bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Species diversity, primary productivity, and photosynthetic pathway in grasslands of eastern Pennsylvania
Authors: Fetcher Ned , Stratford Jeffrey A. , Steele Michael A. , Klemow Kenneth M.
Published: June 2023

We examined the relationship between primary productivity and diversity for grassland, meadow, and savanna (GMS) vegetation in northeastern Pennsylvania, USA, where the landscape is primarily forests, agriculture, and urban or suburban development. We surveyed primary productivity, plant species diversity, invertebrate order diversity, and avian abundance and species diversity for 14 grasslands and open areas that were actively managed and three that apparently occurred naturally. Four grasslands were dominated by warm‐season grasses with the C4 photosynthetic pathway, nine were dominated by C3 grasses, forbs, and shrubs, and four had a mixture of both types. We found hump‐shaped relationships for plant species richness and bird species richness as a function of productivity but not for invertebrate order richness. Richness of invertebrates and birds increased linearly with the number sampled at each site. The number of plant species declined with increasing proportion of warm‐season grasses, as did the number of invertebrate orders collected in sweep samples, avian abundance, and avian species richness. Multiple regression showed that both landscape and vegetative characteristics influenced the bird community. Bird species richness increased with the area of the sites, the ratio of area to edge, and the distance to the nearest open area. There was no evidence for the influence of the relative abundance of native plant species on bird or invertebrate richness. GMS restoration of farmlands and mine lands with plantings of warm‐season grasses, while possibly beneficial for some forms of wildlife, seems to be less effective in maintaining the diversity of invertebrates and birds than a mixture of warm‐season grasses, cool‐season grasses, forbs, and shrubs.
Toward an extreme world: The hyper‐arid ecosystem as a natural model
Authors: Groner Elli , Babad Avshalom , Berda Swiderski Naomi , Shachak Moshe
Published: June 2023

The forecasted increased frequency and intensity of extreme climatic events may strongly affect ecosystem structure and function in the future. It is unclear how ecosystems will function in the long run over a large spatial scale under a new extreme water cycle. This open question calls for a conceptual framework as a fundamental basis for theoretical and experimental exploration of ecosystem function on a large scale driven by an extreme climate envelope. To assess the problem on a large scale, we investigated hyper‐arid ecosystems (HAEs) as natural tangible models that already function under an extreme climatic envelope. Our new assertion is that if extreme climate change drives arid lands to function under alternate extreme conditions, then arid land ecosystems will function like an HAE as an alternative state, rather than progress to desertification. To support our assertion, we developed a conceptual framework of HAEs that includes a geo‐hydrological “abiotic engine” that drives HAE function by soil moisture diversity and plant functional groups. Based on this conceptual framework, we suggest incorporating two new hypotheses in climate change studies to advance our understanding of responses of large‐scale, water‐limited ecosystems: (1) Hydro‐climatic extremes in water‐limited ecosystems will reduce the degree of resource conservation by slope ecosystems due to reduction in plant cover and soil. The decreased ecosystem function on the slope will be compensated for by increasing the effect of the abiotic engine on the ephemeral stream, thus enhancing meta‐ecosystem functioning in the ephemeral stream. (2) In water‐limited ecosystems, climate change toward hydro‐climatic extremes will rescale the dominant hydro‐ecological processes of pulse–reserve, source–sink, and connectivity along the semiarid, arid, and HA gradients in two ways: (i) shrinking of both spatial and temporal dimensions; and (ii) shrinking in the temporal dimension and expanding in the spatial dimensions. The first rescaling trajectory is related to biodiversity–ecosystem function and the second to the abiotic engine processes.
Diagnostic performance of the EU TI‐RADS and ACR TI‐RADS scoring systems in predicting thyroid malignancy
Authors: Chatti Hiba‐Allah , Oueslati Ibtissem , Azaiez Aymen , Marrakchi Jihen , Boukriba Seif , Mizouni Habiba , Haouet Slim , Besbes Ghazi , Yazidi Meriem , Chihaoui Melika
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Several ultrasound scoring systems have been developed to stratify the risk of malignancy of thyroid nodules, including ACR (American College of Radiology) and EU (European) TI‐RADS. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic performance of these two classifications using histology as a reference standard.

Methods

It was a single‐centre, retrospective study including 156 patients who underwent thyroidectomy. Ultrasound data of 198 nodules (99 malignant nodules and 99 benign nodules) were analysed. Both classifications were applied for all nodules.

Results

Ultrasound criteria associated with malignancy were solid composition (OR=7.81; p < 10−3), hypoechoic character (OR=16.42; p < 10−3), irregular contours (OR=7.47; p < 10−3), taller‐than‐wide shape (OR=3.58; p = 0.02), microcalcifications (OR=3.02; p = .006) and the presence of cervical adenopathy (OR=3.89; p = .006). The prevalence of malignancy was 15.5%, 69% and 76.9% for EU TI‐RADS categories 3, 4 and 5, respectively. It was 33.3%, 57% and 91.1% for ACR TI‐RADS categories 3, 4 and 5, respectively. For category 5, EU TI‐RADS and ACR TI‐RADS had sensitivities of 60% and 41%, specificities of 82% and 96%, respectively. For categories 4 and 5 combined, the diagnostic performance of these two classification systems became comparable with a sensitivity of 89% and 86% for EU‐TIRADS and ACR‐TIRADS, respectively. The area under the ROC curve was 0.81 for the EU TI‐RADS classification and 0.82 for the ACR TI‐RADS classification.

