bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secondary prevention of silicosis and silico‐tuberculosis by periodic screening of silica dust exposed workers using serum club cell protein 16 as a proxy marker
Authors: Sarkar Kamalesh , Dhatrak Sarang , Sarkar Bidisa , Ojha Umesh Chandra , Raghav Pankaja , Pagdhune Avinash
Published: September 2021

Background and Objectives

Silicosis is a neglected and widely prevalent occupational disease in India and several other countries such as China, South Africa, Brazil, etc. It is an irreversible, incurable, and progressive disease with high morbidity and mortality, which is mostly caused by occupational exposure to silica dusts. Silicosis is usually detected at an advanced stage, when effective intervention is not possible. But early detection appears to be a cost‐effective way to control it. There is a need for some suitable biomarker, which could detect silicosis at an early stage for further necessary intervention. This study aimed to estimate the lung damage in silicotic subjects and its relationship with serum CC16 as a proxy marker. The ultimate objective was to explore whether CC16 could be used as a screening tool for early detection of silicosis.

Methodology

Radiographs of 117 workers having radiological evidences of silicosis were evaluated in accordance with International Labour Organisation (ILO) Classification of chest radiographs and were categorized as mild, moderate, and severe lung damage using a lung damage scoring system, made for the purpose of this study. The concentration of CC16 in serum was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Result

It was observed that serum CC16 values were significantly decreased in relation to increasing lung damage. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) serum CC16 value in mild lung damage group was 8.4 ± 0.87 ng/mL as compared to 4.0 ± 2.10 ng/mL in moderate and 0.7 ± 0.21 ng/mL in high lung damage groups. On the other hand, CC16 value of control (healthy) population was found to be 16.3 ± 3.8 ng/mL.

Conclusion

Result of the study concluded that serum CC16 might be used as a periodic screening tool for early detection of silicosis and for it's secondary prevention. It may be viewed as a new approach toward control of silicosis, and an appropriate policy may be adopted.
Electroencephalography based imagined alphabets classification using spatial and time‐domain features
Authors: Agarwal Prabhakar , Kumar Sandeep
Published: September 2021

Imagined speech is a neuro‐paradigm that can provide an alternative communication channel for patients in a locked‐in syndrome state. We have performed an experiment in which a 32 channel industry‐standard electroencephalography (EEG) device was used to record 26 imagined English alphabets from 13 subjects. We denoised the imagined signals by discrete wavelet transform and extracted the spatial filters by common spatial pattern method, and time‐domain features. Spatial features when classified with linear support vector machine, and time‐domain features classified by random forest gave the best results. Alpha, beta, and theta bands could classify imagined alphabets better than other bands and had average classification accuracies of 88.59%, 87.39%, and 88.97%, respectively by using spatial features and 81.88%, 76.72%, and 79.25%, respectively, by time‐domain features. The grand average accuracies of all the 26 alphabets in six EEG frequency bands was found to be 77.97% in a subject independent binary classification framework.
Uncovering the critical impact of the solid electrolyte interphase structure on the interfacial stability
Authors: Hu Zhenglin , Wang Chen , Wang Chao , Chen Bingbing , Yang Chunpeng , Dong Shanmu , Cui Guanglei
Published: September 2021

Solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) plays a critical role in determining the interfacial stability, which in turn impacts the plating/stripping process of the lithium metal anode. Substantial research has been focused on the composition of SEI and its contribution to the interfacial stability. Herein, we illustrate the significance of SEI structure, in a comprehensive comparison of a diluted electrolyte (1 M LiTFSI‐PC) and a super‐concentrated electrolyte (8 M LiTFSI‐PC). Illustrated by in situ optical and atomic force microscope observation, homogeneous plating on lithium anode is achieved in the concentrated electrolyte. However, x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations reveal that, contrary to the general understanding, the components of SEI is nearly identical for lithium anode cycled in both two electrolytes. Detailed characterizations demonstrate the structure of SEI is quite different. In concentrated electrolyte, a compact structure of SEI layer can be obtained, mainly due to the reduced solubility and outstanding formation kinetics of the interfacial layer. This work provided a new understanding to the excellent performance of super‐concentrated electrolyte in lithium metal battery.
Species' traits and taxonomic distance can predict the hatching phenology of ostracod (Crustacea) resting eggs from tropical floodplain lakes
Authors: Rosa Jonathan , Petsch Danielle K. , Martens Koen , Higuti Janet
Published: September 2021

