bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SPARCL1 and NT‐proBNP as biomarkers of right ventricular‐to‐pulmonary artery uncoupling in pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Dörr Oliver , Keranov Stanislav , van Wickern Paulina , Nef Holger , Hamm Christian , Bauer Pascal , Troidl Christian , Sossalla Samuel , Voss Sandra , Liebetrau Christoph , Richter Manuel J. , Gall Henning , Seeger Werner , Ghofrani Ardeschir , Yogeswaran Athiththan , Tello Khodr
Published: December 2024

Aims

SPARCL1 was recently identified as a biomarker of right ventricular (RV) maladaptation in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH), and N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic protein (NT‐proBNP) is an established biomarker of RV failure in PH. The present study investigated whether NT‐proBNP and SPARCL1 concentrations are associated with load‐independent parameters of RV function and RV‐to‐pulmonary artery (RV–PA) coupling as measured using invasive pressure–volume (PV) loops in the RV.

Methods

SPARCL1 and NT‐proBNP were measured in the plasma of patients with idiopathic pulmonary artery hypertension (IPAH, n = 73). Participants without LV or RV abnormalities served as controls (n = 28). All patients underwent echocardiography and right heart catheterization with invasive PV loop measurements.

Results

Our cohort had more females with IPAH than the control group (64% vs. 35%; P = 0.01) and was older [69 (interquartile range, IQR 57–76) vs. 51 (IQR 35–62) years; P < 0.001]. SPARCL1 and NT‐proBNP levels were significantly higher in patients with IPAH as compared with controls (P < 0.0001). Patients with IPAH and maladaptive RV remodelling had higher SPARCL1 and NT‐proBNP concentrations than those with adaptive RV remodelling (P < 0.01). Both SPARCL1 and NT‐proBNP were good predictors of maladaptive RV remodelling in receiver operating characteristic analysis [area under the curve (AUC) (AUCSPARCL1 = 0.75, AUCNT‐proBNP = 0.72, P = 0.36 for AUCSPARCL1 vs. AUCNT‐proBNP]. The combined predictive value of SPARCL1 and NT‐proBNP (AUC 0.78, P < 0.001) for maladaptive RV was numerically higher than that of either SPARCL1 or NT‐proBNP alone (P = 0.16 for AUCSPARCL1 + NT‐proBNP vs. AUCNT‐proBNP and P = 0.18 for AUCSPARCL1 + NT‐proBNP vs. AUCSPARC1). SPARCL1 showed numerically a tendency for a better predictive power than NT‐proBNP for parameters of early maladaptive RV remodelling such as RV ejection fraction < 50% (AUCSPARCL1 = 0.77, AUCNT‐proBNP = 0.67, P = 0.06 for AUCSPARCL1 vs. AUCNT‐proBNP), RV end‐diastolic diameter > 42 mm (AUCSPARCL1 = 0.72, AUCNT‐proBNP = 0.65, P = 0.19 for AUCSPARCL1 vs. AUCNT‐proBNP) and RV end‐systolic volume index RVESVI > 31 mL/m2 (AUCSPARCL1 = 0.78, AUCNT‐proBNP = 0.71, PP = 0.10 for AUCSPARCL1 vs. AUCNT‐proBNP).

Conclusions

SPARCL1 and NT‐proBNP are good predictors of maladaptive RV remodelling and RV–PA uncoupling in IPAH patients. SPARCL1 may be a better predictor of early maladaptive RV remodelling than NT‐proBNP.
A multi‐tagged SAR ocean image dataset identifying atmospheric boundary layer structure in winter tradewind conditions
Authors: Wang Chen , Stopa Justin E. , Vandemark Doug , Foster Ralph , Ayet Alex , Mouche Alexis , Chapron Bertrand , Sadowski Peter
Published: December 2024

A dataset of multi‐tagged sea surface roughness synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite images was established near Barbados from January to June 2016 to 2019. It is an advancement of the Sentinel‐1 Wave Mode TenGeoP‐SARwv (a labelled SAR imagery dataset of 10 geophysical phenomena from Sentinel‐1 wave mode) dataset that targets SAR marine atmospheric boundary layer (MABL) coherent structures. Twelve tags define roll vortices, convective cells, mixed rolls and convective cells, fronts, rain cells, cold pools and low winds. Examples are provided for each signature. The final dataset is comprised of 2100 Sentinel‐1 wave mode SAR images acquired at 36 incidence angle over an 8° × 8°region centered at 51° W, 15° N. Each image is tagged with one or multiple phenomena by five experts. This strategy extends the TenGeoP‐SARwv by identifying coexisting phenomena within a single SAR image and by the addition of mixed roll/cell states and cold pools. The dataset includes PNG‐formatted SAR image files along with two text files containing the file name, the central latitude/longitude, expert tags for each image, and all dataset metadata. There is a high degree of consensus among expert tags. The dataset complements existing hand‐labelled ocean SAR image datasets and offers the potential for new deep‐learning SAR image classification model developments. Future use is also expected to yield new insights into the tradewind MABL processes such as structure transitions and their relation to the stratification.
Search for germline gene variants in colorectal cancer families presenting with multiple primary colorectal cancers
Authors: Försti Asta , Ambrozkiewicz Filip , Marciniak Magdalena , Lubinski Jan , Hemminki Kari
Published: December 2024

