bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conjugation of gum Arabic and lentil protein hydrolysates through Maillard reaction: Antioxidant activity, volatile compounds, functional and sensory properties
Authors: Rezvankhah Amir , Ghanbarzadeh Babak , Mirzaee Homaira , Ahmadi Hassan Abad Ali , Tavakkoli Ali , Yarmand Alireza
Published: January 2024

Lentil protein hydrolysates (LPH) and lentil protein hydrolysates cross‐linked (LPHC) were grafted with gum Arabic (GA) through a wet Maillard reaction at 100°C for 2 h and called MLPH and MLPHC. The samples were assessed for absorption, degree of grafting (DG), surface hydrophobicity, antioxidant activity, molecular weight (MW) profile, chemical alteration, volatile compounds, functional and sensory properties. Results showed that Maillard grafting led to increase in absorption and DG (maximum value: MLPHC), and led to the reduction of the surface hydrophobicity and antioxidant activity (minimum value: MLPHC). MW profiles indicated that MLPH and MLPHC formed new bands at MW >250 kDa. Regarding the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Maillard conjugation led to the occurrence of peaks at 1759 and 1765 cm−1, while the intensities of amide I bands at 1637 and 1659 cm−1 and amide II bands at 1498 and 1495 cm−1 were decreased. Hydrolysis, cross‐linking, and especially Maillard grafting provided well‐balanced content of volatile components. Indeed, the proportions of alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, and acids were changed, thereby, the inherent grassy and planty tastes were diminished while new umami taste was developed. Maillard grafting led to significant improvement of functional properties, while MLPH and MLPHC indicated the highest emulsifying activity at pH 10.0 (73.76 and 70.12 m2/g, respectively) and stability (369.64 and 288.22 min), foaming capacity (88.57% and 142.86%) and stability (60.57% and 72%). Sensory analysis has demonstrated that umami taste was highly developed in MLPH and MLPHC, which can be well considered as meat proteins and flavor enhancers such as monosodium glutamate (MSG).
Spontaneous umbilical artery thrombosis diagnosed in the third‐trimester: A case report
Authors: Jin Ying , Zhang Shimao
Published: January 2024

Synopsis

We present a case of spontaneous umbilical artery thrombosis diagnosed antenatally with ultrasonography in the third trimester.
Differential response of placental cells to high D‐glucose and its impact on extracellular vesicle biogenesis and trafficking via small GTPase Ras‐related protein RAB‐7A
Authors: Palma Carlos , Lai Andrew , Scholz‐Romero Katherin , Chittoory Haarika , Van Haeringen Benjamin , Carrion Flavio , Handberg Aase , Lappas Martha , Lakhani Sunil R , McCart Reed Amy E , McIntyre H. David , Nair Soumyalekshmi , Salomon Carlos
Published: January 2024

Placental extracellular vesicles (EVs) can be found in the maternal circulation throughout gestation, and their concentration, content and bioactivity are associated with pregnancy outcomes, including gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). However, the effect of changes in the maternal microenvironment on the mechanisms associated with the secretion of EVs from placental cells remains to be fully established. Here, we evaluated the effect of high glucose on proteins associated with the trafficking and release of different populations of EVs from placental cells. BeWo and HTR8/SVneo cells were used as placental models and cultured under 5‐mM D‐glucose (i.e. control) or 25‐mM D‐glucose (high glucose). Cell‐conditioned media (CCM) and cell lysate were collected after 48 h. Different populations of EVs were isolated from CCM by ultracentrifugation (i.e. pellet 2K‐g, pellet 10K‐g, and pellet 100K‐g) and characterised by Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis. Quantitative proteomic analysis (IDA/SWATH) and multiple reaction monitoring protocols at high resolution (MRMHR) were developed to quantify 37 proteins related to biogenesis, trafficking/release and recognition/uptake of EVs. High glucose increased the secretion of total EVs across the pellets from BeWo cells, an effect driven mainly by changes in the small EVs concentration in the CCM. Interestingly, no effect of high glucose on HTR8/SVneo cells EVs secretion was observed. High glucose induces changes in proteins associated with vesicle trafficking in BeWo cells, including Heat Shock Protein Family A (Hsp70) Member 9 (HSPA9) and Member 8 (HSPA8). For HTR8/SVneo, altered proteins including prostaglandin F2α receptor regulatory protein (FPRP), RAB5A, RAB35, RAB5B, and RB11B, STAM1 and TSG101. These proteins are associated with the secretion and trafficking of EVs, which could explain in part, changes in the levels of circulating EVs in diabetic pregnancies. Further, we identified that proteins RAB11B, PDCD6IP, STAM, HSPA9, HSPA8, SDCBP, RAB5B, RAB5A, RAB7A and ERAP1 regulate EV release in response to high and low glucose when overexpressed in cells. Interestingly, immunohistochemistry analysis of RAB7A revealed distinct changes in placental tissues obtained from women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT, n = 6) and those with GDM (n = 6), influenced by diet or insulin treatment. High glucose regulation of proteins involved in intercellular dynamics and the trafficking of multivesicular bodies to the plasma membrane in placental cells is relevant in the context of GDM pregnancies.
Percutaneous electrical nerve field stimulation for adolescents with irritable bowel syndrome: Cost‐benefit and cost‐minimization analysis
Authors: Shah Eric , Eswaran Shanti , Harer Kimberly , Lee Allen , Nojkov Borko , Singh Prashant , Chey William D.
Published: January 2024

