bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunohistochemical Expression Profile of SATB2 in Colorectal Adenocarcinoma and Association with Clinicopathological Parameters
Authors: Suvaitha M , Anand CD , John Jaison Jacob
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Colorectal carcinoma is the third most common cancer worldwide. Several clinicopathological parameters act as prognostic factors in colorectal carcinoma, but only a few are helpful in predicting the treatment outcome. Therefore, there is a need for better prognostic markers which also aids in assessing treatment benefits in colorectal carcinoma patients. Special AT Rich Sequence Binding Protein 2 (SATB2) is a highly specific marker for colorectal tissue. Decreased expression of SATB2 is also associated with poor prognosis in colorectal carcinoma. Aim: To analyse the histomorphology, immunohistochemical expression profile of SATB2 and association with clinicopathological parameters in colorectal adenocarcinoma. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study included 84 cases of colorectal carcinoma received in the Department of Pathology, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Kattankulathur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, in the period between April 2021 to September 2022. Both biopsy and resected specimens were included in the study. Relevant clinical data was collected. Histological diagnosis, grading and staging of the tumour was done using Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) slides as described and tabulated. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for SATB2 and was done and expression profile compared with the clinicopathological parameters to assess prognostic significance. Data was analysed using software-Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, version 23.0). Results: Out of the 84 cases, 42 were biopsy and 42 resected specimens. Mean age of the patients in the study was 57.9 years. Patients were predominantly males (n=51, 60.7%) with a male:female ratio of 1.54:1. Of the 84 cases, 40.5% (n=34) had tumour located in the rectum. Majority of the cases were moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma (n=48, 57.1%). Predominantly, stage III tumours (n=33, 39.3%) were noted. Out of the tumours showing decreased expression of SATB2, 55% (n=22) were left-sided tumours, metastasis was seen in 60% (n=24 cases), 37.5% of cases (n=9) showed lymphovascular invasion, and 55% (n=22) had a stage III tumour. Conclusion: The present study results indicate that a decrease in SATB2 expression is associated with presence of lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, regional and distant metastasis and a higher pathological stage which signifies poor prognosis in colorectal carcinoma. These aid the physician for risk stratification of patients and enable personalised treatment choices including adjuvant chemotherapy in high-risk groups.
Metastatic Prostate Carcinoma Masquerading as Primary Sphenoid Sinus Tumour: A Case Report
Authors: Joseph Lincy , Mathew Jassal , Nabeela KP
Published: April 2023

Metastasis from prostate adenocarcinoma to Paranasal Sinuses (PNS) is extremely rare. Usually, they metastasise to the pelvic lymph nodes and bones of the axial skeleton. Authors hereby, present a case of a 71-year-old male patient with diplopia on left lateral gaze and frontal headache since two months. On examination, he had left lateral rectus palsy. Computed Tomography (CT) Brain was normal. CT PNS and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) brain revealed an ill-defined isodense lesion causing clival erosion and extending anteriorly to the sphenoid sinus. The patient underwent endoscopic endonasal trans-sphenoidal excision. The histopathological diagnosis was adenocarcinoma. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was done for further evaluation which showed both CK7 and CK20 to be negative. Hence, sinonasal carcinoma was excluded and possibility of metastatic tumour was considered. Ultrasonography (USG) abdomen was normal and further IHC showed Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) positivity. Elevated serum PSA and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan confirmed primary carcinoma prostate with multiple skeletal metastases. The patient was treated with a Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) antagonist and an antiandrogen which showed good response. So, the possibility of metastasis from an occult primary prostate carcinoma was considered as the differential diagnosis in an elderly patient presenting with sinonasal mass. Hence, proper screening and IHC studies are mandatory for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Structured Reporting of Lymph Node Cytopathology using the 2020 Sydney System Guidelines-A Retrospective Study
Authors: Sreelekshmi . , Raman Jayasree , Joseph Tessy Petta
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) is a valuable diagnostic aid for evaluation of lymph node pathology. The new Sydney System (2020) for classification and reporting of lymph node FNAC has put forth guidelines for a categorical classification using uniform terminology and morphologic criteria, a major step towards standardisation. Aim: The study was aimed to evaluate cytopathology of lymph node lesions during 2 year period by applying the proposed Sydney system and to assess the category wise Risk Of Malignancy (ROM) by comparing with histopathology diagnosis in available cases. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted in 2021 December, on lymph node aspirates obtained during two-year period from January 2018 till January 2020 in the department of Pathology of a tertiary care centre. FNAC of 250 lymph node aspirates were evaluated. Smears were reviewed and categorised as per the Sydney System of reporting as, L1: non diagnostic/inadequate, L2: benign, L3: atypical cells/atypical lymphoid cells of undetermined significance, L4: suspicious for malignancy, L5: malignant. The diagnostic accuracy of cytology and ROM in each category was assessed comparing with the gold standard histopathology diagnosis where available. Results: Category wise distribution of 250 cytological diagnosis of lymphadenopathy reclassified in Sydney system were L1-14 (5.60%); L2-159 (63.60%); L3-04 (1.60%); L4-05 (2%); and L5-68 (27.20%) cases. Using histopathology as gold standard available in 53 cases, the ROM in each category was found to be 0%, 3%, 66.66%, 100% and 100%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, Positive Predictive Value (PPV), Negative Predictive Value (NPV) and diagnostic accuracy of cytological diagnosis was found to be 95.65%, 96.29%, 95.65%, 96.29% and 96%, respectively. Reactive lymphadenitis in 86 (34.40%) and metastatic carcinoma in 61 (24.40%) cases were the most common benign and malignant lesions respectively. Conclusion: The Sydney system of structured reporting in lymph node cytology provides a clear-cut terminology, uniformity, and reproducibility of reports. It enhances the role of FNAC by alerting the clinician for follow-up and ancillary studies in atypical and equivocal cases. In the non diagnostic L1 category, repeat procedure or biopsy should be recommended to avoid False Negative (FN) diagnosis.
An Impressive Case Report of Pachyonychia Congenita and Short Literature Review
Authors: Asermouh Marwa , Khabba Chaimae Ait , Mehsas Zoubida , Senouci Karima
Published: April 2023

