bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tackling Lip Hemangioma in Adults with Polidocanol Sclerotherapy: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Upadya Varsha , Mohammed Raina , Batra Akshit
Published: January 2025

Hemangiomas are the most common benign vascular tumors of the first decade of life and are rarely seen in adults. 60% to 70% of these tumors are found in the head and neck region, with oral hemangiomas being more uncommon. Hemangiomas are characterized by a proliferative growth phase that is followed by a very slow inevitable regression or involution phase. The literature reports a variety of therapeutic options for head and neck hemangiomas, such as medical management, cryotherapy, isotope radiation therapy, sclerotherapy (bleomycin, steroids), lasers, and surgery. The best course of action for every given patient is still the subject of debate. Sclerotherapy alone, or in combination has shown promising results. Polidocanol is a detergent-based solution that functions as a sclerosant by inducing localized inflammation and fibrosis. It is also an anesthetic and antipruritic agent. In this article, we describe a unique instance of a lip hemangioma in a geriatric patient and our experience with polidocanol sclerotherapy.
Prospecção Tecnológica de Soluções de Internet das Coisas na Saúde
Authors: Carvalho Tecia Vieira , Gomes Maria Liliane Moura , Andrade Rossana Maria de Castro , Costa Junior Evilasio
Published: January 2025

A Internet das Coisas na saúde (do inglês, Internet of Health Things – IoHT) provê soluções tecnológicas utilizando dispositivos inteligentes capazes de monitorar e de atuar sobre o ambiente e de trocar informações entre si por meio da internet,  o que vem permitindo grandes avanços nos serviços de saúde. Nesse contexto, este artigo teve como objetivo realizar a prospecção tecnológica de soluções IoHT por meio de uma pesquisa quantitativa em fontes acadêmicas e bancos de dados de patentes. Foi utilizada a Methodi Ordinatio, bem como o mapeamento de patentes, usando a ferramenta Orbit Intelligence. A China lidera os depósitos de patentes nesse setor, seguida pelos Estados Unidos. O crescimento exponencial de pedidos de patentes em 2019 e 2020 indica um interesse crescente em IoHT. No entanto, a não apresentação do Brasil entre os principais atores sugere a necessidade de realizar mais investimentos na área e de firmar acordos internacionais para melhor exploração da tecnologia.
Prospecção Tecnológica para Verificação do Potencial de Patenteabilidade de Shampoo Esfoliante e Antifúngico para Tratamento da Dermatite Seborreica
Authors: Castro Denise Frazão , Cunha Lucas Barros , Santos Davy Freitas , Figueiredo Patricia de Maria Silva
Published: January 2025

O objetivo do presente estudo foi realizar a prospecção tecnológica de anterioridade para verificação do potencial de patenteabilidade de um shampoo esfoliante e antifúngico obtido a partir do extrato hidroalcóolico de sementes da Citrullus lanatus (melancia) desenvolvido na Universidade Federal do Maranhão. Foram realizadas buscas em bases de dados como INPI, EPO, USPTO, Questel Orbit, Scielo, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar e em sítio eletrônico do Google, utilizando descritores como: “Citrullus lanatus”; melancia; antimicrobiano; antifúngico; anticaspa; “shampoo esfoliante”, sem delimitação temporal ou espacial. Foram encontrados dois documentos de patentes (subclasse IPC A61K8) correlacionando shampoos anticaspa e melancia, no entanto, o princípio ativo deles difere do utilizado na invenção investigada neste estudo. Não foram encontrados artigos científicos que correlacionassem shampoos obtidos a partir da espécie investigada, resultando no não comprometimento da novidade do produto. Entendeu-se, portanto, que o shampoo possui potencial de patenteabilidade pelo cumprimento dos requisitos: atividade inventiva, aplicação industrial e novidade.
Panorama sobre o Registro de Desenhos Industriais no Setor de Brinquedos no Brasil no Período de 2012 a 2022
Authors: Malaquias Anna Carolline Baiao , Cruz Charlene , Peralta Patrícia Pereira , Nascimento Paulo Gustavo Barboni Dantas
Published: January 2025

Este artigo apresenta um panorama da proteção de desenhos industriais no setor de brinquedos no Brasil, entre 2012 e 2022. Quanto à metodologia, a pesquisa caracteriza-se como exploratória e qualitativa, fundamentada em uma análise prospectiva, utilizando-se as bases de dados do Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial e da Organização Mundial da Propriedade Intelectual. Entre os principais resultados, destaca-se a diminuição da procura pela proteção de desenhos industriais de brinquedos no Brasil, a despeito do crescimento econômico do setor no mesmo período. Constatou-se, também, que no Brasil a busca pela proteção é feita majoritariamente por residentes brasileiros e que a participação das micro, pequenas e médias empresas é baixa em comparação às médias e grandes empresas. Tais resultados evidenciam a necessidade de fomento às políticas de capacitação e de difusão da propriedade intelectual.
Mapeamento Tecnológico de Patentes Relacionadas a Jogos em Nuvem (Cloud Gaming)
Authors: Ribeiro Vianney de Oliveira , Araújo André Luiz Carneiro de , Carvalho Joélia Marques de , Carvalho Técia Vieira
Published: January 2025

