bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of Glomerular Filtration Rate and Predicting Diagnostic Accuracy of Cystatin C and Creatinine in Detection of Renal Function among Longstanding Type-2 Diabetics
Authors: Pelluri Ranakishor , Srikanth Kongara , Chimakurthy Jithendra , Paritala Harika , Yalamanchili Vijay K , Prasanna Pydala Sai , Nagasubramanian Vanitharani Rani
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Estimation of Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) is dependent on Serum Creatinine (SCr). Though, a sudden decrease in GFR would not result in rapid rise in concentrations of SCr, as they are imprecise but it leads to the over diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Aim: To calculate GFR using Cystatin-C (Cys-C) based formulas to contrast its accuracy with SCr based formulas and to predict the diagnostic accuracy of Cys-C in patients with diabetes. Materials and Methods: A total 48 type-2 diabetic patients were diagnosed with CKD and their GFR was assessed using the Cys-C and SCr. GFR was measured and estimated using three equations (Cockcroft-Gault (CG), Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) and Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CDK-EPI), that are based on SCr and three equations (LeBricon, Grubb and Hoek) based on Cys-C among the 48 CKD patients. The filtration rate was measured using labelled diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (99mTc-DTPA) renal scan method as the standard for comparison. The Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the filtration rate. Results: A significant association was observed (p=0.0001) among both the estimates which were equivocal when compared with measured iGFR, SCr and Cys-C based GFR estimate. A greater difference of Area Under the Curve (AUC) was observed between SCr (0.765±0.07) and Cys-C (0.569±0.09) (p=0.04) in the ROC analysis at a creatinine clearance <60 mL/min/m2. conclusion: The SCr and Cys-C based formulae has equivocal performance in estimating GFR. SCr could be a better marker to estimate GFR among patients with Cr clearance <60 mL/min/m2.
Impact of Co-morbidities on Outcome of COVID-19 Patients: An Observational Study among Patients Admitted to Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Kumar Hemant , Dixit Sumeet , Gupta Nikhil , Gupta Preeti , Pandey Manoj Kumar , Shakya Shobhit , Pandey Amiya Kumar
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) has been a major cause of apprehension, morbidity, and mortality in 2020. It had been postulated that associated co-morbid conditions in COVID-19 patients increase the severity of COVID-19 which leads to six times more chances of hospitalisation than patients without co-morbid condition. Mortality is also 12 times higher in such patients. Aim: To find out the association between co-morbidities and mortalities due to COVID-19 pneumonia. Materials and Methods: A prospective, observational study was conducted in a tertiary teaching institute of North India which was designated Level 3 (L-3) facility for treatment of COVID- 19 patients. All 109 COVID-19 patients confirmed by Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR), admitted in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) from 1st July 2020 to 30th November 2020 formed the sample of the study. Data was taken regarding past history, clinical histories and examinations and ICU care and treatments. Based on their final outcome at the end of ICU care, patients were divided into two groups-group 1 (Non-survivor or Expired) and group 2 (Survived) and intergroup differences were studied. Results: COVID-19 infection was about three times more common in males. Severe category of COVID-19 patients had higher mortality (59.2% of severe category expired during hospital course, 1.7% patients expired in moderate category group). Most common co- morbidities were hypertension (n=51, 46.8%) and diabetes (n=48, 44%). Multivariate analysis showed that co-morbidities in the form of chronic liver disease (OR -0.127 (0.024-0.681, p-value 0.016)) and post tubercular sequel (OR 0.036 (0.003-0.442, p-value 0.009)) were less likely to occur in COVID-19 patients who survived, thus making these co-morbidities significant contributor to the adverse outcomes in COVID-19 patients. More number of co-morbidities in a patient were associated with higher chance of mortality and this trend was significant statistically (p-value <0.001). Conclusion: Patients with multiple co-morbidities, chronic liver disease and post tubercular sequel were associated with higher mortality in COVID-19 patients.
Old Wine in a New Bottle: Acromegaly Presenting as Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Authors: Bhat Sowrabha , Pramanik Subhodip , Mukhopadhyay Pradip , Chowdhury Subhankar
Published: November 2021

Acromegaly is a rare disease characterised by chronic excess of Growth Hormone (GH) levels. Insulin signalling is impaired, gluconeogenesis is excess and peripheral insulin resistance is increased in acromegaly causing hyperglycaemia and diabetes. Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) is a rare but known complication of diabetes in acromegaly. Most cases of acromegaly come into light due to the classical soft tissue changes in the face and extremities. A high index of suspicion is required to diagnose this condition in early stage. Here, a case of 22-years-old male presented with DKA and on investigation was found to have acromegaly due to a GH secreting pituitary macroadenoma. This management and subsequent follow-up of the case along with review of literature is also done. Such a presentation of acromegaly was rare but rewarding.
Clinical and Radiological Outcomes of Recovered COVID-19 Patients- An Observational Study during the Early Phase of Pandemic
Authors: Padalkar Disha Atul , Bargaje Medha , Doke Purwa Prakash , Gilani Sarosh , Nadkarni Varad , Pala Sanbanki
Published: November 2021

