bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meso Hybridized Silk Fibroin Watchband for Wearable Biopotential Sensing and AI Gesture Signaling
Authors: Wang Xiao , Lu Changsheng , Jiang Zerong , Shao Guangwei , Cao Jingzhe , Liu Xiang Yang
Published: December 2024

Human biopotential signals, such as electrocardiography, are closely linked to health and chronic conditions. Electromyography, corresponds to muscle actions and is pertinent to human‐machine interactions. Here, we present a type of smart and flexible watchband that includes a mini flexible electrode array based on Mo‐Au filament mesh, combined with mesoscopic hybridized silk fibroin films. As the layer in contact with the skin, waterborne polyurethane and SF create a highly flexible and permeable meso‐hybridized SF/WPU layer, ensuring skin‐friendliness and comfortable wearing. The flexible FM electrodes are created by integrating Mo‐Au FM into 2D‐interconnected networks. Molybdenum filaments provide high rigidity and are coated with Aurum to enhance conductivity. The use of Mo‐Au FMs in warp‐knitted patterns results in high SNR (43.22 dB), high sensitivity (44.43 mV/kg), and significant motion noise reduction due to the pattern's elastic deformability and skin‐gripping properties. Leveraging these unique technologies, these smart watchbands excel in prolonged sensing operation, grasping force detection, and gesture recognition. Through smart raining via deep learning, we achieved an unparalleled recognition rate (96% across 20 volunteers of different genders) among other EMG sensing devices. These results have significant implications for human‐machine interaction, including applications in underwater robot control, drone operation, and autonomous vehicle control.
Covalent Organic Frameworks for Membrane Separation
Authors: Jin Yuan‐Hang , Li Meng‐Hao , Yang Ying‐Wei
Published: December 2024

Membranes with switchable wettability, solvent resistance, and toughness have emerged as promising materials for separation applications. However, challenges like limited mechanical strength, poor chemical stability, and structural defects during membrane fabrication hinder their widespread adoption. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs), crystalline materials constructed from organic molecules connected by covalent bonds, offer a promising solution due to their high porosity, stability, and customizable properties. The ordered structures and customizable functionality provide COFs with a lightweight framework, large surface area, and tunable pore sizes, which have attracted increasing attention for their applications in membrane separations. Recent research has extensively explored the preparation strategies of COF membranes and their applications in various separation processes. This review uniquely delves into the influence of various COF membrane fabrication techniques, including interfacial polymerization, layer‐by‐layer assembly, and in situ growth, on membrane thickness and performance. It comprehensively explores the design strategies and potential applications of these methods, with a particular focus on gas separation, oil/water separation, and organic solvent nanofiltration. Furthermore, future opportunities, challenges within this field, and potential directions for future development are proposed.
Mechanical Degradation by Anion Redox in LiNiO2 Countered via Pillaring
Authors: Bergschneider Matthew , Kong Fantai , Conlin Patrick , Hwang Taesoon , Doo Seok‐Gwang , Cho Kyeongjae
Published: December 2024

A promising next‐generation high‐energy cathode material, LiNiO2 (LNO) has failed to realize commercialization due to severe capacity degradation during cycling. The dual mechanisms of surface oxygen evolution due to anion redox and anisotropic volume change upon delithiation synergistically pulverize and degrade the material. Detailed Density Functional Theory (DFT) modeling and analysis of the anisotropic structural changes associated with crack formation in LiNiO2 (LNO) reveals the link of mechanical behavior to charge transfer and oxygen redox activity upon deep charge cycling (>4.2 V vs Li/Li+). In the two‐phase region and H2–H3 transition from 66% to 100% delithiation, oxygen of [NiO6] octahedra is discovered to undergo redox in growing the Li‐deficient regions, causing c‐lattice mechanical weakening and collapse as the Li‐slab becomes depleted. Li‐site dopants are investigated to locally compensate against anion redox, resulting in enhanced coulombic repulsion and supporting the interslab layer thickness even at 100% depth of charge. Ionic size and oxidation state of M in Lix‐yMyNiO2 are found to fundamentally impact stabilization capability, moderating the anisotropic strain and volume expansion asynchronously. Optimization of mixed doping composition may then enable “zero strain” high‐Ni Li(Ni,Co,Mn)O2 (NCM) or LNO.
Plasma‐Induced Construction of S‐Scheme Heterojunctions Enables Photo‐Enhanced Peroxymonosulfate Activation for Gaseous Toluene Removal
Authors: Miao Huanran , Yao Huiqin , Li Yong , Zhang Xinwei , Wang Huai , Zhang Xiai , Wang Ge , Fan Qikui , Yang Zhimao , Zhou Cheng , Liu Ben , Kong Chuncai
Published: December 2024

Selective activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) represents an efficient route to generate the reactive oxygen species (ROS) for the degradation and deep mineralization of organic pollutants, but its activity and selectivity are remarkably lower than what is needed. Herein, an S‐scheme heterojunction is developed to effectively modify surface electronic properties and introduce abundant oxygen vacancies, thereby enabling photo‐enhanced PMS activation for selective removal of gaseous toluene. S‐scheme heterojunction is fabricated by in situ growth of ultrathin Co3O4 nanoparticles on g‐C3N4 nanosheets through a rapid plasma treatment. The electronic field at the S‐scheme heterostructure interface of Co3O4/g‐C3N4 (COCN) facilitates charge transfer, selectively removing low‐redox electrons and holes while separating high‐redox ones. Photo‐excited electrons promote the Co3+/Co2+ redox cycle, thereby enhancing ROS generation and creating continuous PMS activation sites. The COCN catalyst demonstrates remarkably high degradation efficiency (90.2%) and mineralization rate (68.5%) for flowing gaseous toluene in aqueous solution. This study thus provides a feasible strategy for plasma‐induced electronic modulation and offers new insights for future heterojunction design aimed at efficient PMS activation.
Synthesis of a Direct Dual Z‐Scheme g‐C3N4/Bi2S3/NiFe2O4 Photocatalyst for Degradation of Organic Pollutants: Optimization Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Merci Sanaz , Shamspur Tayebeh , Mostafavi Ali
Published: December 2024

