bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Copolymers of vinylferrocene and vinylimidazole for potential sensing applications
Authors: Alhathir Abdulrahman , Mullins Eric , Ault Charles , Fleske Tyler , Yeary Tabytha C. , Tayo Benjamin O. , Neef Charles J.
Published: January 2023

Since imidazole is easily protonated and well known to coordinated to various transition metals, its incorporation into a polymer with ferrocene may result in interesting electronic interactions between the ferrocenyl and imidazolium moieties. To this end, copolymers of vinylferrocene and vinylimidazole were prepared in various ratios by free radical polymerization. The interactions between the ferrocenyl and imidazolium moieties were studied by cyclic voltammetry, UV–Vis spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT) studies. Cyclic voltammetry of polymer thin films showed multiple oxidation waves at low pH or in the presence of Pb2+ or Cd2+ ions. The UV–Vis spectrum of thin films showed an additional absorbance at 625 nm suggesting electronic interactions. In addition, DFT studies indicated that the morphology of the polymer would place some of the ferrocenyl and imidazolium moieties in close proximity.
Quasi‐periodic oscillations are more than timing features: Applying the accretion‐ejection instability in super massive black‐holes
Authors: Varniere Peggy
Published: January 2023

Low frequency quasi‐periodic oscillations (LFQPOs) have always been seen uniquely as a timing feature, with most models focused on reproducing only their timing behavior. Previously, the accretion‐ejection instability (AEI) predicted the existence of a more subtle effect on their energy spectrum. In the case of low mass X‐ray binaries (LMXB), that effect was deemed impossible to detect. Although the AEI can be naturally expanded to higher‐mass systems, there was no observational drive to do it until now. However, the several (candidate) QPOs detected in supermassive black hole sources in the last decade, now seems the right moment to explore the applicability of the AEI model. Using our numerical observatory, we compute the different observables for a system with the AEI active and we take advantage of the longer timescale coming from the higher mass system, to see if the effect on the energy spectrum hinted at in LMXB, could become detectable. After confirming that the AEI causes an imprint of the QPO on the energy spectrum that should reach detectable levels in SMBH, we turned to observations of 2XMM J123103.2 and performed a proof of concept spectro‐timing fit of the QPO pulse profile simultaneously with how its energy spectrum changes along it. While the limited 2XMM J123103.2 data showed the predicted effect at only , it is fully consistent with the AEI model and hence worthy of further investigation in other systems.
Ridge augmentation planning, wound healing evaluation, and peri‐implant tissue phenotype assessment with ultrasonography: A case report
Authors: Sirinirund Benyapha , Wang I‐Ching , Ramadan Ghazal , Kripfgans Oliver D. , Chan Hsun‐Liang
Published: January 2023

Background

Ridge regeneration for implant therapy requires comprehensive site evaluation and wound healing monitoring. This case report aimed to demonstrate ultrasound (US) can image soft and hard tissues for surgical planning and assess longitudinal outcomes.

Methods and Results

US was used in a patient planned for ridge augmentation to evaluate soft tissue thickness, location of muscle attachment, and hard tissue defect features presurgically. US were obtained at 1, 2.5, and 5 months afterward to assess tissue healing. Preoperatively, US showed ∼2.5 mm and ∼0.8 mm soft tissue thickness on the facial and lingual sides, respectively. The crestal bone width was ∼2 mm, with severe facial bone deficiency and high muscle attachment. US showed wound approximation and ridge width gain to 4.5 and 4.0 mm at 1 and 5 months, respectively. US tissue perfusion increased to ∼two‐fold and ∼4‐fold at 1 and 2.5 months and reduced below the baseline at 5 months. An implant with simultaneous bone augmentation was performed accordingly. Tissue phenotype around the implant was measured on US images at 1‐year visit.

Conclusions

This case report demonstrated that US parameters could be valuable for planning and wound healing outcome assessment of ridge augmentation in clinical as well as research settings.

Key points

Why is this case new information?

Novel high‐resolution, chairside ultrasound was proposed to facilitate treatment planning and wound healing outcome assessment of ridge augmentation in clinical as well as research settings.

What are the keys to successful use of this technology?

Proper training in imaging acquisition and interpretation

Adhere to high‐level disinfection protocol

Patient education and explanation

What are the primary limitations to success in using this technology?

Investment in this technology

Learning curve in imaging acquisition and reading

Insurance reimbursement strategy
Simultaneous Hydrogen Bonds with Different Binding Modes: The Acceptor “Rules” but the Donor “Chooses”
Authors: Garcia Marianne Rica , Iribarren Iñigo , Rozas Isabel , Trujillo Cristina
Published: January 2023

