bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tissue‐Engineered Implant for Hemilaryngectomy Reconstruction with Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injury
Authors: Wesson Troy , Zhang Lujuan , Morrison Rachel A. , Brookes Sarah , Calcagno Haley , Finnegan Patrick , Voytik‐Harbin Sherry , Halum Stacey
Published: July 2024

Objective

Laryngeal cancer resections often require excision of portions of the larynx along with sacrifice of the ipsilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN). In such cases, there are no reconstructive options that reliably restore laryngeal function, rendering patients with severe functional impairment. To address this unmet clinical need, we extend our evaluation of a 3‐implant mucosal, muscle, cartilage reconstruction approach aimed at promoting functional laryngeal restoration in a porcine hemilaryngectomy model with ipsilateral RLN transection.

Methods

Six Yucatan mini‐pigs underwent full‐thickness hemilaryngectomies with RLN transection followed by transmural reconstruction using fabricated collagen polymeric mucosal, muscle, and cartilage replacements. To determine the effect of adding therapeutic cell populations, subsets of animals received collagen muscle implants containing motor‐endplate‐expressing muscle progenitor cells (MEEs) and/or collagen cartilage implants containing adipose stem cell (ASC)‐derived chondrocyte‐like cells. Acoustic vocalization and laryngeal electromyography (L‐EMG) provided functional assessments and histopathological analysis with immunostaining was used to characterize the tissue response.

Results

Five of six animals survived the 4‐week postoperative period with weight gain, airway maintenance, and audible phonation. No tracheostomy or feeding tube was required. Gross and histological assessments of all animals revealed implant integration and regenerative remodeling of airway mucosa epithelium, muscle, and cartilage in the absence of a material‐mediated foreign body reaction or biodegradation. Early voice and L‐EMG data were suggestive of positive functional outcomes.

Conclusion

Laryngeal reconstruction with collagen polymeric mucosa, muscle, and cartilage replacements may provide effective restoration of function after hemilaryngectomy with RLN transection. Future preclinical studies should focus on long‐term functional outcomes.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 134:4604–4613, 2024
Purchase and publish: Early career researchers and open access publishing costs
Authors: Nicholas David , Revez Jorge , Abrizah Abdullah , Rodríguez‐Bravo Blanca , Boukacem‐Zeghmouri Cherifa , Clark David , Xu Jie , Swigon Marzena , Watkinson Anthony , Jamali Hamid R. , Herman Eti
Published: July 2024

This paper comes from the third stage (H‐3) of the long‐running Harbingers of Change project (2015), which has investigated the scholarly communication beliefs and practices of early career researchers (ECRs) for a decade. The first stage (H‐1) focussed on generational (Millennial) change; the second (H‐2) on the impact of COVID; and, currently, the third stage (H‐3) on AI and its impact. While each stage has a particular focus all stages also asked questions about wider scholarly communications. This paper re‐examines an important finding found in H‐1 and backed by H‐2, which was that ECRs thought article processing charges were a major barrier to publishing open access (OA). Since then, OA has become more complex with more models available and a huge body of OA journals to navigate, so it is time to return to the topic. Data were obtained from China, France, Malaysia, Poland, Portugal and Spain about national guidelines and practices with 62 ECRs interviewed in‐depth. The findings indicate that ECRs are encountering challenges, or dilemmas in OA publishing. More precisely, they struggle with issues surrounding cost perceptions and understanding within the intricate academic publishing environment.
The Synergistic Effect of Graphene Oxide in Epoxy Resin on Photocured Coating Films with Anticorrosion and Antibacterial Properties
Authors: Liu Yiting , Zheng Nai‐Ci , Chien Hsiu‐Wen , Chen Yung‐Chung
Published: July 2024

In this work, graphene oxide (GO) and epoxy‐functionalized graphene oxide (GOSi) are chosen as additives and incorporated into epoxy resin (EP) for nanocomposite photo‐coating films (GO/EP and GOSi/EP series). Compared to GO/EP, the GOSi/EP nanocomposite demonstrates strong binding and excellent dispersibility, highlighting covalent bonding between GOSi and the epoxy coating. Furthermore, GOSi/EP‐based films demonstrated superior thermal stability and adhesion performance on galvanized steel plates. The corrosion performance of the coated galvanized steel is investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and polarization curve analysis (Tafel). The effectiveness of corrosion protection is evaluated based on a combination of photoreactivity, crosslinking density, dispersity, and adhesion properties. Out of all the treated films, the film based on 0.1GOSi/EP exhibited the highest percentage of inhibition (98.89%) and demonstrated superior long‐term anticorrosion stability. In addition, the 0.1GOSi/EP based formulation showed remarkable antibacterial activity against S. aureus, resulting in a 92% reduction. This work demonstrates the development of a facile, environmentally friendly functionalized graphene oxide/epoxy photocured film with superior dual functionalities in both anticorrosion and antibacterial properties. These advancements hold promising potential for impactful practical applications.
A deoxyviolacein‐based transposon insertion vector for pigmented tracer studies
Authors: Dietz Benjamin R. , Nelson Tyler J. , Olszewski Neil E. , Barney Brett M.
Published: July 2024