Aims: Pachyonychia congenita is a rare genodermatosis related to mutations in the genes encoding keratins. Illustrations of such a typical case of this uncommon condition have rarely been seen in the literature, hence the interest of our case report.

Case Report: An 11-year-old girl with a history of parental inbreeding presented with painful bilateral plantar hyperkeratosis associated with significant pachyonychia of the 20 nails and other clinical signs supporting the diagnosis of pachyonychia congenita.

Discussion: Pachyonychia congenita is an autosomal dominant inherited dyskeratosis due to a mutation in the keratin genes k6a, k6b, k6c, k16 or k17.  Clinical signs are dominated by pachonychia and painful palmoplantar keratoderma impacting patients' quality of life. The association with other disorders is possible. To date, treatment remains symptomatic.

Conclusion: The diagnosis of congenital pachyonychia is based on the genetic study of the mutations involved. Nevertheless, a clinical presentation as suggestive as ours allows the immediate diagnosis, thus making this article interesting.
Factors Associated with Mathematics Performance
Authors: Abalde Grace D. , Oco Richard M.
Published: April 2023

Aims: The purpose of this study is to identify the factors associated with the academic performance of Grade 10 students during their First Quarter of school as well as the significant correlation between the factors and student academic performance in Mathematics.

Study Design: Descriptive Correlation Design.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Agusan National High School in Cagayan de Or City's East 1 District during the school year: 2022 – 2023.

Methodology: The respondents were Two hundred thirty-one (231) students in Grade 10 at Agusan National High School in Cagayan de Oro City's East 1 District. This study used a researcher-made questionnaire that underwent validity and reliability testing and the academic performance of the students.

Results: The results showed that students agree with routines related to mastering Mathematics at a high level. Furthermore, there is no correlation between student study habits and Mathematics performance in terms of self-confidence, but there is a substantial positive association between the student's study habits and performance in terms of attitude. The study habits and learning techniques used by students were found to be important determinants of how well they performed in Mathematics. The researcher strongly suggested using the enhancement plan in teaching Mathematics to Junior High school students.

Conclusion: Students have a very positive attitude toward their study habits when learning Mathematics. Students felt that studying and learning Mathematics was essential. Students' success and academic growth depend heavily on their Mathematics performance.it is essential for pupils to master and comprehend its concepts. Students' study habits in terms of attitudes have an impact on how they learn Mathematics.
Surveillance of Mycotoxin contamination and Production of Aflatoxin by A. flavus in Contaminated Maize Seeds in Bihar
Authors: Ragni Kumari , Prasad Gajendra
Published: April 2023

Aflatoxin- producing fungi like Aspergillus flavus contaminate maize crops in the agricultural field at harvest, post- harvest, and during storage making them one of the most widespread and dangerous mycotoxins. It has been directly correlated to adverse health effects, such as liver cancer in many animal species as well as plant systems.

Maize samples were collected from seven districts of Bihar viz, Begusari, East Champaran, Khagaria, Bhagalpur, Saharsa, Madhepura, and Samastipur. The collected sample was examined for associated mycoflora and aflatoxin-producing prospective of Aspergillus flavus. It was determined that A. flavus was of presiding occurrence accompanied by Penicillium spp., Fusarium, A. nigar, Rhizopus, Trichoderma, Mucor and A. ochraceus. 119 strains of the total A. flavus isolates were toxigenic, producing aflatoxin B1, B2, and G1. The highest Aflatoxin is all probability due to complementary environmental conditions, undeveloped agricultural practices, poor storage circumstances of grains, and because of yearly flood problems in this region.
Acute Seizure Following Isotretinoin Administration: A Detailed Case Report
Authors: Alsane May , Hajjiah Adnan , El-Shably Alasmar
Published: April 2023

Isotretinoin is considered a cutting edge treatment for Acne vulgaris. It is licensed for treating severe (cystic) acne vulgaris. Our case report represents a 28 year old female who experienced a rare neurological side-effect after ingesting Isotretinoin.
Comparison of the Turkey and Pakistan Bankıng Sector during the Covıd 19 Pandemic Process and Analysis of the Relationship wıth the Internal Factors Determined Regardıng Financial Vulnerabilities
Authors: Islatince Nuray
Published: April 2023

