bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Percutaneous Cystolithotripsy and Transurethral Cystolithotripsy for Treatment of Medium Size Bladder Stone: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Ghanghoria Ashish , Sharma Vivek , Ahmed Musheer , Shukla Pushpendra Kumar , Tiwari Brijesh
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Vesical calculus accounts for nearly 5% of urinary system calculi and is commonly seen in patients with Bladder Outlet Obstruction (BOO), chronic infection, and neurogenic bladder. Open cystolithotomy is an invasive surgery with a long postoperative period and with a high wound infection rate, so only best recommended for large stones. With recent advancements in endourological instruments, cystolithotripsy either by Percutaneous Cystolithotripsy (PCCL) or Transurethral Cystolithotripsy (TUCL) approach has become a safer treatment for medium size stone (2-4 cm). Aim: To compare the outcome of PCCL and TUCL for medium size bladder stones in adult patients. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted between January 2019 to December 2021 in the Department of Urology, Superspeciality Hospital, Shyam Shah Medical College, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, India. Group I was PCCL (n=32) and group II was TUCL (n=30). PCCL group was compared with TUCL group II for age, stone size, number of stones, operative time, mean urethral entries, postoperative hospital stays, peri and postoperative complications. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square and t-test. Differences were accepted to be statistically significant at p-value≤0.05. Results: A total of 168 were treated for bladder stones in the Institute and 62 patients were included in the study. No residual stone was observed in any of the two groups. Complete stone clearance was achieved in both groups of patients. Mean operative time and the number of urethral entries were 46.75±2.45 min and 1.06±0.25 min in in the PCCL group, and 59.67±3.84 min and 2.87±0.82 min in in the TUCL group. (p-value-<0.001). Conclusion: PCCL appears to be a better technique and preferable over TUCL in bladder stones of size between 2-4 cm.
Two Dosages of Dexamethasone (2 mg and 4 mg) as Analgesic Adjuvant to Levobupivacaine in Ultrasound-guided Brachial Plexus Block in Upper Limb SurgeryA Randomised Clinical Trial
Authors: Dutta Sohini , Laha Baisakhi , Mukherjee Maitreyee , Basunia Sandip Roy , Hazra Avijit
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Perineural dexamethasone gives promising results in prolonging duration of analgesia in brachial plexus block. Doses between 1 to 10 mg have been used but the optimum dose is not yet settled. Aim: To compare the analgesic efficacy of two low doses of dexamethasone in Ultrasonography (USG)-guided brachial plexus block for planned upper limb surgery. Materials and Methods: A double-blind randomised clinical trial was conducted with 126 adult patients of either sex, randomised in equal numbers to 2 mg and 4 mg dexamethasone groups, the steroid being administered in conjunction with 0.5% levobupivacaine. Time to onset of sensory and motor blocks, duration of analgesia, duration of motor block, total consumption of analgesics in the first 24 hours postoperative period, haemodynamic parameters and features of neurotoxicity were compared. Tramadol 50mg intravenous was permitted as rescue analgesic. Results: No significant differences in onset of sensory and motor blocks were encountered. Duration of sensory block with 4 mg {median (Interquartile range); 1080 (900-1140) min} clearly exceeded that with 2 mg {840 (720-960) min} (p-value<0.001) dexamethasone. Duration of motor block was also greater with 4 mg dexamethasone {1080 (1020-1170) versus 870 (810-990)min} (p-value<0.001). Total analgesic consumption in first 24 hours was 225 (175-250) mg versus 100 (75-200) mg in 2 mg and 4 mg groups respectively (p-value<0.001). No features of neurotoxicity were encountered in either group. Conclusion: Perineural dexamethasone 4 mg gives better results as analgesic adjuvant to bupivacaine compared to 2mg in brachial plexus block for upper limb surgery without increasing adverse effects.
Morphometric Analysis of the Body, Pedicle and Lamina of Typical Thoracic Vertebrae: An Observational Study
Authors: Yadav Hari Narayan , Aneja Prachi Saffar , Saha Susmita , Kapur Neeru , Dange Rajeshree Narendra
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Thoracic vertebrae are a part of the vertebral column. The thoracic vertebrae have a body size between the cervical and lumbar vertebrae, which increase gradually from above downward and are characterised by the presence of facet joints for articulation with the head of the ribs on the side of the vertebral bodies. Aim: To measure the various morphometric parameters of different components of dry thoracic vertebrae and compare various components on the right and left-sides. Materials and Methods: The present observational study was carried on 100 dry human thoracic vertebrae for direct measurements of the vertebral body, pedicle and lamina. Using a digital Vernier calliper, all the parameters were measured. The data was entered in Microsoft Excel sheet. The mean and standard deviation (M±SD) of all parameters were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. Student’s t-test was used for the comparison of morphometric dimensions of the right and left-sides. Results: In a typical thoracic vertebra, the mean Transverse Diameter (TD) was 25.58±2.34 mm, and the mean Anteroposterior Diameter (APD) of the vertebral body was 18.53±2.59 mm. The mean Anterior Height (AH) and Posterior Height (PH) of the body were 16.24±1.54 mm and 17.81±1.67 mm, respectively. The mean Pedicle Width (PW) was 3.75±0.98 mm on the right-side and 3.74±0.97 mm on the left-side. The mean Pedicle Height (PH) was 9.64±1.04 mm on the right-side and 9.68±1.14 mm on the left-side. The mean Lamina Height (LH) on the right-side was 17.07±2.15 mm and on the left-side was 17.20±1.98 mm. The right-side and left-side mean Lamina Widths (LW) were 5.26±0.94 mm and 5.13±0.85 mm, respectively. PW and PH and lamina thickness and LH measurements showed no statistically difference between right and left-sides. Conclusion: Designing implants and instruments using data from such researches can benefit the surgeon during preoperative planning.
ntestinal Metaplasia in Barrett’s Oesophagus: A Clinicopathological Study
Authors: Samaddar Jaya Bagchi , Samaddar Dwaipayan , Khan Kalyan
Published: March 2023

