bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship of Depressive Symptoms to the Impact of Physical Symptoms on Functional Status in Women With Heart Failure
Authors: Song Eun Kyeung , Moser Debra K. , Lennie Terry A.
Published: June 2009

Background Among patients with heart failure, women have worse functional status than do men, but little research has focused on determining factors that influence functional status in either sex.

Objectives To compare factors that influence functional status in men and women with heart failure and to test whether depressive symptoms mediate the relationship between physical symptoms and functional status.

Methods A cross-sectional, descriptive study design was used. A total of 231 patients, 133 men and 98 women, were recruited from an inpatient heart failure clinic in South Korea. Functional status (the Korean Activity Scale/Index), physical symptoms (the Symptom Status Questionnaire), depressive symptoms (the Beck Depression Inventory), and situational factors (living status, socioeconomic status) were measured. Hierarchical multiple regression and mediation analysis were used for data analysis.

Results Women (mean score, 24.5; SD, 17.3) had worse functional status than did men (mean score, 31.9; SD, 20.1; P = .004). Dyspnea on exertion (β = −0.16), ankle swelling (β = −0.19), fatigue (β = −0.20), and depressive symptoms (β = −0.19) were independently associated with functional status in women, whereas only dyspnea on exertion (β = −0.30) influenced functional status of men in hierarchical multiple regression analysis. Mediation analysis indicated that depressive symptoms mediated the relationship between physical symptoms and functional status in women with heart failure, but not in men.

Conclusions Distinct physical and psychological symptoms influence functional status in women with heart failure. A systematic multidimensional intervention may be required to target depressive symptoms to improve functional status in women with heart failure.
Prednisolone Treatment Induces Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells and a Regulatory Milieu in Myasthenia Gravis Patients
Authors: Luther Claudia , Adamopoulou Eleni , Stoeckle Christina , Brucklacher-Waldert Verena , Rosenkranz Daniela , Stoltze Lars , Lauer Sigrid , Poeschel Simone , Melms Arthur , Tolosa Eva
Published: June 2009

FOXP3-expressing naturally occurring CD4+CD25high T regulatory cells (Treg) are relevant in the control of autoimmunity, and a defect in this cell population has been observed in several human autoimmune diseases. We hypothesized that altered functions of peripheral Treg cells might play a role in the immunopathogenesis of myasthenia gravis, a T cell-dependent autoimmune disease characterized by the presence of pathogenic autoantibodies specific for the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. We report in this study a significant decrease in the in vitro suppressive function of peripheral Treg cells isolated from myasthenia patients in comparison to those from healthy donors. Interestingly, Treg cells from prednisolone-treated myasthenia gravis patients showed an improved suppressive function compared with untreated patients, suggesting that prednisolone may play a role in the control of the peripheral regulatory network. Indeed, prednisolone treatment prevents LPS-induced maturation of monocyte-derived dendritic cells by hampering the up-regulation of costimulatory molecules and by limiting secretion of IL-12 and IL-23, and enhancing IL-10. In addition, CD4+ T cells cultured in the presence of such tolerogenic dendritic cells are hyporesponsive and can suppress autologous CD4+ T cell proliferation. The results shown in this study indicate that prednisolone treatment promotes an environment that favors immune regulation rather than inflammation.
A MyD88-Dependent Early IL-17 Production Protects Mice against Airway Infection with the Obligate Intracellular Pathogen Chlamydia muridarum
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyun , Gao Lifen , Lei Lei , Zhong Youmin , Dube Peter , Berton Michael T. , Arulanandam Bernard , Zhang Jinshun , Zhong Guangming
Published: June 2009

We found that IL-17, a signature cytokine of Th17, was produced early in the innate immunity phase after an intranasal infection with the obligate intracellular pathogen Chlamydia muridarum. The airway IL-17, which peaked at 48 h after infection, was dependent on live chlamydial organism replication and MyD88-mediated signaling pathways. Treatment with antibiotics or knockout of the MyD88 gene, but not Toll/IL receptor domain-containing adapter-inducing IFN-β, can block the early IL-17 production. Treatment of mice with an anti-IL-17-neutralizing mAb enhanced growth of chlamydial organisms in the lung, dissemination to other organs, and decreased mouse survival, whereas treatment with an isotype-matched control IgG had no effect. Although IL-17 did not directly affect chlamydial growth in cell culture, it enhanced the production of other inflammatory cytokines and chemokines by Chlamydia-infected cells and promoted neutrophil infiltration in mouse airways during chlamydial infection, which may contribute to the antichlamydial effect of IL-17. These observations suggest that an early IL-17 response as an innate immunity component plays an important role in initiating host defense against infection with intracellular bacterial pathogens in the airway.
Gene Expression Profiling and Real-Time PCR Analyses Identify Novel Potential Cancer-Testis Antigens in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Condomines Maud , Hose Dirk , Rème Thierry , Requirand Guilhem , Hundemer Michael , Schoenhals Matthieu , Goldschmidt Hartmut , Klein Bernard
Published: June 2009