A double primary colorectal cancer (CRC) in a familial setting signals a high risk of CRC. In order to identify novel CRC susceptibility genes, we whole‐exome sequenced germline DNA from nine persons with a double primary CRC and a family history of CRC. The detected variants were processed by bioinformatics filtering and prioritization, including STRING protein–protein interaction and pathway analysis. A total of 150 missense, 19 stop‐gain, 22 frameshift and 13 canonical splice site variants fulfilled our filtering criteria. The STRING analysis identified 20 DNA repair/cell cycle proteins as the main cluster, related to genes CHEK2, EXO1, FAAP24, FANCI, MCPH1, POLL, PRC1, RECQL, RECQL5, RRM2, SHCBP1, SMC2, XRCC1, in addition to CDK18, ENDOV, ZW10 and the known mismatch repair genes. Another STRING network included extracellular matrix genes and TGFβ signaling genes. In the nine whole‐exome sequenced patients, eight harbored at least two candidate DNA repair/cell cycle/TGFβ signaling gene variants. The number of families is too small to provide evidence for individual variants but, considering the known role of DNA repair/cell cycle genes in CRC, the clustering of multiple deleterious variants in the present families suggests that these, perhaps jointly, contributed to CRC development in these families.
An Experimental Insight Into the Role of Agomelatine in Renal Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Aykora Damla , Bahar Mehmet Refik , Tanbek Kevser , Öztürk Dilara Altay , Karaca Elif , Sandal Süleyman , Tekin Suat
Published: December 2024

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the leading causes of chronic kidney disease and accounts for 50%–75% of mortality following renal pathologies or organ transplantation. Ischemia‒reperfusion injury (IRI) involves an interrupted blood supply to organs and the kidney; IRI exacerbates AKI development. Owing to several pharmacological treatment methods, AKI still has a poor prognosis, and novel therapeutic options are needed. Agomelatine (AGM) is a melatonin receptor agonist (MT1 and MT2) with increased bioavailability and lipophilicity. In this study, we aimed to investigate the antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects of AGM in experimental renal IRI via long‐term and short‐term applications. Sixty male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 10): the control, I/R, AGM20S, AGM40S, AGM20L, and AGM40L groups. Following the establishment of the renal IRI model, the rats received agomelatine at 20 and 40 mg/kg orally, and agomelatine solvent (hydroxyethylcellulose) was used as a vehicle. At the end of the experiment, blood samples and renal tissues were harvested for histopathological and biochemical analysis. Urea, creatinine, tumor necrosis factor (TNF‐α), and interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β) levels were measured in blood serum samples. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), and total glutathione (GSH) levels were measured in renal tissue supernatants. Our biochemical results indicated that AGM reduced creatinine, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and malondialdehyde levels and increased SOD, CAT, GSHPx, and total GSH levels. Agolematine reduced infiltration, intratubular hemorrhage, and intratubular cast formation histopathologically. Our results suggest that AGM could be a potential therapeutic adjuvant agent for ischemia‒reperfusion injury in the kidney and several other organs.
In Silico Hybridization and Molecular Dynamics Simulations for the Identification of Candidate Human MicroRNAs for Inhibition of Virulent Proteins' Expression in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Tiwari Harshita , Saha Subhadip , Ghosh Monidipa
Published: December 2024

Staphylococcus aureus is a major threat to human health, causing infections that range in severity from moderate to fatal. The rising rates of antibiotic resistance highlight the critical need for new therapeutic techniques to combat this infection. It has been recently discovered that microRNAs (miRNAs) are essential for cross‐kingdom communication, especially when it comes to host‐pathogen interactions. It has been demonstrated that these short noncoding RNAs control gene expression in the gut microbiota, maintaining homeostasis; dysbiosis in this system has been linked to several diseases, including cancer. Our research attempts to use this understanding to target specific bacterial species and prevent severe diseases. In particular, we look for putative human miRNAs that can attach to virulent bacterial proteins' mRNA and prevent them from being expressed. In‐silico hybridization experiments were performed between 100 human miRNA sequences with varied expression levels in gram‐positive bacterial infections and five virulence factor genes. In addition, these miRNAs' binding properties were investigated using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Our findings demonstrate that human miRNAs can target and inhibit the expression of bacterial virulent genes, thereby opening up new paths for developing innovative miRNA‐based therapeutics. The implementation of MD simulations in our study not only improves the validity of our findings but also proposes a new method for constructing miRNA‐based therapies against life‐threatening bacterial infections.
Preclinical and Clinical Pharmacokinetics of JNJ‐75220795, an siRNA Therapeutic Targeting PNPLA3, for Metabolic Dysfunction‐Associated Steatohepatitis
Authors: Jeon Jae Yoon , Ayyar Vivaswath S. , Ouchi Shohei , Fabbrini Elisa , Koshkina Anastasiya , Prusakiewicz Jeffery J. , Dallas Jed , Yang Txheng , Jian Wenying , Kang Lijuan , Cofsky Korin , Rady Brian , Tamamura Ryo , Saito Yuki , Yamashita Aimi , Vaughan Tamisha , Wendel Susan , Makimura Hideo , Csonka Dénes , Goyal Navin
Published: December 2024