This computational work studies the different hydrogen bond (HB) binding modes that can be established between neighbouring HB donors and acceptors in structures with relevance in catalysis and biology. To analyse the electronic effect on the σ‐hole, unsubstituted HB donors and ones with two different substituents, an electron withdrawing (EWG), and an electron donating (EDG) group, were studied. Upon complexation, three different binding modes were observed:bifurcated,parallel, andzigzag. It was found that, as a general trend, HBs within aparallelpattern are the strongest followed by those withinbifurcatedandzigzagbinding modes, leading to a “competition” between the last two. Similar patterns and trends have been found in experimental structures found in a search within the CSD. In conclusion, even though the HB acceptors “rule” the pattern and strength of the HB interactions within the dimers, when there is an option for different binding modes within a particular dimer, the HB donors “choose” the type of binding established.
Selective Chelation of the Exotic Meitner‐Auger Emitter Mercury‐197 m/g with Sulfur‐Rich Macrocyclic Ligands: Towards the Future of Theranostic Radiopharmaceuticals
Authors: Randhawa Parmissa , Gower‐Fry K. Lexi , Stienstra Cailum M. K. , Tosato Marianna , Chen Shaohuang , Gao Yang , McDonagh Anthony W. , Di Marco Valerio , Radchenko Valery , Schreckenbach Georg , Ramogida Caterina F.
Published: January 2023

Mercury‐197 m/g are a promising pair of radioactive isomers for incorporation into a theranostic as they can be used as a diagnostic agent using SPECT imaging and a therapeutic via Meitner‐Auger electron emissions. However, the current absence of ligands able to stably coordinate 197m/gHg to a tumour‐targeting vector precludes their use in vivo. To address this, we report herein a series of sulfur‐rich chelators capable of incorporating 197m/gHg into a radiopharmaceutical. 1,4,7,10‐Tetrathia‐13‐azacyclopentadecane (NS4) and its derivatives, (2‐(1,4,7,10‐tetrathia‐13‐azacyclopentadecan‐13‐yl)acetic acid (NS4‐CA) and N‐benzyl‐2‐(1,4,7,10‐tetrathia‐13‐azacyclopentadecan‐13‐yl)acetamide (NS4‐BA), were designed, synthesized and analyzed for their ability to coordinate Hg2+ through a combination of theoretical (DFT) and experimental coordination chemistry studies (NMR and mass spectrometry) as well as 197m/gHg radiolabeling studies and in vitro stability assays. The development of stable ligands for 197m/gHg reported herein is extremely impactful as it would enable their use for in vivo imaging and therapy, leading to personalized treatments for cancer.
Recent advances in hydrogen production through catalytic steam reforming of ethanol: Advances in catalytic design
Authors: Rosha Pali , Ali Feysal M. , Ibrahim Hussameldin
Published: January 2023

Catalytic reforming is a promising technology for producing renewable fuels; however, developing highly stable, efficient, green, and economical metallic catalysts that reduce metal sintering and carbon formation while improving catalyst activity, selectivity, and stability remains a major issue. In this regard, numerous studies have been documented in the past couple of decades evaluating the effects of various supports and promoters using ethanol as a co‐reactant in the catalytic steam reforming to produce energy‐efficient gaseous fuel, that is, hydrogen. This review article compiles research work focused on the catalytic reforming of ethanol reported in the last decade. Also, the outcomes of experimental studies have been presented and discussed for parametric analysis as case studies. The review shows that ethanol conversion, hydrogen selectivity, and catalyst stability are strongly influenced by the physicochemical properties of the catalyst, synthesis method, support choice, promoters, temperature, pressure, steam‐to‐ethanol ratio, and hourly space velocity. Noble metals (e.g., Pt, Rh, Ru, Pd, and Au), transition metals (e.g., Ni, Co, and Cu), and bimetallic composites were the most used catalysts in ethanol‐steam reforming reactions. Also, proper selection of support and promoter plays a significant role in modifying catalyst morphology, surface area, and particle size, enhancing selectivity, and reducing catalyst carbon deposition.
Optimization integrated generative adversarial network for occluded text recognition with language modeling
Authors: Selvaraj Selvin Ebenezer , Tripuraribhatla Raghuveera
Published: January 2023

Text recognition has attracted increased attention recently as a result of the complexity of natural settings and the variety of text instances. Various text or character recognition methods are introduced to distinguish the text from the natural scene, but existing methods struggle with the distorted and highly curved text instances. Consequently, an effective method for occluded text or character detection from object‐background images is developed using the suggested elephant herding exponential sailfish optimizer‐based generative adversarial network (EHESFO‐based GAN). In order to build the proposed EHESFO, elephant herding optimization and Exponential SailFish Optimizer (ESFO) are merged. ESFO was created by fusing exponentially weighted moving average and SailFish Optimizer. With GAN, features extracted from the background and foreground of an image are efficiently used for image annotation and text recognition. The best features from the background and foreground images are extracted to create the optimal solution, which increases the efficacy and efficiency of text recognition. While taking the occlusion as 0.4, the proposed EHESFO‐based GAN achieved higher accuracy of 98.1090% and lower error of 1.4%.
An integrated coupled inductor–capacitor DC–DC high step‐up converter
Authors: Afzal Raheel , Tang Yu , Tong Haisheng
Published: January 2023

