bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression analysis of the thyrotropin‐releasing hormone receptor (TRHR) in the immune system using agonist anti‐TRHR monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Mellado Mario , Fernández-Agulló Teresa , Rodrı́guez-Frade José Miguel , García San Frutos Miriam , de la Peña Pilar , Martı́nez-A Carlos , Montoya Eladio
Published: July 2002

Monoclonal anti‐rat thyrotropin‐releasing hormone (TRH) receptor (TRHR)‐specific antibodies (mAb) were generated by immunization with synthetic peptides of rat TRHR partial amino acid sequences; one (TRHR01) was directed against a sequence (84–98) in the extracellular portion of the rat TRHR reported to be constant among different species, including man, and the second (TRHR02) recognizes the C‐terminal region sequence 399–412. In lysates from GH4C1 cells, a clonal rat pituitary cell line, both mAb recognize the TRHR in Western blot analysis, and TRHR02 immunoprecipitates the TRHR. Incubation of GH4C1 cells with the mAb causes a fluorescence shift in fluorescence‐activated cell sorting analysis. The cells were stained specifically by both mAb using immunocytochemical techniques. Furthermore, TRHR01 is agonistic in its ability to trigger Ca2+ flux, and desensitizes the TRH receptor. We tested for TRHR in several rat organs and found expression in lymphoid tissues. TRHR01 recognizes the human TRHR, and analysis of human peripheral blood lymphocyte and tonsil‐derived leukocyte populations showed receptor expression in non‐activated and phytohemagglutinin‐activated T and B cells.
Flow cytometric analysis of intracellular chemokines in chondrocytes in vivo: constitutive expression and enhancement in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Borzı̀ Rosa Maria , Mazzetti Ilaria , Macor Sandro , Silvestri Tania , Bassi Alessandra , Cattini Luca , Facchini Andrea
Published: July 2002

Chemokines play a key role in modulating leukocyte functions at sites of inflammation. To assess chondrocyte contribution to the chemotactic environment of inflamed joints the intracellular content of CC and CXC chemokines was investigated. IL‐8, GROα, MCP‐1, RANTES, MIP‐1α and MIP‐1β expression was evaluated by flow cytometric analysis and RT‐PCR in chondrocytes isolated from cartilage specimens obtained from patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and multiorgan donors as normal controls. All the chemokines except RANTES were found in normal chondrocytes, with different degrees of staining intensity. In osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis patients, an enhancement of IL‐8, GROα, MIP‐1α and MIP‐1β was observed.
Induction of apoptosis of monocyte‐macrophage lineage cells by 5‐S‐GAD
Authors: Hijikata Mariko , Matsumoto Hiroko N. , Kobayashi Ayako , Nifuji Akira , Noda Masaki , Natori Shunji
Published: July 2002

We found that 5‐S‐GAD, an insect‐derived antibacterial peptide, inhibited murine osteoclast formation in vitro. We examined the specific time point of the inhibitory action of 5‐S‐GAD on osteoclast formation and found that it mainly suppressed differentiation of osteoclasts in the middle of the culture period. Using HL60 cells that are able to differentiate into multinucleated macrophage‐like cells, we found that 5‐S‐GAD induced apoptosis of HL60 cells by producing H2O2. Thus, the inhibition of osteoclast formation by 5‐S‐GAD could be, in part, due to apoptosis of the cells of an osteoclast lineage.
Sertaconazole: pharmacology of a gynecological antifungal agent
Authors: Palacı́n C , Tarragó C , Ortiz J.A
Published: July 2002

Sertaconazole is a broad spectrum antifungal agent with excellent activity against yeasts, dermatophytes and opportunistic fungi. In addition to this antifungal efficacy, it has a good safety profile, sustained cutaneous retention, and low systemic absorption, all of which make it ideal for topical applications. In this study, the pharmacological properties of sertaconazole related to the treatment of vaginal fungi, in particular vulvovaginal candidiasis, are reviewed. As with all other infectious processes, the interacting components are infectious microorganism, host and drug. The following properties of sertaconazole have been investigated in pre‐clinical studies: its in vitro spectrum of activity and potency against causative agents and accompanying factors in vaginal infection; its mechanism of action, whether it acts on the pathogenic properties of the microorganism; if it affects host defense mechanisms and how its antifungal activity is manifested in vivo in experimental candidiasis in the mouse.
Minimizers of the Lawrence–Doniach energy in the small-coupling limit: finite width samples in a parallel field
Authors: Alama S. , Berlinsky A.J. , Bronsard L.
Published: July 2002

In this paper we study the Lawrence–Doniach model for layered superconductors, for a sample with finite width subjected to a magnetic field parallel to the superconducting layers. We provide a rigorous analysis of the energy minimizers in the limit as the coupling between adjacent superconducting layers tends to zero. We identify a unique global minimizer of the Gibbs free energy in this regime (“vortex planes”), and reveal a sequence of first-order phase transitions by which Josephson vortices are nucleated via the boundary. The small coupling limit is studied via degenerate perturbation theory based on a Lyapunov–Schmidt decomposition which reduces the Lawrence–Doniach system to a finite-dimensional variational problem. Finally, a lower bound on the radius of validity of the perturbation expansion (in terms of various parameters appearing in the model) is obtained.

