bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advanced Design and 3D Printing Strategies With Alginate‐Nanoclay Nanocomposites: From Microstructure to Bioprinting
Authors: Hua Weijian , Zhang Cheng , Mitchell Kellen , Raymond Lily , Hensley Dale K. , Coulter Ryan , Bandala Erick , Chen Jihua , Do Changwoo , Zhao Danyang , Jin Yifei
Published: October 2024

Nanocomposites made from alginate and nanoclay are extensively applied for diverse biomedical applications. However, the lack of a clear understanding of the interactions between alginate and nanoclay makes it difficult to rationally design the nanocomposites for different material extrusion‐based 3D bioprinting strategies. Here, a combined analytical model is proposed to accurately predict the interaction mechanisms between alginate and nanoclay through small‐angle neutron scattering. These mechanisms are summarized into a phase diagram that can guide the design of alginate‐nanoclay nanocomposites for different bioprinting applications. The rheological properties of various nanocomposites are measured to validate the proposed interaction mechanisms at the macroscale. Accordingly, three representative extrusion‐based bioprinting strategies are linked with the nanocomposite design and applied to freeform fabricate complex structures. A roadmap is summarized to bridge the gap between biomaterial design and bioprinting processes, enabling the rapid and rational selection of biomaterial formula based on available 3D printing methods, and vice versa.
Curcumin inhibits oxidative stress and autophagy in C17.2 neural stem cell through ERK1/2 signaling pathways
Authors: Ruan Yuting , Luo Haoyu , Tang Jingyi , Ji Mengyao , Yu Dapeng , Yu Qun , Cao Zhiyu , Mai Yingren , Zhang Bei , Chen Yan , Liu Jun , Liao Wang
Published: October 2024

Objectives

This study investigates curcumin's neuroprotective role and its potential in promoting neurogenesis in progenitor cells within the brain. Notably, curcumin's antioxidant properties have been implicated in Alzheimer's disease treatment. However, the association between curcumin's antioxidative effects and its impact on neural stem cells (NSCs) remains to be elucidated.

Methods

C17.2 neural stem cells were utilized as a model to simulate oxidative stress, induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). We quantified the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), alongside the gene expression of SOD1 and SOD2, to assess intracellular oxidative stress. Additionally, Western blot analysis was conducted to measure the expressions of LC3‐II, Beclin‐1, and phosphorylated ERK (p‐ERK), thereby evaluating autophagy and ERK signaling pathway activation.

Results

Treatment with curcumin resulted in a reduction of MDA and ROS levels, suggesting a protective effect on NSCs against oxidative damage induced by H2O2. Furthermore, a decrease in the relative expressions of LC3‐II, Beclin‐1, and p‐ERK was observed post‐curcumin treatment.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that curcumin may confer protection against oxidative stress by attenuating autophagy and deactivating the ERK1/2 signaling pathways, which could contribute to therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's disease.
The impact of education as a proxy for lifestyle habits on reducing the association with dementia prevalence in the Southern Region of Brazil
Authors: Lopes Marcos Antonio , Junior Alberto Stoppe , Neto Ylmar Correa , D'Orsi Eleonora
Published: October 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of dementia among older adults from Florianópolis, in the Southern Region of Brazil.

Methods

Data were originally drawn from the Epifloripa Aging Cohort Study, a representative and community‐based survey designed to evaluate older people's health. This cross‐sectional study was conducted in two phases: the community‐screening phase, in which the Mini‐Mental State Examination and a multifunctional scale were administered to older subjects and close informants, respectively; and the hospital‐diagnosis phase, when the Cambridge Examination and the National Institute on Aging criteria were used. Adjustment for screening accuracy was made in order to estimate dementia prevalence.

Results

Of 1184 subjects evaluated in the community, 243 were screened for the diagnosis phase, in which 47 were identified with dementia, resulting in a crude prevalence of 4.5% (95% CI: 3.241–5.758) and an estimated prevalence of 9.2% (95% CI: 7.446–10.954). Dementia was associated with older ages, lower education levels, and the presence of stroke. Mild alcohol use (in comparison with no alcohol use), community‐group practice, internet use and a higher level of physical activity, rather than education, decreased the odds ratio for dementia. Education was directly associated with these lifestyle habits.

Conclusions

Prevalence was lower than that in previous studies in the country, and multivariate analysis reinforced the importance of lifestyle in preventing cognitive disorders in the older population.
Real‐Time Force Monitoring of Electrically Stimulated 3D‐Bioengineered Muscle Bioactuators Using Organic Sensors with Tunable Sensitivity
Authors: Lai Stefano , Fuentes Judith , Guix Maria , Casula Giulia , Cosseddu Piero , Sánchez Samuel
Published: October 2024

