bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel factor VII gene mutations in six families with hereditary coagulation factor VII deficiency
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyu , Wang Shuwen , Leng Shaoqiu , Feng Qi , Zhang Yanqi , Xu Shuqian , Zhang Lei , Zhang Xinsheng , Fang Yunhai , Peng Jun , Sheng Zi
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Hereditary human coagulation factor VII (FVII) deficiency is an inherited autosomal recessive hemorrhagic disease involving mutations in the F7 gene. The sites and types of F7 mutations may influence the coagulation activities of plasma FVII (FVII: C) and severity of hemorrhage symptoms. However, the specific mutations that impact FVII activity are not completely known.

Methods

We tested the coagulation functions and plasma activities of FVII in seven patients recruited from six families with hereditary FVII deficiency and sequenced the F7 gene of the patients and their families. Then, we analyzed the genetic information from the six families and predicted the structures of the mutated proteins.

Results

In this study, we detected 11 F7 mutations, including four novel mutations, in which the mutations p.Phe84Ser and p.Gly156Cys encoded the Gla and EGF domains of FVII, respectively, while the mutation p.Ser339Leu encoded the recognition site of the enzymatic protein and maintained the conformation of the catalytic domain structure. Meanwhile, the mutation in the 5′ untranslated region (UTR) was closely associated with the mRNA regulatory sequence.

Conclusion

We have identified novel genetic mutations and performed pedigree analysis that shed light on the pathogenesis of hereditary human coagulation FVII deficiency and may contribute to the development of treatments for this disease.
Reference interval and the role of plasma oligomeric beta amyloid in screening of risk groups for cognitive dysfunction at health checkups
Authors: Nah Eun‐Hee , Cho Seon , Park Hyeran , Noh Dongwon , Hwang Inhwan , Cho Han‐Ik
Published: August 2021

Background

Alzheimer's disease (AD) has a prolonged preclinical stage characterized by cognitive dysfunction. Simple, reliable, and noninvasive biomarkers reflecting the pathogenesis of AD are needed for screening cognitive dysfunction in primary health care. The aims of this study were to determine (1) the potential utility of the Multimer Detection System‐Oligomeric Amyloid‐β (MDS‐OAβ) value in cognitive assessments and (2) the reference interval (RI) of plasma MDS‐OAβ values in the general population.

Methods

This prospective study consecutively recruited 1,594 participants who underwent health checkups including cognitive function examination at 16 health‐promotion centers in Korea between December 2020 and January 2021. The inBloodTM OAβ test (PeopleBio, Gyeonggi‐do, Republic of Korea) was utilized to quantify MDS‐OAβ values in plasma. The reference subjects were obtained among those with normal general cognition on cognitive screening tools. RIs were established according to the CLSI C28‐A3 guidelines.

Results

The median MDS‐OAβ value was higher in subjects with Korean Dementia Screening Questionnaire‐Cognition (KDSQ‐C) scores ≥8 than in those with KDSQ‐C scores of 6–7 (P = 0.013). The median MDS‐OAβ value was higher in subjects with Mini‐Mental State Examination for Dementia Screening (MMSE‐DS) scores of 21–26 than in those with MMSE‐DS scores ≥27 (P = 0.011). The RI (one‐side upper 95th percentile) of the MDS‐OAβ value was 0.80 ng/mL (95% confidence interval = 0.78–0.82) in those aged ≥50 years.

Conclusions

The plasma MDS‐OAβ value reflects cognitive function as assessed using the KDSQ‐C and MMSE‐DS. RIs obtained from a large and cognitively healthy community‐based sample are presented.
Copy number variation characterization and possible candidate genes in miscarriage and stillbirth by next‐generation sequencing analysis
Authors: Zhang Xia , Huang Qingyan , Yu Zhikang , Wu Heming
Published: August 2021

Background

The present study aimed to explore the etiological relationship between miscarriage and stillbirth and copy number variations (CNVs), as well as provide useful genetic guidance for high‐risk pregnancy.

Methods

In total, 659 fetal samples were recruited and subjected to DNA extraction and CNV sequencing (CNV‐seq), relevant medical records were collected.

Results

There were 322 cases (48.86%) with chromosomal abnormalities, including 230 with numerical abnormalities and 92 with structural abnormalities. Chromosomal monosomy variations mainly occurred on sex chromosomes and trisomy variations mainly occurred on chromosomes 16, 22, 21, 18, 13 and 15. In total, 41 pathogenic CNVs (23 microdeletions and 18 microduplications) were detected in 27 fetal tissues. The rates of numerical chromosomal abnormalities were 29.30% (109/372), 32.39% (57/176) and 57.66% (64/111) in < 30‐year‐old, 30–34‐year‐old and ≥ 35‐year‐old age pregnant women, respectively, and increased with an increasing age (p < 0.001). There was statistically significant difference (χ2 = 7.595, p = 0.022) in the rates of structural chromosomal abnormalities in these groups (13.71%, 18.75% and 7.21%, respectively). The rates of numerical chromosomal abnormalities were 45.44% (219/482), 7.80% (11/141) and 0% (0/36) in the ≤ 13 gestational weeks, 14–27 weeks and ≥ 28 weeks groups, respectively, and decreased with respect to the increasing gestational age of the fetuses (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The present study has obtained useful and accurate genetic etiology information that will provide useful genetic guidance for high‐risk pregnancies.
LINC00852 is associated with poor prognosis in non‐small cell lung cancer patients and its inhibition suppresses cancer cell proliferation and chemoresistance via the hsa‐miR‐145‐5p/KLF4 axis
Authors: Tuo Zineng , Liang Li , Zhou Rongmei
Published: August 2021

