bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pore “Softening” and Emergence of Breathability Effects of New Keplerate Nano‐Containers
Authors: Elliott Alexander , McAllister James , Long De‐Liang , Song Yu‐Fei , Miras Haralampos N.
Published: February 2023

The self‐assembly of porous molecular nanocapsules offer unique opportunities to investigate a range of interesting phenomena and applications. However, to design nanocapsules with pre‐defined properties, thorough understanding of their structure‐property relation is required. Here, we report the self‐assembly of two elusive members of the Keplerate family, [Mo132Se60O312(H2O)72(AcO)30]42− {Mo132Se60} 1 and [W72Mo60Se60O312(H2O)72(AcO)30]42− {W72Mo60Se60} 2, that have been synthesised using pentagonal and dimeric ([Mo2O2Se2]2+) building blocks and their structures have been confirmed via single crystal X‐ray diffractions. Our comparative study involving the uptake of organic ions and the related ligand exchange of various ligand sizes by the {Mo132Se60} and previously reported Keplerates {Mo132O60}, {Mo132S60} based on the ligand exchange rates, revealed the emergence of increased “breathability” that dominates over the pore size as we transition from the {Mo132S60} to the “softer” {Mo132Se60} molecular nano‐container.
Near‐Stoichiometric and Homogenized Perovskite Films for Solar Cells with Minimized Performance Variation
Authors: Feng Wenhuai , Tao Junlei , Liu Gengling , Yang Guo , Zhong Jun‐Xing , Fang Yuxuan , Gong Li , Yang Shaopeng , Wu Wu‐Qiang
Published: February 2023

Mixed‐cation, small band‐gap perovskites via rationally alloying formamidinium (FA) and methylammonium (MA) together have been widely employed for blade‐coated perovskite solar cells with satisfied efficiencies. One of the stringent challenges lies in difficult control of the nucleation and crystallization kinetics of the perovskites with mixed ingredients. Herein, a pre‐seeding strategy by mixing FAPbI3 solution with pre‐synthesized MAPbI3 microcrystals has been developed to smartly decouple the nucleation and crystallization process. As a result, the time window of initialized crystallization has been greatly extended by 3 folds (i.e. from 5 s to 20 s), which enables the formation of uniform and homogeneous alloyed‐FAMA perovskite films with designated stoichiometric ratios. The resultant blade‐coated solar cells achieved a champion efficiency of 24.31 % accompanied by outstanding reproducibility with more than 87 % of the devices showing efficiencies higher than 23 %.
Ultrasensitive Imaging of Cells and Sub‐Cellular Entities by Electrochemiluminescence
Authors: Descamps Julie , Colin Camille , Tessier Gilles , Arbault Stéphane , Sojic Neso
Published: February 2023

Here we report on a label‐free electrochemiluminescence (ECL) microscopy using exceptionally low concentrations of the [Ru(bpy)3]2+ luminophore. This work addresses the central point of the minimal concentration of the ECL luminophore required to image single entities. We demonstrate the possibility to record ECL images of cells and mitochondria at concentrations down to nM and pM. This is 7 orders of magnitude lower than classically‐used concentrations and corresponds to a few hundreds of luminophores diffusing around the biological entities. Yet, it produces remarkably sharp negative optical contrast ECL images, as demonstrated by structural similarity index metric analyses and supported by predictions of the ECL image covering time. Finally, we show that the reported approach is a simple, fast, and highly sensitive method, which opens new avenues for ultrasensitive ECL imaging and ECL reactivity at the single molecule level.
Feasibility of detecting snake envenomation biomarkers from dried blood spots
Authors: Smith Cara F. , Brandehoff Nicklaus P. , Pepin Lesley , McCabe Maxwell C. , Castoe Todd A. , Mackessy Stephen P. , Nemkov Travis , Hansen Kirk C. , Saviola Anthony J.
Published: February 2023

Biofluid proteomics is a sensitive and high throughput technique that provides vast amounts of molecular data for biomarker discovery. More recently, dried blood spots (DBS) have gained traction as a stable, noninvasive, and relatively cheap source of proteomic data for biomarker identification in disease and injury. Snake envenomation is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality worldwide; however, much remains unknown about the systemic molecular response to envenomation and acquiring biological samples for analysis is a major hurdle. In this study, we utilized DBS acquired from a case of lethal rattlesnake envenomation to determine the feasibility of discovering biomarkers associated with human envenomation. We identified proteins that were either unique or upregulated in envenomated blood compared to non‐envenomated blood and evaluated if physiological response pathways and protein markers that correspond to the observed syndromes triggered by envenomation could be detected. We demonstrate that DBS provide useful proteomic information on the systemic processes that resulted from envenomation in this case and find evidence for a massive and systemic inflammatory cascade, combined with coagulation dysregulation, complement system activation, hypoxia response activation, and apoptosis. We also detected potential markers indicative of lethal anaphylaxis, cardiac arrest, and brain death. Ultimately, DBS proteomics has the potential to provide stable and sensitive molecular data on envenomation syndromes and response pathways, which is particularly relevant in low‐resource areas which may lack the materials for biofluid processing and storage.
A highly robust, non‐fluorinated, and economical PDMS‐based superhydrophobic flexible surface with repairable and flame‐retardant properties
Authors: Barthwal Sumit , Barthwal Subodh
Published: February 2023

