bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thioredoxin 1 overexpression attenuated diabetes‐induced endoplasmic reticulum stress in Müller cells via apoptosis signal‐regulating kinase 1
Authors: Yu Xuebin , Teng Qiufeng , Bao Kaimin , Chudhary Maryam , Qi Hui , Zhou Wenying , Che Hongxin , Liu Junli , Ren Xiang , Kong Li
Published: February 2023

As one of the common and serious chronic complications of diabetes mellitus (DM), the related mechanism of diabetic retinopathy (DR) has not been fully understood. Müller cell reactive gliosis is one of the early pathophysiological features of DR. Therefore, exploring the manner to reduce diabetes‐induced Müller cell damage is essential to delay DR. Thioredoxin 1 (Trx1), one of the ubiquitous redox enzymes, plays a vital role in redox homeostasis via protein–protein interactions, including apoptosis signal‐regulating kinase 1 (ASK1). Previous studies have shown that upregulation of Trx by some drugs can attenuate endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) in DR, but the related mechanism was unclear. In this study, we used DM mouse and high glucose (HG)‐cultured human Müller cells as models to clarify the effect of Trx1 on ERS and the underlying mechanism. The data showed that the diabetes‐induced Müller cell damage was increased significantly. Moreover, the expression of ERS and reactive gliosis was also upregulated in diabetes in vivo and in vitro. However, it was reversed after Trx1 overexpression. Besides, ERS‐related protein expression, reactive gliosis, and apoptosis were decreased after transfection with ASK1 small‐interfering RNA in stable Trx1 overexpression Müller cells after HG treatment. Taken together, Trx1 could protect Müller cells from diabetes‐induced damage, and the underlying mechanism was related to inhibited ERS via ASK1.
Characteristics of adult hospital medicine fellowships in the United States: A cross‐sectional survey study
Authors: Felde Lanna , Burden Marisha , Shah Nainesh , Ramos Pedro , Chu Eugene S.
Published: February 2023

Background

Hospitalists who seek academic careers are interested in developing skills in research, education, and quality improvement (QI). Since these are not major foci of residency programs, hospitalists may pursue a hospital medicine fellowship to acquire these skill sets.

Objective

We sought to characterize the current state of hospital medicine fellowships in the United States, including demographics, clinical requirements, curricular focus, financial structure, and scholarly outputs.

Designs, Settings, and Participants

This was a cross‐sectional study of 32 hospital medicine fellowship programs across the United States in 2020–2021. An electronic survey was emailed to program leaders.

Results

Out of 32 eligible programs contacted, 19 (59.4%) programs responded, representing 22 fellowship tracks. Most (63.2%) programs have been in existence for 5 years or less. Fourteen (63.6%) of the tracks had multiple focus areas, while 8 (36.4%) had a single focus. Of the 14 fellowship tracks with multiple focus areas, 6 (42.8%) reported research, QI and medical education as curricular elements. All 14 reported research as one of the curricular elements. The majority (68.4%) of programs offered opportunities to obtain a master's degree, though the field of degree varied widely. A median of 50% (IQR 0) of fellows' time was spent in clinical activities. Considerable heterogeneity exists among adult hospital medicine fellowship programs. The majority focus on research, QI, and/or medical education. Hospital medicine fellowships offer opportunities for intesive faculty development and unique career pathways.
Diagnostic delays among COVID‐19 patients with a second concurrent diagnosis
Authors: Freund Ophir , Azolai Lee , Sror Neta , Zeeman Idan , Kozlovsky Tom , Greenberg Sharon A. , Epstein Weiss Tali , Bornstein Gil , Tchebiner Joseph Zvi , Frydman Shir
Published: February 2023

Background

Little is known about the effect of a new pandemic on diagnostic errors.

Objective

We aimed to identify delayed second diagnoses among patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with COVID‐19.

Designs

An observational cohort Study.

Settings and Participants

Consecutive hospitalized adult patients presenting to the ED of a tertiary referral center with COVID‐19 during the Delta and Omicron variant surges. Included patients had evidence of a second diagnosis during their ED stay.

Main Outcome and Measures

The primary outcome was delayed diagnosis (without documentation or treatment in the ED). Contributing factors were assessed using two logistic regression models.

Results

Among 1249 hospitalized COVID‐19 patients, 216 (17%) had evidence of a second diagnosis in the ED. The second diagnosis of 73 patients (34%) was delayed, with a mean (SD) delay of 1.5 (0.8) days. Medical treatment was deferred in 63 patients (86%) and interventional therapy in 26 (36%). The probability of an ED diagnosis was the lowest for Infection‐related diagnoses (56%) and highest for surgical‐related diagnoses (89%). Evidence for the second diagnosis by physical examination (adjusted odds ratios [AOR] 2.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20–4.68) or by imaging (AOR 2.10, 95% CI 1.16–3.79) were predictors for ED diagnosis. Low oxygen saturation (AOR 0.38, 95% CI 0.18–0.79) and cough or dyspnea (AOR 0.48, 95% CI 0.25–0.94) in the ED were predictors of a delayed second diagnosis.
Long‐term outcomes of pacemaker implantation in children with univentricular versus complex biventricular surgical repair
Authors: Spentzou Georgia , Taylor Luke , Zhang Yiyan , D'Udekem Yves , Zannino Diana , Davis Andrew , Pflaumer Andreas
Published: February 2023

Objective

Pacing in a univentricular circulation has been associated with worsened outcomes. We investigated the long‐term outcomes of pacing in children with a univentricular circulation compared to a complex biventricular circulation. We also identified predictors of adverse outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective study of all children with major congenital heart disease who underwent pacemaker implantation under the age of 18 years between November 1994 and October 2017.

