bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atherogenicity, Oxidative Stress, Heavy Metals and Bioelements Status in Hypertensive Nigerians in an Urban Population
Authors: Oyewole Oyedeji Samuel , Adeleke Adesina Adeyemi , Taiwo Oke Olusegun , Ganiyu Adeosun Oyebola , Kunle Awe
Published: October 2023

Objectives: This study investigated levels of measured parameters; bio-elements (zinc, copper, selenium, chromium, and manganese), heavy metals (cadmium and lead), oxidative stress biomarkers (vitamin C, Vitamin E, reduced Glutathione-GSH and malondialdehyde-MDA) and lipid profile (cholesterol-CHOL, triglyceride- TG, high-density lipoprotein- HDL, low-density lipoprotein- LDL and VLDL) in primary hypertensive individuals.

Materials and Methods: A total of 74 confirmed hypertensive individuals (30 males, 44 females) of 30-55 years (test subjects) and 46 (22males, 24 females) age-matched apparently healthy normotensive individuals (control) were involved in this study. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used to determine the concentrations of bio-elements and toxic metals while spectrophotometric methods were used for the concentrations of oxidative stress biomarkers and lipid fractions.

Results: Comparative analysis between test and control subjects showed significantly reduced concentrations of vitamins C and E, GSH, the bio-elements, HDL and Zinc/Copper ratio. Significantly elevated concentrations of the toxic metals, MDA, CHOL, TG, LDL, and VLDL, the atherogenic indices- LDL/HDL, TC/HDL, and TG/HDL as well as Cadmium/ Zinc ratio. There was indirect association between the bio-elements and atherogenic lipid fractions but a direct correlation with HDL. Also, negative correlations were observed between the heavy metals and the antioxidants biomolecules.

Conclusion: The concentrations of the measured bio-elements, vitamins C and E, GSH and HDL were significantly lower in hypertensive individuals while the levels of heavy metals, cholesterol, TG, LDL and MDA were significantly higher.
Effect of Nitrogen and Boron on Growth and Yield of Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica L.)
Authors: Shashma Yeshamalla , Umesha C.  , Kalpana Kowagana
Published: October 2023

The field experiment titled “Effect of Nitrogen and Boron on Growth and Yield of Foxtail Millet” was conducted during Zaid 2023 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj. The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.8), low in organic carbon (0.62%), available nitrogen (225 kg/ha), available phosphorus (38.2 kg/ha) and available potassium (240.7 kg/ha). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with ten treatments which are replicated thrice. Results obtained that significantly higher plant height (83.52 cm), plant dry weight (14.06 g), length of ear head (15.70 cm), number of grains/ear head (1,413.09), test weight (3.64 g), grain yield (1.68 t/ha), stover yield (3.88 t/ha), harvest index (33.79%) higher gross return (69,291.48 INR/ha), net return (48,099.98 INR/ha) and B:C ratio (2.27) were recorded in treatment 9 with the application of (Nitrogen 60 kg/ha + Boron 0.03%).
Climate Change Adaptation in Chandrapur District of Vidarbha Region of Maharashtra, India: An Investigation into Individual and Collective Agricultural Actions
Authors: Gawhare Atul Anil , Rathour Sachin , Singh Vaishnavi , Badal Prakash Singh , Kamalvanshi Virendra
Published: October 2023

Climate change impacts are global, countries like India are particularly vulnerable due to their large populations and heavy reliance on agriculture. Climate change has substantial economic effects on agriculture, including shifts in productivity, crop patterns, profitability, prices, supply, and trade. Adaptation involves measures to adjust to present or anticipated future conditions, differing from mitigation, which focuses on risk reduction. This study focused on adoption rates and influencing factors for climate change adaptation measures in Maharashtra's Vidarbha region. Data from 120 farmers in Chandrapur district showed that over 50% implemented strategies like crop diversification, land fallowing, well installation, integrated fertilization, and agroforestry. These choices were influenced by local conditions and socioeconomic factors, with a positive connection to climate awareness, land size, weather information access, cropping practices, institutional support, and assets. Notably, awareness, land size, cropping patterns, and institutional support significantly affected farmers' adaptation levels.
Varietal Mean Performance of Garden Pea (Pisum sativum var. hortense L.) Under Subtropical Conditions of Punjab, India
Authors: Neupane Arkit , Tripathi Vishal , Swain Aparnna Rani , Sharma Jitendra Kumar , Kumar Yaman , Goutam Etalesh
Published: October 2023

This study on genetic variability and character association in fourteen genotypes of garden pea was conducted during the period spanning from 2022 to 2023. The research was carried out at the Agricultural Farm, School of Agriculture, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara (Punjab), India. The results obtained from this study revealed a significant variation in the mean performance among genotypes concerning various parameters, including days to 50% flowering, plant height, number of nodes per plant, number of primary branches per plant, node to 1st flower appears, node to 1st pod appears, internodal length, length of pod, number of seeds per pod, number of pods per plant, 100 seeds weight, number of seeds per 100g pods, number of pods per 100g, pod yield per plant and total soluble solids. Among these parameters, it was observed that the number of primary branches per plant was highest (4.60) in the Tako-11 genotype, followed by GS-10 (4.46) and Samag (4.46). In terms of plant height, BKS pea recorded the highest measurement (91.28 cm), closely followed by Peas A-1 (90.85 cm). The genotypes GS-10 and AP-3 demonstrated superior performance in terms of yield as 104.70 g and 102.97 g, respectively. Furthermore, the assessment of total soluble solids content revealed that genotypes like GS-10 with 19.82°B and Nirali with 18.81°B exhibited higher sweetness levels in their pods compared to the other genotypes. Results of analysis of variance in this study indicated a substantial variance across the traits considered under investigation. Furthermore, it revealed that there are ample opportunities exist for the selection of promising genotypes with favorable characteristics for further agricultural development and breeding programs. From the obtained results it can be concluded that a notable variation in various agronomic traits was observed and these findings would be helpful in providing valuable insights for future research and breeding efforts aimed at enhancing garden pea cultivation and productivity.
Effect of Foliar Application of Different Chemicals on Yield and Yield Attributes of Black gram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] under Rainfed Condition
Authors: Pandey Vaibhav , Singh Harendra , Kumar Purushottam , Dwivedi D. K. , Mishra Abhishek , Singh Digvijay , Mishra Suraj , Singh Ankit
Published: October 2023