Nous analysons rigoureusement les minimiseurs du modèle de Lawrence–Doniach pour les supraconducteurs en couche quand le paramètre de couplage de Josephson tend vers zero. Le champs magnétique imposé est parallèle aux plans supraconductifs et l'échantillon est de largeur fini. A l'aide d'une méthode de perturbation dégénérée basée sur une décomposition de Lyapunov–Schmidt, nous réduisons le système de Lawrence–Doniach à un problème variationel de dimension fini. Nous obtenons un minimiseur global unique (“les plans de vortex”) et montrons qu'il y a nucléations des vortex de Josephson à la frontière via une suite de transitions de premier ordre. Finalement, à l'aide d'estimations a-priori nous obtenons aussi une borne inférieure sur le rayon de convergence du développement de Taylor en termes de paramètres présents dans le modèle.
Early locus coeruleus lesions increase the density of β‐adrenergic receptors in the main olfactory bulb of rats
Authors: Woo Cynthia C. , Wilson Donald A. , Sullivan Regina M. , Leon Michael
Published: July 2002

Norepinephrine is supplied to both deep and superficial layers of the olfactory bulb through dense projections from the locus coeruleus.16 Beta‐adrenergic receptors are located in nearly all bulb laminae, with high‐density foci of β‐1 and β‐2‐adrenoceptors present in the glomerular layer.29 Early olfactory experiences that increase norepinephrine levels in the bulb also decrease the density of β‐1‐ and β‐2‐adrenoceptors, as well as the number of high‐density glomerular foci of β‐2‐receptors.30 Changes in bulb norepinephrine levels, therefore, may affect the density of β‐adrenoceptors in the bulb. In the current study, we test this hypothesis by performing unilateral lesions of the locus coeruleus with 6‐hydroxydopamine on postnatal day 4, and examining the density of β‐1‐ and β‐2‐adrenergic receptors in the main olfactory bulb of the rat using125I‐labeled iodopindolol receptor autoradiography on postnatal day 19. Locus coeruleus destruction resulted in a statistically significant increase in the density of adrenergic receptors in the ipsilateral bulb compared to the contralateral bulb. Both β‐1‐ and β‐2‐adrenoceptor subtypes increased in density with this manipulation, although the number of glomerular layer high‐density β‐2 foci was not significantly different between the two bulbs. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that changes in olfactory bulb norepinephrine can regulate the density of β‐adrenergic receptors in the bulb.
Differences in myelination between spinal cord and corticular tissue transplanted intraocularly in rats
Authors: Kálman Mihály , Tuba Andrea
Published: July 2002

This paper compares the myelination in rat cortex and spinal cord transplanted on the embryonic day (E) 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 and right after birth (P0) into the anterior eye chamber of adult rats. Myelinated fibers were not observed in either cortical or spinal cord transplants of E12. When transplanted on E14, abundant myelinated fibers developed in the spinal cord and gathered at the periphery of the transplants as a “white matter”. In the grafted cortex myelinated fibers were found when transplantation occurred on E16 or later. The myelinated fibers, however, remained scarce or formed only narrow bundles. The number and distribution of myelinated fibers did not depend on the donor's age between E16 and P0 : even in the latter case transplanted cortex were found without myelination. The differences could be attributed to the different development of the cortical and spinal cord oligodendrocytes and to the different intrinsic organization of the grafted samples.
Postnatal maternal separation during the stress hyporesponsive period enhances the adrenocortical response to novelty in adult rats by affecting feedback regulation in the CA1 hippocampal field
Authors: Biagini Giuseppe , Pich Emilio Merlo , Carani Cesare , Marrama Paolo , Agnati Luigi F.
Published: July 2002

The aim of the present experiment was to study the effects of early postnatal maternal separation on behavioural and adrenocortical responses to novelty in rats tested as adults. Sprague–Dawley rat pups were exposed to daily maternal separation (5 h/day) from postnatal day 2 to 6, during the stress hyporesponsive period. Since this procedure requires physical contact with the animals, a first control group of daily handled pups was introduced. A second control group, consisting of pups never handled or separated from the mother, was also considered. At postnatal day 45, the rats were tested in a two‐compartment exploratory apparatus : the maternally separated and the non‐handled rats, whose behavioural performance did not differ, showed higher emotional behaviour when compared with the handled rats (P < 0.05), suggesting that the handling procedure but not maternal separation improved the capacity to cope with novelty. Corticosterone plasma levels were found to be higher in the maternally separated rats than in the other two groups (P < 0.05), either at resting conditions or at 30 min after novelty exposure (P < 0.05). Levels of nuclear glucocorticoid receptor immunoreactivity in the CA1 hippocampal field were shown to be regulated by novelty exposure, as expected, in both the handled and the non‐handled rats but not in the maternally separated rats. In conclusion, repeated maternal separation periods of 5 h/day during the first week of life produced long‐lasting effects on the hippocampal regulation of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenocortical axis, which appear to be associated with increased responsiveness to stress stimuli in adulthood.
The ontogenic appearance of tyrosine hydroxylase‐, serotonin‐, gamma‐aminobutyric acid‐, calcitonin gene‐related peptide‐, substance P‐, and synaptophysin‐immunoreactivity in rat pituitary gland
Authors: Szabat E. , Vanhatalo S. , Soinila S.
Published: July 2002

