bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of temperature variation treatments on embryonic development: a mouse study
Authors: Moriyama Dóris Ferreira , Makri Dimitra , Maalouf Mary-Naya , Adamova Petra , de Moraes Gabrielle Ferrante Alves , Pinheiro Marcela de Oliveira , Bernardineli Danilo Lessa , Massaia Irineu Francisco Delfino Silva , Maalouf Walid E. , Lo Turco Edson Guimarães
Published: February 2022

Since the development of ART, embryos have been cultured at 37 °C in an attempt to mimic the in vivo conditions and the average body temperature of an adult. However, a gradient of temperatures within the reproductive tract has been demonstrated in humans and several other mammalian species. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of temperature variation treatments on mouse embryo quality through morphokinetic events, blastocyst morphology, the relative gene expression of Igf2, Bax, Bcl2 and Apaf1 and the metabolomics of individual culture media. Study groups consisted of 2 circadian treatments, T1 with embryos being cultured at 37 °C during the day and 35.5 °C during the night, T2 with 38.5 °C during the day and 37 °C during the night and a control group with constant 37 °C. Our main findings are that the lower-temperature group (T1) showed a consistent negative effect on mouse embryo development with “slow” cleaving embryos, poor-quality blastocysts, a higher expression of the apoptotic gene Apaf1, and a significantly different set of amino acids representing a more stressed metabolism. On the other hand, our higher-temperature group (T2) showed similar results to the control group, with no adverse effects on blastocyst viability.
Comprehensive deep learning model for 3D color holography
Authors: Yolalmaz Alim , Yüce Emre
Published: February 2022

Holography is a vital tool used in various applications from microscopy, solar energy, imaging, display to information encryption. Generation of a holographic image and reconstruction of object/hologram information from a holographic image using the current algorithms are time-consuming processes. Versatile, fast in the meantime, accurate methodologies are required to compute holograms performing color imaging at multiple observation planes and reconstruct object/sample information from a holographic image for widely accommodating optical holograms. Here, we focus on design of optical holograms for generation of holographic images at multiple observation planes and colors via a deep learning model, the CHoloNet. The CHoloNet produces optical holograms which show multitasking performance as multiplexing color holographic image planes by tuning holographic structures. Furthermore, our deep learning model retrieves an object/hologram information from an intensity holographic image without requiring phase and amplitude information from the intensity image. We show that reconstructed objects/holograms show excellent agreement with the ground-truth images. The CHoloNet does not need iteratively reconstruction of object/hologram information while conventional object/hologram recovery methods rely on multiple holographic images at various observation planes along with the iterative algorithms. We openly share the fast and efficient framework that we develop in order to contribute to the design and implementation of optical holograms, and we believe that the CHoloNet based object/hologram reconstruction and generation of holographic images will speed up wide-area implementation of optical holography in microscopy, data encryption, and communication technologies.
Exploring ALDH2 expression and immune infiltration in HNSC and its correlation of prognosis with gender or alcohol intake
Authors: Yao Senbang , Yin Xiangxiang , Chen Tingting , Chen Wenjun , Zuo He , Bi Ziran , Zhang Xiuqing , Jing Yanyan , Pang Lulian , Cheng Huaidong
Published: February 2022

The aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 point mutation (ALDH2*2) is a common frequent human gene variant, especially in East Asians. However, the expression and mechanism of action of ALDH2 in HNSC remain unknown. The present study explored the clinical significance and immune characteristics of ALDH2 in HNSC. The receiver operating characteristic curve was analysed to assess the diagnostic value of ALDH2 expression. ALDH2 expression in normal tissues and HNSC tissues was evaluated by IHC, and we also analysed ALDH2 gene expression in 4 HNSC cell lines. ALDH2 expression was significantly reduced in HNSC tissues compared to normal tissues (p < 0.05). HNSC patients with high ALDH2 expression had a better prognosis compared to patients with low ALDH2 expression (p < 0.05). GSEA indicated that these gene sets were correlated with signalling pathways, including the JAK-STAT signalling pathway. Unexpectedly, we found a significant prognostic effect of ALDH2 for HNSC based on alcohol consumption and the male sex. The correlation between ALDH2 expression and immune inhibitors showed an effect for ALDH2 in modifying tumour immunology in HNSC, and there may be a possible mechanism by which ALDH2 regulates the functions of T cells in HNSC. In addition, we developed a prognostic nomogram for HNSC patients, which suggested that low ALDH2 expression indicated poor prognosis in HNSC patients who were males and alcoholics.
Communicate hope to motivate the public during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Petersen Michael Bang , Christiansen Lasse Engbo , Bor Alexander , Lindholt Marie Fly , Jørgensen Frederik , Adler-Nissen Rebecca , Roepstorff Andreas , Lehmann Sune
Published: February 2022

How should health authorities communicate to motivate the public to comply with health advice during a prolonged health crisis such as a pandemic? During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, for example, people have had to comply with successive restrictions as the world faced multiple races between controlling new waves of the virus and the development and implementation of vaccines. Here, we examine how health authorities and governments most effectively motivate the public by focusing on a specific race: between the Alpha variant and the implementation of the first generation of COVID-19 vaccinations in the winter of 2021. Following prior research on crisis communication, we focus on appeals to fear and hope using communicative aids in the form of visualizations based on epidemiological modelling. Using a population-based experiment conducted in United States ($$N = 3,022$$