Background

Emerging evidence shows that long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in human cancer. In the present study, we examined the expression, prognostic implications and functional roles of a lncRNA, LINC00852 in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

LINC00852 expression was examined by quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) in both NSCLC clinical samples and in vitro NSCLC cell lines. In patients with NSCLC, postoperative overall survival was estimated according to endogenous LINC00852 expression in their cancerous lung tissues. In NSCLC cell line SW900 and H441 cells, LINC00852 was down‐regulated to examine its effects on cancer proliferation, cisplatin chemoresistance and cell‐cycle transition in vitro, as well as tumorigenicity in vivo. The potential downstream target of LINC00852, the axis of human microRNA‐145‐5p (hsa‐miR‐145‐5p) and Kruppel‐like factor 4 (KLF4) gene, was investigated in NSCLC, by dual‐luciferase assay, qRT‐PCR and genetic knockdown functional assays.

Results

LINC00852 is up‐regulated in both NSCLC tumors and NSCLC cell lines. High LINC00852 expression was significantly correlated with NSCLC patients' short overall survival. In NSCLC cell lines, LINC00852 down‐regulation had anti‐cancer effects by suppressing cancer cell proliferation, cisplatin chemoresistance and cell‐cycle transition in vitro, as well as explant growth in vivo. Moreover, the hsa‐miR‐145‐5p/KLF4 axis was demonstrated to be directly regulated by LINC00852 in NSCLC. Inhibiting hsa‐miR‐145‐5p or overexpressing KLF4 could reverse the LINC00852‐down‐regulation‐induced anti‐cancer effects on NSCLC cancer cell proliferation and chemoresistance.

Conclusions

LINC00852 may be a prognostic biomarker for NSCLC. The epigenetic signaling pathway of LINC00852/hsa‐miR‐145‐5p/KLF4 may be considered as a novel molecular target for fighting NSCLC.
The imbalance of Th17/Treg via STAT3 activation modulates cognitive impairment inP. gingivalis LPS-induced periodontitis mice
Authors: Zhang Xu , Zhang Xuan , Qiu Che , Shen Hui , Zhang Huanyu , He Zhiyan , Song Zhongchen , Zhou Wei
Published: August 2021

Periodontitis is one of the most common oral diseases worldwide, and it is associated with various systemic diseases, including cognitive diseases. STAT3 regulates the inflammatory cascade and influences adaptive immunity by modulating Th17/Treg cell differentiation. In this study, we aimed to explore the effect of adaptive immunity inside and outside the brain on the association between periodontitis and cognitive impairment and understand the role of the STAT3 signaling pathway. We established Porphyromonas gingivalis LPS-induced periodontitis mice models by injecting P. gingivalis LPS into the gingival sulcus of mice. Behavioral tests showed that learning and memory abilities were impaired. The flow cytometry data showed an imbalance in the Th17/Treg ratio in the blood and brain samples of the mice. The expression of Th17-related cytokines (IL-1β, IL-17A, IL-21, and IL-22) increased, whereas that of Treg-related cytokines (IL-2 and IL-10) decreased in both the blood and the brain. The level of LPS increased and the STAT3 signaling pathway was activated during this process. These effects were reversed by C188-9, a STAT3 inhibitor. In conclusion, P. gingivalis LPS-induced periodontitis may promote the occurrence and progression of cognitive impairment by modulating the Th17/Treg balance inside and outside the brain. The STAT3 signaling pathway may have immunoregulatory effects on the mouth-to-brain axis.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: An Ultrasound Pictorial Review
Authors: de Souza Reis Soares Ocacir , Duarte Márcio Luís , Brasseur Jean‐Louis
Published: August 2021

Tarsal tunnel syndrome may be idiopathic or may be caused by various conditions: bone disease, thickening of the retinaculum, hematoma, or iatrogenic nerve damage; tendinopathy or tenosynovitis; the presence of supernumerary muscles such as an accessory soleus, peroneocalcaneus internus, or accessory flexor digitorum muscle; bone or joint disorders; expansile tumors or cysts; and venous aneurysm or kinking of the tibial artery. The purpose of this article is to describe and illustrate most of the causes of tarsal tunnel syndrome, as diagnosed by ultrasound, which is a practical, inexpensive method.
Duplex Ultrasound Screening for Deep and Superficial Vein Thrombosis in COVID‐19 Patients
Authors: Tung‐Chen Yale , Calderón Ruth , Marcelo Cristina , Deodati Francesco , Mateos María , Castellano Aranzazu , Álvarez Beatriz , Marco Javier , Ordieres Lucía
Published: August 2021

Background

There is growing evidence regarding the venous thromboembolic (VTE) pathophysiology of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Several studies have reported varying incidences of this disease.

Objectives

The main purpose of this study was to determine the real incidence of deep or superficial vein thrombosis in COVID‐19. The study also aimed to identify risk and protective factors for VTE.

Methods

Patients were consecutively enrolled and assessed with a bilateral Duplex ultrasonography of lower limbs during hospitalization. The exam was repeated weekly until discharge, and then follow‐up for 1 month.

