bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of In-vitro Activity of Cefixime to Doxycycline and Minocycline Against Gram-Negative Bacteria Isolated from Patients Suffering from Respiratory Tract Infections at a Tertiary Care Centre in Northern India
Authors: Dubey Akanksha , Kar Mitra , Sahu Chinmoy 
Published: August 2023

Background: Respiratory tract infections (RTI) form a major part of common ailments encountered by a general physicians hailing from a developing country. Antibiotics are used for treating any infection but inappropriate use of antibiotics lead to development of multidrug resistance (MDR). This study was performed to analyze the comparative in-vitro activity of Cefixime and Tetracyclines by antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) against the pathogens isolated from respiratory samples.
Materials and Methods: We performed a prospective study in the Bacteriology section of the Department of Microbiology at a teaching hospital in Northern India from Jan 2022 to June 2022. Cefixime, Doxycycline, and Minocycline were tested for susceptibility against 100 Gram-negative bacteria from respiratory samples. The antibiotic susceptibility testing for each of the isolates was performed by the Kirby Bauer Disc Diffusion method, according to the CLSI, 2019 guidelines.
Results: Our study cohort included 100 Gram negative isolates with a majority of them obtained from Endotracheal aspirate samples (43, 43%) followed by Sputum (37, 37%) samples. The most common microorganism tested for susceptibility to this drug was Klebsiella pneumoniae (39, 39%) followed by Escherichia coli (33, 33%). Escherichia coli was identified as the most isolated to all the antibiotics and was 12.12% (4/33, 12.12%) susceptible to all three drugs. On overall analysis activity of Doxycycline was better than Cefixime among inducible Enterobacteriaceae and non-fermenter isolate.
Conclusion: Doxycycline is a proficient antimicrobial agent for treating an array of Gram-negative bacteria-associated infections showing better in-vitro activity in comparison to Minocycline and other bactericidal agents like Cefixime.
Association Between Antibiotic Prescribing and Time to Diagnosis of Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Gallogly James A. , Armstrong Austin T. , Brinkmeier Jennifer V. , Salas Joanne , Simpson Matthew C. , Ideker Henry , Walker Ronald J. , Massa Sean T. 
Published: August 2023

ImportanceDiagnostic delay can negatively affect patient outcomes in head and neck cancer (HNC). Neck mass and other symptoms of undiagnosed HNC may be treated with antibiotics, delaying diagnosis and treatment, despite current clinical practice guidelines.ObjectiveTo investigate temporal trends, associated factors, and time from symptom onset to antibiotic prescribing before an HNC diagnosis.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsA retrospective cohort study was conducted using data obtained from a deidentified electronic health records data set from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2018. Patients with HNC enrolled in the data set for at least 1 year before diagnosis date determined by either 1 inpatient encounter or first of 2 outpatient encounters within 6 months were included. Data analysis was conducted from May 1 to November 9, 2022.ExposureAntibiotic prescription within 3 months before HNC diagnosis date.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary outcome was days from the first documented symptom to HNC diagnosis.ResultsThe cohort included 7811 patients with HNC (4151 [53.1%] men, mean [SD] age, 60.2 [15.8] years). At least 1 antibiotic was prescribed for 1219 patients (15.6%) within 3 months before HNC diagnosis. This represented an increase over the 8.9% prescribing rate during the baseline period 12 to 9 months before diagnosis. The rate of antibiotic prescribing within 3 months before diagnosis did not change significantly over time (quarterly percent change, 0.49%; 95% CI, −3.06% to 4.16%). Patients receiving an antibiotic prescription within 3 months of an HNC diagnosis had a 21.1% longer time between symptom onset and HNC diagnoses (adjusted rate ratio [ARR], 1.21; 95% CI, 1.14-1.29). Compared with diagnosis by otolaryngologists, primary care/internal medicine physicians were most likely to prescribe antibiotics for patients who were diagnosed with a presenting symptom (adjusted prevalence ratio, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.27-2.02). In patients presenting with neck mass/swelling, those presenting with other symptoms were more likely to have longer intervals from symptom onset to diagnosis (ARR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.08-1.59).Conclusions and RelevanceThe findings of this cohort study suggest there is an increased rate of antibiotic prescription in the 3 months before HNC diagnosis, which is associated with an increased time to diagnosis. These findings identify an area for improvement in HNC care and guidelines.