N
=
3
,
022

), we demonstrate that a hope-oriented visual communication aid, depicting the competing effects on the epidemic curve of (1) a more infectious variant and (2) vaccinations, motivates public action more effectively than a fear-oriented visual communication, focusing exclusively on the threat of the new variant. The importance of the implementation of such hope-oriented messages is further highlighted by cross-national representative surveys from eight countries ($$N = 3,995$$

N
=
3
,
995

), which demonstrate that feelings of fear towards the Alpha variant alone were insufficient to activate strong compliance. Overall, these findings provide general insights into the importance of hope as a health communication strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
Dynamic characteristics and synergistic effects of ecosystem services under climate change scenarios on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Authors: Luo Yanyun , Yang Dewei , O’Connor Patrick , Wu Tonghua , Ma Weijing , Xu Lingxing , Guo Ruifang , Lin Jianyi
Published: February 2022

The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) supplies many ecosystem services (ESs) that maintain local and global pan-Asian populations and ecosystems. The effects of climate change on ES provision in the QTP will have far-reaching impacts on the region and the many downstream ecosystems and countries that depend on ESs from the "Third Pole". This study undertook a systematic assessment of ES provision, trade-offs and synergies between four ESs (raw material provision, water yield, soil retention, and carbon storage) under future climate scenarios (representative concentration pathway). The results show that: (1) the total amount of the four ESs on the QTP is predicted to increase from 1980 to 2100 for three climate change scenarios. (2) The spatial pattern of ESs on the QTP will not change significantly in the future, and the grassland and forest ESs in the central and southern regions are predicted to increase significantly. (3) The synergistic interactions among ESs were generally consistent at three spatial scales (10 km (pixel), county and watershed scales), but with more significant synergistic effects at the watershed scale. This demonstrates the necessity for the examination of scale-dependent ES dynamics and interactions. This study will supply a reference for further research on long-term ES assessments, especially the dynamic ES changes and the spatial scale dependency of the ES interactions, and provide evidence-based strategies for formulating ecosystem management on the QTP under climate change.
Deep-learning-assisted Fourier transform imaging spectroscopy for hyperspectral fluorescence imaging
Authors: Juntunen Cory , Woller Isabel M. , Abramczyk Andrew R. , Sung Yongjin
Published: February 2022

Hyperspectral fluorescence imaging is widely used when multiple fluorescent probes with close emission peaks are required. In particular, Fourier transform imaging spectroscopy (FTIS) provides unrivaled spectral resolution; however, the imaging throughput is very low due to the amount of interferogram sampling required. In this work, we apply deep learning to FTIS and show that the interferogram sampling can be drastically reduced by an order of magnitude without noticeable degradation in the image quality. For the demonstration, we use bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells stained with three fluorescent dyes and 10 types of fluorescent beads with close emission peaks. Further, we show that the deep learning approach is more robust to the translation stage error and environmental vibrations. Thereby, the He-Ne correction, which is typically required for FTIS, can be bypassed, thus reducing the cost, size, and complexity of the FTIS system. Finally, we construct neural network models using Hyperband, an automatic hyperparameter selection algorithm, and compare the performance with our manually-optimized model.
Cost-effective fabrication, antibacterial application and cell viability studies of modified nonwoven cotton fabric
Authors: Nawaz Rahat , Naqvi Sayed Tayyab Raza , Fatima Batool , Zulfiqar Nazia , Farooq Muhammad Umer , Haq Muhammad Najam ul , Hussain Dilshad , Javeed Asghar , Rasul Azhar , Jafri Laila , Majeed Saadat , Khan Waheed Qamar
Published: February 2022

In the present work, nonwoven cotton fabric was modified for antibacterial applications using low-cost and eco-friendly precursors. The treatment of fabric with alkali leads to the formation of active sites for surface modification, followed by dip coating with silver nanoparticles and chitosan. The surface was chlorinated in the next step to transform amide (N–H) groups in chitosan into N-halamine (N-Cl). The modified and unmodified surfaces of the nonwoven cotton fabric have been characterized by FTIR, SEM, and XRD. The active chlorine loading is measured with iodine/sodium thiosulphate. The antimicrobial activity and cell toxicity assay were carried out with and without modifications of nonwoven cotton fabric. The antimicrobial efficacies of loaded fabric were evaluated against four bacterial species (Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter aerogenes, and E.coli). It was found that modified fabric exhibited superior efficiency against gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains as compared to their bulk counterparts upon exposure without affecting strength and integrity of fabric. The overall process is economical for commercial purposes. The modified fabric can be used for antimicrobial, health, and food packaging industries, and in other biomedical applications.
Radiologic evaluation of compensatory lung growth using computed tomography by comparison with histological data from a large animal model
Authors: Ohata Keiji , Chen-Yoshikawa Toyofumi F. , Hamaji Masatsugu , Kubo Takeshi , Nakamura Tatsuo , Date Hiroshi
Published: February 2022

Non-invasive analysis using computed tomography (CT) data may be a promising candidate to evaluate neo-alveolarization in adult lungs following lung resection. This study evaluates and compares the validity of CT analysis with histologic morphometry for compensatory lung growth in a large animal model. We calculated the radiologic tissue volume and the radiologic lung weight from CT data taken at 1, 3, and 6 months post-surgery on 15 male beagle dogs that had a right thoractotomy, bilobectomy, or pneumonectomy (n = 5 in each group). Results were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and were subsequently compared to histologic findings of tissue samples at 6 months post-surgery using Pearson’s correlation. An increase in radiologic tissue volume and radiologic lung weight was identified, which was positively correlated with histologic lung parenchymal amounts (correlation coefficient = 0.955 and 0.934, respectively, p < 0.001). Histology of lung specimens at 6 months post-surgery revealed an increase in the tissue amount in both Bilobectomy and Peumonectomy groups, which was consistent with compensatory lung growth. Radiologic tissue volume and radiologic lung weight reflected compensatory lung growth following lung resection. Radiologic assessment using CT data can be a promising clinical modality to evaluate postoperative lung growth.
Insulin clearance and incretin hormones following oral and “isoglycemic” intravenous glucose in type 2 diabetes patients under different antidiabetic treatments
Authors: Tura Andrea , Göbl Christian , Vardarli Irfan , Pacini Giovanni , Nauck Michael
Published: February 2022

