bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Azadirachta indica Leaf Extract on Some Biochemical Parameters in Wistar Albino Mice Infected with Plasmodium berghei
Authors: Idama F. O. , Onochie A. U. , Onuegbu M. E. , Anyanwu R. O. , Moneme E. C.
Published: December 2023

The use of medicinal plants in combating many tropical diseases including malaria is gaining wide acceptance owing to their many bioactive compounds. Malaria, which is caused by a Plasmodium parasite, and transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes is endemic in developing countries especially in Africa where it pose serious health challenge to the populace. This study evaluates the effect of Azadirachta indica leaf extract on some biochemical parameters in Wistar Albino mice infected with Plasmodiumberghei. A total of ninety (90) mature male swiss albino mice (free from infection and weighing between 25-35g) were used for the study. The animals were grouped into six classes (A-F) of fifteen (15) mice per group, per cage. Groups A to C served as the control groups [normal (uninfected plus distilled water), standard (infected plus Lonart (4mg/kg) and negative (infected plus distilled water)] respectively while groups D, E and F served as the treatment groups and were orally administered 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg doses of leaf extract of Azadirachta indica for five (5) days consecutively. Malaria parasites (Plasmodium berghei, Anka strain) were inoculated using standard methods. At the end of the experimental periods, the animals were sacrificed and blood collected through cardiac puncture for bioassay studies. Activities of ALT, AST, ALP were determined using standard assay kits and concentrations of bilirubin (total and direct) as well as urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate levels were carried out using standard methods. Results showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in serum activities of ALT and AST in extract treated animals when compared with the untreated control while there was significant decrease (p>0.05) in the serum activities of ALP in extract treated animals when compared with the untreated control. Results further showed an increase in the bilirubin (total and direct) levels of the extract treated groups as compared with the untreated control. Similar trends were observed for the levels of urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium and chloride. It could therefore be concluded that administration of Azadirachta indica leaf extract, though potent in fighting against malarial infection, could pose a threat to the liver and other organs of the body if not properly monitored.
Comparative Evaluation of Lipid Accumulation Product, and Triglyceride-Glucose Indices in Apparently Healthy Subjects in Predicting Cardiovascular Risks in Port-Harcourt
Authors: Chimzindu Eyindah Gloria , Brisibe Ngozi , George–Opuda Ibitoroko Maureen , Holy Brown
Published: December 2023

Lipid accumulation product is a novel biomarker of central lipid accumulation related to the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. In certain metabolic diseases, insulin resistance is often present which could be attributed to an abnormality in the insulin-specific receptors in various tissues, obesity, or visceral adiposity. This study aimed at determining the triglyceride–glucose index and lipid accumulation product index of apparently healthy individuals in Port Harcourt. A total of 150 healthy individuals were assessed for anthropometric and biochemical measurement, lipid accumulation production (LAP), and triglyceride --glucose index TyG. Comparison of mean values of biophysical variables body mass index (BMI), lipid accumulation product indices, cardiovascular, triglyceride–glucose index, insulin, C-peptide, glycated haemoglobin (HbAIC), Fasting blood sugar (FBS), and Body Mass Index (BMI) of male and female subjects were measured using standard procedures. A detailed comparison of mean values of biophysical variables of male and female subjects shows that the mean age for the male subjects (41.55±6.99 years) was significantly higher (p=0.0159) when compared to the mean age for female subjects (39.04±5.6 years. There was no significant difference in the mean weight, height, BMI, waist circumference, SBP, DBP, T. Chol, triglyceride, HDL, LDL, C-peptide level, HbAIc, FBS level, T. CHOL/HDL ratio, T. CHOL/LDL ratio, and TyG index between the male and female subjects. However, there was a significantly higher level of insulin for male than female subjects and higher LAP for female than male subjects. Also, there was a higher HOMA-R for male subjects than female subjects. Additionally, there was a positive correlation between BMI and the following; mean age, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), waist circumference (WC), and insulin levels.   The Receiver's Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve for the LAP test had a high AUC value of 0.9970. Similarly, the ROC curve analysis of the TyG test had a high AUC of 0.8344. However, these findings emphasize the LAP test has a stronger discriminatory ability than TyG. Healthy individuals may have the cardiovascular risk of being evaluated by LAP, which is very cost-effective.
Optimal Tuning PID Controller Gains from Ziegler-Nichols Approach for an Electrohydraulic Servo System
Authors: Mintsa Honorine Angue , Eny Gérémino Ella , Senouveau Nzamba , Nzué Rolland Michel Assoumou
Published: December 2023

The Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller is widely used to control industrial systems due to its ease of implementation, flexibility and well-known theory. The Ziegler-Nichols  method is the primary method of adjusting this gains controller. Unfortunately, this method generates limited performances, especially on nonlinear systems. This paper shows the optimization of the gains of the PID controller from the values of the gains obtained by the ZN method. To do this, the Matlab Response Optimization tool is used to control the angular position of an electrohydraulic servo system. The initial conditions of this optimization process are the gain values adjusted by the ZN method. The numerical results obtained after a few iterations show a reduction of approximately  in the tracking error for a sinusoidal input. Unfortunately, the performance improvement is not achieved for the step signal input because only the sine wave was used as the signal reference requirement for the optimization procedure.
Alterações ósseas no complexo maxilomandibular em pacientes oncológicos submetidos à quimioterapia
Authors: Oliveira Ananda Pereira , Macêdo Beatriz Bastos , Carletto Tatiane de Oliveira Teixeira Muniz
Published: December 2023

