bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Situ Electrical Network Activation and Deactivation in Short Carbon Fiber Composites via 3D Printing
Authors: Wright William Jordan , Celik Emrah
Published: June 2023

Prior studies on carbon‐filler based, conductive polymer composites have mainly investigated how conductive filler morphology and concentration can tailor a material's electrical conductivity and overlooks the effects of filler alignment due to the difficulty to control and quickly quantify the filler alignment. Here, direct ink write 3D printing's unique ability is utilized to control carbon fiber alignment with a single process parameter, velocity ratio, to instantaneously activate or deactivate the electrical network in composites. Maximum electrical conductivity is achieved by randomly aligning carbon fibers that enhances the chance of direct fiber‐to‐fiber contact and, thus, activating the electrical network. However, aligning the fibers by increasing the velocity ratio disrupts the electrical network by minimizing fiber‐to‐fiber contact that resulted in a drastic decrease in electrical conductivity by as much as five orders of magnitude in both short and long carbon fiber composites. With this study, this study demonstrates that electrically conductive or insulative composites can be fabricated sequentially with a single ink. This novel ability to instantaneously control the electrical conductivity of carbon fiber reinforced composites allow to directly embed conductive pathways into designs to 3D print multifunctional composites that are capable of localized heating and self‐sensing.
Large Annular Dipoles Bounded between Single‐Atom Co and Co Cluster for Clarifying Electromagnetic Wave Absorbing Mechanism
Authors: Liu Hu , Li Xueqian , Zhao Xiaoying , Zhang Min , Liu Xinhua , Yang Shichun , Wu Hongjing , Ma Zhenhui
Published: June 2023

It is very challenging to demonstrate the intrinsic feature and absorption mechanism for electromagnetic (EM) wave absorber since dipole polarization loss is always discussed together with magnetic loss, conductive loss, defects/interfacial polarization, and so on. To address this issue, here, a kind of atomic composites is reported, including single‐atom Co and Co cluster with controllable atom dipole to tune the polarization and establish the link between dipole polarization and the EM wave absorption. Using a chemical synthesis route, the atomic composites are fabricated, including Co single‐atom (SA) sites and cluster (Cs) on nitrogen‐doped graphitic carbon (Co1+Cs/NGC). Due to the special design, the effect of magnetic loss, conductive loss, and interfacial polarization on EM wave dissipation can be ignored so that it can only highlight dielectric loss caused by dipole polarization. And, by controlling the Co atoms concentration, it can tune the valence state of Co atoms between 0 to +2 to control dipole polarization and relaxation. As a result, the Co1+Cs/NGC‐2 with Co concentration of 6.0 wt% exhibits optimized dipole moments and thus excellent absorption performance (the reflection loss exceeds −54.3 dB, and the effective absorption bandwidth with RL ≤−10 dB reaches 7.0 GHz at 2.0 mm) due to the effective dipole polarization caused by the large annular dipole bounded between Co SA sites and Co Cs. This study proposes a simplified model to clarify EM wave absorption mechanism from atom view.
Self‐Immolated Nanoadjuvant for In Situ Vaccination Immunotherapy of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Wang Weiqi , Zhu Qiwen , Jin Yilan , Gao Jing , Li Jianan , Zheng Xiaohua , Gao Weidong , Saeed Madiha , Sheng Weizhong , Yu Haijun
Published: June 2023

Vaccination immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment modalities. Although the immunomodulatory adjuvant generally employs for potentiating vaccine response, systemic administration may drive immune‐related side effects, even immune tolerance. Therefore, tunable immunoadjuvants are highly desirable to simultaneously stimulate the immune response and mitigate systemic toxicity. Self‐immolated nanoadjuvants are herein reported to potentiate vaccination immunotherapy of cancer. The nanoadjuvants are engineered by co‐assembling an intracellular acidity‐ionizable polymeric agonist of toll‐like receptor 7/8 resiquimod (R848) and polymeric photosensitizer pyropheophorbide a (PPa). The resultant nanoadjuvants specifically accumulate at the tumor site via passive targeting and are dissociated in the acidic endosome versicles to activate PPa via protonation of the polymer backbone. Upon 671 nm laser irradiation, PPa performed photodynamic therapy to induce immunogenic cell death of tumor cells and subsequently releases R848 in a customized manner, which synergistically activates dendritic cells (DCs), promotes antigen cross‐presentation, and eventually recruits cytotoxic T lymphocytes for tumor regression. Furthermore, the synergistic in situ vaccination immunotherapy with immune checkpoint blockade induce sustained immunological memory to suppress tumor recurrence in the rechallenged colorectal tumor model.
Bleeding the Excited State Energy to the Utmost: Single‐Molecule Iridium Complexes for In Vivo Dual Photodynamic and Photothermal Therapy by an Infrared Low‐Power Laser
Authors: Tang Shi‐Jie , Li Qing‐Fang , Wang Meng‐Fan , Yang Rong , Zeng Li‐Zhen , Li Xue‐Lian , Wang Rui‐Dong , Zhang Hongbin , Ren Xiaoxia , Zhang Dan , Gao Feng
Published: June 2023

