bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tunable magnetic anisotropy of antiferromagnetic NiO in (Fe)/NiO/MgO/Cr/MgO(001) epitaxial multilayers
Authors: Janus W. , Ślęzak T. , Ślęzak M. , Szpytma M. , Dróżdż P. , Nayyef H. , Mandziak A. , Wilgocka-Ślęzak D. , Zając M. , Jugovac M. , Menteş T. O. , Locatelli A. , Kozioł-Rachwał A.
Published: March 2023

We report on the magnetic properties of antiferromagnetic NiO(001) thin films in epitaxially grown NiO/MgO(dMgO)/Cr/MgO(001) system for different thicknesses of MgO, dMgO. Results of X-ray Magnetic Linear Dichroism show that together with an increase of dMgO, rotation of NiO spins from in-plane towards out-of-plane direction occurs. Furthermore, we investigated how the proximity of Fe modifies the magnetic state of NiO in Fe/NiO/MgO(dMgO)/Cr/MgO(001). We proved the existence of a multidomain state in NiO as a result of competition between the ferromagnet/antiferromagnet exchange coupling and strain exerted on the NiO by the MgO buffer layer.
Full-color micro-LED display with photo-patternable and highly ambient-stable perovskite quantum dot/siloxane composite as color conversion layers
Authors: Shim Hyung Cheoul , Kim Juho , Park So Yeon , Kim Bong Sung , Jang Bongkyun , Lee Hak-Joo , Kim Areum , Hyun Seungmin , Kim Jae-Hyun
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we successfully fabricated color conversion layers (CCLs) for full-color-mico-LED display using a perovskite quantum dot (PQD)/siloxane composite by ligand exchanged PQD with silane composite followed by surface activation by an addition of halide-anion containing salt. Due to this surface activation, it was possible to construct the PQD surface with a silane ligand using a non-polar organic solvent that does not damage the PQD. As a result, the ligand-exchanged PQD with a silane compound exhibited high dispersibility in the siloxane matrix and excellent atmospheric stability due to sol–gel condensation. Based on highly ambient stable PQD/siloxane composite based CCLs, full-color micro-LED display has a 1 mm pixel pitch, about 25.4 pixels per inch (PPI) resolution was achieved. In addition, due to the thin thickness of the black matrix to prevent blue light interference, the possibility of a flexible display that can be operated without damage even with a bending radius of 5 mm was demonstrated.
Application of the electrical resistivity tomography in groundwater detection on loess plateau
Authors: Wu Jiaqi , Dai Fuchu , Liu Pan , Huang Zhiquan , Meng Lingchao
Published: March 2023

Agricultural irrigation of the South Jingyang tableland in Shaanxi Province, China has led to a continuous rise of the groundwater level and has triggered a series of loess landslides, thereby seriously affecting the life and property safety of local residents. Research shows that the major cause of the landslide in the loess layer of the South Jingyang tableland is the rising groundwater level. Therefore, the research on the formation mechanism of landslide in this area should include the investigation of the stratigraphic structure and groundwater level distribution characteristics. On this basis, a series of approaches, such as electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), borehole, and laboratory tests, was carried out on the South Jingyang tableland, and the groundwater level distribution and stratigraphic structure in the study area were determined. The qualitative relationship between resistivity value and water content at different depths was detected using the inversion results of ERT and borehole data. Through laboratory tests, the quantitative relationship between resistivity values under different water contents was established. The precise depth of the groundwater level was inferred by connecting the qualitative relationship with the quantitative relationship, and then a detailed 3D geological model was established by linking the inversion results of ERT with the field borehole lithology data and geological survey data. The detection results show that when the qualitative and quantitative analyses of the ERT inversion results were combined, the distribution of the groundwater level was accurately judged. The ERT is effective in reflecting the stratigraphic structure and hydrological characteristics of the Loess Plateau, and its potential as a supplementary technology for detecting the groundwater level is reasonable. This study addresses the limitation and inaccuracy in determining the stratum structure and groundwater level by solely relying on borehole information or ERT. The established 3D geological model not only provides a basis for the study of groundwater table fluctuation, but also a technical guidance for the stability evaluation of loess slope, landslide prediction, and early warning in the study area.
Distribution and association of interpregnancy weight change with subsequent pregnancy outcomes in Asian women
Authors: Ku Chee Wai , Cheng Tuck Seng , Ku Chee Onn , Zhou Kathy Xinzhuo , Cheung Yin Bun , Godfrey Keith M. , Han Wee Meng , Yap Fabian , Chan Jerry Kok Yen , Loy See Ling
Published: March 2023

