bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneously Improving Radiative Decay and Reverse Intersystem Crossing in Space‐Confined Through‐Space Charge‐Transfer (TSCT) Emitter by Strong Intermolecular TSCT Enabled by a Planar Donor
Authors: Song Yongjun , Zhang Ke , Wang Pingping , Cao Yuan , He Lei
Published: December 2024

Simultaneously improving radiative decay and reverse intersystem crossing (RISC) of through‐space charge‐transfer (TSCT) thermally‐activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters has remained a challenge. Here, space‐confined TSCT‐TADF emitters are developed with a planar indolo[3,2,1‐kl]phenoxazine donor, a spiro‐carbon‐fixed benzophenone acceptor, and a fluorene (for 1) or xanthene (for 2) bridge. Close, cofacial donor/acceptor alignments and efficient intramolecular TSCT have been observed for both emitters. Intriguingly, emitter 1 exhibits an intermolecular donor/acceptor interaction as strong as the intramolecular one, which opens efficient intermolecular TSCT, improving the radiative decay rate (kr,s) to the same level as emitter 2 featuring a much stronger intramolecular donor/acceptor interaction. The intermolecular TSCT also largely enhances the RISC rate (kRISC). In the 20 wt.% doped films, emitters 1 and 2 show green TADF with high kr,s/kRISC at 1.1 × 107 s−1/1.3 × 106 s−1 and 1.2 × 107 s−1/7.7 × 105 s−1, respectively. Organic light–emitting diodes (OLEDs) using the emitters show high external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) up to 27.5% and low‐efficiency roll‐offs. Hyperfluorescent OLEDs using the emitters as sensitizers afford narrowband blue‐green emission with high EQEs up to 30.6% and largely suppressed efficiency roll‐offs. The work reveals that strengthening intermolecular TSCT is a promising avenue to simultaneously improve kr,s, and kRISC of TSCT‐TADF emitters for high‐performance OLEDs.
Enabling the Reprocessability and Debonding of Epoxy Thermosets Using Dynamic Poly(β‐Amino Amide) Curing Agents
Authors: Nguyen Loc Tan , Maes Stephan , Du Prez Filip E.
Published: December 2024

Epoxy resins, by showing outstanding performances, stand out as the most applied materials in thermoset products. However, their excellent properties, associated with covalently cross‐linked structures, come at the expense of recyclability, thus posing environmental and regulatory challenges. Herein, starting from the recently explored reversibility of robust poly(β‐amino amide)s, dynamic curing agents are synthesized in a one‐pot procedure for their use in the preparation of epoxy‐derived dynamic networks. The obtained materials retain desirable properties while being fully (re)processable, with high temperature‐dependent viscoelasticity (activation energy (Ea) of ≈230 to 270 kJ mol−1). Moreover, this new generation of epoxy materials shows excellent resistance to hydrolysis and creep at elevated temperatures (up to 120 °C). As an entry point to further applications, the reversible curing agents are implemented in adhesive formulations, showcasing lap shear strengths that are comparable to commercial hardeners (up to 9 MPa). The β‐amino amide groups provide the obtained adhesives with the additional functionality of heat‐triggered deconstruction at elevated temperatures (130 to 150 °C), and re‐bonding capacity with up to 80% recovery in lap‐shear strength. To encourage industrial adoption, a cost‐effective, drop‐in synthesis protocol is developed using only bulk chemicals, hence facilitating practical implementation.
Robust Superlinear Photoresponse Based on p‐Te/n‐MoS2 Van Der Waals Heterojunction
Authors: Li Lijian , Guo Peng , Tang Kai , Sha Shulin , Xu Tong , Wan Peng , Kan Caixia , Shi Daning , Fang Xiaosheng , Jiang Mingming
Published: December 2024

Photodetectors exhibiting robust superlinear photoresponse characteristics can overcome the limitations of traditional devices whose figures‐of‐merits decrease with increasing light irradiance at high levels, thereby providing a significant breakthrough for the development of intelligent optical devices with low power consumption and high efficiency. Herein, a p‐Te/n‐MoS2 van der Waals heterojunction photodetector is experimentally achieved that exhibits self‐powering operation, fast response speed, broadband, and polarization‐sensitive photodetection. When exposed to 570 nm illumination at 0 V bias, the detector demonstrates excellent performance, including a responsivity of 74 mA W−1, a specific detectivity of 4.1 × 1010 Jones, fast rising/falling times of 35/34 µs and a high photocurrent anisotropy ratio of 1.85. The device maintains competitive photodetection properties upon intense lights in comparison with its competitors, which is attributed to its superlinear photoresponse. Specifically, its superlinear photoresponse value reaches up to 2.0 at 254 nm, while it also showcases outstanding superlinear values in the broadband response regions. Associated with theoretical analysis, the superlinear photoresponse is primarily attributed to the photogating layer mechanism of 1D Te single crystals and their excellent hole conduction capability. This study paves the way for creating high‐performance photodetectors with potential applications in high‐resolution imaging, spectral analysis, neuromorphic networks, and others.
Continuous Tuning of Fe‐O Covalency via Bioengineering for Facilitating Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Li Guang , Zhang Shengqi , Li Wailian , Bi Zhuangzhuang , Wu Jiajie , Chen Yuxi , Ge Lin , Wu Bo , Li Lei , Qu Qing
Published: December 2024

