bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pregnancy and the risk of NICU admissions in Nandom Municipality of Ghana: A cross‐sectional retrospective study
Authors: Ziem Maroun Soribang , Saaka Fidelis Adam , Vicar Ezekiel Kofi , Kuugbee Eugene Dogkotenge , Karikari Akosua Bonsu , Ninimiya Sebastian Yidana , Ziem Juventus Benogle , Walana Williams
Published: January 2023

Background

Neonatal intensive care units (NICU) are specialized units that provide medical attention to neonates, and thus have become a vital aspect in the provision of critical care to infants who are faced with special challenges following birth.

Aim

To determine antepartum and intrapartum factors that predispose to NICU admissions in the Nandom Municipal of the Upper West Region of Ghana.

Method

This was a cross‐sectional retrospective study, spanning from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021. Records covering 1777 women who were delivered or had their babies referred to the St. Theresa's Hospital in the Nandom Municipality were involved in the study. Descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression analysis were used to compare variables, and statistical significance was determined where the p‐value was less than 0.05.

Results

From the study, the rate of NICU admission was 10.4%. There was a significant association between mothers who attended less than four antenatal sessions (p = 0.004) and admission to NICU. Nulliparous mothers (p = 0.027) and mothers who presented with multiple pregnancy (p < 0.001) were more likely to have their babies sent to NICU. Both preterm delivery (p < 0.001) and post‐term delivery (p < 0.001) were prone to admission to NICU. Also, instrumental delivery (p < 0.001), cesarean section (p < 0.001), low birth weight (p < 0.001), and male infants (p = 0.003) had an increased risk of being admitted to NICU. Furthermore, severe (p < 0.001) and moderate (p < 0.001) birth asphyxia in the first minute following delivery were significantly associated with NICU admission whereas severely asphyxiated babies at 5 min (p < 0.001) were associated with NICU admission.

Conclusion

The study revealed a relatively high NICU admission rate in the study area, and the predictors are multifaceted. Tailored intervention programs aimed at curbing these predictors will be required to reduce the rate of NICU admissions in the Nandom Municipality of Ghana.
Determinants of vaccine acceptance, knowledge, attitude, and prevention practices against COVID‐19 among governmental healthcare workers in Addis Ababa and Adama, Ethiopia: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Girmay Aderajew M. , Weldegebriel Mesaye G. , Serte Melaku G. , Dinssa Daniel A. , Alemayehu Tsigereda A. , Kenea Moa A. , Weldetinsae Abel , Teklu Kirubel T. , Mengesha Sisay D. , Alemu Zinabu A. , Demisie Belaynesh , Wagari Bedasa , Evans Martin R. , Tessema Masresha , Tollera Getachew
Published: January 2023

Background and Aims

COVID‐19 vaccines are vital tools for infection prevention and control of the pandemic. However, coronavirus immunization requires acceptance among healthcare workforces and by the community. In Ethiopia, studies focused on determinants of vaccine acceptance, knowledge, attitude, and prevention practices (KAP) contrary to the novel coronavirus among healthcare staff are limited. Hence, closing this gap requires research.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted on 844 governmental healthcare workers. A stratified, simple random sampling technique was used to select the respondents. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Binary and multivariable logistic regression statistical models were used to analyze the data.

Results

This study indicated that only 57.9% of the participants had good COVID‐19 vaccine acceptance, meaning they took at least a dose of the vaccine themselves. We found that 65%, 60.9%, and 51.3% of the participants had good knowledge, prevention practices, and attitude against the pandemic. The novel coronavirus vaccine acceptance rate was 2.19 times more likely among females (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.19 with 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.54–3.10) than among male participants. Further, respondents who did not report having any chronic diseases were 9.40 times higher to accept COVID‐19 vaccines (AOR = 9.40 with 95% CI: 4.77, 18.53) than those who reported having a chronic condition. However, healthcare workers who had a habit of chewing khat at least once per week were 4% less likely to take the vaccine (AOR = 0.04 with 95% CI: 0.01, 0.32) than those who had no habit of chewing khat.

Conclusion

Many core factors influencing COVID‐19 vaccine acceptance were identified. A significant number of participants had poor vaccine acceptance, KAP against COVID‐19. Therefore, the government should adopt urgent and effective public health measures, including public campaigns to enhance public trust in COVID‐19 vaccines. In addition, continuous, timely, and practical training should be provided to healthcare workers.
Association of calcium and vitamin D supplementation with cancer incidence and cause‐specific mortality in Black women: Extended follow‐up of the Women's Health Initiative calcium‐vitamin D trial
Authors: Kato Ikuko , Sun Jun , Hastert Theresa A. , Abrams Judy , Larson Joseph C. , Bao Wei , Shadyab Aladdin H. , Mouton Charles , Qi Lihong , Warsinger Martin Lisa , Manson JoAnn E.
Published: January 2023

