bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thiolated Poly‐ and Oligosaccharide‐Based Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering and Wound Healing
Authors: Noreen Sobia , Bernkop‐Schnürch Andreas
Published: October 2023

Due to thiolation of poly‐ and oligosaccharides numerous favorable properties for tissue engineering and wound healing can be introduced. Poly‐ and oligosaccharides can be thiolated via hydroxyl‐to‐thiol conversions or the covalent attachment of sulfhydryl ligands to hydroxyl, carbonic acid or amino groups on them. Since thiolated poly‐ and oligosaccharides can cross‐link via disulfide bonds, they form stable 3D networks with defined microarchitecture, stiffness, elasticity, and degradability. Furthermore, thiol groups can enhance cell adhesion since cells exhibit cysteine‐rich subdomains on their surface that form disulfide bonds with them. Sulfhydryl groups can also participate in cell signaling pathways favoring various cellular processes like proliferation, migration, spreading, and differentiation that are beneficial for tissue engineering and wound healing. In addition, a controlled release of active ingredients such as growth factors being bound via disulfide bonds to thiolated poly‐ and oligosaccharides can be achieved via thiol/disulfide exchange reactions. Over the last two decades, the number of thiolated poly‐ and oligosaccharides such as thiolated hyaluronic acid and thiolated chitosan used for tissue engineering and wound healing has increased tremendously. Within this review, an overview is provided about the chemistry of thiolated poly‐ and oligosaccharides, their key properties, applications and performance in clinical trials and as marketed products.
Boosting Zinc‐Ion Batteries with Innovative Ternary Electrolyte for Enhanced Interfacial Electrochemistry and Temperature‐Resilient Performance
Authors: Qiu Yanbin , Zheng Xinyu , Zhang Ran , Lin Qingqing , Li Mengchao , Luo Jing , Yang Sisheng , Liu Zheyuan , Wang Qian , Yu Yan , Yang Chengkai
Published: October 2023

The practical application of Zn‐ion batteries (ZIBs) faces several challenges, particularly regarding poor reversibility and the reactivity of water in the electrolytes across a wide temperature range. Herein, this study presents the design of a ternary electrolyte with significant intermolecular interactions based on tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol (THFA), H2O, and Zn(OTf)2 to address these challenges from −40 to 60 °C. The ether alcohol compound THFA effectively mitigates the side reactions about water, by disrupting and suppressing the reactivity of the dominant water‐based clusters. Through experimental and theoretical investigations, the structural and mechanistic insights of ternary solvation clusters are uncovered. The hydrogen‐bond‐induced interactions of THFA facilitate the participation of OTf− in solvation clusters and bidentate chelation coordination with Zn2+ ensures the formation of lean‐water solvation clusters. Furthermore, the interfacial electrochemistry on the Zn surface is also regulated to exhibit a preferential layer‐by‐layer (0 0 2) oriented deposition with a stable solid electrolyte interface (SEI). As a result, The Zn||VO2 battery using ternary electrolyte maintains a capacity of 237.5 mAh g−1 with an 86.71% retention after 500 cycles at 60 °C and 3 A g−1, while it exhibits stable cycle even at −40 °C over 200 cycles with almost no capacity decrease.
Decellularization‐Based Modification Strategy for Bioactive Xenografts Promoting Tendon Repair
Authors: Jin Haocheng , Kang Yuhao , Gao Haihan , Lin Zhiqi , Huang Dongcheng , Zheng Zhi , Zhao Jinzhong , Wang Liren , Jiang Jia
Published: October 2023

Xenografts have emerged as a promising option for severe tendon defects treatment. However, despite undergoing decellularization, concerns still remain regarding the immunogenicity of xenografts. Because certain components within the extracellular matrix also possess immunogenicity. In this study, a novel strategy of post‐decellularization modification aimed at preserving the endogenous capacity of cells on collagen synthesis to mask antigenic epitopes in extracellular matrix is proposed. To implement this strategy, a human‐derived rosiglitazone‐loaded decellularized extracellular matrix (R‐dECM) is developed. R‐dECM can release rosiglitazone for over 7 days in vitro. By suppressing M1 macrophage polarization, R‐dECM protects the migration and collagen synthesis abilities of tendon‐derived stem cells (TDSCs), while also stabilizing the phenotype of M2 macrophages in vitro. RNA sequencing reveals R‐dECM can mitigate the detrimental crosstalk between TDSCs and inflammatory cells. When applied to a rat patellar tendon defect model, R‐dECM effectively inhibits early inflammation, preventing chronic inflammation. Its duration of function far exceeds the release time of rosiglitazone, implying the establishment of immune evasion, confirming the effectiveness of the proposed strategy. And R‐dECM demonstrates superior tendon repair outcomes compared to dECM. Thus, this study provides a novel bioactive scaffold with the potential to enhance the long‐term clinical outcomes of xenogeneic tendon grafts.
Molecular Engineering for Enhanced Thermoelectric Performance of Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes/π‐Conjugated Organic Small Molecule Hybrids
Authors: Kim Tae‐Hoon , Jang Jae Gyu , Kim Sung Hyun , Hong Jong‐In
Published: October 2023

