bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Herbal formuLation of Azadirachta indica and Stevia rebaudiana and Its Anti-inflammatory and Anti-Diabetic Activity
Authors: Thirukumaran . , Priyadharshini R. , Kumar S. Rajesh , Sinduja Palati
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Azadirachta indica, a natural herb also called Neem, and its seed extract has various medicinal uses. Neem also possesses notable insecticidal and pesticide activities. On the other hand, Stevia rebaudiana extract has alpha amylase glycosidase inhibitory activity, which contrasts with traditional wheat bread. This last plant can also regulate blood glucose levels, and prevent hypertension and caries.

Aim: This study aimed to analyse the anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory activities of Azadirachta indica and stevia rebaudiana.

Materials and Methods: 2.5 g from Azadirachta indica and Stevia rebaudiana plants mixed with 100 mL of distilled water were boiled. The final extract was then filtered using Whatman filter paper. Spearman correlation analysis was done by SPSS. Positive correlation analysis level of significance was set as r=1.

Results: The anti-diabetic activity and anti-inflammatory activities of Azadirachta indica and Stevia rebaudiana extracts showed positive spearman correlations (r = 1). Both activities happen in a dose-dependent manner, being higher with the increasing of the concentration and of the absorbance values.

Conclusion: Through this study, it was possible to conclude that Azadirachta indica and Stevia rebaudiana have great anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic activities and can be used as a possible alternative drug for attenuating inflammation and preventing diabetic complications.
Study of the Effectiveness of Chitosan Encapsulated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Rani M. Hebzi Emalda , Helen S. Mary
Published: February 2022

The magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles have been synthesized by using co-precipitation approach. Chitosan coated nanoparticles compare the effect of surface coating on the stability and toxicity of nanoparticles. Invitro cytotoxicity of the nanoparticles are evaluated by three-(four-5) dimethyl thiazole-2-yl and -two,5, diphenyl thiazoniam bromide (MTT assay) along with glide cytometry examine for cell viability. Does dependent reduction was observed in SKMEL cancer cells administered with different concentration of the sample. I50 value obtained for the Iron nanoparticle is 217.75µg/Ml. The fluorescence primarily based   real time opposite transcription PCR(RT-PCR) is widely used for the quantification of constant state mRNA ranges and is a crucial device for primary research molecular medicine and biotechnology. FTIR amino companies were acted as capping sites for the iron nanoparticles stabilization. In antibacterial studies Gentamycin 80mcg showed the higher activity of Iron nanoparticles.
Fenestration of the Mandibular Buccal Cortex by the Inferior Alveolar Bundle: A Case Report
Authors: Bansal Shallu , Latke Siddhesh , Tiwari Siddhant , Jindal Neetu
Published: February 2022

A precise knowledge of the anatomy of the Mandibular Canal is essential while performing oral surgical procedures in order to avoid any risk of injury to the inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle. The presence of anatomical variations associated with the mandibular canal has great clinical implications during such surgical procedures.

Various anatomical variations may not be well appreciated entirely in two-dimensional images like Orthopantomograph (OPG). In such cases, Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) plays a crucial role in facilitating the localization of anatomic structures, their significant variations and provides data concerning bone morphology.

In this case report, A 27 year old male patient reported with the chief complaint of intermittent pain in left lower back region of the mouth. Clinical and radiographic examination (OPG) revealed impacted lower third molar in the left back region of the jaw. While raising a full thickness mucoperiosteal flap, we encountered fenestration of the left mandibular buccal cortex by the inferior alveolar nerve which is a 6th reported case without pathology.

The aim of this article is to add on a rare anatomical variation in the existing literature i.e. fenestration of the mandibular buccal cortex by the inferior alveolar bundle, encountered accidently during exposing mandibular third molar and confirmed by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).
A Comparative Evaluation of the Measurement of Interleukin-1β as Salivary Biomarker in Periodontitis Patients with and without Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Dharshini A. Divya , Jeevitha M. , Jayaraman Selvaraj
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Periodontitis is characterized by inflammatory destruction of connective tissue, loss of periodontal attachment, and resorption of the alveolar bone. Because of its activity as an inflammatory mediator as well as a modulator of the extracellular matrix and bone, the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1β.

Aim: The study aimed to evaluate Interleukin-1β as a salivary biomarker in periodontitis patients with and without diabetes mellitus.

Materials and methods: The study included 30 patients, 15 males and 15 females, ranging in age from 30 to 60 years old. Group A: Clinically healthy, Group B: Periodontitis with diabetes mellitus, and Group C: Periodontitis without diabetes mellitus were the three groups of patients under this investigation. Expectoration into sterile bulbs was used to collect whole unstimulated saliva from all patients. Following that, collected samples are sent to the laboratory, where the amount of IL-1β,  as a periodontal disease marker was determined using the ELISA sandwich technique. The data were statistically analysed using One-Way ANOVA. The Newman-Keuls multiple comparison test was used to test the significance at the levels of p<0.05.

Results: IL-1β level was found to be significantly higher (p<0.05) in periodontitis with diabetes mellitus (75 ±7 pg/L) when compared with patients with periodontitis only (45.06±7 pg/L) compared with healthy controls (36.37±5.6 pg/L).

