bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blood Pressure, Readmission, and Mortality Among Patients Hospitalized With Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Griffin Benjamin R. , Vaughan-Sarrazin Mary , Shi Qianyi , Ten Eyck Patrick , Reisinger Heather S. , Kennelty Korey , Good Mary K. , Swee Melissa L. , Yamada Masaaki , Lund Brian C. , Jalal Diana I.
Published: May 2024

Importance

Acute kidney injury (AKI) complicates 20% to 25% of hospital admissions and is associated with long-term mortality, especially from cardiovascular disease. Lower systolic blood pressure (SBP) following AKI may be associated with lower mortality, but potentially at the cost of higher short-term complications.

Objective

To determine associations of SBP with mortality and hospital readmissions following AKI, and to determine whether time from discharge affects these associations.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study of adults with AKI during a hospitalization in Veteran Healthcare Association (VHA) hospitals was conducted between January 2013 and December 2018. Patients with 1 year or less of data within the VA system prior to admission, severe or end-stage liver disease, stage 4 or 5 chronic kidney disease, end-stage kidney disease, metastatic cancer, and no blood pressure values within 30 days of discharge were excluded. Data analysis was conducted from May 2022 to February 2024.

Exposure

SBP was treated as time-dependent (categorized as <120 mm Hg, 120-129 mm Hg, 130-139 mm Hg, 140-149 mm Hg, 150-159 mm Hg, and ≥160 mm Hg [comparator]). Time spent in each SBP category was accumulated over time and represented in 30-day increments.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Primary outcomes were time to mortality and time to all-cause hospital readmission. Cox proportional hazards regression was adjusted for demographics, comorbidities, and laboratory values. To evaluate associations over time, hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated at 60 days, 90 days, 120 days, 180 days, 270 days, and 365 days from discharge.

Results

Of 237 409 admissions with AKI, 80 960 (57 242 aged 65 years or older [70.7%]; 77 965 male [96.3%] and 2995 female [3.7%]) were included. The cohort had high rates of diabetes (16 060 patients [20.0%]), congestive heart failure (22 516 patients [28.1%]), and chronic lung disease (27 682 patients [34.2%]), and 1-year mortality was 15.9% (12 876 patients). Overall, patients with SBP between 130 and 139 mm Hg had the most favorable risk level for mortality and readmission. There were clear, time-dependent mediations on associations in all groups. Compared with patients with SBP of 160 mm Hg or greater, the risk of mortality for patients with SBP between 130 and 139 mm Hg decreased between 60 days (adjusted HR, 1.20; 99% CI, 1.00-1.44) and 365 days (adjusted HR, 0.58; 99% CI, 0.45-0.76). SBP less than 120 mm Hg was associated with increased risk of mortality at all time points.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this retrospective cohort study of post-AKI patients, there were important time-dependent mediations of the association of blood pressure with mortality and readmission. These findings may inform timing of post-AKI blood pressure treatment.
Effect of Low-Dose Iron Supplementation on Early Development in Breastfed Infants
Authors: Svensson Ludwig , Chmielewski Grzegorz , Czyżewska Emilia , Domellöf Magnus , Konarska Zofia , Pieścik-Lech Małgorzata , Späth Cornelia , Szajewska Hania , Chmielewska Anna
Published: May 2024

Importance

Breastfed infants are at risk of iron deficiency, which is associated with suboptimal development. There is a paucity of evidence on the effects of iron supplementation on child development, and current guidelines are divergent.

Objective

To assess whether daily iron supplementation, 1 mg/kg, between 4 and 9 months in exclusively or predominantly breastfed infants improves psychomotor development at 12 months.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted between December 2015 and May 2020 with follow-up through May 2023 in an outpatient setting in Poland and Sweden. Participants were healthy singleton infants born at term with birth weight greater than 2500 g who were exclusively or predominantly breastfed (>50%) and did not have anemia (hemoglobin >10.5 g/dL) at age 4 months. Exclusion criteria included major illness, congenital anomaly, food allergy, and difficulty communicating with caregivers.

Interventions

Iron (micronized microencapsulated ferric pyrophosphate), 1 mg/kg, or placebo (maltodextrin) once daily from age 4 to 9 months.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was psychomotor development assessed by motor score of Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development III at 12 months, adjusted for gestational age, sex, and maternal education. Secondary outcomes included cognitive and language scores at 12 months; motor, cognitive, and language scores at 24 and 36 months; iron deficiency (serum ferritin <12 ng/mL), and iron deficiency anemia (iron deficiency and hemoglobin <10.5 g/dL) at 12 months.

Results

Of 221 randomized infants (111 female), 200 (90%) were included in the intention-to-treat analysis (mean [SD] age, 12.4 [0.8] months). Iron supplementation (n = 104) compared to placebo (n = 96) had no effect on psychomotor development (mean difference [MD] for motor score, −1.07 points; 95% CI, −4.69 to 2.55), cognitive score (MD, −1.14; 95% CI, −4.26 to 1.99), or language score (MD, 0.75; 95% CI, −2.31 to 3.82) at 12 months. There were no significant differences at 24 and 36 months. The intervention did not reduce the risk for iron deficiency (relative risk [RR], 0.46; 95% CI, 0.16 to 1.30) or iron deficiency anemia (RR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.05 to 12.46) at 12 months.