A field experiment was performed at the “TCA., research farm of Dholi (Muzaffarpur), which is a unit of the Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur), Bihar, during the Kharif season of 2021” to investigate the “Effect of foliar application of different chemicals on yield attributes and yield of Black gram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] under rainfed condition”. The design used for making layout of experimental unit was RBD, that was replicated three times, with ten treatments in each replication for a total of 30 plots. The experiment conducted with 10 treatments viz., Absolute Control (T1), Water Spray (T2), ZnSO4 @ 0.5% Spray (T3), NPK (19-19-19) @ 2% Spray (T4), Urea @ 2% Spray (T5), DAP @ 2% Spray (T6), Salicylic acid @ 100 ppm Spray (T7), Potassium Nitrate @ 2% Spray (T8), Boron 0.25 % Spray (T9), Potassium Chloride @ 0.2% Spray(T10). The foliar spray of different treatments applied had a significant impact on the number of pod number plant-1, seed count pod-1 and the length of the pod. However, foliar chemicals had no appreciable impact on the weight of 100 seeds. At pre-flowering and pod-initiation stage, foliar treatment of “NPK (19-19-19) @ 2 % spray (T4)” resulted in significantly greater seed production and stover output. Different chemical administration to the foliage had no significant effect on harvest index.
Studies of Genetic Variability and Inter-Relationship among Some Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata L.) Landrace of Assam, India
Authors: Panging Khirud , Bora Gobin Candra , Sarma Debojit , Taye Trishna , Sarmah Akashi
Published: October 2023

Thirty diverse landraces of pumpkin comprising from eight districts of Assam viz., four landraces from each district, Sivasager, Dibrugarh, Karbi Anglong, Haflong, Jorhat & Majuli and three landraces from each Lakhimpur and Kokrajhar. The landraces were subjected to analyses of variance and covariance for estimation of genetic variability parameters and correlation coefficients among the 19 characters. The experiment was carried out during the rabi season of 2017-18 at the Instruction Cum and Research (ICR) Farm of Assam Agricultural University in a Randomized Block Design with three replications. From the analysis of variance, it was recorded that the presence of variation among thirty pumpkin landraces for all characters. The highest genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was recorded for single fruit weight with 51.47 per cent and 54.88 per cent, indicating presence of greater variability for the trait. The heritability in the broad sense was recorded highest for the petiole length. The GA calculated as per cent of the mean was recorded for single fruit weight (99.44%), followed by yield per plant. In character association five traits were positively correlated with fruit yield per plant out of 18 characters.
Sour to Sweet: Tamarind Tales of Empowerment Adding Value to Women’s Lives
Authors: Bhavana, A.  , Gayathri, B.  , Manjunatha, R.
Published: October 2023

Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) is one of the important fruit crops of India. It is also termed as “Indian Date” due to its date like appearance of dried pulp. The preservation and processing of the tamarind through value added products is the effective way of retaining the nutrients content of fruits. Area of tamarind in Chikkaballapur district spread over 608 ha where fruits are just harvested and sold by farmers which most of the farmers are not even obtaining the nominal charges because of improper processing. One of the best features of the tamarind is its durability which incur no loss of the value-added products. As stated by the spice board of India, the tamarind area production was about 74.20 (000’ ha), with average yield of 309.44 (000’ MT). About 258.70 (000’MT) to 272.85 (000’MT) of tamarind is allotted for value addition products to processed and lot of labor is engaged in this processing in India. This indicates that there is a wide opportunity in value addition of tamarind. Different extension methods like on campus training programs, group discussion and folders were developed on the value addition of tamarind to create awareness among the public. In this perspective of Sri Lakshmi Venkateshwara Self Help Group (SHG) of 20 farms women was identified to be trained in KVK for the development of value added products and an on campus training programme for a week was provided to disseminate technology on production of tamarind value added products; tamarind puree, tamarind toffee, tamarind chutney powder lollipop and instant puliyoggare mix and to estimate cost benefit ratio. Raw materials, branding, labelling and packaging materials were distributed to the SHG to encourage them for the product development and selling of the products. Advertising and marketing of the products initially was carried on in the free stalls of exhibitions in krishi fair and in district agriculture fair where the products created huge demand. Results showed that processing of quintals of tamarind for four products like tamarind puree (130 Kg), tamarind toffee (241.25 Kg), tamarind chutney powder (165.50 Kg), tamarind lollypop (230 Kg) and tamarind instant puliyoggare mix (153.45) respectively with the monthly net profit of Rs. 12923 from puree, Rs. 13358 from toffee Rs. 9947 from chutney powder and Rs. 18098 from lollypop and Rs. 31146 from instant puliyoggare mix whereas unprocessed tamarind cost Rs. 120 per kg. The value addition of tamarind has helped to improve their family income per month is around 85,000 with cost benefit ratio of 1.42. These trained individuals of SHGs now serve as the resource persons in training the budding up SHGs.
Comparative Analysis of Reproductive Healthcare Services Utilization among Women of Childbearing Age in Rural and Urban Areas of Rivers West Senatorial District, Nigeria
Authors: Peter-Kio Opirite Boma , Oweredaba Sokariba
Published: October 2023

