bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beneficial Insects Visiting Florals of Hamelia patens Rubiaceae (Jacq.) at a University Landscape in Nigeria
Authors: Gbarakoro Tambeke Nornu , Ochekwu Edache Bernard , Abajue Maduamaka Cyriacus , Ononye Benjamin Uzonna , Teteg Lemenebari
Published: August 2021

Aim: The study was carried out to ascertain how Hamelia patens would be valuable in sustaining diversity of beneficial insects.

Study Design: Investigative cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The insects and plants were processed for identification at the Laboratories of the Department of Animal and Environmental Biology and Plant Science and Biotechnology, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Identification and curation of the insects was done at Insect Museum, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria. The study started in June and ended in September 2018.

Methodology: The heights and canopy sizes of the Hamelia patens were measured with range pole and measuring tape. Insects associated with the floral parts of Hamelia patens were collected in the morning (08:00-10:00 am) and in the evening (4:00-06:00 pm) hours, with a sweep net. They were knockdown by pyrethrum insecticide and preserved in a bottle containing 70% ethanol. They were taxonomically grouped and sent to a taxonomist at Insect Museum, Nigeria for species identification.

Results: Fifteen (15) insect species were collected on the Hamelia patens; Megachile mephistrophelica (Grib.), Megachile cinta (Fab.), Braunisca bilunta (Enderloein.), Pterandus sp., Lilioceris sp. and Virachola antalus (Hoph.) restricted their visitation on the plants only in the morning hours, Chelonus bifoveolatus (Szepg.) and Chrysolagria nairobana (Borch.) restricted their visitation in the evening hours. The remaining species were continuous on the plants. There was no significant difference (P=.05) between the number of insect species collected on taller plants and shorter ones. There was a significant difference between the insects that visited the plants in the morning and evening hours.

Conclusion: The arrival of the insects on the Hamelia patens varied but some were time dependent. The clipping of the plant’s twigs affected the abundance of insects that visit the plant.
Spatial Modelling of Malaria Prevalence in Kenya
Authors: John Morris Mwenda , Luchemo Elphas , Anapapa Ayubu
Published: August 2021

Malaria is one of the leading causes of deaths in Kenya. Malaria is a vector-borne disease caused by a parasite of the genus plasmodium. Complete eradication of malaria in the country has remained a problem. A lot of effort and resources has been put in the fight against malaria in developing countries which has led to underdevelopment and low human development index. Malaria burden affects the world’s poorest countries. About 90% of the malaria burden is reported in sub-Saharan Africa. The disease has led to high mortality cases in children and pregnant women. Despite the massive government eradication campaign, new and resurgent cases have been recorded. The specific objective was to determine the malaria risk factors and spatial distribution in Kenya. The 2015 malaria indicator survey data was used for the study. Demographic and social-economic factors were used as predictor variables. A generalized linear mixed model was used to determine the spatial variation and prevalence of malaria in Kenya. Demographic and social-economic factors were found to have significant impact on Prevalence of malaria in kenya. Most cases of malaria were reported in lake, western and coastal regions. The most prone areas were Kisumu, Homabay, Kakamega and Mombasa. There were less cases in central Kenya counties like Nyeri, Tharaka-Nithi with a significant number reported in arid and semi-arid regions of Northern-Kenya counties of Garissa, Mandera, Baringo. Rural population was more susceptible to malaria compared to those in urban areas. The odds of getting (verse not getting malaria) in places of residence increases by 1.32, which is estimated to .28, CIs 95% (1.01, 1.72), and a p-value .04. Malaria prevalence varied significantly from one region to another. The study established that Spatial autocorrelation exists among regions mostly due to weather patterns, geography, cultural practices and socio-economic factors.
Postoperative Pernicious Malarial Crisis in Patient Coming Back from an Endemic Area
Authors: Khallikane Said , Seddiki Rachid , Aissaoui Younes , Serghini Issam , Qamouss Youssef , Belhadj Ayoub , Alaoui Hassan , Boughalem Mohamed
Published: August 2021

The case of a young Moroccan doctor who spent Four months in Congo as part of an international humanitarian military mission; he underwent surgery under spinal anesthesia for an anal fissure a week after being returned to Morocco, In the seventh-day postoperative period, acute renal failure with anuria set in, justifying the patient's transfer to an intensive care unit. Upon admission, on the eighth postoperative day, one day after readmission to the emergency room and was put on triple antibiotic therapy ,and  liquid resuscitation was carried out immediately by infusion of saline isotonic solution and due to the non-improvement of the hemodynamic state after volume repletion, a vasoactive support was rapidly introduced at the initial dose of 0.2 ug / kg / min, the intravenous quinine was not immediately introduced in the emergency room because the initial thick, thin film and malaria blood smear carried out on  admission were negative and the postoperative clinical context argued in favor of bacterial septic shock. A sepsis context not ruled out (blood cultures performed); a surgical revision the morning of his admission to the intensive care by under umbilical laparotomy, didn’t showed an intra-abdominal collection. Parallelly a thick film (30% of parasitized red blood cells) revealing P. falciparum, and blood smear were performed again and came back positive after a positive malaria antigen detection of specific IgMs in the indirect immunofluorescence, confirming the diagnosis. The mode of infection; is associated with the end of chemoprophylaxis rigorously followed up till Finally, the possibility of pernicious malaria aggravating the initial acute renal failure and hipocalcemia is also discussed.
Impact of Drought Adaptive Mechanism on Root and Root Associated Trait of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Sahana S. R. , Mohanraju B. , Rekha K. R. , Raveendra H. R. , Nagesh C. R. , Shashibhushan N. B. , Koppad Appanna V. , Rashmi K.
Published: August 2021

