bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health Risk Assessment in the Workplace
Authors: Laszcz‐Davis Chris , Boelter Fred W. , Jayjock Michael , Hearl Frank , Logan Perry , McLaughlin Cristina Ford , O'Reilly Mary V. , Radcliffe R. Thomas , Stenzel Mark
Published: September 2023

The practice of assessing risks of exposures to human health which supports worker health, financial, business, feasibility, communication, and liability decision‐making is a relatively recent development. Exposures may pertain to chemical, physical, biological, and biomechanical hazards. Decisions may include protection of human health, regulatory business, liability, feasibility, and communications. Until the twentieth century, diseases had been observed to be associated with specific occupations, living conditions, and chemicals. However, these observations were predominantly qualitative. In addition, the focus on public health was predominantly associated with concerns about infectious disease until about the mid‐twentieth century.

The quantification of risks took hold in the 1970s for the following reasons – shift from a high incidence of infectious disease to concerns about chronic disease; a new awareness of the risks resulting from exposures to chemicals; and scientific and technological advances such as chemical analysis, toxicity testing, epidemiology, and computers.

This chapter recounts the history and evolution of human health risk assessment, tracing the development of tools and models that made it possible, as well as the factors in society that made it indispensable. It defines the practice of risk assessment today, taking the reader through hazard and exposure analysis, risk characterization, the management of risk, and the public's reaction to risk.
Biomimetic Connection of Transcutaneous Implants with Skin
Authors: Weigel Tobias , Christ Bastian , Dembski Sofia , Ewald Andrea , Groneberg Dieter , Hansmann Jan , Luxenhofer Robert , Metzger Marco , Walles Heike , Willy Christian , Groeber‐Becker Florian , Probst Jörn
Published: September 2023

Bacterial infection is a crucial complication in implant restoration, in particular in permanent skin‐penetrating implants. Therein, the resulting gap between transcutaneous implant and skin represents a permanent infection risk, limiting the field of application and the duration of application. To overcome this limitation, a tight physiological connection is required to achieve a biological and mechanical welding for a long‐term stable closure including self‐healing probabilities. This study describes a new approach, wherein the implant is connected covalently to a highly porous electrospun fleece featuring physiological dermal integration potential. The integrative potential of the scaffold is shown in vitro and confirmed in vivo, further demonstrating tissue integration by neovascularization, extracellular matrix formation, and prevention of encapsulation. To achieve a covalent connection between fleece and implant surface, self‐initiated photografting and photopolymerization of hydroxyethylmethacrylate is combined with a new crosslinker (methacrylic acid coordinated titanium‐oxo clusters) on proton‐abstractable implant surfaces. For implant modification, the attached fleece is directed perpendicular from the implant surface into the surrounding dermal tissue. First in vitro skin implantations demonstrate the implants' dermal integration capability as well as wound closure potential on top of the fleece by epithelialization, establishing a bacteria‐proof and self‐healing connection of skin and transcutaneous implant.
Programming an Enhanced Uptake and the Intracellular Fate of Magnetic Microbeads
Authors: Tiryaki Ecem , Ortolano Saida , Bodelón Gustavo , Salgueiriño Verónica
Published: September 2023

This study compares two kinds of magnetic microbeads with different surface features and cell entry pathways, aiming to provide insights into how to program their cell uptake and intracellular fate. It is found that a rougher surface enhances the cell uptake of the microbeads, regardless of whether they are pulled by a magnetic field gradient or adsorbed by the cell membrane. However, the entry route affects the intracellular localization of the microbeads: The magnetically dragged microbeads reach the cytoplasm, while the adsorbed microbeads stay in the late endosomes and lysosomes. This suggests that different strategies can be used to target different cellular compartments with magnetic microbeads. Moreover, it is demonstrated that the cells containing the microbeads can be moved and regrown at specific locations by applying a magnetic field gradient, showing the potential of these magnetic microbeads for cell delivery and manipulation.
Dual‐Targeted Nanoparticle‐in‐Microparticle System for Ulcerative Colitis Therapy
Authors: Zhang Yawen , Wu Yue , Yan Yuping , Ma Yijing , Tu Linglan , Shao Jingjing , Tang Xuanyu , Chen Lingfeng , Liang Guang , Yin Lina
Published: September 2023

Conventional oral therapy for ulcerative colitis (UC) is associated with premature release or degradation of drugs in the harsh gastrointestinal environment, resulting in reduced therapeutic effectiveness. Consequently, the present study aims to develop a dual‐targeted delivery system with a nanoparticle‐in‐microparticle (nano‐in‐micro) structure. The prepared Asiatic Acid‐loaded delivery system (AA/CDM‐BT‐ALG) has pH‐sensitive properties. Cellular uptake evaluation confirms that nanoparticles exhibit targeted absorption by macrophages and Caco‐2 cells through mannose (Man) receptor and biotin‐mediated endocytosis, respectively. Therefore, this mechanism effectively enhances intracellular drug concentration. Additionally, the biodistribution study conducted on the gastrointestinal tract of mice indicates that the colon of the microspheres group shows higher fluorescence intensity with longer duration than the other groups. This finding indicates that the microspheres exhibit selective accumulation in areas of colon inflammation. In vivo experiments in colitis mice showed that AA/CDM‐BT‐ALG significantly alleviates the histopathological characteristics of the colon, reduced neutrophil, and macrophage infiltration, and decreases pro‐inflammatory cytokine expression. Furthermore, the effect of AA/CDM‐BT‐ALG on colitis is validated to be closely related to the TLR4/MyD88/NF‐κB signaling pathway. The present findings suggest that the development of a dual‐targeted delivery system is accomplished effectively, with the potential to serve as a drug‐controlled release system for treating UC.
Near‐Infrared II Hemicyanine Dye with Large Stokes Shift Designed by TICT Regulation for Boosting Imaging‐Guided Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Zhao Liang , Zhu Han , Duo You‐Yang , Pang Dai‐Wen , Wang Zhi‐Gang , Liu Shu‐Lin
Published: September 2023

