bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Hormone Quantification as an Orientation Screening in the Diagnosis of Hormone-Dependent Breast Cancers in Women in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Djéda Franck Arnaud Gnahoré , Gbonon Valérie Carole M’Bengue , Diplo Flore Bernadette , Coulibaly Safiatou , Osseni Akandji , Sekongo Mamadou , N’Guessan Jean David , Djaman Joseph Allico , Dosso Mireille
Published: April 2023

Aim: Estrogens and progesterone are essential for breast development in women. Paradoxically they promote the development of breast cancer, through the stimulation and proliferation of cells by the action of hormone receptors. In Côte d'Ivoire, more than half of all diagnosed cases of breast cancer are hormone-dependent. Because of the link between female hormones and breast cancer, the consideration of certain factors, such as the period of influence of hormones (estrogen and progesterone) as well as their quantification, could be considered in orientation screening for hormone-dependent breast cancer.

Methodology: A case-control study conducted at the Cancerology Department of the Treichville University Hospital, the National Blood Transfusion Centre, and the Pasteur Institute of Côte d'Ivoire recruited 85 participants, including 39 cases and 46 non-menopausal and menopausal controls. Socio-demographic information and the participants' clinical status were collected through a questionnaire and consultation of the medical file. Blood samples were taken in dry red tubes with a coagulation activator on the day of inclusion for postmenopausal women and during the follicular phase for non-menopausal women (between days 4 and 7 of the menstrual cycle). The quantification of hormones (estrogen, progesterone, FSH, and LH) was performed by immunoassay on the Cobas e411 Analyser®.

Results: Postmenopausal cases had early menarche (13 years) and late menopause (52.46 years) compared to controls and also had slightly higher mean plasma oestradiol 2 and progesterone levels (P=0.04; P=0.017). Among these cases, those with ER+ tumors had slightly higher mean plasma oestradiol-2 levels (15.28 pg/mL) than those with ER- tumors (9.20 pg/mL) (P=0.03).

Conclusion: The epidemiological investigation and the quantification of hormones in the participants' blood plasma revealed a positive association between the period of influence of these hormones, their concentrations, and hormone-dependent breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
Dosimetric Comparison of Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy in Lung Cancers: CyberKnife Versus Helical Tomotherapy Versus Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy
Authors: Kekilli E. , Ertan F. , Çeşmeci A. B. , Adaş G. Y. , Ertaş G. , Göksel F.
Published: April 2023

Aim: Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is widely used in the treatment of early- stage lung cancer. There are several SBRT techniques. We aimed to compare three planning techniques: CyberKnife (CK), Helical Tomotherapy (HT), and Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT).

Materials and Methods: This study included 15 patients with early-stagelung cancer who were treated in our clinic. For this study, the images obtained were recontoured and replanned in CK, HT, and VMAT. Treatment plans were compared in terms of target volume and organ-at-risk doses.

Results: The HT plan differed significantly from the other plans in terms of conformity (CI), and gradient indexes (GI) (p<0.001). There was a significant difference between the plans in terms of homogeneity indexes (HI) favoring  HT (p<0.001). VMAT plan reduced the monitor unit per fraction and beam on time per fraction values (p < 0.001). The lowest lung V5 (22.7%, p = 0.046), Dmax, and the dose of 5 cc of trachea (499.4 cGy vs 252.4 cGy; p=0.017, p=0.034) and esophagus (673.9 cGyvs237.3 cGy; p=0.014 and p=0.08) were observed with the VMAT plan.

Conclusions: All plans met the organ-at-risk dose constraints and target volume doseswith acceptable limits. Each clinic should select an appropriate technique based on the available resources and experience.
Prostate Cancer in Transgender Women in the Veterans Affairs Health System, 2000-2022
Authors: Nik-Ahd Farnoosh , De Hoedt Amanda , Butler Christi , Anger Jennifer T. , Carroll Peter R. , Cooperberg Matthew R. , Freedland Stephen J.
Published: April 2023

This case series investigates the rate of prostate cancer diagnoses among transgender women treated in the Veterans Affairs health system.
Virtual interviewing in the MedPhys match: Experiences of applicants and programs
Authors: Juang Titania , Landers Angelia , Rodrigues Anna E. , Schubert Leah , Hendrickson Kristi R. G.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this survey study is to compare the experiences of programs and applicants in the MedPhys Match (MPM) in the 2020–21 match cycle with experiences reported from previous match cycles. The 2020–21 match cycle was unique in that recruitment and interviewing were almost exclusively virtual during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

A survey was sent to all applicants and programs registered for the 2020–21 MPM. Survey questions asked about the pre‐interview screening, interview, ranking, and post‐match stages of the residency match process. Survey data were analyzed using graphical methods and spreadsheet tools.

Results

Advantages and disadvantages to the virtual interviewing experience were reported by applicants and program directors (PDs). The advantages included reduced cost and greater scheduling flexibility with fewer scheduling conflicts, allowing applicants to consider more programs. These advantages greatly outweighed the disadvantages such as the inability to meet faculty/staff and current residents in person and gauge the feel of the program. PDs recognized the advantages of minimal costs and time savings for applicants. Programs reported it was difficult to convey workplace culture and the physical environment and to gauge personality and interpersonal skills of the applicants.