A series of cyclometalated Ir(III) complexes with morpholine and piperazine groups are designed as dual photosensitizers and photothermal agents for more efficient antitumor phototherapy via infrared low‐power laser. Their ground and excited state properties, as well as the structural effect on their photophysical and biological properties, are investigated by spectroscopic, electrochemical, and quantum chemical theoretical calculations. They target mitochondria in human melanoma tumor cells and trigger apoptosis related to mitochondrial dysfunction upon irradiation. The Ir(III) complexes, particularly Ir6, demonstrate high phototherapy indexes to melanoma tumor cells and a manifest photothermal effect. Ir6, with minimal hepato‐/nephrotoxicity in vitro, significantly inhibits the growth of melanoma tumors in vivo under 808 nm laser irradiation by dual photodynamic therapy and photothermal therapy and can be efficiently eliminated from the body. These results may contribute to the development of highly efficient phototherapeutic drugs for large, deeply buried solid tumors.
Metal‐Mediated DNA Nanotechnology in 3D: Structural Library by Templated Diffraction
Authors: Vecchioni Simon , Lu Brandon , Livernois William , Ohayon Yoel P. , Yoder Jesse B. , Yang Chu‐Fan , Woloszyn Karol , Bernfeld William , Anantram M. P. , Canary James W. , Hendrickson Wayne A. , Rothschild Lynn J. , Mao Chengde , Wind Shalom J. , Seeman Nadrian C. , Sha Ruojie
Published: June 2023

DNA double helices containing metal‐mediated DNA (mmDNA) base pairs are constructed from Ag+ and Hg2+ ions between pyrimidine:pyrimidine pairs with the promise of nanoelectronics. Rational design of mmDNA nanomaterials is impractical without a complete lexical and structural description. Here, the programmability of structural DNA nanotechnology toward its founding mission of self‐assembling a diffraction platform for biomolecular structure determination is explored. The tensegrity triangle is employed to build a comprehensive structural library of mmDNA pairs via X‐ray diffraction and generalized design rules for mmDNA construction are elucidated. Two binding modes are uncovered: N3‐dominant, centrosymmetric pairs and major groove binders driven by 5‐position ring modifications. Energy gap calculations show additional levels in the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (LUMO) of mmDNA structures, rendering them attractive molecular electronic candidates.
Bioadhesives with Antimicrobial Properties
Authors: Nakipoglu Mustafa , Tezcaner Ayşen , Contag Christopher H. , Annabi Nasim , Ashammakhi Nureddin
Published: June 2023

Bioadhesives with antimicrobial properties enable easier and safer treatment of wounds as compared to the traditional methods such as suturing and stapling. Composed of natural or synthetic polymers, these bioadhesives seal wounds and facilitate healing while preventing infections through the activity of locally released antimicrobial drugs, nanocomponents, or inherently antimicrobial polers. Although many different materials and strategies are employed to develop antimicrobial bioadhesives, the design of these biomaterials necessitates a prudent approach as achieving all the required properties including optimal adhesive and cohesive properties, biocompatibility, and antimicrobial activity can be challenging. Designing antimicrobial bioadhesives with tunable physical, chemical, and biological properties will shed light on the path for future advancement of bioadhesives with antimicrobial properties. In this review, the requirements and commonly used strategies for developing bioadhesives with antimicrobial properties are discussed. In particular, different methods for their synthesis and their experimental and clinical applications on a variety of organs are reviewed. Advances in the design of bioadhesives with antimicrobial properties will pave the way for a better management of wounds to increase positive clinical outcomes.
Multistable Metafluid based Energy Harvesting and Storage
Authors: Peretz Ofek , Ben Abu Ezra , Zigelman Anna , Givli Sefi , Gat Amir D.
Published: June 2023

The thermodynamic properties of fluids play a crucial role in many engineering applications, particularly in the context of energy. Fluids with multistable thermodynamic properties may offer new paths for harvesting and storing energy via transitions between equilibria states. Such artificial multistable fluids can be created using the approach employed in metamaterials, which controls macro‐properties through micro‐structure composition. In this work, the dynamics of such “metafluids” is examined for a configuration of calorically‐perfect compressible gas contained within multistable elastic capsules flowing in a fluid‐filled tube. The velocity‐, pressure‐, and temperature‐fields of multistable compressible metafluids is studied by both analytically and experimentally, focusing on transitions between different equilibria. The dynamics of a single capsule is first examine, which may move or change equilibrium state, due to fluidic forces. The interaction and motion of multiple capsules within a fluid‐filled tube is then studied. It shows that such a system can be used to harvest energy from external temperature variations in either time or space. Thus, fluidic multistability allows specific quanta of energy to be captured and stored indefinitely as well as transported as a fluid, via tubes, at standard atmospheric conditions without the need for thermal isolation.
Shaping Synthetic Multicellular and Complex Multimaterial Tissues via Embedded Extrusion‐Volumetric Printing of Microgels
Authors: Ribezzi Davide , Gueye Marième , Florczak Sammy , Dusi Franziska , de Vos Dieuwke , Manente Francesca , Hierholzer Andreas , Fussenegger Martin , Caiazzo Massimiliano , Blunk Torsten , Malda Jos , Levato Riccardo
Published: June 2023

