bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long‐Term Clinical Effects of a Chlorhexidine Varnish Implemented Treatment Strategy for Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: Cosyn Jan , Wyn Iris , De Rouck Tim , Sabzevar Mehran Moradi
Published: March 2006

Background: Scaling and root planing in combination with oral hygiene monitoring are still considered the therapeutic standards for periodontitis. Although this treatment concept customarily results in satisfactory clinical improvements, treatment outcome may become less favorable predominantly when full access to periodontal defects is compromised, thereby leaving accretions behind. The purpose of this study was to investigate, over a 9‐month period, the clinical benefits of a treatment strategy for chronic periodontitis based on a combination of sequential scaling and root planing and subgingival chlorhexidine varnish administration.

Methods: This randomized controlled, single blind, parallel trial included 26 volunteers with chronic periodontitis. The control group received oral hygiene instructions and was scaled and root planed in two sessions. The test group received the same instructions and treatment; however, all pockets were additionally disinfected using a highly concentrated chlorhexidine varnish. Clinical response parameters were recorded at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, and 9 months. The impact of the initial strategy on the decision‐making process for supplementary therapy at 9 months was investigated based on treatment decisions made by five independent clinicians.

Results: Both treatment strategies showed significant reductions in probing depth and gains in clinical attachment at study termination in comparison with baseline (P <0.001). However, combination therapy resulted in a significant additional pocket reduction of 0.62 mm (P <0.001). Initially deep pockets (≥7 mm) around multirooted teeth seemed to benefit most from the combination strategy, resulting in an additive pocket reduction of 1.06 mm (P = 0.009) and a clinical attachment gain of 0.54 mm (P = 0.048) in comparison to scaling and root planing alone. A trend toward a reduction of surgical treatment needs following the varnish‐implemented strategy was found (P = 0.076).

Conclusion: These findings suggest that the outcome of initial periodontal therapy may benefit from the adjunctive subgingival administration of a highly concentrated chlorhexidine varnish.
Periodontal Debridement With Povidone‐Iodine in Periodontal Treatment: Short‐Term Clinical and Biochemical Observations
Authors: Zanatta Guilherme M. , Bittencourt Sandro , Nociti Francisco H. , Sallum Enilson A. , Sallum Antonio W. , Casati Marcio Z.
Published: March 2006

Background: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical effects of one‐stage periodontal debridement with an ultrasonic instrument, associated with 0.5% povidone (pvp)‐iodine irrigation in patients with chronic periodontitis.

Methods: Forty‐five patients were randomly assigned into three groups: the control group (CG) received quadrant root planing at 1‐week intervals over four consecutive sessions; the periodontal debridement plus pvp‐iodine group (PD‐PIG) received a 45‐minute full‐mouth debridement with an ultrasonic instrument, associated with 0.5% pvp‐iodine irrigation; and the periodontal debridement group (PDG) received a 45‐minute full‐mouth periodontal debridement with an ultrasonic instrument, associated with NaCl irrigation.

Results: At the 3‐month evaluation, the mean probing depth (PD) reduction in CG was 2.51 ± 0.52 mm, 2.53 ± 0.50 mm in PD‐PIG, and 2.58 ± 0.60 mm in PDG (P <0.05). The clinical attachment level (CAL) analysis showed a statistically significant gain in all groups compared to baseline (1.87 ± 0.56 mm [CG], 1.94 ± 0.70 mm [PD‐PIG], and 1.99 ± 0.92 mm [PDG]). Intergroup analysis of PD and CAL at 1 and 3 months showed no differences (P >0.05). The N‐benzoyl‐L‐arginine‐p‐nitroanilide (BAPNA) test showed a significant reduction in trypsin activity only during the first month (P <0.05); at 3 months there were no differences compared to baseline (P = 0.80).

Conclusion: This study provides no evidence that pvp‐iodine is effective as an adjunct for one‐stage periodontal debridement.
The Influence of Dynamic Occlusal Interferences on Probing Depth and Attachment Level: Results of the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP)
Authors: Bernhardt Olaf , Gesch Dietmar , Look John O. , Hodges James S. , Schwahn Christian , Mack Florian , Kocher Thomas
Published: March 2006

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate potential associations between dynamic occlusal interferences and signs of periodontal disease in posterior teeth based on dental and medical measurements obtained from a population‐based sample in the cross‐sectional epidemiological study entitled, “Study of Health in Pomerania” (SHIP).

Methods: Medical history and dental and sociodemographic parameters of 2,980 representatively selected dentate subjects, 20 to 79 years of age, were collected. The analysis was performed on posterior teeth only using a mixed linear model that considers the clustered structure of the data. The model also was adjusted with respect to known risk factors for periodontal disease.

Results: The presence of non‐working side contacts only was significantly related to probing depth (P <0.0001) and attachment loss (P = 0.001). The presence of non‐working side contacts and working side contacts on the same tooth was significantly related to increased probing depth (P = 0.004) but not attachment level. The effect magnitude was a mean increase of 0.13 mm for probing depth and 0.14 mm in attachment loss. Known risk factors for periodontal disease that also showed significant associations with probing depth and attachment loss included male gender, age, smoking, education, and plaque score. Other factors significantly related to probing depth and/or attachment loss were tilted teeth, restored occlusal surfaces versus sound surfaces, elongated teeth, and tooth type (molar versus premolar).

