bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La Conferenza sul futuro dell'Europa: le prospettive di riforma dell'Unione europea secondo i cittadini e la loro (difficile) attuazione
Authors: Romito Anna Maria
Published: July 2023

This article illustrates the proposals of reform of the EU that emerged from the debate within the Conference on the Future of Europe (CoFE), questioning the success of what has been described as the largest experiment in pan-European democratic consultation. Consistent with the principles of inclusivity, openness and transparency, the Conference was intended as a ‘bottom-up’ process for citizens to express their opinion on what they expect from the European Union for the future. After describing its hybrid architecture, which combines citizens’ participation and inter-institutional negotiations, the proposals made by citizens on the topics subject to consultation are shortly illustrated and the difficulties in their full implementation are highlighted. This examination leads to some critical remarks on the unprecedented process of deliberative democracy.
A Bahia já deu régua e compasso: medicina legal, raça e criminalidade na Bahia (1890-1940)
Authors: Costa Iraneidson Santos
Published: July 2023

O livro nos dá régua e compasso para conhecer as entranhas do pensamento e das práticas racistas a que se dedicaram as instituições acadêmicas e jurídico-policiais na Bahia nas primeiras décadas da República. Ao repassar sem rebuço esse ponto crucial do nosso passado, o livro ajuda a entender por que a criminalização sistemática do negro é, ainda hoje, um dado angustiante na vida da maior parte da população brasileira.
Intuitionistic fuzzy bimodal topological structures
Authors:   Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Atanassov Krassimir ,   Intelligent Systems Laboratory, Prof. Asen Zlatarov University
Published: July 2023

Two new intuitionistic fuzzy operators from a modal type are defined. Some properties of these operators are studied. Based on them, four new intuitionistic fuzzy modal topological structures are introduced and after this, four intuitionistic fuzzy bimodal topological structures are constructed. All they are examples of modal and bimodal topological structures.
About the Lp space of intuitionistic fuzzy observables
Authors:   Mathematical Institute, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Čunderlíková Katarína
Published: July 2023

The aim of this paper is to define an $L^p$ space of intuitionistic fuzzy observables. We work in an intuitionistic fuzzy space $({\mathcal F}, {\bf m})$ with product, where $\mathcal F$ is a family of intuitionistic fuzzy events and ${\bf m}$ is an intuitionistic fuzzy state. We prove that the space $L^p$ with corresponding intuitionistic fuzzy pseudometric $\rho_{IF}$ is a pseudometric space.
Theta-phase-specific modulation of dentate gyrus memory neurons
Authors: Rahsepar Bahar , Norman Jacob F , Noueihed Jad , Lahner Benjamin , Quick Melanie H , Ghaemi Kevin , Pandya Aashna , Fernandez Fernando R , Ramirez Steve , White John A
Published: July 2023

The theta rhythm, a quasi-periodic 4–10 Hz oscillation, is observed during memory processing in the hippocampus, with different phases of theta hypothesized to separate independent streams of information related to the encoding and recall of memories. At the cellular level, the discovery of hippocampal memory cells (engram neurons), as well as the modulation of memory recall through optogenetic activation of these cells, has provided evidence that certain memories are stored, in part, in a sparse ensemble of neurons in the hippocampus. In previous research, however, engram reactivation has been carried out using open-loop stimulation at fixed frequencies; the relationship between engram neuron reactivation and ongoing network oscillations has not been taken into consideration. To address this concern, we implemented a closed-loop reactivation of engram neurons that enabled phase-specific stimulation relative to theta oscillations in the local field potential in CA1. Using this real-time approach, we tested the impact of activating dentate gyrus engram neurons during the peak (encoding phase) and trough (recall phase) of theta oscillations. Consistent with previously hypothesized functions of theta oscillations in memory function, we show that stimulating dentate gyrus engram neurons at the trough of theta is more effective in eliciting behavioral recall than either fixed-frequency stimulation or stimulation at the peak of theta. Moreover, phase-specific trough stimulation is accompanied by an increase in the coupling between gamma and theta oscillations in CA1 hippocampus. Our results provide a causal link between phase-specific activation of engram cells and the behavioral expression of memory.
A framework for community curation of interspecies interactions literature
Authors: Cuzick Alayne , Seager James , Wood Valerie , Urban Martin , Rutherford Kim , Hammond-Kosack Kim E
Published: July 2023

The quantity and complexity of data being generated and published in biology has increased substantially, but few methods exist for capturing knowledge about phenotypes derived from molecular interactions between diverse groups of species, in such a way that is amenable to data-driven biology and research. To improve access to this knowledge, we have constructed a framework for the curation of the scientific literature studying interspecies interactions, using data curated for the Pathogen–Host Interactions database (PHI-base) as a case study. The framework provides a curation tool, phenotype ontology, and controlled vocabularies to curate pathogen–host interaction data, at the level of the host, pathogen, strain, gene, and genotype. The concept of a multispecies genotype, the ‘metagenotype,’ is introduced to facilitate capturing changes in the disease-causing abilities of pathogens, and host resistance or susceptibility, observed by gene alterations. We report on this framework and describe PHI-Canto, a community curation tool for use by publication authors.
Aerobic exercise reverses aging-induced depth-dependent decline in cerebral microcirculation
Authors: Shin Paul , Pian Qi , Ishikawa Hidehiro , Hamanaka Gen , Mandeville Emiri T , Guo Shuzhen , Fu Buyin , Alfadhel Mohammed , Allu Srinivasa Rao , Şencan-Eğilmez Ikbal , Li Baoqiang , Ran Chongzhao , Vinogradov Sergei A , Ayata Cenk , Lo Eng , Arai Ken , Devor Anna , Sakadžić Sava
Published: July 2023

