bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The expanding role of IAP antagonists for the treatment of head and neck cancer
Authors: Kansal Vikash , Kinney Brendan L. C. , Uppada Srijayaprakash , Saba Nabil F. , Stokes William A. , Buchwald Zachary S. , Schmitt Nicole C. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractInhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) inhibit the intrinsic and extrinsic cell death pathways, promoting cell survival. Antagonists of these pathways are under study as anti‐cancer therapeutics. A high proportion of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) have genomic alterations in IAP pathways, resulting in the dysregulation of cell death pathways and rendering them susceptible to IAP antagonist therapy. Preclinical studies suggest IAP antagonists, also known as second mitochondria‐derived activator of caspases mimetics, may be effective treatments for HNSCC, especially when combined with radiation. Mechanistic studies have shown both molecular mechanisms (i.e., enhanced cell death) and immune mechanisms (e.g., immunogenic cell death and T‐cell activation), underlying the efficacy of these drugs in preclinical models. Phase I/II clinical trials have shown promising results, portending a future where this class of targeted therapies becomes incorporated into the treatment paradigm for head and neck cancers.IAP antagonists have shown great promise for head and neck cancer, especially in combination with radiation therapy. Here, we review recent preclinical and clinical studies on the use of these novel targeted agents for head and neck cancer.
Predicting immune‐related adverse events using a simplified frailty score in cancer patients treated with checkpoint inhibitors: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Olsson Ladjevardi Cecilia , Koliadi Anthoula , Rydén Viktoria , Inan El‐Naggar Ali , Digkas Evangelos , Valachis Antonios , Ullenhag Gustav J. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractObjectiveCheckpoint inhibitors (CPIs) are in widespread clinical use. Little is known about which patients are at risk for developing toxicity. It is essential being able to identify patients with higher risk of experiencing immune‐related adverse events (IRAEs) before initiation of CPI treatment to optimize treatment decisions and follow‐up strategy. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a simplified frailty score based on performance status (PS), age, and comorbidity expressed as Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) could predict development of IRAEs.MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study at three Swedish centers. All patients (n = 596) treated with PD‐L1 or PD‐1 inhibitor for advanced cancer between January 2017 and December 2021 were included.ResultsIn total, 361 patients (60.6%) were classified as nonfrail and 235 (39.4%) as frail. The most common cancer type was non‐small cell lung cancer (n = 203; 34.1%) followed by malignant melanoma (n = 195; 32.7%). Any grade of IRAE occurred in 138 (58.7%) frail and in 155 (42.9%) non‐frail patients (OR: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.09–2.28). Age, CCI, and PS did not independently predict the occurrence of IRAEs. Multiple IRAEs occurred in 53 (22.6%) frail and in 45 (12.5%) nonfrail patients (OR: 1.62; 95% CI: 1.00–2.64).DiscussionIn conclusion, the simplified frailty score predicted all grade IRAEs and multiple IRAEs in multivariate analyses whereas age, CCI, or PS did not separately predict development of IRAEs suggesting that this easy‐to‐use score may be of value in clinical decision making but a large prospective study is needed to assess its true value.
The use of augmentative alternative communication in psychotherapy
Authors: Curtis Drew A. , Mohesky Ashley , Good Cody 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe use of augmentative alternative communication (AAC) in psychotherapy is particularly important for psychotherapists who may have a disability related to speech‐language production. The aim of our study was to examine the perceptions of using AAC in psychotherapy. We recruited 186 participants and randomly assigned them to either watch a video of a therapist using AAC or employing traditional talk psychotherapy. Subsequently, we asked participants to complete the Counsellor Rating Form‐Short (CRF‐S), respond to a question about behavioural intention to seek psychotherapy and complete the Working Alliance Inventory‐Observer form (WAI‐O). Most participants perceived the use of AAC to be related to the therapist having a disability. The use of AAC had higher ratings on the CRF‐S and higher scores on the WAI‐O. There were no significant differences in behavioural intention between the therapist using AAC or traditional talk psychotherapy. The use of AAC is a viable option for psychotherapy and is beneficial. Psychotherapists with a disability affecting speech‐language production may opt to use AAC as others perceive the therapist positively, the alliance is rated higher and therapists do not need to be concerned with patients not wanting to seek out their services.
