bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Il-6 signaling exacerbates hallmarks of chronic tendon disease by stimulating reparative fibroblasts
Authors: Stauber Tino , Moschini Greta , Hussien Amro A , Jaeger Patrick Klaus , De Bock Katrien , Snedeker Jess G
Published: May 2023

Tendinopathies are debilitating diseases currently increasing in prevalence and associated costs. There is a need to deepen our understanding of the underlying cell signaling pathways to unlock effective treatments. In this work, we screen cell signaling pathways in human tendinopathies and find positively enriched IL-6/JAK/STAT signaling alongside signatures of cell populations typically activated by IL-6 in other tissues. In human tendinopathic tendons, we also confirm the strong presence and co-localization of IL-6, IL-6R, and CD90, an established marker of reparative fibroblasts. To dissect the underlying causalities, we combine IL-6 knock-out mice with an explant-based assembloid model of tendon damage to successfully connect IL-6 signaling to reparative fibroblast activation and recruitment. Vice versa, we show that these reparative fibroblasts promote the development of tendinopathy hallmarks in the damaged explant upon IL-6 activation. We conclude that IL-6 activates tendon fibroblast populations which then initiate and deteriorate tendinopathy hallmarks.
The influence of e-learning digital literacy on cognitive flexibility and learning flow in nursing students
Authors: Lee Jeongim , Kim Su Ol
Published: May 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the impact of cognitive flexibility and e-learning digital literacy on the learning flow of nursing students who had experienced e-learning. Methods: The research design for this study was a descriptive survey using convenience sampling. Data were collected using online questionnaires completed by 134 nursing students in A city and P city. The data were analyzed using percentages, mean values, standard deviations, Pearson‘s correlation coefficients, and multiple regression with SPSS for Windows version 22.0. Results: Positive correlations were found between learning flow and e-learning digital literacy (r = .43, p < .001), between learning flow and cognitive flexibility (r = .52, p < .001), and between e-learning digital literacy and cognitive flexibility (r = .65, p < .001). In the multiple regression analysis, cognitive flexibility (β = .42, p < .001) was a significant predictor that explained 27% of variance in learning flow. Conclusion: The results of this study show that cognitive flexibility is a factor influencing learning flow in nursing students. Based on the results of the study, educational programs aiming to improve learning flow should include methods that improve cognitive flexibility.
Analysis and prediction of athlete’s anxiety state based on artificial intelligence
Authors: Guo Lili
Published: May 2023

Obtaining athletes’ anxiety accurately and regulating their psychological state helps improve their competitive performance. Therefore, this article uses a hierarchical clustering algorithm to identify the sources of stress of track and field athletes. A novel and efficient hierarchical clustering algorithm is proposed in this article. The algorithm consists of two stages: dividing and agglomerating. In the dividing stage, the initial data set is taken as a class and subclasses more than the actual number of clusters are obtained through multiple dividing. In the agglomerating phase, the subclasses divided during the dividing process are merged into the correct class. In addition, we construct an analysis model of athletes’ anxiety state based on the radial basis function (RBF) model, where athletes’ anxiety is divided into three categories: physical condition anxiety, competition state and cognitive state. The proposed model is trained from the official website of the China Track and Field Association. The athletes’ information from 500 samples was arranged to form the sample database of athletes’ data. The implicit unit center, function width and connection weight record the characteristics of various sports anxiety states. Then we used the Bayesian and Lagrange models as comparative models for evaluating the psychological state. Precision and efficiency were used for evaluation indexes. The proposed model’s results are much better in accuracy and time than those of the Lagrange and Bayesian models. The outcome of the proposed research can provide a reasonable basis for the decision-making of stress relief for track and field athletes.
Effectiveness of Preoperative Education and Music Intervention on Postoperative Outcomes among Patients Undergoing Abdominal Surgery: A Quasi-experimental Study
Authors: Barboza Hezil Reema , Moosabba MS , Silva Fatima D , Lobo Amar Sunil
Published: May 2023

Introduction: The preoperative phase includes various procedures that aim at the patient’s physical and psychological preparation to promote postoperative recovery. Preoperative education and music intervention may play an important role in improving the postoperative outcomes. Aim: To study the effectiveness of preoperative education and music intervention on postoperative outcomes, such as anxiety and pain, and to assess the satisfaction of patients, regarding surgical experience on discharge. Study also aims to initiate early feeding and its effects on postoperative recovery. Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted in Surgical Wards of Yenepoya Medical College Hospital, Mangaluru, Karnataka, India, between January 2021. A total of 52 patients undergoing major abdominal surgery were selected and divided into intervention and control groups. Two days before the surgery, patients in the intervention group were given preoperative education and were encouraged to listen to preferred music in the evening. Music intervention was given for two days before the surgery and continued in the postoperative phase for three days. Immediately after the music intervention, the anxiety was assessed by State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and severity of pain using numerical rating scale. Early feeding was initiated postoperatively and the patients were observed for discomfort and complications. The patients satisfaction was evaluated for their surgical experience on discharge using a patient satisfaction questionnaire. An independent t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare the variables between the groups. Results: The mean age in the intervention group was 43.46±14.89 years and control group 44.07±12.64 years. The majority of subjects in the both groups were males. A reduction in anxiety scores was observed among patients in the intervention group that was statistically significant (p<0.05) at preoperative day 1, 2, postoperative day 1, 2 and 3. The mean pain scores decreased from preoperative day 1 to postoperative day 3 in the intervention group than in the control group. In the intervention group, 7.7% of the patients received oral feed within an hour of surgery whereas, 26.9% were in the fourth hour and 26.9% were in the sixth hour of surgery. They did not report discomfort and complications such as nausea and vomiting. In the intervention group, the mean satisfaction was 60.30±5.00, indicating a higher level of satisfaction among patients. Conclusion: Preoperative education and music intervention reduces the severity of anxiety and pain. Early oral feeding is safer and effective in patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery. These interventions help in improving the postoperative outcomes and satisfaction with surgical experience.
Pseudomonas mendocina Meningitis in a Postoperative Patient: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Kar Mitra , Dubey Akanksha , Sahu Chinmoy , Patel Sangram Singh
Published: May 2023

