bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automatic semifluid mass dispenser
Authors:   Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute for Sustainable Technologies, Samborski Tomasz , Zbrowski Andrzej , Kozioł Stanisław , Mrozek Mirosław
Published: April 2023

The article presents an innovative method for hair dye dispensing and a prototype device enabling automatic dispensing of hair dyes and other semifluid substances. The dispenser makes it possible to programme colour compositions and to precisely dispense the programmed amounts of dyes from three different tubes to combine colours and achieve the desired, known or new, colour and tonal value, as requested by the client. With the dispenser’s software, the hairdresser can create interlinked databases of applications and mixtures and ensure rational management of the substances used. The modern design, compact structure, and automated operation decide on the innovativeness of the dispenser. The article discusses the genesis of the project, the functional and technical assumptions of the innovative device, as well as the design and development of the prototype and performance of functional tests, paying particular attention to the presentation and description of the following: (1) the original structural solutions; (2) the operation of functional modules that are responsible for positioning and identifying dye tubes, dispensing dyes in precisely defined amounts, monitoring the composition of the colour formula, and ensuring optimum dye use; and (3) the user interface. The structure of the device was developed by joining metal structural elements produced with the use of technologies typical for machine construction with commercial components (drives and controllers) and components produced with the use of additive manufacturing technologies responsible for the complete integration and design of the device. The original structural solution of the device is protected by intellectual property rights under patent applications.
Rajasthan's Agricultural Innovation Landscape: An Overview of Start-ups and Trends
Authors: Beniwal Anubhav , Mathur Aditi
Published: April 2023

This mini review article provides an overview of the agricultural innovation landscape in Rajasthan, India, with a focus on start-ups and trends. The article highlights the involvement of students from different fields and limited participation of agriculture graduates into emerging Agri based start-ups. Purpose of this article is to give a glimpse so comparative participation for students from different background into Agri based numerous start-ups, and the role of incubators and accelerators in supporting start-ups. It also discusses various government initiatives aimed at boosting the start-up ecosystem in India. The article concludes by discussing the different domains that are leveraging technology for the democratization of sectoral innovation across India. The agriculture sector is crucial to the Indian economy, providing employment opportunities and ensuring national food security. The government has launched various initiatives to promote entrepreneurship in agriculture, including access to high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and market linkages. However, the scalability of these startups in the long term is uncertain due to the absence of agriculture graduates opting for startups. Rajasthan has emerged as a hub for tech-driven entrepreneurs, with the government launching its flagship initiative, istart Rajasthan, to boost the startup ecosystem.
Long-term Outcomes Following a Comprehensive Quality Assurance and Process Improvement Endeavor to Minimize Opioid Use After Kidney Transplant
Authors: Carcella Taylor , Patel Neha , Marable Jarrod , Bethi Shipra , Fleming James , Baliga Prabhakar , DuBay Derek , Taber David , Rohan Vinayak
Published: April 2023

Importance

Opioid use following kidney transplant is associated with an increased risk of graft loss and mortality. Opioid minimization strategies and protocols have shown reductions in short-term opioid use after kidney transplant.

Objective

To evaluate the long-term outcomes associated with an opioid minimization protocol following kidney transplant.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This single-center quality improvement study evaluated postoperative and long-term opioid use before and after the implementation of a multidisciplinary, multimodal pain regimen and education process in adult kidney graft recipients from August 1, 2017, through June 30, 2020. Patient data were collected from a retrospective chart review.

Exposures

Preprotocol and postprotocol implementation use of opioids.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Between November 7 and 23, 2022, opioid use before and after protocol implementation was evaluated up to 1 year after transplant using multivariable linear and logistic regression.

Results

A total of 743 patients were included, with 245 patients in the preprotocol group (39.2% female and 60.8% male; mean [SD] age, 52.8 [13.1 years]) vs 498 in the postprotocol group (45.4% female and 54.6% male; mean [SD] age, 52.4 [12.9 years]). The total morphine milligram equivalents (MME) in the 1-year follow-up in the preprotocol group was 1203.7 vs 581.9 in the postprotocol group. In the postprotocol group, 313 patients (62.9%) had 0 MME in the 1-year follow-up vs 7 (2.9%) in the preprotocol group (odds ratio [OR], 57.52; 95% CI, 26.55-124.65). Patients in the postprotocol group had 99% lower odds of filling more than 100 MME in the 1-year follow-up (adjusted OR, 0.01; 95% CI, 0.01-0.02; P < .001). Opioid-naive patients postprotocol were one-half as likely to become long-term opioid users vs preprotocol (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.20-0.98; P = .04).

Conclusions and Relevance

The study’s findings show a significant reduction in opioid use in kidney graft recipients associated with the implementation of a multimodal opioid-sparing pain protocol.
An Innovative Design for the Fabrication of Flexible Composite Films from Si3N4 Fiber Paper
Authors: Gong Zhe , Leng Xinxin , Bai Xueang , Qiao Ruiqing
Published: April 2023