Os jogos digitais têm desempenhado um papel fundamental na evolução tecnológica ao longo das últimas décadas, impulsionando inovações que vão além do entretenimento e que impactam diversas indústrias. Entre essas inovações, a tecnologia de jogos em nuvem (cloud gaming) surge como uma transformação significativa no mercado de videogames, permitindo que jogos de alta complexidade gráfica sejam executados diretamente na nuvem, sem a necessidade de instalação local ou de hardware de alto desempenho. Esse avanço é resultado da convergência de múltiplas áreas tecnológicas, como redes de alta velocidade e computação em nuvem, e se reflete no crescimento expressivo de patentes relacionadas a cloud gaming, especialmente a partir de 2015. A China, em particular, desponta como líder no setor, sendo responsável por 42,99% das patentes identificadas, com 10 das 20 maiores empresas depositantes situadas no país. Esses dados evidenciam não apenas a importância crescente dos jogos em nuvem, mas também o papel central da China na configuração desse novo cenário global.
A crise estrutural do valor e a formação autofágica
Authors: Steinmetz Cristiano José
Published: January 2025

Este estudo pretende fazer uma aproximação entre alguns elementos da Teoria crítica do valor (Wertkritik) e o campo da formação humana notadamente no que se refere aos âmbitos escolar e cultural. Tal aproximação é aqui apenas inicial e propõe refletir sobre o "sexo do capitalismo" e as formas fetichistas do Estado e suas respectivas instituições sociais (Roswitha Scholz, 1996). Para além do seu papel de teoria sobre a crise do capitalismo, pretende-se também demonstrar: i) como a Teoria crítica do valor nos abre margem para compreender algumas questões centrais dos processos relativos à educação como dispositivo sócio-histórico de formação humana também em crise, e ii) como esta teoria nos permite identificar os traços gerais de uma perspectiva epistêmica radicalmente crítica ao fundamento masculino da moderna sociedade produtora de mercadorias.
Capitalismo dependente e questão agrária no Brasil: a exploração do trabalho nas lavouras de fumo
Authors: Rosa Marcela Pereira
Published: January 2025

O presente artigo tem por foco a discussão acerca da exploração do trabalho no contexto da fumicultura. A discussão apresentada é parte de uma pesquisa de mestrado realizada com famílias produtoras de tabaco na região Centro-Sul do estado do Paraná. Partindo do aporte teórico-metodológico do marxismo, o presente texto busca discutir o modo pelo qual a indústria capitalista explora os trabalhadores do fumo, evidenciando os mecanismos de dominação empregados pelas grandes multinacionais fumageiras. Compreendemos que a subordinação da renda da terra ao capital monopolista aparece como expressão do caráter dependente de nossa economia.
Concepção de sociedade e tecnologia no Currículo Paulista (2019-2020)
Authors: Lima Potiguara Mateus Porto de , Silvestre Bruno Modesto
Published: January 2025

Este trabalho faz uma breve apresentação do Currículo Paulista (CP) definido a partir de 2019 entendendo-o no rol de medidas neoliberalizantes para a educação. Diante de análises que estabeleceram relações entre o CP e processos de formação voltados para um mundo do trabalho mais precarizado, para adaptação diante de contextos de ausência de direitos básicos e para a responsabilização individual diante de todas essas contingências sociais, nos propomos o desafio de “extrapolar” concepções de sociedade e tecnologia presentes, ainda que de maneira não explícita, na introdução do CP. Concluímos que as formulações do CP obscurecem o reconhecimento dos problemas sociais enfrentados pela humanidade ao se referenciar em concepções idealistas e irrealistas de indivíduo, sociedade e tecnologia.
O fascismo do nosso tempo
Authors: Kalecki Michal , Salles Pietro
Published: January 2025

A partir do livro Selected works of Michał Kalecki: Great War, inflation and fascism (Obras escolhidas de Michal Kaleci: Grande Guerra, inflação e fascismo), este artigo é uma tradução do inglês para português do capítulo The fascism of our times, no qual Michal Kalecki, em 1964, procura identificar os diferentes grupos fascistas da Alemanha, Estados Unidos e França, assim como suas diferenças. Para isso, discute as diferentes estratégias de cada grupo tanto na economia como na política, sem deixar de levar em conta as semelhanças e diferenças com o nazismo da década de 1930. Kalecki também não perde de vista as relações entre as classes dominantes e esses grupos que não são sua primeira escolha para comandar as massas, mas que acabam sendo úteis para reprimir os grupos da esquerda organizada.
Pelo fim do genocídio do povo palestino
Authors: Rabah Ualid
Published: January 2025

Entrevista com Ualid Rabah, presidente da Federação Árabe Palestina do Brasil (Fepal), entidade que representa a diáspora Palestina no Brasil.
Trabalho, ciência e tecnologia: ofensiva capitalista e as lutas por práxis emancipatórias
Authors: Atolini Tarcila Mantovan , Cardoso Mario Mariano Ruiz , Castelo Rodrigo
Published: January 2025

Nesse terceiro número de 2024 da revista Germinal: marxismo e educação em debate, apresentamos o dossiê Trabalho, ciência e tecnologia: ofensiva capitalista e as lutas por práxis emancipatórias, com o objetivo de socializar um conjunto de reflexões que potencializam o caráter crítico do marxismo no estudo sobre o tema, ao mesmo tempo que discutem a importância da ciência e tecnologia para as lutas da classe trabalhadora.
Segurança No Trabalho E Saúde Mental: Desafios E Abordagens Para A Qualidade De Vida No Trabalho
Authors: Silva Vinicius Vanderley Miguel Da , Soares Tatiana Elenice Cordeiro , Araújo Aline Maria De Lemos , Leal Noélia Maria De Sousa , Santos Eduardo Vinicius Barboza Dos
Published: January 2025

