bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Internet Psycho-Education Programs Improve Outcomes in Youth With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Grey Margaret , Whittemore Robin , Jeon Sangchoon , Murphy Kathryn , Faulkner Melissa S. , Delamater Alan ,   for the TeenCope Study Group
Published: April 2013

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of two Internet-based psycho-educational programs designed to improve outcomes for youth with type 1 diabetes transitioning to adolescence.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The study was a multisite clinical trial of 320 youth (aged 11–14 years; 37% minority; 55% female) randomized to one of two Internet-based interventions: TeenCope or Managing Diabetes. Primary outcomes were HbA1c and quality of life (QOL). Secondary outcomes included coping, self-efficacy, social competence, self-management, and family conflict. Data were collected at baseline and after 3, 6, and 12 months online. Youth were invited to cross over to the other program after 12 months, and follow-up data were collected at 18 months. Analyses were based on mixed models using intent-to-treat and per-protocol procedures.

RESULTS

Youth in both groups had stable QOL and minimal increases in HbA1c levels over 12 months, but there were no significant differences between the groups in primary outcomes. After 18 months, youth who completed both programs had lower HbA1c (P = 0.04); higher QOL (P = 0.02), social acceptance (P = 0.01), and self-efficacy (P = 0.03) and lower perceived stress (P = 0.02) and diabetes family conflict (P = 0.02) compared with those who completed only one program.

CONCLUSIONS

Internet interventions for youth with type 1 diabetes transitioning to adolescence result in improved outcomes, but completion of both programs was better than only one, suggesting that these youth need both diabetes management education and behavioral interventions. Delivering these programs via the Internet represents an efficient way to reach youth and improve outcomes.
Reproducibility and Validity of the 10-Meter Shuttle Ride Test in Wheelchair-Using Children and Adolescents With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Verschuren Olaf , Zwinkels Maremka , Ketelaar Marjolijn , Reijnders-van Son Femke , Takken Tim
Published: April 2013

Background

For children with cerebral palsy (CP) who are able to walk or run, the 10-m shuttle run test is currently the test of choice to assess cardiorespiratory fitness. This test, however, has not yet been examined in wheelchair-using youth with CP.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the test-retest reproducibility and validity of the 10-m shuttle ride test (SRiT) in youth with CP.

Design

Repeated measurements of the SRiT were obtained.

Methods

Twenty-three individuals with spastic CP (18 boys, 5 girls; mean age=13.3 years, SD=3.6 years) using a manual wheelchair for at least part of the day participated in this study. During the study, all participants performed one graded arm exercise test (GAET) and 2 identical SRiTs within 2 weeks. Peak oxygen uptake (V̇o2peak), peak heart rate (HRpeak), and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) were recorded. Intraclass correlation coefficients (2,1), the smallest detectable difference, and the limits of agreement (LOA) were calculated. The association between the results of the SRiT and GAET was tested using Pearson correlation coefficients.

Results

Intraclass correlation coefficients (.99, 95% confidence interval=.98–1.00) for all variables indicated highly acceptable reproducibility. The LOA analysis revealed satisfactory levels of agreement. The SRiT variables demonstrated strong, significant positive correlations for V̇o2peak values obtained during the SRiT and the GAET (r=.84, P<.01).

Limitations

Although the GAET is considered the gold standard, the cardiorespiratory demand during the GAET was significantly lower compared with during the SRiT. Future studies should determine whether the GAET can still be accepted as the gold standard for upper-extremity exercise.

Conclusions

The SRiT is a reproducible and valid test for measuring cardiorespiratory fitness in youth with spastic CP who self-propel a manual wheelchair.
Central nervous system stem cell transplantation for children with neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis
Authors: Selden Nathan R. , Al-Uzri Amira , Huhn Stephen L. , Koch Thomas K. , Sikora Darryn M. , Nguyen-Driver Mina D. , Guillaume Daniel J. , Koh Jeffrey L. , Gultekin Sakir H. , Anderson James C. , Vogel Hannes , Sutcliffe Trenna L. , Jacobs Yakop , Steiner Robert D.
Published: April 2013

Object

Infantile and late-infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are invariably fatal lysosomal storage diseases associated with defects in lysosomal enzyme palmitoyl-protein thioesterase 1 (PPT-1) or tripeptidyl peptidase 1 (TPP1) activity. Previous preclinical studies have demonstrated that human CNS stem cells (HuCNS-SCs) produce both PPT-1 and TPP1 and result in donor cell engraftment and reduced accumulation of storage material in the brain when tested in an NCL mouse model.

Methods

HuCNS-SC transplantation was tested in an open-label dose-escalation Phase I clinical trial as a potential treatment for infantile and late-infantile NCL. Study design included direct neurosurgical transplantation of allogeneic HuCNS-SCs into the cerebral hemispheres and lateral ventricles accompanied by 12 months of immunosuppression.

Results

Six children with either the infantile or late-infantile forms of NCL underwent low- (3 patients) and high- (3 patients) dose transplantation of HuCNS-SCs followed by immunosuppression. The surgery, immunosuppression, and cell transplantation were well tolerated. Adverse events following transplantation were consistent with the underlying disease, and none were directly attributed to the donor cells. Observations regarding efficacy of the intervention were limited by the enrollment criteria requiring that patients be in advanced stages of disease.