Freshwater ostracods are commonly found in temporary ponds and lakes, surviving drought periods by producing resting eggs. We investigated the hatching phenology of ostracod resting eggs from the sediments of temporary floodplain lakes, considering both the taxonomic distance between species and their functional traits, such as carapace size (length and height) and shape, valve ornamentation, and reproductive mode. In addition, we tested the hypotheses: (1) that the hatching time is more similar between congeneric ostracod species than between noncongeneric species; (2) that differences in hatching time between congeneric species are often related to differences in functional traits; (3) that both species composition and functional traits composition of hatchlings change over the incubation time, but with a reduction in the variability over time. The experiment was conducted for 98 days in the laboratory, and the microcosms were monitored weekly. The first hatching of an ostracod was recorded during the second week of incubation after hydration of the sediments. A total of 12 ostracod species hatched, belonging to the families Cyprididae and Candonidae. The above three hypotheses were corroborated. The time between inundation and first hatching was mostly similar for congeneric species in the genus Chlamydotheca, but was different between some species of Strandesia, which might be owing to differences in functional traits. The species composition and functional trait composition of the hatched ostracods were significantly different over the 14 weeks of incubation due to the different hatching phenology of different species. Furthermore, our results show that both taxonomic distance and functional traits can influence the hatching time of ostracod resting eggs from temporary floodplain lakes. Thus, future studies addressing the hatching phenology of ostracod resting eggs (and resting stages from other invertebrates) should also emphasize the use of functional traits.
Examining the predictive relevance of security, privacy risk factors, and institutional logics for e‐government service adoption
Authors: Bayaga Anass
Published: September 2021

Following the increasing debate around the possible influencers on the adoption of electronic‐government (e‐government) services, the current research was aimed at examining the predictive relevance of security and privacy risk factors through the lens of institutional logics for e‐government service adoption. Guided by the research aim, the study adopted the questionnaire method. Based on the review of the relevant literature and the study's aim, the partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS‐SEM) was employed to analyze the data by making use of the SmartPLS 3.2.8 software to assess both the outer and structural models. It was evidenced that privacy and security risk factors as well as institutional logics together account for 61.7% of South African citizens' reasons for adopting e‐government services, while the other 38.3% were explained by factors that did not form part of this study. These findings contributed a new view and an extension of the model, providing the insight that privacy and security risk factors as well as institutional logics together are significant predictors of citizens' willingness to adopt e‐government services. By implication, the results establish the interconnectedness of the predictive relevance of institutional logics and the adoption of e‐government services.
Fraxetin suppresses reactive oxygen species‐dependent autophagy by the PI3K/Akt pathway to inhibit isoflurane‐induced neurotoxicity in hippocampal neuronal cells
Authors: Zhang Tongyin , Zhou Botao , Sun Junyi , Song Jiangling , Nie Limin , Zhu Kairun
Published: September 2021

Isoflurane, a common volatile anesthetic, has been widely used to provide general anesthesia in operations. However, exposure to isoflurane may cause widespread neurotoxicity in the developing animal brain. Fraxetin, a natural coumarin derivative extracted from the bark of Fraxinus rhynchophylla, possesses versatile pharmacological properties including anti‐oxidative, anti‐inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. However, the effect and action mechanism of fraxetin on neurotoxicity induced by isoflurane are unknown. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and apoptosis were estimated by 2′,7′‐dichlorofluorescin‐diacetate (DCFH‐DA) staining, MTT, LDH release, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end‐labeling (TUNEL) staining assays, respectively. The protein levels of light chain 3 (LC3)‐I, LC3‐II, p62, protein kinase B (Akt), and phosphorylated Akt (p‐Akt) were detected by western blot analysis. Isoflurane induced ROS, LDH release, apoptosis, and autophagy, but inhibited the viability in HT22 cells, which were overturned by fraxetin or ROS scavenger N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine. Fraxetin suppressed isoflurane‐induced PI3K/Akt inactivation in HT22 cells. PI3K/Akt inactivation by LY294002 resisted the effects of fraxetin on isoflurane‐induced autophagy and autophagy‐modulated neurotoxicity in HT22 cells. In conclusion, fraxetin suppressed ROS‐dependent autophagy by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway to inhibit isoflurane‐induced neurotoxicity in hippocampal neuronal cells.
FGF23 and Vitamin D Metabolism
Authors: Latic Nejla , Erben Reinhold G.
Published: September 2021

Apart from its phosphaturic action, the bone‐derived hormone fibroblast growth factor‐23 (FGF23) is also an essential regulator of vitamin D metabolism. The main target organ of FGF23 is the kidney, where FGF23 suppresses transcription of the key enzyme in vitamin D hormone (1,25(OH)2D) activation, 1α‐hydroxylase, and activates transcription of the key enzyme responsible for vitamin D degradation, 24‐hydroxylase, in proximal renal tubules. The circulating concentration of 1,25(OH)2D is a positive regulator of FGF23 secretion in bone, forming a feedback loop between kidney and bone. The importance of FGF23 as regulator of vitamin D metabolism is underscored by the fact that in the absence of FGF23 signaling, the tight control of renal 1α‐hydroxylase fails, resulting in overproduction of 1,25(OH)2D in mice and men. During recent years, big strides have been made toward a more complete understanding of the mechanisms underlying the FGF23‐mediated regulation of vitamin D metabolism, especially at the genomic level. However, there are still major gaps in our knowledge that need to be filled by future research. Importantly, the intracellular signaling cascades downstream of FGF receptors regulating transcription of 1α‐hydroxylase and 24‐hydroxylase in proximal renal tubules still remain unresolved. The purpose of this review is to highlight our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of vitamin D metabolism by FGF23, and to discuss the role of these mechanisms in physiology and pathophysiology. © 2021 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Production of carbon dots by pulsed laser ablation: Precursors and photo‐oxidase properties
Authors: Chen Zhi‐Wen , Hsieh Tien‐Hao , Liu Ching‐Ping
Published: September 2021

