bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Erasable, Rewritable, and Reprogrammable Dual Information Encryption Based on Photoluminescent Supramolecular Host–Guest Recognition and Hydrogel Shape Memory
Authors: Yang Hailong , Li Shengnan , Zheng Jingxia , Chen Guoqi , Wang Wenquan , Miao Yueyue , Zhu Nannan , Cong Yang , Fu Jun
Published: June 2023

Information encryption technologies are very important for security, health, commodity, and communications, etc. Novel information encryption mechanisms and materials are desired to achieve multimode and reprogrammable encryption. Here, a supramolecular strategy is demonstrated to achieve multimodal, erasable, reprogrammable, and reusable information encryption by reversibly modulating fluorescence. A butyl‐naphthalimide with flexible ethylenediamine functionalized β‐cyclodextrin (N‐CD) is utilized as a fluorescent responsive ink for printing or patterning information on polymer brushes with dangling adamantane group grafted on responsive hydrogels. The photoluminescent naphthalimide moiety is bonded to β‐CD and entrapped in the cavity. Its fluorescence is highly weakened in β‐CD cavity and recovers after being expelled from the cavity by a competing guest molecule to emit bright green photoluminescence under UV. Experiments and theoretical calculations suggest π–π stacking and ICT as the primary mechanism for the naphthalimides assembly and fluorescence, which can be quenched through insertion of conjugated molecules and recover by removing the insert. Such reversible quenching and recovering are used to achieve repeated writing, erasing, and re‐writing of information. Supramolecular recognition and hydrogel shape memory are further combined to achieve reversible dual‐encryption. This study provides a novel strategy to develop smart materials with improved information security for broad applications.
Bacteria‐Derived Outer‐Membrane Vesicles Hitchhike Neutrophils to Enhance Ischemic Stroke Therapy
Authors: Pan Jingmei , Wang Zhenhua , Huang Xuehui , Xue Juan , Zhang Suling , Guo Xing , Zhou Shaobing
Published: June 2023

The treatment of reperfusion injury after ischemic stroke remains unsatisfactory since the blood‐brain barrier (BBB) prevents most neuroprotective agents from entering the brain. Here, a strategy is proposed based on bacteria‐derived outer‐membrane vesicle (OMV) hitchhiking on the neutrophils for enhanced brain delivery of pioglitazone (PGZ) to treat ischemic stroke. By encapsulating PGZ into OMV, the resulting OMV@PGZ nanoparticles inherit the functions associated with the bacterial outer membrane, making them ideal decoys for neutrophil uptake. The results show that OMV@PGZ simultaneously inhibits the activation of nucleotide oligomerization‐like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes and ferroptosis and reduces the reperfusion injury to exert a neuroprotective effect. Notably, the transcription factors Pou2f1 and Nrf1 of oligodendrocytes are identified for the first time to be involved in this process and promoted neural repair by single‐nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA‐seq).
An Ultrafast, Energy‐Efficient Electrochromic and Thermochromic Device for Smart Windows
Authors: Deng Bin , Zhu Yanan , Wang Xiaowei , Zhu Jinlin , Liu Manyu , Liu Mingqiang , He Yaowu , Zhu Caizhen , Zhang Chaohong , Meng Hong
Published: June 2023

Smart windows nowadays undertake the esteemed obligation of reducing energy consumption as well as upgrading living experience. This project aims to devise a smart window that responds to both electricity and heat, with the intention of achieving energy efficiency, privacy preservation, and enhanced decorative attributes. Through the implementation of a novel electrochromic material design, coupled with the optimization of electrochromic devices (ECDs), a high‐performance ECD is obtained, demonstrating coloring/bleaching time of 0.53/0.16 s, a transmittance modulation of 78% (from 99% to 21%), and superior performance in six dimensions. Furthermore, temperature‐responsive units and an ionic liquid are incorporated into the electrolyte system to create a novel thermochromic gel electrolyte with transmittance modulation from 80% to 0%, and excellent thermal insulation (6.4 °C reduction). Ultimately, an electro‐ and thermochromic device is developed, featuring an ultrafast color‐switching speed of 0.82/0.60 s and multiple working modes. Overall, this work showcases a prospective design pathway for the development of next‐generation ultrafast‐switching, and energy‐efficient intelligent windows.
Biofluid‐Activated Biofuel Cells, Batteries, and Supercapacitors: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Garland Nate T. , Kaveti Rajaram , Bandodkar Amay J.
Published: June 2023

Recent developments in wearable and implanted devices have resulted in numerous, unprecedented capabilities that generate increasingly detailed information about a user's health or provide targeted therapy. However, options for powering such systems remain limited to conventional batteries which are large and have toxic components and as such are not suitable for close integration with the human body. This work provides an in‐depth overview of biofluid‐activated electrochemical energy devices, an emerging class of energy sources judiciously designed for biomedical applications. These unconventional energy devices are composed of biocompatible materials that harness the inherent chemistries of various biofluids to produce useable electrical energy. This work covers examples of such biofluid‐activated energy devices in the form of biofuel cells, batteries, and supercapacitors. Advances in materials, design engineering, and biotechnology that form the basis for high‐performance, biofluid‐activated energy devices are discussed. Innovations in hybrid manufacturing and heterogeneous integration of device components to maximize power output are also included. Finally, key challenges and future scopes of this nascent field are provided.
Liquid‐Like Li‐Ion Conduction in Oxides Enabling Anomalously Stable Charge Transport across the Li/Electrolyte Interface in All‐Solid‐State Batteries
Authors: Wu Jian‐Fang , Zou Zheyi , Pu Bowei , Ladenstein Lukas , Lin Shen , Xie Wenjing , Li Shen , He Bing , Fan Yameng , Pang Wei Kong , Wilkening H. Martin R. , Guo Xin , Xu Chaohe , Zhang Tao , Shi Siqi , Liu Jilei
Published: June 2023