It has not been elucidated whether incretins affect insulin clearance in type 2 diabetes (T2D). We aimed exploring possible associations between insulin clearance and endogenously secreted or exogenously administered incretins in T2D patients. Twenty T2D patients were studied (16 males/4 females, 59 ± 2 years (mean ± standard error), BMI = 31 ± 1 kg/m2, HbA1c = 7.0 ± 0.1%). Patients were treated with metformin, sitagliptin, metformin/sitagliptin combination, and placebo (randomized order). On each treatment period, oral and isoglycemic intravenous glucose infusion tests were performed (OGTT, IIGI, respectively). We also studied twelve T2D patients (9 males/3 females, 61 ± 3 years, BMI = 30 ± 1 kg/m2, HbA1c = 7.3 ± 0.4%) that underwent infusion of GLP-1(7–36)-amide, GIP, GLP-1/GIP combination, and placebo. Plasma glucose, insulin, C-peptide, and incretins were measured. Insulin clearance was assessed as insulin secretion to insulin concentration ratio. In the first study, we found OGTT/IIGI insulin clearance ratio weakly inversely related to OGTT/IIGI total GIP and intact GLP-1 (R2 = 0.13,p < 0.02). However, insulin clearance showed some differences between sitagliptin and metformin treatment (p < 0.02). In the second study we found no difference in insulin clearance following GLP-1 and/or GIP infusion (p > 0.5). Thus, our data suggest that in T2D there are no relevant incretin effects on insulin clearance. Conversely, different antidiabetic treatments may determine insulin clearance variations.
Naked eye direction of arrival estimation with a Fresnel lens
Authors: Vovchuk Dmytro , Khobzei Mykola , Filonov Dmitry , Ginzburg Pavel
Published: February 2022

Direction of arrival (DoA) estimation is of primary importance in a broad range of wireless applications, where electromagnetic waves play a role. While a vast majority of existing techniques is based on phase lag comparison in antenna arrays, intensity-based approaches are valuable in a range of low budget applications. Here we demonstrate a direct visible to a naked eye DoA device, based on a Fresnel zone plate lens, aperture, and a light-emitting diode indicator. Being a low budget device, it still allows achieving up to 90° angle of view, 19° of angular resolution, and 11° of angular accuracy at 10 GHz operational frequency. The demonstrated approach provides fast DoA visualization and can be used to adjust point-to-point communication links, identify radio wave pollution sources at home conditions and several others.
Periodontal inflamed surface area in oral cavity associated with febrile neutropenia in patients with hematologic malignancy undergoing chemotherapy
Authors: Nishi Hiromi , Ohta Kouji , Kuramoto Yuri , Shigeishi Hideo , Obayashi Taiji , Yoshioka Yukio , Konishi Masaru , Munenaga Shuichi , Nagoshi Hisao , Yoshida Tetsumi , Fukushima Noriyasu , Kakimoto Naoya , Ohge Hiroki , Kurihara Hidemi , Ichinohe Tatsuo , Kawaguchi Hiroyuki
Published: February 2022

Febrile neutropenia (FN) is an infectious complication that develops during chemotherapy. Although the oral cavity can be an important infection route, it is unknown whether the oral environment is associated with FN. The present study examined the relationship between the oral environment using periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA), a new periodontal disease parameter, and FN in hematologic cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. In this retrospective cohort study, 157 patients were divided into FN onset during chemotherapy (n = 75) and the FN negative groups (n = 82). The associations of risk factors related to the intraoral environment were assessed. Logistic regression analysis showed that types of blood cancer (odds ratio 1.98; P < 0.01), use of a high-risk regimen (odds ratio 4.44; P < 0.05), prophylaxis treatment with human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) (odds ratio 4.15; P < 0.01) and PISA (odds ratio 1.02; P < 0.01) were independent factors associated with FN onset. Finally, propensity score matching was performed between two groups; 37 matched pairs were generated. PISA was significantly higher in the FN group than the FN negative group. There was a significant relationship between PISA and FN onset (P = 0.035). The present findings indicate that periodontitis treatment before starting cancer treatment is recommended as supportive care for preventing FN onset during chemotherapy.
Modelling, additive layer manufacturing and testing of interlocking structures for joined components
Authors: Peralta Marino Gonzalo , De la Pierre Stefano , Salvo Milena , Díaz Lantada Andrés , Ferraris Monica
Published: February 2022

In this study, authors explore the application of modelling and additive layer manufacturing (ALM) for creating and testing materials with interlocking structures aimed to reduce the stress concentration along the edges of a typical lap joint. The effectiveness of this approach is discussed by means of modelling and experimental validation of joints with interlocking structures obtained by ALM. Considering the achieved results, ALM of interlocking structures constitutes an interesting alternative or complement to traditional joining processes, as it may help to minimize stress mismatches in the joining region. It may also prevent the use of adhesive or joining post processes, because the joint is created together with the joined components.
Effect of cultured white soft cheese on the histopathological changes in the kidneys and liver of albino rats
Authors: Salman Khaled H. , Ali Fatma Abo Zakaib , Elhanbaly Ruwaida
Published: February 2022

