bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assisted Solubilization Strategy in Spiro‐OMeTAD for Thermally and Mechanically Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Xueying , Zhong Yang , Liu Yikun , Luo Xiao , Gao Binlou , Tan Licheng , Chen Yiwang
Published: February 2025

The ions migration and de‐doping reactions caused by conventional doping seriously jeopardizes the thermal stability of perovskite solar cells (PVSCs) based on spiro‐OMeTAD as hole transport layer (HTL), which poses a significant challenge for subsequent commercialization. To address these issues, a novel assisted solubilization strategy has been firstly developed using deep eutectic solvent (DES) synthesized from N‐(cyanomethyl)acetamide (NCMA) and lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI). NCMA can form multiple strong interaction modes with LiTFSI through N−H⋅⋅⋅O hydrogen bonding and Li−O/Li−N coordination, which effectively inhibits Li+ ions migration at high temperature and increases solubility of LiTFSI in chlorobenzene without acetonitrile and 4‐tert‐butylpyridine (tBP), fundamentally solving de‐doping reaction. In addition, the molecular network with abundant functional groups in DES improves fracture energy of perovskite/spiro‐OMeTAD interface and enhances interfacial adhesion via strong chelation with perovskite and Ag electrode. Consequently, benefiting from tBP removement and inhibited ions migration, the optimized PVSCs achieve a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 25.02 %, and the unencapsulated device retains over 90 % of initial PCE at 85 °C, 40 % RH for 1200 h (ISOS‐D‐2 standard). This innovative assisted solubilization strategy represents a critical step toward improving device stability and accelerating the commercialization of PVSCs.
Functionalization of [C60]‐Fullerene: A Recent Update
Authors: Daniel Geoffrey Bellson , Nachimuthu Kiruthika , Nallasivam Jothi Lakshmi
Published: February 2025

Functionalization of fullerene has garnered great attention owing to its unique structural, electronic, and photophysical properties. The distinctive properties of fullerene derivatives make them a multifaceted candidate for application in photochemical, biological, nanomaterial, and photophysical studies. The radical scavenging properties of fullerene owe them an important role in reactive oxygen species (ROS) capturing applications. The organic photovoltaic cells are fabricated utilizing functionalized fullerenes due to its electron‐accepting properties. The increased prominence of functionalization led to different innovative methodologies to bloom. The present review focuses on various synthetic strategies were adopted for [C60]‐annulation reactions to accomplish carbo‐ and heterocycles fused fullerenes from early 2014 to till date.
The Power of Biography: Using the Diary of Anne Frank to Stimulate Generalisation and Secondary Transfer of Willingness for Intergroup Contact
Authors: Goodbun Katie , Abrams Dominic
Published: February 2025

An impact evaluation of a large‐scale field study tested the effects of biographical intergroup contact on children and adolescents' willingness to have intergroup contact with individuals from 12 social categories. Biographical contact was implemented through the anti‐prejudice programme led by the educational charity the Anne Frank Trust UK, based on the life of the Jewish teenager Anne Frank. Before and after participating in the programme, young people between the ages of 9 and 17 years (N = 1413 from 69 participating schools) completed a ‘Contact Star' measure of their willingness for close social contact with individuals from each of the social categories. Biographical contact substantially improved willingness for contact with Jewish people (the initial target group) as well as with all 11 other groups, as measured by the Contact Star. Additionally, increased willingness for contact with Jewish people was strongly predictive of increased willingness for contact with the other groups, thereby demonstrating a secondary transfer of improved intergroup attitudes. The effect was similarly large in the case of outgroups that were less similar or familiar to participants, contrary to the idea that secondary transfer weakens as the outgroups become less similar (a generalisation gradient). Theoretical and practical implications of this potentially powerful new form of contact are discussed.
The Paradox of Enjoyment in Luxury Consumption: Exploring Young Women's Expected and Actual Enjoyment of Luxury Goods
Authors: Razmus Wiktor , Grabner‐Kräuter Sonja
Published: February 2025

Does luxury consumption bring enjoyment, as various media messages, especially advertisements, suggest? This research investigates the anticipated and experienced enjoyment associated with the use of luxury goods. We propose that anticipated and actual use of luxury goods have different effects on enjoyment, which we refer to as the paradox of enjoyment in luxury consumption. In the first study, the majority of women (74.8%) believed that using a luxury handbag (vs. an ordinary handbag) would contribute to a higher level of enjoyment/happiness. Our second study showed that imagined use of a luxury handbag led to greater enjoyment than imagined use of an ordinary handbag. Conversely, the results of the third study showed that the actual use of a luxury handbag reduced enjoyment, driven by an increase in feelings of inauthenticity. The results of the fourth study confirmed this mechanism using a different luxury brand. Furthermore, we found that the actual use of a luxury handbag increased enjoyment, but only among individuals with high levels of brand engagement in self‐concept. Overall, the results show that young women's expected enjoyment of using a luxury product does not consistently match their actual emotional experience.
Navigating the Sustainability–Luxury Paradox: Bibliometric Insights and Research Directions
Authors: ShabbirHusain R. V. , Kamath Renuka , Moorthy Janakiraman
Published: February 2025

