bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethnic and cultural factors in psychopharmacology
Authors: Bhugra Dinesh , Bhui Kamaldeep
Published: September 2007

Barring a few exceptions (such as rauwolfia), most of the psychiatric medications have been developed in the West, especially the USA, the UK and Europe. Their safety trials have been conducted in the populations living in these parts of the world. Although these drugs are used all over the world there is a limited research to determine accurate pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profiles across different ethnic groups. Hence, clinicians usually adopt a ‘universalist style’ (seeing every condition and treatment as similar) of managing psychiatric illnesses, but this appears to neglect the information from the emerging literature which advocates a relativist approach to pharmacotherapy (see Lin et al 1995 for review). Anthropologists have encountered ‘phenomenological absolutism’ in a general tendency of people from one culture to perceive and value other cultures in terms unconsciously based upon their own, but phenomenologically experienced as absolute and universally applicable (also known as ethnocentrism). In addition to ethno-biological determinants of drug response, there are significant cultural factors: the concurrent use of pluralistic health systems, alternative therapies and folk remedies which might support, hinder or complicate pharmacotherapy and treatment adherence. In this paper we highlight some key factors of which clinicians need to be aware. These include pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic principles, and application of these principles in pharmacological management of psychiatric conditions. Ethnic differences in pharmacodynamics are most clearly demonstrated in the greater sensitivity to a variety of drugs in Caucasians than in Asians or in African–Caribbeans.
Commentary
Authors: Marks Isaac
Published: September 2007

As Castle & Harrison note in their fine review, imagined ugliness is a not uncommon problem presenting to psychiatrists. The “considerable lag before the disorder comes to the attention of health professionals” was a mean of seven years in the 30 cases of Gomez-Perezet al(1994). Whether the problem is called dysmorphophobia, body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) or something else, its coherence of features resembles that of other psychiatric syndromes.
Age-associated memory impairment and related disorders
Authors: O'Brien John T.
Published: September 2007

Complaints of poor memory are common in the healthy elderly and to many it may seem unsurprising that cognitive function declines with ‘normal’ ageing. Virtually every biological system alters with age and, just as a 70-year-old cannot run as fast or hear as well as when he or she was 20, it is perhaps inevitable that cognitive function also becomes impaired. However, far from being straightforward, the nature, classification and clinical significance of age-related cognitive changes that fall short of dementia remain a most controversial and difficult area (see O'Brien & Beats, 1994; Dal Forno & Kawas, 1995). The recent emergence of new drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (donepezil and rivastigmine) and related disorders has emphasised the need to study groups with milder degrees of cognitive impairment. It is necessary to determine whether such conditions are benign and non-progressive, or harbingers of progressive dementia and so appropriate conditions to target for early therapeutic intervention. The presence of age-related cognitive changes raises other important issues including why such changes occur, how they should be classified and whether, even if ‘benign’, they can and should be treated.
Psychotherapy: advances in training methods
Authors: Margison Frank
Published: September 2007

Trainees need to gain experience in the psychotherapies, but practical problems in implementing training programmes have made it difficult for many trainees to access the full range of experience.
Aetiology of late-life depression
Authors: Baldwin Robert
Published: September 2007

Depressive disorder has no single cause. Arguably, in old age it is a more heterogeneous condition than in earlier adult life, in both clinical presentation and causation. A broad distinction is often made between early- and late-onset depression in later life. The aetiology of these may differ and is currently the subject of new research.
Surrogate End Points for Median Overall Survival in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Literature-Based Analysis From 39 Randomized Controlled Trials of First-Line Chemotherapy
Authors: Tang Patricia A. , Bentzen Søren M. , Chen Eric X. , Siu Lillian L.
Published: September 2007

Purpose

Our aims were to determine the correlations between progression-free survival (PFS), time to progression (TTP), and response rate (RR) with overall survival (OS) in the first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC), and to identify a potential surrogate for OS.

Methods

Randomized trials of first-line chemotherapy in MCRC were identified, and statistical analyses were undertaken to evaluate the correlations between the end points.

Results

Thirty-nine randomized controlled trials were identified containing a total of 87 treatment arms. Among trials, the nonparametric Spearman rank correlation coefficient (rs) between differences (Δ) in surrogate end points (ΔPFS, ΔTTP, and ΔRR) and ΔOS were 0.74 (95% CI, 0.47 to 0.88), 0.52 (95% CI, 0.004 to 0.81), 0.39 (95% CI, 0.08 to 0.63), respectively. The rs for ΔPFS was not significantly different from the rs ΔTTP (P = .28). Linear regression analysis was performed using hazard ratios for PFS and OS. There was a strong relationship between hazard ratios for PFS and OS; the slope of the regression line was 0.54 ± 0.10, indicating that a novel therapy producing a 10% risk reduction for PFS will yield an estimated 5.4% ± 1% risk reduction for OS.