Low circulating vitamin D levels are more prevalent in Black than White individuals. We analyzed the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) calcium plus vitamin D (CaD) randomized clinical trial extended follow‐up data to evaluate associations between calcium plus vitamin D supplementation and incident cancer, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cause‐specific mortality endpoints among Black women. Intent‐to‐treat analysis was performed. Among 3325 Black women in the CaD trial who were randomized into either daily calcium (1000 mg of calcium carbonate) plus vitamin D (400 IU D3) or placebos for an average of 7 years, there were 813 deaths, 588 incident cancers, and 837 CVD events during an average of 15.7 years of follow up (52 230 total person‐years). Using Cox's proportional hazards models, we calculated hazard ratios and their confidence intervals for outcomes ascertained during the trial period, posttrial follow‐up period and overall periods combined. We found that total mortality, cause‐specific mortality, and total cancer incidence were almost identical between CaD and placebo groups. These results suggest that calcium plus vitamin D supplementation does not reduce risks of cancer, CVD, or other major causes of death in Black women overall and, thus, other medical, behavioral or social interventions should be considered to narrow health disparities related to these outcomes. However, other finer endpoints, such as colorectal cancer, warrants further investigation.
Decoding the role of immune T cells: A new territory for improvement of metabolic‐associated fatty liver disease
Authors: Liu Jia , Ding Mingning , Bai Jinzhao , Luo Ranyi , Liu Runping , Qu Jiaorong , Li Xiaojiaoyang
Published: January 2023

Metabolic‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a new emerging concept and is associated with metabolic dysfunction, generally replacing the name of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) due to heterogeneous liver condition and inaccuracies in definition. The prevalence of MAFLD is rising by year due to dietary changes, metabolic disorders, and no approved therapy, affecting a quarter of the global population and representing a major economic problem that burdens healthcare systems. Currently, in addition to the common causative factors like insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and lipotoxicity, the role of immune cells, especially T cells, played in MAFLD is increasingly being emphasized by global scholars. Based on the diverse classification and pathophysiological effects of immune T cells, we comprehensively analyzed their bidirectional regulatory effects on the hepatic inflammatory microenvironment and MAFLD progression. This interaction between MAFLD and T cells was also associated with hepatic‐intestinal immune crosstalk and gut microbiota homeostasis. Moreover, we pointed out several T‐cell‐based therapeutic approaches including but not limited to adoptive transfer of T cells, fecal microbiota transplantation, and drug therapy, especially for natural products and Chinese herbal prescriptions. Overall, this study contributes to a better understanding of the important role of T cells played in MAFLD progression and corresponding therapeutic options and provides a potential reference for further drug development.
The parametric uncertainty estimation of water and nitrogen transport simulation in a paddy field experiment using HYDRUS‐1D
Authors: Bian Jianmin , Wu Juanjuan , Nie Siyu , Wang Yu , Lin Xiaosheng
Published: January 2023

The HYDRUS model is an efficient technical means to study the process of complex nitrogen (N) transport in farmland. Nonetheless, spatial variability in soil water and N parameters has been observed at the field scale, leading to uncertainties in the HYDRUS model. In this study, the HYDRUS‐1D model was corrected and verified by the measured data. Generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation (GLUE) was used to estimate the uncertainty and sensitivity of the model parameters. The differences in simulated and measured data were expressed in terms of root mean square error, normalized root mean square error and coefficient of determination, and the model calibration and verification indicated that the result was reliable. The soil saturated water content, dispersion and sorption coefficient were well identified, with values ranging from 0.42 to 0.45 cm3/cm3, 0.26 to 0.29 cm and 0.141 to 0.158 L/mg, respectively. The denitrification rate and saturated hydraulic conductivity greatly influenced the uncertainty in the model results. Considering the uncertainty of the parameters, the predicted leaching of N accumulation from 0 to 100 cm depth ranged from 9.5 to 12.7 kg/ha. The HYDRUS‐1D model can simulate water and N transport in paddy fields. The prediction interval can be narrowed by considering the uncertainty of the model parameters.
Electro‐compacted collagen for corneal epithelial tissue engineering
Authors: Chen Zhi , Liu Xiao , You Jingjing , Tomaskovic‐Crook Eva , Yue Zhilian , Talaei Alireza , Sutton Gerard , Crook Jeremy , Wallace Gordon
Published: January 2023

Bioengineered corneal substitutes offer a solution to the shortage of donor corneal tissue worldwide. As one of the major structural components of the cornea, collagen has shown great potential for tissue‐engineered cornea substitutes. Herein, free‐standing collagen membranes fabricated using electro‐compaction were assessed in corneal bioengineering application by comparing them with nonelectro‐compacted collagen (NECC). The well‐organized and biomimetic fibril structure resulted in a significant improvement in mechanical properties. A 10‐fold increase in tensile and compressive modulus was recorded when compared with NECC membranes. In addition to comparable transparency in the visible light range, the glucose permeability of the electro‐compacted collagen (ECC) membrane is higher than that of the native human cornea. Human corneal epithelial cells adhere and proliferate well on the ECC membrane, with a large cell contact area observed. The as‐described ECC has appropriate structural, topographic, mechanical, optical, glucose permeable, and cell support properties to provide a platform for a bioengineered cornea; including the outer corneal epithelium and potentially deeper corneal tissues.
Reproductive condition of the black‐lip pearl oyster Pinctada margaritifera during the lunar phase
Authors: Kim Han‐Jun , Kim Na Na , Han Jeonghoon , Park Heung‐Sik , Kang Do‐Hyung , Choi Young‐Ung
Published: January 2023

