bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of resin modified glass ionomer cement incorporating protein-repellent and antimicrobial agents on supragingival microbiome around brackets: an in-vivo split-mouth 3-month study
Authors: Ma Yansong , Su Chengjun , Yang Hao , Xu Hockin H.K. , Bai Yuxing , Xu Yan , Che Xiaoxia , Zhang Ning
Published: February 2023

Objective

To explore the influence of resin modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) adhesives containing protein-repellent and quaternary ammonium salt agents on supragingival microbiome, enamel and gingival health around brackets.

Materials and Methods

Ten patients (21.4 ± 3.5 years) about to receive fixed orthodontics were enrolled in this study. Unilateral upper teeth bonded with RMGIC incorporating 2-Methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) and Dimethylaminohexadecyl methacrylate (DMAHDM) were regarded as experimental group (RMD), while contralateral upper teeth bonded with RMGIC were control group (RMGIC), using a split-mouth design. Supragingival plaque was collected from both groups before treatment (T0), and at 1 month (T1) and 3 months (T2) of treatment. High-throughput sequencing was performed targeting v3–v4 of 16S rRNA gene. Streptococcus mutans and Fusobacterium nucleatum quantification was done by qPCR analysis. Bracket failures, enamel decalcification index (EDI), DIAGNODent scores (Dd), plaque index (PI) and gingival index (GI) were monitored at indicated time points.

Results

Within 3 months, alpha and beta diversity of supragingival plaque had no difference between RMGIC and RMD groups. From T0 to T2, the relative abundance of Streptococcus depleted in RMD but remained steady in RMGIC group. Streptococcus, Prevotella, and Fusobacterium became depleted in RMD, Haemophilus and Capnocytophaga became depleted in RMGIC group but Prevotella enriched. Quantification of Fusbacterium nucleatum and Streptococcus mutans showed significant difference between RMGIC and RMD groups at T2. Teeth bonded with RMD had significant lower plaque index (PI) and DIAGNODent (Dd) score at T2, compared with teeth bonded with RMGIC (p < 0.05). No difference in bracket failure rate was examined between both groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

By incorporating MPC and DMAHDM into RMGIC, the material could affect the supragingival microbial composition, inhibit the progress of plaque accumulation as well as the key pathogens S. mutans and F. nucleatum in the early stage of orthodontic treatment.
Preparation and Characterisation of Modified Biochar from Vitex Doniana (Black Plum) Seeds Using Chemical and Thermal Treatments
Authors: Esther Anakhu A. , Ameh Victor I. , Meshach Anetokhe A. , Oluwasegun Atulute O.
Published: February 2023

Agricultural wastes from plant have continued to be a huge contributor to the global biomass generation and their utilization for biochar is growing. The goal of this research was to produce and characterize modified biochar of Vitex doniana (Black plum) seeds using chemical and thermal treatments. To achieve this, the vitex seed was carbonized for 2 hours at 400°C in a pyrolysis reactor. The resulting char was then impregnated for 24 hours with Phosphoric Acid (H₃PO₄) and potassium hydroxide (KOH) as chemical activating agents before being thermally activated at 400°C, 500°C, 600°C, and 700°C respectively. The purpose of the characterization was to see how the activators and activation temperature affected the adsorbents generated. The quality of absorbents produced was affected by the treatment of char with chemical agents and the activation temperature, according to the results. The samples had distinct functional groups on the surface, according to FTIR analysis, and SEM analysis via microscopy revealed the presence of pores on the surface. Iodine absorption testing reveals that materials activated with KOH had a higher absorption value, peaking at 950mg/g for KOH treated and 600°C activation temperature. The pore diameters and pore volume of KOH samples were determined using BET analysis. The results demonstrate that KOH activated at 600°C has larger pores and a higher pore volume, implying that KOH at 600°C has a higher adsorption capacity. The char sample was also subjected to TGA analysis in order to better understand its behavior in temperature settings.
Knowledge and Uptake of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine among Female Adolescents in Port Harcourt. A Call for Urgent Intervention
Authors: Oboro Ibinabo Laura , Ogaji Daprim Samuel
Published: February 2023

Background: Infection with high-risk types of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) has been associated with the development of cancers in both genders, affecting the genital, oropharyngeal and anal regions. Safe and effective vaccines are available against high-risk types which are responsible for majority of cases of cervical cancer. This study was conducted to assess the level of knowledge and uptake of the HPV vaccine among female adolescents in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional survey conducted among in-school female students of both public and private secondary schools in Port Harcourt metropolis, aged 9 - 19 years. A total of 328 participants were recruited using multi-stage sampling. Information on socio-demographics, sexual history, knowledge of HPV, its vaccine and vaccine uptake were collected using a self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 23. Descriptive and analytical tests were performed to determine associations and predictors of vaccine uptake.

Results: The level of knowledge of the availability, protective role, and schedule for administration of the HPV vaccine was poor (≤36%). Only 2.1% of girls interviewed were vaccinated with 42.9% of these having taken only one dose, thus being incompletely vaccinated. The mean age at vaccine uptake was 13.4±1.2 years. The most common reason given for not having taken the vaccine, is unawareness of the vaccine (322/328). Uptake of the vaccine was better among students at public schools.