A high‐temperature‐resistant flexible substrate is a critical component of high‐performance flexible electronic components. Herein, a method that does not require flowing gas and which is suitable for volume production is presented for the preparation of several‐millimeter‐long silicon nitride (Si3N4) fibers with a cross‐sectional dimension of 0.1–1.0 μm. Further, a square sheet of paper with a weight of 0.050 g, side lengths of 105 mm each, and thickness of 15 μm is fabricated using the Si3N4 fibers via a conventional laboratory paper‐making method. Subsequently, the Si3N4 paper is coated with an LaNiO3 sol using a blade‐coating machine, dried at 80 °C for 10 min, and then annealed at 650 °C for 60 min to prepare Si3N4 fiber paper/LaNiO3 composite films to evaluate the feasibility of applying the paper as a substrate for fabricating flexible functional films. The experimental results confirm that the Si3N4 fiber paper has excellent high‐temperature resistance during annealing in air, and the Si3N4 paper/LaNiO3 composite film presents excellent flexibility and conductivity. Thus, membranous flexible electronic components can be fabricated from Si3N4 fiber paper/LaNiO3 paper by a regular high‐temperature annealing process.
Mechano‐Triboelectric Transduction of Sliding‐Mode Nanogenerators with Magnetic Pre‐Stress
Authors: Zhang Qin , Shen Fan , Cao Chen , Gong Ying , Wang Biao , Li Zhongjie , Peng Yan , Zhang Quan , Hu Chenguo , Guo Hengyu
Published: April 2023

Studies on the enhancement of output performance are widely presented based on the theory of output characteristics for sliding‐mode triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). However, few studies are reported to investigate the electromechanical coupling of the external force onto the S‐TENG due to its fuzzy influence on electrical performance. In order to study the effect of the pre‐stress on S‐TENGs, in this work, a novel strategy of adding flexible magnet layers in the S‐TENG is first proposed to study the electrification and coupling effect induced by magnetic pre‐stress (or magnetically stresses triboelectric nanogenerator, MS‐TENG) both theoretically and experimentally. The electromechanical characteristic of the MS‐TENG is theoretically studied by introducing the magnetic pre‐stress coefficient. Considering the effect of the magnetic pre‐stress, load resistances, and sliding frequency on MS‐TENG at a low sliding speed, the relevant output performance of the MS‐TENG is derived through the equivalent circuit model. Furthermore, the corresponding experiments are conducted and the experimental results present a good agreement with the theoretical calculations, which effectively reveal the principle of the magnetic pre‐stress on the MS‐TENG. This work is aimed at providing a theoretical description with validations on the effect of external pre‐stresses on the performance enhancement of S‐TENGs.
STING Protein‐Based In Situ Vaccine Synergizes CD4+ T, CD8+ T, and NK Cells for Tumor Eradication
Authors: He Yanpu , Hong Celestine , Huang Shengnan , Kaskow Justin A. , Covarrubias Gil , Pires Ivan S. , Sacane James C. , Hammond Paula T. , Belcher Angela M.
Published: April 2023

Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling is a promising target in cancer immunotherapy, with many ongoing clinical studies in combination with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Existing STING‐based therapies largely focus on activating CD8+ T cell or NK cell‐mediated cytotoxicity, while the role of CD4+ T cells in STING signaling has yet to be extensively studied in vivo. Here, a distinct CD4‐mediated, protein‐based combination therapy of STING and ICB as an in situ vaccine, is reported. The treatment eliminates subcutaneous MC38 and YUMM1.7 tumors in 70–100% of mice and protected all cured mice against rechallenge. Mechanistic studies reveal a robust TH1 polarization and suppression of Treg of CD4+ T cells, followed by an effective collaboration of CD4+ T, CD8+ T, and NK cells to eliminate tumors. Finally, the potential to overcome host STING deficiency by significantly decreasing MC38 tumor burden in STING KO mice is demonstrated, addressing the translational challenge for the 19% of human population with loss‐of‐function STING variants.
4D Printed Programmable Shape‐Morphing Hydrogels as Intraoperative Self‐Folding Nerve Conduits for Sutureless Neurorrhaphy
Authors: Joshi Akshat , Choudhury Saswat , Baghel Vageesh Singh , Ghosh Souvik , Gupta Sumeet , Lahiri Debrupa , Ananthasuresh G. K. , Chatterjee Kaushik
Published: April 2023

There are only a few reports of implantable 4D printed biomaterials, most of which exhibit slow deformations rendering them unsuitable for in situ surgical deployment. In this study, a hydrogel system is engineered with defined swelling behaviors, which demonstrated excellent printability in extrusion‐based 3D printing and programmed shape deformations post‐printing. Shape deformations of the spatially patterned hydrogels with defined infill angles are computationally predicted for a variety of 3D printed structures, which are subsequently validated experimentally. The gels are coated with gelatin‐rich nanofibers to augment cell growth. 3D‐printed hydrogel sheets with pre‐programmed infill patterns rapidly self‐rolled into tubes in vivo to serve as nerve‐guiding conduits for repairing sciatic nerve defects in a rat model. These 4D‐printed hydrogels minimized the complexity of surgeries by tightly clamping the resected ends of the nerves to assist in the healing of peripheral nerve damage, as revealed by histological evaluation and functional assessments for up to 45 days. This work demonstrates that 3D‐printed hydrogels can be designed for programmed shape changes by swelling in vivo to yield 4D‐printed tissue constructs for the repair of peripheral nerve damage with the potential to be extended in other areas of regenerative medicine.
Chemical–Mechanical Polishing of 4H Silicon Carbide Wafers
Authors: Wang Wantang , Lu Xuesong , Wu Xinke , Zhang Yiqiang , Wang Rong , Yang Deren , Pi Xiaodong
Published: April 2023

