bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Resource utilization of emulsion evaporation modified aluminum industrial refractory waste in the preparation of composite modified asphalt
Authors: Fan Shencheng , Tu Hao , Muhammad Yaseen , Ren Denghui , Lai Fang , Yang Qingzhao , Zhao Zhenxia , Li Jing 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAluminum industrial refractory waste pose a huge risk to the environment, and hence a safe resource utilization is mandatory to build a green industrial construction industry. Herein, a thermoplastic polyester elastomers‐spent refractory material (TPEE‐SRM) modifier having a two‐layer structure of “protective layer‐functional layer” was developed. Scanning electron microscopy and surface area analysis revealed that Eps used in the protective layer formed a dense film layer (50% decrease in specific surface) with a 97.7% sequestration of fluoride. As the reaction occurred in an organic solution, fluoride posed no risk to the environment. TPEE functional layer itself melted and dissolved with asphalt under high‐temperature conditions, and hence it established a strong interfacial interaction with asphalt. This led to an increase of 99.73% in the complex modulus (G*) and 41.75% in the rutting‐resistance performance (Jnr) of the TPEE‐SRM composite modified asphalt than that of the pristine styrene‐butadiene‐styrene (SBS) modified asphalt. The performance of the TPEE‐SRM/SBS composite modified asphalt after 10 years of use was also evaluated by conducting high pressure aging simulation tests. The linear amplitude scanning test results showed a 27.1‐fold increase in Nf 5.0%. Owing to the efficient and green modification method, the newly designed TPEE‐SRM modifier poses great application prospects and feasibility for designing advanced functional modified asphalt for construction and highway industries alongside a suitable disposal aspect for SRM.
Advancements in biomass valorization in integrated biorefinery systems
Authors: Pandey Archana , Sharma Yogesh Chandra 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe utilization of lignocellulosic biomass for the generation of diverse value‐added biochemicals and biofuels is crucial in modern biorefineries and bioenergy initiatives, contributing significantly to the pursuit of a climate‐neutral future. Agricultural, forest and industrial sources of lignocellulosic biomass serve as exceptionally renewable precursors in biorefinery processes. In spite of its abundance, the effective breakdown of biomass poses a significant challenge. Thus, it is essential to integrate various unit processes, including biochemical, thermochemical, physical, enzymatic and catalytic conversion, to generate a wide array of bio‐based products. Intensive integration of these processes not only enhances yield and reduces reaction time but also proves to be economically efficient. Furthermore, these process integration approaches may contribute to the establishment of a circular bioeconomy through biorefineries, effectively reducing both bioresource waste and greenhouse gas emissions. This review offers fundamental insights into biomass and its chemistry, with a detailed discussion on lignocellulosic conversion systems. It explores how integrating conversion processes can facilitate the transition toward a circular economy. Additionally, it summarizes the challenges and prospects associated with advancing integrated biorefineries and circular economy principles to achieve complete biomass valorization.
Population‐based prevalence of congenital defects in a routine sentinel site‐based surveillance system in the Western Cape, South Africa
Authors: Kalk Emma , Heekes Alexa , Lavies Diane , Jacobs Lizel , Spencer Careni , Boutall Alison , Osman Ayesha , Stewart Chantal , Davies Mary‐Ann , van Niekerk Anika , Fieggen Karen , Boulle Andrew , Mehta Ushma 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundLack of data on the burden and scope of congenital disorders (CDs) in South Africa undermines resource allocation and limits the ability to detect signals from potentially teratogenic pregnancy exposures.MethodsWe used routine electronic data in the Western Cape Pregnancy Exposure Registry (PER) to determine the overall and individual prevalence of CD identified on neonatal surface examination at birth in the Western Cape, South Africa, 2016–2022. CD was confirmed by record review. The contribution of late (≤24 months) and antenatal diagnoses was assessed. We compared demographic and obstetric characteristics between women with/without pregnancies affected by CD.ResultsWomen with a viable pregnancy (>22 weeks gestation; birth weight ≥ 500 g) (n = 32,494) were included. Of 1106 potential CD identified, 56.1% were confirmed on folder review. When internal and minor CD were excluded the prevalence of major CD identified on surface examination at birth was 7.2/1000 births. When missed/late diagnoses on examination (16.8%) and ultrasound (6.8%) were included, the prevalence was 9.2/1000 births: 8.9/1000 livebirths and 21.5/1000 stillbirths. The PER did not detect 21.5% of major CD visible at birth. Older maternal age and diabetes mellitus were associated with an increased prevalence of CD. Women living with/without HIV (or the timing of antiretroviral therapy, before/after conception), hypertension or obesity did not significantly affect prevalence of CD.ConclusionsA surveillance system based on routine data successfully determined the prevalence of major CD identified on surface examination at birth at rates slightly higher than in equivalent studies. Overall rates, modeled at ~2%, are likely underestimated. Strengthening routine neonatal examination and clinical record‐keeping could improve CD ascertainment.
