bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photomodulation on adsorptive desulfurization by Ag(0): Photothermal active sites with high stability
Authors: Li Min , Liu Jun , Tan Peng , Liu Xiao‐Qin , Sun Lin‐Bing
Published: January 2023

Ag(I) have been applied as active sites to adsorptive desulfurization of transportation fuels. However, its introduction brings the issues of instability and difficulty in desorption. Here, Ag(0) was dispersed in metal‐organic frameworks and used as the photothermal active sites with high stability for desulfurization. Unlike Ag(I), Ag(0) is insensitive to light and can be precisely heated for desorption through surface plasmon resonance. Interestingly, Ag(0) has weak interactions with dibenzothiophene than π‐complexation, but shows the comparable uptake and selectivity to that of Ag(I). The weak adsorbent‐adsorbate interactions fit the photomodulation on desorption where light energy was precisely used to heat the active sites of Ag(0), avoiding heat conduction and loss in the traditional temperature‐swing adsorption. In a fixed bed, the desorption time of the photomodulation process was reduced by nearly half compared with the washing method with hot solvent, and the energy used can be saved by 46.2% in theory.
Monitoring Photoinduced Interparticle Chemical CommunicationIn Situ
Authors: Chen Mengjie , Lu Si‐Min , Wang Hao‐Wei , Long Yi‐Tao
Published: January 2023

Monitoring interparticle chemical communication plays a critical role in the nanomaterial synthesis as this communication controls the final structure and stability of global nanoparticles (NPs). Yet most ensemble analytical techniques, which could only reveal average macroscopic information, are unable to elucidate NP‐to‐NP interactions. Herein, we employ stochastic collision electrochemistry to track the morphology transformation of Ag NPs in photochemical process at the single NP level. By further statistical analysis of time‐resolved current transients, we quantitatively determine the dynamic chemical potential difference and interparticle communication between populations of large and small Ag NPs. The high sensitivity of stochastic collision electrochemistry enables thein situinvestigation of chemical communication‐dependent transformation kinetics of NPs in photochemical process, shedding light on designing nanomaterials.
Synthese modifizierter Poly(vinylalkohole) und deren Abbau mittels einer enzymatischen Kaskade
Authors: von Haugwitz Gerlis , Donnelly Kian , Di Filippo Mara , Breite Daniel , Phippard Max , Schulze Agnes , Wei Ren , Baumann Marcus , Bornscheuer Uwe T.
Published: January 2023

Poly(vinylalkohol) (PVA) ist ein wasserlösliches, synthetisches Vinylpolymer mit bemerkenswerten physikalischen Eigenschaften wie Thermostabilität und Viskosität. Trotz seiner geringen biologischen Abbaubarkeit werden große Mengen PVA in die Umwelt freigesetzt. Die etablierten physikalisch‐chemischen Abbauprozesse für PVA haben mehrere Nachteile, wie z. B. hohe Kosten, geringe Effizienz und Sekundärverschmutzung. Der biologische Abbau von PVA durch Mikroorganismen ist langsam und erfordert häufig Pyrrolochinolinchinon (PQQ)‐abhängige Enzyme, was ihn aufgrund des kostspieligen Kofaktors teuer und daher für industrielle Anwendungen unattraktiv macht. In dieser Studie stellen wir einen modifizierten PVA‐Film mit verbesserten Eigenschaften sowie eine PQQ‐unabhängige, neue enzymatische Kaskade für den Abbau von modifiziertem und unmodifiziertem PVA vor. Die Kaskade besteht aus vier Schritten, die von drei Enzymen katalysiert werden. Die Kofaktoren werden dabei in situ recycelt, sodass sich diese Kaskade auch für industrielle Anwendungen eignet.
Technologische Pfade für die Herstellung von komprimiertem und hochreinem Wasserstoff mit Hilfe von Sonnenenergie
Authors: Ivanova Mariya E. , Peters Ralf , Müller Martin , Haas Stefan , Seidler Martin Florian , Mutschke Gerd , Eckert Kerstin , Röse Philipp , Calnan Sonya , Bagacki Rory , Schlatmann Rutger , Grosselindemann Cedric , Schäfer Laura‐Alena , Menzler Norbert H. , Weber André , van de Krol Roel , Liang Feng , Abdi Fatwa F. , Brendelberger Stefan , Neumann Nicole , Grobbel Johannes , Roeb Martin , Sattler Christian , Duran Ines , Dietrich Benjamin , Hofberger M. E. Christoph , Stoppel Leonid , Uhlenbruck Neele , Wetzel Thomas , Rauner David , Hecimovic Ante , Fantz Ursel , Kulyk Nadiia , Harting Jens , Guillon Olivier
Published: January 2023

Wasserstoff (H2) aus erneuerbaren Energien wird einen wachsenden Einfluss auf die globale Energiedynamik hin zu nachhaltigen und kohlenstoffneutralen Standards haben. Der Anteil von grünem H2 ist noch zu gering, um das Netto‐Null‐Ziel zu erreichen, während die Nachfrage nach hochwertigem Wasserstoff weiter steigt. Diese Faktoren verstärken den Bedarf an wirtschaftlich tragfähigen H2‐Erzeugungstechnologien. Der vorliegende Artikel zielt darauf ab, die bestehenden Technologien zur Erzeugung von hochwertigem H2 auf der Grundlage von Solarenergie zu bewerten. Technologien wie die Wasserelektrolyse, die photoelektrochemische und die solare thermochemische Wasserspaltung, Flüssigmetallreaktoren und die Plasmakonversion nutzen die Sonnenenergie direkt oder indirekt (als kohlenstoffneutrale Elektronen) und werden im Hinblick auf ihren derzeitigen Entwicklungsstand, ihre technischen Grenzen und ihr Zukunftspotenzial untersucht.
An Aluminum Telluride with a Terminal Al=Te Bond and its Conversion to an Aluminum Tellurocarbonate by CO2 Reduction
Authors: Xu Huihui , Kostenko Arseni , Weetman Catherine , Fujimori Shiori , Inoue Shigeyoshi
Published: January 2023