4H silicon carbide (4H‐SiC) holds great promise for high‐power and high‐frequency electronics, in which high‐quality 4H‐SiC wafers with both global and local planarization are cornerstones. Chemical–mechanical polishing (CMP) is the key processing technology in the planarization of 4H‐SiC wafers. Enhancing the performance of CMP is critical to improving the surface quality and reducing the processing cost of 4H‐SiC wafers. In this review, the superior properties of 4H‐SiC and the processing of 4H‐SiC wafers are introduced. The development of CMP with chemical, mechanical, and chemical–mechanical synergistic approaches to improve the performance of CMP is systematically reviewed. The basic principle and processing system of each improvement approach are presented. By comparing the material removal rate of CMP and the surface roughness of CMP‐treated 4H‐SiC wafers, the prospect on the chemical, mechanical, and chemical–mechanical synergistic improvement approaches is finally provided.
Self‐Powered and Humidity‐Modulable Optoelectronic Synapse
Authors: Lao Jie , Jiang Chunli , Luo Chunhua , Zhong Ni , Tian Bobo , Yue Fangyu , Tang Xiaodong , Peng Hui , Duan Chun‐Gang
Published: April 2023

With the advantage of high bandwidth, low power consumption, and low crosstalk from optical signal stimulation, optoelectronic synapses are attracting more and more attention. Herein, a self‐powered two‐terminal optoelectronic synapse based on a lead‐free Cs2AgBiBr6 perovskite/P(VDF‐TrFE)/pentacene heterostructure is designed, which shows bidirectional responses to optical stimuli with different wavelengths (λ = 445 nm/660 nm). This feature enables the device to emulate both excitatory and inhibitory synaptic behaviors in a fully optical pathway. Besides optical stimulus, humidity is used as an additional stimulus to modulate the synaptic performance of the device under 445 nm illumination. The device is successfully applied to stimulate the behavior of the weather tree forecast and visual learning and forgetting processes under different mood states via humidity regulation.
Ice‐Templating: Integrative Ice Frozen Assembly to Tailor Pore Morphology of Energy Storage and Conversion Devices
Authors: Zhao Feng , Lin Lin , Zhang Jian , Liu Jing , Shi Junyou , Godec Yann Le , Courac Alexandre
Published: April 2023

Ice‐templating, also known as directional freezing or freeze‐casting, features the tunability of microstructure, the wide applicability of functional nanomaterials, and the fabrication of multiscale well‐controlled biomimetic materials. Recently, integrating ice‐templating with other materials’ processing technologies (such as, spraying, spinning, filtration, and hydrothermal), it has been investigated to tailor pore morphology of scaffolds for emerging applications. Such integration endows materials with various structures (cellular, dendritic, and lamellar) and dimensions (0D, 1D, 2D, and 3D), which opens up a new avenue for improving material properties and developing new materials. Herein, this review probes into the relationship of integrative ice frozen assembly with structure and describes the fundamental principles and synthesis strategies for preparing multi‐scale materials with complex biomimetic structures via ice‐templating. Focusing on ice crystal nucleation and growth, it summarizes the performance of ice‐templating in constructing pore geometries. Additionally, the review analyzes in depth the correlation between microstructure and macromorphology of final scaffolds, highlighting the application of integrative ice frozen assembly in electrochemical energy storage and conversion, and prospects for future research directions for this field.
Deep Learning Enabled Perceptive Wearable Sensor: An Interactive Gadget for Tracking Movement Disorder
Authors: Babu Anand , Ranpariya Spandan , Sinha Dhirendra Kumar , Mandal Dipankar
Published: April 2023

Biosignals of diverse body posture contain a key information about the physiological, kinesiological, and anatomical status of human body that can facilitate in early assessing the neurological maladies such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and other neurological disorders. Early detection and timely intervention of specific diagnosis for curing the disorders is considered as one of the effective step of diagnosis. Existing technologies of capturing human movements have the limitations of low latencies, bulky counterpart, cost‐intensive, and power consuming. A highly sensitive (≈440 mV N−1), confirmable, and flexible wearable gadget is introduced for addressing such complexities; moreover, the gadget is fabricated by recycling waste material. Subsequently, it is interfaced with various deep/machine learning algorithms for classification/prediction of different hand poses; particularly unsupervised k‐means clustering is used for observing discrete classes, and different supervised algorithms such as k‐nearest neighbor, support vector machine, deep neural network (DNN), and pattern recognition that provide the high degree of prediction accuracy (up to ≈98%) for classification of different postures. Thus, artificial intelligence‐aided wearable gadget can not only offer an unique solution for autonomously tracking various body movements but also assist in reducing waste materials, which is otherwise a threat to the environment.
Universal Homojunction Design for Colloidal Quantum Dot Infrared Photodetectors
Authors: Chen Menglu , Xue Xiaomeng , Qin Tianling , Wen Chong , Hao Qun , Tang Xin
Published: April 2023