Substrate Stiffness and Particle Properties Influence Cellular Uptake of Nanoparticles and Viruses from the Ventral Side
Authors: Voigt Jonah L. , Timmer Jens , Pennarola Federica , Christian Joel , Meng Ning , Blumberg Johannes W. , Schwarz Ulrich S. , Grimm Dirk , Cavalcanti‐Adam Elisabetta Ada 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIt is a long‐standing challenge to exploit cellular uptake mechanisms to deliver desired cargo into cells, for example, specific drugs or gene editing techniques. This study introduces a bioinspired material approach where nanoparticles are presented at the ventral side of cells adhering to engineered extracellular matrices. The effect of matrix stiffness on cell adhesion and mechanics, as well as on particle internalization by clathrin‐mediated endocytosis (CME), is investigated for varying particle size and surface functionalization. The results presented here show that substrate stiffness affects both cell adhesion and particle internalization, with softer substrates promoting higher levels of particle uptake. However, the activation of the CME pathway, either mechanically by particle size or functionally by receptor binding, regulates the sensitivity of cellular particle uptake to matrix stiffness. Finally, adeno‐associated viruses as the leading platform for therapeutic gene delivery are used as model cargo to showcase the importance of considering multiple components when designing delivery systems. These findings indicate that particle uptake is a multifaceted process that can be improved by the appropriate combination of extracellular environment mechanics and cargo properties.
Large Range Thermochromism in Liquid Crystalline Elastomers Prepared with Intra‐Mesogenic Supramolecular Bonds
Authors: Schlafmann Kyle R. , Alahmed Mohammed S. , Lewis Kristin L. , White Timothy J. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractLiquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) that retain the cholesteric phase (CLCEs) are soft, polymeric materials that retain periodic structure and exhibit a selective reflection. While prior studies have examined thermochromism in CLCEs, the association of temperature change and reflection wavelength shift has been limited to 1.4 nm °C−1. Here, CLCEs with intra‐mesogenic supramolecular bonds are prepared to enhance tunability as well triple the rate (e.g., 4.8 nm °C−1). Specifically, these materials incorporate liquid crystalline monomers based on dimerized oxy‐benzoic acid (OBA) derivatives. Increasing the concentration of the OBA comonomers increases the magnitude of red‐shifting thermochromism of the selective reflection. At and above a threshold concentration, the selective reflection in the CLCEs can disappear upon heating, analogous to on‐off “switching.” Further, the introduction of the supramolecular bonds within the CLCE enable mechanical programming and enhanced one‐time tunable thermochromism via a one‐way shape memory process. Accordingly, this research could enable functional use in low temperature sensitive optical elements, fail‐safe thermal indicators for food packaging, and smart window coatings.
Cancer Immunotherapy Using Bioengineered Micro/Nano Structured Hydrogels
Authors: Askari Esfandyar , Shokrollahi Barough Mahdieh , Rahmanian Mehdi , Mojtabavi Nazanin , Sarrami Forooshani Ramin , Seyfoori Amir , Akbari Mohsen 
Published: August 2023

AbstractHydrogels, a class of materials with a 3D network structure, are widely used in various applications of therapeutic delivery, particularly cancer therapy. Micro and nanogels as miniaturized structures of the bioengineered hydrogels may provide extensive benefits over the common hydrogels in encapsulation and controlled release of small molecular drugs, macromolecular therapeutics, and even cells. Cancer immunotherapy is rapidly developing, and micro/nanostructured hydrogels have gained wide attention regarding their engineered payload release properties that enhance systemic anticancer immunity. Additionally, they are a great candidate due to their local administration properties with a focus on local immune cell manipulation in favor of active and passive immunotherapies. Although applied locally, such micro/nanostructured can also activate systemic antitumor immune responses by releasing nanovaccines safely and effectively inhibiting tumor metastasis and recurrence. However, such hydrogels are mostly used as locally administered carriers to stimulate the immune cells by releasing tumor lysate, drugs, or nanovaccines. In this review, the latest developments in cancer immunotherapy are summarized using micro/nanostructured hydrogels with a particular emphasis on their function depending on the administration route. Moreover, the potential for clinical translation of these hydrogel‐based cancer immunotherapies is also discussed.