The applications of Fe‐based electrocatalysts in oxygen evolution reactions (OER) and hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) are hindered due to poor stability and catalytic activity originating from rapid Fe leaching and the intrinsic electronic structure of FeOOH. Here, the study presents a strategy to precisely and continuously tune the morphology of FeOOH and the covalent characteristics of Fe–O bonds by controlling the coverage of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) on the FeOOH surface. Operando spectroscopy and theoretical calculations reveal that regulating Fe–O covalency induces changes in intermediate adsorption strength and metal leaching, leading to a volcano‐shaped trend in durability and activity as a function of Fe–O covalency. Notably, in HER, negatively charged sites of EPS exhibit superior *H adsorption compared to bare FeOOH. In particular, EPS2@FeOOH exhibits excellent catalytic performance for both OER (η10 = 240 mV) and HER (η10 = 52 mV), with outstanding stability over 200 hours at 100 mA cm⁻2. The current density also reaches 10 mA cm⁻2 at merely 1.51 V in a two‐electrode configuration, significantly surpassing other bifunctional electrocatalysts. This approach will provide a promising pathway to enhance the stability and activity of water electrolysis through precise modulation of EPS coverage.
Wide Color Gamut and High Sensitivity in Luminescent Thermal Indicators from an Organic Energy Donor‐Acceptor System with Tunable Molecular Interactions
Authors: Martínez‐Denegri Guillermo , Soares Franciela Arenhart , Ślęczkowski Piotr
Published: December 2024

The photoluminescent response of organic materials upon applied stimuli is a key property that can be easily utilized for their implementation in simple and inexpensive sensing devices. A wide spectral response together with an accessible detection constitutes two crucial features required for promising sensing materials. Here, a new energy donor‐acceptor intermolecular system in thin films is developed, realizing a gradual and irreversible change on the photoluminescent emission determined by the thermal history of the sample. These changes are principally induced in the excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) type donor molecule that governs the overall interaction of the system as a consequence of the thermal events. Three main fluctuating channels of emission are observed, which are distinguished by the shifting of the acceptor emission and the relative intensity of all the spectral features. These effects are translated into a temperature responsive configuration that creates a widely tunable chromatic emission strictly consistent with its thermal history. The application of the thin films as wide range thermal indicators is demonstrated for simple visual inspection and for ratiometric sensing, showing noticeable color changes and remarkable sensitivities of over 14% °C−1.
Tailoring Robust 2D Nanochannels by Radical Polymerization for Efficient Molecular Sieving
Authors: You Yue , Ma Yuxi , Zeng Xianghui , Wang Yichao , Du Juan , Qian Yijun , Yang Guoliang , Su Yuyu , Lei Weiwei , Zhao Shuaifei , Qing Yan , Wu Yiqiang , Li Jingliang
Published: December 2024

Two‐dimensional (2D) nanochannels have demonstrated outstanding performance for sieving specific molecules or ions, owing to their uniform molecular channel sizes and interlayer physical/chemical properties. However, controllably tuning nanochannel spaces with specific sizes and simultaneously achieving high mechanical strength remain the main challenges. In this work, the inter‐sheet gallery d‐spacing of graphene oxide (GO) membrane is successfully tailored with high mechanical strength via a general radical‐induced polymerization strategy. The introduced amide groups from N‐Vinylformamide significantly reinforce the 2D nanochannels within the freestanding membranes, resulting in an ultrahigh tensile strength of up to 105 MPa. The d‐spacing of the membrane is controllably tuned within a range of 0.799–1.410 nm, resulting in a variable water permeance of up to 218 L m−2 h−1 bar−1 (1304% higher than that of the pristine GO membranes). In particular, the tailored membranes demonstrate excellent water permeance stability (140 L m−2 h−1 bar−1) in a 200‐h long‐term operation and high selectivity of solutes under harsh conditions, including a wide range of pH from 4.0 to 10.0, up to a loading pressure of 12 bar and an external temperature of 40 °C. This approach comprehensively achieves a balance between sieving performance and mechanical strength, satisfying the requirements for the next‐generation molecular sieving membranes.
Chirality‐Induced Hydroxyapatite Manipulates Enantioselective Bone‐Implant Interactions Toward Ameliorative Osteoporotic Osseointegration
Authors: Yang Liang , Du Jinzhou , Jin Shengyang , Yang Shuyi , Chen Zhaowei , Yu Shiyang , Fan Cunyi , Zhou Chao , Ruan Hongjiang
Published: December 2024