The extent of interpregnancy weight change and its association with subsequent pregnancy outcomes among Asians remain unclear. We examined changes in maternal body mass index (BMI) between the first two deliveries and outcomes in the second delivery. Medical records of women with their first two consecutive deliveries between 2015 and 2020 at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore were retrieved. Gestational-age-adjusted BMI was determined by standardising to 12 weeks gestation and interpregnancy BMI change was calculated as the difference between both pregnancies. Pregnancy outcomes were analysed using modified Poisson regression models. Of 6264 included women with a median interpregnancy interval of 1.44 years, 40.7% had a stable BMI change within ± 1 kg/m2, 10.3% lost > 1 kg/m2, 34.3% gained 1–3 kg/m2 and 14.8% gained ≥ 3 kg/m2. Compared to women with stable BMI change, those with > 1 kg/m2 loss had higher risk of low birthweight (adjusted risk ratio [RR] 1.36; 95% confidence interval 1.02–1.80), while those with 1–3 kg/m2 gain had higher risks of large-for-gestational-age birth (1.16; 1.03–1.31), gestational diabetes (1.25; 1.06–1.49) and emergency Caesarean delivery (1.16; 1.03–1.31); these risks were higher in those with ≥ 3 kg/m2 gain. Our study strengthens the case for interpregnancy weight management to improve subsequent pregnancy outcomes.
The creep model based on nonlinear Newton body under different temperature conditions
Authors: Zhang Lixin , Wei Xiujie , Zhang Yin
Published: March 2023

Mastering the creep deformation characteristics of rock under different temperature conditions is of great significance for studying the long-term stability and deformation mechanism of geotechnical engineering. Based on the classical Burgers model, the creep model under different temperature conditions is established by introducing a nonlinear Newton body. The parameters of the creep model are identified and the influence law of different parameters on rock creep deformation is analyzed. The relationship between model parameters and temperature is quantitatively expressed. The results show that the newly established model can describe the characteristics of the rock in the decay creep stage and the constant creep stage, especially can quantitatively characterize the relationship between the strain and the time of the rock in the tertiary creep under different temperatures conditions. The model fitting curve is highly consistent with the test data, and the correlation coefficient R2 is above 0.98, which thoroughly verifies the accuracy and rationality of the model. It is found that when the temperature is constant, the creep increases with the increase of the shear modulus of the elastomer G1, the shear modulus of the viscoelastic body G2, and the viscosity coefficient of the viscous body η1 in the constant creep stage. The decay creep property of rock is more obvious with the increase of the viscosity coefficient η2, and the axial strain tends to a constant value. The achievement can be used to predict the deformation trend of geotechnical engineering with time under different temperature conditions and provide the theoretical basis for long-term stability analysis.
Extracellular vesicle-associated microRNA signatures related to lymphovascular invasion in early-stage lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Shimada Yoshihisa , Yoshioka Yusuke , Kudo Yujin , Mimae Takahiro , Miyata Yoshihiro , Adachi Hiroyuki , Ito Hiroyuki , Okada Morihito , Ohira Tatsuo , Matsubayashi Jun , Ochiya Takahiro , Ikeda Norihiko
Published: March 2023

Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) is a fundamental step toward the spread of cancer. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) promote cellular communication by shuttling cargo, such as microRNAs (miRNAs). However, whether EV-associated miRNAs serve as biomarkers for LVI remains unclear. This study aimed to identify EV-associated miRNAs related to LVI and validate the miRNA levels from patients with early-stage lung adenocarcinoma (LADC). Blood samples were collected from patients undergoing pulmonary resection for stage I LADC before surgery. The patients were classified into three groups according to the presence of LVI and postoperative recurrence. Serum-derived EVs in the derivation cohort were used for small RNA sequencing, while the selected LVI miRNA candidates were validated via real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction using 44 patient and 16 healthy donor samples as the validation cohorts. Five miRNAs (miR-99b-3p, miR-26a-5p, miR-93-5p, miR-30d-5p, and miR-365b-3p) were assessed, and miR-30d-5p (p = 0.036) levels were significantly downregulated in the LVI-positive group. miR-30d-5p levels in healthy donors were lower than those in LADC patients. Patients with high miR-30d-5p levels had favorable survival compared to those with low miR-30d-5p levels. miR-30d-5p level in EVs may serve as a promising biomarker for detecting LVI in patients with early-stage LADC.
New insights into the neuroprotective and beta-secretase1 inhibitor profiles of tirandamycin B isolated from a newly found Streptomyces composti sp. nov.
Authors: Duangupama Thitikorn , Pratuangdejkul Jaturong , Chongruchiroj Sumet , Pittayakhajonwut Pattama , Intaraudom Chakapong , Tadtong Sarin , Nunthanavanit Patcharawee , Samee Weerasak , He Ya-Wen , Tanasupawat Somboon , Thawai Chitti
Published: March 2023

Tirandamycin (TAM B) is a tetramic acid antibiotic discovered to be active on a screen designed to find compounds with neuroprotective activity. The producing strain, SBST2-5T, is an actinobacterium that was isolated from wastewater treatment bio–sludge compost collected from Suphanburi province, Thailand. Taxonomic characterization based on a polyphasic approach indicates that strain SBST2-5Tis a member of the genusStreptomycesand shows low average nucleotide identity (ANI) (81.7%), average amino-acid identity (AAI) (78.5%), and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) (25.9%) values to its closest relative,Streptomyces thermoviolaceusNBRC 13905T, values that are significantly below the suggested cut-off values for the species delineation, indicating that strain SBST2-5Tcould be considered to represent a novel species of the genusStreptomyces. The analysis of secondary metabolites biosynthetic gene clusters (smBGCs) in its genome and chemical investigation led to the isolation of TAM B. Interestingly, TAM B at 20 µg/mL displayed a suppressive effect on beta-secretase 1 (BACE1) with 68.69 ± 8.84% inhibition. Molecular docking simulation reveals the interaction mechanism between TAM B and BACE1 that TAM B was buried in the pocket of BACE-1 by interacting with amino acids Thr231, Asp 228, Gln73, Lys 107 via hydrogen bond and Leu30, Tyr71, Phe108, Ile118 via hydrophobic interaction, indicating that TAM B represents a potential active BACE1 inhibitor. Moreover, TAM B can protect the neuron cells significantly (% neuron viability = 83.10 ± 9.83% and 112.72 ± 6.83%) from oxidative stress induced by serum deprivation and Aβ1–42administration models at 1 ng/mL, respectively, without neurotoxicity on murine P19-derived neuron cells nor cytotoxicity against Vero cells. This study was reportedly the first study to show the neuroprotective and BACE1 inhibitory activities of TAM B.
Evaluation of aerosols in a simulated orthodontic debanding procedure
Authors: Pratt Alessandra , Eckermann Nile , Venugopalan Shankar Rengasamy , Uribe Lina Moreno , Barlow Lauren , Nonnenmann Matthew
Published: March 2023