In living tissues, cells express their functions following complex signals from their surrounding microenvironment. Capturing both hierarchical architectures at the micro‐ and macroscale, and anisotropic cell patterning remains a major challenge in bioprinting, and a bottleneck toward creating physiologically‐relevant models. Addressing this limitation, a novel technique is introduced, termed Embedded Extrusion‐Volumetric Printing (EmVP), converging extrusion‐bioprinting and layer‐less, ultra‐fast volumetric bioprinting, allowing spatially pattern multiple inks/cell types. Light‐responsive microgels are developed for the first time as bioresins (µResins) for light‐based volumetric bioprinting, providing a microporous environment permissive for cell homing and self‐organization. Tuning the mechanical and optical properties of gelatin‐based microparticles enables their use as support bath for suspended extrusion printing, in which features containing high cell densities can be easily introduced. µResins can be sculpted within seconds with tomographic light projections into centimeter‐scale, granular hydrogel‐based, convoluted constructs. Interstitial microvoids enhanced differentiation of multiple stem/progenitor cells (vascular, mesenchymal, neural), otherwise not possible with conventional bulk hydrogels. As proof‐of‐concept, EmVP is applied to create complex synthetic biology‐inspired intercellular communication models, where adipocyte differentiation is regulated by optogenetic‐engineered pancreatic cells. Overall, EmVP offers new avenues for producing regenerative grafts with biological functionality, and for developing engineered living systems and (metabolic) disease models.
Engineering the Structural Uniformity of Gel Polymer Electrolytes via Pattern‐Guided Alignment for Durable, Safe Solid‐State Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Kang Qi , Zhuang Zechao , Liu Yijie , Liu Zhenhui , Li Yong , Sun Bin , Pei Fei , Zhu Han , Li Hongfei , Li Pengli , Lin Ying , Shi Kunming , Zhu Yingke , Chen Jie , Shi Chaoqun , Zhao Yan , Jiang Pingkai , Xia Yongyao , Wang Dingsheng , Huang Xingyi
Published: June 2023

Ultrathin and super‐toughness gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) are the key enabling technology for durable, safe, and high‐energy density solid‐state lithium metal batteries (SSLMBs) but extremely challenging. However, GPEs with limited uniformity and continuity exhibit an uneven Li+ flux distribution, leading to nonuniform deposition. Herein, a fiber patterning strategy for developing and engineering ultrathin (16 µm) fibrous GPEs with high ionic conductivity (≈0.4 mS cm−1) and superior mechanical toughness (≈613%) for durable and safe SSLMBs is proposed. The special patterned structure provides fast Li+ transport channels and tailoring solvation structure of traditional LiPF6‐based carbonate electrolyte, enabling rapid ionic transfer kinetics and uniform Li+ flux, and boosting stability against Li anodes, thus realizing ultralong Li plating/stripping in the symmetrical cell over 3000 h at 1.0 mA cm−2, 1.0 mAh cm−2. Moreover, the SSLMBs with high LiFePO4 loading of 10.58 mg cm−2 deliver ultralong stable cycling life over 1570 cycles at 1.0 C with 92.5% capacity retention and excellent rate capacity of 129.8 mAh g−1 at 5.0 C with a cut‐off voltage of 4.2 V (100% depth‐of‐discharge). Patterned GPEs systems are powerful strategies for producing durable and safe SSLMBs.
Superhydrophobic Copper‐Composite Surfaces Exert Antibacterial Effects against Gram‐Negative and ‐Positive Bacteria
Authors: Mirmohammadi Seyed Mehran , Savijoki Kirsi , Hoshian Sasha , Varmanen Pekka , Yli‐Kauhaluoma Jari , Jokinen Ville , Franssila Sami
Published: June 2023

Copper shows a high promise in developing biomedical materials with antibacterial effect. The antibacterial effect can be enhanced by nanostructured surfaces with superhydrophobic properties, which reduce the solid contact area available for bacterial adhesion and adherent growth. Here, three structured surfaces are fabricated to test the combined effect of copper and superhydrophobicity for antibacterial effects. One of the samples is superhydrophobic but does not contain copper, one contains copper but is not superhydrophobic, and the third is both superhydrophobic and contained copper. The antibiofilm and bactericidal effects of these samples are tested against medically important Gram‐positive and ‐negative bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). The findings indicate that copper alone without superhydrophobicity, while decreasing the cell viability in most of the tested species, supports remarkably more biomass compared to the reference sample. The superhydrophobic and copper bearing samples, while allowing adherent growth to take place, provide the greatest bactericidal effect against two P. aeruginosa strains, and both the antibiofilm and/or bactericidal effects against S. aureus and S. epidermidis. Thus, this study reports that nanostructured materials, combining superhydrophobicity with copper, can be the method of choice to neutralize pathogens with different cell‐wall structures and surface components mediating adherent growth.
Bottom‐Up Tunable Broadband Semi‐Reflective Chiral Mirrors
Authors: Wu Wenbing , Battie Yann , Genet Cyriaque , Ebbesen Thomas W. , Decher Gero , Pauly Matthias
Published: June 2023

Conventional mirrors flip the handedness of circularly polarized light upon reflection. However, there is an increasing demand for the design and fabrication of handedness‐preserving mirrors as well as chiral reflective metasurfaces with tunable spin states of reflected photons that work in a broad wavelength range in the UV and visible domain. Most chiral mirrors fabricated up to now are prepared by top‐down techniques, such as e‐beam lithography, which are very costly and difficult to scale up to macroscopic devices. Here, an efficient bottom‐up strategy is introduced for fabricating chiral mirrors by using Layer‐by‐Layer assembly of oriented silver nanowire layers prepared by grazing incidence spraying on a semi‐reflective silver layer. The resulting chiral metasurfaces display structure‐dependent differential reflectance for circularly polarized light in a broad wavelength range in the UV, visible, and near infrared domains, reaching an extremely high figure of merit. Their differential reflectance reaches up to 95% of the maximum polarization efficiency, with the handedness of the reflected light being partially preserved. These large‐area chiral mirrors with tunable chiral reflectance open perspectives in various fields, such as in optics, sensing, and chiral light‐matter interactions.
Biodegradable Electrohydraulic Soft Actuators
Authors: Kanno Ryo , Caruso Fabio , Takai Kazuma , Piskarev Yegor , Cacucciolo Vito , Shintake Jun
Published: June 2023