Conclusion

In first-line chemotherapy trials for MCRC, improvements in PFS are strongly associated with improvements in OS. In this patient population, PFS may be an appropriate surrogate for OS. As a clinical end point, PFS offers increased statistical power at a given time of analysis and a significant lead time advantage compared with OS.
Use of a supercomputer to advance parameter optimisation using genetic algorithms
Authors: Fernando Achela K. , Jayawardena A. W.
Published: September 2007

Parameter optimisation is a significant but time-consuming process that is inherent in conceptual hydrological models representing rainfall–runoff processes. This study presents two modifications to achieve optimised results for a Tank Model in less computational time. Firstly, a modified genetic algorithm (GA) is developed to enhance the fitness of the population consisting of possible solutions in each generation. Then the parallel processing capabilities of an IBM 9076 SP2 computer are used to expedite implementation of the GA. A comparison of processing time between a serial IBM RS/6000 390 computer and an IBM 9076 SP2 supercomputer reveals that the latter can be up to 8 times faster. The effectiveness of the modified GA is tested with two Tank Models for a hypothetical catchment and a real catchment. The former showed that the parallel GA reaches a lower overall error in reduced time. The overall RMSE, expressed as a percentage of actual mean flow rate, improves from 31.8% in a serial processing computer to 29.5% on the SP2 supercomputer. The case of the real catchment – Shek-Pi-Tau Catchment in Hong Kong – reveals that the supercomputer enhances the swiftness of the GA and achieves its objective within a couple of hours.
Technology selection and comparative performance of source-separating wastewater management systems in Sweden and The Netherlands
Authors: Mels A. , van Betuw W. , Braadbaart O.
Published: September 2007

The research described in this paper has evaluated five demonstration projects with source-separating sanitation at neighbourhood scale, 10 years or more after their establishment. It presents the results of two systems with local grey water treatment in The Netherlands and three sites with urine separation in Sweden. The study has focused on (1) the drivers and barriers of the stakeholders that were responsible for project implementation and (2) the comparative performance of the source separation systems after their establishment. In The Netherlands the main drivers were water use reduction, combating sewer overflows and reduction of emissions. For the Swedish cases the main drivers of the involved actors were nutrient recycling, emission reduction and an active policy of the local government. The main barriers in all cases were higher investment costs and low experience with new sanitation approaches systems compared with the conventional system. Three of the sites showed a lower performance with respect to public health because effluent monitoring protocols for the grey water treatment systems were not in place or people could have direct contact with faeces. Lack of operation and maintenance is a cause of occasional failure for the grey water treatment systems, while the dominant failure reason for the urine separation systems was pipe clogging. The inventory showed that source-separating sanitation systems have a high potential to save or recover resources (water and nutrients).
Establishment and preliminary application of personalized three‐dimensional reconstruction of thyroid gland with automatic detection of thyroid nodules based on ultrasound videos
Authors: Yandong Huang , Shiqi Zhang , Lanting Jia , Wenxin Hu , Leyao Chen , Hejing Huang
Published: March 2024

Purpose

A well display of the spatial location of thyroid nodules in the thyroid is important for surgical path planning and surgeon‐patient communication. The aim of this study was to establish a three‐dimensional (3D) reconstruction method of the thyroid gland, thyroid nodule, and carotid artery with automatic detection based on two‐dimensional (2D) ultrasound videos, and to evaluate its clinical value.

Methods

Ultrasound videos, including the thyroid gland with nodule, isthmus of thyroid gland, and ipsilateral carotid artery, were recorded. BC‐UNet, MTN‐Net, and RDPA‐U‐Net network models were innovatively employed for segmentation of the thyroid glands, the thyroid nodules, and the carotid artery respectively. Marching Cubes algorithm was used for reconstruction, while Laplacian smoothing algorithm was employed to smooth the 3D model surface. Using this model, 20 patients and 15 surgeons completed surveys on the effectiveness of this model for the pre‐surgery demonstration of nodule location as well as surgeon‐patient communication.

Results

The thyroid gland with nodule, isthmus of gland, and carotid artery were reconstructed and displayed. With the 3D model, the understanding of the spatial location of thyroid nodules improved in all three surgeon groups, eliminating the influence of professional levels. In the patient survey, the patients’ understanding of the thyroid nodule location and procedure for surgery were significantly improved. In addition, with the 3D model, the time for doctors to explain to patients was significantly reduced (16.75  vs. 8.85 min, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first report of constructing a 3D thyroid model using a deep learning technique for personalized thyroid segmentation based on 2D ultrasound videos. The preliminary clinical application showed that it was conducive to the comprehension of the location of thyroid nodules for surgeons and patients, with significant improvement on the efficiency of surgeon‐patient communication.
Spray‐Coated, Magnetically Connectable Free‐Standing Epidermal Electrodes for High Quality Biopotential Recordings
Authors: Spanu Andrea , Taki Mohammad , Baldazzi Giulia , Mascia Antonello , Pietrabissa Riccardo , Pani Danilo , Cosseddu Piero , Bonfiglio Annalisa
Published: March 2024

Acquiring biopotentials from the surface of the body is a common procedure both in the clinical practice and in non‐clinical applications as sport and human‐ machine interfaces. To avoid bulky recording systems and to allow optimal long‐term measurements, several tattooable solutions were recently developed, aiming at high‐quality and imperceptible electrodes. However, a seamless connection with epidermal electrodes still represents one of the biggest challenges in this field. In this paper, we propose a simple and efficient approach for the fabrication of free‐standing epidermal electrodes that can be contacted using small magnetic connectors, thus directly tackling this issue. The proposed electrodes are fabricated using a conductive ink based on poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) deposited by spray coating, and can be easily contacted using magnetic connectors without disrupting their conformability, thanks to the presence of ferrite nanoparticles integrated within the thin film itself. These electrodes have been successfully employed for the detection of different biopotentials, namely electrocardiogram, electromyogram and electro‐oculogram, demonstrating excellent performances for the detection of biosignals from delicate body parts, such as the face, thus demonstrating the effectiveness of the approach for the development of a new generation of magnetically connectable epidermal electrodes for critical biopotentials monitoring.
Deformable Joule Heating Electrode Based on Hybrid Layers of Silver Nanowires and Carbon Nanotubes and its Application in a Refreshable Multi‐Cell Braille Display
Authors: Kim Jinsung , Xie Zhixin , Peng Zihang , Hong HyeonJi , Shajari Shaghayegh , Guo Yuxuan , Wu Hanxiang , Meng Yuan , Plamthottam Roshan , Zhu Yuan , Qiu Yu , Wang Huiying , Cheng Alex , Pei Qibing
Published: March 2024

