bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Study of the Risk Factors of Malaria within Urban and Rural Settings in the Sahelian Region of Cameroon and the Role of Insecticide Resistance in Mosquitoes
Authors: Nyasa Raymond Babila , Ngwa Samuel Fru , Esemu Seraphine Nkie , Titanji Vincent P. K.
Published: May 2023

Background: Cameroon is among the 11 countries that account for 92 % of malaria infection in sub-Saharan-Africa in 2018, and Maroua III Health District and her environs witnessed a malaria outbreak in 2013 with hundredths of deaths.

Aim: To determine the risk factors of malaria in the urban and rural population and to investigate the level of mosquito’s resistance to Deltamethrin and Permethrin.

Methods: It was a cross-sectional community-based study carried out in August, September and October 2019, in which questionnaires were administered to 500 participants, to obtain information on demographics, socioeconomics, behavioral, and environmental factors thought to be associated with malaria infection in both rural and urban settings. Blood samples were collected for diagnosis of malaria and bivariate and multivariate regression analysis were used to identify risk factors of malaria. Mosquito resistance to Deltamethrin and Permethrin were determined using the CDC Bottle Bioassay test.  

Results: Malaria prevalence was 52.2 % which was significantly higher (P = 0.016) in rural areas (57.6%) than urban areas (46.8%). The prevalence of asymptomatic malaria was 43.4% and the geometric mean parasite density was 6333.60 parasites/µL of blood. Malaria infection was significantly (P<0.001) associated with children (64.1%) and teenagers (58.1%). Likewise, the infection was significantly associated with the presence of crops around homes (P=0.031), usage of old LLINs for more than three years and in urban settings, with primary education level (P=0.023). The overall mortality of Anopheles species was 93.57% (91.19% in rural and 95.83% in urban areas) for deltamethrin which was more sensitive than 83.85% (85.24% in rural and 82.46% in urban areas) for permethrin.

Conclusion: Relevant data for malaria control in Maroua III health district, a typical Sahelian environment has been generated, and indicates that most of the burden of malaria is borne by children and teenagers.
Postnatal Effects of the Ethanol on the Encephalon Mass and Neocortex Architecture in Wistar Rat Offspring Submitted to Acute Prenatal Injection [E12] and in vitro Ethanol Effects on Wistar Rat and Human Erythrocytes
Authors: Cordeiro-de-Oliveira Karolyne , Abreu Tainá de , Figueredo-da-Silva Sylla , Vasconcelos-da-Silva Ediana , Piva-Amaral Raíne , Silva-Amaral Danyelle , Magri Micheli Patrícia de Fátima , Brito Rogerio Benedito de , Vieira Rafael Bretas , Rodrigues Rosângela Correa , Santos Breno Régis , Aversi-Ferreira Tales Alexandre
Published: May 2023

Aims: To verify the ethanol effects of the acute injections in pregnant Wistar rats (E12) on the offspring in P8. Additionally, measures of the brain and corporal masses and the stability of erythrocytes were performed in rats and humans.

Study Design:  Histological analysis and a spectrophotometer were used to count neural cells and osmotic fragility in erythrocytes.

Place and Duration of Study: The immunohistochemistry study was partially performed at the Federal University of Uberlândia, and at the University of Toyama-Japan, the experiments on the brain, body masses, and stability of erythrocyte membranes in humans were performed from 2012 to 2014.

Methodology: Eighteen pregnant female rats (180-230g) were housed in cages at 22 ± 0.4°C on a 12 h light/dark cycle with free access to food and water. On the 11th day of pregnancy (E12), 12 rats received three intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of a 20% ethanol solution (3 g of ethanol/kg of body weight) at 8 hours intervals.

Results: The number of neural cells was lower in rats treated with ethanol than to controls to each lobe and total count in all lobes (P = 0.001). Significant alterations of neocortical tissue in ethanol-treated were observed, as the decrease of brain mass (P = 0.05) in linear regression. The stability of erythrocyte membranes was verified with D50 equal to 0.46 g·dL-1 (± 0.05).

Conclusion: According to this work, the ethanol injection in the rats showed marked brain tissue destruction relative to the control, and ethanol’s effects on erythrocytes indicated that membrane destruction could be one of the causes of brain cell disruption in neural migration.
The Influence of Vitamins, Antibiotics and Growth Stimulators on L-lysine Production by Bacillus subtilis Using Agricultural Products as Carbon and Nitrogen Sources
Authors: Okpalla J. , Ekwealor I. A.
Published: May 2023

L-Lysine is one of the 9 amino acids which are essential for human and animal nutrition. It is a basic building block of all proteins and cannot be synthesized biologically in the body. The influence of  vitamins, antibiotics and growth stimulators on L-lysine production by Bacillus subtilis using agricultural products as carbon and nitrogen sources was examined. The L-lysine producing bacteria had already been isolated from Nigerian soil. They were purified and Identified as B. subtilis PR13 and B. subtilis PR9, using cultural and biochemical characteristics. The of  influence of vitamins, antibiotics and growth stimulators on L-lysine production by Bacillus subtilis PR13 and 9 was evaluated in 100 ml flasks containing 20 ml fermentation media (FM1 and FM2). The results obtained showed that, an enhanced lysine yield of 3.41 and 1.57 mg/ml by Bacillus subtilis PR13 and Bacillus subtilis PR9, was observed in the presence of 1 µg/ml  of biotin and  10 µg/ml respectively. The supplementation of 0.04 units/ml of penicillin, enhanced optimum L-lysine yield of  2.38 mg/ml for B. subtilis PR 13 and 1.64 mg/ml for B. subtilis PR9 respectively. The addition of  0.1% w/v peptone and yeast extract, enhanced optimum L-lysine yield of  2.66 mg/ml for B. subtilis PR 13 and 1.72 mg/ml for B. subtilis PR9 respectively. There was a positive correlation between peptone and L-lysine production by  B. subtilis PR13 (r= 0.85) and yeast extract and L- lysine production by B. subtilis PR9 (r= 0.54). The results obtained in the study showed that the supplementation of the fermentation media with  some vitamins, antibiotics and growth stimulators enhanced the L-lysine yield of  B. subtilis PR13 and  B. subtilis PR9.
Aligning Figurative Paintings With Their Sources for Semantic Interpretation
Authors: Aslan Sinem , Steels Luc
Published: May 2023

