bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tissue Adhesives for Traumatic Lacerations: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials*
Authors: Farion Ken J. , Osmond Martin H. , Hartling Lisa , Russell Kelly F. , Klassen Terry P. , Crumley Ellen , Wiebe Natasha
Published: February 2003

Objective: To summarize the best available evidence for the effect of tissue adhesives (TAs) in managing traumatic lacerations in children and adults. Methods: A search was conducted using the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Medline, and EMBase for relevant studies. The authors also searched the citations of selected studies and contacted relevant authors and manufacturers. The search included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing a TA versus standard wound closure (sutures, staples, adhesive strips) (SWC) or two TAs for acute, linear, low‐tension, traumatic lacerations in an emergency or primary care setting. Data were extracted by one reviewer and checked for accuracy by a second reviewer. Two reviewers independently assessed masked copies for quality. Outcomes of cosmesis (subgroups of age, wound location, and need for deep sutures), pain, procedure time, ease of use, and complications were analyzed separately for two comparisons: 1) TA versus SWC; and 2) TA versus TA. Results: Eight studies compared a TA with SWC. No significant difference was found for cosmesis at any time point examined. Subgroup analysis was possible only for age; no significant difference was found. Pain scores [Parent Visual Analogue Scale weighted mean difference (VAS WMD) =−15.7 mm; 95% CI =−21.9 to −9.5] and procedure time (WMD =−5.7 minutes; 95% CI =−8.2 to −3.1) significantly favored TAs. Small, statistically significant risk differences were found for dehiscence [favoring SWC; number needed to harm (NNH) = 25; 95% CI = 14 to 100] and erythema (favoring TAs; NNH = 8; 95% CI = 4 to 100). Only one study compared two TAs (butylcyanoacrylate versus octylcyanoacrylate) for pediatric facial lacerations. No significant difference was found for cosmesis, pain, procedure time, or complications. Conclusions: TAs are an acceptable alternative to SWC for simple traumatic lacerations. No difference in cosmesis was found between TAs and SWC, or between different TAs. Tissue adhesives offer the benefits of decreased procedure time and less pain, compared with SWC. A small increased rate of dehiscence with TAs must be considered when choosing the closure method (NNH = 25).
A Survey of the Emergency Department Population and Their Interest in Preventive Health Education
Authors: Llovera Ingrid , Ward Mary F. , Ryan James G. , LaTouche Thalia , Sama Andrew
Published: February 2003

Objective: To determine which preventive health information the emergency department (ED) population (patients and visitors) would be most interested in having available to them while they spend time in the waiting area. Methods: This was a prospective survey of consecutive adults seated in the ED waiting area during a representative week on predetermined shifts. The survey asked them to indicate whether they would be interested in obtaining information about the following preventive health issues: breast cancer, prostate cancer, smoking, obesity, stress reduction, exercise programs, alcohol/drugs, HIV, blood pressure screening, immunizations, referrals to primary care physicians, Pap smears, car safety, smoke detectors, domestic and youth violence, depression, gun safety, and safe sex. Results: Of the 1,284 subjects approached, 878 (68%) made up the study group (56% female, mean age = 44 years, 60% white); 406 refused. The information people were most interested in obtaining was the following: 52% of the respondents were interested in referral to stress reduction programs, 51% in information about exercise programs, 42% in blood pressure screening, 40% in information about breast cancer screening, 33% in depression information/screening, 33% in prostate cancer screening, 26% in immunization against pneumococcus, 24% in immunization against tetanus, 26% in smoking cessation programs, and 26% in safe driving information. Women were most interested in breast cancer screening (64%); and men, in prostate cancer screening (55%). Conclusions: Of the 878 subjects in the study group, 96% were interested in obtaining information about one or more preventive health issues. An opportunity exists to respond to this interest by providing material for public health education in the waiting area of EDs.
Tumor Necrosis Factor-α-Induced Interleukin-8 (IL-8) Expression in Endometriotic Stromal Cells, Probably through Nuclear Factor-κB Activation: Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist Treatment Reduced IL-8 Expression
Authors: Sakamoto Yasuko , Harada Tasuku , Horie Sayako , Iba Yumiko , Taniguchi Fuminori , Yoshida Souichi , Iwabe Tomio , Terakawa Naoki
Published: February 2003

Endometriosis, a common disease among women of reproductive age, is characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus. We previously reported that TNFα promoted proliferation of endometriotic stromal cells by inducing IL-8 gene and protein expression. We hypothesize that TNFα may induce IL-8 production in endometriotic cells through nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation. Western blot analyses and electrophoretic mobility shift assays revealed that incubation with TNFα induced the expression of phosphorylated inhibitor κB (p-IκB) and activation of NF-κB in endometriotic stromal cells. The NF-κB inhibitor, N-tosyl-l-phenylalanine chloromethyl ketone, reduced TNFα-induced IL-8 gene and protein expression. The medical treatment of endometriosis with GnRH agonist (GnRHa) has been shown to induce hypoestrogenemia and reduce the observable number of endometriotic implants. We compare the expression of IL-8 gene and protein in endometriotic stromal cells of patients treated with GnRHa and those of patients without treatment before laparoscopic cystectomy for endometrioma. The addition of TNFα (0.1 ng/ml) significantly increased protein and gene expression of IL-8 in the cells of patients without GnRHa treatment, but this expression was not observed in the cells of patients with GnRHa. The addition of estradiol (E2; 10−7m) enhanced the expression of IL-8. However, in the cells of patients who received GnRHa treatment, TNFα and E2 did not show any significant effect. In endometriotic stromal cells without GnRHa treatment, TNFα and E2 increased the expression of p-IκB. In contrast, TNFα and E2 had no significant effect on the expression of p-IκB in cells that received GnRHa treatment. These findings demonstrate that NF-κB activation is critical for TNFα-induced IL-8 expression in endometriotic stromal cells. The current study showed for the first time that GnRHa treatment attenuated the expression of IL-8 by reducing TNFα-induced NF-κB activation.
Impairment of Myocardial Protection in Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Lee Tsung-Ming , Chou Tsai-Fwu
Published: February 2003