Conclusion: From the study, it was concluded that IL-1β level was significantly increased with periodontitis patients, and patients with periodontitis and diabetes mellitus, when compared to patients with clinically healthy group. In summary, diabetes mellitus and periodontal diseases are closely associated with each other. Salivary IL-1β level can be used as a biomarker in early diagnosis of chronic periodontitis in patients with diabetes mellitus.
Comparative Evaluation of Anti-diabetic Potential of Aqueous Seed Extracts of Momordica charantia, Seed Kernel Extract of Mangifera indica and Its Herbal Formulation – an in vitro Study
Authors: Reddy Chevuru Sai Shreya , Gayathri R. , Priya V. Vishnu , Selvaraj J. , Kavitha S.
Published: February 2022

Introduction: A condition in which the body’s ability gets impaired to process blood glucose level is called diabetes, otherwise known as blood sugar. It ranked sixteenth among leading causes of death around the globe. There are estimated 72.96 million cases diagnosed with diabetes in the adult population of India. Momordica charantia possess anti-diabetic, anti hyperglycemic and anti inflammatory properties. Mangifera indica is traditionally used to treat diarrhoea, cancer, diabetes and tooth aches.

Aim: Aim of this study is to analyse comparative evaluation of anti-diabetic potential of aqueous seed extracts of Momordica charantia, seed kernel extract of Mangifera indica through in vitro analysis.

Methods: Momordica charantia and Mangifera indica were collected from local farms, and the extracts were analysed for its phytochemicals. Antioxidant and Anti-diabetic potential of the seed extract were evaluated along with standards. The data were analysed statistically by a one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Duncan’s multiple range test was used to see the statistical significance among the groups. The results with the p<0.05 level were considered to be statistically significant.

Results: Momordica charantia and Mangifera indica and its herbal formulation showed significant antioxidant and anti-diabetic potential.

Conclusion: The results showed both the seed and seed kernel extracts of Momordica charantia and Mangifera indica possessed anti-diabetic activity but the herbal formulation possessed much more significant anti-diabetic activity than the individual extract.
Reconstruction of Interdental Papilla in Esthetic Zone using Hyaluronic Acid Gel: A Clinical Prospective Study
Authors: Kapoor Shalini , Bhardwaj Amit
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Interdental papilla deficiency or black triangles are considered to be one of the most challenging dilemmas in esthetic dentistry. Various invasive techniques with less success have been introduced for interdental papilla regeneration. So, to overcome the limitations a non-invasive technique with greater predictability and patient comfort has been introduced using Hyaluronic acid gel (HA). In the present study, the efficacy of 2% Hyaluronic acid gel on interdental papilla enhancement was evaluated clinically along with photographic analysis (Image J Software) and its effect on gingival fibroblast cell culture lines was observed.

Aim: To evaluate the changes in buccal triangle dimensions i.e. buccal triangle area (BTA), buccal triangle width (BTW), buccal triangle height (BTH) at baseline and 6 months using commercially available 2% HA gel and to check the effect of HA on proliferative abilities of gingival fibroblast cell culture lines.

Materials and Methods: 60 sites in 15 patients were selected and were randomly divided into test and control group. The Test Group received commercially available 2% HA gel and the control group received saline as a placebo.  All the clinical measurements, photographs were taken at 3 weeks, 3 months and 6 months and comparisons among test and control groups were done both for clinical measurements and Image J analysis of photographs for interdental papilla enhancement. MTT assay and XTTT assay was done to check the effect of 2% HA gel on proliferative abilities of gingival fibroblast in cell culture lines.

Results: HA treated sites showed gradual and constant improvement in interdental papilla enhancement while the control sites did not show any improvement. Complete interdental papilla reconstruction was seen in 63.3% of test sites at 6 months and 365 of test sites showed partial interdental papilla reconstruction.  HA gel has a positive effect on the proliferative and migratory abilities of gingival fibroblast.

Conclusion: HA is a noninvasive voluminizing alternative treatment modality for interdental papilla deficiency. It is biocompatible as it does not cause an adverse reaction. HA gel has a strong effect on the migratory and proliferative abilities of gingival fibroblasts.
Oral Manifestations of COVID-19 in Adult Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Astudillo Jackeline Beatriz Pedrosa , Monrroy Catherine Andrea Vallejo , López Miriam Fernanda Ortega , Fernández Celia María Pulgarin , Pico José Luis Do , Montiel Ronald Roossevelt Ramos
Published: February 2022

Introduction: It is currently considered that patients with COVID-19 may present certain common oral lesions of the oral cavity; However, in medically compromised patients, such as diabetics, hypertensive individuals, those suffering from obesity or heart disease there is an increased risk of developing ulcers, recurrent blisters on the palatal mucosa, burning sensation, dry mouth (xerostomia) and reduced saliva production, due to alteration of the mucosal barrier in the respiratory tract, thus presenting a broad differential diagnosis in the evolution of the disease.

Objective: The objective was to identify the oral manifestations of COVID-19 in adult patients.

Data: A database registry of n = 1956 was established, of which 100 studies were selected for this review, distributed: 36% from Europe, 26% from Asia, 26% from South America and 12% from North America.

Sources: Extensive electronic research was carried out in the databases: PubMed, Scopus, Epistemonikos, Web of Science, Springer, Lilacs, Latindex, Redalyc, Bireme, Scielo.org and the reports of the World Health Organization and the Pan-American Health Organization.

