bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engineering a Carboxyl Methyltransferase for the Formation of a Furan‐Based Bioplastic Precursor
Authors: Ward Lucy C. , Goulding Ellie , Rigden Daniel J. , Allan Faye E. , Pellis Alessandro , Hatton Harry , Guebitz Georg M. , Salcedo‐Sora Jesus Enrique , Carnell Andrew J.
Published: April 2023

FtpM fromAspergillus fumigatuswas the first carboxyl methyltransferase reported to catalyse the dimethylation of dicarboxylic acids. Here the creation of mutant R166M that can catalyse the quantitative conversion of bio‐derived 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) to its dimethyl ester (FDME), a bioplastics precursor, was reported. Wild type FtpM gave low conversion due to its reduced catalytic efficiency for the second methylation step. An AlphaFold 2 model revealed a highly electropositive active site, due to the presence of 4 arginine residues, postulated to favour the binding of the dicarboxylic acid over the intermediate monoester. The R166M mutation improved both binding and turnover of the monoester to permit near quantitative conversion to the target dimethyl ester product. The mutant also had improved activity for other diacids and a range of monoacids. R166M was incorporated into 2 multienzyme cascades for the synthesis of the bioplastics precursor FDME from bioderived 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) as well as from poly(ethylene furanoate) (PEF) plastic, demonstrating the potential to recycle waste plastic.
Sodium and potassium changes during decongestion with acetazolamide – A pre‐specified analysis from the ADVOR trial
Authors: Dhont Sebastiaan , Martens Pieter , Meekers Evelyne , Dauw Jeroen , Verbrugge Frederik H. , Nijst Petra , ter Maaten Jozine M. , Damman Kevin , Mebazaa Alexandre , Filippatos Gerasimos , Ruschitzka Frank , Tang W.H. Wilson , Dupont Matthias , Mullens Wilfried
Published: April 2023

Aims

Acetazolamide, an inhibitor of proximal tubular sodium reabsorption, leads to more effective decongestion in acute heart failure (AHF). It is unknown whether acetazolamide alters serum sodium and potassium levels on top of loop diuretics and if baseline values modify the treatment effect of acetazolamide.

Methods and results

This is a pre‐specified sub‐analysis of the ADVOR trial that randomized 519 patients with AHF and volume overload in a 1:1 ratio to intravenous acetazolamide or matching placebo on top of standardized intravenous loop diuretics. Mean potassium and sodium levels at randomization were 4.2 ± 0.6 and 139 ± 4 mmol/L in the acetazolamide arm versus 4.2 ± 0.6 and 140 ± 4 mmol/L in the placebo arm. Hypokalaemia (<3.5 mmol/L) on admission was present in 44 (9%) patients and hyponatraemia (≤135 mmol/L) in 82 (16%) patients. After 3 days of treatment, 44 (17%) patients in the acetazolamide arm and 35 (14%) patients in the placebo arm developed hyponatraemia (p = 0.255). Patients randomized to acetazolamide demonstrated a slight decrease in mean potassium levels during decongestion, which was non‐significant over time (p = 0.053) and had no significant impact on hypokalaemia incidence (p = 0.061). Severe hypokalaemia (<3.0 mmol/L) occurred in only 7 (1%) patients, similarly distributed between the two treatment arms (p = 0.676). Randomization towards acetazolamide improved decongestive response irrespective of baseline serum sodium and potassium levels.

Conclusions

Acetazolamide on top of standardized loop diuretic therapy does not lead to clinically important hypokalaemia or hyponatraemia and improves decongestion over the entire range of baseline serum potassium and sodium levels.
Electrochemical determination of nitrate on Ag nanoparticles‐decorated poly (direct blue 15) electrodes
Authors: Doğan Hülya Öztürk , Akbulak Tuğçe , Nadaroğlu Hayrunnisa , Hacımüftüoğlu Ahmet
Published: April 2023

In this study, for the first time, the electro‐polymerization of Direct blue15 (DB15), an azo dye, was carried out on the surface of ITO. Furthermore, the poly(DB15) surface was electrochemically decorated with Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs), and the fabricated AgNPs/PDB15 electrodes were examined as nitrate sensors. Compared to unmodified ITO electrode, the AgNPs/PDB15 electrode had greatly improved electrochemical response to nitrate reduction. The nitrate determination in a linear range from 1.0×10−5 mol L−1 to 2.27×10−3 mol L−1 was performed with a detection limit of 9.66 μM. The synthesized electrode is a promising sensor for the electrochemical detection of nitrate pollutants in water.
A lightweight CP‐ABE scheme in the IEEEP1363 standard with key tracing and verification and its application on the Internet of Vehicles
Authors: Zhao Yang , Li Hao , Liu Zhaozhong , Zhu Guobin
Published: April 2023

Automated vehicle applications are becoming more and more widespread, and the data security of the vehicle network involved is particularly important. Similar to traditional data, the characteristics of autonomous driving data security are mainly confidentiality, integrity, and availability. If data related to autonomous driving is stolen or tampered with, it will directly cause loss of property or life, which is more harmful than traditional data destruction. To address the security issues on the Internet of Vehicles, we propose an encryption (CP‐ABE) scheme which is ciphertext policy attribute‐based and lightweight. And it can provide fine‐grained access control to data on the Internet of Vehicles with less computational overhead on the device itself, making it ideal for the Internet of Vehicles environment. The scheme also supports key traceability to address the user key leakage problem. Experiments show that the proposed system is effective.
Gentiopicroside enhances the protective effect of trimetazidine against myocardial ischemia‐reperfusion injury via the AMPK/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling
Authors: Wang Yu , Sheng Yao , Ji Ningning , Zhang Hui
Published: April 2023