Conclusions

This study represents the first-in-human clinical trial involving transplantation of a purified population of human neural stem cells for a neurodegenerative disorder. The feasibility of this approach and absence of transplantation-related serious adverse events support further exploration of HuCNS-SC transplantation as a potential treatment for select subtypes of NCL, and possibly for other neurodegenerative disorders. Clinical trial registration no.: NCT00337636 (ClinicalTrials.gov).
Critical turns of aging, narrative and time
Authors: Baars Jan
Published: April 2013

As human aging is basically living (in) time, time is a fundamental, but also uncomfortably uprooting concept for aging studies. However, time is usually reduced to chronometric time; a mere measurement that has been emptied of the narratives that were traditionally part of it. Its abstract and instrumental character implies that to become meaningful, chronometric time still depends on narratives. Not only are narratives needed to relate chronometric time to the world, they are also crucial to interrelate the dimensions of lived time: the past, the present and the future. As late modern aging takes place in multiform life worlds and in confrontation with a diversity of social systems, political and cultural macro-narratives play an important role in shaping situations and destinies of aging people. However, because of the prestigious exactness of chronometric time and the role it plays in calculations and statistics, narratives tend to creep in and remain hidden behind chronometric exactness. It is argued that micro-narratives remain important for empirical studies of aging as they articulate human experiences, but that narratives also play an increasingly important role in the interrelation between systemic worlds and life worlds. Therefore, narrative studies should seek more cooperation and critical discussion with disciplines that study macro developments such as sociology, economics or political science to clarify the role of macronarratives in policies on aging. The article ends with a contemporary example of new systemic (debt) clocks which have a major impact on the lives of many citizens, especially the aged. Although these clocks remain dependent on specific macro-narratives, their ominous ticking tends to hide them and to implode the debate about them.
A Differential Redox Regulation of the Pathways Metabolizing Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Tunes the Production of Reducing Power in the Cytosol of Plant Cells
Authors: Piattoni Claudia , Guerrero Sergio , Iglesias Alberto
Published: April 2013

Adaptation to aerobic life leads organisms to sense reactive oxygen species and use the signal for coordination of the entire metabolism. Glycolysis in plants is a particular network where specific steps, like oxidation of glyceraldehydes-3-phosphate (Ga3P), are critical in order for it to function. The triose-phosphate can be converted into 3-phosphoglycerate through the phosphorylating Ga3P dehydrogenase (Ga3PDHase, EC 1.2.1.12) producing ATP and NADH, or via the non-phosphorylating enzyme (np-Ga3PDHase; EC 1.2.1.9) generating NADPH. In this work we found redox regulation to be a posttranslational mechanism allowing the fine-tuning of the triose-phosphate fate. Both enzymes were inactivated after oxidation by reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Kinetic studies determined that Ga3PDHase is marked (63-fold) more sensitive to oxidants than np-Ga3PDHase. Thioredoxin-h reverted the oxidation of both enzymes (although with differences between them), suggesting a physiological redox regulation. The results support a metabolic scenario where the cytosolic triose-phosphate dehydrogenases are regulated under changeable redox conditions. This would allow coordinate production of NADPH or ATP through glycolysis, with oxidative signals triggering reducing power synthesis in the cytosol. The NADPH increment would favor antioxidant responses to cope with the oxidative situation, while the thioredoxin system would positively feedback NADPH production by maintaining np-Ga3PDHase at its reduced active state.
Ornament, Representation, and Imaginary Animals in Bronze Age China
Authors: Bagley Robert W.
Published: April 2013

Décor, représentation et animaux imaginaires dans la Chine à l'âge du Bronze

Dans l'art de la Chine à l'âge du Bronze - entre environ 1500 et 200 avant notre ère -, les animaux imaginaires prédominent. À la fin de la période, le plus important de ces animaux était le dragon, qui était parvenu alors à une forme comparable à celle du lézard, forme qui nous est aujourd'hui familière, puisque c'est le «dragon chinois» des Han et des époques postérieures. Cependant, ce dragon était inconnu au début de la période. Les animaux imaginaires inventés par les artisans du bronze de la phase Erligang (env. 1500-1300 av. J.-C.) sont radicalement différents des dragons Han, et ce sont les motifs de Erligang qui façonnent le développement de l'art durant le premier millénaire de l'âge du Bronze. Pourtant, la rupture entre la tradition artistique qui apparaît durant la phase Erligang et la tradition plus familière qui la suit n'a pas été bien perçue. Une partie du problème vient de notre habitude d'appliquer le mot «dragon» indistinctement aux motifs de Erligang et à ceux des Han (206 av.-220 apr. J.-C), habitude qui nous pousse insensiblement à admettre que ces motifs sont pour l'essentiel une seule et même chose. De fait, certains chercheurs les pensent, sans y prêter attention, comme des représentations différentes d'un même animal, en oubliant que les dragons ne sauraient être représentés puisqu'ils n'existent pas dans la nature. Les chercheurs qui pensent de cette manière expliquent ces motifs zoomorphes curieusement vagues comme des représentations «stylisées» d'animaux que les périodes postérieures ont figurés avec plus de fidélité. En d'autres termes, ils s'imaginent que l'artiste de Erligang visualisait le lézard recouvert d'écaillés tel qu'il est connu aux époques postérieures, mais que pour une raison quelconque il a choisi de le représenter seulement d'une façon abstraite et schématique. Cette façon de penser refuse de prendre les témoins visuels de Erligang comme ils sont. Ce faisant, elle passe à côté de la nouveauté représentée par les animaux crédibles et prosaïques qui commencent d'apparaître à l'époque des Royaumes combattants. Cet article a pour thèse que les animaux imaginaires du ve siècle avant notre ère et après se distinguent de leurs prédécesseurs par un changement fondamental de caractère, et que la raison principale de ce changement tient à l'influence des steppes et du Proche-Orient, influence qui a transformé quelque chose d'étrange en quelque chose de familier. Cette transformation apportée par ce stimulant étranger nous échappe tant qu'on n'examine pas l'art de la phase Erligang soigneusement et selon ses propres termes, sans se laisser influencer par notre connaissance de ce qui a suivi. Aussi bien pour elle-même que pour comprendre ce qui s'est passé ensuite, l'étrangeté de la tradition artistique de Erligang doit être abordée de façon directe.
Influence of GA3 and NAA on certain carbohydrate fractions in corms of saffron crocus (Crocus sativus L.) during development
Authors: Chrungoo Nikhil K. , Farooq Sikander
Published: April 2013

