bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Barley Product on Human Health and Inhibiting Factors for Consuming the Barley Product
Authors: Pandey Shalini , Kunwar Neelma
Published: May 2023

Barley is simply a grain, but scientists have given its importance to say that barley is also a nutritious cereal like Rai, Wheat, and Maize, which grows in India. Rice and wheat consumption is very high than other crops in India. As scientists researched Barley's golden benefits, the practice of eating barley started all over the world, otherwise barley was used only in Hawan-Samagri and beer preparation. Barley chapatti is very famous in Maharashtra. Barley product is now easily available in market as barley flour, barley bread, barley flakes, roasted barley etc. Foreigners use barley in their diet, but now Indian high and upper-middle class society use to consume barley in their diet. As it contains many nutrients, so it is very beneficial for health. It is said that people who use Barley in their daily diet do not suffer from constipation, and due to constipation, many diseases are born in the stomach, so we should use barley Chapati in our diet at least one time in a day.
Climate Change and Marine Fisheries: Stakeholders' Perspective from Coastal District of Odisha, India
Authors: Banerjee Sumanta , Mohapatra Dharmabrata
Published: May 2023

The marine fisheries sector is severely affected by the impact of climate change. The small-scale fishing communities, their livelihoods and the infrastructure are more vulnerable to the effects of climate change, but it has been occasionally investigated at the regional level. Climate change literature and various reports from government and international agencies indicate that Coastal Odisha is one of the hotspot regions for extreme weather and slow-onset events. In this context, the paper attempts to study how climate change affects small-scale marine fishers through a case of the Kendrapara district of Odisha. The paper attempts to understand the overall fish production scenario. It captures the perceptions of small-scale marine fishers regarding different climate and non-climate drivers through focus group discussions and key informant interviews. The findings from the paper reflect that marine fishers recognize the impact of climate change on the sector in terms of dwindling fish catch, reduction in the number of fishing days, longer fishing trips and damage to boats and nets. The small-scale marine fishers also believe that the impact of climate change in future will be so severe that the sea might engulf their land and settlements.
Employability of Humanities Graduates in Bhutan: An Examination of Graduates’ Perceptions
Authors: Wangdi Dorji , Wangmo Deki , Wangdi Leki
Published: May 2023

With the alarming increase in graduate unemployment in Bhutan, many scholars have looked into the causes, implications, and potential solutions to Bhutan's unemployment issues. However, in Bhutan, only a few references have been made to individual majors and courses when analyzing students' employment status. As a result, the employability status of students in humanities majors is a grey area, especially in Bhutan. There is much speculation around the employment prospects of a student undergoing humanities courses, with people often citing the humanities courses in Bhutanese colleges as too broad and redundant. Therefore, this study examines the employability perception of the humanities graduates in Bhutan and the factors contributing to their unemployment. A non-probability sampling procedure, called a snowball sampling technique, was employed to collect data from 316 humanities graduates through a structured questionnaire. The findings reveal that employability depends on various factors such as academic performance, integrated courses, work experiences, and skills acquired while studying. The study also highlights the skill mismatch problem in higher education institutions and recommends producing work-ready graduates. Despite the students' enthusiasm for the humanities course, their employability prospects in the field are questionable after graduation due to the mismatch between the course content and the jobs in the market. In order to address this issue, the study recommends that universities and colleges integrate practical and work-ready programs into their courses to enable graduates to acquire the necessary employability skills. Additionally, universities and companies/agencies should collaborate to bridge the gap between industry skill requirements and the skills graduates acquire. This research intends to initiate conversations on controlling the number of humanities course intakes to reduce the increasing trend of humanities graduates in an inadequate job market.
Physiological Responses of Wheat Associate with Heat Tolerance
Authors: Neware Minakshi R. , Potdukhe N. R.
Published: May 2023

This study was performed to explore heat stress tolerance indices to judge terminal heat tolerance genotypes from nine wheat genotypes viz: AKAW 5023, AKAW 4927, PBN 4905, PBN 4751-02, NIAW 3523, NIAW 2891, AKAW 4210-6 (C), NIAW 34 (C), NIAW 1994 (C) at Wheat Research Unit, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola (MH) during Rabi 2016-17 and 2017-2018. The trial was setup in RBD design with three replications. Yield and Physiological traits were recorded and correlated with yield. Genotype NIAW 2891 noted significantly high germination %,CTD (4.30oC), minimum membrane thermo-stability index (48.86%) at 75 DAS (grain filling stage), exhibited more RGR (0.0074 g g-1 day-1), NAR (0.0500 g dm2 day-1), early 50% flowering (58.16 days), days to maturity (91.83 days) and more grain yield ha-1 (35.65 q/ha) followed by genotype NIAW 3523 (33.83 q/ha)  during both the year and noted as heat tolerance genotypes against the best check AKAW 4210-6. Correlation analysis showed that yield under stress environment had positive significant correlate with days to 50 % flowering and physiological maturity however, canopy temperature and membrane thermo-stability index had negative significant correlation with yield. Hence, due emphasis should be given to these attributes for genetic improvement in wheat under heat stress condition.
Utilising Inter-Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA, Assess Genetic Variability in Indigenous Medicinal Plant Heart-leaved Moonseed (Tinospora cordifolia)
Authors: Akhilraj B. C. , Suresh J. , Rajamani K. , Kumar M. , Gnanam R.
Published: May 2023

