bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pap Smear and Colposcopic Examination of the Cervix in Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and other Gynaecological Conditions: A Prospective Analytical Study
Authors: Kumari Kamlesh , Kumar Vimal , Lakhera Kamal Kishor , Lakhotia Ambika , Jain Nikita , Arya Jyoti , Bharti Bhavna
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Pap smear and colposcopy are commonly done procedures in gynaecology practice. The Pap test is a low-cost, straight forward, and widely used tool for detecting cervical cancer and preinvasive cervical abnormalities. Colposcopy is also widely used to detect Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN) to guide cervical biopsy sites with clinical symptoms of suspected cervical diseases. Aim: To evaluate the diagnostic implications of Pap smear and colposcopy in inflammatory cellular changes and to estimate the incidence of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN)/invasive carcinoma in the study population through biopsy. Materials and Methods: This prospective analytical study was conducted at JNU Medical College, Jaipur, India, where Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), and other gynecology Out Patient Department (OPD) patients without any previous diagnosis of cervical malignancy, were included in the study. A total of 150 study patients, underwent Pap smear and colposcopic examination with biopsy as the gold standard. Descriptive analysis of data was done using means and standard deviation for continuous variables and nominal variables as frequencies. The Chi-square test was applied to categorical variables to find out the association and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis was done to predict the diagnostic ability of Pap smear, and colposcopy in cervical pathology. Results: The mean age of the patient population was 36±3 years. The mean age at first coitus and marriage of all the women were 18.9±2.7 years and 19.5±3.4 years, respectively. Twenty (13.3%) and 5 (3.3%) cases were reported as CIN and carcinoma, respectively after colposcopic biopsy. Pap smear results showed a sensitivity of 87.7% and a specificity of 78.2%. The Positive Predictive Value (PPV) and Negative Predictive Value (NPV) were 72.8% and 68.7%, respectively. Sensitivity of the colposcopic report was 89.4% and the specificity was 98.8%. The PPV is 96.6% and NPV is 82.3% for colposcopic report. Conclusion: This study suggested that PID and gynaecology OPD patients can be better targeted with a good opportunity for screening the potential premalignant changes in the cervix by using Pap smear and colposcopy.
Oral Health-Related Quality of Life Improvement in Children with Special Needs Following Comprehensive Dental Treatment under GA: A Saudi-Based Follow-up Study
Authors: Ezzeldin Tarek , Bader Rawan , Abougareeb Hoda , Siddiqui Intisar Ahmad , Musa Basim Al- , Alrashedi Shoruq , Alaswad Noor , Hakamy Ashwaq
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Children with Special Healthcare Needs (CSHCN) are considered difficult to maintain oral hygiene and challenging for caregivers and dentists to attain cooperation in dental treatment under general anaesthesia. Family Impact Scale (FIS) and Parental-Caregiver Perceptions Questionnaire (P-CPQ) are useful tools to assess patient’s oral health quality of life and caregivers perception. Aim: To assess the impact of dental treatment under general anaesthesia on the quality of life and oral hygiene of CSHCNs, as perceived by caregivers. Materials and Methods: This prospective follow-up survey study was carried out at Dammam Medical Complex, Saudi Arabia, from December 5th, 2019 to December 15th, 2021. The CSHCN of either gender, aged 12 years, and falling within the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) definition of special-needs patients referred for invasive procedures under general anaesthesia (American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) class I or II), were included. The baseline and, after a one-year follow-up, information obtained from two surveys that were altered from Thompson’s P-CPQ and FIS were decoded into the numeric ordinal scales Never (“0”), Once or Twice (“1”), Sometime (“2”), Always (“3”), and Daily (“4”). Analysis of the collected data was done by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Results: A total of 84 participants were caregivers of CSHCN who underwent dental procedures under General Anaesthesia (GA), of whom 77 (91.7%) were mothers and 7 (8.3%) were fathers of the CSHCN. The mean age of children was 8.29±2.14 years (Range= 3-12 years); 38 (45.2%) were males and 46 (54.8%) were females. The median FIS after treatment was zero, compared to the median before treatment which was 2, revealing a significant impact on being absent from work, a child requiring more care, the impact of presence, sleeping disturbances, feeling angry, feeling guilty, and a child disputing or blaming either parent (p<0.001). Following the pattern of one year post-treatment FIS, median was 0 (Never) for all items including halitosis, pain, food trapped in palate and teeth, swallow, breath, time, sleep, irritable, frustrating, nervous, shy, absent, laugh, and continue school (p<0.001). Conclusion: The modified FIS and P-CPQ evaluations before and after dental treatment under GA revealed a significant improvement in the oral health quality of life for those CSHCN, as well as the impact on their caregivers. Regular check-ups would be useful for early and non invasive intervention without GA.
Academic Motivation as a Correlate of Academic Achievement in English Language among Senior Secondary School Students in ORLU Education Zone of Imo State
Authors: Jennifer Okonkwo, Chioma , Nwankwo C. A.
Published: March 2023