The banking sector, the importance of which cannot be denied in the development of national economies, may be subject to many internal or macroeconomic factors that can cause vulnerability. On December 1, 2019, the adverse effects of the covid 19 pandemic, which started in Wuhan, China and spread all over the world in a brief period, revitalized the importance of the financial fragility problem in the Turkish banking sector as well as in the banking sectors of other countries around the world. This study it is aimed to analyze the relationship levels of the endogenous factors associated with financial vulnerability in the Turkish-Pakistani banking sector with the data for the period of 2016-2020 based on two countries. For this purpose, the micro variables of 24 deposit banks operating in the Turkish banking sector and 23 deposit banks operating in the Pakistani banking sector were determined as return on assets, interest margin, return on equity, liquidity, and financial leverage. Financial vulnerability is defined as the capital adequacy ratio and correlation and regression analyses were conducted to identify the relationship with micro variables. In the literature review, it has been observed that studies and research have been undertaken on financial vulnerability and stability in the Turkish banking sector and in different countries. However, these studies are mainly regional assessments rather than comparisons between two different countriesın this context, the evaluation of the vulnerability of the banking sectors of the two countries in the covid 19 process indicates that this study is distinct from the others. In addition, this comparison of the financial vulnerability levels of banks in the event of a possible crisis in the banking sector of the two countries is intended to assist similar academic studies and to enrich and diversify the literature.
Growth and Pattern of Renewable Energy in India: A Way for Sustainable Development
Authors: Devender
Published: April 2023

The main objective of the present study is to analyse the growth and pattern of renewable energy in India. Renewable energy is generated from natural sources, which are replenished more quickly than consumed. Renewable energy has a significantly positive impact on protecting the environment from the problem of carbon emissions, which is most required in India, as India is the fourth largest nation producing the highest carbon emission. As being a developing nation, the energy requirement has continuously increased in India, and it is expected India will become third larger country that requires energy sourced after China and US up to 2040. The study observed that the energy deficit in the normal and peak periods has declined, and the share of renewable energy reached 20.3 per cent in 2021-22. Moreover, the majority of renewable energy is owned by the private sector, and the western coastal states of India have the highest density of renewable energy. The study suggested optimum policy recommendations to enhance renewable energy and promote sustainable development in India.
Teachers’ and Students’ Perception of Poetry Teaching and Learning in Class VI of Rangaytung Primary School, Chhukha Dzongkhag
Authors: Gangchuk
Published: April 2023

The poetry question of class VI is marked out of 8 both in the mid-term as well as in the annual examination according to the Instructional Guide for English, classes IV-VI, of which the poem should be from outside the prescribed English textbook. After studying the marks scored by 14 students of class VI of Rangaytung Primary School, Chhukha in the annual examination, 2022, more than 75% of the students on average scored below 4 out of 8 in poetry. Therefore, this study found the perception of teachers and students in terms of lack of appropriate content in the selection of poems in the prescribed class VI English textbook. The study also touched on the difficulties faced by teachers and students in the teaching and learning of poetry in the classroom. The participants for the study were selected based on purposive sampling. The study adopted qualitative research design to collect data from the field. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to interpret the collected data. The findings of this study include lack of appropriate content in the selection of poems in the prescribed class VI English textbook. One of the major difficulties that the teachers faced was students’ lack of comprehension skills in poetry because of the lack of poetry reading at school as well as at home. The students also found it difficult to understand the meaning of new words and pronounce difficult words from the poems because of various reasons. Keeping all difficulties aside, the teacher played a crucial role in making poetry learning interesting to the children. Recommendations to subject specialists, curriculum developers and English teachers of class VI are discussed separately towards the end of the fifth chapter.
Availability and Accessibility of Live Nonreplicating Smallpox/Mpox Vaccine
Authors: Kahn Peter A. , Ying Xiaohan , Virata Michael , Magahis Patrick , Li Sunnie , Mathis Walter S.
Published: April 2023

This cross-sectional study compares the availability and accessibility of mpox vaccine sites with the number of reported cases and allocated vaccines.
Determination of lower radiation dose limit for automatic measurement of adipose tissue
Authors: Grainger Andrew T. , Hasegawa Akira , Krishnaraj Arun
Published: April 2023

The purpose of this study was to determine the lower limit of radiation dose required to measure visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) volumes when a fat quantification and noise reduction techniques (NRTs) are combined. For this purpose, we utilized CT colonography (CTC) images taken at low doses and manually segmented VAT and SAT fat volumes as ground truth. In order to derive the acceptable precision of the measurements needed to estimate the lower limit of radiation dose, we estimated the effect of different positioning during CT scanning on fat measurements using manually segmented VAT and SAT against normal dose. As a result, the acceptable accuracy of SAT and VAT was found to be 94.5% and 85.2%, respectively. Using these thresholds, the lower radiation dose limit required to accurately measure SAT using 5.25‐mm slice‐thick images was 1.5 mGy of size‐specific dose estimates (SSDE), while the lower radiation dose limit required to accurately measure VAT was 0.4 mGy of SSDE. The lower dose limit for SAT and VAT combined was 1.5 mGy, which was equivalent to an estimated effective dose of 0.38 mSv. Alternatively, without noise reduction, SAT could not achieve acceptable accuracy even for images with a slice thickness of 5.25 mm, while VAT required noise reduction for images with a slice thickness of 1.25 mm, but could achieve acceptable accuracy without noise reduction for images with a slice thickness of 5.25 mm.
Simultaneous spatial and temporal regularization in low‐dose dynamic contrast‐enhanced CT cerebral perfusion studies
Authors: Murase Kenya , Nakamoto Atsushi , Tomiyama Noriyuki
Published: April 2023

Purpose

To apply total generalized variation (TGV) and its combination with low‐rank and sparse decomposition (LRSD) (LTGV) to cerebral perfusion studies using low‐dose dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) CT and to quantitatively evaluate their performances through comparisons with those without any regularizers and those of total variation (TV) and its combination with LRSD (LTV) using simulation and clinical data.

