bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantification of Fundamental Weak Base and Ion Permeabilities in the Acidic pH Region Utilizing Conjugated Oregon Green in Liposome‐Based Assays
Authors: Barta Thomas , Seiser Lorenz , Horner Andreas
Published: April 2023

Ammonia and ammonium play an essential role in the metabolism of almost all living organisms. Despite their importance for human health as well as plant growth, knowledge about passive NH3/NH4+ membrane permeabilities is scarce. Large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs), a popular model membrane system, have the potential to be a game changer. However, despite a variety of environmental sensitive dyes awaiting encapsulation into membrane vesicles, a pH sensor for the acidic pH region is currently missing. This gap is filled by introducing conjugated Oregon Green (OG) which can be encapsulated into lipid‐ or polymer‐based vesicles. This allows the quantification of proton or weak base permeabilities across the vesicular membrane and functionally characterizes pH sensitive membrane proteins at an acidic pH as low as pH 4.0. Furthermore, the expanded pH range enables simultaneous estimation of ion permeabilities without the use of membrane potential uncouplers due to an increased ion sensitivity. The utility of the sensor is demonstrated by quantifying passive NH3, NH4+, and Cl− permeabilities through vastly different lipid and polymer membranes. Moreover, its performance is benchmarked against carboxyfluorescein, an established pH‐sensor in the neutral pH‐range.
Electrophoretic Delivery of Clinically Approved Anesthetic Drug for Chronic Pain Therapy
Authors: Roy Arghyamalya , Bersellini Farinotti Alex , Arbring Sjöström Theresia , Abrahamsson Tobias , Cherian Dennis , Karaday Michal , Tybrandt Klas , Nilsson David , Berggren Magnus , Poxson David J. , Svensson Camilla I. , Simon Daniel T.
Published: April 2023

Despite a range of available pain therapies, most patients report so‐called “breakthrough pain.” Coupled with global issues like opioid abuse, there is a clear need for advanced therapies and technologies for safe and effective pain management. Here the authors demonstrate a candidate for such an advanced therapy: precise and fluid‐flow‐free electrophoretic delivery via organic electronic ion pumps (OEIPs) of the commonly used anesthetic drug bupivacaine. Bupivacaine is delivered to dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in vitro. DRG neurons are a good proxy for pain studies as they are responsible for relaying ascending sensory signals from nociceptors (pain receptors) in the peripheral nervous system to the central nervous system. Capillary based OEIPs are used due to their probe‐like and free‐standing form factor, ideal for interfacing with cells. By delivering bupivacaine with the OEIP and recording dose versus response (Ca2+ imaging), it is observed that only cells close to the OEIP outlet (≤75 µm) are affected (“anaesthetized”) and at concentrations up to 10s of thousands of times lower than with bulk/bolus delivery. These results demonstrate the first effective OEIP deliveryof a clinically approved and widely used analgesic pharmaceutical, and thus are a major translational milestone for this technology.
Unconstrained Machine Learning Screening for New Li‐Ion Cathode Materials Enhanced by Class Balancing
Authors: Dinic Filip , Voznyy Oleksandr
Published: April 2023

Modeling and predicting battery cathode material voltage requires accurate structural information regarding the binding sites of lithium within a target structure. Obtaining these optimized structures requires some form of structural optimization. The ensuing complexity impedes the rapid screening of new materials for their suitability in energy storage. Previous machine learning (ML) models use structures of both lithiated and nonlithiated forms for training; essentially, reproducing what is already known, but failing to generalize to structures whose lithiated form is not available. To avoid this limitation, an ML model capable of predicting the voltage associated with the material's lithiation without explicitly requiring the lithiated structure is trained. The model's predictive power is improved by adding newly calculated data points, with the most impactful being materials with unfavorable Li binding, which are lacking in the original dataset. Using this model, new cathode candidates among an order of magnitude more materials than in previous studies are screened and the most promising ones are validated with density functional theory calculations. Considering additional stability and conductivity constraints, 572 materials with voltages greater than 3.5 V are predicted. Unexpectedly, some of them are not based on conventional transition metals, highlighting the power of an unbiased search.
Machine Learning‐Assisted Clustering of Nanoparticle‐Binding Peptides and Prediction of Their Properties
Authors: Kenry
Published: April 2023

Bioinspired and biomimetic nanostructures have attracted tremendous interest for theranostic and nanomedicine applications. Among the strategies employed to synthesize these nanostructures, surface functionalization and biomineralization of nanomaterials using peptides stand out due to the wide availability of peptides and their variations as well as the ease of modification process. Effective peptide‐based modification of nanomaterials relies on preferential and strong binding between peptides and target nanomaterials. Therefore, the discovery and design of specific peptides with high binding affinity to nanomaterials are essential. Unfortunately, conventional peptide screening methods suffer from shortcomings which render peptide discovery time‐consuming, expensive, and cumbersome. Herein, leveraging unsupervised and supervised machine learning, a framework to accelerate peptide analysis is presented. Specifically, more than 1700 nanoparticle‐binding peptides are classified into peptide clusters to identify important peptide features to realize higher‐affinity binding. In addition, the binding and biomineralization properties of peptides are predicted with high classification accuracy, precision, and recall. This work then proposes the use of unsupervised k‐means clustering and supervised k‐nearest neighbors algorithms for grouping peptides and predicting their properties, respectively. It is anticipated that the framework originated from this study will further facilitate the rational selection and design of peptides for engineering functional bioinspired and biomimetic nanostructures.
Neuregulin4 Acts on Hypothalamic ErBb4 to Excite Oxytocin Neurons and Preserve Metabolic Homeostasis
Authors: Zhang Yi , Zhu Yangyang , Wang Jinghui , Jin Li , Guo Mingwei , Chen Liwei , Zhang Lina , Li Yangyang , Wan Baocheng , Zhang Rong , Jia Weiping , Hu Cheng
Published: April 2023

