bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Greening the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain
Authors: Belal Md Mostain , Shukla Vinaya , Balasubramanian Sreejith
Published: December 2024

The pharmaceutical sector is critical from a life‐saving perspective. However, it also poses significant environmental challenges due to large consumptions of non‐renewable materials and energy, as also extensive by‐product and waste generation. Addressing these issues is paramount, though surprisingly, research on it has largely been theoretical, fragmented and incomplete. These shortcomings are sought to be addressed in this work where a comprehensive green supply chain management (GSCM) framework for the sector is first developed through a systematic literature review. It is then empirically assessed and validated for UK's pharmaceutical sector through 47 interviews and analyses of 112 corporate environmental reports that covered all key stakeholders. Innovative and Bio‐pharma players were found to be at the forefront of the greening efforts with generic players lagging behind. High levels of solvent recycling, AI‐based drug design, and emphasis on Ecopharmacovigilance were observed for the Innovative players. The key drivers for greening were found to be regulatory pressures (e.g., f‐gas, ERA, IED) and cost saving potential, with their influence being particularly greater for the Innovative players. Similarly, complex marketing authorization process, high investment requirements, lack of green culture and time pressure were revealed as the key barriers to greening. On the downstream side, lack of environment‐related regulatory guidance on prescribing and contradictory regulatory guidance on disposing unused/expired drugs were identified as factors having a significant impact on the environmental loading of drugs. Overall, the study findings can help assess the green readiness of the sector, as also develop stakeholder‐specific policy interventions and support mechanisms to increase green adoption.
Anticipating a Museum Visit: The Role of Museum Design in Anticipating Hedonic or Eudaimonic Well‐Being Experiences
Authors: Dragija Marta Šveb , van Zomeren Martijn , Hansen Nina
Published: December 2024

Through their design, museums can craft specific experiences for their visitors, ranging from more hedonic to more eudaimonic well‐being experiences. Little is known, however, about whether potential visitors anticipate eudaimonic or hedonic well‐being experiences depending on how the museum design is described. To answer this question, we conducted three social‐psychological experiments with Croatian (Study 1, N = 128 and Study 3, N = 213) and American (Study 2, N = 289) participants. Participants in Study 1 and 2 read about either one of the two different hedonically designed museums or one eudaimonically designed museum which was the same across the studies, and then reported their anticipated well‐being and emotional experience. Particularly for Studies 1 and 3, our findings revealed strong support for the differentiation of eudaimonic and hedonic well‐being in the anticipation of different museum visits. Moreover, the anticipated eudaimonic experience moved beyond the typical positive hedonic experience by uniquely including both positive and negative emotions such as compassion, awe, sadness and guilt. We discuss the implications of our findings for modern psychological theorising on well‐being and emotions, and, in a more applied sense, the relevance of describing the design of museums to potential visitors to guide their anticipation of the museum experience.
Peptide Designs for Cell‐Interfacing Assemblies
Authors: Guo Pan , Jiang Yun‐Bao , Jiang Tao
Published: December 2024

Constructing synthetic materials to interact with cells offers significant promise for understanding natural cellular processes and manipulating cell behaviors beyond nature's capabilities. Peptide assemblies are particular promising in this regard, as they have demonstrated efficacy in promoting cell differentiation, repair, and regeneration as supportive scaffolds. However, distinct gaps persist between natural and synthetic assembly systems in various aspects. This Concept review explores representative studies focusing on developing chemical strategies to design peptide assemblies with precise control over displayed molecules, adjustable molecular dynamics to modulate cell behaviors, and responsiveness to biological stimuli. This paper would inspire more fundamental studies on molecular assemblies and foster inter‐disciplinary interests in material applications, advancing the interplay between natural cells and synthetic materials.
An Ion Pair Receptor for Selective Solid‐Liquid Extraction of LiCl
Authors: Hyun Oh Ju , Joong Kim Min , Choi Jaewon , Chan Jeong Hae , Kuk Kim Sung
Published: December 2024

We have synthesized a new ion pair receptor (2) consisting of a cone‐calix[4]arene bearing a combination of ethyl esters and ethers as a cation binding site and a calix[4]pyrrole subunit acting as an anion binding site. Ion pair receptor 2 complexes LiCl, NaCl, and CsCl among alkali metal chloride salts with distinct complexation modes and affinities in 10 % methanol‐d4 in chloroform‐d. For instance, relatively small Li+ and Na+ cations are bound to the oxygen atoms of the functionalized calix[4]arene lower rim with Cl− being hydrogen bonded to the calix[4]pyrrole NHs while the larger Cs+ cation is bound to the cone‐shaped calix[4]pyrrole cavity via a π‐cation interaction. By contrast, in the co‐presence of all MCl salts (M=Li, Na, K, Rb, and Cs), receptor 2 binds LiCl with complete selectivity. Besides, receptor 2 is capable of extracting LiCl selectively into a chloroform or a dichloromethane organic phase from its solid source containing all other MCl salts.
Cross‐Transition‐Dipole Stacking of Conjugated Organic Molecules: Structure, Exciton Behavior and Optoelectronic Property
Authors: Li Weicong , Xie Zengqi
Published: December 2024

