bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The blood pressure control and arteriosclerotic cardiovascular risk among Chinese community hypertensive patients
Authors: Liu Shijun , Yuan Hanyan , Jiang Caixia , Xu Jue , Qiu Xin , Luo Jun
Published: September 2021

The present study aimed to describe the blood pressure (BP) control rate and 10-years arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk estimation among community hypertensive patients. A total of 196,803 subjects were enrolled. The control rates calculated as the intensive (SBP < 130 mmHg and DBP < 80 mmHg) and standard (SBP < 140 mmHg and DBP < 90 mmHg) threshold. Multivariable logistic analysis was employed to assess the associations between cardiovascular factors and BP control. Sensitivity, specificity and Youden’s index were used to identify the ability of high risk of ASCVD estimation by different thresholds. The control rate was 16.34% and 50.25% by the intensive and standard threshold, respectively. Besides regular medication, the risk factors for BP control included older age, male, unhealthy lifestyle, obesity, dyslipidemia and abnormal FPG. 25.08% of subjects had high risk of 10-years ASCVD estimation. The sensitivity, specificity and Youden’s index of intensive threshold was 84.37%, 16.15% and 0.51%, and were significantly different from 50.55%, 50.42% and 0.98% of the standard threshold, respectively. Half of community hypertensive patients did not control BP, and nearly a quarter have high risk of 10-years ASCVD risk estimation. The intensive threshold resulted in a one-third reduction in the control rate compared to the standard threshold. No matter which threshold was used, a single BP control status seemed not a suitable indicator for identification of high risk of 10-years ASCVD risk estimation.
Carbamoyl phosphate and its substitutes for the uracil synthesis in origins of life scenarios
Authors: Ter-Ovanessian Louis M. P. , Rigaud Baptiste , Mezzetti Alberto , Lambert Jean-François , Maurel Marie-Christine
Published: September 2021

The first step of pyrimidine synthesis along the orotate pathway is studied to test the hypothesis of geochemical continuity of protometabolic pathways at the origins of life. Carbamoyl phosphate (CP) is the first high-energy building block that intervenes in the in vivo synthesis of the uracil ring of UMP. Thus, the likelihood of its occurrence in prebiotic conditions is investigated herein. The evolution of carbamoyl phosphate in water and in ammonia aqueous solutions without enzymes was characterised using ATR-IR, 31P and 13C spectroscopies. Carbamoyl phosphate initially appears stable in water at ambient conditions before transforming to cyanate and carbamate/hydrogenocarbonate species within a matter of hours. Cyanate, less labile than CP, remains a potential carbamoylating agent. In the presence of ammonia, CP decomposition occurs more rapidly and generates urea. We conclude that CP is not a likely prebiotic reagent by itself. Alternatively, cyanate and urea may be more promising substitutes for CP, because they are both “energy-rich” (high free enthalpy molecules in aqueous solutions) and kinetically inert regarding hydrolysis. Energy-rich inorganic molecules such as trimetaphosphate or phosphoramidates were also explored for their suitability as sources of carbamoyl phosphate. Although these species did not generate CP or other carbamoylating agents, they exhibited energy transduction, specifically the formation of high-energy P–N bonds. Future efforts should aim to evaluate the role of carbamoylating agents in aspartate carbamoylation, which is the following reaction in the orotate pathway.
System introduction and evaluation of the first Chinese chest EIT device for ICU applications
Authors: Qu Shuo-Yao , Dai Meng , Wu Shuo , Lv Zhi-Rang , Ti Xin-Yu , Fu Feng
Published: September 2021

Chest electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a promising application which is used to monitor the ventilation and perfusion of the lung at the bedside dynamically. The aim of the study was to introduce the first Chinese made chest EIT device for ICU application (Pulmo EIT-100). The system design of the hardware and software was briefly introduced. The performance of the system was compared to PulmoVista 500 (Dräger Medical) in healthy volunteers. The EIT system Pulmo EIT-100 consists of impedance measurement module, power supply module, PC all-in-one machine, medical cart and accessories. The performance of the system current source and voltage measurement unit was tested. A total of 50 healthy lung volunteers were prospectively examined. Subjects were asked to perform repetitive slow vital capacity (SVC) maneuvers with a spirometer. EIT measurements were performed in the following sequence during each SVC with: (1) Pulmo EIT-100, (2) PulmonVista500, (3) Pulmo EIT-100 and (4) PulmonVista500. Linearity and regional ventilation distribution of the reconstructed images from two devices were compared. The output frequency stability of the current source was 2 ppm. The amplitude error within one hour was less than 0.32‰. The output impedance of the current source was about 50kΩ. The signal-to-noise ratio of each measurement channel was ≥ 60 dB. For fixed resistance measurements, the measured values drifted about 0.08% within one hour. For human subjects, the correlations between the spirometry volume and EIT impedance from two devices were both 0.99 ± 0.01. No statistical significances were found in the parameters investigated. The repeatability (variability) of measures from the same device was comparable. Our EIT device delivers reliable data and might be used for patient measurement in a clinical setting.
The biochemical subtype is a predictor for cognitive function in glutaric aciduria type 1: a national prospective follow-up study
Authors: Märtner E. M. Charlotte , Thimm Eva , Guder Philipp , Schiergens Katharina A. , Rutsch Frank , Roloff Sylvia , Marquardt Iris , Das Anibh M. , Freisinger Peter , Grünert Sarah C. , Krämer Johannes , Baumgartner Matthias R. , Beblo Skadi , Haase Claudia , Dieckmann Andrea , Lindner Martin , Näke Andrea , Hoffmann Georg F. , Mühlhausen Chris , Walter Magdalena , Garbade Sven F. , Maier Esther M. , Kölker Stefan , Boy Nikolas
Published: September 2021