Results

Two‐hundred and thirty‐three patients were enrolled. Mean age was 54.4 years (SD 12.7) and 47.8% were female. About 127 patients (54.5%) had comorbidities. At enrollment, patients were normotensive and had normal saturation (95.6%—SD 1.6, with a respiratory rate of 19.1 rpm—SD 4.0), with 130 needing at least supplementary oxygen therapy (55.8%). About 147 patients (63.1%) had at least 1 Duplex ultrasonography study performed and 1.7% had 5 or more studies. One patient had a distal posterior tibial vein thrombosis, which showed signs of chronicity and was congruent with the patient history. Therefore, the incidence of thrombotic events was nearly zero.

Discussion

Our study results suggest that performing a Duplex Ultrasonography screening protocol in stable COVID‐19 patient populations, who may need hospitalization but are without symptoms of vein thrombosis, is not founded. We presumably emphasize the advantage of using intermediate LMWH doses as well as early walking in COVID‐19 patients.
Image Transmission Through a Dynamically Perturbed Multimode Fiber by Deep Learning
Authors: Resisi Shachar , Popoff Sebastien M. , Bromberg Yaron
Published: August 2021

When multimode optical fibers are perturbed, the data that is transmitted through them is scrambled. This presents a major difficulty for many possible applications, such as multimode fiber based telecommunication and endoscopy. To overcome this challenge, a deep learning approach that generalizes over mechanical perturbations is presented. Using this approach, successful reconstruction of the input images from intensity‐only measurements of speckle patterns at the output of a 1.5 m‐long randomly perturbed multimode fiber is demonstrated. The model's success is explained by hidden correlations in the speckle of random fiber conformations.
Random Sturm–Liouville operators with point interactions
Authors: del Rio Rafael , Franco Asaf L.
Published: August 2021

We study invariance for eigenvalues of selfadjoint Sturm–Liouville operators with local point interactions. Such linear transformations are formally defined by
or similar expressions with instead of δ. In a probabilistic setting, we show that a point is either an eigenvalue for all ω or only for a set of ω's of measure zero. Using classical oscillation theory it is possible to decide whether the second situation happens. The operators do not need to be measurable or ergodic. This generalizes the well known fact that for ergodic operators a point is eigenvalue with probability zero.
Congenital cataract: An ocular manifestation of classical homocystinuria
Authors: Saba Neelam , Irshad Saba
Published: August 2021

Background

Homocystinuria is an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder occurring due to the defects in cystathionine‐β‐synthase enzyme. The study was carried out to investigate a Pakistani family presenting bilateral congenital cataract with symptoms of classical homocystinuria at LRBT Free Eye Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan.

Methods

Three affected individuals of the family presented skeletal deformations, intellectual disability, speech delay, and myopia with bilateral congenital cataract. Genetic analysis on DNA samples from affected individuals was done through whole exome sequencing to identify underlying genetic variant causing disease phenotypes in the family. In silico analysis was done to predict the effect of variation on the structure of mutant protein.

Results

A missense allelic variant (NM_000071.3: c.253G>A) of the CBS gene was revealed which may affect the catalytic activity of the substituted (NP_000062.1: p.G85R) protein by disrupting the folding of the enzymatic protein. High levels of homocysteine were observed in the plasma of affected individuals. This is the first report of this genetic variant from Pakistan causing homocystinuria and congenital cataract in association.

Conclusion

This variant was reported first time in association with congenital cataract instead of ectopia lentis. Congenital cataract was developed secondarily in these patients and provided a clue for the early diagnosis of metabolic disorders like homocystinuria to prevent further complications and morbidity.
Ambit‐SLN: an Open Source Software Library for Processing of Chemical Objects via SLN Linear Notation
Authors: Kochev Nikolay , Jeliazkova Nina , Tancheva Gergana
Published: August 2021

SLN (SYBYL Line Notation) is the most comprehensive and rich linear notation for representation of chemical objects of various kinds facilitating a wide range of cheminformatics algorithms. Though, it is not the most popular linear notation nowadays, SLN has capabilities for supporting the most challenging tasks of the present day cheminformatics research. We present Ambit‐SLN, a new software library for cheminformatics processing of chemical objects via linear notation SLN. Ambit‐SLN is developed as a part of the cheminformatics platform AMBIT. It is an open‐source tool, distributed under LGPL license, written in Java and based on the Chemistry Development Kit. Ambit‐SLN includes a parser for the full SLN syntax of chemical structures and substructure search queries including support for macro and Markush atoms, global and local dictionaries and user defined properties which can be stored and used by the Ambit data model. The Ambit‐SLN library includes functionalities for substructure matching based on SLN query strings and utilities for conversion of SLN objects to other chemical formats such as SMILES and SMARTS. The functionality for Markush atom expansion can be used for generation of combinatorial structure sets.
Green Tea Suppresses Amyloid β Levels and Alleviates Cognitive Impairment by Inhibiting APP Cleavage and Preventing Neurotoxicity in 5XFAD Mice
Authors: Kan Zhipeng , Wang Yijun , Chen Qian , Tang Xiaoyu , Thompson Henry J. , Huang Jinbao , Zhang Jinsong , Gao Feng , Shen Yong , Wan Xiaochun
Published: August 2021

Scope

The consumption of green tea is considered to be associated with a lower incidence of neurodegenerative diseases. In the present study, it is investigated the role of amyloid precursor protein cleavage, glial cell activation, neuroinflammation, and synaptic alterations in the protective effects of green tea against the amyloid β (Aβ) accumulation and cognitive impairment.

