bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic role of immune environment in luminal B early breast cancer
Authors: Chan Arlene , Gill Jespal , Chih HuiJun , Nelson Delia J. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe importance of the immune microenvironment in triple negative and HER2‐amplified breast cancer (BC) is well‐established; less is known about the immune environment in luminal breast cancers. We aimed to assess for the impact of immune biomarkers on BC outcome in a group of luminal B patients with archived tissue and annotated clinical information. Patients with early breast cancer (EBC) treated in a single institution over a 14‐year period, with prospectively collected data were included. Luminal B EBC patients were identified and defined into three cohorts: A: grade 2 or 3, ER & PR positive, HER2‐negative; B: Any grade, ER positive, PR and HER2‐negative (Ki67 ≥ 14% in cohorts A & B); and C: Any grade, ER or PR positive, HER2‐positive. Within each cohort, patients with a relapsed BC event (R) were compared on a 1:1 basis with a control patient (C) who remained disease‐free, balanced for key characteristics in an effort to balance the contribution of each clinical group to outcome. Archival breast, involved and uninvolved axillary nodes were assessed by immunohistochemistry for biomarkers identifying effector and suppressor immune cells, and compared between R and C. In total, 120 patients were included (80, 22, and 18 patients in cohorts A, B, and C, respectively). R were 1.5 years older (p = 0.016), with all other characteristics being balanced. Overall, there were no statistically significant differences in immune biomarkers in breast or nodal tissue of R and C. However, there was a trend toward higher levels of TILs in breast tumors of C, while GAL‐9 was consistently expressed on lymphocytes and tumor cells in all breast and nodes of C and was absent from all tissues of R. These trends in checkpoint molecule expression deserve further research.
Procalcitonin as a biomarker for predicting bacterial infection in chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell therapy recipients
Authors: Powell Marissa Z. , Mara Kristin C. , Bansal Radhika , Hathcock Matthew A. , Khurana Arushi , Bennani N. Nora , Wang Yucai , Paludo Jonas , Bisneto Jose Villasboas , Ansell Stephen M. , Johnston Patrick B. , Lin Yi , Barreto Jason N. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundIt is unknown whether serum procalcitonin (PCT) concentration monitoring can differentiate between bacterial infection or cytokine release syndrome (CRS) when chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell (CAR‐T) recipients present with a constellation of signs and symptoms that may represent both complications.ObjectiveThe objective of the study was to assess the utility of serum PCT concentrations as a biomarker of bacterial infection in CAR‐T recipients.Study designThis single‐center, retrospective, medical record review evaluated patients prescribed CAR‐T therapy until death or 30 days after infusion. Logistic regression modeling determined the association between elevated serum PCT concentrations within 48 h of fever onset and microbiologically confirmed infection. Secondary outcomes included clinically suspected infection, CAR‐T toxicity rates, and broad‐spectrum antibiotic usage. Predictive performance of PCT was assessed by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).ResultsThe 98 included patients were a median age of 63 (IQR: 55–69) years old, 47 (48%) were male, and 87 (89%) were Caucasian. Baseline demographics and clinical characteristics were similar between patients with and without a bacterial infection. Serum PCT >0.4 ng/mL within 48 h of fever was significantly associated with a microbiologically confirmed bacterial infection (OR: 2.75 [95% CI: 1.02–7.39], p = 0.045). Median PCT values in patients with and without confirmed infections were 0.40 ng/mL (IQR: 0.26, 0.74) and 0.26 ng/mL (IQR: 0.13, 0.47), respectively. The AUC for PCT to predict bacterial infection was 0.62 (95% CI 0.48–0.76). All patients experienced CRS of some grade, with no difference in CRS severity based on elevated PCT. Broad‐spectrum antibiotics were used for a median of 45% and 23% of days in those with and without confirmed infection, respectively (p = 0.075).ConclusionElevated serum PCT concentrations above 0.4 ng/mL at time of first fever after CAR‐T infusion was significantly associated with confirmed bacterial infection. Furthermore, rigorous, prospective studies should validate our findings and evaluate serial PCT measurements to optimize antimicrobial use after CAR‐T therapy.