Conclusion: The effect of non‐working contacts on periodontal disease status was discernible, but weak in terms of magnitude and specificity.
Immunolocalization of Lactoferrin in Healthy and Inflamed Gingival Tissues
Authors: Eberhard Jörg , Drosos Zacharias , Tiemann Markus , Jepsen Søren , Schröder Jens M.
Published: March 2006

Background: It has been reported that lactoferrin prevents biofilm formation and exerts antimicrobial activity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the cellular source of lactoferrin in healthy and inflamed gingiva.

Methods: Lactoferrin synthesis was examined in relation to disease manifestation in biopsies of the marginal gingiva by immunohistochemistry. The expression of lactoferrin in cell cultures was studied by immunocytochemistry and reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR).

Results: Healthy gingiva demonstrated no immunoreactivity to lactoferrin in epithelial and connective tissue cells. In inflamed specimens, lactoferrin staining was related to inflammatory cells. These results were confirmed by cell cultures of keratinocytes that did not show any immunoreactivity against lactoferrin. No mRNA message for lactoferrin was detected by RT‐PCR in keratinocytes.

Conclusions: These data provide evidence that lactoferrin is not synthesized in healthy gingival tissues. Therefore, elevated lactoferrin levels in the crevicular fluid of inflamed tissues originate from invading cells of the inflammatory reaction.
Effect of Manure Application Timing, Crop, and Soil Type on Nitrate Leaching
Authors: van Es Harold M. , Sogbedji Jean M. , Schindelbeck Robert R.
Published: March 2006

Timing of manure application affects N leaching. This 3‐yr study quantified N losses from liquid manure application on two soils, a Muskellunge clay loam and a Stafford loamy sand, as affected by cropping system and timing of application. Dairy manure was applied at an annual rate of 93 800 L ha−1 on replicated drained plots under continuous maize (Zea mays L.) in early fall, late fall, early spring, and as a split application in early and late spring. Variable rates of supplemental sidedress N fertilizer were applied as needed. Manure was applied on orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) in split applications in early fall and late spring, and early and late spring, with supplemental N fertilizer topdressed as NH4NO3 in early spring at 75 kg N ha−1 Drain water was sampled at least weekly when lines were flowing. Three‐year FWM (flow‐weighted mean) NO3–N concentrations on loamy sand soil averaged 2.5 times higher (12.7 mg L−1) than those on clay loam plots (5.2 mg L−1), and those for fall applications on maize‐cropped land averaged >10 mg L−1 on the clay loam and >20 mg L−1 on the loamy sand. Nitrate–N concentrations among application seasons followed the pattern early fall > late fall > early spring = early + late spring. For grass, average NO3–N concentrations from manure application remained well below 10 mg L−1 Fall manure applications on maize show high NO3–N leaching risks, especially on sandy soils, and manure applications on grass pose minimal leaching concern.
Performance Characteristics of Sequential Separation and Quantification of Lead‐210 and Polonium‐210 by Ion Exchange Chromatography and Nuclear Spectrometric Measurements
Authors: El Afifi E. M. , Borai E. H.
Published: March 2006

A selective separation and quantitative determination procedure for 210Pb and 210Po in various environmental matrices from different sources such as IAEA‐326 soil, phosphate rocks (PR), and phosphogypsum (PG) was developed. The tested samples were digested sequentially using concentrated mineral acids (HF, HNO3) by a programmable high‐pressure microwave digestion system. The sample solution was loaded onto a preconditioned ion exchange column (Sr‐resin) for chromatographic separation. Polonium‐210 was eluted by 6 M HNO3 then spontaneously deposited onto polished silver discs to be measured using low‐background alpha spectrometry. Lead‐210 was sequentially eluted using 6 M HCl solution, precipitated as lead oxalate, dissolved in HNO3 solution, and mixed with scintillation cocktail to be measured by liquid scintillation counting (LSC). Performance of the developed procedure was tested using a reference soil (IAEA‐326), with recommended isotope values, that was used as a quality control to assess separation and quantification efficiency (recovery %). The minimum detectable activities of 210Pb and 210Po were found to be 24 and 0.28 Bq kg−1 for the measurements using LSC and alpha spectrometry, respectively. The recoveries (%) of 210Pb and 210Po were found to be 80 and 60%, respectively. To test the validity of the proposed LSC method, a comparative study was performed by measuring 210Pb activity concentration in test samples by nondestructive gamma‐ray spectrometry.
Evaluating Stream Water Quality through Land Use Analysis in Two Grassland Catchments
Authors: Hayakawa A. , Shimizu M. , Woli K. P. , Kuramochi K. , Hatano R.
Published: March 2006

We evaluated the impacts of natural wetlands and various land uses on stream nitrogen concentration in two grassland‐dominated catchments in eastern Hokkaido, Japan. Analyzing land use types in drainage basins, measuring denitrification potential of its soil, and water sampling in all seasons of 2003 were performed. Results showed a highly significant positive correlation between the concentration of stream NO3–N and the proportion of upland area in drainage basins in both catchments. The regression slope, which we assumed to reflect the impact on water quality, was 24% lower for the Akkeshi catchment (0.012 ± 0.001) than for the Shibetsu catchment (0.016 ± 0.001). In the Akkeshi catchment, there was a significant negative correlation between the proportion of wetlands in the drainage basins and stream NO3–N concentration. Stream dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) and carbon (DOC) concentrations were significantly higher in the Akkeshi catchment. Upland and urban land uses were strongly linked to increases in in‐stream N concentrations in both catchments, whereas wetlands and forests tended to mitigate water quality degradation. The denitrification potential of the soils was highest in wetlands, medium in riparian forests, and lowest in grasslands; and was significant in wetlands and riparian forests in the Akkeshi catchment. The solubility of soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil moisture tended to determine the denitrification potential. These results indicate that the water environment within the catchments, which influences denitrification potential and soil organic matter content, could have caused the difference in stream water quality between the two catchments.
Phosphorus and Sediment Loss in a Catchment with Winter Forage Grazing of Cropland by Dairy Cattle
Authors: McDowell R. W.
Published: March 2006