Results

Eighty‐nine patients were included; 19 with a univentricular and 70 with a complex biventricular circulation. A total of 96% of pacemaker systems were epicardial. Median follow up was 8.3 years. The incidence of adverse outcome was similar between the two groups. Five (5.6%) patients died and two (2.2%) underwent heart transplantation. Most adverse events occurred within the first 8 years after pacemaker implantation. Univariate analysis identified five predictors of adverse outcomes in the patients in the biventricular but none in the univentricular group. The predictors of adverse outcome in the biventricular circulation were a right morphologic ventricle as the systemic ventricle, age at first congenital heart disease (CHD) operation, number of CHD operations, and female gender. The nonapical lead position was associated with a much higher risk of an adverse outcome.

Conclusions

Children with a pacemaker and a complex biventricular circulation have similar survival to the ones with a pacemaker and a univentricular circulation. The only modifiable predictor was the epicardial lead position on the paced ventricle, emphasizing the importance of apical placement of the ventricular lead.
The future of scientific journals: The rise of UniAI
Authors: Habibzadeh Farrokh
Published: February 2023

Key points

The enormous amount of scientific data produced each second will make it difficult to analyze them.

In near future, a universal AI‐based (UniAI) system with ready access to a collective database will be formed to analyze the gigantic amount of data being created.

There will be no ready articles, no scientific journal, no indexing system, no peer review, no research or publication ethical concerns, and no editor.

UniAI, a self‐organized self‐sufficient AI system will assume most part of the research and its publication.
Intraputaminal Gene Delivery in Two Patients with Aromatic L‐Amino Acid Decarboxylase Deficiency
Authors: François‐Heude Marie‐Céline , Poulen Gaetan , Flamand Roze Emmanuel , Nguyen Morel Marie‐Ange , Gras Domitille , Roch‐Toreilles Isabelle , Quintard Adeline , Baroux Gaelle , Meyer Pierre , Coubes Philippe , Milesi Christophe , Cambonie Gilles , Baleine Julien , Sola Chrystelle , Delye Bénédicte , Dimopoulou Evgenia , Sanchez Stéphanie , Gasnier Mathieu , Touati Souad , Zamora Alberto , Pontal Daniel , Leboucq Nicolas , Kouyoumdjian Virginie , Lebasnier Adrien , Sanquer Sylvia , Mariano‐Goulart Denis , Roujeau Thomas , Roubertie Agathe
Published: February 2023

Background

Aromatic l‐amino acid decarboxylase deficiency (AADCD) is a rare, early‐onset, dyskinetic encephalopathy mostly reflecting a defective synthesis of brain dopamine and serotonin. Intracerebral gene delivery (GD) provided a significant improvement among AADCD patients (mean age, ≤6 years).

Objective

We describe the clinical, biological, and imaging evolution of two AADCD patients ages >10 years after GD.

Methods

Eladocagene exuparvovec, a recombinant adeno‐associated virus containing the human complimentary DNA encoding the AADC enzyme, was administered into bilateral putamen by stereotactic surgery.

Results

Eighteen months after GD, patients showed improvement in motor, cognitive and behavioral function, and in quality of life. Cerebral l‐6‐[18F] fluoro‐3, 4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine uptake was increased at 1 month, persisting at 1 year compared to baseline.

Conclusion

Two patients with a severe form of AADCD had an objective motor and non‐motor benefit from eladocagene exuparvovec injection even when treated after the age of 10 years, as in the seminal study.
Full modulation transfer functions of thick parallel‐ and focused‐element scintillator arrays obtained by a Monte Carlo optical transport model
Authors: Zarrini‐Monfared Zinat , Karbasi Sareh , Zamani Ali , Mosleh‐Shirazi Mohammad Amin
Published: February 2023

Background

Arrays of thick segmented crystalline scintillators are useful x‐ray converters for image‐guided radiation therapy using electronic portal imaging (EPI) and megavoltage cone‐beam computed tomography (MV‐CBCT). Ionizing‐radiation‐only simulations previously showed relatively low modulation transfer function (MTF) in parallel‐element arrays because of beam divergence. Hence, a focused‐element geometry (matching the beam divergence) has been proposed. The “full” (ionizing and optical) MTF performance of such a focused geometry compared to its radiation‐only MTF has, however, not been fully investigated.

Purpose

To study the full MTF performance of such arrays in a more realistic situation in which optical characteristics are also included using an in‐house detector model that supports light transport, and quantify the errors in MTF estimation when the optical stage is ignored.

Methods

First, radiation (x‐ray and electron) transport was simulated. Then, transport of the generated optical photons was modeled using ScintSim2, an optical Monte Carlo (MC) code developed in MATLAB for simulation of two‐dimensional (2D) parallel‐ and focused‐element scintillator arrays. The full‐MTF responses of focused‐ and parallel‐element geometries, for a large array of 3 × 3 mm2 CsI:Tl detector elements of 10, 40, and 60 mm thicknesses, were examined. For each configuration, a composite line spread function (LSF) was calculated to obtain the MTF.

