Ethics and responsibility in biohybrid robotics research.

The industrial revolution of the 19th century marked the onset of an era of machines and robots that transformed societies. Since the beginning of the 21st century, a new generation of robots envisions similar societal transformation. These robots are biohybrid: part living and part engineered. They may self-assemble and emerge from complex interactions between living cells. While this new era of living robots presents unprecedented opportunities for positive societal impact, it also poses a host of ethical challenges. A systematic, nuanced examination of these ethical issues is of paramount importance to guide the evolution of this nascent field. Multidisciplinary fields face the challenge that inertia around collective action to address ethical boundaries may result in unexpected consequences for researchers and societies alike. In this Perspective, we i) clarify the ethical challenges associated with biohybrid robotics, ii) discuss the need for and elements of a potential governance framework tailored to this technology; and iii) propose tangible steps toward ethical compliance and policy formation in the field of biohybrid robotics.

Synapses without tension fail to fire in an in vitro network of hippocampal neurons.

Neurons in the brain communicate with each other at their synapses. It has long been understood that this communication occurs through biochemical processes. Here, we reveal that mechanical tension in neurons is essential for communication. Using in vitro rat hippocampal neurons, we find that 1) neurons become tout/tensed after forming synapses resulting in a contractile neural network, and 2) without this contractility, neurons fail to fire. To measure time evolution of network contractility in 3D (not 2D) extracellular matrix, we developed an ultrasensitive force sensor with 1 nN resolution. We employed Multi-Electrode Array and iGluSnFR, a glutamate sensor, to quantify neuronal firing at the network and at the single synapse scale, respectively. When neuron contractility is relaxed, both techniques show significantly reduced firing. Firing resumes when contractility is restored. This finding highlights the essential contribution of neural contractility in fundamental brain functions and has implications for our understanding of neural physiology.

Compliant 3D frameworks instrumented with strain sensors for characterization of millimeter-scale engineered muscle tissues.

Tissue-on-chip systems represent promising platforms for monitoring and controlling tissue functions in vitro for various purposes in biomedical research. The two-dimensional (2D) layouts of these constructs constrain the types of interactions that can be studied and limit their relevance to three-dimensional (3D) tissues. The development of 3D electronic scaffolds and microphysiological devices with geometries and functions tailored to realistic 3D tissues has the potential to create important possibilities in advanced sensing and control. This study presents classes of compliant 3D frameworks that incorporate microscale strain sensors for high-sensitivity measurements of contractile forces of engineered optogenetic muscle tissue rings, supported by quantitative simulations. Compared with traditional approaches based on optical microscopy, these 3D mechanical frameworks and sensing systems can measure not only motions but also contractile forces with high accuracy and high temporal resolution. Results of active tension force measurements of engineered muscle rings under different stimulation conditions in long-term monitoring settings for over 5 wk and in response to various chemical and drug doses demonstrate the utility of such platforms in sensing and modulation of muscle and other tissues. Possibilities for applications range from drug screening and disease modeling to biohybrid robotic engineering.

Synthesis, thermoluminescence characterizations, and photon attenuation parameters of MgAl2 O4 structure doped with different ions.

In this work, different ion co-doped Mg1-x Al2 O4 nanophosphors, coded as M5Cr-5La A, M5Cr-5Cu A, M0.07Si-0.03Ce A, and M0.05Ti-0.05La A, where 5Cr-5La, 5Cr-5Cu, 0.07Si-0.03Ce, and 0.05Ti-0.05La representing the added ions (mol%), were prepared using the sol-gel method. Phase structure, transmission electron microscope (TEM) images, and element feasibility were checked using X-ray diffraction, TEM analysis, and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. Their thermoluminescence (TL) response was checked using a 5 Gy γ-test dose. The M0.05Ti-0.05La A sample was found to be best for the TL response with an ~1.1 times response compared with that of the MTS-700 commercial detector. A wide range of dose-responses for the M0.05Ti-0.05La A sample was found up to a 20 Gy γ-dose with the lowest detectable dose of ⁓23 µGy. Photon attenuation parameter results were Zeff ⁓10, which mean that the M0.05Ti-0.05La A sample could be considered as a near tissue equivalent material. Due to this study, the M0.05Ti-0.05La A sample can be considered as a promising detector for application in personal and medical dosimetric monitoring.