Study Selection: The research strategy was based on Medical Subject Heading terms, along with Health Sciences Descriptors. Certain descriptors were amplified for the Elsevier COVID-19 oral disease database and resources.

Conclusion: Dysgeusia would be one of the initial oral manifestations of the COVID-19. Health workers would have a new resource for the early diagnosis of asymptomatic patients or those in initial stages of COVID-19, through the effective collaboration between the team from the Critical Care Unit and the Dentistry Service.
Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Baby Shampoo
Authors: Kumar N. Rajesh , Dineshkumar T. , Hariharan K. , Krishnan A. V.  Navaneetha , Pavitharani C. , Subash S. , Manikandan P. , Kumar M. Surendra
Published: February 2022

Shampoos are most probably used as cosmetics. In general, hair care products are used for cleaning scalp and also used for beautifying agents. It contains suitable additives preservatives and active ingredients. The purpose of using shampoo is to remove dirt that is build up on the hair without stripping out much of this bum. The herbal shampoo popularized due to formulated from herbal sources which is safer with milder effect. In this study, herbal shampoo was formulated containing suitable ingredient such as Lawsonia inermis (L) Henna), Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (Neem), Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L (Hibiscus), Ficus benghalensis L.   (Banyan), Phyllanthus emblica L. (Amla), Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn. (Ritha), Senegalia rugata (Lam.) Britton & Rose.  (Shikakai) and Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. (Aloe vera) different proportions to formulate and evaluate its physicochemical properties. Marketed crude products of the above-mentioned herbal drugs were used in the formulation of herbal shampoo. Ritha and Shikakai when shaken with water create rich foam impact. Amla fruit and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. flowers are used to promote hair growth, anti-dandruff agent, strengthen hairs, and prevent hair fall. Dried roots of  Ficus benghalensis (Banyan) produce Lustrous effects on hairs. H. rosa-sinensis flower and Aloe vera (L) used as a conditioning agent and also moisturizing agent. The formulated herbal shampoo was evaluated for its physical and chemical stability.
Synthesis, Characterization and Pharmacological Evaluation of Chalcones and Its Derivatives for Antileishmanial Activity
Authors: Lodhi Geeta , Nayak Amit
Published: February 2022

Medicinal chemistry is almost always geared toward drug discovery and development. The focus on development of new synthetic drug compounds has resulted in the incorporation of many other disciplines, such as biochemistry, combinatorial chemistry, chemical biology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, enzymology, pharmacognosy, statistics, physical chemistry and molecular biology into medicinal chemistry. In this view medicinal chemists are also trying to speed up drug discovery process for finding the lead molecule [1]. The compounds with chalcone as backbone have been reported to possess varied biological and pharmacological activities, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, cytotoxic, antitumor, antimalarial, antitubercular, antiviral, anti-HIV, antiulcerative, antileishmanial activities. Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania. It is transmitted through the bite of female phlebotomine sandflies and can range from mild self-healing cutaneous lesions to lethal visceral leishmaniasis. Lic A (1), efficiently inhibited the proliferation of Leishmania donovani and Leishmania major promastigotes and amastigotes in vitro by inhibiting fumarate reductase (Chen et al. 1993), a selective target present in the parasite mitochondria. The Lic C (113) inhibited the growth of the L. major parasite to the same extent as Lic A (1) (Nielson et al. 1995).
Estimation of Salivary pH, Salivary Amylase in Patients with Oral cancer, Pre and Postoperatively -A Comparative Study
Authors: Shah Sherin Salim , Sequeira Joyce P.
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Saliva has been studied for so long and it almost stands hand in hand with other diagnostic tests which could possibly replace blood in disease diagnosis and monitoring. Salivary pH and salivary amylase levels are an excellent predictor of the oral environment and salivary gland health, hence, estimating these characteristics is a reasonable method of assessing a patient’s risk of disease onset, severity, and prognosis.

Aims: The aim of the study was to compare salivary pH, salivary amylase, pre and postoperatively in oral cancer patients.

Study Design:  The study is a comparative study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Yenepoya Dental College, Mangalore between October 2020 and October 2021.

Methodology: We included 24 patients (20 men, 4 women; age range 40-70 years) who were histopathologically confirmed oral cancer patients. For every patient saliva was collected preoperatively on the day of surgery and postoperatively 5 days after the surgery. Salivary pH was measured using pH meter and salivary amylase was measured using color spectrophotometry.

Results:  A significant increase in salivary pH was observed post operatively (7.07) as compared to the preoperative values (6.63). A significant decrease in salivary amylase value was observed post operatively (147.13) as compared to preoperative values(147.88) both salivary pH and salivary amylase values were statistically significant.