Results

At the Nyquist frequency, for 10 mm‐thick central elements and 60 mm‐thick peripheral parallel elements, full‐MTF exhibited a drop of up to 15 and 79 times, respectively, compared with radiation‐only MTF. This was found to be partly attributable to the angular distribution of the light emerging from the detector‐element exit face and the dependence on its aspect ratio, since the light exiting thicker scintillators exhibited a more forward‐directed distribution. Focused elements provided an increase of up to nine times in peripheral‐area full MTF values.

Conclusions

Full MTF was up to 79 times lower than radiation‐only MTF. Focused arrays preserved full MTF by up to nine times compared to parallel elements. The differences in the results obtained with and without inclusion of optical photons emphasize the need to include light transport when optimizing thick segmented scintillation detectors. Besides their application in detector optimization for radiotherapy megavoltage photon imaging, these findings can also be useful for other segmented‐scintillator‐based imaging systems, for example, in nuclear medicine, or in 2D detection systems for quality assurance of MR‐linacs.
FaxMatch: Multi‐Curriculum Pseudo‐Labeling for semi‐supervised medical image classification
Authors: Peng Zhen , Zhang Dezhi , Tian Shengwei , Wu Weidong , Yu Long , Zhou Shaofeng , Huang Shanhang
Published: February 2023

Background

Semi‐supervised learning (SSL) can effectively use information from unlabeled data to improve model performance, which has great significance in medical imaging tasks. Pseudo‐labeling is a classical SSL method that uses a model to predict unlabeled samples and selects the prediction with the highest confidence level as the pseudo‐labels and then uses the generated pseudo‐labels to train the model. Most of the current pseudo‐label‐based SSL algorithms use predefined fixed thresholds for all classes to select unlabeled data.

Purpose

However, data imbalance is a common problem in medical image tasks, where the use of fixed threshold to generate pseudo‐labels ignores different classes of learning status and learning difficulties. The aim of this study is to develop an algorithm to solve this problem.

Methods

In this work, we propose Multi‐Curriculum Pseudo‐Labeling (MCPL), which evaluates the learning status of the model for each class at each epoch and automatically adjusts the thresholds for each class. We apply MCPL to FixMatch and propose a new SSL framework for medical image classification, which we call the improved algorithm FaxMatch. To mitigate the impact of incorrect pseudo‐labels on the model, we use label smoothing (LS) strategy to generate soft labels (SL) for pseudo‐labels.

Results

We have conducted extensive experiments to evaluate our method on two public benchmark medical image classification datasets: the ISIC 2018 skin lesion analysis and COVID‐CT datasets. Experimental results show that our method outperforms fully supervised baseline, which uses only labeled data to train the model. Moreover, our method also outperforms other state‐of‐the‐art methods.

Conclusions

We propose MCPL and construct a semi‐supervised medical image classification framework to reduce the reliance of the model on a large number of labeled images and reduce the manual workload of labeling medical image data.
Identification of dual‐rate sampled errors‐in‐variables systems with time delays
Authors: Xie Li , Huang Jiacheng , Tao Hongfeng , Yang Huizhong
Published: February 2023

For identification of dual‐rate sampled errors‐in‐variables (EIV) systems with time delays, this paper utilizes the polynomial transformation technique and the redundant rule to derive the augmented dual‐rate model, and proposes a bias compensation‐based least squares (BC‐LS) algorithm. The basic idea is to obtain a biased parameter estimate by using the LS algorithm, then compensate the noise‐induced bias by the estimated noise variances, and finally estimate the time delay according to the unbiased parameter estimate and the given threshold. Considering that proper threshold selection has great influence on the performance of the BC‐LS identification algorithm for high noise level, the generalized orthogonal matching pursuit (GOMP) algorithm is introduced to simultaneously estimate the biased parameters and the time delay, and the bias compensation‐based GOMP (BC‐GOMP) algorithm is further proposed to identify the dual‐rate sampled EIV systems with time delays. The simulation examples demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed two algorithms, and the BC‐GOMP algorithm performs better especially when the modeling dataset is small.
Multiscale interfacial enhancement of surface grown carbon nanotubes carbon fiber composites
Authors: Li Min , Xing Fei , Li Tianshu , Wang Shaokai , Gu Yizhuo , Zhang Wei , Wang Yanjie , Li Qinghui
Published: February 2023

