bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between Body Mass Index and Low-Density Lipoprotein and Triglycerides in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients
Authors: Prihantini Nur Nunu , Adintia Missel , Utomo Tranggono Yudo
Published: May 2023

One of the measurements of obesity is using the Body Mass Index (BMI). The increase in obesity is in line with the increase in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Type 2 DM causes disturbances in lipid metabolism in the body, especially hypertriglyceridemia, decreased HDL, and increased small dense LDL. This situation causes patients to have a greater risk of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, researchers want to further investigate the relationship between BMI, LDL, and triglyceride levels. The method used was correlational analysis with a cross-sectional approach using the medical records of Type 2 DM patients at the Indonesian Christian University Hospital for the 2018-2021 period. The study's results obtained a sample of 60 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It was more common in patients of the female sex, ages between 65-74 years, with excess BMI, housewife work, excess LDL levels, and triglyceride levels, which is normal. The correlation test between BMI and LDL was p = 0.588, with a chance ratio of 0.912. Between BMI and triglycerides was p = 0.704 with an odds ratio of 0.702. Spearman rank correlation analysis between BMI and LDL showed a p = 0.895 with r = -0.017. BMI and triglycerides showed a value of p = 0.523 and r = -0.084.
Evaluating the Stability of Post Mushroom Substrate (PMS) and Other Agro-wastes for Mass Production of Entomopathogenic Fungi
Authors: Ranadev P. , Nagaraju K. , Kumari R. Vasantha , Muthuraju R.
Published: May 2023

Aim: The study was undertaken to evaluate agro-wastes (Post mushroom substrate, Sugarcane bagasse, rice husk and sorghum grains) for mass production of entomopathogenic fungi like, I. fumosoroseus:MT997932, B. bassiana: MT997933, L. lecanii: MT997935 and H. thompsonii: MT997936 by solid stat fermentation.

Place and Duration of Work: The study was carried out in the Department of Agricultural Microbiology, GKVK, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore during 2019-20.

Methodology: The substrates were dried, chopped and sieved through 2mm sieve. 100g of all substrates were sterilized and moistened to 60% by adding sterile distilled water fallowed by addition of 5ml of spore suspension of fungal isolates. Treatments T5. T6, T7, T8 and T10 were fortified with adding 10ml of molasses. Observation like, growth and spore production were taken at 7, 14 and 21 days after inoculation.

Results: The growth and spore production of entomopathogenic fungal isolates were observed to be increased accordance with the incubation period. Among four substrates maximum mycelial growth and spore production of all the isolates (×109 spores g-1) was observed in sorghum grains (T4:T8) fallowed by treatment T7 (SMS+10% molasses) on 21 DAI. Whereas, sugarcane bagasse and paddy husk substrates were not supported the satisfactory growth and spore production besides the addition of molasses (×107 spores g-1). The addition of molasses has positively influenced the growth and spore production of entomogenus isolates in all treatments.

Conclusion: Based on results, it is evidenced that even though cereal grains are best option for mass production, PMS fortified with molasses will become a better substrate for mass production and reduce the load of using food grains as substrate.
Monitoring of Melon Fruit Fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae Coquillett Population using Para-pheromone Traps in Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia L.)
Authors: Gaddanakeri Somashekhar , Rolania Krishna , Duhan D. S.
Published: May 2023

Investigations were carried out on monitoring of melon fruit fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae Coquillett on bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) using para-pheromone traps during Kharif, 2018-19 at CCS HAU, Hisar. The incidence of Z. cucurbitae started gradually and increased from 31st to 42nd Standard Meteorological Week (SMW) corresponding to the 1st week of September to 3rd week of October. Higher number of fruit flies (on average 9.5 to 40.5 flies/trap) were recorded in the month of September to first fortnight of October with a peak of 40.5 flies/trap during 37th SMW. Correlation analysis with various weather parameters indicated that maximum temperature (r = 0.611*), morning relative humidity (0.590*) and rainfall (0.747**) had significant positive correlation with trap catch population of melon fruit fly. The present findings also revealed that the influence of all-weather parameters was high and significant on trap catches population of the adult male melon fruit fly (R2=0.76).
Response of Nitrogen and Foliar Application of Boron on Growth and Yield of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)
Authors: Chandrawanshi Lila Ram , Singh Rajesh
Published: May 2023

The field experiment entitled “Response of Nitrogen and Foliar Application of Boron on Growth and Yield of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)” was conducted Response of during the rabi season of 2022 in Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P.). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with ten treatment combinations. The soil in the experimental area was sandy loam with pH (7.6), EC (0.305 d S/m), organic carbon (0.23%), available N (184.8 kg/ha), available P (16.45 kg/ha) and available K (187.64 kg/ha). Seeds are sown at a spacing of 23 cm × 5 cm to a seed rate of 100 kg/ha. Consisting of three nitrogen levels (45, 60 and 75 kg N/ha) on different Concentration of Boron viz., 1, 1.5 and 3% foliar spray. The experimental result reveals that growth parameters viz., plant height (102 cm), number of tillers/running row meter (95.66), plant dry weight (19.08 g) and Yield attributes viz., No. of effective tillers/m2 (200.33), number of grains/spike (52.60), seed yield (4.81 t/ha) and straw yield (6.48 t/ha) recorded to be significantly higher with treatment 9 (75 kg N/ha + 3% Boron).
Infestation Suppression under Evaluation of Ecofriendly Insecticides against Major Insect Pests of Rice in Eastern Uttar Pradesh Conditions
Authors: Morya Gyan Prakash , Kumar Rajnish
Published: May 2023