Diabetic patients are more prone to develop postinfarction complications. It remained unclear whether diabetes mellitus- or sulfonylureas-associated changes of ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels, an integral player in ischemic preconditioning, are responsible for the increased mortality. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of diabetes mellitus per se and different sulfonylurea administration on cardioprotective effects in diabetic patients undergoing coronary angioplasty. Myocardial ischemia after coronary angioplasty was evaluated in 20 nondiabetic and 23 diabetic patients chronically taking either glibenclamide or glimepiride. Nondiabetic patients treated with glimepiride significantly lowered the ischemic burden assessed by an ST-segment shift, chest pain score, and myocardial lactate extraction ratios compared with the glibenclamide-treated patients, implying that acute administration of glimepiride did not abolish cardioprotection. In the diabetic glibenclamide-treated group, the reduction in the ST-segment shift afforded by nicorandil in the first inflation (−58% vs. the first inflation in the glibenclamide group alone) was similar to that afforded by preconditioning (−59% during the second vs. the first inflation). In glimepiride-treated groups, the magnitude of attenuated lactate production was less in diabetes than that in nondiabetes at the second inflation, suggesting that diabetes mellitus per se plays a role in determining lactate production. Our results show that both diabetes mellitus and sulfonylureas can act in synergism to inhibit activation of KATP channels in patients undergoing coronary angioplasty. The degree of inhibition assessed by metabolic and electrocardiographic parameters is less severe during treatment with glimepiride than with glibenclamide. Restitution of a preconditioning response in glimepiride-treated patients may be the potential beneficial mechanism.
Local force induced conical protrusions of phagocytic cells
Authors: Vonna Laurent , Wiedemann Agnès , Aepfelbacher Martin , Sackmann Erich
Published: February 2003

Magnetic tweezers were used to study the passive and active response of macrophages to local centripetal nanonewton forces on β1 integrins. Superparamagnetic beads coated with the β1-integrin-binding protein invasin were attached to J774 murine macrophages to mimic phagocytosis of bacterial pathogens. Forces exceeding ∼0.5 nN induce the active formation of trumpet-like protrusions resembling pseudopodia after an initial elastic deflection and a response time of ∼30 seconds. The speed of advancement of the protrusion is =0.065±0.020 μm second-1 and is force independent. After saturation (after about 100 seconds) the protrusion stops abruptly and is completely retracted again against forces exceeding 5 nN with an effective relaxation time of ∼30 seconds. The active protrusion is tentatively attributed to the growth of the actin cortex in the direction of the force, and evidence for the involvement of actin is provided by the finding that Latrunculin A abolishes the activated cone growth. The growth is assumed to be activated by cell signaling mediated by the invasin-specific integrins (exhibiting β1 chains) and could play a role in phagocytic and protrusive events during immune response by macrophages.
Changing directions: clathrin-mediated transport between the Golgi and endosomes
Authors: Hinners Ina , Tooze Sharon A.
Published: February 2003

Clathrin-coated vesicles mediate transport between the trans-Golgi network(TGN) and endosomes. In recent years there has been tremendous progress in identifying factors involved in anterograde and retrograde transport steps. The well-characterised heterotetrameric clathrin adaptor complex AP-1 has long been thought to mediate anterograde transport from the TGN to endosomes. However, recent studies of AP-1-knockout mice implicate AP-1 in retrograde as well as anterograde transport. The recently identified Golgi-associated,γ-ear-containg, ARF-binding (GGA) proteins share functional similarities with tetrameric adaptor complexes and are essential for anterograde transport of mannose-6-phosphate receptors, the sorting receptors for soluble lysosomal enzymes. To date, it is not clear whether GGAs and AP-1 mediate transport in different directions, act in parallel pathways, or cooperate in the same transport steps. Recent data have shed light on the locations, functions and interactions of AP-1 and GGA proteins. These data provide support for the role of both in anterograde transport from the Golgi complex.
TheArabidopsis lue1mutant defines a katanin p60 ortholog involved in hormonal control of microtubule orientation during cell growth
Authors: Bouquin Thomas , Mattsson Ole , Næsted Henrik , Foster Randy , Mundy John
Published: February 2003

The lue1 mutant was previously isolated in a bio-imaging screen for Arabidopsis mutants exhibiting inappropriate regulation of an AtGA20ox1 promoter-luciferase reporter fusion. Here we show that lue1 is allelic to fra2, bot1 and erh3, and encodes a truncated katanin-like microtubule-severing protein (AtKSS). Complementation of lue1 with the wild-type AtKSS gene restored both wild-type stature and luciferase reporter levels. Hormonal responses of lue1 to ethylene and gibberellins revealed inappropriate cortical microtubule reorientation during cell growth. Moreover, a fusion between the AtKSS protein and GFP decorated cortical microtubules. A yeast two-hybrid screen with AtKSS as the bait identified proteins related to those involved in microtubule processing, including a katanin p80 subunit and a kinesin ortholog. These results indicate that AtKSS is involved in microtubule dynamics in response to plant hormones.
TES is a novel focal adhesion protein with a role in cell spreading
Authors: Coutts Amanda S. , MacKenzie Elaine , Griffith Elen , Black Donald M.
Published: February 2003

