that the existence of elastin in the biocompatible bioinks facilitated improved cell behaviors and biological functions of bioprinted tissues, such as cell spreading and phenotype maintenance as well as tissue regeneration. The results confirmed the potential of the elastin‐containing tough hydrogel bioinks for bioprinting of 3D complex elastic tissues with biological functionalities, which may find widespread applications in elastic tissue regeneration.
Unilateral sacral erector spinae plane block for hip fracture surgery
Authors: Marrone F. , Paventi S. , Tomei M. , Failli S. , Crecco S. , Pullano C.
Published: January 2024

The provision of anaesthesia for hip fracture surgery in elderly and frail patients can be challenging, with potentially significant risks associated with both general and neuraxial techniques. Here, we report the use of a sacral erector spinae plane block as an alternative to conventional anaesthetic approaches for a frail 89‐year‐old woman with significant cardiovascular and respiratory comorbidity who underwent intramedullary nailing for a proximal femoral fracture. A unilateral injection of local anaesthetic at the intermediate crest of the second sacral vertebra resulted in bilateral sensory block of the T12 to S2 dermatomes. The technique did not result in hypotension or motor block of the limbs, and the surgery was completed uneventfully. Sacral erector spinae plane block warrants further investigation as an alternative to spinal and general anaesthesia for hip and lower limb surgery.
Investigation of chemical properties and bioactive compounds of oils from different pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita pepo L.) during maturation
Authors: Dülger Gizem Çağla , Geçgel Ümit
Published: January 2024

In this study, seed and oil yields, protein, and moisture ratios of seeds of four different types of pumpkin seed varieties, namely Palancı population, VD1sn8, and VD1sn6 hybrid varieties and commercial variety grown in Edirne conditions in 2014 and 2015. Also, this study aimed to determine the change of fatty acid, tocopherol, and sterol composition of mentioned pumpkin seed varieties in three different periods from seed formation to final harvest time. During the ripening period, it was obtained that the oil yield increased, the moisture content of pumpkin seeds decreased. In the last harvest period, the oil yield of pumpkin seed varieties was determined to be between 37.21% and 42.07%. Protein ratios of all pumpkin seed species were found to be very close to each other (37.94%–39.28%) and statistically similar (p > 0.05). In 2014 and 2015, the dominant fatty acids for all pumpkin seed varieties are 18:1 (39.49%–46.95%) and 18:2 (32.57%–39.26%). Except for these fatty acids, 16:0 varies between 10.65% and 13.60% in all varieties; 18:0 varies at a ratio of 5.70%–6.38%. It is seen that the dominant tocopherol isomer is γ‐tocopherol for all pumpkin seed species in all harvest periods. In the last harvest period in 2014 and 2015, the amounts of γ‐tocopherol constitute 99.98%–84.95% and 86.91%–89.86% of the total tocopherol, respectively. It was observed that the tocopherol composition changed during the ripening period in all pumpkin seed species (p < 0.05). In general, the amount of sterols decreased during the ripening period for all cultivars in 2014 and 2015. In order from the highest to the least, β‐sitosterol, 5,24‐stigmastadienol, campesterol, Δ‐5 avenasterol, and stigmasterol were determined as phytosterols in pumpkin seed oils. Generally, β‐sitosterol ratios in all varieties were high in the 1st harvest period, decreased slightly in the 2nd harvest period, increased again until the 3rd harvest period and reached the values in the 1st harvest period in both 2014 and 2015.
Random sulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) and sulfonated poly(arylene ether ketone) membranes for fuel cell applications
Authors: Ramos‐Rivera Gilberto , Suleiman David
Published: January 2024

In this study, sulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) (SPAES) and sulfonated poly(arylene ether ketone) (SPAEK) were randomly synthesized, employing a presulfonation process. This presulfonation process resulted in a more controlled and reproducible sulfonation level. The respective polymers were prepared using 2,2‐Bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl) propane at 50% molar ratio, which also provided some membrane elasticity. The resulting polymers, each had 25% of the block containing the sulfonic domains (SPAES A 25 and SPAEK A 25). Better conductive membranes were achieved for the random sulfone polymers than for the random ketone polymers, with values, respectively, of 0.24 and 0.07 S cm−1 at 80°C. The lower proton conductivity from the ketone‐based polymer was compensated with very low methanol permeability (0.25 × 10−6 cm2 s−1) and outstanding oxidative stability. The selectivity of both polymer membranes exceeded the reported values for the state‐of‐the‐art Nafion® 117 and other commercially available options. Both polymer membranes, with their unique combination of ionic domains, elastomeric blocks, and resulting morphology, could be viable candidates for fuel cell applications.
Earthquake impacts on a protected pinniped in New Zealand
Authors: Hall Alasdair A. , Chilvers B. Louise , Weir Jody Suzanne , Boren Laura J.
Published: January 2024

The impacts of natural disasters on marine mammals are poorly understood and difficult to study, which can hamper management responses following such events.