The present study was undertaken to analysis the suppression of infestation over check plot under evaluation of ecofriendly insecticides against major insect pests of rice in eastern Uttar Pradesh conditions for the two consecutive years (2014 and 2015) at farmer field of district Deoria under the supervision of Department of Entomology, B.R.D.P.G. College, Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, India. There were 10 treatments (09 insecticides + 01 check) evaluated under randomized block design (RBD) by transplanting method of rice cultivation on localized popular rice cultivar Samba Mahsuri (BPT-5204). The insecticide treatments comprise 9 insecticides (CartapHcl, 50 SP, Indoxacarb 14.5 SC, Imidacloprid 17.8 SL, Chlorpyriphos 20 EC, Thiamethoxam 25 WG, Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC, Azadirachtin (Neem Oil) 0.03 EC, Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Btk) 3.5 WP, and combination of Neem Oil 0.03 EC + Btk 3.5 WP). This evaluation was observed most effective ecofriendly insecticides concerned to lowest infestation, highest suppression of infestation over check plot, and highest yield. The inferences of suppression over check plot and yield of rice crop were based on non-significant ecofriendly insecticides for lowest infestation. There were 2 insecticides (CartapHcl and Imidacloprid) inference non-significant for highest suppression of infestation over check. There were 3 insecticides (CartapHcl, Imidacloprid, and Neem Oil + Btk) inference non-significant for lowest infestation and highest yield respectively. The mean ranking and inference of suppression over check were similar to inference of non-significant ecofriendly insecticides for lowest infestation as, Imidacloprid, CartapHcl, and Neem Oil + Btk respectively.
Studies on the Soil Application of Micronutrients and Its Influence on Growth, Yield and Quality of Chow Chow (Sechium edule (Jacq) Swartz)
Authors: Eswaran S. , Krishnamoorthy V.
Published: May 2023

Chow chow is one of the major vegetable crops being cultivated under hill region of Tamil Nadu. It gives regular income upto eight months under rainfed conditions. Prevalence of micronutrient deficiency in chowchow reduce the yield and quality during past one decade and forcing many farmers switch to other crops. In order to increase the yield of chowchow, an investigation was carried out from November 2020 to June, 2021 to study the effect of soil application of micronutrients and its positive influence on plant growth and yield at Horticultural Research Station, Thandiyankudisai, Perumbarai, Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu. The micronutrients were applied two months after the planting. The results of the experiment reveals that, the micronutrients application of ZnSO4 20kg + FeSO4 20kg + MgSO4 25kg + Borax 10kg +CuSO4 2.5kg +Mo 1kg  recorded the highest values for number of fruits (19.59/ vine), fruit length (11.43cm), fruit diameter (12.38cm), fruit weight (362.67g), yield per vine (7.11kg) and yield per hectare (32.90 t).
Characterization and Profiling of Gut Bacterial Microbiome and Pathobionts among HIV-negative and HIV-infected Individuals in Cameroon
Authors: Ako Simon Eyongabane , Nkenfou Celine N. , Assob Jules N. , Pokam Thumamo Benjamin , Ngemenya Moses Njutain , Ndip Roland N. , Nota Anong Damian , Tongo Marcel , Njopin Christopher , Eteneneng Enoh Jude , Cho Federick Nchang , Mbanya Mbanya Gladice , Gilles-Fils Woguia , Franck Ngoume Moukoma Y. , Akum Eric Achidi
Published: May 2023

Background: Knowledge of the core gut microbiome among Cameroonians is a preliminary step for a better implementation of treatment strategies to correct dysbiosis and improve health care management. HIV infection has continued to cause high mortality among those infected, but the types and frequency of human gut microbiota associated with or without HIV/AIDS presence have not been identified in the adult populations in Cameroon.

Methods: This was a case-control and comparative study design that ran from June 2018 to September 2019. Stool Samples were purposively collected from 40 participants (15 HIV-negative and 25 HIV-positive) for the 16S rRNA gene sequencing on the next-generation Illumina® MiSeq™ sequencer. Blood samples were collected for HIV determine testing, CD4 Tcell count, and HIV viral load. Sequences were clustered into operational taxonomic units (OTUs) at ninety-nine percent identity and their representatives were accustomed to using a phylogenetic approach.

Results: The study showed a phylogenetic taxonomy of the gut microbiome communities in two kingdoms (Archea and Bacteria) and eight Phylum [Firmicutes (44.7%), Bacteroidetes (43.7%), Proteobacteria (8.7%), Actinobacteria (1%), Fusobacteria (0.2%), Euryarchaeota (0.01%), Synergistetes (0.01%), Verrucomicrobia (0.01%) and unclassified phylum (1.7%)]. A total of 347 gut microbiota species were identified, including 55 unique species/oligotypes, and 28 pathobionts from the study population. HIV infection was characterized by significant gut microbiota compositional changes with HIV-positive less diverse (56 strains absent) with significantly increased OTUs of the butyrate-producing microbiome species as compared to HIV-negative individuals (p=0.001).

