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Summary: Background: Optimal glycaemic control has well‐established health benefits in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). It is uncertain whether optimal glycaemic control can benefit liver‐related outcomes. Aims: To examine the association of optimal glycaemic control with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver‐related mortality. Methods: In a population‐based cohort, we identified patients with newly diagnosed DM between 2001 and 2016 in Hong Kong. Optimal glycaemic control was defined as mean haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) <7% during the 3‐year lead‐in period after DM diagnosis. By applying propensity score matching to balance covariates, we analysed glycaemic control via competing risk models with outcomes of interest being HCC and liver‐related mortality. Results: We identified 146,430 patients (52.2% males, mean age 61.4 ± 11.8 years). During a median follow‐up duration of 7.0 years, 1099 (0.8%) and 978 (0.7%) patients developed HCC and liver‐related deaths. Optimal glycaemic control, when compared to suboptimal glycaemic control, was associated with reduced risk of HCC (subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR] 0.70, 95% CI 0.61–0.79). The risk of HCC increased with incremental HbA1c increases beyond >7% (SHR 1.29–1.71). Significant associations with HCC were also found irrespective of age (SHR 0.54–0.80), sex (SHR 0.68–0.69), BMI <25 or ≥25 kg/m2 (SHR 0.63–0.75), smoking (SHR 0.61–0.72), hepatic steatosis (SHR 0.67–0.68) and aspirin/statin/metformin use (SHR 0.67–0.75). A lower risk of liver‐related mortality in relation to optimal glycaemic control was also observed (SHR 0.70, 95% CI 0.61–0.80). Conclusions: Glycaemic control is an independent risk factor for HCC and liver‐related mortality, and should be incorporated into oncoprotective strategies in the general DM population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite noteworthy advances in cancer immunotherapy, the understanding of effective strategies to harness eosinophils in anti‐cancer immunity, which is critical for cytotoxic T‐cell recruitment, remains limited. In particular, interleukin‐33, which is essential for eosinophil activation, is chromatin‐bound and lacks efficient extracellular release mechanisms for its intact form. Here, a nanobubble‐based acoustical cancer cell‐bursting strategy (NanoBurst) is reported to elicit eosinophil‐mediated cancer immunity by releasing damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). NanoBurst consists of polymeric nanoparticles encapsulating a gas precursor, designed to effectively disrupt cancer cell membranes upon exposure to ultrasound. This process triggers the efficient release of both nucleus‐derived (e.g., high‐mobility group nucleosome‐binding domain‐1, gasdermin E, interleukin‐33) and cytoplasm‐derived DAMPs, initiating the eosinophil‐mediated immune cascade. Consequently, NanoBurst induces direct tumoricidal effects by activating eosinophils and enhances anti‐cancer immunity by recruiting NK cells and cytotoxic T‐cells in vivo. When combined with a dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP4) inhibitor, an inducer of eosinophil‐mediated chemotaxis, NanoBurst effectively inhibits the growth of primary tumors and the metastasis to the lung in a CT26 tumor‐bearing mouse model. Notably, boosting eosinophil‐mediated anti‐cancer immunity with NanoBurst‐DPP4 inhibitor shows superior efficacy for tumor suppression compared to immune checkpoint inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Materials and Methods Results Conclusions Both pioglitazone and glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP1RA) alone improve metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in randomized clinical trials, whereas preclinical studies suggested MASH benefits with sodium glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i). In the real world, patients with type 2 diabetes often require multiple agents for glycaemic control. Here, we investigated the benefits of combining these agents on risks of MASH.Longitudinal changes in FibroScan‐aspartate aminotransferase (FAST) score were measured in 888 patients with type 2 diabetes. Use of pioglitazone, GLP1RA and/or SGLT2i was defined as continuous prescriptions of ≥180 days prior to their last reassessment FibroScan. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the associations between use of these agents and FAST score changes.Over a median follow‐up of 3.9 years, the increasing number of these agents used was significantly associated with more reductions in FAST score (p for trend <0.01). Dual combination was independently associated with a higher likelihood of achieving low FAST score at reassessment than single use of any of these agents (odds ratio [OR] 2.84, p = 0.01). Among the different drug combinations, using SGLT2i and pioglitazone (median dose 15 mg daily) together, as compared to not using any of these three agents, was associated with a higher likelihood of both low FAST score at reassessment (OR 6.51, p = 0.008) and FAST score regression (OR 12.52, p = 0.009), after adjusting for changes in glycaemic control and body weight during the study.Combining SGLT2i and pioglitazone is a potentially useful strategy to ameliorate ‘at‐risk’ MASH in patients with type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The optimal treatment strategy for newly diagnosed primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) has yet to be established, especially in the elderly. In the current study, we conducted a phase II study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of rituximab plus high‐dose MTX followed by rituximab plus cytarabine in patients aged ≥60 years newly diagnosed with PCNSL. Patients received an induction treatment of high‐dose methotrexate plus rituximab followed by two cycles of a consolidation treatment of cytarabine plus rituximab. The primary end‐point was a 2‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) rate. A total of 35 patients were recruited, and their median age was 73 (range: 60–81). After induction treatment, the complete and partial responses (PRs) were 56% and 20% respectively. Twenty‐six patients proceeded to the consolidation treatment; the complete and PRs were 59% and 9% respectively. After a median follow‐up duration of 36.0 months, the 2‐year PFS rate was 58.7%. Treatment was generally well‐tolerated as only three patients were withdrawn from the study due to toxicity, and no treatment‐related mortality was reported. The 2‐year overall survival rate was 77.9%. The current study may suggest the feasibility of administering high‐dose MTX plus cytarabine in PCNSL patients aged ≥60 years and the potential role of additive rituximab. