bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A placebo‐controlled randomized clinical trial of antibiotics versus probiotics as an adjuvant to nonsurgical periodontal treatment among smokers with Stage III, Grade C generalized periodontitis
Authors: Ghazal Mehwish , Ahmed Shahbaz , Farooqui Waqas Ahmed , Khalid Fizza , Riaz Sania , Akber Ather , Shabbir Sumaiya , Khan Farhan Raza , Sadiq Ali
Published: June 2023

Background

Probiotics are viable microorganisms, which if delivered in appropriate dose can provide health benefits. Lactobacillus reuteri (DM17938+ATCC PTA 5289) has been recommended as a safe choice for probiotics. The objective of this study is to compare the improvement in the periodontal parameters amongst smokers with generalized periodontitis with Stage III, Grade C treated with nonsurgical periodontal treatment (NSPT) to which either an antibiotics or probiotics were given as an adjuvant.

Methods

Sixty smokers with Stage III, Grade C generalized periodontitis were randomized in two groups after taking informed consent. Periodontal parameters including bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), attachment loss (AL), gingival index (GI), and plaque index (PI) were recorded. Group 1 received (after NSPT and oral hygiene instructions) amoxicillin and metronidazole for 7 days and a placebo for probiotics for 30 days. Group 2 was provided (after NSPT and oral hygiene instructions) with one tablet of Lactobacillus reuteri probiotics (2 × 108 CFU) twice daily for 30 days and placebo antibiotics for 7 days. The periodontal parameters were recorded again at 1‐ and 3‐month follow‐ups as outcome variables. Mean, standard deviation, and confidence interval were reported using SPSS 20.0.

Results

A statistically significant clinical improvement in the PD, BOP, PI, and GI were observed in both the groups at 3‐month follow‐up. However, the AL remained unchanged in both the groups.

Conclusions

Administration of probiotics and antibiotics along with NSPT yield statistically significant differences in PD and BOP from baseline to 3‐month follow‐up. However, between the group differences were not statistically significant for the periodontal parameters (AL, PD, and BOP).
A Metallabicycle From Thiocarbonyl‐Cyclopropenium Coupling
Authors: Watson Lachlan J. , Hill Anthony F.
Published: June 2023

Addition of triphenylcyclopropenium bromide to the thiocarbonyl complex [RhCl(CS)(PPh3)2] affords novel bicyclic metalla‐3‐mercapto‐thiapyrylliums [Rh(κ2‐C,S‐C5S2Ph3)(PPh3)2X2] (X=Cl, Br) – heterocycles with no metal‐free isolobal precedent. Halide abstraction with silver triflate (AgOTf) in acetonitrile affords the salt [Rh(κ2‐C,S‐C5S2Ph3)(NCMe)2(PPh3)2{Ag(OH2)2}{Ag(OTf)3}]‐OTf which in turn reacts with sodium chloride to return [Rh(κ2‐C,S‐C5S2Ph3)(PPh3)2Cl2].
Trinuclear Dy(III) Single‐Molecule Magnets with Two‐Step Relaxation
Authors: Jin Yi‐Shu , Liu Cai‐Ming , Zhang Yi‐Quan , Kou Hui‐Zhong
Published: June 2023

Comprehensive Summary

The reaction of DyCl3⋅6H2O with a rigid diacylhydrazone ligand (H2L) afforded a trinuclear precursor [Dy3L2Cl3(H2O)2(CH3OH)]Cl2⋅3CH3OH (1). The replacement of the Cl– ions and the coordinating solvents by the aryloxides ligands (Lx)– yields three trinuclear complexes [Dy3L2(Lx)5]⋅nsol (x = 1,2‐naphthol (2); x = 2,7‐hydroxycoumarin (3); and x = 3, phenol (4)). In complexes 2—4, two end Dy3+ centers adopt almost identical N4O4 coordination sphere of D6h geometry while the central one adopts N4O5 coordination sphere in Cs geometry. Magnetic measurements reveal weak antiferromagnetic interactions in the hydrated samples 2e—4e and two‐step slow relaxation process under zero dc field with effective energy barriers Ueff of 439 and 91 K, 353 and 40 K, 466 and 89 K for SR and FR in 2e—4e, respectively. Such dynamic magnetic behaviour for 4 persists in the magnetically diluted sample of 4@Y. Complex 4 possesses the short Dy‐Oaryloxide bond distance of 2.055(18) Å, and the largest Ueff among the reported linear trinuclear dysprosium complexes. Moreover, the functionalized aryloxides ligands (Lx)– show photoluminescence via intramolecular energy transfer, making 2e—4e luminescent Dy3+ SMMs with high energy barriers.
Recent Progresses on Dopant‐Free Organic Hole Transport Materials toward Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells†
Authors: Xie Gang , Chen Jintao , Li Huiyu , Yu Jianxin , Yin Haoran , Wang Zhiping , Huang Yaoyao , Feng Chuizheng , Pan Yang , Liang Aihui , Chen Yiwang
Published: June 2023