Methods and Results

5XFAD mice are treated with green tea extract (GTE) for 8 or 16 weeks. Barnes maze and Y maze testing demonstrated that spatial learning and memory ability are markedly improved by GTE treatment. Immunofluorescence staining, ELISA, and western blot showed GTE significantly alleviate the formation of Aβ and reduce the levels of sAPPβ and C99, as well as sAPPα and C83. Meanwhile, GTE suppressed GFAP and Iba1 levels in the glial cells, increased PSD95 and synaptophysin levels in synaptic cells. Further, the IL‐1β level is decreased, RNA sequencing reveals the genes annotated in response to stimulus and immune response are regulated.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate GTE suppresses Aβ levels and alleviate cognitive impairment in 5XFAD mice. These beneficial effects are accompanied by inhibition of APP cleavage pathways, suppression of glial cell activation and pro‐inflammatory responses, and a reduction of synapse loss.
Gefitinib Combined with Cetuximab for the Treatment of Lung Adenocarcinoma Harboring the EGFR–Intergenic Region (SEC61G) Fusion and EGFR Amplification
Authors: Zhang Guoqing , Xia Peiyi , Zhao Shanshan , Yuan Lulu , Wang Xiaosu , Li Xiangnan , Li Jindong
Published: August 2021

EGFR fusions are rare genomic events in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and a total of nine types have been previously reported in lung adenocarcinoma: EGFR-RAD51, EGFR-PURB, EGFR-ANXA2, EGFR-ZNF713, EGFR-YAP1, USP42-EGFR, EGFR-SEPTIN14, EGFR-TNS3, and EGFR-ZCCHC6. EGFR fusion mutations combined with EGFR amplification are even rarer in NSCLC. The EGFR–intergenic region (IGR) fusion mutation is unreported, and thus, there are no studies targeting this fusion together with EGFR amplification in lung adenocarcinoma. Our brief study provides clinical evidence that combined targeted therapy with gefitinib and cetuximab could result in a significant antitumor response in patients with the EGFR-IGR fusion and EGFR amplification.

Key Points
Economic gaps and crimes among the States of Nigeria
Authors: Olakojo Solomon A. , Onanuga Abayomi T. , Onanuga Olaronke T.
Published: August 2021

In recent times, rising insecurity and crimes are some of the major problems confronting Nigeria. However, crimes vary significantly across the States in the country. This study, therefore, investigated the effects of State's economic gaps on crimes employing panel instrumental variables technique for 21 States in Nigeria and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) between 2016 and 2017. The results showed that States' income per capita is not crime reducing but States' income per capita gaps. A 10% reduction in States' income per capita gaps reduced all crimes and crimes against people by 1.8% and 3.0%, respectively. Also, 10% increase in the population density increased crimes against the authority by 7.0%. Reducing State's economic gaps and population reducing policy would be effective approaches at minimising crimes in Nigeria.
Biosimilar insulins: will switching soon be the norm?
Authors: Chaplin Steve
Published: August 2021

Three biosimilar insulins are now available in the UK, and more may follow. While biosimilar insulin may be economically driven, it may also help towards narrowing the inequality gap around the provision of insulin, globally.

Steve Chaplin investigates the characteristics of biosimilar insulins, their development and uptake, along with potential cost savings, their clinical utility, and whether or not switching to a biosimilar insulin will soon be the norm.
A century of insulin: from lifesaving discovery to a journey of scientific evolution!
Authors: McKay Gerry , Carty David , Fisher Miles , Paterson Ken
Published: August 2021

Before 1922, treatments for type 1 diabetes were limited, including the Allen plan (a diet based on minimising calorific intake), and the prognosis was bleak. Although the pancreas was already thought to produce a substance that, when lacking, resulted in diabetes it was not until the unlikely combination of an orthopaedic surgeon, Frederick Banting, and a medical student, Charles Best, came together with the guidance and support of physiologist Prof John Macleod that progress into clinical practice became a reality. Initial laboratory work in dogs confirmed the biological effect of the endocrine function of the pancreas. The realisation that insulin could be extracted from bovine pancreas made it a realistic prospect for treatment, but only after the involvement of James Collip, a biochemist who helped refine the purification process. The first injection of insulin as a treatment happened on 11 January 1922. Since then, it has been a scientific journey driven by the need for large‐scale production, processes allowing initially for better extraction and purification of bovine, then porcine insulin, before recombinant DNA technology allowed for the production of human insulin from 1978. Throughout the use of animal and human insulins, research efforts have concentrated on finding ways of prolonging the insulin time‐action profile to meet basal insulin requirements while at the same time shortening it to be more convenient for prandial insulin needs. The development of insulin analogues from 1996 has allowed an even better ability to mimic normal physiological function with longer‐acting basal insulins and shorter‐acting prandial insulins. This approach will continue to be a driver for evolution in addition to exploring the possibility of different routes of delivery. Copyright © 2021 John Wiley & Sons.
Study on the role of tannic acid–calcium oxide adduct as a green heat stabilizer as well as reinforcing filler in the bio‐based hybrid polyvinyl chloride–thermoplastic starch polymer composite
Authors: Dutta Nipu , Hazarika Shekharjyoti , Maji Tarun Kumar
Published: August 2021

