bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Ultraflexible Electrode Array for Large‐Scale Chronic Recording in the Nonhuman Primate Brain
Authors: Tian Yixin , Yin Jiapeng , Wang Chengyao , He Zhenliang , Xie Jingyi , Feng Xiaoshan , Zhou Yang , Ma Tianyu , Xie Yang , Li Xue , Yang Tianming , Ren Chi , Li Chengyu , Zhao Zhengtuo
Published: October 2023

Single‐unit (SU) recording in nonhuman primates (NHPs) is indispensible in the quest of how the brain works, yet electrodes currently used for the NHP brain are limited in signal longevity, stability, and spatial coverage. Using new structural materials, microfabrication, and penetration techniques, we develop a mechanically robust ultraflexible, 1 µm thin electrode array (MERF) that enables pial penetration and high‐density, large‐scale, and chronic recording of neurons along both vertical and horizontal cortical axes in the nonhuman primate brain. Recording from three monkeys yields 2,913 SUs from 1,065 functional recording channels (up to 240 days), with some SUs tracked for up to 2 months. Recording from the primary visual cortex (V1) reveals that neurons with similar orientation preferences for visual stimuli exhibited higher spike correlation. Furthermore, simultaneously recorded neurons in different cortical layers of the primary motor cortex (M1) show preferential firing for hand movements of different directions. Finally, it is shown that a linear decoder trained with neuronal spiking activity across M1 layers during monkey's hand movements can be used to achieve on‐line control of cursor movement. Thus, the MERF electrode array offers a new tool for basic neuroscience studies and brain–machine interface (BMI) applications in the primate brain.
Transition Metal High‐Entropy Nanozyme: Multi‐Site Orbital Coupling Modulated High‐Efficiency Peroxidase Mimics
Authors: Feng Jianxing , Yang Xuewei , Du Ting , Zhang Liang , Zhang Pengfei , Zhuo Junchen , Luo Linpin , Sun Hao , Han Yaru , Liu Lizhi , Shen Yizhong , Wang Jianlong , Zhang Wentao
Published: October 2023

Strong substrate affinity and high catalytic efficiency are persistently pursued to generate high‐performance nanozymes. Herein, with unique surface atomic configurations and distinct d‐orbital coupling features of different metal components, a class of highly efficient MnFeCoNiCu transition metal high‐entropy nanozymes (HEzymes) is prepared for the first time. Density functional theory calculations demonstrate that improved d‐orbital coupling between different metals increases the electron density near the Fermi energy level (EF) and shifts the position of the overall d‐band center with respect to EF, thereby boosting the efficiency of site‐to‐site electron transfer while also enhancing the adsorption of oxygen intermediates during catalysis. As such, the proposed HEzymes exhibit superior substrate affinities and catalytic efficiencies comparable to that of natural horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Finally, HEzymes with superb peroxidase (POD)‐like activity are used in biosensing and antibacterial applications. These results suggest that HEzymes have great potential as new‐generation nanozymes.
Actomyosin Activity and Piezo1 Activity Synergistically Drive Urinary System Fibroblast Activation
Authors: Chen Guo , Gao Xiaoshuai , Chen Jiawei , Peng Liao , Chen Shuang , Tang Cai , Dai Yi , Wei Qiang , Luo Deyi
Published: October 2023

Mechanical cues play a crucial role in activating myofibroblasts from quiescent fibroblasts during fibrosis, and the stiffness of the extracellular matrix is of significant importance in this process. While intracellular force mediated by myosin II and calcium influx regulated by Piezo1 are the primary mechanisms by which cells sense and respond to mechanical forces, their intercellular mechanical interaction remains to be elucidated. Here, hydrogels with tunable substrate are used to systematically investigate the crosstalk of myosin II and Piezo1 in fibroblast to myofibroblast transition (FMT). The findings reveal that the two distinct signaling pathways are integrated to convert mechanical stiffness signals into biochemical signals during bladder‐specific FMT. Moreover, it is demonstrated that the crosstalk between myosin II and Piezo1 sensing mechanisms synergistically establishes a sustained feed‐forward loop that contributes to chromatin remodeling, induces the expression of downstream target genes, and ultimately exacerbates FMT, in which the intracellular force activates Piezo1 by PI3K/PIP3 pathway‐mediated membrane tension and the Piezo1‐regulated calcium influx enhances intracellular force by the classical FAK/RhoA/ROCK pathway. Finally, the multifunctional Piezo1 in the complex feedback circuit of FMT drives to further identify that targeting Piezo1 as a therapeutic option for ameliorating bladder fibrosis and dysfunction.
Tailored Microcantilever Optimization for Multifrequency Force Microscopy
Authors: Bhattacharya Gourav , Lionadi Indrianita , Stevenson Andrew , Ward Joanna , Payam Amir Farokh
Published: October 2023

