bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine learning‐enabled optimization of melt electro‐writing three‐dimensional printing
Authors: Abdullah Ahmed Choukri , Ozarslan Olgac , Farshi Sara Soltanabadi , Dabbagh Sajjad Rahmani , Tasoglu Savas
Published: January 2024

Melt electrowriting (MEW) is a solvent‐free (i.e., no volatile chemicals), a high‐resolution three‐dimensional (3D) printing method that enables the fabrication of semi‐flexible structures with rigid polymers. Despite its advantages, the MEW process is sensitive to changes in printing parameters (e.g., voltage, printing pressure, and temperature), which can cause fluid column breakage, jet lag, and/or fiber pulsing, ultimately deteriorating the resolution and printing quality. In spite of the commonly used error‐and‐trial method to determine the most suitable parameters, here, we present a machine learning (ML)‐enabled image analysis‐based method for determining the optimum MEW printing parameters through an easy‐to‐use graphical user interface (GUI). We trained five different ML algorithms using 168 MEW 3D print samples, among which the Gaussian process regression ML model yielded 93% accuracy of the variability in the dependent variable, 0.12329 on root mean square error for the validation set and 0.015201 mean square error in predicting line thickness. Integration of ML with a control feedback loop and MEW can reduce the error‐and‐trial steps prior to the 3D printing process, decreasing the printing time (i.e., increasing the overall throughput of MEW) and material waste (i.e., improving the cost‐effectiveness of MEW). Moreover, embedding a trained ML model with the feedback control system in a GUI facilitates a more straightforward use of ML‐based optimization techniques in the industrial section (i.e., for users with no ML skills).
Sleep duration and quality during the COVID‐19 pandemic and the association with physical activity and screen time among Brazilian college students
Authors: Garcia Magno Conceição , Paravidino Vitor Barreto , Lopes Claudia de Souza , Mediano Mauro Felippe Felix , Gonçalves Tatiana Rehder , de Oliveira Aldair José , Sichieri Rosely
Published: January 2024

Background

As a result of social isolation during the COVID‐19 pandemic, changes in sleep patterns have been observed in many countries, as well as changes in physical activity and screen time. The objective was to investigate sleep duration and quality during the COVID‐19 pandemic and its association with physical activity and screen time.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study with students from a University in Rio de Janeiro who answered an online questionnaire between August 2020 and March 2021. Physical activity was assessed using IPAQ‐SF. Sleep was investigated based on questions about duration and sleep quality change, and screen time through self‐reported questions. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to assess the association between physical activity and screen time with sleep duration and quality. Secondary analyses investigated the influence of the isolation time on this association. The confounding factors used were diagnosis of COVID‐19, time of isolation, anxiety, depression, skin color, and gender.

Results

A total of 771 college students with a mean age of 24.5 years (±8.6) answered the questionnaire. About 75% reported more than 8 h of screen time per day and 49.8% were physically inactive. Regarding sleep, 54.9% had worsening sleep, while 40.6% had inadequate sleep duration during the pandemic. Physical activity was associated with improved sleep quality (Odds ratio (OR) 1.72; confidence interval (95% CI) 1.05–2.97). Also, physically active students who spent more than 14 weeks in social isolation demonstrated improved sleep quality (OR 1.99; 95% CI 1.02–3.78) compared to physically inactive individuals. No association was observed for sleep duration. No association was observed between screen time and sleep quality, or sleep duration.

Conclusion

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, there was considerable worsening of sleep quality, and physical activity was positively associated with improved sleep quality.
Psychosocial stress, adult suicidal ideation, and the mediating effect of poor sleep quality during the COVID‐19 pandemic in South Africa
Authors: Kim Andrew Wooyoung
Published: January 2024

Objectives

South Africa instituted one of the world's strictest lockdowns during the COVID‐19 pandemic, which generated heightened conditions of psychosocial stress and posed widespread mental health risks. Despite the elevated burdens of suicidal behaviors and risk of psychiatric disease in the country, few studies have examined the impacts of psychosocial stress from the pandemic on suicidal ideation in South Africa. This study examined the association between psychosocial stress experienced under the COVID‐19 pandemic and adult suicidal ideation, as well as degree to which sleep quality and duration mediated this relationship.

Methods

An online survey assessed experiences of COVID‐19 psychosocial stress, sleep quality and duration, and suicidal ideation in a sample of 189 South African adults during the second and third waves of the COVID‐19 pandemic. A causal inference framework for mediation analysis was used to assess the degree to which sleep quality and duration explained the association between COVID‐19 psychosocial stress and suicidal ideation.

Results

Suicidal ideation was reported in 21% of adults. Adults described having moderate sleep quality and an average of 6.9 hours of sleep per night. COVID‐19 psychosocial stress significantly predicted adult suicidal ideation in fully adjusted models. Sleep quality, but not sleep duration, significantly mediated the association between COVID‐19 psychosocial stress and suicidal ideation, accounting for 25.9% of the total effect.