Conclusions: A profile of 347 gut microbiome bacterial species was identified in the Cameroonian community. Particularly, from the 347 gut microbiome bacterial species profiled, eight phyla were identified, with 55 unique species/oligotypes containing more than one sequence and 28 pathobionts. A host of unknown/unclassified gut microbiome bacterial species were also noted circulating among the study population.
Propriedade Intelectual e Ativos Intangíveis: um estudo em companhias nordestinas de capital aberto
Authors: Farias Edilma Correia de , Silva Patricia Brandao Barbosa da , Santos Cristiano da Silva
Published: May 2023

A ideia de tratar a inovação, os ativos intangíveis e a propriedade intelectual como capital intelectual surgiu da necessidade de reestruturar os modelos de gestão, de reconhecimento e a avaliação do conhecimento nas empresas. O objetivo deste artigo foi verificar em que nível os ativos intangíveis estão protegidos por direitos de propriedade intelectual nas empresas nordestinas listadas na bolsa de valores Brasil, Bolsa, Balcão-B3. Para verificar a existência de ativos intangíveis e sua proteção nas companhias selecionadas, foram analisados os relatórios e demonstrativos financeiros publicados na bolsa de valores B3 juntamente com informações fornecidas pelo Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial (INPI). A análise foi realizada usando estatística descritiva e análise exploratória de dados, por meio de gráficos e tabelas. Foram analisadas 31 companhias, 28 delas possuem ativo intangível e 26 possuem algum tipo de propriedade intelectual. Apenas 5% dos ativos intangíveis são protegidos por direitos de propriedade intelectual. Os softwares, seguido das marcas, e depois marcas e patentes, são as principais propriedades intelectuais usadas pelas empresas nordestinas.
Indicação Geográfica da Farinha de Cruzeiro do Sul: prospecção da diversidade de mandioca com uso de marcadores moleculares
Authors: Azevedo José Marlo Araújo de , Azêvedo Hellen Sandra Freires da Silva , Campos Tatiana de , Enes Tegila Cristina de Paula
Published: May 2023

Conhecer e conservar as variedades de mandioca da Região do Vale do Juruá, que tem a Identificação Geográfica (IG) da farinha de mandioca, e montar uma coleção são necessários para que haja a manutenção do recurso genético. O objetivo deste artigo foi prospectar a diversidade genética de mandioca, que detém a IG da farinha de Cruzeiro do Sul visando à implantação de uma coleção de germoplasma. Foram realizadas coletas de 24 variedades. Para a extração de DNA, foram coletadas folhas jovens e utilizados dez marcadores microssatélites. Foram utilizados também os parâmetros: heterozigosidade observada, esperada e número de alelos por loco. As distâncias genéticas pela matriz de Rogers modificado foram utilizadas para a elaboração do dendrograma. Detectou-se 39 alelos e foram observadas duplicatas entre as variedades. Concluiu-se que há grande diversidade de variedades de mandioca cultivadas in situ pelos agricultores rurais do Vale do Juruá, região que detém a IG da farinha de mandioca de Cruzeiro do Sul.
Práticas de Enviromental, Social and Governance (ESG) na Indústria da Construção Civil – Uma Revisão Sistemática de Literatura
Authors: Ferreira Luciana Maria de Almeida e Silva , Durante Luciane Cleonice , Pina Patrícia Fiuza da Silva , Callejas Ivan Julio Apolonio
Published: May 2023

Muitas organizações têm aderido aos critérios ESG (acrônimo para Environmental, Social and Governance, em português Ambiental, Social e Governança) para demonstrar agregação de valor aos negócios, relacionada à boa governança, melhoria ambiental e transparência. Este artigo teve por objetivo analisar iniciativas de absorção, engajamento e adesão às práticas ESG pelo subsetor Edificações da Indústria da Construção Civil. A metodologia é pautada em revisão sistemática de literatura e patentometria, com 29 publicações e 13 patentes selecionadas em bases de dados específicas. Os resultados evidenciam que o setor concentra iniciativas na dimensão ambiental, sem demonstrar efetiva mitigação de impactos, uma vez que se limitam ao cumprimento de requisitos normativos, tem pouco interesse em investir na dimensão social, pois o tempo de retorno é longo e, na dimensão governança, identifica qie adotar padrões mais elevados no planejamento dos empreendimentos pode contribuir para um menor grau de corrupção e avanços.
Prospecção Tecnológica de Bebida Alimentícia para Manutenção do Sistema Imunológico
Authors: Brito Andrey Luik Silva de , Rescia Vanessa Cristina , Carvalho Carolina Souza
Published: May 2023

Nos últimos anos, foi possível observar que produtos que têm apelo comercial, voltados para os benefícios à saúde, produzidos por substâncias de origem natural, tornam-se cada vez mais numerosos nos supermercados. Nesse contexto, a prospecção tecnológica é um indicativo do movimento da academia e das empresas no desenvolvimento de produtos inovadores sobre a tecnologia. As ferramentas de buscas em periódicos possibilitaram conhecer a progressão da tecnologia alimentícia. Em uma escala mundial, observou-se uma progressão e o crescimento da tecnologia em seus depósitos de patentes, China e Coreia do Sul, juntas, são as maiores depositantes das patentes, ambas são as principais responsáveis por essa elevação de patentes. Nos demais países, o número de patentes dentro da pesquisa não ultrapassa uma dezena. Embora seja possível encontrar muitos produtos vendidos no mercado como alimento funcional, a grande maioria não possui um deposito de patente, dando preferência para a utilização do segredo industrial.
Life Events, Caregiving, and Risk of Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases in the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study
Authors: Parks Christine G. , Pettinger Mary , de Roos Anneclaire J. , Tindle Hilary A. , Walitt Brian T. , Howard Barbara V.
Published: May 2023

Objective

Growing evidence suggests psychosocial stressors may increase risk of developing autoimmune disease. We examined stressful life events and caregiving in relation to incident rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study cohort.

Methods

The sample of postmenopausal women included 211 incident RA or SLE cases reported within 3 years after enrollment, confirmed by use of disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (i.e., probable RA/SLE), and 76,648 noncases. Baseline questionnaires asked about life events in the past year, caregiving, and social support. We used Cox regression models to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs), adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, occupational class, education, pack‐years of smoking and BMI.