Organic conjugated molecules have gained widespread application as organic semiconductors due to their unique optoelectronic properties. The rigidity of these large conjugated structures facilitates strong intermolecular interactions, which significantly influence their properties in the solid state through various molecular arrangements. The study of the relationship among molecular arrangement, exciton behavior, and optoelectronic properties is an eternal research topic. Cross‐dipole stacking is a specific molecular arrangement that demonstrates unique characteristics and has received continuous attention over the past decades. This mini‐review will first discuss the unique exciton behaviors in cross‐dipole stacking based on exciton models, including weak exciton coupling and suppression of Förster resonance energy transfer. These exciton behaviors, determined by molecular stacking arrangements, are fundamental to the optoelectronic properties of cross‐dipole stacking systems. Next, we will introduce well‐defined cross‐dipole systems and summarize their design principles from a molecular structure perspective. Finally, we will present the specific optoelectronic properties of cross‐dipole stacking systems and their outstanding performance, such as high solid‐state luminescence, good charge carrier mobility, and significant CD/CPL. Through this mini‐review, we hope to enhance the understanding of cross‐dipole stacking, contributing to the construction of such systems, the exploration of excited‐state behaviors, and the discovery of high‐performance materials.
Untersuchung der Sortierbarkeit kohlenstofffaserverstärkter Kunststoffe mittels induktiver Sensorik
Authors: Niebel Philipp Karsten , Krampitz Thomas , Datiy Anastasia , Valenas Adrian , Lieberwirth Holger
Published: December 2024

Kohlenstofffaserverstärkte Kunststoffe (CFK) gewinnen u. a. im Leichtbausektor zunehmend an Bedeutung. Um hochwertige Kohlenstofffasern (CF) einer Kreislaufführung anzudienen, müssen diese zum Zweck der Qualitätssicherung von fremdfaserhaltigen Kunststoffen freigehalten werden. Weiterhin wird CFK mit den darin enthaltenen CF häufig als Störstoff bei der Behandlung gemischter Kunststoffabfälle eingestuft. Effektive Sortierverfahren für CFK sind deswegen von hoher Bedeutung für die gesamte Recyclingindustrie. Dieser Artikel befasst sich mit der Untersuchung der Detektion von CFK mit duroplastischer Matrix mittels induktiver Sensorik. Die systematische Variation unterschiedlicher Parameter des Aufgabeguts zeigt, dass CFK damit unter bestimmten Voraussetzungen sortierfähig ist.
Critical Convex‐Type ST Elevation Correlate With Ventricular Tachyarrhythmia in Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Hsu Jen‐Te , Hsiao Ju‐Feng , Chin See‐Khong , Hsu Yu‐Cheng , Lei Meng‐Huan
Published: December 2024

Background

Ventricular tachyarrhythmia (VT) occasionally occurred in patients with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC). Two convex‐type ST elevations were significantly related to VT in coronary artery disease.

Methods

This study assessed the correlation between VT and critical ECG patterns, as well other independent predictive factors of in‐hospital outcome. Fifty‐five consecutive patients fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of Takotsubo Italian Network (TIN) were retrospectively enrolled. The patients were classified into two groups according to their critical ECG patterns and VT occurrence. In‐hospital outcomes and influencing factors were analyzed.

Results

The incidence of VT was higher in the critical ECG group than in the Noncritical ECG group (43.8% vs. 2.6%, p < 0.001). In‐hospital death was more common in the critical ECG group than in the Noncritical ECG group (25.0% vs. 5.1%, p = 0.032). The composite end‐point (combined VT and in‐hospital death) revealed significant differences between these two groups (50.0% vs 7.7%, p < 0.001). Multi‐variate analysis proved critical ECG type as one independent risk factor of VT (odds ratio [OR] = 61.8, p = 0.009) and the composite end‐point (OR = 12.4, p = 0.007). The prolong QRS width ( ≥ 105 ms) was another independent factor for predicting VT (OR = 1.06, p = 0.022) and composite end‐point (OR = 1.05, p = 0.017).

Conclusions

Critical ECG types including tombstoning ST elevation and lambda‐wave ST elevation have strong impact on short‐term outcomes. Additionally, conduction disturbance with prolong QRS ≥ 105 ms also has independent predicting role for poor prognosis.
Hydrothermally Synthesized Cobalt‐Doped NiO Nanoflakes: Enhanced Electrochemical Performance for High‐Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Jayakumar Suresh , Chinnappan Santhosh P. , Rishikesh K. V. , Radhamani A. V.
Published: December 2024

This study examines cobalt‐doped nickel oxide (Co‐NiO) nanomaterials synthesized through a hydrothermal method, focusing on their potential as high‐performance electrodes for supercapacitors. By varying cobalt dopant concentrations (X=0, 0.01, 0.05, 0.1), we aimed to enhance the electrochemical properties through strategic Co‐doping. The CoxNi1‐xO nanomaterials were characterized using several techniques, including X‐ray diffraction (XRD), UV‐visible spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronopotentiometry (CP), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The analysis showed that Co‐doping preserved the NiO phase structure while significantly altering the morphology and electrochemical characteristics. The sample with (X=0.1) achieved a specific capacitance of 880 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g, significantly outperforming the undoped NiO, which had a capacitance of 335 F/g. Additionally, the Co‐NiO demonstrated 83.3 % capacitance retention after 1000 cycles at a current density of 10 A/g. These findings highlight the potential of Co‐NiO as an effective electrode material for supercapacitors.
Impact of Chronic Inflammatory Diseases on Clinical Pharmacokinetics of Antibody‐Based Therapeutic Proteins
Authors: Tian Xiaofan , Yu Yichao , Neeli Harshith , Jappar Dilara
Published: December 2024

