bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Semiconductor Nanowire‐Based Cellular and Subcellular Interfaces
Authors: Shi Jiuyun , Sun Changxu , Liang Elaine , Tian Bozhi
Published: October 2021

The highly intricate structures of biological systems make the precise probing of biological behaviors at the cellular‐level particularly difficult. As an advanced toolset capable of exploring diverse biointerfaces, high‐aspect‐ratio nanowires stand out with their unique mechanical, optical, and electrical properties. Specifically, semiconductor nanowires show much promise in their tunability and feasibility for synthesis and fabrication. Thus far, semiconductor nanowires have shown favorable results in deciphering biological communications and translating this cellular language through the nanowire‐based biointerfaces. In this perspective, the synthesis and fabrication methods for different kinds of nanowires and nanowire‐based structures are first surveyed. Next, several cellular‐level nanowire‐enabled applications in biophysical dynamics probing, physiological or biochemical sensing, and biological activity modulation are highlighted. Then, the progress of functionalized nanowires in drug delivery and bioenergy production is reviewed. Finally, the current limitations of nanowires and an outlook into the next generation of nanowire‐based devices at the biointerfaces are concluded.
Nature Sunflower Stalk Pith with Zwitterionic Hydrogel Coating for Highly Efficient and Sustainable Solar Evaporation
Authors: Su Xin , Hao Dezhao , Sun Mingyue , Wei Tingshu , Xu Dake , Ai Xicheng , Guo Xinglin , Zhao Tong , Jiang Lei
Published: October 2021

Solar‐driven water evaporation is considered to be an appealing way to solve water scarcity issues globally. Various natural creatures possess unique structural features and exhibit an excellent pumping ability in arid environments. Motivated by sunflower stalk pith, here, the biomass porous foam modified with zwitterionic hydrogel coating for solar desalination devices is introduced. It is demonstrated that the multi‐curvature and gradient honeycomb architecture offers a remarkable solar desalination system, which combines critical aspects of solar evaporation including high light absorption, localizing converted heat, rapid water transport, water activation, and multi‐channel release of steam via its ubiquitous structure, and substantially outperforms other natural biomass materials. The device exhibits long‐term stability in actual seawater, as well as high performance for soybean oil emulsion and oily brines (crude oil, salts). Furthermore, the long‐term use of excellent storability to prevent putrefying is shown, which is attributed to the outstanding antifouling property of zwitterionic hydrogel. It is envisioned that the nature material with the advantage of being inexpensive, environmentally friendly, and portable, may be a new candidate for water purification and desalination.
Initiating VB‐Group Laminated NbS2 Electromagnetic Wave Absorber toward Superior Absorption Bandwidth as Large as 6.48 GHz through Phase Engineering Modulation
Authors: Zhang Huibin , Cheng Junye , Wang Honghan , Huang Zehao , Zheng Qingbin , Zheng Guangping , Zhang Deqing , Che Renchao , Cao Maosheng
Published: October 2021

VB‐Group transition metal disulfides (TMDs) are considered excellent materials for electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption because of their good conductivity and abundant active sites located at their edges and substrates, as compared with VIB‐Group TMDs. Herein, for the first time, EMW absorbers based on VB‐Group NbS2 nanosheets by using a facile one‐step solvothermal method are successfully prepared. The minimum reflection loss (RLmin) can reach up to 43.85 dB with an effective absorption bandwidth of 6.48 GHz (11.52–18.00 GHz). The remarkable EMW absorption performance can also be reflected in the tunable frequency bands (C‐, X‐, and Ku‐bands), which is achieved by adjusting the contents of materials. Furthermore, the influence of the content of 2H‐phase and 1T‐phase in NbS2 on the EMW absorption performance is systematically investigated. The hierarchical hollow‐sphere structure of NbS2 promotes dielectric loss and the multiple reflection and absorption of EMW, and enhances the impedance matching and synergistic attenuation ability. This work demonstrates that the bottleneck of effective absorbing frequency band of single‐component dielectric EMW absorbing materials could be broken through, and paves a novel path towards developing broadband absorbing materials in EMW absorption.
Recent Advances in Complex Hollow Electrocatalysts for Water Splitting
Authors: Wang Yi Zhong , Yang Min , Ding Yi‐Ming , Li Nian‐Wu , Yu Le
Published: October 2021

Electrochemical water splitting powered by renewable energy sources has been considered as an attractive hydrogen generation technology with high‐purity product and zero carbon emission. However, the efficient realization of large‐scale water splitting is severely hampered by the sluggish hydrogen/oxygen evolution reaction (HER/OER). As an important class of functional materials, complex hollow electrocatalysts provide promising solutions to accelerate the HER/OER kinetics owing to their advantageous features, such as abundant exposed active sites, increased contact area between catalysts and electrolyte, and shortened mass/charge transport length. Herein, the recent advances in the development of complex hollow electrocatalysts and their outstanding performances in water splitting are summarized. Beginning with the introduction of reaction mechanisms and design principles, achievements in engineering complex hollow HER/OER electrocatalysts are highlighted with the focus on structural modulation, composition control, and electrocatalytic evaluation. Finally, some present challenges and future perspectives for advanced complex hollow electrocatalysts toward water splitting are further discussed.
Concealing Messages at the Atomic‐Thin Level by Reaching the Limit of Writing
Authors: Hou Chao , Yang Qirong , Guan Jianxin , Deng Jingwen , Xu Zihan , Yu Zhihao , Zheng Junrong
Published: October 2021