Application of gibberellic acid (GA3) and napthaleneacetic acid (NAA) to corms of saffron crocus (Crocus sativus L.) markedly influenced degradation of reserve carbohydrates in the corm tissues. GA3 stimulated the breakdown of starch and promoted the accumulation of soluble sugars, especially sucrose. Although NAA treatment stimulated starch breakdown for the first 14 days after the treatment, the effect was less pronounced as compared to that of GA3. NAA treatment promoted the accumulation of reducing sugars but suppressed accumulation of non reducing sugars in the corm tissues. Corms treated with GA3 showed an increased accumulation of total pentoses and total ketoses. In NAA treated corms, accumulation of total pentoses was stimulated but that of total ketoses was suppressed. The effects of GA3 and NAA on carbohydrate changes in the corm tissues are discussed in the light of their effects on bud development.
Vaginal Progesterone for Pregnancy Prolongation After Arrested Preterm Labor
Authors: Nachum Zohar , Ganor Paz Yael , Massalha Manal , Wated Malak , Harel Noa , Yefet Enav
Published: July 2024

Importance

Women with arrested preterm labor (APTL) are at very high risk for spontaneous preterm delivery (SPTD), the leading cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity. To date, no maintenance therapy has been found to be effective for pregnancy prolongation. A few clinical trials with considerable methodological limitations have demonstrated some efficacy for 400 mg vaginal micronized progesterone (VMP) in women with APTL.

Objective

To investigate the effectiveness of daily 400 mg VMP for the prolongation of pregnancy after APTL.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This randomized clinical trial was conducted between December 19, 2018, and February 27, 2023, in 3 university-affiliated medical centers in Israel. Participants included women with singleton and twin pregnancies after APTL following tocolysis at 24 weeks 0 days to 34 weeks 0 days’ gestation. Women with a history of preterm delivery or asymptomatic cervical shortening in the current pregnancy were excluded.

Interventions

Participants were randomly allocated to receive VMP 200 mg twice a day or no treatment until 36 weeks 6 days’ gestation.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary end points were mean number of days from study enrollment to delivery and the rate of SPTD prior to 37 weeks’ gestation.

Results

A total of 129 participants were enrolled (65 in the VMP group and 64 in the no-treatment group). Mean (SD) age was 27.6 (5.1) years. Between the VMP and no-treatment groups, there was no difference in pregnancy prolongation (mean [SD], 40.0 [17.8] vs 37.4 [20.3] days; P = .44) and the rate of SPTD (16 [25%] vs 19 [30%]; relative risk, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.5-1.5; P = .52). In twin pregnancies, including 12 and 15 pairs in the VMP and no-treatment groups, respectively, VMP prolonged pregnancy (mean [SD], 43.7 [18.1] vs 26.1 [15.2] days; P = .02), postponed the delivery week (36.5 [1.4] vs 34.7 [2.2] weeks; P = .01), shortened the length of stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (4.9 [10.6] vs 13.2 [18.5] days; P = .03) and overall hospital stay (8.3 [9.6] vs 15.1 [17.2] days; P = .03), and was associated with a higher birth weight (2444 [528] vs 2018 [430] g; P = .01).

Conclusions and Relevance

These findings show that VMP given in a dosage of 200 mg twice a day following APTL is not an effective treatment to prolong pregnancy or prevent SPTD. However, VMP demonstrated beneficial effects in twin pregnancies, warranting further investigation.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02430233
Direct-Acting Oral Anticoagulants and Antiseizure Medications for Atrial Fibrillation and Epilepsy and Risk of Thromboembolic Events
Authors: Acton Emily K. , Hennessy Sean , Gelfand Michael A. , Leonard Charles E. , Bilker Warren B. , Shu Di , Willis Allison W. , Kasner Scott E.
Published: July 2024

Importance

Direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are commonly prescribed with antiseizure medications (ASMs) due to concurrency of and the association between atrial fibrillation (AF) and epilepsy. However, enzyme-inducing (EI) ASMs may reduce absorption and accelerate metabolism of DOACs, potentially lowering DOAC levels and elevating thromboembolism risk.

Objective

To assess the rates of thromboembolic and major bleeding events in adults with AF and epilepsy dispensed DOACs and EI ASMs vs DOACs with non-EI ASMs.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This active-comparator, new-user cohort study included US health care data from the Clinformatics Data Mart database from October 2010 to September 2021 for a nationally representative population of adults with AF and epilepsy.

Exposure

Evaluations included episodes of contiguous coadministration of DOACs for AF with EI ASMs (exposed) or non-EI ASMs (referent) for epilepsy.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Thromboembolic events (primary outcome) and major bleeding events (secondary outcome) were identified based on a series of validated, diagnosis-based coding algorithms. Data-adaptive, high-dimensional propensity score matching was used to control for observed confounders and proxies for unobserved confounders. Adjusted hazard ratios (AHRs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression models with robust variance estimators to account for clustering within matched pairs.