Antibody‐based therapeutic proteins (TPs) emerged as a promising therapeutic modality for chronic inflammatory diseases. During clinical development, the impact of disease on pharmacokinetics (PK) should be carefully considered to reliably extrapolate PK from healthy volunteers (HVs) in early‐phase studies to patients in later‐phase studies. This paper aimed to provide an overview of the impact of chronic inflammatory diseases on the PK of antibody‐based TPs. A literature search was conducted on Drugs@FDA and PubMed, yielding 30 TPs with author‐drawn conclusions about PK differences between HVs and patients with inflammatory diseases. Nine out of 30 TPs suggested PK differences in patients with inflammatory diseases compared with HVs, and patients mostly appeared to have higher drug clearance or lower drug exposure compared with HVs. However, the remaining 21 TPs appeared to have no apparent PK differences between patients and HVs. Based on ratios of reported drug clearance in patients vs. HVs (N: 31 ratios for 22 TPs), the difference in TP clearance due to inflammatory diseases did not exceed twofold (mean clearance ratio: 1.23; standard deviation: 0.25), with the most noticeable difference (>50% higher clearance) observed in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases and rheumatoid arthritis. Covariate assessment in published population PK models of TPs revealed that higher baseline C‐reactive proteins and lower baseline albumin levels tend to be correlated with higher TP clearance. Future investigation is necessary to further elucidate the mechanism behind the inflammatory disease‐mediated PK differences.
High Extracellular K+ Skews T‐Cell Differentiation Towards Tumour Promoting Th2 and Treg Subsets
Authors: Wong Brandon Han Siang , Poh Zhi Sheng , Wei James Tan Chia , Amuthavalli Kottaiswamy , Ho Ying Swan , Chen Shuwen , Mak Shi Ya , Bi Xuezhi , Webster Richard D. , Shelat Vishalkumar G. , Chandy K. George , Verma Navin Kumar
Published: December 2024

Potassium ions (K+) released from dying necrotic tumour cells accumulate in the tumour microenvironment (TME) and increase the local K+ concentration to 50 mM (high‐[K+]e). Here, we demonstrate that high‐[K+]e decreases expression of the T‐cell receptor subunits CD3ε and CD3ζ and co‐stimulatory receptor CD28 and thereby dysregulates intracellular signal transduction cascades. High‐[K+]e also alters the metabolic profiles of T‐cells, limiting the metabolism of glucose and glutamine, consistent with functional exhaustion. These changes skew T‐cell differentiation, favouring Th2 and iTreg subsets that promote tumour growth while restricting antitumour Th1 and Th17 subsets. Similar phenotypes were noted in T‐cells present within the necrosis‐prone core versus the outer zones of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)/colorectal carcinoma (CRC) tumours as analysed by GeoMx digital spatial profiling and flow‐cytometry. Our results thus expand the understanding of the contribution of high‐[K+]e to the immunosuppressive milieu in the TME.
First Evidencing of Guest‐Induced Spin Transition for Dinuclear Fe(III) Complex Supported by Calix[4]Arene Schiff Base Ligand
Authors: Strelnikova Iuliia V. , Ovsyannikov Alexander S. , Pyataev Andrew V. , Islamov Daut R. , Litvinov Igor A. , Dorovatovskii Pavel V. , Solovieva Svetlana E. , Antipin Igor S.
Published: December 2024

For the first time the partial low spin (LS) ‐ high spin (HS) state transition back, caused by trapped guest molecule release from the macrocyclic cavity of calix[4]arene ligand, decorated with salicylideneamine coordinating binding sites, was evidenced for new dinuclear [FeIII2] diamond core cluster, displaying mixed cis‐/trans‐N2O4 coordination environment for metal centers. Such unique spin state transition behavior, triggered by the changing of calix[4]arene backbone conformation, giving rise to a new paradigm of fine‐tuning spin‐dependent functionality in materials design, was unambiguously established by the 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy in combination with the single crystal X‐ray diffraction, IR, TGA‐DSC analysis.
Bio‐Inspired Thiolate‐FeII‐Hydrazine Adduct Towards Iron‐Mediated C−N Bond Formation
Authors: Cassandrini Irene , Philouze Christian , Simonneau Antoine , Koepf Matthieu , Duboc Carole , Gennari Marcello
Published: December 2024

The bio‐inspired dinuclear iron(II) complex [FeII(L)]₂ (L2−=2,2’‐(2,2’‐bipyridine‐6,6’‐diyl)bis(1,1’‐diphenylethanethiolate)), featuring alkyl thiolate ligands, was found to react with hydrazine (N₂H₄) to form an unprecedented alkyl thiolate‐supported FeII−N₂H₄ adduct, [LFeII(N₂H₄)]. This complex was characterized structurally by X‐ray crystallography, spectroscopically (1H NMR, UV‐vis, IR), and electrochemically. Unexpectedly, in CH3CN solution, [LFeII(N₂H₄)] gradually evolved to yield an FeII‐acetohydrazonohydrazide complex, [LFeII(H₂N₂C(CH₃)N₂H₃)], the C−N bond formation resulting from the reaction between N₂H₄ and CH₃CN mediated by the FeII ion. Its structure, confirmed by X‐ray diffraction on single crystals, reveals a η1‐coordination of the acetohydrazonohydrazide ligand. The proposed mechanism is based on the electrophilic activation of a CH3CN molecule by FeII, followed by the nucleophilic attack of a free hydrazine. This work expands the reactivity landscape of iron‐hydrazine complexes and provides new insights into potential pathways for N−N bond functionalization in nitrogen fixation processes.
Transient Thermal Simulation of Lithium‐Ion Batteries for Hybrid/Electric Vehicles
Authors: Vinten Nicholas , Jianu Ofelia , El‐Sharkawy Alaa , Arora Dipan
Published: December 2024