Aging is a major risk factor for cognitive impairment. Aerobic exercise benefits brain function and may promote cognitive health in older adults. However, underlying biological mechanisms across cerebral gray and white matter are poorly understood. Selective vulnerability of the white matter to small vessel disease and a link between white matter health and cognitive function suggests a potential role for responses in deep cerebral microcirculation. Here, we tested whether aerobic exercise modulates cerebral microcirculatory changes induced by aging. To this end, we carried out a comprehensive quantitative examination of changes in cerebral microvascular physiology in cortical gray and subcortical white matter in mice (3–6 vs. 19–21 months old), and asked whether and how exercise may rescue age-induced deficits. In the sedentary group, aging caused a more severe decline in cerebral microvascular perfusion and oxygenation in deep (infragranular) cortical layers and subcortical white matter compared with superficial (supragranular) cortical layers. Five months of voluntary aerobic exercise partly renormalized microvascular perfusion and oxygenation in aged mice in a depth-dependent manner, and brought these spatial distributions closer to those of young adult sedentary mice. These microcirculatory effects were accompanied by an improvement in cognitive function. Our work demonstrates the selective vulnerability of the deep cortex and subcortical white matter to aging-induced decline in microcirculation, as well as the responsiveness of these regions to aerobic exercise.
The role of B cells in immune cell activation in polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Ascani Angelo , Torstensson Sara , Risal Sanjiv , Lu Haojiang , Eriksson Gustaw , Li Congru , Teschl Sabrina , Menezes Joana , Sandor Katalin , Ohlsson Claes , Svensson Camilla I , Karlsson Mikael CI , Stradner Martin Helmut , Obermayer-Pietsch Barbara , Stener-Victorin Elisabet
Published: July 2023

Variations in B cell numbers are associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) through unknown mechanisms. Here, we demonstrate that B cells are not central mediators of PCOS pathology and that their frequencies are altered as a direct effect of androgen receptor activation. Hyperandrogenic women with PCOS have increased frequencies of age-associated double-negative B memory cells and increased levels of circulating immunoglobulin M (IgM). However, the transfer of serum IgG from women into wild-type female mice induces only an increase in body weight. Furthermore, RAG1 knockout mice, which lack mature T- and B cells, fail to develop any PCOS-like phenotype. In wild-type mice, co-treatment with flutamide, an androgen receptor antagonist, prevents not only the development of a PCOS-like phenotype but also alterations of B cell frequencies induced by dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Finally, B cell-deficient mice, when exposed to DHT, are not protected from developing a PCOS-like phenotype. These results urge further studies on B cell functions and their effects on autoimmune comorbidities highly prevalent among women with PCOS.
Imidacloprid disrupts larval molting regulation and nutrient energy metabolism, causing developmental delay in honey bee Apis mellifera
Authors: Li Zhi , Wang Yuedi , Qin Qiqian , Chen Lanchun , Dang Xiaoqun , Ma Zhengang , Zhou Zeyang
Published: July 2023

Imidacloprid is a global health threat that severely poisons the economically and ecologically important honeybee pollinators,
Apis mellifera
. However, its effects on developing bee larvae remain largely unknown. Our pilot study found that imidacloprid causes developmental delay in bee larvae, but its toxicological mechanisms are not yet fully understood. In this study, we exposed bee larvae to imidacloprid at environmentally relevant concentrations of 0.7, 1.2, 3.1, and 377 ppb. A significant dose-dependent delay in the larval development was observed, including reductions in body mass, width, and growth index; however, imidacloprid did not affect larval survival and food consumption. Predominant toxicological effects induced by high concentrations of imidacloprid (377 ppb) included disruption of neural transmission, induction of oxidative stress and gut structural damage and apoptosis, inhibition of developmental regulatory hormones and genes, disruption of proteolysis, amino acid transport, protein synthesis, carbohydrate catabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, and glycolysis energy production. In parallel, we observed that the larvae employed antioxidant defense and P450 detoxification mechanisms to counteract imidacloprid. Ultimately, this study provides the first evidence that environmental exposure to imidacloprid can retard bee larval growth and development by disrupting molting regulation and limiting the metabolism and utilization of dietary nutrients and energy. These findings have broader reference implications for studies assessing pesticide hazards to other juvenile animals.
Mitochondrial temperature homeostasis resists external metabolic stresses
Authors: Terzioglu Mügen , Veeroja Kristo , Montonen Toni , Ihalainen Teemu O , Salminen Tiina S , Bénit Paule , Rustin Pierre , Chang Young-Tae , Nagai Takeharu , Jacobs Howard T
Published: July 2023