Microcantilevers are at the heart of atomic force microscopy (AFM) and play a significant role in AFM‐based techniques. Recent advancements in multifrequency AFM require the simultaneous excitation and detection of multiple eigenfrequencies of microcantilevers to assess more data channels to quantify the material properties. However, to achieve higher spatiotemporal resolution there is a need to optimize the structure of microcantilevers. In this study, the architecture of the cantilever with gold nanoparticles using a dip‐coating method is modified, aiming to tune the higher eigenmodes of the microcantilever as integer multiples of its fundamental frequency. Through the theoretical methodology and simulative model, that integer harmonics improve the coupling in multifrequency AFM measurements is demonstrated, leading to enhanced image quality and resolution. Furthermore, via the combined theoretical‐experimental approach, the interplay between induced mass and stiffness change of the modified cantilever depending on the attached particle location, size, mass, and geometry is found. To validate the results of this predictive model, tapping‐mode AFM is utilized and bimodal Amplitude Modulation AFM techniques to examine and quantify the impact of tuning higher‐order eigenmodes on the imaging quality of a polystyrene‐polymethylmethacrylate (PS‐PMMA) block co‐polymer assembly deposited on a glass slide and Highly Ordered Pyrolytic Graphite (HOPG).
Breaking Barriers to High‐Practical Li‐S Batteries with Isotropic Binary Sulfiphilic Electrocatalyst: Creating a Virtuous Cycle for Favorable Polysulfides Redox Environments
Authors: Xiao Wei , Yoo Kisoo , Kim Jong‐Hoon , Xu Hengyue
Published: October 2023

Investigations into lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) has focused primarily on the initial conversion of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) to Li2S2. However, the subsequent solid–solid reaction from Li2S2 to Li2S and the Li2S decomposition process should be equally prioritized. Creating a virtuous cycle by balancing all three chemical reaction processes is crucial for realizing practical LSBs. Herein, amorphous Ni3B in synergy with carbon nanotubes (aNi3B@CNTs) is proposed to implement the consecutive catalysis of S8(solid) → LiPSs(liquid) → Li2S(solid) →LiPSs(liquid). Systematic theoretical simulations and experimental analyses reveal that aNi3B@CNTs with an isotropic structure and abundant active sites can ensure rapid LiPSs adsorption‐catalysis as well as uniform Li2S precipitation. The uniform Li2S deposition in synergy with catalysis of aNi3B enables instant/complete oxidation of Li2S to LiPSs. The produced LiPSs are again rapidly and uniformly adsorbed for the next sulfur evolution process, thus creating a virtuous cycle for sulfur species conversion. Accordingly, the aNi3B@CNTs‐based cell presents remarkable rate capability, long‐term cycle life, and superior cyclic stability, even under high sulfur loading and extreme temperature environments. This study proposes the significance of creating a virtuous cycle for sulfur species conversion to realize practical LSBs.
Macroporous Granular Hydrogels Functionalized with Aligned Architecture and Small Extracellular Vesicles Stimulate Osteoporotic Tendon‐To‐Bone Healing
Authors: Song Wei , Ma Zhijie , Wang Xin , Wang Yifei , Wu Di , Wang Chongyang , He Dan , Kong Lingzhi , Yu Weilin , Li Jiao Jiao , Li Haiyan , He Yaohua
Published: October 2023

Osteoporotic tendon‐to‐bone healing (TBH) after rotator cuff repair (RCR) is a significant orthopedic challenge. Considering the aligned architecture of the tendon, inflammatory microenvironment at the injury site, and the need for endogenous cell/tissue infiltration, there is an imminent need for an ideal scaffold to promote TBH that has aligned architecture, ability to modulate inflammation, and macroporous structure. Herein, a novel macroporous hydrogel comprising sodium alginate/hyaluronic acid/small extracellular vesicles from adipose‐derived stem cells (sEVs) (MHA‐sEVs) with aligned architecture and immunomodulatory ability is fabricated. When implanted subcutaneously, MHA‐sEVs significantly improve cell infiltration and tissue integration through its macroporous structure. When applied to the osteoporotic RCR model, MHA‐sEVs promote TBH by improving tendon repair through macroporous aligned architecture while enhancing bone regeneration by modulating inflammation. Notably, the biomechanical strength of MHA‐sEVs is approximately two times higher than the control group, indicating great potential in reducing postoperative retear rates. Further cell‐hydrogel interaction studies reveal that the alignment of microfiber gels in MHA‐sEVs induces tenogenic differentiation of tendon‐derived stem cells, while sEVs improve mitochondrial dysfunction in M1 macrophages (Mφ) and inhibit Mφ polarization toward M1 via nuclear factor‐kappaB (NF‐κb) signaling pathway. Taken together, MHA‐sEVs provide a promising strategy for future clinical application in promoting osteoporotic TBH.
Engineering Cf/ZrB2‐SiC‐Y2O3 for Thermal Structures of Hypersonic Vehicles with Excellent Long‐Term Ultrahigh Temperature Ablation Resistance
Authors: Chen Bowen , Ni Dewei , Bao Weichao , Liao Chunjing , Luo Wei , Song Erhong , Dong Shaoming
Published: October 2023

Ultrahigh temperature ceramic matrix composites (UHTCMCs) are critical for the development of high Mach reusable hypersonic vehicles. Although various materials are utilized as the thermal components of hypersonic vehicles, it is still challenging to meet the ultrahigh temperature ablation‐resistant and reusability. Herein, the Y2O3 reinforced Cf/ZrB2‐SiC composites are designed, which demonstrates near‐zero damage under long‐term ablation at temperatures up to 2500 °C for ten cycles. Notably, the linear ablation rate of the composites (0.33 µm s−1) is over 24 times better than that of the conventional Cf/C‐ZrC at 2500 °C (8.0 µm s−1). Moreover, the long‐term multi‐cycle ablation mechanisms of the composites are investigated with the assistance of DFT calculations. Especially, the size effect and the content of the Zr‐based crystals in the oxide layer fundamentally affect the stability of the oxide layer and the ablation properties. The ideal component and structure of the oxide layer for multi‐cycle ablation condition are put forward, which can be obtained by controlling the Y2O3/ZrB2 mole ratio and establishing Y‐Si‐O – t‐Zr0.9Y0.1O1.95 core‐shell nano structure. This work proposes a new strategy for improving the long‐term multi‐cycle ablation resistance of UHTCMCs.
A Pro‐Metastatic Derivatives Eliminator for In Vivo Dual‐Removal of Circulating Tumor Cells and Tumor‐Derived Exosomes Impedes their Biodistribution into Distant Organs
Authors: Sun Ying , Xing Lei , Luo Jun , Yu Ming‐Tao , Wang Xiao‐Jie , Wang Yi , Zhou Tian‐Jiao , Jiang Hu‐Lin
Published: October 2023