This paper reports steps in probing the artistic methods of figurative painters through computational
algorithms. We explore a comparative method that investigates the relation between the source of a painting,
typically a photograph or an earlier painting, and the painting itself. A first crucial step in this process is to
find the source and to crop, standardize and align it to the painting so that a comparison becomes possible.
The next step is to apply different low-level algorithms to construct difference maps for color, edges, texture,
brightness, etc. From this basis, various subsequent operations become possible to detect and compare features
of the image, such as facial action units and the emotions they signify. This paper demonstrates a pipeline we
have built and tested using paintings by a renowned contemporary painter Luc Tuymans. We focus in this
paper particularly on the alignment process, on edge difference maps, and on the utility of the comparative
method for bringing out the semantic significance of a painting.
Large Study Links Industrial Solvent in Drinking Water to Parkinson Disease Risk in Camp Lejeune Veterans
Authors: Rubin Rita
Published: May 2023

This Medical News story discusses a new study in JAMA Neurology that links exposure to contaminated drinking water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune to an increased risk of Parkinson disease.
“Narrow-Wide-Narrow” QRS Complex Tachycardia—Beware the Smartwatch Monsters
Authors: Russo Vincenzo , Ascrizzi Antonia , Mauriello Alfredo
Published: May 2023

This case report describes an 18-year-old woman with palpitations associated with chest pain and lightheadedness.
Characterization of Risk Prediction Models for Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Feng Yunlin , Wang Amanda Y. , Jun Min , Pu Lei , Weisbord Steven D. , Bellomo Rinaldo , Hong Daqing , Gallagher Martin
Published: May 2023

Importance

Despite the expansion of published prediction models for acute kidney injury (AKI), there is little evidence of uptake of these models beyond their local derivation nor data on their association with patient outcomes.

Objective

To systematically review published AKI prediction models across all clinical subsettings.

Data Sources

MEDLINE via PubMed (January 1946 to April 2021) and Embase (January 1947 to April 2021) were searched using medical subject headings and text words related to AKI and prediction models.

Study Selection

All studies that developed a prediction model for AKI, defined as a statistical model with at least 2 predictive variables to estimate future occurrence of AKI, were eligible for inclusion. There was no limitation on study populations or methodological designs.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Two authors independently searched the literature, screened the studies, and extracted and analyzed the data following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analyses guideline. The data were pooled using a random-effects model, with subgroups defined by 4 clinical settings. Between-study heterogeneity was explored using multiple methods, and funnel plot analysis was used to identify publication bias.

Main Outcomes and Measures

C statistic was used to measure the discrimination of prediction models.

Results

Of the 6955 studies initially identified through literature searching, 150 studies, with 14.4 million participants, met the inclusion criteria. The study characteristics differed widely in design, population, AKI definition, and model performance assessments. The overall pooled C statistic was 0.80 (95% CI, 0.79-0.81), with pooled C statistics in different clinical subsettings ranging from 0.78 (95% CI, 0.75-0.80) to 0.82 (95% CI, 0.78-0.86). Between-study heterogeneity was high overall and in the different clinical settings (eg, contrast medium–associated AKI: I2 = 99.9%; P < .001), and multiple methods did not identify any clear sources. A high proportion of models had a high risk of bias (126 [84.4%]) according to the Prediction Model Risk Of Bias Assessment Tool.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, the discrimination of the published AKI prediction models was good, reflected by high C statistics; however, the wide variation in the clinical settings, populations, and predictive variables likely drives the highly heterogenous findings that limit clinical utility. Standardized procedures for development and validation of prediction models are urgently needed.
Social Media in the Context of the Personal Social Media Ecosystem Framework—Advancing a Flexible and Systematic Basis for Observing Health Correlates Over Time
Authors: Carter Michael C.
Published: May 2023

This Viewpoint reviews the central contributions of the Personal Social Media Ecosystem Framework and outlines how the framework can help advance understanding of social media effects among youths as an ongoing public health challenge.
Fetal Cardiac Function at Midgestation in Women Who Subsequently Develop Gestational Diabetes
Authors: Huluta Iulia , Wright Alan , Cosma Livia Mihaela , Hamed Karam , Nicolaides Kypros H. , Charakida Marietta
Published: May 2023

Importance

Fetuses in women with gestational diabetes (GD) compared with those without GD show evidence of subclinical cardiac functional and morphological changes. However, it is uncertain whether glycemia or the adverse maternal underlying risk factor profile is the main driver for fetal cardiac remodeling.

Objective

To assess cardiac morphology and function at midgestation in fetuses of mothers prior to development of GD and compare them with those of unaffected controls.

Design, Setting, and Participants

During this prospective nonintervention screening study at 19 to 23 weeks’ gestation, fetal cardiac morphology and function were assessed in all participants. Pregnancy complications were obtained from the medical records of the women. Fetal cardiac morphology and function were assessed in all participants at Harris Birthright Research Institute at King’s College Hospital, London, United Kingdom. Participants included pregnant women with singleton pregnancy who attended their routine fetal ultrasound examination at midgestation and agreed to participate in the Advanced Cardiovascular Imaging Study in pregnancy.

