bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self‐Assembly of Lanthanide Crescent‐Like and Macrocyclic Clusters from Versatile o‐Vanillin‐Based Ligands
Authors: Yang Qianqian , Li Xiao‐Lei , Ashebr Tesfay G. , Zhao Lang , Tang Jinkui
Published: May 2022

The construction of metallosupramolecules is an interesting but challenging topic for chemists. Dedicated design of multidentate ligands is an effective approach for the construction of novel lanthanide supramolecules. Herein, we report on the stepwise design and syntheses of two flexible and multidentate ligands H2L1 and H4L2 based on the o‐vanillin. By regulating the coordination sites and mode of the ligands, two novel DyIII‐based supramolecules, [Dy4Na(μ2‐OH)2L14(H2O)5(CH3OH)](CF3SO3)3 ⋅ 3H2O ⋅ CH3OH (Dy4) and [Dy8L24(H2L2)4(H2O)4] ⋅ 4CH3OH ⋅ 12H2O (Dy8), have been obtained. Structural studies reveal that Dy4 and Dy8 show different nuclearity and topology: Dy4 shows a crescent‐like structure coordinated by the ligands in different coordination fashions in which two ligands chelate DyIII forming {Dy2} units and linked by the other two ligands; Dy8 is obtained from the supramolecular assembly, in which four completely deprotonated ligands construct the {Dy2} units and the units are linked by four di‐deprotonated ligands, forming a macrocycle topology. Additionally, magnetic measurements reveal that the two complexes exhibit slow magnetic relaxation behavior.
Consumer Response to Boil Water Notifications During Winter Storm Uri
Authors: Day Ashleigh M. , Islam Khairul , O'Shay Sydney , Taylor Kristin , McElmurry Shawn P. , Seeger Matthew W.
Published: May 2022

Key Takeaways

Boil water notifications (BWNs) issued during 2021’s Winter Storm Uri were typically followed, especially in households with children present and those with higher income.

Cascading failure of interconnected systems (such as power and drinking water) inhibited some individuals from being able to follow boil water guidance.

Of the people who boiled their water following BWNs, more than 92% reported boiling it for 2 minutes or more.
Antibody Recognition of Cancer Cells via Glycan Surface Engineering
Authors: Szponarski Mathieu , Gademann Karl
Published: May 2022

Stimulation of the body's immune system toward tumor cells is now well recognized as a promising strategy in cancer therapy. Just behind cell therapy and monoclonal antibodies, small molecule‐based strategies are receiving growing attention as alternatives to direct immune response against tumor cells. However, the development of small‐molecule approaches to modulate the balance between stimulatory immune factors and suppressive factors in a targeted way remains a challenge. Here, we report the cell surface functionalization of LS174T cancer cells with an abiotic hapten to recruit antibodies to the cell surface. Metabolic glycoengineering followed by covalent reaction with the hapten results in antibody recognition of the target cells. Microscopy and flow cytometry studies provide compelling evidence that metabolic glycoengineering and small molecule stimulators can be combined to direct antibody recognition.
Distortion prediction during sintering using Monte Carlo method implemented with virtual springs
Authors: Matsuda Tetsushi
Published: May 2022

A computational simulation for sintering based on the Monte Carlo (MC) method implemented with a virtual spring was developed to predict the shrinkage and deformation of compacts. Conventional MC models do not sufficiently consider the local strain of the cells. The proposed model considered the local strain using a virtual spring in each cell. The model linked with the finite element method enables direct calculation of the deformation of the powder compacts. The results indicate that the distortion tendency of the simulations agreed with the experimental results of the sintering of Al2O3 powder compacts. Furthermore, the results indicate the potential of the model to predict the stress distribution in a microstructure during sintering.
Pressure Effects on 3dn (n=4, 9) Insulating Compounds: Long Axis Switch in Na3MnF6 not Due to the Jahn‐Teller Effect
Authors: Sánchez‐Movellán Inés , Carrasco‐Busturia David , García‐Lastra Juan M. , García‐Fernández Pablo , Aramburu José A. , Moreno Miguel
Published: May 2022

The pressure‐induced switch of the long axis of MnF63− units in the monoclinic Na3MnF6 compound and Mn3+‐doped Na3FeF6 is explored with the help of first principles calculations. Although the switch phenomenon is usually related to the Jahn‐Teller effect, we show that, due to symmetry reasons, it cannot take place in 3dn (n=4, 9) systems displaying a static Jahn‐Teller effect. By contrast, we prove that in Na3MnF6 the switch arises from the anisotropic response of the low symmetry lattice to hydrostatic pressure. Indeed, while the long axis of a MnF63− unit at ambient pressure corresponds to the Mn3+−F3− direction, close to the crystal c axis, at 2.79 GPa the c axis is reduced by 0.29 Å while b is unmodified. This fact is shown to force a change of the HOMO wavefunction favoring that the long axis becomes the Mn3+−F2− direction, not far from crystal b axis, after the subsequent relaxation process. The origin of the different d‐d transitions observed for Na3MnF6 and CrF2 at ambient pressure is also discussed together with changes induced by pressure in Na3MnF6. The present work opens a window for understanding the pressure effects upon low symmetry insulating compounds containing d4 or d9 ions.
Three‐Dimensionalsp2Carbon‐LinkedCovalent Organic Frameworks as a Drug Carrier Combined with Fluorescence Imaging
Authors: Liao Li , Zhang Zerong , Guan Xinyu , Li Hui , Liu Yaozu , Zhang Minghao , Tang Bin , Valtchev Valentin , Yan Yushan , Qiu Shilun , Yao Xiangdong , Fang Qianrong
Published: May 2022