Facile access to dimeric heavier aluminum chalcogenides [(NHC)Al(Tipp)‐μ‐Ch]2 (NHC=IiPr (1,3‐diisopropyl‐4,5‐dimethylimidazol‐2‐ylidene, IMe4 (1,3,4,5‐tetramethylimidazol‐2‐ylidene); Tipp=2,4,6‐iPr3C6H2; Ch=Se, Te) by treatment of NHC‐stabilized aluminum dihydrides with elemental Se and Te is reported. The higher affinity of IMe4 in comparison with IiPr toward the Al center in [(NHC)Al(Tipp)‐μ‐Ch]2 can be used for ligand exchange. Additionally, the presence of excess IMe4 allows for cleavage of the dimers to form a rare example of a neutral multiply bonded heavier aluminum chalcogenide in the form of a tetracoordinate aluminum complex, (IMe4)2(Tipp)Al=Te. This species reacts with three equivalents of CO2 across two Al−CNHC and the Al=Te bond affording a pentacoordinate aluminum complex containing a dianionic tellurocarbonate ligand [CO2Te]2−, which is the first example of tellurium analogue of a carbonate [CO3]2−.
Synthesis of Modified Poly(vinyl Alcohol)s and Their Degradation Using an Enzymatic Cascade
Authors: von Haugwitz Gerlis , Donnelly Kian , Di Filippo Mara , Breite Daniel , Phippard Max , Schulze Agnes , Wei Ren , Baumann Marcus , Bornscheuer Uwe T.
Published: January 2023

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is a water‐soluble synthetic vinyl polymer with remarkable physical properties including thermostability and viscosity. Its biodegradability, however, is low even though a large amount of PVA is released into the environment. Established physical‐chemical degradation methods for PVA have several disadvantages such as high price, low efficiency, and secondary pollution. Biodegradation of PVA by microorganisms is slow and frequently involves pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ)‐dependent enzymes, making it expensive due to the costly cofactor and hence unattractive for industrial applications. In this study, we present a modified PVA film with improved properties as well as a PQQ‐independent novel enzymatic cascade for the degradation of modified and unmodified PVA. The cascade consists of four steps catalyzed by three enzymes with in situ cofactor recycling technology making this cascade suitable for industrial applications.
High Electron Mobility Hot‐Exciton Induced Delayed Fluorescent Organic Semiconductors
Authors: Zhang Y. , Gao C. , Wang P. , Liu Y. , Liu Z. , Xie W. , Xu H. , Dang Y. , Liu D. , Ren Z. , Yan S. , Wang Z. , Hu W. , Dong H.
Published: January 2023

The development of high mobility emissive organic semiconductors is of great significance for the fabrication of miniaturized optoelectronic devices, such as organic light emitting transistors. However, great challenge exists in designing key materials, especially those who integrates triplet exciton utilization ability. Herein, dinaphthylanthracene diimides (DNADIs), with 2,6‐extended anthracene donor, and 3′‐ or 4′‐substituted naphthalene monoimide acceptors were designed and synthesized. By introducing acceptor‐donor‐acceptor structure, both materials show high electron mobility. Moreover, by fine‐tuning of substitution sites, good integration with high solid state photoluminescence quantum yield of 26 %, high electron mobility of 0.02 cm2 V−1 s−1, and the feature of hot‐exciton induced delayed fluorescence were obtained in 4′‐DNADI. This work opens a new avenue for developing high electron mobility emissive organic semiconductors with efficient utilization of triplet excitons.
Metal‐Free Far‐Red Light‐Driven Photolysis via Triplet Fusion to Enhance Checkpoint Blockade Immunotherapy
Authors: Zeng Le , Jiang Lin‐Han , Li Jia‐Yao , Huang Ling , Chen Yongzhi , Yu Nuo , Wang Lei , Huang Kai , Peng Jing , Han Gang
Published: January 2023

Metal‐free long‐wavelength light‐driven prodrug photoactivation is highly desirable for applications such as neuromodulation, drug delivery, and cancer therapy. Herein, via triplet fusion, we report on the far‐red light‐driven photo‐release of an anti‐cancer drug by coupling the boron‐dipyrromethene (BODIPY)‐based photosensitizer with a photocleavable perylene‐based anti‐cancer drug. Notably, this metal‐free triplet fusion photolysis (TFP) strategy can be further advanced by incorporating an additional functional dopant, i.e. an immunotherapy medicine inhibiting the indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO), with the far‐red responsive triplet fusion pair in an air‐stable nanoparticle. With this IDO inhibitor‐assisted TFP system we observed efficient inhibition of primary and distant tumors in a mouse model at record‐low excitation power, compared to other photo‐assisted immunotherapy approaches. This metal‐free TFP strategy will spur advancement in photonics and biophotonics fields.
Visible‐Light‐Induced N‐Heterocyclic Carbene‐Catalyzed Single Electron Reduction of Mono‐Fluoroarenes
Authors: Sheng He , Liu Qiang , Zhang Bei‐Bei , Wang Zhi‐Xiang , Chen Xiang‐Yu
Published: January 2023