The loss of phosphorus and sediment to surface waters can impair their quality. It was hypothesized that the practice of winter grazing dairy cattle on cropland of moderate slope (5–20%) would exacerbate the loss of P and suspended sediment (SS) from land to water. In a small (4.3 ha) catchment two flumes were installed, upstream and downstream of one field (about 2 ha) that had been cropped for 2 yr and grazed in winter (June–July) by dairy cattle. Flow proportional samples were taken and measured for dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP), particulate phosphorus (PP), total phosphorus (TP), and SS. During the 2002 hydrologic year (March–February) loads of SS increased per hectare downstream (1449 kg ha−1) compared to upstream (880 kg ha−1). The same increase from upstream (873 kg ha−1) to downstream (969 kg ha−1) happened in 2003. However, while in 2003 TP increased downstream by 1.64 kg ha−1 compared to upstream (0.24 kg ha−1), in 2002 an increase of only 0.006 kg ha−1 at the downstream flume occurred compared to upstream (0.98 kg ha−1). Investigation of P transport pathways suggested that overland flow contributed <0.1 kg P ha−1 to stream flow, 10 and 5% of TP load in 2002 and 2003, with the greater load in 2002 reflecting more rainfall in that year. The contribution to stream flow by subsurface flow was estimated at 0.3 kg P ha−1 Stream bed sediments showed an increase in total P concentration in summer when no flow occurred due to the admission by the farmer of 10 cattle upstream of the cropped paddock in summer 2001–2002 and 20 cattle between the two flumes in 2003 to graze stream banks. This action was calculated to contribute via dung at least, the remaining P lost: about 0.5 kg P in 2002 and 1.0 kg P in 2003. Clearly, not allowing animals to “clear‐up” stream banks is a priority if good surface water quality is to be achieved. Furthermore, compared to stock access the impact of winter grazing cropland on P losses was minimal, but SS load was increased by an average of 75%.
Cancer epigenome: A review
Authors: Dimitrijevic Bogomir
Published: March 2006

Cancer genomics that normally relies on mutational analysis of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes has approached its inherent limits. This was not much of a surprise having in mind the genome dynamics and the resulting complexity of cancer phenotype and genotype. In response to this challenge, molecular genetics offered a new armory for the analysis of the genetic basis of cancer. This refers to the analysis of molecular features that regulate gene activity and the analysis of products of this activity. In the focus of tuning transcription is the methylation surveillance of the genome of the cell. Modification of proteins associated with chromatin and methylation of CpG sites in DNA was found to affect profoundly gene expression and is commonly termed epigenomics. Quantitative and qualitative characterization of the methylation profile of the cancer cell genome is formidable but necessary task with great potential for molecular pathology of cancer. There is little doubt that this line of research will add a great deal to the clinical practice and the basic science of oncology. The only question is how to make a large database large enough and how select the most reliable and sensitive technological approach with the highest throughput.
Satisfaction of patients with physicians and nurses
Authors: Jovanovic Branislava
Published: March 2006

BACKGROUND: The patients? satisfaction survey provides data on patients? experiences of healthcare professionals at the Institute of Oncology Sremska Kamenica. This feedback provides us with valuable information where to focus improvement efforts. The main objective in this study was to explore level of satisfaction of patients with physicians and nurses and to provide information of patients? expectation of healthcare professionals. METHODS: The data were collected from the patients of four different hospital departments using a Survey Questionnaire designed by the Institute of Public Health of Serbia and Ministry of Health of the Republic of Serbia. Eight items regarding physicians and nurses were selected from this questionnaire. Sample was every eligible patient discharged from the Institute of Oncology Sremska Kamenica, from 1 to 5 November 2004 (n = 65). RESULTS: The findings confirm positive feedback of the most surveyed patients with healthcare professionals. However, the results showed different level of satisfaction of patients with physicians and nurses. CONCLUSION: The survey results showed that patients had mostly positive level of satisfaction with physicians and nurses; these results can be used to prioritize patient-centered improvements in healthcare in our Institute.
Verification and correction of geometrical uncertainties in conformal radiotherapy
Authors: Mileusnic Dusan
Published: March 2006

Geometrical errors are presented as deviation between intended geometry of radiotherapy plan and real geometry of radiotherapy treatment. Total geometrical error is build up of smaller errors, which can be generally classified as set-up, organ motion, organ delineation, and technical condition related errors. The clear distinction must be made between systematic and random component of these errors and its amount should be encountered in treatment planning process. Errors? measuring for specific patient group with electronic portal imaging device and proper correction strategy enables to predict, minimize, and keep under control the amount for most of geometrical errors; it also improves the preciseness of treatment and consequent results. Nature and characteristics of most frequent geometrical errors are discussed and clinically applicable methods for their proper managing are described in this paper.
Microinvasive cervical cancer in pregnancy
Authors: Mladenovic-Segedi Ljiljana , Novakovic Petar , Mandic Aljosa , Mihajlovic Olgica , Ivkovic-Kapicl Tatjana
Published: March 2006