Nature‐inspired artificial superhydrophobic surfaces have attracted tremendous attention due to their potential applications in various fields. However, the use of toxic chemicals and expensive nanoparticles with limited durability has restricted the practical applications of these surfaces. Here, we proposed a novel and non‐fluorinated technique to fabricate robust and flexible polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)‐based superhydrophobic surface. Fabrication involved two simple steps: preparation of superhydrophobic nanoparticles by burning PDMS, and fabrication of flexible superhydrophobic PDMS surface (SPS) by dispersing particles in a solvent containing PDMS solution and curing agent. Effect of PDMS particle content on morphology and wettability was examined and 10 wt.% PDMS nanoparticles demonstrated superior superhydrophobicity with a water contact angle of 156° and sliding angle of ~6°. The SPS displayed excellent mechanical robustness in a sandpaper abrasion test and showed no apparent wettability deterioration even when stretched by up to 50%. Additionally, surface maintained outstanding superhydrophobicity even after 300 cycles of mechanical deformation. Impressively, damaged surface can restore its superhydrophobicity after removing the damaged layer using sandpaper abrasion and displayed exceptional chemical, thermal, flame‐retardant, and long‐lasting superhydrophobic properties. The work provides an innovative, low‐cost, and environment‐friendly strategy for designing robust and flexible superhydrophobic surfaces that can be used in real‐life applications.
Effect of thermal treatments and UV radiation on green soy protein isolated crosslinked electrospun mats
Authors: Popov Pereira da Cunha Matthäus Davi , Ponce Alejandra Graciela , Abraham Gustavo Abel
Published: February 2023

Plant‐derived proteins continue to draw great interest due to their high availability, biodegradability, and biological properties. Among them, soy protein isolate (SPI) has been explored for the development of different sustainable and biodegradable materials in many bionanotechnological fields. In addition, the electrospinning technique has gained interest as a versatile platform for designing synthetic/biopolymer‐based nanofibrous mats for a huge variety of bionanotechnological fields. However, the water stability of SPI mats is low, and the sterilization procedures and conditions are not well established. In this work, oxidized sucrose (OS) was used as a green and inexpensive crosslinker for electrospun SPI mats. The sugar oxidation process was optimized by varying hydrogen peroxide concentration and reaction temperature. SPI‐OS solutions were electrospun using acetic acid as a benign solvent and the resulting mats were thermally treated at mild temperatures and different times. The crosslinked structures were fully characterized in terms of fiber morphology, and physicochemical and thermal properties. Interestingly, uniform bead‐free nanofibrous SPI‐OS membranes that retained their fibrous morphology after 7 days of immersion in phosphate‐buffered saline were successfully obtained. In addition, bilayered SPI‐OS/polycaprolactone mats were also produced by green electrospinning and sterilized by UV radiation for different exposure times. Finally, the effect of sterilization on the relevant properties was presented and discussed. UV radiation demonstrated to be an effective method for sterilizing crosslinked SPI‐based nanofibrous structures.
Computational framework to understand the clinical stages of COVID‐19 and visualization of time course for various treatment strategies
Authors: Sharma Surbhi , Sarkar Rahuldeb , Mitra Kishalay , Giri Lopamudra
Published: February 2023

Coronavirus disease 2019 is known to be regulated by multiple factors such as delayed immune response, impaired T cell activation, and elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines. Clinical management of the disease remains challenging due to interplay of various factors as drug candidates may elicit different responses depending on the staging of the disease. In this context, we propose a computational framework which provides insights into the interaction between viral infection and immune response in lung epithelial cells, with an aim of predicting optimal treatment strategies based on infection severity. First, we formulate the model for visualizing the nonlinear dynamics during the disease progression considering the role of T cells, macrophages and proinflammatory cytokines. Here, we show that the model is capable of emulating the dynamic and static data trends of viral load, T cell, macrophage levels, interleukin (IL)‐6 and TNF‐α levels. Second, we demonstrate the ability of the framework to capture the dynamics corresponding to mild, moderate, severe, and critical condition. Our result shows that, at late phase (>15 days), severity of disease is directly proportional to pro‐inflammatory cytokine IL6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α levels and inversely proportional to the number of T cells. Finally, the simulation framework was used to assess the effect of drug administration time as well as efficacy of single or multiple drugs on patients. The major contribution of the proposed framework is to utilize the infection progression model for clinical management and administration of drugs inhibiting virus replication and cytokine levels as well as immunosuppressant drugs at various stages of the disease.
In vitro glycation of a tissue‐engineered wound healing model to mimic diabetic ulcers
Authors: Lemarchand Mathias , Thouin Kiefer , De Serres‐Bérard Thiéry , Bellenfant Sabrina , Cadau Sébastien , Berthod François
Published: February 2023