Dental practitioners may be at risk for exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 when performing aerosol generating procedures. Though recent evidence suggests that coronavirus may be transmitted through aerosol generating procedures, it is unknown whether common procedures performed in dental clinics generate aerosol. The aim of this study was to simultaneously quantify airborne concentrations of the bacteriophage MS2 near the oral cavity of a dental mannequin and behind personal protective equipment (i.e., face shield) of the practitioner during a simulated orthodontic debanding procedure. A deband was performed eight times on a dental mannequin. Optical particle counters and SKC Biosamplers were used to measure particle concentration and to collect virus aerosol generated during the procedure, both near the oral cavity and behind the orthodontists face shield. A plaque assay was used to determine the viable virus airborne concentration. When comparing the two measuring locations, near the oral cavity and behind the clinician’s face shield, there was no statistically significant difference of virus concentrations or particle size distribution. This study suggests that debanding under these conditions generates live virus aerosol and a face shield does not provide increased protection from virus aerosol, but does provide some protection against splatter during the procedure.
Clinical significance of serum levels of 14-3-3β protein in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Wang Decai , Rao Lizong , Lei Huiren , Li Wencui , Yu Qiufang , Li Wei , Wei Jianghong , Xu Shuyun , Mo Biwen
Published: March 2023

Nowadays, the diagnosis and treatment of COPD are often based on the results of lung function tests. Certain individuals, however, are not candidates for lung function testing due to pulmonary bullae, cardiac failure, low lung function, and other factors. Therefore, we evaluated whether serum tyrosine3-monooxygenase/tryptophan5-monooxygenase activation protein β (14-3-3β) could be a biomarker for the diagnosis of stable COPD patients. The expression of serum 14-3-3β protein was evaluated by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The association between its concentrations and clinical parameters of stable COPD patients were analyzed by correlation analysis and ROC curve. The results before propensity score matching (PSM) showed that serum 14-3-3β protein concentrations (ng/ml) in stable COPD patients were significantly higher than in healthy controls (P < 0.001). Furthermore, serum 14-3-3β protein concentrations were higher in GOLD 3&4 COPD patients compared with healthy participants, GOLD 1 and GOLD 2 COPD patients (P < 0.05), which shows that the concentration of 14-3-3β protein correlates with disease severity in stable COPD patients. After 1:1 PSM, there was also a statistically significant rise in 14–3-3 protein levels in stable COPD patients compared to healthy controls (P < 0.01). Serum 14-3-3β protein levels were positively correlated with blood neutrophil levels (P < 0.05), and negatively related to lung function parameters in stable COPD patients (P < 0.01). When the cutoff value was set at 29.53 ng/ml, the ROC curve yielded a sensitivity of 84.9% and a specificity of 68.3% for diagnosing stable COPD. The 14-3-3β protein may be a potential serum biomarker for the diagnosis of stable COPD patients, which is associated with disease severity, systemic inflammation, and small airway obstruction.
Automated deep learning for classification of dental implant radiographs using a large multi-center dataset
Authors: Park Wonse , Huh Jong-Ki , Lee Jae-Hong
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of automated deep learning (DL) algorithm for identifying and classifying various types of dental implant systems (DIS) using a large-scale multicenter dataset. Dental implant radiographs of pos-implant surgery were collected from five college dental hospitals and 10 private dental clinics, and validated by the National Information Society Agency and the Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Implantology. The dataset contained a total of 156,965 panoramic and periapical radiographic images and comprised 10 manufacturers and 27 different types of DIS. The accuracy, precision, recall, F1 score, and confusion matrix were calculated to evaluate the classification performance of the automated DL algorithm. The performance metrics of the automated DL based on accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score for 116,756 panoramic and 40,209 periapical radiographic images were 88.53%, 85.70%, 82.30%, and 84.00%, respectively. Using only panoramic images, the DL algorithm achieved 87.89% accuracy, 85.20% precision, 81.10% recall, and 83.10% F1 score, whereas the corresponding values using only periapical images achieved 86.87% accuracy, 84.40% precision, 81.70% recall, and 83.00% F1 score, respectively. Within the study limitations, automated DL shows a reliable classification accuracy based on large-scale and comprehensive datasets. Moreover, we observed no statistically significant difference in accuracy performance between the panoramic and periapical images. The clinical feasibility of the automated DL algorithm requires further confirmation using additional clinical datasets.
A time-varying approach to the nexus between environmental related technologies, renewable energy consumption and environmental sustainability in South Africa
Authors: Adebayo Tomiwa Sunday , Uhunamure Solomon Eghosa , Shale Karabo
Published: March 2023

