bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Classification of Acute Leukaemia based on Blast Morphology, Cytochemistry and Flow Cytometry
Authors: Paulose P Jubit , Fathima J Latha
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Acute leukaemias are a heterogeneous group of malignancies due to the abnormal proliferation of immature cells. The classification of acute leukaemia has been transformed over a period. French American British’s (FAB) classification of acute leukaemia is based on morphology and cytochemistry. Later, the World Health Organization (WHO) classification stressed immunophenotyping to be done in the classification of acute leukaemia. Immunophenotyping is a powerful tool for classification and also for treatment and prognosis. Aim: To study the morphology of blasts in the peripheral smear and bone marrow cytochemistry and to compare with immunophenotyping in the classification of acute leukaemia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken in the Department of Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology, at St. Johns National Academy of Health Sciences a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bengaluru over a period of one year from November 2018 to October 2019. The morphology of the blast was studied in peripheral blood and bone marrow aspirate stained by Leishman stain. Cytochemistry in peripheral smear and bone marrow with Sudan Black B and Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) stain was done in all acute leukaemia. The flow cytometry samples were processed within 24 hours of collection of the samples with a panel of markers including myeloid and lymphoid lineage and precursor markers. The results of morphology were confirmed with flow cytometry and final reports were released. Results: A total of 112 cases of acute leukaemia were studied and classified based on morphology, cytochemistry, and immunophenotyping of blasts. A total of 46 cases of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) and 63 cases of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL). Two cases were found with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML) in blast crisis, one with myeloid and another with lymphoid blast crisis. One biphenotypic leukaemia was noted. Sudan Black was positive in 35 (76%) of AML and PAS was positive in 28 (44%) of ALL. The most common AML subtype was AML-M2 and the most common ALL subtype was B cell ALL. The most common symptom was fever and the sign was pallor. Conclusion: The present study showed that morphological diagnosis is important, based on which the cytochemistry and flow cytometry is performed for diagnosis. In cases of the diagnostic dilemma of acute leukaemia with morphology and cytochemistry, immunophenotyping supports diagnosing and classifying acute leukaemia.
Comparison of Intrathecal Bupivacaine with Levobupivacaine using Fentanyl as an Adjuvant for Transurethral Resection of Prostate-A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Malik Indira , Kamboj Sheenam , Kamal Hemant , Singhal Suresh Kumar , Kumar Vineet , Seelwal Deepika
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Transurethral Resection of Prostate (TURP) is a common surgical procedure performed for Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH), most commonly under Spinal Anaesthesia (SA). It is generally tolerated well by the elderly but since they suffer from several co-morbidities, therefore, it is desirable to avoid hypotension following SA, in these patients. Levobupivacaine, a pure S enantiomer of racemic bupivacaine has emerged as a safe alternative to bupivacaine with similar efficacy and better pharmacokinetic profile. Aim: To compare the efficacy of intrathecal levobupivacaine with bupivacaine using fentanyl as adjuvant in TURP. Materials and Methods: This randomised controlled trial was conducted at Pandit BD Sharma Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana, India, between March 2022 to September 2022. Fifty patients, 50-80 years of age, American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) I-III, posted for TURP under SA, were included in the study and divided into two groups: group B (n=25): Inj. bupivacaine (0.5%) hyperbaric 12.5 mg+25 µg fentanyl citrate, group L (n=25): Inj. levobupivacaine (0.5%) isobaric 12.5mg+25µg fentanyl citrate. Onset of sensory and motor block, time to onset of maximum sensory and motor block, Heart Rate (HR), Systolic Bood Pressure (SBP), Diastolic Bood Pressure (DBP) and Mean Arterial Pressures (MAP) were recorded. Data analysis was done with the help computer software using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 24.0. Means, standard deviations, Chi-square, t-values and p-values were calculated, p-value <0.05 was considered significant at 95% confidence level. Results: Demographic data of the patients was comparable. The mean time to onset of sensory block in group B was significantly faster (3.72±0.96 min) than group L (4.47±0.73 min). The mean time to onset of motor block was faster in group B (4.74±0.91 min) than group L (7.57±1.51 min). HR was lower in group B, after SA at 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, and 45 min after SA. Group B recorded a lower SBP, DBP and MAP following SA, compared to group L (p<0.001). The duration of analgesia was significantly longer in group B (232.80±14.07 min vs 221.80±15.47 min in group L) (p<0.05). No adverse effects were reported from either of the groups. Conclusion: Levobupivacaine provided very stable haemodynamics, good quality analgesia and muscle relaxation intraoperatively. Postoperative analgesia was clinically similar to bupivacaine, no adverse effects were reported. Thus, levobupivacaine is a safe and reliable alternative to bupivacaine for elderly patients undergoing TURP
Evaluating the Efficiency of Kharif Crops by Productivity Indices in Chhattisgarh State, India
Authors: Chaudhary J. L. , Thakur Gunja , Megha Dalai Mridu , Murari Krishna , Unjan Deepika
Published: February 2023