Diabetic foot ulcers are a major complication of diabetes that occurs following minor trauma. Diabetes‐induced hyperglycemia is a leading factor inducing ulcer formation and manifests notably through the accumulation of advanced glycation end‐products (AGEs) such as N‐carboxymethyl‐lysin. AGEs have a negative impact on angiogenesis, innervation, and reepithelialization causing minor wounds to evolve into chronic ulcers which increases the risks of lower limb amputation. However, the impact of AGEs on wound healing is difficult to model (both in vitro on cells, and in vivo in animals) because it involves a long‐term toxic effect. We have developed a tissue‐engineered wound healing model made of human keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells cultured in a collagen sponge biomaterial. To mimic the deleterious effects induced by glycation on skin wound healing, the model was treated with 300 µM of glyoxal for 15 days to promote AGEs formation. Glyoxal treatment induced carboxymethyl‐lysin accumulation and delayed wound closure in the skin mimicking diabetic ulcers. Moreover, this effect was reversed by the addition of aminoguanidine, an inhibitor of AGEs formation. This in vitro diabetic wound healing model could be a great tool for the screening of new molecules to improve the treatment of diabetic ulcers by preventing glycation.
Engineering active lysostaphin variants that incorporate noncanonical amino acids and characterizing the effects of site‐specific PEGylation
Authors: Batugal Troy , Pendyala Geetanjali , Tomasovic Luke , Varner Chad , Caplin Jeremy D. , Page Alexander M. , Davis Michelle , Satola Sarah W. , García Andrés J. , Kane Ravi S.
Published: February 2023

We describe a facile strategy to identify sites for the incorporation of noncanonical amino acids into lysostaphin—an enzyme that degrades the cell wall of Staphylococcus aureus—while retaining stapholytic activity. We used this strategy to generate active variants of lysostaphin incorporating para‐azidophenylalanine. The incorporation of this “reactive handle” enabled the orthogonal site‐specific modification of the enzyme variants with polyethylene glycol (PEG) using copper‐free click cycloaddition. PEGylated lysostaphin variants could retain their stapholytic activity, with the extent of retention depending on the site of modification and the PEG molecular weight. The site‐specific modification of lysostaphin could be useful not only for PEGylation to improve biocompatibility but also for the incorporation of the enzyme into hydrogels and other biomaterials and for studies of protein structure and dynamics. Moreover, the approach described herein could be readily applied to identify suitable sites for the incorporation of reactive handles into other proteins of interest.
H2O2‐responsive multifunctional nanocomposite for the inhibition of amyloid‐β and Tau aggregation in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Qiao Luying , Shen Yang , Zhang Shiyu , Wang Man , Lv Guanglei , Dou Qingqing , Li Chunxia
Published: February 2023

Amyloid‐β (Aβ) and Tau proteins are the main components of Aβ plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in Alzheimer's disease (AD), and their abnormal aggregation is closely related to the pathogenesis of AD. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the aggregation of Aβ and Tau form a vicious circle, which leads to the aggravation of AD. However, inhibiting the aggregation of Aβ and Tau or scavenging ROS is not able to effectively reverse the progression of AD. Herein, we prepared a H2O2 responsive multifunctional nanocomposite UCNPs@mSiO2‐MB@AuNPs (abbreviated as USMA) to inhibit the aggregation of Aβ and Tau. In this system, USMA could respond to H2O2 to detach gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and lead to the release of methylene blue (MB) from mesoporous silica (mSiO2), where AuNPs and MB can inhibit Aβ and Tau aggregation, respectively. Furthermore, USMA could consume H2O2 by reacting with them. Meanwhile, upconversion luminescence of UCNPs can be used to track USMA and monitor MB release, which could provide information on the content of MB in the lesion area. Importantly, the USMA can effectively reduce the cytotoxicity induced by Aβ and Tau aggregation. This work opens up a possibility to improve therapeutic efficacy for the treatment of AD.
Impact of COVID‐19 infection on cognition and its association with neurological symptoms
Authors: Almeria Marta , Cejudo Juan Carlos , Sanz‐Santos Jose , Deus Joan , Krupinski Jerzy
Published: February 2023

Objective: To characterize the cognitive profile following COVID‐19 infection and its possible association to clinical symptoms, emotional disturbance, biomarkers, and disease severity.

Methods: This was a single‐center cross‐sectional cohort study. Subjects between 20‐ and 60‐year old with confirmed COVID‐19 infection were included. Evaluation was performed between April 2020 and July 2021. Patients with previous cognitive impairment and other neurological or severe psychiatric disorders were excluded. Demographic and laboratory data were extracted from the medical records.

Results: Altogether 200 patients were included, 85 subjects were female (42.3%), and mean age was 49.12 years (SD: 7.84). Patients were classified into four groups: nonhospitalized (NH, n = 21), hospitalized without intensive care unit (ICU) nor oxygen therapy (HOSP, n = 42), hospitalized without ICU but with oxygen therapy (OXY, n = 107), and ICU (ICU, n = 31) patients. NH group was younger (p = .026). No significant differences were found in any test performed attending severity of illness (p > .05). A total of 55 patients reported subjective cognitive complaints (SCC). Subjects with neurological symptoms (NS) performed worse in trail making test B (p = .013), digits backwards (p = .006), letter&numbers (p = .002), symbol digit modalities test (p = .016), and Stroop color (p = .010) tests.

