bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blocking Layer Induced Bi‐Directional Biased Photomultiplication‐Type Near‐Infrared Flexible Organic Photodetectors
Authors: Li Shuaiqi , Wang Yazhong , Hao Lu , Tan Zhaohong , Huang Yijun , Zhong Wenkai , Dong Sheng , Yang Xiye , Huang Fei
Published: October 2024

Photomultiplication‐type organic photodetectors (PM‐OPDs) effectively amplify photogenerated signals, eliminating the need for external amplifiers and simplifying detection systems. Current designs require high bias voltages, leading to significant power consumption. This study introduces PM‐OPDs with reduced bias voltage by incorporating a hole‐blocking layer (HBL) between the active layer and electrode. Deep HOMO level and thin HBL facilitate hole accumulation and energy level bending, lowering bias voltage and enhancing electron injection. The elevated LUMO level of the HBL minimizes non‐radiative recombination and prolongs the lifetime of accumulated holes, resulting in greater photogains. Four HBLs—BCP, PFN‐Br, BPhen, and C60—are explored with ZnO serving as an electron transporting layer (ETL). By applying a bi‐directional bias of ±0.5 V, PM‐OPDs are enabled to operate with an EQE of 19560% and a detectivity of 2.8 × 1013 Jones. The versatility of this mechanism is validated across three active layer combinations. Compared to commercial silicon photodetector, the flexible PM‐OPDs achieved a 139.3‐fold increase in photocurrent in photoplethysmography under faint light conditions. This work presents a promising strategy for developing bi‐directional biased PM‐OPDs with reduced power consumption while maintaining high gains for various practical applications.
Enhanced Fluorescence in Green ZnSeTe Quantum Dots Using Gradient Layer Technique
Authors: Heo Ho Seok , Shin Gyu Jin , Lee Seung Ah , Baek Seungho , Han Seungmin , Choi Soo‐Hyung , Lee Jun Hyup , Lee Kangtaek
Published: October 2024

A novel method is presented for synthesizing green ZnSeTe quantum dots (QDs) that demonstrate high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) and a narrow full width at half maximum (FWHM). In this synthesis, a gradient layer is created between the ZnSeTe core and the ZnSe inner shell by utilizing the different reactivities of precursors. This innovative approach aims to reduce lattice mismatch and minimize interfacial defects, thereby enhancing the fluorescence properties of ZnSeTe QDs. Using the gradient layer, green QDs are achieved with a FWHM of 36 nm and a PLQY of 90%, surpassing previous results. Detailed structural analyses confirmed a reduction in stacking faults and strain in the QDs with a gradient layer, leading to enhanced fluorescence properties. The QDs with a gradient layer are successfully integrated into the emissive layer of a quantum dot light–emitting diode device, demonstrating superior performance compared to QDs without the gradient layer.
Sensitive Detection and Visual Recognition of Jatrorrhizine Based on a Fluorescent Eu Coordination Polymer Probe
Authors: Xu Ruijie , Li Dechao , Yang Yefang , Qie Shaowen , Hu Wenping , Li Wenting , Hu Ming
Published: October 2024

Based on 4‐([2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyridin]‐4′‐yl) benzoic acid ligand (Htpba), a fluorescent lanthanide coordination polymer was successfully synthesized, namely, [Eu (tpba)3]n (1). The single‐crystal diffraction analysis shows that Eu3+ ions in complex 1 are alternately connected with tpba3− ligands to form a one‐dimensional chain structure, which further constitutes a three‐dimensional supramolecular architecture through the π···π interactions. Complex 1 demonstrated excellent stability of thermogravimetry; and displayed good fluorescence intensity in aqueous solution with a wide pH range. In this work, complex 1 was used as a fluorescence sensor for the detection of jatrorrhizine molecule (JAT). It was found that complex 1 had high sensitivity with the detection limit of 1.02 × 10−8 M, and simultaneously displayed specific selectivity and reutilization for the exploration of JAT molecule. The static quenching, the absorption competition, the electrostatic interactions, and the photo‐induced electron transfer process are responsible for the recognition mechanism of complex 1 with sensing JAT. It is worth mentioning that a fluorescent film based on complex 1 and a light‐emitting diode device coated with the powder of complex 1 were successfully fabricated, which could rapidly recognize JAT molecule with the naked eye further.
Outcome of post‐prostatectomy stress urinary incontinence surgery in men with preoperative idiopathic detrusor overactivity
Authors: Bhatt Nikita R. , Ippoliti Simona , Nambiar Arjun , Ilie Cristian , Doherty Ruth , Smith Lee
Published: October 2024

Background

Urodynamic evidence of storage dysfunction such as detrusor overactivity (DO) and/or poor compliance are present in up to 30–40% of patients after Radical Prostatectomy (RP). However, the current optimal management of men with DO on preoperative urodynamics prior to male stress urinary incontinence (SUI) surgery is not known.

Methods

We performed a systematic search of the literature including articles on patients undergoing SUI surgery after prostatectomy with preoperative DO between January 2003 and May 2023 to ensure contemporaneous data was obtained.