Neuregulin 4 (Nrg4) is an adipose tissue‐enriched secreted factor that modulates glucose and lipid metabolism. Nrg4 is closely associated with obesity and preserves diet‐induced metabolic disorders. However, the specific mechanisms via which Nrg4 regulates metabolic homeostasis remain incompletely understood. Here, this work finds that the Nrg4 receptor, ErbB4, is highly expressed in the hypothalamus, and the phosphorylation of hypothalamic ErbB4 is reduced in diet‐induced obesity (DIO) mice. Peripheral Nrg4 can act on ErbB4 via blood circulation and excite neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus (PVN). Central administration of recombinant Nrg4 protein (rNrg4) reduces obesity and related metabolic disorders by influencing energy expenditure and intake. Overexpression of ErbB4 in the PVN protects against obesity, whereas its knock down in oxytocin (Oxt) neuron accelerates obesity. Furthermore, Nrg4‐ErbB4 signaling excites Oxt release, and ablation of Oxt neuron considerably attenuates the effect of Nrg4 on energy balance. These data suggest that the hypothalamus is a key target of Nrg4, which partially explains the multifaceted roles of Nrg4 in metabolism.
Structure Transformation and Morphologic Modulation of Supramolecular Frameworks for Nanoseparation and Enzyme Loading
Authors: Wei Mingfeng , Li Bao , Wu Lixin
Published: April 2023

Supramolecular framework (SF) encourages the emergence of porous structures with molecular flexibility while the dimension and morphology controls are less involved even though critical factors are vital for various utilizations. Targeting this purpose, two isolated components are designed and their stepped combinations via ionic interaction, metal coordination, and hydrogen bond into framework assembly with two morphologic states are realized. The zinc coordination to an ionic complex of polyoxometalate with three cationic terpyridine ligands constructs 2D hexagonal SF structure. A further growth along perpendicular direction driven by hydrogen bonding between grafted mannose groups leads to 3D SF assemblies, providing a modulation superiority in one framework for multiple utilizations. The large area of multilayered SF sheet affords a filtration membrane for strict separation of nanoparticles/proteins under gently reduced pressures while the granular SF assembly demonstrates an efficient carrier to load and fix horse radish peroxidase with maintained activity for enzymatic catalysis.
Operando Interaction and Transformation of Metastable Defects in Layered Oxides for Na‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Gorobtsov Oleg Yu. , Hirsh Hayley , Zhang Minghao , Sheyfer Dina , Nguyen Long Hoang Bao , Matson Stephanie D. , Weinstock Daniel , Bouck Ryan , Wang Ziyi , Cha Wonsuk , Maser Jörg , Harder Ross , Meng Ying Shirley , Singer Andrej
Published: April 2023

Non‐equilibrium defects often dictate the macroscopic properties of materials. They largely define the reversibility and kinetics of processes in intercalation hosts in rechargeable batteries. Recently, imaging methods have demonstrated that transient dislocations briefly appear in intercalation hosts during ion diffusion. Despite new discoveries, the understanding of impact, formation and self‐healing mechanisms of transient defects, including and beyond dislocations, is lacking. Here, operando X‐ray Bragg Coherent Diffractive Imaging (BCDI) and diffraction peak analysis capture the stages of formation of a unique metastable domain boundary, defect self‐healing, and resolve the local impact of defects on ionic diffusion in NaxNi1−yMnyO2 intercalation hosts in a charging sodium‐ion battery. Results, applicable to a wide range of layered intercalation materials due to the shared nature of framework layers, elucidate new dynamics of transient defects and their connection to macroscopic properties, and suggest how to control the nanostructure dynamics.
Achieving Ultra‐High Voltage (≈10 kV) Triboelectric Nanogenerators
Authors: Liu Jiaqi , Zhou Linglin , Gao Yikui , Yang Peiyuan , Liu Di , Qiao Wenyan , Zhang Baofeng , Zhao Zhihao , Wang Zhong Lin , Wang Jie
Published: April 2023

With the intrinsic characters of high voltage and low current, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) serving as green high voltage (HV) power source exhibit excellent practicability and safety compared to traditional HV power sources. To further simplify the TENG‐based HV power source system, a single electrode mode TENG (SE‐TENG) with simple wiring is first employed to generate ultra‐high voltage power in this work. By optimizing surface charge density and the thickness of packing layer between the primary electrode and reference electrode, a record value of 12.7 kV is achieved for SE‐TENGs. Furthermore, a calculation method based on a capacitance model is proposed to accurately measure the open voltage of TENG with a wide range (over 10 kV). The SE‐TENG‐based HV power source is successfully applied to power electronics and generates negative air ions for air cleaning. This work significantly simplifies TENG‐based HV power sources, and is expected to enrich the diversity of high‐voltage applications based on the reach of existing technologies.
Flexible Hierarchical Co‐Doped NiS2@CNF‐CNT Electron Deficient Interlayer with Grass‐Roots Structure for Li–S Batteries
Authors: Dai Xin , Lv Guangjun , Wu Zhen , Wang Xu , Liu Yan , Sun Junjie , Wang Qichao , Xiong Xuyang , Liu Yongning , Zhang Chaofeng , Xin Sen , Chen Yuanzhen , Zhou Tengfei
Published: April 2023