This study analyzed the relationship between the lunar phase and the reproductive cycle of Pinctada margaritifera inhabiting Weno Island, Chuuk Lagoon, Micronesia. We measured indicators of maturity (gonadosomatic index [GSI] and sexual maturation‐related genes) and investigated changes in the gonadal maturity stages (GMS) of P. margaritifera over lunar cycle. GSI was higher around the full moon. GMS of P. margaritifera were classified as the early gametogenesis stage, ripe and spawning stage, and spent and degenerating stage. A large percentage of oysters was observed in the ripe and spawning stage at the first quarter moon in female and the full moon in male as well as in the spent and degenerating stages at the third quarter moon in both sexes. In addition, the expression of doublesex‐ and mab‐3‐related transcription factor 2 (DMRT2) in the male P. margaritifera black‐lip pearl oyster was the highest during the full and third quarter moon phases, whereas no difference in expression was observed with the lunar phase in females. In contrast, the expression of vitellogenin (VTG) was the highest in female P. margaritifera during the first and third quarters. No difference in expression was observed according to the lunar phase in males. The results suggest that the lunar phase directly affects the expression of sexually mature gonads in P. margaritifera black‐lip pearl oyster.
The taxation of employment income in African countries: Findings from a new dataset
Authors: McNabb Kyle , Granger Hazel
Published: January 2023

This study presents new evidence on the taxation of employment income in African countries. Utilising a unique dataset, we summarise trends in the policy design of personal income taxes and other mandatory contributions between 1995 and 2020. We analyse tax rates, thresholds and reform patterns, before comparing cross‐country effective tax rates and the progressivity of employment income taxes. We find that, inter alia, reform is infrequent, top marginal tax rates are lower than in the OECD and in 25% of African countries, an individual earning a wage equal to the PPP$1.90/day poverty line would be liable to pay income tax.
Osseointegration and Bone Resorption of Scapula Tip Free Flaps in Mandibular Reconstruction
Authors: Barton Blair M. , Mamdani Mohammed , Lumley Catherine , Blumberg Jeffrey , Huang Benjamin Y. , Patel Samip N.
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Bone resorption of more conventional vascularized bone grafts have been well described showing minimal resorption over time. Few studies have evaluated osseous union and bone resorption in scapula tip free flaps (STFF) in the reconstruction of mandibulectomy defects. We aimed to describe our series on STFF with respect to osseous union and bone resorption over time.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of patients receiving STFF from January 2014–January 2017 (n = 25). A neuroradiologist analyzed follow‐up CT scans to assess (1) STFF complete, partial, or no osseous union with native mandible and (2) STFF volume change over time in a subset with multiple follow‐up scans (n = 18).

Results

Twenty‐three of 25 patients (92%) showed complete or partial STFF osseous union with native mandible either distally or proximally. STFF volume change ranged from +4.8 to −54% (median −0.5%) over median follow‐up interval of 23 months. History of chemoradiation therapy, bisphophonate use, sex, age, or smoking history did not correlate with bone resorption.

Conclusions

STFFs shows high rates of osseous union and limited bone resorption that is equivalent to, or less than, vascularized fibular and iliac crest flaps. Clinically, this translates into both optimal healing and functional and cosmetic outcomes, especially in the setting of prior therapies.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 133:2597–2602, 2023
Understanding ClearMR–The New Standard for Measuring Motion Blur
Authors: Seto Frank , Stolitzka Dale
Published: January 2023

The new VESA standard makes major strides in mainstream display metrics, accounting for multiple parameters, such as frame rate, edge response, edge non‐linear response, and human eye tracking.
Multi‐isotope analysis of primary and secondary dentin as a mean to broaden intra‐life dietary reconstruction. A case from Longobard Italy
Authors: Bernardini Sara , Zeppilli Carlotta , Micarelli Ileana , Goude Gwenaëlle , Sayle Kerry L. , Manzi Giorgio , Tafuri Mary Anne
Published: January 2023

This exploratory study proposes an original intra‐life history investigation through sequential analysis of the isotopic composition of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur (CNS) on both primary and secondary dentin of a tooth (M1). We focus on an elderly woman from Longobard Italy (6th to 8th c. CE), who showed an unprecedented case of cranial surgery, presented in a companion paper by Micarelli and colleagues. Sequential stable CNS isotope composition of first molar dentin collagen allows us to infer diet, mobility, health, and physiological stress between approximately 3 months after birth to 9.5 years old (primary dentin) and between early adulthood until death (secondary dentin). Isotopic results on primary dentin highlight the following: (i) a long weaning period (ending at approximately 4 years), followed by (ii) a specific diet, including the contribution of C4 crops in early childhood (approximately 5.5 years), possibly concomitant with mobility. While secondary dentin shows a generally homogeneous diet during adulthood, the longitudinal analysis provided information on specific stresses that likely occurred in periods of difficult health conditions. This work emphasizes the importance of measuring complete dentin sequences (including secondary when present) for isotopic analysis to broaden intra‐life histories in ancient populations.
Civil society and democratization: The role of service‐providing organizations amid closing civic spaces
Authors: Moldavanova Alisa , Onishi Tamaki , Toepler Stefan
Published: January 2023