In this paper, an integrated coupled inductor–capacitor DC–DC high step‐up converter is proposed for the renewable energy systems. A DC–DC high step‐up converter is mandatory owing to the comparative low output voltage of renewable energy systems. A new configuration has been proposed in this paper, in which capacitor and coupled inductor are integrated into a converter to achieve the required results. To charge the capacitor a coupled inductor is used, not only the voltage gain significantly boosted and the switch voltage clamped inherently but also the turns ratio and part count scale down. When proposed converter operates in ORF mode, this results in the decline of conduction losses and enhances its efficiency. The proposed converter has good efficiency and simplest structure as it has only six components. This paper illustrates the key state operation principles of the proposed converter and derivation of its steady‐state operations. A prototype is designed, and experiments are performed in the laboratory to verify the precision of the theoretical analysis. The highest efficiency of 97% has been achieved in the laboratory.
Dynamic structure factor and excitation spectrum of the one‐component plasma: The case of weak to moderate magnetization
Authors: Kählert Hanno , Bonitz Michael
Published: January 2023

Magnetized plasmas are well known to exhibit a rich spectrum of collective modes. Here, we focus on the density modes in dense or cold plasmas, where strong coupling effects alter the mode spectrum known from traditional weakly coupled plasmas. In particular, we study the dynamic structure factor (DSF) of the magnetized one‐component plasma with molecular dynamics simulations. Extending our previous results (H. Kählert and M. Bonitz, Phys. Rev. Research 2022, 4, 013197), it is shown that Bernstein modes can be observed in the weakly magnetized regime, where they are found below the upper hybrid frequency, provided the coupling strength is sufficiently low. We investigate the DSF for a variety of different wave numbers and plasma parameters and show that even small magnetization can give rise to a strong zero‐frequency mode perpendicular to the magnetic field and change the dispersion as well as the damping of the upper hybrid mode.
Colour‐cuedparagraph writing instruction for students with learning disabilities
Authors: Ewoldt Kathy B. , Byrne Suzanne R.
Published: January 2023

Expository paragraph writing is difficult to learn and teach. For many students, particularly those with learning disabilities, it is difficult to manage the multiple, simultaneous complex processes required for success. And for their teachers, writing is the content area in which they feel least prepared to teach. This intervention applied the concept of reverse engineering to instructional design to teach expository paragraph writing using a color‐cued graphic organizer. The study evaluated the effects of using a systematic color code to highlight the alignment of where ideas originate in a graphic organizer to their development into a sentence within a well‐organized expository paragraph. Using a single case research design, with a pre‐ and post‐intervention assessments, students (n = 5) with dyslexia improved their expository paragraph knowledge and skills. Percentage of non‐overlapping data and Tau analyses indicate a large to very large effect of the 2‐week intervention. Results, suggestions for further research, and implications for practice are discussed.
Within‐site difference in nitrogen status between mixed forests and larch plantations: Evidence from multiple indicators
Authors: Gurmesa Geshere Abdisa , Zhang Shasha , Wang Ang , Zhu Feifei , Mgelwa Abubakari Said , Wang Chuankuan , Zhang Qiuliang , Zhu Weixing , Fang Yunting
Published: January 2023

Conversion of natural and secondary mixed forests to plantation monocultures can alter soil physical, chemical, and biological properties, which may lead to changes in ecosystem nitrogen (N) status by altering soil N availability. However, assessing and comparing N status between forest types within and across sites remain challenging because different indicators often yield contradicting conclusions. We developed a multiple‐indicator approach to evaluate N status across sites and between larch monocultures and mixed secondary forests paired at three sites (Daxinganling, Maoershan, and Qingyuan) in northeastern China. The selected indicators were foliar N content (%N), soil carbon‐to‐N ratio (C/N), soil inorganic N, foliar 15N natural abundance (δ15N), and δ15N of bulk soil, ammonium, and nitrate in the soil profiles. Our results, as shown mainly by C/N of soil organic layer and the fraction of nitrate in soil inorganic N, showed that N availability increased from north to south in the order Daxinganling < Maoershan < Qingyuan, along with the increasing climatic (mean annual temperature and mean annual precipitation) and N deposition gradients. We also found that the mixed forests had lower N availability than the larch plantations at the two north sites (Daxinganling and Maoershan), while the opposite was found in the south site (Qingyuan). The site‐specific pattern of N availability in the larch versus mixed stands reflects the difference in their succession and management histories. Our study demonstrated that a multiple‐indicator approach is needed for a comprehensive comparison of the N status of different forest types both within and across sites.
Fatty Acid Ratios as Parameters to Discriminate Between Normal and Tumoral Cells and Compare Drug Treatments in Cancer Cells
Authors: Rosa Antonella , Nieddu Mariella , Pollastro Federica , Piras Cristina
Published: January 2023

The fatty acid (FA) composition of cell membranes represents a metabolic biomarker. However, the FA profile reproducibility in cell cultures remains a significant challenge. In this study, cell FA ratios are validated as metabolic markers alternative to cell FA. To this goal, cell samples belonging to cancer HeLa cells and normal 3T3 fibroblasts, from various experimental sets, are analyzed by a high‐performance liquid chromatography system coupled with a photodiode array detector and evaporative light scattering detector (HPLC‐DAD/ELSD), and the ratios among the main FA are calculated. Principal component analysis (PCA) separately performed on FA and FA ratio data indicates similar clustering of cell samples concerning the cell type. Moreover, similar scores values t[1] and t[2] and graphical distances are calculated in the PCA plots separately performed on FA and FA ratios measured in cancer HeLa cells subjected to various antitumoral compounds. Last, PCA applied to selected FA ratios measured in various cell lines, obtained in similar experimental conditions, allows to discriminate between normal and tumoral cells. The results substantiate FA ratios as a cell‐specific fingerprint, characterized by reproducibility across intra‐laboratory conditions, useful for cell characterization, discrimination between normal and tumoral cells, and the comparison of different drug treatments.