A pesquisa teve como objetivo analisar as práticas de segurança no trabalho com foco na saúde mental e como
essas ações impactam a qualidade de vida no ambiente profissional. A metodologia adotada foi uma pesquisa
exploratória de abordagem qualitativa, com a realização de entrevistas em profundidade com 17 profissionais
de uma organização de médio porte, que abordaram tanto as medidas de segurança física quanto as questões
relacionadas ao bem-estar psicológico. Os resultados indicaram que, embora a segurança física seja
adequadamente garantida, a saúde mental dos trabalhadores é muitas vezes negligenciada, com destaque para a
pressão por metas, a falta de reconhecimento e a sobrecarga de trabalho, fatores que contribuem para elevados
níveis de estresse e ansiedade. Além disso, a ausência de programas contínuos de apoio psicológico e a falta de
uma liderança sensível às questões emocionais foram apontadas como lacunas importantes. A pesquisa conclui
que, para melhorar a qualidade de vida no trabalho, é essencial que as empresas integrem ações eficazes para o cuidado da saúde mental, criando um ambiente equilibrado e saudável que favoreça o bem-estar dos colaboradores e, consequentemente, a produtividade organizacional.
Clinical Outcomes Following Treatment for COVID-19 With Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir and Molnupiravir Among Patients Living in Nursing Homes
Authors: Ma Bosco Hon-Ming , Yip Terry Cheuk-Fung , Lui Grace Chung-Yan , Lai Mandy Sze-Man , Hui Elsie , Wong Vincent Wai-Sun , Tse Yee-Kit , Chan Henry Lik-Yuen , Hui David Shu-Cheong , Kwok Timothy Chi-Yui , Wong Grace Lai-Hung
Published: April 2023

Importance

Older patients living in nursing homes are at very high risk of mortality after getting COVID-19.

Objective

To evaluate outcomes following oral antiviral treatment for COVID-19 among nonhospitalized older patients living in nursing homes.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This is a territory-wide, retrospective cohort study conducted between February 16 and March 31, 2022, with the last follow-up date on April 25, 2022. Participants were patients with COVID-19 living in nursing homes in Hong Kong. Data analysis was performed from May to June 2022.

Exposures

Molnupiravir, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, or no oral antiviral treatment.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was hospitalization for COVID-19, and the secondary outcome was risk of inpatient disease progression (ie, admission to intensive care unit, use of invasive mechanical ventilation, and/or death).

Results

Of 14 617 patients (mean [SD] age, 84.8 [10.2] years; 8222 women [56.2%]), 8939 (61.2%) did not use oral antivirals, 5195 (35.5%) used molnupiravir, and 483 (3.3%) used nirmatrelvir/ritonavir. Compared with patients who did not use oral antivirals, those who used molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir were more likely to be female and less likely to have comorbid illnesses and hospitalization in the past year. At a median (IQR) follow-up of 30 (30-30) days, 6223 patients (42.6%) were hospitalized and 2307 patients (15.8%) experienced inpatient disease progression. After propensity score weighting, both molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir were associated with a reduced risk of hospitalization (molnupiravir, weighted hazard ratio [wHR], 0.46; 95% CI, 0.37-0.57; P < .001; nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, wHR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.32-0.65; P < .001) and inpatient disease progression (molnupiravir, wHR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.23-0.51; P < .001; nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, wHR, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.06-0.44; P < .001). Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir was comparable to molnupiravir in achieving better clinical outcomes (hospitalization, wHR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.75-1.33; P = .99; inpatient disease progression, wHR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.20-1.20; P = .12).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this retrospective cohort study, the use of oral antivirals to treat COVID-19 was associated with a reduced risk of hospitalization and inpatient disease progression among patients living in nursing homes. The findings of this study of nursing home residents could be reasonably extrapolated to other frail older patients living in the community.
The N‐terminal region of yeast mitoribosomal Mrp7/bL27m protein serves to optimize translation of nascent chains competent for OXPHOS complex assembly
Authors: Anderson Jessica M. , Box Jodie M. , Stuart Rosemary A.
Published: April 2023

The extreme N‐terminal residues of the mitochondrial ribosomal bL27m proteins reside within the ribosomal peptidyl transferase center (PTC) and are conserved from their bacterial ancestors. Mutation or truncation of the N‐terminal region of the yeast Mrp7/bL27m protein did not inhibit protein synthesis but significantly impacted the efficacy of the mitochondrial translational process with respect to yielding proteins competent to assemble into functional oxidative phosphorylation enzymes. The requirement for the N‐terminal residues of Mrp7/bL27m to support normal mitotranslation was more apparent under respiratory growth. We demonstrate that the N‐terminal region of Mrp7/bL27m impacts the environment of the PTC and speculate the bL27m proteins serve to fine‐tune and optimize mitoribosomal activity with respect to the downstream fate of the nascent chain.
Air pollution is associated with faster cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Lee Young‐gun , Yoon Seon‐Jin , Yoon So Hoon , Kang Sung Woo , Jeon Seun , Kim Minseok , Shin Dong Ah , Nam Chung Mo , Ye Byoung Seok
Published: April 2023

Objective

Although chronic exposure to air pollution is associated with an increased risk of dementia in normal elderlies, the effect of chronic exposure to air pollution on the rates of cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD) has not been elucidated.

Methods

In this longitudinal study, a total of 269 patients with mild cognitive impairment or early dementia due to AD with the evidence of brain β‐amyloid deposition were followed‐up for a mean period of 4 years. Five‐year normalized hourly cumulative exposure value of each air pollutant, such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), was computed based on nationwide air pollution database. The effects of chronic exposure to air pollution on longitudinal cognitive decline rate were evaluated using linear mixed models.