Cancer-testis (CT) Ags are attractive targets for immunotherapeutic strategies since they are aberrantly expressed in malignant cells and not, or in limited number, in somatic tissues, except germ cells. To identify novel CT genes in multiple myeloma, we used Affymetrix HG-U133 gene expression profiles of 5 testis, 64 primary multiple myeloma cells (MMC), and 24 normal tissue samples. A 5-filter method was developed to keep known CT genes while deleting non-CT genes. Starting from 44,928 probe sets, including probe sets for 18 previously described CT genes, we have obtained 82 genes expressed in MMC and testis and not detected in more than 6 normal tissue samples. This list includes 14 of the 18 known CT genes and 68 novel putative CT genes. Real-time RT-PCR was performed for 34 genes in 12 normal tissue samples, 5 MMC samples, and one sample of five pooled testes. It has validated the CT status of 23 of 34 genes (67%). We found one novel “testis-restricted” gene (TEX14, expression in testis and tumor only), eight “tissue-restricted” (mRNA detected in one or two nongametogenic tissues), and seven “differentially expressed” (mRNA detected in three to six nongametogenic tissues) CT genes. Further studies are warranted to determine the immunogenicity of these novel CT Ag candidates.
B Cell Intrinsic MyD88 Signals Drive IFN-γ Production from T Cells and Control Switching to IgG2c
Authors: Barr Tom A. , Brown Sheila , Mastroeni Pietro , Gray David
Published: June 2009

The question of whether Ab responses to T-dependent Ags require B cell intrinsic signaling via the main TLR adaptor (MyD88) has become embroiled in confusion. In part this may be related to the methods used to analyze B cell intrinsic signaling. We have used a mixed bone marrow chimera model to generate mice in which the B cell compartment is completely deficient in MyD88 expression, while the other hematopoietic lineages are largely normal. These mice were immunized with T-dependent Ags or infected with Salmonella. We found that the Ag-specific IgG2c primary response was absolutely dependent on MyD88 signaling to B cells, while other Ig classes were not (IgG1 and IgG3) or much less so (IgG2b, IgA). The MyD88B−/− chimeric mice exhibited an impairment of development of IFN-γ effector T cells, a likely contributory factor in the lack of IgG2c. We also found that B cell intrinsic MyD88 signals are required for the production of natural Abs. The data emphasize the nonredundant role of B cells as programmers of T cell differentiation in vivo.
SHIP Regulates the Reciprocal Development of T Regulatory and Th17 Cells
Authors: Locke Natasha R. , Patterson Scott J. , Hamilton Melisa J. , Sly Laura M. , Krystal Gerald , Levings Megan K.
Published: June 2009

Maintaining an appropriate balance between subsets of CD4+ Th and T regulatory cells (Tregs) is critical to maintain immune homeostasis and prevent autoimmunity. Through a common requirement for TGF-β, the development of peripherally induced Tregs is intimately linked to that of Th17 cells, with the resulting lineages depending on the presence of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-6. Currently very little is known about the molecular signaling pathways that control the development of Tregs vs Th17 cells. Reduced activity of the PI3K pathway is required for TGF-β-mediated induction of Foxp3 expression and the suppressive activity of Tregs. To investigate how negative regulators of the PI3K pathway impact Treg development, we investigated whether SHIP, a lipid phosphatase that regulates PI3K activity, also plays a role in the development and function of Tregs. SHIP-deficient Tregs maintained suppressive capacity in vitro and in a T cell transfer model of colitis. Surprisingly, SHIP-deficient Th cells were significantly less able to cause colitis than were wild-type Th cells due to a profound deficiency in Th17 cell differentiation, both in vitro and in vivo. The inability of SHIP-deficient T cells to develop into Th17 cells was accompanied by decreased IL-6-stimulated phosphorylation of STAT3 and an increased capacity to differentiate into Treg cells under the influence of TGF-β and retinoic acid. These data indicate that SHIP is essential for normal Th17 cell development and that this lipid phosphatase plays a key role in the reciprocal regulation of Tregs and Th17 cells.
Tristetraprolin Is Required for Full Anti-Inflammatory Response of Murine Macrophages to IL-10
Authors: Schaljo Barbara , Kratochvill Franz , Gratz Nina , Sadzak Iwona , Sauer Ines , Hammer Michael , Vogl Claus , Strobl Birgit , Müller Mathias , Blackshear Perry J. , Poli Valeria , Lang Roland , Murray Peter J. , Kovarik Pavel
Published: June 2009

IL-10 is essential for inhibiting chronic and acute inflammation by decreasing the amounts of proinflammatory cytokines made by activated macrophages. IL-10 controls proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine production indirectly via the transcription factor Stat3. One of the most physiologically significant IL-10 targets is TNF-α, a potent proinflammatory mediator that is the target for multiple anti-TNF-α clinical strategies in Crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis. The anti-inflammatory effects of IL-10 seem to be mediated by several incompletely understood transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms. In this study, we show that in LPS-activated bone marrow-derived murine macrophages, IL-10 reduces the mRNA and protein levels of TNF-α and IL-1α in part through the RNA destabilizing factor tristetraprolin (TTP). TTP is known for its central role in destabilizing mRNA molecules containing class II AU-rich elements in 3′ untranslated regions. We found that IL-10 initiates a Stat3-dependent increase of TTP expression accompanied by a delayed decrease of p38 MAPK activity. The reduction of p38 MAPK activity releases TTP from the p38 MAPK-mediated inhibition, thereby resulting in diminished mRNA and protein levels of proinflammatory cytokines. These findings establish that TTP is required for full responses of bone marrow-derived murine macrophages to IL-10.
The Influence of IgE-Enhancing and IgE-Suppressive γδ T Cells Changes with Exposure to Inhaled Ovalbumin
Authors: Huang Yafei , Jin Niyun , Roark Christina L. , Aydintug M. Kemal , Wands J. M. , Huang Hua , O'Brien Rebecca L. , Born Willi K.
Published: June 2009