Water-Molecule-Induced Reversible Fluorescence in a One-Dimensional Mn-Based Hybrid Halide for Anticounterfeiting and Digital Encryption-Decryption.

Hybrid metal halides with reversible transformation of structure and luminescence properties have attracted significant attention in anticounterfeiting. However, their long transition time and slow response rate may hinder the rapid identification of confidential information. Here, a one-dimensional hybrid manganese-based halide, i.e., (C5H11N3)MnCl2Br2·H2O, is prepared and demonstrates the phenomenon of water-molecule-induced reversible photoluminescence transformation. Heating for <40 s induces a dynamic transfer of red-emissive (C5H11N3)MnCl2Br2·H2O to green-emissive (C5H11N3)MnCl2Br2. In addition, the green emission can gradually revert to red emission during a cooling process in a moist environment, demonstrating excellent reversibility. It is found that the water molecule acts as an external stimulus to realize the reversible transition between red and green emission, which also exhibits remarkable stability during repeated cycles. Furthermore, with the assistance of heating and cooling, a complex digital encryption-decryption and an optical "AND" logical gate are achieved, facilitating the development of anticounterfeiting information security.

Multidentate Chelation Achieves Bilateral Passivation toward Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells with Minimized Energy Losses.

Defects in the electron transport layer (ETL), perovskite, and buried interface will result in considerable nonradiative recombination. Here, a bottom-up bilateral modification strategy is proposed by incorporating arsenazo III (AA), a chromogenic agent for metal ions, to regulate SnO2 nanoparticles. AA can complex with uncoordinated Sn4+/Pb2+ in the form of multidentate chelation. Furthermore, by forming a hydrogen bond with formamidinium (FA), AA can suppress FA+ defects and regulate crystallization. Multiple chemical bonds between AA and functional layers are established, synergistically preventing the agglomeration of SnO2 nanoparticles, enhancing carrier transport dynamics, passivating bilateral defects, releasing tensile stress, and promoting the crystallization of perovskite. Ultimately, the AA-optimized power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the methylammonium-free (MA-free) devices (Rb0.02(FA0.95Cs0.05)0.98PbI2.91Br0.03Cl0.06) is boosted from 20.88% to 23.17% with a high open-circuit voltage (VOC) exceeding 1.18 V and ultralow energy losses down to 0.37 eV. In addition, the optimized devices also exhibit superior stability.

Additive Conformational Engineering To Improve the PbI2 Framework for Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells.

The PbI2 framework is critical for two-step fabricated perovskite solar cells. This study investigates the effects of introducing two functional urea-based molecules, biuret (BU) and dithiobiuret (DTBU), into the PbI2 precursor solution on the absorber layer and overall device performance. BU, which contains C═O, enhanced device performance and stability, whereas DTBU, which contains C═S, had negative effects. Research analysis revealed the differences in the spatial structures of the two urea-based molecules. The introduction of symmetrical BU molecules facilitated the crystallization of PbI2, whereas the introduction of DTBU with a twisted molecular structure led to inferior crystallization performance of PbI2. The perovskite thin film, obtained by introducing BU into the PbI2 precursor solution, demonstrated superior performance, characterized by a decreased defect density and an extended carrier lifetime. The device performance and stability were enhanced, resulting in higher open-circuit voltage and fill factor. The highest achieved power conversion efficiency was 23.50%. After 1300 h of storage under unpackaged conditions at 30-40% humidity, the devices maintained 93% of their initial efficiency. Conversely, the devices prepared with DTBU doping exhibited inferior performance and stability, displaying power conversion efficiency below 10% and faster degradation under the same humidity conditions.

Broadband Near-Infrared Emission from 0D Hybrid Copper Halides.