Introduction: The pandemic caused by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused huge economic and health crisis. It is reported to have pulmonary sequelae which can overburden the healthcare systems. Survivors needing medical attention in the form of pulmonary rehabilitation should be prioritised. Aim: To study the impact of COVID-19 infection in terms of the pulmonary and extrapulmonary sequelae. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was carried out at a tertiary hospital in India. Recovered COVID-19 patients who were admitted from April to July 2020 were enrolled. Participants with radiological evidence of pneumonia during hospitalisation were assessed two months post-discharge. They were evaluated for persistent symptomatology, chest radiography, Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). The relationship between the outcome parameters with the baseline epidemiology, laboratory and radiology were evaluated by using student t-test, Mann- Whitney U test and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: Thirty participants were recruited. Their mean age was 47.93 years. Males were more than females. Persistent symptoms were reported by 17 (56.66%) and 4 (13.33%) developed pulmonary fibrosis on Chest X-Ray (CXR). Prolonged hospitalisation (mean >20 days) strongly correlated to the fibrosis (p=0.022). A fall in the finger oxygen saturation after the 6MWT was significant (p≤0.001). Higher serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase and D-dimer were associated with a more severe disease (p=0.02 and p≤0.001, respectively). Conclusion: Convalescent phase of COVID-19 is characterised by persistent symptomatology in half of the recovered patients. Simple and inexpensive CXRs and the 6MWT can be used as the primary investigation to identify post COVID-19 patients requiring pulmonary rehabilitation in resource limited settings.
Surgical Outcome Following Early Decompressive Hemicraniectomy in Patients of Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Das Srikanta , Pattajoshi Acharya Suryakant , Bishi Pratyusha Ranjan , Lakra Kulwant , Bedbak Biswajeet , Joyce Paul
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) has become an epidemic and remains the leading cause of death and disability in people of 2nd to 4th decade. Road Traffic Accidents (RTA) are responsible for the majority of cases. Primary brain injury sustained on impact and secondary brain injury that develops in following hours and days contribute together to overall injury and decides ultimate outcome. The goal of management in any TBI patient aims to prevent secondary brain injury. Understanding the importance of Intracranial Pressure (ICP) is key to minimise secondary injury. Decompressive hemicraniectomy is a novel technique of reducing ICP in patients of severe brain injury. It’s judicious and timely performance not only saves life but also prevents the dreaded consequences of raised ICP. Aim: To evaluate the role of early decompressive hemicraniectomy in improving the survival rate among patients of severe TBI and analysing the important factors (glasgow coma scale, airway status, timing of surgery) affecting the surgical outcome. Materials and Methods: It was a retrospective study conducted at the Department of Neurosurgery, Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Burla, Odisha, India between September 2016 to March 2020. Case records of 60 patients of TBI who had undergone unilateral Decompressive Craniectomy (DECRA) were analysed. The decision for decompressive hemicraniectomy was purely based upon Glasgow Coma Scale GCS) and Computed Topography (CT) findings. The presence of an evacuable mass lesion, diffuse oedema and obliteration of basal cistern in CT was considered to be the most important criteria for the early decompressive procedure. Patients were assessed until their discharge from ward. Statistical analysis was performed by statistical package for science version 12. Results: A total of 60 patients with severe TBI, who underwent DECRA were analysed. Road Traffic Accident (RTA) was the predominant mechanism of injury. All had presence of a surgically evacuable mass lesion along with compression/obliteration of the basal cistern. The majority of mass lesions (n=42) were frontotemporal contusions (70%). Forty patients of total achieved good surgical outcome (66.67%) and rest 20 patients (33.33%) had poor outcomes. Overall incidence of complications was around 40%. The most important factors associated with good outcomes were GCS of 7 and and above, patent airway, and early surgery. Conclusion: Decompressive hemicraniectomy is a novel technique of reducing ICP which acts by directly breaking the rigid box phenomenon of Monro-Kellie doctrine. However patient selection, prompt decision, earliest intervention, adoption of standard technique of DECRA and post operative critical care management are important aspects behind the successful outcome.
Non Puerperal Uterine Inversion Secondary to Submucosal Fibroid: A Case Report
Authors: Bagde Nilaj , Shinde Sefali , Singh Vinita , Satarkar Rahul , Yarang Habung
Published: November 2021

