bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum Levels and in Vitro Production of Th1- and Th2-Type Cytokines by Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Patients Suffering from Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Đorđević Vidosava , Zvezdanović Lilika , Ćosić Vladan , Vlahović Predrag , Kundalić Slavica , Jevtović-Stoimenov Tatjana , Stamenković Bojana , Mitrović Dragoslav
Published: January 2010

Serum Levels and in Vitro Production of Th1- and Th2-Type Cytokines by Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Patients Suffering from Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Th1-type and Th2-type cytokine profiles and adhesion molecules in the serum of patients suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus and the cytokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were studied. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interferongamma (IFN-γ), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) were measured using ELISA technique in the sera of 16 systemic lupus erythematosus patients without vasculitis (SLE), 30 SLE patients with vasculitis (LV), and in 18 healthy controls. The cytokines were also measured in the culture media of unstimulated, concana valin-A (Con-A) and phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) stimulated PBMC. TNF-α serum levels were significantly elevated in both SLE and LV patients and those of IL-1β in SLE patients. TNF-α was also significantly increased in SLE compared to LV patients. Serum levels of all three Th-2 cytokines were significantly elevated in both SLE and LV patients compared to healthy controls. Serum IFN-γ and Th2 cytokine levels were significantly increased in patients with more active disease. Both ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 were significantly increased in SLE patients and only VCAM-1 in LV patients. ICAM-1 showed a significant correlation with IL-1β, IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-10 in both patient groups. In the SLE group VCAM-1 correlated significantly only with ICAM-1, but in the LV group only with IL-1β and IFN-γ. Compared to healthy controls, basal TNF-α and IL-4 production by unstimulated PBMC derived from SLE patients were significantly increased. Con-A-stimulated PBMC of both SLE groups produced significantly more IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-13 than Con-A-stimulated control cells. Con-A-stimulated cells derived from LV patients produced much more INF-γ than cells from SLE patients. PMA strongly stimulated INFγ, TNFα and IL-13 production by cells derived from both SLE groups but had no effect on IL-4 production. In addition, it had little if any effect on the production of INFγ and IL-13 by PBMC derived from healthy donors. These findings suggest that the altered pattern of cytokine production by PBMC may play an important role in the SLE pathophysiology, accounting for differences in the clinical expression of the disease. The differences in adhesion molecules production and their correlation with cytokines suggest ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 as useful markers in SLE patients stratification.
Effects of selected meditative asanas on kinaesthetic perception and speed of movement
Authors: Singh Kanwaljeet , Bal Baljinder , Deol Nishan
Published: January 2010

Effects of selected meditative asanas on kinaesthetic perception and speed of movement

Study aim: To assess the effects of selected meditative asanas on kinesthetic perception and movement speed.

Material and methods: Thirty randomly selected male students aged 18 - 24 years volunteered to participate in the study. They were randomly assigned into two groups: A (medidative) and B (control). The Nelson's movement speed and reaction test and horizontal space test (to assess the kinaesthetic ability to determine specific positions along the horizontal line) were applied. The subjects from Group A were subjected to 8-week training of meditative asanas which included Padmasana, Siddhasana, Sukhasana, Vajrasana and Ushtrasana.

Results: The kinaesthetic perception and movement speed significantly (p<0.001) improved (by nearly 10%) in Group A compared with the control one.

Conclusions: Training asanas may be recommended to improve concentration-based performance.
Molecular, genetic and epigenetic pathways of peroxynitrite-induced cellular toxicity
Authors: Korkmaz Ahmet , Oter Sukru , Seyrek Melik , Topal Turgut
Published: January 2010

Molecular, genetic and epigenetic pathways of peroxynitrite-induced cellular toxicity

Oxidative stress plays a key role in the pathogenesis of cancer and many metabolic diseases; therefore, an effective antioxidant therapy would be of great importance in these circumstances. Nevertheless, convincing randomized clinical trials revealed that antioxidant supplementations were not associated with significant reduction in incidence of cancer, chronic diseases and all-cause mortality. As oxidation of essential molecules continues, it turns to nitro-oxidative stress because of the involvement of nitric oxide in pathogenesis processes. Peroxynitrite damages via several distinctive mechanisms; first, it has direct toxic effects on all biomolecules and causes lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation and DNA damage. The second mechanism involves the induction of several transcription factors leading to cytokine-induced chronic inflammation. Finally, it causes epigenetic perturbations that exaggerate nuclear factor kappa-B mediated inflammatory gene expression. Lessons-learned from the treatment of several chronic disorders including pulmonary diseases suggest that, chronic inflammation and glucocorticoid resistance are regulated by prolonged peroxynitrite production.
Value and Benefits of Open-Book Examinations as Assessment for Deep Learning in a Post-graduate Animal Health Course
Authors: Dale Vicki H.M. , Wieland Barbara , Pirkelbauer Birgit , Nevel Amanda
Published: January 2010

This study provides an overview of the perceptions of alumni in relation to their experience of open-book examinations (OBEs) as post-graduate students. This type of assessment was introduced as a way of allowing these adult learners to demonstrate their conceptual understanding and ability to apply knowledge in practice, which in theory would equip them with problem-solving skills required for the workplace. This study demonstrates that alumni—shown to be predominantly deep learners—typically regarded OBEs as less stressful than closed-book examinations, and as an effective way to assess the application of knowledge to real-life problems. Additional staff training and student induction, particularly for international students, are suggested as a means of improving the acceptability and effectiveness of OBEs.
Faculty and Students' Self-Assessment of Client Communication Skills and Professional Ethics in Three Veterinary Medical Schools
Authors: Fogelberg Katherine , Farnsworth Charles C.
Published: January 2010