Based on studies with a fluorescent reporter dye, Mito Thermo Yellow (MTY), and the genetically encoded gTEMP ratiometric fluorescent temperature indicator targeted to mitochondria, the temperature of active mitochondria in four mammalian and one insect cell line was estimated to be up to 15°C above that of the external environment to which the cells were exposed. High mitochondrial temperature was maintained in the face of a variety of metabolic stresses, including substrate starvation or modification, decreased ATP demand due to inhibition of cytosolic protein synthesis, inhibition of the mitochondrial adenine nucleotide transporter and, if an auxiliary pathway for electron transfer was available via the alternative oxidase, even respiratory poisons acting downstream of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complex I. We propose that the high temperature of active mitochondria is an inescapable consequence of the biochemistry of OXPHOS and is homeostatically maintained as a primary feature of mitochondrial metabolism.
Spatial-temporal hypergraph convolutional network for traffic forecasting
Authors: Zhao Zhenzhen , Shen Guojiang , Zhou Junjie , Jin Junchen , Kong Xiangjie
Published: July 2023

Accurate traffic forecasting plays a critical role in the construction of intelligent transportation systems. However, due to the across road-network isomorphism in the spatial dimension and the periodic drift in the temporal dimension, existing traffic forecasting methods cannot satisfy the intricate spatial-temporal characteristics well. In this article, a spatial-temporal hypergraph convolutional network for traffic forecasting (ST-HCN) is proposed to tackle the problems mentioned above. Specifically, the proposed framework applies the K-means clustering algorithm and the connection characteristics of the physical road network itself to unify the local correlation and across road-network isomorphism. Then, a dual-channel hypergraph convolution to capture high-order spatial relationships in traffic data is established. Furthermore, the proposed framework utilizes a long short-term memory network with a convolution module (ConvLSTM) to deal with the periodic drift problem. Finally, the experiments in the real world demonstrate that the proposed framework outperforms the state-of-the-art baselines.
Atributos sustentables en la promoción inmobiliaria: Perspectivas privadas para avanzar en la regulación energética de un mercado liberalizado
Authors: Encinas Felipe , Aguirre Carlos , Marmolejo Carlos
Published: July 2023

No presenta resumen.
Infraestructuras ferroviarias y obsolescencia industrial: Oportunidades de renovación urbana en el entorno de la ex Estación Yungay
Authors: Vega Valentina
Published: July 2023

No presenta resumen.
Cambiar de Vida: Incidencias en la Escuela de Arquitectura de la Universidad Católica de Valparaíso respecto al escenario social y político de Chile 1967 y 1973
Authors: Verdejo Bravo Nicolás
Published: July 2023

No presenta resumen.
coleccionismo y sus variantes: Sobre la obra de Smiljan Radic
Authors: G. Crispiani Alejandro
Published: July 2023

No presenta resumen.
Masa crítica: El nuevo paisaje de la arquitectura en Chile
Authors: Díaz Francisco
Published: July 2023

No presenta resumen.
La escuela: una habitación para la instrucción y la insurrección
Authors: Celedón Alejandra
Published: July 2023

No presenta resumen.
Wariatun, espacialidades mapuche en la metrópoli neoliberal.
Authors: Fontana Mauro
Published: July 2023

No presenta resumen.
Aldo Rossi en el espejo de América latina
Authors: Crispiani Alejandro
Published: July 2023

No presenta resumen.
Recinto de paradojas: canal San Carlos como artefacto híbrido
Authors: Leiva Pablo
Published: July 2023

No presenta resumen.
A noise emission and vibration study of a MISTA RD-165 FHAD grader to reduce environmental harmful impact
Authors: Kobiałka Janusz , Barszcz Andrzej
Published: July 2023

Noise emitted by construction machinery is one of the most important harmful factors having impact on human health. The noise emission risk comprises people working on the construction site but as well as other persons around the machine. The article concerns the issues of noise level and noise emission measurements applied in heavy machinery / construction machinery which are covered by the EU directive 2005/88/EC. The methods of noise testing during design and in the certification process has been described. The basic information about testing the noise emission to the environment has been presented. The reference documents and EU standards concerning this topic has been described. The noise testing methods has been presented based on the prototyping and R&D cycle of the Mista RD-165 FHAD grader which is subjected to the European noise limits. The results of noise measurements and sound power level determination has been presented. The testing procedure where implemented during two stages of R&D cycle. The article describes the effects of the improvements in the grader focused on noise emission limitation limits.
TPACK, Instructional Competence, and Teachers’ Attitude toward Internet Use: A Structural Equation Model in Readiness to Teach Online in Filipino
Authors: Besa Dayanara P. , Limpot Marilou Y.
Published: July 2023

Aim: To investigate the best-fit model for teachers' readiness in online teaching using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to analyze the relationship between TPACK, instructional competence, and teachers' attitudes toward internet use.

Study Design: Quantitative Causal Analysis.

Place and Duration of Study: Region XII, Philippines, during the second semester 2022.

Methodology: The stratified random sampling technique was utilized using Raosoft Application to select the 674 college teachers from various colleges and universities in Region XII. An expert-validated and pilot-tested survey questionnaire was used to collect the data. Moreover, statistical tools used for the study were mean, which described the levels of the variables; Standard Deviation (SD), which measured the dispersion of a frequency distribution; Multiple Regression, which identified significant predictors of readiness to teach online; and Pearson Product Moment correlation Coefficient, which determined the relationship of the variables. The Structural Equation Model (SEM) was also used to analyze multiple variables and their relationships.

