bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Collective consciousness and consumer behavior
Authors: White Katherine , Wang William , Aquino Karl
Published: July 2024

We build on the construct of collective consciousness, which reflects a view that a person can see the self as the subject that is attending, experiencing, or acting as a unitary collective agent, that is, from the perspective of “we” as opposed to “I.” Shteynberg (Journal of Consumer Psychology, 2024) proposes that collective consciousness can foster mutual trust and cooperation, thus having positive implications for both individuals and society. In this commentary, we discuss what the construct of collective consciousness might have to offer consumer researchers by considering when collective consciousness could be relevant in consumer contexts, its key psychological consequences, and how this theory could potentially build upon and interact with existing frameworks in consumer psychology. In addition, we consider some potential negative consequences of collective consciousness and point to potentially fruitful directions for future consumer research.
Navigating the integration of knowledge and research evidence in clinical practice for children's foot health: A multi‐professional survey
Authors: Hodgson Lisa , Price Carina , Reay Julie , Nester Chris , Morrison Stewart C.
Published: July 2024

Background

Access to clinical services for children with foot and ankle problems are important, but unravelling the complexity of practice and service delivery can be challenging. The pursuit and implementation of research evidence is critical for driving positive change in practice, but little is understood about the approaches to knowledge and research acquisition in children foot health.

Aim

The aim of the study was to: (1) explore multi‐professional habits of knowledge and research evidence acquisition in children's foot health; and (2) understand how clinicians integrate information for children and their families into their practice.

Methods

This was a descriptive, cross‐sectional online survey. Participants were included if they worked in the UK and had experience of working within paediatric services.

Results

There were complete responses from 247 health professionals, representing physiotherapists (n = 160), podiatrists (n = 50), orthotists (n = 25), nurses and specialists in community public health nurses (health visitors) (n = 12). Three main themes were generated from the data: (1) Factors that influence knowledge and inform clinical practice. (2) The role of Professional Bodies in informing professional knowledge. (3) Health Professionals' views on managing health information for parents and caregivers.

Conclusions

This work advances understanding of the value health professionals' place in the development of materials for informing professional knowledge, as well as highlighting some of the challenges with translation of knowledge into clinical practice. The findings offer a national perspective of health professionals working on children's foot health and have highlighted that some of the most valued influences on clinical practice come from peer‐to‐peer networking.
Effects of Lactocaseibacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei NTU 101 on gut microbiota: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical study
Authors: Lin Tzu‐Hsing , Shih Tsung‐Wei , Lin Chih‐Hui
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Lactocaseibacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei NTU 101 (NTU101) is a well‐known commercial probiotic with multiple health beneficial effects. In this study, the gut microbiota modulation effect of an NTU 101 product, Vigiis 101‐LAB, on healthy human was investigated in a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled human trial.

RESULTS

Vigiis 101‐LAB significantly modulated human gut microbiota at fourth and sixth weeks of trial (anosim analysis, P = 0.001). It also significantly improved peristalsis (P = 0.003) and shortened defecation interval of subjects. The shift of gut microbiota is significantly fit with defecation interval (P = 0.009) and stool shape (P = 0.001) of subjects.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that Vigiis 101‐LAB promotes human intestinal health with improvement of peristalsis and fecal quality. The gut modulation effects of Vigiis 101‐LAB subsequently raised the abundance of vitamin B7, vitamin K, pyrimidine and purine biosynthesis pathways. Vigiis 101‐LAB may promote peristalsis via purinergic pathway and possibly conferring prophylactic benefits against irritable bowel syndrome with constipation. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
The posterior condyle grows in the direction of the increasing posterior condylar offset and the inclination angle of the ACL changes accordingly
Authors: Kamei Goki , Nekomoto Akinori , Nakata Kyohei , Tsuji Shunya , Hashiguchi Naofumi , Nakamae Atsuo , Ishikawa Masakazu , Adachi Nobuo
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to reveal the changes in the shape of the posterior femoral condyle and the morphology of the ACL, both before and after epiphyseal closure. The hypothesis of this study is that the morphological change of the posterior femoral condyle and that of the ACL may be correlated to some extent.

Methods

Eighty‐one patients who underwent surgery for the knee joint (meniscal repair, arthroscopic synovectomy, medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction) between 2016 and 2021 were included in this study, 48 patients aged 13 years or under (before epiphysis closure; mean age: 10.9 (range: 7–13) and 33 patients aged over 18 years or over (after epiphysis closure; mean age: 21.7 (range: 18–30). The shape of the posterior femoral condyle was evaluated via lateral view radiographs, and the morphology of the ACL was measured via sagittal and coronal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images.

Results

The morphology of the posterior condyle in the lateral view radiograph in patients aged 13 and under was larger in the direction of the short axis of the femur compared with that in those aged 18 and over (p < 0.001). The mean value of the inclination angle of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the sagittal plane was significantly smaller in patients aged 13 and under (41.7° ± 3.7) than in those aged 18 and over (48.5° ± 4.2) (p < 0.001). The mean values of the inclination angle of the ACL in the coronal plane were significantly smaller in patients aged 13 and under (55.7° ± 6.4) than in those aged 18 and over (63.4° ± 4.4) (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study evaluates and compares the shape of the posterior femoral condyle and the morphology of the ACL fiber before and after epiphyseal closure. The posterior femoral condyle grew posteriorly rather than longitudinally, and the inclination of the ACL fibers was thought to change accordingly.