Joule heating electrodes (JHEs) are required for thermal actuation systems. A highly stretchable, patternable, and low‐voltage operating JHE based on hybrid layers of silver nanowires and carbon nanotubes are reported. The conductive layers are applied on a locally pre‐strained bistable electroactive polymer (BSEP) membrane to form a wrinkled conductive surface with a low resistance of 300 Ω/sq, and subsequently patterned to a serpentine trace by laser engraving. The resistance of the resulting JHE electrode remains nearly unchanged up to 80−90% area strain. By applying a voltage of 7 − 9 V to the electrode, the temperature of the BSEP membrane increased to ~60 °C, well above the polymer's phase transition temperature of 46 °C, thereby lowering its modulus by a factor of 103. An electronic Braille device based on the JHEs on a BSEP membrane is assembled with a diaphragm chamber. The electrode is patterned into 3 × 2 individually addressable pixels. Through Joule heating of the pixels and local expansion of the BSEP membrane using a pneumatic pressure, the pixels deformed out of the plane by over 0.5 mm to display Braille letters. The Braille content can be refreshed for 20 000 cycles at the same operating voltage.
A Triple Shape Memory Material of Trans‐Polyisoprene/Polycaprolactone with Customizable Response Temperature Controlled by Crosslinking Density
Authors: Zhang Wenzhe , Zou Chenglong , Pan Qizhu , Hu Guixin , Shi Huihong , Zhang Yi , He Xiyang , He Yiheng , Zhang Xiucheng
Published: March 2024

Body‐temperature responsive shape memory polymers (SMPs) attract a lot of attention with the application in biomedicine. Multiple SMPs regulate the response temperature through the proportion of their stationary and reversible phases by changing the molecular weight of the polymer or the components of the composite. Herein, a crosslinking reaction of trans‐polyisoprene (TPI) and polycaprolactone (PCL) initiated by benzoyl peroxide gave a SMP of TPI/PCL, whose shape memory property is realized by stage‐division crystallization zone. Under the fixed ratio of TPI:PCL, the crystallization performance of TPI/PCL is controlled by the crosslinking density. The response temperatures of the components in TPI/PCL are selected for the stage‐division crystallization zone, making excellent shape memory performance at corresponding response temperatures. For the further achievement in controllable response temperature within a certain range, the relationship model between crosslinking density and response temperature is established, obtaining the customizable response temperature ranging 37–55 °C. The presented facile regulation method for response temperature will provide a new idea for the SMPs development.
A Covalent‐Metal Hybrid‐Link Organic Framework Spray for Portable and Instant Therapy of Deep‐Degree Burn
Authors: Lu Jiali , Xiang Yiming , Mao Congyang , Wu Shuilin , Wang Chaofeng , Zheng Yufeng , Zhang Yu , Yeung Kelvin W. K. , Liu Xiangmei
Published: March 2024

Deep burns lead to extensive damage to the dermal layer, necessitating a longer treatment duration than typical skin injuries. Such burn wounds become more susceptible to drug‐resistant bacterial infections, thereby complicating and prolonging the therapeutic process. In this study, a unique spray composed of covalent metal hybrid‐linked organic frameworks (HLOF) material is developed that effectively eradicates methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) within 20 min by disrupting MRSA's surface electrons, destroying its cell membrane structure, and ultimately causing its demise with an impressive antibacterial rate of 96.7%. This HLOF material exhibited exceptional biological activity and stability. During the wound recovery procedure, HLOF promoted the expression of Vascular endothelial growthfactor(VEGF) to stimulate angiogenesis while inhibiting the proinflammatory factor Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) expression to eliminate inflammation and further enhance wound repair. This study presents an innovative approach for achieving outstanding antibacterial properties and improved biocompatibility through modifications made to common metal organic frameworks (MOFs), thus expanding their potential applications.
Bioactive Nanofiber‐Hydrogel Composite Regulates Regenerative Microenvironment for Skeletal Muscle Regeneration after Volumetric Muscle Loss
Authors: Yu Wei , Zhang Xiangqi , Gu Muge , Wang Jiayu , Zhang Yihui , Zhang Wenkai , Yuan Wei‐En
Published: March 2024