Inspired by the fundamental attribute of chirality in nature, chiral‐engineered biomaterials now represent a groundbreaking frontier in biomedical fields. However, the integration of chirality within inorganic materials remains a critical challenge and developments of chirality‐induced bionic bone implants are still in infancy. In this view, novel chiral hydroxyapatite (CHA) coated Ti alloys are successfully synthesized by a sophisticated chiral molecule‐induced self‐assembly method for the first time. The obtained samples are characterized by stereospecific L‐/D‐/Rac‐chiral hierarchical morphology, nanotopography rough surfaces, improved hydrophilicity, and bioactivity. Following implantation into rat femoral condyle defects, the distinct stereospecific chiral hierarchical structures exhibit highly enantioselective bone‐implants interactions, wherein the left‐handed chirality of L‐CHA strongly promotes osteoporotic osseointegration and vice versa for right‐handed chirality of D‐CHA. Consistently, in vitro assays further validate the superior enantiomer‐dependent osteoporotic osseointegration ability of L‐CHA, mainly by manipulating desired immunomodulation coupled with enhanced neurogenesis, angiogenesis, and osteogenesis. Moreover, as analyzed by transcriptomic RNA‐seq, a new discovery of down‐regulated IL‐17 signaling pathway is considered predominately responsible for the desired immunomodulation ability of L‐CHA. These results provide new insights into biological multifunctionality and mechanism underlying L‐chirality's roles for bone healing, thus may inspiring developments of new generation of chiral biomaterials.
Son Preference, Household Wealth Status, and Desire for More Children in the Context of Polygyny in Pakistan
Authors: Ibupoto Mukhtiar Hussain , Shah Athar Ali , Loong Anbang
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The study explores the relationship between son preference and the desire for more children in the context of polygyny in Pakistan. It also highlights the link between household wealth status and son preference.

Methods

Data analysis entails logistic regression and simple linear regression tests utilizing data from the Demographic and Health Survey 2017–2018. The sample size comprises 1796 women, belonging to polygynous families.

Results

The findings show that at each parity, the desire for more children strengthens with an increasing number of girls than boys and it moderates with a balanced sex composition of children. The overall desire for more children slightly decreases with the increasing number of children, yet it is greater among women having fewer sons than daughters. Son preferences increase with increasing wealth.

Conclusion

Women with more girls than boys continuously show a higher desire for more children. That could be translated as a pursuit of the desired number of sons. Son preference significantly shows a positive association with household wealth status.
Lactylation of tau in human Alzheimer's disease brains
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyu , Liu Yan , Rekowski Michaella J. , Wang Ning
Published: December 2024

INTRODUCTION

Aggregation of hyperphosphorylated tau (tauopathy) is associated with cognitive impairment in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). In AD, a metabolic shift due to the Warburg effect results in increased lactate production. Lactate can induce a post‐translational modification (PTM) on proteins that conjugates lactyl groups to lysine (K) residues, which is known as lactylation.

METHODS

We analyzed lactylation of tau in control and AD brain tissue and conducted cell‐based assays. In addition, we used in vitro assays to determine whether p300 catalyzed tau lactylation.

RESULTS

Quantitative proteomics detected that tau lactylation was elevated in AD brains, with K residue at position 331 (K331) being a prominent site. Lactate induced tau lactylation, which increased tau phosphorylation and cleavage and reduced ubiquitination. Inhibition of lactate production lowered tau lactylation; p300 catalyzed tau lactylation.

DISCUSSION

Our findings suggest that tau lactylation links metabolic dysregulation with tauopathy and could serve as a novel diagnostic and therapeutic target.

Highlights

Elevated tau lactylation, particularly at K331, is evident in in human AD brain samples.

Lactate induces tau lactylation, enhancing phosphorylation and cleavage while inhibiting ubiquitination.

The acetyl‐transferase p300 catalyzes tau lactylation, with K331 being the most prominent site.
B12‐Dependent Radical SAM Enzymes Catalyze C‐Fluoromethylation via a CH2F‐Cobalamin Intermediate
Authors: Kong Liyuan , Zhang Jianliang , Wang Haoxin , Wei Zhifeng , Wang Wenrui , Hu Jing , Dong Min
Published: December 2024

Fluorine and fluorine‐containing functional groups play important roles in drugs and agrochemicals. Recently, SAM‐dependent methyltransferases and several SAM analogues have been reported for fluoromethyl transfer through a nucleophilic mechanism. However, fluoromethylation of unactivated carbon centers is very challenging, and their substitution usually involves a radical mechanism. To date, no biocatalysts have been developed for fluoromethylation of unactivated carbon centers. In this study, we found that the B12‐dependent radical SAM methyltransferase (B12‐RSMT) QCMT can fluoromethylate the glutamine Cα position of peptides with fluorinated SAM (F‐SAM) generated in situ by the enzyme AclHMT. QCMT can cleave F‐SAM to produce the 5'‐dA radical. The significant reaction intermediate CH2FCbI was characterized by HR‐MS, 19F NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallography. In addition, B12‐RSMTs CysS and GenD1 can also transfer fluoromethyl groups onto natural products. We also found that F‐SAM is not compulsory. The reduced B12‐RSMTs can directly generate CH2FCbI with CH2FI and transfer the CH2F group when SAM is used as the radical initiator. Our results demonstrate a radical‐mediated enzymatic strategy for fluoromethylation with abiological cofactors and expand radical SAM enzymes to the field of fluorine chemistry.
Cesium Phosphotungstate Salt Nanospheres Coated on a 3D Graphene Framework for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Mengyao , Yang Guang , Sun Chunyu , Wu Yuchao , Jiang Xinyuan , Ni Lubin , Diao Guowang , Wei Yongge
Published: December 2024