Results

We identified 11 eligible publications with a total of 792 patients. On Urodynamics, 29% (n = 229) patients had DO prior to SUI surgery. Overall 69% patients had a successful outcome after SUI surgery while 26% (132/499) failed while 34% (32/95) patients who had proven DO preoperatively failed SUI surgery. The difference was not statistically significant. Considering the sub‐group analysis, the failure rate with preoperative DO was significantly higher in the sling group (43%) than in the AUS group (18%). The review was limited by the outcome heterogeneity, variability in study inclusion criteria, reporting and analysis and the quality of the available studies.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of the data, this review did not show a statistically significant higher failure rate of male incontinence surgery in patients with DO. Hence, patients with DO on preoperative urodynamics who are eligible for male SUI surgery should not be denied surgery but should be counselled appropriately of the risks and potential need for subsequent treatment, to manage expectations.
Perspectives of non‐physician partners on barriers and facilitators to AYA cancer care in Latin America
Authors: Wong Samantha L. , Alvarez Elysia , Johnston Emily E. , Romero Crystal , Rossell Nuria , Rios Ligia , Gómez García Wendy , Antillon‐Klussmann Federico , Fu Ligia , Fuentes‐Alabi Soad , Delgado Karina Quintero , Morales Daniel Ortiz , Rodriguez‐Loza Carolina , Lopez Salvador A. , Gosdin Melissa , Malogolowkin Marcio , Friedrich Paola
Published: October 2024

Background

Cancer is the fourth leading cause of death in adolescents and young adults (AYA) worldwide. Although successful treatment of cancer in AYA has increased in recent years in most of the world, this is not true for many low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC) where over 80% of all AYA live. This study investigated the needs of AYA with cancer in parts of Latin America (LATAM) through the perspectives of non‐physician health care providers and partners.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews (in Spanish) were conducted with non‐physician partners from Mexico, Peru, Central America, and the Caribbean over Zoom. Participants were recruited through previously identified local physicians and international non‐physician professionals working in these countries. Transcripts were coded and key themes identified until thematic saturation was reached (Atlas.ti).

Findings

Thirty participants representing eight countries were interviewed, providing 1202 min of transcript data. Data were organized into barriers, facilitators, and strategies to improve the delivery of health care for AYA with cancer in LATAM at the patient‐ (e.g., financial barriers, continued schooling), parent‐ (e.g., limited medical literacy, advocacy), and hospital‐level (e.g., structural barriers, increasing funding).

Interpretation

There are many similarities in the barriers and facilitators to AYA care between LATAM and high‐income countries (HIC); however, some characteristics are more unique to LATAM, for example, strict age restrictions for pediatric care and abandonment of therapy. As LATAM countries continue to build cancer control programs, there is an opportunity to consider our identified barriers, facilitators, and strategies to address the unique needs of AYA with cancer.
Effects of web‐based interventions on quality of life among patients with breast cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Coombs Lorinda A. , Kim Myoungsuk
Published: October 2024

Objective

Patients with breast cancer experience decreased quality of life due to various physical and psychological challenges. Web‐based interventions are accessible, cost‐effective, and convenient for improving their quality of life. This study evaluated whether web‐based interventions improve quality of life and included only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with clear evidence.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Web of Science, and PsycINFO were searched for articles published until October 16, 2023. Inclusion criteria were RCTs evaluating the effect of web‐based interventions on quality of life in patients with breast cancer. The risk of bias was assessed with Cochrane's Risk of Bias Tool 2.0. Standardized mean differences were calculated with a random effects model using R version 4.0.3, and subgroup and moderator analyses were performed.

Results

Since quality of life was measured using two different instruments in two studies, 21 comparisons were analyzed from 19 RCTs. As a result, the findings suggest that web‐based interventions have a small effect size on improving the quality of life for patients with breast cancer (SMD = 0.27, 95% confidence intervals [CIs]: 0.15–0.38, p = 0.03). Heterogeneity was found to be low (I2 = 40%). The quality‐of‐life subdomain results showed a moderate effect size on the physical functioning and a small effect size on the cognitive and emotional functioning of patients with breast cancer but no significant impact on their role or social functioning.

Conclusions

Web‐based interventions are effective in improving patients' quality of life with breast cancer; they also improve physical, cognitive, and emotional functioning. However, evidence regarding intervention methods remains inconclusive due to the limited number of RCTs, necessitating further research.
Association between visceral adiposity index and cancer risk in the UK Biobank cohort
Authors: Parra‐Soto Solange , Boonpor Jirapitcha , Lynskey Nathan , Araya Carolina , Ho Frederick , Pell Jill P. , Celis‐Morales Carlos
Published: October 2024

Background

The visceral adiposity index (VAI) is a marker of visceral fat accumulation and metabolic dysfunction, but there is limited evidence of its association with cancer. The objective of this study was to investigate associations between the VAI and both incident cancer at 23 sites and all‐cause cancer.

Methods

In total, 385,477 participants (53.3% women; mean age, 56.3 years) from the UK Biobank prospective cohort were included in this study. The median follow‐up was 8.2 years (interquartile range, 7.3–8.9 years). The VAI was calculated using formula the published by Amato et al. and was categorized into sex‐specific tertiles. Twenty‐four incident cancers were the outcomes. Cox proportional hazard models were adjusted for sociodemographics, lifestyle factors, and multimorbidity counts.