Myocardial ischemia‐reperfusion injury (MI/R) leads to the inevitable clinical consequences of myocardial infarction and subsequent heart failure. Trimetazidine (TMZ), an anti‐ischemic agent, exerts protective potential in MI/R but had limited efficacy for some patients. Here we sought to investigate the single and combined application of gentiopicroside (GPS) and TMZ in MI/R. Notably, GPS had little cytotoxicity to cardiomyocytes. GPS attenuated hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)‐induced cell death, reactive oxygen species production, lactate dehydrogenase and malondialdehyde releases, and antioxidant stress enzyme superoxide dismutase activity, indicating the protective efficacy of GPS against H/R‐induced oxidative injury. Importantly, GPS enhanced the protective efficacy of TMZ against H/R‐mediated cardiomyocyte injury. Additionally, GPS mitigated the transcription and releases of pro‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin‐6 and tumor necrosis factor‐α in H/R‐treated cardiomyocytes, which were enhanced after co‐treatment with TMZ. Mechanistically, GPS activated the AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling to inhibit H/R‐induced NOD‐like receptor pyrin domain‐containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, which was further enhanced after costimulation with TMZ. Importantly, blocking the AMPK signaling reversed the protective roles of GPS and its combination with TMZ in H/R‐induced oxidative insult and inflammation. In vivo, both GPS and TMZ alleviated the abnormal cardiac structure, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and cardiac dysfunction in MI/R rats, which were further enhanced after administration with GPS and TMZ together. Furthermore, GPS intensified TMZ‐mediated inhibition of oxidative injury, inflammation, and the AMPK/NLRP3 signaling in MI/R rats. Collectively, GPS enhances the protective efficacy of TMZ against MI/R injury through AMPK activation‐mediated inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome signaling, implying a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of MI/R.
Shaping ability of Procodile and R6 Reziflow nickel‐titanium reciprocating instruments in curved mesial root canals of mandibular molars: A MicroCT study
Authors: Generali Luigi , Checchi Vittorio , Borghi Alessia , La Rosa Giusy Rita Maria , Conte Gianluca , Zavattini Angelo , Mannocci Francesco , Angerame Daniele , Consolo Ugo , Pedullà Eugenio
Published: April 2023

To compare the shaping ability of Procodile and R6 Reziflow instruments used in reciprocating motion in severely curved root canals, assessed with micro‐computed tomography (μCT). Fourteen extracted human mandibular first molars were randomly assigned to two instrumentation techniques (n = 14 mesial root canals): Procodile or R6 Reziflow. For both groups, root canals were prepared to the working length up to a size 25, .06 taper. Molars were virtually divided into apical, middle and coronal thirds and μCT was used to scan all samples pre‐ and post‐root canal. Canal transportation, centring ability, volume, surface area and unprepared area were evaluated. Geometrical parameter changes were compared with preoperative values (one‐way analyses of variance and Tukey multiple comparison post‐hoc test) between groups and Student t‐test within groups (α = 0.05) Significantly less transportation was observed associated with the Procodile technique in the molar's coronal third compared to the R6 Reziflow technique (p < .05). No significant differences in root canal centring ability, volume, surface area and unprepared area were observed. Procodile showed a lower percentage increase of surface area compared to R6 Reziflow (p < .05). The Procodile and R6 Reziflow techniques applied to first molar root canal performed similarly except for the less transportation observed in the coronal third using Procodile.

Research Highlights

MicroCT analysis of canal geometry before and after instrumentation revealed that Procodile and R6 Reziflow showed a similar shaping ability to shape curved root canals without substantially modifications of the original tooth anatomy.
High rates of “atypical” single nucleotide polymorphism–based noninvasive prenatal screening results among consanguineous Arab American patients: A single center retrospective study
Authors: Ayyash Mariam , Daviskiba Sydney , Vriesen Natalie , Yaquinto Alyxandra , Roberson Jacquelyn , Pitts D’Angela
Published: April 2023

Noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS), using placental cell‐free DNA from a maternal blood sample, is currently the most sensitive and specific screening tool for detecting common fetal aneuploidies. The aim of this study was to compare the rates of “atypical” single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)‐based NIPS results and subsequent pregnancy outcomes between Arab American and non‐Arab American patients. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of pregnant Arab and non‐Arab American patients who had SNP‐based NIPS performed between September 2018 and January 2021 at an urban health system in Michigan. The rate of “atypical” results and other perinatal outcomes were compared between groups using descriptive statistics. “Atypical” results due to multifetal gestations, either undisclosed or unknown at time of ordering, were excluded. Five thousand eight hundred and seventy‐three patients underwent SNP‐based NIPS: 771 (13.1%) were identified as Arab American, 5102 (86.9%) were non‐Arab American, and 49 (0.8%) patients received “atypical” results. Arab patients represented only 13.1% of patients screened (771/5873) but had a significantly higher rate of “atypical” results than non‐Arab American patients (17/771 [2.2%] vs. 32/5102 [0.6%]; p < 0.001). Of the 17 Arab patients with “atypical” results, 9 (52.9%) were in known consanguineous relationships. No major congenital anomalies or chromosomal aberrations were identified for any patients who had “atypical” results, and no significant differences in other perinatal outcomes were observed between Arab and non‐Arab American patients. A better understanding of the association between consanguinity and “atypical” SNP‐based NIPS results would aid in appropriate test selection and interpretation and may help physicians and genetic counselors provide better perinatal counseling and follow‐up care for patients in consanguineous relationships.
Comprehensive insight into an amino acid metabolic network in postharvest horticultural products: a review
Authors: Yuxiao Zhang , Guo Yanyin , Xinhua Song
Published: April 2023