JNJ‐75220795 or ARO‐PNPLA3 is an investigational small interfering ribonucleic acid agent conjugated with N‐acetyl‐d‐galactosamine that targets the PNPLA3 gene, currently being developed for metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis (MASH). This study evaluated the pharmacokinetics (PK) profile of single subcutaneous doses of JNJ‐75220795 in preclinical species as well as in human subjects with homozygous or heterozygous PNPLA3 I148M mutation in two phase 1 studies—a first‐in‐human study in the United States and a first‐in‐Japanese study in Japan. Preclinical PK in rats and non‐human primates (NHP) showed a rapid systemic absorption and elimination following single subcutaneous doses. JNJ‐75220795 was predominantly distributed to the liver with peak liver concentrations reached at 4 h and still detectable at 672 and 336 h in rats and NHPs, respectively, with an apparent liver‐to‐plasma area under the curve (AUC) ratio of 2800 in rats. Consistent with the preclinical findings, clinical PK showed rapid systemic absorption and clearance in humans with median peak concentrations at 3.0–9.0 h and mean short half‐life of 3.4–6.2 h. Plasma PK exposure parameters including Cmax and AUC increased approximately dose proportionally. Kidney had the second highest tissue exposure following the liver in rats. Renal excretion was a significant but minor elimination pathway as approximately 15%–25% of the administered dose was recovered in urine. Based on the overall data, JNJ‐75220795 was primarily localized to the liver and exhibited sustained hepatic exposures, which confer prolonged pharmacodynamic effects in the target organ. The favorable PK profiles of single subcutaneous doses observed in the phase 1 studies support continued clinical development of JNJ‐75220795 for the treatment of MASH.
Extractive rectification using DES for benzene‐cyclohexane‐cyclohexene ternary azeotropic system
Authors: Haiou Wang , Yang Xu , Weihe Sang , Hao Li , Jing Fang
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND

Benzene, cyclohexane, and cyclohexene are ternary azeotropic systems, which cannot achieve high‐purity separation by ordinary distillation, but this issue can be solved by extractive distillation. Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES) is a ‘green solvent’ that has emerged in recent years and is often used as an extractant.

RESULTS

In this study, the COSMO‐SAC solvation model was used to calculate the infinite dilution activity coefficients (γ∞) of DES with different compositions to screen suitable DES, and the effect was demonstrated by vapor–liquid equilibrium experiment (VLE). In addition, the effect of intermolecular interactions was explored in this study by means of independent gradient (IGM) equivalence plot, and process simulations were carried out by means of Aspen Plus software.

CONCLUSION

VLE experiments showed that the combination of DES extractants tetrabutylphosphonium bromide: levulinic acid (1:4) and tetrabutylammonium bromide: cyclobutyl sulfone (1:4) could break the azeotropic relationship of benzene, cyclohexane, and cyclohexene ternary systems. In addition, using Aspen process simulation to compare the screened DES extractant with the industrially used dimethylacetamide (DMAC) extractant, the use of the screened DES extractant was able to reduce the condenser and reboiler energy consumption by 14.93%. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Selective Electrophile‐Promoted Cyclization Reactions of Lapachol and Evaluation of Bioactive Naphthoquinones Against Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Omdim Irene Nadege , Eyong Kenneth Oben , Ouahouo Blandine Marlysse Wache , Ketsemen Herve Landry , Werner Thomas , Kamdem Michael Hermann K. , Ndinteh Derek Tantoh , Folefoc Gabriel Ngosong , Rajkumar Abhinav , Morales Kayla , Taube Joseph , Baskaran Sundarababu
Published: December 2024

Cyclic ether‐fused tricyclic naphthoquinones are major pharmacophores because of their biological activities. The methodology of construction is either by inter or intra‐molecular cyclization of functionalized naphthoquinones. This reaction includes a wide range of reagents from classical Brønsted to Lewis acids. The choice of appropriate reagent and reaction conditions against the substrate is the key to accomplishing the regio‐ and/or stereo‐selective synthesis of these compounds, though it seems difficult at first glance to decide how because numerous numbers of actual examples have been presented. To have a deeper insight into the mechanism of cyclization under acid conditions, lapachol 1 was subjected to electrophilic entities: Brønsted acids (H2SO4, HCl, H3PO4, HNO3, HCOOH, CH3COOH, HOOCCH2COOH), Lewis acids (AlCl3, FeCl3, ZnCl2) nitrogenous cations (NO+, NO2+), carbocation (CH3CO+), neutral polarized molecules (CH3COCl, CH3COOCH3), neutral polarizable molecules (Br2, I2), oxidant promoted cyclization (DDQ, CAN, Peroxides), and reaction conditions. A series of Naphthoquinones based on the Isoprenyl‐1,4‐naphthoquinone (Lapachol), naphtho[1,2‐b]furan‐4,5‐dione (nor β‐lapachone), naphtho[2,3‐b]pyran‐5,10‐dione (α‐lapachone), naphtho[1,2‐b]pyran‐5,6‐dione (β‐lapachone), and naphtho[2,3‐b]furan‐4,9‐dione (2‐acetyl furonaphthoquinone) skeletons were selectively synthesized. By looking at our result, there are characteristic trends of cyclized adducts depending on which reagents were used. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their biological activity against the MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer, HT‐29 MTX colon cancer, and non‐transformed mammary epithelial cell lines at concentrations of 1 μM, 10 μM, and 100 μM. The result indicated that lapachol and β‐lapachone skeletons were the most active at 10 μM and 100 μM especially 3‐hydroxy‐β‐lapachone 8 with interesting growth stimulatory effect on cancer cell lines, but not the non‐transformed cells.
Synthesis of Photochromic Lactone‐Fused Naphthopyrans With Extended Visible Light Absorption
Authors: Ferreira Nuno , Sousa Céu M. , Coelho Paulo J.
Published: December 2024