Conclusion: Social mobilization towards primary prevention of HPV infection should also focus on adolescents. Social media and school health programs/ clubs should be exploited/ improved to provide detailed and adolescent-friendly information necessary to stimulate improved uptake of the vaccine and thus reduce the devastating potential consequences of infection with the HPV.
Breeds vs Post-mortem Dressing Methods on Meat Quality and Microbial Assay of Mutton
Authors: Akinwumi A. O. , Ojebiyi O. O. , Olagoke C. O. , Olatunji O. O. , Okunlola D. O. , Ayoola S. J. , Olawuyi B. S. , Atandah R. A. , Adeniji T. Y. , Ola A. K. , Oyolola O. E.
Published: February 2023

The experiment was carried out to evaluate the influence of different breed of  sheep (West African Dwarf WAD, Ouda, Balami) and three different post-mortem dressing methods (scalding, singeing, and skinning) on the carcass, physical properties, organoleptic properties keeping quality of mutton in a factorial arrangement. Significant differences were recorded for both the strain and processing methods effect on the carcass characteristics and primal cuts. Balami strain of sheep yielded highest significant values (p<0.05) on all the primal cuts except rack and leg cuts which their values are closely related. Highest and lowest significant (p<0.05) values were observed for carcass weight (%) in both scalding (43.12) and singeing (37.90) while similar values (p>0.05) were recorded for Ouda and Balami breeds in cooking loss and cold loss (%) but least significant (p<0.05) value was noticed for Balami in terms of drip loss (4.96). Strain and processing methods does not influence (p>0.05) pH significantly, however significant (p<0.05) values were obtained when pH were observed at intervals (0, 30 and 60 mins).  On the organoleptic properties, significant differences (p<0.05) were recorded in both the strain effect and processing methods as Balami and scalding method possess the highest significant (p<0.05) values in colour, juiciness, texture, flavor and overall acceptability except for tenderness that was not influenced (p>0.05) significantly by different post-slaughter dressing methods. total bacteria count (TBC) was reported at lowest significant level for WAD (1.23 x 1018cfu/g) and scalded mutton (1.24 x 1018cfu/g) at 0hr post-mortem however Balami strain and scalding method maintained the least significant (p<0.05) total bacteria count throughout the storage days (>0hrs to 13weeks). Conclusively, Balami breed of sheep and scalding method of post-mortem dressing gave promising and preferred results in all the quality parameters and are hereby advocated.
Performance Ratio and Loss Analysis for a Grid-Connected Solar Photovoltaic System: Case of the 7MW Plant in Malbaza, Niger
Authors: Abdoulaye Boubacar Maikano , Abdourahimoun Daouda , Harouna Sani dan Nomao , Saidou Madougou , Makinta Boukar
Published: February 2023

The use of solar energy in sunny countries is an efficient way to overcome the energy shortage. The interest of this energy is not only economic but also environmental, as it emits few greenhouse gases. Niger, a vast landlocked country in the Sahel, is characterized by an average sunshine duration of 8.5 hours per day and an estimated average level of sunshine of around 5 to 7 kW/m2 per day. However, the rate of access to electricity in Niger remains very low. To address this problem, a 7MW solar photovoltaic power plant has been built by the State of Niger in the town of Malbaza. It is composed of monocrystalline photovoltaic panels and injects its energy into the national grid.  The objective of this study is to compare the performance ratio determined by measurements with that obtained by simulation under PVsyst in order to evaluate its efficiency. The study is based on annual energy production data, recorded at the site, from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021. The annual average values of the global irradiation of the site, the energy produced by the system and the energy injected into the grid are respectively 249.86kWh/m², 1225.25MWh and 972.62MWh; those of the ambient temperature and the performance ratio (PR) are respectively 29.78°C and 0.795. The global losses caused by meteorological phenomena and those linked to the technologies of the various components of the system are evaluated at 20.10%.
Mapping of Aquifer Potential in the Northeast Basement Rock of Burkina Faso: Using Remote Sensing and Geophysical Methods
Authors: Bonogo Christian , Kafando Sayoba , Nakolendousse Samuel
Published: February 2023

The North-East of Burkina Faso is made up of formations of the Birimian basement rock. The region has a Sahelian climate where surface water resources are very limited. In order to assess the hydraulic potential of the existing aquifers, remote sensing and geophysical techniques (aeromagnetic and ground electric) were used. Satellite image processing and aeromagnetic survey data were used to generate a lineament map that was subsequently validated on the basis of existing geological, hydrogeological and topographical data, geomorphological field surveys and ground geophysical work. The resulting map displays a more or less dense network of 405 magnetic lineaments with a cumulative length of 1,787,676 meters as opposed to 94 lineaments from Landsat 8 images with a cumulative length of 970,054 meters. The average length of the magnetic lineaments is 4,414.01 meters while the average remote sensing length is 10,317.72 meters. The identified NE-SW and WNW-ESE fracture corridors are propitious for the presence of fracture aquifers. In addition to the lineament validation, the ground geophysics performed through electrical surveys allowed the characterization of the aquifers in the study area. Alteration thicknesses are generally less than 20 meters deep. The fractured horizon can reach 100 meters thickness under the alterites. The kernel density map highlights areas of good aquifer potential that could constitute significant groundwater reserves. Mapping aquifer potential is a crucial step in ensuring sustainable and efficient use of groundwater resources.
Palpitations and Shortness of Breath—Just a “Bump in the Road” or Something More?
Authors: Jhawar Nikita , Kusumoto Fred , Goldschlager Nora
Published: February 2023

A previously healthy person in their 60s with progressive shortness of breath and fatigue for the past 6 months presented to the emergency department with palpitations and shortness of breath. What is your diagnosis?
Redesigning Opioid Pain Agreements to Promote Patient-Centered Care
Authors: Incze Michael A.
Published: February 2023