Level of Evidence

Level Ⅲ.
External‐Cavity Free Plasmonic Nano‐Lasers Based on Quasi‐2D Perovskite Films
Authors: Dong Keqian , Lin Runkang , Huang Zhitao , Sun Jiaqian , Zhao Jing , Ma Jingteng , Lu Shudi , Li Mengyu , He Xintao , Liu Kong , Yue Shizhong , Wang Zhijie , Qu Shengchun
Published: July 2024

Plasmonic nano‐lasers possess enormous potential for miniaturization of on‐chip integrated light sources. However, achieving plasmonic lasing requires high‐quality plasmonic resonant cavities, which are currently limited by complex, small‐scale, and costly production methods. Here, a new type of external‐cavity free plasmonic nano‐lasers is first presented with ultra‐thin thickness, achieved through the facile spin‐coating of quasi‐2D perovskite films onto monocrystalline silver sheets. The external‐cavity free plasmonic nano‐lasers exhibit obvious lasing behaviors, evidenced by a well‐defined threshold, significant linewidth narrowing, and distinct polarization dependence. The internal lasing mechanism relies on the scattering loop of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) by the disordered grains of the polycrystalline perovskite film. Based on this loop, SPPs experience feedback and amplification at the interface between silver sheets and perovskite films, leading to the lasing. Compared to photonic mode lasers, plasmonic nano‐lasers exhibit a significantly reduced feature size (< 80 nm), a dramatically faster lasing dynamic process (17 ps), and enhanced feedback stability and efficiency. The external‐cavity free plasmonic nano‐lasers eliminate the strict requirements for plasmonic resonant cavities to overcome traditional optical diffraction limits, making them highly significant for future applications in on‐chip photoelectric or all‐optical integration.
Brainstem dominant form of X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy with a novel ABCD1 missense variant: A case report and literature review
Authors: Kang Yulai , Guo Lu , Min Zhuo , Zhang Lei , Zhang Lili , Tang Chunhua
Published: July 2024

Background

X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X‐ALD) is the most common peroxisomal disorder attributed to ABCD1 mutations. Case reports with predominant brainstem involvement are rare.

Case Presentation

In this study, we reported a plateau male worker of X‐ALD characterized by progressive weakness accompanied by gait instability, mild nystagmus, and constipation. After 2 years of onset, a brain Magnetic Resonance Image (MRI) scan showed no abnormality but genetic analysis revealed a heterozygous mutation (c.1534G>A) in the ABCD1 gene. After 7 years of onset, although the patient was given aggressive dietary and symptomatic treatment in the course of the disease, a brain MRI scan showed predominantly brainstem damage, but serum concentrations of very long‐chain fatty acids were normal, and he had been bedridden for almost 2 years with severe bladder dysfunction, forcing him to undergo cystostomy. The patient was discharged with improved urinary retention and renal function.

Conclusions

We reported an X‐ALD patient with a novel ABCD1 variation characterized by brainstem damage and retrospectively summarized the clinical manifestation, MRI features, and genetic features of X‐ALD patients with brainstem damage.
Dynamics of an age‐structured multiscale hepatitis C virus model with two infection modes and antibody immune response
Authors: Wang Xia , Zhao Hongyan , Wang Lin
Published: July 2024

The interference of direct‐acting antiviral agents (DAAs) within various steps of the life cycle of hepatitis C virus (HCV) results in a high cure rate for chronic HCV infection. To accurately quantify the effect of DAAs on treatment and to achieve an optimal drug combination for treatment, we formulate an age‐structured multiscale HCV model. This model incorporates intracellular virus RNA replication process corresponding to the mechanism of drug action, two modes of extracellular virus transmission (virus‐to‐cell infection and cell‐to‐cell infection), and antibody immune response. We prove that the threshold dynamics of the pre‐treatment model is completely determined by the basic reproduction number
and the antibody immune reproduction number
. Under reasonable assumptions, we obtain long‐term and short‐term approximations for post‐treatment viral loads and identify which approximation performs better under various scenarios. Numerical simulations show that the infection mode of cells mainly affects the reduction of viral load in the third stage, while the antibody immune response is mainly manifested in the clearance of viral particles in the first stage of viral load decrease. With effective treatments, blocking cell‐to‐cell infection and enhancing the antibody immune response can effectively reduce the viral load in a short time period achieving the eradication of infection. Our findings suggest that the HCV infection is highly dynamic post‐DAAs treatment, and early monitoring of viral load decline contributes to the implementation of subsequent treatment regimens.
Nursing postgraduates learning experience of professional curriculum in China: A qualitative study
Authors: Jiang Hongmei , Zhang Ting , Zhang Suofei , Ma Huijuan , Luo Yu
Published: July 2024

Aim

This study adopted the qualitative research method, aiming to explore the learning experience of nursing graduate professional curricula in China from the perspective of students and provided a basis for the continuous improvement of nursing graduate training.

Design

A qualitative study.

Methods

A purposive sampling method was employed to conduct semi‐structured in‐depth interviews with 14 nursing master's students enrolled in professional curricula from September 03, 2021, to December 8, 2022. The Colaizzi seven‐step analysis method was utilized for data analysis, summarization and extraction.