Client communication skills and professional ethics are areas that have received much attention in veterinary education in recent years. The objectives of this study were to: i) establish the confidence level of faculty teaching in three veterinary schools with regard to their client communication skills, ii) establish a baseline of professional ethics indicators in the same faculty, and iii) compare veterinary students of all levels to faculty in both areas. Students and faculty received identical questionnaires, including statements addressing client communication skills and professional ethics. The results indicate that students are generally comfortable with their communication skills, except in the areas of visual and/or audio aid use, handling emotional clients, and discussing costs of care and payment. Faculty were more comfortable than students in all areas of client communication, although they also had low confidence when dealing with costs of care and payment. Ethically, students and faculty answered similarly. Faculty showed a stronger belief that people are basically honest and ethical, but both cohorts responded similarly when asked about reporting an ethical violation admitted to them by their best friend. Further research is needed to determine whether students are communicating as effectively as they believe they are, with particular attention paid to improving communications with emotional clients and the business aspects of veterinary medicine. Additional work is needed to ensure that veterinary students are learning how to cope with ethical issues objectively. This may begin by ensuring that faculty are teaching and, more importantly, modeling these behaviors during the clinical year(s).
Use of the Virtual Ventilator, a Screen-Based Computer Simulation, to Teach the Principles of Mechanical Ventilation
Authors: Keegan Robert , Henderson Tom , Brown Gary
Published: January 2010

Examination scores from 109 students enrolled in the professional veterinary program at Washington State University were evaluated to determine the effectiveness and utility of the Virtual Ventilator computer simulation for teaching the principles of mechanical ventilation in an anesthesia course. Students were randomly assigned to either a live-animal mechanical ventilation laboratory (LIVE-1st) or a computer laboratory using the mechanical ventilation simulation (SIM-1st) in week 1. During week 2, students in the LIVE-1st group participated in the ventilation simulation while students in the SIM-1st group participated in the live-animal laboratory. Student knowledge was evaluated using two similar written quizzes administered following each laboratory. Student opinions concerning the value of the simulation were assessed using an online survey. Differences in quiz scores within and between groups were compared using t-tests while survey results were tabulated. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Within the LIVE-1st group, scores for the second quiz, which was taken after the students had completed the simulation exercise, were significantly higher than those obtained from the first quiz. Accordingly, the Virtual Ventilator simulation was at least equivalent to the live-animal laboratory in the ability to present information that was subsequently tested for on the quizzes. Students in the SIM-1st group reported that use of the simulation prior to a live-animal ventilation laboratory enhanced their understanding of and ability to provide mechanical ventilation to anesthetized patients. The Virtual Ventilator simulation appears to be a useful and well-received teaching tool.
An Animated Model of Reticulorumen Motility
Authors: Gookin Jody L. , Foster Derek M. , Harvey Alice M. , McWhorter Dan
Published: January 2010

Understanding reticulorumen motility is important to the assessment of ruminant health and optimal production, and in the recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. Accordingly, the teaching of reticulorumen motility is a staple of all veterinary curricula. This teaching has historically been based on written descriptions, line drawings, or pressure tracings obtained during contraction sequences. We developed an animated model of reticulorumen motility and hypothesized that veterinary students would prefer use of the model over traditional instructional methods. First-year veterinary students were randomly allocated to one of two online learning exercises: with the animated model (Group A) or with text and line drawings (Group B) depicting reticulorumen motility. Learning was assessed with a multiple-choice quiz and feedback on the learning alternatives was obtained by survey. Seventy-four students participated in the study, including 38/42 in Group A and 36/36 in Group B. Sixty-four out of 72 students (89%) responded that they would prefer use of the animated model if only one of the two learning methods was available. A majority of students agreed or strongly agreed that the animated model was easy to understand and improved their knowledge and appreciation of the importance of reticulorumen motility, and would recommend the model to other veterinary students. Interestingly, students in Group B achieved higher scores on examination than students in Group A. This could be speculatively attributed to the inclusion of an itemized list of contraction sequences in the text provided to Group B and failure of Group A students to read the text associated with the animations.
Floating Knee Injuries: A High Complication Rate
Authors: Kao Feng-Chen , Tu Yuan-Kun , Hsu Kuo-Yao , Su Juin-Yih , Yen Cheng-Yo , Chou Ming-Chih
Published: January 2010

Floating knee injuries are usually associated with complications and mortality, regardless of the treatment regimen. Orthopedic surgeons typically recommend various treatment regimens, especially aggressive and early stabilization of both femoral and tibial fractures. Some authors have reported that the complication and mortality rates remain high regardless of the treatment regimen used. The purpose of this retrospective study was to review the long-term results of treatments for floating knee injuries performed at our institution, and also to calculate the distribution of fracture types within patient age groups and the association with complications related to floating knee injury. We retrospectively reviewed medical records and radiographs of 419 floating knee injuries treated for postoperative complications from November 1987 to April 2003. Of the 419 patients with floating knee injuries, 104 (24.8%) developed complications. The result showed that the complication rate was associated with fracture type (open fracture [32.2%;
P
<.001], Fraser type IIc [36.8%;
P
<.001], tibial plateau [28.6%;
P
=.037], and distal tibia [28.6%;
P
=.035]). This study revealed that the complication rate associated with floating knee injuries remained high, regardless of the treatment regimen used. Surgeons should focus on reducing complications while treating floating knee injuries.
Evaluation of the Modified Elmslie-Trillat Procedure for Patellofemoral Dysfunction
Authors: Dannawi Zaher , Khanduja Vikas , Palmer Chris R. , El-Zebdeh Mustafa
Published: January 2010

The goal of this study was to evaluate the Elmslie-Trillat procedure for recurrent patellar dislocation, patellofemoral pain (with extensor mechanism malalignment), or a combination of both.

