bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of Spironolactone Use With Risk of Cancer
Authors: Bommareddy Kanthi , Hamade Hassan , Lopez-Olivo Maria A. , Wehner Mackenzie , Tosh Traci , Barbieri John S. 
Published: February 2022

ImportanceWhile originally approved for the management of heart failure, hypertension, and edema, spironolactone is commonly used off label in the management of acne, hidradenitis, androgenetic alopecia, and hirsutism. However, spironolactone carries an official warning from the US Food and Drug Administration regarding potential for tumorigenicity.ObjectiveTo determine the pooled occurrence of cancers, in particular breast and prostate cancers, among those who were ever treated with spironolactone.Data SourcesPubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science were searched from inception through June 11, 2021. The search was restricted to studies in the English language.Study SelectionIncluded studies reported the occurrence of cancers in men and women 18 years and older who were exposed to spironolactone.Data Extraction and SynthesisTwo independent reviewers (K.B. and H.H.) selected studies, extracted data, and appraised the risk of bias using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Studies were synthesized using random effects meta-analysis.Main Outcomes and MeasuresCancer occurrence, with a focus on breast and prostate cancers.ResultsSeven studies met eligibility criteria, with sample sizes ranging from 18 035 to 2.3 million and a total population of 4 528 332 individuals (mean age, 62.6-72.0 years; in the studies without stratification by sex, women accounted for 17.2%-54.4%). All studies were considered to be of low risk of bias. No statistically significant association was observed between spironolactone use and risk of breast cancer (risk ratio [RR], 1.04; 95% CI, 0.86-1.22; certainty of evidence very low). There was an association between spironolactone use and decreased risk of prostate cancer (RR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.68-0.90; certainty of evidence very low). There was no statistically significant association between spironolactone use and risk of ovarian cancer (RR, 1.52; 95% CI, 0.84-2.20; certainty of evidence very low), bladder cancer (RR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.71-1.07; certainty of evidence very low), kidney cancer (RR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.85-1.07; certainty of evidence low), gastric cancer (RR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.80-1.24; certainty of evidence low), or esophageal cancer (RR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.91-1.27; certainty of evidence low).Conclusions and RelevanceIn this systematic review and meta-analysis, spironolactone use was not associated with a substantial increased risk of cancer and was associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer. However, the certainty of the evidence was low and future studies are needed, including among diverse populations such as younger individuals and those with acne or hirsutism.
Proximate stimuli: An overlooked driving force for risk‐induced trait responses affecting interactions in aquatic ecosystems
Authors: Okamiya Hisanori , Kishida Osamu 
Published: February 2022

AbstractInducible responses in prey to predation risk can influence species interaction strength, with significant ecological consequences. Much of the past research on interactions in aquatic ecosystems has focused on remote stimuli (e.g., diffusible chemicals emitted from predators and injured conspecifics, which easily propagate through environmental water), as cues triggering trait responses in prey, and has overlooked the importance of proximate stimuli (e.g., physical disturbance and less‐diffusible chemicals), which occur in attack or direct contact to prey by predators. Proximate stimuli from predators as well as remote stimuli may induce significant responses in prey functional traits such as behavior, morphology, and life history and, therefore, act as an important mechanism of top‐down effects in aquatic ecosystems. In this opinion paper, we argue that studying the effects of proximate stimuli is essential to better understanding of individual adaptation to predation risk in nature and ecological consequences of predator–prey interactions. Here, we propose research directions to examine the role of proximate stimuli for phenotypic plasticity and interaction systems.
Optimizing the Electrocatalytic Selectivity of Carbon Dioxide Reduction Reaction by Regulating the Electronic Structure of Single‐Atom M‐N‐C Materials
Authors: Tang Tianmi , Wang Zhenlu , Guan Jingqi 
Published: February 2022

AbstractElectrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) is an efficient strategy to relieve global environmental and energy issues by converting excess CO2 from the atmosphere to value‐added products. Atomically dispersed metal‐nitrogen‐doped carbon (M‐N‐C) materials are superior catalysts for electrocatalytic CO2RR because of the 100% atomic utilization, unsaturated coordination configuration, relatively uniform active sites, and well‐defined and adjustable structure of active centers. However, the electrochemical CO2RR is a great challenge due to the process involving proton‐coupled multi‐electron transfer with a high energy barrier, which leads to unsatisfactory selectivity to the targeted product, especially for C2 products (e.g., C2H4 and C2H5OH). Here, the authors systematically summarize effective means, including reasonable selection of isolated metal sites, regulation of the coordination environment of isolated metal atoms, and fabrication of dimetallic single‐atom sites for attaining optimal geometric and electronic structures of M‐N‐C materials and further correlate these structures with catalytic selectivity to various C1 (e.g., CO and CH4) and C2 products in the CO2RR. Moreover, constructive strategies to further optimize M‐N‐C materials for electrocatalytic CO2RR are provided. Finally, the challenges and future research directions of the application of M‐N‐C materials for electrocatalytic CO2RR are proposed.
Advances in MEMS and Microfluidics‐Based Energy Harvesting Technologies
Authors: Mahmud M. A. Parvez , Bazaz Sajad Razavi , Dabiri Soroush , Mehrizi Ali Abouei , Asadnia Mohsen , Warkiani Majid Ebrahimi , Wang Zhong Lin 
Published: February 2022

AbstractEnergy harvesting from mechanical vibrations, thermal gradients, electromagnetic radiations, and solar radiations has experienced rapid progress in recent times not only to develop an alternative power source that can replace conventional batteries to energize portable and personal electronics smartly but also to achieve sustainable self‐sufficient micro/nanosystems. Utilizing micro‐electromechanical system (MEMS) and microfluidics technologies through selective designs and fabrications effectively, those energy harvesters can be considerably downsized while ensuring a stable, portable, and consistent power supply. Although ambient energy sources such as solar radiation are harvested for decades, recent developments have enabled ambient vibrations, electromagnetic radiation, and heat to be harvested wirelessly, independently, and sustainably. Developments in the field of microfluidics have also led to the design and fabrication of novel energy harvesting devices. This paper reviews the recent advancements in energy harvesting technologies such as piezoelectric, electromagnetic, electrostatic, thermoelectric, radio frequency, and solar to drive self‐powered portable electronics. Moreover, the potential application of MEMS and microfluidics as well as MEMS‐based structures and fabrication techniques for energy harvesting are summarized and presented. Finally, a few crucial challenges affecting the performance of energy harvesters are addressed.
State‐of‐the‐Art Advances, Development, and Challenges of Metal Oxide Semiconductor Nanomaterials for Photothermal Solar Steam Generation
Authors: Tan Kar Woon , Yap Chun Man , Zheng Ziyue , Haw Choon Yian , Khiew Poi Sim , Chiu Wee Siong 
Published: February 2022

AbstractSolar steam generation has drawn high levels of attention from the research community in recent years due to its wide application and abundantly available energy source—sunlight. To the best of the author's knowledge, a specialized overview of photothermal semiconductor solar steam generation has not been conducted to date. In this review, the recently reported solar evaporators using metal oxide semiconductors as the photoabsorber material are investigated, from the perspective of nanostructure, synthesis method, and installation method. A timeline sequence map is generated with the CiteSpace analysis tool to visualize the trend of metal oxide semiconductors as photoabsorbers. The nanostructure of metal oxide semiconductor is emphasized, due to its significant effect on regulating photothermal efficiency in solar steam generation. In addition, other considerations are suggested to enable a fair evaluation of future synthesized photoabsorbers, including cost, stability, reproducibility, recyclability, and regenerative ability. A brief summary of divergent application of solar steam generation is conducted to show the merits of solar steam generation, as well to provide insights for production of photoabsorbers targeted to varying usage and scenarios. Furthermore, the challenges and opportunities of metal oxide solar steam generation system are elaborated from the viewpoint of the authors, with the aim to provide useful insights for future development of photothermal solar steam generation.
Ensemble Machine‐Learning‐Based Analysis for In Situ Electron Diffraction
Authors: Ge Mengshu , Liu Xiaozhi , Zhao Zhicheng , Su Fei , Gu Lin , Su Dong 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIn situ transmission electron microscopy is an important characterization approach for exploring the structural dynamics of materials. However, the recorded high resolution in situ videos normally have tremendous amount of data, which is challenging for quantitative analysis. In case of in situ electron diffraction (ED), the classical analysis method only tracks changes of the integral profile and ignores important information of position, intensity, and distribution angle due to the lack of a proper data processing tool. In this work, an ensemble machine‐learning‐based framework which enables the fore‐and‐after tracking of all diffraction spots of an in situ ED video is established. As demonstrated in the case of the lithiation of the Co3O4 nanoparticles, the method precisely quantifies the changes of lattice parameters and then unveils the inhomogeneous structural evolution induced by the insertion of lithium ions. This method is generally applicable to analyze in situ ED data derived from any dynamical processes, enlarging the capability to grasp the key information from massive in situ data.
Induced Cognitive Impairments Reversed by Grafts of Neural Precursors: A Longitudinal Study in a Macaque Model of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Wianny Florence , Dzahini Kwamivi , Fifel Karim , Wilson Charles Robert Eden , Bernat Agnieszka , Dolmazon Virginie , Misery Pierre , Lamy Camille , Giroud Pascale , Cooper Howard Michael , Knoblauch Kenneth , Procyk Emmanuel , Kennedy Henry , Savatier Pierre , Dehay Colette , Vezoli Julien 
Published: February 2022

