bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring Peptido‐Nanocomposites in the Context of Amyloid Diseases
Authors: Andrikopoulos Nicholas , Tang Huayuan , Wang Yue , Liang Xiufang , Li Yuhuan , Davis Thomas P. , Ke Pu Chun
Published: November 2023

Therapeutic peptides are a major class of pharmaceutical drugs owing to their target‐binding specificity as well as their versatility in inhibiting aberrant protein‐protein interactions associated with human pathologies. Within the realm of amyloid diseases, the use of peptides and peptidomimetics tailor‐designed to overcome amyloidogenesis has been an active research endeavor since the late 90s. In more recent years, incorporating nanoparticles for enhancing the biocirculation and delivery of peptide drugs has emerged as a frontier in nanomedicine, and nanoparticles have further demonstrated a potency against amyloid aggregation and cellular inflammation to rival strategies employing small molecules, peptides, and antibodies. Despite these efforts, however, a fundamental understanding of the chemistry, characteristics and function of peptido‐nanocomposites is lacking, and a systematic analysis of such strategy for combating a range of amyloid pathogeneses is missing. Here we review the history, principles and evolving chemistry of constructing peptido‐nanocomposites from bottom up and discuss their future application against amyloid diseases that debilitate a significant portion of the global population.
Complete Glucose Electrooxidation Enabled by Coordinatively Unsaturated Copper Sites in Metal–Organic Frameworks
Authors: Shi Xiaoyue , Ling Yiqi , Li Youcong , Li Guanhua , Li Juan , Wang Lingwei , Min Fanhong , Hübner René , Yuan Shuai , Zhan Jinhua , Cai Bin
Published: November 2023

The electrocatalytic oxidation of glucose plays a vital role in biomass conversion, renewable energy, and biosensors, but significant challenges remain to achieve high selectivity and high activity simultaneously. In this study, we present a novel approach for achieving complete glucose electrooxidation utilizing Cu‐based metal‐hydroxide‐organic framework (Cu‐MHOF) featuring coordinatively unsaturated Cu active sites. In contrast to traditional Cu(OH)2 catalysts, the Cu‐MHOF exhibits a remarkable 40‐fold increase in electrocatalytic activity for glucose oxidation, enabling exclusive oxidation of glucose into formate and carbonate as the final products. The critical role of open metal sites in enhancing the adsorption affinity of glucose and key intermediates was confirmed by control experiments and density functional theory simulations. Subsequently, a miniaturized nonenzymatic glucose sensor was developed showing superior performance with a high sensitivity of 214.7 μA mM−1 cm−2, a wide detection range from 0.1 μM to 22 mM, and a low detection limit of 0.086 μM. Our work provides a novel molecule‐level strategy for designing catalytically active sites and could inspire the development of novel metal–organic framework for next‐generation electrochemical devices.
Discovery of a Potent Proteolysis Targeting Chimera Enables Targeting the Scaffolding Functions of FK506‐Binding Protein 51 (FKBP51)
Authors: Geiger Thomas M. , Walz Michael , Meyners Christian , Kuehn Angela , Dreizler Johannes K. , Sugiarto Wisely O. , Maciel Edvaldo V. S. , Zheng Min , Lermyte Frederik , Hausch Felix
Published: November 2023

The FK506‐binding protein 51 (FKBP51) is a promising target in a variety of disorders including depression, chronic pain, and obesity. Previous FKBP51‐targeting strategies were restricted to occupation of the FK506‐binding site, which does not affect core functions of FKBP51. Here, we report the discovery of the first FKBP51 proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) that enables degradation of FKBP51 abolishing its scaffolding function. Initial synthesis of 220 FKBP‐focused PROTACs yielded a plethora of active PROTACs for FKBP12, six for FKBP51, and none for FKBP52. Structural analysis of a binary FKBP12:PROTAC complex revealed the molecular basis for negative cooperativity. Linker‐based optimization of first generation FKBP51 PROTACs led to the PROTAC SelDeg51 with improved cellular activity, selectivity, and high cooperativity. The structure of the ternary FKBP51:SelDeg51:VCB complex revealed how SelDeg51 establishes cooperativity by dimerizing FKBP51 and the von Hippel‐Lindau protein (VHL) in a glue‐like fashion. SelDeg51 efficiently depletes FKBP51 and reactivates glucocorticoid receptor (GR)‐signalling, highlighting the enhanced efficacy of full protein degradation compared to classical FKBP51 binding.
Tetra‐ and Hexavalent Siglec‐8 Ligands Modulate Immune Cell Activation
Authors: Conti Gabriele , Bärenwaldt Anne , Rabbani Said , Mühlethaler Tobias , Sarcevic Mirza , Jiang Xiaohua , Schwardt Oliver , Ricklin Daniel , Pieters Roland J. , Läubli Heinz , Ernst Beat
Published: November 2023