Pigments provide a simple means to rapidly visually ascertain the quantities or presence of specific microbes in a complex community. The selection of pigment‐producing colonies that are simple to differentiate from common colony phenotypes provides a high degree of certainty for the identity of pigment‐tagged strains. Successful employment of pigment production is dependent on various intrinsic factors related to proper levels of gene expression and pigment production that are not always easy to predict and vary within each microbe. We have constructed a simple transposon system that incorporates the genes for the production of deoxyviolacein, a pigment produced from intracellular reserves of the amino acid tryptophan, to randomly insert these genes throughout the genome. This tool allows the user to select from many thousands of potential sites throughout a bacterial genome for an ideal location to generate the desired amount of pigment. We have applied this system to a small selection of endophytes and other model bacteria to differentiate these strains from complex communities and confirm their presence after several weeks in natural environments. We provide two examples of applications using the pigments to trace strains following introduction into plant tissues or to produce a reporter strain for extracellular nitrogen compound sensing. We recognize that this tool could have far broader utility in other applications and microbes, and describe the methodology for use by the greater scientific community.
Model‐based frequency‐and‐phase correction of 1H MRS data with 2D linear‐combination modeling
Authors: Simicic Dunja , Zöllner Helge J. , Davies‐Jenkins Christopher W. , Hupfeld Kathleen E. , Edden Richard A. E. , Oeltzschner Georg
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Retrospective frequency‐and‐phase correction (FPC) methods attempt to remove frequency‐and‐phase variations between transients to improve the quality of the averaged MR spectrum. However, traditional FPC methods like spectral registration struggle at low SNR. Here, we propose a method that directly integrates FPC into a 2D linear‐combination model (2D‐LCM) of individual transients (“model‐based FPC”). We investigated how model‐based FPC performs compared to the traditional approach, i.e., spectral registration followed by 1D‐LCM in estimating frequency‐and‐phase drifts and, consequentially, metabolite level estimates.

Methods

We created synthetic in‐vivo‐like 64‐transient short‐TE sLASER datasets with 100 noise realizations at 5 SNR levels and added randomly sampled frequency and phase variations. We then used this synthetic dataset to compare the performance of 2D‐LCM with the traditional approach (spectral registration, averaging, then 1D‐LCM). Outcome measures were the frequency/phase/amplitude errors, the SD of those ground‐truth errors, and amplitude Cramér Rao lower bounds (CRLBs). We further tested the proposed method on publicly available in‐vivo short‐TE PRESS data.

Results

2D‐LCM estimates (and accounts for) frequency‐and‐phase variations directly from uncorrected data with equivalent or better fidelity than the conventional approach. Furthermore, 2D‐LCM metabolite amplitude estimates were at least as accurate, precise, and certain as the conventionally derived estimates. 2D‐LCM estimation of FPC and amplitudes performed substantially better at low‐to‐very‐low SNR.

Conclusion

Model‐based FPC with 2D linear‐combination modeling is feasible and has great potential to improve metabolite level estimation for conventional and dynamic MRS data, especially for low‐SNR conditions, for example, long TEs or strong diffusion weighting.
Coming to terms: Gaza and disability
Authors: Sargent Christine , Friedner Michele
Published: July 2024

In this piece, we bear witness to the photos, reels, and videos produced by Palestinians documenting—and trying to survive—genocide in Gaza. Drawing primarily on archives that we have built through engaging with interlocutors, colleagues, and social media platforms, we focus on the realities faced by disabled Gazans and their kin, who urge international disability movement counterparts and disabled communities to support a ceasefire and the broader call for Palestinian liberation. On the one hand, we understand and approach this ongoing Nakba as a prolonged exercise in collective disablement. On the other hand, we also recognize how people in Gaza continue to hold onto the specific experiences of people who are (already) disabled.
Silver Chub spawning confirmed in the Maumee River, a tributary of Lake Erie
Authors: Brown Ryan E. , Mayer Christine M. , Thompson Nathan , Hilling Corbin D. , Roberts James J. , Richter Catherine A.
Published: July 2024

Objective

Biodiversity is declining due to invasive species and other factors that can affect individual species differently. Silver Chub Macrhybopsis storeriana are declining in their native range, and their conservation status in the Great Lakes ranges from secure to possibly extirpated. Lake Erie once supported a large Silver Chub population until it crashed in the 1950s. Additionally, the spawning behavior and reproductive guild of Silver Chub in Lake Erie is unknown. Our objective was to document Silver Chub spawning in the Maumee River, a Lake Erie tributary.

Methods

Invasive Grass Carp Ctenopharyngodon idella are known to spawn in the Maumee River during high-flow events from May to July, and the University of Toledo and U.S. Geological Survey regularly sample the lower 24 km for early life stages using paired bongo nets. Contents from paired bongo nets are returned to the laboratory for processing, and a subset of potential Grass Carp eggs are sent for genetic analysis.

Result

On June 8, 2022, several potential Grass Carp eggs were captured at two sites on the Maumee River during a high-flow event. Fifteen potential Grass Carp eggs were sent for genetic analysis, and DNA sequencing revealed that six of these eggs were Silver Chub.

