bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Micro‐Engineered Heart Tissues On‐Chip with Heterotypic Cell Composition Display Self‐Organization and Improved Cardiac Function
Authors: Cofiño‐Fabres Carla , Boonen Tom , Rivera‐Arbeláez José M. , Rijpkema Minke , Blauw Lisanne , Rensen Patrick C. N. , Schwach Verena , Ribeiro Marcelo C. , Passier Robert
Published: March 2024

Advanced in vitro models that recapitulate the structural organization and function of the human heart are highly needed for accurate disease modeling, more predictable drug screening, and safety pharmacology. Conventional 3D Engineered Heart Tissues (EHTs) lack heterotypic cell complexity and culture under flow, whereas microfluidic Heart‐on‐Chip (HoC) models in general lack the 3D configuration and accurate contractile readouts. In this study, an innovative and user‐friendly HoC model is developed to overcome these limitations, by culturing human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)‐derived cardiomyocytes (CMs), endothelial (ECs)‐ and smooth muscle cells (SMCs), together with human cardiac fibroblasts (FBs), underflow, leading to self‐organized miniaturized micro‐EHTs (µEHTs) with a CM‐EC interface reminiscent of the physiological capillary lining. µEHTs cultured under flow display enhanced contractile performance and conduction velocity. In addition, the presence of the EC layer altered drug responses in µEHT contraction. This observation suggests a potential barrier‐like function of ECs, which may affect the availability of drugs to the CMs. These cardiac models with increased physiological complexity, will pave the way to screen for therapeutic targets and predict drug efficacy.
Structural Design for EMI Shielding: From Underlying Mechanisms to Common Pitfalls
Authors: Isari Ali Akbar , Ghaffarkhah Ahmadreza , Hashemi Seyyed Alireza , Wuttke Stefan , Arjmand Mohammad
Published: March 2024

Modern human civilization deeply relies on the rapid advancement of cutting‐edge electronic systems that have revolutionized communication, education, aviation, and entertainment. However, the electromagnetic interference (EMI) generated by digital systems poses a significant threat to the society, potentially leading to a future crisis. While numerous efforts are made to develop nanotechnological shielding systems to mitigate the detrimental effects of EMI, there is limited focus on creating absorption‐dominant shielding solutions. Achieving absorption‐dominant EMI shields requires careful structural design engineering, starting from the smallest components and considering the most effective electromagnetic wave attenuating factors. This review offers a comprehensive overview of shielding structures, emphasizing the critical elements of absorption‐dominant shielding design, shielding mechanisms, limitations of both traditional and nanotechnological EMI shields, and common misconceptions about the foundational principles of EMI shielding science. This systematic review serves as a scientific guide for designing shielding structures that prioritize absorption, highlighting an often‐overlooked aspect of shielding science.
Visualizing Nanoscale Interlayer Magnetic Interactions and Unconventional Low‐Frequency Behaviors in Ferromagnetic Multishelled Structures
Authors: Chen Guanyu , Zhang Ruixuan , Yuan Mingyue , Xue Shuyan , Liu Yihao , Li Bangxin , Luo Kaicheng , Lai Yuxiang , Zhang Jincang , Lv Hualiang , Che Renchao
Published: March 2024

Precise manipulation of van der Waals forces within 2D atomic layers allows for exact control over electron–phonon coupling, leading to the exceptional quantum properties. However, applying this technique to diverse structures such as 3D materials is challenging. Therefore, investigating new hierarchical structures and different interlayer forces is crucial for overcoming these limitations and discovering novel physical properties. In this work, a multishelled ferromagnetic material with controllable shell numbers is developed. By strategically regulating the magnetic interactions between these shells, the magnetic properties of each shell are fine‐tuned. This approach reveals distinctive magnetic characteristics including regulated magnetic domain configurations and enhanced effective fields. The nanoscale magnetic interactions between the shells are observed and analyzed, which shed light on the modified magnetic properties of each shell, enhancing the understanding and control of ferromagnetic materials. The distinctive magnetic interaction significantly boosts electromagnetic absorption at low‐frequency frequencies used by fifth‐generation wireless devices, outperforming ferromagnetic materials without multilayer structures by several folds. The application of magnetic interactions in materials science reveals thrilling prospects for technological and electronic innovation.
A Freestanding, Dissolution‐ and Diffusion‐Limiting, Flexible Sulfur Electrode Enables High Specific Capacity at High Mass Loading
Authors: Guo Qianyi , Wang Chao , Shang Jian , Yang Yu , Xie Chuan , Luo Yufeng , Rong Mingming , Pei Yi , Gao Yuan , Zheng Zijian
Published: March 2024

The acquisition of stable and high‐areal‐capacity S cathodes over 10 mA h cm−2 is a critical and indispensable step to realize the high energy density configuration. However, increasing the areal capacity of S cathodes often deteriorates the specific capacity and stability due to the aggravated dissolution of S and diffusion of solvable polysulfides in the thick electrode. Herein, the design of a freestanding composite cathode that leverages 3D covalent binding sites and chemical adsorption environment to offer dissolution‐limiting and diffusion‐blocking functions of S species is reported. By employing this architecture, the coin cell exhibits excellent cycling stability and an exceptional specific capacity of 1444.3 mA h g−1 (13 mA h cm−2), and the pouch cell configuration manifests a noteworthy areal capacity exceeding 11 mA h cm−2. This performance is coupled with excellent flexibility, demonstrated through consecutive bending cycle tests, even at a sulfur loading of 9.00 mg cm−2. This study lays the foundation for the development of flexible Li–S batteries with increased loading capacities and exceptional performance.
Platinum Nanoparticles Regulated V2C MXene Nanoplatforms with NIR‐II Enhanced Nanozyme Effect for Photothermal and Chemodynamic Anti‐Infective Therapy
Authors: He Xiaojun , Lv Ya , Lin Yanling , Yu Hong , Zhang Yipiao , Tong Yuhua , Zhang Chunwu
Published: March 2024