Results: The level of TPACK among teachers was very high, but compared to other exogenous variables, it was the lowest, which indicates that teachers are not fully proficient. Moreover, teachers' instructional competence level was very high, which implies that the variables were often observed among teachers. It also showed a significant relationship between the TPACK, instructional competence, and Attitude toward internet use toward readiness to teach online. The Attitude toward internet use and instructional competence influenced teachers' readiness to teach online, while TPACK did not influence teachers' willingness to teach online. Model 5 had consistent indices among the five investigated models and indicated the best fit for the data. The goodness of fit result was highly acceptable, as all the indices met the specified standards against the obtained fit value of the model.

Conclusion: Teachers' levels of Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) are low, suggesting they still need to be fully adept at using technology in the classroom. To improve readiness for online teaching, it is essential to consider teachers' attitudes toward internet use and TPACK integration into professional development programs. Model 5 offered the greatest fit for the data, suggesting authorities should take instructors' TPACK into account for training and knowledge updates in integrating technology into 21st-century teaching.
AA Amyloidosis Secondary to Horton's Disease Complicated by Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Very Challenging Diagnosis and Therapy
Authors: Njie M. , Mulendelé P. M. , Mokni O. , Boutar M. Sidi , Haboub M. , Arous S. , Benouna M. Ghali , Drighil A. , Azzouzi L. , Habbal R.
Published: July 2023

AA amyloidosis is a classic and serious complication of many chronic inflammatory processes, whether of infectious, autoimmune, or neoplastic origin. It is frequently complicated by kidney damage, often in the form of a nephrotic syndrome. Giant cell arteritis is a common inflammatory arteritis in the elderly; however, it rarely causes AA amyloidosis. We report a rare case of Horton disease causing AA amyloidosis in an elderly patient with history of myopericarditis and repeated episodes of congestive heart failure. Patient was treated initially with dual therapy based on corticosteroids and anti TNF therapy (Tocilizumab) associated with heart failure therapy recommended by the European society of cardiology (ESC 2021 guidelines on Heart Failure). The initial outcome was favorable but later complicated by the involvement of the lungs; pulmonary fibrosis, responsible for repeated episodes of pleural effusion non controlled in spite of high dose of loop diuretics and repeated pleural punction. Patient died shortly after her second hospitalization due to respiratory insufficiency.
Resonant Interaction of the Psyche, Circadian Rhythms and External Electromagnetic Fields
Authors: Kruglov A. G. , Kruglov A. A. , Utkin V. N.
Published: July 2023

We consider the human body as an open self-regulating liquid system (LS) functioning in a gaseous environment (GE). This paper considers two systemic critical points. The first is birth (F): the start of a set of trajectories of unsynchronised circadian rhythms during the transition from the liquid intrauterine to the external gaseous environment; the appearance of gas-exchange metabolic function of the lungs; restructuring of the vascular, nervous, endocrine systems, activation of the hypothalamus. The second is biological mortality (M), which we consider as a zone of convergence and final degradation of all circadian rhythms and homeostatic mechanisms. "M" is an attractor of homeostasis of biological life forms. The graph shows a significant phase similarity in time and vector parameters "F", "M", "IPB" (integral population biorhythm) and Schumann resonance (SR). SR action is considered as an external regulatory influence on processes (F/M), the dynamics of which has no signs of interaction at short time intervals. Parametric resonance is considered as a universal communicator of external and internal interactions.

The bifurcation point for all circadian rhythms is cardiac arrest, following which brain activity is determined by the time interval of metabolically permissible activity. In the terminal phase (from cardiac arrest to isoelectric EEG), all the trajectories of LS regulation in the GE are focused in the attraction pool of the attractor (M). High brain activity and growing dynamic chaos in the terminal phase lead to the mobilisation of the entire range of compensatory brain information constructs aimed at restoring homeostasis (the uncontested goal of this phase). The final stage of brain activity in the final stage of the terminal phase, with the total exhaustion of regulatory resources, leads to the creation of an extract from the entire spectrum of homeostasis regulation algorithms, an integral information package of maximum density.

The dominant communicative and integrative role during the terminal phase is played by brain structures, the activity of which is manifested by an EEG gamma rhythm spectrum. We believe the gamma-rhythm burst in this phase is a sign of the activity of brain structures that include a network gateway for information conversion (consciousness).
Prevalence and Antibiotic-Resistance Indices of Bacterial Pathogens of Otitis Media among Patients Attending a Tertiary Hospital in Calabar, Nigeria
Authors: Umoh N. O. , Osibu B. E. , Eyo A. , Usanga V. U. , Mbah M. , Asuquo A. E.
Published: July 2023

Background: Otitis media is linked to middle ear inflammation and sequelae, frequently occurring in infants and early childhood dealing with the accumulation of fluid behind the eardrum. It is often associated with the absence of timely and appropriate antibacterial interventions.

Aim: To investigate the identity and antibiogram of bacterial agents of otitis media among patients attending a tertiary health facility in Calabar, Nigeria.

Methods: Ear specimens collected from a total of 70 subjects were processed by conventional bacteriological methods for isolation and identification of pathogens. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was carried out on all the isolates using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) indices of the isolates were evaluated.