This study provides the first distribution and abundance assessment of New Zealand fur seal (NZFS: Arctocephalus forsteri) colonies around Kaikōura, New Zealand, since a 7.8 magnitude earthquake in November 2016 caused substantial changes to both the local marine and terrestrial environments, and led to the reconstruction of a major highway that runs adjacent to NZFS colonies.

Mark–recapture and direct counts in the 2022–2023 breeding season estimated pup production for NZFS breeding colonies along the Kaikōura coast. Using established multipliers, pup estimates were used to provide the first comprehensive population estimate for Kaikōura's NZFS population since the earthquake.

Three new colonies and three new subcolonies were assessed and recorded, additional to reassessments of two established colonies. Overall, Kaikōura's NZFS population has grown and spread post‐earthquake, with an upper total population estimate of between 21,560 and 28,327 animals in the 2022–2023 breeding season. Some sites, such as Lynch's Reef, appear to have benefited from earthquake‐induced coastal uplift, with pup production increasing. Contrastingly, the estimated 2,401 (±99) pups produced at Ōhau Point in 2023 is similar to pre‐earthquake estimates. This indicates that the earthquake has disrupted previously documented growth at this site. The distribution of NZFS breeding at Ōhau Point has also changed substantially since the last pre‐earthquake assessment.

From these findings, alterations to the Ōhau Point New Zealand Fur Seal Sanctuary and similar protections at other locations on the Kaikōura coast are suggested, as greater numbers of NZFSs are now accessible to human interaction and disturbance. The results demonstrate both how natural disasters and subsequent infrastructure modifications can impact coastal species and how conservation measures may need to be amended accordingly.
Adaptive fuzzy finite‐time prescribed performance control for uncertain nonlinear systems with actuator saturation and unmodeled dynamics
Authors: Kang Shijia , Liu Peter Xiaoping , Wang Huanqing
Published: January 2024

In this article, the tracking control problem is addressed for uncertain nonlinear systems with actuator saturation and unmeasurable unmodeled dynamics. Being different from the existing performance function control results, to constraint the output tracking error within a predefined boundary in finite time, an improved performance function, that is, finite‐time performance function, is introduced. The design difficulties of asymmetric input saturation and unmodeled dynamics are solved simultaneously for the first time by applying a smooth non‐affine function and a measurable dynamic signal. Furthermore, an adaptive fuzzy control scheme is established via command filtering, which not only guarantees the semi‐global boundedness of all the controlled system signals but also makes the output tracking error that can be restrained by the described performance bound within a finite‐time interval. At last, an effective example is supplied to validate the availability of the presented theoretical finding.
Investigating the partonic entanglement entropy at low Bjorken‐x within Gluon saturation approach
Authors: Ramos Gabriel Silveira , Machado Magno V. T.
Published: January 2024

In this work, the entanglement entropy is examined within the context of deep inelastic scattering in collisions. The calculation is based on a formalism where the partonic state at small‐ is maximally entangled, consisting of a large number of micro‐states occurring with equal probabilities. Analytical expressions for the number of gluons, , are considered, derived from gluon saturation models for dipole‐target amplitudes within the framework of the Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) color dipole picture. A comparison of the entanglement entropy with thermodynamic entropy measured in and collisions at high energies is done.
A computed tomography urography‐based machine learning model for predicting preoperative pathological grade of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Zheng Yanghuang , Shi Hongjin , Fu Shi , Wang Haifeng , Wang Jincheng , Li Xin , Li Zhi , Hai Bing , Zhang Jinsong
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Development and validation of a computed tomography urography (CTU)‐based machine learning (ML) model for prediction of preoperative pathology grade of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC).

Methods

A total of 140 patients with UTUC who underwent CTU examination from January 2017 to August 2023 were retrospectively enrolled. Tumor lesions on the unenhanced, medullary, and excretory periods of CTU were used to extract Features, respectively. Feature selection was screened by the Pearson and Spearman correlation analysis, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm, random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost). The logistic regression (LR) was used to screen for independent influencing factors of clinical baseline characteristics. Machine learning models based on different feature datasets were constructed and validated using algorithms such as LR, RF, SVM, and XGBoost. By computing the selected features, a radiomics score was generated, and a diverse feature dataset was constructed. Based on the training set, 16 ML models were created, and their performance was evaluated using the validation set for metrics including sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), and others.