Comprehensive Summary

Three‐dimensional (3D) covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are crystalline porous polymers with potential in numerous high‐tech applications, but the linkages involved in their synthesis are still rather limited. Herein, we report novel 3D sp2carbon‐linked COFs fabricated by the formation reaction of C=C bonds and their application in fluorescence imaging. These new COFs, namely JUC‐580 and JUC‐581, show high stability and excellent light‐emitting properties in solid state and dispersed in various solvents. Furthermore, we investigate the potential application of JUC‐581 as a drug carrier combined with fluorescence imaging. These results indicate that 3D sp2carbon‐linked COFs are not only potential drug‐loaded and sustained release materials but also promising cell fluorescent stains. This study thus expands the structural categories of 3D COFs based on different linkages, and promotes their prospective applications for biomedicine and fluorescent materials.
Towards Innovative Antibacterial Correctors for Cystic Fibrosis Targeting the Lung Microbiome with a Multifunctional Effect
Authors: Martina Maria Grazia , Sannio Filomena , Crespan Emmanuele , Pavone Marialaura , Simoncini Alice , Barbieri Francesca , Perini Cecilia , Pesce Emanuela , Maga Giovanni , Pedemonte Nicoletta , Docquier Jean‐Denis , Radi Marco
Published: May 2022

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease caused by loss‐of‐function mutations in the CFTR gene, which codes for a defective ion channel. This causes an electrolyte imbalance and results in a spiral of negative effects on multiple organs, most notably the accumulation of thick mucus in the lungs, chronic respiratory tract infections and inflammation leading to pulmonary exacerbation and premature death. Progressive decline of lung function is mainly linked to persistent or recurring infections, mostly caused by bacteria, which require treatments with antibiotics and represent one of the major life‐limiting factors in subjects with CF. Treatment of such a complex disease require multiple drugs with a consequent therapeutic burden and complications caused by drug‐drug interactions and rapid emergence of bacterial drug resistance. We report herein our recent efforts in developing innovative multifunctional antibiotics specifically tailored to CF by a direct action on bacterial topoisomerases and a potential indirect effect on the pulmonary mucociliary clearance mediated by ΔF508‐CFTR correction. The obtained results may pave the way for the development of a simplified therapeutic approach with a single agent acting as multifunctional Antibacterial‐Corrector.
Human perceptual responses to multiple colors II: A study of the correlation between multiple colors and emotion
Authors: Wang Shuang , Yao Man , Liu Jingyu , Jiang Yujian , Jiang Wei
Published: May 2022

This article constructs the hierarchical model of multicolor‐emotion generation network (MCEG‐Net) to investigate human emotional responses to multiple colors based on the research of multicolor perceptual features modeling, which reveals the generation mechanism of multicolor emotion from the perspective of hierarchy of visual features. First, the 164 multicolor samples were evaluated by 30 subjects based on PAD emotion space. On this basis, the correlation analysis was carried out among color basic attributes, multicolor physical features, multicolor perceptual features and emotion. Then, a mathematical model of multicolor emotion was constructed by using multiple linear regression (MLR) algorithm. It was observed that, the multiple colors was strongly correlated with emotion. Finally, the MCEG‐Net was constructed, which reveals the generation mechanism of the process the “the basic attributes of color stimulate human's perceptual reflex and then generate emotion” under the interaction of multiple colors from the perspective of information science. The results showed that the mathematical model could predict color emotion well. In addition, the MCEG‐Net provides a new way to reveal the generation mechanism of color‐emotion associations.
Perovskite Materials and Devices
Authors: Lewiński Janusz , Deleporte Emmanuelle , Zakeeruddin Shaik M.
Published: May 2022

This special collection presents research articles and reviews on the preparation of new perovskite and perovskite‐related materials, and various aspects of their physicochemical properties as well as case studies on the development and characterization of perovskite‐based devices. These works serve as an illustration of the richness and directions of current research in the vibrant and fertile landscape of metal halide perovskites and perovskite‐based photovoltaics.
Changes in quantitative sensory testing and patient perspectives following spinal cord stimulation for persistent spinal pain syndrome: An observational study with long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Plantaz Yannick J. G. M. , van Dongen Robert T. M. , Witkam Richard L. , Vissers Kris C. P. , Timmerman Hans
Published: May 2022

Background

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) can impact sensory, pain and tolerance thresholds in various ways, which can be accessed via quantitative sensory testing (QST). The objectives of this study were to (1) assess the subjective sensory responses using QST in patients following SCS therapy for PSPS and (2) to get a clinical impression of the results of SCS during an interview of these patients with PSPS and SCS during long term follow‐up.

Methods

Forty patients with PSPS who received SCS treatment underwent QST via electrical and mechanical pressure stimuli. QST was performed at four different moments (1) pre‐implantation SCS, (2) two weeks postoperatively, (3) three months after permanent SCS implantation and (4) six months after permanent SCS implantation. Patients’ perspectives on pain, use of drugs and quality of life were assessed via semi‐structured interviews during a follow‐up between 5 and 11 years.

Results

We found statistical significant differences in the changes of sensory, pain and tolerance thresholds. A decrease in pain complaints and analgesics use were reported by the patients during follow‐up. The quality of life in patients increased from three to eight (NRS 0 [worst QoL imaginable] ‐10 [best QoL imaginable]) after receiving SCS.