The contractile nature of skeletal muscle tissue makes it especially attractive for powering biohybrid actuators. Significant efforts have been dedicated to the improvement and control of contraction force, going one step forward toward the automation of these biohybrid platforms. Herein, 3D‐bioengineered skeletal muscle tissues are integrated with organic transistor‐based sensors to define a soft bioactuator with real‐time force monitoring capabilities. The muscle tissue is electrically stimulated while the organic sensor ensures transduction of the exerted force into an electrical signal that allows direct monitoring of the bioactuator performance. Sensor calibration is carried out to define its sensitivity at different biasing conditions: as opposed to standard, two‐terminal piezoresistive devices, transistor‐based strain sensors show tunable sensitivity by acting on the voltage applied to a third terminal—the gate. A complete evaluation of sensing performances is provided, demonstrating that real‐time monitoring is effective under different conditions, including stimulation signal frequency and chemical modulation of the bioactuator contraction, demonstrating its potential use as a drug testing platform. In the reported results, the way is paved for a complete exploitation of organic devices in soft robotic applications and to the development of novel biohybrid machines in bioengineering and biomedicine.
Deep Learning‐Coupled Metabolic Heat Integrated Sensing System for Noninvasive Continuous Monitoring of Blood Glucose
Authors: Wang Haolin , Yao Chuanjie , Liu Zhibo , Wang Xinze , Liu Zhengjie , Zhang Tao , Huang Xinshuo , Wang LinGe , Wang Yuedan , Xiao Gemin , Farah Shady , Chen Hui‐jiuan , Xie Xi
Published: October 2024

The dynamic and continuous monitoring of blood glucose (BG) concentration is crucial for the health management of diabetic patients. Despite its importance, significant challenges remain in the development of effective BG monitoring technologies. Metabolic heat conformation (MHC) offers a promising solution due to its noninvasiveness and reliability. However, progress in MHC technology is hindered by the complexities of multisensor integration and the intricate correlation between MHC and BG. Herein, a wearable BG continuous monitoring device based on metabolic heat integrated sensing (MHIS) is developed, combined with a deep learning network to enable continuous BG detection using MHC principles. The MHIS device integrates a miniaturized circuit and intelligent secondary signal processing, allowing for the simultaneous acquisition and integrated operation of various physiological parameters, including metabolic heat production. By integrating a gate recurrent unit neural network, a model is established to facilitate continuous BG monitoring. The wearable device has a certain accuracy, and when analyzed in comparison with commercial noninvasive glucose meters, the mean absolute relative error meets international standards. The deep learning‐enhanced MHIS system proposed in this work enables noninvasive BG monitoring, paving the way for advancements in personalized healthcare management and offering new opportunities in digital healthcare consultation.
DFT Study on Copper‐Catalyzed Hydroboration of 1,3‐Diynes: Mechanism, Selectivity, and Comparison with Ruthenium
Authors: Zhang Lei , Li Shan , Wen Yanhui , Ma Xiaosi , Zhang Jie , Zhou Jianguo , Meng Xiangtai
Published: October 2024

Density functional theory calculations have been performed to explore the mechanism of copper‐catalyzed hydroboration of 1,3‐diyne with HBpin. The catalytic cycles are composed of three elementary processes in succession, namely, the generation of copper hydride species, migratory insertion and σ‐bond metathesis, among which the σ‐bond metathesis step is rate‐determining with a free‐energy barrier of 19.7 kcal/mol. The syn‐addition selectivity originates from the high barrier for converting (Z)‐product to (E)‐product. Effects of diphosphine ligands and substituents on the reactivity were also addressed. Lastly, this copper‐catalyzed hydroboration was compared with a related ruthenium‐catalyzed one, and the obtained results indicated that copper‐catalyzed hydroboration has a more favorable σ‐bond metathesis step and a more challenging migratory insertion step as compared to the ruthenium‐catalyzed counterpart. Wavefunction analyses were performed to understand the observed behaviors.
Boosting Alkaline Hydrogen Oxidation Kinetics through Interfacial Environments Induced Surface Migration of Adsorbed Hydroxyl
Authors: Men Yana , Tan Yue , Li Peng , Jiang Yaling , Li Lei , Su Xiaozhi , Men Xiaomei , Sun Xueping , Chen Shengli , Luo Wei
Published: October 2024

Constructing bifunctional sites through heterojunction engineering to accelerate water formation has become a pivotal strategy to improve the alkaline hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) kinetics, which is mainly focused on the synergistic effect of neighboring sites and the energetics of the surface reaction steps. However, the roles of the surface migration of key intermediates that go beyond the bifunctional mechanism limited to neighboring atoms have usually been ignored. Using the heterostructured Ni3C−Ni catalyst as a model, we found that the rapid surface migration of OHad species from the positively charged Ni3C to the negatively charged Ni component played a decisive role in facilitating water formation. Such unprecedented surface migration of OHad is induced by the large discrepancy between the local surface charge densities and interfacial environments of the Ni3C and Ni components under operating conditions. Benefiting from this, the resultant Ni3C−Ni exhibited outstanding mass activity for the alkaline HOR, which was approximately 19‐fold and 21‐fold higher than those of Ni and Ni3C, respectively. These findings not only provide novel insights into the alkaline HOR mechanism of heterostructured catalysts but also open new avenues for developing advanced electrocatalysts for alkaline fuel cells.
Stabilization of the Compressed Planar Benzene Dianion in Inverse‐Sandwich Rare Earth Metal Complexes
Authors: Delano Francis , Demir Selvan
Published: October 2024