Abdominal pain drives significant cost for adolescents with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). We performed an economic analysis to estimate cost‐savings for patients' families and healthcare insurance, and health outcomes, based on abdominal pain improvement with percutaneous electrical nerve field stimulation (PENFS) with IB‐Stim® (Neuraxis). We constructed a Markov model with a 1‐year time horizon comparing outcomes and costs with PENFS versus usual care without PENFS. Clinical outcomes were derived from a sham‐controlled double‐blind trial of PENFS for adolescents with IBS. Costs/work‐productivity impact for parents were derived from appropriate observational cohorts. PENFS was associated with 18 added healthy days over 1 year of follow‐up, increased annual parental wages of $5,802 due to fewer missed work days to care for the child, and $4744 in cost‐savings to insurance. Percutaneous electrical field nerve stimulation for adolescents with IBS appears to yield significant cost‐savings to patients' families and insurance.
Enhancement of Sensitivity for Retroreflection‐Based Biosensor by Controlling Polymer Brush on Janus Particles
Authors: Xu Yangyang , Choi Sunjoo , Yoo Tae Hyeon , Lee Kyung Jin
Published: January 2024

Among the methods for onsite detection of specific biomolecules, the use of retroreflective Janus particles (RJPs) is a simple and efficient method for biophotonic probes to detect biotarget molecules with spatioselectivity, which can make the RJPs align toward light sources after capturing the target biomolecules, enhancing retroreflection. Because RJP has two distinct regions with different properties, specific reagents can be easily functionalized through chemical reactions between the functional groups and biotarget molecules. The number of functional groups on RJP will be the critical parameter for efficiency of sensing ability. Here, clickable (azide) polymer brush is introduced on surface of RJP via different surface polymerization methods (grafting to and grafting from method). Azide groups allow for the easy modification of dibenzocyclooctyne‐linked biomolecules onto silica particles through click chemistry. RJPs are prepared with different quantities of azide functional groups on their surfaces via solvent volatilization method and metal deposition. Using a retroreflective immunosensing system, sensitive detection of target biomolecules is performed.
Lessons Learned from a Tea Party
Authors: Wich Scott
Published: January 2024

One of the more common quotes reflecting on the value of lessons that history may offer us is attributed to Spanish‐American philosopher George Santayana (1863–1952), who forewarned us that “those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” There is much to be said for that quote. Certain themes do recur, albeit in different contexts. Understanding—or at least being cognizant of—historical moments can be a useful tool in navigating modern‐day challenges. I found the recent 250th anniversary of a pivotal event in American history to be a particularly exciting event to read about and share with you, as we continue to explore strategies to maintain union‐free status.
Spectral analysis in broken sheared waveguides
Authors: Suarez Bello Diana Carolina , Verri Alessandra A.
Published: January 2024

Let
be a broken sheared waveguide; that is,
is built by translating a cross‐section (an arbitrary bounded connected open set of
) in a constant direction along a broken line in
. We prove that the discrete spectrum of the Dirichlet Laplacian operator in
is non‐empty and finite. Furthermore, we show a particular geometry for
, which implies that the total multiplicity of the discrete spectrum is equal to 1.
Nurses' experiences and perspectives regarding evidence‐based practice implementation in healthcare context: A qualitative study
Authors: Mohamed Rasha A. , Alhujaily Muhanad , Ahmed Faransa A. , Nouh Wael G. , Almowafy Abeer A.
Published: January 2024

Aim

To explore nurses' experiences and perspectives about evidence‐based practice (EBP) implementation in the healthcare context.

Design

A qualitative descriptive study design using focus group discussions (FGDs).

Method

Sixty‐four nurses who purposefully selected and worked at various healthcare organizations in Bisha Governorate, Saudi Arabia, were included. Eight FGDs were used to obtain data using open‐ended questions. The collected data underwent inductive qualitative content analysis.

Results

Two main categories were extracted: experiences and perspectives towards EBP. The experiences category emerged into four sub‐categories: familiarity with concepts and benefits, steps, dissemination sources of EBP and sources of EBP knowledge, while perspectives towards the EBP category included four sub‐categories: application of EBP in clinical practice, barriers, facilitators and EBP application methods. The participants experienced being in a non‐supportive and non‐encouraging atmosphere which results from a lack of organizational commitment to EBP implementation and illuminates the complexities involved in the integration process.

Conclusion

The nurses' experience with EBP indicated that there was limited support for the implementation of this approach. Furthermore, they experienced varying barriers to EBP implementation. They viewed EBP as a complex technique as they lacked knowledge and skills related to the formulation of research questions, and retrieving, applying and disseminating of EBP in clinical practice decision‐making. That is due to barriers pertinent to the individual, organizational and patient factors. The key to successfully implementing an EBP in nursing practice is to promote professional development, comprehensive and continuous training, a culture of change, organizational support and motivation.

Clinical Relevance

Through the construction and provision of ongoing educational interventions and mentoring programmes about EBP, healthcare organizations and nursing leadership may develop a comprehensive strategy to encourage staff nurses' participation in the EBP process. This is to enhance nurses' experiences and perspectives towards the EBP approach and overcome the barriers to effective implementation.

