bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coumaryl‐sulfonamide moiety: Unraveling their synthetic strategy and specificity toward hCA IX/XII, facilitating anticancer drug development
Authors: Mahapatra Monalisa , Mekap Suman K. , Mal Suvadeep , Sahoo Jyotirmaya , Sahoo Sanjeeb K. , Paidesetty Sudhir K.
Published: January 2023

Currently, cancer is the most grieving threat to society. The cancer‐related death rate has had an ascending trend, despite the implementation of numerous treatment strategies or the discovery of an array of potent molecules against several pathways of cancer growth. The need of the hour is to prevent the multidrug resistance toll, and the current efforts have been bestowed upon a versatile small molecule scaffold, coumarin (benz[α]pyrone), a natural compound possessing interesting affinity toward the cancer target human carbonic anhydrase (hCA), focusing on hCA I, II, IX, and XII. Along with coumarin, the age‐old known antibacterial drug sulfonamide, when conjugated at positions 3, 7, and 8 of coumarin either with a linker group or as a single entity, has been reported to enhance the affinity of coumarin toward the overexpressed enzymes in tumor cell lines. The sulfonamides have been listed as obsolete drugs due to the severe side effects caused by them; however, their affinity toward the hCA‐zinc–binding core has attracted the attention of researchers. Hence, in the process of drug development, coumarin and sulfonamides have remained the choice of last resort. To unveil the synthetic strategy of coumarin‐sulfonamide conjugation, their rationale for inhibiting cancer cells/enzymes, and their affinity toward various types of carcinoma have been the sole goal of the researchers. This review specifically focuses on the mechanism of action and the structure–activity relationship through synthetic strategies and the binding affinity of coumaryl‐sulfonamide conjugates with the anticancer targets possessing the highest enzyme affinity, since 2008.
Effect of add‐on melatonin on seizure outcomes and quality of sleep in epilepsy with idiopathic generalized tonic‐clonic seizures alone in adult patients: Cross‐sectional, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Maghbooli Mehdi , Alyan NajafAbadi Somayeh , MalekMahmoudi Ghazal , Molseghi Mohammad Hadi
Published: January 2023

Background

Effective treatment of epilepsy is a major challenge in the field of neurology. Studies have suggested that melatonin can work in epilepsy with a good safety profile.

Objectives

This study was performed to determine the effectiveness of melatonin in seizure outcomes, as well as the quality of sleep in patients with generalized epilepsy.

Methods

In this cross‐over clinical trial study, 60 patients with epilepsy with idiopathic generalized tonic‐clonic seizures alone (EGTCS) and under valproic acid treatment received either melatonin or placebo with a washout period of 2 weeks intermittently. Outcome variables included a reduction in the severity and frequency of epilepsy besides improvement in electroencephalogram (EEG) abnormalities and sleep quality.

Results

By adding melatonin, a decrease in the mean severity score of epilepsy (according to the Chalfont questionnaire) was 32.33 ± 9.24, while it was 5.58 ± 14.28 in treatment with placebo (p = .002). Evaluation of the number of attacks and EEG results did not disclose any therapeutic efficacy in treatment with melatonin versus placebo. The quality of sleep improved in 40% (first round) and 53.4% (second round) of subjects who received melatonin (p < .001).

Conclusions

Considering that the addition of melatonin to routine anti‐seizure treatment was effective in reducing the severity of epilepsy and improving sleep quality, it seems that melatonin can be useful as an adjunct therapy for EGTCS in well‐defined circumstances.
Injectable sustained‐release poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres of exenatide prepared by supercritical fluid extraction of emulsion process based on a design of experiment approach
Authors: Park Heejun , Ha Eun‐Sol , Kim Jeong‐Soo , Kim Min‐Soo
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to develop an improved sustained‐release (SR) PLGA microsphere of exenatide using supercritical fluid extraction of emulsions (SFEE). As a translational research, we investigated the effect of various process parameters on the fabrication of exenatide‐loaded PLGA microspheres by SFEE (ELPM_SFEE) using the Box–Behnken design (BBD), a design of experiment approach. Further, ELPM obtained under optimized conditions and satisfying all the response criteria were compared with PLGA microspheres prepared using the conventional solvent evaporation (ELPM_SE) method through various solid‐state characterizations and in vitro and in vivo evaluations. The four process parameters selected as independent variables were pressure (X1), temperature (X2), stirring rate (X3), and flow ratio (X4). The effects of these independent variables on five responses, namely the particle size, its distribution (SPAN value), encapsulation efficiency (EE), initial drug burst release (IBR), and residual organic solvent, were evaluated using BBD. Based on the experimental results, a desirable range of combinations of various variables in the SFEE process was determined by graphical optimization. Solid‐state characterization and in vitro evaluation revealed that ELPM_SFEE improved properties, including a smaller particle size and SPAN value, higher EE, lower IBR, and lower residual solvent. Furthermore, the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study results indicated better in vivo efficacy with desirable SR properties, including a reduction in blood glucose levels, weight gain, and food intake, for ELPM_SFEE than those generated using SE. Therefore, the potential drawback of conventional technologies such as the SE for the preparation of injectable SR PLGA microspheres could be improved by optimizing the SFEE process.
Hierarchical Porous Doped Carbon Plates Derived from Chitosan Aerogel as Cathode for High Performance Zn‐ion Hybrid Capacitor
Authors: Zhang Yu , Wang Lihua , Jia Dedong , Yue Lijun , Zhang Hongjie , Liu Jingquan
Published: January 2023

