bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
L-Carnitine Increases High Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol in Healthy Individuals: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Rodrigues Sabrina J. , Dias Vinícius Evangelista , Volpe Caroline M. O. , Barbuto Carlos , Filho Homero Terra Padilha , Nogueira-Machado José A.
Published: August 2023

Background/ Objective: The popular use of L-carnitine (LC) as a food supplement for patients with diverse disorders is based on the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hypolipidemic properties of the amino acid. Since no clinical studies have focused on the effects of LC supplementation in healthy subjects, our objective was to determine whether daily administration of LC to adults presenting no morbidities would induce changes in their glycemic, lipid or inflammatory status.

Methods: Thirty healthy volunteers aged between 19 and 52 years were divided randomly into two equal groups, one of which received 1000 mg of LC per day over a 12-week period while the other received a corresponding dose of identical matching placebo. Serum levels of glucose, total cholesterol, high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C and LDL-C, respectively), triglycerides, apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) and C-reactive protein were assessed before and after intervention.

Results: Total cholesterol and HDL-C increased significantly (p < 0.05) after supplementation with LC but not with placebo. A strong, statistically significant inverse correlation between triglycerides and HDL-C was detected after supplementation with LC but not with placebo. Strong and significant direct correlations between HDL-C and ApoA1 were observed in both groups before and after intervention. No significant correlations between LDL-C and HDL-C or triglycerides and glucose were observed in either group.

Conclusions: The significant increase in HDL-C observed in healthy adults after LC supplementation indicates that the nutraceutical could be useful in impeding the development of heart diseases in subjects with low HDL-C.
Kompetensi Komunikasi sebagai Faktor Keberhasilan dalam Pelaksanaan Program Kampus Mengajar (Studi Kasus di SD Negeri Sinaba Kasemen Kota Serang)
Authors: Malik Abdul , Putri Liza Diniarizky
Published: August 2023

Kampus Mengajar sebagai salah satu program dari Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) dinilai sukses mengu­rangi kesenjangan pembelajaran (learning loss) yang diakibatkan oleh pandemi COVID-19. Salah satu kendala dalam pelaksanaannya adalah kendala komunikasi. Penelitian ini mengurai lebih lanjut tentang kendala atau hambatan komuni­kasi yang dihadapi oleh mahasiswa dan faktor yang melatarbelakanginya, serta bagaimana mereka mampu mengatasinya sehingga program Kampus Mengajar berjalan sesuai dengan yang diharapkan. Adapun lokus penelitian dilakukan di SDN Sinaba, Kota Serang, Provinsi Banten, dengan metode yang digunakan adalah studi kasus dan paradigma postpositivistik. Berdasarkan penelitian diperoleh kesimpulan bahwa mahasiswa mampu mengatasi berbagai hambatan sebagaimana dimaksud karena memiliki kompetensi komunikasi. Dalam hal ini, kompetensi komunikasi menjadi faktor keberhasilan dalam pelaksanaan program Kampus Mengajar. Diharapkan hasil penelitian ini ditindak­lanjuti dengan penelitian lain, terutama di bidang komunikasi, karena penelitian tentang program Kampus Mengajar dalam perspektif ilmu komunikasi terhitung masih sedikit.
Digital Divide and Digital Literacy During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Valentia Tetta Riyani
Published: August 2023

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on the lives of people, where technology plays an important role in people’s daily lives, including the education sector. This is also reinforced by the rampant digital revolution (4.0) and triggers countries to prepare human resources that can compete in the global scope. This situation requires ICT skills that need to be possessed by every level of society. However, the development of ICT in Indonesia is still uneven and has resulted in a digital divide. Technology has been included in primary needs, and it is reflected in the education sector. This study aims to provide a comprehensive picture of the gap and digital literacy in online learning during pandemic. This study used a qualitative descriptive method where data were collected through literature study. The result of this study indicates that in general Indonesia has a diverse digital divide, ranging from ownership of access, the usage of ICT, to the quality of using ICT. This is inseparable from the differences in the geographical and socio-demographic conditions of the Indonesian. All efforts that have been planned and implemented are increasingly understood to be carried out properly, acceleration of digital literacy is the main key in dealing with the digital divide, especially in terms of education.
Couples Communication in Decision Making on the Use of Contraceptive Devices (Studi Pustaka: Komunikasi Pasangan dalam Pengambilan Keputusan Penggunaan Alat Kontrasepsi)
Authors: Putri Puri Kusuma Dwi
Published: August 2023

Secara global angka unmet need pada program Keluarga Berencana (KB) masih belum tercapai. Keterlibatan laki-laki pada penggunaan alat kontrasepsi juga masih rendah. Selama ini program KB masih ditujukan pada perempuan, hal ini membuat KB menjadi bias gender. Program Kependudukan, KB dan Pembangunan Keluarga tertuang pada indikator SDGs 2030 (United Nations) yaitu untuk menjamin kehidupan yang sehat dan mencapai kesetaraan gender serta memberdayakan kaum perempuan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menggambarkan state of the art penelitian komunikasi antar pasangan dalam pengambilan keputusan penggunaan alat kontrasepsi dan meningkatkan komunikasi suami isteri dalam  pengambilan keputusan penggunaan alat kontrasepsi. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan review sistematis (systematic review). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa komunikasi antarpasangan dalam pengambilan keputusan penting dalam kesuksesan program KB terbagi menjadi tipe keputusan; relasi gender; sumber informasi;  media; dan Komunikasi, Informasi, dan Edukasi (KIE). Peran keluarga merupakan tahap awal suami/isteri dapat mendiskusikan kapan akan mempunyai anak, berapa jumlah anak yang akan dimiliki, dan penggunaan alat kontrasepsi yang cocok bagi keduanya.
Principles to Inform Risk Adjustment Policy
Authors: Horn Daniel M. , Navathe Amol S.
Published: August 2023