The serious threat that cancer poses to human health highlights the significance of early detection and effective treatment. The integration of fluorescence diagnosis and photothermal therapy in NIR‐II has gained attention due to its high sensitivity, fast response, and noninvasiveness. Fluorescence, produced by the radiative relaxation process of electrons in a molecule, and photothermal, generated by the nonradiative relaxation process of electrons in a molecule, are competing photophysical processes. Hence, it is a challenge for the molecule to balance between the properties of fluorescence and photothermal. In this study, a NIR‐II hemicyanine with TICT character is designed to obtain molecules with both better fluorescence and photothermal properties, utilizing positively charged pyridine salt and triphenylamine as electron acceptor and donor, respectively, and oxole as the conjugated π‐bridge. HCY‐995, one of the synthesized compounds, has a quantum yield of 0.09%, photothermal conversion efficiency of 54.90%, and a significant Stoke shift of 232 nm, which makes it appropriate for the integration of photothermal therapy and high‐resolution imaging. This study provides new insights into the development of NIR‐II molecules with fluorescent and photothermal integrated properties.
A Dual‐Antioxidative Coating on Transmucosal Component of Implant to Repair Connective Tissue Barrier for Treatment of Peri‐Implantitis
Authors: Li Dize , Tan Xi , Zheng Liwen , Tang Han , Hu Shanshan , Zhai Qiming , Jing Xuan , Liang Panpan , Zhang Yuxin , He Qingqing , Jian Guangyu , Fan Dongqi , Ji Ping , Chen Tao , Zhang Hongmei
Published: September 2023

Since the microgap between implant and surrounding connective tissue creates the pass for pathogen invasion, sustained pathological stimuli can accelerate macrophage‐mediated inflammation, therefore affecting peri‐implant tissue regeneration and aggravate peri‐implantitis. As the transmucosal component of implant, the abutment therefore needs to be biofunctionalized to repair the gingival barrier. Here, a mussel‐bioinspired implant abutment coating containing tannic acid (TA), cerium and minocycline (TA‐Ce‐Mino) is reported. TA provides pyrogallol and catechol groups to promote cell adherence. Besides, Ce3+/Ce4+ conversion exhibits enzyme‐mimetic activity to remove reactive oxygen species while generating O2, therefore promoting anti‐inflammatory M2 macrophage polarization to help create a regenerative environment. Minocycline is involved on the TA surface to create local drug storage for responsive antibiosis. Moreover, the underlying therapeutic mechanism is revealed whereby the coating exhibits exogenous antioxidation from the inherent properties of Ce and TA and endogenous antioxidation through mitochondrial homeostasis maintenance and antioxidases promotion. In addition, it stimulates integrin to activate PI3K/Akt and RhoA/ROCK pathways to enhance VEGF‐mediated angiogenesis and tissue regeneration. Combining the antibiosis and multidimensional orchestration, TA‐Ce‐Mino repairs soft tissue barriers and effector cell differentiation, thereby isolating the immune microenvironment from pathogen invasion. Consequently, this study provides critical insight into the design and biological mechanism of abutment surface modification to prevent peri‐implantitis.
Magnetic‐Responsive Carbon Nanotubes Composite Scaffolds for Chondrogenic Tissue Engineering
Authors: Saranya Muthusamy , da Silva Aldeliane M. , Karjalainen Hanna , Klinkenberg Geir , Schmid Ruth , McDonagh Birgitte , Molesworth Peter P. , Sigfúsdóttir Margrét S. , Wågbø Ane Marit , Santos Susana. G. , Couto Cristiana , Karjalainen Ville‐Pauli , Gupta Shuvashis Das , Järvinen Topias , de Roy Luisa , Seitz Andreas. M. , Finnilä Mikko , Saarakkala Simo , Haaparanta Anne Marie , Janssen Lauriane , Lorite Gabriela S.
Published: September 2023

The demand for engineered scaffolds capable of delivering multiple cues to cells continues to grow as the interplay between cell fate with microenvironmental and external cues is revealed. Emphasis has been given to develop stimuli‐responsive scaffolds. These scaffolds are designed to sense an external stimulus triggering a specific response (e.g., change in the microenvironment, release therapeutics, etc.) and then initiate/modulate a desired biofunction. Here, magnetic‐responsive carboxylated multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (cMWCNTs) are integrated into 3D collagen/polylactic acid (PLA) scaffold via a reproducible filtration‐based method. The integrity and biomechanical performance of the collagen/PLA scaffolds are preserved after cMWCNT integration. In vitro safety assessment of cMWCNT/collagen/PLA scaffolds shows neither cytotoxicity effects nor macrophage pro‐inflammatory response, supporting further in vitro studies. The cMWCNT/collagen/PLA scaffolds enhance chondrocytes metabolic activity while maintaining high cell viability and extracellular matrix (i.e., type II collagen and aggrecan) production. Comprehensive in vitro study applying static and pulsed magnetic field on seeded scaffolds shows no specific cell response in dependence with the applied field. This result is independent of the presence or absence of cMWCNT into the collagen/PLA scaffolds. Taken together, these findings provide additional evidence of the benefits to exploit the CNTs outstanding properties in the design of stimuli‐responsive scaffolds.
Antioxidant‐Engineered Milk‐Derived Extracellular Vesicles for Accelerating Wound Healing via Regulation of the PI3K‐AKT Signaling Pathway
Authors: Fan Limin , Ma Xiaoyi , Liu Bingbing , Yang Yushan , Yang Yan , Ren Tianbin , Li Yongyong
Published: September 2023