Results: The prevalence of bacterial otitis media was 72.9% in the study population. A total of 51 bacterial isolates including Pseudomonas aeruginaosa (26), Staphylococcus aureus (17), Proteus mirabilis (6), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (2) were found. Isolates of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus showed high susceptibility to amoxicillin-clavulanate (92.3%) and ciprofloxacin (88.3%), respectively. The prevalence of multidrug resistant (MDR) isolates was 25.4%. MDR percentages such as 100%, 33.3%, 30.7% and 29.4% were reported for isolates of K. pneumoniae, P. mirabilis, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus respectively. MAR indexing revealed high values ranging from 0.4 to 0.87 for all the isolates.

Conclusion: High susceptibility of the predominant isolates to amoxicillin-clavulanate and ciprofloxacin may underscore the drugs’ potential as antibiotics of choice for prompt treatment of otitis media in the population. However, the overall high drug-resistance indices of the isolates would suggest dire implications for empiric antibacterial therapy in the population. Choice of antibiotics for treatment of bacterial infections in this population should be driven by results of microbiological drug-susceptibility tests.
Catalytic Conversion of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural and Fructose to 5-Ethoxymethylfurfural over Sulfonated Biochar Catalysts
Authors: Du Ziting , Li Fukun , Yang Ronghe , Cao Qingya , Yang Delong , Dai Jinhang
Published: July 2023

5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is a key platform compound that can be produced by the dehydration of typical carbohydrates like glucose and fructose. Among the derivatives of HMF, 5-ethoxymethylfurfural (EMF) is the etherification product of HMF with ethanol. Owing to some advantages (i.e., high energy density), EMF has been regarded as a potential liquid fuel. Therefore, catalytic conversion of   HMF and fructose to EMF is of significance, especially using heterogeneous catalysts. In this paper, we demonstrated the preparation of biomass-based catalysts for the synthesis of EMF from HMF and fructose. Some sulfonated biochar catalysts were prepared by the carbonization of biomass-based precursors at high temperature in N2, followed by the subsequent sulfonation process employing concentered H2SO4 as sulfonation reagent. The obtained catalysts were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and element analysis. The catalytic conversion of HMF to EMF was carried out in ethanol, providing a 78% yield with complete conversion at 120 °C. The catalytic activity of the used catalyst showed slight decrease for the etherification of HMF. Moreover, the catalysts were effective for the direct conversion of fructose towards EMF in 64.9% yield. Copyright © 2023 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
A Política de Inovação do Instituto Federal da Bahia (IFBA) sob a Perspectiva do Ciclo de Políticas Públicas
Authors: Bastos Grazielle Lomanto , Silva Marcelo Santana , Ribeiro Núbia Moura
Published: July 2023

O objetivo deste trabalho foi apresentar uma reflexão acerca do Ciclo de Política Pública à luz da Política de Inovação do Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia da Bahia (IFBA). Para isso, realizou-se um estudo qualitativo de cunho exploratório com procedimentos de pesquisa bibliográfica e documental, mediante análise de conteúdo. Justifica-se por esquematizar o ciclo de política pública aplicada à política de inovação, evidenciando as fases do ciclo com as ações do instituto, trazendo contribuições teóricas para a prática dos gestores públicos. Assim, foi possível explorar aspectos essenciais do ciclo e compreender por que a inovação entrou na agenda do IFBA, bem como os motivos da atualização da sua política de inovação. Conclui-se que a Política de Inovação do IFBA segue as fases do ciclo de políticas públicas, acompanhando o embasamento legal, porém ainda carece de maior dinamismo para seu amadurecimento e concretização em ações e programas institucionais.
Agência de Inovação e Empreendedorismo da UNIFAL-MG: impactos na gestão da Propriedade Intelectual, Transferência de Tecnologia e Inovação
Authors: Silva Romulo Magno , Sabonaro Débora Zumkeller
Published: July 2023

O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar o papel da Agência de Inovação e Empreendedorismo da Universidade Federal de Alfenas (UNIFAL) na gestão da Propriedade Intelectual, estímulo à inovação e transferência de tecnologias no Brasil. A metodologia adotada foi o Estudo de caso associado ao Estudo Explanatório Sequencial. A Agência possui estrutura legal e auxilia os pesquisadores na gestão da propriedade intelectual. As atividades de extensão da Agência são voltadas para o público interno, o que não incentiva a transferência de conhecimento ao setor produtivo. Avaliou-se que a instituição registra maior número de pedidos de registro de patentes nas áreas de Química e Farmácia, sendo que a estrutura da instituição favorece pesquisas nessas áreas. Considera-se que a Universidade possui atividades que incentivam a cultura de inovação, mas aprimoramentos são necessários para estimular pesquisas em soluções tecnológicas, sobretudo no sentido de buscar maior aproximação com o mercado.
Self-care and breast cancer prevention: perceptions of women with motor disabilities / Autocuidado e prevenção de câncer de mama: percepções de mulheres com deficiência motora
Authors: Lopes Oliveira Diego Augusto , Santos Silva Maria Eduarda , Da Silva Larissa Helena , Santos Albuquerque Talia Jordana , Tavares Galvão de Pontes Carla Sandyele , Dos Santos Gabriela Fernanda
Published: July 2023

