bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seroprevalence and Molecular Detection of Rift Valley Fever in Sheep, Gezira state, Sudan (2017-2019)
Authors: M. Elhaj Asia , D. Abakar Adam , A. Mohamedani Ahmed , A. Ahmed Elamin , M. A. Elhassan Tamador
Published: October 2021

Aims: Livestock is the largest subsector of the Sudanese domestic economy and is a growing contributor to exports. Rift Valley fever (RVF) is an economically important arthropod-borne virus disease in Africa, primarily affecting sheep, goats, and cattle. RVF causes paramount loss in sheep industry in Sudan. The objective of this study was to detect RVF in sheep.

Methodology: Five hundred and fifty-six sheep blood Serum from inoculated animals was collected from six study areas in the Gezira (Sudan)was evaluated for the presence of neutralizing antibodies using the diagnostic kit (ID. Vet.) for detecting antibodies directly against the RVFV nucleoprotein (NP) in serum and Reverse transcription (RT)-Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) protocol was used as standard test to diagnose and confirm RVFV among studied animals.

Results: The ELISA test indicated that the highest Seroprevalence was found at Shikaira (38%), while samples from Albasabeir, Wad alnaem and Umalqura tested positive for antibodies against RVFV by 15%, 10% and 9% respectively. The lowest Seroprevalence found at Wad anor and Shabona (5% and 2%). The overall seroprevalence was 14.2% in the study sites, there is no significant difference among the six study sites with respect to seroprevalence. The Rt-PCR provided more sensitive and specific detection of RVFV in serum samples (sensitivity= 95% specificity = 80%).

Conclusion: The results from this study showed the presence of anti-RVFV antibodies in all   study sites, suggesting that RVFV is actively circulating among sheep in Gezira state. The high seroprevalence of RVFV infection in Gezira state indicates its endemicity. Test validation using ROC analysis was able to distinguished between ELISA (actual class) and the PCR (predicted class) and the AUC = 0.79 which indicate that the PCR is gold standard test. Thus Rt-PCR used in the present study is reliable to detect precisely the M segment of RVFV and it is valuable for Wide area survey, among both sheep and Aedes spp. Targeting the prevailing genotypes of RVF-M segment, especially at high-risk areas and as a confirmatory test that should be considered by reference laboratories in the region.
Efficacy of Hysteroscopy in the Diagnosis if Chronic Endometritis in Infertile Females
Authors: Mousbah Nancy Diab , Omar Mona Khalid , Shoeir Hassan Tahsin , Abou Freikha Ahmed Hussien
Published: October 2021

Background: Chronic endometritis (CE) is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by the presence of plasma cells in endometrial stroma. CE is a subtle disease, often overlooked by clinicians due to poor symptomatology, such as uterine bleeding, pelvic discomfort, dyspareunia, and leucorrhoea.

Methods: This cohort prospective study was conducted at Tanta University hospitals aiming to evaluate the efficacy of hysteroscopy in the diagnosis of chronic endometritis in infertile females. We included a total of 80 infertile females who were subjected to complete history taking, general examination, and complete gynaecological investigations. Routine laboratory parameters were also performed. In addition, hysteroscopic examination was performed for all cases with endometrial biopsy.

Results: Our results showed that the mean age of the included cases was 26.6 years (range, 20 – 36), the mean BMI of the included cases was 30.51 kg/m2, Hysteroscopic examination revealed endometrial hyperemia (85.4%), stromal edema (52.1%), and endometrial polyps (43.75%), Hysteroscopic diagnosis of chronic endometritis was established in 48 cases (60%). Nevertheless, pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis only in 33 cases (41.25%), Hysteroscopy had sensitivity and specificity of 81.89 and 55.3% respectively, with an accuracy of 66.25% in detecting chronic endometritis, Agreement between hysteroscopic and pathological had kappa factor of 0.325 (p = 0.004), On immunohistochemical analysis of chronic endometritis specimens, CD138 was positive in 31out of 33 cases (93.93%).

Conclusions: Office hysteroscopy is a reliable examination for investigating chronic endometritis. It could be useful for screening asymptomatic infertile patients. The chronic endometritis is a hidden condition that is difficult to detect with non-invasive examination, we suggest that hysteroscopy should be always performed in the diagnostic work-up of women with unexplained infertility, especially before starting assisted reproduction procedures. Also, endoscopic samples should be obtained during hysteroscopy to increase the diagnostic accuracy.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Eating Disorder Risks and Symptoms in the General Population: A Systematic Review
Authors: Urhi Alexsandra , Akinbode Oluwafemi , Olatunde Hafiz , V. Olateju Iyanu , Fasina Feyikemi , Ogwu Dolly , Uzzi Consolata , Yoade Bolaji , O. Anugwom Gibson , Olowere Mary , O. Owolabi Matthew , F. Oladunjoye Adeolu
Published: October 2021

Aims: This study aims to identify the risk factors of eating disorders, evaluate the impact of the pandemic on those with or without pre-existing eating disorders and compare the impact of COVID-19 on the various eating disorders.

Methodology: We searched Public/Publisher MEDLINE (PubMed) and Excerpta Medica dataBASE (EMBASE) databases from January 2019 to May 2021, 11 observational studies were selected out of 81 initially identified articles. The sample size ranged from 15 to 22,374 participants, with a total of 31,404 participants.

Results: Individuals, especially females aged 18-25 years and 30-45 years were shown to be more susceptible to eating disorder risks and symptoms.  Depression and anxiety were shown to be the most prevalent risk factors among all subjects. Exacerbation of symptoms was observed in subjects with the eating disorders except for the anorexia nervosa subgroup which showed minimal changes.