This article argues that current democracy promotion strategies relying on rights‐claiming advocacy NGOs are falling short of their democratization goals, as authoritarian regimes are closing the space through restrictions on the NGOs that attempt to carry them out. In response, we suggest a reexamination of earlier approaches to involving civil society in democratization efforts by shifting the focus back on service‐providing civil society organizations that have largely become side‐lined in democracy‐building agendas. Specifically, service providers tend to be more capable of functioning “under the radar” thus contributing to democracy in both direct and indirect ways, and thus escaping closing space restrictions. The key concerns about their independence from the state, as well as under what conditions the state may be less successful in coopting the independent service‐providers, however, remain unresolved and warrant future research.
Factors influencing the development of microtextures on cold‐climate aeolian quartz grains revealed by experimental frost action
Authors: Górska Martyna E. , Woronko Barbara , Kossowski Tomasz M.
Published: January 2023

Aeolian‐originated quartz grains of coarse‐sand size (0.5–1 mm) were subjected to experimental frost weathering. A total of 1,000 freeze–thaw cycles with temperature ranges from −5 to +10°C were simulated under full water availability conditions. Scanning electron microscope microtextural analysis of grain surfaces conducted after 0, 50, 100, 300, 700, and 1,000 freeze–thaw cycles resulted in different‐sized conchoidal fractures and breakage blocks as frost‐induced microtextures. The vast majority of these microtextures were encountered on the most convex parts of aeolian grains and their number increased with ongoing freeze–thaw cycles. However, the number of recorded frost‐originated microtextures remained relatively small up to 700 freeze–thaw cycles and increased after 1,000 freeze–thaw cycles. Transmission electron microscope microstructural analysis of grains after 0, 100, and 1,000 freeze–thaw cycles showed both primary (e.g., inclusions, grain boundaries) and secondary (e.g., cracks) defects in quartz crystals. The frequency of the latter remained unexpectedly low. The susceptibility of aeolian‐originated sand‐sized quartz grains to frost‐induced modifications is interpreted here to depend mainly on their internal characteristics. These include aeolian‐driven development of a subsurface impact zone that determines the depth to which frost‐originated microtextures develop. The outer impact zone consists of a thin layer of surficial crust and a series of more or less parallel ridges arranged into mechanically upturned plates. The inner impact zone consists of intact or cracked quartz crystals. The susceptibility of aeolian‐originated quartz grains to frost‐induced modifications depends therefore on a combination of internal (i.e., original crystallography of quartz grains) and external (i.e., aeolian and frost processes acting upon the grains) factors.
Effective Removal of Nitrogenous Pesticides from Water Using Functionalized Calix[4]arene‐Decorated Magnetite Nanoparticles
Authors: Chatterjee Koushiki , Alka  , Kumar Sanjay , Sharma Rakesh Kumar , Kumari Pratibha
Published: January 2023

An effective nano‐adsorbent has been synthesized by the modification of magnetite nanoparticles with ionic‐liquid modified calix[4]arene through covalent linkage. This nanocomposite was used for the removal of amino‐functionalized nitrogenous pesticides, metribuzin (MET), and dicloran (DIC) from an aqueous solution through adsorption. The adsorption studies showed that the synthesized nanomaterial was effective in removing these pollutants from an aqueous solution. The maximum adsorption capacity for MET and DIC were 5.88 and 1.94 mg g−1, respectively. The effect of various factors, such as dosage, pH, and temperature, were studied on the adsorptive removal of MET and DIC. The adsorption was observed to follow Freundlich isotherm and pseudo‐second‐order kinetics for MET and DIC. The nano‐adsorbent was stable and reusable even after the third cycle. The present studies will lead to the development of an ultimate tool for attempting to the problem of water pollution.
Efficacious Removal of Flonicamid Insecticide from Water by GO@functionalized Calix[4]pyrrole: Synergistic Effect in Adsorption
Authors: Raveena  , Alka  , Gandhi Namita , Kumari Pratibha
Published: January 2023

The presence of a highly toxic pyridine carboxamide insecticide, namely flonicamid in water bodies poses a serious risk to both the aquatic ecosystem and human health. Therefore, a graphene oxide (GO) decorated with azo‐functionalized calix[4]pyrrole i. e. GO‐azocalix[4]pyrrole (GACP) was synthesized to study the removal of flonicamid insecticide through adsorption. The nano‐adsorbent was characterized by IR, XPS, TGA, Raman, SEM, and TEM data. The effect of concentration of flonicamid solution, contact time, adsorbent dosage, temperature, and pH was investigated in the batch adsorption process. Experimental data suggested that equilibrium was attained within 40 min and adsorption efficiency was 93.28 %. The synergistic effect of GO and azocalix[4]pyrrole played an important role in the adsorption. The Langmuir isotherm was followed and the maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 11.43 mg/g. The pseudo‐second‐order kinetic data was well obeyed and thermodynamic investigation suggested the feasible and spontaneous nature of flonicamid onto GACP nanocomposite.
Synthesis and Characterization of Temperature‐/pH‐Responsive Hydrogels for Drug Delivery
Authors: Li Qi , Ma Wenhao , Ma Hua , Shang Hongzhou , Qiao Ning , Sun Xiaoran
Published: January 2023