The Ayurvedic medical system, which uses herbal preparations for its traditional remedies, has been used in India since ancient times. One of the powerful immunomodulators is Tinospora cordifolia, also known as AMRITA, which is credited to this miracle medication for giving its user youth, longevity, and vigour. RAPD has been widely and successfully used to identify several species of medicinally significant plant. The need for research into and protection of therapeutic plant species is growing. The perseverance of the evaluation was to assess the genetic diversity among 10 accessions of T. cordifolia obtained from various districts in Tamil Nadu. Eighteen decamer primers were used in the study. Nine of them had repeatable, different polymorphism patterns in their primers. The DNA recovered from several T. cordifolia accessions exhibited random amplification and various levels of genetic polymorphism was observed. In the sample from Salem district the most genetic polymorphism was found.
Abortion Miscoding—Legal Risks for Clinicians and Hospital Systems
Authors: Chary Sravya , Pacia Danielle , Shachar Carmel
Published: May 2023

This Viewpoint discusses the legal risks physicians and health care facilities may incur by miscoding a surgical or chemical abortion as a miscarriage to conceal an abortion procedure.
Ethical Concerns for Amnioinfusions to Treat Early-Onset Anhydramnios
Authors: Soffer Omri David , Mauch Teri J. , Muff-Luett Melissa A.
Published: May 2023

This Viewpoint discusses the long-term medical, emotional, and financial implications of using amnioinfusion to treat anhydramnios; outlines the ongoing Renal Anhydramnios Fetal Therapy (RAFT) trial, which aims to document outcomes and survival in infants after amnioinfusion; and suggests that amnioinfusions be withheld in early anhydramnios, pending the findings of the RAFT trial.
Association of BCG Vaccine Treatment With Death and Dementia in Patients With Non–Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer
Authors: Weinberg Marc S. , Zafar Affan , Magdamo Colin , Chung Sun Young , Chou Wesley H. , Nayan Madhur , Deodhar Mayuresh , Frendl Daniel M. , Feldman Adam S. , Faustman Denise L. , Arnold Steven E. , Vakulenko-Lagun Bella , Das Sudeshna
Published: May 2023

Importance

The BCG vaccine—used worldwide to prevent tuberculosis—confers multiple nonspecific beneficial effects, and intravesical BCG vaccine is currently the recommended treatment for non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Moreover, BCG vaccine has been hypothesized to reduce the risk of Alzheimer disease and related dementias (ADRD), but previous studies have been limited by sample size, study design, or analyses.

Objective

To evaluate whether intravesical BCG vaccine exposure is associated with a decreased incidence of ADRD in a cohort of patients with NMIBC while accounting for death as a competing event.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study was performed in patients aged 50 years or older initially diagnosed with NMIBC between May 28, 1987, and May 6, 2021, treated within the Mass General Brigham health care system. The study included a 15-year follow-up of individuals (BCG vaccine treated or controls) whose condition did not clinically progress to muscle-invasive cancer within 8 weeks and did not have an ADRD diagnosis within the first year after the NMIBC diagnosis. Data analysis was conducted from April 18, 2021, to March 28, 2023.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcome was time to ADRD onset identified using diagnosis codes and medications. Cause-specific hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression after adjusting for confounders (age, sex, and Charlson Comorbidity Index) using inverse probability scores weighting.

Results

In this cohort study including 6467 individuals initially diagnosed with NMIBC between 1987 and 2021, 3388 patients underwent BCG vaccine treatment (mean [SD] age, 69.89 [9.28] years; 2605 [76.9%] men) and 3079 served as controls (mean [SD] age, 70.73 [10.00] years; 2176 [70.7%] men). Treatment with BCG vaccine was associated with a lower rate of ADRD (HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.69-0.99), with an even lower rate of ADRD in patients aged 70 years or older at the time of BCG vaccine treatment (HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.60-0.91). In competing risks analysis, BCG vaccine was associated with a lower risk of ADRD (5-year risk difference, −0.011; 95% CI, −0.019 to −0.003) and a decreased risk of death in patients without an earlier diagnosis of ADRD (5-year risk difference, −0.056; 95% CI, −0.075 to −0.037).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, BCG vaccine was associated with a significantly lower rate and risk of ADRD in a cohort of patients with bladder cancer when accounting for death as a competing event. However, the risk differences varied with time.
Cavitation‐driven Deformable Microchambers Inspired by Fast Microscale Movements of Ferns
Authors: Montagna Vincenzo Andrea , Palagi Stefano , Naselli Giovanna Adele , Filippeschi Carlo , Mazzolai Barbara
Published: May 2023

Annulus cells of fern sporangia spontaneously deform driven by water transpiration and cavitation, resulting in the peculiar macroscale catapult‐like movement of the sporangium. Annulus cells' behavior, if artificially replicated, can inspire a novel class of fast actuators composed of annulus‐mimicking units. However, the transpiration and cavitation‐driven dynamics observed in annulus cells is never reproduced. Here, prismatic microcavities are assembled with a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfilm to realize artificial microchambers that mimic the annulus cells, replicating for the first time their evaporation‐driven collapse and their fast return triggered by the nucleation of bubbles. The microchambers, in turn, can be fabricated in adjacency, resulting in bending arrays driven by transpiration. Working with an artificial system allows this study to investigate the fluidic phenomena arising from the interplay of a soft, semi‐permeable membrane with a micro‐confined liquid bounded by rigid walls. First, the microchambers aspect ratio influences the membrane dynamics and the bubble shape (either spherical or non‐spherical). Second, the growth rate of the bubble interplay with the membrane in the expansion dynamics. This study's results demonstrate the artificial replication of annulus cells' behavior, offering a plant‐like solution to realize fast, microscale movements, and a novel tool to investigate complex fluidic mechanisms involving micro‐confined cavitation.
Stable Li Metal Anode Enabled by Simultaneous Regulation of Electrolyte Solvation Chemistry and The Solid Electrolyte Interphase
Authors: Zhang Hongyu , Chen Xiaowei , Xia Guanglin , Yu Xuebin
Published: May 2023

