bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitochondria‐Specific Recognition of G‐Quadruplexes by a Flavylium‐Based Turn‐On Near‐Infrared Rotor Probe
Authors: Suseela Yelisetty Venkata , Satha Pardhasaradhi , Govindaraju Thimmaiah
Published: August 2021

The ability of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to form G‐quadruplex (GQ) structures suggest their role in diseases involving mitochondrial dysfunction. Detection and visualization of GQ structures specific to mitochondria using fluorescent probes aid in monitoring mtDNA dynamics and homeostasis. Herein, we report the first study of flavylium‐methine rotor probes (FLV1 and FLV3) for discrimination of GQ and non‐GQ structures through turn‐on near infrared (NIR) fluorescence response. The target‐induced disaggregation (TID) and restricted intramolecular rotation (RIR) of FLV1 in the presence of GQ specific to VEGF oncogene leading to significant fluorescence enhancement and delayed lifetime. The colocalization studies with different organelle trackers confirmed selective localization of FLV1 in mitochondria. Nuclease digestion assays showed mitochondria‐specific accumulation of the probe is independent of membrane potential and selectively bind mtDNA GQ. Our study demonstrates the biocompatible and photostable flavylium‐methine dyes as a new category of probes to selectively label mitochondria and target mtDNA GQ in live and fixed cells.
Development and implementation of a three‐dimensional (3D) printing elective course for health science students
Authors: Harmon Derek J. , Klein Barbie A. , Im Cecilia , Romero Dylan
Published: August 2021

Three‐dimensional (3D) printing technology has become more affordable, accessible, and relevant in healthcare, however, the knowledge of transforming medical images to physical prints still requires some level of training. Anatomy educators can play a pivotal role in introducing learners to 3D printing due to the spatial context inherent to learning anatomy. To bridge this knowledge gap and decrease the intimidation associated with learning 3D printing technology, an elective was developed through a collaboration between the Department of Anatomy and the Makers Lab at the University of California, San Francisco. A self‐directed digital resource was created for the elective to guide learners through the 3D printing workflow, which begins with a patient's computed tomography digital imaging and communication in medicine (DICOM) file to a physical 3D printed model. In addition to practicing the 3D printing workflow during the elective, a series of guest speakers presented on 3D printing applications they utilize in their clinical practice and/or research laboratories. Student evaluations indicated that their intimidation associated with 3D printing decreased, the clinical and research topics were directly applicable to their intended careers, and they enjoyed the autonomy associated with the elective format. The elective and the associated digital resource provided students with the foundational knowledge of 3D printing, including the ability to extract, edit, manipulate, and 3D print from DICOM files, making 3D printing more accessible. The aim of disseminating this work is to help other anatomy educators adopt this curriculum at their institution.
Surface Ohmic Conductivity on a Mott Insulator Based on a One‐dimensional Bromide‐bridged Nickel(III) Complex
Authors: Wakizaka Masanori , Iguchi Hiroaki , Takaishi Shinya , Yamashita Masahiro
Published: August 2021

Ohmic contacts are of critical importance to improve the performance of semiconductor devices as well as those of low‐dimensional materials. Halogen‐bridged metal complexes (MX‐Chains) are fascinating quasi‐one‐dimensional (1D) electronic materials. However, reports on the electrical characteristics of MX‐Chains remain elusive. Herein, we report the electrical characteristics of single crystals of [Ni(chxn)2Br]Br2 (chxn: (1R,2R)‐(−)‐1,2‐cyclohexanediamine), which is a 1D Mott insulator, using different probe arrangements. [Ni(chxn)2Br]Br2 was shown for the first time to exhibit Ohmic characteristics on the crystal surface, albeit that the conductivity behavior of the interior of the crystal is nonlinear due to the Joule heating effect. The current flow on the surface is shallow (a few micrometers in depth) despite the millimeter‐scale crystal size; this phenomenon is strongly connected to its structural anisotropy. The Ohmic contact revealed in this work should be valuable for the application of MX‐Chains as electronic devices in the near future.
Multiphoton Upconversion Materials for Photocatalysis and Environmental Remediation
Authors: Wu Yiming , Chan Siew Yin , Xu Jiahui , Liu Xiaogang
Published: August 2021

Solar‐driven photocatalysis holds great potential for energy conversion, environmental remediation, and sustainable chemistry. However, practical applications of conventional photocatalytic systems have been constrained by their insufficient ability to harvest solar radiation in the infrared spectrum. Lanthanide‐doped upconversion materials possess high photostability, tunable absorption, and the ability to convert low‐energy infrared radiation into high‐energy emission, making them attractive for infrared‐driven photocatalysis. This review highlights essential principles for rational design of efficient photocatalysts. Particular emphasis is placed on current state‐of‐the‐arts that offer enhanced upconversion luminescence efficiency. We also summarize recent advances in lanthanide‐doped upconversion materials for photocatalysis. We conclude with new challenges and prospects for future developments of infrared‐driven photocatalysts.
Electrochemistry of the Silicon Oxide Dielectric Layer: Principles, Electrochemical Reactions, and Perspectives
Authors: Shin Samuel J. , Chung Taek Dong
Published: August 2021