The aim of this study was to compare the utilization of reproductive healthcare services among women of childbearing age in rural and urban areas of Rivers West Senatorial District. A comparative research design was adopted with a population consisting of 354,556 women of reproductive age in Rivers West Senatorial District. A sample size of 440 was selected using a multi-staged sampling procedure. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.88. Data collected was analyzed with the aid of the Statistical Product for Service Solution (SPSS) version 23.0 using mean and t-test. The result showed that reproductive healthcare services such as prenatal care services were utilized more in the urban areas than rural (\(\bar{X}\) = 3.45±0.93 vs 3.35±1.08), postnatal care (\(\bar{X}\) = 3.53±0.85 vs 3.41±0.97); STI prevention/management services (\(\bar{X}\) = 2.45±1.29 vs 2.40±1.31), while others services such as family planning and abortion care were utilized more in rural areas than urban (\(\bar{X}\) = 2.07±1.17 vs 2.05±1.07) and (\(\bar{X}\) = 2.15±1.24 vs 1.75±1.14) respectively. The tested hypotheses revealed that statistically significant difference was found between rural and urban areas in the utilization of postnatal care (z-cal = 5.32, df = 435, p<0.05), family planning (z-cal = 36.87, df = 435, p<0.05), abortion care (z-cal = 4.44, df = 435, p<0.05), and STI prevention/management services (z-cal = 6.43, df = 435, p<0.05). It was concluded that, reproductive healthcare services were utilized more at the urban areas. It was recommended among others that the government should make prenatal care services more interesting at both urban and rural areas, by building and including aesthetic design.
Appraisal of Structural Integrity Assessment Methodology and Reports of Existing RC Building Structures in Ghana
Authors: Agudze Sampson , Akortia Vincent K. , Kankam Charles K. , Biney Evans , Junior John K. Quarm , Mansar Edward C.
Published: October 2023

This study reviewed eighty-three (83) structural integrity reports obtained from two (2) Metropolitan and six (6) Municipal Assemblies in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana to ascertain the availability of national standard assessment methodology and reporting format for structural integrity assessment of existing building structures in Ghana, evaluate test methods and techniques used in the assessment, and ascertain justification for recommended intervention levels. A case study with a special form/instrument was designed to collect the required data from the reviewed reports in response to the study objectives. The study revealed that there are no national standards or published guidelines available for a methodology for structural integrity assessment and reporting format for existing building structures in Ghana, resulting in a wide variation in the reporting structure by experts or consultants. The most widely used test methods and techniques (and their frequency of use) were visual inspections (100%), Non-Destructive Tests by Schmidt Hammer (95%), Covermeter (40%), Dynamic Cone Penetration Test (DCPT) (48%), and Trial Pits (55%); however, equipment specifications for the test methods and techniques were generally not stated in the reports. The justification for the assessments was largely for structural adequacy and safety assessment for regularization (code compliance), repair, rehabilitation, upgrading, extension or change of use. While only 31% of the reports reviewed provided information on analysis and design calculations, most reports recommended a ‘safe structure’ irrespective of the depth/adequacy of investigation and information provided in the reports. A national standard reporting format was therefore developed and recommended for adoption in the activity of Structural Integrity Assessment and reporting for existing RC building structures in Ghana and beyond.
Research finds aromatherapy eases stress during SUD treatment
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: October 2023

People in treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs) find it stressful, and this kind of stress can impede recovery by motivating relapse. Now, an ongoing study from West Virginia University researchers suggests that aromatherapy can ease this stress by focusing on the whole person.
Gold Nanoparticle‐Coated Bioceramics for Plasmonically Enhanced Molecule Detection via Surface‐Enhanced Raman Scattering
Authors: Guo Tongwei , Schmidt Jonas , Murshed Mohammad Mangir , Rezwan Kurosch , Maas Michael
Published: October 2023

Herein, feasibility of plasmonically enhanced molecule detection via surface‐enhanced Raman scattering for ceramics that are commonly used as bone or tooth replacement materials is evaluated. Open cell foams of Bioglass 45S5, the commercial hydroxyapatite‐based product Bio‐Oss, and bioinert zirconia‐toughened‐alumina (ZTA) are coated with Au nanoparticles via colloidal deposition to introduce plasmonic effects. Depending on the pore size, gold‐functionalized plasmonic porous Bioglass shows effective Raman enhancement factor (eEF) up to , while depositing gold nanoparticles on Bio‐Oss and porous ZTA resulted in eEF of and respectively. The performance of the plasmonic porous bioceramics under simulated biological conditions is examined in situ in the biological medium fetal bovine serum (FBS) and during extended incubation in mineralizing simulated body fluid (SBF). Most notably, the plasmonic porous Bioglass still delivered an eEF around after 28 days of incubation in SBF, indicating promising stability in simulated biological conditions without significant difference in SBF bioactivity before and after Au deposition. Accordingly, the plasmonically enhanced porous bioceramics offer the possibility for real‐time and sensitive molecule detection at SBF and FBS conditions and can be further developed for sensing of specific biomarkers, for example, in the context of osseointegration of bone replacement materials.
Biofabrication of Heterogeneous, Multi‐Layered, and Human‐Scale Tissue Transplants Using Eluting Mold Casting
Authors: Tosoratti Enrico , Rütsche Dominic , Asadikorayem Maryam , Ponta Simone , Fisch Philipp , Flégeau Killian , Linder Thomas , Guillon Pierre , Zenobi‐Wong Marcy
Published: October 2023