This Viewpoint discusses the benefits and drawbacks of current risk adjustment tools, outlines the pressures clinicians may face to use these tools, and proposes principles and policy solutions to ensure that risk adjustment is clinically meaningful and to minimize gaming and waste.
Association of Caregiver Depression Risk With Patient Outcomes in Parkinson Disease
Authors: Rashid Rudmila , Aamodt Whitley W. , Horn Sarah , Dahodwala Nabila
Published: August 2023

Importance

Caregivers are integral to Parkinson disease (PD) care, but little information exists regarding how caregivers impact patient outcomes.

Objective

To assess the association between caregivers reporting depression symptoms and patient quality of life (QOL), emergency department (ED) visits, and hospitalizations.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study was conducted at 15 Parkinson’s Foundation Centers of Excellence within the US. The Parkinson’s Foundation Parkinson Outcomes Project registry was used to collect baseline data from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2018, with subsequent annual study visits through July 31, 2020. Data were analyzed from August 5, 2020, to June 9, 2023. A convenience sample of 454 patients with PD and their caregivers was recruited during routine clinical visits with movement disorder specialists. Patients with a physician diagnosis of idiopathic PD who lived at home and had 1 or more follow-up study visits were included.

Exposure

Caregiver depression symptoms using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Patient health-related QOL (measured by the 39-item Parkinson Disease Questionnaire), number of annual ED visits, and number of annual hospitalizations were measured. The independent association between caregivers reporting depression symptoms and patient outcomes was assessed using linear mixed-effects and Poisson regression models. The a priori hypotheses were that a greater number of depression symptoms reported via the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale would be associated with worse patient QOL and a greater number of ED visits and hospitalizations.

Results

Among 454 patient-caregiver dyads (patients: mean [SD] age, 67.3 [8.4] years; 320 men [70.5%]; caregivers: mean [SD] age, 65.9 [8.7] years; 326 women [71.8%]), the mean (SD) follow-up was 2.0 (1.4) study visits. Greater depression symptoms among caregivers were associated with worse patient QOL as measured by the Parkinson Disease Questionnaire (mean [SD] score, 33.78 [17.71], on a scale of 0-100, with higher scores indicating worse QOL, among patients with caregivers who had depression symptoms vs 24.50 [14.19] among patients with caregivers who did not have depression symptoms; β = 0.43; 95% CI, 0.28-0.58; P < .001) and more annual ED visits (β = 0.02; 95% CI, 0 to 0.04; P = .03) but not more hospitalizations (β = 0.02; 95% CI, −0.01 to 0.03; P = .10).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, patients with PD who had caregivers at higher risk of depression were more likely to have worse QOL and higher ED use than patients who had caregivers not at higher risk of depression. Additional caregiving resources and interventions to reduce caregiver depression symptoms could potentially improve patient outcomes.
Recent Progress of Amorphous Porous Organic Polymers as Heterogeneous Photocatalysts for Organic Synthesis
Authors: Wang Yang , Yang Yong , Deng Qinghua , Chen Weibing , Zhang Yongcai , Zhou Yong , Zou Zhigang
Published: August 2023

The establishment of green and environmental friendly sunlight‐driven organic reactions has received increasing attention since the 21st century. By virtue of their functional designability, micromesoporous structure, and thermal/chemical stability, porous organic polymers (POPs) have exhibited enormous promise in photocatalytic organic reactions as ideal potential alternatives to conventional small molecule and inorganic semiconductor catalysts. In particular, amorphous POPs are simplified in terms of preparation conditions and process flow. Herein, various amorphous POP materials based on polymers of intrinsic microporosity, hypercrosslinked polymers, conjugated microporous polymers, and porous aromatic frameworks are reviewed, while typical synthetic strategies are briefly introduced. It also highlights an overview of the research progress in photocatalytic oxidation, coupling, reduction, cycloaddition, and polymerization reactions at home and abroad in recent years. Finally, the challenges and prospects for future research on amorphous POPs are presented.
Emerging Bioprinting for Wound Healing
Authors: Wang Zijian , Liang Xiao , Wang Guanyi , Wang Xinghuan , Chen Yun
Published: August 2023