Inspired by the experience of relieving inflammation in infants with milk, antioxidant‐engineered milk‐derived extracellular vesicles (MEVs) are developed to evaluate their potential for accelerating wound healing. In this work, MEVs with polydopamines (PDA) are engineered using the co‐extrusion method. Subsequently, the authors incorporated them into a Schiff‐based crosslink hydrogel, forming a skin dosage form that could facilitate the wound healing process. The antioxidant properties of PDA assist in the anti‐inflammatory function of engineered MEVs, while the gel provides better skin residency. The PDA@MEVs+GEL formulation exhibits excellent biocompatibility, pro‐angiogenic capacity, and antioxidant ability in vitro. Furthermore, in vivo experiments demonstrate its efficacy in wound repair and inflammation inhibition. Mechanistically, PDA@MEVs+GEL simultaneously promotes the growth, migration, and anti‐inflammation of 3T3 cells by activating PI3K‐AKT pathway. Moreover, PDA@MEVs+GEL exhibits enhanced functionality in promoting wound healing in vivo, attributed to its ability to inhibit inflammation, stimulate angiogenesis, and promote collagen synthesis. In conclusion, this study delves into the mechanism of MEVs and underscores the improved efficacy of engineered extracellular vesicles. Additionally, the feasibility and prospect of engineered MEVs in treating skin wounds are verified, suggesting that antioxidant‐engineered MEVs could be a promising therapeutic agent for wound healing applications.
Multi‐Sensing Platform Based on 2D Monoelement Germanane
Authors: Vaghasiya Jayraj V. , Mayorga‐Martinez Carmen C. , Sonigara Keval K. , Lazar Petr , Pumera Martin
Published: September 2023

Covalently functionalized germanane is a novel type of fluorescent probe that can be employed in material science and analytical sensing. Here, a fluorometric sensing platform based on methyl‐functionalized germanane (CH3Ge) is developed for gas (humidity and ammonia) sensing, pH (1–9) sensing, and anti‐counterfeiting. Luminescence (red–orange) is seen when a gas molecule intercalates into the interlayer space of CH3Ge and the luminescence disappears upon deintercalation. This allows for direct detection of gas absorption via fluorometric measurements of the CH3Ge. Structural and optical properties of CH3Ge with intercalated gas molecules are investigated by density functional theory (DFT). To demonstrate real‐time and on‐the‐spot testing, absorbed gas molecules are first precisely quantified by CH3Ge using a smartphone camera with an installed color intensity processing application (APP). Further, CH3Ge‐paper‐based sensor is integrated into real food packets (e.g., fish and milk) to monitor the shelf life of perishable foods. Finally, CH3Ge‐based rewritable paper is applied in water jet printing to illustrate the potential for secret communication with quick coloration and good reversibility by water evaporation.
3D Assembly of MXene Networks using a Ceramic Backbone with Controlled Porosity
Authors: Arslanoglu Mert , Yuan Bin , Panat Rahul , Ozdoganlar O. Burak
Published: September 2023

Transition metal carbides (MXenes) are novel 2D nanomaterials with exceptional properties, promising significant impact in applications such as energy storage, catalysis, and energy conversion. A major barrier preventing the widespread use of MXenes is the lack of methods for assembling MXene in 3D space without significant restacking, which degrades their performance. Here, this challenge is successfully overcome by introducing a novel material system: a 3D network of MXene formed on a porous ceramic backbone. The backbone dictates the network's 3D architecture while providing mechanical strength, gas/liquid permeability, and other beneficial properties. Freeze casting is used to fabricate a silica backbone with open pores and controlled porosity. Next, capilary flow is used to infiltrate MXene into the backbone from a dispersion. The system is then dried to conformally coat the pore walls with MXene, creating an interconnected 3D‐MXene network. The fabrication approach is reproducible, and the MXene‐infiltrated porous silica (MX‐PS) system is highly conductive (e.g., 340 S m−1). The electrical conductivity of MX‐PS is controlled by the porosity distribution, MXene concentration, and the number of infiltration cycles. Sandwich‐type supercapacitors with MX‐PS electrodes are shown to produce excellent areal capacitance (7.24 F cm−2) and energy density (0.32 mWh cm−2) with only 6% added MXene mass. This approach of creating 3D architectures of 2D nanomaterials will significantly impact many engineering applications.
Silicon‐Lattice‐Matched Boron‐Doped Gallium Phosphide: A Scalable Acousto‐Optic Platform
Authors: Yama Nicholas S. , Chen I‐Tung , Chakravarthi Srivatsa , Li Bingzhao , Pederson Christian , Matthews Bethany E. , Spurgeon Steven R. , Perea Daniel E. , Wirth Mark G. , Sushko Peter V. , Li Mo , Fu Kai‐Mei C.
Published: September 2023