Volumetric muscle loss (VML) is a severe form of muscle trauma that exceeds the regenerative capacity of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to substantial functional impairment. The abnormal immune response and excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation hinder muscle regeneration following VML. Here, an interfacial cross‐linked hydrogel‐poly(ε‐caprolactone) nanofiber composite, that incorporates both biophysical and biochemical cues to modulate the immune and ROS microenvironment for enhanced VML repair, is engineered. The interfacial cross‐linking is achieved through a Michael addition between catechol and thiol groups. The resultant composite exhibits enhanced mechanical strength without sacrificing porosity. Moreover, it mitigates oxidative stress and promotes macrophage polarization toward a pro‐regenerative phenotype, both in vitro and in a mouse VML model. 4 weeks post‐implantation, mice implanted with the composite show improved grip strength and walking performance, along with increased muscle fiber diameter, enhanced angiogenesis, and more nerve innervation compared to control mice. Collectively, these results suggest that the interfacial cross‐linked nanofiber‐hydrogel composite could serve as a cell‐free and drug‐free strategy for augmenting muscle regeneration by modulating the oxidative stress and immune microenvironment at the VML site.
Mn2+‐Mediated Modulation of PfAgo Activity for Biosensing
Authors: Fu Ruijie , Hou Jinjie , Wang Zexiang , Xianyu Yunlei
Published: March 2024

Argonaute (Ago) as a powerful enzyme has provided new insights into biosensing due to its programmability, high sensitivity, and user‐friendly operation. However, current strategies mainly rely on phosphorylated guide DNA to modulate the cleavage activity of Ago, which is limited in versatility and simplicity. Herein, the authors report the Mn2+‐enhanced cleavage activity of Ago and employ Mn‐ions with variable valence to regulate the activity of Pyrococcus furiosus Ago (PfAgo) for biosensing applications. The conversion of Mn ions with different valence states through MnO2 nanoflowers enables the sensitive detection of ascorbic acid, alkaline phosphatase, and arsenic with limits of detection of 2.5 nmol L−1, 0.009 U L−1, and 0.4 ng mL−1, respectively. A PfAgo‐based immunoassay is further developed that allows for the detection of diverse targets, thus providing a promising toolbox to broaden PfAgo‐based sensors into versatile bioanalytical and biomedical applications.
High‐κ Dielectric (HfO2)/2D Semiconductor (HfSe2) Gate Stack for Low‐Power Steep‐Switching Computing Devices
Authors: Kang Taeho , Park Joonho , Jung Hanggyo , Choi Haeju , Lee Sang‐Min , Lee Nayeong , Lee Ryong‐Gyu , Kim Gahye , Kim Seung‐Hwan , Kim Hyung‐jun , Yang Cheol‐Woong , Jeon Jongwook , Kim Yong‐Hoon , Lee Sungjoo
Published: March 2024

Herein, a high‐quality gate stack (native HfO2 formed on 2D HfSe2) fabricated via plasma oxidation is reported, realizing an atomically sharp interface with a suppressed interface trap density (Dit ≈ 5 × 1010 cm−2 eV−1). The chemically converted HfO2 exhibits dielectric constant, κ ≈ 23, resulting in low gate leakage current (≈10−3 A cm−2) at equivalent oxide thickness ≈0.5 nm. Density functional calculations indicate that the atomistic mechanism for achieving a high‐quality interface is the possibility of O atoms replacing the Se atoms of the interfacial HfSe2 layer without a substitution energy barrier, allowing layer‐by‐layer oxidation to proceed. The field‐effect‐transistor‐fabricated HfO2/HfSe2 gate stack demonstrates an almost ideal subthreshold slope (SS) of ≈61 mV dec−1 (over four orders of IDS) at room temperature (300 K), along with a high Ion/Ioff ratio of ≈108 and a small hysteresis of ≈10 mV. Furthermore, by utilizing a device architecture with separately controlled HfO2/HfSe2 gate stack and channel structures, an impact ionization field‐effect transistor is fabricated that exhibits n‐type steep‐switching characteristics with a SS value of 3.43 mV dec−1 at room temperature, overcoming the Boltzmann limit. These results provide a significant step toward the realization of post‐Si semiconducting devices for future energy‐efficient data‐centric computing electronics.
Spontaneous Wetting Induced by Contact‐Electrification at Liquid–Solid Interface
Authors: Tang Zhen , Yang Dan , Guo Hengyu , Lin Shiquan , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: March 2024

Wettability significantly influences various surface interactions and applications at the liquid–solid interface. However, the understanding is complicated by the intricate charge exchange occurring through contact electrification (CE) during this process. The understanding of the influence of triboelectric charge on wettability remains challenging, especially due to the complexities involved in concurrently measuring contact angles and interfacial electrical signals. Here, the relationship is investigated between surface charge density and change of contact angle of dielectric films after contact with water droplets. It is observed that the charge exchange when water spared lead to a spontaneous wetting phenomenon, which is termed as the contact electrification induced wetting (CEW). Notably, these results demonstrate a linear dependence between the change of contact angle (CA) of the materials and the density of surface charge on the solid surface. Continuous CEW tests show that not only the static CA but also the dynamics of wetting are influenced by the accumulation charges at the interface. The mechanism behind CEW involves the redistribution of surface charges on a solid surface and polar water molecules within liquid. This interaction results in a decrease in interface energy, leading to a reduction in the CA. Ab initio calculations suggest that the reduction in interface energy may stem from the enhanced surface charge on the substrate, which strengthens the hydrogen bond interaction between water and the substrate. These findings have the potential to advance the understanding of CE and wetting phenomena, with applications in energy harvesting, catalysis, and droplet manipulation at liquid–solid interfaces.
Copper‐Catalyzed Cyanoalkylation and Trifluoromethylthiolation of Styrene Derivatives via a Visible‐Light‐Promoted Cross‐Coupling
Authors: Xu Xiao‐Jing , Chi Zhuo‐Min , Rui Rong , Zhang Zhe , Li Hong‐Zhe , Liu Xue‐Yuan
Published: March 2024