Results

This study included 14 078 episodes (median age, 74 [IQR, 67-81]; 52.4% female) and 14 158 episodes (median age, 74 [IQR, 67-81]; 52.4% female) of incident DOAC and ASM use that met eligibility criteria for assessment of thromboembolic and major bleeding outcomes, respectively. Incidence was 88.5 per 1000 person-years for thromboembolic events and 68.3 per 1000 person-years for bleeding events. Compared with use of non-EI ASMs, use of EI ASMs with DOACs was not associated with a difference in risk of thromboembolic events (AHR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.82-1.46) but was associated with a reduction in risk of major bleeding events (AHR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.44-0.89).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, EI ASMs were not associated with alteration in DOAC efficacy. Further research is needed on the reduction in bleeding risk associated with EI ASMs, as this may suggest that pharmacokinetic interactions are associated with lowering DOAC levels without negating therapeutic effects.
Updated Guidelines for Atopic Dermatitis—AAAAI/ACAAI Joint Task Force
Authors: Wheeler Kathryn E. , Chu Derek K. , Schneider Lynda
Published: July 2024

This Viewpoint discusses the updated guidelines from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI)/American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Joint Task Force on atopic dermatitis (eczema) management.
Relationship between Jo‐1 B Cell Epitope Profile and Clinical Features of Anti‐Synthetase Syndrome
Authors: Yamaguchi Koichi , Tang Qi , LaConti Joseph J. , Kippelen Fanny , Zhu Lei , Poland Paul , Hartoyo Mara , Aggarwal Rohit , Oddis Chester V. , Ascherman Dana P.
Published: July 2024

Objective

Anti–histidyl‐transfer RNA synthetase (Jo‐1) antibodies are associated with myositis as well as different extramuscular organ complications comprising the anti‐synthetase syndrome. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between anti–Jo‐1 epitope recognition patterns and specific clinical features of this syndrome.

Methods

B cell epitope mapping was performed via enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in 180 patients who were anti–Jo‐1 antibody‐positive using overlapping peptides/protein fragments spanning the amino‐terminal 151 amino acids of Jo‐1 as substrate antigens. Statistical associations with clinical features were assessed through rank‐sum, correlation, and cluster analyses.

Results

The level of reactivity against subfragments spanning amino acids 1–151 of Jo‐1 paralleled that of full‐length Jo‐1, confirming the immunodominance of this amino‐terminal region. The corresponding frequencies of reactivity to peptides 1 (amino acids [aa] 1–21), 3 (aa 27–47), 4 (aa 40–60), 10 (aa 118–138), and 11 (aa 131–151) were 6.1%, 42.5%, 6.8%, 6.7%, and 20.3%. While anti–full‐length Jo‐1 antibodies were significantly associated with Raynaud phenomenon, anti‐fragment A2 (aa 1–60) and A3 (aa 1–90) antibodies were associated with proximal muscle weakness, Raynaud phenomenon, arthritis, and sicca syndrome. Anti‐fragment A4 (aa 1–120) and A5 (aa 1–151) antibodies were also associated with sicca syndrome. Peptide 1 (aa 1–21) antibodies were associated with Raynaud phenomenon and dysphagia. Whereas anti‐peptide 3 (aa 27–47) antibodies were also linked to Raynaud phenomenon, anti‐peptide 9 (aa 105–125) antibodies were associated with mechanic's hands.

Conclusion

Autoantibodies targeting different amino‐terminal subfragments and/or peptides of Jo‐1 were associated with specific clinical features of the anti‐synthetase syndrome, demonstrating the biomarker potential of B cell epitope profiling in this disorder.
Near‐Infrared Afterglow Luminescence Amplification via Albumin Complexation of Semiconducting Polymer Nanoparticles for Surgical Navigation in Ex Vivo Porcine Models
Authors: Bendele Nathaniel , Kitamura Ken , Vasquez Isabella , Harun Asma , Carroll McKenzie , Srivastava Indrajit
Published: July 2024

Afterglow imaging, leveraging persistent luminescence following light cessation, has emerged as a promising modality for surgical interventions. However, the scarcity of efficient near‐infrared (NIR) responsive afterglow materials, along with their inherently low brightness and lack of cyclic modulation in afterglow emission, has impeded their widespread adoption. Addressing these challenges requires a strategic repurposing of afterglow materials that improve on such limitations. Here, an afterglow probe, composed of bovine serum albumin (BSA) coated with an afterglow material, a semiconducting polymer dye (SP1), called BSA@SP1 demonstrating a substantial amplification of the afterglow luminescence (≈3‐fold) compared to polymer‐lipid coated PFODBT (DSPE‐PEG@SP1) under same experimental conditions is developed. This enhancement is believed to be attributed to the electron‐rich matrix provided by BSA that immobilizes SP1 and enhances the generation of 1O2 radicals, which improves the afterglow luminescence brightness. Through molecular docking, physicochemical characterization, and optical assessments, BSA@SP1's superior afterglow properties, cyclic afterglow behavior, long‐term colloidal stability, and biocompatibility are highlighted. Furthermore, superior tissue permeation profiling of afterglow signals of BSA@SP1's compared to fluorescence signals using ex vivo tumor‐mimicking phantoms and various porcine tissue types (skin, muscle, and fat) is demonstrated. Expanding on this, to showcase BSA@SP1's potential in image‐guided surgeries, tumor‐mimicking phantoms within porcine lungs and conducted direct comparisons between fluorescence and afterglow‐guided interventions to illustrate the latter's superiority is implanted. Overall, the study introduces a promising strategy for enhancing current afterglow materials through protein complexation, resulting in both ultrahigh signal‐to‐background ratios and cyclic afterglow signals.
CO2‐Mediated Hydrogen Energy Release‐Storage Enabled by Arc‐Discharge‐Synthesized High‐Dispersion Platinum Catalysts
Authors: Xia Yucheng , Luo Rui , Fu Yang , Pan Yidong , Hao Weiju , Fan Jinchen , Bi Qingyuan , Li Guisheng
Published: July 2024