Comprehensive Summary

As the third generation new battery, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of metal halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has increased from 3.8% in 2009 to 25.8% currently certified, which fully shows that they have great research value and development prospect. As one of the main components of high‐efficiency PSCs, hole transport materials (HTMs) play an important role in extracting and transporting holes and inhibiting charge recombination. However, commonly used HTMs require doping, and the hygroscopicity and corrosiveness of the dopants will destroy the stability of PSCs and hinder their commercialization. Therefore, it is of great significance to develop dopant‐free HTMs. In this review, the dopant‐free HTMs in recent six years are reviewed and summarized systematically, including organic small molecules, polymers and cross‐linkable materials. We focus on the design of the molecular cores and discuss their structure–property correlation, conductivity, and photovoltaic performance. Finally, how to design an ideal HTM is summarized. We hope that this review can provide reference for the development of low‐cost and dopant‐free HTMs to prepare efficient and stable PSCs.
The role of dimers in complex forming reactions at low temperature: full dimension potential and dynamics of (H2CO)2+OH reaction
Authors: del Mazo‐Sevillano Pablo , Aguado Alfredo , Zanchet Alexandre , Roncero Octavio
Published: June 2023

The (H
CO)
+OH and H
CO‐OH+H
CO reaction dynamics are studied theoretically for temperatures below 300 K. For this purpose, a full dimension potential energy surface is built, which reproduces well accurate ab initio calculations. The potential presents a submerged reaction barrier, as an example of the catalytic effect induced by the presence of the third molecule. However, quasi‐classical and ring polymer molecular dynamics calculations show that the dominant channel is the dimer‐exchange mechanism below 200 K, and that the reactive rate constant tends to stabilize at low temperatures, because the effective dipole of either dimer is reduced with respect to that of formaldehyde alone. The reaction complex formed at low temperatures does not live long enough to produce complete energy relaxation, as assumed in statistical theories. These results show that the reactivity of the dimers cannot explain the large rate constants measured at temperatures below 100 K.
Mechanochromic Polymers Based on Mechanophores
Authors: Huang Yinliang , Huang Shuai , Li Quan
Published: June 2023

In recent years, diverse stimuli‐responsive allochroic materials have rapidly been developed, and smart materials with mechanochromic properties in particular have received increasing attention. This is because force fields have the advantage of being large and controllable compared to other stimulation modalities. Mechanochromic polymers mainly convert mechanical force signals into optical signals, which makes them suitable for applications in bionic actuators, encryption, and signal sensing. In this review, we summarize recent research progress in the design and development of mechanochromic polymers that are classified into two categories. The first category comprises those based on mechanophores that are physically dispersed in polymer matrices in the form of supramolecular aggregates. The second category comprises those based on mechanophores that are covalently linked to polymer networks. We focus on the working mechanisms of the mechanophores and their potential applications, which include damage monitoring and signal sensing.
T1dCteGui: A User‐Friendly Clinical Trial Enrichment Tool to Optimize T1D Prevention Studies by Leveraging AI/ML Based Synthetic Patient Population
Authors: Pauley Mike , Henscheid Nick , David Sarah E. , Karpen Stephen R. , Romero Klaus , Podichetty Jagdeep T. ,   the Type 1 Diabetes Consortium (T1DC)
Published: June 2023

Whereas islet autoantibodies (AAs) are well‐established risk factors for developing type 1 diabetes (T1D), there is a lack of biomarkers endorsed by regulators to enrich clinical trial populations for those at risk of developing T1D. As such, the development of therapies that delay or prevent the onset of T1D remains challenging. To address this drug development need, the Critical Path Institute's T1D Consortium (T1DC) acquired patient‐level data from multiple observational studies and used a model‐based approach to evaluate the utility of islet AAs as enrichment biomarkers in clinical trials. An accelerated failure time model was developed, discussed in our previous publication, which provided the underlying evidence required to receive a qualification opinion for islet AAs as enrichment biomarkers from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in March 2022. To further democratize the use of the model for scientists and clinicians, we developed a Clinical Trial Enrichment Graphical User Interface. The interactive tool allows users to specify trial participant characteristics, including the percentage of participants with a specific AA combination. Users can specify ranges for participant baseline age, sex, blood glucose measurement from the 120‐minute timepoints of an oral glucose tolerance test, and HbA1c. The tool then applies the model to predict the mean probability of a T1D diagnosis for that trial population and renders the results to the user. To ensure adequate data privacy and to make the tool open‐source, a deep learning‐based generative model was used to generate a cohort of synthetic subjects that underpins the tool.
No evidence of light inhibition on aerobic methanotrophs in coastal sediments using eDNA and eRNA
Authors: Broman Elias , Barua Rinti , Donald Daniel , Roth Florian , Humborg Christoph , Norkko Alf , Jilbert Tom , Bonaglia Stefano , Nascimento Francisco J. A.
Published: June 2023

It is estimated that up to half of global methane (CH4) emissions are derived from microbial processes in aquatic ecosystems. However, it is not fully understood which factors explain the spatial and temporal variability of these emissions. For example, light has previously been shown to both inhibit and stimulate aerobic methane‐oxidizing bacteria (i.e., methanotrophs) in the water column. These contrasting results indicate that the mechanisms that light has on CH4 oxidation are not yet clearly known, even less so for benthic aerobic methanotrophs. Here, we tested whether light reaching the seafloor can inhibit methanotrophic activity on the sediment surface. We sampled and distributed over 40 intact sediment cores from two coastal sites (illuminated 10 m, and a dark site at 33 m water depth) into 0, 50, and 100 PAR light treatments. After 10 days, we found no difference between treatments for each site in pore‐water CH4 concentrations, relative abundance of aerobic methanotrophs, or the number of RNA transcripts related to methane oxidation. Our results suggest that light attenuation in coastal waters does not significantly affect aerobic methanotrophs in coastal sediments.
Synthesis and Characterization of Bis(pyridylimino)isoindolide Alkali Metal Complexes in Three Redox States
Authors: Wenzel Jonas O. , Fernández Israel , Breher Frank
Published: June 2023

