bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monkeypox Pathogenesis, Transmission, Preventive Measures and Treatment Modalities
Authors: Goradwar Vaishnavi Uttam , Agrawal Anil
Published: March 2023

Monkeypox is a disease transmitted through animals but can also spread from human to human. The causative agent is monkeypox virus which is a ds-DNA virus. Monkeypox virus belongs to the orthopox genus of the poxviridae family. Other members of this family are the variola virus and the vaccinia virus. This virus was first discovered in 1958. In 1970, when various types of research were going on to eradicate smallpox, the first case of smallpox in humans was reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Both smallpox and monkeypox share the same clinical features. Other symptoms are adenopathy and papular rashes. Monkeypox can spread through various modes of transmission. The most common mode is direct contact with contagious animals or contagious humans. Disease progression can be limited by spreading awareness, among the people about the factors responsible for transmission, clinical manifestations, and preventive methodologies.
Comparison of Microneedling with Platelet Rich Plasma vs Minoxidil (5%)+Finasteride (0.1%) Topical Therapy in Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomised Clinical Study
Authors: Khan Arphool , Agarwal Deepika , Talwar Ankur
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA) is a progressive loss of hair in a patterned distribution for which treatment selection is limited. Long-term efficacy, safety, cost leads to low compliance rate. Among various treatment modalities (medical and surgical) available, microneedling and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) are emerging as a newer, useful and safe non surgical treatment regime. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of microneedling with PRP versus minoxidil (5%) + finasteride (0.1%) topical therapy in AGA. Materials and Methods: This randomised controlled trial was done at Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology (DVL), Hind Institute of Medical Sciences, Safedabad, Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, India, from November 2021 to November 2022. Total of 60 adult males clinically diagnosed with AGA were enrolled and randomised into group 1 and group 2. Subjects in group 1 were treated with microneedling+PRP and group 2 were advised minoxidil+finasteride topical therapy. Microneedling alongwith intradermal injection of autologous PRP was done every month for four consecutive months in group 1 (n=30) while 1 mL of minoxidil (5%)+finasteride (0.1%) lotion was advised to be applied over dry scalp twice daily for four months in group 2 (n=30) patients. Both groups were followed for next two months. Hair density was assessed by Hamilton Norwood Scale using photographic and dermoscopic images and patient’s self-assessment scores. Data assessment was done by Chi-square test. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 was used to analyse data and p-value for significance was established at <0.05. Results: Patients in group 1 with mean age 27.9±4.15 years showed almost similar increase in hair density compared to group 2 with mean age 25.8±3.94 years, as assessed by patient assessment score, photography, dermoscopy, Hamilton Norwood scale at six months of study (p-value >0.05), however onset of action was quicker in group 1. Investigator assessment on improvement in hair density using Hamilton Norwood Scale at three months (p-value=0.920) and six months (p-value=0.995) showed that microneedling+PRP therapy is as effective as minoxidil+finasteride lotion since the difference between results of both groups was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Microneedling and PRP although safe, effective and promising treatment modality in AGA is comparable to minoxidil+finasteride topical therapy.
I Want to Quit! Exploring Determinants of Turnover Intention among Employees of Microfinance Institutions
Authors: Saritha Kotha , Sunitha T.
Published: March 2023

Employee turnover is a crucial Human Resource (HR) challenge faced by Microfinance Institutions (MFIs), which are labour-intensive businesses providing financial services to the poor and underprivileged section of society. Despite the extreme attrition rate, there is limited empirical research on factors inducing turnover intention among microfinance employees. Hence, this study aims to explore employee turnover intention in MFIs and identify its critical determinants from the Indian perspective. A self-report questionnaire administered to employees working in five MFIs in Ranga Reddy district, Telangana, India, yielded 159 responses. The results showed that 46.5 per cent of the respondents often thought about quitting their job, indicating severe job dissatisfaction and withdrawal predisposition. The logistic regression established that a mix of individual (psychological capital), job-related (person-job fit, work pressure, emotional labour), and organisation-related factors (pay, rewards and promotion, supervisor support, organisational support) influenced respondents’ turnover intention in MFIs. Based on the results, this study made suggestions for how MFIs could improve their HR management practices and cut down on employee turnover.
General Management Practices and Socio-Economic Characteristics of Thanjavur Black Goat Farmers of Tamil Nadu
Authors: R. Nithiaselvi , N. Murali , S. Selvaramesh A. , A. Clement Ebenezer Henry , J. Vijay Anand , P. Saravanan K.
Published: March 2023

Aim: The present study was carried with the objective to know the management practices and socio-economic characteristics of Thanjavur Black goat farmers.

Place and Duration of Study: Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Tiruchirappalli and Pudukkottai districts of Tamil Nadu from April to September 2022.

Methodology: Data was collected from 250 goat flocks in five districts of Tamil Nadu using stratified random sampling through a pretested interview schedule and analyzed by percentage, frequency and the Chi-square test.