This Viewpoint discusses opioid pain agreements to promote patient-centered care.
Association of the Chantix Recall With US Prescribing of Varenicline and Other Medications for Nicotine Dependence
Authors: Lang Adam Edward , Patel Urvashi , Fitzpatrick Jonathan , Lee Tiffany , McFarland Margo , Good Chester B.
Published: February 2023

This cross-sectional study evaluates the association between the 2021 varenicline tartrate recall and prescribing of varenicline and other medications for nicotine dependence in a large US national patient cohort.
Intense Pulsed Light Soldering of Sn–3.0Ag–0.5Cu Ball Grid Array Component on Au/Pd(P)/Ni(P) Surface‐Finished Printed Circuit Board and Its Drop Impact Reliability
Authors: Ha Eun , Min Kyung Deuk , Lee Sinyeob , Hwang Jae-Seon , Kang Taegyu , Jung Seung-Boo
Published: February 2023

Intense pulsed light (IPL) soldering is investigated as an alternative soldering process to conventional reflow soldering. IPL soldering is suitable for achieving a carbon‐neutral society due to its low power consumption. In addition, it has several advantages in electronic device manufacturing, including low thermal damage, short processing time, and applicability to large‐area processes. Herein, an electroless‐nickel/electroless‐palladium/immersion‐gold surface finish and Sn–3.0Ag–0.5Cu solder are used. Three IPL parameters, pulse width, pulse number, and frequency, are considered in the soldering process. The microstructures of the interface and solder matrix are observed using a field‐emission scanning electron microscope equipped with an electron probe microanalyzer. Furthermore, board‐level drop impact tests are conducted to investigate the mechanical reliability of the joints. The results show that the compositions and morphologies of intermetallic compounds (IMCs) vary with the IPL parameters, which significantly affect the reliability. Specifically, the number of drops to failure increases ≈6.7 times under optimum IPL condition compared to reflow soldering. This is because cracks propagate through the solder matrix and discontinuous IMCs. Based on the obtained results, IPL‐based soldering is a promising alternative to reflow soldering.
A New Phenomenological Model for the Crushing Failure Mechanism Lattice Structures
Authors: Alomar Zaki , Concli Franco
Published: February 2023

A new phenomenological model for lattice structures that exhibit crushing‐like failure mechanisms is presented. The model estimates the compressive stress–strain curves of such lattices based on their relative density. The model is derived from the underdamped oscillator's general equation and the rheological model's properties. The model applicability is tested on five circular cell lattice structures having various relative densities, as well as a body‐centered‐cubic and a square cell lattice, for further validation. The model accurately captures the curves’ profile qualitatively and quantitatively compared with the experimental data. A relationship between each parameter and the relative density is established to extend the model's functionality as fourth‐order polynomial equations. Additionally, the energy absorption values between the measured data and the model up to the crushing of the first layer are in relatively good agreement ranging between 2.68% and 25.3%, proving the model's effectiveness. Overall, the new phenomenological model can estimate essential features of the lattice structures based solely on the relative density while reducing the time and the cost needed during the design phase.
Topological Metal MoP Nanowire for Interconnect
Authors: Han Hyeuk Jin , Kumar Sushant , Jin Gangtae , Ji Xiaoyang , Hart James L. , Hynek David J. , Sam Quynh P. , Hasse Vicky , Felser Claudia , Cahill David G. , Sundararaman Ravishankar , Cha Judy J.
Published: February 2023

The increasing resistance of copper (Cu) interconnects for decreasing dimensions is a major challenge in continued downscaling of integrated circuits beyond the 7 nm technology node as it leads to unacceptable signal delays and power consumption in computing. The resistivity of Cu increases due to electron scattering at surfaces and grain boundaries at the nanoscale. Topological semimetals, owing to their topologically protected surface states and suppressed electron backscattering, are promising candidates to potentially replace current Cu interconnects. Here, we report the unprecedented resistivity scaling of topological metal molybdenum phosphide (MoP) nanowires, and it is shown that the resistivity values are superior to those of nanoscale Cu interconnects <500 nm2cross‐section areas. The cohesive energy of MoP suggests better stability against electromigration, enabling a barrier‐free design . MoP nanowires are more resistant to surface oxidation than the 20 nm thick Cu. The thermal conductivity of MoP is comparable to those of Ru and Co. Most importantly, it is demonstrated that the dimensional scaling of MoP, in terms of line resistance versus total cross‐sectional area, is competitive to those of effective Cu with barrier/liner and barrier‐less Ru, suggesting MoP is an attractive alternative for the scaling challenge of Cu interconnects.
First Combined, Double‐Density LCV‐Pluronic F‐127 Radiochromic Dosimeter Mimicking Lungs and Muscles
Authors: Kozicki Marek , Bartosiak Marcin , Maras Piotr , Wach Radosław , Kadlubowski Slawomir
Published: February 2023