This study investigated academic motivation as a correlate of academic achievement in English language among senior secondary school students in Imo State. The study was directed by three research questions, and three null hypotheses were evaluated at a significance level of 0.05. The correlational research design was used in this study. The area of the study is Orlu Education Zone of Imo State Nigeria. The population of the study consisted of all the 1,569 senior secondary year two (SS2) students in the 156 public secondary schools in Orlu Education Zone of Imo State. The whole population size of 1,569 was used as the sample size because it was considered manageable by the researcher. The students’ academic motivation questionnaire (SAMQ) was adapted from ‘Students’ Motivation towards Science Learning (SMTSL) Questionnaire’ which was a 20-item questionnaire. The academic achievement test was measured by English Language examination scores derived from SS 2 English Language students’ termly results for 2021/20222 academic session. The Students' Academic Motivation Questionnaire was an adapted tool, therefore it underwent face validation by professionals. Cronbach Alpha Method was used to determine the internal consistency of SAMQ and a co-efficient of 0.77 was obtained. Frequency counts, percentages and Pearson Product Moment was used to answer the research questions while correlated samples t-test was used to test the null hypothesis at 0.05 alpha level. The results showed that there is very weak negative and significant association between secondary school students’ academic motivation and their academic achievement in English language. Based on the findings, it was recommended amongst others that since academic motivation did not influence secondary school students’ academic achievement; it is recommended that teachers/parents should find other means of boosting students or their wards’ desire to learn so as to achieve higher academically.
Productivity Analysis of Fish Farming in Floating Net Cages in Lake Toba (Case Study in Pangururan Subdistrict, Samosir District, Indonesia)
Authors: Siringoringo Wenny A. , Gumilar Iwang , Nurhayati Atikah , Suryana Asep Agus H.
Published: March 2023

Lake Toba has fishery potential that needs to be managed properly, one of which is the use of Lake Toba for fish farming with floating net cage systems. This study aims to analyze the productivity of carp and tilapia aquaculture on the floating net cages system in Lake Toba, Pangururan District, Samosir Regency, North Sumatra Province and what factors affect productivity, This research was conducted from June 2022 to January 2023 in Pangururan District, Samosir Regency, North Sumatra Province using the case study method. Respondents in this study were 60 carp and tilapia farmers. The data collected were primary data and secondary data. Data were analyzed using productivity analysis with Microsoft Office Excel 2010, while multiple linear regression analysis was analyzed using the 2019 minitab program. The results of the analysis show that the average value of carp productivity is 22.32 kg/m3/season, this value is higher than the value of tilapia productivity which has a value of 17.2 kg/m3. The results of multiple linear regression statistical tests obtained factors that affect the productivity of floating net cages carp farming on Lake Toba, Pangururan District, Samosir Regency, North Sumatra Province are feed and pond volume, while the factors that affect the productivity of floating net cages tilapia farming on Lake Toba, Pangururan District, Samosir Regency, North Sumatra Province are seeds, feed, pond volume, and age of cultivators.
Survey on the Effects of Internet Technology in the Marketing Development of Betta Fish (Betta splendens Regan 1910) in the Muara Fish Market, Bandung City
Authors: Fiona Fidelia , Maulina Ine , Herawati Titin , Handaka Asep Agus
Published: March 2023

This fisheries sector can be used as a mainstay in overcoming the existing economic crisis. Aquaculture is part of fisheries and has quite potential in Bandung, especially ornamental fish cultivation. Ornamental fish in Indonesia has different types and commodities and also has high economic value in the fisheries sector. This is due to the increase in ornamental fish enthusiasts, both domestic and foreign has increased a bit, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ornamental fish commodities from Indonesia have been able to compete to enter various existing markets. One of the ornamental fish favored by the public is the ornamental betta fish (Betta splendens). However, many traders are still confused about how to market their ornamental betta fish products, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The use of social media can be used as a marketing communication tool so that consumer awareness of ornamental fish can increase in both improving product image and ending in increasing of sales in ornamental fish.
The Prevalence of Myopia among School Students in Urban Area Bangladesh and to Explore the Associations between Reading and Writing Postures and Myopia
Authors: Faridi Jamsed , Ferdausi Nahid , Hossain Mohammed Monir , Paul Subrata Kumar , Islam Md. Adnan , Bhuyan Md. Mahboobur Rahman
Published: March 2023

Background: Myopia, often known as near-sightedness, is a common visual issue that typically first appears between the ages of 6 and 14. Roughly 5% of toddlers, 9% of elementary schoolchildren, and 30% of high schoolers are affected. Having near-sighted parents increases a child's risk of developing myopia.

Objective: To assess the prevalence of myopia among school students in urban area Bangladesh and to explore the associations between reading and writing postures and myopia.

Methodology: A complicated, stratified, multistage sample design was used to select the participants from January 2019 to January 2020. Using a random number generator, we chose one urban region and one rural area in Bangladesh, and at least 50 students from each grade in elementary, middle, and high school participated in the studies. Students from elementary school (n=50), middle school (n=50), and high school (n=50) were all included in our study, which included a total of 150 participants.