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and tumor‐derived exosomes (TDEs) play an irreplaceable role in the metastatic cascade and preventing them from reaching distant organs via blood circulation helps to reduce the probability of cancer recurrence and metastasis. However, technologies that can simultaneously prevent CTCs and TDEs from reaching distant organs have not been thoroughly developed until now. Here, inspired by hemoperfusion, a pro‐metastatic derivative eliminator (PMDE) is developed for the removal of both CTCs and TDEs from the peripheral blood, which also inhibits their biodistribution in distant organs. This device is designed with a dual antibody‐modified immunosorbent filled into a capture column that draws peripheral blood out of the body to flow through the column to specifically capture CTCs and TDEs, followed by retransfusing the purified blood into the body. The PMDE can efficiently remove CTCs and TDEs from the peripheral blood and has excellent biocompatibility. Interestingly, the PMDE device can significantly inhibit the biodistribution of CTCs and TDEs in the lung and liver by scavenging them. This work provides a new perspective on anti‐metastatic therapy and has broad prospects in clinical applications to prevent metastasis and recurrence.
Semi‐Telechelic Polymers from Mechanochemical C─C Bond Activation
Authors: Schwarz Rony , Diesendruck Charles E.
Published: October 2023

Unstrained C─C bond activation is attained in homopolymers through mechanochemical bond scission followed by functionalization to yield mostly semi‐telechelic polymer chains. Ball milling poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) in the presence of 1‐(bromoacetyl)pyrene (BAPy) yields the pyrene terminated PEO. Similarly, milling with 2,4′‐dibromoacetophenone followed by Suzuki coupling allows the introduction of various aryl end groups. PEOs with a molecular weight below 20 kDa show no functionalization, supporting a mechanochemical mechanism. The protocol is also tested with doxorubicin, yielding the drug‐polymer conjugate. PEO halogenation is also demonstrated by milling PEO with iodine, N‐bromosuccinimide, or N‐iodosuccinimide, which can then be reacted with an amine substituted anthracene. Grinding additional carbon polymers with BAPy indicates that this functionalization method is general for different polymer chemistries.
Hypoxic Preconditional Engineering Small Extracellular Vesicles Promoted Intervertebral Disc Regeneration by Activating Mir‐7‐5p/NF‐Κb/Cxcl2 Axis
Authors: Hu Hongxing , Wang Zhaojie , Yang Huiyi , Bai Yuxin , Zhu Rongrong , Cheng Liming
Published: October 2023

Chronic low back pain (LBP) caused by intervertebral disc (IVD) degradation is a serious socioeconomic burden that can cause severe disabilities. Addressing the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of IVD degeneration may inspire novel therapeutic strategy for LBP. Herein, hypoxic preconditioning improves both the biological function of MSCs in hostile microenvironments and enhances the production of small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) with desirable therapeutic functions. In vitro results reveal that hypoxic preconditional engineering sEVs (HP‐sEVs) alleviate the inflammatory microenvironments of IVD degradation, enhance the proliferation of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells, and promote proteoglycan synthesis and collagen formation. Transcriptomic sequencing reveales the excellent therapeutic effects of HP‐sEVs in promoting extracellular matrix regeneration through the delivery of microRNA(miR)‐7‐5p, which further suppresses p65 production and thus the inhibition of Cxcl2 production. Moreover, in vivo results further confirm the robust therapeutic role of HP‐sEVs in promoting IVD regeneration through the same mechanism mediated by miR‐7‐5p delivery. In conclusion, this study provides a novel therapeutic strategy for treating IVD degradation and is thus valuable for understanding the mechanism‐of‐action of HP‐sEVs in IVD regeneration associated with chronic lower back pain.
Electronic State Engineering in Perovskite‐Cerium‐Composite Nanocrystals toward Enhanced Triplet Annihilation Upconversion
Authors: Gong Nan , Lai Runchen , Xing Shiyu , Liu ZhengZheng , Mo Junyao , Man Tao , Li Zicheng , Di Dawei , Du Juan , Tan Dezhi , Liu Xiaofeng , Qiu Jianrong , Xu Beibei
Published: October 2023