The application of Li metal batteries is hindered by the uncontrollable growth of Li dendrites due to the lack of control over Li ion transfer and the formation of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). Herein, polypropylene (PP) separator modified with acyclic polyaminoborane (PAB, (NH2‐BH2)n) and polyiminoborane (PIB, (NH═BH)n) is developed to regulate electrolyte solvation chemistry and simultaneously facilitate the construction of robust SEI. The mediating effect of PAB and PIB promotes favorable formation of (O)2Li+N to weaken the Li bonds between Li ion and solvent in the electrolyte, which homogenizes Li ion diffusion and reduces the desolvation barrier of Li ions. Additionally, the increase of anions content in the solvation sheath and the reaction between Li metal and PAB and PIB can induce the formation of [LiNBH]n‐enhanced SEI enriched with LiF and Li3N that have Li ion conductivity and mechanical strength to tolerate the volume change of Li metal anode. Therefore, the symmetric cell exhibits a cycling lifetime of over 4000 h.
Long‐Lived Photoacid‐Doped Conducting Composites Induce Photocurrent for Efficient Wound Healing
Authors: Yin Haiyan , Du Huifang , Li Wenya , Qin Yinhua , Fan Yonghong , Tan Ju , Yang Mingcan , Zhu Chuhong , Xu Youqian
Published: May 2023

Electrical stimulation is an effective strategy for facilitating wound healing. However, it is hindered by unwieldy electrical systems. In this study, a light‐powered dressing based on long‐lived photoacid generator (PAG)‐doped polyaniline composites is used, which can generate a photocurrent under visible light irradiation to interact with the endogenous electric field and facilitate skin growth. Light‐controlled proton binding and dissociation result in oxidation and reduction of the polyaniline backbone, inducing charge transfer to generate a photocurrent. Due to the rapid intramolecular photoreaction of PAG, a long‐lived proton‐induced localized acidic environment is formed, which protects the wound from microbial infection. In summary, a simple and effective therapeutic strategy is introduced for light‐powered and biocompatible wound dressings that show great potential for wound treatment.
Mimosa‐Inspired Stimuli‐Responsive Curling Bioadhesive Tape Promotes Peripheral Nerve Regeneration
Authors: Zhang Meng , An Heng , Gu Zhen , Huang Zhe , Zhang Fengshi , Jiang Bao‐Guo , Wen Yongqiang , Zhang Peixun
Published: May 2023

Trauma often results in peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs). These injuries are particularly challenging therapeutically because of variable nerve diameters, slow axonal regeneration, infection of severed ends, fragility of the nerve tissue, and the intricacy of surgical intervention. Surgical suturing is likely to cause additional damage to peripheral nerves. Therefore, an ideal nerve scaffold should possess good biocompatibility, diameter adaptability, and a stable biological interface for seamless biointegration with tissues. Inspired by the curl of Mimosa pudica, this study aimed to design and develop a diameter‐adaptable, suture‐free, stimulated curling bioadhesive tape (SCT) hydrogel for repairing PNI. The hydrogel is fabricated from chitosan and acrylic acid‐N‐hydroxysuccinimide lipid via gradient crosslinking using glutaraldehyde. It closely matches the nerves of different individuals and regions, thereby providing a bionic scaffold for axonal regeneration. In addition, this hydrogel rapidly absorbs tissue fluid from the nerve surface achieving durable wet‐interface adhesion. Furthermore, the chitosan‐based SCT hydrogel loaded with insulin‐like growth factor‐I effectively promotes peripheral nerve regeneration with excellent bioactivity. This procedure for peripheral nerve injury repair using the SCT hydrogel is simple and reduces the difficulty and duration of surgery, thereby advancing adaptive biointerfaces and reliable materials for nerve repair.
Exchange‐Biased Quantum Anomalous Hall Effect
Authors: Zhang Peng , Balakrishnan Purnima P. , Eckberg Christopher , Deng Peng , Nozaki Tomohiro , Chong Su Kong , Quarterman Patrick , Holtz Megan E. , Maranville Brian B. , Qiu Gang , Pan Lei , Emmanouilidou Eve , Ni Ni , Sahashi Masashi , Grutter Alexander , Wang Kang L.
Published: May 2023

The quantum anomalous Hall (QAH) effect is characterized by a dissipationless chiral edge state with a quantized Hall resistance at zero magnetic field. Manipulating the QAH state is of great importance in both the understanding of topological quantum physics and the implementation of dissipationless electronics. Here, the QAH effect is realized in the magnetic topological insulator Cr‐doped (Bi,Sb)2Te3 (CBST) grown on an uncompensated antiferromagnetic insulator Al‐doped Cr2O3. Through polarized neutron reflectometry (PNR), a strong exchange coupling is found between CBST and Al‐Cr2O3 surface spins fixing interfacial magnetic moments perpendicular to the film plane. The interfacial coupling results in an exchange‐biased QAH effect. This study further demonstrates that the magnitude and sign of the exchange bias can be effectively controlled using a field training process to set the magnetization of the Al‐Cr2O3 layer. It demonstrates the use of the exchange bias effect to effectively manipulate the QAH state, opening new possibilities in QAH‐based spintronics.
Periodic and Aperiodic NiFe Nanomagnet/Ferrimagnet Hybrid Structures for 2D Magnon Steering and Interferometry with High Extinction Ratio
Authors: Watanabe Sho , Bhat Vinayak S. , Mucchietto Andrea , Dayi Elif N. , Shan Shixuan , Grundler Dirk
Published: May 2023

