bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors of antisocial personality
Authors: Simonoff Emily , Elander James , Holmshaw Janet , Pickles Andrew , Murray Robin , Rutter Michael
Published: January 2004

Background

Antisocial behaviour in adult life has its roots in childhood.

Aims

To explore the independent and joint effects of childhood characteristics on the persistence of antisocial behaviour into adult life.

Method

A clinical sample of twins who were systematically ascertained in childhood was followed up 10–25 years later. A total of 225 twins were interviewed regarding childhood and adult psychiatric disorder, psychosocial functioning, and psychosocial and cognitive risk factors.

Results

In univariate analyses, childhood hyperactivity and conduct disorder showed equally strong prediction of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) and criminality in early and mid-adult life. Lower IQ and reading problems were most prominent in their relationships with childhood and adolescent antisocial behaviour. In multivariate modelling childhood conduct disorder and hyperactivity predicted adult ASPD even when intervening risk factors were accounted for. The number of hyperactive and conduct symptoms also predicted adult outcome.

Conclusions

Childhood disruptive behaviour has powerful long-term effects on adult antisocial outcomes, which continue into middle adulthood. The importance of number of symptoms, the presence of disruptive disorder, and intermediate experiences highlight three areas where interventions might be targeted.
Salivary cortisol response to awakening in chronic fatigue syndrome
Authors: Roberts Amanda D. L. , Wessely Simon , Chalder Trudie , Papadopoulos Andrew , Cleare Anthony J.
Published: January 2004

Background

There is accumulating evidence of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis disturbances in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The salivary cortisol response to awakening has been described recently as a non-invasive test of the capacity of the HPA axis to respond to stress. The results of this test correlate closely with those of more invasive dynamic tests reported in the literature; furthermore, it can be undertaken in a naturalistic setting.

Aims

To assess the HPA axis using the salivary cortisol response to awakening in CFS.

Method

We measured salivary cortisol upon awakening and 10, 20, 30 and 60 min afterwards in 56 patients with CFS and 35 healthy volunteers.

Results

Patients had a lower cortisol response to awakening, measured by the area under the curve.

Conclusions

This naturalistic test of the HPA axis response to stress showed impaired HPA axis function in CFS.
Patient education to encourage graded exercise in chronic fatigue syndrome
Authors: Powell Pauline , Bentall Richard P. , Nye Fred J. , Edwards Richard H. T.
Published: January 2004

Background

An earlier trial demonstrated good outcomes after 1 year for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) who received an educational intervention designed to encourage graded activity.

Aims

To determine 2-year outcomes for the same treated patients and the response to treatment of patients formerly in the control condition.

Method

Patients in the treatment groups (n=114) were followed up at 2 years; 32 patients from the control group were offered the intervention after 1 year and were assessed 1 year later. Assessments were the self-rated measures used in the original trial.

Results

At 2 years 63 of the treated patients (55%) no longer fulfilled trial criteria for CFS compared with 64 patients (56%) at 1 year. Fourteen of 30 crossover patients (47%) achieved a good outcome at 1 year and seven (23%) no longer fulfilled criteria for CFS.

Conclusions

Benefits of the intervention were maintained at 2 years. Delaying treatment is associated with reduced efficacy and required more intensive therapy.
Prevalence of DSM-IV psychiatric disorder in the French elderly population
Authors: Ritchie K. , Artero S. , Beluche I. , Ancelin M.-L. , Mann A. , Dupuy A.-M. , Malafosse A. , Boulenger J.-P.
Published: January 2004

Background

France has high rates of psychotropic drug consumption and suicide in the elderly population, but it has not yet been possible to determine whether this is due to exceptionally high morbidity rates.

Aims

To describe the first longitudinal population study of psychiatric disorder undertaken in France, and to estimate current and lifetime prevalences and age of onset of psychiatric disorder.

Method

A study group of 1873 non-institutionalised persons aged 65 years and over was randomly recruited from the Montpellier district electoral rolls. The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview was used to assess current and lifetime symptoms. Cases identified by the application of DSM–IV criteria were reexamined by a clinical panel.

Results

Forty-six percent of the study population had experienced a mental disorder in their lifetime, and 3.7% had made a suicide attempt. Lifetime prevalence of major depression was 26.5% and 30% for anxiety disorders. Current prevalence rates were 14.2% for anxiety disorders, 10.7% for phobia, 3% for major depression and 1.7% for psychosis.

Conclusions

Results show very high rates of lifetime but not current major depression. Rates of current phobia and suicidal ideation in the very elderly are also high compared with other studies. The rates reported are likely to be underestimates.
Antidepressants and public health in Iceland
Authors: Helgason Tómas , Tómasson Helgi , Zoëga Tómas
Published: January 2004

Background

Major depressive disorder is the second leading cause of disability-adjusted life-years in developed regions of the world and antidepressants are the third-ranking therapy class worldwide.

Aims

To test the public health impact of the escalating sales of antidepressants.

Method

Nationwide data from Iceland are used as an example to study the effect of sales of antidepressants on suicide, disability, hospital admissions and outpatient visits.

Results

Sales of antidepressants increased from 8.4 daily defined doses per 1000 inhabitants per day in 1975 to 72.7 in 2000, which is a user prevalence of 8.7% for the adult population. Suicide rates fluctuated during 1950–2000 but did not show any definite trend. Rates for outpatient visits increased slightly over the period 1989–2000 and admission rates increased even more. The prevalence of disability due to depressive and anxiety disorders has not decreased over the past 25 years.