Conclusion

The virtual interviewing environment for residency recruitment in medical physics is strongly preferred by applicants over required in‐person interviews. The advantages identified by applicants outweigh the disadvantages, allowing applicants to feel confident in their ranking decisions and overall satisfied with their match results. PDs acknowledge the greater equity of access to interviews for applicants in the virtual environment, however, they are overall less satisfied with their ability to showcase their program's strengths and to assess the personality of applicants. Caution is urged when considering a hybrid interview model to ensure fair assessments that do not depend on whether an applicant chooses to accept an optional in‐person interview or site visit.
“Brain age” predicts disability accumulation in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Brier Matthew R. , Li Zhuocheng , Ly Maria , Karim Helmet T. , Liang Leda , Du Weixin , McCarthy John E. , Cross Anne H. , Benzinger Tammie L. S. , Naismith Robert T. , Chahin Salim
Published: April 2023

Objective

Neurodegenerative conditions often manifest radiologically with the appearance of premature aging. Multiple sclerosis (MS) biomarkers related to lesion burden are well developed, but measures of neurodegeneration are less well‐developed. The appearance of premature aging quantified by machine learning applied to structural MRI assesses neurodegenerative pathology. We assess the explanatory and predictive power of “brain age” analysis on disability in MS using a large, real‐world dataset.

Methods

Brain age analysis is predicated on the over‐estimation of predicted brain age in patients with more advanced pathology. We compared the performance of three brain age algorithms in a large, longitudinal dataset (>13,000 imaging sessions from >6,000 individual MS patients). Effects of MS, MS disease course, disability, lesion burden, and DMT efficacy were assessed using linear mixed effects models.

Results

MS was associated with advanced predicted brain age cross‐sectionally and accelerated brain aging longitudinally in all techniques. While MS disease course (relapsing vs. progressive) did contribute to advanced brain age, disability was the primary correlate of advanced brain age. We found that advanced brain age at study enrollment predicted more disability accumulation longitudinally. Lastly, a more youthful appearing brain (predicted brain age less than actual age) was associated with decreased disability.

Interpretation

Brain age is a technically tractable and clinically relevant biomarker of disease pathology that correlates with and predicts increasing disability in MS. Advanced brain age predicts future disability accumulation.
Protein kinetics of superoxide dismutase‐1 in familial and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Ly Cindy V. , Ireland Margaret D. , Self Wade K. , Bollinger James , Jockel‐Balsarotti Jennifer , Herzog Hillary , Allred Peggy , Miller Leah , Doyle Michael , Anez‐Bruzual Isabel , Trikamji Bhavesh , Hyman Ted , Kung Tyler , Nicholson Katherine , Bucelli Robert C. , Patterson Bruce W. , Bateman Randall J. , Miller Timothy M.
Published: April 2023

Objective

Accumulation of misfolded superoxide dismutase‐1 (SOD1) is a pathological hallmark of SOD1‐related amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and is observed in sporadic ALS where its role in pathogenesis is controversial. Understanding in vivo protein kinetics may clarify how SOD1 influences neurodegeneration and inform optimal dosing for therapies that lower SOD1 transcripts.

Methods

We employed stable isotope labeling paired with mass spectrometry to evaluate in vivo protein kinetics and concentration of soluble SOD1 in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of SOD1 mutation carriers, sporadic ALS participants and controls. A deaminated SOD1 peptide, SDGPVKV, that correlates with protein stability was also measured.

Results

In participants with heterozygous SOD1A5V mutations, known to cause rapidly progressive ALS, mutant SOD1 protein exhibited ~twofold faster turnover and ~ 16‐fold lower concentration compared to wild‐type SOD1 protein. SDGPVKV levels were increased in SOD1A5V carriers relative to controls. Thus, SOD1 mutations impact protein kinetics and stability. We applied this approach to sporadic ALS participants and found that SOD1 turnover, concentration, and SDGPVKV levels are not significantly different compared to controls.

Interpretation

These results highlight the ability of stable isotope labeling approaches and peptide deamidation to discern the influence of disease mutations on protein kinetics and stability and support implementation of this method to optimize clinical trial design of gene and molecular therapies for neurological disorders.

Trial Registration

Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03449212.
Dielectric Metalens by Multilayer Nanoimprint Lithography and Solution Phase Epitaxy
Authors: Quan Dunhang , Liu Xuan , Tang Yutao , Liu Hongjun , Min Siyi , Li Guixin , Srivastava Abhishek Kumar , Cheng Xing
Published: April 2023

Metasurfaces have ushered in a huge development for their superior ability in manipulating light properties including phase, amplitude, and polarization, which show great potential as alternatives for the refractive optical devices. Recently, many applications of metasurface including metalens have been proposed and investigated, aiming at substituting their refractive counterparts. However, the commonly used fabrication approaches employ electron‐beam lithography (EBL) followed by dry etching or atomic layer deposition (ALD) of dielectric materials, which are expensive and inefficient. Besides, dry etching of dielectric materials at sub‐100 nm scale with a high aspect ratio is challenging. Herein, a new approach for dielectric metalens fabrication is presented, which combines multilayer nanoimprint lithography and solution phase epitaxy. High aspect ratio ZnO nanopillars with a height‐to‐diameter ratio of over 7:1 are demonstrated. By using the multilayer nanoimprint lithography, increased aspect ratio nanostructures from shallow imprinting molds are obtained. The highly anisotropic growth characteristic enables nanopillars to grow at a height that exceeds the resist thickness. With this ability, ZnO metalenses are fabricated where the height of nanopillar reaches 1.1 μm, achieving a focusing efficiency of 50%. The process is cost‐effective with a high throughput, which can be widely used for many optical applications.
Surface‐Engineered Vanadium Carbide MXenzyme for Anti‐Inflammation and Photoenhanced Antitumor Therapy of Colon Diseases
Authors: Deng Jingwen , Xian Dongyi , Cai Xiaopeng , Liao Shaoxia , Lei Siqin , Han Fengyan , An Yandong , He Qing , Quan Guilan , Wu Chuanbin , Peng Tingting , Lu Chao , Zhang Honghe
Published: April 2023