No Patient or Public Contribution to this Study

Patients or the general public were not involved in the design, analysis or interpretation of the data in this study.
Grounding the history of modern warfare: An extended book review of Peter Thompson's The Gas Mask in Interwar Germany
Authors: Schmidt Ulf
Published: January 2024

Ever since Germany's use of chlorine gas on the battlefields of Flanders during the First World War, modern warfare has become synonymous with gas warfare, its images an iconographic shorthand for a detached, humiliating, and dishonourable death, and the gas mask a modern symbol of memento mori, a reminder of our own mortality. The paper argues that a critical history of chemical weapons and protective technologies, which is firmly grounded in the historiography and pays particular attention to the wider political and scientific context and related complexities, can help to facilitate greater public understanding and a willingness among key stakeholders to prioritise a shared interest: the creation of a world free from chemical weapons once and for all. Through an extended book review of Peter Thompson's recent book The Gas Mask in Interwar Germany, the paper seeks to demonstrate that writing such a history of modern warfare poses distinct challenges. Across eight chapters, the book covers, among others, the history of the first attack with chlorine gas in 1915, the development of gas masks, the perceived fear of gas among soldiers, the role of doctors in treating gas casualties, the role and writings of “gas specialists”, and, last but not least, the alleged realisation of a specific “Nazi chemical modernity”, through which the author attempts to connect the subject matter with the Holocaust. Such a wide‐ranging, longue durée perspective can be fruitful if it is done with an attention to critical source analyses and balanced argumentation. Whether the book will inspire scholars to “rewrite the history of the twentieth century”, as the author implies, remains to be seen, but its broad discussion about the perceived and real implications of chemical agents and other “invisible toxins” undoubtedly offers food for thought in an increasingly volatile and seemingly threatening world.
Photonic blood glucose measurement with infrared quantum cascade lasers
Authors: Janik Sergius , Lubinski Thorsten , Kaluza Michael , Mäntele Werner
Published: January 2024

Diabetes patients rely on frequent measurement of blood glucose that is presently performed by painful pricking and analysis of a drop of blood. Diamontech has developed a noninvasive technique that targets a prominent mid‐infrared signature of glucose. This technique uses quantum cascade lasers and photothermal detection. Clinical validation has proven an accuracy similar to current invasive techniques.
High‐speed laser drilling to scale up fuel cells and hydrogen electrolyzers
Authors: Leering Mitchell , Jolliffe Cliff , Marimuthu Sundar
Published: January 2024

Scaling up clean hydrogen production using renewable energy is essential for decarbonizing a range of sectors, including transportation, chemicals, and steel, where reducing emissions and achieving net‐zero targets have proven to be challenging. Advances in laser‐based manufacturing, particularly ultra‐high‐speed laser drilling, are crucial for economically producing and scaling up hydrogen components, including high‐temperature hydrogen electrolyzers (HTHE).
Advancements in hybrid photonics integration
Authors: Nikitskiy Ivan
Published: January 2024

This article examines the latest developments in hybrid photonics integration, with a focus on the European ecosystem. It discusses the transition from low‐cost prototyping of photonic integrated circuits to the pilot line production of photonic chips.
Random, de novo, and conserved proteins: How structure and disorder predictors perform differently
Authors: Middendorf Lasse , Eicholt Lars A.
Published: January 2024

Understanding the emergence and structural characteristics of de novo and random proteins is crucial for unraveling protein evolution and designing novel enzymes. However, experimental determination of their structures remains challenging. Recent advancements in protein structure prediction, particularly with AlphaFold2 (AF2), have expanded our knowledge of protein structures, but their applicability to de novo and random proteins is unclear. In this study, we investigate the structural predictions and confidence scores of AF2 and protein language model‐based predictor ESMFold for de novo and conserved proteins from Drosophila and a dataset of comparable random proteins. We find that the structural predictions for de novo and random proteins differ significantly from conserved proteins. Interestingly, a positive correlation between disorder and confidence scores (pLDDT) is observed for de novo and random proteins, in contrast to the negative correlation observed for conserved proteins. Furthermore, the performance of structure predictors for de novo and random proteins is hampered by the lack of sequence identity. We also observe fluctuating median predicted disorder among different sequence length quartiles for random proteins, suggesting an influence of sequence length on disorder predictions. In conclusion, while structure predictors provide initial insights into the structural composition of de novo and random proteins, their accuracy and applicability to such proteins remain limited. Experimental determination of their structures is necessary for a comprehensive understanding. The positive correlation between disorder and pLDDT could imply a potential for conditional folding and transient binding interactions of de novo and random proteins.
Influence of Temperature, Light, and H2O2 Concentration on Microbial Spore Inactivation: In‐Situ Raman Spectroscopy Combined with Optical Trapping
Authors: Bertz Morten , Schöning Michael J. , Molinnus Denise , Homma Takayuki
Published: January 2024

To gain insight on chemical sterilization processes, the influence of temperature (up to 70 °C), intense green light, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration (up to 30% in aqueous solution) on microbial spore inactivation is evaluated by in‐situ Raman spectroscopy with an optical trap. Bacillus atrophaeus is utilized as a model organism. Individual spores are isolated and their chemical makeup is monitored under dynamically changing conditions (temperature, light, and H2O2 concentration) to mimic industrially relevant process parameters for sterilization in the field of aseptic food processing. While isolated spores in water are highly stable, even at elevated temperatures of 70 °C, exposure to H2O2 leads to a loss of spore integrity characterized by the release of the key spore biomarker dipicolinic acid (DPA) in a concentration‐dependent manner, which indicates damage to the inner membrane of the spore. Intensive light or heat, both of which accelerate the decomposition of H2O2 into reactive oxygen species (ROS), drastically shorten the spore lifetime, suggesting the formation of ROS as a rate‐limiting step during sterilization. It is concluded that Raman spectroscopy can deliver mechanistic insight into the mode of action of H2O2‐based sterilization and reveal the individual contributions of different sterilization methods acting in tandem.
Incremental Analysis of Magnetic Domains in Multiple Types of Ferromagnetic CoFe Nanolayer Patterns
Authors: Hara Shinjiro , Dai Wei , Horiguchi Ryoma , Kanetsuka Wataru , Akabori Masashi
Published: January 2024