In photocatalytic reactions, the fast recombination rate of photogenerated charge carriers limits practical application. So, in this study, a new g‐C3N4/Bi2S3/NiFe2O4 nanocomposite was synthesized with dual Z‐scheme heterojunctions to enhance charge carrier separation and visible light absorption. The structure, morphology, composition, magnetic, surface potential, and optical properties of the prepared g‐C3N4/Bi2S3/NiFe2O4 nanocomposite were investigated using XRD, FTIR, Raman, FESEM‐EDS‐Mapping, TEM, VSM, Zeta potential, PL, and UV–vis DRS techniques. Also, the photocatalytic performance and mechanism of enrofloxacin (Enro) and malachite green (MG) degradation under visible light were studied. Also, the photocatalytic performance and photodegradation mechanism were studied by enrofloxacin and malachite green degradation under visible light. The effect of the main parameters on the degradation performance of both pollutants was studied by response surface methodology (RSM). Under the optimum conditions, the highest photocatalytic degradation percentages for enrofloxacin and malachite green were obtained at 91.89% and 95.63%, respectively. The apparent rate constants of Enro and MG photodegradation over g‐C3N4/Bi2S3/NiFe2O4 were found to be 0.0628 min−1 and 0.0504 min−1, respectively. Based on its magnetic characteristics, the as‐prepared catalyst demonstrated facile recovery and good photocatalytic stability after six recycling studies, according to the results.
Graphene Oxide Decorated SiO2/Fe3O4 as a Recyclable Catalyst for the Green Synthesis of Novel Thiazinoazepines via Multicomponent Reaction of Isatoic Anhydrides: Cytotoxic Activity and Theoretical Study
Authors: Mohammadi Marziyeh , Azizi Zahra , Hossaini Zinatossadat
Published: December 2024

This work investigated the use of a complex technique including isatoic anhydrides, α‐haloketones, electron‐deficient acetylenic compounds, ammonium acetate, and isothiocyanates in a water‐based solution at normal room temperature in the presence of SiO2/Fe3O4@Graphene Oxide. The goal was to generate novel thiazinoazepine molecules with significant yields. The thiazinoazepines that have been synthesized contain NH functional groups with acidic protons and demonstrate notable antioxidant activity. The (3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide), MTT assay was utilized to evaluate the cytotoxicity of all the synthesized compounds in vitro against cancer cell lines (MCF‐7 and A549) as well as normal cell lines). Cytotoxicity refers to the ability of a compound to kill cells. The derivative 6e was shown to be the most potent cytotoxic agent, similar to doxorubicin in its lack of selectivity. Alternatively, compound 6b might be considered as a compound that is equally effective but more selective than doxorubicin. Quantum chemical approaches utilizing density functional theory have been utilized to enhance comprehension of reaction mechanisms. The used technology for synthesizing thiazinoazepines provides several advantages, including rapid reaction kinetics, outstanding product yield, and straightforward product isolation.
Aggregation‐Driven Fluorescence Behavior of EuMOF for Aldehydes Detection
Authors: Xu Heng , Wu Xueqiang , Chen Ruhan , Zhang Wanli , Zhang Xiaonan , Liu Zhiwei
Published: December 2024

This research leverages the fluorescence properties of a europium metal–organic framework (EuMOF) to assess the presence of aldehydes in food. The EuMOF demonstrates three distinct excitation peaks, with an unusual change in fluorescence intensity attributed to the excessive aggregation observed in the initial two peaks. Aldehydes, specifically monoaldehyde compounds (MACs) and dialdehyde compounds (DACs), can engage with the amine groups on the surface of the EuMOF through a Schiff reaction. This interaction disrupts the accumulation process during dilution and allows for the quantification and differentiation of aldehyde compounds based on their unique fluorescence behaviors. By conducting a series of sample dilutions, the ratio between the first two fluorescence excitation peaks can be determined, leading to the creation of a data matrix. The quantitative evaluation of aldehyde‐derived compounds is enabled by deconstructing the original sample matrix using reference matrices of EuMOF and a reaction mixture containing the aldehyde standard. This innovative technique for monitoring aldehydes eliminates the need for sample pretreatment, aldehyde derivatization, and the use of hazardous chemicals in the detection process, offering significant economic and public health benefits.
Enhanced Electrocatalytic Performance for Oxygen Reduction Reaction of Porous Carbon Materials Functionalized by Binuclear Ball‐Type Metallophthalocyanines
Authors: Zhang Gai , Zhao Kaihui , Tan Amin , Yang Yan
Published: December 2024