Traditional cathode materials for lithium‐insertion compounds, such as LiCoO2, LiMn2O4, LiNiO2, and LiFePO4, have been highly successful, but they face severe limitations in terms of energy density and production cost associated with their usage. Therefore, the design of next‐generation energy storage devices, such as molecular cluster batteries, is an important and hot topic in current research. While polyoxometalates have been developed for battery components for several years, common POMs, including H3PW12O40, tend to form heteropoly blues that dissolve in the electrolyte during charging and discharging processes. Hence, finding a polyoxometalates that is less soluble in electrolyte and exhibits certain electrical properties is particularly crucial for lithium‐ion battery cathodes. Here, we report the synthesis of zero‐dimensional Cs3PW12O40 nanospheres, followed by the successful embedding of Cs3PW12O40 nanospheres into three‐dimensional graphene sponge, constructing a novel hybrid material of three‐dimensional graphene@polyoxometalate (rGO@Cs3PW12O40) as a new cathode material for LIBs. The prepared rGO@Cs3PW12O40 half‐cell hybrid exhibits excellent electrochemical performance, with high specific capacity (approximately 240 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1), outstanding rate capability (95 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1), and exceptional cycling stability (700 cycles at 1 A g−1). This study provides a new perspective on the application of polyoxometalates in lithium‐ion batteries.
The 6Rs of EFDT Studies
Authors: Wise L. David
Published: December 2024

Given the increased concerns over reproducibility, replicability, and reliability of scientific studies, the embryo‐fetal developmental toxicity (EFDT) study was examined from this perspective together with the classic 3Rs. These 6Rs contribute to external validity (i.e., applicability to human safety). Species differences and experimental conditions lower the validity of all preclinical studies to variable extents. The apparent lack/paucity of demonstrated replicate EFDT studies lowers reliability and thus validity. I make suggestions intended to add reliability for the continued use of these studies, which are a cornerstone for assessing safety during human pregnancies. Experienced readers will recognize that the suggestions would also apply to other guideline‐mandated developmental and reproductive toxicity and toxicity studies.
Dynamic real‐time 3D roadmap: A navigational tool for endovascular recanalization in chronic intracranial arterial occlusion
Authors: Zhao Wen , Chen Ling , Guo Honggen , Jia Qi , Lu Xiaojian , Zhang Feng , Chen Zhengwen , Li Peicheng
Published: December 2024

Chronic intracranial arterial occlusion (CIAO) poses a significant challenge in neurointerventional practice, with no universally accepted treatment strategy. While endovascular recanalization offers the potential for improved outcomes, it requires precise navigation and visualization of the vascular bed distal to the occluded segment to mitigate risks and enhance procedural success. This study introduces a novel technique that employs a dynamic real‐time three‐dimensional (3D) roadmap as a navigation tool during endovascular recanalization procedures for CIAO. This technique leverages advanced 3D rotational angiography and real‐time fluoroscopic overlay to provide continuous, high‐fidelity visualization of vascular anatomy without the need for repeated angiographic acquisitions or roadmap updates. By eliminating the need for recurrent angiograms to obtain optimal working projections after C‐arm adjustments, the dynamic real‐time 3D roadmap significantly improves procedural efficiency. This innovation substantially reduces radiation exposure, and contrast media volume, directly enhancing patient safety. Moreover, real‐time guidance minimizes procedural complications, such as vessel perforation and dissection, ensuring a safer and more controlled recanalization process. The dynamic real‐time 3D roadmap offers a safe, accurate, and efficient approach for navigating complex vascular anatomy, improving clinical outcomes in patients with CIAO while reducing procedural risks and resource utilization.
Does Asthma Affect the Risk of Developing Breast Cancer?
Authors: Michels Karin B. , Dumas Orianne , Varraso Raphaelle , Camargo Carlos A.
Published: December 2024

Background

The role of the immune system in cancer defense is likely underappreciated. While there has been longstanding interest in the role of atopic diseases in cancer, only a few studies have tested this hypothesis.

Methods

We analyzed data from 202,055 women participating in the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) and the Nurses' Health Study II (NHS II) to explore whether asthma is associated with breast cancer. We used Cox proportional hazards models to link physician‐diagnosed asthma with subsequent incidence of breast cancer.

Results

Across the two cohorts, we identified 18,403 cases of physician‐diagnosed asthma. During 4,393,760 person‐years of follow‐up, 11,096 incident cases of breast cancer were diagnosed. In NHS, women with asthma had a covariate‐adjusted hazard ratio of 0.92 (95% CI: 0.86–0.99) to develop breast cancer compared to women without asthma; the respective HR in NHS II was 0.93 (0.84–1.03), and 0.92 (0.87–0.98) in the pooled analysis. Among never‐smokers, the HR for breast cancer was 0.91 (0.81–1.02) in NHS, 0.81 (0.70–0.93) in NHS II, and 0.86 (0.77–0.97) combined. In two large prospective cohorts of women, participants with asthma had a somewhat lower risk of breast cancer. An active immune system may provide protection from breast cancer.

Conclusions

In these longitudinal studies, women with asthma had a somewhat lower risk of breast cancer. This association was most pronounced among never smokers. An active immune system may provide protection from breast cancer.
Intravascular Imaging‐Guided Versus Angiography‐Guided Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients With ST‐Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction in the United States
Authors: Krittanawong Chayakrit , Ang Song Peng , Maitra Neil Sagar , Wang Zhen , Alam Mahboob , Jneid Hani , Sharma Samin
Published: December 2024

Background

The role of Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) is still unclear in patients with STEMI undergoing PCI in the current second‐generation DES era.

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate the trends and outcomes of IVUS‐guided PCI in patients with STEMI.

Methods

We used the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2016 to 2021. The primary endpoint of this study is all‐cause in‐hospital mortality. Secondary endpoints include trends of PCI hospitalizations, trends of mortality, length of stay, and cost of hospitalization.