Introdução: conhecer a eficácia e os efeitos adversos dos quimioterápicos no complexo maxilomandibular é fundamental e importante para os cirurgiões-dentistas e a comunidade médica, pois pode permitir a detecção precoce de alterações, bem como uma melhor definição do plano de tratamento e intervenções antecipadas sempre que necessário. Objetivo: avaliar a presença de alterações na densidade mineral óssea, no complexo maxilomandibular, através da avaliação de radiografias panorâmicas de pacientes submetidos à farmacoterapia no tratamento oncológico. Metodologia:  trata-se de uma revisão sistemática, com meta-análise, realizada com base nos parâmetros PRISMA. Os descritores foram selecionados a partir do DeCS/MeSH, e foi seguida a estratégia PICOS. A pesquisa, na literatura, foi feita por duas examinadoras de forma independente, e foram utilizadas as bases de dados Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science e EMBASE. Foram selecionados estudos experimentais e observacionais (coorte) que investigaram alterações ósseas do complexo maxilomandibular em pacientes oncológicos submetidos à quimioterapia. Visando minimizar os vieses dos artigos, foi seguido o checklist Downs & Black. A plataforma Rayyan foi utilizada para auxiliar no processo de seleção dos artigos. Os desfechos analisados focalizaram se há, ou não, alteração no complexo maxilo-mandibular de pacientes oncológicos submetidos à quimioterapia. Foi realizada uma meta-análise de dados contínuos com comparação de médias, desvio padrão e amostra com o software Rstudio e nível de significância de 0,05.  Resultados: foram encontrados 644 artigos, dos quais 3 foram selecionados de acordo com seus títulos, resumos e objetivos. De acordo com os achados dos artigos incluídos na presente revisão sistemática com meta-análise, não houve diferenças significativas em relação às alterações na DMO no complexo maxilomandibular através da avaliação de radiografias panorâmicas. Conclusão: Conhecer os efeitos adversos dos quimioterápicos no complexo maxilomandibular é de extrema importância, pois será possível buscar alternativas eficazes para realizar detecção precoce de alterações. Além disso, são necessários métodos diagnósticos alternativos a partir dos quais os profissionais de saúde bucal possam definir um plano de tratamento seguro para cada paciente, realizar intervenções odontológicas de forma planejada e proporcionar maior bem-estar aos pacientes.
Hybrid mark–resight approaches account for heterogeneous detection bias in aerial surveys
Authors: Curtis Kylie M. , Jennings Megan K. , Laake Jeffrey , Botta Randy , Colby Janene , Tomaszewski Emma M. , Lewison Rebecca L.
Published: December 2023

Population abundance estimation is a critical yet challenging task for wildlife management decision‐making. For aerial surveys of terrestrial mammals in highly heterogenous landscapes, estimation models that address multiple sources of detection bias are needed. A typical hybrid mark–resight model includes an additive parameter that accounts for detection probabilities derived from marked animals. While this additive hybrid method improves abundance estimates, there remains a need to account for heterogeneity due to the conditional dependence in detection probability inherent in aerial surveys with multiple observers.

We propose a modified approach, referred to as a conditional hybrid model, to address this heterogeneity directly. The conditional hybrid model applies a mark–resight approach typically used to account for tag loss in mark–recapture studies to aerial surveys with a subset of the population marked with GPS collars. We conduct a structured comparison between the additive and conditional hybrid estimation models and fit these two hybrid models to data from a 2020 aerial survey of mule deer in southern California.

Both the additive and conditional hybrid models had general agreement in overall model structure and variable importance, however, the conditional model outperformed the additive model in capturing sources of detection heterogeneity and overall abundance estimates differed by 9%. Our top‐ranked models suggest that deer movement, larger group sizes, and rougher topography increased detection probability, whereas high cloud cover, obscuring vegetation and high observer fatigue and helicopter height decreased detection probability.

Our findings illustrate the need to assess multiple correction methods when estimating abundance from aerial survey data to ensure accurate abundance estimates are being used to inform wildlife management strategies, with the caveat that specific survey conditions may dictate which method is the most appropriate for achieving robust estimates.

These approaches represent the cutting‐edge science on wildlife abundance estimation from aerial survey data, a critical ingredient for effective wildlife management. By testing innovative hybrid methods, we present the first formal comparison of the strengths and weaknesses of each method within a highly heterogeneous landscape, providing practitioners with necessary information for future application.
Intersectional analysis of intimate partner violence against Nigerian nurses in the United States
Authors: Olatunji Taiwo Isaac , Tola‐Adewumi Oladunni Tolu
Published: December 2023

Intimate partner violence (IPV) against Nigerian nurses in the US is a complex issue intersecting gender, occupation, culture, economics, and migration. This study adopts an intersectional feminist and adult learning framework to explore the causes and potential solutions. Drawing on a thematic analysis of ten media reports and commentaries on various reported cases of IPV against Nigerian nurses, key themes that emerged include: gender‐based power dynamics, cultural expectations, clashes between patriarchal societies and gender equality, open communication, psychological factors, perceived “anti‐male” legal system, and immigrant struggles. Adult learning and education (ALE) interventions, employing transformative and experiential learning, can empower Nigerian nurses and the Nigerian immigrant community in general to challenge traditional norms, address power imbalances, and foster equality in relationships. The study calls for targeted and culturally sensitive support services to create safer environments for Nigerian nurses and families in the US. Further research is recommended to assess the long‐term impact and representativeness of the findings.
Treatment Adherence and Adherence Patterns of Tofacitinib and Self‐Injectable TNFi Use in People with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Michaud Kaleb , Pedro Sofia , Tousset Eric , Schumacher Rebecca , Agarwal Ekta , Vrijens Bernard
Published: December 2023