Wavelength conversion based on hybrid inorganic–organic sensitized triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion (TTA‐UC) is promising for applications such as photovoltaics, light‐emitting‐diodes, photocatalysis, additive manufacturing, and bioimaging. The efficiency of TTA‐UC depends on the population of triplet excitons involved in triplet energy transfer (TET), the driving force in TET, and the coupling strength between the donor and acceptor. Consequently, achieving highly efficient TTA‐UC necessitates the precise control of the electronic states of inorganic donors. However, conventional covalently bonded nanocrystals (NCs) face significant challenges in this regard. Herein, a novel strategy to exert control over electronic states is proposed, thereby enhancing TET and TTA‐UC by incorporating ionic‐bonded CsPbBr3 and lanthanide Ce3+ ions into composite NCs. These composite‐NCs exhibit high photoluminescence quantum yield, extended single‐exciton lifetime, quantum confinement, and uplifted energy levels. This engineering strategy of electronic states engendered a comprehensive impact, augmenting the population of triplet excitons participating in the TET process, enhancing coupling strength and the driving force, ultimately leading to an unconventional, dopant concentration‐dependent nonlinear enhancement of UC efficiency. This work not only advances fundamental understanding of hybrid TTA‐UC but also opens a door for the creation of other ionic‐bonded composite NCs with tunable functionalities, promising innovations for next‐generation optoelectronic applications.
Deep Learning‐Assisted Molecular Classification and Concentration Prediction by Imaging of a Large‐Area Metasurface with Spatially Gradient Geometry
Authors: Yang Ji , Wen Baohua , Ye Xiangyi , Hu Chao , Zhou Bin , Li Guohua , Cai Jingxuan , Zhou Jianhua
Published: October 2023

Classifying and quantifying small molecules on‐site with a rapid and cost‐effective operation are essential for pharmaceutical manufacturing, healthcare, hazardous risk control, and other applications. However, traditional molecular detection and identification methods like chromatography often involve expensive and bulky equipment and are required to be operated by trained professionals, which severely hinders the further development of small molecule‐based applications. Herein, a novel molecular detection platform is introduced by imaging a spatial gradient metasurface consisting of millions of different unique atoms and following with deep learning modeling to classify and quantify small molecules from mixed solutions accurately. The metasurface has a circular gradient geometry, which changes its transmittance intensity pattern based on the surrounding molecules under narrow‐band illumination. A convolutional neural network trained on the monochromatic images of the metasurface is employed. The results demonstrate a recognition rate of 96.88% for classification and a mean absolute error of 16.23% for quantification. This novel platform enables label‐free, sensitive, and rapid molecular classification and quantification, which opens a new avenue for small molecule classification and quantification and enables possibilities for real‐time, on‐site, and label‐free applications, including environmental monitoring, drug screening, and early diagnosis.
Risk factors associated with weak and asymmetric handgrip strength in older Chinese adults
Authors: Weng Minghui , Pu Jianlin , Wang Binyou , Wang Yilin
Published: October 2023

Objectives

This study sought to investigate the potential risk factors associated with weak and asymmetric handgrip strength (HGS) in older Chinese adults.

Methods

A total of 2702 participants aged ≥65 years from the two waves of data (2011 and 2013) from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study were analyzed. The highest recorded HGS values (Method A) or the average HGS values (Method B) for the dominant hand were used to compute the HGS asymmetry (nondominant HGS/dominant HGS out of 0.9–1.1) and HGS weakness (male <28 kg, female <18 kg). Risk factors associated with the weak and asymmetric HGS were identified by logistic regression analysis.

Results

Risk factors associated with weak and asymmetric HGS of varying severity differed between the two methods. Both methods identified age and illiteracy as risk factors for weak HGS with 10%–20% asymmetry. Method A also identified speech impediment, stroke, and sleep duration as additional risk factors. Similarly, both methods identified age, illiteracy, primary school education and below, diabetes, and stroke as risk factors for weak HGS and asymmetry over 30.1%. Method B additionally identified a history of falls as a risk factor. However, apart from age, the risk factors for weak HGS with 20.1%–30% asymmetry differed between the two methods—Method A identified kidney disease, while Method B identified illiteracy and asthma.

Conclusions

The results revealed that risk factors associated with the abnormal HGS in older adults varied based on the methods used to define these conditions.
Copper‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Arylation of α‐Substituted Cyanoacetates Enabled by Chiral Amide Ligands
Authors: Zhang Rongxing , Zhou Qinghai , Wang Xin , Xu Lanting , Ma Dawei
Published: October 2023

The (S)‐nobin‐embodied picolinamide and L‐hydroxyproline‐derived amide are effective ligands for Cu‐catalyzed enantioselective coupling reaction of (hetero)aryl iodides with α‐alkyl substituted cyanoacetates. This arylation reaction gave α‐(heteroaryl)‐α‐alkyl cyanoacetates in good to excellent enantioselectivities (up to 95 % ee). A variety of functionalized (hetero)aryl and alkyl groups could be introduced to the quaternary center and therefore provided a valuable tool for preparing enantioenriched compounds with an all‐carbon quaternary center tethered with convertible functional groups. The size of both α‐alkyl and ester groups was proven as the key factor for asymmetric induction.
High‐Spin and Reactive Fe13 Cluster with Exposed Metal Sites
Authors: Scott Anna G. , Alves Galico Diogo , Bogacz Isabel , Oyala Paul H. , Yano Junko , Suturina Elizaveta A. , Murugesu Muralee , Agapie Theodor
Published: October 2023

Atomically defined large metal clusters have applications in new reaction development and preparation of materials with tailored properties. Expanding the synthetic toolbox for reactive high nuclearity metal complexes, we report a new class of Fe clusters, Tp*4W4Fe13S12, displaying a Fe13 core with M−M bonds that has precedent only in main group and late metal chemistry. M13 clusters with closed shell electron configurations can show significant stability and have been classified as superatoms. In contrast, Tp*4W4Fe13S12 displays a large spin ground state of S=13. This compound performs small molecule activations involving the transfer of up to 12 electrons resulting in significant cluster rearrangements.
Melamine as cross‐linking agent for mono‐cyclic benzoxazine with aldehyde groups: higher crosslinking density and thermal properties
Authors: Zhang Xiaotong , Hou Jingyu , Wu Miao , Ye Jiajia , Zhang Shuai , Liu Xiaobo
Published: October 2023