In this article, the results of incremental analysis on the thickness, aspect ratio, and crystallographic substrate orientation dependence of magnetic domain formation in CoFe nanolayer patterns (NPs) on GaAs (001) substrates by magnetic force microscopy are reported. All the 35 nm thick CoFe NPs show multiple magnetic domains under as‐deposition condition whereas the 13 nm thick CoFe NPs have a single magnetic domain in the case of the patterns with a relatively small size and high aspect ratio. Subsequently, the magnetic fields are applied in the direction parallel to the <110> and <1–10> directions of the substrates to analyze a magnetization switching behavior in the patterns. The results reveal that the magnetic fields required for magnetization switching markedly tend to increase, with decreasing the thickness of the patterns and increasing their aspect ratio. A general tendency is obtained, which a higher magnetic field is needed for a higher aspect ratio and a thinner thickness of the NPs. Even in the case of the patterns with an aspect ratio of unity and a thickness of 35 nm (but, a smaller size), a single magnetic domain is formed at a relatively high applied magnetic field of 1500 Gauss.
Cover Image
Authors: Su Zhikang , Chen Ding , Huang Jiangyon , Liang Zitian , Ren Wen , Zhang Zeyu , Jiang Qianzhou , Luo Tao , Guo Lvhua
Published: January 2024

The cover image is based on the Research Article Isoliquiritin treatment of osteoporosis by promoting osteogenic differentiation and autophagy of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells by Zhikang Su et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.8032

image
Inclusion of deuterated glycopeptides provides increased sequence coverage in hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry analysis of SARS‐CoV‐2 spike glycoprotein
Authors: Haynes Christopher A. , Keppel Theodore R. , Mekonnen Betlehem , Osman Sarah H. , Zhou Yu , Woolfitt Adrian R. , Baudys Jakub , Barr John R. , Wang Dongxia
Published: January 2024

Rationale

Hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX‐MS) can provide precise analysis of a protein's conformational dynamics across varied states, such as heat‐denatured versus native protein structures, localizing regions that are specifically affected by such conditional changes. Maximizing protein sequence coverage provides high confidence that regions of interest were located by HDX‐MS, but one challenge for complete sequence coverage is N‐glycosylation sites. The deuteration of peptides post‐translationally modified by asparagine‐bound glycans (glycopeptides) has not always been identified in previous reports of HDX‐MS analyses, causing significant sequence coverage gaps in heavily glycosylated proteins and uncertainty in structural dynamics in many regions throughout a glycoprotein.

Methods

We detected deuterated glycopeptides with a Tribrid Orbitrap Eclipse mass spectrometer performing data‐dependent acquisition. An MS scan was used to identify precursor ions; if high‐energy collision‐induced dissociation MS/MS of the precursor indicated oxonium ions diagnostic for complex glycans, then electron transfer low‐energy collision‐induced dissociation MS/MS scans of the precursor identified the modified asparagine residue and the glycan's mass. As in traditional HDX‐MS, the identified glycopeptides were then analyzed at the MS level in samples labeled with D2O.

Results

We report HDX‐MS analysis of the SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein ectodomain in its trimeric prefusion form, which has 22 predicted N‐glycosylation sites per monomer, with and without heat treatment. We identified glycopeptides and calculated their average isotopic mass shifts from deuteration. Inclusion of the deuterated glycopeptides increased sequence coverage of spike ectodomain from 76% to 84%, demonstrated that glycopeptides had been deuterated, and improved confidence in results localizing structural rearrangements.

Conclusion

Inclusion of deuterated glycopeptides improves the analysis of the conformational dynamics of glycoproteins such as viral surface antigens and cellular receptors.
SAR Guided Synthesis of Potent, Selective and Artemisinin Synergistic New Imidazole Derivatives with Promising In Vitro Antiplasmodial and In Vivo Antimalarial Activities
Authors: Ratanlal Malavath , Mohankrishnan Dinesh , Jayaram Vankudoth , Sahal Dinkar , Sharma Gangavaram V. M.
Published: January 2024

Guided by Structural Activity Relationship (SAR), a series of synthetic tri‐ and tetra‐substituted imidazoles were studied for in vitro antiplasmodial activities against erythrocytic stages of chloroquine sensitive and resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum using SYBR green I assay. This led to the identification of three potent (IC50 μM) derivatives : Im2 (0.75), Im5 (0.75) and Im22 (0.5). These three lead molecules present unique structural features with a common molecular architecture. Thus, Im2 and Im22 have phenyl rings at positions 4 and 5 of imidazole ring along with n‐hexyl at N3 position, and differ in the C2 substituent (3‐cyclopentyloxy‐4‐methoxy phenyl for Im2) versus naphthyl for Im22. In contrast, positions 4 and 5 in Im5 have pyridyl rings, with unsubstituted N3. Further, curative antimalarial studies with Im2 and Im5 in a Plasmodium berghei (ANKA) infected mouse model of malaria, revealed an increase in average survival time to 28.6±4.2 and 27.4±4 days respectively, as compared to 20.2±2.3 days for untreated control mice. Results of in vitro combination (Im22+Artemisinin) with ΣFIC50: 0.34–0.79, indicated promising synergy and prospects for the use of Im22 as a new constituent in Artemisinin combination therapy (ACT).
Hypochlorous Acid Scavenger Activity of Heteroaryl‐Nitrones. A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study
Authors: Dimarco Palencia Frida C. D. , Diaz Mario G. , Vega‐Hissi Esteban G. , Gomez Mejiba Sandra E. , Ramirez Dario C. , Garro Martinez Juan C.
Published: January 2024