The synthesis of new photochromic lactone‐fused naphthopyrans substituted with arylethenyl groups is discussed. Brief exposure of solutions of these colorless compounds to the UV light results in the generation of intense hues, which spontaneously return to the uncolored state within seconds after removing the light source. As anticipated, introducing the ethenyl bonds caused a bathochromic shift in the absorption spectrum of the opened colored photoisomers, however, due to non‐uniform absorption across the visible spectrum, the perceived color ranged from red to brownish‐red.
Ecological Restoration Enhances the Stability and Associated Organic Carbon of Soil Aggregates in a Tibetan Alpine Meadow
Authors: Ma Zhiwen , Liu Xiang , Qin Wenping , Wang Shengzhong
Published: December 2024

Fencing and reseeding are two widely implemented ecological restoration strategies aimed at rehabilitating degraded grasslands globally. However, their effects on soil aggregates have been insufficiently explored. Employing the space‐for‐time substitution approach, we collected intact soils from a degraded alpine meadow, a fenced alpine meadow (natural restoration), a reseeded alpine meadow (interventional restoration), and an undegraded alpine meadow on the eastern Tibetan Plateau. Our main objective was to assess how the composition, stability, and associated organic carbon content of soil water‐stable aggregates responded to a 12‐year restoration effort in degraded alpine meadows. The results revealed that both restoration measures enhanced plant biomass, the levels of soil carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, as well as the concentrations of microbial phospholipid fatty acids. In contrast, these measures had a minimal effect on soil bulk density and glomalin‐related soil protein, while causing a reduction in soil pH. Post‐restoration, the mass proportion of macroaggregates increased notably by 66.45%–71.18%, whereas that of microaggregates and silt‐clay particles exhibited decreasing trends. The mean weight diameter and geometric mean diameter of the aggregates also significantly enhanced following restoration, indicating improvements in soil structural health and stability. However, the restored paddocks still showed lower aggregate stability than the undegraded paddock, suggesting that a longer restoration period may be required to fully recover the degraded soil structure. The aggregate‐associated organic carbon content significantly increased after reseeding but showed a negligible response to fencing alone. Nevertheless, both restoration measures improved the organic carbon stock within macroaggregates and its contribution to soil total organic carbon. Soil pH, total nitrogen content, and plant biomass were identified as key factors influencing the composition and associated organic carbon content of aggregates during restoration. Our findings indicate that ecological restoration enhances the stability and associated organic carbon accumulation of soil aggregates, primarily by promoting the formation of macroaggregates in degraded alpine meadows on the Tibetan Plateau.
A neural network to create super‐resolution MR from multiple 2D brain scans of pediatric patients
Authors: Benitez‐Aurioles Jose , Osorio Eliana M. Vásquez , Aznar Marianne C. , Van Herk Marcel , Pan Shermaine , Sitch Peter , France Anna , Smith Ed , Davey Angela
Published: December 2024

Background

High‐resolution (HR) 3D MR images provide detailed soft‐tissue information that is useful in assessing long‐term side‐effects after treatment in childhood cancer survivors, such as morphological changes in brain structures. However, these images require long acquisition times, so routinely acquired follow‐up images after treatment often consist of 2D low‐resolution (LR) images (with thick slices in multiple planes).

Purpose

In this work, we present a super‐resolution convolutional neural network, based on previous single‐image MRI super‐resolution work, that can reconstruct a HR image from 2D LR slices in multiple planes in order to facilitate the extraction of structural biomarkers from routine scans.

Methods

A multilevel densely connected super‐resolution convolutional neural network (mDCSRN) was adapted to take two perpendicular LR scans (e.g., coronal and axial) as tensors and reconstruct a 3D HR image. A training set of 90 HR T1 pediatric head scans from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study was used, with 2D LR images simulated through a downsampling pipeline that introduces motion artifacts, blurring, and registration errors to make the LR scans more realistic to routinely acquired ones.

The outputs of the model were compared against simple interpolation in two steps. First, the quality of the reconstructed HR images was assessed using the peak signal‐to‐noise ratio and structural similarity index compared to baseline. Second, the precision of structure segmentation (using the autocontouring software Limbus AI) in the reconstructed versus the baseline HR images was assessed using mean distance‐to‐agreement (mDTA) and 95% Hausdorff distance. Three datasets were used: 10 new ABCD images (dataset 1), 18 images from the Children's Brain Tumor Network (CBTN) study (dataset 2) and 6 “real‐world” follow‐up images of a pediatric head and neck cancer patient (dataset 3).

Results

The proposed mDCSRN outperformed simple interpolation in terms of visual quality. Similarly, structure segmentations were closer to baseline images after 3D reconstruction. The mDTA improved to, on average (95% confidence interval), 0.7 (0.4–1.0) and 0.8 (0.7–0.9) mm for datasets 1 and 3 respectively, from the interpolation performance of 6.5 (3.6–9.5) and 1.2 (1.0–1.3) mm.

Conclusions

We demonstrate that deep learning methods can successfully reconstruct 3D HR images from 2D LR ones, potentially unlocking datasets for retrospective study and advancing research in the long‐term effects of pediatric cancer. Our model outperforms standard interpolation, both in perceptual quality and for autocontouring. Further work is needed to validate it for additional structural analysis tasks.
Fast Solution of Sylvester‐Structured Systems for Spatial Source Separation of the Cosmic Microwave Background
Authors: Pham Dung , Soodhalter Kirk M. , Wilson Simon
Published: December 2024

Implementation of many statistical methods for large, multivariate data sets requires one to solve a linear system that, depending on the method, is of the dimension of the number of observations or each individual data vector. This is often the limiting factor in scaling the method with data size and complexity. In this paper, we illustrate the use of Krylov subspace methods to address this issue in a statistical solution to a source separation problem in cosmology where the data size is prohibitively large for direct solution of the required system. Two distinct approaches, adapted from techniques in the literature, are described: one that uses the method of conjugate gradients directly to the Kronecker‐structured problem and another that reformulates the system as a Sylvester matrix equation. We show that both approaches produce an accurate solution within an acceptable computation time and with practical memory requirements for the data size that is currently available.
An Outdoor Walking Program for Immigrant Muslim Older Adults: A Community‐Based Participatory Intervention
Authors: Salma Jordana , Yamamoto Shelby , Salbach Nancy M , Barclay Ruth , Jones Allyson
Published: December 2024

Aim

To explore Muslim immigrant older adults' experiences of a modified community‐based outdoor walking program and identify factors that facilitate or hinder program acceptance and participation.