Conclusion: This study established the fact that COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the eating habits of people with or without pre-existing eating disorders (ED). This study also highlights the need for efforts to specifically identify evidence-based measures to support patients with ED during and after a pandemic.
Macro and Micro Nutrients Status in Soil under Application of Vermicompost, Zn and Fe Fertilizers in Maize Crop
Authors: Prasad Pandey Hanuman , Sachan A. K. , Sachan A. K. , Pathak R. K. , Tiwari U. S. , Pandey S. B. , Sharma Sanjeev
Published: October 2021

A field experiment was conducted at Student’s instructional farm, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh during the kharif season 2019 and 2020. “Macro and micro nutrients status in soil under application of vermicompost, Zn and Fe fertilizers in Maize crop.” Two levels of organic manure and four levels each zinc and iron was evaluated under factorial randomized block design with three replications. All the nutrients were applied to maize crop in both seasons and their direct residual response was ascertained to soil were findout. Results indicated that the available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium status in soil was highly improved with the application of 2.5 tonne vermicompost + 7.5 Kg Zn + 15 Kg Fe ha-1 over all the treatments. The treatment combination M1Zn3Fe3 (2.5 tonne vermicompost + 7.5 Kg Zn + 15 Kg Fe) gave the best result in terms of available nitrogen (221.60 & 220 Kg ha-1), available phosphorus (15.50 & 15.70 Kg ha-1), available potassium (145.15 & 145.24 Kg ha-1), available zinc (0.578 & 0.588 ppm) and available iron (4.30 & 4.36 ppm) across the seasons.
Causes and Management of Lower Gastro-Intestinal Bleeding
Authors: Hussein Mohammed Salah , Alshagawi Ziyad Abdullah , Fateel Noor Abdulhakim M. Al , Alashhab Hossam Mohammed , Mosleh Alenzi Meshari , Almutawa Osamah Abdulmonem , Alshahrani Abdulrahman Oun , Alahmadi Mohammed Faisal G. , Alzahrani Saleh Kamal , Khorami Wed Mohammed , Al-Wagdani Naif Mohammed , Bokhari Abdalrhman Nbil , Aljadrawi Wafa Faisal W.
Published: October 2021

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding from the colon is a communal reason for hospitalization and is being more frequent in older patients. Gastrointestinal bleeding is known as any bleeding that takes place in the GIT from mouth to anus. Lower GI bleeding is defined as bleeding distal to the ligament of Treitz. Lower GI bleed is typically presented as hematochezia which is the passing of bright red blood clots or burgundy stools through the rectum. The causes of lower GI bleeding are changing over the past several decades from diverticulosis (which is the protrusion of the colon wall at the site of penetrating vessels), infectious colitis, ischemic colitis, angiodysplasia, inflammatory bowel disease, colon cancer, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, rectal varices, dieulafoy lesion, radiation-induced damage following cancer treatment to post-surgical. Management of lower GI bleeding is done through assessing the severity of symptoms and the condition of the overall case.
Dynamic Reconstruction for Facial Nerve Paralysis
Authors: Zahiry Hayat AL , Alomari Futoon Jomman Ali , Alharbi Abdullah Mohammed , Almanea Mohannad Mohammad , Almasri Nehal Fahad , Sanguf Mohammed Ahmed , Al-Qarross Ahmed Hakeem , Alanazi Ahmed Abdulaziz , Alanazi Ali Sami , Hakami Elham Ahmed H. , Alkathery Mohammed Sulaiman
Published: October 2021

Dynamic and static reconstruction procedures are employed for facial reanimation in patients suffering from facial nerve paralysis. Denervation and paralysis of the facial nerves causes considerable psychological and functional damage. Facial paralysis can affect facial expressiveness, communication, smile symmetry, eye protection, and speech competence. Due to their presumed poor prognosis, patients requiring facial nerve repair in a head and neck cancer practice are historically the least likely to receive a nerve graft. Dynamic reconstruction, on the other hand, is the gold standard in neurotology since patients are unlikely to die from their underlying condition. Even with malignant pathology, extended preoperative palsy, proximal nerve injury location, radiation, or long graft length, the current series supports the use of dynamic reconstruction. Dynamic facial reconstruction should be preformed in most cases unless there’s health risk of the method.
Study on Antibiotic Prescribing Pattern in the In-Patient Surgery Department of Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital Using WHO Indicator
Authors: Naagar Mamta , Gangwar Aishwarya , Patel Akhilesh
Published: October 2021

Aims: The evaluation of antibiotic agents conveyed is critical for guaranteeing that the quality and fittingness of therapy. The study's purpose was to assess the use of antibiotics on the basis of WHO indicator in surgery department.

Study Design: A prospective observational study was carried out in the surgery inpatient department for a period of six months after the approval of the ethical committee in tertiary care hospital.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Surgery, National Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital Jaipur, Rajasthan, between Feb 2019 and July 2019.

Methodology: The information was gathered in a predesigned performa from the clinical case sheets, drug charts of patients.  Descriptive statistics were applied to the gathered information and dissected utilizing Microsoft Excel programming.

Results: A total of 190 prescriptions were collected of which 995 drugs were prescribed. The total number of antibiotics in prescription was found to be 263. The percentage of antibiotics was found to be 88.42% which was found to be higher on comparing with the WHO marker. Various class of antibiotics was prescribed in which cephalosporin with a total of 120 (45.62%) followed by penicillin 33 (12.54%), macrolide 1 (0.38%) fluoroquinolones 23 (8.75%), nitroimidazole 39 (14.82%), aminoglycoside 38 (14.44%) and other classes 9 (3.45%).