The key means to improve the performance of lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) is to reduce the internal resistance by building an electronic/ionic pathway and to accelerate the conversion kinetics of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) through modulation of interface functions. Herein, inspired by a grass root system, a flexible hierarchical CNF‐CNT (carbon nanofiber‐carbon nanotube) membrane decorated with Co‐doped NiS2nanoparticles (Co‐NiS2@CNF‐CNT) is designed as an interlayer for LSBs, in which the in situ grown CNTs (root hairs) are wound on CNF (roots). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that Co doping introduces electron‐deficient regions at the doping sites in NiS2, thus improving chemical adsorption and catalytic activities toward LiPSs. The cell pairs with the Co‐NiS2@CNF‐CNT interlayer exhibit a high rate performance of 951.4 mAh g−1at 3 C, a reversible capacity of 944.1 mAh g−1after 500 cycles at 0.2 C, and a prolonged cycle life of 3000 cycles at 5 C. More importantly, an areal capacity of 7.96 mAh cm−2is achieved with a sulfur loading of 9.6 mg cm−2. This work provides a strategy for enhancing the electrochemical performance of LSBs by combining 3D hierarchical conductive skeletons and electron‐deficient functional adsorption and catalysis materials.
Prediction of soybean yield cultivated under subtropical conditions using artificial neural networks
Authors: Moreira Adônis , Bonini Neto Alfredo , Bonini Carolina dos Santos Batista , Moraes Larissa A. C. , Heinrichs Reges
Published: April 2023

Mathematical models that incorporate biotic and abiotic attributes are important tools for improving fertilizer use efficiency and reducing production costs for soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] crop. In this study, artificial neural networks (ANNs) were used to estimate soybean grain yield (GY) under subtropical conditions in Brazil from plant morphological and nutritional data collected from 16 cultivars in two growing seasons. The ANNs were adequately trained, with a mean squared error of approximately 10−5 between the outputs obtained (via ANN) and desired (via experimental field), equivalent to a mean percentage error of 70.1 kg ha−1 (1.6%), confirming their efficacy as a tool to estimate GY. Smaller plant height, higher foliar calcium, magnesium and chlorophyll concentrations, and greater numbers of grains per pod and branches per plant were associated with higher GY, whereas oil content, crude protein content, and foliar manganese and potassium concentrations had no predicted effects on GY.
Peers and the choice of irrigation practices in the Arkansas Delta
Authors: Kovacs Kent , Henry Christopher , Huang Qiuqiong , Krutz Larry Jason
Published: April 2023

There are a range of demographic, climatic, and economic factors that influence the use of irrigation practices, along with the effect of peers and Extension agents on agricultural technologies. This research was conducted to determine how a peer's use of multiple irrigation practices influences the use of common irrigation practices in the Delta region of Arkansas. Using data from a producer survey conducted by telephone in 2015, we identify the determinants of the use and the share of an irrigated farm with five common irrigation practices in the Arkansas Delta. The role of peers for irrigation practice use depends on where a farmer is and the current farm practices in the region. A finding of the own practice peer effect is that a producer with a peer that uses flow meters is 29% more likely to use flow meters themselves. A cross practice peer effect we observe is that a producer with a peer that uses scientific scheduling is 30% less likely to use center pivot.
Tubular MXene/SS membranes for highly efficient H2/CO2 separation
Authors: Luo Mide , Lu Zong , Zhao Yali , Wang Yufei , Wei Yanying , Wang Haihui
Published: April 2023

Accurately constructing membranes based on two‐dimensional (2D) materials on commercial porous substrates remains a significant challenge for H2 purification. In this work, a series of tubular 2D MXene membranes are prepared on commercial porous stainless steel substrates via fast electrophoretic deposition. Compared with other methods, such as filtration or drop coating, and so on. such preparation route shows the advantages of simple operation, high efficiency for membrane assembly (within 5 min) with attractive reproducibility, and ease for scale‐up. The tubular MXene membranes present excellent gas separation performance with hydrogen permeance of 1290 GPU and H2/CO2 selectivity of 55. Furthermore, the membrane displays extremely stable performance during the long‐term test for more than 1250 h, and about 93% of the membranes from one batch have exceeded the DOE target for CO2 capture. Most importantly, this work provides valuable referential significance for other 2D materials‐based membranes for future application development.
Morphology, evolution, and the whole organism imperative: Why evolutionary questions need multi‐trait evolutionary quantitative genetics
Authors: Auerbach Benjamin M. , Savell Kristen R. R. , Agosto Elizabeth R.
Published: April 2023