Conclusion and Relevance

No benefit was found with daily low-dose iron supplementation between 4 and 9 months with respect to psychomotor development, risk of iron deficiency, or iron deficiency anemia among breastfed infants in a setting of low risk of anemia.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02242188
Optimization of photon counting CT for cardiac imaging in patients with left ventricular assist devices: An in‐depth assessment of metal artifacts
Authors: Konst Bente , Ohlsson Linus , Henriksson Lilian , Sandstedt Mårten , Persson Anders , Ebbers Tino
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Photon counting CT (PCCT) holds promise for mitigating metal artifacts and can produce virtual mono‐energetic images (VMI), while maintaining temporal resolution, making it a valuable tool for characterizing the heart. This study aimed to evaluate and optimize PCCT for cardiac imaging in patients during left ventricular assistance device (LVAD) therapy by conducting an in‐depth objective assessment of metal artifacts and visual grading.

Methods

Various scan and reconstruction settings were tested on a phantom and further evaluated on a patient acquisition to identify the optimal protocol settings. The phantom comprised an empty thoracic cavity, supplemented with heart and lungs from a cadaveric lamb. The heart was implanted with an LVAD (HeartMate 3) and iodine contrast. Scans were performed on a PCCT (NAEOTOM Alpha, Siemens Healthcare). Metal artifacts were assessed by three objective methods: Hounsfield units (HU)/SD measurements (DiffHU and SDARTIFACT), Fourier analysis (AmplitudeLowFreq), and depicted LVAD volume in the images (BloomVol). Radiologists graded metal artifacts and the diagnostic interpretability in the LVAD lumen, cardiac tissue, lung tissue, and spinal cord using a 5‐point rating scale. Regression and correlation analysis were conducted to determine the assessment method most closely associated with acquisition and reconstruction parameters, as well as the objective method demonstrating the highest correlation with visual grading.

Results

Due to blooming artifacts, the LVAD volume fluctuated between 27.0 and 92.7 cm3. This variance was primarily influenced by kVp, kernel, keV, and iMAR (R2 = 0.989). Radiologists favored pacemaker iMAR, 3 mm slice thickness, and T3D keV and kernel Bv56f for minimal metal artifacts in cardiac tissue assessment, and 110 keV and Qr40f for lung tissue interpretation. The model adequacy for DiffHU SDARTIFACT, AmplitueLowFreq, and BloomVol was 0.28, 0.76, 0.29, and 0.99 respectively for phantom data, and 0.95, 0.98, 1.00, and 0.99 for in‐vivo data. For in‐vivo data, the correlation between visual grading (VGSUM) and DiffHU SDARTIFACT, AmplitueLowFreq, and BloomVol was −0.16, −0.01, −0.48, and −0.40 respectively.

Conclusion

We found that optimal scan settings for LVAD imaging involved using 120 kVp and IQ level 80. Employing T3D with pacemaker iMAR, the sharpest allowed vascular kernel (Bv56f), and VMI at 110 keV with kernel Qr40 yields images suitable for cardiac imaging during LVAD‐therapy. Volumetric measurements of the LVAD for determination of the extent of blooming artifacts was shown to be the best objective method to assess metal artifacts.
4‐Octyl itaconate inhibits inflammation via the NLRP3 pathway in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders
Authors: Li Ting , Li Jia‐Wen , Qin Ying‐Hui , Liu Riu , Xu Xiao‐Na , Li Xiao , Li Li‐Min , Feng Bin , Yang Li , Yang Chun‐Sheng
Published: May 2024

Objective

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are rare inflammatory astrocytic diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). The roles of immune response gene‐1 (IRG1) and the IRG1–itaconic acid–NLRP3 inflammatory pathway in the pathogenesis of NMOSD and the effects of 4‐octyl itaconate (4‐OI) on the NLRP3 inflammatory pathway in NMOSD are unclear. This study aimed to determine the role of IRG1 and the activation status of the NLRP3 inflammatory pathway in acute‐onset NMOSD and to investigate the inhibitory effects of 4‐OI on NLRP3 inflammasome activation via the IRG1–itaconic acid–NLRP3 pathway in monocytes and macrophages by using in vitro models.

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and serum were collected from patients with acute NMOSDs and healthy controls (HC), followed by monocyte typing and detection of the expression of NLRP3‐related inflammatory factors. Subsequently, the effects of 4‐OI on the IRG1–itaconic acid–NLRP3 pathway were investigated in peripheral monocytes from patients with NMOSD and in macrophages induced by human myeloid leukemia mononuclear cells (THP‐1 cells) via in vitro experiments.

Results

Patients with acute NMOSD exhibited upregulated IRG1 expression. In particular, the upregulation of the expression of the NLRP3 inflammasome and proinflammatory factors was notable in monocytes in acute NMOSD patients. 4‐OI inhibited the activation of the IRG1–itaconic acid–NLRP3 inflammatory pathway in the PBMCs of patients with NMOSD.

Interpretation

4‐OI could effectively inhibit NLRP3 signaling, leading to the inhibition of proinflammatory cytokine production in patients with NMOSD‐derived PBMCs and in a human macrophage model. Thus, 4‐OI and itaconate could have important therapeutic value for the treatment of NMOSD in the future.
Electronic Delocalization Engineering of β‐AsP Enabled High‐Efficient Multisource Logic Nanodevices
Authors: Liu Fangqi , Wang Tongtong , Yu Qiang , Yang Zixin , Xiong Jingxian , Zhang Xiaolin , Gong Pengwei , Lin Hongzhen , Wang Jian , Zhu Sicong , Wu Jian
Published: May 2024