Pseudomonas mendocina is a Gram negative bacillus, belonging to the Pseudomonadaceae family. It was first isolated in 1970 from soil and water of Mendoza region in Argentina. Although, it rarely causes infection, 21 cases of infections ranging from infective endocarditis, bacteraemia, meningitis, soft tissue infections and urinary tract infections are reported worldwide mostly among patients with underlying co-morbidities. This report is the first case of pyogenic meningitis due to Pseudomonas mendocina reported from a 1600 bedded teaching hospital in Northern India and second case of Pseudomonas mendocina infection from the Indian subcontinent. The presented case was of a 31-year-old female who was diagnosed for pituitary macroadenoma on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). She underwent endoscopic endonasal trans-sphenoidal excision of the tumour after two months of diagnosing the tumour following which she developed meningitis. On two consecutive aerobic bacterial culture and identification by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionisation-Time of Flight-Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS), growth of Pseudomonas mendocina was observed. After Antibiotic Sensitivity Testing (AST) the patient was started on Piperacillin-tazobactam and Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid which lead to alleviate her symptoms of meningitis and was discharged after 27 days of hospital stay
Management of Bifurcation Culprit Lesion in the Setting of Anterior ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Amrawy Ahmed Mahmoud El , Assal Abdelrahman Ramadan , Zaki Amr Mahmoud , Eltahan Salah Mohamed
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Coronary bifurcation lesions are considered one of the challenging entities in the field of coronary intervention due to the risk of side branch loss and higher risk of stent thrombosis. However, there is limited data about the proper management of such lesions in the setting of myocardial infarction as most bifurcation lesion studies excluded patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). The aim of this study was to compare in-hospital and mid-term outcomes of single-stent and two-stents strategy in the management of bifurcation culprit lesions in patients presenting with anterior STEMI.

Methods: This retrospective multi-center study included all patients presented with anterior STEMI who underwent primary PCI between January 2017 and December 2019, coronary angiography showed true bifurcation lesion with sizable side branch that can be managed by stenting. Patients with left main bifurcation, those indicated for urgent CABG, and patients in cardiogenic shock were excluded. Included patients were divided into two groups according to the stenting strategy either single or two stents. Six months follow up data were collected by telephone calls and by examination of medical records.

Results: Out of 1355 anterior STEMI patients presented between January 2017 and December 2019, 158 patients (11.6%) were identified to have bifurcation culprit lesions with a sizable diagonal branch. 93 patients (59%) were treated by single stent while 65 patients (41%) were managed by two-stents strategy. The baseline characteristics and angiographic findings were similar in both groups except for higher side branch involvement in the two stents group (83.31%±11.20 vs 71.88%±15.05, t= -5.39, p <0.001). Mean fluoroscopy time (23.96±8.90 vs 17.81±5.72 mins) and contrast volume (259.23± 59.45 vs 232.58± 96.18 ml) were significantly higher in two stents group than single stent group (p=0.049). However, the angiographic success rates (residual stenosis ≤30% and restoration of TIMI flow grade II or III) were comparable (96.8% vs 99%, MCp=0.151). There is no significant difference in the overall incidence rate of MACE in both groups 6 months following the index procedure (13.9 % vs 16.9%, FEp=0.698), with no difference between different bifurcation stenting techniques in patients managed with two stents.

Conclusion: Although two stents strategy in the setting of STEMI is much complex with more fluoroscopy time and contrast volume, the procedural success rate and the incidence of MACE were comparable to one stent strategy, on medium-term follow up.
The Possibility of Applying the Program and Performance Budget to Improve Job Performance - Analytical Research at Sumer University
Authors: Salah Salah , Awaid Abbas , Odah Sabar
Published: May 2023

The current research aims to identify the relationship between the budget of programs and performance as an independent variable with job performance as a dependent variable at the University of Sumer in order to reach appropriate mechanisms and proposed recommendations to contribute to improving job performance in the researched organization, and based on the importance of the subject of research in government organizations and their prominent role played by the researched organization in the community, adopt the descriptive analytical approach in the completion of the research, The research included (Director of the Department of Financial and Administrative Affairs, Director of the Division of Finance, Director of the Administrative Division, employees of the Department of Financial and Administrative Affairs), and data was collected from (33) respondents are considered a community for research and the method of intentional sample (intentional or comprehensive inventory), and the questionnaire was relied on in the process of data collection, which included (24) indicators, and the research relied on the program (SPSS V.23), (Excel 2010) ) As well as the adoption of descriptive statistics methods (arithmetic mean, standard deviation), while the most prominent results of the research is the validity of the research hypothesis, which indicates the balance of programs and performance is directly related to improving job performance.
Hospice—The Time Is Now for Additional Integrity Oversight
Authors: Teno Joan M.
Published: May 2023