Given the challenge of multidrug resistance in antibiotics, non‐antibiotic–dependent antibacterial strategies show promise for anti‐infective therapy. V2C MXene‐based nanomaterials have demonstrated strong biocompatibility and photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE) for photothermal therapy (PTT). However, the limitation of V2C MXene's laser irradiation to the near‐infrared region I (NIR‐I) restricts tissue penetration, making it difficult to achieve complete bacterial eradication with single‐effect therapeutic strategies. To address this, Pt nanoparticles (Pt NPs) are attached to V2C, forming artificial nanoplatforms (Pt@V2C). Pt@V2C exhibits enhanced PCE (59.6%) and a longer irradiation laser (NIR‐II) due to the surface plasmon resonance effect of Pt NPs and V2C. Notably, Pt@V2C displays dual enzyme‐like activity with chemodynamic therapy (CDT) and NIR‐II enhanced dual enzyme‐like activity. The biocatalytic mechanism of Pt@V2C is elucidated using density functional theory. In an in vivo animal model, Pt@V2C effectively eliminates methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus from deep‐seated tissues in subcutaneous abscesses and bacterial keratitis environments, accelerating abscess resolution and promoting wound and cornea healing through the synergistic effects of PTT/CDT. Transcriptomic analysis reveals that Pt@V2C targets inflammatory pathways, providing insight into its therapeutic mechanism. This study presents a promising therapeutic approach involving hyperthermia‐amplified biocatalysis with Pt NPs and MXene nanocomposites.
Dendritic Polymer‐Based Nanomedicines Remodel the Tumor Stroma: Improve Drug Penetration and Enhance Antitumor Immune Response
Authors: Zhang Yuxin , Fang Zaixiang , Pan Dayi , Li Yunkun , Zhou Jie , Chen Hongying , Li Zhiqian , Zhu Mengli , Li Cong , Qin Liwen , Ren Xiangyi , Gong Qiyong , Luo Kui
Published: March 2024

The dense extracellular matrix (ECM) in solid tumors, contributed by cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs), hinders penetration of drugs and diminishes their therapeutic outcomes. A sequential treatment strategy of remodeling the ECM via a CAF modifier (dasatinib, DAS) is proposed to promote penetration of an immunogenic cell death (ICD) inducer (epirubicin, Epi) via apoptotic vesicles, ultimately enhancing the treatment efficacy against breast cancer. Dendritic poly(oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate) (POEGMA)‐based nanomedicines (poly[OEGMA‐Dendron(G2)‐Gly‐Phe‐Leu‐Gly‐DAS] (P‐DAS) and poly[OEGMA‐Dendron(G2)‐hydrazone‐Epi] (P‐Epi)) are developed for sequential delivery of DAS and Epi, respectively. P‐DAS reprograms CAFs to reduce collagen by downregulating collagen anabolism and energy metabolism, thereby reducing the ECM deposition. The regulated ECM can enhance tumor penetration of P‐Epi to strengthen its ICD effect, leading to an amplified antitumor immune response. In breast cancer‐bearing mice, this approach alleviates the ECM barrier, resulting in reduced tumor burden and increased cytotoxic T lymphocyte infiltration, and more encouragingly, synergizes effectively with anti‐programmed cell death 1 (PD‐1) therapy, significantly inhibiting tumor growth and preventing lung metastasis. Furthermore, systemic toxicity is barely detectable after sequential treatment with P‐DAS and P‐Epi. This approach opens a new avenue for treating desmoplastic tumors by metabolically targeting CAFs to overcome the ECM barrier.
Operando Combined SAXS/XRD/XAFS Measurements of Lithium Conversion Battery
Authors: Takabayashi Yasuhiro , Kimura Koji , Miyazaki Takeshi , Yoshii Kazuki , Sakaebe Hikari , Shikano Masahiro , Takeichi Nobuhiko , Nakatani Tomotaka , Fujinami So , Kiuchi Hisao , Katayama Misaki , Hirano Tatsumi , Hayashi Koichi
Published: March 2024

Many chemical reactions are accompanied by concerted phenomena, such as variance transition, structural changes, and particle formation. Various measurement techniques are employed to understand the whole picture of such concerted phenomena. A combination of small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and X‐ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) is useful for studying concerted phenomena that occur, for example, inside rechargeable batteries. This combination can cover large lengths from 1 Å to several hundred nm. Operando measurements using this combination of methods can follow reactions during the charging and discharging of a rechargeable battery in a single experimental run. Fixed‐exit optics enable irradiation at the same point in a wide energy range. By employing 2D detectors for XRD and SAXS and using a quick XAFS technique, one can make the interval of each measurement sufficiently short to track various phenomena during charging and discharging. Here, an application of the system for alternating SAXS/XRD/XAFS measurements constructed in BL28XU, SPring‐8, Japan to the study of rechargeable batteries, is presented.
A Lightweight YOLO Object Detection Algorithm Based on Bidirectional Multi‐Scale Feature Enhancement
Authors: Liu Qunpo , Zhang Jingwen , Zhang Zhuoran , Bu Xuhui , Hanajima Naohiko
Published: March 2024