The present study is aimed to evaluate all the districts of Chhattisgarh based on their relative yield and productivity. The regions were differentiated at the district level according to their crop production efficiency. There was total 5 major kharif crops selected for the evaluation of efficiency zoning viz., rice, red gram, maize, groundnut and soybean. Area and production data collected from the Directorate of Agriculture for a period of twenty years (2000-01 to 2019-20) period. From the result it can be suggested that no crop was recorded under the criteria of efficient and highly stable productivity. But for crops like red gram, Bastar region recorded a zonation of potentially efficient crops with high unstable productivity whereas districts like Baloda bazar, Dhamtari, Gariaband, Mahasamund and Raipur fell in inefficient zone with low productivity.  Another crop like rice result showed  that only two districts namely Jashpur and Kabirdham touched the criteria of inefficient and low productivity and districts like Balod, Bijapur, Dhamatari, Kanker, Mungeli, Sukma and Janjgir-Champa fall under potentially efficient districts with high unstable productivity. For maize it has been observed that districts like Balrampur, Bastar, Bijapur, Dantewada, Dhamtari, Janjgir Champa, Kondagaon, Narayanpur, Sukma come under the criteria of potentially efficient zone with high unstable productivity Same result was also obtained for groundnut, very few districts like Rajnandgaon, Kondagaon, Kabirdham recorded with potentially efficient with high unstable productivity. In the case of Soybean the result obtained is that districts like Baloda Bazar, Balrampur, Bastar, Bijapur, Dantewada, Gariyaband, Janjgir-Champa, Kanker, Kondagaon, Mungeli, Narayanpur, Raipur, Sukma come under potentially efficient zone with high unstable productivity. From the above analysis it can be concluded that the districts with potentially efficient and high unstable productivity can be recommended with the continuous streamlining of technologies and promotion for that crop. The area recorded with low productivity and inefficiency should be identified with their proper reasoning behind it.
Effect of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilizer Doses on Agro Morphological Parameters of Wheat Varieties in Vertisol Region in India
Authors: Kumar Sharma Pramod , Elanchezhian R. , Biswas A. K. , Gurjar Rekha , Meena Siyaram , Saini Ravindar , Dabaria Amarnath
Published: February 2023

Wheat is the most important food grain, with more than a third of the world's population eating it as a staple diet for the optimum use of different nutrients. A field experiment was carried out at ICAR-IISS Bhopal to identify different wheat varieties that provide the highest yield under nutrient stress conditions. In this experiment, we studied the different morphological parameters in nine wheat varieties, i.e., plant height, plant dry weight, biological yield, and grain yield. With three replications, the experiment was set up in a split-plot design. There were 36 treatments in total, including three nitrogen levels and three P levels with nine genotypes, in each replication. In each replication, all of the treatments were split separately. T1 was the control treatment, and T2 was the optimum dose treatment. T3 was 50% nitrogen with a full phosphorus dose, and T4 was 50% phosphorus with 100% nitrogen doses. In sub-optimal doses of N and P (T3 and T4), T3 produced a higher biomass yield than T4, averaging all the selected nine varieties of wheat, whereas T4 had a higher grain yield than T3. The study's current findings, which showed that higher nitrogen fertilizer doses enhanced leaf area, plant dry weight, maximum biomass, and grain production, were consistent with this. Because nitrogen affects photosynthesis, the amount of photo assimilates the plant produces, the partitioning of dry matter, and organ development, it may have an impact on seed output along with phosphorus.
PROCESO DE TRABAJO, LEGISLACIÓN LABORAL Y EMPLEO FEMENINO EN EL TELETRABAJO
Authors: Kabat Marina
Published: February 2023

Abordamos la emergencia del teletrabajo mediante una perspectiva histórica examinando las tendencias contradictorias a concentrar y dislocar el trabajo bajo el capitalismo. Con este enfoque estudiamos las similitudes y diferencias del teletrabajo respecto a las formas tradicionales de trabajo a domicilio. Para ello, analizamos el proceso de trabajo y la naturaleza de las actividades que se desarrollan bajo esta modalidad desde un abordaje teórico marxista. Esta perspectiva histórica contribuye a conformar una  mirada de largo plazo de las transformaciones estudiadas y cuestionar algunos de los preconceptos  más arraigados sobre el trabajo femenino, relativos a las supuestas preferencias de las mujeres a  desempeñar actividades laborales en el ámbito doméstico. A su vez, nos permite ponderar la utilidad  de incorporar dispositivos legales creados  para regular el trabajo a domicilio a la legislación del teletrabajo, lo que a nuestro juicio contribuiría a  evitar la flexibilidad laboral en este ámbito.
Influence of Sex on Early Axial Spondyloarthritis: ASix‐YearLongitudinal Analysis From a Large National Cohort
Authors: Aouad Krystel , Tournadre Anne , Lucasson Florian , Wendling Daniel , Molto Anna , Fautrel Bruno , Gossec Laure
Published: February 2023

Objective

The objective was to determine sex differences in disease outcomes in recent axial spondyloarthritis (SpA) over time.

Methods

We analyzed the first 6 years of follow‐up of the prospective French multicenter DESIR cohort. Patients analyzed had <3 years of disease, were naive to disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs, and fulfilled the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society classification criteria for axial SpA. Disease activity (Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score [ASDAS] using the C‐reactive protein [CRP] level), patient global assessment (PtGA), CRP level, and radiographic sacroiliitis were compared between men and women (self‐reported sex) by linear and logistic mixed‐effects models. Models were created for trajectories of disease activity over 6 years in men and women, using k‐means.

Results

Of 494 patients analyzed (mean ± SD age 31.9 ± 7.5 years, symptoms duration 20.7 ± 11.7 months), 50.4% were men. Over 6 years of follow‐up, both men and women showed clear improvements in ASDAS‐CRP, PtGA, and CRP level. Women had higher ASDAS‐CRP and PtGA over time compared to men (bothP < 0.0001) with overall similar CRP levels (P = 0.089), whereas structural damage increased more in men (P < 0.0001). One‐third of both men (33%) and women (34%) belonged to persistent high/very high disease activity trajectories, but ASDAS‐CRP was globally higher in women in these trajectories.