Methods

The simulation study used a realistic digital brain phantom. Low‐dose DCE‐CT images were reconstructed using the regularizers and primal‐dual algorithm. Subsequently, cerebral perfusion parameter (CPP) images were generated from them. Thereafter, their quality was evaluated based on the peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR) and structural similarity index measure (SSIM). Further, the accuracy of CPP estimation was evaluated through a linear regression analysis between the CPP values obtained by the above regularizers and those obtained from the noise‐free DCE‐CT images. In addition, the mean and standard deviation of the CPP were calculated (region analysis). In the clinical study, low‐dose DCE‐CT images were generated using normal‐dose images acquired from a patient, and CPP images were generated from them similar to that in the simulation study.

Results

When using LTV and LTGV, both PSNR and SSIM were higher than those of the other methods with increasing regularization parameter values. The results of the linear regression and region analyses demonstrated that TGV generally exhibited the best performance, followed by LTGV, and finally that of TV was significantly different from those of the other regularizers. Despite an overall consistency between the simulation and clinical results, certain inconsistencies appeared owing to the difference in generating low‐dose DCE‐CT images.

Conclusions

The results implied that TGV and LTGV were useful in improving the accuracy of CPP estimation using low‐dose DCE‐CT. This study provides an improved understanding of the performance of regularizers and is expected to aid in the selection of a suitable regularizer for low‐dose DCE‐CT perfusion studies.
Provisional practice recommendation for the management of myopathy in VCP‐associated multisystem proteinopathy
Authors: Roy Bhaskar , Peck Allison , Evangelista Teresinha , Pfeffer Gerald , Wang Leo , Diaz‐Manera Jordi , Korb Manisha , Wicklund Matthew P. , Milone Margherita , Freimer Miriam , Kushlaf Hani , Villar‐Quiles Rocio‐Nur , Stojkovic Tanya , Needham Merrilee , Palmio Johanna , Lloyd Thomas E. , Keung Benison , Mozaffar Tahseen , Weihl Conrad Chris , Kimonis Virginia
Published: April 2023

Valosin‐containing protein (VCP)‐associated multisystem proteinopathy (MSP) is a rare genetic disorder with abnormalities in the autophagy pathway leading to various combinations of myopathy, bone diseases, and neurodegeneration. Ninety percent of patients with VCP‐associated MSP have myopathy, but there is no consensus‐based guideline. The goal of this working group was to develop a best practice set of provisional recommendations for VCP myopathy which can be easily implemented across the globe. As an initiative by Cure VCP Disease Inc., a patient advocacy organization, an online survey was initially conducted to identify the practice gaps in VCP myopathy. All prior published literature on VCP myopathy was reviewed to better understand the different aspects of management of VCP myopathy, and several working group sessions were conducted involving international experts to develop this provisional recommendation. VCP myopathy has a heterogeneous clinical phenotype and should be considered in patients with limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy phenotype, or any myopathy with an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. Genetic testing is the only definitive way to diagnose VCP myopathy, and single‐variant testing in the case of a known familial VCP variant, or multi‐gene panel sequencing in undifferentiated cases can be considered. Muscle biopsy is important in cases of diagnostic uncertainty or lack of a definitive pathogenic genetic variant since rimmed vacuoles (present in ~40% cases) are considered a hallmark of VCP myopathy. Electrodiagnostic studies and magnetic resonance imaging can also help rule out disease mimics. Standardized management of VCP myopathy will optimize patient care and help future research initiatives.
Artificial Tendrils Mimicking Plant Movements by Mismatching Modulus and Strain in Core and Shell
Authors: Farhan Muhammad , Klimm Frederike , Thielen Marc , Rešetič Andraž , Bastola Anil , Behl Marc , Speck Thomas , Lendlein Andreas
Published: April 2023

Motile organs have evolved in climbing plants enabling them to find a support and, after secure attachment, to reach for sunlight without investing in a self‐supporting stem. Searching movements, the twining of stems, and the coiling of tendrils are involved in successful plant attachment. Such coiling movements have great potential in robotic applications, especially if they are reversible. Here, the underlying mechanism of tendril movement based on contractile fibers is reported, as illustrated by a function–morphological analysis of tendrils in several liana species and the encoding of such a principle in a core–shell multimaterial fiber (MMF) system. MMFs are composed of a shape‐memory core fiber (SMCF) and an elastic shell. The shape‐memory effect of the core fibers enables the implementation of strain mismatch in the MMF by physical means and provides thermally controlled reversible motion. The produced MMFs show coiling and/or uncoiling behavior, with a high reversible actuation magnitude of ≈400%, which is almost 20 times higher compared with similar stimuli for sensitive soft actuators. The movements in these MMFs rely on the crystallization/melting behavior of oriented macromolecules of SMCF.
Achieving Tunable Organic Afterglow and UV‐Irradiation‐Responsive Ultralong Room‐Temperature Phosphorescence from Pyridine‐Substituted Triphenylamine Derivatives
Authors: Xiong Shengde , Xiong Yu , Wang Deliang , Pan Yiwen , Chen Keyao , Zhao Zheng , Wang Dong , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: April 2023