The evolution of writing system reflects the development of civilization. Using a single molecular layer of “ink” to record invisible messages on an atomic‐layered paper represents the ultimate thinness of classical writing system and steganography. A stable and convenient atomic‐thin information steganography under ambient conditions is realized using a monolayer of water as “ink,” an atomic layer of MoS2 as paper, and a laser as the pen. Physically adsorbed monolayered water molecules produce p‐type doping to the monolayer MoS2, leading to its photoluminescence (PL) enhancement. Information is written using a laser to remove surface water with designed patterns and is read out by PL imaging. The information is transparent to visible light and can retain for at least one week until erased by a humidification treatment. The method reaches the thinnest limit of writing and achieves repeatable data storage, providing promising applications in steganography and high‐density storage at the atomic‐thin level.
Quantificational 4D Visualization of Industrial Electrodeposition
Authors: Jiao Handong , Qu Zhaoliang , Jiao Shuqiang , Gao Yang , Li Shijie , Song Wei‐Li , Wang Mingyong , Chen Haosen , Fang Daining
Published: October 2021

Electrodeposition is a fundamental technology in modern society and has been widely used in metal plating and extraction, etc. However, extreme reaction conditions, including wide operation temperature ranges and corrosive media (molten salt/oxide systems as a particular example), inhibit direct in situ observation of the electrodeposition process. To visualize the electrode kinetics in such “black box,” X‐ray tomography is employed to monitor the electrochemical processes and three‐dimensional (3D) evolution of morphology. Benefiting from the excellent penetration of X‐ray, a non‐destructive and non‐contact in situ four‐dimensional (4D) visualization of Ti deposition is realized. Real‐time 3D reconstructed images reveal that the counterintuitive nucleation and growth process of a mesoscale Ti dendrite at both solid and liquid cathodes. According to 3D morphology evolution, unusual mechanism based on synergetic effect of the diffusion of metallic Ti and local field enhancement is achieved utilizing a simulation method based on a finite element method. This approach allows for timely and accurately regulating the electrodeposition process upon in situ monitored parameters. More importantly, the 4D technique upon operando X‐ray tomography and numerical simulation can be easily applied to other electrodeposition systems, which will help deeply understand the internal kinetics and the precise optimization of the electrodeposition conditions.
High‐Speed and Continuous‐Wave Programmable Luminescent Tags Based on Exclusive Room Temperature Phosphorescence (RTP)
Authors: Gmelch Max , Achenbach Tim , Tomkeviciene Ausra , Reineke Sebastian
Published: October 2021

Most materials recently developed for room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) lack in practical relevance due to their inconvenient crystalline morphology. Using amorphous material systems instead, programmable luminescent tags (PLTs) based on organic biluminescent emitter molecules with easy processing and smooth sample shapes are presented recently. Here, the effective quenching of the emitter's RTP by molecular oxygen (O2) and the consumption of the excited singlet O2 through a chemical reaction represent the central features. With customized activation schemes, high‐resolution content can be written and later erased multiple times into such films, providing a versatile yet simple photonic platform for information storage. However, two important limitations remain: The immutable fluorescence of the emitters outshines the phosphorescent patterns by roughly one order of magnitude, allowing readout of the PLTs only after the excitation source is turned off. The programming of these systems is a rather slow process, where lowest reported activation times are still >8 s. Here, a material‐focused approach to PLTs with fast activation times of 120 ± 20 ms and high‐contrast under continuous‐wave illumination is demonstrated, leading to accelerated programming on industry relevant time scales and a simplified readout process both by eye and low cost cameras.
Accelerated Chemical Thermodynamics of Uranium Extraction from Seawater by Plant‐Mimetic Transpiration
Authors: Wang Ning , Zhao Xuemei , Wang Jiawen , Yan Bingjie , Wen Shunxi , Zhang Jiacheng , Lin Ke , Wang Hui , Liu Tao , Liu Zhenzhong , Ma Chunxin , Li Jianbao , Yuan Yihui
Published: October 2021

The extraction of uranium from seawater, which is an abundant resource, has attracted considerable attention as a viable form of energy‐resource acquisition. The two critical factors for boosting the chemical thermodynamics of uranium extraction from seawater are the availability of sufficient amounts of uranyl ions for supply to adsorbents and increased interaction temperatures. However, current approaches only rely on the free diffusion of uranyl ions from seawater to the functional groups within adsorbents, which largely limits the uranium extraction capacity. Herein, inspired by the mechanism of plant transpiration, a plant‐mimetic directional‐channel poly(amidoxime) (DC‐PAO) hydrogel is designed to enhance the uranium extraction efficiency via the active pumping of uranyl ions into the adsorbent. Compared with the original PAO hydrogel without plant‐mimetic transpiration, the uranium extraction capacity of the DC‐PAO hydrogel increases by 79.33% in natural seawater and affords the fastest reported uranium extraction average rate of 0.917 mg g−1 d−1 among the most state‐of‐the‐art amidoxime group‐based adsorbents, along with a high adsorption capacity of 6.42 mg g−1 within 7 d. The results indicate that the proposed method can enhance the efficiency of solar‐transpiration‐based uranium extraction from seawater, particularly in terms of reducing costs and saving processing time.
Esophagus‐Inspired Actuator for Solid Transportation via the Synergy of Lubrication and Contractile Deformation
Authors: Liu Hui , Zhang Yunlei , Ma Shuanhong , Alsaid Yousif , Pei Xiaowei , Cai Meirong , He Ximin , Zhou Feng
Published: October 2021