Conclusions

EU TI‐RADS and ACR TI‐RADS scoring systems seem to be comparable in predicting malignancy in thyroid nodules.
Gastrointestinal bleeding on continuous‐flow left ventricular assist device therapy
Authors: Hammer Yoav , Bitar Abbas , Aaronson Keith D.
Published: June 2023

While technological advances in the field of continuous‐flow left ventricular assist device (CF‐LVAD) are constantly being made, CF‐LVAD recipients are still subjected to a relatively high rate of LVAD‐related adverse events, with post‐LVAD gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) being the most common one. GIB is associated with a significant impairment in quality of life, multiple hospital admissions, blood transfusion requirements and possibly death. Furthermore, of those patients who bled once, many will experience recurrent GIB events, which further aggravates their discomfort. While some medical and endoscopic treatment options are available, evidence regarding their benefit remains largely equivocal, with all related studies based on data from registries rather than clinical trials. Although having a major impact on LVAD recipients, an effective and validated pre‐implant screening options to predict GIB events post‐implant are scarce. This review focuses on the aetiology, incidence, risk factors, treatment options and the effect of new generation devices on post‐LVAD GIB.
NR1D1::MAML1 epithelioid and spindle cell sarcoma mimicking pseudomyogenic hemangioendothelioma in core biopsy: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Warmke Laura M. , Collier Christopher D. , Davis Jessica L.
Published: June 2023

Epithelioid and spindle cell sarcomas with NR1D1::MAML1/2 gene fusions are rare and emerging entities. Only six cases of NR1D1‐rearranged mesenchymal tumors have previously been reported in the literature; they are often characterized by an epithelioid morphology, at least focal pseudogland formation, prominent cytoplasmic vacuoles, and focal to diffuse immunohistochemical expression of keratin. We herein report the first case of an NR1D1::MAML1 epithelioid and spindle cell sarcoma with dual immunohistochemical expression of ERG and FOSB, mimicking a pseudomyogenic hemangioendothelioma (PHE) on core biopsy. The sarcoma arose in the left forearm of a 64‐year‐old man. Initial biopsy showed a mesenchymal neoplasm composed of epithelioid and spindle cells dispersed in myxoid stroma with scattered stromal neutrophils. The morphologic features, combined with the dual immunohistochemical expression of ERG and FOSB, initially mimicked PHE, representing an important potential diagnostic pitfall. The patient subsequently underwent a radical resection, which showed a much more diffuse epithelioid appearance with nested architecture and pseudogland formation. Next‐generation sequencing was performed on the resection specimen, which revealed an NR1D1::MAML1 gene fusion, confirming the final diagnosis. Given the fully malignant potential of this tumor, knowledge and recognition of this rare entity are essential to ensure proper management, prevent misdiagnosis, and further characterize the clinical course of this emerging entity. Comprehensive molecular testing can help to identify these rare tumors and exclude the possibility of epithelioid mimics, including PHE.
Quality of life burden on United States infants and caregivers due to lower respiratory tract infection and adjusting for selective testing: Pilot prospective observational study
Authors: Hariharan Dhwani , Kumar V. S. Senthil , Glaser Elizabeth L , Crown William H. , Wolf Zachary A. , Fisher Kimberley A. , Wood Charles T. , Malcolm William F. , Nelson Christopher B. , Shepard Donald S.
Published: June 2023

Background and Aims

Policymakers need data about the burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) among infants. This study estimates quality of life (QoL) for otherwise healthy term US infants with RSV‐LRTI and their caregivers, previously limited to premature and hospitalized infants, and corrects for selective testing.

Methods

The study enrolled infants <1 year with a clinically diagnosed LRTI encounter between January and May 2021. Using an established 0–100 scale, the 36 infants’ and caregivers’ QoL at enrollment and quality‐adjusted life year losses per 1000 LRTI episodes (quality‐adjusted life years [QALYs]/1000) were validated and analyzed. Regression analyses examined predictors of RSV‐testing and RSV‐positivity, creating modeled positives.

Results

Mean QoL at enrollment in outpatient (n = 11) LRTI‐tested infants (66.4) was lower than that in not‐tested LRTI infants (79.6,p = 0.096). For outpatient LRTI infants (n = 23), median QALYs/1000 losses were 9.8 and 0.25 for their caregivers. RSV‐positive outpatient LRTI infants (n = 6) had significantly milder QALYs/1000 losses (7.0) than other LRTI‐tested infants (n = 5)(21.8,p = 0.030). Visits earlier in the year were more likely to be RSV‐positive than later visits (p = 0.023). Modeled RSV‐positivity (51.9%) was lower than the observed rate (55.0%). Infants’ and caregivers’ QALYs/1000 loss were positively correlated (rho = 0.34,p = 0.046), indicating that infants perceived as sicker imposed greater burdens on caregivers.

Conclusions

The overall median QALYs/1000 losses for LRTI (9.0) and RSV‐LRTI (5.6) in US infants are substantial, with additional losses for their caregivers (0.25 and 0.20, respectively). These losses extend equally to outpatient episodes. This study is the first reporting QALY losses for infants with LRTI born at term or presenting in nonhospitalized settings, and their caregivers.
Magnitude and predictors of anemia among preschool children (36–59 months) in Atingo town, Jimma, Ethiopia
Authors: Sodde Fuad M. , Liga Abebe D. , Jabir Yasin N. , Tamiru Dessalegn , Kidane Rediet
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Anemia is a serious public health concern that affects more than 25% of the world's population. It is still widespread and at its most severe in Ethiopia. This study pointed to identify the magnitude and predictors of anemia in preschool children in Atinago.