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inherited cardiovascular conditions are significant causes of sudden cardiac death in the young (SCDY), making their investigation using molecular autopsy and prevention a public health priority. However, the molecular autopsy data in Chinese population is lacking. The 5‐year result (2017–2021) of molecular autopsy services provided for victims of SCDY (age 1–40 years) was reviewed. The outcome of family cascade genetic screening and clinical evaluation was reviewed. A literature review of case series reporting results of molecular autopsy on SCDY in 2016–2023 was conducted. Among the 41 decedents, 11 were found to carry 13 sudden cardiac death (SCD)‐causative genetic variants. Likely pathogenic (LP) variants were identified in the DSP, TPM1, TTN, and SCN5A genes. Cascade genetic testing identified four family members with LP variants. One family member with familial TPM1 variant was found to have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy upon clinical evaluation. This study provided insight into the genetic profile of molecular autopsy in a Chinese cohort of SCDY. The detection of important SCD‐causative variants through molecular autopsy has facilitated family cascade screening by targeted genetic testing and clinical evaluation of at‐risk family members. A literature review of the current landscape of molecular autopsy in the investigation of SCDY was conducted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Background and Aim Methods Results Conclusions Clinical practice guidelines suggest access flap surgery for managing deep residual pockets after steps 1 and 2 of periodontal therapy. Papilla‐preservation flap surgery (PPFS) is the least invasive approach to access and instrument biofilm‐contaminated root surfaces. Endoscopic‐assisted subgingival debridement (EASD) may enhance the outcomes of repeated instrumentation and provide a minimally invasive non‐surgical alternative.This was a single‐blind, controlled, randomized, parallel‐group, non‐inferiority 12‐month trial comparing EASD with PPFS. Male and female adults with generalized stage III periodontitis and persistent periodontal pockets associated with an intrabony defect after steps 1 and 2 of periodontal therapy were recruited at Prince Philip Dental Hospital. Inter‐group differences in clinical attachment level (CAL) changes at 12 months were the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included pocket resolution (no pocket > 5 mm and no pocket > 4 with bleeding on probing), radiographic bone changes, treatment time, early wound healing and quality‐of‐life measurements.Sixty‐two subjects (30 EASD and 32 PPFS) were included in the intention‐to‐treat analysis. CAL gains were 2.0 ± 1.0 and 1.8 ± 1.0 mm for test and controls, respectively. The 95% CI of the inter‐group difference was −0.3 to 0.8 mm and within the stipulated 1‐mm non‐inferiority margin. No inter‐group differences were observed (i) in pocket resolution, which was achieved in more than 87% of cases for all groups/time points, and (ii) in radiographic bone healing. The treatment time was significantly shorter for EASD than for PPFS. Better early wound healing index scores were observed for EASD. No inter‐group differences in pain, quality of life or safety were detected.EASD was not inferior to PPFS for managing residual pockets associated with intrabony defects. The observed outcome profile supports additional developments and studies to validate EASD as an alternative to surgery for isolated persistent pockets (ChiCTR‐INR‐16008407). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: We evaluated the treatment outcomes and failure patterns in cT3N0 breast cancer patients classified for rigorous pretreatment evaluation and treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and curative surgery. Methods: We reviewed the records of 87 cT3N0 breast cancer patients who received NAC and curative surgery between 2000 and 2015. The clinical high‐risk group was defined as having two or more risk factors: age < 40, histologic grade 3, lymphovascular invasion, hormone receptor negativity, and Ki‐67 labeling index >20%. Results: Of the patients, 84 (96.6%) and 79 (90.8%) were initially evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography/computed tomography. Most patients received anthracycline based NAC regimen (n = 69, 79.3%) and modified radical mastectomy (n = 61, 70.1%). During a 91.5‐month median follow‐up, ten patients experienced distant metastasis (DM) only, two had isolated local recurrence, one had local recurrence and DM, and another had local recurrence, regional recurrence, and DM. The 5‐year rates of locoregional recurrence, DM, any recurrence (AR), and overall survival (OS) were 1.2%, 11.6%, 11.6%, and 90.8%, respectively. The risk group was an independent prognostic factor of recurrence, and the high‐risk group had worse rates of DM (19.2% vs. 0%, P = 0.009), AR (19.2% vs. 0%, P = 0.016) and OS (82.8% vs. 100%, P = 0.001). Conclusion: Patients with cT3N0 breast cancer classified for rigorous pretreatment evaluation and treated with NAC and radical surgery had favourable oncological outcomes. A clinical risk group based on clinical and immunohistochemical risk factors was an excellent predictor of survival and recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Trials and real‐life studies demonstrated clinically meaningful improvements of disease activity in the majority of patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) treated with the anti‐IL‐4RA‐antibody dupilumab. However, misdiagnosis or confounding skin diseases in particular cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL) may lead to inadequate response. Objective: To investigate the clinical and pathological features of patients with AD who showed insufficient response to dupilumab. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 371 patients treated with dupilumab for severe AD. Insufficient response was defined as failure to achieve an improvement of the eczema area severity index (EASI) of at least 50% (EASI‐50) at Week 16 and of 75% (EASI‐75) at Week 52. Among 46 patients with insufficient response, 35 patients consented to a re‐evaluation including a full physical exam, biopsies and laboratory assessments including immunohistochemistry and T‐cell receptor gene rearrangement analysis to differentiate CTCL. Results: Of the 371 patients treated with dupilumab, 46 (12.3%) patients showed insufficient response to dupilumab. Of these, 35 underwent further evaluation, and 19 (54.2% of inadequate responders) were finally diagnosed with mycosis fungoides (MF). In these patients, transition to or addition of conventional MF treatment led to clinical improvements. Conclusions: Insufficient response to dupilumab treatment may help uncover early MF on an existing AD background. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) scoring system is a sacroiliitis grading system. Purpose: To develop a deep learning‐based pipeline for grading sacroiliitis using the SPARCC scoring system. Study Type: Prospective. Population: The study included 389 participants (42.2‐year‐old, 44.6% female, 317/35/37 for training/validation/testing). A pretrained algorithm was used to differentiate image with/without sacroiliitis. Field Strength/Sequence: 3‐T, short tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequence, fast spine echo. Assessment: The regions of interest as ground truth for models' training were identified by a rheumatologist (HYC, 10‐year‐experience) and a radiologist (KHL, 6‐year‐experience) using the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society definition of MRI sacroiliitis independently. Another radiologist (YYL, 4.5‐year‐experience) solved the discrepancies. The bone marrow edema (BME) and sacroiliac region models were for segmentation. Frangi‐filter detected vessels used as intense reference. Deep learning pipeline scored using SPARCC scoring system evaluating presence and features of BMEs. A rheumatologist (SCWC, 6‐year‐experience) and a radiologist (VWHL, 14‐year‐experience) scored using the SPARCC scoring system once. The radiologist (YYL) scored twice with 5‐day interval. Statistical Tests: Independent samples t‐tests and Chi‐squared tests were used. Interobserver and intraobserver reliability by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Pearson coefficient evaluated consistency between readers and the deep learning pipeline. We evaluated the performance using sensitivity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and Dice coefficient. A P‐value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The ICC and the Pearson coefficient between the SPARCC scores from three readers and the deep learning pipeline were 0.83 and 0.86, respectively. The sensitivity in identifying BME and accuracy of identifying SI joints and blood vessels was 0.83, 0.90, and 0.88, respectively. The dice coefficients were 0.82 (sacrum) and 0.80 (ilium). Data Conclusion: The