Metal halides have attracted increasing attention owing to their outstanding optoelectronic properties and tunable emission characteristics. Among these, low-dimensional metal halides have emerged as a novel and efficient luminescent material, primarily attributed to their broad spectral emission induced by self-trapped excitons (STEs). However, achieving highly efficient deep red and near-infrared (NIR) emission in metal halides remains a challenge. In this study, we report a novel zero-dimensional (0D) copper-based metal halide [Na2(DMSO)8]Cu4Br6 as the NIR light source, which exhibits a full width at half-maximum (FWHM) of 195 nm peaking at 685 nm, an impressive quantum efficiency of 68% and a large Stokes shift of 299 nm. Through comprehensive spectral analysis and meticulous data calculations, we substantiate that the emission originates from STEs formed within the 0D structure. Furthermore, we demonstrate the potential application of [Na2(DMSO)8]Cu4Br6 as an invisible light source in night vision by combining it with a commercially available 365 nm ultraviolet (UV) chip. This work not only enriches the family of low-dimensional metal halide materials but also inspires the potential of low-dimensional metal halides in night vision applications.

Time-dependent plasticity in silicon microbeams mediated by dislocation nucleation.

Understanding deformation mechanisms in silicon is critical for reliable design of miniaturized devices operating at high temperatures. Bulk silicon is brittle, but it becomes ductile at about 540 °C. It creeps (deforms plastically with time) at high temperatures (∼800 °C). However, the effect of small size on ductility and creep of silicon remains elusive. Here, we report that silicon at small scales may deform plastically with time at lower temperatures (400 °C) above a threshold stress. We achieve this stress by bending single-crystal silicon microbeams using an in situ thermomechanical testing stage. Small size, together with bending, localize high stress near the surface of the beam close to the anchor. This localization offers flaw tolerance, allowing ductility to win over fracture. Our combined scanning, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy analysis reveals that as the threshold stress is approached, multiple dislocation nucleation sites appear simultaneously from the high-stressed surface of the beam with a uniform spacing of about 200 nm between them. Dislocations then emanate from these sites with time, lowering the stress while bending the beam plastically. This process continues until the effective shear stress drops and dislocation activities stop. A simple mechanistic model is presented to relate dislocation nucleation with plasticity in silicon.

The ameliorative effect of bergamot oil nano-emulsion in stressed rabbit bucks: Influence on blood biochemical parameters, redox status, immunity indices, inflammation markers, semen quality, testicular changes and the expression of HSPs genes.

This work explored the activities of bergamot oil nano-emulsion (NBG) in modulating blood biochemical parameters, redox status, immunity indices, inflammation markers, semen quality, testicular changes and the expression of HSPs genes in stressed rabbit bucks. Twenty-four mature rabbit bucks (5 months) were randomly divided into three groups; control group (NBG0) received 1 ml of distilled water, while the other two groups received NBG orally at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg (bw) twice a week. The present study's findings revealed that treated groups had lower values of total and direct bilirubin, triglyceride, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatinine compared with NBG0 group (p < 0.05). NBG100 group recorded the greatest of total protein, albumin, GPx, T3 and T4 values as well as the lowest values of uric acid, MDA, and indirect bilirubin. Both treated groups showed significantly reduced 8-OhDG, Amyloid A, TLR 4, while significantly increased nitric oxide, IgA, IgM, TAC, and SOD levels. Semen characteristics such as volume, sperm count, sperm motility, normal sperm, and vitality were significantly higher in the NBG100 group compared to the NBG50 and NBG0 groups, whereas sperm abnormalities and dead sperm were significantly reduced. HSP70, HSP72, and HSPA9 gene overexpression showed that testicular integrity was maintained after buck received oral doses of 50 or 100 mg/kg of NBG. Existing findings indicate that oral administration of NBG improves heat tolerance in rabbit bucks primarily as e result of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