Results

Higher chronic exposure to SO2 was associated with a faster decline in memory score, whereas chronic exposure to CO, NO2, and PM10 were not associated with the rate of cognitive decline. Higher chronic exposure to PM2.5 was associated with a faster decline in visuospatial score in apolipoprotein E ε4 carriers. These effects remained significant even after adjusting for potential confounders.

Interpretation

Our findings suggest that chronic exposure to SO2 and PM2.5 is associated with faster clinical progression in AD.
Special issue of applied cognitive psychology: Rethinking cognition in a digital environment
Authors: Hamilton Kristy A. , Yamashiro Jeremy K. , Storm Benjamin C.
Published: April 2023

The digital environment has become increasingly pervasive in our lives, and as a result, may be profoundly impacting our cognitive processes. This special issue of Applied Cognitive Psychology brings together a collection of articles adopting a variety of methodological approaches and applied settings to examine how human cognition transforms in the context of digital environments. Some articles take a functional approach, examining how people use digital media as memory technology in relatively naturalistic contexts. Others adopt experimental methods to examine how basic cognitive processes such as memory and metacognition transform when embedded in digital activities such as Internet search or digital storage. Still others examine how design features of online media platforms shape how content from those different platforms are recalled. In all cases, the studies in this issue indicate how the integration of “onboard” cognitive resources with digital technologies transforms the nature and capacity of human cognition.
Distributed robust moving horizon estimation for multisensor systems with stochastic and norm‐bounded uncertainties
Authors: Afshari Melika , Rahmani Mehdi
Published: April 2023

In this study, a distributed robust moving horizon estimation (DRMHE) approach is proposed for time‐varying multisensor systems affected by stochastic and norm‐bounded uncertainties. First, by considering the uncertainties in all model matrices, stochastic min–max optimization problems in local and collective forms are presented to achieve the proposed estimator. Then, by converting the problems to robust regularized least‐squares problems with uncertain parameters, closed‐form solutions are obtained for estimations in both local and collective forms. Furthermore, the stability of the proposed estimator is investigated under some appropriate conditions. At last, two different examples are employed to show the robust performance and superiority of the proposed DRMHE approach compared to the existing methods.
Ultrasound Activatable Microbombs via Co‐Loading CaO2/Perfluorohexane for Cascade Catalytic Biofilm Disruption and Caries Prevention
Authors: Guo Jingmei , Liu Miao‐Deng , Lei Wenlong , Xu Yue , Li Kaifeng , Yu Jian , Sun Yun‐Xia , Huang Cui , Zhang Xian‐Zheng
Published: April 2023

Biofilms are the chief culprits of most intractable infections and pose great threat to human health. Developing effective strategies to sweep away the detrimental microbe and stubborn biofilm still remains a challenge. Here, an ultrasound (US) activated microbomb is constructed by encapsulating perfluorohexane (PFH) and iron‐tannin modified calcium peroxide (CaO2‐TA‐Fe) in poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) vesicles as the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generating reactors for dental biofilm elimination. Upon the US irradiation by ultrasonic toothbrush, the swiftly vaporized PFH can not only promptly explode the PLGA shell to facilitate the generation of H2O2 from CaO2, but also blast the tight biofilm for effective delivery of the lethal hydroxyl free radicals (•OH) caused by degradative Fe3+ from iron‐tannin network, thereby proceeding cascade catalysis eradication of biofilm. As a proof‐of‐concept, this study demonstrates the proposed synergetic paradigm that integrates the US‐triggered explosion with ROS‐induced sterilization for stubborn biofilm elimination, and is a promising tactic for the costly and prevalent caries prevention as well as the biofilm‐associated diseases treatments.
A Nonflammable Organic Electrolyte with a Weak Association State for Zinc Batteries Operated at −78.5 °C
Authors: Du Haoran , Qi Xiaoqun , Qie Long , Huang Yunhui
Published: April 2023

Traditional rechargeable Zn batteries fail to work in cold regions due to the high freezing point (Tf) and severe corrosivity of the aqueous electrolytes with excessive association (solvent‐solvent and solute‐solvent interactions). In this study, a nonflammable weak‐associated electrolyte (WASE) consisting of ZnCl2 salt and methanol/dichloromethane mixture as a solvent is developed to achieve high reversible Zn plating/stripping at low temperatures. The low self‐association interaction of the mixed solvent not only endures WASE with a low Tf of −119.2 °C but also facilitates the desolvation of interfacial Zn2+ and induces smooth Zn plating at low temperatures. Moreover, the water‐free WASE inhibits the hydrolysis of ZnCl2 and thus restrains the corrosion of Zn electrodes. Thanks to the above merits, the Zn||Zn, Zn||Cu, and Zn||polyaniline cells with WASE exhibit superb electrochemical performance at temperatures as low as −78.5 °C.
High‐Performance Garnet‐Type Solid‐State Lithium Metal Batteries Enabled by Scalable Elastic and Li+‐Conducting Interlayer
Authors: Zheng Chujun , Lu Yan , Chang Qiang , Song Zhen , Xiu Tongping , Jin Jun , Badding Michael E. , Wen Zhaoyin
Published: April 2023

