bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disease‐specific health‐related quality of life trajectories up to 15 years after curative treatment for esophageal cancer—a prospective cohort study
Authors: Cheng Zhao , Johar Asif , Lagergren Jesper , Schandl Anna , Lagergren Pernilla 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe presence of distinct long‐term disease‐specific HRQL trajectories after curative treatment for esophageal cancer and factors associated with such trajectories are unclear.Materials and MethodsThis population‐based and longitudinal cohort study included 425 esophageal cancer patients who underwent curative treatment, including esophagectomy, in Sweden in 2001–2005 and were followed up until 2020, that is, 15‐year follow‐up. The outcomes were 10 disease‐specific HRQL symptoms, measured by the well‐validated EORTC QLQ‐OES18 questionnaire at 6 months (n = 402 patients), and 3 (n = 178), 5 (n = 141), 10 (n = 92), and 15 years (n = 52) after treatment. HRQL symptoms were examined for distinct trajectories by growth mixture models. Weighted logistic regression models provided odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for nine factors in relation to HRQL trajectories: age, sex, education, proxy baseline HRQL, comorbidity, tumor histology, chemo(radio)therapy, pathological tumor stage, and postoperative complications.ResultsDistinct HRQL trajectories were identified for each of the 10 disease‐specific symptoms. HRQL trajectories with more symptoms tended to persist or alleviate over time, while trajectories with fewer symptoms were more stable. Eating difficulty had three trajectories: persistently less, persistently moderate, and persistently more symptoms. The OR of having a persistently more eating difficulty trajectory was decreased for adenocarcinoma histology (OR = 0.44, 95% CI 0.21–0.95), and increased for pathological tumor stage III‐IV (OR = 2.19, 95% CI 0.99–4.82) and 30‐day postoperative complications (OR = 2.54, 95% CI 1.26–5.12).ConclusionDistinct trajectories with long‐term persistent or deteriorating disease‐specific HRQL symptoms were identified after esophageal cancer treatment. Tumor histology, tumor stage, and postoperative complications may facilitate detection of high‐risk patients for unwanted trajectories.
Photoactivated Anticancer Activity of Cobalt(III) Complexes with Naturally Occurring Flavonoids Chrysin and Silibinin
Authors: Dutta Jyotirmoy , Bera Arpan , Upadhyay Aarti , Yadav Ashish Kumar , Banerjee Samya , Sarkar Tukki , Hussain Akhtar 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPhotoactive metal complexes of bioessential transition metal ions with natural chelators are gaining interest as photocytotoxic agents for cancer photodynamic therapy (PDT). We report six new cobalt(III) complexes with a mixed‐ligand formulation [Co(B)2(L)](ClO4)2 (Co1–Co6), where B represents a N,N‐donor α‐diimine ligand, namely, phenanthroline (phen; Co1, Co2), dipyrido[3,2‐d:2’,3’‐f]quinoxaline (dpq; Co3, Co4), and dipyrido[3,2‐a:2’,3’‐c]phenazine (dppz; Co5, Co6), and L is the monoanionic form of the naturally occurring flavonoids chrysin (chry; Co1, Co3, Co5) and silibinin (sili; Co2, Co4, Co6). Complexes displayed a d‐d absorption band within 500–700 nm and exhibited excellent dark and photostability in solution. Cytotoxicity studies indicated significant activity of Co5 and Co6 against cervical (HeLa) and lung (A549) cancer cells under visible light (400–700 nm) irradiation giving low micromolar IC50 values (2.3–3.4 μM, phototoxicity index~15–30). The complexes demonstrated notably low toxicity against normal HPL1D lung epithelial cells. Flow cytometry assay revealed an apoptotic mode of cell damage triggered by the complexes when irradiated. ROS generation assay indicated the involvement of singlet oxygen species in the cell death mechanism when irradiated with light. Overall, complexes Co5 and Co6 with coordinated dipyridophenazine and flavonoid ligands are potential candidates for cancer PDT applications.