Benzoxazine resin shows great potential as matrix for high performance composites, possessing good processabilty, dielectric property, mechanical property, and thermal properties, but its further application is limited by low crosslinking density and poor curing activity, especially for mono‐cyclic benzoxazines. In this work, melamine, a tertiary amine with a stable triazine structure, was introduced into the aldehyde‐containing mono‐cyclic benzoxazine, in order to achieve higher crosslinking density, higher curing activity, and better thermal properties. The chemical structure of prepolymers was verified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectra, the curing behavior was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, the thermal properties of polymers were studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and thermal mechanical analysis (TMA). It was found that the introduction of trifunctional melamine (MA) could lower curing temperature and promote the curing degree. Additionally, a proper amount of MA could increase the crosslinking density and thermal properties of the resultant polybenzoxazine. For example, poly(BZ‐3MA) showed the highest thermal stability with the temperature at 5% weight loss (Td5) of 415°C, carbon residue (Yc) of 67.7%, 23°C, and 2.9% higher than those of poly(BZ). Moreover, the glass transition temperature of poly(BZ‐5MA) reached 204.06°C, 36.51°C higher than that of poly(BZ).
Biological Evaluation of Anti‐Cholinesterase Activity, in Silico Molecular Docking Studies, and DFT Calculations of Green Synthesized Thiadiazolo[3,2‐a]pyrimidine Derivatives
Authors: Pouramiri Behjat , Rashidi Mohsen , Lotfi Safa , Mohammadi Mahnaz , Rabiei Khadijeh
Published: October 2023

A series of [1,3,4] thiadiazolo[3,2‐a]pyrimidine‐6‐carboxylate derivatives 4(a–n) have been designed and synthesized as inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Synthesizing of thiadiazolo[3,2‐a] pyrimidines was carried out in a single step, one‐pot reaction using aromatic aldehydes, ethyl acetoacetate and different derivatives of 1,3,4‐thiadiazoles (with molar ratio of 1 : 2 : 1, respectively) in conjunction with the catalyst, anhydrous iron(III) chloride by a grinding method under solvent‐free conditions at room temperature. The in‐vitro studies exhibited good potency for inhibiting AChE comparable with donepezil as the reference drug. The best results were obtained by Ethyl 2‐(4‐nitroophenyl)‐7‐methyl‐5‐(pyridin‐3‐yl)‐5H‐[1,3,4]thiadiazolo[3,2‐a]pyrimidine‐6‐carboxylate 4n with IC50 value of 0.082±0.001 μM which was comparable with AChE inhibitory effects of donepezil (IC50=0.079 μM).
Determining Stable Structure and in Vitro Antiproliferative Properties of a Novel 3‐(2‐((4‐Trifluoromethyl)phenyl)amino)thiazol‐4‐yl)‐2H‐chromen‐2‐one Molecule
Authors: Burak Sarigüney Ahmet , Karakaş Sarikaya Ebru , Pehlivanoğlu Suray
Published: October 2023

Since coumarin and thiazole derivatives are known to have antioxidant properties, a novel derivative was synthesized in this article. 3‐(2‐((4‐(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)amino)thiazol‐4‐yl)‐2H‐chromen‐2‐one (ATC) was synthesized as a novel compound with high yield and characterized by Raman, FT‐IR, 13C‐NMR, and 1H‐NMR spectroscopic procedures and DFT calculations. In this study, the potential in vitro antiproliferative properties of the ATC compound were evaluated on colorectal cancer (HT29) and melanoma (SK‐MEL‐30) cell lines. According to the results, the compound was found to be significantly active, approximately 2.6‐fold, against melanoma cells compared to healthy fibroblast (L929) cells. Unlike melanoma cells, the compound did not have any adverse effects on colorectal cancer cells. Due to these findings, the compound can be harnessed as a promising antiproliferative drug candidate for preclinical studies against melanoma.
Exploring the Role of Metal in the Biointeraction of Metallacarboranes with C. elegans Embryos
Authors: Muñoz‐Juan Amanda , Nuez‐Martínez Miquel , Laromaine Anna , Viñas Clara
Published: October 2023

Cobaltabis(dicarbollides), ferrabis(dicarbollide), and their halogenated derivatives are the most studied metallacarboranes with great medical potential. These versatile compounds and their iodinated derivatives can be used in chemotherapy, radiotherapy, particle therapy, and bioimaging when isotopes are used. These metallacarboranes have been evaluated in vitro and recently in vivo with complex animal models. Lately, these studies have been complemented using the invertebrate Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), a nematode largely used in toxicology. When evaluated at the L4 stage, cobaltabis(dicarbollides), ([o‐COSAN]− and [8,8’‐I2‐o‐COSAN]−), exhibited a higher mean lethal dose (LD50) than ferrabis(dicarbollides) ([o‐FESAN]− and [8,8’‐I2‐o‐FESAN]−). In this work, we used the C. elegans embryos since they are a complex biological barrier with concentric layers of polysaccharides and proteins that protect them from the environment. We assessed if the metal atom changes their biointeraction with the C. elegans embryos. First, we assessed the effects on embryo development for metallacarboranes and their di‐iodinated derivatives. We observed changes in color and in their surface structure. An exhaustive physicochemical characterization was performed to understand better this interaction, revealing a stronger interaction of ferrabis(dicarbollide) compounds with C. elegans embryos than the cobaltabis(dicarbollide) molecules. Unveiling the biological interaction of these compounds is of great interest for their future biomedical applications.
Loss of humoral immunity in childhood cancer survivors not having undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Pearson Benjamin , Pulley Michelle , Diniz Marcio , Baca Nicole , Majlessipour Fataneh
Published: October 2023