Hybridizing single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with π‐conjugated organic small molecules (π‐OSMs) offers a promising approach for producing high‐performance thermoelectric (TE) materials through the facile optimization of the molecular geometry and energy levels of π‐OSMs. Designing a twisted molecular structure for the π‐OSM with the highest occupied molecular orbital energy level comparable to the valence band of SWCNTs enables effective energy filtering between the two materials. The SWCNTs/twisted π‐OSM hybrid exhibits a high Seebeck coefficient of 110.4 ± 2.6 µV K−1, leading to a significantly improved power factor of 2,136 µW m−1 K−2, which is 2.6 times higher than that of SWCNTs. Moreover, a maximum figure of merit over 0.13 at room temperature is achieved via the efficient TE transport of the SWCNTs/twisted π‐OSM hybrid. The study highlights the promising potential of optimizing molecular engineering of π‐OSMs for hybridization with SWCNTs to create next‐generation, efficient TE materials.
Neurocognitive function in panic disorder and social phobia patients
Authors: Asmundson Gordon J. G. , Stein Murray B. , Larsen Derrick K. , Walker John R.
Published: October 2023

A neuropsychological test battery designed to assess verbal learning and memory, visual memory, psychomotor speed, cognitive flexibility and concentration was administered to patients with panic disorder (N = 18) and social phobia (N = 18) and a group of healthy control subjects (N = 16). Overall, the neurocognitive performance of the panic disorder and social phobia patients was lower than that of control subjects. Analyses of the verbal test variables indicated reduced performance in panic disorder and social phobia patients, relative to control subjects, on measures of verbal learning and memory. In addition, panic disorder patients exhibited deficits on short‐delay free recall. No group differences were observed on tests of visual memory, psychomotor speed, cognitive flexibility, and concentration. These results, while indicative of diminished neuropsychological test performance in patients with panic disorder and social phobia, do not suggest the presence of syndrome‐specific or localized neurocognitive deficits. Anxiety 1:201–207 (1994/1995). © 1995 WIey‐Liss, Inc.
Development of anxiety symptoms during a deep diving experiment
Authors: Abraini J. H. , Ansseau M. , Martinez E. , Burner H. , Wauthy J. , Lemaire C.
Published: October 2023

Six commercial divers were investigated for anxiety responses during a 29‐day, open‐sea world record dive at 500 meters of depth. Three of six (50%) divers developed anxiety. The authors emphasize the importance of research on personality traits as possible predictors for the development of anxiety during deep dives of exceptional depth and duration of confinement. Anxiety 1:237–241 (1994/1995). © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Recent advances in mechanism, influencing parameters, and dopants of electrospun EMI shielding composites: A review
Authors: Li Xiuhong , Li Kai , Zhang Shuailong , Zhang Jinjiao , Hu Xinyu , Li Yi , Liu Yong
Published: October 2023

The rapid development and popularization of smart and portable electronic devices have led to increasingly related electromagnetic pollution affecting human health and equipment safety. Thus, designing high‐performance electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials with lightweight, flexible, and easy preparation is urgent. The intrinsic physiochemical properties of electrospun micro/nanofibers provide an attractive potential to ease and accelerate the next‐generation EMI shielding materials. Here, a detailed review of the electrospun EMI shielding materials is established. First, this article outlines the shielding mechanism of EMI shielding materials obtained via electrospinning. Then, the affecting factors of electrospinning process conditions on the resulting EMI shielding micro/nanofibers are discussed. Next, diverse fillers that contribute to the EMI shielding efficiency of electrospun materials are demonstrated. Finally, the conclusion and prospects are introduced, hopefully contributing to assisting with more comprehensive and rational designs of high‐performance electrospun fiber‐based EMI shielding for various applications. Priority measures and future directions are suggested for the future development of electrospun EMI shielding materials.
Machine learning‐directed electrical impedance tomography to predict metabolically vulnerable plaques
Authors: Chen Justin , Wang Shaolei , Wang Kaidong , Abiri Parinaz , Huang Zi‐Yu , Yin Junyi , Jabalera Alejandro M. , Arianpour Brian , Roustaei Mehrdad , Zhu Enbo , Zhao Peng , Cavallero Susana , Duarte‐Vogel Sandra , Stark Elena , Luo Yuan , Benharash Peyman , Tai Yu‐Chong , Cui Qingyu , Hsiai Tzung K.
Published: October 2023

The characterization of atherosclerotic plaques to predict their vulnerability to rupture remains a diagnostic challenge. Despite existing imaging modalities, none have proven their abilities to identify metabolically active oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (oxLDL), a marker of plaque vulnerability. To this end, we developed a machine learning‐directed electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) platform to analyze oxLDL‐rich plaques, with immunohistology serving as the ground truth. We fabricated the EIS sensor by affixing a six‐point microelectrode configuration onto a silicone balloon catheter and electroplating the surface with platinum black (PtB) to improve the charge transfer efficiency at the electrochemical interface. To demonstrate clinical translation, we deployed the EIS sensor to the coronary arteries of an explanted human heart from a patient undergoing heart transplant and interrogated the atherosclerotic lesions to reconstruct the 3D EIS profiles of oxLDL‐rich atherosclerotic plaques in both right coronary and left descending coronary arteries. To establish effective generalization of our methods, we repeated the reconstruction and training process on the common carotid arteries of an unembalmed human cadaver specimen. Our findings indicated that our DenseNet model achieves the most reliable predictions for metabolically vulnerable plaque, yielding an accuracy of 92.59% after 100 epochs of training.
Warburg effect‐related risk scoring model to assess clinical significance and immunity characteristics of glioblastoma
Authors: Zhang Rong , Wang Can , Zheng Xiaohong , Li Shenglan , Zhang Weichunbai , Kang Zhuang , Yin Shuo , Chen Jinyi , Chen Feng , Li Wenbin
Published: October 2023