The compact size, scalability, and strongly confined fields in integrated photonic devices enable new functionalities in photonic networking and information processing, both classical and quantum. Gallium phosphide (GaP) is a promising material for active integrated photonics due to its high refractive index, wide bandgap, strong nonlinear properties, and large acousto‐optic figure of merit. This study demonstrates that silicon‐lattice‐matched boron‐doped GaP (BGaP), grown at the 12‐inch wafer scale, provides similar functionalities as GaP. BGaP optical resonators exhibit intrinsic quality factors exceeding 25,000 and 200,000 at visible and telecom wavelengths, respectively. It further demonstrates the electromechanical generation of low‐loss acoustic waves and an integrated acousto‐optic (AO) modulator. High‐resolution spatial and compositional mapping, combined with ab initio calculations, indicate two candidates for the excess optical loss in the visible band: the silicon‐GaP interface and boron dimers. These results demonstrate the promise of the BGaP material platform for the development of scalable AO technologies at telecom and provide potential pathways toward higher performance at shorter wavelengths.
Characterization, Structure, and Reactivity of Hydroxyl Groups on Metal‐Oxide Cluster Nodes of Metal–Organic Frameworks: Structural Diversity and Keys to Reactivity and Catalysis
Authors: Yang Dong , Gates Bruce C.
Published: September 2023

Among the most stable metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are those incorporating nodes that are metal oxide clusters with frames such as Zr6O8. This review is a summary of the structure, bonding, and reactivity of MOF node hydroxyl groups, emphasizing those bonded to nodes containing aluminum and zirconium ions. Hydroxyl groups are often present on these nodes, sometimes balancing the charges of the metal ions. They arise during MOF syntheses in aqueous media or in post‐synthesis treatments. They are identified with infrared and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies and characterized by their reactivities with polar compounds such as alcohols. Terminal OH, paired µ2‐OH, and aqua groups on nodes are catalytic sites in numerous reactions. Relatively unreactive hydroxyl groups (such as isolated µ2‐OH groups) may replace reactive groups and inhibit catalysis; some node hydroxyl groups (e.g., µ3‐OH) are mere spectators in catalysis. There are similarities between MOF node hydroxyl groups and those on the surfaces of bulk metal oxides, zeolites, and enzymes, but the comparisons are mostly inexact, and much remains to be understood about MOF node hydroxyl group chemistry. It is posited that understanding and controlling this chemistry will lead to tailored MOFs and improved adsorbents and catalysts.
Breaking the Trade‐Off Between Polymer Dielectric Constant and Loss via Aluminum Oxo Macrocycle Dopants for High‐Performance Neuromorphic Electronics
Authors: Chen Xiaowei , Sun Yi‐Fan , Wu Xiaosong , Shi Shuhui , Wang Zhongrui , Zhang Jian , Fang Wei‐Hui , Huang Weiguo
Published: September 2023

The dielectric layer is crucial in regulating the overall performance of field‐effect transistors (FETs), the key component in central processing units, sensors, and displays. Despite considerable efforts being devoted to developing high‐permittivity (k) dielectrics, limited progress is made due to the inherent trade‐off between dielectric constant and loss. Here, a solution is presented by designing a monodispersed disk‐shaped Ce–Al–O‐macrocycle as a dopant in polymer dielectrics. The molecule features a central Ce(III) core connected with eight Al atoms through sixteen bridging hydroxyls and eight 3‐aminophenyl peripheries. The incorporation of this macrocycle in polymer dielectrics results in an up to sevenfold increase in dielectric constants and up to 89% reduction in dielectric loss at low frequencies. Moreover, the leakage‐current densities decrease, and the breakdown strengths are improved by 63%. Relying on the above merits, FETs bearing cluster‐doped polymer dielectrics give near three‐orders source‐drain current increments while maintaining low‐level leakage/off currents, resulting in much higher charge‐carrier mobilities (up to 2.45 cm2 V−1 s−1) and on/off ratios. This cluster‐doping strategy is generalizable and shows great promise for ultralow‐power photoelectric synapses and neuromorphic retinas. This work successfully breaks the trade‐off between dielectric constant and loss and offers a unique design for polymer composite dielectrics.
Semiconducting Polymer Nanospherical Nucleic Acid Probe for Transcriptomic Imaging of Cancer Chemo‐Immunotherapy
Authors: Xu Cheng , Yu Jie , Ning Xiaoyu , Xu Mengke , He Shasha , Wu Jiayan , Pu Kanyi
Published: September 2023

Real‐time in vivo imaging of RNA can enhance the understanding of physio‐pathological processes. However, most nucleic acid‐based sensors have poor resistance to nucleases and limited photophysical properties, making them suboptimal for this purpose. To address this, a semiconducting polymer nanospherical nucleic acid probe (SENSE) for transcriptomic imaging of cancer immunity in living mice is developed. SENSE comprises a semiconducting polymer (SP) backbone covalently linked with recognition DNA strands, which are complemented by dye‐labeled signal DNA strands. Upon detection of targeted T lymphocyte transcript (Gzmb: granzyme B), the signal strands are released, leading to a fluorescence enhancement correlated to transcript levels with superb sensitivity. The always‐on fluorescence of the SP core also serves as an internal reference for tracking SENSE uptake in tumors. Thus, SENSE has the dual‐signal channel that enables ratiometric imaging of Gzmb transcripts in the tumor of living mice for evaluating chemo‐immunotherapy; moreover, it has demonstrated sensitivity and specificity comparable to flow cytometry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction,  yet offering a faster and simpler means of T cell detection in resected tumors. Therefore, SENSE represents a promising tool for in vivo RNA imaging.
Three heteroleptic copper(I) complexes with [Cu(P˄P)N2]+ structure and their fluorescence sensing for VOCs
Authors: Tang Shi‐Yue , Song Li , Jia Yi‐Fan , Xu Wen‐Ze , Yang Yi‐Xin , Sun Liang‐Jian , Shen Hang‐Yan , Chai Wen‐Xiang
Published: September 2023