Previously, we identified TES as a novel candidate tumour suppressor gene that mapped to human chromosome 7q31.1. In this report we demonstrate that the TES protein is localised at focal adhesions, actin stress fibres and areas of cell-cell contact. TES has three C-terminal LIM domains that appear to be important for focal adhesion targeting. Additionally, the N-terminal region is important for targeting TES to actin stress fibres. Yeast two-hybrid and biochemical analyses yielded interactions with several focal adhesion and/or cytoskeletal proteins including mena, zyxin and talin. The fact that TES localises to regions of cell adhesion suggests that it functions in events related to cell motility and adhesion. In support of this, we demonstrate that fibroblasts stably overexpressing TES have an increased ability to spread on fibronectin.
Non-membranous granular organelle consisting of PCM-1: subcellular distribution and cell-cycle-dependent assembly/disassembly
Authors: Kubo Akiharu , Tsukita Shoichiro
Published: February 2003

Centriolar satellites were initially identified as electrondense spherical granules, ∼70-100 nm in diameter, localized around the centrosomes. We have previously identified pericentriolar material 1 (PCM-1), with a molecular mass of ∼230 kDa, as a component of centriolar satellites. We now show by immunofluorescence microscopy that these granules are not only concentrated around centrioles but also scattered throughout the cytoplasm in various types of mouse cells, leading us tentatively to call them `PCM-1 granules'. We then found that, when overexpressed, PCM-1 molecules lacking their C-terminal region bound directly with each other through two distinct regions to form large aggregates, which then recruited endogenous PCM-1. These large aggregates as well as endogenous PCM-1 granules appear to be disassembled during mitosis, and reassembled when the cells entered interphase. These findings suggest that PCM-1 granules are formed by self-aggregation of PCM-1 and that this self-aggregation is regulated in a cell-cycle-dependent manner. Furthermore, we found that PCM-1 granules are distinct from pericentrin-containing granules, and that these two distinct types of granular structures are frequently associated with each other within the cytoplasm. These findings are discussed with special reference to the possible physiological functions of PCM-1 granules.
Microtubule-disruption-induced and chemotactic-peptide-induced migration of human neutrophils: implications for differential sets of signalling pathways
Authors: Niggli Verena
Published: February 2003

Neutrophil granulocytes rely on a functional actin network for directed migration. Microtubule disassembly does not impair receptor-linked chemotaxis,instead it induces development of polarity and chemokinesis in neutrophils concomitant with polarized distribution of α-actinin and F-actin. Cells stimulated with colchicine, which disassembles microtubules, migrate with a speed comparable to cells exposed to chemotactic peptide. We investigated signalling pathways involved in colchicine-induced neutrophil polarization and migration. Colchicine-induced development of polarity was insensitive to treatment with pertussis toxin, in contrast to chemotactic-peptide-induced shape changes, which were completely abolished by this treatment. Thus,colchicine does not appear to act via activating heterotrimeric Giproteins. Colchicine does also not seem to act via phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, as it failed to induce phosphorylation of its downstream target Akt and the potent phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor wortmannin failed to inhibit colchicine-induced shape changes. By contrast, wortmannin significantly reduced chemotactic-peptide-induced shape changes. However, the Rho-kinase inhibitor Y-27632 (10 μM) inhibited colchicine-induced development of polarity by 95±3% (n=5) and chemokinesis by 76±9% (n=3), which suggests that the Rho-Rho-kinase pathway has a crucial role in polarity and migration. Indeed, treatment of cells with colchicine induced a significant increase in membrane-bound Rho-kinase II,which is indicative of activation of this protein. This membrane translocation could be prevented by taxol, which stabilizes microtubules. Colchicine also induced a marked increase in myosin light chain phosphorylation, which could be suppressed by Y-27632 and by taxol. In summary, we provide evidence that microtubule disassembly induces in neutrophils a selective activation of Rho-kinase, bypassing activation of heterotrimeric Gi proteins and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. This process is sufficient for induction of chemokinesis and mediates increased phosphorylation of myosin light chain and accumulation of F-actin and α-actinin in the leading edge.
Climate-Informed Patient Care as a Social Determinant of Health
Authors: Goldman Anna , Sommers Benjamin D.
Published: January 2024

This JAMA Forum discusses the implications for patient care by recognizing climate change as a social determinant of health.
Analysis of Clinical Samples of Pancreatic Cyst's Lesions with A Multi‐Analyte Bioelectronic Simot Array Benchmarked Against Ultrasensitive Chemiluminescent Immunoassay
Authors: Scandurra Cecilia , Björkström Kim , Caputo Mariapia , Sarcina Lucia , Genco Enrico , Modena Francesco , Viola Fabrizio Antonio , Brunetti Celestino , Kovács‐Vajna Zsolt M. , Franco Cinzia Di , Haeberle Lena , Larizza Piero , Mancini Maria Teresa , Österbacka Ronald , Reeves William , Scamarcio Gaetano , Wheeler May , Caironi Mario , Cantatore Eugenio , Torricelli Fabrizio , Esposito Irene , Macchia Eleonora , Torsi Luisa
Published: January 2024