The creation of multi‐tissue auricular transplants for the treatment of microtia is a challenge due to the complex and layered structure of this anatomical tissue. A novel casting technique for the 3D biofabrication of heterogeneous, multi‐layered, and human‐scale tissue transplants using eluting agarose molds is presented. The molds are generated by casting agarose into custom 3D‐printed containers, termed metamolds, optimized to facilitate the hydrogel casting process based on geometric and topological constraints. Casting yields high resolution (50 µm) and allows for subsequent casting of further hydrogel layers on the transplant. Multi‐layered auricular constructs are fabricated on a cartilage core consisting of a hyaluronic acid‐alginate double network and an adjacent gelatin‐based dermal layer. Bonding between adjacent layers is achieved by orthogonal physical and enzymatic crosslinking of residual functional groups between each layer. Material composition and culture duration are optimized for each layer allowing for maturation into cartilaginous and pre‐vascularized dermal tissues. To demonstrate the scalability of this technique for the biofabrication of human‐sized transplants, bi‐layered human‐sized ears are cast. Overall, this novel casting technique offers a promising approach for the fabrication of complex tissue grafts, overcoming the limitations of other traditional biofabrication methods.
Magnetic Field‐Directed Deep Thermal Therapy via Double‐Layered Microneedle Patch for Promoting Tissue Regeneration in Infected Diabetic Skin Wounds
Authors: He Dengfeng , Liu Xingmou , Jia Jiezhi , Peng Bo , Xu Na , Zhang Qing , Wang Shang , Li Lei , Liu Menglong , Huang Yong , Zhang Xiaorong , Yu Yunlong , Luo Gaoxing
Published: October 2023

Although near‐infrared (NIR) light‐based photothermal therapies have shown therapeutic potential for infected wounds, the attenuation of NIR light intensity in tissue has severely limited the usage in deep bacterial infections. Herein, magneto‐thermal responsive bilayer microneedles (Fe‐Se‐HA MNs) consisting of functionalized hyaluronic acid (HA), ferro‐ferric oxide (Fe3O4), and micelle‐protected selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs@LAS) are constructed to overcome this challenge based on a self‐designed disk‐shaped electromagnetic field device (Disk‐ZVS). The electromagnetic field generated by the Disk‐ZVS shows virtually no intensity attenuation in living tissue. Finite element simulations showed that the field intensity and electromagnetic loss are concentrated on the tips of Fe‐Se‐HA MNs. The MNs are able to puncture hard scabs, penetrate into bacterial biofilms, and perform effective magnetic‐thermal conversion for deep hyperthermia sterilization. Following, the Fe‐Se‐HA MNs can be gradually degraded by excessive hyaluronidase in diabetic wound to release SeNPs, which reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) to regulate wound redox homeostasis. Meanwhile, the SeNPs are beneficial to angiogenesis, which facilitates blood vessel formation and promotes wound repair. Therefore, various functions can be achieved for the Fe‐Se‐HA MNs, such as magneto‐thermal disinfection, deep and non‐invasive tissue penetration, anti‐inflammation, and pro‐angiogenesis, which shows great potential as an adjunctive therapy for infected diabetic wounds.
A One‐Pot Three‐In‐One Synthetic Strategy to Immobilize Cobalt Corroles on Carbon Nanotubes for Oxygen Electrocatalysis
Authors: Li Xialiang , Qin Haonan , Han Jinxiu , Jin Xiaotong , Xu Yuhan , Yang Shujiao , Zhang Wei , Cao Rui
Published: October 2023

Molecular electrocatalysis requires the immobilization of molecular catalysts on electrode materials for practical uses. Direct adsorption of catalyst molecules on electrode materials is simple, but grafting molecules through chemical bonds can significantly improve electrocatalytic efficiency and durability. However, designing and synthesizing catalyst molecules to simultaneously improve catalytic activities and realize easy grafting on electrodes is challenging. The study herein reports on a one‐pot strategy to graft Co corroles on pyridine‐modified carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for oxygen electrocatalysis. By modifying CNTs with pyridines, the resulting pyridine‐modified CNTs can function as platforms to grab in situ generated Co corroles through the axial pyridine ligation on Co. Such an immobilization strategy combines three effects for the regulation of electrocatalysis, including the axial ligand effect, the electron transfer effect, and the chemical bond effect. The resulting hybrid materials show high efficiency for oxygen electrocatalysis, and the Zn–air battery assembled using these materials displays comparable performance as the Pt/Ir‐based battery. Moreover, the electrocatalytic efficiency of these hybrid materials can be systematically tuned by using different pyridines, highlighting the controllable feature of this strategy. Therefore, this work is significant to present a one‐pot three‐in‐one strategy to immobilize catalyst molecules on CNTs for electrocatalysis.
Directional and Reconfigurable Assembly of Active Colloidal Motors Triggered by Chemical Communications
Authors: Huang Yang , Lin Zhihua , He Qiang
Published: October 2023