Discussion

This was the first known collection of Silver Chub eggs in a Lake Erie tributary, and our findings indicate that Silver Chub likely belong to the pelagophil reproductive guild. Although Grass Carp and Silver Chub spawn under similar conditions, management actions to control Grass Carp in the Maumee River may be unlikely to affect Silver Chub due to electrofishing settings used in the capture of Grass Carp. The verification of Silver Chub spawning in a Western Erie Basin tributary provides insights into their reproductive biology that could be useful in recovery planning in Lake Erie and throughout the Great Lakes.
Summary of evidence on prevention and management of bladder dysfunction in patients after radical hysterectomy
Authors: Zeng Chao , Mi Yuanyuan , Wang Fulan , Zhao Qinghua , Xiao Mingzhao , Xiao Feng , Hu Yan , Wang Lin , He Fang
Published: July 2024

Aim

To retrieve, analyse and summarize the relevant evidence on the prevention and management of bladder dysfunction in patients with cervical ancer after radical hysterectomy.

Design

Overview of systematic reviews.

Methods

11 databases were searched for relevant studies from top to bottom according to the ‘6S’ model of evidence‐based resources. Two independent reviewers selected the articles, extracted the data and appraised the quality of the included reviews based on different types of evaluation tools.

Results

A total of 13 studies were identified, including four clinical consultants, four guidelines, four systematic reviews and one randomized controlled trial. 29 best evidence were summarized from five aspects, including definition, risk factors, assessment, prevention and management.
An adaptive fractional order optimizer based optimal tilted controller design for artificial ventilator
Authors: Acharya Debasis , Das Dushmanta Kumar
Published: July 2024

Artificial ventilators are vital respiratory support systems in the field of medical care, especially for patients in critical condition. It is crucial to make sure the ventilator keeps the intended airway pressure because variations might be harmful to the brain and lungs. Thus, achieving accurate pressure tracking is a primary objective in designing optimal controllers for pressure‐controlled ventilators (PCVs). To address this need, a novel approach is proposed: a mixed integer tilted fractional order integral and integer order derivation controller tailored for PCV systems. The gains of different parameters of the proposed controller are optimized using an adaptive chaotic search fractional order class topper optimization algorithm, augmented with a Gaussian‐based mutation operator. Moreover, the controller is designed to minimize oscillations in its output signal, thereby mitigating physical risks and reducing the size of actuators required. The efficacy of the optimized controller is further examined across various scenarios, including different lung resistances and compliances across different age groups of patients. Additionally, the impact of endotracheal tube resistance on air pressure is assessed as a potential disturbance in the PCV system. Through comprehensive testing, the proposed controller demonstrates superior performance in accurately tracking airway pressure to the desired levels. Across all evaluated cases, the proposed controller structure and accompanying algorithm outperform existing solutions. Notably, improvements are observed in system response time, overshoot, and settling time. This underscores the significance of employing advanced control strategies to enhancing the functionality and safety of PCV systems in medical settings.
Prestin in Human Perilymph, Cerebrospinal Fluid, and Blood as a Biomarker for Hearing Loss
Authors: Gadenstaetter Anselm Joseph , Krumpoeck Paul Emmerich , Auinger Alice Barbara , Yildiz Erdem , Tu Aldine , Matula Christian , Arnoldner Christoph , Landegger Lukas David
Published: July 2024

Objective

Determining the concentration of prestin in human blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and perilymph (PL), and evaluating its suitability as a clinical biomarker for sensori‐neural hearing loss (SNHL).

Study Design

Human blood, CSF, and PL samples were intraoperatively collected from 42 patients with tumors of the internal auditory canal or with intracochlear tumors undergoing translabyrinthine or middle fossa tumor removal. Prestin concentration was measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and linear regression analyses were performed to investigate its associations with audiological as well as vestibular test results.

Setting

Tertiary referral center.

Results

The median prestin concentration in blood samples of the 42 study participants (26 women, mean ± standard deviation age, 52.7 ± 12.5 years) was 1.32 (interquartile range, IQR, 0.71‐1.99) ng/mL. CSF prestin levels were significantly higher with 4.73 (IQR, 2.45‐14.03) ng/mL (P = .005). With 84.74 (IQR, 38.95‐122.00) ng/mL, PL prestin concentration was significantly higher compared to blood (P = .01) and CSF (P = .03) levels. Linear regression analyses showed significant associations of CSF prestin concentration with preoperative hearing levels (pure‐tone average and word recognition; P = .008, R2 = 0.1894; P = .03, R2 = 0.1857), but no correlations with blood or PL levels.

Conclusion and Relevance

This study's findings highlight the volatile nature of prestin levels and provide the first insights into this potential biomarker's concentrations in body fluids apart from blood. Future investigations should comprehensively assess human prestin levels with different etiologies of SNHL, prestin's natural homeostasis and systemic circulation, and its temporal dynamics after cochlear trauma. Finally, clinically approved detection kits for prestin are urgently required prior to considering a potential translational implementation of this diagnostic technique.
Controlled release of urea using negatively charged polysaccharides
Authors: John Kennedy John Praveen Kumar , Muthuramalingam Jothi Basu , Balasubramanian Vignesh Kumar , Balakrishnan Muthumari , Murugan Kavitha , Ponnuchamy Kumar
Published: July 2024