Results

Incident RA/SLE was associated with reporting 3 or more life events (e.g., age‐adjusted HR 1.70 [95% CI 1.14, 2.53]; P for trend = 0.0026). Elevated HRs were noted for physical (HR 2.48 [95% CI 1.02, 6.04]) and verbal (HR 1.34 [0.89, 2.02]) abuse (P for trend = 0.0614), 2 or more interpersonal events (HR 1.23 [95% CI 0.87, 1.73]; P for trend = 0.2403), financial stress (HR 1.22 [95% CI 0.90, 1.64]), and caregiving 3 or more days per week (HR 1.25 [95% CI 0.87, 1.81]; P for trend = 0.2571). Results were similar, excluding women with baseline symptoms of depression or moderate‐to‐severe joint pain in the absence of diagnosed arthritis.

Conclusion

Our findings support the idea that diverse stressors may increase risk of developing probable RA or SLE in postmenopausal women, supporting the need for further studies in autoimmune rheumatic diseases, including childhood adverse events, life event trajectories, and modifying psychosocial and socioeconomic factors.
Paper‐Based Printed Antenna: Investigation of Process‐Induced and Climatic‐Induced Performance Variability
Authors: Ahmad Mukhtar , Costa Angeli Martina Aurora , Ibba Pietro , Vasquez Sahira , Shkodra Bajramshahe , Lugli Paolo , Petti Luisa
Published: May 2023

Printing technologies have emerged as a viable method for the fabrication of various electronic components, including sensors, actuators, energy harvesters, thin‐film transistors and circuits, as well as antennas. However, printing processes have limitations in terms of surface roughness and thickness. Printing conductive structures on novel substrates, such as cellulose‐based sustainable paper, also leads to further challenges linked to the high surface porosity and ink carrier absorption. Herein, the variability of paper‐based printed antenna performance due to different printing processes, ink carrier absorption, and temperature is investigated. The resonance frequency and gain of different printed antennas (e.g., screen, inkjet, and dispense‐printed) are compared in terms of surface roughness, thickness, and resonance frequency. Screen‐printed antennas show better performance compared to other printed antennas. The results show that the resonance frequency of antenna shifts 20, 30, and 50 MHz for screen printed, dispense printed, and inkjet printed respectively, from the nominal 2.6 GHz. In the case of the inkjet‐printed antenna, a clear effect of skin depth is observed, due to the 0.91  thickness. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the permittivity/dielectric constant of the paper substrate is significantly influenced by ink carrier absorption and temperature variance.
Experimental and Simulation Investigation on Energy Absorption of Cu Casting Lattice Structure during Compression
Authors: Rohani Nejad Salar , Hosseinpour Mehrnoosh , Mirbagheri Seyed Mohammad Hossein
Published: May 2023

This investigation aims to assess the mechanical behavior and energy absorption properties of the Cu lattice structures made by investment casting method experimentally and by finite element method (FEM) simulation. The casting pattern of lattice structures is additively manufactured with 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 mm diameters and the lattice structures produced by investment casting of Cu. Then a uniaxial compression test is applied to measure maximum compressive strength, energy absorption density, efficiency, and specific energy absorption. The simulation and the experimental results indicate that the abovementioned properties of the lattice structures have a significant improvement and properties developments will rise by increasing the diameter of the struts. The mechanical characterization has done for Cu lattice structure with 3.0 mm strut diameter, which endures a stress of 242 MPa at the densification strain and the maximum tolerated stress of 404 MPa. The energy absorption density of this lattice structure is 67 MJ m−3 and has a specific energy absorption of 28 J g−1 followed by an energy absorption efficiency around 70%. The simulation result shows a mathematical connection between the unit cells and the final lattice structures in terms of maximum tolerated stresses, which can help the prediction of the mechanical behavior of these structures.
Ferroptosis and Pyroptosis Co‐Activated Nanomodulator for “Cold” Tumor Immunotherapy and Lung Metastasis Inhibition
Authors: Jiang Cong , Li Xianglong , Pan Fen , Zhang Lele , Yu Huansha , Zhang Jing , Zou Jinglin , Zhong Tianyu , Zhang Dapeng , Yang Yang , Li Yongsheng , Zhang Peng
Published: May 2023

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy is an emerging strategy for cancer immunotherapy; however, the actual effects of ICB therapy are greatly limited by the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME, i.e., “cold” tumors). Although engineered nanomaterials display significant importance to regulate TME in cancer treatment, most of them focus on “immunosilent” apoptotic processes that cannot elicit sufficient immune responses for further immunotherapy. Herein, a GSH‐responsive nanomodulator is reported that can reverse the immunosuppressive TME for “cold” tumor immunotherapy and lung metastasis inhibition through simultaneous ferroptosis and pyroptosis induction. The nanomodulator is constructed by loading FDA‐approved sulfasalazine (SAS) and doxorubicin (DOX) on disulfide‐doped organosilica hybrid micelles, where SAS and DOX are released through the GSH‐stimulated rupture of micelles to induce ferroptosis and pyroptosis, respectively, promoting dendritic cells (DCs) maturation and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) elevation through massive tumor‐associated antigen release. In vivo experimental results verify that desirable tumor destruction of the nanomodulator at low concentrations is achieved. More importantly, combination of this nanomodulator and programed death ligand‐1 antibodies significantly inhibits primary tumors and distant lung metastases as a result of elevated mature DCs and CTLs. This strategy to modulate immunosuppressive TME by nanomodulator‐induced non‐apoptotic death provides a new promising paradigm for ICB therapy.
Radionuclide‐Labeled Microspheres for Radio‐Immunotherapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Yang Sai , Mu Chongjing , Liu Teng , Pei Pei , Shen Wenhao , Zhang Yanxiang , Wang Guanglin , Chen Lei , Yang Kai
Published: May 2023