AbstractParkinson's disease (PD) evolves over an extended and variable period in humans; years prior to the onset of classical motor symptoms, sleep and biological rhythm disorders develop, significantly impacting the quality‐of‐life of patients. Circadian‐rhythm disorders are accompanied by mild cognitive deficits that progressively worsen with disease progression and can constitute a severe burden for patients at later stages. The gold‐standard 6‐methyl‐1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridin (MPTP) macaque model of PD recapitulates the progression of motor and nonmotor symptoms over contracted periods of time. Here, this multidisciplinary/multiparametric study follows, in five animals, the steady progression of motor and nonmotor symptoms and describes their reversal following grafts of neural precursors in diverse functional domains of the basal ganglia. Results show unprecedented recovery from cognitive symptoms in addition to a strong clinical motor recuperation. Both motor and cognitive recovery and partial circadian rhythm recovery correlate with the degree of graft integration, and in a subset of animals, with in vivo levels of striatal dopaminergic innervation and function. The present study provides empirical evidence that integration of neural precursors following transplantation efficiently restores function at multiple levels in parkinsonian nonhuman primates and, given interindividuality of disease progression and recovery, underlines the importance of longitudinal multidisciplinary assessments in view of clinical translation.
Fate of nitrogen (15N) fertilizer in tall fescue seed systems at different application timings
Authors: Carrijo Daniela R. , Verhoeven Elizabeth 
Published: February 2022