Non‐innocent ligands (NILs) like bis(pyridylimino)isoindolide (BPI) play crucial roles in coordination chemistry, biosciences, catalysis and material sciences. Investigating the isolated redox states of NILs is inevitable for understanding their redox‐activity and fine‐tuning the properties of corresponding metal complexes. The limited number of fundamental studies on the coordination behavior and redox chemistry of reduced BPI species is suggested to hamper further applications of the title compounds. This work describes for the first time the isolation of alkali metal complexes of BPI and Me2BPI in three different oxidation states and their characterization by means of NMR or EPR spectroscopy, DFT calculations, and SC‐XRD studies. The latter revealed the connection between bond orders in the ligand scaffold and its oxidation state. The paramagnetic compound Me2BPI‐K2 was isolated as a coordination copolymer with 18‐crown‐6, which enabled the characterization of the dianionic BPI radical. Furthermore, the so‐far unknown trianionic state of BPI was reported by the isolation of BPI‐K3. This divulges an unprecedented bis(amidinato)isoindolide coordination mode.
Stereocomplementary Synthesis of β‐Aryl Propanamines by Enzymatic Dynamic Kinetic Resolution‐Reductive Amination
Authors: Jin Rui , Xu Zefei , Feng Jinhui , Wang Min , Yao Peiyuan , Wu Qiaqing , Zhu Dunming
Published: June 2023

Chiral β‐aryl propanamine is an important structure unit of bioactive molecules or drugs. But its efficient synthesis remains a challenging task. In this study, several enantiocomplementary imine reductases capable of dynamic kinetic resolution‐reductive amination of sixteen 2‐phenylpropanal derivatives of diverse structural characteristics with four different amines were identified through screening 196 imine reductases. Furthermore, (S)‐IR60, (R)‐IR74 and (R)‐IR207 were applied to access a series of different β‐aryl propanamines with excellenteevalues (90 to 99 %) and high isolated yields (36 to 79 %), and two of them were further transformed into 3‐methylindolines through intramolecular Buchwald‐Hartwig cross‐coupling and deallylation, providing an effective method to construct this class of pharmaceutically important compounds.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Hydroaminocarbonylation of Olefins with Aliphatic Amines without Additives
Authors: Bede Fanni , Kollár László , Lambert Nándor , Huszthy Péter , Pongrácz Péter
Published: June 2023

Palladium‐catalyzed hydroaminocarbonylation reactions of olefins using aliphatic amines were performed under carbon monoxide atmosphere. Despite the strong basicity of the applied nucleophiles, the targeted amides were successfully synthesized in the absence of acidic additives. Styrene, oct‐1‐ene and isoprene were transformed to the corresponding amide isomers in moderate to good isolated yields under optimized reaction conditions. Various aliphatic amines were used as N‐nucleophiles. The effect of chiral diphosphines on product distribution, that is, on chemo‐, regio‐ and enantioselectivities was also studied. Plausible explanation was given for the additive‐free hydroaminocarbonylation reaction.
Reductions in Bone Mineral Density Are Apparent Early in Children With Prevalent Osteonecrosis Lesions Following Leukemia Therapy
Authors: Halton Jacqueline M. , Ma Jinui , Babyn Paul , Matzinger Mary Ann , Kaste Sue C. , Scharke Maya , Fernandez Conrad V. , Miettunen Paivi , Ho Josephine , Alos Nathalie , Abish Sharon , Barr Ronald , Cairney Elizabeth , Dix David B. , Grant Ronald M. , Israels Sara , Lewis Victor , Wilson Beverly , Atkinson Stephanie , Cabral David , Cummings Elizabeth , Rodd Celia , Stein Robert , Sbrocchi Anne Marie , Jaremko Jacob L. , Koujok Khaldoun , Shenouda Nazih , Rauch Frank , Siminoski Kerry , Ward Leanne M. ,   the Canadian STOPP Consortium
Published: June 2023

Osteonecrosis (ON) is a serious complication of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. We determined the prevalence of osteonecrotic lesions in our patient population by a one‐time multisite magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) more than 1 year following leukemia therapy. MRI findings were evaluated in relationship to clinical factors (including longitudinal changes in bone mineral density [BMD]). Eighty‐six children enrolled in the Steroid Associated Osteoporosis in the Pediatric Population (STOPP) study were evaluated for ON at 3.1 ± 1.3 years following therapy. Thirty children had a total of 150 confirmed ON lesions (35%). Lumbar spine (LS) BMD Z‐scores (mean ± SD) were low at diagnosis and similar between patients with and without ON (−1.09 ± 1.53 versus −1.27 ± 1.25, p = 0.549). LS BMD Z‐scores declined from baseline to 12 months in children with ON (−0.31 ± 1.02) but not in those without (0.13 ± 0.82, p = 0.035); the hip BMD Z‐scores from baseline to 24 months declined in both groups, but to a greater extent in those with ON (−1.77 ± 1.22) compared to those without (−1.03 ± 1.07, p = 0.045). At the time of the MRI, mean total hip and total body (TB) BMD Z‐scores were lower in children with ON (hip −0.98 ± 0.95 versus −0.28 ± 1.06, p = 0.010; TB −1.36 ± 1.10 versus −0.48 ± 1.50, p = 0.018). Pain occurred in 11/30 (37%) with ON versus 20/56 (36%) without, p = 0.841. In multivariable models, older age at diagnosis (odds ratio [OR] 1.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15–2.13; p = 0.004), and hip BMD Z‐score at MRI (OR 2.23; 95% CI, 1.02–4.87; p = 0.046) were independently associated with ON. Overall, one‐third of children demonstrated ON after leukemia therapy. Those with ON had greater reductions in spine and hip BMD Z‐scores in the first 1 and 2 years of therapy, respectively. Older age and lower hip BMD Z‐scores at MRI were significantly associated with prevalent, off‐therapy ON. These data assist in identifying children at risk of ON. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Applications of radiolabeled antibodies in neuroscience and neuro‐oncology
Authors: Pakula Ryan J. , Scott Peter J. H.
Published: June 2023