Sustainable luxury integrates environmentally conscious practices with high standards in luxury offerings, propelling the growth of this market. But how navigable is this paradoxical alliance between luxury and sustainability? Accordingly, research in this domain has also taken a fillip. The present study provides a comprehensive understanding of the field's current state and offers future directions through a bibliometric analysis. We employ bibliographic coupling, citation analysis, keyword analysis, and cluster analysis using Biblioshiny and VOSviewer to map the intellectual structure of sustainable luxury by analysing 301 articles (1986–2004). We present insights into sustainable luxury literature, including authors, highly cited papers, popular journals, regional publication trends, and keyword analysis. The cluster analysis reveals five key research clusters: sustainability in luxury and fashion, sustainable practices in luxury hospitality, the sharing economy, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ethical considerations in the luxury sector, and luxury sustainability strategies and consumer roles in conspicuous luxury consumption. It highlights that consumer perceptions of durability, CSR, and cultural identities shape sustainable luxury consumption. It emphasises the need to reconsider traditional economic dynamics due to the rise of second‐hand luxury and the sharing economy. Based on our synthesis, we propose research questions for future exploration by employing the Theory, Context, Characteristics, and Methods framework and incorporating inputs from expert practitioners in the sustainable luxury domain.
The Multifaceted Chemistry of Chili Peppers: A Biodiversity Treasure for Nutrition and Biomedicine
Authors: Faisal Ayman Faris , Mustafa Yasser Fakri
Published: February 2025

Due to its biodiversity, traditional medicine has been recognized worldwide for centuries and continues to affect the development of complementary and alternative therapies. A wide variety of spices, herbs, and trees are known for their curative effects. Chili pepper (Ch‐p), a spice‐utilizing fruit, is rich in natural medicinally bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, capsaicinoids, and many other phytochemicals and phytonutrients. Operating in synergy and consortium, these compounds demonstrate their functionality, in comparison to lonely treatment, as active agents in handling many disorders. These may include abnormal coagulation, oxidative stress, obesity, diabetes, inflammation, cancer, and microbe‐inducing diseases. Recently, capsaicinoids, particularly capsaicin, have been shown to manage the symptoms of significant viral diseases, including COVID‐19. Capsaicin also has the potential to be an effective anesthetic agent and enables Ch‐p to be expandedly employed as a topical preparation in relieving pain as well. The phytochemicals of Ch‐p are not only beneficial and inexpensive phyto‐alternatives in disease management, but they can also be used as scaffolds for the production of novel medicines. The study also substantiates the role of the TRPV1 receptor in the mitigation of chronic diseases in conjunction with capsaicin. Nevertheless, the consumption of Ch‐p is the subject of limited medicinal research, necessitating the confirmation of the results from animal studies. The nutritional and biomedical prospection of Ch‐p‐derived products has been addressed in an accessible format in this artifact, with the potential to precisely enhance and enrich our pharmaceutical industries in the pursuit of human well‐being.
Discovery of Novel FtsZ Inhibitors With Antimicrobial Activity by Virtual Screening and In Vitro Biological Evaluation
Authors: Luo Aoqi , Qian Chenliang , Zhang Zhenyu , Xia Jie , Jin Hongwei , Si Xinxin , Ma Shaojie
Published: February 2025

The filamentous temperature‐sensitive protein Z (FtsZ) plays a vital role in bacterial division, making it an important antibacterial target. The inhibitor activity targeting the cleft between the H7 helix and the C‐terminal substructural domain exhibited superior binding compared to the GTP binding site. This highlights the potential of the cleft as a promising target for further inhibitor discovery. In this study, we established a virtual screening (VS) pipeline using Discovery Studio software and employed FRED for molecular docking and Functional‐Class Fingerprints_6 (FCFP_6) for molecular clustering, resulting in the identification of 38 potentially active compounds. These 38 compounds were then subjected to the following FtsZ inhibition assays, resulting in the four active compounds B6, B21, B26, and B31. Further experiments showed that compounds B6 and B26 exhibited antimicrobial activity with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 8 and 32 µg/mL. Finally, molecular dynamics (MD) was used to analyze the binding modes of the protein‐ligand. In addition, we predicted the physicochemical properties and toxicity of B6 and B26. In summary, our study successfully identified novel FtsZ inhibitors with antimicrobial activity through VS and in vitro biological evaluation, demonstrating their potential for further investigation.
Research on non‐contact infrared imaging technique for multilayer storage identification of oil tanks based on an improved edge‐detection algorithm
Authors: Wei Yao‐Yu , Chen Hong‐Wei , Li Yang , Guo Yu‐Jun
Published: February 2025