Since Washburn's New Physical Anthropology, researchers have sought to understand the complexities of morphological evolution among anatomical regions in human and non‐human primates. Researchers continue, however, to preferentially use comparative and functional approaches to examine complex traits, but these methods cannot address questions about evolutionary process and often conflate function with fitness. Moreover, researchers also tend to examine anatomical elements in isolation, which implicitly assumes independent evolution among different body regions. In this paper, we argue that questions asked in primate evolution are best examined using multiple anatomical regions subjected to model‐bound methods built from an understanding of evolutionary quantitative genetics. A nascent but expanding number of studies over the last two decades use this approach, examining morphological integration, evolvability, and selection modeling. To help readers learn how to use these methods, we review fundamentals of evolutionary processes within a quantitative genetic framework, explore the importance of neutral evolutionary theory, and explain the basics of evolutionary quantitative genetics, namely the calculation of evolutionary potential for multiple traits in response to selection. Leveraging these methods, we demonstrate their use to understand non‐independence in possible evolutionary responses across the limbs, limb girdles, and basicranium of humans. Our results show that model‐bound quantitative genetic methods can reveal unexpected genetic covariances among traits that create a novel but measurable understanding of evolutionary complexity among multiple traits. We advocate for evolutionary quantitative genetic methods to be a standard whenever appropriate to keep studies of primate morphological evolution relevant for the next seventy years and beyond.
Fluctuations of Dry and Total Mass of Cells Exposed to Different Molecular Weights of Polyethylene Glycol
Authors: Colombo Federico , Villiou Maria , Taheri Fereydoon , Fröhlich Leonard , Taale Mohammadreza , Albert Viktoria , Jiang Qiyang , Selhuber-Unkel Christine
Published: April 2023

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is used in many applications, and in the clinical field, it is one of the main components of the latest Covid vaccines. Its wide use is justified by a relatively safe profile and few known side effects. However, little is known about the biophysical effects of PEG on cells such as, cell stiffness, dry mass, and total mass. Herein, exploiting a digital holographic microscope, an inertial picobalance, and a nanoindenter, these properties are characterized in rat embryonic fibroblast exposed to different molecular weights of PEG. Immediately after the first minutes of PEG exposure to the cells, a reduction in cell dry mass can be observed as well as a rapid fluctuation in total cell weight. Cell stiffness decreases significantly after 48 h, while no important morphological changes are observed. Here, it is revealed how dry mass and total mass are rapidly and finely regulated, highlighting how the maintenance of cell density is of primary importance in cellular activities.
Novel Helical Trp‐ and Arg‐Rich Antimicrobial Peptides Locate Near Membrane Surfaces and Rigidify Lipid Model Membranes
Authors: Mitra Saheli , Coopershlyak Mark , Li Yunshu , Chandersekhar Bhairavi , Koenig Rachel , Chen Mei-Tung , Evans Brandt , Heinrich Frank , Deslouches Berthony , Tristram-Nagle Stephanie
Published: April 2023

Antibiotics are losing effectiveness as bacteria become resistant to conventional drugs. To find new alternatives, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are rationally designed with different lengths, charges, hydrophobicities (H), and hydrophobic moments (μH), containing only three types of amino acids: arginine, tryptophan, and valine. Six AMPs with low minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and <25% toxicity to mammalian cells are selected for biophysical studies. Their secondary structures are determined using circular dichroism (CD), which finds that the % α‐helicity of AMPs depends on composition of the lipid model membranes (LMMs): gram‐negative (G(−)) inner membrane (IM) >gram‐positive (G(+))> Euk33 (eukaryotic with 33 mol% cholesterol). The two most effective peptides, E2‐35 (16 amino acid [AA] residues) and E2‐05 (22 AAs), are predominantly helical in G(–) IM and G(+) LMMs. AMP/membrane interactions such as membrane elasticity, chain order parameter, and location of the peptides in the membrane are investigated by low‐angle and wide‐angle X‐ray diffuse scattering (XDS). It is found that headgroup location correlates with efficacy and toxicity. The membrane bending modulusKCdisplays nonmonotonic changes due to increasing concentrations of E2‐35 and E2‐05 in G(–) and G(+) LMMs, suggesting a bacterial killing mechanism where domain formation causes ion and water leakage.
Minimizing Temperature Bias through Reliable Temperature Determination in Gas‐Solid Photothermal Catalytic Reactions
Authors: Bian Xuanang , Zhao Yunxuan , Zhou Chao , Zhang Tierui
Published: April 2023

Enormous advances in photothermal catalysis have been made over the years, whereas the temperature assessment still remains controversial in the majority of photothermal catalytic systems. Herein, we methodically uncovered the phenomenon of temperature determination bias arising from prominent temperature differences in gas‐solid photothermal catalytic systems, which extensively existed yet has been overlooked in most relevant cases. To avoid the interference of temperature bias, we developed a universal protocol for reliable temperature evaluation of gas‐solid photothermal catalytic reactions, with emphasis on eliminating the temperature gradient and temperature fluctuation of catalyst layer via optimizing the reaction system. This work presents a functional and credible practice for temperature detection, calling attention to addressing the effects of temperature differences, and reassessing the actual temperature‐based performances in gas‐solid photothermal catalysis.
Rational Design of the β‐Bulge Gate in a Green Fluorescent Protein Accelerates the Kinetics of Sulfate Sensing**
Authors: Ong Whitney S. Y. , Ji Ke , Pathiranage Vishaka , Maydew Caden , Baek Kiheon , Villones Rhiza Lyne E. , Meloni Gabriele , Walker Alice R. , Dodani Sheel C.
Published: April 2023