The initial appearance of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)‐, serotonin (5‐HT)‐, gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)‐, calcitonin gene‐related peptide‐ (CGRP), substance P‐, and synaptophysin‐immunoreactivity in the rat pituitary gland, and in the related brain regions was investigated. Several groups of TH‐immunoreactive neurons were first detected in the brain stem on day E17, and in the hypothalamus on day E18, followed by TH‐immunoreactivity in the median eminence and infundibulum on E19–E20. TH‐positive fibers appeared in the posterior lobe on day E20 and in the intermediate lobe on day P0. 5‐HT‐immunoreactivity was first detected on day E17 in neurons and nerve fibers in the brain stem and in the median eminence, respectively. On day E18, a few 5‐HT‐immunoreactive fibers were detected in the posterior lobe of the pituitary, although they were consistently seen in the infundibulum from day E19. In newborn rats, some 5‐HT‐immunoreactive fibers, but no neurons, were seen in the hypothalamus. GABA immunoreactivity appeared on day E17 in several nerve fibers of the infundibulum and the posterior lobe. Some neurons in the cortex and ventral hypothalamus transiently expressed GABA immunoreactivity on day E17. In newborn rats, a plexus of GABA‐immunoreactive fibers was detected for the first time in the intermediate lobe. No CGRP‐immunoreactive fibers could be detected in the prenatal pituitary. On day P10, CGRP‐immunoreactive fibers were first observed in the anterior lobe. Later their number considerably increased, while only sporadic fibers could be found in the intermediate or posterior lobes. No substance P‐immunoreactivity could be detected in any of the lobes in the embryonic or developing postnatal rat pituitary, instead the adult anterior lobe occasionally showed some substance P‐immunoreactive fibers. Synaptophysin‐immunoreactivity was first detected in the posterior lobe on day E20, followed shortly by its expression in the intermediate lobe in newborn rats. The time course of GABA and 5‐HT expression revealed in the present study suggests that these transmitters, which are initially expressed in the developing pituitary clearly before synaptic maturation, may act as trophic molecules during the prenatal period.
A comparison of ICD-8 and ICD-10 diagnoses of affective disorder - a case register study from Denmark
Authors: Kessing LV
Published: July 2002

The introduction of ICD-10 has changed the diagnostic borders of affective disorders in clinical psychiatry. The current study presents the diagnostic concordance between ICD-8 diagnoses given in 1993 and ICD-10 diagnoses given in 1994 to the same patients admitted in both years, according to the Danish register of psychiatric admissions. In total, 1,487 patients received an ICD-8 diagnosis of manicdepressive psychoses in 1993 and were re-admitted in 1994. The majority of patients (84.0%) with a manic-depressive diagnosis according to ICD-8 received a diagnosis of affective disorder according to ICD-10. Patients with a diagnosis of affective disorder according to ICD-10 had previously been diagnosed as manic-depressive (69.6%), psychogenic psychoses (8.7%). personality disorders (5.5%) or neurosis (3.2%) according to ICD-8. The ICD-10 concept of affective disorder thus appeared broader and more comprehensive compared with ICD-8.
CYP3A activity in European American and Japanese men using midazolam as an in vivo probe
Authors: Tateishi Tomonori , Watanabe Minoru , Nakura Hironori , Asoh Masako , Shirai Hiroaki , Mizorogi Yoshihiro , Kobayashi Shinichi , Thummel Kenneth E. , Wilkinson Grant R.
Published: July 2002

Objective

To investigate putative differences in CYP3A activity between European American and Japanese subjects using midazolam as an in vivo probe.

Methods

Midazolam was administered orally (2 mg) to 22 young healthy Japanese men and, on a separate occasion, to 19 of these by the intravenous route (1 mg). The disposition of the drug and its 1′‐hydroxy metabolite were determined and compared with data collected in a similar fashion in 20 young healthy European American men.

Results

Plasma concentrations of midazolam, especially those attained soon after drug administration, were higher after intravenous injection in Japanese subjects than those in European American men. This observation was associated with smaller initial (2.5‐fold) and steady‐state (1.8‐fold) volumes of distribution for the drug; normalization for body weight only modestly reduced these differences. The systemic clearance value of midazolam was 25% lower (P < .03) in Japanese subjects, but this difference was not apparent after accounting for the smaller body weights of that group. No statistical differences were noted in the elimination half‐life (t½) of midazolam between European American and Japanese subjects. Much greater interindividual variability was observed after oral administration compared with intravenous administration, but significant differences were not found between the 2 groups with respect to the maximum midazolam plasma level or its oral clearance. Absolute oral bioavailability and its associated gastrointestinal and hepatic extraction ratios also showed no statistically significant interracial differences.

Conclusions

On average, hepatic CYP3A, as measured by the metabolism of midazolam, is lower in young healthy Japanese men compared with similar European Americans. However, there is considerable interindividual variability, and body size appears to be an important determinant. After oral administration, even greater variability in the plasma level‐time profile of midazolam is present, and no statistically significant or clinically important interracial/ethnic difference is present. Possibly because of smaller body mass and differences in body composition, midazolam has a smaller distribution volume(s) in Japanese men than in European American men that might be an important factor when drugs are administered intravenously.

Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2001) 69, 333–339; doi: 10.1067/mcp.2001.115447
Unique structural features of the adenylate kinase hCINAP/AK6 and its multifaceted functions in carcinogenesis and tumor progression
Authors: Xu Ruidan , Yang Yongfeng , Zheng Xiaofeng
Published: July 2021

Human coilin‐interacting nuclear ATPase protein (hCINAP), also known as adenylate kinase 6 (AK6), is an atypical adenylate kinase with critical roles in many biological processes, including gene transcription, ribosome synthesis, cell metabolism, cell proliferation and apoptosis, DNA damage responses, and genome stability. Furthermore, hCINAP/AK6 dysfunction is associated with cancer and various inflammatory diseases. In this review, we summarize the structural features and biological roles of hCINAP in several important signaling pathways, as well as its connection with tumor onset and progression.
Desmoglein‐2 expression is an independent predictor of poor prognosis patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Ebert Lisa M. , Vandyke Kate , Johan M. Zahied , DeNichilo Mark , Tan Lih Y. , Myo Min Kay K. , Weimann Benjamin M. , Ebert Brenton W. , Pitson Stuart M. , Zannettino Andrew C. W. , Wallington‐Beddoe Craig T. , Bonder Claudine S.
Published: July 2021

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common haematological malignancy and is an incurable disease of neoplastic plasma cells (PC). Newly diagnosed MM patients currently undergo lengthy genetic testing to match chromosomal mutations with the most potent drug/s to decelerate disease progression. With only 17% of MM patients surviving 10‐years postdiagnosis, faster detection and earlier intervention would unequivocally improve outcomes. Here, we show that the cell surface protein desmoglein‐2 (DSG2) is overexpressed in ~ 20% of bone marrow biopsies from newly diagnosed MM patients. Importantly, DSG2 expression was strongly predictive of poor clinical outcome, with patients expressing DSG2 above the 70th percentile exhibiting an almost 3‐fold increased risk of death. As a prognostic factor, DSG2 is independent of genetic subtype as well as the routinely measured biomarkers of MM activity (e.g. paraprotein). Functional studies revealed a nonredundant role for DSG2 in adhesion of MM PC to endothelial cells. Together, our studies suggest DSG2 to be a potential cell surface biomarker that can be readily detected by flow cytometry to rapidly predict disease trajectory at the time of diagnosis.
Genomic analyses of high‐grade neuroendocrine gynecological malignancies reveal a unique mutational landscape and therapeutic vulnerabilities
Authors: Mahdi Haider , Joehlin‐Price Amy , Elishaev Esther , Dowlati Afshin , Abbas Ata
Published: July 2021

High‐grade neuroendocrine carcinoma of gynecologic origin (NEC‐GYN) is a highly aggressive cancer that often affects young women. The clinical management of NEC‐GYN is typically extrapolated from its counterpart, small cell carcinoma of the lung (SCLC), but, unfortunately, available therapies have limited benefit. In our NEC‐GYN cohort, median progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 1 and 12 months, respectively, indicating the highly lethal nature of this cancer. Our comprehensive genomic analyses unveiled that NEC‐GYN harbors a higher mutational burden with distinct mutational landscapes from SCLC. We identified 14 cancer driver genes, including the most frequently altered KMT2C (100%), KNL1 (100%), NCOR2 (100%), and CCDC6 (93%) genes. Transcriptomic analysis identified several novel gene fusions; astonishingly, the MALAT1 lincRNA gene was found in ˜ 20% of all fusion events in NEC‐GYN. Furthermore, NEC‐GYN exhibited a highly immunosuppressive state, intact RB1 expression, and was uniquely enriched with the YAP1high molecular subtype. Our study identifies several potential therapeutic targets and suggests an urgent need to re‐evaluate the treatment options for NEC‐GYN.
UBQLN4 is an ATM substrate that stabilizes the anti‐apoptotic proteins BCL2A1 and BCL2L10 in mesothelioma
Authors: Liu Fang , Pan RunSang , Ding HongYu , Gu LiLing , Yang Yun , Li ChuanYin , Xu YongJie , Hu Ronggui , Chen Hui , Zhang XiangYan , Nie YingJie
Published: July 2021

ATM serine/threonine kinase (ATM; previously known as ataxia‐telangiectasia mutated) plays a critical role in maintaining genomic stability and regulates multiple downstream pathways, such as DNA repair, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis. As a serine/threonine kinase, ATM has an array of downstream phosphorylation substrates, including checkpoint effector checkpoint kinase 2 (CHK2). ATM inhibits cell cycle progression by phosphorylating and activating CHK2, which plays an important role in the formation and development of tumors and participates in DNA repair responses after double‐stranded DNA breaks. In this study, we used a recently developed mammalian functional genetic screening system to explore a series of ATM substrates and their role in DNA damage to enhance our understanding of the DNA damage response. Ubiquilin 4 (UBQLN4), which belongs to the ubiquilin family characterized by its ubiquitin‐like (UBL) and ubiquitin‐associated (UBA) domains, was identified as a new substrate for ATM. UBQLN4 is involved in various intracellular processes, such as autophagosome maturation, p21 regulation, and motor axon morphogenesis. However, the biological function of UBQLN4 remains to be elucidated. In this study, we not only identified UBQLN4 as a substrate for ATM, but also found that UBQLN4 interacts with and stabilizes the anti‐apoptotic proteins Bcl‐2‐related protein A1 (BCL2A1) and Bcl‐2‐like protein 10 (BCL2L10) and prevents mesothelioma cell apoptosis in response to DNA damage. These findings expand our understanding of the role of UBQLN4 in mesothelioma and provide new insights into potential mesothelioma treatments targeting substrates for ATM.
It's all in the details: An investigation of the subcomponents of narrative coherence in relation to mental health
Authors: Vanaken Lauranne , Vanderveren Elien , Waters Theodore E. A. , Bijttebier Patricia , Fivush Robyn , Hermans Dirk
Published: July 2021