Ecological degradation is a major challenge for all nations. The problem is particularly worrying for South Africa, which has recently suffered from various ecological catastrophes. Thus, the empirical study evaluates the nexus between CO2 emissions and financial development, renewable energy, economic growth and environmental-related technologies in South Africa utilizing data between 1980 and 2020. We employed autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) and time-varying causality to evaluate these connections. The results from the ARDL show that financial development and environmental-related technologies lessen CO2 emissions while economic progress intensifies CO2 emissions. Surprisingly, renewable energy does not mitigate CO2 emissions. Furthermore, the time-varying causality shows that all the independent variables can forecast CO2 emissions at different sub-periods. Finally, our results are resilient to various policy ramifications useful in reducing CO2 emissions and associated adverse ecological consequences.
A mixed-methods study exploring women’s perceptions and recommendations for a pregnancy app with monitoring tools
Authors: Lazarevic Natasa , Pizzuti Carol , Rosic Gillian , Bœhm Céline , Williams Kathryn , Caillaud Corinne
Published: March 2023

Digital health tools such as apps are being increasingly used by women to access pregnancy-related information. Conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study investigated: (i) pregnant women’s current usage of digital health tools to self-monitor and (ii) their interest in theoretical pregnancy app features (a direct patient-to-healthcare-professional communication tool and a body measurement tool). Using a mixed methods approach, 108 pregnant women were surveyed and 15 currently or recently pregnant women were interviewed online. We found that pregnant women used digital health tools to mainly access pregnancy related information and less so to self-monitor. Most participants were interested and enthusiastic about a patient-to-healthcare-professional communication tool. About half of the survey participants (49%) felt comfortable using a body measurement tool to monitor their body parts and 80% of interview participants were interested in using the body measurement to track leg/ankle swelling. Participants also shared additional pregnancy app features that they thought would be beneficial such as a “Digital Wallet” and a desire for a holistic pregnancy app that allowed for more continuous and personalised care. This study highlights the gaps and needs of pregnant women and should inform all stakeholders designing pregnancy digital healthcare. This study offers a unique insight into the needs of pregnant women during a very particular and unique period in human history.
Virtual excavation and analysis of the early Neanderthal cranium from Altamura (Italy)
Authors: Profico Antonio , Buzi Costantino , Di Vincenzo Fabio , Boggioni Marco , Borsato Andrea , Boschian Giovanni , Marchi Damiano , Micheli Mario , Cecchi Jacopo Moggi , Samadelli Marco , Tafuri Mary Anne , Arsuaga Juan Luis , Manzi Giorgio
Published: March 2023

Complete Neanderthal skeletons are almost unique findings. A very well-preserved specimen of this kind was discovered in 1993 in the deepest recesses of a karstic system near the town of Altamura in Southern Italy. We present here a detailed description of the cranium, after we virtually extracted it from the surrounding stalagmites and stalactites. The morphology of the Altamura cranium fits within the Neanderthal variability, though it retains features occurring in more archaic European samples. Some of these features were never observed inHomo neanderthalensis, i.e. in fossil specimens dated between 300 and 40 ka. Considering the U-Th age we previously obtained (>130 ka), the morphology of Altamura suggests that the archaic traits it retains may have been originated by geographic isolation of the early Neanderthal populations from Southern Italy.
Atmospheric concentrations of black carbon are substantially higher in spring than summer in the Arctic
Authors: Jurányi Zsófia , Zanatta Marco , Lund Marianne T. , Samset Bjørn H. , Skeie Ragnhild B. , Sharma Sangeeta , Wendisch Manfred , Herber Andreas
Published: March 2023

A key driving factor behind rapid Arctic climate change is black carbon, the atmospheric aerosol that most efficiently absorbs sunlight. Our knowledge about black carbon in the Arctic is scarce, mainly limited to long-term measurements of a few ground stations and snap-shots by aircraft observations. Here, we combine observations from aircraft campaigns performed over nine years, and present vertically resolved average black carbon properties. A factor of four higher black carbon mass concentration (21.6 ng m−3average, 14.3 ng m−3median) was found in spring, compared to summer (4.7 ng m−3average, 3.9 ng m−3median). In spring, much higher inter-annual and geographic variability prevailed compared to the stable situation in summer. The shape of the black carbon size distributions remained constant between seasons with an average mass mean diameter of 202 nm in spring and 210 nm in summer. Comparison between observations and concentrations simulated by a global model shows notable discrepancies, highlighting the need for further model developments and intensified measurements.
Joint COVID-19 and influenza-like illness forecasts in the United States using internet search information
Authors: Ma Simin , Ning Shaoyang , Yang Shihao
Published: March 2023

Background

As the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic continues, severe seasonal Influenza (flu) may happen alongside COVID-19. This could cause a “twindemic”, in which there are additional burdens on health care resources and public safety compared to those occurring in the presence of a single infection. Amidst the raising trend of co-infections of the two diseases, forecasting both Influenza-like Illness (ILI) outbreaks and COVID-19 waves in a reliable and timely manner becomes more urgent than ever. Accurate and real-time joint prediction of the twindemic aids public health organizations and policymakers in adequate preparation and decision making. However, in the current pandemic, existing ILI and COVID-19 forecasting models face shortcomings under complex inter-disease dynamics, particularly due to the similarities in symptoms and healthcare-seeking patterns of the two diseases.