Non Puerperal Uterine Inversion (NPUI) is a very uncommon condition. The incidence of puerparal uterine inversion make an estimate of 1/30,000 deliveries and NPUI approximately 17% of all uterine inversion. The most common cause which leads to uterine inversion is a submucous myoma attached to the fundus but diagnosis can be difficult to make. The management of uterine inversion is always challenging for a surgeon. In the present case a 38-year-old woman, presented with significant anaemia because of menorrhagia. She used to feel mass occasionally into the vaginal canal which never comes out of the introitus, the mass was elucidated as a fibroid polyp. On investigation, her haemoglobin was 6.6 gm%, with continous bleeding per vaginum, patient was transfused with three units packed red blood cells and planned for surgery. A diagnosis of incomplete uterine inversion secondary to a submucous fibroid was made at exploratory laparotomy. Total abdominal hysterectomy, right salpingectomy with left salpingo-oophorectomy was performed. The patient was discharged under satisfactory condition.
Correlation of Serum Amylase, Lipase and Creatine Kinase with Severity of Organophosphate Poisoning- A Cohort Study
Authors: Minz Noas Tobias , Singh Sarat Chansra , Jena Priyabrata , Patro Pranay Kumar
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Organophosphate Compounds (OP) are widely used pesticides in agriculture. It is easily available and OP poisoning is most common cause of poisoning and hospital admissions. Severe poisoning is associated with high mortality. Severity of poisoning can be assessed by Peradeniya Organophosphorus Poisoning (POP) scale, Acute Physiology and chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) or serum Cholinesterase Level (ChE). Serum amylase, lipase, and creatine kinase are important biomarkers raised in OP poisoning. Aim: To correlate serum amylase, lipase, and creatine kinase with severity of OP poisoning. Materials and Methods: This was a hospital based observational cohort study conducted on 130 patients of organophosphate poisoning admitted in General Medicine wards of SCB Medical College, Cuttack, Odisha from June 2019 to December 2020. Serum Acetylcholine Esterase (AChE), amylase, lipase and creatinine kinase were estimated at admission, day 2, and at discharge. Other routine investigations were done. Acetylcholine Esterase (AChE) was used to confirm the diagnosis. The severity of poisoning was assessed using POP scale and graded as mild, moderate and severe. The severity of poisoning and the level of enzymes were correlated. The parameters were tabulated and mean values and Standard Deviation (SD) were analysed using Statistical Package For The Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 22.0. Results: Out of 130 patients 91 were males and 39 were females, mostly from rural areas, both farming and non-farming community. Age ranged from 14 years to 79 years, with majority in 19 to 39 years. AChE decreased in all cases depending on severity confirming OP poisoning. Severity as assessed by POP score were mild (52 patients), moderate (46 patients) and severe (32 patients). At admission, the Amylase (U/L), Lipase (U/L), and Creatine kinase (U/L) level (mean±SD) in mild poisoning were 83.7±41.9 U, 70.9±18.6, 72.5±34.9, in moderate poisoning 153.6±109.7, 91.9±47.4, 92.6±81.5, and in severe poisoning 243.9±113.8, 195.3±147.7, 298.8±207.4, respectively. Measurements on second day also remained elevated. Among the severe cases 24 patients developed Intermediate Syndrome (IMS), and 26 patients died. There was positive correlation between increase of enzyme levels and the severity of OP poisoning as per POP score. Conclusion: Serum amylase, lipase, and creatine kinase level correlated well with the severity of organophosphorus poisoning and scan be used additionally as an indicator to assess the severity. Serum amylase is a better indicator of severity than lipase and Creatine Kinase (CPK).
Inhibition of the futalosine pathway for menaquinone biosynthesis suppresses Chlamydia trachomatis infection
Authors: Dudiak Brianne M. , Nguyen Tri M. , Needham David , Outlaw Taylor C. , McCafferty Dewey G.
Published: November 2021

Chlamydia trachomatis, an obligate intracellular bacterium with limited metabolic capabilities, possesses the futalosine pathway for menaquinone biosynthesis. Futalosine pathway enzymes have promise as narrow‐spectrum antibiotic targets, but the activity and essentiality of chlamydial menaquinone biosynthesis have yet to be established. In this work, menaquinone‐7 (MK‐7) was identified as a C. trachomatis‐produced quinone through liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. An immunofluorescence‐based assay revealed that treatment of C. trachomatis‐infected HeLa cells with the futalosine pathway inhibitor docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) reduced inclusion number, inclusion size, and infectious progeny. Supplementation with MK‐7 nanoparticles rescued the effect of DHA on inclusion number, indicating that the futalosine pathway is a target of DHA in this system. These results open the door for menaquinone biosynthesis inhibitors to be pursued in antichlamydial development.
Eco‐Friendly and Particle‐Free Copper Ionic Aqueous Precursor for In Situ Low Temperature Photothermal Synthesizing and Patterning of Highly Conductive Copper Microstructures on Flexible Substrate
Authors: Siddharth Swami , Chen Yu-Bin , Lee Ming-Tsang
Published: November 2021

Liquid precursor‐based laser‐induced reductive patterning techniques enable fast and economical fabrication of flexible electronics. Herein, an eco‐friendly and particle‐free copper ionic solution for laser‐induced reductive patterning of copper microlines on a low glass transition temperature and transparent flexible substrate is successfully developed. The solvent used is water and the reducing agent is l‐ascorbic acid. A continuous wave 640 nm laser is used as the heat source to initiate the reductive reaction and to deposit copper microlines on the substrate surface. The resistivity of the copper microlines fabricated with optimized laser parameters is remarkably low at 4.7 μΩ cm. To further improve the electrical conductivity and to enhance mechanical durability, the fabricated microlines are annealed using the same laser after the copper ionic liquid precursor is removed. The microstructures and mechanical robustness of the copper microlines, as well as the adhesion between the copper microlines and the substrate, are investigated by cyclic bending test, pull‐off test and scanning electron microscope analyses. Up to 39% reduction of electrical resistance and up to 77% enhancement of mechanical durability after a 1000 cycle bending test can be achieved by laser postprocessing.
Triculture Model of In Vitro BBB and its Application to Study BBB‐Associated Chemosensitivity and Drug Delivery in Glioblastoma
Authors: Seo Suyeong , Nah Seung‐Yeol , Lee Kangwon , Choi Nakwon , Kim Hong Nam
Published: November 2021