The development of colitis‐associated colorectal cancer is known to be associated with the inflammation‐dysplasia‐carcinoma pathway, and thus, chronic inflammation represents an inducer and promoter of cancer. To inhibit the evolution from colitis to colorectal cancer and provide an efficient anticancer therapy, a surface‐engineered vanadium carbide MXene nanoenzyme (MXenzyme) is developed with both amino functionalization and gallium doping (Ga/V2C‐NH2). Benefiting from multiple enzyme‐mimicking activities, MXenzymes have shown great potential to decrease excessive reactive oxygen species and inhibit the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, resulting in good anti‐inflammatory effects on dextran sulfate sodium‐induced acute colitis. Moreover, the gallium‐doped MXene with an amino‐functionalized surface can mediate improved MXene‐tumor interactions and inhibitory effects on cell proliferation, achieving precise and efficient chemo‐photothermal therapy. Elemental doping into MXene is also highlighted as a feasible strategy to achieve the loading and controlled release of gallium. As a result, complete tumor ablation without further recurrence is observed for the colon cancer‐bearing mice that receive Ga/V2C‐NH2 and near infrared irradiation, while the MXenzyme system displays excellent biocompatibility at both the cellular and animal levels. These findings not only enrich the research of MXene, but also illustrate its efficient therapeutic promise in anti‐inflammation and photoenhanced antitumor therapy of colon diseases.
Membrane Rigidity‐Tunable Fusogenic Nanosensor for High Throughput Detection of Fusion‐Competent Influenza A Virus
Authors: Park Chaewon , Kim Eunjung , Park Geunseon , Kim Byoung Choul , Vellampatti Srivithya , Lim Jong‐Woo , Lee Sojeong , Chung Soohyun , Jun Sung‐Hoon , Lee Sangyoon , Ali Sajid , Yeom Minjoo , Song Daesub , Haam Seungjoo
Published: April 2023

The emergence of fatal viruses that pose continuous threats to global health has fueled the intense effort to develop direct, accurate, and high‐throughput virus detection platforms. Current diagnostic methods, including qPCR and rapid antigen tests, indicate how much of the virus is present, whether small fragments or whole viruses. However, these methods do not indicate the probability of the virus to be active, capable of interacting with host cells and initiating the infection cycle. Herein, a sialic acid‐presenting fusogenic liposome (sLipo–Chol) nanosensor with purposefully modulated membrane rigidity to rapidly detect the fusion‐competent influenza A virus (IAV) is developed. This nanosensor possesses virus‐specific features, including hemagglutinin (HA) binding and HA‐mediated membrane fusion. It is explored how the fusogenic capability of sLipo–Chol with different membrane rigidities impacts their sensing performance by integrating Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) pairs into the bilayers. The addition of an intact virus led to instant FRET signal changes, thus enabling the direct detection of diverse IAV subtypes—even in avian fecal samples—within an hour at room temperature. Therefore, the sensing approach, with an understanding of the cellular pathogenesis of influenza viruses, will aid in developing bioinspired nanomaterials for evolution into nanosystems to detect infection‐competent viruses.
Biphasic Transition Metal Nitride Electrode Promotes Nucleophile Oxidation Reaction for Practicable Hybrid Water Electrocatalysis
Authors: Zhu Yin , Qian Qizhu , Chen Yanxu , He Xiaoyue , Shi Xingwei , Wang Wentao , Li Ziyun , Feng Yafei , Zhang Genqiang , Cheng Fangyi
Published: April 2023

Glycerol electrooxidation (GOR), as a typical nucleophile oxidation reaction, is deemed as a promising alternative anodic route to assist cathodic hydrogen evolution reaction. However, the investigations of high‐performance catalysts and industrial‐scale application of GOR remain a grand challenge. Herein, biphasic Ni3N/Co3N heterostructure nanowires (denoted as Ni3N/Co3N‐NWs) are proposed as an efficient bifunctional catalyst, which realizes a high Faradaic efficiency of 94.6% toward formate production. Importantly, the flow electrolyzer achieves an industry‐level current density of 1 A cm−2 at 2.01 V with impressive stability for steady running over 200 h, realizing lower electricity expense of 4.82 kWh m−3H2 and energy saving efficiency of 9.7%, as well as outstanding co‐production rates of 11 and 21.4 mmol cm−2 h−1 toward formate and H2, respectively. Theoretical calculations reveal that the efficient electron transfer on Ni3N/Co3N heterointerfaces simultaneously optimizes nucleophile reaction tendency and glycerol dehydrogenation kinetics, thus contributing to excellent GOR performance.
Computational Simulation for Breakdown and Energy Storage Performances with Optimization in Polymer Dielectrics
Authors: Yue Dong , Yin Jing‐Hua , Zhang Wen‐Chao , Cheng Xiao‐Xing , Zhang Mao‐Hua , Wang Jian‐Jun , Feng Yu
Published: April 2023