Pancreatic cancer, ranking as the third factor in cancer‐related deaths, necessitates enhanced diagnostic measures through early detection. In response, SiMoT‐Single‐molecule with a large Transistor multiplexing array, achieving a Technology Readiness Level of 5, is proposed for a timely identification of pancreatic cancer precursor cysts and is benchmarked against the commercially available chemiluminescent immunoassay SIMOA (Single molecule array) SP‐X System. A cohort of 39 samples, comprising 33 cyst fluids and 6 blood plasma specimens, undergoes detailed examination with both technologies. The SiMoT array targets oncoproteins MUC1 and CD55, and oncogene KRAS, while the SIMOA SP‐X planar technology exclusively focuses on MUC1 and CD55. Employing Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for multivariate data processing, the SiMoT array demonstrates effective discrimination of malignant/pre‐invasive high‐grade or potentially malignant low‐grade pancreatic cysts from benign non‐mucinous cysts. Conversely, PCA analysis applied to SIMOA assay reveals less effective differentiation ability among the three cyst classes. Notably, SiMoT unique capability of concurrently analyzing protein and genetic markers with the threshold of one single molecule in 0.1 mL positions it as a comprehensive and reliable diagnostic tool. The electronic response generated by the SiMoT array facilitates direct digital data communication, suggesting potential applications in the development of field‐deployable liquid biopsy.
Ionic Strength‐Mediated “DNA Corona Defects” for Efficient Arrangement of Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Luo Yuanyuan , Wu Na , Niu Liqiong , Hao Pengyan , Sun Xiaoya , Chen Feng , Zhao Yongxi
Published: January 2024

Single‐stranded DNA oligonucleotides wrapping on the surface of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), described as DNA corona, are often used as a dispersing agent for SWCNTs. The uneven distribution of DNA corona along SWCNTs is related to the photoelectric properties and the surface activity of SWCNTs. An ionic strength‐mediated “DNA corona defects” (DCDs) strategy is proposed to acquire an exposed surface of SWCNTs (accessible surface) as large as possible while maintaining good dispersibility via modulating the conformation of DNA corona. By adjusting the solution ionic strength, the DNA corona phase transitioned from an even‐distributed and loose conformation to a locally compact conformation. The resulting enlarged exposed surface of SWCNTs is called DCDs, which provide active sites for molecular adsorption. This strategy is applied for the arrangement of SWCNTs on DNA origami. SWCNTs with ≈11 nm DCD, providing enough space for the adsorption of “capture ssDNA” (≈7 nm width required for 24‐nt) extended from DNA origami structures are fabricated. The DCD strategy has potential applications in SWCNT‐based optoelectronic devices.
Recent Advances in Smart Tactile Sensory Systems with Brain‐Inspired Neural Networks
Authors: Lee Junho , Kwak Jee Young , Keum Kyobin , Sik Kim Kang , Kim Insoo , Lee Myung‐Jae , Kim Yong‐Hoon , Park Sung Kyu
Published: January 2024

Tactile sensory systems play a vital role in various emerging fields including robotics, prosthetics, and human–machine interfaces. However, traditional tactile sensors are typically designed to detect a single stimulus through a lock‐and‐key mechanism, which poses substantial challenges in the realization of multimodal tactile sensors. To address this issue, the convergence of tactile sensory systems with artificial neural network and machine learning (ML) platforms has been utilized to enhance the capabilities of multimodal sensors and enable signal decoupling/interpretation of mixed tactile stimuli. Herein, recent progress in multimodal sensors that can simultaneously identify various stimuli such as strain, pressure, and temperature is reviewed, providing in‐depth understanding of materials, structures, and methodologies. In addition, accurate interpretation of signals from mixed tactile stimuli under complex conditions remains challenging. This review presents a comprehensive exploration of ML algorithms that mimic human neural networks, discussing their significance in advancing smart sensory systems and improving signal interpretation in complex and dynamic environments.
Metabolic and other morbid complications in congenital generalized lipodystrophy type 4
Authors: Akinci Gulcin , Alyaarubi Saif , Patni Nivedita , Alhashmi Nadia , Al‐Shidhani Azza , Prodam Flavia , Gagne Nancy , Babalola Funmbi , Al Senani Aisha , Muniraj Kavitha , Elsayed Solaf M. , Beghini Marianna , Saydam Basak Ozgen , Allawati Moosa , Vaishnav Madhumati S. , Can Ender , Simsir Ilgin Y. , Sorkina Ekaterina , Dursun Fatma , Kamrath Clemens , Cavdar Umit , Chakraborty Partha P. , Dogan Ozlem Akgun , Al Hosin Aliya , Al Maimani Ashwaq , Comunoglu Nil , Hamed Ahmed , Huseinbegovic Tea , Scherer Thomas , Curtis Jacqueline , Brown Rebecca J. , Topaloglu Haluk , Simha Vinaya , Wabitsch Martin , Tuysuz Beyhan , Oral Elif A. , Akinci Baris , Garg Abhimanyu
Published: January 2024