Background

Data are limited and conflicting regarding loss of immunity in childhood cancer survivors who did not undergo hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The purpose of this retrospective, single center study is to provide further data to help build unifying revaccination guidelines post‐chemotherapy in childhood cancer survivors not having undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Methods

This retrospective study included 28 childhood cancer survivors, 14 males and 14 females, whose treatment consisted of at least 3 months of chemotherapy and with confirmation of completing their primary vaccination series prior to therapy. The rate of vaccine titer seropositivity for cancer survivors was compared with the expected general population, based on long‐term studies of anti‐body persistence.

Results

Decreased seropositivity for measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, tetanus, and hepatitis B was found in patients across all categories of malignancy compared with the general population. However, tetanus was not statistically significant. Results were more pronounced for those with hematological malignancies.

Conclusions

This study indicates that pediatric cancer survivors, especially those with hematological malignancies, may have greater loss of protective antibodies from primary vaccinations. Further studies are needed to provide guidelines for revaccination of both hematologic malignancies and solid tumor childhood cancer survivors who did not undergo hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Improved Bipolar Properties of Ester‐Functionalized Discotic Diimine–Dithiolene Complexes
Authors: Camerel Franck , Jeannin Olivier , Lagrost Corinne
Published: October 2023

A series of platinum diimine‐dithiolene complexes with a 5,6‐dihydro‐1,4‐dithiin‐2,3‐dithiolato (dddt2−) dithiolene ligand and a bipyridine carrying tris‐alkoxyphenyl fragments connected through an ester linker (bpyCn, n=8, 12, 16, 10(s), 20) (Scheme 1) has been developed. The mesomorphic properties of the ligands and of the platinum complexes have been investigated by a combination of DSC, POM and SAXS analyses. The platinum complexes were found to self‐organize into columnar mesophases of hexagonal symmetry over large temperature range including room temperature. Their electronic properties were also characterized by a combination of electrochemistry, absorption and emission spectroscopy measurements and TD‐DFT calculations. Besides being liquid crystalline, these compounds can undergo two oxidation processes and two reduction processes in a fully reversible manner, allowing the isolation of stable dicationic and dianionic species. Such a behavior is highly promising for the development of ambipolar semiconducting soft materials.
Impaired implicit learning in adults with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Wiener Markus , Bengesser Susanne A. , Wagner‐Skacel Jolana , Haidacher Fiona N. A. , Lahousen‐Luxenberger Theresa , Wenninger Julian , Hasiba‐Seebacher Karin , Fellendorf Frederike T. , Painold Annamaria , Kreuzer Kathrin , Butler Mary , Lackner Sonja , Pilz René , Mörkl Sabrina
Published: October 2023

Objective

Cognitive alterations play an important role in the pathophysiology and treatment of anorexia nervosa (AN). Previous studies suggest that some implicit learning processes may be inhibited in AN. However, this has not yet been fully explored. The purpose of this study is to analyze implicit learning in patients with AN in comparison to healthy controls.

Methods

In this pilot‐study, a total of 21 patients diagnosed with AN and 21 matched controls were administered the weather prediction task (WPT), a probabilistic implicit category learning task that consists of two sub‐variants. During the feedback (FB) version of the task, participants learn associations between tarot cards and weather outcomes via an operant learning model through which they receive immediate FB on their answers, whereas during the paired associate (PA) variant, participants are directly asked to memorize given associations.

Results

AN patients showed selective impairment on the FB task where they scored significantly lower both in comparison to controls (p = .001) who completed the same task and when compared to their own performance on the PA variant (p = .006). Clinical measures showed no significant correlations with test scores.

Discussion

Our results demonstrate implicit FB learning deficiencies in adult patients with AN. These impairments may have an impact on the effect of psychotherapeutic interventions and could partially explain the lack of treatment response in AN. Further studies are necessary to derive when and through which mechanisms these alterations originate, and to what extent they should be considered during treatment of the disorder.

Public Significance

Cognitive impairments pose a challenge in the management of anorexia nervosa. Improved comprehension of cognitive alterations could lead to a greater understanding of the disease and adaptation of psychotherapeutic treatments. In this study, we found that implicit feedback learning in anorexia nervosa is impaired compared to healthy controls. This could indicate the necessity of treatment adaptations in the form of therapy tools without feedback and a larger focus on psychoeducation.
The Solvent‐free Lithium Alanate {Li[t‐Bu2AlH2]}n: A New Product Obtained from a Long‐Known Reaction
Authors: Krämer Felix , Leskov Maxim , Breher Frank
Published: October 2023

We report the isolation and characterization of an unknown reaction product from the reaction of AlBr3 with three equivalents of t‐BuLi. The polymeric and solvent‐free lithium alanate {Li[t‐Bu2AlH2]}n was characterized by X‐ray structure analysis, NMR and IR spectroscopy. The title compound was found to be a suitable starting material for the synthesis of [t‐Bu2AlH]3 by reacting it with readily available [t‐Bu2AlBr]2.
Comparison of reactive sites of different conjugated linoleic acid molecules by quantum chemical calculations
Authors: Wang Minghao , Wang Donghua , Wang Ning , Wang Liqi , Wang Tong , Yu Dianyu
Published: October 2023

In this paper, quantum chemical calculations and Gaussian 09 software were used to investigate the similarities and differences in the reactive sites of different fatty acids. The molecule structures of linoleic acid (LA) and four conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) were analyzed at the level of density functional theory. Molecular geometries and energies, frontline molecular orbitals, and surface electrostatic potentials were also analyzed. The results showed that the reactive of LA and CLA among the five fatty acids were all near the –C = C– structure and the carboxyl hydrogen atom, 9c, 11t CLA and 10t, 12c CLA were more reactive compared with 9t, 11t CLA, 10t, 12t CLA. This study can provide a theoretical basis for revealing the relationship between different structures and properties of fatty acids and also provide a guidance for the selection of fatty acids in the oil and fat industry.