Conclusion: There was an increase in salivary pH postoperatively and decrease in salivary amylase levels in postoperatively. However, an increase in sample size with further research should be carried out to further authenticate the study.
Sugarcane Growers' Socio-economic and Psychological Attributes in the Balrampur Area of Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Islam Alimul , Bose Dipak Kumar
Published: February 2022

Sugarcane is cultivated mainly for its juice from which sugar, jaggery, and sugar palm are processed. Most of the world's sugarcane is grown in subtropical and tropical regions. Sugarcane is an established source of sugar and the current benchmark for efficient bio fuel production is the first generation feedstock. The present study was conducted to measure the socioeconomic and psychological characteristics of sugarcane growers in the Balrampur district, which was purposively selected. The study was conducted in 24 selected villages in Tulsipur tehsil of the Balrampur district of Uttar Pradesh. The samples consisted of 316 respondents who were selected through the proportional random sampling method. The respondents were personally interviewed during February to May 2020. Data was collected through a pre-structured and pre-tested interview schedule and the study on socio-economic characteristics showed that most of the respondents (51.58%) were middle-aged. Respondents were illiterate (62.78%), they took up agricultural farming as their primary occupation and had operational land up to 1 hectare with an income level was medium level of Rs.750000/- It was also revealed that most of the respondents sometimes took part in social participation. whereas (67.08%) had medium-level participation in sugarcane grower extension programs, while 33.86 and 44.30 per cent of them had medium and low levels of innovation respectively. (58.86%) of the respondents had moderate cosmopolitness. Respondents try to get more information and try new ideas and techniques within their budget and limits as well as farmers who are prone to innovations try to collect information about new technology from different aspects, they want to learn new farming methods, improve production and technologies and adopt those technologies at a faster rate with maximum accuracy.
Effects of Fasting and Administration of Octreotide Acetate and Ulinastatin on Clinical Outcomes of Pancreatic Fistula After Pancreatoduodenectomy
Authors: Abe Kyohei , Futagawa Yasuro , Shiba Hiroaki , Furukawa Kenei , Onda Shinji , Kanehira Masaru , Sakamoto Taro , Uwagawa Tadashi , Ishida Yuichi , Yanaga Katsuhiko
Published: February 2022

Objective

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) following pancreaticoduodenectomy is the most serious complication of these surgical procedures; therefore, we examined the effectiveness of fasting, and administration of octreotide acetate and ulinastatin as a method of prevention.

Summary of Background Data

Although various drug therapies and surgical techniques have been used for the treatment of POPF, no decisive treatment for POPF exists.

Methods

The clinical course of 30 patients who developed POPF was retrospectively evaluated and compared among no dietary intake (n = 18), octreotide acetate (n = 8), and ulinastatin (n = 8) using an overlapping design. Patients were allocated to either the dietary intake or fasting (no dietary intake) group, and those in the no dietary intake group were further divided into the octreotide acetate or ulinastatin group.

Results

Length of hospitalization was longer for the no dietary intake group than for the dietary intake group (P = 0.002). When considering only grade B or C POPF cases, the no dietary intake group had a longer length of hospitalization and a higher white blood cell count on day 7 after the diagnosis of POPF than the dietary intake group (P < 0.05). The white blood cell count was also higher in the octreotide acetate group than in the ulinastatin group (P = 0.021). The length of hospitalization was shorter in the ulinastatin group than in the octreotide acetate group (P = 0.025).

Conclusions

The use of no dietary intake, octreotide acetate, and ulinastatin does not seem to contribute to the clinical course of patients with POPF after pancreatoduodenectomy.
Tiki proteins are glycosylphosphatidylinositol‐anchored proteases
Authors: Li Mingyi , Zheng Jing , He Xi , Zhang Xinjun
Published: February 2022

Wnt signalling pathways play pivotal roles in development, homeostasis and human diseases, and are tightly regulated. We previously identified Tiki as a novel family of Wnt inhibitory proteases. Tiki proteins were predicted as type I transmembrane proteins and can act in both Wnt‐producing and Wnt‐responsive cells. Here, we characterize Tiki proteins as glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)‐anchored proteases. TIKI1/2 proteins are enriched on the detergent‐resistant membrane microdomains and can be released from the plasma membrane by GPI‐specific glycerophosphodiesterases GDE3 and GDE6, but not by GDE2. The GPI anchor determines the cellular localization of Tiki proteins and their regulation by GDEs, but not their inhibitory activity on Wnt signalling. Our study uncovered novel characteristics and potential regulations of the Tiki family proteases.
Site‐specific functional roles of the Factor X activation peptide in the intrinsic tenase‐mediated Factor X activation
Authors: Carnbring Bonde Amalie , Rosenørn Hansen Sofie , Johansson Eva , Rose Bjelke Jais , Lund Jacob
Published: February 2022

The conversion of zymogen Factor X (FX) to an active protease involves the removal of a 52‐residue long activation peptide (AP). Through site‐directed mutagenesis, we investigate the role of the AP and demonstrate that the high abundance of proline residues is important for efficient proteolysis of FX. Moreover, we identify an essential interaction site for Factor IXa (FIXa) between residues 22 and 30 (AP numbering) and find that the residues between 31 and 41 may provide an important interaction site for the intrinsic tenase complex, composed of Factor IXa (FIXa) and Factor VIIIa (FVIIIa). Finally, we suggest that the carbohydrate chain at Asn‐39 restricts the activator specificity, as elimination of this glycosylation site increases the activation rate for activation by FIXa and FXa.
FET fusion oncoproteins interact with BRD4 and SWI/SNF chromatin remodelling complex subtypes in sarcoma
Authors: Lindén Malin , Vannas Christoffer , Österlund Tobias , Andersson Lisa , Osman Ayman , Escobar Mandy , Fagman Henrik , Ståhlberg Anders , Åman Pierre
Published: February 2022