high consistency with human readers indicated that deep learning pipeline may provide a SPARCC‐informed deep learning approach for scoring of STIR images in spondyloarthritis. Evidence Level: 1 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to accurately measure drug‐target interaction is critical for the discovery of new therapeutics. Classical pharmacological bioassays such as radioligand or fluorescent ligand binding assays can define the affinity or Kd of a ligand for a receptor with the lower the Kd, the stronger the binding and the higher the affinity. However, in many drug discovery laboratories today, the target of interest if often artificially upregulated by means of transfection to modify the host cell's genetic makeup. This then potentially invalidates the assumptions of classical pharmacology affinity calculations as the receptor of interest is no longer at normal physiological densities. The CXCR4 receptor is expressed on many different cancer cell types and is associated with metastasis and poor prognosis. Therefore, the CXCR4 receptor is a desirable target for novel therapeutics. In this study, we explore the applicability of the newly developed fluorescently tagged CXCR4 antagonists, IS4‐FAM as an investigative tool to study CXCR4 affinity and competitive antagonism in native, non‐transfected cancer cells using confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. IS4‐FAM directly labels CXCR4 in several cell lines including high CXCR4 expressing SK‐MEL‐28 (malignant melanoma) and PC3 (metastatic prostate cancer) and lower CXCR4 expressing THP‐1 (acute monocytic leukemia) and was competitive with the established CXCR4 antagonist, AMD3100. This highlights the potential of IS4‐FAM as a pharmacological tool for drug discovery in native cells lines and tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PCAB (prednisone, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, carmustine) is a single‐day regimen previously used for induction and now in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). We retrospectively analysed the outcomes of 85 patients from five Australian centres. These included 30 patients (35.3%) who received PCAB with one additional agent (bortezomib most frequently). Median age of the patients was 65 years (37–80), with a median of four (1–8) prior lines of therapy. ORR was 37% (CR 4.9%). Median progression free survival and overall survival were 4.4 months (95% CI 3.5–6.7) and 7.4 months (95% CI 6.4–10.2), respectively. Extramedullary disease (EMD) was associated with shorter survival. Grade 3 or 4 cytopenia and febrile neutropenia occurred in 76.2% and 39.1%, respectively, with six (7.1%) treatment‐related mortalities. Median inpatient stay was 3.3 days/28‐day cycle (IQR 0.6–13), and for patients who died, a median of 20.2% of days alive were spent inpatient (IQR 6.4–39.1%). Three patients were successfully bridged to CAR T‐cell therapy using PCAB, despite being penta‐exposed and having EMD. PCAB may be considered as a useful salvage therapy amongst other polychemotherapy regimens in late relapse. Further studies is warranted to investigate and define its role as a bridging therapy to novel therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cubic‐garnet solid electrolyte has garnered significant attention in all‐solid‐state batteries (ASSBs) due to its ionic conductivity and chemical robustness against Li metal. However, the short‐circuit formation at low current density poses a significant obstacle with the main cause remaining ambiguous. Here, the lithium‐penetration mode originating from phase transformation is unveiled at the sintered pellet surface via mechanically induced lithiation. Mechanical stress applied during polishing under excess lithium content induces lithiation into the cubic‐garnet structure, leading to partial structural evolution into the tetragonal phase. This surface alteration induces current constriction, hindered by sluggish interfacial Li‐ion transport from the tetragonal phase, which exhibits low ionic conductivity, causing short circuits. By reducing mechanical stress, mitigating surface strain, and restoring the cubic phase, stable operation is ensured without short‐circuit formation in both Li symmetric and hybrid‐full cells. This insights illuminate the origin of lithium penetration related to phase transition at the surface of cubic‐garnet and pave the way for enhancements in ASSB development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is self‐evident that our chests expand and contract during breathing but, surprisingly, exactly how individual alveoli change shape over the respiratory cycle is still a matter of debate. Some argue that all the alveoli expand and contract rhythmically. Others claim that the lung volume change is due to groups of alveoli collapsing and reopening during ventilation. Although this question might seem to be an insignificant detail for healthy individuals, it might be a matter of life and death for patients with compromised lungs. Past analyses were based on static post‐mortem preparations primarily due to technological limitations, and therefore, by definition, incapable of providing dynamic information. In contrast, this study provides the first comprehensive dynamic data on how the shape of the alveoli changes, and, further, provides valuable insights into the optimal lung volume for efficient gas exchange. It is concluded that alveolar micro‐dynamics is nonlinear; and at medium lung volume, alveoli expand more than the ducts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have reported the functional role, biochemical features and synthesis pathway of podophyllotoxin (PTOX) in plants. In this study, we employed combined morphological and molecular techniques to identify an endophytic fungus and extract PTOX derivatives. Based on the analysis of ITS sequences and the phylogenetic tree, the isolate was classified as Penicillium herquei HGN12.1C, with a sequence identity of 98.58%. Morphologically, the HGN12.1C strain exhibits white colonies, short‐branched mycelia and densely packed hyphae. Using PacBio sequencing at an average read depth of 195×, we obtained a high‐quality genome for the HGN12.1C strain, which is 34.9 Mb in size, containing eight chromosomes, one mitochondrial genome and a GC content of 46.5%. Genome analysis revealed 10 genes potentially involved in PTOX biosynthesis. These genes include VdtD, Pinoresinollariciresinol reductase (PLR), Secoisolariciresinol dehydrogenase (SDH), CYP719A23, CYP71BE54, O‐methyltransferase 1 (OMT1), O‐methyltransferase 3 (OMT3), 2‐ODD, CYP71CU and CYP82D61. Notably, the VdtD gene in fungi shares functional similarities with the DIR gene found in plants. Additionally, we identified peltatin, a PTOX derivative, in the HGN12.1C extract. Docking analysis suggests a potential role for the 2‐ODD enzyme in converting yatein to deoxypodophyllotoxin. These findings offer invaluable insights into the synthesis mechanism of PTOX in fungi, shedding light on the relationship between host plants and endophytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The nasal region plays a pivotal role in both facial esthetics and functionality. The use of volumizing fillers has emerged as a potential means to enhance nasal appearance. Preliminary findings from cadaveric studies have highlighted potential risks associated with deeper needle injection, leading to cartilage damage and lateral migration of filler material. Understanding the subcutaneous tissue depth is crucial to prevent such complications and ensure safe filler placement guided by anatomical knowledge. Methods: This study aimed to employ ultrasonographic assessment to precisely measure the depth of soft tissue in the nasal area. Fifty‐two participants without prior nasal surgery or filler injections underwent detailed ultrasonographic evaluation, focusing on seven key anatomical points: Glabellar, Sellion, Rhinion, between Rhinion and Pronasal, Pronasal, between Pronasal and Subnasal, and Subnasal. Results: The ultrasonographic observation revealed varying depths of subcutaneous tissue across these points: Glabellar (4.11 ± 0.79), Sellion (5.21 ± 0.97), Rhinion (2.02 ± 0.74), Rhinion to Pronasal midpoint (6.45 ± 3.1), Pronasal (9.5 ± 2.2), between Pronasal and Subnasal (8.8 ± 0.8), and Subnasal (8.5 ± 0.5). Discussion: The discussion underscores the significance of understanding subcutaneous tissue depth in guiding needle length and approach angles during filler injections. This knowledge aids in achieving effective filling while ensuring safe placement within the subcutaneous tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of an initial triple combination therapy (TCT) compared with conventional stepwise add‐on therapy (SAT) in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (T2D). Materials and Methods: This multicentre, randomized, 104‐week, open‐label trial randomized 105 patients with drug‐naïve T2D (with HbA1c level ≥ 8.0%, < 11.0%) to the TCT (1000 mg of metformin, 10 mg of dapagliflozin and 5 mg of saxagliptin once daily) or SAT (initiated with metformin, followed by glimepiride and sitagliptin) groups. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who achieved an HbA1c level of less than 6.5% without hypoglycaemia, weight gain of 5% or higher, or discontinuation of drugs because of adverse events at week 104. Results: HbA1c reduction from baseline at week 104 was similar between the groups (the least squares mean change was −2.56% in the TCT group vs. –2.75% in the SAT group). The primary outcome was achieved in 39.0% and 17.1% of the TCT and SAT groups, respectively, with a risk difference of 22.0 (95% confidence interval 3.0, 40.8; P =.027). HbA1c level less than 6.5% at week 104 was 46.3% in both the TCT and SAT groups, whereas the incidence of hypoglycaemia, weight gain, or discontinuation of drugs was 16.7% and 62.0% in the TCT and SAT groups, respectively (P <.001). TCT was well‐tolerated and had fewer adverse events than SAT. Conclusions: Among newly diagnosed patients with T2D, initial TCT effectively lowered HbA1c levels with higher tolerability and safety than SAT for 104 weeks, suggesting a novel strategy for initial combination therapy in T2D patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemophilia A is a rare bleeding disorder with variable expressivity and allelic heterogeneity. Despite the advancement of prenatal diagnostics and molecular studies, the number of studies reviewing the reproductive choices of hemophilia A carriers and affected individuals remains limited. Through this retrospective review, we hope to gain a deeper understanding of hemophilia A‐affected individuals' clinical and molecular characteristics, as well as the reproductive choices of the at‐risk couples. A total of 122 individuals harboring likely causative F8 gene alterations from 64 apparently unrelated families attending three centers between 3/2000 and 3/2023 were included in this study. Their clinical and molecular findings as well as reproductive choices were gathered in a clinical setting and verified through the electronic medical record database of the public health system. Forty‐seven affected males and 75 female heterozygous carriers were included in the analysis. Among 64 apparently unrelated families, 36 distinct pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants were identified, of which 30.6% (11/36) of variants were novel. While the majority of clinical findings and genotype–phenotype correlations appear to be in accordance with existing literature, female carriers who had no fertility intention were significantly more likely to have affected sons than those who had fertility intention (5/19 vs. 4/5; p = 0.047). Through this retrospective review, we summarized the clinical and molecular characteristics of 122 individuals harboring pathogenic/likely pathogenic F8 variants, as well as their fertility intentions and reproductive outcomes. Further studies are required to look into the considerations involved in reproductive decision‐making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study investigated whether changes in loneliness and perceived social support predicted medical adherence in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) over 12 months. Moreover, short‐term and long‐term buffering effects of social support on the association between loneliness and medical adherence were systematically examined. Design: A three‐wave longitudinal study. Methods: Participants were 255 CHD patients with a mean age of 63 years. Medical adherence, loneliness, and perceived social support were assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 12 months. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to examine the influences of loneliness and social support as well as their changes on medical adherence over 12 months. Moderation analyses were performed to test buffering effects of baseline social support and its changes against loneliness and its changes, respectively. Results: Changes in loneliness significantly predicted medical adherence at 12 months (β = −.23, p =.001) but not at 3 months (β = −.10, p =.142). Changes in social support predicted medical adherence at both 3 (β =.23, p =.002) and 12 months (β =.26, p =.001). Social support concurrently buffered the adverse impact of loneliness on medical adherence (B =.29, SE =.12, p =.020) at baseline but did not at 3 or 12 months (Bs = −.21 to.40, SEs =.12 to.30, ps =.177 to.847). Conclusions: Findings highlight the importance of monitoring loneliness and perceived social support continuously over time for CHD patients to promote medical adherence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammation is an intrinsic protective mechanism against various forms of cellular injuries in humans; however, its undesired activation results in tissue damage and cell death. The onset of chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are the key characteristics of autoimmune inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), for which an effective treatment is yet to be developed. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the protective effects and molecular mechanisms of a novel herbal preparation, Jing‐Si herbal tea (JS), against H2O2‐induced inflammation and cellular damage in HIG‐82 synoviocytes. We found that JS did not show any significant alterations in cell viability at <188 μg/mL; however, a cytotoxic effect was observed at 188–1883 μg/mL concentrations tested. We found that expressions of inflammation associated extracellular matrix (ECM)‐degrading proteases MMP‐13, ADAMTS‐2, ‐8, and ‐17 were abnormally enhanced under H2O2‐induced pathological oxidative stress (ROS) in HIG‐82 cells. Interestingly, JS treatment not only reduced the ROS levels but also significantly repressed the protein expressions of collagen degrading proteases in a dose‐dependent manner. Treatment with JS showed enhanced cell viability against H2O2‐induced toxic ROS levels. The expressions of cell protective aggrecan, Collagen II, and Bcl‐2 were increased, whereas MMP‐13, ADAMTS‐2, Cytochrome C, and cleaved Caspase 3 were decreased by JS under inflammatory agents H2O2, MIA, LPS, and TNF‐α treatment, respectively, in HIG‐82 cells. Interestingly, the cytoprotective effect of JS treatment was attributed to a decreased mitochondrial localization of Bax and a reduction of Cytochrome C release into the cytoplasm of H2O2‐treated HIG‐82 cells. Collectively, our results suggest a novel protective mechanism of JS for RA treatment, which could be potentially applied as a complementary treatment or as an alternative therapeutic approach to mitigate inflammatory diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fabrication of environmentally benign, solvent‐processed, efficient, organic photovoltaic