For the first time, the capture of the planar antiaromatic parent benzene dianion in between two trivalent rare earth (RE) metal cations (REIII), each stabilized by two guanidinate ligands, is reported. The synthesized inverse‐sandwich complexes [{(Me3Si)2NC(NiPr)2}2RE]2(μ‐η6 : η6‐C6H6), (RE=Y (1), Dy (2), and Er (3)) were crystallized from aprotic solvents and feature a remarkably planar parent benzene dianion, previously not encountered for any metal ion prone to low or absent covalency. The −2 charge localization at the benzene ligand was deduced from the results obtained by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses, spectroscopy, magnetometry, and Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations. In the 1H NMR spectrum of the diamagnetic Y complex 1, the equivalent proton resonance of the bridging benzene dianion ligand is drastically shifted to higher field in comparison to free benzene. This and the calculated highly positive Nucleus‐Independent Chemical Shift (NICS) values are attributed to the antiaromatic character of the benzene dianion ligand. The crucial role of the ancillary guanidinate ligand scaffold in stabilizing the planar benzene dianion conformation was also elucidated by DFT calculations. Remarkably, the planarity of the benzene dianion originates from the stabilization of the π‐type orbitals of the d‐manifold and compression through its strong electrostatic interaction with the two REIII sites.
Scalable, High‐Yield Monolayer MXene Preparation from Multilayer MXene for Many Applications
Authors: Shi Xiangxiang , Yu Zhen , Liu Zi , Cao Ningning , Zhu Lin , Liu Yuyan , Zhao Ke , Shi Ting , Yin Liang , Fan Zhimin
Published: October 2024

MXene (Ti3C2Tx) is renowned for its exceptional conductivity and hydrophilicity; however, the low yield of monolayers hinders its industrial scalability. Herein, we present a strategy to substantially enhance the monolayer yield by disrupting the hydrogen‐bonding cage confinement of multilayer MXene using high‐temperature ultrasound, challenging the conventional belief that monolayer MXene can only be prepared at lower temperatures. At approximately 70 °C, the weakened hydrogen bonding between the oxygen‐containing terminal groups of multilayer MXene and surrounding water molecules weakens the hydrogen‐bond cage confinement. This enables ultrasonic cavitation to generate more microbubbles that penetrate the interlayers of multilayer MXene, resulting in gentle and thorough delamination into larger monolayer nanosheets. Achieving up to a 95 % yield in just tens of minutes, these nanosheets exhibit properties comparable to those produced by traditional ice‐bath methods. Furthermore, the high‐concentration MXene ink produced on a large scale using this high‐yield approach exhibits excellent printing and processing capabilities, and the corresponding products showcase superior infrared stealth and Joule heating characteristics. This work addresses a key technical bottleneck in MXene production, paving the way for its extensive technological and industrial applications.
Localized Oxidative Catalytic Reactions Triggered by Cavitation Bubbles Confinement on Copper Oxide Microstructured Particles.
Authors: Mahendran Valarmathi , Trinh Quang Thang , Zhangyue Xie , Jonnalagadda Umesh , Gould Tim , Nguyen Nam‐Trung , Kwan James , Choksi Tej S. , Liu Wen , Valange Sabine , Jérôme François , Amaniampong Prince Nana
Published: October 2024

Efficient energy transfer management in catalytic processes is crucial for overcoming activation energy barriers while minimizing costs and CO2 emissions. We exploit here a concept of CuO particle design with multiple gas‐stabilizing sites, engineered to function as cavitation nuclei and catalysts. This concept facilitates the selective and efficient acoustic energy transfer directly to the catalyst surface, avoiding the undesired dissipation of acoustic energy into the bulk solution while demonstrating superior cavitation properties at lower acoustic pressure amplitudes. Utilizing a chemical thermometric approach, we demonstrate that the local temperature on the surface of our CuO particles during cavitation bubble implosions can create an effective equivalent temperature of about 360 °C. This temperature effect facilitates the efficient catalysis of oxidative reactions using an organic pollutant probe molecule. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were used to assess the decomposition of H2O2 and of pollutant probe molecule on CuO (111). Our work represents a significant advance in sonocatalytic systems, promising efficient energy use in catalytic reactions.
Exploring elbow kinematics in the central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) using XROMM: Implications for the role of forearm long‐axis rotation in non‐avian reptile posture and mobility
Authors: Bonnan Matthew F. , Crisp Lexi Moore , Barton Ashley , Dizinno Jenna , Muller Kelly , Smith Justine , Walker Jenna
Published: October 2024

The functional morphology and kinematics of the elbow joint remain relatively understudied in squamates. Previous investigations of lizard elbow morphology and kinematics suggest long‐axis rotation (LAR) of the radius and ulna during stance allows the manus to remain pronated during forelimb retraction. Using XROMM (X‐ray Reconstruction of Moving Morphology), we explored the range of 3D movements and kinematics of the humerus, radius, and ulna in three adult male Central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) during trackway walking. Our data indicate that the elbow joint of P. vitticeps experiences significant rotations in all three dimensions and that the radius and ulna adduct and rotate laterally on their long axes relative to the elbow joint and to one another during stance. These movements allow the distal ends of the radius and ulna to remain in a configuration necessary for manus pronation. These data support previous inferences that the radius and ulna of lizards move independently at the wrist joint. We suggest that independent LAR of the radius and ulna relative to the elbow joint and to one another may be an ancestral mechanism in lizards and perhaps more broadly across non‐avian reptiles.
An Improved Gold(I) Catalytic System for the Preparation of Coumarins via Intramolecular Cyclization
Authors: Ravera Francesco , Floreani Federico , Tubaro Cristina , Roverso Marco , Pedrazzani Riccardo , Bandini Marco , Biffis Andrea
Published: October 2024