The aim of the study was a systematic evaluation of cognitive development in individuals with glutaric aciduria type 1 (GA1), a rare neurometabolic disorder, identified by newborn screening in Germany. This national, prospective, observational, multi-centre study includes 107 individuals with confirmed GA1 identified by newborn screening between 1999 and 2020 in Germany. Clinical status, development, and IQ were assessed using standardized tests. Impact of interventional and non-interventional parameters on cognitive outcome was evaluated. The majority of tested individuals (n = 72) showed stable IQ values with age (n = 56 with IQ test; median test age 11 years) but a significantly lower performance (median [IQR] IQ 87 [78–98]) than in general population, particularly in individuals with a biochemical high excreter phenotype (84 [75–96]) compared to the low excreter group (98 [92–105]; p = 0.0164). For all patients, IQ results were homogenous on subscale levels. Sex, clinical motor phenotype and quality of metabolic treatment had no impact on cognitive functions. Long-term neurologic outcome in GA1 involves both motor and cognitive functions. The biochemical high excreter phenotype is the major risk factor for cognitive impairment while cognitive functions do not appear to be impacted by current therapy and striatal damage. These findings implicate the necessity of new treatment concepts.
Association between socioeconomic position and cystatin C in the Heinz Nixdorf Recall Study
Authors: Zamrik Tanja , Frank Mirjam , Emmel Carina , Rump Lars Christian , Erbel Raimund , Jöckel Karl-Heinz , Dragano Nico , Schmidt Börge
Published: September 2021

Social inequalities in health and disease are well studied. Less information is available on inequalities in biomarker levels indicating subclinical stages of disease such as cystatin C, an early diagnostic marker of renal dysfunction and predictor for cardiovascular disease. We evaluated the relationship between cystatin C, socioeconomic position (SEP) and established cardiovascular risk factors in a population-based study. In 4475 men and women aged 45–75 years participating in the baseline examination of the Heinz Nixdorf Recall Study cystatin C was measured from serum samples with a nephelometric assay. SEP was assessed by education and household income. Linear regression models were used to analyse the association between SEP and cystatin C as well as the impact of cardiovascular risk factors (i.e., body mass index, blood pressure, blood glucose, diabetes mellitus, blood lipids, C-reactive protein, smoking) on this association. After adjustment for age and sex cystatin C decreased by 0.019 mg/l (95% confidence interval (CI) − 0.030 to − 0.008) per five years of education. While using a categorical education variable cystatin C presented 0.039 mg/l (95% CI 0.017–0.061) higher in men and women in the lowest educational category (≤ 10 years of education) compared to the highest category (≥ 18 years). Concerning income, cystatin C decreased by 0.014 mg/l (95% CI − 0.021 to − 0.006) per 1000 € after adjustment for age and sex. For men and women in the lowest income quartile cystatin C was 0.024 mg/l (95% CI 0.009–0.038) higher compared to the highest income quartile. After adjusting for established cardiovascular risk factors the observed associations were substantially diminished. Social inequalities seem to play a role in subclinical stages of renal dysfunction, which are also related to development of cardiovascular disease. Adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk factors showed that these risk factors largely explain the association between SEP and cystatin C.
Evaluating the “holiday season effect” of hospital care on the risk of mortality from pulmonary embolism: a nationwide analysis in Taiwan
Authors: Hung Duan-Pei , Lin Shu-Man , Liu Peter Pin-Sung , Su I-Min , Hsu Jin-Yi , Wu Ting-Yu , Lin Chu-Chun , Huang Huei-Kai , Loh Ching-Hui
Published: September 2021

We aimed to determine whether hospital admissions during an extended holiday period (Chinese New Year) and weekends were associated with increased mortality risk from pulmonary embolism (PE), compared to admissions on weekdays. We conducted a nationwide retrospective cohort study using Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database. Data of newly diagnosed PEs during the months of January and February from 2001 to 2017 were obtained from patient records and classified into three admission groups: Chinese New Year (≥ 4 consecutive holiday days), weekends, and weekdays. The adjusted odds ratios (aORs) (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) for 7-day and in-hospital mortality were calculated using multivariable logistic regression models. The 7-day and in-hospital mortality risks were higher for patients admitted during the Chinese New Year holiday (10.6% and 18.7%) compared to those admitted on weekends (8.4% and 16.1%) and weekdays (6.6% and 13.8%). These higher mortality risks for holiday admissions compared to weekday admissions were confirmed by multivariable analysis (7-day mortality: aOR = 1.68, 95% CI 1.15–2.44, P = 0.007; in-hospital mortality: aOR = 1.41, 95% CI 1.05–1.90, P = 0.022), with no subgroup effects by sex or age. Hospital admission for PE over an extended holiday period, namely Chinese New Year, was associated with an increased risk of mortality.
Investigating the dislocation reactions on Σ3{111} twin boundary during deformation twin nucleation process in an ultrafine-grained high-manganese steel
Authors: Hung Chang-Yu , Shimokawa Tomotsugu , Bai Yu , Tsuji Nobuhiro , Murayama Mitsuhiro
Published: September 2021

Some of ultrafine-grained (UFG) metals including UFG twinning induced plasticity (TWIP) steels have been found to overcome the paradox of strength and ductility in metals benefiting from their unique deformation modes. Here, this study provides insights into the atomistic process of deformation twin nucleation at Σ3{111} twin boundaries, the dominant type of grain boundary in this UFG high manganese TWIP steel. In response to the applied tensile stresses, grain boundary sliding takes place which changes the structure of coherent Σ3{111} twin boundary from atomistically smooth to partly defective. High resolution transmission electron microscopy demonstrates that the formation of disconnection on Σ3{111} twin boundaries is associated with the motion of Shockley partial dislocations on the boundaries. The twin boundary disconnections act as preferential nucleation sites for deformation twin that is a characteristic difference from the coarse-grained counterpart, and is likely correlated with the lethargy of grain interior dislocation activities, frequently seen in UFG metals. The deformation twin nucleation behavior will be discussed based on in-situ TEM deformation experiments and nanoscale strain distribution analyses results.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: A numerical study of chemical reaction in a nanofluid flow due to rotating disk in the presence of magnetic field
Authors: Ramzan Muhammad , Khan Noor Saeed , Kumam Poom , Khan Raees
Published: September 2021