The current study aims to synthesize cross‐linked alginate–gum arabic, a polysaccharide biopolymer composite, to evaluate its efficacy for the controlled release of urea. The alginate–gum arabic solution was prepared in a 2:1 ratio, and urea was entrapped in three different amounts: 50 mg for SG1, 100 mg for SG2, and 150 mg for SG3. CaCl2 used as the crosslinker, and the urea‐entrapped alginate–gum arabic hydrogel beads were produced using ionotropic gelation method. Produced beads were underwent physical evaluation to analyze their size, porosity, and swelling behavior. The highest diameter was exhibited in SG3 at 3.60 ± 0.01 mm. Additionally, the highest porosity was observed in SG3 beads, measuring 63.6% ± 0.33%. The release of urea was quantified using the DiacetylMonoxim (DAM)–UV visible spectroscopy method. Further, the characterization of the produced hydrogel beads was analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analyses (TGA). FTIR revealed the characteristic band at 3770 and 2355 cm−1, indicating the presence of urea entrapped in alginate—gum arabic beads. TGA analyses indicates that the good thermal stability of the produced beads.
Disorganisation of basement membrane zone architecture impairs melanocyte residence in vitiligo
Authors: Yang Fei , Yang Lingli , Kuroda Yasutaka , Lai Sylvia , Takahashi Yoshito , Sayo Tetsuya , Namiki Takeshi , Nakajima Kimiko , Sano Shigetoshi , Inoue Shintaro , Tsuruta Daisuke , Katayama Ichiro
Published: July 2024

The basement membrane zone is the interface between the epidermis and dermis, and it is disrupted in several skin conditions. Here, we report the results of a comprehensive investigation into the structural and molecular factors of the basement membrane zone in vitiligo, a dermatological disorder characterised by depigmented patches on the skin. Using electron microscopy and immunofluorescence staining, we confirmed abnormal basement membrane zone morphology and disrupted basement membrane zone architecture in human vitiliginous skin. Furthermore, we identified elevated expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) in human dermal fibroblasts as a key factor responsible for basement membrane zone matrix degradation. In our in vitro and ex vivo models, overexpression of MMP2 in fibroblasts led to basement membrane zone disruption and melanocyte disappearance. Importantly, we reveal that the loss of melanocytes in vitiligo is primarily linked to their weakened adhesion to the basement membrane, mediated by binding between integrin β1 and laminin and discoidin domain receptor 1 and collagen IV. Finally, inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase 2 expression reversed depigmentation in a mouse model of vitiligo. In conclusion, our research shows the importance of basement membrane zone integrity in melanocyte residence and offers new avenues for therapeutic interventions to address this challenging skin condition. © 2024 The Author(s). The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Tracking changes in image‐defined risk factors during neoadjuvant chemotherapy and their predictive value for surgical outcomes based on the International Neuroblastoma Surgical Report Form
Authors: Liu Tao , Sheng Qingfeng , Xu Weijue , Lu Li , Zhu Linlin , Xiong Jing , Jiang Shayi , Yang Xiujun , Liu Jiangbin , Lv Zhibao
Published: July 2024

Background

The capacity of presurgical image‐defined risk factors (IDRFs) to predict secondary surgical outcomes in patients with neuroblastoma is controversial.

Methods

The International Neuroblastoma Surgical Report Form (INSRF) was employed to retrospectively collect the clinical data of 53 patients diagnosed with neuroblastoma at our hospital from April 2014 to April 2020. IDRFs were identified at the time of diagnosis and reassessed during the course of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Various statistical tests were used to evaluate the correlation between IDRFs and secondary surgical outcomes.

Results

A total of 195 IDRFs were identified. Notably, by two courses of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the number of “two body compartments,” “intraspinal tumor extension,” and “trachea‐compressing” IDRFs decreased significantly (p = .001). The primary tumor volumes and the number of IDRFs decreased significantly by four courses of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, especially in “intraspinal tumor extension” IDRFs (p = .034). The median number of IDRF per patient was four (interquartile range [IQR]: 1–5) at diagnosis, which diminished to one (IQR: 1–3) subsequent to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The presence of preoperative IDRFs was not associated with surgical complications (p = .286) or the extent of surgery (p = .188). However, the number of preoperative IDRFs linked to the extent of surgery (p = .002), not to operative complications (p = .669). Specifically, presurgery “renal vessel contact” IDRFs were predictive of surgical complications, while presurgery “infiltration of vital structures” IDRFs were associated with the extent of surgery.

Conclusion

The number of IDRFs decreased significantly by four courses of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The number and type of presurgery IDRFs may predict secondary surgical outcomes, surpassing the mere consideration of their presence or absence.
Study on the influence of carbon nanotube modification on the mechanical and magnetic properties of chloroprene rubber‐based magnetorheological elastomers
Authors: Li Wenxue , Liang Jicai , Zhu Yanchao , Li Chenrui , Gong Qin , Liang Ce
Published: July 2024

