bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioinspired Multistimuli‐Induced Synergistic Changes in Color and Shape of Hydrogel and Actuator Based on Fluorescent Microgels
Authors: Lu Dongdong , Lian Qing , Zhu Mingning
Published: November 2023

Fluorescent hydrogels have emerged as one of the most promising candidates for developing biomimetic materials and artificial intelligence owing to their unique fluorescence and responsive properties. However, it is still challenging to fabricate hydrogel that exhibits synergistic changes in fluorescence color and shape in response to multistimulus via a simple method. Herein, blue‐ and orange‐emitting fluorescent microgels (MGs) both are designed and synthesized with pH‐, thermal‐, and cationic‐sensitivity via one‐step polymerization, respectively. The two fluorescent MGs are incorporated into transparent doubly crosslinked microgel (DX MG) hydrogels with a preset ratio. The DX MG hydrogels can tune the fluorescent color accompanied by size variation via subjecting to external multistimulus. Thus, DX MG hydrogels can be exploited for multiresponsive fluorescent bilayer actuators. The actuators can undergo complex shape deformation and color changes. Inspired by natural organisms, an artificial morning glory with color and size changes are showcased in response to buffer solutions of different pH values. Besides, an intelligent skin hydrogel, imitating natural calotes versicolor, by assembling four layers of DX MG with different ratios of MGs, is tailored. This work serves as an inspiration for the design and fabrication of novel biomimetic smart materials with synergistic functions.
Cytoplasmic Escape of Mitochondrial DNA Mediated by Mfn2 Downregulation Promotes Microglial Activation via cGas‐Sting Axis in Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Wei Fei‐Long , Wang Tian‐Fu , Wang Chao‐Li , Zhang Zhen‐Peng , Zhao Jing‐Wei , Heng Wei , Tang Zhen , Du Ming‐Rui , Yan Xiao‐Dong , Li Xiao‐Xiang , Guo Zheng , Qian Ji‐Xian , Zhou Cheng‐Pei
Published: November 2023

Neuroinflammation is associated with poor outcomes in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Recent studies have demonstrated that stimulator of interferon genes (Sting) plays a key role in inflammatory diseases. However, the role of Sting in SCI remains unclear. In the present study, it is found that increased Sting expression is mainly derived from activated microglia after SCI. Interestingly, knockout of Sting in microglia can improve the recovery of neurological function after SCI. Microglial Sting knockout restrains the polarization of microglia toward the M1 phenotype and alleviates neuronal death. Furthermore, it is found that the downregulation of mitofusin 2 (Mfn2) expression in microglial cells leads to an imbalance in mitochondrial fusion and division, inducing the release of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which mediates the activation of the cGas‐Sting signaling pathway and aggravates inflammatory response damage after SCI. A biomimetic microglial nanoparticle strategy to deliver MASM7 (named MSNs‐MASM7@MI) is established. In vitro, MSNs‐MASM7@MI showed no biological toxicity and effectively delivered MASM7. In vivo, MSNs‐MASM7@MI improves nerve function after SCI. The study provides evidence that cGas‐Sting signaling senses Mfn2‐dependent mtDNA release and that its activation may play a key role in SCI. These findings provide new perspectives and potential therapeutic targets for SCI treatment.
Tailoring Low‐Dimensional Perovskites Passivation for Efficient Two‐Step‐Processed FAPbI3 Solar Cells and Modules
Authors: Ye Feng , Tian Ting , Su Jie , Jiang Ruixuan , Li Jing , Jin Chengkai , Tong Jinhui , Bai Sai , Huang Fuzhi , Müller‐Buschbaum Peter , Cheng Yi‐Bing , Bu Tongle
Published: November 2023

Converting PbI2 residues into low‐dimensional perovskites through post‐treatment with ammonium‐based large cations can passivate 3D perovskites, thus has emerged as an effective strategy to improve the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, a dramatically improved efficiency is demonstrated for PSCs based on a two‐step‐processed FAPbI3 perovskite via post‐treatment with formamidinium (FA)‐based benzamidine hydrochloride (PFACl), outperforming the commonly used methylamine (MA)‐based benzylamine hydrochloride (PMACl). With an in‐depth exploration of the crystal structures and morphology changes of the FAPbI3 perovskite upon the PFACl post‐treatment, the preferential formation of 1D rather than 2D structures on the 3D perovskite film is identified. In contrast to the 2D counterpart, the more energetically favorable 1D structure enables a more effective elimination of PbI2 residues. As a consequence, the PFACl‐induced 1D/3D perovskite film is endowed with smoother morphology, more uniform surface potential distribution, lower trap density, faster charge transfer, and better film stability than the PMACl‐induced 2D/3D perovskite and control films, demonstrating champion efficiencies of 24.9% for a small‐size PSC, 23.6% for a 1 cm2 large‐size PSC, and 21.2% for a 5 × 5 cm2 mini‐module, which is the highest among the perovskite solar mini‐modules using the two‐step deposition method.
Interface Modification of Tin Oxide Electron‐Transport Layer for the Efficiency and Stability Enhancement of Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Wu Jifa , Tang Feng , Wu Shaoguang , Li Yumeng , Xiao Liangang , Zhu Xuhui , Peng Xiaobin
Published: November 2023