Bioprinting has attracted much attention due to its suitability for fabricating biomedical devices. In particular, bioprinting has become one of the growing centers in the field of wound healing, with various types of bioprinted devices being developed, including 3D scaffolds, microneedle patches, and flexible electronics. Bioprinted devices can be designed with specific biostructures and biofunctions that closely match the shape of wound sites and accelerate the regeneration of skin through various approaches. Herein, a comprehensive review of the bioprinting of smart wound dressings is presented, emphasizing the crucial effect of bioprinting in determining biostructures and biofunctions. The review begins with an overview of bioprinting techniques and bioprinted devices, followed with an in‐depth discussion of polymer‐based inks, modification strategies, additive ingredients, properties, and applications. The strategies for the modification of bioprinted devices are divided into seven categories, including chemical synthesis of novel inks, physical blending, coaxial bioprinting, multimaterial bioprinting, physical absorption, chemical immobilization, and hybridization with living cells, and examples are presented. Thereafter, the frontiers of bioprinting and wound healing, including 4D bioprinting, artificial intelligence‐assisted bioprinting, and in situ bioprinting, are discussed from a perspective of interdisciplinary sciences. Finally, the current challenges and future prospects in this field are highlighted.
Boosting Dye‐Sensitized Luminescence by Enhanced Short‐Range Triplet Energy Transfer
Authors: Zhao Fei , Hu Jialing , Guan Daoming , Liu Jinyang , Zhang Xuebo , Ling Huan , Zhang Yunxiang , Liu Qian
Published: August 2023

Dye‐sensitization can enhance lanthanide‐based upconversion luminescence, but is hindered by interfacial energy transfer from organic dye to lanthanide ion Yb3+. To overcome these limitations, modifying coordination sites on dye conjugated structures and minimizing the distance between fluorescence cores and Yb3+ in upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) are proposed. The specially designed near‐infrared (NIR) dye, disulfo‐indocyanine green (disulfo‐ICG), acts as the antenna molecule and exhibits a 2413‐fold increase in luminescence under 808 nm excitation compared to UCNPs alone using 980 nm irradiation. The significant improvement is attributed to the high energy transfer efficiency of 72.1% from disulfo‐ICG to Yb3+ in UCNPs, with majority of energy originating from triplet state (T1) of disulfo‐ICG. Shortening the distance between the dye and lanthanide ions increases the probability of energy transfer and strengthens the heavy atom effect, leading to enhanced T1 generation and improved dye‐triplet sensitization upconversion. Importantly, this approach also applies to 730 nm excitation Cy7‐SO3 sensitization system, overcoming the spectral mismatch between Cy7 and Yb3+ and achieving a 52‐fold enhancement in luminescence. Furthermore, the enhancement of upconversion at single particle level through dye‐sensitization is demonstrated. This strategy expands the range of NIR dyes for sensitization and opens new avenues for highly efficient dye‐sensitized upconversion systems.
Advanced Multilayered Electrode with Planar Building Blocks Structure for High‐Performance Lithium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Chang Qian , Fu Xinlong , Gao Jingchi , Zhang Zhihui , Liu Xin , Huang Changshui , Li Yuliang
Published: August 2023

To achieve the high‐performance of lithium‐ion battery, the optimization of electrode materials has generally been considered as the one of the important methods. But most of those works pay attention to the new materials preparation or interface modification rather than the structural innovation. Here, an advanced electrode (GDY/BP/GDY‐E) with multilevel layered architecture constructed by planar building blocks stacking structure has been designed and fabricated to explore the structure design of the electrode. This new structure is assembled by graphdiyne (GDY) and black phosphorus (BP) in parallel to form a building block (GDY/BP/GDY). The electric fields between the two GDY sides of the planar building block structure contribute to the superior migration dynamics of lithium ions and desirable pseudocapacitance behavior. Meanwhile, the planar stacking structure of GDY/BP/GDY can efficiently inhibit volume expansion of BP and a series of parasitic reactions of electrolytes during the long‐term cycling. The advanced GDY/BP/GDY‐E exhibits excellent high‐rate performance (1418.8 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1) and cycling stability (391.7 mAh g–1 after 5000 cycles at 10 A g−1). Such structural design of electrode materials shows a new way to develop high‐performance electrodes.
Wet‐Adaptive Electronic Skin
Authors: Chen Fan , Zhuang Qiuna , Ding Yichun , Zhang Chi , Song Xian , Chen Zijian , Zhang Yaokang , Mei Quanjin , Zhao Xin , Huang Qiyao , Zheng Zijian
Published: August 2023

Skin electronics provides remarkable opportunities for non‐invasive and long‐term monitoring of a wide variety of biophysical and physiological signals that are closely related to health, medicine, and human‐machine interactions. Nevertheless, conventional skin electronics fabricated on elastic thin films are difficult to adapt to the wet microenvironments of the skin: Elastic thin films are non‐permeable, which block the skin perspiration; Elastic thin films are difficult to adhere to wet skin; Most skin electronics are difficult to work underwater. Here, a Wet‐Adaptive Electronic Skin (WADE‐skin) is reported, which consists of a next‐to‐skin wet‐adhesive fibrous layer, a next‐to‐air waterproof fibrous layer, and a stretchable and permeable liquid metal electrode layer. While the electronic functionality is determined by the electrode design, this WADE‐skin simultaneously offers superb stretchability, wet adhesion, permeability, biocompatibility, and waterproof property. The WADE‐skin can rapidly adhere to human skin after contact for a few seconds and stably maintain the adhesion over weeks even under wet conditions, without showing any negative effect to the skin health. The use of WADE‐skin is demonstrated for the stable recording of electrocardiogram during intensive sweating as well as underwater activities, and as the strain sensor for the underwater operation of virtual reality‐mediated human‐machine interactions.
Stability Issues in Electrochemical CO2Reduction: Recent Advances in Fundamental Understanding and Design Strategies
Authors: Lai Wenchuan , Qiao Yan , Wang Yanan , Huang Hongwen
Published: August 2023