Background

Glioblastoma (GBM), the most common primary malignant brain tumor, has a poor prognosis, with a median survival of only 14.6 months. The Warburg effect is an abnormal energy metabolism, which is the main cause of the acidic tumor microenvironment. This study explored the role of the Warburg effect in the prognosis and immune microenvironment of GBM.

Methods

A prognostic risk score model of Warburg effect‐related genes (Warburg effect signature) was constructed using GBM cohort data from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Cox analysis was performed to identify independent prognostic factors. Next, the nomogram was built to predict the prognosis for GBM patients. Finally, the drug sensitivity analysis was utilized to find the drugs that specifically target Warburg effect‐related genes.

Results

Age, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and WRGs score were confirmed as independent prognostic factors for GBM by Cox analyses. The C‐index (0.633 for the training set and 0.696 for the validation set) and area under curve (>0.7) indicated that the nomogram exhibited excellent performance. The calibration curve also indicates excellent consistency of the nomogram between predictions and actual observations. In addition, immune microenvironment analysis revealed that patients with high WRGs scores had high immunosuppressive scores, a high abundance of immunosuppressive cells, and a low response to immunotherapy. The Cell Counting Kit‐8 assays showed that the drugs targeting Warburg effect‐related genes could inhibit the GBM cells growth in vitro.

Conclusion

Our research showed that the Warburg effect is connected with the prognosis and immune microenvironment of GBM. Therefore, targeting Warburg effect‐related genes may provide novel therapeutic options.
Esophageal stenosis in an adult Mexican patient with diastrophic dysplasia: Case report
Authors: Kimball Tamara N. , Rivero‐García Pamela , Pérez González Bernardo , Reza‐Albarrán Alfredo Adolfo
Published: October 2023

Key Clinical Message

Diastrophic dysplasia (DTD) is caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in the SLC26A2 gene. We report the case of a 49‐year‐old female with DTD and esophageal stenosis. This broadens the phenotypic spectrum in adult patients with DTD and raises awareness of extra‐skeletal manifestations that could develop in later stages of life.
Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor presenting as ileocolic intussusception: A case report
Authors: Khanal Nischal , Subedi Rupak , Shrestha Nirajan , Shrestha Shristi
Published: October 2023

Key Clinical Message

The report urges considering rare neoplastic tumor, like IMT, in intussusception cases and underscores the vital role of comprehensive and swift diagnosis in influencing treatment choices and patient results.

We present a case of a 36‐year‐old male who presented with abdominal pain and vomiting. Inflammatory markers were elevated in routine investigations, while other laboratory parameters were within normal limits. Ultrasound imaging revealed a target lesion, which required further evaluation with a CT scan and confirmed ileocolic intussusception. An exploratory laparotomy showed a solid lesion measuring 5 by 6 cm in the cecum, along with evidence of ileocolic intussusception. A standard right hemicolectomy was performed, and the postoperative course was uneventful. Histopathological examination showed an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor with nodular hyperplasia. The report highlighted the importance of assessing rare neoplastic causes in patients with intussusception.
AI‐based intra‐tumor heterogeneity score of Ki67 expression as a prognostic marker for early‐stage ER+/HER2− breast cancer
Authors: Lu Wenqi , Lashen Ayat G , Wahab Noorul , Miligy Islam M , Jahanifar Mostafa , Toss Michael , Graham Simon , Bilal Mohsin , Bhalerao Abhir , Atallah Nehal M , Makhlouf Shorouk , Ibrahim Asmaa Y , Snead David , Minhas Fayyaz , Raza Shan E Ahmed , Rakha Emad , Rajpoot Nasir
Published: October 2023

Early‐stage estrogen receptor positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor negative (ER+/HER2−) luminal breast cancer (BC) is quite heterogeneous and accounts for about 70% of all BCs. Ki67 is a proliferation marker that has a significant prognostic value in luminal BC despite the challenges in its assessment. There is increasing evidence that spatial colocalization, which measures the evenness of different types of cells, is clinically important in several types of cancer. However, reproducible quantification of intra‐tumor spatial heterogeneity remains largely unexplored. We propose an automated pipeline for prognostication of luminal BC based on the analysis of spatial distribution of Ki67 expression in tumor cells using a large well‐characterized cohort (n = 2,081). The proposed Ki67 colocalization (Ki67CL) score can stratify ER+/HER2− BC patients with high significance in terms of BC‐specific survival (p < 0.00001) and distant metastasis‐free survival (p = 0.0048). Ki67CL score is shown to be highly significant compared with the standard Ki67 index. In addition, we show that the proposed Ki67CL score can help identify luminal BC patients who can potentially benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy.
An enhanced MSU‐TSCH scheduling algorithms for industrial wireless sensor networks
Authors: Jerbi Wassim , Cheikhrouhou Omar , Guermazi Abderrahmen , Trabelsi Hafedh
Published: October 2023