Three different types of lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Streptococcus thermophilus S3855) were used to manufacture white soft cheese. The resultant white soft cheeses were pickled for 28 days at refrigerator temperatures and were fed to the experimental rats. The chemical and microbiological analyses of white soft cheese were conducted at different storage periods (fresh, 7 days, 14 days, 21 days, and 28 days). The pH values and protein content of white soft cheese gradually decreased during the storage peroid. Conversely, the moisture content, titratable acidity, and fat/DM % of white soft cheese were found to increase with of the increase in pickling periods of up to 28 days. Microbiologically, the total viable count of bacteria in the control samples was lower than that in the other treatments. Furthermore, the treatments containing the L. helveticus and L. rhamnosus strains had the highest lactoacilli counts whereas the treatment containing the S. thermophilus strain had the highest streptococci counts. Twenty-five male Albino rats were used for experiemntal technique. Rats were fed with 70% basal diet with addition of 30% white soft cheese. Several pathological findings were present in all experimental groups apart from the control rats, and the kidney samples exhibited renal vascular congestion especially in the cortical area. The changes of the glomeruli comprise atrophy, distortion, hypocellularity of the glomerular tuft, and focal lymphoid cell reactions. The renal tubular epithelium showed a series of degenerative changes ranging up to necrosis. The liver samples showed variable hepatic injury in the form of thickening in the Glisson capsule, as well as dissociation and disorganization of hepatic cords. Hepatocellular vacuolar degeneration, presence of focal areas of nodular hyperplasia, the hyperplastic cells mixed with lymphocytic infiltration, congestion in the portal vein, periportal fibrosis and edema with the presence of newly formed nonfunctional bile ductulus. Based on the histopathology scores, the severity of renal and hepatic changes was significantly increased (P ≤ 0.05) in all of the experimental groups compared with the control group. Generally, the chemical composition, microbiological analysis and vital organs were significantly affected by using cultured white soft cheese.
Synergistic effect of plasma-activated medium and novel indirubin derivatives on human skin cancer cells by activation of the AhR pathway
Authors: Rebl Henrike , Sawade Marie , Hein Martin , Bergemann Claudia , Wende Manuela , Lalk Michael , Langer Peter , Emmert Steffen , Nebe Barbara
Published: February 2022

Due to the increasing number of human skin cancers and the limited effectiveness of therapies, research into innovative therapeutic approaches is of enormous clinical interest. In recent years, the use of cold atmospheric pressure plasma has become increasingly important as anti-cancer therapy. The combination of plasma with small molecules offers the potential of an effective, tumour-specific, targeted therapy. The synthesised glycosylated and non glycosylated thia-analogous indirubin derivatives KD87 and KD88, respectively, were first to be investigated for their pharmaceutical efficacy in comparison with Indirubin-3'-monoxime (I3M) on human melanoma (A375) and squamous cell carcinoma (A431) cells. In combinatorial studies with plasma-activated medium (PAM) and KD87 we determined significantly decreased cell viability and cell adhesion. Cell cycle analyses revealed a marked G2/M arrest by PAM and a clear apoptotic effect by the glycosylated indirubin derivative KD87 in both cell lines and thus a synergistic anti-cancer effect. I3M had a pro-apoptotic effect only in A431 cells, so we hypothesize a different mode of action of the indirubin derivatives in the two skin cancer cells, possibly due to a different level of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor and an activation of this pathway by nuclear translocation of this receptor and subsequent activation of gene expression.
Development of transgenic Daphnia magna for visualizing homology-directed repair of DNA
Authors: Fatimah Rizky Mutiara , Adhitama Nikko , Kato Yasuhiko , Watanabe Hajime
Published: February 2022

In the crustacean Daphnia magna, studying homology-directed repair (HDR) is important to understand genome maintenance during parthenogenesis, effects of environmental toxicants on the genome, and improvement of HDR-mediated genome editing. Here we developed a transgenic D. magna that expresses green fluorescence protein (GFP) upon HDR occurrence. We utilized the previously established reporter plasmid named DR-GFP that has a mutated eGFP gene (SceGFP) and the tandemly located donor GFP gene fragment (iGFP). Upon double-strand break (DSB) introduction on SceGFP, the iGFP gene fragment acts as the HDR template and restores functional eGFP expression. We customized this reporter plasmid to allow bicistronic expression of the mCherry gene under the control of the D. magna EF1α-1 promoter/enhancer. By CRISPR/Cas-mediated knock-in of this plasmid via non-homologous joining, we generated the transgenic D. magna that expresses mCherry ubiquitously, suggesting that the DR-GFP reporter gene is expressed in most cells. Introducing DSB on the SceGFP resulted in eGFP expression and this HDR event could be detected by fluorescence, genomic PCR, and quantitative reverse-transcription PCR, suggesting this line could be used for evaluating HDR. The established reporter line might expand our understanding of the HDR mechanism and also improve the HDR-based gene-editing system in this species.
Intrinsic signal optoretinography of dark adaptation kinetics
Authors: Kim Tae-Hoon , Ding Jie , Yao Xincheng
Published: February 2022