Morbidity and mortality rates in patients with autosomal recessive, congenital generalized lipodystrophy type 4 (CGL4), an ultra‐rare disorder, remain unclear. We report on 30 females and 16 males from 10 countries with biallelic null variants in CAVIN1 gene (mean age, 12 years; range, 2 months to 41 years). Hypertriglyceridemia was seen in 79% (34/43), hepatic steatosis in 82% (27/33) but diabetes mellitus in only 21% (8/44). Myopathy with elevated serum creatine kinase levels (346–3325 IU/L) affected all of them (38/38). 39% had scoliosis (10/26) and 57% had atlantoaxial instability (8/14). Cardiac arrhythmias were detected in 57% (20/35) and 46% had ventricular tachycardia (16/35). Congenital pyloric stenosis was diagnosed in 39% (18/46), 9 had esophageal dysmotility and 19 had intestinal dysmotility. Four patients suffered from intestinal perforations. Seven patients died at mean age of 17 years (range: 2 months to 39 years). The cause of death in four patients was cardiac arrhythmia and sudden death, while others died of prematurity, gastrointestinal perforation, and infected foot ulcers leading to sepsis. Our study highlights high prevalence of myopathy, metabolic abnormalities, cardiac, and gastrointestinal problems in patients with CGL4. CGL4 patients are at high risk of early death mainly caused by cardiac arrhythmias.
Ultrastable, Superrobust, and Recyclable Supramolecular Polymer Networks
Authors: Niu Wenwen , Li Zequan , Liang Fengli , Zhang Houyu , Liu Xiaokong
Published: January 2024

Supramolecular polymer networks (SPNs), crosslinked by noncovalent bonds, have emerged as reorganizable and recyclable polymeric materials with unique functionality. However, poor stability is an imperative challenge faced by SPNs, because SPNs are susceptible to heat, water, and/or solvents due to the dynamic and reversible nature of noncovalent bonds. Herein, the design of a noncovalent cooperative network (NCoN) to simultaneously stabilize and reinforce SPNs is reported, resulting in an ultrastable, superrobust, and recyclable SPN. The NCoN is constructed by multiplying the H‐bonding sites and tuning the conformation/geometry of the H‐bonding segment to optimize the multivalence cooperativity of H‐bonds. The rationally designed H‐bonding segment with high conformational compliance favors the formation of tightly packed H‐bond arrays comprising higher‐density and stronger H‐bonds. Consequently, the H‐bonded crosslinks in the NCoN display a covalent crosslinking effect but retain on‐demand dynamics and reversibility. The resultant ultrastable SPN not only displays remarkable resistance to heat up to 120 °C, water soaking, and a broad spectrum of solvents, but also possesses a superhigh true stress at break (1.1 GPa) and an ultrahigh toughness (406 MJ m−3). Despite the covalent‐network‐like stability, the SPN is recyclable through activating its reversibility in a high‐polarity solvent heated to a threshold temperature.
Shape‐Assisted Self‐Assembly of Hexa‐Substituted Carpyridines into 1D Supramolecular Polymers
Authors: Gallego Lucía , Woods Joseph F. , Butti Rachele , Szwedziak Piotr , Vargas Jentzsch Andreas , Rickhaus Michel
Published: January 2024

The extent of the influence that molecular curvature plays on the self‐assembly of supramolecular polymers remains an open question in the field. We began addressing this fundamental question with the introduction of “carpyridines”, which are saddle‐shaped monomers that can associate with one another through π–π interactions and in which the rotational and translational movements are restricted. The topography displayed by the monomers led, previously, to the assembly of highly ordered 2D materials even in the absence of strong directional interactions such as hydrogen bonding. Here, we introduce a simple strategy to gain control over the dimensionality of the formed structures yielding classical unidimensional polymers. These have been characterized using well‐established protocols allowing us to determine and confirm the self‐assembly mechanism of both fibers and sheets. The calculated interaction energies are significantly higher than expected for flexible self‐assembling units lacking classical “strong” non‐covalent interactions. The versatility of this supramolecular unit to assemble into either supramolecular fibers or 2D sheets with strong association energies highlights remarkably well the potential and importance of molecular shape for the design of supramolecular materials and the applications thereof.
Preparation of highly selective nanofiltration composite membranes based on a novel soluble rigidly contorted monomer
Authors: Zhou Jing , Liu Zhenyu , Jiang Chi , Hou Yingfei
Published: January 2024

Nanofiltration composite membranes with high selectivity are one of the most critical cores in water treatment, and regulating the surface charge and pore structure of active separation layers in thin film composite membranes is one of the most effective means to improve the selectivity of composite membranes. This article synthesized a novel monomer with positive charge and a rigid twisted Tröger's base structure (named TBDA‐SO3), which was manipulated to improve the microporous structure and surface charge of the composite membrane. By interfacial polymerization, TBDA‐SO3, and piperazine were co‐reacted with trimesoyl chloride to successfully prepare positively charged, highly selective, and strongly microporous polyamide composite nanofiltration membranes. The best‐performing composite nanofiltration membrane in this article has a permeability similar to that of the control group's poly(piperazine amide) (PPA) membrane (pure water flux, 7.8 L m−2 h−1 bar−1), but has excellent divalent cation selectivity (52.57), which is 4.4 times that of the control group's PPA membrane.
Photoluminescent and tough hydrogels from silk fibroin and polyacrylic acid complexed with europium
Authors: Zhao Yu , Puthia Manoj , Jo Seong‐Min , Guan Juan , Liu Mingjie , Wu Sujun
Published: January 2024