High‐molecular‐weight glutenin subunit profiles of eastern US soft winter wheat desirable for making soft‐bite white salted noodles
Authors: Ma Fengyun , Baik Byung‐Kee 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesHigh‐molecular‐weight glutenin subunits (HMW‐GSs) composition has a significant influence on wheat gluten strength and product quality. Flour protein content and gluten strength required for making soft‐bite white salted noodles (WSNs) are well established, whereas the association of HMW‐GS composition with WSN quality is poorly understood. Eastern US soft winter (ESW) wheat varieties carrying diverse HMW‐GS profiles were evaluated for protein characteristics and WSN‐making quality and compared to those of commercial noodle flours (CNFs) to identify HMW‐GSs desirable for making noodles.FindingsSubunit 2* showed associations with low cooking yield and high hardness of cooked WSN. ESW wheat varieties carrying subunits 2 + 121 produced WSN with higher cooking loss, and lower hardness and tensile force than those carrying subunits 5 + 10, 2 + 12, or 2 + 10. The 1BL/1RS translocation exhibited an association with increased adhesiveness of WSN.ConclusionsESW wheat varieties carrying one of three HMW‐GS profiles, (2*, 7* + 8, 5 + 10), (2*, 7 + 9, 5 + 10) or (2*, 13 + 16, 2 + 12), produced WSN of comparable quality to those prepared from CNFs.Significance and NoveltyThe determination of HMW‐GS composition would be an effective tool for the identification and development of ESW wheat varieties possessing protein characteristics suitable for making WSN.
Surgical management of high‐grade vesicoureteral reflux in an 18‐month‐old female with a solitary kidney: A case report from a resource‐limited setting
Authors: Nhungo Charles John , Mwakalukwa Kelvin Richard , Wambura Erasto Phares , Kibona Herry Godfrey , Mushi Fransia Arda , Msangi Nimwindael Stephen , Maro Isaack Mlatie , Kimu Njiku Marko , Nyongole Obadia Venance , Mkony Charles A. 
Published: July 2024

Key Clinical MessageConservative nonsurgical therapy ensures that the resolution is nearly 80% for vesicoureteral reflux grades I and II and 30%–50% for vesicoureteral reflux grades III and V within 4–5 years of follow‐up. Open surgical reimplantation of ureters of grades IV and V is a highly successful procedure, with reported correction rates ranging from 95% to 99% regardless of the severity of vesicoureteral reflux.AbstractPatients with vesicoureteral reflux present with a wide range of severity. With an incidence of approximately 1%, vesicoureteral reflux is a relatively common urological abnormality in children. Postnatal diagnosis of vesicoureteral reflux is typically made following a diagnosis of a urinary tract infection and less frequently following family screening. Voiding cystourethrograms remain the gold standard for diagnosing vesicoureteral reflux. To preserve the kidney and prevent the need for potential renal replacement therapy, infants with a single kidney require significantly more assessments and prompt decision‐making. Surgical correction is advised for patients with vesicoureteral reflux grades IV and V, while vesicoureteral reflux grades I, II, and III are managed conservatively.
Ulcerative colitis associated mononeuritis multiplex in 75‐year‐old patient: Rare case report
Authors: Pourbagherian Omid , Jafarpour Mehdi , Tahsini Sepideh , Eftekharsadat Amir Taher , Javid Maryam 
Published: July 2024

Key Clinical MessageInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to a collection of chronic, idiopathic inflammatory/autoimmune disorders of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by relapsing and remitting episodes. In this case report, we will report a patient who has encountered ulcerative colitis related to mononeuritis multiplex as a rare clinical scenario. A 75‐year‐old male patient, with a prior medical history including long‐standing hypertension, recurring episodes of peripheral joint arthritis, leg skin lesions reminiscent of erythema nodosum, and persistent chronic diarrhea over the past 2 years, was recently hospitalized at the rheumatology department of Imam Reza Hospital in Tabriz. Throughout the patient's hospital stay, a series of diagnostic assessments were conducted, encompassing procedures such as colonoscopy, electromyography and nerve conduction studies, echocardiography, renal ultrasonography, and standard hematological analyses. The patient underwent the following treatment regimen, which resulted in a significant improvement in his condition.
Three Design Strategies for Improving the Thermal Stability of Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Mukai Kazuhiko 
Published: July 2024

AbstractToday's information and communication technologies heavily rely on lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), which were commercialized by Sony in 1991. However, owing to their self‐contained nature, the thermal runaway that leads to rupture or explosion hinders their safe, worry‐free utilization in electric vehicles (EVs) and stationary energy storage systems (SESSs). This contribution introduces three design strategies for improving the thermal stability of LIBs: i) replacing materials for a smaller change in enthalpy, ii) optimizing the solid electrolyte interphase film, and iii) stabilizing the crystal lattice. These strategies could pave the way to satisfying the heretofore competing needs for LIBs to have both high energy density and high thermal stability, enabling further widespread applications to EVs and SESSs.