A catalytic system comprising a gold(I) complex with an N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand in an ionic liquid as solvent exhibits higher catalytic efficiency compared to state of the art systems in the title reaction, which enables using down to 0.01 mol % gold. A commercial gold(I) catalyst such as IPrAuNTf2 can be employed for this purpose. In the case of less reactive substrates bearing electron‐withdrawing substituents at the phenol moiety, a tailor made NHC‐gold(I) precatalyst exhibits improved reactivity and can be advantageously employed compared to the commercial one.
Robust fixed‐time cooperative control for nonlinear multi‐agent systems via event‐triggered communication
Authors: Zhang Jierui , Zhang Weilun , Xia Hongwei , Ma Guangcheng
Published: October 2024

This article presents a robust fixed‐time cooperative control scheme for high‐order nonlinear multi‐agent systems under event‐triggered communication. A fixed‐time leader‐states estimator with event‐triggered communication is first designed to reconstruct the essential information, since only a fraction of agents can access the leader. Subsequently, we develop a disturbance observer‐based fixed‐time dynamic surface controller that utilizes the estimated leader state. The fixed‐time convergence of the whole closed‐loop system is proved by Lyapunov stability theory. Finally, numerical simulations elucidate the validity of the theoretical result.
Adaptive output feedback control of a bidirectional AC/DC totem‐pole PFC converter for wireless charging of electric vehicles
Authors: Lassioui Abdellah , El Fadil Hassan , Hamed Ahmed Mohamed , Sidina El Jeilani
Published: October 2024

This paper deals with the control problem of a single‐phase bidirectional alternating current/direct current (AC/DC) totem‐pole power factor correction (PFC) converter intended to be used in wireless power transfer (WPT) chargers for electric vehicles (EVs). The converter is operating as a bridgeless boost rectifier with the PFC functionality during grid to vehicle (G2V) mode and as a PFC inverter during vehicle to grid (V2G) mode. Firstly, the operating principle is presented. Secondly, an overall mathematical model governing all the operating modes of the converter is elaborated. Thirdly, due to the nonlinearity of the studied system, a nonlinear controller–based Lyapunov technique is designed to achieve the following control objectives: (i) unity power factor (UPF) during both power transfer modes G2V and V2G, (ii) regulation of the DC‐link voltage, and (iii) asymptotic stability of the closed‐loop system. Further, as the developed control law requires the measurement of all voltages and currents, an adaptive observer–based Kalman‐like technique is designed to estimate all the required signals and parameters. The performances of the proposed output feedback control technique are validated through several simulation scenarios showing that all control objectives are achieved. It should be noted that the use of the Kalman observer reduces the complexity of the systems as it requires only two measurements (grid voltage and current) making it an advantageous solution over existing solutions where three measurements are generally used. Furthermore, due to the low‐pass filtering behavior of the observer and its susceptibility to estimate the converter's parameters, the robustness of the controller and its insensitivity to the parameter uncertainties are greatly improved.
Low Temperature and Rapid Synthesis of Li‐Rich Li(Li0.17Mn0.83)2O4 Spinel Cathodes Derived from Metal‐Organic Frameworks for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Ang , Wang Ziqi , Yu Meihui , Chang Ze
Published: October 2024

Li‐rich spinel materials (Li1+xMn2−xO4) have shown promise for lithium‐ion batteries. Nevertheless, the preparation of Li1+xMn2−xO4 faces significant challenges due to the difficulty in achieving a balance between well‐crystallized phases and stoichiometric chemistry. Moreover, the synthesis process is highly sensitive to calcination temperature and time, making it susceptible to phase transformations. Therefore, the rational selection of precursors and corresponding calcination procedures is absolutely essential. Herein, we make full use of the nature of metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) to achieve phase‐controlled synthesis of Li(Li0.17Mn0.83)2O4 (LMO−F) spinel cathodes in 8 minutes at 500 °C. The composition and structural evolution during the pyrolysis process were systematically investigated to clarify the relationship between precursors and derivatives. Notably, the LMO−F achieved good electrochemical performance with 100.4 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1 after 100 cycles.
Using rhamnolipid as a promoter to improve the production of germacrene A by Yarrowia lipolytica
Authors: Cui Wenxing , Lin Haohong , Peng Yujia , Qian Xiujuan , Dong Weiliang , Jiang Min
Published: October 2024

Significant progress has recently been made in the biosynthesis of germacrene A using microbial cell factories. Germacrene A is a crucial precursor for the synthesis of anti‐cancer active compounds. However, its hydrophobic characteristics lead to its aggregation in cell membranes and cause severe cytotoxicity. In the present study, we found that rhamnolipids (RLs), as toxicity antidotes, could promote the production of germacrene A. An optimal RLs concentration of 1.25 g L−1 resulted in an increase of over 30% in the germacrene A titer at both shake flask and bioreactor scales. Mechanistic analysis showed that the addition of RLs could dramatically reduce aqueous‐phase surface tension and cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH), and increase the cell membrane permeability. This, in turn, promoted an efficient transfer of germacrene A from cell membrane to extraction phases. The addition of RLs also increased the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentration and the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+/NADH) ratio, while reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Correspondingly, gene transcripts for key enzymes associated with germacrene A biosynthesis, the respiratory chain, and ROS scavenging were upregulated significantly. This study provides an effective RLs‐regulated fermentation method for the biosynthesis of hydrophobic natural products.
Einfluss rapider Wärmebehandlung auf das kurzzeitige Kriechen von hochfestem Beton
Authors: Rose Jannis , Forman Patrick , Mark Peter
Published: October 2024