Electrochemistry of the silicon oxide dielectric layer, a notable insulator often used as a gate oxide, is counterintuitive, but addresses fundamental questions to yield novel scientific discoveries. In this minireview, the fundamental electron transfer mechanism of silicon oxide in the electrolyte solution is elucidated. The possible electrochemical reactions to date are discussed in detail, providing numerous potential areas of application which are elaborated and justified. This minireview not only provides background but also guides future research.
Two‐dimensional Covalent Organic Frameworks for Electrochromic Switching
Authors: Sarkar Madhurima , Dutta Tapas Kumar , Patra Abhijit
Published: August 2021

The electrochromic materials have received immense attention for the fabrication of smart optoelectronic devices. The alteration of the redox states of the electroactive functionalities results in the color change in response to electrochemical potential. Even though transition metal oxides, redox‐active small organic molecules, conducting polymers, and metallopolymers are known for electrochromism, advanced materials demonstrating multicolor switching with fast response time and high durability are of increasing demand. Recently, two‐dimensional covalent organic frameworks (2D COFs) have been demonstrated as electrochromic materials due to their tunable redox functionalities with highly ordered structure and large specific surface area facilitating fast ion transport. Herein, we have discussed the mechanistic insights of electrochromism in 2D COFs and their structure‐property relationship in electrochromic performance. Furthermore, the state‐of‐the‐art knowledge for developing the electrochromic 2D COFs and their potential application in next‐generation display devices are highlighted.
Zirconium‐Doped Vanadium Oxide and Ammonium Linked Layered Cathode to Construct a Full‐Cell Magnesium‐Ion Battery: A Realization and Structural, Electrochemical Study
Authors: Muthuraj Divyamahalakshmi , Sarkar Ananta , Panda Manas Ranjan , Adil Md. , Sagdeo Archna , Mitra Sagar
Published: August 2021

More than three times higher bulk density, easy to handle in air, and high abundance on earth crust make magnesium metal a desirable element in battery application. Several efforts have been attempted to construct the rechargeable magnesium‐ion battery, unfortunately none of them are successful to a limit. Here, a new generation of vanadium oxide linked with ammonium ions is considered an active cathode for magnesium ion insertion. The Zr doped‐NH4V4O10 (Zr‐NVO) nanorod exhibits an initial discharge capacity of 328 mAh g−1 at 40 mA g−1 current density with negligible capacity fading till 150 cycles. The estimated Mg2+ diffusivity in such cathode is found to be in the range of 10−11 to 10−12 cm2 s−1, demonstrating a pronounced Mg‐ion mobility in Zr‐NVO cathode. In addition, a detailed mechanistic study is performed at different states of charge using XRD, XPS and in‐situ XANES analysis. In conclusion, to achieve the ultimate goal of such study, a full‐cell is assembled and evaluated by coupling tin anode with magnesiated Zr‐NVO cathode. The cell has been cycled for a limited number of cycles and the reason behind the limited cycling behaviour is discussed and offers us a pathway to a resolution of the problem for rechargeable magnesium‐ion battery development in the near future.
Sustainable employee green behavior in the workplace: Integrating cognitive and non‐cognitive factors in corporate environmental policy
Authors: Sabbir Md. Mahiuddin , Taufique Khan Md Raziuddin
Published: August 2021

Sustaining employee green behavior (EGB) in the workplace requires an inclusive understanding of the factors that induce it. This study aims to bridge the gap of scarce research on task‐related EGB by integrating both cognitive and non‐cognitive factors as an extension to the theory of planned behavior. Task‐related EGB refers to employees pro‐environmental behaviors performed as part of routine tasks and roles. Using principal component analysis and structural equation modeling, the survey findings from 302 employee participants reveal that both cognitive and non‐cognitive factors significantly influence the task‐related EGB. In addition to this theoretical contribution, this study's findings suggest that creating positive environmental attitudes and habits via pro‐environmental policies, procedures, and practices in the workplace can enhance employees' task‐related EGB. The provision of access to information, training, and other resources regarding pro‐environmental behavior in the workplace may also have an impact. Besides, the results validate the underexplored mediating role of environmental attitudes and pro‐environmental habits between individual‐level predictors and task‐related EGB in the workplace. Lastly, this study's findings offer potential directions for further research in relation to EGB in the workplace.
Differential Effect of Azetidine Substitution in Firefly Luciferin Analogues
Authors: Ikeda Yuma , Orioka Mariko , Nomoto Takahiro , Hiruta Yuki , Nishiyama Nobuhiro , Citterio Daniel
Published: August 2021

Replacing an N,N‐dimethylamino group in a classical fluorophore with a four membered azetidine ring provides an improved luminescence quantum yield. Herein, we extended this strategy to bioluminescent firefly luciferin analogues and evaluated its general validity. For this purpose, four types of luciferin cores were employed, and a total of eight analogues were evaluated. Among these analogues, unexpectedly, only the benzothiazole core analogue benefited from an azetidine substitution and showed enhanced bioluminescence. In addition, fluorescence measurements revealed that an azetidine substitution improved the fluorescence quantum yield by 2.3‐times compared to a N,N‐dimethylamino group. These findings clarify the differential effects of azetidine substituents in luciferins and present one possible strategy for enhancing photon output in benzothiazole type luciferins through a synthetic approach.
Atypical and Asymmetric 1,3‐P,N Ligands: Synthesis, Coordination and Catalytic Performance of Cycloiminophosphanes
Authors: Rong Mark K. , Holtrop Flip , Bobylev Eduard O. , Nieger Martin , Ehlers Andreas W. , Slootweg J. Chris , Lammertsma Koop
Published: August 2021