Practical Applications: The reproducibility of the fatty acid (FA) profile in cell cultures remains a significant challenge. Results obtained from this study improve knowledge about the role of the FA ratio profile as a cell‐specific fingerprint characterized by reproducibility across intra‐laboratory conditions. The characterization of the specific FA ratio profile of a cell culture, under standardized experimental conditions, can facilitate the comparative evaluation of cell data sets for nutritional, metabolic, and pharmacological studies, overcoming differences in cell culture conditions and FA extraction/analytical procedures.
Stereodivergent Transformation of Azepino[3,4,5‐cd]indoles En Route to Nature‐Inspired Scaffolds
Authors: Srikanth Gourishetty , Ravi Anil , Sebastian Anusha , Joseph Jobi , Khanfar Monther A. , El‐Gamal Mohammed I. , Al‐Qawasmeh Raed A. , Abu‐Yousef Imad A. , Majdalawieh Amin F. , Al‐Tel Taleb H.
Published: January 2023

Azepino[3,4,5‐cd]indole derivatives represent the core scaffold of important natural products and biologically relevant compounds. Therefore, the establishment of step‐ and atom‐economic strategies to access this class of compounds is of paramount importance. To this end, complexity‐to‐diversity (CtD) strategy has become one of the most important tools that transforms complex molecules into diverse skeleta. However, many of the reactions that could be employed in CtD are restricted by the functional handles exist in these molecules. This limits the achievement of the desired skeletal diversity. Herein, an efficient and step‐economic strategy to access a diverse collection of azepino‐[3,4,5‐cd]indole architectures through a cascade that combines Pictet‐Spengler with Michael addition, is described. This was achieved by reacting cyclohexadienone acetaldehydes 2 a–2 d with indolyl‐4‐ethyl amine 1. Employing a CtD strategy on the developed azepino‐[3,4,5‐cd]indoles, a rapid rearrangement reaction that provided a modular, chemo‐ and diastereoselective access to diverse collection of spiro azepinocarbazole nature‐inspired frameworks, was encountered.
Differential pulse voltammetric determination of benznidazole loaded in nanostructured lipid carriers and urine**
Authors: Nunes Ana M. F. , da Silva Flávia L. O. , Carneiro Guilherme , Malagutti Andréa R.
Published: January 2023

Benznidazole (BZN) is the first‐choice drug for treating Chagas disease (CD). However, it is not ideal for this purpose as it is highly toxic and has irregular pharmacokinetics due to factors such as its low aqueous solubility. These factors necessitate the development of reliable and effective alternative methods for the analytical determination of BZN in biological and pharmaceutical samples. In this context, we present a new electroanalytical method for quantifying BZN using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). This method was applied to urine and a pharmaceutical formulation of BZN incorporated into nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC‐BZN). The proposed method provided a linear analytical range of 1.00–10.6 μmol L−1 (R=0.999), with a detection limit of 0.044 μmol L−1 and a quantification limit of 0.13 μmol L−1. The relative standard deviation of the intra‐day and inter‐day precision was below 2.50 %. Through interference studies, the methodology proved to be selective for BZN, because there was no significant potential interference in any of the samples. The recovery tests showed that the accuracy was within the limits recommended in the literature. Therefore, the developed DPV/GCE method can be successfully applied as an alternative method for detecting BZN in NLC‐BZN pharmaceutical formulations and human urine.
Prevention of DDoS attacks using an optimized deep learning approach in blockchain technology
Authors: Ilyas Benkhaddra , Kumar Abhishek , Setitra Mohamed Ali , Bensalem ZineEl Abidine , Lei Hang
Published: January 2023

The attack named Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) that takes place in the large blockchain network requires an efficient and robust attack detection and prevention mechanism for authenticated access. Blockchain is a distributed network in which the attacker tries to hack the network by utilizing all the resources with the application of enormous requests. Several methods like Rival Technique, filter modular approach and so on, were developed to detect and prevent the DDoS attack in the blockchain; still, detection accuracy is a challenging task. Hence, this research introduces an efficient technique using optimization‐based deep learning by considering the blockchain network and smart contract for the detection and prevention of DDoS attacks. Based on the user request, the traffic is analyzed, and the verification using the smart contract is made to find the authenticated user. After the verification, the response is provided for the authenticated user, and the suspicious traffic is utilized for the detection of DDoS attacks using the Poaching Raptor Optimization‐based deep neural network (Poaching Raptor‐based DNN), in which the classifier is tuned using the proposed optimization algorithm to reduce the training loss. The proposed algorithm is designed by hybridizing the habitual practice of the raptor by considering the concurring behavior, hunting style along with poaching behavior of the Lobo to enhance the detection accuracy. After the attack detection, the nonattacker is responded, and the attacker is prevented by entering the IP/MAC address in the logfile. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated in terms of recall, precision, FPR, and accuracy and obtained the values of 96.3%, 98.22%, 3.33%, and 95.12%, respectively.
Mindfulness training selectively reduces altruistic behaviour in low‐cost situations
Authors: Xie Tian , Zhao Xinmei , Jiang Tianxiang , Zhong Mingtian , Ma Ning
Published: January 2023