Cervical cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignant disease in pregnancy. The clinical symptoms are scarce or none. The diagnosis is made primarily with a cervical smear, as well as a colposcopic examination and directed cervical biopsy. The treatment of cervical cancer depends on the stage of the disease, the gestation period, and a patient?s wish to carry a pregnancy to term. The illustrated case is of a patient who with the diagnosed presence of microinvasive squamous cell cancer, due to cervical biopsy, in the 1st trimester of pregnancy. In the 2nd trimester, diagnostic conization was performed in order to exclude the presence of the invasive disease. The definite histopathologic findings indicated the presence of cancer in situ. The conization margins were negative and thus the patient was successfully cured. The patient had a cesarean birth in the 36th week of pregnancy and she gave birth to an alive female newborn. Women are given the chance to have cervical cancer diagnosed and treated in the early stages of pregnancy owing to the introduction of a cervical smear in the modern protocol of antenatal protection.
Hemangioma of the uterus
Authors: Mastilovic Katarina , Rajovic Jelka , Zikic Dragan , Stojiljkovic Bratislav
Published: March 2006

This paper presents a case of a patient with hemangioma of the uterus, which is one of the very rare localizations for this type of tumors. Hemangiomas are tumors that originate from blood vessels and are more often found on the skin or in the liver. No one has ever thought of its localization in the uterus until histopathological finding proves it. We presented a case of a 57 years old patient who was operated at the clinic for surgical oncology - department of gynecology of the Institute of Oncology Sremska Kamenica.
Primary pericardial mesothelioma presenting as constrictive pericarditis
Authors: Karadzic Radovan , Kostic-Banovic Lidija , Antovic Aleksandra , Celar Marko , Katic Vuka , Ilic Goran , Stojanovic Jovan
Published: March 2006

Primary pericardial mesothelioma is an extremely rare and lethal cardiac tumor. We report an autopsy case of a primary pericardial mesothelioma in a 52-year-old man. He developed dyspnea, cough, low-grade fever and night sweats approximately 3 months before last admission. Initially, he was evaluated at a hospital in another city, without a firm diagnosis. Due to progressive symptoms and the development of lower-extremity edema, he presented at our hospital in September 2005. The physical examination at admission demonstrated signs of pericardial tamponade. Chest radiography revealed marked enlargement of the cardiac silhouette. Specimens of bloody pericardial fluid were positive for pericardial mesothelioma by cytologic examination. The general condition of the patient worsened very rapidly and he was transferred to the intensive care unit where he later died. Postmortem examination confirmed primary pericardial mesothelioma of the mixed/biphasic type with lymphatic metastasis in the right lung. By using immunohistochemical analysis for specific markers of mesothelioma and for differentiation of the mesothelioma from the lung adenocarcinoma, definitive diagnosis was established: primary pericardial mesothelioma.
Lobular panniculitis: A manifestation of pancreatic tumor with fatal outcome
Authors: Jovanovic Marina , Golusin Zoran , Petrovic Aleksandra , Vuckovic Nada , Brkic Silvija , Sotirovic-Senicar Slavica , Petrovic Kosta
Published: March 2006

Lobular panniculitis is a skin condition that may be the first sign of underlying pancreatic disease. Though rare, the condition has been sufficiently well defined and pathognomonic, thus making differentiation from idiopathic lobular panniculitis quite possible. A 77-year-old woman was in apparently good general health condition when developed skin lesions in a form of erythematous painful fluctuant nodules localized predominantly on the breast, but also present on the arms, thighs, and trunk. Her serum and urinary amylase levels were respectively 3 and 8 fold higher than normal. On histology, skin biopsy showed acute lobular panniculitis with large foci of adipocyte necrosis. Examination of the breast excluded any specific process other than nodular subcutaneous inflammation, but revealed a tumor of the pancreatic head. The nodules spontaneously ulcerated exuding an oily thick brownish material. Her condition deteriorated, and she became progressively debilitated. The patient died before operation, within the next 3 weeks. Subcutaneous fat necrosis was the first manifestation of an otherwise occult pancreatic disease with fatal outcome.
From monocyte‐derived macrophages to resident macrophages—how metabolism leads their way in cancer
Authors: Ammarah Ummi , Pereira‐Nunes Andreia , Delfini Marcello , Mazzone Massimiliano
Published: February 2024

Macrophages are innate immune cells that play key roles during both homeostasis and disease. Depending on the microenvironmental cues sensed in different tissues, macrophages are known to acquire specific phenotypes and exhibit unique features that, ultimately, orchestrate tissue homeostasis, defense, and repair. Within the tumor microenvironment, macrophages are referred to as tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) and constitute a heterogeneous population. Like their tissue resident counterpart, TAMs are plastic and can switch function and phenotype according to the niche‐derived stimuli sensed. While changes in TAM phenotype are known to be accompanied by adaptive alterations in their cell metabolism, it is reported that metabolic reprogramming of macrophages can dictate their activation state and function. In line with these observations, recent research efforts have been focused on defining the metabolic traits of TAM subsets in different tumor malignancies and understanding their role in cancer progression and metastasis formation. This knowledge will pave the way to novel therapeutic strategies tailored to cancer subtype‐specific metabolic landscapes. This review outlines the metabolic characteristics of distinct TAM subsets and their implications in tumorigenesis across multiple cancer types.
MRI‐based radiomic features for identifying recurrent prostate cancer after proton radiation therapy
Authors: Gumus Kazim Z. , Contreras Samuel Serrano , Al‐Toubat Mohammed , Harmon Ira , Hernandez Mauricio , Ozdemir Savas , Kumar Sindhu , Yuruk Nurcan , Mete Mutlu , Balaji K. C. , Bandyk Mark , Gopireddy Dheeraj R.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) evaluation of recurrent prostate cancer (PCa) following proton beam therapy is challenging due to radiation‐induced tissue changes. This study aimed to evaluate MRI‐based radiomic features so as to identify the recurrent PCa after proton therapy.