Zn‐ion hybrid capacitors (ZHCs), combined with features of rechargeable batteries and double‐layer supercapacitors, are considered as one of the most promising energy storage devices due to their high energy and power density. However, there are still many challenges in developing ideal carbon cathode to match the high capacity of Zn anode. In this work, an activated carbon aerogel (ACA) with hierarchical porous structure is successfully prepared via freeze‐drying, carbonization and KOH activation process. Thanks to the high accessible specific surface area, rational pore size distribution and N, O co‐doping, the as‐assembled ZHC based on the optimal sample exhibits high capacity of 299.5 F g−1 (133.1 mAh g−1) at 0.1 A g−1, excellent rate capability of 57.6 % capacity retention even at 20‐fold higher current, together with good cycling stability (86.3 % capacity retention after 10000 cycles at 2 A g−1). More gratifyingly, it also displays impressive energy density of 106.5 Wh kg−1, satisfactory power density of 3108 W kg−1, and promising potential for practical applications. Based on our results, the ACA could be one of the promising candidates for carbon cathodes for ZHCs.
The Influence of Loadings and Substrates on the Performance of Nickel‐Based Catalysts for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Jiang Wulyu , Lehnert Werner , Shviro Meital
Published: January 2023

Efficient and durable catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are of great importance for energy storage and conversion devices. However, an objective evaluation and fair comparison of different catalysts remain challenging due to the different catalyst loadings and substrates for OER measurements. In this work, we investigated NiFe layer double hydroxide and commercial Ni/NiO catalysts with different loadings and substrates of glassy carbon (GC), porous nickel foam (NF), and carbon paper (CP). The activity, cycling stability, and potentiostatic stability of the catalysts are compared with respect to the loading and substrate. Catalyst loading exhibits a volcano trend with OER activity, while it has little impact on stability. The 3D substrates NF and CP significantly improved the OER activity of the catalysts compared to GC, especially at higher loadings. The consistent degradation trend of the catalysts confirms the validity of using NF or CP as substrates for the stability test.
Ternary PtCoMo Alloy with Dual Surface Co and Mo Defects for Synergistically Enhanced Acidic Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Gao Shaojie , Li Ping , Shi Yao , He Yi , Lei Lecheng , Hao Shaoyun , Zhang Xingwang
Published: January 2023

Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is considered as the most promising energy conversion technology, which is hampered by the unsatisfied activity and high loading of Pt. The performance of Pt‐based catalyst toward PEMFC depends on the surface bond length of Pt−Pt, which is closely related to the surface defect engineering. Here we firstly present a ternary alloy PtCoMo nanocatalyst with dual surface Co and Mo vacancy defects (VCo−Mo−PtCoMo) that compressed the Pt−Pt bonds, thus exhibiting an outstanding activity toward oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) with a mass activity of 0.57 A mgPt−1 at 0.9 V (RHE, reversible hydrogen electrode), which is 5.2 times higher as compared with commercial Pt/C (20 wt %) in 0.1 M HClO4. The characterizations and density functional theory calculations demonstrate that the Pt−Pt bonds are significantly compressed through the dual surface defects, thus weakening the binding energy and effectively enhancing the acidic ORR performance.
Tuning Intermolecular Singlet Fission Efficiencies of Perylenediimide Derivatives through Bay Aromatic Substitution†
Authors: Sun Chun‐Lin , Wang Xiao‐Zhen , Tian Hu‐Hu , Song Qi‐Wei , Zhang Bo‐Yang , Fei Xian , Zhang Cheng , Ma Jian‐Rong , Ye Juan , Zhang Hao‐Li
Published: January 2023

Comprehensive Summary

Singlet fission (SF) has potential applications in high‐efficiency photo‐energy harvesting applications, but its practical application is hindered by the limited number of materials. In this work, we explored the bay aromatic substitution strategy for the design of new perylenediimide (PDI) based SF materials. A series of PDI derivatives with biphenyl or naphthalene units substituted at the bay positions were designed and synthesized to investigate the effects of aromatic substitutes on their photodynamic behaviours. The bay substitutions do not shift the energy level of the PDI core significantly but give rise to different intermolecular coupling strengths in the thin films and affect the intermolecular SF efficiency. Femtosecond transient absorption (fsTA) spectroscopy reveals that appropriate spacing configuration from the bay aromatic substitution groups enhances the SF yields by promoting the interaction of neighbouring PDI cores. Triplet exciton yields of up to 183% have been obtained from these new PDI derivatives, making them potential candidates in future SF‐based optoelectronics.
Architecture of the inferior parietal cortex in capuchin monkey
Authors: Bonfim Vânio , Mayer Andrei , Nascimento‐Silva Márcio L. , Lima Bruss , Soares Juliana G. M. , Gattass Ricardo
Published: January 2023