Directional transportation of objects has important applications from energy transfer and intelligent robots to biomedical devices. Although breakthroughs in liquid migration on 2D surfaces or 3D tubular devices have been achieved, realizing smooth/on‐demand transportation of constrained solids within a 3D cavity environment under harsh pressurized environment still remains a daunting challenge, where strong interface friction force becomes the main obstacle restricting the movement of solids. Inspired by typical feeding mechanism in natural esophagus system which synergistically couples a lubricating mucosa surface with the peristaltic contraction deformation of the cavity, herein, this challenge is addressed by constructing an esophagus‐inspired layered tubular actuator with a slippery inner surface and responsive hydrogel matrix to realize spherical solid propulsion by photo(thermo)‐induced cavity deformation. The as‐constructed tubular actuator containing Fe3O4 nanoparticles exhibits local volumetric shrinkage upon NIR‐irradiation, which can generate large hydrodynamic pressure and considerable mechanical extrusion force (Fdriving force ≈ 0.18 N) to overcome low interface friction force (ffriction force ≈ 0.03 N), enabling on‐demand transportation of constrained (pressure: 0.103 MPa) spherical solids over a long distance in an arbitrary direction. This actuator is anticipated to be used as bionic medicine transportation devices or artificial in vitro esophagus simulation systems, for example, to help formula eating‐related physiotherapy plans for patients and astronauts.
Nanomechanical Induction of Autophagy‐Related Fluorescence in Single Cells with Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Li Bin , Wei Yuhui , Li Qian , Chen Nan , Li Jiang , Liu Lin , Zhang Jinjin , Wang Ying , Sun Yanhong , Shi Jiye , Wang Lihua , Shao Zhifeng , Hu Jun , Fan Chunhai
Published: October 2021

Mechanistic understanding of how living systems sense, transduce, and respond to mechanical cues has important implications in development, physiology, and therapy. Here, the authors use an integrated atomic force microscope (AFM) and brightfield/epifluorescent microscope platform to precisely simulate living single cells or groups of cells under physiological conditions, in real time, concomitantly measuring the single‐cell autophagic response and its transmission to neighboring cells. Dual‐color fluorescence monitoring of the cellular autophagic response reveals the dynamics of autophagosome formation, degradation, and induction in neighboring contacting and noncontacting cells. Autophagosome formation is dependent on both the applied force and contact area of the AFM tip. More importantly, the enhancement of the autophagic responses in neighboring cells via a gap junction‐dependent mechanism is observed. This AFM‐based nanoacupuncture platform can serve as a tool for elucidating the primary mechanism underlying mechanical stimulation of living systems and other biomechanical therapeutics.
A Spiking Stochastic Neuron Based on Stacked InGaZnO Memristors
Authors: Mao Huiwu , He Yongli , Chen Chunsheng , Zhu Li , Zhu Yixin , Zhu Ying , Ke Shuo , Wang Xiangjing , Wan Changjin , Wan Qing
Published: October 2021

Spiking encoded stochastic neural network is believed to be energy efficient and biologically plausible and an increasing effort has been made recently to translate its great cognitive power into hardware implementations. Here, a stacked indium–gallium–zinc–oxide (IGZO)‐based threshold switching memristor with essential properties as a spiking stochastic neuron is introduced. Such IGZO spiking stochastic neuron shows a sigmoid firing probability that can be tuned by the amplitude, width, and frequency of the applied pulse sequence. More importantly, the stacked configuration is experimentally demonstrated with eliminated switching variation compared to one single memristor and a narrow relative deviation (≤6.8%) of the firing probability can be achieved. The IGZO stochastic neuron is applied to perform probabilistic unsupervised learning for handwritten digit reconstruction based on a restricted Boltzmann machine and a recognition accuracy of 91.2% can be achieved. Such IGZO stochastic neuron with reproducible firing probability emulates probabilistic computing in the brain, which is of significant importance to hardware implementation of spiking neural network to analyze sensory stimuli, produce adequate motor control, and make reasonable inference.
Rational Design of a Photosystem I Photoanode for the Fabrication of Biophotovoltaic Devices
Authors: Wang Panpan , Zhao Fangyuan , Frank Anna , Zerria Sarra , Lielpetere Anna , Ruff Adrian , Nowaczyk Marc M. , Schuhmann Wolfgang , Conzuelo Felipe
Published: October 2021