Magnons, quanta of spin waves, are known to enable information processing with low power consumption at the nanoscale. So far, however, experimentally realized half‐adders, wave‐logic, and binary output operations are based on few µm‐long spin waves and restricted to one spatial direction. Here, magnons with wavelengths λ down to 50 nm in ferrimagnetic Y3Fe5O12 below 2D lattices of periodic and aperiodic ferromagnetic nanopillars are explored. Due to their high rotational symmetries and engineered magnetic resonances, the lattices allow short‐wave magnons to propagate in arbitrarily chosen on‐chip directions when excited by conventional coplanar waveguides. Performing interferometry with magnons over macroscopic distances of 350 × λ without loss of coherency, unprecedentedly high extinction ratios of up to 26 (±8) dB [31 (±2) dB] for a binary 1/0 output operation at λ = 69 nm (λ = 154 nm) are achieved in this work. The reported findings and design criteria for 2D magnon interferometry are particularly important in view of the realization of complex neuronal networks recently proposed for interfering spin waves underneath nanomagnets.
Mechano‐Electrochemically Promoting Lithium Atom Diffusion and Relieving Accumulative Stress for Deep‐Cycling Lithium Metal Anodes
Authors: Xu Dehua , Zhou Nian , Wang Aoxuan , Xu Yang , Liu Xingjiang , Tang Shan , Luo Jiayan
Published: May 2023

Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) can double the energy density of lithium‐ion batteries. However, the notorious lithium dendrite growth and large volume change are not well addressed, especially under deep cycling. Here, an in–situ mechanical–electrochemical coupling system is built, and it is found that tensile stress can induce smooth lithium deposition. Density functional theory (DFT) calculation and finite element method (FEM) simulation confirm that the lithium atom diffusion energy barrier can be reduced when the lithium foils are under tensile strain. Then tensile stress is incorporated into lithium metal anodes by designing an adhesive copolymer layer attached to lithium in which the copolymer thinning can yield tensile stress to the lithium foil. Elastic lithium metal anode (ELMA) is further prepared via introducing a 3D elastic conductive polyurethane (CPU) host for the copolymer–lithium bilayer to release accumulated internal stresses and resist volume variation. The ELMA can withstand hundreds of compression‐release cycles under 10% strain. LMBs paired with ELMA and LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811) cathode can operate beyond 250 cycles with 80% capacity retention under practical condition of 4 mAh cm−2 cathode capacity, 2.86 g Ah−1 electrolyte‐to‐capacity ratio (E/C) and 1.8 negative‐to‐cathode capacity ratio (N/P), five times of the lifetime using lithium foils.
Solution‐Processed Metal Ion Polyelectrolytes as Hole Transport Materials for Efficient Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Shoukat Faiza , Kang Ju Hwan , Khan Yeasin , Park Yu Jung , Lee Jin Hee , Walker Bright , Seo Jung Hwa
Published: May 2023

Despite achieving high efficiencies over a short time, further streamlining of hybrid lead‐halide perovskite solar cell (PSC) designs is necessary for their commercial viability. In this contribution, a new class of interfacial hole transporting layer (HTL) materials consisting of anionic polyelectrolytes comprising polystyrene sulfonate (PSS) with metal cations are explored. These materials represent alternatives to metal oxides, combining characteristics of metal oxides with the facile preparation and desirable film‐forming characteristics of polyelectrolytes. Polyelectrolytes with cations including Li, Mg, V, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pd, Ag, In, Cs, and Pb as HTLs in inverted PSCs are explored. A range of positive and negative effects is observed for different metal cations, which are attributed to differences in the physical properties of the polyelectrolytes, and their influence on the electronic band structure of devices and the crystal qualities of the perovskite absorber. Ni and Cu polyelectrolytes created p‐type contacts at the anode of PSCs, improving device performance. These materials are believed to have potential in other types of devices as well. This type of metal:PSS polyelectrolyte has not yet been widely investigated, however, it is shown that it constitutes a simple and economic strategy to engineer energy band structures in perovskite devices.
Stereoselective Synthesis of Contiguous Cyclopropylaziridines: Enabling the Construction of Versatile Chiral Molecules Including γ‐Lactams via Ring‐Opening Reactions
Authors: Han Jiho , Ha Hyun‐Joon , Yang Jung Woon
Published: May 2023

The synthesis of chiral contiguous cyclopropylaziridine was achieved through cyclopropanation of (E)‐3‐((S)‐1‐[(R)‐1‐phenylethyl)aziridin‐2‐yl]acrylaldehyde with bromomalonate in the presence of (2R)‐ or (2S)‐[diphenyl(trimethylsilyloxy) methyl]pyrrolidine as a chiral organocatalyst and 2,6‐lutidine as a base. This chiral cyclopropylaziridine was then subjected to various functional transformations, leading to the construction of a wide range of structurally important motifs.
Toward Efficient Cartilage Disease Management with Additive Manufacturing: Monitoring, Cell Culture, and Drug Release
Authors: Dong Kaiyi , Shao Yun , Gao Bingbing , He Bingfang
Published: May 2023