This JAMA Forum discusses the concerning trend of for-profit hospice programs in the US, the current issues and problems with hospice care, and the need for increased oversight to ensure and improve quality for patients.
Efficacy and Safety of Rivaroxaban for Postoperative Thromboprophylaxis in Patients After Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Kröll Dino , Nett Philipp C. , Rommers Nikki , Borbély Yves , Deichsel Fabian , Nocito Antonio , Zehetner Jörg , Kessler Ulf , Fringeli Yannick , Alberio Lorenzo , Candinas Daniel , Stirnimann Guido
Published: May 2023

Importance

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality after bariatric surgery. Clinical end point studies on thromboprophylaxis with direct oral anticoagulants in patients undergoing bariatric surgery are lacking.

Objective

To assess the efficacy and safety of a prophylactic dose of 10 mg/d of rivaroxaban for both 7 and 28 days after bariatric surgery.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This assessor-blinded, phase 2, multicenter randomized clinical trial was conducted from July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2021, with participants from 3 academic and nonacademic hospitals in Switzerland.

Intervention

Patients were randomized 1 day after bariatric surgery to 10 mg of oral rivaroxaban for either 7 days (short prophylaxis) or 28 days (long prophylaxis).

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary efficacy outcome was the composite of deep vein thrombosis (symptomatic or asymptomatic) and pulmonary embolism within 28 days after bariatric surgery. Main safety outcomes included major bleeding, clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding, and mortality.

Results

Of 300 patients, 272 (mean [SD] age, 40.0 [12.1] years; 216 women [80.3%]; mean body mass index, 42.2) were randomized; 134 received a 7-day and 135 a 28-day VTE prophylaxis course with rivaroxaban. Only 1 thromboembolic event (0.4%) occurred (asymptomatic thrombosis in a patient undergoing sleeve gastrectomy with extended prophylaxis). Major or clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding events were observed in 5 patients (1.9%): 2 in the short prophylaxis group and 3 in the long prophylaxis group. Clinically nonsignificant bleeding events were observed in 10 patients (3.7%): 3 in the short prophylaxis arm and 7 in the long prophylaxis arm.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this randomized clinical trial, once-daily VTE prophylaxis with 10 mg of rivaroxaban was effective and safe in the early postoperative phase after bariatric surgery in both the short and long prophylaxis groups.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03522259
Association of Second-generation Antiandrogens With Cognitive and Functional Toxic Effects in Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Nowakowska Malgorzata K. , Ortega Rachel M. , Wehner Mackenzie R. , Nead Kevin T.
Published: May 2023

Importance

The use of second-generation antiandrogens (AAs) in the treatment of prostate cancer is increasing. Retrospective evidence suggests an association between second-generation AAs and adverse cognitive and functional outcomes, but further data from prospective trials are needed.

Objective

To examine whether evidence from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in prostate cancer supports an association between second-generation AAs and cognitive or functional toxic effects.

Data Sources

PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus (inception to September 12, 2022).

Study Selection

Randomized clinical trials of second-generation AAs (abiraterone, apalutamide, darolutamide, or enzalutamide) among individuals with prostate cancer that reported cognitive toxic effects, asthenic toxic effects (eg, fatigue, weakness), or falls were evaluated.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Study screening, data abstraction, and bias assessment were completed independently by 2 reviewers following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses and Enhancing the Quality and Transparency of Health Research reporting guidelines. Tabular counts for all-grade toxic effects were determined to test the hypothesis formulated before data collection.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Risk ratios (RRs) and SEs were calculated for cognitive toxic effects, asthenic toxic effects, and falls. Because fatigue was the asthenic toxic effect extracted from all studies, data on fatigue are specified in the results. Meta-analysis and meta-regression were used to generate summary statistics.

Results

The systematic review included 12 studies comprising 13 524 participants. Included studies had a low risk of bias. An increased risk of cognitive toxic effects (RR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.30-3.38; P = .002) and fatigue (RR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.16-1.54; P < .001) was noted among individuals treated with second-generation AAs vs those in the control arms. The findings were consistent in studies that included traditional hormone therapy in both treatment arms for cognitive toxic effects (RR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.12-2.79; P = .01) and fatigue (RR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.10-1.58; P = .003). Meta-regression supported that, across studies, increased age was associated with a greater risk of fatigue with second-generation AAs (coefficient, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.04-0.12; P < .001). In addition, the use of second-generation AAs was associated with an increased risk of falls (RR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.27-2.75; P = .001).