Binuclear ball‐type metallophthalocyanines, Co2Pc2(EP)4, were wrapped on porous carbon Z67‐900 materials using a facilely “π–π assembly” method to prepare Co2Pc2(EP)4@Z67‐900 catalysts for oxygen reduction reactions (ORR). The XRD and pore size distribution results indicate that the presence of high graphitization degree and porosity distribution in Z67‐900. The high graphitization degree of Z67‐900 carbon materials is beneficial for the formation of π–π interaction based on the π electron‐conjugated structure of the binuclear ball‐type metallophthalocyanines Co2Pc2(EP)4 system. The electrocatalytic test shows that the reduction potential −0.18 V (vs. SCE) for Co2Pc2(EP)4@Z67‐900 is 20% higher than that of commercial Pt/C. The porosity distribution in Z67‐900 promotes the oxygen molecules concentration around the active sites MN4‐type Co2Pc2(EP)4 macrocyclic system to form an intermediate O2ads‐Co2Pc2(EP)4@Z67‐900. The π–π interactions between Co2Pc2(EP)4 and Z67‐900 decreased the activation energy of the *OOH dissociation step in a four‐electron ORR process. It provides a theoretical basis for the subsequent application research of zinc‐air batteries.
Size and Crystallinity‐Dependent Photocatalytic Performance of MIL‐53(Fe) and MIL‐53(Fe)/g‐C3N4 Composite
Authors: Zhu Anran , Yuan Qing , Xiao Peipei , Liu Mingzhu , Li Longfeng
Published: December 2024

MIL‐53(Fe) is a novel photocatalytic material that has been developed over the past decade; however, significant efforts are still required to fully optimize its photocatalytic performance in order to meet the requirements of practical applications. In this paper, we investigated the effects of size and crystallinity on the photocatalytic performance of MIL‐53(Fe) and its composites x‐MIL‐53(Fe)/g‐C3N4 (x‐MIL‐Fe/CN). During the hydrothermal synthesis process, the control over particle size was achieved by adjusting the amount of acetic acid (HAc). Ball milling was utilized to manipulate both the size and crystallinity of MIL‐53(Fe). Photocatalytic experiments demonstrated that MIL‐53(Fe) and 15‐MIL‐Fe/CN, characterized by the smallest particle sizes and great crystallinity, exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity. This enhancement in photocatalytic activity can be attributed to the reduced band gap and lower recombination rate of photogenerated carriers. Notably, the hydrogen evolution rate for 15‐MIL‐Fe/CN reached up to 4950 μmol·g−1·h−1, but MIL‐53(Fe) achieved a 98% degradation of methyl orange within 60 min.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Formation Mechanism, Theoretical Studies, and Biological Evaluation of Azine‐Based Bismuth (III) Complex
Authors: Yao Fei‐Hong , Tang Chen‐Xuan , Fan Xie‐Yu , Zheng Yue‐You , Deng Tian‐Hong , Liu Can , He Xuan‐Li , Lei Yan‐Hua , Li Xu , Tao Li‐Ming , Li Chuan‐Hua
Published: December 2024

The azine‐based bismuth (III) complex [Bi(H2L1)(NO3)3(H2O)2]•H2O(1a) was synthesized by an equivalent reaction between Schiff base and Bi (NO3)3•5H2O using mannitol as an auxiliary agent. During the formation of the complex (1a), the Schiff base containing 3‐methoxy group transformed into 3‐methoxysalicylaldehyde azine and further coordinated with BiIII ion to form a mononuclear BiIII complex (1a). Bismuth (III) ions were unexpectedly found to catalyze the formation of the azines from Schiff bases derived from pyrazinohydrazide, and their formation mechanism was further studied. Theoretical studies of the complex (1a) involving thermodynamic and electronic properties were done using the density functional theory (DFT) B3LYP method. Furthermore, in vitro biological evaluation showed that the antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of the complex (1a) were much higher than those of free ligands. The obtained MIC and IC50 values of the complex (1a) were almost close to those of the reference drugs.
Inspecting the Antimicrobial, Bio‐Catalytic, DNA Interactions, In Vitro Cytotoxicity, and Cell Cycle Analysis Efficiency of Newly Nano‐Sized Co (II), Ni (II), Cu (II), and Zn (II) Complexes of Schiff's Base Ligand: Spectroscopic Characterization and Quantum Chemical Calculations
Authors: Mousa Ibtisam , Madkhali Marwah M. M. , Aldulmani Sharah A. , Alaghaz Abdel‐Nasser M. A.
Published: December 2024

Nano‐sized bivalent metal complexes of Cu (II) (C1), Ni (II) (C2), Co (II) (C3), and Zn (II) (C4) were prepared and characterized of the form [M(L)2] where L = 2‐((E)‐((4‐methyl‐2‐(((E)‐thiophen‐2‐ylmethylene)amino)phenyl)imino)methyl)benzenethiol] (C19H16N2S2), M = Cu (II), Ni (II), Co (II), and Zn (II). Elemental analyses, molecular weight calculations, infrared, 1H, 13C, and 15N NMR, electronic, mass, magnetic susceptibility, and conductivity assessments were employed to evaluate our bivalent metal complexes. DFT studies were used to study the tautomeric equilibrium of the ligand (HL), via the DFT\B3LYP technique in connection with a 6–311G* correlation consistent basis set. The metal formed four coordinated with the tridentate N2S donor Schiff base to form octahedral geometry complexes. The XRD analysis of the divalent metal complexes revealed sharp, intense diffraction peaks, indicating their crystalline nature with nanoscale particle sizes. Additional evidence was provided by EDX, SEM, and AFM images, which also confirmed the uniform distribution across the complex surface. Analysis of the absorption patterns for the nano‐sized complexes interaction with CT‐DNA signifies that the complexes bind via intercalation, with intrinsic binding constant (Kb) spanning from 4.25 × 105 to 8.34 × 103 M−1. Nano‐sized metal (II) complexes show a higher viscous nature than HL. The cytotoxicity of H‐L ligand and its complexes against HCT‐116, and M‐NFS‐60 cells was assessed by the MTT assay. Complex C3 shows greater cytotoxic effects compared to Cisplatin on MCF‐7 cells. Our flow cytometry data indicate significant levels of apoptosis and cell cycle arresting in both liver and breast cancer cell lines.
Polyethylene Glycol–Bridged Diimidazolium Polyoxometalates: Thermoregulated Reusable Catalysts for Selective Oxidation of Toluene to Benzaldehyde
Authors: Qian Shu , Yu Fengli , Luo Yexin , Yuan Bing , Xie Congxia , Yu Shitao
Published: December 2024