Fluoroarenes are abundant and readily available feedstocks. However, due to the high reduction potentials of mono‐fluoroarenes, their photoreduction remains a continuing challenge, motivating the development of efficient activation modes to address this issue. This report presents the blue light‐induced N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC)‐catalyzed single electron reduction of mono‐fluoroarenes for biaryl cross‐couplings. We discovered that under blue light irradiation, NHC/tBuOK combination could construct powerful photoactive architectures to promote single electron transfer for Caryl−F bond reduction via forming highly reducing NHC radical anion. Notably, the strategy was also successful to reduce Caryl−O, Caryl−N, and Caryl−S bonds for biaryl cross‐couplings.
Design, synthesis, molecular docking, and biological evaluation of coumarin‐thymidine analogs as potent anti‐TB agents
Authors: Reddy Dinesh S. , Sinha Anamika , Kurjogi Mahantesh M. , Shanavaz H. , Kumar Amit
Published: January 2023

With the intent to discover new antituberculosis (TB) compounds, coumarin‐thymidine analogs were synthesized using second‐order nucleophilic substitution reactions of bromomethyl coumarin with thymidine. The newly synthesized coumarin‐thymidine conjugates (1a–l) were characterized using IR, NMR, GC‐MS, and CHN elemental analysis. The novel conjugates were found to exhibit potent anti‐TB activity against the Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv strain, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the active compounds ranging between 0.012 and 0.482 µM. Compound 1k was established as the most active candidate with a MIC of 0.012 µM. The toxicity study on HEK cells confirmed the nontoxic nature of compounds 1e, 1h, 1i, 1j, and 1k. Also, the most active compounds (1k, 1j, and 1e) were stable in the pH range from 2.5 to 10, indicating compatibility with the biophysical environment. Based on the pKa studies, compounds 1k, 1j, and 1e are capable of crossing lipid‐membrane barriers and acting on target cells. Molecular docking studies on the M. tuberculosis β‐oxidation trifunctional enzyme (PDB ID: 7O4V) were conducted to investigate the mechanisms of anti‐TB activity. All compounds showed excellent hydrogen binding interactions and exceptional docking scores against M. tuberculosis, which was in accordance with the results. Compounds 1a–l possessed excellent affinity to proteins, with binding energies ranging from −7.4 to −8.7 kcal/mol.
Exploiting waste derived from Musa spp. processing: Banana and plantain
Authors: Serna‐Jiménez Johanna Andrea , Siles López José Ángel , de los Ángeles Martín Santos María , Chica Pérez Arturo Fco
Published: January 2023

Banana and plantain (Musa spp.) are among the most popular crops especially in tropical and sub‐tropical zones. Musa spp. is a unique, perennial, single‐harvest plant that after fruit harvesting is decapitated and generates large amounts of waste and by‐products: leaves and pseudostem. Fruit processing also generates waste peels and discarded pieces. Recent research has demonstrated that this type of organic substrate represents a potentially valuable resource that can be developed into high‐value products. These developments are critically reviewed in this article, which includes a summary of the composition and biocompounds contained in pseudostem and peel, the use of Musa spp. waste in animal and human feed and the obtention of fiber to make paper, rope, handcrafts and combustion materials. On the other hand, the potential for polysaccharides to be fermented and transformed into ethanol, methane or hydrogen, the obtention of single‐cell protein (microbial protein) and the use of solid residues for composting or as a substrate for mushrooms cultivation have also been evaluated. The applications described represent great opportunities for economic benefits from this agro‐industrial waste. A scheme for the integrated utilization of Musa spp. waste in a biorefinery approach is presented as well.
PemBla: A Phase 1 study of intravesical pembrolizumab in recurrent non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Woodcock Victoria K. , Chen Ji‐Li , Purshouse Karin , Butcher Chrissie , Collins Linda , Haddon Caroline , Verrall Gillian , Elhussein Leena , Roberts Corran , Tarlton Andrea , Rei Margarida , Napolitani Giorgio , Salio Mariolina , Middleton Mark R. , Cerundolo Vincenzo , Crew Jeremy , Protheroe Andrew S.
Published: January 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the anti‐PD‐1 inhibitor pembrolizumab as a potential agent for use in non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) by conducting a Phase 1 safety run‐in study to assess the safety and tolerability of intravesical pembrolizumab after transurethral resection of the bladder tumour (TURBT).

Patients and methods

Eligible patients had recurrent NMIBC for which adjuvant treatment post TURBT was a reasonable treatment option, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG PS) 0–1 and adequate end‐organ function. Pembrolizumab was administered by intravesical instillation once weekly for a total of six doses. Intra‐patient dose escalation was performed in three paired patient cohorts with doses starting at 50 mg and increasing through 100 mg to a maximum of 200 mg. Adverse events (AEs) were assessed using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v4.03 with dose limiting toxicity (DLT) defined as a clinically significant, drug‐related, Grade 4 haematological or Grade 3 or higher non‐haematological toxicity occurring within 7 days of administration of the first treatment at a given dose for that patient.

Results

Six patients were treated with no DLTs seen during dose escalation. Drug‐related AEs were of low grade and included dysuria and fatigue. All patients completed six doses of treatment as planned. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic assays did not detect any pembrolizumab in the serum following repeated intravesical administration, and no changes in peripheral immune cell populations were observed.

