bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intensive Aerobic Cycling Is Feasible and Elicits Improvements in Gait Velocity in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Simmons Sarah B. , Skolaris Alexis , Love Ryan , Fricker Tori , Penko Amanda L. , Li Yadi , Lapin Brittany , Streicher Matt , Bethoux Francois , Linder Susan M.
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND:

Aerobic exercise (AEx) has many potential benefits; however, it is unknown whether individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) can attain the optimal intensity and duration to harness its effects. Forced-rate exercise (FE) is a novel paradigm in which the voluntary pedaling rate during cycling is supplemented to achieve a higher exercise intensity. The aim of this pilot trial was to investigate the feasibility and initial efficacy of a 12-week FE or voluntary exercise (VE) cycling intervention for individuals with MS.

METHODS:

Twenty-two participants with MS (Expanded Disability Severity Scale [EDSS] 2.0-6.5) were randomly assigned to FE (n = 12) or VE (n = 10), each with twice weekly 45-minute sessions at a prescribed intensity of 60% to 80% of maximum heart rate (HR).

RESULTS:

Eighteen individuals (FE = 11; VE = 7) completed the intervention, however, adaptations were required in both groups to overcome barriers to cycling. Overall, participants exercised for an average of 42.2 ± 2.3 minutes at an aerobic intensity of 65% ± 7% of maximum HR and a pedaling cadence of 67.3 ± 13.3 RPM. Cycling led to improved treadmill walking speed (0.61 to 0.68 m/sec, P = .010), with somewhat greater improvement with FE compared to VE (increase of 0.09 vs 0.03 m/s, respectively, P = .17) post intervention. Notably, the participant with the highest disability level (EDSS 6.5) tolerated FE but not VE.

CONCLUSIONS:

Aerobic exercise is feasible for individuals with MS, although those with increased disability may require novel paradigms such as FE to achieve targeted intensity. Further trials are warranted to investigate the effects of FE across the MS disability spectrum.
Associative memory neurons of encoding multi-modal signals are recruited by neuroligin-3-mediated new synapse formation
Authors: Xu Yang , Cui Tian-liang , Li Jia-yi , Chen Bingchen , Wang Jin-Hui
Published: December 2023

The joint storage and reciprocal retrieval of learnt associated signals are presumably encoded by associative memory cells. In the accumulation and enrichment of memory contents in lifespan, a signal often becomes a core signal associatively shared for other signals. One specific group of associative memory neurons that encode this core signal likely interconnects multiple groups of associative memory neurons that encode these other signals for their joint storage and reciprocal retrieval. We have examined this hypothesis in a mouse model of associative learning by pairing the whisker tactile signal sequentially with the olfactory signal, the gustatory signal, and the tail-heating signal. Mice experienced this associative learning show the whisker fluctuation induced by olfactory, gustatory, and tail-heating signals, or the other way around, that is, memories to multi-modal associated signals featured by their reciprocal retrievals. Barrel cortical neurons in these mice become able to encode olfactory, gustatory, and tail-heating signals alongside the whisker signal. Barrel cortical neurons interconnect piriform, S1-Tr, and gustatory cortical neurons. With the barrel cortex as the hub, the indirect activation occurs among piriform, gustatory, and S1-Tr cortices for the second-order associative memory. These associative memory neurons recruited to encode multi-modal signals in the barrel cortex for associative memory are downregulated by neuroligin-3 knockdown. Thus, associative memory neurons can be recruited as the core cellular substrate to memorize multiple associated signals for the first-order and the second-order of associative memories by neuroligin-3-mediated synapse formation, which constitutes neuronal substrates of cognitive activities in the field of memoriology.
Activation of the P2RX7/IL-18 pathway in immune cells attenuates lung fibrosis
Authors: Janho dit Hreich Serena , Juhel Thierry , Leroy Sylvie , Ghinet Alina , Brau Frederic , Hofman Véronique , Hofman Paul , Vouret-Craviari Valérie
Published: December 2023

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an aggressive interstitial lung disease associated with progressive and irreversible deterioration of respiratory functions that lacks curative therapies. Despite IPF being associated with a dysregulated immune response, current antifibrotics aim only at limiting fibroproliferation. We show here that the
P2RX7/IL-18/IFNG
axis is downregulated in IPF patients and that P2RX7 has immunoregulatory functions. Using our positive modulator of P2RX7, we show that activation of the P2RX7/IL-18 axis in immune cells limits lung fibrosis progression in a mouse model by favoring an anti-fibrotic immune environment, with notably an enhanced IL-18-dependent IFN-γ production by lung T cells leading to a decreased production of IL-17 and TGFβ. Overall, we show the ability of the immune system to limit lung fibrosis progression by targeting the immunomodulator P2RX7. Hence, treatment with a small activator of P2RX7 may represent a promising strategy to help patients with lung fibrosis.
Zona incerta distributes a broad movement signal that modulates behavior
Authors: Hormigo Sebastian , Zhou Ji , Chabbert Dorian , Sajid Sarmad , Busel Natan , Castro-Alamancos Manuel
Published: December 2023