Der Zusammenbau modularer Tragwerke erfordert eine hohe geometrische Präzision in seinen Betonfertigteilen. Neben Fertigungstoleranzen müssen dabei auch transiente, materialbedingte Abweichungen infolge von Schwinden und Kriechen beachtet werden. Für die Schwindverformungen wurde bereits in [1] gezeigt, dass eine rapide Wärmebehandlung bei Hochleistungsbetonen das Schwinden maßgeblich reduziert. In diesem Beitrag soll der Einfluss der Wärmebehandlung auf die Kriechverformung untersucht werden. Fokus liegt auf dem kurzzeitigen Kriechen innerhalb der ersten 28 d nach Betonage, um frühe Bauzustände experimentell abzubilden. Untersucht werden Wärmebehandlungsdauern von 2, 4 und 24 h bei 80 °C und 60 % RH direkt nach der Betonage sowie Proben ohne Wärmebehandlung als Referenz. Belastungsbeginn ist 48 Stunden nach Betonage, um minimale Zeiten zwischen Herstellung und Montage zu erfassen. Die Experimente erfolgen an zylindrischen Probekörpern (D/H=100/200 mm) und Belastungsgraden von 20 und 40 % der frühen Betonfestigkeit. Es zeigt sich, dass durch die Wärmebehandlung die Kriechdehnungen effektiv reduziert werden, und zwar affin zur Dauer um bis zu 66 % (24 h) bzw. 21 % (2 h). Trotz der hohen Anfangsfestigkeit des Betons zeigt sich auch nichtlineares Kriechen. Die Untersuchungsergebnisse werden für verschiedene Wärmebehandlungsdauern und Belastungsgrößen verallgemeinert und zu funktionalen Zusammenhängen polynomialer Antwortflächen aufgearbeitet.
Analysis of Two Oncological Drugs Futibatinib and Capivasertib via Ion‐Pairing With Eosin Y as a Spectrofluorimetric and Spectrophotometric Probe
Authors: Salem Hesham , Emad Nadeen , El‐Araby Manar , Samir Basmala , Abdelaziz Amany
Published: October 2024

Using spectroscopy, two quick and sensitive analytical methods based on eosin Y ion pairing were developed and assessed in order to determine capivasertib and futibatinib with high selectivity and sensitivity. The quenching impact of futibatinib or capivasertib on the eosin Y's fluorescence at a pH 3.8 and 3.3 for futibatinib and capivasertib, respectively, in 0.1‐M acetate buffer solution was observed using two spectrofluorometric techniques. These techniques are regarded as the original spectrofluorometric techniques for the assay of futibatinib and capivasertib. For futibatinib and capivasertib, the quenching effect on fluorescence was ranged from 100 to 1000 and 150 to 1500 ng mL−1, respectively. The absorbance of the generated ion‐pair was measured using two different spectrophotometric methods at 550 nm in aqueous buffered solutions with pH values of 3.8 and 3.3 for futibatinib and capivasertib, respectively. In the concentration range of 1.0–10.0 and 2.0–10.0 μg mL−1, Beer's law was followed. The four approaches were applied to the analysis of dosage forms with a high percent recovery successfully, and they were assessed in compliance with ICH guidelines.
Barriers and facilitators of healthcare professionals in integrating shared decision‐making in pancreatic cancer treatment: A network approach
Authors: van Broekhoven Joannes Franciscus Adrianus Gerardus , van Heesch Fleur Arda Servasa , Mulder Sasja , Hermens Rosella , van der Wees Philip , van der Kolk Marion
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Shared decision‐making (SDM) is crucial in pancreatic cancer treatment due to its choice‐sensitive nature and limited prognosis. Treatment of pancreatic cancer is organized in a network approach. Several obstacles exist on different levels—patient, healthcare professional, organizational, societal—that impede integration of SDM. This study aims to identify barriers and facilitators to SDM implementation within a comprehensive cancer network.

Methods

A qualitative research design was applied, involving interviews and focus groups on barriers and facilitators with healthcare professionals involved in the implementation of SDM. In one comprehensive cancer network in the Netherlands, including seven hospitals, a project was initiated with the goal of empowering patients and healthcare professionals in SDM throughout primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare settings. A total of 17 participants were assessed. Directed qualitative content analysis was performed by two researchers.

Results

Main findings revealed barriers such as time constraints, lack of priority of physicians, little involvement of general practitioners, and insufficient social context of patients in referrals, alongside facilitators including learning communities with practical SDM examples, metro mapping, involvement of case manager in implementation and patient empowerment strategies.