Conclusion: The adequacy of anti-microbial is undermined by the worldwide ascent in bacterial resistance and antimicrobial resistance is currently perceived as a significant medical issue. The study shows that the pattern of antibiotics was found to diverge from the WHO recommendation and also practice was lacking in terms of selection of antibiotics as there was no culture sensitivity test was performed. There gives off an impression of being an urgent requirement for the improvement of recommending rules with regards to the use of antibiotic agents.
Aggressive script rehearsal in adult offenders: Relationships with emotion regulation difficulties and aggressive behavior
Authors: Hosie Julia , Dunne Ashley Lauren , Meyer Denny , Daffern Michael
Published: October 2021

This study explored relationships between self‐reported emotion regulation difficulties, frequency of aggressive script rehearsal and aggressive behavior in 129 adult male inmates. Significant moderate positive correlations were found between the frequency of aggressive script rehearsal and (1) emotion regulation difficulties overall, as well as the following dimensions, (2) difficulties controlling impulses when experiencing negative emotions, and (3) confidence in the effectiveness of emotion regulation strategies. Significant weak positive correlations were found between the frequency of aggressive script rehearsal and two emotion regulation difficulty dimensions, (1) a lack of understanding of emotional responses, and (2) difficulties in dealing with goal directed behavior when experiencing uncomfortable emotions. No significant correlations were found between aggressive behavior and emotion regulation difficulties, except for a weak positive correlation between aggressive behavior and difficulties controlling impulses when experiencing negative emotions. Multivariate analyses were used to assess whether the frequency of aggressive script rehearsal moderated the effect of emotion regulation difficulties on aggressive behaviour. Significant improvement in the prediction of aggression resulted from consideration of the interaction between (1) aggressive script rehearsal and difficulties in emotional clarity, and (2) aggressive script rehearsal and awareness of emotional experience, even after accounting for the influence of age and attitudes toward violence. In conclusion, the results suggest that the rehearsal of aggressive scripts may function to regulate emotion, particularly amongst people who are inattentive to their emotions or who have difficulty understanding their emotional experiences.
With new book and TV deal announced, activist laments Purdue settlement
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: October 2021

Most observers would guess that a week featuring the release of a page‐turning account of a major event coupled with news of a TV rights deal for the book would leave the author on cloud nine. But speaking with Unsettled author Ryan Hampton gives the impression that the past months have taken a heavy toll on the recovery advocate whose latest book chronicles the Purdue Pharma bankruptcy proceeding.
APA calls for funding for SUDs in Build Back Better Act
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: October 2021

In an Oct. 7 letter to Congress, Saul Levin, M.D., CEO of the American Psychiatric Association (APA), called for funding for substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health (MH) treatment in the final reconciliation package, the Build Back Better Act.
Low‐Coordinated CoNC on Oxygenated Graphene for Efficient Electrocatalytic H2O2 Production
Authors: Gong Haisheng , Wei Zengxi , Gong Zhichao , Liu Jingjing , Ye Gonglan , Yan Minmin , Dong Juncai , Allen Christopher , Liu Jianbin , Huang Kang , Liu Rui , He Guanchao , Zhao Shuangliang , Fei Huilong
Published: October 2021

Electrochemical H2O2 production through the 2‐electron oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is a promising alternative to the energy‐intensive anthraquinone process. Herein, by simultaneously regulating the coordination number of the atomically dispersed cobalt sites and the nearby oxygen functional groups via a one‐step microwave thermal shock, a highly selective and active CoNC electrocatalyst for H2O2 electrosynthesis that exhibits a high H2O2 selectivity (91.3%), outstanding mass activity (44.4 A g−1 at 0.65 V), and large kinetic current density (11.3 mA cm−2 at 0.65 V) in 0.1 m KOH is obtained. In strong contrast to the typical CoN4 moieties for the 4‐electron ORR, the present CoNC catalyst possesses a low‐coordinated CoN2 configuration and abundant epoxide groups, which work in synergy for promoting the 2‐electron ORR, as demonstrated by a series of control experiments and theoretical simulations. This study may provide an effective avenue to modulating the composition and structure of electrocatalysts at the atomic scale, leading to the development of new electrocatalysts with unprecedented reactivity.
A Fast Proton‐Induced Pseudocapacitive Supercapacitor with High Energy and Power Density
Authors: Xu Tiezhu , Li Zhiwei , Wang Di , Zhang Miaoran , Ai Liufeng , Chen Ziyang , Zhang Jinhui , Zhang Xiaogang , Shen Laifa
Published: October 2021

Electrochemical proton storage provides high energy, fast kinetics, safety, and environmental friendliness for grid‐scale energy storage. However, the development of pseudocapacitive proton supercapacitors with fast chargeability and high stability is still challenging because of the unclear electrochemical reaction mechanism and unsuitable construction strategy. Here it is shown that a multi‐metallic Prussian blue analog—Cu0.82Co0.18HCF, which possesses enhanced electronic structure and ion transport path—can intercalate/de‐intercalate large amounts of proton at high rates. Ion‐induced transformation of magnetism, fast solid‐state proton transport, and reversible insertion/de‐insertion of protons lead to extremely excellent rate capacities and cycling stability for proton storage. An asymmetric pseudocapacitive proton supercapacitor (Cu0.82Co0.18HCF//WO3·nH2O) is fabricated with a voltage window of 1.7 V, delivering a maximum energy density of 35 Wh kg−1 and an energy density of 22 Wh kg−1 at a high power density of 26 kW kg−1. Combining systematical material design and mechanism study, this work not only broadens the preparation of electrode materials but also brings light to the construction of high‐performance devices for efficient proton storage.
Hydrogen‐Bonding Reinforced Flexible Composite Electrodes for Enhanced Energy Storage
Authors: Liu Guijing , Xie Jiwei , Wang Shuo , Wang Qingyao , Gao Shanmin , Yuan Yifei , Lu Jun
Published: October 2021