Carbohydrate‐binding proteins are generally characterized by poor affinities for their natural glycan ligands, predominantly due to the shallow and solvent‐exposed binding sites. To overcome this drawback, nature has exploited multivalency to strengthen the binding by establishing multiple interactions simultaneously. The development of oligovalent structures frequently proved to be successful, not only for proteins with multiple binding sites, but also for proteins that possess a single recognition domain. Herein we present the syntheses of a number of oligovalent ligands for Siglec‐8, a monomeric I‐type lectin found on eosinophils and mast cells, alongside the thermodynamic characterization of their binding. While the enthalpic contribution of each binding epitope was within a narrow range to that of the monomeric ligand, the entropy penalty increased steadily with growing valency. Additionally, we observed a successful agonistic binding of the tetra‐ and hexavalent and, to an even larger extent, multivalent ligands to Siglec‐8 on immune cells and modulation of immune cell activation. Thus, triggering a biological effect is not restricted to multivalent ligands but could be induced by low oligovalent ligands as well, whereas a monovalent ligand, despite binding with similar affinity, showed an antagonistic effect.
A study on melt spinning of polyethylene terephthalate filament yarns containing various concentrations of synthesized CuO nanoparticles
Authors: Heydari Sepide , Tavanaie Mohammad Ali , Montazer Majid , Mahmoudi‐Rad Mahnaz
Published: November 2023

In this research the CuO nanoparticles were synthesized with four different methods then used to produce polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers with antibacterial, antifungal, and photocatalytic properties during the melt spinning process. Nanoparticles were synthesized in different ways using copper acetate salt (Cu(CH3COO)2) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The synthesis of copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles was confirmed by field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM images), EDX patterns, TGA, FTIR, X‐ray diffraction pattern XRD, and UV‐vis absorption spectrum. The results showed that synthesized nanoparticles exhibited strong antibacterial activity against gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria. Finally, after examining the fibers with different percentages of nanoparticles), fibers containing 1% of nanoparticles were produced using a 20% nanocopper oxide masterbatch as the optimal sample. The presence of nanoparticles in the fiber structure was confirmed by FE‐SEM images, EDX, XRD, and FTIR analysis. Furthermore, the tensile properties, thermal behavior, and photocatalytic properties of the fibers were investigated. Evaluation of the antibacterial and antifungal activity of the produced fibers against gram‐positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans fungus showed about 90% death of bacteria and fungi.
Effects of subphase pH and temperature on the interfacial behavior of double hydrophilic diblock copolymer PDEGMA‐b‐PDIPAEMA
Authors: Li Jian , Wen Gangyao , Selianitis Dimitrios , Pispas Stergios , Zhang Yu , Li Hongfei
Published: November 2023

The aggregation behavior of two pH‐ and temperature‐responsive diblock copolymers of poly[di‐(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate]‐block‐poly[2‐(diisopropylamino) ethyl methacrylate] (PDEGMA‐b‐PDIPAEMA) at the air/water interface and the structures of their Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) films were studied by the Langmuir monolayer technique and atomic force microscopy, respectively. At the air/water interface, PDEGMA‐b‐PDIPAEMA tends to form the core‐shell‐corona micellar structure composed of a PDIPAEMA main chain core, an amino ethyl ester shell, and a PDEGMA corona. Under acidic, neutral, and alkaline conditions, PDIPAEMA blocks are completely protonated, partially protonated, and completely non‐protonated, respectively, and the protonated amino ethyl ester groups are immersed in water before monolayer compression, whereas PDEGMA coronas are adsorbed at the interface. At pH 3, 7, and 10, the limiting areas (A0) for PDEGMA42%‐PDIPAEMA58% (weight percents) and PDEGMA55%‐PDIPAEMA45% are 8.2/10.2/14.0 and 6.7/8.3/8.4 nm2, respectively. The A0 values of the former copolymer are larger than those of the latter. This is because the shells in the former copolymer are denser due to the higher polymerization degree of PDIPAEMA blocks, providing greater steric hindrance for PDEGMA coronas and making the latter more extended at the interface. In contrast to other copolymer systems, the effect of temperature on the isotherms of PDEGMA‐b‐PDIPAEMA is less obvious.
The elusive scleral cartilages: Comparative anatomy and development in teleosts and avians
Authors: Franz‐Odendaal Tamara A.
Published: November 2023

The sclera of all vertebrate eyes is comprised of connective tissue, with some organisms developing cartilage within this tissue. A review of the cartilages that have been described in the vertebrate sclera and their anatomical relationships is discussed together with their potential homology. Incorrect terminology erroneously implies similarity in location, development, morphology, and evolution, which may lead some scientists to assume all cartilages in orbit are the same elements when reading the literature. Therefore, new terminology to distinguish the different types of cartilage associated with the vertebrate eye is proposed. The scleral cartilages that are likely homologous to one another and which are situated in the sclera, should be termed scleral cartilages sensu stricto, while other cartilages in the sclera should be termed ocular cartilages. Some of the cartilages also ossify, and these bones should be distinguished from the scleral ossicles. The plasticity of the scleral tissue layer and its range of morphologies from fibrous to cartilaginous connective tissue across different vertebrate lineages are also described. This review also highlights several gaps in our understanding of the vertebrate scleral cartilages, in particular.
Anatomy in the metaverse: Exploring student technology acceptance through the UTAUT2 model
Authors: Kalınkara Yusuf , Özdemir Oğuzhan
Published: November 2023