Results

Four themes emerged from the study findings: (i) The study of professional curricula is the cornerstone of scientific research work, but it is relatively boring; (ii) The teaching methods and assessment methods of postgraduate education need to be diversified; (iii) The postgraduate education needs to increase the study time of specialized courses and highlight the specialty characteristics; (iv) the study of professional curricula can enhance the comprehensive ability of postgraduate students.

Conclusion

The study of professional curricula for post‐graduate nursing students plays an important role in the development of post‐graduate research and can statistically significant improve their comprehensive ability, but there are some problems such as boring courses, single teaching assessment methods and insufficient time. In the future teaching reform, it is necessary to highlight the specialty characteristics of nursing scientific research, optimize curriculum education and improve students' scientific research knowledge and thinking.

Patient and Public Contributions

We thank all participants for their valuable input throughout the study.
Entropy stable discontinuous Galerkin methods for the shallow water equations with subcell positivity preservation
Authors: Wu Xinhui , Trask Nathaniel , Chan Jesse
Published: July 2024

High order schemes are known to be unstable in the presence of shock discontinuities or under‐resolved solution features, and have traditionally required additional filtering, limiting, or artificial viscosity to avoid solution blow up. Entropy stable schemes address this instability by ensuring that physically relevant solutions satisfy a semi‐discrete entropy inequality independently of discretization parameters. However, additional measures must be taken to ensure that solutions satisfy physical constraints such as positivity. In this work, we present a high order entropy stable discontinuous Galerkin (ESDG) method for the nonlinear shallow water equations (SWE) on two‐dimensional (2D) triangular meshes which preserves the positivity of the water heights. The scheme combines a low order positivity preserving method with a high order entropy stable method using convex limiting. This method is entropy stable and well‐balanced for fitted meshes with continuous bathymetry profiles.
Analyses of combined Merkel cell carcinomas with neuroblastic components suggests that loss of T antigen expression in Merkel cell carcinoma may result in cell cycle arrest and neuroblastic transdifferentiation
Authors: Kervarrec Thibault , Appenzeller Silke , Gramlich Susanne , Coyaud Etienne , Bachiri Kamel , Appay Romain , Macagno Nicolas , Tallet Anne , Bonenfant Christine , Lecorre Yannick , Kapfer Jean , Kettani Sami , Srinivas Nalini , Lei Kuan Cheok , Lange Anja , Becker Jürgen C , Sarosi Eva Maria , Sartelet Hervé , von Deimling Andreas , Touzé Antoine , Guyétant Serge , Samimi Mahtab , Schrama David , Houben Roland
Published: July 2024

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive skin cancer frequently caused by genomic integration of the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). MCPyV‐negative cases often present as combined MCCs, which represent a distinctive subset of tumors characterized by association of an MCC with a second tumor component, mostly squamous cell carcinoma. Up to now, only exceptional cases of combined MCC with neuroblastic differentiation have been reported. Herein we describe two additional combined MCCs with neuroblastic differentiation and provide comprehensive morphologic, immunohistochemical, transcriptomic, genetic and epigenetic characterization of these tumors, which both arose in elderly men and appeared as an isolated inguinal adenopathy. Microscopic examination revealed biphasic tumors combining a poorly differentiated high‐grade carcinoma with a poorly differentiated neuroblastic component lacking signs of proliferation. Immunohistochemical investigation revealed keratin 20 and MCPyV T antigen (TA) in the MCC parts, while neuroblastic differentiation was confirmed in the other component in both cases. A clonal relation of the two components can be deduced from 20 and 14 shared acquired point mutations detected by whole exome analysis in both combined tumors, respectively. Spatial transcriptomics demonstrated a lower expression of stem cell marker genes such as SOX2 and MCM2 in the neuroblastic component. Interestingly, although the neuroblastic part lacked TA expression, the same genomic MCPyV integration and the same large T‐truncating mutations were observed in both tumor parts. Given that neuronal transdifferentiation upon TA repression has been reported for MCC cell lines, the most likely scenario for the two combined MCC/neuroblastic tumors is that neuroblastic transdifferentiation resulted from loss of TA expression in a subset of MCC cells. Indeed, DNA methylation profiling suggests an MCC‐typical cellular origin for the combined MCC/neuroblastomas. © 2024 The Author(s). The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Mechanical performance of epoxy matrix composites reinforced by physically and chemically treated hemp fiber
Authors: Sun Shuo , Yan Yongzhe , Zhou Chuyi , Pillay Selvum , Ning Haibin
Published: July 2024

Hemp fiber is one of the most common reinforcements for polymer matrix composites and it is widely used in various applications due to its environmentally friendliness, favorable physical and mechanical properties. In spite of the numerous merits of the hemp fiber reinforced polymer composites, improvement of poor interfacial properties between the hemp fiber and polymer matrix is limited. The main objective of this work is to investigate the effect of increased fiber surface area and alkaline surface treatment on the mechanical performance of hemp fiber reinforced epoxy composites. An elevated temperature aqueous debundling treatment was employed to generate a large number of individual fibers from fiber bundles and was associated with a threefold increase in specific fiber surface area. The fiber dimension and surface properties were investigated through optical microscopy, confocal microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The effects of different debundling treatment times and additional alkaline treatment on the mechanical properties were studied. It was found that composites reinforced by the debundled hemp fiber with further alkaline treatment exhibited the best tensile and flexural properties in comparison to other composites reinforced with debundled hemp fiber without further alkaline treatment or with untreated hemp fiber.