A small molecular phenanthroline derivative Phen‐NaDPO (3‐[6‐(diphenylphosphinyl)‐2‐naphthalenyl]‐1,10‐Phenanthroline) to modify tin oxide (SnO2) electron‐transport layer (ETL) in organic solar cells is employed. Quantum chemistry calculations and experimental results show that Phen‐NaDPO can interact with SnO2, thereby effectively passivating the surface defects, reducing the work function and improving the electrical conductivity of SnO2, leading to more efficient electron extraction and transport in the organic solar cells (OSCs). Moreover, upon the Phen‐NaDPO modification, the decreased surface energy of SnO2 ETL accounts for enhanced exciton dissociation and charge transport, due to the more ordered molecular organizations of the active layers. Consequently, the inverted OSCs involving Phen‐NaDPO/SnO2 ETLs exhibit an enhanced power conversion efficiency of 17.06% (PM6:Y6) and 18.31% (PM6:L8‐BO), which is the highest efficiency for SnO2 ETL‐based binary solar cells to date. Furthermore, the devices based on Phen‐NaDPO/SnO2 ETL show better device stability (storage stability, photostability and humid stability), with T80 exceeding 200 h encapsulated under light irradiation and 400 h without encapsulation in high‐humidity ambient condition. These results demonstrate that the modification of SnO2 using wide‐band highly stable conjugated small molecules is very promising for simultaneously improve the efficiencies and device stability of OSCs.
Type Synthesis of a Novel 4‐Degrees‐of‐Freedom Parallel Bipedal Mechanism for Walking Robot
Authors: Zhang Yue , Zang Xizhe , Chen Boyang , Zhang Xuehe , Liu Yubin , Zhao Jie
Published: November 2023

In this study, the conventional virtual chain method is refined and a 4‐degrees‐of‐freedom (DOF) parallel bipedal mechanism (PBM) for walking robots is presented. The proposed design has the advantages of low inertia, high load‐to‐weight ratio, and impact resistance. First, to solve the redundant motion‐transmission problem, a refined virtual chain method is proposed for the type synthesis of the 4‐DOF parallel thigh mechanism. Second, the relationship equation for each actuated wrench component in a reasonable actuated joint arrangement is derived, and the number and location of the actuated joints are determined. Third, by optimizing the design of the hip joint as a 2‐DOF counter‐centered five‐link spherical mechanism with different rotation centers, passive knee and ankle joints are designed based on the bionic principle. This design is performed to make the PBM isotropic and minimize inertia. The proposed PBM can withstand heavy loads and impacts owing to its humanoid crossed four‐link knee joint mechanism and compliant calf mechanism. Finally, the prototype is processed, and the rationality of the design and excellent performance of the PBM design are verified by dynamic and static simulations and gait experiments.
Retention of uninfected red blood cells causing congestive splenomegaly is the major mechanism of anemia in malaria
Authors: Kho Steven , Siregar Nurjati C. , Qotrunnada Labibah , Fricot Aurélie , Sissoko Abdoulaye , Shanti Putu A. I. , Candrawati Freis , Kambuaya Noy N. , Rini Hasrini , Andries Benediktus , Hardy David , Margyaningsih Nur I. , Fadllan Fauziyah , Rahmayenti Desandra A. , Puspitasari Agatha M. , Aisah Amelia R. , Leonardo Leo , Yayang Bagus T. G. , Margayani Dewi S. , Prayoga Pak , Trianty Leily , Kenangalem Enny , Price Ric N. , Yeo Tsin W. , Minigo Gabriela , Noviyanti Rintis , Poespoprodjo Jeanne R. , Anstey Nicholas M. , Buffet Pierre A.
Published: November 2023

Splenomegaly frequently occurs in patients with Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) or P. vivax (Pv) malarial anemia, but mechanisms underlying this co‐occurrence are unclear. In malaria‐endemic Papua, Indonesia, we prospectively analyzed red blood cell (RBC) concentrations in the spleen and spleen‐mimetic retention in 37 subjects splenectomized for trauma or hyperreactive splenomegaly, most of whom were infected with Plasmodium. Splenomegaly (median 357 g [range: 80–1918 g]) was correlated positively with the proportion of red‐pulp on histological sections (median 88.1% [range: 74%–99.4%]; r = .59, p = .0003) and correlated negatively with the proportion of white‐pulp (median 8.3% [range: 0.4%–22.9%]; r = −.50, p = .002). The number of RBC per microscopic field (>95% uninfected) was correlated positively with spleen weight in both Pf‐infected (r = .73; p = .017) and Pv‐infected spleens (r = .94; p = .006). The median estimated proportion of total‐body RBCs retained in Pf‐infected spleens was 8.2% (range: 1.0%–33.6%), significantly higher than in Pv‐infected (2.6% [range: 0.6%–23.8%]; p = .015) and PCR‐negative subjects (2.5% [range: 1.0%–3.3%]; p = .006). Retained RBCs accounted for over half of circulating RBC loss seen in Pf infections. The proportion of total‐body RBC retained in Pf‐ and Pv‐infected spleens correlated negatively with hemoglobin concentrations (r = −.56, p = .0003), hematocrit (r = −.58, p = .0002), and circulating RBC counts (r = −.56, p = .0003). Splenic CD71‐positive reticulocyte concentrations correlated with spleen weight in Pf (r = 1.0; p = .003). Retention rates of peripheral and splenic RBCs were correlated negatively with circulating RBC counts (r = −.69, p = .07 and r = −.83, p = .008, respectively). In conclusion, retention of mostly uninfected RBC in the spleen, leading to marked congestion of the red‐pulp, was associated with splenomegaly and is the major mechanism of anemia in subjects infected with Plasmodium, particularly Pf.
Nanographene with a Nitrogen‐Doped Cavity
Authors: Wang Fei‐Fan , Wang Yu‐Xiang , Wu Qiong , Chai Ling , Chen Xuan‐Wen , Tan Yuan‐Zhi
Published: November 2023