Anisotropic colloidal particles can directionally self‐assemble, but the resulting assemblies cannot reconfigure unless the surface properties of colloidal particles change. Although external fields with adjustable inputs can guide the reconstruction of active structures after stimulating the dynamic assembly of active colloidal motors, the interaction between colloidal motors is unclear. Here, the study reports a bioinspired communication and directed assembly of peanut‐shaped colloidal motors with the emergence of ordered ribbon structures triggered by self‐generated chemical fields. The colloidal motors photocatalytically decompose the fuel to create the chemical concentration gradient fields and exert long‐range attractions on the colloidal scale, which enable colloidal motors to communicate by sensing each other, synchronizing orientation, and assembling side‐by‐side after the collision between their local flow fields. The inter‐individual communication occurs at a critical distance of ≈4.4 µm, resulting from the interplay between hydrodynamic effects, long‐ranged phoretic attraction, and short‐ranged magnetic interaction. The linear ribbons are still active owing to the symmetry breaking of the local fluid field and can be switched between rigid and flexible states according to light conditions to simulate the polymer conformation. The complexity of colloidal motors can be combined with external manipulations to manufacture active soft materials with precise and adaptive functions.
Construction and Mechanism of IL‐15‐Based Coactivated Polymeric Micelles for NK Cell Immunotherapy
Authors: Shao Dongyan , Bai Ting , Zhu Bobo , Guo Xiaojia , Dong Kai , Shi Junling , Huang Qingsheng , Kong Jie
Published: October 2023

Natural killer (NK) cells are an important contributor to cancer immunotherapy, but their antitumor efficacy remains suboptimal. While cytokine‐based priming shows promise in enhancing NK‐cell activity, its clinical translation faces many challenges, including coactivation of multiple cytokines, poor pharmacokinetics, and limited mechanistic understanding. Here, this work develops a polymeric micelle‐based IL‐15/IL‐2 codelivery system (IL‐15/2‐PEG‐PTMC) for NK‐cell activation. In vivo studies demonstrate that half‐life of IL‐15 and IL‐2 and the recruitment of NK cell within tumor tissue are significantly increased after PEG‐PTMC loading. Coupled with the coactivation effect of IL‐15 and IL‐2 conferred by this system, it noticeably delays the growth of tumors compared to conventional NK‐cell activation approach, that is free IL‐15 and IL‐2. It is also surprisingly found that cholesterol metabolism is highly involved in the NK cell activation by IL‐15/2‐PEG‐PTMC. Following stimulation with IL‐15/2‐PEG‐PTMC or IL‐15, NK cells undergo a series of cholesterol metabolism reprogramming, which elevates the cholesterol levels on NK cell membrane. This in turn promotes the formation of lipid rafts and activates immune synapses, effectively contributing to the enhancement of NK cell's antitumor activity. It is believed that it will open a new avenue for improving the efficacy of NK cell immunotherapy by regulating cholesterol metabolism.
Chiroptical Switching of Electrochromic Polymer Thin Films
Authors: Song Inho , You Liyan , Chen Ke , Lee Won‐June , Mei Jianguo
Published: October 2023

The interaction between light and chiroptical polymers plays a crucial role in chiroptics, spintronics, and chiral‐spin selectivity. Despite considerable successes in creating dissymmetric polymer films, the elucidation of chiroptical activities under electrochemical switching remains unexplored. Here homogeneous chiral electrochromics is reported using chiral assembly of conjugated polymers through a transient solidification process with molecular chiral templates. In their neutral state, the chiral electrochromic polymers directly produce a remarkably dissymmetric polarization‐dependent transmittance. The circular dichroism (CD) and dissymmetric transmission can be tuned by adjusting the doping level of the electrochemically active polymer films. Under high levels of oxidation, the chiroptical activities are reversed with strong bleaching in the visible, leading to formation of monosignate CD spectra over the infrared region. The matching between circular polarization handedness and chirality of chiroptical polymers makes a distinct impact on optical contrast and color switching dynamics due to the flipped chiroptical activities through polymer redox reactions. The differential circularly polarized transmission in the chiral see‐through display can make a well‐resolved color change in human eyes, demonstrating proof‐of‐concept devices for 3D imaging and information encryption. This work serves as a foundation to develop advanced on‐chip fabrication of circular polarization‐multiplexed display in flexible and highly integrated platforms.
Molecular Separation by Using Active and Passive Microfluidic chip Designs: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Ebrahimi Aliakbar , Icoz Kutay , Didarian Reza , Shih Chih‐Hsin , Tarim E. Alperay , Nasseri Behzad , Akpek Ali , Cecen Berivan , Bal‐Ozturk Ayca , Güleç Kadri , Li Yi‐Chen Ethan , Shih Steven , Sirma Tarim Burcu , Tekin H. Cumhur , Alarçin Emine , Tayybi‐Azar Mehdi , Ghorbanpoor Hamed , Özel Ceren , Eker Sarıboyacı Ayla , Dogan Guzel Fatma , Bassous Nicole , Shin Su Ryon , Avci Huseyin
Published: October 2023