This study explores the mechanical and magnetic properties of magnetorheological elastomers (MREs) based on chloroprene rubber, enhanced with carbonyl iron powder (CIP) as the primary filler. Carbon black serves as the primary reinforcing filler, with multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) used as a secondary filler to strengthen the rubber matrix. The primary objective of this research is to examine the effects of the mixture of iron powder with reinforcing fillers and the interaction of these fillers with the rubber matrix on the mechanical and magnetomechanical performance of MREs. CNTs, tubular nanoscale carbon molecules, significantly enhance the tensile strength and fatigue resistance when combined with the MRE matrix. During mixing, CNTs form a network structure within the MRE matrix, promoting the dissipation of accumulated heat and reducing thermal fatigue loss. The addition of 20 parts of CNTs to the CR matrix significantly improved the tensile mechanical properties, with the 100% set elongation stress increasing by up to 260% and the magnetic responsiveness increasing by 30.6%. The addition of 10 parts of carboxylated CNTs most notably enhanced the magnetorheological effect, increasing the magnetic stress relaxation rate by 78%. These enhanced properties enable MREs to provide better vibration control and comfort in automotive suspension systems, improve energy absorption and damping effects in industrial damping systems, and enhance durability and sealing performance in sealant applications.

Highlights

Carbonyl iron powder, carbon black, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were used as fillers to strengthen the chloroprene (CR) matrix magnetorheological elastomers (MREs).

CNTs formed a network structure, promoting the dissipation of accumulated heat and reducing thermal fatigue loss.

The tensile mechanical property of MRE with 20 parts of CNTs has been significantly improved, with an increasing magnetic responsiveness of 30.6%.

Magnetorheological effect of MRE with 10 parts of CNTs has notably enhanced, with the magnetic stress relaxation rate of 78%.
Morphological, thermal and mechanical properties of wheat‐straw reinforced copper nanocomposite
Authors: Haque Md. Eyazul , Chowdhury Md. Najmul Kabir , Khan Md. Wahab
Published: July 2024

The work summarizes an innovative nanocomposite including synthesized copper nanoparticle (CuNP) impregnated wheat straw (WS) (the agronomic waste from an wheat plant) reinforced unsaturated polyester resin has been established. The addition of nanoparticles (NPs) increased the antifungal properties (~11%), durability (~9%), and strength (~39%) of the composites. Therefore, these nanoparticles have been synthesized from a copper chloride dihydrate precursor and they have been impregnated into wheat straw via cationization. This copper‐impregnated wheat straw (CuIWS) was formulated and employed to create a strong and long‐lasting nanocomposite with unsaturated polyester resin. Their morphological, mechanical, chemical, biodegradability (BD), and thermal properties were estimated and relationships were explicated systematically. Particularly, the tensile strength of polyester resin, crude and treated WS (cationized and copper‐impregnated) composites were 11.70, 14.20, 20.92, and 22.34 N/mm2 respectively. Therefore the reinforcement capability for crude, cationized and copper‐impregnated WS composites increased by ~22%, 75%, and 92% respectively. The residual ash was just about 16.23%, 12.04% and 6.56% for copper impregnated wheat straw composite (CuIWSC), Cationized wheat straw composite (CWSC) and untreated wheat straw composite (UTWSC) respectively point to the existence of ~4.1% Cu incorporated into the wheat straw which holds up the energy dispersive x‐ray (EDX) spectra of ~4.2% copper content. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicates that the nanocomposites are stable up to 325°C. These nanocomposites also show superlative crystallinity compared to other ones. Water uptake capacity followed typical Fickian diffusion law. The developed nanocomposites might be suitable for automobile and aircraft parts, furniture, and other indoor to outdoor applications.

Highlights

TS of the composites increased by increasing the WS filling up to 15%.

The crystallinity increased after the addition of nanoparticles.

The typical water uptake properties followed the Fickian diffusion rule.

Incorporation of nanoparticles increased 11% antifungal properties.

The developed nanocomposites are used for inside and outside applications.
Molecular dynamics simulation of polymer wrapping for interfacial characteristics of aligned carbon nanotube/polyimide nanocomposites
Authors: Zhang Jiachen , Liu Ao , Xu Fujun , Chen Li , Wu Liwei , Jiang Qian
Published: July 2024

The interaction properties can be significantly improved by using conjugated polymers with aromatic rings for carbon nanotube (CNT)‐reinforced composites. In this study, we investigated the influence of the molecular structure of the polyimide (PI) conjugated polymer on the mechanical properties and interfacial characteristics of CNT/PI composites. To that end, nanocomposites composed of aligned multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) and PI with three different molecular structures were examined. Tensile tests, small‐angle x‐ray scattering (SAXS), and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were conducted, which revealed significant variations in the tensile properties among the three aligned MWNT/PI nanocomposites. The SAXS analyses indicated that MWNT/BPDA‐PDA had the largest interfacial specific surface area, as corroborated by the MD simulation results, which further demonstrated that the rigidity of the molecular structure influenced the extent of wrapping the PI chains around MWNTs. A highly rigid molecular chain hindered the intrachain folding of the PI chain, facilitating better wrapping of the MWNTs and a larger interfacial area. The MWNTs induced conformational changes in the PI chain owing to π–π stacking. Hermans orientation factor revealed that BPDA‐PDA exhibited the highest degree of orientation with MWNTs, whereas BTDA‐MPD displayed the greatest extent of MWNT‐induced conformational changes. The calculated interaction energy confirmed that MWNT/BTDA‐MPD exhibited the strongest interface strength (−41.50 Kcal/mol/nm2), which was 36.32% and 43.03% higher than that of MWNT/BPDA‐ODA and MWNT/BPDA‐PDA, demonstrating its superior tensile properties. This study provides insights into the interfacial characteristics between conjugated polymers and CNTs, which are essential for designing interfaces and developing high‐performance nanocomposites.