This paper proposes a lightweight YOLO object detection algorithm based on bidirectional multi‐scale feature enhancement. The problem is that the original YOLOv5 algorithm does not make full use of the relationship between the feature layers, resulting in the loss of target semantic information and a large number of parameters. First, a bidirectional multi‐scale feature‐enhanced weighted fusion backbone network is constructed to extract target features repeatedly. It enhances the fusion ability of shallow detail features and high‐level semantic information to capture richer multi‐scale semantic information. Second, the NCA attention module is built and integrated into the feature fusion network to enhance the critical characteristics of the target region. Finally, the Ghost module is used instead of the convolutional blocks in the original network to lighten the model while reducing the network complexity and training difficulty. Experimental results show that the improved YOLOv5 algorithm achieves 78.8% mAP@0.5 for the PASCAL VOC2012 dataset, which is 1.5% higher than the original algorithm, at 62.5 FPS. The number of parameters is also reduced by 43.6%. The mAP@0.5 on the self‐made metal foreign object dataset reached 98.4%, at 58.8 FPS, which can meet the requirements of end‐device deployment and real‐time detection.
Mg‐MOF‐74 Derived Defective Framework for Hydrogen Storage at Above‐Ambient Temperature Assisted by Pt Catalyst
Authors: Liu Shiyuan , Zhang Yue , Zhu Fangzhou , Liu Jieyuan , Wan Xin , Liu Ruonan , Liu Xiaofang , Shang Jia‐Xiang , Yu Ronghai , Feng Qiang , Wang Zili , Shui Jianglan
Published: March 2024

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising candidates for room‐temperature hydrogen storage materials after modification, thanks to their ability to chemisorb hydrogen. However, the hydrogen adsorption strength of these modified MOFs remains insufficient to meet the capacity and safety requirements of hydrogen storage systems. To address this challenge, a highly defective framework material known as de‐MgMOF is prepared by gently annealing Mg‐MOF‐74. This material retains some of the crystal properties of the original Mg‐MOF‐74 and exhibits exceptional hydrogen storage capacity at above‐ambient temperatures. The MgO5 knots around linker vacancies in de‐MgMOF can adsorb a significant amount of dissociated and nondissociated hydrogen, with adsorption enthalpies ranging from −22.7 to −43.6 kJ mol−1, indicating a strong chemisorption interaction. By leveraging a spillover catalyst of Pt, the material achieves a reversible hydrogen storage capacity of 2.55 wt.% at 160 °C and 81 bar. Additionally, this material offers rapid hydrogen uptake/release, stable cycling, and convenient storage capabilities. A comprehensive techno‐economic analysis demonstrates that this material outperforms many other hydrogen storage materials at the system level for on‐board applications.
Comparison of residual activity of pre‐emergence herbicides for control and seed production of multiple herbicide‐resistant Palmer amaranth in food‐grade white corn
Authors: Kaur Ramandeep , Chahal Parminder S. , Shi Yeyin , Lawrence Nevin C. , Knezevic Stevan Z. , Jhala Amit J.
Published: March 2024

Nebraska is the number‐one producer of food‐grade white corn (Zea mays L.) in the United States. Food‐grade white corn has not been genetically engineered; therefore, non‐selective herbicides such as glyphosate or glufosinate cannot be used. Multiple herbicide‐resistant (MHR) Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson) populations have been reported in multiple counties in Nebraska, and their management is a challenge, particularly for white corn producers. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the residual activity of pre‐emergence (PRE) herbicides for acetolactate synthase inhibitor (halosulfuron‐methyl)/atrazine/glyphosate‐resistant Palmer amaranth control, density, biomass, seed production, and grain yield in food‐grade white corn. Field experiments were conducted during summer 2020 and 2021 in a grower's field infested with MHR Palmer amaranth near Carleton, NE. All the PRE herbicides resulted in similar control (>90%) 30 days after PRE application (DAPRE) apart from atrazine (64%). At 45 DAPRE, acetochlor/mesotrione, atrazine/bicyclopyrone/mesotrione/S‐metolachlor, and acetochlor/clopyralid/mesotrione controlled 90%–95% Palmer amaranth. Acetochlor/clopyralid/mesotrione and atrazine/bicyclopyrone/mesotrione/S‐metolachlor provided 96%–99% MHR Palmer amaranth control and reduced Palmer amaranth density and biomass to 2–4 plants m−2 and 5–12 g m−2 60 DAPRE. The highest corn yields of 12,139 kg ha−1 and 12,093 kg ha−1 in 2020 and 2021, respectively, were obtained with acetochlor/clopyralid/mesotrione. Palmer amaranth seed production was least with acetochlor/clopyralid/mesotrione (32,894 seeds m−2). Tested residual PRE herbicides did not show corn injury and were safe to use in food‐grade white corn. It is concluded that acetochlor/clopyralid/mesotrione and atrazine/bicyclopyone/mesotrione/S‐metolachlor are the best options for early season control of MHR Palmer amaranth in food‐grade white corn.
Association between oxidative balance score and inflammatory markers in middle‐aged and older Japanese people
Authors: Nanri Hinako , Hara Megumi , Nishida Yuichiro , Shimanoe Chisato , Higaki Yasuki , Tanaka Keitaro
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the association between oxidative balance score (OBS), wherein higher OBSs indicate lower oxidative stress, and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), as well as inflammatory scores, in a large cohort of Japanese adults.