Promoting the interfacial Li+ transport and suppressing detrimental lithium dendrites are the main challenges for developing practical solid‐state lithium metal batteries. In this respect, interface rationalizing to synergize the enhancement of ion transport and suppression of lithium dendrites is of paramount significance. Herein, a novel strategy is demonstrated to address those issues by a designed multifunctional composite interlayer. The photocrosslinkable polymer is introduced in a scalable elastic skeleton, which promotes the migration and diffusion of Li+. Moreover, adding perfluoropolyether in the interlayer benefits to regulating the formation of LiF‐rich interface, sufficiently suppress the growth of lithium dendrites. Benefitting from the elasticity, high Li+ conductivity and the lithium dendrites suppression capability, the interlayer can significantly improve the interfacial performance of the solid electrolyte/lithium interface, thus leading to the greatly enhanced electrochemical performance of solid‐state lithium metal batteries. A high critical current density of 3.6 mA cm−2 and a long cycling life at 1.0 mA cm−2 for >400 h are achieved for the symmetric cells. Besides, when used in a pouch‐type full cell coupled with LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 cathode, a high charged capacity of 3.25 mAh cm−2 can be maintained through 20 cycles, demonstrating its great potentials for practical application.
An In Vitro and Ex Vivo Analysis of the Potential of GelMA Hydrogels as a Therapeutic Platform for Preclinical Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Walsh Ciara M. , Wychowaniec Jacek K. , Costello Louise , Brougham Dermot F. , Dooley Dearbhaile
Published: April 2023

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition with no curative therapy currently available. Immunomodulation can be applied as a therapeutic strategy to drive alternative immune cell activation and promote a proregenerative injury microenvironment. Locally injected hydrogels carrying immunotherapeutic cargo directly to injured tissue offer an encouraging treatment approach from an immunopharmacological perspective. Gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogels are promising in this regard, however, detailed analysis on the immunogenicity of GelMA in the specific context of the SCI microenvironment is lacking. Here, the immunogenicity of GelMA hydrogels formulated with a translationally relevant photoinitiator is analyzed in vitro and ex vivo. 3% (w/v) GelMA, synthesized from gelatin type‐A, is first identified as the optimal hydrogel formulation based on mechanical properties and cytocompatibility. Additionally, 3% GelMA‐A does not alter the expression profile of key polarization markers in BV2 microglia or RAW264.7 macrophages after 48 h. Finally, it is shown for the first time that 3% GelMA‐A can support the ex vivo culture of primary murine organotypic spinal cord slices for 14 days with no direct effect on glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP+) astrocyte or ionized calcium‐binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba‐1+) microglia reactivity. This provides evidence that GelMA hydrogels can act as an immunotherapeutic hydrogel‐based platform for preclinical SCI.
The Nanozyme Revolution: Enhancing the Performance of Medical Biosensing Platforms
Authors: Shamsabadi André , Haghighi Tabasom , Carvalho Sara , Frenette Leah C. , Stevens Molly M.
Published: April 2023

Nanozymes represent a class of nanosized materials that exhibit innate catalytic properties similar to biological enzymes. The unique features of these materials have positioned them as promising candidates for applications in clinical sensing devices, specifically those employed at the point‐of‐care. They notably have found use as a means to amplify signals in nanosensor‐based platforms and thereby improve sensor detection limits. Recent developments in the understanding of the fundamental chemistries underpinning these materials have enabled the development of highly effective nanozymes capable of sensing clinically relevant biomarkers at detection limits that compete with “gold‐standard” techniques. However, there remain considerable hurdles that need to be overcome before these nanozyme‐based sensors can be utilized in a platform ready for clinical use. An overview of the current understandings of nanozymes for disease diagnostics and biosensing applications and the unmet challenges that must be considered prior to their translation in clinical diagnostic tests is provided.
Cancer Models on Chip: Paving the Way to Large‐Scale Trial Applications
Authors: Gil João Ferreira , Moura Carla Sofia , Silverio Vania , Gonçalves Gil , Santos Hélder A.
Published: April 2023

Cancer kills millions of individuals every year all over the world (Global Cancer Observatory). The physiological and biomechanical processes underlying the tumor are still poorly understood, hindering researchers from creating new, effective therapies. Inconsistent results of preclinical research, in vivo testing, and clinical trials decrease drug approval rates. 3D tumor‐on‐a‐chip (ToC) models integrate biomaterials, tissue engineering, fabrication of microarchitectures, and sensory and actuation systems in a single device, enabling reliable studies in fundamental oncology and pharmacology. This review includes a critical discussion about their ability to reproduce the tumor microenvironment (TME), the advantages and drawbacks of existing tumor models and architectures, major components and fabrication techniques. The focus is on current materials and micro/nanofabrication techniques used to manufacture reliable and reproducible microfluidic ToC models for large‐scale trial applications.
Deep‐Red/Near‐Infrared Delayed Fluorescence Luminophores Based on Dipyrido[3,2‐a:2”,3”‐c]Phenazine‐11,12‐Dicarbonitrile for High‐Performance OLEDs
Authors: Cai Zheyi , Liu Zhangshan , Wu Xing , Guo Jingjing , Tang Ben Zhong , Zhao Zujin
Published: April 2023