Results

Over the follow‐up period, 47,882 individuals developed cancer. In the fully adjusted models, the VAI was associated with a higher risk of six cancer sites. Individuals in the highest tertile, compared with those in the lowest tertile, had higher risks of uterine (hazard ratio [HR], 2.09; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.76–2.49), gallbladder (HR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.26–2.66), kidney (HR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.18–1.64), liver (HR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.00–1.56), colorectal (HR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.05–1.24), and breast (HR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.03–1.19) cancers and of all‐cause cancer (HR, 1.05). There was no evidence of a nonlinear association between the VAI and cancer risk.

Conclusions

The VAI was associated with six cancer sites and with all‐cause cancer. The prognostic and etiologic roles of visceral fat accumulation and dysfunction in cancer warrant further research.
Numerical analysis of Soret/Dufour MHD convection in a NEPCM‐filled cavity with partial porous foam: Double pipe heat exchanger application
Authors: Alomari Mohammed Azeez , Hassan Ahmed M. , Al‐Salami Qusay H. , Alyousuf Farah Q. A. , Ismael Muneer A. , Alqurashi Faris , Flayyih Mujtaba A.
Published: October 2024

The current work extensively investigates double‐diffusive of nano‐encapsulated phase change material in a thermal storage system partially filled with porous foam. The generation of irreversibilities and the influence of Soret/Dufour and magnetohydrodynamic effects are also considered. The circular cold cavity contains a corrugated hot cylinder covered by an annular foam. The considered parameters are Rayleigh number (103–105), fusion temperature (0.1–0.9), Stefan number (0.1–0.9), volume concentration of nanoparticles (0–0.05), Darcy number (10−4–10−1). Hartmann number (0–80) and the undulations of the inner (3–9). The numerical analysis has exploited the finite element approximations. The results indicate that Rayleigh and Hartmann numbers greatly influence the fluid flow, isotherms, concentrations and the melting/solidification region. The fusion has also a great influence on the melting/solidification region while there is no evident influence on the flow, isotherms and the concentrations where both Nusselt and Sherwood numbers change with around 5% with the change of the fusion temperature and Stefan number. In contrast, both values are decreased by around 30% by decreasing the Da number from 0.1 to 10−4. Furthermore, the change of the undulations number has very low influence on heat transfer, mass transfer and the melting/solidification region.
Teachers' perceptions of disciplinary literacy: A critical discourse analysis
Authors: Waymouth Heather , Weary Madison
Published: October 2024

This study explored eight middle school teachers' language about literacy implementation in their disciplinary classrooms. Interview data and supplemental artifact data were gathered from two previous studies focused on disciplinary literacy in middle school settings. This critical discourse analysis examined how teachers' language elucidated their perspectives toward literacy and for whom literacy instruction is intended. Findings suggest that teachers considered literacy instruction as remediation, as access to content, and as an opportunity for student agency. Teachers' language around literacy as remediation and as access demonstrated potential dysconscious racism and ableism. This may reify systems of power which position White, able‐bodied/minded students' literacies as a more desirable foundation for disciplinary learning.
Pressure loading regulates the stemness of liver cancer stem cells via YAP/BMF signaling axis
Authors: Ma Di , Liang Rui , Luo Qing , Song Guanbin
Published: October 2024

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are considered the major cause of the occurrence, progression, chemoresistance/radioresistance, recurrence, and metastasis of cancer. Increased interstitial fluid pressure (IFP) is a key feature of solid tumors. Our previous study showed that the distribution of liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) correlated with the mechanical heterogeneity within liver cancer tissues. However, the regulation of liver cancer's mechanical microenvironment on the LCSC stemness is not fully understood. Here, we employed a cellular pressure‐loading device to investigate the effects of normal IFP (5 mmHg), as well as increased IFP (40 and 200 mmHg) on the stemness of LCSCs. Compared to the control LCSCs (exposure to 5 mmHg pressure loading), the LCSCs exposed to 40 mmHg pressure loading exhibited significantly upregulated expression of CSC markers (CD44, EpCAM, Nanog), enhanced sphere and colony formation capacities, and tumorigenic potential, whereas continuously increased pressure to 200 mmHg suppressed the LCSC characteristics. Mechanistically, pressure loading regulated Yes‐associated protein (YAP) activity and Bcl‐2 modifying factor (BMF) expression. YAP transcriptionally regulated BMF expression to affect the stemness of LCSCs. Knockdown of YAP and overexpression of BMF attenuated pressure‐mediated stemness and tumorgenicity, while YAP‐deficient and BMF‐deletion recused pressure‐dependent stemness on LCSCs, suggesting the involvement of YAP/BMF signaling axis in this process. Together, our findings provide a potential target for overcoming the stemness of CSCs and elucidate the significance of increased IFP in cancer progression.
Counting circuit double covers
Authors: Hušek Radek , Šámal Robert
Published: October 2024

We study a counting version of Cycle Double Cover Conjecture. We discuss why it is more interesting to count circuits (i.e., graphs isomorphic to for some ) instead of cycles (graphs with all degrees even). We give an almost‐exponential lower bound for graphs with a surface embedding of representativity at least 4. We also prove an exponential lower bound for planar graphs. We conjecture that any bridgeless cubic graph has at least circuit double covers and we show an infinite class of graphs for which this bound is tight.
Super stable tensegrities and the Colin de Verdière number ν \unicode{x003BD}
Authors: Oba Ryoshun , Tanigawa Shin‐ichi
Published: October 2024