Conclusions

The dramatic increase in the sales of antidepressants has not had any marked impact on the selected public health measures. Obviously, better treatment for depressive disorders is still needed in order to reduce the burden caused by them.
Epidemiology of involuntary placement of mentally ill people across the European Union
Authors: Salize Hans Joachim , Dressing Harald
Published: January 2004

Background

Despite the tendency for harmonisation of strategies for mental health care delivery, rules and regulations for involuntary placement or treatment of mentally ill persons still differ remarkably internationally. Rapid European integration and other political developments require valid and reliable international overviews, sound studies and profound analyses of this controversial issue.

Aims

To give an overview of compulsory admission data from official sources across the European Union (EU).

Method

Data on the legal frameworks for involuntary placement or treatment of people with mental illness and their outcomes were provided and assessed by experts from all EU member states.

Results

Total frequencies of admission and compulsory admission rates vary remarkably across the EU. Variation hints at the influence of differences in legal frameworks or procedures. Time series suggest an overall tendency towards more or less stable quotas in most member states.

Conclusions

Further research is greatly needed in this field. Common international health reporting standards are essential to the compilation of basic data.
Trauma exposure and post-traumatic stress symptoms in urban African schools
Authors: Seedat S. , Nyamai C. , Njenga F. , Vythilingum B. , Stein D. J.
Published: January 2004

Background

There is a lack of comparative data on the prevalence and effects of exposure to violence in African youth.

Aims

We assessed trauma exposure, post-traumatic stress symptoms and gender differences in adolescents from two African countries.

Method

A sample of 2041 boys and girls from 18 schools in Cape Town and Nairobi completed anonymous self-report questionnaires.

Results

More than 80% reported exposure to severe trauma, either as victims or witnesses. Kenyan adolescents, compared with South African, had significantly higher rates of exposure to witnessing violence (69% v. 58%), physical assault by a family member (27% v. 14%) and sexual assault (18% v. 14%). But rates of current full-symptom post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (22.2% v. 5%) and current partial-symptom PTSD (12% v. 8%) were significantly higher in the South African sample. Boys were as likely as girls to meet PTSD symptom criteria.

Conclusions

Although the lifetime exposure to trauma was comparable across both settings, Kenyan adolescents had much lower rates of PTSD. This difference may be attributable to cultural and other trauma-related variables. High rates of sexual assault and PTSD, traditionally documented in girls, may also occur in boys and warrant further study.
Stigma: the feelings and experiences of 46 people with mental illness
Authors: Dinos Sokratis , Stevens Scott , Serfaty Marc , Weich Scott , King Michael
Published: January 2004

Background

Stigma defines people in terms of some distinguishing characteristic and devalues them as a consequence.

Aims

To describe the relationship of stigma with mental illness, psychiatric diagnosis, treatment and its consequences of stigma for the individual.

Method

Narrative interviews were conducted by trained users of the local mental health services; 46 patients were recruited from community and day mental health services in North London.

Results

Stigma was a pervasive concern to almost all participants. People with psychosis or drug dependence were most likely to report feelings and experiences of stigma and were most affected by them. Those with depression, anxiety and personality disorders were more affected by patronising attitudes and feelings of stigma even if they had not experienced any overt discrimination. However, experiences were not universally negative.

Conclusions

Stigma may influence how a psychiatric diagnosis is accepted, whether treatment will be adhered to and how people with mental illness function in the world. However, perceptions of mental illness and diagnoses can be helpful and non-stigmatising for some patients.
Adaptation of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Disorders for assessing depression in women during pregnancy and post-partum across countries and cultures
Authors: Gorman Laura L. , O'Hara Michael W. , Figueiredo Barbara , Hayes Sandra , Jacquemain Frédérique , Kammerer Martin H. , Klier Claudia M. , Rosi Simone , Seneviratne Gertrude , Sutter-Dallay Anne-Laure
Published: January 2004

Background

To date, no study has used standardised diagnostic assessment procedures to determine whether rates of perinatal depression vary across cultures.

Aims

To adapt the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM–IV Disorders (SCID) for assessing depression and other non-psychotic psychiatric illness perinatally and to pilot the instrument in different centres and cultures.

Method

Assessments using the adapted SCID and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale were conducted during the third trimester of pregnancy and at 6 months postpartum with 296 women from ten sites in eight countries. Point prevalence rates during pregnancy and the postnatal period and adjusted 6-month period prevalence rates were computed for caseness, depression and major depression.

Results

The third trimester and 6-month point prevalence rates for perinatal depression were 6.9% and 8.0%, respectively. Postnatal 6-month period prevalence rates for perinatal depression ranged from 2.1% to 31.6% across centres and there were significant differences in these rates between centres.

Conclusions

Study findings suggest that the SCID was successfully adapted for this context. Further research on determinants of differences inprevalence of depression across cultures isneeded.
Aims, measures, study sites and participant samples of the Transcultural Study of Postnatal Depression
Authors: Asten Paul , Marks Maureen N. , Oates Margaret R.
Published: January 2004

Background

Although postnatal depression is a common condition, with adverse effects on the child, mother and partner, there has been no research to date linking analyses of its origins and consequences with studies of service provision in different national health and social systems.

Aims

The Transcultural Study of Postnatal Depression (TCS–ND)was setup to develop a set of instruments to facilitate such research.