Roots play a vital role in plants for a wide variety of processes, including nutrient and water uptake, anchoring and mechanical support. Some phenomenal literature supports several root characters which have relevance for stress adaptation. Root characteristics such as root length density, rooting depth and root distribution have been established as constituting factors of drought resistance. Under drought situation, roots can adapt to continued growth while at the same time, sending signals to shoot that exhibit growth an above ground parts of the plant. Development of plants with deep roots may in fact stimulate photosynthetic yields as these are considered to be more controlled by the carbon sinks of plants. In this context a field experiment was conducted during Kharif -2014 in the Department of Crop Physiology, to know the effect and variations in mutants of Rice for root and root associated traits along with growth and productivity besides a few relevant drought adaptive traits. The result revealed that, the root length ranged from 24.46 cm to 38.00 cm with a mean of 32.40 cm, while wild Type recorded 32.33 cm. Similarly, the root volume and root weight recorded 21.67cc to 65cc with a mean 35.51cc and 4 g to as high as 34.30 g with a mean of 17.13g when compared to Wild Type (27.92 cc and 18.49g respectively). The total dry matter production ranged from 16.39 g-1plant to 92.12 g-1plant with a mean of 52.73 g-1 plant while, the Wild type had a total dry matter production of 55.12 g-1plant. Mutants shows significant variations in root length, root volume, root weight and total dry matter production as compared to wild type and also observe the significant variation among the mutant. These mutants with higher growth character associated with root traits are potential mutant lines for further crop improvement programme.
Factors Affecting the Use of Job Aid Posters as a Guide for Malaria Diagnosis among Primary Healthcare Workers in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Iluyomade Abiodun , Ngozi Kingsley , Emeto Daniel Chukwuyere , Akaninwor Manuchimso Charles , Dairo Magbagbeola David
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Malaria is the major cause of mortality worldwide. Accurate diagnosis is key for effective management of the disease. Non-adherence to diagnosis guidelines by primary healthcare (PHC) workers affects quality healthcare provisions. Job aid posters help enhance adherence to guidelines for several diseases. Thus, this study determined PHC worker’s use of job aid posters and identified factors affecting its use as a guide for malaria diagnosis.

Methods: The study was a hospital-based cross-sectional survey, a multistage sampling technique was used to select 384 PHC workers from seventy-eight PHC facilities in Ibadan Oyo State, Nigeria. A semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain participant’s socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge and adherence to malaria diagnosis guidelines, and factors affecting the use of job aid posters as a guide for malaria diagnosis.  Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics, chi-square, and logistic regression with P-Value=0.05 declared as statistically significant.

Results: Two hundred and forty-four (63.5%) PHC workers were knowledgeable about malaria diagnosis guidelines whereas only 58.1% of the total respondents adhere to the guidelines. Just less than half (45.3%) of participants uses job aid posters always. Knowledge of malaria diagnosis guidelines (AOR = 0.272, 95% C.I = 0.115-0.643), comprehensiveness of job aid poster (AOR = 0.345, 95% C.I = 0.148-0.807), physical integrity of job aid posters (AOR = 0.219, 95% C.I = 0.092-0.522), and positioning of job aid posters (AOR = 5.704, 95% C.I = 2.375-13.67) were significant predictors of use of job aid posters for malaria diagnosis.

Conclusion: the healthcare worker’s adherence to guidelines for malaria diagnosis was inadequate. Provision of comprehensive job aid posters on malaria diagnosis, replacement of damaged ones, and strategic display of the job aid posters is recommended to enhance use and adherence.
Study of Water Quality of the Ebrié Lagoon and Proposal of Toxin Structures in Relation to Algal Efflorescences
Authors: Vianney MEL Hayo , Sébastien OUFFOUE Koffi , Kafoumba BAMBA , Pépin ZOAKOUMA Roger Simplice , Dangui DIABAGATE , Nahossé ZIAO , Lassiné OUATTARA
Published: August 2021

Aims: The aim of this work is to know the interrelationships of the physicochemical parameters likely to explain algal blooms and to identify the potential structures of molecules that can be secreted in an Ivorian lagoon environment: the Ebrié lagoon.

Methodology: Nine stations, selected according to natural influences and anthropogenic pressure, were subject to physicochemical monitoring. It consisted of in situ measurements (temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity) and chemical analyses in the laboratory (pH, nitrates, nitrites). In addition to these measurements, observations were noted in the field, namely the climatology of the day, the colour and smell of the water, the presence of algae (micro and / or macroalgae).

Results: Our results showed that the waters of the Ebrié lagoon are warm (T > 25 °C), with a pH between 6 and 9 and variable salinity. Salinity would be a discriminating factor for the presence of macroalgae. The nutrients levels (nitrates and nitrites) remain within the limits of acceptability.

Conclusion: The waters in our study area are favorable for algal blooms. Given the nuisances associated with algal blooms, the study proposes some structures of toxins which can be secreted on the basis of a literature review.
QSPR/QSAR Modelling of the Antioxidant Properties of Some Flavonoids
Authors: Doco R. Chabi , Houngue M. T. A. Kpota , Kuevi Urbain A. , Atohoun Y. G. S.
Published: August 2021

Several methods exist when seeking to experimentally evaluate the antioxidant properties of a natural bioactive substance. In the case of flavonoids, the methods used are mainly based on the experimental determination of the percentage of inhibition (IC50) or the redox potential (E).