This work reports on a new type of combined radiochromic ionizing radiation dosimeter for radiotherapy. The LCV‐Pluronic F‐127 serves for this purpose, which is a leuco crystal violet embedded in a physical hydrogel matrix of poly(ethylene oxide)‐block‐poly(propylene oxide)‐block‐poly(ethylene oxide) (Pluronic F‐127) with additives. This dosimeter responds to ionizing radiation by developing a blue color with an intensity related to the radiation dose. The LCV‐Pluronic F‐127 dosimeter is improved for lower temperature stability by adding sodium chloride (NaCl). Subsequently, a method for manufacturing the LCV‐Pluronic F‐127 lung mimicking dosimeter is proposed. Next, the LCV‐Pluronic F‐127 3D composite dosimeter is elaborated, which contains in one container two dosimetric zones of different densities mimicking soft tissues: muscles and lungs. The following are investigated: i) LCV‐Pluronic F‐127 phase transition with and without NaCl, ii) dose response characteristics, iii) stability during storage, iv) foams characteristics – lung mimicking dosimeter, v) tissue equivalence, and vi) dose response of LCV‐Pluronic F‐127 combined dosimeter to a medical accelerator X‐ray irradiation. In summary, this work proves the possibility of formation complex dosimeters and opens a new area of research toward the development and application of such dosimeters containing dosimetric zones corresponding to many tissues in one vial.
Adaptive Recursive Least Squares Denoising in Ventricular Fibrillation ECG Signals
Authors: Ding Youde , Liao Yuan , Li Yongqin , Wang Jing , He Ji , Xie Guoxi , Zhang Guiying
Published: February 2023

Cardiac arrest is a fatal and urgent disease in humans. A high‐quality electrocardiogram (ECG) has a positive guide to the success of defibrillation and resuscitation. However, because of artificial motion interference and ambient noise, reliable ECG signals can be obtained only during chest compression (CC) pauses. To address this issue, the adaptive recursive least squares (RLS) denoising approach is proposed. First, the ECG signals of porcine are divided into three groups: CC, without CC, and both with and without CC. Then, five Gaussian noises with different signals‐to‐noise ratios (SNR) and five noises with different distribution types are added, respectively. Furthermore, RLS is compared with six other different denoising approaches. Experimental results demonstrate significant differences between RLS and the other six algorithms in main metrics. SNR and related factors are larger, while the root mean square error is smaller. In conclusion, RLS can significantly eliminate many types of ambient noise, and improve the quality of ECG signals during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Energy Yield Modeling for Optimization and Analysis of Perovskite‐Silicon Tandem Solar Cells Under Realistic Outdoor Conditions
Authors: Tomšič Špela , Jošt Marko , Brecl Kristijan , Topič Marko , Lipovšek Benjamin
Published: February 2023

A comprehensive algorithm for calculating the energy yield (EY) is used as the most important figure‐of‐merit in determining the capabilities of PV devices in realistic operation. The model is based on advanced optical modeling and extensive opto‐thermo‐electrical characterization. It takes the realistic environmental and device installation data fully into account, as well as the complete set of device specifications including all relevant temperature‐induced variations. A detailed analysis and optimization of two‐terminal perovskite‐silicon tandem devices are done in terms of long‐term electrical energy production at different geographical locations from distinct Köppen–Geiger–Photovoltaic climate zones (KGPV). It is shown that the optimal perovskite bandgap (EG,PK) in a tandem device operating under realistic conditions is in all cases higher than the one optimized under STC, yet does not differ significantly from location to location, which is beneficial from the manufacturing point of view. The optimalEG,PKis influenced primarily by the spectral distribution of incident irradiance, and not so much by the operating temperature conditions. Moreover, a clear linear dependency between the optimalEG,PKand the weighted average photon energy of the incident irradiance is demonstrated, which presents an important rule for rapid tandem design.
Trends in emergency medicine resident procedural reporting over a 10‐year period
Authors: Gottlieb Michael , Jordan Jaime , Krzyzaniak Sara , Mannix Alexandra , King Andrew , Cooney Robert , Fix Megan , Shappell Eric
Published: February 2023

Background

Procedural competency is expected of all emergency medicine (EM) residents upon graduation. The ACGME requires a minimum number of essential procedures to successfully complete training. However, data are limited on the actual number of procedures residents perform and prior studies are limited to single institutions over short time periods. This study sought to assess the number of Key Index Procedures completed during EM residency training and evaluate trends over time.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of graduating EM resident procedure logs across eight ACGME accredited residency programs over the last 10 years (2013–2022). Sites were selected to ensure diversity of program length, program type, and geography. All data from EM residents graduating in 2013–2022 were eligible for inclusion. Data from residents from combined training programs, those who did not complete their full training at that institution (i.e., transferred in/out), or those who did not have data available were excluded. We determined the list of procedures based upon the ACGME Key Index Procedures list. Sites obtained totals for each of the identified procedures for each resident upon graduation. We calculated the mean and 95% CI for each procedure.

Results

We collected data from a total of 914 residents, with 881 (96.4%) meeting inclusion criteria. The most common procedures were point‐of‐care ultrasound, adult medical resuscitation, adult trauma resuscitation, and intubation. The least frequent procedures included pericardiocentesis, cricothyroidotomy, cardiac pacing, vaginal delivery, and chest tubes. Most procedures were stable over time with the exception of lumbar punctures (decreased) and point‐of‐care ultrasound (increased).