The breakthrough of energy storage technology will enable energy distribution and adaptation across space‐time, which is revolutionary for the generation of energy. Optimizing the energy storage performance of polymer dielectrics remains challenging via the physical process of electrical breakdown in solid dielectrics is hard to be intuitively obtained. In this review article, the application of computational simulation technologies is summarized in energy‐storage polymer dielectrics and the effect of control variables and design structures on the material properties with an emphasis on dielectric breakdown and energy storage performance are highlighted. The prediction and evaluation of material properties by combining various data analysis methods are reviewed. Finally, the outlook and challenges are discussed based on their current developments. This article covers not only an overview of the state‐of‐the‐art advances of breakdown modeling in energy‐storage polymer dielectrics but also the prospects that provide a new knob to synthesize high energy‐storage polymer dielectrics via computational simulation and a new research paradigm.
Transition Metal Compounds Family for Li–S Batteries: The DFT‐Guide for Suppressing Polysulfides Shuttle
Authors: Liang Qi , Wang Sizhe , Yao Yao , Dong Peng , Song Haojie
Published: April 2023

Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) are considered as one of the best candidates for the next generation of high‐energy‐density storage devices owing to their superior theoretical energy density, high specific capacity, and sufficient sulfur reservoirs. However, the shuttle effect of soluble polysulfides and sluggish LiPSs redox kinetics restrict the further application of LSBs. The polysulfides shuttle effect can be efficiently alleviated and LiPSs conversion kinetics be accelerated by designing optimal transition metal compounds (TMCs) as multifunctional catalyst materials. Herein, recent advances about TMCs in LSBs are systematically summarized and analyzed. First of all, the intrinsic structural characteristics of TMCs and relevant application on their works to the adsorption energies studies are described in detail. Second, the bonding manners and structural properties are analyzed by density functional theory (DFT)‐guided calculations, focusing on the adsorption and diffusion behavior between TMCs and LiPSs. Furthermore, the mechanism of LiPSs redox reaction conversion is studied from kinetics aspects, thus developing the continuous dynamic analysis on “adsorption–diffusion–conversion” toward LiPSs. Eventually, this study particularly highlights the importance of modification engineering and provides a forward‐looking overview for its further application prospects by introduction of the previous advanced studies in LSBs.
Progress and Perspectives of Lithium Aluminum Germanium Phosphate‐Based Solid Electrolytes for Lithium Batteries
Authors: Zhang Yue , Liu Hanshuo , Xie Zhong , Qu Wei , Freschi Donald J. , Liu Jian
Published: April 2023

Solid‐state lithium batteries are considered promising energy storage devices due to their superior safety and higher energy density than conventional liquid electrolyte‐based batteries. Lithium aluminum germanium phosphate (LAGP), with excellent stability in air and good ionic conductivity, has gained tremendous attention over the past decades. However, the poor interface compatibility with Li anode, slow Li‐ion conduction in thick pellets, and high‐temperature sintering procedure limit the further development of LAGP solid electrolytes in practical applications. This review comprehensively summarizes the crystal structure, Li‐ion conducting mechanism, and various synthesis methods, especially the latest thin‐film preparation approach. The underlying reason for Li/LAGP interfacial instability is identified, followed by several advanced interface engineering strategies, for example, introducing a functional interlayer. The integration design of LAGP‐based solid electrolytes and cathode is also highlighted to enable high‐loading cathodes. Additionally, recent progress of lithium‐oxygen and lithium‐sulfur batteries with LAGP‐based solid electrolytes is discussed. Moreover, the different Li‐ion migration pathways, preparation procedures, and electrochemical performance of polymer‐LAGP composite solid electrolytes in Li‐ion batteries are introduced. Lastly, the remaining challenges and opportunities are proposed to encourage more efforts in this field. This review aims to provide fundamental insights and promising directions toward practical LAGP‐based solid‐state batteries.
Artificial Immunogenic Cell Death Lipid Nanoparticle Functions as a Therapeutic Vaccine for Cancer
Authors: Kim So‐Jung , Park Hae‐Bin , An Eun‐Koung , Eom Hee‐Yun , Zhang Wei , Kim Jihoe , Choi Inho , Kwak Minseok , Lee Peter C. W. , Jin Jun‐O
Published: April 2023

Anticancer drug‐mediated induction of immunogenic cell death (ICD) blocks metastasis or recurrence in cancer cells by promoting specific immune activity against cancer antigens. However, this strategy has failed to afford adequate treatment efficiency. Overcoming the failure of ICD‐mediated cancer therapy, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) containing cancer cell surface proteins are synthesized using sonication and extrusion without microfluidics. In addition, these LNPs are decorated with high‐mobility group box 1 protein and calreticulin, indicators of ICD, and named artificial ICD LNPs (AiLNPs). Administration of AiLNPs effectively targets dendritic cells (DCs) and induces DC activation in mice. Moreover, treating CT‐26 tumor‐bearing mice with AiLNPs inhibits tumor growth by inducing CT‐26 antigen‐specific T‐cell immunity. Furthermore, AiLNPs containing Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC1) membrane proteins can prevent metastatic LLC1 tumor growth in the lung via LLC1 antigen‐specific T‐cell activation. Finally, AiLNPs synthesized with human breast cancer membrane proteins activate DC‐mediated antigen‐specific T‐cell immunity, effectively killing tumor cells. Therefore, AiLNPs are expected to be developed as a patient‐specific cancer treatment to prevent cancer recurrence and metastasis.
Reduction‐Responsive Supramolecular Sheets for Selective Regulation of Facultative Anaerobe Agglutination
Authors: Lee Dawoon , Dong Longlong , Kim Ye Rim , Kim Jehan , Lee Myongsoo , Kim Yongju
Published: April 2023