Delocalized electron and phonon structures are directives for rationally tuning the intrinsic physicochemical properties of 2D materials by redistributing electronic density. However, it is still challenging to accurately manipulate the delocalized electron and systematically study the relationships between physiochemical properties and practical nanodevices. Herein, the effects of delocalized electrons engineering on blue‐arsenic‐phosphorus (β‐AsP)‐based practical devices are systematically investigated via implementing vacancies or heteroatom doping. A tendency of carrier conductivity property from “half‐metal” to “metal” is initially found when tuning the electronic structure of β‐AsP with adjustable vacancy concentrations below 2 at% or above 3 at%, which can be ascribed to the introduction of delocalized electrons that cause asymmetric contributions to the electronic states near the implementation site. In optical logic device simulations, broadband response, triangular wave circuit system signal, and reverse polarization anisotropy are achieved by adjusting the vacancy concentration, while extinction ratios are as high as 1561. The electric and thermic‐logic devices realize the highest available reported giant magnetoresistance (MR) up to 1013% and 1039% at vacancy concentrations of 1.67% and 0.89%, respectively, which is significantly superior to the reports. The results shed light on the electronic delocalization strategy of regulating internal structures to achieve highly efficient nanodevices.
Bioinspired Plateau–Rayleigh Instability on Fibers: From Droplets Manipulation to Continuous Liquid Films
Authors: Li Yan , Shi Zhongyu , Xu Bojie , Jiang Lei , Liu Huan
Published: May 2024

The Plateau–Rayleigh instability (PRI) of a liquid column, which always spontaneously breaks into droplets to minimize surface energy, underlies a variety of fascinating phenomena in daily life and industrial applications. Different from the free liquid column, the evolution of the liquid film on a fiber involves solid‐liquid interfaces which allow for regulating the PRI. Recently, natural fibers with certain topologies have witnessed various dynamic liquid behaviors from droplet manipulation to continuous liquid films. Tailoring the topology of local curved liquid film by the structural‐confinement is the key to manipulating liquids, where the asymmetric Laplace pressure generated by the asymmetric/non‐spherical liquid film promotes the liquid motion. In nature, the spider silk collects droplets efficiently by the spindle‐knot structure; while the mulberry silk enables a smooth surface‐coating on dual‐parallel fibers. Drawing inspirations, many artificial structured fibers are developed to precisely regulate liquid behaviors in the form of either separated droplets or continuous liquid films, which have demonstrated applications as fluidic coating, micro‐patterning, and materials fabrication. Here, recent research progress on bioinspired fibrous PRI from the viewpoints of tailoring the Laplace pressure by rationally designing the surface topology, which offers inspiration for liquid manipulation using open fibrous media, is reviewed.
Electronic Properties of W’ Twin Walls in Ferroelastic BiVO4
Authors: Xu Yuwen , Sharma Pankaj , Wen Haotian , Zhang Dawei , Kong Charlie , Yan Zewu , Chang Shery L. Y. , Seidel Jan
Published: May 2024

Topological defects in ferroic materials can exhibit intrinsic properties that differ from the bulk. Here， structural and electronic variations of non‐prominent (W’) ferroelastic twin domain walls are investigated in BiVO4, a widely investigated photocatalytic material. Using aberration‐corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), a kink configuration of the sharp ferroelastic twin wall with an altered electronic structure is revealed. Nanoscale conductivity measurements by conductive atomic force microscopy (c‐AFM) show higher conductivity at twin walls compared to non‐conductive bulk domains. Electronic structure investigation by electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) shows a higher density of oxygen vacancies and possible polaron accumulation at the wall. These findings reveal the electronic properties of BiVO4 domain walls, which are interesting for nanoscale‐engineered catalytic concepts of BiVO4 and materials design for photochemistry‐relevant applications.
Dewetting of Pt Nanoparticles Boosts Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Due to Electronic Metal‐Support Interaction
Authors: Harsha Shreyas , Sharma Rakesh K. , Dierner Martin , Baeumer Christoph , Makhotkin Igor , Mul Guido , Ghigna Paolo , Spiecker Erdmann , Will Johannes , Altomare Marco
Published: May 2024

Solid‐state dewetting is the heat‐induced agglomeration of thin metal films into defined nanoparticles (NPs). Dewetted Pt nanoparticles are investigated on F‐doped SnO2 (FTO) substrates as model binder‐free electrodes for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Dewetting of Pt films into particles exposes the FTO substrate and the metal/support (Pt‐FTO) contact line. Despite the decrease in Pt electrochemical surface area (ECSA) upon dewetting, dewetted NPs show a >3‐fold increase in ECSA‐normalized HER activity compared to as‐deposited nanocrystalline Pt films. Electrodes designed with dewetted Pt NPs of different sizes show that the HER activity does not only correlate with the ECSA but also increases with increasing the Pt‐FTO contact line length. The smaller the NPs, the larger the Pt‐FTO contact line, and the higher the activity. This effect is ascribed to electronic metal‐support interaction (EMSI), due to electron transfer from FTO to Pt. It is proposed that EMSI effects alter the electronic structure of Pt sites near the Pt‐FTO contact line, facilitating the H2 evolution kinetics. When NPs are a few nm‐sized, a large mass fraction of Pt is affected by EMSI, resulting in a further increase of HER activity compared to NPs ≥10 nm despite the lower ECSA.
Coordination Defect‐Induced Lewis Pairs in Metal−Organic Frameworks Boosted Sulfur Kinetics for Bifunctional Photo‐Assisted Li−S Batteries
Authors: Wu Jia‐Yi , Wang Yue , Song Li‐Na , Wang Yi‐Feng , Wang Xiao‐Xue , Li Jun‐Feng , Xu Ji‐Jing
Published: May 2024