Biocompatible, tough, and photoluminescent hydrogels are highly desirable for biomedical applications in vivo. Herein, hybrid hydrogels prepared from silk fibroin (SF) and polyacrylic acid (PAA) and complexed with europium, named as SF‐PAA‐Eu3+ hydrogels, exhibit good comprehensive properties. Owing to the intensive molecular interactions among SF, PAA, and Eu3+, SF‐PAA‐Eu3+ hydrogels show a greatest tensile strength of 0.58 MPa, elongation of 443%, and work of fracture of 1.65 MJ/m. In vivo imaging experiment in a mouse subcutaneous implantation model revealed excellent and sustained photoluminescence of the SF‐PAA‐Eu3+ hydrogels for 24 h. The work provides a strategy for designing functional SF‐based hydrogels for imaging applications in vivo.
Near‐infrared light response novel shape memory actuator based on photothermal rGO‐TiO2 filler
Authors: Zhang You , Ma Wenzhong , Zhong Jing , Jiang Ruiqiao , Zhou Zhou , Lu Sirui , Wang Shuo
Published: January 2024

As an efficient method to realize photoinduced shape memory, photothermal filler has the characteristics of economy and convenience. However, the aggregation of the photothermal filler in the matrix material will reduce the material's shape memory and mechanical properties. In this work, the photothermal filler of reduced graphene oxide (rGO)‐titanium dioxide (TiO2) was prepared by the solvothermal method and then introduced into the polycaprolactone (PCL) matrices to construct a photoresponsive actuator. Because of TiO2 is uniformly loaded on the rGO surface, rGO‐TiO2 disperses well in the composites. When the GO:TiO2 ratio of photothermal filler is 1:1, the mechanical properties of PCL‐GT‐3 are the best, and the tensile strength and elongation at break are 31.8 MPa and 239.5%, respectively, and the crosslinking material under near‐infrared light has a good photothermal effect. Due to the induced difference between the in‐plane stress of the surface and the volume layer, the shape transformation can be controlled by very low energy (808 nm, 700 mW near‐infrared laser). The scheme of controlling the properties of the photoinduced shape memory material by changing only the filler type is conducive to commercial application.
FloraTraiter: Automated parsing of traits from descriptive biodiversity literature
Authors: Folk Ryan A. , Guralnick Robert P. , LaFrance Raphael T.
Published: January 2024

Premise

Plant trait data are essential for quantifying biodiversity and function across Earth, but these data are challenging to acquire for large studies. Diverse strategies are needed, including the liberation of heritage data locked within specialist literature such as floras and taxonomic monographs. Here we report FloraTraiter, a novel approach using rule‐based natural language processing (NLP) to parse computable trait data from biodiversity literature.

Methods

FloraTraiter was implemented through collaborative work between programmers and botanical experts and customized for both online floras and scanned literature. We report a strategy spanning optical character recognition, recognition of taxa, iterative building of traits, and establishing linkages among all of these, as well as curational tools and code for turning these results into standard morphological matrices.

Results

Over 95% of treatment content was successfully parsed for traits with <1% error. Data for more than 700 taxa are reported, including a demonstration of common downstream uses.

Conclusions

We identify strategies, applications, tips, and challenges that we hope will facilitate future similar efforts to produce large open‐source trait data sets for broad community reuse. Largely automated tools like FloraTraiter will be an important addition to the toolkit for assembling trait data at scale.
An updated and extended version of the Melastomataceae probe set for target capture
Authors: Dagallier Léo‐Paul M. J. , Michelangeli Fabián A.
Published: January 2024

Premise

A probe set was previously designed to target 384 nuclear loci in the Melastomataceae family; however, when trying to use it, we encountered several practical and conceptual problems, such as the presence of sequences in reverse complement, intronic regions with stop codons, and other issues. This raised concerns regarding the use of this probe set for sequence recovery in Melastomataceae.

Methods

In order to correct these issues, we cleaned the Melastomataceae probe set, extended it with additional sequences, and compared its performance with the original version.

Results

The final probe set targets 396 putative nuclear loci represented by 6009 template sequences. The probe set has been made available, along with details on the cleaning process, for reproducibility. We show that the new probe set performs better than the original version in terms of sequence recovery.

Discussion

This updated, extended, and cleaned probe set will improve the availability of phylogenomic resources across the Melastomataceae family. It is fully compatible with sequence recovery and extraction pipelines. The cleaning process can also be applied to any plant‐targeting probe set that would need to be cleaned or updated if new genomic resources for the targeted taxa become available.
Mapping school‐level language policies across multilingual secondary schools in England: An ecology of English, modern languages and community languages policies
Authors: Forbes Karen , Morea Nicola
Published: January 2024

Language plays a crucial role in education; yet, while issues of language are undoubtedly relevant to all teachers, school‐level language policies, which aim to provide explicit guidance underpinned by a clear set of principles, are too often conspicuous by their absence. In a range of educational contexts around the world it has been found that where such policies do exist, they are frequently fragmented and underpinned by monolingual ideologies that do not reflect the linguistic diversity of schools today. The aim of this study, therefore, is to map the provision of school‐level policies from a representative sample of secondary schools in England (n = 998) and explore the extent to which they address (either implicitly or explicitly) the following dimensions of language: (a) English, both as the language of instruction and in relation to support for English as an additional language (EAL) learners; (b) modern languages in the curriculum; and (c) other home or community languages. Drawing on an ecologically informed approach, where these three dimensions of language are conceptualised as systems, analysis was conducted to identify areas of divergence and (potential for) intersection. Findings suggest that policies relating to languages, where they exist, are largely compartmentalised and tensions emerged between the various systems. However, we also note several promising points of intersection which indicate that there is scope for developing cohesive and holistic languages policies at a whole‐school level.
Digitale Zwillinge für Brücken mittlerer Stützweite – Pilotprojekt Brücke Schwindegg – Teil 2: Verwaltungsschale
Authors: Wimmer Johannes , Braml Thomas , Kaiser Maximilian
Published: January 2024