Practical Applications: This experiment compares the differences between the reactive sites of CLA and the four CLAs at the molecular structure level, which can be used to deepen the understanding of the structure‐property relationship of different fatty acids and also provides a theoretical basis for the selection of fatty acids in the food and oil industry.
Synthesis of Alkaloids and Compounds Containing the 3,4‐Benzomorphan Scaffold
Authors: Rodríguez Laura G. , Bonjoch Josep , Bradshaw Ben
Published: October 2023

Several natural products, bearing an embedded hexahydro‐2,6‐methano‐1‐benzazocine framework (3,4‐benzomorphan) – a heterocyclic regioisomer of the 6,7‐benzomorphan substructure found in morphine alkaloids, have therapeutic potential for a variety of diseases. Biogenesis, biosynthetic approaches, and total syntheses of alkaloids or synthetic azapolycyclic compounds featuring the aforementioned azatricyclic ring system (i. e., a 3,4‐benzomorphan scaffold) are reviewed.
The origins and early development of the ILAE/IBE/WHO global campaign against epilepsy: Out of the shadows
Authors: Reynolds Edward H.
Published: October 2023

The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE)/International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE)/World Health Organization (WHO) Global Campaign Against Epilepsy was launched in Geneva and Dublin in the summer of 1997. The second phase of the Campaign was launched by a major event in Geneva, led by WHO Director General Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland in February 2001. Since then, the Campaign has been gathering momentum around the world culminating in the WHO General Assembly Resolution (WHA 68.20) on Epilepsy in May 2015 supported by 194 countries. Recently, the World Federation of Neurology and other neurological non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) have joined forces with the Epilepsy Campaign, leading to the WHO General Assembly Resolution (WHA 73.10) in May 2022 promoting a 10‐year Intersectoral Global Action Plan (IGAP) for Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders. I was privileged to serve as the first Chairperson of the Global Campaign Against Epilepsy and this year all my documents and correspondence relating to the Campaign have been delivered to the Wellcome Collection in London. These are the basis for this detailed account of the origins and early development of the Campaign. I describe the events leading to the birth of the concept, planning for the Campaign, the launch, development, and the achievements of phase one. This first phase focused on awareness raising, education, and involvement, especially within WHO, ILAE, and IBE, including a series of five Regional Public Health meetings and Declarations on Epilepsy. In 1999, the WHO raised the status of the Campaign to the highest level, the first ever for a Non‐Communicable Disease, resulting in the high profile launch of phase two in 2001, paving the way to the continuing global momentum and achievements, including the 2015 and 2022 WHO Resolutions.
Nonlinear earthquake response of integral abutment bridges on vertical and batter piles: A practical approach
Authors: Cemalovic Miran , Husebø Jan B. , Kaynia Amir M.
Published: October 2023

This paper presents a new finite element framework for seismic analysis of IABs (and other similar structures) on vertical and batter piles that takes into account nonlinear soil‐structure interaction. A previously developed macro‐element and linear impedance matrix are implemented in a time and modal domain solution, respectively. Detailed pseudo‐codes describing the implementation strategy for the macro‐element are provided. The solutions are validated using rigorous numerical models constructed in OpenSees MP. The software is further demonstrated by performing an extensive set of incremental dynamic analyses, where the effect of linear and nonlinear SSI, batter angle, pile spacing and asymmetric configuration is addressed and discussed.
Various disturbances propagation analysis of district heating system based on the standardized thermal resistance method
Authors: Chen Zhuoxian , Wang Xingce , Hao Junhong , Fang Wanggang , Du Xiaoze , Hong Feng
Published: October 2023

Various heating disturbances and faults in the heating network are necessary to be controlled and handled by some intelligent heating strategies with the increasing complexity of the heating network. This paper constructed the dynamic modeling of the heating system using standard thermal resistance and obtained a dynamic heat current model of the heating system. On this basis, we analyzed the heat transfer performance of the heating system. Five disturbances are selected, including the behavior of users, indoor heat source, heat exchanger heat transfer performance deterioration, pipe blockage, and pipe leakage. The effects of different disturbances on the overall system and user side water supply temperature were obtained by establishing a dynamic model for segmented heating pipelines. Feasible control methods for the heating network and load side are sorted out, mainly changing the water supply's temperature and the water supply's flow rate to reduce the water supply's fluctuation. Five specific control strategies are proposed for five types of disturbances. Comparing the case without control and the case with control, the results show that the fluctuation of water supply temperature is significantly reduced, and the control strategies can reduce the impact of disturbances on the heat network system and customers and improve the comfort of customers in the presence of disturbances. under the disturbance of pipeline leakage, the method proposed in this article reduces the temperature fluctuation amplitude by 75% and the fluctuation duration by 60%.
Efficient solid waste inspection through drone‐based aerial imagery and TinyML vision model
Authors: Malche Timothy , Maheshwary Priti , Tiwari Pradeep Kumar , Alkhayyat Ahmed Hussein , Bansal Abhinav , Kumar Raghvendra
Published: October 2023