Deep‐red (DR) and near‐infrared (NIR) organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) based on purely organic materials hold great potential in various frontier applications, but purely organic DR/NIR materials are far from satisfactory. Herein, a series of tailor‐made delayed fluorescence luminophores comprised of electron‐withdrawing dipyrido[3,2‐a:2″,3″‐c]phenazine‐11,12‐dicarbonitrile and various electron‐donating triarylamines are developed, and their thermal and electrochemical stabilities, electronic structures, photophysical properties and electroluminescence (EL) performances are investigated. They exhibit strong NIR emissions (758−767 nm) in neat films and DR/NIR emissions (680−691 nm) with good photoluminescence quantum yields (48−60%) in doped films, and prefer ordered horizontal alignment with high horizontal dipole ratios of 82−90%, which are attributed to the hybrid transition components of excited states, extended molecular plane and intramolecular hydrogen‐bonding. Their non‐doped OLEDs emit purely NIR light peaking at 820−834 nm with maximum external quantum efficiencies (ηext,maxs) of 0.66−1.06%, and thier doped OLEDs radiate DR/NIR emissions peaking at 656−748 nm with superb ηext,maxs of 14.4–31.0%. They present even better EL performances in sensitized OLEDs, with DR emissions peaking at 648−656 nm and higher ηext,maxs of 29.7−32.9%. These state‐of‐the‐art EL performances demonstrate the great potential of the developed DR/NIR delayed fluorescence luminophores in practical application.
Upcycling of Spent LiCoO2 Cathode to Lithium Dual‐Ion Battery Anode
Authors: Suriyakumar Shruti , Pattavathi Bibin , Jojo Athira , Shaijumon Manikoth M.
Published: April 2023

Owing to the paradigm shift of the automobile industry toward the electrification of vehicles, the aftermath of batteries that power these devices at the end of their lives has to be addressed strenuously. Since upcycling strategies are hardly in the limelight, this paper focuses on giving a second life to LiCoO2 cathode as a dual‐ion battery (DIB) anode. Among many possible recovery approaches explored for cobalt, a microwave‐assisted green leaching method comprising mild leaching agents is chosen for this work. Cobalt is recovered as cobalt oxalate and converted to cobalt/cobalt oxide nanospheres embedded in a porous graphitic carbon matrix (Co3O4/Co@C). Due to the high working voltage, excellent safety, and environmental friendliness, DIBs are being considered as a replacement for lithium‐ion batteries in specific sectors. In an unconventional approach, the derived Co3O4/Co@C is effectively employed as an anode material for dual‐ion batteries. The half‐cell demonstrates a high discharge capacity of 550 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1. A full‐cell DIB fabricated using Co3O4/Co@C, derived from upcycled LiCoO2 as an anode and graphite as a cathode, shows an appreciable capacity and remarkable cycling stability. This sustainable approach for upcycling exhausted LIBs can pave the way to improve the circular economy of batteries.
Thermocatalytic Degradation of Gaseous Formaldehyde Using Transition Metal‐Based Catalysts
Authors: Hua Yongbiao , Ahmadi Younes , Kim Ki‐Hyun
Published: April 2023

Formaldehyde (HCHO: FA) is one of the most abundant but hazardous gaseous pollutants. Transition metal oxide (TMO)‐based thermocatalysts have gained much attention in its removal due to their excellent thermal stability and cost‐effectiveness. Herein, a comprehensive review is offered to highlight the current progress in TMO‐based thermocatalysts (e.g., manganese, cerium, cobalt, and their composites) in association with the strategies established for catalytic removal of FA. Efforts are hence made to describe the interactive role of key factors (e.g., exposed crystal facets, alkali metal/nitrogen modification, type of precursors, and alkali/acid treatment) governing the catalytic activity of TMO‐based thermocatalysts against FA. Their performance has been evaluated further between two distinctive operation conditions (i.e., low versus high temperature) based on computational metrics such as reaction rate. Accordingly, the superiority of TMO‐based composite catalysts over mono‐ and bi‐metallic TMO catalysts is evident to reflect the abundant surface oxygen vacancies and enhanced FA adsorptivity of the former group. Finally, the present challenges and future prospects for TMO‐based catalysts are discussed with respect to the catalytic oxidation of FA. This review is expected to offer valuable information to design and build high performance catalysts for the efficient degradation of volatile organic compounds.
The Crystallization of Disordered Materials under Shock Is Governed by Their Network Topology
Authors: Tang Longwen , Srivastava Pratyush , Gupta Vijay , Bauchy Mathieu
Published: April 2023

When the shock load is applied, materials experience incredibly high temperature and pressure conditions on picosecond timescales, usually accompanied by remarkable physical or chemical phenomena. Understanding the underlying physics that governs the kinetics of shocked materials is of great importance for both physics and materials science. Here, combining experiment and large‐scale molecular dynamics simulation, the ultrafast nanoscale crystal nucleation process in shocked soda‐lime silicate glass is investigated. By adopting topological constraints theory, this study finds that the propensity of nucleation is governed by the connectivity of the atomic network. The densification of local networks, which appears once the crystal starts to grow, results in the underconstrained shell around the crystal and prevents further crystallization. These results shed light on the nanoscale crystallization mechanism of shocked materials from the viewpoint of topological constraint theory.
A Multifunctional Bioelectronic Device with Switchable Rigidity and Reconfigurable Shapes for Comprehensive Diagnosis
Authors: Jiao Yang , Zhang Yingchao , Feng Haijun , Li Haibo , Wang Zhouheng , Wang Peng , Wang Yutong , Zheng Ning , Xie Tao , Ma Yinji , Feng Xue
Published: April 2023