The impact of technology on educational domains has been a subject of research for many years. Therefore, understanding how students perceive and utilize technologies for educational purposes is crucial. Especially in a critical subject like anatomy education, it is essential to employ various models to determine students' technology acceptance and usage levels. One of these models is the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology‐2 (UTAUT2). In this study, the acceptance and usage levels of metaverse technology by students in the context of anatomy education in the metaverse environment have been investigated within the framework of the UTAUT2 model. The study was conducted with students from the Department of Midwifery at the Faculty of Health Sciences during the fall semester of the 2022–2023 academic year. After 6 weeks of anatomy education in the metaverse environment, the student's acceptance and usage levels of metaverse technology were assessed using the UTAUT2 scale. The collected data were analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation modeling method. The research has revealed the technology acceptance and usage levels of students who utilized metaverse technology in anatomy education. According to the obtained results, it has been observed that social influence affects behavioral intention, facilitating conditions influence behavioral intention, and habit variable affects behavioral intention, while habit, in turn, influences usage. Other variables explain behavioral intention with a proportion of 75.30%, whereas other variables explain usage behavior with 54.90%. Upon analyzing the responses to the UTAUT2 scale, it has been concluded that there is the highest level of participation in hedonic motivation. In contrast, the habit variable has the lowest participation level. The findings of this study have enabled the identification of the impacts of metaverse technologies on anatomy and health education. These results will likely contribute to improving the utilization of metaverse technologies in anatomy and health education.
Evaluating knowledge loss over multiple retention intervals can identify deficiencies and inform curricular development
Authors: Neumeier Melanie , Narnaware Yuwaraj (Raj)
Published: November 2023

Nursing students struggle to retain enough anatomical knowledge to meet their entry to practice competencies, but what knowledge is missing and when this occurs has been previously unexplored. A cohort of 80 nursing students were given multiple choice quizzes to assess their anatomical knowledge on 11 different organ systems during their second, third, and fourth year. Results were analyzed in comparison to their first‐year examination scores to determine knowledge loss. Results showed an overall knowledge loss of 33.5% in the second year, 31.8% in the third year, and 29.6% in the fourth year. There were significant differences in system specific results. Special senses (i.e., audition) had a 20.6% loss in the second year, increased in retention to a 17.3% loss in third year, and then decreased to a 37% loss in fourth year. The vascular system had a 46.1% knowledge loss at the second‐year assessment, declined to 49% knowledge loss in the third year, but improved to 27.6% knowledge loss by the fourth year. A similar change was observed for the musculoskeletal system with second‐year loss at 30.7%, third‐year loss at 40.3%, and fourth‐year loss at 26.6%. These data suggest there are significant differences in the amount of knowledge retained by nursing students depending on the system being tested and the year the test is taken. Identifying the areas and times where anatomical knowledge is lost and gained is valuable for instructors in any program so that specific topics can be targeted at different times with more effective educational strategies.
Transition Metal Triple‐decker Sandwich Complexes Containing Group 13 Elements
Authors: Chatterjee Debipada , Bairagi Subhash , Ghosh Sundargopal
Published: November 2023

Transition metal triple‐decker complexes are an interesting class of sandwich complexes that engrossed great attention due to their structures and properties. Over the decades, synthesis of triple‐decker complexes featuring homocyclic, heterocyclic orπ‐conjugated rings as middle decks have been abundantly reported. In this regard, the chemistry of such complexes bearing boron in the middle deck are well explored due to the ability of boron‐containing cycles to readily coordinate bifacially with metal atoms thereby forming triple‐decker complexes. On the other hand, electron counting rules and theoretical calculations have strengthened our knowledge of the structure and bonding in these complexes. Further, these complexes can be used as synthons to generate organometallic polymers having interesting electronic, optical and magnetic properties that can be appropriately tuned to cater to a wide range of applications. In our quest for novel metallaboranes and metallaheteroboranes, we have been successful in isolating various triple‐decker complexes that feature boron in the middle deck. This review explained elaborately the synthesis, structures, and bonding in such complexes reported by us and others.
Multilayer network changes in patients with migraine
Authors: Kim Jinseung , Lee Dong Ah , Lee Ho‐Joon , Park Kang Min
Published: November 2023

Introduction

To investigate changes in the multilayer network in patients with migraine compared to healthy controls.

Methods: This study enrolled 82 patients with newly diagnosed migraine without aura and 53 healthy controls. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was conducted using a 3‐tesla MRI scanner, including three‐dimensional T1‐weighted and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). A gray matter layer matrix was created with a morphometric similarity network using T1‐weighted imaging and the FreeSurfer program. A white matter layer matrix was also created with structural connectivity using the DTI studio (DSI) program. A multilayer network analysis was then performed by applying graph theory using the BRAPH program.