In this paper, a numerical study of MHD steady flow due to a rotating disk with mixed convection, Darcy Forchheimer’s porous media, thermal radiation, and heat generation/absorption effects are explored. A strong magnetic field is applied in perpendicular direction to the flow which governs the Hall current effects. Homogeneous and heterogeneous reactions are also taken into account. For the simplification of partial differential equations (PDEs) into the nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs), the method of generalized Von Karman similarity transformations is employed, and the resulting non-dimensional ordinary differential equations are solved by using the homotopy analysis method (HAM). Effects of different parameters on the axial, radial and tangential velocity profiles, temperature and concentration of chemical reaction profiles are analyzed and discussed. The present work’s remarkable finding is that with the expansion of nanoparticles size, dimensionless constant parameter, local Grashof number, porosity parameter, Hall current, and suction parameter, the nanofluid radial velocity is enhanced. For the higher values of magnetic field parameter, the tangential velocity and nanofluid temperature are enhanced. The magnetic field parameter and the disk thickness coefficient parameter have similar impacts on the axial velocity profile. Heterogeneous chemical reaction parameter decreases the concentration of chemical reaction profile. The nanoparticles volume fraction increases the concentration of chemical reaction profile. Furthermore, the present results are found to be in excellent agreement with previously published work in tabulated form.
Development of a multi-species SNP array for serrasalmid fish Colossoma macropomum and Piaractus mesopotamicus
Authors: Mastrochirico-Filho Vito A. , Ariede Raquel B. , Freitas Milena V. , Borges Carolina H. S. , Lira Lieschen V. G. , Mendes Natália J. , Agudelo John F. G. , Cáceres Pablo , Berrocal Milthon H. M. , Sucerquia Gustavo A. L. , Porto-Foresti Fabio , Yáñez José M. , Hashimoto Diogo T.
Published: September 2021

Scarce genomic resources have limited the development of breeding programs for serrasalmid fish Colossoma macropomum (tambaqui) and Piaractus mesopotamicus (pacu), the key native freshwater fish species produced in South America. The main objectives of this study were to design a dense SNP array for this fish group and to validate its performance on farmed populations from several locations in South America. Using multiple approaches based on different populations of tambaqui and pacu, a final list of 29,575 and 29,612 putative SNPs was selected, respectively, to print an Axiom AFFYMETRIX (THERMOFISHER) SerraSNP array. After validation, 74.17% (n = 21,963) and 71.25% (n = 21,072) of SNPs were classified as polymorphic variants in pacu and tambaqui, respectively. Most of the SNPs segregated within each population ranging from 14,199 to 19,856 in pacu; and from 15,075 to 20,380 in tambaqui. Our results indicate high levels of genetic diversity and clustered samples according to their hatchery origin. The developed SerraSNP array represents a valuable genomic tool approaching in-depth genetic studies for these species.
Nationwide study in France investigating the impact of diabetes on mortality in patients undergoing abdominal aortic aneurysm repair
Authors: Raffort Juliette , Lareyre Fabien , Fabre Roxane , Mallat Ziad , Pradier Christian , Bailly Laurent
Published: September 2021

The aim of this nationwide study was to analyze the impact of diabetes on post-operative mortality in patients undergoing AAA repair in France. This 10-year retrospective, multicenter study based on the French National electronic health data included patients undergoing AAA repair between 2010 and 2019. In-hospital post-operative mortality was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier curve survival and Log-Rank tests. A multivariate regression analysis was performed to calculate Hazard Ratios. Over 79,935 patients who underwent AAA repair, 61,146 patients (76.5%) had at least one hospital-readmission after the AAA repair, for a mean follow-up of 3.5 ± 2.5 years. Total in-hospital mortality over the 10-year study was 16,986 (21.3%) and 4581 deaths (5.8%) occurred during the first hospital stay for AAA repair. Age over 64 years old, the presence of AAA rupture and hospital readmission at 30-day were predictors of post-operative mortality (AdjHR = 1.59 CI 95% 1.51–1.67; AdjHR = 1.49 CI 95% 1.36–1.62 and AdjHR = 1.92, CI 95% 1.84–2.00). The prevalence of diabetes was significantly lower in ruptured AAA compared to unruptured AAA (14.8% vs 20.9%, P < 0.001 for type 2 diabetes and 2.5% vs 4.0%, P < 0.001 for type 1 diabetes). Type 1 diabetes was significantly associated with post-operative mortality (AdjHR = 1.30 CI 95% 1.20–1.40). For type 2 diabetes, the association was not statistically significant (Adj HR = 0.96, CI 95% 0.92–1.01). Older age, AAA rupture and hospital readmission were associated with deaths that occurred after discharge from the first AAA repair. Type 1 diabetes was identified as a risk factor of post-operative mortality. This study highlights the complex association between diabetes and AAA and should encourage institutions to report long-term follow-up after AAA repair to better understand its impact.
Soret and Dufour effects on a Casson nanofluid flow past a deformable cylinder with variable characteristics and Arrhenius activation energy
Authors: Shaheen Naila , Alshehri Hashim M. , Ramzan Muhammad , Shah Zahir , Kumam Poom
Published: September 2021