Methods

In total, 9703 individuals aged 40–69 years participated in a baseline survey of a population‐based cohort study in Saga, Japan (2005–2007). OBSs were calculated from 11 prooxidant and antioxidant lifestyle factors, including dietary intake, physical activity, alcohol consumption, and smoking status. Lifestyle data, including dietary intake, were obtained using a self‐administered questionnaire. Adjusted geometric means of serum hs‐CRP levels were calculated based on OBS quartiles, and linear trend tests were performed, with adjustments for potential confounders. In addition, an inflammatory cytokine z‐score was constructed and assessed alongside individual markers.

Results

After adjusting for multiple confounders in both sexes, the results showed a significant inverse association between OBS and serum hs‐CRP levels in both men and women. These results remained unaltered when the OBS evaluation excluded powerful prooxidants, serum ferritin, or smoking. There was also an association between OBS and lower inflammatory z‐score, indicating reduced overall systemic inflammation.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that a higher OBS, indicating a greater predominance of antioxidants over prooxidant exposure, is associated with lower hs‐CRP levels and reduced systemic inflammation, regardless of sex.
Consistency in Verreaux's sifaka home range and core area size despite seasonal variation in resource availability as assessed by Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI)
Authors: Axel Anne C. , Harshbarger Brynn M. , Lewis Rebecca J. , Tecot Stacey R.
Published: March 2024

Primates are adept at dealing with fluctuating availability of resources and display a range of responses to minimize the effects of food scarcity. An important component of primate conservation is to understand how primates adapt their foraging and ranging patterns in response to fluctuating food resources. Animals optimize resource acquisition within the home range through the selection of resource‐bearing patches and choose between contrasting foraging strategies (resource‐maximizing vs. area‐minimizing). Our study aimed to characterize the foraging strategy of a folivorous primate, Verreaux's sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi), by evaluating whether group home range size varied between peak and lean leaf seasons within a seasonally dry tropical forest in Madagascar. We hypothesized that Verreaux's sifaka used the resource maximization strategy to select high‐value resource patches so that during periods of resource depression, the home range area did not significantly change in size. We characterized resource availability (i.e., primary productivity) by season at Kirindy Mitea National Park using remotely‐sensed Enhanced Vegetation Index data. We calculated group home ranges using 10 years of focal animal sampling data collected on eight groups using both 95% and 50% kernel density estimation. We used area accumulation curves to ensure each group had an adequate number of locations to reach seasonal home range asymptotes. Neither 95% home ranges nor 50% core areas differed across peak and lean leaf resource seasons, supporting the hypothesis that Verreaux's sifaka use a resource maximization strategy. With a better understanding of animal space use strategies, managers can model anticipated changes under environmental and/or anthropogenic resource depression scenarios. These findings demonstrate the value of long‐term data for characterizing and understanding foraging and ranging patterns. We also illustrate the benefits of using satellite data for characterizing food resources for folivorous primates.
Link among apolipoprotein E E4, gait, and cognition in neurodegenerative diseases: ONDRI study
Authors: Sakurai Ryota , Pieruccini‐Faria Frederico , Cornish Benjamin , Fraser Julia , Binns Malcolm A. , Beaton Derek , Dilliott Allison Ann , Kwan Donna , Ramirez Joel , Tan Brian , Scott Christopher J. M. , Sunderland Kelly M. , Tartaglia Carmela , Finger Elizabeth , Zinman Lorne , Freedman Morris , McLaughlin Paula M. , Swartz Richard H. , Symons Sean , Lang Anthony E. , Bartha Robert , Black Sandra E. , Masellis Mario , Hegele Robert A. , McIlroy William ,   ONDRI Investigators, Montero‐Odasso Manuel
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCTION

Apolipoprotein E E4 allele (APOE E4) and slow gait are independently associated with cognitive impairment and dementia. However, it is unknown whether their coexistence is associated with poorer cognitive performance and its underlying mechanism in neurodegenerative diseases.

METHODS

Gait speed, APOE E4, cognition, and neuroimaging were assessed in 480 older adults with neurodegeneration. Participants were grouped by APOE E4 presence and slow gait. Mediation analyses were conducted to determine if brain structures could explain the link between these factors and cognitive performance.

RESULTS

APOE E4 carriers with slow gait had the lowest global cognitive performance and smaller gray matter volumes compared to non‐APOE E4 carriers with normal gait. Coexistence of APOE E4 and slow gait best predicted global and domain‐specific poorer cognitive performances, mediated by smaller gray matter volume.

DISCUSSION

Gait slowness in APOE E4 carriers with neurodegenerative diseases may indicate extensive gray matter changes associated with poor cognition.

Highlights

APOE E4 and slow gait are risk factors for cognitive decline in neurodegenerative diseases.

Slow gait and smaller gray matter volumes are associated, independently of APOE E4.

Worse cognition in APOE E4 carriers with slow gait is explained by smaller GM volume.

Gait slowness in APOE E4 carriers indicates poorer cognition‐related brain changes.
BIN1K358R suppresses glial response to plaques in mouse model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Garcia‐Agudo Laura Fernandez , Shi Zechuan , Smith Ian F. , Kramár Enikö A. , Tran Katelynn , Kawauchi Shimako , Wang Shuling , Collins Sherilyn , Walker Amber , Shi Kai‐Xuan , Neumann Jonathan , Liang Heidi Yahan , Da Cunha Celia , Milinkeviciute Giedre , Morabito Samuel , Miyoshi Emily , Rezaie Narges , Gomez‐Arboledas Angela , Arvilla Adrian Mendoza , Ghaemi Daryan Iman , Tenner Andrea J. , LaFerla Frank M. , Wood Marcelo A. , Mortazavi Ali , Swarup Vivek , MacGregor Grant R. , Green Kim N.
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCTION

The BIN1 coding variant rs138047593 (K358R) is linked to Late‐Onset Alzheimer's Disease (LOAD) via targeted exome sequencing.