Novel seven‐membered cyclic imine‐based 1,3‐P,N ligands were obtained by capturing a Beckmann nitrilium ion intermediate generated in situ from cyclohexanone with benzotriazole, and then displacing it by a secondary phosphane under triflic acid promotion. These “cycloiminophosphanes” possess flexible non‐isomerizable tetrahydroazepine rings with a high basicity; this sets them apart from previously reported iminophophanes. The donor strength of the ligands was investigated by using their P‐κ1‐ and P,N‐κ2‐tungsten(0) carbonyl complexes, by determining the IR frequency of the trans‐CO ligands. Complexes with [RhCp*Cl2]2 demonstrated the hemilability of the ligands, giving a dynamic equilibrium of κ1 and κ2 species; treatment with AgOTf gives full conversion to the κ2 complex. The potential for catalysis was shown in the RuII‐catalyzed, solvent‐free hydration of benzonitrile and the RuII‐ and IrI‐catalyzed transfer hydrogenation of cyclohexanone in isopropanol. Finally, to enable access to asymmetric catalysts, chiral cycloiminophosphanes were prepared from l‐menthone, as well as their P,N‐κ2‐RhIII and a P‐κ1‐RuII complexes.
Backbonding in Thorium(IV) and Uranium(IV) Diarsenido Complexes with tBuNC and CO
Authors: Tarlton Michael L. , Yu Xiaojuan , Ward Robert J. , Kelley Steven P. , Autschbach Jochen , Walensky Justin R.
Published: August 2021

The coordination of tBuNC and CO with the diarsenido complexes (C5Me5)2An(η2‐As2Mes2), An=Th, U, has been investigated. For the first time, a comparison between isostructural complexes of ThIV and UIV has been possible with CO; density functional calculations indicated an appreciable amount of π backbonding that originates from charge transfer from an actinide‐arsenic sigma bond. The calculated CO stretching frequencies in the ThIV and UIV diarsenido complexes are consistent with the experimental measurements, both show large shifts to lower frequency. We demonstrate that the π backbonding is crucial to explaining the red shifts of CO frequency upon AnIV complex formation. Interestingly, this interaction essentially correlates to the parallel orientation of π*(C−O) orbitals relative to the An−As bond.
Birch allergen challenges in allergic conjunctivitis using standard conjunctival allergen challenge and environmental exposure chamber
Authors: Gherasim Alina , Fauquert Jean‐Luc , Domis Nathalie , Siomboing Xavier , de Blay Frederic
Published: August 2021

Background

Environmental exposure chambers (EECs) have been used extensively to study allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. Few studies have been published using EECs in conjunctivitis only, and none have used conjunctival allergen challenge as a selection criterion. The present study validated ALYATEC EEC in allergic conjunctivitis to birch pollen.

Methods

Sixteen patients with a positive conjunctival allergen challenge (CAC) were exposed to 60 ng/m3 of Bet v 1 in an EEC on two consecutive days for a maximum of 4 h to validate EEC exposure to birch. Reproducibility was tested among seven of the patients. A conjunctival positive scoring during the CAC and the EEC exposure was defined as a Total Ocular Symptom Score (TOSS) ≥ 5.

Results

Fifty percent of patients had a conjunctival positive scoring during first exposure and 75% during second exposure. The mean time to a conjunctival response was 81.2 ± 33.9 min and 101.6 ± 57 (P > 0.05) during first and second exposure, respectively. No difference in TOSS occurred between the two exposures. The time necessary to obtain a positive response during the CAC was significantly shorter than with the EEC. The estimated quantity of Bet v 1 inducing a positive response was 0.07 ± 0.03 ng (exposure 1), 0.07 ± 0.07 ng (exposure 2), 980 ± 784 ng (CAC). Conjunctival positive scoring and quantity of Bet v 1 was reproducible in all six EEC exposures.

Conclusions

Early conjunctival responses induced by birch allergen exposures in EEC were different than from those identified with direct instillation during CAC. EEC appears to be closer to natural exposure than CAC.
Efficacy and safety of intralymphatic immunotherapy in allergic rhinitis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Aini Nor Rahimah , Mohd Noor Norhayati , Md Daud Mohd Khairi , Wise Sarah K. , Abdullah Baharudin
Published: August 2021

Background

Intralymphatic immunotherapy (ILIT) is a potential treatment option for allergic rhinitis (AR). We aimed to determine the efficacy (primary outcomes) and safety (secondary outcomes) of ILIT in treating patients with AR.

Methods

An electronic literature search was performed using MEDLINE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials CENTRAL (from their inception to December 2020). A random‐effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence with 95% confidence intervals. This study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42019126271).

Results

We retrieved a total of 285 articles, of which 11 satisfied our inclusion criteria. There were 452 participants with age ranged from 15 to 58 years old. Intralymphatic immunotherapy was given in three doses with intervals of four weeks between doses in 10 trials. One trial gave three and six doses with an interval of two weeks. Both primary and secondary outcomes showed no difference between ILIT and placebo for all trials. There was no difference in the combined symptoms and medication score (SMD ‐0.51, 95% CI −1.31 to 0.28), symptoms score (SMD −0.27, 95% CI −0.91 to 0.38), medication score (SMD −6.56, 95% CI −21.48 to 8.37), rescue medication (RR 12.32, 95% CI 0.72–211.79) and the overall improvement score (MD −0.07, 95% CI −2.28 to 2.14) between ILIT and placebo. No major adverse events noted.