Physiologically, brain tumors interact with surrounding vascular and glial cells, and change their responses to survive in brain tissue‐specific microenvironments. A major difficulty in brain tumor treatment is caused by the organism's high resistance to pharmaceutical drugs and poor blood–brain barrier (BBB) penetration. Therefore, mimicking the physiological environment of brain tumors on in vitro platforms can aid in predicting the cellular response to drugs. Here, an engineered 3D human glioblastoma in vitro platform that is integrated with a tricultured BBB is presented. First, the barrier function of the constructed BBB model and its reversibility are characterized, after administrating BBB‐opening agents through the microvasculature. The brain tumor cells that are cocultured in the BBB show a more aggressive growth pattern and high drug resistance, as well as secreting high concentrations of inflammatory cytokines. Finally, the delivery of BBB‐nonpenetrating drugs are promoted by chemically opening the BBB. The results of this study indicate that the platform can potentially study the physiology of the BBB, and monitor drug responses based on the interaction of the brain tumor and BBB.
Modulating Interband Energy Separation of Boron‐Doped Fe7S8/FeS2 Electrocatalysts to Boost Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Wu Jing , Zhang Qin , Shen Ke , Zhao Rong , Zhong Wenda , Yang Chenfan , Xiang Hui , Li Xuanke , Yang Nianjun
Published: November 2021

Cost‐effective transition metal sulfides (TMSs) are potential electrocatalysts for alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, free energies of hydrogen intermediates adsorbed on the TMSs (e.g., iron sulfides) are too negative, hindering their hydrogenase‐like catalytic activity. With an aim to improve the inherently catalytic activity of the TMSs, design of boron‐doped Fe7S8/FeS2 (B‐Fe7S8/FeS2) electrocatalysts on the base of the density functional theory (DFT) calculation results is first conducted in this work. Boron atoms doped into the Fe7S8/FeS2 electrocatalysts are found to optimize the electronic structures of d‐electrons of Fe atoms and p‐electrons of S atoms. The interband energy separation between the d‐orbitals of Fe atoms and the p‐orbitals of S atoms in the B‐Fe7S8/FeS2 electrocatalysts is thus shorter than that of a Fe7S8 or FeS2 electrocatalyst. The optimal B‐Fe7S8/FeS2 electrocatalyst induces a boosted charge transfer process and features a low energy barrier of water dissociation and a high desorption efficiency of adsorbed hydrogen intermediates. In alkaline media, this HER electrocatalyst exhibits the overpotential of 113 mV to harvest a current density of 10 mA cm−2. The proposed heteroatom‐doping is a feasible approach to modulate electronic structures of TMS electrocatalysts and further achieve their accelerated HER kinetics.
Ultra‐Sharp Nanowire Arrays Natively Permeate, Record, and Stimulate Intracellular Activity in Neuronal and Cardiac Networks
Authors: Liu Ren , Lee Jihwan , Tchoe Youngbin , Pre Deborah , Bourhis Andrew M. , D'Antonio‐Chronowska Agnieszka , Robin Gaelle , Lee Sang Heon , Ro Yun Goo , Vatsyayan Ritwik , Tonsfeldt Karen J. , Hossain Lorraine A. , Phipps M. Lisa , Yoo Jinkyoung , Nogan John , Martinez Jennifer S. , Frazer Kelly A. , Bang Anne G. , Dayeh Shadi A.
Published: November 2021

Intracellular access with high spatiotemporal resolution can enhance the understanding of how neurons or cardiomyocytes regulate and orchestrate network activity and how this activity can be affected with pharmacology or other interventional modalities. Nanoscale devices often employ electroporation to transiently permeate the cell membrane and record intracellular potentials, which tend to decrease rapidly with time. Here, one reports innovative scalable, vertical, ultrasharp nanowire arrays that are individually addressable to enable long‐term, native recordings of intracellular potentials. One reports electrophysiological recordings that are indicative of intracellular access from 3D tissue‐like networks of neurons and cardiomyocytes across recording days and that do not decrease to extracellular amplitudes for the duration of the recording of several minutes. The findings are validated with cross‐sectional microscopy, pharmacology, and electrical interventions. The experiments and simulations demonstrate that the individual electrical addressability of nanowires is necessary for high‐fidelity intracellular electrophysiological recordings. This study advances the understanding of and control over high‐quality multichannel intracellular recordings and paves the way toward predictive, high‐throughput, and low‐cost electrophysiological drug screening platforms.
Direct Detection of Fast Neutrons by Organic Semiconducting Single Crystal Detectors
Authors: Zhao Dou , Cai Pingkun , Cheng Wei , Jia Wenbao , Zhang Binbin , Zhu Menghua , Liu Linyue , Ouyang Xiaoping , Sellin Paul , Jie Wanqi , Xu Yadong
Published: November 2021