Detection of internal storage objects in tanks is crucial for production in the petrochemical industry and chemical raw material storage. Compared to traditional methods, infrared detection provides benefits like non‐contact operation, safety, and efficiency. In image processing, utilizing edge detection to obtain edge information is an advanced approach. By analyzing the thermal texture in infrared tank images and extracting boundaries between different regions, it is possible to predict the volume of internal storage. To address the issues of noise, lack of clarity, and discontinuity in existing image edge detection methods, a novel edge detection algorithm called wavelet transform and mathematical morphological fusion to improve edge detection (WMF‐IED) is proposed. Compared to the Roberts, Prewitt, Sobel, and Laplacian of Gaussian (LOG) methods, the WMF‐IED algorithm offers several advantages. It not only provides clear and continuous edges but also exhibits minimal mean squared error (MSE). Additionally, it achieves maximum signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR). These factors show the proposed algorithm's superior performance. Moreover, an experimental platform for storage tanks was designed and constructed to analyze the detection of internal storage contents using the proposed WMF‐IED algorithm. The results demonstrate that the WMF‐IED algorithm has strong universality and can detect the edges of various internal storage. The volume prediction errors using the WMF‐IED algorithm are less than 4% and 6% for liquid level detection and sludge detection, respectively. Based on the analysis and experimental results, a recommended sampling value is proposed, which can be selected to obtain the minimum error.
Mechanistic Insights Into the Methoxycarbonylation of Technical Grade Oleochemicals: Catalytical and Structural Analysis of Conjugated Fatty Acid Methyl Esters
Authors: Wegener Hannes W. , Reichert Rene , Brede Nils , Gierse Alena , Spiekermann Maximilian L. , Vogt Dieter , Seidensticker Thomas
Published: February 2025

This study examines the valorization of vegetable oils through Pd‐catalyzed methoxycarbonylation. It investigates the inhibitory effects of polyunsaturated fatty acid methyl esters (PU‐FAME) on catalyst activity, which are frequently reported in academic literature. A particular focus lies on the isomerization of polyunsaturated FAME into conjugated species. In light of the formation of a stable Pd‐allyl complex with polyunsaturated compounds, an investigation of the isomerization products was conducted. NMR and GC analyses demonstrated that isomerization results in the conjugation of double bonds and their relocation toward the ω‐end of the carbon chain. The isomerization results in a thermodynamic distribution of isomerization products for mono‐ and polyunsaturated FAME. The formation of conjugated substrates was confirmed by structural analysis, and oxidative cleavage techniques were employed to determine the precise distribution of double bond positions. The findings offer insight into how conjugated PU‐FAME inhibit methoxycarbonylation, thereby limiting the valorization of vegetable oils.

Practical Applications: This study provides further insights into the homogeneous catalyzed formation of conjugated methyl linoleate using a palladium catalyst. Combining different analytic techniques and chemical modification provides a novel approach for determining double bond positions in fatty acids. Furthermore, these findings may facilitate the design of new catalysts for the methoxycarbonylation process, thereby preventing the formation of conjugated intermediates. This could result in an efficient conversion of technical‐grade oils. Additionally, the production of a diverse range of isomers for subsequent functionalization is demonstrated.
Intermittent Fasting Reduces Intestinal Inflammation in Dextran Sulfate Sodium‐Induced Colitis of Mice
Authors: Song Shuo , Zhang Xiwen , Zheng Haoyue , Liao Yun , Tang Ping , Liu Yu , Tang Aifa , Ran Pixin , Sun Xizhuo , Yang Pingchang
Published: February 2025

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), comprising ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), is a chronic condition impacting both the gastrointestinal tract and the immune system. Intestinal inflammation and epithelial injury are the pathological features of IBD. Recent studies have reported that some strategies of dietary restriction (DR) can regulate immune system, correct the immune disorders, and improve some immune‐associated diseases such as IBD. However, as a form of DR, the effect of intermittent fasting (IF) on the IBD remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic efficacy of two cycles of IF on the IBD mouse model induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). It was found that two cycles of IF significantly decreased the score of the disease activity index (DAI) and alleviated the IBD‐related symptoms. In addition, IF reversed the shortening of colon length mediated by DSS, significantly increased the number of colonic crypts, and decreased the colonic histological score. Furthermore, the proportion of CD4+ T cells in both the spleen and mesenteric lymph node was reduced by IF treatment. The expression of serum pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐1β, TNF‐α, and IL‐6 was restrained by IF intervention. Moreover, IF administration significantly reduced the number of leukocytes and macrophages infiltrating around the crypt base in the colon. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that IF administration can alleviate the symptoms and pathology of IBD in the DSS‐induced IBD mouse model by reducing the intestinal inflammation.
Detection of Beyond 5G Signal Detection Using Hybrid Method
Authors: Kumar Arun , Gaur Nishant , Nanthaamornphong Aziz
Published: February 2025

Nonorthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA) is a promising fifth‐generation (5G) radio system candidate. NOMA's performance is further increased when integrated with Multiple inputs and Multiple Outputs (MIMO). The complexity of detecting NOMA signals also increases the utilization of numerous antennas, which upsurges the system's latency. In this article, we projected a hybrid signal detection algorithm combining zero forcing equalizer (ZFE) and minimum mean square error (MMSE) for the NOMA‐MIMO structure with the Rician and Rayleigh channel. For 16 × 16 and 64 × 64 MIMO‐NOMA, the Bit error rate (BER) is evaluated and compared for ZFE, MMSE, and Maximum likelihood (ML) detection and proposed ZFE‐MMSE algorithms. The simulation outcomes reveal that the projected ZFE‐MMSE detects the signal at low BER, outperforming the contemporary algorithms at complexity similar to MMSE and ZFE.
Efficacy of Metal Stents Versus Plastic Stents for Treatment of Walled‐Off Pancreatic Necrosis: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Zafar Yousaf , Sohail Muhammad Umer , Ibrahim Zainab Siddiqua , Batool Ruqiat Masooma , Ansari Ifrah , Ahmed Syed Zaeem , Saad Muhammad , Aisha Eliza , Waqas Saad Ahmed , Sohail Muhammad Ovais , Bukeirat Faisal , Tang Shou Jiang , Ahmed Raheel
Published: February 2025

Background

Walled‐off necrosis (WON) is a potentially fatal condition best treated endoscopically with metal or plastic stents. This study compares the clinical outcomes of these stents.