Amorphous polymers with ultralong room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP) are highly promising for various applications. Particularly, polymer‐based RTP materials with multiple functions such as color‐tunability or stimulus‐response are highly desirable for multilevel anti‐counterfeiting but are rarely reported. Herein, a facile strategy is presented to achieve a series of polymer‐based RTP materials with ultralong lifetime, multicolor afterglow, and reversible response to UV irradiation by simply embedding pyridine‐substituted triphenylamine derivatives into the polymer matrix poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), respectively. Notably, the pyridine group with the capabilities of promoting intersystem crossing and forming hydrogen‐bonding interactions is essential for triggering ultralong RTP from the doping PVA system, among which the doping film TPA‐2Py@PVA exhibits excellent RTP property with an ultralong lifetime of 798.4 ms and a high quantum yield of 15.2%. By further co‐doping with the commercially available fluorescent dye, multicolor afterglow is obtained via phosphorescence energy transfer. Meanwhile, the doped PMMA system exhibits reversible photoactivated ultralong RTP properties under continuous UV irradiation. Finally, potential applications of these doped PVA and PMMA systems with ultralong lifetime, multicolor afterglow, and photoactivated ultralong RTP in multidimensional anti‐counterfeiting are demonstrated.
Bioinspired Hierarchical Ceramic Sutures for Multi‐Modal Performance
Authors: Katz Zachary , Yazdani Sarvestani Hamidreza , Gholipour Javad , Ashrafi Behnam
Published: April 2023

Natural suture structures, characterized by hard segments joined along a patterned weak interface, are found to provide unique toughening mechanisms for brittle bulk biological materials. Hierarchical ceramic sutures inspired by white‐tailed deer crania and diabolical ironclad beetle exoskeletons are developed using a biomimetic approach. Overlapping geometries unlock twin energy absorption mechanisms. Ceramics with Surlyn‐infiltrated precision laser‐cuts are fabricated using a semi‐automated and smart advanced manufacturing platform. A parametric study comprising four‐point bending, fracture toughness, and tensile tests is conducted to evaluate toughness, strength, and stiffness with geometrical interlocking in two hierarchical orders. Digital image correlation is utilized to analyze the local toughening mechanisms and failure modes in the fracture tests. For all three metrics, the panels with second‐order hierarchy outperform the anti‐trapezoidal equivalents. The ceramic sutures show up to 590%, 340%, and 700% improvements in energy absorption in the tensile, bending, and fracture tests, respectively, owing to the optimal first‐ and second‐order interlocking angles. The high‐order fractal interlocking at multiple scales and overlapping teeth are found to provide high flexibility and failure resistance, whereas progressive fracture mechanisms delay catastrophic failure by up to 50%. The concept of hierarchical suture can lead to industrially applied ceramic systems with tailored mechanical performances.
Facile Synthesis of Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Layered Rare‐Earth Hydroxide Nanocone for Multifunctional Drug Delivery System with Fluorescence Probe and Simultaneous Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Li Junyi , Duan Junhong , He Zhenhu , Liao Yunjie , Liu Xiaohe , Rong Pengfei , Chen Gen , Wan Hao , Huang Yumin , Ma Renzhi
Published: April 2023

To fulfill the emerging demand for drug therapy, the Y/Tb/Gd ternary layered rare‐earth hydroxide nanocone is developed as a new multifunctional delivery system for one of the most popular drugs, aspirin. Dodecyl sulfate intercalation is firstly used for the drug carrier which can form hollow nanocones and owns low binding energy, leading to the facile synthesis of organic–inorganic hybrid drug delivery system. The aspirin can be loaded rapidly (as short as 5 min) and released continuously (as long as 48 h) by YTG system through anion exchange, which will be favorable for sustained therapy. Meanwhile, the intercalated aspirin can enhance the green light luminescence of Tb3+ with peak position at 543 nm through energy transfer, which can be utilized as fluorescence probe to monitor the drug loading and release process. The magnetization of Gd3+ can also be improved by structural evolution induced by aspirin intercalation, which can be applied as magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent simultaneously. The current research provides a novel pathway for the invention of multifunctional drug delivery system, which hopefully is to be put into service in biomedical fields in the near future.
Tuning the Bandgaps of (AlxGa1−x)2O3 Alloyed Thin Films for High‐Performance Solar‐Blind Ultraviolet Fully Covered Photodetectors
Authors: Xu Xiangyu , Sheng Ziqian , Shi Jueli , Chen Xin , He Yaxin , Xu Wenjing , Zhang Xu , Chen Duanyang , Qi Hongji , Zhang Kelvin H. L.
Published: April 2023

Ga2O3 is a promising semiconductor for deep ultraviolet optoelectronics, because of its ultrawide bandgap of 4.85 eV. Here, the bandgap modulation of (AlxGa1−x)2O3 thin films through varying Al contents is reported –and the achievement of high‐performance photodetectors sensitive to the entire solar‐blind UV bands. It is shown that the bandgaps of (AlxGa1‐x)2O3 can be widely tuned from 4.85 eV to 5.9 eV. Solar‐blind ultraviolet photodetectors based on the (AlxGa1–x)2O3 films show detection cut‐off wavelengths varying from 263 to 236 nm, and response peaks varying from 238  to 209 nm. The photodetectors exhibit high performance with a high specific detectivity (up to 1015 Jones), low dark current (<0.35 nA), large photodark current ratio (≈107), UV–vis rejection ratio (>105), and long‐term device stability. Furthermore, a combination of high‐resolution X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations is used to reveal insights into the evolution of electronic structures of (AlxGa1–x)2O3. The wide variations of the bandgap of (AlxGa1−x)2O3 mainly result from the upshift of the conduction band edges induced by the high energy Al 3s state hybridizing with the Ga 4s‐derived conduction band, while the valence band edge keeps almost the same for different Al content.
Photo‐Activated In Situ Supramolecular Reversible Self‐Assembly Based on Amphiphilic Calix[4]arene for Information Encryption
Authors: Zhang Rong , Chen Yong , Chen Lei , Zhang Yi , Liu Yu
Published: April 2023