Method

A structured interview and anthropometric metrics had been used in a cross‐sectional study to collect data from 309 preschool children using a systematic sampling strategy from May 10 to June 25, 2022. Frequencies, percentages, means, and a bar chart were created as descriptive statistics. Factors that were significant at the 25% level in univariate analysis were run through multiple logistic models. Odds ratios with respective 95% confidence intervals were developed to determine the relevant predictors.

Result

The majority (51.7%) of preschool children in Atinago town had anemia. The finding reveals that poor dietary diversity (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02–3.07), children from families with food insecurity (AOR = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.31–3.9), child–mothers used iron folate for less than 3 months during pregnancy (AOR = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.07–3.48), households with more than five children (AOR = 1.880, 95% CI = 1.12–3.18), and stunted children (AOR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.05–3.01) were highly susceptible to anemia.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that anemia was a serious issue among preschool children in Atinago. Therefore, stakeholders should provide community‐based nutrition training on consuming diverse diets, dietary improvements in the home, consuming iron‐rich meals, and the like; encourage mothers to participate in early ANC follow‐up; and strengthen activities aimed at identifying households with food insecurity status.
Prolonged respiratory failure responds to conventional therapy in isolated homocysteine remethylation defects
Authors: Whitehouse Abigail , Rehsi Preeya , Hartley Louise , Grunewald Stephanie , Yilmaz Berna Seker , Pegoretti Baruteau Kelly , Yaman Ayhan , Thavagnanam Suren , Baruteau Julien
Published: June 2023

Isolated remethylation defects are rare inherited diseases caused by a defective remethylation of homocysteine to methionine, preventing various essential methylation reactions to occur. Patients present with a systemic phenotype, which can especially affect the central and peripheral nervous systems leading to epileptic encephalopathy, developmental delay and peripheral neuropathy. Respiratory failure has been described in some cases, caused by both central and peripheral neurological involvement. In published cases, the genetic diagnosis and initiation of appropriate therapy were rapidly performed following respiratory failure and led to a rapid recovery of respiratory insufficiency within days. Here, we present two infantile‐onset cases of isolated remethylation defects, cobalamine (Cbl)G and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) deficiencies, which were diagnosed after several months of respiratory failure. Disease modifying therapy based on hydroxocobalamin and betaine was initiated and shows a progressive improvement and enabled weaning off respiratory support after 21 and 17 months in CblG and MTHFR patients respectively. We show that prolonged respiratory failure responds to conventional therapy in isolated remethylation defects, but can require a sustained period of time before observing a full response to therapy.
Artificial Intelligence & Creativity: A Manifesto for Collaboration
Authors: Vinchon Florent , Lubart Todd , Bartolotta Sabrina , Gironnay Valentin , Botella Marion , Bourgeois-Bougrine Samira , Burkhardt Jean‐Marie , Bonnardel Nathalie , Corazza Giovanni Emanuele , Glăveanu Vlad , Hanchett Hanson Michael , Ivcevic Zorana , Karwowski Maciej , Kaufman James C. , Okada Takeshi , Reiter‐Palmon Roni , Gaggioli Andrea
Published: June 2023

With the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), the field of creativity faces new opportunities and challenges. This manifesto explores several scenarios of human–machine collaboration on creative tasks and proposes “fundamental laws of generative AI” to reinforce the responsible and ethical use of AI in the creativity field. Four scenarios are proposed and discussed: “Co‐Cre‐AI‐tion,” “Organic,” “Plagiarism 3.0,” and “Shut down,” each illustrating different possible futures based on the collaboration between humans and machines. In addition, we have incorporated an AI‐generated manifesto that also highlights important themes, ranging from accessibility and ethics to cultural sensitivity. The fundamental laws proposed aim to prevent AIs from generating harmful content and competing directly with humans. Creating labels and laws are also highlighted to ensure responsible use of AIs. The positive future of creativity and AI lies in a harmonious collaboration that can benefit everyone, potentially leading to a new level of creative productivity respecting ethical considerations and human values during the creative process.
A tomato disease identification method based on leaf image automatic labeling algorithm and improved YOLOv5 model
Authors: Jing Jiaping , Li Shufei , Qiao Chen , Li Kaiyu , Zhu Xinyi , Zhang Lingxian
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND

Tomato is one of the most important vegetables in the world. Timely and accurate identification of tomato disease is a critical way to ensure the quality and yield of tomato production. The convolutional neural network is a crucial means of disease identification. However, this method requires manual annotation of a large amount of image data, which wastes the human cost of scientific research.

RESULTS

To simplify the process of disease image labeling and improve the accuracy of tomato disease recognition and the balance of various disease recognition effects, a BC‐YOLOv5 tomato disease recognition method is proposed to identify healthy growth and nine types of diseased tomato leaves. In the present study, the YOLOv5 model is improved by designing an automatic tomato leaf image labeling algorithm, using the weighted bi‐directional feature pyramid network to change the Neck structure, adding the convolution block attention module, and changing the input channel of the detection layer. Experiments show that the BC‐YOLOv5 method has an excellent image annotation effect on tomato leaves, with a pass rate exceeding 95%. Furthermore, compared with existing models, the performance indices of BC‐YOLOv5 to identify tomato diseases are the best.