Methods

PubMed and Cochrane were searched for trials comparing metal and plastic stents for WON. Primary outcomes were clinical and technical success.

Results

Seven studies with 230 metal stent patients and 226 plastic stent patients were included. Metal stents showed significantly shorter procedure times (SMD ‐0.80, 95% CI: ‐1.25 to −0.34), better 4‐week clinical success (OR 1.94, 95% CI: 1.00 to 3.77), and higher procedure costs (SMD 1.38, 95% CI: 0.56 to 2.20). No significant differences were observed in hospital stay (SMD ‐0.05, 95% CI: ‐0.35 to 0.25), technical success (OR 1.45, 95% CI: 0.22 to 9.43), clinical success (OR 1.13, 95% CI: 0.54 to 2.39), interventions (SMD ‐0.02, 95% CI: ‐0.34 to 0.29), need for necrosectomy (RR 1.10, 95% CI: 0.59 to 2.04), necrosectomy sessions (SMD 0.35, 95% CI: ‐0.42 to 1.11), need for percutaneous drainage (RR 0.82, 95% CI: 0.36 to 1.85), stent migration (RR 0.88, 95% CI: 0.29 to 2.66), bleeding (RR 0.97, 95% CI: 0.53 to 1.75), WON recurrence (RR 1.66, 95% CI: 0.70 to 3.92), treatment failure (death) (RR 0.75, 95% CI: 0.37 to 1.53), disconnected pancreatic duct (RR 0.93, 95% CI: 0.79 to 1.11), and total cost (SMD ‐0.02, 95% CI: ‐0.29 to 0.26).

Conclusion

Metal stents offer shorter procedure time and better 4‐week clinical success, although at a higher cost, with most clinical outcomes showing no significant differences between stent types.
Existing Personal Leadership Prototypes Versus Organizational Leadership Prototypes: How Individuals Manage Tensions Between Leading With Authenticity and Conformity During Their Socialization as Leaders in Organizations
Authors: Galvin Benjamin M. , Bednar Jeffrey S. , Bates Archie
Published: February 2025

Based on qualitative data collected at the United States Military Academy (West Point), this research enhances our understanding of how individuals manage tensions between leading with authenticity and organizational pressures for conformity, resulting from a lack of alignment between their existing personal leadership prototypes and organizational prototypes of leadership. Our theoretical model moves beyond existing research on leader identity construction− which largely treats individuals as blank slates as they construct who they will be as leaders in organizations− by highlighting how individuals learn to enact a leadership approach during socialization that fits within their personal zone of acceptable authenticity and the organization's zone of acceptable conformity. During socialization, individuals may experiment with discarding certain aspects of their existing leadership prototype and/or ignore certain aspects of the organization's leadership prototype, resulting in four primary types of leader–organization fit: Pretender, Believer, Maverick, or Rogue. Our model uncovers important outcomes associated with the varying levels of conformity and authenticity characteristic of these four types of leader–organization fit and highlights how one's fit might evolve over time as individuals engage with and learn from experiences as leaders.
ChatGPT 35 Better Improves Comprehensibility of English, Than Spanish, Generated Responses to Osteosarcoma Questions
Authors: Dias Rosamaria , Castan Ashley , Gotoff Katie , Kadkoy Yazan , Ippolito Joseph , Beebe Kathleen , Benevenia Joseph
Published: February 2025

Background

Despite adequate discussion and counseling in the office, inadequate health literacy or language barriers may make it difficult to follow instructions from a physician and access necessary resources. This may negatively impact survival outcomes. Most healthcare materials are written at a 10th grade level, while many patients read at an 8th grade level. Hispanic Americans comprise about 25% of the US patient population, while only 6% of physicians identify as bilingual.

Questions/Purpose

(1) Does ChatGPT 3.5 provide appropriate responses to frequently asked patient questions that are sufficient for clinical practice and accurate in English and Spanish? (2) What is the comprehensibility of the responses provided by ChatGPT 3.5 and are these modifiable?

Methods

Twenty frequently asked osteosarcoma patient questions, evaluated by two fellowship‐trained musculoskeletal oncologists were input into ChatGPT 3.5. Responses were evaluated by two independent reviewers to assess appropriateness for clinical practice, and accuracy. Responses were graded using the Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES) and the Flesch‐Kincaid Grade Level test (FKGL). The responses were then input into ChatGPT 3.5 for a second time with the following command “Make text easier to understand”. The same method was done in Spanish.

Results

All responses generated were appropriate for a patient‐facing informational platform. There was no difference in the Flesch Reading Ease Score between English and Spanish responses before the modification (p = 0.307) and with the Flesch‐Kincaid grade level (p = 0.294). After modification, there was a statistically significant difference in comprehensibility between English and Spanish responses (p = 0.003 and p = 0.011).