sub‐modules remains challenging due to the rapid aggregation of the current high performance non‐fullerene acceptors (NFAs). In this regard, design of new NFAs capable of achieving optimal aggregation in large‐area organic photovoltaic modules has not been realized. Here, an NFA named BTA‐HD‐Rh is synthesized with longer (hexyl‐decyl) side chains that exhibit good solubility and optimal aggregation. Interestingly, integrating a minute amount of new NFA (BTA‐HD‐Rh) into the PM6:L8‐BO system enables the improved solubility in halogen‐free solvents (o‐xylene:carbon disulfide (O‐XY:CS2)) with controlled aggregation is found. Then solar sub‐modules are fabricated at ambient condition (temperature at 25 ± 3 °C and humidity: 30–45%). Ultimately, the champion 55 cm2 sub‐modules achieve exciting efficiency of >16% in O‐XY:CS2 solvents, which is the highest PCE reported for sub‐modules. Notably, the highest efficiency of BTA‐HD‐Rh doped PM6:L8‐BO is very well correlated with high miscibility with low Flory‐Huggins parameter (0.372), well‐defined nanoscale morphology, and high charge transport. This study demonstrates that a careful choice of side chain engineering for an NFA offers fascinating features that control the overall aggregation of active layer, which results in superior sub‐module performance with environmental‐friendly solvents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The persistent decomposition of electrolytes on graphite and silicon electrodes in lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) is typically mitigated by the formation of a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). However, the inadequate formation and chemo‐mechanical degradation of SEI leads to re‐exposure of electrode to electrolyte, contributing to the deterioration of LIBs. To address this issue, tris(2,4‐pentanedionato)indium(III) (InAc) is incorporated into the work function tailoring additive. While conventional additives strengthen the chemo‐mechanical properties of SEI through compositional modifications derived from specific elements, InAc uniquely alters charge transfer across the electrode surface, facilitated by high or low work function layer. This additive establishes an interlayer between the SEI and graphite/SiO surfaces, attributed to its tailored lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy level. Consequently, the exposure of graphite surface to the electrolyte is minimized by interlayer during cycling. The interlayer possesses a higher work function than lithiated graphite and suppresses further electrolyte decomposition on graphite. In contrast, the interlayer on SiO decreases work function of SiO surface, which promotes the formation of inorganic SEI on SiO. Hence the degradation of SEI is suppressed with LiIn layer at SiO electrode. This leads to a reduction in the ongoing accumulation of SEI, thereby enhancing durability of LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Economical mutation detection method with high analytical and clinical sensitivity is necessary for early cancer diagnosis and screening. In this study, a novel 3D‐nanoplasmonic‐based multiplex mutation assay chip is developed to detect epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations. This assay kit comprises a 3D‐nanoplasmonic substrate immobilized with capture probes and primer–probe sets for recombinase polymerase amplification, wild‐type inhibition, and fluorescence detection, enabling multiplex detection of EGFR exon 19 deletions, exon 20 insertions, and exon 21 L858R point mutations. The strategy facilitates the detection of all deletions and insertions within the target region with extremely high analytical sensitivity, detecting as low as 1 × 10−9% mutation frequency, implying three copies/reactions and 100 zM. The synergistic effects of plasmon‐enhanced fluorescence from the 3D‐nanoplasmonic substrate and wild‐type inhibitor contribute to this high analytical sensitivity. Moreover, the developed chip exhibits 100% accuracy in the clinical testing of plasma samples from normal individuals and patients with benign lung tumor and malignant lung tumor. With high sensitivity and multiplexing capabilities, this assay operates at a low reaction temperature (around 37 °C) and requires a short processing time, ≈70 min post‐cell‐free DNA extraction. These features make the chip a valuable tool for easy and widespread cancer screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Despite evidence that patients living with cancer who continue to smoke after diagnosis are at higher risk for all‐cause mortality and reduced treatment efficacy, many cancer patients continue to smoke. This protocol is for a study to test the effectiveness of a self‐determination theory‐based intervention (quit immediately or progressively) plus instant messaging (WhatsApp or WeChat) to help smokers with cancer to quit smoking. Design: This will be a multi‐centre, two‐arm (1:1), single‐blind, pragmatic, individually randomized controlled trial. Setting: Taking part will be specialist outpatient clinics in five major hospitals in different location‐based clusters in Hong Kong. Participants: The sample will include 1448 Chinese smokers living with cancer attending medical follow‐ups at outpatient clinics. Interventions: The intervention group will receive brief advice (approximately 5–8 minutes) from research nurses in the outpatient clinics and then be invited to choose their own quit schedules (immediate or progressive). During the first 6‐month follow‐up period they will receive instant messaging with smoking cessation advice once per week for the first 3 months, and thereafter approximately once per month. They will also receive four videos, and those opting to quit progressively will receive a smoking reduction leaflet. The control group will also receive brief advice but be advised to quit immediately, and instant messaging with general health advice during the first 6‐month follow‐up period using the same schedule as the intervention group. Participants in both groups will receive smoking cessation leaflets. Measurements The primary outcome is biochemically validated smoking abstinence at 6 months, as confirmed by saliva cotinine level and carbon monoxide level in expired air. Secondary outcomes include biochemically validated smoking abstinence at 12 months, self‐reported 7‐day point prevalence of smoking abstinence at 6 and 12 months, self‐reported ≥ 50% reduction of cigarette consumption at 6 and 12 months and quality of life at 6 and 12 months. All time‐points for outcomes measures are set after randomization. Comments The results could inform research, policymaking and health‐care professionals regarding smoking cessation for patients living with cancer, and therefore have important implications for clinical practice and health enhancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Despite evidence that patients living with cancer who continue to smoke after diagnosis are at higher risk for all-cause mortality and reduced treatment efficacy, many cancer patients continue to smoke. This protocol is for a study to test the effectiveness of a self-determination theory-based intervention (quit immediately or progressively) plus instant messaging (WhatsApp or WeChat) to help smokers with cancer to quit smoking. Design: This will be a multi-centre, two-arm (1:1), single-blind, pragmatic, individually randomized controlled trial. Setting: Taking part will be specialist outpatient clinics in five major hospitals in different location-based clusters in Hong Kong. Participants: The sample will include 1448 Chinese smokers living with cancer attending medical follow-ups at outpatient clinics. Interventions: The intervention group will receive brief advice (approximately 5-- 8 minutes) from research nurses in the outpatient clinics and then be invited to choose their own quit schedules (immediate or progressive). During