Method

Seven research instruments were piloted in studies carried out in ten centres in eight countries. A qualitative study looked at the cross-cultural equivalence of the concept of postnatal depression.

Results

The results are reported in the individual papers in this supplement.

Conclusions

Reliable and culturally valid measures are now available for future comparative research into postnatal depression within different health systems and countries.
Maternal attachment style and depression associated with childbirth: preliminary results from a European and US cross-cultural study
Authors: Bifulco Antonia , Figueiredo Barbara , Guedeney Nicole , Gorman Laura L. , Hayes Sandra , Muzik Maria , Glatigny-Dallay Elisabeth , Valoriani Vania , Kammerer Martin H. , Henshaw Carol A.
Published: January 2004

Background

Insecure attachment style relates to major depression in women, but its relationship to depression associated with childbirth is largely unknown. A new UK-designed measure, the Attachment Style Interview (ASI), has potential for cross-cultural use as a risk marker for maternal disorder.

Aims

To establish the reliability of the ASI across centres, its stability over a 9-month period, and its associations with social context and majoror minor depression.

Method

The ASI was used by nine centres antenatally on 204 women, with 174 followed up 6 months postnatally. Interrater reliability was tested and the ASI was repeated on a subset of 96 women. Affective disorder was assessed by means of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM–IV.

Results

Satisfactory interrater reliability was achieved with relatively high stability rates at follow-up. Insecure attachment related to lower social class position and more negative social context. Specific associations of avoidant attachment style (angry–dismissive or withdrawn) with antenatal disorder, and anxious style (enmeshed or fearful) with postnatal disorder were found.

Conclusions

The ASI can be used reliably in European and US centres as a measure for risk associated with childbirth. Its use will contribute to theoretically underpinned preventive action for disorders associated with childbirth.
Measurement of mother-infant interactions and the home environment in a European setting: preliminary results from a cross-cultural study
Authors: Gunning Melanie , Conroy Sue , Valoriani Vania , Figueiredo Barbara , Kammerer Martin H. , Muzik Maria , Glatigny-Dallay Elisabeth , Murray Lynne
Published: January 2004

Background

Infant development is adversely affected in the context of postnatal depression. This relationship may be mediated by both the nature of early mother-infant interactions and the quality of the home environment.

Aims

To establish the usefulness of the Global Ratings Scales of Mother–Infant Interaction and the Infant–Toddler version of the Home Observation for the Measurement of the Environment (IT–HOME), and to test expected associations of the measures with characteristics of the social context and with major or minor depression.

Method

Both assessments were administered postnatally in four European centres; 144 mothers were assessed with the Global Ratings Scales and 114 with the IT–HOME. Affective disorder was assessed by means of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM–IV Disorders.

Results

Analyses of mother–infant interaction indicated no main effect for depression but maternal sensitivity to infant behaviour was associated with better infant communication, especially for women who were not depressed. Poor overall emotional support also reduced sensitivity scores. Poor support was also related to poorer IT–HOME scores, but there was no effect of depression.

Conclusions

The Global Ratings Scales were effectively applied but there was less evidence of the usefulness of the IT–HOME.
Health services research into postnatal depression: results from a preliminary cross-cultural study
Authors: Chisholm Daniel , Conroy Sue , Glangeaud-Freudenthal Nine , Oates Margaret R. , Asten Paul , Barry Siobhan , Figueiredo Barbara , Kammerer Martin H. , Klier Claudia M. , Seneviratne Gertrude , Sutter-Dallay Anne-Laure ,   TCS–PND Group
Published: January 2004

Background

Little is known about the availability and uptake of health and welfare services by women with postnatal depression in different countries.

Aims

Within the context of a cross cultural research study, to develop and test methods for undertaking quantitative health services research in postnatal depression.

Method

Interviews with service planners and the collation of key health indicators were used to obtain a profile of service avail ability and provision. A service use questionnaire was developed and administered to a pilot sample in a number of European study centres.

Results

Marked differences in service access and use were observed between the centres, including postnatal nursing care and contacts with primary care services. Rates of use of specialist services were generally low. Common barriers to access to care included perceived service quality and responsiveness. On the basis of the pilot work, a postnatal depression version of the Service Receipt Inventory was revised and finalised.

Conclusions

This preliminary study demonstrated the methodological feasibility of describing and quantifying service use, highlighted the varied and often limited use of care in this population, and indicated the need for an improved understanding of the resource needs and implications of postnatal depression.
Sales Promotions and the Choice Context as Competing Influences on Consumer Decision Making
Authors: Nowlis Stephen M. , Simonson Itamar
Published: February 2004

Although brand switching is one of the most researched topics in marketing, we still know very little about the moderators of switching between brands in different price‐quality tiers (e.g., from Häagen–Dazs ice cream to Breyers or to a store brand). Building on the notion that buyers have a (category‐specific) consideration set of price–quality tiers, we propose that sales promotions and the choice set composition (or the choice context) have compensatory effects on brand switching between price–quality tiers. Specifically, if one of these factors causes buyers to switch to a higher price–quality tier within their brand‐tier consideration set, then the other factor is less likely to induce switching in the same direction (to an even higher tier) and more likely to induce switching in the opposite direction. This general proposition leads to several specific hypotheses, including (a) the likelihood of switching between particular brand tiers due to price promotions can be predicted based on the choice set composition; (b) asymmetric switching, whereby consumers are more likely to switch up from a low‐tier to a promoted high‐tier brand than from a high‐tier to a promoted low‐tier brand, is reduced or eliminated if consumers consider three price–quality tiers; and (c) the compromise effect is reduced when the lowest tier brand offers a price promotion. These hypotheses were supported in a series of studies, which also examined rival explanations. The theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
Apolipoprotein E isoforms and their Cys‐thiol modifications impact LRP1‐mediated metabolism of triglyceride‐rich lipoproteins
Authors: Matsuura Hiroto , Akahane Shogo , Kaido Takahiro , Kamijo Tomu , Sakamoto Kenta , Yamauchi Kazuyoshi
Published: January 2024