Conclusions

In a national sample of EM programs, procedural numbers remained stable except for lumbar puncture and ultrasound. This information can inform residency training curricula and accreditation requirements.
Fabrication of Super‐Sized Metal Inorganic‐Organic Hybrid Glass with Supramolecular Network via Crystallization‐Suppressing Approach
Authors: Ali Mohamed A. , Winters Wessel M. W. , Mohamed Moushira A. , Tan Dezhi , Zheng Guojun , Madsen Rasmus S. K. , Magdysyuk Oxana V. , Diaz‐Lopez Maria , Cai Biao , Gong Nan , Xu Yijue , Hung Ivan , Gan Zhehong , Sen Sabyasachi , Sun Hong‐Tao , Bennett Thomas D. , Liu Xiaofeng , Yue Yuanzheng , Qiu Jianrong
Published: February 2023

Metal coordination compound (MCC) glasses [e.g., metal‐organic framework (MOF) glass, coordination polymer glass, and metal inorganic‐organic complex (MIOC) glass] are emerging members of the hybrid glass family. So far, a limited number of crystalline MCCs can be converted into glasses by melt‐quenching. Here, we report a universal wet‐chemistry method, by which the super‐sized supramolecular MIOC glasses can be synthesized from non‐meltable MOFs. Alcohol and acid were used as agents to inhibit crystallization. The MIOC glasses demonstrate unique features including high transparency, shaping capability, and anisotropic network. Directional photoluminescence with a large polarization ratio (≈47 %) was observed from samples doped with organic dyes. This crystallization‐suppressing approach enables fabrication of super‐sized MCC glasses, which cannot be achieved by conventional vitrification methods, and thus allows for exploring new MCC glasses possessing photonic functionalities.
Nano‐sized cadmium‐benzothiazole Schiff base complexes: Synthesis, characterization, and the impact of surfactants for cadmium determination
Authors: Kassem Mohammed A. , Shah Reem Kamal
Published: February 2023

In this paper, three benzothiazole‐Schiff bases, 2‐([benzothiazol‐2‐ylimino]methyl)phenol (L1), 2‐([benzothiazol‐2‐ylimino]methyl)‐4‐chlorophenol (L2), and 2‐([benzothiazol‐2‐ylimino]methyl)‐4‐bromophenol (L3), were environmentally friendly prepared using a microwave assisted synthesis. These synthesized ligands were used to chelate Cd (II) to produce three nano‐sized solid complexes, which were characterized using TEM, FT‐IR, and XRD. Then three developed spectrophotometric approaches for ultra‐trace quantification of divalent cadmium have been investigated and the sensitivity of these developed methods was enhanced using micellar medium. The influence of the type and amount of buffer, pH, type of surfactant, and amount of ligand during quantification of cadmium ion were monitored and determined. The calibration curve was valid over the concentration ranges of 1.0–9.0, 1.1–12.0, and 1.5–14.9 μg mL−1 of Cd (II) with detection limits of 0.407, 0.313, and 0.453 μg mL−1 using L1, L2, and L3, respectively. The described approaches had been effectively applied for Cd (II) ion quantification in some water samples.
The application of carbon dots in tumor immunotherapy: Researches and prospects
Authors: Cai Hao , Abbas Khurram , Yang Yuxiang , Li Zijian , Bi Hong
Published: February 2023

Since the rapid development of nanomedicine in oncotherapy, multiple nanomaterials are adopted to regulate the immune system in cancer individuals. Tumor immunotherapy enhances the immune function of patients to achieve the purpose of killing tumor cells by utilizing the organism immune mechanism. As emerging inorganic carbon nanoparticles, carbon dots (CDs) have been found as photosensitizers, vaccines, immunoadjuvants, and so on for cancer treatment due to their unique structure and property, such as effective platforms for drug delivery, immunomodulation, and phototherapy. In this review, we mainly discuss the recent application of CDs in tumor immunotherapy and the prospects of CDs in the field of immune medicine. By assessing the achievements and challenges of CDs in tumor immunotherapy, our review would provide mechanistic insights into the evolution of future nanomedicine.
Zincophilic Design and the Electrode/Electrolyte Interface for Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries: A Review
Authors: Zhao Chenyang , Zhang Yu , Gao Jiaze , Guo Zhikun , Chen Aosai , Liu Nannan , Lu Xingyuan , Zhang Xigui , Zhang Naiqing
Published: February 2023

Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) are limited in energy storage by the persistent Zn dendrites, which is a major bottleneck preventing the commercial application of rechargeable aqueous zinc‐ion batteries. The dendritic problems associated with Zn metal anodes can lead to rapid performance degradation, failure and even safety risks of the battery. Zincophilicity of the electrode/electrolyte interface is critical to the stable and safe operation for aqueous ZIBs. In this review, we discuss that zincophilicity can be regulated by tuning the chemical interactions of material surface energy with zinc metal, emphasizing the importance of zincophilic design for improving the electrochemical performance of zinc electrodes. Advances in optimization strategies for the zincophilic zinc metal anode/electrolyte interface are summarized. Challenges and prospects for further exploration and balance of zincophilicity of the anode/electrolyte interface are presented, which are expected to promote in‐depth research and practical applications of advanced aqueous zinc ions.
Isolation and characterization of N‐(2‐Hydroxyethyl)hexadecanamide from Colletotrichum gloeosporioides with apoptosis‐inducing potential in breast cancer cells
Authors: Rai Nilesh , Gupta Priyamvada , Verma Ashish , Singh Santosh Kumar , Gautam Vibhav
Published: February 2023