Conclusion

Addressing cultural, systemic barriers and developing innovative strategies are of importance to enhance SDM in pancreatic cancer treatment in a network approach. This study provides understanding of SDM implementation in complex healthcare settings and offers valuable guidance for future interventions seeking to improve decision‐making processes in pancreatic cancer treatment and beyond.
New 2024 Title IX regulations remain in limbo for many states
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: October 2024

The long‐awaited Biden‐era Title IX regulations that were issued in April of this year represented a major development in higher education law, differing from previous iterations of Title IX rules in dramatic ways.
The Anti‐Cancer Stem Cell Properties of Copper(II)‐Terpyridine Complexes with Attached Salicylaldehyde Moieties
Authors: Singh Karampal , Northcote‐Smith Joshua , Feng Xiao , Singh Kuldip , Suntharalingam Kogularamanan
Published: October 2024

We report the synthesis, characterisation, and anti‐breast cancer stem cell (CSC) properties of two copper(II)‐terpyridine complexes with bidentate salicylaldehyde moieties (2‐hydroxybenzaldehyde for 1 and 2‐hydroxy‐1‐naphthaldehyde for 2). The copper(II)‐terpyridine complexes 1 and 2 are stable in biologically relevant aqueous solutions and display micromolar potency towards breast CSCs. The most effective complex 1 is 5‐fold and 6.6‐fold more potent towards breast CSCs than salinomycin and cisplatin, respectively. The copper(II)‐terpyridine complexes 1 and 2 also decrease the formation and viability of three‐dimensionally cultured mammospheres within the micromolar range. Notably complex 1 is up to 7‐fold more potent towards mammospheres than salinomycin or cisplatin. Mechanistic studies suggest that the copper(II)‐terpyridine complexes 1 and 2 are able to readily enter breast CSCs, elevate intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, induce DNA damage (presumably by oxidative DNA cleavage), and evoke apoptosis that is independent of caspases. This study shows that the copper(II)‐terpyridine motif is a useful building block for the design of anti‐breast CSC agents and reinforces the therapeutic potential of copper coordination complexes.
The Comparison of Intravesical Therapy and Surgery as Treatment Options for Bladder Cancer (CISTO) study: Lessons learned about management and patient enrollment in a large, pragmatic, patient‐centered trial
Authors: Nathan Krupa K. , Follmer Kristin M. , Nash Michael G. , Wolff Erika M. , Lee Jenney R. , Mecham Solange , Yano Marielle , Kim Sung Min , Comstock Bryan A. , Gore John L. , Smith Angela B.
Published: October 2024

Background

The growth of patient and public involvement in clinical research highlights the paucity of literature on operational practices that ensure the success of large, patient‐centered outcomes trials. The authors' objective was to identify tools launched by the Comparison of Intravesical Therapy and Surgery as Treatment Options for Bladder Cancer (CISTO) study team to determine their effectiveness in maximizing patient enrollment in this observational, pragmatic trial.

Methods

The primary outcomes for this study were patient screening and enrollment across 36 CISTO study sites. The operational strategies included CISTOquestion email correspondence and All Sites Meetings, specifically poll performance data from meetings, and a nonanonymized feedback survey about the CISTO study's management practices. Effectiveness was measured using correlation analysis with patient cohort data, including screenings, enrollments, post‐hoc exclusions, and the post‐hoc exclusion rate.

Results

Average screenings and enrollment rose after the implementation of CISTOquestion in April 2021, with the average number of screenings rising from 7.42 to 26.8 patients per month and enrollment rising from 3.76 to 16 patients per month. Use of CISTOquestion was correlated strongly with increased patient screenings and enrollment across all study sites. Eighty‐three percent of sites with above‐average post‐hoc exclusion rates (≥0.092) sent below the average number of CISTOquestion inquiries. Poll performance and survey data revealed that all survey respondents who used CISTOquestion found that it was a valuable and accessible resource.

Conclusions

Of the several operational tools implemented within the CISTO study that aimed to improve patient enrollment, CISTOquestion, a centralized email for addressing eligibility questions, was most beneficial to overall patient accrual.
Polymer‐Assisted Nucleation for Stable Single‐Crystal Perovskite Thin Films
Authors: Xi Jiangyue , Zhao Guoxiang , Sun Xiangle , Zhang Sihan , Du Xinyu , Li Jiating , Yang Huan , Wang Ruonan , Lu Zheng , Zou Guifu
Published: October 2024

Organic‐inorganic hybrid perovskite single crystals have emerged as a strong candidate in photovoltaic and general optoelectronic applications. However, the high supersaturation of the precursor solution leads to the rapid formation of a significant number of nuclei and a diminished concentration of perovskite solute. Consequently, the inadequate availability of precursors poses challenges in sustaining the subsequent crystal growth phase, culminating in the development of small‐sized single crystals. In this work, we report a controlled nucleation process to foster the growth of large‐size single crystals. This method through the coordination interaction between polyacrylic acid and Pb2+ ions, and substitution of the coordination with I− ions. This reduces the formation of the Pb‐I6 complex, which promptly emerges in a state of supersaturation and acts as a nucleus, thereby effectively reducing the number of nuclei formed. The single crystals produced using this method exhibit a lateral size exceeding 5 mm, an extended absorption range, a longer carrier lifetime of 10.93 ns, and enhanced stability. These crystals demonstrate the ability to remain stable even after storage in an ambient environment (T=20±5 °C, RH=60±5 %) for a period of 20 days.
FIELDimagePy: A tool to estimate zonal statistics from an image, bounded by one or multiple polygons
Authors: Chatterjee Sumantra , Murray Seth C. , Matias Filipe Inácio , Fahlgren Noah
Published: October 2024