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a powerful tool in medicine and drug development, allowing for non‐invasive imaging and quantitation of biological processes in live organisms. Targets are often probed with small molecules, but antibody‐based PET is expanding because of many benefits, including ease of design of new antibodies toward targets, as well as the very strong affinities that can be expected. Application of antibodies to PET imaging of targets in the central nervous system (CNS) is a particularly nascent field, but one with tremendous potential. In this review, we discuss the growth of PET in imaging of CNS targets, present the promises and progress in antibody‐based CNS PET, explore challenges faced by the field, and discuss questions that this promising approach will need to answer moving forward for imaging and perhaps even radiotherapy.
Clinical effectiveness of oral antiviral agents in older patients with COVID‐19 based on real‐world data
Authors: Tsai Ya‐Wen , Wu Jheng‐Yan , Liu Ting‐Hui , Chuang Min‐Hsiang , Hsu Wan‐Hsuan , Huang Po‐Yu , Lai Chih‐Cheng , Tsai Kang‐Ting , Shiue Yow‐Ling
Published: June 2023

Several randomized controlled trials and real‐world cohort studies have demonstrated the efficacies of nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir (NMV‐r) and molnupiravir (MOV) in at‐risk patients with COVID‐19; however, the effectiveness of antisevere acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus 2 treatments on older patients (≥65 years) remains unclear. This retrospective cohort study aimed to assess the clinical effectiveness of the oral antiviral agents, MOV and NMV‐r, in older patients (≥65 years) infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus 2. Nonhospitalized older patients with COVID‐19 between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022, were recruited from the TriNetX Research Network. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to match patients who received either NMV‐r or MOV treatment with those who did not receive any oral antiviral agents. Hazard ratios (HRs) for composite all‐cause hospitalization or death during the 30‐day follow‐up period were calculated. PSM revealed two cohorts with 28 824 patients each having balanced baseline characteristics. The antiviral group was associated with significantly lower risk of the primary composite outcome of all‐cause hospitalization or death than the control group (241 vs. 801; HR, 0.307; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.27–0.36) during the follow‐up period. For the secondary outcome, the antiviral group had a significantly lower risk of all‐cause hospitalization (288 vs. 725; HR, 0.322; 95% CI, 0.28–0.37) and mortality (16 vs. 94; HR, 0.176; 95% CI, 0.10–0.30) than the control group. Moreover, the reduced risk of all‐cause hospitalization or death remained consistent in patients receiving NMV‐r (HR, 0.279; 95% CI, 0.24–0.33) and MOV (HR, 0.279; 95% CI, 0.21–0.38). Our results revealed that NMV‐r and MOV decreased the all‐cause hospitalization and death rates among older patients with COVID‐19, supporting the use of antivirals in this vulnerable population.
Oral health‐related quality of life among women early postpartum: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Badewy Rana , Cardoso Elaine , Glogauer Michael , Sgro Michael , Connor Kristin L. , Lai Jim Yuan , Bazinet Richard P. , Tenenbaum Howard C. , Azarpazhooh Amir
Published: June 2023

Background

Periodontal diseases can negatively impact the oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) of pregnant women. This study investigates the association between maternal oral inflammatory load (OIL), sociodemographic characteristics, and the OHRQoL in postpartum women.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, breastfeeding mothers were recruited from St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto within 2–4 weeks postpartum. Mothers were categorized into “Normal/low” and “High” OIL groups based on the absolute counts of oral polymorphonuclear neutrophils (oPMNs). The Oral Health Impact Profile‐14 questionnaire was used to assess the impact of the maternal OIL on the OHRQoL. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to examine the association between maternal sociodemographic factors including age, marital status, education level, employment status, parity, and their OHRQoL.

