bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prosocial behaviours under collective quarantine conditions. A latent class analysis study during the 2020COVID‐19 lockdown in Italy
Authors: Aresi Giovanni , Procentese Fortuna , Gattino Silvia , Tzankova Iana , Gatti Flora , Compare Christian , Marzana Daniela , Mannarini Terri , Fedi Angela , Marta Elena , Guarino Antonella
Published: September 2021

We aimed to identify the patterns of prosocial behaviours under collective quarantine conditions. Survey data were collected from a sample of Italian adults during the March May 2020 COVID‐19 lockdown in Italy. Participants reported on offline and online prosocial behaviours, sense of community responsibility (SoC‐R) and perceptions of community resilience. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used for data analysis. A total of 4,045 participants completed the survey, and 2,562 were eligible (72% female; mean age 38.7 years). LCA revealed four classes of prosocial behaviours:Money donors(7%),Online and offline helpers(59%),Online health information sharers(21%) andNeighbour helpers(13%). The classes were partially invariant across age groups (18‐35 and 35‐65 years). Being a man, having achieved a higher educational level and higher SoC‐R scores were associated with belonging to theOnline and offline helperclass. The members of this class also reported the greatest perceptions of community resilience. The results provide insight on the multidimensionality of prosociality under collective quarantine conditions.Online and offline helperscould be targeted for promoting sustained altruism and involvement in community organisations. For the other groups, programmes should aim at eliminating barriers to help others in multiple ways. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article'sCommunity and Social Impact Statement.
Accelerated Discovery of Potent Bioactive anti‐TNFα Aptamers by Microbead‐Assisted Capillary Electrophoresis (MACE)‐SELEX
Authors: Nagano Masanobu , Oguro Takumi , Sawada Ryo , Yoshitomi Toru , Yoshimoto Keitaro
Published: September 2021

Dysregulation of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNFα), a pro‐inflammatory cytokine, causes several diseases, making it an important therapeutic target. Here, we identified a novel DNA aptamer against human TNFα using in vitro selection, which included a high exclusion pressure process against non‐binding and weak binders through microbead‐assisted capillary electrophoresis (MACE) in only three rounds. Among the 15 most enriched aptamers, Apt14 exhibited the highest inhibitory activity for the interaction between TNFα and its cognate receptor in mouse L929 cells. For further improving the bioactivity of the aptamer, dimerization programed by hybridization was evaluated, resulting in the Apt14 dimer exhibited a twofold higher binding affinity and stronger inhibition compared to the monomer counterpart. Rapid identification of bioactive aptamers using MACE in combination with facile dimerization by hybridization accelerates the discovery of novel bioactive aptamers, paving the way toward replacing current monoclonal antibody therapy with the less expensive and non‐immunogenic aptamer therapy.
Becker muscular dystrophy with dilated cardiomyopathy: A case report
Authors: Chen Yongliang , Zhu Yunlong , Zhou Yuying , Zeng Jianping
Published: September 2021

Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) complicated with DCM is rare in our daily clinical practice. BMD serves an etiology for heart failure patients due to DCM. Multidisciplinary management is required in this case.
A case report of endometrial adenocarcinoma with leptomeningeal metastases
Authors: Fazilat‐Panah Danial , Dehghani Mansoureh , Ahmadi Nahid , Karimi Masoumeh , Soleimani Varaki Sakineh , Emadi Torghabeh Ali , Mahmoudi Hamide , Keshtpour Amlashi Zahra , Saghafi Mohammadreza , Fatemi Maedeh Alsadat , Shokri Bousjin Amir
Published: September 2021

In patients with a history of solid tumors, any new onset of neurological symptoms should be assessed for central nervous system involvement even in rare cases such as gynecological malignancies that nervous system involvement is a rare event.
Is chemoimmunotherapy a game changer in the treatment of locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma?
Authors: Masuda Muneyuki , Nagata Ryozaburo , Hara Hirotaka , Kuroki Keiji , Sato Kuniaki , Rikimaru Fumihide , Toh Satoshi , Higaki Yuichiro
Published: September 2021

Pembrolizumab and chemotherapy (chemoimmunotherapy) were administered to 2 head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients with extremely advanced local tumors and distant metastases with palliative intent. However, they demonstrated strikingly good responses and achieved remission. Expanded application of induction chemoimmunotherapy may be useful for locally advanced HNSCC.
Acute bilateral loss of vision as organic manifestation of repressed psychological stress: A case report
Authors: Jamaluddin Ruzita , Izham Ammar Azhar , Abdul Hamid Ahmad Fadzil , Amir Hamzah Wan Nadiah , Abd Hamid Muhamad Ruzaini
Published: September 2021

Comprehensive clinical assessment with integrated team approach is crucial in managing cases of non‐organic visual loss. Apart from pharmacotherapy, psychosocial rehabilitation should also be adequately addressed.
Safe use of a once‐a‐week glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist in a 16‐year‐old girl with type 2 diabetes when approved therapy options fail
Authors: van den Boom Louisa , Stuecher Theresa , Mader Julia K.
Published: September 2021

This case report demonstrates that using a non‐approved long‐acting GLP‐1‐RA (dulaglutide) in adolescents with T2D is possible and feasible under special circumstances when approved therapeutic options for the pediatric population fail to achieve adequate glycemic control.
Migration of Hem‐o‐lok clip into the common hepatic duct after laparoscopic bile duct exploration: A case report
Authors: Tan Zhenhua , Wan Renrui , Qian Hai , Xie Ping
Published: September 2021