ROLE OF DIMETHYL FUMARATE (NRF2 ACTIVATOR) IN REDUCING OF CIPROFLOXACIN-INDUCED HEPATOTOXICITY IN RATS VIA THE NRF2/HO-1 PATHWAY.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: The present study aims to study the effect of DMF on ciprofloxacin-induced liver damage as assessed by liver function and liver pathology and to study this effect if it is thought to activate the Nrf2 antioxidant defense mechanism. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: G1 (control), G2 (ciprofloxacin group), G3 and G4 (two DMF groups rats treated with DMF 50mg and 100mg), and G5 and G6 (two DMF groups rats treated with DMF 50mg and 100mg) (two ciprofloxacin Plus DMF at 50 mg and 100 mg). The tests included study of liver function, Nrf2 analysis, and anti-oxidant enzyme analysis. RESULTS: Results: The serum blood Nrf2, HO-1, and tissue anti-oxidant enzymes all increased after ciprofloxacin treatment. The serum levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 were higher in the ciprofloxacin plus DMF groups, but anti-oxidant enzymes were lower. DMF increased Nrf2 expression in rats when ciprofloxacin caused hepatotoxicity. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: DMF lowers experimental hepatotoxicity in vivo. This effect is thought to activate the Nrf2 antioxidant defense mechanism.

USE OF INFLIXIMAB TO ATTENUATE CEREBRAL APOPTOSIS INDUCED BY CEREBRAL ISCHEMIA/REPERFUSION IN MALE RATS.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: The purpose of the research was to study the role of infiximab global cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: The rats were split into five groups: Sham group; Control group: occlusion of the common carotid artery for 60 minutes, and sub-sequently reperfusion for an hour without receiving any medication; Vehicle group: as the control group, but 72 hours before to the ischemia, they were given the medication 0.9 NaCl intraperitoneally (i.p); Treated group-1: as the control group, plus 3 mg/kg of IFX intraperitoneally (i.p) 72 hours prior to ischemia; Treated group-2: as the control group, plus 7 mg/kg of IFX intraperitoneally (i.p) 72 hours prior to ischemia. RESULTS: Results: Pre-treatment with IFX significantly reduced the percentage of infarct area, but in the IFX (7 mg/kg) group, the infarct area was smaller than at the low dose. The ischemia group had a significant elevated of TNF- α and caspase-3 while a significant lowered in CAT and SOD levels. The pre-treatment with IFX, the TNF- α and caspase-3 levels lowered significantly, furthermore, significantly increased CAT and SOD levels activity (P≤0.05) as compared with IR group. Among effective groups, I/R+IFX (7mg/kg) group more effective in lowering TNF- α and caspase than I/R+IFX (3mg/kg) group. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Infiximab has neuroprotective effective due to its powerful TNF- α blocker and limit ROS release and cell death signaling which protects the neurons from injury during cerebral ischemia reperfusion.

Amplified Spontaneous Emission from Thermally Evaporated High-Quality Thin Films of CsPb(Br1-xYx)3 (Y = I, Cl) Perovskites.

As a wavelength-tunable lasing material, perovskites are now generating a lot of scientific attention. Conventional solution-processed CsPbX3 perovskite films sometimes suffer unavoidable pinhole defects and poor surface morphology, severely limiting their performance on amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) and lasing application. Herein, a thermal evaporation approach is explored in our work to achieve a uniform and high-coverage CsPb(Br1-xYx)3 (Y = I, Cl) perovskites polycrystalline thin film. The ASE of these films was studied using a picosecond laser system. The ASE profile increases rapidly over the narrow peak in relation to the laser pump intensity, confirming the development of stimulated emission. ASE began when the energy density threshold was reached and ranged between 25 and 170 µJ/cm2 per pulse for perovskite materials when replacing I with Br and then Cl. This work emphasizes the notable optical properties of high-quality perovskite thin films, leading to possible accessible uses in optoelectronic applications.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Endocrinology: A Survey and Vision for the Future.