Endophytic fungi are a well‐established reservoir of bioactive compounds that are pharmaceutically valuable and therefore, contribute significantly to the biomedical field. The present study aims to identify the bioactive anticancer compound from ethyl acetate extract of fungal endophyte, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides associated with the leaf of the medicinal plant Oroxylum indicum. The fatty acid amide compound N‐(2‐Hydroxyethyl)hexadecanamide (Palmitoylethanolamide; PEA) was identified using antioxidant activity‐guided fractionation assisted with tandem liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry, Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy, time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance. In‐Silico molecular docking analysis showed that PEA potentially docked to the active sites of apoptosis‐inducing proteins including BAX, BCL‐2, P21, and P53. Further validation was done using in vitro study that showed PEA inhibitsthe proliferation, alters nuclear morphology and attenuates the wound closure ability of MDA‐MB‐231 and MCF‐7 cells. PEA induces apoptosis via upregulating cell‐cycle arrest (P21), tumor suppression (P53), pro‐apoptotic (BAX, CASPASE‐8, and FADD) genes, and downregulating anti‐apoptotic gene BCL‐2. The upregulation of the active form of Caspase‐3 was also reported. This is the first‐ever report for the isolation of PEA from C. gloeosporioides with anticancer activity against human breast cancer cells and therefore holds great potential for future therapeutics.
Exploring the potential of CRISPR/Cas genome editing for vegetable crop improvement: An overview of challenges and approaches
Authors: Das Tuyelee , Anand Uttpal , Pal Tarun , Mandal Sayanti , Kumar Manoj , Radha  , Gopalakrishnan Abilash Valsala , Lastra José M. Pérez de la , Dey Abhijit
Published: February 2023

Vegetables provide many nutrients in the form of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which make them an important part of our diet. Numerous biotic and abiotic stresses can affect crop growth, quality, and yield. Traditional and modern breeding strategies to improve plant traits are slow and resource intensive. Therefore, it is necessary to find new approaches for crop improvement. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR associated 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) is a genome editing tool that can be used to modify targeted genes for desirable traits with greater efficiency and accuracy. By using CRISPR/Cas9 editing to precisely mutate key genes, it is possible to rapidly generate new germplasm resources for the promotion of important agronomic traits. This is made possible by the availability of whole genome sequencing data and information on the function of genes responsible for important traits. In addition, CRISPR/Cas9 systems have revolutionized agriculture, making genome editing more versatile. Currently, genome editing of vegetable crops is limited to a few vegetable varieties (tomato, sweet potato, potato, carrot, squash, eggplant, etc.) due to lack of regeneration protocols and sufficient genome sequencing data. In this article, we summarize recent studies on the application of CRISPR/Cas9 in improving vegetable trait development and the potential for future improvement.
Experimental kS estimation: A comparison of methods for Corynebacterium glutamicum from lab to microfluidic scale
Authors: Steinhoff Heiko , Finger Maurice , Osthege Michael , Golze Corinna , Schito Simone , Noack Stephan , Büchs Jochen , Grünberger Alexander
Published: February 2023

Knowledge about the specific affinity of whole cells toward a substrate, commonly referred to as kS, is a crucial parameter for characterizing growth within bioreactors. State‐of‐the‐art methodologies measure either uptake or consumption rates at different initial substrate concentrations. Alternatively, cell dry weight or respiratory data like online oxygen and carbon dioxide transfer rates can be used to estimate kS. In this work, a recently developed substrate‐limited microfluidic single‐cell cultivation (sl‐MSCC) method is applied for the estimation of kS values under defined environmental conditions. This method is benchmarked with two alternative microtiter plate methods, namely high‐frequency biomass measurement (HFB) and substrate‐limited respiratory activity monitoring (sl‐RA). As a model system, the substrate affinity kS of Corynebacterium glutamicum ATCC 13032 regarding glucose was investigated assuming a Monod‐type growth response. A kS of <70.7 mg/L (with 95% probability) with HFB, 8.55 ± 1.38 mg/L with sl‐RA, and 2.66 ± 0.99 mg/L with sl‐MSCC was obtained. Whereas HFB and sl‐RA are suitable for a fast initial kS estimation, sl‐MSCC allows an affinity estimation by determining tD at concentrations less or equal to the kS value. Thus, sl‐MSCC lays the foundation for strain‐specific kS estimations under defined environmental conditions with additional insights into cell‐to‐cell heterogeneity.
The significance of margins in pediatric Non‐Rhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcomas: Consensus on surgical margin definition harmonization from the INternational Soft Tissue SaRcoma ConsorTium (INSTRuCT)
Authors: Sparber‐Sauer Monika , Ferrari Andrea , Spunt Sheri L. , Vokuhl Christian , Casey Dana , Lautz Timothy B. , Meyer William H. , Walterhouse David O. , Pajtler Kristian W. , Alaggio Rita , Schmidt Andreas , Safwat Akmal , Timmermann Beate , Dall'Igna Patrizia , Chen Sonja , Weiss Aaron R. , Orbach Daniel
Published: February 2023

Background

Margin status following surgery in children, adolescents, and young adults with soft tissue sarcomas is controversial and has been defined differently by various specialties, with definitions changing over time and by cooperative group. The International Soft Tissue Sarcoma Consortium (INSTRuCT) is a collaboration of the Children's Oncology Group (COG) Soft Tissue Sarcoma Committee, European pediatric Soft Tissue sarcoma Study Group (EpSSG), and the European Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studiengruppe (CWS) devoted to improving patient outcomes by pooling and mining cooperative group clinical trial data.

Methods

The INSTRuCT non‐rhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcoma (NRSTS) working group aimed to develop international harmonized recommendations regarding surgical margin assessment and definitions in children and adolescents with soft tissue tumors.