It has been reported that the IgE response to allergens is influenced by γδ T cells. Intrigued by a study showing that airway challenge of mice with OVA induces in the spleen the development of γδ T cells that suppress the primary IgE response to i.p.-injected OVA-alum, we investigated the γδ T cells involved. We found that the induced IgE suppressors are contained within the Vγ4+ subset of γδ T cells of the spleen, that they express Vδ5 and CD8, and that they depend on IFN-γ for their function. However, we also found that normal nonchallenged mice harbor IgE-enhancing γδ T cells, which are contained within the larger Vγ1+ subset of the spleen. In cell transfer experiments, airway challenge of the donors was required to induce the IgE suppressors among the Vγ4+ cells. Moreover, this challenge simultaneously turned off the IgE enhancers among the Vγ1+ cells. Thus, airway allergen challenge differentially affects two distinct subsets of γδ T cells with nonoverlapping functional potentials, and the outcome is IgE suppression.
HSV-1-Induced SOCS-1 Expression in Keratinocytes: Use of a SOCS-1 Antagonist to Block a Novel Mechanism of Viral Immune Evasion
Authors: Frey Kenneth G. , Ahmed Chulbul M. I. , Dabelic Rea , Jager Lindsey D. , Noon-Song Ezra N. , Haider S. Mohammad , Johnson Howard M. , Bigley Nancy J.
Published: June 2009

Keratinocytes are important for the acute phase of HSV-1 infection and subsequent persistence in sensory nervous tissue. In this study, we showed that keratinocytes (HEL-30) were refractory to IFN-γ induction of an antiviral state to HSV-1 infection, while IFN-γ did induce an antiviral state in fibroblasts (L929). This led us to examine the possible role of suppressor of cytokine signaling-1 (SOCS-1) in this refractiveness. RT-PCR analysis of SOCS-1 mRNA expression in HSV-1-infected cells showed a 4-fold increase for keratinocytes while having a negligible effect on fibroblasts. A similar pattern was observed at the level of SOCS-1 protein induction. Activation of STAT1α in keratinocytes was inhibited by HSV-1 infection. A direct effect of HSV-1 on the SOCS-1 promoter was shown in a luciferase reporter gene assay. We have developed a small peptide antagonist of SOCS-1, pJAK2(1001–1013), that had both an antiviral effect in keratinocytes against HSV-1 as well as a synergistic effect on IFN-γ induction of an antiviral state. HSV-1 ICP0 mutant was inhibited by IFN-γ in HEL-30 cells and was less effective than wild-type virus in induction of SOCS-1 promoter. We conclude that SOCS-1 plays an important role in the inhibition of the antiviral effect of IFN-γ in keratinocytes infected with HSV-1. The use of SOCS-1 antagonist to abrogate this refractiveness could have a transformational effect on therapy against viral infections.
Core competencies necessary for a managerial psycho-educational training programme for business team coaches
Authors: Maritz Jeanette E. , Poggenpoel Marie , Myburgh Chris P.H.
Published: June 2009

The objective of this research was to explore and describe core competencies necessary for a managerial psycho-educational training programme for business team coaches. The total number of participants in this qualitative research was 30. A purposive and snowball sampling strategy was used. Triangulation was achieved through focus groups, in-depth individual interviews and naïve sketches. Data were analysed through an open inductive approach and descriptive analysis. The results describe core competencies of a business team coach as situated within an Outcomes Based Education framework and relate to the knowledge to be discovered, skills to be mastered and the attitudes to be formed during a managerial psycho-educational training programme.
Is Myocardial Infarction Overdiagnosed?
Authors: McCarthy Cian P. , Wasfy Jason H. , Januzzi James L.
Published: April 2024

This Viewpoint examines whether overdiagnosis rather than underdiagnosis may now be the dominant form of myocardial infarction misdiagnosis.
Fontan Junctional Rhythm—Innocent Bystander or Silent Killer?
Authors: Balaji Seshadri , Rychik Jack , Moore Jeremy P.
Published: April 2024

This Viewpoint discusses the impact of sinus node dysfunction and escape junctional rhythm associated with the Fontan procedure on patient outcomes.
Nails as Dynamic, Not Static, Entities—Rethinking the Approach to Nail Disorders
Authors: Rana Jasmine , Vlahovic Tracey C.
Published: April 2024

This Viewpoint discusses the need for a broader approach to nail pathology, in which infectious, inflammatory, systemic, and structural factors are considered.
Telemedicine and In-Person Visit Modality Mix and Electronic Health Record Use in Primary Care
Authors: Apathy Nate C. , Zabala Garrett , Gomes Kylie , Spaar Patti , Krevat Seth A. , Ratwani Raj M.
Published: April 2024

This cross-sectional study investigates the association between day-to-day changes in telemedicine share and clinician time spent on electronic health record (EHR) use.
Staffing and Antipsychotic Medication Use in Nursing Homes and Neighborhood Deprivation
Authors: Travers Jasmine L. , Hade Erinn M. , Friedman Steven , Raval Aasha , Hadson Kimberly , Falvey Jason R.
Published: April 2024

Importance

Inappropriate use of antipsychotic medications in nursing homes is a growing public health concern. Residents exposed to higher levels of socioeconomic deprivation in the area around a nursing home may be currently exposed, or have a long history of exposure, to more noise pollution, higher crime rates, and have less opportunities to safely go outside the facility, which may contribute to psychological stress and increased risk of receiving antipsychotic medications inappropriately. However, it is unclear whether neighborhood deprivation is associated with use of inappropriate antipsychotic medications and whether this outcome is different by facility staffing levels.