Conclusion

In both English and Spanish, none of the ChatGPT generated responses were found to be factually inaccurate. ChatGPT was able to modify responses upon follow‐up with a simplified command. However, it was shown to be better at improving English responses than equivalent Spanish responses.
Bowing Index in Individuals With Parkinson's Disease, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, and Ataxia
Authors: Tipton Courtney B. , Borders J.C. , Curtis J.A. , Troche M.S.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Variations in vocal fold bowing, as measured endoscopically with the bowing index (BI), across neurodegenerative diseases remain unexplored, which may inform interventions to minimize morbidity and mortality secondary to voice and airway protective dysfunction. The study's aim was to compare BI between people with Parkinson's disease, progressive supranuclear palsy, and cerebellar ataxia.

Methods

Thirty individuals with Parkinson's disease, 23 with progressive supranuclear palsy, and 24 with cerebellar ataxia were included and underwent flexible laryngoscopy. BI was measured using ImageJ software and a linear regression model was used to compare differences in total BI between groups, controlling for age.

Results

Average total BI was 14.60 (SD = 6.26, range 4.03–28.62) for people with progressive supranuclear palsy, 10.10 (SD = 6.64, range 0–34.13) for Parkinson's disease, and 8.35 (SD = 5.90, range 0–25.95) for cerebellar ataxia. Controlling for age, people with progressive supranuclear palsy demonstrated 4.74 greater BI compared to Parkinson's disease (95 CI: 1.19–8.28; p = 0.001), but there was no significant difference between people with Parkinson's disease and cerebellar ataxia (β = 0.37; 95% CI: −5.02, 5.77; p = 0.891) or people with progressive supranuclear palsy and cerebellar ataxia (β = 5.11; 95% CI: 0.01–10.21; p = 0.050).

Conclusions

The results suggest that BI is significantly greater in people with progressive supranuclear palsy compared to Parkinson's disease. It is important to recognize vocal fold atrophy and its potential impact on voice and airway protective measures in these patients.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 2025
Processes and microorganisms driving nitrous oxide production in the Benguela Upwelling System
Authors: Dangl Gabriela , Frey Claudia , Hassenrück Christiane , Sabbaghzadeh Bita , Wäge‐Recchioni Janine , Lehmann Moritz F. , Schulz‐Vogt Heide , Fabian Jenny , Ley Martin , Rehder Gregor , Jürgens Klaus
Published: February 2025

Upwelling systems and their associated oxygen deficient zones (ODZs) are hotspots of nitrous oxide (N2O) production in the ocean. The Benguela Upwelling System (BUS) is a highly productive region and an important, yet variable source of N2O to the atmosphere. This study examined underlying processes and microbial key players governing N2O production in the BUS during the austral winter. 15N‐tracer incubation experiments were conducted to track N2O production from NH4+ oxidation and denitrification. N2O production and consumption mechanisms over a longer temporal scale were determined through natural‐abundance isotope analyses. Metagenomics and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing were used to identify potential key prokaryotes driving N2O production. Our results showed that, compared with permanent ODZs, the BUS is characterized by a higher oxidative and a lower reductive N2O production, both of which exhibit substantial spatial variability. N2O production peaked in low‐oxygen (O2) waters, with nearly equal contributions of oxidative and reductive processes, suggesting their co‐occurrence across an O2 concentration range broader than previously thought. However, the observed N2O isotope signatures implied a legacy of recent and extensive N2O reduction to N2. Metagenomic and 16S rRNA gene data identified denitrifiers belonging to Thioglobaceae and the archaeal ammonia‐oxidizers Nitrosopumilaceae among the potential key drivers of N2O production. Our study provides a comprehensive picture of N2O production in the BUS, revealing significant variability in the N‐cycling regime and underlying N2O production mechanisms, and demonstrating the value of combining direct rate measurements with more integrative approaches, such as molecular omics and natural‐abundance stable isotope tracers.
Dynamic and Static Stress Sensing Based on Mechanical Quenching Phenomenon From CaZnOS:Cu+
Authors: Huang Xinru , Yang Hang , Wei Yi , Ju Haonan , Wang Wei , Tu Dong , Li Guogang
Published: February 2025

Mechanical quenching (MQ) represents a distinctive mechano‐optical response, in which the afterglow intensity is quenched under the applied mechanical stress. Compared with mechanoluminescent (ML) materials, the research on physical mechanism and sensing application of MQ materials is still insufficient. Moreover, existing mechano‐optical materials typically respond only to dynamic stress, while ML materials are unable to exhibit luminescence under static stress, restricting their utility in stress‐sensing applications. In this work, the MQ characteristics of CaZnOS:Cu+ are systematically studied, which displays a linear mechano‐optical response to dynamic and static stress. Furthermore, this material shows a sensitive response to micro‐strain in stretching tests. Therefore, a novel mechanical switch device is introduced combined with CaZnOS:Cu+ and a ML material LiTaO3:Tb3+. By comparing the alteration in luminescence intensity during stretching, different stages of stress are digitally encoded, achieving both dynamic and static stress sensing and effectively differentiating the information output. These findings provide a new approach for multi‐mode dynamic and static stress sensing by utilizing mechano‐optical materials and pave a significant avenue for the information integration of mechano‐optical materials in the field of stress sensing.
The Effectiveness of Virtual Reality‐Based Rehabilitation Versus Conventional Methods in Enhancing Functional Outcomes for Post‐Operative Lower Limb Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Thakur Aditi , Rishi Priyanka , Sivach Priyanka
Published: February 2025

Background

After surgery, physical therapy is thought to be crucial for getting the best results. A growing number of people believe that virtual reality (VR) could be a useful tool for providing medical interventions. The impact of VR‐based rehabilitation on results after lower limb surgeries is examined in this systematic analysis.