The interface properties between surface grown carbon nanotubes carbon fiber (CNTs‐CF) and epoxy resin were investigated by different modification methods. The X‐ray photoelectron spectrometer probations show that the pristine CNTs‐CF has very low contents of both oxygen element and active carbon element. Taking the naked carbon fiber (CF) without CNTs grown as a reference, the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of CNTs‐CF/epoxy is only 5.6% higher. After heat treatment, chemical modification and sizing treatments, the surface chemical activity of CNTs‐CF is improved considerably. In contrast with the IFSS of standard CF/epoxy, the interfacial strength of chemical‐treated CNTs‐CF‐E1/epoxy is increased to 122.8 MPa by 29.7%. The increasing content of the epoxy active groups at the modified CNTs‐CF‐E1 surface is conducive to forming covalent bonds between the epoxy resin and the CNTs‐CF‐E1 surface particularly the activated nanotube surface. The enhancement of CNT/epoxy interface is beneficial to the over whole interface property of the composites. Hence, the compressive and torsion strength of sizing CNTs‐CF‐E1 bundle combined with epoxy resin are increased by 32.4% and 14.1%, respectively. The SEM images show the failure morphologies of different modification methods, and the enhancement mechanism of multiscale interface is further clarified. Compared with chemical treatment, heat treatment can remove the inert amorphous carbon on the CNTs‐CF fiber surface and improve the interface adhesion of CNT/epoxy and CF/epoxy, and surface sizing treatment improves the CF/epoxy interface. The enhancement mechanisms of these modified CNTs‐CFs/epoxy should be ascribed to the competition and synergetic effects of the multiscale interfaces, including CNT/CF, CNT/epoxy, and CF/epoxy.
Intra‐articular and soft‐tissue corticosteroid injections and risk of infections: Population‐based self‐controlled‐risk‐interval design
Authors: Zacay Galia , Heymann Anthony D.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Chronic and short‐term treatment with oral corticosteroids is associated with an increased risk of infection. However, the potential risk of infection that may be associated with intra‐articular and soft‐tissue injections of corticosteroids has not been reported. The aim of this study was to assess the risk for infection following intra‐articular or soft‐tissue corticosteroid injections.

Methods

Self‐controlled‐risk‐interval study with 15 732 adults who were treated with intra‐articular or soft‐tissue corticosteroid injections during 2015–2018. The study was conducted in a large Israeli Health Maintenance Organization. We self‐matched the participants and analyzed the incidence of infection over three periods: an exposure‐period of 90 days following the injection, and two 90‐day control periods. We identified the occurrence of several common infections in the patient's electronic medical record and analyzed the incidence rates of all infections (composite end‐point) as well as each infection separately.

Results

The incidence of any infection was higher during postexposure period compared with the control periods (46.5 vs. 42.1 events per 1000 persons), number needed to harm was 227 persons. Self‐matching analysis showed increased incidence‐rate‐ratio (IRR) for the combined incidence of infections in the post‐exposure period compared with the control periods (IRR = 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–1.21). A sensitivity analysis showed that the highest IRR was during the first 30 days (IRR = 1.19, 95% CI 1.03–1.38), with higher IRR for patients aged 65 years and older (IRR = 1.37, 95% CI 1.08–1.73).

Conclusions

Intra‐articular and soft‐tissue corticosteroids injections may be associated with an increased risk of infections; however, the absolute risk increase is low.
Maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with treating hypertension in pregnancy at different thresholds
Authors: Avalos Lyndsay A. , Neugebauer Romain S. , Nance Nerissa , Badon Sylvia E. , Cheetham T. Craig , Easterling Thomas R. , Reynolds Kristi , Idu Abisola , Bider‐Canfield Zoe , Holt Victoria L. , Dublin Sascha
Published: February 2023

Introduction

In the United States, there has been controversy over whether treatment of mild‐to‐moderate hypertension during pregnancy conveys more benefit than risk.

Objective

The objective of the study was to compare risks and benefits of treatment of mild‐to‐moderate hypertension during pregnancy.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 11,871 pregnant women with mild‐to‐moderate hypertension as defined by blood pressure (BP) values from three Kaiser Permanente regions between 2005 and 2014. Data were extracted from electronic health records. Dynamic marginal structural models with inverse probability weighting and informative censoring were used to compare risks of adverse outcomes when beginning antihypertensive medication treatment at four BP thresholds (≥155/105, ≥150/100, ≥145/95, ≥140/90 mm Hg) compared with the recommended threshold in the United States at that time, ≥160/110 mm Hg. Outcomes included preeclampsia, preterm birth, small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA), Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) care, and stillbirth. Primary analyses allowed 2 weeks for medication initiation after an elevated BP. Several sensitivity and subgroup (i.e., race/ethnicity and pre‐pregnancy body mass index) analyses were also conducted.

Results

In primary analyses, medication initiation at lower BP thresholds was associated with greater risk of most outcomes. Comparing the lowest (≥140/90 mm Hg) to the highest BP threshold (≥160/110 mm Hg), we found an excess risk of preeclampsia (adjusted Risk Difference (aRD) 38.6 per 100 births, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 30.6, 46.6), SGA (aRD: 10.2 per 100 births, 95% CI: 2.6, 17.8), NICU admission (aRD: 20.2 per 100 births, 95% CI: 12.6, 27.9), and stillbirth (1.18 per 100 births, 95% CI: 0.27, 2.09). The findings did not reach statistical significance for preterm birth (aRD: 2.5 per 100 births, 95% CI: −0.4, 5.3). These relationships were attenuated and did not always reach statistically significance when comparing higher BP treatment thresholds to the highest threshold (i.e., ≥160/110 mm Hg). Sensitivity and subgroup analyses produced similar results.