Conclusions: OXY patients and females referred more SCC associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression. Objective cognitive performance was unrelated to SCC. No cognitive impairment was found regarding the severity of COVID‐19 infection. Results suggest that NS such as headache, anosmia, and dysgeusia during infection were a risk factor for later cognitive deficits. Tests assessing attention, processing speed, and executive function were the most sensitive in detecting cognitive changes in these patients.
Adoption and use of smart devices as clickers in classrooms in higher education
Authors: Demeke Wegene
Published: February 2023

The availability of students' smartphones, tablets, and laptops, known as bring your own devices (BYOD), used as clickers rather than the custom devices provided by institutions is increasing. Introducing BYOD as clickers and the level of adoption by students is not explored in the literature. Another element that is not reported in the literature is students' negative perception of the use of clickers. This paper reports on the factors of the adoption of BYOD and the impact of the use of BYOD for engagement and active learning. The study used mixed‐method data analysis. A questionnaire was used to collect qualitative and quantitative data from 78 students. The technology acceptance model (TAM3) was used to develop a partial least square‐structural equation modeling (PLS‐SEM) model to test hypotheses on the factors affecting the adoption of BYOD by students as clickers. PLS‐SEM was used to test the proposed hypotheses based on TAM3 factors. The qualitative data analysis indicates that BYOD has a role as a facilitator of active learning and engagement. Job relevance has a weak positive relationship with output quality; result demonstrability has a negative weak relationship with resistance to adoption. Incompatibility of BYOD as a clicker acts as a factor for the nonadoption of the technology. This research suggested the inclusion of the BYOD technology compatibility factor for analyzing the perception of usefulness. The findings have particular implications for curriculum planners and educators.
Combination therapy with bevacizumab and a CCR2 inhibitor for human ovarian cancer: An in vivo validation study
Authors: Zhai Tianyue , Mitamura Takashi , Wang Lei , Kubota Shimpei I. , Murakami Masaaki , Tanaka Shinya , Watari Hidemichi
Published: February 2023

Background

Anti‐angiogenic therapy with bevacizumab (BEV), an anti‐VEGF antibody, plays a critical role in the treatment of ovarian cancer. However, despite an encouraging initial response, most tumors become resistant to BEV over time, and a new strategy that enables sustainable treatment using BEV is therefore needed.

Methods

To overcome the resistance to BEV in patients with ovarian cancer, we performed a validation study of combination therapy with BEV (10 mg/kg) and the CCR2 inhibitor BMS CCR2 22 (20 mg/kg) (BEV/CCR2i) using 3 consecutive patient‐derived xenografts (PDXs) of immunodeficient mice.

Results

BEV/CCR2i demonstrated a significant effect of growth suppression in the BEV‐resistant serous PDX and BEV‐sensitive serous PDX compared with BEV (30.4% after the second cycle and 15.5% after the first cycle, respectively), and treatment cessation did not attenuate this effect. Tissue clearing and immunohistochemistry with an anti‐α‐SMA antibody suggested that BEV/CCR2i suppressed angiogenesis from the host mice more than BEV. In addition, human CD31 immunohistochemistry revealed that BEV/CCR2i decreased microvessels originating from the patients to a significantly greater degree than BEV. Regarding the BEV‐resistant clear cell PDX, the effect of BEV/CCR2i was unclear during the first five cycles, but the following two cycles of increased‐dose BEV/CCR2i (CCR2i 40 mg/kg) significantly suppressed tumor growth compared with BEV (28.3%) by inhibiting the CCR2B‐MAPK pathway.

Conclusions

BEV/CCR2i showed a sustained anticancer immunity‐independent effect in human ovarian cancer that was more significant in serous carcinoma than in clear cell carcinoma.
Two New Enantiomers of Phenylethanoid and Their Anti‐Inflammatory Activities
Authors: Jia Qi , Yang Pei‐Yuan , Li Ya‐Ling , Yao Guo‐Dong , Song Shao‐Jiang , Huang Xiao‐Xiao
Published: February 2023

In this phytochemical investigation, two pairs of new phenylethanoid derivative enantiomers (1a/1b and 2a/2b), a new phenylethanoid derivative 3b, and seven known compounds (3a, 4–9) were isolated from the leaves of Picrasma quassioides. Spectroscopic techniques were used for the elucidation of their chemical structures, and the absolute configurations were determined by a comparison between the experimental and calculated ECD data, as well as the application of Snatzke's method. Compounds (1a/1b–3a/3b) were measured for their production of NO levels in LPS‐induced BV‐2 microglial cells. The results showed that all compounds exhibited potential inhibitory effects, and compound 1a showed stronger activity than the positive control.
The Effect of SnO2 Surface Properties on CO2 Photoreduction to Higher Hydrocarbons
Authors: Torres Juliana A. , Nogueira André E. , da Silva Gelson T. S. T. , Ribeiro Caue
Published: February 2023

Several photocatalysts have been developed for applications in reduction reactions, including tin oxide‐based semiconductors. Although its band structure is unfavorable for CO2 reduction reactions, strategies to modify its surface properties directly impacted its activity and selectivity during these reactions. Here, we analyze the influence of heat treatment and decoration of SnO2 with gold nanoparticles on the gas phase CO2 photoreduction process. In both cases, a deleterious effect was observed during reactions under UV radiation (with a drop of 59.81 % and 51.45 % in CH4 production for SnO2_150 °C and SnO2/Au_cop, respectively, compared to SnO2_cop), which is directly related to the availability of surface hydroxyl groups that play a crucial role in CO2 adsorption. Under visible radiation, the gold plasmonic resonance took place in the production of methane (0.33 μmol g−1 for SnO2/Au_cop and 0.29 μmol g−1 for SnO2/Au_150 °C), with small amounts of carbon monoxide (0.06 μmol g−1 for SnO2/Au_cop and 0.03 μmol g−1 for SnO2/Au_150 °C). These results demonstrate that, though the SnO2 band structure does not indicate a good semiconductor for CO2 reduction, its surface characteristics are responsible for its catalytic activity.
Photo‐Induced In Situ Generation of Brønsted Acid for Catalytic Friedel–Crafts Alkylation of Indoles
Authors: Pan Xuling , Wang Wei , Gao Xiuhui , Hao Gefei , Li Tingting
Published: February 2023