Vegetation indices have become an indispensable tool in remote sensing‐based agricultural research. A recent area of advancement in agricultural remote sensing research is in high‐throughput phenotyping, often conducted on a plot by plot basis. FIELDimageR is a tool used extensively in high‐throughput phenotyping that estimates zonal statistics of vegetation indices per plot. However, being written in R language, FIELDimageR requires high computing time. As a high‐resolution image over a large area means a large number of pixels, FIELDimageR is incapable of using high‐resolution orthomosaicked images without reducing image resolution by aggregating digital numbers of several pixels and treating them as one pixel. This research tool implements FIELDimageR in the Python language as FIELDimagePy. FIELDimagePy follows similar workflows as FIELDimageR and generates equivalent results for zonal statistics of vegetation indices per plot. FIELDimagePy is significantly and substantially faster than FIELDimageR. Computing time by FIELDimagePy are three to four times lower than computing times by FIELDimageR, even when using raw images with 16 times denser pixels. Moreover, FIELDimagePy is useful beyond plot by plot research in agriculture and capable of estimating zonal statistics of any raster bounded by any polygons. With slight modifications, FIELDimagePy can be useful for other disciplines of science, such as geophysics, geography, economics, medical sciences, among others. FIELDimagePy can be accessed from the GitHub repository: https://github.com/SumantraChatterjee/FIELDimagePy.
A novel puzzle ring replacement technique of a lumen‐apposing metal stent with a double‐pigtail plastic stent to prevent walled‐off necrosis recurrence (with video)
Authors: Mukai Shuntaro , Sofuni Atsushi , Tsuchiya Takayoshi , Tanaka Reina , Tonozuka Ryosuke , Yamamoto Kenjiro , Matsunami Yukitoshi , Nagai Kazumasa , Kojima Hiroyuki , Minami Hirohito , Asano Kyoko , Itoi Takao
Published: October 2024

Replacing a lumen‐apposing metal stent (LAMS) with a double‐pigtail plastic stent (DPS) after treatment for walled‐off necrosis contributes to the prevention of recurrence. However, the success rate is not very high. To overcome this issue, we devised a novel stent‐replacement technique. In the final treatment procedure, a 7‐F DPS was placed in the lumen of the LAMS. Subsequently, the walled‐off necrosis shrank, and granulation formed over the pigtail portion, which fixed the DPS. The LAMS alone was removed with grasping forceps, leaving the DPS in the lumen of the LAMS (i.e., a puzzle‐ring technique; direct or rotary removal technique). Between August 2021 and August 2023, 18 patients were evaluated for recurrence prevention using this novel technique (median duration of LAMS placement, 37 days). In 17 patients (94.4%), the LAMS was successfully replaced with a 7‐F DPS (direct technique 14, rotary technique 3; median removal procedure time, 3 min). No recurrence was observed during the median observation period of 385 days. Before using this technique (April 2012 to August 2022), the technical success rate of replacement of LAMS with 7‐F DPS was significantly lower (61.8% [42/68, p = 0.02]). Recurrence of pancreatic fluid collection occurred in 15.3% (4/26) of the patients who could not undergo replacement with a 7‐F DPS. The novel puzzle ring technique, which improves the success rate of LAMS for DPS replacement, may be useful in reducing recurrence after walled‐off necrosis treatment.
Disruption of natural disturbance regime decouples habitat and life stage in a keystone species
Authors: Merz Joseph E. , Brown Rocko A. , Sellheim Kirsten , Zeug Steven C.
Published: October 2024

Anthropogenic disturbance of stream ecosystems, often chronic in nature, has been studied extensively. However, when disturbance is driven by more than one resource policy over many decades, feedback between habitat evolution and biological adaptation can be disrupted and ecological function affected in unforeseen ways. We analyzed over 100 years of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) length frequency trends associated with fisheries management and changes in available spawning substrate (habitat) linked to flow regulation in a highly altered California river. Over time, salmon lengths generally decreased, fluctuating with exploitation (ocean harvest) and hatchery production rates. Female size reduction, coupled with a degrading and coarsening channel, and perching peripheral habitat related to past mining activity, indicates available spawning substrate may be too large to support the current salmon population. Assuming a salmon can move material ~10% of her body length, length frequency data and current substrate size distribution suggest that increasing salmon sizes to historic distributions could increase available spawning habitat by as much as 13%. Alternatively, decreasing spawning substrate size could support a greater portion of the current population. To test the latter hypothesis and inform future management actions, we monitored two spawning riffles where large and small gravel was placed on top of a cobble. We observed an immediate spawning activity increase that was more pronounced where smaller gravel was deposited. Following a decade of habitat decline, the two sites were both replenished with medium gravel. Elevated spawning use occurred immediately at both sites, commensurate with this intermediate size, further supporting our hypotheses. Sediment coarsening and habitat disconnect below dams, combined with reduced salmon size, indicate the natural spawning process may be decoupled from available habitat below dams in the foreseeable future without continuous intervention. Actively managing salmon population demographics through modified hatchery and size‐selective harvest practices and developing a coarse sediment budget with size‐appropriate material for regulated anadromous rivers could produce immediate benefits for ecosystem services, including salmon populations. However, these management actions will require continued maintenance and informed socio‐ecological goals to remain successful.
Do leaf traits shape herbivory in tropical montane rainforests? A multispecies approach
Authors: Schön Jana E. , Keuth Raya , Homeier Jürgen , Limberger Oliver , Bendix Jörg , Farwig Nina , Brandl Roland
Published: October 2024