This paper focuses on the development of a plug‐in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) full‐vehicle transient thermal model in thermal modelling software to predict the battery surface temperature at various locations. The full‐vehicle thermal model consists of a full exhaust piping system, a high‐voltage lithium‐ion battery pack system, and a battery liquid coolant system. All modes of heat transfer including conduction, forced and natural convection, radiation from the exhaust system, battery cooling, and battery internal heat generation are considered in the model. The full‐vehicle model is simulated under various vehicle conditions to represent four standard customer drive cycles. The simulated battery surface temperature at specified points along the battery module surfaces is compared to experimental vehicle test‐cell data to provide model validation. Using the results from the transient thermal simulations, prediction of the battery thermal degradation is performed throughout the entire vehicle lifecycle. The thermal degradation is estimated using thermal goals and equivalent exposure times.
Applying Numerical Simulation to Model Varying Process and Cell Parameters during the Electrolyte Filling Process of Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Hagemeister Jan , Elkhoshet Ahmed , Yakici Atahan , Günter Florian , Hu Yiping , Daub Rüdiger
Published: December 2024

The electrolyte filling process is considered one of the bottlenecks of lithium‐ion battery production due mainly to the long electrolyte wetting times. Additionally, the required experimental process design is time and material‐intensive, increasing the development costs of new materials or cell designs. A model of the filling process would allow for more efficient cell production, but until now, the published models have mainly been focused on individual components on a pore scale. Within the scope of this work, the model setup for a holistic examination of the electrolyte filling process is shown, allowing the study of the electrolyte wetting on a cell scale. The characteristic values of a porous medium, such as the permeability, are calculated with a microsimulation of an anode and a cathode pore structure. These values are then transferred to the ANSYS porous media model, and cell scale simulations are performed. Two cell formats and variations in the evacuation pressure and electrolyte temperature are simulated and compared to experimental wetting data. The results show that the simulation successfully models the wetting behavior for the investigated cell formats and cell assembly types, validating the model with experimental data both qualitatively and quantitatively.
Evaluation of the impact of climate change on rainfall for potential landslide triggering in Japan
Authors: Tsunetaka Haruka , Murakami Wataru , Nakao Katsuhiro , Mtibaa Slim
Published: December 2024

Intense rainfall events associated with climate change may increase future landslide hazards. Therefore, future landslide probability should be constrained using rainfall projections from global climate models (GCMs). However, because landslides can occur in association with various rainfall patterns, such as short‐duration (few hours) intense rainfall to long‐term accumulated rainfall over a few days, general projections of daily rainfall are inadequate for evaluation of rainfall with landslide‐triggering potential. To address this problem, this study adopted a new approach using 72‐h GCM rainfall projections based on 100‐year rainfall return levels and applied it to 10 regions in Japan where landslides widely occur. We found that rainfall with landslide‐triggering potential becomes more frequent toward 2,100 in response to intensified global warming. In some regions, under the scenario that future greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase owing to inadequate regulation, intense rainfall with landslide‐triggering potential is projected to become more frequent and widespread, especially after approximately 2060. In relation to this projected spread of the areas of persistent rain, rainfall with landslide‐triggering potential might occur synchronously in two to five regions. However, even under the scenario that aerosol emissions are reduced rapidly to mitigate global warming, rainfall might intensify before 2060 in some regions, resulting in a projection of high landslide probability. The presented projections are not definitive and require further refinement; however, they do suggest that the impact of climate change on the frequency and region of hazard of landslide occurrence might change in the future depending on the effort made to mitigate global warming.
MTGWNN: A Multi‐Template Graph Wavelet Neural Network Identification Model for Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Shan Shengchang , Ren Yijie , Jiao Zhuqing , Li Xiaona
Published: December 2024

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has been widely applied in studying various brain disorders. However, current studies typically model regions of interest (ROIs) in brains with a single template. This approach generally examines only the connectivity between ROIs to identify autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ignoring the structural features of the brain. This study proposes a multi‐template graph wavelet neural network (GWNN) identification model for ASD called MTGWNN. First, the brain is segmented with multiple templates and the BOLD time series are extracted from fMRI data to construct brain networks. Next, a graph attention network (GAT) is applied to automatically learn interactions between nodes, capturing local information in the node features. These features are then further processed by a convolutional neural network (CNN) to learn global connectivity representations and achieve feature dimensionality reduction. Finally, the features and phenotypic data from each subject are integrated by GWNN to identify ASD at the optimal scale. Experimental results indicate that MTGWNN outperforms the comparative models. Testing on the public dataset ABIDE‐I achieved an accuracy (ACC) of 87.25% and an area under the curve (AUC) of 92.49%. MTGWNN effectively integrates brain network features from multiple templates, providing a more comprehensive characterization of brain abnormalities in patients with ASD. It incorporates population information from phenotypic data, which helps to compensate for the limited sample size of individual patients and improves the robustness and generalization of ASD identification.
Patterns of proximity and maternal‐infant engagement in a neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Neugebauer Christine , Oh Wonjung , Mastergeorge Ann M.
Published: December 2024