Stimuli‐responsive supramolecular materials have promising biological applications because of their ability to rapidly undergo significant structural changes in response to diverse stimuli. Herein, supramolecular sheets assembled via charge‐transfer interactions between the pyrene moiety of a d‐mannose‐containing amphiphile and 7,7,8,8‐tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) are reported. The supramolecular sheets show reduction‐responsive behavior, in which their disassembly is triggered by the reduction of TCNQ by sodium sulfide. In an anaerobic environment, the sheet structure remains intact and the exposed d‐mannose moieties induce the agglutination of facultative anaerobes, thereby inhibiting bacterial growth. In contrast, in an aerobic environment, the reduction of TCNQ by the hydrogen sulfide generated by facultative anaerobes causes sheet disassembly. This enables continuous bacterial growth, because the collapsed sheets cannot induce agglutination. Thus, this study presents a novel supramolecular material for the selective regulation of facultative anaerobe growth according to the external environment.
In Situ Grown Silver–Polymer Framework with Coordination Complexes for Functional Artificial Tissues
Authors: Zhang Songlin , Deng Yibing , Libanori Alberto , Zhou Yihao , Yang Jiachen , Tat Trinny , Yang Lin , Sun Wanxin , Zheng Peng , Zhu You‐Liang , Chen Jun , Tan Swee Ching
Published: April 2023

Self‐sensing actuators are critical to artificial robots with biomimetic proprio‐/exteroception properties of biological neuromuscular systems. Existing add‐on approaches, which physically blend heterogeneous sensor/actuator components, fall short of yielding satisfactory solutions, considering their suboptimal interfaces, poor adhesion, and electronic/mechanical property mismatches. Here, a single homogeneous material platform is reported by creating a silver–polymer framework (SPF), thus realizing the seamless sensing–actuation unification. The SPF‐enabled elastomer is highly stretchable (1200%), conductive (0.076 S m−1), and strong (0.76 MPa in‐strength), where the stretchable polymer matrix synthesis and in situ silver nanoparticles reduction are accomplished simultaneously. Benefiting from the multimodal sensing capability from its architecture itself (mechanical and thermal cues), self‐sensing actuation (proprio‐deformations and external stimuli perceptions) is achieved for the SPF‐based pneumatic actuator, alongside an excellent load‐lifting attribute (up to 3700 times its own weight), substantiating its advantage of the unified sensing–actuation feature in a single homogenous material. In view of its human somatosensitive muscular systems imitative functionality, the reported SPF bodes well for use with next‐generation functional tissues, including artificial skins, human–machine interfaces, self‐sensing robots, and otherwise dynamic materials.
Engineered Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Dermal Fibroblasts Attenuate Inflammation in a Murine Model of Acute Lung Injury
Authors: Salazar‐Puerta Ana I. , Rincon‐Benavides María A. , Cuellar‐Gaviria Tatiana Z. , Aldana Julian , Vasquez Martinez Gabriela , Ortega‐Pineda Lilibeth , Das Devleena , Dodd Daniel , Spencer Charles A. , Deng Binbin , McComb David W. , Englert Joshua A. , Ghadiali Samir , Zepeda‐Orozco Diana , Wold Loren E. , Gallego‐Perez Daniel , Higuita‐Castro Natalia
Published: April 2023

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) represents a significant burden to the healthcare system, with ≈200 000 cases diagnosed annually in the USA. ARDS patients suffer from severe refractory hypoxemia, alveolar‐capillary barrier dysfunction, impaired surfactant function, and abnormal upregulation of inflammatory pathways that lead to intensive care unit admission, prolonged hospitalization, and increased disability‐adjusted life years. Currently, there is no cure or FDA‐approved therapy for ARDS. This work describes the implementation of engineered extracellular vesicle (eEV)‐based nanocarriers for targeted nonviral delivery of anti‐inflammatory payloads to the inflamed/injured lung. The results show the ability of surfactant protein A (SPA)‐functionalized IL‐4‐ and IL‐10‐loaded eEVs to promote intrapulmonary retention and reduce inflammation, both in vitro and in vivo. Significant attenuation is observed in tissue damage, proinflammatory cytokine secretion, macrophage activation, influx of protein‐rich fluid, and neutrophil infiltration into the alveolar space as early as 6 h post‐eEVs treatment. Additionally, metabolomics analyses show that eEV treatment causes significant changes in the metabolic profile of inflamed lungs, driving the secretion of key anti‐inflammatory metabolites. Altogether, these results establish the potential of eEVs derived from dermal fibroblasts to reduce inflammation, tissue damage, and the prevalence/progression of injury during ARDS via nonviral delivery of anti‐inflammatory genes/transcripts.
Degeneracy Removal of Spin Bands in Collinear Antiferromagnets with Non‐Interconvertible Spin‐Structure Motif Pair
Authors: Yuan Lin‐Ding , Zunger Alex
Published: April 2023

Energy bands in antiferromagnets are supposed to be spin degenerate in the absence of spin–orbit coupling (SOC). Recent studies have identified formal symmetry conditions for antiferromagnetic crystals in which this degeneracy can be lifted, spin splitting,even in the vanishing SOC (i.e., non‐relativistic) limit. Materials having such symmetries could enable spin‐split antiferromagnetic spintronics without the burden of using heavy‐atom compounds. However, the symmetry conditions that involve spin and magnetic symmetry are not always effective as practical material selection filters. Furthermore, these symmetry conditions do not readily disclose trends in the magnitude and momentum dependence of the spin‐splitting energy. Here, it is shown that the formal symmetry conditions enabling spin‐split antiferromagnets can be interpreted in terms of local motif pairs, such as octahedra or tetrahedra, each carrying opposite magnetic moments. Collinear antiferromagnets with such a spin‐structure motif pair, whose components interconvert by neither translation nor spatial inversion, will show spin splitting. Such a real‐space motif‐based approach enables an easy way to identify and design materials (illustrated in real example materials) having spin splitting without the need for SOC, and offers insights into the momentum dependence and magnitude of the spin splitting.
Sono‐Driven STING Activation using Semiconducting Polymeric Nanoagonists for Precision Sono‐Immunotherapy of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Jiang Jianli , Zhang Miaomiao , Lyu Tao , Chen Linrong , Wu Min , Li Ruowei , Li Haoze , Wang Xiang , Jiang Xiqun , Zhen Xu
Published: April 2023