A super stable tensegrity introduced by Connelly in 1982 is a globally rigid discrete structure made from stiff bars and struts connected by cables with tension. We introduce the super stability number of a multigraph as the maximum dimension that a multigraph can be realized as a super stable tensegrity, and show that it equals the Colin de Verdière number minus one. As a corollary we obtain a combinatorial characterization of multigraphs that can be realized as three‐dimensional super stable tensegrities. We also show that, for any fixed , there is an infinite family of 3‐regular graphs that can be realized as ‐dimensional injective super stable tensegrities.
Unravel the distinct effects of adiposity at different life stages on COVID‐19 susceptibility and severity: A life‐course Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Xiao Pei , Li Chi , Wu Jinyi , Dai Jiayuan
Published: October 2024

Childhood obesity is widely recognized as a risk factor for numerous health conditions, particularly cardiovascular disease. However, it remains unclear whether childhood adiposity directly affects the risk of COVID‐19 in later life. We aimed to investigate the causal effects of early life adiposity on COVID‐19 susceptibility and severity. We used genetic instruments from large‐scale genome‐wide association studies to examine the relationships between birth weight, childhood and adulthood adiposity indicators (including body mass index [BMI], obesity, and body size), and COVID‐19 outcomes. Univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were used to obtain the causal estimates. Univariable MR analyses found that childhood BMI and obesity were positively associated with COVID‐19 risk and severity in adulthood, however, the significant associations were attenuated to null after further adjusting for adulthood adiposity indicators in multivariable MR analyses. In contrast, our analysis revealed strong evidence of a genetically predicted effect of childhood obesity on COVID‐19 hospitalization (OR 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01‐1.15, p = 2.12E‐2), which remained robust even after adjusting for adulthood obesity and potential lifestyle confounders. Our results highlight the importance of promoting healthy weight management throughout life to reduce the risk of COVID‐19.
Suramin enhances proliferation, migration, and tendon gene expression of human supraspinatus tenocytes
Authors: Huang Shih‐Hao , Wang Chih‐Chien , Shen Po‐Chih , Liu Zi‐Miao , Chen Shu‐Jung , Tien Yin‐Chun , Lu Cheng‐Chang
Published: October 2024

Rotator cuff tendinopathy is a common musculoskeletal disorder with limited pharmacological treatment strategies. This study aimed to investigate tenocytes’ functional in vitro response from a ruptured supraspinatus tendon to suramin administration and to elucidate whether suramin can enhance tendon repair and modulate the inflammatory response to injury. Tenocytes were obtained from human supraspinatus tendons (n = 6). We investigated the effect of suramin on LPS‐induced inflammatory responses and the underlying molecular mechanisms in THP‐1 macrophages. Suramin enhanced the proliferation, cell viability, and migration of tenocytes. It also increased the protein expression of PCNA and Ki‐67. Suramin‐treated tenocytes exhibited increased expression of COL1A1, COL3A1, TNC, SCX, and VEGF. Suramin significantly reduced LPS‐induced iNOS, COX2 synthesis, inflammatory cytokine TNF‐α production, and inflammatory signaling by influencing the NF‐κB pathways in THP‐1 cells. Our results suggest that suramin holds great promise as a therapeutic option for treating rotator cuff tendinopathy.
Properties of liquid foams stabilized by sugar‐based surfactants and prepared under different conditions
Authors: do Nascimento João Victor Cordeiro , Lima Eduardo R. A. , Preisig Natalie , Stubenrauch Cosima
Published: October 2024

The study of foam stability is a subject of continuous research, due to the different fields of application foams are used in. In this study, foams stabilized with a family of nonionic sugar‐based surfactants were investigated systematically. For this purpose, we changed the concentration (c > cmc), the gas flow rate, and the disk porosity. The foam properties were evaluated by measuring the foam volume, the liquid fraction, and the bubble size distribution as a function of time. We observed good foamability for all conditions tested with a tendency towards increasing stability with increasing chain length and increasing head group size. For foams stabilized by the short chain surfactants β‐C8G1 and β‐C8G2 we observed a significant time evolution due to coarsening and coalescence, while foams stabilized with the longer chain surfactants hardly changed during the observation time. From an industrial point of view, our study helps to understand properties of foams generated under different conditions. We conclude that for the special family investigated here a very good performance can be expected for a broad variety of conditions.
A combinatorial culture strategy to develop pseudomyxoma peritonei organoid models
Authors: Varinelli Luca , Di Bella Marzia , Guaglio Marcello , Battistessa Davide , Pisati Federica , Cavalleri Tommaso , Milione Massimo , Martínez‐Quintanilla Jordi , Caswell Patrick T. , Baratti Dario , Kusamura Shigeki , Deraco Marcello , Gariboldi Manuela ,   PMPnet Group
Published: October 2024

Background and Objectives

Few preclinical models of pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) have been developed, probably due to the tumor's low incidence and its peculiar characteristics of slow growth. Therefore, there is a need to develop more refined PMP models that better reflect its characteristics. The aim of the study is to develop a culture strategy to generate organoid models derived from PMP patient samples.

Methods

We followed a strategy based on combinatorial culture conditions that include the different factors essential for PMP growth and that mimic the microenvironment present in the patients.

Results

We cultured PMP samples in the presence of the various factors produced by the niche environment of PMP. We obtained 12 PMP organoid models, each of which grows under specific culture conditions. PMP‐derived organoids show long‐term expansion capacity and reproduce the genetic landscape and histological phenotype of the tumor of origin.