Detection of anions in complex aqueous media is a fundamental challenge with practical utility that can be addressed by supramolecular chemistry. Biomolecular hosts such as proteins can be used and adapted as an alternative to synthetic hosts. Here, we report how the mutagenesis of the β‐bulge residues (D137 and W138) in mNeonGreen, a bright, monomeric fluorescent protein, unlocks and tunes the anion preference at physiological pH for sulfate, resulting in the turn‐off sensor SulfOFF‐1. This unprecedented sensing arises from an enhancement in the kinetics of binding, largely driven by position 138. In line with these data, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations capture how the coordinated entry and gating of sulfate into the β‐barrel is eliminated upon mutagenesis to facilitate binding and fluorescence quenching.
Elaborating E/Z‐Geometry of Alkenes via Cage‐Confined Arylation Catalysis of Terminal Olefins
Authors: Wang Yuanfan , Chen Jie , Yang Jie , Jiao Zhiwei , Su Cheng‐Yong
Published: April 2023

A visible light photosensitizing metal‐organic cage is applied as an artificial supramolecular reactor to control the reaction of aryl radicals with terminal olefins under green light/solvent conditions, which facilitates selective transformation in the confined enzyme‐mimicking environment to give a series of geometrically defined E/Z‐alkenes. The hydrophobic cage displays good host–guest inclusion with aromatic substrates, promoting Meerwein arylation and protecting E‐isomeric products during reaction; while a small amount of benzonitrile can turn on efficient E→Z isomerization. Besides π–π stacking, the hydrogen bonding and halogen bonding interactions also act as control forces for the arylation of aliphatic terminal olefins known as poor acceptors in classic Meerwein arylation. The application of this switchable cage‐confined arylation catalysis has been demonstrated by the syntheses of Tapinarof and a marine natural product from the same substrate via controllable E/Z selectivity.
Tungstate‐mediated In‐situ Passivation of Grain Boundary Grooves in Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Fan Rundong , Song Qizhen , Huang Zijian , Ma Yue , Xiao Mengqi , Huang Xudan , Zai Huachao , Kang Jiaqian , Xie Haipeng , Gao Yongli , Wang Lina , Zhang Yu , Wang Lan , Wang Feng , Zhang Xiao , Zhou Wentao , Li Nengxu , Wang Xueyun , Bai Yang , Liu Guilin , Chen Qi , Wang Lifen , Zhou Huanping
Published: April 2023

Possessed with advantageous optoelectronic properties, perovskites have boosted the rapid development of solution‐processed solar cells. The performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is significantly weakened by the carrier loss at grain boundary grooves (GBGs); however, it receives limited attention and there lacks effective approach to solve this issue. Herein, for the first time, we constructed the tungstate/perovskite heterointerface via a “two step” in situ reaction approach that provides effective defect passivation and ensures efficient carrier dynamics at the GBGs. The exposed perovskite at grain boundaries is converted to wide‐band‐gap PbWO4 via an in‐situ reaction between Pb2+ and tungstate ions, which passivate defects due to the strong ionic bonding. Moreover, recombination loss is further suppressed via the heterointerface energetics modification based on an additional transformation from PbWO4 to CaWO4. PSCs based on this groove modification strategy showed good universality in both normal and inverted structure, with an improved efficiency of 23.25 % in the n‐i‐p device and 23.33 % in the p‐i‐n device. Stable power output of the modified device could maintain 91.7 % after around 1100 h, and the device efficiency could retain 92.5 % after aging in air for around 2110 h, and 93.1 % after aging at 85 °C in N2 for 972 h.
Growth and microanatomy of the paranasal sinuses in two species of New World monkeys
Authors: Smith Timothy D. , Zinreich S. James , Márquez Samuel , King Scot E. E. , Evans Sian , DeLeon Valerie B.
Published: April 2023

Paranasal sinuses of living apes and humans grow with positive allometry, suggesting a novel mechanism for bone enlargement. Here, we examine the paranasal sinuses of the owl monkey (Aotus spp.) and a tamarin (Saguinus midas) across postnatal development. The prediction that paranasal sinuses grow disproportionately faster than the main nasal chamber is tested. We used diffusible iodine‐based contrast‐enhanced computed tomography and histology to study sinuses in eight Aotus and three tamarins ranging from newborn to adult ages. Sinuses were segmented at the mucosa‐air cavity interface and measured in volume. All sinuses were lined by a ciliated respiratory epithelium, except for the ethmoid air cells in Aotus, which are lined in part by olfactory epithelium. An age comparison indicates that only the maxillary sinus and ethmoid air cells are present in newborns, and two additional sinuses (invading the orbitosphenoid and the frontal bone), do not appear until late infancy or later. Comparing newborns and adults, the main nasal airway is 10 times larger in the adult Aotus and ~ 6.5 times larger in adult Saguinus. In contrast, the maxillary sinus far exceeds this magnitude of difference: 24 times larger in the adult Aotus and 46 times larger in adult Saguinus. The frontal sinuses add significantly to total paranasal space volume in both species, but this growth is likely delayed until juvenile age. Results suggest ethmoid air cells expand the least. These results support our prediction that most paranasal sinuses have a distinctly higher growth rate compared to the main nasal chamber.
New data on the mammalian fauna from the late middle Eocene (MP 15–16) of Mazaterón (Soria, Spain): The youngest presence of the genus Prodissopsalis (Hyaenodonta, Hyaenodontidae) in Europe
Authors: Salesa Manuel J. , Siliceo Gema , Antón Mauricio , Martínez Irene , Ortega Francisco
Published: April 2023