Solid waste management is a significant challenge in the development of smart cities. Existing approaches for solid waste monitoring are often time‐consuming and resource intensive. Therefore, this study proposes a novel approach to solid waste monitoring that utilizes drone technology. The proposed method enables the efficient identification and classification of waste objects in the garbage discovered by the drone. This system can inspect every part of a smart city from a remote location, allowing for the timely and effective management of solid waste. Thus, the proposed system can be easily integrated in the existing waste management system for smart city. The drone‐based solid waste monitoring system comprises a drone equipped with a computer vision model for resource‐constrained devices and a software application that operates the drone and analyzes the captured image or video. The system utilizes the Internet of Things (IoT) to upload the collected data to the cloud, making it easily accessible whenever necessary. The proposed drone‐based solid waste monitoring system is a promising solution for the efficient and cost‐effective management of solid waste in smart cities. The system's innovative use of drone technology and IoT provides a scalable and adaptable solution that can be customized to meet the needs of any city.
Probiotics as a complementary treatment in systemic lupus erythematosus: A systematic review
Authors: Mirfeizi Zahra , Mahmoudi Mahmoud , Faridzadeh Arezoo
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects young women. SLE has no recognized etiology but it is believed to be triggered by a number of factors, including genetic predisposition, hormonal influences, and environmental conditions. Dysbiosis in the gut microbiota has emerged as a potential mechanism connecting the intestinal microbiome to the breakdown of self‐tolerance and chronic inflammation. This review aims to investigate the role of probiotics in modulating the gut microbiome and their potential therapeutic benefits in managing SLE, providing insights for future research and clinical practice.

Methods

We conducted a thorough search for papers published up to June 2023 in databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library.

Results

The systematic review identified 22 articles examining the effects of probiotics on SLE. These studies—which include in vivo tests, in vitro research, and clinical trials—indicate that probiotics may be effective against inflammation, and improve immunological responses and metabolic profiles in SLE patients. Most in vivo studies were assessed as medium to high quality, while the randomized controlled trial was deemed of high quality.

Conclusion

According to the findings of our systematic review, probiotics may be used in conjunction with other treatments to manage SLE. Nonetheless, current data is limited, and more randomized controlled trials would be required to fully examine their effectiveness.
Clozapine
Authors: Jann Michael W.
Published: October 2023

Clozapine is a neuroleptic agent whose structure consists of a dibenzodiazepine derivative with a piperazinyl side chain. It has been classified as an atypical neuroleptic drug due to its unique neuropharmacologic profile. Clozapine has a weak binding affinity for dopamine D‐1 and D‐2 receptors by its slightly greater preference for D‐1 receptors, as noted with a D‐1: D‐2 receptor binding ratio of 1.3. Other neuroreceptors are involved, as the drug has potent binding affinity for serotonin receptors 5‐HT1A and 5‐HT2. Clozapine also has antihistaminic, anticholinergic, and α‐adrenergic antagonistic properties. Electrophysiologic studies show that it differs from other typical neuroleptics in that its actions appear to be specific for the cortical‐limbic dopamine A‐10 tract. In animal paradigms, in contrast to typical neuroleptics, clozapine did not produce catalepsy and had only transient effects in antagonizing other dopamine agonists. The drug is rapidly absorbed orally with a bioavailability of 0.27. After a single oral dose the elimination half‐life was approximately 8–10 hours, but with several doses it increased to 14.1 hours. The agent is extensively metabolized by hepatic microsomal enzymes that forms the N‐desmethyl and N‐oxide metabolites. It is an effective neuroleptic that has been studied in short‐term and long‐term clinical trials, and multicenter trials. Clozapine was superior to chlorpromazine in the treatment of refractory schizophrenia that failed to respond to previous neuroleptic therapy. Reports of extrapyramidal side effects are minimal, and no case reports of tardive dyskinesia have been published. Indeed, clozapine has been used to treat tardive dyskinesia and other movement disorders. Agranulocytosis is the major adverse effect and its prevalence appears to differ among various ethnic groups. Other adverse effects that have been reported include hypersalivation, orthostatic hypotension, and constipation. Clozapine can lower the seizure threshold in a dose‐dependent manner. The drug represents a significant advancement in the treatment of mental illness.
Evaluation of an Ibuprofen Controlled‐Release Tablet and Placebo in Postoperative Oral Surgery Pain
Authors: Forbes James A. , Moore Ethel M. , Allen Harvey W. , Beaver William T.
Published: October 2023

Seventy‐four outpatients with postoperative pain after oral surgery were randomly assigned, on a double‐blind basis, to receive a single oral dose of a controlled‐release tablet (CRT) containing 600 mg ibuprofen, two 600‐mg ibuprofen CRTs, or placebo. Using a self‐rating record, subjects rated their pain and its relief hourly for 12 hours after medicating. Estimates of total and peak analgesia were derived from these subjective reports. The ibuprofen CRTs (600 and 1200 mg) had manifested an analgesic effect by hour 1 and their efficacy persisted for 12 hours. Comparable effect for the two ibuprofen CRT dosages could suggest a plateau in analgesia at the 600‐mg level or a lack of upside assay sensitivity. Duration of effect was longer for the CRTs than we have previously observed with conventional ibuprofen tablets. Adverse effects were transitory and consistent with the known pharmacologic profile of the medication evaluated.