CONCLUSION

BC‐YOLOv5 realizes the automatic labeling of tomato leaf images before the start of training. This method not only identifies nine common tomato diseases, but also improve the accuracy of disease identification and have a more balanced identification effect on various diseases. It provides a reliable method for the identification of tomato disease. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Psychometric testing of the Persian version of the Nursing Care Quality Scale: A methodological study
Authors: Tehranineshat Banafsheh , Rivaz Mozhgan , Kargar Dolatabadi Esmaeil
Published: June 2023

Aim

To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Cambodian Nursing Care Quality Scale.

Design

Methodological design.

Methods

This study was carried out in several steps: a forward‐backward translation was done, face and construct validity was measured using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis and the reliability was evaluated. A convenience sampling method was employed to recruit 350 nurses from May 2021 to March 2022.

Results

The exploratory factor analysis extracted six factors that explained 60.76% of the total variance. The six‐factor model is supported by confirmatory factor analysis. The Cronbach's alpha and the intra‐class correlation coefficient were 0.94 and 0.85, respectively.

Patient or Public Contribution

Evaluation of the quality of care can lead to the enhancement of the quality of nursing services and patient safety. This will subsequently increase the patients' and community satisfaction.
The impact of plasma enhancement on the deposition of carbon‐containing zirconia films by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Maaß Philipp A. , Bedarev Vitali , Chauvet Laura , Prenzel Marina , Glauber Jean‐Pierre , Devi Anjana , Böke Marc , von Keudell Achim
Published: June 2023

Zirconia layers are often used as thermal barriers. In recent years, depositions by chemical vapor deposition methods using a metalorganic precursor (MOCVD) have been primarily investigated. Here, we combine MOCVD with plasma activation ‐ plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD]) ‐ of the gas phase and/or the growth surface to lower the growth temperature and to allow for a flexible coating design. PECVD causes the precursor to be transformed into a chemically active species, yielding thin films with a five times higher sticking coefficient compared to MOCVD. This leads to the onset of crystallization at lower surface temperatures. Carbon is incorporated at oxygen sites, so that the crystalline structure of zirconia is preserved, but the electrical conductivity is affected. The thermal conductivity is like that of pure zirconia.
Resistant risk and resistance‐related point mutation in SdhC1 of pydiflumetofen in Fusarium pseudograminearum
Authors: Li Yiwen , Wang Yan , Li Xinyue , Fan Hengjun , Gao Xuheng , Peng Qin , Li Feng , Lu Liang , Miao Jianqiang , Liu Xili
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND

Fusarium pseudograminearum is one of the dominant pathogens of Fusarium crown rot (FCR) worldwide. Unfortunately, no fungicides have yet been registered for the control of FCR in wheat in China. Pydiflumetofen, a new‐generation succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor, exhibits excellent inhibitory activity to Fusarium spp. A resistance risk assessment of F. pseudograminearum to pydiflumetofen and the resistance mechanism involved have not yet been investigated.

RESULTS

The median effective concentration (EC50) value of 103 F. pseudograminearum isolates to pydiflumetofen was 0.0162 μg mL−1, and the sensitivity exhibited a unimodal distribution. Four resistant mutants were generated by fungicide adaption, which possessed similar or impaired fitness compared to corresponding parental isolates based on the results of mycelial growth, conidiation, conidium germination rate, and virulence determination. Pydiflumetofen showed strong positive cross‐resistance with cyclobutrifluram and fluopyram but no cross‐resistance with carbendazim, phenamacril, tebuconazole, fludioxonil, or pyraclostrobin. Sequence alignment revealed that pydiflumetofen‐resistant F. pseudograminearum mutants had two single‐point mutations of A83V or R86K in FpSdhC1. Molecular docking further confirmed that point mutation of A83V or R86K in FpSdhC1 could confer resistance of F. pseudograminearum to pydiflumetofen.

CONCLUSION

Fusarium pseudograminearum shows an overall moderate risk of developing resistance to pydiflumetofen, and point mutation FpSdhC1A83V or FpSdhC1R86K could confer pydiflumetofen resistance in F. pseudograminearum. This study provided vital data for monitoring the emergence of resistance and developing resistance management strategies for pydiflumetofen. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Use of progestogen‐only pills for oral contraception
Authors: Kitson Jenny
Published: June 2023

The progestogen‐only pill (POP) is often a safe and effective option for women who prefer oral contraception but in whom combined hormonal contraception is unsuitable. This article outlines the choice of POPs available, their administration, efficacy and adverse effects.
Novel amino‐Li resin for water‐based solid‐phase peptide synthesis
Authors: Uth Christina , Englert Simon , Avrutina Olga , Kolmar Harald , Knauer Sascha
Published: June 2023

We report the first application of a novel amino‐Li resin to water‐based solid‐phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) applying the Smoc‐protecting group approach. We demonstrated that it is a suitable support for the sustainable water‐based alternative to a classical SPPS approach. The resin possesses good swelling properties in aqueous milieu, provides significant coupling sites, and may be applicable to the synthesis of difficult sequences and aggregation‐prone peptides.
Dual targeting of wild‐type p53 and gut microbiota by Magnolol represses key metabolic process and kills CRC cells
Authors: Ji Haixia , Qiao Ou , Zhang Yi , Wang Wenzhe , Han Xiaoyin , Zhang Xinyu , Liu Changxiao , Gao Wenyuan
Published: June 2023