Biodegradable materials decompose and return to nature. This functionality can be applied to derive robotic systems that are environmentally friendly. This study presents a fully biodegradable soft actuator, which is one of the key elements in “green” soft robotics. The working of the actuator is based on an electrohydraulic principle, which is similar to that of hydraulically amplified self‐healing electrostatic actuators. The actuator developed in this study consists of a dielectric film made of polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate (PBAT), with soybean oil as the dielectric liquid and electrodes made from a mixture of gelatin, glycerol, and sodium chloride (NaCl). The synthesized biodegradable electrode material exhibits a Young's modulus of 0.06 MPa and resistivity of 258 Ω·m when the mass fraction of NaCl relative to the amount of gelatin and glycerol is 10 wt%. The softness and resistivity of the electrode material results in actuation strain values of 3.2% (at 1 kV, corresponding to 1.2 kV mm−1) and 18.6% (at 10 kV, corresponding to 9.6 kV mm−1) for the linear‐type and circular‐type actuators, respectively. These values obtained for the biodegradable electrohydraulic soft actuators are comparable to those of nonbiodegradable actuators of the same type, representing the successful implementation of the concept.
Paths towards a healthier BMI among short and adequate sleepers: A pathway network analysis considering movement behaviors in low‐income preschoolers
Authors: de Souza Alesandra Araújo , Bandeira Paulo Felipe Ribeiro , Vale Susana Maria Coelho Guimarães , da Cunha Glacithane Lins , Mota Jorge Augusto Pinto Silva , de Lucena Martins Clarice Maria
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Short sleep duration has been seen as a predictor of higher body mass index (BMI) in youth. Sleep duration varies substantially along early childhood, and the paths towards a healthier BMI, considering the other movement behaviors (physical activity‐PA and screen time) are unexplored in preschoolers.

Aim

To construct a sleep‐BMI model to capture the direct and indirect paths to intervening towards a healthier BMI, according to low‐income preschoolers' compliance with the other movement behaviors.

Methods

Two hundred and seventy two preschoolers (4.5 ± 0.0; 138 boys) participated in the study. Sleep and screen time (ST) were assessed in a face‐to‐face interview with primary caregivers. PA was assessed using accelerometer (wGT3X‐BT). Preschoolers were categorized as compliant or not with sleep, screen time, total and moderate to vigorous PA recommendations. BMIz‐score was calculated according to preschoolers' sex and age. All the assessed variables, besides sex and age were included in a Network Pathway Analysis (NPA) according to age as nodes.

Results

At 3 years old, a direct and negative path between sleep‐BMIz score was observed. At four and 5 years old, this relationship became positive. Further, girls were more compliant with sleep, ST and total PA recommendations. Total PA (TPA) showed the highest expected influence value in the general, 3 and 4 years old NPA.

Conclusion

The NPA analysis showed different directions for the relationship between sleep and BMIz score, according to age. Intervention strategies to a healthier BMI among preschoolers compliant or not with sleep recommendations should focus in increasing TPA.
Synthesis of Hybrid Isoxazole‐triazole Compounds as Potential Antiproliferative Agents
Authors: Karetnikov Georgy L. , Skvortsov Dmitry A. , Moseicheva Anastasiia A. , Zyk Nikolay V. , Bondarenko Oksana B.
Published: June 2023

An efficient route for the synthesis of a series of new hybrid isoxazole‐triazole compounds in high yields and excellent regioselectivity starting from either 2‐aryl‐1,1‐dichlorocyclopropanes or N‐hydroxybenzimidoyl chlorides was developed. The synthesized isoxazole‐triazole hybrids were evaluated for their biological activity.
Synthesis of Dihydropyrazoles by Pd‐Catalyzed Carboamination of Alkenyl Hydrazones with Aryl Triflates
Authors: Gao Min , Wang Yinqiang , Wu Shuaijie , Ni Feier , Hu Cangzhu , Jin Feifei , Sun Jing , Han Ying , Wang Lei
Published: June 2023

Herein, we presented a novel and highly efficient strategy for the synthesis of dihydropyrazoles via Pd‐catalyzed carboamination reaction of alkenyl hydrazones with aryl triflates. The simultaneous formation of C−C and C−N bonds in one step is particularly appealing. This methodology provides a practical and efficient avenue of the synthesis of diversely aryl substituted dihydropyrazoles in good yields.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed C−H Alkylation for the Stereoselective Synthesis of β,β‐Disubstituted Dehydroamino‐Acid Motifs
Authors: Nanjo Takeshi , Sada Hikari , Nagaya Taisei , Maruo Yuri , Takemoto Yoshiji
Published: June 2023

In this article, we describe the stereoselective formation of β,β‐disubstituted dehydroamino acids (ΔAAs) in peptides using a cationic rhodium catalyst and methyl trifluoroborate salt. Using this approach, an alkyl group was directly installed on a β‐monosubstituted ΔAA in the peptide chain and both isomers of dehydroisoleucine, an important yet usually inaccessible ΔAA, were successfully obtained.
B7Be6B7: A Boron‐Beryllium Sandwich Complex
Authors: Dong Xue , Tiznado William , Liu Yu‐qian , Leyva‐Parra Luis , Liu Xin‐bo , Pan Sudip , Merino Gabriel , Cui Zhong‐hua
Published: June 2023

Planar boron clusters have often been regarded as “π‐analogous” to aromatic arenes because of their similar delocalized π‐bonding. However, unlike arenes such as C5H5− and C6H6, boron clusters have not previously shown the ability to form sandwich complexes. In this study, we present the first sandwich complex involving beryllium and boron, B7Be6B7. The global minimum of this combination adopts a unique architecture having a D6h geometry, featuring an unprecedented monocyclic Be6 ring sandwiched between two quasi‐planar B7 motifs. The thermochemical and kinetic stability of B7Be6B7 can be attributed to strong electrostatic and covalent interactions between the fragments. Chemical bonding analysis shows that B7Be6B7 can be considered as a [B7]3−[Be6]6+[B7]3− complex. Moreover, there is a significant electron delocalization within this cluster, supported by the local diatropic contributions of the B7 and Be6 fragments.
Naphth[4]arene: Synthesis, Conformations, and Application in Color‐Tunable Supramolecular Crystalline Assemblies
Authors: Gu Meng‐Jie , Han Xiao‐Ni , Guo Wei‐Chen , Han Ying , Chen Chuan‐Feng
Published: June 2023