Electrochemical CO2reduction reaction (CO2RR) offers a promising approach to close the anthropogenic carbon cycle and store intermittent renewable energy in fuels or chemicals. On the path to commercializing this technology, achieving the long‐term operation stability is a central requirement but still confronts challenges. This motivates to organize the present review to systematically discuss the stability issue of CO2RR. This review starts from the fundamental understanding on the destabilization mechanisms of CO2RR, with focus on the degradation of electrocatalyst and change of reaction microenvironment during continuous electrolysis. Subsequently, recent efforts on catalyst design to stabilize the active sites are summarized, where increasing atomic binding strength to resist surface reconstruction is highlighted. Next, the optimization of electrolysis system to enhance the operation stability by maintaining reaction microenvironment especially mitigating flooding and carbonate problems is demonstrated. The manipulation on operation conditions also enables to prolong CO2RR lifespan through recovering catalytically active sites and mass transport process. This review finally ends up by indicating the challenges and future opportunities.
Regulating Organic Dopant Dispersion in Polymer Matrices for Concentration‐Controlled Color‐Tunable Organic RTP Emissions
Authors: Chen Junwu , Zhang Shiguo , Liu Guanyu , Zhang Yuefa , Xue Shanfeng , Sun Qikun , Yang Wenjun
Published: August 2023

Multi‐aryl conjugated organic molecules have intrinsically poor compatibility with most polymers, although they can be dispersed into polymer matrices by solution casting film. This work proposes that this property can be used to obtain diverse dispersion states and realize unique room temperature phosphorescence (RTP). Herein, cyano‐ and amide‐containing N‐phenylcarbazoles (2Q5X, 2J5X) are doped into different polar and rigid PVA and PMMA. 2J5X/PVA emits blue and green RTP after 254 and 365 nm light excitation, respectively, whereas 2Q5X/PVA emits green RTP bearing excitation wavelength‐dependent blue‐emitting shoulder. When 2Q5X is doped into PMMA, this blue RTP becomes dominant due to the increase in molecular dispersion ratio. Combined with the investigations on RTP properties of low doping concentration polymers and crystalline and amorphous states, the blue RTP and green RTP are attributed to the emissions of the isolated molecule and the clustering molecules, respectively. This work reveals that regulating the dispersion of organic dopants in polymers can provide unique and diverse RTP properties.
Chiral 2D/Quasi‐2D Perovskite Heterojunction Nanowire Arrays for High‐Performance Full‐Stokes Polarization Detection
Authors: Zhao Yiman , Zhou Zhonghao , Liu Xiaolong , Ren Ang , Ji Shiyang , Guan Yuwei , Liu Zhen , Liu Haidi , Li Penghao , Hu Fengqin , Zhao Yong Sheng
Published: August 2023

The realization of Stokes photodetectors accelerates the development of various modern optoelectronic applications. Chiral 2D perovskites with intrinsic chiral optical activity and superior carrier mobility are promising for next‐generation full‐Stokes polarization detection. So far, most of the chiral 2D metal‐halide perovskite‐based photodetectors suffer from limited discrimination of circularly polarized light due to the high exciton recombination rate in single‐phase perovskite, impeding the accurate measurement for Stokes parameters. Here, an on‐chip Stokes photodetector based on chiral 2D/quasi‐2D perovskite lateral heterojunction nanowire (NW) arrays with high polarization selectivity and photoresponsiveness is reported. The highly‐aligned heterojunction NW arrays not only build up a built‐in electric field for enhanced chiral discrimination, but also possess intrinsic anisotropy that enables outstanding linear polarization response. On this basis, the device exhibits reliable ability for polarization detection with a high anisotropy factor of 0.38, an outstanding polarized ratio of 1.5, and an excellent responsivity of 22.14 A W−1. These results will provide useful enlightenment for direct full‐Stokes polarization detection in optoelectronic integrated circuits.
Dissecting the Determinants of Domain Insertion Tolerance and Allostery in Proteins
Authors: Mathony Jan , Aschenbrenner Sabine , Becker Philipp , Niopek Dominik
Published: August 2023

Domain insertion engineering is a promising approach to recombine the functions of evolutionarily unrelated proteins. Insertion of light‐switchable receptor domains into a selected effector protein, for instance, can yield allosteric effectors with light‐dependent activity. However, the parameters that determine domain insertion tolerance and allostery are poorly understood. Here, an unbiased screen is used to systematically assess the domain insertion permissibility of several evolutionary unrelated proteins. Training machine learning models on the resulting data allow to dissect features informative for domain insertion tolerance and revealed sequence conservation statistics as the strongest indicators of suitable insertion sites. Finally, extending the experimental pipeline toward the identification of switchable hybrids results in opto‐chemogenetic derivatives of the transcription factor AraC that function as single‐protein Boolean logic gates. The study reveals determinants of domain insertion tolerance and yielded multimodally switchable proteins with unique functional properties.
Steerable and Agile Light‐Fueled Rolling Locomotors by Curvature‐Engineered Torsional Torque
Authors: Choi Jun‐Chan , Jeon Jisoo , Lee Jae‐Won , Nauman Asad , Lee Jae Gyeong , Cho Woongbi , Lee Chanwoo , Cho Young‐Min , Wie Jeong Jae , Kim Hak‐Rin
Published: August 2023

