bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Five percent CO2 inhalation alleviates hippocampal glutamate and water homeostasis disturbance, neuronal damage, and learning‐memory impairment in sleep‐deprived rats
Authors: Zhao Zhihong , Zhang Xiaojun , Zhang Xiaolei , Xie Shiyan , Chen Yue , Lai Lingfeng , Xin Lijing , Guan Jitian , Lin Yan , Wu Renhua
Published: August 2024

Background

Sleep deprivation causes hippocampal injury, manifesting as neuronal damage and learning‐memory impairment. These negative effects may be associated with disturbance of hippocampal glutamate and water homeostasis, which induces excessive neuronal excitability. Five percent CO2 inhalation has been shown to suppress neuronal excitability. Here, we aimed to investigate whether 5% CO2 inhalation facilitates the recovery of hippocampal glutamate and water homeostasis, neuron morphology, and learning‐memory ability in sleep‐deprived rats.

Methods

Thirty‐six Sprague‐Dawley female rats were randomly divided into three groups including normal sleep (Group 1, NS, n = 12), sleep deprivation followed by sleep recovery (Group 2, SD+SR, n = 12), sleep deprivation followed by sleep recovery and 5% CO2 inhalation (Group 3, SD+SR+CO2, n = 12) by random number table. Each group was divided into two subgroups (n = 6 each subgroup) for different experiments randomly by random number table.

Results

We found that 5% CO2 inhalation facilitated the recovery of hippocampal glutamate concentration (7.549 ± 0.310, 8.716 ± 0.463, and 7.493 ± 0.281 mmol/L at Days 1, 3, and 5 in Group 3, F2, 15 = 22.06, p < 0.0001) and hippocampal apparent diffusion coefficient mean value (8.210 ± 0.274, 7.685 ± 0.171, 8.265 ± 0.269 at Days 1, 3, and 5 in Group 3, F2, 15 = 10.45, p = 0.0014), enhanced expression level of astrocyte‐specific membrane protein glutamate transporter‐1, promoted the polarized distribution of aquaporin 4, reduced hippocampal neuronal damage and improved learning‐memory ability in sleep‐deprived rats.

Conclusion

This study showed that 5% CO2 inhalation can serve as a novel strategy for alleviating sleep deprivation‐induced hippocampal injury.
Renal sinus adipose tissue: exploratory study of metabolic features and transcriptome compared with omental and subcutaneous adipose tissue
Authors: Pereira Maria J. , Mathioudaki Argyri , Otero Alicia G. , Duvvuri Padma Priya , Vranic Milica , Sedigh Amir , Eriksson Jan W. , Svensson Maria K.
Published: August 2024

Objective

The objective was to study metabolic characteristics and transcriptome of renal sinus adipose tissue (RSAT) located around renal arteries and veins.

Methods

Adipose tissue biopsies from RSAT, omental (OAT), and subcutaneous (SAT) depots were obtained from healthy kidney donors (20 female, 20 male). Adipocyte glucose uptake rate and cell size were measured, and gene expression analyses using transcriptomics were performed.

Results

RSAT adipocytes were significantly smaller, with a higher basal glucose uptake rate, than adipocytes from SAT and OAT. Transcriptomic analyses revealed 29 differentially expressed genes between RSAT and OAT (RSAT: 23 lower, 6 higher) and 1214 differentially expressed genes between RSAT and SAT (RSAT: 859 lower, 355 higher). RSAT demonstrated molecular resemblance to OAT, both exhibiting lower metabolic gene expression and higher expression of immune‐related pathways, including IL‐17, TNFα, and NF‐κB signaling than SAT. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis associated RSAT with immune response and nucleic acid transport processes. Despite its location near the renal hilum, RSAT closely resembled OAT and there was a lack of expression in the classical brown adipose tissue genes. Gene enrichment analyses suggest an inflammatory environment in RSAT compared with SAT and, to some extent, OAT.

Conclusions

The findings suggest specific RSAT functions that could impact renal function and, possibly, the development of renal and cardiometabolic disorders.
Work‐restricting musculoskeletal pain after bariatric surgery or usual obesity care in the Swedish Obese Subjects study
Authors: Lohmander L. Stefan , Peltonen Markku , Andersson‐Assarsson Johanna C. , Sjöholm Kajsa , Taube Magdalena , Jacobson Peter , Svensson Per‐Arne , Carlsson Lena M. S. , Ahlin Sofie
Published: August 2024

Objective

The objective of this study was to study the recovery from, and incidence of, work‐restricting musculoskeletal pain after bariatric surgery compared with usual obesity care.

Methods

Pain in different body regions was monitored using questionnaires in the nonrandomized, prospective, controlled Swedish Obese Subjects (SOS) study, which included 2007 participants treated with bariatric surgery and a matched control group of 2040 participants receiving usual obesity care at primary health care centers. Self‐reported pain in the neck and shoulders, back, hips, knees, and ankles was captured from questionnaires administered at baseline and after 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 15, and 20 years.

Results

Compared with matched controls, bariatric surgery was associated with better recovery from baseline work‐restricting knee and ankle pain in both the short (1–4 years) and long term (up to 20 years), as well as from back and hip pain in the short term. In participants without pain at baseline, bariatric surgery was associated with a lower incidence of developing new pain in the knee and ankle in the short and long term.