The Hyaenodonta were the most diverse carnivorous mammals in the European Eocene and were classically divided into three subfamilies: Sinopaninae, Arfianinae, and Proviverrinae, with this latter being the most successful of the three, as it exhibited a much larger geographic and temporal range. This classification is currently abandoned, as cladistic analyses of Hyaenodonta showed that several of these groups were paraphyletic. In any case, the former “proviverrines” were European endemic hyaenodontids which occupied the niche of small to medium‐sized predators from the Ypresian (MP7) to the Priabonian (MP19). Recent phylogenetic proposals recognize the “Eurotherium clade” including this latter genus, besides Cartierodon and Prodissopsalis. A single species is known for Prodissopsalis, Prodissopsalis eocaenicus, previously recorded in European fossil sites of MP 12 to MP 14; nevertheless, the new material studied here, a mandible of a subadult individual from the late Middle Eocene (Bartonian, MP 15–16) site of La Solana (Mazaterón, Soria, Spain) constitutes a new species of Prodissopsalis and the youngest record of this genus up to now, extending its chronological range and remarking the shelter role of the northwestern region of the Iberian Peninsula during the Middle and Late Eocene. The new species, Prodissopsalis jimenezi provides new data not only on the eruption sequence of the genus, but also on the evolution of its dental adaptations, as the new species exhibits a more trenchant, hypercarnivorous dentition in comparison to the more primitive species P. eocaenicus, which would point toward a refining of the hunting abilities of this hyaenodont during the Middle Eocene.
Comparing the emotional experiences of students in similar dissection‐ and prosection‐based medical gross anatomy courses: A mixed‐methods study
Authors: Lai Emily R. , Rukavina Nadia A. , Wisco Jonathan J. , Zumwalt Ann C.
Published: April 2023

The anatomy laboratory can incite strong emotional reactions in students, which can in turn facilitate growth in empathy, care for vulnerable others, and professionalism. Despite this, little is known about the relative emotional impacts of different laboratory modalities. The response to the COVID‐19 pandemic created an opportunity to compare the emotional experiences of students in similar courses in which one group of students dissected donors and the other group learned from prosected donors. The courses were otherwise the same in content, length, instructional design, and assessment. Students in the dissection‐based (Fall 2019) and prosection‐based (Fall 2020) courses completed a previously validated survey that used quantitative and qualitative questions to assess their feelings about the donors and the anatomy laboratory experience. Students in both cohorts reported overall appreciation for having had the experience. Negative themes experienced by both groups included feeling anxiety, worries about depersonalizing donors, and physical discomfort in the laboratory. Students in the dissection course reported stronger connections with the donors and the donors' families but also more frequently felt negative feelings such as disgust, anxiety, and feeling alone. Students in the prosection course reported more consistently positive responses but worried about not using the donors to the fullest extent possible. Regardless of pedagogical design, students have complex emotional experiences in the anatomy laboratory and our results indicate that these feelings may be more intense in the context of dissection. Anatomists should foster educational settings that enable students to learn to process complex or challenging emotions.
Motivational factors, attitudes, and knowledge about the cadaveric body donation program among body donors in Myanmar
Authors: Oo Eve Mon , Saw Khin Ei Ei , Htun Thaw Zin , Latt Zaw Zaw
Published: April 2023

To achieve the simple goal of cadaveric body donation (CBD) program–gaining deceased donors–numerous scientific studies have been conducted, including the current study. This cross‐sectional descriptive study used questionnaires to assess the motivational factors, attitudes, and knowledge of registered body donor participants toward CBD. Among 372 respondents, most (80.6%) were motivated by specific reasons such as “to save lives through medical education,” “to contribute to medical research,” and “to help medical students.” Most respondents had good attitudes (61.7%) but poor knowledge (55.9%) about the CBD program, and there was no association among them (p = 0.08). However, the good knowledge and good attitude level were found 1.7 times (p = 0.02) and 2.4 times (p = 0.005) more, respectively, in basic‐educated respondents than in highly educated respondents, implying the influence of peer conversation and message diffusion instead of knowledge or attitudes acquired through education. Additionally, 75% of respondents had co‐registration within their family, peers were chosen by 66.7% of respondents as a source of information, and married respondents had 1.8 times better knowledge than unmarried respondents (p = 0.01), indicating the possibility of peer influence and growing peer communication. This study explored the poor knowledge status of registered donors, who are the cornerstone of knowledge propagation in the general population. Hence, after implementing this study, a knowledge‐raising campaign for registered donors was conducted by distributing pamphlets about the CBD program, explaining keystone information, and supplementing a follow‐up study. Moreover, this study will help us plan further strategies for program enhancement.
Theoretical Mechanistic Study of C(sp3)−C(sp2) Cross‐Coupling by Photoredox‐Mediated Iridium(III)/Nickel(II)/Quinuclidine Triple Catalysis
Authors: Wang Shuang , Li Runhan , Su Zhongmin , Zhu Bo , Guan Wei
Published: April 2023