Results

There were data for 819,645 hospitalizations for STEMI, of which 91.2% (n = 74,7860) utilized angiography‐guided PCI, 8.4% (n = 68,985) utilized IVUS‐guided PCI and 0.3% (n = 2800) utilized OCT‐guided PCI. In‐hospital mortality for IVUS‐guided PCI was 4.6% (n = 3190) versus 6.0% (n = 44,935) for angiography‐guided PCI with an adjusted OR 0.75 (0.68–0.81, p < 0.001). In‐hospital mortality for OCT‐guided PCI was 3.4% (n = 95) versus 6.0% (n = 44,935) for angiography‐guided PCI with an adjusted OR 0.67 (0.43–1.06, p = 0.09).

Conclusions

IVUS/OCT‐guidance was increasingly utilized over the years and was associated with a significantly reduced adjusted odds of in‐hospital mortality. Large‐scale, long‐term randomized data are needed to better ascertain where IVUS/OCT may be best utilized for optimization of PCI for STEMI.
Anatomy of Risk: Decoding the Predictors of Vascular Access Complications in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Row Hunter T. , Edwards Anyamaria , Beaudrie Johnathan , Sahmoun Abe , Reil Todd , Haldis Thomas , Dyke Cornelius
Published: December 2024

Background

Despite advancements in valve implantation devices, vascular access complications (VAC) remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality for those undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). We describe pre‐operative imaging analysis of the aortoiliac and femoral arterial beds using the TransAtlantic intersociety consensus (TASC) score, ilio‐femoral tortuosity, and procedural characteristics to identify anatomic risk factors predictive of VAC in TAVR.

Methods

Consecutive patients undergoing TAVR from 2012 to 2022 at a single North Dakota hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Pre‐operative computed tomography angiography (CTA) was used for vascular analysis of the infrarenal aorta, iliac, and femoral vascular beds. Wilcoxon signed‐rank test was used for non‐normally distributed or t‐test for normally distributed continuous variables and Chi‐square or Fisher's exact tests for categorical variables were utilized to examine the association of each variable with vascular complications.

Results

One thousand eighty‐nine patients were evaluated with 80 patients identified with VAC. Aortoiliac disease burden of the iliac arteries and posterior wall calcification of the common femoral artery (CFA) were predictive of VAC. Iliofemoral tortuosity and skin to CFA depth were not. Left sided CFA versus right CFA access was associated (p < 0.001). Pretreatment of diseased iliac vessels decreased odds of VAC (OR 0.21, 95% CI, 0.08−0.56).

Conclusion

Our study highlights the importance of preoperative peripheral vascular assessment for TAVR. We identify aortoiliac disease burden, posterior CFA calcification, and left sided common femoral access as risk factors for VAC. A structured approach to the preoperative assessment may optimize planning and enhance outcomes in TAVR.
Facile and Regioselective Deuteration of C2‐Alkylated Imidazolium Salts in the Presence of Cesium Carbonate
Authors: Mazars François , Far Johann , Damblon Christian , Delaude Lionel
Published: December 2024

Thirteen imidazolium iodides bearing benzyl, mesityl, or 2,6‐diisopropylphenyl substituents on their nitrogen atoms, and C1–C4 alkyl chains on their C2 carbon atom were readily deuterated with D2O as a cheap and non‐toxic deuterium source in the presence of Cs2CO3, a weak, innocuous, inorganic base. The isotopic exchange proceeded quickly and efficiently under mild, aerobic conditions to afford a range of aNHC and NHO precursors regioselectively labeled on their C2α exocyclic position and/or C4=C5 heterocyclic backbone. A “carbene‐free” mechanism was postulated, in which the carbonate anion acts as a catalyst to activate an exocyclic, acidic C−H bond and ease a deuterium transfer from D2O to the imidazolium salt in a concerted fashion.
Molecular Simulations of Stereocomplex Crystallization in Grafted Diblock Copolymers
Authors: Ma Junjie , Chen Yupeng , Chen Jianyu , Ming Yongqiang , Nie Yijing
Published: December 2024

How to increase the stereocomplex crystal (SCs) content of polylactic acid attracts a lot of attention from scientists. In the current work, Monte Carlo simulations are used to construct grafted diblock copolymer systems with different grafting modes and the stereocomplex crystallization of these systems is studied. The results show that the SC contents are highest in the random‐grafted, the row‐staggered‐grafted and the point‐staggered‐grafted copolymer systems, while the SC content is lowest in the uniform‐grafted copolymer systems. This can be attributed to that the random‐grafted, the row‐staggered‐grafted and the point‐staggered‐grafted copolymer systems have the highest local segment miscibility, while the uniform‐grafted copolymer system has the lowest local segment miscibility. In addition, it is also found that the point‐staggered‐grafted copolymer systems with lower chain lengths exhibit higher SC contents due to the stronger segment mobility.
Network Partitioning Problem and UAVs' Integration for Efficient Connectivity Restoration: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zear Aditi , Ranga Virender , Bhushan Kriti
Published: December 2024