Design

An exploratory qualitative description single‐group pilot study was designed and implemented in three phases: (1) pre‐intervention focus group interviews; (2) intervention implementation with tracking of physical activity levels using personal activity monitors; and (3) postintervention individual interviews.

Methods

Participants were recruited using a convenience sampling strategy in a mosque in Edmonton, Canada, in June 2019. After focus group discussions with participants, walking sessions were conducted for 10 weeks in a local accessible park with required amenities such as benches and restrooms. A fitness instructor delivered the weekly program that was followed by individual semistructured interviews to explore participants' satisfaction and program acceptance. Content analysis was used for qualitative data and sociodemographic, health and physical activity level (via step counts) data was documented for all participants.

Results

Thirteen participants with a mean age of 66.9 years completed the program. The majority of participants led a sedentary lifestyle. Participants identified three motivators that increased program satisfaction, which were socialising with peers, having a fitness instructor, and using Fitbit activity trackers. Difficulties with transportation and lack of appropriate educational components were areas for improvement that could enhance acceptability of the program.

Conclusions

This study suggests that early incorporation of older immigrants' preferences increases acceptance of physical activity programs.

Implications

Nurses' engaging in healthy lifestyle support for older immigrants can identify the influences on positive uptake of physical activity programs in this population.

Impact

Immigrant Muslim older adults lack access to evidence‐based physical activity programming that meets their cultural and religious preferences. This study provides some insights into ways to engage this population in similar programs.

Patient or Public Contribution

Community‐dwelling older adults who participated in this study completed focus groups and interviews and engaged in the 10‐week pilot intervention. Their input informed the modifications to the intervention.
A Feasibility Study on the Use of UV‐Curable Resins for Long‐Acting Monitoring Microneedle Substrates
Authors: Jia Baoling , Xia Tiandong , Wang Xiaohui , Xu Yangtao , Li Bei
Published: December 2024

Microneedle (MN) has significant potential for transdermal glucose monitoring. However, challenges remain in selecting suitable materials for long‐acting monitoring MN. In this study, precise solid UV‐curable resin MN patches were fabricated using a synergistic combination of the micromolding method and the UV‐curing procedure, as an alternative to the previous 3D printing. The properties of the UV‐cured resin MN patches prepared using this method were evaluated and characterized, focusing on their potential for long‐acting monitoring. The results demonstrated that the UV‐curable resin MN patches exhibited superior shape stability, very low cytotoxicity, minimal skin irritation, and a fracture force of approximately 2.289 N/needle. Following immersion in 37°C PBS for different days, the shape and mass changed negligibly, and the fracture force still reached half of the original values after 21 days. UV‐curable resin is a highly promising substrate for MN, and the study provides a new material selection strategy for long‐acting monitoring of MN development.
Continuous Kidney Replacement Therapy in Children With Sinusoidal Obstruction Syndrome After Hematopoietic Cell Transplant: Outcome and Liberation
Authors: Heyn Madeleine , Ashcraft Emily , Cheng Cheng , Epperly Rebecca , Elbahlawan Lama
Published: December 2024

Background

Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS), a serious complication after hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT), is associated with multiorgan dysfunction (MOD) and a high mortality rate. In severe cases, continuous kidney replacement therapy (CKRT) is initiated to manage fluid overload (FO) and acute kidney injury. Studies that evaluate the use of CKRT in this population are lacking. The aim of our study was to assess the outcome of critically ill children with severe SOS post HCT who received CKRT. We also sought to assess factors associated with survival and liberation post CKRT.

Procedure

Retrospective review of all children admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with SOS post HCT who received CKRT from January 2010 to August 2022.

Results

Among the 53 children who received CKRT post HCT, 13 had severe SOS. The median age was 6 years; 62% were males, and most (77%) received allogeneic HCT. In this cohort, 92% required respiratory support and 85% required vasopressor support. The ICU survival rate was 62%. Survivors experienced lower cumulative FO on the 2 days following CKRT initiation (−4.2% in survivors vs. −0.5% in non‐survivors, p = 0.07). Higher urine output on D1 and D2 after discontinuation of CKRT was associated with successful liberation.

Conclusions

In this study of post‐HCT children with SOS and MOD who received CKRT, 62% survived until ICU discharge. This survival rate is encouraging as it approximates the survival rates of general pediatric cohorts treated with CKRT. Reducing FO after initiation of CKRT can improve survival in these children.
Treatment of Pediatric, Adolescent, and Young Adult Patients With Fusion‐Positive Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma Infiltrating Regional Lymph Nodes in the European CWS‐2002P and RMS 2005 Studies and the Soft Tissue Sarcoma Registry
Authors: Heinz Amadeus T. , Ciuffolotti Melissa , Merks Johannes H. M. , Schönstein Anton , Minard‐Colin Véronique , Fuchs Jörg , Guillen Gabriela , Timmermann Beate , Vokuhl Christian , Koscielniak Ewa , Chisholm Julia C. , Sparber‐Sauer Monika , Bisogno Gianni
Published: December 2024

Background

Patients with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) with regional lymph node involvement (N1) are defined as “very‐high‐risk rhabdomyosarcoma” in Europe. Different chemotherapy regimens were used in European study protocols.