Methods

Inspired by the interconnection between ILI and COVID-19 activities, we combine related internet search and bi-disease time series information for the U.S. national level and state level forecasts. Our proposed ARGOX-Joint-Ensemble adopts a new ensemble framework that integrates ILI and COVID-19 disease forecasting models to pool the information between the two diseases and provide joint multi-resolution and multi-target predictions. Through a winner-takes-all ensemble fashion, our framework is able to adaptively select the most predictive COVID-19 or ILI signals.

Results

In the retrospective evaluation, our model steadily outperforms alternative benchmark methods, and remains competitive with other publicly available models in both point estimates and probabilistic predictions (including intervals).

Conclusions

The success of our approach illustrates that pooling information between the ILI and COVID-19 leads to improved forecasting models than individual models for either of the disease.
The Mitotic Spindle as Active Machinery
Authors: Gouveia Bernardo , Stone Howard A. , Petry Sabine
Published: March 2023

The mitotic spindle is an exquisite microtubule-based molecular machine self-organized for the purpose of capturing and segregating chromosomes during cell division. We examine the active processes at play in assembling and maintaining a functioning spindle. In particular, we focus on the regulation of microtubule length through dynamic instability, spatiotemporal regulation of microtubule nucleation, and active flows of microtubules generated by molecular motors. These core themes of dynamics, nucleation, and transport form the fundamental biophysical building blocks based on which the spindle is built. We then address the emerging idea of intracellular phase separation and protein condensation that has the potential to reshape how we think about these core active processes.
Practical Aspects for SPME Method Development in Complex Samples
Authors: Kasperkiewicz A. , Lendor S. , Gionfriddo E.
Published: March 2023

Analysis of complex samples by SPME is feasible and brings undisputable advantages compared to other analytical extraction methodologies. It is critical to understand, however, the delicate interplay between the analytes and sample components and how they can be affected by each parameter involved in the method optimization, which in turn leads to varied recoveries of the analytes by a microextraction device. In addition, special tuning of the method is required according to the instrumentation used for separation and/or detection. This chapter describes practical aspects of SPME method development for complex samples and addresses challenges and solutions for the ex vivo and in vivo sampling of biological, environmental, and food samples subjected to analysis via hyphenated LC or GC techniques as well as direct-to-MS.
Solid Phase Microextraction for Trace Element Determination: The Fiber and Its Evolution
Authors: Pagliano Enea , Mester Zoltán
Published: March 2023

Trace element determination and speciation at the part-per-trillion level (ng L−1) are challenging for most elemental detectors and become harder when complex samples are analyzed. Solid phase microextraction (SPME) can provide matrix separation along with analyte preconcentration which are essential steps to obtain interference free and measurable signals for quantitation of inorganics at these low levels. Fiber SPME was introduced first and it is still an indispensable tool for Hg and Sn speciation, and for the analysis of volatile organometallic metabolites. In recent years, several other SPME approaches have been employed for inorganic analysis, including in-tube SPME, capillary microextraction, hollow fiber SPME, micropipette tip SPME, SPME on a stir bar, SPME on a microfluidic device and dispersive SPME. A significant advancement in coatings has closely followed the developments of novel SPME formats: at this time a number of nanocomposites and polymers were available enabling the microextraction of most transition metal ions, directly in solution, without the need for derivatization.
Untargeted and Targeted Analysis by Using Innovative and Automated SPME Methods Combined with Various Chromatographic Techniques
Authors: Micalizzi Giuseppe , Zoccali Mariosimone , Trovato Emanuela , Mondello Luigi
Published: March 2023

This book chapter focuses on the use and the coupling of solid phase microextraction (SPME) to chromatography techniques such as gas chromatography (GC) and liquid chromatography (HPLC). SPME has a prominent position among sample preparation methods, because it is a simple, sensitive, rapid, and solvent-free technique, suitable for the extraction of polar and non-polar compounds from gaseous, liquid, and solid samples. The possibility of using different stationary phases suitable for volatile and non-volatile molecules makes this technique ideal for GC and HPLC applications. Within this chapter, the development of new fiber coatings with higher extraction efficiency, selectivity, and stability is presented, as well as the on-line coupling of SPME to chromatographic instruments which has made this technique suitable for the extraction of targeted and untargeted compounds. Great attention is also paid to the coupling of SPME with most common mass spectrometry (MS) instruments, as well as with universal and selective detectors useful for revealing targeted and untargeted chemical species. Furthermore, the use of the SPME technique hyphenated with comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC × GC) separation is discussed as an alternative approach to conventional GC for analysing compounds of interest in targeted and untargeted modes.
Different Approaches Based on Solid-phase Microextraction for the Determination of Personal Care Products
Authors: Llompart M. , Celeiro M. , Alvarez-Rivera G. , Lamas J. P.
Published: March 2023