Objective

To assess tofacitinib and self‐injectable tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) adherence using the Medication Event Monitoring System (MEMS) and characterize association with adherence in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Eligible patients were enrolled from the Forward Databank within 6 months of initiating tofacitinib or injectable TNFi or from participating clinics where these were first prescribed. MEMS caps and patient diaries were used to compile dosing over 9 months. Demographics and disease characteristics were collected every 6 months, and the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire only at baseline. Adherence along with its components, initiation, implementation, and persistence, were calculated.

Results

Of the 112 consented to participate, 82 (73%) remained in the final analysis with recruitment from clinics 47 (57%) and Forward 35 (43%). Sixty‐two (76%) initiated tofacitinib with 87% taking it quaque die and twenty (24%) TNFi. At 9 months, 77% of tofacitinib were persistent versus 70% for TNFi (P = 0.65), and implementation was similar (0.84 vs. 0.82; P = 0.57). In multivariable models, increased baseline patient global assessment was consistently associated with discontinuation (hazard ratio 1.31 [1.07‐1.61]). There was increased adherence to methotrexate (MTX) when taking tofacitinib that led to higher combined adherence for tofacitinib than TNFi (0.81 vs. 0.69; P = 0.03), but no significant differences remained in multivariable models. In sensitivity analysis, consistent morning intake for tofacitinib and evening intake for MTX was associated with improved adherence.

Conclusion

We found no statistical differences in adherence between patients with RA initiating tofacitinib and self‐injectable TNFi, although 15% to 30% were nonadherent. Concomitant MTX, patient global assessment, and a consistent time of day intake were associated with adherence.
Manipulating the Magnetic Bubbles and Topological Hall Effect in 2D Magnet Fe5GeTe2
Authors: Lv Xiaowei , Huang Yalei , Pei Ke , Yang Chendi , Zhang Tingjia , Li Wei , Cao Guixin , Zhang Jincang , Lai Yuxiang , Che Renchao
Published: December 2023

Recent observations of nontrivial spin textures and topological Hall effect (THE) in 2D van der Waals (vdW) ferromagnets have stimulated high interest in both fundamental physics and prospective spintronic applications. However, effectively manipulating spin textures and their exhibiting THE, which is the prerequisite for topology‐based 2D vdW devices, remains challenging. Here, the effective manipulation of the magnetic bubbles and THE is achieved in Fe5GeTe2 (FGT) crystals by utilizing Lorentz imaging and electrical transport measurements. The density and size of magnetic bubbles can be modulated effectively as the temperature and lamella thickness change, indicating the role of magnetocrystalline anisotropy and long‐range magnetic dipolar interaction is demonstrated, respectively. More importantly, the spin configurations of bubbles along with THE signal vary with sample thickness, demonstrating a topological transition between skyrmion bubbles and trivial bubbles. The key point lies in the presence or absence of Bloch lines in the stripe domain at different thicknesses. This study presents the reliable manipulations of spin textures and THE in FGT, which may provide valuable insights into the design of 2D vdW devices in spintronics.
Modulating Narrow Bandgap in a Diacetylene Functionalized Woven Covalent Organic Framework as a Visible Light Responsive Photocatalyst
Authors: Khojastegi Anahita , Khosropour Ahmadreza , Amirjalayer Saeed , Mosleh Imann , Abbaspourrad Alireza
Published: December 2023

Woven covalent organic frameworks (COF) possess entangled 3D frameworks. The metallated version of these structures contains  spatially isolated Cu(I) centers and promising optoelectronic properties because of metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer (MLCT). However, despite their potential, woven COFs have not yet been investigated as photocatalysts. In this study, a new woven COF, Cu‐PhenBDA‐COF, functionalized with diacetylene bonds is developed. Cu‐PhenBDA‐COF is fully characterized, and the optoelectronic and photocatalytic properties are compared to previously reported Cu‐COF‐505. The diacetylene bonds of the linker positively impact the optoelectronic properties of Cu‐PhenBDA‐COF and result in a narrower bandgap and better charge separation efficiency. When the Cu(I) center is removed from both woven COFs, the absorption edge is blueshifted, resulting in a wider bandgap, and there is a considerable decrease in the charge separation efficiency, underscoring the pivotal role of MLCT. This trend is reflected in the photocatalytic activity of the woven COFs toward the degradation of sulfamethoxazole in water, where the highest reaction rate constant (kapp) is recorded for the metallated diacetylene functionalized woven COF, Cu‐PhenBDA‐COF.
Thermo‐Mechanically Stable, Liquid Metal Embedded Soft Materials for High‐Temperature Applications
Authors: Herbert Robert , Mocny Piotr , Zhao Yuqi , Lin Ting‐Chih , Zhang Junbo , Vinciguerra Michael , Surprenant Sunny , Chan Wui Yarn Daphne , Kumar Swarun , Bockstaller Michael R. , Matyjaszewski Krzysztof , Majidi Carmel
Published: December 2023