Light is indispensable in many biomedical reactions, but there are few nanomaterials capable of light‐activated enzyme‐like activities. In this work, carbon dots (C‐dots) were prepared through one‐step pulsed laser ablation (PLA) treatment of polymers in aqueous solution. The choice of water‐soluble polymers as starting materials could extend the types of carbon sources for PLA reactions. The obtained C‐dots aqueous solution with blue fluorescence could be used directly without any centrifugation and purification. The light‐induced oxidase‐like activity of C‐dots was exploited in sensing Cu2+ ions for the first time. The sensing mechanism was speculated that the decrease in reactive oxygen species (ROS) through the photo‐induced electron transfer (PET) process between C‐dots and Cu2+, thereby inhibiting their photo‐oxidase activity. This work provides a new colorimetric method to detect Cu2+ without using the well‐known fluorescence of C‐dots.
Gender diversity and autism spectrum conditions in children and adolescents: A narrative review of the methodologies used by quantitative studies
Authors: Manjra Ilham I. , Masic Una
Published: September 2021

Aim

This narrative review aimed to analyse the methodologies used by quantitative studies to evaluate their evidence for the association between gender diversity and autism spectrum conditions (ASC) in child and adolescent population samples.

Method

A systematic search was conducted for papers published between 2010 and 2020.

Results

Fifteen papers met the inclusion criteria; all reported associations between their defined versions of gender diversity and ASC. Gender diversity was characterised as “dysphoria”, “variance”, and/or “diverse”, and was correlated across ASC categories of “symptoms”, “traits”, or “empathising and systemising styles of thinking”. Multiple diagnostic criteria and/or nonspecific, adult administrated measures were used to quantify youth gender experiences and ASCs.

Conclusion

Interpretations of the findings are discussed in relation to critical appraisal of methodologies used including data collection and deduction, the characteristics of the sample population, the usage of comparison groups, and the overall quality of statistical reporting amongst others.
Kynureninase contributes to the pathogenesis of psoriasis through pro‐inflammatory effect
Authors: Wang Min , Wang Yuqian , Zhang Mengdi , Duan Qiqi , Chen Caifeng , Sun Qiong , Liu Meng , Zheng Yan , Shao Yongping
Published: September 2021

Kynureninase (KYNU) is a key enzyme in the tryptophan metabolism pathway with elevated expression in psoriatic lesions relative to normal skin. However, whether KYNU contributes to the pathogenesis of psoriasis remains unknown. We sought to investigate the role of KYNU in psoriasis and its possible regulation mechanism. In the results, KYNU is upregulated in psoriatic skin samples from patients or animal models compared with normal skin control which was assayed in psoriatic patient samples, IMQ‐induced psoriasis‐like skin inflammation in BABL/c mice and M5‐stimulated keratinocyte cell lines by immunohistochemistry (IHC). KYNU knockdown had a trivial impact on keratinocyte proliferation, but significantly inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines in HaCaT, HEKα, and HEKn cells by quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and western blot analysis. The 3ʹ‐untranslated region of KYNU contains a conserved target site of a skin‐specific microRNA (miRNA), miR‐203a, as predicted by TargetScan software. Furthermore, miR‐203a exhibited an inversed expression kinetics to KYNU during the development of IMQ‐induced psoriasis‐like skin inflammation in BABL/c mice. Overexpression of miR‐203 subsequently leading to the inhibition of KYNU, could significantly reduce the production of M5‐induced, psoriasis‐related inflammatory factors in keratinocytes. Finally, KYNU inhibitors could alleviate the pathological phenotypes in IMQ‐mice. Our study supported the contributive role of KYNU in the development of psoriasis and provided preliminary evidence for KYNU as a potential therapeutic target in psoriasis.
A “Janus” face of the RASSF4 signal in cell fate
Authors: Liu Aimei , Zhou Kaixiang , Martínez María Aránzazu , Lopez‐Torres Bernardo , Martínez Marta , Martínez‐Larrañaga María‐Rosa , Wang Xu , Anadón Arturo , Ares Irma
Published: September 2021

RASSF4 (Ras‐association domain family 4) is a protein‐coding gene, regarded as a tumor suppressor regulated by DNA methylation. However, RASSF4 acts as a “Janus” in cell fate: death and survival. This review article focuses on the regulatory mechanisms of RASSF4 on cell death and cell survival and puts forward a comprehensive analysis of the relevant signaling pathways. The participation of RASSF4 in the regulation of intracellular store‐operated Ca2+ entry also affects cell survival. Moreover, the mechanism of inducing abnormal expression of RASSF4 was summarized. We highlight recent advances in our knowledge of RASSF4 function in the development of cancer and other clinical diseases, which may provide insight into the controversial functions of RASSF4 and its potential application in disease therapy.
Convergent synthesis, drug target prediction, and docking studies of new 2,6,9‐trisubstituted purine derivatives
Authors: Villegas Alondra , Satheeshkumar Rajendran , Ballesteros‐Casallas Andrés , Paulino Margot , Castro Alejandro , Espinosa‐Bustos Christian , Salas Cristian O.
Published: September 2021