Conclusions

Poor sleep quality may play an important role in exacerbating the alarming stress‐induced mental health effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Further research is necessary to understand the underlying sleep dynamics and associated psychological and neurobiological processes that perpetuate adult suicidal ideation.
Unidirectional Reflectionlessness and Transmissionlessness in Indirectly Coupled Whispering‐Gallery Mode Resonators
Authors: Li Gang , Zhang Ying Qiao , Jin Xing Ri
Published: January 2024

The reflection and transmission characteristics of a system composed of two whispering‐gallery mode (WGM) resonators are explored. Each resonator contains a Zeeman split quantum dot and side‐couples to an optical fiber. The results indicate that the unidirectional reflectionlessness and transmissionlessness can be achieved by adjusting the coupling strength between the resonators and the optical fiber, as well as the transition rate between the counter‐propagating modes within the WGM resonators. Besides, a one‐to‐one correspondence is set up between the resonance frequencies of quantum dots' energy levels and the positions of reflectionlessness (transmissionlessness) peaks when phase shift between two WGM resonators is . This research provides the valuable insights for the development of quantum optical devices such as isolators, circulators, and routers.
Reshaping Echinocandin Antifungal Drugs To Circumvent Glucan Synthase Point‐Mutation‐Mediated Resistance
Authors: Jospe‐Kaufman Moriah , Ben‐Zeev Efrat , Mottola Austin , Dukhovny Anna , Berman Judith , Carmeli Shmuel , Fridman Micha
Published: January 2024

Echinocandins are a class of antifungal drugs that inhibit the activity of the β‐(1,3)‐glucan synthase complex, which synthesizes fungal cell wall β‐(1,3)‐glucan. Echinocandin resistance is linked to mutations in the FKS gene, which encodes the catalytic subunit of the glucan synthase complex. We present a molecular‐docking‐based model that provides insight into how echinocandins interact with the target Fks protein: echinocandins form a ternary complex with both Fks and membrane lipids. We used reductive dehydration of alcohols to generate dehydroxylated echinocandin derivatives and evaluated their potency against a panel of Candida pathogens constructed by introducing resistance‐conferring mutations in the FKS gene. We found that removing the hemiaminal alcohol, which drives significant conformational alterations in the modified echinocandins, reduced their efficacy. Conversely, eliminating the benzylic alcohol of echinocandins enhanced potency by up to two orders of magnitude, in a manner dependent upon the resistance‐conferring mutation. Strains that have developed resistance to either rezafungin, the most recently clinically approved echinocandin, or its dehydroxylated derivative RZF‐1, exhibit high resistance to rezafungin while demonstrating moderate resistance to RZF‐1. These findings provide valuable insight for combating echinocandin resistance through chemical modifications.
Enhanced stability of gold nanoparticles capped with double hydrophilic block copolymers synthesized by eATRP
Authors: Liu Qin , Xu Lan
Published: January 2024

In this study, the gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) are capped with a novel, well‐defined double hydrophilic block copolymer, poly (ethylene glycols)‐block‐poly(mono‐2‐(methacryloyloxy) ethyl succinate) (PEG‐b‐PSEMA). The PEG‐b‐PSEMA, with long side chains and relatively narrow dispersity index, is successfully prepared by aqueous electrochemically mediated atom transfer radical polymerization using a PEG‐Br macroinitiator (Mn≈2000 g mol−1). By simply mixing PEG‐b‐PSEMA and Au precursor before adding reductants, coulombic interactions occur between the Au precursor and the carboxylate group of the PSEMA, as a result dense Au NPs are formed. This enables the Au NPs to remain dispersed even in the presence of temperature variations, pH adjustments, and incubation in organic solvents. Au NPs were endowed by PEG‐b‐PSEMA with more remarkable catalytic activity in organic solvents of 4‐nitrophenol into 4‐aminophenol than by sodium citrate (Au@citrate) and MeO‐PEG‐OH (Au@PEG). In addition, PEG‐b‐PSEMA‐stabilized Au NPs (Au@PEG‐b‐PSEMA) were also tested for the dye degradation property against Rhodamine‐B in only pH 10 basic solution, and over 99% of dye degradation can be achieved in 9 min. PEG‐b‐PSEMA induces coulombic interactions with Au NPs, providing outstanding stability for catalytic applications in organic or specific acidic‐base environments.
Epoxy filled with nylon powder—An approach to reduce void formation via fused particle method
Authors: Abdul Malek Nur Syahrul Nizam , Engku Zawawi Engku Zaharah , Romli Ahmad Zafir , Nik Ibrahim Nik Noor Idayu
Published: January 2024

In the quest for superior materials, especially in industrial applications demanding strength, stiffness, low density, and cost‐efficiency, composite materials have emerged as game changers. Combining a polymer matrix with reinforcement materials, they hold great promise. However, the challenge of particle agglomeration looms large, especially at high loadings. Particle agglomeration disrupts filler distribution and gives rise to voids in polymer composites. This study investigates the fusion behavior of agglomerated Nylon particles and their influence on Nylon/epoxy composites. Using epoxy resin and Nylon SP301, a micron‐sized Nylon 12 powder with a 185°C melting point, composites were prepared at 3%, 9%, and 15% Nylon loading. After curing, these composites underwent controlled heating at 185, 195, and 205°C, with a fusion of 20–100 min. At 185°C, particles initially remain separate, forming slight clumps after 20 min and increasingly sticking together at 60 and 100 min. Shifting to 195°C, particles begin consolidating into a solid mass even after 20 min. The introduction of Nylon decreases composite density compared to pure epoxy, and density changes vary with fusion time, exhibiting complete fusion, partial fusion, and shrinkage‐induced gap formation. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis reveals evolving glass transition temperatures (Tg) influenced by the fusion process, with longer fusion times yielding higher Tg and greater heat capacity.
Momentum Transfer in Triboelectric Nanogenerators
Authors: Yu Zeyang , Zhang Yuyang , Willatzen Morten , Shao Jiajia , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: January 2024

The triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) reflects a prospering field, that uses Maxwell's displacement current as the driving force to transform mechanical energy into electricity. Based on the law of energy conservation, many theoretical models of TENGs are proposed to provide a detailed insight into how energy flows and transformation in the energy harvesting system, while ignoring a hidden but extremely important point about TENG's momentum transfer and conservation. Here a series of analysis is presented for the momentum transfer and conservation in TENGs based on Maxwell equations and stress tensor. Using a time‐dependent 3D mathematical model, it is elaborated that how the time‐ and spatial‐dependent momentum current is influenced by the field and the dielectric materials, demonstrating that momentum is overall conserved for a TENG. In other words, the TENG device can not only convert mechanical energy into electricity, but it is also able to transfer momentum. Momentum transfer is another important characteristic of TENGs, and finally, the essential differences and similarities among the momentum transfer, energy transfer, and energy transformation in TENGs are systematically discussed. This study will certainly serve as a new starting point for exploring momentum transfer and conservation in the TENG momentum transfer system.
Spatiotemporal expression and coexpression patterns of SRPK1 in the human brain: A neurodevelopmental perspective
Authors: Wang Jing‐jing , Roy Sagor Kumar , Xu Yu‐ming
Published: January 2024

Background

SRPK1 is a splicing‐related protein that plays an important role in the development and function of the human brain. This article presents evidence that SRPK1 has distinct spatiotemporal expression patterns enriched in processes related to neurodevelopmental disorders across development.

Material and method

We used the BrainSpan growing mammalian brain transcriptome to evaluate the distribution of SRPK1 throughout the entire brain. RNA‐sequencing data were gathered from 524 tissue samples recovered from 41 postmortem brains of physiologically normal individuals spanning early developing fetus (8 postconception weeks, PCW) to later life (40 years of age). Using the Allen Human Brain Atlas (AHBA) dataset, we analyzed the spatial gene expression of 15 adult human brains. Using Toppgene, we identified genes that exhibit significant coexpression with SRPK1.

Results

We found evidence that analyzing the spatiotemporal gene expression profile and identifying coexpressed genes reveals that SRPK1 expression is involved in various neurodevelopmental and somatic events throughout the lifetime.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight the importance of detailed maps of gene expression in the human brain for improved human‐to‐human translation and illustrate differences in SRPK1 expression across anatomical areas and developmental stages in healthy human brain tissue.
Patients with Parkinson's disease demonstrate deficits in visual‐spatial memory in the Chinese Visual Retention Test
Authors: Liu Chunyan , Yuan Meng , He Songbin
Published: January 2024

Objective

We aimed to explore the existence of visual‐spatial memory deficit in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) without dementia in the Chinese Visual Retention Test, as well as to assess whether their performance is related to age, duration, severity, stage, and dopamine (DA) dose.

Methods

Forty‐two patients with PD and 30 healthy controls were included in our study. The Chinese Visual Retention Test was used to evaluate the visual‐spatial memory of the subjects. Parameters of the Chinese Visual Retention Test were compared between the two groups. Correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were used to explore the associations of the Chinese Visual Retention Test with age, duration, severity, stage of PD, and DA dose.

Results

Three correct scores in the Chinese Visual Retention Test were all significantly lower in the PD group than in the control group. The total error scores, error scores of omissions, deformation, and persistence in the PD group were significantly higher than those in the control group. Correlation analysis showed the total error scores in the Chinese Visual Retention Test was positively correlated with UPDRS III score and H‐Y classification. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the total error scores in the Chinese Visual Retention Test were associated with the UPDRS III score and H‐Y classification.

Conclusion

Patients with PD without dementia had visual‐spatial memory deficits in the Chinese Visual Retention Test which may be affected by the severity and clinical stage of PD.
Behavioral intentions and perceived stress under isolated environment
Authors: Lin Ying , Wu Lili , Ouyang Hui , Zhan Jingye , Wang Jing , Liu Weizhi , Jia Yanpu
Published: January 2024

Background

Isolation is a special environment that will affect the mental health and behavior of individuals. The current study was to explore the relationship between behavior intention (BI) and perceived stress in isolated environment during Shanghai Omicron pandemic.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted between April 8 and 14, 2022. Three self‐reported questionnaires were used to evaluate quarantine duration, stress perception, and BI. A total of 1042 participants in Shanghai under quarantine at home were included by random sampling. Logistic regression and one‐way variance analysis were used to determine the risk factors related to BI.

Results

The finding implicated negative BI was more reported by the population of males, with lower educational background, with jobs, and youngers. A negative association existed between perceived stress and BI (B = −1.004, p = .003, OR = 0.367, 95% CI = .191–.703). The proportion of positive BI decreased with quarantined duration, whereas the negative BI seemed vibrate upward then downward.

Conclusion

There existed a significant effect of quarantined days on perceived stress with different BIs. High perceived stress was a risk factor of positive BI. This preliminary study has significance to understand the effect of compulsory measures on BI and for policies makers to take a psychosocial perspective to consider the effective pandemic intervention strategies.
Association between fibrinogen‐to‐albumin ratio and functional prognosis of 3 months in patients with acute ischemic stroke after intravenous thrombolysis
Authors: Chen Xinxin , Xu Xiahong , Li Ying , Liu Feifeng , Zhang Bei , Zuo Lian
Published: January 2024

Background

The presence of high fibrinogen and low albumin levels in serum is associated with a negative prognosis in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Fibrinogen‐to‐albumin ratio (FAR), a new inflammatory biomarker, may provide better prognostic insights in patients with AIS than separate evaluation of fibrinogen or albumin. The objective of this investigation is to examine the correlation between FAR and 3‐month functional prognosis after intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in AIS patients.