The low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor‐related protein (LRP)1 participates in the metabolism of apolipoprotein (apo) E‐containing lipoproteins (apoE‐LP). We investigated the effects of modifications of cysteine (Cys)‐thiol of apoE on LRP1‐mediated metabolism. Among the three isoforms, apoE2‐LP exhibited the lowest affinity for LRP1 but was significantly catabolized, whereas apoE4‐LP was sufficiently bound to LRP1 but showed the lowest catabolic capability. The reduction enhanced the binding and suppressed the catabolism of apoE3‐LP, but had no effect on apoE2‐LP. The formation of disulfide‐linked complexes with apoAII suppressed binding, but enhanced the catabolism of apoE2‐LP. Redox modifications of apoE‐Cys‐thiol may modulate the LRP1‐mediated metabolism of apoE2‐ or apoE3‐LP, but not apoE4‐LP. The failure of this function may be involved in the pathophysiology of dyslipidemia.
ASPM stabilizes the NOTCH intracellular domain 1 and promotes oncogenesis by blocking FBXW7 binding in hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Chan Tze‐Sian , Cheng Li‐Hsin , Hsu Chung‐Chi , Yang Pei‐Ming , Liao Tai‐Yan , Hsieh Hsiao‐Yen , Lin Pei‐Chun , HuangFu Wei‐Chun , Chuu Chih‐Pin , Tsai Kelvin K.
Published: January 2024

Notch signaling is aberrantly activated in approximately 30% of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), significantly contributing to tumorigenesis and disease progression. Expression of the major Notch receptor, NOTCH1, is upregulated in HCC cells and correlates with advanced disease stages, although the molecular mechanisms underlying its overexpression remain unclear. Here, we report that expression of the intracellular domain of NOTCH1 (NICD1) is upregulated in HCC cells due to antagonism between the E3‐ubiquitin ligase F‐box/WD repeat‐containing protein 7 (FBXW7) and the large scaffold protein abnormal spindle‐like microcephaly‐associated protein (ASPM) isoform 1 (ASPM‐i1). Mechanistically, FBXW7‐mediated polyubiquitination and the subsequent proteasomal degradation of NICD1 are hampered by the interaction of NICD1 with ASPM‐i1, thereby stabilizing NICD1 and rendering HCC cells responsive to stimulation by Notch ligands. Consistently, downregulating ASPM‐i1 expression reduced the protein abundance of NICD1 but not its FBXW7‐binding‐deficient mutant. Reinforcing the oncogenic function of this regulatory module, the forced expression of NICD1 significantly restored the tumorigenic potential of ASPM‐i1‐deficient HCC cells. Echoing these findings, NICD1 was found to be strongly co‐expressed with ASPM‐i1 in cancer cells in human HCC tissues (P < 0.001). In conclusion, our study identifies a novel Notch signaling regulatory mechanism mediated by protein–protein interaction between NICD1, FBXW7, and ASPM‐i1 in HCC cells, representing a targetable vulnerability in human HCC.
Bill would designate federal funds for problem gambling initiatives
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: January 2024

Proposed legislation that has been introduced in both houses of Congress would establish the first dedicated stream of federal funding for gambling addiction treatment, prevention and research. Supporters of the measure acknowledged that the effort to pass it likely will extend beyond the current session of Congress, given an overall lack of movement on new legislation and the reality of a national election this year.
‘Safer supply’ in BC tied to increase in poisonings, but not deaths
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: January 2024

A cohort study that looked at Canadian province British Columbia's Safer Opioid Supply policy, instituted two years ago, found that there was a moderate increase in the number of individuals with at least one opioid prescription, a large increase in the number of opioid prescriptions dispensed, and a substantial increase in hospitalizations related to opioid poisoning. According to the study, “British Columbia's Safer Opioid Supply Policy and Opioid Outcomes” published online in JAMA Internal Medicine on Jan. 16, there were no statistically significant changes in deaths from opioid overdoses and no significant change in the number of prescribers. Rather, those prescribers who were there before prescribed a significantly greater amount of opioids. And the opioid‐related poisoning hospitalization rate increased by 3.2 per 100,000 population. The study, by Hai V. Nguyen, Ph.D. and colleagues, was funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. The study used quarterly data from 2016 to 2022 from British Columbia, where the Safer Opioid Supply policy was implemented, then compared that data to Canada's Manitoba and Saskatchewan provinces where the policy was not implemented. The main outcomes were rates of prescriptions, claimants, and prescribers of opioids targeted by the Safer Opioid Supply policy (hydromorphone, morphine, oxycodone, and fentanyl); opioid‐related poisoning hospitalizations; and deaths from apparent opioid toxicity. The researchers concluded that while the Safer Opioid Supply policy was associated with higher rates of safer (prescription) supply, it was also associated with a significant increase in opioid‐related poisoning hospitalizations. “These findings will help inform ongoing debates about this policy not only in British Columbia, but also in other jurisdictions that are contemplating it,” the researchers concluded.
2D Materials for Photothermoelectric Detectors: Mechanisms, Materials, and Devices
Authors: Dai Mingjin , Zhang Xuran , Wang Qi Jie
Published: January 2024