Utilization of Response Surface Methodology in Optimization of Proline Extraction from Castanea sativa Honey
Authors: Ecem Bayram Nesrin , Kutlu Naciye , Can Gercek Yusuf 
Published: February 2023

AbstractProline constitutes approximately 85 % of the amino acid composition of honey. Therefore, the quantitative determination of this amino acid in honey samples is used by many national/international authorities to evaluate the quality of honey types. In this study, it was aimed to achieve maximum proline amino acid extraction from honey samples whose botanical origins were confirmed by melissopalynological analysis. For this reason, based on three different spectrophotometric methods used in the literature for proline analysis, proline extraction was optimized with the Response Surface Method (RSM) and Box‐Behnken experimental design. Three independent variables were determined as treatment time (2, 6, and 10 min), treatment temperature (22, 46, and 70 °C), and cooling time (5, 25, and 45 min). As a result of the optimization, it was seen that only significantly effective independent variable on the proline content of honey was the processing temperature. The optimum conditions obtained as a result of the RSM were found to be 2 min for the treatment time, 70 °C for the treatment temperature and 45 min for the cooling time. The composite desirability of the optimum conditions (R2) was found to be 1.00. It was determined that the method proposed by International Honey Commission (IHC) is efficient for proline analysis, but it provides more proline extraction by reducing of time from 10 min to 2 min in hold time in boiling water bath only during the extraction step. As a result, the conditions to be used in order to achieve maximum proline extraction with different spectrophotometric methods were determined and optimum values were determined. In addition, since the botanical origin of honey samples significantly affects the proline content of honey, it can be suggested that this study be optimized for different monofloral honey samples as well.
Single Amino Acid Residues Control Potential‐Dependent Inactivation of an Inner Membrane bc‐Cytochrome
Authors: Joshi Komal , H. Chan Chi , Levar Caleb E. , Bond Daniel R. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractInvited for this issue's Front Cover is the group of Prof. Daniel R. Bond from the University of Minnesota. The cover picture illustrates potential‐dependent switching by CbcL, a bc cytochrome in the cytoplasmic membrane of Geobacter sulfurreducens. When redox potential drops, CbcL is activated and electrons flow from the quinone pool to the periplasm for reduction of extracellular metals or electrodes. Read the full text of the Research Article at 10.1002/celc.202200907.
Highly Stable Perovskite Solar Cells by Reducing Residual Water‐Induced Decomposition of Perovskite
Authors: Yang Xudong , Ji Wenxi , Chen Qiaoyun , Su Rui , Zhang Longgui , Wang Ailian , Zhang Taoyi , Zhou Yi , Song Bo 
Published: February 2023

Comprehensive SummaryResidual water‐induced decomposition is one of the dominant reasons for the decay of power conversion efficiency (PCE) in perovskite solar cells (Pero‐SCs). To solve this problem, we introduce traces amount of sodium hyaluronate (SH) into the perovskite active layer to reduce the remaining water during the preparation of perovskite films. Unlike the traditionally adopted passive protection of perovskite from exterior water by low surface energy coatings, this study provides active control of the interior water by the addition of a water adsorbent into the perovskite films. The encapsulated Pero‐SCs with SH retain approximately 70% of their initial PCE in 4000 h, while those without SH retain 32% of their initial PCE in 1000 h under the dark and ambient atmosphere. The unencapsulated Pero‐SCs with SH stored in N2 atmosphere maintain over 94% of the initial PCE in 3000 h at room temperature away from light and remain over 88% of the initial PCE in 2000 h even the devices are heated to 70 °C. It has been proven that the improved stability is mainly due to the well‐controlled residual water in perovskite films. Concomitantly, the PCE of p‐i‐n solar cells based on (FAPbI3)0.85(MAPbBr3)0.15 is improved from 19.34% to 21.54%.