Highlights

Interfacial interaction between polyimide and aligned carbon nanotubes was investigated.

Modulation by polyimide structures on the mechanical property of composite was revealed.

The rigidity of the polyimide hinders the folding and facilitates the wrapping.

The interfacial interaction induces molecular orientation in polyimide can be observed by molecular dynamic simulation.
A highly stretchable and conductive polydimethylsiloxane/nickel‐coated graphite composite prepared by a facile sedimentation method by adjusting interface effects
Authors: Zhang Rong , Liu Qian , Xiang Yifan , Li Siqi , Fan Wuhou , Xu Chengcheng , Liu Qingting , Fu Xudong , Hu Shengfei
Published: July 2024

Stretchable electrodes are essential parts for flexible electronics which are widely applied in human health monitoring, wearable electronics, robotics etc. Conductive elastomer composites are good candidates for stretchable electrodes; however, it is a challenge to maintain the resistance of conductive elastomer composites during elongation due to the departure of filler networks. In this work, highly stretchable and conductive polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)/nickel‐coated graphite (NCG) composites were fabricated based on the filler sedimentation method, in which NCG was modified by the coupling agent of the end alkyl group (dodecyltriethoxysilane, DTES) and end vinyl group (vinyltriethoxysilane, VTEO), considering the force between the filler networks and filler–matrix interface. The DTES modified NCG mainly improved the filler–matrix interface, which made the resistance of the composites clearly increase with strain, while the VTEO mainly heightened the NCG networks and made the resistance of the composites insensitive to a strain of 114% when the NCG content was 23.1 wt%. These quite interesting results are closely related to the force between the filler networks and filler–matrix interface during strain and they were proved in detail through the mechanical and electrical hysteresis performance. This work presents a facile method from the concept of stability of filler networks during strain to prepare highly stretchable and conductive composites. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Exploring the specific chemistries of the cycloaddition reactions of 5‐benzoyl‐3(2H)‐isothiazolone and stable nitrile oxides: Insights from Density Functional Theory analysis
Authors: Is‐mail Muntaka , Aniagyei Albert , Kwawu Caroline R. , Amankwah Gabriel , Menkah Elliot , Adei Evans
Published: July 2024

Isothiazolones are important heterocyclics with pharmacological potency such as anti‐inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, and robust biocidal (used in agrochemicals). This study seeks to provide mechanistic insight into the chemo‐ and regio‐selectivities of the [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of 5‐benzoyl‐3(2H)‐isothiazolone (A1) with two stable nitrile oxides, that is, mesitonitrile oxide (A2) and dichlorobenzonitrile oxide (A3) using M06‐2X hybrid density functional calculations coupled with the 6‐311G (d, p) basis sets. Mesitonitrile oxide A2 chemo‐selectively adds across the carbonyl of the benzyl group of A1 while dichloro benzonitrile oxide A3 preferentially adds across the ethylene center of A1. Derivatization of A1 with electron‐donating groups lowers the activation barriers by a very minute margin ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 kcal/mol whereas electron‐withdrawing groups significantly decrease the energetics of the reaction by a margin of 1.1 to 2.5 kcal/mol. Solvation with chloroform does not affect the selectivity of the reaction but tends to increase both activation and reaction energies of the various routes. Analysis of the Parr function on different reactive sites of A1 shows the addition of A2 via the atomic center with the largest Mullikan atomic spin densities. Substitution of the S‐heteroatom with C, O, or N does not affect the regioselectivity of the reaction but lowers the activation energies in the reaction of A1 with A3. The global electron density transfer (GEDT) values predict a polar reaction between A1 and A2 whereas the reaction of A1 and A3 is non‐polar.
Anxiety symptoms predict head and neck cancer survival: Exploring mediation by systemic inflammation and tumor response to treatment
Authors: Houston Hannah , Beck Isak , Albert Christy , Palmer Iona , Polzin Baylee , Kabithe Alyssa , Crawford Devaughn , Bumpous Jeffrey M. , Cash Elizabeth
Published: July 2024

Background

Head and neck cancers (HNC) are associated with high rates of anxiety. Anxiety has been linked to biological pathways implicated in cancer progression, though little is known about its effects on overall survival. We hypothesized that higher pretreatment anxiety levels in patients with HNC would predict poorer 2‐year overall survival and expected this relationship to be mediated by both systemic inflammation and tumor response to treatment.

Methods

Patients (N = 394) reported anxiety symptomatology via the GAD‐7 at treatment planning. Pre‐treatment hematology workup provided an index of systemic inflammation (SII; N = 292). Clinical data review yielded tumor response and overall survival. Logistic and multiple regressions and Cox proportional hazard models tested hypothesized relationships.