Conclusions

The increased thresholds on areas without pain or being covered by the SCS induced paresthesias may indicate that there are central changes contributing to these deviations in thresholds. The overall QoL in patients improved greatly after receiving SCS.

Significance

This study provides an overview of the effect of SCS on sensory, pain and tolerance thresholds in patients with PSPS throughout the SCS treatment process. In addition, this study presents data from 40 patients with PSPS treated with SCS, analysing several long‐term patient‐reported outcome measures. The results serve to give more insight into the mechanism of SCS and document SCS as a possible treatment for PSPS.
The effect of duloxetine on mechanistic pain profiles, cognitive factors and clinical pain in patients with painful knee osteoarthritis—A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, crossover study
Authors: Petersen Kristian Kjær‐Staal , Drewes Asbjørn Mohr , Olesen Anne Estrup , Ammitzbøll Nadia , Bertoli Davide , Brock Christina , Arendt‐Nielsen Lars
Published: May 2022

Background

Duloxetine is indicated in the management of pain in osteoarthritis. Evidence suggests that duloxetine modulates central pain mechanisms and cognitive factors, and these factors are assumed contributing to the analgesic effect. This proof‐of‐mechanism, randomized, placebo‐controlled, crossover, double‐blinded trial evaluated the effect of duloxetine on quantitative sensory testing (QST), cognitive factors and clinical pain in patients with osteoarthritis and to predict the analgesic effect.

Methods

Twenty‐five patients completed this cross‐over study with either 18‐week duloxetine (maximum 60 mg/daily) followed by placebo or vice‐versa. Pressure pain thresholds, temporal summation of pain and conditioned pain modulation were assessed using cuff algometry. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Pain Catastrophizing Scale evaluated cognitive factors. Clinical pain was assessed using Brief Pain Inventory and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. Linear regression models were used to predict the analgesic effect of duloxetine.

Results

Depending on the clinical pain outcome, 40%–68% of patients were classified as responders to duloxetine. Linear regression models predicted the analgesic effect (predictive value of 45%–75% depending on clinical pain outcome parameter) using a combination of pretreatment QST parameters, cognitive factors and clinical pain. No significant changes were found for QST, cognitive factors or clinical pain on a group level when comparing duloxetine to placebo.

Conclusion

A combination of pretreatment QST, cognitive factors and clinical pain was able to predict the analgesic response of duloxetine. However, in this relatively small study, duloxetine did not selectively modulate QST, cognitive factors or clinical pain intensity when compared with placebo.

Significance

Duloxetine is proposed as a treatment for chronic pain. Pre‐clinical trials suggest that duloxetine provides analgesia through modulation of descending pain inhibitory pathways or through improvements in cognitive factors. The current study demonstrates that pretreatment mechanistic pain profiling, cognitive factors and clinical pain can predict the analgesic effect of duloxetine and that only a subset of patients might benefit from duloxetine treatment.
RETRACTED: Novel synthesis of layered MoS2/TiO2/CNT nanocomposite as a potential electrode for high performance supercapacitor applications
Authors: Vinodhini S.P. , Xavier Joseph Raj
Published: May 2022

This work is aimed to synthesize hybrid nanocomposite electrode materials for supercapacitor applications. The carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are incorporated into MoS2 as well as TiO2 to form different hybrid electrode materials such as MoS2/CNTs, TiO2/CNTs, and MoS2/TiO2/CNTs in an effort to improve the electrochemical performance. The resulting hybrid electrode materials are examined by SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS, and Raman studies. Cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge‐discharge tests are used to evaluate the specific capacitance and charge‐discharge stability of the synthesized MoS2/TiO2/CNTs. Among the hybrid electrode materials investigated, the MoS2/TiO2/CNTs exhibits superior electrochemical performance with specific capacitance of 1252.57 mA h/g at a scan rate 20 mV/s as compared with MoS2/CNTs (810.53 mA h/g), TiO2/CNTs (607.10 mA h/g), and CNTs (204.35 mA h/g). All electrochemical tests were carried out in a solution of 1 M KOH. The Rct and Rf for the MoS2/TiO2/CNTs electrode were found to be 1.7 Ω.cm2 and 2.1 Ω.cm2, respectively, which were significantly lower than the corresponding Rct (40.2 Ω.cm2) and Rf (51.1 Ω.cm2) for the CNTs electrode, indicating that the MoS2/TiO2/CNTs has a significantly lower overall impedance, which could be one of the key factors responsible for the improved electrochemical performance of the MoS2/TiO2/CNTs. Moreover, this MoS2/TiO2/CNTs hybrid electrode displays good cycling stability with the capacitance retention of 98.83% after 10 000 cycles of charge‐discharge at 1 A/g. The energy density and power density of MoS2/TiO2/CNTs composites are found to be 757.80 Wh/kg and 4546.80 W/kg respectively.
Twitter data reveal six distinct environmental personas
Authors: Chang Charlotte H , Armsworth Paul R , Masuda Yuta J
Published: May 2022