Soft bioelectronic devices have potential in medical applications, especially comprehensive diagnoses that rely on immovable equipment to acquire multiple physiological signals. Challenges for bioelectronic devices lie in the opposite modulus demand for multifunctional integration and biocompatibility, and shape compatibility for reducing implantation trauma and covering target tissue. Here, this work reports a multifunctional bioelectronic device endowed with switchable rigidity and reconfigurable shapes by a fast thermal response shape memory polymer substrate. The customizable substrate has a melting temperature around body temperature (≈38 °C) and an ≈100 times modulus drop (from ≈100 MPa to ≈700 kPa). The switchable rigidity realizes stacked layers fabrication in the rigid state and self‐adaptive contact in the soft state. Shape reconfiguration allows the device to be implanted through small incisions and recover in limited spaces to envelop biosurfaces. Multiple physical, biochemical, and electrophysiological signal sensing functions are integrated in the device, realized by temperature and pH electrodes with linear, stable, and fast responses and a low‐impedance potential electrode. For some epilepsy and pericardial effusion types that a single physiological parameter fails to distinguish, animal experiments demonstrate efficiency in their comprehensive diagnosis with electrocorticogram assisted by brain temperature and electrocardiogram assisted by pericardial fluid pH, respectively.
A Non‐Volatile, Thermo‐Reversible, and Self‐Protective Gel Electrolyte Providing Highly Precise and Reversible Thermal Protection for Lithium Batteries
Authors: Liu Zezhao , Yu Qian , Oli Nischal , Gomez Jose Fernando Florez , Qiu Shen , Tian Haoran , Qiu Qian , Sun Wei , Li Kuihao , Liu Zhishan , Chen Mingming , Yuan Jinliang , Wu Xianyong , Xia Lan
Published: April 2023

The safety issue represents a long‐standing obstacle that retards large‐scale applications of high‐energy lithium batteries. Among different causes, thermal runaway is the most prominent one. To date, various approaches have been proposed to inhibit thermal runaway; however, they suffer from some intrinsic drawbacks, either being irreversible (one‐time protection), using volatile and flammable electrolytes, or delayed thermal protection (140–150 °C). Herein, this work exploits a non‐volatile, non‐flammable, and thermo‐reversible polymer/ionic liquid gel electrolyte as a built‐in safety switch, which provides highly precise and reversible thermal protection for lithium batteries. At high temperature, the gel electrolyte experiences phase separation and deposits polymer on the electrode surfaces/separators, which blocks Li+ insertion reactions and thus prevents thermal runaway. When the temperature decreases, the gel electrolyte restores its original properties and battery performance resumes. Notably, the optimal protection effect is achieved at 110 °C, which is the critical temperature right before thermal runaway. More importantly, such a thermal‐protection process can repeat multiple times without compromising the battery performance, indicating extraordinary thermal reversibility. To the authors' knowledge, such a precise and reversible protection effect has never been reported in any electrolyte systems, and this work opens an exciting avenue for safe operation of high‐energy Li batteries.
Easy Isomerization Strategy for Additives Enables High‐Efficiency Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Yufei , Liang Zezhou , Liang Xiangfei , Wen Xuemiao , Cai Zhizhao , Shao Zhimin , Zhang Jiabin , Ran Yanxin , Yan Lihe , Lu Guanghao , Huang Fei , Hou Lintao
Published: April 2023

The morphological features of the active layer has always been an important factor limiting the efficiency of organic solar cells (OSCs). Although halogen‐based additives capable of forming non‐covalent bonds with active molecules can effectively adjust the morphology of active layer, the inner mechanism of positional isomerization of additives on the crystallization kinetics of bulk heterojunction has been ignored, which hinders further development of this technique. Herein, a new additive‐assisted optimization strategy for high‐efficiency OSCs based on three positional isomeric additives is proposed, which have different sites for two bromine substituents on the benzene ring. The results demonstrate that symmetrically structured additives with the smallest dipole moment, the lowest steric hindrance and the most uniformly distributed electrostatic potential, can form more suitable non‐covalent interactions with the acceptor, resulting in more reasonable molecular spatial distribution and better π–π stacking behavior. For other non‐fullerene systems, the symmetrically structured additive also shows the best effect on optimizing molecular aggregation and stacking. This work provides guidance for screening and designing additives with excellent morphology improvement capability and is expected to have a profound influence on further increasing efficiency of OSCs without adopting the isomerization strategy for active molecules possessing complex conjugated backbones and branched chains.
Long‐lasting chemiluminescence by aggregation‐induced emission surfactant with ultralow critical micelle concentration
Authors: Yu Youkai , Yuan Zhiqin , Lu Chao
Published: April 2023

The development of green and simple chemiluminescence (CL) systems with intensive and long‐lasting emission is highly desirable in lighting and extension of their applications. In this study, it is found that the involvement of aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) surfactant could greatly enhance the CL of luminol–H2O2–Co2+ system. The inserted hydrophobic tetraphenylethylene fluorophore in AIE is able to increase the hydrophobicity of alkyl chain and decrease the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of surfactant. The synergistic effect of micelle‐improved enrichment and CL resonance energy transfer endows luminol–H2O2–Co2+ system intensive and long‐lasting emission under neutral pH conditions (pH 7.4). The visible emission is still observed even after 60 min. Our study has opened a new avenue for exploring green and simple effective CL systems through AIE surfactant with unltralow CMC toward various applications in lighting, optical sensing, and photocatalysis, etc.
An objective classification of condensation regimes in direct contact condensation
Authors: Safavi Nic Sherwin S. , van Veen Tijmen H. P. , Buist Kay A. , Verdurmen Ruud E. M. , Kuipers J. A. M.
Published: April 2023