Cancer cells consume considerable glucose quantities and majorly employ glycolysis for ATP generation. This metabolic signature (the Warburg effect) allows cancer cells to channel glucose to biosynthesis to support and maintain their dramatic growth along with proliferation. Currently, our understanding of the metabolic and mechanistic implications of the Warburg effect along with its relationship with biosynthesis remains unclear. Herein, we illustrate that the tumor repressor p53 mediate Magnolol (MAG) triggers colon cancer cell apoptosis. And MAG regulates the glycolytic and oxidative phosphorylation steps through transcriptional modulation of its downstream genes TP53‐induced glycolysis modulator and biosynthesis of cytochrome c oxidase, attenuating cell proliferation and tumor growth in vivo and in vitro. Meanwhile, we show that MAG cooperates with its own intestinal microflora characteristic metabolites to repress tumors, especially remarkably declined kynurenine (Kyn)/tryptophan (Trp) ratio. Besides, strong relationships of MAG influenced genes, microbiota, as well as metabolites, were explored. Therefore, we established that p53‐microbiota‐metabolites function as a mechanism, which enable therapy approaches against metabolism‐implicated colorectal cancer, in particular MAG as a prospective candidate for treating colorectal cancer.
Adaptive formation control architectures for a team of quadrotors with multiple performance and safety constraints
Authors: Hu Zhongjun , Jin Xu
Published: June 2023

In this work, we propose a novel adaptive formation control architecture for a group of quadrotor systems, under line‐of‐sight (LOS) distance and relative distance constraints as well as attitude constraints, where the constraint requirements can be both asymmetric and time‐varying in nature. The LOS distance constraint consideration ensures that each quadrotor is not deviating too far away from its desired flight trajectory. The LOS relative inter‐quadrotor distance constraint is to guarantee that the LOS distance between any two quadrotors in the formation is neither too large (which may result in the loss of communication between quadrotors, for example) nor too small (which may result in collision between quadrotors, for example). The attitude constraints make sure that the roll, pitch, and yaw angles of each quadrotor do not deviate too much from the desired profile. Universal barrier functions are adopted in the controller design and analysis, which is a generic framework that can address system with different types of constraints in a unified controller architecture. Furthermore, each quadrotor's mass and inertia are unknown, and the system dynamics are subjected to time‐varying external disturbances. Through rigorous analysis, an exponential convergence rate can be guaranteed on the distance and attitude tracking errors, while all constraints are satisfied during the operation. A simulation example further demonstrates the efficacy of the proposed control framework.
A Reactive Oxygen Species‐Responsive Targeted Nanoscavenger to Promote Mitophagy for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Yang Zhimin , Shi Haoyuan , Cai Guoen , Jiang Sujun , Hu Zhiyuan , Wang Zihua
Published: June 2023

Mitophagy modulators are proposed as potential therapeutic intervention that enhance neuronal health and brain homeostasis in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Nevertheless, the lack of specific mitophagy inducers, low efficacies, and the severe side effects of nonselective autophagy during AD treatment have hindered their application. In this study, the P@NB nanoscavenger is designed with a reactive‐oxygen‐species‐responsive (ROS‐responsive) poly(l‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) core and a surface modified with the Beclin1 and angiopoietin‐2 peptides. Notably, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and Beclin1, which act as mitophagy promoters, are quickly released from P@NB in the presence of high ROS levels in lesions to restore mitochondrial homeostasis and induce microglia polarization toward the M2‐type, thereby enabling it to phagocytose amyloid‐peptide (Aβ). These studies demonstrate that P@NB accelerates Aβ degradation and alleviates excessive inflammatory responses by restoring autophagic flux, which ameliorates cognitive impairment in AD mice. This multitarget strategy induces autophagy/mitophagy through synergy, thereby normalizing mitochondrial dysfunction. Therefore, the developed method provides a promising AD‐therapy strategy.
A Robust n‐n Heterojunction: CuN and BN Boosting for Ambient Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Reduction to Ammonia
Authors: Liu Jiameng , He Linghao , Zhao Shuangrun , Hu Lijun , Li Sizhuan , Zhang Zhihong , Du Miao
Published: June 2023

An n‐n type heterojunction comprising with CuN and BN dual active sites is synthesized via in situ growth of a conductive metal–organic framework (MOF) [Cu3(HITP)2] (HITP = 2,3,6,7,10,11‐hexaiminotriphenylene) on hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) nanosheets (hereafter denoted as Cu3(HITP)2@h‐BN) for the electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (eNRR). The optimized Cu3(HITP)2@h‐BN shows the outstanding eNRR performance with the NH3 production of 146.2 µg h−1 mgcat−1 and the Faraday efficiency of 42.5% due to high porosity, abundant oxygen vacancies, and CuN/BN dual active sites. The construction of the n‐n heterojunction efficiently modulates the state density of active metal sites toward the Fermi level, facilitating the charge transfer at the interface between the catalyst and reactant intermediates. Additionally, the pathway of NH3 production catalyzed by the Cu3(HITP)2@h‐BN heterojunction is illustrated by in situ FT‐IR spectroscopy and density functional theory calculation. This work presents an alternative approach to design advanced electrocatalysts based on conductive MOFs.
Synergistic Enzyme‐Mimetic Catalysis‐Based Non‐Thermal Sonocavitation and Sonodynamic Therapy for Efficient Hypoxia Relief and Cancer Ablation
Authors: Liao Min , Chen Fan , Chen Lin , Wu Zihe , Huang Jianbo , Pang Houqing , Cheng Chong , Wu Zhe , Ma Lang , Lu Qiang
Published: June 2023