Nitrogen‐doped cavities are pervasive in graphenic materials, and represent key sites for catalytic and electrochemical activity. However, their structures are generally heterogeneous. In this study, we present the synthesis of a well‐defined molecular cutout of graphene featuring N‐doped cavity. The graphitization of a macrocyclic pyridinic precursor was achieved through photochemical cyclodehydrochlorination. In comparison to its counterpart with pyridinic nitrogen at the edges, the pyridinic nitrogen atoms in this nanographene cavity exhibit significantly reduced basicity and selective binding to Ag+ ion. Analysis of the protonation and coordination equilibria revealed that the tri‐N‐doped cavity binds three protons, but only one Ag+ ion. These distinct protonation and coordination behaviors clearly illustrate the space confinement effect imparted by the cavities.
Assembly of Luminescent Chiral Gold(I)‐Sulfido Clusters via Chiral Self‐Sorting
Authors: Yao Liao‐Yuan , Qin Lin , Chen Ziyong , Lam Jonathan , Yam V. W.‐W.
Published: November 2023

Due to the ubiquity of chirality in nature, chiral self‐assembly involving self‐sorting behaviors has remained as one of the most important research topics of interests. Herein, starting from a racemic mixture of SEG‐based (SEG=SEGPHOS) chlorogold(I) precursors, a unique chiral butterfly‐shape hexadecanuclear gold(I) cluster (Au16) with different ratios of RSEG and SSEG ligands is obtained via homoleptic and heterochiral self‐sorting. More interestingly, by employing different chlorogold(I) precursors of opposite chirality (such as RSEG‐Au2 and SBIN‐Au2 (BIN=BINAP)), an unprecedented heteroleptic and heterochiral self‐sorting strategy has been developed to give a series of heteroleptic chiral decanuclear gold(I) clusters (Au10) with propellor‐shape structures. Heterochiral and heteroleptic self‐sorting have also been observed between enantiomers of homoleptic chiral Au10 clusters to result in the heteroleptic chiral Au10 clusters via cluster‐to‐cluster transformation. Incorporation of heteroleptic ligands is found to decrease the symmetry from S4 of homoleptic meso Au10 to C2 of heteroleptic chiral Au10 clusters. The chirality has been transferred from the axial chiral ligands and stored in the heteroleptic gold(I) clusters.
Enzymatic Peptide and Protein Bromination: The BromoTrp Tag
Authors: Montua Nicolai , Thye Paula , Hartwig Pia , Kühle Matthias , Sewald Norbert
Published: November 2023

Bio‐orthogonal reactions for modification of proteins and unprotected peptides are of high value in chemical biology. The combination of enzymatic halogenation with transition metal‐catalyzed cross‐coupling provides a feasible approach for the modification of proteins and unprotected peptides. By a semirational protein engineering approach, variants of the tryptophan 6‐halogenase Thal were identified that enable efficient bromination of peptides with a C‐terminal tryptophan residue. The substrate scope was explored using di‐, tri‐, and tetrapeptide arrays, leading to the identification of an optimized peptide tag we named BromoTrp tag. This tag was introduced into three model proteins. Preparative scale post‐translational bromination was possible with only a single cultivation and purification step using the brominating E. coli coexpression system Brocoli. Palladium‐catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling of the bromoarene was achieved with Pd nanoparticle catalysts at 37 °C, highlighting the rich potential of this strategy for bio‐orthogonal functionalization and conjugation.
Access and barriers to supports for children and caregivers attending public child developmental assessment services: Findings from the Sydney child neurodevelopment research registry
Authors: Boulton Kelsie A. , Hodge Antoinette , Levu Kelera , Ong Natalie , Silove Natalie , Guastella Adam J.
Published: November 2023

Families can spend years waiting for a developmental assessment. We sought to understand supports caregivers had accessed by the time of their child's first multi‐disciplinary developmental assessment, the supports caregivers wanted, and the barriers caregivers reported to accessing these supports. We also sought to understand how government funding schemes (the National Disability Insurance Scheme) and sociodemographic factors influenced access to supports. Caregivers were emailed questionnaires on sociodemographic background and intervention history prior to their child's developmental assessment at a tertiary diagnostic and assessment service. Results from 202 caregivers showed most children were receiving less than 2 hours of support each week at assessment. The most common accessed supports were from general practitioners and pediatricians. Caregivers reported behavioral therapists (41%) and psychologists (29%) as the most desired but inaccessible child supports. Half of caregivers nominated a need for parenting interventions. The most frequent barriers to accessing child supports were wait lists, finance, and knowledge. Government funding improved access to the total number of services received (from 2.7 to 5.2 different services), but for disability specific services only (e.g., speech and occupational therapy). Results highlighted disparities for families without government funding, impacting certain groups (e.g., children over 7 years) and services (e.g., mental health). Socioeconomic disadvantage, parental separation, and, surprisingly, being from a non‐culturally/linguistically diverse background were associated with fewer services and more barriers. Results highlight the need to facilitate access to supports for families to align with existing recommendations.
Mesoscopic Model of Extrusion during Solvent‐Free Lithium‐ion Battery Electrode Manufacturing**
Authors: Paredes‐Goyes Brayan , Zanotto Franco M. , Boudeville Victor , Grugeon Sylvie , Dupont Loic , Franco Alejandro A.
Published: November 2023

Solvent‐free (SF) manufacturing of lithium‐ion battery (LIB) electrodes is safer and more environmentally friendly than the traditional slurry casting approach. However, as a young technique, SF manufacturing is under development of its pathways and operation conditions. In different SF processes reported in literature, extrusion is a common step. A detailed model of this process would be extremely computationally demanding. This work proposes a novel simplified discrete element model at the mesoscopic scale for the extrusion during SF manufacturing of LIB electrodes. In addition to active material particles, we consider fluid‐like solid particles to approximate the molten polymer and the carbon additive phases. The formulation and other process parameters are taken from our experimental facility that uses extrusion to fabricate filaments for 3D printing of LIB cells. The extrusion is carried out in a conical twin screw extruder. Our approach allows to obtain representative electrode microstructures after extrusion, where electrical conductivity, ionic effective diffusivity, tortuosity factor and porosity are calculated. The model is a proof of concept that is employed to investigate the influence of the extruder speed and the cohesion level on the resulting electrode properties.
Anti‐Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Activity Evaluation of Natural Derived Phloroglucinol Derivatives and Their Molecular Mechanisms Study
Authors: Mai Haiyan , Li Junjian , Luo Yuyan , Ou Jiayi , Chen Gong , Ye Lianbao
Published: November 2023