Conclusion

In early axial SpA, clinical outcomes (disease activity and symptoms) were worse in women than men over 6 years of follow‐up, whereas CRP was similar and structural damage was more frequent in men. Although similarly distributed, disease activity scores were higher in women in high/very high disease activity trajectories. Sex appears to be an important contextual factor in axial SpA.

image
Socioeconomic, Disease‐Related, and Personal Factors Associated With Participation in Remote Follow‐Up in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Schougaard Liv M. V. , Knudsen Line R. , Grove Birgith E. , Vestergaard Jesper M. , Hjollund Niels H. , Hauge Ellen‐Margrethe , de Thurah Annette
Published: February 2023

Objective

To identify socioeconomic, disease‐related, and personal factors associated with participation in remote follow‐up in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Following the implementation of a patient‐reported outcome‐based remote follow‐up intervention in RA patients in Denmark, a cross‐sectional study was conducted among 775 prevalent patients. In 2019, an electronic questionnaire was sent to eligible RA patients, covering health literacy and patient experience regarding involvement and confidence with remote care. Questionnaire data were linked to nationwide registries regarding socioeconomic status, labor market affiliation, and comorbidity level. Associations between registry‐ and questionnaire‐based factors and remote follow‐up were analyzed using multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results

All 775 patients were included in the registry‐based analyses, but only 394 of 646 (61%) completed the questionnaire. No attachment to the labor market or low household income was associated with lower odds of remote follow‐up participation (odds ratio [OR] 0.53 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.34–0.83]) and (OR 0.69 [95% CI 0.48–1.00]). Further, a high level of comorbidity was associated with lower odds of remote follow‐up participation compared to a low/medium level of comorbidity (OR 0.53 [95% CI 0.34–0.81]). No association was found between health literacy and remote follow‐up, but remote follow‐up attendees reported more confidence in remote care (OR 1.33 [95% CI 1.21–1.47]).

Conclusion

Participation in remote follow‐up was associated with attachement to the labor market, household income, degree of comorbidity, and confidence with remote care. Additional research is necessary to investigate whether a larger and more divergent group of RA patients should be considered for inclusion in remote follow‐up programs.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus May Be a Risk Factor for Antimalarial‐Induced Retinopathy Compared With Other Rheumatologic Diseases
Authors: Liu Hsin Yen , Cramarossa Gemma , Pope Janet E.
Published: February 2023

Objective

To describe the pattern and risk factors for antimalarial (AM)‐induced retinopathy in patients with rheumatic diseases.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted at an urban Canadian center for patients with AM use of more than 3 months and documented retinopathy screening. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to determine risk factors for retinopathy. Sensitivity analyses included stratification of analysis by method of screening and by hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) versus chloroquine (CQ).

Results

A total of 613 patients were included in the final analysis, with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (n = 259) as the most common diagnosis. Definite AM‐induced retinal toxicity was observed in 12 patients, 11 of whom had SLE. The earliest diagnosis of toxicity occurred after 5.4 years of AM therapy, and the prevalence beyond 5 years was 3.1%. In univariate analysis, a diagnosis of SLE (P = 0.009; odds ratio [OR]: 15.66; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.01‐122.05), the daily weight‐based dose of HCQ (P = 0.044; OR: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.01‐2.20), cumulative CQ dose (P = 0.014; OR: 4.80; CI: 1.37‐16.84), and daily CQ weight‐based dose (P = 0.0001; OR: 5.70; 95% CI: 2.41‐13.49) were significantly associated with toxicity. In multivariate analysis, diagnosis of SLE (P = 0.022; OR: 12.14; 95% CI: 1.44‐102.44) and daily CQ weight‐based dose (P = 0.005; OR: 1.83; 95% CI: 1.83‐26.75) were significant after adjusting for standard covariates.

Conclusion

The risk of AM‐induced retinopathy increases after 5 years of therapy. There may be higher rates of toxicity in patients with SLE because of longer duration of treatment, higher weight‐based dosages, and more CQ use in this population, and SLE may be an independent risk factor.
Periodical Ripening for MOCVD Growth of Large 2D Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Domains
Authors: Liu Mengjie , Liao Jing , Liu Yu , Li Luyang , Wen Rongji , Hou Tianyu , Ji Rui , Wang Kaili , Xing Zhigang , Zheng Dong , Yuan Junyang , Hu Fengrui , Tian Yongtao , Wang Xiaoyong , Zhang Yi , Bachmatiuk Alicja , Rümmeli Mark Hermann , Zuo Ran , Hao Yufeng
Published: February 2023

2D semiconductors, especially 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), have attracted ever‐growing attention toward extending Moore's law beyond silicon. Metal–organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) has been widely considered as a scalable technique to achieve wafer‐scale TMDC films for applications. However, current MOCVD process usually suffers from small domain size with only hundreds of nanometers, in which dense grain boundary defects degrade the crystalline quality of the films. Here, a periodical varying‐temperature ripening (PVTR) process is demonstrated to grow wafer‐scale high crystalline TMDC films by MOCVD. It is found that the high‐temperature ripening significantly reduces the nucleation density and therefore enables single‐crystal domain size over 20 µm. In this process, no additives or etchants are involved, which facilitates low impurity concentration in the grown films. Atom‐resolved electron microscopy imaging, variable temperature photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, and electrical transport results further confirm comparable crystalline quality to those observed in mechanically exfoliated TMDC films. The research provides a scalable route to produce high‐quality 2D semiconducting films for applications in electronics and optoelectronics.
Modulation of Alkyl Chain Length on the Thiazole Side Group Enables Over 17% Efficiency in All‐Small‐Molecule Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Ma Kangqiao , Feng Wanying , Liang Huazhe , Chen Hongbin , Wang Yuxin , Wan Xiangjian , Yao Zhaoyang , Li Chenxi , Kan Bin , Chen Yongsheng
Published: February 2023