The HClO scavenging capacity of a group of heteroaryl‐nitrones (HA−N) that contain a substituted five‐membered ring (furan or thiophene) in their structure was studied using experimental and quantum computational methods. Experimentally, it was found that four HA−N showed scavenging activity with IC50 values ranging from 26.15 to 61.20 nM, while two HA−N were found to be inactive. To explain the HClO activity of the analyzed HA−N, we proposed and investigated a reaction mechanism based on a nucleophilic attack by the hypochlorous anion (pKa=7.46) on α‐carbon of each HA−N, taking into account the results obtained by calculating the electrostatic potential. For this purpose, we used the B3LYP functional of the density functional theory (DFT) and the basis set 6‐311+G(d,p) included in the Gaussian 09 program. We calculated the rate constants (k), the HOMO and LUMO energies, and several reactivity indices such as the electronic chemical potential (μ), chemical hardness (η), and global electrophilicity (ω) to establish a quantified relationship with the observed activities. The SAR analysis and the correlation between the rate constants and the global electrophilicity with the HClO scavenging activity allow us to explain the experimental activity presented by the six HA−N analyzed here.
Continuous Flow Synthesis of 4‐methyl‐3‐oxo‐n‐phenyl‐pentanamide
Authors: He Yiguo , Li Mengxiang , Peng Liming , Yang Tong , Zhang Dong , Zhang Yadong
Published: January 2024

4‐methyl‐3‐oxo‐n‐phenyl‐pentanamide, as a crucial component of atorvastatin calcium, often generates a large amount of by‐products in conventional synthesis. Here, we first developed a continuous microflow system for the continuous flow synthesis of 4‐methyl‐3‐oxo‐n‐phenyl‐pentanamide. Compared to traditional batch reactors, the reaction time was reduced by 1/12 in the microreactor. Using this device, the kinetic parameters of the reaction were determined, and a reaction kinetics model was established to investigate the effects of channel geometry and material inlet velocity on the entire reaction system. Furthermore, we studied the subsequent reactions and successfully established a fully continuous synthesis device, where the two‐step continuous flow chemical reactions were achieved at 40 minutes and a total yield of 32 %.
Buoyancy‐Driven Micro/‐Nanomotors: From Fundamentals to Applications
Authors: Shukla Ashish Kumar , Bhandari Satyapriya , Mitra Shirsendu , Kim Byungki , Dey Krishna Kanti
Published: January 2024

The progression of self‐powered micro/‐nanomotors (MNMs) has rapidly evolved over the past few decades, showing applications in various fields such as nanotechnology, biomedical engineering, microfluidics, environmental science, and energy harvesting. Miniaturized MNMs transduce chemical/biochemical energies into mechanical motion for navigating through complex fluidic environments with directional control via external forces fields such as magnetic, photonic, and electric stimuli. Among various propulsion mechanisms, buoyancy‐driven MNMs have received noteworthy recognition due to their simplicity, efficiency, and versatility. Buoyancy force‐driven motors harness the principles of density variation‐mediated force to overcome fluidic resistance to navigate through complex environments. Restricting the propulsion in one direction helps to control directional movement, making it more efficient in isotropic solutions. The changes in pH, ionic strength, chemical concentration, solute gradients, or the presence of specific molecules can influence the motion of buoyancy‐driven MNMs as evidenced by earlier reports. This review aims to provide a fundamental and detailed analysis of the current state‐of‐the‐art in buoyancy‐driven MNMs, aiming to inspire further research and innovation in this promising field.
An Ultrasound‐Triggered STING Pathway Nanoagonist for Enhanced Chemotherapy‐Induced Immunogenic Cell Death
Authors: Tian Ye , Tian Hao , Li Bei , Feng Chuanliang , Dai Yunlu
Published: January 2024

Although chemotherapy has the potential to induce tumor immunotherapy via immunogenic cell death (ICD) effects, how to control the intensity of the immune responses still deserves further exploration. Herein, a controllable ultrasound (US)‐triggered chemo‐immunotherapy nanoagonist is successfully synthesized by utilizing the pH and reactive oxygen species (ROS) dual‐responsive PEG‐polyphenol to assemble sonosensitizer zinc oxide (ZnO) and doxorubicin (DOX). The PZnO@DOX nanoparticles have an intelligent disassembly to release DOX and zinc ions in acidic pH conditions. Notably, US irradiation generates ROS by sonodynamic therapy and accelerates the drug release process. Interestingly, after the PZnO@DOX+US treatment, the injured cells release double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA) from the nucleus and mitochondria into the cytosol. Subsequently, both the dsDNA and zinc ions bind with cyclic GMP‐AMP synthase and activate the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway, resulting in the dendritic cell maturation, ultimately promoting DOX‐induced ICD effects and antigen‐specific T cell immunity. Therefore, chemotherapy‐induced immune responses can be modulated by non‐invasive control of US.
Designing Tough Hydrogel Shells for Glucose Sensing
Authors: Ko Yeounju , Oh Yoonjin , Park Chan Ho , Kim Shin‐Hyun
Published: January 2024