Developing and fabricating a heterogeneous material for efficient dehydrogenation of formic acid (FA) to H2 coupled with hydrogenation of CO2 back to FA is a promising strategy to forming a carbon‐neutral CO2‐mediated hydrogen energy release‐storage system, which remains challenging. Herein, a facile one‐step ultrahigh‐temperature method of arc‐discharge route for synthesizing efficient single‐crystal α‐MoC supported platinum catalysts with high dispersion of Pt single atoms (SAs), nanoclusters (NCs), and nanoparticles (NPs) is reported. These catalysts exhibit remarkable performance for the adsorption properties and chemical conversion of small molecules including room‐temperature FA dehydrogenation, CO2 hydrogenation to FA (formate), and low‐temperature CO oxidation reactions. The enhanced electron transfer from MoC to active Pt species improves catalyst's surface electron density, thus modulating the chemical adsorption of these small molecules. The engineered 0.1Pt/MoC with Pt SAs shows an outstanding FA dehydrogenation efficiency, with ca. 100% FA conversion and an initial TOF of up to 7739 h−1 at 25 °C. The versatile 0.1Pt/MoC also displays the ability for converting CO2 hydrogenation back to the hydrogen storage carrier FA (formate) with 88.3% yield under mild conditions. Moreover, in‐depth insights into the material microstructure, Pt−MoC electronic interactions, reaction‐dependent particle size effect, and adsorption energy are comprehensively investigated.
Programmable Plasmonic Hydrogel Thermometers Actuated by DNA Breathing
Authors: Wang Luyang , Wang Zhen , Liu Feng , Zhang Xinrui , Huang Jihong , Wang Guoqing
Published: July 2024

Nanothermometry explores the use of temperature‐dependent properties of materials for remote and sensitive thermal readout at the nanoscale. The currently established nanothermometers are largely limited by uncontrollable nanoparticle flocculation, complex experimental setup, and narrow working temperature range. Here it is shown that gold nanoparticles (e.g., spheres, rods) embedded in a hydrogel can afford sensitive, durable, and range‐tunable temperature sensing via the terminal breathing of the nanoparticle surface‐grafted DNA. The realization of the plasmonic hydrogel thermometer with a thermal sensitivity of ≤2 °C relies on the dynamically modulable interparticle spacing by thermo‐responsive terminal base pairing/unpairing of the surface DNA. By altering the alcoholic ratio of the hydrogel, the temperature‐response range can be continuously regulated based on solvent‐mediated DNA base pairing. Compared with the colloidal counterpart, importantly, the hydrogel thermometer exhibits greatly improved thermal sensing capability (e.g., repeatability ≥50 times) while possessing excellent durability. Given the excellent durability, high sensitivity, and programmable temperature response range, the thermometers actuated by DNA breathing for advanced uses in human sensing and optoelectronics are within reach.
PA2PbBr4/MAPbBr3 Heterojunction X‐Ray Detector with Enhanced Sensitivity and Excellent Self‐Powered Functionality
Authors: He Ningfang , Zhang Longzhen , He Xin , Guo Jiahao , Wu Xiaochao , Li Qingkui , He Jilin
Published: July 2024

Heterojunctions combining 2D and 3D perovskites have caused a surge in the research on X‐ray detectors. The enhanced charge transport facilitated by the built‐in electric field further amplifies the potential of this material system, paving the way for highly sensitive and efficient X‐ray detectors. In this study, PA2PbBr4 single‐crystal film with a thickness of 10 µm is successfully grown on the surface of MAPbBr3 substrate via liquid phase epitaxial method, forming a 2D/3D heterojunction. This innovative detector exhibits a dramatically enhanced sensitivity of 3.81 × 104 µC Gy−1 cm−2 at an X‐ray tube voltage of 70 keV and a bias of 50 V mm−1, along with an ultra‐low detection limit of 11.84 nGy s−1, surpassing the performance of the conventional MAPbBr3 X‐ray detectors by a factor of four and 2 × 103 times higher than that of commercialized α‐Se detectors. Furthermore, the 2D/3D heterojunction exhibits exceptional self‐powered X‐ray detection capabilities, achieving a remarkable sensitivity of 3562.26 µC Gy−1 cm−2 at 70 keV X‐ray tube voltage. This superior performance implies reduced energy consumption, high portability, decreased ion migration, and provides inspiration for the next generation of high‐performance X‐ray detectors.
Multicolor Polymer Mechanochromism from an Ultrasensitive Concentration‐Dependent Excited State Intramolecular Proton Transfer Mechanophore
Authors: Chen Mingzhi , Hu Huan , Cheng Xin , Wu Yu , Ma Zhimin , Sijbesma Rint P. , Ma Zhiyong
Published: July 2024