The oxidation of toluene to benzaldehyde holds great industrial significance, and it typically involves toxic reagents and/or affords difficult‐to‐separate product mixtures. Herein, polyethylene glycol (PEG)–bridged diimidazolium polyoxometalates (POMs) with a Keggin‐type tungstovanadophosphoric heteropolyacid anion and various PEG‐functionalized diimidazolium cations were prepared and evaluated as catalysts for the eco‐friendly oxidation of toluene using aqueous tert‐butyl hydroperoxide in acetonitrile. The bridging of diimidazolium cations by PEG enabled the fine‐tuning of heteropolyanion redox properties and increased catalyst reactivity and solubility in the reaction system. The best‐performing POM exhibited thermoregulated phase‐separation behavior, that is, it was fully soluble in the reaction medium at elevated temperatures and hardly soluble at room temperature. Further, it showed almost no performance deterioration after sevenfold reuse and achieved an acceptable toluene conversion (82%) and benzaldehyde selectivity (68%). Thus, our work enables the development of eco‐friendly processes for the catalytic oxidation of industrially relevant hydrocarbon and thus facilitates the establishment of a more sustainable society.
Constructing AgO/Ag2O Electrocatalysts with Highly Exposed and Tightly Contacted Active Facets for Efficient Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Liu Jian , Sang Xiao-Jing , Zhao Peng , Li Jian-Sheng , Li Sifan , Dong Hao , Zhou Xin , Liu Mei-Ying , You Wan-Sheng
Published: December 2024

The development of efficient electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and the elucidation of their underlying mechanisms are crucial for overcoming the low efficiency of hydrogen production through the electrolysis of water. Utilizing the electrochemical anodic oxidation method, a series of silver‐based electrocatalysts (Ag‐x, where x signifies the applied direct current (DC) voltage, x = 0, 5, 10, 15) were prepared employing metallic silver wire as the anode under DC voltages. The resulting silver‐based electrodes have been oxidized and reconstructed, yielding AgO/Ag2O composite on the surface. Notably, the Ag‐10 electrode exhibited the lowest overpotential (399 mV at 50 mA cm−2 and 456 mV at 100 mA cm−2), along with good stability. The superior OER performance of Ag‐10 is not only attributed to the high exposure and tight interface of the AgO (−111) and Ag2O (111) crystal phases, as well as the higher prevalence of Ag−O−O−Ag species on its surface, but also its larger electrochemical active surface area (ECSA). This work provides insight for the synthesis of metal oxide‐based electrocatalysts and understanding the electrocatalytic mechanism.
Charge State Influence on Stability and Isomerism in Dehydrogenated PAHs: Insights from Anthracene, Acridine, and Phenazine
Authors: Zghida Khaldia , Hamza Reguig Farouk , Alcamí Manuel , Mokhtar Lamsabhi Al
Published: December 2024

In this study, we systematically explored the stability and isomerism of neutral and dehydrogenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in various charge states, focusing on anthracene, acridine, and phenazine. Our findings highlight key aspects that deepen the understanding of these molecules’ reactivity and stability, relevant in both laboratory and astrophysical contexts. Structural symmetry and the presence of nitrogen atoms significantly impact PAH stability and reactivity. The optimal site for the first dehydrogenation varies with charge state, with notable differences in stability observed across different positions and charge states. For the loss of two hydrogens, there is a clear competition between low and high spin states, influenced by the positions of the hydrogens lost. Infrared spectral analysis reveals characteristic frequencies of conjugated Csp2−Csp2 bonds and variations across different charge states. The elimination of H2 typically occurs at adjacent carbons, forming bonds similar to triple bonds. Reaction networks for anthracene, acridine, and phenazine indicate preferred pathways for hydrogen loss, driven by the need to minimize charge repulsion and maintain aromaticity. Adjacent hydrogen loss is predominant in neutral and singly charged states, shifting to non‐adjacent loss in higher charge states.
Harvesting Solar Energy: Prediction of Daily Global Horizontal Irradiance Using Artificial Neural Networks and Assessment of Electrical Energy of Photovoltaic at North Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Woldegiyorgis Tegenu A. , Assamnew Abera D. , Desalegn Gezahegn A. , Mossie Sentayehu Y.
Published: December 2024