Thirty-two patients underwent the modified Elmslie-Trillat procedure, consisting of a lateral retinacular release and medialization of the tibial tuberosity for recurrent patellar dislocation, patellofemoral pain, or both. Twenty-nine of 32 patients were available for follow-up. All patients were evaluated clinically and radiologically. Subjective scores were evaluated using the Cox grading system and objective scores using Fulkerson's functional knee score. Average patient age was 33 years. Mean follow-up was 45 months. Subjectively, using the Cox grading system, 10 patients (34%) had an excellent result, 8 (28%) had a good result, 8 (28%) had a fair result, and 3 (10%) had a poor result. All patients with patella dislocation had an excellent or good subjective result, while only 3 patients (34%) with the primary symptom of patellofemoral pain with extensor mechanism malalignment and 4 patients (44%) with a combination of both symptoms had a good or excellent result. Mean Fulkerson's functional knee score was excellent for patients with dislocation only, and fair for those with only pain or both pain and dislocation. The congruence angle was corrected in all patients with this technique. There were no further dislocations in our series. Two patients required hardware removal.

The Elmslie-Trillat procedure is a good surgical option for treatment of recurrent patella instability following failed conservative therapy. However, the results are not as favorable for patients with patellofemoral pain without instability.
Exploring Male Students' Educational Experiences in an Associate Degree Nursing Program
Authors: Ierardi Janet A. , Fitzgerald Dinine A. , Holland Danielle T.
Published: January 2010

This study explored male students' educational experiences in an associate degree nursing program. A review of the literature identified a gap in the understanding of the experiences of male students in nursing school. Because nursing is a profession strongly influenced by societal stereotypes, gender bias, and the preponderance of female role models, this qualitative study examined the perceptions of men seeking careers in nursing. Interviews with male students probed topics such as the reasons men chose nursing as a career, their positive and negative experiences, and their satisfaction with their nursing education. This research enhanced understanding and promoted nursing knowledge of the unique needs of men in nursing education.
Nursing Students' and Clinical Instructors' Perceptions on the Implementation of a Best Practice Guideline
Authors: Ritchie Linda , Evans Marilyn K. , Matthews Janet
Published: January 2010

A university nursing program in Ontario, Canada initiated the process of implementing the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario best practice guideline (BPG) on smoking cessation into the curriculum. This study explored nursing students' and clinical instructors' perceptions regarding the implementation of the BPG in their practice to support faculty in the development of a curriculum that promotes smoking cessation and the competencies necessary for graduates to implement health promotion skills in practice. Four student nurses and two clinical instructors participated in semistructured interviews. Four major themes were identified through the data analysis process: personal and professional self, health “preaching,” developmental perspective, and environmental constraints. This study presents a curricular model for health promotion practice incorporating the components of primary health care, health promotion counseling, smoking cessation BPG, and sociopolitical context.
Broad Volume Distributions Indicate Nonsynchronized Growth and Suggest Sudden Collapses of Germinal Center B Cell Populations
Authors: Wittenbrink Nicole , Weber Tom S. , Klein Anke , Weiser Armin A. , Zuschratter Werner , Sibila Michael , Schuchhardt Johannes , Or-Guil Michal
Published: January 2010

Immunization with a T cell-dependent Ag leads to the formation of several hundred germinal centers (GCs) within secondary lymphoid organs, a key process in the maturation of the immune response. Although prevailing perceptions about affinity maturation intuitively assume simultaneous seeding, growth, and decay of GCs, our previous mathematical simulations led us to hypothesize that their growth might be nonsynchronized. To investigate this, we performed computer-aided three-dimensional reconstructions of splenic GCs to measure size distributions at consecutive time points following immunization of BALB/c mice with a conjugate of 2-phenyl-oxazolone and chicken serum albumin. Our analysis reveals a broad volume distribution of GCs, indicating that individual GCs certainly do not obey the average time course of the GC volumes and that their growth is nonsynchronized. To address the cause and implications of this behavior, we compared our empirical data with simulations of a stochastic mathematical model that allows for frequent and sudden collapses of GCs. Strikingly, this model succeeds in reproducing the empirical average kinetics of GC volumes as well as the underlying broad size distributions. Possible causes of GC B cell population collapses are discussed in the context of the affinity-maturation process.
Diabetes-Induced Oxidative Stress Is Mediated by Ca2+-Independent Phospholipase A2 in Neutrophils
Authors: Ayilavarapu Srinivas , Kantarci Alpdogan , Fredman Gabrielle , Turkoglu Oya , Omori Kazuhiro , Liu Hongsheng , Iwata Tomoyuki , Yagi Motohiko , Hasturk Hatice , Van Dyke Thomas E.
Published: January 2010