Effective digital environmental communication is integral to galvanizing public support for conservation in the age of social media. Environmental advocates require messaging strategies suited to social media platforms, including ways to identify, target, and mobilize distinct audiences. Here, we provide – to the best of our knowledge – the first systematic characterization of environmental personas on social media. Beginning with 1 million environmental nongovernmental organization (NGO) followers on Twitter, of which 500,000 users met data quality criteria, we identified six personas that differ in their expression of 21 environmental issues. General consistency in the proportional composition of personas was detected across 14 countries with sufficiently large samples. Within the US, although the six personas varied in their mean political ideology, we did not observe that the personas split along political party lines. Our results pave the way for environmental advocates – including NGOs, public agencies, and researchers – to use audience segmentation methods like the methods discussed here to target and tailor messages to distinct constituencies at high speed and at large scale.
Trophies, Technology, and Timescape in Fisheries Management, as Exemplified through Oklahoma's World Record Paddlefish Polyodon spathula
Authors: Scarnecchia Dennis L , Schooley Jason D
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we use world record Paddlefish Polyodon spathula catches to exemplify the origins and management of trophy fisheries and the human motivations involved within a continually compressing timescape of advancing fish finding, harvest capability, and communication and information technologies. Conservation of long-lived species such as Paddlefish, sturgeons (Acipenseridae), or other large species currently challenged by ecological change or habitat losses may be further challenged by the expansion of harvest power through advances in fishing technology in pursuit of trophy fish. Technological evolution may outpace the adaptive abilities of managers to safeguard these fisheries with sensible harvest regulations—often a multi-year, bureaucratic process. Managers must maintain focus on understanding the ecological nuances of these species while proactively developing resilient harvest management frameworks capable of responding to such challenges in a meaningful and timely way. Our paper may be useful for other fisheries professionals involved in management of long-lived, trophy fishes and fisheries.
Novel technique to prevent or correct open‐mouth deformity after bilateral mandibular resection: Use of tensor fascia lata slings
Authors: Wein Lauren E. , O'Malley Quinn F. , Xing Monica H. , Sims John R. , Mundi Neil , Dowling Eric M. , Buchbinder Daniel , Urken Mark L.
Published: May 2022

Open‐mouth deformity after mandibular resection presents a challenge for surgeons and patients, contributing to significant functional and cosmetic morbidity. We present an innovative surgical technique to prevent or correct open‐mouth deformity. Tensor fascia lata slings were utilized in combination with maxillomandibular fixation to surgically correct or prevent open‐mouth deformity in four patients who had previously undergone mandibulectomy or at the time of a contralateral mandibulectomy following prior hemimandibulectomy and reconstruction. Two patients achieved favorable outcomes, including oral competence and improved resting jaw position, while open‐mouth deformity could not be corrected for one patient. Another patient remains in the early postoperative period following a secondary procedure to correct open‐mouth deformity. Open‐mouth deformity is a functional/aesthetic problem that has not been addressed in the literature. Use of tensor fascia lata slings to suspend the mandible is a novel approach to the surgical management of open‐mouth deformity.
Cancer combination therapies by silencing of CTLA‐4, PD‐L1, and TIM3 in osteosarcoma
Authors: Sorkhabi Amin Daei , Sarkesh Aila , Fotouhi Ali , Saeedi Hossein , Aghebati‐Maleki Leili
Published: May 2022

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common orthopedic neoplasm, with a high metastasis rate and a dismal prognosis despite surgery and chemotherapy. Immunotherapies have offered cancer patients a ray of optimism, but their impact on OS has been disappointing. The objective of this study is to assess the effect of mono, dual, and triple combinations of CTLA‐4, PD‐L1, and TIM3 blockade on OS cell viability, apoptosis, and migration. The MG‐63 and U‐2 OS cell lines were transfected with mono, dual, and triple combinations of siRNAs specific for CTLA‐4, PD‐L1, and TIM3. After evaluation for transfection efficacy by qRT‐PCR, MTT assay and flow cytometry were applied to assess cell viability and apoptosis rate in siRNA‐transfected cells, respectively. Ultimately, the migration of transfected cells was measured by wound‐healing assay. First, the qRT‐PCR analysis revealed that in siRNA‐transfected OS cells, CTLA‐4, PD‐L1, and TIM3 were downregulated. The MTT assay and flow cytometry results confirmed that silencing of these immune checkpoints in dual or triple combinations, but not in the single‐agent blockade, significantly decreases cell viability and increases apoptosis, respectively. These effects were more significant when triple silencing was performed. Finally, the wound‐healing assay revealed that dual and triple silencing of immune checkpoints significantly inhibits cell migration, with triple silencing exhibiting a greater effect. Our findings suggest that triple blockade of CTLA‐4, PD‐L1, and TIM3 is an effective strategy for inhibiting tumor cell progression and migration in OS, which requires large‐scale clinical investigations to be translated into broad therapeutic applicability for OS patients.
Are we ready for long‐acting? A feasibility evaluation of long‐acting cabotegravir–rilpivirine in clinical practice
Authors: Borghetti Alberto , Farinacci Damiano , Ciccullo Arturo , Dusina Alex , Moschese Davide , Iannone Valentina , D'Angelillo Anna , Lombardi Francesca , Donne Valentina Delle , Massaroni Valentina , Visconti Elena , Tamburrini Enrica , Di Giambenedetto Simona
Published: May 2022