Conclusion

The organoids we developed faithfully reproduce the key features of PMP disease and will allow us to understand the biology of PMP. With them, we will be able to identify key regulatory networks that support PMP progression, providing a platform for multilevel preclinical testing, identify novel diagnostic biomarkers, and generate novel targets for patient treatments.
Revision ACL reconstruction, but not bilateral ACL reconstruction, is associated with clinically relevant inferior subjective knee function compared with primary ACL reconstruction: A comparative analysis of 6831 patients
Authors: Cristiani Riccardo , Hamrin Senorski Eric , Helito Camilo P. , Samuelsson Kristian , Stålman Anders
Published: October 2024

Purpose

To evaluate and compare the subjective knee function in patients undergoing revision and bilateral anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) with those undergoing primary ACLR in a large cohort.

Methods

Patients without concomitant ligament injuries who underwent primary, revision or bilateral ACLR at the Capio Artro Clinic, Stockholm, Sweden, between 2005 and 2018 were identified. The Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) was collected preoperatively and at 1, 2 and 5 years postoperatively from the Swedish National Knee Ligament Registry. Patients who underwent revision and bilateral ACLR were compared with those who underwent primary ACLR (control group) using Student's t test.

Results

A total of 6831 patients (6102 with primary ACLRs, 343 with revision ACLRs and 386 with bilateral ACLRs) were included. Preoperatively, there were significant but nonclinically relevant differences in favour of the revision ACLR group for KOOS Symptoms, Pain, Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Sport/Rec subscale scores compared with the primary ACLR group. Postoperatively, except for the 1‐year Symptoms and ADL subscales, the revision ACLR group reported significantly lower scores on all KOOS subscales than the primary ACLR group, with clinically relevant differences (>8–10 points) for the 1‐, 2‐ and 5‐year Sport/Rec and Quality of Life (QOL) subscales. The bilateral ACLR group reported significantly, but not clinically relevant, inferior scores on the 1‐year Symptoms and QOL subscales and the 5‐year Sport/Rec and QOL subscales compared with the primary ACLR group.

Conclusions

Revision ACLR, but not bilateral ACLR, was associated with clinically relevant inferior subjective knee function compared with primary ACLR. It is important to counsel patients regarding their future subjective knee function after repeated ACLR. Compared to primary ACLR, inferior subjective results should be expected after revision ACLR, but not after bilateral ACLR.

Level of Evidence

Level III.
Chip‐Scale Dispersion Compensation of High‐Speed Data – Recent Progress and Future Perspectives
Authors: Chen George F. R. , Ong Kenny Y. K. , Tan Dawn T. H.
Published: October 2024

High‐speed data movement in data center communications and telecommunications is the cornerstone of society's connectivity. It serves as a critical driver of economic activity, social networks, and education. Complementary metal‐oxide semiconductor compatible silicon‐based photonic integrated circuits have proliferated transceiver technology, owing to their ease of integration with application‐specific integrated circuits and mass manufacturability. Fiber impairments in the transmission of high‐speed data stem from both optical attenuation and optical dispersion. As data rates scale and modulation formats advance, the impact of fiber dispersion even at shorter reaches becomes more important to address. In this review article, recent advancements made in integrated, chip‐scale dispersion compensation solutions are covered. The focus on chip‐scale devices stems from their ability to be easily integrated within the transmitter or receiver chip of transceivers. Future perspectives on how these devices may become commonplace within transceivers and their potential impact are discussed.
Laser NIR Irradiation Enhances Antimicrobial Photodynamic Inactivation of Biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Mamone Leandro , Tomás Roberto , Di Venosa Gabriela , Gándara Lautaro , Durantini Edgardo , Buzzola Fernanda , Casas Adriana
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) is a powerful technique for eradicating microorganisms, and our group previously demonstrated its effectiveness against planktonic cultures of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria using 5,10,15,20‐tetrakis[4‐(3‐N,N‐dimethylaminopropoxy)phenyl]porphyrin (TAPP) and visible light irradiation. However, biofilms exhibit a lower sensitivity to PDI, mainly due to limited penetration of the photosensitizer (PS). In the context of emerging antibacterial strategies, near‐infrared treatments (NIRTs) have shown promise, especially for combating resistant strains. NIRT can act either through photon absorption by water, causing a thermal effect on bacteria, or by specific chromophores without a significant temperature increase. Our objective was to enhance biofilm sensitivity to TAPP‐PDI by pretreatment with NIRT. This combined approach aims to disrupt biofilms and increase the efficacy of TAPP‐PDI against bacterial biofilms.

Materials and Methods

In vitro biofilm models of S. aureus RN6390 were utilized. NIRTs involved a 980 nm laser (continuous mode, 7.5 W/cm2, 30 s, totaling 225 J/cm2) post‐TAPP exposure to enhance photosensitizer accumulation. Subsequent visible light irradiation at 180 J/cm2 was employed to perform PDI. Colony‐forming unit counts evaluated the synergistic effect on bacterial viability. Scanning electron microscopy visualized the architectural changes in the biofilm structure. TAPP was extracted from bacteria to estimate the impact of NIRT on biofilm penetration.