We studied the organization of the inferior parietal cortex (IPC) in five capuchin monkey (6 hemispheres) using cytoarchitectonic (Nissl), myeloarchitectonic (Gallyas), and immune‐architectonic (SMI‐32 monoclonal antibody) techniques. We partitioned the IPC into five distinct areas: PFG, PG, Opt, PFop, and PGop. Since we used parasagittal sections, we were not able to study area PF due to its far lateral position, which yielded slices that were tangential to the pial surface. Areas PFG, PG, and Opt were in the convexity close to the lateral sulcus, while PFop and PGop were positioned more posteriorly, in the opercular region of IPC. Of all the five regions, area Opt was the one most similar to its analogue in the macaque, especially as revealed with SMI‐32 staining. Namely, in both primate species area Opt showed a low density of large pyramidal neurons. Additionally, the apical dendrites of these neurons were sparse and vertically orientated, resembling columns. We also found area PG to be similar: both species exhibited cell body layers with a radial arrangement. On the other hand, Nissl staining revealed area PFG to be architectonically different between New and Old‐World monkeys: PFG in the capuchin showed a comparatively higher cell density than in macaques, especially in layers II and IV. These results suggest that evolution may have enabled the functional specialization of these brain regions based on behavioral demands of upper limb use. The small differences in the IPC of the two primates may be linked to interspecies variability.
Dental implant surface morphology, chemical composition, and topography following double wavelength (2780/940 nm) laser irradiation. An in vitro study
Authors: Fahlstedt Peter , Wennerberg Ann , Bunæs Dagmar F. , Lie Stein A. , Leknes Knut N.
Published: January 2023

Objective

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate morphology alterations, chemical composition, and topography of moderately rough dental implants following double‐wavelength laser irradiation.

Material and Methods

Commercial‐grade titanium dental implants representing different surface characteristics (Osseospeed [OS], TiUnite [TiU], and Roxolid SLActive [RS]) were used. Laser irradiation was performed using a computer‐controlled robotic device with calibrated energy/power settings and deionized water spray. Micro‐, nano‐morphology surface alterations, chemical composition, and surface topography (Sa, Sds, Sdr) in the test group (laser plus water), control group A (water only), and control group B (no treatment) were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX), and white light laser profilometer (Interferometry).

Results

SEM‐evaluation revealed minor between‐group differences in micro‐ and nano‐morphology within each implant system. Significant overall differences in surface element content were observed between the test and control group B for all implant systems (p < .05). For the test compared with control group B, statistically significantly higher oxygen content was detected for OS and RS (p < .05), a corresponding significant difference was detected for carbon for TiU (p < .05). For RS, a significantly lower content of titanium and zirconium was detected within the test group (p < .05). A significant difference in topography between test and control group B was observed for OS (Sa: p = .039 and Sdr: p = .041) with the highest roughness value for control group B.

Conclusions

Altered chemical composition and surface topography were observed for all implant surfaces compared with untreated control following double wavelength laser irradiation. A clinical evaluation of the impact of the altered surface composition following double wavelength laser irradiation on the ability to reosseointegrate appears warranted.
Multiplex immunofluorescence and single‐cell transcriptomic profiling reveal the spatial cell interaction networks in the non‐small cell lung cancer microenvironment
Authors: Peng Haoxin , Wu Xiangrong , Liu Shaopeng , He Miao , Xie Chao , Zhong Ran , Liu Jun , Tang Chenshuo , Li Caichen , Xiong Shan , Zheng Hongbo , He Jianxing , Lu Xu , Liang Wenhua
Published: January 2023

Background

Conventional immunohistochemistry technologies were limited by the inability to simultaneously detect multiple markers and the lack of identifying spatial relationships among cells, hindering understanding of the biological processes in cancer immunology.

Methods

Tissue slices of primary tumours from 553 IA∼IIIB non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cases were stained by multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF) assay for 10 markers, including CD4, CD38, CD20, FOXP3, CD66b, CD8, CD68, PD‐L1, CD133 and CD163, evaluating the amounts of 26 phenotypes of cells in tumour nest and tumour stroma. StarDist depth learning model was utilised to determine the spatial location of cells based on mIF graphs. Single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) on four primary NSCLC cases was conducted to investigate the putative cell interaction networks.

Results

Spatial proximity among CD20+ B cells, CD4+ T cells and CD38+ T cells (r2 = 0.41) was observed, whereas the distribution of regulatory T cells was associated with decreased infiltration levels of CD20+ B cells and CD38+ T cells (r2 = −0.45). Univariate Cox analyses identified closer proximity between CD8+ T cells predicted longer disease‐free survival (DFS). In contrast, closer proximity between CD133+ cancer stem cells (CSCs), longer distances between CD4+ T cells and CD20+ B cells, CD4+ T cells and neutrophils, and CD20+ B cells and neutrophils were correlated with dismal DFS. Data from scRNA‐seq further showed that spatially adjacent N1‐like neutrophils could boost the proliferation and activation of T and B lymphocytes, whereas spatially neighbouring M2‐like macrophages showed negative effects. An immune‐related risk score (IRRS) system aggregating robust quantitative and spatial prognosticators showed that high‐IRRS patients had significantly worse DFS than low‐IRRS ones (HR 2.72, 95% CI 1.87–3.94, p < .001).