Results and Conclusion: The study revealed that Thanjavur Black goats were compact and docile in nature, so 54.40 percent of small farmers (with up to 2.5 acres) preferred to rear this goat. The Thanjavur Black goat is a native goat and mainly reared for meat purposes; 72.80 percent of the goat flocks were small (1–15 goats). Further, 51.20 percent of farmers were male, the majority of whom were in their middle age (59.60%) and had less than 5 years of experience in goat farming (47.20%). Besides, about 40.40 percent of the farmers completed their primary education and farmers, who accounted for 69.60 percent of them, were the most backward community. The study found that the majority of the farmers engaged in small-scale goat rearing as an additional source of income. The study further shows that 85 percent of the goat shelters were half open without a side wall, 50.80 percent of the farmers followed grazing only with additional rice gruel, 86.80 percent of mating happened on grazing land with other herd mates. Foot and mouth disease, enterotoxaemia and peste des petits ruminants disease were major in Thanjavur Black goats. So far, no significant efforts have been attempted to register this indigenous germplasm. The current study was conducted to record the management practices and socio-economic profile of the farmers.
Design and Fabrication of Mechanical Sieve Shaker for Particle Size Analysis of Ceramics
Authors: Iyasara Adindu C. , Nduka Jonathan A. , Irogbele Gideon C.
Published: March 2023

A mechanical sieve shaker machine for particle size analysis of ceramics and related powders was successfully designed, fabricated and tested. This machine works on the principle of reciprocation where a to-and-fro motion is responsible for the agitation of the separating particles. All materials used for the fabrication were carefully sourced locally without compromising quality and selected to suit the working conditions of the sieve machine. A test run carried out showed that the sieve shaker effectively separated particles of various sizes hence, produced reliable and efficient results. The obtained particle sieving efficiency amounts to about 97%. However, the locally fabricated mechanical sieve shaker cannot effectively sieve large-size particles, but can optimally sieve particle size of the order of 0.1 to 1.0 mm. The cost of production per one is about sixty-five thousand naira, N65000 (156 USD), which is adjudged cost effective when compared to the market value, N95,000 (228 USD) of the imported one at the time of production.
Análise de Projetos de Pesquisa com Foco em Inteligência Artificial e Tecnologias Digitais Para Combater a COVID-19
Authors: Pereira Karla Susiane dos Santos , Melo Daniel Reis Armond de , Vilela Junior Dalton Chaves , Rodrigues Lana Goncalves
Published: March 2023

Em 2020, a Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) declarou a pandemia da COVID-19 como emergência de saúde pública internacional. Surgiram investimentos de vários países e continentes em projetos de pesquisa e inovação tecnológica com o objetivo de mitigar essa problemática global. Este artigo pretende avaliar os projetos de Pesquisa, Desenvolvimento e Inovação (PD&I) referentes às soluções de combate à COVID-19 que utilizam Inteligência Artificial (IA) e tecnologias relacionadas e que receberam financiamento no período de 2020 a 2022, além dos que foram registrados na plataforma Orbit Insight. Em relação aos executores dos projetos, identificou-se que 50% são empresas, 23% são institutos, 20% são universidades e 7% fazem parte do governo dos Estados Unidos. Em relação aos países que mais investiram, 57,14% são financiadores da Comissão Europeia e 42,86% são dos Estados Unidos.
Prospecção Tecnológica sobre o Uso Medicinal de Cannabis sativa para Tratamento da Covid-19
Authors: Sartório Carmem Luíza , Santos Deize Pereira Alexandrino Dias , Rodrigues Lívia Carla de Melo , Juíz Paulo José Lima
Published: March 2023

A Covid-19 caracteriza-se por disfunções orgânicas que podem repercutir na qualidade de vida do paciente e gerar sobrecarga no atendimento clínico do sistema público de saúde. A Cannabis medicinal tem despertado o interesse na comunidade científica, visto que pesquisas comprovam a segurança, a eficácia, o restabelecimento da homeostase e a consequente desmedicalização. Portanto, o objetivo deste estudo foi verificar o desenvolvimento científico e tecnológico sobre o uso medicinal de produtos à base de Cannabis e seus princípios ativos na Covid-19. A sintaxe utilizada para acessar os dados foi (COVID AND CANNAB+) /TI/AB/CLMS e palavras-chave cannabinoid, cannabidiol nos campos de busca título, resumo e reivindicações. Foram encontrados 24 documentos de patentes, depositadas especialmente nos Estados Unidos por empresas e Universidades. O desenvolvimento tecnológico mostrou o potencial terapêutico da planta. Há uma tendência de crescente investimento para o desenvolvimento de medicamentos à base de Cannabis, o que aponta como promissores os estudos nessa área.
Prospecção Científica e Tecnológica sobre o Uso de Softwares para a Oferta e a Comercialização em Hortas Comunitárias
Authors: Silva Jamille Anderson Luiz da , Silva Paula Tereza de Souza e
Published: March 2023

O presente estudo tem por objetivo identificar aplicativos móveis desenvolvidos ou utilizados para a oferta e/ou negociação de produtos alimentícios em hortas comunitárias por meio de prospecção científica e tecnológica e quais as possibilidades de seu uso na agricultura urbana. Para tanto, foram realizadas buscas nas bases de dados do INPI, Capes, Google Acadêmico, Google Busca, Google Play Store, Questel/Orbit, EPO/Espacenet, USPTO e WIPO. As palavras-chaves utilizadas e combinadas foram: “Aplicativo”, “App”, “Software”, “Horta” e “Agricultura urbana”. Os resultados demonstram que há poucos aplicativos associados ao tema, sendo que a maioria tem perspectiva de uso em localidades específicas e há poucos disponíveis para uma utilização ampliada. Dessa forma, foi observado que é uma área com espaço para o desenvolvimento de novas ferramentas tecnológicas que possam contribuir e aproximar o produtor do consumidor principalmente em momentos de isolamento social como foi o da COVID-19.
Left Axilla Adenocarcinoma of Unknown Origin
Authors: Jiang Heng , Lele Subodh M. , Santamaria-Barria Juan A.
Published: March 2023

A 76-year-old woman presents with a palpable left axillary mass, yet no breast lesions are found. What is your diagnosis?
MS‐Net: Learning to assess the malignant status of a lung nodule by a radiologist and her peers
Authors: Dai Duwei , Dong Caixia , Li Zongfang , Xu Songhua
Published: March 2023

Background

Automatically assessing the malignant status of lung nodules based on CTscan images can help reduce the workload of radiologists while improving their diagnostic accuracy.