Conclusions

Administration of intravesical pembrolizumab was well tolerated and did not raise any safety concerns in patients with NMIBC following TURBT. There was no evidence of systemic absorption or systemic immune effects following intravesical administration. Further studies are required to assess whether intravesical administration has anti‐tumour activity.
Digital‐twin‐driven structural and electrochemical analysis of Li+ single‐ion conducting polymer electrolyte for all‐solid‐state batteries
Authors: Lee Jongjun , Byun Seoungwoo , Lee Hyobin , Roh Youngjoon , Jin Dahee , Lim Jaejin , Song Jihun , Dzakpasu Cyril Bubu , Park Joonam , Lee Yong Min
Published: January 2023

The electrode structure is a crucial factor for all‐solid‐state batteries (ASSBs) since it affects the electronic and ionic transport properties and determines the electrochemical performance. In terms of electrode structure design, a single‐ion conducting solid polymer electrolyte (SIC‐SPE) is an attractive solid electrolyte (SE) for the composite electrode among various SEs. Although the ionic conductivity of SIC‐SPE is lower than other inorganic SEs, the SIC‐SPE has a relatively lower density and can form an intimate contact between the SE and active materials (AM), resulting in an excellent electrode structure. The electrochemical performance of the cell with SIC‐SPE was comparable with the cell with Li6PS5Cl (LPSCl), which has 10 times higher intrinsic ionic conductivity than SIC‐SPE (SIC‐SPE: 0.2 × 10−3 S cm−1, LPSCl: 2.2 = 10−3 S cm−1 at 25°C). 3D digital‐twin‐driven simulation showed that the electrode with SIC‐SPE has a higher SE volume fraction, a lower tortuosity, and a larger AM/SE contact area than the LPSCl electrode. The favorable structure of the SIC‐SPE electrode leads to lower overpotential than the LPSCl electrode during operation. Our results suggest that the SIC‐SPE is a promising SE for making a good electrode structure in ASSBs.
The Preparation and Modification of Strontium Titanate Ceramic Films for High‐Performance Flexible Supercapacitor
Authors: Cao Yi , He Huang , Li Shijingmin , Ruan Piao , Yi Jianglong , Qiu Wenfeng
Published: January 2023

Based on previous research, the perovskite‐type SrTiO3 can be considered as a potential energy storage material because of its good electrical conductivity properties and oxygen‐vacancy structure. In this work, Ce‐doped SrTiO3 nanofibers film with excellent flexibility was successfully fabricated by using electrospinning and conventional sintering route at 600 °C. For the series of the SrCexTi1‐xO3 (SCTO‐x) films (0≤x≤0.5), although the corresponding nanofibers structure could remain intact, their lattice structure transferred from cubic into tetragonal phase with the increase of Ce doing amount. Moreover, the electrochemical measurement results shown that the working electrode fabricated by SCTO‐0.3 sample as active materials exhibited the best electrochemical performance possessing with a maximum specific capacitance value of 2895 mF ⋅ cm−2 at 3 mA ⋅ cm−2 (1809.4F ⋅ g−1 at 1.875 A ⋅ g−1).Therefore, a symmetrical flexible device was assembled by two SCTO‐0.3 electrodes with 1 M Na2SO4 solution, showing a good energy density of 89.5 Wh ⋅ kg−1 (at power density of 1250 W ⋅ kg−1). However, while the super‐concentrated electrolyte (1 M Na2SO4+66.7 wt % sucrose) was instead of the 1 M Na2SO4 solution in the fabrication of the device, it could display higher energy density (151 Wh ⋅ kg−1 vs. 1600 W ⋅ kg−1), good cycling stability and better mechanical flexibility. Herein, this work may provide a new potential electrode material for flexible energy storage device design.
An Air‐ and Moisture‐stable Zinc(II) Carbene Dithiolate Dimer Showing Fast Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence and Dexter Energy Transfer Catalysis**
Authors: Mrózek Ondřej , Mitra Mousree , Hupp Bejamin , Belyaev Andrey , Lüdtke Nora , Wagner Dorothee , Wang Cui , Wenger Oliver S. , Marian Christel M. , Steffen Andreas
Published: January 2023

A dimeric ZnII carbene complex featuring bridging and chelating benzene‐1,2‐dithiolate ligands is highly stable towards air and water. The donor‐Zn‐acceptor structure leads to visible light emission in the solid state, solution and polymer matrices with λmax between 577–657 nm and, for zinc(II) complexes, unusually high radiative rate constants for triplet exciton decay of up to kr=1.5×105 s−1 at room temperature. Variable temperature and DFT/MRCI studies show that a small energy gap between the 1/3LL/LMCT states of only 79 meV is responsible for efficient thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF). Time‐resolved luminescence and transient absorption studies confirm the occurrence of long‐lived, dominantly ligand‐to‐ligand charge transfer excited states in solution, allowing for application in Dexter energy transfer photocatalysis.
DFT‐based Machine Learning for Ensemble Effect of Pd@Au Electrocatalysts on CO2 Reduction Reaction
Authors: Liu Fuzhu , Gao Peng‐Fei , Wu Chao , Yang Shengchun , Ding Xiangdong
Published: January 2023