Conclusions

We developed a framework to analyse the cell interaction networks in tumour microenvironment, revealing the spatial architecture and intricate interplays between immune and tumour cells.
Therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells in critical‐care patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome
Authors: Martí‐Chillón Gerardo‐Javier , Muntión Sandra , Preciado Silvia , Osugui Lika , Navarro‐Bailón Almudena , González‐Robledo Javier , Sagredo Víctor , Blanco Juan F. , Sánchez‐Guijo Fermín
Published: January 2023

Background

Despite notable advances in the support and treatment of patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), the management of those who develop a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) still constitutes an unmet medical need.

Main body

Both the initial injury (trauma, pancreatitis, infections) and the derived uncontrolled response promote a hyperinflammatory status that leads to systemic hypotension, tissue hypoperfusion and multiple organ failure. Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) are emerging as a potential therapy for severe ICU patients due to their potent immunomodulatory, anti‐inflammatory, regenerative and systemic homeostasis‐regulating properties. MSCs have demonstrated clinical benefits in several inflammatory‐based diseases, but their role in SIRS needs to be further explored.

Conclusion

In the current review, after briefly overviewing SIRS physiopathology, we explore the potential mechanisms why MSC therapy could aid in the recovery of this condition and the pre‐clinical and early clinical evidence generated to date.
Design, Synthesis, and Biomedical Applications of Glycotripods for Targeting Trimeric Lectins
Authors: Khatri Vinod , Parshad Badri , Prasad Ashok K. , Bhatia Sumati
Published: January 2023

In the last decades, various efforts have been made to synthesize optimal glycotripods for targeting trimeric glycoproteins like asialoglycoprotein receptor, hemagglutinin, and langerin. All these trimeric glycoproteins have sugar binding pockets which are highly selective for a particular carbohydrate ligand. Optimized glycotripods are high affinity binders and have been used for delivering drugs or even applied as drug candidates. The selection of the tripodal base scaffold together with the length and flexibility of the linker between the scaffold and sugar residue, as important design parameters are discussed in this review.
Water management training and extension services as key drivers to homestead food garden production: A case study of households in Gauteng province, South Africa
Authors: Maponya Phokele
Published: January 2023

Globally, food and agriculture lie at the heart of the new 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, especially for the goals of ending poverty, hunger and malnutrition, sustaining natural resources, and responding to climate change. Hence, water management is critical for food production. A survey was conducted by the Agricultural Research Council and Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to establish the key drivers to homestead food garden production. The objectives were (i) to identify and describe the drought status of households and (ii) to identify and describe the socioeconomic characteristics of households. A total of 1150 households were assessed using quantitative and qualitative designs and the Standardized Precipitation Index. A purposive sampling technique was used, and data were coded, captured and analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. The results indicated that water management training should be coupled with a good extension service as most households complained about the lack of availability of agricultural advisors. The study concluded that for a productive homestead food garden, sound training and extension services on water supply and storage, efficiency of irrigation and land drainage are necessary.
Fetuin‐A adsorption to tunable polydimethylsiloxane and subsequent macrophage response
Authors: Miller Chelsea , Sask Kyla N.
Published: January 2023

Surface modifications can be applied to biomaterials to alter the various surface properties that influence protein‐material interactions and the cellular response. The plasma protein fetuin‐A has been found to adsorb to many biomaterials but details of its interactions with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and roles in regulating the immune response are not clear. Here, PDMS modifications are achieved by altering the ratio of PDMS formulations to control elastic modulus, and by coating PDMS with polydopamine (PDA) to attach fetuin‐A. Surface characterization confirmed that altering the PDMS formulation changed the elastic modulus without affecting surface wetting properties. Surface roughness was measured using atomic force microscopy and surface chemistry was determined using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, with only minor changes detected on the softest samples. PDA deposition on PDMS was confirmed and contact angle measurements demonstrated an increase in hydrophilicity. Fetuin‐A adsorption was influenced by the PDMS formulations, adsorption changed in a competitive plasma environment, and PDA was able to immobilize the greatest amount of fetuin‐A. The inflammatory effects of fetuin‐A were investigated, and data suggests that the elastic modulus influences cytokine secretion from macrophages at certain timepoints, a result likely due to varied protein amounts and orientations/conformations in response to material stiffness. The addition of a PDA layer demonstrated the potentially cytokine mitigating effect upon fetuin‐A immobilization when compared to unmodified PDMS samples. The results provide new insight into the interactions of fetuin‐A with PDMS and PDA, and the potential immune regulatory properties of fetuin‐A modified materials.
Effect of Abaloparatide on Bone Microarchitecture Assessed by Trabecular Bone Score in Women With Osteoporosis: Post Hoc Analysis of ACTIVE and ACTIVExtend
Authors: Cosman Felicia MD , Hans Didier PhD , Shevroja Enisa PhD , Wang Yamei PhD , Mitlak Bruce MD
Published: January 2023