A temperature‐/pH‐responsive hydrogel was successfully prepared by in situ free radical polymerization of N‐isopropyl acrylamide (NIPAm), itaconic acid (IA), and poly (ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate (OEGA). The pore size, mechanical strength, and swelling ratio of the P(NIPAm‐IA‐OEGA) were strongly affected by the contents of IA. 5‐Fluorouracil (5‐Fu) was chosen as a model drug, and the maximum drug loading was 68 mg/g. P(NIPAm‐IA‐OEGA) had a much greater release rate in a simulated intestinal fluid environment (47.73 %, 16 h) than in gastric juice (33.11 %, 16 h). The hemolysis test and cytotoxicity test proved that prepared hydrogel had good biocompatibility. In summary, P(NIPAm‐IA‐OEGA) can be used for oral drug delivery systems in cancer therapy.
Spectromicroscopy Studies of Silicon Nanowires Array Covered by Tin Oxide Layers
Authors: Turishchev Sergey , Schleusener Alexander , Chuvenkova Olga , Parinova Elena , Liu Poting , Manyakin Maxim , Kurganskii Sergei , Sivakov Vladimir
Published: January 2023

The composition and atomic and electronic structure of a silicon nanowire (SiNW) array coated with tin oxide are studied at the spectromicroscopic level. SiNWs are covered from top to down with a wide bandgap tin oxide layer using a metal–organic chemical vapor deposition technique. Results obtained via scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction showed that tin‐oxide nanocrystals, 20 nm in size, form a continuous and highly developed surface with a complex phase composition responsible for the observed electronic structure transformation. The “one spot” combination, containing a chemically sensitive morphology and spectroscopic data, is examined via photoemission electron microscopy in the X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure spectroscopy (XANES) mode. The observed spectromicroscopy results showed that the entire SiNW surface is covered with a tin(IV) oxide layer and traces of tin(II) oxide and metallic tin phases. The deviation from stoichiometric SnO2 leads to the formation of the density of states sub‐band in the atop tin oxide layer bandgap close to the bottom of the SnO2 conduction band. These observations open up the possibility of the precise surface electronic structures estimation using photo‐electron microscopy in XANES mode.
Molecularly Imprinted Polymers as Synthetic Antibodies for Protein Recognition: The Next Generation
Authors: Tse Sum Bui Bernadette , Mier Alejandra , Haupt Karsten
Published: January 2023

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are chemical antibody mimics obtained by nanomoulding the 3D shape and chemical functionalities of a desired target in a synthetic polymer. Consequently, they possess exquisite molecular recognition cavities for binding the target molecule, often with specificity and affinity similar to those of antigen‐antibody interactions. Research on MIPs targeting proteins began in the mid‐90s, and this review will evaluate the progress made till now, starting from their synthesis in a monolith bulk format through surface imprinting to biocompatible soluble nanogels prepared by solid‐phase synthesis. MIPs in the latter format will be discussed more in detail because of their tremendous potential of replacing antibodies in the biomedical domain like in diagnostics and therapeutics, where the workforce of antibodies is concentrated. Emphasis is also put on the development of epitope imprinting, which consists of imprinting a short surface‐exposed fragment of a protein, resulting in MIPs capable of selectively recognizing the whole macromolecule, amidst others in complex biological media, on cells or tissues. Thus selecting the ‘best’ peptide antigen is crucial and in this context a rational approach, inspired from that used to predict peptide immunogens for peptide antibodies, is described for its unambiguous identification.
Living and Injectable Porous Hydrogel Microsphere with Paracrine Activity for Cartilage Regeneration
Authors: Li Xingchen , Li Xiaoxiao , Yang Jielai , Lin Jiawei , Zhu Yuan , Xu Xiangyang , Cui Wenguo
Published: January 2023

Paracrine is an important mechanism in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that promotes tissue regeneration. However, anoikis is attributed to unsuitable adhesion microenvironment hindered this paracrine effect. In this study, a living and injectable porous hydrogel microsphere with long‐term paracrine activity is constructed via the freeze‐drying microfluidic technology and the incorporation of platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB (PDGF‐BB) and exogenous MSCs. Benefiting from the porous structure and superior mechanical property of methacrylate gelatin (GelMA) hydrogel microspheres (GMs), exogenous stem cells are able to adhere and proliferate on GMs, thereby facilitating cell‐to‐extracellular matrix (ECM) and cell‐to‐cell interactions and enhancing paracrine effect. Furthermore, the sustained release of PDGF‐BB can recruit endogenous MSCs to prolong the paracrine activity of the living GMs. In vitro and in vivo experiments validated that the living GMs exhibit superior secretion properties and anti‐inflammatory efficacy and can attenuate osteoarthritis (OA) progression by favoring the adherent microenvironment and utilizing the synergistic effect of exogenous and endogenous MSCs. Overall, a living injectable porous hydrogel microsphere that can enhance the paracrine activity of stem cells is fabricated and anticipated to hold the potential of future clinical translation in OA and other diseases.
Core/Shell ZnO/ZnS Nanoparticle Electron Transport Layers Enable Efficient All‐Solution‐Processed Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Cao Fan , Wu Qianqian , Li Wunan , Wang Sheng , Kong Lingmei , Zhang Jianhua , Zhang Xiaoyu , Li Hongbo , Hua Weihong , Rogach Andrey L. , Yang Xuyong
Published: January 2023