Results: During the study, mean age of the patients was 10.50± 0.86 years. Followed by middle school group mean age was 14.09 ± 0.92 years and high school group was 16.55 ± 0.89. Plus majority were male. In primary school group 35% cases usually had their chest is more than the width of a fist from the edge of the table. Followed by in middle school group it was 25% and in high school group it was 27%. Plus, in primary school group 26% had usually eyes are more than 33 cm (one Chi) away from the book followed by in middle school group it was 30% and 31%. Regarding the associations between reading and writing postures and myopia, we identified that a reading distance >33 cm is a protective factor for myopia in female students [odds ratio (OR) = 0.31, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.15–0.64], in both primary school (OR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.30–0.99) and middle school (OR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.15–0.90)

Conclusion: A reading distance >33 cm can be used as an additional measure to prevent and control myopia. Proper postural measures for reading and writing may have educational and public health benefits.
Medical Oxygen Mandate and Blazes Inhibition in Emerging Hospital ICUs, India
Authors: Mishra Siba Prasad , Mishra Saswat
Published: March 2023

Aims and Objective: Pure Oxygen proved palliative care or considered a lifesaving drug causing innumerable deaths due to its inaccessibility against SARS-COVID-19. Medical oxygen (MOX) availability in COVID Care Hospitals (CCHs) in India was scanty during the peak period of the pandemic. The fatalities, trauma, and fire incidences in CCHs had increased multifold.

Methodology: The major fires in hospitals from March 2020 were collected from media and past literature and analyzed considering causalities, time, sectors, pre-pandemic, etc. The world faced MOX shortages and infrastructural lags with wildfire hazards in CCHs have forced the research. The fire incidents in major hospitals, globally, and 150 hospitals in India are analyzed from the 20th century onwards.

Focused Area: The SARS-2 virus has been undergoing many mutations and remediation to date. MOX supply chain was observed distorted from the manufacturer, to end users during its 2nd phase. The existing architecture of COVID beds, space, MOX demand, resource management, and heating Ventilating & air conditioning (HVAC) bottlenecks needs rebuilding.

Results and Future Research: The blazes in the early 20th century were mainly due to curtains, kitchens, chimneys, etc. whereas electrical short circuits cause the 21st-century hospital blazes from HVAC systems and surges in oxygen levels in ICUs. The higher oxygen level and poor maintenance of electrical gadgets are the attributes. The blazing timing causes were from 6 PM to 8 AM, mostly in Government hospitals. This study can prioritize and stimulate curative measures in hospital fire safety and epidemiology of MOX generation, storing, transportation, and carriage in case of future biological disasters.
Nutritional, Phytochemicals, GC-MS and Antibacterial Activities of Aqueous Red Onion (Allium cepa) Extract against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli
Authors: Momoh Johnson Oshiobugie , Manuwa Adefunmilayo Alaba , Ayinde Folashade Adunni , Bankole Yakub Olawale
Published: March 2023

Background of Study: Onion (Allium cepa) plant has been used for multiple purposes both for modern and traditional medicine. The study evaluates the atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and antibacterial activities of aqueous red onion (Allium cepa) and azithromycin solution against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

Methodology: The AAS, GC-MS and phytochemical screening of the aqueous red onion (Allium cepa) extract were determined using standard procedures. Antibacterial activities were determined by agar well diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentrations were determined using standard procedure.

Results: Mineral analysis shows that the minerals that were found in the red onion are: Na, Mg, Fe, Ca, K, Al and Cu. Aqueous extract of Allium cepa shows the presence of secondary metabolites like: saponin, tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, reducing sugar, steroids etc. 56 compounds were identified using GC-MS analysis with 9, 12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)- being the most abundant with peak area of 50.50% and retention time of 16.563. The results revealed that aqueous A. cepa extract with concentration of 250 mg/ml showed strong response against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli with zone of inhibition of 22.67±1.585 and 28.18±1.689 respectively. At 100 mg/ml, the onion extract exhibited weak and moderate response against both organisms. The azithromycin solution has zone of inhibition values that ranges from 9.25 ± 0.73 to 20.03 ± 1.16 mm for both organisms tested at 5.00 and 20.00 mg/mL respectively. The MIC values of the azithromycin solution and aqueous red onion extract for S. aureus and E. coli were 31.25, 31.25, 500 and 250 mg/mL while their MBC values were 62.50, 62.50, 1000.00 and 500.00 mg/ml respectively. MBC/MIC values indicate that azithromycin solution and aqueous red onion extract had bactericidal effects on both organisms tested. The red onion has potential as natural therapeutic agents and may prevent pathogenic diseases caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
Hermite Polynomial-based Methods for Optimal Order Approximation of First-order Ordinary Differential Equations
Authors: Odeyemi J. K. , Olaiya O. O. , Ogunfiditimi F. O.
Published: March 2023

This study investigates the continuous linear multistep techniques utilized for solving first-order initial value problems in ordinary differential equations. Specifically, the study focuses on step k = 9, utilizing Hermite polynomials as basis functions. This study effectively constructs the Adams-Bashforth, Adams-Moulton, and optimal order methods by applying collocation and interpolation methodologies. The methods are thoroughly examined using various numerical instances to demonstrate their efficacy and validity. Notably, the optimal order method exhibits superior accuracy and efficiency compared to the traditional Adams-Bashforth and Adams-Moulton methods. The research results contribute novel and improved methodologies for solving initial value problems in differential equations, which have extensive applications across diverse mathematical and scientific domains.
Spectrophotometric Analysis of Variation of Fluoride Content in Dentifrices – A Quantitative Study
Authors: Mudaliar Akshaya , Baviskar Mansi , Kodical Sanjana R. , Chaudhary Chinmaya , Mehta Aayushi
Published: March 2023

Background: A dentifrice and a toothbrush are universal armamentariums for oral hygiene maintenance. The presence of fluoride in commercial dentifrices aids in dental caries prevention. The fluoride content and compound are mentioned on the packaging along with the time of manufacture and its shelf life.