Articular cartilage damage is often caused by joint disease, trauma, and aging in everyday life. Cartilage damage usually refers to some changes in the normal structure and a gradual loss of function. Local discomforts, such as slight swelling or pain, may occur. Due to the lack of blood vessels and nerves in articular cartilage, articular cartilage damage is difficult to repair, making the detection and repair of articular cartilage damage difficult. New detection and repair technologies are urgently needed. The existing treatment methods are often used to monitor the internal environment and repair cartilage by implanting stents. Due to its high precision and simulation, 3D printing has shown great potential in carrier drug refinement and detection sensing and has become one of the more ideal technologies in the biomedical field. This article reviews the mitigation measures of bone injury, 3D printing technology, and treatment strategies for bone injury based on 3D printing technology. In addition, some challenges and possible solutions are also put forward for the treatment of bone injuries, as well as some possible development directions in the future.
Enhancing Microwave Dynamic Effects via Surface States of Ultrasmall 2D MOF Triggered by Interface Confinement for Antibiotics‐Free Therapy
Authors: Qiao Yuqian , Wu Shuilin , Zheng Yufeng , Wang Chaofeng , Li Zhaoyang , Zhang Yu , Zhu Shengli , Jiang Hui , Cui Zhenduo , Liu Xiangmei
Published: May 2023

Microwave (MV)‐trigged dynamic therapy based on MV‐responsive materials is promising for treating deep infection diseases that cannot be effectively treated by antibiotics, like life‐threatening osteomyelitis. Surface states of materials affect the generation of free charges under the excitation source with energy less than the band gap, consequently influencing the MV dynamic effects. Herein, an MV responsive system with interface confined 2D metal–organic framework (2D MOF) on oxidized carbon nanotube (CNT) is prepared, in which the ultrasmall Cu‐based 2D MOF possesses sufficient surface/interface defects, endowing the system a large number of surface states. Under MV irradiation, the synthesized CNT‐2D MOF not only efficiently absorbs and converts the microwave into heat for microwaveocaloric therapy (MCT) via enhanced hetero‐interfacial polarization, but also generates excited electrons via surface state for microwave dynamic therapy (MDT). This biocompatible CNT‐2D MOF exhibits highly effective broad‐spectrum antimicrobial activity against seven pathogenic bacteria, including Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive pathogens, under 7 min MV irradiation. And this system is proven to efficiently eradicate Staphylococcus aureus infected rabbit tibia osteomyelitis. Significantly, MV‐excited MCT and MDT of CNT‐CuHHTP developed in this study makes a major step forward in antibiotic‐free MV therapy in deep tissue bacterial infection diseases.
Repurposing CRISPR/Cas to Discover SARS‐CoV‐2 Detecting and Neutralizing Aptamers
Authors: Zhang Ju , Zhu Airu , Mei Miao , Qu Jing , Huang Yalan , Shi Yongshi , Xue Meiying , Zhang Jingfang , Zhang Renli , Zhou Bing , Tan Xu , Zhao Jincun , Wang Yu
Published: May 2023

RNA aptamers provide useful biological probes and therapeutic agents. New methodologies to screen RNA aptamers will be valuable by complementing the traditional Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX). Meanwhile, repurposing clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR associated systems (Cas) has expanded their utility far beyond their native nuclease function. Here, CRISmers, a CRISPR/Cas‐based novel screening system for RNA aptamers based on binding to a chosen protein of interest in a cellular context, is presented. Using CRISmers, aptamers are identified specifically targeting the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike glycoprotein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). Two aptamer leads enable sensitive detection and potent neutralization of SARS‐CoV‐2 Delta and Omicron variants in vitro. Intranasal administration of one aptamer, further modified with 2’‐fluoro pyrimidines (2’‐F), 2’‐O‐methyl purines (2’‐O), and conjugation with both cholesterol and polyethylene glycol of 40 kDa (PEG40K), achieves effective prophylactic and therapeutic antiviral activity against live Omicron BA.2 variants in vivo. The study concludes by demonstrating the robustness, consistency, and potential broad utility of CRISmers using two newly identified aptamers but switching CRISPR, selection marker, and host species.
Ameliorating Mitochondrial Dysfunction of Neurons by Biomimetic Targeting Nanoparticles Mediated Mitochondrial Biogenesis to Boost the Therapy of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Zheng Qing , Liu Hanghang , Zhang Hao , Han Yaobao , Yuan Jiaxin , Wang Tingting , Gao Yifan , Li Zhen
Published: May 2023

Mitochondrial dysfunction of neurons is the core pathogenesis of incurable Parkinson's disease (PD). It is crucial to ameliorate the mitochondrial dysfunction of neurons for boosting the therapy of PD. Herein, the remarkable promotion of mitochondrial biogenesis to ameliorate mitochondrial dysfunction of neurons and improve the treatment of PD by using mitochondria‐targeted biomimetic nanoparticles, which are Cu2‐xSe‐based nanoparticles functionalized with curcumin and wrapped with DSPE‐PEG2000‐TPP‐modified macrophage membrane (denoted as CSCCT NPs), is reported. These nanoparticles can efficiently target mitochondria of damaged neurons in an inflammatory environment, and mediate the signaling pathway of NAD+/SIRT1/PGC‐1α/PPARγ/NRF1/TFAM to alleviate 1‐methyl‐4‐phenylpyridinium (MPP+)‐induced neuronal toxicity. They can reduce the mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, restore mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), protect the integrity of mitochondrial respiratory chain, and ameliorate mitochondrial dysfunction via promoting mitochondrial biogenesis, which synergistically improve the motor disorders and anxiety behavior of 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)‐induced PD mice. This study demonstrates that targeting mitochondrial biogenesis to ameliorate mitochondrial dysfunction has a great potential in the treatment of PD and mitochondria‐related diseases.
Sodium Rich Vanadium Oxy‐Fluorophosphate – Na3.2Ni0.2V1.8(PO4)2F2O – as Advanced Cathode for Sodium Ion Batteries
Authors: Essehli Rachid , Yahia Hamdi Ben , Amin Ruhul , Li Mengya , Morales Daniel , Greenbaum Steven G. , Abouimrane Ali , Parejiya Anand , Mahmoud Abdelfattah , Boulahya Khalid , Dixit Marm , Belharouak Ilias
Published: May 2023