Highlights

Provided a new physical method for separating hemp fiber bundle into individual hemp fibers using boiling water and blending.

Debundled fibers resulted in a 3.5 times increase in fiber surface area for better bonding with epoxy matrix.

Debundling process combined with chemical (alkaline) treatment to further improve the compatibility between individual fiber and epoxy.

The effects of the debundling only, alkaline treatment only, and combined debundling + alkaline treatment on composite properties were studied.
Interfacial layer properties and enthalpy relaxation of polymer nanocomposites: Effect of nanoparticle dispersion
Authors: Lv Zhijian , Xiao Ran , Fang Yini , Zhu Zeyu , Lin Yu
Published: July 2024

Investigating the effect of nanoparticle dispersion morphology on the properties of the interfacial layer of polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) provides an important theoretical basis for designing and regulating the macroscopic properties of PNCs. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS) were used to investigate the characteristic parameters of the interfacial area, segmental dynamics and enthalpy relaxation of PNCs with nanoparticle agglomerates and uniformly dispersed morphology. The volume fraction of the interfacial area (φint) and the extent of influence of the interfacial area on the enthalpy hysteresis reduction (χint) in PNCs with agglomerated nanoparticles are lower than that of PNCs with uniformly dispersed nanoparticles for the same nanoparticle loading. Because of the irregular structure of the nanoparticle aggregate morphology, the linear relationships between φint and nanoparticle content is not valid in PNCs with agglomerated nanoparticles. Interestingly, φint obtained by BDS and χint have a clearly linear relationship in all PNCs, independent of nanoparticle dispersion morphology. Such universal quantitative relationship provides a new research methodology for investigating the characteristic parameters of the interfacial area in PNCs, and facilitates the construction of a correspondence between the microscopic parameters of interfacial area and the macroscopic properties of PNCs.

Highlights

The linear relationships between φint and nanoparticle content are not valid in PNCs with agglomerated nanoparticles.

The linear relationships between φint and the decreased degree of ΔHR can be noted in all PNCs, independent of nanoparticle dispersion morphology.

The universal correspondence provides a new research methodology for investigating the characteristic parameters of the interface layer in PNCs.
Epitaxial AlBN/β‐Nb2N Ferroelectric/Superconductor Heterostructures
Authors: Savant Chandrashekhar , Nguyen Thai‐Son , Vishwakarma Saurabh , Lee Joongwon , Ithepalli Anand , Chen Yu‐Hsin , Nomoto Kazuki , Rana Farhan , Smith David J. , Xing Huili Grace , Jena Debdeep
Published: July 2024

We report the growth of AlBN/β‐Nb2N nitride epitaxial heterostructures in which the AlBN is ferroelectric, and β‐Nb2N with metallic resistivity ≈40 μ at 300 K becomes superconducting below TC ≈ 0.5 K. Using nitrogen plasma molecular beam epitaxy, we grow hexagonal β‐Nb2N films on c‐plane Al2O3 substrates, followed by wurtzite AlBN. The AlBN is in epitaxial registry and rotationally aligned with the β‐Nb2N, and the hexagonal lattices of both nitride layers make angles of 30° with the hexagonal lattice of the Al2O3 substrate. The B composition of the AlBN layer is varied from 0 to 14.7%. It is found to depend weakly on the B flux, but increases strongly with decreasing growth temperature, indicating a reaction rate‐controlled growth. The increase in B content causes a non‐monotonic change in the a‐lattice constant and a monotonic decrease in the c‐lattice constant of AlBN. Sharp, abrupt epitaxial AlBN/β‐Nb2N/Al2O3 heterojunction interfaces and close symmetry matching are observed by transmission electron microscopy. The observation of ferroelectricity and superconductivity in epitaxial nitride heterostructures opens avenues for novel electronic and quantum devices.
Naringenin inhibits the microsomal triglyceridetransfer protein/apolipoprotein B axis to inhibit intestinal metaplasia progression
Authors: Huang Xiangming , Zhang Mengqiu , Gu Lina , Zhou Ziyan , Shi Shengtong , Fan Xinyu , Tong Wei , Liu Dazhi , Fang Jihu , Huang Xinen , Fang Zhijun , Lu Min
Published: July 2024

Intestinal metaplasia (IM) is a premalignant condition that increases the risk for subsequent gastric cancer (GC). Traditional Chinese medicine generally plays a role in the treatment of IM, and the phytochemical naringenin used in Chinese herbal medicine has shown therapeutic potential for the treatment of gastric diseases. However, naringenin's specific effect on IM is not yet clearly understood. Therefore, this study identified potential gene targets for the treatment of IM through bioinformatics analysis and experiment validation. Two genes (MTTP and APOB) were selected as potential targets after a comparison of RNA‐seq results of clinical samples, the GEO dataset (GSE78523), and naringenin‐related genes from the GeneCards database. The results of both cell and animal experiments suggested that naringenin can improve the changes in the intestinal epithelial metaplasia model via MTTP/APOB expression. In summary, naringenin likely inhibits the MTTP/APOB axis and therefore inhibits IM progression. These results support the development of naringenin as an anti‐IM agent and may contribute to the discovery of novel IM therapeutic targets.
Insights from very‐large‐ensemble data assimilation experiments with a high‐resolution general circulation model of the Red Sea
Authors: Sanikommu Sivareddy , Raboudi Naila , El Gharamti Mohamad , Zhan Peng , Hadri Bilel , Hoteit Ibrahim
Published: July 2024