Delayed dark adaptation due to impaired rod photoreceptor homeostasis has been reported as the earliest symptom of eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinitis pigmentosa. Objective measurement of dark adaptation can facilitate early diagnosis to enable prompt intervention to prevent vision loss. However, there is a lack of noninvasive methods capable of spatiotemporal monitoring of photoreceptor changes during dark adaptation. Here we demonstrate functional optical coherence tomography (OCT) for in vivo intrinsic signal optoretinography (ORG) of dark adaptation kinetics in the C57BL/6J mouse retina. Functional OCT revealed a shortening of the outer retina, a rearrangement of the cone and rod photoreceptor interdigitation zone, and a reduction in intrinsic signal amplitude at the photoreceptor inner segment ellipsoid (ISe). A strong positive correlation between the outer retinal shortening and ISe intensity reduction was also confirmed. Functional OCT of dark adaptation kinetics promises an objective method for rapid ORG assessment of physiological integrity of retinal photoreceptors.
Developing a lifestyle intervention program for overweight or obese preconception, pregnant and postpartum women using qualitative methods
Authors: Ku Chee Wai , Leow Shu Hui , Ong Lay See , Erwin Christina , Ong Isabella , Ng Xiang Wen , Tan Jacinth J. X. , Yap Fabian , Chan Jerry Kok Yen , Loy See Ling
Published: February 2022

The time period before, during and after pregnancy represents a unique opportunity for interventions to cultivate sustained healthy lifestyle behaviors to improve the metabolic health of mothers and their offspring. However, the success of a lifestyle intervention is dependent on uptake and continued compliance. To identify enablers and barriers towards engagement with a lifestyle intervention, thematic analysis of 15 in-depth interviews with overweight or obese women in the preconception, pregnancy or postpartum periods was undertaken, using the integrated-Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services framework as a guide to systematically chart factors influencing adoption of a novel lifestyle intervention. Barrier factors include time constraints, poor baseline knowledge, family culture, food accessibility, and lack of relevant data sources. Enabling factors were motivation to be healthy for themselves and their offspring, family and social support, a holistic delivery platform providing desired information delivered at appropriate times, regular feedback, goal setting, and nudges. From the findings of this study, we propose components of an idealized lifestyle intervention including (i) taking a holistic life-course approach to education, (ii) using mobile health platforms to reduce barriers, provide personalized feedback and promote goal-setting, and (iii) health nudges to cultivate sustained lifestyle habits.
Engineered resistance and risk assessment associated with insecticidal and weeds resistant transgenic cotton using wister rat model
Authors: Iqbal Adnan , Ali Muhammad Azam , Ahmed Shafique , Hassan Samina , Shahid Naila , Azam Saira , Rao Abdul Qayyum , Ali Qurban , Shahid Ahmad Ali
Published: February 2022

Stacking multiple genes into cotton crop to cop up multiple biotic stresses such as insects and weeds is a promising tool to save crop from losses. Transgenic cotton variety, VH-289, with double Bt and cp4EPSPS genes under the control of 35S promoter was used for the expression analyses and biosafety studies. The transgenic cotton plants were screened through PCR amplification of fragments, 1.7 kb for Cry1Ac, 582 bp for Cry2A and 250 bp for cp4EPSPS; which confirmed the presence of all genes transformed in transgenic cotton. The Cry1Ac + Cry2A and cp4EPSPS proteins were quantified through ELISA in transgenic cotton plants. The Glyphosate assay performed by spraying 1900 mL per acre of glyphosate Roundup further confirmed complete survival of transgenic cotton plants as compared to the non-transgenic cotton plants and all weeds. Similarly, insect infestation data determined that almost 99% insect mortality was observed in controlled field grown transgenic cotton plants as compared to the non-transgenic control plants. Evaluation of effect of temperature and soil nutrients availability on transgene expression in cotton plants was done at two different cotton growing regions, Multan and Lahore, Pakistan and results suggested that despite of higher temperature in Multan field, an increased level of Cry and cp4EPSPS proteins was recorded due to higher soil organic matter availability compared to Lahore field. Before commercialization of any transgenic variety its biosafety study is mandatory so, a 90 days biosafety study of the transgenic cotton plants with 40% transgenic cottonseeds in standard diet showed no harmful effect on wister rat model when studied for liver function, renal function and serum electrolyte.
Association between height loss and cardiovascular disease in the Korean elderly
Authors: Choi Soo Jung , Lee Rugyeom , Na Yewon , Hwang In Cheol , Jung Jaehun
Published: February 2022

Shorter people are at risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), but data remain limited. This study sought to determine whether height loss is associated with an increased incidence of CVD. From the Korean National Health Insurance Service—Senior database (2002–2015), data of 134,952 individuals with available information on height loss was obtained. Height loss as percentages was measured 3–5 years from the baseline height. To assess hazard ratios for CVD incidence, multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models were used before and after applying propensity score matching. The unmatched cohort consisted of 109,546 participants without height loss (< 1%): 20,208 participants with 1–2% height loss, and 5126 participants with ≥ 2% height loss. During a median follow-up period of 6.5 years (interquartile range, 3.7–8.5 years), 21,921 were newly diagnosed with CVD. Adults with height loss of > 2% had a greater risk of incident CVD than those with no height loss. This finding was statistically significant both in the original- and propensity score-matched cohorts. The increased risk for ischemic stroke was significant in the male subgroups, in line with degree of height loss. Overall, height loss is associated with an increased risk of subsequent ischemic stroke in Korean men.
Exploration of autoantibody responses in canine diabetes using protein arrays
Authors: O’Kell Allison L. , Shome Mahasish , Qiu Ji , Williams Stacy , Chung Yunro , LaBaer Joshua , Atkinson Mark A. , Wasserfall Clive
Published: February 2022