Results

Higher pretreatment anxiety levels were significantly associated with poorer 2‐year survival (hazard ratio [HR], 1.039; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.014–1.066, p = 0.002). The association between anxiety and SII was not significant, though anxiety was associated with poorer tumor response (odds ratio [OR], 1.033; 95% CI, 1.001–1.066, p = 0.043). Tumor response fully mediated the relationship between anxiety symptoms and 2‐year survival (HR, 9.290, 95% CI, 6.152–14.031, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Anxiety was associated with overall survival. Tumor response, but not systemic inflammation, emerged as a potential biological pathway mediating this effect. Screening for anxiety may be beneficial to help prospectively address these concerns and ameliorate potentially detrimental impact on clinically meaningful cancer outcomes.
Plasma nitrogen fixation for plant cultivation with air‐derived dinitrogen pentoxide
Authors: Takeshi Shouki , Takashima Keisuke , Sasaki Shota , Higashitani Atsushi , Kaneko Toshiro
Published: July 2024

The development of a nonconventional nitrogen fertilizer, which can be fixed in agricultural fields using decentralized renewable energy sources, presents a feasible solution for sustainable on‐site nitrogen fixation and fertilization. This study focuses on plasma‐generated dinitrogen pentoxide (N2O5) as a prospective mediator for the on‐site nitrogen fertilization, allowing nitrogen fertilization directly into culture media. Basal dinitrogen pentoxide fertilization demonstrated almost 100% dinitrogen pentoxide dissolution efficiency as nitrate in a culture medium and nitrogen fertilization effect on plant growth without explicit symptoms of damage. Top‐dressing of dinitrogen pentoxide was also an efficient method for transferring nitrogen into the soil as nitrate, which improved plant growth and suppressed nitrogen deficiency symptoms, while overdose caused adverse effects.
Sensitivity of Permafrost Degradation to Geological and Climatic Conditions
Authors: Guo Lei , Ran Youhua , Li Xin , Jin Huijun , Cheng Guodong
Published: July 2024

Permafrost degradation varies spatially; however, the underlying mechanism remains partially unclear. In this study, we predicted permafrost variation under the influence of climate change to investigate the sensitivity of permafrost degradation to geological and climatic conditions. The results revealed that geological strata can strongly impact the permafrost degradation process. Mainly due to the greater thermal conductivity of sandy gravel in the Arctic, the complete thaw of permafrost will be greatly delayed by more than 160 years compared with that on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP). Climatic conditions, such as snow depth, can also greatly affect the degradation process of permafrost: The thaw of permafrost will be delayed by more than 140 years when the snow depth decreases from 0.7 to 0.1 m. Peat soil thickness at ground surface can also affect permafrost degradation. The permafrost temperature increases as peat soil thickens when the thickness is less than 1.0 m, whereas there is a critical peat soil thickness (approximately 0.2 and 0.5 m on the QTP and in the Arctic, respectively) under which permafrost will thaw at the fastest rate. The findings highlight the influence of geology and climate over permafrost degradation.
De novo synthetic antimicrobial peptide design with a recurrent neural network
Authors: Li Chenkai , Sutherland Darcy , Richter Amelia , Coombe Lauren , Yanai Anat , Warren René L. , Kotkoff Monica , Hof Fraser , Hoang Linda M. N. , Helbing Caren C. , Birol Inanc
Published: July 2024

Antibiotic resistance is recognized as an imminent and growing global health threat. New antimicrobial drugs are urgently needed due to the decreasing effectiveness of conventional small‐molecule antibiotics. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), a class of host defense peptides, are emerging as promising candidates to address this need. The potential sequence space of amino acids is combinatorially vast, making it possible to extend the current arsenal of antimicrobial agents with a practically infinite number of new peptide‐based candidates. However, mining naturally occurring AMPs, whether directly by wet lab screening methods or aided by bioinformatics prediction tools, has its theoretical limit regarding the number of samples or genomic/transcriptomic resources researchers have access to. Further, manually designing novel synthetic AMPs requires prior field knowledge, restricting its throughput. In silico sequence generation methods are gaining interest as a high‐throughput solution to the problem. Here, we introduce AMPd‐Up, a recurrent neural network based tool for de novo AMP design, and demonstrate its utility over existing methods. Validation of candidates designed by AMPd‐Up through antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that 40 of the 58 generated sequences possessed antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and/or Staphylococcus aureus. These results illustrate that AMPd‐Up can be used to design novel synthetic AMPs with potent activities.
Trimethylamine N‐oxide (TMAO) doubly locks the hydrophobic core and surfaces of protein against desiccation stress
Authors: Ru Geying , Liu Xiaoli , Ge Yuwei , Wang Liying , Jiang Ling , Pielak Gary , Liu Maili , Li Conggang
Published: July 2024

Interactions between proteins and osmolytes are ubiquitous within cells, assisting in response to environmental stresses. However, our understanding of protein–osmolyte interactions underlying desiccation tolerance is limited. Here, we employ solid‐state NMR (ssNMR) to derive information about protein conformation and site‐specific interactions between the model protein, SH3, and the osmolyte trimethylamine N‐oxide (TMAO). The data show that SH3–TMAO interactions maintain key structured regions during desiccation and facilitate reversion to the protein's native state once desiccation stress is even slightly relieved. We identify 10 types of residues at 28 sites involved in the SH3–TMAO interactions. These sites comprise hydrophobic, positively charged, and aromatic amino acids located in SH3's hydrophobic core and surface clusters. TMAO locks both the hydrophobic core and surface clusters through its zwitterionic and trimethyl ends. This double locking is responsible for desiccation tolerance and differs from ideas based on exclusion, vitrification, and water replacement. ssNMR is a powerful tool for deepening our understanding of extremely weak protein−osmolyte interactions and providing insight into the evolutionary mechanism of environmental tolerance.
Identification of a magnesium‐binding site at the primary allosteric calcium sensor of the sodium–calcium exchanger: Implications for physiological regulation
Authors: Manori Bar , Da'adoosh Benny , Haitin Yoni , Giladi Moshe
Published: July 2024