The softness of sulfur sublattice and rotational PS4 tetrahedra in thiophosphates result in liquid‐like ionic conduction, leading to enhanced ionic conductivities and stable electrode/thiophosphate interfacial ionic transport. However, the existence of liquid‐like ionic conduction in rigid oxides remains unclear, and modifications are deemed necessary to achieve stable Li/oxide solid electrolyte interfacial charge transport. In this study, by combining the neutron diffraction survey, geometrical analysis, bond valence site energy analysis, and ab initio molecular dynamics simulation, 1D liquid‐like Li‐ion conduction is discovered in LiTa2PO8 and its derivatives, wherein Li‐ion migration channels are connected by four‐ or five‐fold oxygen‐coordinated interstitial sites. This conduction features a low activation energy (0.2 eV) and short mean residence time (<1 ps) of Li ions on the interstitial sites, originating from the Li–O polyhedral distortion and Li‐ion correlation, which are controlled by doping strategies. The liquid‐like conduction enables a high ionic conductivity (1.2 mS cm−1 at 30 °C), and a 700 h anomalously stable cycling under 0.2 mA cm−2 for Li/LiTa2PO8/Li cells without interfacial modifications. These findings provide principles for the future discovery and design of improved solid electrolytes that do not require modifications to the Li/solid electrolyte interface to achieve stable ionic transport.
Multi‐Band Polarization‐Independent Quasi‐Bound States in the Continuum Based on Tetramer‐Based Metasurfaces and Their Potential Application in Terahertz Microfluidic Biosensing
Authors: Ding Jifei , Huang Lirong , Luo Yi , Wang Tianwu , Hu Jinkang , Li Runze , Xiao Shiyi
Published: June 2023

Quasi‐bound state in the continuum (quasi‐BIC) has drawn increasing attention in terahertz biosensing and filtering owing to an extremely narrow linewidth and ultra‐high quality factor. However, it is usually polarization‐sensitive due to broken structure or incidence symmetry and mainly holds for polarization‐dependent single or dual bands, which sets a limitation on practical applications. Here, this article proposes and experimentally demonstrates terahertz multi‐band polarization‐independent quasi‐BICs in tetramer‐based metasurfaces by using the laser etching method. Employing a tetramer cluster with C4v symmetry as the structural unit, which consists of four L‐type copper particles on a flexible and optically‐transparent substrate, the metasurfaces can support dual‐band or tri‐band polarization‐independent quasi‐BICs after performing collective perturbation, specific displacement, or both to the constituent particles. Furthermore, the metasurfaces are integrated with microfluidic channels to explore their potential application in terahertz biosensing. Experimental results indicate that when the concentration of bovine serum albumin solutions is below 4 mg mL−1, both resonance modes of the dual‐band terahertz microfluidic biosensor exhibit a sensitivity of ≈12 GHz mg−1 mL each, and the detection limits reach 0.17 mg mL−1. This work provides a general and simple strategy to construct metasurfaces supporting multi‐band polarization‐independent quasi‐BICs, which have promising applications in biosensing, filtering, and lasing.
Reduction of Intracellular Tension and Cell Adhesion Promotes Open Chromatin Structure and Enhances Cell Reprogramming
Authors: Soto Jennifer , Song Yang , Wu Yifan , Chen Binru , Park Hyungju , Akhtar Navied , Wang Peng‐Yuan , Hoffman Tyler , Ly Chau , Sia Junren , Wong SzeYue , Kelkhoff Douglas O. , Chu Julia , Poo Mu‐Ming , Downing Timothy L. , Rowat Amy C. , Li Song
Published: June 2023

The role of transcription factors and biomolecules in cell type conversion has been widely studied. Yet, it remains unclear whether and how intracellular mechanotransduction through focal adhesions (FAs) and the cytoskeleton regulates the epigenetic state and cell reprogramming. Here, it is shown that cytoskeletal structures and the mechanical properties of cells are modulated during the early phase of induced neuronal (iN) reprogramming, with an increase in actin cytoskeleton assembly induced by Ascl1 transgene. The reduction of actin cytoskeletal tension or cell adhesion at the early phase of reprogramming suppresses the expression of mesenchymal genes, promotes a more open chromatin structure, and significantly enhances the efficiency of iN conversion. Specifically, reduction of intracellular tension or cell adhesion not only modulates global epigenetic marks, but also decreases DNA methylation and heterochromatin marks and increases euchromatin marks at the promoter of neuronal genes, thus enhancing the accessibility for gene activation. Finally, micro‐ and nano‐topographic surfaces that reduce cell adhesions enhance iN reprogramming. These novel findings suggest that the actin cytoskeleton and FAs play an important role in epigenetic regulation for cell fate determination, which may lead to novel engineering approaches for cell reprogramming.
Engineered Biomimetic Fibrillar Fibronectin Matrices Regulate Cell Adhesion Initiation, Migration, and Proliferation via α5β1 Integrin and Syndecan‐4 Crosstalk
Authors: Ahn Seungkuk , Sharma Upnishad , Kasuba Krishna Chaitanya , Strohmeyer Nico , Müller Daniel J.
Published: June 2023