OBJECTIVE: The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE) performed a survey whose aim was to explore characteristics of our membership, members' definitions, perceptions, and experiences with DEI in the endocrinology community, and future directions for the organization in this arena. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted consisting of an anonymous, self-administered online questionnaire that captured members' demographic and professional data and assessed their responses to questions about DEI in the endocrinology community. The questionnaire was sent to all AACE members (n=4,079) during May and June 2021. A descriptive analysis was performed, and variables were cross-tabulated to find significant associations. RESULTS: Four hundred thirty members completed the survey (response rate, 10.5%). Respondents considered a wide array of demographic variables in their definition of diversity, and most perceived the endocrine community to be diverse. Almost half of respondents reported discrimination in their workplace, with women being more likely to report it. Respondents prioritized addressing health care inequities, providing a mentorship program, and providing educational material and resources about DEI as the highest priorities for the organization in this space. CONCLUSION: AACE DEI survey data revealed a diverse AACE membership. Member perspectives will aid in creating a roadmap to broaden DEI among the greater endocrine community.

Biohybrid valveless pump-bot powered by engineered skeletal muscle.

Pumps are critical life-sustaining components for all animals. At the earliest stages of life, the tubular embryonic heart works as a valveless pump capable of generating unidirectional blood flow. Inspired by this elementary pump, we developed an example of a biohybrid valveless pump-bot powered by engineered skeletal muscle. Our pump-bot consists of a soft hydrogel tube connected at both ends to a stiffer polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) scaffold, creating an impedance mismatch. A contractile muscle ring wraps around the hydrogel tube at an off-center location, squeezing the tube with or without buckling it locally. Cyclic muscle contractions, spontaneous or electrically stimulated, further squeeze the tube, resulting in elastic waves that propagate along the soft tube and get reflected back at the soft/stiff tube boundaries. Asymmetric placement of muscle ring results in a time delay between the wave arrivals, thus establishing a net unidirectional fluid flow irrespective of whether the tube is buckled or not. Flow rates of up to 22.5 µL/min are achieved by the present pump-bot, which are at least three orders of magnitude higher than those from cardiomyocyte-powered valve pumps of similar size. Owning to its simple geometry, robustness, ease of fabrication, and high pumping performance, our pump-bot is particularly well-suited for a wide range of biomedical applications in microfluidics, drug delivery, biomedical devices, cardiovascular pumping system, and more.

Engineering geometrical 3-dimensional untethered in vitro neural tissue mimic.

Formation of tissue models in 3 dimensions is more effective in recapitulating structure and function compared to their 2-dimensional (2D) counterparts. Formation of 3D engineered tissue to control shape and size can have important implications in biomedical research and in engineering applications such as biological soft robotics. While neural spheroids routinely are created during differentiation processes, further geometric control of in vitro neural models has not been demonstrated. Here, we present an approach to form functional in vitro neural tissue mimic (NTM) of different shapes using stem cells, a fibrin matrix, and 3D printed molds. We used murine-derived embryonic stem cells for optimizing cell-seeding protocols, characterization of the resulting internal structure of the construct, and remodeling of the extracellular matrix, as well as validation of electrophysiological activity. Then, we used these findings to biofabricate these constructs using neurons derived from human embryonic stem cells. This method can provide a large degree of design flexibility for development of in vitro functional neural tissue models of varying forms for therapeutic biomedical research, drug discovery, and disease modeling, and engineering applications.

Neuromuscular actuation of biohybrid motile bots.

The integration of muscle cells with soft robotics in recent years has led to the development of biohybrid machines capable of untethered locomotion. A major frontier that currently remains unexplored is neuronal actuation and control of such muscle-powered biohybrid machines. As a step toward this goal, we present here a biohybrid swimmer driven by on-board neuromuscular units. The body of the swimmer consists of a free-standing soft scaffold, skeletal muscle tissue, and optogenetic stem cell-derived neural cluster containing motor neurons. Myoblasts embedded in extracellular matrix self-organize into a muscle tissue guided by the geometry of the scaffold, and the resulting muscle tissue is cocultured in situ with a neural cluster. Motor neurons then extend neurites selectively toward the muscle and innervate it, developing functional neuromuscular units. Based on this initial construct, we computationally designed, optimized, and implemented light-sensitive flagellar swimmers actuated by these neuromuscular units. Cyclic muscle contractions, induced by neural stimulation, drive time-irreversible flagellar dynamics, thereby providing thrust for untethered forward locomotion of the swimmer. Overall, this work demonstrates an example of a biohybrid robot implementing neuromuscular actuation and illustrates a path toward the forward design and control of neuron-enabled biohybrid machines.