The lack of advanced electrode materials is one of the main factors hindering the development of flexible rechargeable aqueous batteries (RABs) for high specific energy density and structural stability. It is also challenging to achieve high‐capacity performance for both the positive and negative electrodes simultaneously. Here, it is demonstrated that, by smartly designing the composite structures of positive and negative electrodes via one‐step electrodeposition strategy, the energy storage performance of the RAB is largely enhanced. For positive electrode material synthesis, Co‐Cu double hydroxides (Co‐Cu‐DH) nanosheets are skillfully rooted into electroreduced graphene oxide (eRG) via hydrogen bonding, in which graphene oxide reduction, Co‐Cu‐DH nucleation/growth, and formation of hydrogen bonding between Co‐Cu‐DH and eRG simultaneously occur. Moreover, when a RAB based on Co‐Cu‐DH@eRG//FeOOH@eRG using the same composite design strategy is established, a wide operating voltage window of ≈1.8 V, a high specific energy density of ≈142.8 Wh kg−1 at ≈890 W kg−1, and long‐term cyclic stability (88.5% of capacity retention after 12 000 cycles) are obtained. This study presents a general compositing strategy for the development of advanced electrode materials, and it is expected to stimulate future material synthesis/design in RABs toward the goal of high energy density storage.
Balance Effect: A Universal Strategy for Transition Metal Carbides to Enhance Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Yang Chenfan , Shen Ke , Zhao Rong , Xiang Hui , Wu Jing , Zhong Wenda , Zhang Qin , Li Xuanke , Yang Nianjun
Published: October 2021

Hydrogen production from water splitting is one of the most promising approaches to achieve carbon neutrality when high‐performance electrocatalysts are ready for the sluggish hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Although earth‐rich and cheap transition metal carbides (TMCs) are potential HER electrocatalysts, their platinum‐like electronic structures are severely hampered by their strong binding with hydrogen intermediates (H*). Here, a universal “balance effect” strategy is proposed, where nitrogen‐doped graphene (NG) is introduced to weaken the interactions of TMCs (M = Mo, W, Ti, and V) with H*. Hydrogen binding energies calculated by the density functional theory show that the TMCs coupled with NG appear to be thermo‐neutral. Stemming from different work functions of TMCs and NG, partial electrons transfer from TMC to the NG surface, resulting in optimized electronic structures of these electrocatalysts. These optimized electronic structures balance hydrogen adsorption and desorption, leading to synergistically‐enhanced HER kinetics. The overpotentials and Tafel slopes of the HER on these TMC@NG electrocatalysts are thus pronouncedly reduced in both acidic and alkaline solutions. This universal strategy provides a novel approach to design effective and stable TMCs as superior HER electrocatalysts. It can be expanded to other electrocatalysts for sustainable hydrogen production in different media.
Importance of High‐Electron Mobility in Polymer Acceptors for Efficient All‐Polymer Solar Cells: Combined Engineering of Backbone Building Unit and Regioregularity
Authors: Seo Soodeok , Sun Cheng , Lee Jin‐Woo , Lee Seungjin , Lee Dongchan , Wang Cheng , Phan Tan Ngoc‐Lan , Kim Geon‐U , Cho Shinuk , Kim Yun‐Hi , Kim Bumjoon J.
Published: October 2021

The charge transport ability of polymer acceptors (PAs) is crucial for achieving high power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of all‐polymer solar cells (all‐PSCs). However, the electron mobilities (μes) of most PAs are inferior to those of their small molecule acceptor (SMA) counterparts. Herein, the authors design a new series of the polymerized SMA‐based PAs (Y5‐A‐B), where the donating moiety (A = selenophene (Se)/biselenophene (BiSe)) and the backbone regioregularity (B = In/Mix/Out) are 2D controlled, for enhancing both the μe and PCEs. Interestingly, the effects of regioisomers on the μe and all‐PSC performance are the opposite depending on the donating unit. For the Y5‐Se‐based PAs, the PCEs increase in order of Out (7.52%) < Mix (9.33%) < In (13.38%). In contrast, for the Y5‐BiSe‐based PAs, the PCEs decrease in order of Out (10.67%) > Mix (9.58%) > In (8.52%). These opposite trends in each series originate from the different planarity and intermolecular assembly of PAs depending on the regioregularity. Thus, the Y5‐Se‐In blend exhibits the highest μe and achieves the highest PCE (13.38%) among the all‐PSCs in this study. Therefore, the authors report the importance of simultaneous engineering of the backbone building unit and regioregularity to realize high‐mobility PA and highly efficient all‐PSCs.
Challenges and Strategies of Low‐Cost Aluminum Anodes for High‐Performance Al‐Based Batteries
Authors: Jiang Min , Fu Chaopeng , Meng Pengyu , Ren Jianming , Wang Jing , Bu Junfu , Dong Anping , Zhang Jiao , Xiao Wei , Sun Baode
Published: October 2021