In this study, the effects of variable characteristics amalgamated with chemical reaction and Arrhenius activation energy are analyzed on a two-dimensional (2D) electrically conducting radiative Casson nanoliquid flow past a deformable cylinder embedded in a porous medium. The surface of the cylinder is deformable in the radial direction i.e., the z-axis. The impression of Soret and Dufour's effects boosts the transmission of heat and mass. The flow is analyzed numerically with the combined impacts of momentum slip, convective heat, and mass conditions. A numerical solution for the system of the differential equations is attained by employing the bvp4c function in MATLAB. The dimensionless protuberant parameters are graphically illustrated and discussed for the involved profiles. It is perceived that on escalating the velocity slip parameter and porosity parameter velocity field depreciates. Also, on escalating the radiation parameter and heat transfer Biot number a prominent difference is noticed in an upsurge of the thermal field. For growing values of Brownian motion and thermophoretic parameters, temperature field augments. On escalating the curvature parameter and porosity parameter, drag force coefficient upsurges. The outcome of the Soret number, mass transfer Biot number, and activation energy parameter is quite eminent on the concentration distribution for the sheet in comparison to the deformable cylinder. A comparative analysis of the present investigation with an already published work is also added to substantiate the envisioned problem.
Morphological, biological, and genomic characterization of a newly isolated lytic phage Sfk20 infecting Shigella flexneri, Shigella sonnei, and Shigella dysenteriae1
Authors: Mallick Bani , Mondal Payel , Dutta Moumita
Published: September 2021

Shigellosis, caused by Shigella bacterial spp., is one of the leading causes of diarrheal morbidity and mortality. An increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant Shigella species has revived the importance of bacteriophages as an alternative therapy to antibiotics. In this study, a novel bacteriophage, Sfk20, has been isolated from water bodies of a diarrheal outbreak area in Kolkata (India) with lytic activity against many Shigella spp. Phage Sfk20 showed a latent period of 20 min and a large burst size of 123 pfu per infected cell in a one-step growth analysis. Phage-host interaction and lytic activity confirmed by phage attachment, intracellular phage development, and bacterial cell burst using ultrathin sectioning and TEM analysis. The genomic analysis revealed that the double-stranded DNA genome of Sfk20 contains 164,878 bp with 35.62% G + C content and 241 ORFs. Results suggested phage Sfk20 to include as a member of the T4 myoviridae bacteriophage group. Phage Sfk20 has shown anti-biofilm potential against Shigella species. The results of this study imply that Sfk20 has good possibilities to be used as a biocontrol agent.
Transcranial focused ultrasound modulates cortical and thalamic motor activity in awake sheep
Authors: Kim Hyun-Chul , Lee Wonhye , Kunes Jennifer , Yoon Kyungho , Lee Ji Eun , Foley Lori , Kowsari Kavin , Yoo Seung-Schik
Published: September 2021

Transcranial application of pulsed low-intensity focused ultrasound (FUS) modulates the excitability of region-specific brain areas, and anesthetic confounders on brain activity warrant the evaluation of the technique in awake animals. We examined the neuromodulatory effects of FUS in unanesthetized sheep by developing a custom-fit headgear capable of reproducibly placing an acoustic focus on the unilateral motor cortex (M1) and corresponding thalamic area. The efferent responses to sonication, based on the acoustic parameters previously identified in anesthetized sheep, were measured using electromyography (EMG) from both hind limbs across three experimental conditions: on-target sonication, off-target sonication, and without sonication. Excitatory sonication yielded greater amplitude of EMG signals obtained from the hind limb contralateral to sonication than that from the ipsilateral limb. Spurious appearance of motion-related EMG signals limited the amount of analyzed data (~ 10% selection of acquired data) during excitatory sonication, and the averaged EMG response rates elicited by the M1 and thalamic stimulations were 7.5 ± 1.4% and 6.7 ± 1.5%, respectively. Suppressive sonication, while sheep walked on the treadmill, temporarily reduced the EMG amplitude from the limb contralateral to sonication. No significant change was found in the EMG amplitudes during the off-target sonication. Behavioral observation throughout the study and histological analysis showed no sign of brain tissue damage caused by the acoustic stimulation. Marginal response rates observed during excitatory sonication call for technical refinement to reduce motion artifacts during EMG acquisitions as well as acoustic aberration correction schemes to improve spatial accuracy of sonication. Yet, our results indicate that low-intensity FUS modulated the excitability of regional brain tissues reversibly and safely in awake sheep, supporting its potential in theragnostic applications.
Larval metamorphosis is inhibited by methimazole and propylthiouracil that reveals possible hormonal action in the mussel Mytilus coruscus
Authors: Li Yi-Feng , Wang Yu-Qing , Zheng Yi , Shi Xue , Wang Chong , Cheng Yu-Lan , Zhu Xin , Yang Jin-Long , Liang Xiao
Published: September 2021

Larval metamorphosis in bivalves is a key event for the larva-to-juvenile transformation. Previously we have identified a thyroid hormone receptor (TR) gene that is crucial for larvae to acquire “competence” for the metamorphic transition in the mussel Mytilus courscus (Mc). The mechanisms of thyroid signaling in bivalves are still largely unknown. In the present study, we molecularly characterized the full-length of two iodothyronine deiodinase genes (McDx and McDy). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that deiodinases of molluscs (McDy, CgDx and CgDy) and vertebrates (D2 and D3) shared a node representing an immediate common ancestor, which resembled vertebrates D1 and might suggest that McDy acquired specialized function from vertebrates D1. Anti-thyroid compounds, methimazole (MMI) and propylthiouracil (PTU), were used to investigate their effects on larval metamorphosis and juvenile development in M. coruscus. Both MMI and PTU significantly reduced larval metamorphosis in response to the metamorphosis inducer epinephrine. MMI led to shell growth retardation in a concentration-dependent manner in juveniles of M. coruscus after 4 weeks of exposure, whereas PTU had no effect on juvenile growth. It is hypothesized that exposure to MMI and PTU reduced the ability of pediveliger larvae for the metamorphic transition to respond to the inducer. The effect of MMI and PTU on larval metamorphosis and development is most likely through a hormonal signal in the mussel M. coruscus, with the implications for exploring the origins and evolution of metamorphosis.
Impact of feed glyphosate residues on broiler breeder egg production and egg hatchability
Authors: Foldager Leslie , Winters Jeanet F. M. , Nørskov Natalja P. , Sørensen Martin T.
Published: September 2021