METHODS

To elucidate the functional consequences of this rare coding variant on brain amyloidosis and neuroinflammation, we generated BIN1K358R knock‐in mice using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. These mice were subsequently bred with 5xFAD transgenic mice, which serve as a model for Alzheimer's pathology.

RESULTS

The presence of the BIN1K358R variant leads to increased cerebral amyloid deposition, with a dampened response of astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, but not microglia, at both the cellular and transcriptional levels. This correlates with decreased neurofilament light chain in both plasma and brain tissue. Synaptic densities are significantly increased in both wild‐type and 5xFAD backgrounds homozygous for the BIN1K358R variant.

DISCUSSION

The BIN1 K358R variant modulates amyloid pathology in 5xFAD mice, attenuates the astrocytic and oligodendrocytic responses to amyloid plaques, decreases damage markers, and elevates synaptic densities.

Highlights

BIN1 rs138047593 (K358R) coding variant is associated with increased risk of LOAD.

BIN1 K358R variant increases amyloid plaque load in 12‐month‐old 5xFAD mice.

BIN1 K358R variant dampens astrocytic and oligodendrocytic response to plaques.

BIN1 K358R variant decreases neuronal damage in 5xFAD mice.

BIN1 K358R upregulates synaptic densities and modulates synaptic transmission.
Postintensive care syndrome family: A comprehensive review
Authors: Shirasaki Kasumi , Hifumi Toru , Nakanishi Nobuto , Nosaka Nobuyuki , Miyamoto Kyohei , Komachi Miyuki H. , Haruna Junpei , Inoue Shigeaki , Otani Norio
Published: March 2024

Families of critically ill patients are predisposed to tremendous burdens when their relatives are admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Postintensive care syndrome family (PICS‐F) can be described as a devastated life, encompassing psychological, physical, and socioeconomical burdens that begin with the emotional impact experienced by the family when the patient is admitted to the ICU. PICS‐F was primarily proposed as a clinically significant psychological impairment, but it needs to be extended beyond the psychological impairment of the family to include physical and socioeconomical impairments in the future. The prevalence of physiological problems including depression, anxiety and post‐traumatic syndrome is 20–40%, and that of non‐physiological problems including fatigue is 15% at 6 months after the ICU stay. Assessment of PICS‐F was frequently conducted at 3‐ or 6‐month points, although the beginning of the evaluation was based on different assessment points among each of the studies. Families of ICU patients need to be given and understand accurate information, such as the patient's diagnosis, planned care, and prognosis. Prevention of PICS‐F requires a continuous bundle of multifaceted and/or multidisciplinary interventions including providing a family information leaflet, ICU diary, communication facilitators, supportive grief care, and follow‐up, for the patient and families from during the ICU stay to after discharge from the ICU. This is the first comprehensive review of PICS‐F to address the concept, risk factors, assessment tools, prevalence, and management to prevent PICS‐F to facilitate acute care physicians' understanding of PICS‐F.
Aluminagerma[5]pyramidane – Bildung und Gerüstumlagerung
Authors: Bührmann Lukas , Albers Lena , Beuße Maximilian , Schmidtmann Marc , Müller Thomas
Published: March 2024

Salzmetathesereaktionen zwischen Dikaliumgermacyclopentadiendiiden und Aluminium(III)dichloriden ermöglichen die Synthese von Alumol‐Halbsandwichkomplexen des zweiwertigen Germaniums oder von Aluminylen‐Germol‐Komplexen. Deren Molekülstrukturen und ihre delokalisierte Bindungssituation, wie sie durch Dichtefunktionalrechnungen (DFT) belegt wird, erlauben gleichermaßen ihre Beschreibung als isomere Aluminagerma[5]pyramidane mit entweder dem Germanium‐ oder dem Aluminiumatom in der apikalen Position der pentagonalen Pyramide. Die Produktbildung und die Selektivität der Reaktion hängen von dem dritten Substituenten des Aluminiumdichlorids ab. Arylgruppen begünstigen die Bildung von Alumolkomplexen und der Cp*‐Substituent die der isomeren Germolkomplexe. Mit Aminosubstituenten am Aluminiumatom werden Mischungen beider Isomere erhalten, wobei der Austausch der Positionen der beiden Heteroatome im Pyramidan durch NMR Spektroskopie nachgewiesen wurde. Zudem können, ausgehend von Alumolkomplexen des zweiwertigen Germaniums, durch reduktive Eliminierung des Germaniums die entsprechenden Alumole erhalten werden.
Tuning the Electrolyte and Interphasial Chemistry for All‐Climate Sodium‐ion Batteries
Authors: He Mengxue , Zhu Lujun , Ye Guo , An Yun , Hong Xufeng , Ma Yue , Xiao Zhitong , Jia Yongfeng , Pang Quanquan
Published: March 2024

Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) present a promising avenue for next‐generation grid‐scale energy storage. However, realizing all‐climate SIBs operating across a wide temperature range remains a challenge due to the poor electrolyte conductivity and instable electrode interphases at extreme temperatures. Here, we propose a comprehensively balanced electrolyte by pairing carbonates with a low‐freezing‐point and low‐polarity ethyl propionate solvent which enhances ion diffusion and Na+‐desolvation kinetics at sub‐zero temperatures. Furthermore, the electrolyte leverages a combinatorial borate‐ and nitrile‐based additive strategy to facilitate uniform and inorganic‐rich electrode interphases, ensuring excellent rate performance and cycle stability over a wide temperature range from −45 °C to 60 °C. Notably, the Na||sodium vanadyl phosphate cell delivers a remarkable capacity of 105 mAh g−1 with a high rate of 2 C at −25 °C. In addition, the cells exhibit excellent cycling stability over a wide temperature range, maintaining a high capacity retention of 84.7 % over 3,000 cycles at 60 °C and of 95.1 % at −25 °C over 500 cycles. The full cell also exhibits impressive cycling performance over a wide temperature range. This study highlights the critical role of electrolyte and interphase engineering for enabling SIBs that function optimally under diverse and extreme climatic environments.
High‐Throughput Single‐Cell, Single‐Mitochondrial DNA Assay Using Hydrogel Droplet Microfluidics
Authors: Park Juhwan , Kadam Parnika S. , Atiyas Yasemin , Chhay Bonirath , Tsourkas Andrew , Eberwine James H. , Issadore David A.
Published: March 2024

There is growing interest in understanding the biological implications of single cell heterogeneity and heteroplasmy of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), but current methodologies for single‐cell mtDNA analysis limit the scale of analysis to small cell populations. Although droplet microfluidics have increased the throughput of single‐cell genomic, RNA, and protein analysis, their application to sub‐cellular organelle analysis has remained a largely unsolved challenge. Here, we introduce an agarose‐based droplet microfluidic approach for single‐cell, single‐mtDNA analysis, which allows simultaneous processing of hundreds of individual mtDNA molecules within >10,000 individual cells. Our microfluidic chip encapsulates individual cells in agarose beads, designed to have a sufficiently dense hydrogel network to retain mtDNA after lysis and provide a robust scaffold for subsequent multi‐step processing and analysis. To mitigate the impact of the high viscosity of agarose required for mtDNA retention on the throughput of microfluidics, we developed a parallelized device, successfully achieving ~95 % mtDNA retention from single cells within our microbeads at >700,000 drops/minute. To demonstrate utility, we analyzed specific regions of the single‐mtDNA using a multiplexed rolling circle amplification (RCA) assay. We demonstrated compatibility with both microscopy, for digital counting of individual RCA products, and flow cytometry for higher throughput analysis.
Dynamic‐Bond‐Mediated Chain Reptation Enhances Energy Dissipation of Elastomers
Authors: Shi Wei , Zhou Tianxu , He Binbin , Huang Jin , Liu Mingjie
Published: March 2024

Vibrations with various frequencies in daily life and industry can cause health hazards and fatigue failure of critical structures, which requires the development of elastomers with high energy dissipation at desired frequencies. Current strategies relying on tuning characteristic relaxation time of polymer chains are mostly qualitative empirical methods, and it is difficult to precisely control damping performances. Here, we report a general strategy for constructing dynamic crosslinked polymer fluid gels that provide controllable ultrahigh energy dissipation. This is realized by dynamic‐bond‐mediated chain reptation of polymer fluids in a crosslinked network, where the characteristic time of chain reptation is dominated by the presence of well‐defined dissociation time of dynamic bonds and almost independent of their molar mass. Using prototypical supramolecular polydimethylsiloxane elastomers, we demonstrate that dynamic crosslinked polymer fluid gels exhibit a controllable ultrahigh damping performance at desired frequencies (10−2~102 Hz), exceeding that of typical state‐of‐the‐art silicone damping materials. Their shock absorption is over 300 % higher than that of commercial silicone rubber under the same impact force.
Mechanism Behind the Programmed Biosynthesis of Heterotrimeric Fungal Depside Thielavin A
Authors: Ji Qiaolin , Xiang Hao , Wang Wei‐Guang , Matsuda Yudai
Published: March 2024

Thielavin A (1) is a fungal depside composed of one 3‐methylorsellinic acid and two 3,5‐dimethylorsellinic acid units. It displays diverse biological activities. However, the mechanism underlying the assembly of the heterotrimeric structure of 1 remains to be clarified. In this study, we identified the polyketide synthase (PKS) involved in the biosynthesis of 1. This PKS, designated as ThiA, possesses an unusual domain organization with the C‐methyltransferase (MT) domain situated at the C‐terminus following the thioesterase (TE) domain. Our findings indicated that the TE domain is solely responsible for two rounds of ester bond formation, along with subsequent chain hydrolysis. We identified a plausible mechanism for TE‐catalyzed reactions and obtained insights into how a single PKS can selectively yield a specific heterotrimeric product. In particular, the tandem acyl carrier protein domains of ThiA are critical for programmed methylation by the MT domain. Overall, this study highlighted the occurrence of highly optimized domain–domain communication within ThiA for the selective synthesis of 1, which can advance our understanding of the programming rules of fungal PKSs.
Synthesis and characterization of NaY@ZIF‐8 composite by the ship‐in‐bottle method as a catalyst for esterification and transesterification reactions
Authors: Ghaedrahmat Hadis , Masoomi Mohammad Yaser , Zendehdel Mojgan
Published: March 2024

Zeolite imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) were composited with NaY zeolite using two different approaches to the ship‐in‐bottle method. The two synthesized nanocatalysts showed that the ZIF‐8 composite with NaY zeolite could stabilize their structure as catalysts in an acidic environment. The NaY@ZIF‐8 nanocomposites that were prepared were investigated using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), elemental mapping (MAP), thermogravimetric (TGA), temperature‐programmed desorption of ammonia (NH3‐TPD), and inductively coupled plasma analyses. The synthesized composites were used as catalysts for the esterification reaction of acetic acid with four different alcohols and the transesterification reaction of animal fats, vegetable oils, and waste oils. The results show that the efficiency of the esterification reactions for the two catalytic composites was 98.5% and 94.3%, respectively, and 78.1% for the transesterification reaction.
Continuous multi‐column capture of monoclonal antibodies with convective diffusive membrane adsorbers
Authors: Schmitz Fabian , Knöchelmann Elias , Kruse Thomas , Minceva Mirjana , Kampmann Markus
Published: March 2024