FET fusion oncoproteins containing one of the FET (FUS, EWSR1, TAF15) family proteins juxtaposed to alternative transcription‐factor partners are characteristic of more than 20 types of sarcoma and leukaemia. FET oncoproteins bind to the SWI/SNF chromatin remodelling complex, which exists in three subtypes: cBAF, PBAF and GBAF/ncBAF. We used comprehensive biochemical analysis to characterize the interactions between FET oncoproteins, SWI/SNF complexes and the transcriptional coactivator BRD4. Here, we report that FET oncoproteins bind all three main SWI/SNF subtypes cBAF, PBAF and GBAF, and that FET oncoproteins interact indirectly with BRD4 via their shared interaction partner SWI/SNF. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing and proteomic analysis showed that FET oncoproteins, SWI/SNF components and BRD4 co‐localize on chromatin and interact with mediator and RNA Polymerase II. Our results provide a possible molecular mechanism for the FET‐fusion‐induced oncogenic transcriptional profiles and may lead to novel therapies targeting aberrant SWI/SNF complexes and/or BRD4 in FET‐fusion‐caused malignancies.
Development of Whole Genome‐Scale Base Editing Toolbox to Promote Efficiency of Extracellular Electron Transfer in Shewanella oneidensis MR‐1
Authors: Chen Yaru , Fang Lixia , Ying Xiang , Cheng Meijie , Wang Lin , Sun Panxing , Zhang Zhaoyu , Shi Liang , Cao Yingxiu , Song Hao
Published: February 2022

Shewanella oneidensis MR‐1, as a model electroactive microorganism (EAM) for extracellular electron transfer (EET) study, plays a key role in advancing practical applications of bio‐electrochemical systems (BES). Efficient genome‐level manipulation tools are vital to promote EET efficiency; thus, a powerful and rapid base editing toolbox in S. oneidensis MR‐1 is developed. Firstly a CRISPR/dCas9‐AID base editor that shows a relatively narrow editing window restricted to the “−20 to −16” range upstream of the protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) is constructed. Cas9 is also confined by its native PAM requirement, NGG. Then to expand the editable scope, the sgRNA and the Cas‐protein to broaden the editing window to “−22 to −9” upstream of the PAM are engineered, and the PAM field to NNN is opened up. Consequently, the coverage of the editable gene is expanded from 89% to nearly 100% in S. oneidensis MR‐1. This whole genome‐scale cytidine deaminase‐based base editing toolbox (WGcBE) is applied to regulate the cell length and the biofilm morphology, which enhances the EET efficiency by 6.7‐fold. WGcBE enables an efficient deactivation of genes with full genome coverage, which would contribute to the in‐depth and multi‐faceted EET study in Shewanella.
Patterning with Aligned Electrospun Nanofibers by Electrostatic Deflection of Fast Jets
Authors: Liashenko Ievgenii , Ramon Alberto , Rosell-Llompart Joan , Cabot Andreu
Published: February 2022

Electrospun micro and nanofibers are used in a wide range of applications, but their technological possibilities for printing are incomplete by the limited control over fiber organization and distribution. The use of drum collectors and the inhibition of jet whipping instabilities in near‐field electrospinning (NFES) allow certain degree of control over these parameters. However, fast fibers cannot be directly collected into complex patterns due to the limited degrees of freedom afforded by drum collectors and the relatively slow‐motion control achieved with motorized translation stages used in NFES. Herein, it is demonstrated that electrospun jets of (virtually) any speed can be electrostatically deflected and printed as aligned fibers into a wide variety of structures as fiber tracks characterized by well‐defined width and fiber orientation. The electrostatic deflection of the jet using supplementary electrodes allows a precise control of the track width over a broad range, from submicrometric single nanofiber width to millimeter‐wide tracks. In addition, the fiber alignment, internal structure, and density can be easily adjusted along this fiber track, which opens exciting possibilities toward new applications that require full control on the positioning of fast nanofibers.
From Chain Growth to Step Growth Polymerization of Photoreactive Poly‐ε‐Caprolactone: The Network Topology of Bioresorbable Networks as Tool in Tissue Engineering
Authors: Thijssen Quinten , Parmentier Laurens , Augustyniak Edyta , Mouthuy Pierre‐Alexis , Van Vlierberghe Sandra
Published: February 2022

Control of the network topology by selection of an appropriate cross‐linking chemistry is introduced as a new strategy to improve the elasticity and toughness of bioresorbable networks. The development of novel photocross‐linkable and bioresorbable oligomers is essential for the application of light‐based 3D‐printing techniques in the context of tissue engineering. Although light‐based 3D‐printing techniques are characterized by an increased resolution and manufacturing speed as compared to extrusion‐based 3D‐printing, their application remains limited. Via chemical modification, poly‐ε‐caprolactone (PCL) is functionalized with photoreactive end groups such as acrylates, alkenes, and alkynes. Based on these precursors, networks with different topologies are designed via chain growth polymerization, step growth polymerization, or a combination thereof. The influence of the network topology and the concomitant cross‐linking chemistry on the thermal, mechanical, and biological properties are elucidated together with their applicability in digital light processing (DLP). Photocross‐linkable PCL with an elongation at break of 736.3 ± 47% and an ultimate strength of 21.3 ± 0.8 MPa is realized, which is approximately tenfold higher compared to the current state‐of‐the‐art. Finally, extremely elastic DLP‐printed dog bones are developed which can fully retrieve their initial length upon stress relieve at an elongation of 1000%.
High‐Frequency Surface Dynamics at an Electroactive Polymer Producing Underwater Soundwaves
Authors: Visschers Fabian L. L. , Massaad Jack , van Neer Paul L. M. J. , Verweij Martin D. , Liu Danqing , Broer Dirk J.
Published: February 2022