The difficulty and high price of measuring devices make the utilization of solar energy impractical, particularly in developing countries like Ethiopia. Because of its variability and nonlinear characteristics, it needs accurate prediction techniques in a specific location. Thus, the objectives of this article were: (i) assessing daily global horizontal irradiance using network types‐activation functions of artificial neural network (ANN); and (ii) evaluating the daily energy delivered to and available on photovoltaic (PV) cells of GaAs at Kemissie, Woldiya, and Hayk, in the northeastern part of Ethiopia. Nine parameters were used in the input layer, and daily GHI was the output result. Feed forward back propagation (FFBP) and cascade forward back propagation (CFBP) with tansig, logsig, and purelin of ANNs were used. The best pairs were FFBP‐logsig, CFBP‐logsig, and CFBP‐tangsig, with 0.8882 ≤ r ≤ 0.9833, respectively. The average values were (4.374 kWh/m2/day ≤ GHI ≤ 6.805 kWh/m2/day) at Kemissie, (4.246 kWh/m2/day ≤ GHI ≤ 7.116 kWh/m2/day) at Hayk, and (4.479 kWh/m2/day ≤ GHI ≤ 7.011 kWh/m2/day) at Woldiya. The energy delivered to and obtainable from PV cells varied between 0.1274 and 0.2135 kWh and 0.1101 and 0.1844 kWh, respectively, for all sites. This bears out the suitability of the site for the installation of a solar energy system.
Post‐COVID immunity in patients with solid tumor or hematological malignancies treated with SARS‐CoV‐2 monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Sabino‐Santos Gilberto , Leggio Cathryn E. , Litwin Sean M. , Waheed Najia , Bai Shuangyi , Ulusan Sinem , Karunathilake Anoli , Elliott Debra H. , Smira Ashley R. , Chandra Sruti , Li Lin , Ning Bo , Hu Tony , Schieffelin John S. , Gunn Bronwyn M. , Robinson James E. , Fuloria Jyotsna , Norton Elizabeth B.
Published: December 2024

Purpose

SARS‐CoV‐2 monoclonal antibody (mAB) therapy has effectively treated severe COVID‐19, although how this contributes to protective antiviral immunity in settings of malignancy is poorly defined.

Patients and Methods

We evaluated the development of post‐infection immunity in five patients with malignancies who received mAB therapy targeting spike protein for their PCR‐confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in 2021, compared with non‐mAB controls. Patients were identified from a larger study on oncology with a history or documented current infection with SARS‐CoV‐2. Subjects include two patients with lymphoma and CD20‐depletion therapy, one with myeloma and two with solid tumor (stage IIA rectal adenocarcinoma and metastatic breast cancer). Cancer therapies and COVID vaccination history varied by patient. Blood samples (1–4 per patient) were collected 71–635 days post‐mAB therapy. We employed clinical histories with comprehensive immunoprofiling analysis, including systems serology antibody isotyping and effector function, T‐cell immunophenotyping for subset and memory cells, and sensitive blood viral RNA detection up to 2 years post‐mAB therapy.

Results

B‐cell deficiency was confirmed in 3/5 patients. All patients had detectable anti‐spike and nucleoprotein antibody isotypes, effector functions, and neutralizing antibodies (which increased over time by subject) at similar levels to the control group. Virus‐specific T‐cell activation and phenotypes varied by time and patient. Spike‐specific effector and memory CD8 + T‐cells were significantly elevated in mAB subjects compared to the control group. SARS‐CoV‐2 viral RNA detection was also higher in mAB‐treated patients. One patient on bortezomib therapy had unique alterations in these populations.

Conclusion

All mAB‐treated patients with malignancies developed polyfunctional immunity humoral and T‐cell immunity to SARS‐CoV‐2 even in the setting of B‐cell deficiency. The evolution of this immunity, including new variant‐specific antibodies, without secondary illnesses suggests that patients were protected from symptomatic re‐infection, and mAB therapy did not blunt the development of host immunity. Future studies are warranted to better characterize immunologic memory over time with exposures to new viral variants, evaluate prolonged viral shedding and the continued use of appropriate mAB for infection in high‐risk patients.
Signatures of Six Autophagy‐Related Genes as Diagnostic Markers of Thyroid‐Associated Ophthalmopathy and Their Correlation With Immune Infiltration
Authors: Ma Qintao , Hai Yuanping , Shen Jie
Published: December 2024

Background

Thyroid‐associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is one of the most complex autoimmune diseases in endocrinology areas. Autophagy‐related genes may be involved in the pathophysiology of TAO. This study aims to reveal key genes associated with autophagy in the pathogenesis and the potential diagnostic markers for TAO.

Methods

We obtained autophagy‐related differential genes (AR‐DEGs) and their expression in TAO patients and controls. Gene ontology analysis (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis were used to perform the enrichment analysis of AR‐DEGs. LASSO regression, support vector machine recursive feature elimination, and random forest were performed to screen for disease signature genes (DSGs), which were further validated in another independent validation dataset. We used the receiver operating characteristic for the evaluation of the diagnostic efficacy of DSGs and also established a nomogram. The relative proportion of immune infiltration was calculated using the CIBERSORT algorithm, and the relationship between the identified gene markers and the level of infiltrating immune cells was explored.

Results

We identified 24 AR‐DEGs, which were primarily enriched in cellular catabolic regulation, autophagosome membrane, and ubiquitin protein ligase binding in GO analysis, while KEGG analysis highlighted autophagy as the main enriched pathway. Six DSGs were identified by three algorithms. They were validated in another independent validation dataset. The combined six‐gene model also showed good diagnostic efficacy (AUC = 0.948). We further plotted the nomogram with better diagnostic efficacy. Immuno‐infiltration analysis and correlation analysis demonstrated that six DSGs were significantly correlated with the infiltrating immune cells.