In the present work, a prediction study of the redox potential E and the inhibitory concentration LogIC50 was carried out, using the AM1 and HF/6-311G(d,p) method.

At the end of this study, three (03) QSPR models were validated and retained, one (01) for the prediction of the redox potential and four (02) for the prediction of the inhibitory concentration :

The Redox Prediction Model, developed at the AM1 approximation level, for which 96.43 of the experimental variance is explained by the descriptors :

E= -0,29 + 0,22EHomo + 0,11ELumo - 0,05

The Inhibitory Concentration Prediction Models, developed at the AM1 level, for which 96.35⁒ of the experimental variance is explained by the descriptors :

LogIC50 = -4,92 + 11,37EHomo + 34,36ELumo + 0,67

The Inhibitory Concentration Prediction Model, developed at the HF/6-311G level (d, p), for which 99.96⁒ of the experimental variance is explained by the descriptors. LogIC50 = 62,40 + 80,25 EHomo - 28,44Elumo + 52,01S - 71,26 η - 6,11μ

The development of these QSPR models represents a significant advance in predicting the antioxidant properties of bioactive molecules such as flavonoids based on descriptors calculated by quantum chemical methods.
To Fabricate and Evaluate the Wound Healing Activity of Herbal Medicated Plasters Containing the Extracts Obtained from Tridax procumbens and Azadirachta indica
Authors: Satpute Nikhil M. , Kalsait Ravi , Bais Abhinav , Meshram Narendra Dighade Komal , Chandi Dhruba Hari
Published: August 2021

The present research work is to fabricate medicated plaster containing herbal extracts for wound healing properties. Till date no herbal medicated plaster have been prepared and evaluated using the extracts obtained from the plants Neem and Coat button. The objective of the present study is to provide the herbal medicated plasters to the society. The major advantage of this medicated herbal plaster is its safety, efficacy, portability and efficiency. There is much more study such as Collection of plant, Extraction of plant materials and their antimicrobial test, Evaluation of qualitative and quantitative test, Estimation of total phenolic content, Antioxidant study, Antimicrobial study, Estimation of patch test, Antimicrobial studies of patch test. The plant extracts were quantitatively analysed for total flavonoids content, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity. Methanolic extract of Azadirechta indica and Tridax procumbens has shown presence of high content of flavonoids and total phenolic content. Also the Azadirachtin content in the neem extracts was determined. All the six extracts AIME, AIPE, AIAE, TPME, TPPE and TPAE were subjected to antimicrobial activity. In patch test FII batch shows the excellent antimicrobial activity.FII patch was selected for fabrication of plasters which was then subjected to the pharmacological study. FII patch possess the maximum wound healing activity by using the methanolic extracts of AIME, TPME and AIPE.
Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura in Post COVID-19 Condition: Case Study
Authors: Male Ch K. V. L. S. N. Anjana , Vyduryam Kommuri , Yaseswi N. V. , Pravallika V. , Akhtar A. Javed , Christiana R. Piety , Nissi P. Joy , Sravya K.
Published: August 2021

A 50 years old woman was referred to hospital with complaints of bluish black discoloration of skin or multiple ecchymosis since 6 days and skin rashes, pink changes or petechiae changes since 1 week, dark color stools since 3 days. She had a history of COVID-19 positive on past ‘‘3 months’’ back and she received the corticosteroids, antiviral drugs, broad spectrum antibiotics, anticoagulants, and vitamin B and C supplements. Now patient is admitted and investigated for further management. Her bone marrow examination reveals marrow cytological features are compatible with immune thrombocytopenic Purpura and peripheral examination reveals red cells are microcytic hypochromic with elongation forms, platelets are markedly reduced and elevation of CRP, reduction of the Hb, PCV, MCH, MCV, MCHC, APTT, Serum vitamin B12, Lymphocytes and her HRCT-Chest shows CORADS 5, Rapid antigen test shows positive. A review on introduction of the disease, etiology, pathogenesis, pathophysiology, mechanism of thrombocytopenia in COVID-19 patients and grading is explained in literature review.
Comparitive Study of Human Lymph Nodes
Authors: Hussain A. Kafeel
Published: August 2021

All the lymph nodes observed were typically bean shaped irrespective of their age or sex. The cervical lymph nodes were the largest of all the four groups in size. The mean maximum short axis axial diameter was 7.19mm (Range 5.67mm - 8.12mm). The mesentericl lymph nodes were the smallest of all the four groups in size. The mean maximum short axis axial diameter was 3.89mm (Range 2.7mm -6.lmm). The lymph nodes showed well defined deep cortical regions often containing large lymphoblasts and prominent endothelial cells in small blood vessels. The thickness of the deep cortex was however reduced when compared to its foetal counterpart. The mean thickness of the deep cortical region was 423 microns. To reconfirm the age related involution of the paracortical region, the mesenteric lymph nodes were observed. In sharp· distinction, axillary lymph nodes showed fewer germinal centres which were relatively smaller in size.Mean actual diameter of the germinal centre was77 microns also had had fewer and smaller germinal centres. Mean actual diameter of the germinal centre was 68 microns.
EGFR transcription in non‐small‐cell lung cancer tumours can be revealed in ctDNA by cell‐free chromatin immunoprecipitation (cfChIP)
Authors: Månsson Christoffer Trier , Vad‐Nielsen Johan , Meldgaard Peter , Nielsen Anders Lade , Sorensen Boe Sandahl
Published: August 2021