The reliability and latency requirements of wireless sensor network‐based smart grid communications are met in large part by MAC protocols. Developed by IEEE, time slotted channel hopping (TSCH), a method that is effective, dependable, and predictable. However, the TSCH standard does not enable mobility and does not offer any solution for scheduling, especially in IEEE 802.15.4 TSCH, the most recent generation of extremely dependable and low‐power MAC protocols. Recently, MSU‐TSCH a time‐frequency communication schedule was proposed to provide mobility to TSCH. Despite its distinctive qualities, MSU‐TSCH has the drawback of computing the TSCH schedule at each node independently of its traffic load, which can significantly increase the communication delay. Due to this limitation, MSU‐TSCH is not suitable for some delay‐sensitive smart grid applications. In this article, we provide an improved MSU‐TSCH‐based TSCH protocol, called Mobility‐TSCH, that dynamically adjusts time slot assignments based on traffic volume and latency requirement. Moreover, the protocol Mobility‐TSCH adapts to topology changes and supports mobility. Additionally, it optimizes time slot allocation by prioritizing nodes closest to the sink. The performance and evaluation analysis of Mobility‐TSCH compared to the original MSU‐TSCH, reveal that the communication delay is greatly reduced, decreases the average end‐to‐end latency, the high packet delivery ratio (PDR), Increase the performance of both metrics, parent connectivity ratio (PCR) and convergence time (CT), while maintaining a minimal overhead signaling.
Metabolic dysregulation and gut dysbiosis linked to hyperandrogenism in female mice
Authors: Chen Annie , Handzel Alex , Sau Lillian , Cui Laura , Kelley Scott T. , Thackray Varykina G.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine pathology in women. In addition to infertility, women with PCOS have metabolic dysregulation which predisposes them to Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease. Moreover, women with PCOS have changes in their gut microbial community that may be indicative of dysbiosis. While hyperandrogenism is associated with both the development of metabolic dysfunction and gut dysbiosis in females, the mechanisms involved are not well understood.

Methods

We used dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and ovariectomy (OVX) mouse models coupled with metabolic assessments and 16S rRNA gene sequencing to explore the contributions of hyperandrogenism and oestrogen deficiency to the development of insulin resistance and gut microbial dysbiosis in pubertal female mice.

Results

We demonstrated that, while DHT treatment or OVX alone were insufficient to induce insulin resistance during the pubertal‐to‐adult transition, combining OVX with DHT resulted in insulin resistance similar to that observed in letrozole‐treated mice with elevated testosterone and decreased oestrogen levels. In addition, our results showed that OVX and DHT in combination resulted in a distinct shift in the gut microbiome compared to DHT or OVX alone, suggesting that the substantial metabolic dysregulation occurring in the OVX + DHT model was accompanied by unique changes in the abundances of gut bacteria including S24‐7, Rikenellaceae and Mucispirillum schaedleri.

Conclusions

While hyperandrogenism plays an important role in the development of metabolic dysregulation in female mice, our results indicate that investigation into additional factors influencing insulin resistance and the gut microbiome during the pubertal‐to‐adult transition could provide additional insight into the pathophysiology of PCOS.
Optimizing a metabarcoding marker portfolio for species detection from complex mixtures of globally diverse fishes
Authors: Baetscher Diana S. , Locatelli Nicolas S. , Won Eugene , Fitzgerald Timothy , McIntyre Peter B. , Therkildsen Nina Overgaard
Published: October 2023

DNA metabarcoding is used to enumerate and identify taxa in both environmental samples and tissue mixtures, but the effectiveness of particular markers depends on their sensitivity to the taxa involved. Using multiple primer sets that amplify different genes can mitigate biases in amplification efficiency, sequence resolution, and reference data availability, but few empirical studies have evaluated markers for complementary performance. Here, we assess the individual and joint performance of 22 markers for detecting species in a DNA pool of 98 species of marine and freshwater bony fishes from geographically and phylogenetically diverse origins. We find that a portfolio of four markers targeting 12S, 16S, and two regions of COI identifies 100% of reference taxa to family and nearly 60% to species. We then use these four markers to evaluate metabarcoding of heterogeneous tissue mixtures, using experimental fishmeal to test: (1) the tissue input threshold to ensure detection; (2) how read depth scales with tissue abundance; and (3) the effect of non‐target material in the mixture on recovery of target taxa. We consistently detect taxa that makeup >1% of fishmeal mixtures and can detect taxa at the lowest input level of 0.01%, but rare taxa (<1%) were detected inconsistently across markers and replicates. Read counts showed only a weak correlation with tissue input, suggesting they are not a reliable quantitative proxy for relative abundance. Despite the limitations arising from primer specificity and reference data availability, our results demonstrate that a modest portfolio of markers can perform well in detecting and identifying aquatic species in complex mixtures despite heterogeneity in tissue representation, phylogenetic affinities, and from a broad geographic range.
Comparative analysis of extraction methods, proximate composition, and physicochemical and functional properties of fruit seed proteins: A comprehensive review
Authors: Ashok N. Adharsh , Sontakke Manmath
Published: October 2023