Der Begriff „Digitaler Zwilling“ findet im deutschsprachigen Raum zunehmend Verwendung für die digitale Verwaltung und Überwachung des Zustands von Brücken. Während in der Industrie und Medizin bereits normative Entwicklungen für den Einsatz Digitaler Zwillinge angestoßen wurden, werden im Bauwesen derzeit erste Prototypen umgesetzt. Für den Betrieb digitaler Abbilder wurden proprietäre Onlineumgebungen entwickelt, die in ihrer Flexibilität und Wiederverwendbarkeit beschränkt sind. Eine Skalierung mittels Einbindung in Modelle des Building Information Modellings wird untersucht, stößt jedoch aufgrund der Echtzeitanbindung an ihre Grenzen. Im Beitrag werden bestehende Definitionen des Digitalen Zwillings der Industrie in den Kontext des Bauwesens gesetzt. Anhand der in Teil 1 des Beitrags vorgestellten Isenbrücke in Schwindegg wird die Implementierung dieser Brücke als Industrie 4.0‐Verwaltungsschale präsentiert. Es zeigt sich, dass auch für Ingenieurbauwerke ein industrieller datengetriebener Digitaler Zwilling technisch und semantisch umgesetzt werden kann. Im Beitrag werden außerdem zukünftige Herausforderungen für die Entwicklung von Auswertungs‐ und Steuermechanismen für das Bauwerk vorgestellt und eine Möglichkeit der Visualisierung gezeigt. Das Ziel ist die Schaffung einer Syntax für die Kommunikation zwischen den Verwaltungsschalen.
Integration of metabolomics and network pharmacology technology to explain the effect mechanisms of Danggui Buxue decoction in vascular dementia
Authors: Fan Qin , Liu Xinhong , Zhang Yanying , Kang Wanrong , Si Shanshan , Zhang Hongmei
Published: January 2024

Danggui Buxue decoction (DBD) is a traditional Chinese medicine herbal decoction that has a good therapeutic effect on vascular dementia (VaD). However, its pharmacodynamic substances and underlying mechanisms are ambiguous. The work aimed to decipher the pharmacodynamic substances and molecular mechanisms of DBD against VaD rats based on gas chromatography–mass spectrometry metabonomics, network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental verification. The results indicated that DBD significantly improved the learning abilities and cognitive impairment in the VaD rat model. Integration analysis of the metabolomics and network pharmacology approach revealed that DBD might primarily affect arachidonic acid (AA) and inositol phosphate metabolic pathways by regulating the platelet activation signaling pathways. Six core targets (TNF [tumor necrosis factor], IL‐6 [interleukin 6], PTGS2 [prostaglandin‐endoperoxide synthase 2], MAPK1, MAPK3, and TP53) in the platelet activation signaling pathways also had a good affinity to seven main active components (saponins, organic acids, flavonoids, and phthalides) of DBD through the verification of molecular docking. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay results (ELISA) showed that the levels of TNF, IL‐6, PTGS2, thromboxane B2, and caspase‐3 in the platelet activation signaling pathway can be regulated by DBD. Our results indicated that DBD treated VaD mainly by modulating the platelet activation signaling pathway, and AA and inositol phosphate metabolism.
Dual regulation effect and mechanism of human myeloid‐derived suppressor cells on anticolorectal cancer cells activity of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells
Authors: Zhang Mengyu , Wu Yuanyuan , Qin Yahan , Shen Jie , Cui Zhao , Lei Fan , Zhang Ke , Li Baiqing , Liang Shujuan , Peng Meiyu
Published: January 2024

Myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are a group of immature inhibitory cells of bone marrow origin. Human γδ T cells (mainly Vγ9Vδ2 T cells) have emerged as dominant candidates for cancer immunotherapy because of their unique recognition pattern and broad killing activity against tumor cells. Intestinal mucosal intraepithelial lymphocytes are almost exclusively γδ T cells, so it plays an important role in inhibiting the development of colorectal cancer. In this study, we investigated the effects and molecular mechanism of human MDSC on anticolorectal cancer cells activity of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells. Our results suggested that MDSC can reduce the NKG2D expression of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells through direct cell–cell contact, which is associated with membrane‐type transforming growth factor‐β. In contrast, MDSC can increase Vγ9Vδ2 T cells activation and production of IFN‐γ, perforin, Granzyme B through direct cell–cell contact. This may be related to the upregulation of T‐bet in Vγ9Vδ2 T cells by MDSC. However, MDSC had a dominant negative regulatory effect on the anticolorectal cancer cells activity of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells. Our study provides a theoretical basis for the immune regulatory function of human MDSC on γδ T cells. This will be conducive to the clinical development of a new antitumor therapy strategy.
The COSMHYC Project Series: Innovative Hydrogen Compression Solutions
Authors: Chahrouri Rami , Colomar David , Jeanmougin Antoine , Martinez-Abenojar Alberto
Published: January 2024

In order to be stored efficiently, hydrogen gas is commonly compressed to high pressures making compression a crucial step in the value chain. Existing mechanical compressors have efficiency and reliability drawbacks, while novel technologies require further development and demonstration to reach market maturity. Comprehensive research & development efforts on metal hydride compression have recently resulted in significant advancements, allowing to overcome the main issues. A hybrid compression concept, proposed by the consortium of the COSMHYC project series, benefits from the advantages of both mechanical and metal hydride compression technologies, while limiting their drawbacks. It is currently being tested and demonstrated at full‐scale for implementation in real life applications.
Hydrogen Interactions with Defects in Materials
Authors: Pundt Astrid , Wagner Stefan
Published: January 2024