Non‐invasive cancer treatment strategies that enable local non‐thermal ablation, hypoxia relief, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production to achieve transiently destroying tumor tissue and long‐term killing tumor cells would greatly facilitate their clinical applications. However, continuously generating oxygen cavitation nuclei, reducing the transient cavitation sound intensity threshold, relieving hypoxia, and improving its controllability in the ablation area still remains a significant challenge. Here, in this work, an Mn‐coordinated polyphthalocyanine sonocavitation agent (Mn‐SCA) with large d‐π‐conjugated network and atomic Mn‐N sites is identified for the non‐thermal sonocavitation and sonodynamic therapy in the liver cancer ablation. In the tumor microenvironment, the catalytical generation of oxygen assists cavitation formation and generates microjets to ablate liver cancer tissue and relieve hypoxia, this work reports for the first time to utilize the enzymatic properties of Mn‐SCA to lower the cavitation threshold in situ. Moreover, under pHIFU irradiation, high reactive oxygen species (ROS) production can be achieved. The two merits in liver cancer ablation are demonstrated by cell destruction and high tumor inhibition efficiency. This work will help deepen the understanding of cavitation ablation and the sonodynamic mechanisms related to the nanostructures and guide the design of sonocavitation agents with high ROS production for solid tumor ablation.
Inorganic Sonosensitizers for Sonodynamic Therapy in Cancer Treatment
Authors: Cao Xianshuo , Li Minxing , Liu Qiyu , Zhao Jingjing , Lu Xihong , Wang Jianwei
Published: June 2023

The rapid development of nanomedicine and nanobiotechnology has allowed the emergence of various therapeutic modalities with excellent therapeutic efficiency and biosafety, among which, the sonodynamic therapy (SDT), a combination of low‐intensity ultrasound and sonosensitizers, is emerging as a promising noninvasive treatment modality for cancer treatment due to its deeper penetration, good patient compliance, and minimal damage to normal tissue. The sonosensitizers are indispensable components in the SDT process because their structure and physicochemical properties are decisive for therapeutic efficacy. Compared to the conventional and mostly studied organic sonosensitizers, inorganic sonosensitizers (noble metal‐based, transition metal‐based, carbon‐based, and silicon‐based sonosensitizers) display excellent stability, controllable morphology, and multifunctionality, which greatly expand their application in SDT. In this review, the possible mechanisms of SDT including the cavitation effect and reactive oxygen species generation are briefly discussed. Then, the recent advances in inorganic sonosensitizers are systematically summarized and their formulations and antitumor effects, particularly highlighting the strategies for optimizing the therapeutic efficiency, are outlined. The challenges and future perspectives for developing state‐of‐the‐art sonosensitizers are also discussed. It is expected that this review will shed some light on future screening of decent inorganic sonosensitizers for SDT.
Homologous Heterostructured NiS/NiS2@C Hollow Ultrathin Microspheres with Interfacial Electron Redistribution for High‐Performance Sodium Storage
Authors: Li Qingping , Deng Ransha , Chen Yuxiang , Gong Juan , Wang Peng , Zheng Qiaoji , Huo Yu , Xie Fengyu , Wei Xijun , Yang Chenhui , Lin Dunmin
Published: June 2023

Nickel sulfides with high theoretical capacity are considered as promising anode materials for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs); however, their intrinsic poor electric conductivity, large volume change during charging/discharging, and easy sulfur dissolution result in inferior electrochemical performance for sodium storage. Herein, a hierarchical hollow microsphere is assembled from heterostructured NiS/NiS2 nanoparticles confined by in situ carbon layer (H‐NiS/NiS2@C) via regulating the sulfidation temperature of the precursor Ni‐MOFs. The morphology of ultrathin hollow spherical shells and confinement of in situ carbon layer to active materials provide rich channels for ion/electron transfer and alleviate the effects of volume change and agglomeration of the material. Consequently, the as‐prepared H‐NiS/NiS2@C exhibit superb electrochemical properties, satisfactory initial specific capacity of 953.0 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1, excellent rate capability of 509.9 mA h g−1 at 2 A g−1, and superior longtime cycling life with 433.4 mA h g−1 after 4500 cycles at 10 A g−1. Density functional theory calculation shows that heterogenous interfaces with electron redistribution lead to charge transfer from NiS to NiS2, and thus favor interfacial electron transport and reduce ion‐diffusion barrier. This work provides an innovative idea for the synthesis of homologous heterostructures for high‐efficiency SIB electrode materials.
High‐Throughput Mechanical Exfoliation for Low‐Cost Production of van der Waals Nanosheets
Authors: Sozen Yigit , Riquelme Juan J. , Xie Yong , Munuera Carmen , Castellanos‐Gomez Andres
Published: June 2023