Glyphosate is the active substance in glyphosate-based herbicides, e.g. Roundup. Its widespread application on feed crops leaves residues in the feed. Glyphosate has antimicrobial and mineral chelating properties and we investigated whether there is an association between feed residues of glyphosate on the one side and broiler breeder egg laying percent and egg hatchability on the other side. Twenty-six feed samples from five conventional flocks producing hatching eggs were analysed for glyphosate. Data on laying percent and egg hatchability from periods following each feed sampling were then associated with feed residues of glyphosate. The average glyphosate residue level was 0.09 mg/kg, maximum was 0.19 and minimum was 0.004 mg/kg. Average laying percent over observation days was 65% (SD = 5.4%) and average hatchability was 79% (SD = 5.8%). We found a negative association between feed glyphosate residue level and hatchability (P = 0.03) when adjusted for breeder age, storage time of eggs on farm before delivery and storage time at hatchery before incubation start. No association was found with laying percent (P = 0.59) adjusted for breeder age. The range of glyphosate concentrations in feed was narrow and should be kept in mind when interpreting both significant and non-significant associations with glyphosate residue concentrations. In nine of 24 analysed conventional eggs the concentration of glyphosate in yolk was above the detection limit however below the quantification limit indicating that traces of glyphosate are common in conventional eggs.
Vitrectomy and external drainage of subretinal fluid containing high concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor for advanced coats disease
Authors: Mano Fukutaro , Matsushita Itsuka , Kondo Hiroyuki , Utamura Shoko , Kondo Chiori , Kusaka Shunji
Published: September 2021

This study investigated the surgical outcomes of Coats disease and the role of external drainage (XD) of subretinal fluid (SRF). The study is a multicenter retrospective interventional case series of 26 consecutive eyes of 26 patients who underwent surgeries for advanced Coats disease with retinal detachment. Main outcomes measured were: 1) comparison of complete SRF resolution with or without XD, and 2) variables that were associated with functional postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) defined as BCVA of 0.1 or better, 3) intraocular vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels. Complete SRF resolution was achieved in all 14 eyes in which XD had been performed and in 75% of 12 eyes in which XD had not been performed (P = .03). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that initial BCVA was the only variable associated with functional postoperative BCVA (odds ratio 3.24, 95% CI 0.93–11.33; P = .04). Markedly elevated VEGF levels were noted in the SRF compared with those in the vitreous humor (49,760 ± 52,990 vs. 707 ± 611 pg/mL, P = .03). XD seems to provide better anatomical success than without XD in the treatment of advanced Coats disease as XD could effectively eliminate substantial amount of VEGF in the SRF.
Benefits and risks of antiplatelet medication in hemodynamically stable adult moyamoya disease
Authors: Pang Chang Hwan , Cho Won-Sang , Kang Hyun-Seung , Kim Jeong Eun
Published: September 2021

Revascularization surgery is considered a standard treatment for preventing additional stroke in symptomatic moyamoya disease (MMD). In hemodynamically stable, and asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic patients, however, the treatment strategy is controversial because of the obscure natural course of them. The authors analyzed the benefits and risks of antiplatelet medication in those patients. Medical data were retrospectively reviewed in 439 hemispheres of 243 patients with stable hemodynamic status. Overall, 121 patients (49.8%) with 222 studied hemispheres (50.6%) took antiplatelet medication. Symptomatic cerebral infarction and hemorrhage occurred in 10 (2.3%) and 30 (6.8%) hemispheres, over a mean follow-up of 62.0 ± 43.4 months (range 6–218 months). The use of antiplatelet agents was statistically insignificant in terms of symptomatic infarction, hemorrhage and improvement of ischemic symptoms. In subgroup analyses within the antiplatelet group according to drug potency and duration of medication, a longer duration of antiplatelet medication significantly improved ischemic symptoms (adjusted OR 1.02; 95% CI 1.01–1.03; p = 0.006). Antiplatelet medication failed to prevent symptomatic cerebral infarction or improve ischemic symptoms. However, antiplatelet therapy did not increase the risk of cerebral hemorrhage.
Selective electrochemical oxidative coupling of methane mediated by Sr2Fe1.5Mo0.5O6-δ and its chemical stability
Authors: Ramaiyan Kannan P. , Denoyer Luke H. , Benavidez Angelica , Garzon Fernando H.
Published: September 2021

Efficient conversion of methane to value-added products such as olefins and aromatics has been in pursuit for the past few decades. The demand has increased further due to the recent discoveries of shale gas reserves. Oxidative and non-oxidative coupling of methane (OCM and NOCM) have been actively researched, although catalysts with commercially viable conversion rates are not yet available. Recently, $${{{{{{{\mathrm{Sr}}}}}}}}_2Fe_{1.5 + 0.075}Mo_{0.5}O_{6 - \delta }$$