Hem‐o‐lok clip migration into the bile duct can lead to stone formation and granulation tissue hyperplasia. This report discusses a case wherein four clips migrated into the bile duct after laparoscopic bile duct exploration.
18F‐sodium fluoride positron emission tomography may help diagnose nondisplaced peri‐prosthetic and peri‐implant fracture
Authors: Yasue Kensuke , Tokimura Fumiaki , Miyazaki Tsuyoshi
Published: September 2021

Occult fractures are challenging to diagnose, especially those involving an implant surrounding the suspected fracture site. This is the first case wherein 18F‐sodium fluoride positron emission tomography substantially helped to diagnose peri‐prosthetic and peri‐implant fractures. The application of this imaging modality warrants further study.
Persistence of the craniopharyngeal canal
Authors: Peron Gabriel Miranda , Wilner Nina Ventura , Marchiori Edson
Published: September 2021

Craniopharyngeal canal persistence is a congenital abnormality characterized by a bone canal extending from the nasopharynx to the pituitary fossa. Ascension of microorganisms through the channel can occur, triggering meningitis.
Activity Test and Mechanism Study of 3DOM Ce0.8M0.1Zr0.1O2 (M=Cr, Sn, Fe, Co, Ni, Mn, Cu) Catalyst in the Selective Catalytic Reduction of NO by CO**
Authors: Liu Xia , Liu Hao , Li Danyang , Ning Gangjie , Li Xinxin , Dong Lihui , Li Bin
Published: September 2021

A series of three‐dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) Ce0.8M0.1Zr0.1O2(M=Cr, Sn, Fe, Co, Ni, Mn, Cu) catalysts are synthesized and used in CO selective catalytic reduction of NOx. The results show that the NO conversion rate of 3DOM Ce0.8Cu0.1Zr0.1O2 catalyst at a lower temperature (150 °C) is close to 60 %. Besides, 3DOM Ce0.8Cu0.1Zr0.1O2 kept a stable NO removal efficiency within a wide range of gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) and long reaction time and exhibited remarkable resistance to H2O and SO2 poisoning, both individually and simultaneously. At the same time, the formation of the 3DOM structure not only improves the reduction performance and surface active sites of the catalyst, but also forms more oxygen defects and Ce3+ in the catalyst due to the strong synergistic effect of metal ions and ceria, which improves the surface oxygen concentration of the composite oxide catalyst and further improves the catalytic activity. In addition, the doping of copper ions on the surface of the 3DOM Cu‐CZ catalyst can improve the activity of the catalyst and it can get trapped by CO to form Cu+‐CO, which plays an important role in the NO+CO reaction at low temperature. The existence of oxygen vacancy at high temperature is beneficial to the activation of O2 and the dissociation of NO in the process of CO oxidation. The reaction of NO+CO over 3DOM Cu‐CZ catalyst follows L−H and E−R mechanism respectively.
Interface Engineering in CoP/CePO4 Derived from a Prussian Blue Analogue as a Highly Efficient Electrocatalyst for Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Wang Zi‐Hao , Niu Zan‐Yao , Meng Yu‐Lan , Wang Xiao‐Feng , Zhu Wenyu , Zhang Nan , Song Xue‐Zhi , Tan Zhenquan
Published: September 2021

In this work, engineering a heterostructural interface into a CoP/CePO4 hybrid has been achieved from a pre‐designed Co‐PBA/CePO4 precursor. The new CePO4 engaged interface can regulate the electronic structure of the active CoP as well as enhance the intrinsic activity. As a result, the porous CoP/CePO4 material shows a superior electrocatalytic performance toward hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) with a lower overpotential of 162 mV to reach a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and a low Tafel slope of 48.7 mV dec−1. This research could widen the way of engineering heterostructural interfaces with a facile method and promote the exploration of MOF‐derived heterostructural electrocatalysts.
Isocyanoethyl Methacrylate (IMA) as a Bifunctional Electrolyte Additive for LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2/Graphite Batteries with Enhanced Performance
Authors: Lu Jing , Li Shuai , Jiang Liqin , Yang Tianxiang , Fan Weizhen , Wang Wenlian , Zhao Xiaoyang , Zuo Xiaoxi , Nan Junmin
Published: September 2021

By now, as the promising high‐energy cathode materials of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), the high‐nickel LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811) still have technical problems such as poor electrode‐electrolyte interface stability and sensitivity to H2O and HF in the electrolyte to be solved. In this work, isocyanoethyl methacrylate (IMA) containing −N=C=O group is developed as a bifunctional electrolyte additive through the film‐forming, H2O removal, and HF reduction to modify the electrode‐electrolyte interfaces and improve the performance of NCM811/graphite LIBs. After 450 cycles under the normal voltage range of 2.75 to 4.20 V, the capacity retention of the battery with 0.5 wt.% IMA additive increases from 50.7 % to 78.0 % compared to the battery without the additive. And under the high voltage range of 2.75 to 4.40 V, the capacity retention of the battery with IMA increases from 62.8 % to 81.9 % after 150 cycles. It is demonstrated that the IMA additive as the H2O and HF scavenger of electrolyte also facilitate the electrochemical oxidation‐reduction reactions on two electrodes to form high‐quality interfacial films, which stabilizes the anode and cathode interfaces and subsequently improves the cycling performance of the batteries. These results show that the electrolyte with IMA additive has promising prospects in the application of high‐nickel NCM‐based LIBs and provide the idea to evaluate the organic molecules containing −N=C=O group as the functional electrolyte additives as well.
Use of Self‐Assembled Monolayers for the Sequential and Independent Immobilisation of Enzymes
Authors: Serleti Alessandro , Xiao Xinxin , Shortall Kim , Magner Edmond
Published: September 2021