A method is presented for scaling up the production of flakes of van der Waals materials via mechanical exfoliation. Using a roll‐to‐roll setup and an automatized, massive parallel exfoliation process, adhesive tapes with a high density of nanosheets of van der Waals materials are produced. The technique allows for obtaining a good trade‐off between large lateral size and excellent area scalability, while also maintaining low cost. The potential of the method is demonstrated through the successful fabrication of field effect transistors and flexible photodetectors in large batches. This low‐cost method to produce large area films out of mechanically exfoliated flakes is very general, and it can be applied to a variety of substrates and van der Waals materials and, moreover, it can be used to combine different van der Waals materials on top of each other. Therefore, it is believed that this production method opens an interesting avenue for fabrication of low‐cost devices while maintaining a good scalability and performance.
Polycyclic Aromatic Lactam‐Like Donors Synthesized upon C─H Activation Strategy for High‐Efficiency Ternary Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Hu Bin , Wang Yilin , Shen Zichao , Wang Xin , Zhang Meng , Chen Yu , Bu Laju , Ma Wei , Lu Guanghao
Published: June 2023

The rapidly developed organic solar cells (OSCs) are largely driven by π‐conjugated small‐molecule and polymer materials in recent years. However, the organic photovoltaic materials served as the active layer are typically synthesized by multistep Stille or Suzuki cross‐coupling reaction, which are neither cost‐efficient nor atom‐economic, and may bring toxicity concerns. Thus, it is imperative to develop easily accessible materials that do not involve organotin and organoboron reagents to promote the commercial application of OSCs. Herein, three small‐molecule donors (Ph‐RDN, N‐RDN, and TT‐RDN) comprising polycyclic aromatic lactams (PAL) core are designed and synthesized by direct C─H activation strategy and employed as the third components into the model PM6:Y6 photovoltaic systems. These donors show low‐lying highest occupied molecular orbital energy levels, good crystallinity, and complementary absorption with the host system (PM6:Y6). The optimized ternary devices achieve higher power conversion efficiency (PCE) (17.01% for PM6:Ph‐RDN:Y6, 16.58% for PM6:N‐RDN:Y6, and 17.00% for PM6:TT‐RDN:Y6) as compared with PM6:Y6 binary devices (15.67%), which are attributed to the higher charge mobilities, the more balanced charge transport, and the optimized morphology with a more well‐defined fibrillar network. Therefore, PAL‐based small‐molecule donors, as a class of “greener” organic photovoltaic materials, can enhance the PCE of state‐of‐the‐art OSCs.
Effects of Impurity Barrier Layer on the Red Zone at the Bottom of Cast Monocrystalline Si Ingot for Solar Cells
Authors: Chen Hongrong , Hu Dongli , Zhang Jinbing , Yuan Shuai , Wang Chen , Zhang Huali , Zhou Naigen , Yang Deren
Published: June 2023

A technique to prepare low‐cost high‐purity quartz sheets as impurity barrier layers between the crucible and the seed crystal is proposed herein to improve the casting process of monocrystalline Si (mono‐Si) ingots. The results show that the diffusion of metal impurities from the crucible toward a cast mono‐Si ingot can be hindered, increasing the minority carrier lifetime of Si crystals and reducing the height of the red zone at the bottom of the ingot. Solar cell devices assembled from cast mono‐Si ingots exhibit the enhancement in their overall photoelectric conversion efficiency (η) by 0.76% in comparison to those based on conventional mono‐Si ingots. Therefore, high‐purity quartz sheets as impurity barrier layers for the casting of mono‐Si ingots have great application potential in the photovoltaic industry.
Transient Analysis of Fluid Flow, Solidification, and Inclusion Behavior in Electromagnetically Stirred Bloom Caster Mold Using Bifurcated Submerged Entry Nozzle
Authors: Kumar Rajneesh , Maurya Ambrish , Jha Pradeep Kumar
Published: June 2023

Herein, the effect of bifurcated submerged entry nozzle (SEN) port angles on transient flow, solidification, and inclusion behavior in a bloom caster mold with electromagnetic stirring (EMS) is investigated. A 3D numerical model is developed to simulate the process, including time‐varying electromagnetic field and Lagrangian inclusion tracking approach, by varying inclusion density and size. The inclusion is modeled to be entrapped in the solidified shell when primary dendrite arm spacing (PDAS) is greater than inclusion size. As compared to the case without use of EMS, the percentage of shell thickness at the strand outlet is seen to increase by 22.18%, 9.45%, 8.03%, 9.31%, and 13.40% for different port angle values of 0°, 15°, 20°, 25°, and 30°, respectively, with EMS. The results show that EMS significantly influences the flow behavior by generating the swirl flow pattern that hinders the movement of inclusion downward in the domain. The bifurcated SEN with 30° port angle (without EMS) is seen to reduce inclusion entrapment and hence enhance inclusion removal. The outcome of present research may provide useful insights for optimizing the parameters of bloom caster mold to improve product quality, reduce production costs, and increase overall efficiency.
Effect of Magnesium Treatment on Cleanliness, Microstructure, and Magnetic Properties of Fe–80Ni Permalloy
Authors: Yao Kean , Dong Yanwu , Jiang Zhouhua , Wang Yong , Li Yushuo , Du Shuyang
Published: June 2023