Methods

Patients with FOXO1 fusion‐positive N1 ARMS registered in the CWS‐2002P study, the EpSSG RMS 2005 study, and SoTiSaR were retrospectively investigated. Patients received systemic treatment with chemotherapy (CHT) and local treatment of primary tumor (PT) and involved lymph nodes (LN) with radiotherapy (RT) and/or surgery. Kaplan–Meier estimators and Cox regression were used to examine event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) according to prognostic factors and treatment.

Results

A total of 156 patients registered in RMS 2005 (n = 99), CWS‐2002P (n = 20), and SoTiSaR (n = 37) between 2003 and 2020 were eligible for this analysis. Median age at diagnosis was 10.2 years [0.1–21.9]. Treatment comprised CHT with IVADo (ifosfamide, vincristine, actinomycin‐D, doxorubicin, n = 93; 60%), VAIA (vincristine, actinomycin‐D, ifosfamide, adriamycin/doxorubicin, n = 53; 34%) or other regimens (n = 10; 6%); resection of the PT (n = 89; 57%), LN sampling or dissection (n = 92; 59%), and/or RT (n = 139; 89%). Maintenance treatment (MT) was added in n = 99/135 (73%) patients who achieved complete remission. Five‐year EFS and OS of the cohort were 45% and 47%, respectively. Age and tumor size were independent prognostic factors for EFS. Local treatment applied to the LN with surgery, RT or both significantly improved EFS (p = 0.02) and OS (p = 0.04), with no difference between the modalities (p = 0.7).

Conclusions

Patients with fusion‐positive N1 ARMS carry a poor prognosis. Adequate local treatment of LN improved survival.
Mechanical behavior, energy absorption, and failure mechanism of 3D‐printed hexagonal honeycomb core under dynamic and quasi‐static loadings
Authors: Ainin F. Nur , Azaman M. D. , Abdul Majid M. S. , Ridzuan M. J. M.
Published: December 2024

The integration of 3D‐printed cellular cores into sandwich composite structures for load‐bearing applications opens up innovative design possibilities while improving structural efficiency. However, ensuring effective energy dissipation under impact conditions without compromising structural integrity remains a challenge. This study investigates the energy absorption and failure mechanisms of 3D‐printed hexagonal honeycomb sandwich composite structures across three different PLA‐based core materials: polylactic acid (PLA), PLA–Carbon, and PLA–Wood, under dynamic and quasi‐static loadings. Material characterization was conducted via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Failure modes were analyzed using optical microscopy. The results show that PLA–Wood composites demonstrated significant improvement in energy absorption, absorbing 9.22 J of energy at an impact energy of 11 J, compared to 8.49 J for PLA–Carbon while under in‐plane compression, PLA–Wood recorded an energy absorption of 8.74 J, significantly outperforming PLA–Carbon, which reached only 3.05 J. This improvement is attributed to enhanced interfacial adhesion between the wood filler and the PLA matrix, as confirmed by SEM and FTIR analyses. These findings highlight the critical role of filler compatibility in the structural integrity of 3D‐printed sandwich composites, indicating potential applications in the aerospace and automotive industries, where lightweight and durable materials are essential for improving performance.

Highlights

Dynamic and quasi‐static response of 3D‐printed hexagonal honeycomb cores.

Material interactions affect energy absorption through plastic deformation of cores.

PLA–Wood outperforms PLA–Carbon in absorbed energy due to filler compatibility.

Dynamic loading causes localized core damage with short elastic recovery.

Core failure mechanisms with long elastic recovery vary in quasi‐static tests.
Metronomic chemotherapy in pediatric neuroblastoma
Authors: Jiang Yi , Xi Chengjun , Yang Chao
Published: December 2024

Metronomic chemotherapy (MC) is an innovative therapeutic approach that involves the chronic administration of low doses of chemotherapy agents. This strategy aims to sustain prolonged and active plasma levels of drugs, which can result in favorable tolerability. MC has shown promise in the treatment of hematologic and solid tumors, including high‐risk neuroblastoma and relapsed/refractory (R/R) neuroblastoma. In the contemporary management of neuroblastoma, MC stands as a viable maintenance therapy for newly diagnosed patients lacking access to autologous stem cell transplantation or immunotherapy, particularly in resource‐constrained regions. Furthermore, it serves as a pragmatic alternative for individuals intolerant to intensified regimens or undergoing palliative care for R/R neuroblastoma. Nevertheless, the quest for the optimal MC regimen persists, necessitating comprehensive investigations to delineate standardized protocols. Moreover, the identification of potential biomarkers or prognostic indicators assumes paramount significance in refining MC strategies for future breakthroughs in this domain. This review embarks on a comprehensive exploration of MC in neuroblastoma, offering insights into its historical underpinnings, diverse applications, adverse effect and future prospects, endeavoring to enrich our understanding of MC role in neuroblastoma management.
ERG and PTEN Role on Active Surveillance for Low‐Risk Prostate Cancer in the Multiparametric MRI Era
Authors: Yorioka Marco Aurelio Watanabe , Murta Claudio Bovolenta , Leite Kátia Ramos Moreira , Cardili Leonardo , de Mello Evandro Sobroza , de Carvalho Fazoli Arnaldo Jose , Cordeiro Maurício Dener , Coelho Rafael Ferreira , Viana Públio Cesar Cavalcante , Kohama Cesar Sadao Nicolino , Nahas William Carlos , Pontes‐Júnior José
Published: December 2024

Background

Our study aimed to correlate ERG and PTEN expressions in prostate biopsy with multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging PI‐RADS score, clinical reclassification, and prognosis of very low‐risk prostate cancer (PCa) patients under active surveillance (AS).