Results and Conclusion

This review addresses accepted principles and areas of controversy, including the perspectives of surgeons, pathologists, radiation oncologists, and pediatric oncologists, to develop a framework for building common guidelines for future research.
An encoder‐decoder based CNN architecture using end to end dehaze and detection network for proper image visualization and detection
Authors: Shit Sahadeb , Das Dibyendu Kumar , Ray Dip Narayan , Roy Bappadittya
Published: February 2023

Industrial sectors are reinventing in automation, stability, and robustness due to the rapid development of artificial intelligence technologies, resulting in significant increases in quality and production. Visual‐based sensor networks capture various views of the surrounding environment and are used to monitor industrial and transportation sectors. However, due to unclean suspended air particles that damage the whole monitoring and transportation systems, the visual quality of the images is degraded under adverse weather conditions. This research proposed a convolutional neural network‐based image dehazing and detection approach, called end to end dehaze and detection network (EDD‐N), for proper image visualization and detection. This network is trained on real‐time hazy images that are directly used to recover dehaze images without a transmission map. EDD‐N is robust, and accuracy is higher than any other proposed model. Finally, we conducted extensive experiments using real‐time foggy images. The quantitative and qualitative evaluations of the hazy dataset verify the proposed method's superiority over other dehazing methods. Moreover, the proposed method validated real‐time object detection tasks in adverse weather conditions and improved the intelligent transportation system.
BML‐111 inhibits osteoclast differentiation by suppressing the MAPK and NF‐κB pathways, alleviating deterioration of the knee joints in a CIA rat model
Authors: Wang Lu , Su Wei , Zheng Xiaohang , Lin Wenjun , Lv Chen , Yang Shengwu , Chen Bicheng , Zhang Chunwu
Published: February 2023

Irreversible destruction of joints is the hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Osteoclasts are the only bone‐resorbing cells and play an important role in joint rebuilding. BML‐111 (5(S),6(R),7‐trihydroxyheptanoic acid methyl ester, C8H16O5) is a synthetic lipoxin A4 agonist with antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of BML‐111 on osteoclasts in vivo and in vitro, to investigate its therapeutic effect on joint destruction in RA. Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay and flow cytometry were used to exclude cytotoxic effects of BML‐111 to bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMMs). Then, osteoclasts were differentiated in vitro from BMMs by used macrophage colony‐stimulating factor and receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand, and osteoclasts were observed following tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase staining with or without BML‐111 treatment. Meanwhile, absorption pit assay and immunofluorescence staining of the fibrous actin ring were used to observe osteoclast function. Moreover, we examined mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) activation. We established collagen‐induced arthritis in a rat model and, after treatment with BML‐111, joint swelling was measured and the knee joints were processed for histology. We also examined serum and tissue for osteoclastogenesis‐related markers. BML‐111 inhibited osteoclast formation and differentiation in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner, and downregulated the expression levels of MAPK and NF‐κB in vitro. Meanwhile, BML‐111 effectively alleviated joint structural damage and inhibited osteoclast formation in vivo. BML‐111 inhibited osteoclast formation and differentiation in vitro and in vivo, and delayed the progression of joint destruction.
Determination of TMPRSS2‐ERG, SPOP, FOXA1, and IDH1 prostate cancer molecular subtypes in Colombian patients and their possible implications for prognosis
Authors: Montero‐Ovalle Wendy , Sanabria‐Salas María C. , Mesa‐López de Mesa Jorge , Varela‐Ramírez Rodolfo , Segura‐Moreno Yenifer Y. , Sánchez‐Villalobos Santiago A. , Nuñez‐Lemus Marcela , Serrano Martha L.
Published: February 2023

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of cancer with of the highest incidence and mortality worldwide. Current disease prognostic markers do not differentiate aggressive from indolent PCa with sufficient certainty, and characterization by molecular subtypes has been sought to allow a better classification. TMPRSS2‐ERG, SPOP, FOXA1, and IDH1 molecular subtypes have been described, but the association of these subtypes with prognosis in PCa is unclear; their frequency in Colombian patients is also unknown. Formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded samples of radical prostatectomy from 112 patients with PCa were used. The TMPRSS2‐ERG subtype was assessed with fluorescent in situ hybridization. The mutations in SPOP, FOXA1, and IDH1 in hot‐spot regions were evaluated using Sanger sequencing. Fusion was detected in 71 patients (63.4%). No statistically significant differences were found between the state of fusion and the variables analyzed. In the 41 fusion‐negative cases (36.6%), two patients (4.9%) had missense mutations in SPOP (p.F102C and p.F133L), representing a 1.8% of the overall cohort. The low frequency of this subtype in Colombians could be explained by the reported variability in the frequency of these mutations according to the population (5%–20%). No mutations were found in FOXA1 in the cases analyzed. The synonym SNP rs11554137 IDH1105GGT was found in tumor tissue but not in the normal tissue in one case. A larger cohort of Colombian PCa patients is needed for future studies to validate these findings and gain a better understanding of the molecular profile of this cancer in our population and if there are any differences by Colombian regions.
HypERlnc attenuates angiotensin II‐induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy via promoting SIRT1 SUMOylation‐mediated activation of PGC‐1α/PPARα pathway in AC16 cells
Authors: Yue Lijuan , Sheng Siqi , Yuan Meng , Lu Jing , Li Tianyu , Shi Yuanqi , Dong Zengxiang
Published: February 2023