Fast neutron detection is significant for neutron imaging and flux monitoring but cannot be directly achieved by inorganic semiconductors. The traditional detection is mainly mediated by an organic scintillator and a coupled photodetector, resulting in signal losses. Here, a direct detection method for fast neutrons is demonstrated based on organic semiconducting single crystals (OSSCs) detectors. Methyl 4‐hydroxybenzoate (4MHB, C6H5O‐COOCH3) and 4‐hydroxycyanobenzene (4HCB, C6H5O‐CN). The organic semiconductor acts as a fast neutron sensitive material due to its high hydrogen density, simultaneously as a semiconductor that generates the electric signal. The detectors based on 4MHB crystals can quantitatively measure the dose and energy of the fast neutron flux with a response time of 0.5 µs and detection efficiency of 78.5% cm−3. Effects of functional groups on fast neutron detection performances are also investigated as a guideline to synthesis new molecules for this purpose. Furthermore, neutron radiation effects on these detectors are investigated. Hydrogen‐related point defects are generated by fast neutrons, but device performances remain robust after irradiation of 1013n cm−2fast neutrons. This study demonstrates that OSSCs show great potential as direct fast neutron detectors and particularly have highly‐localized and tissue‐equivalent properties that benefit neutron imaging and cancer therapy applications.
Recent Progress in Perovskite‐Based Reversible Photon–Electricity Conversion Devices
Authors: Liang Chao , Gu Hao , Xia Junmin , Mei Shiliang , Pang Peiyuan , Zhang Nan , Guo Jia , Guo Ruxin , Shen Yonglong , Yang Shengchun , Wei Zhanhua , Shao Guosheng , Xing Guichuan
Published: November 2021

Solution‐processed metal halide perovskites have the advantages of a tunable bandgap, excellent charge transport properties, and suitable exciton binding energy. They therefore emerge as promising semiconductors for efficient perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and bright perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PLEDs). In addition, these devices possess a similar planar–heterojunction architecture, thus novel dual‐functional perovskite light‐emitting solar cells (PLESCs) that can realize electrical‐to‐optical and optical‐to‐electrical conversion on one device are developed. To date, high‐performance PLESCs with 17.2% electroluminescence external quantum efficiency and 25.2% power conversion efficiency are achieved using a holistic optimization approach. However, a comprehensive review focusing on dual‐functional PLESCs with discussion on their development and limitations, remains lacking. Herein, the rapid progress in PLESCs, including 0D quantum dot, 2D Ruddlesden–Popper, and 3D bulk perovskite devices, is reviewed. First, the fundamental understanding of the device structure and working principle of PLESCs is overviewed. Second, the state‐of‐the‐art developments for simultaneously achieving high‐efficiency PSCs and PLEDs, focusing on defect passivation, interface optimization, energy level alignment, and dimensional control, are comprehensively summarized. Finally, the authors offer some perspectives for future trends in the development of promising PLESCs, which can provide guidelines for this emerging field.
Sulfation of Glycosaminoglycan Hydrogels Instructs Cell Fate and Chondral versus Endochondral Lineage Decision of Skeletal Stem Cells In Vivo
Authors: Chasan Safak , Hesse Eliane , Atallah Passant , Gerstner Matthias , Diederichs Solvig , Schenker Astrid , Grobe Kay , Werner Carsten , Richter Wiltrud
Published: November 2021

Exit from multipotency and lineage commitment of mesenchymal stroma cells (MSC) depends on microenvironmental cues from the stem‐cell niche but steering cell fate into the desired lineage in vivo remains a challenge. Increasing evidence suggests that glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) can be used to activate or sequester growth factors with the specific action depending on sulfation levels. It is postulated that differentially sulfated biomaterials can aid developmental lineage instruction of MSC to guide tissue morphogenesis in vivo. By application of a new injectable TGFβ‐loaded heparin‐PEG‐hydrogel the authors here gain the ability to control skeletal stem‐cell fate in vivo down the chondral versus the endochondral pathway depending on the sulfation status. High sulfation allows for long‐term TGFβ‐retention and silencing of Hedgehog‐, BMP‐, and WNT‐pathways installing prochondrogenic and antihypertrophic cues which permitted in vivo growth of permanent, collagen‐type‐II‐rich neocartilage with long‐term resistance to calcification and bone formation. Selective 6‐O/N‐desulfation of heparin supports Hedgehog/BMP/WNT‐signaling switching lineage commitment into endochondral differentiation with strong hypertrophic/osteogenic marker expression and tissue calcification. This work identifies GAG sulfation as a crucial niche instruction signal to determine the chondral stem‐cell fate via silencing of prohypertrophic pathways, providing the first proof‐of‐principle on how GAG modification‐patterns can determine cell lineage‐choice during tissue morphogenesis in vivo.
Tailoring Interlayer Spacers for Efficient and Stable Formamidinium‐Based Low‐Dimensional Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Cheng Lei , Meng Ke , Qiao Zhi , Zhai Yufeng , Yu Runze , Pan Li , Chen Bin , Xiao Mingyue , Chen Gang
Published: November 2021

2D Dion–Jacobson (DJ) perovskite solar cells generally show mediocre device performances as they are restrained by their defective film quality. The rigid diammonium organic interlayer spacers are intolerant to lattice mismatches, which induces defects and distortions and ultimately deteriorates the optoelectronic properties. Herein, a secondary interlayer spacer is introduced into formamidinium (FA)‐based low‐dimensional perovskite, which substantially improves the film quality. The flexible monovalent spacer cations effectively alleviate lattice distortions and reduce crystal defects, providing perovskite films with desirable microscopic morphology, preferable crystal orientation, reduced defect states, and improved charge transport capability. As a result, the optimized perovskite solar cell based on the (PDA0.9PA0.2)(FA)3Pb4I13 (PDA = propane‐1,3‐diammonium, PA = propylammonium) film exhibits the exceptional power conversion efficiency of 16.0%, the highest reported value in its class. In addition, the device demonstrates the enhanced thermal stability, retaining 90% of its initial efficiency after aging at 85 °C for 800 h.
Multifunctional Hyphae Carbon Powering Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Huang Lei , Shen Shenghui , Zhong Yu , Zhang Yongqi , Zhang Lingjie , Wang Xiuli , Xia Xinhui , Tong Xili , Zhou Jiancang , Tu Jiangping
Published: November 2021