Barriers and proposed solutions to at‐home colorectal cancer screening tests in medically underserved health centers across three US regions to inform a randomized trial
Authors: Brodney Suzanne , Bhat Roopa S. , Tuan Jessica J. , Johnson Gina , May Folasade P , Glenn Beth A. , Schoolcraft Kimberly , Warner Erica T. , Haas Jennifer S. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIntroductionAt‐home colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is an effective way to reduce CRC mortality, but screening rates in medically underserved groups are low. To plan the implementation of a pragmatic randomized trial comparing two population‐based outreach approaches, we conducted qualitative research on current processes and barriers to at‐home CRC screening in 10 community health centers (CHCs) that serve medically underserved groups, four each in Massachusetts and California, and two tribal facilities in South Dakota.MethodsWe conducted 53 semi‐structured interviews with clinical and administrative staff at the participating CHCs. Participants were asked about CRC screening processes, categorized into eight domains: patient identification, outreach, risk assessment, fecal immunochemical test (FIT) workflows, FIT‐DNA (i.e., Cologuard) workflows, referral for a follow‐up colonoscopy, patient navigation, and educational materials. Transcripts were analyzed using a Rapid Qualitative Analysis approach. A matrix was used to organize and summarize the data into four sub‐themes: current process, barriers, facilitators, and solutions to adapt materials for the intervention.ResultsEach site's process for stool‐based CRC screening varied slightly. Interviewees identified the importance of offering educational materials in English and Spanish, using text messages to remind patients to return kits, adapting materials to address health literacy needs so patients can access instructions in writing, pictures, or video, creating mailed workflows integrated with a tracking system, and offering patient navigation to colonoscopy for patients with an abnormal result.ConclusionProposed solutions across the three regions will inform a multilevel intervention in a pragmatic trial to increase CRC screening uptake in CHCs.
Efficacy and prognostic factors of COVID‐19 vaccine in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: Analysis of data from a prospective cohort study
Authors: Zhao He , Li Ying , Tian Pengfei , Sun Wei , Luo Yingen , Zhang Xiaowu , Li Jingui , Gong Tao , Yang Zhengqiang , Song Peng , Li Xiao 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe efficacy of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) vaccines in preventing SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not clear.MethodsFrom January 2022 to October 2022, patients diagnosed with HCC in a prospective, multicenter, observational cohort were analyzed.ResultsOne hundred and forty‐one patients with (n = 107) or without COVID‐19 vaccination (n = 34) were included. The number of patients with severe or very severe infection was relatively lower in the vaccinated group (3.7% vs. 11.8%, p = 0.096). Median infection‐free survival in the vaccinated group (14.0 vs. 8.3 months, p = 0.010) was significantly longer than that in the unvaccinated group. COVID‐19 vaccination (hazard ratio (HR) HR = 0.47), European Cooperative Oncology Group performance score = 0 (HR = 2.06), and extrahepatic spread (HR = 0.28) were found to be the independent predictive factors for infection‐free survival.ConclusionCOVID‐19 vaccines could effectively reduce the SARS‐Cov‐2 infection in patients with HCC.