The photoredox‐mediated iridium(III)/nickel(II)/3‐acetoxyquinuclidine triple‐synergistic catalysis was comprehensively investigated by taking a C(sp3)−C(sp2) bond cross‐coupling as a reaction model using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The synergistic mechanism of the triple catalytic system includes a reductive quenching cycle (IrIII−*IrIII−IrII−IrIII), an organocatalytic cycle, and a nickel catalytic cycle (NiII−NiI−NiIII−[NiIII]⊖−NiII). Electronic process analysis shows that 3‐acetoxyquinuclidine acts as a hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) catalyst to regioselectively provide α‐carbon centered radical. Due to more favorable oxidative addition of C−Br to Ni(I) than HAT to avoid the formation of stable Ni(II) species, the generated α‐carbon centered radical prefers to be captured by oxidative addition product Ni(III) to form an unusual [NiIII]⊖C⊕ species when 3‐acetoxyquinuclidine was employed. These theoretical insights not only provide deep electronic process understanding of the photoredox‐mediated iridium(III)/nickel(II) synergistic catalysis, but also clarify the electron‐withdrawing group effect of quinuclidine, which has a potential guiding role for further development of new cross‐coupling reactions.
Digitaler Zwilling Straße
Authors: Kaliske Michael , Wollny Ines
Published: April 2023

Bau und Betrieb der Straßeninfrastruktur stehen aktuell vor enormen Herausforderungen: steigender Verkehr, Klimawandel, notwendige Wartungsarbeiten, zunehmend autonomer Verkehr etc. Gleichzeitig werden Potenziale technischer Innovationen (u. a. Digitalisierung, Sensorik, Industrie 4.0) im Straßenwesen bislang kaum genutzt. Um zukünftig einen nachhaltigeren, sichereren und effizienteren Bau und Betrieb von Straßen zu ermöglichen, wird im Sonderforschungsbereich/Transregio 339 ein Digitaler Zwilling für die Straße der Zukunft entwickelt. Der vorliegende Beitrag wurde am 14. Okt. 2022 im Rahmen des 26. Dresdner Baustatik Seminars präsentiert.
Probing the combination of erlotinib hydrochloride, an anticancer drug, and human serum albumin: Spectroscopic, molecular docking, and molecular dynamic analyses
Authors: Shahraki Somaye , Razmara Zohreh , Delarami Hojat Samareh , Poorsargol Mahdiye
Published: April 2023

Human serum albumin (HSA) is a globular and monomeric protein in plasma that transports many drugs and compounds. Binding of some drugs to HSA can lead to changes in its stability and biological function. We investigated the binding interactions between erlotinib hydrochloride (Erlo) and HSA. Erlo is used to treat lung, pancreatic, and some other cancers. Experimental data showed that the fluorescence emission of the protein was quenched by Erlo using a static quenching mechanism. The calculation of the binding constant, Kb (1.57 × 105 M−1 at 300 K), confirmed the existence of a moderate binding interaction between Erlo and HSA. The interaction was enthalpy driven, spontaneous, and exothermic. The calculated thermodynamic parameters in agreement with simulation and molecular docking data showed that van der Waals and hydrogen bond forces played an important role in the interaction process. Molecular docking results indicated that Erlo has more affinity to bind to subdomain IIA (site I) of HSA. Molecular dynamics simulation analysis showed that the protein is stable in the presence of Erlo under simulation conditions.
Therapeutic extracellular vesicle production is substantially increased by inhibition of cellular cholesterol biosynthesis
Authors: Martin Shelly , McConnell Russell , Harrison Rane , Jang Su Chul , Sia Chang Ling , Kamerkar Sushrut , Duboff Anna , Jacob Lisa , Finn Jonathan , Estes Scott
Published: April 2023

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a new therapeutic modality with the promise to treat many diseases through their ability to deliver diverse molecular cargo. As with other emerging modalities transitioning into the industrialization phase, all aspects of the manufacturing process are rich with opportunities to enhance the ability to deliver these medicines to patients. With the goal of improving cell culture EV productivity, we have utilized high throughput siRNA screens to identify the underlying genetic pathways that regulate EV productivity to inform rational host cell line engineering and media development approaches. The screens identified multiple metabolic pathways of potential interest; one of which was validated and shown to be a ready implementable, cost‐effective strategy to increase EV titers. We show that both EV volumetric and specific productivity from HEK293 and CHO‐S were increased in a dose and cell line‐dependent manner up to ninefold when cholesterol synthesis was inhibited by the inclusion of statins in the cell culture media. In addition, we show in response to statin treatment, elevation of EV markers in mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) cell culture media suggesting this approach can also be applicable to MSC EVs. Furthermore, we show that the EVs produced from statin‐treated HEK293 cultures are effectively loaded by both endogenous and exogenous loading methods and have equivalent in vitro or in vivo potency relative to EVs from untreated cultures.
Fluorescent immunochromatography of vancomycin in plasma: A rapid and sensitive quantitative analysis
Authors: Shen Minmin , Gu Haiying , Deng Kai , Li Zhongpeng , Yuan Yumei , He Yangjin , Jin Yin , Lin Nengming
Published: April 2023

Vancomycin (VAN) has a narrow therapeutic window and variable pharmacokinetic properties, which require timely monitoring of plasma concentration to adjust the dosage for better effectiveness. A sensitive and quantitative immunochromatographic method was developed to detect VAN in plasma. The linear response range of the method to detect plasma VAN was 1.25–50 μg/mL. The intra‐ and inter‐assay coefficients were 4.68% and 8.81%, respectively, while the recovery was 89.10%–98.32%. The clinical comparative experiment results demonstrated a good correlation (r > 0.90) between the fluorescent immunochromatographic strip test and the mass spectrum. In this study, a simple, rapid, and high‐sensitivity immunochromatographic method was established for detecting VAN, which helped establish the basis for further application of monitoring plasma concentration.
Responsive hydrogel dressings for intelligent wound management
Authors: Wang Suxi , Wu Wen‐Ya , Yeo Jayven Chee Chuan , Soo Xiang Yun Debbie , Thitsartarn Warintorn , Liu Songlin , Tan Beng Hoon , Suwardi Ady , Li Zibiao , Zhu Qiang , Loh Xian Jun
Published: April 2023