Introduction: The incidence of Oesophageal Adenocarcinoma (EAC) has increased at a faster rate than any other cancer in the developed nations. Despite advances in treatment, five year survival rate for EAC is <15%. Till date, Barrett’s Oesophagus (BE) is the only known precursor of EAC increasing its risk by greater than 30 to 60 fold. Most important risk factor for development of dysplasia and EAC is specialised Intestinal Metaplasia (IM) in BE. Aim: To find the association between clinical, endoscopic and histopathological features and presence of IM in patients with endoscopically suspected BE. Materials and Methods: This was an institution based descriptive study with a cross-sectional design conducted in the Departments of Pathology and Surgery, in a tertiary care centre of North Bengal for four years (2017-2021), among patients attending surgery and medicine Outpatient Department (OPDs) or Inpatient Department (IPDs), suspected on clinical basis and subsequent endoscopic detection of BE utilising Prague criteria. Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) and Alcian Blue (pH 2.5) stains were used to detect complete or incomplete IM and results were analysed using appropriate statistical software. Results: Among 120 cases included in the study, 72 (60%) had Short Segment Barrett’s Oesophagus (SSBE) and 48 (40%) Long Segment Barrett’s Oesophagus (LSBE). Hiatal hernia was significantly more frequent in LSBE patients (32 out of 48) compared to patients with SSBE (24 out of 72). The associations of tobacco and alcohol abuse with microscopically proven BE were statistically significant with p-values of 0.005 and 0.004, respectively. The association of IM with the increasing length of Columnar Lined Oesophagus (CLE) was statistically significant (p-value=0.004). Conclusion: Tobacco and alcohol abuse, presence of hiatal hernia (particularly in LSBE patients) were significantly associated with BE. Increasing length of CLE is more commonly associated with IM. Incomplete IM was observed more commonly in LSBE cases whereas complete IM was detected more frequently in cases diagnosed as SSBE by endoscopy
A Comparative Study on GC-MS Profiles and Effect of Ethanolic Extracts of Stem-Bark and Leaves of Daniellia oliveri on Cerebral Sodium Pump and Thiols Status in Fenton Reaction Treated Rat Organs In-vitro
Authors: Ale Ebenezer Morayo , Asuelimen Steve Osagie , Ayo Victoria Ifeoluwa , Akinseye Olanrewaju Roland , Anih David Chinonso , Habibu Bilyaminu , Samaila Siman Rambo
Published: March 2023

Daniellia oliveri is one of the most extensively utilized medicinal plants in Nigeria and some West African countries for the treatment of various ailments. In the present study, the GC-MS profiles and effect of ethanolic extracts of stem bark and leaves of Daniellia oliveri on lipid peroxidation, Na+/K+-ATPase activity and thiols status in H2O2 and Fe2+ (fenton reaction) assaulted cerebral and hepatic tissue homogenates was investigated. The stem bark and leaves were extracted with absolute ethanol for 72hrs and concentrated in a rotary evaporator. Wistar rats were euthanized and the brains and livers were removed, homogenized, centrifuged and the supernatants were used for lipid peroxidation, Na+/K+-ATPase activity, and thiol assays in the presence of prooxidants (1mM H2O2 or 10μM Fe2+ or H2O2 and Fe2+).The results revealed that ethanol extract of both the leaf and stem-bark inhibited lipid peroxidation induced by H2O2, Fe2+ and combination of H2O2 and Fe2+ and this was evident in the reduction of lipid peroxidation adducts formation in rat liver and brain homogenates with the stem-bark possessing more efficacy. Furthermore, the results of  Na+/K+-ATPase and thiol assays revealed that H2O2 and Fe2+ inhibited the activity of cerebral Na+/K+-ATPase, while  H2O2/Fe2+ caused a marked reduction in the levels of both protein and non-protein thiols in the tissues homogenates. However, the ethanolic extract of Daniellia oliveri extirpated this anomaly by increasing the activity of cerebral Na+/K+-ATPase as well as the thiol level in the rat hepatic and cerebral tissues. Finally, GC-MS analysis was carried out on the ethanolic extracts of the stem bark and leaves of Daniellia oliveri and results revealed the presence of 21 compounds including 1,2-Benzisothiazol-3-amine, 1H-Indole-2-carboxylic acid, 2-Ethylacridine, Ethyl 2-(2-chloroacetamido)-3,3,3-trifluoro-2-(3-fluoroanilino) propionate and trans-1-Butyl-2-methylcyclopropane in the stem bark and 10 compounds including Methylthio-acetonitrile, 2-Methyl-Z,Z-3,13-octadecadienol, Desulphosinigrin and 4H-1,2,4-triazole-3,5-diamine in the leaves, justifying the observed biological activities of Daniellia oliveri and the higher potency of the stem bark may be attributed to the presence of more bioactive constituents found in it. This study therefore justifies the medicinal usage of leaves and stem-bark of Daniellia oliveri and suggests its consideration in the treatment and management of degeneration diseases with etiology associated with oxidative stress.
Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus) Maternity Denning Behavior Observations at Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Visakhapatnam, India
Authors: Surisetti Ravi Babu , Pattasi Jaya , Mallarapu Purushotham
Published: March 2023