The ever‐growing market of electric vehicles and the upcoming grid‐scale storage systems have stimulated the fast growth of renewable energy storage technologies. Aluminum‐based batteries are considered one of the most promising alternatives to complement or possibly replace the current lithium‐ion batteries owing to their high specific capacity, good safety, low cost, light weight, and abundant reserves of Al. However, the anode problems in primary and secondary Al batteries, such as, self‐corrosion, passive film, and volume expansion, severely limit the batteries’ practical performance, thus hindering their commercialization. Herein, an overview of the currently emerged Al‐based batteries is provided, that primarily focus on the recent research progress for Al anodes in both primary and rechargeable systems. The anode reaction mechanisms and problems in various Al‐based batteries are discussed, and various strategies to overcome the challenges of Al anodes, including surface oxidation, self‐corrosion, volume expansion, and dendrite growth, are systematically summarized. Finally, future research perspectives toward advanced Al batteries with higher performance and better safety are presented.
Magnetic Topological Insulator Heterostructures: A Review
Authors: Liu Jieyi , Hesjedal Thorsten
Published: October 2021

Topological insulators (TIs) provide intriguing prospects for the future of spintronics due to their large spin–orbit coupling and dissipationless, counter‐propagating conduction channels in the surface state. The combination of topological properties and magnetic order can lead to new quantum states including the quantum anomalous Hall effect that was first experimentally realized in Cr‐doped (Bi,Sb)2Te3 films. Since magnetic doping can introduce detrimental effects, requiring very low operational temperatures, alternative approaches are explored. Proximity coupling to magnetically ordered systems is an obvious option, with the prospect to raise the temperature for observing the various quantum effects. Here, an overview of proximity coupling and interfacial effects in TI heterostructures is presented, which provides a versatile materials platform for tuning the magnetic and topological properties of these exciting materials. An introduction is first given to the heterostructure growth by molecular beam epitaxy and suitable structural, electronic, and magnetic characterization techniques. Going beyond transition‐metal‐doped and undoped TI heterostructures, examples of heterostructures are discussed, including rare‐earth‐doped TIs, magnetic insulators, and antiferromagnets, which lead to exotic phenomena such as skyrmions and exchange bias. Finally, an outlook on novel heterostructures such as intrinsic magnetic TIs and systems including 2D materials is given.
Designing a Zn–Ag Catalyst Matrix and Electrolyzer System for CO2 Conversion to CO and Beyond
Authors: Lamaison Sarah , Wakerley David , Kracke Frauke , Moore Thomas , Zhou Lan , Lee Dong Un , Wang Lei , Hubert McKenzie A. , Aviles Acosta Jaime E. , Gregoire John M. , Duoss Eric B. , Baker Sarah , Beck Victor A. , Spormann Alfred M. , Fontecave Marc , Hahn Christopher , Jaramillo Thomas F.
Published: October 2021

CO2 emissions can be transformed into high‐added‐value commodities through CO2 electrocatalysis; however, efficient low‐cost electrocatalysts are needed for global scale‐up. Inspired by other emerging technologies, the authors report the development of a gas diffusion electrode containing highly dispersed Ag sites in a low‐cost Zn matrix. This catalyst shows unprecedented Ag mass activity for CO production: −614 mA cm−2 at 0.17 mg of Ag. Subsequent electrolyte engineering demonstrates that halide anions can further improve stability and activity of the Zn–Ag catalyst, outperforming pure Ag and Au. Membrane electrode assemblies are constructed and coupled to a microbial process that converts the CO to acetate and ethanol. Combined, these concepts present pathways to design catalysts and systems for CO2 conversion toward sought‐after products.
Novel Materials for Urban Farming
Authors: Xi Lifei , Zhang Mengyuan , Zhang Liling , Lew Tedrick T. S. , Lam Yeng Ming
Published: October 2021

Scarcity of natural resources, shifting demographics, climate change, and increasing waste are four major challenges in the quest to feed the exploding world population. These challenges serve as the impetus to harness novel technologies to improve agriculture, productivity, and sustainability. Urban farming has several advantages over conventional farming: higher productivity, improved sustainability, and the ability to provide fresh food all year round. Novel materials are key to accelerating the evolution of urban farming – with their ability to facilitate controlled release of nutrients and pesticides, improved seed health, substrates with better water retention capability, more efficient recycling of agricultural waste, and precise plant health monitoring. Materials science enables environmental sustainability and higher harvest yields in urban farms. Here, Singapore is used as an example of a land‐scarce city where urban farming may be the solution for future food production. Potential research directions and challenges in urban farming are highlighted, and how material optimization and innovation drive the development of urban farming to meet national and global food demands is briefly discussed. This review serves as a guide for researchers and a reference for stakeholders of urban farms, policy makers, and other interested parties.
Advancing 2D Perovskites for Efficient and Stable Solar Cells: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Zhao Xiaoming , Liu Tianran , Loo Yueh‐Lin
Published: October 2021

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have rapidly emerged as one of the hottest topics in the photovoltaics community owing to their high power‐conversion efficiencies (PCE), and the promise to be produced at low cost. Among various PSCs, typical 3D perovskite‐based solar cells deliver high PCE but they suffer from severe instability, which restricts their practical applications. In contrast to 3D perovskites, 2D perovskites that incorporate larger, less volatile, and generally more hydrophobic organic cations exhibit much improved thermal, chemical, and environmental stability. 2D perovskites can have different roles within a solar cell, either as the primary light absorber (2D PSCs), or as a capping layer atop a 3D perovskite absorbing layer (2D/3D PSCs). Tradeoffs between PCE and stability exist in both types of PSCs—2D PSCs are more stable but exhibit lower efficiency while 2D/3D PSCs deliver exciting efficiency but show relatively poor stability. To address this PCE/stability tradeoff, the challenges both the 2D and 2D/3D PSCs face are identified and select works the community has undertaken to overcome them are highlighted in this review. It is ended with several recommendations on how to further improve PSCs so their performance and stability can be commensurate with application requirements.
Plasmonic Amyloid Tactoids
Authors: Yuan Ye , Almohammadi Hamed , Probst Julie , Mezzenga Raffaele
Published: October 2021