Engineering Glucose Dehydrogenase to Favor Totally Synthetic Biomimetic Cofactors Containing Carboxyl Group
Authors: Zhou Jieyu , Gu Xiangyuan , Zhu Yichun , Tao Zhenyan , Ni Ye 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe utilization of unnatural nicotinamide cofactors for reactions catalyzed by oxidoreductases has gained increasing interest. Totally synthetic nicotinamide cofactor biomimetics (NCBs) are cost‐effective and convenient to synthesize. Thus, it has become increasingly important to develop enzymes that accept NCBs. Here, we have engineered SsGDH to favor a newly synthesized unnatural cofactor 3‐carbamoyl‐1‐(4‐carboxybenzyl) pyridin‐1‐ium (BANA+). Using in situ ligand minimization tool, sites 44 and 114 were identified as hotspots for mutagenesis. All the double mutants demonstrated 2.7–7.7‐fold improvements in catalytic activity, and the best double mutant E44D/E114 L exhibited 10.6‐fold increased catalytic efficiency toward BANA+. These results provide valuable information for the rational engineering of oxidoreductases with versatile NCBs‐dependency, as well as the design of novel biomimetic cofactors.
New Generation of Benzidine Wide‐Gap Conjugated Materials: Solution Processing a Classic Evaporated Scaffold
Authors: Marqués Pablo Simón , Gasonoo Akpeko , Wolfe Kathryn , Chang Chia Yun , Welch Gregory Charles 
Published: May 2023

AbstractCarbazole‐ and fluorene‐substituted benzidine blocks have been functionalized with two different solubilizing pendant groups, in order to enhance the material's solubility in greener solvents. Preserving the optical and electrochemical properties, the aromatic function and substitution showed an important influence on the solvent affinity, achieving concentrations up to 150 mg/mL in o‐xylenes for the glycol‐containing materials and decent solubility in alcohols for the compounds functionalized with ionic chains. The latter solution proved to be ideal for the preparation of luminescence slot‐die coating film on top of flexible‐substrates up to 33 cm×2 cm. As a proof of concept, the materials have been implemented in different organic electronic devices, highlighting the low turn‐on voltage (4 V) presented by organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs), which is comparable with vacuum‐processed devices. A structure‐solubility relationship and a synthetic strategy are disentangled in this manuscript to tailor organic semiconductors and adapt their solubility towards the desired solvent and application.
Stereochemically Active Tin(II)‐Induced Enhancement of Birefringence in SnIISnIV(PO4)2 and SrSn(PO4)PO2(OH)2
Authors: Deng Lihan , Zhang Ruonan , Zhang Jie , Xie Wenlong , Bai Chunyan , Yang Zhihua , Hou Xueling , Han Shujuan , Pan Shilie 
Published: May 2023

AbstractTwo new tin(II) phosphates, SnIISnIV(PO4)2 and SrSn(PO4)PO2(OH)2, were synthesized by the high‐temperature solution method and hydrothermal method, respectively. Theoretical study indicates that by introducing tin(II) with stereochemical activity lone pairs (SCALP) in metal phosphates, the birefringence was enhanced, 0.048@1064 nm for SnIISnIV(PO4)2 and 0.080@1064 nm for SrSn(PO4)PO2(OH)2.
Analysis of interaction effects of persulphate and peroxymonosulphate on solar photocatalytic degradation of cortisone acetate
Authors: Feilizadeh Mansoor , Jafarpur Khosrow , Nowee Seyed Mostafa , Karimi Estahbanati M. R. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe degradation of environmental contaminants using sustainable solar energy is one of the most promising applications of the photocatalytic process. In this research, the individual and interaction effects of persulphate (PS) and peroxymonosulphate (PMS) oxidants on the solar photocatalytic degradation of cortisone acetate (CA) were studied. Concentrations of PS, PMS, and photocatalyst were independent variables, and the response was CA degradation efficiency. Response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) models were developed to predict the CA degradation efficiency. The analysis of the current results revealed that the optimum amounts of individual variables were highly affected by the other variables, which confirmed their significant interaction effect. As an example, by increasing the PS concentration, not only were the required concentrations of PMS and photocatalyst decreased, but also the degradation efficiency was enhanced. Then, the overall optimum concentration of the photocatalyst, PS, and PMS were found to be respectively 328.7, 119.1, and 194.2 mg/L using the genetic algorithm method. The maximum CA degradation efficiency at the optimum condition was 95.6% after only 30 min of solar radiation. Finally, investigation of relative importance of the variables showed that the concentrations of both oxidants affected the degradation efficiency almost equally.