Cells regulate adhesion to the fibrillar extracellular matrix (ECM) of which fibronectin is an essential component. However, most studies characterize cell adhesion to globular fibronectin substrates at time scales long after cells polarize and migrate. To overcome this limitation, a simple and scalable method to engineer biomimetic 3D fibrillar fibronectin matrices is introduced and how they are sensed by fibroblasts from the onset of attachment is characterized. Compared to globular fibronectin substrates, fibroblasts accelerate adhesion initiation and strengthening within seconds to fibrillar fibronectin matrices via α5β1 integrin and syndecan‐4. This regulation, which additionally accelerates on stiffened fibrillar matrices, involves actin polymerization, actomyosin contraction, and the cytoplasmic proteins paxillin, focal adhesion kinase, and phosphoinositide 3‐kinase. Furthermore, this immediate sensing and adhesion of fibroblast to fibrillar fibronectin guides migration speed, persistency, and proliferation range from hours to weeks. The findings highlight that fibrillar fibronectin matrices, compared to widely‐used globular fibronectin, trigger short‐ and long‐term cell decisions very differently and urge the use of such matrices to better understand in vivo interactions of cells and ECMs. The engineered fibronectin matrices, which can be printed onto non‐biological surfaces without loss of function, open avenues for various cell biological, tissue engineering and medical applications.
Design Strategies of Li–Si Alloy Anode for Mitigating Chemo‐Mechanical Degradation in Sulfide‐Based All‐Solid‐State Batteries
Authors: Kim Minhyung , Kim Min Ju , Oh Yeong Seon , Kang Sung , Shin Tae Ho , Lim Hyung‐Tae
Published: June 2023

Composite anodes of Li3PS4 glass+Li–Si alloy (Type 1) and Li3N+LiF+Li–Si alloy (Type 2) are prepared for all‐solid‐state batteries with Li3PS4 (LPS) glass electrolyte and sulfur/LPS glass/carbon composite cathode. Using a three‐electrode system, the anode and cathode potentials are separated, and their polarization resistances are individually traced. Even under high‐cutoff‐voltage conditions (3.7 V), Type 1 and 2 cells are stably cycled without voltage noise for >200 cycles. Although cathode polarization resistance drastically increases after 3.7 V charge owing to LPS oxidation, LPS redox behavior is fairly reversible upon discharge–charge unlike the non‐composite alloy anode cell. Time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry analysis reveals that the enhanced cyclability is attributed to uniform Li–Si alloying throughout the composite anode, providing more pathways for lithium ions even when these ions are over‐supplied via LPS oxidation. These results imply that LPS‐based cells can be reversibly cycled with LPS redox even under high‐cutoff voltages, as long as non‐uniform alloying (lithium dendrite growth) is prevented. Type 1 and 2 cells exhibit similar performance and stability although reduction product is formed in Type 1. This work highlights the importance of alloy anode design to prevent chemo‐mechanical failure when cycling the cell outside the electrochemical stability window.
Sulfated Polysaccharide Regulates the Homing of HSPCs in a BMP‐2‐Triggered In Vivo Osteo‐Organoid
Authors: Dai Kai , Zhang Wenchao , Deng Shunshu , Wang Jing , Liu Changsheng
Published: June 2023

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a well‐established method for a variety of acquired and congenital diseases. However, the limited number and sources of therapeutic hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) hinder the further application of HSCT. A BMP‐2 triggered in vivo osteo‐organoid that is previously reported, serves as a kind of stem cell biogenerator, for obtaining therapeutic HSPCs via activating the residual regenerative capacity of mammals using bioactive biomaterials. Here, it is demonstrated that targeting the homing signaling of HSPCs elevates the proportions and biological functions of HSPCs in the in vivo osteo‐organoid. Notably, it is identified that sulfonated chito‐oligosaccharide, a degradation product of sulfonated chitosan, specifically elevates the expression of endothelial protein C receptor on HSPCs and vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 on macrophages in the in vivo osteo‐organoid, ultimately leading to the production of adequate therapeutic HSPCs. This in vivo osteo‐organoid approach has the potential to provide an alternative HSPCs source for HSCT and benefits more patients.
Phage‐Inducible Chromosomal Islands as a Diagnostic Platform to Capture and Detect Bacterial Pathogens
Authors: Ibarra‐Chávez Rodrigo , Reboud Julien , Penadés José R. , Cooper Jonathan M.
Published: June 2023

Phage‐inducible chromosomal islands (PICIs) are a family of phage satellites that hijack phage components to facilitate their mobility and spread. Recently, these genetic constructs are repurposed as antibacterial drones, enabling a new toolbox for unorthodox applications in biotechnology. To illustrate a new suite of functions, the authors have developed a user‐friendly diagnostic system, based upon PICI transduction to selectively enrich bacteria, allowing the detection and sequential recovery of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The system enables high transfer rates and sensitivities in comparison with phages, with detection down to ≈50 CFU mL−1. In contrast to conventional detection strategies, which often rely on nucleic acid molecular assays, and cannot differentiate between dead and live organisms, this approach enables visual sensing of viable pathogens only, through the expression of a reporter gene encoded in the PICI. The approach extends diagnostic sensing mechanisms beyond cell‐free synthetic biology strategies, enabling new synthetic biology/biosensing toolkits.
Selenium‐Containing Type‐I Organic Photosensitizers with Dual Reactive Oxygen Species of Superoxide and Hydroxyl Radicals as Switch‐Hitter for Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Wang Haiyang , Qin Tian , Wang Wen , Zhou Xie , Lin Faxu , Liang Guodong , Yang Zhiyong , Chi Zhenguo , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: June 2023