Although bone mineral density (BMD) is a predictor of fracture, many fractures occur in women with T-scores > −2.5. Bone microarchitecture, assessed by trabecular bone score (TBS), predicts fracture risk independent of BMD. We evaluated whether abaloparatide improves TBS and whether TBS trends were associated with vertebral fracture risk reduction. Women with osteoporosis randomized to abaloparatide or placebo for 18 months (ACTIVE), followed by alendronate for 24 months (ACTIVExtend), with evaluable TBS, were included in this post hoc analysis (N = 911). TBS was calculated from spine BMD scans using an algorithm adjusted for tissue thickness (TBSth) at baseline, 6, 18, and 43 months. Mean increments in TBSth from baseline within and between treatment groups, proportion of women with TBSth increments above least significant change (LSC) and proportion with degraded TBSth (<1.027) were calculated. Risk estimates for vertebral fracture were compared using binary logistic regressions adjusted for baseline age and spine BMD. At baseline, 42% had degraded TBSth. Mean TBSth increased 4% after 18 months abaloparatide (p < 0.001) and was unchanged with placebo. After 2 subsequent years of alendronate, the total cumulative TBSth increase was 4.4% with abaloparatide/alendronate and 1.7% with placebo/alendronate (group difference, p < 0.001). At 43 months, the proportion of women with degraded TBSth had declined to 21% with abaloparatide/alendronate and 37% with placebo/alendronate (p < 0.05). An increase in TBSth ≥ LSC was observed in 50% of abaloparatide-treated women at 18 months and was associated with decreased odds (odds ratio [OR]; 95% confidence interval [CI]) of vertebral fracture (0.19; 95% CI, 0.04–0.80, 6 months; 0.30; 95% CI, 0.11–0.79, 43 months). In conclusion, abaloparatide increased TBSth rapidly and progressively over 18 months and increments were maintained over 2 years with alendronate. TBSth increase was associated with vertebral fracture risk reduction. Microarchitectural improvement may be one mechanism by which abaloparatide strengthens vertebral bone. © 2023 Radius Health, Inc and The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

Abstract

Mean TBSth (95% CI) percent change over time. Both ABL and PBO ended at 18 months (solid lines); at 19 months, all subjects started ALN for 24 months (dotted lines). *p < 0.001. ABL, abaloparatide; ALN, alendronate; CI, confidence interval; PBO, placebo; TBSth, trabecular bone score adjusted for tissue thickness.
Diagnostic Value of Qualitative and Quantitative Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound for Pathological Subtypes of Small Solid Renal Masses
Authors: He Mengna , Gao Qiong , Xiang Jianjian , Mao Qiqi , Jiang Tian'an
Published: January 2023

Objectives

To assess the diagnostic value of qualitative and quantitative contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for pathological subtypes of small solid renal masses (sSRMs).

Methods

Patients with sSRMs confirmed by surgical pathology from January 2019 to November 2021 were retrospectively identified. All patients were divided into 3 groups: clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) group, none‐ccRCC group (renal cell carcinoma other than ccRCC), and angiomyolipoma (AML) group. The mass position, size, echogenicity and blood flow signals were compared. The speed of wash‐in, wash‐out, the degree of peak enhancement and the homogeneity at peak enhancement, the presence of pseudocapsule sign in CEUS imaging were qualitatively evaluated. Peak enhancement, wash‐in area under the curve (WiAUC), rise time, time to peak, wash‐in rate (WiR), wash‐in perfusion index (WiPI) and tumor‐to‐cortex enhancement ratio of the above parameters in CEUS imaging were quantitatively evaluated.

Results

Of 105 patients, 105 sSRMs (66 ccRCC, 18 none‐ccRCC, 21 AML) were enrolled in this study. No significant differences were found on location, size and echogenicity among 3 groups (all P > .05). The proportion of fast‐washout and hypo‐enhancement were highest in none‐ccRCC group. Heterogeneous enhancement was detected in 87.88% in ccRCC group which is significantly higher than other 2 groups. Hundred percent of the AML showed no pseudocapsule sign, which is the highest among the 3 groups. Peak enhancement, WiAUC, WiR, WiPI of ccRCC group were the highest among the 3 groups.

Conclusions

Qualitative and quantitative CEUS not only has the diagnostic value in distinguishing AML from malignant sSRMs, but also helps to differentiate the pathological subtypes of sSRMs.
Graphene Oxide for Nonlinear Integrated Photonics
Authors: Zhang Yuning , Wu Jiayang , Jia Linnan , Qu Yang , Yang Yunyi , Jia Baohua , Moss David J.
Published: January 2023

Integrated photonic devices operating via optical nonlinearities offer a powerful solution for all‐optical information processing, yielding processing speeds that are well beyond that of electronic processing as well as providing the added benefits of compact footprint, high stability, high scalability, and small power consumption. The increasing demand for high‐performance nonlinear integrated photonic devices has facilitated the hybrid integration of novel materials to address the limitations of existing integrated photonic platforms. Recently, graphene oxide (GO), with its large optical nonlinearity, high flexibility in altering its properties, and facile fabrication processes, has attracted significant attention, enabling many hybrid nonlinear integrated photonic devices with improved performance and novel capabilities. This paper reviews the applications of GO to nonlinear integrated photonics. First, an overview of GO's optical properties and the fabrication technologies needed for its on‐chip integration is provided. Next, the state‐of‐the‐art GO nonlinear integrated photonic devices are reviewed, followed by comparisons of the nonlinear optical performance of different integrated platforms incorporating GO as well as hybrid integrated devices including different kinds of 2D materials. Finally, the current challenges and future opportunities in this field are discussed.
Hopf bifurcation in time‐delayed gene expression model with dimers
Authors: Bartłomiejczyk Agnieszka , Bodnar Marek
Published: January 2023