Conclusions

Bariatric surgery was associated with better recovery from pain, primarily in weight‐bearing joints, as well as with prevention of pain development in the knee and ankle compared with matched controls receiving usual obesity care.
Utilization of Cobalt and its Oxide/Hydroxide Mediated by Ionic Liquids/Deep Eutectic Solvents as Catalysts in Water Splitting
Authors: Zhang Chenyun , Wang Jie , Jin Jianjiao , Wang Jiahao , Bai Te , Xu Jiacheng , Wang Shun , Xu Lihua , Zhang Jing
Published: August 2024

With the ever‐growing global demand for sustainable energy solutions, hydrogen has garnered significant attention as a clean, efficient, and renewable energy source. In the field of hydrogen production, catalyst research stands out as one of the foremost areas of focus. In recent years, the preparation of electrocatalysts using ionic liquids (ILs) and deep eutectic solvents (DESs) has attracted widespread attention. ILs and DESs possess unique physicochemical properties and are recognized as green media as well as functional materials. Cobalt‐based catalysts have proven to be efficient electrocatalysts for water splitting. Incorporating ILs or DESs into the preparation of cobalt‐based catalysts offers a remarkable advantage by allowing precise control over their structural design and composition. This control directly influences the adsorption properties of the catalyst's surface and the stability of reaction intermediates, thereby enabling enhanced control over reaction pathways and product selectivity. Consequently, the catalytic activity and stability of cobalt‐based catalysts can be effectively improved. In the process of preparing cobalt‐based catalysts, ILs and DESs can serve as solvents and templates. Owing to the good solubility of ILs and DESs, they can efficiently dissolve raw materials and provide a special nucleation and growth environment, obtaining catalysts with novel‐structures. The main focus of this review is to provide a detailed introduction to metal cobalt and its oxide/hydroxide derivatives in the field of water splitting, with a particular emphasis on the research progress achieved through the utilization of IL and DES. The aim is to assist readers in designing and synthesizing novel and high‐performance electrochemical catalysts.
Fabrication of n‐p heterostructure of polyaniline–barium zirconate nanocomposites sensor device for the detection of diazomethane gas
Authors: Manjunatha S. , Parveen Ameena , Roy Aashis S.
Published: August 2024

Nanoparticles of barium zirconate were prepared by sol–gel method and used for the preparation of nanocomposites. Polyaniline fibers and its nanocomposites with barium zirconate were prepared by in‐situ polymerization at various percentages of 1 wt%, 2 wt%, 3 wt%, 4 wt%, and 5 wt%. The prepared polyaniline nanocomposites were subjected for determination functional group by FTIR spectra and XRD analysis. The surface morphology is important aspect of sensor studies, which is illustrated by SEM and TEM image. DC conductivity of the pristine PANI and its nanocomposites increases with increase in temperature up 200°C. It is evident that the increase in conductivity is due to the hopping of charge carriers from valence band to conduction band. Among all the nanocomposites, 3 wt% of polyaniline nanocomposite shows the high conductivity of 18.6 S/cm. It is also noted that 3 wt% polyaniline nanocomposites have a higher sensitivity of 86.2% at 300 ppm when compared with other compositions. This could be because of formation strong connections between the polyaniline fibers and nano‐oxide as a resulted of enhanced node connections, high surface area and porosity through optimized nanomaterials doping. The nanocomposites sensitivity restored in 89 s after the gas was removed, responding in 23 s at 300 ppm.
Exploring perinatal ketamine for postpartum depression following cesarean section: A systematic review
Authors: Thompson Jaylyn , Lo David F. , Foschini Alexis , Sundaresh Suvan
Published: August 2024

The aim of this study was to explore the use of perinatal ketamine to see if it can be used for the reduction of postpartum depression (PPD) following cesarean section (C‐section). PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science were the primary databases used for this review. Search terms used on January 5, 2024 incorporated “ketamine,” “C‐section,” “postpartum depression,” and related synonyms. The criteria for inclusion centered on studies published between January 1, 2008 and January 5, 2024. The final selection of articles was screened based on extraction criteria leaving eight randomized control trials in the final review. The selected data from the studies incorporated sample characteristics, study and population characteristics, and quantitative analyses covering Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) scores and depression rates. The Risk of Bias assessment was utilized to gain a deeper understanding of the quality of methodology used by the research studies. The review showed that ketamine can reduce the symptoms of PPD in mothers who have recently undergone C‐sections. Some studies showed decreased EPDS scores following the administration of ketamine while two studies also reported no significant differences in PPD following ketamine administration in C‐section patients. For example, Ma et al. found that the EPDS score at postpartum day 4 was significantly lower in the ketamine group compared with the control group (p = 0.007) while Yang et al. found that there were no significant differences between the ketamine and control group at 3 days postpartum (p = 0.553). The research from this review suggests that ketamine administration can prevent or decrease the symptoms of PPD, but more research is needed to establish the causal relationship between ketamine dosage and PPD in C‐section patients.
Effects of filler material on the characteristics of electrospun polyvinyl alcohol/Nafion nanofibrous membranes
Authors: Işılay Mert , Çay Ahmet , Akduman Çiğdem , Kumbasar Emriye Perrin Akçakoca , Ertaş Hasan
Published: August 2024