Solution‐processed perovskite‐based light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs) are promising candidates for low‐cost, large‐area displays, while severe deterioration of the perovskite light‐emitting layer occurs during deposition of electron transport layers from solution in an issue. Herein, core/shell ZnO/ZnS nanoparticles as a solution‐processed electron transport layer in PeLED based on quasi‐2D PEA2Csn−1PbnBr3n+1 (PEA = phenylethylammonium) perovskite are employed. The deposition of ZnS shell mitigates trap states on ZnO core by anchoring sulfur to oxygen vacancies, and at the same time removes residual hydroxyl groups, which helps to suppress the interfacial trap‐assisted non‐radiative recombination and the deprotonation reaction between the perovskite layer and ZnO. The core/shell ZnO/ZnS nanoparticles show comparably high electron mobility to pristine ZnO nanoparticles, combined with the reduced energy barrier between the electron transport layer and the perovskite layer, improving the charge injection balance in PeLEDs. As a result, the optimized PeLEDs employing core/shell ZnO/ZnS nanoparticles as a solution‐processed electron transport layer exhibit high peak luminance reaching 32 400 cd m−2, external quantum efficiency of 10.3%, and 20‐fold extended longevity as compared to the devices utilizing ZnO nanoparticles, which represents one of the highest overall performances for solution‐processed PeLEDs.
A Highly Translatable Dual‐arm Local Delivery Strategy To Achieve Widespread Therapeutic Coverage in Healthy and Tumor‐bearing Brain Tissues
Authors: Negron Karina , Kwak Gijung , Wang Heng , Li Haolin , Huang Yi‐Ting , Chen Shun‐Wen , Tyler Betty , Eberhart Charles G. , Hanes Justin , Suk Jung Soo
Published: January 2023

Drug delivery nanoparticles (NPs) based entirely on materials generally recognized as safe that provide widespread parenchymal distribution following intracranial administration via convection‐enhanced delivery (CED) are introduced. Poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) NPs are coated with various poloxamers, including F68, F98, or F127, via physical adsorption to render particle surfaces non‐adhesive, thereby resisting interactions with brain extracellular matrix. F127‐coated PLGA (F127/PLGA) NPs provide markedly greater distribution in healthy rat brains compared to uncoated NPs and widespread coverage in orthotopically‐established brain tumors. Distribution analysis of variously‐sized F127/PLGA NPs determines the average rat brain tissue porosity to be between 135 and 170 nm while revealing unprecedented brain coverage of larger F127/PLGA NPs with an aid of hydraulic pressure provided by CED. Importantly, F127/PLGA NPs can be lyophilized for long‐term storage without compromising their ability to penetrate the brain tissue. Further, 65‐ and 200‐nm F127/PLGA NPs lyophilized‐reconstituted and administered in a moderately hyperosmolar infusate solution show further enhance particle dissemination in the brain via osmotically‐driven enlargement of the brain tissue porosity. Combination of F127/PLGA NPs and osmotic tissue modulation provides a means with a clear regulatory path to maximize the brain distribution of large NPs that enable greater drug loading and prolong drug release.
An Atomistic View of Platinum Cluster Growth on Pristine and Defective Graphene Supports
Authors: Bord Julia , Kirchhoff Björn , Baldofski Matthias , Jung Christoph , Jacob Timo
Published: January 2023

Density functional theory (DFT) is used to systematically investigate the electronic structure of platinum clusters grown on different graphene substrates. Platinum clusters with 1 to 10 atoms and graphene vacancy defect supports with 0 to 5 missing C atoms are investigated. Calculations show that Pt clusters bind more strongly as the vacancy size increases. For a given defect size, increasing the cluster size leads to more endothermic energy of formation, suggesting a templating effect that limits cluster growth. The opposite trend is observed for defect‐free graphene where the formation energy becomes more exothermic with increasing cluster size. Calculations show that oxidation of the defect weakens binding of the Pt cluster, hence it is suggested that oxygen‐free graphene supports are critical for successful attachment of Pt to carbon‐based substrates. However, once the combined material is formed, oxygen adsorption is more favorable on the cluster than on the support, indicating resistance to oxidative support degradation. Finally, while highly‐symmetric defects are found to encourage formation of symmetric Pt clusters, calculations also reveal that cluster stability in this size range mostly depends on the number of and ratio between PtC, PtPt, and PtO bonds; the actual cluster geometry seems secondary.
Atomically Dispersed Electron Traps in Cu Doped BiOBr Boosting CO2 Reduction to Methanol by Pure H2O
Authors: Wang Ke , Cheng Ming , Xia Fanjie , Cao Ning , Zhang Fanxing , Ni Wenkang , Yue Xuanyu , Yan Keping , He Yi , Shi Yao , Dai Wenxin , Xie Pengfei
Published: January 2023

Overall photocatalytic conversion of CO2 and pure H2O driven by solar irradiation into methanol provides a sustainable approach for extraterrestrial synthesis. However, few photocatalysts exhibit efficient production of CH3OH. Here, BiOBr nanosheets supporting atomic Cu catalysts for CO2 reduction are reported. The investigation of charge dynamics demonstrates a strong built‐in electric field established by isolated Cu sites as electron traps to facilitate charge transfer and stabilize charge carriers. As result, the catalysts exhibit a substantially high catalytic performance with methanol productivity of 627.66 µmol gcatal−1 h−1 and selectivity of ≈90% with an apparent quantum efficiency of 12.23%. Mechanism studies reveal that the high selectivity of methanol can be ascribed to energy‐favorable hydrogenation of *CO intermediate giving rise to *CHO. The unfavorable adsorption on Cu1@BiOBr prevents methanol from being oxidized by photogenerated holes. This work highlights the great potential of single‐atom photocatalysts in chemical transformation and energy storage reactions.
Clinical audit in obstetric ultrasound—Implementation of an obstetric audit in the National Health Service—A case example
Authors: Holloway Sally Elizabeth , Smith Shauna Leanne , Chudleigh Trish
Published: January 2023