A set of new 2,6,9‐trisubstituted purine derivatives were designed and synthesized from 6‐chloro‐2‐fluoro‐9‐alkyl‐9H‐purine as the key starting material. These purines were synthesized via a multistep protocol and finally subjected to SNAr with various aminopiperidinyl salts. The structures of these compounds were established by substantiating them through spectral techniques like FT‐IR, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, and 19F‐NMR. In addition, for two purine derivatives, a reverse screening strategy based on ligand similarity (PharmMapper web server) resulted in a set of predicted protein target candidates. Interestingly, for both purines, the main potential target candidates belonged to key proteins involved within signaling pathways that are related to proliferation or survival of cancer cells. These proteins correspond mainly to enzymes and specifically kinases. To check if our purines could be ligands for two kinases involved in cancer, docking studies were performed. The results indicated that these purines fitted in the same cavity of crystalized inhibitors. Therefore, in this work we are developed new purine derivatives that could be good inhibitors of some kinases.
Reconstruction of upper mediastinal pleura reduces postoperative complications in enhanced recovery surgery system after esophagectomy: A propensity score matching study
Authors: Xu Lei , Chen Xian‐kai , Xie Hou‐nai , Yang Ya‐Fan , Zhang Rui‐xiang , Li Yin
Published: September 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to explore the effect of suturing upper mediastinum pleura on postoperative complications, surgery‐related mortality, and hospital stay.

Methods

Four hundred and thirty‐eight patients with esophageal cancer who underwent esophagectomy were identified. Patients were divided into two groups: those in the test group who received reconstruction of upper mediastinal pleura, those in the conventional group who did not. The incidence of postoperative complications, surgery‐related mortality, and hospital stay were compared. To reduce the impact of confounding factors, a propensity score matching (PSM) method was performed.

Results

A total of 273 patients were treated with suturing upper mediastinal pleura and 165 were not. After PSM, compared with the conventional group, the incidence of atelectasis (7.2% vs. 1.4%, p = 0.035), anastomotic leakage (5.8% vs. 0.7%, p = 0.036), and delayed gastric emptying (10.8% vs. 3.6%, p = 0.034) were significantly lower in the test group. And suturing the upper mediastinal pleura could reduce the severity of leakage (p = 0.045), consistent with the results before PSM. Moreover, there were no significant differences in the incidence of other complications, postoperative hospital stay, and 30‐day mortality (all p > 0.05).

Conclusions

In this study, suturing the upper mediastinal pleura can reduce the incidence of atelectasis, anastomotic leakage, and delayed gastric emptying, and the severity of leakage, without increasing the incidence of other complications, surgery‐related death, and postoperative hospital stay.
Assessment of a new 150 W single‐antenna microwave ablation system in the treatment of malignant liver tumors: The first worldwide experience
Authors: Berber Eren , Akbulut Serkan
Published: September 2021

Background and Objectives

Data in literature regarding liver microwave ablation pertain to systems delivering 100 W of maximum power. Our aim is to assess a new 150 W microwave system for liver tumor ablation.

Methods

This was an institutional review board‐approved study of patients undergoing ablation of malignant liver tumors using a 150 W microwave system. Feasibility, safety, ablation algorithm, perioperative outcomes, and efficacy were analyzed. Comparison was made to historical patients undergoing ablation using a 100 W microwave system.

Results

There were 33 patients with 76 malignant liver lesions who underwent ablation with the 150 W system. Using a step‐wise algorithm, ablations without intraoperative complications were performed for tumors ranging in size from 0.3 to 6.7 cm. Ninety‐day morbidity was 5%, with no mortality. Compared to the 100 W system, the 150 W system shortened ablation time and created larger ablation zones with a single stick.

Conclusion

This first worldwide experience showed that surgical ablations could be safely created at 150 W using a step‐wise algorithm with complete tumor destruction achieved at short‐term follow‐up. Advantages versus 100 W systems include reduction in ablation time and creation of larger ablation zones with a single stick.
Fully Automated Placental Volume Quantification From3DUltrasound for Prediction of Small‐for‐Gestational‐Age Infants
Authors: Schwartz Nadav , Oguz Ipek , Wang Jiancong , Pouch Alison , Yushkevich Natalie , Parameshwaran Shobhana , Gee James , Yushkevich Paul , Oguz Baris
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Early placental volume (PV) has been associated with small‐for‐gestational‐age infants born under the 10th/5th centiles (SGA10/SGA5). Manual or semiautomated PV quantification from 3D ultrasound (3DUS) is time intensive, limiting its incorporation into clinical care. We devised a novel convolutional neural network (CNN) pipeline for fully automated placenta segmentation from 3DUS images, exploring the association between the calculated PV and SGA.

Methods

Volumes of 3DUS obtained from singleton pregnancies at 11–14 weeks' gestation were automatically segmented by our CNN pipeline trained and tested on 99/25 images, combining two 2D and one 3D models with downsampling/upsampling architecture. The PVs derived from the automated segmentations (PVCNN) were used to train multivariable logistic‐regression classifiers for SGA10/SGA5. The test performance for predicting SGA was compared to PVs obtained via the semiautomated VOCAL (GE‐Healthcare) method (PVVOCAL).