the first 6-month follow-up period they will receive instant messaging with smoking cessation advice once per week for the first 3 months, and thereafter approximately once per month. They will also receive four videos, and those opting to quit progressively will receive a smoking reduction leaflet. The control group will also receive brief advice but be advised to quit immediately, and instant messaging with general health advice during the first 6-month follow-up period using the same schedule as the intervention group. Participants in both groups will receive smoking cessation leaflets. Measurements: The primary outcome is biochemically validated smoking abstinence at 6 months, as confirmed by saliva cotinine level and carbon monoxide level in expired air. Secondary outcomes include biochemically validated smoking abstinence at 12 months, self-reported 7-day point prevalence of smoking abstinence at 6 and 12 months, selfreported ≥ 50% reduction of cigarette consumption at 6 and 12 months and quality of life at 6 and 12 months. All time-points for outcomes measures are set after randomization. Comments: The results could inform research, policymaking and health-care professionals regarding smoking cessation for patients living with cancer, and therefore have important implications for clinical practice and health enhancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Based on a panel of banks in Hong Kong, we found that banks with a relatively thin capital buffer and liquidity before the pandemic may constrain their post‐pandemic loan growth. We further found strong evidence that the release of countercyclical capital buffer (CCyB) requirements amid the pandemic mitigated the capital constraint to support continued provision of bank credit to the real economy, but mainly to non‐hard hit economic sectors. Nevertheless, the credit flow to hard‐hit economic sectors is found to be well supported by the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nutritional status and sarcopenia affects the prognosis of head and neck cancers including hypopharyngeal cancer. Hypopharyngeal cancer patients tend to exhibit sarcopenia, which is associated with poor treatment outcomes. This study aims to determine the correlation between nutritional status and sarcopenia, and their prognostic role in surgically treated hypopharyngeal cancer. Materials and Methods: Patients who had been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma originating from the hypopharynx and underwent surgery between January 2009 and December 2019 were enrolled in this study. The median neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) of the cohort were considered the cut‐off values. Sarcopenia was evaluated by measuring skeletal muscle index (SMI) at the third lumbar vertebra. Clinical and serological factors predictive of survival outcomes were evaluated. Results: Patients with high PNI showed better 5‐year Overall survival (OS) (52.8% vs. 27.2%, p = 0.001) and disease‐free survival (DFS) (59.6% vs. 44.6%, p = 0.033) than those with low PNI. Likewise, patients with low SMI showed worse 5‐year OS (25.0% vs. 60.9%, p = 0.002) and DFS (42.4% vs. 68.7%, p = 0.034) than patients with high SMI. Among the patients with high PNI, those with sarcopenia displayed significantly worse OS than those with high SMI (78.0% vs. 34.4%, p = 0.049). High PNI with high SMI presented better overall (p = 0.010) and DFS (p = 0.055) than any other group. Conclusions: Both sarcopenia and PNI were associated with the prognosis of hypopharyngeal cancer. Considering that PNI and sarcopenia indicate the nutritional status, nutritional status may be a significant risk factor. Therefore, nutritional support that ameliorates sarcopenia may improve survival outcomes in surgically treated patients with hypopharyngeal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To attain a circular carbon economy and resolve CO2 electroreduction technology obstacles, single‐atom catalysts (SACs) have emerged as a logical option for electrocatalysis because of their extraordinary catalytic activity. Among SACs, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have been recognized as promising support materials because of their exceptional ability to prevent metal aggregation. This study shows that atomically dispersed Ni single atoms on a precisely engineered MOF nanosheet display a high Faradaic efficiency of approximately 100% for CO formation in H‐cell and three‐compartment microfluidic flow‐cell reactors and an excellent turnover frequency of 23,699 h−1, validating their intrinsic catalytic potential. These results suggest that crystallographic variations affect the abundant vacancy sites on the MOF nanosheets, which are linked to the evaporation of Zn‐containing organic linkers during pyrolysis. Furthermore, using X‐ray absorption spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations, a comprehensive investigation of the unsaturated atomic coordination environments and the underlying mechanism involving CO* preadsorbed sites as initial states was possible and provided valuable insights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for gas sensing systems that enable fast and precise gas recognition is growing rapidly. However, substantial challenges arise from the complex fabrication process of sensor arrays, time‐consuming data transmission to an external processor, and high energy consumption in multi‐stage data processing. In this study, a gas sensing system using on‐chip annealing for fast and power‐efficient gas detection is proposed. By utilizing a micro‐heater embedded in the gas sensor, the sensing material of adjacent sensors in the same substrate can be easily varied without further fabrication steps. The response to oxidizing gas is constrained in metal oxide (MOX) sensing material with small grain sizes, as the depletion width of grain cannot extend beyond the grain size during the gas reaction. On the other hand, the response to reducing gases and humidity, which decrease the depletion width, is less affected by grain sizes. A readout circuit integrating a differential amplifier and dual FET‐type gas sensors effectively emphasizes the response to oxidizing gases by canceling the response to reducing gases and humidity. The selective on‐chip annealing method is applicable to various MOX sensing materials, demonstrating its potential for application in commercial fields due to its simplicity and expandability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, addressing various wounds, ranging from skin injuries to pressure and chronic ulcers, has necessitated a more detailed approach to wound condition monitoring aimed at enhancing the patient's quality of life. Although most available wound dressings offer protection and promote the regeneration of wound lesions, they fail to monitor wound progression. To meet this need, this study introduces a pioneering solution: a wireless, battery‐free, optoelectronic diagnostic sensor seamlessly integrated into a colorimetric, pH‐sensitive wound dressing, designed to significantly enhance patient quality of life through improved wound care. Curcumin‐polycaprolactone (C‐PCL) dressing protect the wounds, promote cell regeneration, and possess antimicrobial properties. In addition, the dressing exhibits colorimetric pH‐monitoring capabilities across different wound conditions, enabling individuals without specialized knowledge to assess the status of their wounds. The core innovation lies in the integration of a green light‐emitting diode (LED) and photodiode, which meticulously evaluates color changes from yellow to red of colorimetric dressing, enhance the precision of this user‐friendly colorimetric diagnosis strategy. The integration of wireless battery‐free systems facilitates quantitative and real‐time monitoring of wound data in patients without inconvenience. These innovations will pave