Photosystem I (PSI), a robust and abundant biomolecule capable of delivering high‐energy photoelectrons, has a great potential for the fabrication of light‐driven semi‐artificial bioelectrodes. Although possibilities have been explored in this regard, the true capabilities of this technology have not been achieved yet, particularly for their use as bioanodes. Here, the use of PSI Langmuir monolayers and their electrical wiring with specifically designed redox polymers is shown, ensuring an efficient mediated electron transfer as the basis for the fabrication of an advanced biophotoanode. The bioelectrode is rationally implemented and optimized for enabling the generation of substantial photocurrents of up to 17.6 µA cm−2 and is even capable of delivering photocurrents at potentials as low as −300 mV vs standard hydrogen electrode, surpassing the performance of comparable devices. To highlight the applicability of the developed light‐driven bioanode, a biophotovoltaic cell is assembled in combination with a gas‐breathing biocathode. The assembly operates in a single compartment cell and delivers considerable power outputs at large cell voltages. The implemented biophotoanode constitutes an important step toward the development of advanced biophotovoltaic devices.
Increasing Ionic Conductivity of Poly(ethylene oxide) by Reaction with Metallic Li
Authors: Liu Pei , Counihan Michael J. , Zhu Yisi , Connell Justin G. , Sharon Daniel , Patel Shrayesh N. , Redfern Paul C. , Zapol Peter , Markovic Nenad M. , Nealey Paul F. , Curtiss Larry A. , Tepavcevic Sanja
Published: October 2021

Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) was the first lithium‐ion conducting polymer developed 50 years ago and is still the most popular electrolyte matrix for solid‐state lithium metal batteries. While many studies focus on increasing PEO ionic conductivity through doping with Li salts, little work has addressed using PEO and Li directly to generate Li+‐conducting species in situ. Reaction between PEO and Li leads to ionic conductivity largely from Li+, in contrast to the case of added salts where the anion contribution dominates. Herein, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy shows the ionic conductivity of PEO thin films increases up to three orders of magnitude (from 10−7 to 10−4 S cm−1) when contacted with Li at elevated temperature. This is due to the reduction of ether bonds, which produces lithium alkoxides that are responsible for Li+ transport. Density functional theory analysis confirms this mechanism as thermodynamically favorable. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy also shows the presence of organolithium species and Li2O, which are responsible for propagating reactions with PEO and forming an electronically insulating layer at the PEO–Li interface that halts further reaction, respectively. The underlying mechanisms of Li–polymer electrolyte reactions is clarified and new pathways for in situ Li+ doping of polymer electrolytes is presented.
Highly dispersed and confined Ni/MMO catalyst synthesized in a rotating packed bed for hydrogenation of maleic anhydride
Authors: Li Ying‐Jiao , Qi Ting‐Ting , Dong Kun , Chu Guang‐Wen , Zou Hai‐Kui , Sun Bao‐Chang
Published: October 2021

Catalytic hydrogenation of maleic anhydride (MA) into succinic anhydride (SA) is one of the most important transformations in synthetic organic chemistry. Herein, we firstly synthesized well‐dispersed nickel particles confined by mixed metal oxides (Ni/MMO) derived from in situ transformation of Ni‐Al hydrotalcite in a rotating packed bed (RPB) to catalyze this process. A series of Ni/MMO catalysts (63 wt%–89 wt% Ni) were effectively fabricated and the structure–activity relationship was established. Results showed that a Ni/MMO catalyst (82 wt% Ni) with substantial surface defect sites and the highest Ni surface area among the prepared Ni/MMO catalysts, demonstrates the highest activity with ~100% MA conversion and ~100% selectivity to SA under 25°C within 77 min. This is, to our knowledge, the highest conversion and selectivity under room temperature to date. Moreover, the Ni/MMO catalyst prepared by RPB has higher specific surface area and Ni surface area, therefore possessing a higher hydrogenation rate compared to that by stirred tank reactor (1.69 vs. 1.36, 10−3·molMA/gcat/min). These results will provide an attractive option of the catalysts for MA hydrogenation, and a novel strategy for synthesizing nickel catalyst derived from Ni‐Al hydrotalcite.
Craniofacial fluctuating asymmetry in gorillas, chimpanzees, and macaques
Authors: Romero Ashly N. , Mitchell D. Rex , Cooke Siobhán B. , Kirchhoff Claire A. , Terhune Claire E.
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Craniofacial fluctuating asymmetry (FA) refers to the random deviations from symmetry exhibited across the craniofacial complex and can be used as a measure of developmental instability for organisms with bilateral symmetry. This article addresses the lack of data on craniofacial FA in nonhuman primates by analyzing FA magnitude and variation in chimpanzees, gorillas, and macaques. We offer a preliminary investigation into how FA, as a proxy for developmental instability, varies within and among nonhuman primates.

Materials and Methods

We generated 3D surface models of 121 crania fromPan troglodytes troglodytes,Gorilla gorilla gorilla, andMacaca fascicularis fascicularis. Using geometric morphometric techniques, the magnitude of observed FA was calculated and compared for each individual, sex, and taxon, along with the variation of FA across cranial regions and for each bilateral landmark.

Results

Gorillas and macaques exhibited higher and more similar magnitudes of FA to each other than either taxon did to chimpanzees; variation in magnitude of FA followed this same trend. No significant differences were detected between sexes using pooled data across species, but sex did influence FA magnitude within taxa in gorillas. Further, variation in FA variance across cranial regions and by landmark was not distributed in any particular pattern.