Methods

The retrospective study recruited AIS patients who received IVT from June 2014 to December 2021. The 3‐month functional prognosis was assessed using the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS). A mRS score of ≤2 indicated a good outcome, whereas a mRS score of >2 suggested a poor outcome.

Results

A total of 591 AIS patients who underwent IVT were included and 147 patients (24.9 %) had a poor outcome. Among the 102 pairs of patients after propensity score matching, there was a significant association between FAR and 3‐month prognosis (adjusted OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.03–1.38; p = .020). The optimal FAR cutoff value was found to be 7.57, and even after stratifying patients based on this value, we still observed a significant correlation between high FAR level and poor outcome (adjusted OR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.28–3.40; p = .003).

Conclusions

FAR may serve as a prospective biomarker of predicting 3‐month prognosis in AIS patients after IVT.
Long noncoding RNA H19 in ovarian biology and placenta development
Authors: Adu‐Gyamfi Enoch Appiah , Cheeran Elisha Ann , Salamah Joudi , Lee Bum‐Kyu
Published: January 2024

As the first long noncoding RNA to be discovered, H19 has gained substantial attention as a key regulator of several biological processes and its roles in female reproductive biology are gradually getting revealed. Herein, we have summarized the current evidence regarding H19 expression pattern and involvement in the developmental and pathological processes associated with the ovary and the placenta. The findings indicate that within the ovaries, H19 is expressed in the antral and cystic atretic follicles as well as in the corpora lutea but absent in the primordial, primary, and secondary follicles. Its normal expression promotes the maturation of antral follicles and prevents their premature selection for the ovulatory journey while its aberrant induction promotes polycystic ovary syndrome development and ovarian cancer metastasis. In the placenta, H19 is highly expressed in the cytotrophoblasts and extravillous trophoblasts but weakly expressed in the syncytiotrophoblast layer and potentially controls trophoblast cell fate decisions during placenta development. Abnormal expression of H19 is observed in the placental villi of pregnancies affected by pre‐eclampsia and fetal growth restriction. Therefore, dysregulated H19 is a candidate biomarker and therapeutic target for the mitigation of ovarian and placenta‐associated diseases.
Assessment of the effectiveness of the peptide inhibitor homologous to the transforming growth factor β cytokine blocking the TGFβRI/TGFβRII receptor complex—pilot study
Authors: Mateusz Marynowski , Seweryn Karbownik Michał , Janusz Szemraj , Piotr Kuna , Panek Michał Gabriel
Published: January 2024

Background

A key player in the fibrotic process is the transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) which enhances extracellular matrix production by increasing the transcription of matrix proteins. The cytokine TGF‐β first binds to the TGFβRII receptor (dimer), resulting in the recruitment of the TGFβRI receptor (dimer). The complex thus formed leads to the phosphorylation of the kinase domain of TGFβRI, which in turn results in activation of the Smad pathway. This is therefore a targeted pathway for research into the application of peptide inhibitors in blocking the TGF‐β‐Smad signaling pathway. The aim of this study was to design a peptide inhibitor (homologous to the cytokine TGF‐β) which, after binding to the TGFβRI/TGFβRII receptor, would block the cytokine binding and thus prevent the formation of an activating complex.

Methods

Preliminary work on the design and synthesis of inhibitors for TGFβRI/TGFβRII has allowed us to identify and describe five key regions of the TGF‐β—TGFβRI/TGFβRII interface. The following five peptide inhibitors were synthesized for Region 1: 1.1 ALDAAYCFR, 1.2 LDAAYCFRN, 1.3 DAAYCFRNV, 1.4 AAYCFRNVQ, 1.5 AYCFRNVQD. The expression of the SEAP reporter gene, Smad2, Smad3, Smad4, and JNK1 gene was measured using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

For Region 1 peptide inhibitors tested for TGFβRI/TGFβRII, reduced SEAP (reporter gene) expression was observed in cells of the MFB‐F11 line, which suggests inhibited the formation of cytokine‐receptor complexes.

Conclusions

For IP1_2, 1_3 and 1_5 Region 1 peptides tested for TGFβRI/TGFβRII, reduced cytokine‐receptor signal by adding newly designed inhibitors. The study revealed an impact of these peptide inhibitors on the reduction of mRNA expression of Smad2, Smad3, Smad4 and JNK1 genes.
Clinical characteristics of allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis caused by Schizophyllum commune
Authors: Oguma Tsuyoshi , Ishiguro Takashi , Kamei Katsuhiko , Tanaka Jun , Suzuki Junko , Hebisawa Akira , Obase Yasushi , Mukae Hiroshi , Tanosaki Takae , Furusho Shiho , Kurokawa Koji , Watai Kentaro , Matsuse Hiroto , Harada Norihiro , Nakamura Ai , Shibayama Takuo , Baba Rie , Fukunaga Kentaro , Matsumoto Hisako , Ohba Hisano , Sakamoto Susumu , Suzuki Shinko , Tanaka Shintetsu , Yamada Takahiro , Yamasaki Akira , Fukutomi Yuma , Shiraishi Yoshiki , Toyotome Takahito , Fukunaga Koichi , Shimoda Terufumi , Konno Satoshi , Taniguchi Masami , Tomomatsu Katsuyoshi , Okada Naoki , Asano Koichiro ,   Japan ABPM Research Program
Published: January 2024

Background

Allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis (ABPM) is an allergic disease caused by type I and type III hypersensitivity to environmental fungi. Schizophyllum commune, a basidiomycete fungus, is one of the most common fungi that causes non‐Aspergillus ABPM.