Cabotegravir and rilpivirine are the first drugs to be approved as injectable therapy to treat individuals with HIV. Despite encouraging results, the guidelines specify strict criteria for eligibility that could limit the feasibility of this strategy. We collected the clinical data of HIV‐positive patients who were being treated at a single, third‐level center in Italy. All patients were on stable therapy and showed suppressed viral load on their most recent analyses. We performed a cross‐sectional analysis of the clinical and viro‐immunological characteristics of this population and excluded patients who had previous virological failures, resistance‐associated mutations (RAMs) to rilpivirine or integrase inhibitors in the historical genotype, hepatitis B infection, absence of previous genotypes, and the coexistence of HIV‐subtype A and obesity. Our aim was to evaluate the proportion of patients who could be eligible for switching to this strategy. one thousand seven hundred fifty‐two patients were eligible. One hundred and forty‐eight were excluded because of a detectable viral load. With regard to the exclusion criteria, 48 patients had coinfection with hepatitis B virus, and 744 had a history of previous virological failures. Of the 896 patients with at least one genotypic resistance test, 161 had one or more RAMs to rilpivirine and 3 had RAMs to cabotegravir. None of the patients presented the combination of obesity and the A viral subtype. Overall, 31.2% of the patients were ineligible for cabotegravir–rilpivirine, and the proportion increased to 47.3% when we considered only patients with all available information concerning resistance tests. Approximately half of our cohort of patients did not fulfill the criteria and even more patients were potentially ineligible for cabotegravir–rilpivirine due to the lack of genotypic resistance tests. Also, fertile women had to be excluded due to the lack of data about this combination during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Rheological behavior of a novel fracturing fluid formed from amine oxide surfactants
Authors: Chen Jing , Tan Xinyuan , Fang Bo , Liu Boxiang , Gao Hang , Li Kejing , Yu Luyao , Xu Ke , Lu Yongjun , Qiu Xiaohui
Published: May 2022

In this paper, two kinds of long‐chain amine oxide surfactants, erucamidopropyl dimethylamine oxide (EAOS) and oleamidopropyl dimethylamine oxide (OAOS) were synthesized and compounded with different mass ratios. The rheological tests show that there is a synergistic effect between EAOS and OAOS, and this effect reaches the strongest at the EAOS/OAOS solution with α = 0.7 (α is the mass fraction of EAOS in the mixed surfactant). Through the synergistic effect between EAOS and OAOS, the temperature resistance of amine oxide surfactant solutions can be effectively improved. EAOS/OAOS (α = 0.7) solutions with total surfactant mass fractions of 3, 4, and 5 wt% show good high‐temperature resistance at 130, 140, and 150°C, respectively. After shearing for 60 min at 100 s−1, 160°C, the remaining viscosity of the 5 wt% EAOS/OAOS (α = 0.7) with 1 wt% KCl solution is 30 mPa s, meeting the demand of viscoelastic surfactant fracturing fluids.
Anti‐adipogenic activities of pheophorbide a and pyropheophorbide a isolated from wild bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L. var. abbreviata Seringe) in vitro
Authors: Liu Yuh‐Hwa , Lu Yeh‐Lin , Chang Ya‐Chih , Chyuan Jong‐Ho , Lee Tzong‐Huei , Hou Wen‐Chi
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND

The wild bitter gourd (WBG) is a commonly consumed vegetable in Asia that has antioxidant and hypoglycemic properties. The present study aimed to investigate the anti‐adipogenic activities of isolated compounds from WBG on 8‐day differentiated cultures of 3 T3‐L1 adipocytes that were then stained with Oil Red O (ORO) or diamidino‐2‐phenylindole (DAPI).

RESULTS

ORO stains of the methanol extracts of de‐seeded HM86 cultivar of WBG (WBG‐M) and the ethyl acetate fractions (WBG‐M‐EA) showed anti‐adipogenic activities against differentiated adipocytes. Two chlorophyll‐degraded compounds, pheophorbide a (1) and pyropheophorbide a (2), were isolated from WBG‐M‐EA. Treatments with 1 (5, 10, and 20 μmol L−1) and 2 (2.5, 5, and 10 μmol L−1) showed dose‐dependent reductions in lipid accumulations and reduced nuclear DAPI stains in differentiated 3 T3‐L1 adipocytes. The concentrations for 50% inhibition against lipid accumulations of 1 and 2, respectively, were 16.05 and 7.04 μmol L−1. Treatments with 1 and 2 showed enhanced lactate dehydrogenase release in the first 4‐day cell mitotic clonal expansions during the differentiating cultural processes, although the effect was less on the non‐differentiating cultural processes. Thus, 1 and 2 were more toxic to differentiating adipocytes than to non‐differentiated pre‐adipocytes, which partly resulted in anti‐adipogenic activities with lowered lipid accumulations.

CONCLUSION

Both 1 and 2 showed anti‐adipogenic activities in cell models. These chlorophyll‐degraded compounds commonly exist in several vegetables during storage or edible seaweeds, which will provide resources for further investigations aiming to test anti‐obesity in animal studies. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Combination of Houttuynia cordata polysaccharide and Lactiplantibacillus plantarumP101 alleviates acute liver injury by regulating gut microbiota in mice
Authors: Xu Xiaowei , Liu Shanji , Zhao Yu , Wang Mengqi , Hu Liehai , Li Wenjuan , Xu Hengyi
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND

Polysaccharides and probiotics can play an outstanding role in the treatment of liver disease by regulating gut microbiota. Recently, the combined therapeutic effect of probiotics and polysaccharides has attracted the attention of researchers. Houttuynia cordata polysaccharide (HCP) combined with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P101 was used to prevent carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐induced acute liver injury (ALI) in mice, and its effect on gut microbiota regulation was explored.

RESULTS

Results showed that, in mice, HCP combined with L. plantarum P101 significantly alleviated oxidative stress and inflammatory injury in the liver by activating Nrf2 signals and inhibiting NF‐κB signals. The analysis of gut microbiota revealed that the combination of HCP and L. plantarum P101 increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Alloprevotella, Roseburia, and Akkermansia, but reduced that of the pro‐inflammatory bacteria Alistipes, Enterorhabdus, Anaerotruncus, and Escherichia‐Shigella. Correlation analysis also indicated that the expression of Nrf2 and TLR4/NF‐κB was connected to the changes in gut microbiota composition. Houttuynia cordata polysaccharide combined with L. plantarum P101 can regulate the gut microbiota and then mediate the gut‐liver axis to activate the antioxidant pathway and inhibit inflammatory responses, thereby alleviating CCl4‐induced ALI.