Objectives

Evaluating the effectiveness of virtual reality and related technologies in postoperative lower limb rehabilitation using a systematic study.

Design

systematic review of relevant literature (PROSPERO ID: CRD42024605158).

Methods

The databases PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, PEDro, and Google Scholar were used to search for the literature. To identify papers that satisfied the inclusion criteria, titles, abstracts, and then the full texts were screened. The methodological qualities of the studies were evaluated using the 11‐point PEDro scale. Risk of Bias evaluation was performed through the Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool in Cochrane review tools.

Results

Twenty‐four studies met the inclusion criteria. Combined results showed that virtual reality (VR) and game‐based interventions appear to be effective and safe adjuncts to traditional rehabilitation for lower limb surgeries, improving outcomes such as pain relief, proprioception, balance, and motivation, though their superiority over standard rehabilitation alone remains inconsistent and warrants further research.

Conclusion

VR and game‐based rehabilitation enhance traditional therapy for knee and hip surgeries, but further research is needed to confirm long‐term benefits and effectiveness.
Nasal Corticosteroid Delivery Methods in Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Polyps: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gurevich Robert E. , Bakare Ajibola B. , Levy Dylan A. , McCoul Edward D.
Published: February 2025

Objective

This systematic review evaluates and compares the efficacy and safety of different intranasal corticosteroid delivery methods for treating chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP).

Data Sources

Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, and Web of Science were systematically searched from January 1, 1980 to January 9, 2024.

Review Methods

Two independent reviewers searched 4 databases for English‐language, prospective randomized controlled trials (RCT), comparing different delivery methods of corticosteroids for the treatment of CRSwNP. Studies were excluded for specific reasons (wrong comparisons, wrong intervention, wrong patient population, and wrong route of administration).

Results

The data search identified 2282 studies. After removing duplicates, 1503 studies were screened by title and abstract, with 1479 excluded for not meeting criteria. Eighteen full‐text articles were assessed for eligibility, and 5 RCTs were included in the review. Both short‐ and long‐term treatments with nebulizer, aerosol spray, and nasal drop methods demonstrated similar efficacy to oral corticosteroids (OCS) but with a better safety profile. Long‐term use of aqueous sprays showed clinical improvement but was less effective than other non‐aqueous delivery methods.

Conclusion

Non‐aqueous delivery methods, including nebulizers, aerosol sprays, and nasal drops offer a safe alternative to OCS without systemic side effects. Patients using aqueous formulations should be advised on the importance of long‐term adherence to achieve symptom improvement.
Synthesis of Polyether Ester Plasticizer and Its Application Performance in Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber
Authors: Li Hui , Wang Zhibin , Song Yuqing , Xiao Jianbin , Chen Qi
Published: February 2025

Four polyether ester plasticizers containing both ester groups and ether bonds were synthesized using 1,4‐butanediol, adipic acid, and alkyl ether alcohols as raw materials. By varying the type of end‐capping alcohol ether, the following plasticizers were prepared: poly (butylene adipate dibutyl ether) (PBADBE), poly (butylene adipate butyl ether) (PBABE), poly (butylene adipate dimethyl ether) (PBADME), and poly (butylene adipate methyl ether) (PBAME). These plasticizers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐NMR), and thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. Furthermore, their differences in cold resistance, heat resistance, and physical‐mechanical properties in hydrogenated nitrile‐butadiene rubber (HNBR) were investigated. The results showed that among the rubber compounds containing the four polyether‐ester plasticizers, the compound with PBADME demonstrated superior heat resistance and low‐temperature performance. Specifically, the PBADME‐containing compound exhibited a TR10 temperature of −39.9°C and a brittleness temperature of −54°C. This significantly broadened the operating temperature range of the plasticizer, making it suitable for applications requiring both high‐temperature and low‐temperature performance.
An Innovative Approach for the Fabrication of Functional Antibacterial Membranes for Face Mask
Authors: Çakmak Merve , Sendogdular Selda Topcu
Published: February 2025

Number of studies on the hydrophobic and antibacterial membranes has shown significant growth recently, particularly in masks created in response to the coronavirus pandemic. In this study, the supercritical CO2 (scCO2) annealing, a promising green alternative post‐processing method to traditional solvents for polymers, polymer blends, and composites, has been focused. And polymeric membranes were also improved with silver (inorganic) or limestone (organic) particles as antibacterial additives to the polypropylene/polyethylene glycol (PP/PEG) blend. The effect on the structure and properties of the synthesized membranes were examined including the antibacterial and topographical properties before and after CO2 annealing. With increasing contact angle by scCO2 annealing, it was possible to create superhydrophobic surfaces and antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli (E. coli), especially for silver‐loaded PP–PEG membranes based on the collected results. This study is thought to boost the effectiveness of masks against bacteria, the main causes of today's hygiene related epidemics. Finally, scCO2 can be safely applied in mask and membrane production as well as biomedical applications.
Demystifying the Potential of Polymeric Lipids as Substitute in Regenerative Applications: A Review
Authors: Mohite Popat , Puri Abhijeet , Bharati Deepak , Munde Shubham , Malhan Arprita , Guleria Mridul , Datta Deepanjan , Pawar Anil , Ranch Ketan , Singh Sudarshan , Kausar Naheed
Published: February 2025