Separation and identification of molecules and biomolecules such as nucleic acids, proteins, and polysaccharides from complex fluids are known to be important due to unmet needs in various applications. Generally, many different separation techniques, including chromatography, electrophoresis, and magnetophoresis, have been developed to identify the target molecules precisely. However, these techniques are expensive and time consuming. “Lab‐on‐a‐chip” systems with low cost per device, quick analysis capabilities, and minimal sample consumption seem to be ideal candidates for separating particles, cells, blood samples, and molecules. From this perspective, different microfluidic‐based techniques have been extensively developed in the past two decades to separate samples with different origins. In this review, “lab‐on‐a‐chip” methods by passive, active, and hybrid approaches for the separation of biomolecules developed in the past decade are comprehensively discussed. Due to the wide variety in the field, it will be impossible to cover every facet of the subject. Therefore, this review paper covers passive and active methods generally used for biomolecule separation. Then, an investigation of the combined sophisticated methods is highlighted. The spotlight also will be shined on the elegance of separation successes in recent years, and the remainder of the article explores how these permit the development of novel techniques.
Triple‐Responsive Visible‐To‐Ultraviolet‐C Upconverted Photons for Multifunctional Applications
Authors: Zi Lingzhu , Li Leipeng , Wang Chunzheng , Yang Furong , Feng Shiji , Lv Pinshu , Yang Yanmin
Published: October 2023

Optically upconverted materials that are capable of converting long‐wavelength low‐energy photons into short‐wavelength high‐energy light have found their applications over a broad spectrum of fields, like light‐emitting diodes (LEDs), displays, bio‐detection, etc. Despite the great advances in exploring the conventional near‐infrared‐to‐visible or even near‐infrared‐to‐ ultraviolet upconverted materials, the visible‐to‐ultraviolet‐C counterparts are far from being desired. Here, a new triple‐responsive material is introduced, i.e., Pr3+‐doped Li2SrGeO4. It has the ability to absorb the visible photons at ≈450 nm from LEDs, laser diodes (LDs), and even sunlight and emit the ultraviolet‐C (UVC) light covering the 240–280 nm wavelength range. Considering the unique characteristics of the UVC photon, the promising applications of the material are further demonstrated in several scenarios, including static/dynamic labeling under the excitation of a 450 nm LED, information encryption under excitation of sunlight, and sterilization under excitation of a 450 nm LD. The work enriches the library of optically upconverted visible‐to‐UVC materials and widens the application scenarios of these materials.
All Inorganic Sb3+–Ln3+‐Codoped Cs2NaYCl6 for Highly Efficient Single‐Source White‐Light Emission and Ratiometric Optical Thermometer Applications
Authors: Guo Xiu‐Xian , Wei Jun‐Hua , Luo Jian‐Bin , He Zi‐Lin , Zhang Zhi‐Zhong , Chen Jing‐Hua , Kuang Dai‐Bin
Published: October 2023

Single‐source white‐light emitters are highlighted with stable color and excellent color rendering ability, which can largely simplify the white‐light‐emitting‐diode (WLED) structure. All‐inorganic and lead‐free double perovskites have attracted extensive research interest and provide versatile doping sites to accommodate the extrinsic multi‐valent ions. Herein, the synthesis and tunable emission of Sb3+–Ln3+‐codoped Cs2NaYCl6 single crystals (SCs) is reported. Particularly, bright white‐light emission with a high photoluminescence quantum yield of 80.5% is yielded in 0.5%Sb3+–2%Tb3+–2%Sm3+‐codoped Cs2NaYCl6 SCs. Steady‐state photoluminescence (PL) and time‐resolved PL spectra are employed to reveal the energy transfer from Sb3+‐induced self‐trapped excitons to Ln3+ ions. Temperature‐dependent PL spectra further demonstrate that the fluorescence intensity ratio of band 657 to band 590 nm is highly dependent on the temperature, and the relative sensitivity reaches a maximum of up to 1.59% K−1 at 260 K. Moreover, the WLED based on 0.5%Sb3+‐2%Tb3+‐2%Sm3+‐codoped Cs2NaYCl6 SCs delivers a higher average color rendering index of 87 than 0.5%Sb3+‐0.8%Tb3+‐2.5%Ho3+‐codoped Cs2NaYCl6 (74.6). The outstanding white‐light‐emission performance together with the high temperature dependence of the fluorescence spectra confers Sb3+–Ln3+‐codoped Cs2NaYCl6 with huge application potential in solid‐state lighting and ratiometric optical thermometry.
Mammary Microvessels are Sensitive to Menstrual Cycle Sex Hormones
Authors: Moccia Carmen , Cherubini Marta , Fortea Marina , Akinbote Akinola , Padmanaban Prasanna , Beltran‐Sastre Violeta , Haase Kristina
Published: October 2023

The mammary gland is a highly vascularized organ influenced by sex hormones including estrogen (E2) and progesterone (P4). Beyond whole‐organism studies in rodents or cell monocultures, hormonal effects on the breast microvasculature remain largely understudied. Recent methods to generate 3D microvessels on‐chip have enabled direct observation of complex vascular processes; however, these models often use non‐tissue‐specific cell types, such as human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and fibroblasts from various sources. Here, novel mammary‐specific microvessels are generated by coculturing primary breast endothelial cells and fibroblasts under optimized culture conditions. These microvessels are mechanosensitive (to interstitial flow) and require endothelial–stromal interactions to develop fully perfusable vessels. These mammary‐specific microvessels are also responsive to exogenous stimulation by sex hormones. When treated with combined E2 and P4, corresponding to the four phases of the menstrual cycle (period, follicular, ovular, and luteal), vascular remodeling and barrier function are altered in a phase‐dependent manner. The presence of high E2 (ovulation) promotes vascular growth and remodeling, corresponding to high depletion of proangiogenic factors, whereas high P4 concentrations (luteal) promote vascular regression. The effects of combined E2 and P4 hormones are not only dose‐dependent but also tissue‐specific, as are shown by similarly treating non‐tissue‐specific HUVEC microvessels.
Design and Characterization of Model Systems that Promote and Disrupt Transparency of Vertebrate Crystallins In Vitro
Authors: Bergman Michael R. , Hernandez Sophia A. , Deffler Caitlin , Yeo Jingjie , Deravi Leila F.
Published: October 2023