Objective

Herein, we attempted to clarify the clinical characteristics of ABPM caused by S. commune (ABPM‐Sc) compared with those of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA).

Methods

Patients with ABPM‐Sc or ABPA were recruited from a nationwide survey in Japan, a multicenter cohort, and a fungal database at the Medical Mycology Research Center of Chiba University. The definition of culture‐positive ABPM‐Sc/ABPA is as follows: (1) fulfills five or more of the 10 diagnostic criteria for ABPM proposed by Asano et al., and (2) positive culture of S. commune/Aspergillus spp. in sputum, bronchial lavage fluid, or mucus plugs in the bronchi.

Results

Thirty patients with ABPM‐Sc and 46 with ABPA were recruited. Patients with ABPM‐Sc exhibited less severe asthma and presented with better pulmonary function than those with ABPA (p = 0.008–0.03). Central bronchiectasis was more common in ABPM‐Sc than that in ABPA, whereas peripheral lung lesions, including infiltrates/ground‐glass opacities or fibrotic/cystic changes, were less frequent in ABPM‐Sc. Aspergillus fumigatus‐specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E was negative in 10 patients (34%) with ABPM‐Sc, who demonstrated a lower prevalence of asthma and levels of total serum IgE than those with ABPM‐Sc positive for A. fumigatus‐specific IgE or ABPA.

Conclusions

Clinical characteristics of ABPM‐Sc, especially those negative for A. fumigatus‐specific IgE, differed from those of ABPA.
Vanadium administration ameliorates cortical structural and functional changes in juvenile hydrocephalic mice
Authors: Olopade Funmilayo Eniola , Femi‐Akinlosotu Omowumi Moromoke , Dauda Opeyemi , Obiako Jane , Olopade James Olukayode , Shokunbi Matthew Temitayo
Published: January 2024

Vanadium is a prevalent neurotoxic transition metal with therapeutic potentials in some neurological conditions. Hydrocephalus poses a major clinical burden in neurological practice in Africa. Its primary treatment (shunting) has complications, including infection and blockage; alternative drug‐based therapies are therefore necessary. This study investigates the function and cytoarchitecture of motor and cerebellar cortices in juvenile hydrocephalic mice following treatment with varying doses of vanadium. Fifty juvenile mice were allocated into five groups (n = 10 each): controls, hydrocephalus‐only, low‐ (0.15 mg/kg), moderate‐ (0.3 mg/kg), and high‐ (3.0 mg/kg) dose vanadium groups. Hydrocephalus was induced by the intracisternal injection of kaolin and sodium metavanadate administered by intraperitoneal injection 72hourly for 28 days. Neurobehavioral tests: open field, hanging wire, and pole tests, were carried out to assess locomotion, muscular strength, and motor coordination, respectively. The cerebral motor and the cerebellar cortices were processed for cresyl violet staining and immunohistochemistry for neurons (NeuN) and astrocytes (glial fibrillary acidic protein). Hydrocephalic mice exhibited body weight loss and behavioral deficits. Horizontal and vertical movements and latency to fall from hanging wire were significantly reduced, while latency to turn and descend the pole were prolonged in hydrocephalic mice, suggesting impaired motor ability; this was improved in vanadium‐treated mice. Increased neuronal count, pyknotic cells, neurodegeneration and reactive astrogliosis were observed in the hydrocephalic mice. These were mostly mitigated in the vanadium‐treated mice, except in the high‐dose group where astrogliosis persisted. These results demonstrate a neuroprotective potential of vanadium administration in hydrocephalus. The molecular basis of these effects needs further exploration.
Real‐time prediction of horizontal drilling pressure based on convolutional Transformer
Authors: Yan Baoyong , Tian Jialin , Wan Jun , Qiu Yu , Chen Weiming
Published: January 2024

During horizontal drilling operations, real‐time prediction of drilling pressure during the drilling process can help the drilling team cope with the complex and changing working environment downhole, adjust the parameters of the drilling rig promptly, make correct decisions, reduce the probability of drilling accidents, and avoid affecting the duration and cost of the project. This study provides a method for real‐time prediction of the drilling pressure of horizontal drilling rigs. A deep learning model based on a convolutional Transformer is trained for accurate real‐time prediction by extracting real‐time operating data of the horizontal drilling rig from the data acquisition system. The method proposed in this study can be a useful tool to improve the performance of horizontal drilling rigs and can assist the drilling team in operating horizontal drilling rigs. The results of the case study show that: (1) the proposed convolutional Transformer model provides reliable real‐time prediction with an MAE of 0.304 MPa and an RMSE of 0.508 MPa; (2) the proposed method can quickly and accurately predict the trend of drilling pressure change in the next period based on the current change of drilling pressure, and grasp the dynamics of drilling pressure of horizontal drilling rigs in advance. Further research could focus on assisted decision‐making and intelligent optimization to provide solutions for preventing drilling accidents and improving horizontal rig performance based on the prediction.
Slowing Hot Electron Cooling in CdSe Quantum Dots Using Electron‐Rich Exciton‐Delocalizing Ligands
Authors: Baldwin Matthew T. , Lee Changmin , López‐Arteaga Rafael , Weiss Emily A. , Chen Lin X.
Published: January 2024