Objective

To evaluate whether reported inappropriate antipsychotic medication use differs in severely and less severely deprived neighborhoods, and whether these differences are modified by higher levels of total nurse staffing.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a cross-sectional analysis of a national sample of nursing homes that linked across 3 national large-scale data sets for the year 2019. Analyses were conducted between April and June 2023.

Exposure

Neighborhood deprivation status (severe vs less severe) and total staffing hours (registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, certified nursing assistant).

Main Outcome and Measures

This study estimated the association between neighborhood deprivation and the percentage of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication inappropriately in the nursing home at least once in the past week and how this varied by nursing home staffing through generalized estimating equations. Analyses were conducted on the facility level and adjusted for state fixed effects.

Results

This study included 10 966 nursing homes (1867 [17.0%] in severely deprived neighborhoods and 9099 [83.0%] in less deprived neighborhoods). Unadjusted inappropriate antipsychotic medication use was greater in nursing homes located in severely deprived neighborhoods (mean [SD], 15.9% [10.7%] of residents) than in those in less deprived neighborhoods (mean [SD], 14.2% [8.8%] of residents). In adjusted models, inappropriate antipsychotic medication use was higher in severely deprived neighborhoods vs less deprived neighborhoods (19.2% vs 17.1%; adjusted mean difference, 2.0 [95% CI, 0.35 to 3.71] percentage points) in nursing homes that fell below critical levels of staffing (less than 3 hours of nurse staffing per resident-day).

Conclusions and Relevance

These findings suggest that levels of staffing modify disparities seen in inappropriate antipsychotic medication use among nursing homes located in severely deprived neighborhoods compared with nursing homes in less deprived neighborhoods. These findings may have important implications for improving staffing in more severely deprived neighborhoods.
Health Perceptions, Multimorbidity, and New Fractures and Mortality Among Patients With a Fracture
Authors: Alarkawi Dunia , Tran Thach S. , Chen Weiwen , March Lyn M. , Blyth Fiona M. , Blank Robert D. , Bliuc Dana , Center Jacqueline R.
Published: April 2024

Importance

A high proportion of patients who sustain a fracture have multimorbidity. However, the association of multimorbidity with postfracture adverse outcomes, such as subsequent fractures and premature mortality, has not been widely explored.

Objective

To examine the association of multimorbidity and self-rated health with subsequent fractures and mortality after fracture.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This prospective cohort study included participants from New South Wales, Australia, in the Sax Institute’s 45 and Up Study (n = 267 357). Participants were recruited from July 2005 to December 2009 and followed up from the date of the incident fracture until subsequent fracture, death, or the end of the study (April 2017), whichever occurred first, with questionnaire data linked to hospital admission and medication records. Data analysis was reported between March and September 2023.

Exposures

Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score and self-rated health (SRH).

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcomes were subsequent fracture or mortality after an incident fracture. Associations between SRH measures and subsequent fracture and mortality were also assessed. All analyses were stratified by sex given the different fracture and mortality risk profiles of females and males.

Results

Of 25 280 adults who sustained incident fractures, 16 191 (64%) were female (mean [SD] age, 74 [12] years) and 9089 (36%) were male (mean [SD] age, 74 [13] years). During a median follow-up time of 2.8 years (IQR, 1.1-5.2 years), 2540 females (16%) and 1135 males (12%) sustained a subsequent fracture and 2281 females (14%) and 2140 males (24%) died without a subsequent fracture. Compared with a CCI score of less than 2, those with a CCI score of 2 to 3 had an increased risk of subsequent fracture (females: hazard ratio [HR], 1.16 [95% CI, 1.05-1.27]; males: HR, 1.25 [95% CI, 1.09-1.43]) and mortality (females: HR, 2.19 [95% CI, 1.99-2.40]; males: HR, 1.89 [95% CI, 1.71-2.09]). Those with a CCI score of 4 or greater had greater risks of subsequent fracture (females: HR, 1.33 [95% CI, 1.12-1.58]; males: HR, 1.48 [95% CI, 1.21-1.81]) and mortality (females: HR, 4.48 [95% CI, 3.97-5.06]; males: HR, 3.82 [95% CI 3.41-4.29]). Self-rated health was also significantly associated with subsequent fracture and mortality. Those reporting the poorest health and quality of life had the highest subsequent fracture risks, and their mortality risks were even higher.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, both CCI and SRH measures were associated with increased risk of subsequent fractures and mortality after fracture, underscoring the importance of managing the care of patients with comorbidities who sustain a fracture.
Elective Appendectomy Following Antibiotics for Appendicitis
Authors: Moris Dimitrios , Pappas Theodore
Published: April 2024

This Viewpoint considers which may be the better long-term approach to appendicitis—interval elective appendectomy or nonsurgical treatment with antibiotics.
Incisional Wound Irrigation for the Prevention of Surgical Site Infection
Authors: Groenen Hannah , Bontekoning Nathan , Jalalzadeh Hasti , Buis Dennis R. , Dreissen Yasmine E. M. , Goosen Jon H. M. , Graveland Haitske , Griekspoor Mitchel , IJpma Frank F. A. , van der Laan Maarten J. , Schaad Roald R. , Segers Patrique , van der Zwet Wil C. , Orsini Ricardo G. , Eskes Anne M. , Wolfhagen Niels , de Jonge Stijn W. , Boermeester Marja A.
Published: April 2024

Importance

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are common postoperative complications and associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and costs. Prophylactic intraoperative incisional wound irrigation is used to reduce the risk of SSIs, and there is great variation in the type of irrigation solutions and their use.