There have been rich debates about whether and how mindfulness alters prosocial behaviour. Nevertheless, few empirical studies have touched on how mindfulness training (MT) influences altruistic behaviour under high‐ and low‐cost situations in a real‐life scenario. The present study aimed to examine the effect of mindfulness training on altruistic willingness at different cost levels. A total of 41 females participated in our study and were randomly assigned to the MT and control groups. They completed the empathy‐altruism task and Five‐Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) before and after an 8‐week experimental intervention, during which the MT group attended the Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) programme, while the control group remained as usual. The MT group presented a significant increase in overall FFMQ scores after the 8 weeks of MBCT. However, their willingness to help declined in the low‐cost situation at post‐test. Further analysis revealed a positive correlation between the increase in the scores of the observing facet and willingness to help in the high‐cost situation in the MT group. The changes in describing facet were a negative predictor of the change in empathy in the low‐cost situation. Taken together, 8‐week MBCT enhanced the level of mindfulness but reduced people's willingness to help in the low‐cost situation.
Skeletal Microstructure in Caribbean Hispanic Women
Authors: Agarwal Sanchita , Germosen Carmen , Bucovsky Mariana , Colon Ivelisse , Kil Nayoung , Walker Marcella
Published: January 2023

Hispanic individuals are underrepresented in skeletal research. Bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture data are conflicting. We investigated skeletal health in elderly Caribbean Hispanic (HW), non‐Hispanic white (NHW), and non‐Hispanic black (NHB) women in a population‐based study in New York City. We utilized high‐resolution peripheral quantitative CT (HRpQCT), dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA), and finite element analysis (FEA). Of 442, 48.4% were HW, 21.3% NHW, and 30.3% NHB. Adjusted analyses are shown. Compared to NHW, HW had 8.5% (p < 0.01) lower spine areal BMD (aBMD) and 5.1% lower trabecular bone score (TBS). The frequency of morphometric vertebral fractures did not differ between HW and NHW. By HRpQCT, HW had 2.9% higher cortical (Ct) volumetric BMD (vBMD), 7.9% greater Ct area (Ct.Ar) and 9.4% greater Ct thickness (Ct.Th) at the radius compared to NHW. Results were similar at the tibia but trabecular microstructure tended to be worse. Ultimately, failure load (FL) did not differ between HW and NHW at either site. aBMD was 3.8% to 11.1% lower at the spine, femoral neck, and radius in HW compared to NHB (all p < 0.001) and vertebral fractures were twice as common. Compared to NHB, HW had 7.7% to 10.3% lower Ct.Ar at both the radius and tibia as well as 8.4% lower total vBMD, 6.3% lower trabecular number, and 10.3% lower Ct.Th at the tibia associated with 18.2% and 12.5% lower FL at both sites, respectively. In conclusion, HW had lower spine aBMD and TBS versus NHW women, whereas microstructural differences at the radius and tibia were small and not associated with differences in FL. In contrast, HW had lower aBMD, as well as deteriorated radial and tibial microstructure associated with worse FL compared to NHB women. Our results provide insight into racial/ethnic differences in skeletal health, adding to data that may be used to improve osteoporosis screening and treatment in HW. © 2023 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Effect of Renal Impairment on the Pharmacokinetics of Firsocostat, an Acetyl‐Coenzyme A Carboxylase Inhibitor, and Cilofexor, a Selective Nonsteroidal Farnesoid X Receptor Agonist
Authors: Weber Elijah , Younis Islam R. , Nelson Cara , Ding Dora , Qin Ann , Xiao Deqing , Watkins Timothy R. , Othman Ahmed A.
Published: January 2023

Firsocostat, a liver‐targeted acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase inhibitor, and cilofexor, a nonsteroidal farnesoid X receptor agonist, are being developed in combination for treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. This phase 1 study evaluated firsocostat and cilofexor pharmacokinetics and tolerability in participants with severe renal impairment (SRI) and healthy matched controls (HMCs). Ten participants with SRI (estimated glomerular filtration rate by Modification of Diet in Renal Disease <30 mL/min/1.73 m2), and 10 HMCs received single oral doses of firsocostat (20 mg) on day 1 and cilofexor (100 mg) on day 7 in a fasted state. Plasma concentrations of firsocostat (and nonactive metabolite GS‐834773) and cilofexor (and nonactive metabolites GS‐716070 and GS‐1056756) were collected over 96 hours and quantified; plasma exposures (area under the concentration‐time curve [AUC] and peak concentration [Cmax]) and plasma protein binding were characterized. Firsocostat AUC was ≈40% higher in SRI versus HMC, while Cmax was 8% lower. Observed exposures of the firsocostat metabolite were ≈4.6‐fold higher in SRI participants versus HMC. Exposures (AUC and Cmax) of cilofexor and metabolites and percentages of protein binding of all analytes were similar between SRI and HMC groups. Treatment‐emergent adverse events were generally mild and not considered related to study drug. A <50% increase in firsocostat exposure was observed among SRI participants but was deemed not clinically relevant. There was no apparent effect of SRI on cilofexor exposure. Based on this trial, firsocostat and cilofexor dosing are not expected to require modification in patients who are renally impaired.
Treatment of hospital wastewater: emphasis on ecotoxicity and antibiotic resistance genes
Authors: Kaliakatsos Andreas , Gounaki Iosifina , Dokianakis Spyros , Maragkaki Emmanouela , Stasinakis Athanasios S , Gyparakis Stylianos , Katsarakis Nikos , Manios Thrassyvoulos , Fountoulakis Michalis S , Venieri Danae
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