Brachytherapy, including radioactive seed implantation (RSI) and transarterial radiation therapy embolization (TARE), is an important treatment modality for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the inability of RSI and TARE to treat tumor metastasis and recurrence limits their benefits for patients in the clinic. Herein, indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) inhibitors‐loaded alginate microspheres (IMs) are developed as radionuclide carriers with immunomodulatory functions to achieve effective radio‐immunotherapy. The size and swelling properties of IMs can be facilely tailored by adjusting the calcium source during emulsification. Small/large IMs(SIMs/LIMs) are biocompatible and available for RSI and TARE, respectively, after 177Lu labeling. Among them, 177Lu‐SIMs completely eliminated subcutaneous HCC in mice after intratumoral RSI. Moreover, in combination with anti‐PD‐L1, 177Lu‐SIMs not only eradicate primary tumors by RSI but also effectively inhibit the growth of distant tumors, wherein the potent abscopal effect can be ascribed to the immune stimulation of RSI and the modulation of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) by IDO1 inhibitors. In parallel, LIMs demonstrate excellent embolization efficiency, resulting in visible necrotic lesions in the central auricular artery of rabbits, which are promising for TARE in future studies. Collectively, a versatile therapeutic agent is provided to synchronously modulate the TIME during brachytherapy for efficient radio‐immunotherapy of advanced HCC.
Nanomedicine for the Detection and Treatment of Ocular Bacterial Infections
Authors: Huang Xiaomin , Li Luoyuan , Chen Zhongxing , Yu Haoyu , You Xinru , Kong Na , Tao Wei , Zhou Xingtao , Huang Jinhai
Published: May 2023

Ocular bacterial infection is a prevalent cause of blindness worldwide, with substantial consequences for normal human life. Traditional treatments for ocular bacterial infections areless effective, necessitating the development of novel techniques to enable accurate diagnosis, precise drug delivery, and effective treatment alternatives. With the rapid advancement of nanoscience and biomedicine, increasing emphasis has been placed on multifunctional nanosystems to overcome the challenges posed by ocular bacterial infections. Given the advantages of nanotechnology in the biomedical industry, it can be utilized to diagnose ocular bacterial infections, administer medications, and treat them. In this review, the recent advancements in nanosystems for the detection and treatment of ocular bacterial infections are discussed; this includes the latest application scenarios of nanomaterials for ocular bacterial infections, in addition to the impact of their essential characteristics on bioavailability, tissue permeability, and inflammatory microenvironment. Through an in‐depth investigation into the effect of sophisticated ocular barriers, antibacterial drug formulations, and ocular metabolism on drug delivery systems, this review highlights the challenges faced by ophthalmic medicine and encourages basic research and future clinical transformation based on ophthalmic antibacterial nanomedicine.
Advanced Bioadhesive Hydrogels for Skin Care and Therapy
Authors: Han Seung Yeop , An Soohwan , Cho Seung‐Woo
Published: May 2023

Hydrogels are a frequently utilized and modified biomaterial. Due to their unique tissue‐like properties, they are used in various biomedical applications. Among the many types of hydrogels, bioadhesive hydrogels are of particular interest, as they provide long‐term robust tissue adhesion that aids in therapeutic applicability, including drug delivery, mechanical stimulus, and in situ monitoring and diagnosis. Accordingly, this review highlights recent developments in bioadhesive hydrogels and their dermatological applications. To provide a broader view of bioadhesive hydrogels, studies regarding their assistance in skin diagnosis and the corresponding treatments are also summarized. This review comprehensively explains the importance and versatility of advanced and unique therapeutic bioadhesive hydrogels used in skin care and therapy.
Lead‐Free Halide Perovskites for Direct X‐Ray Detectors
Authors: Geng Xiangshun , Chen Yu‐Ang , Li Yuan‐Yuan , Ren Jun , Dun Guan‐Hua , Qin Ken , Lin Zhu , Peng Jiali , Tian He , Yang Yi , Xie Dan , Ren Tian‐Ling
Published: May 2023

Lead halide perovskites have made remarkable progress in the field of radiation detection owing to the excellent and unique optoelectronic properties. However, the instability and the toxicity of lead‐based perovskites have greatly hindered its practical applications. Alternatively, lead‐free perovskites with high stability and environmental friendliness thus have fascinated significant research attention for direct X‐ray detection. In this review, the current research progress of X‐ray detectors based on lead‐free halide perovskites is focused. First, the synthesis methods of lead‐free perovskites including single crystals and films are discussed. In addition, the properties of these materials and the detectors, which can provide a better understanding and designing satisfactory devices are also presented. Finally, the challenge and outlook for developing high‐performance lead‐free perovskite X‐ray detectors are also provided.
Retraction: Radical Covalent Organic Frameworks Associated with Liquid Na‐K toward Dendrite‐Free Alkali Metal Anodes
Authors: Wang Jianyi , Chen Menghui , Lu Zicong , Chen Zhida , Si Liping
Published: May 2023

10.1002/advs.202203058

Adv. Sci. 2022, 9, 2203058

The above article from Advanced Science, published online on 21 July 2022 in Wiley Online Library (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/advs.202203058), has been retracted by agreement between the authors, the Editor‐in‐Chief, Kirsten Severing, and Wiley‐VCH GmbH. The retraction has been agreed as the article is based on research results and data that the authors were not authorized to use. Moreover, the majority of co‐authors have been listed despite insufficient qualification for contributorship.
Spotting Interface Structuring during Na‐Insertion into the NaSICON Na3V2(PO4)3 by EQCM and Operando Fiber Optic Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Bendadesse Ezzoubair , Gervillié‐Mouravieff Charlotte , Leau Cédric , Goloviznina Kateryna , Rabuel François , Salanne Mathieu , Tarascon Jean‐Marie , Sel Ozlem
Published: May 2023