CONCLUSION

Our study provided a new perspective on the use of polysaccharides combined with probiotics in the treatment of liver disease. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Development of Artificial Intelligence for Parathyroid Recognition During Endoscopic Thyroid Surgery
Authors: Wang Bo , Zheng Jing , Yu Jia‐Fan , Lin Si‐Ying , Yan Shou‐Yi , Zhang Li‐Yong , Wang Si‐Si , Cai Shao‐Jun , Abdelhamid Ahmed Amr H. , Lin Lan‐Qin , Chen Fei , Randolph Gregory W. , Zhao Wen‐Xin
Published: May 2022

Objective

We aimed to establish an artificial intelligence (AI) model to identify parathyroid glands during endoscopic approaches and compare it with senior and junior surgeons' visual estimation.

Methods

A total of 1,700 images of parathyroid glands from 166 endoscopic thyroidectomy videos were labeled. Data from 20 additional full‐length videos were used as an independent external cohort. The YOLO V3, Faster R‐CNN, and Cascade algorithms were used for deep learning, and the optimal algorithm was selected for independent external cohort analysis. Finally, the identification rate, initial recognition time, and tracking periods of PTAIR (Artificial Intelligence model for Parathyroid gland Recognition), junior surgeons, and senior surgeons were compared.

Results

The Faster R‐CNN algorithm showed the best balance after optimizing the hyperparameters of each algorithm and was updated as PTAIR. The precision, recall rate, and F1 score of the PTAIR were 88.7%, 92.3%, and 90.5%, respectively. In the independent external cohort, the parathyroid identification rates of PTAIR, senior surgeons, and junior surgeons were 96.9%, 87.5%, and 71.9%, respectively. In addition, PTAIR recognized parathyroid glands 3.83 s ahead of the senior surgeons (p = 0.008), with a tracking period 62.82 s longer than the senior surgeons (p = 0.006).

Conclusions

PTAIR can achieve earlier identification and full‐time tracing under a particular training strategy. The identification rate of PTAIR is higher than that of junior surgeons and similar to that of senior surgeons. Such systems may have utility in improving surgical outcomes and also in accelerating the education of junior surgeons.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 132:2516–2523, 2022
Effect of WC content on microstructure and properties of CrFeMoNiTi(WC)x high‐entropy alloys composite coatings prepared by selective laser melting
Authors: Li Desheng , Chen Ke , Fu Xiuqing , Hua Zixuan
Published: May 2022

To improve the surface properties of Q235 carbon steels, CrFeMoNiTi(WC)x high‐entropy alloy composite coatings were fabricated via selective laser melting. The microstructure, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance of the composite coatings were studied. Spherical or near‐spherical tungsten carbide (WC) particles are dispersively distributed in the coatings, resulting in the appearance of obvious WC and TiW2C phases. And the composite coatings mainly consist of body‐centered cubic (BCC) and face‐centered cubic (FCC). When x ≤ 0.3, the addition of WC enhances the BCC diffraction peak. Microhardness of the composite coatings with WC increases and is much higher than that of the substrate (280.6 HV0.1). The hardness of the CrFeMoNiTi(WC)0.3 (1005.1 HV0.1) is the highest among the composite coatings. The retained WC particles and BCC acted as load bearers during the friction process, which reduces the wear loss of the composite coating. Also, the anodic protection caused by the corrosion‐resistant WC particles and BCC greatly improves the ability of the composite coatings to resist NaCl attack. Hence, CrFeMoNiTi(WC)0.3 exhibited the optimum wear resistance and corrosion resistance.
Bio‐Inspired Antibacterial Hydrogel Adhesives with High Adhesion Strength
Authors: Liang Lei , Qin Zhihui , Dong Xiaoru , He Shaoshuai , Yao Mengmeng , Yu Qingyu , Yu Chaojie , Liu Min , Guo Bingyan , Zhang Hong , Yao Fanglian , Li Junjie
Published: May 2022

Traditional adhesives such as cyanoacrylate glue are mostly solvent‐based. They are facing the problem of insufficient adhesion to some substrates, and also from the drawback of volatilization and release of small organic molecules in the process of usage. Therefore, a novel adhesive with non‐irritating, high adhesive strength, and antibacterial properties is highly required. In this study, a full physically crosslinked zwitterionic poly(betaine sulfonate methacrylate) (PSBMA) hydrogel is proposed. The physical crosslinking interactions endow the hydrogel with good self‐healing properties. Furthermore, the pure physical crosslinking hydrogel can form PSBMA powder adhesive after lyophilization and return to the hydrogel state after hydration. The mechanical properties of PSBMA adhesive can be modulated via adjusting the solid content and initiator dosage. Following the cure process similar to that of snail mucus or insect exoskeletons in nature, the adhesion of the PSBMA adhesive is improved at least 100 times than its wet state. In addition, the PSBMA adhesive is easy to be removed due to the dissociation of cross‐linked structures in saltwater environments. Moreover, PSBMA adhesive with antifouling properties can effectively prevent the adhesion of proteins and bacteria, which shows potential applications in the assembly of medical devices.
Initiation of antidepressant medication in people with type 2 diabetes living in the United Kingdom—A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Pal Kingshuk , Sharma Manuj , Mukadam Naaheed M. , Petersen Irene
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Depression is a common comorbidity in people with type 2 diabetes and it is associated with poorer outcomes. There is limited data on the treatments used for depression in this population. The aim of this study was to explore the rates of initiation of antidepressant prescriptions in people with type 2 diabetes in the UK and identify those most at risk of needing such treatment.