Amino acid (AA) metabolism plays a vital role in the central metabolism of plants. In addition to protein biosynthesis, AAs are involved in secondary metabolite biosynthesis, signal transduction, stress response, defense against pathogens, flavor formation, and so on. Besides these functions, AAs can be degraded into precursors or intermediates of the tricarboxylic acid cycle to substitute respiratory substrates and restore energy homeostasis, as well as directly acting as signal molecules or be involved in the regulation of plant signals to delay senescence of postharvest horticultural products (PHPs). AA metabolism and its role in plants growth have been clarified; however, only a few studies about their roles exist concerning the postharvest preservation of fruit and vegetables. This study reviews the potential functions of various AAs by comparing the difference in AA metabolism at the postharvest stage and then discusses the crosstalk of AA metabolism and energy metabolism, the target of rapamycin/sucrose nonfermenting‐related kinase 1 signaling and secondary metabolism. Finally, the roles and effect mechanism of several exogenous AAs in the preservation of PHPs are highlighted. This review provides a comprehensive insight into the AA metabolism network in PHPs. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Dynamics of bacterial community, metabolites profile and physicochemical characteristics during solid‐state fermentation of soybean meal and corn mixed substrates inoculated with Bacillus pumilus and Limosilactobacillus fermentum
Authors: Huang Jinqing , Dai Yuming , Zhang Yue , Liu Guangxian , Peng Fei , Xie Mingyong , Xiong Tao
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

Solid‐state fermentation (SSF) is a general approach for preparing food and feed, which not only improves nutrition but also provides prebiotics and metabolites. Although many studies have been conducted on the effects of fermentation on feed substrate, the dynamics of microbiota and metabolites in SSF remain unclear. Here, high‐throughput sequencing combined with gas chromatography–quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry was used to evaluate the dynamic changes of solid fermented soybean meal and corn mixed matrix inoculated with Bacillus pumilus and Limosilactobacillus fermentum.

RESULTS

Generally, inoculated bacteria rapidly proliferated, accompanied by the degradation of macromolecular proteins and an increase in the content of small peptides, trichloroacetic acid‐soluble protein, free amino acids and organic acids. Bacillus, Lactobacillus and Enterococcus dominated the whole fermentation process. 389 non‐volatile metabolites and 182 volatile metabolites were identified, including amino acids, organic acids, ketones, aldehydes, furans and pyrazine. Typical non‐volatile metabolites such as lactic acid, 4‐aminobutanoic acid, l‐glutamic acid, d‐arabinose and volatile metabolites such as 4‐ethyl‐2‐methoxyphenol, 4‐penten‐2‐ol, 2‐pentanone, 2‐ethylfuran, 2‐methylhexanoic acid and butanoic acid–ethyl ester were significantly increased in two‐stage solid fermentation. However, some adverse metabolites were also produced, such as oxalic acid, acetic acid, tyramine and n‐butylamine, which may affect the quality of fermented feed. Sixteen genera were significantly correlated with differential non‐volatile metabolites, while 11 genera were significantly correlated with differential volatile metabolites.

CONCLUSION

These results characterized the dynamic changes in the process of two‐stage solid‐state fermentation with Bacillus pumilus and Limosilactobacillus fermentum and provided a potential reference for additional intervention on improving the effectiveness and efficiency of solid‐state fermentation of feed in the future. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Ipratropium Bromide Nasal Spray in Non‐Allergic Rhinitis: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: El Khoury Patrick , Abou Hamad Walid , Khalaf Michel G. , El Hadi Christopher , Assily Ralph , Rassi Simon , Khoueir Nadim
Published: April 2023

Objective

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of intranasal ipratropium bromide (INIB) to a placebo in reducing nasal symptoms, particularly rhinorrhea, and enhancing quality of life in non‐allergic rhinitis (NAR) patients.

Study Design

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Methods

A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted on Medline, Embase, and Cochrane libraries. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non‐randomized comparative parallel group trials comparing IB nasal spray to placebo were included.

Results

Five RCTs assessed a total of 472 participants with a diagnosis of NAR. IB nasal spray 0.03% were used across all studies. IB has a better impact on decreasing rhinorrhea than the placebo, with a standardized mean difference (SMD) of 0.93 (95% CI 0.06–1.8). The mean change in rhinorrhea severity was 85% (95% CI 77–92%) and I^2 26% (p = 0.24). IB outperformed the placebo in terms of shortening the symptom's duration/day, as shown by an SMD of 0.35 (95% CI 0.15–0.55). The difference between treatments was noticeable within the first week and remained consistent throughout the treatment. Patients who were administered IB experienced a substantially greater improvement in physical and mental outcomes. Nasal adverse events with IB were generally intermittent and brief.

Conclusion

Compared with a placebo, IB nasal spray is both safe and effective in treating the rhinorrhea associated with NAR. IB significantly reduces the severity and duration of rhinorrhea. The treatment was determined to be beneficial by both patients and physicians and resulted in a better quality of life.