Although the chemistry of macrocyclic arenes has seen rapid development in recent years, the synthesis of new macrocyclic arenes from aromatic rings with no directing groups remains a challenge. In this work, a new macrocyclic arene, naphth[4]arene (NA[4]A), composed of four naphthalene rings bridged by methylene groups, was synthesized using macrocycle‐to‐macrocycle conversion. NA[4]A shows 1,3‐alternate and 1,2‐alternate conformations in the solid state, which can be selectively obtained. By supramolecular co‐assembly of NA[4]A and 1,2,4,5‐tetracyanobenzene (TCNB) in different concentrations and temperatures, two conformation‐dependent crystalline luminescent co‐assemblies 1,2‐NTC and 1,3‐NTC can be selectively prepared. Interestingly, the two charge‐transfer crystalline assemblies containing NA[4]A with different conformations show bright yellow and green fluorescence, and also display high photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) of 45 % and 43 %. Furthermore, they exhibit color‐tunable two‐photon excited upconversion emission.
What is the “modified” CTAB protocol? Characterizing modifications to the CTAB DNA extraction protocol
Authors: Schenk John J. , Becklund L. Ellie , Carey S. James , Fabre Paige P.
Published: June 2023

Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)–based methods are widely used to isolate DNA from plant tissues, but the unique chemical composition of secondary metabolites among plant species has necessitated optimization. Research articles often cite a “modified” CTAB protocol without explicitly stating how the protocol had been altered, creating non‐reproducible studies. Furthermore, the various modifications that have been applied to the CTAB protocol have not been rigorously reviewed and doing so could reveal optimization strategies across study systems. We surveyed the literature for modified CTAB protocols used for the isolation of plant DNA. We found that every stage of the CTAB protocol has been modified, and we summarized those modifications to provide recommendations for extraction optimization. Future genomic studies will rely on optimized CTAB protocols. Our review of the modifications that have been used, as well as the protocols we provide here, could better standardize DNA extractions, allowing for repeatable and transparent studies.
Tunable Quantum Anomalous Hall Gap in Compressed Graphene/CrI3 van der Waals Heterostructures
Authors: Ren Jun‐Tong , Feng Yuan , Ke Sha‐Sha , Lü Hai‐Feng
Published: June 2023

Two‐dimensional magnetic heterostructures have attracted special attention due to their potential applications in fundamental physics and spintronics. Here, the magnetic and electronic properties of the van der Waals heterostructure formed by graphene and CrI3 is investigated. The first‐principles calculations show that the spin‐polarized electron density of graphene sensitively depends on the charge transfer between graphene and CrI3, which can be modulated by applying an electric field. However, the spin‐polarized density exhibits a non‐monotonic change with electric field due to the unstable charge distribution between graphene and CrI3. When the interface distance is compressed by 1.1 Å, the enhanced interaction between graphene and CrI3 stabilizes the charge distribution. As a result, the quantum anomalous Hall gap increases from 6 to 22 meV with an external electric field in the compressed heterostructure. In addition, halogen ligands play an important role in the interaction between Cr atoms and graphene and can regulate the range of spin‐polarized density.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon‐based Soft Materials: Applications in Fluorescent Detection, Gelation, AIEE and Mechanochromism
Authors: Goyal Hina , Kumar Pramod , Gupta Rajeev
Published: June 2023

The present review discusses selected compounds based on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs); mainly those containing naphthalene, anthracene, fluorene, pyrene, triphenylene and perylene rings. The focus has been placed to highlight both properties and applications of such PAH‐containing compounds in gelation, aggregation‐induced enhanced emission (AIEE) and mechanochromism as well as in fluorescence sensing of assorted analytes.
A simple and efficient strategy for cell‐based and cell‐free‐based therapies in acute liver failure: hUCMSCs bioartificial liver
Authors: Feng Lei , Wang Yi , Fu Yu , Yimamu Adilijiang , Guo Zeyi , Zhou Chenjie , Li Shao , Zhang Linya , Qin Jiasheng , Liu Shusong , Xu Xiaoping , Jiang Zesheng , Cai Shaoru , Zhang Jianmin , Li Yang , Peng Qing , Yi Xiao , He Guolin , Li Ting , Gao Yi
Published: June 2023

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a life‐threatening condition. Cell‐based and cell‐free‐based therapies have proven to be effective in treating ALF; however, their clinical application is limited by cell tumorigenicity and extracellular vesicle (EV) isolation in large doses. Here, we explored the effectiveness and mechanism of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs)‐based bioartificial liver (hUCMSC‐BAL), which is a simple and efficient strategy for ALF. D‐galactosamine‐based pig and mouse ALF models were used to explore the effectiveness of hUCMSC‐BAL and hUCMSC‐sEV therapies. Furthermore, high‐throughput sequencing, miRNA transcriptome analysis, and western blot were performed to clarify whether the miR‐139‐5p/PDE4D axis plays a critical role in the ALF model in vivo and in vitro. hUCMSC‐BAL significantly reduced inflammatory responses and cell apoptosis. hUCMSC‐sEV significantly improved liver function in ALF mice and enhanced the regeneration of liver cells. Furthermore, hUCMSC‐sEV miRNA transcriptome analysis showed that miR‐139‐5p had the highest expression and that PDE4D was one of its main target genes. The sEV miR‐139‐5p/PDE4D axis played a role in the treatment of ALF by inhibiting cell apoptosis. Our data indicate that hUCMSC‐BAL can inhibit cytokine storms and cell apoptosis through the sEV miR‐139‐5p/PDE4D axis. Therefore, we propose hUCMSC‐BAL as a therapeutic strategy for patients with early ALF.
Macrophage‐based delivery of anti‐fibrotic proteins alleviates bleomycin‐induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice
Authors: Liu Huiying , Yang Cuiping , Gao Yun , Zhang Xueli , Wang Min , Yu Xinting , Wang Weidong , Xie Lixin , Tang Ping , Yin Xiushan , Bai Changqing , Zhang Luo
Published: June 2023