Personal care products (PCPs) are a diverse group of household chemical compounds employed for beauty, health, and cleaning purposes. After their use, a significant amount of these products goes down the drain and large quantities enter the environment daily due to their incomplete removal in wastewater treatment plants. In the environment, they are considered pollutants of emerging concern, and many efforts are being made to develop methodologies enabling their determination at trace levels. Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) is a well-established green solvent free extraction technique with a large number of applications in different fields. In this chapter, some pioneering and/or innovative SPME methodologies and applications for the determination of PCPs in different environment compartments (water, solid matrices, and air), mainly developed by our research group, as well as in cosmetic samples, are presented. In addition, the potential of SPME in accomplishing photodegradation studies is shown.
An Overview of Established SPME Based Methods by EPA, ISO, and ASTM
Authors: Lashgari M. , Pawliszyn J.
Published: March 2023

This chapter offers an overview of analytical methods based on SPME which are currently recommended by regulatory organizations for being used in routine analysis. Moreover, it gives an overview of the conducted comparative inter-laboratory studies which have been carried out to date to show that SPME methods are capable of yielding comparable – if not superior results – to those obtained by conventional methods. This could be considered as a promising step for increasing the adoption of SPME in recommended operating procedures by regulatory agencies, while SPME methods continue to be developed, optimized, validated, and commercialized.
Understanding and optimising the transfection of lipopolyplexes formulated in saline: the effects of peptide and serum
Authors: Cui Lili , Kudsiova Laila , Campbell Frederick , Barlow David J. , Hailes Helen C. , Tabor Alethea B. , Lawrence M. Jayne
Published: March 2023

Lipopolyplexes formulated from branched cationic peptides with cell receptor targeting sequences, DOTMA and DOPE, and plasmid DNA in the presence of saline form multilamellar nanoparticles with enhanced stability and transfection in serum.
Design of gold catalysts for activation of H2 and H-donor molecules: transfer hydrogenation and CO2 hydrogenation
Authors: Fiorio Jhonatan Luiz , Borges Lais Reis , Neves-Garcia Tomaz , Kikuchi Danielle Kimie , Guerra Raíza Rosa Garcia , Rossi Liane Marcia
Published: March 2023

Gold catalysis can play an important role in selective hydrogenation, transfer hydrogenation and valorization of carbon dioxide into valuable chemicals.
A new strategy for improving cytotoxicity of a copper complex toward metastatic melanoma cells unveiled by EPR spectroscopy
Authors: Vieira Eduardo Guimarães , Fazzi Rodrigo Boni , Martins Daniel O. T. A. , Sheveleva Alena M. , Tuna Floriana , da Costa Ferreira Ana Maria
Published: March 2023

An oxindolimine-copper(ii) complex with antitumor properties was immobilized in a silica matrix, and verified to be more active and selective due the formation of a dinuclear species, unveiled by continuous wave and pulsed EPR spectroscopy.
Time–temperature superposition for kinetic mapping of solventless autocatalytic addition of diisocyanates and macrodiols
Authors: Asadauskas Svajus Joseph , Nemaniutė Paulina , Bražinskienė Dalia , Eicher-Lorka Olegas , Verney Vincent
Published: March 2023

Time–temperature superposition was used to process the values of unreacted isocyanate fractions from several temperatures. TTS method application might allow the prediction of kinetic trends without the need for a large volume of accurate data.
Crystallization-based downstream processing of ω-transaminase- and amine dehydrogenase-catalyzed reactions
Authors: Belov Feodor , Mildner Andrea , Knaus Tanja , Mutti Francesco G. , von Langermann Jan
Published: March 2023

This study highlights the use of selective crystallization as a downstream-processing concept for amine products from biocatalytic reactions.
Plasmonic and metamaterial biosensors: a game-changer for virus detection
Authors: Wang Junfei , Xu Zhenyu , Kotsifaki Domna G.
Published: March 2023

We highlight several nanostructures schemes to combat virus-related diseases.
Synergistic effect of polyaniline on stabilizing Pt nanoparticles in PEMFCs
Authors: Li Chenzhao , Zhu Limin , Song Liang , Zhu Guangqi , Zhang Qi , Zhao Yuyue , Gong Qing , Sun Chengjun , Liu Yuzi , Sasaki Kotaro , Xie Jian
Published: March 2023

PANI-grafted carbon supports can stabilize Pt nanoparticles (NPs) during PEMFC operation. The location of the NPs depends on PANI loading, with only optimal PANI loading (33 wt%) holding the NPs close to the carbon surface – enhancing the stability.
mRNA therapeutics for disease therapy: principles, delivery, and clinical translation
Authors: Zhou Da-Wei , Wang Ke , Zhang Ying-Ao , Ma Ke , Yang Xiao-Chun , Li Zhen-Yi , Yu Shou-Shan , Chen Ke-Zheng , Qiao Sheng-Lin
Published: March 2023

This review provides an overview of the latest research progress in mRNA structural optimization strategies and their delivery systems, and discusses key considerations for their future clinical use.
Organic copolymer lasing from single defect microcavity fabricated using laser patterning
Authors: Claronino Peter , Jayaprakash Rahul , Jessewitsch Till , Kilbride Rachel C. , Thornber Timothy , Muravitskaya Alina , Oliver Robert D. J. , Scherf Ullrich , Bouillard Jean-Sebastien G. , Adawi Ali M. , Lidzey David G.
Published: March 2023