The zona incerta is a subthalamic nucleus made up mostly of GABAergic neurons. It has wide-ranging inputs and outputs and is believed to have many integrative functions that link sensory stimuli with motor responses to guide behavior. However, its role is not well established perhaps because few studies have measured the activity of zona incerta neurons in behaving animals under different conditions. To record the activity of zona incerta neurons during exploratory and cue-driven goal-directed behaviors, we used electrophysiology in head-fixed mice moving on a spherical treadmill and fiber photometry in freely moving mice. We found two groups of neurons based on their sensitivity to movement, with a minority of neurons responding to whisker stimuli. Furthermore, zona incerta GABAergic neurons robustly code the occurrence of exploratory and goal-directed movements, but not their direction. To understand the function of these activations, we performed genetically targeted lesions and optogenetic manipulations of zona incerta GABAergic neurons during exploratory and goal-directed behaviors. The results showed that the zona incerta has a role in modulating the movement associated with these behaviors, but this has little impact on overall performance. Zona incerta neurons distribute a broad corollary signal of movement occurrence to their diverse projection sites, which regulates behavior.
Peptidoglycan-tethered and free forms of the Braun lipoprotein are in dynamic equilibrium in Escherichia coli
Authors: Liang Yucheng , Hugonnet Jean-Emmanuel , Rusconi Filippo , Arthur Michel
Published: December 2023

Peptidoglycan (PG) is a giant macromolecule that completely surrounds bacterial cells and prevents lysis in hypo-osmotic environments. This net-like macromolecule is made of glycan strands linked to each other by two types of transpeptidases that form either 4→3 (PBPs) or 3→3 (LDTs) cross-links. Previously, we devised a heavy isotope-based PG full labeling method coupled to mass spectrometry to determine the mode of insertion of new subunits into the expanding PG network (Atze et al., 2022). We showed that PG polymerization operates according to different modes for the formation of the septum and of the lateral cell walls, as well as for bacterial growth in the presence or absence of β-lactams in engineered strains that can exclusively rely on LDTs for PG cross-linking when drugs are present. Here, we apply our method to the resolution of the kinetics of the reactions leading to the covalent tethering of the Braun lipoprotein (Lpp) to PG and the subsequent hydrolysis of that same covalent link. We find that Lpp and disaccharide-peptide subunits are independently incorporated into the expanding lateral cell walls. Newly synthesized septum PG appears to contain small amounts of tethered Lpp. LDTs did mediate intense shuffling of Lpp between PG stems leading to a dynamic equilibrium between the PG-tethered and free forms of Lpp.
Single-cell ‘omic profiles of human aortic endothelial cells in vitro and human atherosclerotic lesions ex vivo reveal heterogeneity of endothelial subtype and response to activating perturbations
Authors: Adelus Maria L , Ding Jiacheng , Tran Binh T , Conklin Austin C , Golebiewski Anna K , Stolze Lindsey K , Whalen Michael B , Cusanovich Darren A , Romanoski Casey E
Published: December 2023

Heterogeneity in endothelial cell (EC) sub-phenotypes is becoming increasingly appreciated in atherosclerosis progression. Still, studies quantifying EC heterogeneity across whole transcriptomes and epigenomes in both in vitro and in vivo models are lacking. Multiomic profiling concurrently measuring transcriptomes and accessible chromatin in the same single cells was performed on six distinct primary cultures of human aortic ECs (HAECs) exposed to activating environments characteristic of the atherosclerotic microenvironment in vitro. Meta-analysis of single-cell transcriptomes across 17 human ex vivo arterial specimens was performed and two computational approaches quantitatively evaluated the similarity in molecular profiles between heterogeneous in vitro and ex vivo cell profiles. HAEC cultures were reproducibly populated by four major clusters with distinct pathway enrichment profiles and modest heterogeneous responses: EC1-angiogenic, EC2-proliferative, EC3-activated/mesenchymal-like, and EC4-mesenchymal. Quantitative comparisons between in vitro and ex vivo transcriptomes confirmed EC1 and EC2 as most canonically EC-like, and EC4 as most mesenchymal with minimal effects elicited by siERG and IL1B. Lastly, accessible chromatin regions unique to EC2 and EC4 were most enriched for coronary artery disease (CAD)-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms from Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS), suggesting that these cell phenotypes harbor CAD-modulating mechanisms. Primary EC cultures contain markedly heterogeneous cell subtypes defined by their molecular profiles. Surprisingly, the perturbations used here only modestly shifted cells between subpopulations, suggesting relatively stable molecular phenotypes in culture. Identifying consistently heterogeneous EC subpopulations between in vitro and ex vivo models should pave the way for improving in vitro systems while enabling the mechanisms governing heterogeneous cell state decisions.
Inhibition of miR-199b-5p reduces pathological alterations in osteoarthritis by potentially targeting Fzd6 and Gcnt2
Authors: Feng Tong , Zhang Qi , Li Si-Hui , Ping Yan-ling , Tian Mu-qiu , Zhou Shuan-hu , Wang Xin , Wang Jun-Meng , Liang Fan-Rang , Yu Shu-Guang , Wu Qiao-Feng
Published: December 2023