Downstream processing is the bottleneck in the continuous manufacturing of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). To overcome throughput limitations, two different continuous processes with a novel convective diffusive protein A membrane adsorber (MA) were investigated: the rapid cycling parallel multi‐column chromatography (RC‐PMCC) process and the rapid cycling simulated moving bed (RC‐BioSMB) process. First, breakthrough curve experiments were performed to investigate the influence of the flow rate on the mAb dynamic binding capacity and to calculate the duration of the loading steps. In addition, customized control software was developed for an automated MA exchange in case of pressure increase due to membrane fouling to enable robust, uninterrupted, and continuous processing. Both processes were performed for 4 days with 0.61 g L−1 mAb‐containing filtrate and process performance, product purity, productivity, and buffer consumption were compared. The mAb was recovered with a yield of approximately 90% and productivities of 1010 g L−1 d−1 (RC‐PMCC) and 574 g L−1 d−1 (RC‐BioSMB). At the same time, high removal of process‐related impurities was achieved with both processes, whereas the buffer consumption was lower for the RC‐BioSMB process. Finally, the attainable productivity for perfusion bioreactors of different sizes with suitable MA sizes was calculated to demonstrate the potential to operate both processes on a manufacturing scale with bioreactor volumes of up to 2000 L.
Transport‐controlled growth decoupling for self‐induced protein expression with a glycerol‐repressible genetic circuit
Authors: Lara Alvaro R. , Kunert Flavio , Vandenbroucke Vincent , Taymaz‐Nikerel Hilal , Martínez Luz María , Sigala Juan‐Carlos , Delvigne Frank , Gosset Guillermo , Büchs Jochen
Published: March 2024

Decoupling cell formation from recombinant protein synthesis is a potent strategy to intensify bioprocesses. Escherichia coli strains with mutations in the glucose uptake components lack catabolite repression, display low growth rate, no overflow metabolism, and high recombinant protein yields. Fast growth rates were promoted by the simultaneous consumption of glucose and glycerol, and this was followed by a phase of slow growth, when only glucose remained in the medium. A glycerol‐repressible genetic circuit was designed to autonomously induce recombinant protein expression. The engineered strain bearing the genetic circuit was cultured in 3.9 g L−1 glycerol + 18 g L−1 glucose in microbioreactors with online oxygen transfer rate monitoring. The growth was fast during the simultaneous consumption of both carbon sources (C‐sources), while expression of the recombinant protein was low. When glycerol was depleted, the growth rate decreased, and the specific fluorescence reached values 17% higher than those obtained with a strong constitutive promoter. Despite the relatively high amount of C‐source used, no oxygen limitation was observed. The proposed approach eliminates the need for the substrate feeding or inducers addition and is set as a simple batch culture while mimicking fed‐batch performance.
Forensic psychiatric issues in intellectual disability
Authors: Hauser Mark J. , Kohn Robert
Published: March 2024

Forensic psychiatrists and neuropsychiatrists are likely to encounter individuals with intellectual disability as they are over‐represented in the judicial system. These individuals may have the full range of mental illnesses and comorbid conditions, including physical infirmity, sensory deficits, language impairment, and maladaptive behaviors. They are frequently disadvantaged in the judicial system due to lack of comprehension, lack of accommodations, and stigmatization. Decision making capacity may need to be assessed for health care, sexual autonomy, marriage, financial management, making a will, and need for guardianship. The usual approach to conducting an evaluation needs adaptation to fit the unique characteristics and circumstances of the individual with intellectual disability. The forensic consultant can assist attorneys, defendants, and victims in recommending accommodations and the expert witness can provide education to juries.
Preparation of the Myricetin‐Loaded PEGylated Niosomes and Evaluation of their in vitro Anti‐Cancer Potentials
Authors: Riazi Hanieh , Goodarzi Mohammad Taghi , Tabrizi Masoud Homayouni , Mozaffari Majid , Neamati Ali
Published: March 2024