This comprehensive review delves into the realm of fruit seed proteins, examining their extraction methods, physicochemical properties, and functional characteristics. These proteins exhibit tremendous potential for diverse applications within the food industry. By gaining insights into efficient extraction techniques and understanding the physicochemical and functional properties of fruit seed proteins, researchers and industry professionals can harness their advantages to develop innovative food products. Various extraction methods, such as acid alkali, microwave‐assisted, ultrasound‐assisted, reverse micelle extraction, and the Box–Behnken experimental design, have been used for extracting proteins from a range of fruit seeds, including jackfruit, kiwi, watermelon, date palm, and grape seeds. The selection of these methods was based on their efficiency, protein yield, and compatibility with fruit seed proteins, with any associated limitations duly acknowledged by the researchers. The review also explores physicochemical characterization techniques such as Fourier transform infrared, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy, used specifically for jackfruit seed protein, while delving into essential functional properties including solubility, water‐binding capacity, oil‐binding capacity, emulsifying capacity, foaming capacity, and bulk density. These properties play a crucial role in determining the suitability of fruit seed proteins for various food applications, significantly impacting factors like texture, crispiness, and color. Waste fruit seeds, often overlooked, can serve as a valuable source of proteins, possessing multifunctional properties encompassing nutrition, structure, enzymes, emulsification, foaming, gelation, and thickening. However, compared to other protein sources, fruit seed proteins have received limited scientific attention, rendering this review a distinctive and valuable contribution to the existing literature by offering comprehensive insights into extraction methods and properties.
Personalized assessment and management of non‐specific low back pain
Authors: Wirth Brigitte , Schweinhardt Petra
Published: October 2023

Background and Objective

Low back pain (LBP), and in particular non‐specific low back pain (NSLBP), which accounts for approximately 90% of LBP, is the leading cause of years lived with disability worldwide. In clinical trials, LBP is often poorly categorized into ‘specific’ versus ‘non‐specific’ and ‘acute’ versus ‘chronic’ pain. However, a better understanding of the underlying pain mechanisms might improve study results and reduce the number of NSLBP patients.

Databases and Data Treatment

Narrative review.

Results

NSLBP is a multi‐dimensional, biopsychosocial condition that requires all contributing dimensions to be assessed and prioritized. Thereby, the assessment of the contribution of nociceptive, neuropathic and nociplastic pain mechanisms forms the basis for personalized management. In addition, psychosocial (e.g. anxiety, catastrophizing) and contextual factors (e.g. work situation) as well as comorbidities need to be assessed and individually weighted. Personalized treatment of NSLBP further requires individually choosing treatment modalities, for example, exercising, patient education, cognitive‐behavioural advice, pharmacotherapy, as well as tailoring treatment within these modalities, for example, the delivery of tailored psychological interventions or exercise programs. As the main pain mechanism and psychosocial factors may vary over time, re‐assessment is necessary and treatment success should ideally be assessed quantitatively and qualitatively.

Conclusions

The identification of the main contributing pain mechanism and the integration of the patients' view on their condition, including beliefs, preferences, concerns and expectations, are key in the personalized clinical management of NSLBP. In research, particular importance should be placed on accurate characterization of patients and on including outcomes relevant to the individual patient.

Significance Statement

Here, a comprehensive review of the challenges associated with the diagnostic label ‘non‐specific low back pain’ is given. It outlines what is lacking in current treatment guidelines and it is summarized what is currently known with respect to individual phenotyping. It becomes clear that more research on clinically meaningful subgroups is needed to best tailor treatment approaches.
Unveiling of a puzzling dual ionic migration in lead‐ and iodide‐deficient halide perovskites (d‐HPs) and its impact on solar cell J–V curve hysteresis
Authors: Gollino Liam , Zheng Daming , Mercier Nicolas , Pauporté Thierry
Published: October 2023

Halide perovskite solar cells are characterized by a hysteresis between current–voltage (J–V) curves recorded on the reverse and on the forward scan directions, and the suppression of this phenomenon has focused great attention. In the present work, it is shown that a special family of 3D perovskites, that are rendered lead ‐and iodide‐ deficient (d‐HPs) by incorporating large organic cations, are characterized by a large hysteresis. The strategy of passivating defects by K+, which has been successful in reducing the hysteresis of 3D perovskite perovskite solar cells, is inefficient with the d‐HPs. By glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GD‐OES), the existence of the classic iodide migration in these layers is unveiled, which is efficiently blocked by potassium cation insertion. However, it is also shown that it co‐exists with the migration of the large organic cations characteristics of d‐HPs which are not blocked by the alkali metal ion. The migration of those large cations is intrinsically linked to the special structure of the d‐HP. It is suggested that it takes place through channels, present throughout the whole perovskite layer after the substitution of PbI+ units by the large cations, making this phenomenon intrinsic to the original structure of d‐HPs.
Can alpha‐linolenic acid be a modulator of “cytokine storm,” oxidative stress and immune response in SARS‐CoV‐2 infection?
Authors: Cianciosi Danila , Diaz Yasmany Armas , Gaddi Antonio Vittorino , Capello Fabio , Savo Maria Teresa , Palí Casanova Ramón del Jesús , Martínez Espinosa Julio César , Pascual Barrera Alina Eugenia , Navarro‐Hortal Maria‐Dolores , Tian Lingmin , Bai Weibin , Giampieri Francesca , Battino Maurizio
Published: October 2023