On‐demand photo‐steerable amphibious rolling motions are generated by the structural engineering of monolithic soft locomotors. Photo‐morphogenesis of azobenzene‐functionalized liquid crystal polymer networks (azo‐LCNs) is designed from spiral ribbon to helicoid helices, employing a 270° super‐twisted nematic molecular geometry with aspect ratio variations of azo‐LCN strips. Unlike the intermittent and biased rolling of spiral ribbon azo‐LCNs with center‐of‐mass shifting, the axial torsional torque of helicoid azo‐LCNs enables continuous and straight rolling at high rotation rates (≈720 rpm). Furthermore, center‐tapered helicoid structures with wide edges are introduced for effectively accelerating photo‐motilities while maintaining directional controllability. Irrespective of surface conditions, the photo‐induced rotational torque of center‐tapered helicoid azo‐LCNs can be transferred to interacting surfaces, as manifested by steep slope climbing and paddle‐like swimming multimodal motilities. Finally, the authors demonstrate continuous curvilinear guidance of soft locomotors, bypassing obstacles and reaching desired destinations through real‐time on‐demand photo‐steering.
Defect‐Engineered Electrically‐Injected Germanium‐on‐Insulator Waveguide Light Emitters at Telecom Wavelengths
Authors: Yeh Po‐Lun , Wu Bo‐Rui , Peng Yi‐Wei , Wu Chen‐Wei , Jheng Yue‐Tong , Lee Kwang Hong , Chen Qimiao , Tan Chuan Seng , Chang Guo‐En
Published: August 2023

Ge‐on‐insulators (GOIs) have been extensively explored as a potential platform for electronic‐photonic integrated circuits (EPICs), enabling various emerging applications. Although an efficient electrically‐injected light source is highly desirable, realizing such devices with optimal light emission efficiency remains challenging. Here, the first room‐temperature electrically‐injected Ge waveguide light emitters consisting of a lateral p–i–n homojunction on a GOI platform that can be monolithically integrated with EPICs are demonstrated. A high‐quality Ge active layer is transferred onto an insulator layer with the misfit dislocations in the Ge active layer eliminated to suppress unwanted nonradiative recombination. A 0.165% tensile strain is introduced to enhance the directness of the band structure and improve the light emission efficiency. The device comprises a waveguide structure with a significantly improved optical confinement as the optical resonator and a lateral p–i–n homojunction structure as the electrical injection structure. Under continuous‐wave electrical current injection at room temperature, enhanced electroluminescence is successfully observed at telecommunications wavelengths covering the C, L, and U bands, with improved efficiency. Theoretical analysis suggests that the quantum efficiency of Ge light emitters is dramatically affected by the defect density. These results pave the way for developing efficient, room‐temperature, electrically‐injected light emitters for next‐generation GOI‐based EPICs.
One‐step conversion of sulfate lithium into high‐purity lithium hydroxide crystals via bipolar membrane crystallization
Authors: Hou Bowen , Fu Rong , Wang Huangying , Yan Junying , Li Ruirui , Wang Baoying , Jiang Chenxiao , Wang Yaoming , Xu Tongwen
Published: August 2023

To date, bipolar membrane electrodialysis (BMED) is being developed as a competitive technology for waste lithium‐ion battery recovery. However, the purity and concentration of lithium hydroxide generated from a BMED plant could not meet the product criteria for ternary lithium batteries, thus requiring additional condensation, purification, evaporation, and crystallization procedures. Herein, bipolar membrane crystallization (BMC) was proposed for the one‐step conversion of sulfate lithium into high‐purity lithium hydroxide monohydrate crystals. By mediating a continuous saturated feedstock in the salt compartment, it is possible to convert Li2SO4 into 5+ mol/L LiOH at a current density higher than 500 A/m2. Therefore, this unique design allows the production of 99.9% LiOH∙H2O by taking the principle of water dissociation in the bipolar membrane and the simultaneous crystallization procedure. This proof‐of‐concept study proves the feasibility and competitiveness of the BMC for waste lithium recovery by abandoning the condensation and evaporation procedures.
Distinctive aspects of the immune status of the Kola Saami and Russians living in the Far North
Authors: Gubkina Lyubov V. , Samodova Anna V. , Dobrodeeva Liliya K.
Published: August 2023

Objective

The level of immunological reactivity of the indigenous inhabitants of the Far North may depend on the extreme‐discomfort factors of the climatic environment and genetic traits of the population. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the distinctive elements of the immune status of the Kola Saami and Russians living in the Far North (Murmansk Region).

Methods

A complex immunological study of peripheral venous blood composition was performed and involved 67 Saami and 81 Russian inhabitants of the Far North (Murmansk Region) who were aged 21–55. Blood was collected from the cubital vein on an empty stomach in the morning. For the peripheral venous blood, we obtained a hemogram and phagocytic activity of neutrophils, determined the content of lymphocytes with CD4, CD8, CD16, and CD71 phenotypes by indirect immunoperoxidase reaction and flow cytometry using an Epics XL apparatus (Beckman Coulter, United States), obtained concentrations of IL‐6, IFN‐γ, IL‐10, IgA, M, G, E, sCD54, and sCD62L, transferrin, and sCD71 by enzyme immunoassay using the “Evolis” enzyme immunoassay analyzer from Bio‐RAD (Germany), and obtained circulating immune complexes by precipitation using 3.5%, 4.0%, and 7.5% PEG‐6000. The sIgA content was determined in morning saliva, urine, and gastrointestinal tract secretions. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent sample t‐criterion, and Pearson correlation coefficient.