AbstractOptimal stewardship of fertilizer N is necessary to reduce the effects of reactive N on the environment. However, insufficient information on fertilizer fate and N use efficiency is available for tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Shreb.) Dumort.] seed crops. Furthermore, changing weather patterns can lead to increasingly early spring N applications. A field trial using 15N‐labeled urea applied at three spring timings (Early, Late, and Split) was implemented at three locations in western Oregon representing different soil drainage levels. We hypothesized that Early applications on the location having a poorly drained soil would lead to the highest fertilizer N losses and the lowest fertilizer N recovery efficiency (REN) at harvest. The REN was not affected by application timing or location and averaged 57%. Overall, 91% of fertilizer was recovered in the soil–plant system at harvest, with 24% remaining in the soil (0–45 cm), almost all in the organic pool, and 10% remaining in belowground (roots and crowns) biomass. Six months after harvest (i.e., 1 yr after application), total fertilizer recovery in the plant–soil system was unchanged. Spring fertilizer contributed only 31% of aboveground N content at harvest, indicating that N sources outside of spring fertilizer applications supplied most of plant N demand. Combined, our results suggest that fertilizer rates could be reduced and that historical N applications may be leading to elevated soil N and N cycling. Further, we show preliminary evidence that roots and crowns can play an important role in cycling fertilizer N in tall fescue seed systems.
Computational fluid dynamics modeling of biomass catalytic fast pyrolysis in bubbling fluidized reactor: Effects of catalyst parameters on process performance
Authors: Qiu Yajun , Xu Qixiang , Pang Shusheng , Ma Xiaoyuechuan 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIn this study, a computational fluid dynamics mathematical model has been developed for catalytic fast pyrolysis (CFP) of biomass based on multiphase flow, transfer process, and biomass pyrolysis reactions in a bubbling fluidized bed reactor. The multiphase fluid flow, and the inter‐phase momentum and energy transfer processes are modeled with Eulerian multiphase formulas, representing the flows of gases and solids (catalyst and biomass) within the reactor. The biomass CFP reactions are described by using a two‐stage, semi‐global model. Specified secondary tar catalytic cracking process, which considers both intrinsic reaction rates and mass‐transfer process, is embedded to the developed model by user‐defined function. The model simulation results of pyrolysis product yield and distribution are compared with the experimental data with close agreement. The model is then employed to investigate the effects of structural properties of catalyst, such as specific internal area, average size of active sites, pore diameter, and tortuosity, on products yields and composition. The tar cracking process by the selected catalyst is proposed and the influences of adsorption capability of tar molecule on catalyst surface and external film mass transfer are also analyzed. The developed model can be solved with short computational time and thus it can be employed for further research and engineering designs of the catalytic pyrolysis of carbonaceous materials.
Acute cholangitis due to food reflux after self‐expanding metal stent implantation without duodenal obstruction: A case report
Authors: Yang Min‐Jie , Han Ming‐Lun , Liu Kao‐Lang , Chien Yu‐Heng 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAcute cholangitis has been reported as an uncommon adverse event after self‐expandable metallic stent (SEMS) implantation. Herein, we report a case of an acute cholangitis caused by duodenal refluxate without duodenal obstruction. A 62‐year‐old woman received SEMS for an obstructive jaundice caused by a pancreatic head adenocarcinoma. She had been in stable condition until her percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage (PTCD) was clamped on the second postoperative day, and when a high fever and severe right epigastric pain developed. Fecal‐impacted bowel loops were found through abdominal X‐rays, and food contents were drained from PTCD afterward. Acute cholangitis caused by SEMS migration was initially suspected, and SEMS revision was performed two times, which did not improve the chymus reflux from PTCD. Metoclopramide was given after the second SEMS revision, and post‐procedural upper gastrointestinal series with urografin shows no duodenal obstruction. No febrile event has been noted since the administration of metoclopramide. Acute cholangitis after SEMS implantation without duodenal obstruction could develop in patient with moderate to severe constipation. Prompt post‐procedural prophylactic prokinetics for few days may prevent such episodes.
Efficacy of local‐regional treatment plus sorafenib in intermediate‐stage hepatocellular carcinoma patients refractory to transarterial chemoembolization
Authors: Hong Tzu‐Chun , Tsai Hong‐Ming , Lin Yih‐Jyh , Chen Chiung‐Yu , Chuang Chiao‐Hsiung , Wu I‐Chin , Chang Ting‐Tsung , Han Meng‐Zhi , Lin Sheng‐Hsiang , Chen Shang‐Hung , Wang Hao‐Chen , Chen Po‐Jun , Hsieh Ming‐Tsung , Chiang Hsueh‐Chien , Liu Chieh‐Yen , Kuo Hsin‐Yu 
Published: February 2022

AbstractSorafenib treatment is suggested for patients with intermediate‐stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) refractory to transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). This study aimed to study if combining local‐regional treatment with sorafenib adds benefit to patients who had tumor progression after three sessions of TACE within 12 months. We retrospectively analyzed the treatment outcomes of sorafenib alone and combined treatment of sorafenib and local‐regional therapies in intermediate‐stage HCC patients after using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW). Forty‐nine patients were enrolled; 28 patients were treated with sorafenib alone, whereas 21 patients received TACE or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in addition to sorafenib. After IPTW, the two groups were well‐balanced for most baseline characteristics. The overall response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were significantly higher in the sorafenib‐combination group than the sorafenib‐alone group (ORR: 41.3% vs 10.0%, P = .001; DCR: 44.6% vs 22.1%). The PFS was also significantly longer in the patients of the sorafenib‐combination group than the alone group (median 5.3 vs 3.0 months, HR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.35‐0.88). The risk of extrahepatic metastases was significantly lower in the sorafenib‐combination group (HR, 0.04; 95% CI, 0.01‐0.50). The incidence of adverse events was comparable between sorafenib‐combination and sorafenib‐alone groups. Loco‐regional therapy may be still able to exert additional survival benefit to patients taking sorafenib for TACE‐refractory intermediate‐stage HCC showing a better PFS and lower risk of extrahepatic metastases without causing significant liver dysfunction. Further investigations to identify patients who will be more likely to benefit from the combination of sorafenib with local‐regional therapy are needed.
Luciferin Synthesis and Pesticide Detection by Luminescence Enzymatic Cascades
Authors: Watthaisong Pratchaya , Kamutira Philaiwarong , Kesornpun Chatchai , Pongsupasa Vinutsada , Phonbuppha Jittima , Tinikul Ruchanok , Maenpuen Somchart , Wongnate Thanyaporn , Nishihara Ryo , Ohmiya Yoshihiro , Chaiyen Pimchai 
Published: February 2022