Liquid‐metal embedded elastomers (LMEEs) have been demonstrated to show a variety of excellent properties, including high toughness, dielectric constant, and thermal conductivity, with applications across soft electronics and robotics. However, within this scope of use cases, operation in extreme environments – such as high‐temperature conditions – may lead to material degradation. While prior works highlight the functionality of LMEEs, there is limited insight on the thermal stability of these soft materials and how the effects of liquid metal (LM) inclusions depend on temperature. Here, the effects on thermal stability, including mechanical and electrical properties, of LMEEs are introduced. Effects are characterized for both fluoroelastomer and other elastomer‐based composites at temperature exposures up to 325 °C, where it is shown that embedding LM can offer improvements in thermo‐mechanical stability. Compared to elastomer like silicone rubber that has been previously used for LMEEs, a fluoroelastomer matrix offers a higher dielectric constant and significant improvement in thermo‐mechanical stability without sacrificing room temperature properties, such as thermal conductivity and modulus. Fluoroelastomer‐LM composites offer a promising soft, multi‐functional material for high‐temperature applications, which is demonstrated here with a printed, soft heat sink and an endoscopic sensor capable of wireless sensing of high temperatures.
The Longevity of Neural Interfaces—Mechanical Oscillation of Thin Film Metal‐Based Neural Electrodes Determine Stability During Electrical Stimulation
Authors: Schulte Jennifer , Ashouri Danesh , Stieglitz Thomas
Published: December 2023

The success of bioelectronics medicine with neural implants inevitably depends on the longevity of neural interfaces where a full understanding of the associated risks serves as the first step, to begin with. Until now, failure of neural electrodes is primarily explained by extreme electrochemical reactions, whereas no direct link between electrical stimulation and mechanical deformation of microelectrodes can be proved. The research provides new quantitative evidence of electrically induced mechanical vibrations in thin film neural interfaces. This study investigates the dynamic changes in intrinsic mechanical stress in clinically used neural electrodes under electrical stimulation. Via live imaging of the electrode plane, the deformation and progressive adhesion loss of the thin film during stimulation is for the first time approved. The results reveal nano‐oscillations in the interfaces under alternating current. This hints at a direct link between electrochemical charge transfer and mechanical stability. Considering neural interfaces as resonating actuators serves as a key to assessing the stability of neural interfaces and a valuable input to a longstanding question on the associated failure mechanisms of thin film microelectrodes. It is believed, that the outcome of this work may significantly contribute to improving the future design of thin film neural interfaces and better conditioning them for life‐long reliability.
Yttrium Oxide Nanoclusters Boosted Fe‐N4 and Fe4N Electrocatalyst for Future Zinc–Air Battery
Authors: Luo Ren , Wang Rui , Cheng Yi , Meng Zihan , Wang Yuan , Guo Zhanhu , Xu Ben Bin , Xia Yannan , Tang Haolin
Published: December 2023

Atomically distributed transition metal coordinated with nitrogen is considered as a class of promising oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyst. However, the challenge of ineffective distribution of Fe‐Nx active sites have been long existing, leading to low active site density and unstable performance, which needs be overcome for next generation ORR electrocatalysts. Herein, yttrium (Y) is introduced into atomically dispersed iron (Fe) nitrogen co‐doped carbon materials to integrate nanoparticles, nanoclusters, and atomic sites, which endow the Fe‐N4‐Y2O3 and Fe4N0.94‐Y2O3 (FeY‐NC) with outstanding ORR activity. The FeY‐NC achieves half‐wave potential of 0.926 and 0.809 V in alkaline and acidic condition, respectively. The kinetics current density at 0.9 V in alkaline condition is 31.2 mA cm−2, which is 7.8 times of Fe‐NC and 32.4 times of Pt/C. This outstanding activity of FeY‐NC is enabled by the generated atomic FeN4 and Fe4N nanoparticles dual active‐sites, and further the synergistic effect between the Fe‐Nx/Fe4N0.94 with Y2O3 nanoclusters are loaded on nitrogen‐doped carbon (NC) network. The superior performance of FeY‐NC is demonstrated in a primary Zinc‐air battery, deliver a peak power density of 233 mW cm−2.
Suppression of Passivation on Nickel Hydroxide in Electrocatalytic Urea Oxidization
Authors: Li Dan , Zhou Xiaomin , Ruan Qingdong , Liu Liangliang , Liu Jinyuan , Wang Bin , Wang Yinchuan , Zhang Xiaolin , Chen Rongsheng , Ni Hongwei , Huang Chao , Wang Haozhi , Chu Paul K.
Published: December 2023

Surface passivation of Ni‐based electrocatalysts during the electrocatalytic urea oxidization reaction (UOR) renders them impractical and inefficient for applications requiring high current densities. Herein, an efficient strategy to suppress passivation of Ni(OH)x nanosheets is demonstrated by modulating the near‐surface properties using plasma immersion ion implantation, and more importantly, the formation threshold of the UOR‐active γ‐NiOOH phase is retained. As a result, a remarkable UOR current density of up to 470 mA cm−2 is achieved from the La ion implanted sample, due to the mitigation of passivation, increase in operando active sites, and acceleration of the catalytic kinetics. By performing a systematic assessment with a multitude of operando, quasi‐operando, and time‐varying methods, the γ‐NiOOH derived from Ni(OH)x is shown to undergo surface deprotonation at high potentials consequently leading to the occurrence of OER as well as UOR passivation. Furthermore, the implanted La ions are capable of stabilizing protons to sustain UOR.
A Drop‐By‐Drop Self‐Assembled All‐Natural Hydrogel as a Desensitizer for Rapid and Enduring Management of Dentin Hypersensitivity
Authors: Gao Wanshan , Liu Yang , Li Mingjing , Ding Mingming , Cheng Li , Ding Chunmei , Yang Jiaojiao , Li Jianshu , Luo Jun , Qiu Rongmin
Published: December 2023

Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is a prevalent dental condition arising from the exposure of dentin tubules (DTs), leading to discomfort upon external stimuli. However, achieving swift and profound occlusion of these exposed DTs for immediate and enduring relief remains challenging due to the intricate dentin structure and oral environment. Herein, a pioneering and facile drop‐by‐drop strategy involving an in situ generated natural supramolecular hydrogel formed by self‐assembling silk fibroin (SF) and tannic acid (TA) within the narrow DT space is proposed. When SF and TA aqueous solutions are applied successively to exposed dentin, they penetrate deeply within DTs and coassemble into compact gels, robustly adhering to DT walls. This yields a rapid and compact occlusion effect with an unprecedented depth exceeding 250 µm, maintaining stable occlusion efficacy even under rigorous in vitro and in vivo erosion and friction conditions for no less than 21 days. Furthermore, the biocompatibility and effective occlusion properties are verified through cell studies in simulated oral settings and an in vivo rabbit model. This study, for the first time, demonstrates the translational potential of hydrogel‐based desensitizers in treating DH with prompt action, superior occlusion depth and enduring treatment benefits, holding promise as clinical‐friendly restorative solutions for delicate‐structured biosystems.
Heterojunction Engineering of Multinary Metal Sulfide‐Based Photocatalysts for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Song Yiming , Zheng Xinlong , Yang Yuqi , Liu Yuhao , Li Jing , Wu Daoxiong , Liu Weifeng , Shen Yijun , Tian Xinlong
Published: December 2023

Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution (PHE) via water splitting using semiconductor photocatalysts is an effective path to solve the current energy crisis and environmental pollution. Heterojunction photocatalysts, containing two or more semiconductors, exhibit better PHE rates than those with only one semiconductor owing to the altered band alignment at the interface and stronger driving force for charge separation. Traditional binary metal sulfide (BMS)‐based heterojunction photocatalysts, such as CdS, MoS2, and PbS, demonstrate excellent PHE performance. However, the recently developed multinary metal sulfide (MMS)‐based photocatalysts possess favorable chemical stability, tunable band structure, and flexible element compositions, and have considerable potential to realize higher PHE rates than those of BMSs. In this review article, the mechanism of PHE is first elucidated and then various single and heterojunction MMS‐based photocatalysts and their charge transfer behaviors and PHE performances are systematically summarized. A perspective on potential future research directions in this field is concluded.
DNA Nanomaterial‐Empowered Surface Engineering of Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Yao Xuxiang , He Dongdong , Wei Pengyao , Niu Zitong , Chen Hao , Li Lin , Fu Pan , Wang Yiting , Lou Saiyun , Qian Sihua , Zheng Jianping , Zuo Guokun , Wang Kaizhe
Published: December 2023

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell‐secreted biological nanoparticles that are critical mediators of intercellular communication. They contain diverse bioactive components, which are promising diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic agents. Their nanosized membrane‐bound structures and innate ability to transport functional cargo across major biological barriers make them promising candidates as drug delivery vehicles. However, the complex biology and heterogeneity of EVs pose significant challenges for their controlled and actionable applications in diagnostics and therapeutics. Recently, DNA molecules with high biocompatibility emerge as excellent functional blocks for surface engineering of EVs. The robust Watson–Crick base pairing of DNA molecules and the resulting programmable DNA nanomaterials provide the EV surface with precise structural customization and adjustable physical and chemical properties, creating unprecedented opportunities for EV biomedical applications. This review focuses on the recent advances in the utilization of programmable DNA to engineer EV surfaces. The biology, function, and biomedical applications of EVs are summarized and the state‐of‐the‐art achievements in EV isolation, analysis, and delivery based on DNA nanomaterials are introduced. Finally, the challenges and new frontiers in EV engineering are discussed.
N‐Carbon‐Doped Binary Nanophase of Metal Oxide/Metal–Organic Framework for Extremely Sensitive and Selective Gas Response
Authors: Min Hyegi , Kwon Ohchan , Lee Jihyun , Choi Eunji , Kim Jihee , Lee Nahyeon , Eum Kiwon , Lee Kyu Hyoung , Kim Dae Woo , Lee Wooyoung
Published: December 2023