Understanding hot carrier dynamics in semiconductor nanocrystals is an important research focus due to their applications in photonics and photovoltaic devices. In this report, we investigated the effects of surface‐bound exciton‐delocalizing ligands (EDLs) on the lifetimes of hot electrons in CdSe quantum dots (QDs). After treatment of CdSe with two different phenylithiocarbamates (PTCs), a class of EDLs, the depletion times of the band‐edge exciton bleach were roughly equivalent as observed through ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy. However, following the initial ultrafast depletion, the PTC‐treated samples continued to deplete while the untreated CdSe began recovering. Inspection of other transient features – such as the 3rd exciton and hot biexciton – reveal a general trend in which the PTC‐treated samples relax more slowly at short times (<10 ps) when compared with the untreated CdSe. At longer delay times, in the range of nanoseconds, the CdSe+CF3OPTC loses nearly 80 % of its excited state populations, while the CdSe+MeOPTC loses only 20–40 %. We discuss the role that exciton delocalization plays in determining these observed rates as well as how they compare to previous studies. Kinetic differences between the two ligands are attributed to their electron donating/withdrawing abilities and coupling to the CdSe QD. Coherent vibrational wavepacket analysis supports this line of reasoning, showing increased coupling between the exciton and the longitudinal optical (LO) phonon due to increased Coulombic field strength around the hole and electron‐donating MeOPTC. These results indicate that electron‐rich PTCs are especially good candidates for use in QD devices that would make use of hot carriers.
Winter Wheat Response to Winter Pea Cover Crop Under Dryland Cropping
Authors: Gollany Hero
Published: January 2024

Cover cropping with legumes such as winter peas under dryland winter wheat production systems has several benefits that could improve the resiliency of production systems and agroecosystem services. This article demonstrates the use of winter pea cover crops to increase winter wheat yields in the intermediate (12–16 inch) rainfall zone and to improve drought resiliency. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Crop Management by reading the article and taking the quiz at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.
A bioinspired approach for the modulation of electroosmotic flow and protein–surface interactions in capillary electrophoresis using silylated amino‐amides blocks and covalent grafting
Authors: Gouyon Jérémie , Clavié Margaux , Raquel Gutiérrez‐Climente , Ngo Giang , Dumy Pascal , Etienne Pascal , Martineau Pierre , Pugnière Martine , Ahmad Mehdi , Subra Gilles , Perrin Catherine , Ladner Yoann
Published: January 2024

We explore a bioinspired approach to design tailored functionalized capillary electrophoresis (CE) surfaces based on covalent grafting for biomolecules analysis. First, the approach aims to overcome well‐known common obstacles in CE protein analysis affecting considerably the CE performance (asymmetry, resolution, and repeatability) such as the unspecific adsorption on fused silica surface and the lack of control of electroosmotic flow (EOF). Then, our approach, which relies on new amino‐amide mimic hybrid precursors synthesized by silylation of amino‐amides (Si–AA) derivatives with 3‐isocyanatopropyltriethoxysilane, aims to recapitulate the diversity of protein–protein interactions (π–π stacking, ionic, Van der Waals…) found in physiological condition (bioinspired approach) to improve the performance of CE protein analysis (electrochromatography). As a proof of concept, these silylated Si–AA (tyrosinamide silylation, serinamide silylation, argininamide silylation, leucinamide silylation, and isoglutamine silylation acid) have been covalently grafted in physiological conditions in different amount on bare fused silica capillary giving rise to a biomimetic coating and allowing both the modulation of EOF and protein–surface interactions. The analytical performances of amino‐amide functionalized capillaries were assessed using lysozyme, cytochrome C and ribonuclease A and compared to traditional capillary coatings poly(ethylene oxide), poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride), and sodium poly(styrenesulfonate). EOF, protein adsorption rate, protein retention factor k, and selectivity were determined for each coating. All results obtained showed this approach allowed to modulate the EOF, reduce unspecific adsorption, and generate specific interactions with proteins by varying the nature and the amount of Si–AA in the functionalization mixture.
Effect of ferulic acid and p‐coumaric acid on lowering uric acid through network pharmacology and in vitro studies
Authors: Li Jiahui , Liu Weihua , Jiao Wenya , Lian Yunhe , Mi Si , Chitrakar Bimal , Sang Yaxin , Wang Xianghong
Published: January 2024