Biotechnology can bring new breakthroughs on design and fabrication of energy materials and devices. In this work, a novel and facile biological self‐assembly technology to fabricate multifunctional Rhizopus hyphae carbon fiber (RHCF) and its derivatives on a large scale for electrochemical energy storage is proposed. Crosslinked hollow carbon fibers are successfully prepared by conversion of Rhizopus hyphae, and macroscopic production of centimeter‐level carbon balls consisting of hollow RHCFs is further realized. Moreover, the self‐assembled RHCF balls show strong adsorption characteristics on metal ions and can be converted into a series of derivatives such as RHCF/metal oxides. Notably, the designed RHCF derivatives are demonstrated with powerful multifunctionability as cathode, anode, and separator for lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs). The RHCF can act as the host material to combine with metal oxide (CoO) and S, Li metal, and a polypropylene (PP) separator to form a new RHCF/CoO‐S cathode, an RHCF/Li anode, and an RHCF/PP separator, respectively. Consequently, the optimized LSB full cell presents excellent cycling performance and superior high‐rate capacity (881.3 mA h g–1 at 1 C). This work provides a new method for large‐scale preparation of hollow carbon fibers and derivatives for advanced energy storage and conversion.
Hierarchically Porous Silica Membrane as Separator for High‐Performance Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Jing , Liu Yupu , Cai Qingfu , Dong Angang , Yang Dong , Zhao Dongyuan
Published: November 2021

Commercial polymeric separators in lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) typically suffer from limited porosity, low electrolyte wettability, and poor thermal and mechanical stability, which can degrade the battery performance especially at high current densities. Here, the design of hierarchically porous, ultralight silica membranes as separator for high‐performance LIBs is reported through the assembly of hollow mesoporous silica (HMS) particles on the cathode surface. The rich mesopores and large cavity of individual HMS particles provide low‐tortuosity pathways for ionic transport, while simultaneously serving as electrolyte reservoir to further boost the electrochemical kinetics. Moreover, benefiting from their inorganic and hierarchically porous nature, such HMS separators display better electrolyte affinity, thermal stability, and mechanical strength than commercial polypropylene (PP) separators. As a demonstration, LIBs with a LiFePO4 cathode coated with HMS separators exhibit exceptional rate capability and cycling stability, outperforming LIBs with PP and Al2O3‐modified PP separators as well as separators made of solid silica particles.
PANI‐Modified Ti‐Doped CVD Diamond As Promising Conductive Platform to Mimic Bioelectricity Functions
Authors: Politi Sara , Battistoni Silvia , Carcione Rocco , Montaina Luca , Macis Salvatore , Lupi Stefano , Tamburri Emanuela
Published: November 2021

This study is devoted to synthesizing and modifying conductive Ti‐doped diamond (TiD) biosubstrates with polyaniline (PANI) to provide a soft interface with high ionic conductivity and charge storage capacity for developing advanced scaffolds and implantable electrode materials. The diamond supports are prepared by an ad‐hoc chemical vapor deposition methodology allowing for the synthesis and contemporary doping of diamond lattice. An optimized potentiostatic electropolymerization method assures the growth of a homogenous PANI coating on a diamond surface. Scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, Raman, and reflectance infrared spectroscopy characterizations guarantee the production of nanostructured diamond layers with high surface electrical conductivity and good phase quality as well as of a rough polymer film in the conductive emeraldine form. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements point out a quasi‐reversible electron transfer among polymer chains ruled by the bulky dodecyl sulfate anion chosen as polymer dopant. This induces a cation exchange with the solution upon backbone redox reactions. The capability of the PANI‐TiD system to transduce ionic current into electronic current and vice versa via redox reaction with the surroundings can be reliably exploited to reproduce electrical stimulation processes through which to mimic the original bioelectricity functions of the human body for advanced biomedical applications.
Whole Fabric‐Assisted Thermoelectric Devices for Wearable Electronics
Authors: Hou Yue , Yang Yang , Wang Ziyu , Li Zhaoyu , Zhang Xingzhong , Bethers Brandon , Xiong Rui , Guo Haizhong , Yu Hongyu
Published: November 2021

Flexible thermoelectric generators (f‐TEGs) have demonstrated great potential in wearable self‐powered health monitoring devices. However, the existing wearable f‐TEGs are neither flexible enough to bend and stretch while maintaining the device's integrity with a good TE performance nor directly compatible with clothes materials. Here, ultraflexible fabric‐based thermoelectric generators (uf‐TEGs) are proposed with conductive cloth electrodes and elastic fabric substrate. The patterned elastic fabric substrate fits the rigid cuboids well, together with serpentine structured cloth electrodes, rendering uf‐TEG with excellent integrity and flexibility, thereby achieving a highly functional TE performance when strain reaches 30% or on arbitrarily shaped heat sources. The uf‐TEGs show a large peak power of 64.10 μW for a temperature difference of 33.24 K with a high voltage output of 111.49 mV, which is superior compared to previously reported fabric‐based TEG devices, and it is still functional after the water immersion test. Besides the energy harvesting function, with both the temperature sensing ability and the touch perception, this uf‐TEG is demonstrated as the electrical skin when mounted on a robot. Moreover, due to the wind‐sensitive performance and self‐power ability, the uf‐TEGs are assembled on cloth as wearable health and motion monitoring devices.
Layered Transition Metal Oxides as Ca Intercalation Cathodes: A Systematic First‐Principles Evaluation
Authors: Park Haesun , Bartel Christopher J. , Ceder Gerbrand , Zapol Peter
Published: November 2021