Neutrophils from people with poorly controlled diabetes present a primed phenotype and secrete excessive superoxide. Phospholipase A2 (PLA2)-derived arachidonic acid (AA) activates the assembly of NADPH oxidase to generate superoxide anion. There is a gap in the current literature regarding which PLA2 isoform regulates NADPH oxidase activation. The aim of this study was to identify the PLA2 isoform involved in the regulation of superoxide generation in neutrophils and investigate if PLA2 mediates priming in response to pathologic hyperglycemia. Neutrophils were isolated from people with diabetes mellitus and healthy controls, and HL60 neutrophil-like cells were grown in hyperglycemic conditions. Incubating neutrophils with the Ca2+-independent PLA2 (iPLA2) inhibitor bromoenol lactone (BEL) completely suppressed fMLP-induced generation of superoxide. The nonspecific actions of BEL on phosphatidic acid phosphohydrolase-1, p47phox phosphorylation, and apoptosis were ruled out by specific assays. Small interfering RNA knockdown of iPLA2 inhibited superoxide generation by neutrophils. Neutrophils from people with poorly controlled diabetes and in vitro incubation of neutrophils with high glucose and the receptor for advanced glycation end products ligand S100B greatly enhanced superoxide generation compared with controls, and this was significantly inhibited by BEL. A modified iPLA2 assay, Western blotting, and PCR confirmed that there was increased iPLA2 activity and expression in neutrophils from people with diabetes. AA (10 μM) partly rescued the inhibition of superoxide generation mediated by BEL, confirming that NADPH oxidase activity is, in part, regulated by AA. This study provides evidence for the role of iPLA2 in enhanced superoxide generation in neutrophils from people with diabetes mellitus and presents an alternate pathway independent of protein kinase C and phosphatidic acid phosphohydrolase-1 hydrolase signaling.
Dust Storms and Emergency Department Visits in 3 Southwestern States Using NWS Storm Reports
Authors: Zheng Xiaping , Chang Howard H. , Ebelt Stefanie T. , D’Souza Rohan , Hohsfield Kirk , Crooks James L.
Published: February 2025

Importance

Dust storms are projected to increase with climate change. The short-term health outcomes associated with dust storms in the US are not well characterized, especially for morbidity outcomes.

Objective

To estimate associations between dust storms and diagnosis-specific emergency department (ED) visits during 2005 to 2018.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this cross-sectional study using a time-stratified case-crossover design, short-term associations between dust storms and ED visits were estimated at the zip code level using conditional Poisson analysis with adjustment for meteorology and within-month trends. Same-day dust storm events and storm events within a lag period of up to 7 days were considered. State-wide patient-level ED visit records acquired from 3 state health departments (Arizona, California, and Utah) were analyzed. Data were analyzed between April 21 and November 12, 2024.

Exposures

Dust storm events were reported by the US National Weather Service and assigned to each patient zip code that had at least a 5% areal overlap with the National Weather Service forecast zone.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Patient-level ED visits for asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, culture-negative pneumonia, congestive heart failure (CHF), cerebrovascular disease, ischemic heart disease, and visits due to motor vehicle accidents.

Results

The analysis included 33 500 ED visits among the outcomes of interest (5717 children aged 0-17 years [17.1%] and 11 150 adults aged >65 years [33.3%]; 17 394 male [51.9%] and 16 104 female [48.1%]; 2829 Black [8.4%] and 22 537 White [67.2%]; 9256 Hispanic [27.6%]) and 206 dust-impacted zip codes. The strongest associations between dust storms and ED visits were found for asthma (lag 0-2 relative risk [RR], 1.06; 95% CI, 1.01-1.11; P = .03), culture-negative pneumonia (lag 0-7 RR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02-1.10; P = .002), CHF (lag 0-7 RR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.01-1.10; P = .01), and motor vehicle accidents (lag 0 RR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.04-1.23; P = .003). Associations of dust storm exposure with ischemic heart disease were mostly protective (eg, lag 0-2 RR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.84-0.95; P < .001). Associations of dust storm exposure with risk of ED visits for CHF and motor vehicle accidents were robust against adjustment for ambient ozone (eg, CHF: RR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.03-1.13; P = .003) and nitrogen dioxide (eg, CHF: RR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.03-1.13; P = .003) air pollution.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, dust storms were positively associated with ED visits for asthma, pneumonia, heart failure, and motor vehicle accidents. These findings contribute to our understanding of the association of dust storms with morbidity in the US and potential outcomes under a changing climate.
Prevalence and clinical characteristics of vasculitis in the Alaska Native and American Indian peoples of Alaska
Authors: Henderson Ben A. , Mehta Vivek R. , Holck Peter , Choromanski Tammy L. , Wilson Amy , Lee Flora , Ferucci Elizabeth D.
Published: February 2025

Objective

Our objective was to determine the prevalence and clinical characteristics of vasculitis in Alaska Native and American Indian (AN/AI) peoples of Alaska.

Methods

We queried the electronic health records of participating tribal health organizations within the Alaska Tribal Health System (ATHS) to identify adults with diagnostic codes related to vasculitis. Medical record abstraction was performed for all adults with potential vasculitis to confirm fulfillment of inclusion criteria, subtype, and clinical characteristics. The denominator for prevalence was the 2019 ATHS user population ≥ 18 (except giant cell arteritis (GCA), defined for persons ≥ 50).