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that second-generation AAs carry an increased risk of cognitive and functional toxic effects, including when added to traditional forms of hormone therapy.
Exploring adults' dietary reporting accuracy using a repeated events framework
Authors: Sharman Stefanie J. , Hayden Melissa J. , Danby Meaghan C. , Derbyshire Justine
Published: May 2023

Self‐reported dietary intake is commonly used to inform policy; however, memory‐based reports are subject to error. Our aim was to examine dietary reporting errors using a repeated‐events framework. Participants (N = 102) completed a 3‐day food diary and 10 days later recalled what they had consumed on one self‐nominated day and one experimenter‐nominated day from the diary period. Self‐nominated day reports were more accurate than experimenter‐nominated day reports. Across both days, participants made more errors by reporting a food from the wrong day than by reporting foods not recorded in the diary at all. Unexpectedly, participants who completed their food‐diary across Sunday–Monday–Tuesday were more accurate than those who completed across Thursday–Friday–Saturday, and participants who completed the study in 2020 were more accurate than those who completed it in 2021/2. Overall, results are consistent with the repeated events literature and outline a new approach to better understand dietary self‐reporting.
Identification of series–parallel systems composed of linear and nonlinear blocks
Authors: Brouri A. , Giri F.
Published: May 2023

Most works on system identification of block‐oriented nonlinear systems were devoted to Wiener and Hammerstein systems. This article is focused on a more general, and so more complex, nonlinear model structure. Specifically, the system under study is a series connection of two subsystems each one being constituted of linear dynamic block and a nonlinear static block coupled in parallel. Clearly, this system structure generalizes those of Wiener and Hammerstein systems. Interestingly, the linear blocks can be parametric or not and are allowed to be of unknown structure. We develop a two‐stage frequency‐type identification method that provides accurate estimates of the all system parts. The proposed identification method enjoys the simplicity and the consistency of developed estimators. Furthermore, the parameters of linear dynamic blocks can be easily decoupled without any further experiments. The performances of the proposed identification method are highlighted by several simulation results. As perspectives, one or the two nonlinearities can be considered non‐static, for example, of backlash type.
Adaptive control and almost disturbance decoupling for uncertain HOFA nonlinear systems
Authors: Wang Na , Liu Xiaoping , Liu Cungen , Wang Huanqing , Zhou Yucheng
Published: May 2023

In this paper, the problem of adaptive stability control for uncertain high‐order fully actuated (HOFA) nonlinear systems with disturbances is solved. The method of almost disturbance decoupling (ADD) is used to cope with unknown disturbances. Meanwhile, the tuning function is applied to design an adaptive update law. According to the full‐actuation feature of HOFA systems and Lyapunov stability theory, a novel adaptive controller is designed. In the end, the effectiveness of the control strategy is validated by a numerical simulation example and the attitude control of a spacecraft.
Virtual angle‐based adaptive control for trajectory tracking and balancing of ball‐balancing robots without velocity measurements
Authors: Jang Hyo‐Geon , Hyun Chang‐Ho , Park Bong Seok
Published: May 2023

This article proposes a virtual angle‐based adaptive control method for trajectory tracking and balancing of ball‐balancing robots without velocity measurements. The trajectory tracking and balancing control of ball‐balancing robots is challenging due to underactuation and uncertain nonlinearities. The hierarchical control strategy, which designs the control system using a linear combination of trajectory tracking and balancing errors, can be a solution. However, it has a local minimum problem where the convergence of tracking and balancing errors is not guaranteed even though the linear combination error is zero. Therefore, a virtual angle‐based control method is presented, which can solve the underactuation problem without the local minimum issue. In addition, a neural network‐based observer is developed to estimate the velocity information of ball‐balancing robots with uncertainties, and the input saturation problem is considered. It is proven that all tracking and balancing errors are bounded and can be made arbitrarily small in the Lyapunov sense. Finally, simulation results are provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control system.
Humidity‐Driven Dynamic Based on Polystyrene‐Contained Gelatin (Gel‐PS) and PDMS Bilayer Wrinkling System
Authors: Zhu Shanfeng , Liu Yanchi , Guo Wenyao , Fan Jinchen , Jiang Xuesong , Li Jin
Published: May 2023

Hierarchical stimuli‐responsive surface pattern, which can realize the responsive surface with the dynamically tunable structures and on‐demand properties, is the key to realize smart materials and devices, yet its fabrication remains challenging. This study presents a simple and robust fabrication strategy for creating a dynamic hierarchical surface wrinkle using a bilayer wrinkling system. This system consists of a hard and thin skin film made of gelatin containing polystyrene (PS) particles and a soft and thick substrate of polydimethylsiloxane. Based on the buckling deformation caused by stress instability in bilayer wrinkling system, the hierarchical surface wrinkles with random distribution of PS microparticles can be realized. By controlling the humidity in the environment and leveraging the different sensitivity of the exposed regions with high modulus and the soft unexposed regions, various dynamic hierarchical structures can be achieved. This wrinkled surface is a promising candidate for applications such as dynamic displays, optical smart windows, and anti‐counterfeiting due to the strong light scattering effect of the surface wrinkles.
Dual‐Additive‐Driven Morphology Optimization for Solvent‐Annealing‐Free All‐Small‐Molecule Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Liu Heng , Fu Yuang , Chen Zeng , Wang Jiayu , Fu Jiehao , Li Yuhao , Cai Guilong , Su Chun‐Jen , Jeng U‐Ser , Zhu Haiming , Li Gang , Lu Xinhui
Published: May 2023