An ultrasensitive concentration‐dependent ESIPT mechanochromic mechanophore (MM) NaMz (4‐amino‐2‐(1H‐naphtho[2,3‐d]imidazol‐2‐yl)phenol), which exhibits real‐time and reversible multicolor mechanochromism in polyurethane is reported. NaMz has one single link point and can be obtained facilely by one‐step reaction. As the concentration of NaMz increased from 0.01 to 0.05 mol%, the intensity ratio IE/IK of enol emission to keto emission changed significantly and concentration‐dependent multicolor fluorescence (yellow, white, blue) can be realized. Then, a simple strategy, force‐tuning the aggregation state of NaMz molecules, to adjust the ESIPT process to achieve ultrasensitive colorful mechanochromism is proposed. Intriguingly, force‐tuned white light emitting can be realized for 0.035 mol%NaMz@PU. Because the extended conjugation structure, NaMz@PU shows a red‐shifted keto emission at 541 nm with a larger Stoke shift compared with PhMz‐NH2@PU, which is also the key to multicolor concentration‐dependent polymer mechanochromism of NaMz@PU. Control experiments of NaMz‐OH@PU and NaMz‐3OH@PU show that the aliphatic hydroxyl group on the naphthimidazole moiety impedes the planarization of molecular structure and thus hinders aggregation, further verifying that the multicolor concentration‐dependent mechanochromism of NaMz@PU is indeed caused by force induced disaggregation. The excellent color‐changing effect, real‐time reversible force‐optical coupling and precise regulation of this study will make a new contribution to polymer mechanochemistry.
Tackling SARS‐CoV‐2: Deep Purpose Virtual Screening Identified Compounds to Target the Glycosylated Full‐Length GRP78
Authors: Elshemey Wael M. , Ibrahim Ibrahim M. , Ezat Ahmed A. , Elgohary Alaa M. , Elfiky Abdo A. , Nassar Aaya M.
Published: July 2024

The glucose‐regulated protein 78 (GRP78) is pivotal in endoplasmic reticulum protein homeostasis and the unfolded protein response during cellular stress. Experimental validation has shown its role in SARS‐CoV‐2 attachment and entry. Here, the full GRP78 sequence, adding carbohydrate sugars to nucleotide‐binding domain sites, and conduct molecular dynamics simulations is modeled. Utilizing DeepPurpose virtual screening on the COCONUT database, followed by blind structure‐based screening with AutoDock Vina, top interacting binders is identified. Molecular dynamic simulations with MM/GBSA reveal stable binding of CNP0339053 and CNP0400762 to GRP78 (free energies of −43.5 ±6.7 and −34.8 ±3.9 kcal mol−1, respectively). These compounds hold promise as safe antiviral treatments for COVID‐19.
Tissue Mechanics and Hedgehog Signaling Crosstalk as a Key Epithelial–Stromal Interplay in Cancer Development
Authors: Karunasagara Shanika , Taghizadeh Ali , Kim Sang‐Hyun , Kim So Jung , Kim Yong‐Jae , Taghizadeh Mohsen , Kim Moon‐Young , Oh Kyu‐Young , Lee Jung‐Hwan , Kim Hye Sung , Hyun Jeongeun , Kim Hae‐Won
Published: July 2024

Epithelial‐stromal interplay through chemomechanical cues from cells and matrix propels cancer progression. Elevated tissue stiffness in potentially malignant tissues suggests a link between matrix stiffness and enhanced tumor growth. In this study, employing chronic oral/esophageal injury and cancer models, it is demonstrated that epithelial–stromal interplay through matrix stiffness and Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is key in compounding cancer development. Epithelial cells actively interact with fibroblasts, exchanging mechanoresponsive signals during the precancerous stage. Specifically, epithelial cells release Sonic Hh, activating fibroblasts to produce matrix proteins and remodeling enzymes, resulting in tissue stiffening. Subsequently, basal epithelial cells adjacent to the stiffened tissue become proliferative and undergo epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition, acquiring migratory and invasive properties, thereby promoting invasive tumor growth. Notably, transcriptomic programs of oncogenic GLI2, mechano‐activated by actin cytoskeletal tension, govern this process, elucidating the crucial role of non‐canonical GLI2 activation in orchestrating the proliferation and mesenchymal transition of epithelial cells. Furthermore, pharmacological intervention targeting tissue stiffening proves highly effective in slowing cancer progression. These findings underscore the impact of epithelial‐stromal interplay through chemo‐mechanical (Hh‐stiffness) signaling in cancer development, and suggest that targeting tissue stiffness holds promise as a strategy to disrupt chemo‐mechanical feedback, enabling effective cancer treatment.
Origin of O2 Generation in Sulfide‐Based All‐Solid‐State Batteries and its Impact on High Energy Density
Authors: Yoshikawa Keisuke , Kato Takeshi , Suzuki Yasuhiro , Shiota Akihiro , Ohnishi Tsuyoshi , Amezawa Koji , Nakao Aiko , Yajima Takeshi , Iriyama Yasutoshi
Published: July 2024