Results

We included 442 subjects with 37 (8.4%) and 18 (4.1%) SGA10/SGA5 infants, respectively. Our segmentation pipeline achieved a mean Dice score of 0.88 on an independent test‐set. Adjusted models including PVCNNor PVVOCALwere similarly predictive of SGA10 (area under curve [AUC]: PVCNN = 0.780, PVVOCAL = 0.768). The addition of PVCNNto a clinical model without any PV included (AUC = 0.725) yielded statistically significant improvement in AUC (P < .05); whereas PVVOCALdid not (P = .105). Moreover, when predicting SGA5, including the PVCNN(0.897) brought statistically significant improvement over both the clinical model (0.839,P = .015) and the PVVOCALmodel (0.870,P = .039).

Conclusions

First trimester PV measurements derived from our CNN segmentation pipeline are significantly associated with future SGA. This fully automated tool enables the incorporation of including placental volumetric biometry into the bedside clinical evaluation as part of a multivariable prediction model for risk stratification and patient counseling.
β‐SiAlON:Eu2+ Phosphor‐in‐Glass Film: An Efficient Laser‐Driven Color Converter for High‐Brightness Wide‐Color‐Gamut Projection Displays
Authors: Yue Xiangming , Xu Ju , Lin Hang , Lin Shisheng , Li Renfu , Wang Bo , Huang Qiugui , Wang Pengfei , Sui Ping , Cheng Yao , Wang Yuansheng
Published: September 2021

The green‐emissive laser phosphor is urgently demanded for projection displays to compensate the “Green Gap.” Herein, the well‐known β‐SiAlON:Eu2+ with admirable luminescent feature is incorporated into robust silicate glass matrix, cosintered on sapphire plate, and then constructed into “phosphor wheel,” succeeding in retaining excellent green‐emissive performance and meanwhile relieving the luminescence droop at high pumping density of blue laser. Probing the local effect of laser–matter interaction reveals that the luminescence saturation is majorly determined by thermal quenching, but the influence of intensity quenching cannot be ignored. Systematical works are performed to optimize glass composition, cosintering procedure, sample parameters, and optical path, turning out the maximal quantum efficiency of 60%, thermal conductivity of 9.5 W m−1 K−1, and high saturation threshold far beyond 22 W mm−2. In a proof‐of‐concept experiment, accompanied with red laser diode, the constructed light engine yields a high brightness with luminous flux of 1310 lm (luminance of 880 Mcd m−2), a low étendue of ≈1.5 mm2, and a wide color gamut of 112.5% National Television System Committee (NTSC), demonstrating the composite material as an efficient laser‐driven color converter for projection displays.
Photo‐Crosslinked Gelatin‐Based Hydrogel Films to Support Wound Healing
Authors: Stubbe Birgit , Mignon Arn , Van Damme Lana , Claes Karel , Hoeksema Henk , Monstrey Stan , Van Vlierberghe Sandra , Dubruel Peter
Published: September 2021

Gelatin is used widely in the biomedical field, among other for wound healing. Given its upper critical solution temperature, crosslinking is required. To this end, gelatin is chemically modified with different photo‐crosslinkable moieties with low (32–34%) and high (63–65%) degree of substitution (DS): gelatin‐methacrylamide (gel‐MA) and gelatin‐acrylamide (gel‐AA) and gelatin‐pentenamide (gel‐PE). Next to the more researched gel‐MA, it is especially interesting and novel to compare with other gelatin‐derived compounds for the application of wound healing. An additional comparison is made with commercial dressings. The DS is directly proportional to the mechanical characteristics and inversely proportional to the swelling capacity. Gel‐PE shows weaker mechanical properties (G′ < 15 kPa) than gel‐AA and gel‐MA (G′ < 39 and 45 kPa, respectively). All derivatives are predominantly elastic (recovery indices of 89–94%). Gel‐AA and gel‐MA show excellent biocompatibility, whereas gel‐PE shows a significantly lower initial biocompatibility, evolving positively toward day 7. Overall, gel‐MA shows to have the most potential to be applied as wound dressing. Future blending with gel‐AA to improve the curing kinetics can lead to dressings able to compete with current commercial dressings.
Highly Selective Mitsunobu Esterification of Cellulose with Hydroxycinnamic Acids
Authors: Elschner Thomas , Brendler Erica , Fischer Steffen
Published: September 2021

Cellulose esters of hydroxycinnamic acids, namely ferulic‐, p‐coumaric‐, and caffeic acid, are synthesized by Mitsunobu esterification applying triphenylphosphine and diisopropyl azodicarboxylate in N,N‐dimethylacetamide/LiCl. The reaction is found to be highly selective and took place at primary hydroxyl groups at position 6 of cellulose without undesired conversion of double bonds and phenolic hydroxyl groups. Molecular structure characterization is performed by FTIR‐ and NMR spectroscopy. The products are soluble in dimethyl sulfoxide and possessed degree of substitution (DS) values of up to 0.5. DS values are determined by two independent methods, namely 1H NMR spectroscopy of peracetylated derivatives and UV spectroscopy of extracted ferulic acid. The synthesis of cellulose hydroxycinnamates is very important to design lignocellulosic model systems and antioxidative bioinspired materials.
Polymeric Ion Conductors Based on Sono‐Polymerized Zwitterionic Polymers for Electrochromic Supercapacitors with Improved Shelf‐Life Stability
Authors: Lee Jae Kyeong , Kim Yong Min , Moon Hong Chul
Published: September 2021