The precise spatial control of the immobilisation of enzymes is necessary for the sequential localisation of an enzymatic cascade. In this contribution, the sequential immobilisation of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), formaldehyde dehydrogenase (FLDH) and formate dehydrogenase (FoDH) on self‐assembled monolayer modified electrodes has been demonstrated. A range of thiols were screened and optimal enzymatic activity was obtained with thiols bearing ‐OH, a positively charged heterocyclic aromatic ring and ‐COOH for the immobilisation of ADH, FLDH and FoDH, respectively. Scanning of the applied potential was utilised to separately modify individual electrodes with the appropriate thiol and enzyme to deliver a three‐enzyme system with catalytically active enzyme. Immobilised ADH, FLDH and FoDH retained 46, 32 and 76 % of initial activity, respectively, on storage in aqueous solution at 4 °C for a period of two weeks.
Stereoselective Direct N‐Trifluoropropenylation of Heterocycles with a Hypervalent Iodonium Reagent
Authors: Csenki János T. , Mészáros Ádám , Gonda Zsombor , Novák Zoltán
Published: September 2021

The availability and synthesis of fluorinated enamine derivatives such as N‐(3,3,3‐trifluoropropenyl)heterocycles are challenging, especially through direct functionalization of the heterocyclic scaffold. Herein, a stereoselective N‐trifluoropropenylation method based on the use of a bench‐stable trifluoropropenyl iodonium salt is described. This reagent enables the straightforward trifluoropropenylation of various N‐heterocycles under mild reaction conditions, providing trifluoromethyl enamine type moieties with high stereoselectivity and efficiency.
Pan‐cancer analysis reveals the oncogenic role of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐CoA synthase 1
Authors: Zhou Cheng , Wang Zhiqin , Cao Yueqing , Zhao Liang
Published: September 2021

Background

Emerging studies reveals that 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐CoA synthase 1 (HMGCS1) plays vital oncogenic roles in a broad spectrum of human cancers, but there is no pan‐cancer evidence on the relationship between HMGCS1 and various tumor types.

Aim

To explore the potential role of HMGCS1 across various tumor types based on big clinical data.

Methods

We conducted a pan‐cancer analysis across more than 30 tumor types, based on the most comprehensive database available, including TCGA, GSCA, clinical proteomic tumor analysis consortium, Kaplan–Meier Plotter dataset, GEPIA2, TIMER2, STRING, and GDSC dataset.

Results

HMGCS1 was highly expressed and negatively correlated with the prognosis in most cancer types. The infiltration levels of cancer associated fibroblast and CD8+ T‐cell were closely associated with HMGCS1 expression. Amplification was the most common genetic alteration of HMGCS1 in different cancers, while the frequency of mutation was low. Besides, ACAT2 and MVD were closely correlated and bind to HMGCS1. Pathway enrichment analysis indicated that HMGCS1 was actively involved in steroid biosynthesis. Moreover, high HMGCS1 expression could reduce the sensitivity to most drugs in the GDSC dataset.

Conclusions

Our study revealed the potential oncogenic role of HMGCS1 in cancers.
Stylized image resolution enhancement scheme based on an improved convolutional neural network in cyber‐physical systems
Authors: Liu Xiaozhu , Li Bang
Published: September 2021

Edge computing based on intelligent techniques provides powerful processing abilities in cyber‐physical systems (CPS), thereby enabling real‐time insights, and analyses for applications. To decrease network redundancy and improve the speed of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) when performing high‐resolution stylization in image style transfer tasks, a resolution enhancement scheme is proposed based on an improved CNN in CPS. A style transfer network (RESTN) model and a two‐stage neural network training method are presented. In the first stage, the resolution enhancement ability of RESTN is trained with high‐resolution and low‐resolution image pairs, and in the second stage, the style transfer ability of RESTN is supplemented. The parameters of the feature extraction phase are shared for learning different styles, and the octave convolution operation is adopted to reduce network redundancy. Experimental results show that compared with the traditional model‐based iterative method, the proposed RESTN model can conduct training three times faster and with half of the memory cost.
An “Onion‐like” Model of Protein Unfolding: Collective versus Site Specific Approaches
Authors: Politou Anastasia S. , Pastore Annalisa , Temussi Piero Andrea
Published: September 2021

Approximating protein unfolding by an all‐or‐none cooperative event is a convenient assumption that can provide precious global information on protein stability. It is however quickly emerging that the scenario is far more complex and that global denaturation curves often hide a rich heterogeneity of states that are largely probe dependent. In this review, we revisit the importance of gaining site‐specific information on the unfolding process. We focus on nuclear magnetic resonance, as this is the main technique able to provide site‐specific information. We review historical and most modern approaches that have allowed an appreciable advancement of the field of protein folding. We also demonstrate how unfolding is a reporter dependent event, suggesting the outmost importance of selecting the reporter carefully.
Spacer‐Dependent Cooperativity of Helicity in Fluorescent Bishelical Foldamers Based on L‐Shaped Dibenzopyrrolo[1,2‐a][1,8]naphthyridine
Authors: Matsumura Kotaro , Tateno Kotaro , Tsuchido Yoshitaka , Kawai Hidetoshi
Published: September 2021