Conjugated Polymers-Based Ternary Hybrid toward Unique Photophysical Properties.

The improvement of optical and optoelectronic properties of the individual poly [2-methoxy-5- (2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] (MEH-PPV), poly[2-methoxy-5-(3,7-dimethyl-octyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene]-End capped with Dimethyl phenyl (OC1C10-PPV-DMP), and poly (9,9'-di- n -octylfluorenyl-2,7-diyl) (F8) was revealed by blending them in ternary hybrid with optimal ratio (F8/2 wt.% MEH-PPV/2 wt.% OC1C10-PPV-DMP). All individual and optimal ternary solutions were prepared via the solution-blending method followed by depositing them onto glass and ITO substrates using spin-coating technique. The semi-crystalline phase of the ternary hybrid and the strong mixing between the conjugated polymers were evidenced by observing the X-ray diffraction patterns that related to F8 into the hybrid diffractogram. The optical and optoelectronic properties of all prepared thin films were investigated in terms of absorption and emission spectra, Commission International d'Eclairage (CIE) coordinates, and current-voltage (I-V) characterizations. Emission peaks at the entire range of visible spectrum can be revealed from the ternary hybrid of the three individual conjugated polymers, producing white emission as evidenced from the emission spectrum and CIE coordinates of the hybrid. Among all fabricated organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) devices, the ternary hybrid-based-OLED revealed the best performance in terms of current and turn-on voltage.

Nigella sativa L. and COVID-19: A Glance at The Anti-COVID-19 Chemical Constituents, Clinical Trials, Inventions, and Patent Literature.

COVID-19 has had an impact on human quality of life and economics. Scientists have been identifying remedies for its prevention and treatment from all possible sources, including plants. Nigella sativa L. (NS) is an important medicinal plant of Islamic value. This review highlights the anti-COVID-19 potential, clinical trials, inventions, and patent literature related to NS and its major chemical constituents, like thymoquinone. The literature was collected from different databases, including Pubmed, Espacenet, and Patentscope. The literature supports the efficacy of NS, NS oil (NSO), and its chemical constituents against COVID-19. The clinical data imply that NS and NSO can prevent and treat COVID-19 patients with a faster recovery rate. Several inventions comprising NS and NSO have been claimed in patent applications to prevent/treat COVID-19. The patent literature cites NS as an immunomodulator, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, a source of anti-SARS-CoV-2 compounds, and a plant having protective effects on the lungs. The available facts indicate that NS, NSO, and its various compositions have all the attributes to be used as a promising remedy to prevent, manage, and treat COVID-19 among high-risk people as well as for the therapy of COVID-19 patients of all age groups as a monotherapy or a combination therapy. Many compositions of NS in combination with countless medicinal herbs and medicines are still unexplored. Accordingly, the authors foresee a bright scope in developing NS-based anti-COVID-19 composition for clinical use in the future.

ROLE OF PRE-CESAREAN SECTION CEFOTAXIME IN AMELIORATED POST-CESAREAN COMPLICATION.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of cefotaxime before and after skin incision in avoiding post-operative infection complications in caesarean section women, also evaluation the efficacy of cefotaxime in reducing post-caesarean section complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: We conducted 150 women who undergoing caesarean section in the Obstetrics & Gynecological Department, Babylon government from January, 2021 to March, 2021. The caesarean operations were done by using standard protocols. Each patient was examined daily and post-operative infectious. Women were randomly divided into three groups; each group contains 50 women; Group 1: (control) given normal saline 12 hr. before and after skin incision. Group 2 (pre-operation antibiotic): given single dose of cefotaxime 1 g intravenously 12 hr. before skin incision, and Group 3 (post-operation antibiotic): given single dose of cefotaxime 1 g intravenously 12 hr after operation. RESULTS: Results: The outcome measures were post-operative febrile morbidity, healing period and urinary tract infections, in addition to socioeconomic state of each woman. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: cefotaxime pre-cesarean section could ameliorate post-operative problems such as infection of surgical wound, febrile, and urinary tract infections.