Due to the appeal of room temperature operation and low‐cost potential, colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) have become an alternative to traditional epitaxial materials for infrared photodetection. However, various device structure designs and different functional material layers are required to obtain high photodetection performances for different infrared subranges. In this work, a straightforward method is introduced for building CQD p‐i‐n homojunction as well as the inverted n‐i‐p homojunction photodetector, by preparing various doping type and density CQD inks with a mixed phase ligand exchange method. It is approved that both normal and inverted homojunctions show the specific detectivity D* as high as 1012‐1011 Jones and external quantum efficiency near 90% at high operating temperature. It is also approved that the method works for multiple infrared subranges such as 1.5 µm that covers the conventional wavelength for fiber‐optical communication (1530–1565 nm), 1.3–1.9 µm that is about the short‐wave infrared (SWIR), 1.3–2.5 µm that covers extend SWIR (beyond the standard InGaAs sensors, 1.75 µm), and 3.6 µm that belongs to mid‐wave infrared (MWIR). Applications such as spectrometer and infrared imager are also demonstrated.
Oscillating Fluid Flow Activated Osteocyte Lysate‐Based Hydrogel for Regulating Osteoblast/Osteoclast Homeostasis to Enhance Bone Repair
Authors: Zheng Liyuan , Zhou Disheng , Ju Feier , Liu Zixuan , Yan Chenzhi , Dong Zhaoxia , Chen Shuna , Deng Lizhi , Chan Szehoi , Deng Junjie , Zhang Xingding
Published: April 2023

As major regulators on bone formation/resorption in response to mechanical stimuli, osteocytes have shown great promise for restoring bone injury. However, due to the unmanageable and unabiding cell functions in unloading or diseased environments, the efficacy of osteogenic induction by osteocytes has been enormously limited. Herein, a facile method of oscillating fluid flow (OFF) loading for cell culture is reported, which enables osteocytes to initiate only osteogenesis and not the osteolysis process. After OFF loading, multiple and sufficient soluble mediators are produced in osteocytes, and the collected osteocyte lysates invariably induce robust osteoblastic differentiation and proliferation while restraining osteoclast generation and activity under unloading or pathological conditions. Mechanistic studies confirm that elevated glycolysis and activation of the ERK1/2 and Wnt/β‐catenin pathways are the major contributors to the initiation of osteoinduction functions induced by osteocytes. Moreover, an osteocyte lysate‐based hydrogel is designed to establish a stockpile of “active osteocytes” to sustainably deliver bioactive proteins, resulting in accelerated healing through regulation of endogenous osteoblast/osteoclast homeostasis.
The Rise and Development of MOF‐Based Materials for Metal‐Chalcogen Batteries: Current Status, Challenges, and Prospects
Authors: Zhang Long , Hou Yanglong
Published: April 2023

Metal‐chalcogen batteries (MCBs) have been considered promising candidates for next‐generation energy storage because of their low cost, high theoretical capacity, and environmental friendliness. However, several issues, such as volume changes during charging/discharging, the shuttle effect of soluble intermediates, the sluggish reaction kinetics of intermediate conversions, and the uncontrolled dendrite growth of alkali metal anodes, have greatly impeded the commercialization of MCBs. The introduction of metal‐organic framework (MOF)‐based materials (pristine MOFs, MOF composites, and MOF derivatives) into different parts of MCBs can effectively overcome the above issues because these materials possess the advantages of high porosity, low density, large surface area, regular pore channels, tunable pore size, and topological variety. Herein, a detailed overview of recent advances in MOF‐based materials in MCBs, providing comprehensive guidelines for further research is presented. MOF‐based materials for cathodes and anodes are first summarized, in which the influence of various parameters of pristine MOFs on the properties and the application status of typical composites and derivatives are presented. MOF‐based materials for separators are then presented according to different working mechanisms. Next, MOF‐based materials for electrolytes are described based on their physical states. Finally, the challenges and outlook for applying MOF‐based materials in MCBs are discussed.
Effects of a ketogenic and low‐fat diet on the human metabolome, microbiome, and foodome in adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Dilmore Amanda Hazel , Martino Cameron , Neth Bryan J. , West Kiana A. , Zemlin Jasmine , Rahman Gibraan , Panitchpakdi Morgan , Meehan Michael J. , Weldon Kelly C. , Blach Colette , Schimmel Leyla , Kaddurah‐Daouk Rima , Dorrestein Pieter C. , Knight Rob , Craft Suzanne ,   Alzheimer's Gut Microbiome Project Consortium
Published: April 2023

INTRODUCTION

The ketogenic diet (KD) is an intriguing therapeutic candidate for Alzheimer's disease (AD) given its protective effects against metabolic dysregulation and seizures. Gut microbiota are essential for KD‐mediated neuroprotection against seizures as well as modulation of bile acids, which play a major role in cholesterol metabolism. These relationships motivated our analysis of gut microbiota and metabolites related to cognitive status following a controlled KD intervention compared with a low‐fat‐diet intervention.

METHODS

Prediabetic adults, either with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or cognitively normal (CN), were placed on either a low‐fat American Heart Association diet or high‐fat modified Mediterranean KD (MMKD) for 6 weeks; then, after a 6‐week washout period, they crossed over to the alternate diet. We collected stool samples for shotgun metagenomics and untargeted metabolomics at five time points to investigate individuals’ microbiome and metabolome throughout the dietary interventions.

RESULTS

Participants with MCI on the MMKD had lower levels of GABA‐producing microbes Alistipes sp. CAG:514 and GABA, and higher levels of GABA‐regulating microbes Akkermansia muciniphila. MCI individuals with curcumin in their diet had lower levels of bile salt hydrolase‐containing microbes and an altered bile acid pool, suggesting reduced gut motility.