The design and research of luminescent and volatile organic compound (VOC) fluorescent sensing materials are of great significance and challenge. We report herein the ligand substitution reaction and VOC sensing of new heteroleptic [Cu(P˄P)N2]+ type copper(I) complexes. Firstly, three new complexes 1–3 were designed by utilizing a chelate diphosphine ligand 4,5‐bis(diphenylphosphino)‐9,9‐dimethylxanthene (Xantphos) and synthesized by the substitution reaction of different N‐containing ligands of 4‐PBO (1), 3‐PBO (2), and 4,4′‐Bipy (3) (4‐PBO = 2‐(4′‐pyridyl)‐benzoxazole, 3‐PBO = 2‐(3′‐pyridyl)‐benzoxazole, 4,4′‐Bipy = 4,4′‐bipyridine), respectively. Three complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, spectroscopic analysis (IR, UV–Vis), single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (SCXRD), and photoluminescence study. The SCXRD study revealed that complexes 1 and 2 both exhibit a molecular structure with tetrahedral copper(I) complex cation and hexafluorophosphate anion, while complex 3 differs in that its cation is a binuclear copper(I) structure bridged by 4,4′‐bipyridine. Three complexes 1–3 present supramolecular ribbon, supramolecular dimer, and supramolecular framework structure, respectively. Some differences of their UV–Vis absorption spectra were explained by TD‐DFT calculation and wavefunction analysis. It is found that 1 has an abnormal luminescence blue shift, and a luminescence mechanism through the high‐energy T2 excited state is proposed by TD‐DFT calculation. Based on 3, a fluorescent test strip was developed, and its fast and selective fluorescent sensing of pyridine vapor through quenching mechanism was successfully realized. The fluorescent quenching mechanism of the material was also studied, and it was proposed that the quenching should be attributed to the photoinduced electron transfer (PET) mechanism.
Synthesis of new Fe(III), Co(II), and Cr(III) complexes of N‐(benzo[d]thiazol‐2‐ylcarbamothioyl)benzamide (H2L2): Structural characterization and biological activities
Authors: Al‐Farraj Eida S. , Fetoh Ahmed
Published: September 2023

N‐(benzo[d]thiazol‐2‐ylcarbamothioyl)benzamide (H2L2) was synthesized as a novel thiosemicarbazide containing benzothiazole moiety, by the reaction of benzoyl isothiocyanate with 2‐aminobenzothiazole in benzene. The (H2L2) thiosemicarbazide and its isolated Cr(III), Fe(III), and Co(II) complexes were fully analyzed by different spectroscopic techniques. The thermal fragmentation of [Cr (HL2)Cl2(H2O)2].10H2O, [Co (HL2)Cl(H2O)2].6H2O, and [Fe(L2)Cl(H2O)2] were analyzed. We have also calculated the thermal parameters with using two different methods. The ligand undergoes tranamidation in the presence of PdCl2. Crystal structure of the product obtained by tranamidation is measured. Biological activities of those compounds were assessed as antioxidants, anticancer, and antimicrobial.
Sterile versus non‐sterile gloves during cystoscopy: A randomized prospective single‐blind study
Authors: Fukushima Mika , Imamura Masaaki , Ito Masanori , Muraoka Kei , Fukasawa Michiko , Kumagai Masatoshi , Yabusaki Ryo , Ueda Masakatsu , Shiraishi Yusuke , Noguchi Tetsuya , Yoshimura Koji
Published: September 2023

Objective

The objective of this study is to evaluate the need for sterile gloves during cystoscopy by comparing the incidence of UTI symptoms between patients in whom the procedure is performed with non‐sterile gloves with those performed with non‐sterile gloves.

Patients and Methods

This study had a randomized, prospective, single‐blind design and included patients aged >20 years who underwent cystoscopy in either of two outpatient clinics between September 2015 and November 2021. The patients were allocated to a sterile group or a non‐sterile group. Only the urologists were aware of whether or not the gloves were sterile. The patients were instructed to report any symptoms suggestive of UTI after cystoscopy.

Results

A total of 1258 patients were enrolled in the sterile group and 1376 in the non‐sterile group. Symptoms of UTI were reported by six patients (0.48%) in the sterile group and six (0.44%) in the non‐sterile group. The between‐group difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.88).