Mother–infant relationship development is influenced by maternal presence, proximity, and the frequency and duration of engagement. Proximity and dyadic engagement can be challenging when an infant is hospitalized in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This study examined patterns of maternal proximity and engagement in a NICU in the Southwestern United States and identified thematic categories of alternate activities to engagement. Trained observers conducted 52 h of NICU observations, documenting maternal presence, patterns of proximity, engagement, nonengagement, and alternate activities to nonengagement and focused engagement. Results include data from 88 mother–infant dyads. Of the time mothers were in proximity to their infants, 83% of these instances occurred without active engagement. In contrast, focused dyadic engagement was noted in 97% of these observations, while unfocused engagement was recorded in 65% of instances. Mothers in proximity but not actively engaged were most often observed using a smartphone, a trend that was also observed when mothers were in unfocused engagement during nurturing social contexts. While it is expected that occasional interruptions to mother–infant interaction in the NICU will occur, more studies are needed to determine the implications of both brief and prolonged disruptions during dyadic interactions on interaction quality in the NICU.
Cost Pass‐Through in Commodity Markets With Capacity Constraints and International Linkages
Authors: Ellwanger Reinhard , Gnutzmann Hinnerk , Śpiewanowski Piotr
Published: December 2024

We examine how regional cost shocks are passed through into the prices of globally traded energy‐intensive commodities. We find that the pass‐through of local costs is influenced by production capacity in the short run. When capacity constraints become binding, the pass‐through of cost shocks to the constrained region diminishes to zero. Our application to the market for ammonia, a commodity largely produced from natural gas, demonstrates the significance of capacity constraints and international market linkages for empirical pass‐through models.
Experimental Study on the Process and Performance of Pre‐Dressing‐Assisted Laser Joining of Vascular Tissues
Authors: Huang Jun , Li Yanyu , Yan Mintao , Xu Tongyu , Wang Kehong
Published: December 2024

Blood vessels are an important part of the human circulatory system. In clinical surgery, the common method for treating ruptured blood vessels is suturing, but this method can cause inflammatory reactions. With the popularization of lasers, they have been widely used in the medical field. However, due to the poor absorption of laser energy by tissues, the tensile strength of tissues after joining is low. To further improve the tensile strength after laser joining, this study analyzed the law of the effect of pre‐dressing‐assisted laser on the tensile strength and thermal denaturation of vascular tissues after joining with different components and concentrations by designing experiments. The experimental results showed that the tensile strength of the joined tissues could reach 50.978 KPa, and the degree of thermal denaturation was only 0.025, which is of great significance for the study of laser‐joined vascular tissues.
LncRNA 93358 Aggravates the Apoptosis of Myocardial Cells After Ischemia‐Reperfusion by Mediating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway
Authors: Cai Jiumei , Zhang Zhiwei , Chen Lingling , Wang Xiaoping , Zhong Yiming , Xie Dongyang , Liao Wei
Published: December 2024

To investigate the impact of LncRNA 93358 on ischemia‐reperfusion induced myocardial cell apoptosis and the underlying mechanism. After being subjected to hypoxia for 4 h, three models of hypoxia‐reoxygenation (H/R) with reoxygenation times of 8, 16, and 24 h were established. The expression of LncRNA 93358 was detected by qPCR, and the most suitable conditions were selected for subsequent experiments. The LncRNA 93358 knockout rat myocardial cells were established by transfecting with shRNA‐93358 and identified by the RT‐PCR assay, followed by constructing the in vitro H/R model. H/R myocardial cells were treated with blank medium (Model), shRNA‐NC (LncRNA 93358 NC), shRNA‐93358 (LncRNA 93358 knock), and shRNA‐93358 + LY294002 (LncRNA 93358 knockout+LY294002), respectively. Normal myocardial cells treated with blank medium was taken as the control group. The cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by the flow cytometry. The level of cellular SOD and MDA was measured by the ELISA assay. The expression level of LncRNA 93358 was determined by the RT‐PCR assay and Western blot assay was utilized to evaluate the expression level of AKT1, p‐AKT1, mTOR, p‐mTOR, bcl‐2, and Bax. Compared to control, the expression of LncRNA 93358 in H9C2 cells was significantly increased under hypoxic conditions for 4 h followed by reoxygenation for 8 h/16 h. Moreover, the expression of LncRNA 93358 was relatively higher under hypoxic conditions for 4 h followed by reoxygenation for 16 h. Compared to control, significantly lower p‐mTOR/mTOR and p‐AKT1/AKT1 level was observed in the model group, accompanied by the elevated MDA level, declined SOD level, increased apoptotic rate, enhanced arrest at S phase, upregulated Bax, and downregulated Bcl‐2. Compared to the model and LncRNA 93358 NC group, the expression level of p‐mTOR/mTOR and p‐AKT1/AKT1 was significantly promoted in the LncRNA 93358 knock group, accompanied by the declined MDA level, increased SOD level, reduced apoptotic rate, increased arrest at G0/G1 phase, downregulated Bax, and upregulated Bcl‐2, which were dramatically reversed in the LncRNA 93358 knockout+LY294002 group. LncRNA 93358 aggravated the apoptosis of myocardial cells after ischemia‐reperfusion by mediating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.
COVID‐19 and Oncofertility: No SARS‐CoV‐2 in Semen but Inflammation Seems to Affect Sperm Parameters
Authors: Chaput Laure , Pons‐Rejraji Hanae , Chabrolles Hélène , Fiot Mélanie , Lucas Cécily , Pereira Bruno , Bonnet Benjamin , Haj Hamid Rahaf , Rives‐Feraille Aurélie , Binois Olivier , Ferreux Lucile , Delepine Béatrice , Koscinski Isabelle , Lichtblau Isabelle , Giscard d'Estaing Sandrine , Bendayan Marion , Saias‐Magnan Jacqueline , Lousqui Johanna , Henquell Cécile , Brugnon Florence
Published: December 2024