The Sloth bear is an average-sized black bear with a long, shaggy coat. a long ruff of hair around the back, and a white V- or Y-shaped mark on the breast. Males that are considered to be "large" often top out around 145 kg and 170 centimeters. An endangered species, the sloth bear  (Melursus ursinus) is extensively spread over the Indian subcontinent, including India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and perhaps Bangladesh. It is found in wooded regions from the Indian peninsula to the foothills of the Himalayas. Despite the species' widespread occurrence, nothing is known about its ecology or behavior. We studied den characteristics and maternity denning behavior in captivity. The den use was more from June to August, possibly to take shelter against heavy rains from the southwest monsoon. (June - September). Breeding observed based on the association of adult females and males as well as the birth of cubs revealed that mating is likely to occur during late summer or early monsoon and cubs are born mostly during November-December. This study presents observations on den site characteristics and maternal denning behavior patterns of sloth bears in captivity at Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Visakhapatnam.
Effect of Boron and Plant Growth Regulators on Growth and Yield of Zaid Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.)
Authors: Singh Sandeep , Umesha C.
Published: March 2023

The experiment was conducted at crop research farm in the department of agronomy during summer season in the department of agronomy during summer season of 2022 on cowpea crop. The treatments consisted of 3 levels of Boron (0.75,1,1.25 kg/ha) and Plant Growth Regulators (GA3 30 ppm, NAA 35 ppm, ABA 40 ppm ) as a foliar spray. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized block design with 9 treatments and replicated “thrice”.0.75 kg/ha as soil application combination with 30 ppm gibberellic acid as foliar spray recorded maximum plant height (69.48cm), highest plant dry weight (22.22gm), crop growth rate (3.0g/m2/day), number of nodules/plant (24.37), test weight (85.6g), number of pods/plant (15.45), number of seeds/pod (13.57), seed yield (2.68t/ha), stover yield(6.09t/ha), harvest index (30.56%). However, relative growth rate was not influenced by the application of boron and plant growth regulators and it recorded maximum in treatment 1 (Boron 0.75 kg/ha +GA3 30 ppm) (0.1005 g/g/day). 0.75 kg/ha Boron + 30 ppm gibberellic acid as foliar spray recorded highest gross return (161,040.00 ₹/ha), net return (113,394.00 ₹/ha), and benefit: cost ratio (2.38).
Usage of Tofacitinib as a Steroid-sparing Therapy in Pulmonary and Cutaneous Sarcoidosis
Authors: Moursi Hazem Ahmed , Ali Dalia Farrag Gomaa
Published: March 2023

Background: Sarcoidosis is a multisystem, granulomatous & chronic illness which typically affecting lymph nodes & lungs also any organ system. We aimed to evaluate the tofacitinib effectiveness as cutaneous & pulmonary sarcoidosis steroid-sparing treatment.

Methods: This retrospective cohort observational research was performed on 45 cases aged from 20 to 65 years old, both sexes, a forced vital capacity (FVC) >50%, histology consistent with sarcoidosis, pulmonary sarcoidosis definition by association for Sarcoidosis and other Granulomatous Disorders (WASOG) & disease progression or symptoms necessitating 15-30 mg/day prednisone (or comparable corticosteroids) as a consistent dose of for at least 4 weeks before enrolment. The definition of Steroid-dependent disease was the necessity for steroids for disease symptoms or progression control, but pulmonary impairment on pulmonary function testing was not required. Additionally, all instances with a history of failed attempts to reduce corticosteroid doses, and their treating physicians urged steroid-sparing therapy.

Results: Pulmonary function tests (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/ FVC ratio) were significantly improved after treatment compared to baseline (P value <0.001). 41 (91.1%) patients showed pulmonary improvement. The last evaluated CSAMI activity score was significantly lower compared to baseline CSAMI activity score (6.38 ± 2.7 vs. 39.51 ± 14.1, P <0.001). The mean CSAMI activity score decrease was 33.13± 11.4%.

Conclusions: Tofacitinib is a promising strategy for of cutaneous & pulmonary sarcoidosis treatment.
Patient Cost-Sharing and Utilization of Breast Cancer Diagnostic Imaging by Patients Undergoing Subsequent Testing After a Screening Mammogram
Authors: Hughes Danny R. , Espinoza William , Fein Sarah , Rula Elizabeth Y. , McGinty Geraldine
Published: March 2023

Importance

Out-of-pocket costs (OOPCs) have been largely eliminated for screening mammography. However, patients still face OOPCs when undergoing subsequent diagnostic tests after the initial screening, which represents a potential barrier to those who require follow-up testing after initial testing.

Objective

To examine the association between the degree of patient cost-sharing and the use of diagnostic breast cancer imaging after undergoing a screening mammogram.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study used medical claims from Optum’s deidentified Clinformatics Data Mart Database, a commercial claims database derived from a database of administrative health claims for members of large commercial and Medicare Advantage health plans. The large commercially insured cohort included female patients aged 40 years or older with no prior history of breast cancer undergoing a screening mammogram examination. Data were collected from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2017, and analysis was conducted from January 2021 to September 2022.

Exposures

A k-means clustering machine learning algorithm was used to classify patient insurance plans by dominant cost-sharing mechanism. Plan types were then ranked by OOPCs.

Main Outcomes and Measures

A multivariable 2-part hurdle regression model was used to examine the association between patient OOPCs and the number and type of diagnostic breast services undergone by patients observed to undergo subsequent testing.