Results

A decrease in the total number of leukocyte cells in the Saami was associated with a high incidence of leukopenia, lymphopenia, and neutropenia. Deficiency in active phagocytes and serum IgA and sIgA concentrations was revealed as well as increased contents of CD4+ and CD8+ receptor lymphocytes, membrane and free adhesion molecules, and transferrin. Leukocytosis, lymphocytosis, neutrophilia, monocytosis, and eosinophilia with increased contents of natural killer cells, IL‐6, and IL‐10 were recorded more frequently in the Russians. High levels of IgE and IFN‐γ, which have the most pronounced cytotoxicity and are indicative of strained immune mechanisms, were characteristic of the Saami and Russians.

Conclusion

The distinctive aspects of the immune status of the Kola Saami is related to the deficit in the active phagocyte and serum IgA and sIgA concentrations as well as the increase in the contents of cytotoxic lymphocytes, intercellular adhesion molecules, transferrin, and IFN‐γ proinflammatory cytokines. The Russian inhabitants of the Far North are characterized by an adaptive response manifested by an increase in antibody‐dependent cytotoxicity, involving IL‐6 and IL‐10.
All chronic rhinosinusitis endotype clusters demonstrate improvement in patient‐reported and clinical outcome measures after endoscopic sinus surgery
Authors: Chapurin Nikita , Schlosser Rodney J. , Gutierrez Jorge , Mace Jess C. , Smith Timothy L. , Bodner Todd E. , Khan Sofia , Mulligan Jennifer K. , Mattos Jose L. , Alt Jeremiah A. , Ramakrishnan Vijay R. , Soler Zachary M.
Published: August 2023

Background

It is unclear whether chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) endotypes show a differential response to endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). We explored patient mucous inflammatory cytokine expression and associations with patient‐reported and clinically measured post‐operative outcome measures.

Methods

Patients with CRS were prospectively recruited between 2016 and 2021 into a national multicenter, observational study. Mucus was collected from the olfactory cleft preoperatively and evaluated for 26 biomarkers using cluster analysis. Patient‐reported outcome measures included the 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) and Questionnaire of Olfactory Dysfunction (QOD). Additional clinical measures of disease severity included threshold, discrimination, and identification (TDI) scores using “Sniffin’ Sticks” testing and Lund–Kennedy endoscopic score (LKES).

Results

A total of 115 patients were clustered into type 2 inflammatory, non–type 2 inflammatory, noninflammatory, and two indeterminate clusters based on individual protein levels. Overall, the type 2 inflammatory cluster was found to have the highest mean improvement in both SNOT‐22 (−28.3 [standard deviation, ±16.2]) and TDI (6.5 [standard deviation, ±7.9]) scores 6 months after ESS. However, on average, all endotype clusters demonstrated improvement in all outcome measures after ESS without statistically significant between‐group differences in SNOT‐22 (p = 0.738), QOD (p = 0.306), TDI (p = 0.358), or LKES (p = 0.514) measures.

Conclusions

All CRS endotype clusters responded favorably to surgery and showed improvements in patient‐reported and objective outcome measures. Thus, ESS should be considered a more generalized CRS therapy, and benefits appear to not be limited to specific endotypes.
White matter hyperintensity longitudinal morphometric analysis in association with Alzheimer disease
Authors: Strain Jeremy Fuller , Phuah Chia‐Ling , Adeyemo Babatunde , Cheng Kathleen , Womack Kyle B. , McCarthy John , Goyal Manu , Chen Yasheng , Sotiras Aristeidis , An Hongyu , Xiong Chengjie , Scharf Andrea , Newsom‐Stewart Catherine , Morris John Carl , Benzinger Tammie Lee Smith , Lee Jin‐Moo , Ances Beau M. ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: August 2023

INTRODUCTION

Vascular damage in Alzheimer's disease (AD) has shown conflicting findings particularly when analyzing longitudinal data. We introduce white matter hyperintensity (WMH) longitudinal morphometric analysis (WLMA) that quantifies WMH expansion as the distance from lesion voxels to a region of interest boundary.

METHODS

WMH segmentation maps were derived from 270 longitudinal fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) ADNI images. WLMA was performed on five data‐driven WMH patterns with distinct spatial distributions. Amyloid accumulation was evaluated with WMH expansion across the five WMH patterns.

RESULTS

The preclinical group had significantly greater expansion in the posterior ventricular WM compared to controls. Amyloid significantly associated with frontal WMH expansion primarily within AD individuals. WLMA outperformed WMH volume changes for classifying AD from controls primarily in periventricular and posterior WMH.

DISCUSSION

These data support the concept that localized WMH expansion continues to proliferate with amyloid accumulation throughout the entirety of the disease in distinct spatial locations.
New copper (II) complexes derived from azo pyridone dyes: Structure characterization, thermal properties, and molecular docking studies
Authors: Lađarević Jelena , Radovanović Lidija , Božić Bojan , Mašulović Aleksandra , Lunić Tanja , Radovanović Željko , Rogan Jelena , Mijin Dušan
Published: August 2023