Main Outcome and Measures

Comparison of fetal cardiac morphology and function between mothers who subsequently developed GD and those who did not develop GD.

Methods

This was a prospective nonintervention screening study of 5620 women with singleton pregnancies at 19 to 23 weeks’ gestation. Conventional and more advanced echocardiographic modalities, such as speckle tracking, were used to assess fetal cardiac function in the right and left ventricle. The morphology of the fetal heart was assessed by calculating the right and left sphericity index.

Results

The 5620 included patients had a mean age of 33.6 years. In 470 cases, the women were diagnosed with GD after the midgestation echocardiographic assessment (8.4%). Women with GD, compared with the non-GD group, were older, had higher BMI, higher prevalence of family history of diabetes, non-White ethnicity, chronic hypertension, and GD in a previous pregnancy. In fetuses of the GD group compared with the non-GD group, there was mild increase in interventricular millimeter thickness (0.04; 95% CI, 0.03-0.06 mm) and left atrial area (0.04; 95% CI, 0.04-0.05), whereas left and right functional indices were comparable between groups with the exception of left ventricular ejection fraction, which was marginally improved in the GD group (0.02; 95% CI, 0.03-0.03).

Conclusions and Relevance

This study demonstrates that prior to development of GD, there was mild alteration in fetal cardiac morphology without affecting cardiac function. This suggests that the adverse maternal risk factor profile and not only the glycemia might contribute to cardiac remodeling noted in fetuses of women with GD.
A Green and Effective Organocatalyst for Faster Oxidation of Li2S in Electrochemical Processes
Authors: Fan Qining , Zhang Shilin , Jiang Jicheng , Lie Wilford , Pang Wei Kong , Gu Qinfen , Yang Weishen , Liu Huakun , Wang Jiazhao , Guo Zaiping
Published: May 2023

The search for viable carbon‐neutral sources of renewable energy is one of the most critical challenges in science today. The chemical community is committed to seeking efficient, inexpensive, and sustainable electrocatalysts that can exploit the energy produced by sustainable energy resources. Here, an ethanol organocatalyst, which is green and cheap, that can efficiently catalyze the oxidation of Li2S in the electrochemical reactions of Li2S cathodes is identified . This study demonstrates that a multitude of small molecular organocatalysts will offer electrochemists an elegant tool for accelerating electrochemical reactions with otherwise unattainable efficiency and precision. This concept refashions electrochemical domains and has broad implications for the design of “green” and sustainable chemistry cycles.
Steric Rooted Multi‐Resonant Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescent Emitters for Pure Blue Organic Light Emitting Diodes with Ultralow Efficiency Roll‐Off
Authors: Ravindran Ezhakudiyan , Baek Ho Eon , Son Hee Won , Park Ji Hyun , Kim Yun‐Hi , Suh Min Chul
Published: May 2023

Multi‐resonant thermally activated delayed fluorescent (MR‐TADF) materials are blooming for high‐resolution organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). However, boron/nitrogen (B/N)‐integrated MR‐TADF emitters suffer severe efficiency roll‐off from their strong inter‐molecular π–π interactions. Herein, versatile narrowband pure blue emitters (mono‐mx‐CzDABNA and tri‐mx‐CzDABNA) are demonstrated featuring a ring‐fused extended π‐skeleton: a classic steric hindrance and rigidity accessed by integrating with meta‐xylene (mx) rotors. tri‐mx‐CzDABNA shows a narrowband (FWHM, 26 nm) pure blue emission (λmax, 462 nm) with substantial hypsochromic shift (12 nm) while maintaining MR‐TADF characteristics. The key solid‐state analyses conclude that they conceivably suppress the non‐radiative energy loss, thus improving the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY > 90%) and rate of reverse intersystem crossing (RISC) (kRISC ≈2.85 × 105 s−1). The integration of tri meta‐xylene significantly leads to an enhanced horizontal dipole ratio (HDR) from 65% to 85%. Hyperfluorescent‐OLEDs are fabricated using designed MR‐TADF as terminal emitter, achieving a narrowband (FWHM, 34 nm) pure blue electroluminescence (λmax, 472 nm) and maximum external quantum efficiency (EQEmax) of 26.97% with magnificently suppressed efficiency roll‐off (7.8%) at 1000 cd m−2. So, it is believed that regulation of internal efficiencies and high color purity can amplify the route to achieving a narrowband pure blue emission through new synthetic MR‐TADF approaches.
Laser‐Responsive Shape Memory Device to Program the Stepwise Control of Intraocular Pressure in Glaucoma
Authors: Lee Kyubae , Choi Wungrak , Kim Si Yeong , Lee Eon‐Bee , Oh Won Take , Park Jeongeun , Lee Chan Hee , Lee Jihei Sara , Bae Hyoung Won , Jang Dong‐Su , Lee Kang Suk , Yi Se Won , Kang Mi‐Lan , Kim Chan Yun , Sung Hak‐Joon
Published: May 2023