AbstractD‐Luciferin (D‐LH2), a substrate of firefly luciferase (Fluc), is important for a wide range of bioluminescence applications. This work reports a new and green method using enzymatic reactions (HELP, HadA Enzyme for Luciferin Preparation) to convert 19 phenolic derivatives to 8 D‐LH2 analogues with ≈51 % yield. The method can synthesize the novel 5′‐methyl‐D‐LH2 and 4′,5′‐dimethyl‐D‐LH2, which have never been synthesized or found in nature. 5′‐Methyl‐D‐LH2 emits brighter and longer wavelength light than the D‐LH2. Using HELP, we further developed LUMOS (Luminescence Measurement of Organophosphate and Derivatives) technology for in situ detection of organophosphate pesticides (OPs) including parathion, methyl parathion, EPN, profenofos, and fenitrothion by coupling the reactions of OPs hydrolase and Fluc. The LUMOS technology can detect these OPs at parts per trillion (ppt) levels. The method can directly detect OPs in food and biological samples without requiring sample pretreatment.
Logical Analysis of Multiple Single‐Nucleotide‐Polymorphisms with Programmable DNA Molecular Computation for Clinical Diagnostics
Authors: Zhang Chao , Zheng Tingting , Ma Qian , Yang Linlin , Zhang Mingzhi , Wang Junyan , Teng Xiaoyan , Miao Yanyan , Lin Hsiao‐chu , Yang Yang , Han Da 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAnalyzing complex single‐nucleotide‐polymorphism (SNP) combinations in the genome is important for research and clinical applications, given that different SNP combinations can generate different phenotypic consequences. Recent works have shown that DNA‐based molecular computing is powerful for simultaneously sensing and analyzing complex molecular information. Here, we designed a switching circuit‐based DNA computational scheme that can integrate the sensing of multiple SNPs and simultaneously perform logical analysis of the detected SNP information to directly report clinical outcomes. As a demonstration, we successfully achieved automatic and accurate identification of 21 different blood group genotypes from 83 clinical blood samples with 100 % accuracy compared to sequencing data in a more rapid manner (3 hours). Our method enables a new mode of automatic and logical sensing and analyzing subtle molecular information for clinical diagnosis, as well as guiding personalized medication.
Support‐Free PEDOT:PSS Fibers as Multifunctional Microelectrodes for In Vivo Neural Recording and Modulation
Authors: Xu Tianci , Ji Wenliang , Wang Xiaofang , Zhang Yue , Zeng Hui , Mao Lanqun , Zhang Meining 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIn vivo microelectrodes are essential for neuroscience studies. However, development of microelectrodes with both flexibility and multifunctionality for recording chemical and electrical signals in the same extracellular microspace and modulating neural activity remains challenging. Here, we find that pure PEDOT:PSS fibers (i.e., support‐free) exhibit high conductivity, fast heterogeneous electron transfer, and suitable charge storage and injection capabilities, and can thus directly act as microelectrodes not only for chemical and electrophysiological recording in the same extracellular microspace, but also for electromodulation of neural microcircuit activity. Moreover, the microelectrodes mechanically match with neural tissues, exhibiting less foreign body responses. Given the multifunctionality, flexibility, and biocompatibility, the support‐free PEDOT:PSS‐based microelectrodes offer a new avenue to microelectrode technology for neuroscience research, diagnostics and therapeutics.