Results

Using in vitro biofilm models, NIRT application following biofilm exposure to TAPP increased PS accumulation per bacteria. Under these conditions, NIRT induced a transient increase in the temperature of PBS to 46.0 ± 2.6°C (ΔT = 21.5°C). Following exposure to visible light, a synergistic effect emerged, yielding a substantial 4.4 ± 0.1‐log CFU reduction. In contrast, the PDI and NIRT treatments individually caused a decrease in viability of 0.9 ± 0.1 and 0.8 ± 0.2‐log respectively. Interestingly, preheating TAPP‐PBS to 46°C had no significant impact on TAPP‐PDI efficacy, suggesting the involvement of thermal and nonthermal effects of NIR action. In addition to the enhanced TAPP penetration, NIRT dispersed the biofilms and induced clefts in the biofilm matrix.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that NIR irradiation serves as a complementary treatment to PDI. This combined strategy reduces bacterial numbers at lower PS concentrations than standalone PDI treatment, highlighting its potential as an effective and resource‐efficient antibacterial approach.
Application of Whole‐Exome Sequencing in the Prenatal Diagnosis of Foetuses With Central Nervous System Abnormalities
Authors: Luo Caiqun , Wen Erya , Liu Yang , Wang Hui , Jia Bei , Chen Liyuan , Wu Xiaoxia , Geng Qian , Wen Huaxuan , Li Shengli , Liu Bingguang , Wu Weiqing , Zhong Mei
Published: October 2024

Objective

To investigate the clinical value of whole‐exome sequencing (WES) in the diagnosis of foetuses with central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities but having a normal karyotyping and chromosomal microarray result.

Method

During the period of 2016–2022, there were a total of 149 foetuses with CNS abnormalities but having negative karyotyping and chromosomal microarray analysis results; WES was performed on these foetuses and their parents. Variants were classified according to ACMG guidelines, and the association of pathogenic variants with specific types of CNS abnormalities was explored.

Results

Among these 149 foetuses, three categories of abnormalities, namely, single CNS abnormality, multiple CNS abnormalities, CNS abnormalities along with other organ system abnormalities were identified, for which the detection rate of P/LP variants is 17.4% (12/69), 28.6% (14/49) and 54.8% (17/31), respectively.

Conclusion

WES brought about an increase of 28.9% in diagnostic yield in the prenatal evaluation of foetuses with CNS abnormalities but having negative karyotyping and chromosome array results. WES may also be of benefit for the diagnosis of foetuses with isolated CNS abnormalities, as well as for making more informed interpretations of imaging findings and for providing better genetic counselling.
Drone‐towed electromagnetic and magnetic systems for subsurface characterization and archaeological prospecting
Authors: Vilhelmsen Tobias B. , Grayver Alexander V. , Døssing Arne
Published: October 2024

Drone‐based geophysical surveying is an emerging measuring platform. High time‐cost efficiency and flexibility to survey over inaccessible areas make drones attractive or sometimes the only feasible option to carry geophysical measurements. This study presents a new drone‐towed electromagnetic induction and magnetic gradient sensor system used for near‐surface characterization and areal mapping.

The system uses various datasets to enhance processing and interpretation. The system includes; an electromagnetic induction instrument; magnetic sensors; GNSS‐IMU system; photogrammetry; Lidar model data; and geoid model data. Robust data processing and stochastic inversion subsurface characterization for archaeological prospecting with drone‐towed electromagnetic induction and magnetic gradient sensor systems. Robust statistical methods were used to process the data.

We conducted the fieldwork at one of the ancient Viking settlements in Denmark. The surveyed area was approximately 100200 m. We then implemented and applied a one‐dimensional laterally constrained non‐linear stochastic inversion to image the subsurface electrical conductivity. The inversion results show a consistent conductive layer at 5–8 m depths, likely associated with the groundwater level. This conductive layer is disrupted under a prominent anomaly within a 2–4 m wide area. Our analysis showed that this conductivity disruption could be a flint mine extending 7 m deep. This anomaly also has a strong signature in magnetic gradient data.
Experimental investigation on the compression‐after‐double‐impact behaviors of GFRP laminates embedded with aluminum mesh
Authors: Xie Chenlin , Wan Yun , Wang Lifu , Yu Xinhai , Ma Yunsheng
Published: October 2024

Drawing inspiration from carp scales to manufacture specimens, we investigated the effect of embedding aluminum mesh on the two‐point low‐velocity impact (LVI) and compression‐after‐double‐impact (CAI) behavior of glass fiber‐reinforced polymer (GFRP) laminates, fabricated via the hot‐pressing process, varying lay‐up angle of both fiber and aluminum mesh. INSTRON 9340 performs LVI loading tests at the same impact distance and with four different incidence energies. Further, in addition to their post‐impact damage characterized by an ultrasonic C‐scan, their failure evolution of compression after impact was presented according to strain contour obtained from the digital image correlation (DIC) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) technique. After comparing the response history and damage morphology of various panels, it was found that the addition of aluminum mesh could improve the ductility of the panels and promote their performance in low‐velocity impact events. This enhancement stems from the ability of the ductile aluminum mesh net to effectively absorb and redistribute impact energy in the vicinity of the impact point. It is noteworthy that the damaged area of specimens with different layup angles following low‐velocity impact exhibits the following pattern: VG8VAl > VG8IAl > IG8IAl.

Highlights

Mechanical behavior on two‐point LVI test of laminates varying layup angles.