Aim: To evaluate the fluoride concentration of dentifrices available commercially over a  period of time from the date of manufacture.

To compare any variations in the fluoride concentration over time to the content present at manufacture.

Methodology: This is an In vitro comparative observational study. 8 Standard dentifrices easily available Over the Counter were selected, of which 3 were for adult use, 2 were herbal and 3 were for kids. They were subjected to fluoride analysis and the fluoride content was assessed using spectrophotometric analysis, by a single blinded examiner. The test sample was compared to a standard solution, in a calibration curve to determine the fluoride concentration.

Results: On analysis it was seen that adult toothpaste samples had fluoride concentration  lower than 1000ppm as mentioned on the label. One herbal toothpaste had fluoride concentration of 1039.62ppm which was higher than that mentioned on the label. One kids toothpaste had  fluoride concentration of 905.25ppm which was higher than that mentioned on the label.

Conclusion: The toothpastes included in the study had dissimilar fluoride concentrations after analysis than the concentration mentioned on the label. Thus, waranting better laws and standardization methods for toothpastes.
Long noncoding RNAs with peptide‐encoding potential identified in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: KDM4A‐AS1‐encoded peptide weakens cancer cell viability and migratory capacity
Authors: Zhou Bo , Wu Yuyang , Cheng Pei , Wu Chengyong
Published: March 2023

Currently, the knowledge of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA)‐encoded peptides is quite lacking in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). In this study, we simultaneously identified six lncRNA open reading frames (ORFs) with peptide‐coding abilities including lysine‐specific demethylase 4A antisense RNA 1 (KDM4A‐AS1) ORF by combining weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA) for ESCC clinical samples, ribosome footprints, ORF prediction, mass spectrometry (MS) identification, and western blotting. KDM4A‐AS1 ORF‐encoded peptide reduced ESCC cell viability and migratory ability. Co‐immunoprecipitation and MS analysis revealed that KDM4A‐AS1‐encoded peptide specifically bound with 103 proteins in ESCC cells, and enrichment analysis suggested that peptide‐bound proteins were related to fatty acid metabolism and redox process. Cell and molecular experiments demonstrated that KDM4A‐AS1‐encoded peptide inhibited stearoyl‐CoA desaturase and fatty acid synthase expression, increased reactive oxygen species level, and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential in ESCC cells. In summary, multiple lncRNAs with translation potential were simultaneously identified by combining multiple approaches in ESCC, providing novel identification strategies for lncRNA‐encoded peptides. Moreover, lncRNA KDM4A‐AS1‐encoded peptide weakened ESCC cell viability and migratory capacity and functioned in fatty acid metabolism and redox process.
911 calls in mysterious disappearances of children: Indicators of veracity and deception
Authors: O'Donnell Daniel E. , Shelton Joy Lynn , Huffman Michelle C. , Porter Kathryn , Miller Michelle
Published: March 2023

911 calls reporting the mysterious disappearance of a child may contain information critical to law enforcement. If this information is untruthful, valuable resources can be misdirected and precious time may be lost. Therefore, the current study examined verbal cues of veracity and deception in 911 calls placed by caregivers of missing children. Specifically, the current study compared differences between a sample of caregivers who falsely reported a child missing to conceal their role in the child's homicide and truthful caregivers who reported a child missing and had no knowledge of the child's whereabouts at the time of the call. Results show promise and consistency with previously proposed indicators of veracity and deception. Specifically, a greater number of self‐handicapping statements were made by deceptive individuals, whereas truthtellers were more likely to spontaneously self‐correct. Practical implications are discussed.
Impact of Loneliness and Social Isolation on Mental Health Outcomes Among Individuals With Rheumatic Diseases During the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Howren Alyssa , Avina‐Zubieta J. Antonio , Puyat Joseph H. , Da Costa Deborah , Xie Hui , Davidson Eileen , Rebić Nevena , Gastonguay Louise , Dau Hallie , De Vera Mary A.
Published: March 2023

Objective

The study objective was to assess mental and social health outcomes for individuals with rheumatic disease during the COVID‐19 pandemic and evaluate the relationship of loneliness and social isolation with depression and anxiety.

Methods

We administered an international cross‐sectional online survey to individuals with rheumatic disease(s) (≥18 years) between April 2020 and September 2020, with a follow‐up survey from December 2020 to February 2021. We used questionnaires to evaluate loneliness (3‐item UCLA Loneliness Scale [UCLA‐3]), social isolation (Lubben Social Network Scale [LSNS‐6]), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ‐9]), and anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7‐item [GAD‐7] Scale). We used multivariable linear regression models to evaluate the cross‐sectional associations of loneliness and social isolation with depression and anxiety at baseline.

Results

Seven hundred eighteen individuals (91.4% women, mean age: 45.4 ± 14.2 years) participated in the baseline survey, and 344 completed the follow‐up survey. Overall, 51.1% of participants experienced loneliness (UCLA‐3 score ≥6) and 30.3% experienced social isolation (LSNS‐6 score <12) at baseline. Depression (PHQ‐9 score ≥10) and anxiety (GAD‐7 score ≥10) were experienced by 42.8% and 34.0% of participants at baseline, respectively. Multivariable models showed that experiencing both loneliness and social isolation, in comparison to experiencing neither, was significantly associated with an average 7.27 higher depression score (ß = 7.27; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.08‐8.47) and 5.14 higher anxiety score (ß = 5.14; 95% CI: 4.00‐6.28).