Sr

2

F

e

1.5
+
0.075

M

o

0.5

O

6
−
δ

(SFMO-075Fe) has been reported to activate methane in an electrochemical OCM (EC-OCM) set up with a C2 selectivity of 82.2%1. However, alkaline earth metal-based materials are known to suffer chemical instability in carbon-rich environments. Hence, here we evaluated the chemical stability of SFMO in carbon-rich conditions with varying oxygen concentrations at temperatures relevant for EC-OCM. SFMO-075Fe showed good methane activation properties especially at low overpotentials but suffered poor chemical stability as observed via thermogravimetric, powder XRD, and XPS measurements where SrCO3 was observed to be a major decomposition product along with SrMoO3 and MoC. Nevertheless, our study demonstrates that electrochemical methods could be used to selectively activate methane towards partial oxidation products such as ethylene at low overpotentials while higher applied biases result in the complete oxidation of methane to carbon dioxide and water.
Towards altering sound frequency at will by a linear meta-layer with time-varying and quantized properties
Authors: Zhang Yumin , Wu Keming , Wang Chunqi , Huang Lixi
Published: September 2021

Wave frequency is a critical parameter for applications ranging from human hearing, acoustic non-reciprocity, medical imaging to quantum of energy in matter. Frequency alteration holds the promise of breaking limits imposed by the physics laws such as Rayleigh’s criterion and Planck–Einstein relation. We introduce a linear mechanism to convert the wave frequency to any value at will by creating a digitally pre-defined, time-varying material property. The device is based on an electromagnetic diaphragm with a MOSFET-controlled shunt circuit. The measured ratio of acoustic impedance modulation is up to 45, much higher than nonlinearity-based techniques. A significant portion of the incoming source frequency is scattered to sidebands. We demonstrate the conversion of audible sounds to infrasound and ultrasound, respectively, and a monochromatic tone to white noise by a randomized MOSFET time sequence, raising the prospect of applications such as super-resolution imaging, deep sub-wavelength energy flow control, and encrypted underwater communication.
Global urban growth between 1870 and 2100 from integrated high resolution mapped data and urban dynamic modeling
Authors: Li Xuecao , Zhou Yuyu , Hejazi Mohamad , Wise Marshall , Vernon Chris , Iyer Gokul , Chen Wei
Published: September 2021

Long term, global records of urban extent can help evaluate environmental impacts of anthropogenic activities. Remotely sensed observations can provide insights into historical urban dynamics, but only during the satellite era. Here, we develop a 1 km resolution global dataset of annual urban dynamics between 1870 and 2100 using an urban cellular automata model trained on satellite observations of urban extent between 1992 and 2013. Hindcast (1870–1990) and projected (2020–2100) urban dynamics under the five Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) were modeled. We find that global urban growth under SSP5, the fossil-fuelled development scenario, was largest with a greater than 40-fold increase in urban extent since 1870. The high resolution dataset captures grid level urban sprawl over 200 years, which can provide insights into the urbanization life cycle of cities and help assess long-term environmental impacts of urbanization and human–environment interactions at a global scale.
Controllable ion transport induced by pH gradient in a thermally crosslinked submicrochannel heterogeneous membrane
Authors: Tang Yuan-Ju , Zhang Shu-jie , Zhong Zi-Tao , Su Wen-Ming , Zhao Yuan-Di
Published: September 2021

A submicrochannel heterogeneous membrane with asymmetric surface charge and wettability was constructed by in-situ thermal cross-linking polymerization on cylindrical AAO channels, and a typical ICR was presented by regulating the pH gradient.
An overview of methods for the structural and functional mapping of epitopes recognized by anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies
Authors: Francino-Urdaniz Irene M. , Whitehead Timothy A.
Published: September 2021

This mini-review presents a critical survey of techniques used for epitope mapping on the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein. An additional focus is an analytical appraisal of different deep mutational scanning workflows.
Regiodivergent CDC reactions of aromatic aldehydes with unactivated arenes controlled by transient directing strategy
Authors: Bai Chaolumen , Chao Bao , Muschin Tegshi , Bao Agula , Baiyin Menghe , Liu Dan , Bao Yong-Sheng
Published: September 2021

It was found for the first time that transient directing group controlled regiodivergent CDC reactions at both sp2 and sp3 hybridized carbons of aromatic compounds with palladium catalyst.
Easy access to secondary and tertiary alcohols via metal-free and light mediated radical carbonyl allylation
Authors: Yip Benjamin Rui Peng , Pal Kumar Bhaskar , Lin Junjie Desmond , Xu Yuan , Das Mrinmoy , Lee Jiande , Liu Xue-Wei
Published: September 2021

An organo-photocatalyst catalyzed allylation of aryl ketones and aldehydes using readily available unactivated allylic substrates has been reported.
Facile synthesis of a C4-symmetrical inherently chiral calix[4]arene
Authors: Hodson Luke , Visagie Kevin J. , Smith Michael-Phillip , Loots Leigh , Kuter David , Snayer Trégen M. , Arnott Gareth E.
Published: September 2021

We report the facile synthesis of a rare C4-symmetric racemic inherently chiral calix[4]arene in one-step via tetracarbamate directing groups, and its resolution via diastereomer formation.
Luminescent rhenium(i) perfluorobiphenyl complexes as site-specific labels for peptides to afford photofunctional bioconjugates
Authors: Leung Peter Kam-Keung , Lee Lawrence Cho-Cheung , Ip Tiffany Ka-Yan , Liu Hua-Wei , Yiu Shek-Man , Lee Nikki P. , Lo Kenneth Kam-Wing
Published: September 2021

We developed luminescent rhenium(i) perfluorobiphenyl complexes that reacted specifically with the cysteine residue of the π-clamp sequence (FCPF) to afford novel peptide-based imaging reagents, photosensitisers for singlet oxygen and enzyme sensors.
Transition metal catalyzed C–H bond activation by exo-metallacycle intermediates
Authors: Sahoo Sumeet Ranjan , Dutta Subhabrata , Al-Thabaiti Shaeel A. , Mokhtar Mohamed , Maiti Debabrata
Published: September 2021

exo-Metallacycles have become the key reaction intermediates in activating various remote C(sp2)–H and C(sp3)–H bonds in the past decade and aided in achieving unusual site-selectivity.
Correction: Organic guest molecule induced ultrafast breathing of an epitaxially grown metal–organic framework on a self-assembled monolayer
Authors: Rao Purna Chandra , Mani Prabu , Son Younghu , Kim Jiyun , Yoon Minyoung
Published: September 2021