2D materials, with outstanding optical, thermal, and electric properties, are emerging as promising candidates for fabricating high‐performance photodetectors. Recently, impressive progresses have been made in this area and some challenges are remaining to improve the properties of photodetectors. As one important part in the mainstream photodetection mechanisms, photothermoelectric (PTE) effect is showing unique priorities in fabricating advanced photodetectors, especially broadband detection operating in the mid‐infrared and terahertz spectral regime. Here, recent progress on PTE photodetectors based on layered 2D materials is reviewed. The physical mechanism of PTE effect is first discussed and then the optical and thermoelectric properties of various 2D materials are analyzed. Furthermore, strategies to improve the photodetection performance of PTE detectors are summarized in two major categories including enhanced photothermal conversion and thermoelectric conversion processes. Finally, the challenges and prospects for future research in 2D thermoelectric materials and PTE detectors are also provided.
Fabric‐Enhanced Vascular Graft with Hierarchical Structure for Promoting the Regeneration of Vascular Tissue
Authors: Ma Wenxin , Liu Zhuo , Zhu Tonghe , Wang Liming , Du Juan , Wang Kun , Xu Chen
Published: January 2024

Natural blood vessels have completed functions, including elasticity, compliance, and excellent antithrombotic properties because of their mature structure. To replace damaged blood vessels, vascular grafts should perform these functions by simulating the natural vascular structures. Although the structures of natural blood vessels are thoroughly explored, constructing a small‐diameter vascular graft that matches the mechanical and biological properties of natural blood vessels remains a challenge. A hierarchical vascular graft is fabricated by Electrospinning, Braiding, and Thermally induced phase separation (EBT) processes, which could simulate the structure of natural blood vessels. The internal electrospun structure facilitates the adhesion of endothelial cells, thereby accelerating endothelialization. The intermediate PLGA fabric exhibits excellent mechanical properties, which allow it to maintain its shape during long‐term transplantation and prevent graft expansion. The external macroporous structure is beneficial for cell growth and infiltration. Blood vessel remodeling aims to combine a structure that promotes tissue regeneration with anti‐inflammatory materials. The results in vitro demonstrated that it EBT vascular graft (EBTVG) has matched the mechanical properties, reliable cytocompatibility, and the strongest endothelialization in situ. The results in vitro and replacement of the resected artery in vivo suggest that the EBTVG combines different structural advantages with biomechanical properties and reliable biocompatibility, significantly promoting the stabilization and regeneration of vascular endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells, as well as stabilizing the blood microenvironment.
Lung‐Mimetic Hydrofoam Sealant to Treat Pulmonary Air Leak
Authors: Pinezich Meghan R. , Mir Mohammad , Graney Pamela L. , Tavakol Daniel Naveed , Chen Jiawen , Hudock Maria R. , Gavaudan Olimpia , Chen Panpan , Kaslow Sarah R. , Reimer Jonathan A. , Van Hassel Julie , Guenthart Brandon A. , O'Neill John D. , Bacchetta Matthew , Kim Jinho , Vunjak‐Novakovic Gordana
Published: January 2024

Pulmonary air leak is the most common complication of lung surgery, contributing to post‐operative morbidity in up to 60% of patients; yet, there is no reliable treatment. Available surgical sealants do not match the demanding deformation mechanics of lung tissue; and therefore, fail to seal air leak. To address this therapeutic gap, a sealant with structural and mechanical similarity to subpleural lung is designed, developed, and systematically evaluated. This “lung‐mimetic” sealant is a hydrofoam material that has alveolar‐like porous ultrastructure, lung‐like viscoelastic properties (adhesive, compressive, tensile), and lung extracellular matrix‐derived signals (matrikines) to support tissue repair. In biocompatibility testing, the lung‐mimetic sealant shows minimal cytotoxicity and immunogenicity in vitro. Human primary monocytes exposed to sealant matrikines in vitro upregulate key genes (MARCO, PDGFB, VEGF) known to correlate with pleural wound healing and tissue repair in vivo. In rat and swine models of pulmonary air leak, this lung‐mimetic sealant rapidly seals air leak and restores baseline lung mechanics. Altogether, these data indicate that the lung‐mimetic sealant can effectively seal pulmonary air leak and promote a favorable cellular response in vitro.
Highly Sensitive Early Diagnosis of Kidney Damage Using Renal Clearable Zwitterion‐Coated Ferrite Nanoprobe via Magnetic Resonance Imaging In Vivo
Authors: Zhou Ting , Dong Yanzhi , Wang Xiaoyi , Liu Ruxia , Cheng Ran , Pan Jinbin , Zhang Xuejun , Sun Shao‐Kai
Published: January 2024