Objective

To compare the outcomes of different types of incisional prophylactic intraoperative incisional wound irrigation for the prevention of SSIs in all types of surgery.

Data Sources

PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, and CINAHL databases were searched up to June 12, 2023.

Study Selection

Included in this study were randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing incisional prophylactic intraoperative incisional wound irrigation with no irrigation or comparing irrigation using different types of solutions, with SSI as a reported outcome. Studies investigating intracavity lavage were excluded.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

This systematic review and network meta-analysis is reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis statement. Two reviewers independently extracted the data and assessed the risk of bias within individual RCTs using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool and the certainty of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation framework. A frequentist network meta-analysis was conducted, and relative risks (RRs) with corresponding 95% CIs were reported.

Main Outcome and Measure

The primary study outcome was SSI.

Results

A total of 1587 articles were identified, of which 41 RCTs were included in the systematic review, with 17 188 patients reporting 1328 SSIs, resulting in an overall incidence of 7.7%. Compared with no irrigation, antiseptic solutions (RR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.44-0.81; high level of certainty) and antibiotic solutions (RR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.29-0.73; low level of certainty) were associated with a beneficial reduction in SSIs. Saline irrigation showed no statistically significant difference compared with no irrigation (RR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.63-1.09; moderate level of certainty).

Conclusions and Relevance

This systematic review and network meta-analysis found high-certainty evidence that prophylactic intraoperative incisional wound irrigation with antiseptic solutions was associated with a reduction in SSIs. It is suggested that the use of antibiotic wound irrigation be avoided due to the inferior certainty of evidence for its outcome and global antimicrobial resistance concerns.
Analysis of the Meso‐Mechanical Deformation Behavior of Al Foams and Ni/Al Hybrid Foams Using Time‐Lapse Micro‐Computed Tomography Measurements and 3D Optical Flow
Authors: Nogatz Tessa , Jung Anne , Fíla Tomáš , Kumpová Ivana , Jiroušek Ondřej
Published: April 2024

Metal foams are an interesting class of bio‐inspired materials for lightweight construction and energy absorption. Commonly, aluminum (Al) foams are used. However, the mechanical properties have been improved by coating pure Al foams with a nanocrystalline nickel (Ni) coating resulting in Ni/Al hybrid foams. Herein, the meso‐mechanical deformation mechanisms in Al foams and the changes in the mechanisms in Ni/Al hybrid foams are studied using time‐lapse micro‐computed tomography measurements in comparison between numerical modeling using voxel finite element models and evaluation of displacement fields using 3D optical flow. This gives never‐seen insights into the highly localized 3D deformation mechanisms within the entire volume of the foams and not only on the surfaces as given by conventional digital image correlation methods. Displacements calculated by the 3D optical flow algorithm demonstrate its possibility to reveal a significant concentration of plastic deformation, particularly evident when deformation occurs within a distinct, slightly inclined band in the central region. Common numerical simulations using standard plasticity models do not accurately capture this localized deformation, underscoring the need to integrate damage and softening models into the simulation.
Compromise Design of Resonant Levels in GeTe‐Based Alloys with Enhanced Thermoelectric Performance
Authors: Liang Ruinian , Yan Gan , Geng Yang , Hu Lipeng , Liu Fusheng , Ao Weiqin , Zhang Chaohua
Published: April 2024

Resonant levels (RLs) are expected to increase the density of states (DOS) abruptly, thereby increasing the Seebeck coefficient for a high thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT). However, the negative effects of RLs on reducing the carrier mobility and band gap have rarely been explored. In this work, the pros and cons of resonant‐state doping of group IIIA elements (In, Ga) in GeTe‐based alloys are studied by experimental transport properties and density‐functional‐theory calculations. RLs effects of Fermi level pinning and increased effective mass are strong in Ge0.9‐xInxSb0.1Te but weak in Ge0.9‐y(In0.5Ga0.5)ySb0.1Te, which shows dependence on the hump DOS relative to the background, location of RLs, and energy width of RLs. Using the In‐Ga co‐doping strategy to make a compromise between the DOS, carrier mobility, and bipolar transport, combined with beneficial alloying effects of Pb and Sb, a peak ZT≈ 2.1 at 773 K and a high average ZT≈ 1.43 within 300–773 K can be obtained in Ge0.78In0.005Ga0.005Pb0.1Sb0.07Te. The corresponding single‐leg device shows a remarkable energy conversion efficiency of 13.7% at a temperature difference of 451 K. This work suggests that RLs are not always beneficial for improving ZT, and the compromise design of RLs should be carefully considered to advance ZT.
Organ Neuroprosthetics: Connecting Transplanted and Artificial Organs with the Nervous System
Authors: Micera Silvestro , Menciassi Arianna , Cianferotti Luisella , Gruppioni Emanuele , Lionetti Vincenzo
Published: April 2024

Implantable neural interfaces with the central and peripheral nervous systems are currently used to restore sensory, motor, and cognitive functions in disabled people with very promising results. They have also been used to modulate autonomic activities to treat diseases such as diabetes or hypertension. Here, this study proposes to extend the use of these technologies to (re‐)establish the connection between new (transplanted or artificial) organs and the nervous system in order to increase the long‐term efficacy and the effective biointegration of these solutions. In this perspective paper, some clinically relevant applications of this approach are briefly described. Then, the choices that neural engineers must implement about the type, implantation location, and closed‐loop control algorithms to successfully realize this approach are highlighted. It is believed that these new “organ neuroprostheses” are going to become more and more valuable and very effective solutions in the years to come.
Teicoplanin‐Decorated Reduced Graphene Oxide Incorporated Silk Protein Hybrid Hydrogel for Accelerating Infectious Diabetic Wound Healing and Preventing Diabetic Foot Osteomyelitis
Authors: Bakadia Bianza Moise , Zheng Ruizhu , Qaed Ahmed Abeer Ahmed , Shi Zhijun , Babidi Bakamona Lyna , Sun Tun , Li Ying , Yang Guang
Published: April 2024