Results

Significant changes were observed in the multilayer network at the global level in patients with migraines compared to the healthy controls. The multilayer modularity (0.177 vs. 0.160, p = .0005) and average multiplex participation (0.934 vs. 0.924, p = .002) were higher in patients with migraines than in the healthy controls. In contrast, the average multilayer clustering coefficient (0.406 vs. 0.461, p = .0005), average overlapping strength (56.061 vs. 61.676, p = .0005), and average weighted multiplex participation (0.847 vs. 0.878, p = .0005) were lower in patients with migraine than in the healthy controls. In addition, several regions showed significant changes in the multilayer network at the nodal level, including multiplex participation, multilayer clustering coefficients, overlapping strengths, and weighted multiplex participation.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated significant changes in the multilayer network in patients with migraines compared to healthy controls. This could aid an understanding of the complex brain network in patients with migraine and may be associated with the pathophysiology of migraines. Patients with migraine show multilayer network changes in widespreading brain regions compared to healthy controls, and specific brain areas seem to play a hub role for pathophysiology of the migraine.
Achieving competitive advantage through bricolage: A small business perspective
Authors: Abukari Abdul Jelil , Wenyuan Li , Pomegbe Wisdom Wise Kwabla , Alhassan Alolo Abdul Rasheed Akeji , Epezagne Assamala Ingrid Ruth
Published: November 2023

The entrepreneurial bricolage theory has been connected to a wide range of organizational phenomena, including innovation, firm performance, social entrepreneurship, and opportunity identification. Regrettably, research in this domain is yet to significantly heighten understanding of its connection to competitive advantage, which has been touted as the ultimate goal of any strategic business. This study reverses this trend by looking at the impact of entrepreneurial bricolage on competitive advantage as well as the mediating effect of resource orchestration capability in the relationship. Based on survey data administered to 413 small business enterprises (SBEs), structural equation modeling was used to analyze the results. Results show that entrepreneurial bricolage was significantly related to competitive advantage. Resource orchestration capability partially mediated the relationship between entrepreneurial bricolage and competitive advantage. A novel finding of this study documents resource orchestration capability and entrepreneurial bricolage as antecedents of competitive advantage, which has been missing in prior literature. The study concludes with theoretical and managerial implications and also proffers future research direction.
Renal cell carcinoma in the contralateral kidney with TFE3 gene translocation following chemotherapy for childhood nephroblastoma: A case report and literature review
Authors: Fujisawa Shunsuke , Furukawa Junya , Hara Takuto , Okada Keiske , Chiba Kouji , Nakano Yuzo , Hyodo Toshiki , Nagashima Yoji , Fujisawa Masato
Published: November 2023

Key Clinical Message

Renal cell carcinoma as a secondary malignant neoplasm is relatively rare; however, the possibility of secondary renal cell carcinoma following chemoradiotherapy for childhood nephroblastoma should be considered.

The occurrence of secondary renal cell carcinoma (RCC) following chemoradiotherapy for nephroblastoma is relatively rare, especially in microphthalmia transcription factor family translocation renal cell carcinoma. A 13‐year‐old Japanese male was referred to our department for treatment of a right kidney mass. The patient had undergone open left nephrectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy for nephroblastoma, 12 years before. Diagnostic imaging revealed a tumor in the right kidney and a lesion suspected to be metastasis in the left eighth rib. Chromophobe RCC or translocation RCC was suspected from the imaging pattern. TNM classification was cT1aN0M1, and the clinical stage was IV. Partial nephrectomy by robot‐assisted surgery for the right renal tumor and resection of the left eighth rib were performed. Pathologically, the renal tumor was diagnosed as translocation RCC, and the rib lesion demonstrated no evidence of malignancy. We are currently undergoing imaging follow‐up and the patient has been recurrence‐free for 15 months. In this study, we present a rare case of secondary translocation RCC after successful treatment of nephroblastoma.
Controlling C−OAryl Hydrogenolysis vs Aryl Hydrogenation in Lignin Model Depolymerization Using Ni‐, Rh‐ or Ni/Rh‐based Silica Catalysts
Authors: Raachini Rita , Romdhane Ferdaous Ben , Sassoye Capucine , Boutros Maya , Launay Franck
Published: November 2023

This paper focuses on the hydrogenolysis of 2‐phenoxy‐1‐phenylethanone, modelling a pre‐oxidized form of lignin using five catalysts of similar metal content, prepared by impregnation of Ni(II), Rh(III) and both metals onto Aerosil‐380 in the presence of NH3, followed by a reduction step. The materials were characterized in the dried as‐synthesized state and after consecutive reductive and oxidative treatments, showing the great dispersion of the metal (oxide nanoparticles with sizes<2 nm). Working with 1 mol % of the reduced metal (500 °C) per substrate at 180 °C with isopropanol as H‐donor, the most active catalyst, but also the least selective towards phenol, was initially found to be the Ni‐based one. Under similar conditions, the lower capacity of the Rh‐based catalyst to induce H transfer from isopropanol favoured phenol formation but resulted in much slower C−OAr cleavage. Despite a very high dispersion of the two metals in the bimetallic catalysts, no synergy was found, suggesting that Ni would be segregated at the surface. Finally, the best phenol productivity could be reached by reducing the Ni‐based catalyst at 650 °C, which led to a more efficient cleavage of C−OAr bonds. In this way, it was possible to produce 8 times more phenol per hour.
Spectroscopic Techniques to Unravel Mechanistic Details in Light‐Induced Transformations and Photoredox Catalysis
Authors: De Kreijger Simon , Gillard Martin , Elias Benjamin , Troian‐Gautier Ludovic
Published: November 2023