Results

The training set consisted of 98 patients (mean age: 64.5 ± 10.5 years; 30 males), whereas the validation set consisted of 42 patients (mean age: 65.3 ± 9.78 years; 17 males). Hydronephrosis was the best independent influence factor (p < 0.05). The RF model had the best performance in predicting high‐grade UTUC, with AUC of 0.914 (95% Confidence Interval [95%CI] 0.852–0.977) and 0.903 (95%CI 0.809–0.997) in the training set and validation set, and accuracy of 0.878 and 0.857, respectively.

Conclusions

An ML model based on the RF algorithm exhibits excellent predictive performance, offering a non‐invasive approach for predicting preoperative high‐grade UTUC.
Aerobic Catalytic Cross‐Dehydrogenative Coupling of Furans with Indoles Provides Access to Fluorophores with Large Stokes Shift
Authors: Mhaske Krishna , Gangai Shon , Fernandes Rushil , Kamble Angulimal , Chowdhury Arkaprava , Narayan Rishikesh
Published: January 2024

Sustainability in chemical processes is a crucial aspect in contemporary chemistry with sustainable catalysis as a vital parameter of the same. There has been a renewed focus on utilizing earth‐abundant metal catalysts to expand the repertoire of organic reactions. Furan is a versatile heterocycle of natural origin used for multiple applications. However, it has scarcely been used in cross‐dehydrogenative coupling. In this work, we have explored the cross‐dehydrogentive coupling of furans with indoles using commonly available, inexpensive FeCl3 ⋅ 6H2O (<0.25 $/g) as catalyst in the presence of so called ‘ultimate oxidant’ – oxygen, without the need for any external ligand or additive. The reactions were found to be scalable and to work even under partially aqueous conditions. This makes the reaction highly economical, practical, operationally simple and sustainable. The methodology provides direct access to π‐conjugated short oligomers consisting of furan, thiophene and indole. These compounds were found to show interesting fluorescence properties with remarkably large Stokes shift (up to 205 nm). Mechanistic investigations reveal that the reaction proceeds through chemoselective oxidation of indole by the metal catalyst followed by nucleophilic trapping by furan.
Deregulation of miR‐1245b‐5p and miR‐92a‐3p and their potential target gene, GATA3, in epithelial–mesenchymal transition pathway in breast cancer
Authors: Yadollahi Farsani Mahtab , Amini Farsani Zeinab , Teimuri Shohreh , Kolahdouzan Mohsen , Eshraghi Samani Reza , Teimori Hossein
Published: January 2024

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small molecules that have prominent roles in tumor development and metastasis and can be used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. This study evaluated the expression of miR‐92a‐3p and miR‐1245b‐5p and their potential target gene, GATA3 in patients with breast cancer (BC).

Materials and Methods

In the search for BC‐related microRNAs, miR‐124b‐5p and miR‐92a‐3p were selected using Medline through PubMed, miR2disease, miRcancer and miRTarBase. Moreover, target gene GATA3 and their possible interaction in the regulating epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and invasion was evaluated using in silico tools including miRTarBase, TargetScan, STRING‐db, and Cytoscape. The expression level of miR‐92a‐3p, miR1245b‐5p, and GATA3 were assessed on extracted RNAs of tumor and nontumor tissues from 36 patients with BC using qPCR. Additionally, clinical‐pathologic characteristics, such as tumor grade, tumor stage, lymph node were taken into consideration and the diagnostic power of these miRNAs and GATA3 was evaluated using the ROC curve analysis.

Results

In silico evaluation of miR‐92a‐3p and miR‐1245b‐5p supports their potential association with EMT and invasion signaling pathways in BC pathogenesis. Comparing tumor tissues to nontumor tissues, we found a significant downregulation of miR‐1245b‐5p and miR‐92a‐3p and upregulation of GATA3. Patients with BC who had decreased miR‐92a‐3p expression also had higher rates of advanced stage/grade and ER expression, whereas decreased miR‐1245b‐5p expression was only linked to ER expression and was not associated with lymph node metastasis. The AUC of miR‐1245b‐5p, miR‐92a‐3p, and GATA3 using ROC curve was determined 0.6449 (p = .0239), 0.5980 (p = .1526), and 0.7415 (p < .0001), respectively, which showed a significant diagnostic accuracy of miR‐1245b‐5p and GATA3 between the BC patients and healthy individuals.