HSV‐1 is a common infection that can cause cold sores. In this study, the anti‐HSV‐1 virus activity of three series compounds A1–A9, B1–B12, C1–C22 was screened by MTT assay, qRT‐PCR assay, Western blot assay and viruses’ plaque assays. The results of MTT assay disclosed that phloroglucinol derivatives C2 and C3 effectively inhibited the death of HSV‐1 infected vero cells with the CC50 values of C2 and C3 were 72.64 μmol/L and 32.62 μmol/L in HaCaT cells, 137.6 μmol/L and 48.55 μmol/L in Hela cells. The IC50 values of C3 in vero cells and Hela cells were 19.26 μmol/L and 22.98 μmol/L, respectively. In the qRT‐PCR experiments, it showed that C2 and C3 effectively reduced the synthesis of HSV‐1 early viral gene VP16 and late viral gene gD. The Western blot results showed that both C2 and C3 inhibited the expression of HSV‐1 gD protein in a concentration‐dependent manner. Lastly, viruses’ plaque assay results showed that C2 and C3 inhibited the production of HSV‐1 progeny virus in Hela cells and HaCaT cells in a concentration‐dependent manner. Taken together, these results suggest that C2 and C3 are promising candidate that warrants further attention in the development of anti‐HSV‐1 drugs.
Synthesis of Porous Amorphous SiO2−Al2O3 Solid Acid Catalyst for Efficiently Catalyzing GVL Decarboxylation to Butene
Authors: Shan Weijun , Yang Ruixi , Jia Yushan , Liu Xianghan , Du Xinwei , Yu Haibiao , Xiong Ying
Published: November 2023

In this study, porous amorphous SiO2−Al2O3 (ASA(Si/Al=x)) with different Si/Al ratios was synthesized by gel‐gel method, and used to catalyze green renewable energy source γ‐valerolactone (GVL) to butene. Research indicated that all prepared catalysts had large amounts of disordered mesoporous with the pore size in range of 2–13 nm. For the optimal ASA(Si/Al=20) catalyst, its specific surface area is 430.20 m2 g−l and pore size is about 8.13 nm. Due to the presence of suitable Al species, ASA(Si/Al=20) has the largest Brønsted/Lewis ratio and 0.5554 mmol g−1 weak acid site content. Under the optimized reaction conditions, 90 % butene yield can be obtained in 180 min at 300 °C. In addition, the regeneration performance of the ASA(Si/Al=20) catalyst is also satisfactory, and the yield of butene can be above 60 % after 5th cycles. After activation, the spent catalyst can be regenerated, and about 78 % butene yield can be also obtained.
B‐P Coupling: Metal Stabilized Phosphinoborate Complexes
Authors: Gayen Sourav , Shyamal Sampad , Mohapatra Stutee , Antharjanam P. K. Sudhadevi , Ghosh Sundargopal
Published: November 2023

In an effort to establish B‐P coupling reactions without the use of phosphine‐borane dehydrocoupling agent, we have developed a new synthetic methodology employing group 8 metal σ‐borate complex [{κ3‐H,S,S′‐BH2L2}Ru{κ3‐H,H,S‐BH3L}] (L=NC5H4S), 1. Treatment of 1 with chlorodiphenyl phosphine (PPh2Cl) yielded 1,5‐P,S chelated Ru‐dihydridoborate species [PPh2H{κ3‐H,H,S‐BH(OH)L}Ru{κ2‐P,S‐(Ph2P)BH2L}], 2. The insertion of phosphine moiety (PPh2) by the cleavage of 3c–2e σ(Ru…H‐B) bonding interaction led to the formation of B‐P bond. The κ2‐P,S chelated six‐membered ring adopted a boat conformation in complex 2. The heterocycle is made of all different atoms, which is one of the rarest examples of heteroatomic ring systems. Theoretical outcomes demonstrated the electronic insight of B‐P coupling and stabilization through transition metal. In order to explore an alternate route of B‐P bond formation, we have further explored the reaction of 1 and Ru‐bis(dihydridoborate) complex, 5 with secondary phosphine oxide (SPO). Although, thermolysis of 1 with diphenylphosphine oxide yielded analogous σ‐borate complex 3, the similar reaction of 5 at room temperature led to the formation of novel phosphinous(III) acid incorporated Ru(σ‐borate)(dihydridoborate) complex, 6. In a similar fashion, the reaction of 5 with phosphite ligand generated Ru(σ‐borate)(dihydridoborate) complex, 7, which is analogous to 6.
The neurovascular unit of capillary blood vessels in the rat nervous system. A rapid‐Golgi electron microscopy study
Authors: Larriva‐Sahd Jorge , Martínez‐Cabrera Gema , Lozano‐Flores Carlos , Concha Luis , Varela‐Echavarría Alfredo
Published: November 2023