All‐small‐molecule organic solar cells (ASM‐OSCs), which consist of small‐molecule donors and acceptors, have recently been studied extensively to eliminate the batch‐to‐batch variation from polymer‐based donor or acceptor. On the other hand, the control of their active layer morphology is more challenging due to the similar chemical structure and miscibility of small‐molecule donor and small‐molecule accepter. Hence, this study develops a dual‐additive‐driven morphology optimization method for ASM‐OSCs based on BTR‐Cl:Y6. One solid additive – 1,4‐diiodobenzene (DIB) and one liquid additive – diiodomethane (DIM) are selected, making use of their distinct interaction mechanisms with Y6 and BTR‐Cl. It is found that DIB can form a eutectic phase with Y6, which can increase the intermolecular interactions and modulate the acceptor phase separation, while the simultaneous volatilization of DIM suppresses the over‐aggregation of BTR‐Cl during the film casting process. As a result of the synergistic morphology tuning, the optimized device delivers a power conversion efficiency (PCE) as high as 15.2%, among the highest PCE reported to date for binary ASM‐OSCs without solvent annealing treatment. This work demonstrates the potential of morphology tuning via the incorporation of dual additives into ASM‐OSCs, enabling them to achieve comparable efficiencies to those of conventional polymer/small‐molecule based OSCs.
Tenascin‐C Activation of Lung Fibroblasts in a 3D Synthetic Lung Extracellular Matrix Mimic
Authors: Kundu Aritra Nath , Dougan Carey E. , Mahmoud Samar , Kilic Alara , Panagiotou Alexi , Richbourg Nathan R. , Irakoze Ninette , Peyton Shelly R.
Published: May 2023

The lung extracellular matrix (ECM) maintains the structural integrity of the tissue and regulates the phenotype and functions of resident fibroblasts. Lung‐metastatic breast cancer alters these cell‐ECM interactions, promoting fibroblast activation. There is a need for bio‐instructive ECM models that match the ECM composition and biomechanics of the lung to study these cell‐matrix interactions in vitro. Here, a synthetic, bioactive hydrogel is synthesized that mimics the native lung modulus and includes a representative distribution of the most abundant ECM peptide motifs responsible for integrin‐binding and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐mediated degradation in the lung, which enables quiescent culture of human lung fibroblasts (HLFs). Stimulation with transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1), metastatic breast cancer conditioned media (CM), or tenascin‐C‐derived integrin‐binding peptide activated hydrogel‐encapsulated HLFs demonstrates multiple environmental methods to activate HLFs in a lung ECM‐mimicking hydrogel. This lung hydrogel platform is a tunable, synthetic approach to studying the independent and combinatorial effects of ECM in regulating fibroblast quiescence and activation.
Lubricated Interfaces Enabling Simultaneous Pulsatile and Continuous Chemical Release Modes
Authors: Borbora Angana , Xu Yang , Dey Souradeep , Wang Xin , Yao Yuxing , Mandal Biman B. , Wang Xiaoguang , Manna Uttam
Published: May 2023

The release of chemicals following either pulsatile or continuous release modes is important for various potential applications, including programmed chemical reactions, mechanical actuation, and treatments of various diseases. However, the simultaneous application of both modes in a single material system has been challenging. Here, two chemical loading methods are reported in a liquid‐crystal‐infused porous surface (LCIPS) that enables both a pulsatile and continuous release of chemicals simultaneously. Specifically, chemicals loaded in the porous substrate exhibit a liquid crystal (LC) mesophase‐dependent continuous release, whereas the chemicals dissolved in micrometer‐sized aqueous droplets dispersed in the LC surface follow a pulsatile release activated by a phase transition. Moreover, the loading method of distinct molecules can be controlled to program their release mode. Finally, the pulsatile and continuous release of two distinct bioactive small molecules, tetracycline and dexamethasone, are demonstrated which display antibacterial and immunomodulatory activities for applications such as chronic wound healing and biomedical implant coating.
Advanced Phase Change Materials from Natural Perspectives: Structural Design and Functional Applications
Authors: Liu Lu , Zhang Yuang , Zhang Shufen , Tang Bingtao
Published: May 2023

Phase change materials have garnered extensive interest in heat harvesting and utilization owing to their high energy storage density and isothermal phase transition. Nevertheless, inherent leakage problems and low heat storage efficiencies hinder their widespread utilization. Nature has served as a great source of inspiration for addressing these challenges. Natural strategies are proposed to achieve advanced thermal energy management systems, and breakthroughs are made in recent years. This review focuses on recent advances in the structural design and functions of phase change materials from a natural perspective. By highlighting the structure–function relationship, advanced applications including human motion, medicine, and intelligent thermal management devices are discussed in detail. Finally, the views on the remaining challenges and future prospects are also provided, that is, phase change materials are advancing around the biomimicry design spiral.
Carbon monoxide as a clinical marker of hemolysis
Authors: Osborne Jake , Sobh Mohamad , Trudel Guy
Published: May 2023