Molecular innovation is highly desirable to achieve efficient all‐small‐molecule organic solar cells (SM‐OSCs). Herein, three small‐molecule donors (SMDs) with alkylated thiazole side groups (namely BO‐1, HD‐1, and OD‐1), which differ only in the alkyl side chain are reported. Although these SMDs possess similar absorption profiles and molecular energy levels, their crystallinity and miscibility with BTP‐eC9 slightly decrease along with the elongation of the alkyl side chain. After blending with BTP‐eC9, different miscibility leads to different degrees of phase separation. Among these SM‐OSCs, the HD‐1‐based device shows a decent bulk‐heterojunction (BHJ) morphology with proper phase separation and more dynamic carrier behavior. Thus, compared to the BO‐1 and OD‐1‐based devices, the HD‐1‐based device achieves a higher short‐circuit current of 26.04 mA cm−2 and a fill factor of 78.46%, leading to an outstanding PCE of 17.19%, which is one of the highest values among SM‐OSCs. This work provides a rational design strategy of SMDs for highly efficient SM‐OSCs.
Hierarchically Injectable Hydrogel Sequentially Delivers AntagomiR‐467a‐3p‐Loaded and AntagomiR‐874‐5p‐Loaded Satellite‐Cell‐Targeting Bioengineered Extracellular Vesicles Attenuating Sarcopenia
Authors: Dai Hanhao , Luo Jun , Deng Lili , Song Chao , Deng Zhibo , Wu Yijing , Gu Song , Xu Jie
Published: February 2023

Sarcopenia is a geriatric disease characterized by reduced muscle function and mass. The capacity to self‐renew and myogenesis of satellite cells (SCs) declines with age, resulting in age‐related sarcopenia. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can regulate the proliferation and myogenesis of SCs. In this study, it is identified that miR‐467a‐3p and miR‐874‐5p could respectively mediate the stemness and myogenesis of SCs by performing bioinformatics analysis. AntagomiR‐467a‐3p (ant‐467a) and antagomiR‐874‐5p (ant‐874) improve the stemness and myogenesis of SCs, respectively. SC‐targeting extracellular vesicles (EVs) are constructed by overexpressing TSG101 on the surface of EVs isolated from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. Ant‐467a loaded EVs (EVs‐467a) and ant‐874 loaded EVs (EVs‐874) are prepared by transferring ant‐467a and ant‐874 into SC‐targeting EVs. EVs‐467a and EVs‐874 are more effective than ant‐467a and ant‐874 in promoting the stemness and myogenesis of SCs. Sequentially intermuscular injection of EVs‐467a and EVs‐874 significantly improve sarcopenia in ovariectomy mice. The effects of multiple injections of EVs‐467a and EVs‐874 in the treatment of sarcopenia could be achieved by using a hierarchically injectable hydrogel to sustainedly release EVs‐467a and EVs‐874 in vivo. The findings provide an EV‐based SC‐targeting antagomiRNAs controlled release strategy as a novel therapy against sarcopenia.
Multivalent Nanobody Conjugate with Rigid, Reactive Oxygen Species Scavenging Scaffold for Multi‐Target Therapy of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Zhao Liyuan , Meng Fanling , Li Yingjie , Liu Sujuan , Xu Mengmeng , Chu Fan , Li Chuanzhou , Yang Xiangliang , Luo Liang
Published: February 2023

Efficient therapeutic strategies that concurrently target both Aβ aggregation and oxidative stress in the Alzheimer's disease (AD) microenvironment emerge as a cutting‐edge tool to combat the intricate pathogenesis of AD. Here, a multivalent nanobody conjugate with rigid, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging scaffold is developed to achieve simultaneous Aβ amyloidogenesis mitigation, ROS elimination, and Aβ plaque clearance. Grafting Aβ segment (33‐GLMVGGVVIA‐42) into the third complementary‐determining region of a parent nanobody generates an engineered nanobody NB that can recognize Aβ and inhibit its aggregation through homotypic interactions. NB is further genetically modified with a fragment of human interleukin‐1β (163‐VQGEESNDK‐171), so that the obtained fusion nanobody NBIL can also facilitate the Aβ clearance by microglia. Linking NBIL covalently onto a rigid, ROS scavenging scaffold poly(deca‐4,6‐diynedioic acid) (PDDA) creates the multivalent nanobody conjugate PNBIL, which not only boosts the binding affinity between NBIL and Aβ aggregates for nearly 100 times but also possesses a long‐term capability of oxidative stress alleviation, inflammation reduction, and neuron protection. PNBIL has significantly attenuated symptoms on two AD mouse models through amyloidogenesis inhibition and AD microenvironment modulation, validating that the multivalent nanobody conjugate design based on combinatory nanobody and molecular engineering is a promising approach of multi‐target therapeutic strategies.
Realizing Wide‐Gamut Human‐Centric Display Lighting with K3AlP3O9N:Eu2+
Authors: Hariyani Shruti , Xing Xinxin , Amachraa Mahdi , Bao Jiming , Ong Shyue Ping , Brgoch Jakoah
Published: February 2023