The ensemble effect due to variation of Pd content in Pd−Au alloys have been widely investigated for several important reactions, including CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR), however, identifying the stable Pd arrangements on the alloyed surface and picking out the active sites are still challenging. Here we use a density functional theory (DFT) based machine‐learning (ML) approach to efficiently find the low‐energy configurations of Pd−Au(111) surface alloys and the potentially active sites for CO2RR, fully covering the Pd content from 0 to 100 %. The ML model is actively learning process to improve the predicting accuracy for the configuration formation energy and to find the stable Pd−Au(111) alloyed surfaces, respectively. The local surface properties of adsorption sites are classified into two classes by the K‐means clustering approach, which are closely related to the Pd content on Au surface. The classification is reflected in the variation of adsorption energy of CO and H: In the low Pd content range (0–60 %) the adsorption energies over the surface alloys can be tuned significantly, and in the medium Pd content (37‐68 %), the catalytic activity of surface alloys for CO2RR can be increased by increase the Pd content and attributed to the meta‐stable active site over the surface. Thus, the active site‐dependent reaction mechanism is elucidated based on the ensemble effect, which provides new physical insights to understand the surface‐related properties of catalysts.
Ankle flexor/extensor strength and muscle density are complementary determinants of balance during dual‐task engagement: The ankle quality study
Authors: Wong Andy K. O. , Fung Hugo J. W. , Pretty Steven P. , Laing Andrew C. , Chan Adrian H. , Mathur Sunita , Zabjek Karl , Giangregorio Lora , Cheung Angela M.
Published: January 2023

Background

This study investigated relative contributions of ankle flexor torque, muscle size, and density on balance and falls.

Methods

Men and women ≥50 years of age completed a peripheral quantitative computed tomography scan of the mid‐leg to quantify muscle density (MD) and cross‐sectional area; Biodex dynamometry to evaluate maximal isometric ankle flexor torque; and a single‐leg balance test on a force platform with/without eyes closed and cognitive task. Ankle flexor torque, muscle size, and density individually, together, or as interactions were examined for associations with balance (mean step duration, steps/trial) in general linear models, or with falls in Poisson regression, adjusting for age, sex, BMI, glucocorticoid use, osteoarthritis, and physical activity. Visuo‐cognitive conditions were compared.

Results

Among 105 participants (age: 63.3 ± 9.9 years, BMI: 25.8 ± 5.4 kg/m2, 77.1% female), 41.8% experienced ≥1 fall in the last year. Balance on one leg was dependent on ankle flexor torque when eyes were open (r = −0.220 to −0.284) and on having leaner mid‐leg muscles when eyes were closed (r = −0.123 to −0.142); cognitive challenge blunted these correlations. Individuals with leaner muscles tended to rely more on plantarflexors than dorsiflexors. A 2% lower step‐free fraction in the eyes‐closed paradigm associated with having 1 additional fall [−0.701(−1.235, −0.167)], but neither torque, muscle density, nor size related to number of falls.

Conclusions

Among ambulatory adults, ankle flexor torque and muscle density showed an interactive influence on balance that depended on visuo‐cognitive input. The complementary roles of torque and muscle density on balance suggest redundancy is important under dual‐tasking conditions.
Climatic stress decreases tick survival but increases rate of host‐seeking behavior
Authors: Nielebeck Caleb , Kim Sang Hyo , Pepe Antonio , Himes Lucian , Miller Zachary , Zummo Sophia , Tang Mary , Monzón Javier D.
Published: January 2023

Ticks are vectors of many diseases and are expanding in geographic distribution. However, how ticks will fare in their new environments, where they may experience stressful climatic conditions at the expansion front, remains unclear. Since there is a trade‐off in ticks between behaviors that promote longevity and behaviors that promote reproduction, we hypothesized that extreme climatic stress reduces the survivorship of ticks but increases the frequency of tick host‐seeking behavior, or questing. Here, we used a novel method to simulate climatic stress on individual ticks of three species—Amblyomma americanum, Dermacentor variabilis, and Ixodes scapularis—to evaluate their survival, physiology, and questing behavior. The first experiment involved placing 144 adult ticks of each species in two temperature ranges (15–25°C and 25–35°C) and three relative humidity (RH) treatments (32%, 58%, and 84% RH). We assessed the ticks daily for survivorship and questing, and we measured water loss by comparing the mass of each tick when it died to when it was fully hydrated. In this first experiment, ticks in warmer and less humid conditions generally died faster than those in cooler and more humid conditions. Ticks of all three species were more likely to quest shortly before their death and consistently died after losing approximately 50%–56% of their total body water content, but Ixodes reached that threshold much faster than the other two species. The second experiment involved placing 18 ticks of each species at 35°C and 32% RH. We assessed the ticks every 3 h for survivorship, questing, and water loss. Ticks again were more likely to quest shortly before their death. With frequent checks, we were able to measure the dehydration tolerance more accurately and the rate of water loss. Ticks of all three species consistently died after losing approximately 51% of their total body water content. However, Ixodes lost water approximately 5 times faster than Amblyomma and 11 times faster than Dermacentor. These results demonstrate that severe climatic stress tilts the trade‐off toward higher questing rates but not higher overall questing time because of reduced survival rates.
Natural antioxidants from some fruits, seeds, foods, natural products, and associated health benefits: An update
Authors: Rahaman Md. Mizanur , Hossain Rajib , Herrera‐Bravo Jesús , Islam Mohammad Torequl , Atolani Olubunmi , Adeyemi Oluyomi Stephen , Owolodun Olubukola Abibat , Kambizi Learnmore , Daştan Sevgi Durna , Calina Daniela , Sharifi‐Rad Javad
Published: January 2023