Chiral Ligand‐Induced Inversion and Tuning of Excitonic Optical Activity in Intrinsically Chiral CsPbBr3 Perovskite Nanoplatelets
Authors: Tang Bing , Wang Shixun , Liu Haochen , Mou Nanli , Portniagin Arsenii S. , Chen Peigang , Wu Ye , Gao Xiaoqing , Lei Dangyuan , Rogach Andrey L. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractOwing to their attractive optical and chiroptical properties, chiral metal halide perovskites have received increasing attention, with potential applications ranging from photonics and optoelectronics to spintronics. Metal halide perovskite nanocrystals with either intrinsic or extrinsic (e.g., chiral ligand‐induced) chirality have been reported recently, and the interplay between these two types of chirality has yet to be addressed. Herein, the inversion and tuning of excitonic optical activity is reported in intrinsically chiral perovskite nanoplatelets, originating from interactions between their structural chirality (due to the spontaneously formed screw dislocations in the crystalline lattice) and the surface enantiomeric (R/S) chiral ligands R/S‐phenylethylammonium bromide. Through post‐preparative exposure of the perovskite nanoplatelets to these R/S ligands of varied contents, either chiral ligand‐induced intrinsic chirality inversion or negative and positive Cotton effects induced by the ligands via electronic coupling between the ligand and the nanoplatelets are identified. These findings deepen understanding of the modulation of excitonic optical activity in chiral perovskites and can guide the rational design and synthesis of novel chiral materials.
Iridium Nanoparticles on SPIONs as a Catalyst for N‐Heteroarene and Styrene Hydrogenation Reactions and their DFT Studies
Authors: Ajeebi Afnan M. , Alghamdi Huda S. , Aziz Md. Abdul , Yamani Zain H. , Shaikh M. Nasiruzzaman 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn this study, iridium nanoparticles (IrNPs) on superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) are used to catalyze N‐heteroarene and styrene hydrogenation processes. The IrNP@SPIONs catalyst was fabricated by reducing the Ir‐salt precursors in deionized water on SPIONs (Fe3O4), and its catalytic reactivity for the hydrogenation of N‐heteroarenes and styrene under mild reaction conditions as hydrogen under pressure was evaluated. The catalyst was characterized by FTIR, Raman, XRD, SEM, XPS, ICP‐OES, and TEM. The results showed that IrNPs@SPIONs exhibited >99 % conversion with 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroquinoline (py‐THQ) selectivity under 30 bar H2 at 100 °C temperature in 24 h using DCM as a solvent. The functional group tolerance of 6‐chloroquinoline demonstrated 99 % chemoselectivity towards the 6‐chloro‐tetrahydroquinoline (6‐Cl‐py‐THQ) formation. The reactivity trend in 2‐, 4‐, and 8‐methylquinoline was evaluated and corroborated with the DFT studies. The catalytic application was extended to the hydrogenation of styrene, which resulted in a 70 % conversion with >99 % ethylbenzene selectivity. The hydrogenation of 2‐bromostyrene produced a 75 % conversion with >99 % chemoselectivity of 2‐bromoethylbenzene.
A Simple Method for the Formation of α‐Thioalkyl Radicals and the Promotion of Carbon‐Carbon Bond Formation by Photoirradiation of Electron Donor‐Acceptor Complexes
Authors: Roy Pijush Kanti , Hitomi Yutaka 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThis study documents the formation of an electron donor‐acceptor complex between thioanisole and benzylidenemalononitrile. Upon irradiation, the electron donor‐acceptor complex generates α‐thioalkyl radicals, facilitating carbon‐carbon bond formation. Mechanistic investigations underscore the crucial roles of both one‐electron oxidation and deprotonation processes in achieving a reaction yield up to 43 %.
Role of Blood–Brain Barrier Dysfunction in Delirium following Non‐cardiac Surgery in Older Adults
Authors: Devinney Michael J. , Wong Megan K. , Wright Mary Cooter , Marcantonio Edward R. , Terrando Niccolò , Browndyke Jeffrey N. , Whitson Heather E. , Cohen Harvey J. , Nackley Andrea G. , Klein Marguerita E. , Ely E. Wesley , Mathew Joseph P. , Berger Miles ,   for the MADCO‐PC and INTUIT Study Teams
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveAlthough animal models suggest a role for blood–brain barrier dysfunction in postoperative delirium‐like behavior, its role in postoperative delirium and postoperative recovery in humans is unclear. Thus, we evaluated the role of blood–brain barrier dysfunction in postoperative delirium and hospital length of stay among older surgery patients.MethodsCognitive testing, delirium assessment, and cerebrospinal fluid and blood sampling were prospectively performed before and after non‐cardiac, non‐neurologic surgery. Blood–brain barrier dysfunction was assessed using the cerebrospinal fluid‐to‐plasma albumin ratio (CPAR).ResultsOf 207 patients (median age = 68 years, 45% female) with complete CPAR and delirium data, 26 (12.6%) developed postoperative delirium. Overall, CPAR increased from before to 24 hours after surgery (median change = 0.28, interquartile range [IQR] = −0.48 to 1.24, Wilcoxon p = 0.001). Preoperative to 24 hours postoperative change in CPAR was greater among patients who developed delirium versus those who did not (median [IQR] = 1.31 [0.004 to 2.34] vs 0.19 [−0.55 to 1.08], p = 0.003). In a multivariable model adjusting for age, baseline cognition, and surgery type, preoperative to 24 hours postoperative change in CPAR was independently associated with delirium occurrence (per CPAR increase of 1, odds ratio = 1.