Coatings with dynamic surface structures are appealing to many applications like haptics and soft robotics. Restrictively, the speed of the surface dynamics in these coatings is often limited to frequencies below 1 kHz, which makes them unsuitable for applications like acoustics and communication optics. This work describes a method to create high‐frequency surface dynamics controlled by alternating electric fields on a substrate‐contact‐modulated coating that consists of an elastic poly(dimethyl siloxane) network supported by SU‐8 microstructures. The principle is based on the global application of Maxwell stress that is locally resisted by the supporting SU‐8 microstructures. In‐between the microstructures the elastic material is stretched, causing a large deformation of the surface topography, which is supported by the authors’ finite element method models. By applying a high‐frequency alternating field, they discovered resonance effects at frequencies up to 230 kHz, where the surface of the coating vibrates at high speeds and large amplitudes. At these high frequencies, the coatings can produce and detect ultrasound waves underwater, indicating their potential for ultrasound transducers in the future.
Electronic Structures of Group III–V Element Haeckelite Compounds: A Novel Family of Semiconductors, Dirac Semimetals, and Topological Insulators
Authors: Khazaei Mohammad , Ranjbar Ahmad , Kang Yoon‐Gu , Liang Yunye , Khaledialidusti Rasoul , Bae Soungmin , Raebiger Hannes , Wang Vei , Han Myung Joon , Mizoguchi Hiroshi , Bahramy Mohammad S. , Kühne Thomas D. , Belosludov Rodion V. , Ohno Kaoru , Hosono Hideo
Published: February 2022

The family of III–V element compounds (i.e., XY compounds; X = B, Al, Ga, In, or Tl; Y = N, P, As, or Sb) have been intensively investigated for several decades because of their enormous applications for many optoelectronic devices. Here, by employing first‐principles calculations, the electronic structures of bulk XY haeckelite compounds are examined. It is identified that InSb (TlN and TlP) is Dirac semimetal (are strong topological insulators). The other fifteen XY compounds are semiconducting. The effect of biaxial and uniaxial tensile and compressive strains on the electronic structures are studied. These materials offer diverse topological orders. The semiconducting band gaps are mainly found between the bonding and antibonding states of the mixed X(p)–Y(p) orbitals at the top of the valence band and the bottom of the conduction bands, respectively. The topological insulating nature of the XY compounds is explained based on the degenerate px + py orbitals and their orbital energies relative to the pz orbitals near the Fermi energy. The nontrivial band topologies of TlN and TlP are confirmed by calculating the Z2 (1;000) index, surface states, and Wilson loop calculations. The bands split into two branches by including spin‐orbit interaction. The results demonstrate that haeckelite compounds are fascinating materials with broad potential applications in optoelectronics and possessing the possibility of hosting emergent physical phenomena.
Quinone‐Amine Polymer Nanoparticles Prepared through Facile Precipitation Polymerization as Ultrafast and Ultralong Cycle Life Cathode Materials for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Shi Yeqing , Yang Junkai , Yang Jixing , Wang Zhuanping , Chen Zifeng , Xu Yunhua
Published: February 2022

Polymer electrode materials are often poorly soluble in liquid organic electrolytes of lithium‐ion batteries, yet they suffer from issues of severe agglomeration and complicated synthesis processes, which hinder their practical applications. Herein, spherical cross‐linked quinone‐amine polymer nanoparticles (denoted as PQANPs) are synthesized through a facile precipitation polymerization, which can effectively address the agglomeration problems of polymer electrode materials. The cross‐linking degrees of polymers and diameters of PQANPs can be facilely tuned by adjusting the feed ratios of p‐benzoquinone to 3,3′‐diaminobenzidine. The optimized PQANP demonstrates excellent electrochemical performance with an ultrafast rate capability of 25 A g−1 and an ultralong cycle life of 20 000 cycles, which exceed all benzoquinone‐based polymer electrode materials reported in the literature. The findings offer an efficient and convenient strategy for high‐performance nanostructured polymer electrode materials.
Ultrahigh Pt‐Mass‐Activity Hydrogen Evolution Catalyst Electrodeposited from Bulk Pt
Authors: Liu Luan , Wang Yan , Zhao Yongzhi , Wang Yong , Zhang Zili , Wu Tong , Qin Wanjun , Liu Sijia , Jia Baorui , Wu Haoyang , Zhang Deyin , Qu Xuanhui , Chhowalla Manish , Qin Mingli
Published: February 2022