The photo‐assisted strategy is regarded as a crucial approach to enhance the conversion kinetics of polysulfides in lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. However, the development of photo‐assisted Li–S batteries still faces important challenges, such as the rapid recombination of photogenerated electron−holes on cathode and more severe shuttle effect. Herein, a breakthrough in overcoming the challenges has been made by constructing a promising photo‐assisted Li−S battery based on semiconducted metal−organic frameworks. During the discharging progress, the photoexcited electrons generated by H2BPDC ligand based on ligand‐to‐metal charge transfer (LMCT) effect, are injected into the Ti‐oxo clusters in Ti‐MOF, thereby facilitating the sulfur reduction to Li2S. And photoexcited holes are capable of promoting the decomposition kinetics of Li2S during charging. More importantly, the stronger chemical interaction between Ti‐BPDC‐d and polysulfides under light inhibits the polysulfides dissolution and shuttling, which fundamentally addresses the issue of light‐accelerated shuttling. As a result, the photo‐assisted Li–S batteries deliver a reversible capability of 1090.21 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C with a capacity retention of 82.91% over 150 cycles, and a superior rate capability of 673.58 mAh g−1 at 5 C. The findings are promising in advancing the design principles for photo‐rechargeable Li−S batteries.
Room‐Temperature Solid‐State Nitrogen‐Based Magneto‐Ionics in CoxMn1−xN Films
Authors: López‐Pintó Nicolau , Jensen Christopher J. , Chen Zhijie , Tan Zhengwei , Ma Zheng , Liedke Maciej Oskar , Butterling Maik , Wagner Andreas , Herrero‐Martín Javier , Menéndez Enric , Nogués Josep , Liu Kai , Sort Jordi
Published: May 2024

The increasing energy demand in information technologies requires novel low‐power procedures to store and process data. Magnetic materials, central to these technologies, are usually controlled through magnetic fields or spin‐polarized currents that are prone to the Joule heating effect. Magneto‐ionics is a unique energy‐efficient strategy to control magnetism that can induce large non‐volatile modulation of magnetization, coercivity and other properties through voltage‐driven ionic motion. Recent studies have shown promising magneto‐ionic effects using nitrogen ions. However, either liquid electrolytes or prior annealing procedures are necessary to induce the desired N‐ion motion. In this work, magneto‐ionic effects are voltage‐triggered at room temperature in solid state systems of CoxMn1‐xN films, without the need of thermal annealing. Upon gating, a rearrangement of nitrogen ions in the layers is observed, leading to changes in the co‐existing ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic phases, which result in substantial increase of magnetization at room temperature and modulation of the exchange bias effect at low temperatures. A detailed correlation between the structural and magnetic evolution of the system upon voltage actuation is provided. The obtained results offer promising new avenues for the utilization of nitride compounds in energy‐efficient spintronic and other memory devices.
Revealing Interaction of Fluorinated Propylamine Hydrochloride with Precursor and Defect States of Perovskite Films Toward Efficient Flexible Solar Cells
Authors: Cao Shuguang , Bi Zhuoneng , Zheng Tongjun , Luo Shizi , Gutsev Lavrenty G. , Ramachandran Bala R. , Ozerova Victoria V. , Emelianov Nikita A. , Slesarenko Nikita A. , Zheng Yupeng , Taye Biniyam Zemene , Gutsev Gennady L. , Aldoshin Sergey M. , Troshin Pavel A. , Xu Xueqing
Published: May 2024

The trap state at the surfaces and grain boundaries of perovskite is one of the major obstacles to the further commercialization of flexible perovskite solar cells (FPSCs). Herein, two innovative multifunctional fluorinated propylamine salt 2,2,3,3,3‐pentafluoropropylamine hydrochloride (PFPACl) and 3,3,3‐triflupropylamine hydrochloride (TFPACl) are in situ introduced onto the photo absorbing layer to improve the performance of the FPSCs. The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy indicates strong interactions of both PFPACl and TFPACl with the perovskite precursor components. For the first time, the structures of the supramolecular complexes formed by two additives with FAI are deduced from NOESY NMR data, thus pointing to the importance of the preorganization of the perovskite components in solution before film casting. The experiments and density functional theory（DFT) calculations reveal that PFPACl is likely dissociated more into the form of R‐NH3+‐Cl− due to the higher electronegativity of the fluoroalkyl tail. Therefore, PFPA+ binds more strongly to VFA defects than TFPA+, and anion Cl− has strong enough interaction with VFAI and uncoordinated Pb2+, leading to homogeneous coverage of PFPACl on the entire surface of the perovskite films and better energy alignment with the hole transport layer. Consequently, PFPACl‐treated FPSCs achieved a relatively high PCE of 23.59% with excellent mechanical robustness and operational stability.
3D Cell Migration Chip (3DCM‐Chip): A New Tool toward the Modeling of 3D Cellular Complex Systems
Authors: Buonvino Silvia , Di Giuseppe Davide , Filippi Joanna , Martinelli Eugenio , Seliktar Dror , Melino Sonia
Published: May 2024