Developing hybrid hydrogel dressings with anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, angiogenetic, and antibiofilm activities with higher bone tissue penetrability to accelerate diabetic wound healing and prevent diabetic foot osteomyelitis (DFO) is highly desirable in managing diabetic wounds. Herein, the glycopeptide teicoplanin is used for the first time as a green reductant to chemically reduce graphene oxide (GO). The resulting teicoplanin‐decorated reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is incorporated into a mixture of silk proteins (SP) and crosslinked with genipin to yield a physicochemically crosslinked rGO‐SP hybrid hydrogel. This hybrid hydrogel exhibits high porosity, self‐healing, shear‐induced thinning, increased cell proliferation and migration, and mechanical properties suitable for tissue engineering. Moreover, the hybrid hydrogel eradicates bacterial biofilms with a high penetrability index in agar and hydroxyapatite disks covered with biofilms, mimicking bone tissue. In vivo, the hybrid hydrogel accelerates the healing of noninfected wounds in a diabetic rat and infected wounds in a diabetic mouse by upregulating anti‐inflammatory cytokines and downregulating matrix metalloproteinase‐9, promoting M2 macrophage polarization and angiogenesis. The implantation of hybrid hydrogel into the infected site of mouse tibia improves bone regeneration. Hence, the rGO‐SP hybrid hydrogel can be a promising wound dressing for treating infectious diabetic wounds, providing a further advantage in preventing DFO.
Membrane Fusion Liposomes Deliver Antifibrotic and Chemotherapeutic Drugs Sequentially to Enhance Tumor Treatment Efficacy by Reshaping Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Jia Nan , Wang Qi , Li Wenpan , Chen Dawei , Hu Haiyang
Published: April 2024

The intricate tumor microenvironment in triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) hampers chemotherapy and immunotherapy efficacy due to dense extracellular matrix (ECM) by tumor‐associated fibroblasts (TAFs). Nanoparticle‐based therapies, especially “all‐in‐one” nanoparticles, have shown great potential in combined drug delivery strategies to reshape the tumor microenvironment and enhance therapeutic efficiency. However, these “all‐in‐one” nanoparticles suffer from limitations in targeting different target cells, uncontrollable dosing ratio, and disregarding the impact of delivery schedules. This study prepared cell membrane fusion liposomes (TAFsomes and CCMsomes) to load FDA‐approved antifibrotic drug pirfenidone (PFD/TAFsomes) and antitumor drug doxorubicin (DOX/CCMsomes). These liposomes can specifically target TAFs cells and tumor cells, and combined administration can effectively inhibit TAFs activity, reshape the tumor microenvironment (TME), and significantly enhance the tumor chemotherapy efficacy. Combined drug delivery defeats “all‐in‐one” liposomes (DOX/PFD/Liposomes, DOX/PFD/TAFsomes, and DOX/PFD/CCMsomes) by flexibly adjusting the drug delivery ratio. Moreover, an asynchronous delivery strategy that optimizes the administration schedule not only further improves the therapeutic effect, but also amplifies the effectiveness of α‐PD‐L1 immunotherapy by modulating the tumor immune microenvironment. This delivery strategy provides a personalized treatment approach with clinical translation potential, providing new ideas for enhancing the therapeutic effect against solid tumors such as TNBC.
Intrahippocampal Supramolecular Assemblies Directed Bioorthogonal Liberation of Neurotransmitters to Suppress Seizures in Freely Moving Mice
Authors: Wu Chengling , Xie Jingyu , Yao Qingxin , Song Yilin , Yang Gucheng , Zhao Jie , Zhang Ruijia , Wang Ting , Jiang Xingyu , Cai Xinxia , Gao Yuan
Published: April 2024

The precise delivery of anti‐seizure medications (ASM) to epileptic loci remains the major challenge to treat epilepsy without causing adverse drug reactions. The unprovoked nature of epileptic seizures raises the additional need to release ASMs in a spatiotemporal controlled manner. Targeting the oxidative stress in epileptic lesions, here the reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced in situ supramolecular assemblies that synergized bioorthogonal reactions to deliver inhibitory neurotransmitter (GABA) on‐demand, are developed. Tetrazine‐bearing assembly precursors undergo oxidation and selectively self‐assemble under pathological conditions inside primary neurons and mice brains. Assemblies induce local accumulation of tetrazine in the hippocampus CA3 region, which allows the subsequent bioorthogonal release of inhibitory neurotransmitters. For induced acute seizures, the sustained release of GABA extends the suppression than the direct supply of GABA. In the model of permanent damage of CA3, bioorthogonal ligation on assemblies provides a reservoir of GABA that behaves prompt release upon 365 nm irradiation. Incorporated with the state‐of‐the‐art microelectrode arrays, it is elucidated that the bioorthogonal release of GABA shifts the neuron spike waveforms to suppress seizures at the single‐neuron precision. The strategy of in situ supramolecular assemblies‐directed bioorthogonal prodrug activation shall be promising for the effective delivery of ASMs to treat epilepsy.
Sensitized Triplet–Triplet Annihilation in Nanostructured Polymeric Scintillators Allows for Pulse Shape Discrimination
Authors: Hu Xueqian , Rigamonti Davide , Villa Irene , Pollice Luca , Mauri Michele , Molin Andrea Dal , Tardocchi Marco , Meinardi Francesco , Weder Christoph , Monguzzi Angelo
Published: April 2024