The cathode surface of sulfide‐based all‐solid‐state batteries (SBs) is commonly coated with amorphous‐LiNbO3 in order to stabilize charge–discharge reactions. However, high‐voltage charging diminishes the advantages, which is caused by problems with the amorphous‐LiNbO3 coating layer. This study has investigated the degradation of amorphous‐LiNbO3 coating layer directly during the high‐voltage charging of SBs. O2 generation via Li extraction from the amorphous‐LiNbO3 coating layer is observed using electrochemical gas analysis and electrochemical X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. This O2 leads to the formation of an oxidative solid electrolyte (SE) around the coating layer and degrades the battery performance. On the other hand, elemental substitution (i.e., amorphous‐LiNbxP1‐xO3) reduces O2 release, leading to stable high‐voltage charge–discharge reactions of SBs. The results have emphasized that the suppression of O2 generation is a key factor in improving the energy density of SBs.
Hypoxia‐Preconditioned BMSC‐Derived Exosomes Induce Mitophagy via the BNIP3–ANAX2 Axis to Alleviate Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Authors: Jin Yuxin , Wu Ouqiang , Chen Qizhu , Chen Linjie , Zhang Zhiguang , Tian Haijun , Zhou Hao , Zhang Kai , Gao Jianyuan , Wang Xinzhou , Guo Zhenyu , Sun Jing , Kwan Kenny Yat Hong , Jones Morgan , Li Yan Michael , Zare Ehsan Nazarzadeh , Makvandi Pooyan , Wang Xiangyang , Shen Shuying , Wu Aimin
Published: July 2024

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a chronic degenerative disease involving the aging and loss of proliferative capacity of nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs), processes heavily dependent on mitochondrial dynamics and autophagic flux. This study finds that the absence of BCL2/adenovirus E1B 19 kDa interacting protein 3 (BNIP3) is associated with senescence‐related NPC degeneration, disrupting mitochondrial quality control. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have multidirectional differentiation potential and produce extracellular vesicles containing cellular activators. Therefore, in this study, BMSCs are induced under hypoxic stimulation to deliver BNIP3‐rich extracellular vesicles to NPCs, thereby alleviating aging‐associated mitochondrial autophagic flux, promoting damaged mitochondrial clearance, and restoring mitochondrial quality control. Mechanistically, BNIP3 is shown to interact with the membrane‐bound protein annexin A2 (ANXA2), enabling the liberation of the transcription factor EB (TFEB) from the ANXA2‐TFEB complex, promoting TFEB nuclear translocation, and regulating autophagy and lysosomal gene activation. Furthermore, a rat model of IVDD is established and verified the in vivo efficacy of the exosomes in repairing disc injuries, delaying NPC aging, and promoting extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis. In summary, hypoxia‐induced BMSC exosomes deliver BNIP3‐rich vesicles to alleviate disc degeneration by activating the mitochondrial BNIP3/ANXA2/TFEB axis, providing a new target for IVDD treatment.
Modulating Electronic States of Cu in Metal‐Organic Frameworks for Emerging Controllable CH4/C2H4 Selectivity in CO2 Electroreduction
Authors: Sun Mingxu , Cheng Jiamin , Anzai Akihiko , Kobayashi Hirokazu , Yamauchi Miho
Published: July 2024

The intensive study of electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) has resulted in numerous highly selective catalysts, however, most of these still exhibit uncontrollable selectivity. Here, it is reported for the first time the controllable CH4/C2H4 selectivity by modulating the electronic states of Cu incorporated in metal‐organic frameworks with different functional ligands, achieving a Faradaic efficiency of 58% for CH4 on Cu‐incorporated UiO‐66‐H (Ce) composite catalysts, Cu/UiO‐66‐H (Ce) and that of 44% for C2H4 on Cu/UiO‐66‐F (Ce). In situ measurements of Raman and X‐ray absorption spectra revealed that the electron‐withdrawing ability of the ligand side group controls the product selectivity on MOFs through the modulation of the electronic states of Cu. This work opens new prospects for the development of MOFs as a platform for the tailored tuning of selectivity in CO2RR.
Ferroelectric Polarization Dependent Piezoelectric Hardening in BiFeO3‐BaTiO3 Lead‐Free Ceramics
Authors: Lee Myang Hwan , Choi Hae In , Kim Da Jeong , Kim Ji Su , Lee Sang Woo , Park Yubin , Yang Sang Mo , Song Tae Kwon
Published: July 2024

The relation between the improvement of mechanical quality factor (Qm) and internal electric field (Ei) generated during the aging process in lead‐free piezoelectric BiFeO3‐BaTiO3 ceramics is investigated for hard piezoelectric application of power transducers. The change of built‐in Ei depends on the ferroelectric polarization (P) direction during the aging process. For the aging process with P parallel to Ei, Qm and Ei increases but Qm and Ei decreases with P antiparallel to Ei. These results are attributed to the migration of defects by depolarization fields and domain‐wall pinning. This work provides the systematic guidance to develop high‐power piezoelectric transducers with lead‐free ceramics.
Pushing with Soft Robotic Arms via Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Alessi Carlo , Bianchi Diego , Stano Gianni , Cianchetti Matteo , Falotico Egidio
Published: July 2024

Soft robots can adaptively interact with unstructured environments. However, nonlinear soft material properties challenge modeling and control. Learning‐based controllers that leverage efficient mechanical models are promising for solving complex interaction tasks. This article develops a closed‐loop pose/force controller for a dexterous soft manipulator enabling dynamic pushing tasks using deep reinforcement learning. Force tests investigate the mechanical properties of a soft robot module, resulting in orthogonal forces of  N. Then, the policy is trained in simulation leveraging a dynamic Cosserat rod model of the soft robot. Domain randomization mitigate the sim‐to‐real gap while careful reward engineering induced pose and force control even without explicit force inputs. Despite the approximate simulation, the sim‐to‐real transfer achieved an average reaching distance of  mm (), an average orientation error of  rad () and applied pushing forces up to  N. Such performance is reasonable for the intended assistive tasks of the manipulator. The experiments uncovered that the soft robot interacting with the environment exhibited torsional and counter‐balancing movements. Although not explicitly enforced, they emerged from the mechanical intelligence of the manipulator. The results demonstrate the potential of soft robotic manipulation via reinforcement learning.
Morphology Classification of Live Unstained Human Sperm Using Ensemble Deep Learning
Authors: Shahali Sahar , Murshed Mubasshir , Spencer Lindsay , Tunc Ozlem , Pisarevski Ludmila , Conceicao Jason , McLachlan Robert , O’Bryan Moira K. , Ackermann Klaus , Zander‐Fox Deirdre , Neild Adrian , Nosrati Reza
Published: July 2024