Carbon monoxide (CO)‐based tests have precisely measured hemolysis for over 40 years. End‐tidal CO was the primary marker in clinical hematology research, followed by carboxyhemoglobin. Quantification of CO reflects heme oxygenases degrading heme in a 1:1 stoichiometric ratio, making CO a direct marker of hemolysis. CO in alveolar air can be quantified using gas chromatography, whose high resolution allows detecting mild and moderate levels of hemolysis. CO can be elevated in active bleeding, resorbing hematoma, and smoking. Clinical acumen and other markers remain necessary to diagnose the cause of hemolysis. CO‐based tests constitute an opportunity for bench‐to‐bedside technology transfer.
Documentation and prevalence of prenatal and neonatal outcomes in a cohort of individuals with KBG syndrome
Authors: Kierzkowska Ola , Sarino Kathleen , Carter Drake , Guo Lily , Marchi Elaine , Voronova Anastassia , Lyon Gholson J.
Published: May 2023

Ankyrin Repeat Domain 11 (ANKRD11) gene mutations are associated with KBG syndrome, a developmental disability that affects multiple organ systems. The function of ANKRD11 in human growth and development is not clear, but gene knockout or mutation are lethal in mice embryos and/or pups. In addition, it plays a vital role in chromatin regulation and transcription. Individuals with KBG syndrome are often misdiagnosed or remain undiagnosed until later in life. This is largely due to KBG syndrome's varying and nonspecific phenotypes as well as a lack of accessible genetic testing and prenatal screening. This study documents perinatal outcomes for individuals with KBG syndrome. We obtained data from 42 individuals through videoconferences, medical records, and emails. 45.2% of our cohort was born by C‐section, 33.3% had a congenital heart defect, 23.8% were born prematurely, 23.8% were admitted to the NICU, 14.3% were small for gestational age, and 14.3% of the families had a history of miscarriage. These rates were higher in our cohort compared to the overall population, including non‐Hispanic and Hispanic populations. Other reports included feeding difficulties (21.4%), neonatal jaundice (14.3%), decreased fetal movement (7.1%), and pleural effusions in utero (4.7%). Comprehensive perinatal studies about KBG syndrome and updated documentation of its phenotypes are important in ensuring prompt diagnosis and can facilitate correct management.
Syntheses, characterizations, and Hirshfeld analysis of Ag(I) and Cu(II) complexes: A novel potent Ag(I)‐based oxadiazole anticancer agent
Authors: Ayoup Mohammed Salah , ElShafey Mariam M. , Abdel‐Hamid Hamida , Abu‐Serie Marwa M. , Teleb Mohamed , Dege Necmi , Soliman Saied M.
Published: May 2023

The Ag(I) and Cu(II) complexes of the ligand, 2,2′‐(1,2,4‐oxadiazole‐3,5‐diyl) dianiline, (L; 4) were synthesized and characterized using different spectroscopic techniques. Their anticancer activities against three types of cancer cell lines were explored. The [AgL (NO3)]n complex (5) has 1D polymeric structure whereas the [CuL (NO3)2] (6) and [CuLCl2] (7) are monomeric complexes. The Ag(I) in 5 is tetra‐coordinated and has AgN2O2 coordination sphere where both L and NO3¯ are bridging the Ag(I) sites along the polymer array. In 6 and 7, the coordination environments are CuN3O3 and CuN3Cl2, respectively. In both cases, the oxadiazole ligand is a tridentate chelate via two N‐atoms from both amino groups and one N‐atom from the oxadiazole moiety. Hirshfeld analysis revealed the importance of O … H (23.5%), H … H (24.8%), and C … C (6.6%) non‐covalent interactions in the molecular packing of 5. In 6, the O … H (40.7%), N … H (4.9%), O … O (5.9%), N … O (3.2%), and C … N (2.2%) contacts are the most important. Regarding safety on normal human fibroblasts Wi‐38, MTT assay for all metal complexes especially the Ag(I) complex 5 exhibited higher safety profiles than the free oxadiazole ligand as well as the standard chemotherapeutic drug 5‐fluroruracil (5‐FU). The cytotoxic activities of complexes 5–7 surpassed 5‐FU against A549, Caco‐2, and MDA‐MB231 cell lines. 5 has the best anticancer activity (IC50 = 0.074, 0.085, and 0.533 μM, respectively) and exhibiting pronounced selectivity index up to 44.3. Quantitative PCR analysis of BAX and BCL‐2 revealed their apoptotic induction mechanism and showed that the metal complexes can repress the main oncogene BCL‐2 and enhance the expression of proapoptotic gene BAX. Again, 5 is the most potent with 14.28 folds BCL‐2 downregulation and 4.86 folds BAX upregulation.
Thermal degradation kinetics of high‐performance urea‐formaldehyde resin prepared by replacing partial urea with soybean processing residue
Authors: He Di , Guo Yuhan , Zhao Fenghang , Wang Chen , Zheng Wenyu , Hou Tianle , Xie Xin , Chen Yuzhu , Xiao Hui
Published: May 2023