A photo‐induced indole 2‐alkylation reaction was developed with unactivated stereo‐congested alkenes used as the Friedel–Crafts alkylation reagent. The neutral, traceless and inexpensive perfluoroalkyl iodide C4F9I was used as the radical initiator in catalytic amount under irradiation by a blue LED light. Brønsted acids are in situ generated from the radical transfer reactions between the indole substrates and the perfluoroiodide catalyst. A variety of 2‐branched alkylated indole molecules could be obtained from this approach in generally good efficiencies, with a broad scope of functional groups well tolerated. Mechanistic studies via both experimental and computational methods indicate that the reaction was accelerated by the protons generated from the crack of the indole‐derived radical cation species.
Numerical sensitivity analysis of temperature‐dependent reaction rate constants for optimized thermal conversion of high‐density plastic waste into combustible fuels
Authors: Irfan Muhammad , Nabi Rao Adeel Un , Hussain Hammad , Naz Muhammad Yasin , Shukrullah Shazia , Khawaja Hassan Abbas , Rahman Saifur , Althobiani Faisal
Published: February 2023

The use of experimental rate constants for producing a high yield of liquid fuels from the pyrolysis of plastic waste is not widely accepted owing to a lack of compatibility between the different kinetic rate constants responsible for successful conversion reactions. In R software, the Arrhenius law can forecast the ideal combination of reaction rate constants and frequency factors and then perform sensitivity analysis on individual rate constants to estimate the selectivity and quantity of primary pyrolysis products. Sensitivity analysis is a way of determining the effectiveness of individual rate constants in the reaction. This research element is currently lacking in the literature for the cost‐effective valorization of plastics into combustible fuels. We are the first to use R software to perform sensitivity analysis on specific rate constants by reducing or raising their initial values to a point where maximum oil yield is attainable in the temperature range of 340–370°C. The primary focus was to save time and cost of extracting empirical rate constants from experiments to produce commercial‐scale pyrolytic oil. The H‐abstraction, chain fission, polymerization, and scission reactions were chosen due to the high availability of free radicals for maximum oil production. The oil recovery rate improved drastically to 90% at the end of processing time, while the number of by‐products gradually decreased. The k8 rate constant driven reaction is the best‐suited condition for industrial‐scale pyrolysis of high‐density plastics into liquid fuels, with 74% improvement in oil production and 14% improvement in light wax during sensitivity analysis.
Enzymatic Synthesis of Sialyl Lactosamine Grafted Chitooligosaccharides
Authors: Yan Jun , Li Jianghua , Hu Zhifei , Ma Xiaoyao , Li Yun , Hu Xihuan , Ye Jinfeng , Wang Wei , Wan Renzhong , Cao Hongzhi
Published: February 2023

Comprehensive Summary

An efficient enzymatic assembly strategy was developed for the concise synthesis of structurally well‐defined sialylated chitooligosaccharides. Two enzyme modules for the β‐1,3‐N‐acetyl‐glucosaminylation and β‐1,4‐galactosylation were applied for the grafting N‐acetyl lactosamine (LacNAc) unit(s) onto the chitooligosaccharides. The LacNAc grafted chitooligosaccharides were further modified with α‐2,3‐ or α‐2,6‐sialylation by two enzymatic sialylation modules to generate a total of 20 sialylated chitooligosaccharides. The inhibition study of influenza virus‐induced cytopathy with synthetic sialylated chitooligosaccharides indicated that the sialic acid linkage and chain length both contribute to the binding preference and inhibition potency.
Accelerometer‐measured physical activity and postmenopausal breast cancer incidence in the Women's Health Accelerometry Collaboration
Authors: Hyde Eric T. , LaCroix Andrea Z. , Evenson Kelly R. , Howard Annie Green , Anuskiewicz Blake , Di Chongzhi , Bellettiere John , LaMonte Michael J. , Manson JoAnn E. , Buring Julie E. , Shiroma Eric J. , Lee I‐Min , Parada Humberto
Published: February 2023

Background

Few studies have examined accelerometer‐measured physical activity and incident breast cancer (BC). Thus, this study examined associations between accelerometer‐measured vector magnitude counts per 15 seconds (VM/15s) and average daily minutes of light physical activity (LPA), moderate‐to‐vigorous PA (MVPA), and total PA (TPA) and BC risk among women in the Women's Health Accelerometry Collaboration (WHAC).

Methods

The WHAC comprised 21,089 postmenopausal women (15,375 from the Women's Health Study [WHS]; 5714 from the Women's Health Initiative Objective Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Health Study [OPACH]). Women wore an ActiGraph GT3X+ on the hip for ≥4 days and were followed for 7.4 average years to identify physician‐adjudicated in situ (n = 94) or invasive (n = 546) BCs. Multivariable stratified Cox regression estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for tertiles of physical activity measures in association with incident BC overall and by cohort. Effect measure modification was examined by age, race/ethnicity, and body mass index (BMI).