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal interstitial lung disease characterized by chronic, progressive, and fibrotic lung injury. Although remarkable progress has been made toward understanding the pathogenesis of PF, finding more effective treatments for this fatal disease remains a challenge. In this study, we describe an innovative macrophage‐based approach to deliver anti‐fibrotic protein to the lung and inhibit PF in a mouse model of bleomycin (BLM)‐induced lung injury. We engineered macrophages to continuously secrete three types of proteins: interleukin‐10, which prevents inflammation; TGFRcFc, a soluble truncated TGF‐βR2 that blocks TGF‐β; and CD147, which induces matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and causes collagen degradation. Infusing these engineered macrophages into the lungs of BLM‐induced PF mouse models in an optimal pattern significantly ameliorated PF in mice. Specifically, the most effective therapeutic outcome was achieved by infusing IL‐10‐secreting macrophages on day 1, followed by TGFRcFc‐secreting macrophages on day 7 and CD147‐secreting macrophages on day 14 into the same mice after BLM treatment. Our data suggest that macrophage‐based delivery of anti‐fibrotic proteins to the lungs is a promising therapy for fibrotic lung disorders.
Prophylactic treatment of dacomitinib‐induced skin toxicities in epidermal growth factor receptor‐mutated non–small‐cell lung cancer: A multicenter, Phase II trial
Authors: Iwasaku Masahiro , Uchino Junji , Chibana Kenji , Tanzawa Shigeru , Yamada Takahiro , Tobino Kazunori , Uchida Yasuki , Kijima Takashi , Nakatomi Katsumi , Izumi Miiru , Tamiya Nobuyo , Kimura Hideharu , Fujita Masaki , Honda Ryoichi , Takumi Chieko , Yamada Tadaaki , Kaneko Yoshiko , Kiyomi Fumiaki , Takayama Koichi
Published: June 2023

Background

Dacomitinib significantly improves progression‐free survival and overall survival (OS) compared with gefitinib in patients with non–small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐activating mutations. However, dacomitinib often causes skin toxicities, resulting in treatment discontinuation. We aimed to evaluate a prophylactic strategy for skin toxicity induced by dacomitinib.

Methods

We performed a single‐arm, prospective, open‐label, multi‐institutional phase II trial for comprehensive skin toxicity prophylaxis. Patients with NSCLC harboring EGFR‐activating mutations were enrolled and received dacomitinib with comprehensive prophylaxis. The primary endpoint was the incidence of skin toxicity (Grade ≥2) in the initial 8 weeks.

Results

In total, 41 Japanese patients participated between May 2019 and April 2021 from 14 institutions (median age 70 years; range: 32–83 years), 20 were male, and 36 had a performance status of 0–1. Nineteen patients had exon 19 deletions and L858R mutation. More than 90% of patients were perfectly compliant with prophylactic minocycline administration. Skin toxicities (Grade ≥2) occurred in 43.9% of patients (90% confidence interval [CI], 31.2%–56.7%). The most frequent skin toxicity was acneiform rash in 11 patients (26.8%), followed by paronychia in five patients (12.2%). Due to skin toxicities, eight patients (19.5%) received reduced doses of dacomitinib. The median progression‐free survival was 6.8 months (95% CI, 4.0–8.6 months) and median OS was 21.6 months (95% CI, 17.0 months–not reached).

Conclusion

Although the prophylactic strategy was ineffective, the adherence to prophylactic medication was quite good. Patient education regarding prophylaxis is important and can lead to improved treatment continuity.
Impact of comorbidities on people with and without cancer early in the COVID‐19 pandemic: An observational study
Authors: Schwartz Carolyn E. , Rapkin Bruce D.
Published: June 2023

Background

The present study sought to investigate how comorbidity burden influences cancer survivors' quality of life (QoL) and the challenges/adaptations during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID) pandemic, and to examine how appraisal processes are related to this impact.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study, administered in spring/summer 2020, compared cancer survivors to a general‐population comparison sample. QoL was assessed with standardized tools. COVID‐specific questions included selected items compiled by the US National Institutes of Health, and cognitive appraisal processes were assessed using the QoL Appraisal Profilev2 Short‐Form. Principal components analysis reduced the number of comparisons. Multivariate analysis of covariance investigated group differences in QoL, COVID‐specific variables, and cognitive‐appraisal processes. Linear regression investigated group differences in COVID‐specific variables as a function of cognitive‐appraisal processes, QoL, demographic covariates, and their interactions.

Results

Cancer survivors fared substantially better than non‐cancer participants in QoL and cognitive functioning when they had no other comorbidities, but substantially worse on QoL when they had three or more comorbidities. Cancer survivors with no comorbidities were less likely to feel worried about COVID, less likely to engage in self‐protection, and prioritized engaging in problem‐focused and prosocial actions compared to non‐cancer participants. Conversely, cancer survivors confronted with multiple comorbidities exhibited more proactive self‐protection and experienced more anxiety about the pandemic.