Hospital wastewater (HWW) charges wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) with a mixture of contaminants such as pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) and pathogenic bacteria. This matrix is considered highly toxic to the ecosystem and organisms, and it may induce the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) within microbial communities. Conventional WWTPs cannot treat HWW effectively, because they have not been designed to confront this challenge. Therefore, this study investigated the applicability of photocatalysis to purify HWW, regarding its ecotoxicity and the removal rates of targeted substances, selected pathogenic bacteria and specific ARGs.

RESULTS

The HWW samples showed high toxicity towards the bioindicator Daphnia magna population, while they also contained significant levels of ARB and ARGs. Upon application of the photocatalytic treatment, the pharmaceutical concentrations decreased at a rate of >80% and the removal rates of the examined bacteria (Escherichia coli, Enterococci, Klebsiella sp. and Staphylococcus sp.) were >80%. Importantly, the bacteria remaining after photocatalysis were sensitive to the tested antibiotics. Conversely, the examined ARGs were present in high concentrations before and after photocatalytic treatment. For example, the concentrations of the selected genes, namely ampC, sul2, tetA and qnrA, in the effluents were from 104 to 106 gene copies L−1.

CONCLUSIONS

Photocatalysis may be a promising treatment technique for the elimination of PhACs and pathogenic bacteria from HWW. Moreover, it proved capable of altering the antibiotic resistance profile of the bacteria surviving after treatment, making them sensitive to certain antibiotic compounds. However, the main concern regarding public health protection remains, as the presence of ARGs in effluents in considerable concentrations may induce antibiotic resistance in bacterial communities of aquatic environments. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions following the use of infliximab or adalimumab in patients with coronavirus disease 2019
Authors: Wang Jing , Yin Xuedong , Yu Linlin , Cheng Weiwei , Wang Ling , Zhao Bin , Li Zhiling , Jing Xiaoping
Published: January 2023

Recent evidence has emerged concerning delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions after infliximab or adalimumab applications in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). A few real‐world studies compared the events, clinical features, and prognosis of infliximab‐ or adalimumab‐related delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions in COVID‐19 patients. Disproportionality analysis and Bayesian analysis were utilized to determine the suspected adverse events of delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions after infliximab or adalimumab use based on the Food and Drug Administration's Adverse Event Reporting Systems (FAERS) from May 2020 to December 2021. Additionally, the times to onset and fatality rates of delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions following infliximab or adalimumab were compared. In total, 475 reports of delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions were associated with infliximab or adalimumab. Females were affected almost twice more than males. Among the two therapies, infliximab had the highest association with delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions based on the highest reporting odds ratio (2.14, 95% two‐sided confidence interval [CI] = 1.2–3.81), proportional reporting ratio (1.95, χ2 = 7.03), and empirical Bayesian geometric mean (1.94, 95% one‐sided CI = 1.2). Infliximab‐related delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions had earlier onset (0 [interquartile range (IQR): 0–0] days vs. 166.5 (IQR: 18–889.5) days, p < 0.05), while adalimumab‐related delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions have higher fatality rate (0.44% vs. 0.00%). Based on the FAERS database, we profiled delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions related to infliximab or adalimumab application in patients with COVID‐19 with more points of occurrences, clinical characteristics, and prognosis.
Identification of two proposed novel human rhinovirus types: Bpat107 and Cpat58
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Xie Zhibo , Xia Baicheng , Wang Yage , Xu Wenbo , Zhang Yan
Published: January 2023

Human rhinovirus (RV) is an important viral pathogen associated with severe acute respiratory tract infection. The present study retrospectively identified RV types in hospitalized patients with severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) from October 2017 to June 2019 in Henan Province, China. Real‐time PCR was used to screen pharyngeal swab samples for RV. Then, the VP1 gene sequences of RV‐positive samples were amplified and sequenced with nested primer PCR; subsequently, analyses of the molecular epidemiology and genetic diversity characteristics of the RV types were performed. Seventy‐three out of 1015 respiratory samples were identified as RV‐positive, from which 65 complete VP1 sequences were successfully sequenced. These RVs were classified into 41 different types, including 26 RV‐A types, 2 RV‐B types, and 13 RV‐C types. The RVs showed an obvious seasonal distribution, with peaks in summer and autumn. The epidemic peak of RV‐C was later than that of RV‐A. In addition, two new types of species, B and C, were proposed, Bpat107 and Cpat58, respectively. Compared with other types in the same RV species, the pairwise nucleotide p‐distances of the two novel RV types were 0.262~0.402 and 0.251~0.508, respectively. This study analyzed the seasonal and genetic characteristics of RV associated with SARI cases in Henan Province, China. Two novel RV types were proposed.
European heatwaves: Link to large‐scale circulation patterns and intraseasonal drivers
Authors: Rouges Emmanuel , Ferranti Laura , Kantz Holger , Pappenberger Florian
Published: January 2023