We describe a pericapillary organ in the rat forebrain and cerebellar cortex. It consists of a series of tripartite synapses with synaptic extensions enveloped by astrocytic endfeet that are linked to the capillary wall by synaptic extensions. Reciprocal specializations of the pericyte‐capillary blood vessel (CBV) with such specialized synapses suggest a mechanoreceptor role. In Golgi‐impregnated and 3D reconstructions of the cerebral cortex and thalamus, a series of TSs appear to be sequentially ordered in a common dendrite, paralleled by synaptic outgrowths termed golf club synaptic extensions (GCE) opposed to a longitudinal crest (LC) from the capillary basal lamina (BL). Our results show that, in the cerebellar cortex, afferent fibers and interneurons display microanatomical structures that strongly suggest an interaction with the capillary wall. Afferent mossy fiber (MF) rosettes and ascending granule cell axons and their dendrites define the pericapillary passage interactions that are entangled by endfeet. The presence of mRNA of the mechanosensitive channel Piezo1 in the MF rosettes, together with the surrounding end‐feet and the capillary wall form mechanosensory units. The ubiquity of such units to modulate synaptic transmission is also supported by Piezo1 mRNA expressing pyramidal isocortical and thalamic neurons. This scenario suggests that ascending impulses to the cerebellar and cortical targets are presynaptically modulated by the reciprocal interaction with the mechanosensory pericapillary organ that ultimately modulates the vasomotor response.
An integrated LNA‐phase shifter in 65 nm CMOS for Ka‐band phased‐array receivers
Authors: Liu Haifeng , Guo Benqing , Han Yupeng , Wu Jingwei
Published: November 2023

In this paper, a vector‐sum phase shifter (VSPS) integrated with a wideband high‐gain low‐noise amplifier (LNA) for Ka‐band phased‐array receivers is presented. The digitally controlled VSPS based on the RF phase shifting architecture consists of a modified I/Q signal generator with additional inductor resonance and a programmable variable gain amplifier (VGA) based on Four 3 × 4 transistor arrays. Besides the reduced parasitic effect of the I/Q signal generator, an Equidistant Contraction Technology (ECT) is used in the VGA, to maintain higher phase shift accuracy of the VSPS. A multistage LNA with series inductor peaking is adopted to fulfill the flat wideband gain, where LC resonance networks are used as interstage matching to compensate for gain roll‐off at a higher frequency. Based on simulations in 65 nm CMOS technology, the presented LNA‐Phase shifter has achieved an average NF of 3.24–3.66 dB, and an average gain of 13.1–23.6 dB. Moreover, an RMS phase error of 1.1–12.6°, an RMS gain error of 4.2–5.6 dB, and an RMS magnitude error of 2.1–2.8 dB are maintained across 27–40 GHz, with a 360° phase shift coverage in steps of approximately 2.8125°. The chip consumes 16.83 mW from a 1.2 V supply voltage, and the occupied area is 0.65 mm2.
68Ga‐labeled, imatinib encapsulated, theranostic liposomes: Formulation, characterization, and in vitro evaluation of anticancer activity
Authors: Karpuz Merve , Ozgenc Emre , Oner Ezgi , Atlihan‐Gundogdu Evren , Burak Zeynep
Published: November 2023

Cancer is still a global health problem. Among cancer types, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed one, and it causes a high mortality rate if not diagnosed in the early stages. In our study, imatinib encapsulated, nanosized, neutral/cationic liposome formulations were prepared as theranostic agents for breast cancer. After the characterization studies in which all liposomes exhibited proper profile owing to their particle size between 133 and 250 nm, polydispersity index values lower than 0.4, neutral and cationic zeta potential values, and high drug encapsulation efficiency, controlled drug release behaviors with zero‐order kinetic were obtained. The higher than 90% radiolabeling efficiency values were obtained thanks to the determination of optimum radiolabeling condition (80°C temperature, 5 mCi radioactivity, and 10 min incubation period). According to the resazurin assay evaluating the cytotoxic profile of liposomes on MCF7 cells, neutral empty liposome was found as biocompatible, while both cationic liposomes (empty and drug‐loaded ones) exhibited high nonspecific cytotoxicity at even low drug concentration due to the existence of stearyl amine in the formulations. However, dose‐dependent cytotoxic effect and the highest cellular binding capacity were obtained by imatinib loaded neutral liposomes. In conclusion, 68Ga‐radiolabeled, imatinib‐loaded, neutral, nanosized liposome formulation is the most promising one as a theranostic agent among all formulations.
Sex‐specific cardiovascular protein levels and their link with clinical outcome in heart failure
Authors: de Bakker Marie , Loncq de Jong Mylène , Petersen Teun , de Lange Iris , Akkerhuis K. Martijn , Umans Victor A. , Rizopoulos Dimitris , Boersma Eric , Brugts Jasper J. , Kardys Isabella
Published: November 2023

Aims

This study aims to provide insight into sex‐specific cardiovascular protein profiles and their associations with adverse outcomes, which may contribute to a better understanding of heart failure (HF) pathophysiology and the optimal use of circulating proteins for prognostication in women and men.

Methods and results

In 250 stable patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), we performed trimonthly blood sampling (median follow‐up: 26 [17–30] months). We selected all baseline samples and two samples closest to the primary endpoint (PEP; composite of cardiovascular death, heart transplantation, left ventricular assist device implantation, and HF hospitalization) or one sample closest to censoring and applied the Olink Cardiovascular III panel. We used linear regression to study sex‐based differences in baseline levels and joint models to study differences in the prognostic value of serially measured proteins. In 66 women and 184 men (mean age of 66 and 67 years, respectively), 21% and 28% reached the PEP, respectively. Mean baseline levels of fatty acid‐binding protein 4, secretoglobin family 3A member 2, paraoxonase 3, and trefoil factor 3 were higher in women (Pinteraction: 0.001, 0.007, 0.018, and 0.049, respectively), while matrix metalloproteinase‐3, interleukin 1 receptor‐like 1, and myoglobin were higher in men (Pinteraction: <0.001, 0.001, and 0.049, respectively), independent of clinical characteristics. No significant differences between sexes were observed in the longitudinal associations of proteins with the PEP. Only peptidoglycan recognition protein 1 showed a suggestive interaction with sex for the primary outcome (Pinteraction = 0.028), without multiple testing correction, and was more strongly associated with adverse outcome in women {hazard ratio [HR] 3.03 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.42 to 6.68], P = 0.008} compared with men [HR 1.18 (95% CI, 0.84 to 1.66), P = 0.347].