DISCUSSION

Our results suggest that the MMKD may benefit adults with MCI through modulation of GABA levels and gut‐transit time.
Conformationally Controlled sp3‐Hydrocarbon‐Based α‐Helix Mimetics
Authors: Dewis Lydia I. , Rudrakshula Madhavachary , Williams Christopher , Chiarparin Elisabetta , Myers Eddie L. , Butts Craig P. , Aggarwal Varinder K.
Published: April 2023

With over 60 % of protein–protein interfaces featuring an α‐helix, the use of α‐helix mimetics as inhibitors of these interactions is a prevalent therapeutic strategy. However, methods to control the conformation of mimetics, thus enabling maximum efficacy, can be restrictive. Alternatively, conformation can be controlled through the introduction of destabilizing syn‐pentane interactions. This tactic, which is often adopted by Nature, is not a common feature of lead optimization owing to the significant synthetic effort required. Through assembly‐line synthesis with NMR and computational analysis, we have shown that alternating syn–anti configured contiguously substituted hydrocarbons, by avoiding syn‐pentane interactions, adopt well‐defined conformations that present functional groups in an arrangement that mimics the α‐helix. The design of a p53 mimetic that binds to Mdm2 with moderate to good affinity, demonstrates the therapeutic promise of these scaffolds.
Multifunctional starch/carbon nanotube composites with segregated structure: Electrical conductivity, electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness, thermal conductivity, and electro‐thermal conversion
Authors: Mei Xiangxiang , Zhao Yunfeng , Jiang Haowei , Gao Tianyuan , Huang Zhao‐Xia , Qu Jin‐Ping
Published: April 2023

Conductive polymer composites with segregated structure (s‐CPCs) are widely used in the electronics industry. Achieving selective distribution of the conductive fillers in the polymer matrix is an effective way to construct s‐CPCs. In this work, the starch was used as the matrix and the carbon nanotube (CNT) was used as the conductive fillers to fabricate multifunctional s‐CPCs, via simple mechanical mixing and compression molding. During the processing, the starch underwent partial gelatinization, which was conducive to the fusion of the starch granules and the selective distribution of the CNT. Scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope images showed that the CNT was attached to the surface of the starch granules to form a segregated structure. The starch/CNT composites exhibited a significant percolation, with a percolation threshold of 0.24 vol%. When the CNT content was 3.05 vol%, the starch/CNT composites exhibited a high electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness of 33.12 dB, which was commercially applicable in EMI shielding devices. The starch/CNT composites also possess good thermal management properties and can be used as thermal conductors and electro‐thermal conversion devices. This work manifests the application prospect in the field of the electronics industry and broadens the application potential of starch.
Evaluation of properties and aging resistance of epoxy asphalt composite modified by ultraviolet absorber
Authors: Wang Qichang , Min Zhaohui , Wong Yiik Diew , Li Mingyue , Huang Wei
Published: April 2023

This research investigated the effect of ultraviolet absorber (UV‐531) on the properties of epoxy asphalt (EA) binders. EA binders were modified by adding UV‐531 absorber at contents of 0, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, and 1.2 wt%, and composites were then subjected to ultraviolet (UV)‐based aging, including UV, oxygen, and heat treatment. Laboratory tests were conducted to assess UV absorption, viscosity, mechanical parameters, contact angle, microstructure, and chemical functional groups of absorber‐modified EA composites before and after aging. The results showed that the addition of UV‐531 resulted in enhanced UV absorption capacity, lower initial viscosity, and longer allowable application time for EA composites. The UV‐531 absorber has good compatibility with EA binders and does not weaken the performance of EA binders. From anti‐aging perspective, UV‐531 absorber effectively delayed the degradation of the physical, mechanical, and chemical structures of EA composites. The breakage of alkyl and ester groups of EA composites containing absorber was significantly reduced under aging conditions. Overall, the presence of UV‐531 retarded severe performance deterioration in EA composite. Considering aging improvement and economic cost, it is recommended to use a content of 0.9 wt% UV‐531 absorber as an anti‐aging agent for EA composites.
Phototherapy improves cognitive function in dementia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lu Xinlian , Liu Chengyu , Shao Feng
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of phototherapy intervention on cognitive function in older adult patients with dementia. PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials, PsycINFO, and Clinical Trials were searched from their inception to August 10, 2022, for randomized controlled trials involving patients with dementia who received phototherapy interventions. We used the weighted mean difference (MD) or standard weighted mean difference to generate the pooled estimates. The primary outcome was cognitive function as measured by the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) score. The secondary outcomes were the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSDs) and sleep. This systematic review and meta‐analysis was registered in PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42022343788). We included 12 randomized controlled trials comprising 766 patients with dementia (426 patients in the intervention group and 340 in the control group). Phototherapy interventions significantly improved MMSE scores (n = 3, MD 2.68, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.38–3.98, I2 = 0%). There were no significant differences in the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia score, Cohen‐Mansfield Agitation Inventory score (MD: −3.12, 95% CI: −8.05, 1.82, I2 = 0%), Neuropsychiatric Inventory score, sleep efficiency, total sleep time, and Sleep Disorders Inventory score between the groups. Our systematic review and meta‐analysis showed that phototherapy significantly improved cognitive function in patients with dementia.
Quantitative coronary three‐dimensional geometry and its association with atherosclerotic disease burden and composition
Authors: Prado Guy F. A. , Blanco Pablo J. , Bulant Carlos A. , Ares Gonzalo D. , Mariani Jose , Caixeta Adriano , Almeida Breno O. , Garzon Stefano , Pinton Fábio A. , Barbato Emanuele , Ribichini Flavio L. , Toth Gabor G. , Mahfoud Felix , Wijns William , Garcia‐Garcia Hector M. , Lemos Pedro A.
Published: April 2023

Background

Isolate features of the coronary anatomy have been associated with the pathophysiology of atherosclerotic disease. Computational methods have been described to allow precise quantification of the complex three‐dimensional (3D) coronary geometry. The present study tested whether quantitative parameters that describe the spatial 3D coronary geometry is associated with the extension and composition of the underlying coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods

Patients with CAD scheduled for percutaneous intervention were investigated with coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), and invasive coronary angiography, and virtual histology intravascular ultrasound (IVUS‐VH). For all target vessels, 3D centerlines were extracted from CCTA images and processed to quantify 23 geometric indexes, grouped into 3 main categories as follows: (i) length‐based; (ii) curvature‐based, torsion‐based, and curvature/torsion‐combined; (iii) vessel path‐based. The geometric variables were compared with IVUS‐VH parameters assessing the extent and composition of coronary atherosclerosis.