The COVID‐19 pandemic, driven by SARS‐CoV‐2, led authorities to recommend halting assisted reproductive technology programs, focusing instead on fertility preservation, for cancer patients. The presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 in semen remains controversial. This multicentric prospective cohort study, conducted across 12 university medical centers, aimed to determine if SARS‐CoV‐2 is present in spermatozoa/seminal plasma in cancer patients by RT‐PCR and to assess its impact on standard semen parameters. The levels of cytokines and TNF‐α were measured in seminal fluid by ELISA. We enrolled 129 men who underwent sperm cryopreservation between July 7, 2020, and June 30, 2021. The 63 were included and tested for COVID‐19 in nasal swab samples by RT‐PCR and/or by serology. All patients were asymptomatic on the day of semen collection: 50 were uninfected, 8 had a positive nasal swab (PCR+) and 5 were seropositive. SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA was not detected in the seminal fluid or spermatozoa. Ejaculate volume was significantly lower in the PCR+ group compared to the uninfected group (median [IQR]: 2.6 mL [1.6–3.4] vs. 4.6 mL [2.6–5.2] p < 0.05). Total and progressive motility were lower in the PCR+ group compared to the seropositive group (32.5% [25.0–45.0] vs. 50% [49.0–55.0] p < 0.05, and 22.5% [10.0; 32.5] vs. 44.5% [40–49] p < 0.05). Higher TNF‐α level was observed in the PCR+ group (1.9 pg/mL [0–3.9]) compared to the uninfected group (0 pg/mL [0–0.4]) p < 0.05. Although SARS‐CoV‐2 was not detected in the sperm samples of cancer patients who were PCR+, the infection appears to impact sperm parameters, likely due to inflammation.
Viral Load Measurements for Kaposi Sarcoma Herpesvirus (KSHV/HHV8): Review and an Updated Assay
Authors: Cano Patricio , Seltzer Tischan , Seltzer Jedediah , Peng Alice , Landis Justin , Pluta Linda , Dittmer Dirk P.
Published: December 2024

“When you can measure what you are speaking about, and express it in numbers, you know something about it.” is a famous quote attributed to Lord Kelvin. This sentiment puts viral load measurements at the center of virology. Viral load, or more precisely, DNA copy number measurements, are also used to follow infections with human herpesviruses, such as Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) and Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV). EBV and KSHV are associated with human cancers, and determining their DNA copy numbers in the context of cancer prediction and progression on therapy is of fundamental scientific and translational interest. Yet, there is no generally accepted assay for KSHV DNA quantitation, and KSHV viral load is not used in clinical decision‐making. Here, we review the history of KSHV DNA detection assays, explore factors that affect sensitivity and specificity, and describe an automated, high‐throughput, real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for KSHV and EBV. In conjunction with a digital PCR assay using the same primer/probe combination, we describe how to determine the absolute KSHV genome copy numbers in plasma, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, saliva, and other easily accessible body fluids.
CULTAN Fertilization Contributes to Lower N Leaching While Maintaining Yield
Authors: Bernert Guénola , Spiess Ernst , Liebisch Frank
Published: December 2024

Background

The controlled uptake long‐term ammonium nutrition (CULTAN) fertilization technique consists of injecting a concentrated ammonium solution into the soil and aims to positively impact crop physiology and N use efficiency.

Aims

This study assesses whether CULTAN can contribute to lower N leaching while maintaining yields in temperate regions with an annual precipitation of around 1000 mm or higher.

Methods

We analyzed a 12‐year lysimeter experiment with two consecutive 6‐crop rotations and a 3‐year field experiment with winter wheat and maize in Switzerland. CULTAN was compared to a conventional surface application of ammonium nitrate fertilizer (ConvF).

Results

CULTAN achieved at least similar yields compared to ConvF in both studies and had a 38% lower yield‐scaled N leaching in the lysimeters. In both studies, CULTAN displayed higher nitrogen recovery efficiency (NRE) compared to ConvF, with an increase ranging from 8% to 17% depending on crop type, although a statistical significance was only found for winter wheat in the field study. NRE and N leaching were only weakly correlated, indicating that other N pathways are affected in the CULTAN fertilization system. Finally, we suggest that the timing and placement of the CULTAN injection need to be better adapted to the plant physiology and pedoclimatic conditions for optimal nutrient use and crop yields.

Conclusion

In areas of high nitrate concentration in the groundwater, CULTAN can be an effective fertilization strategy complementing loss reduction measures.
Short‐Term Dynamics of Low Molecular Weight Organic Substances and Biochar in Arable Soils
Authors: Kohlmann Simon , Greenberg Isabel , Joergensen Rainer Georg , Dippold Michaela A. , Ludwig Bernard
Published: December 2024

Background

Main transformation pathways of low molecular weight organic substances (LMWOS) are understood, but only limited knowledge exists on their transformations in different soils and on their interactions with biochar.

Aim

Objectives were to study short‐term pathways of 13C‐labelled LMWOS with different functional groups in the presence and absence of biochar in arable loess soils.

Methods

Soils from three sites were incubated with or without artificially aged biochar and 13C‐labelled acetate, alanine or glucose at different rates (10 or 50 µmol C g−1 soil) at 60% water holding capacity and 15°C for 5 days, and total and substrate‐derived CO2‐C and microbial biomass C (MBC) were determined and analyses of variance were calculated.