Fluorescence of Aggregated Aromatic Peptides for Studying the Kinetics of Aggregation and Hardening of Amyloid‐like Structures
Authors: Diaferia Carlo , Gallo Enrico , Cimmino Luca , Laurenzi Valentina , De Marco Agostino , Morelli Giancarlo , Stornaiuolo Mariano , Accardo Antonella 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe capability of amyloid‐like peptide fibers to emit intrinsic‐fluorescence enables the study of their formation, stability and hardening through time‐resolved fluorescence analysis, without the need for additional intercalating dyes. This approach allows the monitoring of amyloid‐like peptides aggregation kinetics using minimal sample volumes, and the simultaneous testing of numerous experimental conditions and analytes, offering rapid and reproducible results. The analytical procedure applied to the aromatic hexapeptide F6, alone or derivatized with PEG (polyethylene glycol) moiety of different lengths, suggests that aggregation into large anisotropic structures negatively correlates with initial monomer concentration and relies on the presence of charged N‐ and C‐termini. PEGylation reduces the extent of aggregates hardening, possibly by retaining water, and overall impacts the final structural properties of the aggregates.
Nano in the classroom – innovative experiments on the topic of nanochemistry in secondary education and the school laboratory setting Nan_OS
Authors: Becker Daniel , Kreienhop Nils , Otte Lars , Beeken Marco 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSelbstreinigende Oberflächen, Nanocarrier in der Medizin oder Photokatalysatoren für die Gewässerreinigung. Die Nanochemie nimmt immer mehr Platz in der Forschung, aber auch in unserem Alltag ein. In diesem Zuge wurde 2022 die Neueinführung des Themenfelds Nanochemie in die Anforderungen an die Allgemeine Hochschulreife und somit in die Lehrpläne einiger Bundesländer, unter anderem Niedersachen, beschlossen. Aus diesem Anlass wurde das Schülerlabor‐Setting Nan_OS für den außerschulischen Lernstandort GreenLab_OS für die gymnasiale Oberstufe entwickelt. Auf Grundlage der im Kerncurriculum für die Sekundarstufe II des Landes Niedersachsen festgesetzten Kompetenzen erhalten die Schülerinnen und Schüler einen Einblick in die Eigenschaften, Anwendung, Chancen sowie Risiken der Nanochemie. Es sollen verschiedene Phänomene, die auf die spezifischen Eigenschaften von Nanopartikeln zurückzuführen sind, didaktisch reduziert vermittelt werden. Die Schülerinnen und Schüler untersuchen im Schülerlabor‐Setting spezifische Eigenschaften, wie das hohe Oberflächen‐zu‐Volumen‐Verhältnis, die anregbare Fluoreszenz von kohlenstoffhaltigen Carbon Quantum Dots und die daraus resultierenden Anwendungsmöglichkeiten von Nanostrukturen sowie Nanopartikel. Zusätzlich setzen sich die Schülerinnen und Schüler im Schülerlabor‐Setting mit der Synthese von Nanopartikeln auseinander. Im Sinne der Bewertungskompetenz erarbeiten und bewerten die Schülerinnen und Schüler materialgestützt die möglichen Chancen und Risiken der Nanochemie, Nanotechnologie und Nanopartikeln. In diesem Artikel wird zunächst ein Einblick in die Geschichte der Nanotechnologie gegeben, um anschließend die grundlegende Einbettung von Nan_OS vorzustellen. Abschließend werden drei innovative Experimente aus dem Setting erläutert, die auch für den Regelunterricht der Sekundarstufe II geeignet sind.