Canine diabetes has been considered a potential model of human type 1 diabetes (T1D), however the detection of autoantibodies common in humans with T1D in affected dogs is inconsistent. The aim of this study was to compare autoantibody responses in diabetic and healthy control dogs using a novel nucleic acid programmable protein array (NAPPA) platform. We performed a cross-sectional study of autoantibody profiles of 30 diabetic and 30 healthy control dogs of various breeds. Seventeen hundred human proteins related to the pancreas or diabetes were displayed on NAPPA arrays and interrogated with canine sera. The median normalized intensity (MNI) for each protein was calculated, and results were compared between groups to identify candidate autoantibodies. At a specificity of 90%, six autoantibodies had sensitivity greater than 10% (range 13–20%) for distinguishing diabetic and control groups. A combination of three antibodies (anti-KANK2, anti-GLI1, anti-SUMO2) resulted in a sensitivity of 37% (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.17–0.67%) at 90% specificity and an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of 0.66 (95% CI 0.52–0.80). While this study does not provide conclusive support for autoimmunity as an underlying cause of diabetes in dogs, future studies should consider the use of canine specific proteins in larger numbers of dogs of breeds at high risk for diabetes.
Titanium dioxide particles frequently present in face masks intended for general use require regulatory control
Authors: Verleysen Eveline , Ledecq Marina , Siciliani Lisa , Cheyns Karlien , Vleminckx Christiane , Blaude Marie-Noelle , De Vos Sandra , Brassinne Frédéric , Van Steen Frederic , Nkenda Régis , Machiels Ronny , Waegeneers Nadia , Van Loco Joris , Mast Jan
Published: February 2022

Although titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a suspected human carcinogen when inhaled, fiber-grade TiO2 (nano)particles were demonstrated in synthetic textile fibers of face masks intended for the general public. STEM-EDX analysis on sections of a variety of single use and reusable face masks visualized agglomerated near-spherical TiO2 particles in non-woven fabrics, polyester, polyamide and bi-component fibers. Median sizes of constituent particles ranged from 89 to 184 nm, implying an important fraction of nano-sized particles (< 100 nm). The total TiO2 mass determined by ICP-OES ranged from 791 to 152,345 µg per mask. The estimated TiO2 mass at the fiber surface ranged from 17 to 4394 µg, and systematically exceeded the acceptable exposure level to TiO2 by inhalation (3.6 µg), determined based on a scenario where face masks are worn intensively. No assumptions were made about the likelihood of the release of TiO2 particles itself, since direct measurement of release and inhalation uptake when face masks are worn could not be assessed. The importance of wearing face masks against COVID-19 is unquestionable. Even so, these results urge for in depth research of (nano)technology applications in textiles to avoid possible future consequences caused by a poorly regulated use and to implement regulatory standards phasing out or limiting the amount of TiO2 particles, following the safe-by-design principle.
Self-immolative polyplexes for DNA delivery
Authors: Sirianni Quinton E. A. , Wang TianDuo , Borecki Aneta , Deng Zhengyu , Ronald John A. , Gillies Elizabeth R.
Published: February 2022

Cationic self-immolative polyglyoxylamides can complex DNA. Upon end-cap cleavage, depolymerization occurs, releasing the DNA and providing lower toxicity monomeric cations.
Ultrahigh SERS activity of the TiO2@Ag nanostructure leveraged for accurately detecting CTCs in peripheral blood
Authors: Xu Yanping , Zhang Dinghu , Lin Jie , Wu Xiaoxia , Xu Xiawei , Akakuru Ozioma Udochukwu , Zhang Hao , Zhang Zhewei , Xie Yujiao , Wu Aiguo , Shao Guoliang
Published: February 2022

Accurately recognizing CTCs in peripheral blood based on the TiO2@Ag–R6G–rBSA–FA SERS bioprobe is carefully verified by in situ immunofluorescence staining experiments, which directly supports the CTC detection accuracy of the SERS strategy.
Concentration-dependent effects of nickel doping on activated carbon biocathodes
Authors: Chatzipanagiotou Konstantina-Roxani , Jourdin Ludovic , Bitter Johannes H. , Strik David P. B. T. B.
Published: February 2022

Doping activated carbon biocathodes with nickel improves microbial electrosynthesis due to both electrocatalytic (hydrogen production) and non-catalytic effects.
Combining in silico and in vitro approaches to identify endogenous hypoglycemic peptides from human milk
Authors: Xiao Ting , Zeng Junpeng , Qiu Leyun , Wang Ruiyan , Li Nan , Deng Zeyuan , Zheng Liufeng
Published: February 2022

Potential endogenous hypoglycemic peptides derived from breast milk were screened by in silico approaches against intestinal glucose absorption- and metabolism-related membrane proteins (i.e., SGLT1, ATPase, and GPR40).
Cinnamaldehyde treatment during adolescence improves white and brown adipose tissue metabolism in a male rat model of early obesity
Authors: Neto Jessika Geisebel Oliveira , Boechat Silvia Karl , Romão Juliana Santos , Kuhnert Lia Rafaella Ballard , Pazos-Moura Carmen Cabanelas , Oliveira Karen Jesus
Published: February 2022

Cinnamaldehyde reprograms long-term negative outcomes of early obesity, reducing lipogenesis and adipocyte hypertrophy of WAT and reducing BAT whitening.
Aggregation induced delayed green fluorescence from assembly of gold nanoclusters: an advanced probe for “background free” pyrophosphate recognition
Authors: Dolai Santanu , Basu Srestha , Paul Anumita
Published: February 2022