We study a mathematical model of gene transcription and protein synthesis with negative feedback. We consider a system of equations taking into account the formation of dimers (i.e., complex formed by two protein monomers), the way in which dimers bind to DNA and time delay in translation process. For the model consisting of three ordinary differential equations with time delay, we derive conditions for stability of the positive steady state and for the existence of the Hopf bifurcation. We check the influence of delay in transcription process on the model dynamics, and we formulate conditions determining the type of the Hopf bifurcation and stability of arising limit cycle.
Offspring epigenetic markers at birth related to gestational BMI predict offspring BMI‐trajectories from infancy to 26 years
Authors: Janjanam Vimala Devi , Ewart Susan , Zhang Hongmei , Jiang Yu , Arshad Hasan , Ziyab Ali H. , Karmaus Wilfried
Published: January 2023

Objective

To date, epigenetic studies identified differential DNA methylation (DNAm) related to gestational‐body mass index (BMI) in offspring at birth. This study investigated whether the identified DNAm in offspring were also associated with BMI trajectories from infancy to age 26 years.

Methods

Data of 794 participants from Isle of Wight birth cohort in UK were investigated to study association between BMI trajectories and DNAm related to gestational‐BMI at birth. Multinominal logistic regression models were applied to test the association between 1090 DNAm sites reported in three prior epigenome‐wide association studies and BMI trajectories.

Results

DNAm site cg23089913 (NANOS1) and cg13217064 (SOX14) were associated with early persistent obesity (EPO) and delayed overweight (DOW) trajectories respectively. A higher methylation of cg23089913 showed low odds of being in EPO trajectory (OR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.76–0.93) while higher methylation of cg13217064 resulted in 1.4‐times the odds of being in DOW trajectory when compared to the normal trajectory [Correction added on 22 February 2023, after first online publication: Range of the DNAm site cg23089913 has been changed from ‘lower’ to ‘higher’ in the preceding sentence.]. In a gender‐stratified analysis, the odds of developing into DOW was 1.8 times in female participants for cg13217064 while not such association was observed in males.

Conclusions

Deviations in methylation of cg23089913 (NANOS1) and cg13217064 (SOX14) in newborns may change the risk of having excess body weight.
Presentation of ventriculomegaly at 11–14 weeks of gestation: An analysis of longitudinal data
Authors: Labrosse Kathrin B. , Buechel Johanna , Guelmez Huelya , Butenschoen Annkathrin , Schoenberger Heidrun , Visca Eva , Schoetzau Andreas , Manegold‐Brauer Gwendolin
Published: January 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study was to examine the value of the sonographic measurements of the choroid plexus and the lateral ventricles at 11–14 gestational weeks in fetuses that had the diagnosis of second‐trimester ventriculomegaly (VM) as a clinical reference.

Methods

The standard axial plane used for biparietal diameter measurement from 2D stored images in the first trimester was used to calculate the ratio between the choroid plexus and lateral ventricle diameter (PDVDR), the choroid plexus and lateral ventricle length (PLVLR) and the choroid plexus and lateral ventricle area (PAVAR) in 100 normal and 15 fetuses diagnosed with second‐trimester VM.

Results

In fetuses with VM, the measurements of PDVDR, PLVLR and PAVAR were all significantly smaller compared to normal fetuses (p = < 0.001, <0.001, <0.01). Four out of seven cases with mild VM had measurements below the 5th percentile (57%). 75% of cases with moderate or severe VM had at least one measurement below the 5th percentile.

Conclusions

Since the axial plane of the fetal head is obtained in all first‐trimester routine screenings, the measurements of PDVDR, PLVLR and PAVAR could easily be integrated into routine examinations for an early detection of VM.
Pharmacogenetics ofP2Y12receptor inhibitors
Authors: Thomas Cameron D. , Williams Alexis K. , Lee Craig R. , Cavallari Larisa H.
Published: January 2023

Oral P2Y12inhibitors are commonly prescribed for cardiovascular disease and include clopidogrel, prasugrel, and ticagrelor. Each of these drugs has its strengths and weaknesses. Prasugrel and ticagrelor are more potent inhibitors of platelet aggregation and were shown to be superior to clopidogrel in preventing major adverse cardiovascular events after an acute coronary syndrome and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the absence of genotyping. However, both are associated with an increased risk for non‐coronary artery bypass‐related bleeding. Clopidogrel is a prodrug requiring bioactivation, primarily via the CYP2C19 enzyme. Approximately 30% of individuals have aCYP2C19no function allele and decreased or no CYP2C19 enzyme activity. Clopidogrel‐treated carriers of aCYP2C19no function allele have decreased exposure to the clopidogrel active metabolite and lesser inhibition of platelet aggregation, which likely contributed to reduced clopidogrel efficacy in clinical trials. The pharmacogenetic data for clopidogrel are most robust in the setting of PCI, but evidence is accumulating for other indications. Guidance is available from expert consensus groups and regulatory agencies to assist with integrating genetic information into P2Y12inhibitor prescribing decisions, andCYP2C19genotype‐guided antiplatelet therapy after PCI is one of the most common examples of clinical pharmacogenetic implementation. Herein, we review the evidence for pharmacogenetic associations with clopidogrel response and outcomes with genotype‐guided P2Y12inhibitor selection and describe guidance to assist with pharmacogenetic implementation. We also describe processes for applying genotype data for P2Y12inhibitor therapy selection and remaining gaps in the field. Ultimately, consideration of both clinical and genetic factors may guide selection of P2Y12inhibitor therapy that optimally balances the atherothrombotic and bleeding risks.
Der Weg zum Quanteninternet
Authors: Reiserer Andreas
Published: January 2023