Conclusion

Aside from showing substantial experience of loneliness and social isolation during the COVID‐19 pandemic, our survey showed significant associations with depression and anxiety. Patient supports to address social health have potential implications for also supporting mental health.
Reaction‐Induced Formation of Stable Mononuclear Cu(I)Cl Species on Carbon for Low‐Footprint Vinyl Chloride Production
Authors: Faust Akl Dario , Giannakakis Georgios , Ruiz‐Ferrando Andrea , Agrachev Mikhail , Medrano‐García Juan D. , Guillén‐Gosálbez Gonzalo , Jeschke Gunnar , Clark Adam H. , Safonova Olga V. , Mitchell Sharon , López Núria , Pérez‐Ramírez Javier
Published: March 2023

Copper catalysts are attractive candidates for Hg‐free vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) production via acetylene hydrochlorination due to their non‐toxic nature and high stability. However, the optimal architecture for Cu‐based catalysts at the nanoscale is not yet fully understood. To address this gap, the metal precursor and the annealing temperature are modified to prepare copper nanoparticles or single atoms, either in chlorinated or ligand‐free form, on an unmodified carbon support. Evaluation in the reaction reveals a remarkable convergence of the performance of all materials to the stable VCM productivity of the single‐atom catalyst. In‐depth characterization by advanced microscopy, quasi in situ and operando spectroscopy, and simulations uncover a reaction‐induced formation of low‐valent, single atom Cu(I)Cl site motif, regardless of the initial nanostructure. Various surface oxygen groups promote nanoparticle redispersion by stabilizing single‐atom CuClx species. The anchoring site structure does not strongly influence the acetylene adsorption energy or the crucial role they play in stabilizing key reaction intermediates. A life‐cycle assessment demonstrates the potential environmental benefits of copper catalysts over state‐of‐the‐art alternatives. This work contributes to a better understanding of optimal metal speciation and highlights the sustainability of Cu‐based catalysts for VCM production.
Plant‐Like Tropisms in Artificial Muscles
Authors: Aziz Shazed , Zhang Xi , Naficy Sina , Salahuddin Bidita , Jager Edwin W. H. , Zhu Zhonghua
Published: March 2023

Helical plants have the ability of tropisms to respond to natural stimuli, and biomimicry of such helical shapes into artificial muscles has been vastly popular. However, the shape‐mimicked actuators only respond to artificially provided stimulus, they are not adaptive to variable natural conditions, thus being unsuitable for real‐life applications where on‐demand, autonomous operations are required. Novel artificial muscles made of hierarchically patterned helically wound yarns that are self‐adaptive to environmental humidity and temperature changes are demonstrated here. Unlike shape‐mimicked artificial muscles, a unique microstructural biomimicking approach is adopted, where the muscle yarns can effectively replicate the hydrotropism and thermotropism of helical plants to their microfibril level using plant‐like microstructural memories. Large strokes, with rapid movement, are obtained when the individual microfilament of yarn is inlaid with hydrogel and further twisted into a coil‐shaped hierarchical structure. The developed artificial muscle provides an average actuation speed of ≈5.2% s−1 at expansion and ≈3.1% s−1 at contraction cycles, being the fastest amongst previously demonstrated actuators of similar type. It is demonstrated that these muscle yarns can autonomously close a window in wet climates. The building block yarns are washable without any material degradation, making them suitable for smart, reusable textile and soft robotic devices.
Wood‐Derived Continuously Oriented Three‐Phase Interfacial Channels for High‐Performance Quasi‐Solid‐State Alkaline Zinc Batteries
Authors: Li Lanze , Cao Qinghe , Wu Yitian , Zheng Yu , Tang Hongxuan , Ge Jiujiu , Liang Mengdi , Zhou Bao , Jiang Baiyu , Wu Sai , Wang Fan , Pang Yajun , Shen Zhehong , Guan Cao , Chen Hao
Published: March 2023

Although recently developed hybrid zinc (Zn) batteries integrate the benefits of both alkaline Zn and Zn–air batteries, the kinetics of the electrocatalytic oxygen reaction and mass transfer of the electrolyte, which are limited by the mismatched and disordered multiphase reaction's interfacial transfer channels, considerably inhibit the performance of hybrid Zn batteries. In this work, novel, continuously oriented three‐phase interfacial channels at the cathode derived from the natural structure of pine wood are developed to address these challenges. A pine wood chip is carbonized and asymmetrically loaded with a hydrophilic active material to achieve the creation of a wood‐derived cathode that integrates the active material, current collector, and continuously oriented three‐phase reaction interfacial channels, which allows the reaction dynamics to be accelerated. Consequently, the assembled quasi‐solid‐state hybrid battery performs an extra charge–discharge process beyond that performed by a typical nickel (Ni)–Zn battery, resulting in a wide operating voltage range of 0.6–2.0 V and a superior specific capacity of 656.5 mAh g–1, in addition to an excellent energy density (644.7 Wh kg–1) and good durability. The ≈370% capacity improvement relative to the Ni–Zn battery alone makes the hybrid battery one of the best‐performing alkaline Zn batteries.
Tunable Interfacial Charge Transfer in a 2D–2D Composite for Efficient Visible‐Light‐Driven CO2 Conversion
Authors: Liu Lizhong , Wang Zhongliao , Zhang Jinfeng , Ruzimuradov Olim , Dai Kai , Low Jingxiang
Published: March 2023