The co‐evolutionary arms race between herbivores and plants forces plants to evolve protection strategies that reduce the palatability of the plant modules attacked by the herbivores. These characteristics of traits have consequences for both the survival of plant individuals and the composition of plant communities. Thus, correlating traits of for instance leaves with herbivory is an important step toward understanding the dynamics of plant populations and communities. Traits can either be measured using conventional lab methods or recently developed spectral sensing techniques. We examined whether leaf traits of trees are related to herbivory in a multispecies approach. Furthermore, we explored whether leaf traits characterized by spectral sensing provide similar relations to herbivory as lab‐based leaf traits. We established nine 1‐ha square plots evenly distributed over three different forest types in Ecuadorian tropical montane rainforests where we estimated herbivory as the leaf area loss (in square centimeters) of 20 (±5) leaves sampled from the canopies of 380 tree individuals belonging to 51 tree species (7 ± 1 individuals/species) using lab‐ and spectral‐sensing‐based methods. For each methodological approach, we ran 100 linear mixed‐effects models with all respective leaf traits as predictor and herbivory as response variables for data subsets containing one randomly selected tree individual of each species to estimate the range of the regression coefficients for each trait. Automated stepwise backward selections determined the frequency of each trait having an important influence on herbivory. We found no clear relations between leaf traits and herbivory for neither lab‐ nor spectral‐sensing‐based traits. A nested variance component analysis demonstrated that the observed variability was mainly due to the variation in trait concentrations between tree individuals of a species. Our results suggest that snapshot data lead to a mismatch between herbivory and the concentrations of traits during the peak of herbivory. Another explanation could be that environmental conditions or processes along the food web are more important in structuring herbivory than leaf traits.
Comparison of three global canopy height maps and their applicability to biodiversity modeling: Accuracy issues revealed
Authors: Moudrý Vítězslav , Gábor Lukáš , Marselis Suzanne , Pracná Petra , Barták Vojtěch , Prošek Jiří , Navrátilová Barbora , Novotný Jan , Potůčková Markéta , Gdulová Kateřina , Crespo‐Peremarch Pablo , Komárek Jan , Malavasi Marco , Rocchini Duccio , Ruiz Luis A. , Torralba Jesús , Torresani Michele , Cazzolla Gatti Roberto , Wild Jan
Published: October 2024

Global mapping of forest height is an extremely important task for estimating habitat quality and modeling biodiversity. Recently, three global canopy height maps have been released, the global forest canopy height map (GFCH), the high‐resolution canopy height model of the Earth (HRCH), and the global map of tree canopy height (GMTCH). Here, we assessed their accuracy and usability for biodiversity modeling. We examined their accuracy by comparing them with the reference canopy height models derived from airborne laser scanning (ALS). Our results show considerable differences between the evaluated maps. The root mean square error ranged between 10 and 18 m for GFCH, 9–11 m for HRCH, and 10–17 m for GMTCH, respectively. GFCH and GMTCH consistently underestimated the height of all canopies regardless of their height, while HRCH tended to overestimate the height of low canopies and underestimate tall canopies. Biodiversity models using predicted global canopy height maps as input data are sufficient for estimating simple relationships between species occurrence and canopy height, but their use leads to a considerable decrease in the discrimination ability of the models and to mischaracterization of species niches where derived indices (e.g., canopy height heterogeneity) are concerned. We showed that canopy height heterogeneity is considerably underestimated in the evaluated global canopy height maps. We urge that for temperate areas rich in ALS data, activities should concentrate on harmonizing ALS canopy height maps rather than relying on modeled global products.
Reference vegetation for restoration? Three vegetation maps compared across 76 nature reserves in Uganda and Kenya
Authors: Lillesø Jens‐Peter Barnekow , Barsotti Davide , Kalema James , van Breugel Paulo , Pedercini Fabio , Graudal Lars , Jamnadass Ramni , Kindt Roeland
Published: October 2024

Forest and landscape restoration are increasingly popular nature‐based solutions to mitigate climate change and safeguard biodiversity. Restoration planning and monitoring implies that a reference ecosystem has been defined to which the restored site can be compared, but how to best select such reference? We tested three different potential natural vegetation (PNV) maps of the same areas in Kenya and Uganda for their utility as ecological references with independent data that were not used when those maps were made. These independent datasets included presence observations of woody species from 76 sites in forest reserves in Kenya and Uganda, and classification of surveyed species into a system that included “forest‐only” and “nonforest‐only” ecological types. Our tests show that (1) the three vegetation maps largely agree on the environmental envelopes/ranges within which forests occur. (2) There are large differences in how well the maps predict the presence of forest‐only species. (3) Two maps, based on empirical observations (V4A and White), predict forest types well, whereas the third, based on climate envelopes only (NS), performs poorly. (4) A large area in Uganda is potentially in one of two alternative stable states. We conclude that it is possible to evaluate the utility of PNV maps at a more detailed scale than the level of biome and ecoregion. This indicates that it is possible to map PNV at scales required for reference for restoration and management of forest vegetation. We recommend that empirically based maps of potential natural vegetation are used in restoration planning (biome and PNV maps based on climate envelopes alone may be unreliable tools) as a baseline model for predicting the distribution of reference ecosystems under current and future conditions. It could conveniently be done by deconstructing the existing biome maps, supported by rapid botanical surveys.