phi and phiD predict adverse pathological features after radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer in Chinese population
Authors: Shi Ruofan , Huang Da , Yan Jiaqi , Ruan Xiaohao , Huang Jingyi , Liu Jiacheng , Huang Jinlun , Zhan Yongle , Yao Chi , Chun Tsun Tsun Stacia , Ho Brian Sze‐Ho , Ng Ada Tsui‐Lin , Gao Yi , Xu Danfeng , Na Rong 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundAnticipating the postoperative pathological stage and potential for adverse features of prostate cancer (PCa) patients before radical prostatectomy (RP) is crucial for guiding perioperative treatment.MethodsA cohort consisting of three sub‐cohorts with a total of 709 patients has been enlisted from two major tertiary medical centres in China. The primary assessment parameters for adverse pathological features in this study are the pathological T stage, the AJCC prognostic stage groups and perineural invasion (PNI). Logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the relationship between prostate specific antigen (PSA), its derivatives (incluing Prostate Health Index, phi and phi density, phiD), and the pathological outcomes after RP.ResultsBoth phi and phiD showed a significant association with pathologic T stage of pT3 or above (phi, adjusted OR, AOR = 2.82, 95% confidence interval, 95% CI: 1.88–4.23, p < 0.001; phiD, AOR = 2.47, 95% CI: 1.76–3.48, p < 0.001) and PNI (phi, AOR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.39–3.32, p < 0.001; phiD, AOR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.38–2.73, p < 0.001). In a subgroup analysis with a total PSA value <10 ng/mL, phi and phiD continued to show a significant correlation with pT3 or above (phi, AOR = 4.70, 95% CI: 1.29–17.12, p = 0.019; phiD, AOR = 3.44, 95% CI: 1.51–7.85, p = 0.003), and phiD also maintained its predictive capability for PNI in this subgroup (AOR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.17–3.80, p = 0.014). Sensitivity analysis indicated that the findings in the combined cohort are mainly influenced by one of the sub‐cohorts, partially attributable to disparities in sample sizes between sub‐cohorts. Combined analysis of phi(D) and multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) data yielded similar results.ConclusionsPreoperative measurement of serum phi and phiD is valuable for predicting the occurrence of adverse pathological features in Chinese PCa patients after RP.
Zoomers and healthcare choices: A study of mental processes of consumer decision‐making in the digital age
Authors: Nagarajan Durga V. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis paper investigates the pre‐decisional cognitive dissonance states that guide Generation Z's consumer behavior, with a focus on the healthcare sector. By integrating insights from neurology, cognition, and psychology, the study addresses the lack of understanding regarding the psychological underpinnings of this cohort's rapidly evolving consumption patterns. Key contributions of this research include identifying cognitive heuristic elements, such as latent needs, that trigger pre‐decisional cognitive dissonance. The study empirically demonstrates how these elements influence Generation Z's decision‐making process, particularly in their shift from traditional allopathic healthcare to alternative and complementary medicine. The data, collected from 35 Indian Zoomers, reveal that this cohort relies heavily on internal cognitive cues and self‐driven information processing to make healthcare choices. This study establishes a new framework for consumer decision‐making, highlighting the role of cognitive dissonance in navigating information overload and selective exposure. Overall, the research provides valuable insights into the psychological and cognitive factors driving Generation Z's healthcare decisions, offering a robust foundation for marketers and healthcare providers to develop more effective strategies tailored to this influential consumer segment.
Modulating Enzyme Activity using Engineered Nanomaterials
Authors: Bhattacharya Atri , Pandit Subrata , Lee Seungheon , Ebrahimi Sasha B. , Samanta Devleena 
Published: August 2024

AbstractEnzymes serve as pivotal components in various biotechnological applications across several industries. Understanding enzyme inhibition sheds light on how certain compounds disrupt biochemical pathways, facilitating the design of targeted drugs for combating diseases. On the other hand, reversible inhibition or enhancement of activity can unlock new ways of controlling industrial reactions and boosting the catalytic activity of native enzymes that are taken out of their natural environments. Over the last two decades, immobilizing enzymes on nanomaterial‐based solid supports has emerged as an especially promising approach for tuning enzyme activity. Nanomaterials not only inhibit enzymes but also enhance their performance, showcasing their versatility. This Concept highlights significant advancements in utilizing nanomaterials for enzyme modulation and discusses future prospects for leveraging this phenomenon in developing sophisticated molecular systems and downstream applications.