Correction for ‘Organic guest molecule induced ultrafast breathing of an epitaxially grown metal–organic framework on a self-assembled monolayer’ by Purna Chandra Rao et al., Chem. Commun., 2021, DOI: 10.1039/d1cc03721h.
Effects of water on the solvation and structure of lipase in deep eutectic solvents containing a protein destabilizer and stabilizer
Authors: Qiao Qi , Shi Jian , Shao Qing
Published: September 2021

Aqueous deep eutectic solvent (DES) solutions emerge as new media for biocatalysis.
Effect of layers on the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution in Dion–Jacobson layered-tantalum perovskites
Authors: Wang Peng , Chen Wenqian , Wang Zihan , Tang Ya , Shi Wenyan , Tang Liang
Published: September 2021

The photocatalytic activity of KLaTa2O7 (n = 2) is the best due to the existence of interlayer cations and the highest conduction band edge potential.
Simple electrodeposition to synthesize a NiFeSx–modified Ti-Fe2O3 photoanode: an effective strategy to improve the photoelectrochemical water oxidation reaction
Authors: Wang Haoyu , Zhang Rui , Li Yin Yin , Wang Dejun , Lin Yanhong , Xie Tengfeng
Published: September 2021

The photocurrent density of a NiFeSx–Ti-Fe2O3 photoanode rises to 3 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V vs. RHE and the onset potential of NiFeSx–Ti-Fe2O3 shifts negatively by 170 mV compared with Ti-Fe2O3.
Reduction of highly bulky triphenolamine molybdenum nitrido and chloride complexes
Authors: Bae Dae Young , Lee Gunhee , Lee Eunsung
Published: September 2021

A first transition metal nitride complex with the triphenolamine (TPA) ligand is reported and studied for ammonia formation.
Fermentation profile, cholesterol-reducing properties and chemopreventive potential of β-glucans from Levilactobacillus brevis and Pediococcus claussenii – a comparative study with β-glucans from different sources
Authors: Schlörmann W. , Bockwoldt J. A. , Mayr M. F. , Lorkowski S. , Dawczynski C. , Rohn S. , Ehrmann M. A. , Glei M.
Published: September 2021

β-glucans from the lactic acid bacteria L. brevis and P. claussenii as well as β-glucans from oat, barley, yeast, and curdlan were analyzed regarding their cholesterol-binding capacity, fermentation profile, and chemopreventive potential.
Tuning the selectivity of biomass oxidation over oxygen evolution on NiO–OH electrodes
Authors: Gouda Laxman , Sévery Laurent , Moehl Thomas , Mas-Marzá Elena , Adams Pardis , Fabregat-Santiago Francisco , Tilley S. David
Published: September 2021

Small cation size along with removal of trace iron from the electrolyte solution enables the practical use of earth-abundant nickel oxide electrodes for selective oxidation of organic molecules over water in aqueous solutions.
De novo biosynthesis and whole-cell catalytic production of paracetamol on a gram scale in Escherichia coli
Authors: Hou Feifei , Xian Mo , Huang Wei
Published: September 2021

We constructed the de novo biosynthesis and whole-cell biocatalysis pathways for the famous drug paracetamol or its analogues. This study provides a promising, sustainable, efficient alternative to the traditional chemical manufacturing methods.
Using airflow-driven, evaporative gradients to improve sensitivity and fluid control in colorimetric paper-based assays
Authors: Wang Edward , Guo Zhilin , Tang Rui , Lo Yu-Hwa
Published: September 2021

An airflow based, evaporative enrichment method for use in microfluidic paper-based assays. The method is used for fluid control in a multistep assay and as a technique to improve sensitivity in colorimetric detection assays.
Recent developments in energy storage systems for marine environment
Authors: Verma Jaya , Kumar Deepak
Published: September 2021

Marine batteries are designed specifically for marine vehicles with heavier plates and robust construction to withstand the vibration and pounding that can occur on board any powerboat.
An efficient organosilane-modified polycarboxylate dispersant with excellent dispersing performance and superior wettability for tebuconazole suspension concentrate
Authors: Zhang Mingqian , Tu Zhenbei , He Penghui , Hua Wendong , Chen Ying , Shi Zefeng , Wei Zhenli , Ren Tianrui , Zhang Bo
Published: September 2021

The dispersion stability and wettability of suspension concentrates are beneficial for improvement of the utilization rate of pesticides.
Crystal structure of 1-(2,4,6-trichlorobenzoyloxy) benzotriazole (TCB-OBt): observation of uncommon intermolecular oxygen–oxygen interaction and synthetic application in amidation
Authors: Dolai Gobinda , Roy Sayanta , Sen Srijit , Giri Rajat Subhra , Mandal Bhubaneswar
Published: September 2021

A simple active ester (TCB-OBt) has a significant hallmark in synthetic organic chemistry and materials science.
Ribosome-independent peptide biosynthesis: the challenge of a unifying nomenclature
Authors: Dell Maria , Dunbar Kyle L. , Hertweck Christian
Published: September 2021

A revised binning system is proposed for a unifying classification of ribosome-independent peptide synthetases.
Highly linear polarized emission at telecom bands in InAs/InP quantum dot-nanowires by geometry tailoring
Authors: Jaffal Ali , Regreny Philippe , Patriarche Gilles , Gendry Michel , Chauvin Nicolas
Published: September 2021