Level of Evidence

1 Laryngoscope, 133:3247–3255, 2023
Subwavelength Grating‐Assisted Contra‐Directional Couplers in Lithium Niobate on Insulator
Authors: Han Xu , Jiang Yongheng , Xiao Huifu , Yuan Mingrui , Nguyen Thach Giang , Boes Andreas , Ren Guanghui , Zhang Yong , Hao Qinfen , Su Yikai , Mitchell Arnan , Tian Yonghui
Published: April 2023

Grating‐assisted contra‐directional couplers are important optical components in photonic integrated circuits (PICs), which can serve as fundamental building blocks for optical (de)multiplexers, switches, filters, and splitters, among others. Recently, lithium niobate on insulator (LNOI) has emerged as an attractive PIC platform with many important active photonic circuit components demonstrated, including electro‐optic modulators and second‐harmonic wavelength converters. Nevertheless, the LNOI component toolbox still lacks some passive photonic circuit components to fulfill the requirements of future high‐performance PICs. In this contribution, a subwavelength grating‐assisted contra‐directional coupler (GACDC) is proposed, designed, and experimentally demonstrated in a silicon nitride‐loaded LNOI waveguide platform. As an example of its applications, a three‐channel wavelength‐division (de)multiplexer is fabricated and experimentally demonstrated by cascading several GACDCs, with a narrow wavelength spacing of 3.2 nm (400 GHz). The measured device insertion loss of each channel is about 2.5 dB with low interchannel crosstalk below −20 dB. A fabrication tolerance analysis is also carried out, indicating that the proposed GACDCs are tolerant to waveguide width variations.
Withaferin A inhibits breast cancer‐induced osteoclast differentiation
Authors: Hahm Eun‐Ryeong , Kim Su‐Hyeong , Singh Shivendra V.
Published: April 2023

Bone is the most prone to metastatic spread of breast cancer cells for each subtype of the disease. Bone metastasis‐related complications including severe pain and pathological fractures affect patients' quality of life. Current treatment options including surgery, radiation, and bone‐targeted therapies (e.g., bisphosphonates) are costly or have serious adverse effects such as renal toxicity and osteonecrosis of the jaws. Therefore, a safe, inexpensive, and efficacious agent for prevention of breast cancer bone metastasis is urgently needed. Our previously published RNA sequencing analysis revealed that many genes implicated in bone remodeling and breast cancer bone metastasis were significantly downregulated by treatment with withaferin A (WA), which is a promising cancer chemopreventive agent derived from a medicinal plant (Withania somnifera). The present study investigated whether WA inhibits breast cancer induction of osteoclast differentiation. At plasma achievable doses, WA treatment inhibited osteoclast differentiation (osteoclastogenesis) induced by three different subtypes of breast cancer cells (MCF‐7, SK‐BR‐3, and MDA‐MB‐231). WA and the root extract of W. somnifera were equally effective for inhibition of breast cancer induction of osteoclast differentiation. This inhibition was accompanied by suppression of interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐8, and receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand, which are pivotal osteoclastogenic cytokines. The expression of runt‐related transcription factor 2, nuclear factor‐κB, and SOX9 transcription factors, which positively regulate osteoclastogenesis, was decreased in WA‐treated breast cancer cells as revealed by confocal microscopy and/or immunoblotting. Taken together, these data suggest that WA could be a promising agent for prevention of breast cancer‐induced bone metastasis.
Inverse design of multiparameter antenna using hybrid machine learning‐driven training dataset
Authors: Ahmed Haroon , Xiaoping Zeng , Bello Hilal , Iqbal Nayyar
Published: April 2023

Conventional approaches for designing antennas are often time‐consuming and computationally expensive processes. In this letter, a time and resource‐efficient inverse design method for the multiparameter antenna is proposed which is capable of generating an effective dataset using the hybrid machine learning method. The proposed method filters the design variables and predicts the secondary variables based on the choice of primary design variables. The generated training dataset is used for the effective prediction of design variables based on multiple performance metrics. The proposed machine learning model utilized autoencoder for dimensionality reduction of multiple performance metrics and support vector regression is used for the prediction of design variables. To prove the effectiveness of the proposed model, a metasurface‐loaded low‐profile antenna is considered as a design example.
Effect of Massage on treatment of preterm feeding intolerance: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Peng Nan , Fu Lizhen , Li Rui , Liang Xiaohua , Lu Qi
Published: April 2023

Aim

To evaluate the effectiveness of massage on treating feeding intolerance (FI).

Design

A randomized, controlled, prospective clinical trial.

Methods

A total of 104 preterm infants whose gestational age between 28 and 34 weeks and birth weight between 1000 and 2000 g with diagnosis of FI were recruited. Participants were stratified by birth weight (1000–1499 g or 1500–2000 g) and randomized to either the intervention group, who will receive 7 days of massage, or the control group. The primary outcome is the time to reach full enteral nutrition. Secondary outcomes include duration of FI, change of body index, length of hospitalization, change of gastric residual volume, abdomen circumference and defecation measurement before and after 7 days of intervention.

Results

Results of this study, which includes index on FI and physical development, have the potential to provide evidence that massage will alleviate symptoms of FI, and contribute to the long‐term positive outcome of preterm infants.
A fixed step distributed proximal gradient push‐pull algorithm based on integral quadratic constraint
Authors: Gao Wenhua , Xie Yibin , Ren Hongwei
Published: April 2023