Wireless sensor and actor networks (WSANs) are gaining substantial recognition because of their utility in inhospitable environments where humans have restricted accessibility. The extensive applications of WSANs in different domains require effectiveness, reliability, and some degree of robustness. These networks may experience frequent node failures due to their deployment in rough environments, such as energy depletion and onboard electronics failure of network nodes. These failures result in areas with no coverage, which may further deteriorate the standard of data accumulated. However, the network partitioning into disjoint fragments is the most severe repercussion that arises due to these failures. The network partitioning results in various negative impacts like obstruction in data exchange and restricted coordination among the nodes. Therefore, detecting partitioning in the network and restoring connectivity are important. This paper reviews the reported network partition detection and recovery techniques. The limitations of these recovery techniques are highlighted, along with the advantages of incorporating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in various ground wireless networks. UAVs are evolving to become a critical element of future wireless network technologies. This paper incorporates the analysis of UAV‐assisted networks consisting of technical issues, challenges, and requirements related to the UAVs' employment in wireless networks. Thereafter, the reported UAV‐assisted partition recovery techniques are discussed along with the application scenarios for incorporating UAVs in network partitioning detection and recovery problem. The paper also highlights the challenges for associating UAVs in the network recovery process.
Early genetic screening and cardiac intervention in patients with cardiomyopathies in a multidisciplinary clinic
Authors: Sadasivan Chandu , Gagnon Luke R. , Hazra Deepan , Wang Kaiming , Youngson Erik , Thomas Jissy , Chan Anita Y.M. , Paterson D. Ian , McAlister Finlay A. , Dzwiniel Tara , Tymchak Wayne , Christian Susan , Oudit Gavin Y.
Published: December 2024

Aims

Patients with cardiomyopathies are a heterogeneous group of patients who experience high morbidity and mortality. Early cardiac assessment and intervention with access to genetic counselling in a multidisciplinary Cardiomyopathy Clinic may improve outcomes and prevent progression to advanced heart failure.

Methods and results

Our prospective cohort study was conducted at a multidisciplinary Cardiomyopathy Clinic with 421 patients enrolled (42.5% female, median age 58 years), including 224 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM, 42.9% female, median age 57 years), 72 with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM, 43.1% female, median age 60 years), 79 with infiltrative cardiomyopathy (65.8% female, median age 70 years) and 46 who were stage A/at risk for genetic cardiomyopathy (54.3% female, median age 36 years). Patients were seen in follow‐up at a median of 18 months. A pathogenic/likely pathogenic variant was identified in 28.5% of the total cohort, including 33.3% of the DCM cohort (28% TTN mutations) and 34.1% of the HCM cohort (60% MYBPC3 and 20% MYH7) who underwent genetic testing. The use of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers/angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (48.3–69.5% of total cohort, P < 0.001), β‐blockers (58.4–72.4%, P < 0.001), mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (33.9–41.4%, P = 0.0014) and sodium/glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors (5.3–27.9%, P < 0.001) all increased at follow‐up. Precision‐based therapies were also implemented, including tafamidis for transthyretin amyloidosis (n = 21), enzyme replacement therapy for Fabry disease (n = 14) and mavacamten (n = 4) for HCM. Optimization of medications and devices resulted in improvements in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) from 27% to 43% at follow‐up for DCM patients with reduced LVEF at baseline (P < 0.001) and reduction in left ventricular mass index (LVMI) from 156 g/m2 to 128 g/m2 at follow‐up for HCM patients with abnormal LVMI at baseline (P = 0.009). Optimization of therapies was associated with stable plasma biomarkers in stage B patients while lowering levels of BNP (619–517.5 pg/mL, P = 0.048), NT‐proBNP (777.5–356 ng/L, P < 0.001) and hsTropT (31–22 ng/L, P = 0.005) at follow‐up relative to baseline values for stage C patients. Despite stage B patients having overt cardiomyopathy at baseline, stage A and B patients had a similarly high probability of survival (χ2 = 0.204, P = 0.652). The overall cardiovascular mortality rate was low at 1.7% for the cohort (0.5% for stage B and 3.3% for stage C) over a median of 34‐month follow‐up.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that a multidisciplinary cardiomyopathy clinic can improve the clinical profiles of patients with diverse genetic cardiomyopathies.
Temporal and spatial evolution of green development capacity in western China
Authors: Wei Wei , Zhang Yali , Wei Xiaoxu , Yu Lina , Liu Congying , Nan Shengxiang
Published: December 2024

Using land use data and multi‐source remote sensing data and products, this paper selected comprehensive indices including the land use degree, habitat quality index, and the improved ecological environment index from the perspectives of efficiency, harmony, and sustainability. It calculated the Green Development Power Index (GDPI) using an objective weighting method and analyzed the spatial and temporal evolution of the GDPI in the western region from 2000 to 2020. The results of the paper showed that: (1) The level of green development power in the western region generally showed a progressive distribution pattern, with higher values in the north and west, and lower values in the south and east. The overall level of green development was positioned between the levels of stronger and strong development power. (2) From 2000 to 2020, the average values of the GDPI in the western region were 0.612, 0.613, 0.615, 0.610, and 0.594, respectively. The proportions of areas with stronger levels of green development power were 51.2%, 51.3%, 51.3%, 51.1%, and 47.0%, respectively. (3) Between 2000 and 2020, the level of the GDPI in the western region as a whole was in a basically stable state. The strong development power was mainly concentrated in desert Gobi regions such as Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, Qinghai, and Gansu, which are characterized by lower altitude. In contrast, weaker development power was primarily found in regions like Sichuan and Shaanxi, which experienced rapid economic development, high levels of urbanization, and high population density.
Performance Characterisation and Application of Zein Microcapsules Loaded With Pyrazine Flavour
Authors: Zhou Meng , Zhang Yujie , He Aimin , Chen Weihua , Jiang Li , Lai Miao , Zhao Mingqin , Cui Bing
Published: December 2024