Clinical audit ensures healthcare is delivered in a standardised and evidence based manner. Detection of fetal anomalies is important to ensure expectant parents have opportunity to make informed decisions about their pregnancy. Audit of detection rates of fetal anomalies can highlight practice, which does not meet national standards, pinpointing gaps in staff education and training to improve this. This paper describes the implementation of a first time obstetric audit of fetal anomaly detection rates within an imaging department positioned in the National Health Service (NHS) of the United Kingdom.
Nitrogen Reduction Reaction: Heteronuclear Double‐Atom Electrocatalysts
Authors: Wang Yuanzhe , Wang Jing , Li Heen , Li Yaguang , Li Junkai , Wei Kuo , Peng Fei , Gao Faming
Published: January 2023

Heteronuclear dual‐site catalysts (HDACs), inspired from single‐atom catalyst, have been proposed as advanced alternatives of noble metal catalyst, especially toward nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR). However, the search for favorable candidates with both promising NH3 yield and noble Faradaic efficiency is still challenging, due to limited experimentally available bi‐metal pairs and lack of thorough understanding of the design criteria. Herein, by theoretical screening of a family of M/Fe combinations (M = Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Co, and Ni), atomically dispersed binary V/Fe architecture anchored on nitrogen‐doped carbon matrix (VFe/NC) is proposed with a small limiting potential (0.39 V) and high selectivity over the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Owing to a perfect matching with N2 antibonding state, V 3dz2 orbitals, “push” electrons into adsorbed N2 antibonding stats and simultaneously Fe 3dyz “pull” extra electrons back. Benefiting from the synergistic effect from the dual‐active sites, an outstanding NH3 yield of 73.44 μg h−1 mgcat−1 (8070.32 μg h−1 mgVFe−1) and an excellent Faradaic efficiency of 43% are achieved, overwhelming literature‐reported atomic‐level catalysts. This study promotes the development of HDACs that are capable of high yield rate accompanied with high Faradaic efficiency.
Covalently Self‐Assembled Peptide‐Based Hydrolase Mimic for Realizing Exceptional Catalytic Longevity in Foreign Environments
Authors: Hur Yun-Mi , Min Kyoung-Ik
Published: January 2023

As a de novo design of artificial enzymes, peptide assembly is receiving enormous attention. However, the development of durable peptide‐based biocatalysts that can resist undesirable deformation and loss of function in non‐native environments is challenging. Herein, a covalently self‐assembled, peptide‐based hydrolase mimic (referred to as a nanopepzyme) with exceptional stability regardless of the changes in the external environment is reported. The photocrosslinking of decapeptides, YYHHHHHHYY, leads to the formation of well‐defined nanospheres with multiple catalytic histidine residues protruding from their surfaces. The nanopepzyme not only exhibits extraordinary long‐term stability even after 6 months but also maintains its structures under adverse environmental conditions (pH, temperature, ion strength, and organic solvents). In addition, the nanopepzyme demonstrates hydrolase‐like activity and is effective as a significantly durable biocatalyst, as verified by the model reactions following incubation under various harsh conditions. This study expands the scope of peptide assembly for the preparation of peptide‐based biocatalysts that can be applied in considerably harsh foreign environments.
Organic Pea Starches – I. Comprehensive Investigation of Morphological and Molecular Properties
Authors: Terstegen Tim , Grebenteuch Sandra , Rohn Sascha , Müller Karl‐Josef , Flöter Eckhard , Ulbrich Marco
Published: January 2023

The comparatively high amylose (AM) content in native pea starch leads to a good functionality in food and non‐food products. Nevertheless, it has also been reported that pea starch tends to cause manufacturing problems more often than other starches. It has been suggested that this is due to substantial variation of the starch qualities originating from different pea starch varieties. Therefore, additional research which explores morphological, physicochemical, molecular, and techno‐/functional properties of starches from multiple pea varieties is necessary. Here, a large variety of pea starches are analyzed. The structure and size of the starch granules is studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), laser particle sizing (LPS), and image analysis of optical microscopy (IAOM). The morphological appearance and size do not differ significantly between the pea cultivars. The AM content is determined with two methods, both based on iodine interaction with the AM helix. The method suggested here (SEC‐prep) results in systematically higher AM content. This is due to better solubilization of the starch. Nevertheless, only small differences between the pea cultivars are observed. No differences in morphological appearance, particle size, and only minor differences in AM content, significant variations in the molar mass distribution of the total starch fraction (MwST) and of the AM fraction (MwAM) are found.
An Exploration of Multiple Component Peptide Assemblies by Enzyme‐Instructed Self‐Assembly
Authors: Shy Adrianna N. , Xu Jiashu , Jin Kim Beom , Xu Bing
Published: January 2023