Finding high‐voltage Ca cathode materials is a critical step to unleashing the full potential of high‐energy‐density Ca‐ion batteries. First‐principles calculations are used to demonstrate that P‐type layered calcium transition metal (TM) oxide materials (CaTM2O4) with a range of TM substitutions (TM = Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni) have excellent battery‐related properties including thermodynamic stability, average voltage, energy density, synthesizability, ionic mobility, and electronic structure. However, the thermodynamic stability of the charged phase and TM redox activity are shown to be sensitive to TM selection, with CaCo2O4 having the best balance of all considered properties. The utility of combining multiple TMs to expand the chemical search space for TM substitutions is demonstrated by mixing Co and Ni in layered CaTM2O4.
Advances and Prospects of Dual‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Ou Xuewu , Gong Decai , Han Chengjun , Liu Zhong , Tang Yongbing
Published: November 2021

As a novel cost‐effective, high operating voltage, and environmentally friendly energy storage device, the dual‐ion battery (DIB) has attracted much attention recently. Despite a similar energy storage mechanism at the anode side to the traditional “rocking‐chair” batteries like lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), DIBs commonly featured intercalation of anions at the cathode materials. In addition, the electrolyte in DIBs not only acts as the ion transport medium, it also serves as the active material. As a result, the electrolyte not only determines the Coulombic efficiency and cycling life but also plays a crucial role in capacity and energy density of DIBs. Moreover, although they have similar electrochemical reactions at the anode side to LIBs, to match the fast intercalation kinetics of anions at the cathode side and take into account the quite different electrolyte systems for DIBs, rational design and optimization of anode materials still need to be considered. This review first describes the research development history and working mechanism of DIBs; after that, the research progress in electrolytes, cathode materials, and anode materials for DIBs are summarized, respectively. Finally, the prospects and future research directions of DIBs are also presented based on current understandings.
Metal oxide‐doped Ni/CaO dual‐function materials for integrated CO2 capture and conversion: Performance and mechanism
Authors: Ma Xiaoling , Li Xinlei , Cui Hongjie , Zhang Wenhui , Cheng Zhenmin , Zhou Zhiming
Published: November 2021

Integrated CO2 capture and conversion (ICCC) into valuable chemicals such as CH4 and CO is a promising approach to mitigate anthropogenic CO2 emissions. In this work, we prepared a series of metal oxide (MxOy, M = Mg, Al, Mn, Y, Zr, La, and Ce)‐doped Ni/CaO dual‐function materials (DFMs) and applied them to the ICCC process. The property–performance relationship of the DFMs was studied, and the conversion mechanism of the captured CO2 was explored. For any DFM at any ICCC cycle (20 cycles in total), the CO2 captured at the carbonation stage was completely released as CH4, CO, and CO2 at the conversion stage. Among all DFMs, Ni/CaZr(O) showed the best ICCC performance because of its good thermal stability. The conversion of captured CO2 on the DFMs proceeded via a two‐step mechanism, where CO2 was first released from CaCO3 and then converted into CH4 at Ni sites and CO at CaO sites.
Neural response time analysis: Explainable artificial intelligence using only a stopwatch
Authors: Taylor J. Eric T. , Shekhar Shashank , Taylor Graham W.
Published: November 2021

How would you describe the features that a deep learning model composes if you were restricted to measuring observable behaviours? Explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) methods rely on privileged access to model architecture and parameters that is not always feasible for most users, practitioners and regulators. Inspired by cognitive psychology research on humans, we present a case for measuring response times (RTs) of a forward pass using only the system clock as a technique for XAI. Our method applies to the growing class of models that use input‐adaptive dynamic inference and we also extend our approach to standard models that are converted to dynamic inference post hoc. The experimental logic is simple: If the researcher can contrive a stimulus set where variability among input features is tightly controlled, differences in RT for those inputs can be attributed to the way the model composes those features. First, we show that RT is sensitive to difficult, complex features by comparing RTs from ObjectNet and ImageNet. Next, we make specific a priori predictions about RT for abstract features present in the SCEGRAM data set, where object recognition in humans depends on complex intrascene object‐object relationships. Finally, we show that RT profiles bear specificity for class identity and therefore the features that define classes. These results cast light on the model's feature space without opening the black box.
Overlap between irritable bowel syndrome and hypermobileEhlers–Danlossyndrome: An unexplored clinical phenotype?
Authors: Choudhary Anisa , Fikree Asma , Aziz Qasim
Published: November 2021