the way for rapid wound status evaluation, ensuring timely interventions and optimized care for deteriorating wound conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proton‐conducting oxides, widely employed as electrolytes in ceramic electrochemical cells, exhibit remarkable proton conductivity that facilitates efficient energy conversion processes. However, their inherent refractory nature poses a challenge in producing chemically stoichiometric and physically dense electrolytes within devices. Here a novel approach is presented, dual‐phase reaction sintering, which can overcome the inherent low sintering ability of the representative BaCeO3‐δ‒BaZrO3‐δ proton conducting oxides. This approach involves the simultaneous transformation of a two‐phase mixture (comprising fast‐sintering and slow‐sintering phases) into a complete single‐phase solid solution compound, along with the densification of the electrolyte, all accomplished within a single‐step heating cycle. During the dual‐phase reaction sintering process, the grains of the fast‐sintering phase experience rapid growth owing to their intrinsic superior sintering ability. Additionally, this growth is augmented by the Ostwald ripening behavior manifested by the smaller slow‐sintering phase. This synergistic strategy is validated using BaCe0.4Zr0.4Y0.1Yb0.1O3‐δ, and its applicability in electrochemical cells is demonstrated, resulting in a significant enhancement in performance. These findings offer insights into streamlining the preparation of refractory ion‐conducting ceramic electrolytes while maintaining their intrinsic properties for practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Platycodi radix is a widely used herbal medicine that contains numerous phytochemicals beneficial to health. The health and biological benefits of P. radix have been found across various diseases. The utilization of umbilical cord stromal stem cells, derived from Wharton's jelly of the human umbilical cord, has emerged as a promising approach for treating degenerative diseases. Nevertheless, growing evidence indicates that the function of stem cells declines with age, thereby limiting their regenerative capacity. The primary objective in this study is to investigate the beneficial effects of P. radix in senescent stem cells. We conducted experiments to showcase that diminished levels of Lamin B1 and Sox‐2, along with an elevation in p21, which serve as indicative markers for the senescent stem cells. Our findings revealed the loss of Lamin B1 and Sox‐2, coupled with an increase in p21, in umbilical cord stromal stem cells subjected to a low‐dose (0.1 μM) doxorubicin (Dox) stimulation. However, P. radix restored the Dox‐damage in the umbilical cord stromal stem cells. P. radix reversed the senescent conditions when the umbilical cord stromal stem cells exposed to Dox‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential are significantly changed. In Dox‐challenged aged umbilical cord stromal stem cells, P. radix reduced senescence, increased longevity, prevented mitochondrial dysfunction and ROS and protected against senescence‐associated apoptosis. This study suggests that P. radix might be as a therapeutic and rescue agent for the aging effect in stem cells. Inhibition of cell death, mitochondrial dysfunction and aging‐associated ROS with P. radix provides additional insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bi2Te3‐based materials have drawn much attention from the thermoelectric community due to their excellent thermoelectric performance near room temperature. However, the stability of existing n‐type Bi2(Te,Se)3 materials is still low due to the evaporation energy of Se (37.70 kJ mol−1) being much lower than that of Te (52.55 kJ mol−1). The evaporated Se from the material causes problems in interconnects of the module while degrading the efficiency. Here, we have developed a new approach for the high‐performance and stable n‐type Se‐free Bi2Te3‐based materials by maximizing the electronic transport while suppressing the phonon transport, at the same time. Spontaneously generated FeTe2 nanoinclusions within the matrix during the melt‐spinning and subsequent spark plasma sintering is the key to simultaneous engineering of the power factor and lattice thermal conductivity. The nanoinclusions change the fermi level of the matrix while intensifying the phonon scattering via nanoparticles. With a fine‐tuning of the fermi level with Cu doping in the n‐type Bi2Te3–0.02FeTe2, a high power factor of ~41 × 10−4 Wm−1 K−2 with an average zT of 1.01 at the temperature range 300–470 K are achieved, which are comparable to those obtained in n‐type Bi2(Te,Se)3 materials. The proposed approach enables the fabrication of high‐performance n‐type Bi2Te3‐based materials without having to include volatile Se element, which guarantees the stability of the material. Consequently, widespread application of thermoelectric devices utilizing the n‐type Bi2Te3‐based materials will become possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Segmental bone defects of the mandible result in the complete loss of the affected region. We had incorporated the pressure‐reducing device (PRD) designs into the customized mandible prostheses (CMP) and conducted a clinical trial to evaluate this approach. Methods: Seven patients were enrolled in this study. We examined the association among the history of radiotherapy, the number of CMP regions, the number of chin regions involved, and CMP exposure. Results: We included five men and two women with an average age of 55 years. We excised tumors with an average weight of 147.8 g and the average weight of the CMP was 68.5 g. No significant difference between the two weights was noted (p = 0.3882). Three patients received temporary dentures and the CMP remained stable in all patients. Conclusion: The use of PRD in CMP may address the previous challenges associated with CMP, but further research is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthracnose in citrus is a severe disease caused by Colletotrichum species. Synthetic fungicides have been used to combat this citrus disease; however, they may have adverse health effects on humans and cause harmful environmental impacts. During a search for environmentally friendly fungicides, we successfully prepared organic copper (copper (II) oleate) nanoparticles by using natural chitosan polymer as a coating agent and stabilizer and by combining an exchange reaction and in situ coating method. Organic copper nanoparticles coated with chitosan polymer (Cu‐oleate@CS NPs) with Cu contents ranged from 5.0 to 6.0 % by weight. The nanoparticles have an average particle size ranging from 50 nm to 60 nm (TEM), covered by a layer of polymer with a thickness of about 10 to 12 nm. The analytical results of zeta potential and dynamic solution size showed that the nanoparticles are uniformly dispersed (90–120 nm by DLS), with high stability (zeta potential=−61.7 mV) and low cytoxicity to Vero healthy cell line. Cu‐oleate@CS NPs significantly inhibited the mycelial growth of C. gloeosporioides in vitro at 500 and 1000 μg/mL. In field trials, the best antifungal efficacy of Cu‐oleate@CS NPs against citrus anthracnose on orange plants was found at a spray concentration of 0.33 % with a disease control efficacy of 54.18 % at 14 days after the second spraying. Our study results demonstrated a novel preparation of Cu‐oleate@CS NPs and suggested that it could be used as a promising nanoformulation to control citrus anthracnose in vitro and in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, illegal felling of and damage to the incense tree Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Spreng. have been reported in Hong Kong. Their native populations are under increasingly severe threat. Therefore, the development of a standard and efficient method to classify and document wounds on vulnerable trees