Computers, televisions, and smartphones are revolutionized by the invention of InGaN blue light‐emitting diode (LED) backlighting. Yet, continual exposure to the intense blue LED emission from these modern displays can cause insomnia and mood disorders. Developing “human‐centric” backlighting that uses a violet‐emitting LED chip and a trichromatic phosphor mixture to generate color images is one approach that addresses this problem. The challenge is finding a blue‐emitting phosphor that possesses a sufficiently small Stokes’ shift to efficiently down‐convert violet LED light and produce a narrow blue emission. This work reports a new oxynitride phosphor that meets this demand. K3AlP3O9N:Eu2+ exhibits an unexpectedly narrow (45 nm, 2206 cm−1), thermally robust, and efficient blue photoluminescence upon violet excitation. Computational modeling and temperature‐dependent optical property measurements reveal that the narrow emission arises from a rare combination of preferential excitation and site‐selective quenching. The resulting chromaticity coordinates of K3AlP3O9N:Eu2+ lie closer to the vertex of the Rec. 2020 than a blue LED chip and provides access to ≈10% more colors than a commercial tablet when combined with commercial red‐ and green‐emitting phosphors. Alongside the wide gamut, tuning the emission from the violet LED and phosphor blend can reduce blue light emissions to produce next‐generation, human‐centric displays.
Electric‐Field‐Driven Printed 3D Highly Ordered Microstructure with Cell Feature Size Promotes the Maturation of Engineered Cardiac Tissues
Authors: Zhang Guangming , Li Wenhai , Yu Miao , Huang Hui , Wang Yaning , Han Zhifeng , Shi Kai , Ma Lingxuan , Yu Zhihao , Zhu Xiaoyang , Peng Zilong , Xu Yue , Li Xiaoyun , Hu Shijun , He Jiankang , Li Dichen , Xi Yongming , Lan Hongbo , Xu Lin , Tang Mingliang , Xiao Miao
Published: February 2023

Engineered cardiac tissues (ECTs) derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are viable alternatives for cardiac repair, patient‐specific disease modeling, and drug discovery. However, the immature state of ECTs limits their clinical utility. The microenvironment fabricated using 3D scaffolds can affect cell fate, and is crucial for the maturation of ECTs. Herein, the authors demonstrate an electric‐field‐driven (EFD) printed 3D highly ordered microstructure with cell feature size to promote the maturation of ECTs. The simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the EFD jet microscale 3D printing overcomes the jet repulsion without any prior requirements for both conductive and insulating substrates. Furthermore, the 3D highly ordered microstructures with a fiber diameter of 10–20 µm and spacing of 60–80 µm have been fabricated by maintaining a vertical jet, achieving the largest ratio of fiber diameter/spacing of 0.29. The hiPSCs‐derived cardiomyocytes formed ordered ECTs with their sarcomere growth along the fiber and developed synchronous functional ECTs inside the 3D‐printed scaffold with matured calcium handling compared to the 2D coverslip. Therefore, the EFD jet 3D microscale printing process facilitates the fabrication of scaffolds providing a suitable microenvironment to promote the maturation of ECTs, thereby showing great potential for cardiac tissue engineering.
Modulating the Mixing Gibbs Free Energy to Enhance Solid–Liquid Phase Separation for High‐Performance Organic Solar Cells
Authors: He Xinjun , Chan Christopher C. S. , Zou Xinhui , Zhang Sen , Fong Patrick Wai Keung , Kim Jinwook , Li Gang , Hu Xiaotian , Ma Wei , Wong Kam Sing , Choy Wallace C. H.
Published: February 2023

Organic solar cells (OSC) feature a hierarchical structure with the electron donor/acceptor layer sandwiched by anode and cathode, which raises the importance of controlling the molecular crystal orientation, domain size, and vertical distribution to facilitate the charge collection at electrodes. However, the similar conjugated backbone of donor/acceptor material and fast film‐formation kinetics have led to spinodal‐decomposition‐orientated phase separation that result in the film presenting an intimately mixed morphology and random molecular orientation. To solve the issue, the mixing Gibbs free energy‐triggered solid–liquid phase separation during the film formation process is enhanced by solidifying one component and solvating the other based on a liquid additive. Following the liquid evaporation process, a favorable vertical distribution is obtained. Meanwhile, the prolonged solvation process enlarges the domain size and assists the molecules to diffuse and orient properly, enabling better exciton/charge dynamics during the power conversion processes. As a result, the fabricated devices exhibit a fill factor over 80% and an efficiency of 18.72%, which is one of the top efficiencies for binary OSCs. Insights and a methodology is provided here to manipulate the organic donor/acceptor phase separation in terms of mixing Gibbs free energy.
Portrait of autosomal recessive diseases in the French‐Canadian founder population of Saguenay‐Lac‐Saint‐Jean
Authors: Cruz Marino Tania , Leblanc Josianne , Pratte Annabelle , Tardif Jessica , Thomas Marie‐Jacqueline , Fortin Carol‐Ann , Girard Lysanne , Bouchard Luigi
Published: February 2023

The population of the Saguenay‐Lac‐Saint‐Jean (SLSJ) region, located in the province of Quebec, Canada, is recognized as a founder population, where some rare autosomal recessive diseases show a high prevalence. Through the clinical and molecular study of 82 affected individuals from 60 families, this study outlines 12 diseases identified as recurrent in SLSJ. Their carrier frequency was estimated with the contribution of 1059 healthy individuals, increasing the number of autosomal recessive diseases with known carrier frequency in this region from 14 to 25. We review the main clinical and molecular features previously reported for these disorders. Five of the studied diseases have a potential lethal effect and three are associated with intellectual deficiency. Therefore, we believe that the provincial program for carrier screening should be extended to include these eight disorders. The high‐carrier frequency, together with the absence of consanguinity in most of these unrelated families, suggest a founder effect and genetic drift for the 12 recurrent variants. We recommend further studies to validate this hypothesis, as well as to extend the present study to other regions in the province of Quebec, since some of these disorders could also be present in other French‐Canadian families.
Zweiwertige Lanthanoid‐Tetraisobutylaluminate: Reaktivität und lebende Isoprenpolymerisation
Authors: Moinet Eric C. , Wolf Benjamin M. , Tardif Olivier , Maichle‐Mössmer Cäcilia , Anwander Reiner
Published: February 2023