Determination of tumour‐specific transcription based on liquid biopsies possesses a large diagnostic and prognostic potential in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) packed in nucleosomes mirrors the histone modification profiles present in the cells of origin. H3 lysine 36 trimethylation (H3K36me3)‐modified nucleosomes are associated with active genes, and therefore, cell‐free chromatin immunoprecipitation (cfChIP) of H3K36me3‐associated cfDNA has the potential to delineate whether transcription of a particular gene is occurring in the cells from which its cfDNA originates. We hypothesized that cfChIP can delineate transcriptional status of genes harbouring somatic cancer mutations and analysed the recurrently observed EGFR‐L858R mutation as an example. In representative NSCLC cell lines, the relationship between wild‐type (WT) and mutated EGFR transcriptional activity and mRNA expression levels was analysed using H3K36me3 ChIP and EGFR mRNA reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR), respectively. The ChIP analysis showed that both WT and mutated EGFR are transcribed and that mRNA is similarly expressed per EGFR copy. Based on this observation, we proceeded with EGFR cfChIP using blood plasma from NSCLC patients harbouring the EGFR‐L858R mutation. EGFR‐WT fragments can originate from both nontumour cells with no or low EGFR transcription and tumour cells with active EGFR transcription, whereas EGFR‐L858R fragments must specifically originate from tumour cells. H3K36me3 cfChIP followed by droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) revealed significantly higher enrichment of EGFR‐L858R compared to EGFR‐WT fragments. This is in alignment with EGFR‐L858R being actively transcribed in the NSCLC tumour cells. This study is proof‐of‐principle that cfChIP can be used to identify tumour‐specific transcriptional activity of mutated alleles, which can expand the utility of liquid biopsy‐based cfDNA analyses to enhance tumour diagnostics and therapeutics.
A bibliometric of publication trends in medical image segmentation: Quantitative and qualitative analysis
Authors: Zhang Bin , Rahmatullah Bahbibi , Wang Shir Li , Zhang Guangnan , Wang Huan , Ebrahim Nader Ale
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Medical images are important in diagnosing disease and treatment planning. Computer algorithms that describe anatomical structures that highlight regions of interest and remove unnecessary information are collectively known as medical image segmentation algorithms. The quality of these algorithms will directly affect the performance of the following processing steps. There are many studies about the algorithms of medical image segmentation and their applications, but none involved a bibliometric of medical image segmentation.

Methods

This bibliometric work investigated the academic publication trends in medical image segmentation technology. These data were collected from the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection and the Scopus. In the quantitative analysis stage, important visual maps were produced to show publication trends from five different perspectives including annual publications, countries, top authors, publication sources, and keywords. In the qualitative analysis stage, the frequently used methods and research trends in the medical image segmentation field were analyzed from 49 publications with the top annual citation rates.

Results

The analysis results showed that the number of publications had increased rapidly by year. The top related countries include the Chinese mainland, the United States, and India. Most of these publications were conference papers, besides there are also some top journals. The research hotspot in this field was deep learning‐based medical image segmentation algorithms based on keyword analysis. These publications were divided into three categories: reviews, segmentation algorithm publications, and other relevant publications. Among these three categories, segmentation algorithm publications occupied the vast majority, and deep learning neural network‐based algorithm was the research hotspots and frontiers.

Conclusions

Through this bibliometric research work, the research hotspot in the medical image segmentation field is uncovered and can point to future research in the field. It can be expected that more researchers will focus their work on deep learning neural network‐based medical image segmentation.
Fluid‐based augmentation of magnetic resonance visualization of interventional devices
Authors: Kübler Jens , Martirosian Petros , Jacoby Johann , Gohla Georg , Winkelmann Moritz T. , Nikolaou Konstantin , Hoffmann Rüdiger
Published: August 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the transient artifact augmentation of microtubes in magnetic resonance imaging by fluid injection.

Methods

Twenty‐one fluorinated ethylene propylene catheters (inner diameter 760 μm) were filled with three different contrast media at various concentrations (Ferucarbotran, Resovist®, Bayer Schering Pharma; Manganese dichloride, MnCl2, Sigma‐Aldrich; Gadobutrol, Gadovist®, Bayer Schering Pharma). Artifact appearance was determined in an ex vivo phantom at 1.5 T using three different sequences: T1‐weighted three‐dimensional volume interpolated breath‐hold examination, T2‐weighted turbo spin echo, and T1‐weighted fast low angle shot. Catheter angulation to the main magnetic field (B0) was varied. Influence of parameters on artifact diameters was assessed with a multiple linear regression similar to an analysis of variance.

Results

Artifact diameter was significantly influenced by the contrast agent (p < 0.001), concentration of the contrast agent (p < 0.001), angulation of the phantom to B0 with the largest artifact at 90° (p < 0.001), and encoding direction with a larger diameter in phase encoding direction (PED,p < 0.001). Mean artifact diameters at 90° angulation to B0 in PED were 18.5 ± 5.4 mm in 0.5 mmol/ml Ferucarbotran, 8.7 ± 2.5 mm in 1 mmol/ml Gadobutrol, and 11.6 ± 4.6 mm in 5 mmol/ml MnCl2.

Conclusions

Fluid‐based contrast agents might be applied to interventional devices and thus temporarily augment the artifact ensuring both visibility and safe navigation.
Upper limb disease evolution in exon 53 skipping eligible patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Lilien Charlotte , Reyngoudt Harmen , Seferian Andreea Mihaela , Gidaro Teresa , Annoussamy Mélanie , Chê Virginie , Decostre Valérie , Ledoux Isabelle , Le Louër Julien , Guemas Eric , Muntoni Francesco , Hogrel Jean‐Yves , Carlier Pierre Georges , Servais Laurent ,   and the PreU7 Study Group
Published: August 2021

Objective

To understand the natural disease upper limb progression over 3 years of ambulatory and non‐ambulatory patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) using functional assessments and quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to exploratively identify prognostic factors.