Conventional hydrogel microcapsules often suffer from inadequate mechanical stability, hindering their use. Here, water‐cored double‐network (DN) hydrogel shells are designed, formed by polyacrylamide and calcium alginate networks using triple‐emulsion templates. These DN hydrogel shells offer robust mechanical stability, optical transparency, and a precisely‐defined cut‐off threshold. The feasibility of this platform is demonstrated through the development of a fluorometric glucose sensor. Glucose oxidase is enclosed within the water core, while a pH‐responsive fluorescent dye is incorporated into the DN shells. Glucose diffuses into the core through the DN shells, where the glucose oxidase converts glucose into gluconic acid, leading to pH reduction and a subsequent decrease in fluorescence intensity of DN shells. Additionally, the pH‐sensitive colorant dissolved in the medium enables visual pH assessment. Thus, glucose levels can be determined using both fluorometric and colorimetric methods. Notably, the DN shells exhibit exceptional stability, enduring intense mechanical stress and cycles of drying and rehydration without leakage. Moreover, the DN shells act as effective barriers, safeguarding glucose oxidase against proteolysis by large disruptive proteins, like pancreatin. This versatile DN shell platform extends beyond glucose oxidase encapsulation, serving as a foundation for various capsule sensors utilizing enzymes and heterogeneous catalysts.
Multi‐dimensional micro/nanorobots with collective behaviors
Authors: Wang Bin , Lu Yuan
Published: January 2024

Recently, the collective behavior of micro/nanorobots has shown unprecedented potential in biomedicine and environmental remediation. Collective behavior can work more efficiently, adaptively, and robustly than individual micro/nanorobots. The paradigm of collective behavior needs to be understood in different dimensions, including from individual to cluster, from planar to spatial, and from mono‐functional to multifunctional. In this review, the focus will be on summarizing the achievements of collective control of micro/nanorobot swarms in recent years from different dimensions, in an attempt to better understand how the structure and materials of individuals should be designed, how collective behavior should be implemented, and how robots are functionalized to cope with practical applications under the introduction of collective control. The opportunities and challenges that collective control faces at this stage are illustrated to provide perspectives for its future development.
Unraveling the Synergistic Effects of Oxygen Vacancy and Amorphous Structure on TiO2 for High‐Performance Lithium Storage
Authors: Hao Zhongkai , Lyu Jing , Tian Miao , Zhang Xu , Wang Kexin , Yang Shuo‐Wang , Zhang Yuxin , Xu Guo Qin
Published: January 2024

The improved electronic conductivity and ion diffusion efficiency of TiO2‐based anode materials have been extensively studied by introducing oxygen vacancies or creating amorphous structure. There has been little exploration of the synergistic effects by combining these two modification strategies into one TiO2‐based matrix. In addition, the structure–activity relationship and energy storage mechanism involved remain to be understood. Herein, a facile one‐step coreduction method is reported to successfully produce the oxygen vacancy‐doped amorphous TiO2 nanoparticles. The oxygen vacancy‐doped amorphous TiO2 anode exhibits significantly enhanced electrochemical activity and high‐rate stability (up to 87 mAh g−1 over 10 000 discharge/charge cycles at a current rate of 100 C). This outstanding electrochemical performance is attributable to the synergistic effects of amorphous structure and oxygen vacancies. Density functional theory calculations reveal the enhanced electronic conductivity and thermodynamically favorable lithium insertion architecture due to the introduction of oxygen vacancy and the construction of the amorphous skeleton. Dynamic analysis indicates that the lithium‐storage mechanism is a hybrid of surface capacitive storage and enhanced diffusion‐controlled ion insertion. This work opens up new pathways in developing novel anode materials for efficient energy storage from the wide spectrum of metal oxides.
Effects of flow rate and wastewater concentration on the transformation of nitrogen in sediment–water system of sewage pipelines
Authors: Xie Yuling , Liu Cuiyun , Zhou Changfeng , Wei Haodong , Tao Yang , Zhou Jie
Published: January 2024

In this work, the transformation law of nitrogen in sediment–water system under different flow rates and wastewater concentrations were investigated in a simulated sewage pipeline system. Results showed that the different flow rates and wastewater concentrations in the pipeline caused differences in microbial community in sediments and nitrogen transformation. When the flow rate increased from 0.05 to 0.2 m/s, the scouring effect was enhanced, resulting in higher concentrations of NH4+–N and NO3−–N in the overlying water. At 0.2 m/s, the relative abundance of Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 in sediments was higher, resulting in a greater conversion of amino acid nitrogen (AAN) to NH4+–N. Meanwhile, many denitrifying bacteria (Trichococcus, Dechloromonas, norank_f__norank_o__Gaiellales, Thiobacillus) had high relative abundance in the sediments, and the denitrification process was common. When the wastewater concentration was high, the nitrification reaction was great in overlying and interstitial water. Moreover, the ammoniation process was great in the sediments, and the variation flux of AAN was large (remarkably reduced).

Practitioner Points

AAN transformed to NH4+–N in sediment under different flow rate and concentration.

Scouring was enhanced at 0.2 m/s, increasing nitrogen contents in overlying water.

Difference in microbial community led to more AAN conversion to NH4+–N at 0.2 m/s.

The ammoniation process was greater in sediment at a high concentration of sewage.