Photoacid sulfonato‐merocyanine (MEH) serving as a photoisomer is added in mixed solution of amphiphilic calix[4]arene (SC4A8) and tetra‐(4‐pyridylphenyl) ethylene (TPE‐4Py), which not only activates the in situ supramolecular self‐assembly or disassembly, but also regulates two kinds of fluorescence emission. Benefiting from that MEH releases protons and becomes a ring‐closed isomer spiropyran (SP) under 420 nm irradiation, TPE‐4Py is protonated and then assembled with SC4A8 to form a supramolecular assembly with yellow fluorescence at 540 nm via electrostatic interactions. In the dark, SP changes to ring‐opened MEH, realizing a spontaneous disassembly accompanied by fluorescence emission at 495 nm, and thus, a photo‐activated reversible in situ supramolecular system is obtained successfully. Furthermore, Rhodamine B (RhB) acting as an energy acceptor is doped in the ternary supramolecular assembly, enabling the efficient energy transfer by the light irradiation. The formed tunable multicolor supramolecular assemblies have been successfully applied to the information encryption by 3D color codes.
Nonlinear Absorption and Refraction Properties of V4C3 MXene and its Use for an Ultra‐Broadband Saturable Absorber
Authors: Lee Kyungtaek , Kwon Suh‐young , Woo Taeho , Ryu Janghyun , Jung Junha , Lee Ju Han
Published: April 2023

Large optical nonlinearity at short‐wavelength‐infrared (SWIR) has enabled 2D MXene to be used explosively in ultrafast nonlinear photonics and optoelectronics. Despite the high technological interest in V4C3 MXene in electrochemistry, investigations from a nonlinear photonics perspective have yet to be conducted. Here, the nonlinear optical characteristics of V4C3 MXene at SWIR wavelengths are systemically investigated. First, Z‐scan measurements are performed and the saturated absorption and self‐defocusing properties of V4C3 MXene at both wavelengths of 1560 and 1910 nm are observed. Density functional theory calculation shows metallic characteristics of V4C3 MXene. Based on the saturable absorption properties of V4C3 MXene, a single saturable absorber (SA) operating at both wavelengths of 1560 and 1910 nm is experimentally implemented. Stable mode‐locked pulses of 638 fs pulse duration at 1559.9 nm are produced instantaneously from an erbium‐doped fiber ring cavity using SA. The same SA generates 1.08 ps mode‐locked pulses at 1911.9 nm from the thulium holmium co‐doped fiber ring cavity. This indicates that the operating bandwidth of this realized V4C3 MXene‐based SA could be at least 350 nm. This work strongly suggests that V4C3 MXene can serve as an ultra‐broadband and high‐performance nonlinear optical material platform in the SWIR regions.
Fully Transparent Ultraviolet Photodetector with Ultrahigh Responsivity Enhanced by MXene‐Induced Photogating Effect
Authors: Ma Hailong , Fang Huajing , Liu Yanyu , Li Jiaqi , Jing Kai , Hong Jiawang , Wang Hong
Published: April 2023

Transparent photodetectors with the optical signal recognition and conversion capabilities are the core component for smart sensors and next‐generation “see‐through” optoelectronics. However, it is usually difficult to have both excellent optical transmittance and photoresponse performance, which hinders the practicality of transparent photodetectors. Herein, a photogating effect enhanced transparent ultraviolet (UV) photodetector is demonstrated based on the TiO2/MXene van der Waals heterojunction. By simply spin‐coating MXene nanosheets on TiO2 film, the UV photodetector exhibits significantly enhanced performance, such as ultrahigh responsivity (202.4 A/W), large specific detectivity (1.79 × 1014 Jones) and outstanding external quantum efficiency (1.02 × 105%), which are three orders of magnitude higher than those of pure TiO2 film. Meanwhile, the device exhibits up to 95% transparency in the visible range. Both the experimental results and theory calculations indicate that local Schottky junctions are established at the TiO2/MXene interface. These local junctions exert a giant photogating effect under illumination, which can facilitate the separation of photogenerated carriers and improve the photodetection performance. Moreover, the transparent photodetector has been successfully applied in a UV index wireless sensing system. This work demonstrates the ingenious application of MXene in optoelectronics and provides insight into the design of high‐performance transparent photodetectors.
Levofloxacin‐Loaded Microneedles Produced Using 3D‐Printed Molds for Klebsiella Pneumoniae Biofilm Control
Authors: Vinayakumar K. B. , Silva Maria Daniela , Martins Artur , Mundy Stephen , González‐Losada Pedro , Sillankorva Sanna
Published: April 2023