Sodium–calcium exchanger (NCX) proteins are ubiquitously expressed and play a pivotal role in cellular calcium homeostasis by mediating uphill calcium efflux across the cell membrane. Intracellular calcium allosterically regulates the exchange activity by binding to two cytoplasmic calcium‐binding domains, CBD1 and CBD2. However, the calcium‐binding affinities of these domains are seemingly inadequate to sense physiological calcium oscillations. Previously, magnesium binding to either domain was shown to tune their affinity for calcium, bringing it into the physiological range. However, while the magnesium‐binding site of CBD2 was identified, the identity of the CBD1 magnesium site remains elusive. Here, using molecular dynamics in combination with differential scanning fluorimetry and mutational analysis, we pinpoint the magnesium‐binding site in CBD1. Specifically, among four calcium‐binding sites (Ca1–Ca4) in this domain, only Ca1 can accommodate magnesium with an affinity similar to its free intracellular concentration. Moreover, our results provide mechanistic insights into the modulation of the regulatory calcium affinity by magnesium, which allows an adequate NCX activity level throughout varying physiological needs.
Impact of proton pump inhibitors on the efficacy of androgen receptor signaling inhibitors in metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer patients
Authors: Tanegashima Tokiyoshi , Shiota Masaki , Tsukahara Shigehiro , Mutaguch Jun , Goto Shunsuke , Kobayashi Satoshi , Matsumoto Takashi , Eto Masatoshi
Published: July 2024

Background

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely used due to their affordability and minimal severe side effects. However, their influence on the efficacy of cancer treatments, particularly androgen receptor signaling inhibitors (ARSIs), remains unclear. This study investigates the impact of PPI usage on the treatment outcomes in patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

Methods

A total of 117 mCRPC patients were retrospectively analyzed and divided into two groups based on the concomitant use of PPI at the initiation of ARSI treatment: PPI+ (n = 38) and PPI− (n = 79). Patient characteristics, including age at ARSI treatment administered, prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) value at ARSI treatment administered, International Society of Urological Pathology grade group at prostate biopsy, metastatic site at ARSI treatment administered, prior docetaxel (DTX) treatment, and type of ARSI (abiraterone acetate or enzalutamide) were recorded. Progression‐free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and PSA response rates were compared between the two groups. Patients were further stratified by clinical background to compare PFS and OS between the two groups.

Results

The PPI− group exhibited significantly extended PFS and a trend toward improved OS. For PSA response (reduction of 50% or more from baseline), the rates were 62.3% and 45.9% in the PPI− group and the PPI+ group, respectively. For deep PSA response (reductions of 90% or more from baseline), the rates were 36.4% and 24.3% in the PPI− group and the PPI+ group, respectively. The effects were consistent across subgroups divided by prior DTX treatment and type of ARSI administered.

Conclusions

The administration of PPIs appears to diminish the therapeutic efficacy of ARSIs in mCRPC patients. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and explore the biological mechanisms involved.
Impacts of the cyromazine emergence inhibition procedure of Bactrocera dorsalis on Fopius arisanus: implications for the biological control of diptera pest
Authors: Lin Jia , Yue Guoqing , Chen Jun , Xiao Kang , Ji Qing'e
Published: July 2024

Background

Fopius arisanus (Sonan) is an important egg–pupal endoparasitic wasp of Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel). As traditional method of sorting nonparasitic B. dorsalis from parasitic wasps is labor‐intensive, requires specific equipment and poses the risk of spreading fertile hosts, the development of a more convenient, economical and safe sorting procedure is important.

Results

The optimal cyromazine emergence inhibition procedure (CEIP) involved facilitating the pupation of B. dorsalis mature larvae (Bdml) in 3 mg kg−1 cyromazine sand substrate (CSS) for 48 h. When the Bdml that had been exposed to F. arisanus during the egg stage were treated with 3–7 mg kg−1 CSS for 48 h, no negative effects on the emergence parameters of parasitoids were observed. Treatment with 3–4 mg kg−1 CSS had insignificant effects on the biological and behavioral parameters of F. arisanus. However, treatment with 5–6 mg kg−1 CSS adversely affected the fecundity and antennating activity of the wasps; specifically, 6 mg kg−1 CSS negatively affected the lifespan and flight ability of wasps. Fortunately, no transgenerational effects on these parameters were observed in the progeny. Regarding the nutrient reserves of both sexes of F. arisanus, significant dose‐dependent effects were observed. Moreover, 5–6 mg kg−1 CSS significantly reduced the protein and carbohydrate content in F. arisanus; in particular, 6 mg kg−1 CSS notably reduced the lipid content.

Conclusion

CEIP provides a more flexible, economical and safe mass‐release program for F. arisanus. In addition, it has profound implications for the biological control of other dipteran pests. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.