The rapid development of photo(redox) catalysis within the last decades is remarkable to the extent that the utilization of light‐driven processes in organic chemistry has become a credible alternative to current thermal processes. Such advances offer tremendous opportunities of collaborations between scientific realms that can have a drastic impact on the development of the field. In this concept article, a special emphasis is placed on spectroscopic techniques that are used, or could be used, for light‐induced transformations and photoredox catalysis applications. These include spectroelectrochemistry, UV‐VIS, IR and X‐Ray transient absorption spectroscopy, laser pulsed radiolysis (PR), photo‐induced chemically induced dynamic nuclear polarization (Photo‐CIDNP), photoacoustic spectroscopy, time‐resolved Raman spectroscopy (TRRS), time‐resolved Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (TREPR) and time‐resolved dielectric loss spectroscopy (TRDL). The theoretical background behind each technique is briefly introduced followed by selected relevant examples from the literature.
Toward reducing racialized pain care disparities: Approaching cannabis research and access through the lens of equity and inclusion
Authors: Worster Brooke , Meghani Salimah H. , Leader Amy E. , Nugent Shannon M. , Jones Katie Fitzgerald , Yeager Katherine A. , Liou Kevin , Ashare Rebecca L.
Published: November 2023

There is growing interest in cannabis use for cancer pain. This commentary aims to discuss the evidence surrounding cannabis use for cancer pain in the context of the long‐racialized landscape of cannabis policies and the disparity in pain control among cancer patients holding minoritized racial identities. Much evidence surrounding both the benefits and harms of cannabis use in cancer patients, and all patients in general, is lacking. Although drawing on the research in cancer that is available, it is also important to illustrate the broader context about how cannabis’ deep roots in medical, political, and social history impact patient use and health care policies. There are lessons we can learn from the racialized disparities in opioid risk mitigation strategies, so they are not replicated in the settings of cannabis for cancer symptom management. Additionally, the authors intentionally use the term “cannabis” here rather than “marijuana.: In the early 1900s, the lay press and government popularized the use of the word “marijuana” instead of the more common “cannabis” to tie the drug to anti‐Mexican prejudice.
Cloud forensics: A centralized cloud provenance investigation system usingMECC
Authors: Nasreen Shaiqa , Mir Ajaz Hussain
Published: November 2023

As a new development in digital forensics, cloud forensics (CF) is being utilized to combat cyber‐crimes. Nevertheless, the centralized compilation and preservation of evidence lessen the reliability of digital evidence. Also, the Cloud environment faces the challenge of securing the Provenance Information (PI) without being forged or tampered with, by either an internal or an external party. In the existing works, the researchers have made several attempts to trounce the issues of CF investigation but still, those issues have not been eliminated. Thus, by employing modified elliptic curve cryptography (MECC), an enhanced CF investigation system (CFIS) grounded on a centralized cloud provenance (CCP) system has been proposed to surpass such issues. For encrypting the data for a user and to securely upload and download the data, the MECC was proposed. For producing the group key, SHA‐512 was wielded. The proposed system's performance, when appraised, was found to exhibit enhanced performance against the prevailing methodologies.
The Biomimetic Synthesis of Polyarylated Fluorenes, Relevant to Selaginellaceae Polyphenols, Leading to the Spontaneous Formation of Stable Radicals
Authors: Nallappan Sundaravelu , Lapinskaite Ringaile , Hájíček Josef , Kunák Dominik , Čambal Peter , Nečas David , Císařová Ivana , Atalay Hazal Nazlıcan , Tumer Tugba B. , Tarábek Ján , Schwarzová‐Pecková Karolina , Rycek Lukas
Published: November 2023

This work reports a biomimetic synthesis of polyarylated fluorene derivatives. The molecules are formed via intramolecular electrophilic aromatic substitution, resembling a cyclization leading towards the natural selaginpulvilins from selaginellins. The scope of the reaction was investigated, and the products were obtained in 60–95 % yields. Some of the compounds decompose to a stable radical. We investigated the nature and the origin of the radical using experimental methods, including EPR or electrochemical measurements, as well as theoretical methods, such as DFT calculations. Based on our observations, we hypothesize, that phenoxy radicals are formed in the first instance, which however undergo internal rearrangement to thermodynamically more stable carbon‐centered radicals. The preliminary data also show the cytotoxic properties of some of the molecules.
Electrochemical Synthesis and Electrocatalytic Oxygen‐Evolution Performance of Two‐Dimensional NiCo‐BPDC Materials
Authors: Liu Mei‐Chen , Wei Jin‐Zhi , Xie Lu‐Hang , Jing Chang‐Yi , Yu Yue , Qiao Yu , Zhang Feng‐Ming
Published: November 2023