Due to global aging problems, the rising number of patients suffering from chronic or hard‐to‐heal acute wounds imposes a significant burden on healthcare systems. Wound healing is a complicated and dynamic physiological process with distinct molecular and cellular levels at each phase. Despite numerous strategies and advanced wound dressings being developed, successful wound management through smart dressing materials that can adapt to changing wound microenvironments and address the needs of wounds at different stages remains a big challenge. Over the last decade, hydrogel‐based dressings have emerged as one of the most potent biomaterials for wound treatment with favorable biological characteristics and a high potential for active intervention during the wound‐curing process. In the current contribution, we present the most recent progress in smart hydrogel dressings that can regulate the release of therapeutics in response to external stimuli (such as light) as well as endogenous changes in wound environments (e.g., temperature, pH, glucose, and reactive oxygen species) to facilitate wound healing. We also introduce the cutting‐edge technologies of intelligent “sense‐and‐treat” dressings through a combination of built‐in sensors or sensing molecules with responsive hydrogels, which enable real‐time monitoring of wound conditions and prompt on‐demand therapy.
Perceived changes in the mental well‐being among Nigerians due to Ramadan Intermittent Fasting during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Sulaiman Sahabi Kabir , Tsiga‐Ahmed Fatimah Isma'il , Arora Teresa , Faris MoezAlIslam E. , Musa Muhammad Sale , Kareem Yesir Adeyemi , Dayyab Farouq Muhammad , Hussein Aminu , Sale Shehu , Javaid Syed Fahad , Khan Moien AB
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Muslims fast every year during the month of Ramadan from dawn until dusk. This study examined mental well‐being and correlating factors among Nigerian adults who observed Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF).

Methods

A validated generalized anxiety disorder‐2 and Patient Health Questionnaire‐2, the four‐item spiritual well‐being index, and the Islamic intrinsic religiosity questionnaire were used to collect data about mental well‐being (depression, anxiety), spirituality, and intrinsic religiosity through a web‐based survey between the May 9, 2021 (27th of Ramadan, 1442) and the June 4, 2021 (29th of Shawwal, 1442). We studied the mental well‐being of respondents over a period of 4 weeks before Ramadan (BR) and during the 4 weeks of Ramadan between the April 12, 2021 and the May 12, 2021(DR). Multinomial regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with depression and anxiety. This research did not receive any grant or funding.

Results

A total of 770 adult Nigerians who observed RIF study were included in this cross‐sectional study. When compared to mental well‐being BR, observing RIF by Nigerian adult respondents was associated with a significant improvement in their mental well‐being. A higher proportion of respondents felt less depressed DR (61.3% vs. 56.5%. < .001). Interest and pleasure in doing things improved DR than BR (p= 0.007) and respondents felt less nervous and anxious (60.7% vs. 57.1%, respectively; p <.001). Mental well‐being was independently associated with sociodemographic characteristics, physical activity, and perceived relationships.

Conclusions

This study found significant improvement in mental well‐being DR compared to BR despite the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic. The effect of RIF on mental well‐being needs further research with multicentric studies among different sets of ethnic populations.
Anti‐metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 encephalitis: Five case reports and literature review
Authors: Chen Sixian , Ren Haitao , Lin Fuhong , Fan Siyuan , Cao Yuze , Zhao Weili , Guan Hongzhi ,   the Encephalitis Collaborative Group
Published: April 2023

Objective

To describe the clinical and radiological characteristics of anti‐metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) encephalitis.

Methods

We reviewed the clinical data of five patients with anti‐mGluR5 encephalitis, and performed a literature review.

Results

The five cases included a 52‐year‐old man who developed a biphasic course of anti‐mGluR5 encephalitis after herpes simplex encephalitis, a 22‐year‐old woman who showed bilateral basal ganglia lesions on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and a 36‐year‐old man with mixed aphasia and generalized tonic‐clonic seizures, a 51‐year‐old man presented with personality changes, hallucinations, delusions, sleeping disorders and a 58‐year‐old man with short‐term memory deficits and absence seizures.. There are 16 reported cases of anti‐mGluR5 encephalitis worldwide. Of all 21 patients, with a median onset age of 35 years old, the main neurological symptoms were cognitive impairment (85.7%, 18/21), psychiatric or behavior problems (76.2%, 16/21), seizures (57.1%, 12/21), sleeping disorders (52.4%, 11/21), different degrees of decreased consciousness (42.9%, 9/21), and movement disorders (23.8%, 5/21). Brain MRI was normal in 11 of 21 patients. Lesions of the limbic lobes were presented in 5 patients, while involvement of other extralimbic regions was also reported. Seven of 21 (33.3%) cases were combined with tumors. Elevated white blood cell counts or specific oligoclonal IgG bands in the cerebrospinal fluid were found in 18 of 21 patients, with marked improvements observed after immunotherapy.

Discussion

Patients with anti‐mGluR5 encephalitis typically present with diffuse, rather than purely limbic, encephalitis. Anti‐mGluR5 encephalitis can be triggered by herpes simplex encephalitis. The risk of a combined tumor may be reduced in anti‐mGluR5 encephalitis patients.