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease with a high prevalence in the elderly population, but our understanding of its mechanisms remains incomplete. Analysis of serum exosomal small RNA sequencing data from clinical patients and gene expression data from OA patient serum and cartilage obtained from the GEO database revealed a common dysregulated miRNA, miR-199b-5p. In vitro cell experiments demonstrated that miR-199b-5p inhibits chondrocyte vitality and promotes extracellular matrix degradation. Conversely, inhibition of miR-199b-5p under inflammatory conditions exhibited protective effects against damage. Local viral injection of miR-199b-5p into mice induced a decrease in pain threshold and OA-like changes. In an OA model, inhibition of miR-199b-5p alleviated the pathological progression of OA. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation identified Gcnt2 and Fzd6 as potential target genes of MiR-199b-5p. Thus, these results indicated that MiR-199b-5p/Gcnt2 and Fzd6 axis might be a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of OA.
Estimation of serum C-reactive protein activity in periodontal health and disease and response to treatment: a clinico-biochemical study
Authors: Saquib Abullais Shahabe , Wykole Yogesh , Abdul Khader Mohasin , Mohamed Shamsudeen Shaik , Alanazi Sultan , Ullah Khateeb Shafait , Saleem Bhat Mohammad Yunis , Shamsuddin Shaheen
Published: December 2023

Background

Periodontitis is a chronic infectious disease affecting periodontium having multifactorial etiology, can cause significant systemic challengein addition to localized inflammation, tissue damage, and bone resorption. A serological marker of systemic inflammation known as C-reactive protein has been linked to an increased risk for a number of pathological conditions, including cardiovascular diseases.

Aim

To estimate levels of serum C-reactive protein in healthy individuals and subjects with periodontal diseases and to compare serum C-reactive protein levels in subjects having periodontal disease pre-operatively & post-operatively.

Materials and methods

The study was conducted on 60 subjects age ranging from 35 to 60 years. 30 individuals with healthy periodontium were in group 1 (control group) and the remaining 30 were diagnosed as adult periodontitis were in group 2 (experimental group). Periodontal examination done using gingival index, plaque index, periodontal pocket depth, and Russel’s index. CRP levels were examined between group 1 and group 2 and in group 2 between baseline visit before treatment and 2 months after treatment.

Results

The findings of this study show a significant connection between periodontal disease and the inflammatory marker CRP in the body, as well as a tendency for a significant decrease in serumCRP levels following periodontitis therapy. At baseline, there was a positive correlation among C-reactive protein, probing pocket depth, and Russell’s index.

Conclusion

As CRP is a key mediator for cardiovascular disease, an increase in C- reactive protein levels in periodontal diseases suggests a significant connection between periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases. Early periodontal treatment might decrease the severity of cardiovascular disease that already exists. This suggests that periodontal examination should be part of routine practicealong with cardiovascular examination.
The Effects of Auricular Therapy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lee Hyejin , Kim Bomi , Park Hyojung
Published: December 2023

Purpose: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the effects of auricular therapy on alleviating indicators of disease status in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases using relevant search terms. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for randomized controlled trials and the Risk of Bias tool for non-randomized studies of interventions. Results: Ten studies were included for the systematic review. Most of the studies were conducted in Asia, and randomized controlled trials were primarily chosen as the study design. The auricular therapy points most commonly used were related to the pancreas, which is associated with diabetes. A meta-analysis using a random-effects model to analyze glycated hemoglobin showed a Hedges' g value of -0.11 (95% CI: -0.53 to 0.32, p=.623), which was not statistically significant. However, the standardized mean difference for fasting blood sugar was -0.97 (95% CI=-1.22 to -0.72, p<.001), indicating a large and statistically significant effect size. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that auricular therapy may have an impact on fasting blood sugar levels. However, the studies used in this analysis were limited and some publication bias was identified, requiring further research to determine the broader implications and effectiveness of auricular therapy
Development of a Quality Assessment Tool for Hypertension Management by Public Healthcare Providers: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Song Youngshin , Seo Kawoun
Published: December 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to develop and assess the validity of a quality assessment tool for hypertension management (QAT-HTN), to evaluate the quality of hypertension management by public healthcare providers working in community healthcare centers. Methods: The QAT-HTN was distributed to 528 patients with HTN. The construct validity (exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses), internal consistency reliability, and concurrent validity of the QAT-HTN were evaluated. Results: A six-subscale measurement model of the QAT-HTN involving blood pressure (BP) control, regular checkups and medicine education, complication prevention and assessment, BP measurement, and lifestyle management was validated using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Concurrent validity was evaluated based on correlations with HTN self-care behavior. The Cronbach’s ⍺ coefficient for internal consistency was .92. Conclusion: The QAT-HTN was found to be a reliable and valid measure of the quality of HTN management in Korean community healthcare centers.
Proactive Nursing: A Concept Analysis
Authors: Kim Dayeong , Shin Hyunjeong , Chang Sung Ok
Published: December 2023

Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify a clear definition of proactive nursing and to elucidate the essence of proactive nursing required in the current healthcare context. Methods: A concept analysis using Walker and Avant’s approach was conducted. Results: The defining attributes of proactive nursing included surveilling to surface problems, employing practices beyond the established protocols, tailoring a path toward the care goal, and arranging resources in advance. The antecedents were that nurses have their own theoretical and experiential knowledge, possess a professional identity, understand clients’ status, and have accessible resources. The consequences arising from proactive nursing were ensuring client safety, achieving the care goals efficiently, and improving nurses’ job satisfaction. Through this concept analysis, proactive nursing was defined as taking the initiative for practices during the care process that utilize creative methods and taking advantage of various resources to identify or solve implicit problems of clients. Conclusion: This concept analysis provided a clear meaning structure for proactive nursing, enabling a better understanding and communication of the concept within the nursing discipline. A clear definition of proactive nursing would lead nurses to practice in a more proactive way in the current healthcare system, resulting in improved quality of care and greater safety for clients.
Factors Influencing Psychosocial Well-being of General Hospital Nurses Following the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Park Na Rae , Lee Sa Ra , Park Ju Young
Published: December 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship among COVID-19 obsession, occupational stress, resilience, and psychological well-being in general hospital nurses following the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The study analyzed the analysis of 143 structured questionnaires received from general hospital nurses in D city. Data were collected from August 22 to August 26, 2022. The SPSS/WIN 26.0 program was used for data analysis, which included the t-test, one-way ANOVA, the Scheffé test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and hierarchical regression analysis. Results: The following factors were found to affect the psychosocial well-being of nurses in general hospitals after the COVID-19 pandemic: resilience(β=-.56, p<.001), occupational stress(β=20, p=.008), and COVID-19 obsession(β=.14, p=.048). These factors explained 43% of variance in psychosocial well-being, and the model fit was also significant(F=26.43, p<.001). Conclusion: The results, obtained from a survey after the COVID-19 pandemic, suggest that it is necessary to develop and apply programs for the psychosocial well-being of nurses in general hospitals.
Factors Influencing the Quality of Life of Family Caregivers of Stroke Patients: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Lee Ji-Hye , Jung Mi Sook
Published: December 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the quality of life of family caregivers of stroke patients and investigate how resilience, uncertainty, caregiving appraisal, and patients’ cognitive and functional status affect caregivers’ quality of life. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2018 and November 2020. In total, 199 family caregivers completed self-reported questionnaires, while their family members who had been diagnosed with stroke within the past 6 months underwent nurse-assisted assessments. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, comparative analysis, and multiple regression analysis. Results: Most caregivers were female (82.4%) who provided care to stroke patients in the first 6 months after their diagnosis (mean duration: 65.11±34.50 days). More than half of the patients exhibited mild cognitive impairment (63.8%) and varying degrees of functional dependence (67.3%). Family caregiver’s quality of life was significantly associated with the functional dependence of the patient (β=.56), the duration since diagnosis (β=.16), support from other family members (β=-.25), the caregiver’s gender (β=.13), religious affiliation (β=-.19), employment status (β=.14), and caregiving appraisal (β=-.18). These variables explained approximately 61% of the variance in family caregivers’ quality of life. Conclusion: The findings show a decline in the quality of life of family caregivers in the first 6 months after patients had a stroke for the first time. They also emphasize the importance of considering negative caregiving appraisal, patient’s functional dependence, and limited support for caregivers in future intervention research aimed at enhancing caregivers’ quality of life.
Emergency Nurses' Perceptions of Family Presence during Resuscitation: A Thematic Analysis
Authors: Choi You Ri , Yi Yeojin
Published: December 2023

Purpose: This study examined the perceptions of emergency nurses regarding family presence during resuscitation (FPDR) in light of the international emphasis on family-centered care in the medical field and aimed to reach a progressive new understanding of family-centered care. Methods: Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 15 emergency room nurses with over 3 years of experience in participating in cardiopulmonary resuscitation from February to September 2021, and thematic analysis was employed for data analysis. Results: Four themes emerged: “unfamiliarity with FPDR,” “burden of accommodating family presence,” “realization of the significance of family presence,” and “overcoming the practical barriers to the realization of FPDR” along with 14 sub-themes. The participants felt that having family members present in the emergency setting was impractical and raised concerns about possible conflicts between families and nurses. However, despite these worries, they acknowledged the value of this experience in fostering unity and providing comfort during the therapeutic process. They also recognized the significance of taking practical steps to ensure effective family presence. Conclusion: Emergency nurses were unfamiliar with the concept of FPDR. While accommodating family presence in an emergency setting can pose burdens and challenges, they recognized the significant positive aspects of togetherness. Therefore, to effectively implement FPDR in a way that benefits healthcare professionals and families, it is necessary to establish specific protocols and education for FPDR.
Plasmas anulares generados por láser en campos magnéticos intensos pulsados
Authors:   , Oportus Ciudad Diego
Published: December 2023