Objetivo: conhecer a percepção das mulheres com deficiência quanto ao autocuidado e prevenção do câncer de mama. Método: estudo transversal, descritivo e qualitativo no qual participaram 11 mulheres com deficiência. Foi utilizado roteiro de entrevista com intuito de conhecer as estratégias destas mulheres no autocuidado para a prevenção do câncer de mama. Os dados foram elucidados a partir da análise de conteúdo de Bardin. Resultados: Foram evidenciadas as seguintes categorias: As iniciativas de autocuidado na prevenção do câncer de mama; A deficiência física e as dificuldades para prevenção do câncer de mama e o conhecimento como barreira para o autocuidado na prevenção do câncer de mama. Conclusão: o conhecimento da mulher com deficiência quanto as medidas de autocuidado na prevenção do câncer de mama é prejudicado pelas construções sociais relacionadas a deficiência e as limitações dos profissionais em desenvolver politicas e estratégias de cuidado, reduzindo poder de autonomia e empoderamento.
FEBS fellowships: supporting excellent science for over four decades
Authors: Wright Duncan E. , Krol Alain
Published: July 2023

The Federation of European Biochemical Societies (FEBS) awarded FEBS Long‐Term Fellowships from 1979 until 2020, at which time the scheme was replaced with the FEBS Excellence Award. Over four decades, FEBS awarded a huge number of Long‐Term Fellowships, helping to support and promote the careers of excellent young researchers across Europe. To celebrate the exciting work performed by the FEBS Long‐Term Fellows, we present here a special ‘In the Limelight’ issue of FEBS Open Bio, containing four Mini‐reviews and four Research Protocols authored by the fellows themselves. The four Review articles provide timely updates on the respective research fields, while the Research Protocols describe how to perform challenging experimental methods in detail. We hope this issue will be a valuable resource for the community, and a celebration of the high‐quality work done by young scientists.
Bio‐Inspired Artificial Fast‐Adaptive and Slow‐Adaptive Mechanoreceptors With Synapse‐Like Functions
Authors: Huynh Hung Quang , Trung Tran Quang , Bag Atanu , Do Trung Dieu , Sultan M. Junaid , Kim Miso , Lee Nae‐Eung
Published: July 2023

Development of artificial mechanoreceptors capable of sensing and pre‐processing external mechanical stimuli is a crucial step toward constructing neuromorphic perception systems that can learn and store information. Here, bio‐inspired artificial fast‐adaptive (FA) and slow‐adaptive (SA) mechanoreceptors with synapse‐like functions are demonstrated for tactile perception. These mechanoreceptors integrate self‐powered piezoelectric pressure sensors with synaptic electrolyte‐gated field‐effect transistors (EGFETs) featuring a reduced graphene oxide channel. The FA pressure sensor is based on a piezoelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride‐trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF‐TrFE)) thin film, while the SA pressure sensor is enabled by a piezoelectric ionogel with the piezoelectric‐ionic coupling effect based on P(VDF‐TrFE) and an ionic liquid. Changes in post‐synaptic current are achieved through the synaptic effect of the EGFET by regulating the amplitude, number, duration, and frequency of tactile stimuli (pre‐synaptic pulses). These devices have great potential to serve as artificial biological mechanoreceptors for future artificial neuromorphic perception systems.
Highly Utilized Active Sites on Pt@Cu/C for Ethanol Electrocatalytic Oxidation in Alkali Metal Hydroxide Solutions
Authors: Han Chenjie , Lyu Yeqing , Wang Shaona , Liu Biao , Zhang Yi , Weigand Jan J. , Du Hao , Lu Jun
Published: July 2023

Using ethanol electrocatalytic oxidation reaction (EOR) with a lower reaction potential to replace oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and integrating hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) have a promising development prospect for more energy‐saving electrolytic hydrogen production. However, the main challenges of EOR are insufficient catalytic activity, high overpotential, and slow kinetics. Active sites on the electrocatalysts surface are occupied by alkali metal ion hydrate clusters by noncovalent interactions, which is considered to be one of the major causes of these challenges. To reduce the effect of the noncovalent interactions on the catalytic activity of the electrocatalyst, copper is chosen and doped in the form of a single atom in the electrocatalyst (Pt@Cu/C) to increase the electrocatalyst conductivity and make the anode contain more positive charge in this study. Then, alkali metal ion hydrate clusters are difficult to adsorb at the active site of Pt@Cu/C. The EOR electrocatalytic activity of Pt@Cu/C is up to 8184 mA mgPt−1, which is ≈4.8 times as high as that of Pt/C. The two‐electrode hydrogen production device using Pt@Cu/C as anode for coupled EOR&HER requires a smaller voltage of 0.60 V to reach 10 mA cm−2compared with that of Pt/C (0.76 V).
pH Switchable Nanozyme Platform for Healing Skin Tumor Wound Infected with Drug‐Resistant Bacteria
Authors: Yan Yong , Wang Mengqi , Zhao Minyang , Zhang Jing , Liu Yaqing , Gao Xia
Published: July 2023