Conclusions

Although multiple cardiovascular‐related proteins show sex differences at baseline, temporal associations with the adverse outcome do not differ between women and men with HFrEF.
Time‐domain heart rate variability features for automatic congestive heart failure prediction
Authors: Moses Jeban Chandir , Adibi Sasan , Angelova Maia , Islam Sheikh Mohammed Shariful
Published: November 2023

Aims

Heart failure is a serious condition that often goes undiagnosed in primary care due to the lack of reliable diagnostic tools and the similarity of its symptoms with other diseases. Non‐invasive monitoring of heart rate variability (HRV), which reflects the activity of the autonomic nervous system, could offer a novel and accurate way to detect and manage heart failure patients. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of using machine learning techniques on HRV data as a non‐invasive biomarker to classify healthy adults and those with heart failure.

Methods and results

We used digitized electrocardiogram recordings from 54 adults with normal sinus rhythm and 44 adults categorized into New York Heart Association classes 1, 2, and 3, suffering from congestive heart failure. All recordings were sourced from the PhysioNet database. Following data pre‐processing, we performed time‐domain HRV analysis on all individual recordings, including root mean square of the successive difference in adjacent RR interval (RRi) (RMSSD), the standard deviation of RRi (SDNN, the NN stands for natural or sinus intervals), the standard deviation of the successive differences between successive RRi (SDSD), the number or percentage of RRi longer than 50 ms (NN50 and pNN50), and the average value of RRi [mean RR interval (mRRi)]. In our experimental classification performance evaluation, on the computed HRV parameters, we optimized hyperparameters and performed five‐fold cross‐validation using four machine learning classification algorithms: support vector machine, k‐nearest neighbour (KNN), naïve Bayes, and decision tree (DT). We evaluated the prediction accuracy of these models using performance criteria, namely, precision, recall, specificity, F1 score, and overall accuracy. For added insight, we also presented receiver operating characteristic (ROC) plots and area under the ROC curve (AUC) values. The overall best performance accuracy of 77% was achieved when KNN and DT were trained on computed HRV parameters with a 5 min time window. KNN obtained an AUC of 0.77, while DT attained 0.78. Additionally, in the classification of severe congestive heart failure, KNN and DT had the best accuracy of 91%, with KNN achieving an AUC of 0.88 and DT obtaining 0.92.

Conclusions

The results show that HRV can accurately predict severe congestive heart failure. The findings of this study could inform the use of machine learning approaches on non‐invasive HRV, to screen congestive heart failure individuals in primary care.
Examining the effect of polyurethane dressing containing silver particles on the rate of diabetic foot ulcer infection in hospitalized patients: A randomized control study
Authors: Hosseinpoor Saeideh , Kalroozi Fatemeh , Nezamzadeh Maryam , Pishgooie Seyed AmirHosein
Published: November 2023

Background and Aims

One of the new types of dressings is the polyurethane dressing containing silver particles. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of polyurethane dressing containing silver particles on the rate of diabetic foot ulcer infection in hospitalized patients in a military hospital.

Methods

This was a randomized clinical trial study on 48 patients with diabetic foot ulcers who were referred to the wound clinic of Shahid Dr. Chamran Hospital in 2022. The qualified samples were divided into two groups of silver polyurethane dressing and simple sterile dressing based on a randomization block method. The wounds of both groups of patients were initially cleaned with normal saline and in the first round of dressing, and a sample of tissue secretions was collected by the researcher using a sterile swab from the wounds of the patients on two occasions, superficially and deeply. The patients' wounds in the intervention group were dressed with polyurethane foam dressing containing silver particles, while the simple sterile routine dressing was used in the control group. The rate of infection and wound secretions were examined and recorded on the first, seventh, fourteenth, and twenty‐first days from the start of dressing in both groups. To collect data, the IDSA tool was used.

Results

The rates of wound infection before the intervention showed no significant differences in the two groups (p = 0.242). However, these rates changed on the 7th, 14th, and 21st days after the intervention. Moreover, the infection rate was significantly lower in the polyurethane dressing group containing silver particles (p < 0.001 and F = 30.31).

Conclusions

Using polyurethane dressing was proven to be more effective in this study on the rate of diabetic ulcer infection in patients compared to the simple sterile dressing. Thus, nurses can use this dressing for faster treatment of diabetic foot ulcers infection.
Recent developments in three‐dimensional Zn metal anodes for battery applications
Authors: Chen Jianyu , Wang Yizhou , Tian Zhengnan , Zhao Jin , Ma Yanwen , Alshareef Husam N.
Published: November 2023

Aqueous zinc (Zn) ion batteries (AZIBs) are regarded as one of the promising candidates for next‐generation electrochemical energy storage systems due to their low cost, high safety, and environmental friendliness. However, the commercialization of AZIBs has been severely restricted by the growth of dendrite at the Zn metal anode. Tailoring the planar‐structured Zn anodes into three‐dimensional (3D) structures has proven to be an effective way to modulate the plating/stripping behavior of Zn anodes, resulting in the suppression of dendrite formation. This review provides an up‐to‐date review of 3D structured Zn metal anodes, including working principles, design, current status, and future prospects. We aim to give the readers a comprehensive understanding of 3D‐structured Zn anodes and their effective usage to enhance AZIB performance.
Quality audits of nuclear medicine practices in a middle‐income African setting
Authors: Lutaka Magdalena , Speelman Aladdin , Naidoo Subhadranalene , Hamunyela Roswita
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) introduced a Quality Management Audits in Nuclear Medicine (QUANUM) programme, to improve nuclear medicine practice standards aligned with international standards through self‐assessments. The absence of quality management audits in nuclear medicine departments could potentially result in a compromise in the safety and quality of patient care. To date, there is no evidence that quality audits have been conducted in nuclear medicine departments of this middle‐income country. This quality audit, therefore, assessed conformance to the IAEA QUANUM programme in four nuclear medicine departments.