Con el objetivo de caracterizar plasmas anulares en campos magnéticos intensos pulsados, un láser Nd:YAG 6 ns FWHM, 1 J, 532 nm en su segundo armónico, se hizo pasar a través de un prisma axicón y luego se enfocó en un blanco de Aluminio, con una intensidad de ∼ 2 × 109 W/cm2. Los principales parámetros a determinar corresponden a la densidad electrónica y temperatura del sistema, utilizando técnicas de análisis mediante ensanchamiento Stark y Boltzmann Plot, respectivamente. Para lograrlo se utilizó un espectrómetro Priceton Instruments HRS-500 (150 g/mm y 2400 g/mm) logrando obtener mediciones en la dirección radial. Adicionalmente se realizaron mediciones de Doppler shift y se obtuvieron imágenes en el visible mediante un Gated Optical Imager (GOI). Perfiles de posición versus tiempo no muestran una variación significativa en el desplazamiento axial del plasma anular en ausencia o presencia de campo magnético, permiten estimar la velocidad de propagación en ∼ 15 km/s. Sin embargo, en la dirección radial se reporta una diferencia en la velocidad de expansión durante los primeros ∼ 30 ns de formación cuando se aplica un campo magnético externo. Espectros resueltos temporalmente a 1 mm del target muestran un aumento dos veces mayor en niveles de densidad y un incremento en la temperatura electrónica del ∼ 6 % durante los primeros ∼ 10 ns de formación cuando opera el generador. Mientras que mediciones realizadas a 3 mm evidencian resultados similares pero durante un intervalo de expansión entre 40 − 80 ns. Se concluye que estos resultados se pueden deber a efectos de confinamiento debido a valores de β ∼ 10−4 − 10−1 y calentamiento vía J × B. Todos los parámetros se encuentran entre ne ∼ (1015 − 1017) cm−3 y Te ∼ (1.0 − 1.6) eV. Valores de Doppler shift obtenidos mediante un análisis de espectros resueltos espacialmente no permiten obtener resultados concluyentes dado que las mediciones están por debajo del la resolución espectral de 0.5 ˚A.
One-Step Hydrothermal Synthesis of TiO2 Nanotubes and Photodegradation Activity towards Diazinon
Authors: Haryati Tanti , Diana Alvina Nur , Sofiyah Ovy , Nelumbium Tusiana Putri , Andarini Novita , Sulistiyo Yudi Aris , Suwardiyanto Suwardiyanto
Published: December 2023

The study aimed to analyze how variations in TiO2/NaOH mole ratio, stirring time, and washing pH affect the formation process of TiO2 nanotubes (TNT) through one-stage hydrothermal. TiO2 micro powder was mixed with 10M NaOH with the variation of TiO2/NaOH mole ratio (0.005:1, 0.015:1, and 0.025:1). The hydrothermal process was then conducted at 130 ℃ in an autoclave for 24 h with stirring time intervals of 10, 15, and 20 minutes/h. The samples underwent 1 M HCl washing to produce diverse pH variations (pH = 2, pH = 3, and pH = 4). Characterization of the synthesized TNT was conducted using SEM, TEM, XRD, SAA, and UV-Vis DRS. After analysis of the micrographs revealed the fiber shape of the particles, it was noted that TNT particle size increased due to smaller mole ratio variation, longer stirring, and lower pH. The synthesized TNT featured a tubular morphology with an inner diameter of 3.30 nm, an outer diameter of 6.15 nm, and a wall thickness of 1.64 nm. The increase in sodium titanate content of the sample results in an increase in surface area. Additionally, small pore size contributes towards an increase in both surface area and total pore size. The best result of the TNT photocatalytic test against diazinon can be observed in the fifth sample with a mole ratio of 0.025:1, stirring time of 20 minutes/h, and washing pH of 3. With an irradiation time of 210 min, diazinon degradation reached 90%. Copyright © 2023 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Aplicativos móveis para o gerenciamento da lesão por pressão: uma revisão integrativa - Mobile applications for pressure injury management: an integrative review
Authors: Gomes Anne Carolinne Marie dos Santos , Sousa Mailson Marques de , Matos Suellen Duarte de Oliveira , Silva Mirian Alves da , Freire Maria Eliane Moreira , Oliveira Simone Helena dos Santos
Published: December 2023

Objetivo: identificar produções científicas voltadas ao desenvolvimento de aplicativos móveis para o gerenciamento de lesão por pressão. Método: revisão integrativa da literatura, realizada nas bases de dados MEDLINE, CINAHL, LILACS, SCOPUS e Web of Science. Utilizou-se a questão norteadora: Quais características dos aplicativos móveis educativos que objetivam o gerenciamento da prevenção de lesão por pressão? Resultados: foram identificados 576 artigos que após aplicação dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão, a amostra selecionada incluiu 13 artigos sendo discutidos a partir de quatro dimensões: Prevenção, avaliação e tratamento das LP; Prevenção e avaliação de LP; Avaliação e tratamento das LP; e Avaliação. Conclusão: observou-se que a maior parte dos aplicativos influenciaram e/ou apresentam potencial para influenciar positivamente a avaliação, prevenção e tratamento das lesões por pressão, sendo estas tecnologias capazes de aprimorar o conhecimento acerca da temática e proporcionar o cuidado para os indivíduos ou cuidadores daqueles que possuem LP.
Pediatric Patients Hospitalized With Eating Disorders in Ontario, Canada, Over Time
Authors: Smith Sarah , Charach Alice , To Teresa , Toulany Alene , Fung Kinwah , Saunders Natasha
Published: December 2023

Importance

Understanding the evolving characteristics of pediatric patients hospitalized for eating disorders is important to ensure that services and treatments align with patient needs.

Objective

To examine temporal trends in the rates of hospitalizations for pediatric eating disorders by clinical and demographic characteristics in Ontario, Canada, over a 17-year period.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This population-based, repeated, cross-sectional study used linked health administrative and demographic databases in Ontario, Canada, to identify individuals aged 5 to 17 years hospitalized with eating disorder diagnoses from April 1, 2002, to March 31, 2020. Data analyses were performed from May 2021 to June 2023.

Exposure

Fiscal year (April 1-March 31) of eating disorder hospitalization.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Outcomes of interest were absolute and relative changes in pediatric eating disorder hospitalization rates overall and stratified by patient sex, age groups, and eating disorder diagnostic groups.