Soluble IgE‐binding factors in the serum of food‐allergic patients: Possible pathophysiological role of soluble FcεRI as protective factor
Authors: Steinert Carolin , Moñino‐Romero Sherezade , Butze Monique , Scheffel Jörg , Dölle‐Bierke Sabine , Dobbertin‐Welsch Josefine , Beyer Kirsten , Maurer Marcus , Altrichter Sabine 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundIgE‐mediated food allergy is the result of an aberrant immune response involving the interaction of a food allergen with its specific IgE bound to FcɛRI, the high affinity IgE receptor, on mast cells. Allergen‐specific IgE also binds to soluble binding factors, but, their expression and role in food allergy is not well characterized. Here, we assess the prevalence and relevance of soluble IgE binding factors in food allergy and tolerance.MethodsWe measured serum levels of four IgE binding factors, that is, galectin‐3, galectin‐9, soluble FcɛRI (sFcεRI) and soluble CD23 (sCD23) in 67 adults sensitized to peanut or hazelnut and sFcɛRI in 29 children sensitized to hen's egg. Adults without food allergen sensitization (n = 17) served as healthy controls. We compared serum levels of patients and controls and assessed them, in the former, for links to clinical features including allergy and tolerance.ResultsSerum levels of sFcɛRI and sCD23, but not galectin‐3 and galectin‐9, significantly differ in food‐sensitized patients as compared to healthy controls. A subgroup (28%) of peanut and hazelnut allergic patients had elevated sFcεRI levels, that were associated with higher total and specific IgE levels. Furthermore, sFcεRI levels were significantly higher in tolerant subjects compared to allergics. Among hazelnut allergic patients, those with high sFcεRI levels tolerated the highest protein amounts in the oral food challenge.ConclusionsFcɛRI but not sCD23, galectin‐3 and galectin‐9 might play a role in the pathophysiology of food allergy. Its functional role or use as biomarker should be assessed in further studies.
Circularly Polarized Luminescent Bis(Boron Difluoride) Complexes with Chiral Schiff‐base Ligands
Authors: Ikeshita Masahiro , Oka Taichi , Kitahara Maho , Imai Yoshitane , Tsuno Takashi 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe Front Cover image is provided by the Ikeshita and Tsuno group at Nihon University (Japan), together with the Imai group at Kindai University (Japan). The image depicts the three chiral bis(boron difluoride) complexes whose circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) properties were studied in this work. The three complexes reflect off the sea surface, reminiscent of the mirror image CPL spectra obtained in the study, and similar to the reflection of the three islands in the background image. Read the full text of the Research Article at 10.1002/cptc.202200318.
Evaluation of antibacterial effects of different intracanal medicaments on Enterococcus faecalis in primary teeth: An in vitro study
Authors: Shamma Bushra Munzer , Kurdi Saleh Al , Rajab Anas , Arrag Ettihad Abo 
Published: February 2023

AbstractObjectivesSuccessful endodontic therapy is based on the reduction of infecting bacteria by cleaning, shaping, and disinfecting of the root canal system, thus the use of intracanal dressing is necessary for optimal success of root canal treatment. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of chitosan and propolis as intracanal medicaments against Enterococcus faecalis compared to calcium hydroxide in primary root canals.Material and MethodsNinety‐six extracted primary second molars were collected. Teeth preparation was completed to size 30 K‐file. They were randomly divided into four groups; (A): chitosan, (B): propolis, (C): calcium hydroxide, and (D): control group (saline). The tooth specimens were inoculated with E. faecalis. Then, tested materials were applied for all groups in accordance to the groups each tooth belonged to. Following this, the bacterial colonies were counted after 24 h, 72 h, and 1 week of applying dressing materials and incubation. Finally, one–way analysis of variance and Fisher's least significant difference tests were used for statistical comparisons between the groups at a significance level of .05.ResultsNo statistically significant difference was found between groups A, B, and C for both 24 h and a week (p ≥ .05). Yet, a statistical difference between groups A, B, C, and D after 72 h and 1 week were seen (p ≤ .05).ConclusionsChitosan and propolis medicaments were as effective as calcium hydroxide against E. faecalis in primary root canal treatment and might be considered as an alternative dressing material between treatment sessions.