Research Design and Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study using data from IQVIA Medical Research Data (IMRD)‐UK data. Data from general practices in IMRD‐UK between January 2008 and December 2017 were used for this study.

Results

The overall rates of antidepressant prescribing were stable over the study period. The rate of initiation of antidepressant medication in people with type 2 diabetes was 22.93 per 1000 person years at risk (PYAR) with a 95%CI 22.48 to 23.39 compared to 16.89 per 1000 PYAR (95%CI 16.77 to 17.01) in an age and gender matched cohort. The risk of being prescribed antidepressant medication with age had a U‐shaped distribution with the lowest risk in the 65–69 age group. The peak age for antidepressant initiation in men and women was 40–44, with a rate in men of 32.78 per 1000 PYAR (95% CI 29.57 to 36.34) and a rate in women of 46.80 per 1000 PYAR (95% CI 41.90 to 52.26). People with type 2 diabetes with in the least deprived quintile had an initiation rate of 19.66 per 1000 PYAR (95%CI 18.67 to 20.70) compared to 27.19 per 1000 PYAR (95%CI 25.50 to 28.93) in the most deprived quintile, with a 32% increase in the risk of starting antidepressant medication (95%CI 1.22 to 1.43).

Conclusions

People with type 2 diabetes were 30% more likely to be started on antidepressant medication than people without type 2 diabetes. Women with type 2 diabetes were 35% more likely than men to be prescribed antidepressants and the risks increased with deprivation and in younger or older adults, with the lowest rates in the 65–69 year age band. The rates of antidepressant prescribing were broadly stable over the 10‐year period in this study. The antidepressant medications prescribed changed slightly over time with sertraline becoming more widely used and fewer prescriptions of citalopram.
Pilot study of inflammatory biomarkers in matched induced sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage of 2‐year‐olds with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Giacalone Vincent D. , Moncada‐Giraldo Diego , Margaroli Camilla , Brown Milton R. , Silva George L. , Chandler Joshua D. , Peng Limin , Tirouvanziam Rabindra , Guglani Lokesh ,   the IMPEDE‐CF Program
Published: May 2022

Background

In this pilot study, we investigated whether induced sputum (IS) could serve as a viable alternative to bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and yield robust inflammatory biomarkers in toddlers with cystic fibrosis (CF) featuring minimal structural lung disease.

Methods

We collected IS, BAL (right middle lobe and lingula), and blood, and performed chest computed tomography (CT) scans from 2‐year‐olds with CF (N = 11), all within a single visit. Inflammatory biomarkers included 20 soluble immune mediators and neutrophil elastase (NE), as well as frequency and phenotype of T cells, monocytes/macrophages, and neutrophils.

Results

At the molecular level, nine mediators showed similar levels in IS and BAL (CXCL1, CXCL8, IL‐1α, IL‐1RA, IL‐6, CCL2, CXCL10, M‐CSF, VEGF‐A), four were higher in IS than in BAL (CXCL5, IL‐1β, CXCL11, TNFSF10), and two were present in IS, but undetectable in BAL (IL‐10, IFN‐γ). Meanwhile, soluble NE had lower activity in IS than in BAL. At the cellular level, T‐cell frequency was lower in IS than in BAL. Monocytes/macrophages were dominant in IS and BAL with similar frequencies, but differing expression of CD16 (lower in IS), CD115, and surface‐associated NE (higher in IS). Neutrophil frequency and phenotype did not differ between IS and BAL. Finally, neutrophil frequency in IS correlated positively with air trapping.

Conclusions

IS collected from 2‐year‐olds with CF yields biomarkers of early airway inflammation with good agreement with BAL, notably with regard to molecular and cellular outcomes related to neutrophils and monocytes/macrophages.
Trace Analysis Model of Muzzle Smoke
Authors: Yan Chen‐guang , Zhang Ming‐xing , Li Yan , Zhu Chen‐guang , Zhang Zi‐hao
Published: May 2022

Quantitative assessment of the harmful phenomenon of medium and large‐caliber muzzle smoke provides crucial support for the development of advanced propellants. Based on the current maximum area method and integration method of transmittance curve of examining muzzle smoke, the Trace Analysis Model of Muzzle Smoke (TAMMS) is proposed. First, based on the characteristics of few mass exchanges and relatively fixed expansion center of muzzle smoke cloud formed by high‐pressure release with the slow‐release zone, a muzzle smoke characteristic quantity model refers to the area and the concentration corresponding to each other was established. Secondly, a test system was built to experimentally verify the smoke characteristic quantity model, and the test error analysis was carried out. The research results show that the Trace Analysis Model of Muzzle Smoke takes into account the relationship between smoke area and transmittance over time and can more ideally characterize the muzzle smoke volume. The results of parallel testing and analysis of 7 sets of traditional 35 mm guns show good reproducibility, with a measurement uncertainty less than 0.5 dB.
Age‐distributed composition of the Indigenous population in Australia
Authors: Shankar Sriram
Published: May 2022