Quantennetzwerke ermöglichen eine Vielzahl interessanter Anwendungen und sind daher Gegenstand intensiver Grundlagenforschung. Grundsätzlich benötigen sie für die Kommunikation fliegende Quantenbits, wofür sich Photonen am besten eignen. Eine freie Übertragung durch die Atmosphäre, auch via Satellit, funktioniert zwar über große Distanzen, hängt aber zum Beispiel vom Wetter ab. Glasfasernetze bieten eine attraktive Alternative. Allerdings ermöglichen die Verluste in ihnen eine Übertragung über maximal 100 km. Die Lösung bieten Netzwerk‐Knoten mit stationären Quantenbits in Form von einzelnen Atomen. Das Grundprinzip ist bereits im Labor demonstriert. Ein Beispiel sind Erbium‐Dotieratome in Silizium‐ oder Silikatkristallen, die als stationäre Quantenbits über ihre individuelle Frequenz einzeln adressierbar sind. Der Einbau eines solchen Kristalls in einen Fabry‐Perot‐Resonator erhöht die Effizienz der Licht‐Materie‐Wechselwirkung. Bis mit solchen Netzwerkknoten ein globales Quanteninternet realisiert werden kann, sind allerdings noch große Hürden zu überwinden.
Wie innerer Druck die Erde formt
Authors: Tschauner Oliver
Published: January 2023

Die Erde ist ein Planet, dessen eigene Schwere die Chemie und Physik der Gesteine in seinen tieferen Schichten erheblich verändert. Dabei bleibt die Natur chemischer Bindungen im Ganzen gewahrt, wenn auch ihre Eigenart sich mit dem Druck ändert. In einen zehnmal massereicheren erdähnlichen Planeten wäre die Grenze zur Auflösung der ionischen und kovalenten Bindungen vermutlich erreicht, und die Verbindungen von Si und Mg mit O würden metallischen Legierungen ähneln. In einem kleineren Planeten wie dem Mars sind die druckinduzierten Änderungen in den Eigenschaften der Elemente hingegen kaum merklich.
Luftrüssel – der Natur abgeschaut?
Authors: Schlichting Hans Joachim
Published: January 2023

Ein durch eine Spiralfeder zusammengerollter flacher Papierschlauch wird durch Einblasen von Luft entrollt. Sobald der Luftstrom nachlässt, rollt sich der Schlauch durch die Federkraft wieder auf.
Pionierin in der zweiten Reihe des Hörsaals
Authors: Loos Andreas
Published: January 2023

Sie war die erste Physikprofessorin Amerikas, musste aber zeitlebens um ihre Stellung kämpfen.
Der Partytrick mit dem fallenden Weinglas
Authors: Vogt Patrik , Kasper Lutz
Published: January 2023

Zu den Schrecken aller Gastgeber zählen Gäste, die gerne mal Weingläser fallen lassen. Dieses Experiment allerdings verspricht einen harmlosen Schrecken ohne Scherben.
Glucose‐derived superabsorbent hydrogel materials based on mechanically‐interlocked slide‐ring and triblock copolymer topologies
Authors: Pang Ching , Wang Hai , Zhang Fuwu , Patel Ami K. , Lee Hung Pang , Wooley Karen L.
Published: January 2023

A series of glucose‐based degradable superabsorbent hydrogels with potential to tackle issues associated with sustainability, flooding, and drought has been designed and fabricated. These hydrophilic networks were constructed through integrating glucose as a primary building block –into cyclic oligomers and block polymers, which were combined into mechanically‐interlocked slide‐ring crosslinked materials. Crosslinking of slide ring α‐cyclodextrin/poly(ethylene glycol)‐type polyrotaxanes with acid‐functionalized ABA triblock copolymers comprised of mercaptopropionic acid‐functionalized poly(glucose carbonate (ethyl propargyl carbonate))‐b‐poly(ethylene glycol)‐b‐mercaptopropionic acid‐functionalized poly(glucose carbonate (ethyl propargyl carbonate)), afforded degradable superabsorbent hydrogels through establishment of chemically‐labile ester linkages, in addition to glycosidic and carbonate groups of the polymer precursors. With an emphasis on development of fundamental synthetic design strategies to achieve high‐performance superabsorbent hydrogels that could behave as robust materials, which are derived from natural components and exhibit hydrolytic degradability, effort went into optimization of the composition, structure, and topology leading to water uptake capacities >30× by mass. Investigations of composition‐structure‐topology‐morphology effects on properties as a function of variations of PEG main chain length, degree of α‐cyclodextrin coverage, and concentration of pre‐gel solution, indicated that the slide‐ring polymer and triblock copolymer networks feature high water uptake, tunable mechanical properties, and sustainability with construction from renewable natural products and in‐built degradability.
Understanding social network support, composition, and structure among cancer caregivers
Authors: Bouchard Elizabeth G. , Prince Mark A. , McCarty Christopher , Vincent Paula C. , Patel Hital , LaValley Susan A. , Collins R. Lorraine , Sahler Olle Jane Z. , Krenz Till , Kelly Kara M.
Published: January 2023

Objective

We examined the social network support, composition, and structure of pediatric cancer caregivers.