Results

In our sample, 230 845 women (220 023 [95.3%] aged 40 to 64 years; 16 810 [7.3%] Black, 16 398 [7.1%] Hispanic, and 164 702 [71.3%] White) underwent a screening mammogram in 2016. These patients were covered by 22 828 distinct insurance plans associated with 6 025 741 enrollees and 44 911 473 distinct medical claims. Plans dominated by coinsurance were found to have the lowest mean (SD) OOPCs ($945 [$1456]), followed by balanced plans ($1017 [$1386]), plans dominated by copays ($1020 [$1408]), and plans dominated by deductibles ($1186 [$1522]). Women underwent significantly fewer subsequent breast imaging procedures in dominantly copay (24 [95% CI, 11-37] procedures per 1000 women) and dominantly deductible (16 [95% CI, 5-28] procedures per 1000 women) plans compared with coinsurance plans. Patients from all plan types underwent fewer breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans than patients in the lowest OOPC plan (balanced, 5 [95% CI, 2-12] MRIs per 1000 women; copay, 6 [95% CI, 3-6] MRI per 100 women; deductible, 6 [95% CI, 3-9] MRIs per 1000 women.

Conclusions and Relevance

Despite policies designed to remove financial barriers to access for breast cancer screening, significant financial barriers remain for women at risk of breast cancer.
Reinforced self‐affirmation as a method for reducing eyewitness memory conformity: An experimental examination using a modified MORI technique
Authors: Kękuś Magdalena , Chylińska Klaudia , Szpitalak Malwina , Polczyk Romuald , Ito Hiroshi , Mori Kazuo , Barzykowski Krystian
Published: March 2023

The manuscript describes an experimental investigation of a technique that might reduce memory conformity: the reinforced self‐affirmation procedure (RSA). While previous studies have already demonstrated the RSA's effectiveness in reducing other memory distortions (e.g., the misinformation effect and interrogative suggestibility), this has not been tested in the context of the co‐witness memory conformity effect. To this end, we utilized the well‐known MORI technique to study co‐witness memory conformity under well‐controlled experimental conditions. While viewing different versions of the same movie, pairs of participants were sat beside each other, believing that they were viewing the same version. Next, they answered figurs collaboratively, which guided them to discuss conflicting details. Finally, participants individually took a recognition test, but in the experimental condition this was preceded by the RSA procedure, which was expected to be an effective way of eliminating the effect of memory conformity. Unexpectedly, this assumption was not confirmed. This result is further discussed.
Bioinspired Dynamic Antifouling of Oil‐Water Separation Membrane by Bubble‐Mediated Shape Morphing
Authors: Li Hui , Zhang Jianqiang , Gan Shaopeng , Liu Xilu , Zhu Lei , Xia Fujun , Luo Xiaoming , Xue Qingzhong
Published: March 2023

Oil–water separation membranes easily fail to oil foulants with low surface energy and high viscosity, which severely limits these membranes’ applications in treating oily wastewater. Herein, an oil–water separation membrane by bioinspired bubble‐mediated antifouling strategy is fabricated via growing hierarchical cobalt phosphide arrays on stainless steel mesh. The as‐prepared membrane is superhydrophilic/superaerophobic and electrocatalytic for hydrogen evolution under water, which helps to rapidly generate and release abundant microbubbles surrounding the oil‐fouled region on the membrane. These microbubbles can spontaneously coalesce with the oil foulants to increase their buoyancy and warp their interface tension by morphing the oil shape. And this spontaneous coalescence also increases the kinetic energy of oil foulants resulting from the decreased bubbles’ interface energy and potential energy. The synergy of the warped interface tension, increased buoyancy, and kinetic energy drives the efficiently dynamic antifouling of this membrane. This dynamic antifouling even can remove some solid sediment such as oily sand particles that causes more serious fouling of the membrane. Thus, this membrane maintains high flux (>11920 L m−2 h−1 bar−1) in the long‐term separation of oil–water and oil–sand–water emulsions by dynamically recovering the decayed flux on demand, which exhibits great potential in treating industrial oily wastewater.
Alleviate Periodontitis and Its Comorbidity Hypertension using a Nanoparticle‐Embedded Functional Hydrogel System
Authors: Xu Shuo , Hu Bin , Dong Ting , Chen Bo‐Yan , Xiong Xiao‐Jian , Du Lin‐Juan , Li Yu‐Lin , Chen Yan‐Lin , Tian Guo‐Cai , Bai Xue‐Bing , Liu Ting , Zhou Lu‐Jun , Zhang Wu‐Chang , Liu Yan , Ding Qin‐Feng , Zhang Xue‐Qing , Duan Sheng‐Zhong
Published: March 2023

Periodontitis and hypertension often occur as comorbidities, which need to be treated at the same time. To resolve this issue, a controlled‐release composite hydrogel approach is proposed with dual antibacterial and anti‐inflammatory activities as a resolution to achieve the goal of co‐treatment of comorbidities. Specifically, chitosan (CS) with inherent antibacterial properties is cross‐linked with antimicrobial peptide (AMP)‐modified polyethylene glycol (PEG) to form a dual antibacterial hydrogel (CS‐PA). Subsequently, curcumin loaded into biodegradable nanoparticles (CNP) are embedded in the hydrogel exhibiting high encapsulation efficiency and sustained release to achieve long‐term anti‐inflammatory activities. In a mouse model of periodontitis complicated with hypertension, CS‐PA/CNP is applied to gingival sulcus and produced an optimal therapeutic effect on periodontitis and hypertension simultaneously. The therapeutic mechanisms are deeply studied and indicated that CS‐PA/CNP exerted excellent immunoregulatory effects by suppressing the accumulation of lymphocytes and myeloid cells and enhanced the antioxidant capacity and thus the anti‐inflammatory capacity of macrophages through the glutathione metabolism pathway. In conclusion, CS‐PA/CNP has demonstrated its superior therapeutic effects and potential clinical translational value in the co‐treatment of periodontitis and hypertension, and also serves as a drug delivery platform to provide combinatorial therapeutic options for periodontitis with complicated pathogenesis.
Reprogramming Hypoxic Tumor‐Associated Macrophages by Nanoglycoclusters for Boosted Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Zhao Yong‐Dan , An Hong‐Wei , Mamuti Muhetaerjiang , Zeng Xiang‐Zhong , Zheng Rui , Yang Jia , Zhou Wei , Liang Yuxin , Qin Gege , Hou Da‐Yong , Liu Xiaolong , Wang Hao , Zhao Yuliang , Fang Xiaohong
Published: March 2023

The tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) in intratumoral hypoxic regions are key drivers of immune escape. Reprogramming the hypoxic TAMs to antitumor phenotype holds great therapeutic benefits but remains challenging for current drugs. Here, an in situ activated nanoglycocluster is reported to realize effective tumor penetration and potent repolarization of hypoxic TAMs. Triggered by the hypoxia‐upregulated matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2), the nanoglycocluster is self‐assembled from the administered mannose‐containing precursor glycopeptides and presents densely‐arrayed mannoses to multivalently engage with mannose receptors on M2‐like TAMs for efficient phenotype switch. By virtue of the high diffusivity of precursor glycopeptides due to their low molecular mass and weak affinity with TAMs in perivascular regions, the nanoglycoclusters are capable of substantially accumulating in hypoxic areas to strongly interact with local TAMs. This enables the efficient repolarization of overall TAMs with a higher rate than the small‐molecule drug R848 and CD40 antibody, and beneficial therapeutic effects in mouse tumor models especially when combining with PD‐1 antibody. This on‐demand activated immunoagent is endowed with tumor‐penetrating properties and inspires the design of diverse intelligent nanomedicines for hypoxia‐related cancer immunotherapy.
Optimizing Lipid Nanoparticles for Delivery in Primates
Authors: Lam Kieu , Schreiner Petra , Leung Ada , Stainton Paul , Reid Steve , Yaworski Ed , Lutwyche Pete , Heyes James
Published: March 2023

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are clinically proven to successfully deliver both small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapeutics and larger mRNA payloads for prophylactic vaccine applications. Non‐human primates (NHPs) are generally considered to be the most predictive of human responses. However, for ethical and economic reasons, LNP compositions have historically been optimized in rodents. It has been difficult to translate LNP potency data from rodents to NHPs for intravenously (IV) administered products in particular. This presents a major challenge for preclinical drug development. An attempt to investigate LNP parameters, which have historically been optimized in rodents, is carried out, and seemingly innocuous changes are found to result in large potency differences between species. For example, the ideal particle size for NHPs (50–60 nm) is found to be smaller than for rodents (70–80 nm). Surface chemistry requirements are also different, with almost double the amount of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)‐conjugated lipid needed for maximal potency in NHPs. By optimizing these two parameters, approximately eight‐fold increase in protein expression from intravenously administered messenger RNA (mRNA)‐LNP in NHP is gained. The optimized formulations are well tolerated when administered repeatedly with no loss of potency. This advancement enables the design of optimal LNP products for clinical development.
Nacre‐Inspired Bacterial Cellulose/Mica Nanopaper with Excellent Mechanical and Electrical Insulating Properties by Biosynthesis
Authors: Sun Wen‐Bin , Han Zi‐Meng , Yue Xin , Zhang Hao‐Yu , Yang Kun‐Peng , Liu Zhao‐Xiang , Li De‐Han , Zhao Yu‐Xiang , Ling Zhang‐Chi , Yang Huai‐Bin , Guan Qing‐Fang , Yu Shu‐Hong
Published: March 2023

The exploration of extreme environments has become necessary for understanding and changing nature. However, the development of functional materials suitable for extreme conditions is still insufficient. Herein, a kind of nacre‐inspired bacterial cellulose (BC)/synthetic mica (S‐Mica) nanopaper with excellent mechanical and electrical insulating properties that has excellent tolerance to extreme conditions is reported. Benefited from the nacre‐inspired structure and the 3D network of BC, the nanopaper exhibits excellent mechanical properties, including high tensile strength (375 MPa), outstanding foldability, and bending fatigue resistance. In addition, S‐Mica arranged in layers endows the nanopaper with remarkable dielectric strength (145.7 kV mm−1) and ultralong corona resistance life. Moreover, the nanopaper is highly resistant to alternating high and low temperatures, UV light, and atomic oxygen, making it an ideal candidate for extreme environment‐resistant materials.
Tailored Cysteine‐Derived Molecular Structures toward Efficient and Stable Inorganic Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Hao , Tian Qingwen , Xiang Wanchun , Du Yachao , Wang Zhiteng , Liu Yali , Liu Lidan , Yang Tengteng , Wu Haifeng , Nie Ting , Huang Wenliang , Najar Adel , Liu Shengzhong (Frank)
Published: March 2023