The coherence of autobiographical narratives is suggested to be reflective of individuals' mental health. However, inconsistencies in results are regularly observed. Therefore, in this study, the Narrative Coherence Coding Scheme (NaCCS) by Reese et al. (Journal of Cognition and Development, 12, 424–462) was deconstructed and every dimension of coherence was recoded into singular constituting subcomponents. Our new fine‐grained scoring scheme allowed us to investigate which particular subcomponents of coherence may be important in the relation to mental health. Data showed that both structural as well as thematic elements of coherence, with in particular the number of emotional elaborations, were important in the association with mental health. Therefore, we recommend for future research to use this specific coding scheme, including most notably the number of emotional elaborations, in order to obtain the most accurate prediction of mental health, to test the replicability of these preliminary findings and to guide targets for narrative‐based interventions.
The Prevalence of Knee Symptoms, Radiographic, and Symptomatic Osteoarthritis at Four Time Points: The Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project, 1999‐2018
Authors: Nelson Amanda E. , Hu David , Arbeeva Liubov , Alvarez Carolina , Cleveland Rebecca J. , Schwartz Todd A. , Murphy Louise B. , Helmick Charles G. , Callahan Leigh F. , Renner Jordan B. , Jordan Joanne M. , Golightly Yvonne M.
Published: July 2021

Objective

To describe point prevalence of knee symptoms, radiographic knee osteoarthritis (rKOA), severe rKOA, and symptomatic rKOA at four time points in the longitudinal, population‐based Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project (JoCo OA).

Methods

Data were from 2573 JoCo OA participants with up to 18 years of follow‐up (1999‐2018) and standardized fixed‐flexion knee radiographs read by a single, reliable expert musculoskeletal radiologist. The four outcomes were 1) self‐reported knee symptoms, defined by “On most days, do you have pain, aching, or stiffness in your right/left knee?”; 2) rKOA, defined as a Kellgren‐Lawrence grade (KLG) of 2 to 4); 3) severe rKOA, defined as a KLG of 3 or 4; and 4) symptomatic rKOA, defined as both symptoms and rKOA in the same joint. Weighted prevalence estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were generated overall and by age group, sex, race, and body mass index (BMI).

Results

Most recently (2017‐2018, T4), the overall prevalence (percentage) of knee symptoms, rKOA, severe rKOA, and symptomatic rKOA was 41% (95% CI: 35‐47%), 61% (95% CI: 56‐67%), 35% (95% CI: 30‐40%), and 30% (95% CI: 24‐35%), respectively. From time point T1 to T4, prevalence increased for rKOA, severe rKOA, and symptomatic rKOA but not for knee symptoms. The prevalence of both severe rKOA (17‐39%) and symptomatic rKOA (23‐30%) was consistently higher among women. The prevalence of all outcomes was higher among those with higher BMI and among Black participants at all time points, particularly rKOA (35‐69%) and severe rKOA (22‐46%).

Conclusion

These updated estimates demonstrate a large and increasing burden of knee OA, particularly among women and Black individuals.
Prescription Opioids Higher Among Knee Arthroplasty Recipients Randomized to Inpatient Rehabilitation
Authors: Naylor Justine M. , Buhagiar Mark , Johns Nathan , Penm Jonathan , Adie Sam , Harris Ian A. , Xuan Wei
Published: July 2021

Objective

To determine whether the purchase of prescription opioids was lower among people randomized to inpatient rehabilitation (IR) compared with those discharged directly home following total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Method

A secondary analysis of a previous clinical trial in which participants were randomized 3 to 5 days after ‐surgery to 10 days of IR and a home program or to a home program alone. The primary outcome for this secondary analysis was the purchase of opioid‐based pain relief up to 10‐weeks after surgery, which was captured via patient diaries. Between‐group differences were analyzed using a χ2 test and relative risk (RR) (95% confidence interval [CI]). We report this outcome alongside the main outcomes observed at 10 weeks for the original study (6‐minute walk test, index joint pain, and function) for context.

Results

At 10 weeks, 158 participants were available for follow‐up; 120 (76%) provided diaries, with 113 providing generic or brand names for the pain relief purchased. In the IR group, 60% (33/55) reported the purchase of opioid‐based medications after discharge compared with 34% (20/58) in the home group (χ2 = 7.4; P = 0.007); thus, the risk of purchasing opioids for those in the IR group was almost double (RR, 1.7 [95% CI, 1.1‐2.6]). No significant or meaningful between‐group differences in index joint pain, function, or mobility were observed.

Conclusion

Contrary to what was hypothesized, IR is a strong driver of opioid purchase after discharge from the hospital following TKA.
Electromagnetic Interference Shielding and Electrothermal Performance of MXene‐Coated Cellulose Hybrid Papers and Fabrics Manufactured by a Facile Scalable Dip‐Dry Coating Process
Authors: Kim Soo-Yeon , Gang Ha-Eun , Park Gyu-Tae , Jeon Ha-Bin , Jeong Young Gyu
Published: July 2021