Several edible plants contain flavonoids, including myricetin (Myr), which perform a wide range of biological activities. Myr has antitumor properties against various tumor cells. In this study Myr‐loaded PEGylated niosomes (Myr‐PN) were prepared and their anti‐cancer activities were evaluated in vitro. Myr‐PNs were prepared as a tool for drug delivery to the tumor site. Myr‐PN was characterized in terms of size, zeta potential, and functional groups using dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The Myr‐PN size was 241 nm with a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.20, and zeta potential −32.7±6.6 mV. Apoptotic properties of Myr‐PN against normal and cancer cell lines were determined by flow cytometry and real‐time quantitative PCR. Cancer cells showed higher cytotoxicity when treated with Myr‐PN compared with normal cells, indicating that the synthesized nanoparticles pose no adverse effects. Apoptosis was induced in cells treated with 250 μg/mL of Myr‐PN, in which 45.2 % of cells were arrested in subG1, suggesting that Myr‐PN can induce apoptosis. In vitro, the synthesized Myr‐PN demonstrated potent anticancer properties. Furthermore, more research should be conducted in vitro and in vivo to study the more details of Myr‐PN anti‐cancer effects.
Reversal of Valproate‐Induced Major Salivary Gland Changes By Moringa Oleifera Extract in Rats
Authors: Cergel Eda , Tuzuner Burcin Alev , Turkyilmaz Ismet Burcu , Oktay Sehkar , Magaji Umar Faruk , Sacan Ozlem , Yanardag Refiye , Yarat Aysen
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to explore the potential protective impacts of Moringa oleifera extract on major alteration in salivary glands of rats exposed to sodium valproate (VA). Groups were defined as control, control+moringa extract, sodium valproate, and sodium valproate+moringa extract. Antioxidant and oxidant status, activities of digestive and metabolic enzymes were examined. VA treatment led to various biochemical changes in the salivary glands, including decreased levels of antioxidants like glutathione, glutathione‐S‐transferase, and superoxide dismutase (except for sublingual superoxide dismutase). Conversely, a decrease in alpha‐amylase, alkaline and acid phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, protease, and maltase activities were observed. The study also demonstrated that VA induces oxidative stress, increases lipid peroxidation, sialic acid, and nitric oxide levels in the salivary glands. Total oxidant capacity was raised in all glands except in the sublingual gland. The electrophoretic patterns of proteins were similar. Moringa oleifera extract exhibited protective properties, reversing these VA‐induced biochemical changes due to its antioxidant and therapeutic attributes. This research suggests that moringa extract might serve as an alternative treatment approach for individuals using VA and experiencing salivary gland issues, although further research is necessary to confirm these findings in human subjects.
Synthesis of Some Novel Thiophene Analogues as Potential Anticancer Agents
Authors: Almatari Altaf S. , Saeed Ali , Abdel‐Ghani Ghada E. , Abdullah Mahmood M. S. , Al‐Lohedan Hamad A. , Abdel‐Latif Ehab , El‐Demerdash Amr
Published: March 2024

The aim of this study involves the synthesis novel thiophene analogues that can be used as anticancer medications through a strategic multicomponent reaction connecting ethyl 4‐chloroacetoacetate (1), phenyl isothiocyanate, and a series of active methylene reagents, including ethyl acetoacetate (2), malononitrile, ethyl cyanoacetate, cyanoacetamide 6a–c, N‐phenyl cyanoacetamide derivatives 13a–c, and acetoacetanilide derivatives 18. This reaction was facilitated by dry dimethylformamide with a catalytic quantity of K2CO3. The resultant thiophene derivatives were identified as 4, 8a–b, 9, 12a–d, 15a–c, and 20a–b. Further reaction of compound 4 with hydrazine hydrate yielded derivative 5, respectively. When compound 1 was refluxed with ethyl 3‐mercapto‐3‐(phenylamino)‐2‐(p‐substituted phenyldiazenyl)acrylate 10a–e in the presence of sodium ethoxide, it produced thiophene derivatives 12a–d. Comprehensive structural elucidation of these newly synthesized thiophene‐analogues was accomplished via elemental and spectral analysis data. Furthermore, the study delves into the cytotoxicity of the newly synthesized thiophenes was evaluated using the HepG2, A2780, and A2780CP cell lines. The amino‐thiophene derivative 15b exhibited an increased growth inhibition of A2780, and A2780CP with IC50 values 12±0.17, and 10±0.15 μM, respectively compared to Sorafenib with IC50 values 7.5±0.54 and 9.4±0.14. This research opens new avenues for developing thiophene‐based anticancer agents.
In vitro Evaluation of the Antileishmanial and Antischistosomal Activities of p‐Coumaric Acid Prenylated Derivatives
Authors: Vieira Tatiana M. , Barco Júlia G. , Paula Lucas A. L. , Felix Paulo C. A. , Bastos Jairo K. , Magalhães Lizandra G. , Crotti Antônio E. M.
Published: March 2024

We have evaluated eight p‐coumaric acid prenylated derivatives in vitro for their antileishmanial activity against Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes and their antischistosomal activity against Schistosoma mansoni adult worms. Compound 7 ((E)‐3,4‐diprenyl‐4‐isoprenyloxycinnamic alcohol) was the most active against L. amazonensis (IC50=45.92 μM) and S. mansoni (IC50=64.25 μM). Data indicated that the number of prenyl groups, the presence of hydroxyl at C9, and a single bond between C7 and C8 are important structural features for the antileishmanial activity of p‐coumaric acid prenylated derivatives.
Binding Dynamics of a Stapled Peptide Targeting the Transcription Factor NF−Y
Authors: Durukan Canan , Arbore Federica , Klintrot Rasmus , Bigiotti Carlo , Ilie Ioana M. , Vreede Jocelyne , Grossmann Tom N. , Hennig Sven
Published: March 2024

Transcription factors (TFs) play a central role in gene regulation, and their malfunction can result in a plethora of severe diseases. TFs are therefore interesting therapeutic targets, but their involvement in protein–protein interaction networks and the frequent lack of well–defined binding pockets render them challenging targets for classical small molecules. As an alternative, peptide–based scaffolds have proven useful, in particular with an α‐helical active conformation. Peptide–based strategies often require extensive structural optimization efforts, which could benefit from a more detailed understanding of the dynamics in inhibitor/protein interactions. In this study, we investigate how truncated stapled α‐helical peptides interact with the transcription factor Nuclear Factor‐Y (NF−Y). We identified a 13‐mer minimal binding core region, for which two crystal structures with an altered C‐terminal peptide conformation when bound to NF−Y were obtained. Subsequent molecular dynamics simulations confirmed that the C‐terminal part of the stapled peptide is indeed relatively flexible while still showing defined interactions with NF−Y. Our findings highlight the importance of flexibility in the bound state of peptides, which can contribute to overall binding affinity.