Results

Forty‐seven mothers were included in this study. Mothers with high OIL reported higher impact on their OHRQoL (30%) than mothers with normal/low OIL (21%), but these differences were not statistically different. There was a negative relationship between the mother's education level and the extent of impact of OHRQoL on the “physical pain” dimension (p < 0.05), and between the mothers’ age and employment status and the “physical disability” dimension (p < 0.05). A positive correlation was noted between multi‐parity and the extent of impact of OHRQoL on the “physical disability” dimension (p = 0.009), and between the marital status and the “psychological disability” dimension (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study highlighted the significant impact of sociodemographic characteristics on the OHRQoL of mothers, showcasing the importance of considering these factors when implementing targeted preventive dental care programs for mothers.
Study on the dynamic metabolic characteristic of main active ingredients in Danggui Buxue Decoction by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry based on in situ sequential metabolism strategy
Authors: Wang Yanmin , Gong Yuan , Xiao Yao , Jiang Yani , Chen Jianbo , Zhao Hedi , Qi Miao , Chen Han , Fan Jing , Wang Jingjuan
Published: June 2023

Danggui Buxue Decoction is a classic formula for replenishing qi and nourishing blood. Despite its widespread use, its dynamic metabolism involved remains unclear. Based on the sequential metabolism strategy, blood samples from different metabolic sites were obtained via in situ closed intestine ring integrated with a jugular venous continuous blood supply technique. An ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐linear triple quadruple‐Orbitrap‐tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for the identification of prototypes and metabolites in rat plasma. The dynamic absorption and metabolic landscape of flavonoids, saponins, and phthalides were characterized. Flavonoids could be deglycosylated, deacetylated, demethylated, dehydroxylated, and glucuronicated in the gut and then absorbed for further metabolism. Jejunum is an important metabolic site for saponins biotransformation. Saponins that are substituted by Acetyl groups tend to lose their acetyl groups and convert to Astragaloside IV in the jejunum. Phthalides could be hydroxylated and glucuronidated in the gut and then absorbed for further metabolism. Seven components serve as crucial joints in the metabolic network and are potential candidates for the quality control of Danggui Buxue Decoction. The sequential metabolism strategy described in this study could be useful for characterizing the metabolic pathways of Chinese medicine and natural products in the digestive system.
Use of Motion Capture Technology to Study Extrinsic Laryngeal Muscle Tension and Hyperfunction
Authors: Hogue Steven , Guo Xiaohu , Morrison Robert A. , McDowell Sarah , Shembel Adrianna C.
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Patients with primary muscle tension dysphonia (pMTD) commonly report paralaryngeal pain and discomfort, and extrinsic laryngeal muscle (ELM) tension and hyperfunction are commonly implicated. However, quantitative physiological metrics to study ELM movement patterns for the characterization of pMTD diagnosis and monitoring of treatment progress are lacking. The objectives of this study were to validate motion capture (MoCap) technology to study ELM kinematics, determine whether MoCap could distinguish ELM tension and hyperfunction between individuals with and without pMTD, and investigate relationships between common clinical voice metrics and ELM kinematics.

Methods

Thirty subjects (15 with pMTD and 15 controls) were recruited for the study. Sixteen markers were placed on different anatomical landmarks on the chin and anterior neck. Movements across these regions were tracked during four voice and speech tasks using two three‐dimensional cameras. Movement displacement and variability were determined based on 16 key‐points and 53 edges.

Results

Intraclass correlation coefficients demonstrated high intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability (p's < 0.001). Other than greater movement displacements around the thyrohyoid space during longer phrasing (reading passage, 30‐s diadochokinetics) and more movement variability in patients with pMTD, kinematic patterns between groups were similar across the 53 edges for the four voice and speech tasks. There were also no significant correlations between ELM kinematics and standard voice metrics.

Conclusion

Results demonstrate the feasibility and reliability of MoCap for the study of ELM kinematics.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 133:3472–3481, 2023
Microinjection Molded Biopolymeric Airway Stent with Antibacterial and Anti‐Hyperplastic Properties
Authors: Dong Jiahui , Li Yahua , Wang Xiaofeng , Liu Yajing , Ren Kewei , Liu Xuedi , Zhang Han , Li Zongming , Han Xinwei , Uyama Hiroshi , Li Qian
Published: June 2023

Central airway stenosis is a condition that the diameter of the trachea or main bronchus shrinkage is caused by external compression or internal tissue hyperplasia, which can cause difficulty breathing, asphyxia, and even death. Airway stenting is an easy way to restore the patency of the central airway, but airway stents commonly used in clinical practice can lead to complications such as mucus plugging, bacterial infection, and granulation tissue hyperplasia. Moreover, the non‐degradable characteristic makes it requires a second operation to remove, which has the potential to cause tissue damage. In this study, a biodegradable airway stent is fabricated by microinjection molding using the bioelastomer of poly (L‐lactide‐co‐ε‐caprolactone) as the matrix material. The airway stent has excellent mechanical properties and an appropriate degradation rate. The hydrophilic surface of the airway stent can inhibit mucus plugging. The loading of silver nanoparticles and cisplatin endows the stent with antibacterial and anti‐hyperplastic functions. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrate that this study provides an antibacterial and anti‐hyperplastic biodegradable airway stent with elastic properties to avoid secondary removal operation and reduce complications associated with mucus plugging, bacterial infection, and granulation tissue hyperplasia.
Hydrogels for Gasotransmitter Delivery: Nitric Oxide, Carbon Monoxide, and Hydrogen Sulfide
Authors: Sarkar Santu , Kumar Rajnish , Matson John B.
Published: June 2023