Intensified heat treatment, using direct contact condensation (DCC), is applied in the production of dairy products to ensure a high level of food safety. The key challenge with DCC is the fouling due to the protein reactions that limits operational efficiency and sustainability. Using a condensation regime map can improve operational decision‐making. Pilot plant scale experiments were conducted for a wide range of steam mass fluxes and inlet temperatures at high and low channel pressures. High‐speed images were recorded and analyzed to obtain penetration lengths and plume area. The experimental data and image analysis supplemented with temperature and pressure measurement, were processed using machine learning (ML) to develop a data driven model to predict the regime maps. The linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was found to be the most suitable model. From the ML models it was also found that the best parameters to make a condensation regime map are the steam pressure, channel pressure, subcooling temperature, water Prandtl number, and the relative velocity ratio between gas and liquid. The condensation outcomes were presented with various two‐dimensional regime maps. New regime maps are proposed using the Prandtl number and velocity ratio as dimensionless parameters.
Fabric‐Based Star Soft Robotic Gripper
Authors: Andrade-Silva Ignacio , Marthelot Joel
Published: April 2023

Soft pneumatic gripping strategies are often based on pressurized actuation of structures made of soft elastomeric materials, which limits designs in terms of size, weight, achievable forces, and ease of fabrication. In contrast, fabric‐based inflatable structures offer high stiffness‐to‐weight ratio solutions for soft robotics, but their actuation has been little explored. Herein, a new class of pneumatic soft grippers is presented that exploits the in‐plane overcurvature effect of inextensible fabric flat balloons upon inflation. A star‐shaped gripper contracts radially under pressure producing a gripping force on the object whose intensity can be modulated by the pressure input. First, the kinematics and mechanics of a single V‐shaped actuator are studied through experiments, finite element simulations, and analytical models. Then, these results are leveraged to predict the mechanical response of the entire star, optimize its geometry, and maximize contraction and stiffness. It is shown that the gripping performance can be improved by stacking several stars with silicon‐coated corners. It is expected that the flexibility, robustness, scalability, and ease of fabrication of this methodology will lead to a new generation of lighter and larger actuators capable of developing higher forces and moving delicate and irregularly shaped objects while maintaining reasonable complexity.
Skeletal maturation in male elite youth athletes from the Middle East
Authors: Lolli Lorenzo , Johnson Amanda , Monaco Mauricio , Di Salvo Valter , Gregson Warren
Published: April 2023

Objectives

To examine the timing and intensity of skeletal maturation of the radius‐ulna‐short (RUS) bones in elite youth Arab athletes.

Methods

We compared SuperImposition by Translation And Rotation (SITAR) models with different spline degrees of freedom and transformation expressions to summarize 492 longitudinal measurements for individual RUS bones scores assessed from 99 male academy student‐athletes (chronological age range, 11.4 to 18 years; annual screening range, four to seven visits).

Results

The SITAR model with 5 degrees of freedom and untransformed chronological age was superior to the other models. The mean growth curve increased with age and showed a mid‐pubertal double‐kink at a RUS score of ~600 bone score units (au). The SITAR model revealed a first peak in the skeletal maturation velocity curve of ~206 au·year−1 occurred at ~13.5 years. The mean age at the second and largest peak occurred at 15.1 years (95% confidence interval [CI], 14.9 to 15.3 years), with the respective estimated peak skeletal ossification rate of 334 au·year−1 (95% CI, 290 to 377 au·year−1). The mean age at peak height velocity was 13.5 years (95% CI, 13.3 to 13.7 years), with peak height velocity of 10 cm·year−1 (95% CI, 9.6 to 10.4 cm·year−1).

Conclusion

Application of the SITAR method confirmed two peaks in the skeletal maturation velocity curve, with the second and largest rate of ossification occurring at a relatively later timing of ~1.5 years than the height growth spurt. Knowledge of the RUS bones timing and intensity can be important to advance strategies for athlete performance development purposes.
Higher plasma β‐synuclein indicates early synaptic degeneration in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Oeckl Patrick , Janelidze Shorena , Halbgebauer Steffen , Stomrud Erik , Palmqvist Sebastian , Otto Markus , Hansson Oskar
Published: April 2023

INTRODUCTION

β‐Synuclein is an emerging synaptic blood biomarker for Alzheimer's disease (AD) but differences in β‐synuclein levels in preclinical AD and its association with amyloid and tau pathology have not yet been studied.

METHODS

We measured plasma β‐synuclein levels in cognitively unimpaired individuals with positive Aβ‐PET (i.e., preclinical AD, N = 48) or negative Aβ‐PET (N = 61), Aβ‐positive patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI, N = 36), and Aβ‐positive AD dementia (N = 85). Amyloid (A) and tau (T) pathology were assessed by [18F]flutemetamol and [18F]RO948 PET.

RESULTS

Plasma β‐synuclein levels were higher in preclinical AD and even higher in MCI and AD dementia. Stratification according to amyloid/tau pathology revealed higher β‐synuclein in A+T− and A+T+ subjects compared with A−T−. Plasma β‐synuclein levels were related to tau and Aβ pathology and associated with temporal cortical thinning and cognitive impairment.

DISCUSSION

Our data indicate that plasma β‐synuclein might track synaptic dysfunction, even during the preclinical stages of AD.

HIGHLIGHTS

Plasma β‐synuclein is already higher in preclinical AD.

Plasma β‐synuclein is higher in MCI and AD dementia than in preclinical AD.

Aβ‐ and tau‐PET SUVRs are associated with plasma β‐synuclein levels.

Plasma β‐synuclein is already higher in tau‐PET negative subjects.

Plasma β‐synuclein is related to temporal cortical atrophy and cognitive impairment.