For the construction of helical foldamers composed of π‐frameworks, the choice of appropriate π‐π stacking units and π‐spacers connecting them is important. The transfer of helicity between the minimal helix structural units is also an essential factor in the construction of homochiral helical foldamers. Tetramers 4 a–4 d, which have four L‐shaped dibenzopyrrolo[1,2‐a]naphthyridine units, were synthesized to investigate the interplay and cooperativity of the helical structures. Tetramer 4 a bridged with a biphenyl unit formed a homochiral bishelical structure with π–π stacking between the L‐shaped units (3.3 Å), consisting only of (P,P)‐ and (M,M)‐enantiomers without the (P,M)‐diastereomer, owing to interplay through the axial chirality of biphenyl unit in the solid state. Similarly, in solution, thermodynamic stabilization of the two helix formations worked cooperatively to favor the bishelical form of 4 a. Furthermore, bishelical foldamer 4 a emitted intense fluorescence (Φ=0.86).
From Spreader to Predator: Killing Weed Seeds with the Combine
Authors: Flessner Michael L. , Mirsky Steven B. , Schwartz‐Lazaro Lauren M. , Bagavathiannan Muthukumar V. , VanGessel Mark J. , Shergill Lovreet S. , Ackroyd Victoria J. , Rubione Claudio G.
Published: September 2021

Faced with the daunting task of herbicide resistance management, Australian farmers developed various systems to target weed seeds during crop harvest. These systems are collectively called harvest weed seed control (HWSC). Despite being relatively unheard of in the U.S., currently more than 80% of Australian farmers practice HWSC. This article provides an overview of the six HWSC systems and the research conducted to date in U.S. cropping systems. This article also includes information for implementing HWSC, what weeds to target, potential costs, and where to find equipment. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Integrated Pest Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at https://bit.ly/3jcbPTq. View all CEUs online at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.
Adoption of integrated reporting and changes to internal mechanisms in Japanese companies
Authors: Hosoda Masahiro
Published: September 2021

The increase in companies' use of integrated reporting (IR) has led to an increase in academic interest in IR. However, IR research from an internal corporate perspective is limited. This study investigates the approaches and internal mechanisms that early adopters use to implement IR. Further, the study examines whether IR drives organisational change at an early stage. A multiple case study was conducted. Data were collected through semi‐structured interviews and email exchanges with the managers responsible for IR in seven Japanese companies. Results showed that the long‐term perspective in Japanese companies might explain the application of IR without negative responses to its introduction, regardless of the approach used to adopt IR. As a first‐order change, the adoption of IR leads to incremental changes in the reporting contents and processes and linkage between financial and non‐financial measures in business strategy. The first‐order change could accelerate the promotion and practice of integrated thinking, thus leading to second‐order changes. However, awareness of integrated thinking needs to be raised not only in management but also in lower levels of the organisation. The use of IR within companies is one possible solution to this problem. This study contributes to new knowledge regarding sustainability and sustainability reporting by focusing on how the application of IR and integrated thinking can promote changes to internal mechanisms and organisational value towards the creation of long‐term value.
Local fluid shear stress operates a molecular switch to drive fetal semilunar valve extension
Authors: Pham Duc H. , Dai Charles R. , Lin Belle Y. , Butcher Jonathan T.
Published: September 2021

Background

While much is known about the genetic regulation of early valvular morphogenesis, mechanisms governing fetal valvular growth and remodeling remain unclear. Hemodynamic forces strongly influence morphogenesis, but it is unknown whether or how they interact with valvulogenic signaling programs. Side‐specific activity of valvulogenic programs motivates the hypothesis that shear stress pattern‐specific endocardial signaling controls the elongation of leaflets.

Results

We determined that extension of the semilunar valve occurs via fibrosa sided endocardial proliferation. Low OSS was necessary and sufficient to induce canonical Wnt/β‐catenin activation in fetal valve endothelium, which in turn drives BMP receptor/ligand expression, and pSmad1/5 activity essential for endocardial proliferation. In contrast, ventricularis endocardial cells expressed active Notch1 but minimal pSmad1/5. Endocardial monolayers exposed to LSS attenuate Wnt signaling in a Notch1 dependent manner.

Conclusions

Low OSS is transduced by endocardial cells into canonical Wnt signaling programs that regulate BMP signaling and endocardial proliferation. In contrast, high LSS induces Notch signaling in endocardial cells, inhibiting Wnt signaling and thereby restricting growth on the ventricular surface. Our results identify a novel mechanically regulated molecular switch, whereby fluid shear stress drives the growth of valve endothelium, orchestrating the extension of the valve in the direction of blood flow.
Positive impacts of livestock and wild ungulate routes on functioning of dryland ecosystems
Authors: Stavi Ilan , Yizhaq Hezi , Osem Yagil , Argaman Eli
Published: September 2021