In this study, we prepared a green heat stabilizer tannic acid–calcium oxide (TA–CaO) adduct in a green method and its efficacy was studied in a bio‐based polyvinyl chloride‐thermoplastic starch polymer matrix. The composite was prepared in a green pathway by melt mixing. CaO in the prepared complex also acted as a reinforcing filler in the composite. The addition of TA–CaO adduct in place of lead carbonate improved all the physical and chemical properties of the composite. The tensile strength and flexural strength improved to 102% and 127%, respectively, in comparison with similar percentage of lead carbonate and TA–CaO adduct. The composite with 15 phr loading of TA–CaO showed improved properties compared with other TA–CaO loaded composites.
Effect of alumina nanoparticles on the antifouling properties of polycarbonate‐polyurethane blend ultrafiltration membrane for water treatment
Authors: Etemadi Habib , Afsharkia Soheyla , Zinatloo‐Ajabshir Sahar , Shokri Elham
Published: August 2021

In this work, the flexibility of polycarbonate (PC) membrane was improved by using polyurethane (PU) additive. However, due to the hydrophobic nature of the PU polymer, alumina (Al2O3) nanoparticles were incorporated to PC‐PU blend membrane. The prepared membranes have been used in a submerged membrane system to eliminate humic acid molecules from polluted water in both the presence and absence of coagulant (polyaluminum chloride). The obtained results showed that introduction of PU into PC membrane diminished hydrophilicity and enhanced porosity. Moreover, the flexibility of the PC membrane remarkably improved. Introduction of 1.5 wt% Al2O3 to the PC‐PU blend membrane led to enhancement in both porosity and hydrophilicity. Results of morphological studies showed that in the presence of Al2O3 nanostructures, finger‐shaped voids seemed to elongate across the entire thickness of the prepared membrane. Atomic force microscopy images showed that incorporation of PU and Al2O3 to the PC membrane resulted in a smoother surface. The antifouling performance of membranes revealed that the PC‐PU/Al2O3 nanocomposite membrane possessed the most favorable antifouling features owing to its lowest surface roughness as well as highest hydrophilicity. For all membranes utilizing coagulant (PAC), the irreversible fouling ratio and the flux recovery ratio significantly diminished and increased, respectively.
Spherical polyelectrolyte brushes as bio‐platforms to integrate platinum nanozyme and glucose oxidase for colorimetric detection of glucose
Authors: Yang Qingsong , Li Li , Sun Liang , Ye Zhishuang , Wang Yunwei , Guo Xuhong
Published: August 2021

The integration of nanozyme and natural enzyme for cascade reactions has attracted great attention due to their huge potential applications in detection, biomedicine, and catalysis. Here the novel cascade bio‐platforms were fabricated by using spherical poly[(2‐methacryloyloxyethyl)trimethyl ammonium chloride] (PMOTA) brushes (SPB) as nanoreactors to prepare platinum nanoparticles in situ and as nanocarriers to immobilize glucose oxidase (GOX). The generated Pt nanoparticles possess high stability and peroxidase‐like properties, which can catalyze the oxidation of 3,3′,5,5′‐tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) in the presence of H2O2 to generate blue colored oxidized TMB (oxTMB). And the absorbed GOX can specifically catalyze the oxidation of glucose into gluconic acid and H2O2, while the produced H2O2 is subsequently catalyzed by the Pt nanozymes. Thus, the co‐immobilized Pt nanozymes and GOX within SPB (SPB@Pt@GOX) acted as effective biosensors for colorimetric detection of glucose showing high selectivity and great feasibility. This work demonstrates a facile and general strategy to use SPB as bio‐platforms to integrate nanozymes and natural enzymes for cascade reactions.
Changes in depressive symptoms among family caregivers of patients with cancer after bereavement and their association with resilience: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Shimizu Yoichi , Hayashi Akitoshi , Maeda Isseki , Miura Tomofumi , Inoue Akira , Takano Mayuko , Aoyama Maho , Matsuoka Yutaka J. , Morita Tatsuya , Kizawa Yoshiyuki , Tsuneto Satoru , Shima Yasuo , Masukawa Kento , Miyashita Mitsunori
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To elucidate changes in depressive symptoms after bereavement and the impact of pre‐loss resilience on such changes and on the extent of complicated grief and posttraumatic growth.

Methods

Prospective cohort surveys were provided to family caregivers of patients with cancer in four palliative care units (PCUs) before and after bereavement. Pre‐loss Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale scores, pre‐ and post‐loss Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 scores, post‐loss Brief Grief Questionnaire scores, and the expanded Posttraumatic Growth Inventory scores were determined.

Results

Out of 186 bereaved family caregivers, 71 (38.2%) responses were analyzed, among which 47% pre‐loss and 15% post‐loss responses suggested to be a high risk for major depressive disorder (MDD). Approximately 90% of family caregivers at a high risk for post‐loss MDD were already at a high risk for pre‐loss MDD. Even after adjustment of the background variables as covariates, the interaction effect between family caregivers' pre‐loss depressive symptoms and resilience on post‐loss depressive symptoms was observed (F = 7.29; p < 0.01). Moreover, pre‐loss resilience was not associated with other bereavement outcome measures.