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have been widely studied as electrocatalysts, and the research strategy to improve their electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance is to modify their structure. In this paper, two‐dimensional bimetallic MOFs were constructed to improve electrocatalytic OER performance. Using a mild electrochemical method with Ni and Co as metal sources and 4, 4 ′‐biphenyl dicarboxylic acid (H2BPDC) as ligand, two‐dimensional NiCo‐BPDC was synthesized and then deposited on a carbon cloth electrode. The results show that NiCo‐BPDC/CC possessed a low overpotential of 356 mV at a current density of 20 mA cm−2 with a small Tafel slope of 86 mV dec−1 in 1.0 M KOH solution. The two‐dimensional NiCo‐BPDC exhibits excellent electrocatalytic OER performance because the coordination of Ni and Co in the material and the interaction of the two‐dimensional materials provide a large electrochemically active surface area and expose more metal active sites for OER, thus improving the reaction efficiency and indicating NiCo‐BPDC as potential OER electrocatalyst.
ASIC implementation of ECG denoising FIR filter by using hybrid Vedic–Wallace tree multiplier
Authors: Janwadkar Sudhanshu , Dhavse Rasika
Published: November 2023

The design of hand‐held portable devices for cardiovascular health monitoring based on the analysis of electrocardiogram (ECG) is a hot topic of research nowadays. Digital filters, possibly designed using digital multipliers, are a critical module in the design of such analysis systems. This paper presents the ASIC design of a 64th‐order digital low‐pass FIR filter to be used in ECG denoising applications. The FIR filter is optimized for usage in battery‐operated portable systems, wherein power consumption and on‐chip area are crucial parameters of concern. These challenges are met by employing a novel multiplier architecture, which we design by hybridizing the two popular digital multiplication algorithms, namely, the Vedic multiplication algorithm and the Wallace tree multiplication algorithm. The proposed multiplier consumes lower area and power consumption than either of the aforementioned conventional multiplication algorithms. This is established through FPGA‐based implementations on Artix‐7 FPGA, for the various wordlengths. The area and power optimizations are further exercised by two proposed techniques, namely, elimination of redundant multipliers, and power gating using the proposed zero‐detector circuit. RTL‐to‐GDSII flow has been completed using Cadence digital design and sign‐off tools for SCL 180 nm technology. The results indicate that the proposed filter architecture occupies 16.38% lower area and 79.58% lower power consumption than the contemporary designs described in the literature.
Guidelines for establishing a cytometry laboratory
Authors: Belkina Anna C. , Roe Caroline E. , Tang Vera A. , Back Jessica B. , Bispo Claudia , Conway Alexis , Chakraborty Uttara , Daniels Kathleen T. , de la Cruz Gelo , Ferrer‐Font Laura , Filby Andrew , Gravano David M. , Gregory Michael D. , Hall Christopher , Kukat Christian , Mozes André , Ordoñez‐Rueda Diana , Orlowski‐Oliver Eva , Pesce Isabella , Porat Ziv , Poulton Nicole J. , Reifel Kristen M. , Rieger Aja M. , Sheridan Rachael T. C. , Van Isterdael Gert , Walker Rachael V.
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this document is to provide guidance for establishing and maintaining growth and development of flow cytometry shared resource laboratories. While the best practices offered in this manuscript are not intended to be universal or exhaustive, they do outline key goals that should be prioritized to achieve operational excellence and meet the needs of the scientific community. Additionally, this document provides information on available technologies and software relevant to shared resource laboratories. This manuscript builds on the work of Barsky et al. 2016 published in Cytometry Part A and incorporates recent advancements in cytometric technology. A flow cytometer is a specialized piece of technology that require special care and consideration in its housing and operations. As with any scientific equipment, a thorough evaluation of the location, space requirements, auxiliary resources, and support is crucial for successful operation. This comprehensive resource has been written by past and present members of the International Society for Advancement of Cytometry (ISAC) Shared Resource Laboratory (SRL) Emerging Leaders Program https://isac-net.org/general/custom.asp?page=SRL-Emerging-Leaders with extensive expertise in managing flow cytometry SRLs from around the world in different settings including academia and industry. It is intended to assist in establishing a new flow cytometry SRL, re‐purposing an existing space into such a facility, or adding a flow cytometer to an individual lab in academia or industry. This resource reviews the available cytometry technologies, the operational requirements, and best practices in SRL staffing and management.
Worldwide burden and trends of diabetes among people aged 70 years and older, 1990–2019: A systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
Authors: Jiang Shimin , Yu Tianyu , Di Dingxin , Wang Ying , Li Wenge
Published: November 2023

Background

Diabetes places a significant burden on personal and public health. However, a comprehensive assessment of the burden of diabetes in older adults is lacking. We aimed to estimate the global burden of diabetes and explore trends for the population aged ≥70 from 1990 to 2019.

Methods

Using data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019, the prevalence, mortality, and disability‐adjusted life‐years (DALYs) of diabetes among people aged ≥70 were estimated by sex and age group in 2019. We also assessed the epidemiological trend of diabetes from 1990 to 2019.

Results

In 2019, 110.1 million (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 101.2–119.4) people aged ≥70 years were living with diabetes (types 1 and 2 combined) with a global prevalence of 23.7% (21.8%–25.8%). Worldwide, 181.9 deaths (163.0–194.7) per 100,000 population and 4512.3 DALYs (3861.3–5264.2) per 100,000 population occurred due to diabetes. In 2019, minor sex‐related disparities in the burden of diabetes were identified among specific age and sex groups. From 1990 to 2019, the prevalence of diabetes increased by 39.7% (37.7%–41.7%), and the related mortality and DALY rates also increased (16.4% [9.43%–22.9%] and 22.3% [17.2%–27.0%], respectively).