Organic type‐I photosensitizers (PSs) which produce aggressive reactive oxygen species (ROS) with less oxygen‐dependent exhibit attractive curative effect for photodynamic therapy (PDT), as they adapt better to hypoxia microenvironment in tumors. However, the reported type‐I PSs are limited and its exacted mechanism of oxygen dependence is still unclear. Herein, new selenium‐containing type‐I PSs of Se6 and Se5 with benzoselenadiazole acceptor has been designed and possessed aggregation‐induced emission characteristic. Benefited from double heavy‐atom‐effect of selenium and bromine, Se6 shows a smaller energy gap (ΔEST) of 0.03 eV and improves ROS efficiency. Interestingly, type‐I radicals of both long‐lived superoxide anion (O2•‾) and short‐lived hydroxyl (•OH) are generated from them upon irradiation. This may provide a switch‐hitter of dual‐radical with complementary lifetimes for PDT. More importantly, simultaneous processes to produce •OH are revealed, including disproportionation of O2•‾ and reaction between excited PS and water. Actually, Se6 displays superior in–vitro PDT performance to commercial chlorin e6 (Ce6), under normoxia or hypoxia. After intravenous injection, a significantly in–vivo PDT performance is demonstrated on Se6, where tumor growth inhibition rates of 99% is higher than Ce6. These findings offer new insights about both molecular design and mechanism study of type‐I PSs.
Improving Ca‐Ion Storage Dynamic and Stability by Interlayer Engineering and Mn‐Dissolution Limitation Based on Robust MnO2@PANI Hybrid Cathode
Authors: Zuo Chunli , Chao Feiyang , Li Ming , Dai Yuhang , Wang Junjun , Xiong Fangyu , Jiang Yalong , An Qinyou
Published: June 2023

Rechargeable Ca‐ion batteries (CIBs) have attracted great interest due to potentially high output voltage and abundant calcium resources. Among various cathode materials, manganese oxides with high theoretical capacity and low cost are suitable as strong candidates for rechargeable CIBs. However, the dissolution of manganese and the strong electrostatic interactions between Ca2+ and host materials result in inferior cycle stability and poor rate performance. Herein, a MnO2‐polyaniline (PANI) hybrid cathode with both PANI intercalation and coating is developed to solve the above problems. The intercalation of PANI can expand the interlayer spacing and effectively buffer the local electrostatic interaction for facile Ca2+ diffusion. Meanwhile, the density functional theory (DFT) calculations prove that the PANI coating inhibits manganese dissolution by forming strong Mn‐N bonds to enhance the structural integrity of MnO2. Benefitting from the above, the MnO2‐PANI (MnO2‐P) cathode delivers high capacity (150 mAh g⁻1 at 0.1 A g⁻1), excellent rate performance (120 mAh g⁻1 at 1 A g⁻1) and long‐term cycling stability (5000 cycles). The organic‐inorganic hybrid desig provides a new strategy for developing high performance CIBs cathode materials.
Boosting Bi‐Directional Redox of Sulfur with Dual Metal Single Atom Pairs in Carbon Spheres Toward High‐Rate and Long‐Cycling Lithium–Sulfur Battery
Authors: Dong Chenxu , Zhou Cheng , Wu Mingwei , Yu Yongkun , Yu Kesong , Yan Kaijian , Shen Chunli , Gu Jiapei , Yan Mengyu , Sun Congli , Mai Liqiang , Xu Xu
Published: June 2023

The severe shuttle effect of polysulfides and sluggish redox kinetics are the main problems that hinder the practical applications of lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. In this study, dual metallic single atom pairs are implanted into carbon nanospheres to address the shuttle effect and facilitate the bi‐directional redox kinetics of sulfur. Fe sites are found to be favorable for the reduction reaction of polysulfides, while Co sites facilitate the dissolution of Li2S experimentally and theoretically, promoting the overall electrochemical performance of Li−S batteries due to the synergetic effect. The sulfur cathode with the dual metallic single atom pairs exhibits an ultrahigh capacity retention of 96.4% after 100 cycles at 0.5 C. More importantly, it demonstrates excellent rate performance (618 mAh g−1 at current density of 10 C) and outstanding cycle performance at 2 C after 2800 cycles with only 0.01% decay per cycle. Impressively, the assembled pouch cell delivers a high discharge capacity of 1385 mAh g−1 and retains 869 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 0.2 C. These results demonstrate the potential of dual single atom catalysts for the favorable bi‐directional redox kinetics in Li−S batteries.
Grain boundary engineering of organic semiconductor films in organic transistors
Authors: Wang Yanpeng , Sun Shougang , Huang Yinan , Fu Yao , Qi Jiannan , Tie Kai , Wang Zhongwu , Jiao Fei , Si Rongmei , Chen Xiaosong , Li Liqiang , Hu Wenping
Published: June 2023

Organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs) show great application potential in organic electronic and optoelectronic fields due to their excellent mechanical flexibility, low cost, and solution processing. However, grain boundaries (GBs) disrupt the aggregation state of organic semiconductor (OSC) films and hinder electrical performance and stability, which limits the application of OFETs. Besides, the sensitive nature of GBs is widely used in sensing, but detailed descriptions of the GBs are scarce. This review aims to fill this knowledge gap. The role of GBs and their effect on the performance and stability of OFETs are analyzed, followed by a detailed summary of the characterization of GBs. Then, strategies for suppressing the negative effects of GBs and utilizing the sensitive nature of GBs for application are proposed. Finally, potential research directions for GBs in OFETs are discussed.
Polycythemia vera: 2024 update on diagnosis, risk‐stratification, and management
Authors: Tefferi Ayalew , Barbui Tiziano
Published: June 2023

Disease Overview

Polycythemia vera (PV) is a JAK2‐mutated myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by clonal erythrocytosis; other features include leukocytosis, thrombocytosis, splenomegaly, pruritus, constitutional symptoms, microcirculatory disturbances, and increased risk of thrombosis and progression into myelofibrosis (post‐PV MF) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Diagnosis

A working diagnosis is considered in the presence of a JAK2 mutation associated with hemoglobin/hematocrit levels of >16.5 g/dL/49% in men or 16 g/dL/48% in women; morphologic confirmation by bone marrow examination is advised but not mandated.