Gasotransmitters, gaseous signaling molecules including nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S), maintain myriad physiological processes. Low levels of gasotransmitters are often associated with specific problems or diseases, so NO, CO, and H2S hold potential in treating bacterial infections, chronic wounds, myocardial infarction, ischemia, and various other diseases. However, their clinical applications as therapeutic agents are limited due to their gaseous nature, short half‐life, and broad physiological roles. One route toward the greater application of gasotransmitters in medicine is through localized delivery. Hydrogels are attractive biomedical materials for the controlled release of embedded therapeutics as they are typically biocompatible, possess high water content, have tunable mechanical properties, and are injectable in certain cases. Hydrogel‐based gasotransmitter delivery systems began with NO, and hydrogels for CO and H2S have appeared more recently. In this review, the biological importance of gasotransmitters is highlighted, and the fabrication of hydrogel materials is discussed, distinguishing between methods used to physically encapsulate small molecule gasotransmitter donor compounds or chemically tether them to a hydrogel scaffold. The release behavior and potential therapeutic applications of gasotransmitter‐releasing hydrogels are also detailed. Finally, the authors envision the future of this field and describe challenges moving forward.
An approach to the stability of reset switched systems using dynamics without reset
Authors: Carapito Ana C. , Brás Isabel , Rocha Paula
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we consider switched linear systems that have jumps in the state (determined by a reset rule) at each switching instant. Those systems are called switched systems with state reset. We show that it is possible to analyze the state trajectories of a switched system with state reset by considering suitable switched systems without state resets, that is, with continuous state trajectories. We establish sufficient conditions for the stability of switched systems with state reset using the associated systems without reset. Moreover, introducing some restrictions, we also derive simple algebraic stability conditions. The obtained results are used in numerical examples to show the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Guidelines for Qualifications of Neurodiagnostic Personnel: A Joint Position Statement of the American Clinical Neurophysiology Society, the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine, the American Society of Neurophysiological Monitoring, and ASET The Neurodiagnostic Society
Authors: López Jaime R. , Ahn‐Ewing Judy , Emerson Ron , Ford Carrie , Gale Clare , Gertsch Jeffery H. , Hewitt Lillian , Husain Aatif , Kelly Linda , Kincaid John , Kise Meledy , Kornegay Adam , Moreira Joseph J. , Nuwer Marc , Schneider Anita , Stecker Mark , Sullivan Lucy R. , Toleikis J. Richard , Wall Lois , Herman Susan
Published: June 2023

The Guidelines for Qualifications of Neurodiagnostic Personnel (QNP) document has been created through the collaboration of the American Clinical Neurophysiology Society (ACNS), the American Society of Neurophysiological Monitoring (ASNM), the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM), and ASET The Neurodiagnostic Society (ASET). The quality of patient care is optimized when neurophysiological procedures are performed and interpreted by appropriately trained and qualified practitioners at every level. These societies recognize that neurodiagnostics is a large field with practitioners who have entered the field through a variety of training paths. This document suggests job titles, associated job responsibilities, and the recommended levels of education, certification, experience, and ongoing education appropriate for each job. This is important because of the growth and development of standardized training programs, board certifications, and continuing education in recent years. This document matches training, education, and credentials to the various tasks required for performing and interpreting neurodiagnostic procedures. This document does not intend to restrict the practice of those already working in neurodiagnostics. It represents recommendations of these societies with the understanding that federal, state, and local regulations, as well as individual hospital bylaws, supersede these recommendations. Because neurodiagnostics is a growing and dynamic field, the authors fully intend this document to change over time.
3βHSD activity saturates at physiological substrate concentrations in intact cells
Authors: McManus Jeffrey M. , Chung Yoon‐Mi , Sharifi Nima
Published: June 2023

Background

Conversion of adrenally produced dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) to the potent androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is an important mechanism by which prostate cancer reaches castration resistance. At the start of this pathway is a branch point at which DHEA can be converted to Δ4‐androstenedione by the enzyme 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3βHSD) or to Δ5‐androstenediol by 17βHSD. To better understand this process, we studied the kinetics of these reactions in cells.

Methods

Prostate cancer cells (LNCaP cell line) were incubated with steroids (DHEA and Δ5‐androstenediol) over a range of concentrations and the steroid metabolism reaction products were measured by mass spectrometry or by high‐performance liquid chromatography to determine reaction kinetics. To confirm the generalizability of results, experiments were also performed in JEG‐3 placental choriocarcinoma cells.

Results

The two reactions displayed very different saturation profiles, with only the 3βHSD‐catalyzed reaction beginning to saturate within a physiological substrate concentration range. Strikingly, incubating LNCaP cells with low (in the ~10 nM range) concentrations of DHEA resulted in a large majority of the DHEA undergoing 3βHSD‐catalyzed conversion to Δ4‐androstenedione, whereas high concentrations of DHEA (in the 100s of nM range) resulted in most of the DHEA undergoing 17βHSD‐catalyzed conversion to Δ5‐androstenediol.

Conclusion

Contrary to expectations from previous studies that used purified enzyme, cellular metabolism of DHEA by 3βHSD begins to saturate in the physiological concentration range, suggesting that fluctuations in DHEA concentrations could be buffered at the downstream active androgen level.
Vapor Deposition of p‐Hexadecylstyrene by Ion‐ and Electron‐Assisted Methods
Authors: Sasaki Aoba , Ohyama Atsushi , Kitazawa Yuto , Usui Satoshi , Usui Hiroaki
Published: June 2023