Methods

We evaluated 101 very low‐risk PCa patients under AS between 2013 and 2018. They were followed with DRE, PSA, MRI, and re‐biopsies every 1–2 years. Per cause biopsy was recommended if PSA > 10 ng/mL, suspicious DRE, or PI‐RADS ≥ 4 was present. ERG and PTEN expressions were assessed by immunohistochemistry at biopsy. Reclassification was defined by PSA > 10 ng/mL, re‐biopsy with > 3 positive cores, > 50% positive core, Gleason Score (GS) upgrading ≥ 3 + 4 or extreme GS upgrading ≥ 4 + 3. We correlated ERG and PTEN with reclassification, PI‐RADS, pathologic outcomes, and biochemical recurrence in patients surgically treated after reclassification.

Results

After a 49.2‐month follow‐up, 80% of patients showed reclassification, and GS upgrading was the most common criterion. Seventy‐four out of 81 patients with reclassification underwent local treatment and seven had biochemical recurrence during a mean 39.7‐month follow‐up. At biopsy, positive ERG expression was found in 39.6% of patients and PTEN loss in 12.6%. PTEN loss was associated with GS upgrading (OR = 9.7, p = 0.011) in univariate analysis. PTEN loss was correlated with GS upgrading; these patients had a 9.7‐fold greater chance of upgrading when compared to PTEN‐positive patients. ERG‐positive was associated with PI‐RADS ≥ 4 (OR = 2.8, p = 0.026). At multivariate analysis, PI‐RADS ≥ 4 was predictor of GS upgrading (OR = 25.2, p < 0.001); MRI PI‐RADS score remained an independent factor for extreme GS upgrading, together with PSAd > 0.15 (OR = 15.1, p = 0.012 and OR = 5.76, p = 0.012, respectively).

Conclusions

Neither ERG‐positive nor PTEN loss were associated with upgrading during AS. ERG and PTEN biomarkers, despite commonly studied in advanced PCa, have yet no defined role in very low‐risk PCa under AS. PI‐RADS score was an independent predictor of GS upgrading and extreme upgrading during AS.
Biocontrol potential of natamycin‐producing Streptomyces lydicusJCK‐6019 against soil‐borne fungal diseases of cucumber and characterization of its biocontrol mechanism
Authors: Luo Feng , Gwak Hanna , Park Ae Ran , Nguyen Van Thi , Kim Jin‐Cheol
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum and Rhizoctonia solani AG‐4 are the two most important fungal pathogens causing soil‐borne fungal diseases of cucumber; they are difficult to control and cause serious economic losses. Given the detrimental effects of the indiscriminate use of chemical fungicides, biocontrol emerges as an efficient and ecofriendly alternative for managing soil‐borne fungal diseases.

RESULTS

Streptomyces lydicus JCK‐6019 (hereafter, JCK‐6019) was isolated from rhizosphere soil. Its fermentation filtrate and volatile organic compounds exhibited broad‐spectrum antifungal activity against various phytopathogenic fungi and oomycetes. JCK‐6019 produced natamycin as an agar‐diffusible antifungal metabolite. It also produced indole‐3‐acetic acid and various hydrolytic enzymes. In vivo experiments revealed that a ten‐fold‐diluted optimized JCK‐6019 fermentation broth exhibited 100% control efficiency against cucumber damping‐off disease and 62.5% control efficiency against cucumber Fusarium wilt disease. Pretreatment of cucumber seedlings with 1000‐fold‐diluted optimized JCK‐6019 fermentation broth resulted in 68.18% and 23.91% disease control values against cucumber damping‐off and Fusarium wilt disease, respectively. Moreover, peroxidase activity in cucumbers after 1 day of treatment was 1.5‐fold higher than that in the control. Similarly, polyphenol oxidase activity in cucumbers after 3 days of treatment was 2.34‐fold higher than that in the control, indicating that JCK‐6019 can induce plant resistance.

CONCLUSION

The natamycin‐producing strain JCK‐6019 could effectively suppress the development of cucumber Fusarium wilt and damping‐off disease by inducing plant resistance and producing antifungal metabolites, including natamycin and volatile organic compounds. Thus, JCK‐6019 possesses high potential for application in the development of biocontrol agents against soil‐borne fungal diseases of cucumber. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Same‐Day Discharge Following Outpatient Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty: A Single‐Center Experience
Authors: Saha Amit , Chidester Jeffrey P. , Hall Hurst M. , Shah Trushil , Chin Kelly M. , Bartolome Sonja D. , Koshy Thomas P.
Published: December 2024

Overnight inpatient monitoring is common following balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). We describe our institutional experience in same‐day discharge (SDD) after BPA. Across 78 BPA sessions, there were only 2 (2.6%) admissions for hemoptysis with no reperfusion lung injury or deaths at 30 days.
A Fully‐Integrated Diamond Nitrogen‐Vacancy Magnetometer with Nanotesla Sensitivity
Authors: Dai Yulin , Tian Wenhui , liu Qing , Chen Bao , Liu Yushan , Hu Qidi , Ma Zheng , Zhai Yunpeng , Wang Haodong , Dong Ying , Xu Nanyang
Published: December 2024