Conclusions

Intralymphatic immunotherapy possibly has a role in the treatment of AR patients. This review found it is safe but not effective, which could be contributed by the high variation amongst the trials. Future trials should involve larger numbers of participants and report standardized administration of ILIT and outcome measures.
FOXM1 Inhibitors as Potential Diagnostic Agents: First Generation of a PET Probe Targeting FOXM1 To Detect Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Pérez David J. , Amirhossein Tabatabaei Dakhili Seyed , Bergman Cody , Dufour Jennifer , Wuest Melinda , Juengling Freimut D. , Wuest Frank , Velázquez‐Martínez Carlos A.
Published: August 2021

The FOXM1 protein controls the expression of essential genes related to cancer cell cycle progression, metastasis, and chemoresistance. We hypothesize that FOXM1 inhibitors could represent a novel approach to develop 18F‐based radiotracers for Positron Emission Tomography (PET). Therefore, in this report we describe the first attempt to use 18F‐labeled FOXM1 inhibitors to detect triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC). Briefly, we replaced the original amide group in the parent drug FDI‐6 for a ketone group in the novel AF‐FDI molecule, to carry out an aromatic nucleophilic (18F)‐fluorination. AF‐FDI dissociated the FOXM1‐DNA complex, decreased FOXM1 levels, and inhibited cell proliferation in a TNBC cell line (MDA‐MB‐231). [18F]AF‐FDI was internalized in MDA‐MB‐231 cells. Cell uptake inhibition experiments showed that AF‐FDI and FDI‐6 significantly decreased the maximum uptake of [18F]AF‐FDI, suggesting specificity towards FOXM1. [18F]AF‐FDI reached a tumor uptake of SUV=0.31 in MDA‐MB‐231 tumor‐bearing mice and was metabolically stable 60 min post‐injection. These results provide preliminary evidence supporting the potential role of FOXM1 to develop PET radiotracers.
Role of Solvent in Electron‐Phonon Relaxation Dynamics in Core‐Shell Au−SiO2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Gogoi Hemen , Maddala Bala Gopal , Ali Fariyad , Datta Anindya
Published: August 2021

Relaxation dynamics of plasmons in Au−SiO2 core‐shell nanoparticles have been followed by femtosecond pump‐probe technique. The effect of excitation pump energy and surrounding medium on the time constants associated with the hot electron relaxation has been elucidated. A gradual increase in the electron‐phonon relaxation time with pump energy is observed and can be attributed to the higher perturbation of the electron distribution in AuNPs at higher pump energy. Variation in time constants for the electron‐phonon relaxation in different solvents is rationalized on the basis of their thermal conductivities, which govern the rate of dissipation of heat of photoexcited electrons in the nanoparticles. On the other hand, phonon‐phonon relaxation is found to be much less effective than electron‐phonon relaxation for the dissipation of energy of the excited electron and the time constants associated with it remain unaffected by thermal conductivity of the solvent.
‘Be an optimizer!’: The lesson of the ‘inconclusive’ trial for aggressive behavior
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: August 2021

In the editorial, “Why JAACAP Published an ‘Inconclusive’ Trial: Optimize, Optimize, Optimize Psychostimulant Treatment,” Samuele Cortese, M.D., Ph.D., and Douglas K. Novins, M.D., write about the results of the double‐blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed at assessing the comparative efficacy and tolerability of adjunctive risperidone, divalproex sodium, or placebo for aggressive behaviors in children with attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and comorbid oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder, as well as a prior history of psychostimulant treatment (see story, page 1).
Health apps popular with teens and young adults, may not protect confidentiality
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: August 2021

A recent report on behavioral health apps, especially addiction apps, shows that these popular software applications on young people's phones do not necessarily safeguard privacy.
On‐farm conservation priorities through a multicriteria monospecific approach
Authors: García Rosa María , Parra‐Quijano Mauricio , Martínez‐Fernández Jesús , Iriondo José María
Published: August 2021

Landraces are key plant genetic resources because of their adaptation to the local environment, which makes them likely to contain alleles or gene complexes that confer local adaptation. After massive loss of landraces in the past century, the diversity that persists in farms is currently threatened and, thus, it must be safeguarded with the highest priority. On‐farm conservation is an important management approach that allows landraces to evolve according to environmental changes. A methodological approach to systematic identification of the most appropriate areas (MAPAs) for on‐farm conservation of landraces is presented, using Spanish tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) landraces as a case study. Among a set of potential factors that might condition the selection of the MAPAs, a panel of experts determined that the most important criteria in the assessment of the MAPAs were related to agrobiodiversity and to ecogeographical parameters. For each important criterion, a specific 5‐ by 5‐km resolution GIS layer was created, and six different prioritization strategies were applied on the area of study to obtain a final priority value per cell and then an average priority value per county. The MAPAs were assigned to the counties with the highest average priority values according to the selected strategy. They were widely distributed in rural areas across the Iberian Peninsula mainly in the autonomous communities of Valencia, the Basque Country, Extremadura, northern Andalusia, Catalonia, northern Aragon, and western Castilla‐La Mancha. The methodological approach and priority counties identified could be used by governmental agencies to allocate in situ conservation projects.
Effect of missing values in multi‐environmental trials on variance component estimates
Authors: Hartung Jens , Piepho Hans‐Peter
Published: August 2021