There is an unmet need in the glaucoma clinic to control changes in the intraocular pressure (IOP), i.e., patient‐specific hypotony and tissue fibrosis‐mediated ocular hypertension, owing to the fixed tube diameter of the glaucoma drainage device. As a potential solution, the tube diameter can be adjusted, depending on the IOP, by shape memory polymer (SMP) and clinical laser systems, which can control the energy level, focus, and frequency by minimizing untargeted influences. To develop a translatable device, a laser‐responsive SMP with two additional elements: i) a tube with an intimal gel coating to release 5‐fluorouracil as an anti‐fibrotic drug and ii) a safety lock ring to block late hypotony in special cases is employed. When the SMP tube is inserted into a silicone tube and wrapped externally by the ring, intimal gel degradation and argon laser‐triggered diameter increase enable a three‐step IOP control. Sustained drug release of the intimal gel suppresses tissue fibrosis, and the ring prevents late hypotony by externally squeezing the silicone tube. The advanced design and functions are validated using computational in vitro and rabbit glaucoma models by determining clinic‐friendly argon laser parameters.
Activatable NIR‐II Lanthanides‐Polymetallic Oxomolybdate Hybrid Nanosensors for Monitoring Chemotherapy Induced Enteritis
Authors: Zhan Yuanjin , Yu Peng , Wang Xiaohan , Xie Yang , Zhang Hongxin , Zhang Fan
Published: May 2023

Chemotherapy‐induced enteritis is one of the side effects associated with cancer therapy, which significantly affects the treatment effect, but there is no effective clinical detection method that can early diagnose its occurrence and progression. Here, a series of second near‐infrared window (NIR‐II) hybrid nanosensors are designed that consisted of lanthanide nanoparticles and β‐Mo2C‐derived polymetallic oxomolybdate nanoclusters (Ln@POM). Based on the high sensitivity of POM to reactive oxygen species (ROS) closely related to chemotherapy‐induced enteritis, the NIR‐II luminescence intensity and lifetime of Ln@POM (Ln: Yb3+, Nd3+, Ho3+, Tm3+, Er3+) show excellent responsiveness to H2O2 and HClO with the detection limit down to 0.15 and 0.14 µm, respectively. Utilizing Nd@POM as a ROS‐activated NIR‐II nanosensor, the chemotherapeutic enteritis is successfully detected within 7 h after induction of chemotherapy drugs, which is significantly earlier than the gold standard method (immunohistochemistry, 24 h). These results demonstrate that the designed hybrid nanosensors are promising optical tools for the early diagnosis of ROS‐related diseases.
Charging d‐Orbital Electron of ReS2+x Cocatalyst Enables Splendid Alkaline Photocatalytic H2 Evolution
Authors: Zhong Wei , Xu Jiachao , Zhang Xidong , Zhang Jianjun , Wang Xuefei , Yu Huogen
Published: May 2023

Rhenium disulfide (ReS2) holds expansive perspective in photocatalytic water‐splitting field, but its H2‐production rate is severely impeded by the strong hydroxyl (OHad) adsorption on catalytic Re atoms. Herein, an ingenious strategy about charging d‐orbital electrons of ReS2+x cocatalyst by integrating metallic Au is explicitly clarified to effectively accelerate OHad desorption for promoting alkaline photocatalytic H2‐evolution activity. To this end, core‐shell Au@ReS2+x nanostructures as H2‐production cocatalysts are skillfully fabricated onto TiO2 by a directional assembly pathway. Experimental and theoretical data validate an free‐electron transfer from metallic Au core to S‐rich ReS2+x shell, thus essentially charging electrons to the d‐orbital of Re atoms to construct active Re(4‐δ)+ sites. The charged d‐orbital electron state of Re(4‐δ)+ atoms raises antibonding occupancy of the Re(4‐δ)+OHad bonds, thereby accelerating OHad desorption and endowing core‐shell Au@ReS2+x cocatalysts an efficient H2 production from alkaline water splitting. Moreover, the core‐shell Au@ReS2+x cocatalysts can effectively capture photogenerated electrons from TiO2 as unveiled by operando Kelvin probe force microscopy. Consequently, the optimized TiO2/Au@ReS2+x photocatalyst achieves an exceptional H2‐production rate of 6013.45 µmol h−1 g−1 with releasing visual H2 bubbles in alkaline media. This research furnishes original insights for charging orbital electrons to optimize the adsorption strength between intermediates and catalytic atoms.
Reversible Electronic Patterning of a Dynamically Responsive Hydrogel Medium
Authors: Yang Chen , Liu Yi , Wang Manya , Hu Hui , Zhao Zhongtao , Deng Hongbing , Payne Gregory F. , Shi Xiaowen
Published: May 2023

A dynamically responsive hydrogel medium is prepared from two self‐assembling components, a polysaccharide (chitosan) and a surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulfate; SDS). It is shown that this medium can be patterned using an electrode “pen” to reconfigure supramolecular structure: cathodic writing induces neutral chitosan chains to form a crystalline network, while anodic writing generates cationic chitosan chains that electrostatically crosslink with anionic SDS micelles. Both supramolecular structures are re‐configurable and each is stabilized by structure‐induced shifts in chitosan's pKa, thus electronically written patterns can be erased, new patterns can be written, and patterns can be written in three dimensions. Further, it is shown that NaCl‐induced morphological transitions of the SDS micelles allow patterns to be reversibly concealed or revealed. To demonstrate the versatility of this medium for information storage, a quick response (QR) code is electronically written and it is shown that this code can be recognized by a standard cellphone app. This QR code can be concealed by making the medium opaque (i.e., by obscuring the pattern) or by making the pattern evanescent (i.e., by making pattern invisible). Overall, this work demonstrates that a dynamically responsive medium composed of simple, safe and sustainable components can be reversibly patterned with spatial and quantitative control using top‐down electronic inputs.
Hybrid Tuning of Sub‐Filaments to Improve Analog Switching Performance in Memristive Devices
Authors: Hu Pan , Hossain Sushmit , Liu Zerui , Meng Deming , Wang Yunxiang , Ou Tse‐Hsien , Yang Hao , Chen Buyun , Cai Zhi , Shi Yudi , Barnell Mark , Wu Qing , Cronin Stephen B. , Wu Wei
Published: May 2023