This study uses a laser patterning setup to write defect structures into a conjugated polymer microcavity. We show that the defect enhances optical confinement and reduces the lasing threshold.
Green polymer hydrogels from a natural monomer with inherent antioxidative capability for efficient wound healing and spinal cord injury treatment
Authors: Du Jiaqiang , Wang Fang , Li Jiaxi , Yang Yuxuan , Guo Dong , Zhang Yanfeng , Yang Aimin , He Xijing , Cheng Yilong
Published: March 2023

An advanced hydrogel with potent antioxidative capability has been developed by one-step polymerization of α-lipoic acid. The hydrogel can accelerate skin wound healing and spinal cord injury recovery through the regulation of reactive oxygen species.
Current status and prospects of MOFs in controlled delivery of Pt anticancer drugs
Authors: Chen Jinyi , Zhang Zhixin , Ma Jiaxin , Nezamzadeh-Ejhieh Alireza , Lu Chengyu , Pan Ying , Liu Jianqiang , Bai Zhi
Published: March 2023

This review focuses on the application of platinum as an anticancer drug and the MOF materials loading platinum species; the prospect for its future development is also discussed.
Single-atom catalysts for catalytic benzene oxidation to phenol: recent progress and future perspectives
Authors: Zhao Yitao , Cao Hongmei , Tao Lei , Qiao Zhiyong , Ding Changming
Published: March 2023

A comprehensive review with a particular focus on the significant roles of single atom sites and supports played in the substantial improvement of catalytic activity and selectivity towards the oxidation of benzene to phenol, is organized.
One-pot synthesis of gamma-graphyne supported Pd nanoparticles with high catalytic activity
Authors: He Shan , Wu Bin , Xia Ziwei , Guo Panxiang , Li Yao , Song Shiqiang
Published: March 2023

Highly catalytically active palladium nanoparticles loaded on γ-graphyne with a two-dimensional structure were synthesized under mild conditions by using a new one-pot method.
A high responsivity, high detectivity, and high response speed MSM UVB photodetector based on SnO2 microwires
Authors: Fu Rongpeng , Jiang Xue , Wang Yuefei , Xia Danyang , Li Bingsheng , Ma Jiangang , Xu Haiyang , Shen Aidong , Liu Yichun
Published: March 2023

We report a high performance UVB photodetector with a metal–semiconductor–metal device structure based on high crystal quality SnO2 microwires prepared by chemical vapor deposition.
In situ annealing achieves an ultrafast synthesis of high coercive strontium ferrite foams and beyond
Authors: Han Guanghui , Li Menggang , He Lin , Xu Ao , Chen Xiaolong , Yang Weiwei , Liu Yequn , Yu Yongsheng
Published: March 2023

Porous strontium ferrite foams with a huge coercivity up to 23.35 kOe were prepared by ultrafast in situ annealing using an auto-combustion strategy. This method is feasible for the ultrafast synthesis of a wide range of other oxide foams.
Water-soluble polymers with aggregation-induced emission and ultra-long room temperature phosphorescence
Authors: Zhang Qinbin , Huang Chuan , Zhang Yichuan , Guo Mingming
Published: March 2023

Achieving sky blue fluorescence emission and durable green RTP emission materials under air conditions by free radical polymerization.
Promising transition metal decorated borophene catalyst for water splitting
Authors: Wang Rongzhi , Zheng Jin-Cheng
Published: March 2023

Promising Ni metal decorated borophene catalyst for water splitting.
Application of biocompatible and ultrastable superparamagnetic iron(iii) oxide nanoparticles doped with magnesium for efficient magnetic fluid hyperthermia in lung cancer cells
Authors: Nowicka Anna M. , Ruzycka-Ayoush Monika , Kasprzak Artur , Kowalczyk Agata , Bamburowicz-Klimkowska Magdalena , Sikorska Malgorzata , Sobczak Kamil , Donten Mikolaj , Ruszczynska Anna , Nowakowska Julita , Grudzinski Ireneusz P.
Published: March 2023

Iron(iii) oxide nanoparticles doped with magnesium exposed to an alternating magnetic field induced cytotoxic effects on lung cancer cells (A549).
Treating a Young Child Who Stutters' Lateral Lisp: A Case Study
Authors: Singer Cara , Martin Ellianne
Published: March 2023

Purpose:

This case study describes treatment recommendations for young children who stutter who present with articulation (i.e., motor-based) errors impacting the child's ability or desire to communicate. Recommendations for children who stutter with speech sound disorders have previously focused on phonological (e.g., language-based) errors; however, remediation of motor-based errors require a more direct treatment approach.

Method:

The case is a 3-year-old female who stutters with concomitant lateralized productions of sibilants, including /s/ and /z/. A literature review was conducted when developing the treatment plan to identify treatment elements that might best support the child's development of her speech sound skills and overall communication. Evaluation results and treatment progress data are reported across 8 months of treatment.

Results:

As a result of the provided motor-based approach with modifications to facilitate a positive speaking environment, the child improved her production of sibilants at the word level from 69% occurrence of lateralizations to 9%, her attitudes about her communication improved, and her stuttering severity remained the same.