Results

A total of 36 coronary patients (99 vessels) comprised the study population. From the 23 geometric indexes, 18 parameters were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with at least 1 IVUS‐VH parameter at a univariate analysis. All three main geometric categories provided parameters significantly related with atherosclerosis variables. The 3D geometric indexes were associated with the degree of atherosclerotic extension, as well as with plaque composition. Geometric features remained significantly associated with all IVUS‐VH parameters even after multivariate adjustment for clinical characteristics.

Conclusions

Quantitative 3D vessel morphology emerges as a relevant factor associated with atherosclerosis in patients with established CAD.
Conversion of Methanol into Hydrocarbons over Biomass‐Assisted ZSM‐5 Zeolites: Effect of the Biomass Nature
Authors: Zheng Qianwen , Louis Benoît
Published: April 2023

Biomass waste was revealed to act as a promising bio‐template to modify and possibly tailor the zeolite intrinsic properties: texture, crystallinity and acidity. According to the “bio‐sourced secondary template (BSST)” concept, 7 types of abundant biomasses (lignin, oxidized lignin, coffee bagasse, spent tea leaves and three kinds of algae) were selected and their role was evaluated in the zeolite crystallization. As‐synthesized biomass‐assisted ZSM‐5 zeolites were characterized by XRD, SEM, BET and NH3‐TPD techniques to investigate the effects of biomass extra‐addition. The results showed that mainly surface acidic properties were impacted by the presence of biomass. Among them, spent tea leaves‐mediated ZSM‐5 (named A‐tea) exhibited a high catalytic performance in the methanol‐to‐olefins reaction (MTO), with full methanol conversion for more than 50 h at 83 % selectivity towards light olefins, probably due to its mild acidity. Besides, more acidic ZSM‐5 zeolites obtained using three algae (algaCM, algaTM and algaBB), according to the B‐method, demonstrated a methanol conversion superior to 50 % during 75, 94 and 134 h, respectively. This study led to synthesize potential catalysts exhibiting a high MTO catalytic performance, as well as providing hints for future investigations aiming to control zeolite nucleation and growth following the BSST strategy.
Polarity and Dielectric Property Control Triggered by a Coordinated Solvent Molecule Exchange in Luminescent Mononuclear Aluminium(III) Complexes
Authors: Kobayashi Fumiya , Gemba Misato , Hoshino Shoma , Tsukiyama Koichi , Shiotsuka Michito , Nakajima Takashi , Tadokoro Makoto
Published: April 2023

The development of molecule‐based multifunctional switchable materials that exhibit a switch of polarity and dielectric property are extremely limited. We have demonstrated solvent‐vapour‐induced reversible molecular rearrangements between nonpolar crystals [Al(sap)(acac)(sol)] (H2sap=2‐salicylideneaminophenol, acac=acetylacetonate, sol=MeOH (1), EtOH (2)) and polar crystal [Al(sap)(acac)(DMSO)] (3). This crystal‐to‐crystal structural transformation was accompanied by a switch of second harmonic generation (SHG) and dielectric properties, including the formation of ferroelectric domains, thus reflecting the SHG‐active polar Cc space group of 3. This is the first reported example of dielectric properties and polarity switching in luminescent mononuclear aluminium(III) complexes, which exhibit strong green emission in the solid state.
Converging Stereodivergent Reactions: Highly Stereoselective Formalanti‐Markovnikov Addition of H2O to Mixtures of Olefins
Authors: Höthker Sebastian , Mika Regine , Goli Harie , Gansäuer Andreas
Published: April 2023

We describe a highly diastereo‐ and enantioselective two‐step formalanti‐Markovnikov addition of H2O to diastereomeric mixtures of trisubstituted olefins. Our approach overcomes the limits of classical stereospecific addition reactions to olefins for the generation of adjacent stereocenters. In these stereospecific reactions, separation of olefin diastereomers is essential. Our method circumvents the need for such difficult separations by simultaneously employing both diastereomeric olefins in the organocatalytic, highly enantioselective,syn‐specificShi‐epoxidation to yield diastereomeric oxiranes. The stereochemical model proposes the smallest substituent on the olefin to be stereodefining resulting in an identical enantiotopic approach for both olefin isomers on the less substituted carbon. By employing a stereoconverging epoxide hydrosilylation the identically configured center is retained, while the differing one is converted to a planar radical center that is reduced by asyn‐selective intramolecular hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) from aTi−Hbond. The observed converging behavior can be attributed to a HAT‐preceding directional isomerization step, that interconverts the obtained rotameric radicals which ultimately leads to high to excellent enantiomeric ratios of the final secondary alcohols.
Trends in heart failure prevalence in Japan 2014–2019: a report from healthcare administration databases
Authors: Zhang Ling , Ono Yasuhisa , Qiao Qing , Nagai Toshiyuki
Published: April 2023

Aims

Contemporary estimates of heart failure (HF) prevalence in Japan are scarce. We aimed to estimate HF prevalence and trends in Japan using nationally representative, large administrative claims databases.