In this study, polyvinyl alcohol/Nafion nanofibrous composite membranes were produced to investigate their possible application as a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) in direct methanol fuel cells. Electrospinning method was used for nanofibrous membrane production, in which the mixture of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and Nafion solutions was directly electrospun. Produced nanofibers were subjected to physical stabilization, filler application, and sulfonating to produce composite nanofibrous membranes. PVA and Nafion polymers were used also as filler materials. The properties of resultant composite membranes were compared in terms of water swelling, weight loss in water and methanol solution, thermal stability, morphology, proton conductivity, and methanol permeability. Proton conductivity of the membranes depending on the humidity was also investigated. TGA analysis showed that the membranes had adequate thermal properties regardless of the filler material. The nanofibrous structure was shown to be preserved by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after treatment with water and methanol solution. It was shown that PVA/Nafion nanofibers displayed proton conductivity after filling process. The use of PVA as a filler material led to higher proton conductivity at 100 RH%. It was reported that proton conductivity could only be obtained at higher relative humidity values (>80% RH). A lower methanol permeability of PVA‐filled membranes was reported.

Highlights

PVA/Nafion nanofibrous membranes were produced by electrospinning.

PVA and Nafion were also used as pore filling materials.

PVA‐filled membranes had higher proton conductivity and lower methanol permeability.

Proton conductivity could only be obtained at higher RH% values.
Optimal runner design for balanced filling in a multi‐cavity mold using a two‐stage analytical approach
Authors: Yang Bo‐Yu , Lin Chung‐Chih
Published: August 2024

In a multi‐cavity mold, parts from each cavity have consistent properties if the runner system ensures balanced melt‐front advancement. An unbalanced mold, however, narrows the processing window, complicating quality control and making it harder to maintain standards. Molds with an inherently balanced filling, such as the H‐type runner system, are preferred. However, as the number of cavities increases, improvements are needed to address the issues caused by shear heating. Additionally, the material waste in the H‐type runner system is significantly greater than in the fishbone runner system. Based on the rheological concept, a two‐stage analytical approach is established to optimize the fishbone runner system. The diameter of each runner in the fishbone runner system is optimized by controlling pressure drop and remaining time to achieve balanced filling. The impact of these factors is thoroughly examined, as well as why they must be controlled during optimization. The proposed work links the physical situation to its mathematical model, proving highly beneficial for new runner system designs, especially without commercial software assistance.

Highlights

A new approach to solving unbalanced filling in multi‐cavity molds.

Pressure drop and remaining time are key factors for optimization.

Two‐stage analytical approach ensures optimization accuracy.

The optimal runner system reduces injection pressure for molding.

An alternative method for designing fishbone runners without CAE assistance.
Eco‐sustainable printing of cellulosic polymeric material using bio‐colorants and bio‐crosslinkers
Authors: Ahmed Faisal , Repon Md. Reazuddin , Pranta Arnob Dhar , Ragib Yasar Md. Sayed , Rakib Md. Faisal , Ahmed Ishtiak , Emon Toufiq Ahmed , Nishat Tarakul Alam
Published: August 2024

A sustainable solution to lessen environmental damage, improve health and fulfill the increasing need for environmentally conscious goods might be for the textile industry to use eco‐friendly printing techniques and natural colors. Without the use of toxic metal‐based mordants, this research work set out to examine how natural thickeners, biomordants, and dyes interacted when printed on cotton knit fabric. Two natural dyes from natural resources leaves Jujube leaves (JL) and Eucalyptus bark (EB) were extracted in an aqueous medium. A printing paste was produced using different proportions of two bio‐mordants. For an eco‐friendly printing process, tamarind seeds, and Indian gooseberries were used that have been extracted using a Soxhlet apparatus at 80°C for 8 h. All but a handful of samples using natural binders showed outstanding fastness in the printed sample which was graded 4 or 5. The development of the dye‐fiber bond was indicated by the presence of an intense covalent bond between the dye and fiber molecules as indicated by FTIR. The CMC lab data and K/S value of the printed samples were also obtained satisfactorily with maximum RFL value 77.319 and K/s value 1.659. This method not only lessens the environmental impact of the sector but also supports a better and more ecologically sensitive manufacturing technique. Moreover, sustainable apparel, household textiles, technical fabrics, and environmentally friendly packaging can all benefit from eco‐friendly printing using bio‐colorants and bio‐crosslinkers.

Highlights

Eco‐friendly printing on cotton using jujube and eucalyptus dyes reduces environmental harm.

Bio‐mordants from tamarind seeds and gooseberry effectively replace harmful metal‐based mordants.

Printed samples show excellent fastness ratings of 4–5, proving the quality of eco‐friendly printing.

FTIR analysis confirms strong covalent bonds between dye and fiber molecules.