Purpose

Despite remarkable progress in the automatic diagnosis of pulmonary nodules by deep learning technologies, two significant problems remain outstanding. First, end‐to‐end deep learning solutions tend to neglect the empirical (semantic) features accumulated by radiologists and only rely on automatic features discovered by neural networks to provide the final diagnostic results, leading to questionable reliability, and interpretability. Second, inconsistent diagnosis between radiologists, a widely acknowledged phenomenon in clinical settings, is rarely examined and quantitatively explored by existing machine learning approaches. This paper solves these problems.

Methods

We propose a novel deep neural network called MS‐Net, which comprises two sequential modules: A feature derivation and initial diagnosis module (FDID), followed by a diagnosis refinement module (DR). Specifically, to take advantage of accumulated empirical features and discovered automatic features, the FDID model of MS‐Net first derives a range of perceptible features and provides two initial diagnoses for lung nodules; then, these results are fed to the subsequent DR module to refine the diagnoses further. In addition, to fully consider the individual and panel diagnosis opinions, we propose a new loss function called collaborative loss, which can collaboratively optimize the individual and her peers’ opinions to provide a more accurate diagnosis.

Results

We evaluate the performance of the proposed MS‐Net on the Lung Image Database Consortium image collection (LIDC‐IDRI). It achieves 92.4% of accuracy, 92.9% of sensitivity, and 92.0% of specificity when panel labels are the ground truth, which is superior to other state‐of‐the‐art diagnosis models. As a byproduct, the MS‐Net can automatically derive a range of semantic features of lung nodules, increasing the interpretability of the final diagnoses.

Conclusions

The proposed MS‐Net can provide an automatic and accurate diagnosis of lung nodules, meeting the need for a reliable computer‐aided diagnosis system in clinical practice.
Design and stability analysis of a solar‐powered versatile patrol robot
Authors: Wang Yifan , Xue Yuming , Wang Zhiyong
Published: March 2023

In order to effectively solve the problem of energy autonomy of patrol robots in open‐air working environment and free them from the limitation of power lines on their activity range. In this article, a solar‐powered patrol robot based on a robot operating system is designed. The system adopts a modular design, using a master–slave distributed controller to control the robot's motion, and building an intelligent sensing system for the robot with various sensors. Meanwhile, flexible thin‐film solar cells and lithium batteries form a folded multi‐mode power supply system, which solves the problem of timely power supply. In addition, a simple and practical human–computer interaction interface is designed to facilitate viewing the robot's status. Finally, in order to verify the performance of the robot, the stability of the designed solar‐powered patrol robot is verified through different experiments, which has a reference value and practical significance for the development of patrol robots.
Focussed Helium Ion Beam Exposure of Polymethylmethacrylate: Positive or Negative Tone Images, Polyenes, and Fluorescent Carbon Layers
Authors: Walia Jaspreet , Rashid Sabaa , Variola Fabio , Berini Pierre
Published: March 2023

Understanding chemical transformations in polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) during helium ion beam exposure will help researchers involved in nanofabrication, materials synthesis or transformation, patterning polyenes, developing phantoms for radiation therapy, and realizing carbonaceous quantum emitters. The level of conjugation in PMMA can be controlled using a helium ion beam to realize patterns that are suitable for positive tone lithography, polyenes, dye‐like fluorescent materials, and polycyclic aromatic compounds with very similar properties to carbon dots. High‐resolution dose studies employing Raman scattering and atomic force microscopy (AFM) reveal the conditions under which these very different conjugated carbonaceous materials form, their spatial distribution, and dissolution characteristics in common solvents.
Neuromorphic Carbon for Fast and Durable Potassium Storage
Authors: Shen Mengkang , Ding Hongbo , Fan Ling , Rao Apparao M. , Zhou Jiang , Lu Bingan
Published: March 2023

Graphitic carbon materials (GCs) are attractive as anodes for the industrialization of potassium ion batteries (PIBs). However, the poor cycle and rate performance of GC‐based anodes hinder the development of PIBs. In this study, inspired by the nervous system, neuromorphic GCs (NGCs) are designed to use as potassium anodes with high cycling stability and excellent rate performance. The inherent neuromorphic nature of NGCs enables fast signal transmission via multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), which serve as efficient pathways for electronic transmission. Meanwhile, the low‐stress properties of hollow carbon spheres effectively support the cycling stability of PIBs. As a result, NGC‐based potassium anodes achieved an unprecedented cycle life over 18 months (2400 cycles) with a reversible capacity of up to 225 mAh g−1 at a current density of 100 mA g−1. Moreover, the novel anode exhibits exceptional rate performance (73.6 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1). The research presented here offers a practical and straightforward method for potassium's long‐term and high‐rate storage and beyond.
A Novel Pd Precursor Loaded γ‐Al2O3 with Excellent Adsorbent Performance for Ultra‐Deep Adsorptive Desulfurization of Benzene
Authors: Xie Jiyang , Ng Kelvin , Dai Yunsheng , Jiang Jinke , Yu Juan , Gao Anli , Wang Hongqin , Huang Xinyu , Liu Weiping , Guo Shuailong
Published: March 2023