Reliable operation of Na‐ion batteries requires a mastering of the interfacial processes governing intercalation kinetics. Ion desolvation, amongst others, is a crucial phenomenon as far as power applications are envisioned. Studying the intricacies of interfacial processes faces experimental challenges. Here the complementary use of electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) and operando infrared fiber evanescent wave spectroscopy (IR‐FEWS) combined with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations is reported to investigate the electrode/electrolyte interface of polyanionic Na‐insertion compounds Na3V2(PO4)3 (NVP) and Na3V2(PO4)2F3 (NVPF). Through screening of various electrolytes that differ in their solvation energy and viscosity, the existence of an unusual mass uptake/depletion signal is demonstrated at the NVP interfaces only, indicative of a dissimilarity in migration kinetics of solvent molecules between NVP and NVPF interfaces as supported by IR‐FEWS. This finding is rationalized by positing that sodium depletion is caused by the unusually rapid ion diffusion within NVP mediated by an intermediate metastable phase, which leads to opposite Na+ concentration and free solvent molecule gradients at the interface that causes the unusual and anomalous feature observed on EQCM frequency profiles. This feature does not appear with NVPF showing lower ionic diffusion. Altogether, this fundamental study provides valuable fundamental insights into the interface structuring of insertion compounds depending upon their Na+ mobility.
Alkoxy Radical Induced Transformations from N‐Alkoxyphthalimides Under the Photoredox Catalysis
Authors: Liu Jie , Jin Jia , Zhang Kui , Cai Lingchao
Published: May 2023

Photocatalytic generation of alkoxy radicals is fast emerging as an essential method for the generation of diverse and valuable radicals from inert C−H and C−C bonds for the construction of various C(sp3)−C(sp3), C(sp3)−C(sp2), C(sp3)−C(sp), and C−heteroatom bonds under mild condition. This review is a comprehensive evaluation of the studies using N‐alkoxyphthalimide (NAPI) derivatives as tunable oxygen radical precursors in photoredox catalysis, highlighting alkoxy radical enabled 1,2‐, 1,5‐hydrogen atom transfer, and β‐fragmentation (deformylation) process to generate versatile carbon‐centered radical intermediates with diverse reactivity profiles.
Preanalytical stability of plasma/serum brain‐derived tau
Authors: Gonzalez‐Ortiz Fernando , Dias Alexandre , Turton Michael , Magalhães Rui , Kac Przemysław R. , Correia Manuel , Harrison Peter , Zetterberg Henrik , Maia Luís F. , Blennow Kaj , Karikari Thomas K.
Published: May 2023

INTRODUCTION

We investigated the effects of matrix type and reagent batch changes on diagnostic performances and longitudinal trajectories of brain‐derived tau (BD‐tau).

METHODS

We evaluated (i) Cohort 1: paired EDTA plasma and serum from Alzheimer biomarker‐positive older adults versus controls (n = 26); and (ii) Cohort 2: n = 79 acute ischemic stroke patients with 265 longitudinal samples across four time points.

RESULTS

In Cohort 1, plasma and serum BD‐tau were strongly correlated (rho = 0.96, p < 0.0001) with similar diagnostic performances (AUCs >99%) and correlations with CSF total‐tau (rho = 0.93–0.94, p < 0.0001). However, absolute concentrations were ∼40% higher in plasma versus serum. In Cohort 2, first and repeated BD‐tau measurements showed a near‐perfect correlation (rho = 0.96, p < 0.0001), with no significant between‐batch concentration differences. In longitudinal analyses, substituting ∼10% of the first‐run concentrations for the remeasured values showed overlapping estimated trajectories without significant differences at any time point.

DISCUSSION

BD‐tau has equivalent diagnostic accuracies, but non‐interchangeable absolute concentrations, in plasma versus serum. Furthermore, the analytical robustness is unaffected by batch‐to‐batch reagent variations.

Highlights

Brain‐derived tau (BD‐tau) is a novel blood‐based biomarker that quantifies tau protein of CNS origin.

Effects of preanalytical handling procedures on the quality and reproducibility of BD‐tau measures are unknown.

In two cohorts of n = 105 participants, we compared BD‐tau concentrations and diagnostic performances in paired plasma and serum samples, and evaluated impacts of batch‐to‐batch reagent variations.

Paired plasma and serum showed equivalent diagnostic performances to separate amyloid‐positive AD from amyloid‐negative controls, indicating both can be used independently.

Repeated measurements and longitudinal trajectories of plasma BD‐tau were unaffected by batch‐to‐batch reagent variation.
Efficient Generation of Customized Caustics: Nondiffracting Deltoid and Pentagram Beams
Authors: Chen Rijian , Gong Ning , Liu Yefeng , Ren Zhijun
Published: May 2023

This study puts forward a powerful new strategy that allows highly efficient generation of the shaping transverse nondiffracting caustics that concentrate around the expected curve. First, under the condition of stationary phase approximation, as the typical example of caustic beams, the analytical formula of nondiffracting deltoid and pentagram caustics is theoretically derived. Based on the obtained analytical formula, the desired caustics of deltoid and pentagram are numerically simulated. Hence, their optical shape and the propagation characteristics of nondiffracting caustics can be investigated. Then, based on the given generating mechanism, the corresponding experimental system to experimentally explore the nondiffracting deltoid and pentagram caustics with good self‐healing properties is constructed. Compared with the previous generating methods, the proposed method has a high light energy utilization.
A Duplex Polymerization Strategy for General, Programmable and High‐Resolution Nanopore‐Based Sensing
Authors: Wu Ruiping , Wang Yesheng , Yu Jin , Li Huan , Yu Chunmiao , Wang Huaning , Wang Ming , Li Bingling
Published: May 2023