INMUNOCAT study: The impact of molecular diagnosis on immunotherapy prescription in pollen polysensitized patients from Catalonia
Authors: Garriga‐Baraut Teresa , Moncín M. M. San Miguel , Tena Mercè , Labrador‐Horrillo Moisés ,   Comitè d’Al·lèrgia Respiratòria de Catalunya, Spain
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundRecognition of specific allergens triggering immune response is key for the appropriate prescription of allergen‐specific immunotherapy (SIT). This study aimed at evaluating the impact of using the commercially available microarray ImmunoCAPTM ISAC 112 (Thermo Fisher Scientific) on the etiological diagnosis and SIT prescription compared to the conventional diagnostic methods in patients with allergic rhinitis/rhinoconjunctivitis and/or asthma.Methods300 patients with respiratory allergic disease, sensitized to three or more pollen aeroallergens from different species, as assessed by a skin prick test (SPT) and specific IgE assays (sIgE), were included in this multicentric, prospective observational study. SPT and a blood test were performed to all patients. Total serum IgE and sIgE (ImmunoCAPTM) for allergens found positive in the SPT and sIgE allergen components (ImmunoCAPTM ISAC 112) were measured.ResultsAccording to SPT results, the most prevalent pollen sensitizers in our population were Olea europaea followed by grass, Platanus acerifolia and Parietaria judaica. The molecular diagnosis (MD) revealed Ole e 1 as the most prevalent pollen sensitizer, followed by Cup a 1, Phl p 1, Cyn d 1, Par j 2, Pla a 1, 2, and 3 and Phl p 5. Immunotherapy prescription changed, due to MD testing, in 51% of the cases, with an increase of prescription of SIT from 39% to 65%.ConclusionThe identification of the allergen eliciting the respiratory disease is essential for a correct immunotherapy prescription. The advances in allergen characterization using methods, such as the commercial microarray ImmunoCAPTM ISAC 112, can help clinicians to improve SIT prescription.
Systematic exploration of eczema‐associated paediatric diseases in a Chinese population of millions: A retrospective observation study
Authors: Zheng Huiwen , Yang Jian , Feng Yuqing , Duan Huilong , Du Lizhong , Shu Qiang , Li Haomin 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundEczema is the most common form of dermatitis and also the starting point of atopic march. Although many eczema‐associated allergic and immunologic disorders have been studied, there remains a gap in the systematic quantitative knowledge regarding the relationships between all childhood disorders and eczema. This study aimed to systematically explore eczema‐associated childhood diseases using a real‐world, long‐term clinical dataset generated from millions of children in China.MethodsData were collected at 8,907,735 outpatient healthcare visits from 2,592,147 children between January 1, 2013, and August 15, 2019, at the largest comprehensive pediatric medical center in Zhejiang Province of China. The period prevalence differences in various pediatric diseases between children with and without eczema were used to test the independence of various pediatric disorders and eczema using Fisher's exact test. Bonferroni correction was used to adjust the p value in multiple testing. Odds ratio >2 with 95% confidence interval not including 1 and adjusted p < 0.05 was used to identify eczema‐associated diseases.ResultsOverall, 234 pediatric disorders were identified from more than 6000 different pediatric disorders. An interactive eczema‐associated disease map that has related quantitative epidemiological features called ADmap was published at http://pedmap.nbscn.org/admap. Thirty‐six of these disease associations have not been reported in previous studies.ConclusionThis systematic exploratory study confirmed the associations of many well‐known diseases with eczema in Chinese children and also identified some novel and interesting associations. These results are valuable for the development of a comprehensive approach to the management of eczema in childhood.