Ensemble diamond nitrogen‐vacancy (DNV) centers have emerged as a promising platform for precise earth‐field vector magnetic sensing, particularly in applications that require high mobility. Nevertheless, integrating all control utilities into a compact form has proven challenging, thus far limiting the sensitivity of mobile DNV magnetometers to the ‐level. This study introduces a fully integrated DNV magnetometer that encompasses all the essential components typically found in traditional platforms, while maintaining compact dimensions of approximately 13 cm 26 cm. In contrast to previous efforts, these challenges are successfully addressed by integrating a high‐power laser, a lock‐in amplifier, and a digitally‐modulated microwave source. These home‐made components show comparable performance with commercial devices under the circumstance, resulting in an optimal sensitivity approaching 2.14 nT ()−1. The limitations in this system as well as possible future improvements are discussed. This work paves the way for the use of DNV magnetometry in cost‐effective, mobile unmanned aerial vehicles, facilitating a wide range of practical applications.
Fe‐Rich Medium‐Entropy Core‐Shell Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Under Large Current Density
Authors: Shao Yuxuan , Ni Junjie , Yin Jie , Liu Xinqing , Guo Shuai , Xu Yue , Song Bo , Song Yulai , Li Xinxin , Luo Laima , Sun Chenghua
Published: December 2024

In response to the low stability of expensive Pt under large current, exploring the stable, efficient and cost‐competitive electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction is crucial for advancing green hydrogen production. Here, a strategy relating to constructing the core‐shell structure with near‐zero‐resistance homogeneous interface is applied to synthesize new Fe‐rich medium‐entropy alloy (MEA) catalyst. This low‐cost sample presents both outstanding durability and catalytic activity with an overpotential of 343.6 mV at 1,000 mA cm−2 as well as Tafel slope of 67.6 mV dec−1, respectively much lower than benchmark catalyst 20%Pt/C (416.9 mV, 156.8 mV dec−1) in 1.0 m KOH solution. Such properties are attributed to the enhanced reactivity of surface active sites with electrons easy injection from MEA metallic core to MEO (medium entropy oxide) shell via their highly conductive homogeneous interface. In MEO layer, Fe/Ni/Co sites are identified as active centres and their high oxidation is crucial to shift themselves toward deep energy, weakening Metal─H bonding and thereby accelerating hydrogen evolution. This work not only exploits one novel electrocatalyst suitable for industrial high‐current environments but also provides broad application prospects for MEA utilization.
Molecularly Imprinted Nanozymes with Substrate Specificity: Current Strategies and Future Direction
Authors: Zhang Zhou , Luo Ergui , Wang Wenjuan , Huang Di , Liu Juewen , Du Zhi
Published: December 2024

Molecular imprinting technology (MIT) stands out for its exceptional simplicity and customization capabilities and has been widely employed in creating artificial antibodies that can precisely recognize and efficiently capture target molecules. Concurrently, nanozymes have emerged as promising enzyme mimics in the biomedical field, characterized by their remarkable stability, ease of production scalability, robust catalytic activity, and high tunability. Drawing inspiration from natural enzymes, molecularly imprinted nanozymes combine the unique benefits of both MIT and nanozymes, thereby conferring biomimetic catalysts with substrate specificity and catalytic selectivity. In this review, the latest strategies for the fabrication of molecularly imprinted nanozymes, focusing on the use of organic polymers and inorganic nanomaterials are explored. Additionally, cutting‐edge techniques for generating atom‐layer‐imprinted islands with ultra‐thin atomic‐scale thickness is summarized. Their applications are particularly noteworthy in the fields of catalyst optimization, detection techniques, and therapeutic strategies, where they boost reaction selectivity and efficiency, enable precise identification and quantification of target substances, and enhance therapeutic effectiveness while minimizing adverse effects. Lastly, the prevailing challenges in the field and delineate potential avenues for future progress is encapsulated. This review will foster advancements in artificial enzyme technology and expand its applications.
3D Printing‐Induced Phase Transition in Ferroelectric Porous Polymer Coatings for Stable Zinc Anodes
Authors: Zhang Hongcheng , Zhu Guoyin , Lu Jingqi , Hou Yanan , Bao Yuwen , Liu Pin , Zhang Yizhou
Published: December 2024

The abundant availability of zinc and its environmentally friendly properties have increasingly drawn attention to the potential of aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs). However, their development is hindered by the formation of zinc dendrites and severe side reactions during charge/discharge cycles. In this work, a novel strategy is introduced to address these challenges by constructing a ferroelectric porous PVDF‐HFP protective layer (PH‐ZF) on the zinc anode surface using 3D printing technology. This approach not only simplifies the fabrication process but also achieves a high content of β‐phase PVDF‐HFP without the need for post‐treatment. The ferroelectric porous polymer layer effectively regulates ion concentration distribution on the zinc anode surface, promoting uniform Zn2+ deposition. As a result, symmetric batteries exhibit cycle lifetimes of 1200 and 2000 h at current densities of 0.5 and 1.0 mA cm−2, respectively. Furthermore, full batteries with MnO2 cathodes maintained a discharge specific capacity of ≈88.3 mA g−1 after 1000 cycles at a current density of 1.0 A g−1, in contrast to bare zinc electrodes, which retain only 51 mAh g−1 under the same conditions. This method offers a promising approach for enhancing zinc anode protection and advancing ZIB performance.