Nanopore sensing is highly promising in single molecular analysis but their broad applications have been challenged by the limited strategies that can transduce a target‐of‐interest into a specific and anti‐false/inference signal, especially for solid‐state nanopores with relatively lower resolution and higher noise. Here we report a high‐resolution signal‐production concept named target‐induced duplex polymerization strategy (DPS). Through linking the same or different duplex substrates (DSs) with a special linker (L) and an optional structure tag (ST), the DPS can generate target‐specific DS polymers with highly controllable duration times, duration intervals and even distinguished secondary tagging currents. Experimentally, DPS mono‐polymerization of single DS and co‐polymerization of multiple DSs has verified the duration time of a DPS product is the sum of those for each DS monomer. Tetrahedron‐DNA structures with different sizes are used as the STs to provide needle‐like secondary peaks for further resolution enhancement and multiplex assay. With these examples DPS represents a general, programmable and advanced strategy that may simultaneously provide size‐amplification, concentration amplification, and signal‐specificity for molecular recognition. It is also promisingly in various applications regarding to single molecular investigation, such as polymerization degree, structure/side chain conformation, programmable multiplex decoding and information index.
Increased Nitrogenase Activity in Solar‐Driven Biohybrids Containing Non‐photosynthetic Bacteria and Conducting Polymers
Authors: Zeng Yue , Bai Haotian , Yu Wen , Xia Shengpeng , Shen Qi , Huang Yiming , Lv Fengting , Bazan Guillermo C. , Wang Shu
Published: May 2023

A conductive polymer‐based photosynthetic biohybrid is constructed to enhance biological nitrogen fixation by increasing nitrogenase activity in the non‐photosynthetic bacterium Azotobacter Chroococcum (A. Chroococcum). The light‐harvesting cationic poly(fluorene‐alt‐phenylene) (PFP) electrostatically binds to the surface of the bacteria and possesses satisfactory conductivity to facilitate electron transfer to the bacterium, promoting the nitrogen fixation pathway through redox proteins on the surface of the bacteria when under illumination. Therefore, the nitrogenase activity, hydrogen, NH4+‐N and L‐amino acids production are increased by 260 %, 37 %, 44 %, and 47 %, respectively. The expression levels of nifD and nifK encoding molybdenum‐iron (MoFe) protein and relevant nitrogen‐fixing proteins are up‐regulated. These photoactive conductive polymer‐bacteria biohybrids provide a new method for improving the biological nitrogen fixation capability of non‐photosynthetic nitrogen‐fixing bacteria.
Photoredox Catalysis for the Synthesis of N‐CF2H Compounds Using 1‐((N‐(difluoromethyl)‐4‐methylphenyl)‐sulfonamido)pyridin‐1‐ium Trifluoromethanesulfonate
Authors: Lin Daniel , de los Rios Juan Pablo , Surya Prakash G. K.
Published: May 2023

N‐(difluoromethyl)amino (−NCF2H) compounds are of great interest given their unique and underexplored physiochemical properties. The lack of structural diversity in NCF2H compounds is likely due in part to the shortage of protocols for efficient installation. Presented herein is a new shelf‐stable pyridinium reagent that enables the direct installation of the N‐(difluoromethyl)sulfonamide moiety [N(Ts)CF2H)] onto (hetero)arenes and alkenes for the diversification of aryl and alkyl NCF2H compounds. The described protocol utilizes blue light photoredox catalysis and displays broad functional group tolerance with excellent chemoselectivity. Additional transformations and applicability towards a photoredox continuous flow protocol are also demonstrated.
Solar‐Driven CO2 Conversion via Optimized Photothermal Catalysis in a Lotus Pod Structure
Authors: Wang Hongmin , Fu Shuting , Shang Bo , Jeon Sungho , Zhong Yiren , Harmon Nia J. , Choi Chungseok , Stach Eric A. , Wang Hailiang
Published: May 2023

Photothermal CO2 reduction is one of the most promising routes to efficiently utilize solar energy for fuel production at high rates. However, this reaction is currently limited by underdeveloped catalysts with low photothermal conversion efficiency, insufficient exposure of active sites, low active material loading, and high material cost. Herein, we report a potassium‐modified carbon‐supported cobalt (K+−Co−C) catalyst mimicking the structure of a lotus pod that addresses these challenges. As a result of the designed lotus‐pod structure which features an efficient photothermal C substrate with hierarchical pores, an intimate Co/C interface with covalent bonding, and exposed Co catalytic sites with optimized CO binding strength, the K+−Co−C catalyst shows a record‐high photothermal CO2 hydrogenation rate of 758 mmol gcat−1 h−1 (2871 mmol gCo−1 h−1) with a 99.8 % selectivity for CO, three orders of magnitude higher than typical photochemical CO2 reduction reactions. We further demonstrate with this catalyst effective CO2 conversion under natural sunlight one hour before sunset during the winter season, putting forward an important step towards practical solar fuel production.
Hypothermia With Paradoxical Symptoms: A Case Series of Cesarean Deliveries With Intrathecal Morphine
Authors: Munday Judy , Ramis Mary‐Anne , Kynoch Kathryn , Maffey Simon , Steelman Victoria , Osborne Sonya
Published: May 2023