Conclusion:

A motor-based treatment plan to improve speech sound accuracy is appropriate when working with a child who stutters with articulation errors. Individualized treatment plans should consider the motoric and emotional demands on the child during the sessions to limit the potential interaction between the speech sound treatment and stuttering. Several treatment options are discussed to help clinicians tailor treatment plans to the needs of individual children.
Association of postoperative atrial fibrillation with higher dosing ratios of protamine-to-heparin
Authors: Yamada Yasuharu , Iemura Junzo , Kambara Atushi , Tateishi Noboru , Kozaki Yuji , Yamada Masako , Maruyama Junko , Azuma Eiichi
Published: March 2023

Background: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is defined as new-onset AF in the immediate postoperative period. The relatively high incidence of POAF after cardiac surgery is well described, but pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the initiation, maintenance, and progression of POAF may be multifactorial and have not yet been comprehensively characterized. One of the mechanisms includes altered Ca2+kinetics. Accumulating evidence has suggested that altered atrial cytosolic calcium handling contributes to the development of POAF, protamine reversibly modulates the calcium release channel/ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2) and voltage-dependent cardiac RyR2. However, it is currently unknown whether such abnormalities contribute to the arrhythmogenic substrate predisposing patients to the development of POAF.Methods: We have retrospectively analyzed 147 patients who underwent cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass support. Of these, 40 patients were excluded from the analysis because of pre-existing AF. All patients received heparin followed by protamine at different dosing ratios of protamine-to-heparin, depending on the periods studied.Results: The dosing ratio of protamine-to-heparin = 1.0 was compared with higher dosing ratios of protamine-to-heparin >1.0 up to 1.7. POAF developed in 15 patients (15/107 = 14%), of these, 5 out of 57 patients (33.3%) in the dosing ratio of protamine-to-heparin = 1.0 and 10 out of 35 patients (66.7%) in the higher dosing ratios of protamine-to-heparin. Statistical significance was observed in patients with higher dosing ratios of protamine-to-heparin, compared with the dosing ratio of protamine-to-heparin = 1.0 (odds ratio = 3.890, 95% CI = 1.130–13.300,p-value = 0.031). When types of diseases were analyzed in terms of higher dosing ratios of protamine-to-heparin, only valvular disorders were significantly associated with POAF (p = 0.04).Conclusions: Protamine is clinically utilized to reverse heparin overdose and has been shown to display immunological and inflammatory alterations. However, its association with POAF has not been reported. Our results provide evidence that higher dosing ratios of protamine-to-heparin may increase the incidence of POAF.
Selen und Zink bei Autoimmunerkrankungen
Authors: Schomburg Lutz
Published: March 2023

In der Prävention und Therapie von Autoimmunerkrankungen spielen Selen
und Zink eine wichtige Rolle. Wie die beiden Spurenelemente die Immunzellen
beeinflussen, welche Bedeutung oxidativer Stress hat und inwiefern sie Einfluss
auf das Mikrobiom nehmen – darüber und über weitere
Aspekte sprach Herausgeber Uwe Gröber mit Prof. Dr. Schomburg von der
Charité Berlin.
Alinhamento espinopélvico em pacientes com fratura toracolombar explosão
Authors: José Lucas Miotto , Coury Pedro , Meves Robert
Published: March 2023

Objetivo Avaliar o alinhamento espinopélvico em pacientes com fratura toracolombar do tipo explosão (FTE) sem déficit neurológico tratados de forma não operatória e operatória em um hospital terciário de referência em trauma.

Método Estudo transversal retrospectivo de pacientes com FTE apenas da região toracolombar, de nível único, do tipo A3 e A4 AOSpine. Análise de dados clínicos, dor lombar (escala visual analógica [EVA]), Escala de Denis, qualidade de vida (SF-36), parâmetros radiográficos sagitais (cifose torácica [CT], cifose toracolombar [CTL], lordose lombar [LL] e eixo vertical sagital [EVS]) e espinopélvicos (incidência pélvica [IP], versão pélvica [VP], inclinação sacral [IS] e a discrepância entre incidência pélvica e lordose lombar [IP-LL]) de pacientes tratados de forma operatória e não operatória.

Resultados O presente estudo avaliou um total de 50 indivíduos com uma média de 50 anos de idade com acompanhamento médio de 109 meses (mínimo de 19 e máximo de 306 meses). Houve diferença significativa entre os tratamentos para Denis trabalho (p = 0,046) a favor do tratamento não operatório. Não houve diferença significativa entre os tratamentos para EVA dor lombar e Denis dor (p = 0,468 e p = 0,623). Não houve diferença significante entre os tratamentos em nenhum dos domínios avaliados do SF-36 (p > 0,05). Parâmetros radiográficos não se mostraram diferentes entre os grupos analisados; contudo, todos os parâmetros radiográficos mostraram diferença significante entre a população considerada assintomática, com exceção da incidência pélvica (p < 0,005).

Conclusões O alinhamento espinopélvico foi normal em pacientes com FTE sem déficit neurológico tratados de forma não operatória e operatória, após acompanhamento mínimo de 19 meses. Entretanto, estes pacientes apresentaram maior média de versão pélvica e de discrepância entre lordose lombar e incidência pélvica quando comparados com os valores de referência da população brasileira.