Conclusions

Initiation of antihypertensive medication at mild‐to‐moderate BP thresholds (140–155/90–105 mm Hg; with the largest risk consistently associated with treatment at 140/90 mm Hg) may be associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Limitations include inability to measure medication adherence.
In situ reaction of modified cellulose nanocrystals in shape memory polyacrylamide/gelatin composite hydrogel with enhanced performance
Authors: Fan Weiwei , Li Zhengjun
Published: February 2023

In this work, 3‐methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane modified cellulose nanocrystals (MCNCs) were first synthesized through a hydrolysis‐condensation reaction and subsequently incorporated with acrylamide and gelatin by an in situ reaction to fabricate shape memory polyacrylamide/gelatin composite hydrogels (PG‐MCNCs). It was found that the rigid MCNCs with methacryl and silanol or hydroxyl groups could act as chemical–physical crosslinking joints between polyacrylamide and gelatin and were capable of being well distributed in hydrogel. Meanwhile, the inserted MCNC filler could significantly improve the mechanical, shape memory and swelling resistance performances. Notably, the most effective improvement was obtained when 2 wt% MCNC was added to the hydrogel, i.e. the PG‐MCNC2 with suitable pore size and ordered pore size distribution showed superior tensile strength (0.50 MPa), elongation at break (2419%), compressive strength (0.15 MPa) and adhesion strength (19.8 kPa). Moreover, PG‐MCNC2 hydrogel exhibited better swelling resistance and thermally induced shape memory function (shape fixity ratio and shape recover ratio were 76.6% and 96.5%, respectively). Furthermore, the representative PG‐MCNC2 hydrogel possessed good cytocompatibility, which might be qualified for potential application as biomaterial. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
FkpA enhances membrane protein folding using an extensive interaction surface
Authors: Devlin Taylor , Marx Dagan C. , Roskopf Michaela A. , Bubb Quenton R. , Plummer Ashlee M. , Fleming Karen G.
Published: February 2023

Outer membrane protein (OMP) biogenesis in gram‐negative bacteria is managed by a network of periplasmic chaperones that includes SurA, Skp, and FkpA. These chaperones bind unfolded OMPs (uOMPs) in dynamic conformational ensembles to suppress aggregation, facilitate diffusion across the periplasm, and enhance folding. FkpA primarily responds to heat‐shock stress, but its mechanism is comparatively understudied. To determine FkpA chaperone function in the context of OMP folding, we monitored the folding of three OMPs and found that FkpA, unlike other periplasmic chaperones, increases the folded yield but decreases the folding rate of OMPs. The results indicate that FkpA behaves as a chaperone and not as a folding catalyst to influence the OMP folding trajectory. Consistent with the folding assay results, FkpA binds all three uOMPs as determined by sedimentation velocity (SV) and photo‐crosslinking experiments. We determine the binding affinity between FkpA and uOmpA171 by globally fitting SV titrations and find it to be intermediate between the known affinities of Skp and SurA for uOMP clients. Notably, complex formation steeply depends on the urea concentration, suggesting an extensive binding interface. Initial characterizations of the complex using photo‐crosslinking indicate that the binding interface spans the entire FkpA molecule. In contrast to prior findings, folding and binding experiments performed using subdomain constructs of FkpA demonstrate that the full‐length chaperone is required for full activity. Together these results support that FkpA has a distinct and direct effect on OMP folding that it achieves by utilizing an extensive chaperone‐client interface to tightly bind clients.
Rapid screening of high‐priority N‐nitrosamines in pharmaceutical, forensic, and environmental samples with paper spray ionization and filter cone spray ionization‐mass spectrometry
Authors: McDaniel Trevor J. , Holtz Jessica M. , Bondzie Ebenezer H. , Overfelt Makoy , Fedick Patrick W. , Mulligan Christopher C.
Published: February 2023

Rationale

The burgeoning concern of N‐nitrosamine (NAM) contamination found in various pharmaceutical compositions has increased the demand for rapid and reliable screening methods to better assess the breadth of the problem. These carcinogenic compounds are also found in food, water, and soil, and they have been used in poison‐related homicides.

Methods

A combination of complementary, ambient ionization methods, paper spray ionization (PSI) and filter cone spray ionization (FCSI)‐mass spectrometry (MS), was characterized towards trace‐level residue screening of select NAMs (e.g., N‐nitrosodimethylamine, N‐nitrosodiethylamine, N‐nitrosodibutylamine) directly from complex and problematic matrices of interest, including prescription and over‐the‐counter tablets, drinking water, soil, and consumable goods. Spectral data for analyte confirmation and detection limit studies were collected using a Thermo LCQ Fleet ion trap mass spectrometer.

Results

PSI‐MS and FCSI‐MS readily produced mass spectral data marked by their simplicity (e.g., predominantly protonated molecular ions observed) and congruence with traditional electrospray ionization mass spectra in under 2 min. per sample. Both methods proved robust to the complex matrices tested, yielding ion signatures for target NAMs, as well as active pharmaceutical ingredients for analyzed tablets, flavorants inherent to food products, etc. Low part‐per‐million detection limits were observed but were shown dependent on sample composition.