Methods

Forty boys with DMD (22 non‐ambulatory and 18 ambulatory) with deletions in dystrophin that make them eligible for exon 53‐skipping therapy were included. Clinical assessments, including Brooke score, motor function measure (MFM), hand grip and key pinch strength, and upper limb distal coordination and endurance (MoviPlate), were performed every 6 months and quantitative MRI of fat fraction (FF) and lean muscle cross sectional area (flexor and extensor muscles) were performed yearly.

Results

In the whole population, there were strong nonlinear correlations between outcome measures. In non‐ambulatory patients, annual changes over the course of 3 years were detected with high sensitivity standard response mean (|SRM| ≥0.8) for quantitative MRI‐based FF, hand grip and key pinch, and MFM. Boys who presented with a FF<20% and a grip strength >27% were able to bring a glass to their mouth and retained this ability in the following 3 years. Ambulatory patients with grip strength >35% of predicted value and FF <10% retained ambulation 3 years later.

Interpretation

We demonstrate that continuous decline in upper limb strength, function, and MRI measured muscle structure can be reliably measured in ambulatory and non‐ambulatory boys with DMD with high SRM and strong correlations between outcomes. Our results suggest that a combination of grip strength and FF can be used to predict important motor milestones.
PINK1 antagonize intracerebral hemorrhage by promoting mitochondrial autophagy
Authors: Li Jingchen , Wu Xiaoyun , He Yanbo , Wu Song , Guo Erkun , Feng Yan , Yang Jipeng , Li Jianliang
Published: August 2021

Background

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) causes neurotransmitter release, oligemia, membrane depolarization, mitochondrial dysfunction, and results in the high rate of mortality and functional disability. Here, we focus on PTEN‐induced kinase 1 (PINK1), a mitochondrial‐targeted protein kinase, and explore its role in ICH progression.

Methods

The qPCR and Western blot were performed to examine the expression of PINK1 in ICH patients and mouse model. PINK1 gain‐ and loss‐of‐function mice were used to evaluate their protective role on brain injury and behavioral disorders. Flow cytometry was carried out, mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species production were detected to explore the distribution and neuroprotective function of PINK1.

Results

PINK1 mRNA was upregulated, however, its protein was downregulated in ICH patients. The reduction of PINK1 was mainly happened in microglial cells in ICH model. Overexpression of PINK1 is able to rescue ICH‐induced behavioral disorders. PINK1 protects ICH‐induced brain injury by promoting mitochondrial autophagy in microglia.

Conclusion

PINK1 possesses a neuroprotective role and antagonizes ICH by promoting mitochondrial autophagy, which may be of value as a therapeutic target for ICH treatment.
An Integrated Luminescent Information Encryption–Decryption and Anticounterfeiting Chip Based on Laser Induced Graphene
Authors: Zhu Congcong , Tao Lu‐Qi , Peng Zhirong , Wang Guanya , Huang Yexiong , Zou Simin , Sun Hao , Zhao Yunfei , Chen Xianping , Ren Tian‐Ling
Published: August 2021

Visual optical information encryption–decryption and anti‐counterfeiting (IEDAC) technology play a vital role in the field of information security. Recent luminescent information encryption technologies face the disadvantages of depending on external large‐scale stimulus decryption equipment, inability to read out repeatedly, and information leakage, impeding the practical applications of luminescence encryption. Here, an integrated luminescent IEDAC chip is proposed, which provides a convenient approach to store and decipher pre‐patterned luminescence information based on laser engraved template and film heater. The luminescent encryption chip contains a double‐layer structure made up of long persistent phosphors based on SrCaGa4O8 host and a laser induced graphene heater, which makes it possible to decrypt information on a single chip. This design enables dual‐mode (photoluminescence/long persistent luminescence), dual‐color (blue/yellow‐green), and multi‐level IEDAC function, providing a novel insight and integrated strategy for implementing advanced IEDAC technologies.
Compact Quantum‐Dot Microbeads with Sub‐Nanometer Emission Linewidth
Authors: Kim Kwon‐Hyeon , Dannenberg Paul H. , Yan Hao , Cho Sangyeon , Yun Seok‐Hyun
Published: August 2021

Fluorescent microbeads are widely used for applications in life sciences and medical diagnosis. The spectral contrast and sharpness of photoluminescence are critical in the utilities of microbeads for imaging and multiplexing. Here, microbeads capable of generating single‐peak laser emission with a sub‐nanometer linewidth are demonstrated. The microbeads are made of quantum dots that are tightly packed and crosslinked via ligand exchange for high optical gain and refractive index as well as material stability. Bright single‐mode lasing with no photobleaching is achieved with particle diameters as small as 1.5 µm in the air. Sub‐nm lasing emission is maintained even inside high‐index surroundings, such as organic solvents and biological tissues. Feasibility of intracellular tagging and multi‐color imaging in vivo is demonstrated.
Enhancement‐Mode Field‐Effect Transistors and High‐Speed Integrated Circuits Based on Aligned Carbon Nanotube Films
Authors: Lin Yanxia , Liang Shibo , Xu Lin , Liu Lijun , Hu Qianlan , Fan Chenwei , Liu Yifan , Han Jie , Zhang Zhiyong , Peng Lian‐Mao
Published: August 2021