Lanthanoid (Ln)‐Tetraisobutylaluminate sind Schlüsselkomponenten in kommerziell genutzten Katalysatoren für die 1,3‐Dienpolymerisation und sind gleichsam Seltenerdmetall‐Katalysatoren von wesentlicher industrieller Relevanz. Die hier beschriebenen, diskreten zweiwertigen Seltenerdmetall‐Komplexe [Ln(AliBu4)2] (Ln=Sm, Eu, Yb) sind die ersten strukturell charakterisierten, homoleptischen Tetraisobutylaluminat‐Komplexe. Durch Umsetzen von [Ln(AliBu4)2] mit C2Cl6 wird der gemischtvalente SmII/SmIII‐Cluster [Sm6Cl8(AliBu4)6], sowie der YbII‐Cluster [Yb4Cl4(AliBu4)4] erhalten. Reaktion mit B(C6F5)3 führt zur Hydridabstraktion und zur Bildung Aren‐koordinierter Hydridoborate, wie beispielsweise [Sm{HB(C6F5)3}2(Toluol)2]. Die Komplexe [Ln(AliBu4)2] sind Einkomponentenkatalysatoren für die cis‐1,4‐selektive Polymerisation von Isopren mit enger Molmassenverteilung. Das Zweikomponentenkatalysatorsystem [Yb(AliBu4)2]/[HNPhMe2][B(C6F5)4] katalysiert die lebende Isoprenpolymerisation, wobei die aktiven, zweiwertigen Spezies mittels NMR‐Spektroskopie untersucht werden.
Designing an Apparently Orbital‐Symmetry‐Forbidden [3s,5s]‐Sigmatropic Shift through Transition‐State Complexation and Stereoelectronic Effects
Authors: Ahmed Yusef G. , Tantillo Dean J.
Published: February 2023

The [3s,5s]‐sigmatropic shift is an example of an orbital‐symmetry forbidden pericyclic reaction that is outcompeted by the allowed [3s,3s]‐sigmatropic shift. Density functional theory calculations are used to show that PdII‐complexed systems with strategically placed substituents engaging in key stereoelectronic effects can select for the [3s,5s] process, thereby outcompeting both orbital‐symmetry‐allowed [3s,3s]‐ and [3s,5a]‐shifts.
A Spiro Phosphamide Catalyzed Enantioselective Proton Transfer of Ylides in a Free Carbene Insertion into N−H Bonds
Authors: Pan Jia‐Bin , Zhang Xuan‐Ge , Shi Yi‐Fan , Han Ai‐Cui , Chen Yu‐Jia , Ouyang Jing , Li Mao‐Lin , Zhou Qi‐Lin
Published: February 2023

Free carbene readily causes multiple side reactions due to its high energy, thus its asymmetric transformation is very difficult. We present here our findings of high‐pKa Brønsted acid catalysts that enable free carbene insertion into N−H bonds of amines to prepare chiral α‐amino acid derivatives with high enantioselectivity. Under irradiation with visible light, diazo compounds produce high‐energy free carbenes that are captured by amines to form free ylide intermediates, and then the newly designed high‐pKa Brønsted acids, chiral spiro phosphamides, promote the proton transfer of ylides to afford the products. Computational and kinetic studies uncover the principle for the rational design of proton‐transfer catalysts and explain how the catalysts accelerate this transformation and provide stereocontrol.
Augmenting the Performance of Hydrogenase for Aerobic Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution via Solvent Tuning
Authors: Allan Michael G. , Pichon Thomas , McCune Jade A. , Cavazza Christine , Le Goff Alan , Kühnel Moritz F.
Published: February 2023

This work showcases the performance of [NiFeSe] hydrogenase from Desulfomicrobium baculatum for solar‐driven hydrogen generation in a variety of organic‐based deep eutectic solvents. Despite its well‐known sensitivity towards air and organic solvents, the hydrogenase shows remarkable performance under an aerobic atmosphere in these solvents when paired with a TiO2 photocatalyst. Tuning the water content further increases hydrogen evolution activity to a TOF of 60±3 s−1 and quantum yield to 2.3±0.4 % under aerobic conditions, compared to a TOF of 4 s−1 in a purely aqueous solvent. Contrary to common belief, this work therefore demonstrates that placing natural hydrogenases into non‐natural environments can enhance their intrinsic activity beyond their natural performance, paving the way for full water splitting using hydrogenases.
Analysis of Single‐Cell Transcriptome and Surface Protein Expression in Ankylosing Spondylitis Identifies OX40‐Positive and Glucocorticoid‐Induced Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor–Positive Pathogenic Th17 Cells
Authors: Yi Kijong , Jo Sungsin , Song Woogil , Lee Hae‐In , Kim Hui‐Ju , Kang Ji‐Hyoun , Kim Seon Uk , Lee Seung Hoon , Park Jinsung , Kim Tae‐Hwan , Lee Jeong Seok , Lee Eun Young , Kim Tae‐Jong
Published: February 2023

Objective

To demonstrate the immune landscape of blood and synovial cells in the setting of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) through the analysis of both single‐cell transcriptome and surface protein expression, and to unveil the molecular characteristics of pathogenic Th17 cells.

Methods

This study included 40 individuals with active AS, 20 individuals with stable AS, 40 patients with active rheumatoid arthritis, and 20 healthy controls. Surface phenotype and intracellular staining were assessed using flow cytometry after peripheral blood mononuclear cells and synovial fluid mononuclear cells were stimulated with T cell receptor. Single‐cell transcriptomes of 6 patients with active AS were studied along with cellular indexing of transcriptomes and epitopes by sequencing. We also assessed the outcome of targeting OX40 and glucocorticoid‐induced tumor necrosis factor receptor (GITR) on the surface of Th17 cells in a mouse model of curdlan‐injected SKG mice in which anti‐GITR ligand and/or anti‐OX40 ligand were used.