Conclusion

Possible environmentally induced causes for these patterns of FA magnitude include differences in growth rate and physiological stress experienced during life. Developmental stability may be greatest in chimpanzees in this sample. Additionally, these results point to appropriate landmarks for future FA analyses and may help suggest more urgent candidate taxa for conservation efforts.
Process analytical technologies in cell therapy manufacturing: State‐of‐the‐art and future directions
Authors: Wang Bryan , Bowles‐Welch Annie C. , Yeago Carolyn , Roy Krishnendu
Published: October 2021

Cell therapies have the potential to effectively treat and even cure complex, currently untreatable diseases with unprecedented success. The cell therapy industry has been growing rapidly since the Food and Drug Administration approval of the first product in 2017. Despite tremendous promise, there are significant and unique challenges that must be overcome to make cell therapy manufacturing reproducible, scalable, high‐quality, and cost‐effective. Discovery and implementation of critical quality attributes (CQAs) and critical process parameters (CPPs) to the complex cell therapy manufacturing processes is one such grand challenge for the field. The role of process analytical technologies (PATs) in CQA/CPP discovery and eventual in‐process, or at‐process monitoring to maintain consistent process and product quality, is indispensable. Here we discuss the major challenges and the strategic framework for optimizing process development and related PATs for various cell therapies, with a focus on upstream processes. We introduce relevant approaches, such as quality‐by‐design (QbD), and the implementation of PATs to enable QbD in current biomanufacturing processes. We examine state‐of‐the‐art PAT implementation on standard physicochemical parameters in biopharmaceutical operations and consider potential cell therapy‐related parameters that may be instrumental in overcoming the challenges of the current cell therapy manufacturing landscape. Current innovations applied to the field, such as high‐throughput and high‐dimensional analyses, machine learning, and novel sensor technologies, are also discussed. We conclude that advances in PATs are necessary to identify CQAs and CPPs, overcome limitations in current operating processes, reduce overall product cost, and significantly accelerate the translation of laboratory discoveries into commercialized cell therapy products.
Acute ischemic stroke biomarkers: a new era with diagnostic promise?
Authors: Bsat Shadi , Halaoui Adham , Kobeissy Firas , Moussalem Charbel , El Houshiemy Mohamad Nabih , Kawtharani Sarah , Omeis Ibrahim
Published: October 2021

Stroke is considered as the first cause of neurological dysfunction and second cause of death worldwide. Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator is the only chemical treatment for ischemic stroke approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. It was the only standard of care for a long time with a very narrow therapeutic window, which usually ranges from 3 to 4.5 h of stroke onset; until 2015, when multiple trials demonstrated the benefit of mechanical thrombectomy during the first 6 h. In addition, recent trials showed that mechanical thrombectomy can be beneficial up to 24 h if the patients meet certain criteria including the presence of magnetic resonance imaging/computed tomography perfusion mismatch, which allows better selectivity and higher recruitment of eligible stroke patients. However, magnetic resonance imaging/computed tomography perfusion is not available in all stroke centers. Hence, physicians need other easy and available diagnostic tools to select stroke patients eligible for mechanical thrombectomy. Moreover, stroke management is still challenging for physicians, particularly those dealing with patients with “wake‐up” stroke. The resulting brain tissue damage of ischemic stroke and the subsequent pathological processes are mediated by multiple molecular pathways that are modulated by inflammatory markers and post‐transcriptional activity. A considerable number of published works suggest the role of inflammatory and cardiac brain‐derived biomarkers (serum matrix metalloproteinase, thioredoxin, neuronal and glial markers, and troponin proteins) as well as different biomarkers including the emerging roles of microRNAs. In this review, we assess the accumulating evidence regarding the current status of acute ischemic stroke diagnostic biomarkers that could guide physicians for better management of stroke patients. Our review could give an insight into the roles of the different emerging markers and microRNAs that can be of high diagnostic value in patients with stroke. In fact, the field of stroke research, similar to the field of traumatic brain injury, is in immense need for novel biomarkers that can stratify diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy.
Evaluation of the physiological changes in prehospital health‐care providers influenced by environmental factors in the summer of 2020 during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Tanaka Shota , Nakagawa Koshi , Ozone Yuki , Kaneko Yuuki , Sugiki Shota , Hoshino Genki , Saito Shunsuke , Minami Arisa , Tanaka Hideharu
Published: October 2021

Aim

Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential to prevent infection transmission, but the risk of heatstroke increases with wearing PPE in a humid and hot environment. Therefore, we aimed to examine how environmental parameters change the body physiology in a hot environment during the coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study extracted from the MEDIC Japan heatstroke prevention database, which was recorded between 1 August and 7 September, 2020. Its database is a registry collection from seven healthy health‐care providers. Subjects recorded their own vital signs (forehead and tympanic temperature, blood pressure, pulse rate, and oxygen saturation) and environmental factors (type of weather, wet‐bulb globe temperature [WBGT], air temperature, humidity, and location) every hour during their working shift.

Results

From 323 records, a weak positive but statistically significant correlation was observed between WBGT and pulse rate (correlation coefficient [95% confidence interval],r = 0.34 [0.23, 0.45]) and between WBGT and core body temperature. Forehead temperature had a stronger correlation than tympanic temperature (forehead,r = 0.33 [0.21, 0.43]; tympanic,r = 0.17 [0.05, 0.28]), which also showed a larger effect (forehead, η2 = 0.08; tympanic, η2 = 0.05). The effect size of oxygen saturation measured outdoors was large (η2 = 0.30). Forehead temperature increased abruptly at 28°C WBGT and at 33°C air temperature.