Transition‐metal catalyzed difunctionalization of olefins has attracted considerable attention as a method to construct carbon‐carbon and carbon‐hetero bonds. Herein, the copper‐catalyzed three‐component radical cross‐coupling of oxime esters, styrenes and AgSCF3 through a visible‐light‐promoted iminyl radical‐mediated carbon‐carbon bond cleavage strategy has been described. Utilizing low‐cost copper salt as both photosensitizers and cross‐couplers, this protocol delivers diverse target products, providing a supplementary approach for cyanoalkylation and trifluoromethylthiolation of drug molecules.
Parallel, Continuous Monitoring and Quantification of Programmed Cell Death in Plant Tissue
Authors: Collins Alexander Silva Pinto , Kurt Hasan , Duggan Cian , Cotur Yasin , Coatsworth Philip , Naik Atharv , Kaisti Matti , Bozkurt Tolga , Güder Firat
Published: March 2024

Accurate quantification of hypersensitive response (HR) programmed cell death is imperative for understanding plant defense mechanisms and developing disease‐resistant crop varieties. Here, a phenotyping platform for rapid, continuous‐time, and quantitative assessment of HR is demonstrated: Parallel Automated Spectroscopy Tool for Electrolyte Leakage (PASTEL). Compared to traditional HR assays, PASTEL significantly improves temporal resolution and has high sensitivity, facilitating detection of microscopic levels of cell death. Validation is performed by transiently expressing the effector protein AVRblb2 in transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana (expressing the corresponding resistance protein Rpi‐blb2) to reliably induce HR. Detection of cell death is achieved at microscopic intensities, where leaf tissue appears healthy to the naked eye one week after infiltration. PASTEL produces large amounts of frequency domain impedance data captured continuously. This data is used to develop supervised machine‐learning (ML) models for classification of HR. Input data (inclusive of the entire tested concentration range) is classified as HR‐positive or negative with 84.1% mean accuracy (F1 score = 0.75) at 1 h and with 87.8% mean accuracy (F1 score = 0.81) at 22 h. With PASTEL and the ML models produced in this work, it is possible to phenotype disease resistance in plants in hours instead of days to weeks.
Microwave‐Assisted Cross‐Coupling of Nitroarenes with Aryl Boronic Acids
Authors: Patel Monak , Bhavyesh Desai , Kumar Nitish , Bhukya Hussain , Dholakiya Bharatkumar Z. , Naveen Togati
Published: March 2024

A molybdenum‐catalyzed approach for intermolecular C−N coupling that produces aryl‐ and heteroaryl amines has been developed under microwave irradiation. The formation of C−N bonds with boronic acids and nitroaromatics using readily available catalysts remains a challenge. The method we developed employs a combination of readily available sodium molybdate dihydrate as a catalyst and tri‐n‐butyl phosphine as an inexpensive reductant to achieve reductive intermolecular coupling of nitroarenes with boronic acids. This approach has shown its versatility in facilitating the formation of Csp2−N bonds from aryl‐boronic acids as well as Csp3−N bonds from alkyl‐boronic acids. In addition, this reaction shows stereospecificity when Csp3−N bonds are formed. An array of boronic acids underwent C−N coupling with nitro arene providing the desired products in good yields
Transdermal Delivery of Polymeric Nanoparticles Containing Aconite Root for the Treatment of Chemotherapy‐Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Park Tae Eon , Hwang Man‐Suk , Kim Ki Su
Published: March 2024

Chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) poses challenges like pain and numbness, necessitating innovative treatments due to current limitations. Conventional approaches, relying on pain relief medications and dose adjustments, fall short in addressing neurotoxicity, resulting in inadequate pain relief and undesired effects. Aconite root (AR), a medicinal herb withcenturies of use against various diseases, contains a compound named Aconine, which alleviates pain by blocking specific neural channels. However, AR also contains Aconitine, a toxic substance hydrolyzed into nontoxic Aconine through heating. Herein, hyaluronate‐poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) nanoparticles (HA‐PLGA/AR NPs) encapsulating Aconine are fabricated, enabling controlled release, protection, and transdermal delivery, enhancing therapeutic outcomes. High‐performance liquid chromatography identifies optimal Aconine content after 48 h of AR boiling, with minimal neural toxicity confirmed. Characterization via transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and in vitro assays demonstrates superior drug release by HA‐PLGA/AR NPs, establishing effective transdermal Aconine delivery. In an in vitro CIPN model with paclitaxel (PTX)‐treated PC12 cells, HA‐PLGA/AR NPs stimulate enhanced neurite growth, validating their localized analgesic impact on CIPN and suggesting potential symptom alleviation. Taken together, HA‐PLGA/AR NPs offer a promising strategy for controlled transdermal Aconine delivery, potentially alleviating CIPN and addressing various neuropathies and diseases.
Gold(I)‐katalysierte Intramolekulare 7‐endo‐dig Zyklisierung von Trien‐In‐Systemen: Neuer Zugang zu Azulenothiophenen
Authors: Eshagh Saatlo Rebeka , Oczlon Julian , Wunsch Jonas F. , Rudolph Matthias , Rominger Frank , Oeser Thomas , Shiri Farshad , Ariafard Alireza , Hashmi A. Stephen K.
Published: March 2024