Conclusions

PSI‐MS and FCSI‐MS were successful in detecting trace‐level NAMS in complex liquid‐ and solid‐phase matrices with little to no prior preparation. This work suggests that these methodologies can provide a means for assessing problematic pharmaceutical adulterants/degradants for expedited quality control, as well as enhancing environmental stewardship efforts and forensic investigations.
Quercetin for the treatment of COVID‐19 patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Cheema Huzaifa Ahmad , Sohail Aruba , Fatima Areej , Shahid Abia , Shahzil Muhammad , Ur Rehman Mohammad Ebad , Awan Rehmat Ullah , Chinnam Sampath , Nashwan Abdulqadir J.
Published: February 2023

Currently approved therapies for COVID‐19 are mostly limited by their low availability, high costs or the requirement of parenteral administration by trained medical personnel in an in‐hospital setting. Quercetin is a cheap and easily accessible therapeutic option for COVID‐19 patients. However, it has not been evaluated in a systematic review until now. We aimed to conduct a meta‐analysis to assess the effect of quercetin on clinical outcomes in COVID‐19 patients. Various databases including PubMed, the Cochrane Library and Embase were searched from inception until 5 October 2022 and results from six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were pooled using a random‐effects model. All analyses were conducted using RevMan 5.4 with odds ratio (OR) as the effect measure. Quercetin decreased the risk of intensive care unit admission (OR = 0.31; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.10–0.99) and the incidence of hospitalisation (OR = 0.25; 95% CI 0.10–0.62) but did not decrease the risk of all‐cause mortality and the rate of no recovery. Quercetin may be of benefit in COVID‐19 patients, especially if administered in its phytosome formulation which greatly enhances its bioavailability but large‐scale RCTs are needed to confirm these findings.
Funneliformis mosseae–induced changes of rhizosphere microbial community structure enhance Capsicum annuum L. plant growth and fruit yield
Authors: Tang Cheng , Sun Bin , Zeeshan Muhammad , Li Jie , Zhang Xiaoxu
Published: February 2023

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, such as Funneliformis mosseae, are essential components of the soil microbiome that can facilitate plant growth and enhance abiotic and biotic stress resistances. However, the mechanisms via which F. mosseae inoculation influences Capsicum annuum L. plant growth and fruit yield remain unclear. Here, we conducted pot experiments to investigate bacterial and fungal community structures in the rhizosphere of C. annuum plants inoculated with F. mosseae based on 16S ribosomal RNA and internal transcribed spacer gene sequencing. The α‐diversity of bacteria increased significantly following F. mosseae inoculation (p < 0.01); however, there was no significant difference in fungal diversity indices between treatments. The relative abundances of major bacterial phyla, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Gemmatimonadetes, together with the fungal phylum Ascomycota, were all higher in inoculated samples than in uninoculated controls. F. mosseae inoculation led to a remarkable enrichment of potentially beneficial genera (e.g., Streptomyces, Sphingomonas, Lysobacter, and Trichoderma), in stark contrast to the depletion of fungal pathogens (e.g., Botryotrichum, Acremonium, Fusarium, and Plectosphaerella). Rhizosphere pathways related to amino acid metabolism and antibiotic biosynthesis were upregulated by F. mosseae inoculation, whereas pathways involved in infectious diseases were downregulated. Thus, F. mosseae inoculation appears to reshape the rhizosphere microbiome, thereby augmenting C. annuum plant growth and fruit yield.
How sleep disturbance is associated with Chinese police officers' job satisfaction: A moderated mediation model
Authors: Ye Zhi , Wang Yinyi , Wu Xia , Chen Lihua
Published: February 2023

Tasked with a wide variety of duties, police officers often encounter stressful situations and suffer from sleep disturbance. Previous studies have found that police officers with sleep disturbance generally reported lower levels of job satisfaction; however, the psychological mechanisms by which sleep disturbance is associated with job satisfaction are still relatively underexplored. This study investigated how sleep disturbance was associated with job satisfaction via the mediation of job involvement and via the moderation of resilience among police officers. Data from a sample of 827 Chinese police officers (86.9% men) was analysed. Participants completed a written questionnaire assessing sleep disturbance, job satisfaction, job involvement, resilience, and demographic information. A moderated mediation model was conducted to examine the research questions. Sleep disturbance was negatively associated with job involvement, which, in turn, was positively associated with job satisfaction. Furthermore, both direct and indirect effects of sleep disturbance on job satisfaction were moderated by resilience. Specifically, the negative association between sleep disturbance and job satisfaction was significant only for those with low levels of resilience, but not for those with high levels of resilience. In addition, the positive association between job involvement and job satisfaction was stronger for those with higher resilience compared with those with lower resilience. The findings advance understanding of the psychological mechanisms underlying the association between sleep disturbance and job satisfaction among police officers.
Magnetic Non‐Spherical Particles Inducing Vortices in Microchannel for Effective Mixing
Authors: Feng Shi , Pan Cunliang , Ye Hongfei , Liu Wendong , Yang Wenbo , Lv Yingdi , Tao Shengyang
Published: February 2023

Mixing in microfluidic channels is dominated by diffusion owing to the absence of chaotic flow. However, high‐efficiency microscale mixing over short distances is desired for the development of lab‐on‐chip systems. Here, enhanced mixing in microchannels achieved using magnetic nonspherical particles (MNSPs), is reported. Benefiting from the nonspherical shape of the MNSPs, secondary vortices exhibiting cyclical characteristics appear in microchannels when the MNSPs rotate under an external magnetic field. Increasing the rotation rate enlarges the secondary vortices, expanding the mixing zone and enhancing the mixing, resulting in a mixing efficiency exceeding 0.9 at Re of 0.069–0.69. Complementary micro‐particle image velocimetry (µPIV) for flow field analysis clarifies the mixing mechanism. In addition, a chaotic vortex area is generated in the presence of two MNSPs, which shortens the distance required for achieving an appropriate mixing efficiency. This study demonstrates the potential of employing MNSPs as efficient mixers in lab‐on‐chip devices.
Matching CP@NCOH/NF Cathode and GH/FNP/NF Anode for High‐Performance Asymmetric Supercapacitor
Authors: Meng Haoyan , Wang Shilong , Ma Xueying , Zhang Dehao , Zhang Linlin , Liu Xuying , Zhang Li
Published: February 2023