Fabricating highly water‐soluble and chlorine‐free precursors from Pd complexes remains challenging. Here, a novel Pd precursor (ammonium dinitrooxalato palladium(II) ((NH4)2[Pd(NO2)2(C2O4)]·2H2O)) is synthesized to address this challenge. Additionally, a Pd/Al2O3 adsorbent is prepared using γ‐Al2O3 as a base material to host Pd. The ligand action of the Pd complex forms single Pd atoms and Pd sub‐nano clusters on the surface of γ‐Al2O3. Pd/Al2O3‐4 as an adsorbent is evaluated using the benzene ultra‐deep desulfurization procedure, wherein thiophene is used as a probe molecule. The sulfur adsorption capacity of Pd/Al2O3‐4 is 1.76 mg g−1 for the ultra‐deep adsorptive desulfurization of benzene at a sulfur concentration of 50 ppm. The sulfur adsorption capacity of the new Pd/Al2O3‐4 adsorbent is 21.8% higher than that of a commercial Pd/Al2O3 adsorbent. In addition, the stability and durability of Pd/Al2O3‐4 are investigated at a sulfur concentration of 1 ppm. The Pd/Al2O3‐4 adsorbent achieves ≈100% thiophene removal after 434 h, which is 62 h more than the time required by the commercial Pd/Al2O3 adsorbent. The novel Pd precursor shows excellent potential for industrial applications, and the Pd/Al2O3‐4 adsorbent can be produced on a mass scale of 500 kg per batch.
Microlenses Fabricated by Two‐Photon Laser Polymerization for Cell Imaging with Non‐Linear Excitation Microscopy
Authors: Marini M. , Nardini A. , Martínez Vázquez R. , Conci C. , Bouzin M. , Collini M. , Osellame R. , Cerullo G. , Kariman B. S. , Farsari M. , Kabouraki E. , Raimondi M. T. , Chirico G.
Published: March 2023

Non‐linear excitation microscopy offers several advantages for in‐vivo imaging compared to conventional confocal techniques. However, tissue penetration can still be an issue due to scattering and spherical aberrations induced on focused beams by the tissue. The use of low numerical aperture objectives to pass through the outer layers of the skin, together with high dioptric power microlenses implanted in‐vivo close to the observation volume, can be beneficial to the reduction of optical aberrations. Here, Fibroblast cell culture plano‐convex microlenses to be used for non‐linear imaging of biological tissue are developed and tested. The microlenses can be used as single lenses or multiplexed in an array. A thorough test of the lenses wavefront is reported together with the modulation transfer function and wavefront profile. Magnified fluorescence images can be retrieved through the microlenses coupled to commercial confocal and two‐photon excitation scanning microscopes. The signal‐to‐noise ratio of the images is not substantially affected by the use of the microlenses and the magnification can be adjusted by changing the relative position of the microlens array to the microscope objective and the immersion medium. These results are opening the way to the application of implanted micro‐optics for optical in‐vivo inspection of biological processes.
Smart Trap‐Capture‐Kill Antibacterial System for Infected Microenvironment Improvement and Vascularized Bone Regeneration via Magnetic Thermotherapy
Authors: Zhao Yanan , Hu Liangcong , Dai Honglian , Zhuang Pengzhen , Huang Kai , Hou Wen , Liu Jiawei , Tu Rong , Goto Takashi
Published: March 2023

Infected bone defect has gradually become a disastrous complication in orthopedic surgery because of the bacterial biofilm formation both on the surface of the implants and surrounding tissues, which will cause antibiotic resistance and weak postoperative osseointegration. Herein, drug‐loaded hollow mesoporous ferrite nanoparticles coated by gelatin (GM/HMFNs) with pomegranate structure are prepared and compounded into calcium magnesium phosphate cement (MCPC) as a Trap‐Capture‐Kill system to kill bacteria and inhibit biofilm formation efficiently. Under the action of alternating magnetic field (AMF), MCPC/GM/HMFNs/Drug composites exhibit acute magnetic hyperthermal capacity and recruit the free bacteria. Then, the permeability of bacterial cell membrane is increased via reactive oxygen species (ROS) damage of nano‐MgO and HMFNs, providing channels through which vancomycin (Van) and ciprofloxacin (CPFX) encapsulated in GM/HMFNs can penetrate. Subsequently, the bacteria are efficiently killed under the synergetic cooperation of magnetothermal effect, ROS damage, and adsorption damage of nano‐MgO, and the bioactive ions and drugs. The antibacterial system also presents outstanding pro‐osteogenesis and pro‐angiogenic capacity in vitro. And it promotes the vascularized bone regeneration of infective femoral defect in SD rats in vivo, providing promising potential for the treatment of infected bone defects through magnetothermal therapy.
Reversible Room Temperature Brittle‐Plastic Transition in Ag2Te0.6S0.4 Inorganic Thermoelectric Semiconductor
Authors: Wang Yuechu , Li Airan , Hu Huiping , Fu Chenguang , Zhu Tiejun
Published: March 2023