Cytogenetics

Abnormal karyotype is seen in 15%–20% of patients with the most frequent sole abnormalities being +9 (5%), loss of chromosome Y (4%), +8 (3%), and 20q− (3%).

Mutations

Over 50% of patients harbor DNA sequence variants/mutations other than JAK2, with the most frequent being TET2 (18%) and ASXL1 (15%). Prognostically adverse mutations include SRSF2, IDH2, RUNX1, and U2AF1, with a combined incidence of 5%–10%.

Survival and Prognosis

Median survival is ⁓15 years but exceeds 35 years for patients aged ≤40 years. Risk factors for survival include older age, leukocytosis, abnormal karyotype, and the presence of adverse mutations. Twenty‐year risk for thrombosis, post‐PV MF, or AML are ⁓26%, 16% and 4%, respectively.

Risk Factors for Thrombosis

Two risk categories are considered: high (age >60 years or thrombosis history) and low (absence of both risk factors). Additional predictors for arterial thrombosis include cardiovascular risk factors and for venous thrombosis higher absolute neutrophil count and JAK2V617F allele burden.

Treatment

Current goal of therapy is to prevent thrombosis. Periodic phlebotomy, with a hematocrit target of <45%, combined with once‐ or twice‐daily aspirin (81 mg) therapy, absent contraindications, is the backbone of treatment in all patients, regardless of risk category. Cytoreductive therapy is reserved for high‐risk disease with first‐line drugs of choice being hydroxyurea and pegylated interferon‐α and second‐line busulfan and ruxolitinib. In addition, systemic anticoagulation is advised in patients with venous thrombosis history.

Additional Treatment Considerations

At the present time, we do not consider a drug‐induced reduction in JAK2V617F allele burden, which is often incomplete and seen not only with peg‐IFN but also with ruxolitinib and busulfan, as an indicator of disease‐modifying activity, unless accompanied by cytogenetic and independently‐verified morphologic remission. Accordingly, we do not use the specific parameter to influence treatment choices. The current review also includes specific treatment strategies in the context of pregnancy, splanchnic vein thrombosis, pruritus, perioperative care, and post‐PV MF.
Epidemiology of clinically significant forms of alpha‐ and beta‐thalassemia: A global map of evidence and gaps
Authors: Musallam Khaled M. , Lombard Louise , Kistler Kristin D. , Arregui Maria , Gilroy Keely S. , Chamberlain Christina , Zagadailov Erin , Ruiz Kimberly , Taher Ali T.
Published: June 2023

This systematic literature review assessed the global prevalence and birth prevalence of clinically significant forms of alpha‐ and beta‐thalassemia. Embase, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library were searched for observational studies published January 1, 2000, to September 21, 2021. Of 2093 unique records identified, 69 studies reported across 70 publications met eligibility criteria, including 6 records identified from bibliography searches. Thalassemia prevalence estimates varied across countries and even within countries. Across 23 population‐based studies reporting clinically significant alpha‐thalassemia (e.g., hemoglobin H disease and hemoglobin Bart's hydrops fetalis) and/or beta‐thalassemia (beta‐thalassemia intermedia, major, and/or hemoglobin E/beta‐thalassemia), prevalence estimates per 100 000 people ranged from 0.2 in Spain (over 2014–2017) to 27.2 in Greece (2010–2015) for combined beta‐ plus alpha‐thalassemia; from 0.03 in Spain (2014–2017) to 4.5 in Malaysia (2007–2018) for alpha‐thalassemia; and from 0.2 in Spain (2014–2017) to 35.7 to 49.6 in Iraq (2003–2018) for beta‐thalassemia. Overall, the estimated prevalence of thalassemia followed the predicted pattern of being higher in the Middle East, Asia, and Mediterranean than in Europe or North America. However, population‐based prevalence estimates were not found for many countries, and there was heterogeneity in case definitions, diagnostic methodology, type of thalassemia reported, and details on transfusion requirements. Limited population‐based birth prevalence data were found. Twenty‐seven studies reported thalassemia prevalence from non–population‐based samples. Results from such studies likely do not have countrywide generalizability as they tended to be from highly specific groups. To fully understand the global prevalence of thalassemia, up‐to‐date, population‐based epidemiological data are needed for many countries.
Metal‐Free Visible‐light Mediated C−S Bond Formation
Authors: Sahoo Ashish Kumar , Barik Dinabandhu , Dam Binoyargha , Patel Bhisma K.
Published: June 2023