Based on the motifs (RNISY (M) and DEEVELILGDT (D)) in the protein crystal structures of Merlin and CRL4DCAF−1, we phosphorylated the tyrosine residue in M and conjugated M to a self‐assembling motif to produce a phosphopeptide (1P) and examined enzyme‐instructed self‐assembly (EISA) of 1P with and without the presence of D (4). Our results show that EISA of 1P forms a hydrogel at exceedingly low volume fraction (∼0.03 %) even with the presence of the hydrophilic peptide, 4. Unlike 1P, 2P (a diastereomer of 1P) or 3P (the enantiomer of 1P) forms a hydrogel via EISA when their concentration is four or three times that of 1P, respectively. Circular dichroism (CD) spectra show that increasing the concentration of the phosphopeptides lowers the CD signals of the mixtures, and the magnitudes of the CD signals depends on the interaction between M and D. This work provides insight for understanding multi‐component hydrogels formed by self‐assembly, which involves both specific intermolecular interaction and enzymatic reactions.
Phylogeny based generic reclassification of Muscari sensu lato (Asparagaceae) using plastid and genomic DNA
Authors: Böhnert Tim , Neumann Michael , Quandt Dietmar , Weigend Maximilian
Published: January 2023

The grape hyacinth (Muscari) represents an important ornamental plant group in Asparagaceae subfamily Scilloideae, comprising some 80 species distributed mainly in the Mediterranean. However, genus delimitation has repeatedly shifted over the past two centuries and a general consensus has not been reached so far. The present study investigates the phylogeny of Muscari s.l. (i.e., including the disputed segregates Pseudomuscari and Leopoldia) with a broad sampling of about half the currently recognized species using both chloroplast markers (trnK(matK)‐psbA, trnL‐trnF, rpl16) and genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data generated by double‐digest restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD). We perform concatenated maximum likelihood inference for both datasets as well as a coalescent‐based approach and principal component analysis (PCA) on the ddRAD data. We find that the morphological characters traditionally used to distinguish different genera are not diagnostic for the clades here retrieved. Also, the segregates Pseudomuscari and Leopoldia are deeply nested in Muscari and we therefore propose a broadly defined Muscari with five subgenera. The subgenera roughly correspond to previously recognized entities, with the exception of the newly identified clade here proposed as M. subg. Pulchella subg. nov. We provide a provisional assignment of the 80 currently accepted taxa to these subgenera.
Exploring Bases of Achievement in Content and Language Integrated Assessment in a Bilingual Education Program
Authors: Morton Tom , Nashaat‐Sobhy Nashwa
Published: January 2023

This study explores the bases of achievement invoked by teachers when assessing students' work in the context of a bilingual education program where academic subjects are taught through English as a foreign language. During a professional development seminar, teachers judged samples of students' writing in response to tasks that elicited the three cognitive discourse functions (CDFs) of define, evaluate, and explore. The teachers' discourse was analyzed using specialization, a dimension of Legitimation Code Theory‐LCT (Maton, Knowledge and Knowers. Towards a realist sociology of education, 2014), a sociological framework for analyzing knowledge practices. Specialization codes provide insight into epistemic relations (knowledge) and social relations (knowers) in educational practices. The results show that within epistemic relations, there was a balance between content and language as bases of achievement. Content quality was emphasized over quantity, language form was emphasized over function, and teachers gave different weights to language depending on the quality of the content. Social relations were also invoked, though less often than epistemic relations. The results suggest that teachers' positioning of students in terms of epistemic and social relations in their assessment practices may have consequences for the equitable treatment of learners in bilingual programs.
Multimodal Techniques to Study Tumor Growth, Basement Membrane Breaching, and Invasion in 3D Matrices
Authors: Smits Daan , Khalil Antoine A.
Published: January 2023

Cancer-derived organoids and three-dimensional (3D) extracellular matrix (ECM) are taking center stage as in vitro models to study neoplastic cell behavior, since they recapitulate the heterogeneous cellular composition of tumors and their extracellular environment. In combination with imaging and molecular/biochemical techniques, 3D organoid models have contributed substantially to our knowledge about the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate the growth of tumors and invasion into the surrounding tissue. We here outline a set of protocols that describe culturing of cancer-derived organoids in 3D matrices and various strategies that allow modeling of tumor growth, tumor cell penetration into basement membranes, and invasion into Collagen I-rich ECM. Furthermore, we specify protocols for subsequent handling of organoids cultured in 3D ECM for confocal microscopy and analysis of gene expression at the protein and mRNA level. Although we here use breast cancer-derived organoids, these protocols can be directly applied or adapted for organoids derived from other cancer types or healthy tissues. Thus, in addition to investigating cell behavior of multiple cancer types, the combination of protocols described here may be used to study processes such as cell differentiation and migration during homeostasis and normal development.
Dynamic generation or removal of a scalar hair
Authors: Liu Yunqi , Zhang Cheng-Yong , Qian Wei-Liang , Lin Kai , Wang Bin
Published: January 2023

Abstract

We study dynamic processes through which the scalar hair of black holes is generated or detached in a theory with a scalar field non-minimally coupled to Gauss-Bonnet and Ricci scalar invariants. We concentrate on the nonlinear temporal evolution of a far-from-equilibrium gravitational system. In our simulations, we choose the initial spacetime to be either a bald Schwarzschild or a scalarized spherically symmetric black hole. Succeeding continuous accretion of the scalar field onto the original black hole, the final fate of the system displays intriguing features, which depend on the initial configurations, strengths of the perturbation, and specific metric parameters. In addition to the scalarization process through which the bald black hole addresses scalar hair, we observe the dynamical descalarization, which removes scalar hair from an original hairy hole after continuous scalar field accretion. We examine the temporal evolution of the scalar field, the metrics, and the Misner-Sharp mass of the spacetime and exhibit rich phase structures through nonlinear dynamical processes.