Nanozymes capable of generating reactive oxygen species have recently emerged as promising treatments for wounds infected with drug‐resistant bacteria, possessing a reduced possibility of inducing resistance. However, the therapeutic effect is limited by a shortage of endogenous oxy‐substrates and undesirable off‐target biotoxicity. Herein, a ferrocenyl coordination polymer (FeCP) nanozyme, featuring pH switchable peroxidase (POD)‐ and catalase (CAT)‐like activity is incorporated with indocyanine green (ICG) and calcium peroxide (CaO2) to fabricate an H2O2/O2 self‐supplying system (FeCP/ICG@CaO2) for precise treatment of bacterial infections. At the wound site, CaO2 reacts with water to generate H2O2 and O2. Acting as a POD mimic under an acidic bacterial microenvironment, FeCP catalyzes H2O2 into hydroxyl radicals to prevent infection. However, FeCP switches to CAT‐like activity in neutral tissue, decomposing H2O2 into H2O and O2 to prevent oxidative damage and facilitate wound healing. Additionally, FeCP/ICG@CaO2 shows photothermal therapy capability, as ICG can emit heat under near‐infrared laser irradiation. This heat assists FeCP in fully exerting its enzyme‐like activity. Thus, this system achieves an antibacterial efficiency of 99.8% in vitro for drug‐resistant bacteria, and effectively overcomes the main limitations of nanozyme‐based treatment assays, resulting in satisfactory therapeutic effects in repairing normal and special skin tumor wounds infected with drug‐resistant bacteria.
Rationally Designed Enzyme‐Resistant Peptidic Assemblies for Plasma Membrane Targeting in Cancer Treatment
Authors: Zhang Shijin , Gong Xuewen , Wei Qinchuan , Lv Jiarong , Du Enming , Wang Jiaqing , Ji Wei , Li Ji‐Liang
Published: July 2023

Peptides are being increasingly important for subcellular targeted cancer treatment to improve specificity and reverse multidrug resistance. However, there has been yet any report on targeting plasma membrane (PM) through self‐assembling peptides. A simple synthetic peptidic molecule (tF4) is developed. It is revealed that tF4 is carboxyl esterase‐resistant and self‐assembles into vesical nanostructures. Importantly, tF4 assemblies interact with PM through orthogonal hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interaction to regulate cancer cellular functions. Mechanistically, tF4 assemblies induce stress fiber formation, cytoskeleton reconstruction, and death receptor 4/5 (DR4/5) expression in cancer cells. DR4/5 triggers extrinsic caspase‐8 signaling cascade, resulting in cell death. The results provide a new strategy for developing enzyme‐resistant and PM‐targeting peptidic molecules against cancer.
Intense Hydrochromic Photon Upconversion from Lead‐Free 0D Metal Halides For Water Detection and Information Encryption
Authors: Han Joo Hyeong , Samanta Tuhin , Cho Han Bin , Jang Sung Woo , Viswanath N. S. M. , Kim Yu Ri , Seo Jeong Min , Im Won Bin
Published: July 2023

Hydrochromic materials that change their luminescence color upon exposure to moisture have attracted considerable attention owing to their applications in sensing and information encryption. However, the existing materials lack high hydrochromic response and color tunability. This study reports the development of a new and bright 0D Cs3GdCl6 metal halide as the host for hydrochromic photon upconversion in the form of polycrystals (PCs) and nanocrystals. Lanthanides co‐doped cesium gadolinium chloride metal halides exhibit upconversion luminescence (UCL) in the visible–infrared region upon 980 nm laser excitation. In particular, PCs co‐doped with Yb3+ and Er3+ exhibit hydrochromic UCL color change from green to red. These hydrochromic properties are quantitatively confirmed through the sensitive detection of water in tetrahydrofuran solvent via UCL color changes. This water‐sensing probe exhibits excellent repeatability and is particularly suitable for real‐time and long‐term water monitoring. Furthermore, the hydrochromic UCL property is exploited for stimuli‐responsive information encryption via cyphertexts. These findings will pave the way for the development of new hydrochromic upconverting materials for emerging applications, such as noncontact sensors, anti‐counterfeiting, and information encryption.
Thin‐Film Organic Heteroepitaxy
Authors: Dull Jordan T. , He Xu , Viereck Jonathan , Ai Qianxiang , Ramprasad Ritika , Otani Maria Clara , Sorli Jeni , Brandt Jason W. , Carrow Brad P. , Tinoco Arthur D. , Loo Yueh‐Lin , Risko Chad , Rangan Sylvie , Kahn Antoine , Rand Barry P.
Published: July 2023

Incorporating crystalline organic semiconductors into electronic devices requires understanding of heteroepitaxy given the ubiquity of heterojunctions in these devices. However, while rules for commensurate epitaxy of covalent or ionic inorganic material systems are known to be dictated by lattice matching constraints, rules for heteroepitaxy of molecular systems are still being written. Here, it is found that lattice matching alone is insufficient to achieve heteroepitaxy in molecular systems, owing to weak intermolecular forces that describe molecular crystals. It is found that, in addition, the lattice matched plane also must be the lowest energy surface of the adcrystal to achieve one‐to‐one commensurate molecular heteroepitaxy over a large area. Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy demonstrates the lattice matched interface to be of higher electronic quality than a disordered interface of the same materials.
Loose Cocrystal Strategy for High‐Efficiency Near‐Infrared Phosphorescence
Authors: Gao Runqing , Cha Yongyu , Ahmad Hafiz Muhammad , Fu Hongbing , Yu Zhenyi
Published: July 2023