Ensemble Kalman Filters (EnKFs), which assimilate observations based on statistics derived from an ensemble of samples of ocean states, have become the norm for ocean data assimilation (DA) and forecasting. These schemes are commonly implemented with inflation and localization techniques to increase their ensemble spread and to filter out spurious long‐range correlations resulting from the limited‐size ensembles imposed by computational burden constraints. Such ad‐hoc methods were found to be not necessary in ensemble DA experiments with simplified ocean/atmospheric models and large ensembles. Here, we conduct a series of one‐year‐long ensemble experiments with a fully realistic EnKF‐DA system in the Red Sea using tens ‐to thousands of ensemble members. The system assimilates satellite and in‐situ observations and accounts for model uncertainties by integrating a 4‐km‐resolution ocean model with European Center for Medium Range Weather Forecast (ECMWF) atmospheric ensemble fields, perturbed internal physics and initial conditions for forecasting. OceanOur results indicate that accounting for model uncertainties is more beneficial than simply increasing the ensemble size, with the improvements due to large ensembles leveling off at about 250 members. Besides, and in contrast to what is commonly observed with simplified models, the investigated ensemble DA system still required localization even when implemented with thousands of members. These findings are explained by: (i) amplified spurious long‐range correlations produced by the low‐rank nature of the ECMWF atmospheric forcing ensemble; and (ii) non‐Gaussianity generated by the perturbed internal physical parameterization schemes. Large‐ensemble forcing fields and non‐Gaussian DA methods might be needed to get full benefits from large ensembles in ocean DA.
Global perspectives on club convergence: Unraveling the nexus of human and sustainable development in the face of corruption
Authors: Halkos G. , Bampatsou C. , Aslanidis P.‐S.
Published: July 2024

Human insecurity is omnipresent due to the negative effects of globalization and multi‐crisis. A global analysis based on club convergence was conducted for 162 countries and covers the period 2007–2021. The studied indicators are (i) sustainable development goals index (SDGI), (ii) human development index (HDI), and (iii) corruption perception index (CPI). The method used, which is based on the log t‐regression test, identifies both groups of countries that converge to different steady states and individual countries that diverge. The observation of the degree of interdependence of the three indicators shows that most clubs that countries, especially European countries, are making progress toward achieving the SDGs. However, in the case of Clubs 4 and 5 of the SDGI index, which are predominantly African countries that have the lowest average scores, the correlation between the HDI and the CPI index is negative. In this case, governments should focus their attention on measures to disseminate knowledge, develop skills, and transfer know‐how between Europe and Africa through strategic corridors. It is therefore necessary to implement targeted and integrated sustainable approaches to human security in the light of sustainable development and the fight against corruption.
Trends in Disease Severity and Quality of Life Outcome Measures in Pemphigus Clinical Trials: A Scoping Review
Authors: Pathak Gaurav N. , Patel Kush , Wachuku Christopher , Truong Thu Minh , Agarwal Priya , Rao Babar
Published: July 2024

Pemphigus represents a spectrum of autoimmune-mediated blistering diseases associated with high morbidity, mortality and reduced quality of life (QoL). Despite an increase in pemphigus clinical trials, the varied instrument measurements of disease severity and QoL outcomes make comparisons between studies challenging. This study aimed to evaluate trends in the use of disease severity and QoL outcome measurements in pemphigus clinical trials. A review of pemphigus clinical trials was conducted using the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Reviews and ClinicalTrials.gov databases up until September 2023. Only pemphigus randomized clinical trials that assessed at least one disease severity and/or QoL outcome were included. Overall, 53 clinical trials were eligible for this review. All clinical trials evaluated a disease severity outcome, with the Pemphigus Disease Area Index being the most used validated questionnaire (28.3% of trials) and more popular after 2015 (47.8% of trials since). The autoimmune bullous skin disorder intensity score (7.6%) and visual analogue measurements (7.6%) have fallen out of favour. Most studies now include lab parameters (56.5% of trials after 2015), with anti-desmoglein 1 and 3 antibody levels (30.2%), immunoglobulins (IgG and/or IgM and IgA) (11.3%), and anti-drug antibody levels (7.6%) being frequently evaluated. A small portion of trials evaluated QoL (26.5% of studies), with the autoimmune bullous quality of life being the most common (15.1%), however QoL utilization as an outcome measure has been increasing since 2015 (61.1% of trials since). Standardising the use of validated outcome measurements allows for better data interpretation, comparability and clinical application of results.
Biomass‐Derived Materials for Advanced Rechargeable Batteries
Authors: Wang Tao , Shi Zezhong , Zhong Yiren , Ma Yuan , He Jiarui , Zhu Zhi , Cheng Xin‐Bing , Lu Bingan , Wu Yuping
Published: July 2024