Iron oxide nanoprobes exhibit substantial potential in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of kidney diseases and can eliminate the nephrotoxicity of gadolinium‐based contrast agents (GBCAs). Nevertheless, there is an extreme shortage of highly sensitive and renal clearable iron oxide nanoprobes suitable for early kidney damage detection through MRI. Herein, a renal clearable ultra‐small ferrite nanoprobe (UMFNPs@ZDS) is proposed for highly sensitive early diagnosis of kidney damage via structural and functional MRI in vivo for the first time. The nanoprobe comprises a ferrite core coated with a zwitterionic layer, and possesses a high T1 relaxivity (12.52 mm−1s−1), a small hydrodynamic size (6.43 nm), remarkable water solubility, excellent biocompatibility, and impressive renal clearable ability. In a rat model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), the nanoprobe‐based MRI can not only accurately visualize the locations of renal injury, but also provide comprehensive functional data including peak value, peak time, relative renal function (RRF), and clearance percentage via MRI. The findings prove the immense potential of ferrite nanoprobes as a superior alternative to GBCAs for the early diagnosis of kidney damage.
Resonant Band Hybridization in Alloyed Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Heterobilayers
Authors: Catanzaro Alessandro , Genco Armando , Louca Charalambos , Ruiz‐Tijerina David A. , Gillard Daniel J. , Sortino Luca , Kozikov Aleksey , Alexeev Evgeny M. , Pisoni Riccardo , Hague Lee , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Ensslin Klaus , Novoselov Kostya S. , Fal'ko Vladimir , Tartakovskii Alexander I.
Published: January 2024

Bandstructure engineering using alloying is widely utilized for achieving optimized performance in modern semiconductor devices. While alloying has been studied in monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides, its application in van der Waals heterostructures built from atomically thin layers is largely unexplored. Here, heterobilayers made from monolayers of WSe2 (or MoSe2) and MoxW1 − xSe2 alloy are fabricated and nontrivial tuning of the resultant bandstructure is observed as a function of concentration x. This evolution is monitored by measuring the energy of photoluminescence (PL) of the interlayer exciton (IX) composed of an electron and hole residing in different monolayers. In MoxW1 − xSe2/WSe2, a strong IX energy shift of ≈100 meV is observed for x varied from 1 to 0.6. However, for x < 0.6 this shift saturates and the IX PL energy asymptotically approaches that of the indirect bandgap in bilayer WSe2. This observation is theoretically interpreted as the strong variation of the conduction band K valley for x > 0.6, with IX PL arising from the K − K transition, while for x < 0.6, the bandstructure hybridization becomes prevalent leading to the dominating momentum‐indirect K − Q transition. This bandstructure hybridization is accompanied with strong modification of IX PL dynamics and nonlinear exciton properties. This work provides foundation for bandstructure engineering in van der Waals heterostructures highlighting the importance of hybridization effects and opening a way to devices with accurately tailored electronic properties.
Configurational Disorder, Strong Anharmonicity, and Coupled Host Dynamics Lead to Superionic Transport in Li3YCl6 (LYC)
Authors: Ahammed Ballal , Ertekin Elif
Published: January 2024

In superionic crystals, liquid‐like ionic diffusivities often come hand‐in‐hand with ultra‐low thermal conductivity and soft vibrational dynamics. However, generalized relationships between ion transport and vibrational dynamics remain elusive due to the diversity of superionic materials and complex underlying mechanisms. Here, the links between vibrational dynamics and ion transport in close‐packed lithium halide ion conductor Li3YCl6 (LYC) are examined using a suite of atomistic first‐principles methods. It is shown that configurational disorder, lattice anharmonicity, and coupled host‐mobile ion vibrational dynamics together induce a transition to the superionic state. Statistical correlations between ionic hops and activation of the distribution of vibrational modes are found. However, typical phenomena associated with superionic conductors such as selective breakdown of zone‐boundary soft phonons, or long wavelength transverse acoustic modes as in the ‘phonon‐liquid‐electron crystal’ concept, are not present. Instead, anharmonic zone‐boundary modes aiding Li diffusion are found to broaden and soften selectively but persist across the superionic transition. These anharmonic modes couple Li ion motion with the vibrations of the flexible close‐packed anion framework, which remains stable and facilitates ionic hopping. The results provide insights into how configurational disorder and soft‐yet‐resilient vibrational modes enable ionic hopping, particularly in 3D close‐packed crystals.
Colloidal Synthesis of P‐Type Zn3As2 Nanocrystals
Authors: Kim Seongchan , Lee Kyumin , Gwak Namyoung , Shin Seungki , Seo Jaeyoung , Noh Sung Hoon , Kim Doyeon , Lee Yunseo , Kong Hyein , Yeo Dongjoon , Kim Tae Ann , Lee Seung‐Yong , Jang Jaeyoung , Oh Nuri
Published: January 2024

Zinc pnictides, particularly Zn3As2, hold significant promise for optoelectronic applications owing to their intrinsic p‐type behavior and appropriate bandgaps. However, despite the outstanding properties of colloidal Zn3As2 nanocrystals, research in this area is lacking because of the absence of suitable precursors, occurrence of surface oxidation, and intricacy of the crystal structures. In this study, a novel and facile solution‐based synthetic approach is presented for obtaining highly crystalline p‐type Zn3As2 nanocrystals with accurate stoichiometry. By carefully controlling the feed ratio and reaction temperature, colloidal Zn3As2 nanocrystals are successfully obtained. Moreover, the mechanism underlying the conversion of As precursors in the initial phases of Zn3As2 synthesis is elucidated. Furthermore, these nanocrystals are employed as active layers in field‐effect transistors that exhibit inherent p‐type characteristics with native surface ligands. To enhance the charge transport properties, a dual passivation strategy is introduced via phase‐transfer ligand exchange, leading to enhanced hole mobilities as high as 0.089 cm2 V−1 s−1. This study not only contributes to the advancement of nanocrystal synthesis, but also opens up new possibilities for previously underexplored p‐type nanocrystal research.
Collagen Mineralization Decreases NK Cell‐Mediated Cytotoxicity of Breast Cancer Cells via Increased Glycocalyx Thickness
Authors: Park Sangwoo , Choi Siyoung , Shimpi Adrian A. , Estroff Lara A. , Fischbach Claudia , Paszek Matthew J.
Published: January 2024