The objective of a regenerative medicine is to repair, restore, and regenerate tissues and organs that occurred due to injury or a defect or disease. Additionally, the purpose of regenerative medicine is to reverse the aging process of the body by utilizing the body's innate healing ability. There is still a significant venture that needs to be directed for advancement in the arena of regenerative medicine, which makes use of products derived from cell therapy as well as for biomedical. Stem cells and growth factors are the primary components of regenerative medicine; hence, novel drug delivering systems are now being studied to augment the transport of active pharmaceuticals. Lipid‐based complexed with therapeutics is suited for site‐specific and controlled drug release. Lipids are biocompatible and available from various sources in various molecular weights that self‐assemble into various forms with hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts. By enhancing plasma membrane fluidity, excipients such non‐ionic surfactants, fatty acids, and glycerides increase permeability. Liposomes, nanoparticles, nano‐emulsions, and micelles are nano‐lipid carriers that can improve bioavailability of both hydrophilic and lipophilic medicines. The lipoidal‐polymeric carriers had emerged as promising drug delivering systems for a multifaceted application due to cytocompatibility, ecofriendly, and ability to encapsulate a variety of drugs. Further, utilizing cell treatment products as well as biomedical or tissue engineering, regenerative medicine is a rapidly developing discipline. Furthermore, similar vein, delivery technologies that are combined with stem cells promote engraftment, differentiation, and cell survival. Hence the colloidal Lipid‐based carrier has impending as versatile drug delivering systems for multifaceted applications. Therefore, the objective is of the review is to offer an abridged information on the significance of Lipid‐based regenerative medicine as delivering technology in the process of offering cells with a confined ecosystem that facilitates them to thrive and distinguish in an effective manner.
The Clinical Impact of Somatic Copy Number Variations in Patients with Stage IV Wilms Tumor Enrolled in the SIOP 2001 Trial and Study
Authors: Welter Nils , Al‐Saadi Reem , Gravier‐Dumonceau Robinson , Furtwängler Rhoikos , Graf Norbert , Wegert Jenny , Gessler Manfred , Williams Richard D. , Pritchard‐Jones Kathy , Coulomb‐L'Hermine Aurore , van den Heuvel‐Eibrink Marry M. , Verschuur Arnauld C.
Published: February 2025

Background

Recent research elucidated the prognostic significance of molecular biology in Wilms tumor (WT) by linking somatic genomic variants (such as gain of chromosome 1q) to unfavorable patient outcomes. This analysis describes the clinical impact of copy number variations (CNV) in tumor samples of WT patients with stage IV disease.

Methods

Tumor samples of 55 WT patients with stage IV disease from the United Kingdom, France, and Germany enrolled in the SIOP 2001 study and treated with preoperative chemotherapy (pCHT) were examined for their CNVs of chromosome 1q and other regions of interest using multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA). The identified CNV were analyzed regarding their prognostic impact.

Results

Chromosome 1q gain (1q+) and TP53 loss occurred in 38.2% and 16.4% of tumors and were associated with older patient age at diagnosis (median [months]: 65 and 64 vs. 49 each, p = 0.03 and 0.02, respectively) and poorer 5‐year event‐free survival (40.0% and 11.1% vs. 67.7% and 82.6%, p = 0.04 and <0.01, respectively) compared to their specific control group of tumors without the respective CNV. In patients with pulmonary‐only metastasis, 1q+ was an adverse prognostic marker irrespective of remission status after pCHT with or without metastasectomy. A simultaneous MYCN gain occurred more frequently in tumors with 1q+ than in tumors without 1q+ (p = 0.03). TP53 loss was linked to high‐risk histology and inferior 5‐year overall survival (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

We confirm the prognostic relevance of 1q+ and TP53 loss in stage IV WTs and emphasize their potential utility for future treatment stratification.
Initial Antibiotic Selection Based on Microbiologic History in Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis‐Related Pulmonary Exacerbations
Authors: Grapsy Jillian , Ueng Ching‐Sui , Patel Karisma , Dassner Aimee , Sharma Preeti
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Foundation guideline for the treatment of pulmonary exacerbations (PEx) does not address empiric antibiotic selection. The primary objective of this study is to characterize how patient‐specific microbiological histories are utilized in initial antibiotic selection for CF‐related PEx at a pediatric institution. The secondary outcome was to characterize why changes were made to empiric antibiotic regimens.

Methods

This single‐center, retrospective study evaluated individuals aged 1–21 years hospitalized for CF‐related PEx at Children's Medical Center Dallas between August 1, 2016 and July 31, 2018.

Results

Among 285 screened hospital encounters, 156 encounters met inclusion criteria. Median age was 12.9 years with a median baseline forced expiratory volume (FEV1) of 84% predicted. Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia were the organisms most targeted by empiric antibiotics with median months since last growth of 1.5, 9.2, and 5.5, respectively. A difference was observed in median time since last growth for targeted organisms versus those not targeted by the initial antibiotics, but wide overlapping timeframes were noted. Organisms isolated on admission cultures were sensitive to the initial antibiotics regimen in 78.2% of encounters.