Results

In covariate‐adjusted models, the highest (vs. lowest) tertiles of VM/15s, TPA, LPA, and MVPA were associated with BC HRs of 0.80 (95% CI, 0.64–0.99), 0.84 (95% CI, 0.69–1.02), 0.89 (95% CI, 0.73–1.08), and 0.81 (95% CI, 0.64–1.01), respectively. Further adjustment for BMI or physical function attenuated these associations. Associations were more pronounced among OPACH than WHS women for VM/15s, MVPA, and TPA; younger than older women for MVPA; and women with BMI ≥30 than <30 kg/m2 for LPA.

Conclusion

Greater levels of accelerometer‐assessed PA were associated with lower BC risk. Associations varied by age and obesity and were not independent of BMI or physical function.
Metabolomics in oncology
Authors: Suri Gurparsad Singh , Kaur Gurleen , Carbone Giuseppina M. , Shinde Dheeraj
Published: February 2023

Background

Oncogenic transformation alters intracellular metabolism and contributes to the growth of malignant cells. Metabolomics, or the study of small molecules, can reveal insight about cancer progression that other biomarker studies cannot. Number of metabolites involved in this process have been in spotlight for cancer detection, monitoring, and therapy.

Recent Findings

In this review, the “Metabolomics” is defined in terms of current technology having both clinical and translational applications. Researchers have shown metabolomics can be used to discern metabolic indicators non‐invasively using different analytical methods like positron emission tomography, magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging etc. Metabolomic profiling is a powerful and technically feasible way to track changes in tumor metabolism and gauge treatment response across time. Recent studies have shown metabolomics can also predict individual metabolic changes in response to cancer treatment, measure medication efficacy, and monitor drug resistance. Its significance in cancer development and treatment is summarized in this review.

Conclusion

Although in infancy, metabolomics can be used to identify treatment options and/or predict responsiveness to cancer treatments. Technical challenges like database management, cost and methodical knowhow still persist. Overcoming these challenges in near further can help in designing new treatment régimes with increased sensitivity and specificity.
Enhanced Proton Transfer in Proton‐Exchange Membranes with Interconnected and Zwitterion‐Functionalized Covalent Porous Material Structures
Authors: Rao Zhuang , Zhu Deyu , Xu You , Lan Minqiu , Jiang Lipei , Wang Zhengyun , Tang Beibei , Liu Hongfang
Published: February 2023

Excellent proton‐conductive accelerators are indispensable for efficient proton‐exchange membranes (PEMs). Covalent porous materials (CPMs), with adjustable functionalities and well‐ordered porosities, show much promise as effective proton‐conductive accelerators. In this study, an interconnected and zwitterion‐functionalized CPM structure based on carbon nanotubes and a Schiff‐base network (CNT@ZSNW‐1) is constructed as a highly efficient proton‐conducting accelerator by in situ growth of SNW‐1 onto carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and subsequent zwitterion functionalization. A composite PEM with enhanced proton conduction is acquired by integrating CNT@ZSNW‐1 with Nafion. Zwitterion functionalization offers additional proton‐conducting sites and promotes the water retention capacity. Moreover, the interconnected structure of CNT@ZSNW‐1 induces a more consecutive arrangement of ionic clusters, which significantly relieves the proton transfer barrier of the composite PEM and increases its proton conductivity to 0.287 S cm−1 under 95 % RH at 90 °C (about 2.2 times that of the recast Nafion, 0.131 S cm−1). Furthermore, the composite PEM displays a peak power density of 39.6 mW cm−2 in a direct methanol fuel cell, which is significantly higher than that of the recast Nafion (19.9 mW cm−2). This study affords a potential reference for devising and preparing functionalized CPMs with optimized structures to expedite proton transfer in PEMs.
Lipase‐Catalysed Polymerization of Eutectic Mixtures
Authors: Freitas David S. , Quesado Vânia , Rocha Diana , Noro Jennifer , Martins Madalena , Cavaco‐Paulo Artur , Silva Carla
Published: February 2023

Aiming to reduce the toxicity and operational costs often associated to chemical processes, the enzymatic synthesis is applied herein as a sustainable route for producing polyesters. The use of NADES’ (Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents) components as a source of monomers for the synthesis of polymers through lipase‐catalyzed esterification in an anhydrous medium is detailed for the first time. Three NADES composed by glycerol and an organic base, or acid, were used to produce polyesters, through polymerization reactions catalyzed by Aspergillus oryzae lipase. High polyester conversion rates (above 70 %), containing at least 20 monomeric units (glycerol:organic acid/base (1 : 1)), were observed by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF) analysis. The NADES monomers′ capacity for polymerization, along with their non‐toxicity, cheap cost, and simplicity of production, sets up these solvents as a greener and cleaner approach for the synthesis of high value‐added products.
Investigation of the antenna characteristics with the impact of hexagonal metamaterial
Authors: Ponnupillai Ajitha , Arunakiri Sivasangari , Danasegaran Sathish Kumar , Somasundaram Poonguzhali , Rajkumar Immanuel
Published: February 2023

Antenna miniaturization is a typical trend in contemporary wireless systems, notably for current wireless technology, to meet multiband needs while preserving high transmission qualities. The terahertz (THz) regime is helpful in advanced applications and significantly impacts wireless technology. This paper proposes a double‐layered hexagonal split ring resonator (HSRR) based on a microstrip patch antenna (MPA) and analyzes the simulated characteristics. The HSRR width is varied for different thickness “w” values and compares the analysis of with and without HSRR in the antenna. Due to the impact of metamaterials, the optimized antenna produces −44.02‐dB return loss, 1.012 voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR), 6.47‐dBi gain, and 4.78‐dB directivity at 1.8‐THz frequency. This proposed antenna is suitable for THz applications, which include high‐speed data rate in wireless communication, bio‐medical field, and THz spectrometer.
Invasion by an ecosystem engineer changes biotic interactions between native and non‐native taxa
Authors: Holmquist Anna J. , Adams Seira A. , Gillespie Rosemary G.
Published: February 2023