Conclusions

We identified several biological processes and pathways for the enrichment of AR‐DEGs. Six DSGs were identified, which showed great potential to become critical molecules in the diagnosis of TAO, and these DSGs showed a correlation with infiltrating immune cells.
The role of inflammatory markers and βhCG levels in predicting the success of single‐dose methotrexate treatment in tubal ectopic pregnancy
Authors: Soykan Sert Zekiye , Bertizlioğlu Mete
Published: December 2024

Objective

To evaluate the predictive ability of serum beta human chorionic gonadotropin (βhCG) levels and inflammatory markers derived from hemogram parameters in the success of methotrexate (MTX) treatment for tubal ectopic pregnancy.

Methods

This retrospective study involved the examination of patients diagnosed with tubal ectopic pregnancy and treated with a single dose of MTX at our clinic between 2018 and 2023. The monocyte‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (MLR), neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic immune‐inflammation index (SII) were calculated from blood samples taken at the time of presentation. βhCG levels were recorded on days 1, 4, and 7 of treatment. The patients were categorized into successful and unsuccessful treatment groups based on their response to MTX.

Results

No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups regarding MLR, NLR, PLR, or SII values (P = 0.284, P = 0.097, P = 0.455, and P = 0.061, respectively). In the receiver operating characteristic analysis of serum βhCG from day 1 to day 4, the area under the curve value was calculated as 0.832. The cutoff value for the serum βhCG change from days 1 to 4 was −0.093 (−9.3%), with a sensitivity of 85.53% and specificity of 74.14%, and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 87.5%.

Conclusion

There were no significant differences in inflammatory markers (MLR, NLR, PLR, and SII) between the successful and unsuccessful MTX treatment groups. The change in serum βhCG levels between days 1 and 4 can be used as an early predictor of MTX treatment success in tubal ectopic pregnancy.
Limited evidence for the usage of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone pathway blockers to prevent arthrofibrosis after total knee arthroplasty. A systematic review of clinical evidence
Authors: Anzillotti Giuseppe , Gomoll Andreas H. , Conte Pietro , Bulgarelli Alberto , Queirazza Paolo , Marcacci Maurilio , Kon Elizaveta , Di Matteo Berardo
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Despite advances in surgical techniques and rehabilitation protocols, arthrofibrosis following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) still has poor outcomes. In the last decade, attention has been focused on the pathogenesis and cascade of events leading to the development of fibrosis. Currently, one of the most promising approaches consists in the indirect antagonisation of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF‐beta 1) through the downregulation of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS). This systematic review aims to analyse the available evidence regarding the use of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)/angiotensin‐converting‐enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) in order to prevent post‐operative knee arthrofibrosis following TKA.

Methods

Extensive research on the PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases was performed on 8 July 2024, using keywords related to ARBs, ACE inhibitors and arthrofibrosis. Inclusion criteria included: (1) clinical trials of any level of evidence; (2) written in English; (3) studies conducted on humans; and (4) evaluating the antifibrotic effects of ACE inhibitors or ARBs administered for TKA surgeries. Exclusion criteria were articles written in other languages; preclinical studies; expert opinions; reviews and trials evaluating the effects of ACEi/ARBs not related to their antifibrotic effect after TKA.

Results

A total of six studies met the inclusion criteria and were analysed. All studies were retrospective and involved a total of 158,310 patients. Time of administration varied among the studies as well as the dosage, which fell within the range for cardiological use. Four out of six studies focused exclusively on losartan. Three studies reported a clear, significant correlation between the use of ARBs and/or ACEi and a reduced likelihood of developing arthrofibrosis.

Conclusions

The RAAS antagonism could have potential for stiffness prevention after TKA. However, given the side effects and the limited evidence available, the use of ACEi/sartans for the sole purpose of avoiding arthrofibrosis after TKA is not currently recommended.

Level of Evidence

Level III.
Relationship of difficult endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography cannulation and visual characteristics of papilla
Authors: Khan Amjad , Ahmad Syeda Qumreen , Akhtar Tayyab Saeed , Bushra Hamama Tul , Imran Muhammad , Khan Javeria Zahid , Shah Sanjida , Haddayat Nadia , Mushtaq Saima , Dong Yalin , Feng Weiyi , Fang Yu
Published: December 2024

Background and Aim

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is commonly used to diagnose and treat bile duct and pancreatic disorders. Successful cannulation of the papilla is crucial for the effectiveness of ERCP; however, sometimes, it can be challenging to achieve. This study explores the relationship between net difficult ERCP cannulation with bile visibility, papilla orifice visibility, and papilla position and compares it with successful cannulation.

Methods

These data were collected from the ERCP database at the Center for Liver Disease, Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi, between November 2019 and November 2022. IBM SPSS version 26.0 software was used for statistical analysis.

Results

The study included 329 patients, with 186 (56.6%) female and 143 (43.5%) male participants. Most patients were in the 39–48 age group (28.3%), with a mean age of 51 ± 1. Bile visibility was noted in 268 (81.5%) cases, papilla orifice visibility in 296 (90%) participants, atypical papilla in 20 (6.1%), and typical papilla in 309 (93.9%) participants. Bile visibility (P = 0.004) and papilla orifice visibility (P = 0.006) were significantly associated with successful cannulation, while papilla position (P = 0.116) was not. Significant associations were also found between difficult cannulation and bile visibility (P = 0.000), papilla orifice visibility (P = 0.000), and papilla position (P = 0.000).