In order to solve the distributed optimization problem with smooth + nonsmooth structure of the objective function on unbalanced directed networks, this article uses the proximal operator to deal with the nonsmooth part of the objective function, and designs and analyzes the fixed step proximal gradient Push‐Pull (PG‐Push‐Pull) algorithm. Firstly, the Integral Quadratic Constraint (IQC) suitable for proximal gradient Push‐Pull algorithm is given. When the smooth part of the objective function is strongly convex and the gradient satisfies the Lipchitz condition, the convergence of the algorithm is proved, and the convergence analysis is transformed into solving a linear matrix inequality by using this IQC framework. Its feasibility can ensure that the proposed algorithm has linear convergence rate, which is the same as that of Push‐Pull gradient algorithm. Then, the upper bound of convergence rate can be found by solving a Non‐Linear Programming problem. Finally, an example is given to analyze the upper bound of the convergence rate and verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Square arrays of vertically aligned nanoporous cylinders from a linear ABC triblock terpolymer
Authors: Aissou Karim , Mumtaz Muhammad , Hermida‐Merino Daniel , Solano Eduardo , Cot Didier , Tarek Benkhaled Belkacem , Quémener Damien , Roualdes Stéphanie , Fleury Guillaume , Hadziioannou Georges
Published: April 2023

Vertically oriented nanoporous cylinders, demonstrating an unprecedented alignment persistence, were produced within freestanding poly(1,1‐dimethyl silacyclobutane)‐block‐polystyrene‐block‐poly(2‐vinyl pyridine) (PDMSB‐b‐PS‐b‐P2VP) layers (~15 μm thick) blended with short PS‐b‐P2VP chains by combining the non‐solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) process with a solvent vapor annealing (SVA) treatment. Here, the NIPS step allowed for the formation of an asymmetric and porous PDMSB‐b‐PS‐b‐P2VP film having a top surface exhibiting poorly‐defined nanopores while the subsequent SVA treatment enabled to produce a symmetric layer that possesses highly‐ordered cylindrical nanodomains arranged into a 27 nm period square array. As the unblended NIPS/SVA‐made PDMSB‐b‐PS‐b‐P2VP monoliths exhibited a mixed orientation of parallel and perpendicular cylinders, a blending strategy was used to achieve tetragonally‐packed PDMSB and P2VP nanodomains having an exceptional vertical alignment persistence. Such solvent‐annealed (3 h, CHCl3) PDMSB‐b‐PS‐b‐P2VP monoliths blended with 20 wt% of PS‐b‐P2VP chains showed a water permeance close to the value measured through their parent NIPS‐made terpolymer films having poorly‐ordered nanopores.
Boosting Glioblastoma Therapy with Targeted Pyroptosis Induction
Authors: Fang Xinggang , Chen Zhuo , Zhou Wenhui , Li Tongfei , Wang Man , Gao Yujiu , Ma Shinan , Feng Ying , Du Shiming , Lan Peimin , Chen Hanyu , Wei Jiarui , Zhang Sisi , Li Zixiang , Liu Xinglin , Zhang Hongbo , Guo Xingrong , Luo Jie
Published: April 2023

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive cancer that currently lacks effective treatments. Pyroptosis has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for cancer, but there is still a need for new pyroptosis boosters to target cancer cells. In this study, it is reported that Aloe‐emodin (AE), a natural compound derived from plants, can inhibit GBM cells by inducing pyroptosis, making it a potential booster for pyroptosis‐mediated GBM therapy. However, administering AE is challenging due to the blood‐brain barrier (BBB) and its non‐selectivity. To overcome this obstacle, AE@ZIF‐8 NPs are developed, a biomineralized nanocarrier that releases AE in response to the tumor's acidic microenvironment (TAM). Further modification of the nanocarrier with transferrin (Tf) and polyethylene glycol‐poly (lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PEG‐PLGA) improves its penetration through the BBB and tumor targeting, respectively. The results show that AE‐NPs (Tf‐PEG‐PLGA modified AE@ZIF‐8 NPs) significantly increase the intracranial distribution and tumor tissue accumulation, enhancing GBM pyroptosis. Additionally, AE‐NPs activate antitumor immunity and reduce AE‐related toxicity. Overall, this study provides a new approach for GBM therapy and offers a nanocarrier that is capable of penetrating the BBB, targeting tumors, and attenuating toxicity.
Molecular Engineering of NIR‐II/IIb Emitting AIEgen for Multimodal Imaging‐Guided Photo‐Immunotherapy
Authors: Xu Dazhuang , Ge Jianlin , An Yibo , Bai Shuang , Wang Ziying , Wu Shuaiying , Dai Qixuan , Lu Zhixiang , Liu Gang
Published: April 2023

In view of the great challenges related to the complexity and heterogeneity of tumors, efficient combination therapy is an ideal strategy for eliminating primary tumors and inhibiting distant tumors. A novel aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) phototherapeutic agent called T‐TBBTD is developed, which features a donor–acceptor–donor (D–A–D) structure, enhanced twisted molecule conformation, and prolonged second near‐infrared window (NIR‐II) emission. The multimodal imaging function of the molecule has significance for its treatment time window and excellent photothermal/photodynamic performance for multimode therapy. The precise molecular structure and versatility provide prospects for molecular therapy for anti‐tumor applications. Fluorescence imaging in the NIR‐II window offers advantages with enhanced spatial resolution, temporal resolution, and penetration depth. The prepared AIE@R837 NPs also have controllable performance for antitumor photo‐immunotherapy. Following local photo‐irradiation, AIE@R837 NPs generate abundant heat, and 1O2 directly kills tumor cells, induces immunogenic cell death (ICD) as a photo‐therapeutic effect, and releases R837, which enhances the synergistic effect of antigen presentation and contributes to the long‐lasting protective antitumor immunity. A bilateral 4T1 tumor model revealed that this photo‐immunotherapy can eliminate primary tumors. More importantly, it has a significant inhibitory effect on distant tumor growth. Therefore, this method can provide a new strategy for tumor therapy.
Regulating Electronic Structure of Iron Nitride by Tungsten Nitride Nanosheets for Accelerated Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Kavinkumar Thangavel , Yang Heejae , Sivagurunathan Amarnath Thangavel , Jeong Hayoung , Han Jeong Woo , Kim Do‐Heyoung
Published: April 2023