Earth systems are nearing a global tipping point, beyond which the dynamics of biological communities will become unstable. One major driver of instability is species invasion, especially by organisms that act as “ecosystem engineers” through their modification of abiotic and biotic factors. To understand how native organisms respond to modified habitat, it is essential to examine biological communities within invaded and non‐invaded habitat, identifying compositional shifts in native and non‐native taxa as well as measuring how modification by ecosystem engineers has affected interactions among community members. Using dietary metabarcoding, our study examines the response of a native Hawaiian generalist predator (Araneae: Pagiopalus spp.) to habitat modification by comparing biotic interactions across metapopulations of spiders collected in native forest and sites invaded by kāhili ginger. Our study shows that, although there are shared components of the dietary community, spiders in invaded habitat are eating a less consistent and more diverse diet consisting of more non‐native arthropods which are rarely or entirely undetected in spiders collected from native forest. Additionally, the frequency of novel interactions with parasites was significantly higher in invaded sites, reflected by the frequency and diversity of non‐native Hymenoptera parasites and entomopathogenic fungi. The study highlights the role of habitat modification driven by an invasive plant in altering community structure and biotic interactions, threatening the stability of the ecosystem through significant changes to the biotic community.
Predicting age and mass at maturity from feeding behavior and diet in Manduca sexta: An empirical test of a life history model
Authors: Parker Anna L. , Albright Anna , Kingsolver Joel G. , Legault Geoffrey
Published: February 2023

Feeding for most animals involves bouts of active ingestion alternating with bouts of no ingestion. In insects, the temporal patterning of bouts varies widely with resource quality and is known to affect growth, development time, and fitness. However, the precise impacts of resource quality and feeding behavior on insect life history traits are poorly understood. To explore and better understand the connections between feeding behavior, resource quality, and insect life history traits, we combined laboratory experiments with a recently proposed mechanistic model of insect growth and development for a larval herbivore, Manduca sexta. We ran feeding trials for 4th and 5th instar larvae across different diet types (two hostplants and artificial diet) and used these data to parameterize a joint model of age and mass at maturity that incorporates both insect feeding behavior and hormonal activity. We found that the estimated durations of both feeding and nonfeeding bouts were significantly shorter on low‐quality than on high‐quality diets. We then explored how well the fitted model predicted historical out‐of‐sample data on age and mass of M. sexta. We found that the model accurately described qualitative outcomes for the out‐of‐sample data, notably that a low‐quality diet results in reduced mass and later age at maturity compared with high‐quality diets. Our results clearly demonstrate the importance of diet quality on multiple components of insect feeding behavior (feeding and nonfeeding) and partially validate a joint model of insect life history. We discuss the implications of these findings with respect to insect herbivory and discuss ways in which our model could be improved or extended to other systems.
Langerhans cells in the skin and oral mucosa: Brothers in arms?
Authors: Brand Anna , Hovav Avi‐Hai , Clausen Björn E.
Published: February 2023

The skin and the oral mucosa represent interfaces to the environment that are constantly exposed to pathogens and harmless foreign antigens such as commensal bacteria. Both barrier organs share the presence of Langerhans cells (LC), distinctive members of the heterogeneous family of antigen‐presenting dendritic cells (DC) that have the unique ability to promote tolerogenic as well as inflammatory immune responses. While skin LC have been extensively studied in the past decades, less is known about the function of oral mucosal LC. Despite similar transcriptomic signatures, skin and oral mucosal LC differ greatly in their ontogeny and development. In this review article, we will summarize the current knowledge on LC subsets in the skin compared to the oral mucosa. We will discuss the similarities and differences in their development, homeostasis, and function in the two barrier tissues, including their interaction with the local microbiota. In addition, this review will update recent advances on the role of LC in inflammatory skin and oral mucosal diseases.
Fifty Years of Inorganic Biomimetic Chemistry: From the Complexation of Single Metal Cations to Polynuclear Metal Complexes by Multidentate Thiolate Ligands
Authors: Taut Josef , Chambron Jean‐Claude , Kersting Berthold
Published: February 2023

This article covers 50 years of coordination chemistry of transition metal complexes and metal‐sulfur aggregates involving thiolate‐incorporating ligands by reviewing selected examples. The studies in the coordination chemistry of sulfur‐rich ligands have been undoubtedly triggered and fed by the concomitant development of bioinorganic chemistry, particularly of iron‐sulfur enzymes. The review is broken down in five sections, which examine complexes of increasing nuclearity, including binuclear complexes based on compartmental macrocyclic ligands. We show also how ligand engineering has allowed the researchers in the field to control the nuclearity of the complexes, which was a particularly difficult task for sulfur‐based ligands, as thiolates show a strong tendency to coordinate to more than one metal cation at once.
Investigation of Combined Dopants with Various Oxidation States on Synchronous Regulation of Microstructure and Lattice Robustness of Ni‐Rich Cathode for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Xin , Zhu Chaoqiong , Ren Li , Wang Shuo , Zuo Meihua , Xing Wangyan , Fan Weifeng , Zhang Bin , Zheng Zeyu , Shu Chaozhu , Xiang Wei
Published: February 2023