Two azo dye ligands, bearing different substituents (chlorine atom or methoxy group) in the para‐position of the phenyl ring, were employed for the synthesis of two Cu(II) chelates. Full structural affirmation of complexes was assessed. X‐ray diffraction measurements revealed that the coordination geometry for Cu atoms in both complexes is square‐pyramidal with a ligand:metal ratio of 2:1 where dyes behave as monobasic bidentate ligands. Thermogravimetric analyses of the complexes and their starting dyes were performed to study their thermal stabilities and decomposition behavior confirming the thermal stability of both dyes and complexes. Antioxidative activity of the complexes has been assigned and compared with their parent ligands revealing that the presence of the electron–donor, methoxy group, in the phenyl ring, in both dye and complex, is responsible for the activity (IC50 values of 1.54 for the dye and 1.30 mM for the complex). It should be stated that the complexation of the methoxy‐substituted dye leads to enhanced antioxidative activity concurrent to a standard antioxidant molecule of ascorbic acid, making this molecule a promising antioxidant agent. Docking study with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 and Aurora kinase A proteins indicate that complexes exhibit higher binding affinities to proteins than the starting ligand dyes. The most promising structure exhibiting the best docking potential toward both proteins is the complex‐bearing methoxy group. The presented results represent a promising start for further investigations of these compounds as potential therapeutic candidates for the treatment of various types of cancer.
The influence of different sugammadex doses on neural tube development in early‐stage chick embryos
Authors: Ayhan Asude , Efe Ekin , Fidan Pinar A. , Efe Oguzhan E. , Ates Eylem Gul , Sahinturk Fikret , Ayhan Selim
Published: August 2023

Background

Sugammadex is a modified gamma‐cyclodextrin that has been developed with the goal of reversing the steroidal neuromuscular blocking agents. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of different sugammadex doses on embryologic and neural tube development in an early‐stage chick embryo model.

Methods

A total of 100 specific pathogen‐free, fertilized domestic chicken eggs were randomly divided into five groups (n = 20, each), and placed in an automatic cycle incubator. The eggs in the “control (C)” group were incubated without administration of any drug till the end of the experiment. Sub‐blastodermic administration of 0.9% NaCl as vehicle control (VC) and different doses of sugammadex solutions prepared with the latter [2 mg/mL (LD), 4 mg/mL (MD), 16 mg/mL (HD)] were performed at 30 hr of incubation. All embryos were removed from the eggs at 72 hr when they were expected to reach Hamburger‐Hamilton (HH) stages 19–20, then they were fixed, and evaluated histo‐morphologically.

Results

Embryonic development was not observed in 11 eggs (1 in C, 1 in VC; 3 in LD, 3 in MD, and 3 in HD). All the developed embryos were compatible with the HH stages 19–20. A neural tube closure defect was detected in one embryo in the HD group. No statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of embryonic and neural tube developments.

Conclusions

No significant association was found between the drug and adverse outcomes; however, a trend with dosing was seen. Further studies are required before conclude on safety and extrapolate these results to human beings.
Circulation as a Visual Practice**
Authors: Steiner Katharina , Engelmann Lukas
Published: August 2023

This special issue looks at some of the ways that images are adopted, co‐opted, and adapted in the life sciences and beyond. It brings together papers that investigate the role of visualization in scientific knowledge‐production with contributions that focus on the distribution and dissemination of knowledge to a broader audience. A commentary provides a critical perspective. In this editorial we introduce circulation as a practice to better understand scientific images. Along two themes, we highlight connections across the papers. First, the social life of scientific representation follows the contexts, settings, and spaces through which images circulate. Second, authorship, expertise, and trust inform the capacity and the failure of images to circulate. Altogether, this volume raises a set of new questions about circulation as practice in the historiography of images in the life sciences.
Problem‐based learning (PBL) application in ‘metabolic syndrome (MetS)’ among common diseases of the modern age: A case study
Authors: Günter Tuğçe
Published: August 2023

The present study was to teach metabolic syndrome (MetS) disease through a scenario developed according to the problem‐based learning (PBL) approach in the biochemistry class. The study was designed as a single group pre‐test and post‐test research. The study group consisted of first‐year students (N = 183) from the nursing department within the health sciences faculty of a state university in Turkey. The study findings indicated that PBL increased students' understanding and learning performances about MetS. It may be suggested that those learned by the scenario developed according to the PBL are effective in learning about the MetS.
Effect of butyrate‐producing enterobacteria on advanced hepatocellular carcinoma treatment with atezolizumab and bevacizumab
Authors: Nouso Kazuhiro , Shiota Shohei , Fujita Rio , Wakuta Akiko , Kariyama Kazuya , Hiraoka Atsushi , Atsukawa Masanori , Tani Joji , Tada Toshifumi , Nakamura Shinichiro , Tajiri Kazuto , Kaibori Masaki , Hirooka Masashi , Itobayashi Ei , Kakizaki Satoru , Naganuma Atsushi , Ishikawa Toru , Hatanaka Takeshi , Fukunishi Shinya , Tsuji Kunihiko , Kawata Kazuhito , Takaguchi Koichi , Tsutsui Akemi , Ogawa Chikara , Ochi Hironori , Yata Yutaka , Kuroda Hidekatsu , Iijima Hiroko , Matono Tomomitsu , Shimada Noritomo , Yasuda Satoshi , Toyoda Hidenori , Kumada Takashi ,   the Real‐life Practice Experts for HCC (RELPEC) Study Group and HCC 48 Group (hepatocellular carcinoma experts from 48 clinics in Japan)
Published: August 2023

Aim

Multiple studies have revealed the correlation between gut microbiome and the response to checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) in patients with cancer, and oral administration of butyrate‐producing enterobacteria has been reported to enhance the efficacy of CPIs. However, the effects of enterobacteria on patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are not well understood.