The standard measure of composition of a group within a country or a region is its headcount relative to the overall population. However, the headcount ratio of a given group ignores the age‐based variability of its population with respect to the whole population. In this paper, a measure capturing the groups' age‐wise distribution is proposed, which can be useful for policymakers in identifying potential demographic distortions experienced by population subgroups. An empirical exercise on the Australian Census data for the years 2006, 2011 and 2016 provides the age‐distributed composition of the Indigenous population in the states and territories of Australia.
Aspirations, agency and well‐being of Romanian migrants in Greece
Authors: Papadopoulos Apostolos G. , Fratsea Loukia‐Maria
Published: May 2022

Migration is considered a meaningful strategy whereby both migrants and nonmigrants can improve their well‐being and their livelihoods. The paper emphasizes the migrants' own perspective and sheds light on movers' noneconomic drivers. The concept of aspirations is treated as a ‘missing link’ that allows research into migration at its intersection with social inequalities, hierarchies and diversity. The paper's main aim is therefore to elucidate Romanian migrants' aspirations and to illustrate how these aspirations are informed by their agency and reflect their well‐being both during and after the economic recession in Greece. Romanian migration provides sufficient grounds to invoke a more nuanced approach to migrants' well‐being, which takes their ‘dreams of fantasy’ into account, along with their subjective experiences of inequalities and multiple belonging. This paper frames migrants' well‐being theoretically as a relational process, but also in terms of the socio‐spatial arrangements of migrant mobility/immobility acts. Romanians' narratives are analysed in relation to their social trajectories, spatial movement(s) and settlement patterns during their international and internal journey(s).
Enabling Reversible Reaction by Uniform Distribution of Heterogeneous Intermediates on Defect‐Rich SnSSe/C Layered Heterostructure for Ultralong‐Cycling Sodium Storage
Authors: Cao Liang , Fang Shaojun , Xu Baohe , Zhang Bao , Wang Chunhui , Xiao Zhiming , Zou Guoqiang , Hou Hongshuai , Ou Xing , Ji Xiaobo
Published: May 2022

2D layered Sn‐based materials have attracted enormous attention due to their remarkable performance in sodium‐ion batteries. Nevertheless, this promising candidate involves a complex Na+‐storage process with multistep conversion‐alloying reactions, which induces the uneven dispersion of heterogeneous intermediate accompanied by severe agglomeration of metallic Sn0, inescapably resulting in poor reaction reversibility with sluggish rate capability and inferior cyclic lifespan. Herein, a delicately layered heterostructure SnSSe/C consisting of defect‐rich SnSSe and graphene is designed and successfully achieved via a facile hydrothermal process. The equal anionic substitution of Se in SnSSe crystal can trigger numerous defects, which can not only facilitate Na+ diffusion but also accelerate the nucleation process by inducing quantum‐dot‐level uniform distribution of heterogeneous intermediates, Na2Se/Na2S and Sn0. Concurrently, in situ formed uniform Na2Se/Na2S grain boundaries confined by this unique layered heterostructure may effectively suppress the agglomeration of metallic Sn0 nanograins and boost the reversibility of conversion‐alloying reaction. As a result, the SnSSe/C displays significant improvement in Na‐storage performance, in terms of remarkable rate capability and ultralong cycling lifespan. This work, focusing on controlling intermediate distribution, provides an effective strategy to boost reaction reversibility, which can be wildly employed in conversion‐based electrodes for energy storage regions.
Multi‐Decker Emissive Supramolecular Architectures Based on Shape‐Complementary Ligands Pair
Authors: Ma Jianjun , Han Ningxu , Yu Hao , Li Jiaqi , Shi Junjuan , Wang Shaozhi , Zhang Houyu , Wang Ming
Published: May 2022

Dye aggregates have attracted a great deal of attention due to their widespread applications in organic light‐emitting devices, light‐harvesting systems, etc. However, the strategies to precisely control chromophores with specific spatial arrangements still remain a great challenge. In this work, a series of double‐ and triple‐decker supramolecular complexes are successfully constructed by coordination‐driven self‐assembly of carefully designed shape‐complementary ligands, one claw‐like tetraphenylethylene (TPE)‐based host ligand and three tetratopic or ditopic guest ligands. The spatial configurations of these assemblies (one double‐decker and three “S‐shaped” or “X‐shaped” triple‐decker structures) depend on the angles of these TPE‐derived ligands. Notably, the three triple‐decker structures are geometric isomers. Furthermore, photophysical studies show that these complexes exhibit different ratios of radiative (kr) and non‐radiative (knr) rate constant due to the different spatial arrangements of TPE moieties. This study provides not only a unique strategy for the construction of multi‐stacks with specific spatial arrangement, but also a promising platform for investigating the aggregation behavior of fluorescent chromophores.
Conceptual model for capability planning in a military context – A systems thinking approach
Authors: Koivisto Jouni , Ritala Risto , Vilkko Matti
Published: May 2022

During recent decades, planning defense systems have evolved into capability‐based planning (CBP) processes. This paper seeks to answer two questions: firstly, how to express a complex, real‐world capability requirement; and secondly, how to assess if a system with interacting elements fulfills this requirement. We propose that both a capability need and the solution fulfilling it are expressed with a consistent set of models in a traceable manner. The models integrate current capability models, specific to planning level and capability viewpoint, with systems thinking approach. Our conceptual model defines the defense system in its environment, our data model defines and organizes the CBP terms, and our class diagram defines the CBP planning elements. We illustrate the approach by giving an example of capability parametrization and compare it both with the DODAF capability view and with the generic CBP process. Our data model describes how capabilities are degraded in action and extends the approach toward capability dynamics. The quantitative capability definition aims to support efforts to solve for real world interacting subsystems that combined implement the required capability.