Despite their link to neurodegenerative diseases, amyloids of natural and synthetic sources can also serve as building blocks for functional materials, while possessing intrinsic photonic properties. Here, it is demonstrated that orientationally ordered amyloid fibrils exhibit polarization‐dependent fluorescence, and can mechanically align rod‐shaped plasmonic nanoparticles codispersed with them. The coupling between the photonic fibrils in liquid crystalline phases and the plasmonic effect of the nanoparticles leads to selective activation of plasmonic extinctions as well as enhanced fluorescence from the hybrid material. These findings are consistent with numerical simulations of the near‐field plasmonic enhancement around the nanoparticles. The study provides an approach to synthesize the intrinsic photonic and mechanical properties of amyloid into functional hybrid materials, and may help improve the detection of amyloid deposits based on their enhanced intrinsic luminescence.
Research Progress of Bioactive Glass and Its Application in Orthopedics
Authors: Huang Chao , Yu Min , Li Hao , Wan Xufeng , Ding Zichuan , Zeng Weinan , Zhou Zongke
Published: October 2021

Bioactive glass (BG) is a classical bone biomaterial. The main characteristics of BG that support their use in orthopedics include good osteoconductivity, osteostimulativity, degradability, and suitable mechanical strength. When implanted into the body, BG can effectively strengthen the bonding between soft and hard tissues, promote the formation of dense hydroxyapatite (HA) layer on its surface which is similar to human bone tissue, and quickly combine with bone tissue, to induce and accelerate the process of bone growth. In recent years, numerous studies have been published on the application of BG in orthopedics, and its application scope is also extensive. Here, a comprehensive and systematic literature review is conducted on the application of BG in orthopedics in various aspects including BG nanoparticles, BG nanofibers, BG scaffolds, metal ion‐loaded BG, drug and biological factor‐load BG, injectable BG‐based hydrogels/pastes, BG bone cement, BG coating, etc. Although remarkable progress has been made, numerous problems limit the clinical application of BG and need to be solved by further research.
Membrane‐Mediated Self‐Organization of Rod‐Like DNA Origami on Supported Lipid Bilayers
Authors: Khmelinskaia Alena , Franquelim Henri G. , Yaadav Renukka , Petrov Eugene P. , Schwille Petra
Published: October 2021

Organization of elongated particles into ordered phases on 2D surfaces and interfaces has been extensively studied during the last decades both theoretically and experimentally. For mutually repulsive particles on solid nondeformable substrates, the process is controlled only by the aspect ratio and the surface density of the adsorbed particles. The local elastic response of soft substrates to particle adhesion can drastically change the collective behavior of adsorbed rod‐like particles resulting in their self‐organization via substrate‐mediated interparticle attraction. Here, high‐speed atomic force microscopy is used to study the organization of DNA origami particles on locally responsive supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) in comparison with that on nondeformable solid mica surfaces. At high surface coverage, the aspect ratio‐dependent anisotropic phases expected for densely packed particles are observed. At intermediate and low surface densities, however, a drastically different phenomenology is observed: surprisingly strong surface‐mediated interparticle attraction of DNA origami particles is found on SLBs resulting in their self‐organization compared to their purely repulsive interaction on a mica surface. The formation of organized aggregates of elongated DNA origami particles on SLBs is explained by exceptionally strong nanoparticle adhesion to the membrane that responds with a local deformation in spite of the presence of the solid support.
Facile Bioprinting Process for Fabricating Size‐Controllable Functional Microtissues Using Light‐Activated Decellularized Extracellular Matrix‐Based Bioinks
Authors: Kang Byeongmin , Park Yejin , Hwang Dong Gyu , Kim Donghwan , Yong Uijung , Lim Khoon S. , Jang Jinah
Published: October 2021

The concept of microtissues has evolved to adapt to the generation of human tissue analogs that mimic physiologically relevant morphological and functional features. These microtissues can provide an in vitro testing platform for the development of advanced therapeutic options. Optimizing the manufacturing process of biomaterials brings several great benefits to achieve the desired mechanical, chemical, and biological properties for tissue modeling. Hence, 3D bioprinting technology has been utilized to fabricate functional microtissues. However, current microtissue bioprinting systems still require a cumbersome and time‐consuming task, such as washing, which renders it difficult to maintain the shape of intact constructs, thereby resulting in inappropriate tissue morphogenesis. To overcome this limitation, a single‐step bioprinting method is developed easier and more versatile for microtissue production based on a dual‐crosslinkable decellularized extracellular matrix with ruthenium/sodium persulfate (dERS). The developed method enables the fabrication of spheroidal and tubular microstructures into a medium chamber, followed by the immediate culturing of printed structures without multiple postprocesses. The structural characteristics can be controlled by adjusting the printing parameters. Each dERS‐based microtissue promotes tissue maturation and exhibits biofunctional attributes. These results suggest that the developed method may enable the simultaneous achievement of adequate print fidelity and tissue functionality.
Organic Electroplated Luminescent Microarrays up to 2800 ppi toward Near‐Eye Displays via Diffusion‐Weakened Boundary Effects
Authors: Wang Rong , Liang Yiqian , Zhao Manlin , Chen Zhihua , Zhou Lei , Wang Lei , Yu Gang , Liu Linlin , Xie Zengqi , Peng Junbiao , Cao Yong
Published: October 2021