Results

Cumulative CO2‐C (ΣCO2‐C) emission was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) affected by substrate rate and type and their interaction. Biochar significantly stimulated total, but not substrate‐derived ΣCO2‐C (ΣCO2‐CSD) emission. Box‐Cox transformed MBC was significantly affected by site, substrate rate and type, whereas biochar had no significant effect. Substrate‐derived MBC (MBCSD) and carbon use efficiency (CUE) were significantly affected by site, substrate rate and type and their interaction.

Conclusions

MBCSD and CUE results at low addition rate confirmed the greater importance of glucose for the build‐up of MBC compared to acetate and alanine, whereas the latter were mineralized to a greater extent. Biochar, once it is aged, which is the typical biochar form in soil, did not significantly affect build‐up of MBCSD and CUE and only slightly increased total, but not ΣCO2‐CSD emission.
A decade of real‐world clinical experience with 8‐week azithromycin–metronidazole combined therapy in paediatric Crohn's disease
Authors: Fioretti Maria Teresa , Gianolio Laura , Armstrong Katherine , Rabone Rosalind M. , Henderson Paul , Wilson David C. , Russell Richard K.
Published: December 2024

Objectives

The aim of our study was to assess the effectiveness and side‐effect profile of a combination of azithromycin and metronidazole (CD AZCRO) as alternative induction therapy for 8 weeks in mild to moderately active paediatric Crohn's disease (CD).

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study (November 2012 to July 2023) of a regional paediatric inflammatory bowel disease service. Disease activity, faecal calprotectin (FC), C‐reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), haematological parameters and albumin were collected at baseline, 8 and 16 weeks. At Week 8, patients were divided based on (paediatric Crohn's disease activity index) score and inflammatory markers (blood and stool) into: Group 1 clinical remission and Group 2 non‐remission.

Results

A total of 48 patients were initially identified of whom 44 were included in the intention‐to‐treat analysis. After 8 weeks, the overall remission rate was 64%. Of the 38 patients who completed the CD AZCRO course, 28 patients (74%) entered remission (Group 1) and 10 (26%) did not (Group 2). At baseline a shorter disease duration, low weight z score and higher inflammatory burden (ESR, platelets and FC levels) were observed in Group 2. After 8 weeks, Group 1 showed improved CRP levels and higher albumin and haemoglobin levels than Group 2. Median FC declined significantly from 650 mcg/g at baseline to 190 mcg/g at Week 8 in Group 1 (p < 0.001). At 16 weeks, 23/28 patients (82%) continued in clinical remission. Nausea and vomiting were reported in 4/44 patients.

Conclusions

Our real‐world data demonstrate that CD AZCRO represents an alternative induction therapy for mild to moderate paediatric CD.
Clinical Features and Prognosis of Malignant Cutaneous Adnexal Tumors: A Retrospective Study Using a Japanese Database
Authors: Wada Shogo , Ishii Taisuke , Ogata Dai , Nakano Eiji , Namikawa Kenjiro , Yamazaki Naoya , Higashi Takahiro
Published: December 2024

Malignant cutaneous adnexal tumors (MCATs) are rare. Previous population‐based studies to determine the clinical features and prognosis of MCATs mainly included Caucasian patients, and the characteristics of Asian patients with MCATs have not yet been investigated. We aimed to investigate the characteristics of Asian patients with MCAT using a Japanese database. This retrospective study of patients with MCATs from 2012 to 2015 was conducted using a database linked to the Hospital‐Based Cancer Registry and Diagnosis Procedure Combination data. Patient characteristics and survival data were analyzed using the Kaplan−Meier method and Cox regression analysis. A total of 1930 patients were included. The median age at diagnosis was 76 years (range, 14−107 years), and 46.3% of the patients were male. The most common histological finding was sebaceous adenocarcinoma (41.6%), followed by porocarcinoma (21.7%). The 5‐year overall survival rate was 72.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 70.2%−74.3%). A favorable factor for overall survival was female sex (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.64−0.96), while unfavorable factors were age > 80 years (HR: 4.40, 95% CI: 3.56−5.46), Stage ≥II (Stage II, HR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.05−1.71; Stage III, HR: 3.12, 95% CI: 2.16−4.50; Stage IV, HR: 7.31, 95% CI: 4.92−10.87), and histologic findings of spiradenocarcinoma (HR: 4.66, 95% CI: 1.64−13.24). Tumor characteristics and prognosis of MCATs differed among subtypes. Moreover, we found differences between our data and those from other databases. Further investigations are warranted to explore these differences.
Sustainable Recycling of Perovskite Solar Cells: Green Solvent‐Based Recovery of ITO Substrates
Authors: Kim Sun‐Ju , Jeong Eun‐Ju , Seo Ji‐Youn
Published: December 2024

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) emerge as a leading next‐generation photovoltaic (PV) technology, with power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) reaching 26.7% for single cells and 36.1% for hybrid tandem cells. As commercialization progresses, the inverted (p–i–n) structure of PSCs gains attention due to its enhanced thermal stability, lower moisture sensitivity, and reduced processing temperatures compared to the conventional (n–i–p) structure. However, sustainability concerns, particularly regarding production costs and end‐of‐life disposal, become increasingly critical. Recycling PSCs provides a viable solution to these challenges by recovering valuable indium tin oxide (ITO) substrates, which significantly impact material costs. Existing recycling methods for conventional PSCs often use toxic solvents like chlorobenzene (CB) and N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF), posing environmental and health risks. This study introduces an eco‐friendly recycling process for ITO‐based inverted PSCs using acetone as a green solvent. The results show that recycled ITO substrates maintain their physical, electrical, and optical properties without significant degradation in PSC performance, even after multiple recycling cycles. This green solvent‐based approach not only preserves device efficiency but also supports future environmental regulations, highlighting its potential in promoting sustainable and cost‐effective PV technologies.
Subtraction CT Improves Detectability of Mandibular Bone Invasion in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Mukaigawa Takashi , Asakura Koiku , Tsuzuki Ayaka , Urikura Atsushi , Yoshida Tsukasa , Goto Seiya , Okada Shinichi , Hiiragi Yohei , Sato Fuyuki
Published: December 2024