Two essential characteristics that are required for hybrid electrocatalysts to exhibit higher oxygen and hydrogen evolution reaction (OER and HER, respectively) activity are a favorable electronic configuration and a sufficient density of active sites at the interface between the two materials within the hybrid. In the present study, a hybrid electrocatalyst is introduced with a novel architecture consisting of coral‐like iron nitride (Fe2N) arrays and tungsten nitride (W2N3) nanosheets that satisfies these requirements. The resulting W2N3/Fe2N catalyst achieves high OER activity (268.5 mV at 50 mA cm−2) and HER activity (85.2 mV at 10 mA cm−2) with excellent long‐term durability in an alkaline medium. In addition, density functional theory calculations reveal that the individual band centers experience an upshift in the hybrid W2N3/Fe2N structure, thus improving the OER and HER activity. The strategy adopted here thus provides a valuable guide for the fabrication of cost‐effective multi‐metallic crystalline hybrids for use as multifunctional electrocatalysts.
Micellar Nanoreactors Enabled Site‐Selective Decoration of Pt Nanoparticles Functionalized Mesoporous SiO2/WO3‐x Composites for Improved CO Sensing
Authors: Ma Junhao , Xie Wenhe , Li Jichun , Yang Haitao , Wu Limin , Zou Yidong , Deng Yonghui
Published: April 2023

Site‐selective and partial decoration of supported metal nanoparticles (NPs) with transition metal oxides (e.g., FeOx) can remarkably improve its catalytic performance and maintain the functions of the carrier. However, it is challenging to selectively deposit transition metal oxides on the metal NPs embedded in the mesopores of supporting matrix through conventional deposition method. Herein, a restricted in situ site‐selective modification strategy utilizing poly(ethylene oxide)‐block‐polystyrene (PEO‐b‐PS) micellar nanoreactors is proposed to overcome such an obstacle. The PEO shell of PEO‐b‐PS micelles interacts with the hydrolyzed tungsten salts and silica precursors, while the hydrophobic organoplatinum complex and ferrocene are confined in the hydrophobic PS core. The thermal treatment leads to mesoporous SiO2/WO3‐x framework, and meanwhile FeOx nanolayers are in situ partially deposited on the supported Pt NPs due to the strong metal‐support interaction between FeOx and Pt. The selective modification of Pt NPs with FeOx makes the Pt NPs present an electron‐deficient state, which promotes the mobility of CO and activates the oxidation of CO. Therefore, mesoporous SiO2/WO3‐x‐FeOx/Pt based gas sensors show a high sensitivity (31 ± 2 in 50 ppm of CO), excellent selectivity, and fast response time (3.6 s to 25 ppm) to CO gas at low operating temperature (66 °C, 74% relative humidity).
A Digital−Analog Bimodal Memristor Based on CsPbBr3 for Tactile Sensory Neuromorphic Computing
Authors: Chen Delu , Zhi Xinrong , Xia Yifan , Li Shuhan , Xi Benbo , Zhao Chun , Wang Xin
Published: April 2023

Memristor with digital and analog bipolar bimodal resistive switching offers a promising opportunity for the information‐processing component. However, it still remains a huge challenge that the memristor enables bimodal digital and analog types and fabrication of artificial sensory neural network system. Here, a proposed CsPbBr3‐based memristor demonstrates a high ON/OFF ratio (>103), long retention (>104 s), stable endurance (100 cycles), and multilevel resistance memory, which acts as an artificial synapse to realize fundamental biological synaptic functions and neuromorphic computing based on controllable resistance modulation. Moreover, a 5 × 5 spinosum‐structured piezoresistive sensor array (sensitivity of 22.4 kPa−1, durability of 1.5 × 104 cycles, and fast response time of 2.43 ms) is constructed as a tactile sensory receptor to transform mechanical stimuli into electrical signals, which can be further processed by the CsPbBr3‐based memristor with synaptic plasticity. More importantly, this artificial sensory neural network system combined the artificial synapse with 5 × 5 tactile sensing array based on piezoresistive sensors can recognize the handwritten patterns of different letters with high accuracy of 94.44% under assistance of supervised learning. Consequently, the digital−analog bimodal memristor would demonstrate potential application in human–machine interaction, prosthetics, and artificial intelligence.
Silk‐based conductive materials for smart biointerfaces
Authors: Fu Fanfan , Liu Dongmei , Wu Yilun
Published: April 2023

Silk‐based conductive materials are widely used in biointerface applications, such as artificial epidermal sensors, soft and implantable bioelectronics, and tissue/cell scaffolds. Such biointerface materials require coordinated physicochemical, biological, and mechanical properties to meet current practical needs and future sophisticated demands. However, it remains a challenge to formulate silk‐based advanced materials with high electrical conductivity, good biocompatibility, mechanical robustness, and in some cases, tissue adhesion ability without compromising other physicochemical properties. In this review, we highlight recent progress in the development of functional conductive silk‐based advanced materials with different morphologies. Then, we reviewed the advanced paradigms of these silk materials applied as wearable flexible sensors, implantable electronics, and tissue/cell engineering with perspectives on the application challenges. Silk‐based conductive materials can serve as promising building blocks for biomedical devices in personalized healthcare and other fields of bioengineering.
Comparative study of nanocarrier for Eupatorium perfoliatum 3C by low molecular over high molecular chitosan for efficient encapsulation and dye degradation applications
Authors: Revathi Sorimuthu , Dey Nibedita
Published: April 2023