Pnictogen‐Assisted Self‐Assembly as a Means to Study Mediated Thiol/Disulfide Exchange in Supramolecular Dynamic Covalent Assemblies
Authors: Davis Willow A. , Zakharov Lev N. , Johnson Darren W. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThiol‐disulfide interchange has been a large field of study for both biochemists and physical organic chemists alike due to its prevalence within biological systems and fundamentally interesting dynamic nature. More recently, efforts have been made to harness the power of this reversible reaction to make self‐assembling systems of macrocyclic molecules. However, less effort has focused on the fundamental work of isolating these assemblies and studying the factors that control the assembly and sorting of these emerging cyclic systems. A more complete fundamental understanding of factors controlling such self‐assembly could also improve understanding of the complex systems biology of thiol exchange while also aiding in the design of dynamic thiol assembly to enable applications ranging from drug delivery and biosensing to new materials synthesis. We have shown previously that pnictogen‐assisted self‐assembly enables formation of discrete disulfide macrocycles and cages without competition from polymer formation for a wide variety of alkyl thiols. In this study, we report the expansion of pnictogen‐assisted self‐assembly methods to form disulfide bearing macrocycles from aryl thiol containing ligands, allowing access to previously unreported molecules. These studies complement classical physical organic and chemical biology studies on the rates and products of aryl thiol oxidation to disulfides, and we show that this self‐assembly method revises some prevailing wisdom from these key classical studies by providing new product distributions and new isolable products in cyclic disulfide formation.
A GSH‐Responsive Immune‐Stimulating Polypeptide Hydrogel Loaded with Chemotherapeutics, IDO Inhibitor and Immune Checkpoint Blocking Antibody for Enhanced Anti‐Tumor Chemo‐Immunotherapy
Authors: Ding Junfeng , Wang Tianran , Rong Yan , He Chaoliang , Chen Xuesi 
Published: August 2024

Comprehensive SummaryDue to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), T cells are usually inactivated and tend to differentiate into regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the tumor tissues, which seriously hinders the anti‐tumor efficiency of immunotherapy. In this study, an immune‐stimulating polypeptide hydrogel conjugated with an indoleamine‐2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO) inhibitor, 1‐methyl‐D‐tryptophan (D1MT), through a glutathione (GSH)‐responsive spacer was developed as an immunotherapy platform capable of regulating the TME. A combined immunotherapy system was further constructed through encapsulating doxorubicin (Dox) and immune checkpoint blocking antibody targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (aPD‐1) in the hydrogel. Dox released from the hydrogel could cause the immunogenic cell death (ICD) of tumor cells and induce the maturation of antigen presenting cells (APCs). After intratumoral injection, the multiple agent‐loaded hydrogel elicited effective anti‐tumor immunity in mice bearing B16F10 melanoma. Moreover, compared with the control hydrogel without D1MT, the immune‐stimulating hydrogel showed better efficiency in improving the immunosuppressive TME with increased number of activated T cells and reduced number of Tregs. Therefore, the immune‐stimulating hydrogel has great potential as a stimuli‐responsive platform for regulating suppressive TME and enhanced anti‐tumor chemo‐immunotherapy.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Direct B—H Oxygenation: Facile Synthesis of o‐Carboranofuranones†
Authors: Guo Chenyang , Qiu Zaozao , Xie Zuowei 
Published: August 2024

Comprehensive SummaryRecent advances in transition metal‐catalyzed o‐carborane B—H activation have led to the rapid development of various methodologies for cage boron functionalization. For catalytic cage B—H acyloxylation, intermolecular oxygenation gave products with different regioselectivities (B(3)‐, B(4)‐, and B(8,9)‐selectivities). Herein, an efficient palladium‐catalyzed direct cage B(4)–H oxygenation of o‐carboranylacetic acids has been achieved, where the carboxylic group serves as not only a directing group, but also a coupling partner. A wide range of substituted o‐carboranylacetic acids have been cyclized via the formation of B(4)−O bond to give the corresponding γ‐lactones in modest to excellent yields. A Pd(IV) intermediate is proposed to be involved in the catalytic cycle. This work offers valuable references for the BH/OH dehydrocoupling reactions under mild conditions to produce carborane‐featuring functional molecules.