Methods

The study adopted a quantitative methodological exploratory approach. The IAEA QUANUM programme was used to audit nuclear medicine services' overall activity such as clinical practice, management, radiopharmacy, general and radiation safety, quality assurance, operations and services. The data was collected via document analysis in four nuclear medicine department identified as Sites A–D.

Results

Overall results showed that Site A conformed with 247 out of 370 (67%) counts and non‐conformed with 123 out of 370 (33%) counts whilst Site B conformed with 205 out of 342 (60%) counts and non‐conformed with 137 out of 342 counts (40%). Site C conformed with 259 out of 345 (75%) counts and non‐conformed with 86 out of 345 (25%) counts. Site D conformed with 166 out of 349 (48%) counts and non‐conformed with 183 out of 349 (52%) counts. The study yielded 125 overall recommendations.

Conclusions

All the sites demonstrated good compliance to international standards in radionuclide therapy. Site A complied poorly in strategies and policies, whilst Site B complied poorly in quality control of equipment. Site C showed poor compliance to human resource development and Site D showed aspects pertaining to administration and management as well as evaluation of quality systems.
p16/Ki67 dual stain triage versus cytology in primary human papillomavirus‐based cervical cancer screening with limited genotyping
Authors: Trzeszcz Martyna , Mazurec Maciej , Jach Robert , Mazurec Karolina , Kotkowska‐Szeps Izabela , Kania Magdalena , Wantuchowicz Mariola , Wasowska Jolanta , Duczek‐Polakiewicz Monika , Rozmus Patrycja , Streb Joanna , Halon Agnieszka
Published: November 2023

The introduction of primary human papillomavirus (HPV) cervical cancer screening requires the implementation of an appropriate triage strategy that will be effective in detecting high‐grade cervical disease without losing diagnostic specificity. From the 30.066 screening tests results, a total of 1086 with available high‐risk human papillomavirus (HRHPV) with limited genotyping, cytology, and p16/Ki67 dual‐stain were selected. Two triage strategies for primary HPV screening were analyzed retrospectively based on the study group. Performance characteristics for p16/Ki67 and cytology triage in the detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CIN2+) and grade 3 or worse (CIN3+) were calculated, detected in colposcopic biopsy. In HPV16/18‐positive cases, primary HPV with p16/Ki67 triage was significantly more specific than cytology (53.1%/16.8% for CIN2+; p < 0.0001; 45.9%/17.0% for CIN3+; p < 0.0001), with yielded sensitivity (95.7%/84.8% for CIN2+; p = 0.0955; 100.0%/87.5% for CIN3+; p = 0.0832). In other HRHPV‐positive cases (N16/N18), p16/Ki67 triage was also significantly higher specific (51.3%/15.3% for CIN2+; p < 0.0001; 44.5%/16.5% for CIN3+; p < 0.0001), with sensitivity (92.3%/74.4% for CIN2+; p = 0.0522; 90.9%/81.8% for CIN3+; p = 0.5637). Diagnostic predictive values were significantly higher for p16/Ki67 triage with the highest PPV in HPV16/18‐positive cases for CIN2+ (45.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 35.2–55.8; p < 0.0001) and very high NPV in all HPV‐positive cases regardless of detected genotype (96.3%–100.0%). The risk (1‐NPV) for CIN3+ in HRHPV16/18‐positive/p16/Ki67‐negative women was 0.0%. Superior diagnostic performance compared to cytology for detecting cervical cancer precursors indicates that p16/Ki67 dual‐immunostain may be a highly effective tool of triage in primary HPV screening with limited HPV 16/18 genotyping in secondary cervical cancer prevention.
Polypharmacy in atrial fibrillation: A prospective analysis of mortality and ischemic stroke using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink
Authors: Slater Natasha , White Simon , Frisher Martin
Published: November 2023

Background

Observational studies of polypharmacy and the risk of death or stroke in individuals with atrial fibrillation (AF) have produced inconsistent findings. By using propensity score matching (PSM) and Cox regression, this study aimed to determine whether polypharmacy (five to nine medicines) in the 3 months following AF diagnosis, is associated with an increased risk of death or ischemic stroke, compared to non‐polypharmacy (one to four medicines).

Methods

A prospective cohort study using data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (2006–2019). Data from 23 629 individuals with AF were analyzed. Cox regression models were adjusted for age, gender, morbidities, obesity, alcohol, smoking, and wealth. In the PSM models, cases and controls with near identical health profiles were selected from the study pool. The risk of death and stroke were presented as hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

68.9% (n = 16 271) of the participants had polypharmacy. PSM showed that polypharmacy was associated with an increased risk of death during follow‐up (HR 1.32; 95% CI: 1.19–1.47, p < .01), but not ischemic stroke (HR 0.84; 95% CI: 0.69–1.02, p = .08).