Immunotherapy has offered new opportunities to treat head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC); however, its clinical applications are hindered by modest therapeutic outcomes and the “always‐on” pharmacological activity of immunomodulatory agents. Strategies for precise spatiotemporal activation of antitumor immunity can tackle these issues but remain challenging. Herein, a semiconducting polymeric nanoagonist (SPNM) with in situ sono‐activatable immunotherapeutic effects for precision sono‐immunotherapy of HNSCC is reported. SPNM is self‐assembled from a sonodynamic semiconducting polymer core conjugated with a stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonist (MSA‐2) via a singlet oxygen cleavable linker. Under sono‐irradiation, SPNM produces singlet oxygen not only to eradicate tumor cells to trigger immunogenic cell death but also to unleash caged STING agonists via the cleavage of diphenoxyethene bonds for in situ activation of the STING pathway in the tumor region. Such sono‐driven STING activation mediated by SPNM promotes effector T cell infiltration and potentiates systemic antitumor immunity, eventually leading to tumor growth inhibition and long‐term immunological memory. This study thus presents a promising strategy for the precise spatiotemporal activation of cancer immunotherapy.
An Artificial Olfactory System Based on a Chemi‐Memristive Device
Authors: Chun Suk Yeop , Song Young Geun , Kim Ji Eun , Kwon Jae Uk , Soh Keunho , Kwon Ju Young , Kang Chong‐Yun , Yoon Jung Ho
Published: April 2023

Technologies based on the fusion of gas sensors and neuromorphic computing to mimic the olfactory system have immense potential. However, the implementation of neuromorphic olfactory systems remains in a state of infancy because conventional gas sensors lack the necessary functions. Therefore, this study proposes a hysteretic “chemi‐memristive gas sensor” based on oxygen vacancy chemi‐memristive dynamics that differ from that of conventional gas sensors. After the memristive switching operation, the redox reaction with the external gas molecules is enhanced, resulting in the generation and elimination of oxygen vacancies that induce rapid current changes. In addition, the pre‐generated oxygen vacancies enhance the post‐sensing properties. Therefore, fast responses, short recovery times, and hysteretic gas response are achieved by the proposed sensor at room temperature. Based on the advantageous functionality of the sensor, device‐level olfactory systems that can monitor the history of input gas stimuli are experimentally demonstrated as a potential application. Moreover, analog conductance modulation induced by oxidizing and reducing gases enables the conversion of external gas stimuli into synaptic weights and hence the realization of typical synaptic functionalities without an additional device or circuit. The proposed chemi‐memristive device represents an advance in the bioinspired technology adopted in creating artificial intelligence systems.
Tetraphenylethene‐Based Multicomponent Platinum (II) Metallacages with Tunable Luminescence and Aggregation‐Induced Electrochemiluminescence Properties
Authors: Wang Yu , Liu Jiani , Niu Yibo , He Linli , Wang Yujie , Ma Ying , Yao Yao , Ye Jianshan
Published: April 2023

Metallacages (MCs) are one kind of functional 3D supramolecular complexes with controllable structures, their special cage structures lead to diverse photophysical properties, enabling their wide application in catalysis, bio‐imaging, and organic light‐emitting devices. Herein, a series of tetraphenylene (TPE)‐based MCs with tunable structures is reported via the coordination‐driven self‐assembly strategy. The resulting MCs demonstrate tunable fluorescence (FL) and electrochemiluminescence (ECL) due to their size‐dependent energy gaps. More importantly, their aggregation‐induced ECL (AIECL) property is observed, and the corresponding self‐catalytic ECL enhancement mechanism is proposed. In addition, a sensitive ECL sensor toward iodide ions (I−) is developed based on the competitive coordination of I− with the pyridine group of ligands. This study may promote the design of MCs materials and broaden their applications in the ECL study.
Concentration‐Induced Hetero‐Valent Partial‐Inverse Occupation of Infrared Phosphor
Authors: Hsu Jia‐Yu , Chung Ren‐Jei , Kuo Yen‐Ling , Lin Chun Che , Majewska Natalia , Kreft Dominik , Mahlik Sebastian , Fang Mu‐Huai
Published: April 2023

Infrared luminescent materials have evoked much attention from chemists and material scientists. Although substantial progress is made in materials design, the luminescent mechanism remains ambiguous in the complex structures, presenting major barriers to developing novel infrared luminescent materials. Herein, this study aims to deliberate a complete discussion on infrared phosphors with concentration‐induced hetero‐valent partial‐inverse occupation. High‐resolution synchrotron X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy reveal the subtle structural change in LiGa5(1−x)O8:5xCr3+. Besides, Cr K‐edge wavelet analysis and extended X‐ray absorption fine structure illustrate the impact of Cr in the second shell of another Cr ion and the practical coordination of Ga and Cr ions. Furthermore, unexpected two‐center Cr3+emissions and the Cr–Cr pair emission are observed at high Cr concentrations. Variation between the zero‐phonon line and N‐line at different temperatures is demonstrated. Finally, the structural and luminescent properties are comprehensively discussed, providing the origin of the unexpected Cr2 emission. This study not only provides insight into the hetero‐valent partial‐inverse occupation process in inorganic materials but also sheds light on developing novel infrared luminescent materials.
Merger of Visible Light‐Driven Chiral Organocatalysis and Continuous Flow Chemistry: An Accelerated and Scalable Access into Enantioselective α‐Alkylation of Aldehydes
Authors: Molnár Márk , Kappe C. Oliver , Ötvös Sándor B.
Published: April 2023