A Supramolecular Nanovehicle Featuring a pH/Enzyme Co‐Response for Targeted Delivery of the Antitumor Compound
Authors: Nie Zhengquan , Zhu Fangdao , Chen Shuai , Xu Junxin , Yang Jianmei , He Junnan , Liu Xiaoqing , Zhao Yan , Zhang Jin 
Published: May 2023

AbstractTriptolide (TPL) has gained much attention as an antitumor compound with potential applications. However, TPL suffers from low bioavailability, severe toxic side effects, and limited targeted uptake by tumor cells, thus restricting the conversion of its clinical application. Here, a supramolecular nanovehicle, named TSCD/MCC NPs, featuring pH/AChE co‐response was designed and prepared for loading, delivery, and targeted release of TPL. The cumulative release rate of TPL from TPL@TSCD/MCC NPs reached ∼90 % within 60 h at pH 5.0 and AChE co‐stimulation. Bhaskar model is used to study TPL release procedure. In cell experiments, TPL@TSCD/MCC NPs showed high toxicity to the four tumor cells lines A549, HL‐60, MCF‐7, and SW480, and favorable biosafety to normal cells BEAS‐2B. Furthermore, TPL@TSCD/MCC NPs containing relatively small amounts of TPL presented similar apoptosis rates to those of intrinsic TPL. We anticipate that TPL@TSCD/MCC NPs may facilitate the conversion of TPL into clinical applications through further studies.
Two decades of research on board gender diversity and financial outcomes: Mapping heterogeneity and future research agenda
Authors: Laique Usama , Abdullah Fahad , Rehman Ijaz Ur , Sergi Bruno S. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThis study seeks to comprehend the sources of substantial heterogeneity in the findings of board gender diversity and firm financial performance over the last two decades. We present an explanatory framework primarily ignored in previous review studies and chronologically review theoretical perspectives, analytical frameworks, measures, associations, and methodologies from 1996 to 2022. We employ a four‐step systematic review methodology and a three‐point thematic analysis framework. Our findings provide an explanatory framework outlining various channels that impede and facilitate the impact of board gender diversity on firms' financial outcomes. Our review reveals a plethora of descriptive studies that focused solely on one rather than multiple theoretical perspectives, which is a potential limitation and the root cause of heterogeneity in existing study findings. Heterogeneity is also linked with differences across studies in capturing firm performance, statistical inquiry, periods of studies, study samples, gender diversity of independent board members, family or non‐family affiliations, omitted variable bias, the proportion of women directors on corporate boards, and economic contexts. Another reason for disparities in existing research is that gender diversity is not the only measure of diversity. Consequently, it is unclear when and which kind of board diversity measure should capture a firm's financial performance. We highlight the significance of the complexity perspective to address the limitation of measuring firm financial performance intently as a function of BGD from a singular theoretical perspective. Further, to better understand the antecedents of BGD, studies should use psychological and behavioural perspectives via an interview‐based research design to encapsulate the team and individual attributes of BGD. Based upon our review, we suggest that future research should consider cultural differences to understand the antecedents of BGD on firm financial performance.
How does the European Green Deal affect the disclosure of environmental information?
Authors: García‐Sánchez Isabel‐María , Ortiz‐Martínez Esther , Marín‐Hernández Salvador , Aibar‐Guzmán Beatriz 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe European Union has made the fight against climate change and the achievement of a sustainable economy political priorities. To promote the ecological transition of companies and corporate transparency, a broad regulatory framework has been developed. This paper analyses the effect of institutional pressures derived from this regulatory framework on the environmental information disclosed by 832 multinationals in the period 2011–2020. The results reveal a positive global effect, although, at an individual level, this effect is only maintained for the regulations and recommendations related to non‐financial information and the European Green Deal. Furthermore, the impact differs depending on the category of environmental information disclosed.