In this work, soybean meal was applied to replace partial urea to prepare high‐performance urea‐formaldehyde resin (SMUF). The optimum addition amount of soybean meal was screened by the basic properties of resin, the bonding strength and formaldehyde emission of the board. The activation energy (Ea) and reaction kinetics at different conversion rates were estimated by Kissinger and Flynn–Wall–Ozawa methods. The results showed that when 5 wt% soybean meal was used to replace urea, the formaldehyde emission of plywood decreased by 19.23% and the bonding strength increased by 36.29%, which were 0.84 mg L−1 and 1.69 MPa, respectively. Meanwhile, the thermal stability of Urea‐formaldehyde (UF) resin is improved. The thermal degradation Ea of SMUF is higher than that of UF, the reaction kinetic equation of both UF and SMUF are G(α) = [−ln (1 − α)]2. It is feasible to replace partial urea with soybean meal. When the addition level of soybean meal is 5 wt%, SMUF has better comprehensive performance. When the addition level of soybean meal is 10–20 wt%, the bonding strength of plywood is higher than that of UF, but the formaldehyde emission is higher. How to reduce the formaldehyde emission will be the direction of future research.
Fabrication of electrospun nanofibrous clinoptilolite doped thermoplastic polyurethane scaffolds for skeletal muscle tissue engineering
Authors: Yıldırım Meryem Akkurt , Sanli Abdulkadir , Türkoğlu Nelisa , Denktaş Cenk
Published: May 2023

The treatment of skeletal muscle, which lost its function with damage or trauma with autologous muscle tissue transfer, is a very problematic approach. Hence, it is critical to develop materials that are mimicking muscle tissue mechanical behaviors and allowing cell adhesion. Polyurethanes (PUs) are one of the most common polymers in tissue engineering applications and skeletal muscle regeneration due to their elasticity and mechanical flexibility. Clinoptilolite (CLN) is a hydrated alumina silica crystal based biocompatible material that numerous positive effects on animal and human health. Here, we report the synthesize of flexible membranes based on clinoptilolite (CLN) doped thermoplastıc polyurethane (TPU) nanofiber network to be used in the field of skeletal muscle regeneration. We primarily evaluated their ability to mimic skeletal muscle by determining their mechanical properties and cell adhesion rates. We observe that cell adhesion and proliferation increased with the increase of CLN contribution. Young modulus (EY) values of pure TPU, 5 and 10 wt.% CLN‐doped TPU fibers are 3.66, 2.37, and 1.85 MPa, respectively. Mechanical elongations at break of pure TPU, 5 and 10 wt.% CLN‐doped TPU fibers after 37°C treatment (7th day) are 193.41%, 113.30%, and 197.15%, respectively. With the addition of 5 wt.% CLN, the thermal stability slightly increased compared to the pure TPU and 10 wt.% CLN/TPU. In addition, cytotoxicity studies reveal that CLN/PU membranes are biocompatible, and finally cell adhesion increases proportionally to the increased CLN contribution. The obtained results indicate that the CLN/PU membranes can be used as a skeletal muscle scaffold.
Capturing the Dynamics of Ti Diffusion Across TixW1−x/Cu Heterostructures using X‐Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy
Authors: Kalha Curran , Thakur Pardeep K. , Lee Tien‐Lin , Reisinger Michael , Zechner Johannes , Nelhiebel Michael , Regoutz Anna
Published: May 2023

Interdiffusion phenomena between adjacent materials are highly prevalent in semiconductor device architectures and can present a major reliability challenge for the industry. To fully capture these phenomena, experimental approaches must go beyond static and post‐mortem studies to include in situ and in‐operando setups. Here, soft and hard X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (SXPS and HAXPES) is used to monitor diffusion in real‐time across a proxy device. The device consists of a Si/SiO2/TixW1−x(300 nm)/Cu(25 nm) thin film material stack, with the TixW1−xfilm (x = 0.054, 0.115, 0.148) acting as a diffusion barrier between Si and Cu. The interdiffusion is monitored through the continuous collection of spectra whilst in situ annealing to 673 K. Ti within the TiW is found to be highly mobile during annealing, diffusing out of the barrier and accumulating at the Cu surface. Increasing the Ti concentration within the TixW1−xfilm increases the quantity of accumulated Ti, and Ti is first detected at the Cu surface at temperatures as low as 550 K. Surprisingly, at low Ti concentrations (x = 0.054), W is also mobile and diffuses alongside Ti. By monitoring the Ti 1score level with HAXPES, the surface‐accumulated Ti was observed to undergo oxidation even under ultra‐high vacuum conditions, highlighting the reactivity of Ti in this system. These results provide crucial evidence for the importance of diffusion barrier composition on their efficacy during device application, delivering insights into the mechanisms underlying their effectiveness and limitations.
Nano‐Cracks and Glass Carving from Non‐Symmetrically Converging Shocks
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Hernández Ulisses J. , Reese Hendrik , Reuter Fabian , Ohl Claus‐Dieter , Quinto‐Su Pedro A.
Published: May 2023

A method is presented to carve into a glass submerged in water with laser‐induced surface and shock waves. It starts with an elliptic wave source that launches an elliptically converging Rayleigh and shock wave. At the wave focus a single microscopic crack with controlled location and orientation is induced that has a length of a few micrometers and a width of about 100 nm. Through successive surface waves, this crack may be extended along a specific direction which can be controlled by adjusting the distance, shape, and orientation of the laser focus. Here, either point‐like or elliptical laser foci are generated using a spatial light modulator. Furthermore, when the crack is guided along a closed circular path using a point like laser focus, a conchoidal hole may be carved through the glass slide demonstrated with a 160 µm thick cover slip. The shock waves are modeled in the fluid and the elastic waves in the glass in three dimensions with a finite‐volume framework that accounts for fluid‐structure interaction. The resulting pressures and stresses for both the elliptical and point‐like Rayleigh and shock wave sources are reported.
Solvent‐free Ternary Polymer Electrolytes with High Ionic Conductivity for Stable Sodium‐based Batteries at Room Temperature
Authors: Roscher Daniel , Kim Yongil , Stepien Dominik , Zarrabeitia Maider , Passerini Stefano
Published: May 2023