A common task in the analysis of multi‐environmental trials (MET) by linear mixed models (LMM) is the estimation of variance components (VCs). Most often, MET data are imbalanced (e.g., due to selection). The imbalance mechanism can be missing completely at random (MCAR), missing at random (MAR), or missing not at random. If the missing‐data pattern in MET was caused by selection, it is usually MAR. In this case, likelihood‐based methods are the preferred methods for analysis as they can account for a MAR data pattern. Likelihood‐based methods used to estimate VCs in LMM have the property that all VC estimates are constrained to be non‐negative; thus, the estimators are generally biased. Therefore, there are two potential causes of bias in MET analysis: a data pattern not being MCAR, and the bias of likelihood‐based VC estimators. The current study tries to dissect and quantify both possible sources of bias. A simulation study with MET data typical of cultivar evaluation trials was conducted in which the missing data pattern and the size of VCs were varied. The results showed that for the simulated MET, bias in VC estimates was similar under MCAR and MAR. Thus, the bias is solely due to the likelihood‐based estimation. Bias increases when increasing the ratio of genotype variance to error variance is small. Bias was similar for MAR and MCAR data patterns. Thus, it may be concluded that selection does not increase bias in VC estimation.
Performance and Stability of Polymer:Nonfullerene Solar Cells with 100 °C‐Annealed Electron‐Collecting Combination Layers
Authors: Lee Woongki , Kim Hwajeong , Lee Chulyeon , Lee Sooyong , Kim Taehoon , Kim Youngkyoo
Published: August 2021

Invited for this month′s cover is the group of Youngkyoo Kim at the Kyungpook National University. The image shows the improved electron transfer by hybrid combination layers featuring peculiar morphology for better efficiency and stability in polymer solar cells. The Full Paper itself is available at 10.1002/cssc.202100841.
Antibodies against type I interferon: detection and association with severe clinical outcome in COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Goncalves David , Mezidi Mehdi , Bastard Paul , Perret Magali , Saker Kahina , Fabien Nicole , Pescarmona Rémi , Lombard Christine , Walzer Thierry , Casanova Jean‐Laurent , Belot Alexandre , Richard Jean‐Christophe , Trouillet‐Assant Sophie
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Impairment of type I interferon (IFN‐I) immunity has been reported in critically ill COVID‐19 patients. This defect can be explained in a subset of patients by the presence of circulating autoantibodies (auto‐Abs) against IFN‐I. We set out to improve the detection and the quantification of IFN‐I auto‐Abs in a cohort of critically ill COVID‐19 patients, in order to better evaluate the prevalence of these Abs as the pandemic progresses, and how they correlate with the clinical course of the disease.

Methods

The concentration of anti‐IFN‐α2 Abs was determined in the serum of 84 critically ill COVID‐19 patients who were admitted to ICU in Hospices Civils de Lyon, France, using a commercially available kit (Thermo Fisher, Catalog #BMS217).

Results

A total of 21 of 84 (25%) critically ill COVID‐19 patients had circulating anti‐IFN‐α2 Abs above cut‐off (> 34 ng mL−1). Among them, 15 of 21 had Abs with neutralising activity against IFN‐α2, that is 15 of 84 (18%) critically ill patients. In addition, we noticed an impairment of the IFN‐I response in the majority of patients with neutralising anti‐IFN‐α2 Abs. There was no significant difference in the clinical characteristics or outcome of with or without neutralising anti‐IFN‐α2 auto‐Abs. We detected anti‐IFN‐α2 auto‐Abs in COVID‐19 patients' sera throughout their ICU stay. Finally, we also found auto‐Abs against multiple subtypes of IFN‐I including IFN‐ω.

Conclusions

We reported that 18% of critically ill COVID‐19 patients were positive for IFN‐I auto‐Abs, whereas all mild COVID‐19 patients were negative, confirming that the presence of these antibodies is associated with a higher risk of developing a critical COVID‐19 form.
Functions of noncoding RNAs in glial development
Authors: Wu Jiarui , Yu Haoyang , Huang Hao , Shu Pengcheng , Peng Xiaozhong
Published: August 2021

Glia are widely distributed in the central nervous system and are closely related to cell metabolism, signal transduction, support, cell migration, and other nervous system development processes and functions. Glial development is complex and essential, including the processes of proliferation, differentiation, and migration, and requires precise regulatory networks. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) can be deeply involved in glial development through gene regulation. Here, we review the regulatory roles of ncRNAs in glial development. We briefly describe the classification and functions of noncoding RNAs and focus on microRNAs (miRNAs) and long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), which have been reported to participate extensively during glial formation. The highlight of this summary is that miRNAs and lncRNAs can participate in and regulate the signaling pathways of glial development. The review not only describes how noncoding RNAs participate in nervous system development but also explains the processes of glial development, providing a foundation for subsequent studies on glial development and new insights into the pathogeneses of related neurological diseases.
Temporal and palaeoclimatic context of the evolution of insular woodiness in the Canary Islands
Authors: Hooft van Huysduynen Alexander , Janssens Steven , Merckx Vincent , Vos Rutger , Valente Luis , Zizka Alexander , Larter Maximilian , Karabayir Betül , Maaskant Daphne , Witmer Youri , Fernández‐Palacios José María , de Nascimento Lea , Jaén‐Molina Ruth , Caujapé Castells Juli , Marrero‐Rodríguez Águedo , del Arco Marcelino , Lens Frederic
Published: August 2021