3D hydrogel‐based cell cultures provide models for studying cell behavior and can efficiently replicate the physiologic environment. Hydrogels can be tailored to mimic mechanical and biochemical properties of specific tissues and allow to produce gel‐in‐gel models. In this system, microspheres encapsulating cells are embedded in an outer hydrogel matrix, where cells are able to migrate. To enhance the efficiency of such studies, a lab‐on‐a‐chip named 3D cell migration‐chip (3DCM‐chip) is designed, which offers substantial advantages over traditional methods. 3DCM‐chip facilitates the analysis of biochemical and physical stimuli effects on cell migration/invasion in different cell types, including stem, normal, and tumor cells. 3DCM‐chip provides a smart platform for developing more complex cell co‐cultures systems. Herein the impact of human fibroblasts on MDA‐MB 231 breast cancer cells’ invasiveness is investigated. Moreover, how the presence of different cellular lines, including mesenchymal stem cells, normal human dermal fibroblasts, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells, affects the invasive behavior of cancer cells is investigated using 3DCM‐chip. Therefore, predictive tumoroid models with a more complex network of interactions between cells and microenvironment are here produced. 3DCM‐chip moves closer to the creation of in vitro systems that can potentially replicate key aspects of the physiological tumor microenvironment.
A Pseudo‐Surfactant Chemical Permeation Enhancer to Treat Otitis Media via Sustained Transtympanic Delivery of Antibiotics
Authors: Liu Sophie S. , White Joanna M. , Chao Zhongmou , Li Ruye , Wen Shuxian , Garza Ally , Tang Wenjing , Ma Xiaojing , Chen Pengyu , Daniel Susan , Bates Frank S. , Yeo Jingjie , Calabrese Michelle A. , Yang Rong
Published: May 2024

Chemical permeation enhancers (CPEs) represent a prevalent and safe strategy to enable noninvasive drug delivery across skin‐like biological barriers such as the tympanic membrane (TM). While most existing CPEs interact strongly with the lipid bilayers in the stratum corneum to create defects as diffusion paths, their interactions with the delivery system, such as polymers forming a hydrogel, can compromise gelation, formulation stability, and drug diffusion. To overcome this challenge, differing interactions between CPEs and the hydrogel system are explored, especially those with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), an ionic surfactant and a common CPE, and those with methyl laurate (ML), a nonionic counterpart with a similar length alkyl chain. Notably, the use of ML effectively decouples permeation enhancement from gelation, enabling sustained delivery across TMs to treat acute otitis media (AOM), which is not possible with the use of SDS. Ciprofloxacin and ML are shown to form a pseudo‐surfactant that significantly boosts transtympanic permeation. The middle ear ciprofloxacin concentration is increased by 70‐fold in vivo in a chinchilla AOM model, yielding superior efficacy and biocompatibility than the previous highest‐performing formulation. Beyond improved efficacy and biocompatibility, this single‐CPE formulation significantly accelerates its progression toward clinical deployment.
Advances in Microfluidic‐Based Core@Shell Nanoparticles Fabrication for Cancer Applications
Authors: Almeida Duarte R. S. , Gil João Ferreira , Guillot Antonio José , Li Jiachen , Pinto Ricardo J. B. , Santos Hélder A. , Gonçalves Gil
Published: May 2024

Current research in cancer therapy focuses on personalized therapies, through nanotechnology‐based targeted drug delivery systems. Particularly, controlled drug release with nanoparticles (NPs) can be designed to safely transport various active agents, optimizing delivery to specific organs and tumors, minimizing side effects. The use of microfluidics (MFs) in this field has stood out against conventional methods by allowing precise control over parameters like size, structure, composition, and mechanical/biological properties of nanoscale carriers. This review compiles applications of microfluidics in the production of core‐shell NPs (CSNPs) for cancer therapy, discussing the versatility inherent in various microchannel and/or micromixer setups and showcasing how these setups can be utilized individually or in combination, as well as how this technology allows the development of new advances in more efficient and controlled fabrication of core‐shell nanoformulations. Recent biological studies have achieved an effective, safe, and controlled delivery of otherwise unreliable encapsulants such as small interfering RNA (siRNA), plasmid DNA (pDNA), and cisplatin as a result of precisely tuned fabrication of nanocarriers, showing that this technology is paving the way for innovative strategies in cancer therapy nanofabrication, characterized by continuous production and high reproducibility. Finally, this review analyzes the technical, biological, and technological limitations that currently prevent this technology from becoming the standard.
Nanozymes for Treating Ocular Diseases
Authors: Wong Ka‐Ying , Wong Man‐Sau , Liu Juewen
Published: May 2024

Nanozymes, characterized by their nanoscale size and enzyme‐like catalytic activities, exhibit diverse therapeutic potentials, including anti‐oxidative, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐microbial, and anti‐angiogenic effects. These properties make them highly valuable in nanomedicine, particularly ocular therapy, bypassing the need for systemic delivery. Nanozymes show significant promise in tackling multi‐factored ocular diseases, particularly those influenced by oxidation and inflammation, like dry eye disease, and age‐related macular degeneration. Their small size, coupled with their ease of modification and integration into soft materials, facilitates the effective penetration of ocular barriers, thereby enabling targeted or prolonged therapy within the eye. This review is dedicated to exploring ocular diseases that are intricately linked to oxidation and inflammation, shedding light on the role of nanozymes in managing these conditions. Additionally, recent studies elucidating advanced applications of nanozymes in ocular therapeutics, along with their integration with soft materials for disease management, are discussed. Finally, this review outlines directions for future investigations aimed at bridging the gap between nanozyme research and clinical applications.
Inhibiting Residual Solvent Induced Side Reactions in Vinylidene Fluoride‐Based Polymer Electrolytes Enables Ultra‐Stable Solid‐State Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Zhang Dechao , Liu Yuxuan , Yang Shuo , Zhu Jiaxiong , Hong Hu , Li Shimei , Xiong Qi , Huang Zhaodong , Wang Shixun , Liu Jun , Zhi Chunyi
Published: May 2024