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is common, but its cause remains unknown. IBS patients present with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms such as abdominal pain with altered bowel habits; however, some patients also have non‐GI symptoms including muscle and joint pains. It is thus plausible that within large IBS cohorts, subgroups exist with distinct clinical phenotypes. Yet, these subgroups have not been clearly identified or characterized. Due to lack of segmentation, treatment‐focused symptomatic management is similar for all with IBS and follows indiscriminate algorithms regardless of possible differing clinical phenotype. This universal approach to IBS management may account for the reported lack of efficacy of treatment. One emerging subgroup receiving increasing attention is that with overlap IBS and the underlying heritable connective tissue disorder, hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (hEDS). Current evidence suggests that up to 62% of patients with hEDS suffer from IBS. However, despite recognition of the presence of IBS in hEDS, this overlap IBS/hEDS group has not been characterized and these patients are managed in a similar way to those with IBS alone. Future studies are required to characterize and deep phenotype in this overlap IBS/hEDS group.
The power of patient‐led global collaboration
Authors: Bloom Lara , Schubart Jane , Bascom Rebecca , Hakim Alan , Francomano Clair A.
Published: November 2021

In late 2017, the global nonprofit, The Ehlers‐Danlos Society (TEDS), was awarded a “Pipeline to Proposal” Tier A award from the Patient‐Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). The goal of this application was to form a team of patients, researchers, other community support groups and stakeholders who are focused on establishing the Ehlers‐Danlos Comorbidity Coalition to address the common health issues associated with this group of high morbidity, high disease burden conditions. The ongoing Coalition that is now funded by individual donors and expanding in its mission and members, is an example of successful collaboration spanning over borders and priorities.
Optimal Surgical Extent for Memory and Seizure Outcome in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Sone Daichi , Ahmad Maria , Thompson Pamela J. , Baxendale Sallie , Vos Sjoerd B. , Xiao Fenglai , de Tisi Jane , McEvoy Andrew W. , Miserocchi Anna , Duncan John S. , Koepp Matthias J. , Galovic Marian
Published: November 2021

Objective

Postoperative memory decline is an important consequence of anterior temporal lobe resection (ATLR) for temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), and the extent of resection may be a modifiable factor. This study aimed to define optimal resection margins for cognitive outcome while maintaining a high rate of postoperative seizure freedom.

Methods

This cohort study evaluated the resection extent on postoperative structural MRI using automated voxel‐based methods and manual measurements in 142 consecutive patients with unilateral drug refractory TLE (74 left, 68 right TLE) who underwent standard ATLR.

Results

Voxel‐wise analyses revealed that postsurgical verbal memory decline correlated with resections of the posterior hippocampus and inferior temporal gyrus, whereas larger resections of the fusiform gyrus were associated with worsening of visual memory in left TLE. Limiting the posterior extent of left hippocampal resection to 55% reduced the odds of significant postoperative verbal memory decline by a factor of 8.1 (95% CI 1.5–44.4, p = 0.02). Seizure freedom was not related to posterior resection extent, but to the piriform cortex removal after left ATLR. In right TLE, variability of the posterior extent of resection was not associated with verbal and visual memory decline or seizures after surgery.

Interpretation

The extent of surgical resection is an independent and modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline and seizures after left ATLR. Adapting the posterior extent of left ATLR might optimize postoperative outcome, with reduced risk of memory impairment while maintaining comparable seizure‐freedom rates. The current, more lenient, approach might be appropriate for right ATLR. ANN NEUROL 2022;91:131–144
Identification of a prognostic immune‐related signature for small cell lung cancer
Authors: Xie Qi , Chu Huili , Yi Jian , Yu Hui , Gu Tiantian , Guan Yaping , Liu Xiaolin , Liang Jing , Li Yan , Wang Jun
Published: November 2021

Purpose

As a subgroup of lung cancer, small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is characterized by a short tumor doubling time, high rates of early occurred distant cancer spread, and poor outcomes. Despite its exquisite sensitivity to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, acquired drug resistance and tumor progression are typical. This study aimed to develop a robust signature based on immune‐related genes to predict the outcome of patients with SCLC.

Methods

The expression data of 77 SCLC patients from George's cohort were divided into training set and testing set, and 1534 immune‐related genes from ImmPort database were used to generate and validate the signature. Cox proportional hazards and the Kaplan–Meier analysis were used for developing and testing the prognostic signature. Single‐sample gene set enrichment analysis was used to determine immune cell infiltration phenotypes.

Results

A 10‐gene model comprising NR3C1, NR1D2, TANK, ARAF, HDGF, INHBE, LRSAM1, PLXNA1, PML, and SP1 with the highest frequency after 1000 interactions, was chosen to construct immune‐related signature. This signature showed robust predictive value for SCLC patients’ survival in both training and testing sets. This signature was weakly associated with the clinic pathological values like TNM stage. Furthermore, patients with low risk presented with activation of immune signal pathways, and specific immune cell infiltration with high levels of CD56bright NK cells but low levels of CD8+ T cells, mast cells, and helper T cells.

Conclusion

The present study developed immune‐related signature that may help predict the prognosis of SCLC patients, which reflects an unappreciated level of heterogeneity of immunophenotype associated with diverse prognosis for specific subsets in this highly lethal cancer type.
Intraoral transnasal approach for surgical extraction of bilateral deeply impacted mesiodens: A case report
Authors: Sharifi Reza , Shafiei Shervin , Moslemi Hamidreza , Mohammadi khah Meysam
Published: November 2021

We describe a novel modified intranasal approach to minimize the complications of the impacted mesiodens surgical extraction. Also, it can be performed under local anesthesia with proper preoperative workup.