Insular woodiness (IW), referring to the evolutionary transition from herbaceousness toward woodiness on islands, has arisen more than 30 times on the Canary Islands (Atlantic Ocean). One of the IW hypotheses suggests that drought has been a major driver of wood formation, but we do not know in which palaeoclimatic conditions the insular woody lineages originated. Therefore, we provided an updated review on the presence of IW on the Canaries, reviewed the palaeoclimate, and estimated the timing of origin of woodiness of 24 insular woody lineages that represent a large majority of the insular woody species diversity on the Canaries. Our single, broad‐scale dating analysis shows that woodiness in 60%–65% of the insular woody lineages studied originated within the last 3.2 Myr, during which Mediterranean seasonality (yearly summer droughts) became established on the Canaries. Consequently, our results are consistent with palaeoclimatic aridification as a potential driver of woodiness in a considerable proportion of the insular woody Canary Island lineages. However, the observed pattern between insular woodiness and palaeodrought during the last couple of million years could potentially have emerged as a result of the typically young age of the native insular flora, characterized by a high turnover.
Phylogeographic structure of the dwarf snakehead (Channa gachua) around Gulf of Tonkin: Historical biogeography and pronounced effects of sea‐level changes
Authors: Wang Junjie , Li Chao , Chen Jiaqi , Wang Jujing , Jin Jinjin , Jiang Shuying , Yan Luobin , Lin Hung‐Du , Zhao Jun
Published: August 2021

Geological events, landscape features, and climate fluctuations have shaped the distribution of genetic diversity and evolutionary history in freshwater fish, but little attention has been paid to that around the Gulf of Tonkin; therefore, we investigated the phylogeographic structure of the dwarf snakehead (Channa gachua) on Hainan Island and mainland China, as well as two populations in Vietnam. We attempted to elucidate the origins of freshwater fish in South Hainan by incorporating genetic data from DNA markers on both the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene (cyt b) and the nuclear recombination‐activating gene 1 (RAG‐1). Mitochondrial phylogenetic analysis identified two major lineages (lineages A and B), which may represent separate species. Divergence data suggested that C. gachua populations diverged between 0.516 and 2.376 myr. The divergence of the two cryptic species is congruent with sea‐level rise, which subsequently isolated Hainan from the mainland. During the Pleistocene glaciations, the entire region of the Gulf of Tonkin and the Qiongzhou Strait became part of the coastal plain of the Asian continent, which might have resulted in the current distribution patterns and dispersal routes of C. gachua populations. The formation of three sublineages in lineage A indicated that the Gulf of Tonkin was a geographical barrier between Hainan Island and mainland China but not between Vietnam and Hainan Island. The results of this study may help to elucidate the origins of freshwater fish in South Hainan and the phylogeographic structure of C. gachua.
Nestedness theory suggests wetland fragments with large areas and macrophyte diversity benefit waterbirds
Authors: Wang Rongxing , Yang Xiaojun
Published: August 2021

Many artificial wetland constructions are currently underway worldwide to compensate for the degradation of natural wetland systems. Researchers face the responsibility of proposing wetland management and species protection strategies to ensure that constructed wetlands positively impact waterbird diversity. Nestedness is a commonly occurring pattern for biotas in fragmented habitats with important implications for conservation; however, only a few studies have focused on seasonal waterbird communities in current artificial wetlands. In this study, we used the nestedness theory for analyzing the annual and seasonal community structures of waterbirds in artificial wetlands at Lake Dianchi (China) to suggest artificial wetland management and waterbird conservation strategies. We carried out three waterbird surveys per month for one year to observe the annual, spring, summer, autumn, and winter waterbird assemblages in 27 lakeside artificial wetland fragments. We used the NeD program to quantify nestedness patterns of waterbirds at the annual and seasonal levels. We also determined Spearman partial correlations to examine the associations of nestedness rank and habitat variables to explore the factors underlying nestedness patterns. We found that annual and all four seasonal waterbird compositions were nested, and selective extinction and habitat nestedness were the main factors governing nestedness. Further, selective colonization was the key driver of nestedness in autumn and winter waterbirds. We suggest that the area of wetland fragments should be as large as possible and that habitat heterogeneity should be maximized to fulfill the conservation needs of different seasonal waterbirds. Furthermore, we suggest that future studies should focus on the least area criterion and that vegetation management of artificial wetland construction should be based on the notion of sustainable development for humans and wildlife.
Ecological niche models of biotic interactions predict increasing pest risk to olive cultivars with changing climate
Authors: Ashraf Uzma , Chaudhry Muhammad Nawaz , Peterson A. Townsend
Published: August 2021

Simple, single‐species approaches in distributional ecology leave open questions of possible roles of biotic interactions. We sought to understand impacts of climate change on current and future potential distributions of Olea europaea sensu lato (host) and Bactrocera oleae (parasite) in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), taking into account potential interspecific interactions. We used ecological niche modeling approaches: For biotic interactions, an initial host model was incorporated into the calibration of the parasite model and an initial parasite model was incorporated into calibration of the host model, as host and parasite populations may respond to the presence of the other species. Absence of olive fruits could reduce the flight ability of the fly parasite, whereas presence of the parasite may make a site less suitable for the olives. The host model was improved by inclusion of the parasite information; the converse was not true for the parasite model. Our results anticipated a significant reduction in the potential distribution of Olea europeae in Africa and Europe under future climate scenarios; in contrast, future climates appear more broadly favorable for the parasite species, which poses new and increasing risks for olive cultivation in the Mediterranean region.
A case series analysis on the clinical experience of Impella 5.5® at a large tertiary care centre
Authors: Kennel Peter J. , Lumish Heidi , Kaku Yuji , Fried Justin , Kirtane Ajay J. , Karmpaliotis Dimitri , Takayama Hiroo , Naka Yoshifumi , Sayer Gabriel , Uriel Nir , Takeda Koji , Masoumi Amirali
Published: August 2021