Residual solvents in vinylidene fluoride (VDF)‐based solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) have been recognized as responsible for their high ionic conductivity. However, side reactions by the residual solvents with the lithium (Li) metal induce poor stability, which has been long neglected. This study proposes a strategy to achieve a delicate equilibrium between ion conduction and electrode stability for VDF‐based SPEs. Specifically, 2,2,2‐trifluoro‐N,N‐dimethylacetamide (FDMA) is developed as the nonside reaction solvent for poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene) (PVHF)‐based SPEs, achieving both high ionic conductivity and significantly improved electrochemical stability. The developed FDMA solvent fosters the formation of a stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) through interface reactions with Li metal, effectively mitigating side reactions and dendrite growth on the Li metal electrode. Consequently, the Li||Li symmetric cells and Li||LiFePO4 cells demonstrate excellent cycling performance, even under limited Li (20 µm thick) supply and high‐loading cathodes (>10 mg cm−2, capacity >1 mAh cm−2) conditions. The stable Li||LiCoO2 cells operation with a cutoff voltage of 4.48 V indicates the high‐voltage stability of the developed SPE. This study offers valuable insights into the development of advanced VDF‐based SPEs for enhanced lithium metal battery performance and longevity.
A self‐regulated phototheranostic nanosystem with single wavelength‐triggered energy switching and oxygen supply for multimodal synergistic therapy of bacterial biofilm infections
Authors: Wang Cheng , Lv Shuyi , Sun Zhencheng , Xiao Minghui , Fu Hao , Tian Liang , Zhao Xianhao , Shi Linqi , Zhu Chunlei
Published: May 2024

The exploration of antibiotic‐independent phototherapy strategies for the treatment of bacterial biofilm infections has gained significant attention. However, efficient eradication of bacterial biofilms remains a challenge. Herein, a self‐regulated phototheranostic nanosystem with single wavelength‐triggered photothermal therapy (PTT)/photodynamic therapy (PDT) transformation and oxygen supply for multimodal synergistic therapy of bacterial biofilm infections is presented. This approach combines a eutectic mixture of natural phase‐change materials (PCMs) and an aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) phototheranostic agent TPA‐ICN to form colloidally stable nanopartcicles (i.e. AIE@PCM NPs). The reversible solid−liquid phase transition of PCMs facilitates the adaptive regulation of the aggregation states of TPA‐ICN, enabling a switch between the energy dissipation pathways for enhanced PDT in solid PCMs or enhanced PTT in liquid PCMs. Additionally, oxygen‐carrying thermoresponsive nanoparticles are also introduced to alleviate the hypoxic microenvironment of biofilms by releasing oxygen upon heating by AIE@PCM NPs with enhanced PTT. The nanosystem exhibits outstanding therapeutic efficacy against bacterial biofilms both in vitro and in vivo, with an antibacterial efficiency of 99.99%. This study utilizes a self‐regulated theranostic nanoplatform with adaptive PTT/PDT transformation via the phase transition of PCMs and heat‐triggered oxygen release, holding great promise in the safe and efficient treatment of bacterial biofilm infections.
Adding injury to insult: Unfair treatment at work and occupational injury among hospital patient‐care workers
Authors: Sabbath Erika L. , Pan Yixin , McTernan Melissa L. , Peters Susan E. , Lovett Sharonda M. , Stelson Elisabeth A. , Wagner Gregory R. , Hopcia Karen , Boden Leslie I.
Published: May 2024

Background

Hospital patient‐care workers have high occupational injury rates. While physical hazards within hospital work environments are established determinants of injury, social exposures may also contribute. This study examined how reports of unfair treatment at work, a dimension of work‐related experiences of discrimination, were associated with injury among hospital‐based patient‐care workers.

Methods

We used data from the Boston Hospital Workers Health Study, a longitudinal cohort of nurses and nursing assistants at two Boston‐area hospitals. In 2018, we conducted a worker survey asking about three types of unfair treatment at work and occupational injuries during the past year. We used mixed‐effects logistic regression models to evaluate associations between specific types, total load, and high‐frequency exposure of unfair treatment with injury, adjusting for age, gender, race and ethnicity, job title, and unit type.

Results

Among 1001 respondents, 21% reported being humiliated in front of others at work, 28% reported being watched more closely than other workers, and 47% reported having to work twice as hard as others for the same treatment. For each type of unfair treatment, we observed a monotonic relationship with occupational injury wherein increasing frequency of exposure was associated with increased odds of injury. We also observed monotonic relationships between total load and high‐frequency exposure to unfair treatment and odds of injury.

Conclusions

Work‐related unfair treatment is associated with injury among hospital workers. Programs and policies that focus on preventing unfair treatment may lessen injury burden in hospital workers.
Golden lion tamarin metapopulation dynamics five years after heavy losses to yellow fever
Authors: Dietz James M. , Mickelberg Jennifer , Traylor‐Holzer Kathy , Martins Andréia F. , Souza Mateus N. , Hankerson Sarah J.
Published: May 2024

The golden lion tamarin (GLT) is an Endangered primate endemic to Brazil's lowland Atlantic Forest. After centuries of deforestation and capture for the pet trade, only a few hundred individuals survived, all in isolated forest fragments 85 km from Rio de Janeiro city. Intensive conservation actions, including reintroduction of zoo‐born tamarins, increased numbers to about 3700 in 2014. The most severe yellow fever epidemic/epizootic in Brazil in 80 years reduced two of the largest GLT populations by over 90%. Herein we report the results of a 2023 survey of GLTs designed to examine the dynamics of population recovery following yellow fever. Results indicate that populations hard hit by yellow fever are recovering due in part to immigration from adjacent forest fragments. No local extirpations were observed. About 4800 GLTs live in the survey area. This represents a 31% increase since the baseline survey completed in 2014. Two factors explain most of the increase: four large areas that had no GLTs or very low‐density populations in 2014 are now at moderate density (three areas) or low density (one area), explaining 71% of overall increase since 2014. Increase in forest area within our survey area may explain up to 16% of the increase in GLT numbers since 2014. Results of computer simulations suggest that strengthening forest connectivity will facilitate metapopulation resilience in the face of mortality factors such as yellow fever.
Effiziente enzymatische Synthese von Carbamaten in Wasser durch promiskuitive Esterasen/Acyltransferasen
Authors: Meinert Hannes , Oehlschläger Florian , Cziegler Clemens , Rockstroh Jan , Marzuoli Irene , Bisagni Serena , Lalk Michael , Bayer Thomas , Iding Hans , Bornscheuer Uwe T.
Published: May 2024