Thin films of p‐hexadecylstyrene (C16Sty) are prepared by an ion‐assisted deposition (IAD) and an electron‐assisted deposition (EAD) methods. The IAD enhances polymerization of C16Sty molecules by irradiating argon ions on the substrate surface, while the EAD initiates radical polymerization by irradiating electrons to the C16Sty vapor. The polymerization by these methods renders the films to be amorphous, whereas the conventional vapor deposition produces polycrystalline films consisting of C16Sty monomers. Upon thermal stress, the amorphous polymer films by IAD and EAD undergo morphological change at temperatures lower than that observed for the vapor‐deposited polycrystalline film. However, the polymer films retain smooth structure without coagulation upon heating. The deposited films have surface energy lower than that of polyethylene. Especially, the films deposited by EAD have a surface energy comparable to that of a normal alkane. The IAD and EAD of C16Sty are promising methods for preparing inert surfaces by dry processes.
Design and Synthesis of Novel Squaraine Dye with Highly Enhanced Far‐Red Fluorescence and its Interaction with a Model Protein
Authors: Gupta Shekhar , Yamawaki Yuki , Pradhan Safalmani , Pandey Shyam S. , Kato Tamaki
Published: June 2023

Novel amine‐functionalized symmetrical squaraine (SQ)‐dye and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)–SQ–FITC dye conjugate are designed and successfully synthesized, followed by their structural and photophysical characterizations. Symmetrical SQ dye exhibits complete fluorescence quenching in polar solvents, which is explained by considering photoinduced electron transfer (PET) as a dominant quenching pathway. In contrast, FITC–SQ–FITC dye conjugate results in a decrease in an aggregation of both SQ and FITC units and about 47 times enhancement in the far‐red fluorescence appearing at 674 nm. This profound enhancement in the far‐red fluorescence is explained by the synergistic influence of suppression of aggregation‐induced quenching (ACQ) and PET. This newly designed FITC–SQ–FITC dye conjugate shows complete quenching of the far‐red fluorescence in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) owing to very strong dye aggregation, as confirmed by spectral absorption investigation. In PBS, it strongly interacts with bovine serum albumin (BSA) (Ka = 1.1 × 104 m−1) used as a model protein breaking the dye aggregation by BSA and increasing far‐red fluorescence associated with SQ as a function of increasing BSA concentration. A profound 117 times increase in fluorescence at 674 nm with 25 times of BSA concentration suggests that the designed FITC–SQ–FITC is an excellent far‐red probe for dye‐protein interaction.
All‐Solid Near‐Infrared Light‐Induced Self‐Written Optical Waveguides and Optical Self‐Coupling
Authors: Kawasaki Yasunari , Otaka Haruki , Ota Tomomi , Terasawa Hidetaka , Kondo Keisuke , Sugihara Okihiro
Published: June 2023

In recent datacenters, considerable data communication has been performed between servers and storages; therefore, an optical interconnection with a wider band is required. Silicon photonics has attracted attention as a technology that places optical engines closer to switch application‐specific integrated circuits and realizes broadband optical interconnection. To utilize silicon photonics, it is necessary to overcome high‐precision alignment between silicon waveguides and single‐mode fibers (SMFs) having vastly different mode field diameters. Optical self‐coupling using light‐induced self‐written (LISW) optical waveguide technology is a potential solution. Previously, near‐infrared (NIR) LISW optical waveguides are fabricated using an SMF with an approximate 10 μm core through irradiation with 10 μW NIR light (1310 and 1550 nm). However, the cladding is liquid, which motivates to fabricate all‐solid LISW optical waveguides. In this study, all‐solid NIR LISW optical waveguides are produced using a core‐selective polymerization method, and single‐mode LISW optical self‐coupling between two SMFs is realized. To enhance the performance of the waveguides, additional resins are incorporated into the high‐refractive‐index base monomer during the cladding formation process. Through the experimentation, the potential for achieving even greater loss reduction by optimizing the hybridization between the base monomer and the supplementary resins is demonstrated.
Al Doping Influence on the Properties of Sol–Gel Synthetized ZnO Nanoparticles
Authors: Al-Shehri Samar , Alshehri Salma , Ali Haithem Elhosni , Alassafi Jamaan Eidhah , Alzahrani Ahmed Obaid M. , Aida Mohammed Salah
Published: June 2023

Herein, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanocrystalline powders with different aluminum (Al) concentrations (from 0 to 4 wt%) have been successfully synthesized via sol–gel technique. The structure and morphology of the Al‐doped ZnO (AZO) nanoparticles are investigated using X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy. The XRD results reveal the reduction in the crystallite size with increasing the Al doping ratio. ZnO phase is observed in all samples with no extra peaks. In addition, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy is used to study the effect of Al dopant on the ZnO nanopowder optical properties. it is concluded that increasing Al concentration leads to decrease in energy gap (Eg) value from 3.30 eV (for undoped ZnO) to 3.25 eV (for AZO with highest concentration, 4 wt%). Finally, according to the obtained results, the ability to tune the bandgap of the prepared samples makes them superior candidates for using in various applications, especially optoelectronic devices.
HgCdTe‐Based Noncascaded Intersubband Injection Laser
Authors: Afonenko Alexander A. , Ushakov Dmitrii V. , Fadeev Mikhail A. , Morozov Sergey V. , Dubinov Alexander A.
Published: June 2023

Herein, the possibility of creating a noncascade intersubband midinfrared injection laser based on HgCdTe with a minimum number of quantum wells is analyzed. An error‐tolerant laser structure with three quantum wells that is insensitive to the variations in the quantum well thickness is proposed. The calculations predict a modal gain of 35 cm−1 at the wavelength of approximately 9.2 μm at 77 K and the operating temperature up to 125 K.
First‐Principles Investigation of NO Molecule Adsorption on As6/Sb6 and Sb6/Bi6 Lateral Heterostructures
Authors: Yang Dan , Fang Dan , Wang Dengkui , Li Jinhua , Zhai Yingjiao , Chu Xueying , Wang Dandan , Wang Xiaohua , Yan Hao , Fang Xuan
Published: June 2023