Results

The age‐adjusted prevalence per 1,000,000 AN/AI adults was 752 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 581‐959) for all vasculitis, with systemic vasculitis being the most common at 518 (95% CI 379‐695). The most prevalent types of systemic vasculitis were ANCA‐associated vasculitis (AAV) at 340 per million adults (95% CI 230‐488) and GCA at 28 per 100,000 ≥ 50 (95% CI 12‐56). The most prevalent subtype of AAV was granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) at 244 per million adults (95% CI 148‐380). AAV was diagnosed at a mean age of 54.2 years (Standard Deviation (SD) 17), often with high inflammatory markers and renal involvement. GCA was diagnosed at a mean age of 69.6 years (SD 9.2).

Conclusion

The prevalence of AAV (especially GPA) in AN/AI peoples is high. GCA prevalence is lower than White populations, but higher than many other populations. AN/AI peoples with AAV and GCA may present at younger ages with more severe disease than other populations.
Near‐Field Phonon Nanoscopy and Imaging of Structural Variants in Mixed Phase BiFeO3
Authors: Zhang Dawei , You En‐Ming , Wang Lei , Jang Byung‐Kweon , Yousaf Tanzeela , Zhang Pengfei , Kim Jincheol , Yang Chan‐Ho , Seidel Jan
Published: February 2025

Epitaxial mixed phase BiFeO3 (BFO) can be stabilized in a nanoscale mixture of tetragonal‐like and rhombohedral‐like polymorphs embedded in a tetragonal‐like matrix, which provides a fertile playground for the exploration of fascinating material properties. The nanoscale phonon properties of these structural variants, which are expected to reflect information on sample properties coupled with crystal lattice vibrations, have rarely been investigated at the nanoscale. Far‐field infrared studies of BFO are restricted by spatial resolution and deep probing depth, whereas scattering‐type scanning near‐field optical microscopy (s‐SNOM) achieves a resolution of tens of nanometers with minimal optical contribution from the substrate. Here, this work combines nano‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (nano‐FTIR) and s‐SNOM imaging to reveal the minute difference in the phonon response of these structural variants. This work reports on the first direct mid‐infrared imaging of such nanoscale phase variants in mixed phase BFO based on their distinct vibrational signatures acquired from the nano‐FTIR. The noninvasive optical reading in the infrared can further successfully detect electrical switching of ferroelectric BFO, providing insight into future infrared photoelectric applications. This work demonstrates that scanning near‐field techniques are versatile and sensitive for probing the structural and physical properties of nanoscale entities with subtle distinctions.
A Polymer Composite as a Thermal Antifuse for Battery‐free RFID Temperature Indicators
Authors: Lapsirivatkul Teerapat , Strauss Roman , Changtong Chuchawin , Ungpittagul Thasanaporn , Tanasaro Thanadporn , Chaopaknam Jidapa , Crespy Daniel , Pattanasattayavong Pichaya
Published: February 2025

Time‐temperature indicators (TTIs) play an important role in logistics, supply chain, and inventory management. They indicate a visual signal when the temperature exceeds a predefined threshold. However, TTIs require a manual process of checking each label individually, making their applications time and cost‐intensive. Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags can streamline the process with data readily available in digital format. Challenges of RFID‐based temperature sensors are the need for a battery and incompatibility with standard readers. In this study, thermoresponsive composites are developed based on acetylene black (AB) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). By mixing two PEG binders having different molecular weights, the resulting composites function as thermal antifuses, irreversibly transitioning from a high resistance (HR) state to a low resistance (LR) state. The optimal composition detects a threshold temperature of ≈60 °C and shows a large HR/LR ratio of >103. Combining the antifuse based on this unique AB/PEG composite with an RFID tag with a tamper detection capability allows the fabrication of a battery‐free, passive RFID temperature indicator equipped with a 1‐bit non‐volatile memory. The device can track the environment of temperature‐sensitive items, save the status, and indicate a digital output when a temperature threshold has been exceeded.
When Two Becomes Three: Predicting Stable Ternary Boron‐Based Compounds by Populating Unique Lattice Sites in Binary Prototype Structures
Authors: Carlsson Adam , Rosen Johanna , Dahlqvist Martin
Published: February 2025

Boron‐based materials are known for their excellent mechanical properties and structural versatility. However, the discovery of such novel materials is often hindered by challenging synthesis procedures, such as high temperature and pressure, which is why theoretical guidance can be used to identify candidates most promising for synthesis. In this study, new chemical phase spaces are explored utilizing the Materials Project database. 16 boron‐based binary prototype structures are identified, each featuring two unique non‐boron lattice sites. These sites are subsequently populated with elements from Groups 2 to 14 and expanded into 27 552 ternary compounds. Phase stability assessments identify 166 stable ternary compounds, 155 of which are mechanically stable. Analysis reveals a strong correlation between boron concentration and mechanical properties, with boron‐rich compounds exhibiting higher Vickers hardness and improving shear and Young's moduli. Notably, multiple ternary compounds demonstrate significant mechanical property enhancements over their binary counterparts, with some showing Young's modulus improvements of up to 50%. These findings exemplify a pathway for designing novel boron‐based materials with exceptional mechanical characteristics.
N6‐Methyladenosine‐Modified circSMAD4 Prevents Lumbar Instability Induced Cartilage Endplate Ossification
Authors: Li Hanwen , Tang Yingchuang , Hu Sihan , Ruan Xingbang , Zhang Junxin , Shi Yihan , Qiu Liang , Yang Huilin , Zhang Kai , Chen Hao , Chen Kangwu
Published: February 2025