The upsurge in interest in the development of methodologies for the synthesis of sulfur‐containing compounds via the use of visible‐light has been established as a sustainable tool in organic chemistry. Particularly, visible‐light mediated C−S bond formation has gained popularity due to its operational simplicity, minimized by‐products, easy handling, mild reaction conditions, etc. Photochemistry not only provides a sustainable way to synthesize complex molecules but also has the ability to overcome many challenges which are difficult to attain by conventional thermal pathways. Owing to the biological importance of sulfur‐containing compounds, the present review focused on the C−S bond formation under metal‐free conditions mediated by visible‐light. The objective of the current review is to bring out the unearthing collection regarding C−S bond formation via photoredox catalysis. For better understanding, the review is categorized according to the mode of reactions viz, C−S bond formation via difunctionalization of alkenes and alkynes, C−S bond formation via C−H functionalization, and C−S bond formation via radical cyclization. All the reactions in each of the sections are described with selected examples with a proper explanation of the proposed mechanism.
Air pollution exposure is associated with rhinitis in older US adults via specific immune mechanisms
Authors: Scussiatto Henrique Ochoa , Wroblewski Kristen E. , Pagel Kristina L. , Schumm L. Phillip , McClintock Martha K. , Ramanathan Murray , Suh Helen H. , Pinto Jayant M.
Published: June 2023

Background

Pathophysiology of rhinitis in older adults is largely unknown. We tested whether air pollution is associated with this condition and how immune mechanisms may play a role in this relationship.

Methods

We analyzed cross‐sectional data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project, a nationally representative study of older adults born between 1920 and 1947. Particulate matter ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5) air pollution exposure estimates were generated using validated spatiotemporal models. Presence of rhinitis was defined based on medication use (≥1: intranasal medications: steroids, antihistamines, lubricants, and/or decongestants, and/or oral medications: antihistamines and/or decongestants). K‐means cluster analysis (Jaccard method) was used to group 13 peripheral blood cytokines into 3 clusters to facilitate functional determination. We fitted multivariate logistic regressions to correlate PM2.5 exposure with presence of rhinitis, controlling for confounders, and then determined the role of cytokines in this relationship.

Results

Long‐ (but not short‐) term exposure to PM2.5 was associated with presence of rhinitis: 3‐year exposure window, odds ratio (OR) = 1.32, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.98, 1.80, per 1 standard deviation (SD) PM2.5 increase. Inclusion of cytokine cluster in the model led to a modestly stronger effect of PM2.5 exposure on rhinitis (OR = 1.37; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.87; 3‐year exposure window). The particular immune profile responsible for this result was composed of elevated IL‐3, IL‐12, and IFN‐γ (OR = 4.86, 95% CI: 1.10, 21.58, immune profile–PM2.5 exposure interaction term).

Conclusion

We show for the first time that IL‐3, IL‐12, and IFN‐γ explain in part the relationship between PM2.5 exposure and rhinitis in older US adults. If confirmed, these immune pathways may be used as therapeutic targets.
Cooperative Network Formation via Two‐Colour Light‐Activated λ‐Orthogonal Chromophores
Authors: Eren Tugce Nur , Feist Florian , Ehrmann Katharina , Barner‐Kowollik Christopher
Published: June 2023

Independently addressing photoreactive sites within one molecule with two colours of light is a formidable challenge. Here, we combine two sequence independent λ‐orthogonal chromophores in one heterotelechelic dilinker molecule, to exploit their disparate reactivity utilizing the same reaction partner, a maleimide‐containing polymer. We demonstrate that polymer network formation only proceeds if two colours of light are employed. Upon single colour irradiation, linker‐decorated post‐functionalized polymers are generated at either wavelength and in either sequence. Network formation, however, is only achieved by sequential or simultaneous two colour irradiation. The herein introduced photoreactive system demonstrates the power of wavelength orthogonal chemistry in macromolecular synthesis.
Design of MWCNTs and rGO co‐decorated elastic core‐spun yarn towards multifunctional flexible strain sensor with low detection limit and wide working range
Authors: Zhang Mingguang , Feng Peifeng , Lian Xiuye , Zhao Gang , Liu Cheng , Li Nan , Xu Jian , Chen Yousi , Jian Xigao
Published: June 2023

In order to reduce the detection limit and improve the working range of flexible strain sensor, in this article, we reported a multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) co‐decorated multifunctional core spurn yarn flexible strain sensor (CGY FSS). It was found that the well lapping between MWCNT and rGO endows sensor with high working range (> 300%), while the helical structure of core‐spun yarn makes it sensitive to very tiny deformation (0.1%). To improve its dynamic durability, polydopamine (PDA) was used to improve the interface bonding force between yarn and conductive materials, which ensures the sensor conduct stable electrical signals during 10,000 stretching cycles test at 10% strain. These features made it suitable for human motion detection and structural health monitoring. Moreover, due to the abundant carboxyl groups on the carbon material surface and the employment of polymer‐based yarn, CGY FSS also showed good responsiveness to water vapor and acetone gas. It can be conceived that this as prepared strain sensor shows promising potential in smart device application with multiple response mechanism.
Evidence of the Atlantic nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) population shrink at Rocas Atoll, Southwestern Atlantic
Authors: Bettcher Vanessa B. , Santos Luciano N. , Bertoncini Áthila A. , Silva Maurizélia B. , Castro Andrey L. F.
Published: June 2023

The Atlantic nurse shark, Ginglymostoma cirratum, was recently listed as Vulnerable by IUCN Red List, however, as highlighted, little is known about its populations in the Southwestern Atlantic. Therefore, population studies are essential to propose status evaluations and new conservation measures.

Natural marks present on the animals' bodies are used as an alternative non‐invasive method rather than the usual tagging system for individual identification, thus avoiding the need for animal handling.

This study aimed to evaluate the population size trend of G. cirratum at the Rocas Atoll Marine Biological Reserve, the only atoll located in the South Atlantic.

Data were collected through underwater filming, photo‐identification, and visual censuses. Three expeditions were carried out in 2018 and the abundance of sharks was sampled in the inner part of Rocas Atoll Marine Biological Reserve.