Aims

We aimed to detail the early clinical experience with pVAD 5.5 at a large academic medical centre. Impella® 5.5 (Abiomed) is a temporary peripherally inserted left ventricular assist device (pVAD) used for the treatment of cardiogenic shock (CS). This system has several modifications aimed at improving deliverability and durability over the pVAD 5.0 system, but real‐world experience with this device remains limited.

Methods and results

We collected clinical and outcome data on all patients supported with pVAD 5.5 at our centre between February and December 2020, including procedural and device‐related complications. Fourteen patients with pVAD 5.5 were included. Aetiology of CS was acute myocardial infarction (n = 6), decompensated heart failure (n = 6), suspected myocarditis (n = 1), and post‐cardiotomy CS (n = 1). Four patients received pVAD 5.5 after being on inotropes alone, two were escalated from intra‐aortic balloon pump, two were escalated from pVAD CP, and six patients were transitioned to pVAD 5.5 from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Median duration of pVAD 5.5 support was 12 (interquartile range 7, 25) days. Complications included axillary insertion site haematoma (n = 3), acute kidney injury (n = 3), severe thrombocytopenia (n = 1), and stroke (n = 1). No valve injury or limb complications occurred. Survival to device explant for recovery or transition to another therapy was 11/14 (79%) patients.

Conclusions

In this early experience of the pVAD 5.5, procedural and device‐related complications were observed but were manageable, and overall survival was high in this critically ill cohort, particularly when the device was used as a bridge to other therapies.
Outcomes and healthcare resource utilization in adult congenital heart disease patients with heart failure
Authors: Tsang Wendy , Silversides Candice K. , Rashid Mohammed , Roche S. Lucy , Alonso‐Gonzalez Rafael , Austin Peter C. , Lee Douglas S.
Published: August 2021

Aims

While heart failure (HF) is a leading cause of death in adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD), few studies report contemporary outcomes after the first HF hospitalization. We examined outcomes of ACHD patients newly admitted for HF compared with ACHD patients without HF and the general HF population without ACHD.

Methods and results

Using population databases from a single‐payer health system from 1994 to 2018, ACHD patients newly admitted for HF were matched 1:1 to ACHD patients without HF (n = 4030 matched pairs). Similarly, ACHD patients newly admitted for HF were matched 1:1 to HF patients without ACHD (n = 4336 matched pairs). Patients with ACHD and HF (median age 68 years, 45% women) experienced higher mortality in short‐term [30 day adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 4.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.06, 5.43, P < 0.001], near‐term (1 year HR 3.87, 95% CI 3.77, 4.92, P < 0.001), and long‐term (24 year HR 1.59, 95% CI 1.13, 2.36, P = 0.008) follow‐up. Patients with ACHD and HF had fewer baseline cardiovascular comorbidities than non‐ACHD HF but demonstrated higher 30 day (HR 1.56, 95% CI 1.41, 1.73, P < 0.001), 1 year (HR 1.30, 95% CI 1.20, 1.40, P < 0.001), and 24 year (HR 2.40, 95% CI 1.73, 3.38, P < 0.001) mortality. Those with ACHD and HF also exhibited higher cardiovascular readmission rates at 30 days with HRs 9.15 (95% CI; 8.00, 10.48, P < 0.001) vs. ACHD without HF, and 1.71 (95% CI; 1.54, 1.85, P < 0.001) vs. HF without ACHD, and the higher readmission risk extended to 10 year follow‐up.

Conclusions

Adults with congenital heart disease patients with new HF have high risks of death and cardiovascular hospitalization, and preventative strategies to improve outcomes are urgently needed.
The best little kid in the world: Internalized sexual stigma and extrinsic contingencies of self‐worth, work values, and life aspirations among men and women
Authors: Blankenship Benjamin T. , Stewart Abigail J.
Published: August 2021

According to “the Best Little Boy in the World Hypothesis” many gay men exhibit a drive to excel in achievement‐related areas of life, as a way to avoid staking self‐worth on domains where others’ rejection could negatively affect them. Pachankis and Hatzenbuehler's (2013) research supported this hypothesis among men. We expand on this research and hypothesized that internalized sexual stigma would be associated with achievement‐related contingencies of self‐worth equally for men and women with sexual minority identities. In a mixed‐gender sample of 237 college students with sexual minority identities, this hypothesis was supported. In a second sample of 175 adult MTurk workers, this hypothesis was supported with additional forms of achievement‐related contingencies of self‐worth and extrinsic life aspirations and occupational values. Results supported the expectation that gender would not moderate these relationships, while expanding previous findings to show that internalized stigma was associated with achievement‐centered outcomes beyond contingencies of self‐worth.
Single step strategy for crafting tin/carbon soot composite as highly stable Li‐ion battery anode
Authors: Vashishth Surishi , Singh Dheeraj Kumar , Prabhakaran Vinod Chathakudath , Muthusamy Eswaramoorthy
Published: August 2021