Additive manufacturing advancements contribute considerably to several fields and its use in the medical field is gaining attention due to its easily customizable option (patient‐specific), low cost, and fast turnout time in developing drug delivery and diagnostic tools. Herein, the fabrication of a microneedle (MN) platform is reported using a stereolithography 3D printer, varying the 3D printing angle and aspect ratio (2:1, 3:1, and 4:1). The optimal printing angle is 30°, resulting in needle tip and base diameters of ≈50 and ≈330 µm and heights of ≈550/850/1180 µm. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) MNs produced with varying levofloxacin concentrations show variability of ≈4% in tip and 3% base diameters and 15% in height compared to the 3D‐printed MNs. Geometry B is used to produce levofloxacin‐loaded PVA MNs and tested against Klebsiella pneumoniae colony biofilms. Levofloxacin is released gradually, as assessed by spectrofluorimetry. The minimum inhibitory concentration of levofloxacin against the K. pneumoniae clinical isolate is 4 µg mL−1 but this concentration is insufficient to cause any effect on K. pneumoniae biofilms. Only concentrations ≥32 µg mL−1 are statistically different compared to the unloaded MNs. 3D printing is an attractive solution to produce molds for fabricating biopolymeric MNs for topical drug delivery.
Spatial Transcriptomics: Technical Aspects of Recent Developments and Their Applications in Neuroscience and Cancer Research
Authors: Park Han‐Eol , Jo Song Hyun , Lee Rosalind H. , Macks Christian P. , Ku Taeyun , Park Jihwan , Lee Chung Whan , Hur Junho K. , Sohn Chang Ho
Published: April 2023

Spatial transcriptomics is a newly emerging field that enables high‐throughput investigation of the spatial localization of transcripts and related analyses in various applications for biological systems. By transitioning from conventional biological studies to “in situ” biology, spatial transcriptomics can provide transcriptome‐scale spatial information. Currently, the ability to simultaneously characterize gene expression profiles of cells and relevant cellular environment is a paradigm shift for biological studies. In this review, recent progress in spatial transcriptomics and its applications in neuroscience and cancer studies are highlighted. Technical aspects of existing technologies and future directions of new developments (as of March 2023), computational analysis of spatial transcriptome data, application notes in neuroscience and cancer studies, and discussions regarding future directions of spatial multi‐omics and their expanding roles in biomedical applications are emphasized.
Bimodal Antimicrobial Surfaces of Phytic Acid–Prussian Blue Nanoparticles–Cationic Polymer Networks
Authors: He Xiaodong , Wu HuaJun , Wang Yan , Xiang Yunjie , Zhang Kai , Rao Xi , Kang En‐Tang , Xu Liqun
Published: April 2023

Surface modification plays a pivotal role in tailoring the functionalities of a solid material. Introduction of antimicrobial function on material surfaces can provide additional protection against life‐threatening bacterial infections. Herein, a simple and universal surface modification method based on surface adhesion and electrostatic interaction of phytic acid (PA) is developed. PA is first functionalized with Prussian blue nanoparticles (PB NPs) via metal chelation and then conjugates with cationic polymers (CPs) through electrostatic interaction. With the aid of surface adherent PA and gravitation effect, the as‐formed PA–PB–CP network aggregates are deposited on the solid materials in a substrate‐independent manner. Synergistic bactericidal effects of “contact‐killing” induced by the CPs and localized photothermal effect caused by the PB NPs endow the substrates with strong antibacterial performance. Membrane integrity, enzymatic activity, and metabolism function of the bacteria are disturbed in contact with the PA–PB–CP coating under near‐infrared (NIR) irradiation. The PA–PB–CP modified biomedical implant surfaces exhibit good biocompatibility and synergistic antibacterial effect under NIR irradiation, and eliminate the adhered bacteria both in vitro and in vivo.
Iron‐Locked Hydr(oxy)oxide Catalysts via Ion‐Compensatory Reconstruction Boost Large‐Current‐Density Water Oxidation
Authors: Liu Jiao , Du Wei , Guo Siying , Pan Jing , Hu Jingguo , Xu Xiaoyong
Published: April 2023

Nickel‐iron based hydr(oxy)oxides have been well recognized as one of the best oxygen‐evolving catalysts in alkaline water electrolysis. A crucial problem, however, is that iron leakage during prolonged operation would lead to the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) deactivation over time, especially under large current densities. Here, the NiFe‐based Prussian blue analogue (PBA) is designed as a structure‐flexible precursor for navigating an electrochemical self‐reconstruction (ECSR) with Fe cation compensation to fabricate a highly active hydr(oxy)oxide (NiFeOxHy) catalyst stabilized with NiFe synergic active sites. The generated NiFeOxHy catalyst exhibits the low overpotentials of 302 and 313 mV required to afford large current densities of 500 and 1000 mA cm−2, respectively. Moreover, its robust stability over 500 h at 500 mA cm−2 stands out among the NiFe‐based OER catalysts reported previously. Various in/ex situ studies indicate that the Fe fixation by dynamic reconstruction process can reinforce the Fe‐activated effect on the OER amenable to the industrial‐level large current conditions against the Fe leakage. This work opens up a feasible strategy to design highly active and durable catalysts via thermodynamically self‐adaptive reconstruction engineering.
Creating Dual Active Sites in Conductive Metal‐Organic Frameworks for Efficient Water Splitting
Authors: He Yuqian , Yan Feng , Zhang Xiao , Zhu Chunling , Zhao Yingying , Geng Bo , Chou Shulei , Xie Ying , Chen Yujin
Published: April 2023