Conclusion and Relevance

The global burden of diabetes in adults aged ≥70 has increased markedly from 1990 to 2019. As the population continues to age, there is an urgent need to combat the increasing disease burden.
Dried blood spots for erythropoietin analysis: Detection of micro‐doses, EPO c.577del variant and comparison with in‐competition matching urine samples
Authors: Heiland Carmel E. , Martin Laurent , Zhou Xinmiao , Zhang Lisi , Ericsson Magnus , Marchand Alexandre
Published: November 2023

The abuse of recombinant erythropoietin (rEPO) and other erythropoietin (EPO) receptor agonists (ERAs) in sports prompted the need for sensitive detection methods of these substances. Dried blood spot (DBS) samples offer an easy solution for simultaneous collection of blood and urine during a doping control, but sensitivity issues are often presented as a challenge for routine EPO analysis from DBS. Its potential use for detecting rEPO micro‐doses and the EPO gene c.577del variant thus needed further demonstration. Here, capillary blood collected from the arm skin of 111 athletes with Tasso‐M20 (17.5 μL/spot), collected during professional triathlon competitions, were analysed. Also, venous blood samples from healthy volunteers were used to prepare several spots of 20 μL on Mitra VAMS (from an rEPO micro‐dose study) and Whatman filter paper (from an EPO gene variant study). Immunopurification of 2 spots with MAIIA EPO Purification Gel Kit and analysis with sodium N‐lauroylsarcosinate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SAR‐PAGE)/Western blot resulted in sensitive detection of (1) micro‐doses of rEPO from Mitra VAMS, (2) endogenous EPO from Tasso‐M20 in all in‐competition subjects, and (3) the EPO c.577del variant from Whatman filter paper. Additionally, in‐competition endogenous EPO was detected in DBS even when matching urine samples had undetectable EPO. In conclusion, this work demonstrated that DBS can be a useful complementary matrix to urine samples for EPO detection.
Emerging trends and hotspots in the links between the bile acids and NAFLD from 2002 to 2022: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Shibo Cong , Sili Wang , Yanfang Qiao , Shuxiao Gu , Susu Liu , Xinlou Chai , Yongsheng Zhang
Published: November 2023

Background

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a metabolic syndrome of the liver, and its incidence is increasing worldwide. Accumulating evidence suggests that bile acids are associated with NAFLD. Although many studies on bile acids and NAFLD have been published over the past 20 years, the authors of this study have not found a relevant bibliometric analysis in this field. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the trend of publications, summarize current research hotspots and predict future research directions through bibliometric analysis in this field.

Method

Articles related to bile acids and NAFLD published between 2002 and 2022 were obtained from the Science Citation Index‐Expanded of Web of Science Core Collection. Microsoft Excel, CiteSpace, VOSviewer and Bibliometric Online Analysis Platform were used to analyse the publication trends and research hotspots in this field.

Results

Among the articles published between 2002 and 2022, we retrieved 1284 articles related to bile acids and NAFLD, and finally included 568 articles. The USA was dominant until 2020, after which China surpassed the USA to become the dominant force. These two countries cooperate the most closely, and are also the most active in international cooperation. The University of California (UCL) was the most published institution, with a total of 31 publications. There were six authors who have published nine articles and ranked first. The keywords cluster labels show the 10 main clusters: #0fatty liver, #1obeticholic acid, #2oxidative stress, #37 alpha hydroxy 4 cholesten 3 one, #4deoxycholic acid, #5nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, #6mouse model, #7fibroblast growth factor 21, #8animal models, #9high‐fat diet. Keywords burst analysis revealed a higher intensity of study for the nuclear receptor, FXR, and metabolic syndrome.

Conclusion

Bile acids have become an important research direction in the field of NAFLD, and the intervention of gut microbiota in NAFLD by acting on bile acids may become a potential hotspot for future research. This study provides reference and guidance for future research, and will help scholars better explore the field and innovatively discover the mechanisms and treatments of NAFLD.
Cost–utility of cardiac contractility modulation in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction in Italy
Authors: Narducci Maria Lucia , Nurchis Mario Cesare , Ballacci Federico , Giordano Federica , Calabrò Giovanna Elisa , Massetti Massimo , Crea Filippo , Aspromonte Nadia , Damiani Gianfranco
Published: November 2023

Aims

Cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) is a device therapy for heart failure, based on the delivery of high‐voltage biphasic impulses to the right ventricular septum during the myocardial absolute refractory period. This study evaluated the cost‐effectiveness of CCM therapy plus optimal medical therapy (OMT) vs. OMT alone in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.

Methods and results

A Markov model with a lifespan time horizon was developed to assess the cost–utility using the FIX trials as main data sources. A deterministic sensitivity analysis and a probabilistic sensitivity analysis were run to analyse the decision uncertainty in the model through cost‐effectiveness acceptability curve (CEAC) and cost‐effectiveness acceptability frontier (CEAF). Value of information analysis was also conducted computing the expected value of perfect information (EVPI) and the expected value of partial perfect information. The base case results showed that the CCM plus OMT option was highly cost‐effective compared with OMT alone with an incremental cost–utility ratio of €7034/quality‐adjusted life year (QALY). The CEAC and CEAF illustrated that for all willingness to pay levels above €5600/QALY, tested up to €50 000/QALY, CCM plus OMT alternative had the highest probability of being cost‐effective. The EVPI per patient was estimated to be €124 412 on a willingness to pay threshold of €30 000/QALY.