Monolithic electrochromic supercapacitors (ECSs) have attracted increasing interest in recent electrochemical electronics due to their simplicity and unique ability to visually indicate stored energy levels. One crucial challenge for practical use is the improvement of shelf‐life. Herein, zwitterionic (ZI) ionogels are proposed as effective electrolytes to reduce the self‐discharging decay of ECSs. All‐in‐one ZI electrochromic (EC) gels are produced by one‐pot sono‐polymerization. The presence of ZI moieties in the gel does not affect the EC characteristics of chromophores. In addition, excellent capacitive properties in areal capacitance and coulombic efficiency are presented owing to the alignment of ZI units under an electric field and the formation of ion migration channels where rapid ion transport is allowed. Furthermore, the shelf‐life of the ZI gel‐based ECS is significantly improved by adjusting the interaction between polymeric gelators and ion species. The ZI gel‐based ECS is expected to be a key platform for future smart energy storage devices.
Coarse‐Grained Molecular Simulation of Polymers Supported by the Use of the SAFT‐γ$\gamma$ Mie Equation of State
Authors: Fayaz‐Torshizi Maziar , Müller Erich A.
Published: September 2021

A framework to self‐consistently combine a classical equation of state (EoS) and a molecular force field to model polymers and polymer mixtures is presented. The statistical associating fluid theory (SAFT‐ Mie) model is used to correlate the thermophysical properties of oligomers and generate robust and transferrable coarse‐grained (CG) molecular parameters which can be used both in particle based molecular simulations and in equations of state (EoS) calculations. Examples are provided for polyethylene, polypropylene, polyisobutylene atactic polystyrene, 1,4‐cis‐butadiene, polyisoprene, their blends and mixtures with low molecular weight solvents. Different types of liquid–liquid phase behavior are quantitatively captured both by the EoS and by direct molecular dynamics simulations. The use of CG models following this top‐down approach extends the time and length scales accessible to molecular simulation while retaining quantitative accuracy as compared to experimental results.
Hybrid model for a cross‐department efficiency evaluation in healthcare systems
Authors: Hasni Marwa , Layeb Safa Bhar , Aissaoui Najla Omrane , Mannai Aymen
Published: September 2021

This work investigates a new hybrid data envelopment analysis (DEA) and grey relational analysis (GRA) for a macro‐level evaluation of healthcare organizations. Once similar processes and decision‐making units (DMUs) are identified, the DEA is used to extract the efficient DMUs and introduce potential improvements. Then, the identified DMUs and inputs are scanned by the GRA to highlight their preference order and thus retrieve the benchmarked DMUs and the most influencing variables to prioritize. An empirical analysis evolving 63 DMUs across four departments of a Tunisian teaching hospital was conducted to provide useful guidance to policymakers to better allocate available resources.
Singular dual systems of fractional‐order differential equations
Authors: Dassios Ioannis , Milano Federico
Published: September 2021

We consider both primal and dual formulations of singular autonomous systems of three different types of fractional‐order differential equations. We present a comprehensive study which proves that by using the spectrum of a linear pencil, a polynomial matrix of first order, and not the fractional‐order pencil of the prime system, we will receive information for all properties for both the prime and its dual system. In addition, by using this spectrum, the solutions for all systems can be obtained by using formulas without additional computational cost. Finally, we provide examples including a computational analysis in Modelica.
Phase and dark‐field imaging with mesh‐based structured illumination and polycapillary optics
Authors: Pyakurel Uttam , Sun Weiyuan , Cheung Pikting , D'Moore Desirée , Zhang Xiaoyun , MacDonald Carolyn A. , Petruccelli Jonathan C.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

X‐ray phase and dark‐field (DF) imaging have been shown to improve the diagnostic capabilities of X‐ray systems. However, these methods have found limited clinical use due to the need for multiple precision gratings with limited field of view or requirements on X‐ray coherence that may not be easily translated to clinical practice. This work aims to develop a practicable X‐ray phase and DF imaging system that could be translated and practiced in the clinic.

Methods

This work employs a conventional source to create structured illumination with a simple wire mesh. A mesh‐shifting algorithm is used to allow wider Fourier windowing to enhance resolution. Deconvolution of the source spot width and camera resolution improves accuracy. Polycapillary optics are employed to enhance coherence. The effects of incorporating optics with two different focal lengths are compared. Information apparent in enhanced absorption images, phase images, and DF images of fat embedded phantoms were compared and subjected to a limited receiver operator characteristic (ROC) study. The DF images of the moist and dry porous object (sponges) were compared.

Results

The mesh‐based phase and DF imaging system constructs images with three different information types: scatter‐free absorption images, differential phase images, and scatter magnitude/DF images, simultaneously from the same original image. The polycapillary optic enhances the coherence of the beam. The deblurring technique corrects the phase signal error due to geometrical blur and the limitation of the camera modulation transfer function (MTF) and removes image artifacts to improve the resolution in a single shot. The mesh‐shifting method allows the use of a wider Fourier processing window, which gives even higher resolution, at the expense of an increased dose. The limited ROC study confirms the efficacy of the system over the conventional system. DF images of moist and dry porous object show the significance of the system in the imaging of lung infections.