Herein, the electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and electrothermal properties of MXene‐coated cellulose hybrid papers (MCPs) and fabrics (MCFs) with high flexibility and low density, which are manufactured by a dip‐dry coating approach, are reported. For this purpose, MCPs and MCFs are fabricated by dipping cellulose papers and fabrics repeatedly into an aqueous dispersion of MXene. The electron microscopic and X‐ray diffraction data reveal that MXene sheets are coated uniformly on the surfaces of cellulose fibrils and fibers and that their contents increase with the dip‐dry coating cycle. For MCP10 (5.68 wt% MXene) and MCF10 (11.77 wt% MXene), which are manufactured by ten‐time dip‐dry coating cycles, high electrical conductivity of 1.91 and 0.08 S cm−1 are attained, respectively. In addition, MCP10 and MCF10 possess excellent absolute EMI shielding effectiveness (SSEt) of 2198 and 1100 dB cm2 g−1 at 8 GHz, respectively, which is due to the multiple internal reflection and absorption of incident EM waves by conductive and interconnected MXene‐coated cellulose fibrils and fibers. It is also found that MCP1 (0.9 wt% MXene) and MCF1 (1.9 wt% MXene) at one‐time dip‐dry coating cycle show outstanding electrothermal performance in aspects of high saturated temperatures and energy conversion efficiency at low applied voltages.
High‐Rate Accumulation of Tiny Aqueous Droplets Using a Pyroelectrohydrodynamic Jet System
Authors: Tkachenko Volodymyr , Schwödiauer Reinhard , Rega Romina , Itri Simona , Mugnano Martina , del Giudice Danila , Ottevaere Heidi , Nie Yunfeng , Ferraro Pietro , Grilli Simonetta
Published: July 2021

It is well known how the quantification of tiny amounts of molecular species in biological assays is a crucial issue. Herein, a deep investigation on a pyroelectrohydrodynamic jet system is presented in aim to demonstrate its capability to accumulate a large number of tiny aqueous droplets on the surface of a target slide with high efficiency. It makes use of the pyroelectric effect in a lithium niobate crystal for producing a continuous jetting of tiny droplets, thus reducing drastically the volume of sample required for successive biochemical reactions. The performance of the system in terms of electrical field and crystal size is characterized experimentally as well as numerically. An optimal condition is found that produces the deposition of more than 100 pL‐sized droplets in 14 s. Thus, a possible 70‐fold increase in the analyte concentration in the overlap region with a diameter of less than 40 μm is estimated, compared with an individual droplet deposition. Moreover, in case, an additional increase can be achieved simply by extending the droplet accumulation time. This approach may find application in all of those crucial biological assays where highly diluted analytes could be detected by increasing the density of molecules per unit area.
Thermoresponsive Hydrogels as Microniches for Growth and Controlled Release of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Liang Wanjun , Bhatia Sumati , Reisbeck Felix , Zhong Yinan , Singh Abhishek Kumar , Li Wenzhong , Haag Rainer
Published: July 2021

The recently emerging stem‐cell artificial niche engineering in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSCs) 3D cultures has provided enormous opportunities to fully utilize the potential of these cells in biomedical applications. Although a fully chemically defined niche environment can supply cells with desirable safety for clinical use, establishing an artificial degradable niche environment for the controlled release of proliferated cells under mild conditions is still a big challenge. Here, an advanced controlled releasable iPSC 3D artificial niche is reported based on dendritic polyglycerol and poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐co‐polyethylene glycol polymers via a physical–chemical cogelation strategy. Benefiting from the chemically defined synthetic materials and their precise cooperation by covalent cross‐linking and physical phase transition, the cogelation‐based artificial niche system can be adjusted with optimal parameters and owns high cell biocompatibility to support the robust production of high quality iPSCs with an excellent expansion efficiency. Moreover, the expanded cells can be released out of their niche environment controllably only by adjusting the temperature. Overall, this controlled release hydrogel scaffold shows great promise in iPSC 3D culture for downstream applications.
Foliar Delivery of siRNA Particles for Treating Viral Infections in Agricultural Grapevines
Authors: Avital Aviram , Muzika Noy Sadot , Persky Zohar , Bar Gili , Michaeli Yuval , Fridman Yulia , Karny Avishai , Shklover Jeny , Shainsky Janna , Savaldi‐Goldstein Sigal , Weissman Haim , Shoseyov Oded , Schroeder Avi
Published: July 2021

Grapevine leafroll disease (GLD) is a globally spreading viral infection that causes major economic losses by reducing crop yield, plant longevity, and berry quality, with no effective treatment. Grapevine leafroll associated virus‐3 (GLRaV‐3) is the most severe, prevalent GLD strain affecting wine production. Here, the ability of RNA interference (RNAi), a non‐GMO gene‐silencing pathway, to treat GLRaV‐3 in infected Cabernet Sauvignon grapevines is evaluated. Lipid‐modified polyethylenimine (lmPEI) is synthesized as the carrier for long double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA, 250‐bp‐long) that targets RNA polymerase and coat protein is a gene target that are conserved in the GLRaV‐3 genome. Self‐assembled dsRNA–lmPEI particles, 220 nm in diameter, display inner ordered domains spaced 7.3 ± 2 nm from one another, correlating to lmPEI wrapping spirally around the dsRNA. The particles effectively protect RNA from degradation by ribonucleases and show to increase uptake rate into plant cells as a result of the lipid component comprising the RNA carrier. In three field experiments, a single dose of foliar sprayed treatment of the RNA‐particles knocks down GLRaV‐3 titer, and multiple doses of the treatment keep the viral titer at baseline and trigger recovery of the vine and berries. This study demonstrates RNAi as a promising platform for treating viral diseases in agriculture.
Chemical Pressure Boost Record‐High Superconductivity in van der Waals Materials FeSe1−xSx
Authors: Sun Ruijin , Jin Shifeng , Deng Jun , Hao Munan , Zhong Xin , Ma Yuxin , Li Mingxing , Chen Xiaolong
Published: July 2021