Inorganic semiconductors with superior plasticity are highly desired in current flexible electronics, which however are rarely discovered owing to their intrinsic covalent and ionic bonds. The Ag2Te0.6S0.4 semiconductor with an amorphous phase has recently been reported to exhibit plastic deformability. In this study, the reversible brittle‐plastic transition is found in this inorganic semiconductor, and the plasticity of the Ag2Te0.6S0.4 sample is highly related to the phase structures. The Ag2Te0.6S0.4 with a monoclinic phase exhibits a brittle behavior, while the one with cubic‐crystalline/amorphous structure shows exceptional plasticity with a compressive strain of over 80%. Significantly, the reversible plastic‐brittle transition in Ag2Te0.6S0.4 inorganic semiconductor can be achieved by simple heat treatment. Besides the plasticity, the cubic‐crystalline/amorphous Ag2Te0.6S0.4 composites also possess good thermoelectric performance. This study uncovers the influence of phase structure on the mechanical properties of Ag2Te0.6S0.4 and realizes the reversible brittle‐plastic transition, facilitating its prospective application in flexible/wearable electronics.
Advanced Nanomedicine: Redefining Therapeutic Paradigms for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Zhang Yinfeng , Wang Tingting , Sun Meng , Song Yueyue , Huang Xinyuan , Zhang Shutian , Yang Jun , Zhang Jinfeng
Published: March 2023

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a chronic and recurrent gastrointestinal inflammatory disorder with a variety of painful clinical manifestations and an increased risk of cancerization or death, has become an emerging challenge to global healthcare due to its rapidly increasing incidence. At present, there is no efficient cure against IBD because of the elusive etiology and pathogenesis of IBD. Therefore, the development of alternative therapeutic strategies with positive clinical efficacy and reduced side effects is urgently needed. In recent years, the great prosperity of nanomedicine promoted by a variety of advanced nanomaterials is redefining more attractive and promising therapeutic strategies for IBD owing to their advantages in the physiological stability, bioavailability, and targeting of inflammatory sites. In this review, firstly the basic characteristics of healthy and inflammatory intestinal microenvironments are presented. Then, different administration routes and targeting strategies of nanotherapeutics for IBD treatment are reviewed. Subsequently, a specific focus is placed on the introduction of nanotherapeutic treatments based on different IBD pathogenesis. Finally, some future challenges and perspectives of the currently developed nanomedicines for IBD treatment are provided. It is believed that the above topics will attract researchers from various fields including medicine, biological sciences, materials, chemistry and pharmaceutics.
Functional Titanium Substrates Synergetic Photothermal Therapy for Enhanced Antibacterial and Osteogenic Performance via Immunity Regulation
Authors: Xu Kun , Li Ke , He Ye , Li Xuan , Lin Chuanchuan , Wu Jing , Liu Shaopeng , Ding Yao , Yang Yulu , Gou Shuangquan , Liu Peng , Cai Kaiyong
Published: March 2023

Implant‐associated infections (IAIs) significantly impair the integration between titanium (Ti) implants and bone tissues. Bacteria colonized on the surface of the implant can induce innate immune suppression of the host to resist clearance. Herein, an interfacial functionalization strategy is employed to introduce FeIIITA nanoparticles (NPs) and acetyl Bletilla striata polysaccharide (acBSP) on the Ti substrate to obtain the Ti‐TF‐acBSP system. Under near‐infrared (NIR) irradiation, the hyperthermal effect induced by FeIIITA NPs directly killed bacteria. Meanwhile, macrophages are induced by acBSP to polarize into pro‐inflammatory M1 phenotype, which enhanced the phagocytosis ability of macrophages and activated host innate immunity. Moreover, the asBSP instructed macrophages to secrete pro‐osteogenic cytokine, which promoted osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. The results of the animal experiment in vivo confirmed that the Ti‐TF‐acBSP implant effectively eliminated bacterial infection under NIR irradiation, enhanced the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokine, and induced the production of bone‐forming related factors. In a word, the functionalized Ti implant not only have a direct bactericidal effect but also regulate macrophage polarization as well as macrophage‐mediated bactericidal and osteogenic effect. The strategy of combining photothermal therapy with immunoregulation will present a potential candidate for the development of novel antibacterial orthopedic devices.
Tough, Recyclable, and Degradable Elastomers for Potential Biomedical Applications
Authors: Guo Xiwei , Liang Jiaheng , Wang Zhifen , Qin Jianliang , Zhang Qi , Zhu Shiping , Zhang Kun , Zhu He
Published: March 2023

Elastomers have many industrial, medical and commercial applications, however, their huge demand raises an important question of how to dispose of the out‐of‐service elastomers. Ideal elastomers that are concurrently tough, recyclable, and degradable are in urgent need, but their preparation remains a rigorous challenge. Herein, a polycaprolactone (PCL) based polyurethane elastomer is designed and prepared to meet this demand. Owing to the presence of dynamic coordination bond and the occurrence of strain‐induced crystallization, the obtained elastomer exhibits a high toughness of ≈372 MJ m−3 and an unprecedented fracture energy of ≈646 kJ m−2, which is much higher than natural rubber (≈50 MJ m−3 for toughness and ≈10 kJ m−2 for fracture energy). In addition, the elastomer can be recycled at least three times using solvent without losing its mechanical properties and can be degraded by lipase in ≈2 months. Finally, biological experiments demonstrate that the elastomer possesses good biocompatibility and can facilitate wound healing in mice when used as sutures. It is believed that the obtained elastomer meets the requirements for next‐generation elastomers and is expected to be used in emerging fields such as biomedicine, flexible electronics, robotics and beyond.
Electrolytes with Solvating Inner Sheath Engineering for Practical Na–S Batteries
Authors: Guo Dong , Wang Jiaao , Lai Tianxing , Henkelman Graeme , Manthiram Arumugam
Published: March 2023