is urgently needed for conservation purposes. In this study, photogrammetry was used to document wounds in A. sinensis through 3D modeling. A total of 752 wound records from 484 individual A. sinensis trees from Hong Kong were included to establish a new wound classification system. Our major findings include a novel standardized procedure for photogrammetric documentation and a wound classification system. The results of this study will facilitate A. sinensis conservation, by enhancing wound documentation and information transfer to law enforcement and education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edible insects such as the mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) are emerging as an alternative animal protein resource to meet the needs of a growing global population. However, despite the successful mass production of edible insects, research into practical compound feed for edible insect is still insufficient. In this study, mealworms were fed wheat bran, layer chicken feed mash, chicken pellets and cattle pellets for 1 to 36 days, after which their body length was measured. In the groups fed with chicken feed mash, chicken pellets or cattle pellets, the mean body lengths were 2.88, 2.92 and 2.95 cm, respectively, similar to the 2.95 cm of the control T. molitor fed with wheat bran. Individual weight measurements yielded similar results: control, 7.87 g; chicken feed mash, 7.43 g; chicken pellets, 7.60 g; and cattle pellets, 7.63 g. Analysis of livestock feed intake showed that the intake was 290.4 g in control insects, 137.7 g in insects fed chicken feed mash, 220.2 g in insects fed chicken pellets and 230.3 g in insects fed cattle pellets. In the excretion analysis, the excretion of the control insects (161.60 g) was larger than that of the insects fed with chicken feed mash (93.37 g), chicken pellets (93.40 g) or cattle pellets (133.87 g). An analysis of the nutritional content of T. molitor based on nine major nutrients showed no significant differences between the control and the test groups. These results can be used to improve the price competitiveness and quality of T. molitor for commercial development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Increasing levodopa (L‐dopa)/dopa decarboxylase inhibitor (DDCI) daily dose or adding a catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor to levodopa/DDCI therapy are strategies used to manage wearing‐off symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. Objectives: To evaluate the COMT inhibitor opicapone versus an additional dose of levodopa to treat early wearing‐off in PD patients. Methods: ADOPTION was a randomized, parallel‐group, open‐label, Phase 4 study conducted in Korea. At baseline, eligible patients were randomized (1:1) to opicapone 50 mg (n = 87) or L‐dopa 100 mg (n = 81) (added to current L‐dopa/DDCI therapy) for 4 weeks. The main efficacy endpoint was change from baseline to end of study in absolute off time. Other endpoints included changes in on time, in Movement Disorder Society‐Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale and 8‐item PD Questionnaire scores, and the Clinical and Patient Global Impression of Improvement/Change. Results: The adjusted mean in absolute off time was significantly greater for opicapone 50 mg than for L‐dopa 100 mg (−62.1 vs. −16.7 minutes; P = 0.0015). Opicapone‐treated patients also reported a greater reduction in the percentage of off time (P = 0.0015), a greater increase in absolute on time (P = 0.0338) and a greater increase in the percentage of on time (P = 0.0015). There were no significant differences in other secondary endpoints. The L‐dopa equivalent daily dose was significantly higher in the opicapone group (750.9 vs. 690.0 mg; P = 0.0247), when a 0.5 conversion factor is applied. Conclusions: Opicapone 50 mg was more effective than an additional 100 mg L‐dopa dose at decreasing off time in patients with PD and early wearing‐off. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores strategies to improve screening for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in patients with adult-onset idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM). IIM is a group of autoimmune diseases characterized by muscle inflammation and other manifestations. The study emphasizes the strong link between NPC and IIM in East and Southeast Asian populations and suggests nasoendoscopy (NE) at IIM diagnosis in regions with high NPC prevalence. The article also discusses the prevalence of NPC among IIM patients in the Asia Pacific region and proposes methods to enhance NPC detection. Additionally, the document summarizes the characteristics of IIM patients with NPC, highlighting higher mortality rates in this group but suggesting better survival when NPC is detected early. The study recommends a stratified cancer screening approach for NPC detection in at-risk IIM populations, including repeated NE, blind biopsy, additional imaging, and plasma EBV-DNA detection as potential screening options. [Extracted from the article]

Herein, we have designed a highly active and robust trifunctional electrocatalyst derived from Prussian blue analogs, where Co4N nanoparticles are encapsulated by Fe embedded in N‐doped carbon nanocubes to synthesize hierarchically structured Co4N@Fe/N–C for rechargeable zinc–air batteries and overall water‐splitting electrolyzers. As confirmed by theoretical and experimental results, the high intrinsic oxygen reduction reaction, oxygen evolution reaction, and hydrogen evolution reaction activities of Co4N@Fe/N–C were attributed to the formation of the heterointerface and the modulated local electronic structure. Moreover, Co4N@Fe/N–C induced improvement in these trifunctional electrocatalytic activities owing to the hierarchical hollow nanocube structure, uniform distribution of Co4N, and conductive encapsulation by Fe/N–C. Thus, the rechargeable zinc–air battery with Co4N@Fe/N–C delivers a high specific capacity of 789.9 mAh g−1 and stable voltage profiles over 500 cycles. Furthermore, the overall water electrolyzer with Co4N@Fe/N–C achieved better durability and rate performance than that with the Pt/C and IrO2 catalysts, delivering a high Faradaic efficiency of 96.4%. Along with the great potential of the integrated water electrolyzer powered by a zinc–air battery for practical applications, therefore, the mechanistic understanding and active site identification provide valuable insights into the rational design of advanced multifunctional electrocatalysts for energy storage and conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an alternative to Li‐ion batteries, aqueous Zn batteries have gained attention due to the abundance of Zn metal, low reduction potential (–0.76 V vs. standard hydrogen electrode), and high theoretical capacity (820 mAh g–1) of multivalent Zn2+ ion. However, the growth of Zn dendrites and the formation of irreversible surface reaction byproducts pose challenges for ensuring a long battery lifespan and commercialization. Herein, the Cu foil coated with a single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) layer using a facile doctor blade casting method is utilized. The SWCNT‐coated Cu foil demonstrates a significantly longer battery lifespan compared to the bare Cu in the half‐cell tests. Through operando optical microscopy imaging, we are able to provide intuitive evidence that Zn deposition occurs between the carbon nanotube (CNT) coating and Cu substrate, in agreement with the computational results. Also, with various imaging techniques, the flat morphology and homogeneous distribution of Zn beneath the SWCNT layer are demonstrated. In addition, the full‐cell using CNT‐coated Cu exhibits a long cycle life compared to the control group, thereby demonstrating improved electrochemical performance with limited Zn for the cycling process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]