Methods

We retrospectively studied 12 patients with biochemical recurrence (BCR) following proton therapy. Two experienced radiologists identified prostate lesions from multi‐parametric MRI (mpMRI) images post‐proton therapy and marked control regions of interest (ROIs) on the contralateral side of the prostate gland. A total of 210 radiomic features were extracted from lesions and control regions on the T2‐weighted (T2WI) and Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) image series. Recursive Feature Elimination with Cross‐Validation method (RFE‐CV) was used for feature selection. A Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) neural network was developed to classify three classes: cancerous, benign, and healthy tissue. The 12‐core biopsy results were used as the gold standard for the segmentations. The classifier performance was measured using specificity, sensitivity, the area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), and other statistical indicators.

Results

Based on biopsy results, 10 lesions were identified as PCa recurrence while eight lesions were confirmed to be benign. Ten radiomic features (10/210) were selected to build the multi‐class classifier. The radiomics classifier gave an accuracy of 0.83 in identifying cancerous, benign, and healthy tissue with a sensitivity of 0.80 and specificity of 0.85. The model yielded an AUC of 0.87, 95% CI [0.72–1.00] in differentiating cancer from the benign and healthy tissues.

Conclusions

Our proof‐of‐concept study demonstrates the potential of using radiomic features as part of the differential diagnosis of PCa on mpMRI following proton therapy. The results need to be validated in a larger cohort.
Nanotopology‐Enabled On‐Site Pathogen Detection for Managing Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Kim Seongeun , Song Younseong , Kim Jueun , Jeong Booseok , Park Nahyun , Park Yoo Min , Kim Yong Tae , Rho Donggee , Lee Seok Jae , Choi Bong Gill , Im Sung Gap , Lee Kyoung G.
Published: February 2024

Atopic dermatitis (AD), a prevalent skin condition often complicated by microbial infection, poses a significant challenge in identifying the responsible pathogen for its effective management. However, a reliable, safe tool for pinpointing the source of these infections remains elusive. In this study, a novel on‐site pathogen detection that combines chemically functionalized nanotopology with genetic analysis is proposed to capture and analyze pathogens closely associated with severe atopic dermatitis. The chemically functionalized nanotopology features a 3D hierarchical nanopillar array (HNA) with a functional polymer coating, tailored to isolate target pathogens from infected skin. This innovative nanotopology demonstrates superior pathogenic capture efficiency, favorable entrapment patterns, and non‐cytotoxicity. An HNA‐assembled stick is utilized to directly retrieve bacteria from infected skin samples, followed by extraction‐free quantitative loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (direct qLAMP) for validation. To mimic human skin conditions, porcine skin is employed to successfully capture Staphylococcus aureus, a common bacterium exacerbating AD cases. The on‐site detection method exhibits an impressive detection limit of 103 cells mL−1. The HNA‐assembled stick represents a promising tool for on‐site detection of bacteria associated with atopic dermatitis. This innovative approach enables to deepen the understanding of AD pathogenesis and open avenues for more effective management strategies for chronic skin conditions.
Nanomaterial‐Based Strategies for Preventing Tumor Metastasis by Interrupting the Metastatic Biological Processes
Authors: Cai Qingjin , He Yijia , Zhou Yang , Zheng Ji , Deng Jun
Published: February 2024

Tumor metastasis is the primary cause of cancer‐related deaths. The prevention of tumor metastasis has garnered notable interest and interrupting metastatic biological processes is considered a potential strategy for preventing tumor metastasis. The tumor microenvironment (TME), circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and premetastatic niche (PMN) play crucial roles in metastatic biological processes. These processes can be interrupted using nanomaterials due to their excellent physicochemical properties. However, most studies have focused on only one aspect of tumor metastasis. Here, the hypothesis that nanomaterials can be used to target metastatic biological processes and explore strategies to prevent tumor metastasis is highlighted. First, the metastatic biological processes and strategies involving nanomaterials acting on the TME, CTCs, and PMN to prevent tumor metastasis are briefly summarized. Further, the current challenges and prospects of nanomaterials in preventing tumor metastasis by interrupting metastatic biological processes are discussed. Nanomaterial‐and multifunctional nanomaterial‐based strategies for preventing tumor metastasis are advantageous for the long‐term fight against tumor metastasis and their continued exploration will facilitate rapid progress in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of tumor metastasis. Novel perspectives are outlined for developing more effective strategies to prevent tumor metastasis, thereby improving the outcomes of patients with cancer.
Highly Potent Cationic Chitosan Derivatives Coupled to Antimicrobial Peptide Dendrimers to Combat Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Jordan Olivier , Gan Bee Ha , Alwan Sari , Perron Karl , Sublet Emmanuelle , Ducret Verena , Ye Hua , Borchard Gerrit , Reymond Jean‐Louis , Patrulea Viorica
Published: February 2024