The occurrence of hyperuricemia is increasing yearly. Based on network pharmacology, this study predicted the molecular targets and signaling pathways of ferulic acid and p‐coumaric acid for improving hyperuricemia. The results were verified through in vitro cell experiments. After enrichment analysis of 11 core targets of ferulic acid and p‐coumaric acid to improve hyperuricemia, the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway was considered as the most significant signaling pathway. In the hyperuricemia cell model, ferulic acid and p‐coumaric acid significantly increased cell viability and decreased the cell uric acid (UA) content. Ferulic acid and p‐coumaric acid significantly regulated the expression of UA transport‐related proteins, namely urate organic anion transporter 1, glucose transporter 9, and adenosine triphosphate‐binding transporter protein G2. Ferulic acid and p‐coumaric acid also downregulated the phosphorylation of PI3K and Akt, which inhibited the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. This study confirmed that ferulic acid and p‐coumaric acid could regulate UA‐related proteins through the PI3K/Akt pathway and promote UA excretion to alleviate hyperuricemia. The results of this research provided a theoretical basis for further research and development of UA‐lowering products.
Health workforce in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: From COVID‐19 lessons to actions
Authors: Gedik Gulin , Jalal Arooj , Wajid Gohar , Mataria Awad , Hajjeh Rana , Al‐Mandhari Ahmed
Published: January 2024

The COVID‐19 pandemic has had a devastating and unprecedented impact on health and health systems globally leaving an indelible mark on health system infrastructures. The pandemic also clearly demonstrated the critical role of health workers for well‐performing health systems, in particular during emergencies and have prompted the need to undergo a critical re‐evaluation of health systems and health workforce design and implementation. As the year 2023 marks the halfway point of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable development, the time is pertinent for action by governments and partners to scale up the health workforce to advance towards sustainable developement goal (SDG) 3 on health and well‐being and other health‐related SDGs, building on the lessons from COVID‐19. Therefore, at the 70th session of World Health Organization Regional Committee for Eastern Mediterranean, Member States unanimously adopted a resolution to call for accelerated actions to address health workforce challenges through solidarity, alignment, and synergy of efforts in order to rebuild resilient health systems after the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Immune function assessing of TIM3/CD28‐modified CD19 CAR‐T cells and general CD19 CAR‐T cells through a high‐throughput single‐cell microarray platform
Authors: Wang Chao , Wang Chunhua , Liu Huimin , Zhao Songbo , Qiu Jiaoyan , Li Ping , Liu Zhongqian , Sun Mingyuan , Shao Xiaowei , Wang Yihe , Liang Xiaohong , Gao Lifen , Ma Chunhong , Song Wei , Zhang Yu , Han Lin
Published: January 2024

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells are widely used to treat hematological tumors due to their powerful ability to target and kill cancer cells, of which accurate function evaluation at the single‐cell level is crucial to ensuring the efficacy of diagnosis and treatment. Currently, a universal platform to evaluate the efficacy of immune single cells rapidly, efficiently, and systematically is urgently needed. Here, the cytotoxicity, proliferative potential, and persistence of TIM3/CD28‐modified CD19 CAR‐T cells are evaluated in comparison with ordinary CD19 CAR‐T cells through high‐performance and throughput graphene oxide quantum dot (GOQD)‐based single‐cell microfluidic chips. Overall secretory factor expression, immune‐therapy effect of different effector‐target ratios, spatial immune‐therapy effects, and subgroup type profiling are demonstrated to explicit the immunotherapy effect of TIM3/CD28‐modified CD19 CAR‐T cells. TIM3/CD28‐modified CD19 CAR‐T cells show stronger anti‐tumor ability and maintain excellent immunotherapy effects even at low effector‐target ratios and remote distances. TIM3/CD28 also strengthens the local targeting ability of TIM3/CD28‐modified CD19 CAR‐T. Importantly, TIM3/CD28‐modified CD19 CAR‐T exhibits more distinct Th1/Th2 long‐term persistent and potent killer subgroups, which is very helpful for personalized therapy. Overall, this study provides a valuable approach that can be widely implemented to analyze current CAR‐T combinations and evaluate the function of innovative CAR treatments in the future.
Elucidating the structural, catalytic, and antibacterial traits ofFicus caricaandAzadirachta indicaleaf extract‐mediated synthesis of theAg/CuO/rGOnanocomposite
Authors: Fayyaz Zirwa , Farrukh Muhammad Akhyar , Ul‐Hamid Anwar , Chong Kok‐Keong
Published: January 2024

The present exploration demonstrates the efficient, sustainable, cost‐effective, and environment‐friendly green approach for the synthesis of silver (Ag)‐doped copper oxide (CuO) embedded with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposite using the green one‐pot method and the green deposition method. Leaf extracts ofFicus caricaandAzadirachta indicawere used for both methods as reducing and capping agents. The effect of methodology and plant extract was analyzed through different characterization techniques such as UV‐visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), x‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The lowest band gap of 3.0 eV was observed for the Ag/CuO/rGO prepared by the green one‐pot method usingF. carica. The reduction of graphene oxide (GO) and the formation of metal oxide was confirmed through functional group detection using FT‐IR. Calculation of thermodynamic parameters showed that all reactions involved were nonspontaneous and endothermic which shows the stability of nanocomposites. XRD studies revealed the crystallinity, phase purity and small average crystallite size of 32.67 nm. SEM images disclosed that the morphology of the nanocomposites was spherical with agglomeration and rough texture. The particle size of the nanocomposites calculated through HRTEM was found in agreement with the XRD results. The numerous properties of the synthesized nanocomposites enhanced their potential against the degradation of methylene blue, rhodamine B, and ciprofloxacin. The highest percentage degradation of Ag/CuO/rGO was found to be 97%, synthesized using the green one‐pot method withF. caricaagainst ciprofloxacin, which might be due to the lowest band gap, delayed electron–hole pair recombination, and large surface area available. The nanocomposites were also tested against the Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria.

Research Highlights

Facile synthesis of Ag/CuO/rGO nanocomposite using a green one‐pot method and the green deposition method.