Livestock grazing is often perceived as being detrimental to the quality and functioning of dryland ecosystems. For example, a study in a semiarid Kenyan savanna proposed that cattle form bare spaces throughout the landscape, which indicate ecosystem degradation. Other studies, conducted in north‐eastern Spain, where climatic conditions range between semiarid and Mediterranean subhumid, reported that sheep and goat trails have increased the emergence of rill erosion processes. Sometimes, this negative perception is extended to include wild, large ungulate herbivores as well. Here, we challenge this perception by highlighting the generally nonadverse and even ameliorative impacts of moderate animal rate on geoecosystem functioning of hilly drylands. Specifically, trampling routes (also known as treading paths, livestock terracettes, cattle trails, migration tracks, cowtours, etc.) formed across hillslopes by grazing animals—being either domesticated livestock or native large herbivores—transform the original two‐phase vegetation mosaic of shrubby patches and interpatch spaces into a three‐phase mosaic. The animal routes increase the complexity of ecosystem, by strengthening the spatial redistribution of water and soil resources at the patch scale and decreasing hydrological connectivity at the hillslope scale. As a consequence, the animal routes improve functioning of hilly drylands and increase their resilience to long‐term droughts and climatic change. Therefore, instead of viewing the animal routes as degraded spots, they should be perceived at a wider perspective that allows to properly understand their overall role in sustaining dryland geoecosystems.
Deciphering the rarity–detectability continuum: optimizing survey design for terrestrial mammalian community
Authors: Chatterjee Nilanjan , Schuttler Stephanie G. , Nigam Parag , Habib Bilal
Published: September 2021

Wildlife monitoring is of fundamental importance to establish baseline information, measure population changes, and extinction risk. Motion‐triggered camera traps are an increasingly popular tool for monitoring terrestrial species over large landscapes. Over the years, occupancy has become a robust and unbiased state variable to monitor species worldwide. However, the optimal sampling design required for robust estimations of occupancy is lacking for many species. Here, we estimated the optimum sampling design by varying the number of sites (50–400) and sampling days (10–25) for a range of mammal species using camera‐trap survey data from central India. We used power analysis and mean‐squared error and evaluated the hypothesis of how various species‐specific traits influence occupancy and detectability of the species. We found that mean‐squared error changed significantly with the number of sampling sites for rare species, whereas for species with moderate and high detection probability, the mean‐squared error changed significantly with the number of sampling occasions. Power increased with an increase in the number of sampling sites and occasions for all species, although the change was not significant for species with higher occupancies or detection probabilities. We found that body size was positively related to occupancy but did not influence detection probability significantly. No relationship was detected with social status or diet on occupancy or detection probability. Our results suggest a minimum of 50 sites for 15–20 d for common species and 100 sites for 20–30 d for rare, elusive species. Our results provide guidelines to managers and practitioners for effective allocation of cost and sampling effort for a wide variety of terrestrial mammals in camera‐trap surveys.
A Catalytic Copper/Cobalt Oxide Interface for Efficient Hydrogen Generation
Authors: Xu Wenjing , Zhang Sheli , Shen Ruofan , Peng Zhikun , Liu Baozhong , Li Jun , Zhang Zhanying , Li Baojun
Published: September 2021

Metal nanoparticles and metal oxides promisingly provide different catalytic active sites at their interfaces. Constructing high‐density interfaces is essential to maximize synergies. Herein, a Cu–Co3O4 nanoparticles interfacial structure produced via pyrolysis and moderate oxidation from metal‐organic frameworks has been designed to boost the intrinsic activity. The Cu–Co3O4 nanoparticles composites exhibit a turnover frequency of 57.5 min−1 for ammonia borane hydrolysis, far higher than those of monometallic Cu and Co3O4 nanoparticles, showing the synergistic effect of Cu and Co3O4 nanoparticles at their interface. Density functional theory calculations and in situ Raman spectroscopy reveal the catalytic mechanism of dual active sites, in which Co3O4 nanoparticles at Cu–Co3O4 interface efficiently bind and activate water molecules and Cu nanoparticles easily activate NH3BH3 molecules. This study opens up a new pathway for achieving high‐efficiency noble metal‐free catalysts for hydrogen generation and other heterogeneous catalysis.
Laminar Composite Solid Electrolyte with Poly(Ethylene Oxide)‐Threaded Metal‐Organic Framework Nanosheets for High‐Performance All‐Solid‐State Lithium Battery
Authors: Peng Na , Kou Weijie , Wu Wenjia , Guo Shiyuan , Wang Yan , Wang Jingtao
Published: September 2021

Developing laminar composite solid electrolyte with ultrathin thickness and continuous conduction channels in vertical direction holds great promise for all‐solid‐state lithium batteries. Herein, a thin, laminar solid electrolyte is synthesized by filtrating –NH2 functionalized metal‐organic framework nanosheets and then being threaded with poly(ethylene oxide) chains induced by the hydrogen‐bonding interaction from –NH2 groups. It is demonstrated that the threaded poly(ethylene oxide) chains lock the adjacent metal‐organic framework nanosheets, giving highly enhanced structural stability (Young’s modulus, 1.3 GPa) to 7.5‐μm‐thick laminar composite solid electrolyte. Importantly, these poly(ethylene oxide) chains with stretching structure serve as continuous conduction pathways along the chains in pores. It makes the non‐conduction laminar metal‐organic framework electrolyte highly conductive: 3.97 × 10−5 S cm−1 at 25 °C, which is even over 25 times higher than that of pure poly(ethylene oxide) electrolyte. The assembled lithium cell, thus, acquires superior cycling stability, initial discharge capacity (148 mAh g−1 at 0.5 C and 60 °C), and retention (94% after 150 cycles). Besides, the pore size of nanosheet is tailored (24.5–40.9 Å) to evaluate the mechanisms of chain conformation and ion transport in confined space. It shows that the confined pore only with proper size could facilitate the stretching of poly(ethylene oxide) chains, and meanwhile inhibit their disorder degree. Specifically, the pore size of 33.8 Å shows optimized confinement effect with trans‐poly(ethylene oxide) and cis‐poly(ethylene oxide) conformation, which offers great significance in ion conduction. Our design of poly(ethylene oxide)‐threaded architecture provides a platform and paves a way to the rational design of next‐generation high‐performance porous electrolytes.
Effect of Surfactants on the Thermoelectric Performance of Double‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Saadi Zakaria , King Simon G. , Anguita José V. , Stolojan Vlad , Silva S. Ravi P.
Published: September 2021