Wir berichten über die direkte Synthese neuer Azulen‐Derivate durch gold‐katalysierte Zyklisierungsreaktionen. Ein fünfgliedriger Ring als Rückgrat in den verwendeten Trien‐In‐Substraten erwies sich als entscheidend, um die 7‐endo‐dig‐Zyklisierung zu induzieren, die für die Azulenbildung notwendig ist. Die erhaltenen Zielmoleküle sind aufgrund ihrer potenziellen Anwendungen in verschiedenen Bereichen, wie anorganische Materialien, in der Medizin oder in der Kosmetik, von großem Interesse. UV/Vis‐Spektren und Cyclovoltammetrien wurden gemessen und darauf basierend die elektronischen Eigenschaften bestimmt. Kurze zwei‐ oder dreistufige Sequenzen zum Erhalt der verwendeten Ausgangsmaterialien machen diesen Ansatz synthetisch sehr attraktiv.
Structure Revision of a Widespread Marine Sulfonolipid Class Based on Isolation and Total Synthesis
Authors: Roman Dávid , Meisinger Philippe , Guillonneau Richard , Peng Chia‐Chi , Peltner Lukas K. , Jordan Paul M. , Haensch Veit , Götze Sebastian , Werz Oliver , Hertweck Christian , Chen Yin , Beemelmanns Christine
Published: March 2024

The cosmopolitan marine Roseobacter clade is of global biogeochemical importance. Members of this clade produce sulfur‐containing amino lipids (SALs) involved in biofilm formation and marine surface colonization processes. Despite their physiological relevance and abundance, SALs have only been explored through genomic mining approaches and lipidomic studies based on mass spectrometry, which left the relative and absolute structures of SALs unresolved, hindering progress in biochemical and functional investigations. Herein, we report the structural revision of a new group of SALs, which we named cysteinolides, using a combination of analytical techniques, isolation and degradation experiments and total synthetic efforts. Contrary to the previously proposed homotaurine‐based structures, cysteinolides are composed of an N,O‐acylated cysteinolic acid‐containing head group carrying various different (α‐hydroxy)carboxylic acids. We also performed the first validated targeted‐network based analysis, which allowed us to map the distribution and structural diversity of cysteinolides across bacterial lineages. Beyond offering structural insight, our research provides SAL standards and validated analytical data. This information holds significance for forthcoming investigations into bacterial sulfonolipid metabolism and biogeochemical nutrient cycling within marine environments.
Controllable synthesis of snowflake‐like α‐calcium sulfate hemihydrate microstructures using Na2EDTA as morphology modifier
Authors: Lv Lingling , Gao Yang , Guo Ming , Liu Minfu , Zhang Baocun , Lin Han , Zhang Xingong , Liu Chenguang
Published: March 2024

In this work, snowflake‐like α‐CaSO4·0.5H2O (α‐CSH) hierarchical architectures were successfully synthesized by a facile one‐pot method in an ethylene glycol‐water system using Na2EDTA as a crystal morphology modifier. Characterization techniques including X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the progressive morphological evolution of α‐CSH from rods to snowflake‐like structures ultimately to hexagonal plates with increased Na2EDTA concentrations. The results revealed that Na2EDTA concentration played a critical role in directing the crystallization and self‐assembly of α‐CSH, and a mechanism is proposed where Na2EDTA modulated crystal orientation through preferential adsorption and regulated the driving forces between ion‐mediated crystallization and particle‐mediated assembly. This work puts forward a simple yet effective strategy for facilely regulating the morphology of α‐CSH microstructures, which could potentially expand their applications across diverse fields such as composites, construction, biomedicine, and drug delivery.
Catalytic Enantioconvergent C(sp3)−N Coupling to Access Chiral Amines: A Concept Review
Authors: Li Rongrong , Hu Zhiyun , Shuai Zhigang , Yang Xinzheng
Published: March 2024

Nitrogen containing compounds like chiral amines have been widely used in synthetic medicines, biomass, and fine chemical products because of their particularly valuable motifs and exceedingly broad range of functionality. Enantioconvergent synthesis of chiral amines has high atomic economy and enantioselectivity with theoretically 100 % yield of enantioenriched products. In this concept article, we hope to provide a further understanding of chiral amines enantioconvergent synthesis methodology with an introduction of recent progresses in enantioconvergent amination reactions catalyzed by early transition metals and facilitate the development of enantioconvergent C(sp3)−N coupling for benign and efficient preparation of highly valuable chiral nitrogen‐containing units.
Preparation of a Stable Cr2O3/Cu/TiO2 Plasmonic Photocatalyst for Selective Alcohol Oxidation under Visible Light Irradiation (λ>600 nm)
Authors: Tanaka Atsuhiro , Okabayashi Kohki , Yagi Ryosuke , Kominami Hiroshi
Published: March 2024

Copper (Cu) nanoparticles (NPs) loaded on titanium(IV) oxide (TiO2) exhibit an extinction at about λ=580 nm because of surface plasmon resonance (SPR); however, they rapidly lose their its SPR when exposed to air. In order to stabilize the Cu NPs, a multi‐step photodeposition method was used to introduce chromium, which resulted in successful synthesis of a Cr2O3/Cu/TiO2 sample that exhibited extinction even when exposed to air. Transmission electron microscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and UV‐vis spectroscopy were utilized to analyze the Cu/TiO2 and Cr2O3/Cu/TiO2 samples with a focus on SPR of the nanoparticles and state of the Cu species. The prepared Cr2O3/Cu/TiO2 samples acted as plasmonic photocatalysts in oxidation of 2‐propanol under aerated conditions and visible light irradiation. Expandability of the Cr2O3/Cu/TiO2 plasmonic photocatalyst was also investigated, and the results suggested the potential of a Cu‐based plasmonic photocatalyst working under irradiation of visible light.
Performance evaluation of biodegradable polymer PHBV and PBAT blends with adjustable melt flow behaviour, heat deflection temperature, and morphological transition
Authors: Zytner Peter , Pal Akhilesh Kumar , Mohanty Amar K. , Misra Manjusri
Published: March 2024