This study examines the European heatwaves' predictability at subseasonal timescales. Land surface feedbacks and tropical convection, due to their variability at intraseasonal timescales, are taken into consideration and their potential role in extending the predictability beyond the medium range (10 days) is explored. A classification of European heatwaves into five heatwave types is used to discriminate the effects of surface feedbacks and of tropical variability among the different heatwave types. The classification is computed in terms of circulation patterns. By inferring the near‐surface temperature through atmospheric circulation, we aim to identify the predictable component of the heatwave events. All five heatwave circulation patterns are characterized by persistent anticyclonic anomalies located over the region with maximum temperatures. We show that soil moisture deficit is not a required precondition for the occurrence of heatwaves over most of Europe. However, heatwave events over southern Europe exhibit some sensitivity to dry conditions. We use a simplified index to describe the dominant mode of tropical convection at intraseasonal timescales. The index, based on precipitation anomalies, represents the evolution of the Boreal Summer Intraseasonal Oscillation (BSISO). We find that episodes with strong BSISO amplitudes characterized by enhanced convection over India, Bay of Bengal and China sea favour the occurrence of heatwave events over Russia. The results highlight the role of tropical intraseasonal variability in enhancing the predictability of some extreme temperature events over Europe.
Investigation on the emulsification mechanism in aqueous enzymatic extraction of edible oil from Schizochytrium sp.
Authors: Zheng Xu , Juan Ma , Kou Xiaohong , Gao Xin , Liu Jing , Li Shihao , Zheng Bowen , Liu Yazhou , Xue Zhaohui
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

The interaction between emulsified substances and lipids generates an emulsification system during the extraction of microalgae edible oil by aqueous enzymatic method. This study aimed to resolve the dynamics of interfacial protein adsorption during the extraction of microalgae oil at different enzymatic times and the effect on the stability of the interfacial membrane formed by the proteins based on interfacial effects.

RESULTS

At 1.5 h of enzymatic hydrolysis, the molecular weights of the proteins/peptides were all below 35 kD. In addition, the protein–peptide structure was loose, with the lowest number of disulfide bonds, peak surface hydrophobicity, the highest number of residues, and disordered lipid acyl arrangement. At the same time, the physical stability of the emulsion was the lowest, and the interfacial membrane rupture was distinct. On excessive enzymatic hydrolysis (at 3.0 h), a more uniform interfacial membrane was re‐formed on the lipid surface.

CONCLUSION

Protein is the main emulsifying substance in the emulsification system. The addition of protease affects the stability of the interfacial membrane formed by proteins. In addition, sufficient enzymatic hydrolysis (1.5 h) inhibited emulsification, while excessive enzymatic hydrolysis (3.0 h) promoted emulsification. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Gastrectomy for elderly gastric cancer patients: A propensity score‐matching analysis
Authors: Dias Andre R. , Pereira Marina A. , Ramos Marcus F. K. P. , Barchi Leandro C. , Ribeiro Ulysses , Zilberstein Bruno , Nahas Sergio C.
Published: January 2023

Background

Although D2‐gastrectomy is the most effective treatment for resectable gastric cancer (GC), it is unclear whether elderly patients have increased risk of morbidity and worse survival. This study aimed to compare the short‐ and long‐term outcomes of older age (OA) patients with those of less advanced age (LAA).

Methods

GC patients undergoing curative gastrectomy were retrospectively analyzed and divided into two groups: OA (>75 years) and LAA (<75 years). Propensity score‐matching (PSM) analysis using seven variables was conducted to reduce selection bias.

Results

Among 586 patients, 494 (84.3%) were classified as LAA and 92 (15.7%) as OA. OA patients had worse clinical status, higher rates of D1‐lymphadenectomy, subtotal gastrectomy, and Lauren type; higher mortality and worse survival. No difference in pathological tumor‐node‐metastasis (pTNM) stage was observed between groups. Preoperative chemotherapy was performed more frequently in the LAA group. After PSM (92 OA: 92 LAA), all variables included in PSM were matched, and mortality rates and survival became similar between groups. In multivariate analysis, American Society of Anaesthesiologists score III/IV was an independent factor associated with a 90‐day mortality after PSM.

Conclusion

Gastrectomy in elderly GC patients has similar outcomes compared with younger ones. Clinical status and disease stage are more important than the patient's age.
Multivisceral resection compared to standard gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma: A propensity score‐matching analysis
Authors: Dias Andre Roncon , Pereira Marina Alessandra , Ramos Marcus Fernando Kodama Pertille , Ribeiro Ulysses , Zilberstein Bruno , Nahas Sergio Carlos
Published: January 2023

Background

Multivisceral resection (MVR) in locally advanced gastric cancer (GC) is a morbid procedure. However, the precise impact of removing additional organs remains controversial. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of MVR versus standard gastrectomy (SG) in an unbiased cohort.