Barriers confronting smallholder cassava farmers in the adoption and utilization of climate‐smart agriculture in the Afigya Kwabre South District, Ghana
Authors: Baffour‐Ata Frank , Boakye Louisa , Acquah Lordina Ekua , Brown Samuel Boamah , Kafui John Dagadu , Marfo Austin Appiah , Acheampong Prince , Wheagar Salome 
Published: July 2024

AbstractClimate‐smart agriculture (CSA) is key to addressing climate change threats faced by smallholder farmers in Ghana. Nonetheless, evidence of the barriers challenging smallholder farmers in the implementation of CSA practices remains limited in Ghana. This study, therefore, investigated the barriers opposing smallholder cassava farmers in implementing CSA practices in the Afigya Kwabre South District, Ghana. The study used descriptive statistics and content analysis to analyze primary data collected through 200 household surveys and 10 key informant interviews from four selected communities (Aboabogya, Aduamoa, Aduman Old Town, and Aduman New Town) in the district. Results revealed that the smallholder cassava farmers implemented key CSA practices including mulching (89%), mixed farming (86%), crop diversification (84%), and crop rotation (81%) to build their resilience in food systems. Furthermore, the results showed that the critical enablers to the farmers’ utilization of CSA practices were access to weather and climate services (82%), a secured land tenure system (75%), and knowledge of the effects of climate change (68%). Also, the results indicated that the key barriers challenging smallholder cassava farmers in the implementation of CSA practices were inadequate technological assistance (91%), the incidence of pests and diseases (90%), and a lack of knowledge and understanding of CSA (90%). We recommend that smallholder cassava farmers adopt improved varieties of cassava that are resistant to pests and diseases, drought tolerant, high yielding, and possessing desirable quality traits. Smallholder cassava farmers can also participate in contract farming schemes that link them to agribusinesses that can offer them access to quality inputs, credit, training, and guaranteed markets for their produce.
Genoarchitectural Definition of the Adult Mouse Mesocortical Ring: A Contribution to Cortical Ring Theory
Authors: Puelles Luis , Alonso Antonia , García‐Calero Elena 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTData mining was performed at the databases of the Allen Institute for Brain Science (RRID:SCR_017001) searching for genes expressed selectively throughout the adult mouse mesocortex (transitional cortex ring predicted within the concentric ring theory of mammalian cortical structure, in contrast with central isocortex [ICx] and peripheral allocortex). We aimed to explore a shared molecular profile selective of all or most mesocortex areas. This approach checks and corroborates the precision of other previous definitory criteria, such as poor myelination and high kainate receptor level. Another aim was to examine which cortical areas properly belong to mesocortex. A total of 34 positive adult selective marker genes of mesocortex were identified, jointly with 12 negative selective markers, making a total of 46 markers. All of them identify the same set of cortical areas surrounding the molecularly different ICx as well as excluding adjacent allocortex. Four representative mesocortex markers—Crym, Lypd1, Cdh13, and Smoc2—are amply illustrated, jointly with complementary material including myelin basic protein, to check myelination, and Rorb, to check layer 4 presence. The retrosplenial (ReSp) area, long held to be mesocortical, does not share any of the 46 markers of mesocortex and instead expresses Nr4a2 and Tshz2, selective parahippocampal allocortex markers. Moreover, it is not hypomyelinic and lacks a Rorb‐positive layer 4, aspects generally present in mesocortex. Exclusion of the ReSp area from the mesocortex ring reveals the latter to be closed at this locus instead by two adjacent areas previously thought to be associative visual ICx (reidentified here molecularly as postsplenial and parasplenial mesocortex areas). The concepts of ICx, mesocortex, and parahippocampal allocortex are thus subtly modified by substantial molecular evidence.
The Neural Representation of Binaural Sound Localization Cues Across Different Subregions of the Chicken's Inferior Colliculus
Authors: Aralla Roberta , Pauley Claire , Köppl Christine 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTThe sound localization behavior of the nocturnally hunting barn owl and its underlying neural computations is a textbook example of neuroethology. Differences in sound timing and level at the two ears are integrated in a series of well‐characterized steps, from brainstem to inferior colliculus (IC), resulting in a topographical neural representation of auditory space. It remains an important question of brain evolution: How is this specialized case derived from a more plesiomorphic pattern? The present study is the first to match physiology and anatomical subregions in the non‐owl avian IC. Single‐unit responses in the chicken IC were tested for selectivity to different frequencies and to the binaural difference cues. Their anatomical origin was reconstructed with the help of electrolytic lesions and immunohistochemical identification of different subregions of the IC, based on previous characterizations in owl and chicken. In contrast to barn owl, there was no distinct differentiation of responses in the different subregions. We found neural topographies for both binaural cues but no evidence for a coherent representation of auditory space. The results are consistent with previous work in pigeon IC and chicken higher‐order midbrain and suggest a plesiomorphic condition of multisensory integration in the midbrain that is dominated by lateral panoramic vision.