This method supports sustainability by using renewable, biodegradable resources in textile production.
A study of poly(pentaerythritol triallyl ether) embolic granules with medium swelling properties using for vascular embolizations against hepatocellar carcinoma
Authors: Lin Lingyin , Lin Runxing , Li Xufeng , Zhou Yanfang , Zhao Xiaotian , Huang Wanqiu , Li Qiuxia , Huang Yugang , Wang He , Ye Guodong
Published: August 2024

Interventional embolotherapy is widely used in clinical treatment of conservative liver cancer. This method has many advantages, such as good targeting, mild trauma, and low complications. The operation of transcatheter arterial embolization is to inject embolic microspheres into the arterial blood vessels of diseased organs, so as to occlude them and interrupt the blood supply, thus achieving the therapeutic purpose. However, there are still some deficiencies in clinical materials, for example catheter obstruction or vascular regeneration. In this study, pentaerythritol triallyl ether (APE) and its esterified product APEAA were used to prepare new polymeric amorphous embolic granules (PAPE and PAPEAA). The purpose is to overcome the excessive swelling problems of traditional polyvinyl alcohol granules (PVA). We verified that PAPE and PAPEAA were quickly and efficiently polymerized by photo‐driven radical‐mediated [3 + 2] cyclopolymerization mechanism (PRMC). RT‐FTIR was used to explore the best route of photopolymerization initiated by four photoinitiators. Four physical properties experiments all prove that the particle has good physical properties. In vivo animal experiments, it is confirmed that the particles can achieve the expected effect and have good biological safety. The results show that the amorphous granules can meet the requirements of clinical injection and can be used as a new embolic material.
Optimization of fiber content, length and its effect on overall properties of Licuala grandis leaf stalk fiber/polyester reinforced bio‐composites
Authors: Kumar Siga Selvin Deva , Resselian Rajesh , Manoharan Dev Anand , Thooyavan Yesudhasan , Binoj Joseph Selvi
Published: August 2024

Despite their better mechanical qualities, plant fibers are now appreciated enough to be employed as an additional component in composite manufacture rather than synthetic materials. Industries are making efforts to preserve nature's ecological equilibrium in order to avoid catastrophic natural disasters. This study investigated thermal, mechanical, morphological, and moisture‐capture capabilities of Licuala grandis leaf stalk fibers (LGLSFs) reinforced in an unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) matrix biocomposite. Biocomposites were fabricated by compression molding technology, with different weight ratios and sizes. The biocomposite containing 30 wt.% and 5 mm length LGLSF had best mechanical properties, with equal impact (5.4 J/cm2), hardness (70.4 HRRW), flexural (58 MPa), and tensile (64.9 MPa) values. Furthermore, prolonging LGLSF reinforcement to 15 mm increased the bio‐composite specimen's tensile, flexural, hardness, and impact characteristics by 9.09%, 9.65%, 14.8%, and 6.25%, respectively. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) spectra were analyzed to determine the bio‐composite's feasibility for commercial use. The bio‐composite specimen is ideal for usage in vehicle and aviation upholstery due to its sufficient hydrophobicity, lowered density, and heat resistance up to 236 °C, which are accomplished through a sufficient weight ratio of LGLSF and UPR, as well as LGLSF dimensions.
Elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor in people with cystic fibrosis and rare mutations
Authors: Fainardi Valentina , Cresta Federico , Sorio Claudio , Melotti Paola , Pesce Emanuela , Deolmi Michela , Longo Francesco , Karina Kleinfelder , Esposito Susanna , Pisi Giovanna
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The triple combination of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI) has dramatically improved the outcome of people with Cystic Fibrosis (pwCF) with at least one F508del mutation. However, carriers of rare cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) variants are not candidates for this innovative treatment.

Methods

In this observational study, we report the results of the compassionate use of ETI in 10 pwCF carriers of rare mutations after 2 months of treatment. Rectal organoids and short‐term cultures of nasal epithelium obtained from rectal suction biopsies and nasal brushing were obtained from four subjects.

Results

After 2 months of ETI, all patients (4 males, mean age 30.1 ± 13.3 years) showed a significant increase of FEV1% predicted values [+8.0 (3.5–12.7) %, p < 0.010], body mass index [+0.85 (0–1.22) kg/m2, p < 0.020] and cystic fibrosis questionnaire‐revised [+19.5 (6.3–29.2) points, p < 0.009]. A significant decrease of sweat chloride concentration [–11.2 (–1.7 to −34.0) mmol/L, p < 0.020] and exacerbations [–1.5 (–2 to –1), p < 0.008] was also recorded. Overall, 7 out of 10 participants were considered full responders. All patients reported cough disappearance (n = 3) or reduction (n = 7). Long‐term oxygen was discontinued in two out of three patients and one also stopped noninvasive ventilation and was removed from the lung transplantation waiting list.