The electron donor‐acceptor complex‐enabled asymmetric photochemical alkylation strategy holds potential to attain elusive chiral α‐alkylated aldehydes without an external photoredox catalyst. The photosensitizer‐free conditions are beneficial concerning process costs and sustainability. However, lengthy organocatalyst preparation steps as well as limited productivity and difficult scalability render the current approaches unsuitable for synthesis on enlarged scales. Inspired by these limitations, a protocol was developed for the enantioselective α‐alkylation of aldehydes based on the synergistic combination of visible light‐driven asymmetric organocatalysis and a controlled continuous flow reaction environment. With the aim to reduce process costs, a commercially available chiral catalyst has been exploited to achieve photosensitizer‐free enantioselective α‐alkylations using phenacyl bromide derivates as alkylating agents. As a result of elaborate optimization and process development, the present flow strategy furnishes an accelerated and inherently scalable entry into enantioenriched α‐alkylated aldehydes including a chiral key intermediate of the antirheumatic esonarimod.

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Nerve‐on‐a‐Chip Derived Biomimicking Microfibers for Peripheral Nerve Regeneration
Authors: Yu Yunru , Jin Binghui , Chen Jinghao , Lou Chenghao , Guo Jiahui , Yang Chaoyu , Zhao Yuanjin
Published: April 2023

Fibrous scaffolds have shown their advantages in tissue engineering, such as peripheral nerve regeneration, while most of the existing fiber‐shaped scaffolds are with simple structures, and the in vitro performance for nerve regeneration lacks systematic analysis. Here, novel nerve‐on‐a‐chip derived biomimicking microfibers for peripheral nerve regeneration are presented. The microfibers with controllable core–shell structures and functionalities are generated through capillary microfluidic devices. By integrating these microfibers into a multitrack‐architectured chip, and coculturing them with nerve cells as well as gradient bioactive elements, the nerve‐on‐a‐chip with the capabilities of systematically assessing the performances of nerve fiber formation in the hollow microfibers at in vitro level is constructed. Based on a rat sciatic nerve injury model, the rapid promotion ability is demonstrated of optimized microfibers in nerve regeneration and function recovery in vivo, which implies the credibility of the nerve‐on‐a‐chip on biomimicking microfibers evaluation for peripheral nerve regeneration. Thus, it is convinced that the organ‐on‐a‐chip will undoubtedly open up a new chapter in evaluating biological scaffolds for in vivo tissue engineering.
Surface‐Confined Ultra‐Low Scale Pd Engineered Layered Co(OH)2 toward High‐Performance Hydrazine Electrooxidation in Alkaline Saline Water
Authors: Sarker Swagotom , Choi Ji Hoon , Lee Hak Hyeon , Kim Dong Su , Cho Hyung Koun
Published: April 2023

Applications of abundant seawater in electrochemical energy conversion are constrained due to the sluggish oxygen evolution reaction and the corrosive chlorine oxidation reaction. Hence, it is imperative to develop an efficient anodic reaction alternative suitable for coupling with the cathodic counterpart. Due to a low thermodynamic oxidation potential, hydrazine oxidation reaction (HzOR) offers a unique pathway to overcome these challenges. Herein, spontaneously in situ reduced atomic scale Pd surface‐confined to electrochemically prepared layered Co(OH)2 on carbon cloth is synthesized. This study reveals the hydrazine and Pd‐dependent morphological evolution of Co(OH)2 and its Pd hybrids into nanoparticulate form. Unlike various layered double hydroxides, Pd integrated Co(OH)2 benefits from the contribution of Co(OH)2 as an active HzOR catalyst and the reductive support to host Pd, resulting in synergistically improved performances. Mass activities of Pd in alkaline and alkaline saline electrolyte are 11.24 and 9.83 A mgPd−1 at 200 mV, respectively, corresponding to the highest HzOR activities among noble metals. The optimized Pd hybrid demonstrates ≈6.5 times the current density relative to PtC (14.91 mA cm−2 at 200 mV) in alkaline saline water with hydrazine. These findings would be beneficial to realize high overpotential anodic alternatives and reduce over‐dependence on freshwater for electrocatalysis.
Dynamic Stimulations with Bioengineered Extracellular Matrix‐Mimicking Hydrogels for Mechano Cell Reprogramming and Therapy
Authors: Shou Yufeng , Teo Xin Yong , Wu Kenny Zhuoran , Bai Bingyu , Kumar Arun R. K. , Low Jessalyn , Le Zhicheng , Tay Andy
Published: April 2023