Skeletal metastasis is common in patients with advanced breast cancer and often caused by immune evasion of disseminated tumor cells (DTCs). In the skeleton, tumor cells not only disseminate to the bone marrow but also to osteogenic niches in which they interact with newly mineralizing bone extracellular matrix (ECM). However, it remains unclear how mineralization of collagen type I, the primary component of bone ECM, regulates tumor‐immune cell interactions. Here, a combination of synthetic bone matrix models with controlled mineral content, nanoscale optical imaging, and flow cytometry are utilized to evaluate how collagen type I mineralization affects the biochemical and biophysical properties of the tumor cell glycocalyx, a dense layer of glycosylated proteins and lipids decorating their cell surface. These results suggest that collagen mineralization upregulates mucin‐type O‐glycosylation and sialylation by tumor cells, which increases their glycocalyx thickness while enhancing resistance to attack by natural killer (NK) cells. These changes are functionally linked as treatment with a sialylation inhibitor decreased mineralization‐dependent glycocalyx thickness and made tumor cells more susceptible to NK cell attack. Together, these results suggest that interference with glycocalyx sialylation may represent a therapeutic strategy to enhance cancer immunotherapies targeting bone‐metastatic breast cancer.
High‐Efficiency Solution‐Processed Hyperfluorescent Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes Enabled by Novel Triazatruxene‐Based Exciplexes with High Up‐Conversion Efficiency
Authors: Wang Qian , Liu Yang , Xu Yushuai , Tang Zixun , Guo Yuhang , Wu Yuliang , Tong Hui , Xie Zhiyuan
Published: January 2024

Although sensitizing traditional fluorescent dyes with thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) exciplexes has been extensively studied, the device performance of solution‐processed organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) still lags far behind in this regard. Herein, the novel exciplex with high up‐conversion efficiency composed of a triazatruxene‐based donor and a triazine‐based acceptor is employed as a TADF sensitizer to fluorescent dye in solution‐processed hyperfluorescent OLEDs. Benefiting from the small activation energy for triplet up‐conversion and less non‐radiative recombination of triplet excitons, the new TADF exciplex can up‐convert efficiently non‐radiative triplet excitons through reverse intersystem crossing. Besides, expeditious up‐conversion processes also shorten the residence time of triplet excitons, giving rise to significant suppression of detrimental Dexter energy transfer from the exciplex sensitizer to the dopant. By maximizing the triplet up‐conversion efficiency of exciplex sensitizers, the optimized OLEDs achieve a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQEmax) of 16.0%, which is the first report for the solution‐processed exciplex‐sensitized hyperfluorescent OLEDs with EQEmax exceeding 15%. These results validate that the up‐conversion efficiency of triplet excitons in the exciplexes strongly affects the performance of exciplex‐sensitized fluorescent devices, and the triazatruxene‐based molecules are promising donor candidates for constructing the exciplexes with high up‐conversion efficiency.
Crystallographic and Spectroscopic Snapshots of Multi‐Stimuli‐Responsive Dinuclear Cobalt Metal−Organic Frameworks
Authors: Li Shu‐Fan , Ke Si‐Wen , Wu Miaomiao , Zuo Jing‐Lin , Su Jian , Zhang Gen
Published: January 2024

Investigating the reversible structural transformation of stimuli‐responsive metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) through single‐crystal diffraction and establishing a structure–property relationship pose a significant challenge. Herein, the controllable synthesis of Co‐MOF‐1 and Co‐MOF‐2 by incorporating water into the solvothermal synthesis process is presented. In comparison to the trinuclear [Co3(COO)8]2− clusters found in Co‐MOF‐1, Co‐MOF‐2 presents a variable dinuclear [Co2(COO)4(H2O)5] cluster. Single crystal diffraction studies, utilizing synchrotron radiation, confirm the reversible two‐step transformation. The presence of various organic solvents induces the single‐crystal‐to‐single‐crystal (SC‐to‐SC) transformation of Co‐MOF‐2. This transformation is initiated by the cleavage of three coordinated water molecules and subsequent coordination of carboxylates in the ligand, resulting in solvatochromic behavior. Further, the reversible stimuli‐responsive behavior can also be rapidly induced under the stimuli of heat, vacuum, and X‐rays. This study successfully demonstrates the crystallographic and spectroscopic snapshots of dynamic coordination bonds in MOFs and contributes to a deeper understanding of the structure–property relationship.
Blueshift and Photoluminescence Enhancement in Broadband Near‐Infrared Emitting Phosphor NaSr2(Al/Ga)Ge5O14: Cr3+ Dependence on the Sc/In Substitution
Authors: Lin Qiuming , Li Yan , Wu Xiaozhong , Peng Jiaqing , You Weixiong , Huang Decai , Ye Xinyu
Published: January 2024