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), which are highly ordered structures exhibiting sub‐nanometer porosity, possess significant potential for diverse gas applications. However, their inherent insulative properties limit their utility in electrochemical gas sensing. This investigation successfully modifies the electrical conductivity of zeolitic imidazolte framework‐8 (ZIF‐8) employing a straightforward surface oxidation methodology. A ZIF‐8 polycrystalline layer is applied on a wafer‐scale oxide substrate and subjects to thermal annealing at 300 °C under ambient air conditions, resulting in nanoscale oxide layers while preserving the fundamental properties of the ZIF‐8. Subsequent exposure to NO2 instigates the evolution of an electrically interconnected structure with the formation of electron‐rich dopants derived from the decomposition of nitrogen‐rich organic linkers. The N‐carbon‐hybridized ZnO/ZIF‐8 device demonstrates remarkable sensitivity (≈130 ppm−1) and extreme selectivity in NO2 gas detection with a lower detection limit of 0.63 ppb under 150 °C operating temperature, surpassing the performance of existing sensing materials. The exceptional performances result from the Debye length scale dimensionality of ZnO and the high affinity of ZIF‐8 to NO2. The methodology for manipulating MOF conductivity through surface oxidation holds the potential to accelerate the development of MOF‐hybridized conductive channels for a variety of electrical applications.
Highly Potent and Low‐Volume Concentration Additives for Durable Aqueous Zinc Batteries: Machine Learning‐Enabled Performance Rationalization
Authors: Shang Yuan , Kundi Varun , Pal Ipsita , Kim Ha Na , Zhong Haoyin , Kumar Priyank , Kundu Dipan
Published: December 2023

The essential virtues of aqueous zinc battery chemistry stem from the energy‐dense zinc metal anode and mild aqueous electrolytes. Yet, their incompatibility – as exposed by zinc's corrosion and associated dendrite problem – poses a challenge to achieving improved cycle life under practically relevant parameters. While electrolyte additives are a scalable strategy, additives that can function at low volume concentrations remain elusive. Here, through screening alkanol and alkanediol chemistries, 1,2‐butanediol and pentanediol are unveiled as highly potent additives, which operate at a practical 1 volume% concentration owing to their ability to furnish dynamic solid–electrolyte interphase through pronounced interfacial filming. This unique mechanistic action renders effective corrosion and dendrite mitigation, resulting in up to five to twenty‐fold zinc cyclability enhancement with a high Coulombic efficiency (up to 99.9%) and improved full‐cell performance under demanding conditions, including at elevated temperatures. A machine learning‐based analysis is presented to rationalize the additive performance relative to critical physicochemical descriptors, which can pave the way for a rational approach to efficient additive discoveries.
Near‐Infrared Chemiluminescence Imaging of Chemotherapy‐Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Liu Jing , Huang Jingsheng , Wei Xin , Cheng Penghui , Pu Kanyi
Published: December 2023

Chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) has a high prevalence but is poorly managed for cancer patients due to the lack of reliable and sensitive diagnostic techniques. Molecular optical imaging can provide a noninvasive way for real‐time monitoring of CIPN; However, this is not reported, likely due to the absence of optical probes capable of imaging deep into the spinal canal and possessing sufficient sensitivity for minimal dosage through local injection into the dorsal root ganglia. Herein, a near‐infrared (NIR) chemiluminophore (MPBD) with a chemiluminescence quantum yield higher than other reported probes is synthesized and a NIR activatable chemiluminescent probe (CalCL) is developed for in vivo imaging of CIPN. CalCL is constructed by caging MPBD with calpain‐cleavable peptide moiety while conjugating polyethylene glycol chain to endow water solubility. Due to the deep‐tissue penetration of chemiluminescence and specific turn‐on response of CalCL toward calpain (a hallmark of CIPN), it allows for sensitive detection of paclitaxel‐mediated CIPN in living mice, which is unattainable by fluorescence imaging. This study thus not only develops a highly efficient chemiluminescent probe, but also presents the first optical imaging approach toward high‐throughput screening of neurotoxic drugs.
Efficient Flow Synthesis of Aspirin within 2D Sub‐Nanoconfined Laminar Annealed Graphene Oxide Membranes
Authors: Li Xiang , Pang Shuai , Zhang Yuhui , Fu Jiangwei , He Guandi , Song Bo , Peng Daoling , Zhang Xiqi , Jiang Lei
Published: December 2023

The aim of this work is to develop an environmentally friendly, safe, and simple route for realizing efficient preparation of aspirin. Here, inspired by enzyme synthesis in vivo, the aspirin synthesis has been realized by sub‐nanoconfined esterification with directional flow and ≈100% conversion in an unprecedented reaction time of <6.36 s at 23 °C. Such flow esterification reaction is catalyzed by thermally transformed graphene oxide (GO) membranes with tailored physicochemical properties, which can be obtained simply through a mild annealing method. A possible mechanism is revealed by density functional theory calculation, indicating that the synergistic effect of spatial confinement and surface electronic structure can significantly improve the catalytic performance. By restricting reactants within 2D sub‐nano space created by GO‐based laminar flow‐reactors, the present strategy provides a new route to achieve rapid flow synthesis of aspirin with nearly complete conversion.
Bulk Schottky Junctions‐Based Flexible Triboelectric Nanogenerators to Power Backscatter Communications in Green 6G Networks
Authors: He Yilin , Goay Amus Chee Yuen , Yuen Anthony Chun Yin , Mishra Deepak , Zhou Yang , Lu Teng , Wang Danyang , Liu Yun , Boyer Cyrille , Wang Chun H. , Zhang Jin
Published: December 2023