It is extremely crucial to design and match high‐quality cathode and anode for achieving high‐performance asymmetric supercapacitors (ASCs). Herein, Co3(PO4)2@NiCo‐LDH/Ni foam (CP@NCOH/NF) cathode with hierarchical morphology and graphene hydrogel/Fe–Ni phosphide/Ni foam (GH/FNP/NF) anode with the robust and porous structure are elaborately designed and prepared, respectively. Owing to their unique and profitable structures, both CP@NCOH/NF and GH/FNP/NF electrodes yield the superior capacity (10760 and 2236 mC cm−2 at 2 mA cm−2, respectively), good rate capability (63% retention at 200 mA cm−2 and 52% retention at 50 mA cm−2, respectively), and excellent cycling stability (72% and 74% retention after 10 000 cycles, respectively). Benefiting from their matchable electrochemical performances, the configured solid‐state CP@NCOH/NF//GH/FNP/NF ASC outputs both competitive energy density (80.2 Wh kg−1/4.1 mWh cm−3) and power density (14563 W kg−1/750 mW cm−3), companied by remarkable cyclability (71% retention after 10 000 cycles), manifesting its great promise for large‐scale integrated energy‐storage system.
Radial Alignment of Carbon Nanotubes via Dead‐End Filtration
Authors: Rust Christian , Schill Elias , Garrity Oisín , Spari Manuel , Li Han , Bacher Andreas , Guttmann Markus , Reich Stephanie , Flavel Benjamin S.
Published: February 2023

Dead‐end filtration is a facile method to globally align single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) in large area films with a 2D order parameter, S2D, approaching unity. Uniaxial alignment has been achieved using pristine and hot‐embossed membranes but more sophisticated geometries have yet to be investigated. In this work, three different patterns with radial symmetry and an area of 3.8 cm2 are created. Two of these patterns are replicated by the filtered SWCNTs and S2D values of ≈0.85 are obtained. Each of the radially aligned SWCNT films is characterized by scanning cross‐polarized microscopy in reflectance and laser imaging in transmittance with linear, radial, and azimuthal polarized light fields. The former is used to define a novel indicator akin to the 2D order parameter using Malu's law, yielding 0.82 for the respective film. The films are then transferred to a flexible printed circuit board and terminal two‐probe electrical measurements are conducted to explore the potential of those new alignment geometries.
Recent Progress in Interface Engineering of Nanostructures for Photoelectrochemical Energy Harvesting Applications
Authors: Zi You , Hu Yi , Pu Junmei , Wang Mengke , Huang Weichun
Published: February 2023

With rapid and continuous consumption of nonrenewable energy, solar energy can be utilized to meet the energy requirement and mitigate environmental issues in the future. To attain a sustainable society with an energy mix predominately dependent on solar energy, photoelectrochemical (PEC) device, in which semiconductor nanostructure‐based photocatalysts play important roles, is considered to be one of the most promising candidates to realize the sufficient utilization of solar energy in a low‐cost, green, and environmentally friendly manner. Interface engineering of semiconductor nanostructures has been qualified in the efficient improvement of PEC performances including three basic steps, i.e., light absorption, charge transfer/separation, and surface catalytic reaction. In this review, recently developed interface engineering of semiconductor nanostructures for direct and high‐efficiency conversion of sunlight into available forms (e.g., chemical fuels and electric power) are summarized in terms of their atomic constitution and morphology, electronic structure and promising potential for PEC applications. Extensive efforts toward the development of high‐performance PEC applications (e.g., PEC water splitting, PEC photodetection, PEC catalysis, PEC degradation and PEC biosensors) are also presented and appraised. Last but not least, a brief summary and personal insights on the challenges and future directions in the community of next‐generation PEC devices are also provided.
Rational Design of a Rare‐Earth Oxychalcogenide Nd3[Ga3O3S3][Ge2O7] with Superior Infrared Nonlinear Optical Performance
Authors: Ran Mao‐Yin , Zhou Sheng‐Hua , Wei Wen‐Bo , Li Bing‐Xuan , Wu Xin‐Tao , Lin Hua , Zhu Qi‐Long
Published: February 2023

Inorganic chalcogenides have been studied as the most promising infrared (IR) nonlinear optical (NLO) candidates for the past decades. However, it is proven difficult to discover high‐performance materials that combine the often‐incompatible properties of large energy gap (Eg) and strong second harmonic generation (SHG) response (deff), especially for rare‐earth chalcogenides. Herein, centrosymmetric Cs3[Sb3O6][Ge2O7] is selected as a maternal structure and a new noncentrosymmetric rare‐earth oxychalcogenide, namely, Nd3[Ga3O3S3][Ge2O7], is successfully designed and obtained by the module substitution strategy for the first time. Especially, Nd3[Ga3O3S3][Ge2O7] is the first case of breaking the trade‐off relationship between wideEg(>3.5 eV) and largedeff(>0.5 × AgGaS2) in rare‐earth chalcogenide system, and thus displays an outstanding IR‐NLO comprehensive performance. Detailed structure analyses and theoretical studies reveal that the NLO effect originates mainly from the cooperation of heteroanionic [GaO2S2] and [NdO2S6] asymmetric building blocks. This work not only presents an excellent rare‐earth IR‐NLO candidate, but also plays a crucial role in the rational structure design of other NLO materials in which both largeEgand strongdeffare pursued.
Functional microneedles for wearable electronics
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxuan , Lu Minhui , Cao Xinyue , Zhao Yuanjin
Published: February 2023