Sodium–sulfur (Na–S) batteries with durable Na‐metal stability, shuttle‐free cyclability, and long lifespan are promising to large‐scale energy storages. However, meeting these stringent requirements poses huge challenges with the existing electrolytes. Herein, a localized saturated electrolyte (LSE) is proposed with 2‐methyltetrahydrofuran (MeTHF) as an inner sheath solvent, which represents a new category of electrolyte for Na–S system. Unlike the traditional high concentration electrolytes, the LSE is realized with a low salt‐to‐solvent ratio and low diluent‐to‐solvent ratio, which pushes the limit of localized high concentration electrolyte (LHCE). The appropriate molecular structure and solvation ability of MeTHF regulate a saturated inner sheath, which features a reinforced coordination of Na+ to anions, enlarged Na+‐solvent distance, and weakened anion‐diluent interaction. Such electrolyte configuration is found to be the key to build a sustainable interphase and a quasi‐solid–solid sulfur redox process, making a dendrite‐inhibited and shuttle‐free Na–S battery possible. With this electrolyte, pouch cells with decent cycling performance under rather demanding conditions are demonstrated.
Rhodium(III‐Catalyzed C8‐Selective C−H Alkenylation and Alkylation of 1, 2, 3, 4‐Tetrahydroquinolines with Styrenes and Allylic Alcohols
Authors: Yang Ji , Chen Changjun , Zhao Haoqiang , Li Bohan , He Zhenni , Xu Lijin , Shi Qian
Published: March 2023

Rh(III)‐catalyzed chelation‐assisted C8‐selective C−H alkenylation and alkylation of 1,2,3,4‐tretrahydroquinolines with styrenes and allylic alcohols have been realized. The cationic Rh(III) catalytic system in combination with a catalytic amount of copper acetate uses oxygen as the terminal oxidant and catalyzes the stereoselective C8‐alkenylation of 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroquinolines with styrenes to give the corresponding products in 56–93% yields with wide substrate scope and broad functional group compatibility. The reaction can be scaled up. Moreover, this protocol can be extended to the C8‐alkylation of 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroquinolines with allylic alcohols, providing access to various 8‐(3‐oxoalkyl)‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroquinolines in 77–90% yields. The selection of N‐directing group is essential for catalysis, and the readily installable and removable N‐(2‐pyrimidyl) group proves to be optimal choice. Preliminary mechanistic studies are performed to gain insights into the reaction mechanism.

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Synthesis of 2‐Aminopyrrolo[1,2‐b]pyridazines via Gold(I)‐Catalyzed Chemoselective Hydroamination/Hydroarylation Cascade of 1,3‐Diynamides with 1‐Aminopyrroles
Authors: Wang Junying , Du Jianghui , Wang Tao
Published: March 2023

The synthesis of 2‐aminopyrrolo[1,2‐b]pyridazines from 1,3‐diynamides and 1‐aminopyrroles via gold(I)‐catalyzed chemoselective hydroamination/hydroarylation cascade was described. 26 examples were conducted to explore the scope of the substrates. A plausible reaction mechanism was also proposed. In addition, the fluorescence properties both in solutions and in the solid states of the resulting products were investigated.

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The Loss of YTHDC1 in Gut Macrophages Exacerbates Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Ge Xuejun , Xue Gang , Ding Yan , Li Ran , Hu Kaining , Xu Tengjiao , Sun Ming , Liao Wang , Zhao Bin , Wen Chuangyu , Du Jie
Published: March 2023

The nuclear N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) reader YT521‐B homology‐domain‐containing protein 1 (YTHDC1) is required to maintain embryonic stem cell identity. However, little is known about its biological functions in intestinal‐resident macrophages and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Herein, it is demonstrated that macrophage‐specific depletion or insufficiency of YTHDC1 accelerates IBD development in animal models. On the molecular basis, YTHDC1 reduction in IBD‐derived macrophages is attributed to Zinc finger protein 36 (ZFP36)‐induced mRNA degradation. Importantly, transcriptome profiling and mechanistic assays unveil that YTHDC1 in macrophages regulates Ras homolog family member H (RHOH) to suppress inflammatory responses and fine‐tunes NME nucleoside diphosphate kinase 1 (NME1) to enhance the integrity of colonic epithelial barrier, respectively. Collectively, this study identifies YTHDC1 as an important factor for the resolution of inflammatory responses and restoration of colonic epithelial barrier in the setting of IBD.
The pollen virome: A review of pollen‐associated viruses and consequences for plants and their interactions with pollinators
Authors: Fetters Andrea M. , Ashman Tia‐Lynn
Published: March 2023