Antioxidants are compounds that inhibit the oxidation of other molecules and protect the body from the effects of free radicals, produced either by normal cell metabolism or as an effect of pollution and exposure to other external factors and are responsible for premature aging and play a role in cardiovascular disease. degenerative diseases such as cataracts, Alzheimer's disease, and cancer. While many antioxidants are found in nature, others are obtained in synthetic form and reduce oxidative stress in organisms. This review highlights the pharmacological relevance of antioxidants in fruits, plants, and other natural sources and their beneficial effect on human health through the analysis and in‐depth discussion of studies that included phytochemistry and their pharmacological effects. The information obtained for this review was collected from several scientific databases (ScienceDirect, TRIP database, PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science), professional websites, and traditional medicine books. Current pharmacological studies and evidence have shown that the various natural antioxidants present in some fruits, seeds, foods, and natural products have different health‐promoting effects. Adopting functional foods with high antioxidant potential will improve the effective and affordable management of free radical diseases while avoiding the toxicities and unwanted side effects caused by conventional medication.
Scientific and targeted prevention and control measures to optimize COVID‐19 response
Authors:   Released by the Taskforce for Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism for COVID‐19 under the State Council and the National Health Commission of P.R. China on November 11, 2022
Published: January 2023

Since the outbreak of the COVID‐19 pandemic, under the strong leadership of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and President Xi Jinping, China has made firm decisions to prioritize people's lives and health. Efforts have been made to avoid foreign imported infection and domestic rebound of COVID‐19 cases; the “dynamic zero COVID” policy has been executed without wavering; and the prevention and control measures have been optimized and improved in response to changing circumstances, actively responding to the impact caused by multiple waves of COVID‐19 surge globally. China has made extraordinary efforts to safeguard people's lives and health. Meanwhile, prevention and control measures were timely updated to coordinate with economic and social development. On November 10, the Standing Committee of the Central Political Bureau held a meeting to discuss the latest situation of the COVID‐19 pandemic in China. Twenty measures (referred to as “the 20‐point measures“) were officially announced to further optimize the COVID‐19 response. The latest prevention and control measures involve the requirements and guidance for isolation at home, high‐risk area delineation, nucleic acid testing, international inbound flights and travelers, vaccination rollout, medical resource preparedness, and protection for special places and vulnerable population.
Improved assessment of fecal incontinence in women with previous obstetric injury combining Low Anterior Resection Syndrome and Wexner scores
Authors: Almkvist Louise , Gunnarsson Ulf , Strigård Karin
Published: January 2023

Objective

The aim of the current study was to assess whether Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) score could provide additional unique information to the Wexner score when assessing fecal incontinence (FI) in women with previous obstetric injury, thus providing a better foundation for treatment decisions.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study with intraindividual comparison of two scoring systems. Women with previous obstetric injury and diagnosed with FI between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2018, with valid LARS and Wexner scores were included. Statistical methods used were Spearman rank correlation, Kendall τ, scatterplot, and ratios.

Results

Seventy women were included. Correlation coefficients varied from 0.42 to 0.66 (Spearman rank correlation) and 0.44 to 0.51 (Kendall τ). Cohen κ values varied from 0.33 to 0.67. No strong association was seen in the correlation analyses or the scatterplot.

Conclusion

LARS score was shown to provide extra relevant information when assessing FI in women with previous obstetric injury. All symptoms should be considered relevant when assessing FI since it is a complex condition and should be approached accordingly. The authors suggest a combination of LARS and Wexner scores when assessing FI among women with previous obstetric injury.
Eigenvalues and cycles of consecutive lengths
Authors: Li Binlong , Ning Bo
Published: January 2023

As the counterpart of classical theorems on cycles of consecutive lengths due to Bondy and Bollobás in spectral graph theory, Nikiforov proposed the following open problem in 2008: What is the maximum such that for all positive and sufficiently large , every graph of order with spectral radius contains a cycle of length for each integer . We prove that , improving the existing bounds. Besides several novel ideas, our proof technique is partly inspired by the recent research on Ramsey numbers of star versus large even cycles due to Allen, Łuczak, Polcyn, and Zhang, and with aid of a powerful spectral inequality. We also derive an Erdős–Gallai‐type edge number condition for even cycles, which may be of independent interest.
Isolation and characterization of mammalian orthoreovirus from bats in the United States
Authors: Wang Liping , Zheng Baoliang , Shen Zhenyu , Nath Nirmalendu Deb , Li Yonghai , Walsh Timothy , Li Yan , Mitchell William J. , He Dongchang , Lee Jinhwa , Moore Susan , Tong Suxiang , Zhang Shuping , Ma Wenjun
Published: January 2023

Mammalian orthoreovirus (MRV) infects many mammalian species including humans, bats, and domestic animals. To determine the prevalence of MRV in bats in the United States, we screened more than 900 bats of different species collected during 2015–2019 by a real‐time reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction assay; 4.4% bats tested MRV‐positive and 13 MRVs were isolated. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis revealed that these isolates belonged to four different strains/genotypes of viruses in Serotypes 1 or 2, which contain genes similar to those of MRVs detected in humans, bats, bovine, and deer. Further characterization showed that these four MRV strains replicated efficiently on human, canine, monkey, ferret, and swine cell lines. The 40/Bat/USA/2018 strain belonging to the Serotype 1 demonstrated the ability to infect and transmit in pigs without prior adaptation. Taken together, this is evidence for different genotypes and serotypes of MRVs circulating in US bats, which can be a mixing vessel of MRVs that may spread to other species, including humans, resulting in cross‐species infections.
Effect of environment and variety on the physicochemical properties of Tartary buckwheat starch
Authors: Wang Jiale , Wu Yixin , Han Mengru , Lei Xinhui , Leng Jiajun , Yang Qinghua , Yang Pu , Gao Jinfeng
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

Starch is a major nutrient in the human diet and has been widely used as an ingredient in many food and non‐food applications. However, the research on the quality characteristics of Tartary buckwheat is lagging behind, and there is a lack of high‐quality special varieties, which makes it difficult to become a popular food. The physicochemical properties of Tartary buckwheat starch may be affected by different environments and varieties, and the stability of planted varieties in different regions is also an important issue in current research.