Lumbar instability causes cartilage endplate ossification and intervertebral disc degeneration. In this study, it is determined that circSMAD4, a Yap1‐related circRNA, is stably downregulated under abnormal stress. In vitro, circSMAD4 knockdown resulted in Yap1 mRNA degradation, whereas circSMAD4 overexpression increased Yap1 mRNA expression and nuclear translocation. Hence, the stabilization of circSMAD4 is essential for maintaining the homeostasis of endplate cartilage under abnormal stress. Furthermore, transcriptome sequencing and mass spectrometry analysis revealed that METTL14‐mediated N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) modification can stabilize circSMAD4 expression. Moreover, circSMAD4 is shown to regulate Yap1 mRNA through the m6A reader IGF2BP1. The IGF2BP1 functions to translocate Yap1 mRNA into the nucleus, which protects endplate chondrocytes from degeneration. Finally, local injection of an AAV5‐containing circSMAD4 overexpression plasmid successfully rescued LSI‐induced cartilage endplate degeneration, which wasn't observed in Yap1 knockout mice. These findings suggest that m6A‐modified circSMAD4 can stabilize Yap1 mRNA expression and translocation, thus preventing degeneration of the cartilage endplate under abnormal stress. Hence, circSMAD4 may become a potential therapeutic tool for managing instability‐induced intervertebral disc degeneration.
Sustainable Thermal Solutions: Enhancing Heat Transfer with Turbulators and Nanofluids
Authors: Said Zafar , Mwesigye Aggrey , Syam Sundar Lingala , Tiwari Arun Kumar , Balasubramanian Kalidasan , Ali Hafiz Muhammad , Bellos Evangelos , Gim Chaerin , Ahmed Mohammad Shamsuddin , Hwang Jang‐Yeon
Published: February 2025

Actual performance of heat transfer devices significantly influences the general efficiency of the energy conversion systems. Among all active and passive techniques of heat transfer enhancement, the current review has been focused on turbulators and their integration with nanofluids due to cost‐effectiveness and practicality. The turbulators like coiled tubes, extended fins, and swirl flow devices create local vortices to distort the fluid flow boundary layer, which results in an enhanced convective heat transfer process. Further, the use of nanofluids with improved thermophysical properties can also be considered to see the synergizing effect of turbulators for further enhancements in the heat transfer rates. The present review reflects that, among the different turbulators considered, the wire coil insertion offers better thermal efficiency with reduced pressure drops. Thus, the combined approach using nanofluids and turbulators has ample potential to attain higher heat transfer performance compared to conventional methods. Despite the great development, the full mechanism, especially with nanofluid interactions, is still not well elucidated. Current limitations and future research opportunities are highlighted in this review to emphasize that continuous studies are needed to optimize these techniques in order to have better energy systems.
Rapid Design of Efficient Mn3O4‐Based Photocatalysts by Machine Learning and Density Functional Theory Calculations
Authors: Mai Haoxin , Li Xuying , Le Tu C. , Russo Salvy P. , Winkler David A. , Chen Dehong , Caruso Rachel A.
Published: February 2025

The development of efficient photocatalysts for visible‐light‐driven pollutant degradation contributes to sustainable and green solutions to environmental challenges. However, optimizing catalyst composition and structure remains a costly and time‐consuming process. Here, a comprehensive design strategy is presented for the fast development of efficient Al‐doped Mn3O4‐based photocatalysts, combining density functional theory (DFT), machine learning (ML), and laboratory experiments. DFT‐calculated effective mass and bandgaps, serving as indicators of charge mobility and light harvesting, respectively, are employed as descriptors to determine the optimal Al dopant amount. Al0.5Mn2.5O4 is identified as a promising candidate due to its favorable bandgap and charge mobility. To further enhance performance, AlxMn3−xO4/Ag3PO4 heterojunctions are synthesized, leveraging ML to optimize the ratios between AlxMn3−xO4 and Ag3PO4. The best material is determined to be an Al0.5Mn2.5O4/35 wt%‐Ag3PO4 composite, which exhibits a 27‐fold increase in photocatalytic efficiency for methylene blue degradation under visible light compared to pristine Mn3O4. This study not only provided promising photocatalysts for practical pollutant degradation but highlighted the potential of computational and ML‐guided approaches to accelerate photocatalyst discovery. These computational methods provide a framework for the rational design of advanced materials for environmental remediation applications.
Copper‐Catalyzed Synthesis of C‐2 Substituted Indolin‐3‐ones and Indolin‐3‐one [4+2] Cycloadducts Through Azide‐tethered Iodonium Ylides
Authors: Guerrero Israel Najar , Al-Khateeb Zinah , West Frederick G.
Published: February 2025