Herein, Ni‐rich‐layered oxides LiNi
x
Co
y
Mn1−x−y
O2 (x ≥ 0.9) are deemed to be one of the most prospective cathode materials for lithium‐ion batteries as they have the high specific capacity (>200 mAh g−1) and high voltage. Much research aiming to conquer capacity decay and thermal instability caused by microcracks is reported. However, the interactive influence of the combined dopants that can modify the oxygen framework robustness and crystallographic texture and are the main factors to inhibit microcracks, is not investigated. Herein, LiNi0.92Co0.05Mn0.03O2 materials featuring B and dopants with oxidation states from +1 to +4 (Na+, Mg2+, Al3+, Zr4+) are synthesized to explore the interactive influence of the combined dopants on the structural, morphological, and electrochemical properties and to figure out the optimized dopant combination. It is shown in the results that the modified cathodes with B and higher‐oxidation‐state dopant possess higher radially aligned microstructure and outperformed electrochemical performance, and the cathode with 0.32 mol% Zr and 1.63 mol% B has the initial capacity of 222.9 mAh g−1 and capacity retention of 83.1% after 100 cycles. Herein, a heuristic reference is provided for the development of attractive Ni‐rich cathodes by optimizing dopant combinations to the simultaneous realization of geometry engineering and oxygen framework robustness.
Fire safety of interior materials of buses
Authors: El Houssami Mohamad , Försth Michael , Fredriksson Henrik , Drean Virginie , Guillaume Eric , Hofmann‐Böllinghaus Anja , Sandinge Anna
Published: February 2023

This study provides an analysis on the fire safety of passengers and the fire protection of coaches and buses. A brief review of major bus fire incidents, an overview of current regulations in Europe, and their limitations are presented. The study finds that the current small‐scale fire test methods described in UN ECE Reg No. 118 need to be replaced by test methods that can assess the reaction to fire of materials when exposed to ignition sources of varying sizes. To address these shortcomings, the study proposed an expert recommendation to update the material fire safety requirements and testing for buses. Additional measures are proposed, derived from objectives and strategies applied in other transport sectors, and can be tested through existing European and international standards, which are widely used by several industries. These measures aim to extend the time with tenable conditions for a safe evacuation in case of fire, reduce the degree of damage to buses, reduce the risk for fast and excessive thermal exposure on modern energy carriers needed for a more sustainable transport sector.
Swallowing outcomes following division of pseudo‐epiglottis resulting from vertical pharyngeal closure in laryngectomy
Authors: Tikka Theofano , Hall Mark Andrew , de Blieck Sarah Margaret , Buchanan Malcolm Alexander
Published: February 2023

Background

Vertical closure of the pharynx after laryngectomy can result in an outpouch of the anterior wall of the neopharynx below the tongue base, called a pseudo‐diverticulum. The prolapsed mucosa that separates the rest of the neopharynx from the pseudo‐diverticulum is termed a pseudo‐epiglottis.

Methods

Prospective study of patients with pseudo‐epiglottis. M. D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) scores were used to assess swallowing outcomes pre‐ and post‐pseudo‐epiglottis division, including minimally clinically important difference (MCID) assessment.

Results

Of 16 patients with a pseudo‐epiglottis, 12 had dysphagia (75%). Symptomatic patients had significantly worse global MDADI and subscale scores. After division, the mean composite MDADI increased from 48.3 to 64.7 (p = 0.035), including a high MCID (16.4) with a similar improvement in the global question rating findings (31.1 vs. 60, p = 0.021). The MCID was significant for all MDADI subscales.

Conclusions

Pseudo‐epiglottis formation is associated with significantly worse global and subscale MDADI scores. A clinically‐ and statistically‐significant improvement in the MDADI scores was found following surgical division.
Neuronal activity‐related transcription is blunted in immature compared to mature dentate granule cells
Authors: Parylak Sarah L. , Qiu Fan , Linker Sara B. , Gallina Iryna S. , Lim Christina K. , Preciado David , McDonald Aidan H. , Zhou Xavier , Gage Fred H.
Published: February 2023

Immature dentate granule cells (DGCs) generated in the hippocampus during adulthood are believed to play a unique role in dentate gyrus (DG) function. Although immature DGCs have hyperexcitable membrane properties in vitro, the consequences of this hyperexcitability in vivo remain unclear. In particular, the relationship between experiences that activate the DG, such as exploration of a novel environment (NE), and downstream molecular processes that modify DG circuitry in response to cellular activation is unknown in this cell population. We first performed quantification of immediate early gene (IEG) proteins in immature (5‐week‐old) and mature (13‐week‐old) DGCs from mice exposed to a NE. Paradoxically, we observed lower IEG protein expression in hyperexcitable immature DGCs. We then isolated nuclei from active and inactive immature DGCs and performed single‐nuclei RNA‐Sequencing. Compared to mature nuclei collected from the same animal, immature DGC nuclei showed less activity‐induced transcriptional change, even though they were classified as active based on expression of ARC protein. These results demonstrate that the coupling of spatial exploration, cellular activation, and transcriptional change differs between immature and mature DGCs, with blunted activity‐induced changes in immature cells.