The LVI and CAI performance was analyzed by C‐scan, SEM, and DIC.

Compressive failure mode is brittle fracture at the impact area.

The resin fills holes in the aluminum mesh to improve sample impact property.

Laminates with aluminum mesh have less damage but a larger damage area.
Personality difficulty: A useful addition to the literature on personality disturbance
Authors: Bangash Ayesha
Published: October 2024

The term personality difficulty has become part of the personality disorders and related traits section of the 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases. People with this condition make great use of health services as it can be associated with distress and poor social functioning. In the WHO guidebook, Clinical Descriptions and Diagnostic Requirements for ICD‐11 Mental, Behavioural and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (CDDR) (2024) personality difficulty is included to aid clinicians in diagnosing mental, behavioural and neurodevelopmental disorders. It is not a diagnosis but has a formal code (QE 50.7) as a ‘problem associated with interpersonal interactions’. The use of this subsyndromal condition is currently uncertain and, in some quarters, may be challenged, but it is an essential part of the dimensional classification of personality dysfunction and is likely to help in overcoming the stigma around personality issues.
CoNglyPred: Accurate Prediction of N‐Linked Glycosylation Sites Using ESM‐2 and Structural Features With Graph Network and Co‐Attention
Authors: Wang Hongmei , Zhao Long , Yu Ziyuan , Zeng Ximin , Shi Shaoping
Published: October 2024

N‐Linked glycosylation is crucial for various biological processes such as protein folding, immune response, and cellular transport. Traditional experimental methods for determining N‐linked glycosylation sites entail substantial time and labor investment, which has led to the development of computational approaches as a more efficient alternative. However, due to the limited availability of 3D structural data, existing prediction methods often struggle to fully utilize structural information and fall short in integrating sequence and structural information effectively. Motivated by the progress of protein pretrained language models (pLMs) and the breakthrough in protein structure prediction, we introduced a high‐accuracy model called CoNglyPred. Having compared various pLMs, we opt for the large‐scale pLM ESM‐2 to extract sequence embeddings, thus mitigating certain limitations associated with manual feature extraction. Meanwhile, our approach employs a graph transformer network to process the 3D protein structures predicted by AlphaFold2. The final graph output and ESM‐2 embedding are intricately integrated through a co‐attention mechanism. Among a series of comprehensive experiments on the independent test dataset, CoNglyPred outperforms state‐of‐the‐art models and demonstrates exceptional performance in case study. In addition, we are the first to report the uncertainty of N‐linked glycosylation predictors using expected calibration error and expected uncertainty calibration error.
Cromolyn sodium and masitinib combination inhibits fibroblast‐myofibroblast transition and exerts additive cell‐protective and antioxidant effects on a bleomycin‐induced in vitro fibrosis model
Authors: Göksu Azize Yasemin , Dirol Hulya , Kocanci Fatma Gonca
Published: October 2024

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and fatal fibrotic lung disease. While recent studies have suggested the potential efficacy of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in managing IPF, masitinib, a clinically used tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has not yet been investigated for its efficacy in fibrotic lung diseases. In a previous study on an in vitro neurodegenerative model, we demonstrated the synergistic antitoxic and antioxidant effects of masitinib combined with cromolyn sodium, an FDA‐approved mast cell stabilizer. This study aims to investigate the anti‐fibrotic and antioxidant effects of the masitinib‐cromolyn sodium combination in an in vitro model of pulmonary fibrosis. Fibroblast cell cultures treated with bleomycin and/or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were subjected to masitinib and/or cromolyn sodium, followed by assessments of cell viability, morphological and apoptotic nuclear changes, triple‐immunofluorescence labeling, and total oxidant/antioxidant capacities, besides ratio of Bax and Bcl‐2 mRNA expressions as an indication of apoptosis. The combined treatment of masitinib and cromolyn sodium effectively prevented the fibroblast myofibroblast transition, a hallmark of fibrosis, and significantly reduced bleomycin / H2O2‐induced apoptosis and oxidative stress. This study is the first to demonstrate the additive anti‐fibrotic, cell‐protective, and antioxidant effects of the masitinib‐cromolyn sodium combination in an in vitro fibrosis model, suggesting its potential as an innovative therapeutic approach for pulmonary fibrosis. Combination therapy may be more advantageous in that both drugs could be administered in lower doses, exerting less side effects, and at the same time providing diverse mechanisms of action simultaneously.
Effect of mitochondrial coenzyme‐Q10 precursor solanesol in gentamicin‐induced experimental nephrotoxicity: Evidence from restoration of ETC‐complexes and histopathological alterations
Authors: Sangwan Minakshi , Chaudhary Hema , Mehan Sidharth , Khan Zuber , Bahauddin Ammar A. , Alrehaili Bandar D. , Elbadawy Hossein M. , Almikhlafi Mohannad A. , Narula Acharan S. , Kalfin Reni , Wanas Hanna
Published: October 2024