Photocatalytic CO2 conversion for hydrocarbon fuel production has been known as one of the most promising strategies for achieving carbon neutrality. Yet, its conversion efficiency remains unsatisfactory mainly due to its severe charge‐transfer resistance and slow charge kinetics. Herein, a tunable interfacial charge transfer on an oxygen‐vacancies‐modified bismuth molybdate nanoflower assembled by 2D nanosheets (BMOVs) and 2D bismuthene composite (Bi/BMOVs) is demonstrated for photocatalytic CO2 conversion. Specifically, the meticulous design of the Ohmic contact formed between BMOVs and bismuthene can allow the modulation of the interfacial charge‐transfer resistance. According to density functional theory (DFT) simulations, it is ascertained that such exceptional charge kinetics is attributed to the tunable built‐in electric field (IEF) of the Ohmic contact. As such, the photocatalytic CO2 reduction performance of the optimized Bi/BMOVs (CO and CH4 productions rate of 169.93 and 4.65 µmol g−1 h−1, respectively) is ca. 10 times higher than that of the pristine BMO (CO and CH4 production rates of 16.06 and 0.51 µmol g−1 h−1, respectively). The tunable interfacial resistance of the Ohmic contact reported in this work can shed some important light on the design of highly efficient photocatalysts for both energy and environmental applications.
Ionogel‐Electrode for the Study of Protein Tunnel Junctions under Physiologically Relevant Conditions
Authors: Bai Xiyue , Li Pengfei , Peng Wuxian , Chen Ningyue , Lin Jin‐Liang , Li Yuan
Published: March 2023

The study of charge transport through proteins is essential for understanding complicated electrochemical processes in biological activities while the reasons for the coexistence of tunneling and hopping phenomena in protein junctions still remain unclear. In this work, a flexible and conductive ionogel electrode is synthesized and is used as a top contact to form highly reproducible protein junctions. The junctions of proteins, including human serum albumin, cytochrome C and hemoglobin, show temperature‐independent electron tunneling characteristics when the junctions are in solid states while with a different mechanism of temperature‐dependent electron hopping when junctions are hydrated under physiologically relevant conditions. It is demonstrated that the solvent reorganization energy plays an important role in the electron‐hopping process and experimentally shown that it requires ≈100 meV for electron hopping through one heme group inside a hydrated protein molecule connected between two electrodes.
Electrochemical Syntheses of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
Authors: Wang Yulei , Zhao Rong , Ackermann Lutz
Published: March 2023

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have surfaced as increasingly viable components in optoelectronics and material sciences. The development of highly efficient and atom‐economic tools to prepare PAHs under exceedingly mild conditions constitutes a long‐term goal. Traditional syntheses of PAHs have largely relied on multistep approaches or the conventional Scholl reaction. However, Scholl reactions are largely inefficient with electron‐deficient substrates, require stoichiometric chemical oxidants, and typically occur in the presence of strong acid. In sharp contrast, electrochemistry has gained considerable momentum during the past decade as an alternative for the facile and straightforward PAHs assembly, generally via electro‐oxidative dehydrogenative annulation, releasing molecular hydrogen as the sole stoichiometric byproduct by the hydrogen evolution reaction. This review provides an overview on the recent and significant advances in the field of electrochemical syntheses of various PAHs until January 2023.
Binary Organic Solar Cells with 19.2% Efficiency Enabled by Solid Additive
Authors: Wang Jianqiu , Wang Yafei , Bi Pengqing , Chen Zhihao , Qiao Jiawei , Li Jiayao , Wang Wenxuan , Zheng Zhong , Zhang Shaoqing , Hao Xiaotao , Hou Jianhui
Published: March 2023

Morphology optimization is critical for achieving high efficiency and stable bulk‐heterojunction (BHJ) organic solar cells (OSCs). Herein, the use of 3,5‐dichlorobromobenzene (DCBB) with high volatility and low cost to manipulate evolution of the BHJ morphology and improve the operability and photostability of OSCs is proposed. Systematic simulations reveal the charge distribution of DCBB and its non‐covalent interaction with the active layer materials. The addition of DCBB can effectively tune the aggregation of PBQx‐TF:eC9‐2Cl during film formation, resulting in a favorable phase separation and a reinforced molecular packing. As a result, a power conversion efficiency of 19.2% (certified as 19.0% by the National Institute of Metrology) for DCBB‐processed PBQx‐TF:eC9‐2Cl‐based OSCs, which is the highest reported value for binary OSCs, is obtained. Importantly, the DCBB‐processed devices exhibit superior photostability and have thus considerable application potential in the printing of large‐area devices, demonstrating outstanding universality in various BHJ systems. The study provides a facile approach to control the BHJ morphology and enhances the photovoltaic performance of OSCs.
An Overview of Recent Progress in Micro/Nanorobots for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Li Mengyue , Hu Xingyue , Zhao Ying , Jiao Niandong
Published: March 2023