Conventional sodium‐based layered oxide cathodes are extremely air sensitive and possess poor electrochemical performance along with safety concerns when operating at high voltage. The polyanion phosphate, Na3V2(PO4)3 stands out as an excellent candidate due to its high nominal voltage, ambient air stability, and long cycle life. The caveat is that Na3V2(PO4)3 can only exhibit reversible capacities in the range of 100 mAh g−1, 20% below its theoretical capacity. Here, the synthesis and characterizations are reported for the first time of the sodium‐rich vanadium oxyfluorophosphate, Na3.2Ni0.2V1.8(PO4)2F2O, a tailored derivative compound of Na3V2(PO4)3, with extensive electrochemical and structural analyses. Na3.2Ni0.2V1.8(PO4)2F2O delivers an initial reversible capacity of 117 mAh g−1 between 2.5 and 4.5 V under the 1C rate at room temperature, with 85% capacity retention after 900 cycles. The cycling stability is further improved when the material is cycled at 50 °C within 2.8–4.3 V for 100 cycles. When paired with a presodiated hard carbon, Na3.2Ni0.2V1.8(PO4)2F2O cycled with a capacity retention of 85% after 500 cycles. Cosubstitution of the transition metal and fluorine in Na3.2Ni0.2V1.8(PO4)2F2O as well as the sodium‐rich structure are the major factors behind the improvement of specific capacity and cycling stability, which paves the way for this cathode in sodium‐ion batteries.
Enabling Stable Zn Anodes by Molecularly Engineering the Inner Helmholtz Plane with Amphiphilic Dibenzenesulfonimide Additive
Authors: Yang Jun , Han Zhiqiang , Wang Zhiqiang , Song Liying , Zhang Busheng , Chen Hongming , Li Xing , Lau Woon‐Ming , Zhou Dan
Published: May 2023

The notorious dendrite growth and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are considered as main barriers that hinder the stability of the Zn‐metal anode. Herein, molecular engineering is conducted to optimize the inner Helmholtz plane with a trace of amphiphilic dibenzenesulfonimide (BBI) in an aqueous electrolyte. Both experimental and computational results reveal that the BBI−binds strongly with Zn2+to form {Zn(BBI)(H2O)4}+in the electrical double layer and reduces the water supply to the Zn anode. During the electroplating process, {Zn(BBI)(H2O)4}+is “compressed” to the Zn anode/electrolyte interface by Zn2+flow, and accumulated and adsorbed on the surface of the Zn anode to form a dynamic water‐poor inner Helmholtz plane to inhibit HER. Meanwhile, the{Zn(BBI)(H2O)4}+on the Zn anode surface possesses an even distribution, delivering uniform Zn2+flow for smooth deposition without Zn dendrite growth. Consequently, the stability of the Zn anode is largely improved with merely 0.02 M BBI−to the common electrolyte of 1 M ZnSO4. The assembled Zn||Zn symmetric cell can be cycled for more than 1180 h at 5 mA cm−2and 5 mA h cm−2. Besides, the practicability in Zn||NaV3O8·1.5 H2O full cell is evaluated, which suggests efficient storage even under a high mass loading of 12 mg cm−2.
Hypothetical bias mitigation in representative and convenience samples
Authors: Penn Jerrod M. , Petrolia Daniel R. , Fannin J. Matthew
Published: May 2023

This is a case study comparing outcomes for a probability‐based representative sample versus a non‐probability convenience sample for the valuation of beach condition information among Gulf of Mexico residents. We test the efficacy of several techniques used to adjust for hypothetical bias and sample weighting to reduce hypothetical willingness to pay (WTP). Weighting makes the WTP between the two samples similar, but model equivalence with respect to the significance of explanatory variables is rejected. The results support the use of certainty follow‐ups, which consistently reduced WTP, regardless of the sampling approach or weighting.
How intention to join an Alzheimer's participant recruitment registry differs by race, ethnicity, sex, and family history: Results from a national survey of US adults
Authors: Langbaum Jessica B. , Maloney Erin , Hennessy Michael , Harkins Kristin , Karlawish Jason , Nosheny Rachel L. , Bleakley Amy
Published: May 2023

INTRODUCTION

Alzheimer's‐focused participant recruitment registries are tools for accelerating enrollment into studies, however, registry members are primarily White women.

METHODS

We conducted a national online survey of 1501 adults ages 50–80, oversampling for Black and Hispanic/Latino respondents, assessing intention to join a generic “brain health” registry and to join a registry that required specific tasks.

RESULTS

Intention to join a registry was low (M 3.48, SD 1.77), and lower than intention to join a registry requiring specific tasks. Intention was greatest for registries requiring completing surveys (M 4.70, SD 1.77). Differences in intention were primarily between White women and Black women; differences between other groups were limited to specific tasks required.

DISCUSSION

The results indicate uncertainty about what a registry is, its purpose, and/or the concept of “brain health.” Using the Reasoned Action Approach (RAA) to develop evidence‐based outreach messages describing a registry and required tasks may increase diversity.
APOE ε4's impact on response to amyloid therapies in early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease: Analyses from multiple clinical trials
Authors: Evans Cynthia D. , Sparks JonDavid , Andersen Scott W. , Brooks Dawn A. , Hauck Paula M. , Mintun Mark A. , Sims John R.
Published: May 2023

INTRODUCTION

Apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 may interact with response to amyloid‐targeting therapies.