Predicting and designing highly gas‐sensitive semiconductors is crucial for solving growing environmental problems. Herein, four lateral heterostructures (LHSs), As6/Sb6 AC‐/ZZ‐LHSs and Sb6/Bi6 AC‐/ZZ‐LHSs, are constructed. The adsorption of NO molecule on these LHSs is investigated using first‐principle calculations. The results indicate that the adsorption of NO molecule on As6/Sb6 LHS with armchair (AC) interface is physisorption, whereas NO molecule is chemically adsorbed on As6/Sb6 LHS with zigzag (ZZ) interface and Sb6/Bi6 AC‐/ZZ‐LHSs, with strong adsorption energy and large charge transfer. All LHSs act as charge donors for the NO molecule. Meanwhile, the adsorption of NO molecule causes a significant change in the electronic properties of As6/Sb6 ZZ‐LHS and Sb6/Bi6 AC‐/ZZ‐LHSs, which shows that these LHSs have great potential for application in NO gas sensors.
Ecodesign approach for plastic minimization in shampoo bottles
Authors: Vazquez Yamila V. , Dutari Teresa , Castillo Luciana A. , Barbosa Silvia E.
Published: June 2023

Current shampoo bottles are oversized, using more plastic than necessary. In order to promote plastic minimization, the aim of this work is to determine how much it is possible to reduce the thickness of current shampoo bottles while maintaining their functionality and performance. In this way, a quantification of the maximum plastic material reduction in the manufacturing of bottles of massively consumed shampoo was assessed. Mechanical testing simulations of shampoo bottles with different capacities and shapes were performed for top load and squeeze load efforts. For these simulations, three different thicknesses were considered: original, 30% reduced and the minimum admissible for being considered as rigid packaging. From the simulations, it was corroborated that shampoo bottles are oversized, allowing them to reduce their amount of plastic by at least 30%. Also, it was found that bottle shape is crucial to its mechanical performance, being the simplest bottle the most resistant, when bottles with the same capacity and thickness are compared. When less material is used, less is discarded, and, consequently, less is turned into waste. Then, rethinking current bottles following ecodesign criteria seems to be the way for an adequate sustainable approach compatible with green marketing strategies and plastic waste minimization.
Flexible Luminescent Hydrogen‐bonded Organic Framework for the Separation of Benzene and Cyclohexane
Authors: Liang Meng , Hu Siwen , Zhou Ningning , Liu Zhongyi , Chen Qiao , Chen Xinyu , Liu Xingliang , Li Cheng‐Peng , Hao Jingjun , Xue Pengchong
Published: June 2023

A nonplanar phenothiazine derivative with three cyano moieties (PTTCN) is designed and synthesized to achieve functional crystals for absorptive separation of benzene and cyclohexane. PTTCN can crystallize into two kinds of crystals with different fluorescence colors in different solvent systems. The molecules in two crystals are in different stereo isomeric forms of nitrogen, quasi axial (ax), and quasi equatorial (eq). The crystals with blue fluorescence in ax form may selectively adsorb benzene by a single‐crystal‐to‐single‐crystal (SCSC) transformation, but separated benzene from a benzene/cyclohexane equimolar mixture with a low purity of 79.6%. Interestingly, PTTCN molecules with eq form and benzene co‐assembled to construct a hydrogen‐bonded framework (X‐HOF‐4) with S‐type solvent channels and yellow‐green fluorescence, and can release benzene to form nonporous guest‐free crystal under heating. Such nonporous crystals strongly favor aromatic benzene over cyclohexane and may selectively reabsorb benzene from benzene/cyclohexane equimolar mixture to recover original framework, and the purity of benzene can reach ≈96.5% after release from framework. Moreover, reversible transformation between the nonporous crystals and the guest‐containing crystals allows the material to be reused.
Elucidating Charge Carrier Dynamics in Perovskite‐Based Tandem Solar Cells
Authors: Irshad Zobia , Lee Wonjong , Adnan Muhammad , Choi Yelim , Park Taiho , Lim Jongchul
Published: June 2023

Recently, multijunction tandem solar cells (TSCs) have presented high power conversion efficiency and revealed their immense potential in photovoltaic evolution. It is demonstrated that multiple light absorbers with various bandgap energies overcome the Shockley–Queisser limit of single‐junction solar cells by absorbing the wide‐range wavelength photons. Here, the main key challenges are reviewed, especially the charge carrier dynamics in perovskite‐based 2‐terminal (2‐T) TSCs in terms of current matching, and how to manage these issues from a vantage point of characterization. To do this, the effect of recombination layers, optical and fabrication hurdles, and the impact of wide bandgap perovskite solar cells are discussed extensively. Afterward, this review focuses on various optoelectronics, spectroscopic, and theoretical (optical simulation) characterizations to figure out those issues, especially current‐matching issues faced by the photovoltaic society. This review comprehensively provides deep insights into the relationship between the current‐matching problems and the photovoltaic performance of TSCs through a variety of perspectives. Consequently, it is believed that this review is essential to address the main problems of 2‐T TSCs, and the suggestions to elucidate the charge carrier dynamics and its characterization may pave the way to overcome such obstacles to further improve the development of 2‐T TSCs in relation to the current‐matching problems.