A high degree of linear polarization (up to 91%) was achieved in telecom-band InAs/InP quantum dot-nanowires by geometry tailoring.
Direct observation of the double-layering quantized growth of mica-confined ionic liquids
Authors: Wang Bingchen , Li Lei
Published: September 2021

Double-layering quantized growth of IL nanofilms are directly observed under AFM. Based on the equilibrium nanofilm topographies, a double-layering model describing the molecular structure of IL cations and anions on the mica surface is proposed.
Carbene functionalization of porphyrinoids through tosylhydrazones
Authors: Kozhemyakin Grigory L. , Tyurin Vladimir S. , Shkirdova Alena O. , Belyaev Evgeny S. , Kirinova Ekaterina S. , Ponomarev Gelii V. , Chistov Alexey A. , Aralov Andrey V. , Tafeenko Victor A. , Zamilatskov Ilya A.
Published: September 2021

Porphyrinoid functionalization was performed through carbenes obtained in situ from tosylhydrazones. Annulated tetrapyrrole macrocycles were formed via intramolecular C–H insertion of carbenes.
Discovery of a tetraarylhydrazine catalyst for electrocatalytic synthesis of imidazo-fused N-heteroaromatic compounds
Authors: Hou Zhong-Wei , Mao Zhong-Yi , Xu Hai-Chao
Published: September 2021

A tetraarylhydrazine-based redox catalyst has been discovered by serendipity through the electrochemical decomposition of a triarylamine. This catalyst is effective in promoting the electrosynthesis of imidazo-fused N-heteroaromatic compounds.
Chemical synthesis of disulfide surrogate peptides by using beta-carbon dimethyl modified diaminodiacids
Authors: Cui Ji-Bin , Wei Xiao-Xiong , Zhao Rui , Zhu Huixia , Shi Jing , Bierer Donald , Li Yi-Ming
Published: September 2021

We report the first example of thioether bridged diaminodiacids incorporating Cys Cβ dimethyl modification.
Shining a light on the hidden structure of gelatin methacryloyl bioinks using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS)
Authors: Boyd-Moss Mitchell , Firipis Kate , O’Connell Cathal D. , Rifai Aaqil , Quigley Anita , Boer Gareth , Long Benjamin M. , Nisbet David R. , Williams Richard J.
Published: September 2021

Small-angle X-ray scattering is used to unpack the hidden structure of a gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) biogel. We present insights regarding how the degree of functionalisation, crosslinked polymer conformation, nanoscale mesh size and macroscale mechanical properties are interlinked.
Corrosion comparison of free and roller surfaces of Fe70Si8B12Nb10 amorphous ribbon
Authors: Zhang H. , Yan Z. C. , Chen Q. , Qi Z. G. , Feng Y. , Liu H. Z. , Li X. Y. , Wang W. M.
Published: September 2021

The two surfaces of the Fe70Si8B12Nb10 amorphous ribbon have very different corrosion resistances due to different structures.
Synthesis, FT-IR, structural, thermochemical, electronic absorption spectral, and NLO analysis of the novel 10-methoxy-10H-furo[3,2-g]chromeno[2,3-b][1,3]thiazolo[5,4-e]pyridine-2,10(3H)-dione (MFCTP): a DFT/TD-DFT study
Authors: Halim Shimaa Abdel , Ibrahim Magdy A.
Published: September 2021

A novel MFCTP was synthesized and characterized.
A simple and efficient copper-catalyzed three-component reaction to synthesize (Z)-1,2-dihydro-2-iminoquinolines
Authors: Luo Xiai , Zhao Yu , Tao Susu , Yang Zhong-Tao , Luo Hui , Yang Weiguang
Published: September 2021

The synthesis of (Z)-1,2-dihydro-2-iminoquinolines via a base free CuAAC/ring-opening procedure and obtaining the Z-configured products.
Potent strategy towards strongly emissive nitroaromatics through a weakly electron-deficient core
Authors: Sadowski Bartłomiej , Kaliszewska Marzena , Poronik Yevgen M. , Czichy Małgorzata , Janasik Patryk , Banasiewicz Marzena , Mierzwa Dominik , Gadomski Wojciech , Lohrey Trevor D. , Clark John A. , Łapkowski Mieczysław , Kozankiewicz Bolesław , Vullev Valentine I. , Sobolewski Andrzej L. , Piatkowski Piotr , Gryko Daniel T.
Published: September 2021

Dipyrrolonaphthyridinedione appended with para- or meta-nitrophenyl substituents exhibits strong fluorescence from a 1ππ* S1 state.
Correlated continuous-time random walk in the velocity field: the role of velocity and weak asymptotics
Authors: Liu Jian , Zhang Caiyun , Bao Jing-Dong , Chen Xiaosong
Published: September 2021

Within the framework of a space-time correlated continuous-time random walk model, anomalous diffusion of particle moving in the velocity field is studied. The dispersive bias and space-time correlation lead to a crossover phenomenon in-between the diffusion. While, the weak asymptotics of the waiting time can yield the second unexpected one.
Adhesion directed capillary origami
Authors: Twohig Timothy , Croll Andrew B.
Published: September 2021

Controlling adhesion between film and substrate as well as film and itself, enables capillary forces to assemble complex, multi-step origami structures that are not otherwise possible.
Energy harvesting textiles: using wearable luminescent solar concentrators to improve the efficiency of fiber solar cells
Authors: Huang Chieh-Szu , Kang Xinyue , Rossi René M. , Kovalenko Maksym V. , Sun Xuemei , Peng Huisheng , Boesel Luciano F.
Published: September 2021

The integration of fiber solar cells (FSCs) and wearable luminescent solar concentrators leads to an enhancement of power conversion efficiency of FSCs.