Cleanliness and microstructure significantly impact the magnetic properties of soft magnetic materials. This study investigates the impact of Mg treatment on the cleanliness, microstructure, and magnetic properties of Fe–80Ni alloy. The content of Mg ranges from 0% to 0.034%. The O and S contents can be reduced to 0.0006% and 0.0011%, respectively, when the content of Mg is 0.027%, and the number of inclusions is reduced. Simultaneously, the primary inclusions are modified to Mg‐containing inclusions. Based on electron backscattered diffraction results, Mg treatment can refine the deformed grain and enhance grain boundary energy after cold rolling. In addition, the grains exhibit enhanced growth after annealing with Mg treatment. Due to the improvement of cleanliness and microstructure, the magnetic properties of Fe–80Ni alloy are enhanced with Mg treatment. With Mg treatment, the coercivity of alloys is reduced, and maximum magnetic susceptibility (χmax) increases to 0.3247 with Mg treatment, while that is 0.1938 without Mg treatment.
Feasibility study of common effluent treatment plant for management of industrial wastewater: Case study of Bangladeshi textile industries
Authors: Shefa Jannatul , Xames Md Doulotuzzaman , Hasan Ahmed Atik , Talapatra Subrata
Published: June 2023

Textile industries play a vital role in the economy of Bangladesh contributing significantly to its gross domestic product. However, they are associated with high environmental pollution, especially water pollution. Since small‐scale textile industries cannot afford the treatment cost of discharged wastewater, they tend to contaminate water sources—both groundwater and surface water. To intervene in response to this situation, the existing treatment system was assessed in the present study. The effluents from industries under this research were analyzed for color, pH, TSS, TDS, chlorides, sulfates, COD, BOD, and total hardness. A Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) with zero liquid discharge was suggested as a solution. It was observed that the water recovery in the proposed scheme by reverse osmosis and salt recovery using nanofiltration were 90%–95% and 80%–90%, respectively. Cost analysis also indicated that the cost of treating water can also be decreased by 18.7% which can show that water recovery is even more affordable for small‐scale industries. Finally, a linear programming model was developed to assist the industries with decision‐making in the selection of treatment schemes. This research revealed that a CETP using zero liquid discharge technology is a potential solution to the environmental crisis due to industrial wastewater discharge. This could ensure reduced water pollution, increased drinking water availability, improved public health, and thus could be a potential driver for environmental sustainability.
Occurrence of tuberculosis among people exposed to cattle in Bangladesh
Authors: Sarkar Shamim , Haider Najmul , Islam Ariful , Hossain Muhammad Belal , Hossain Kamal , Mafij Uddin Mohammad Khaja , Rahman Arfatur , Ahmed Syed Sayeem Uddin , Banu Sayera , Rahim Zeaur , Heffelfinger James D. , Zeidner Nord
Published: June 2023

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) has been an important public health concern in Bangladesh. The most common cause of human TB is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, while bovine TB is caused by Mycobacterium bovis.

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of TB in individuals with occupational exposure to cattle and to detect Mycobacterium bovis among cattle in slaughterhouses in Bangladesh.

Methods

Between August 2014 and September 2015, an observational study was conducted in two government chest disease hospitals, one cattle market, and two slaughterhouses. [Correction added on 27 June 2023, after first online publication: In the preceding sentence, the year “2014” has been added after the word “August”.] Sputum samples were collected from individuals who met the criteria for suspected TB and had been exposed to cattle. Tissue samples were collected from cattle that had low body condition score(s). Both humans and cattle samples were screened for acid‐fast bacilli (AFB) by Ziehl–Neelsen (Z‐N) staining and cultured for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC). Region of difference (RD) 9‐based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was also performed to identify Mycobacterium spp. We also conducted Spoligotyping to identify the specific strain of Mycobacterium spp.

Results

Sputum was collected from a total of 412 humans. The median age of human participants was 35 (IQR: 25–50) years. Twenty‐five (6%) human sputum specimens were positive for AFB, and 44 (11%) were positive for MTC by subsequent culture. All (N = 44) culture‐positive isolates were confirmed as Mycobacterium tuberculosis by RD9 PCR. Besides, 10% of cattle workers were infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the cattle market. Of all TB (caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis) infected individuals, 6.8% of individuals were resistant to one or two anti‐TB drugs. The majority of the sampled cattle (67%) were indigenous breeds. No Mycobacterium bovis was detected in cattle.

Conclusions

We did not detect any TB cases caused by Mycobacterium bovis in humans during the study. However, we detected TB cases caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis in all humans, including cattle market workers.
Insertional biceps tendinopathy palliated successfully with intra‐articular triamcinolone acetonide injection in a dog: A case report
Authors: Kim Hyunsoo , Kim Ah‐Young , Kang Byung‐Jae
Published: June 2023

This report describes a dog diagnosed with insertional biceps tendinopathy that was palliated with intra‐articular triamcinolone acetonide injections. The patient was a 6‐year‐old spayed female Chihuahua dog that had left thoracic limb lameness for 3 months before presentation. On physical examination, moderate pain was elicited by performing the biceps test and isolated full elbow extension on the left thoracic limb. Gait analysis showed asymmetrical peak vertical force and vertical impulse between thoracic limbs. Computed tomography (CT) revealed enthesophyte formation on the ulnar tuberosity of the left elbow joint. Ultrasonography showed a heterogeneous fibre pattern at the biceps tendon insertion site on the left elbow joint. These findings confirmed insertional biceps tendinopathy based on physical examination, CT and ultrasonography results. The dog received an intra‐articular triamcinolone acetonide injection with hyaluronic acid in the left elbow joint. Clinical signs improved after the first injection, including a range of motion, pain and gait. A second injection was given in the same manner because of recurring mild lameness 3 months later. No clinical signs were observed during the follow‐up period.