Micro/nanorobots are the general terms for microrobot and nanorobot, whose sizes are often between 1 nm and 1 mm. They can convert a variety of external energy sources into mechanical energy. In recent decades, micro/nanorobots have made remarkable progress in research. Based on different motion mechanisms, micro/nanorobots can achieve efficient movement and operation in microscale spaces owing to their small size and flexibility. Micro/nanorobots have attracted extensive interest because of their significant potential for development in biomedical fields, including minimally invasive surgery, targeted therapy, detection, and sensing. First, based on propulsion methods, research achievements and progress of micro/nanorobots in biomedicine are reviewed from four perspectives: physical, chemical, biological, and hybrid propulsions. Subsequently, research on overcoming the challenges encountered by micro/nanorobots in clinical applications is reviewed. Finally, research on micro/nanorobots in biomedicine is summarized and discussed.
Bismuth‐Based Chiral Perovskite with Different Dimensions for Second‐Order Nonlinear Optical Properties
Authors: Jiang Shuang , Zhao Peisheng , Xing Guoxiang , Kang Huimin , Li Xiaolei , Zhao Tianzhe , Li Bin , Zhang Tianyong
Published: March 2023

Chiral perovskites have various applications in nonlinear optics due to their asymmetric structures. Currently, nonlinear optical studies have focused on lead‐based perovskite. However, the toxic element, Pb, hinders their further applications. Herein, (R/S‐MBA)4Bi2Br10 (MBA = α‐phenylethylamine) and (R/S‐MPA)2BiBr5 (MPA = 1‐phenylpropan‐1‐amine) crystals were synthesized and explored about the nonlinear optics. Both pairs of chiral perovskite enantiomers exhibit good thermal stability and symmetric circular dichroism signals. Interestingly, MPA and MBA differ by only one methylene but show significant differences in the crystal structures synthesized under the same conditions. The (R/S‐MBA)4Bi2Br10 crystal is a zero‐dimensional (0D) structure in which the [Bi2Br10]4– dimer is spaced by an organic amine. (R/S‐MPA)2BiBr5 crystals are 1D structures in which [BiBr6]2– units form infinitely extended chains by angle sharing. The crystals exhibit efficient second harmonic generation response, and the intensity of (R‐MPA)2BiBr5 is four times that of (R‐MBA)4Bi2Br10 at 980 nm excitation wavelength. The 1D infinitely extended inorganic chain in (R‐MPA)2BiBr5 allows for a more regular arrangement of chiral organic amines, and adjacent organic amines are arranged differently, together leading to its stronger non‐centrosymmetry, which is the decisive factor of nonlinear optics. The study guides the design and deep research of novel second‐order nonlinear optical materials.
Anisotropic Circular Dichroism in Aligned Chiral Tellurium Nanorods
Authors: Reuven Bar , Movsesyan Artur , Santiago Eva Yazmin , Houben Lothar , Wang Zhiming , Govorov Alexander O. , Markovich Gil
Published: March 2023

The anisotropic chiroptical activity of chiral tellurium nanorods (Te NRs) is studied experimentally via circular dichroism (CD) measurements of macroscopically aligned samples. Te NRs with chiral, twisted prismatic shapes, and aspect ratio of ~4 are synthesized using the chiral ligand D‐penicillamine and the surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate. The anisotropy of their optical activity is studied at two different configurations with the long axis of the NRs oriented parallel and perpendicular to the CD probe beam. The parallel alignment is achieved in aqueous suspension using an alternating electric field that acts on their polarizability anisotropy, estimated to be 3.8 × 10−30 F m2. The perpendicular orientation is measured in a film of the NRs, prepared at a liquid water–organic interface such that the NRs are deposited on a substrate with their long‐axis in‐plane. Finite‐element electromagnetic simulations reproduce well the experimental CD spectra, demonstrating that the optical activity is dominated by the chiral shape‐related Mie‐type resonances. Both the experimental results and simulations show that the CD spectrum is practically inverted between the two light incidence orientations, a phenomenon that appears general to twisted anisotropic nano‐objects.
Advances in the Theranostics of Oesophageal Squamous Carcinoma
Authors: Cheng Miaomiao , Xin Qi , Ma Saiyu , Ge Mengyue , Wang Feng , Yan Xiyun , Jiang Bing
Published: March 2023

Oesophageal squamous carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most lethal human malignancies, and it is a more aggressive form of oesophageal cancer (EC) that comprises over 90% of all EC cases in China compared with oesophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). The high mortality of ESCC is attributed to the late‐stage diagnosis, chemoradiotherapy resistance, and lack of appropriate therapeutic targets and corresponding therapeutic formulations. Recently, emerging clinical and translational investigations have involved genome analyses, diagnostic biomarkers, and targeted therapy for ESCC, and these studies provide a new horizon for improving the clinical outcomes of patients with ESCC. Here, the latest research advances in the theranostics of ESCC are reviewed and the unique features of ESCC (including differences from EAC, genomic alterations, and microbe infections), tissue and circulating biomarkers, chemoradiotherapy resistance, clinical targeted therapy for ESCC, identification of novel therapeutic targets, and designation of nanotherapeutic systems for ESCC are particularly focused on. Finally, the perspectives for future clinical and translational theranostic research of ESCC are discussed and the obstacles that must be overcome in ESCC theranostics are described.
FBP‐CNN: A Direct PET Image Reconstruction Network for Flow Visualization
Authors: Fang Ruiqi , Guo Ruipeng , Zhao Min , Yao Min
Published: March 2023