RESULTS

The average amylose content and pasting properties of Dingxi Tartary buckwheat were lower, while the solubility, transparency, relative crystallinity and gelatinization enthalpy were higher compared with the other two regions, and there were significant differences between different varieties. All samples showed typical A‐type structure, and the starch short‐range order structure changed slightly. Amylose content, solubility, transparency, granule size distribution, pasting properties and thermal properties were significantly affected by environment and variety.

CONCLUSION

When choosing high‐quality special varieties and products for processing, it contributes to select different buckwheat varieties and planting areas based on various objectives by understanding the effects of environment and varieties on the physicochemical properties of Tartary buckwheat starch. In this study, the four varieties planted in Dingxi and the two varieties in Zhaojue were easy to digest, and the differences of pasting properties and thermal properties are helpful to improve the application of Tartary buckwheat starch in the food industry. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Evaluation of instrumentation and pedicle screw design for posterior lumbar fixation: A pre‐clinical in vivo/ex vivo ovine model
Authors: Witek Lukasz , Parente Paulo Eduardo Lima , Torroni Andrea , Greenberg Michael , Nayak Vasudev Vivekanand , Hacquebord Jacques Henri , Coelho Paulo G.
Published: January 2023

Background

Stabilization procedures of the lumbar spine are routinely performed for various conditions, such as spondylolisthesis and scoliosis. Spine surgery has become even more common, with the incidence rates increasing ~30% between 2004 and 2015. Various solutions to increase the success of lumbar stabilization procedures have been proposed, ranging from the device's geometrical configuration to bone quality enhancement via grafting and, recently, through modified drilling instrumentation. Conventional (manual) instrumentation renders the excavated bony fragments ineffective, whereas the “additive” osseodensification rotary drilling compacts the bone fragments into the osteotomy walls, creating nucleating sites for regeneration.

Methods

This study aimed to compare both manual versus rotary Osseodensification (OD) instrumentation as well as two different pedicle screw thread designs in a controlled split animal model in posterior lumbar stabilization to determine the feasibility and potential advantages of each variable with respect to mechanical stability and histomorphology. A total of 164 single thread (82 per thread configuration), pedicle screws (4.5 × 35 mm) were used for the study. Each animal received eight pedicles (four per thread design) screws, which were placed in the lumbar spine of 21 adult sheep. One side of the lumbar spine underwent rotary osseodensification instrumentation, while the contralateral underwent conventional, hand, instrumentation. The animals were euthanized after 6‐ and 24‐weeks of healing, and the vertebrae were removed for biomechanical and histomorphometric analyses. Pullout strength and histologic analysis were performed on all harvested samples.

Results

The rotary instrumentation yielded statistically (p = 0.026) greater pullout strength (1060.6 N ± 181) relative to hand instrumentation (769.3 N ± 181) at the 24‐week healing time point. Histomorphometric analysis exhibited significantly higher degrees of bone to implant contact for the rotary instrumentation only at the early healing time point (6 weeks), whereas bone area fraction occupancy was statistically higher for rotary instrumentation at both healing times. The levels of soft tissue infiltration were lower for pedicle screws placed in osteotomies prepared using OD instrumentation relative to hand instrumentation, independent of healing time.

Conclusion

The rotary instrumentation yielded enhanced mechanical and histologic results relative to the conventional hand instrumentation in this lumbar spine stabilization model.
Risk Factors of Contrast Agent Intravasation With Sulfur Hexafluoride Microbubble During Hysterosalpingo‐Contrast Sonography
Authors: Jin Bin‐Bin , Ma Yan , Zhao Xiu‐Hua , Teng Yi‐Ling , Zhu Shang‐Yong
Published: January 2023

Objectives

To analyze the risk factors of sulfur hexafluoride microbubble contrast agent intravasation during hysterosalpingo‐contrast sonography (HyCoSy), and to explore a simple prediction model by the obvious clinical history.

Methods

This was a retrospective study included 299 infertility women who had undergone HyCoSy examination from July 1, 2018 to June 31, 2019. The factors were recorded, including age, endometrial thickness, balloon length, infertility type, history of intrauterine surgery, history of pelvic surgery, and tubal patency. The method of multivariate logistic regression analysis was adopted to analyze the risk factors affecting the contrast agent intravasation, and the receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted to test their efficacy.

Results

Secondary infertility, a history of intrauterine surgery, thin endometrial thickness, and tubal obstruction were all risk factors of the occurrence of intravasation (P < .05). And the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves of the multifactor‐combined prediction model of the intravasation was significantly larger than that of single‐factor.

Conclusions

Sonographers and gynecologists should be familiar with the risk factors of intravasation and select the appropriate timing of HyCoSy toward reducing the occurrence of intravasation and other complications after thoroughly explaining and communicating with the patients.
ROS Scavenging Graphene‐Based Hydrogel Enhances Type H Vessel Formation and Vascularized Bone Regeneration via ZEB1/Notch1 Mediation
Authors: Zhou Junpeng , Li Yongwei , He Jiahui , Liu Liying , Hu Shugang , Guo Meng , Liu Tun , Liu Junzheng , Wang Jiaxin , Guo Baolin , Wang Wei
Published: January 2023