Conclusion

The mesh‐based X‐ray phase and DF imaging system is an inexpensive and easy setup in terms of alignment and data acquisition and can produce phase and DF images in a single shot with wide field of view. The system shows significant potential for use in diagnostic imaging in a clinical setting.
Development of Novel Isoindolone‐Based Compounds against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense
Authors: Silva Daniel G. , Feijens Pim‐Bart , Hendrickx Rik , Matheeussen An , Grey Lucie , Caljon Guy , Maes Louis , Emery Flavio S. , Junker Anna
Published: September 2021

This study identified the isoindolone ring as a scaffold for novel agents against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense and explored the structure‐activity relationships of various aromatic ring substitutions. The compounds were evaluated in an integrated in vitro screen. Eight compounds exhibited selective activity against T. b. rhodesiense (IC50<2.2 μm) with no detectable side activity against T. cruzi and Leishmania infantum. Compound 20 showed low nanomolar potency against T. b. rhodesiense (IC50=40 nm) and no toxicity against MRC‐5 and PMM cell lines and may be regarded as a new lead template for agents against T. b. rhodesiense. The isoindolone‐based compounds have the potential to progress into lead optimization in view of their highly selective in vitro potency, absence of cytotoxicity and acceptable metabolic stability. However, the solubility of the compounds represents a limiting factor that should be addressed to improve the physicochemical properties that are required to proceed further in the development of in vivo‐active derivatives.
Toxoplasma gondii infection in children after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A case report and literature review
Authors: Luo Lijuan , Shen Nan , Chen Wenjuan , Luo Chengjuan , Huang Xiaohang , Jiang Yuelian , Cao Qing
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Toxoplasmosis is a life‐threatening complication after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). However, for several reasons, clinicians know little about Toxoplasma infection.

Case presentation

We report a case of toxoplasmosis that was diagnosed by bone marrow smear and metagenomic next‐generation sequencing (mNGS) after HSCT in a boy. Additionally, we summarize the characteristics of toxoplasmosis after pediatric HSCT reported in the literature published in PubMed.

Conclusion

Clinicians should increase their awareness of toxoplasmosis in children after HSCT and implement pre‐transplant screening and post‐transplant monitoring and prevention in future according to the national conditions of our country.
Curve correction of vehicle‐integrated photovoltaics using statistics on commercial car bodies
Authors: Ota Yasuyuki , Araki Kenji , Nagaoka Akira , Nishioka Kensuke
Published: September 2021

Typically, car roofs are curved, which means that vehicle‐integrated photovoltaics (VIPVs) are also curved along the roof surface. The performance of the PV module is influenced by the local cosine loss and self‐shadowing loss due to the curved surface. The ratio between the solar irradiances of curved and flat surfaces is defined as the curve correction factor, and it widely varies with the shape of the curved surface. When the curve correction factor is less than unity, the PV on a curved car roof performs worse than the PV on a flat plate. Understanding the typical range of the curve correction factor is important for the estimation of the energy generated by VIPV. We investigated the curved shapes of 100 lines of cars and 200 cases. The curved shapes were then used to extract eight nondimensional geometric parameters, and the distributions and correlations among the parameters were investigated. The parent population of the curved surfaces was estimated via a Monte Carlo simulation based on an analysis of the statistical characteristics. The distribution of curve correction factors for the car population was calculated via differential geometry weighted by the distribution of incident angles of sunlight (direct and diffused) affected by shading along the streets, which was obtained from 1 year of driving data for Miyazaki City, Japan. The curve correction factors were highly skewed, but the average value was 0.92. This means that VIPV requires a 10% boost in performance to compensate for the inherent loss due to the geometry of curved roofs.
Hydride transfer versus H‐abstraction in the reaction of O3 with 2‐propanol: The influence of solvent
Authors: Reisz Erika , Naumov Sergej , Tekle‐Röttering Agnes , Schmidt Winfried
Published: September 2021

The main purpose of this paper was to systematically investigate the influence of the solvent on mechanism behind O3 reaction with 2‐propanol. Gibbs energies were calculated for the reactions that initiated the possible mechanisms: hydride transfer ((H3C)2(HO)C–H(solv) + O3(solv) → (H3C)2(HO)C+(solv) + HO3−(solv)) and H‐abstraction ((H3C)2(HO)C–H(solv) + O3(solv) → (H3C)2(HO)C•(solv) + HO3•(solv)) under working conditions with various solvents. The characteristic of the solvent used for calculations was the relative dielectric constant, ɛ, which ranged from 2.02 (cyclohexane) to 80 (water). The calculation method was based on density functional theory (DFT). In addition, this study took into consideration the conversion of the radical pair as products of H‐abstraction to the ion pair formed following hydride transfer; the conversion occurred by electron transfer ((H3C)2(HO)C•(solv) + HO3•(solv) → (H3C)2(HO)C+(solv) + HO3−(solv)). Our calculations showed that the reaction of O3 with 2‐propanol was triggered by H‐abstraction in nonpolar solvents, but in polar solvents, mainly by a pseudo‐hydride transfer consisting of H‐abstraction followed by electron transfer between the radicals formed by H‐abstraction. The transition state formed en route to products had a linear structure for water, whereas for cyclohexane, linear and cyclic transition states coexisted.
Mechanisms and applications of bioinspired underwater/wet adhesives
Authors: Cai Chao , Chen Zhen , Chen Yujie , Li Hua , Yang Zhi , Liu Hezhou
Published: September 2021