The burden of bacterial wound infections has considerably increased due to antibiotic resistance to most of the currently available antimicrobial drugs. Herein, for the first time, a chemical coupling of two cationic N‐aryl (pyridyl and aminocinnamyl) chitosan derivatives to antimicrobial peptide dendrimers (AMPDs) of different generations (first, second, and third) via thioether‐haloacetyl reaction is reported. The new chitosan‐AMPD conjugates show high selectivity by killing Pseudomonas aeruginosa and very low toxicity toward mammalian cells, as well as extremely low hemolysis to red blood cells. Electron microscopy reveals that the new chitosan derivatives coupled to AMPD destroy both the inner and outer membranes of Gram‐negative P. aeruginosa. Moreover, chitosan‐AMPD conjugates show synergetic effects within extremely low concentrations. The new chitosan‐AMPD conjugates can be used as potent antimicrobial therapeutic agents, to eradicate pathogens such as those present in acute and chronic infected wounds.
Intranasal Epitope‐Polymer Vaccine Lodges Resident Memory T Cells Protecting Against Influenza Virus
Authors: Liu Ziyang , Kabir Md. Tanvir , Chen Shuxiong , Zhang Heran , Wakim Linda M. , Rehm Bernd H. A.
Published: February 2024

Intranasal vaccines, unlike injectable vaccines, boost immunity along the respiratory tract; this can significantly limit respiratory virus replication and shedding. There remains a need to develop mucosal adjuvants and vaccine delivery systems that are both safe and effective following intranasal administration. Here, biopolymer particles (BP) densely coated with repeats of MHC class I restricted immunodominant epitopes derived from influenza A virus namely NP366, a nucleoprotein‐derived epitope and PA224, a polymerase acidic subunit derived epitope, are bioengineered. These BP‐NP366/PA224 can be manufactured at a high yield and are obtained at ≈93% purity, exhibiting ambient‐temperature stability. Immunological characterization includes comparing systemic and mucosal immune responses mounted following intramuscular or intranasal immunization. Immunization with BP‐NP366/PA224 without adjuvant triggers influenza‐specific CD8+ T cell priming and memory CD8+ T cell development. Co‐delivery with the adjuvant poly(I:C) significantly boosts the size and functionality of the influenza‐specific pulmonary resident memory CD8+ T cell pool. Intranasal, but not intramuscular delivery of BP‐NP366/PA224 with poly(I:C), provides protection against influenza virus challenge. Overall, the BP approach demonstrates as a suitable antigen formulation for intranasal delivery toward induction of systemic protective T cell responses against influenza virus.
Locally Concentrated Deep Eutectic Liquids Electrolytes for Low‐Polarization Aluminum Metal Batteries
Authors: Xu Cheng , Diemant Thomas , Liu Xu , Passerini Stefano
Published: February 2024

Low‐cost and nontoxic deep eutectic liquid electrolytes (DELEs), such as [AlCl3]1.3[Urea] (AU), are promising for rechargeable non‐aqueous aluminum metal batteries (AMBs). However, their high viscosity and sluggish ion transport at room temperature lead to high cell polarization and low specific capacity, limiting their practical application. Herein, non‐solvating 1,2‐difluorobenzene (dFBn) is proposed as a co‐solvent of DELEs using AU as model to construct a locally concentrated deep eutectic liquid electrolyte (LC‐DELE). dFBn effectively improves the fluidity and ion transport without affecting the ionic dynamics in the electrolyte. Moreover, dFBn also modifies the solid electrolyte interphase growing on the aluminum metal anodes and reduces the interfacial resistance. As a result, the lifespan of Al/Al cells is improved from 210 to 2000 h, and the cell polarization is reduced from 0.36 to 0.14 V at 1.0 mA cm−2. The rate performance of Al‐graphite cells is greatly improved with a polarization reduction of 0.15 and 0.74 V at 0.1 and 1 A g−1, respectively. The initial discharge capacity of Al‐sulfur cells is improved from 94 to 1640 mAh g−1. This work provides a feasible solution to the high polarization of AMBs employing DELEs and a new path to high‐performance low‐cost AMBs.
Golden Plasmophores with Tunable Photoluminescence and Outstanding Thermal and Photothermal Stability
Authors: Gharib Mustafa , Yates A. J. , Sanders Stephen , Gebauer Johannes , Graf Sebastian , Ziefuß Anna Rosa , Nonappa  , Kassier Günther , Rehbock Christoph , Barcikowski Stephan , Weller Horst , Alabastri Alessandro , Nordlander Peter , Parak Wolfgang J. , Chakraborty Indranath
Published: February 2024