Methods

Patients who underwent curative‐intent surgery for gastric adenocarcinoma were considered. Those submitted to SG were compared to the ones who received MVR using Propensity Score Matching (PSM) analysis.

Results

A total of 685 GC patients were included (621 SG and 64 MVR). Groups were distinct concerning the extent of the gastrectomy, tumor size, pTNM, R0, postoperative complications, and 90‐day mortality. After PSM, 57 patients were matched in each group. All variables assigned in the score were well matched. Postoperative complication, 90‐day mortality, and overall survival (OS) became similar among groups. Age >65 years old and resection of two or more organs, besides the stomach, were factors associated with 90‐day mortality. R1 and not received multimodal therapy were independent prognostic factors for worse OS.

Conclusions

After PSM, the difference in morbidity, mortality, and survival of MVR compared to SG was no longer statistically significant, suggesting that MVR is an acceptable therapeutic strategy to patients with advanced GC.
Influence of macrophage polarization in herniated nucleus pulposus tissue on clinical efficacy after lumbar discectomy
Authors: Li Xiao‐Chuan , Luo Shao‐Jian , Fan Wu , Jiang Cheng , Wang Wei , Chen Jiong‐Hui , Chen Yong‐Long , Zhang Zhen‐Wu , Qiu Zhen‐Hua , Tan Dan‐Qin , Huang Chun‐Ming , Wang Mao‐Sheng , Bai Xiao‐Chun
Published: January 2023

Background

Low back pain or sciatic pain because of lumbar intervertebral disc herniation (LDH) is caused by mechanical compression and/or an inflammatory component on the nerve root. However, it is difficult to define to what extent each component contributes to the pain. This study attempted to explore the effects of macrophage polarization on clinical symptoms in patients experiencing LDH after surgery, and investigated the association between macrophage cell percentages and clinical efficacy.

Methods

This study retrospectively harvested nucleus pulposus (NP) tissue samples from 117 patients. Clinical symptoms and efficacy using the visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were evaluated at different time points preoperatively and postoperatively. CD68, CCR7, CD163, and CD206 were selected as macrophage phenotypic markers.

Results

Seventy‐six samples showed positive expression of macrophage markers in NP samples of patients with LDH, whereas 41 patients displayed negative results. No significant differences were detected between the two groups, involvement of several demographic data, and preoperative clinical findings. With respect to the macrophage‐positive group, no significant correlation was detected between the positive rate of the four markers and the VAS score or ODI after surgery. However, patients with NP samples positive for CD68 and CCR7 expression showed significantly lower VAS scores 1 week after surgery compared with those in the negative group. Moreover, the improvement in VAS score showed a strong positive correlation with CD68‐ and CCR7‐positive cell percentages.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that pro‐inflammatory M1 macrophages may be associated with the reduction of chronic pain after surgery. Therefore, these findings contribute to better personalized pharmacological interventions for patients with LDH, considering the heterogeneity of pain.
Lessons learned from an evolving DEI programme within a global publisher
Authors: Swaminathan Sowmya , Gedamu Jessica , Sherer Thea
Published: January 2023

Key points

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is at the core of Springer Nature's mission. Prioritizing DEI helps us become the business we aim to be: one that enables millions of people to access, trust and make sense of the latest insights, to improve and enrich both our lives and the planet.

We are committed to championing DEI across our content, communities and organization—and also across the whole set of businesses that make up Springer Nature Group—education, health, professional and research.

Working across our business to harness the varied reach, business capabilities and resources of all our colleagues has been important in this journey, but so too is accountability and the collective efforts of pan‐publisher initiatives.

From editorial guidance to internal mentoring programmes and sustainable development curriculum programmes, our DEI work has been varied and successful, but we have learnt lessons along the way—and still have a way to go. This piece looks at what we have done so far, and our priorities for progress moving forward.
Two‐Color Cholesteric Liquid Crystalline Gels for Reversible Writing and Erasing Information Encryption
Authors: Jiang Qian , Ruan Huan , Sun Chenchen , Wang Tian , Zhang Yuping , Qiu Yuan , Wang Hong , Liao Yonggui , Xie Xiaolin
Published: January 2023

Bright structural color derived from the unique helical superstructure of cholesteric liquid crystals (CLCs) has attracted much attention. In addition, fluorescence color is an intrinsic emission upon excitation, which can be observed often under UV light. However, it is a challenge to combine the fluorescence and structural colors to construct a self‐supporting system at the same time. In this work, a photoresponsive cyanostilbene‐based gelator (CSpy‐C10) is synthesized, which emits blue fluorescence in LC. CSpy‐C10 can gel LCs and further construct thermo‐/photoresponsive CLC physical gels. The structural color of the CLCs, fluorescence, and mechanical properties of the gels can be independently regulated due to the separation of the chiral unit and photoresponsive unit with aggregation‐induced emission behavior. Finally, the reversible information encryption including writing and erasing based on the changes in fluorescence are explored. This kind of two‐color material can be applied in the fields ranging from information encryption, fluorescent display to high‐tech anticounterfeiting.