Rational Design of Molybdenum‐Doped Cobalt Nitride Nanowire Arrays for Robust Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Huang Weixia , Tong Yun , Feng Dongmei , Guo Zhendong , Ye Runze , Chen Pengzuo 
Published: February 2023

AbstractRational design of efficient electrocatalysts is highly imperative but still a challenge for overall water splitting. Herein, we construct self‐supported Co3N nanowire arrays with different Mo doping contents by hydrothermal and nitridation processes that serve as robust electrocatalysts for overall water splitting. The optimal Co3N−Mo0.2/Ni foam (NF) electrode delivers a low overpotential of 97 mV at a current density of 50 mA cm−2 as well as a highly stable hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations prove that Mo doping can effectively modulate the electronic structure and surface adsorption energies of H2O and hydrogen intermediates on Co3N, leading to improved reaction kinetics with high catalytic activity. Further modification with FeOOH species on the surface of Co3N−Mo0.2/NF improves the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance benefiting from the synergistic effect of dual Co−Fe catalytic centers. As a result, the Co3N−Mo0.2@FeOOH/NF catalysts display outstanding OER catalytic performance with a low overpotential of 250 mV at 50 1 mA cm−2. The constructed Co3N−Mo0.2/NF||Co3N−Mo0.2@FeOOH/NF water electrolyzer exhibits a small voltage of 1.48 V to achieve a high current density of 50 mA cm−2 at 80 °C, which is superior to most of the reported electrocatalysts. This work provides a new approach to developing robust electrode materials for electrocatalytic water splitting.
Theoretical analysis of electrostatic energy harvester configured as Bennet's doubler based on Q‐V cycles
Authors: Duc Truong Binh , Phu Le Cuong 
Published: February 2023

SummaryWe present a theoretical analysis of a MEMS electrostatic energy harvester configured as Bennet's doubler. The steady‐state operation of the circuit can be approximated by a rectangular Q‐V cycle in the ideal case or by a trapezoid diagram when the electrical losses are taken into account. A similarity between the voltage doubler and charge‐pump circuit is highlighted. The analytical solution of the saturation voltage is derived, providing a more insightful comprehension of the system performance and the influence of its parameters. The results obtained from studying the Q‐V diagram coincide with those of circuit simulations for both cases when using (i) a mathematically idealized diode or (ii) a realistic diode model that includes the electrical losses. A configuration employing a simple switch connected in series with one of the three diodes that can further increase the saturation voltage is investigated, providing an efficient alternative for boosting the output voltage of an electrostatic energy harvester.
A novel capacitor‐voltage reduced bidirectional PWM DC‐DC buck‐boost converter for renewable energy battery charge system
Authors: Sahin Yakup , Ting Naim Suleyman , Yesilyurt Huseyin 
Published: February 2023

SummaryA novel capacitor‐voltage reduced bidirectional (CVRB) PWM DC‐DC buck‐boost converter is presented in this study. Compared to the conventional bidirectional buck‐boost converter, the proposed converter has a lower voltage rating filter capacitor. Accordingly, the given converter has a lower cost and higher power density than the conventional buck‐boost converter. Additionally, the proposed converter is more efficient due to the direct power transfer feature. Besides, the semiconductor switches have no extra voltage/current stress. The theoretical analysis of the converter is made, and its mathematical analysis is presented. The novel converter is experimentally operated in both the buck and boost modes. The experimental waveforms are shown for both operations. The proposed converter is operated in 100 W output power and 20 kHz switching frequency conditions. The efficiency of the proposed converter is 95.6% for the boost mode operation and 95.1% for the buck mode operation at the nominal output power.