Memristive devices are promising candidates for analog computing applications such as neuromorphic computation. Larger dynamic ranges and more sufficient multilevel states can enable the significant development of memristor‐based utilizations. Herein, a method to improve the analog switching performance of memristors through a hybrid tuning (coarse and fine tuning) of two sub‐filaments is demonstrated. The creation of sub‐filaments inside the dielectric switching layer is realized by deploying Pt metal islands in the switching layer. Given the different material stack configurations of the two sub‐filaments, they exhibit different switching properties to play the roles of coarse and fine tuning respectively in the memristor. Based on the above mechanism, a Pt/Ta/Al2O3/Pt island/Al2O3‐x/TiOy/Al2O3‐x/Pt memristor is proposed and fabricated. Through the hybrid tuning of two sub‐filaments, a combined dynamic range of 600 Ω to 50 kΩ is achieved. Compared to the reference Pt/Ta/Al2O3/Pt memristors (dynamic range: 600 Ω to 8 kΩ), both dynamic range and multilevel resistance states are increased significantly. Meanwhile, the energy efficiency is improved because the resistance of tunable states can be set to larger values. Furthermore, this mechanism can be incorporated into various existing memristors to improve their dynamic range and multilevel states, which extensively enriches the applications of memristors.
Ultra‐Compact and NonVolatile Nanophotonic Neural Networks
Authors: Yuan Huan , Wang Zhicheng , Peng Zheng , Wu Jiagui , Yang Junbo
Published: May 2023

A nanophotonic neural network (N‐PNN) architecture is proposed with compact nanophotonic scattering units and a hybrid structure of silicon and nonvolatile arrayed Sb2Se3. This PNN can execute deep neural networks (DNN) classification and identification tasks with a broad operation bandwidth and very compact footprint. The reconstruction of the convolutional kernel core is realized by digitally switching the phase state of the Sb2Se3 array. Based on a three‐dimensional finite‐difference time‐domain analysis, the core unit received only 4.92 × 2.34 µm2 footprint. The convolution kernel unit weights are reconfigured with high‐accuracy (7‐bit) image processing and recognition in the wavelength C‐band (1530–1570 nm). Furthermore, various deep‐learning tasks (speech, digital patterns, and clothing patterns) are investigated. The accuracy of the classification and recognition efficiency reached almost the same level as that of a 64‐bit computer. The size of the N‐PNN is almost two orders of magnitude smaller than that of classic Mach–Zehnder interferometer meshes. It is conducive for scalability, high‐radix DNN, and optoelectronic fusion of photonic integrated circuits and electronic integrated circuits.
Interfacial Engineering on Cathode and Anode with Iminated Polyaniline@rGO‐CNTs for Robust and High‐Rate Full Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Li Meng , Chen Hao , Guo Can , Qian Shangshu , Li Hongpeng , Wu Zhenzhen , Xing Chao , Xue Pan , Zhang Shanqing
Published: May 2023

Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) currently suffer from severe polysulfide shuttling, slow redox kinetics at the sulfur cathode, and irreversible dendrite growth at the lithium anode. To address these issues, a dual interfacial engineering strategy on both the cathode and anode is proposed. For the cathode, iminated polyaniline (iPANI) is used to achieve energetic engineering to induce mid‐energy level to the adsorption of polysulfides, and catalyze the redox conversion of sulfur species, and realize morphological engineering via self‐assembly of iPANI onto a scaffold integrated by reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), namely iPANI@rGO‐CNTs. For the anode, the highly conductive and lithiophilic nature and porous nanostructure of the iPANI@rGO‐CNTs composite facilitates the uniform deposition of lithium‐ions, significantly preventing the growth of lithium dendrites. Density functional theory calculations suggest that the iminated functional group at the excited state in iPANI can significantly suppress the shuttling effect, catalyze the conversion of sulfur species, and enhance the conversion of the sulfur species on the sulfur cathode. With the synergic effects of the iPANI@rGO‐CNTs nanoreactors, the as‐prepared LSBs deliver an excellent rate capability and outstanding cycling life. This large‐scale production and application of the iPANI@rGO‐CNTs nanocomposite may lead to the eventual commercialization of LSBs.
Increasing potato profitability through rotation systems and winter cover, nitrogen fertilizer, and supplemental irrigation in Atlantic Canada
Authors: Khakbazan Mohammad , Nyiraneza Judith , Jiang Yefang , Huang Jianzhong
Published: May 2023

Average potato yield in Prince Edward Island, Canada, has been stagnant since 2006. Two field studies were conducted on Charlottetown fine sandy loam soil to address this concern. In the first experiment, two alternative crop rotations, grain corn (Zea mays L.)–sorghum sudan grass (Sorghum × drummondii)–potato (C–SS–P) and soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.)–mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.)–potato (Soy–M–P), were compared to a conventional barley (Hordeum jubatum L.) (under seeded with red clover)–red clover (Trifolium pratense L.)–potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) (B–RedCl–P) rotation. This experiment was conducted for two 3‐year cycles comparing the effects of potato rotation, nitrogen fertilizer, and supplemental irrigation. The second experiment evaluated the inclusion of winter cover crops in a 3‐year potato crop rotation. The profitability of potatoes in each rotation was assessed using a stochastic budget of yields and fertilizer and crop prices. The effects of supplemental irrigation were not significant; however, nitrogen fertilization increased potato yields by 48%. Potato yields and net revenues in C–SS–P increased by 10.5% and 32.6% and in Soy–M–P by 6.7% and 20.5%, respectively, compared to potato in B–RedCl–P rotation. The use of winter rape cover increased potato yields by 18.6% compared to a system without winter covers, although some of these increases could be due to the use of sudan grass instead of red clover in B–RedCl–P rotation. It is recommended that potato producers implement the alternative rotation with additional fertilization and winter cover crops to increase yields and profits.
The Intersection Between Semantic Web and Materials Science
Authors: Valdestilhas Andre , Bayerlein Bernd , Moreno Torres Benjamin , Zia Ghezal Ahmad Jan , Muth Thilo
Published: May 2023