Conclusion

The impact of having multiple comorbidities in the context of cancer is associated with notable differences in social determinants of health, QoL outcomes, COVID‐specific challenges/adaptations, and appraisal of QoL. These findings provide an empirical basis for implementing appraisal‐based coping interventions.
The road to learning “who am I” is digitized: A study on consumer self‐discovery through augmented reality tools
Authors: Ambika Anupama , Belk Russell , Jain Varsha , Krishna Rajneesh
Published: June 2023

Today, digital tools offer multiple avenues for consumers to learn about themselves. Self‐discovery or knowing “who am I” is fundamental to our everyday experience. However, there is a paucity of research that investigates the “how and why” of self‐discovery, made possible by technological advancements. Adopting the theoretical tenets of extended self, possible selves, storied selves, and the twin metaphors of self and identity, we follow a multimethod qualitative approach to explore consumer self‐discovery in the context of AR‐based makeup and grooming apps and filters. We establish a framework for AR‐facilitated self‐discovery by analyzing the data obtained via Netnography and 22 in‐depth interviews. The findings suggest that digital tools enable the discovery of previously unknown facets of the consumers' self‐concept. Theoretically, this study demystifies the process of technology‐enabled self‐discovery, which is related to better life decisions and consumer well‐being. Brands may apply these insights to inculcate the discovery components into the AR design, which can facilitate the adoption of new products. Finally, this study highlights the possible challenges to be avoided to ensure consumer well‐being while using AR‐enabled digital tools.
Paclitaxel inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma tumorigenesis by regulating the circ_0005785/miR‐640/GSK3β
Authors: Yang Xianwu , Tian Xiaojuan , Zhao Pengcheng , Wang Zheng , Sun Xuedong
Published: June 2023

Paclitaxel (PTX) is an effective chemotherapeutic agent for cancer patients. It has been reported that circular RNA (circRNA) circ_0005785is involved in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The purpose of this study is to explore the role and mechanism of circ_0005785 in the PTX resistance of HCC. Cell viability, proliferation, invasion, migration, apoptosis, and angiogenesis were detected using 3‐(4, 5‐dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2, 5‐diphenyl‐2‐H‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT), colony formation, transwell, wound‐healing, flow cytometry, and tube formation assay. Circ_0005785, microRNA‐640 (miR‐640), and Glycogen synthase kinase‐3 beta (GSK3β) levels were detected using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Protein levels of Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Bcl‐2, and GSK3β were measured using western blot assay. After being predicted using Circular RNA interactome or TargetScan, binding between miR‐640 and circ_0005785 or GSK3β was verified using dual‐luciferase reporter and RNA Immunoprecipitation assay. PTX treatment could repress HCC cell viability, decrease circ_0005785 and GSK3β expression, and increase the miR‐640 level in HCC cell lines. Furthermore, circ_0005785 and GSK3β were increased, and miR‐640 was decreased in HCC tissues and cell lines. Moreover, circ_0005785 knockdown hindered proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and boosted apoptosis in PTX‐treated HCC cells in vitro. In addition, circ_0005785 silencing improved the PTX sensitivity of HCC in vivo. Mechanistically, circ_0005785 acted as a sponge of miR‐640 to regulate GSK3β expression. PTX restrained HCC tumorigenesis partly via regulating the circ_0005785/miR‐640/GSK3β axis, hinting at a promising therapeutic target for the HCC treatment.
Homelessness and predictors of criminal reoffending: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Mitchell Rebecca J. , Burns Nicholas , Glozier Nicholas , Nielssen Olav
Published: June 2023

Background

There are not many longitudinal studies examining people experiencing homelessness and interacting with the criminal justice system over time.

Aims

To describe the type of criminal offences committed, court outcomes, identify probable predictors of reoffending, and estimate the criminal justice costs in a cohort of homeless hostel clinic attendees.

Method

A retrospective cohort study of 1646 people attending a homeless clinic who had had contact with the criminal justice system (CJS) in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, using linked clinic, criminal offence, health and mortality data from 1 July 2008 to 30 June 2021. Initial comparisons were made with the 852 clinic attendees without CJS contact in the period. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of recidivism.

Results

There were 16,840 offending episodes, giving an offence rate of 87.8 per 100 person‐years (95%CI: 86.5–89.1). The most common index offences were acts intended to cause injury (22%), illicit drug (17%) and theft‐related (12%) offences. Most people (83%) were found guilty of the index offence and received a fine (37%) or community‐based sentence (29%). Total court finalisation costs were AUD $11.3 million. Three‐quarters of those convicted reoffended within 24 months. Offenders were more likely to be younger, have a diagnosis of personality disorder (AOR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.04–1.67), a substance use disorder (AOR: 1.60; 95% CI 1.14–2.23) and/or to have a previous charge dismissed on mental health grounds (AOR: 1.79; 95% CI: 1.31–2.46). Within the offending cohort, reoffenders had almost twice the odds of having theft‐related offences as their principal index offence (AOR: 1.85; 95% CI: 1.29–2.66).

Conclusions

This longitudinal study finding of not only a high rate of criminal justice contact, but also a high rate of recidivism among people who have been homeless, lends support to a need for strategies both to address the root causes of homelessness and to provide a comprehensive systems‐based response to reduce recidivism, that includes secure housing as well as mental health and substance use treatment programmes for homeless offenders.
Comparison of interventions for intermediate to high‐risk pulmonary embolism: A network meta‐analysis
Authors: Ishisaka Yoshiko , Watanabe Atsuyuki , Fujisaki Tomohiro , Iwagami Masao , So Matsuo , Steiger David , Aoi Shunsuke , Secemsky Eric A. , Wiley Jose , Kuno Toshiki
Published: June 2023

Background

Multiple interventions, including catheter‐directed therapy (CDT), systemic thrombolysis (ST), surgical embolectomy (SE), and therapeutic anticoagulation (AC) have been used to treat intermediate to high‐risk pulmonary embolism (PE), but the most effective and safest treatment remains unclear. Our study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety outcomes of each intervention.