Sandwich‐Type Single‐Molecule Magnets Complexes of Er(III) with Ansa‐Cyclooctatetraenyl Ligands†
Authors: Ding You‐Song , Chen Qi‐Wei , Huang Jia‐Qi , Zhu Xiao‐Fei , Zheng Zhiping 
Published: August 2024

Comprehensive SummaryMany sandwich‐type lanthanide complexes show extremely high energy barriers (Ueff) for the reversal of magnetization and high blocking temperatures, being the star molecules in the research area of single‐molecule magnets. Herein, the preparation, structural determination, and magnetic property studies of two ansa‐bridged Er‐COT (COT = cyclooctatetraenyl dianion) complexes [KDME2][Er((η8‐COT‐SiMe2)2O)] (1) and [KDME2][Er((η8‐COT‐SiiPr2)2O)]K[Er((η8‐COT‐SiiPr2)2O)] (2) were reported. The Er(III) ions in both complexes are sandwiched by two COT rings which are ansa‐bridged by a [Si‐O‐Si] group. Magnetic studies reveal both complexes display slow magnetic relaxations with comparable energy barriers (228(5) K for 1, and 196(4) K for 2) and blocking temperatures (10.5 K for both complexes). The difference in the relaxation times (τ) for the two complexes was studied in details: different molecular vibrations induced by the substituents are the main reason for τ for 1 being about 10 times longer than for 2 at the same temperature above 10 K, while the quantum tunnelling of magnetization relaxation time (τQTM) for 2 is about 10 times longer than for 1 below 8 K, probably owing to the different dipolar interactions. Further rearrangement of molecular network with such ansa‐bridged SMMs is promising to design molecular magnetic materials with enhanced properties or new properties.
A systematic study of switching, optoelectronics, and gas‐sensitive properties of PCF‐graphene‐based nanodevices: Insights from DFT study
Authors: Yang Wenhao , Chen Tong , Xie Luzhen , Yu Yang , Long Mengqiu , Xu Liang 
Published: August 2024

AbstractTwo‐dimensional materials exhibit significant potential and wide‐ranging application prospects owing to their remarkable tunability, pronounced quantum confinement effects, and notable surface sensitivity. The switching, optoelectronics, and gas‐sensitive properties of the new carbon material poly‐cyclooctatetraene framework (PCF)‐graphene were systematically studied using density functional theory combined with the nonequilibrium Green's function method. First, the diode device based on PCF‐graphene monolayer exhibited an impressive switching ratio of 106, demonstrating excellent diode characteristics. Moreover, in the investigation of the pin junction utilizing monolayer PCF‐graphene, it is noteworthy that significant photocurrent responses were observed in both the zigzag and armchair directions, specifically within the visible and ultraviolet regions. Finally, gas sensors employing monolayer and bilayer PCF‐graphene demonstrate significant chemical adsorption capabilities for NO and NO2. Notably, the maximum gas sensitivity for NO is achieved in monolayer PCF‐graphene, reaching 322% at a bias voltage of 1.0 V. Meanwhile, for bilayer PCF‐graphene‐based gas sensor, the maximum gas sensitivity reaches 52% at a bias voltage of 0.4 V. In addition, the study also examined the influence of various environmental conditions, specifically H2O, O, and OH, on the system under investigation. The obtained results emphasize the multifunctional properties of PCF‐graphene, exhibiting significant potential for various applications, including switching devices, optoelectronic devices, and gas sensors.
Evaluation of different methods of transoral minimally invasive surgery for supraglottic laryngeal carcinoma
Authors: Wang Lingwa , Zhong Qi , Yang Fan , Hou Lizhen , Ma Hongzhi , Feng Ling , He Shizhi , Yang Yifan , Fang Jugao , Wang Ru 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackground and objectivesTo analyze oncological and functional results of transoral minimally invasive surgery (TMIS) for supraglottic laryngeal carcinoma (SGLC), and investigate independent prognostic factors.MethodsSeventy SGLC patients treated with TMIS were included. The overall survival (OS), recurrence‐free survival (RFS), and postoperative functions were analyzed.ResultsSixty‐two patients were early‐stage (Tis, T1, and T2) and eight patients were T3. Eleven patients received preoperative induction chemotherapy (IC). Sixty patients received transoral laser microsurgery (TLM), and 10 patients received transoral robotic surgery (TORS). Fifty‐eight patients were scored Grade‐1 by water swallow test, and 49 patients were scored Grade 0 by grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, strain. The 1, 3, and 5 year OS of all were 95.450%, 84.877%, and 78.026%, and RFS were 89.167%, 78.052%, and 75.451% respectively. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed N stage and clinical stage were associated with OS, smoking, clinical stage, surgical margins, and Ki‐67 index were associated with RFS. There were no significant differences in preoperative IC or direct surgery, TLM, or TORS. Cox analyses showed smoking and surgical margins were independent prognosis factors for RFS.ConclusionsThe positive margin, Ki‐67 index ≥40% and P53(+)&Ki‐67 index ≥40% are worse factors affecting recurrence for SGLC patients. Both smoking and surgical margins are independent prognostic factors affecting recurrence.