The regeneration strategy for bone defects is greatly limited by the bone microenvironment, and excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) seriously hinder the formation of new bone. Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is expected to meet the requirements because of its ability to scavenge free radicals through electron transfer. Antioxidant hydrogels based on gelatine methacrylate (GM), acrylyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (Ac‐CD), and rGO functionalized with β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) are developed for skull defect regeneration, but the mechanism of how rGO‐based hydrogels enhance bone repair remains unclear. In this work, it is confirmed that the GM/Ac‐CD/rGO hydrogel has good antioxidant capacity, and promotes osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The rGO‐based hydrogel affects ZEB1/Notch1 to promote tube formation. Furthermore, two‐photon laser scanning microscopy is used to observe the ROS in a skull defect. The rGO‐based hydrogel promotes type H vessel formation in a skull defect. In conclusion, the hydrogel neutralizes ROS in the vicinity of a skull defect and stimulates ZEB1/Notch1 to promote the coupling of osteogenesis and angiogenesis, which may be a possible approach for bone regeneration.
Free vibration of functionally graded sandwich plates in thermal environments
Authors: Li Dongdong , Deng Zongbai , Chen Guoping
Published: January 2023

This paper presents an analytical solution for the free vibration of functionally graded material (FGM) sandwich plates in a thermal environment. An equivalent‐single‐layer (ESL) plate theory with four variables is used to obtain the solution. Two types of sandwich plates are examined in this study: one with FGM face sheets and a homogeneous core and the other with an FGM core and homogeneous face sheets. The governing equations of motion are derived based on Hamilton's principle and then solved using the Navier method. The results of natural frequencies of simply supported FGM sandwich plates are compared with the available solutions in the literature. The effects of volume fraction distribution, geometrical parameters, and temperature increments on the free vibration characteristics are discussed in detail.
Impact of stand‐ and landscape‐level variables on pine wilt disease‐caused tree mortality in pine forests
Authors: Yu Linfeng , Zhan Zhongyi , Ren Lili , Li Haonan , Huang Huaguo , Luo Youqing
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

Pine wilt disease (PWD) outbreaks have affected extensive areas of South China's forests, but the factors explaining landscape patterns of pine mortality are poorly understood. The objective of this study was to determine the relative importance of stand structure, topography, landscape context, and beetle pressure in explaining PWD severity. During 2020–2021, we identified 66 plots based on mapped PWD infestation severity. We built PWD infestation maps for 2019–2021 through field surveys. Stand structure and topography were obtained from Forest Resources Management ‘One Map’ and elevation raster data. We then used ‘One Map’ and PWD infestation maps to determine landscape context and beetle pressure variables at different spatial scales. The relative importance of 12 explanatory variables was analyzed using multi‐model inference.

RESULTS

In this study, we show that: (i) 1 km was the best spatial scale related to pine mortality, and (ii) models including landscape context and beetle pressure were much better at predicting pine mortality than models using only stand‐level variables.

CONCLUSION

Landscape‐level variables, particularly beetle pressure, were the most consistent predictors of subsequent pine mortality within susceptible stands. These results may help forest managers identify locations vulnerable to PWD and improve existing strategies for outbreak control. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
COVID‐19 vaccination in Nigeria: Challenges and recommendations for future vaccination initiatives
Authors: Sokunbi Taiwo Oluwaseun , Oluyedun Abdmateen Temitope , Adegboye Emmanuel Ayomide , Oluwatomisin Glory Peace , Ibrahim Abdulmumin Damilola
Published: January 2023

The COVID‐19 vaccination program is the most extensive vaccination program held in Nigeria to date. As of September 21, 2022, more than 31 million people have been fully vaccinated which made up 15% of the entire population. Following the global COVID‐19 vaccination goal, Nigeria was expected to vaccinate 40% of its population in 2021 and reach the 70% vaccination threshold before the end of 2022. Currently, Nigeria is nowhere near the global vaccination goal due to various challenges encountered by the program. Challenges such as distrust in government, poor cold‐chain management, and poor communication during the onset of the program all contributed to the inability to attain the set goal. With the pledge of Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations to extend the malaria vaccination program to other Sub‐Saharan African countries after the success of the first dose vaccination in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi and the recent reemergence of monkeypox virus in Africa which also requires vaccination to curtail its spread, it is important that Nigeria, in preparation for these vaccination programs, learn from some of the challenges that the COVID‐19 vaccination program encountered and take actions to ensure greater success in future vaccination programs in the country. This paper aims to give an overview of the COVID‐19 vaccination program in Nigeria, highlight the challenges encountered, and provide recommendations for better future vaccination initiatives in the country.
Doping Engineering in Polymeric Carbon Nitride for Low‐Onset‐Potential Photoelectrochemical Applications
Authors: Wang Liping , Chen Deguo , Zhang Shun , Zhang Doudou , Lv Xiaowei , Sun Panpan , Huang Niu , Fang Liang , Sun Xiaohua
Published: January 2023

As a metal‐free semiconductor photoelectrode material, polymeric carbon nitride (CN) has become one of the research hotspots in the field of photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting due to its unique physical and chemical properties. However, high onset potential (Vonset) seriously hinders PEC properties and utilization of solar energy. Herein, boron or phosphor‐doped polymeric carbon nitride (CN−B/P) films are successfully prepared by combining close‐spaced thermal copolymerization with a simple drip coating‐heat treatment method. As a photoanode material, the as‐synthesized doped‐CN films exhibit excellent performance with improved charge injection properties, a longer electron lifetime and reduced flat band potential. Consequently, the photocurrent density of CN−B/P is increased by about 1–3 times compared with pure carbon nitride samples. More importantly, the CN−B and CN−P photoanode both exhibit a very negative Vonset of about 0 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode, which is comparable with the state‐of‐the‐art metal‐based photoanodes.