This study focuses on encapsulating the drug with enhanced efficiency and characterizing the same environmental applications. Efficient encapsulation and conjugation of this remarkable drug with chitosan have never been attempted before. Loading into a nanocarrier extends the efficiency of the boneset from being general folk medicine to a specialized functional moiety that even works as potential nanomedicine and dye degeneration. Eupatorium perfoliatum 3C loaded in the chitosan nanocarrier was performed using an ionotropic gelation method. Physicochemical properties were analyzed using a pH meter, UV‐Vis spectrophotometer, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A dye degradation assay was done for four commercially available dyes, namely, safranin, methyl red as well as orange, and methylene blue. Irrespective of chitosan's molecular weight, methyl orange is degraded the most by E. perfoliatum 3C formulation by 31.9% at 90 min. In terms of encapsulation efficiency, lower molecular chitosan shows 96% encapsulation of the drug within its surface. Thus, manifesting itself as a potential nanocarrier for therapeutic applications in the future.
Study the effects of dimethyl carbonate as a fuel cetane improver on diesel engine emissions
Authors: Venkatesan Sorakka Ponnappan , Anbazhahan K. , Venkat Korlepara Aditya Naga Lakshmi , T. Hariprakash , Hemanandh J.
Published: April 2023

In this work, diesel engine emissions are studied by adding a cetane improver to the engine fuel. Dimethyl carbonate (DMC) additive is used as a cetane improver. A single‐cylinder, four‐stroke diesel engine is used to test the fuels. Three fuels are selected to run the engine, namely, biodiesel derived from neem oil + 1 vol% DMC (BD100 + 1DMC), BD100, and diesel. BD100 + 1DMC fuel emits a reduced amount of carbon monoxide and unburnt hydrocarbons compared to diesel under the same operating conditions of engine. The level of nitrogen oxides emission for BD100 + 1DMC is slightly higher compared to diesel and significantly lower compared to BD100.
Effect of dietary dexamethasone on the morphologic and morphometric adaptations in the lymphoid organs and mortality rate in broilers
Authors: Islam Rafiqul , Sultana Nasrin , Haque Ziaul , Rafiqul Islam Mohammad
Published: April 2023

Background

Thymus, bursa of Fabricius and spleen are the major lymphoid organs of avian species that plays a crucial role in their immunity. Though glucocorticoids are reportedly used as growth promoters, they also suppress the immune system.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to investigate the morphologic and morphometric adaptations in the lymphoid organs as well as the mortality rate in broilers in response to long‐term treatment with dexamethasone (DEX).

Methods

A total of 80 one‐day‐old broiler chicks (Cobb 500) were randomly divided into four homogenous groups (control – C and treatment groups – T1, T2, and T3). The treatment groups received DEX at the rate of 3, 5, and 7 mg/kg commercial feed. Samples, i.e. thymus, bursa of Fabricius, and spleen, were collected on 7, 14, 21, and 28 days of the experiment. Relative weight of the organs was calculated on each sampling day. The tissues were then processed and stained with haematoxylin and eosin stain for morphological and morphometric study.

Results

The relative weight of lymphoid organs was found substantially (p < 0.05) less in the DEX‐treated groups. Significant (p < 0.05) reduction in lobular size and the cortical‐medullary ratio was observed in the thymus of the DEX‐treated broilers. Follicular atrophy and massive depletion of lymphocytes were evident in the bursa of Fabricius. The mortality rate was also increased which was largely dependent on the dose and duration of DEX treatment.

Conclusions

The study results indicate that DEX treatment can alter the morphology and morphometry of lymphoid organs which might result in severe immunosuppression and increased mortality rate in broilers.
Einleitung
Authors: Gischer Horst , Herz Bernhard , Menkhoff Lukas
Published: April 2023

Die Inflation ist zurück auf der wirtschaftspolitischen Tagesordnung. In Befragungen geben die Deutschen die stark und anhaltend steigenden Preise für Güter und Dienstleistungen im Jahr 2022 als ihr größtes Problem an. Dies verdrängt Dauerbrenner wie Arbeitslosigkeit, Migration, Corona-Pandemie und sogar den aktuellen Krieg in Europa.
Was kann gegen Inflation schützen?
Authors: Gischer Horst , Herz Bernhard , Menkhoff Lukas
Published: April 2023

Inflation kann erhebliche wirtschaftliche Folgen haben, insbesondere wenn die Inflation unerwartet auftritt. Wie lässt sich die zukünftige Inflationsentwicklung prognostizieren? Und welche Option haben private Haushalte und Unternehmen, sich gegen die schädlichen Folgen der Inflation zu schützen?
Die Personalentwicklung im Krankenhaus seit 2000
Authors: Wasem Jürgen , Blase Nikola
Published: April 2023

Der Beitrag untersucht die quantitative Entwicklung der verschiedenen Beschäftigtengruppen im Krankenhaus seit dem Jahr 2000. Eine Differenzierung nach Geschlechtern wird vorgenommen. Er setzt die Entwicklung in Relation zu den Kapazitäts- und Inanspruchnahme-Indikatoren der Krankenhäuser. Eine Differenzierung nach Größenklassen und Trägern der Krankenhäuser wird ebenso vorgenommen wie eine knappe regionale Differenzierung. Im Diskussionsteil wird herausgearbeitet, dass Angebot von und Nachfrage nach Arbeitskräften im Krankenhaus Ergebnis einer multifaktoriellen Entwicklung sind, bei der das Vergütungssystem für Krankenhäuser nur ein, wenn auch wichtiger, Einflussfaktor ist. Schließlich wird die Frage gestellt, ob es realistisch ist, den notwendigen Bedarf an Krankenhauspersonal in den aktuellen Strukturen der Krankenhauslandschaft zu decken.
Krankenhauspolitische Chronik
Authors: Bürger Dirk , Purwins Martina
Published: April 2023