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03–1.63, p = 0.026) and increased hospital length of stay (incidence rate ratio = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.09–1.22, p < 0.001).InterpretationPostoperative increases in blood–brain barrier permeability are independently associated with increased delirium rates and postoperative hospital length of stay. Although these findings do not establish causality, studies are warranted to determine whether interventions to reduce postoperative blood–brain barrier dysfunction would reduce postoperative delirium rates and hospital length of stay. ANN NEUROL 2023;94:1024–1035
A DNA Logic Circuit Equipped with a Biological Amplifier Loaded into Biomimetic ZIF‐8 Nanoparticles Enables Accurate Identification of Specific Cancers In Vivo
Authors: Wei Kaiji , He Mengyun , Zhang Juan , Zhao Chuan , Nie Cunpeng , Zhang Tong , Liu Yi , Chen Tingting , Jiang Jianhui , Chu Xia 
Published: August 2023

AbstractDNA logic circuits (DLC) enable the accurate identification of specific cell types, such as cancer cells, but they face the challenges of weak output signals and a lack of competent platforms that can efficiently deliver DLC components to the target site in the living body. To address these issues, we rationally introduced a cascaded biological amplifier module based on the Primer Exchange Reaction inspired by electronic circuit amplifier devices. As a paradigm, three abnormally expressed Hela cell microRNAs (‐30a, ‐17, and ‐21) were chosen as “AND” gate inputs. DLC response to these inputs was boosted by the amplifier markedly enhancing the output signal. More importantly, the encapsulation of DLC and amplifier components into ZIF‐8 nanoparticles resulted in their efficient delivery to the target site, successfully distinguishing the Hela tumor subtype from other tumors in vivo. Thus, we envision that this strategy has great potential for clinical cancer diagnosis.
Photoinduced Five‐Component Radical Relay Aminocarbonylation of Alkenes
Authors: Lu Bin , Zhang Zhihan , Jiang Min , Liang Dong , He Zi‐Wei , Bao Feng‐Shuo , Xiao Wen‐Jing , Chen Jia‐Rong 
Published: August 2023

AbstractRadical single carbonylation reactions with CO constitute a direct and robust strategy toward various carbonyl compounds from readily available chemicals, and have been extensively studied over the past decades. However, realizing highly selective catalytic systems for controlled radical double carbonylation reactions has remained a substantial challenge, particularly for the more advanced multicomponent variants, despite their great potential value. Herein, we report a visible‐light‐driven radical relay five‐component radical double aminocarbonylation reaction of unactivated alkenes using CO under metal‐free conditions. This protocol provides direct access to valuable γ‐trifluoromethyl α‐ketoamides with good yields and high chemoselectivity. Crucial was the identification of distinct dual roles of amine coupling partners, sequentially acting as electron donors for the formation of photoactive electron donor‐acceptor (EDA) complexes with radical precursors and then as a CO acceptor via nitrogen radical cations to form carbamoyl radicals. Cross‐coupling of carbamoyl radicals with the acyl radicals that are formed in an alkene‐based relay process affords double aminocarbonylation products.
Deciphering the Primary Role of Au⋅⋅⋅H−X Hydrogen Bonding in Gold Catalysis
Authors: Sorroche Alba , Moreno Sonia , Elena Olmos M. , Monge Miguel , López‐de‐Luzuriaga José M. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAu⋅⋅⋅H−X (X=N or C) hydrogen bonding is gaining increasing interest, both in the study of its intrinsic nature and in their operability in different fields. While the role of these interactions has been studied in the stabilization of gold(I) complexes, their role during the minimum free energy reaction pathway of a given catalytic process remains unexplored. We report herein that complex [Au(C≡CPh)(pip)] (pip=piperidine) catalyses the A3‐coupling reaction for the synthesis of propargylamines, thanks to the ability of Au(I) to promote weak hydrogen bonding interactions with the reactants along the free energy profile. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations show that these Au⋅⋅⋅H−X interactions play a directing role in the catalysed A3‐coupling. Topological non‐covalent interactions (NCI), interaction region indicator (IRI) and quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) analysis in real space of the electron density provide a description of these interactions accurately.