Alpha‐linolenic acid (ALA) is a long‐chain polyunsaturated essential fatty acid of the Ω3 series found mainly in vegetables, especially in the fatty part of oilseeds, dried fruit, berries, and legumes. It is very popular for its preventive use in several diseases: It seems to reduce the risk of the onset or decrease some phenomena related to inflammation, oxidative stress, and conditions of dysregulation of the immune response. Recent studies have confirmed these unhealthy situations also in patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Different findings (in vitro, in vivo, and clinical ones), summarized and analyzed in this review, have showed an important role of ALA in other various non‐COVID physiological and pathological situations against “cytokines storm,” chemokines secretion, oxidative stress, and dysregulation of immune cells that are also involved in the infection of the 2019 novel coronavirus. According to the effects of ALA against all the aforementioned situations (also present in patients with a severe clinical picture of severe acute respiratory syndrome‐(CoV‐2) infection), there may be the biologic plausibility of a prophylactic effect of this compound against COVID‐19 symptoms and fatality.
Aubergine stem restores reproductive damages following diabetes mellitus induction in male mice
Authors: Rostamzadeh Parsa , Shokri‐Asl Vahid , Torghabeh Fatemeh Mansouri , Davoudi Samira , Haghzadeh Ahmad , Moradi Shima
Published: October 2023

Diabetes mellitus unbalances cellular antioxidant levels. This phenomenon can potentially lead to cellular damage and apoptosis in the male reproductive system. Besides, herbal‐based antioxidants can prevent these detrimental changes. Thus, we assessed the probable role of Aubergine stems with antioxidant and anti‐hyperlipidemic characteristics on reproductive damage following diabetes mellitus induction. Forty male NMRI mice were categorized into groups of control and treatments. Diabetes was induced by a single dose of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg), and the extract was administered at various doses (100, 300, and 500 mg/kg) daily for 4 weeks. Antioxidative features of the extract were approved by phytochemical assays and ferric‐reducing ability of plasma. Side‐effects of diabetes were also assessed by the malondialdehyde (MDA) and Griess techniques. Sperm parameters, LH, FSH, and testosterone levels, the TUNEL assay, histopathologic alteration, and apoptotic genes (p53, caspase‐3, Bcl‐2) were evaluated. Results showed that diabetes increased oxidation levels and the extract accelerated total antioxidant capacity status. Sperm parameters and hormone levels were restored following extract administration in diabetic animals. Also, the apoptosis rate decreased following extract administration in diabetic animals. We concluded that diabetes can elevate the levels of oxidation and suppress the antioxidant power. These pathologic changes were restored by Aubergine stem, leading to decreased levels of apoptosis and normal serum levels of testosterone, LH, and FSH.
Dynemicin A Derivatives as Potential Cancer Chemotherapeutics by Mutasynthesis
Authors: Pal Paramita , Alley Jamie R. , Cohen Douglas R. , Townsend Craig A.
Published: October 2023

The enediyne antitumor antibiotics have remarkable structures and exhibit potent DNA cleavage properties that have inspired continued interest as cancer therapeutics. Their complex structures and high reactivity, however, pose formidable challenges to their production and development in the clinic. We report here proof‐of‐concept studies using a mutasynthesis strategy to combine chemical synthesis of select modifications to a key iodoanthracene‐γ‐thiolactone intermediate in the biosynthesis of dynemicin A and all other known anthraquinone‐fused enediynes (AFEs). By chemical complementation of a mutant bacterial producer that is incapable of synthesizing this essential building block, we show that derivatives of dynemicin can be prepared substituted in the A‐ring of the anthraquinone motif. In the absence of competition from native production of this intermediate, the most efficient utilization of these externally‐supplied structural analogues for precursor‐directed biosynthesis becomes possible. To achieve this goal, we describe the required Δorf15 blocked mutant and a general synthetic route to a library of iodoanthracene structural variants. Their successful incorporation opens the door to enhancing DNA binding and tuning the bioreductive activation of the modified enediynes for DNA cleavage.
Readiness for Weaning Scale: Development and psychometric measurement study
Authors: Türkmen Hülya , Ekşioğlu Aysun , Tuna Oran Nazan , Erdoğan Ayfer
Published: October 2023

This study was carried out to develop a measurement tool to determine the readiness of mothers and babies for weaning. At the first stage of the study, a draft of the Readiness for Weaning Scale (RWS) was created. In the second stage, this draft was presented to the opinions of experts (CVI:0.85), and in the third stage, the validity and reliability of RWS were tested by collecting data from the participants (n = 265). Factor analysis was performed to determine the construct validity of RWS. As a result of the exploratory factor analysis, the KMO statistic was found to be 0.802. In the factor analysis, four factors were determined, and these factors explained 60.023% of the total variance as a result of the analysis performed with the varimax vertical rotation technique (Weaning intention, Baby's readiness, Weaning technique, Mother's readiness). The internal consistency coefficient of the scale was found to indicate a quite high level of reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.793).
Shoulder dystocia in deliveries of neonates <3500 grams
Authors: Levin Gabriel , Meyer Raanan , Cahan Tal , Shai Daniel , Tsur Abraham
Published: October 2023

Objectives

To study risk factors for shoulder dystocia (ShD) among women delivering <3500 g newborn.