Conclusion

Understanding this relationship can improve success rates and reduce complications associated with difficult cannulation during ERCP procedures. Further research is needed to establish clear correlations and guidelines for endoscopists to plan appropriate strategies for challenging cases.
The Influence of MuseScore Software on Students' Creative Thinking in Music
Authors: Chang Zhenhua , Zhou Min
Published: December 2024

As pedagogical training becomes more advanced and intensive, new methods of instruction that incorporate information technology are becoming increasingly important. The purpose of this article is to investigate how using the MuseScore scorewriter to teach solfeggio affects music students' ability to think creatively. The program designed for a quasi‐experimental study was implemented with two groups of students (N = 87) at the Conservatory of Music, Ningbo University. One group used the MuseScore scorewriter to practice solfeggio during weekly music lessons, while the other group used written notation. A mixed within/between‐subject ANOVA test was used to examine students' mean pre‐and post‐test scores. The analysis revealed significant differences in total scores between the mean pre‐and post‐test scores. The experimental group significantly improved their creative thinking scores due to the intervention, whereas the control group showed only minor changes. More research is required to gain a fuller picture of music students' interactions with music technology and how they view its use in the classroom. Future research should expand on these findings by delving deeper into the reasons and motivations behind musicians' technology usage decisions, as well as the innovative ways in which they incorporate technology into their teaching methods.
Mitigating upstream disruptions: Effects of extended inventories in first‐ and second‐tier suppliers
Authors: Durach Christian F. , Peers Yuri , Wang Yimin , Repasky Tomas
Published: December 2024

This study examines how inventory slack at first‐ and second‐tier suppliers influences buyer performance following an upstream disruption event. We analyze secondary data from buyer, first‐tier, and second‐tier triads impacted at their upper end by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. By matching buyers in affected triads with similar, largely unaffected firms, we assess post‐event performance in relation to triad inventory slack. Results show: (a) inventory slack at the first and second tiers supports buyer performance after the disruption; (b) first‐tier inventory slack has a greater impact; (c) buyers with less inventory slack can extract more value from their chains' inventories compared to those with more slack; and (d) first‐tier suppliers occupy a pivotal role in bridging the second‐tier inventories to the buyer. When competition for the first‐tier intensifies, the benefits of having first‐ and second‐tier inventory slack diminish for the buyer. A central contribution of this study is to highlight the importance of resources controlled by chain members with indirect links to the buyer and the bridging role of first‐tier suppliers. These insights suggest that for effective risk management, both direct and indirect supply chain resources and their interactions need consideration. Practically, these findings should guide supplier selection, risk management, and investments in supply chain visibility.
Silver nanoparticle synthesis assisted by micelles for the development of a colorimetric nanobiosensor capable of detecting contaminants in water
Authors: Guasamucare Rossannie , Parente Emma , Pereira Juan Carlos , Arizaga Livia
Published: December 2024

We report the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) functionalized with L‐cysteine (Ag‐cys NPs) for colorimetric detection of contaminants: Hg2+, Pb2+, Cr6+ (CrO42−/Cr2O72), and As3+ in water samples. AgNPs synthesized were obtained in water from the mixture of the cationic and non‐ionic surfactants, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and nonylphenol ethoxylate (NP‐10), respectively. Physicochemical characterization demonstrated a monomodal distribution of spherical nanoparticles with an average size of 8.25 nm. The stability of the Ag‐cys NPs was evaluated by determining the surface charge, which was found to be +27.95 mV, indicating the stability of Ag‐cys NPs against flocculation. The interaction between Ag‐cys NPs and solutions of contaminants was studied. This was done by measuring the shift in LSPR band of Ag NPs covered with cys in the region of 400–450 nm. We observed a change or disappearance of color visually, indicating aggregation or oxidation of the Ag NPs. Concentration of cys, as well as the pH of the nanoparticles, were crucial in studying the aggregation process. This is a preliminary study in search of benefits such as low cost, in situ usability, ease of use, and rapid response making it a potential alternative to traditionally employed spectroscopic methods.
Isolation and purification of flavonoids from quinoa whole grain and its inhibitory effect on lipid accumulation in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by inhibiting the expression of CD36 and FASN
Authors: La Xiaoqin , Zhang Zhaoyan , Liang Jingyi , Li Hanqing , Pang Yan , He Xiaoting , Kang Yurui , Wu Changxin , Li Zhuoyu
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a chronic metabolic disorder marked by excessive lipid deposition, represents a considerable health burden with no established efficacious treatment strategy. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), valued for its health benefits, is replete with flavonoid bioactives. The aims of this work are to isolate and purify flavonoids from quinoa whole grain that can intervene in NAFLD and to elucidate some of the underlying mechanisms.

RESULTS

Chenopodium quinoa Willd. flavonoids (CQWF) were obtained successfully through an optimized ultrasonic extraction methodology, followed by isolation and purification utilizing macroporous resin D101. The study then explored the therapeutic potential of CQWF and its eluted fractions in models emulating NAFLD conditions: an in vitro fatty liver cell model induced by oleic acid (OA) and palmitic acid (PA) in the HepG2 and BEL‐7402 cell lines, and an in vivo high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced NAFLD model in C57BL/6N mice. The findings revealed a comprehensive mitigating effect of CQWF30 on NAFLD, manifesting in reduced intracellular lipid accumulation in steatotic hepatocytes and a concerted downregulation of key lipid metabolism genes, CD36 and FASN. Administration of CQWF30 reduced triglyceride (TG) levels in both the cellular model and the livers of HFD‐fed mice. It also reduced serum concentrations of TG, total cholesterol (T‐CHO), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), while increasing high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) in the mice.