Die Biokatalyse bietet einen attraktiven Ansatz, um synthetische Reaktionen in wässriger Lösung zu ermöglichen. Motiviert durch die Entdeckung der vielseitigen Aminolyseaktivität von Esterasen haben wir die Esterase aus Pyrobaculum calidifontis VA1 (PestE) für die Synthese von Carbamaten aus verschiedenen aliphatischen, aromatischen und arylaliphatischen Aminen sowie einer Reihe von Carbonaten wie Dimethyl‐, Dibenzyl‐ oder Diallylcarbonat genutzt. So konnten Anilin‐ und Benzylaminderivate, aliphatische und sogar sekundäre Amine effizient in die entsprechenden Benzyloxycarbonyl (Cbz)‐ oder Allyloxycarbonyl (Alloc)‐geschützten Produkte in wässriger Lösung, mit (isolierten) Ausbeuten von bis zu 99 % umgesetzt werden.
Aromatic linker variations in novel dopamine D2 and D3 receptor ligands
Authors: Di Biase Cristian , Leitzbach Luisa , Frank Annika , Zivkovic Aleksandra , Stark Holger
Published: May 2024

Dopamine D2‐like receptors, especially D2 and D3 receptor subtypes, are important targets of antipsychotic agents. Many of these antipsychotics share an aliphatic linker element between a protonable amine group and an acyl‐like moiety. Here, we have modified this aliphatic linker into phenylmethyl and phenylethyl linkers substituted in different positions. The design, synthesis, and in vitro evaluation of 18 dopamine D2 and D3 receptor ligands were performed in this study. Using a radioligand displacement assay, all ligands were found to have modest nanomolar affinity to D2R and D3R. N‐(4‐{2‐[4‐(2‐Methoxyphenyl)piperazin‐1‐yl]ethyl}phenyl)acetamide (6c) demonstrates the highest D3R and D2R affinity values (pKi values of 7.83 [D2R] and 8.04 [D3R]), featuring a slight preference to D3R. This derivative can be taken as a reference structure for the development of a new class of D2R and D3R ligands.
Copper Catalyzed Borylation of Alkynes: An Experimental Mechanistic Study
Authors: Rutz Philipp M. , Kleeberg Christian
Published: May 2024

The copper catalyzed hydroboration of alkynes with B2pin2 was studied by in detail studies of individual relevant steps along the catalytic pathway. A number of reaction steps were retraced by in situ NMR spectroscopy as well as central intermediates and side‐products were isolated and comprehensively characterized. A copper boryl complex is central to the catalytic process by inserting the terminal alkyne substrate into the B−Cu bond. The selectivity of this step – depending on the NHC auxiliary ligand – determines the α/β selectivity observed in the product. The latter complex is protonated by the auxiliary alcohol reagent resulting in hydroboration product formation and formation of a Cu alkoxido complex. Reaction of the latter with B2pin2 results in the regeneration of the central copper boryl complex. This alcoholysis step depends on the acidity of the alcohol, in particular on the relative acidity of the alcohol vs. the alkyne substrate. A number of side reactions leading to the hydrogenation product of the alkyne substrate and a bis hydroborated product were identified and studied in some detail. It is concluded that the performance of a particular catalytic system depends crucially on the relative acidities of the reagents and generalizations may be difficult.
Hexagonal Halide Perovskite Cs2LiInCl6: Cation Ordering, Face‐Shared Octahedral Trimers and Mn2+ Luminescence
Authors: Wang Bingqi , Liu Pan , Fernández‐Carrión Alberto J. , Fu Hui , Zhu XiuHui , Ming Xing , You Weixiong , Xiao Zongliang , Tang Mingxue , Lei Xiuyun , Yin Congling , Kuang Xiaojun
Published: May 2024

The In‐based double perovskite halides have been widely studied for promising optical‐electric applications. The halide hexagonal perovskite Cs2LiInCl6 was isolated using solid‐state reactions and investigated using X‐ray diffraction and solid‐state NMR spectra. The material adopts a 12‐layered hexagonal structure (12R) consisting of layered cationic orders driven by the cationic charge difference and has Li+ cations in the terminal site and In3+ in the central site of face‐shared octahedron trimers. Such a cationic ordering pattern is stabilized by electrostatic repulsions between the next‐nearest neighboring cations in the trimers. The LiCl6 octahedron displays large distortion and is confirmed by 7Li SS NMR in the Cs2LiInCl6. The Cs2LiInCl6 material has a direct bandgap of ~4.98 eV. The Cs2LiInCl6: Mn2+ displays redshift luminescence (centered at ~610–622 nm) from the substituted Mn2+ emission in octahedron with larger PLQY (17.8 %–48 %) compared with that of Cs2NaInCl6: Mn2+. The Mn‐doped materials show luminescent concentration quenching and thermal quenching. The composition Cs2Li0.99In0.99Mn0.02Cl6 exhibits the highest PL intensity, a maximum PLQY of 48 %, and high luminescent retention rate of ~86 % below 400 K and is suitable for application for pc‐LED. These findings contribute to our understanding of the chloride perovskites and hold potential for widespread optical applications.
Exploring the public's beliefs, emotions and sentiments towards the adoption of the metaverse in education: A qualitative inquiry using big data
Authors: Mahmoud Ali B.
Published: May 2024