Cr3+‐activated near‐infrared (NIR) phosphors have gained extensive attention for use in NIR phosphor‐converted light‐emitting diodes (pc‐LEDs), which are required for smart NIR spectroscopy techniques. Nevertheless, obtaining broadband NIR‐emitting phosphors with outstanding thermal stabilities and photoluminescence (PL) efficiencies remains a significant challenge. Herein, considering NaSr2XGe5O14 (X = Al, Ga, Sc, and In) as hosts, which possess a large band gap and multiple sites for the substitution of Cr3+ ions. NaSr2XGe5O14:Cr3+ phosphors are successfully prepared using a solid‐state reaction technology. Upon blue light excitation, the phosphors cover a broad NIR emission band in 650–1100 nm region. Notably, an abnormal blueshift and PL enhancement are observed following the substitution of Al/Ga with Sc/In. In particular, the PL internal quantum efficiency is improved from 34.5% (NaSr2GaGe5O14: Cr3+) to 87.5% (NaSr2ScGe5O14: Cr3+). Moreover, the manufactured NIR pc‐LED exhibited an exceptional photoelectric efficiency of 17.7% with an NIR output power of 10.2 mW at 20 mA, and its potential application in nondestructive detection is demonstrated.
Color‐Tunable TADF Conjugated Polymers Toward Voltage‐Regulating White OLEDs for Intelligent Lighting
Authors: Wang Tao , Song Xiufang , Huang Zhongyan , Miao Jingsheng , Chen Zhanxiang , Cheng Yanxiang , Yang Chuluo
Published: January 2024

Color‐tunable luminescent polymers are highly desirable materials for meeting the daily needs of humans in terms of circadian rhythm, yet they are rarely reported. Herein, a feasible approach is developed for color‐tunable thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) conjugated polymers by incorporating green and red TADF units into blue fluorescent polymeric backbone. The solution‐processed OLEDs based on the synthesized polymers exhibit high‐efficiency red emission with a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQEmax) of 26.1% under low voltage (6 V). With a slight increase in voltage, warm white emission with EQEmax of 23.9%, color rendering index (CRI) of 76 and low corelated color temperature (CCT) of 1700 K is obtained. These results represent the highest efficiencies among the red and warm white OLEDs based on TADF polymers, respectively. Intriguingly, under higher voltage (10 V), warm white emission with high CRI of 87, CCT of 3216 K, and luminance of over 5300 cd m−2 is accessible. This work provides a promising approach for intelligent lighting by voltage‐regulating white OLEDs.
Anti‐Markovnikov Hydroamination and Hydroalkoxylation of Allylic Alcohols Promoted by a Simple Rare‐Earth Metal Trialkyl Complex
Authors: Zhu Xiancui , Sun Jinrong , Wu Zhixin , Guo Dianjun , Zhou Shuangliu , Wang Shaowu
Published: January 2024

An exclusive anti‐Markovnikov hydroamination as well as hydroalkoxylation of allylic alcohols catalyzed by a simple catalyst Y(CH2SiMe3)3(THF)2 has been developed, providing a variety of γ‐amino and γ‐alkoxy alcohols in good yields under mild conditions. Moreover, this protocol is applied to the synthesis of drug molecules Propipocaine and Proroxan. The rare‐earth metal catalyst features readily available, wide substrate compatability, exclusive anti‐Markovnikov selectivity, and performs in the absence of a base or an additive.
General Access to Clavine Alkaloids via a Rhodium(I)‐Catalyzed Diastereoselective Hayashi‐Miyaura Reaction
Authors: Leoni Giovanni , Bartoccini Francesca , Piersanti Giovanni
Published: January 2024

We report the development of the diastereoselective rhodium(I)‐catalyzed intramolecular conjugate addition (Hayashi‐Miyaura reaction) of robust and easily handled 4‐pinacolboronic ester D‐tryptophan derivatives tethering an activated alkene as the acceptor. This methodology provides, access to the functionalized chiral tricyclic core of the ergoline skeleton diastereoselectivity and allows further modification for the cyclization of the fused fourth ring present in several clavine alkaloids.
Alginate‐Coated Silicone Implants with Antisolvent‐Crystallized Paclitaxel to Prevent Breast Cancer Recurrence and Reduce Fibrosis
Authors: Myung Noehyun , Hwang Seoyoung , Ha Won , Kang Hyun‐Wook
Published: January 2024

Breast cancer patients undergoing mastectomy receive silicone‐implant‐based breast reconstruction to mitigate the psychological distress of breast loss, typically in conjunction with adjuvant therapy. However, significant problems remain, such as systemic toxicity from chemotherapy and fibrosis that causes capsular contracture. Here, the development of a silicone implant coated with an alginate gel containing antisolvent‐crystallized paclitaxel (acPTX) is reported. By antisolvent crystallization, the compact formulation of acPTX ensures slow release for long‐term breast cancer recurrence prevention. The mixture of acPTX and the biodegradable alginate gel, which reduces fibrosis, is uniformly coated onto the silicone implant using 3D printed implant‐specific molds based on the shape obtained from 3D scanning. In a breast cancer recurrence mouse model, silicone implants coated with acPTX gel show a long‐term preventive effect compared to gel‐coated implants with commercially available PTX. Furthermore, animal studies using C57BL/6 mice show that alginate‐gel‐coated implants significantly reduce capsule thickness, collagen density, and the number of fibrosis‐related cells around the implant compared to silicone implants. The developed acPTX‐gel‐coated implant presents a promising approach for breast reconstruction in mastectomized breast cancer patients. It provides a novel platform for developing implants with long‐term drug release properties.