With an ideal comfort level, sensitivity, reliability, and user‐friendliness, wearable sensors are making great contributions to daily health care, nursing care, early disease discovery, and body monitoring. Some wearable sensors are imparted with hierarchical and uneven microstructures, such as microneedle structures, which not only facilitate the access to multiple bio‐analysts in the human body but also improve the abilities to detect feeble body signals. In this paper, we present the promising applications and latest progress of functional microneedles in wearable sensors. We begin by discussing the roles of microneedles as sensing units, including how the signals are captured, converted, and transmitted. We also introduce the microneedle‐like structures as power units, which depend on triboelectric or piezoelectric effects, etc. Finally, we summarize the cutting‐edge applications of microneedle‐based wearable sensors in biophysical signal monitoring and biochemical analyte detection, and provide critical thinking on their future perspectives.
Quantitative Characterization of Local Thermal Properties in Thermoelectric Ceramics Using “Jumping‐Mode” Scanning Thermal Microscopy
Authors: Alikin Denis , Zakharchuk Kiryl , Xie Wenjie , Romanyuk Konstantin , Pereira Maria J. , Arias‐Serrano Blanca I. , Weidenkaff Anke , Kholkin Andrei , Kovalevsky Andrei V. , Tselev Alexander
Published: February 2023

Thermoelectric conversion may take a significant share in future energy technologies. Oxide‐based thermoelectric composite ceramics attract attention for promising routes for control of electrical and thermal conductivity for enhanced thermoelectric performance. However, the variability of the composite properties responsible for the thermoelectric performance, despite nominally identical preparation routes, is significant, and this cannot be explained without detailed studies of thermal transport at the local scale. Scanning thermal microscopy (SThM) is a scanning probe microscopy method providing access to local thermal properties of materials down to length scales below 100 nm. To date, realistic quantitative SThM is shown mostly for topographically very smooth materials. Here, methods for SThM imaging of bulk ceramic samples with relatively rough surfaces are demonstrated. “Jumping mode” SThM (JM‐SThM), which serves to preserve the probe integrity while imaging rough surfaces, is developed and applied. Experiments with real thermoelectric ceramics show that the JM‐SThM can be used for meaningful quantitative imaging. Quantitative imaging is performed with the help of calibrated finite‐elements model of the SThM probe. The modeling reveals non‐negligible effects associated with the distributed nature of the resistive SThM probes used; corrections need to be made depending on probe‐sample contact thermal resistance and probe current frequency.
Recent Advances on the Abrasion Resistance Enhancements and Applications of Superhydrophobic Materials
Authors: Li Xinyi , Yang Kangli , Yuan Zhiqing , Liu Shujuan , Du Juan , Li Cancheng , Meng Shoutong
Published: February 2023

Researches on superhydrophobicity have been overwhelming and have shown great advantages in various fields. However, the abrasion resistance of superhydrophobic structures was usually poor, and they were easily damaged by external force or harsh environment, which greatly limited the applications of superhydrophobic surfaces. Much attention has been paid to improving the abrasion resistance of superhydrophobic materials by researchers. In this review, aimed at the advances on improving the abrasion resistance of superhydrophobic surfaces, it was summarized and compared three enhancement strategies including the reasonably design of micro‐nano structures, the adoption of adhesives, and the preparation of self‐healing surface. Finally, the applications of typical superhydrophobic materials with abrasion resistance were reviewed in various fields. In order to broaden the application fields of superhydrophobic materials, the abarasion resistance should be further improved. Therefore, we proposed the ideas for the future development of superhydrophobic materials with higher abrasion resistance. We hope that this review will provide a new approach to the preparation and development of stable superhydrophobic surfaces with higher abrasion resistance.
Classroom silence and learner‐initiated repair: Using conversation analysis–informed material design to develop interactional repertoires
Authors: Harumi Seiko
Published: February 2023

This article explores the use of conversation analysis (CA)–informed speaking task design to develop second language (L2) learners' interactional repertoires in L2 classrooms. The study draws on the voices of teachers and Japanese learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) who encountered difficulties or dilemmas in L2 interaction due to cross‐culturally different interactional rules. It focuses on developing L2 learners' repair strategies to enhance their interactional repertoires in relation to the reasons behind classroom silence. The study regards silence and learner‐initiated repair as intertwined interactional resources frequently occurring within the same sequence but with distinct functions. Silence functions as an interactional cue, preluding forthcoming repair, whereas repair practices can play a crucial role in the progress of interaction. CA‐informed pedagogical approaches help learners to self‐mediate classroom silence and thereby promote interaction, by encouraging them to use repair strategies. This study presents a framework for developing CA‐informed material through a needs analysis, reflective observation of L2 interaction, and learner‐initiated repair. It aims to raise awareness of essential interactional repertoires rarely explored in English language teaching (ELT) material design. It suggests that ELT material adopting CA perspectives can be an indispensable bridge mediating classroom interaction.