Methods and results

This retrospective analysis used data from the Japan Medical Data Center (JMDC) (age ≤74 years) and the Medical Data Vision (MDV) (all ages) databases (study period: 1 January 2014–31 December 31 2019). We calculated HF prevalence using crude and sex‐/age‐standardized models (weighting based on Japanese census data, 2014–2019). Among 8 954 313 individuals aged ≤74 years from JMDC, and 27 920 174 of all ages from MDV, the cumulative 6 year (2014–2019) crude and sex‐/age‐standardized prevalence of HF per 1000 persons (95% confidence intervals) in Japan was 21.80 [21.70, 21.89] and 41.79 [30.25, 56.11] using JMDC and 65.09 [65.00, 65.18] and 60.95 [46.94, 77.62], respectively, using MDV. We observed an increasing yearly trend in crude HF prevalence per 1000 persons: 11.12 in 2014 and 14.69 in 2019 for JMDC; 58.09 and 77.18, respectively, for MDV. There was an overall increasing trend of comorbidities over time (2014–2019) among HF patients, especially in type 2 diabetes, malignant cancer, chronic kidney disease, and atrial fibrillation. From 2014 to 2019, the percentage of patients in JMDC with type 2 diabetes increased from 15.4% to 20.8% and 23.4% to 31.5% in MDV; malignant cancer frequency increased from 16.5% to 20.1% in JMDC and 18.8% to 23.9% in MDV; frequency of chronic kidney disease increased from 14.8% to 17.7% in JMDC and 18.2% to 22.7% in MDV; and frequency of atrial fibrillation increased from 13.6% to 15.6% in JMDC and 23.8% to 29.0% in MDV.

Conclusions

We estimated that the prevalence of HF in Japan was 2.2–3.7% for patients aged ≤74 during the period 2014–2019 using the JMDC database, while the prevalence for patients of all ages was 6.5% using the MDV database.
New Trends in Asymmetric Phase Transfer Catalysis
Authors: Albanese Domenico C. M. , Penso Michele
Published: April 2023

Phase Transfer Catalysis (PTC) is a powerful tool to perform reactions in a practical fashion, both in laboratory and industrial scale. Significant cost savings and major process improvements can be achieved in reactions performed under PTC conditions. In the last few years remarkable results in stereoselective reactions were achieved using chiral, non‐racemic quaternary ammonium salts. Moreover, the use of bulky, chiral phosphate anions paired with achiral cations to generate lipophilic ion pairs allowed to design new avenues for the stereoselective construction of important building blocks. Hydrogen bond interactions were also shown to provide new pathways for asymmetric nucleophilic substitutions using insoluble reagents under PTC conditions. This Review will focus on recent advances in developing practical synthetic routes to construct molecules in a stereoselective fashion under PTC conditions.
Lipidomic study and diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma tumor with rapid evaporative ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Wang Haixing , Li Ting , Shen Qing , Liu Zhifang , Chen You‐Wei , Huang Darong , Yu Jiancheng , Wang Long
Published: April 2023

Liver cancer is generally considered the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) contributes to more than 90% of liver cancers. The altered lipid metabolism for rapid cancer cell growth and tumor formation has been frequently proven. In this study, an ambient ionization mass spectrometry technique, rapid evaporative ionization mass spectrometry (REIMS) using a monopolar electric knife, called iKnife, was systematically optimized and employed for ex vivo analysis of 12 human HCC tumor tissue specimens together with the paired paracancerous tissue (PT) and noncancerous liver tissue (NCT) specimens. Nine free fatty acids and 34 phospholipids were tentatively identified according to their extract masses and/or tandem mass spectra. With the help of statistical methods, 7 free fatty acids and 10 phospholipids were distributed differently in 3 types of liver tissue specimens (95% confidence interval). The box plots showed these characterized lipid metabolites varied in PT, HCC, and NCT. Compared with PT and NCT, the upregulations of four common fatty acids FA 18:0, FA 20:4, FA 16:0, and FA 18:1, together with phospholipids PC 36:1, PE 38:3, PE (18:0/20:4), PA (O‐36:1), PC (32:1), PC 32:0, PE 34:0, and PC (16:0/18:1), were found in HCC specimens. The sensitivity and specificity of the established statistic model for real‐time HCC tumor diagnosis were 100% and 90.5%, respectively. This study demonstrated that the described REIMS technique is a potential method for rapid lipidomic analysis and characterization of HCC tumor tissue.
On the Structure–Odor Correlation of Muguet Aldehydes: Synthesis of 3‐(4’‐Isobutyl‐2’‐methylphenyl)propanal (Nympheal) and Four Novel Derivatives from a Hagemann’s Ester
Authors: Ohrmann Eva , Chandrasekaran Vijayanand , Hölscher Bernd , Kraft Philip
Published: April 2023