Conclusion

A hot environment significantly affected forehead temperature, and the daytime imposed a high risk of heatstroke. To avoid heatstroke, environmental parameters are important to note as outdoor environments had a large effect on vital sign changes depending on the time of day.
Geomimetic Hydrothermal Synthesis of Polyimide‐Based Covalent Organic Frameworks
Authors: Kim Taehyung , Joo Se Hun , Gong Jintaek , Choi Sungho , Min Ju Hong , Kim Yongchul , Lee Geunsik , Lee Eunji , Park Soojin , Kwak Sang Kyu , Lee Hee‐Seung , Kim Byeong‐Su
Published: October 2021

Despite its abundance, water is not widely used as a medium for organic reactions. However, under geothermal conditions, water exhibits unique physicochemical properties, such as viscosity and a dielectric constant, and the ionic product become similar to those of common organic solvents. We have synthesized highly crystalline polyimide‐based covalent organic frameworks (PICs) under geomimetic hydrothermal conditions. By exploiting triphenylene‐2,3,6,7,10,11‐hexacarboxylic acid in combination with various aromatic diamines, PICs with various pore dimensions and crystallinities were synthesized. XRD, FT‐IR, and DFT calculations revealed that the solubility of the oligomeric intermediates under hydrothermal conditions affected the stacking structures of the crystalline PICs. Furthermore, the synthesized PICs demonstrate promising potential as an anode material in lithium‐ion batteries owing to its unique redox‐active properties and high surface area.
Photochemical synthesis of metallic silver nanoparticles using Pistacia khinjuk leaves extract (PKL@AgNPs) and their applications as an alternative catalytic, antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer agents
Authors: Zare‐Bidaki Majid , Mohammadparast‐Tabas Pouria , Peyghambari Yasaman , Chamani Elham , Siami‐Aliabad Mahin , Mortazavi‐Derazkola Sobhan
Published: October 2021

In recent decades, antimicrobial resistance of different bacteria against various antibiotics and contamination of water resources by various dyes has been one of the most important human problems. Therefore, in this research, biogenic silver nanoparticles were synthesized using nontoxic and rapid approach using Pistacia khinjuk leaves extract (P. khinjuk) as compatible and safe reducing agent (PKL@AgNPs). Nanoparticle optimization experiments were performed at different times, temperatures and concentrations in order to achieve the most optimal conditions. The biosynthesized AgNPs were characterized in terms crystalline, morphology and structural. The Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) spectra showed that the phenol compounds present in the P. khinjuk leaves extract were responsible for silver ion (Ag+) reduction and stabilization of AgNPs (Ag0). X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis results revealed that the product were face‐centered cubic structure, homogeneous, uniformly, oval‐like and spherical morphology with size of about 35–45 nm. The biosynthesized AgNPs exhibited a high photocatalytic activity for the degradation of the methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) as hazardous contaminants. The degradation efficiency of PKL@AgNPs for MB and MO pollutants were 93.2% and 85.37% under UV and 75.18% and 70.03% under sun‐light irradiations, respectively. Furthermore, the PKL@AgNPs showed strong antibacterial and antifungal activities against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus mitis, Enterococcus faecalis, and Candida albicans with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 0.58, 0.58, 0.58, 1.17, 2.34, 1.17, and 0.15 μg ml−1, respectively. The antioxidant activity of PKL@AgNPs was calculated and the results revealed that the percentage of DPPH inhibition increased (3.8% to 69.9%) with increasing the concentration of nanoparticles. Also, the PKL@AgNPs also revealed significant anticancer activity on k562 as a human leukemia cancer cell line (IC50 = 2.69 μg ml−1). All these investigations revealed that silver nanoparticles synthesized by natural extract have the potential to use as low‐cost and efficient nanoparticles for environmental and biomedical applications.
Enhanced anticancer property of bio‐organometallic nano composites: Design, characterization, and biological evaluation
Authors: Sindhu Mathiyazhagan , Kalaivani Palaniappan , Prabhakaran Rathinasabapathi
Published: October 2021

Series of organoruthenium complexes and their nano biocomposites were prepared and analyzed by various spectral analyzed techniques like infrared (IR), UV–Vis,1H‐nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, and high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HR‐MS). The redox properties of organoruthenium complexes were studied by cyclic voltammogram. UV–Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy employed to study the binding affinity of Ru (III) complexes with CT‐DNA and serum albumin (bovine serum albumin [BSA]). From the Ksv and Kb values, the interaction between BSA and organoruthenium complexes confirmed the mechanism of binding as static quenching. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) studies validated the formation of new hybrid organometallic proteomics (P1–P4), while binding of the complexes with protein (BSA). A comparative cytotoxic profile of organoruthenium complexes and their nano biocomposites were evaluated. The results revealed the higher anticancer activity of nano biocomposites than their parent organoruthenium derivatives.
Effect of polypropylene molecular weight distribution on the balance between the toughness and rigidity of the impact polypropylene composites
Authors: Li Fushi , Gao Yunbao , Yan Nan , Zhang Chunyu , Zhang Xuequan , Jiang Wei
Published: October 2021