Biomass‐derived materials generally exhibit uniform and highly‐stable hierarchical porous structures that can hardly be achieved by conventional chemical synthesis and artificial design. When used as electrodes for rechargeable batteries, these structural and compositional advantages often endow the batteries with superior electrochemical performances. This review systematically introduces the innate merits of biomass‐derived materials and their applications as the electrode for advanced rechargeable batteries, including lithium‐ion batteries, sodium‐ion batteries, potassium‐ion batteries, and metal–sulfur batteries. In addition, biomass‐derived materials as catalyst supports for metal‐air batteries, fuel cells, and redox‐flow batteries are also included. The major challenges for specific batteries and the strategies for utilizing biomass‐derived materials are detailly introduced. Finally, the future development of biomass‐derived materials for advanced rechargeable batteries is prospected. This review aims to promote the development of biomass‐derived materials in the field of energy storage and provides effective suggestions for building advanced rechargeable batteries.
Microfluidic‐Assisted Self‐Assembly of Molecular Hydrogelator at Water–Water Interfaces for Continuous Fabrication of Supramolecular Microcapsules
Authors: Li Zhongqi , Wang Hucheng , Gao Yuliang , Chen Jingjing , Gu Guanyao , Liu Jing , Chen Yuqian , Guo Xuhong , Wang Yiming
Published: July 2024

Control over the self‐assembly of small molecules at specific areas is of great interest for many high‐tech applications, yet remains a formidable challenge. Here, how the self‐assembly of hydrazone‐based molecular hydrogelators can be specifically triggered at water–water interfaces for the continuous fabrication of supramolecular microcapsules by virtue of the microfluidic technique is demonstrated. The non‐assembling hydrazide‐ and aldehyde‐based hydrogelator precursors are distributed in two immiscible aqueous polymer solutions, respectively, through spontaneous phase separation. In the presence of catalysts, hydrazone‐based hydrogelators rapidly form and self‐assemble into hydrogel networks at the generated water–water interfaces. Relying on the microfluidic technique, microcapsules bearing a shell of supramolecular hydrogel are continuously produced. The obtained microcapsules can effectively load enzymes, enabling localized enzymatic growth of supramolecular fibrous supramolecular structures, reminiscent of the self‐assembly of biological filaments within living cells. This work may contribute to the development of biomimetic supramolecular carriers for applications in biomedicine and fundamental research, for instance, the construction of protocells.
Carbon Dots with Integrated Photothermal Antibacterial and Heat‐Enhanced Antioxidant Properties for Diabetic Wound Healing
Authors: Wang Henggang , Sun Shan , Zhao Ye , Wang Peng , Zhou Yonghua , Sun Haoyi , Yang Jin , Cheng Ke , Li Si , Lin Hengwei
Published: July 2024

Diabetic wounds pose a persistent challenge due to their slow healing nature, primarily caused by bacterial infection and excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐induced inflammation. In this study, carbon dots with synergistic antibacterial and antioxidant properties, referred to as AA‐CDs, are developed specifically for diabetic wound healing using a straightforward solvothermal method. By utilizing cost‐effective precursors like citric acid and ascorbic acid, AA‐CDs are engineered to possess tailored functions of photothermal sterilization and ROS scavenging. The resulting AA‐CDs demonstrats broad‐spectrum antibacterial activity, particularly against multidrug‐resistant strains, along with efficient ROS scavenging both in solution and within cells. Additionally, AA‐CDs exhibits a protective effect against oxidative stress‐induced damage. Notably, with a high photothermal conversion efficiency (41.18%), AA‐CDs displays heat‐enhanced antioxidant performance, providing not only augmented ROS scavenging but also additional protection against oxidative stress, yielding a true “1 + 1 > 2” effect. To facilitate their use in vivo, AA‐CDs are incorporated into a thermally responsive hydrogel, which exhibits evident anti‐inflammatory properties by modulating inflammatory factors and significantly promots the healing of diabetic wounds. This study underscores the value of integrated platforms for diabetic wound healing and highlights the potential of versatile CDs as promising therapeutic agents in biomedical applications.
Self‐Oxygenated Hydrogel Enhances Immune Cell Response and Infiltration Via Triggering Dual DNA Damage to Activate cGAS‐STING and Inhibiting CAFs
Authors: Tian Huiting , Zhu Nan , Wang Haiting , Li Yanpo , Yang Qiuping , Chen Haolin , Zhou Zhongming , Tan Jianhui , Zheng Huihui , Xie Jiayi , Li Wei , Liang Min , Guo Zhaoze , Li Zhiyang
Published: July 2024

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) offer promise in breaking through the treatment and survival dilemma of triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC), yet only immunomodulatory subtype and ≈5% TNBC patients respond as monotherapy due to lack of effector immune cells (internal problem) and physical barrier (external limitation) formed by cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs). A hydrogel drug‐delivery platform, ALG@TBP‐2/Pt(0)/nintedanib (ALG@TPN), is designed to induce strong immune functions and the dual elimination of the internal and external tumor microenvironment (TME). Activated by white light, through type I and II photodynamic therapy (PDT), TBP‐2 generates large amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) intracellularly, oxidizing mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). The unique catalase activity of Pt(0) converts endogenous H2O2 to O2, reducing the anoxia‐limiting PDT and enhancing ROS generation efficacy. Abundant ROS can oxidize Pt(0) to cytotoxic Pt(II), damaging the nuclear DNA (nDNA). Dual damage to mtDNA and nDNA might bi‐directionally activate the cGAS/STING pathway and enhance the immune cell response. Besides, nintedanib demonstrates a significant inhibitory effect on CAFs, weakening the immune barrier and deepening immune cell infiltration. Overall, the study provides a self‐oxygenating hydrogel with the “PDT/chemotherapy/anti‐CAFs” effect, triggering the cGAS/STING pathway to reshape the TME. Both internal and external interventions increase anti‐TNBC immune responses.
Fabrication and Efficient Interfacial Assembly of Bright Red‐Emitting Carbon Quantum Dots for Security‐Warning Textiles
Authors: Yuan Yun , Wu Leilei , Yan Biaobiao , Yu Yuanyuan , Wang Qiang , Wang Ping
Published: July 2024