Conclusions

Despite the limited number of cases, our results support the use of CFTR modulators in patients with rare CFTR variants that are not currently approved for ETI in Europe.
European Union border technology in Africa: Experiences en route
Authors: Uzomah Ngozi Louis
Published: August 2024

The EU externalisation policy on border management and migration control in Africa has increasingly relied on the use of technology in recent times. This paper examines how these technological interventions for border governance in Africa infringe on migrants' rights and mobility patterns. Exploring the effect of deployment of Migration Information Data Analysis System in Nigeria, risk analysis cells in Niger and biometric registration of migrants in Mauritania, the study finds infringements on the migration pattern of the people. The biometric exercise in Mauritania hampers the northward movement of mainly male migrants, aged between 18 and 46, who are mostly from Senegal, Gambia, Nigeria, Guinea Conakry and Mali. Data collected from these migrants, are shared on EU digital platforms, between IOM, Europol and FRONTEX, and can be used to facilitate their deportation as they approach Europe's border space. While emphasising the significance of this work on the geography of population movement, this paper argues that the use of EU‐funded technological projects for border management infringes on the historical cross‐border mobility in North and West Africa which is essential for socioeconomic exchanges and escaping conflicts. It highlights these restrictive practices as mirroring the hegemonic relationship between Europe and Africa that reinforces colonial‐era violence at Africa's border space. The paper draws from non‐participatory observation, instant interactions and 78 semi‐structured interviews conducted with migrants, cross‐border traders, government officials, civil society organisations, motorists, residents and the media along two major migration routes: between Nigeria and Niger and between Mauritania and Western Sahara (Morocco).
Petal‐like Bimetallic Pt−Pd Dendrites Loaded on Polyaniline/Carbon Nanotube Supports for Effective Methanol Electrooxidation
Authors: Yan Yuqian
Published: August 2024

In this work, a facile synthesis procedure was developed to deposit Pt−Pd dendrites using the chronopotentiometry (CP) method on polyaniline/carbon nanotube composites. The morphology of the bimetallic Pt−Pd dendrites exhibited a petal‐like shape. The results indicated that multi‐walled carbon nanotubes with larger diameters (approximately 60 nm) demonstrated enhanced support capabilities for achieving uniform dispersion of Pt−Pd dendrites. The electrochemical mass activity for methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) of Pt72Pd28/PANI/CNTs composites reached 670 mA mg−1Pt+Pd, representing a 1.2‐fold increase compared to that of Pt/C. Moreover, the If/Ib value of Pt72Pd28/PANI/CNTs catalyst was 1.9 times higher than that of Pt/C catalyst. Notably, the Pt72Pd28 dendrites displayed superior catalytic performance and COad tolerance in comparison to commercial Pt/C catalysts, as evidenced by their high mass activity and If/Ib value. These research findings present a novel approach for preparing highly active Pt−Pd binary catalysts.
Liver‐on‐a‐Chip Integrated with Label‐Free Optical Biosensors for Rapid and Continuous Monitoring of Drug‐Induced Toxicity
Authors: Yang Jia‐Wei , Khorsandi Danial , Trabucco Luis , Ahmed Maisha , Khademhosseini Ali , Dokmeci Mehmet Remzi , Ye Jing Yong , Jucaud Vadim
Published: August 2024

Drug toxicity assays using conventional 2D static cultures and animal studies have limitations preventing the translation of potential drugs to the clinic. The recent development of organs‐on‐a‐chip platforms provides promising alternatives for drug toxicity/screening assays. However, most studies conducted with these platforms only utilize single endpoint results, which do not provide real‐time/ near real‐time information. Here, a versatile technology is presented that integrates a 3D liver‐on‐a‐chip with a label‐free photonic crystal‐total internal reflection (PC‐TIR) biosensor for rapid and continuous monitoring of the status of cells. This technology can detect drug‐induced liver toxicity by continuously monitoring the secretion rates and levels of albumin and glutathione S‐transferase α (GST‐α) of a 3D liver on‐a‐chip model treated with Doxorubicin. The PC‐TIR biosensor is based on a one‐step antibody functionalization with high specificity and a detection range of 21.7 ng mL−1 to 7.83 x 103 ng mL−1 for albumin and 2.20 ng mL−1 to 7.94 x 102 ng mL−1 for GST‐α. This approach provides critical advantages for the early detection of drug toxicity and improved temporal resolution to capture transient drug effects. The proposed proof‐of‐concept study introduces a scalable and efficient plug‐in solution for organ‐on‐a‐chip technologies, advancing drug development and in vitro testing methods by enabling timely and accurate toxicity assessments.
Bifunctional Bismuth‐Based Layered Double Hydroxide Sonosensitizer for Magnetic Resonance Imaging‐Guided Sonodynamic Cancer Therapy
Authors: Cao Min , Yang Shuqing , Li Jie , Yang Yu , Zhan Linsen , Wang Tao , Hu Tingting , Liang Ruizheng , Li Zhangping
Published: August 2024

Novel inorganic sonosensitizers with excellent reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation activity and multifunctionality are appealing in sonodynamic therapy (SDT). Herein, amorphous bismuth (Bi)‐doped CoFe‐layered double hydroxide (a‐CoBiFe‐LDH) nanosheets are proposed via crystalline‐to‐amorphous phase transformation strategy as a new type of bifunctional sonosensitizer, which allows ultrasound (US) to trigger ROS generation for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐guided SDT. Importantly, a‐CoBiFe‐LDH nanosheets exhibit much higher ROS generation activity (≈6.9 times) than that of traditional TiO2 sonosensitizer under US irradiation, which can be attributed to the acid etching‐induced narrow band gap, high electron (e−)/hole (h+) separation efficiency and inhibited e−/h+ recombination. In addition, the paramagnetic properties of Fe ion endow a‐CoBiFe‐LDH with excellent MRI contrast ability, making it a promising contrast agent for T2‐weighted MRI. After modification with polyethylene glycol, a‐CoBiFe‐LDH nanosheets can function as a high‐efficiency sonosensitizer to activate p53, MAPK, oxidative phosphorylation, and apoptosis‐related signaling pathways, ultimately inducing cell apoptosis in vitro and tumor ablation in vivo under US irradiation, which shows great potential for clinical cancer treatment.
Modeling of a Single‐Band‐Ratiometric Sensor Based on Lattice Positive Thermal Expansion in Eu3+‐Activated Halide Perovskite Cs2NaEuCl6
Authors: Rao Zhihui , Zhao Xiujian , Gong Xiao
Published: August 2024