In this study, homo‐polypropylene (HPP) with the same number average molecular weight () while different molecular weight distribution (MWD) are directly melt blended with a polyolefin elastomer (POE) in order to study the effects of the MWD of HPP on the brittle‐ductile transition (BDT) and the balance between toughness and rigidity of the PP/POE composites. The results show that for the same number average molecular weight HPP, the wider the MWD, the higher the brittle strength σb of the HPP is, and the larger the critical interparticle distance (IDc) of the composite is. Larger IDc means lower modifier content can induce the BDT, and thereby leads to less modulus loss of the composites. Namely, the toughened HPP with wider MWD can have a better balance between toughness and rigidity.
Melatonin attenuates morphine‐induced conditioned place preference in Wistar rats
Authors: Alshehri Fahad S. , Alghamdi Badrah S. , Hakami Alqassem Y. , Alshehri Abdullah A. , Althobaiti Yusuf S.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Morphine is the predominantly used drug for postoperative and cancer pain management. However, the abuse potential of morphine is the primary disadvantage of using opioids in pain management. Melatonin is a neurohormone synthesized in the pineal gland and is involved in circadian rhythms in mammals, as well as other physiological functions. Melatonin provenly attenuates alcohol‐seeking and relapse behaviors in rats. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the involvement of the melatonergic system in attenuating morphine dependence.

Materials and methods

Male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control, morphine, and morphine + melatonin. Animals were habituated for 3 days, and the initial preference was evaluated. Following the initial preference, the control group received the vehicle and was placed for a 45‐min session in the assigned chamber every day, alternating between the two chambers, for 8 days. The morphine group received a morphine injection (5 mg/kg, IP) and was placed for a 45‐min session in the white chamber, for a total of four sessions. The morphine + melatonin group received the morphine injection (5 mg/kg, IP) for a total of four sessions over an 8‐day period. In the posttest session, the control and morphine groups received a vehicle injection 30 min before placement in the conditioned place preference (CPP). The morphine + melatonin group received a single injection of melatonin (50 mg/kg, IP) 30 min before the preference test.

Results

Statistical analysis revealed that repeated administration of morphine for four sessions produced a significant increase in the CPP score in the morphine group compared to the control group. However, a single melatonin injection administered 30 min before the posttest attenuated morphine‐seeking behavior and reduced morphine‐induced place preference.

Conclusion

These findings provide novel evidence for the role of the melatonergic system as a potential target in modulating morphine‐seeking behavior.
Extracellular vesicles as a new hope for diagnosis and therapeutic intervention for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Nimitrungtawee Natthaphong , Inmutto Nakarin , Chattipakorn Siriporn C. , Chattipakorn Nipon
Published: October 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer with a high mortality rate. Early diagnosis and treatment before tumor progression into an advanced stage is ideal. The current diagnosis of HCC is mainly based on imaging modalities such as ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. These methods have some limitations including diagnosis in the case of very small tumors with atypical imaging patterns. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanosized vesicles which have been shown to act as an important vector for cell‐to‐cell communication. In the past decade, EVs have been investigated with regard to their roles in HCC formation. Since these EVs contain biomolecular cargo such as nucleic acid, lipids, and proteins, it has been proposed that they could be a potential source of tumor biomarkers and a vector for therapeutic cargo. In this review, reports on the roles of HCC‐derived EVs in tumorigenesis, and clinical investigations using circulating EVs as a biomarker for HCC and their potential diagnostic roles have been comprehensively summarized and discussed. In addition, findings from in vitro and in vivo reports investigating the potential roles of EVs as therapeutic interventions are also presented. These findings regarding the potential benefits of EVs will encourage further investigations and may allow us to devise novel strategies using EVs in the early diagnosis as well as for treatment of HCC in the future.
Factors influencing ‘burn‐out’ in newly qualified counsellors and psychotherapists: A cross‐cultural, critical review of the literature
Authors: Davies Siân M. , Sriskandarajah Shamini , Staneva Aleksandra S. , Boulton Helena C. M. , Roberts Chelsey , Shaw Shereen H. , Silverio Sergio A.
Published: October 2021

Mental health problems have been established as one of the leading causes of the global burden of disease. Approximately a quarter of all people worldwide will experience a mental disorder during their lifetime. With depression and anxiety becoming the leading causes of mental ill health globally, the numbers of people reporting mental health complaints are set to grow. The dramatic increase in reporting and diagnosis of mental health disorders has been in parallel to a decline in the ability to cope with mental health symptoms and a rise in the incidence of self‐harm and suicidal ideation. While mental health assessment and diagnoses are usually the responsibility of general practitioners (family doctors) or psychiatrists, the frontline provision of mental health care is often delegated to counsellors and psychotherapists. Publicly funded counselling and psychotherapy services vary across the globe, but are commonly under‐resourced and lacking in adequate funding. This may lead to insufficient clinical supervision and compressed time to complete continuing professional development, which are both vital for new counsellors and psychotherapists to feel confident in providing care, and to learn new skills. Newly qualified counsellors and psychotherapists may also experience emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion or ‘burn‐out’. This position paper aims to critically appraise available cross‐cultural literature on the experiences of ‘burn‐out’ by newly qualified counsellors and psychotherapists, globally. Finally, we make recommendations for how best to support the mental health and psychological well‐being of newly qualified practitioners.
Accurate cisAB typing is essential to ensure the safety of a transfusion: A case of a cisAB01 neurosurgery pediatric patient and family study
Authors: Zhang Yanan , Wang Nuochuan , Tian Yongji
Published: October 2021