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have attracted more attentions due to their multiple performances. However, the fabrication of long‐wavelength emitting CQDs with aliphatic precursors still remains a challenge, mainly because it is difficult to generate large sp2 domains to reduce energy gap, which is not conducive to a redshift of the luminescence peak. Hereon, by regulating the pH of citric acid and thiourea mixture, a N, S co‐doped CQD emitting bright red fluorescence at 635 nm is successfully fabricated through the solvothermal reaction under acidic condition, achieving a high quantum yield of 32.66%. Solvatochromic effects of the CQDs are discussed through theoretical equations and models, which confirm that the hydrogen‐bonding interaction dominates the fluorescence emission behavior of CQDs in polar solvents. Besides, a feasible strategy is proposed to prepare an anti‐counterfeiting textile via the deposition of red‐emitting CQDs onto cotton fibers, through rapidly evaporating the preferred organic solvent. As expected, the CQD‐decorated textiles exhibit encouraging anti‐counterfeiting and security‐warning functions, along with underwater and long‐distance detectability, washability, and sun resistance. It is worth noting that the present work is innovative in realizing the application of red‐light‐emitting CQDs in the fields of security‐warning textiles.
Developing functional hydrogels for treatment of oral diseases
Authors: Song Chuanhui , Liu Rui , Fang Yile , Gu Hongcheng , Wang Yu
Published: July 2024

Oral disease is a severe healthcare challenge that diminishes people's quality of life. Functional hydrogels with suitable biodegradability, biocompatibility, and tunable mechanical properties have attracted remarkable interest and have been developed for treating oral diseases. In this review, we present up‐to‐date research on hydrogels for the management of dental caries, endodontics, periapical periodontitis, and periodontitis, depending on the progression of dental diseases. The strategies of hydrogels for treating oral mucosal diseases and salivary gland diseases are then classified. After that, we focus on the application of hydrogels related to tumor therapy and tissue defects. Finally, the review prospects the restrictions and the perspectives on the utilization of hydrogels in oral disease treatment. We believe this review will promote the advancement of more amicable, functional and personalized approaches for oral diseases.
How Ammonium Valeric Acid Iodide Additive Can Lead to More Efficient and Stable Carbon‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells: Role of Microstructure and Interfaces?
Authors: Perrin Lara , Planes Emilie , Shioki Takaya , Tsuji Ryuki , Honore Jean‐Claude , Farha Cynthia , Ito Seigo , Flandin Lionel
Published: July 2024

As perovskite photovoltaic devices can now compete with silicon technology in terms of efficiency, many strategies are investigated to improve their stability. In particular, degradation reactions can be hindered by appropriate device encapsulation, device architecture, and perovskite formulation. Mesoporous device architectures with a carbon electrode offer a plausible solution for the future commercialization of perovskite solar cells. They represent a low‐cost and stable solution with high potential for large‐scale production. Several studies have already demonstrated the potential of the mixed 2D/3D ammonium valeric acid iodide‐based MAPbI3 formulation to increase the lifetime of pure MAPbI3. They can however not describe the mechanisms responsible for the lifetime improvement. Using a full set of characterization techniques in the initial state and as a function of time during damp‐heat aging, new insights into the performance and degradation mechanisms may be observed. With (5‐AVA)0.05MA0.95PbI3, the solar cells are very stable up to 3500 h and the degradation of performances essentially results from the loss of electrical contacts mainly located at the interfaces. In contrast, for the neat MAPbI3, a poor stability is evidenced (T50 = 500 h) and the loss in performance results from the degradation of the bulk perovskite layer itself.
Diets containing phytobiotics, l‐arginine, vitamin E and captopril modulate ascites syndrome‐related genes expression in broiler chickens exposed to low ambient temperature
Authors: Shirzadi Hassan , Shariatmadari Farid , Karimi‐Torshizi Mohammad Amir , Masoudi Ali Akbar , Rahimi Shaban , Saba Fakhredin , Zaboli Gholamreza , Hedayat‐Evrigh Nemat
Published: July 2024

Background

Our hypothesis centred on the potential to mitigate ascites outbreaks in birds exposed to cold stress by inhibiting pulmonary artery contraction through dietary intervention.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of natural and synthetic medications on growth performance, ascites‐related parameters and the expression of ascites‐related genes in the lung tissue of broiler chickens under low ambient temperature.

Methods

We randomly assigned 450 one‐day‐old male Ross 308 chicks to six dietary treatments across five replicate pens, each containing 15 chicks. The treatments included a basal diet (control), and the basal diet was supplemented with hydroalcoholic extracts of sumac (HES, 200 mg/kg), Syrian mesquite (HEM, 200 mg/kg), l‐arginine (40% above requirement), captopril (15 mg/kg) and vitamin E (100 mg/kg).