On the Klimontovich description of complex (dusty) plasmas
Authors: Tolias Panagiotis 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe numerous idealizations that are involved in the exact microscopic statistical description of complex (dusty) plasmas are discussed in detail. The two prevailing approaches in the Klimontovich description of dusty plasmas are reviewed in a pedagogical manner. The continuous phase space approximation is introduced, within which the more rigorous treatment should collapse to the more heuristic treatment. The plasma Klimontovich equations are shown to be identical, but there are marked differences in the dust Klimontovich equations whose origin is analysed in depth.
Energy‐based devices for melasma and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation
Authors: Reynal Shane , Martin Elise , Munavalli Girish 
Published: February 2023

AbstractIntroductionMelasma and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) are conditions commonly encountered by dermatologists, and they are often distressing to patients. While PIH can improve with time once the inflammatory process is controlled, melasma is a condition that often requires prolonged treatment and maintenance. There are numerous treatment options, ranging from UV protection and topical therapies (such as hydroquinone), to more procedural‐based options (chemical peels, micro‐needling, and energy‐based devices).ObjectiveThis review will focus on the treatment of melasma and PIH with various energy‐based therapies, including laser devices, intense pulsed light (IPL), high‐frequency ultrasound, and radiofrequency devices.MethodsReferences were collected by using Pubmed with search terms of “laser”, “melasma”, “post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation”, and “energy‐based devices.”FindingsLasers and IPL target pigment in the epidermis and dermis by using the appropriate wavelengths and principles such as thermal relaxation time and photoacoustic damage. Other lasers, such as pulsed‐dye laser (PDL), target the vascular component of melasma. Used alone or in combination with topical treatments, these devices provide improvement in melasma and PIH. In addition, some authors have studied the use of these devices, such as fractionated lasers, in device‐assisted drug delivery of topical therapies.ConclusionWhile there is a benefit to the use of these devices, this change is usually temporary and balanced against the side effects of dyspigmentation and scarring. Therefore, these treatments are best used in combination, with a maintenance program that employs both topical therapies, procedures, and energy‐based devices.
The population genetics of speciation by cascade reinforcement
Authors: Anderson Carlie B. , Ospina Oscar , Beerli Peter , Lemmon Alan R. , Banker Sarah E. , Hassinger Alyssa Bigelow , Dye Mysia , Kortyna Michelle L. , Lemmon Emily Moriarty 
Published: February 2023

AbstractSpecies interactions drive diverse evolutionary outcomes. Speciation by cascade reinforcement represents one example of how species interactions can contribute to the proliferation of species. This process occurs when the divergence of mating traits in response to selection against interspecific hybridization incidentally leads to reproductive isolation among populations of the same species. Here, we investigated the population genetic outcomes of cascade reinforcement in North American chorus frogs (Hylidae:Pseudacris). Specifically, we estimated the frequency of hybridization among three taxa, assessed genetic structure within the focal species,P.feriarum, and ascertained the directionality of gene flow withinP.feriarumacross replicated contact zones via coalescent modeling. Through field observations and preliminary experimental crosses, we assessed whether hybridization is possible under natural and laboratory conditions. We found that hybridization occurs amongP.feriarumand two conspecifics at a low rate in multiple contact zones, and that gene flow within the former species is unidirectional from allopatry into sympatry with these other species in three of four contact zones studied. We found evidence of substantial genetic structuring withinP.feriarumincluding a divergent western allopatric cluster, a behaviorally‐distinct sympatric South Carolina cluster, and several genetically‐overlapping clusters from the remainder of the distribution. Furthermore, we found sub‐structuring between reinforced and nonreinforced populations in the two most intensely‐sampled contact zones. Our literature review indicated thatP.feriarumhybridizes with at least five heterospecifics at the periphery of its range providing a mechanism for further intraspecific diversification. This work strengthens the evidence for cascade reinforcement in this clade, revealing the geographic and genetic landscape upon which this process can contribute to the proliferation of species.