Women receiving intrathecal morphine for cesarean delivery may experience hypothermia with paradoxical symptoms of sweating, nausea, and shivering. Despite being relatively rare in comparison to commonly experienced symptoms of perioperative hypothermia, hypothermia with paradoxical symptoms affects early maternal recovery and comfort. The cause is undetermined, and treatment approaches vary. Regular active‐warming strategies may not be tolerated because of the paradoxical symptoms of sweating and feeling overheated. This case series aims to explore the phenomenon through the evaluation of health care records of women receiving intrathecal morphine for cesarean delivery at a single, tertiary health care institution in Australia from 2015 to 2018. We also summarize published literature to review treatment approaches used in the care of women experiencing profound heat loss while feeling overheated.
Clinical Issues — June 2023
Authors: Wood Amber , Jones Emily
Published: May 2023

THIS MONTH

Personal protective equipment in the decontamination area

Key words: decontamination, personal protective equipment (PPE), barrier level, droplets, sterile processing.

Administering opioids to patients with obstructive sleep apnea

Key words: opioids, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), moderate sedation and analgesia, respiratory depression, positive‐pressure ventilation.

Surgical smoke evacuation during Mohs surgery

Key words: Mohs, surgical smoke, evacuation, filtration, wall suction.

Using built‐in trocar filters for surgical smoke safety

Key words: ultra‐low particulate air filtration, activated carbon filtration, built‐in trocar filter, volatile organic compound (VOC), minimally invasive surgery (MIS).
Rapid preparation of liquid‐free, antifreeze, stretchable, and ion‐conductive eutectic gels with good compression resistance and self‐healing properties by frontal polymerization
Authors: Liu Jizhen , Li Bin , Wu Aolin , Qin Haibo , Xu Xiaojia , Yan Shilin
Published: May 2023

The development of elastomers from renewable raw material resources, with excellent properties, has been a major and difficult area of research. In this work, ternary polymerizable deep eutectic monomers (DEMs) were synthesized from acrylamide, choline chloride, and glycerol (Gy). A series of mixed hydrogels were prepared in 15 min through thermal initiation in DEM using a frontal chemical change. The eutectic gel exhibited good mechanical and self‐healing properties, and the mechanical and self‐healing properties of the target gel could be regulated by adjusting the proportion of Gy, while the eutectic gel could maintain high elongation and self‐healing efficiency at low temperatures. Additional, eutectic gels could be compressed to a strain of more than 80% and could immediately recover to their original state when the compression force was released. In the cyclic compression test, the eutectic gel cyclic compression curves showed a high degree of overlap, and no significant hysteresis was observed, even at a set strain of 80% and 100 cyclic compression times. In addition, the eutectic gel showed fine ionic conductivity, and both the water content and Gy content could affect its conductivity, giving it the potential to be used in the application of manufacturing pressure‐sensitive sensors.
Development of poly (linear low‐density ethylene)/poly (ethylene‐methyl co‐acrylate) blends with enhanced thermal‐stability and toughening behavior with adding of carbonaceous fillers
Authors: Nunes Mário A. B. S. , Garcia Pamela S. , de Melo Tomás J. A. , Fechine Guilhermino J. M.
Published: May 2023

In this work, polymer blend nanocomposites based on carbon fillers were produced via melt‐compounding in a twin‐screw extruder. A combination of several matrices (LLDPE, EMA, and LLDPE/EMA) and fillers (FLG, FWCNT, and FLG/FWCNT) was used. Thermal enhancement as the consequence of few‐walled carbon nanotube addition, led to significant improvements in the initial degradation temperatures of LLDPE (383.2 > 441.2°C), EMA (371.2 > 417.3°C), and LLDPE/EMA (390.55 > 430.62°C) matrixes, respectively. The evaluation of the dynamic‐mechanical behavior of the compositions showed an increase of 80% in the storage module for LLDPE‐based nanocomposites, a reduction of 30% for blend‐based nanocomposites, and a non‐change for EMA nanocomposites. Tenacity property was considerably improved, achieving a value 78% higher to the LLDPE/EMA blend, mainly due to the possible migration of the nanoparticles from EMA phase to the LLDPE phase, creating a more efficient physical network with well‐developed percolating structure, which facilitates the dissipation of energy during mechanical loading. In summary, it can be observed that the morphology control as well as the nanofillers location, proved to be extremely relevant factors to produce a polymer film with enormous gains in the thermal and mechanical properties.
Effects of electrospun fibers containing ascorbic acid on oxidative stress reduction for cardiac tissue engineering
Authors: Handley Ella‐Louise , Callanan Anthony
Published: May 2023

Tissue engineering provides promise for regeneration of cardiac tissue following myocardial infarction. However, the harsh microenvironment of the infarct hampers the efficacy of regenerative therapies. Ischemia‐reperfusion injury dramatically increases the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within the infarcted area, causing a cascade of further cellular injury. Implantable tissue engineered grafts can target this oxidative stress by delivering pharmaceutical compounds directly into the diseased tissue. Herein, we successfully fabricated electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) fibers containing varying concentrations of ascorbic acid, a potent antioxidant well known for its ROS‐scavenging capabilities. The antioxidant scaffolds displayed significantly improved scavenging of DPPH radicals, superoxide anions and hydroxyl radicals, in a dose dependent manner. Mechanical properties testing indicated that incorporation of ascorbic acid enhanced the strength and Young's modulus of the material, correlating with a moderate but non‐significant increase in the crystallinity. Moreover, the scaffolds supported adhesion and maintained survival of human umbilical vein endothelial cells in vitro, indicating good cytocompatibility. These results provide motivation for the use of ascorbic acid‐containing fibrous scaffolds to regulate the highly oxidative microenvironment following myocardial infarction.