Results

Diets containing HEM, l‐arginine and vitamin E resulted in increased average daily gain on days 8–14 and 0–28, whereas HES showed a similar effect only during days 8–14 compared to the control diet (p < 0.05). Additionally, feed additives decreased packed cell volume, left and right ventricle volumes and systolic blood pressure (p < 0.05). Moreover, chickens fed the control and l‐arginine diets exhibited higher levels of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) mRNA in lung tissue compared to those fed HES, HEM and captopril (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, supplementation with HEM and l‐arginine increased the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA in lung tissue compared to other treatments (p < 0.05). Regarding Cu/Zn‐superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn‐SOD) expression, feed additives increased mRNA level in lung tissue, except for captopril (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that the plant extracts may reduce the incidence of ascites syndrome not only through their antioxidant properties but also by modulating the expression of ACE, iNOS and Cu/Zn‐SOD genes.
Characterization the microbial diversity and functional genes in the multi‐component contaminated groundwater in a petrochemical site
Authors: Ti Jinjin , Ning Zhuo , Zhang Min , Wang Shuaiwei , Gan Shuang , Xu Zhe , Di He , Kong Siyu , Sun Weichao , He Ze
Published: July 2024

Microorganisms in groundwater at petroleum hydrocarbon (PHC)‐contaminated sites are crucial for PHC natural attenuation. Studies mainly focused on the microbial communities and functions in groundwater contaminated by PHC only. However, due to diverse raw and auxiliary materials and the complex production processes, in some petrochemical sites, groundwater suffered multi‐component contamination, but the microbial structure remains unclear. To solve the problem, in the study, a petrochemical enterprise site, where the groundwater suffered multi‐component pollution by PHC and sulfates, was selected. Using hydrochemistry, 16S rRNA gene, and metagenomic sequencing analyses, the relationships among electron acceptors, microbial diversity, functional genes, and their interactions were investigated. Results showed that different production processes led to different microbial structures. Overall, pollution reduced species richness but increased the abundance of specific species. The multi‐component contamination multiplied a considerable number of hydrocarbon‐degrading and sulfate‐reducing microorganisms, and the introduced sulfates might have promoted the biodegradation of PHC.

Practitioner Points

The compound pollution of the site changed the microbial community structure.

Sulfate can promote the degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons by hydrocarbon‐degrading microorganisms.

The combined contamination of petroleum hydrocarbons and sulfates will decrease the species richness but increase the abundance of endemic species.
Wolf diet in the Notecka Forest, western Poland
Authors: Nowak Sabina , Tomczak Patrycja , Kraśkiewicz Aleksandra , Więckowski Jacek , Tołkacz Katarzyna , Baranowska Weronika , Kasprzak Antoni , Mysłajek Robert W.
Published: July 2024

We assessed the diet composition of wolves inhabiting Notecka Forest (ca 1400 km2) in western Poland based on the analysis of scats (n = 261) collected in 2008–2021. The study revealed that wolves in this large forest tract, consisting mainly of pine monocultures, consumed primarily wild ungulates (95.2% of consumed biomass). The roe deer was the essential food item (47.8%), followed by the red deer Cervus elaphus (25.1%) and the wild boar Sus scrofa) (18.4%). Wolves supplemented their diet with medium‐sized wild mammals, mainly the European hare Lepus europaeus (2.8%) and the Eurasian beaver Castor fiber (1.9%). The food niche was narrow (B = 1.1), and there was no difference in food composition between the spring–summer and autumn–winter seasons. We emphasize the significance of the smallest European wild ruminant, roe deer, in the diet of wolves inhabiting Central European Plains.
Size‐dependent thermoelastic damping analysis in functionally graded graphene nanoplatelets reinforced composite microplate resonators based on Moore–Gibson–Thompson thermoelasticity
Authors: Peng Wei , Zenkour Ashraf M. , Gao Yaru , Zhang Xu , He Tianhu , Li Yan
Published: July 2024

Graphene nanoplatelets (GPLs) are considered to be a desirable reinforcing nanofillers for nanocomposite materials owing to their superior thermo‐mechanical properties. Meanwhile, thermoelastic damping (TED), as a dominant intrinsic dissipation mechanisms, is a major challenge in optimizing high‐performance micro/nano‐resonators. Nevertheless, the classical TED models fail at the micro/nano‐scale due to without considering the influences of the size‐dependent effect and the thermal lagging effect. The present work focuses on investigating TED analysis of functionally graded (FG) microplate resonators reinforced with GPLs based on the modified coupled stress theory (MCST) and the Moore–Gibson–Thompson (MGT) heat conduction model. Four patterns of GPLs distribution including the UD, FG‐O, FG‐X and FG‐A pattern distributions are taken into account and the effective mechanical properties of the plate‐type nanocomposite are evaluated based on the Halpin–Tsai model. The energy equation and the transverse motion equation in the Kirchhoff microplate model are formulated, and then, the closed‐from analytical solution of TED is solved by complex frequency method. The influences of the various parameters involving the material length‐scale parameter, the thermal phase lag of the heat flux and the total weight fraction of GPLs on the TED are discussed in detail. The obtained results show that the effects of the modified parameter on the TED are pronounced. This results provide a more reasonable theoretical approach to estimate TED in the design of FG microplate resonators reinforced with GPLs with high performance.