Results

Over the study period, there were 11 654 pediatric eating disorder hospitalizations, of which 5268 (45.2%) were for anorexia nervosa and 1374 (11.8%) were for bulimia nervosa. There were a total of 10 648 hospitalizations (91.4%) among female patients, and the median (IQR) age was 15.0 (14-0-16.0) years. Hospitalization rates increased 139% from 2002 to 2019, from 2.0 per 10 000 population to 4.8 per 10 000 population. The largest relative changes were observed among male patients (416%; from 0.2 per 10 000 population to 1.1 per 10 000 population), individuals aged 12 to 14 years (196%; from 2.2 per 10 000 population to 6.6 per 10 000 population), and individuals with eating disorders other than anorexia or bulimia nervosa (255%; from 0.6 per 10 000 population to 2.1 per 10 000 population). Male patients, younger adolescents, and individuals with other eating disorders also represented larger proportions of hospitalizations by fiscal 2019.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study of eating disorder hospitalizations, pediatric hospitalizations increased over time, particularly among populations traditionally considered atypical. Existing eating disorder programs must adapt to accommodate changing patient presentations and increased volumes to ensure effective care delivery.
Enabling Proregenerative Medical Devices via Citrate‐Based Biomaterials: Transitioning from Inert to Regenerative Biomaterials
Authors: Wang Huifeng , Huddleston Samantha , Yang Jian , Ameer Guillermo A.
Published: December 2023

Regenerative medicine aims to restore tissue and organ function without the use of prosthetics and permanent implants. However, achieving this goal has been elusive, and the field remains mostly an academic discipline with few products widely used in clinical practice. From a materials science perspective, barriers include the lack of proregenerative biomaterials, a complex regulatory process to demonstrate safety and efficacy, and user adoption challenges. Although biomaterials, particularly biodegradable polymers, can play a major role in regenerative medicine, their suboptimal mechanical and degradation properties often limit their use, and they do not support inherent biological processes that facilitate tissue regeneration. As of 2020, nine synthetic biodegradable polymers used in medical devices are cleared or approved for use in the United States of America. Despite the limitations in the design, production, and marketing of these devices, this small number of biodegradable polymers has dominated the resorbable medical device market for the past 50 years. This perspective will review the history and applications of biodegradable polymers used in medical devices, highlight the need and requirements for regenerative biomaterials, and discuss the path behind the recent successful introduction of citrate‐based biomaterials for manufacturing innovative medical products aimed at improving the outcome of musculoskeletal surgeries.
Quantification of Organic Solvent Concentration Profiles in Ion Exchange Membranes Via Confocal Raman Microscopy
Authors: Götz Carina , Komma Miriam , Dworschak Dominik , Thiele Simon , Böhm Thomas
Published: December 2023

The perfluorinated sulfonic acid membranes used in direct alcohol fuel cells cause low faradaic efficiency and performance due to alcohol absorption and permeation. Thus, a measurement setup is sought that enables a direct evaluation of the suitability of polymer electrolytes for this application. A 3D‐printed diffusion cell setup capable of measuring the interaction between the organic solvents, such as alcohols, and a proton exchange membrane via confocal Raman microscopy is introduced. The cell design employs flow channels to mimic the flow fields of electrochemical cell tests. Exemplarily, information on the interaction of membranes like Nafion 212 and the composite membrane Nafion XL with 1 m solutions of organic solvents such as 2‐propanol, acetone, and ethanol are provided to demonstrate the applicability of this setup. The Raman diffusion cell is capable of quantifying the preferred solvent uptake, which is characterized by the sorption coefficient, the permeability, and the concentration gradient within the membrane. These properties can be obtained in situ and in a time‐resolved manner. Thus, this diffusion cell setup is a powerful and accessible tool for screening membrane compatibility with various liquids.
Order and Disorder in Mixed (Si, P)–N Networks Sr2SiP2N6:Eu2+ and Sr5Si2P6N16:Eu2+
Authors: Dialer Marwin , Pointner Monika M. , Wandelt Sophia L. , Strobel Philipp , Schmidt Peter J. , Bayarjargal Lkhamsuren , Winkler Björn , Schnick Wolfgang
Published: December 2023

In the field of nitride phosphors, which are crucial for phosphor‐converted light‐emitting diodes, mixed tetrahedral networks hold a significant position. With respect to the wide range of compositions, the largely unexplored (Si, P)–N networks are investigated as potential host structures. In this work, two highly condensed structures, namely Sr2SiP2N6 and Sr5Si2P6N16 are reported to address the challenges that arise from the similarities of the network‐forming cations Si4+ and P5+ in terms of charge, ionic radius, and atomic scattering factor, a multistep workflow is employed to elucidate their structure. Using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), atomic‐resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM)‐EDX maps, and straightforward crystallographic calculations, it is found that Sr2SiP2N6 is the first ordered, and Sr5Si2P6N16 the first disordered, anionic tetrahedral (Si, P)–N network. After doping with Eu2+, Sr2SiP2N6:Eu2+ shows narrow cyan emission (λmax = 506 nm, fwhm = 60 nm/2311 cm−1), while for Sr5Si2P6N16:Eu2+ a broad emission with three maxima at 534, 662, and 745 nm upon irradiation with ultraviolet light is observed. An assignment of Sr sites as probable positions for Eu2+ and their relation to the emission bands of Sr5Si2P6N16:Eu2+ is discussed.
A Pick‐and‐Place Technology Enabled, Mechanically Programmable, Spiral Optical Waveguides Integrated Hybrid Circuits from Four Extremely Pseudo‐Plastic Organic Crystals for Visible Spectral Band Tunability
Authors: Kumar Avulu Vinod , Godumala Mallesham , Ravi Jada , Chandrasekar Rajadurai
Published: December 2023