Harvesting triplet excitons of large π‐conjugate aromatic molecules via cocrystal engineering for attaining near‐infrared (NIR) phosphorescence has aroused wide attention due to its fundamental significance and practical application. Herein, the pyrene (Py)‐N, N’‐bis(1‐ethylpropyl)‐2,5,8,11‐tetrakis(p‐methyl‐phenyl)‐perylenediimide (MP) organic cocrystal is designed and fabricated via the solution self‐assembly method, which demonstrates the NIR phosphorescence with a maximum peak at 730 nm and a photoluminescence quantum yield of 34.2%. The singlet states with an intermediate energy level from MP molecules bridges singlet and triplet states of Py molecules, resulting in efficient NIR phosphorescence. Importantly, the loose packing pattern makes MP an excellent elementary molecule that can be assembled with a variety of aromatic molecules, from ternary to six‐membered benzene rings and even larger benzene skeletons. In contrast to the limitations of traditional cocrystal systems, cocrystal engineering based on MP molecules with weak π–π interactions is no longer limited to the careful selection and collocation of molecular structures, uncertain assembly behavior, and unpredictable properties. This work holds considerable insights for the exploration of novel NIR phosphorescent materials via a universal strategy.
Vacancy Augmented Piezo‐Sonosensitizer for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Wu Qingyuan , Zhang Jie , Pan Xueting , Huang Zhijun , Zhang Haoyuan , Guo Juan , Xue Yun , Shi Rui , Liu Huiyu
Published: July 2023

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) has been widely reported as a noninvasive and high‐penetration therapy for cancer; however, the design of an efficient sonosensitizer remains an urgent need. To address this issue, molybdenum disulfide nanoflowers (MoS2 NF) as piezo‐sonosensitizers and introduced sulfur vacancies on the MoS2 NF (Sv‐MoS2 NF) to improve their piezoelectric property for cancer therapy are designed. Under ultrasonic mechanical stress, the Sv‐MoS2 NF resulted in piezoelectric polarization and band tilting, which enhanced the charge carrier separation and migration. This resulted in an improved catalytic reaction for reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, ultimately enhancing the SDT performance. Thanks to the high efficiency of ROS generation, the Sv‐MoS2 NF have demonstrated a good anticancer effect in vitro and in vivo. Following a systematic evaluation, Sv‐MoS2 NF also demonstrated good biocompatibility. This novel piezo‐sonosensitizer and vacancy engineering strategy provides a promising new approach for achieving efficient SDT.
CD8 T Cell‐Derived Exosomal miR‐186‐5p Elicits Renal Inflammation via Activating Tubular TLR7/8 Signal Axis
Authors: Xu Xiaodong , Qu Shuang , Zhang Changming , Zhang Mingchao , Qin Weisong , Ren Guisheng , Bao Hao , Li Limin , Zen Ke , Liu Zhihong
Published: July 2023

T cells play an important role in the development of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). The mechanism underlying such T cell‐based kidney disease, however, remains elusive. Here the authors report that activated CD8 T cells elicit renal inflammation and tissue injury via releasing miR‐186‐5p‐enriched exosomes. Continuing the cohort study identifying the correlation of plasma level of miR‐186‐5p with proteinuria in FSGS patients, it is demonstrated that circulating miR‐186‐5p is mainly derived from activated CD8 T cell exosomes. Renal miR‐186‐5p, which is markedly increased in FSGS patients and mice with adriamycin‐induced renal injury, is mainly delivered by CD8 T cell exosomes. Depleting miR‐186‐5p strongly attenuates adriamycin‐induced mouse renal injury. Supporting the function of exosomal miR‐186‐5p as a key circulating pathogenic factor, intravenous injection of miR‐186‐5p or miR‐186‐5p‐containing T cell exosomes results in mouse renal inflammation and tissue injury. Tracing the injected T cell exosomes shows their preferential distribution in mouse renal tubules, not glomerulus. Mechanistically, miR‐186‐5p directly activates renal tubular TLR7/8 signal and initiates tubular cell apoptosis. Mutating the TLR7‐binding sequence on miR‐186‐5p or deleting mouse TLR7 largely abolishes renal tubular injuries induced by miR‐186‐5p or adriamycin. These findings reveal a causative role of exosomal miR‐186‐5p in T cell‐mediated renal dysfunction.
Sonocatalytic Optimization of Titanium‐Based Therapeutic Nanomedicine
Authors: Zhou Ruirui , Chang Meiqi , Shen Mengjun , Cong Yang , Chen Yu , Wang Yin
Published: July 2023

Recent considerable technological advances in ultrasound‐based treatment modality provides a magnificent prospect for scientific communities to conquer the related diseases, which is featured with remarkable tissue penetration, non‐invasive and non‐thermal characteristics. As one of the critical elements that influences treatment outcomes, titanium (Ti)‐based sonosensitizers with distinct physicochemical properties and exceptional sonodynamic efficiency have been applied extensively in the field of nanomedical applications. To date, a myriad of methodologies has been designed to manipulate the sonodynamic performance of titanium‐involved nanomedicine and further enhance the productivity of reactive oxygen species for disease treatments. In this comprehensive review, the sonocatalytic optimization of diversified Ti‐based nanoplatforms, including defect engineering, plasmon resonance modulation, heterojunction, modulating tumor microenvironment, as well as the development of synergistic therapeutic modalities is mainly focused. The state‐of‐the‐art Ti‐based nanoplatforms ranging from preparation process to the extensive medical applications are summarized and highlighted, with the goal of elaborating on future research prospects and providing a perspective on the bench‐to‐beside translation of these sonocatalytic optimization tactics. Furthermore, to spur further technological advancements in nanomedicine, the difficulties currently faced and the direction of sonocatalytic optimization of Ti‐based therapeutic nanomedicine are proposed and outlooked.