Pyrazine spices are prone to loss during application and storage due to their low molecular weight and high volatility. This study utilised zein as the wall material to develop microcapsules containing 2,3‐diethyl‐5‐methylpyrazine (DEMP), aiming to investigate protective and controlled release capabilities. The microcapsules (zein@DEMP) were fabricated using the antisolvent method, with an optimised loading rate of 11.43%, as determined by response surface methodology. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the zein@DEMP microcapsules exhibited a well‐dispersed spherical structure, while transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated a core‐shell structure. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy further confirmed the successful encapsulation of DEMP. At the same time, pyrolysis results showed that the DEMP could be released under heating without producing any significant harmful compounds. Additionally, heat release kinetics at varying rates exhibited a strong linear fit, and the release kinetic at 80°C followed a first‐order kinetic equation. Storage stability tests demonstrated a significant increase in DEMP retention after 30 days at room temperature. Furthermore, the zein@DEMP microcapsules displayed antioxidant properties. When incorporated into heat‐not‐burn (HNB) cigarettes at a concentration of 20 mg, the zein@DEMP microcapsules improved sensory evaluation. The transfer behaviour of DEMP was also examined. This study underscores the potential of microencapsulation technology in enhancing the thermal stability and sustained‐release characteristics of pyrazine spices.
Association Between Sugar‐Sweetened Beverage Consumption and Frailty Among Older Adults With Hypertension: Evidence From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2020
Authors: Cao Si , Zeng Youjie , Zhou Sai , Song Wenming , Chen Gong
Published: December 2024

Frailty is a condition characterized by increased vulnerability to adverse health outcomes, particularly among older adults. With the significant prevalence of hypertension and the consumption of sugar‐sweetened beverages (SSBs) in this demographic, it is essential to explore their potential combined effects on frailty. This cross‐sectional study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning 1999–2020, involving 13,465 hypertensive adults aged 60 and above. Frailty was assessed using a Frailty Index based on 49 deficits, categorizing individuals as frail if their score was ≥ 0.25. SSB consumption was measured through 24‐h dietary recalls. Multivariate logistic regression analyses, adjusted for various confounding factors including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), socioeconomic status, and lifestyle choices, indicated that SSB consumption was independently associated with an increased likelihood of frailty (odds ratio = 1.18, 95% confidence interval: 1.02–1.37, p = 0.02). Additionally, restricted cubic spline curve fitting revealed a linear relationship between SSB intake and frailty levels. Our findings suggested that SSB consumption was associated with frailty in older hypertensive adults, emphasizing the need for further research on the underlying mechanisms and potential interventions.
Genetically Predicted Gut Microbiota Mediate the Association Between Fatty Acids and Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy: A Mendelian Randomization Analysis
Authors: Li Ling , Qin Zhiquan , Dong Ruirui , Yuan Xiong , Wang Gaoying , Wang Rong , Ning Shaokai , Wang Jing , Gao Jianyi , Tian Xiaoxue , Zhang Ting
Published: December 2024

Fatty acids (FAs) and gut bacteria likely play vital roles in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). However, the causal connection between FAs, gut microbiota, and ICP has not yet been confirmed. To investigate the associations of FAs, gut bacteria, and ICP, a Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis with two samples was performed to identify the potential causal relationships between FAs and ICP. The potential mediating role of gut bacteria in FAs and ICP was analyzed by a two‐step MR analysis. False discovery rate (FDR) correction was conducted to correct the bias of multiple tests. MR analysis revealed that higher omega‐6 FAs/total FAs (odds ratio [OR] = 2.563, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.362–4.824, FDR p = 0.016), linoleic acids/total FAs (OR = 3.812, 95%CI = 1.966–7.388, FDR p = 0.001), and average number of methylene groups (OR = 1.968, 95%CI = 1.390–2.785, FDR p = 0.001) are potential risk factors for ICP. However, omega‐3 FAs (OR = 0.587, 95%CI = 0.394–0.874, FDR p = 0.031) and the average number of double bonds in an FA chain (OR = 0.575, 95%CI = 0.435–0.759, FDR p = 0.001) could reduce the risk of ICP. The abundance of 25 gut bacteria showed significant causal effects on ICP, among which Dokdonella may play a crucial role in modulating the effects of FAs on ICP. Our research results suggest that the effects of FA on ICP likely vary according to their different types. Dokdonella abundance plays a significant role in mediating the causal interactions between FAs and ICP.
Facilitating and Constraining Factors for Achievement of Strategic Health Sector Results: Findings From a Qualitative Study of 15 Councils in Tanzania
Authors: Jiyenze Mwandu Kini , Tundui Charles , Mollel Henry
Published: December 2024