Lilybelle and Biomuguet are currently the only renewable and biodegradable non‐spermotoxic Lilial replacers. Being non‐aromatic, these lack however some of the green, aquatic aspects of Lilial that are present in the captive odorant Nympheal, 3‐(4‐isobutyl‐2‐methylphenyl)propanal, which is not available from renewable resources. Therefore, the influence of the aromatic nucleus on the odor of four new hydrogenated Nympheal derivatives was investigated, which were all accessible from the isobutyl Hagemann’s ester that was synthesized in 75 % yield from isovaleraldehyde with two equivalents of ethyl acetoacetate. The respective Hagemann’s ester was alkylated with 3‐bromopropanal dimethyl acetal and subjected to decarboxylative saponification, followed by hydride reduction and dehydration through the corresponding mesylate to furnish, after deprotection with formic acid, the corresponding exo‐ and endo‐dihydro‐Nympheal derivative. Full or partial hydrogenation of the central acetal‐protected intermediate provided after deprotection the analogous fully saturated analogue or the cyclohexene derivative. The olfactory properties of these four novel Nympheal derivatives are discussed and rationalized by computational olfactophore models.
Ovarian reserve in patients with multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Carbone Luigi , Di Girolamo Raffaella , Conforti Alessandro , Iorio Giuseppe Gabriele , Simeon Vittorio , Landi Doriana , Marfia Girolama Alessandra , Lanzillo Roberta , Alviggi Carlo
Published: April 2023

Objective

To summarize recent evidence about ovarian reserve markers in women affected by multiple sclerosis (MS) compared with healthy controls, as women with MS seem to be characterized by lower anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels.

Methods

The research was conducted using PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, ClinicalTrial.gov, OVID and Cochrane Library from inception of each database to June 30, 2022. Studies comparing ovarian reserve markers between women with MS and healthy controls were considered eligible for inclusion. The primary outcome was serum AMH (ng/mL) levels. Results were reported as pooled odds ratio (OR) for categorical outcomes and as mean difference (MD) for continuous variables, with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The random effect model of DerSimonian and Laird was adopted for all analyses. A P‐value less than 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

Serum AMH circulating levels were not significantly different (MD −0.25, 95% CI −0.83 to 0.32; P = 0.390), as well as blood levels of follicle‐stimulating hormone or ovarian volume. However, antral follicle count (AFC) and estradiol blood levels were significantly lower, and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were significantly higher in women with MS than in controls.

Conclusion

A significant difference in AFC, estradiol and LH levels was observed, but not for AMH levels.
Guidelines on the Use of Therapeutic Apheresis in Clinical Practice – Evidence‐Based Approach from the Writing Committee of the American Society for Apheresis: The Ninth Special Issue
Authors: Connelly‐Smith Laura , Alquist Caroline R. , Aqui Nicole A. , Hofmann Jan C. , Klingel Reinhard , Onwuemene Oluwatoyosi A. , Patriquin Christopher J. , Pham Huy P. , Sanchez Amber P. , Schneiderman Jennifer , Witt Volker , Zantek Nicole D. , Dunbar Nancy M.
Published: April 2023

The American Society for Apheresis (ASFA)Journal of Clinical Apheresis(JCA) Special Issue Writing Committee is charged with reviewing, updating, and categorizing indications for the evidence‐based use of therapeutic apheresis (TA) in human disease. In the Ninth Edition, the JCA Special Issue Writing Committee has incorporated systematic review and evidence‐based approaches in the grading of evidence and categorization of apheresis indications to make recommendations on the use of apheresis in a wide variety of diseases and conditions. This edition has largely maintained the general layout and concept of a fact sheet introduced in the Fourth Edition (2007). Each fact sheet succinctly summarizes the evidence for the use of TA in a specific disease or medical condition. The Ninth Edition of the JCA Special Issue comprises 91 fact sheets and 166 graded and categorized indications. This includes seven new fact sheets, nine new indications on existing fact sheets, and eight changes in the category for existing indications. The Ninth Edition of the JCA Special Issue seeks to continue to serve as a key resource that guides the utilization of TA in the treatment of human disease.
Ultrasonic‐assisted glycosylation with κ‐carrageenan on the functional and structural properties of fish gelatin
Authors: Ding Keying , Geng Hulin , Guo Wenwen , Sun Wanyi , Zhan Shengnan , Lou Qiaoming , Huang Tao
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

Fish gelatin (FG) has multifunctional properties similar to mammalian gelatin (MG), and it has been recognized as the optimal alternative to MG. While its poor surface‐active and gelling properties significantly limit its application values, glycosylation has been successfully used to increase surface‐active properties of FG, but the influence of ultrasonic‐associated glycosylation (UAG) on the gelling and structural characteristics of FG is still rarely reported. This article explores UAG (100–200 W, 0.5–1 h) with κ‐carrageenan (κC) on the functional properties (emulsifying, gelling and rheological properties) and structural characteristics of FG.

RESULTS

The longer time and higher power of ultrasonics accelerated the glycosylation reaction with an increase in glycosylation degree and browning index values. Compared with original FG, FG–κC mixture and bovine gelatin, UAG‐modified FG possessed higher emulsification activity index, emulsion stability index, gel strength, hardness and melting temperature values. Among them, gelatin modified by appropriate ultrasonic conditions (200 W, 0.5 h) had the highest emulsifying and gelling properties. Rheological results showed that UAG contributed to the gelation process of gelatin with advanced gelation time and endowed it with high viscosity. Structural analysis indicated that UAG promoted κC to link with FG by the formation of covalent and hydrogen bonds, restricting more bound and immobilized water in the gels, exhibiting higher gelling properties.

CONCLUSION

This work showed that UAG with κC is a promising method to produce high gelling and emulsifying properties of FG that could replace MG. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.