Recently, single‐band ratiometric (SBR) thermometry has emerged as an innovative approach to traditional fluorescence thermometry, overcoming uncertainties associated with emission spectrum overlap or scattering while maintaining high spatial resolution and remote monitoring. This paper presents a novel Cs2NaEuCl6 perovskite prepared through a slow‐cooling solution method. Additionally, it proposes a temperature sensor model that relies on the thermal quenching of charge‐transfer state absorption. Mechanical studies highlight the role of lattice positive thermal expansion in affecting Eu3+ emission. Conversely, a significant emission enhancement is observed upon excitation corresponding to both the ground state and excited state absorption. The distinct luminescent behavior of this Eu3+‐activated halide perovskite model makes it suitable for developing a highly sensitive SBR‐type sensor with a relative sensitivity (Sr) exceeding 1.5% K−1 and temperature resolution (𝛿T) below 1 K at room temperature. Furthermore, it demonstrates the thermal stability during multiple heating‐cooling cycles. Finally, the practical applicability of the proposed SBR model is demonstrated by employing a self‐manufactured film sensor that enables precise real‐time temperature detection for electronic components. The work is regarded as a significant stride toward the development of cutting‐edge and exquisitely sensitive thermometers based on lanthanide‐based halide double perovskites.
Recent progress in stimuli‐activable metallo‐prodrugs for cancer therapy
Authors: Liang Jinzhe , Wei Fangmian , Chao Hui
Published: August 2024

The clinical approval of platinum‐based drugs has prompted the development of novel metallo‐complexes during the last several decades, while severe problems, especially for poor water solubility, drug resistance and toxicity in patients, greatly hindered the clinical trials and curative efficacy. To address these issues, the concept of metallo‐prodrugs has been proposed for oncology. Some stimuli‐activable metallo‐prodrugs provide new insights for designing and preparing site‐specific prodrugs with maximized therapeutic efficacy and negligible unfavorable by‐effects. In this review, recent progress in stimuli‐activable metallo‐prodrugs in the past 20 years has been overviewed, where endogenous and exogenous stimuli have been involved. Typical examples of smart stimuli‐activable metallo‐prodrugs are discussed regarding to their molecular structure, activation mechanism, and promising biomedical applications. In the end, challenges and future perspectives in metallo‐prodrugs have been discussed.
Effect of Cr on the Microstructure and Strength‐Toughness of High‐Strength and Heat‐Resistant Stainless Steel
Authors: Chi Hongxiao , Pian Liping , Gu Jinbo , Sun Yong , Pang Xuedong , Xin Zhenfei , Ma Dangshen
Published: August 2024

The effect of Cr content on the microstructure and mechanical properties of CSS‐42L steel is investigated by X‐ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The results show that increasing Cr from 8% to 13.5% significantly improves toughness and ductility while moderately decreasing the strength. The tensile strength, fracture toughness (KIC), and impact absorbing energy of 13.5% Cr steel are 1.8 GPa, 88.6 MPa√m, and 58.5 J, respectively. 13.5%Cr steel possesses larger grain size and fewer undissolved M6C carbides than 8%Cr and10%Cr steels, which is attributed to that Cr addition increases Cr content in the (Mo,Cr)6C, reducing the dissolution temperature and ability to inhibit grain growth. Cr significantly decreases the Martensite start (Ms) temperature from 263 to 53.1 °C and increases the retained austenite from 0.3 to 13.19 vol%. Cr increases the number density and diameter of nanoscale M2C, which is attributed to Cr promoting the dissolution of Mo and increasing the nucleation rate. Meanwhile, the higher Cr content also increases the growth rate of the carbides along the diameter direction. Cr addition reduces the contribution from coherency strengthening caused by decreased lattice misfit and increased the contribution of Orowan dislocation looping resulted from higher volume fraction and size of M2C.
The Dinaric Karst in Environmental History Perspective: Conclusions, Contextualisations, and Outlook
Authors: Zwitter Žiga , Fuerst-Bjeliš Borna , Mrgić Jelena , Petrić Hrvoje , Zorn Matija
Published: August 2024

This chapter concludes the volume Environmental Histories of the Dinaric Karst, which examines the historical interactions between humans and the rest of nature from prehistory to the twenty-first century. The monograph at hand focuses on the most prominent features of karstic cultural landscapes, environmental conditions, and environmental change, as well as on the dynamics of the hazards and risks through time. This section provides further long-term and socio-economic history contextualisations to the environmental history data that is analysed, synthesised, interpreted, and explained in the previous chapters. This represents a starting point for a critical reflection on the environmental degradation and improvement narratives in the history of the Dinaric Karst. In the end, a selection of fundamental research desiderata is listed.
Landscape Change and Fire Risk in the Croatian Dinaric Karst: Looking Back and Moving Forward
Authors: Tekić Ivan , Fuerst-Bjeliš Borna , Durbešić Anamarija , Radeljak Kaufmann Petra , Cvitanović Marin
Published: August 2024