Conclusion

MiR‐1245b‐5p, miR‐92a‐3p, and GATA3 gene contribute to BC pathogenesis and they may be having potential regulatory roles in signaling pathways involved in invasion and EMT pathways in BC pathogenesis, as a result of these findings. More research is needed to determine the regulatory mechanisms that they control.
Persistence of Methionine Side Chain Mobility at Low Temperatures in a Nine‐Residue Low Complexity Peptide, as Probed by 2H Solid‐State NMR
Authors: Vugmeyster Liliya , Ostrovsky Dmitry , Rodgers Aryana , Gwin Kirsten , Smirnov Serge L. , McKnight C. James , Fu Riqiang
Published: January 2024

Methionine side chains are flexible entities which play important roles in defining hydrophobic interfaces. We utilize deuterium static solid‐state NMR to assess rotameric inter‐conversions and other dynamic modes of the methionine in the context of a nine‐residue random‐coil peptide (RC9) with the low‐complexity sequence GGKGMGFGL. The measurements in the temperature range of 313 to 161 K demonstrate that the rotameric interconversions in the hydrated solid powder state persist to temperatures below 200 K. Removal of solvation significantly reduces the rate of the rotameric motions. We employed 2H NMR line shape analysis, longitudinal and rotation frame relaxation, and chemical exchange saturation transfer methods and found that the combination of multiple techniques creates a significantly more refined model in comparison with a single technique. Further, we compare the most essential features of the dynamics in RC9 to two different methionine‐containing systems, characterized previously. Namely, the M35 of hydrated amyloid‐β1–40 in the three‐fold symmetric polymorph as well as Fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (FMOC)‐methionine amino acid with the bulky hydrophobic group. The comparison suggests that the driving force for the enhanced methionine side chain mobility in RC9 is the thermodynamic factor stemming from distributions of rotameric populations, rather than the increase in the rate constant.
The Influence of the Obstacle Position on the Explosion Characteristics of Methane–Hydrogen–Air‐Premixed Gas in a Closed 90° Bend Pipe
Authors: Li Xue , Yin Qing , Zhou Ning , Qian Xingyi , Yang Chunhai , Yu Yongbin , Chen Bing , Liu Xuanya , Huang Weiqiu , Yuan Xiongjun , Zhao Huijun
Published: January 2024

Experiment and numerical simulation are combined to reveal the influence of the obstacle position on the combustion and explosion characteristics of methane–hydrogen–air mixture in a closed 90° bend pipe. The result shown that the synergistic effect of the obstacle and the hydrogen addition significantly enhances the explosion intensity of the mixed gas. Affected by the turbulent vortex near the obstacle, the flame is distorted significantly when it approaches the obstacles, thus enhancing the flame instability and accelerating the flame transition from layer to turbulence. The relative position between the obstacle and the elbow has an obvious influence on the excitation of flame propagation. When the distance between the obstacle and the elbow is more than 6 times the diameter of the pipe, the closer the obstacle is to the ignition end, the stronger the excitation effect. When the obstacle is located behind the elbow, the excitation effect of the obstacle on the flame propagation is weak. The maximum explosive overpressure in a 90° bend is influenced by the coupling of obstacles and elbows. The research results can provide theoretical guidance for the safety and explosion protection of hydrogen transportation in industrial sites.
Shaking table tests of sliding‐prone blocks subjected to unidirectional and bidirectional ground and floor motions
Authors: Liu Pei , Chen Hao‐Tian , Zhang Yuan‐Ming , Yang Wei‐Guo
Published: January 2024

Freestanding museum collections with low friction coefficients and high aspect ratios may be damaged due to excessive sliding displacements during earthquakes. However, several key issues have not been adequately addressed, such as the friction and sliding behavior of museum collections under actual conditions. Unidirectional and bidirectional shaking table tests were conducted to determine the maximum sliding displacements (MSDs) of a freestanding glass block on sandpaper, which had the lowest friction coefficient among forty‐two contact interfaces in slow‐pull tests. Fourteen far‐field and fourteen near‐fault pulse‐like ground motion records were applied with peak ground accelerations (PGAs) of the major components scaled from 0.05 to 0.6 g. Shaking table tests of a full‐scale three‐story reinforced concrete frame structure containing glass blocks were carried out. Seismic fragility curves corresponding to the sliding failure of the glass block were generated based on the experimental results considering the friction coefficient uncertainty. The results show that the influence of the bidirectional interaction on the MSD is more significant for near‐fault pulse‐like ground motions than far‐field ground motions. For a specific ground motion record, the sliding displacement of the glass block may not increase with the increase of the PGA or peak floor acceleration due to the friction coefficient uncertainty, but this has a negligible influence on the fragility. A clearance around sliding‐prone museum collections with friction coefficients larger than 0.20 is recommended to ensure that the probability of exceedance is lower than 5%.