High pressure has become a powerful platform for creating and controlling novel states of matter, including high temperature (Tc) superconductivity. However, the emergent phenomena generally disappear as high pressure is removed and cloud prospects for future applications. Here, from a distinguishing perspective, FeSe1−xSx is reported as 2D van der Waals materials with extraordinary high‐Tc at ambient pressure, where the superconductivity is boosted by extreme “chemical pressure” inside the materials. Superior to external high pressure, isovalent S substitution in FeSe leads to a much greater compression rate within the superconducting iron‐chalcogenide layer, which guarantees an unabridged superconducting dome that peaked at 37.5 K. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the decreased lattice and structural parameters contribute together for the shift of Fe 3dx2−y2 orbital, which creates a new hole‐pocket at the Fermi level that intimately correlated with the enhanced superconductivity. This study demonstrates the design of materials with optimized superconductivity by introducing chemical pressure.
Rational Design of a Trifunctional Binder for Hard Carbon Anodes Showing High Initial Coulombic Efficiency and Superior Rate Capability for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Xia Ji‐Li , Lu An‐Hui , Yu Xiao‐Fei , Li Wen‐Cui
Published: July 2021

Hard carbon (HC) has emerged as a promising anode material for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs), whereas it suffers from low initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) and poor rate capability. Binders endowed with high electron/ion transport and strong mechanical integrity are expected to boost the practical application of HC anodes, which cannot be realized via the functional design of commercially available binders. Herein, a trifunctional sodium alginate (SA)/polyethylene oxide (PEO) binder with massive hydrophilic functional groups and abundant Na+ is synthesized via a feasible esterification reaction. The binder forms a passivation film on glucose‐derived carbon (GC) to suppress the electrolyte decomposition and offer stronger adhesion strength. Furthermore, the sluggish Na+ conduction is improved via sufficient ionic transfer channels provided by PEO. Notably, effects of Na+ compensation and interfacial ionic transport of Na+‐containing binder for HC anodes are revealed. Therefore, the SA/PEO binder for the GC anode delivers a high ICE up to 87% and a high capacity of 270 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1, both 10% and 80 mA h g−1 higher than that of poly(vinylidene fluoride) binder, respectively. Significantly, this SA/PEO binder can also be applied to coal‐based and polymer‐based carbon anodes, exhibiting universal applicability.
Systematic Efficiency Improvement for Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 Solar Cells By Double Cation Incorporation with Cd and Ge
Authors: He Mingrui , Huang Jialiang , Li Jianjun , Jang Jun Sung , Suryawanshi Umesh P. , Yan Chang , Sun Kaiwen , Cong Jialin , Zhang Yu , Kampwerth Henner , Suryawanshi Mahesh P. , Kim Jinhyeok , Green Martin A. , Hao Xiaojing
Published: July 2021

The performance of kesterite Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) solar cell is known to be severely limited by the nonradiative recombination near the heterojunction interface and within the bulk of the CZTSSe absorber resulting from abundant recombination centers and limited carrier collection efficiency. Herein, nonradiative recombination is simultaneously reduced by incorporating small amounts of Ge and Cd into the CZTSSe absorber. Incorporation of Ge effectively increases the p‐type doping, thus successfully improving the bulk conductance and reducing the recombination in the CZTSSe bulk via enhanced quasi‐Fermi level splitting, while the incorporation of Cd greatly reduces defects near the junction region, enabling larger depletion region width and better carrier collection efficiency. The combined effects of Cd and Ge incorporation give rise to systematic improvement in open‐circuit voltage (VOC), short‐circuit current density (JSC), and fill factor (FF), enabling a high conversion efficiency of 11.6%. This study highlights the multiple cation incorporation strategy for systematically manipulating the opto‐electronic properties of kesterite materials, which may also be applicable to other semiconductors.
3D Printed Micro‐Electrochemical Energy Storage Devices: From Design to Integration
Authors: Zhang Wen , Liu Huaizhi , Zhang Xianan , Li Xiaojing , Zhang Guanhua , Cao Peng
Published: July 2021

With the continuous development and implementation of the Internet of Things (IoT), the growing demand for portable, flexible, wearable self‐powered electronic systems significantly promotes the development of micro‐electrochemical energy storage devices (MEESDs), such as micro‐batteries (MBs) and micro‐supercapacitors (MSCs). By overcoming the limitations of traditional fabrication processes, 3D printing techniques have been attracting much attention in recent years. Theoretically, 3D printing technologies can manufacture any customized arbitrary geometry and structure of electrodes and other components by fast prototyping at a relatively low cost to achieve desirable electrochemical performance and simplified integration. To that end, a comprehensive review of recent progress on the applications of 3D printing in MEESDs is presented herein. Emphasis is given to the generally classified seven types of 3D printing techniques (their working principle, process control, resolution, advantages, and disadvantages), their applications to fabricate electrodes, and other components with different configurations. Finally, the integration of other electronics into MEESDs and a future perspective on the research and development direction in this important field are further discussed.
Sb3+‐Doping in Cesium Zinc Halides Single Crystals Enabling High‐Efficiency Near‐Infrared Emission
Authors: Su Binbin , Li Mingze , Song Enhai , Xia Zhiguo
Published: July 2021