Scintillating materials emit light when exposed to ionizing radiation or particles and are used for the detection of nuclear threats, medical imaging, high‐energy physics, and other usages. For some of these applications, it is vital to distinguish neutrons and charged particles from γ‐rays. This is achievable by pulse shape discrimination (PSD), a time‐gated technique, which exploits that the scintillation kinetics can depend on the nature of the incident radiation. However, it proves difficult to realize efficient PSD with plastic scintillators, which have several advantages over liquid or crystalline scintillating materials, including mechanical robustness and shapeability. It is shown here that sensitive and rapid PSD is possible with nanostructured polymer scintillators that consist of a solid polymer matrix and liquid nanodomains in which an organic dye capable of triplet–triplet annihilation (TTA) is dissolved. The liquid nature of the nanodomains renders TTA highly efficient so that delayed fluorescence can occur at low energy density. The nanostructured polymer scintillators allow discriminating α particles, neutrons, and γ‐rays with a time response that is better than that of commercial scintillators. Exploiting that the liquid nanodomains can facilitate energy transfer processes otherwise difficult to realize in solid polymers, an auxiliary triplet sensitizer is incorporated. This approach further increases the scintillator's sensitivity toward α particles and neutrons and other high‐energy processes where localized interactions are involved.
Crack‐Resistant and Tissue‐Like Artificial Muscles with Low Temperature Activation and High Power Density
Authors: Jiang Zhen , Tran Bach H. , Jolfaei Maryam Adavoudi , Abbasi Burhan Bin Asghar , Spinks Geoffrey M.
Published: April 2024

Constructing soft robotics with safe human–machine interactions requires low‐modulus, high‐power‐density artificial muscles that are sensitive to gentle stimuli. In addition, the ability to resist crack propagation during long‐term actuation cycles is essential for a long service life. Herein, a material design is proposed to combine all these desirable attributes in a single artificial muscle platform. The design involves the molecular engineering of a liquid crystalline network with crystallizable segments and an ethylene glycol flexible spacer. A high degree of crystallinity can be afforded by utilizing aza‐Michael chemistry to produce a low covalent crosslinking density, resulting in crack‐insensitivity with a high fracture energy of 33 720 J m−2 and a high fatigue threshold of 2250 J m−2. Such crack‐resistant artificial muscle with tissue‐matched modulus of 0.7 MPa can generate a high power density of 450 W kg−1 at a low temperature of 40 °C. Notably, because of the presence of crystalline domains in the actuated state, no crack propagation is observed after 500 heating–cooling actuation cycles under a static load of 220 kPa. This study points to a pathway for the creation of artificial muscles merging seemingly disparate, but desirable properties, broadening their application potential in smart devices.
All‐Round Passivation Strategy Yield Flexible Perovskite/CuInGaSe2 Tandem Solar Cells with Efficiency Exceeding 26.5%
Authors: Tang Liting , Zeng Li , Luo Jun , Wang Wuji , Xue Zhuo , Luo Zekai , Yan Hui , Gong Junbo , Wang Sheng , Li Jianmin , Xiao Xudong
Published: April 2024

The perovskite/Cu(InGa)Se2 (CIGS) tandem solar cells (TSCs) presents a compelling technological combination poised for the next generation of flexible and lightweight photovoltaic (PV) tandem devices, featuring a tunable bandgap, high power conversion efficiency (PCE), lightweight flexibility, and enhanced stability and durability. Over the years, the imperative to enhance the performance of wide bandgap (WBG) perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has grown significantly, particularly in the context of a flexible tandem device. In this study, an all‐round passivation strategy known as Dual Passivation at Grains and Interfaces (DPGI) is introduced for WBG PSCs in perovskite/CIGS tandem structures. The implementation of DPGI is tailored to improve film crystallinity and passivate defects across the solar cell structure, leading to a substantial performance enhancement for WBG PSCs. Subsequently, both rigid and flexible tandem devices are assembled. Impressively, a fully flexible 4T perovskite/CIGS TSCs is successfully fabricated with a PCE of 26.57%, making it the highest value in this field and highlighting its potential applications in the next generation of flexible lightweight PV tandem devices.
Beating the Responsivity‐Speed Trade‐Off in Asymmetric GaN‐Based UV Photodetectors: A Novel van der Waals Metal Contact Approach
Authors: Li Fang , Liu Xin , Wang Danhao , Kang Yang , Zhang Jiahao , Luo Dongyang , Sun Xiyu , Zhang Haochen , Chen Wei , Luo Yuanmin , Yu Huabin , Memon Muhammad Hunain , Sun Haiding
Published: April 2024