The rare cisAB subgroups inherited from a single parent are characterized by the activities of dual A and B glycosyltransferases encoded by a gene on one chromosome. The serological complexity of cisAB challenges clinical blood transfusion practice because of misclassification in ABO grouping.
Leech therapy of nipple‐areolar complex (NAC) congestion in reduction mammoplasty: A case report
Authors: Vasei Narges , Jahangiri Katayoun
Published: October 2021

Leech therapy is a safe, easy‐to‐use, cost‐effective traditional treatment to save reattached body parts and flaps in reconstructive plastic surgery especially in cases with blood circulatory problems.
Endoscopic‐assisted transantral‐endonasal approach to large dentigerous cyst of maxillary sinus
Authors: Sigdel Brihaspati , Sah Kusheswar , Kandel Dipendra , Karn Mitesh , Moran Andrew , Panta Ashirbad
Published: October 2021

Dentigerous cysts are seen in the maxillary canine and third molars. We report a case of dentigerous cysts invading the maxillary sinus, which was managed surgically by endoscopic‐assisted transantral and transnasal approach.
Possible HSP reactivation post‐COVID‐19 vaccination and booster
Authors: Kondo Makoto , Yamanaka Keiichi
Published: October 2021

A 45‐year‐old woman with a history of Henoch‐Schönlein (HSP) purpura received COVID‐19 vaccination. The patient showed HSP reactivation after COVID‐19 vaccination and booster. In HSP, autoimmune memory of vasculitis persists and might be reactivated with COVID‐19 vaccination.
Efficient Automation Engineering of Modular Process Equipment Assemblies Using the Digital Twin
Authors: Rahm Julian , Theißen Manfred , Klose Anselm , Soemers Marcus , Temmen Heiner , Schäfer Christian , Urbas Leon
Published: October 2021

Modular process plants are a promising approach to accelerate the engineering of greenfield process plants. This is achieved by the combination of pre‐engineered process equipment assemblies (PEAs) with a standardized interface for the integration in process control systems, the module type package (MTP). This standardized interface can be integrated in the engineering process to further improve the potential. In this paper existing standards are used to generate aspects of the MTP. For this purpose, the engineering process of conventional plants is adapted for the engineering of PEAs. Therefore, similarities and potential of the described aspects have been analyzed regarding shared fundamental standards and characterized by their location in the asset life cycle. To describe the interconnections of the different standards, exemplary rules are proposed, which can be used for a transformation.
Functionalized ZIF‐90 for Gene‐mediated Chemotherapy to Ameliorate Multidrug Resistance in Breast Cancer Therapy
Authors: Gong Senyi , Shang Mengdi , Li Dawei , Cai Yanfei , Jin Jian , Yang Zhaoqi
Published: October 2021

Breast cancer, the most common cancer, is a threat to women's health. A great challenge for breast cancer is the multidrug resistance (MDR) problem. P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) is one of main reasons to induce MDR in the therapy of breast cancer. A novel nanosystem based on ZIF‐90 was developed for alleviating MDR and to improve the therapeutic efficacy. In this investigation, ZIF‐90 was used as a carrier to deliver two kinds of DNA molecular beacons (MBs) and Doxorubicin (Dox). The loop sequences of two kinds of MBs were designed to specifically hybridize with the mRNAs related to P‐gp (MDR1 gene and ETS1 gene, respectively), thereby directly inhibiting the expression of downstream proteins P‐gp. The results of confocal fluorescence imaging and qRT‐PCR analysis indicated that MB and Dox were delivered into cells and the mRNAs related to P‐gp were silenced. The MTT assay showed that the IC50 of nanosystem to the drug‐resistant breast cancer cells (34.78 μg/mL) was much lower than the IC50 of Dox to the same cells (152.7 μg/mL). These results distinctly confirmed that the problem of MDR has been ameliorated by our designed nanosystem. It is our hope that this investigation may provide a new treatment strategy for enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of chemotherapy for breast cancer.
Paget's disease of nipple with dermal invasion: A case report
Authors: Maharjan Rubina , Shrestha Suraj , Shakya Prafulla , Kharel Sanjeev , Shrestha Aagon Krishna , Singh Moushami
Published: October 2021

Background

Invasive mammary Paget's disease (MPD) is an extremely rare eczematous eruption on the nipple and areola with an invasion of the dermis by Paget cells. This entity can often be misdiagnosed and overtreated for invasive carcinoma of the breast.

Case

A 34‐year woman presented with a 2‐year history of right nipple eczema and right axillary lump for a month. Breast ultrasound revealed dilated intra‐nipple lactiferous duct and an enlarged right axillary lymph node. Histopathology from biopsy revealed MPD with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) whereas final histopathology after right modified radical mastectomy revealed Invasive MPD with DCIS and axillary metastasis. She underwent adjuvant chemotherapy and is under hormonal therapy with complete remission for 18 months.

Conclusion

Awareness of invasive MPD is important to avoid misdiagnosis and probable radical treatment. Close follow‐up is warranted due to limited knowledge regarding treatment and prognosis of invasive MPD.