Luminescent metal halide materials with flexible crystallography/electronic structures and tunable emission have demonstrated broad application prospects in the visible light region. However, designing near‐infrared (NIR) light‐emitting metal halides remains a challenge. Here, an enlightening prototype is proposed to explore the high‐efficiency broadband NIR emission in metal halide systems by incorporating Sb3+ into the Cs2ZnCl4 matrix. Combined experimental analysis and density functional theory calculations reveal a modified self‐trapped excitons model to elaborate the NIR emission. The high photoluminescence quantum yield of 69.9% peaking at 745 nm and large full width at half maximum of 175 nm, along with excellent air/thermal stability, show the unique advantages of lead‐free metal halide Cs2ZnCl4:Sb3+ as the NIR light source. The substitution of Cl− by Br− further enables the red‐shift of emission peak from 745 to 823 nm. The NIR light‐emitting diode device based on Cs2ZnCl4:Sb3+ demonstrates potential as a non‐visible light source in night vision. This study puts forward an effective strategy to design the novel eco‐friendly and high‐efficiency NIR emissive materials and provides guidance for expanding the application scope of luminescent metal halides.
Skin‐Inspired High‐Performance Active‐Matrix Circuitry for Multimodal User‐Interaction
Authors: Zhao Jing , Wei Zheng , Li Zhongyi , Yu Jinran , Tang Jian , Zhang Guangyu , Wang Zhonglin
Published: July 2021

Artificial electronic skin (e‐skin), a network of mechanically flexible sensors which can wrap irregular surfaces conformally and quantify various stimuli sensitively, is potentially useful in healthcare monitoring and human‐machine interaction (HMI). Although various approaches have mimicked the structures and functions of the human skin, challenges remain with high‐density integration, super sensitivity, and multi‐functionality. A multimodal and comfortable skin‐inspired active‐matrix circuitry is reported here with high pixel density (>100 cm–2) based on all 2D materials, which exhibits excellent performance to detect both mechanical interactions and humidity variations. The ultra‐high sensitivity (>400 and ≈ 104 for strain and humidity sensing, respectively), long‐term stability (>1000 cycles), and rapid response time for every pixel can fulfill simultaneous multi‐stimulus sensing. Accordingly, a respiratory monitor is constructed to realize healthcare monitoring through observing the human breath frequency, intensity, and humidity in real‐time. Moreover, the multimodal e‐skin breaks through shackles of the contact sensor medium for HMI. 3D strain and humidity spatial mapping can reflect object location information even without contact, avoiding cross‐infection of viruses effectively between users during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The reported e‐skin will broaden applications for future healthcare and human–machine interactive devices.
Materials with Electroprogrammable Stiffness
Authors: Levine David J. , Turner Kevin T. , Pikul James H.
Published: July 2021

Stiffness is a mechanical property of vital importance to any material system and is typically considered a static quantity. Recent work, however, has shown that novel materials with programmable stiffness can enhance the performance and simplify the design of engineered systems, such as morphing wings, robotic grippers, and wearable exoskeletons. For many of these applications, the ability to program stiffness with electrical activation is advantageous because of the natural compatibility with electrical sensing, control, and power networks ubiquitous in autonomous machines and robots. The numerous applications for materials with electrically driven stiffness modulation has driven a rapid increase in the number of publications in this field. Here, a comprehensive review of the available materials that realize electroprogrammable stiffness is provided, showing that all current approaches can be categorized as using electrostatics or electrically activated phase changes, and summarizing the advantages, limitations, and applications of these materials. Finally, a perspective identifies state‐of‐the‐art trends and an outlook of future opportunities for the development and use of materials with electroprogrammable stiffness.
Triboelectric Nanogenerator‐Based Sensor Systems for Chemical or Biological Detection
Authors: Zhou Qitao , Pan Jing , Deng Shujun , Xia Fan , Kim Taesung
Published: July 2021

The rapid advances in the Internet of things and wearable devices have created a massive platform for sensor systems that detect chemical or biological agents. The accelerated development of these devices in recent years has simultaneously aggravated the power supply problems. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) represent a thriving renewable energy technology with the potential to revolutionize this field. In this review, the significance of TENG‐based sensor systems in chemical or biological detection from the perspective of the development of power supply for biochemical sensors is discussed. Further, a range of TENGs are classified according to their roles as power supplies and/or self‐powered active sensors. The TENG powered sensor systems are further discussed on the basis of their framework and applications. The working principles and structures of different TENG‐based self‐powered active sensors are presented, along with the classification of the sensors based on these factors. In addition, some representative applications are introduced, and the corresponding challenges are discussed. Finally, some perspectives for the future innovations of TENG‐based sensor systems for chemical/biological detection are discussed.
Sub‐Picosecond Nanodiodes for Low‐Power Ultrafast Electronics
Authors: Li Nannan , Zhang Binglei , He Yue , Luo Yi
Published: July 2021

The tradeoff between ultrahigh speed and low power is a dominant challenge in continuously improving modern electronics. Fundamental electronic devices with ultrafast response are highly desired in low‐power electronics. However, conventional semiconductor electronic devices now near the speed limit from the physical roadblocks including short‐channel effect, restricted carrier velocity, and heat death. Currently emerging electronic devices also face formidable difficulties to achieve high‐speed performance at low operating voltage without heat disturbance. Here, a novel fabricated coplanar tip‐to‐edge semiconductor‐free nanostructure with asymmetric sub‐10 nm air channel is reported, stimulating electric‐field accelerated scattering‐free transport of electrons and resulting in ultrafast response of record sub‐picoseconds at a low turn‐on voltage around 0.7 V. Simulation results show a typical electrical response down to 64 fs, which is ≈103 times faster than that of conventional semiconductor electronic devices. The coplanar asymmetric nanostructure allows a high rectifying ratio up to 106 which is superior to that of the most promising 2D semiconducting nanodiodes. In addition, heat death is overcome due to the inherent advantages from the novel nanostructure and underlying working mechanism. The intriguing nanodiodes will attract broadly interests in electronics due to their potential as rudimentary building blocks in ultrafast electronic integrated circuits.