Der Bundestag, dessen Abgeordnete im Ausschuss für Gesundheit, das Bundesgesundheitsministerium, die Landesgesundheitsminister und der Bundesrat setzen jährlich neben den gesundheits- auch die krankenhauspolitischen Rahmenbedingungen. Benannte Expertenbeiräte der Bundesregierung, die Gesundheitsexperten der Parteien, diverse Verbände, die (Sozial-)Gerichtsbarkeit und Bundesbehörden sowie politiknahe und wissenschaftliche Institute prägen dabei die öffentliche Diskussion um diese Regelungen. Die Selbstverwaltungspartner auf Bundesebene nutzen die ihnen übertragenen Aufgaben zur vertraglichen Gestaltung, um die medizinische und pflegerische Versorgung in den Krankenhäusern anhand der aktuellen Anforderungen weiterzuentwickeln. Die „Krankenhauspolitische Chronik“ liefert eine Übersicht über alle wesentlichen Entscheidungen der Akteure der deutschen Gesundheits- und Krankenhauspolitik und informiert über die Aktivitäten in den vergangenen zwölf Monaten.
Aus- und Weiterbildung im ärztlichen Bereich
Authors: Robra Bernt-Peter
Published: April 2023

Der angelaufene Umbau der ärztlichen Aus- und Weiterbildung in Richtung auf explizit nachzuweisende Kompetenzen zielt auf eine gestufte Harmonisierung der beiden Qualifizierungsphasen unter Stärkung ihrer Versorgungsrelevanz. Versorgungsrelevant ist auch Wissenschaftskompetenz. Um versorgungswirksam werden zu können, setzen die von Approbationsordnung und (Muster-)Weiterbildungsordnung geforderten Kompetenzprofile qualitativ geeignete und ausreichend viele Studien- und Weiterbildungsplätze voraus. Der Beitrag beschreibt den Reformprozess der ärztlichen Aus- und Weiterbildung und plädiert über deren qualitative Entwicklung hinaus für eine sektorenübergreifende regional integrierte quantitative Weiterbildungsplanung.
Insights into the indigenous-managed landscape in southeast Australia during the Holocene
Authors: Adeleye Matthew Adesanya , Haberle Simon Graeme , Hopf Felicitas , Harris Stephen , McWethy David Burch
Published: April 2023

Understanding the long-term interactions between people and the ecosystem in which they live is vital for informing present-day ecosystem management plans. The use of pollen data for palaeoecological reconstructions is often limited by the low taxonomic resolution of pollen, which often reduces the detail of reconstructions of human influence on past vegetation. This is true for Australia where Myrtaceae, particularly Eucalyptus species, dominate the landscape, but their pollen is difficult to differentiate. We present a pollen record with high taxonomic resolution of Myrtaceae pollen from the Bass Strait area of southeast Australia, focusing on the period of major human occupation there during the Late Glacial transition. These results were compared to records of hydrology, fire, sediment deposition, herbivore abundance and human occupation. We found that Indigenous burning practices promoted open, subgenus Monocalyptus Eucalyptus woodland at the expense of dense subgenus Symphomyrtus Eucalyptus forest. Previous studies have shown the need for management of the vegetation of southeast Australia guided by Indigenous people, to promote ecosystem resilience and reduce the risk of wildfires. Our results reveal that in addition to reducing wildfires, cultural burning by Indigenous people has the potential to promote the diversity of ecosystems and habitats.
Yearly changes in cases of acute acquired comitant esotropia during a 12-year period
Authors: Okita Yoichi , Kimura Akiko , Masuda Akiko , Mochizuki yoshihito , Kondo Miho , Yamadera Katsuhide , Gomi Fumi
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The number of patients with acute acquired comitant esotropia (AACE) has been increasing in Japan. The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in the number and characteristics of patients with AACE examined in our institution during a 12-year period.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with AACE aged < 30 years who suddenly developed diplopia or esotropia and were examined in Hyogo College of Medicine Hospital from January 2008 to December 2021. We investigated the association of the yearly changes in the number of patients with the age category, refractive error category, AACE type, esotropia type, and use or nonuse of smartphones.

Results

The total number of patients with AACE was 171, and this number significantly increased each year (Pearson correlation coefficient, 0.9450; p < 0.0001). Significant increases were found among students in junior high school and beyond, patients with myopia, patients with Bielschowsky type AACE, and patients with basic esotropia (p < 0.0001 for all). We compared two age groups, elementary school students and below versus junior high school students and above, and found that the rate of increase was significantly higher in the junior high school students and above (estimate, 1.951; p < 0.0001), and the non-myopia group and myopia group and found that the rate of increase was significantly higher in the myopia group (estimate, 1.891; p < 0.0001). Excessive use of smartphones was confirmed in 82 of 133 patients, and the rate of the increase in the number of patients with AACE was significantly greater among patients with than without excessive use of smartphones (estimate, 1.098; p = 0.0009).

Conclusion

This study confirmed a significant increase in the number of patients with AACE in recent years. The excessive use of smartphones may be associated with the increase in AACE.