METHODS

Aggregate data from trials enrolling participants with amyloid‐positive, early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease (AD) were analyzed for disease progression.

RESULTS

Pooled analysis of potentially efficacious antibodies lecanemab, aducanumab, solanezumab, and donanemab shows slightly better efficacy in APOE ε4 carriers than in non‐carriers. Carrier and non‐carrier mean (95% confidence interval) differences from placebo using Clinical Dementia Rating Scale–Sum of Boxes (CDR‐SB) were –0.30 (–0.478, –0.106) and –0.20 (–0.435, 0.042) and AD Assessment Scale–Cognitive subscale (ADAS‐Cog) values were –1.01 (–1.577, –0.456) and –0.80 (–1.627, 0.018), respectively. Decline in the APOE ε4 non‐carrier placebo group was equal to or greater than that in carriers across multiple scales. Probability of study success increases as the representation of the carrier population increases.

DISCUSSION

We hypothesize that APOE ε4 carriers have same or better response than non‐carriers to amyloid‐targeting therapies and similar or less disease progression with placebo in amyloid‐positive trials.

HIGHLIGHTS

Amyloid‐targeting therapies had slightly greater efficacy in apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 carriers.

Clinical decline is the same/slightly faster in amyloid‐positive APOE ε4 non‐carriers.

Prevalence of non‐carriers in trial populations could impact outcomes.
Dynamikuntersuchungen des Wachstumshormon‐Sekreteagogum‐Rezeptors geben Einblicke in seine Energielandschaft
Authors: Smith Albert A. , Pacull Emelyne M. , Stecher Sabrina , Hildebrand Peter W. , Vogel Alexander , Huster Daniel
Published: May 2023

G‐Protein‐gekoppelte Rezeptoren initiieren die Signaltransduktion nach Ligandenbindung. Gegenstand der Studie ist der Wachstumshormon‐Sekreteagogum‐Rezeptor (GHSR), der durch das Peptid Ghrelin aktiviert wird. Obwohl es Strukturen des GHSR in verschiedenen Stadien der Aktivierung gibt, wurde die molekulare Dynamik dieser Zustände bisher nicht beschrieben. Wir analysierten die Trajektorien von Molekulardynamiksimulationen mittels Detektoranalyse, um die Dynamik des Apo‐ und des Liganden‐gebundenen Zustands zu vergleichen. Diese Analyse liefert zeitskalenspezifische Bewegungsamplituden. Wir identifizierten Unterschiede in der Dynamik des Apo‐ und Ghrelin‐gebundenen Zustands, insbesondere in der extrazellulären Schleife 2 und den Transmembranhelices 5–7. Kernresonanz‐Spektren der Histidinreste im GHSR zeigten Unterschiede in den chemischen Verschiebungen dieser Regionen. Wir evaluierten zeitskalenspezifische Korrelationen der Bewegungen zwischen Ligand und Rezeptor und fanden Korrelationen zwischen den N‐terminalen Ghrelin‐Resten und dem Rezeptor, nicht aber für den C‐Terminus von Ghrelin. Eine Hauptkomponentenanalyse lieferte Rückschlüsse auf die Energielandschaft des GHSR.
Platelet‐activating factor as an endogenous cofactor of food anaphylaxis
Authors: Pałgan Krzysztof , Tretyn Andrzej
Published: May 2023

Anaphylaxis is a severe, acute, life‐threatening generalized or systemic hypersensitivity reaction. The incidence of anaphylaxis is increasing worldwide, with medications and food contributing to most cases. Physical exercise, acute infections, drugs, alcohol, and menstruation are the external cofactors associated with more severe systemic reaction. The aim of this review is to show that platelet‐activating factor contributes to the development of severe anaphylactic reaction, and even to anaphylactic shock.
Protein engineering, cofactor engineering, and surface display engineering to achieve whole‐cell catalytic production of chondroitin sulfate A
Authors: Liu Haoyu , Wei Wanqing , Pang Zixuan , Gu Simin , Song Wei , Gao Cong , Chen Xiulai , Liu Jia , Guo Liang , Wu Jing , Liu Liming
Published: May 2023

Chondroitin sulfate A (CSA) is a valuable glycosaminoglycan that has great market demand. However, current synthetic methods are limited by requiring the expensive sulfate group donor 3′‐phosphoadenosine‐5′‐phosphosulfate (PAPS) and inefficient enzyme carbohydrate sulfotransferase 11 (CHST11). Herein, we report the design and integration of the PAPS synthesis and sulfotransferase pathways to realize whole‐cell catalytic production of CSA. Using mechanism‐based protein engineering, we improved the thermostability and catalytic efficiency of CHST11; its Tm and half‐life increased by 6.9°C and 3.5 h, respectively, and its specific activity increased 2.1‐fold. Via cofactor engineering, we designed a dual‐cycle strategy of regenerating ATP and PAPS to increase the supply of PAPS. Through surface display engineering, we realized the outer membrane expression of CHST11 and constructed a whole‐cell catalytic system of CSA production with an 89.5% conversion rate. This whole‐cell catalytic process provides a promising method for the industrial production of CSA.
Dimensions of apathy in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Thompson Nasya , MacAskill Michael , Pascoe Maddie , Anderson Tim , Heron Campbell Le
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Apathy is one of the most common neuropsychiatric manifestations in Parkinson's disease (PD). Recent proposals consider apathy as a multidimensional construct, which can manifest in behavioral, cognitive, emotional, and/or social dimensions. Apathy also overlaps conceptually and clinically with other non‐motor comorbidities, particularly depression. Whether all of these dimensions are applicable to the apathetic syndrome experienced by people with PD is unclear. In the present study, we investigated the multidimensional pattern of apathy associated with PD, using the recently developed Apathy Motivation Index (AMI) which probes behavioral, emotional, and social apathy dimensions. We then examined the relationship between these dimensions and other features of PD commonly associated with apathy, including depression, anxiety, cognition, and motor state.