Sharks were identified individually with the aid of the software Interactive Identification System – Contour (I3S). Based on the re‐sightings of identified animals, two capture–recapture estimators of population size were used (Petersen–Bailey; Jolly–Seber). The estimates were then compared to the only previous estimate made 20 years before, which employed the same number of expeditions and estimators.

A total of 139 sharks were identified from 444 sightings in 63 h of diving effort. Population estimates varied from 200 to 205 sharks, which are significantly lower than the previous estimate (339–368 sharks) made 20 years ago, suggesting a demographic decline in Southwestern Atlantic populations.

Population studies and movement of G. cirratum are essential to inform the implementation of additional protective measures, including the establishment of protected corridors between marine protected areas and the recovery of G. cirratum populations. It is crucial to consider that the distribution of individuals may extend beyond the borders of the non‐take marine protected area. Therefore, the observed decline in the local population could potential indicate a broader decline across the Southwestern Atlantic.
DMSO‐Assisted K3PO4‐Catalyzed Cooperative Metal‐Free, Base‐Free Etherification of Chloroheteroarenes at Low Temperature
Authors: Khandagale Deepali , Kori Santosh , Kapdi Anant R.
Published: June 2023

Etherification of chloroheteroarenes was performed at low temperatures under metal‐free, ligand‐free and base‐free conditions, that is, the reaction is promoted by the cooperative effect of DMSO (solvent) as a promoter and K3PO4 providing the catalytic surface (rather than a base). The protocol exhibits good substrate scope under mild reaction conditions and has also been explored mechanistically.
Non‐Noble Bifunctional Amorphous Metal Boride Electrocatalysts for Selective Seawater Electrolysis
Authors: Silviya R. , Vernekar Yashashree , Bhide Aniruddha , Gupta Suraj , Patel Nainesh , Fernandes Rohan
Published: June 2023

The global scarcity of freshwater resources has recently driven the need to explore abundant seawater as an alternative feedstock for hydrogen production by water‐splitting. This route comes with new challenges for the electrocatalyst, which has to withstand harsh saline water conditions with selectivity towards oxygen evolution over other competing reactions. Herein, a series of amorphous metal borides based on the iron triad metals (Co, Ni, and Fe), synthesized by a simple one‐step chemical reduction method, displayed excellent bifunctional activity for overall seawater splitting. Amongst the chosen catalysts, amorphous cobalt boride (Co−B) showed the best overpotential values of 182 mV for HER and 305 mV for OER, to achieve 10 mA/cm2, in alkaline simulated seawater. This superior activity was owed to the enrichment of the metal site with excess electrons (HER) and the in‐situ surface transformation (OER), as confirmed by various means. In alkaline simulated seawater, the overall cell voltage required to achieve 100 mA/cm2 was 1.85 V for the Co−B catalyst when used in a 2‐electrode assembly. The Co−B catalyst showed negligible loss in activity even after 1000 cycles and 50 h potentiostatic tests, thus demonstrating its industrial viability. The selectivity of the catalyst was established with Faradaic efficiency of above 99 % for HER and 96 % for OER, with no detection of chloride products in the spent electrolyte. This study using the mono‐metallic boride catalysts will turn to be a precursor to exploit other complex metal boride systems as potential candidates for seawater electrolysis for large‐scale hydrogen production.
Effects of Magnetic Field on Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Precipitation of Calcium Carbonate
Authors: Latifa Sirine Ben , Cheap‐Charpentier Hélène , Perrot Hubert , Amor Yasser Ben
Published: June 2023

In this study, fast controlled precipitation (FCP) and chronoamperometry (CA) methods were performed to evaluate the influence of the magnetic treatment at 0.70 T, upon the scale formation in synthetic solutions (hardness 25 °F), exposed to a static magnetic field for different exposure times. According to FCP results, homogeneous CaCO3 precipitation rates in treated solution were lower than those in the absence of the magnetic field. It has been found that the memory effect can last up to 24 h after the magnetic treatment even if it decreases over time. As purpose of comparison, CA method was applied to investigate the influence of the magnetic treatment on heterogeneous CaCO3 precipitation. The magnetic field effect increased with the increasing exposure time. The obtained scale, characterized by scanning electronic microscopy and X‐ray diffraction, was formed by a mixture of calcite and aragonite in the presence of magnetic field.
Merging Solid‐Phase Peptide Synthesis and Automated Glycan Assembly to Prepare Lipid‐Peptide‐Glycan Chimeras
Authors: Ricardo Manuel G. , Seeberger Peter H.
Published: June 2023

Biomaterials with improved biological features can be obtained by conjugating glycans to nanostructured peptides. Creating peptide‐glycan chimeras requires superb chemoselectivity. We expedite access to such chimeras by merging peptide and glycan solid‐phase syntheses employing a bifunctional monosaccharide. The concept was explored in the context of the on‐resin generation of a model α(1→6)tetramannoside linked to peptides, lipids, steroids, and adamantane. Chimeras containing a β(1→6)tetraglucoside and self‐assembling peptides such as FF, FFKLVFF, and the amphiphile palmitoyl‐VVVAAAKKK were prepared in a fully automated manner. The robust synthetic protocol requires a single purification step to obtain overall yields of about 20 %. The β(1→6)tetraglucoside FFKLVFF chimera produces micelles rather than nanofibers formed by the peptide alone as judged by microscopy and circular dichroism. The peptide amphiphile‐glycan chimera forms a disperse fiber network, creating opportunities for new glycan‐based nanomaterials.
Probability of malignancy and molecular alterations as determined by ThyroSeq v3 genomic classifier in Bethesda Category IV
Authors: Tjendra Youley , Kerr Darcy A. , Zuo Yiqin , Menendez Silvia Gra , Jorda Merce , Gomez‐Fernandez Carmen , Velez Torres Jaylou M.
Published: June 2023

Background

ThyroSeq molecular testing assesses the probability of malignancy (POM) in thyroid fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) with indeterminate cytology. The aim was to investigate whether Bethesda category IV (BIV) subcategories are associated with specific molecular alterations, molecular‐derived risk of malignancy (MDROM), and risk of malignancy (ROM).