Surface–defect‐triggered non‐radiative charge recombination and poor stability have become the main roadblock to continued improvement in inorganic perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, the main culprits are identified on the inorganic perovskite surface by first‐principles calculations, and to purposefully design a brand‐new passivator, Boc‐S‐4‐methoxy‐benzyl‐l‐cysteine (BMBC), whose multiple Lewis‐based functional groups (NH, S and CO) to suppress halide vacancies and coordinate with undercoordinated Pb2+ through typical Lewis baseacid reactions. The tailored electron‐donating methoxyl group (CH3O–) can cause an increased electron density on the benzene ring, which strengthens the interaction with undercoordinated Pb2+ via electrostatic interactions. This BMBC passivation can reduce the surface trap density, enlarge grains, prolong the charge lifetime, and cause a more suitable energy‐level alignment. In addition, the hydrophobic tert‐butyl in butoxycarbonyl (Boc‐) group ensures that BMBC is uniformly covered and prevents harmful aggregation through steric repulsion at the perovskite/hole–transporting layer (HTL) interface, thus providing a hydrophobic umbrella to resist moisture invasion. Consequently, the combination of the above increases the efficiency of CsPbI3−xBrx PSC from 18.6% to 21.8%, the highest efficiency for this type of inorganic metal halide PSCs so far, as far as it is known. Moreover, the device exhibits higher environmental and thermal stability.
Boosting Trapping in Dark Mode and Emission in Bright Mode using a Quad‐Nanohole
Authors: Yu Yarong , Wu Dan , Lou Yuanhao , Dong Jiayao , Min Qiuhong , Ma Jian , Wu Bei , Zhang Hongyuan , Wang Yirui , Tang Hongwu , Pang Yuanjie
Published: March 2023

Single‐emitter luminescence is attractive for various applications, including single‐molecular biology, super‐resolution optical imaging, and single‐photon sources. Optical trapping as a particle positioning method is promising for enhancing luminescence by a precise matching of the nanoemitter to the sub‐wavelength mode volume of the photonic structure. Simultaneously satisfying the requirement of both luminescence and trapping enhancement, however, is challenging. Here, stable optical trapping and the in situ excitation of highly bright photoluminescence of a single up‐conversion nanoparticle (UCNP) are demonstrated. A quad‐nanohole structure with two bright‐field modes for enhanced excitation and emission of the UCNP, as well as a dark‐field mode for enhanced optical trapping is designed. It is experimentally demonstrated that the photoluminescence of the UCNP optically trapped in the quad‐nanohole is enhanced by a factor of 87 (as compared to a UCNP trapped in the single nanohole), and this enhancement factor surpasses that from a bowtie nanohole—one of the “gold standards” for local field enhancement. This work provides a route to assemble super‐bright single‐emitter luminescence by optical trapping.
Experimental Implementation of Metasurfaces for Secure Multi‐Channel Image Encryption in the Infrared
Authors: Audhkhasi Romil , Lien Max R. , Povinelli Michelle L.
Published: March 2023

The ability to tailor light–matter interactions using artificially engineered materials has opened up new avenues for secure data storage and communication. This work presents an experimental investigation of metasurfaces for secure, multi‐channel image encryption in the infrared (IR). The proposed metasurfaces consist of an array of pixels, each designed to produce a wavelength‐ and polarization‐dependent IR absorptivity. A basis set of pixels is designed for encrypting images of arbitrary resolution on a given number of wavelength and polarization channels. These pixels are fabricated, and their spectral response is experimentally measured using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The measured data is used to emulate the encryption and decryption of binary and 8‐bit grayscale images. Finally, the security of the encryption scheme proposed in this work is evaluated by performing statistical analyses on the image data stored on different channels. The results presented in this study suggest intriguing possibilities for the development of encrypted tagging technologies in the infrared and thus have implications for secure object identification and anti‐counterfeiting.
Effects of a Uniform Magnetic Field on Twisted Graphene Nanoribbons
Authors: Soares Camila C. , Obispo Angel E. , Jirón Vicente Andrés G. , Castro Luis B.
Published: March 2023

In the present work, the relativistic quantum motion of massless fermions in a helicoidal graphene nanoribbon under the influence of a uniform magnetic field is investigated. Considering a uniform magnetic field (B) aligned along the axis of helicoid, this problem is explored in the context of Dirac equation in a curved space‐time. As this system does not support exact solutions due to considered background, the bound‐state solutions and local density of states (LDOS) are obtained numerically by means of the Numerov method. The combined effects of width of the nanoribbon (D), length of ribbon (L), twist parameter (ω), and B on the equations of motion and LDOS are analyzed and discussed. It is verified that the presence of B produces a constant minimum value of local density of state on the axis of helicoid, which is possible only for values large enough of ω, in contrast to the case for already studied in the literature.
Anti‐proliferative potential of copper(I) acylthiourea complexes with triphenylphosphine against breast cancer cells
Authors: Dorairaj Dorothy Priyanka , Haribabu Jebiti , Mahendiran Dharmasivam , Malekshah Rahime Eshaghi , Hsu Sodio C. N. , Karvembu Ramasamy
Published: March 2023