This work introduces a novel method to construct Schottky junctions to boost the output performance of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). Perovskite barium zirconium titanate (BZT) core/metal silver shell nanoparticles are synthesized to be embedded into electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene (PVDF‐HFP) nanofibers before they are used as tribo‐negative layers. The output power of TENGs with composite fiber mat exhibited >600% increase compared to that with neat polymer fiber mat. The best TENG achieved 1339 V in open‐circuit voltage, 40 µA in short‐circuit current and 47.9 W m−2 in power density. The Schottky junctions increased charge carrier density in tribo‐layers, ensuring a high charge transfer rate while keeping the content of conductive fillers low, thus avoiding charge loss and improving performance. These TENGs are utilized to power radio frequency identification (RFID) tags for backscatter communication (BackCom) systems, enabling ultra‐massive connectivity in the 6G wireless networks and reducing information communications technology systems’ carbon footprint. Specifically, TENGs are used to provide an additional energy source to the passive tags. Results show that TENGs can boost power for BackCom and increase the communication range by 386%. This timely contribution offers a novel route for sustainable 6G applications by exploiting the expanded communication range of BackCom tags.
Maximizing Performance and Stability of Organic Solar Cells at Low Driving Force for Charge Separation
Authors: Lüer Larry , Wang Rong , Liu Chao , Dube Henry , Heumüller Thomas , Hauch Jens , Brabec Christoph J.
Published: December 2023

Thanks to the development of novel electron acceptor materials, the power conversion efficiencies (PCE) of organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices are now approaching 20%. Further improvement of PCE is complicated by the need for a driving force to split strongly bound excitons into free charges, causing voltage losses. This review discusses recent approaches to finding efficient OPV systems with minimal driving force, combining near unity quantum efficiency (maximum short circuit currents) with optimal energy efficiency (maximum open circuit voltages). The authors discuss apparently contradicting results on the amount of exciton binding in recent literature, and approaches to harmonize the findings. A comprehensive view is then presented on motifs providing a driving force for charge separation, namely hybridization at the donor:acceptor interface and polarization effects in the bulk, of which quadrupole moments (electrostatics) play a leading role. Apart from controlling the energies of the involved states, these motifs also control the dynamics of recombination processes, which are essential to avoid voltage and fill factor losses. Importantly, all motifs are shown to depend on both molecular structure and process conditions. The resulting high dimensional search space advocates for high throughput (HT) workflows. The final part of the review presents recent HT studies finding consolidated structure–property relationships in OPV films and devices from various deposition methods, from research to industrial upscaling.
The Sympathetic‐Immune Milieu in Metabolic Health and Diseases: Insights from Pancreas, Liver, Intestine, and Adipose Tissues
Authors: Ren Wenran , Hua Meng , Cao Fang , Zeng Wenwen
Published: December 2023

Sympathetic innervation plays a crucial role in maintaining energy balance and contributes to metabolic pathophysiology. Recent evidence has begun to uncover the innervation landscape of sympathetic projections and sheds light on their important functions in metabolic activities. Additionally, the immune system has long been studied for its essential roles in metabolic health and diseases. In this review, the aim is to provide an overview of the current research progress on the sympathetic regulation of key metabolic organs, including the pancreas, liver, intestine, and adipose tissues. In particular, efforts are made to highlight the critical roles of the peripheral nervous system and its potential interplay with immune components. Overall, it is hoped to underscore the importance of studying metabolic organs from a comprehensive and interconnected perspective, which will provide valuable insights into the complex mechanisms underlying metabolic regulation and may lead to novel therapeutic strategies for metabolic diseases.
Interface Engineering with Dynamics‐Mechanics Coupling for Highly Reactive and Reversible Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Meng Qianqian , Jin Xiaoyu , Chen Nuo , Zhou Anbin , Wang Huirong , Zhang Ning , Song Zhihang , Huang Yongxin , Li Li , Wu Feng , Chen Renjie
Published: December 2023

The practical application of AZIBs is hindered by problems such as dendrites and hydrogen evolution reactions caused by the thermodynamic instability of Zinc (Zn) metal. Modification of the Zn surface through interface engineering can effectively solve the above problems. Here, sulfonate‐derivatized graphene–boronene nanosheets (G&B‐S) composite interfacial layer is prepared to modulate the Zn plating/stripping and mitigates the side reactions with electrolyte through a simple and green electroplating method. Thanks to the electronegativity of the sulfonate groups, the G&B‐S interface promotes a dendrite‐free deposition behavior through a fast desolvation process and a uniform interfacial electric field mitigating the tip effect. Theoretical calculations and QCM‐D experiments confirmed the fast dynamic mechanism and excellent mechanical properties of the G&B‐S interfacial layer. By coupling the dynamics‐mechanics action, the G&B‐S@Zn symmetric battery is cycled for a long‐term of 1900 h at a high current density of 5 mA cm−2, with a low overpotential of ≈30 mV. Furthermore, when coupled with the LMO cathode, the LMO//G&B‐S@Zn cell also exhibits excellent performance, indicating the durability of the G&B‐S@Zn anode. Accordingly, this novel multifunctional interfacial layer offers a promising approach to significantly enhance the electrochemical performance of AZIBs.
mTORC1 Mediates Biphasic Mechano‐Response to Orchestrate Adhesion‐Dependent Cell Growth and Anoikis Resistance
Authors: Zhang Chunlei , Wang Yuan , Zhen Zifeng , Li Jiayi , Su Jing , Wu Congying
Published: December 2023