Nephrotoxicity occurs when the body is exposed to certain drugs or toxins. When kidney damage occurs, the kidney fails to eliminate excess urine and waste. Solanesol (C45H74O) is a tri‐sesquiterpenoid alcohol first isolated from tobacco, and it is widely distributed in plants of the Solanaceae family. Solanesol (SNL) is an intermediate in the synthesis of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), an antioxidant which protects nerve cells. This study investigated the protective effect of SNL at doses of 30 and 60 mg/kg in gentamicin‐induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar albino rats. Animals were distributed into six groups and administered 100 mg/kg gentamicin‐intraperitoneal injection for 14 days. Biochemical assessments were performed on kidney homogenate, blood, and serum. Treatment with SNL was shown as lower serum levels of creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and Tumor necrosis factor alpha)TNF‐α ((p < .001). It also restored reduced glutathione (GSH) and mitochondrial complex enzymatic activity as protective measures against gentamicin‐induced nephrotoxicity. SNL were shown to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress markers (p < .001). Histological findings furtherly augmented the protective effects of SNL. Long‐term SNL therapy also restored mitochondrial electron transport chain complex enzymes, such as complex‐I (p < .001). In conclusion, these findings suggest that SNL can represent a protective therapeutic option for drug‐induced nephrotoxicity, a long‐term adverse effect of aminoglycoside antibiotics such as gentamicin.
PBPK modeling: What is the role of CYP3A4 expression in the gastrointestinal tract to accurately predict first‐pass metabolism?
Authors: Henriot Justine , Dallmann André , Dupuis François , Perrier Jérémy , Frechen Sebastian
Published: October 2024

Gastrointestinal first‐pass metabolism plays an important role in bioavailability and in drug–drug interactions. Physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling is a powerful tool to integrate these processes mechanistically. However, a correct bottom‐up prediction of GI first‐pass metabolism is challenging and depends on various model parameters like the level of enzyme expression and the basolateral intestinal mucosa permeability (Pmucosa). This work aimed to investigate if cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 expression could help predict the first‐pass effect using PBPK modeling or whether additional factors like Pmucosa do play additional roles using PBPK modeling. To this end, a systematic review of the absolute CYP3A expression in the human gastrointestinal tract and liver was conducted. The resulting CYP3A4 expression profile and two previously published profiles were applied to PBPK models of seven CYP3A4 substrates (alfentanil, alprazolam, felodipine, midazolam, sildenafil, triazolam, and verapamil) built‐in PK‐Sim®. For each compound, it was assessed whether first‐pass metabolism could be adequately predicted based on the integrated CYP3A4 expression profile alone or whether an optimization of Pmucosa was required. Evaluation criteria were the precision of the predicted interstudy bioavailabilities and area under the concentration–time curves. It was found that none of the expression profiles provided upfront an adequate description of the extent of GI metabolism and that optimization of Pmucosa as a compound‐specific parameter improved the prediction of most models. Our findings indicate that a pure bottom‐up prediction of gastrointestinal first‐pass metabolism is currently not possible and that compound‐specific features like Pmucosa must be considered as well.
AI‐driven adaptive learning for sustainable educational transformation
Authors: Strielkowski Wadim , Grebennikova Veronika , Lisovskiy Alexander , Rakhimova Guzalbegim , Vasileva Tatiana
Published: October 2024

This paper scrutinizes how adaptive learning technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming today's education by making it personalized, accessible, and efficient as well as leading people to accepting, addressing, and mitigating sustainable development. Recently, education witnessed a remarkable technological surge driven by various advances in technology, which can be demonstrated by the increase of the number of scientific publications on this topic from just 1 in 1990 to 636 in 2023. Ongoing digitalization and technological revolution in education together with the novel approach to respect each student's unique learning style and abilities paved the way for adaptive learning technologies represented by the innovative tools that personalize educational experiences to cater to individual learners. All of that contributes to preparing more educated and informed citizens, drives innovation, and supports economic growth necessary for achieving a sustainable future. Our bibliographic study employs VOSviewer to conduct a bibliometric analysis of a total number of 3518 selected publications using the keywords “adaptive learning” and “AI” (represented by articles, proceeding papers, and book chapters) indexed in the Web of Science (WoS) database from 1990 to 2024. Our results demonstrate that recent technological changes played a key role in transforming adaptive learning, which was rather reinforced by the “digital surge” in education brought about by the COVID‐19 pandemic. Our findings can be useful for further development in the field of adaptive education where they can be employed by the relevant stakeholders and policymakers as well as by the scholars and researchers.
Stepwise Curing Induced All‐Stretchable Thermoelectric Generator of High Power Density
Authors: Kim Daegun , Kim Myeong‐Eun , Kim Hoimin , Lee Jaehoon , Lee Jiyun , Lee Hansol , Lee Dongki , Lee Nae‐Eung , Kang Boseok
Published: October 2024

In this study, a wearable and highly stretchable organic thermoelectric (TE) generator with a notable power density is developed. A highly stretchable and solution‐processable TE/electrode pattern is realized by stepwise‐curing elastomeric and conducting network. Significant advances in the TE or electrical properties are obtained for these stretchable patterns through post‐activation treatment, which creates long‐range charge transport pathways without degrading pre‐established elastomeric networks. The TE and electrode patterns are solution‐processed to a stretchable template, so that all‐stretchable TE generator is realized. The fabricated TE generator maintains 90% of its maximum TE power output at 40% stretching stress and shows a stable TE power output after 200 stretching cycles. The TE generator maintains its stretchability in highly densified patterns, as the highly stretchable TE/electrode patterns enable good stretchability with little aid of the stretchable template. So, the TE generator has a high power density of 0.32 nW cm−2 K−2, one of the highest values among stretchable TE generators to date.