The quality of high‐resolution luminescent films is key for high‐definition and near‐eye displays, but is limited by the apparent boundary effects at sub‐micrometer scales, such as boundary quenching in inorganic light‐emitting diodes and the coffee ring effect in inkjet printing. This study demonstrates that the electroplating of electrified electrode microarrays is not limited by boundary effects, enabling the deposition of luminescent dyes as high‐quality films with uniform and smooth morphologies as well as strong electroluminescence. As radial diffusion is the key to boundary effect in electroplating technology, small pixels tend to weaken the boundary effects and ease the overlap of diffusion layers. When the pixel size is lower than the critical value, the boundary effects can be eliminated. The smallest pixel width attempted is 3 µm, and prototype devices of monochrome and red‐green‐blue‐colored pixel arrays are successfully fabricated on glass and flexible backplanes without bad pixels and lines, indicating the high potential of the electroplating technique to achieve high‐resolution and immersive virtual reality for fine displays.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Annulation of Arylbenzamides with Diaryliodonium Salts
Authors: Pan Cheng , Wang Limin , Han Jianwei
Published: October 2021

By using diaryliodonium salts, a cylization has been accomplished in the synthesis of N‐aryl phenanthridinone derivatives via a cascade of ortho‐arylation and Csp2‐N bond formation in the presence of palladium catalyst. The reaction exhibits a broad compatibility of readily available N‐arylnaphthamides.

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Chiral Phosphoric Acid‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Synthesis of Pyrazole‐Based Unnatural α‐Amino Acid Derivatives
Authors: Woldegiorgis Alemayehu Gashaw , Han Zhao , Lin Xufeng
Published: October 2021

An enantioselective synthesis of unnatural pyrazole‐based α‐chiral amino acid derivatives from the asymmetric reaction of N‐aryl‐5‐aminopyrazoles with β,γ‐alkynyl‐α‐imino esters using a chiral spirocyclic phosphoric acid catalyst was developed. Using the established methodology, various pyrazole‐based α‐amino acid derivatives with tetrasubstituted carbon stereocenters were obtained in 67–98% yields and with 73–99% enantioselectivities. The NH2 functionality in the corresponding products enables further transformations to a chiral thiourea and a lactam.

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Asymmetric Conjugate Addition of 3‐Hydroxychromen‐4‐Ones to Electron‐Deficient Olefins Catalyzed by Recyclable C2‐Symmetric Squaramide
Authors: Kovalevsky Ruslan A. , Kucherenko Alexander S. , Korlyukov Alexander A. , Zlotin Sergei G.
Published: October 2021

The readily scalable asymmetric synthesis of the chiral chromone derivatives functionalized at position 2 via electrophilic enantioselective olefination of the chromone core with nitroolefins and ß,γ‐unsaturated α‐ketoesters in the presence of simple C2‐symmetric tertiary amine‐squaramide catalyst was developed. The reaction products were obtained in 80–99% yield with 89–99% ee in 95% EtOH. The absolute configurations of the synthesized chromone derivatives were unambiguously established by transformation of compound (R)‐3 aa to known methyl (R)‐β‐nitro‐α‐phenylpropionate and by the single crystal XRD analysis of compounds (R,S)‐5 aa and (R,S)‐5 ab. Catalyst V poorly soluble in common organic solvents could be easily separated from the reaction mixture and reused up to 10 catalytic cycles. Catalytic hydrogenation and esterification reactions of the synthesized compounds were carried out to demonstrate synthetic potential of the developed procedure.

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Enzyme Access Tunnel Engineering in Baeyer‐Villiger Monooxygenases to Improve Oxidative Stability and Biocatalyst Performance
Authors: Seo Eun‐Ji , Kim Myeong‐Ju , Park So‐Yeon , Park Seongsoon , Oh Deok‐Kun , Bornscheuer Uwe , Park Jin‐Byung
Published: October 2021

Hydrogen peroxide is involved in a variety of enzyme catalysis as an oxidant or toxic by‐product. Thereby, attenuation of the H2O2‐driven oxidative stress is one of the key issues for preparative biocatalysis. Here, a rational approach to improve the robustness of enzymes, in particular, Baeyer‐Villiger monooxygenases (BVMOs) against H2O2 was investigated. The enzyme access tunnels, which may serve as exit paths for H2O2 from the active site to the bulk, were predicted by using the CAVER and/or protein energy landscape exploration (PELE) software for the phenylacetone monooxygenase variant (PAMO_C65D) from Thermobifida fusca and the BVMO from Pseudomonas putida KT2440. The amino acid residues, which are susceptible to oxidation by H2O2 (e. g., methionine and tyrosine) and located in vicinity of the predicted H2O2 migration paths, were substituted with less reactive or inert amino acids (e. g., leucine and isoleucine). This led to design of the H2O2‐resistant enzyme variants, which became robust biocatalysts for synthetic applications. For instance, the H2O2‐resistant P. putida BVMO reached turnover numbers of 4,100 for the BV oxygenation of 4‐decanone, which is 2.8‐fold greater than the parent enzyme. Moreover, the H2O2‐resistant P. putida BVMO allowed 2‐fold enhancement in titer of 9‐(nonanoyloxy)nonanoic acid (8) formation in a cascade fatty acid biotransformation. Therefore, it was assumed that the CAVER/PELE‐based H2O2 migration path engineering represents an efficient rational design approach to improve not only oxidative stability but also biotransformation performance of the H2O2‐forming or utilizing enzymes (e. g., BVMOs, oxidases, and peroxidases).