Positioned within the eye, the lens supports vision by transmitting and focusing light onto the retina. As an adaptive glassy material, the lens is constituted primarily by densely‐packed, polydisperse crystallin proteins that organize to resist aggregation and crystallization at high volume fractions, yet the details of how crystallins coordinate with one another to template and maintain this transparent microstructure remain unclear. The role of individual crystallin subtypes (α, β, and γ) and paired subtype compositions, including how they experience and resist crowding‐induced turbidity in solution, is explored using combinations of spectrophotometry, hard‐sphere simulations, and surface pressure measurements. After assaying crystallin combinations, β‐crystallins emerged as a principal component in all mixtures that enabled dense fluid‐like packing and short‐range order necessary for transparency. These findings helped inform the design of lens‐like hydrogel systems, which are used to monitor and manipulate the loss of transparency under different crowding conditions. When taken together, the findings illustrate the design and characterization of adaptive materials made from lens proteins that can be used to better understand mechanisms regulating transparency.
Nanomedicine for Diagnosis and Treatment of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Cheng Jingyun , Huang Hui , Chen Yu , Wu Rong
Published: October 2023

With the changing disease spectrum, atherosclerosis has become increasingly prevalent worldwide and the associated diseases have emerged as the leading cause of death. Due to their fascinating physical, chemical, and biological characteristics, nanomaterials are regarded as a promising tool to tackle enormous challenges in medicine. The emerging discipline of nanomedicine has filled a huge application gap in the atherosclerotic field, ushering a new generation of diagnosis and treatment strategies. Herein, based on the essential pathogenic contributors of atherogenesis, as well as the distinct composition/structural characteristics, synthesis strategies, and surface design of nanoplatforms, the three major application branches (nanodiagnosis, nanotherapy, and nanotheranostic) of nanomedicine in atherosclerosis are elaborated. Then, state‐of‐art studies containing a sequence of representative and significant achievements are summarized in detail with an emphasis on the intrinsic interaction/relationship between nanomedicines and atherosclerosis. Particularly, attention is paid to the biosafety of nanomedicines, which aims to pave the way for future clinical translation of this burgeoning field. Finally, this comprehensive review is concluded by proposing unresolved key scientific issues and sharing the vision and expectation for the future, fully elucidating the closed loop from atherogenesis to the application paradigm of nanomedicines for advancing the early achievement of clinical applications.
Nickel‐Regulated Composite Cathode with Balanced Triple Conductivity for Proton‐Conducting Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Tong Hua , Hu Wenjing , Fu Min , Yang Chunli , Tao Zetian
Published: October 2023

Proton‐conducting solid oxide fuel cells (H‐SOFCs) have the potential to be a promising technology for energy conversion and storage. To achieve high chemical compatibility and catalytic activity, nickel‐doped barium ferrate with triple conducting ability is developed as cathodes for H‐SOFCs, presenting an impressive electrochemical performance at intermediate temperatures. The cell performance with the optimized BaCe0.26Ni0.1Fe0.64O3–δ (BCNF10) composite cathode reaches an outstanding performance of 1.04 W cm−2 at 600 °C. The high electrocatalytic capacity of the nickel‐doped barium ferrate cathode can be attributed to its significant proton conductivity which is confirmed through hydrogen permeation experiments. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations are further conducted to reveal that the presence of nickel can enhance processes of hydration formation and proton migration, leading to improve proton conductivity and electro‐catalytic activity.
Does increasing the availability of a nutritious food produced by a small‐ and medium‐sized enterprise increase its consumption? Evidence from a field experiment in Kenya
Authors: Maredia Mywish K. , Porter Maria , Nakasone Eduardo , Ortega David L. , Caputo Vincenzina
Published: October 2023

Many development programs rely on the idea that increasing profitability of small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) could increase availability of nutritious foods among low‐income consumers. We designed a randomized controlled trial in which we made a specific nutritious product produced by an SME exhaustively available in low‐income local markets. We find that compared to control markets, consumers in treated markets purchased and consumed more of this product and less of competing brands with added sugar and fat. However, overall consumption for the product category was not increased and there was no change in the consumption of other related but potentially less nutritious foods. Our findings suggest the need for alternative policies to increase consumption of nutritious foods.
Gray matter and episodic memory associations with olfaction in middle‐aged to older adults
Authors: Eckert Mark A. , Benitez Andreana , Soler Zachary M. , Dubno Judy R. , Schlosser Rodney J.
Published: October 2023

Background

Age‐related declines in olfaction contribute to low quality of life and appear to occur with declines in cognitive function, including diminished episodic memory. We tested the hypothesis that low gray matter volume within cortical regions that support olfaction and episodic memory can explain age‐related differences in olfactory and episodic memory functions.

Methods

T1‐weighted images, Sniffin’ Sticks olfactory measures, and the NIH Toolbox‐Cognition Battery were administered to 131 middle‐aged to older adults (50–86 years; 66% female). Correlation was used to examine the associations between these measures. A network‐based image processing approach was then used to examine the degree to which spatial patterns of gray matter variance were related to the olfactory and cognitive measures. Structural equation modeling was used to characterize the relative specificity of olfactory, cognitive, gray matter, and aging associations.