The application and benefits of Semantic Web Technologies (SWT) for managing, sharing, and (re‐)using of research data are demonstrated in implementations in the field of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE). However, a compilation and classification are needed to fully recognize the scattered published works with its unique added values. Here, the primary use of SWT at the interface with MSE is identified using specifically created categories. This overview highlights promising opportunities for the application of SWT to MSE, such as enhancing the quality of experimental processes, enriching data with contextual information in knowledge graphs, or using ontologies to perform specific queries on semantically structured data. While interdisciplinary work between the two fields is still in its early stages, a great need is identified to facilitate access for nonexperts and develop and provide user‐friendly tools and workflows. The full potential of SWT can best be achieved in the long term by the broad acceptance and active participation of the MSE community. In perspective, these technological solutions will advance the field of MSE by making data FAIR. Data‐driven approaches will benefit from these data structures and their connections to catalyze knowledge generation in MSE.
Overexpression of ACE2 ameliorates Aβ‐induced blood–brain barrier damage and angiogenesis by inhibiting NF‐κB/VEGF/VEGFR2 pathway
Authors: Zhang Xueling , Zhang Yu , Zhang Ling , Qin Chuan
Published: May 2023

Background

Pathological angiogenesis and blood–brain barrier damage may play an important role in Alzheimer's disease (AD). ACE2 is mainly expressed on the surface of endothelial cells in brain. Recent studies have shown that the expression of ACE2 in AD is reduced, but its role in AD is still unclear.

Method

We induced AD damage in endothelial cells using Aβ25‐35 and overexpressed ACE2 in bEend.3 cells through lentiviral transfection. We detected the effect of Aβ25‐35 on cell viability using the CCK‐8 assay and examined the effect of overexpressing ACE2 on angiogenesis using an angiogenesis assay. We used western blot and cell immunofluorescence to detect changes in the expression of the VEGF/VEGFR2 pathway, tight junction protein, and NF‐κB pathway.

Results

Aβ25‐35 treatment significantly decreased the expression of ACE2 and reduced cell viability. ACE2 overexpression (1) reduced the number of branches and junctions in tube formation, (2) inhibited the activation of the VEGF/VEGFR2 pathway induced by Aβ25‐35, (3) increased the expression of TJPs, including ZO‐1 and claudin‐5, and (4) restored Aβ25‐35‐induced activation of the NF‐κB pathway.

Conclusion

Overexpression of ACE2 can improve pathological angiogenesis and blood–brain barrier damage in AD models in vitro by inhibiting NF‐κB/VEGF/VEGFR2 pathway activity. ACE2 may therefore represent a therapeutic target for endothelial cell dysfunction in AD.
Perioperative Acute Ischemic Stroke in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Shu Liqi , Jiang Wei , Xiao Han , Henninger Nils , Nguyen Thanh N. , Siegler James E. , de Havenon Adam , Goldstein Eric D. , Mandel Daniel , Rana Maheen , Al‐Mufti Fawaz , Frontera Jennifer , Furie Karen , Yaghi Shadi
Published: May 2023

Objective

Anticoagulation therapy is commonly interrupted in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) for elective procedures. However, the risk factors of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) during the periprocedural period remain uncertain. We performed a nationwide analysis to evaluate AIS risk factors in patients with AF undergoing elective surgical procedures.

Methods

Using the Nationwide Readmission Database, we included electively admitted adult patients with AF and procedural Diagnosis‐Related Group codes from 2016 to 2019. Diagnoses were identified based on International Classification of Disease, 9th revision‐Clinical Modification (ICD‐10 CM) codes. We constructed a logistic regression model to identify risk factors and developed a new scoring system incorporating CHA2DS2VASc to estimate periprocedural AIS risk.

Results

Of the 1,045,293 patients with AF admitted for an elective procedure, the mean age was 71.5 years, 39.2% were women, and 0.70% had a perioperative AIS during the index admission or within 30 days of discharge. Active cancer (adjusted OR [aOR] = 1.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.42–1.76), renal failure (aOR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.04–1.24), neurological surgery (aOR = 4.51, 95% CI = 3.84–5.30), cardiovascular surgery (aOR = 2.74, 95% CI = 2.52–2.97), and higher CHA2DS2VASc scores (aOR 1.25 per point, 95% CI 1.22–1.29) were significant risk factors for periprocedural AIS. The new scoring system (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.67 to 0.79) incorporating surgical type and cancer outperformed CHA2DS2VASc (AUC = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.60 to 0.61).