Sperm morphology analysis is crucial in infertility diagnosis and treatment. However, current clinical analytical methods use either chemical stains that render cells unusable for treatment or rely on subjective manual inspection. Here, an ensemble deep‐learning model is presented for classification of live, unstained human sperm using whole‐cell morphology. This model achieves an accuracy and precision of 94% benchmarked against the consensus of three andrology scientists who classified the images independently. The model loses less than a 12% prediction performance even when image resolution is reduced by over sixfold. This ensures compatibility across varied clinical imaging setups. This model also provides a high certainty and robust classification of challenging images, which divided the experts. By providing a consistent, automated approach for classifying live, unstained cells using quantitative data, this model offers promising future opportunities for enhancing clinical sperm selection practices and reducing day‐to‐day variability in clinics.
Hydrogen Bonds and In situ Photoinduced Metallic Bi0/Ni0 Accelerating Z‐Scheme Charge Transfer of BiOBr@NiFe‐LDH for Highly Efficient Photocatalysis
Authors: Sun Rongjun , Zhu Zijian , Tian Na , Zhang Yihe , Huang Hongwei
Published: July 2024

For heterojunction system, the lack of stable interfacial driving force and definite charge transfer channel makes the charge separation and transfer efficiency unsatisfactory. The photoreaction mechanism occurring at the interface also receives less attention. Herein, a 2D/2D Z‐scheme junction BiOBr@NiFe‐LDH with large‐area contact featured by short interface hydrogen bonds and strong interfacial electric field (IEF) is synthesized, and in situ photoinduced metallic species assisting charge transfer mechanism is demonstrated. The hydrogen bonds between O atoms from BiOBr and H atoms from NiFe‐LDH induce a significant interfacial charge redistribution, establishing a robust IEF. Notably, during photocatalytic reaction, Bi0 and Ni0 are in situ performed in heterojunction, which separately act as electron transport mediator and electron trap to further accelerate charge transfer efficiency up to 71.2 %. Theoretical calculations further demonstrate that the existence of Bi0 strengthens the IEF. Therefore, high‐speed spatial charge separation is realized in Bi0/BiOBr@Ni0/NiFe‐LDH, leading to a prominent photocatalytic activity with a tetracycline removal ratio of 88.3 % within 7 min under visible‐light irradiation and the presence of persulfate, far exceeding majority of photocatalysts reported previously. This study provides valid insights for designing hydrogen bonding heterojunction systems, and advances mechanistic understanding on in situ photoreaction at interfaces.
Visible‐Light‐Driven Multicomponent Reactions for the Versatile Synthesis of Thioamides by Radical Thiocarbamoylation
Authors: Guo Hong‐Mei , Wang Jia‐Jin , Xiong Yanjiao , Wu Xuesong
Published: July 2024

Thioamides are widely used structures in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, as well as important synthons for the construction of sulfur‐containing heterocycles. This report presents a series of visible‐light‐driven multicomponent reactions of amines, carbon disulfide, and olefins for the mild and versatile synthesis of linear thioamides and cyclic thiolactams. The use of inexpensive and readily available carbon disulfide as the thiocarbonyl source in a radical pathway enables the facile assembly of structurally diverse amine moieties with non‐nucleophilic carbon‐based reaction partners. Radical thiocarbamoylative cyclization provides a practical protocol that complements traditional approaches to thiolactams relying on deoxythionation. Mechanistic studies reveal that direct photoexcitation of in situ formed dithiocarbamate anions as well as versatile photoinduced electron transfer with diverse electron acceptors are key to the reactions.
Hexa‐atom Pt Catalyst Fabricated by a Ligand Engineering Strategy for Efficient Hydrogen Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Yan Li , Wang Dunchao , Li. Mengjiao , Lu Ruihu , Lu Mengge , Li Panpan , Wang Kaiyue , Jin Shao , Wang Ziyun , Tian Shubo
Published: July 2024

Atomically precise supported nanocluster catalysts (APSNCs), which feature exact atomic composition, well‐defined structures, and unique catalytic properties, offer an exceptional platform for understanding the structure‐performance relationship at the atomic level. However, fabricating APSNCs with precisely controlled and uniform metal atom numbers, as well as maintaining a stable structure, remains a significant challenge due to uncontrollable dispersion and easy aggregation during synthetic and catalytic processes. Herein, we developed an effective ligand engineering strategy to construct a Pt6 nanocluster catalyst stabilized on oxidized carbon nanotubes (Pt6/OCNT). The structural analysis revealed that Pt6 nanoclusters in Pt6/OCNT were fully exposed and exhibited a planar structure. Furthermore, the obtained Pt6/OCNT exhibited outstanding acidic HOR performances with a high mass activity of 18.37 A ⋅ mgpt−1 along with excellent stability during a 24 h constant operation and good CO tolerance, surpassing those of the commercial Pt/C. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrated that the unique geometric and electronic structures of Pt6 nanoclusters on OCNT altered the hydrogen adsorption energies on catalytic sites and thus lowered the HOR theoretical overpotential. This work presents a new prospect for designing and synthesizing advanced APSNCs for efficient energy electrocatalysis.