Melt blending is a reliable and well‐demonstrated strategy for improving the mechanical, thermal, rheological, and surface properties of biopolymers. Poly(hydroxy‐3‐butyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) are the two popular choices for blending polymers due to their diverse properties and complementary soil biodegradable behaviour. Due to their immiscibility, however, blending with the help of processing additives is necessary to reap the most significant benefits from this process and to avoid immiscibility issues. This study utilized the additives (peroxides and epoxy‐based chain extender) to compatibilize the biodegradable polymers PHBV and PBAT in a 60:40 blending ratio. The tensile strength and Young's modulus of the PHBV/PBAT(60/40) blend were improved by 32% and 64%, respectively, after adding a combination of peroxide (0.02 phr) and chain extender (0.3 phr) due to the formation of a complex network structure with increased chain length. The positive effect of an additive addition was also reflected by a 30°C increment in heat deflection temperature of biodegradable blend due to its high modulus value as supported by mechanical properties. The combined action of a peroxide and chain extender demonstrated a significantly higher complex viscosity of the PHBV/PBAT(60/40) blend due to the formation of a crosslinked polymer network as analyzed by rheological analysis. Our research demonstrated the effect of additives and their combined impact on analytical properties of PHBV/PBAT(60/40) blend to guide future work in improving their candidature to serve as a drop‐in solution in replacing non‐biodegradable petro‐based plastic products.
Chemoselective Transfer Hydrogenation of Nitroarenes with Ammonia Borane Catalyzed by Copper N‐heterocyclic Carbene Complexes
Authors: Zhou Hui , Jiao Hongmei , Lu Xing , Gao Yuanyuan , Ren Zhiqiang , Ma Haojie , Zhang Yuqi , Han Bo
Published: March 2024

Comprehensive Summary

Herein, we present a method for the homogeneous hydrogenation of nitroarenes to produce anilines using low catalyst loading (1 mo%) of copper N‐heterocyclic carbene complexes as the catalyst and ammonia borane as the source of hydrogen. A wide range of nitroarenes, featuring diverse functional groups, were selectively transformed into their corresponding primary aromatic amines with high yields. This process can be readily scaled up and exhibits compatibility with various sensitive functional groups, including halogen, trifluoromethyl, aminomethyl, alkenyl, cyano, ester, amide, and hydroxyl. Notably, this catalytic methodology finds application in the synthesis of essential drug compounds. Mechanistic investigations suggest that the in‐situ‐generated Cu‐H species may serve as active intermediates, with reduction pathways involving species such as azobenzene, 1,2‐diphenylhydrazine, nitrosobenzene, and N‐phenylhydroxylamine.
Attenuation of an ultrashort pulse in a folded meander microstrip line with two passive conductors
Authors: Malygin Konstantin P. , Nosov Alexander V. , Kim Georgiy Y.
Published: March 2024

In this article, we investigated a new structure of a protective meander line (ML): a meander microstrip line (MSL) with two passive conductors. The existing theory of ultra‐short pulse (USP) attenuation in MLs is presented for the first time. Based on this theory, we determined the number of decomposed pulses at the output of the MSL line with two passive conductors, and, for the first time, formulated the conditions for pulse decomposition in the line. The folding of the MSL line into non‐core turns was studied in detail. As a result of this article, we proposed a new theory that involves the utilization of additional groups of decomposed pulses for enhanced USP attenuation. These additional groups were thoroughly examined, and the delays of pulses from these groups were defined. This analysis allowed identifying the reason for their appearance. It was revealed that folding the ML into non‐core turns allows further attenuation of the USP amplitude, which increases with the increase of the number of non‐core turns. To validate the obtained simulation results, we performed experimental measurements and obtained good consistency of the results. The N‐norms analysis demonstrated that the combined use of such folding and passive conductors reduces the probability of electrical breakdown, arc discharge, and dielectric breakdown. The maximum USP attenuation at the output was 24.9 dB. As a result of useful signal integrity analysis, it is proposed to use a folded MSL together with a USB 2.0 “Full‐speed” interface with a data transfer rate of 12 Mbit/s. In addition, it is proposed to use such MSLs in DC power circuits.
Biomarkers of chronic inflammation and cognitive decline: A prospective observational study
Authors: Guduguntla Bhavna A. , Vasbinder Alexi , Anderson Elizabeth , Azam Tariq U. , Blakely Pennelope , Webster Noah J. , Gonzalez Richard , Atonucci Toni , Heidebrink Judith L. , Giordani Bruno , Zahodne Laura , Hampstead Benjamin M. , Ajrouch Kristine J. , Hayek Salim S.
Published: March 2024