Aggregation induced emission based delayed fluorescence from assembly of gold clusters for sensing of pyrophosphate.
Solution-processed white OLEDs with power efficiency over 90 lm W−1 by triplet exciton management with a high triplet energy level interfacial exciplex host and a high reverse intersystem crossing rate blue TADF emitter
Authors: Chen Liang , Chang Yufei , Shi Song , Wang Shumeng , Wang Lixiang
Published: February 2022

Power-efficient solution-processed TADF/phosphorescence hybrid and all-TADF white organic light-emitting diodes (WOLEDs) are developed by triplet exciton management, which exhibit state-of-the-art power efficiencies (PEs) up to 93.5 and 70.4 lm W−1, respectively.
Self-assembled dipeptide based fluorescent nanoparticles as a platform for developing cellular imaging probes and targeted drug delivery chaperones
Authors: Sivagnanam Subramaniyam , Das Kiran , Basak Madhuri , Mahata Tarun , Stewart Adele , Maity Biswanath , Das Priyadip
Published: February 2022

Newly synthesized PS1-Zn(ii) and PS2-Zn(ii) representing short peptide-based fluorescent nanostructures, shows great promise for the development of new imaging probes and targeted drug delivery vehicles.
Insect-inspired nanofibrous polyaniline multi-scale films for hybrid polarimetric imaging with scattered light
Authors: Feng Ji , Weng Xiaojing , Mandujano Miguel A. G. , Muminov Baurzhan , Ahuja Gaurav , Méndez Eugenio R. , Yin Yadong , Vuong Luat T.
Published: February 2022

A two-dimensional monolayer multi-scaled polyaniline inverse opal film is fabricated and exhibits efficient polarization filtering, which separates s- and p-polarized light for polarization sensing and imaging.
Support effects of metal–organic frameworks in heterogeneous catalysis
Authors: Sadakiyo Masaaki
Published: February 2022

This review summarizes current development of M/MOF catalysts, and especially focuses on the support effects of MOFs.
Phase-shift nanodroplets as an emerging sonoresponsive nanomaterial for imaging and drug delivery applications
Authors: Zhang Weiqi , Shi Yuhong , Abd Shukor Shazwan , Vijayakumaran Aaran , Vlatakis Stavros , Wright Michael , Thanou Maya
Published: February 2022

The scheme of loading drugs/decorations in nanodroplets and US/laser irradiated drug release (figure created with BioRender.com).
Review on grain size effects on thermal conductivity in ZnO thermoelectric materials
Authors: Sulaiman S. , Izman S. , Uday M. B. , Omar M. F.
Published: February 2022

Use of nanomaterials for various energy applications, such as energy generation, conversion, storage, saving and transmission.
Atomic-level investigation on the oxidation efficiency and corrosion resistance of lithium enhanced by the addition of two dimensional materials
Authors: Rahman Md. Habibur , Chowdhury Emdadul Haque , Hong Sungwook
Published: February 2022

Our ReaxFF RMD simulations uncover that oxidation efficiency and corrosion resistance of Li could be notably enhanced utilizing Graphene Oxide (GO), and Graphene (Gr), respectively.
Effects of different N-acyl-serine lactone signaling molecules on the performance of anaerobic granular sludge
Authors: Dang Wenhao , Li Meiling , Fu Wencai , Zhu Kaili , Liu Hui , Yuan Jinxia , Gao Wenhua , Chen Guoning , Wang Zhiwei
Published: February 2022

Adding trace signal molecule (AHLs) to the reactor can promote the growth of methanogens and increase the microbial abundance of AnGS. This technology may be applied to enhance methanogenesis of AnGS or restore microbial activity of calcified anaerobic granular sludge.
Effect of organic-modified nickel phyllosilicate on the non-isothermal cure kinetics and flame retardancy properties of epoxy composites
Authors: Xu Yu-xuan , Zhao Xing-guo , Dong Xiang , Dai Guang-long
Published: February 2022

The cure behavior of EP/NiPS composites were investigated by non-isothermal DSC. And the curing kinetics for the EP/NiPS composites were described by the autocatalytic equation of the SB model.
Studies of adsorption of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds on heterogeneous Au/CeO2, Au/TiO2 and Au/SiO2 catalysts during reduction by hydrogen
Authors: Zielinski Maciej , Juszczyk Wojciech , Kaszkur Zbigniew
Published: February 2022

We deliver spectroscopic IR data describing the adsorption phenomena accompanying reduction of conjugated carbonyl compounds aided by heterogeneous catalysts.
Development of the Assessment of Student Knowledge of Green Chemistry Principles (ASK-GCP)
Authors: Grieger Krystal , Schiro Annie , Leontyev Alexey
Published: February 2022

As implementation of green chemistry into university-level courses increases, it is vital that educators have a tool to rapidly measure student knowledge of green chemistry principles. We report the development of the Assessment of Student Knowledge of Green Chemistry Principles (ASK-GCP) and evaluation of its sensitivity and effectiveness for measuring student knowledge of green chemistry. The 24-item true–false instrument was given to a total of 448 students to gather data on the reliability, validity, and sensitivity. The instrument proved to be sensitive for distinguishing known groups with various levels of green chemistry knowledge and instructional exposure. The instrument was able to detect gains in green chemistry knowledge in pre- and post- conditions. Psychometric analysis revealed that the item difficulty range matches the sample ability range. The findings verified that the ASK-GCP is an efficient and accurate instrument to measure student knowledge of green chemistry principles.
Unveiling the complex configurational landscape of the intralayer cavities in a crystalline carbon nitride
Authors: Pauly Magnus , Kröger Julia , Duppel Viola , Murphey Corban , Cahoon James , Lotsch Bettina V. , Maggard Paul A.
Published: February 2022