Thermoelectrics are a promising solution to the recovery of some of the 60% of the worldwide energy wasted as heat. However, their conversion efficiency is low and the best performing materials are brittle, toxic, and made of expensive ceramics. The challenge in developing better performing materials is in disrupting the electrical vs thermal conductivity correlation, to achieve low thermal conductivity simultaneously with a high electrical conductivity. Carbon nanotubes allow for the decoupling of the electronic density of states from the phonon density of states and this paper shows that flexible, thin films of double‐walled carbon nanotube (DWCNT) can form effective n‐ and p‐doped semiconductors that can achieve a combined Seebeck coefficient of 157.6 µV K−1, the highest reported for a single DWCNT device to date. This is achieved through selected surfactant doping, whose role is correlated with the length of the hydrocarbon chain of the hydrophobic tail group of the surfactant’s molecules. CNTs functionalized with Triton X‐405 show the highest output power consisting of a single junction of p‐ and n‐type thermoelectric elements, reaching as high as 67 nW for a 45 K temperature gradient. Thus enabling flexible, cheaper, and more efficient thermoelectric generators through the use of functionalized CNTs.
Design of a multifaceted strategy based on automated text messaging in patients with recent heart failure admission
Authors: Rohde Luis E. , Hoffmann Filho Conrado R. , Rover Marciane M. , Rabelo‐Silva Eneida Rejane , Lopez Letícia , Passos Luiz C.S. , Silvestre Odilson M. , Martins Silvia M. , de Figueiredo Neto José A. , Silveira Fábio S. , Canesin Manoel F. , Simões Marcus V. , Akio Nishijuka Fábio , Bertoldi Eduardo G. , Danzmann Luiz C. , Mourilhe‐Rocha Ricardo , Magedanz Ellen Hettwer , Esteves Mauro , de Castilho Fábio M. , Fernandes‐Silva Miguel M. , Ritt Luiz E.F. , Blacher Mariana , Soares Rafael M. , Cavalcanti Alexandre B. , Ramirez Felix
Published: September 2021

Aims

To evaluate a telemonitoring strategy based on automated text messaging and telephone support after heart failure (HF) hospitalization.

Methods and results

The MESSAGE‐HF study is a prospective multicentre, randomized, nationwide trial enrolling patients from 30 clinics in all regions of Brazil. HF patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (<40%) and access to mobile phones are eligible after an acute decompensated HF hospitalization. Patients meeting eligibility criteria undergo an initial feasibility text messaging assessment and are randomized to usual care or telemonitoring intervention. All patients receive a HF booklet with basic information and recommendations about self‐care. Patients in the intervention group receive four daily short text messages (educational and feedback) during the first 30 days of the protocol to optimize self‐care; the feedback text messages from patients could trigger diuretic adjustments or a telephone call from the healthcare team. After 30 days, the frequency of text messages can be adjusted. Patients are followed up after 30, 90, and 180 days, with final status ascertained at 365 days by telephone. Our primary endpoint is the change in N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) levels after 180 days. Secondary endpoints include changes in NT‐proBNP after 30 days; health‐related quality of life, HF self‐care, and knowledge scales after 30 and 180 days; and a composite outcome of HF hospitalization and cardiovascular death, adjudicated by a blinded and independent committee.

Conclusions

The MESSAGE‐HF trial is evaluating an educational and self‐care promotion strategy involving a simple, intensive, and tailored telemonitoring system. If proven effective, it could be applied to a broader population worldwide.
Diamond–Forrester classification using echocardiography haemodynamic assessment in cardiac intensive care unit patients
Authors: Kim Kyung‐Hee , Jentzer Jacob C. , Wiley Brandon M. , Miranda William R. , Bennett Courtney , Barsness Gregory W. , Oh Jae K.
Published: September 2021

Aims

We sought to determine whether the Diamond–Forrester classification using non‐invasive haemodynamic measurements by 2‐D and Doppler echocardiography would predict hospital mortality in cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) patients.