We sought to determine whether the biomarkers of chronic inflammation predict cognitive decline in a prospective observational study. We measured baseline serum soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) and high sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) levels in 282 participants of the University of Michigan Memory and Aging Project. Cognitive function was measured using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scale for up to five time points. SuPAR and hs‐CRP levels were not significantly higher in participants with mild cognitive impairment (n = 97) or dementia (n = 59), compared to those with normal cognitive function (n = 126). Overall, 14% of participants experienced significant cognitive decline over the study period. The change in MoCA or CDR scores over time did not differ significantly according to baseline suPAR or hs‐CRP levels. Chronic systemic inflammation, as measured by serum suPAR or hs‐CRP levels, is unlikely to contribute significantly to cognitive decline.
Remember from whence you came
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z.
Published: March 2024

A few weeks ago, I visited my hometown to assist my sister, who had had orthopedic surgery. I was there for two weeks. My chores included going to the doctor, grocery, pharmacy, and laundry. While driving through the town that I left at the age of 20 and have only visited a couple of times a year since, my soul was flooded with memories.
Furthering a social justice mission
Authors: Elfman Lois
Published: March 2024

Portia Allen‐Kyle's career has focused on advocacy and driving meaningful change. Her work has involved advancing equity through nonprofit organizations, government, and academia. Currently Chief of Staff and Interim Head of External Affairs at Color of Change (COC), an online racial justice platform, she works to advance the organization's vision, impact, and efficiency.
TMCF's First Female Board Chair Has Her Sights on International Focus
Authors: Arnett Autumn A.
Published: March 2024

Racquel Oden assumed the role of board chair of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund at the start of the new year, becoming the first female chair of the woman‐founded organization's board of directors.
Increased density of conspecifics caused niche contraction in a multispecific passerine assemblage
Authors: Barrero Adrián , Traba Juan , Tarjuelo Rocío
Published: March 2024

Competition is a prominent mechanism driving population dynamics and structuring community assemblage, which can be investigated by linking shifts in species’ ecological niche and the densities of sympatric species because the ecological release from competitive constraints is a density‐dependent process. In this work we determine how a steppe passerine community segregates their ecological niches and evaluate the role of competition in inducing changes in the ecological niche of species. We built multidimensional ecological niches (with Gaussian kernel density estimators) using data on the habitat features used by 10 bird species collected from seven sites in the natural steppes of Central Spain over 2 consecutive years. We computed distance and niche similarity metrics to explore the ecological niche partitioning of the bird community. Next, we ran multivariate linear regression models to evaluate the effects of conspecific and heterospecific density (as proxies of intraspecific and interspecific competition, respectively) on niche breadth and/or position of the three most abundant species. We found low niche overlap in the community assemblage but varying levels of niche similarity among pairs of species, which could increase the likelihood of current competition operating in the community. However, we found no effect of heterospecific density on niche breadth or position, although conspecific density was negatively related to niche breadth. Contrary to predictions of competition theory, increased density of conspecifics caused niche contraction. Our results from a multispecies system contribute to advanced knowledge of the biotic mechanisms structuring wildlife communities within the framework of ecological niche theory.
Real Structure, Magnetism and Chemical Bonding of SmSi3−x
Authors: Neziraj Teuta , Prots Yurii , Carrillo‐Cabrera Wilder , Ormeci Alim , Wirth Steffen , Fitch Andy , Burkhardt Ulrich , Grin Yuri , Schwarz Ulrich
Published: March 2024

New metastable SmSi3−x (x=0–0.05) is obtained by high‐pressure high‐temperature synthesis (9.5 GPa, 870–1270 K). Powder diffraction data refinements reveal that the crystal structure of SmSi3 is isotypic to that of YbSi3 (space group I4/mmm, a=7.23634(5) Å, c=11.0854(1) Å). In the crystal structure, two types of Si2 dumbbells agglomerate into layers, which embed the samarium atoms. At ambient pressure, SmSi3 decomposes exothermally upon heating into Si and SmSi2−x. Single‐crystal structure refinements of a specimen SmSi3−x (x=0.05) reveal considerable electron density, which is not accounted for by the YbSi3‐type model. The additional maxima can be assigned to disorder which affects the samarium positions and induces silicon vacancies. Scanning transmission electron microscopy experiments evidence that the disorder can be attributed to extended defects.

Magnetic measurements on SmSi3−x reveal van Vleck paramagnetic behavior and antiferromagnetic ordering at low temperatures. Computations within the local spin density approximation (LSDA and LSDA+U) on the crystal structure of SmSi3 reproduce the antiferromagnetic coupling as the favored long‐range order. Quantum chemical analysis of the chemical bonding in SmSi3 reveals two‐center two‐electron bonds within the Si2 dumbbells plus a total of a little less than four electrons in lone pairs at each silicon atom.
Dehydrogenative N−N Coupling and Facile Synthesis of Cobalt Complexes Supported by Tetrazene Based Ligand: Synthesis of Quinolines and Quinazolinones via Activation of Alcohols
Authors: Kumari Sheela , Maji Ankur , Chauhan Rahul , Chaudhary Virendra K. , Kush Tapasya , Joshi Mayank , Choudhury Angshuman R. , Ghosh Kaushik
Published: March 2024

Herein we first report the unprecedented synthesis of tetrazene‐based cobalt complexes using unusual coupling of amines via dehydrogenation. These cobalt complexes were employed for dehydrogenative coupling reactions to synthesize N‐heterocycles (quinoline, and quinazolinone). Based on control experiments and IR identification of intermediates, we proposed a plausible reaction mechanism. Synthesis protocols were utilized for preparative scale synthesis and biologically active molecule (±)‐galipinine synthesis.