Transitioning to solid‐state batteries using polymer electrolytes results in inherently safer devices and can facilitate the use of sodium metal anodes enabling higher energy densities. In this work, solvent‐free ternary polymer electrolytes based on cross‐linked polyethylene oxide (PEO), sodium bis(fluorosulfonyl) imide (NaFSI) or sodium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide (NaTFSI) and N‐butyl‐N‐methyl‐pyrrolidinium‐based ionic liquids (ILs, Pyr14FSI or Pyr14TFSI) are developed. Synthesized polymer membranes are thoroughly characterized, verifying their good thermal and electrochemical stability, as well as a low glass transition and crystallinity, thus high segmental mobility of the polymer matrix. The latter results in good ionic conductivities around 1×10−3 S cm−1 at 20 °C. The polymer electrolytes are successfully employed in sodium‐metal battery (SMB) cells operating at room temperature (RT) and using P2‐Na2/3Ni1/3Mn2/3O2 layered oxide as cathode. The electrochemical performance strongly depends on the choice of anion in the conducting sodium salt and plasticizing IL. Furthermore, this solid‐state SMB approach mitigates capacity fading drivers for the P2‐Na2/3Ni1/3Mn2/3O2, resulting in high Coulombic efficiency (99.91 %) and high capacity retention (99 % after 100 cycles) with good specific capacity (140 mAh g−1).
An evaluation of Headsprout early reading as an online parent‐mediated intervention for primary school children
Authors: Gillespie Emma , Markham Victoria , Tiernan Aoife Mc
Published: May 2023

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic and lengthy absences from the classroom, there is a need for large‐scale remedial programs to support young children to “catch‐up” on literacy and numeracy skills. A stratified randomized controlled trial was used to evaluate the Headsprout Early Reading (HER) program as a parent‐mediated digital literacy intervention. A between‐groups design compared differences in reading‐dependent outcome measures for 36 children assigned to one of three intervention groups: with support, without support, and waitlist‐control. Children completed significantly more episodes when parents received implementation support from the researcher compared to the without support group. Children receiving Headsprout instructions demonstrated marginally greater gains than the waitlist‐control group in posttest outcome measures; however, differences in reading outcomes were not significant between groups at posttesting. The current research provides tentative support for HER and importantly, highlights the importance of providing support for parents implementing interventions at home.
Reconstructing the cell–cell interaction network among mouse immune cells
Authors: Azadian Somayeh , Doustmohammadi Alireza , Naseri Mohadeseh , Khodarahmi Masoud , Arab Seyed Shahriar , Yazdanifar Mahboubeh , Zahiri Javad , Lewis Nathan E.
Published: May 2023

Intercellular interactions and cell–cell communication are critical to regulating cell functions, especially in normal immune cells and immunotherapies. Ligand–receptor pairs mediating these cell–cell interactions can be identified using diverse experimental and computational approaches. Here, we reconstructed the intercellular interaction network between Mus musculus immune cells using publicly available receptor–ligand interaction databases and gene expression data from the immunological genome project. This reconstructed network accounts for 50,317 unique interactions between 16 cell types between 731 receptor–ligand pairs. Analysis of this network shows that cells of hematopoietic lineages use fewer communication pathways for interacting with each other, while nonhematopoietic stromal cells use the most network communications. We further observe that the WNT, BMP, and LAMININ pathways are the most significant contributors to the overall number of cell–cell interactions among the various pathways in the reconstructed communication network. This resource will enable the systematic analysis of normal and pathologic immune cell interactions, along with the study of emerging immunotherapies.
An alternative method for esthetic and functional management of oral pyogenic granuloma
Authors: Güler Kübra , Görgün Emine Pirim
Published: May 2023

Background

Pyogenic granulomas (PGs) are gingival enlargements which cause esthetic and functional problems that hinder chewing and maintaining oral hygiene. In this series consisting of six cases, we report the rehabilitation of PG using partly de‐epithelialized gingival grafts.

Methods

Following documentation of clinical measurements, a concurrent treatment plan of excision and reconstruction with partly de‐epithelialized gingival grafts were followed for all the cases. Six months following procedures, clinical parameters were measured again and a short patient‐reported outcome measures consisting of three questions were applied.

Results

In histological evaluations, PG features were observed. In the fourth postoperative week, interdental papilla and attached gingiva were restored. Six months follow‐up showed reduction in plaque and gingival indices, clinical attachment loss, and mobility. Mean keratinized tissue height was increased from 2.58 ± 2.20 to 6.66 ± 1.66 in the 6th month of operation. Oldest case was stable after 12 months of follow‐up and no infection was found at grafting sites. Papillary coverage was achieved.

Conclusion

If the PG is not completely removed due to esthetic reservations, a recurrence may occur. Within our limitations, we can suggest that the immediate esthetic rehabilitation with partly de‐epithelialized gingival graft presents a compatible approach in the treatment of mucogingival defects after aggressive excision of PG.