The movement of pollen grains from anthers to stigmas, often by insect pollinator vectors, is essential for plant reproduction. However, pollen is also a unique vehicle for viral spread. Pollen‐associated plant viruses reside on the outside or inside of pollen grains, infect susceptible individuals through vertical or horizontal infection pathways, and can decrease plant fitness. These viruses are transferred with pollen between plants by pollinator vectors as they forage for floral resources; thus, pollen‐associated viral spread is mediated by floral and pollen grain phenotypes and pollinator traits, much like pollination. Most of what is currently known about pollen‐associated viruses was discovered through infection and transmission experiments in controlled settings, usually involving one virus and one plant species of agricultural or horticultural interest. In this review, we first provide an updated, comprehensive list of the recognized pollen‐associated viruses. Then, we summarize virus, plant, pollinator vector, and landscape traits that can affect pollen‐associated virus transmission, infection, and distribution. Next, we highlight the consequences of plant–pollinator–virus interactions that emerge in complex communities of co‐flowering plants and pollinator vectors, such as pollen‐associated virus spread between plant species and viral jumps from plant to pollinator hosts. We conclude by emphasizing the need for collaborative research that bridges pollen biology, virology, and pollination biology.
Carpal kinematics and morphological correlates of wrist ulnar deviation mobility in nonhuman anthropoid primates
Authors: Orr Caley M. , Atkinson Richard , Ernewein Jamie , Tocheri Matthew W.
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Primates employ wrist ulnar deviation during a variety of locomotor and manipulative behaviors. Extant hominoids share a derived condition in which the ulnar styloid process has limited articulation or is completely separated from the proximal carpals, which is often hypothesized to increase ulnar deviation range of motion. Acute angulation of the hamate's triquetral facet is also hypothesized to facilitate ulnar deviation mobility and mechanics. In this study, we test these longstanding ideas.

Methods

Three‐dimensional (3D) carpal kinematics were examined using a cadaveric sample of Pan troglodytes, Pongo sp., and five monkey species. Ulnar styloid projection and orientation of the hamate's triquetral facet were quantified using 3D models.

Results

Although carpal rotation patterns in Pan and Pongo were uniquely similar in some respects, P. troglodytes exhibited overall kinematic similarity with large terrestrial cercopithecoids (Papio and Mandrillus). Pongo, Macaca, and Ateles had high wrist ulnar deviation ranges of motion, but Pongo did this via a unique mechanism. In Pongo, the triquetrum functions as a distal carpal rather than part of the proximal row. Ulnar styloid projection and wrist ulnar deviation range of motion were not correlated but ulnar deviation range of motion and the triquetrohamate facet orientation were correlated.

Conclusions

Increased ulnar deviation mobility is not the function of ulnar styloid withdrawal in hominoids. Instead, this feature probably reduces stress on the ulnar side wrist or is a byproduct of adaptations that increase supination. Orientation of the hamate's triquetral facet offers some potential to reconstruct ulnar deviation mobility in extinct primates.
Synthesis of vanillin derivatives with 1,2,3‐triazole fragments and evaluation of their fungicide and fungistatic activities
Authors: Gazolla Poliana A. R. , de Aguiar Alex R. , Costa Maria C. A. , Oliveira Osmair V. , Costa Adilson V. , da Silva Cleiton M. , do Nascimento Claudia J. , Junker Jochen , Ferreira Rafaela S. , de Oliveira Fabrício M. , Vaz Boniek G. , do Carmo Paulo H. F. , Santos Daniel A. , Ferreira Márcia M. C. , Teixeira Róbson R.
Published: March 2023

Vanillin is the main component of natural vanilla extract and is responsible for its flavoring properties. Besides its well‐known applications as an additive in food and cosmetics, it has also been reported that vanillin can inhibit fungi of clinical interest, such as Candida spp., Cryptococcus spp., Aspergillus spp., as well as dermatophytes. Thus, the present work approaches the synthesis of a series of vanillin derivatives with 1,2,3‐triazole fragments and the evaluation of their antifungal activities against Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis, Cryptococcus neoformans, Cryptococcus gattii, Trichophyton rubrum, and Trichophyton interdigitale strains. Twenty‐two vanillin derivatives were obtained, with yields in the range of 60%–91%, from copper(I)‐catalyzed alkyne‐azide cycloaddition (CuAAC) click reaction between two terminal alkynes prepared from vanillin and different benzyl azides. In general, the evaluated compounds showed moderate activity against the microorganisms tested, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 32 to >512 µg mL−1. Except for compound 3b against the C. gattii R265 strain, all vanillin derivatives showed fungicidal activity for the yeasts tested. The predicted physicochemical and ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) properties for the compounds indicated favorable profiles for drug development. In addition, a four‐dimensional structure‐activity relationship (4D‐SAR) analysis was carried out and provided useful insights concerning the structures of the compounds and their biological profile. Finally, molecular docking calculations showed that all compounds bind favorably at the lanosterol 14α‐demethylase enzyme active site with binding energies ranging from –9.1 to –12.2 kcal/mol.
Feeling intimidated and uncomfortable: Established and exacerbated educational inequities experienced by black parents of autistic children
Authors: Koffer Miller Kaitlin H. , Cooper Dylan S. , Ventimiglia Jonas C. , Shea Lindsay L.
Published: March 2023

There are clear racial disparities that impact the education system. To capture the educational experiences of family members of Black autistic children as compared to white autistic children in the United States (US), a mixed methods design was implemented and included semi‐structured interviews with family members of children between the ages of 5–12 who participated in a survey. The survey responses were used as attribute data. Twenty‐nine interviews were conducted with parents of school‐age autistic children. Findings from this study highlight challenges experienced by parents including education service use and engagement during the COVID‐19 pandemic, engaging with school personnel, and securing accommodations. The findings from this study illuminate the disparities experienced by Black parents of autistic children directly reported by the parents themselves in comparison to white parents. The themes elucidated in this study have implications for policy, practice, and research to ensure equity in educational settings for Black autistic students and their families.
The road (not) taken: Principals' perceptions of at‐risk pupils' participation in collective decision‐making
Authors: Gazit Matan , Perry‐Hazan Lotem
Published: March 2023