Methods

We queried PubMed and EMBASE in January 2023 and performed a network meta‐analysis of observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCT), including high or intermediate‐risk PE patients, and comparing AC, CDT, SE, and ST. The primary outcomes were in‐hospital mortality and major bleeding. The secondary outcomes included long‐term mortality (≥6 months), recurrent PE, minor bleeding, and intracranial hemorrhage.

Results

We identified 11 RCTs and 42 observational studies involving 157,454 patients. CDT was associated with lower in‐hospital mortality than ST (odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 0.41 [0.31−0.55]), AC (OR [95% CI]: 0.33 [0.20−0.53]), and SE (OR [95% CI]: 0.61 [0.39−0.96]). Recurrent PE in CDT was lower than ST (OR [95% CI]: 0.66 [0.50−0.87]), AC (OR [95% CI]: 0.36 [0.20−0.66]), and trended lower than SE (OR [95% CI]: 0.71 [0.40−1.26]). Notably, ST had higher major bleeding risks than CDT (OR [95% CI]: 1.51 [1.19−1.91]) and AC (OR [95% CI]: 2.21 [1.53−3.19]). By rankogram analysis, CDT presented the highest p‐score in in‐hospital mortality, long‐term mortality, and recurrent PE.

Conclusion

In this network meta‐analysis of observational studies and RCTs involving patients with intermediate to high‐risk PE, CDT was associated with improved mortality outcomes compared to other therapies, without significant additional bleeding risk.
Bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax as a late complication of COVID‐19, a clinical case report
Authors: Naghavi Fakhri , Ghiasvand Fereshteh , Moradi Maryam
Published: June 2023

Key Clinical Message

Bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax and sudden dyspnea can occur as late complication in patients with COVID‐19 even without any history of mechanical ventilation usage.

Bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax can occur as a late complication in patients with COVID‐19, even without any history of mechanical ventilation. Here, we present a patient with mild COVID‐19 pneumonia with a left massive pneumothorax in the third week of hospitalization and the addition of a right pneumothorax.
Acute vision loss due to CML leukemic retinopathy reversed with leukapheresis
Authors: Leong Sally , Do Tiffanie , Shodiya Michael , Lee Jennifer
Published: June 2023

Leukemic retinopathy is a severe complication of severe leukocytosis that results from untreated chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Immediate cytoreduction via leukapheresis may reverse ocular manifestations and prevent permanent vision damage. We present a case of a patient with acute unilateral vision loss found to have leukemic retinopathy in the setting of untreated CML with improvement of visual symptoms after leukapheresis and initiation of hydroxyurea.
Management of huge verrucous carcinoma of lower lip: A case report at a tertiary hospital in northern Tanzania
Authors: Nnko Kanankira A. , Rwakatema Deogratius S. , Bina Steven M. , Mwita Samweli F. , Mremi Alex
Published: June 2023

Key Clinical Message

Well‐differentiated variant of squamous cell carcinoma. Slow growing, exophytic, cauliflower‐like growth easily confused with a viral wart. Cutaneous, anogenital, and oral variant exist. Risk factors for oral variant include alcohol and smoking. Histopathologically exhibits lobules with a pushing margin and blunt borders.

Verrucous carcinoma (VC) is a low‐grade variant of squamous cell carcinoma with specific clinicopathologic features and good prognosis when affecting skin. We report the case VC of lip in a‐70‐year‐old lady. She underwent surgical excision with excellent outcomes. A brief review of the literature is provided.
Ceftriaxone‐induced neutropenia successfully overcome by a switch to penicillin G in Cardiobacterium hominis endocarditis
Authors: Nau Roland , Schmidt‐Schweda Stephan , Frank Tobias , Gossner Johannes , Djukic Marija , Eiffert Helmut
Published: June 2023

Leukopenia, including agranulocytosis, is a severe complication of treatment with all β‐lactam antibiotics. Its incidence increases with age. Cardiobacterium hominis endocarditis after implantation of an aortic valve bio‐prosthesis in a 77‐year‐old woman was treated with ceftriaxone 2 g/day plus gentamicin 160 mg/day intravenously. On Day 25 of treatment, blood leukocytes had decreased to 1800/μl (neutrophils 370/μl). Antibiotic therapy was switched to penicillin G 20 million international units (IU)/day. Thereafter, blood leukocytes including neutrophils normalized suggesting that penicillin G was less bone marrow‐toxic than ceftriaxone. High‐dose ciprofloxacin, the alternative to penicillin G, was avoided because of the risk of cognitive and behavioral side effects. The present case suggests that with close laboratory monitoring a β‐lactam with differing side chains should not be considered contraindicated after β‐lactam antibiotic‐induced neutropenia.
Pneumonia due to Mycobacterium cosmeticum in a patient with systemic sclerosis: A case report
Authors: Hu Yueqin , Zhang Chao , Jia Liangliang
Published: June 2023

Key Clinical Message

Pulmonary infection due to Mycobacterium cosmeticum was reported in only two patients previously. More studies are warranted to define its characteristics and treatments. We report a systemic sclerosis patient who had a pulmonary infection due to M. cosmeticum and then successfully recovered after treatment with combination antibiotic regimen.