Conclusions

For patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, CCM therapy could be cost‐effective when taking a lifetime horizon. Further long‐term, post‐approval clinical studies are needed to verify these results in a real‐world context, particularly concerning the effect of CCM therapy on mortality.
Photoinduced Single‐Electron Reduction of Alkenes.
Authors: Li Xiang , Tu Yong‐Liang , Chen Xiang‐Yu
Published: November 2023

Alkenes serve as versatile building blocks in organic synthesis. However, the challenge of achieving single‐electron reduction of alkenes persists. In recent years, photocatalysis has emerged as a promising and efficient tool for accomplishing the single‐electron reduction of alkenes. Given the potential benefits that can be derived from photoinduced single‐electron reduction of alkenes, including the development of potent catalytic systems to enable diverse alkene difunctionalization reactions, it is necessary to provide a conceptual understanding of this emerging field. Hence, we present an overview of current synthetic techniques for photoinduced single‐electron reduction of alkenes.
Research on serial lithium‐ion battery alternating discharge equalization control systems
Authors: Zhang Chuanwei , Sun Weixin , Huang Jing , Xia Zhan , Li Chenxi , Xu Xusheng
Published: November 2023

To improve the discharge equalization efficiency of the battery and prevent the occurrence of overdischarge, in this paper, the 18,650 ternary lithium battery is taken as the object of investigation, and an alternating equalization control system for the discharge process of serial cells is proposed. The system implements the alternating discharge of serial cells by switching on and off, using state of charge (SOC) as the equalization variable, and eventually completes the equalization control of the entire battery pack. Discharge simulations were performed in Matlab/Simulink for faulty and normal operating conditions of the battery pack, respectively. The findings indicate that even in the presence of a malfunction, the battery pack can continue to operate continuously for a while; in contrast, under ideal circumstances, the battery pack is capable of maintaining SOC balance throughout the discharge process. Eventually, five batteries are used to construct the experimental platform for the alternating equalization system. The battery pack can still perform selective discharge under fault conditions until the battery pack reaches the discharge cutoff condition. Under normal conditions, the maximum SOC difference of all five batteries can stabilize at about 1%. The experimental results show that the proposed equalization control system can achieve the equalization of battery discharge and prolong the discharge time, and can prevent the occurrence of battery over discharge.
A probably secure biometric‐based authentication and key agreement scheme for Internet of Drones
Authors: Gautam Deepika , Rana Aryan , Obaidat Mohammad S. , Kumar Pankaj , Prajapat Sunil
Published: November 2023

The Internet of Drones (IoD) is one of the world's most recent and innovative technology. Drones are most prominent IoT (Internet of Things) gadgets and their applications span from commercial to domestic. The sensitive data stored in drones has increased the demand for the security of communication in the IoD. As a result, numerous authentication and key agreement techniques have been developed to proffers secure communication among the entities of the IoD network. However, after scrutinizing the security of these protocols, many IoD protocols were observed to be susceptible to different cryptographic attacks. This has enhanced the necessity for an improved and efficient authentication scheme in IoD. In this article, we first investigate Zhang et al.'s approach and demonstrate that although it offers security verification, it has certain design problems. It is, furthermore, shown to be vulnerable to privileged insider, offline password guessing, and stolen smart device attacks. Second, we propose a novel biometric‐based scheme that includes countermeasures to protect against these flaws. The security of the mechanism is examined under real or random oracle model, informal security analysis and scyther simulation for numerous cryptographic assaults. Also, the performance analysis substantiates the competency of the proposed scheme corresponding to computation and communication cost with existing schemes.
Durable superhydrophobic surface in wearable sensors: From nature to application
Authors: Dai Ziyi , Lei Ming , Ding Sen , Zhou Qian , Ji Bing , Wang Mingrui , Zhou Bingpu
Published: November 2023

The current generation of wearable sensors often experiences signal interference and external corrosion, leading to device degradation and failure. To address these challenges, the biomimetic superhydrophobic approach has been developed, which offers self‐cleaning, low adhesion, corrosion resistance, anti‐interference, and other properties. Such surfaces possess hierarchical nanostructures and low surface energy, resulting in a smaller contact area with the skin or external environment. Liquid droplets can even become suspended outside the flexible electronics, reducing the risk of pollution and signal interference, which contributes to the long‐term stability of the device in complex environments. Additionally, the coupling of superhydrophobic surfaces and flexible electronics can potentially enhance the device performance due to their large specific surface area and low surface energy. However, the fragility of layered textures in various scenarios and the lack of standardized evaluation and testing methods limit the industrial production of superhydrophobic wearable sensors. This review provides an overview of recent research on superhydrophobic flexible wearable sensors, including the fabrication methodology, evaluation, and specific application targets. The processing, performance, and characteristics of superhydrophobic surfaces are discussed, as well as the working mechanisms and potential challenges of superhydrophobic flexible electronics. Moreover, evaluation strategies for application‐oriented superhydrophobic surfaces are presented.