Aligned carbon nanotube (A‐CNT) films are expected to be an ideal channel material for constructing field‐effect transistors (FETs) that outperform conventional transistors, and multiple methods are developed to fabricate A‐CNT films with high semiconducting purity, good alignment, and high density. However, the reported A‐CNTs‐based FETs are almost all depletion‐mode FETs and suffer from poor subthreshold swing (SS). In this study, enhancement‐mode (E‐mode) FETs based on A‐CNT films are fabricated by systematically optimizing the channel material and CNT/high‐k/metal gate stack. The carrier mobility in top‐gate A‐CNT FETs reaches a maximum value of 1850 cm2 V−1 s−1, which is near that of chemical‐vapor deposition grown individual CNTs and sets a record among A‐CNT films. The fabricated 200 nm‐gate length p‐type A‐CNT FETs present a SS of 73 mV dec−1, the transconductance of 1 mS µm−1, and an on‐current of 1.18 mA µm−1 at a bias of ‐1 V, indicating a real performance exceeding that of commercial Si‐based transistors at a similar gate length. Based on the high‐performance and uniform E‐mode FETs, ring oscillators with stage numbers 5, 7, 9, and 11 are fabricated with an optimized design and high yield, exhibiting a record propagation gate delay of 11.3 ps among CNT‐ and other nanomaterial‐based ICs.
Conjugated Porous Polymers Based on BODIPY and BOPHY Dyes in Hybrid Heterojunctions for Artificial Photosynthesis
Authors: Collado Laura , Naranjo Teresa , Gomez‐Mendoza Miguel , López‐Calixto Carmen G. , Oropeza Freddy E. , Liras Marta , Marugán Javier , de la Peña O'Shea Víctor A.
Published: August 2021

Developing highly efficient photocatalysts for artificial photosynthesis is one of the grand challenges in solar energy conversion. Among advanced photoactive materials, conjugated porous polymers (CPPs) possess a powerful combination of high surface areas, intrinsic porosity, cross‐linked nature, and fully π‐conjugated electronic systems. Here, based on these fascinating properties, organic–inorganic hybrid heterostructures composed of CPPs and TiO2 for the photocatalytic CO2 reduction and H2 evolution from water are developed. The study is focused on CPPs based on the boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) and boron pyrrol hydrazine (BOPHY) families of compounds. It is shown that hybrid photocatalysts are active for the conversion of CO2 mainly into CH4 and CO, with CH4 production 4 times over the benchmark TiO2. Hydrogen evolution from water surpassed by 37.9‐times that of TiO2, reaching 200 mmol gcat−1 and photonic efficiency of 20.4% in the presence of Pt co‐catalyst (1 wt% Pt). Advanced photophysical studies, based on time‐resolved photoluminescence and transient absorption spectroscopy, reveal the creation of a type II heterojunction in the hybrids. The unique interfacial interaction between CPPs and TiO2 results in longer carriers’ lifetimes and a higher driving force for electron transfer, opening the door to a new generation of photocatalysts for artificial photosynthesis.
Elucidating the Impact of Mg Substitution on the Properties of NASICON‐Na3+yV2−yMgy(PO4)3 Cathodes
Authors: Ghosh Subham , Barman Nabadyuti , Gonzalez‐Correa Eliovardo , Mazumder Madhulika , Zaveri Aryan , Giovine Raynald , Manche Alexis , Pati Swapan K. , Clément Raphaële J. , Senguttuvan Premkumar
Published: August 2021

Vanadium multiredox‐based NASICON‐NazV2−yMy(PO4)3 (3 ≤ z ≤ 4; M = Al3+, Cr3+, and Mn2+) cathodes are particularly attractive for Na‐ion battery applications due to their high Na insertion voltage (>3.5 V vs Na+/Na0), reversible storage capacity (≈150 mA h g−1), and rate performance. However, their practical application is hindered by rapid capacity fade due to bulk structural rearrangements at high potentials involving complex redox and local structural changes. To decouple these factors, a series of Mg2+‐substituted Na3+yV2−yMgy(PO4)3 (0 ≤ y ≤ 1) cathodes is studied for which the only redox‐active species is vanadium. While X‐ray diffraction (XRD) confirms the formation of solid solutions between the y = 0 and 1 end members, X‐ray absorption spectroscopy and solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance reveal a complex evolution of the local structure upon progressive Mg2+ substitution for V3+. Concurrently, the intercalation voltage rises from 3.35 to 3.45 V, due to increasingly more ionic VO bonds, and the sodium (de)intercalation mechanism transitions from a two‐phase for y ≤ 0.5 to a solid solution process for y ≥ 0.5, as confirmed by in operando XRD, while Na‐ion diffusion kinetics follow a nonlinear trend across the compositional series.
Out‐of‐Plane Resistance Switching of 2D Bi2O2Se at the Nanoscale
Authors: Chen Wenjun , Zhang Rongjie , Zheng Rongxu , Liu Bilu
Published: August 2021

Two‐dimensional (2D) bismuth oxyselenide (Bi2O2Se) with high electron mobility shows great potential for nanoelectronics. Although the in‐plane properties of Bi2O2Se have been widely studied, its out‐of‐plane electrical transport behavior remains elusive, despite its importance in fabricating devices with new functionality and high integration density. Here, the out‐of‐plane electrical properties of 2D Bi2O2Se at nanoscale are revealed by conductive atomic force microscope. This work finds that hillocks with tunable heights and sizes are formed on Bi2O2Se after applying a vertical electric field. Intriguingly, such hillocks are conductive in the vertical direction, resulting in a previously unknown out‐of‐plane resistance switching in thick Bi2O2Se flakes while ohmic conductive characteristic in thin ones. Furthermore, the transformation is observed from bipolar to stable unipolar conduction in thick Bi2O2Se flake possessing such hillocks, suggesting its potential to function as a selector in vertical devices. This work reveals the unique out‐of‐plane transport behavior of 2D Bi2O2Se, providing the basis for fabricating vertical devices based on this emerging 2D material.
Reusable Polyacrylonitrile‐Sulfur Extractor of Heavy Metal Ions from Wastewater
Authors: Li Peng , Jiang Haibin , Barr Ariel , Ren Zhichu , Gao Rui , Wang Hua , Fan Weiwei , Zhu Meifang , Xu Guiyin , Li Ju
Published: August 2021