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child anchors children's right to participate in decision‐making. This right refers to decisions at the individual level as well as collective decisions taken by a group of children. Various studies have indicated that youth from disadvantaged backgrounds face high barriers to participation in collective decision‐making and thus have fewer opportunities to enjoy the educational and developmental benefits of such participation. This study explored school principals' perceptions of at‐risk youths' participation in collective decision‐making in schools. Specifically, it analysed differences between the perceptions of principals who had established participatory frameworks and those who had not. The research design drew on interviews with 18 principals who manage high schools for at‐risk youth in Israel. All interviewed principals acknowledged the potential cultural mismatch between the dominant models of pupil councils and the culture of at‐risk youth. Principals who had established participatory frameworks viewed participation as a gradual process, trusting their pupils' capacity to attain higher levels of participation even if participatory activities did not come as ‘second nature’ to them. However, principals who did not institute such frameworks viewed their pupils' participation as an ‘all‐or‐nothing’ enterprise, inappropriate for at‐risk youth. Fulfilling participation rights in schools for at‐risk youth requires efforts to adapt the participatory capital to the pupils' background. The principals' perceptions of the participation process and of their pupils were intertwined with their willingness to engage in such adaptations and take the less‐travelled road of participatory practices in schools for at‐risk youth.
Genome‐wide association studies reveal shared genetic haplotypes of autoimmune rheumatic and endocrine diseases with psychiatric disorders
Authors: Voskarides Konstantinos , Giannopoulou Nefeli , Eid Rasha , Parperis Konstantinos , Chatzittofis Andreas
Published: March 2023

Background

Several studies have shown that autoimmune diseases are associated with psychiatric diseases like depression and psychosis. Genetic evidence supports this association. The aim of this study was to investigate if genetic variants predisposing to autoimmune diseases and psychiatric disorders are genetically linked, constructing the common haplotypes.

Methods

All registered single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the Genome‐wide association studies (“GWAS catalog”) having been associated with autoimmune rheumatic and endocrine diseases were investigated for being in linkage disequilibrium with any psychiatric disorders’ associated SNPs. Analysis was performed by the LDtrait and LDhap bioinformatics tools.

Results

Multiple chromosomal regions have been detected containing rheumatic/endocrine diseases’ predisposing SNPs and psychiatric disorders’ predisposing SNPs. The genetic haplotypes have been constructed for some of these genetic regions. Six of the autoimmune rheumatic and endocrine diseases examined here share a common haplotype with psychiatric diseases at the HLA locus 6p21‐22.

Conclusion

Our study shows that autoimmune diseases and psychiatric diseases are genetically linked. Genetic haplotypes have been constructed, showing in detail this genetic linkage.
Efficient web‐based simulation on analog electronics circuits laboratory
Authors: Dhang Sukriti , Kumar Cheruvu S.
Published: March 2023

In the modern education system, e‐learning plays an important role, where different technologies are being assimilated to reinforce its web‐based presence. In electronics laboratories, simulation is the most effective tool in training students in the use of sophisticated as well as complicated circuits. There exist many simulation tools for different research areas on circuits with some advantages and limitations. In this study, the methodology of creating a web‐based graphical user interface is proposed for studying the circuit behavior. Experiments performed through web‐based simulations have always been treated as an aid in teaching science. Virtual laboratory intends to develop an entire Learning Management System where the users can avail the varied tools for learning. This paper describes a group of experiments developed using free open‐source software that would help both faculties and students in their respective capacities. Additionally, various workshops to familiarize this system with faculties and students in several colleges have been conducted. The impact on learning has been treated by analyzing student performance; survey questions were directed to the students and faculties and found to support the utility of these web‐based simulations.
The role of facility and patient mix factors on recovery of screening and diagnostic mammography volumes following the initial COVID‐19 pandemic wave
Authors: Lomahan Sarah , Rauscher Garth H. , Murphy Anne Marie
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The goal of this study was to understand the extent to which mammography facilities were able to recover monthly screening and diagnostic mammography volumes to their prepandemic levels and to determine what facility and patient mix factors were associated with recovery.

Method

Facilities, located in and adjacent to Cook County, Illinois, were eligible. In all, 58 screening and 30 diagnostic mammogram facilities submitted mammogram volumes by month with a cross‐listing of patient ZIP codes by screening volumes. Monthly screening and diagnostic volumes for the 6‐month immediate postpandemic period (July–December 2020) and for the subsequent postpandemic period (January–June 2021) were compared with the same months in 2019. ZIP code distributions were used to define patient mix characteristics related to disadvantage.

Results

Compared with the prepandemic period, Breast Imaging Centers of Excellence conducted roughly 50 fewer monthly screening mammograms (95% CI: −91, −9) but 50 more diagnostic mammograms (95% CI: 24, 82) on average in the immediate postpandemic period. Facilities serving a predominantly Black population conducted roughly 50 fewer monthly screens (95% CI: −93, −13) without any increase in monthly diagnostics.

Conclusion

Highly accredited (and typically higher volume) facilities appeared to actively triage diagnostics, whereas lower resource facilities appeared to struggle to recover to prepandemic volumes without triage to diagnostics. The pandemic disproportionally impacted minority populations already affected by differential access to and utilization of high‐quality mammography. Potential explanations are discussed. Policies should be strengthened to facilitate triaging of services during times of stress to the healthcare system.