Methods

A total of 211 participants were identified from the New Zealand Brain Research Institute (NZBRI) longitudinal PD cohort. One hundred eight patients and 45 controls completed the AMI, administered as an online questionnaire, and additional assessments including neuropsychiatric, neuropsychological, and motor scores. The pattern of dimensional apathy in PD was assessed using a repeated‐measured analysis of variance, while simple linear regressions were performed to evaluate relationships between these dimensions and other variables.

Results

We found a significant interaction between group (PD versus control) and apathy subscale, driven mainly by higher levels of social and behavioral—but not emotional—apathy in those with PD. This result was strikingly similar to a previous study investigating social apathy in PD. Distinct patterns of dimensional apathy were associated with depression and anxiety, with social and behavioral apathy positively associated with depression, and emotional apathy negatively associated with anxiety.

Conclusion

This work provides further evidence for a distinct pattern of apathy in people with PD in which deficits manifest in some—but not all—dimensions of motivated behavior. It emphasizes the importance of considering apathy as a multidimensional construct in clinical and research settings.
Bibliometric and visualized analysis of applying tumor markers in lung cancer diagnosis from 2000 to 2022
Authors: Ke Shi‐Peng , Chen Si‐Mei , Jiang Yi , Gong Heng‐Xin , Yu Jia‐Li , Li Xu , Chen Yin‐Yi , Li Xiao‐Hang , Wang Qun‐Xia , Liu Yan‐Zhao
Published: May 2023

Background

Lung cancer (LC) is the leading cause of cancer‐related deaths worldwide. Tumor marker (TM) detection can indicate the existence and growth of a tumor and has therefore been used extensively for diagnosing LC. Here, we conducted a bibliometric analysis to examine TM‐related publications for LC diagnosis to illustrate the current state and future trends of this field, as well as to identify additional promising TMs with high sensitivity.

Methods

Publications regarding TMs in LC diagnosis were downloaded from the Web of Science Core Collection. CiteSpace was applied to perform a bibliometric analysis of journals, cocitation authors, keywords, and references related to this field. VOSviewer was used to generate concise diagrams about countries, institutions, authors, and keywords. Changes in the TM research frontier were analyzed through citation burst detection.

Results

A total of 990 studies were analyzed in this work. The collaboration network analysis revealed that the People's Republic of China, Yonsei University, and Molina R were the most productive country, institution, and scholar, respectively. Additionally, Molina R was the author with the most citations. The National Natural Science Foundation of China was the largest funding source. “Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) as tumor marker in lung cancer” was the top reference with the most citations, Lung Cancer was the core journal, and “serum tumor marker” experienced a citation burst over the past 5 years.

Conclusion

This bibliometric analysis of TMs in LC diagnosis presents the current trends and frontiers in this field. We summarized the research status of this field and the methods to improve the diagnostic efficacy of traditional serum TMs, as well as provided new directions and ideas for improving the LC clinical detection rate. Priority should be given to the transformation of computer‐assisted diagnostic technology for clinical applications. In addition, circulating tumor cells, exosomes, and microRNAs were the current most cutting‐edge TMs.
PD‐1/L1 inhibitors can improve but not replace chemotherapy for advanced urothelial carcinoma: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Mao Longkun , Yang Meihua , Fan Xinxiang , Li Wenjie , Huang Xiaodong , He Wang , Lin Tianxin , Huang Jian
Published: May 2023

Background

Programmed cell death‐1/ligand 1 inhibitors are a new treatment strategy for advanced urothelial carcinoma. Therefore, a comparative evaluation of their efficacy and toxicity compared with chemotherapy is necessary.

Methods

We comprehensively searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases and performed a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials up to July 2021. We considered overall survival as the primary outcome, and progression‐free survival, objective response rate, and treatment‐related adverse events as secondary outcomes.

Results

Overall, 3584 patients from five studies were evaluated. Compared with first‐line chemotherapy, programmed cell death‐1/ligand 1 inhibitors were significantly associated with worse progression‐free survival (p < 0.001) and adverse objective response rates (p < 0.001). However, the treatments were not significantly different in terms of overall survival (p = 0.33). Compared with second‐line chemotherapy, programmed cell death‐1/ligand 1 inhibitors significantly improved overall survival (p < 0.001), and there was no statistically significant difference in progression‐free survival (p = 0.89) or objective response rate (p = 0.34). Compared with chemotherapy, programmed cell death‐1/ligand 1 inhibitors were well tolerated (first‐line chemotherapy: p < 0.001; second‐line chemotherapy: p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The efficacy of programmed cell death‐1/ligand 1 inhibitors in patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma is not superior to that of first‐line platinum‐based chemotherapy but is better than second‐line chemotherapy; however, programmed cell death‐1/ligand 1 inhibitors are safer than first‐ and second‐line chemotherapy and have a broader prospect for use in combination therapy.
Severe superior mesenteric vein thrombosis after COVID‐19 mRNA vaccination
Authors: Kubo Takahiro , Kawaratani Hideto , Yoshiji Hitoshi
Published: May 2023

Key Clinical Message

Venous thrombosis is a rare occurrence following the administration of the COVID‐19 mRNA vaccine. The occurrence of superior mesenteric vein (SMV) is even more rare. SMV thrombosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients who develop abdominal pain after COVID‐19 mRNA vaccination.