In recent years iodonium ylides have gained popularity as versatile metallocarbene precursors, functioning as alternatives to sensitive and potentially toxic diazo compounds. However, their application in metallocarbene‐mediated heterocycle construction has been limited. Herein, we describe a strategy for the synthesis of C‐2 substituted indolin‐3‐ones using azide‐tethered iodonium ylides as metallocarbene precursors under copper catalysis. The formation of an electrophilic C‐acylimine intermediate allows the addition of a broad spectrum of nucleophiles, as well as electron‐rich and unactivated dienes, furnishing highly substituted indolin‐3‐ones and indolen‐3‐one [4+2] cycloadducts. The remarkably short reaction times, high yields, mild conditions, and scalability render this methodology attractive for the synthesis of new scaffolds in drug discovery.
SSRIs reduce plasma tau and restore dorsal raphe metabolism in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Terstege Dylan J. , Jabeen Shaista ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, Galea Liisa A. M. , Epp Jonathan R. , Sargin Derya
Published: February 2025

INTRODUCTION

Tau pathology impacts neurodegeneration and cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD), with the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) being among the brain regions showing the earliest tau pathology. As a serotonergic hub, DRN activity is altered by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which also have variable effects on cognitive decline and pathology in AD.

METHODS

We examined N = 191 subjects with baseline 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography and plasma biomarker data to study the effects of SSRIs on tau pathology, cognitive decline, and DRN metabolism.

RESULTS

Plasma phosphorylated tau 181 (p‐tau181) was lower with SSRI use. The effect of SSRIs on cognition varied by cognitive assessment. The DRN was hypometabolic in AD patients relative to healthy controls; however, SSRI use restored the metabolic activity of this region in AD patients.

DISCUSSION

Long‐term SSRI use may reduce the pathological presentation of AD but has variable effects on cognitive performance.

Highlights

Tau pathology spreads throughout the brain during AD pathogenesis.

The DRN is among the first regions to develop tau pathology during this process.

SSRI use restores the metabolic activity of the DRN and reduces plasma p‐tau181.
Synthesis of NIR‐II Fluorophores by a C(sp2)−C(sp2/sp) Coupling Reaction Driven by Charge‐Transfer Interaction
Authors: Li Jie , Liu Xin‐Xin , Peng Ling‐Ya , Niu Li‐Ya , Wang Wenguang , Cui Ganglong , Yang Qing‐Zheng
Published: February 2025

Here, we report a C(sp2)−C(sp2/sp) coupling reaction driven by charge transfer interaction. Due to the strong intermolecular noncovalent interaction, an essential electron donor‐acceptor (EDA) complex is formed, confirmed solidly by absorption spectra, 1H NMR and single crystal X‐ray diffraction. The EDA complex lowers the activation barrier (Ea=9.17 kcal/mol) and facilitates the formation of the C−C bond, which is the rate‐limiting step revealed by H/D and 12C/13C KIE studies. Kinetic investigations reveal that the reaction is a second‐order reaction. Furthermore, high‐level theoretical calculations support the proposed mechanism. The mono‐ and di‐substituted products were obtained by varying the reaction conditions. A series of structurally diverse and novel second near‐infrared (NIR‐II) fluorophores based on benzo[1,2‐c : 4,5‐c’]bis([1,2,5]thiadiazole) (BBTD) were synthesized by utilizing this coupling reaction.
The Ratio of sp2 and sp3 Hybridized Carbon Determines the Performance of Carbon‐based Catalysts in H2O2 Electrosynthesis from O2
Authors: Zhu Dayu , Wu Hsi-wen , Fong Wye-Khay , Tabor Rico F. , Zhang Jie
Published: February 2025

Introducing oxygen‐ or carbon‐containing functional groups is a widely adopted strategy to optimize the performance of carbon‐based catalysts for the two‐electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e‐ORR). Nevertheless, the specific contributions of these functional groups to enhance activity and selectivity are not well‐defined and continue under debate. In this study, we systematically modified carbon materials by controlling the contents of oxygen functional groups (OFGs) and carbon functional groups (CFGs). Surface compositions were accurately quantified using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and 2e‐ORR performance was evaluated using a rotating ring‐disk electrode (RRDE) in 0.1 M KOH. Through reliable statistical analyses, including partial least squares regression and linear regression, we explored the correlations between the surface compositional features—specifically the ratios of OFGs, CFGs, and sp2/sp3 hybridized carbon—and the catalytic performance metrics such as onset potential and H2O2 selectivity. Our findings challenge existing paradigms by demonstrating that the sp2/sp3 ratio is a critical factor in determining catalytic selectivity and a certain correlate with the 2e‐ORR onset potential. By tuning this ratio, we achieved nearly 100% H2O2 selectivity within 0.4‐0.6 V vs. RHE, and onset potential approached the thermodynamical potential (0.695 V vs. RHE), pointing a new direction in designing and developing advanced electrocatalysts for sustainable H2O2 synthesis.
Investigating the Effects of K Species on V2O5‐WO3/TiO2 Catalyst: A DFT‐Supported Comparative Analysis of Poisoning Methods
Authors: Ali Zulfiqar , Fang Long‐peng , Sun Huai‐de , Wu Yang‐wen , Panjwani Manoj Kumar , Ali Khawaja Haider , Liu Ji , Lu Qiang
Published: February 2025