Interpretation

In patients with AF, periprocedural AIS risk increases with the CHA2DS2VASc score, active cancer, and cardiovascular or neurological surgeries. Studies are needed to devise better strategies to mitigate perioperative AIS risk in these patients. ANN NEUROL 2023;94:321–329
Photo‐ und Electrochemische Cobalt‐Katalysierte Wasserstoffatomübertragung für die Hydrofunktionalisierung von Alkenen
Authors: Jana Samikshan , Mayerhofer Victor J. , Teskey Christopher J.
Published: May 2023

Katalytische Wasserstoffatomübertragung von Metallhydriden an Alkene ermöglicht es Olefine als Ausgangsmaterial für Alkylradikale zu verwenden. Aufgrund der Chemoselektivität dieses Prozesses, ist es ein attraktives Werkzeug und wurde regelmäßig für die Synthese von komplizierten Molekülen verwendet. Jedoch ist die weitere Reaktivität durch die Kompatibilität mit den Bedingungen, aus der die Metallhydridspzies gebildet wird, eingeschränkt. Durch die Einbringung der Photokatalyse oder Elektrochemie kommen mildere Methoden zum Vorschein, die völlig neue Reaktivitäten erschließen und Perspektiven schaffen diese Methoden in neue Richtungen auszubauen. Diese Zusammenfassung stellt die neusten Entwicklungen in elektro‐ und photochemisch Cobalt‐katalysierten Methodiken vor, und gibt eine Aussicht auf zukünftige Entwicklungen.
Purification and characterization of a high molecular weight serine protease from Microbacterium paraoxydans sp. SKS10
Authors: Saggu Sandeep Kaur , Bala Renu , Hora Rachna , Mishra Prakash Chandra
Published: May 2023

Alkaline proteases from microbial sources have been found suitable for diverse industrial applications, with serine proteases being the most common enzymes used in the detergent industry. In the present study, we have purified and characterized an extracellular alkaline serine protease from Microbacterium paraoxydans sp. SKS10. The protease was purified using ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by different chromatography techniques (fold purification 6.919). Km and Vmax for the protease were determined to be 0.183 mg/mL and 4.904 U/mL, respectively. This enzyme is a thermostable high molecular weight (∼109.4 kDa) protease which has maximal activity at 60°C, and above pH 10. Inhibitor assays revealed the enzyme to be a serine protease whose activity increased by 2.5‐fold in the presence of EDTA. This enzyme remained active in the presence of various metal salts and organic solvents and was compatible with commercially available laundry detergents highlighting its potential for use in the detergent industry.
Linking the unfolded protein response to bioactive lipid metabolism and signalling in the cell non‐autonomous extracellular communication of ER stress
Authors: Watt Nicole T. , McGrane Anna , Roberts Lee D.
Published: May 2023

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) organelle is the key intracellular site of both protein and lipid biosynthesis. ER dysfunction, termed ER stress, can result in protein accretion within the ER and cell death; a pathophysiological process contributing to a range of metabolic diseases and cancers. ER stress leads to the activation of a protective signalling cascade termed the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR). However, chronic UPR activation can ultimately result in cellular apoptosis. Emerging evidence suggests that cells undergoing ER stress and UPR activation can release extracellular signals that can propagate UPR activation to target tissues in a cell non‐autonomous signalling mechanism. Separately, studies have determined that the UPR plays a key regulatory role in the biosynthesis of bioactive signalling lipids including sphingolipids and ceramides. Here we weigh the evidence to combine these concepts and propose that during ER stress, UPR activation drives the biosynthesis of ceramide lipids, which are exported and function as cell non‐autonomous signals to propagate UPR activation in target cells and tissues.
Toward standardized solid medium cultivations: Online microbial monitoring based on respiration activity
Authors: Finger Maurice , Schröder Eliot , Berg Christoph , Dinger Robert , Büchs Jochen
Published: May 2023

Cultivating microorganisms on solid agar media is a fundamental technique in microbiology and other related disciplines. For the evaluation, most often, a subjective visual examination is performed. Crucial information, such as metabolic activity, is not assessed. Thus, time‐resolved monitoring of the respiration activity in agar cultivations is presented to provide additional insightful data on the metabolism. A modified version of the Respiration Activity MOnitoring System (RAMOS) was used to determine area‐specific oxygen and carbon dioxide transfer rates and the resulting respiratory quotients of agar cultivations. Therewith, information on growth, substrate consumption, and product formation was obtained. The validity of the presented method was tested for different prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms on agar, such as Escherichia coli BL21, Pseudomonas putida KT2440, Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2), Saccharomyces cerevisiae WT, Pichia pastoris WT, and Trichoderma reesei RUT‐C30. Furthermore, it is showcased that several potential applications, including the determination of colony forming units, antibiotic diffusion tests, quality control for spore production or for pre‐cultures and media optimization, can be quantitatively evaluated by interpretation of the respiration activity.
Downregulation of miR‐100‐5p in cancer‐associated fibroblast‐derived exosomes facilitates lymphangiogenesis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Chen Chao , Yang Chenbo , Tian Xiangyu , Liang Yinghao , Wang Shuaiyuan , Wang Xiaoqian , Shou Yuwei , Li Hui , Xiao Qiankun , Shu Jiao , Sun Miaomiao , Chen Kuisheng
Published: May 2023

Background

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), an aggressive gastrointestinal tumor, often has high early lymphatic metastatic potential. Cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are primary components in tumor microenvironment (TME), and the impact of CAFs and its derived exosomes on lymphangiogenesis remains elusive.

Materials and Methods

CAFs and the microlymphatic vessel density (MLVD) in ESCC was examined. Exosomes were extracted from primary normal fibroblast (NFs) and CAFs. Subsequently, tumor‐associated lymphatic endothelial cells (TLECs) were treated with these exosomes, and the effect on their biological behavior was examined. miR‐100‐5p was selected as the target miRNA, and its effect on TLECs was examined. The target of miR‐100‐5p was predicted and confirmed. Subsequently, IGF1R, PI3K, AKT, and p‐AKT expression in TLECs and tumors treated with exosomes and miR‐100‐5p were examined.