Conclusion

It is not necessary to use sterile gloves during routine cystoscopy.
Advanced strategies of scaffolds design for bone regeneration
Authors: Song Jian , Li Longfei , Fang Lei , Zhang Enshuo , Zhang Yu , Zhang Zhuxuan , Vangari Pranav , Huang Yaqin , Tian Feng , Zhao Yu , Chen Wei , Xue Jiajia
Published: September 2023

Bone defects are encountered substantially in clinical practice, and bionic scaffolds represent a promising solution for repairing bone defects. However, it is difficult to fabricate scaffolds with bionic structures and reconstruct the microenvironment to fulfill the satisfying repair effects. In this review article, we first discuss various strategies for the design and construction of bionic scaffolds to promote bone defect repair, especially including the structural construction of the scaffold and the integration of bioactive substances together with the application of external stimuli. We then discuss the roles of artificial intelligence and medical imaging in aiding clinical treatment. Finally, we point out the challenges and future outlooks in developing multifunctional bone repair scaffolds, aiming to provide insights for improving bone regeneration efficacy and accelerating clinical translation.
The experience and emergence of attitudinal consensus in conversations
Authors: Koudenburg Namkje , Kutlaca Maja , Kuppens Toon
Published: September 2023

Reaching consensus is important for human individual, social and societal functioning. The reverse process of polarization has been associated with individual uncertainty, social conflict and societal distrust, tension, or even schisms. In conversations, the experience of consensus is shaped by both content and aspects of the form of conversation, which indicate whether people are on the same wavelength. In two conversation studies (N = 268) we aimed (1) to examine where the conversational experience of consensus originates and (2) to test which conversational behaviours enhance attitude convergence between conversation partners. The results show that, although actual attitudinal differences were only predictive in Study 2, both conversational content (e.g., disagreement) and form (e.g., experience of flow) consistently predicted the experience of consensus. Convergence of attitudes was harder to predict: most conversational factors were unrelated to attitudinal convergence and conversational flow either increased or decreased attitudinal convergence depending on the particular context.
From problem‐centered to centering relationalities: Engagements with disability and sexuality in India
Authors: Vaidya Shruti
Published: September 2023

This article analyses how the sites of disability activism, special education, and online‐matchmaking approach the sexuality of disabled people in India. It argues that across these distinct yet overlapping sites, the sexuality of disabled people is engaged as a problem in need of a fix, which ultimately leads to the narrowing of disabled people's sexual choices, behaviors, and identities. The article suggests that when these field‐sites move away from a problem‐centered approach which focuses on looking for normative solutions and instead engage in the process of “problematization” by facilitating the sexuality of disabled people, they end up opening non‐normative, uncertain, yet perhaps more fulfilling sexual opportunities for disabled people.
Metamorphic evolution of garnet amphibolites from the Fuping Complex: Implications for the Paleoproterozoic subduction–collision history of the Trans‐North China Orogen
Authors: Wang Han‐Hui , Tang Li , Santosh M. , Jia Li‐Hui , Zeng Tao , Sheng Yuan‐Ming
Published: September 2023

The Trans‐North China Orogen (TNCO) is a major Palaeoproterozoic collisional orogen in the North China Craton and has experienced complex tectonic evolution during the assembly of the Eastern and Western Blocks. The vestiges of subducted oceanic crust preserved in this orogen can be used to gain insights into the subduction–collision process associated with the Palaeoproterozoic orogeny. In this study, we investigate garnet amphibolites from the Wanzi Group in the Fuping Complex along the TNCO through integrated petrography, mineral chemistry, phase equilibrium modelling and zircon U–Pb geochronology. Three stages of metamorphic mineral assemblages are identified as follows: (i) the prograde assemblage is preserved as plagioclase, amphibole, biotite and quartz inclusions in garnet porphyroblasts; (ii) the peak mineral assemblage includes coarse‐grained amphibole, garnet, plagioclase, ilmenite, biotite and quartz; and (iii) the retrograde assemblage is mainly represented by the corona of amphibole, plagioclase and biotite in the matrix. Petrological features and phase equilibrium modelling define a clockwise pressure–temperature path involving a prograde stage of 7.2–9.6 kbar and <670°C, peak conditions of 10.0–10.2 kbar and 690–810°C, and a retrograde stage with near‐isothermal decompression to ~7.4 kbar and cooling. Zircon U–Pb dating shows weighted mean ages of 1848 ± 22 Ma and 1836 ± 31 Ma, representing the growth of zircon in the retrograde stage during the uplift and cooling process. In combination with available data from the TNCO, the post‐peak decompression and cooling process is inferred to be long‐lived during 1.90–1.76 Ga, following collision along the TNCO that occurred during 1.97–1.90 Ga, ultimately leading to the final assembly of the North China Craton.
Childhood maltreatment history and trauma‐specific predictors of parenting stress in new fathers
Authors: Granner Josephine R. , Lee Shawna J. , Burns Jade , Herrenkohl Todd I. , Miller Allison L. , Seng Julia S.
Published: September 2023

For new fathers, parenting stress is a risk factor for impaired early parenting and child maltreatment perpetration. Predictors of parenting stress, including fathers’ own experiences of trauma, could be useful intervention targets to support new fathers. We aim to examine associations between new fathers’ own histories of child maltreatment, and their perinatal mental health, relationships, and parenting stress. We recruited 298 first‐time fathers for a survey that measured child maltreatment history, trauma sequelae including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder (MDD), interpersonal reactivity, substance use, anger expression, coparenting quality, and parenting stress. On the Parenting Stress Index (PSI) (from 36 to 180), bivariate analysis demonstrated that new fathers who experienced child maltreatment (n = 94) had significantly higher parenting stress (x̅ = 85.3, σ = 18.7) than those who did not (n = 204; x̅ = 76.0, σ = 16.6; P < .000). Hierarchical linear regression modeling indicated that a child maltreatment history, PTSD, and MDD were significantly associated with parenting stress. The strongest predictors of parenting stress were coparenting quality and complex trauma sequelae—interpersonal reactivity and anger expression. Interventions to reduce fathers’ parenting stress by targeting known mental health and relationship sequelae of maltreatment are promising avenues to breaking intergenerational transmission of child maltreatment and psychiatric vulnerability.
Bioinformatics and integrated pharmacology network to identify the therapeutic targets and potential molecular mechanism of alpha‐lipoic acid on primary ovarian insufficiency
Authors: Kong Deqi , Cho Heeryun , Hwang Soowon , Choi Eunsaem , Lee Ah‐young , Choi Ehn‐Kyoung , Kim Yun‐Bae , Kim Hai‐Joong , Hong Sooncheol
Published: September 2023