We report the synthesis of five new Cu(I) acylthiourea complexes (C1–C5) bearing the general formula [Cu(L‐R)Cl (PPh3)2] [L = monodentate acylthiourea ligand, R = C6H5 (L1), C6H4CH3(o) (L2), C6H4OCH2CH3(p) (L3), C10H7 (L4) or C6H4Cl(p) (L5)]. All the complexes were characterized by analytical and spectroscopic tools. The complexes (C1–C5) exhibited a distorted tetrahedral geometry as inferred from the single crystal X‐ray diffraction study. The complexes were subjected to interact with the biomolecules (calf thymus [CT] DNA/bovine serum albumin [BSA]); the one bearing naphthyl substituent (C4) exhibited the highest binding efficacy. Further, anticancer activity of the complexes was studied exclusively against breast cancer cell lines, namely, MCF7, T47D, and MDA MB 231. Complex C4 was found to be highly cytotoxic on the three cancer cell lines with the IC50 values of 0.75, 0.75, and 0.68 μM, respectively. Conveniently, the complexes displayed fourfold less toxicity against the normal MCF10a human breast cells. The ability of complex C4 to induce apoptosis was analyzed by acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) and Hoechst 33258 staining assays. Furthermore, it was found that complex C4 induced apoptosis via reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐mediated mitochondrial signaling pathway. Confocal fluorescence images of the cells subjected to lyso and mitotracker staining assays revealed that complex C4 was primarily localized on the mitochondria, and finally, Western blot analysis also confirmed the apoptosis induced by complex C4 in the MDA MB 231 cancer cells.
Fluidized bed roasting modifying the microstructure of cocoa nibs and improving cocoa butter quality
Authors: Peña‐Correa Ruth Fabiola , Mogol Burçe Ataç , Fogliano Vincenzo
Published: March 2023

The extraction of butter from cocoa seeds involves various processing steps that weaken the lipid‐storing cell walls of cocoa cotyledons. Roasting is particularly critical, making cocoa nibs porous and brittle. In this study, the degree of disruption of the microstructure of cocoa nibs, and the quality and aroma profile of cocoa butter, were evaluated using two roasting techniques, forced convective oven, and fluidized bed. Fluidized bed roasting, recognized for its energy efficiency and low‐carbon footprint, was 12 times faster than oven roasting. This technique allowed a rapid release of steam when parenchyma cell walls were still in a glassy state, while oven roasting caused gradual physical modification allowing the cell wall to become more elastic. Consequently, small pores expanded and coalesced to produce larger pores. X‐ray tomographic analysis showed a total porosity in unroasted cocoa nibs of 8.5 ± 2.0% (vol/vol), which was doubled upon oven roasting and triplicated upon fluidized bed roasting. The higher porosity in fluidized‐bed‐roasted nibs was reflected in the lowest densities and highest cocoa butter yield. Cocoa butter obtained from fluidized‐bed roasted cocoa showed a higher presence of pyrazines and 3‐methylbutanal, and a lower concentration of hydroperoxides, thus enhancing the chocolate flavor and quality. In this paper, we proved that the pore structure of cocoa nibs is a key quality descriptor of roasting processing, and we concluded by quality considerations that fluidized bed roasting technique should be preferred for cocoa nibs roasting over conventional roasting.
Multi‐Dimensional Topological Fermions in Electrides
Authors: Meng Weizhen , Zhang Xiaoming , Jiang Jiayu , Li Zihan , Liu Ying , Dai Xuefang , Liu Guodong
Published: March 2023

Topological electrides have attracted extensive attention in various fields, for example, electrocatalysis, spintronics, electron emitters, etc., due to their non‐trivial topological surface states and unique electronic properties. It is well known that topologically protected nontrivial surface states are not broken by external perturbations and further exhibit high carrier mobility and high electron density on some specific surfaces. In addition, electrides usually possess a lower work function due to the presence of approximately loose excess electrons. In this case, topological electrides not only build a bridge between topological materials and electrides, but also couple various excellent properties of these two materials. Since the concept of topological electrides was first proposed, several novel types of topological electrides have been reported in the last few years. Therefore, it is necessary to give a comprehensive review of these topological electrides. In this review, the history of the development of topological electrides and their current status is systematically summarized. In addition, relevant insights into the challenges and opportunities facing topological materials are provided.
Modulating and optimizing Pluronic F‐68 concentrations and feeding for intensified perfusion Chinese hamster ovary cell cultures
Authors: Wei Zhaohui , Xia Yang , Su Yuning , Quan Yufen , Sun Liuliu , Wang Shanshan , Zhu Fangjian , Chen Zhenzhen , Tian Jun , Wang Wei‐Chun , Zhou Weichang , Yu Haiyang
Published: March 2023

Perfusion culture is often performed with micro‐sparger to fulfill the high oxygen demand from the densified cells. Protective additive Pluronic F‐68 (PF‐68) is widely used to mitigate the adverse effect in cell viability from micro‐sparging. In this study, different PF‐68 retention ratio in alternating tangential filtration (ATF) columns was found to be crucial for cell performance of different perfusion culture modes. The PF‐68 in the perfusion medium was found retained inside the bioreactor when exchanged through ATF hollow fibers with a small pore size (50 kD). The accumulated PF‐68 could provide sufficient protection for cells under micro‐sparging. On the other hand, with large‐pore‐size (0.2 μm) hollow fibers, PF‐68 could pass through the ATF filtration membranes with little retention, and consequently led to compromised cell growth. To overcome the defect, a PF‐68 feeding strategy was designed and successfully verified on promoting cell growth with different Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines. With PF‐68 feeding, enhancements were observed in both viable cell densities (20%–30%) and productivity (~30%). A threshold PF‐68 concentration of 5 g/L for high‐density cell culture (up to 100 × 106 cells/mL) was also proposed and verified. The additional PF‐68 feeding was not observed to affect product qualities. By designing the PF‐68 concentration of perfusion medium to or higher than the threshold level, a similar cell growth enhancement was also achieved. This study systematically investigated the protecting role of PF‐68 in intensified CHO cell cultures, shedding a light on the optimization of perfusion cultures through the control of protective additives.
Racial disparities in cancer care, an eyeopener for developing better global cancer management strategies
Authors: Bharmjeet  , Das Asmita
Published: March 2023

Background

In the last few decades, advancements in cancer research, both in the field of cancer diagnostics as well as treatment of the disease have been extensive and multidimensional. Increased availability of health care resources and growing awareness has resulted in the reduction of consumption of carcinogens such as tobacco; adopting various prophylactic measures; cancer testing on regular basis and improved targeted therapies have greatly reduced cancer mortality among populations, globally. However, this notable reduction in cancer mortality is discriminate and reflective of disparities between various ethnic populations and economic classes. Several factors contribute to this systemic inequity, at the level of diagnosis, cancer prognosis, therapeutics, and even point‐of‐care facilities.