The layered carbon nitride, poly(triazine imide), exhibits a complex configurational landscape for the coordination of cations within its intralayer cavities that has been elucidated for the first time.
Mechanical reinforcement of granular hydrogels
Authors: Charlet Alvaro , Bono Francesca , Amstad Esther
Published: February 2022

The mechanical properties of granular hydrogels are strongly influenced by interparticle interactions. In this review, we compare the storage, compressive and tensile moduli of granular hydrogels cured using various interparticle interactions.
PVDF/Ag2CO3nanocomposites for efficient dye degradation and flexible piezoelectric mechanical energy harvester
Authors: Mishra Hari Krishna , Sengupta Dipanjan , Babu Anand , Pirzada Bilal Masood , Sarkar Ranjini , Naidu Boddu S. , Kundu Tarun Kumar , Mandal Dipankar
Published: February 2022

The PVDF/Ag2CO3nanocomposite film has demonstrated the various potential applications as a mechanical energy harvester, acoustic sensor, and piezocatalytic properties.
Theoretical study of two-dimensional tetragonal transition metal chalcogenides and the potassium derivatives
Authors: Zhou Jia , Cheng Yanxin , Zhu Yaoyun
Published: February 2022

The novel tetragonal MX monolayers are excellent candidates for abundant potential applications in areas of nanoscale devices, and energy storage and conversion.
Operando characterization of metallic and bimetallic electrocatalysts for SOFC fuel electrodes operating under internal methane reforming conditions
Authors: Drasbæk Daniel B. , Welander Märtha M. , Traulsen Marie L. , Sudireddy Bhaskar R. , Holtappels Peter , Walker Robert A.
Published: February 2022

Working solid oxide fuel cell anodes based on conducting ceramic scaffolds with different infiltrated electrocatalysts have been investigated by operando Raman spectroscopy and EIS. Carbon deposition depends on electrical load and electrocatalyst.
Developing a high-voltage electrolyte based on conjuncto-hydroborates for solid-state sodium batteries
Authors: Yang Zhuo , Jin Mengyuan , Cheng Sheng , Ma Xiaohua , Qin Zhao , Zhang Jiankan , Yang Yanjing , Guo Yanhui
Published: February 2022

Na2B20H18 was explored as a solid electrolyte and showed remarkable electrochemical stability up to 5.1 V vs. Na+/Na. Na2B20H18/Na2B12H12 achieved an ionic conductivity of 2.8 × 10−4 S cm−1 and an electrochemical window beyond 4.8 V.
In situ growth of Ag2S quantum dots on SnS2 nanosheets with enhanced charge separation efficiency and CO2 reduction performance
Authors: Rangappa A. Putta , Kumar D. Praveen , Wang Jinming , Do Khai H. , Kim Eunhyo , Reddy D. Amaranatha , Ahn Hyun S. , Kim Tae Kyu
Published: February 2022

SnS2/Ag2S nanohybrids are used in photo-driven CO2 reduction with excellent CO/CH4-evolving activity. The advanced photoactivity is attributed to the charge separation efficiency through the electron bridge of the Sn–S–Ag bond via co-shared S atoms between SnS2 and Ag2S.
Nanocrystalline BaCo3(VO4)2(OH)2 with a kagome lattice of Co(ii) ions: synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic properties
Authors: Dessapt R. , Lajaunie L. , Calvino J. J. , Deniard P. , Trenque I. , Payen C.
Published: February 2022

Highly crystalline nanoparticles of BaCo3(VO4)2(OH)2 have been prepared via a new soft-chemistry route, allowing an initial magnetic study of this high-spin d7 layered-kagome compound, which is the Co2+ analogue of the copper mineral vesignieite.
A thermo-reversible furfuryl poly(thioether)-b-polysiloxane-b-furfuryl poly(thioether) triblock copolymer as a promising material for high dielectric applications
Authors: Feng Zhanbin , Guo Jiafang , Cao Xiaohan , Feng Guofei , Chen Zheqi , Zhang Xing-Hong
Published: February 2022

The key to achieving homogenous dielectric elastomers (DEs) with broader application prospects is obtaining a high dielectric constant (ε′), excellent mechanical properties, and self-healing abilities.
Development of novel Gemini-cholesterol analogues for retinoid-related orphan receptors
Authors: Gómez-Bouzó Uxía , Fall Alioune , Osz Judit , Fall Yagamare , Rochel Natacha , Santalla Hugo
Published: February 2022

Synthesis of six novel Gemini cholesterol analogues and the binding mode of one of them to RORγ.
Surface Diels–Alder adducts on multilayer graphene for the generation of edge-enriched single-atom FeN4 sites for ORR and OER electrocatalysis
Authors: Amaro-Gahete Juan , Salatti-Dorado José A. , Benítez Almudena , Esquivel Dolores , García-Caballero Valentín , López-Haro Miguel , Delgado Juan J. , Cano Manuel , Giner-Casares Juan J. , Romero-Salguero Francisco J.
Published: February 2022

The resulting electrocatalyst by low temperature and solvent-free mechanochemical synthesis displays an appropriate bifunctional performance.
Pressure-stabilized MnB6 that exhibits high-temperature ferromagnetism and high ductility at ambient pressure
Authors: Yuan Xuanhao , Xu Meiling , Huang Chengxi , Liang Yiwei , Lin Shuyi , Hao Jian , Li Yinwei
Published: February 2022

We predict a pressure-stabilized MnB6 structure that possesses both high-temperature ferromagnetism and high ductility at ambient pressure.