Cells constantly sense and respond to not only biochemical but also biomechanical changes in their microenvironment, demanding for dynamic metabolic adaptation. ECM stiffening is a hallmark of cancer aggressiveness, while survival under substrate detachment also associates with poor prognosis. Mechanisms underlying this, non‐linear mechano‐response of tumor cells may reveal potential double‐hit targets for cancers. Here, an integrin‐GSK3β‐FTO‐mTOR axis is reported, that can integrate stiffness sensing to ensure both the growth advantage endowed by rigid substrate and cell death resistance under matrix detachment. It is demonstrated that substrate stiffening can activate mTORC1 and elevate mTOR level through integrins and GSK3β‐FTO mediated mRNA m6A modification, promoting anabolic metabolism. Inhibition of this axis upon ECM detachment enhances autophagy, which in turn conveys resilience of tumor cells to anoikis, as it is demonstrated in human breast ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and mice malignant ascites. Collectively, these results highlight the biphasic mechano‐regulation of cellular metabolism, with implications in tumor growth under stiffened conditions such as fibrosis, as well as in anoikis‐resistance during cancer metastasis.
Surface Work Function‐Induced Thermally Vulnerable Solid Electrolyte Interphase Formation on the Negative Electrode for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Lee Chae Rim , Jang Ho Yeon , Leem Han Jun , Lee Min A , Kim Wontak , Kim Jongjung , Song Jun Ho , Yu Jisang , Mun Junyoung , Back Seoin , Kim Hyun‐seung
Published: December 2023

The chemical composition significantly affects the inherent electrical surface properties of the graphite and SiO electrodes, which further, significantly alters the thermal stability of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on the negative electrodes. Because the work function of the graphite edge plane is lower than that of the SiO2‐dominant SiO electrode when the electrode is initially lithiated, charge transfer toward the electrolyte is hindered by the high work function of SiO2. Given the increased solubility of the SEI film on SiO, which makes it vulnerable to self‐discharge at higher temperatures than graphite, SiO electrodes exhibit inferior electrochemical performance at high temperatures compared to graphite electrodes. To enhance the performance of SiO electrodes at high temperatures, it is essential to modify the surface work function of the Si‐based electrodes or the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy level of the electrolyte additive.
Water use characteristics of an early and late maturing maize hybrid using stable isotopes
Authors: Wang Lei , Chen Jing , Ren Baizhao , Zhao Bin , Liu Peng , Dong Shuting , Zhang Jiwang
Published: December 2023

Water requirements of early‐maturing (EM) maize hybrids might be lower than those of late‐maturing (LM) maize hybrids. This study aimed to analyze the effects of different irrigation management on grain yield (GY), water uptake patterns, evaporation (E), and transpiration (T) of two maize hybrids differing in maturity via stable isotope method. The field experiment with 36 lysimeters (4‐m wide × 4‐m long) under rain‐shelters was conducted with an EM (DH518) and a mid‐maturing and LM (DH605) hybrid with three replicates from 2021 to 2022. Maize plants were grown under three irrigation amounts (W1, W2, and W3 were irrigated to maintain soil moisture at 45%, 60%, and 75% of field capacity, respectively) by flood irrigation (FI) and drip irrigation (DI) under rain‐out shelters. Results showed that GY and evapotranspiration (ET) of EM were 8% and 12% lower, while the crop water productivity (CWP) was 6% higher than that of LM. Water uptake of both hybrids occurred mainly within 0‐ to 60‐cm soil layer during the vegetative stage. Water uptake of both hybrids occurred mainly within 0‐ to 60‐cm soil layer during the vegetative stage. Summer maize under FI absorbed more water from the deep soil layer than DI in the late growth stage. Compared with LM, the water absorption depth of EM became shallower in the late growth stage. Water uptake of maize was mainly from the deeper soil under water stress conditions. E of total ET accounts for 43% under DI and 57% under FI; GY and CWP were 22% and 51% higher than those of FI. Together with choosing EM hybrids, optimization of water management with DIW3 could achieve higher GY and CWP. The optimization of irrigation method and hybrids could provide a reference for local farmers to improve GY and CWP.
MFAE: Multilevel Feature Aggregation Enhanced Drug‐Target Affinity Prediction for Drug Repurposing Against Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Chen Guanxing , He Haohuai , Chen Calvin Yu-Chian
Published: December 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC), a leading cause of cancer‐related deaths globally, demands innovative therapeutic strategies to improve patient outcomes. Drug repurposing, identifying new uses for existing drugs, provides a cost‐effective solution. To this end, this study constructs the first drug‐target affinity dataset specifically for two novel therapeutic targets for CRC, P2X4 and mTOR, and designs a new deep learning‐based multilevel feature aggregation enhanced (MFAE) model. The model implements hierarchical feature extraction and multilevel feature aggregation and enhancement to simulate complex drug‐target interactions. Evaluations using fivefold cross‐validation on the collected CRC dataset showcase MFAE's superior predictive accuracy. Fine‐tuning of the model on external experimental data further enhances its performance, with a concordance index of 0.930, a determination coefficient of 0.782, and a mean squared error of 0.191. Ablation studies further highlight the key role of the group‐wise feature enhancement mechanism and ensemble learning strategy in enhancing the model's performance. Virtual screening of the Food and Drug Administration‐approved drugs identifies Ponatinib and Talazoparib as potential repurposing candidates. Despite limitations in experimental validation, this study establishes an innovative computational framework designed for CRC drug discovery. Overall, this research offers a valuable perspective on leveraging computational approaches for precision oncology.