The lowest band gap of 3.0 eV was observed for nanocomposite prepared by a green one‐pot method usingFicus carica.

Least average crystallite size of 32.67 nm was found for nanocomposite prepared by a green one‐pot method usingF. carica.

Highest antibacterial and catalytic activity (97%) was obtained against ciprofloxacin with nanocomposite prepared through green one‐pot method usingF. carica.

A mechanism of green synthesis is proposed.
Gene therapy for mitochondrial disorders
Authors: Keshavan Nandaki , Minczuk Michal , Viscomi Carlo , Rahman Shamima
Published: January 2024

In this review, we detail the current state of application of gene therapy to primary mitochondrial disorders (PMDs). Recombinant adeno‐associated virus‐based (rAAV) gene replacement approaches for nuclear gene disorders have been undertaken successfully in more than ten preclinical mouse models of PMDs which has been made possible by the development of novel rAAV technologies that achieve more efficient organ targeting. So far, however, the greatest progress has been made for Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy, for which phase 3 clinical trials of lenadogene nolparvovec demonstrated efficacy and good tolerability. Other methods of treating mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) disorders have also had traction, including refinements to nucleases that degrade mtDNA molecules with pathogenic variants, including transcription activator‐like effector nucleases, zinc‐finger nucleases, and meganucleases (mitoARCUS). rAAV‐based approaches have been used successfully to deliver these nucleases in vivo in mice. Exciting developments in CRISPR‐Cas9 gene editing technology have achieved in vivo gene editing in mouse models of PMDs due to nuclear gene defects and new CRISPR‐free gene editing approaches have shown great potential for therapeutic application in mtDNA disorders. We conclude the review by discussing the challenges of translating gene therapy in patients both from the point of view of achieving adequate organ transduction as well as clinical trial design.
A facile synthesis of precursor for the σ‐1 receptor PET radioligand [18F]FTC‐146 and its radiofluorination
Authors: Marešová Anna , Jurášek Michal , Drašar Pavel B. , Dolenský Bohumil , Prokudina Elena A. , Shalgunov Vladimir , Herth Matthias M. , Cumming Paul , Popkov Alexander
Published: January 2024

The σ‐1 receptor is a non‐opioid transmembrane protein involved in various human pathologies including neurodegenerative diseases, inflammation, and cancer. The previously published ligand [18F]FTC‐146 is among the most promising tools for σ‐1 molecular imaging by positron emission tomography (PET), with a potential for application in clinical diagnostics and research. However, the published six‐ or four‐step synthesis of the tosyl ester precursor for its radiosynthesis is complicated and time‐consuming. Herein, we present a simple one‐step precursor synthesis followed by a one‐step fluorine‐18 labeling procedure that streamlines the preparation of [18F]FTC‐146. Instead of a tosyl‐based precursor, we developed a one‐step synthesis of the precursor analog AM‐16 containing a chloride leaving group for the SN2 reaction with 18F‐fluoride. 18F‐fluorination of AM‐16 led to a moderate decay‐corrected radiochemical yield (RCY = 7.5%) with molar activity (Am) of 45.9 GBq/μmol. Further optimization of this procedure should enable routine radiopharmaceutical production of this promising PET tracer.
Functional knee phenotypes: A helpful classification tool for visualizing potential femoral varus in restricted kinematic alignment total knee arthroplasty in Japan
Authors: Kobayashi Takashi , Kawaguchi Kohei , Goto Kazumi , Suzuki Hayata , Otsu Masayoshi , Michishita Kazuhiko
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Restricted kinematic alignment (rKA) is a modified technique of kinematically aligned total knee arthroplasty (TKA) within a safe alignment range for long‐term implant survivorship. The purpose of this study was to clarify (1) the distribution of functional knee phenotypes in patients who underwent TKA in Japan and (2) whether the application of this classification results in anatomically neutral alignment after rKA TKA.

Methods

Overall, 114 TKA surgeries (mechanical alignment [MA]: 49; rKA: 65) were performed. The joint line orientation angle (JLOA), hip–knee–ankle angle (HKA), femoral mechanical angle (FMA) and tibial mechanical angle (TMA) were obtained. The knees were categorized using a functional knee phenotype classification. Clinical evaluations, including the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome, 12‐question Forgotten Joint and Oxford Knee Scores, were performed 3 years postoperatively. Between‐group comparisons were made.

Results

The most common preoperative functional knee phenotype was VARHKA3° + NEUFMA0° + VARTMA3° (11.4%). In the preoperative population, 51 knees (44.7%) had VARFMA ≥ 3°. Postoperatively, the most common functional knee phenotype was NEUHKA0° + VARFMA3° + VALTMA3° (14 knees, 28.6%) in the MA and NEUHKA0° + NEUFMA0° + NEUTMA0° in the rKA group. The percentage of postoperative JLOA within ±3° from the floor was 27% and 72% in the MA and rKA groups, respectively (p < 0.001). The functional knee phenotype after rKA TKA was neutrally reproduced, and the joint line was more parallel to the ground in the standing position than that of MA. Between‐group differences in clinical outcomes were not significant.

Conclusion

The application of functional knee phenotyping to knee osteoarthritis in Japan suggested the presence of racial morphological characteristics. This classification could help better visualize potential femoral varus, contributing to protocol deviation in applying restricted KA TKA.

Level of Evidence

Level IV.