Methods

We used a self‐report survey to collect egocentric social network data from 107 caregivers of pediatric cancer patients and calculated descriptive statistics to examine cancer‐related support network composition, function, and structure. We then ran logistic regressions to examine the relationships between network characteristics and overall satisfaction with social support.

Results

Family members were the most common source of emotional support and logistical support, and health care providers were the most common source of informational support. Participants perceived the “most helpful” forms of support as being: (1) emotional support from family and health care providers; (2) informational support from health care providers and other cancer caregivers; and (3) logistical support from family. Overall, caregivers wished that 9.8% of their network ties had provided more support, with family members being the most common alter type to disappoint caregivers and offer less support than needed/expected. Caregivers who reported higher network disappointment (having network members who offered less support than needed/expected) were significantly less satisfied with emotional support than those with lower network disappointment (Odds Ratio = 0.18, p = 0.02), and caregivers with higher network disappointment were significantly less satisfied with logistical support compared to those with lower network disappointment (Odds Ratio = 0.14, p = 0.01).

Conclusion

Our results show differences in the nature of social support provided by different types of network members. These findings have implications for tailoring social network interventions to improve caregiver and family outcomes.
A narrative medicine‐based training program increases the humanistic care quality of new nurses in cancer hospital
Authors: Lu Ningning , Ma Zhuyue , Shi Yanyan , Yao Shanshan , Zhang Liuliu , Shan Jingyi , Zhai Liying , Li Caiyu , Cheng Fang
Published: January 2023

With the change of medical model, the cancer nurses should not only pay attention to patients' physical pain, but also patients' psychological distress, which requires cancer nurses to have a high quality of humanistic care. This study aims to explore the humanistic care quality of new nurses in cancer hospital and effects of the narrative medicine‐based training program on the new nurses of cancer hospital. A total of 101 new nurses in a cancer hospital received the narrative medicine‐based training in 2020. Before and after the training, they were investigated with humanistic care quality questionnaire and empathy ability questionnaire. The course included narrative therapy overview, narrative medicine overview, narrative nursing, psychological nursing cases of cancer patients, and so on. After training, the total score of the humanistic care and quality empathy ability increased significantly, and the comparison was statistically significant. The total score of empathy after the training (98.44 ± 2.23) was higher than the score before the training (86.35 ± 7.53) (p < .05). The total score of humanistic care quality after the training (184.45 ± 14.34) was higher than the score before the training (161.45 ± 15.45) (p < .01). The scores of all dimensions were statistically significant. The narrative medicine‐based training program could increase the empathy ability of the new cancer nurses and improve the humanistic care quality. This program is suitable for clinical promotion and application. The study findings could have implications for medical institute to increase the humanistic care quality of new nurses.
Comparison of the mathematical equation and trapezoidal approach for 24 h area under the plasma concentration‐time curve calculation in patients who received intravenous vancomycin in an acute care setting
Authors: Chanapiwat Pimonrat , Paiboonvong Taniya , Rattanaumpawan Pinyo , Montakantikul Preecha
Published: January 2023

The current recommendation for therapeutic monitoring of vancomycin has recently suggested AUC‐guided dosing in patients with serious methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections. The study objective was to evaluate mathematical equations and trapezoidal methods for calculating the 24 h area under the plasma vancomycin concentration‐time curve (AUC24). The analysis of plasma vancomycin concentrations was performed in 20 adult patients treated with intravenous vancomycin. For each patient, AUC24 was estimated using two methods including, equation and trapezoidal calculation. The AUC24 from two methods was analyzed for correlation. The correlation between the equation and trapezoidal methods was strong. The coefficient of determination (R2) values was greater than .99. The two plasma vancomycin concentrations to achieve the highest correlation were concentration at 2.5 to 3 h after starting the infusion and concentration at 1 h before the next dose. Moreover, the AUC24 calculation from trapezoidal and equation methods showed that 19 out of 20 patients (95%) had AUC24 of more than 400 mg·h/L, and more than 50% in this group had AUC24/MIC greater than 600. Of those patients with AUC‐trapezoidal >600, 15.38% of patients had trough under 15 mg/L, 15.38% of patients had trough in the range 15 to 20 mg/L and 69.23% of patients had trough more than 20 mg/L. The results of AUC‐equation were similar to those of the AUC‐trapezoidal method. Our study confirmed that the AUC monitoring is more appropriate than the trough vancomycin concentration. Given these considerations, the AUC‐equation method is better and more practical to use in part of a point‐of‐care treatment, especially in the part of the Bayesian program is not available. The best sampling time point of the peak concentration was 0.5–1 h after 2‐h infusion.