Results

We identified pathogenic Th17 cells as polyfunctional interleukin‐17A (IL‐17A)– and interferon‐γ (IFNγ)–producing memory CD4+ T cells, with clinically supportive evidence for their pathogenic roles at sites of inflammation in AS. Transcriptome and flow cytometric analyses revealed that the coexpression of TNFRSF4 (OX40) and TNFRSF18 (GITR) is increased in pathogenic Th17 cells. Suppression of ligand receptor interactions in vivo through OX40 and GITR effectively suppressed clinical arthritis and decreased pathogenic Th17 cells in the curdlan‐injected SKG mouse model.

Conclusion

Our results have implications for the understanding of pathogenic Th17 cells in AS patients and suggest potential therapeutic targets.

image
A 24‐Week, Phase IIa, Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Study of Ziritaxestat in Early Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Khanna Dinesh , Denton Christopher P. , Furst Daniel E. , Mayes Maureen D. , Matucci‐Cerinic Marco , Smith Vanessa , de Vries Dick , Ford Paul , Bauer Yasmina , Randall Matthew J. , Ebrahimpoor Mitra , Kupcsik Laszlo , Stiers Pieter‐Jan , Deberdt Liesbeth , Prasad Niyati , Lim Sharlene , Pujuguet Philippe , Ahmed Sohail
Published: February 2023

Objective

We undertook this study to explore the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of ziritaxestat, a selective autotaxin inhibitor, in patients with early diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc).

Methods

NOVESA was a 24‐week, multicenter, phase IIa, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study. Adults with dcSSc were randomized to oral ziritaxestat 600 mg once daily or matching placebo. The primary efficacy end point was change from baseline in modified Rodnan skin score (MRSS) at week 24. Secondary end points assessed safety and tolerability; other end points included assessment of skin and blood biomarkers. Patients in NOVESA could enter a 104‐week open‐label extension (OLE).

Results

Patients were randomized to ziritaxestat (n = 21) or placebo (n = 12). Reduction in MRSS was significantly greater in the ziritaxestat group versus the placebo group (–8.9 versus –6.0 units, respectively; P = 0.0411). Placebo patients switching to ziritaxestat in the OLE showed similar reductions in MRSS to those observed for ziritaxestat patients in the parent study. Ziritaxestat was well tolerated; the most frequent treatment‐related treatment‐emergent adverse events were headache and diarrhea. Circulating lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) C18:2 was significantly reduced, demonstrating ziritaxestat target engagement, and levels of fibrosis biomarkers were reduced in the blood. No differentially expressed genes were identified in skin biopsies. Significant changes in 109 genes were identified in blood samples.

Conclusion

Ziritaxestat resulted in significantly greater reduction in MRSS at week 24 than placebo; no new safety signals emerged. Biomarker analysis suggests ziritaxestat may reduce fibrosis. Modulation of the autotaxin/LPA pathway could improve skin involvement in patients with dcSSc. A plain language summary is provided in the Supplementary Material, available on the Arthritis & Rheumatology website at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/art.42477.

image
Electrode Materials of Cobaltous Fluoride for Supercapacitor and Electrocatalysis Applications
Authors: He Zheng‐Hua , Gao Jian‐Fei , Kong Ling‐Bin
Published: February 2023

Herein, CoF2 was synthesized by a solvothermal method. The characterization results of the phase and morphology of the sample show that it was successfully synthesized and its morphology is composed of micron particles with uneven size and shape. The electrochemical test results of SCs in different electrolytes show that CoF2 has electrochemical activity only in alkaline electrolytes. Notably, the electrochemical behavior of CoF2 in LiOH solution is different from that in other alkaline solutions in that charge‐discharge curve has a quasi‐isosceles triangle shape and the CV curve has no obvious redox peak. That is, it has pseudocapacitance behavior in LiOH. Furthermore, CoF2 as catalyst for HER requires an overpotential of only 168 mV to obtain current density of 10 mA cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 116 mV dec−1 in 1 M KOH solution. This research provides a novel way to explore excellent performance electrode materials for SC and HER.
Carboxylate Ligand‐supported Agn (n=21 and 24) Alkynyl Clusters Induced by Single/Double Carbonate Ions
Authors: Li Li , Liu Na , Zhou Kun , Liang Guang‐Min , Tan Yi‐Fan , Ji Jiu‐Yu , Chen Bao‐Kuan , Bi Yan‐Feng
Published: February 2023

Structural transformation is important for the study of silver cluster compounds, in which controlled synthesis of their shapes and sizes via anion template‐driven is one key scientific question. In this work, the CO32− anion templates were captured by the [tBuC≡CAg]n system under the stimulation induced by carboxylate ligand CF3COO−/PhCOO−, and two silver alkynyl clusters [(CO32−)@Ag21(tBuC≡C)16(CF3COO)3(H2O)]⋅DMF⋅2CH2Cl2 (1) and [(CO32−)2@Ag24(tBuC≡C)16(PhCOO)4]⋅CH3OH⋅4DMF (2) have been successfully isolated and charactered. With the increase of the number of CO32− templates from single to double, the outer silver atoms from twenty‐one to twenty‐four, accompanied by the growth of the cluster skeleton from 9.8 Å ×6.9 Å of the (CO32−)@Ag21 unit to 10.5 Å ×7.3 Å of the (CO32−)2@Ag24 unit. In addition, the syntheses, structures, photocurrent responses, cyclic voltammetry characteristics, luminescence, and photodegradation of compounds 1 and 2 have been studied.
Sodium valproate exposure influences the expression of pparg in the zebrafish model
Authors: Merola Carmine , Caioni Giulia , Cimini Annamaria , Perugini Monia , Benedetti Elisabetta
Published: February 2023