Results

Olfactory threshold, discrimination, and identification exhibited small to medium effect size associations with episodic memory performance (rs = 0.27–0.42, ps < 0.002). Gray matter volume within medial temporal and orbitofrontal cortex was also related to olfactory (discrimination and identification) and episodic memory function (rs = 0.21–0.36, ps < 0.019). Age and episodic memory explained the same variance in olfaction that was explained by the medial temporal and orbitofrontal pattern of gray matter volume.

Conclusions

The results of this cross‐sectional study suggest that identifying mechanisms contributing to differences in medial temporal and orbitofrontal cortex will advance our understanding of co‐morbid olfactory and cognitive declines.
Clearance of interstitial fluid (ISF) and CSF (CLIC) group‐part of Vascular Professional Interest Area (PIA), updates in 2022‐2023. Cerebrovascular disease and the failure of elimination of Amyloid‐β from the brain and retina with age and Alzheimer's disease: Opportunities for therapy
Authors: Kelly Louise , Brown Christopher , Michalik Daniel , Hawkes Cheryl A. , Aldea Roxana , Agarwal Nivedita , Salib Rami , Alzetani Aiman , Ethell Douglas W , Counts Scott E. , de Leon Mony , Fossati Silvia , Koronyo‐Hamaoui Maya , Piazza Fabrizio , Rich Steven A. , Wolters Frank J. , Snyder Heather , Ismail Ozama , Elahi Fanny , Proulx Steven T. , Verma Ajay , Wunderlich Hilary , Haack Mareike , Dodart Jean Cosme , Mazer Norman , Carare Roxana O.
Published: October 2023

This editorial summarizes advances from the Clearance of Interstitial Fluid and Cerebrospinal Fluid (CLIC) group, within the Vascular Professional Interest Area (PIA) of the Alzheimer's Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer's Research and Treatment (ISTAART). The overarching objectives of the CLIC group are to: (1) understand the age‐related physiology changes that underlie impaired clearance of interstitial fluid (ISF) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (CLIC); (2) understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying intramural periarterial drainage (IPAD) in the brain; (3) establish novel diagnostic tests for Alzheimer's disease (AD), cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), retinal amyloid vasculopathy, amyloid‐related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) of spontaneous and iatrogenic CAA‐related inflammation (CAA‐ri), and vasomotion; and (4) establish novel therapies that facilitate IPAD to eliminate amyloid β (Aβ) from the aging brain and retina, to prevent or reduce AD and CAA pathology and ARIA side events associated with AD immunotherapy.
Boosting H+ Storage in Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries via Integrating Redox‐Active Sites into Hydrogen‐Bonded Organic Frameworks with Strong π‐π Stacking
Authors: Chu Juan , Liu Zhaoli , Yu Jie , Cheng Linqi , Wang Heng‐Guo , Cui Fengchao , Zhu Guangshan
Published: October 2023

In the emerging aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs), proton (H+) with the smallest molar mass and fast (de)coordination kinetics is considered as the most ideal charge carrier compared with Zn2+ counterpart, however, searching for new hosting materials for H+ storage is still at its infancy. Herein, redox‐active hydrogen‐bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) assembled from diaminotriazine moiety decorated hexaazatrinnphthalene (HOF‐HATN) are for the first time developed as the stable cathode hosting material for boosting H+ storage in AZIBs. The unique integration of hydrogen‐bonding networks and strong π‐π stacking endow it rapid Grotthuss proton conduction, stable supramolecular structure and inclined H+ storage. As a consequence, HOF‐HATN displays a high capacity (320 mAh g−1 at 0.05 A g−1) and robust cyclability of (>10000 cycles at 5 A g−1) based on three‐step cation coordination storage. These findings get insight into the proton transport and storage behavior in HOFs and provide the molecular engineering strategy for constructing well‐defined cathode hosting materials for rechargeable aqueous batteries.
Single‐Atom Heterogeneous Catalysts: Human‐ and AI‐Driven Platform for Augmented Designs, Analytics and Reality‐Enabled Manufacturing
Authors: Cheng Lei , Tang Yawen , Ostrikov Kostya (Ken) , Xiang Quanjun
Published: October 2023

Heterogeneous catalysts with targeted functionality can be designed with atomic precision, but it is challenging to retain the structure and performance upon the scaled‐up manufacturing. Particularly challenging is to ensure the “atomic economy”, where every catalytic site is most gainfully utilized. Given the emerging synergistic integration of human‐ and artificial intelligence (AI)‐driven augmented designs (AD), augmented analytics (AA), and augmented reality manufacturing (AM) platforms, this minireview focuses on single‐atom heterogeneous catalysts (SAHCs) and examines the current status, challenges, and future perspectives of translating atomic‐level structural precision and data‐driven discovery to next‐generation industrial manufacturing. We critically examine the atomistic insights into structure‐driven SAHCs functionality and discuss the opportunities and challenges on the way towards the synergistic human‐AI collaborative data‐driven platform capable of monitoring, analyzing, manufacturing, and retaining the atomic‐scale structure and functions. Enhanced by the atomic‐level AD, AA, and AM, evolving from the current high‐throughput capabilities and digital materials manufacturing acceleration, this synergistic human‐AI platform is promising to enable atom‐efficient and atomically precise heterogeneous catalyst production.