Conclusions

Among family caregivers of patients with cancer in PCUs, 47% and 15% had high risk for MDD before and after bereavement, respectively. Moreover, pre‐loss resilience mitigated post‐loss depressive symptoms among family caregivers who had high risk for MDD before bereavement. However, considering the study's small sample size, further research is needed.
Deciphering the Structure and Chemical Composition of Drug Nanocarriers: From Bulk Approaches to Individual Nanoparticle Characterization
Authors: Chaupard Maeva , de Frutos Marta , Gref Ruxandra
Published: August 2021

Drug nanocarriers (NCs) with sizes usually below 200 nm are gaining increasing interest in the treatment of severe diseases such as cancer and infections. Characterization methods to investigate the morphology and physicochemical properties of multifunctional NCs are key in their optimization and in the study of their in vitro and in vivo fate. Whereas a variety of methods has been developed to characterize “bulk” NCs in suspension, the scope of this review is to describe the different approaches for the NC characterization on an individual basis, for which fewer techniques are available. The accent is put on methods devoid of labelling, which could lead to artefacts. For each characterization method, the principles and approaches to analyze the data are presented in an accessible manner. Aspects related to sample preparation to avoid artefacts are indicated, and emphasis is put on examples of applications. NC characterization on an individual basis allows gaining invaluable information in terms of quality control, on: i) NC localization and fate in biological samples; ii) NC morphology and crystallinity; iii) distribution of the NC components (drugs, shells), and iv) quantification of NCs’ chemical composition. The individual characterization approaches are expected to gain increasing interest in the near future.
Computational design and screening of promising energetic materials: The coplanar family of novel heterocycle‐based explosives
Authors: Wu Jinting , Jiang Yuhe , Lian Zeng , Li Hongbo , Zhang Jianguo
Published: August 2021

A series of coplanar compounds based on triazine ring and triazole ring are proposed for the design of new energetic materials. The molecular structure, electronic structure, stability and detonation properties of these 40 compounds have been calculated by the density functional theory method. With the participation of hydroxyl, amino and nitro groups, these nitrogen‐rich fused ring compounds have the characteristics of aromaticity and hydrogen bonding. At the same time, the standard molar heat capacity, standard molar entropy and standard molar enthalpy change trends of some representative compounds in the temperature range of 200–800 K were calculated. The detonation performance, stability and density of these coplanar compounds were compared. There are 25 compounds with high density (ρ = 1.80–1.94 g·cm−3), of which A3‐2 exhibits excellent detonation performance (ρ = 1.93 g·cm−3, D = 8.86 km·s−1, P = 36.27 GPa), it is a potential candidate for high energy density materials. These research results provide a theoretical basis for the future design and screening of new energetic materials.
Facile Synthesis of Manganese‐Cobalt‐Sulfur/Reduced Rraphene Oxide Composite as High Performing Faradaic Electrode
Authors: Chen Lijun , Yin Hongfeng , Li Min , Chai Lina , Wang Biyao
Published: August 2021

Herein, a composite, composed of MnCo‐sulfide heterojunction on the surface of rGO, is prepared via a facile one‐step hydrothermal vulcanization reaction. The physicochemical properties of the material are characterized using X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The as‐prepared composite is able to deliver a high specific capacitance of 2274.6 C g−1 at a scan rate of 1 mV s−1, and it is also able to exhibit good rate capability (retaining 1738.8 C g−1 at 10 mv s−1). A cell (MCS/rGO//activated carbon) is assembled, and it is able to achieve an energy density of 76.7 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 800 W kg−1. Furthermore, a remarkable cyclic performance is recorded for cell, as it is able to achieve almost 100 % capacitance retention after cycling for 6000 cycles.
Applications of Ethynylanilines as Substrates for Construction of Indoles and Indole‐Substituted Derivatives
Authors: Kamble Omkar S. , Khatravath Mahender , Dandela Rambabu
Published: August 2021

Indole is a core structure in many biologically important natural products such as heteroauxin, tryptophan, hypaphorine, bufotenine and gramine. Further, indole based natural products attracted the attention of many research groups due to their broad range of applications in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals. Thus, it is essential to cover recent advances in the synthesis of indoles and its derivatives. Historically, indole and its derivatives are synthesized by numerous approaches, which is a vast subject and beyond the scope of this review. Herein, we particularly focused on the last five years progress in synthetic approaches for the construction of indole and its derivatives from the substituted 2‐ethynyl anilines using various approaches such as transition‐metal catalyzed cyclizations, metal‐free, and radical reactions. Therefore, we believe that summarizing these results may be very useful for chemists who are interested in the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds.
Microwave‐Assisted CH Activation of the Thiophene Ring: A Simple Approach to Access Substituted Thienopyridines
Authors: Campos Joana F. , Cimorelli Mélanie , Jemili Rihab , Berteina‐Raboin Sabine
Published: August 2021

A practical microwave‐assisted CH activation for the preparation of several phenoxythieno[3,2‐b]pyridines is reported here. This new strategy is an efficient alternative to the conventional methods currently used. The optimized conditions can also be applied to a one‐pot approach.
Dramatic Responsivity Enhancement Through Concentrated H2SO4 Treatment on PEDOT:PSS/TiO2 Heterojunction Fibrous Photodetectors
Authors: Deng Xiaolei , Li Ziliang , Liu Hui , Zhao Yijian , Zheng Lingxia , Shi Xiaowei , Wang Liang , Fang Xiaosheng , Zheng Huajun
Published: August 2021