In nature, many organisms can effectively fix to contact substrates and move and prey in complex living environments, such as underwater, seawater, and tidal environments, owing to special secreted chemical components and/or special micro/nanostructures on the adhesive surface of these organisms. Inspired by the adhesive performance of organisms, extensive research related to adhesive components and adhesive surfaces has been conducted recently. To better understand the underlying adhesive mechanisms and facilitate further continuous inspiration, a brief overview of recent wet/underwater adhesive materials is provided herein. First, the adhesive processes and underlying mechanisms of commonly researched organisms, such as mussels, octopuses, clingfish, and tree frogs, are discussed, and the corresponding bioinspired artificial adhesives are presented. Then, the applications of these bioinspired adhesives, such as intelligent robots (signal monitoring and sensing devices), wearable devices (including wet climbing and electronic skin), biomedicines (including wound dressings, bone adhesion, and rapid hemostasis), are presented and summarized. Finally, we offer our perspective on the future challenges and development of bioinspired artificial adhesives.
Quantitative analysis of 17 hypoglycemic drugs in fingerprints using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography/tandem hybrid triple quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometry
Authors: Du Qiuyao , Zhang Yunfeng , Wang Jifen , Chang Jing , Wang Aihua , Ren Xinxin , Liu Bingjie
Published: September 2021

Rationale

The objective of this study was to develop, optimize, and validate a method for the determination and quantification of 17 hypoglycemic drugs in fingerprints using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography/tandem hybrid triple quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometry (UHPLC/QTRAP‐MS/MS). We also aimed to apply the present method to the fingerprints collected from patients with hyperglycemia.

Methods

The scheduled multiple reaction monitoring information‐dependent acquisition‐enhanced product ion (SMRM‐IDA‐EPI) scanning mode was utilized. The chromatographic system consisted of an Acquity UHPLC® BEH C18 column (3.0 × 100 mm, 1.7 μm) and a mobile phase of 0.01% (v/v) formic acid in water and methanol. Analytes were extracted via a precipitation protein procedure. The method was validated in accordance with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance and applied to the analysis of fingerprint deposits from subjects who had taken the drugs.

Results

The limits of detection (LODs) and the lower limits of quantification (LLOQs) of 17 hypoglycemic drugs were 0.001 to 0.020 and 0.002 to 0.050 ng/fingerprint, respectively. The correlation coefficients (r) for the calibration curves were > 0.99 in the range of 0.050–50.000 ng/fingerprint. The matrix effect and recovery of 17 hypoglycemic drugs at three concentrations ranged from 81.1 to 117.3% and 80.0 to 109.6%, respectively. The validation data (intra‐ and inter‐day combined) for accuracy ranged from 85.5 to 117.2%, the CV (%) data were ≤19.7%. All analytes were found to be stable stored in the autosampler (4°C) for 24 h. This validated method was successfully applied to detect hypoglycemic drugs in fingerprints from patients with hyperglycemia.

Conclusions

A quantification method for hypoglycemic drugs in fingerprints was developed, optimized, and validated. This sensitive method could be used for drug monitoring and providing reference information in forensic investigations.
Do cyprinid fish use lateral flow‐refuges during hydropeaking?
Authors: Boavida Isabel , Costa Maria João , Portela Maria Manuela , Godinho Francisco , Tuhtan Jeffrey , Pinheiro António
Published: September 2021

Hydropeaking caused by small‐scale hydropower plants creates rapid changes in the intensity, frequency, and persistence of river flows. These changes can induce stress in fish across all life‐stages and, may negatively impact fish communities. Rapid increases in the flow velocity may cause fish to avoid unstable habitats, seeking out nearby refuges to reduce their energy expenditure. A lateral flow‐refuge constructed from maritime plywood (0.4 m wide × 0.5 m long × 0.4 m high) was installed in the left river bank, 40 m downstream of the Bragado hydropower plant. A multispectral stereo underwater camera trap was installed inside the flow‐refuge to monitor fish over one‐month period. The camera recorded images continuously both during base and peak flow conditions. Two different peak‐flow conditions were detected: peak and high peak‐flow conditions. The peak flow conditions correspond to a turbine discharge of 0.67 m3/s (peak), and 2.1 m3/s (high peak) at full load. The base‐flow condition corresponded to a discharge of 0.064 m3/s. The fish presence inside the refuge was observed to be significantly higher during the peak condition when compared with the base and high peak conditions. These findings strongly indicate that the flow during the high peak condition prevented fish from using the flow‐refuge due to the increase in the current. We hypothesize that this may be due to the increase in the current velocity and increased levels of ambient turbulence near the refuge. An alternate hypothesis is that the spatial distribution of velocities and depths during the high peak condition induced fish to inhabit areas with poor access to the refuge. The results of this study indicate that fish refuges can be used to successfully mitigate hydropeaking, and that their use by fish can depend on the flow regime.