The metaverse is rapidly reshaping our understanding of education, yet identifying the public's beliefs, emotions and sentiments towards its adoption in education remains largely uncharted empirically. Grounded in the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Digital Diffusion Theory (DOI), this paper aims to fill this gap using a big‐data approach and machine learning to scrape comments made by social media users on recent popular posts or videos related to adopting the metaverse in education from three prominent social media platforms. The cleaning process narrowed down 11,024 comments to 4277, then analysed them using thematic, emotion and sentiment analysis techniques. The thematic analysis revealed that adopting the metaverse in education evokes a complex range of public beliefs: (1) innovative learning methods; (2) accessibility and inclusion; (3) concerns about quality and effectiveness; (4) technological challenges and the digital divide; (5) the future of work and skills; and (6) privacy and security concerns. Integrating these themes with emotion and sentiment analyses reveals a landscape of a significant portion of neutral sentiments that corroborates enthusiasm attenuated by caution. This careful consideration stresses the urgent need for a balanced approach to adopting the metaverse in education to ensure that resulting educational advancements benefit all learners equitably. As one of the first studies to offer a multidimensional view of the public's beliefs about metaverse education using big data, this research not only contributes to TAM and DOI but also provides critical insights that could inform policy, enhance educational practices and guide future scholarship in this emerging field.
Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) acquisitions: Deal structure and outcome
Authors: Gordano Silvia , Bauer Florian , King David R.
Published: May 2024

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) expectations from stakeholders affect firm decisions. We investigate ESG acquisitions with a focus on how a pre‐deal ESG gap influences how acquirers' structure ESG deals strategically and their outcomes in terms of combined ESG performance post‐acquisition. Drawing on relative capabilities and signaling research, with an international sample of 340 ESG deals, we find that acquirers with a higher ESG score relative to the target (i.e., low‐ESG acquisitions) are more likely to target smaller firms, use cash as method of payment, and complete deals faster. We also show that low‐ESG deals lead to an average increase in the combined entity's ESG performance in the 3 years after the acquisition, thus indicating ESG corrective acquisitions as an opportunity for ESG capabilities transfer and improvement. However, effects are influenced by an acquirer's embeddedness in the European institutional context where ESG stakeholder expectations are more developed.
Preparation of Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata Polysaccharide Iron(III) Complex and Evaluation of Its Biological Activity
Authors: Liu Si‐Mei , Liu Chong‐Ying , Chen Zi‐Long , Fang Yan , Jiao Fang‐Zheng , Zhang Li‐Hua , Zhang Ting‐Ting , Zhao Peng
Published: May 2024

This study extracted and purified a polysaccharide from Rehmanniae radix praeparata (RGP) with an average molecular weight. The structural characteristics of RGP and its iron (III) complex, RGP−Fe(III), were examined for their antioxidant properties and potential in treating iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Analysis revealed that RGP comprised Man, Rha, Gal, and Xyl, with a sugar residue skeleton featuring 1→3; 1→2, 3; and 1→2, 3, 4 linkages, among others. RGP−Fe(III) had a molecular weight of 4.39×104 Da. Notably, RGP−Fe(III) exhibited superior antioxidant activity compared to RGP alone. In IDA rat models, treatment with RGP−Fe(III) led to increased weight gain, restoration of key blood parameters including hemoglobin, red blood cells, and mean hemoglobin content, elevated serum iron levels, and decreased total iron‐binding capacity. Histological examination revealed no observable toxic effects of RGP−Fe(III) on the liver and spleen. These findings suggest the potential of RGP−Fe(III) as a therapeutic agent for managing IDA and highlight its promising antioxidant properties.
5’‐Methoxyarmillane, a Bioactive Sesquiterpenoid Aryl Ester from the Fungus Armillaria ostoyae
Authors: Orban Axel M. , Eichberg Johanna , Marner Michael , Breuer Sandra , Patras Maria A. , Mettal Ute , Schäberle Till F. , Rühl Martin
Published: May 2024

Higher fungi of the genus Armillaria belonging to the phylum Basidiomycota produce bioactive sesquiterpenoid aryl esters called melleolides. A bioactivity‐guided discovery process led to the identification of the new melleolide 5’‐methoxyarmillane (1) in organic extracts from the mycelium of Armillaria ostoyae. Remarkably, supplementation of rapeseed oil to the culture medium potato dextrose broth increased the production of 1 by a factor of six during the course of the 35 days fermentation. Compound 1 was isolated and its structure elucidated by UHPLC‐QTOF‐HR‐MS/MS and NMR spectroscopy. It showed toxicity against Madin‐Darby canine kidney II (MDCK II, IC50 19.2 μg/mL, 44.1 μM) and human lung cancer Calu‐3 cells (IC50 15.2 μg/mL, 34.9 μM) as well as moderate bioactivity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MIC 8 mg/mL, 18.4 μM) and Mycobacterium smegmatis (MIC 16 mg/mL, 36.8 μM), but not against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, and Septoria tritici. No inhibitory effects of 1 against the influenza viruses H3N2, H1N1pdm, B/Malaysia, and B/Massachusetts were observed.