This manuscript summarizes basic properties of hydrogen in materials, mainly metals, and resulting consequences for the materials properties, including recent developments. It emphasises to introduce into the field of hydrogen in metals in a focused manner. It addresses hydrogen solution in materials, hydride formation, hydrogen diffusion and permeation and the interaction of hydrogen with defects. The influence of hydrogen on the defect energies and consequences for the metal behaviour are addressed. Further, the influence of constraint conditions on the system properties is shortly discussed.
Exploring the epigenetic susceptibility mechanisms of lung cancer through DNA methylation markers
Authors: Rolfo Christian , Del Re Marzia , Russo Alessandro
Published: January 2024

During lung carcinogenesis, different epigenetic changes occur and, among these, DNA methylation aberrations play a critical role, representing an appealing biomarker for cancer screening. In this Cancer issue, Zhao et al. systematically assessed the associations of genetically predicted DNA methylation CpGs with non–small cell lung cancer risk.
Analysis and design of a passive regenerative inductor‐capacitor‐diode snubber for DC link over‐voltage mitigation in Y‐source inverter
Authors: Diver Rodrigo P. , Santos Rafael , Gonçalves Flávio A. S.
Published: January 2024

Renewable energy‐based distributed generation presents new challenges for power inverters, requiring greater flexibility, reliability, cost‐effectiveness, and efficiency. Impedance source network‐based inverters (INIs) are an attractive option for addressing some of these issues since they provide a single‐stage power conversion structure with buck‐boost capability, allowing them to manage shoot‐through conduction on the inverter arms. However, some INI topologies based on magnetic coupling, such as those of the Y‐source impedance network family, have problems related to overvoltages at the power switches because of the presence of unwanted leakage inductances in the coupled‐inductor windings. The insertion of the regenerative and passive LCD snubber in the impedance network circuit is a solution to mitigate this problem, but there is currently a lack of a clear and concise methodology to design its components, which hinders a wider adoption of this solution in different types of INI. This paper presents a comprehensive and analytical design for determining LCD snubber components. This study was carried out with the quasi‐Y‐source inverter, but the same methodology can be extended to other types of INI based on the Y‐source network.
Twice‐exceptionality unmasked: A systematic narrative review of the literature on identifying dyslexia in the gifted child
Authors: Kranz Amanda E. , Serry Tanya A. , Snow Pamela C.
Published: January 2024

In this systematic narrative review, we synthesised the small existing body of research on children who are gifted and dyslexic (G‐D) in order to investigate the claim that G‐D students have a unique profile, characterised by well‐masked word‐level reading and spelling difficulties. Our focus was on both the cognitive and academic profiles of this subgroup of twice‐exceptional (2e) children and the assessment protocols used to identify them. Findings suggest that despite having processing deficits associated with dyslexia, G‐D students' gifted strengths, especially those relating to oral language, may enable them to compensate for their reading difficulties, at least to an extent that they fail to meet standard diagnostic criteria. However, G‐D students also perform poorly on word‐level reading, reading fluency and spelling tasks when compared with both control groups and their gifted, non‐dyslexic peers, providing clear evidence of impaired achievement. Findings from this review highlight the need for (a) a more nuanced approach to the assessment of students presenting with highly discrepant profiles and (b) future research into both the cognitive and academic profiles and the instructional needs of this highly able yet poorly understood group of students, whose potential may be masked and thus underestimated in the school setting.
Population genetics and genetic variation of Pomacea canaliculata (Gastropoda: Ampullariidae) in China revealed by sequence analyses of three mitochondrial genes
Authors: Yi Xi‐Long , Liu Jing , Cao Mei‐Ling , Xiong Jun , Deng Yuan‐Ping , Wang Hui‐Mei , Ma Ping‐Ping , Liu Guo‐Hua , Yang Hua
Published: January 2024

The Golden apple snail, Pomacea canaliculata, is one of the world's 100 worst invasive alien species that is best known for its damage to wetland agriculture. It also acts as an intermediate host of some zoonotic parasites such as Angiostrongylus cantonensis, posing threats to human public health and safety. Despite is being an important agricultural pest, the genetic information and population expansion history of this snail remains poorly understood in China. In this study, we analyzed the genetic variation and population genetics of P. canaliculata populations in seven regions of China based on molecular markers of three mitochondrial (mt) genes. A total of 15 haplotypes were recognized based on single mt cox1, nad1, and nad4, and eight haplotypes were identified using the concatenated genes. High haplotype diversity, moderate nucleotide diversity, low gene flow, and high rates of gene differentiation among the seven P. canaliculata populations were detected. Shanghai and Yunnan populations showed higher genetic flow and very low genetic differentiation. The results of Tajima's D, Fu's Fs, and mismatch distribution showed that P. canaliculata did not experience population expansion in China. Genetic distance based on haplotypes suggested that nad1 gene was more conserved than cox1 gene within P. canaliculata. The phylogenetic analyses showed there may be two geographical lineages in the Chinese mainland. The present study may provide a new genetic marker to analyze P. canaliculata, and results support more evidence for studying the genetic distribution of P. canaliculata in China and contribute to a deeper understanding of its population genetics and evolutionary biology.