Dynamic positron emission tomography (PET) imaging has the potential to address technical challenges that persist in the visualization of optically inaccessible flow fields in integrated systems. However, traditional reconstruction algorithms are unable to reconstruct high‐quality images from dynamic scan data. In this paper, a neural network structure that can reconstruct high‐quality images directly using sinograms as input by combining the filtered back‐projection (FBP) algorithm and denoising convolutional neural network (CNN) is proposed, which is named FBP‐CNN. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software and the Monte Carlo simulation platform are used jointly to generate a dataset for the flow around the bluff body problem. The dataset is then used to train, validate, and test the FBP‐CNN network, and the network after completing training is used to reconstruct the real projection data. The results show that FBP‐CNN can reconstruct high‐quality images from both simulated datasets and real projection data.
Exosome‐Based Mitochondrial Delivery of circRNA mSCAR Alleviates Sepsis by Orchestrating Macrophage Activation
Authors: Fan Li , Yao Li , Li Zhelong , Wan Zhuo , Sun Wenqi , Qiu Shuo , Zhang Wei , Xiao Dan , Song Liqiang , Yang Guodong , Zhang Yi , Wei Mengying , Yang Xuekang
Published: March 2023

Sepsis is one of the most common causes of death, which is closely related to the uncontrolled systemic inflammation. Dysregulation of M1 macrophage polarization is the primary contributor to serious inflammation. In this study, it is revealed that the murine homologue of circRNA SCAR (steatohepatitis‐associated circRNA ATP5B regulator), denoted as circRNA mSCAR hereafter, decreases in the macrophages of septic mice, which correlates with the excessive M1 polarization. To restore circRNA mSCAR in mitochondria, exosomes encapsulated with circRNA mSCAR are further electroporated with poly‐D‐lysine‐graft‐triphenylphosphine (TPP‐PDL), and thus TPP‐PDL facilitates the bound circRNA delivered into mitochondria when the exosomes engulf by the recipient cells. In in vivo septic mouse model and in vitro cell model, it is shown that the exosome‐based mitochondria delivery system delivers circRNA mSCAR into mitochondria preferentially in the macrophages, favoring macrophage polarization toward M2 subtype. Accordingly, the systemic inflammation is attenuated by exosome‐based mitochondrial delivery of circRNA mSCAR, together with alleviated mortality. Collectively, the results uncover the critical role of circRNA mSCAR in sepsis, and provide a promising approach to attenuate sepsis via exosome‐based mitochondrial delivery of circRNA mSCAR.
Remote Nanoscopy with Infrared Elastic Hyperspectral Lidar
Authors: Müller Lauro , Li Meng , Månefjord Hampus , Salvador Jacobo , Reistad Nina , Hernandez Julio , Kirkeby Carsten , Runemark Anna , Brydegaard Mikkel
Published: March 2023

Monitoring insects of different species to understand the factors affecting their diversity and decline is a major challenge. Laser remote sensing and spectroscopy offer promising novel solutions to this. Coherent scattering from thin wing membranes also known as wing interference patterns (WIPs) have recently been demonstrated to be species specific. The colors of WIPs arise due to unique fringy spectra, which can be retrieved over long distances. To demonstrate this, a new concept of infrared (950–1650 nm) hyperspectral lidar with 64 spectral bands based on a supercontinuum light source using ray‐tracing and 3D printing is developed. A lidar with an unprecedented number of spectral channels, high signal‐to‐noise ratio, and spatio‐temporal resolution enabling detection of free‐flying insects and their wingbeats. As proof of principle, coherent scatter from a damselfly wing at 87 m distance without averaging (4 ms recording) is retrieved. The fringed signal properties are used to determine an effective wing membrane thickness of 1412 nm with ±4 nm precision matching laboratory recordings of the same wing. Similar signals from free flying insects (2 ms recording) are later recorded. The accuracy and the method's potential are discussed to discriminate species by capturing coherent features from free‐flying insects.
Strong Electron–Phonon Coupling Induced Self‐Trapped Excitons in Double Halide Perovskites
Authors: Chen Baian , Chen Rui , Huang Bolong
Published: March 2023

Double halide perovskites exhibit impressive potential for the self‐trapped exciton (STEs) luminescence. However, the detailed mechanism of the physical nature during the formation process of STEs in double perovskites is still ambiguous. Herein, theoretical research on a series of double halide perovskites Cs2B1B2Cl6 (B1 = Na+, K+; B2 = Al3+, Ga3+, In3+) regarding their electronic structures, exciton characteristics, electron–phonon coupling performances, and geometrical configuration is conducted. These materials have flat valence band edges and thus possess localized heavy holes. They also show high exciton binding energies, and their short exciton Bohr radius indicates that the spatial size of their excitons is comparable to the dimension of their single lattice. Based on the Fröhlich coupling constant and Feynman polaron radius, the stronger electron–phonon coupling strength in Ga‐series double halide perovskites is revealed. In particular, Cs2NaGaCl6 shows a high and effective Huang–Rhys factor of 36.21. The phonon characteristics and vibration modes of Cs2NaGaCl6 are further analyzed, and the Jahn–Teller distortion of the metal–halogen octahedron induced by hole‐trapping after excitation is responsible for the existence of STEs. This study strengthens the physical understanding of STEs and provides effective guidance for the design of advanced solid‐state phosphors.