In recent decades, there has been a strong trend of abandonment of traditional land uses in the Mediterranean region, leading to changes in vegetation cover and an increase in the risk of wildfires. One of the areas where anthropogenic changes in land cover have been especially prominent is the Croatian Dinaric Karst. Focusing on the last two centuries, this research contributes to the understanding of historical links between socio-economic, demographic and landscape changes that occurred in three main Dinaric socio-environmental zones (the hinterland, the littoral and the islands) and explores how they have shaped the development of fire-prone landscapes in the study region. Through a mixed-method approach, different data sources are utilised, including the analysis of existing literature, archival sources, recent comparative forestry, satellite and fieldwork data. Finally, the paper also focuses on possible future changes in the context of three development scenarios, aiming to explore how to manage and protect these landscapes at a time when both population and climate are quickly changing.
Digitalization in Pediatrics in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Rationale and Directions
Authors: Sargsyan Sergey
Published: August 2024

Digital healthcare applications are impacting all fields of healthcare, including pediatrics and pediatric research. However, the speed at which this is achieved remains highly dependent on the implementation context. Pediatricians, family doctors and nurses, as well as healthcare managers are faced with the promise and challenges of introducing these technologies into routine service. Especially in LMICs, many “old” and “new” challenges have to be met, in the context of digitisation. It is appreciated that in many settings, digital technologies may help them to reach better results. However, further studies are needed to highlight the optimal ways for using these technologies.
Digitization of Physical Health Data in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Muradyan Arpine , Sargsyan Karine
Published: August 2024

Digital technology has the potential to create a wide range of opportunities for motivating physical activity and a healthy lifestyle, implementing programs, and improving health indicators. This chapter presents an overview as to how digitization of physical health data can become the basis of helpful information for implementing and prioritizing physical activity actions in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). The digitized data can be helpful to policymakers and stakeholders involved in promoting physical activities and physical health at the individual, local, national, regional, and global levels. In addition, digitizing physical health data will be an essential basis for a research program on the economic aspects of physical activity in LMICs. This will be a valuable guide for researchers to plan research in economics and physical health using a reliable methodology focused on the LMICs research needs. In addition, the information obtained from digitalization will help funding agencies allocate and monitor resources efficiently.
Non-digital Health Trends in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Sargsyan Karine
Published: August 2024

Digitization of healthcare has attracted considerable attention globally and has transformed healthcare systems. However, it is essential to recognize that not all low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have the necessary resources or infrastructure to fully embrace digital technologies. This chapter provides an overview of the non-digital trends that continue to influence healthcare in LMICs, and by extension the implementation of digitisation efforts. These trends span many dimensions, including health policy, workforce development, community engagement, and infrastructure improvements. Understanding these non-digital trends is vital for the successful integration of digital solutions into health systems in LMICs. Thus, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for digitizing medicine in LMICs is essential, to understand the needs of medical support tools in LMICs now and in the future.
Residual growth control for general maps and an approximate inverse function result
Authors: Amrein Mario
Published: August 2024

The need to control the residual of a potentially nonlinear function $$\mathcal {F}$$
F
arises in several situations in mathematics. For example, computing the zeros of a given map, or the reduction of some cost function during an optimization process are such situations. In this note, we discuss the existence of a curve $$t\mapsto x(t)$$

t
↦
x
(
t
)

in the domain of the nonlinear map $$\mathcal {F}$$
F
leading from some initial value $$x_0$$

x
0

to a value u such that we are able to control the residual $$\mathcal {F}(x(t))$$

F
(
x
(
t
)
)

based on the value $$\mathcal {F}(x_0)$$

F
(

x
0

)

. More precisely, we slightly extend an existing result from J.W. Neuberger by proving the existence of such a curve, assuming that the directional derivative of $$\mathcal {F}$$
F
can be represented by $$x \mapsto \mathcal {A}(x)\mathcal {F}(x_0)$$

x
↦
A

(
x
)

F

(

x
0

)

, where $$\mathcal {A}$$
A
is a suitable defined operator. The presented approach covers, in case of $$\mathcal {A}(x) = -\textsf{Id}$$

A
(
x
)
=
-
Id

, some well known results from the theory of so-called continuous Newton methods. Moreover, based on the presented results, we discover an approximate inverse function result.
Submicron immunoglobulin particles exhibit FcγRII-dependent toxicity linked to autophagy in TNFα-stimulated endothelial cells
Authors: Hollis Wanida C. , Farooq Sehrish , Khoshi M. Reza , Patel Mehulkumar , Karnaukhova Elena , Eller Nancy , Holada Karel , Scott Dorothy E. , Simak Jan
Published: August 2024

In intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG), and some other immunoglobulin products, protein particles have been implicated in adverse events. Role and mechanisms of immunoglobulin particles in vascular adverse effects of blood components and manufactured biologics have not been elucidated. We have developed a model of spherical silica microparticles (SiMPs) of distinct sizes 200–2000 nm coated with different IVIG- or albumin (HSA)-coronas and investigated their effects on cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). IVIG products (1–20 mg/mL), bare SiMPs or SiMPs with IVIG-corona, did not display significant toxicity to unstimulated HUVEC. In contrast, in TNFα-stimulated HUVEC, IVIG-SiMPs induced decrease of HUVEC viability compared to HSA-SiMPs, while no toxicity of soluble IVIG was observed. 200 nm IVIG-SiMPs after 24 h treatment further increased ICAM1 (intercellular adhesion molecule 1) and tissue factor surface expression, apoptosis, mammalian target of rapamacin (mTOR)-dependent activation of autophagy, and release of extracellular vesicles, positive for mitophagy markers. Toxic effects of IVIG-SiMPs were most prominent for 200 nm SiMPs and decreased with larger SiMP size. Using blocking antibodies, toxicity of IVIG-SiMPs was found dependent on FcγRII receptor expression on HUVEC, which increased after TNFα-stimulation. Similar results were observed with different IVIG products and research grade IgG preparations. In conclusion, submicron particles with immunoglobulin corona induced size-dependent toxicity in TNFα-stimulated HUVEC via FcγRII receptors, associated with apoptosis and mTOR-dependent activation of autophagy. Testing of IVIG toxicity in endothelial cells prestimulated with proinflammatory cytokines is relevant to clinical conditions. Our results warrant further studies on endothelial toxicity of sub-visible immunoglobulin particles.
Novel C. elegans models of Lewy body disease reveal pathological protein interactions and widespread miRNA dysregulation
Authors: Li Rongzhen , Huang Xiaobing , Shen Linjing , Zhang Tianjiao , Liu Ning , Hou Xiangqing , Wong Garry
Published: August 2024

Lewy body diseases (LBD) comprise a group of complex neurodegenerative conditions originating from accumulation of misfolded alpha-synuclein (α-syn) in the form of Lewy bodies. LBD pathologies are characterized by α-syn deposition in association with other proteins such as Amyloid β (Aβ), Tau, and TAR-DNA-binding protein. To investigate the complex interactions of these proteins, we constructed 2 novel transgenic overexpressing (OE) C. elegans strains (α-synA53T;Taupro-agg (OE) and α-synA53T;Aβ1-42;Taupro-agg (OE)) and compared them with previously established Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Lewy Body Dementia disease models. The LBD models presented here demonstrate impairments including uncoordinated movement, egg-laying deficits, altered serotonergic and cholinergic signaling, memory and posture deficits, as well as dopaminergic neuron damage and loss. Expression levels of total and prone to aggregation α-syn protein were increased in α-synA53T;Aβ1-42 but decreased in α-synA53T;Taupro-agg animals when compared to α-synA53T animals suggesting protein interactions. These alterations were also observed at the mRNA level suggesting a pre-transcriptional mechanism. miRNA-seq revealed that cel-miR-1018 was upregulated in LBD models α-synA53T, α-synA53T;Aβ1-42, and α-synA53T;Taupro-agg compared with WT. cel-miR-58c was upregulated in α-synA53T;Taupro-agg but downregulated in α-synA53T and α-synA53T;Aβ1-42 compared with WT. cel-miR-41-3p and cel-miR-355-5p were significantly downregulated in 3 LBD models. Our results obtained in a model organism provide evidence of interactions between different pathological proteins and alterations in specific miRNAs that may further exacerbate or ameliorate LBD pathology.
Soil seed banks reveal the legacy of shifting plant assemblages in late-lying alpine snowpatch communities
Authors: Vázquez-Ramírez Jerónimo , Verrall Brodie , Newling Emily , Wevill Tricia , Pickering Catherine , Green Ken , Rowland Jessica A. , Venn Susanna E.
Published: August 2024

Snowpatch plant communities, which occur in parts of alpine landscapes where snow accumulates and persists well into the summer, are highly sensitive to climate change. The formation of persistent soil seed banks is recognised as a critical component of a plant community’s resilience to a changing environment. However, our understanding of the ecology of snowpatch soil seed banks and their potential role in the persistence of these threatened communities remains limited. To address this knowledge gap, we (1) characterised the density, diversity and composition of snowpatch soil seed banks along a snowmelt gradient (with early, mid, and late melt zones defined); and (2) contrasted their similarity with long-term vegetation surveys (2020, 2013, 2007) to assess the relationship between soil seed banks and standing vegetation over time. We found persistent soil seed banks in all snowmelt zones and that the snowmelt gradient significantly influenced their density, diversity and composition. Species density and diversity in soil seed banks were higher in the early and mid zones compared to the late zone. However, seedlings from the late zone emerged faster and more synchronously than those emerging from the early and mid zones. The species similarity between seed banks and standing vegetation was relatively high in the two most recent surveys (2020, 2013) compared to the initial survey (2007). However, the composition of life forms and regeneration strategies (i.e. sexual or vegetative reproduction) of seedlings that emerged from the soil seed banks was more similar to the composition of the initial standing vegetation survey (2007) than to the more recent surveys (2020, 2013). Our results suggest that although soil seed banks may be changing as the standing vegetation changes, they still have a compositional similarity to historical plant assemblages, contributing to the resilience of these endangered communities to climate change.