Hollow STW‐Type Zeolite Single Crystals with Aluminum Gradient for Highly Selective Production of p‐Xylene from Methanol‐Toluene Alkylation
Authors: Jiao Feng , Yu Pengyao , Cui Yuchen , Li Hao , Hu Qing , Xu Yanan , Mintova Svetlana , Guo Hailing , Du Hongbin 
Published: August 2023

AbstractZeolites with uniform micropores are important shape‐selective catalysts. However, the external acid sites of zeolites have a negative impact on shape‐selective catalysis, and the microporosity may lead to serious diffusion limitation. Herein, we report on the direct synthesis of hierarchical hollow STW‐type zeolite single crystals with a siliceous exterior. In an alkalinous fluoride medium, the nucleation of highly siliceous STW zeolites takes place first, and the nanocrystals are preferentially aligned on the outer surface of the gel agglomerates to grow into single crystalline shells upon crystallization. The lagged crystallization of the internal Al‐rich amorphous gels onto the inner surface of nanocrystalline zeolite shells leads to the formation of hollow cavities in the core of the zeolite crystals. The hollow zeolite single crystals possess a low‐to‐high aluminum gradient from the surface to the core, resulting in an intrinsic inert external surface, and exhibit superior catalytic performance in toluene methylation reactions.
MXene‐basierte Membranen für die Trinkwasserproduktion
Authors: Huang Lingzhi , Ding Li , Caro Jürgen , Wang Haihui 
Published: August 2023

AbstractDie rasante industrielle Entwicklung verschärft den Mangel an Süßwasser und macht die effiziente Trinkwassergewinnung zu einem vordringlichen Problem. Membrantechniken zeichnen sich durch hohe Effizienz, geringen Energieverbrauch und einfache Bedienung aus, und gelten daher als eine vielversprechende Technologie zur Wasserreinigung. In jüngster Zeit haben MXene als zweidimensionale Übergangsmetallcarbide oder ‐nitride in Form von exfolierten Nanoblättchen aufgrund ihrer außergewöhnlichen Eigenschaften wie einstellbarer Hydrophilie, einfacher Verarbeitbarkeit, Antifouling‐Beständigkeit und mechanischer Festigkeit großes Interesse in der Wasserreinigung gefunden einschl. ihrer Fähigkeit, Lichtenergie durch Absorption in Wärme zu wandeln. In vielversprechenden Studien wurden MXen‐basierte Membranen in den letzten 10 Jahren für die Trinkwasserproduktion durch Abtrennung von Bakterien, Farbstoffen, Salzen und Schwermetallen evaluiert. Dieser Mini‐Review konzentriert sich auf die jüngsten Fortschritte bei Entwicklung MXen‐basierter Membranen für die Trinkwasserproduktion. Zunächst erfolgt eine kurze Einführung in die Stoffklasse der MXene, gefolgt von einer Beschreibung ihrer einzigartigen Eigenschaften. Anschließend werden die Herstellungsmethoden von MXen‐Membranen diskutiert. Die verschiedenen Anwendungen von MXen‐Membranen in der Wasseraufbereitung und die entsprechenden Trennmechanismen werden ausführlich besprochen. Abschließend werden die Herausforderungen und Perspektiven zukünftiger Forschungsarbeiten zu MXene‐basierten Membranen vorgestellt, um Impulse für das zukünftige Design und die Herstellung von Hochleistungs‐MXen‐Membranen zu geben.
Dual‐Interface Engineering in Perovskite Solar Cells with 2D Carbides
Authors: He Jiandong , Hu Guilin , Jiang Yuanyuan , Zeng Siyuan , Niu Guosheng , Feng Guitao , Liu Zhe , Yang Kaiyi , Shao Cong , Zhao Yao , Wang Fuyi , Li Yongjun , Wang Jizheng 
Published: August 2023

AbstractPassivating the interfaces between the perovskite and charge transport layers is crucial for enhancing the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stability in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Here we report a dual‐interface engineering approach to improving the performance of FA0.85MA0.15Pb(I0.95Br0.05)3‐based PSCs by incorporating Ti3C2Clx Nano‐MXene and o‐TB‐GDY nanographdiyne (NanoGDY) into the electron transport layer (ETL)/perovskite and perovskite/ hole transport layer (HTL) interfaces, respectively. The dual‐interface passivation simultaneously suppresses non‐radiative recombination and promotes carrier extraction by forming the Pb−Cl chemical bond and strong coordination of π‐electron conjugation with undercoordinated Pb defects. The resulting perovskite film has an ultralong carrier lifetime exceeding 10 μs and an enlarged crystal size exceeding 2.5 μm. A maximum PCE of 24.86 % is realized, with an open‐circuit voltage of 1.20 V. Unencapsulated cells retain 92 % of their initial efficiency after 1464 hours in ambient air and 80 % after 1002 hours of thermal stability test at 85 °C.