BMP9‐induced vascular normalisation improves the efficacy of immunotherapy against hepatitis B virus‐associated hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Han Yulong , Pan Qiuzhong , Guo Zhixing , Du Yufei , Zhang Yaojun , Liu Yingying , Zhao Jingjing , Xu Jinfeng , Yang Jieying , Ouyang Dijun , Tang Yan , Wang Qijing , Li Yongqiang , He Jia , Yang Mengjuan , Chen Hao , Yang Chaopin , Yang Xinyi , You Jinqi , Chen Yuanyuan , Ren Minghao , Zhu Yao , Xia Jianchuan , Xiang Tong 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundIn the past decade, the field of tumour immunotherapy has made a great progress. However, the efficacy of immune checkpoint blocking (ICB) in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains limited. Cytotoxic lymphocyte trafficking into tumours is critical for the success of ICB. Therefore, additional strategies that increase cytotoxic lymphocyte trafficking into tumours are urgently needed to improve patient immune responses.MethodsPaired adjacent tissue and cancerous lesions with HBV‐associated HCC were subjected to RNA‐seq analysis. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP9), which reflects vessel normalisation, was identified through Cytoscape software, clinical specimens and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets for HCC. The functional effects and mechanism of BMP9 on the tumour vasculature were evaluated in cells and animals. An ultrasound‐targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD)‐mediated BMP9 delivery strategy was used to normalise the vasculature and evaluate therapeutic efficacy mediated by cytotoxic lymphocytes (NK cells) in combination with a PD‐L1 antibody in human cancer xenografts of immune‐deficient mice.ResultsWe discovered that hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection‐induced downregulation of BMP9 expression correlated with a poor prognosis and pathological vascular abnormalities in patients with HCC. BMP9 overexpression in HBV‐infected HCC cells promoted intra‐tumoural cytotoxic lymphocyte infiltration via vascular normalisation by inhibiting the Rho‐ROCK‐myosin light chain (MLC) signalling cascade, resulting in enhanced efficacy of immunotherapy. Furthermore, UTMD‐mediated BMP9 delivery restored the anti‐tumour function of cytotoxic lymphocytes (NK cells) and showed therapeutic efficacy in combination with a PD‐L1 antibody in human cancer xenografts of immune‐deficient mice.ConclusionsHBV‐induced BMP9 downregulation causes vascular abnormalities that inhibit intra‐tumoural cytotoxic lymphocyte infiltration, providing a rationale for developing and combining immunotherapy with BMP9‐based therapy to treat HBV‐associated HCC.
Habitat use, survival, and migration of a little‐known East Asian endemic, the yellow‐throated bunting Emberiza elegans
Authors: Heim Wieland , Antonov Aleksey , Kunz Friederike , Sander Martha Maria , Bastardot Marc , Beermann Ilka , Heim Ramona Julia , Thomas Alexander , Volkova Vera 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBasic information on the ecology of species is key for their conservation. Here we study the ecology of the little‐known yellow‐throated bunting Emberiza elegans based on a multi‐year study on its breeding grounds in the Russian Far East. For the first time in this species, we quantified breeding habitat parameters, calculated sex‐specific apparent survival, and determined individual nonbreeding locations using light‐level geolocation. We found that the habitat around song posts of male yellow‐throated buntings is characterized by tree and shrub layers on richly littered moist ground. Habitat use overlaps with co‐occurring Tristram's Buntings Emberiza tristrami and Black‐faced Buntings E. spodocephala, but territories differ especially in tree cover and litter cover. Based on 4 years of color‐ringing data of 72 individuals, we calculated an apparent survival rate of 36%, with higher survival estimates for male than for female yellow‐throated buntings. We found no effect of carrying a geolocator on survival. We retrieved six geolocators from males. All birds migrated south‐westward during autumn and spent the nonbreeding season at locations in China 700–1700 km away from their breeding sites. At least two individuals spent the boreal winter outside of the known range in northern or central China. Birds left the breeding area between early October and early November and returned between mid‐March and mid‐April. Our data on habitat use, survival rate, and migratory connectivity will help to assess threats to the populations of this enigmatic species, which might include habitat loss due to forest fires on the breeding grounds, and unsustainable harvest for consumption during the nonbreeding season.