Valproic acid (VPA) is an anti‐epileptic drug used alone or in combination with other medications to treat seizures, mania, and bipolar disorder. VPA recognized as a teratogenic chemical can cause severe birth defects mainly affecting the brain and spinal cord when administered during pregnancy. However, the potential mechanisms of developmental toxicity are still less studied, and in the present study, the influence of VPA exposure was evaluated on zebrafish early‐life stages. Zebrafish were exposed to two sublethal concentrations of sodium valproate (SV) (0.06 mM and 0.15 mM) from 24 hours post‐fertilization (hpf) to 96 hpf and the SV teratogenic potential was investigated through morphometric analysis of zebrafish larvae combined with the evaluation of cartilage profile. Moreover, the effect of SV on the transcription level of pparg was also performed. The results of the study showed the teratogenic potential of SV, which disrupts the morphometric signature of the head and body. The marked distortion of cartilage structures was paralleled to a malformation of telencephalon and optic tectum in both concentrations suggesting a high teratogen effect of SV on the brain. These data were further confirmed by the increased expression of pparg in the zebrafish head. Overall, the present study confirms the teratogenic activity of SV in the zebrafish model and, for the first time, points out the potential protective role of pparg in the SV dose‐dependent toxicity.
Radiofrequency Exposure Levels in Greece
Authors: Tyrakis Charilaos , Theodorou Kiki , Kiouvrekis Yiannis , Alexias Aris , Kappas Constantin
Published: February 2023

Medical Physics Department (Medical School, University of Thessaly) participated in a Greek National EMF research program (EDBM34) with the scope to measure and evaluate radiofrequency (RF) exposure (27–3000 MHz) in areas of sensitive land use. A thousand (1000) measurements were carried out at two “metropolitan locations” (Athens and Thessaloniki: 624 points) and several rest urban/rural locations (376 points). SRM 3006 spectrum analyzer manufactured by Narda Safety Test Solutions was used. The broadband mean electric field in metropolitan areas was 0.41 V/m, while in the rest of Greece was 0.36 V/m. In metropolitan areas, the predominant RF source was the TV and Radio FM signals (36.2% mean contribution to the total RF exposure level). In the rest areas, the predominant source was the systems of the meteorological and military/defensive service (31.1%). The mobile sector contributed 14.9% in metropolitan areas versus 12.2% in the rest of Greece. The predominant mobile source was 900 MHz in both cases (4.5% in metropolitan areas vs. 3.3% in the rest of Greece). The total exposure from all RF sources complied with the International Commission on Non‐Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) 2020 safety guidelines [ICNIRP, 2020]. The maximum exposure level was 0.129% of the limit for the metropolitan areas vs. 0.110% for the rest of Greece. Nonremarkable differences between metropolitan areas' exposure and the rest of Greece. In most cases, new 5 G antennas will be added to the existing base stations. Thus, the total exposure may be increased, leading to higher safety distances. © 2023 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
A Review of Aspects of Synaptic Plasticity in Hippocampus via mT Extremely Low‐Frequency Magnetic Fields
Authors: Dong Lei , Xia Pei , Tian Lei , Tian Chunxiao , Zhao Wenjun , Zhao Ling , Duan Jiakang , Zhao Yuhan , Zheng Yu
Published: February 2023

The subthreshold magnetic modulation technique stimulates cells with mT extremely low‐frequency magnetic fields (ELF‐MFs), which are insufficient to induce neuronal action potentials. Although they cannot directly induce resting neurons to discharge, mT magnetic stimulation can regulate the excitability of the nervous system, which regulates learning and memory by some unknown mechanisms. Herein, we describe the regulation of mT ELF‐MFs with different parameters on synaptic plasticity in hippocampal neurons. Additionally, we summarize the latest research on the possible mechanism of the effect of ELF‐MFs on synaptic plasticity. Some studies have shown that ELF‐MFs are able to inhibit long‐term potentiation (LTP) by increasing concentration of intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), as well as concentration of reactive oxygen species. The research in this paper has significance for the comprehensive understanding of relevant neurological mechanisms of learning and memory by mT ELF‐MFs stimulation. However, more high‐quality research is necessary to determine the regulatory mechanism of mT ELF‐MFs on synaptic plasticity in order to optimize this technique as a treatment for neurological diseases. © 2023 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
Garcinia gummi‐gutta: Phytochemicals and pharmacological applications
Authors: Anilkumar Amrita Thandayamparambil , Manoharan Suryaa , Balasubramanian Satheeswaran , Perumal Ekambaram
Published: February 2023

Garcinia gummi‐gutta, also known as Garcinia cambogia, is a member of the Guttiferae family. Garcinia is a polygamous genus consisting 200 species of trees and shrubs. It is found in different zones of the planet including Asia's tropical regions. In India alone, around 30 species have been discovered. They are widely used as a flavoring agent to garnish fish curry in southern India, particularly in Kerala and Karnataka. The fruit rind of G. gummi‐gutta has traditionally been used to treat gastrointestinal problems, diarrhea, and ulcers. South Indian people have been utilizing it traditionally as evidenced by its ethnobotanical properties. In vivo and in vitro effects of the crude fruit extract showed anti‐inflammatory, anti‐cancer, anthelmintic, anti‐microbial, and antioxidant activities. G. gummi‐gutta fruit rind is medicinally significant and is frequently used in ayurvedic and traditional medicine for many diseases. Various secondary metabolites such as organic acids—hydroxycitric acid (HCA), flavonoids, terpenes, polysaccharides and polyisoprenylated benzophenones—garcinol, xanthochymol, guttiferone, benzophenone, xanthone, biflavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, phenols, and saponins isolated from the G. gummi‐gutta have diverse pharmacological activities. This review provides a summary of G. gummi‐gutta, including its biological activities, phytochemistry, and ethnobotanical applications.