In the field of silicon photonics, highly compact and miniature high‐density circuits are achieved by precisely shaping millimeter‐long waveguides into spiral configurations. Organic photonics, on the other hand, takes advantage of mechanically flexible crystal spiral waveguides (SWs) within organic photonic circuits. These SWs offer versatility, enabling precise control over light paths and mechanical programmability. This study introduces an innovative pick‐and‐place technique for constructing various organic spiral waveguides (OSWs) with different geometries, such as Cornu, Archimedean, elliptical, rectangular, four‐sided polygons, and three‐sided polygons. Additionally, this method allows for the creation of optically reprogrammable photonic circuits. Custom‐synthesized flexible crystals are used, including blue‐emitting (Z)−3‐(4‐(9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl)phenyl)−2‐(3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)acrylonitrile (Cz‐2CF3), green‐emitting (E)−1‐(((5‐bromopyridin‐2‐yl)imino)methyl)naphthalene‐2‐ol (BPyIN), cyan‐emitting 9,10‐dibromo anthracene (DBA), and red‐emitting 4,7‐bis(4‐octylthiophen‐2‐yl)benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole (BTD). Systematically integrating a Cz‐2CF3 OSW (with two ports for optical signal routing in clockwise/counterclockwise directions) with DBA and BTD waveguides produces multi‐color hybrid photonic circuits with customizable optical functions, tailored to specific design needs. The number of output ports can be dynamically adjusted through mechanical programming by coupling crystals tip‐to‐tip when replacing the DBA waveguide with a BPyIN waveguide using the pick‐and‐place technology. This mechanically programmable hybrid spiral photonic circuit seamlessly operates across the entire visible spectral bandwidth, making it valuable for various applications, including high‐fidelity sensing, spectrometer components, and intelligent circuitry.
Fluorene and Tetraphenylsilane Based Conjugated Microporous Polymer Nanoparticles for Highly Efficient Nitroaromatics Detection in Aqueous Media
Authors: Ren Baoping , Cui Qihao , Dong Wenyue , Fei Teng
Published: December 2023

Conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs) are considered promising sensing materials for the detection of nitroaromatics. Unfortunately, the photoluminescence (PL) sensing application in water media is limited, owing to the poor solubility/dispersion in aqueous media. Here, two novel CMPs named poly(dimethylfluorene‐co‐tetrakis(4‐phenyl)silane)s (P4SiF) and poly(dimethylfluorene‐co‐tetrakis(3‐phenyl)silane)s (P3SiF) nanoparticles based on fluorene group and tetraphenylsilane unit are prepared using Suzuki coupling in water/toluene miniemulsion. P4SiF and P3SiF possess spherical particle morphology with sizes of 45 and 60 nm, respectively, and porous structure with pore diameters of both 1.9 nm. PL sensing experiments based on P4SiF and P3SiF nanoparticles in aqueous media show a sensitive and selective detection toward 2,4,6‐trinitrophenol (TNP). It is worth noting that the PL quenching effect toward TNP is not significantly changed after the addition of other nitro compounds, proving the excellent anti‐interference characteristic and highly selective detection of the polymers in water. Moreover, the t‐test indicates that the PL sensing method using P4SiF and P3SiF nanoparticles as sensing materials realizes the reliable detection of TNP in actual water samples at a 95% confidence level. Finally, the PL sensing mechanism is investigated, showing that the inner filter effect is the main factor in the PL quenching process of TNP in aqueous media.
Astrocyte‐Derived Extracellular Vesicular miR‐143‐3p Dampens Autophagic Degradation of Endothelial Adhesion Molecules and Promotes Neutrophil Transendothelial Migration after Acute Brain Injury
Authors: Wu Xun , Liu Haixiao , Hu Qing , Wang Jin , Zhang Shenghao , Cui Wenxing , Shi Yingwu , Bai Hao , Zhou Jinpeng , Han Liying , Li Leiyang , Wu Yang , Luo Jianing , Wang Tinghao , Guo Chengxuan , Wang Qiang , Ge Shunnan , Qu Yan
Published: December 2023