The achievement of bifunctional metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) remains a huge challenge due to their lack of dual active sites. Herein, dual sites in the Co‐catecholate (Co‐CAT) are created through Ru, Ir, or Rh doping for overall water splitting. Among them, RuCo‐CAT exhibits excellent bifunctional activities, outperforming benchmarked Pt/C for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and RuO2 for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The theoretical calculations demonstrate that the doped Ru atoms with optimal absorption energy for the hydrogen intermediate and the Co centers with a reduced energy barrier for the rate‐determining step are the active sites for HER and OER, respectively. Furthermore, the incorporation of Ru atoms can improve the electrical conductivity and capacity of water adsorption of Co‐CAT greatly, synergistically improving the bifunctional activity. This strategy for engineering dual active sites offers novel insights into designing bifunctional MOFs for overall water splitting.
Tailoring Breathing Behavior of Solid Electrolyte Interphases Unraveled by Cryogenic Transmission Electron Microscopy
Authors: Guo Xuyun , Du Xiaoqiong , Nicolosi Valeria , Zhang Biao , Zhu Ye
Published: April 2023

The cycling stability of batteries is closely related to the dynamic evolution of solid electrolyte interphases (SEIs) in response to the discharging/charging processes. Here, the state‐of‐the‐art cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo‐TEM) and spectroscopy are utilized to probe the SEI breathing behavior induced by discharging/charging on the conversion‐type anode made of Fe2O3 quasi‐cubes. The incorporation of the identical‐location strategy allows the tracking of the evolution of the same SEIs at different charge states. SEI breathing is shown to involve swelling (contracting) upon lithiation (de‐lithiation) driven by the reversible compositional change. Bare Fe2O3 anodes develop an unstable SEI layer due to the intermixing with the lithiation product Li2O, which exhibits a large thickness variation upon breathing as well as excessive growth. A transition from organic to inorganic‐type SEI is also identified upon cycling, which gives rise to significantly increased SEI resistance. To tailor the SEI behavior, N‐doped carbon coating is applied on Fe2O3 (Fe2O3@CN), which can effectively separate the lithiation product from SEI. A thinner and chemically more stable SEI layer develops on Fe2O3@CN, resulting in remarkably enhanced cycling stability compared to bare Fe2O3. This work demonstrates the importance of understanding and optimizing the dynamic behavior of SEIs to achieve better battery performance.
Hygroscopic and Malleable Dough‐Type Zn–Air Battery in a Dry Condition Utilizing Deliquescence
Authors: Jeon Ok Sung , Ko Eun Seo , Park Yong Yeol , Hong Dongpyo , Lee Se Hun , Jeon Young Pyo , La Yunju , Kim Seonmyeong , Lee In‐Sung , Park Gun‐Sik , Lee Eun Jeong , Kang Seoyoung , Yoo Young Joon , Park Sang Yoon
Published: April 2023

Flexible and rechargeable Zn–air batteries (ZAB) are promising candidates for attaining the high energy density required for next‐generation energy storage devices given their half‐open cathode configuration. However, the poor interfacial contact between the immobilized solid‐state electrolyte and porous cathode, and drying‐out of water in the electrolyte at low relative humidity (RH) of 30% or less, cause low performance and short lifespan. Herein, a novel hygroscopic dough‐type electrolyte with water‐absorbing and malleable free‐standing configuration originating from deliquescent KOH and severe gelation of sodium alginate (SA) by facile kneading is proposed. Because appropriate contents are required to absorb water from the atmosphere and obtain the manageable form of the dough used here, the materials composing the dough electrolyte, i.e., SA, water, and KOH, are precisely controlled to ensure high malleability, scalability, ionic conductivity, and good water retention capabilities. The optimized dough inhibits evaporation at low RH and lowers the interfacial resistance with the cathode via tight adhesion. The dough‐type ZABs show noteworthy maximum power density of 160 mW cm−2 with low catalyst mass loading (0.4 mg cm−2), specific capacity of 632 mAh gZn−1, and stability for 60 h at RH 30% and 120 h even at low temperature of −20 °C, producing reasonable output.
Functionalized Separator Strategies toward Advanced Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zong Yu , He Hongwei , Wang Yizhen , Wu Menghua , Ren Xiaochuan , Bai Zhongchao , Wang Nana , Ning Xin , Dou Shi Xue
Published: April 2023

Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) enjoy a good reputation for being safe, affordable to produce, and ecologically friendly due to the use of water‐based electrolytes. The main factors restricting the development of ZIBs, however, are the negative effects of dendrite deposition on the zinc anode and the dissolution of common cathodes such as Mn and V‐based cathodes. Various techniques have been used to address these issues, including regulating the electrolyte concentration or solvation structure, developing a coating or current collector to lessen anode dendrite growth, and improving the structural stability of the cathode. Recently, functionalized separator strategies have gained popularity as effective ways to improve ZIB performance. The use of a functionalized separator is also a practical technique to save costs and increase the volumetric energy density of the battery by substituting a functionalized separator for the usual thick and expensive glass fiber separator. The development of functionalized separators in ZIBs is the subject of ongoing research, and this work presents the most recent findings in a systematic manner, focusing on both the effects and the methods to prepare or modify them. Finally, a brief explanation of the constraints and future potential of current functionalized separator development is provided.