Strategic planning and strategic plans have gained popularity in the public sectors, including the health sector. However, the factors that facilitate and constrain the achievement of strategic planning outcomes have remained key research questions in the public sector and the health sector. From the perspectives of the council health managers, we explored the factors that facilitated or constrained the achievement of strategic results set out in the 2015–2020 Health Sector Strategic Plan in Tanzania Mainland. We conducted a qualitative study using a purposive sample of 15 council health managers from 15 councils in Tanzania. Qualitative data were collected using semi‐structured interviews. We analysed our data using a thematic analysis approach. Our study found facilitators and barriers to achieving strategic health sector results grouped under five domains: resources availability; management, leadership and governance; strategic collaboration and joint working with implementing partners (NGOs); community factors; and recent reforms in the health sector. Our study has generated insights into factors that facilitate or hinder the effective achievement of strategic health sector results at the council level. The Ministry of Health, the President's Office‐ Regional Administration and Local governments, and health sector development partners should timely provide funds, human resources, health commodities and medical equipment to councils, strengthen health management and leadership at the council level, ensure health education is provided to the community members on health services.
Patterns of Family Adversity and Bullying Involvement in Adolescents: Association With Mental Health Problems
Authors: Liu Mingxiao , Liu Aiyi , Lin Wenzhou , Yu Xiaoqing , Wu Xinchun
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Family and school environments are pivotal in adolescent development. However, the simultaneous examination of adversities in both domains remains understudied. Based on bioecological and spillover theories, this study aimed to bridge this research gap by using latent profile analysis to identify distinct patterns of family adversity and bullying involvement among Chinese adolescents. This study also explored mental health problems associated with these patterns.

Methods

This study was conducted in June (T1) and December (T2) 2023, with a 6‐month interval, in Henan Province, China, and involved 2,568 adolescents (50.3% girls, Mage = 13.46 ± 0.72). Participants completed questionnaires assessing family adversity and bullying involvement at T1, as well as assessments of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, suicide risk, and complex posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms at both T1 and T2.

Results

Six profiles were identified: low adversity and bullying (69.0%, n = 1,771), abuse only (10.9%, n = 279), neglect only (4.5%, n = 115), bullying involvement only (3.7%, n = 96), moderate adversity and bullying with severe abuse (6.9%, n = 176), and moderate adversity and bullying with severe neglect (5.1%, n = 131). Importantly, the severity of mental health problems varied significantly across these profiles.

Conclusion

The study enriches our understanding of concurrent family adversity and bullying involvement and their impact on adolescent mental health, offering insights for tailored intervention strategies for affected groups.
Establishment and Application of a Dual Immunoassay Method Based on ICP‐MS for Stable Element Labeling Antibodies
Authors: Ji Xuyao , Wu Jing , Zhang Jing , Yang Wenxu , Liu Yu
Published: December 2024

Background

To establish a dual immunoassay based on inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) with stable element labeling antibodies for the simultaneous detection of alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) and prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) in serum and evaluate its performance and clinical sample validation.

Methods

The immunoassay system based on the double antibody sandwich method was established using magnetic beads as solid‐phase carriers and rare earth elements europium (Eu) and samarium (Sm) as element tags. The test conditions were optimized. According to the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines and the “Guidelines for Performance Validation of Clinical Chemistry Quantitative Testing Procedures,” performance validation was conducted using the established method, followed by clinical sample validation.

Results

The LOD and AMR for AFP were 0.76 ng/mL and 1.5–1200 ng/mL, respectively; the LOD and AMR for PSA were 0.41 ng/ mL and 0.5–250 ng/ mL, respectively. The intra‐batch precision for AFP and PSA was all less than 3.33%, and the inter‐batch precision for AFP and PSA was all less than 4.97%. The recoveries of AFP and PSA were 95.08%–104.18% and 97.65%–100.72%, respectively. The correlation coefficients between the established and the CLIA methods were r = 0.9930 for AFP and r = 0.9852 for PSA.

Conclusions

We have developed a dual immunoassay method based on ICP‐MS, which can quantitatively detect AFP and PSA in serum within a single analysis. This method exhibits good precision, a wide linear range, and high specificity, meeting the requirements for clinical sample detection and holding potential for clinical application.
FGFR3 Upregulates Interferon‐Stimulated Genes Via the JAK1‐STAT1 Signaling Pathway in HPV2 E2 Stable Expressing Keratinocytes
Authors: Guo Qingqing , Wei Xuanjin , Qi Jiayue , Li Chengxin , Xie Fang
Published: December 2024

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are prevalent skin infectious diseases. While there are no specific anti‐HPV drugs available, understanding the viral mechanisms could lead to novel therapeutic strategies. Verruca vulgaris, a common HPV infection, is frequently encountered in dermatological clinics. The HPV E2 protein, an early viral protein, has been implicated in high‐risk HPV infections by interacting with fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) to inhibit viral DNA replication. However, the role of HPV E2 and FGFR3 in low‐risk HPV infections remains elusive. Our study takes HPV2, a common subtype of verruca vulgaris, to explore the proliferation and immune regulatory effects of HPV2 E2 on keratinocytes. By overexpressing FGFR3 in HPV2 E2 stable expressing keratinocytes, we assessed changes in interferon‐stimulated genes (ISGs) level and cell proliferation. Our findings revealed that HPV2 E2 induced phosphorylation of FGFR3 could activate JAK1‐STAT1 pathway, thereby enhancing antiviral immunity through the upregulation of ISGs. Furthermore, we observed co‐localization and interaction between FGFR3 and HPV2 E2 in keratinocytes. In conclusion, our study underscores the crucial role of FGFR3 in innate antiviral immunity against HPV2 infection in keratinocytes. These findings may provide a potential therapeutic target for HPV infections.