Women experiencing primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) are more likely to experience infertility, and its incidence is increasing worldwide annually. Recently, the role of alpha‐lipoic acid (ALA) in the treatment of POI has been reported. However, details of the potential pharmacological targets and related molecular pathways of ALA remain unclear and need to be elucidated. Thus, this study aims to elucidate the potential therapeutic target and related molecular mechanism of ALA on POI. First, the potential targets of POI and ALA‐related targets were downloaded from online public databases. Subsequently, the overlapped target genes between POI and ALA were acquired, and gene ontology (GO), Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analysis, protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks were performed and constructed. Finally, molecular docking was performed to verify protein‐to‐protein effect. A total of 152 potential therapeutic targets were identified. The biological processes of the intersecting targets were mainly involved in the cellular response to peptides, response to xenobiotic stimuli, and response to peptide hormones. The highly enriched pathways were the cAMP, PI3K/AKT, estrogen, progesterone mediated oocyte maturation, and apoptosis signaling pathways. The top 10 hub targets for ALA in the treatment of POI were STAT3, STAT1, CASP3, MTOR, PTGS2, CASP8, HSP90AA1, PIK3CA, MAPK1, and ESR1. The binding between ALA and all top hub targets were verified using the molecular docking analysis. In summary, using the systematic integrated pharmacology network and bioinformatics analysis, this study illustrated that ALA participates in the treatment of POI via multiple targets and multiple pathways mechanisms.
Modulation of quorum sensing and biofilm of Gram‐negative bacterial pathogens by Cinnamomum zeylanicum L.
Authors: Qais Faizan Abul , Khan Mohammad Shavez , Ahmad Iqbal , Husain Fohad Mabood , Arshad Mohammed , Khan Altaf , Adil Mohd
Published: September 2023

The development of antibiotic resistant microbial pathogens has become a global health threat and a major concern in modern medicine. The problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has majorly arisen due to sub‐judicious use of antibiotics in health care and livestock industry. A slow progress has been made in last two decades in discovery of new antibiotics. A new strategy in combatting AMR is to modulate or disarm the microbes for their virulence and pathogenicity. Plants are considered as promising source for new drugs against AMR pathogens. In this study, fraction‐based screening of the Cinnamomum zeylanicum extract was performed followed by detailed investigation of antiquorum sensing and antibiofilm activities of the most active fraction that is, C. zeylanicum hexane fraction (CZHF). More than 75% reduction in violacein pigment of C. violaceum 12472 was overserved. CZHF successfully modulated the virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 by 60.46%–78.35%. A similar effect was recorded against Serratia marcescens MTCC 97. A broad‐spectrum inhibition of biofilm development was found in presence of sub‐MICs of CZHF. The colonization of bacteria onto the glass coverslips was remarkably reduced apart from the reduction in exopolymeric substances. Alkaloids and terpenoids were found in CZHF. GC/MS analysis revealed the presence of cinnamaldehyde dimethyl acetal, 2‐propenal, coumarin, and α‐copaene as major phytocompounds. This study provides enough evidence to support potency of C. zeylanicum extract in targeting the virulence of Gram −ve pathogenic bacteria. The plant extract or active compounds can be developed as successful drugs after careful in vivo examination to target microbial infections.

Research Highlights

Hexane fraction of Cinnamomum zeylanicum is active against QS and biofilms.

The broad‐spectrum antibiofilm activity was further confirmed by microscopic analysis.

Dimethyl acetal, 2‐propenal, coumarin, α‐copaene, and so forth are major phytocompounds.
Regulated the Swelling Properties of Poly(acrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid) Hydrogel by Changing the Charge Density
Authors: Ren Jie , Zhan Ningrui , Yang Jing , Xiang Xu
Published: September 2023

Hydrogels can swell without dissolving in water and are widely used in water treatment and biomedicine. The swelling rate of hydrogels is closely related to the network structure and charge density of hydrogels, but there are few detailed studies in this area. In this work, poly(acrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid) anionic hydrogel with acrylic acid (AA) as anionic monomer is prepared. By changing the monomer ratio, or changing the pH value of hydrogels, the internal charge density can be adjusted, and then the swelling rate can be controlled. With the increase of AA monomer content, the content of carboxylate in hydrogel increases, resulting in higher charge density. A high charge density corresponds to a high swelling rate. On the other hand, the swelling rate is closely related to the pH value, which is because the concentration of proton affects the ionization of carboxylic acid, which leads to the change of charge density. It is worth noting when pH increases to 10, the charge shielding effect of the counter‐ion (Na+) gradually increases, thus limiting the swelling of the hydrogel and reducing the swelling rate. This work has reference value for the practical application of hydrogels.
Design, Synthesis and Second‐Order Nonlinear Optical Properties of Azobenzene‐Based Polysiloxanes
Authors: Tong Xingwen , Zheng Xunsheng , Zhao Zhennan , Li Quanwei , Zhao Haisong , Zou Dexun , Ren Zhongjie
Published: September 2023