Methods and results

We retrospectively analysed unique patients admitted to the CICU at Mayo Clinic Rochester from 2007 to 2018. Doppler‐derived cardiac index (CI) and ratio of mitral valve E velocity to medial mitral annulus e′ velocity (E/e′ ratio) were used to classify patients into four profiles: Profile I (warm/dry), Profile II (warm/wet), Profile III (cold/dry), and Profile IV (cold/wet). Logistic regression was used to determine predictors of hospital mortality, and Cox proportional‐hazards analysis was used to determine predictors of mortality during one year of follow‐up. We included 4563 patients with a mean age of 68.3 ± 14.3 years, including 36.2% female patients. The distribution of each profile was as follows: I, 47.4%; II, 36.2%; III, 7.9%; IV, 8.5%. A total of 5.8% patients died during hospitalization, and 18.1% died by 1 year. Patients with either low CI or elevated E/e′ ratio had higher in‐hospital and 1 year mortality. Patients with elevated E/e′ ratio (i.e. Profiles II and IV) had an increased risk of death during hospitalization and at 1 year after multivariate adjustment (adjusted hazard ratio 1.72 and 2.17 for 1 year mortality, respectively, compared with Profile I, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Simple Doppler echocardiographic assessment can be used to identify haemodynamic profiles defined by the Diamond–Forester classification in patients admitted in CICU. These profiles predict outcomes and may be used to guide therapy in critically ill patients.
Effects of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in EMPHASIS‐HF and RALES
Authors: Yeoh Su E. , Dewan Pooja , Serenelli Matteo , Ferreira João Pedro , Pitt Bertram , Swedberg Karl , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Zannad Faiez , Jhund Pardeep S. , McMurray John J.V.
Published: September 2021

Aims

Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) individually cause significant morbidity and mortality. Their coexistence is associated with even worse outcomes, partly due to suboptimal heart failure therapy, especially underutilisation of beta‐blockers. Our aim was to investigate outcomes in HFrEF patients with and without COPD, and the effects of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) on outcomes.

Methods and results

We studied the effect of MRA therapy in a post‐hoc pooled analysis of 4397 HFrEF patients in the RALES and EMPHASIS‐HF trials. The primary endpoint was the composite of heart failure hospitalisation or cardiovascular death. A total of 625 (14.2%) of the 4397 patients had COPD. Patients with COPD were older, more often male, and smokers, but less frequently treated with a beta‐blocker. In patients with COPD, event rates (per 100 person‐years) for the primary endpoint and for all‐cause mortality were 25.2 (95% confidence interval 22.1–28.7) and 17.2 (14.9–19.9), respectively, compared with 19.9 (18.8–21.1) and 12.8 (12.0–13.7) in participants without COPD. The risks of all‐cause hospitalisation and sudden death were also higher in patients with COPD. The benefit of MRA, compared with placebo, was consistent in patients with or without COPD for all outcomes, e.g. hazard ratio for the primary outcome 0.66 (0.50–0.85) for COPD and 0.65 (0.58–0.73) for no COPD (interaction p = 0.93). MRA‐induced hyperkalaemia was less frequent in patients with COPD.

Conclusions

In RALES and EMPHASIS‐HF, one‐in‐seven patients with HFrEF had coexisting COPD. HFrEF patients with COPD had worse outcomes than those without. The benefits of MRAs were consistent, regardless of COPD status.
Transition‐Metal‐Free Intermolecular Chlorodifluoromethylthiolation of Alkenes and Alkynes
Authors: Yuan Wan‐Qiang , Guo Li‐Yun , Liu Yu‐Tao , Li Qing , Shi Jie , Pan Fei
Published: September 2021

A general and convenient method for the direct transition‐metal‐free intermolecular chlorodifluoromethylthiolation of a variety of unactivated alkenes and alkynes has been described. This methodology exhibits good functional group tolerance and is operationally simple. Mechanistic studies indicated an electrophilic substitution mechanism, and the strong electrophilic difluoromethylthiolating reagent HCF2SCl was generated in situ under standard reaction conditions. The developed protocol fulfils the requirements of sustainable and green chemistry.
Micelle‐Mediated Trimerization of Ynals to Orthogonally Substituted 4H‐Pyrans in Water: Downstream Rearrangement to Bioactive 2,8‐dioxabicyclo[3.3.1]nona‐3,6‐diene Frameworks
Authors: Rashid Showkat , Bhat Bilal A. , Mehta Goverdhan
Published: September 2021

An efficient trimerization of ynals to diversely substituted 4H‐pyran constructs has been executed in water, under ambient conditions employing micellar catalysis. The method is in agreement with the ideas of green and sustainable chemistry. The locus of the micellar reaction site has been probed through proton NMR studies. A general acid‐mediated downstream rearrangement of the derived 4H‐pyrans to interesting 2,8‐dioxabicyclo[3.3.1]nona‐3,6‐dienes has been observed.
S‐Adenosyl‐L‐Homocysteine Hydrolase Immobilized on Citric Acid‐capped Gallium Oxyhydroxide on SWCNTs Modified Electrode for AdoHcy Impedimetric Sensing
Authors: Knežević Sara , Ognjanović Miloš , Gavrović Jankulović Marija , Đurašinović Tatjana , Antić Bratislav , Djurić Sanja Vranješ , Stanković Dalibor M.
Published: September 2021

S‐Adenosyl‐L‐Homocysteine (AdoHcy) is a crucial pathological factor in homocysteine‐associated disorders. We developed an impedimetric approach for single drop S‐Adenosyl‐L‐Homocysteine detection, based on S‐Adenosyl‐L‐Homocysteine hydrolase (SAH), produced in the prokaryotic expression system (E. coli) by recombinant DNA technology, immobilized on citrate acid‐coated gallium oxyhydroxide dispersed over single‐walled carbon nanotubes (CA/GaO(OH)@SWCNT). The proposed biosensor offers detection of AdoHcy, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.17 μM. with operating linear range from 1 to 44 μM. The remarkable stability of gallium oxyhydroxide crystal was further improved by citric acid coating and its optical, electrical and physical anisotropy was skipped using SWCNTs.
Analysis of the Thermal Management of a High‐Temperature Methanol Fuel Cell Using a Latent Heat Storage
Authors: Deinert Lisa , Komogowski Lars , Daschner Robert , Hornung Andreas
Published: September 2021