Cardiac hypertrophy is a well‐established risk factor for cardiovascular mortality worldwide. According to a recent study, hypoxia‐induced endoplasmic reticulum stress regulating long noncoding RNA (HypERlnc) is significantly reduced in the left ventricular myocardium of heart failure (HF) patients compared with healthy controls. However, the effect of HypERlnc on hypertrophy is unclear. In this study, the expression level of HypERlnc in serum of patients with chronic HF was analyzed. Moreover, the cardioprotective effect and mechanism of HypERlnc against cardiomyocyte hypertrophy were explored. Here, the level of HypERlnc expression was reduced in serum of patients with HF and in Angiotensin II (Ang II)‐stimulated AC16 cells. HypERlnc overexpression could reduce cell size and inhibit expression of hypertrophy genes (ANP, BNP, and β‐MHC) in the Ang II‐induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Meanwhile, HypERlnc could improve the Ang II‐induced energy metabolism dysfunction and mitochondrial damage via upregulating PGC‐1α/PPARα signaling pathway. Furthermore, it is found that SIRT1 SUMOylation mediated the HypERlnc‐induced inhibition of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and the improvement of energy metabolism. Taken together, this study suggests that HypERlnc suppresses cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and energy metabolism dysfunction via enhancing SUMOylation of SIRT1 protein. HypERlnc is a potential novel molecular target for preventing and treating pathological cardiac hypertrophy.
Society of thoracic surgeons risk score and left atrial pressure for predicting clinical outcomes among transcatheter mitral edge‐to‐edge repair patients
Authors: Natanzon Sharon Shalom , Koseki Keita , Kaewkes Danon , Koren Ofir , Patel Vivek , Shechter Alon , Fardman Alexander , Nakamura Mamoo , Chakravarty Tarun , Makkar Raj
Published: February 2023

Background

Limited data exist regarding the performance of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) risk score among transcatheter mitral edge‐to‐edge repair (TEER) patients.

Objective

Evaluate STS score accuracy, and the incremental value of post‐procedural left atrial pressure (LAP).

Methods

A retrospective analysis of TEER patients between 2013 and 2020. Patients were allocated into 3 groups: high (≥8% [n = 298, 31%]), intermediate (4%−8% [n = 318, 33%]), and low (<4% [n = 344, 36%]). Primary outcomes included 1‐year mortality or cardiovascular hospitalizations. Cox proportional hazards regression modeling was used to determine the hazard ratio of the primary outcome, and STS score accuracy was assessed by receiver operating characteristic. A spline curve was used to display the relationship between LAP and the primary endpoint. Continuous net reclassification improvement (NRI) was used to determine the incremental value of LAP.

Results

We included 960 patients, primarily elderly (79 [70−85]), with a median STS risk of 5.6 (3−9). High‐risk patients were older (83 [75−89], 81 [74−87], 72 [64−79], p < 0.001), and had more comorbidities compared to intermediate and low‐risk groups. Upon Cox regression, STS score (high vs. low: HR 2.5 [1.7−3.8]; Intermediate vs. low: HR 1.8 [1.2−2.7] and LAP HR 1.03 [1.01−1.06], p = 0.007) were associated with the outcome. C statistics analysis revealed low accuracy of the STS score (AUC‐0.61 [0.58−0.65, p < 0.001]). Continuous NRI analysis indicated an improvement in risk prediction of 17% (6.9−26.2), p < 0.001.

Conclusion

STS risk score has low accuracy in predicting clinical outcomes after TEER. Adding LAP measurements can improve reclassification and identify those prone to adverse outcomes.
Efficacy of a new generation intracoronary optical coherence tomography imaging system with fast pullback
Authors: Nishi Takeshi , Kume Teruyoshi , Yamada Ryotaro , Koto Satsohi , Sasahira Yoshitaka , Okamoto Hiroshi , Tamada Tomoko , Koyama Terumasa , Imai Koichiro , Neishi Yoji , Ughi Giovanni J. , Uemura Shiro
Published: February 2023

Objectives

We sought to investigate whether a novel, fast‐pullback, high‐frequency optical coherence tomography (HF‐OCT) imaging system enables data acquisition with a reduced amount of contrast agents while retaining the same qualitative and quantitative lesion assessment to conventional OCT.

Background

The increased amount of administered contrast agents is a major concern when performing intracoronary OCT.

Methods

The present study is a single‐center, prospective, observational study including 10 patients with stable coronary artery disease. A total of 28 individual coronary arteries were assessed by both fast‐pullback HF‐OCT and by conventional OCT.

Results

The contrast volume used in each OCT run for the HF‐OCT system was significantly lower than for the conventional OCT system (5.0 ± 0.0 mL vs. 7.8 ± 0.7 mL, respectively, with a mean difference of −2.84 [95% confidence interval [CI]: −3.10 to −2.58]). No significant difference was found in the median value of the clear image length between the two OCT systems (74 mm [interquartile range [IQR]; 63, 81], 74 mm [IQR; 71, 75], p = 0.89). Fast‐pullback HF‐OCT showed comparable measurements to conventional OCT, including minimum lumen area (3.27 ± 1.53 mm2 vs. 3.21 ± 1.53 mm2, p = 0.27), proximal reference area (7.03 ± 2.28 mm2 vs. 7.03 ± 2.34 mm2, p = 0.96), and distal reference area (5.93 ± 1.96 mm2 vs. 6.03 ± 2.02 mm2, p = 0.23). Qualitative OCT findings were comparable between the fast‐pullback HF‐OCT runs and conventional OCT with respect to identifying lipid‐rich plaques, calcifications, layered plaques, macrophages, and cholesterol crystals.

Conclusion

With the fast pullback function of a novel HF‐OCT imaging system, we acquired OCT images using a significantly lower amount of contrast volume while retaining a comparable qualitative and quantitative lesion assessment to conventional OCT.