Cells interact with their surrounding environment through a combination of static and dynamic mechanical signals that vary over stimulus types, intensity, space, and time. Compared to static mechanical signals such as stiffness, porosity, and topography, the current understanding on the effects of dynamic mechanical stimulations on cells remains limited, attributing to a lack of access to devices, the complexity of experimental set‐up, and data interpretation. Yet, in the pursuit of emerging translational applications (e.g., cell manufacturing for clinical treatment), it is crucial to understand how cells respond to a variety of dynamic forces that are omnipresent in vivo so that they can be exploited to enhance manufacturing and therapeutic outcomes. With a rising appreciation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) as a key regulator of biofunctions, researchers have bioengineered a suite of ECM‐mimicking hydrogels, which can be fine‐tuned with spatiotemporal mechanical cues to model complex static and dynamic mechanical profiles. This review first discusses how mechanical stimuli may impact different cellular components and the various mechanobiology pathways involved. Then, how hydrogels can be designed to incorporate static and dynamic mechanical parameters to influence cell behaviors are described. The Scopus database is also used to analyze the relative strength in evidence, ranging from strong to weak, based on number of published literatures, associated citations, and treatment significance. Additionally, the impacts of static and dynamic mechanical stimulations on clinically relevant cell types including mesenchymal stem cells, fibroblasts, and immune cells, are evaluated. The aim is to draw attention to the paucity of studies on the effects of dynamic mechanical stimuli on cells, as well as to highlight the potential of using a cocktail of various types and intensities of mechanical stimulations to influence cell fates (similar to the concept of biochemical cocktail to direct cell fate). It is envisioned that this progress report will inspire more exciting translational development of mechanoresponsive hydrogels for biomedical applications.
Recent Advances and Perspectives on Supported Catalysts for Heterogeneous Hydrogen Production from Ammonia Borane
Authors: Guan Shuyan , Liu Yanyan , Zhang Huanhuan , Shen Ruofan , Wen Hao , Kang Naixin , Zhou Jingjing , Liu Baozhong , Fan Yanping , Jiang Jianchun , Li Baojun
Published: April 2023

Ammonia borane (AB), a liquid hydrogen storage material, has attracted increasing attention for hydrogen utilization because of its high hydrogen content. However, the slow kinetics of AB hydrolysis and the indefinite catalytic mechanism remain significant problems for its large‐scale practical application. Thus, the development of efficient AB hydrolysis catalysts and the determination of their catalytic mechanisms are significant and urgent. A summary of the preparation process and structural characteristics of various supported catalysts is presented in this paper, including graphite, metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), metal oxides, carbon nitride (CN), molybdenum carbide (MoC), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), boron nitride (h‐BN), zeolites, carbon dots (CDs), and metal carbide and nitride (MXene). In addition, the relationship between the electronic structure and catalytic performance is discussed to ascertain the actual active sites in the catalytic process. The mechanism of AB hydrolysis catalysis is systematically discussed, and possible catalytic paths are summarized to provide theoretical considerations for the designing of efficient AB hydrolysis catalysts. Furthermore, three methods for stimulating AB from dehydrogenation by‐products and the design of possible hydrogen product‐regeneration systems are summarized. Finally, the remaining challenges and future research directions for the effective development of AB catalysts are discussed.
Electrolyte Gated Synaptic Transistor based on an Ultra‐Thin Film of La0.7Sr0.3MnO3
Authors: López Alejandro , Tornos Javier , Peralta Andrea , Barbero Isabel , Fernandez‐Canizares Francisco , Sanchez‐Santolino Gabriel , Varela María , Rivera Alberto , Camarero Julio , León Carlos , Santamaría Jacobo , Romera Miguel
Published: April 2023

Developing electronic devices capable of reproducing synaptic functionality is essential in the context of implementing fast, low‐energy consumption neuromorphic computing systems. Hybrid ionic/electronic three‐terminal synaptic transistors are promising as efficient artificial synapses since they can process information and learn simultaneously. In this work, an electrolyte‐gated synaptic transistor is reported based on an ultra‐thin epitaxial La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 (LSMO) film, a half‐metallic system close to a metal‐insulator transition. The dynamic control of oxygen composition of the manganite ultra‐thin film with voltage pulses applied through the gate terminal allows reversible modulation of its electronic properties in a non‐volatile manner. The conductance modulation can be finely tuned with the amplitude, duration, and number of gating pulses, providing different alternatives to gradually update the synaptic weights. The transistor implements essential synaptic features such as excitatory postsynaptic potential, paired‐pulse facilitation, long‐term potentiation/depression of synaptic weights, and spike‐time‐dependent plasticity. These results constitute an important step toward the development of neuromorphic computing devices leveraging the tunable electronic properties of correlated oxides, and pave the way toward enhancing future device functionalities by exploiting the magnetic (spin) degree of freedom of the half metallic transistor channel.
Largely Reducing the Contact Resistance of Molybdenum Ditelluride by In Situ Potassium Modification
Authors: Cong Xiangna , Shah Muhammad Najeeb Ullah , Zheng Yue , He Wenlong
Published: April 2023

Semiconducting molybdenum ditelluride (MoTe2) is widely reported owing to its favorable electronic and optoelectronic properties. The effective modulation of its electrical characteristics has garnered growing attention in regard to building high‐performance MoTe2‐based complementary devices. However, the inherent Schottky barrier (SB) in MoTe2‐based devices severely inhibits the charge‐carrier injection efficiency, leading to a high contact resistance between MoTe2 and contact metals. Here, an efficient method is presented for reducing the SB height of field‐effect transistors (FETs) based on MoTe2 by in situ potassium modification. Interestingly, the electrons transported from K continuously change the electrical characteristics of MoTe2 FET from ambipolar to n‐type with an improvement of electron mobility of over one order of magnitude. Meanwhile, the contact resistance of MoTe2 FET is significantly decreased from 11.5 to 0.4 kΩ µm. By regulating the modification region spatially, it is possible to create a complementary inverter with a high gain of ≈32 at VDD = 3 V. This research demonstrates a relatively simple method for optimizing the contact for MoTe2‐based devices and tuning the electrical properties of MoTe2 for future high‐performance complementary electronics.