NH4+–N migrated from overlying water to sediment at a high concentration of sewage.
Assessing groundwater quality, health risks, and policy implications: A case study of West Medinipur District, West Bengal, India
Authors: Alam Md Anjar , Mailapalli Damodhara Rao , Maheshwari Basant
Published: January 2024

Groundwater is a vital freshwater resource for various uses, including drinking, irrigation, and industry needs. The increasing dependence of India on groundwater due to dwindling surface water sources and climate extremes has led to concerns about its availability and quality. This study focuses on the groundwater quality and associated human health risks in the West Medinipur district of West Bengal, India. The region, situated between the Kangsabati and Subarnarekha rivers, faces challenges from anthropogenic activities such as agricultural practices and industrial pollution. A comprehensive analysis of physicochemical parameters was conducted on well water samples collected during the monsoon and post‐monsoon periods. The study examined the suitability of groundwater for drinking and irrigation purposes. Water quality indices were calculated to assess its fitness for human consumption. Despite several parameters meeting the water quality standards, elevated iron (Fe) and ammonia (NH4+) levels were observed, potentially impacting groundwater use for drinking. Similarly, groundwater's suitability for irrigation was evaluated based on parameters like sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) and sodium percentage (Na%). The groundwater types dominated by magnesium bicarbonate and the quality could affect soil structure and crop productivity in certain areas. The elevated levels of Fe and NH4+ showed potential human health risks, indicating the need to mitigate adverse effects on human well‐being through appropriate policy and other interventions. The study highlights the complexity of groundwater quality in the study area. It underscores the necessity for comprehensive water policy and management strategies to safeguard water resources and human health in rural India. The findings emphasize the importance of ongoing monitoring and intervention measures to ensure the sustainability and safety of groundwater for present and future generations.
Accidentally light scalars from large representations
Authors: Brümmer F. , Ferrante G. , Frigerio M. , Hambye T.
Published: January 2024

Abstract

In models with spontaneous symmetry breaking by scalar fields in large group representations, we observe that some of the scalar masses can be loop-suppressed with respect to the naive expectation from symmetry selection rules. We present minimal models — the SU(2) five-plet and SU(3) ten-plet — with such accidentally light scalars, featuring compact tree-level flat directions lifted by radiative corrections. We sketch some potential applications, from stable relics and slow roll in cosmology, to hierarchy and fine-tuning problems in particle physics.
Fast-Track-Endoprothetik
Authors: Greimel Felix , Schiegl Julia , Meyer Matthias , Grifka Joachim , Maderbacher Günther
Published: January 2024

Einführung

Wesentliche Bestandteile von Fast-Track- oder Enhanced-Recovery-Programmen in der Endoprothetik sind die Optimierung der interdisziplinär-organisatorischen Abläufe sowie der prä-, intra- und postoperativen Vorgehensweisen im klinischen Alltag. Die frühpostoperative Mobilisation der Patienten ist nach Gelenkersatzoperation von zentraler Bedeutung, mit dem Ziel, Schmerzen und Komplikationen nachweislich zu vermeiden. Dieser Beitrag gibt einen detaillierten Überblick hinsichtlich der zwischenzeitlich zunehmend verbreiteten Fast-Track-Vorgehensweisen. Zudem zeigt er die klinischen Vorteile von Fast-Track für die Hüftendoprothetik im Rahmen eines randomisierten Studiendesigns evidenzbasiert auf.

Material und Methoden

Es wurden 194 Patienten mit primärer HTEP nach einfach verblindeter Randomisierung in zwei Gruppen untersucht: Fast-Track (n = 98) oder konventioneller Behandlungspfad (n = 96). Als primärer Outcomeparameter war die Mobilisierung definiert, gemessen mit dem Timed-Up-and-Go-Test (TUG) in Sekunden. Sekundäre Parameter waren erreichbare Gehstrecke in Metern sowie Schmerzen auf der Numerische Rating-Skala (NRS). Alle Parameter wurden präoperativ und täglich bis zum 6. postoperativen Tag erfasst.

Ergebnisse

Innerhalb der ersten postoperativen Woche wurden keine Komplikationen oder Revisionen verzeichnet. Die Fast-Track-Gruppe zeigte im Vergleich zur konventionellen Gruppe bis zum 6. postoperativen Tag signifikant bessere TUG-Werte sowie Gehstreckenergebnisse (jeweils p < 0,05). Bezüglich der Bewertung von Schmerzen (NRS) zeigte sich kein signifikanter Unterschied (p > 0,05).

Fazit

Die Anwendung von Fast-Track-Konzepten in der Hüftendoprothetik kann evidenzbasiert die klinischen Ergebnisse verbessern. Diese prospektive, einfach verblindete randomisierte kontrollierte Studie konnte ein sehr gutes kurzfristiges Ergebnis mit vergleichbaren Schmerzen nach Fast-Track-HTEP im Vergleich zu einem konventionellen Behandlungspfad aufzeigen. Fast-Track-Konzepte sind hochwirksam in Bezug auf Frühmobilisierung und klinisches Ergebnis – ohne in der Frühphase ein höheres Komplikationsrisiko einzugehen.