In order to satisfy the growing requirements of wearable electronic devices, 1D fiber‐shaped devices with outstanding sensitivity, flexibility, and stability are urgently needed. In this study, a novel inorganic‐organic heterojunction fibrous photodetector (FPD) based on poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) and highly ordered TiO2 nanotube array is fabricated, which endows a high responsivity, large external quantum efficiency, and fast response speed at 3 V bias. To further ameliorate its performance in the self‐powered mode, a facile acid treatment is adopted and the assembled H‐PEDOT:PSS/TiO2 FPD demonstrates outstanding self‐powered properties with ≈3000% responsivity enhancement (161 mA W−1 at 0 V under 365 nm irradiation, photocurrent enhancement of ≈50 times) compared with the untreated device. It is found that the concentrated H2SO4 post‐treatment helps decrease the tube wall thickness of TiO2 and partially removes the insulated PSS component in PEDOT:PSS, leading to enhanced conductivity and facilitated charge transportation, and thereby superb responsivity/photocurrent enhancement of self‐powered H‐PEDOT:PSS/TiO2 FPD. This low‐cost and high‐performance self‐powered FPD shows high potential for applications in wearable electronic devices.
Recent progress in epitaxial growth of two‐dimensional phosphorus
Authors: Wang Yihe , Sun Shuo , Zhang Jialin , Huang Yu Li , Chen Wei
Published: August 2021

Phosphorus is an important non‐metal element with many allotropes and tunable electronic properties. As one of the most important allotropes of phosphorus, two‐dimensional (2D) black phosphorus (BP) possesses many extraordinary properties, such as high charge carrier mobility with high on/off ratio, thickness‐dependent direct bandgap varying from 0.3 to 2 eV, and anisotropic electrical, optical and thermal properties. Inspiring by the success of 2D BP, other 2D phosphorus allotropes with intriguing properties for next‐generation electronic and optoelectronic devices have also attracted much attention. However, large‐scale growth of high‐quality 2D single/few‐layer phosphorus remains a great challenge. In this review, we highlight recent progress achieved on 2D phosphorus, with special focus on the epitaxial growth of 2D BP films, blue phosphorus (BlueP) monolayers as well as phosphorus‐metal porous networks. The remaining challenges and future perspectives on the development of monolayer phosphorus or phosphorus‐metal alloys are also provided.
Highly Dispersed Indium Oxide Nanoparticles Supported on Carbon Nanorods Enabling Efficient Electrochemical CO2 Reduction
Authors: Pan Binbin , Yuan Guotao , Zhao Xuan , Han Na , Huang Yang , Feng Kun , Cheng Chen , Zhong Jun , Zhang Liang , Wang Yuhang , Li Yanguang
Published: August 2021

Indium‐based materials can selectively reduce CO2 to formate, but their activities still fall short of expectations to be considered for practical applications. Structural engineering at the nanoscale offers a promising solution. However, it is challenging to directly prepare nanostructures of metallic indium because of its low melting point and high oxophilicity. Herein, a strategy to prepare highly dispersed indium oxide nanoparticles as the precatalyst supported on conductive carbon nanorods from annealing the MIL‐68 (In) precursor is proposed. When assessed in an H‐cell, the product enables CO2 reduction to formate with great faradaic efficiency of around 90% over a wide potential window in 0.5 m KHCO3. When applied in a gas‐diffusion‐electrode‐based flow cell, the catalyst delivers large current density of up to 300 mA cm−2 in 1 m KOH, great formate faradaic efficiency and decent stability. These results indicate the commercial viability of the catalyst even though the carbonate buildup at the gas diffusion electrode remains an issue of future research.
Control Perovskite Crystals Vertical Growth for Obtaining High‐Performance Monolithic Perovskite/Silicon Heterojunction Tandem Solar Cells with VOC of 1.93 V
Authors: Hou Fuhua , Li Yucheng , Yan Lingling , Shi Biao , Ren Ningyu , Wang Pengyang , Zhang Dekun , Ren Huizhi , Ding Yi , Huang Qian , Li Tiantian , Li Yuelong , Zhao Ying , Zhang Xiaodan
Published: August 2021

The efficiency of perovskite (PVK)/silicon tandem solar cells have the potential to beyond the Shockley–Queisser limit of single‐junction solar cell and the theoretical efficiency can reach over 35%. Improving the quality of PVK film can reduce nonradiative charge recombination. Herein, MACl is added to the PVK precursor, compared with the control cell, adding MACl can assist the vertical crystallization of PVK film, accelerates carrier vertical transport, reduces bulk defects in the active layer. Moreover, MACl can upshift the valence band energy level, making it better band alignment with hole‐transport layer. As a result, the fill factor (FF) and open‐circuit voltage (VOC) are improved with MACl addition. The champion MACl‐added PVK solar cell with 1.67 eV bandgap achieves an efficiency of 18.94% and a VOC of 1.225 V. Using the optimized wide bandgap PVK solar cells to fabricate the rear‐textured monolithic PVK /silicon heterojunction tandem solar cells, a champion efficiency of 24.16% and a VOC of 1.93 V are obtained. It is demonstrated that the control of PVK crystals vertical orientation provides an effective strategy for improving the efficiency of PVK‐based solar cells.
A carbon dot‐based total green and self‐recoverable solid‐state electrochemical cell fully utilizing O2/H2O redox couple
Authors: Chen Zhaomin , Gu Xiaoqing , Guo Yutong , Wang Xin , Shao Mingwang , Dong Bin , Kang Zhenhui
Published: August 2021