Among various hybrid nanomaterials, the combination of plasmonic nanoparticles and fluorophores in a single multifunctional nanoplatform, so‐called plasmophores, has attracted significant attention in different fields such as dark field, fluorescence, and photoacoustic imaging, biosensing, photothermal, and photodynamic therapy. Herein, author report a facile and controlled synthesis route of hybrid nanoplatforms composed of fluorescent gold nanoclusters (GNCs) coupled to plasmonic gold nanorods (GNRs) using controlled silica (SiO2) dielectric spacers of different thicknesses from now on referred to as GNR@SiO2@GNC plasmophores. The results show different degrees of plasmon‐enhanced fluorescence of the GNCs in their plasmophore hybrid system when placed at different distances from the plasmonic cores of the GNRs. On the other hand, these plasmophores show enhanced thermal stability compared to GNRs@CTAB (CTAB, cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide). This results also demonstrated that upon annealing at elevated temperatures (800–1000 °C), the GNRs in the plasmophores are more thermally stable and robust than the GNRs@CTAB. More surprisingly, despite the commonly reported very low melting temperature of smaller‐size nanocrystals, the GNCs in the plasmophores showed high thermal stability and do not exhibit significant structural changes at elevated temperatures (800–1000 °C).
A Highly Damping, Crack‐Insensitive and Self‐Healable Binder for Lithium‐Sulfur Battery by Tailoring the Viscoelastic Behavior
Authors: Si Mengjie , Jian Xianfeng , Xie Yu , Zhou Jiahui , Jian Wei , Lin Ji , Luo Yufeng , Hu Jiayu , Wang Yan‐Jie , Zhang Dong , Wang Tiefeng , Liu Yujing , Wu Zi Liang , Zheng Si Yu , Yang Jintao
Published: February 2024

Binder plays an important role in maintaining the integrity of sulfur electrode in lithium‐sulfur (Li‐S) battery. However, cracks are easily generated inside the electrode and compromise its performance due to the volume change of sulfur during redox reaction and continuous vibration originated from the external environments. It is a challenge yet crucial to develop tough binders with crack‐insensitivity and damping performance. Herein, a polymeric binder is designed with special viscoelastic behavior by tailoring its electrolyte‐philic and electrolyte‐phobic domains. The loss modulus of the binder is regulated to be highly close to its storage modulus within a wide range of frequency, generating an ultra‐high loss factor and equilibrium of viscosity‐elasticity. Based on such rheological behavior, the binder holds 1) high damping ability across a wide frequency to suppress crack generation, 2) high toughness with crack blunting behavior to resist crack propagation, 3) efficient healing capability to repair the cracks. Besides, the pendant zwitterionic groups can immobilize the lithium polysulfides and promote ion transfer. Benefiting from these advantages, the obtained Li‐S battery delivers high specific capacity with considerable capacity retention after long‐term cycling. The viscoelastic design and crack management strategy illustrated here would provide new insights into the binder design.
Direct Activation of Nucleobases with Small Molecules for the Conditional Control of Antisense Function
Authors: Bardhan Anirban , Brown Wes , Albright Savannah , Tsang Michael , Davidson Lance A. , Deiters Alexander
Published: February 2024

Conditionally controlled antisense oligonucleotides provide precise interrogation of gene function at different developmental stages in animal models. Only one example of small molecule‐induced activation of antisense function exist. This has been restricted to cyclic caged morpholinos that, based on sequence, can have significant background activity in the absence of the trigger. Here, we provide a new approach using azido‐caged nucleobases that are site‐specifically introduced into antisense morpholinos. The caging group design is a simple azidomethylene (Azm) group that, despite its very small size, efficiently blocks Watson–Crick base pairing in a programmable fashion. Furthermore, it undergoes facile decaging via Staudinger reduction when exposed to a small molecule phosphine, generating the native antisense oligonucleotide under conditions compatible with biological environments. We demonstrated small molecule‐induced gene knockdown in mammalian cells, zebrafish embryos, and frog embryos. We validated the general applicability of this approach by targeting three different genes.
“Zero” Intrinsic Fluorescence Sensing‐Platforms Enable Ultrasensitive Whole Blood Diagnosis and In Vivo Imaging
Authors: Jiang Gangwei , Liu Hong , Deng Guohui , Liu Han , Zhou Zhixuan , Ren Tian‐Bing , Wang Lu , Zhang Xiao‐Bing , Yuan Lin
Published: February 2024

Abnormal physiological processes and diseases can lead to content or activity fluctuations of biocomponents in organelles and whole blood. However, precise monitoring of these abnormalities remains extremely challenging due to the insufficient sensitivity and accuracy of available fluorescence probes, which can be attributed to the background fluorescence arising from two sources, 1) biocomponent autofluorescence (BCAF) and 2) probe intrinsic fluorescence (PIF). To overcome these obstacles, we have re‐engineered far‐red to NIR II rhodol derivatives that possess weak BCAF interference. And a series of “zero” PIF sensing‐platforms were created by systematically regulating the open‐loop/spirocyclic forms. Leveraging these advancements, we devised various ultra‐sensitive NIR indicators, achieving substantial fluorescence boosts (190 to 1300‐fold). Among these indicators, 8‐LAP demonstrated accurate tracking and quantifying of leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) in whole blood at various stages of tumor metastasis. Furthermore, coupling 8‐LAP with an endoplasmic reticulum‐targeting element enabled the detection of ERAP1 activity in HCT116 cells with p53 abnormalities. This delicate design of eliminating PIF provides insights into enhancing the sensitivity and accuracy of existing fluorescence probes toward the detection and imaging of biocomponents in abnormal physiological processes and diseases.
Construction of Si‐Stereogenic Silanols by Palladium‐Catalyzed Enantioselective C−H Alkenylation
Authors: Zhao Jia‐Hui , Zheng Long , Zou Jian‐Ye , Zhang Sheng‐Ye , Shen Hua‐Chen , Wu Yichen , Wang Peng
Published: February 2024