Graphic abstract
Die eigene professionelle Altersversorgung sichern – der Rettungsdienst als mobiler Sozial- und Gesundheitsdienstleister
Authors: Redelsteiner Christoph
Published: January 2024

Der Rettungsdienst hat sich auf operativer Ebene im Einsatzgeschehen u. a. durch den demografischen Wandel und Leistungsreduktionen im Sozial- und Gesundheitswesen von einer Notfallversorgungseinrichtung zu einem rund um die Uhr erreichbarem sozialmedizinischen Dienstleister verändert. Die Mehrzahl der Fälle stellen Menschen mit chronischen, subakuten Erkrankungen und psychosozialen Herausforderungen dar. Eine Verweisung auf pflegerische, hausärztliche oder soziale Dienste wird nur dann erfolgreich sein, wenn diese auch verlässlich durch die Leitstellen disponierbar sind und keine Fallabweisung und somit Rückdelegation an die Leitstelle durchführen können.Der Leitstelle kommt somit eine fachliche Beratungs-, Lenkungs- und Maklerfunktion zu, die idealerweise auch auf Ressourcen wie Acute Community Nurses, Gemeinde-Notfallsanitäter und Akutsozialarbeiter zurückgreifen kann. Damit können für einen Teil der Anliegen passender und zielgerichtetere Strategien angewandt werden und der Rettungsdienst entlastet werden. Auf planerischer und strategischer Ebene muss dieser Paradigmenwechsel in Bereichen wie Ausbildungsschwerpunkte, Leitstellenberatung, Einsatztaktik, eingesetzte Berufsgruppen noch mit vollzogen werden.Diese Änderungen gilt es als Chance zu einer fairen und gleichmässigen sozialen, medizinischen und pflegerischen Versorgung seitens der Führungskräfte, Mitarbeiter und Kostenträger des Rettungswesen aktiv mitzugestalten.
Optimization methods and algorithms
Authors: Biró Péter , Bozóki Sándor , Király Tamás , Kristály Alexandru
Published: January 2024

Recent results of three areas, pickup and delivery, optimal mass transportation, matching under preferences are highlighted. The topics themselves have been selected from the active research fields of Hungarian Operations Research. We also provide a short summary of selected research results from the 34th Hungarian Operations Research Conference, held in Cegléd, Hungary, August 31–September 2, 2021.
Resource overload problems with tardiness penalty: structural properties and solution approaches
Authors: Wohlert Lena Sophie , Zimmermann Jürgen
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we consider a resource overload problem and add a tardiness penalty to the objective function when a prescribed project makespan is exceeded, which enables a trade-off between a balanced resource utilization and a project delay. For the tardiness penalty, we distinguish between a constant and variable delay cost variant. Based on the structural properties of the resource overload problem, we show that the search space of the resource overload problem with tardiness penalty can also be reduced utilizing quasistable schedules. In addition, we discuss the application of these findings to further problems, which include objectives composed of a locally concave and a concave function or a reward structure for an early project completion instead of a tardiness penalty. As solution approaches, we present mixed-integer linear model formulations as well as a novel genetic algorithm with a decoding procedure, which exploits the devised structural properties. The performance of the genetic algorithm is improved by implementing learning methods and utilizing lower bounds. Finally, we present results from experiments on small to medium sized problem instances.
Dynamic Return Scenario Generation Approach for Large-Scale Portfolio Optimisation Framework
Authors: Neděla David , Ortobelli Lozza Sergio , Tichý Tomáš
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we propose a complex return scenario generation process that can be incorporated into portfolio selection problems. In particular, we assume that returns follow the ARMA–GARCH model with stable-distributed and skewed t-copula dependent residuals. Since the portfolio selection problem is large-scale, we apply the multifactor model with a parametric regression and a nonparametric regression approaches to reduce the complexity of the problem. To do this, the recently proposed trend-dependent correlation matrix is used to obtain the main factors of the asset dependency structure by applying principal component analysis (PCA). However, when a few main factors are assumed, the obtained residuals of the returns still explain a non-negligible part of the portfolio variability. Therefore, we propose the application of a novel approach involving a second PCA to the Pearson correlation to obtain additional factors of residual components leading to the refinement of the final prediction. Future return scenarios are predicted using Monte Carlo simulations. Finally, the impact of the proposed approaches on the portfolio selection problem is evaluated in an empirical analysis of the application of a classical mean–variance model to a dynamic dataset of stock returns from the US market. The results show that the proposed scenario generation approach with nonparametric regression outperforms the traditional approach for out-of-sample portfolios.
Hidden Populations for Healthcare Financial Protection in the Super-Aging Society: Closing the Gap Between Policy and Practice
Authors: Sasaki Noriko , Rosenberg Megumi , Shin Jung-ho , Kunisawa Susumu , Imanaka Yuichi
Published: January 2024

Despite the remarkable health achievements of Japan’s universal health coverage since 1961, along with numerous social programs to ensure financial protection, a growing proportion of the older population reportedly experiences financial hardship for essential health care. The socio-behavioral and economic situation of the households in need and the effective policy interventions remain unknown. To identify the reasons behind older persons’ financial hardship and the effective policy interventions, we performed a questionnaire survey of social workers in all hospitals, local government offices and social service agencies across six prefectures in Kansai region. Data from 553 respondents revealed that the financial difficulties related to health care are often closely intertwined with social and mental health hardships experienced by older people and their families. Notably, potentially helpful programs including ‘free/low-cost medical treatment program’ and the adult guardianship system for dementia were infrequently used. Moreover, male, social workers at local offices/agencies, and less than 10 years’ professional experience associated with infrequent use of key protective programs. To close the gap between policy and practice, policies should focus on clients’ daily living needs, and new frontline social workers should receive lifelong training that incorporates their own backgrounds, experiences, and values, including the use of anti-oppressive gerontological approaches.