Methods

FNAC slides, associated ThyroSeq, version 3, Genomic Classifier results, and surgical follow‐up were retrieved for BIV nodules. Nodules were subcategorized as follicular neoplasm (FN) with or without cytologic atypia or oncocytic follicular neoplasm (OFN). The MDROM, ROM, and frequency of molecular alterations in FN and OFN were analyzed. p < .05 was considered significant.

Results

A total of 92 FNAC were identified and subcategorized into 46 FN (15 with and 31 without cytologic atypia) and 46 OFN. The benign call rate and the positive call rate were 49% and 51%, respectively. The MDROM in BIV was 34.3%, trending lower in OFN than in FN. RAS mutations were significantly more frequent in FN when compared to OFN (p = .02). Chromosomal copy number alterations were more often present in OFN than in FN (p < .01). On histologic follow‐up, ROM in OFN was trending lower than in FN (p = .1). The most common diagnosis in OFN was oncocytic adenoma, whereas follicular variant papillary thyroid carcinoma was most common in FN.

Conclusions

The MDROM and ROM were trending lower in OFN compared with FN, and the molecular alterations differed between OFN and FN subcategories.
Interfacial Engineering of a PCBM/AZO Electron Transport Bilayer for Efficient and Stable Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Ali Usman , Javed Sofia , Qureshi Akbar Ali , Akram Muhammad Aftab
Published: June 2023

The reduced hysteresis index and low‐temperature processed fabrication of inverted p‐i‐n perovskite solar cells (PSC) have attracted substantial attraction for achieving higher photovoltaic performance through interfacial engineering. Despite having certain limitations, fullerene‐based electron transport layers have been used frequently utilized in mixed halide inverted perovskite solar cells. The energy level mismatch between PCBM and metal electrode creates a hindrance in efficient electron extraction and thus a limiting factor in attaining higher device performances. In this work, we report an efficient interlayer of aluminum‐doped zinc oxide (AZO) nanoparticles in‐between PCBM and the metal electrode to suppress interfacial recombination. The PCBM/AZO electron transport bilayer can effectively mitigate the imperfections of the PCBM layer alone. The PCBM/AZO electron transport bilayer with an optimal concentration of 2% Al dopant exhibited greatly improved power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.63%, VOC of 1.13 V, and FF of 73% with negligible hysteresis index of 0.04. Further, the optimal device exhibited remarkable stability by retaining 91% of the initial PCE after 200 hours confirming the suitable insertion of the AZO bilayer. The improved photovoltaic performance using PCBM/AZO bilayer can be attributed to higher electron transfer efficiency, suppressed interfacial recombination, and smooth surface morphology of AZO nanoparticles atop the PCBM layer.
Inorganic Composites Improving Conductivities of Solid Polymer Electrolytes for Lithium Batteries: A Review
Authors: Liu Qihao , Han Xianying , Wei Gaoyang , Zhang Hao , Li Yan , Li Jiangang , He Xiangming
Published: June 2023

For high‐energy‐density lithium batteries, the research and development of solid‐state electrolytes is crucial. Inorganic‐organic composite electrolytes with high mechanical strength and ionic conductivity of inorganic ceramic electrolytes, as well as high interfacial compatibility of polymer electrolytes, have become a current research hotspot. Based on a brief discussion of lithium dendrite growth and Li+ ion transport mechanisms, this article provides a comprehensive review of the nanostructure design and performance of inorganic‐organic composite electrolytes in recent years, and focuses on the mechanism of homogeneous monolayer composite electrolytes and heterogeneous multilayer composite electrolytes to enhance the performance of electrolytes. In addition, the future prospect of inorganic‐organic composite electrolytes is discussed, providing practical guidance for researchers in this field.
Experimental Models of Alcohol Use Disorder and Their Application for Pathophysiological Investigations
Authors: Vierkant Valerie , Xie Xueyi , Wang Xuehua , Wang Jun
Published: June 2023

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a complex disorder characterized by compulsive alcohol use and a lack of control over alcohol intake. Several experimental methods using mouse models have been developed to improve research regarding this disorder. Mouse behavioral paradigms are advantageous in inducing alcohol dependence and evaluating alcohol intake, circumventing ethical issues, and increasing experimental control over human‐based experiments. These behavioral methods typically fall under one of two categories: forced exposure and voluntary consumption. This paper highlights two common paradigms used to study AUD in rodent models: one forced exposure method (use of a vapor inhalation system for alcohol exposure) and one voluntary consumption method (the two‐bottle choice procedure). The effectiveness and experimental validity of these behavioral paradigms for pathophysiological investigations of AUD and how they can be combined are also discussed, along with their individual strengths and weaknesses. © 2023 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Vapor inhalation for exposure to alcohol

Basic Protocol 2: Intermittent access two‐bottle choice procedure (acquisition)

Basic Protocol 3: Intermittent access two‐bottle choice procedure (measurement)

Alternate Protocol: Sucrose fading to encourage voluntary alcohol consumption