To study the effect of polymeric structures on second‐order nonlinear optical properties, polysiloxanes materials based on azobenzene as chromophore have been designed and synthesized successfully. Herein, the siloxane monomer is directly bonded to azobenzene units by palladium catalysis, which avoids the influence of flexible chains on the photoelectric properties of azobenzene. According to the different positions of azobenzene units in the polymers, it is divided into side‐chain, main‐chain, and alternative‐type polymers. The chemical structures of obtained polysiloxanes are confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectra and mass spectra. Three polymers present high thermal decomposition temperatures and the medium glass transition temperatures. The effects of polymeric structures on the second‐order nonlinear properties are compared. The main‐chain polysiloxane possesses the highest thermal stability because of its rigid architecture. The side‐chain polysiloxane shows the fastest isomerization transformation rate due to the large free volume. Besides, the alternative polysiloxane displays the best second‐order nonlinear performance with second harmonic generation coefficient (d33) value of 47.6 pm V−1, which is 3 times higher than the side‐chain one.
Zyxin inhibits the epithelial–mesenchymal transition process in gastric cancer by upregulating SIRT1
Authors: Lou Jing , Geng Sha , He Wei , Liu Song‐Bai , Shi Xinghong , Chang Ying , Han Shiyuan , Qian Panting , Amin Hesham M , Song Yao‐Hua , Li Yangxin , Zhou Jin
Published: September 2023

Tumor development relies on the stemness of cancer stem cells, which is regulated by environmental cues. Previous studies have shown that zyxin can inhibit the expression of genes for embryonic stem cell status. In the present study, the expression levels of zyxin protein in cancer tissues and adjacent noncancerous tissues from 73 gastric cancer patients with different clinical stages were analyzed by Western blot. We showed that the relative expression levels of zyxin in gastric cancer tissues (cancer tissues/adjacent tissues) were significantly downregulated in advanced clinical stages. Overexpression of zyxin inhibited the stemness and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) processes in gastric cancer cells. Zyxin also inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion but increased the sensitivity of cancer cells to drugs. Overexpression of zyxin in MKN45 cells inhibited tumor growth in nude mice. We show that the interactions between zyxin and SIRT1 led to the upregulation of SIRT1, reduced acetylation levels of histone H3 K9 and K23, decreased transcription levels of SNAI 1/2, and inhibition of the EMT process. This study demonstrated that zyxin negatively regulates the progression of gastric cancer by inhibiting the stemness of cancer stem cells and EMT. Our findings shed new light on the pathogenesis of gastric cancer.
Generalized nash fairness solutions for bi‐objective minimization problems
Authors: Nguyen Minh Hieu , Baiou Mourad , Nguyen Viet Hung , Vo Thi Quynh Trang
Published: September 2023

In this article, we consider a particular case of bi‐objective optimization (BOO), calledbi‐objective minimization(BOM), where the two objective functions to be minimized take only positive values. As well as for BOO, most of the methods proposed in the literature for solving BOM focus on computing the Pareto‐optimal solutions representing different trade‐offs between two objectives. However, it may be difficult for a central decision‐maker to determine the preferred solutions due to the huge number of solutions in the Pareto set. We propose a novel criterion for selecting the preferred Pareto‐optimal solutions by introducing the concept of ‐Nash Fairness(‐) solutions inspired by the definition of proportional fairness. The ‐ solutions are the feasible solutions achieving some proportional nash equilibrium between the two objectives. The positive parameter is introduced to reflect the relative importance of the first objective to the second one. For this work, we will discuss existential and algorithmic questions about the ‐ solutions by first showing their existence for BOM. Furthermore, the ‐ solution set can be a strict subset of the Pareto set. As there are possibly many ‐ solutions, we focus on extreme ‐ solutions achieving the smallest values for one of the objectives. Then, we propose two Newton‐based iterative algorithms for finding extreme ‐ solutions. Finally, we present computational results on some instances of the bi‐objective travelling salesman problem (BOTSP) and the bi‐objective shortest path problem.
Tailoring 3D printed cellulose acetate properties produced via direct ink writing: Densification through over‐extrusion and evaporation rate control
Authors: Slejko E. A. , Sesto Gorella N. , Gasparini R. , Scuor N. , Seriani S.
Published: September 2023

In this study, we conducted a comprehensive experimental campaign aimed at controlling the final properties of 3D printed cellulose acetate. We equipped a commercial printer with a peristaltic pump to be able to print in a continuous fashion by means of the Direct Ink Writing technique. We investigated the effect of ink concentration and printing parameters on the density, mechanical and functional properties of printed objects. Furthermore, water absorption tests demonstrated the hygroscopic behavior of cellulose acetate, with higher water content in samples with lower densities. The diffusion of water within the polymer network followed Fickian diffusion, with the diffusion coefficient influenced by the density of samples. Overall, this study highlights the importance of printing conditions in achieving desired properties in 3D printed cellulose acetate. The ability to fine‐tune the mechanical properties and water absorbance of 3D printed cellulose acetate makes it promising for applications in plant science and bioengineering.

Highlights

Cellulose acetate has been 3D printed via Direct Ink Writing.

The shear‐thinning behavior allows for shape retention during printing.

Density of printed samples is strongly controlled by printing parameters.

Density of printed parts influences mechanical properties and water absorption.