Asymmetric‐type UV photodetectors have attracted extensive interest for their applications in modern optoelectronics. Conventional fabrication approaches for asymmetric metal contacts typically cause damage at the metal‐semiconductor interface, leading to Fermi level pinning and further limiting barrier height adjustability and functionality. Herein, for the first time, van der Waals (vdW) asymmetric metal contact on wide bandgap semiconductor gallium‐nitride (GaN) is successfully fabricated and achieve the mitigation of Fermi level pinning effect through the formation of a damage‐free metal‐semiconductor interface. Scanning transmission electron microscopy reveals an atomically clean and sharp interface with a distinct vdW gap between the semiconductor and metal electrode. More importantly, the absence of interface damage effectively suppresses charge recombination and results in substantial enhancement in photoresponse characteristics, demonstrating an increased responsivity from 1.8 to 56.7 A W−1 along with a significantly improved response/recovery time from 545/115 to 420/20 ms and an ultralow dark current at the picoampere‐level compared to that of the photodetector with electrodes fabricated with traditional e‐beam evaporated technique. Such simultaneously enhanced responsivity and response speed overcome the responsivity‐speed trade‐off in asymmetric photodetectors and mark a milestone in integrating asymmetric metal contacts with semiconductors through a non‐destructive manner, offering unparalleled opportunities for developing high‐performance asymmetric optoelectronic systems.
Generation of High‐Purity Full Poincaré Beam Arrays via Metasurface Integrated Degenerate Cavity
Authors: Ma Siyuan , Xu Mingfeng , Pu Mingbo , Zheng Yuhan , Zeng Qingji , Luo Xin , Zhang Fei , Guo Yinghui , Li Xiong , Ma Xiaoliang , Luo Xiangang
Published: April 2024

Recently, full Poincaré beams (FPBs) with spatially variant polarization states spanning the entire surface of the Poincaré sphere have attracted considerable interests. Expanding the FPBs into an array way has the promising applications from multiparticle manipulation to optical communication. However, how to efficiently generate a high‐purity FPB array with intracavity method remains elusive. Here, a metasurface‐integrated degenerate cavity laser is proposed for efficient generation of 10 × 10 FPB array, where a pair of metasurfaces are adopted to independently modulate the circular polarization state while compensating the mode discrepancies within the cavity. Such a design strategy enables a self‐reproducing intracavity optical field, concurrently ensuring the stabilization of intracavity oscillation. It is numerically demonstrated that the purity of orbital angular momentum (OAM) in the first‐order FPB array can approach to 92.89%, with a root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) of polarization ellipse parameters below 8.17%. This work provides a compact and efficient design platform for the generation of a variety of vector beam arrays and may find promising applications in free space communication and multiple particle manipulation.
Phospholanes via Twofold C‐H‐Addition to Phospholes
Authors: Getfert K. , Roesler F. , Bruhn C. , Pietschnig R.
Published: April 2024

A synthetic route towards phospholanes via twofold C−H‐addition of a DMSO molecule to β‐H substituted phospholes is described. The resulting fused phospholane oxothiolane system in case of symmetric α‐substitution possesses four stereogenic centers or rather six in case of asymmetric α‐substitution. The reaction conditions are shown to be applicable for a variety of phospholes with different P‐ or α‐substituents always leading to stereoselective formation of the fused heterocyclic ring system. All phospholane derivatives with one exception are sufficiently air stable for purification with column chromatography and are fully characterized by NMR and elemental analysis and mass spectrometry. With the help of X‐ray crystallography, the different configurations of the isomers could be demonstrated. For one model system derivatization reactions are presented. When oxidizing or reducing the sulfoxide group only a single diastereomer is observed.
2D Semiconductor Nanostructures for Solar‐Driven Photocatalysis: Unveiling Challenges and Prospects in Air Purification, Sustainable Energy Harvesting, and Water Treatment
Authors: Boukhvalov Danil W. , Politano Grazia Giuseppina , D'Olimpio Gianluca , Politano Antonio
Published: April 2024

The use of solar light to accelerate chemical processes (photocatalysis) has the potential to alleviate the pollution and energy crises. Thanks to their large surface area, unusual electronic structure, and abundance of low‐coordinate surface atoms, 2D semiconductors have shown enormous promise in photocatalytic applications. The synthesis, photoexcitation processes, design, and development of 2D semiconductor photocatalysts are thoroughly examined in this perspective, as well as their possible applications in air purification, solar energy conversion, organic synthesis, carbon capture and storage, and water treatment. This work highlights ongoing research efforts focused on improving the selectivity and efficiency of photocatalytic applications based on 2D semiconductors by means of hybrid systems, heterostructures, doping, and computational methodologies, together with open challenges. Finally, the integration of 2D semiconductor photocatalysts into indoor and outdoor environments is discussed, thereby facilitating the purification of air and water and generating clean energy, which assists in the pursuit of sustainable development objectives.
The Electrochemical Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Based on Helical Chain Stacked 2D Tellurium Nanoflakes
Authors: Yu Jing , Wang Yingying , Liu Wenjun , Fan Xiaofeng , Duang Yuhao , Zhang Fan , Jiang Yanxiao
Published: April 2024

A crucial factor in advancing the broad utilization of electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is the development of efficient catalysts with sufficient active sites. Herein, a hydrothermal approach is utilized to fabricate helical chain stacked two‐dimensional (2D) tellurium (Te) nanoflakes, whose HER performance hasn't been systematically studied yet. It is found that Te nanoflakes transferred on carbon fiber paper (CFP) exhibit impressive HER properties and show a load dependence. The overpotential required for HER is significantly reduced to 279 mV under a load condition of 0.86 mg cm−2 at a current density of 10 mA cm−2. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations are further systematically carried out on Te catalytic sites along the helical chain at [0001] direction with a threefold screw symmetry. It is found that the Gibbs free energy of adsorbed hydrogen atom (ΔGH*) on Te sites is significantly lower than that of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2). Besides, the active sites based on surface atom density calculation reveal that Te provides more adsorption sites than layered MoS2. The decreased adsorption energy and efficient adsorption sites in Te may highlight the promising application of elemental crystal Te in electrocatalytic hydrogen production and pave the way for developing new types of electrocatalysts.