Methods

In this retrospective multicenter study, we enrolled 747 patients with advanced HCC, treated with atezolizumab and bevacizumab combination therapy. Tumor response, survival, and adverse effects were compared between 99 patients who ingested drugs containing butyric acid‐producing enterobacteria (butyric acid group) and the remaining patients (control group).

Results

Objective response and disease control rates in butyric acid group (29.7% and 77.8%, respectively) were higher than those in the control group (26.4% and 72.7%, respectively). However, the differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.543 and p = 0.222, respectively). No difference in median survival time was observed between the two groups (20.0 months and 21.4 months, respectively; p = 0.789), even after matching the backgrounds of the patients with propensity scores (p = 0.714). No adverse effects occurred upon the administration of butyrate‐producing bacteria. However, proteinuria (41.4% vs. 30.9%; p = 0.041), fever (17.2% vs. 10.2%, p = 0.036), and diarrhea (15.2% vs. 6.2%; p = 0.001) occurred more frequently in the butyric acid group.

Conclusion

Butyrate‐producing bacteria does not enhance the efficacy of atezolizumab–bevacizumab combination therapy in patients with HCC.
VV‐ECMO as bridge and safety net for successful therapeutic polypragmasy in a case of influenza‐triggered near‐fatal asthma
Authors: Kowalewski Christoph , Schnürer Peter , Kopp Sabrina , Windschmitt Johannes , Oezkur Mehmet , Kriege Marc , Münzel Thomas , Kaes Joachim , Sagoschen Ingo , Wild Johannes
Published: August 2023

Key Clinical Message

In near‐fatal asthma, the combination of ECMO therapy and isoflurane application via an intensive care ventilator with an anesthetic conservation device represents a therapeutic combination in seemingly hopeless clinical situations.

We report a case of an adult patient with near‐fatal asthma, who was implanted venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in an extern hospital before transfer to our tertiary center. After 13 days and various therapeutic approaches, including inhaled isoflurane therapy via an anesthetic‐conserving device, the patient was decannulated and extubated 3 days later.
Intussusception in an elderly female and its management: A case report and literature review
Authors: Palle Lokeshwar Raaju Addi , Inban Pugazhendi , Akuma Ogbonnaya , Akuma Chinaza Mercy , Srirama Hema Anisha , Thakkar Keval , Hanafi Ihab Sheikh , Dahal Rojaj , Yousuf Mohammed Adnaan , Khan Aadil Mahmood , Kelechi Anasonye Emmanuel
Published: August 2023

Key Clinical Message

Intussusception is the telescoping or invagination of the proximal part of the gastrointestinal tract into an adjacent section. It is rare in adults, accounting for 1% of adult bowel obstruction. Adult presentation of intussusception is variable, with nonspecific, vague symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and rectal bleeding. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans have the highest sensitivity in the diagnosis of intussusception. The classical findings of intussusception are the target sign and mesenteric vessels lined within the bowel lumen. An abdominal CT scan can reveal a cloverleaf figuration, fluid‐filled ileal loops, superior mesenteric venous (SMV) occlusion, and concerns about ongoing sealed perforation or fistulization. Our patient is an 86‐year‐old female who was diagnosed with a jejunal–jejunal long‐segment intussusception, gastro‐enteric fistula, and SMV occlusion with distal reconstitution. The patient responded well to conservative treatment and was discharged for follow‐up.
A case of combined pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) and watchman implant through hepatic vein in a patient with interrupted inferior vena cava (IVC)
Authors: Girgis Sameh , Niknam Negar , Bhatti Zabeer , Mohsin Jalal , Aal Ahmed Kamel Abdel , Hariharan Ramesh , Hematpour Khashayar
Published: August 2023

Key Clinical Message

This case report describes a successful procedure involving pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) and left atrial appendage (LAA) closure with a watchman device in a 78‐year‐old male with atrial fibrillation and an interrupted inferior vena cava. Due to the vascular anomaly, a transhepatic approach was used, which proved successful.
Prognostic role of C‐reactive protein to albumin ratio in lung cancer: An updated systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lu Zhendong , Fu Siyun , Li Wei , Gao Xiang , Wang Jinghui
Published: August 2023

Background

C‐reactive protein to albumin ratio (CRP/Alb ratio, CAR) has been suggested as a potential prognostic biomarker in lung cancer. This updated systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to assess the association between CAR and lung cancer prognosis in current literature.

Methods

A systematic search of databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published up to April 2023. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the association between CAR and overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) and recurrence‐free survival (RF) in lung cancer patients.

Results

This meta‐analysis includes 16 studies with a total of 5337 patients, indicating a significant association between higher CAR and poorer OS, PFS, and RFS in lung cancer patients, with a pooled HR of 1.78 (95% CI = 1.60–1.99), 1.57 (95% CI = 1.36–1.80), and 1.97 (95% CI = 1.40–2.77), respectively.

Conclusions

This updated meta‐analysis provides evidence for the potential prognostic role of CAR in lung cancer, suggesting its utility as an effective and noninvasive biomarker for identifying high‐risk patients and informing treatment decisions in a cost‐effective manner. However, further large‐scale studies will be necessary to establish the optimal cut‐off value for CAR in lung cancer and confirm the present findings.