Mercury, lead, and cadmium are among the most toxic and carcinogenic heavy metal ions (HMIs), posing serious threats to the sustainability of aquatic ecosystems and public health. There is an urgent need to remove these ions from water by a cheap but green process. Traditional methods have insufficient removal efficiency and reusability. Structurally robust, large surface‐area adsorbents functionalized with high‐selectivity affinity to HMIs are attractive filter materials. Here, an adsorbent prepared by vulcanization of polyacrylonitrile (PAN), a nitrogen‐rich polymer, is reported, giving rise to PAN‐S nanoparticles with cyclic π‐conjugated backbone and electronic conductivity. PAN‐S can be coated on ultra‐robust melamine (ML) foam by simple dipping and drying. In agreement with hard/soft acid/base theory, N‐ and S‐containing soft Lewis bases have strong binding to Hg2+, Pb2+, Cu2+, and Cd2+, with extraordinary capture efficiency and performance stability. Furthermore, the used filters, when collected and electrochemically biased in a recycling bath, can release the HMIs into the bath and electrodeposit on the counter‐electrode as metallic Hg0, Pb0, Cu0, and Cd0, and the PAN‐S@ML filter can then be reused at least 6 times as new. The electronically conductive PAN‐S@ML filter can be fabricated cheaply and holds promise for scale‐up applications.
Layered Metal‐Halide Perovskite Single‐Crystalline Microwire Arrays for Anisotropic Nonlinear Optics
Authors: Zhao Jinjin , Zhao Yingjie , Guo Yangwu , Zhan Xiuqin , Feng Jiangang , Geng Yue , Yuan Meng , Fan Xin , Gao Hanfei , Jiang Lei , Yan Yongli , Wu Yuchen
Published: August 2021

Hybrid organic–inorganic metal‐halide perovskites with diverse structure tunability are promising for nonlinear‐optical (NLO) applications, such as frequency conversion and electro‐optic modulation. For integrated NLO devices, single‐crystalline perovskite micro‐ and nanostructures with high quality and multifunctionality are in high demand. However, the fabrication of single‐crystalline perovskites arrays is still challenging in regulating liquid dynamics and crystal growth simultaneously. Herein, a capillary‐bridge‐manipulated strategy is established to steer the dewetting process of microdroplets and provide spatial confinement for crystal growth. These 1D perovskite microwire arrays show regulated geometry, pure orientation, and single crystallinity. Chiral ammonium molecules are introduced into the metal‐halide octahedral quantum wells to break the centrosymmetry of the perovskite, allowing the perovskite to exhibit excellent second‐order NLO properties. The as‐prepared microwire arrays also demonstrate linearly polarized second harmonic generation and two‐photon fluorescence. Microwire arrays exhibit higher second harmonic conversion efficiency compared with their polycrystalline thin‐film counterparts. It is believed that this strategy for the fabrication of chiral perovskite microstructure arrays holds great promise for NLO integrated applications and opens up an avenue to explore multifunctional chiral perovskites.
3D Printing Personalized, Photocrosslinkable Hydrogel Wound Dressings for the Treatment of Thermal Burns
Authors: Teoh Jia Heng , Mozhi Anbu , Sunil Vishnu , Tay Sook Muay , Fuh Jerry , Wang Chi‐Hwa
Published: August 2021

Considering the variations in burns depending on the circumstances that caused them, the need for personalized medicine and care for burn victims is vital to ensure that optimal treatment is provided. With the level of accuracy and customization that 3D printing brings as a technology, there is potential in its use to fabricate wound dressings that can provide better treatment for burn patients, provided that the material of choice has good printability and can be customized while facilitating wound healing. In this study, the versatility of chitosan methacrylate as said material to be used to fabricate customizable wound dressings via 3D printing is investigated. Synthesized chitosan methacrylate is evaluated to be printable, biodegradable, and biocompatible during wound healing. Various drugs relevant to the treatment of burns are then loaded and different multimaterial wound dressing designs containing different dosages are fabricated via 3D printing. The incorporation of said drugs does not significantly affect the printability of chitosan methacrylate, and the incorporation of antimicrobial agents significantly improves its antimicrobial capabilities. Through in vivo models, these variations in wound dressing designs have good wound healing properties and do not cause any adverse effects in the process.
Design of Fire‐Resistant Liquid Electrolyte Formulation for Safe and Long‐Cycled Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: An Kihun , Tran Yen Hai Thi , Kwak Sehyun , Han Jisoo , Song Seung‐Wan
Published: August 2021