Pivotal roles of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the pathogenesis of central nervous system (CNS) disorders including acute brain injury are increasingly acknowledged. Through the analysis of EVs packaged miRNAs in plasma samples from patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), it is discovered that the level of EVs packaged miR‐143‐3p (EVs‐miR‐143‐3p) correlates closely with perihematomal edema and neurological outcomes. Further study reveals that, upon ICH, EVs‐miR‐143‐3p is robustly secreted by astrocytes and can shuttle into brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs). Heightened levels of miR‐143‐3p in BMECs induce the up‐regulated expression of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) that bind to circulating neutrophils and facilitate their transendothelial cell migration (TEM) into brain. Mechanism‐wise, miR‐143‐3p directly targets ATP6V1A, resulting in impaired lysosomal hydrolysis ability and reduced autophagic degradation of CAMs. Importantly, a VCAM‐1–targeting EVs system to selectively deliver miR‐143‐3p inhibitor to pathological BMECs is created, which shows satisfactory therapeutic effects in both ICH and traumatic brain injury (TBI) mouse models. In conclusion, the study highlights the causal role of EVs‐miR‐143‐3p in BMECs’ dysfunction in acute brain injury and demonstrates a proof of concept that engineered EVs can be devised as a potentially applicable nucleotide drug delivery system for the treatment of CNS disorders.
Plasmonic Multi‐Layered Built‐in Hotspots Nanogaps for Effectively Activating Analytes
Authors: Jiang Lei , Wang Xiaoyuan , Zhou Jingyi , Fu Qianqian , Lv Bihu , Sun Yixuan , Song Liping , Huang Youju
Published: December 2023

Multi‐layered plasmonic nanostructures are able to highly promote the near‐field confinement and effectively activate analytes, which are of predominate significance but are extremely challenging. Herein, the semi‐open Au core@carved AuAg multi‐shell superstructure nanoparticles (multi‐Au@Ag‐Au NPs, multi = mono, bi, tri, tetra, and penta) are reported with a high designability on electromagnetic field and capability of effectively capturing analytes. By controlling synthetic parameters such as the number of galvanic exchange and Ag growth, multi‐Au@Ag‐Au NPs are successfully obtained, with tunable layer numbers and asymmetric nanoholes. Due to collective plasmon oscillations of multi‐layered built‐in nanogaps, the electromagnetic field strength of a single penta‐Au@Ag‐Au entity reach 48841. More importantly, the penta‐Au@Ag‐Au NPs show a remarkable light‐harvesting capability, which is adaptive to different Raman lasers, supporting high‐diversity detection. Additionally, the structural specificity allows analytes to be sufficiently captured into interior hotspots, and further achieve highly sensitive detection with limit of detection down to 3.22 × 10−12 M. This study not only provides an effective pathway for integrating abundant hotspots and activating target molecules in single plasmonic superstructure, but stimulates advancements in SERS substrates for various applications.
Machine Learning for Ultra High Throughput Screening of Organic Solar Cells: Solving the Needle in the Haystack Problem
Authors: Hußner Markus , Pacalaj Richard Adam , Olaf Müller‐Dieckert Gerhard , Liu Chao , Zhou Zhisheng , Majeed Nahdia , Greedy Steve , Ramirez Ivan , Li Ning , Hosseini Seyed Mehrdad , Uhrich Christian , Brabec Christoph Josef , Durrant James Robert , Deibel Carsten , MacKenzie Roderick Charles Ian
Published: December 2023

Over the last two decades the organic solar cell community has synthesized tens of thousands of novel polymers and small molecules in the search for an optimum light harvesting material. These materials are often crudely evaluated simply by measuring the current–voltage (JV) curves in the light to obtain power conversion efficiencies (PCEs). Materials with low PCEs are quickly disregarded in the search for higher efficiencies. More complex measurements such as frequency/time domain characterization that could explain why the material performed as it is often not performed as they are too time consuming/complex. This limited feedback forced the field to advance using a more or less random walk of material development and has significantly slowed progress. Herein, a simple technique based on machine learning that can quickly and accurately extract recombination time constants and charge carrier mobilities as a function of light intensity simply from light/dark JV curves alone. This technique reduces the time to fully analyze a working cell from weeks to seconds and opens up the possibility of not only fully characterizing new devices as they are fabricated, but also data mining historical data sets for promising materials the community has overlooked.
In Vivo and in Silico Based Evaluation of Antidiabetic Potential of an Isolated Flavonoid from Allium hookeri in Type 2 Diabetic Rat Model
Authors: Singh Khumanthem Deepak , Chetia Dipak , Gogoi Neelutpal , Gogoi Bhaskarjyoti , Rudrapal Mithun
Published: December 2023

Allium hookeri (F: Liliaceae), an indigenous plant of Manipur, India, is traditionally used to treat various diseases and disorders like diabetes, hypertension, and stomach ache. In our previous study, the methanol extract of the plant showed significant antidiabetic potential in rats. In the present study, we evaluated the antidiabetic potential of a flavonoid compound named MEA isolated from the methanolic leaf extract of A. Hookeri in rats. Additionally, we assessed the compound's mode of action through the molecular docking study. The MEA reduced the blood glucose level from 317±12.8 to 99.4±6.67 mg/dl after 21 days of treatment. Besides, MEA also restored the body weights and other biochemical parameters including lipid profile significantly compared to the diabetic group (p<0.001). The histoarchitecture of the pancreatic tissues of the MEA treated group was also improved compared to the diabetic group. In the docking study, the compound showed good binding affinity in the active binding site of the two structures of pancreatic beta‐cell SUR1 (Sulfonylurea Receptor 1) subunit with CDocker energy −31.556 kcal/mol and −39.703 kcal/mol, respectively. The compound MEA was found to be drug‐like with non‐carcinogenic, non‐mutagenic and non‐irritant properties. These findings indicate the antidiabetic potential of MEA, which might act by modulating the pancreatic beta‐cell SUR1 subunit present in the KATP channel. Hence, the MEA would be a promising lead molecule to develop new antidiabetic drug candidates of the future.