Conclusion

Polypharmacy was associated with an increased risk of death during follow‐up, but not ischemic stroke, in individuals with AF. The effects of comorbidity and other confounding factors were reduced by using PSM. This study focused on the overall medication burden; however, further research is needed to identify which specific medications in polypharmacy regimens increase the risk of mortality in AF. These findings could inform prescribing practices in the future.
Functionalization of rice husk‐derived mesoporous silica nanoparticles for targeted and imaging in cancer drug delivery
Authors: Chen Shiow‐Yi , Jian Jhih‐Yun , Lin Hsiu‐Mei
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Rice, a pivotal global food staple, annually accumulates vast amounts of rice husks, resulting in substantial environmental impact. Exploiting the high silica content in rice husk, our research aimed to recycle this agricultural byproduct to synthesize mesoporous silica nanoparticles (rMSNs). These nanoparticles were further modified to evaluate their potential as effective carriers for cancer drug delivery.

RESULTS

rMSNs showed high biocompatibility, large surface area and porous structure as MSNs, making them excellent drug carriers. Further modifications were applied to rMSNs, such as the incorporation of the lanthanides europium and gadolinium into rMSNs, making them fluorescent and magnetic for detection and tracking using confocal fluorescence microscopy and magnetic resonance imaging. Additionally, folic acid and aptamer AS1411 were conjugated with rMSNs to enhance the targeting of cancer cells. HeLa cells exhibited higher uptake of camptothecin (CPT)‐loaded rMSNs compared to normal fibroblast cells (L929). The linkage of disulfide bonds to rMSNs also allowed CPT to be carried by rMSNs and released intracellularly in the presence of the abundant reducing agent glutathione. The validation of rMSNs in vitro and in vivo proved their practical feasibility.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that low‐cost rMSNs, derived from recycled agricultural waste, can replace highly valuable MSNs. Functionalized rMSNs exhibit promising capabilities in transporting clinical drugs to specific aberrant tissues and offering dual‐targeting and dual‐imaging functionalities for enhanced cancer therapy. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
The influence of environmental parameters on spatial variation in zoobenthic density and stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N, and δ34S) within a large lake
Authors: Heuvel Cecilia E. , Zhao Yingming , Ciborowski Jan J. H. , Wang Li , Mancini Emilee , Fisk Aaron T.
Published: November 2023

The use of baselines in stable isotope studies to interpret food web structure is essential, but baseline isotope values are often assumed to be spatially homogeneous, even in large aquatic ecosystems. To test this assumption in large lakes, we quantified spatial variation in δ13C, δ15N (deposit‐feeding Oligochaeta and filter‐feeding Dreissena spp.), and δ34S (Dreissena spp. only) and density in Lake Erie between 2014 and 2016. Lake Erie's three distinct basins differ in size, bathymetry, and nutrient loading, making it an excellent system for exploring spatial variation in stable isotopes of baseline organisms. Dreissena spp. densities were highest in the western and lowest in the seasonally hypoxic central basin, while Oligochaeta densities were relatively consistent throughout Lake Erie. Values of δ13C, δ15N, and δ34S exhibited distinct spatial trends that were not related to population densities but followed the west to east direction of water flow within the lake. For both taxa, δ13C was lower in the deeper, oligotrophic east basin than the shallow, mesotrophic west basin, and δ15N and δ34S increased from west to east. Spatial patterns of low δ34S in Dreissena spp. in the western and central basins were likely related to hypoxia, whereas patterns of δ15N in both taxa were probably related to the greater influence of agricultural land uses in the western basin. Spatial trends of stable isotopes in large lake zoobenthos are driven by complex interactions of environmental gradients, which could introduce bias in evaluations of trophic structures within aquatic ecosystems that use stable isotopes.
Comparison of quartz and sapphire optical chambers for infrared laser sealing of vascular tissues using a reciprocating, side‐firing optical fiber: Simulations and experiments
Authors: Saeed Woheeb M. , O'Brien Patrick J. , Yoshino Jude , Restelli Aidan R. , Traynham Alexandria J. , Fried Nathaniel M.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Infrared (IR) lasers are being tested as an alternative to radiofrequency (RF) and ultrasonic (US) surgical devices for hemostatic sealing of vascular tissues. In previous studies, a side‐firing optical fiber with elliptical IR beam output was reciprocated, producing a linear IR laser beam pattern for uniform sealing of blood vessels. Technical challenges include limited field‐of‐view of vessel position within the metallic device jaws, and matching fiber scan length to variable vessel sizes. A transparent jaw may improve visibility and enable custom treatment.

Methods

Quartz and sapphire square optical chambers (2.7 × 2.7 × 25 [mm3] outer dimensions) were tested, capable of fitting into a 5‐mm‐OD laparoscopic device. A 1470 nm laser was used for optical transmission studies. Razor blade scans and an IR beam profiler acquired fiber (550‐µm‐core/0.22NA) output beam profiles. Thermocouples recorded peak temperatures and cooling times on internal and external chamber surfaces. Optical fibers with angle polished distal tips delivered 94% of light at a 90° angle. Porcine renal arteries with diameters of 3.4 ± 0.7 mm (n = 13) for quartz and 3.2 ± 0.7 mm (n = 14) for sapphire chambers (p > 0.05), were sealed using 30 W for 5 s.

Results

Reflection losses at material/air interfaces were 3.3% and 7.4% for quartz and sapphire. Peak temperatures on the external chamber surface averaged 74 ± 8°C and 73 ± 10°C (p > 0.05). Times to cool down to 37°C measured 13 ± 4 s and 27 ± 7 s (p < 0.05). Vessel burst pressures (BP) averaged 883 ± 393 mmHg and 412 ± 330 mmHg (p < 0.05). For quartz, 13/13 (100%) vessels were sealed (BP > 360 mmHg), versus 9/14 (64%) for sapphire. Computer simulations for the quartz chamber yielded peak temperatures (78°C) and cooling times (16 s) similar to experiments.

Conclusions

Quartz is an inexpensive material for use in a laparoscopic device jaw, providing more consistent vessel seals and faster cooling times than sapphire and current RF and US devices.