Waste heat from industrial applications offers a high but mostly unused potential due to the time differences between its generation and possible consumption. By using waste heat, the energy efficiency can be increased and therefore, the overall costs and emissions can be reduced. This work shows the feasibility of increasing the energy efficiency of a high‐temperature methanol fuel cell using a latent heat storage with the help of full‐scale experiments. The fuel cell needs to be preheated for start up to reach its operation temperature. During operation, heat is generated at a temperature of 433 K and the system needs to be air‐cooled to maintain its temperature. Instead of cooling the fuel cell with air and losing the heat to the environment, the waste heat is now stored in a latent heat storage to later be used for preheating the fuel cell. Different experiments are conducted to find the optimum operation point of the latent heat storage in combination with the fuel cell. The aging and the cycling stability of high density polyethylene, which is used as phase change material in the latent heat storage, is monitored as well as the mechanical stability of the system.
Associations of diarrhea episodes and seeking medical treatment among children under five years: Insights from the Zimbabwe Demographic Health Survey (2015–2016)
Authors: Musuka Godfrey , Dzinamarira Tafadzwa , Murewanhema Grant , Cuadros Diego , Chingombe Innocent , Herrera Helena , Takavarasha Felicia , Mapingure Munyaradzi
Published: September 2021

Diarrhea is a significant pediatric public health concern globally and places a significant burden on healthcare systems. In resource‐limited settings, the problems of diarrhea could be worse than reported. Continuously monitoring and understanding the changing epidemiology of diarrhea, including risk factors, remain an important aspect necessary to design effective public health interventions to reduce the incidence, outcomes and strain on healthcare resources caused by diarrheal illness. We, therefore, undertook this study to understand the factors associated with diarrhea as well as describe determinants for seeking medical treatment in children under‐five in Zimbabwe using the Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey 2015–2016 Data. Children with recent diarrhea were on average younger (mean age 22 months), compared to those who did not have an episode of diarrhea (mean age 30 months) p = .001. Incidence of recent diarrhea was lower among female children compared to their male counterparts (16% vs. 19%), p = .013. Incidence of diarrhea decreased with increasing maternal education level and so was the same for increasing wealth quintile. Those with unimproved sources of drinking water had a higher incidence of diarrhea. The wealth quintile remained the only factor associated with seeking medical attention for a recent diarrhea episode among children less than 6 years, with those in the highest wealth quintile being 2.49 times likely to do so, p = .031. The results are useful in informing pediatric public health policies and strategies for them to be successful in significantly reducing the incidence, morbidity, mortality and significant healthcare costs and burden to society associated with caring for children with diarrheal illnesses.
Comparing the family characteristics, professional profile, and personality traits of COVID‐19 volunteer and nonvolunteer frontline healthcare workers at the epicenter in Nigeria
Authors: Olagundoye Olawunmi , Adewole Oluremi , Onafeso Esther Tolulope , Akinwumi Omobolanle , Amosun Folasade , Popoola Olalekan
Published: September 2021

Background

Emergency volunteering becomes a necessity in the face of unprecedented disasters like the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. There is a paucity of empirical data on volunteerism not imported from the developed countries. It became necessary to evaluate the local‐bred volunteerism with its peculiarity, as it emerged within the public health sector of Nigeria's COVID‐19 epicenter.

Objectives

To compare the family characteristics, professional profiles, and personality traits of volunteer and nonvolunteer COVID‐19 frontline healthcare workers (HCWs). To determine the significant predictors of volunteering as well as the deterrents to and motivation for volunteering.

Method

A comparative cross‐sectional study was conducted between May and August 2020 among COVID‐19 volunteer and nonvolunteer HCWs serving at the six dedicated COVID‐19 isolation/treatment centers and the 27 general hospitals, respectively. Using a stratified sampling technique, three professional categories of HCWs (doctors, nurses, and medical laboratory scientists) were randomly selected from the nonvolunteers while total enumeration of volunteers was done. The survey employed pilot‐tested self‐administered questionnaires. The univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were carried out with IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. The level of statistical significance was determined by a P‐value of <.05.

Results

A total of 244 volunteers and 736 nonvolunteers HCWs participated in this survey. Sex, ethnicity, professional level, income level, number of years of practice, and traits of agreeableness and conscientiousness were significantly different between volunteers and nonvolunteers (P < .05). Inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE), lack of insurance, and inadequate hazard allowance deterred nonvolunteers. After regression analysis, the significant predictors of volunteerism included sex (odds ratio [OR] = 2.644; confidence interval [CI]: 1.725‐4.051), ethnicity (OR = 2.557; CI: 1.551‐4.214), and professional level (matrons: OR = 0.417; CI: 0.254‐0.684, consultants: OR = 0.171; CI: 0.038‐0.757).

Conclusion

HRH crisis in the face of high‐danger situations such as the COVID‐19 pandemic makes it urgent for health policymakers to address the identified barriers to volunteerism in order to optimize the health outcomes of the population.