Turning an unsafe material into a safe one without performance loss for Li‐ion battery applications provides opportunities to create a new class of materials. Herein, this strategy is utilized to design a fire‐resistant liquid electrolyte formulation consisting of propylene carbonate and 2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl group‐containing linear ester solvents paired with 1 m LiPF6 salt and fluoroethylene carbonate additive for a Li–ion battery with improved safety and performance. Traditional carbonate‐based electrolytes offer good performance in mild operating conditions, but are however a flammable fuel causing fire and safety hazards. It is shown that the entire replacement of linear carbonate with fluorinated linear ester yields a fire‐resistant and outperforming electrolyte under the harsh condition of 4.5 V high‐voltage, 45 °C and 2C rate, enabling a higher energy, longer cycle life of 500 cycles, faster charged practical graphite‖NCM622 full‐cell than traditional electrolyte‐based cell. The strong correlation between cathode–electrolyte and anode–electrolyte interfacial stabilization and highly reversible cycling performance is clearly demonstrated. The fire‐resistant electrolyte‐incorporated industrial 730 mAh graphite‖NCM811 Li‐ion pouch battery achieves 82% retention after 400 cycles under 4.3 V charge voltage, 45 °C and 1C, and markedly improved safety on overcharge abuse tests. The design strategy for electrolyte formulation provides a promising path to safe and long‐cycled high‐energy Li‐ion batteries.
An Integrated Nanoaircraft Carrier Modulating Antitumor Immunity to Enhance Immune Checkpoint Blockade Therapy
Authors: Liang Shuang , Liu Yang , Gao Tong , Liu Xiaoqing , Zhang Zipeng , Mu Weiwei , Fu Shunli , Liu Meichen , Liu Yongjun , Zhang Na
Published: August 2021

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy revolutionizes cancer therapeutics. However, the effectiveness of ICB therapy is restricted. Focusing on the tumor itself and the immune system, an integrated nanoaircraft carrier that coloaded three therapeutic agents (NNG/OTC) to eradicate tumor cells, enhance T‐cells intratumoral infiltration, and relieve the inhibition of tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment (TIM) is designed. First, tumor necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) is used to combine with oxaliplatin for reducing tumor burden. Second, oxaliplatin is used to elicit immunogenic cell death and combine with cytosine‐phosphate‐guanine (CpG) to promote dendritic cells maturation, ultimately increasing T‐cells intratumoral infiltration. Third, CpG is further used to repolarize M2 type of tumor‐associated macrophages, thus reversing immunosuppression of TIM. The nanoaircraft carrier can effectively arrive at the tumor site and detach small‐sized nanoparticles under a high concentration of matrix metalloproteinase‐2, which promotes deep tumor penetration. Under the mediation of targeting ligands, three therapeutic agents loaded in small‐sized nanoparticles could be launched to their target cells. NNG/OTC modulates the antitumor immunity and exhibits excellent tumor inhibition when in combination with ICB therapy, indicating the increased response of ICB therapy. Collectively, NNG/OTC can co‐deliver various drugs with different physicochemical properties and provide a promising strategy for enhancing ICB therapy.
Quantification of Temperature‐Dependent Charge Separation and Recombination Dynamics in Non‐Fullerene Organic Photovoltaics
Authors: Chan Christopher C. S. , Ma Chao , Zou Xinhui , Xing Zengshan , Zhang Guichuan , Yip Hin‐Lap , Taylor Robert A. , He Yan , Wong Kam Sing , Chow Philip C. Y.
Published: August 2021

Transient optical spectroscopy is used to quantify the temperature‐dependence of charge separation and recombination dynamics in P3TEA:SF‐PDI2 and PM6:Y6, two non‐fullerene organic photovoltaic (OPV) systems with a negligible driving force and high photocurrent quantum yields. By tracking the intensity of the transient electroabsorption response that arises upon interfacial charge separation in P3TEA:SF‐PDI2, a free charge generation rate constant of ≈2.4 × 1010 s−1 is observed at room temperature, with an average energy of ≈230 meV stored between the interfacial charge pairs. Thermally activated charge separation is also observed in PM6:Y6, and a faster charge separation rate of ≈5.5 × 1010 s−1 is estimated at room temperature, which is consistent with the higher device efficiency. When both blends are cooled down to cryogenic temperature, the reduced charge separation rate leads to increasing charge recombination either directly at the donor‐acceptor interface or via the emissive singlet exciton state. A kinetic model is used to rationalize the results, showing that although photogenerated charges have to overcome a significant Coulomb potential to generate free carriers, OPV blends can achieve high photocurrent generation yields given that the thermal dissociation rate of charges outcompetes the recombination rate.
Antibacterial Dual Network Hydrogels for Sensing and Human Health Monitoring
Authors: Lei Huan , Zhao Jing , Ma Xiaoxuan , Li Hang , Fan Daidi
Published: August 2021

Polymer‐based conductive hydrogels have the synergistic advantages of high conductivity and tissue‐like properties, making them promising candidates for the construction of flexible electronic devices. However, conductive hydrogel materials can easily absorb microorganisms due to their high water content. To address the problem that conductive hydrogels are susceptible to infection by external pathogens when monitoring wounds and when used in implanted organs, tannic acid‐borax (TA‐B) complexes are introduced into classical dual network polyacrylamide/agarose (PAM/Agar) hydrogels to form PAM/Agar/TA‐B hydrogel conductors. These hydrogels are antibacterial and have good mechanical properties, light transmission, electrical conductivity, and adhesion. TA‐B increases the compressive stress of the PAM/Agar/TA‐B hydrogel by 58.14% compared to a PAM/Agar hydrogel. The PAM/Agar/TA‐B hydrogel can be used as an electronic conductor for electronic skin and wearable sensors. Outstanding biocompatibility allows the hydrogel to be used as a monitoring device at wounds to monitor heartbeat, skin wounds, and internal tissue status in real time. In summary, an antibacterial strain sensing matrix that is safe for human health monitoring is developed.