The deactivation of V2O5‐WO3/TiO2 (V‐W/TiO2) catalysts in NH3‐selective catalytic reduction (SCR) due to potassium (K) species from coal‐fired power plant emissions has garnered significant attention, though the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study explores these deactivation mechanisms by introducing K poisoning through incipient wetness impregnation (IWI) and solid‐state diffusion methods. Comprehensive analyses, including characterization techniques and density functional theory (DFT) simulations, revealed that increased KCl loading and longer diffusion times of calcination significantly reduce the catalyst's denitration activity. The interaction of KCl with the V2O5 component leads to a reduction in surface acidity and promotes K2O formation, which causes agglomeration on catalyst surface and reduces the surface area. Both methods of poisoning also diminish the redox properties of the catalyst due to an increased presence of low‐valent vanadium (V4+, V3+) species. These results provide a detailed understanding of the deactivation process, offering a foundation for developing strategies to enhance the alkali metal poisoning resistance of commercial SCR catalysts.
Development of Methods to Produce SARS CoV‐2 Virus‐Like Particles at Scale
Authors: Edeling Melissa A. , Earnest Linda , Carrera Montoya Julio , Yap Ashley Huey Yiing , Mumford Jamie , Roberts Jason , Wong Chinn Yi , Hans Dhiraj , Grima Joseph , Bisset Nicole , Bodle Jesse , Rockman Steven , Torresi Joseph
Published: February 2025

The devastating global toll precipitated by the SARS CoV‐2 outbreak and the profound impact of vaccines in stemming that outbreak has established the need for molecular platforms capable of rapidly delivering effective, safe and accessible medical interventions in pandemic preparedness. We describe a simple, efficient and adaptable process to produce SARS CoV‐2 virus‐like particles (VLPs) that can be readily scaled for manufacturing. A rapid but gentle method of tangential flow filtration using a 100 kDa semi‐permeable membrane concentrates and buffer exchanges 0.5 L of SARS CoV‐2 VLP containing supernatant into low salt and optimal pH for anion exchange chromatography. VLPs are washed, eluted under high salt, dialyzed into physiological buffer, sterile filtered and aliquoted for storage at –80°C. Purification is completed in less than 2 days. A simple quality control process includes Western blot for coincident detection of Spike, Membrane and Envelope protein as a proxy for intact VLP, ELISA to detect conformationally sensitive Spike using readily available anti‐Spike and/or anti‐RBD antibodies, and negative stain and immunogold electron microscopy to validate particulate, Spike crowned VLPs. This process to produce SARS CoV‐2 VLPs for preclinical studies serves as a roadmap for preparation of more distantly related VLPs for pandemic preparedness.
Zeolitic Imidazole Framework‐8 Nanoparticles as an Alternative to Freund's Adjuvant for Klebsiella pneumoniae Recombinant Protein Vaccine
Authors: Hu Gaowei , Hong Chunli , Miao Yingjie , Wang Wenji , Yin Longfei , Luo Xi , Fu Yongqian
Published: February 2025

Vaccination represents a promising approach to combat resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP). However, there is currently no licensed vaccine in the veterinary field. Outer membrane proteins have been proven to possess good immunogenicity, but Freund's adjuvant, which is commonly used to administer protein vaccines, has limitations such as a complicated formulation process as well as a tendency to cause pain and inflammation in animals. Here, we prepared a nano‐vaccine based on zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8)‐encapsulated outer membrane protein PhoE and evaluated its efficiency in enhancing humoral and cellular immune responses in BALB/c mice. ZIF‐8 nanoparticles rapidly delivered the protein antigen into dendritic cells and successfully activated them. In addition, significantly higher IgG antibody titers, cytokine levels, and splenocyte proliferation indices were founded in mice subcutaneously immunized with PhoE@ZIF‐8 than in those receiving free PhoE alone. In a BALB/c mouse model, PhoE@ZIF‐8 elicited a strong immune response with improved prophylactic efficacy against KP that was similar to the Freund's adjuvant‐formulated vaccine. Based on the superiority of this nano‐vaccine with good biocompatibility, inexpensive preparation and higher efficiency of delivering antigen into cells, ZIF‐8 can serve as a promising replacement for Freund's adjuvant in research, with a prospective usage for vaccines against bacterial pathogens in the veterinary field.
Pyridinium amidate ligands for efficient Pd‐catalyzed reductive nitroarene cyclization using formate as CO surrogate
Authors: Reusser Esaïe , Fouad Manar Ahmed , Ferretti Francesco , Ragaini Fabio , Albrecht Martin
Published: February 2025

The field of reductive cyclization of substituted nitroarenes by CO is dominated by the use of palladium complexes with phenanthroline ligands due to their, up to now, unrivalled combination of resistance to oxidation by the nitroarene and ability to stabilize both Pd(II) and Pd(0) complexes. Recently developed pyridinium amidate and pyridinium amide (PYA) ligands are shown here to play the same role.  We tested several N,N‐bidentate PYAs in the reductive cyclization of methyl o‐nitrocinnamate to 2‐carbomethoxyindole using either phenyl formate or the formic acid/acetic anhydride combination as a suitable CO surrogate. This approach avoids high‐pressure setups for CO handling, allowing the reactions to be performed in standard pressure tubes. Two of the tested ligands, viz. a quinoline‐substituted para‐pyridinium amide and a pyridine‐functionalized ortho‐pyridinium amidate gave excellent results that were comparable to those achieved using phenanthroline, even at a low catalyst loading (0.25 mol%). However, the results obtained with the pyridyl‐PYA ligand strongly depend on the acidity of the reaction mixture and the reason was identified as its protonation in an acidic environment. Lower activity observed with other ligands was attributed to either an ortho‐palladation of the pyridinium N‐Me moiety or to an insufficient stabilization of key palladium(0) intermediates.