Methods

A retrospective case–control study of all term live‐singleton deliveries during 2011–2019. Women with neonatal birthweight <3500 g were included. We compared cases of ShD to other deliveries by univariate and multivariable regression.

Results

There were 79/41 092 (0.19%) cases of ShD among neonates <3500 g. In multivariable regression analysis, the following factors were independently associated with ShD; operative vaginal delivery (odds ratio [OR] 2.78; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.28–6.02, P = 0.009), vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC, OR 2.74; 1.22–6.13, P = 0.010), sonographic abdominal circumference to biparietal diameter ratio (3.73 among ShD vs. 3.62, OR 1.35; 95% CI: 1.12–1.63, P = 0.001) and sonographic abdominal circumference to head circumference ratio (1.036 among ShD vs. 1.011, OR 3.04; 95% CI: 1.006–9.23, P = 0.049).

Conclusions

There is an association between operative vaginal delivery and ShD also in deliveries <3500 g. Importantly, the proportions between the fetal head and abdominal circumference are a better predictor of ShD than the newborn fetal weight and VBAC is associated with ShD.
Alexithymia and aspects of dreaming: Differential associations of alexithymia facets with dream variables
Authors: Lyvers Michael , Robinson Morgana , Watt Bruce , Thorberg Fred Arne
Published: October 2023

Research on aspects of dreaming associated with alexithymia has yielded mixed results. The present study recruited a young adult online sample of 577 participants who completed validated indices of alexithymia, emotion suppression, negative moods, and eight aspects of dreaming, with a focus on evaluating a counterintuitive previous finding that alexithymia and two of its core facets were associated with greater self‐reported typical emotional intensity of dreams. Total alexithymia and facet scores showed differential relationships to aspects of dreaming including dream recall frequency, emotionality, meaningfulness, nightmare frequency, nightmare distress, usefulness of dreams in problem‐solving and creativity, and learning about oneself through dreams. Planned hierarchical regression controlling for demographics, alcohol use, and dream recall frequency indicated that the difficulties identifying feelings (DIF) facet of alexithymia was a significant positive predictor of dream emotionality, whereas the externally oriented thinking (EOT) facet was a significant negative predictor. Stress, but not emotion suppression, mediated the positive relationship between DIF and dream emotionality. The likely role of dream emotionality in higher ratings of nightmare distress, dream meaningfulness, and learning about oneself through dreams among those with higher DIF scores is noted, along with other findings and the strengths and limitations of the study.
The Role of the Fluoroquinolones
Authors: Guay David R. P.
Published: October 2023

Over the past decade, the quinolone antimicrobial class has enjoyed a renaissance with the emergence of the fluoroquinolone subclass. Norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, enoxacin, and lomefloxacin have the advantages of broad antimicrobial activity profiles including gram‐positive and ‐negative aerobes, favorable pharmacokinetic profiles including substantial oral bioavailability and extensive tissue distribution, and in general, favorable safety profiles. As clinical experience accumulates, our understanding of their optimum roles will become more refined. In six instances, these agents may be preferred over currently available agents: complicated urinary tract infections, empiric therapy of suspected bacterial gastroenteritis, eradication of the Salmonella carrier state, respiratory exacerbations due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa in patients with cystic fibrosis, invasive external otitis, and chronic gram‐negative bacillary osteomyelitis. The efficacy and convenience of these agents for the treatment of a broad range of infections have already resulted in their extensive use. Such use carries the risk of selection pressure for the development of resistance and the adverse consequences of increased cost over less expensive, equally effective alternatives. The use of the fluoroquinolones should focus on infections where there is demonstrated benefit of these agents over conventional agents or infections for which there are few or no alternatives.
Comparison of the Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Activity of Piperacillin and Mezlocillin
Authors: Sullivan Maureen C. , Nightingale Charles H. , Quintiliani Richard , Sweeney Kevin
Published: October 2023

Study Objective. To compare serum bactericidal activity over time and pharmacokinetics resulting from single doses of piperacillin (PIP) and a single dose of mezlocillin (MEZ).

Design. Open‐label, randomized, three‐way crossover study.

Setting. Hartford Hospital Clinical Research Center.

Patients. Nine healthy volunteers.

Interventions. Subjects received single doses of PIP 3 and 4 g/70 kg, and a single dose of MEZ 5 g/70 kg.

Measurements and Main Results. Test organisms were two clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Pharmacodynamic analysis revealed that PIP 4 g had 2‐ to 3‐fold higher peak serum bactericidal activity at the end of infusion and 4‐ to 5‐fold higher activity at 0.5 hour than did MEZ 5 g, and also provided approximately 1 hour additional activity over MEZ 5 g. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed that serum concentrations resulting from PIP 4 g remained above the minimum inhibitory concentration of our test strains almost twice as long as MEZ 5 g.