Conclusion

While variable, patient‐specific microbiologic history and time since last growth of historical organisms are taken into consideration when selecting initial antibiotics for the treatment of PEx in children with CF. Expanding initial antibiotic coverage to target microbiological growth histories beyond 1 year prior to a hospital admission did not appear to increase the likelihood of providing coverage for organism(s) isolated on the admission sputum culture in children hospitalized for CF‐related PEx.
Salivary Proteome Is Altered in Children With Small Area Thermal Burns
Authors: Carlton Morgan , Zang Tuo , Parker Tony J. , Punyadeera Chamindie , Voisey Joanne , Cuttle Leila
Published: February 2025

Saliva is a child appropriate biofluid, but it has not previously been used to evaluate the systemic response to burn injury in children. The aim of this study was to investigate the salivary proteome of children with small area thermal skin burns relative to different burn characteristics (mechanism, time to re‐epithelialization and risk of emotional distress). SWATH Mass Spectrometry was used to quantify the abundance of 742 proteins in the saliva of children with burns (n = 22) and healthy controls (n = 37). Eight proteins were differentially abundant in the saliva of children with burns compared to healthy children, and these were associated with immune processes, epidermal cell differentiation and transferrin receptor binding. Eleven proteins were differentially abundant in patients with burns of different mechanisms. Scald burns had an over‐representation of immune/inflammatory response processes, and contact burns had an over‐representation of cornification, intermediate filament assembly and cell death cellular processes. Four proteins were elevated in patients who were at high risk for emotional distress and 15 proteins were correlated with time to wound re‐epithelialization. This pilot study proves that saliva can be used for paediatric biomarker discovery and can be used as a diagnostic and prognostic sample to investigate systemic changes in a paediatric burn cohort.
Engineering SnSe Nanoparticles via High‐Energy Ball Milling and Melting: A Comparative Study on Phase and Structural Properties
Authors: Bairwa Mukesh Kumar , Saini Anjali , Gowrishankar Ramadurai , Sonnathi Neeleshwar
Published: February 2025

The synthesis and structural characterization of orthorhombic tin selenide (SnSe) nanoparticles using an eco‐friendly high‐energy ball mill (HEBM) and melting techniques are reported. Samples are synthesized by HEBM for 18 h and 22 h, respectively, while melting sample is synthesized at 920 °C and followed by two annealing at 600 °C for 24 h and 530 °C for 26 h. Another melting sample is synthesized at 920 °C and followed by annealing at 600 °C for 23 h. The orthorhombic structure is confirmed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, revealing the average diameter of ≈97 and ≈184 nm for the melting sample, and ≈15 and ≈13 nm for ball‐milled samples. Additionally, strain variation is observed with values varying from η = ≈0.00196 to η = ≈0.00955 for melting samples and η = ≈0.0101 and η = ≈0.0083 for ball‐milled samples. Moreover, the particle size determined through TEM exhibits a commendable concordance with measurement derived from XRD, demonstrating good agreement with the analytical method employed.
Improved Light Outcoupling in Quantum Dot Light‐Emitting Diodes Employing Multilevel Wrinkle Structures
Authors: Guo Peng , Xie Yukai , Yuan Peiling , Li Sumin , Guo Ying , Jin Wentao , Song Jiaojiao , Zhang Kun , Qi Hui
Published: February 2025

Enhancing light outcoupling in quantum dot light‐emitting diodes (QLEDs) is one of the most important tasks to boost external quantum efficiency (EQE); this improvement is crucial for advancing the fields of illumination and displays. Herein, the multilevel wrinkle structure with richer Fourier spectra has been fabricated, and such structures possess the advantages of increasing scattering and decreasing reflection. A strategy utilizing a multilevel wrinkle structure is demonstrated to achieve a spectrally independent boost in light outcoupling of green QLEDs. The wrinkle device shows a maximum EQE of 19.93% and a peak luminance of 249 500 cd m−2. The enhancement of EQE is 35.3% higher compared to the reference device. Simulation results also suggest that multilevel wrinkle structures can enhance QLED performance.
Laser‐Induced Crystallization and Amorphization of Ge‐Rich GST Thin Films Monitored In Situ with Synchrotron X‐Ray Diffraction
Authors: Fernandes Thomas , Hans Philipp , Texier Michael , Comby‐Dassonneville Solène , Mariette Celine , Mignerot Florent , Jeannot Simon , le Friec Yannick , Simola Roberto , Thomas Olivier
Published: February 2025

This study explores laser‐induced crystallization and amorphization processes in thin films of Ge‐rich GST (GGST), a tailored phase change material (PCM), monitored in situ using synchrotron X‐ray diffraction. GGST's high crystallization temperature makes it a promising material for embedded memory applications. Experiments employed an 800 nm femtosecond laser source, varying fluence and pulse parameters to induce phase transitions. Key findings include fluence‐dependent thresholds for crystallizing Ge and GST, along with precise control over reversible amorphization. Crystallization maps highlight the differences in fluence and pulse requirements for the transformations. Repeated cycling between amorphous and crystalline states, mimicking PCM operations, confirms the feasibility of controlled phase transitions. Surface imaging using scanning electron microscopy revealed fluence‐induced changes, including ripple formation and ablation at higher intensities. The potential of ultrafast laser irradiation to precisely manipulate GGST phase changes is demonstrated, establishing a foundation for future research on time‐resolved experiments on this and other PCMs.