Maximizing the Pt utilization is important for the widescale implementation of Pt‐based hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysts, owing to the scarcity of Pt. Here, three‐component heterostructured HER catalysts with ultrahigh Pt mass activity in which hollow PtCu alloy nanospheres are supported on an array of WO3 on Cu foam, are reported. It has been pointed out that the use of Pt counter electrode in a three‐electrode configuration in evaluating catalysts’ HER performances in acidic media carries the risk of contaminating the working electrode in previous reports. Here, the authors rationally utilize this “contaminating” to “activate” low‐HER‐activity materials, maximizing the Pt utilization. As a result, ultrahigh Pt mass activity is achieved, that is 1.35 and 10.86 A mg−1Pt at overpotentials of 20 and 100 mV, respectively, 27 and 13 times higher than those of commercial Pt/C catalysts, outperforming some state‐of‐the‐art Pt‐single‐atom catalysts. The hollow sphere structure and PtCu alloying increase the number and reactivity of active sites. Density function calculations and electrochemical experiments reveal that the synergy between WO3 and Pt is also responsible for the high HER activity where the hydrogen spillover effect triggers the Volmer–Heyrovsky mechanism and promotes the rapid removal of H* from Pt to re‐expose the active sites.
Energy and Charge Dual Transfer Engineering for High‐Performance Green Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: An Hee Ju , Baek Sung Doo , Kim Do Hoon , Myoung Jae‐Min
Published: February 2022

Perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs) have garnered considerable interest in recent years owing to their unique optoelectronic properties. However, the performance of PeLEDs is limited by their low quantum efficiency and unbalanced charge injection. In this study, to address these issues, a novel co‐hole transport layer (HTL) of 4,4′‐bis(N‐carbazolyl)‐1,1′‐biphenyl (CBP) and poly(9‐vinylcarbazole) (PVK) is introduced into PeLEDs. By optimizing the composition ratio of CBP and PVK, the performance of CsPbBr3‐based PeLEDs is significantly improved via efficient Förster resonant energy transfer and an enhanced charge transfer owing to the well‐aligned energy levels of the HTLs with the emission layers. The PeLED with an optimized composition ratio of the PVK0.5–CBP0.5 HTL exhibits the best device performance with a luminance of 31641 cd∙m−2, current efficiency of 39.2 cd∙A−1, and external quantum efficiency of 15.4%. Thus, the proposed strategy engineering dual transfer of energy and charge is expected to be revolutionary in the field of PeLED research.
Alkali Additives Enable Efficient Large Area (>55 cm2) Slot‐Die Coated Perovskite Solar Modules
Authors: Rana Prem Jyoti Singh , Febriansyah Benny , Koh Teck Ming , Muhammad Bening Tirta , Salim Teddy , Hooper Thomas J. N. , Kanwat Anil , Ghosh Biplab , Kajal Priyanka , Lew Jia Haur , Aw Yeow Chong , Yantara Natalia , Bruno Annalisa , Pullarkat Sumod A. , Ager Joel W. , Leong Wei Lin , Mhaisalkar Subodh G. , Mathews Nripan
Published: February 2022

Typical fabrication methods for laboratory‐scale (<1 cm2) perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are undeniably not scalable and the control of crystallization of large‐area perovskite layer for commercial sized modules is also particularly challenging. Here, a seed‐assisted crystallization approach is demonstrated through addition of alkali salts, CsPbBr3 and KPb2Br5, to the perovskite precursor ink for enabling homogeneous and highly crystalline large‐area Cs0.15FA0.85Pb(I0.83Br0.17)3 (CsFA) perovskite films via scalable slot‐die coating technique. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis reveals the segregation of potassium ions at SnO2/perovskite interface which serve as nucleation sites for the crystallization of perovskite layer. The uniformly slot‐die coated CsFA films (100 cm2) from the additives containing precursor inks possess larger grains with enhanced optoelectronic properties and the corresponding devices display higher reproducibility and consistency. A champion device efficiency of 18.94% under 1 sun illumination for slot‐die coated PSCs in n‐type/intrinsic/p‐type structure is demonstrated with improved stability with 82% of its initial efficiency tested at 65 °C for 1150 h. The slot‐die coated methylammonium‐free perovskite module with an active area of 57.5 cm2 shows an efficiency of 16.22% and retains 82% of its initial efficiency after 4800 h under 30% relative humidity without encapsulation.
Information Storage Based on Stimuli‐Responsive Fluorescent 3D Code Materials
Authors: Lou Kai , Hu Ziqing , Zhang Hanwei , Li Qingyun , Ji Xiaofan
Published: February 2022

With the booming of information technology, considerable progress has been witnessed in information storage carriers, accompanied by soaring storage capacity. 3D codes as an emerging information storage carrier has attracted wide attention. However, it is challenging for conventional 3D codes to transform their encoded information, restricting their applications. Due to their rich color characteristics and various stimuli responsiveness, fluorescent materials can be utilized to construct stimuli‐responsive 3D code systems that can exhibit pattern changes upon specific external stimuli, thereby realizing information transformation. According to the type of stimuli responsiveness, several kinds of stimuli‐responsive 3D code systems are classified and summarized, including pH responsiveness, ion responsiveness, light responsiveness, electricity responsiveness, time responsiveness, some separate stimuli responsiveness, and multiple responsiveness. This review summarizes the recent 3D code systems, elaborates on how they can realize information transformation, analyzes their potential applications, and puts forward some perspectives on further development in this field. The authors anticipate this review can provide guidelines for the design of novel information materials and promote the development of information science and technology.
Instructive Hydrogels for Primary Tumor Cell Culture: Current Status and Outlook
Authors: Jia Yiyang , Wei Zhentong , Zhang Songling , Yang Bai , Li Yunfeng
Published: February 2022