Recent Findings

In this review, we have highlighted cancer health disparities among different populations around the globe. It encompasses social determinants such as status in society, poverty, education, diagnostic approaches including biomarkers and molecular testing, treatment as well as palliative care. Cancer treatment is an active area of constant progress and newer targeted treatments like immunotherapy, personalized treatment, and combinatorial therapies are emerging but these also show biases in their implementation in various sections of society. The involvement of populations in clinical trials and trial management is also a hotbed for racial discrimination. The immense progress in cancer management and its worldwide application needs a careful evaluation by identifying the biases in racial discrimination in healthcare facilities.

Conclusion

Our review gives a comprehensive evaluation of this global racial discrimination in cancer care and would be helpful in designing better strategies for cancer management and decreasing mortality.
Mouse Models for Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Sakamoto Keiko , Nagao Keisuke
Published: March 2023

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a multifactorial disease with underlying barrier disruption and altered microbial flora, resulting in dry skin and eczematous inflammation with persistent pruritis. Mouse models have been heavily used to investigate AD pathophysiology. Among various AD mouse models, AD‐like inflammation induced by topical calcipotriol, a vitamin D3 analog referred to as MC903 in experimental settings, is a versatile model that can be applied to any strain of mice, which can be used for immunologic and morphologic studies. Herein, we provide basic protocols for the topical application of MC903 and approaches to assess phenotypes. After inducing AD‐like inflammation, the skin is harvested for flow cytometry analysis, as well as for histologic and immunofluorescence microscopy analyses. The combination of these approaches enables accurate characterization of the degree of inflammation, type of inflammatory infiltrate, and localization of immune infiltrates. Published 2023. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Basic Protocol 1: Application of MC903 and gross phenotype assessment

Basic Protocol 2: Processing skin for flow cytometry analysis

Support Protocol: Skin immune cell surface staining and flow cytometry analysis

Basic Protocol 3: Harvesting skin for histologic analysis

Basic Protocol 4: Immunofluorescence staining to identify immune cell infiltrates
Microglial Phagocytosis/Cell Health High‐Content Assay
Authors: Mason Emily R. , Soni Disha M. , Chu Shaoyou
Published: March 2023

We report a microglial phagocytosis/cell health high‐content assay that has been used to test small molecule chemical probes and support our drug discovery projects targeting microglia for Alzheimer's disease therapy. The assay measures phagocytosis and cell health (cell count and nuclear intensity) simultaneously in 384‐well plates processed with an automatic liquid handler. The mix‐and‐read live cell imaging assay is highly reproducible with capacity to meet drug discovery research needs. Assay procedures take 4 days including plating cells, treating cells, adding pHrodo‐myelin/membrane debris to cells for phagocytosis, staining cell nuclei before performing high‐content imaging, and analysis. Three selected parameters are measured from cells: 1) mean total fluorescence intensity per cell of pHrodo‐myelin/membrane debris in phagocytosis vesicles to quantify phagocytosis; 2) cell counts per well (measuring compound effects on proliferation and cell death); and 3) average nuclear intensity (measuring compound induced apoptosis). The assay has been used on HMC3 cells (an immortalized human microglial cell line), BV2 cells (an immortalized mouse microglial cell line), and primary microglia isolated from mouse brains. Simultaneous measurements of phagocytosis and cell health allow for the distinction of compound effects on regulation of phagocytosis from cellular stress/toxicity related changes, a distinguishing feature of the assay. The combination of cell counts and nuclear intensity as indicators of cell health is also an effective way to measure cell stress and compound cytotoxicity, which may have broad applications as simultaneous profiling measurements for other phenotypic assays. © 2023 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

This article was corrected on 06 April 2023. See the end of the full text for details.

Basic Protocol: Microglial phagocytosis/cell health high‐content assay protocol

Support Protocol: Procedures to isolate myelin/membrane debris from mouse brain and label with pHrodo
Long COVID as a chronic illness: giving credibility to support students
Authors: Aquino Katherine C. , Jarrow Jane , Vance Lisa , Rei‐Skoff Ametrine Elizabeth
Published: March 2023

The SARS‐CoV‐2 virus continues to account for millions of short‐ and long‐term conditions that can impact an individual's cognition, breathing, and digestion. Specifically, Long COVID creates long‐term health problems, diagnosable if COVID‐19 symptoms present after an initial infection. Approximately 15% of U.S. adults with a prior positive COVID‐19 diagnosis experience Long COVID symptoms. (See Roy H. Perlis, et al, Prevalence and Correlates of Long COVID Symptoms Among US Adults, 5 JAMA NETW OPEN 10 (October 27, 2022).) Long COVID is plaguing individuals’ ability to return to their typical functioning, including their ability to return to work. (See Katie Bach, New Data Shows Long Covid Is Keeping as Many as 4 Million People Out of Work, BROOKINGS INSTITUTE (August 24, 2022) (https://brook.gs/3xktTkC).)
Accommodations for professors
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: March 2023

An overview of the key topics faced by disability services providers with citationsto noteworthy cases, statutes, regulations, and additional sources.