Vibrational Features of Oxyamines: A Comparative Study of N,N‐Diethylhydroxylamine and N,N‐Diethylacetyloxyamine
Authors: Pizzano Emanuele , Baroncelli Filippo , Melandri Sonia , Evangelisti Luca , Ricci Marcello , Mazzacurati Marzia , Pori Matteo , Torreggiani Armida , Maris Assimo 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe ability of oxyamines to undergo homolytic cleavage of the O−C bond, leading to the formation of stable radicals, is widely used in polymerization processes and to prevent oxidative stress in materials. We present a mid and near‐infrared spectroscopy study on two model compounds, N,N‐diethylhydroxyloxyamine (C4H11NO) and its acetyl derivative N,N‐diethylacetyloxyamine (C6H13NO2) in the liquid phase. The analysis of the spectra is based on a complete exploration of the conformational space, coupled to harmonic and anharmonic calculations performed using the generalized second‐order vibrational perturbation theory (GVPT2) formalism at the B3LYP−D3(BJ)/Def2‐TZVP level of calculation and potential energy distribution analysis. In the most stable species out of 25, the three amine chains present an all‐anti arrangement, with the carbonyl oxygen atom pointing towards the nitrogen lone pair. The simulated spectra are in overall good agreement with the experimental ones, and suitable for the assignment of the main observed bands. Furthermore, similarities and divergences between the two molecules are discussed.
In Situ Monitoring of Crystallinity of FeSe2 Thin Films During Thermal Annealing and the Annealing Effects on the Structural, Optical and Dielectric Properties
Authors: Gaabour Laila H. , Qasrawi Atef Fayez , Alharbi Seham R. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractHerein stacked layers of iron selenide (FeSe2) thin films are deposited by the physical evaporation technique and thermally annealed. An in situ monitoring of the crystallinity during the annealing process has shown that the crystallinity is reached at 100 °C. The crystallinity of the films that preferred the orthorhombic phase is enhanced with increasing annealing temperature. Evidences about the improved crystallinity are presented by the increased crystallite and grain sizes, decreased microstrain values, decreased stacking faults, and decreased defect densities with increasing annealing temperature. Optical investigations have shown impressive effect of the annealing process on the optical reflectance, optical contrast, and light absorbability. Namely, respective improvement percentages exceeding 170%, 64%, and 140% is achieved near E≈2 eV for samples annealed at 200 °C for 20 min. Both direct and indirect optical transitions are dominant in the film. In addition the annealing increased the dielectric constant in the spectral range of 1.17–4.20 eV. Maximum dielectric enhancement by 214% is reached near ≈2.10 eV. Moreover, the annealing process increases the optical conductivity and drift mobility of the FeSe2 films. The improvement in the crystallinity that resulted in enhanced optical properties makes the thermally annealed FeSe2 films promising for optoelectronic technology applications.
Oxidative Cleavage of α‐O‐4, β‐O‐4, and 4‐O‐5 Linkages in Lignin Model Compounds Over P, N Co‐Doped Carbon Catalyst: A Metal‐Free Approach
Authors: Chauhan Arzoo , Rajendra Kanchan Dipika , Banerjee Arghya , Srivastava Rajendra 
Published: July 2024

AbstractDeveloping efficient metal‐free catalysts for lignin valorization is essential but challenging. In this study, a cost‐effective strategy is employed to synthesize a P, N co‐doped carbon catalyst through hydrothermal and carbonization processes. This catalyst effectively cleaved α‐O‐4, β‐O‐4, and 4‐O‐5 lignin linkages, as demonstrated with model compounds. Various catalysts were prepared at different carbonization temperatures and thoroughly characterized using techniques such as XRD, RAMAN, FTIR, XPS, NH3‐TPD, and HRTEM. Attributed to higher acidity, the P5NC‐500 catalyst exhibited the best catalytic activity, employing H2O2 as the oxidant in water. Additionally, this metal‐free technique efficiently converted simulated lignin bio‐oil, containing all three linkages, into valuable monomers. Density Functional Theory calculations provided insight into the reaction mechanism, suggesting substrate and oxidant activation by P−O−H sites in the P5NC‐500, and by N−C−O−H in the CN catalyst. Moreover, the catalyst′s recyclability and water utilization enhance its environmental compatibility, offering a highly sustainable approach to lignin valorization with potential applications in various industries.