CONCLUSION

These results highlighted the promising therapeutic capacity of CQWF, particularly CQWF30. This research advances the exploration and utilization of flavonoids derived from quinoa whole grain, providing innovative dietary intervention strategies for NAFLD. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Validity of the Skin and UV Neoplasia Transplant Risk Assessment Calculator (SUNTRAC) tool in a Dutch cohort of transplant recipients
Authors: Bacoș‐Cosma Octavian I. , Sidorenkov Grigory A. , Kremer Daan , Knobbe Tim J. , van der Vegt Bert , Bakker Stephan J. L. , Rácz Emőke ,   TransplantLines Investigators
Published: December 2024

Background

To identify patients with high risk of skin cancer, risk prediction tools have been developed.

Objectives

External validation of the Skin and UV Neoplasia Transplant Risk Assessment Calculator (SUNTRAC) in a Dutch cohort of solid organ transplant recipients (SOTR) and exploration of the possibility of incorporating additional risk factors to enhance its predictive performance.

Methods

We used data from the ongoing, prospective TransplantLines Biobank and Cohort Study of the University Medical Center Groningen (Groningen, The Netherlands). We conducted a survival analysis using Fine and Gray models to determine the subdistribution hazard ratios of the SUNTRAC risk factors and groups, Wolbers C index to assess its discriminative power, and cumulative incidences of skin cancer to assess its calibration. We applied the same methods for the incorporation of additional risk factors to the model.

Results

A total of 2099 patients were included with a median age at transplantation of 52.1 years (Interquartile range [IQR]: 40.6–60.1) and a median follow‐up time of 6.6 years (IQR: 3.4–12.5). In total 478 (22.8%) patients developed skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma (53.3%) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (42.9%) were most prevalent. The cumulative incidences of skin cancer per SUNTRAC risk group at 10 years were: low‐risk (1.8%), medium‐risk (12.9%), high‐risk (34.3%) and very high‐risk (68.6%). Significantly different skin cancer risk rates were observed for the medium‐risk (SHR = 9.9, 95% CI: 2.51–39.4), high‐risk (SHR = 21.5, 95% CI: 5.40–85.2) and very high‐risk (SHR = 80.3, 95% CI: 19.26–335.1) groups in reference to the low‐risk group. Wolbers C‐index at 5 years was 0.71. The model was well calibrated for our cohort. The addition of other potential risk factors yielded no or marginal improvement of discriminative value on top of SUNTRAC.

Conclusions

SUNTRAC is valid for the general Dutch SOTR population, and it can be clinically implemented.
Sampling for disease surveillance: assessing effects on blue‐winged teal survival and recovery
Authors: Swift Rose J. , Arnold Todd W. , Carter Deborah L. , Link Paul , Poulson Rebecca L. , Stallknecht David E. , Pearse Aaron T.
Published: December 2024

Outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in wild animals highlight the need for disease surveillance in wild birds to improve our understanding of their role as reservoirs and dispersers, and potential threats to domestic poultry and wild bird populations. Surveillance for avian influenza varies in its approach, objectives, and coordination with other monitoring efforts. For waterfowl, a common host to avian influenza viruses, banding represents a concerted effort of capturing and marking thousands of individuals annually to estimate survival and harvest rates, but users of these data have generally taken a conservative approach to remove any banded birds from analyses that had a sample taken for disease surveillance during capture. We tested for differences in survival and encounter probabilities of blue‐winged teal (Spatula discors) marked (n = 21,702 teal) and sampled for disease surveillance (n = 4,216) during the nonbreeding season in Louisiana, USA, from 2016 to 2023. Although we found no consistent effect of collecting biological samples on survival probability, including an additional test showing no detectable effects of sampling for disease surveillance with oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs versus sampling with swabs and a syringe‐drawn blood sample, wide 95% credible intervals on the posterior survival estimates (mean 0.36 difference between upper and lower values across all year‐sex‐sampling groups; 0.44 for sampling type groups) indicated low statistical power to detect an effect. Seber recovery probability during the first interval following sampling was lower among birds sampled using swabs only, but we assume this stems from low sample sizes rather than an effect of collecting biological samples. Because recovery probabilities can vary as a function of individual covariates, we also examined direct recovery probabilities and observed no meaningful effect of disease surveillance sampling type but strong effects of capture date, suggesting the effect on Seber recovery probability may have been due to heterogeneity in exposure to natural and harvest mortality risks. Although we suggest that aligning disease surveillance sample collection efforts with landscape‐scale waterfowl banding efforts may have little effect on observed demographic rates, additional studies with larger sample sizes are likely needed to provide the statistical power necessary to formally conclude no effect of biological sampling on survival probabilities.
Wear Simulations of Involute Harmonic Gear Under Mixed Lubrication Condition
Authors: Shen Yi , He Tao , Feng Jiangkai
Published: December 2024

Harmonic gears are widely used in precise space technology, robotic, medical equipment and other fields, while the magnitude of surface topography changes due to wear is usually comparable to or larger than the original surface roughness and elastic deformation, leading to severe transmission failures. This paper reports a numerical approach to simulate the lubrication status considering wear evolution based on mixed elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) and Archard models, in which the Reynolds equation is solved with finite difference method and surface deformation is calculated by the discrete convolution‐fast Fourier transform (DC‐FFT) algorithm. The interfacial pressure and film thickness distributions are validated by comparison with available results from literature. The harmonic gear lubrication and wear performances are calculated, including effects of machined surface, velocity, load, wear time and material properties, and the results suggest that avoiding long‐term and high‐torque working with a large wear coefficient can effectively prevent surface wear failure, which is beneficial for increasing the harmonic gears' lifespan.