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The Journey of Alternative and Sustainable Substitutes for “Single‐Use” Plastics
Authors: Wani Waseem A. , Pathan Shabnam , Bose Suryasarathi
Published: October 2021

Plastics are excellent materials owing to their multipurpose uses. They are simple synthetic macromolecules with versatile properties. On the disposal front, nearly 90% of the plastic products are discarded only after a single use, which keeps accumulating, impacting both terrestrial and marine life. About 6.3 billion tonnes of plastic waste have accumulated worldwide from the time of the plastic revolution. Around 79% of plastic waste amasses in landfills every year, and 2.41 million tonnes of the waste enters oceans. The accumulation of this waste poses harmful threats to the environment and flora and fauna of land and aquatic habitats. To keep a check on the generation and collection of plastic waste, the utilization of alternative materials developed from biodegradable polymers as substitutes to plastics seems quite sound. The present perspective highlights single use plastic's (SUP) challenges and the importance of biodegradable polymers as possible substitutes to SUPs. The scope of different biodegradable polymers and their suitability for developing alternative materials to SUPs is discussed. In addition, the current market status of alternative materials produced from biodegradable polymers is described. Finally, a perspective on the future of biodegradable polymers as substitutes to plastics for envisaging a green world is outlined.
Expired Pharmaceutical Drugs as Tribopositive Material for Triboelectric Nanogenerator
Authors: Chougale Mahesh Y. , Saqib Qazi Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Umair , Shaukat Rayyan Ali , Kim Jungmin , Dubal Deepak , Bae Jinho
Published: October 2021

The disposal of expired pharmaceutical drugs is largely unattended, which leads to massive environmental pollution. Herein, a novel strategy is demonstrated to turn expired drugs into a novel tribopositive material in a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG). To realize the proposed method, three types of expired tablets such as paracetamol, nimesulide, and guaiphenesin are employed as tribopositive materials in TENG devices. Owing to their high electron donating capability with hydroxyl and carbonyl functional groups, these drugs reveal strong positive triboelectric potential. The proposed TENG devices yield open circuit voltages ranging from 267 to 561 V, while the short circuit current varies from 28 to 53 µA under a pneumatic air cylinder of 10 Hz. Impressively, the drug‐based TENG can scavenge energy to light up to 169 commercial light‐emitting diodes (LEDs). This excellent performance makes these expired drugs a promising positive tribomaterial, providing a possible solution to recycle a huge amount of pharmaceutical waste. These materials and reuse strategies are expected to aid the development of alternative sustainable energy conversion technology.
Advanced Nanotheranostics of CRISPR/Cas for Viral Hepatitis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Kong Huimin , Ju Enguo , Yi Ke , Xu Weiguo , Lao Yeh‐Hsing , Cheng Du , Zhang Qi , Tao Yu , Li Mingqiang , Ding Jianxun
Published: October 2021

Liver disease, particularly viral hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is a global healthcare burden and leads to more than 2 million deaths per year worldwide. Despite some success in diagnosis and vaccine development, there are still unmet needs to improve diagnostics and therapeutics for viral hepatitis and HCC. The emerging clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat/associated proteins (CRISPR/Cas) technology may open up a unique avenue to tackle these two diseases at the genetic level in a precise manner. Especially, liver is a more accessible organ over others from the delivery point of view, and many advanced strategies applied for nanotheranostics can be adapted in CRISPR‐mediated diagnostics or liver gene editing. In this review, the focus is on these two aspects of viral hepatitis and HCC applications. An overview on CRISPR editor development and current progress in clinical trials is first given, followed by highlighting the recent advances integrating the merits of gene editing and nanotheranostics. The promising systems that are used in other applications but may hold potentials in liver gene editing are also discussed. This review concludes with the perspectives on rationally designing the next‐generation CRISPR approaches and improving the editing performance.
2D Material Nanofiltration Membranes: From Fundamental Understandings to Rational Design
Authors: Liu Xiaopeng , Zhang Ling , Cui Xinwei , Zhang Qian , Hu Wenjihao , Du Jiang , Zeng Hongbo , Xu Qun
Published: October 2021

Since the discovery of 2D materials, 2D material nanofiltration (NF) membranes have attracted great attention and are being developed with a tremendously fast pace, due to their energy efficiency and cost effectiveness for water purification. The most attractive aspect for 2D material NF membranes is that, anomalous water and ion permeation phenomena have been constantly observed because of the presence of the severely confined nanocapillaries (<2 nm) in the membrane, leading to its great potential in achieving superior overall performance, e.g., high water flux, high rejection rates of ions, and high resistance to swelling. Hence, fundamental understandings of such water and ion transport behaviors are of great significance for the continuous development of 2D material NF membranes. In this work, the microscopic understandings developed up to date on 2D material NF membranes regarding the abnormal transport phenomena are reviewed, including ultrafast water and ion permeation rates with the magnitude several orders higher than that predicted by conventional diffusion behavior, ion dehydration, ionic Coulomb blockade, ion–ion correlations, etc. The state‐of‐the‐art structural designs for 2D material NF membranes are also reviewed. Discussion and future perspectives are provided highlighting the rational design of 2D material membrane structures in the future.