Tin‐based anode materials gained prominence in battery applications owing to their high theoretical capacity, less toxicity, and low cost. However, they suffer from huge capacity losses due to severe volumetric expansion up to 300%. Herein, Sn@C (20 wt% Sn) composite synthesized by single‐step combustion process showed good adherence of tin particles on graphite rich carbon which successfully minimizes pulverization with enhanced structural stability. The homogeneously dispersed tin nanoparticles exhibit a highly reversible capacity of 281 mA h g−1 at a current density of 300 mA g−1 with 98.6% capacity retention after 300 cycles.
A bile‐salt derived porous hierarchical MnO2 nanoflowers as electrodes for symmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Dillip Gowra Raghupathy , Bharti Abhishek , Maitra Uday , Bhattacharyya Aninda J.
Published: August 2021

We demonstrate here a porous hierarchical nanostructured MnO2 as electrodes for supercapacitors. The synthesis of MnO2 nanostructure uses a bile salt viz. sodium‐7‐deoxycholate, which acts as both a reducing and structure‐directing agent. The radially grown MnO2 nanoflowers self‐assemble to form hierarchical nanostructures. The MnO2 samples synthesized at higher reaction temperatures resulted in a higher surface area. Depending on the reaction temperature, the surface area of this unique morphology is as high as 222 m2/g. The MnO2 synthesized at elevated temperatures display a higher specific capacitance (=144.1 F/g @ 0.1 A/g) in comparison to both the room temperature synthesized MnO2 (122.7 F/g @ 0.1 A/g) and commercial MnO2 (25.3 F/g at 0.1 A/g). The differences in the electrochemical performance between various samples are due to varying impurities such as sodium and potassium ions present in the samples. Symmetric supercapacitor cells of proposed MnO2 exhibits higher specific capacitance of 63.6 F/g and higher specific energy of 7.9 Wh/kg at a current density of 1 A/g. The MnO2 nanostructures show outstanding cyclic stability with the excellent capacitance retention of about 97% of its initial value after 2000 cycles.
Higher relative humidity and more moderate temperatures increase the severity of rice false smut disease in the rice–crayfish coculture system
Authors: Jiehui Song , Yan Wang , Linrong Chen , Sijie Zhang , Chuan Ni , Di Zhu , You Liang , Junfei Luo , Zhi Dou , Hui Gao , Qigen Dai , Ke Xu , Zhongyang Huo
Published: August 2021

Rice false smut, a devastating grain disease in rice, is a great challenge to global food security. Rice–crayfish coculture (RC) has been widely used in recent years because it increases farmers' income, stabilizes rice yield, and reduces the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Currently, rice false smut is becoming a threat to the stability of RC systems. A field experiment demonstrated that rice false smut in RC was much more serious than the disease in rice monoculture (RM) among most rice varieties in both 2019 and 2020. The fold change (RC vs. RM) range of the disease index of different rice varieties ranged from 1.23 to 19.35. Some varieties displayed resistance to rice false smut in RM, but were susceptible in RC, suggesting that the RC system that utilizes deep water irrigation is a better model than the RM to evaluate the resistance of rice varieties to false smut. Under the RC system, varieties YG 16, GBYJZ, and HD 5 displayed good natural resistance to rice false smut. A three‐way ANOVA with year, rice varieties, and culture types as factors showed that each factor had highly significant effects on the disease index. To identify the main factors causing differences between the RC and RM systems, we recorded the field microclimate around rice panicles. In comparison with RM, RC showed higher relative humidity (RH) and more moderate temperatures from the rice booting stage to early filling stage. Under simulated conditions of RC and RM, the germination rate of U. virens conidia under RC was significantly higher than that under RM. These findings indicate that higher RH and more moderate temperatures increase the severity of rice false smut disease in the RC system, and this provides unique insights into how to manage the threat of rice false smut.
Investigation of the chemical properties of Mentha pulegium essential oil and its application in Ocimum basilicum seed mucilage edible coating for extending the quality and shelf life of veal stored in refrigerator (4°C)
Authors: Tanavar Hadi , Barzegar Hassan , Alizadeh Behbahani Behrooz , Mehrnia Mohammad Amin
Published: August 2021

Nowadays, the tendency toward the application of natural preservatives to extent the shelf life of food products has grown. The purpose of the present research was to evaluate the effect of the basil seed mucilage (BSM)‐based edible coating containing different concentrations of Mentha pulegium essential oil (MPEO) on the shelf life of the veal stored at refrigerator temperature. Firstly, the chemical composition and functional groups of MPEO were detected through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Then, the BSM‐based edible coatings containing 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% MPEO were prepared, and the veal samples were coated with them. The physicochemical, microbial, and sensory properties of the samples were investigated during the 9‐day storage period at 4°C. Twenty‐five compounds were detected in MPEO with limonene being the major one (28.44%). The results revealed that the lightness, hardness, and moisture content of the samples decreased during storage. The coating containing the essential oil could properly restrain the rise in pH, peroxide value (PV), and thiobarbituric acid value (TBA). Based on microbial analyses, the shelf life of the coated sample without the essential oil and those containing 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% of the essential oil were, respectively, extended up to 3, 6, 9, 9, and 9 days relative to the control. Moreover, the coating containing the essential oil produced no unfavorable effect on the sensory properties of the meat samples. In conclusion, the BSM‐based edible coating containing different concentrations of MPEO can be applied as a natural preservative to enhance the resistance of meat products against microbial spoilage and fat oxidation.