The construction of silicon‐stereogenic silanols via Pd‐catalyzed intermolecular C−H alkenylation with the assistance of a commercially available L‐pyroglutamic acid has been realized for the first time. Employing oxime ether as the directing group, silicon‐stereogenic silanol derivatives could be readily prepared with excellent enantioselectivities, featuring a broad substrate scope and good functional group tolerance. Moreover, parallel kinetic resolution with unsymmetric substrates further highlighted the generality of this protocol. Mechanistic studies indicate that L‐pyroglutamic acid could stabilize the Pd catalyst and provide excellent chiral induction. Preliminary computational studies unveil the origin of the enantioselectivity in the C−H bond activation step.
Synthetic Peptides with Genetic‐Codon‐Tailored Affinity for Assembling Tetraspanin CD81 at Cell Interfaces and Inhibiting Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Xu Kun , Gao Han , Li Yongming , Jin Yulong , Zhao Rui , Huang Yanyan
Published: February 2024

Probing biomolecular interactions at cellular interfaces is crucial for understanding and interfering with life processes. Although affinity binders with site specificity for membrane proteins are unparalleled molecular tools, a high demand remains for novel multi‐functional ligands. In this study, a synthetic peptide (APQQ) with tight and specific binding to the untargeted extracellular loop of CD81 evolved from a genetically encoded peptide pool. With tailored affinity, APQQ flexibly accesses, site‐specifically binds, and forms a complex with CD81, enabling in‐situ tracking of the dynamics and activity of this protein in living cells, which has rarely been explored because of the lack of ligands. Furthermore, APQQ triggers the relocalization of CD81 from diffuse to densely clustered at cell junctions and modulates the interplay of membrane proteins at cellular interfaces. Motivated by these, efficient suppression of cancer cell migration, and inhibition of breast cancer metastasis were achieved in vivo.
Optimization and validation of an HPLC‐HRMS method through semipreparative HPLC system for determining phytosterol oxidation products during refining processing and storage of vegetable oils
Authors: Calaminici Raffaele , Salgarella Nicolò Ivan , Cardenia Vladimiro , Forte Emanuele
Published: February 2024

A semi‐preparative liquid chromatographic system (LC‐Prep) has been used to isolate and collect the main oxidation products generated from β‐sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol, which represent the main sterols detected in vegetable oils. In less than 50 min, 15 different phytosterol oxidation products (POPs) were separated with a satisfactory resolution (R >1) and collected. From each pure phytosterol standard the 5,6α‐epoxy (α‐E), 5,6β‐epoxy (β‐E), 7‐keto (7‐K), 7α‐hydroxy (7α‐H), and 7β‐hydroxy (7β‐H) isomers were obtained. The purity of POPs was >90%. Then, the obtained pure POPs were used to validate an HPLC‐Orbitrap‐HRMS analytical method. The LOD and LOQ determined in medium chain triacylglycerols were >0.012 and >0.039 ng/mL, respectively; whereas the recoveries ranged between 82% and 98%. The suitability of the analytical method was evaluated on palm oil (PO), palm olein (POL), and high oleic sunflower oil (HOSO) during the whole refining processing (crude oil, neutralization and degumming, bleaching and deodorization) and under storage conditions (45°C, 16 days). In the refining steps, the total POPs content significantly increased (p < 0.05) by 29%, 20%, and 13% in PO, POL, and HOSO, respectively. The highest amount was found in HOSO (15.046 mg/kg), followed by POL (1.067 mg/kg) and PO (0.538 mg/kg). Under storage conditions, the content of POPs did not significantly (p > 0.05) change and was lower than 8.965 mg/kg. The developed semi‐preparative liquid chromatographic system coupled to the LC‐Orbitrap‐HRMS method demonstrated to be a useful and valid tool for a robust, precise, accurate, and sensitive determination of POPs in refined and stored vegetable oils.
Dielectric characterization of fiber‐ and nanofiller‐reinforced polymeric materials
Authors: Quader Raihan , Narayanan Lokesh Karthik , Caldona Eugene B.
Published: February 2024

This review provides an in‐depth analysis of the electrical responses and relaxation behaviors of various polymeric materials including fiber‐reinforced polymer composites, polymer nanocomposites (PNC), and nanofiller‐reinforced polymeric films and coatings using dielectric spectroscopy (DS). The underlying theory of DS, corresponding instrumentation, various dielectric parameters, relevant equations, interpretations, and polarization mechanisms are thoroughly explored. The impact of synthetic and natural fibers and a diverse range of nanofillers on the dielectric responses and relaxation mechanisms of fiber‐reinforced composites, and PNC and films, respectively, are also examined. For each summarized article, we provide an overview of the composite or film preparation, followed by concise explanations of the dielectric behaviors under diverse conditions, including variations in temperature, frequency, moisture levels, fiber/filler ratios, and chemical treatment. In essence, this review contributes to a nuanced understanding of the intricate relationship between material structure, properties, and performance via DS data interpretation across a spectrum of scenarios.
A review of methods for assessment of cognitive function in high‐altitude hypoxic environments
Authors: Fan Haojie , Meng Ying , Zhu Lingling , Fan Ming , Wang Du‐Ming , Zhao Yong‐Qi
Published: February 2024

Hypoxic environments like those present at high altitudes may negatively affect brain function. Varying levels of hypoxia, whether acute or chronic, are previously shown to impair cognitive function in humans. Assessment and prevention of such cognitive impairment require detection of cognitive changes and impairment using specific cognitive function assessment tools. This paper summarizes the findings of previous research, outlines the methods for cognitive function assessment used at a high altitude, elaborates the need to develop standardized and systematic cognitive function assessment tools for high‐altitude hypoxia environments.