Conclusion. Since mezlocillin 5 g every 8 hours is currently proving to be effective at many institutions, and since piperacillin 4 g demonstrates superior pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic activity, we believe that piperacillin 4 g every 8 hours could be used instead, with resulting cost savings.
Mycobacterial Infections
Authors: Peloquin Charles A.
Published: October 2023

Infection due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis continues to plague humanity. In the United States, conditions have taken a decided turn for the worse, with an increasing frequency of infection and the spread of multiple‐drug‐resistant strains. A number of strategies are available to improve the management of this epidemic. Mycobacterium avium is now recognized as a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Therapy is limited due to relative drug resistance, drug intolerance, and drug malabsorption; however, potentially useful regimens are being developed.
Eight Days of Cyclosporine Overdose: A Case Report
Authors: Sketris Ingrida S. , Onorato Linda , Yatscoff Randall W. , Givner Morris , Nicol David , Abraham Isaac
Published: October 2023

A 25–year‐old woman was admitted to the hospital because of rising trough cyclosporine concentrations thought to be due to self‐administration of 4 times the normal dosage of the drug for 8 days. Her symptoms included colicky central abdominal pains and urinary retention; her serum creatinine concentrations were elevated. Whole blood cyclosporine and metabolite concentrations were measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography and monoclonal radioimmunoassays. The highest reported trough cyclosporine concentration was 5877 ng/ml, and AM1 (M17) concentration was 3425 ng/ml. A cyclosporine half‐life of 91 hours was calculated. Nine days after the agent was discontinued the patient's serum creatinine concentration had returned to normal and her symptoms resolved. Due to the availability of three sizes of cyclosporine capsules, and the need for frequent dosage changes, continued vigilance is necessary to ensure that patients understand their drug regimen.
Testicular Regulation of Epididymal Protein Secretion
Authors: HOLLAND MICHAEL K. , VREEBURG JAN T. M. , ORGEBIN‐CRIST MARIE‐CLAIRE
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: The effects of different androgen and testicular fluid levels on the protein synthesis and secretion of the epididymis of mice and rats were examined. In mice, the in vitro protein synthesis and secretion of five epididymal segments were measured from 3 days up to 8 weeks after efferent duct ligation. During the entire period, alterations in the rate of protein secretion per milligram tissue were small. At 8 weeks, the mean rate of protein synthesis per milligram ligated epididymal tissue was 80% of that of the control side. As a consequence of the weight loss of the ligated epididymis, however, the protein secretion per organ can be estimated to be reduced by 50%. Changes in the protein profile were only found in the proximal segment, where a 40‐kd protein appeared and a 29‐kd protein disappeared. In rats, the effects of efferent duct ligation were studied in vivo for up to 8 months. Structural changes were present both in the proximal and in the distal epididymis. The most conspicuous change in the protein profile of secretory proteins was the disappearance of a 27‐kd protein from the proximal segment. In the distal epididymis, a 32‐kd protein was no longer secreted. In mice, the effects of castration on the profile of secreted proteins demonstrated that, without androgen stimulation, some proteins are still secreted 6 weeks after castration. Administering low or high doses of testosterone propionate to castrated mice resulted in almost similar profiles of secretory proteins. However one protein secreted in the proximal epididymis was preferentially stimulated by the high dose of testosterone propionate.
Pituitary‐Testicular Axis in Cardiomyopathic Syrian Hamsters
Authors: AMADOR A.G. , MAYERHOFER A. , BARTKE A. , CHANDRASHEKAR V.
Published: October 2023

Abstract: Testicular function and other endocrine parameters were studied in cardiomyopathic hamsters. In these animals, the major defect is an intracellular calcium overload, which is due to defective voltage‐sensitive calcium channels. Basal circulating gonadotropin, prolactin, and triiodothyronine levels were lower in cardiomyopathic hamsters than in normal hamsters, but thyroxine, progesterone, and testosterone levels were not. In cardiomyopathic hamsters, the luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) positive autoregulation by human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) reached a maximum faster and at a lower dose than in normal hamsters. Similar results were observed for the response of circulating testosterone to hCG administration. The data indicate that, in spite of deficient pituitary function, cardiomyopathic hamsters have a normal or more efficient testicular function. This is probably the result of the cellular calcium overload, which would stimulate Leydig cell gene transcription, specifically that for LHR.
Estrogen Receptor Messenger RNA Expression in Human Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Detection, Localization, and Modulation with a Long‐Acting Gonadotropin‐Releasing Hormone Agonist
Authors: KIRSCHENBAUM ALEXANDER , REN MEIYUE , ERENBURG IRINA , SCHACHTER BETH , LEVINE ALICE C.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: We have analyzed human benign prostatic hyperplastic (BPH) tissue derived from eight radical prostatectomy specimens from patients with prostate cancer for the expression of the estrogen receptor (ER) messenger RNA. Four of the eight patients received a long‐acting gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) for 4 months prior to surgery. An RNase protection assay utilizing six riboprobes spanning most of the ER protein‐coding sequences demonstrated expression of the ER mRNA in human BPH tissue. A comparison of ER mRNA expression in four patients who had received 4 months pretreatment with the GnRHa vs. the four untreated patients suggested that there is upregulation of ER mRNA expression with the GnRHa treatment. The combined techniques of in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry localized the ER mRNA expression to the prostatic basal epithelial cells and stroma. We conclude that ER mRNA is expressed in human BPH tissue and that this expression is modulated by treatment with a long‐acting GnRH agonist.