Results

A large number of CAFs and microlymphatic vessels were present in ESCC, leading to a poor prognosis. CAF‐derived exosomes promoted proliferation, migration, invasion, and tube formation in TLECs. Further, they also enhanced lymphangiogenesis in ESCC xenografts. miR‐100‐5p levels were significantly lower in CAF‐derived exosomes than in NF‐derived exosomes. miR‐100‐5p inhibited proliferation, migration, invasion, and tube formation in TLECs. Further, miR‐100‐5p inhibited lymphangiogenesis in ESCC xenografts. Mechanistic studies revealed that this inhibition was mediated by the miR‐100‐5p‐induced inhibition of IGF1R/PI3K/AKT axis.

Conclusion

Taken together, our study demonstrates that CAF‐derived exosomes with decreased miR‐100‐5p levels exhibit pro‐lymphangiogenesis capacity, suggesting a possibility of targeting IGF1R/PI3K/AKT axis as a strategy to inhibit lymphatic metastasis in ESCC.
A multicenter phase II trial of primary prophylactic PEG‐rhG‐CSF in pediatric patients with solid tumors and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma after chemotherapy: An interim analysis
Authors: Huang Junting , Lu Suying , Wang Juan , Jiang Lian , Luo Xuequn , He Xiangling , Wu Yanpeng , Wang Yi , Zhu Xiuli , Chen Jian , Tang Yanlai , Chen Keke , Tian Xin , Shi Boyun , Guo Lanying , Zhu Jia , Sun Feifei , Zhen Zijun , Zhang Yizhuo
Published: May 2023

Background

Pegylated recombinant human granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (PEG‐rhG‐CSF) can be used in pediatric patients. This study assessed the safety and efficacy of PEG‐rhG‐CSF as a primary prophylactic drug against neutropenia after chemotherapy in pediatric patients with solid tumors or non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).

Patients and Methods

This phase II study (between October 2020 and March 2022) enrolled pediatric patients with solid tumors or NHL treated with high‐intensity chemotherapy and with grade ≥3 myelosuppression for at least 14 days during chemotherapy. Prophylactic PEG‐rhG‐CSF was given at 100 μg/kg body weight (maximum total dosage of 6 mg) once 24–48 h following chemotherapy for two cycles. The primary endpoint was the incidence of PEG‐rhG‐CSF‐related adverse events (AEs). The key secondary endpoints were the rates of grade 3/4 neutropenia and febrile neutropenia (FN).

Results

This study included 160 pediatric patients with a median age of 6.22 (0.29, 18.00) years. Fifty‐eight patients (36.25%) were diagnosed with sarcoma. AEs potentially related to PEG‐rhG‐CSF included bone pain (n = 32), fatigue (n = 21), pain at the injection site (n = 21), and myalgia (n = 20). The rates of grade 3/4 neutropenia and FN during treatment were 57.28% and 29.45%, respectively.

Conclusion

PEG‐rhG‐CSF is well tolerated and effective in pediatric patients with solid tumors or NHL. These findings should be substantiated with further trials.

Clinical Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04547829.
Clinical characteristics and prognostic analysis of SMARCA4‐deficient non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Liang Xiyue , Gao Xianzheng , Wang Feng , Li Shenglei , Zhou Yashu , Guo Peng , Meng Yuanyuan , Lu Taiying
Published: May 2023

Purpose

To improve the understanding of special types of tumors, we summarized and analyzed the clinicopathological features and prognostic factors of SMARCA4‐deficient non‐small cell lung cancer (SMARCA4‐dNSCLC).

Methods

We selected 105 patients with SMARCA4‐dNSCLC and 221 patients with SMARCA4‐intact non‐small cell lung cancer (SMARCA4‐iNSCLC) by performing immunohistochemical analysis of 1520 NSCLC samples, and we assessed the patients' clinicopathological features and survival state.

Results

(1) SMARCA4‐dNSCLC was significantly associated with older age, male sex, smoking history, larger invasive tumor size, higher tumor proliferation index (Ki‐67), more adrenal metastases, more lymph node metastases, and few EGFR mutations (p < 0.05). The tumors were mostly negative for thyroid transcription factor‐1 (TTF‐1), CD34, and p40 and positive for cytokeratin 7 (CK7) in immunohistochemistry (IHC). Nineteen SMARCA4‐dNSCLC patients mostly had TP53, SMARCA4, and LRP1B mutations, and 48% of them had SMARCA4 frameshift mutations. SMARCA4‐dNSCLC patients have a worse prognosis than SMARCA4‐iNSCLC patients (HR: 0.27; 95% CI: 0.17–0.45). The overall survival (OS) of patients with stage III SMARCA4‐dNSCLC was worse than that of patients with SMARCA4‐iNSCLC, and the OS of stage IV SMARCA4‐dNSCLC patients was also worse than that of SMARCA4‐iNSCLC patients (p < 0.01). (2) Multivariate regression analysis showed that sex (HR: 4.12; 95% CI: 1.03–16.39) and smoking history (HR: 2.29; 95% CI: 1.04–5.02) had significant effects on the survival time of SMARCA4‐dNSCLC patients. In SMARCA4‐dNSCLC patients without distant metastases (stage I–III), patients with stage N2 or N3 lymph node metastases (HR: 6.35; 95% CI: 1.07–37.47) had a poor prognosis. Among patients with SMARCA4‐dNSCLC who were treated and had distant metastases (stage IV), male patients and patients treated with immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy showed a longer median overall survival (mOS).

Conclusion

SMARCA4‐dNSCLC has unique clinicopathological features and a shorter survival prognosis than SMARCA4‐iNSCLC. The efficacy of immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy needs to be observed for longer periods.