Electrochemical cell can overcome the inherent intermittence of the renewable energy sources, thus showing great potentials in applications ranging from electrical energy storage to future smart grid. However, the current electrochemical cells could not achieve the “total green” feature by fully utilizing the clean and abundant O2/H2O redox couples due to the enormous overpotentials for both oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen release reaction (OER). Herein, we report a “total green” electrochemical composite film cell based on carbon dots (CDots), which can realize both ORR and OER in the acid environment. The in‐air voltage generation (0.95 V, with a maximum power of 5.3 μW) relies on the multiple‐electron‐transfer redox chemical reaction between the two active components inside the composite film, that is, ORR/OER of CDots and the redox reaction of polyaniline (PANI) on the electrode and the resulting proton concentration gradient. Interestingly, the cell can be self‐recovered at low load, recharged by adding H2O2, or electrocharged at high load. We anticipate that current study may open up new opportunities for designing and developing total‐green energy storage and conversion systems for diverse applications.
DFlow: A Data Flow Analysis Tool for C/C++
Authors: Yan Qiaoqiao , Li Yongjun , Wu Yuanhao , Zhou Jialong
Published: August 2021

Abstract syntax trees (ASTs), control flow graphs (CFGs), and data flow analysis (DFA) are prerequisites for static and dynamic analysis and vulnerability detection for programs; thus, obtaining them is significant. Recently, many tools related to generating ASTs, CFGs, and DFA have been proposed. However, most tools can only construct ASTs, very few can construct ASTs and CFGs, and almost none can construct all three. The vast majority of AST, CFG, and DFA tools are for other languages (e.g., Java and Python), and while a few are for C/C++, they are implemented in other languages, creating complex working environments, and overreliance on other language‐related libraries. To address these shortcomings, we present a DFA tool, DFlow, for C/C++. First, a lexical/grammatical analyzer generated by Flex and Bison is used to analyze the program. Second, an AST is constructed from the results; then, a CFG is obtained from the analysis results and the information from the AST. Finally, based on the AST and CFG, DFA is performed, and the vulnerabilities of simple programs are determined. We test some common vulnerable code and common weakness enumeration slicing code, which show the effectiveness of DFlow in program data flow analysis and vulnerability checking. The results show that our tool can implement ASTs, CFGs, and DFA, and we add some rules to the tool for vulnerability detection. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Equine infection with Leishmania spp. in Costa Rica: Study of five cases
Authors: Ortega‐García María Victoria , Salguero Francisco Javier , García Nerea , Domínguez Mercedes , Moreno Inmaculada , Berrocal Alexis
Published: August 2021

Background

Cutaneous forms of leishmaniosis due to Leishmania braziliensis have been reported in horses in the New World. Domestic animals play a role in the transmission of the disease. In Costa Rica, human cases of L. braziliensis, L. panamensis and L. infantum have been reported.

Objectives

The present report describes five cases of equine cutaneous leishmaniosis in Costa Rica. The aetiological diagnosis was based on the presence of the parasite within the lesions.

Methods

Skin biopsies were used to perform histopathological analyses of the lesions. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the presence of the Leishmania spp. antigens in tissue sections. Laser‐capture micro‐dissection and quantitative real‐time PCR techniques were carried out to detect the pathogen nucleic acid within the microscopic lesions.

Results

Histopathological analyses showed a granulomatous inflammation within the dermis, with multi‐nucleated giant cells, macrophages, lymphocytes and few neutrophils and eosinophils. We detected the parasite by immunohistochemistry, using a rabbit polyclonal antibody raised against Leishmania spp. However, we could not identify Leishmania spp. by quantitative real‐time PCR in formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissues, using specific primers for the conserved region in the minicircle of the Leishmania DNA kinetoplast.

Conclusions

Our results emphasise the importance of Leishmania spp. not only as a causative agent of equine cutaneous disease in the New World, but also as a possible emerging pathogen. Leishmaniosis is one of the most prevalent parasitic public health problems worldwide, and equines may have a role in the epidemiology of the disease.
Why so skeptical? The role of animals in fluvial geomorphology
Authors: Rice Stephen P.
Published: August 2021

Despite acknowledgement of zoogeomorphological impacts and a positive trajectory for biogeomorphology, the cumulative geomorphic significance of animals remains largely unknown across geomorphic scales. We do not know the proportion of erosion, transport and deposition that is mediated by animal activity in different environments and cannot answer questions like how changing animal distributions under climate change will affect sediment fluxes and landscapes? This partly reflects a healthy skepticism about the net significance of biological energy and zoogeomorphic processes when set against the orthodox assumption that geophysical energy dominates. Zoogeomorphology is regarded as a “niche” interest, or worse, as inconsequential. Drawing on examples from fluvial geomorphology, this essay challenges that skepticism with the aim of encouraging greater consideration of the relevance of coupled biomorphodynamic systems. Five assumptions that belittle the role of animals are considered: that the number of species acting as geomorphic agents is small and their abundance limited; that limited geographical extent and periods of activity preclude widespread effects; and that impacts on sediment fluxes and morphological change are insignificant. In the hope that some skepticism is overcome, four interrelated challenges for future research are outlined: empirical investigation of zoogeomorphic processes, scaling‐up process understanding, embracing new technologies and approaches, and developing suitably integrated modeling tools. Such advances, alongside a willingness to recognize coupled biomorphodynamic interactions as the norm, rather than the exception, can improve our ability to understand both geomorphological and ecological phenomena and transform our understanding of how landscapes interact with the animals that live on, and in, them.

This article is categorized under:

Water and Life > Conservation, Management, and Awareness

Water and Life > Nature of Freshwater Ecosystems