Objective

Pretreatment evaluation of bone invasion in head and neck cancer is critical for treatment strategies. We investigated the usefulness of subtraction CT (SCT) in evaluating mandibular bone invasion in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Methods

This retrospective investigation included patients with OSCC who underwent surgery at the Shizuoka Cancer Center Hospital between 2018 and 2022. We evaluated tumor invasion of the mandibular bone by interpreting conventional computed tomography (CT), SCT, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and comparing the findings with the pathological examination. Sensitivity and specificity were compared using the McNemar test, whereas Spearman's correlation and Bland–Altman methods were utilized to assess mandibular bone invasion depth.

Results

A total of 71 patients were enrolled. SCT showed significantly higher sensitivity than conventional CT for evaluating mandibular marrow invasion (97.2% vs. 80.6%, p = 0.031). In the evaluation of mandibular canal involvement, SCT showed significantly higher specificity than MRI (95.9% vs. 81.6%, p = 0.016). Furthermore, SCT demonstrated the highest correlation with pathological bone invasion depth (correlation coefficients: CT = 0.933, SCT = 0.950, MRI = 0.908; all p < 0.05).

Conclusion

These results suggest that SCT is more effective than conventional imaging for diagnosing mandibular bone invasion and may be a useful modality for the pretreatment diagnosis of head and neck cancer.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 2024
Atopic dermatitis: pathogenesis and therapeutic intervention
Authors: Yue Chengcheng , Zhou Hong , Wang Xiaoyan , Yu Jiadong , Hu Yawen , Zhou Pei , Zhao Fulei , Zeng Fanlian , Li Guolin , Li Ya , Feng Yuting , Sun Xiaochi , Huang Shishi , He Mingxiang , Wu Wenling , Huang Nongyu , Li Jiong
Published: December 2024

The skin serves as the first protective barrier for nonspecific immunity and encompasses a vast network of skin‐associated immune cells. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent inflammatory skin disease that affects individuals of all ages and races, with a complex pathogenesis intricately linked to genetic, environmental factors, skin barrier dysfunction as well as immune dysfunction. Individuals diagnosed with AD frequently exhibit genetic predispositions, characterized by mutations that impact the structural integrity of the skin barrier. This barrier dysfunction leads to the release of alarmins, activating the type 2 immune pathway and recruiting various immune cells to the skin, where they coordinate cutaneous immune responses. In this review, we summarize experimental models of AD and provide an overview of its pathogenesis and the therapeutic interventions. We focus on elucidating the intricate interplay between the immune system of the skin and the complex regulatory mechanisms, as well as commonly used treatments for AD, aiming to systematically understand the cellular and molecular crosstalk in AD‐affected skin. Our overarching objective is to provide novel insights and inform potential clinical interventions to reduce the incidence and impact of AD.
Incentive Contract, Equity Pooling, and Optimal Securitization Design
Authors: Zhang Yuqian
Published: December 2024

This paper examines the optimal security design and financing structure for investment funds, considering investors with heterogeneous risk preferences. The private equity (PE) fund serves as an information intermediary that plays a crucial role in aligning incentives and facilitating financing activities. To address the potential misalignment between incentive structures and financing requirements, we develop an integrated framework that incorporates both internal moral hazard and external financing decisions. Our analysis demonstrates that optimal equity incentives effectively align the interests of fund manager and PE fund, thereby enhancing fund performance. The results indicate that the optimal financing mechanism comprises a “waterfall” structure consisting of equity, senior bonds, and junior bonds. Furthermore, we find that pooling equity and issuing asset‐backed securities substantially reduce financing costs, although these costs increase with the size of the financing gap. The dual information asymmetry framework offers novel insights into structured financing and corporate growth strategies.
Efficient Solution of Sequences of Parametrized Lyapunov Equations With Applications
Authors: Palitta Davide , Tomljanović Zoran , Nakić Ivica , Saak Jens
Published: December 2024

Sequences of parametrized Lyapunov equations can be encountered in many application settings. Moreover, solutions of such equations are often intermediate steps of an overall procedure whose main goal is the computation of , where denotes the solution of a Lyapunov equation and is a given matrix. We are interested in addressing problems where the parameter dependency of the coefficient matrix is encoded as a low‐rank modification to a seed, fixed matrix. We propose two novel numerical procedures that fully exploit such a common structure. The first one builds upon the Sherman‐Morrison‐Woodbury (SMW) formula and recycling Krylov techniques, and it is well‐suited for small dimensional problems as it makes use of dense numerical linear algebra tools. The second algorithm can instead address large‐scale problems by relying on state‐of‐the‐art projection techniques based on the extended Krylov subspace. We test the new algorithms on several problems arising in the study of damped vibrational systems and the analyses of output synchronization problems for multi‐agent systems. Our results show that the algorithms we propose are superior to state‐of‐the‐art techniques as they are able to remarkably speed up the computation of accurate solutions.