Primary tumor organoids (PTOs) growth in hydrogels have emerged as an important in vitro model that recapitulates many characteristics of the native tumor tissue, and have important applications in fundamental cancer research and for the development of useful therapeutic treatment. This paper begins with reviewing the methods of isolation of primary tumor cells. Then, recent advances on the instructive hydrogels as biomimetic extracellular matrix for primary tumor cell culture and construction of PTO models are summarized. Emerging microtechnology for growth of PTOs in microscale hydrogels and the applications of PTOs are highlighted. This paper concludes with an outlook on the future directions in the investigation of instructive hydrogels for PTO growth.
Ionic Liquid‐Mediated Transdermal Delivery of Thrombosis‐Detecting Nanosensors
Authors: Bekdemir Ahmet , Tanner Eden E. L. , Kirkpatrick Jesse , Soleimany Ava P. , Mitragotri Samir , Bhatia Sangeeta N.
Published: February 2022

Blood clotting disorders such as pulmonary embolism are associated with high morbidity and mortality. A large portion of thrombotic events occur postoperative and after hospital discharge. Therefore, easily applicable, noninvasive, and long‐term monitoring of thrombosis occurrence is critical for urgent clinical intervention. Here, the use is proposed of ionic liquids as a skin transport facilitator to deliver thrombin‐sensitive nanosensors that enable prolonged monitoring of pulmonary embolism. Co‐formulation of nanosensors with choline and geranic acid (CAGE) ionic liquids demonstrates significant transdermal diffusion into the dermis of the skin and provides sustained release into the blood throughout 72 h. Upon reaching the systemic circulation, the nanosensors release reporter molecules into the urine by responding to activation of the clotting cascade and retain a diagnostic power for 24 h in an acute pulmonary embolism mouse model. These results demonstrate a proof‐of‐concept disease monitoring system that can be topically applied by patients and potentially reduce mortality and high cost of hospitalization.
The Effect of Geometry and TGF‐β Signaling on Tumor Cell Migration from Free‐Standing Microtissues
Authors: Xie Jing , Hu Xinyu , Chen Lina , Piruska Aigars , Zheng Zijian , Bao Min , Huck Wilhelm T. S.
Published: February 2022

Recapitulation of 3D multicellular tissues in vitro is of great interest to the field of tumor biology to study the integrated effect of local biochemical and biophysical signals on tumor cell migration and invasion. However, most microengineered tissues and spheroids are unable to recapitulate in vitro the complexities of 3D geometries found in vivo. Here, lithographically defined degradable alginate microniches are presented to produce free‐standing tumor microtissues, with precisely controlled geometry, high viability, and allowing for high cell proliferation. The role of microtissue geometry and TGF‐β signaling in tumor cell migration is further investigated. TGF‐β is found to induce the expression of p‐myosin II, vimentin, and YAP/TAZ nuclear localization at the periphery of the microtissue, where enhanced nuclear stiffness and orientation are also observed. Upon embedding in a collagen matrix, microtissues treated with TGF‐β maintain their geometric integrity, possibly due to the higher cell tension observed around the periphery. In contrast, cells in microtissues not treated with TGF‐β are highly mobile and invade the surrounding matrix rapidly, with the initial migration strongly dependent on the local geometry. The microtissues presented here are promising model systems for studying the influence of biophysical properties and soluble factors on tumor cell migration.
Bioinspired Multifunctional Black Phosphorus Hydrogel with Antibacterial and Antioxidant Properties: A Stepwise Countermeasure for Diabetic Skin Wound Healing
Authors: Ding Qiuyue , Sun Tingfang , Su Weijie , Jing Xirui , Ye Bing , Su Yanlin , Zeng Lian , Qu Yanzhen , Yang Xu , Wu Yuzhou , Luo Zhiqiang , Guo Xiaodong
Published: February 2022

Cutaneous wound healing, especially diabetic wound healing, is a common clinical challenge. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and bacterial infection are two major detrimental states that induce oxidative stress and inflammatory responses and impede angiogenesis and wound healing. A derivative of the metabolite itaconate, 4‐octyl itaconate (4OI) has attracted increasing research interest in recent years due to its antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties. In this study, 4OI‐modified black phosphorus (BP) nanosheets are incorporated into a photosensitive, multifunctional gelatin methacrylamide hydrogel to produce a new photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) system with antibacterial and antioxidant properties for diabetic wound regeneration. Under laser irradiation, the 4OI–BP‐entrapped hydrogel enables rapid gelation, forming a membrane on wounds, and offers high PTT and PDT efficacy to eliminate bacterial infection. Without laser irradiation, BP acts as a carrier and controls the release of 4OI, with which it synergistically enhances antioxidant activity, thus alleviating excessive ROS damage to endothelial cells, promoting neovascularization, and facilitating faster diabetic wound closure. These findings indicate that 4OI–BP‐entrapped multifunctional hydrogel provides a stepwise countermeasure with antibacterial and antioxidant properties for enhanced diabetic wound healing and may lead to novel therapeutic interventions for diabetic ulcers.