bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Elevated Serum hs-CRP Levels with the Development of Cardiovascular Disease in Known Cases of Hypothyroidism: A Case-control Study
Authors: Ahmad Naved , Ahmad Mushir , Gupta Akash , Sharma Anil Kumar
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Hypothyroidism is linked with an increased risk of Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD) and associated risk factors, but there is little documented information available about its association with high-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP). Aim: To analyse the association between hs-CRP and CVD in hypothyroidism. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was carried out among 159 participants (87 cases and 72 controls) from January 2015 to August 2016 in the Department of Biochemistry, in collaboration with Department of Medicine, Subharti Medical College, its associated Chatrapati Shivaji Subharti (CSS)Hospital, Meerut,Uttar Pradesh, India. The samples were divided into two groups, Cases (hypothyroid patients) and Control group. Blood sample (3 mL) was collected from each subject. Serum was separated from blood by centrifuging blood at 3000 rpm for 10 minutes. Estimation of hs-CRP was done on semiautoanalyser (Robonikreadwell touch) in clinical biochemistry laboratory. Lipid profile and other routine investigations were done by Vitros-250 autoanalyser Johnson & Johnson, USA. All the statistical analysis was done by using the Windows based Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 18.0. Student’s t-test and Pearson correlation analysis was applied and p-values <0.05 were taken as the level of significance. Results: The mean age of cases and controls were 47.50±7.9 and 41.66±9.3 respectively. The mean hs-CRP values in the subjects with hypothyroidism (cases) was 3.41 mg/L and in control was 2.10 mg/L (p-value <0.0001). The weight and waist circumference, were also significantly different (p-value <0.05) between the study groups. The hs-CRP had an insignificant correlation with the BMI (r=0.12, p=0.23) as well as with waist circumference (r=0.15, p=0.14). Non significant correlation was found in between the hs-CRP and the blood pressure. Conclusion: This study concludes that hs-CRP levels were significantly higher in patients with hypothyroidism when compared to the control group. A significant correlation was found between cardiovascular risk factors like total cholestrol and High density lipoprotein (HDL) and hs-CRP levels.
Relationship between Iron Profile and Thyroid Profile in Hypothyroid Patients
Authors: Kumar Santosh , Keshari Jiut Ram , Kumari Rekha , Prakash Pritam , Kumar Uday , Prakash Ved
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Thyroid hormone biosynthesis is dependent on iron metabolism. Changes in iron metabolism and its deficiency may cause a change in the profile of thyroid hormone. Such interferences caused can lead to hypothyroidism in case of anaemia or the other way round. Aim: To find a relationship between various parameters of iron profile to that of thyroid profile in hypothyroid patients when compared to normal healthy subjects. Materials and Methods: Present case-control study was conducted on 50 hypothyroid patients and 50 healthy subjects of same age, in the Department of Endocrinology, IGIMS, Patna between April 2017 to June 2018. Serum ferritin and Serum T3, T4, and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) were estimated by Chemiluminescence Immuno Assay (CLIA) method. Serum iron estimation was done using TPTZ (2,4,6-Tripyridyl-s-triazine) method and Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) estimation was done by Nitroso PSAP method. All statistical test and analysis were performed in Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) 16.0. The differences between mean values of groups for each test variable were tested by Student’s t-test after testing for homogeneity of variance and normality test (Kolmogorov-Smirnov test). Results: The mean age of the hypothyroid patients was 30.28±10.5 years while it was 31.14±10.4 years in control group. It was observed from the study that mean serum ferritin level and iron level were significantly lower in hypothyroid subjects compared to control groups (p<0.001) while TIBC was significantly higher (p<0.001). Serum ferritin and iron were found to be negatively correlated with TSH (-0.695 and -0.541) and positively correlated to T3 and T4, respectively. Conclusion: Evaluating iron profile in thyroid disorder may be an aid to the treatment modality and disease outcome
Differential Expression of SLC25A38 Gene in Patients of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia
Authors: Prakash Pritam , Kumar Santosh , Kumar Sanjay , Raj hraddha , Sinha Poonam
Published: April 2022

Introduction: The SLC25A38 gene produces protein that belongs to the mitochondrial solute carrier family, SLC25. It is implicated in apoptotic pathways, which regulate intrinsic caspase-dependent apoptosis. Aim: To determine level of expression of SLC25A38 gene in patients of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done in the Department of Biochemistry, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Bihar, India, from April 2019 to March 2020. The study included 30 leukaemia patients out of which 25 were adult males and five were adult females and 10 healthy volunteers were included as the control group. Level of expression of SLC25A38 gene normalised to Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate Dehydrogenase (GAPDH) gene relative to normal healthy volunteers among the ALL patients was measured using quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction. All data collected were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0 software. Results: An average of 5.3 fold expression of SLC25A38 gene normalised to GAPDH relative to normal healthy volunteer among the ALL patients was seen. The fold of expression was determined by 2-∆∆Ct method. There was a positive correlation between blast cell abundance and level of SLC25A38 gene expression (Pearson’s r=0.408, p=0.025). The expression level was found to be associated with the proportion of blast cells in the bone marrow. Conclusion: High expression of SLC25A38 gene is a common feature in ALL and may be a novel biomarker for prognosis and diagnosis, as well as a potential therapeutic target for ALL.
A Comparison of Rapid Screening Test and ELISA for the Diagnosis of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen in Patients Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Prabha P , Saikeerthana D , Vijayashree V , Gogan M
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Hepatitis B virus infection is a major public health problem and leading cause of death worldwide. World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that in 2015 about 257 million population were living with chronic Hepatitis B virus infection with a global prevalence of 3.5%. Among the several viral antigens of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) is an important viral antigen which is recognised as a superior marker for Hepatitis B virus detection. For proper diagnosis of infection as well as disease management and prevention, identification of appropriate test kit is necessary. Aim: To compare the results of rapid screening tests and ELISA for the diagnosis of HBsAg. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2019-August 2019 in a tertiary care hospital. A total of 200 blood samples received for HBsAg testing were centrifuged. Serum of all the 200 blood samples were tested for HBsAg using both rapid Immuno Chromatographic Card (ICT) method (HEPAVIEW - one step test for HBsAg, Viola Diagnostic System, A Division of Tulip Diagnostics Pvt., Ltd.) and Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assays (ELISA) (Merilisa HBsAg- Meril Diagnostics Pvt., Ltd.) method. Data for rapid card method and ELISA were noted and entered into MS excel spread sheet and analysed. Results: Among the total 200 blood samples tested by HbsAg rapid card, five samples were positive and the remaining 195 were negative. For rapid card test, the sensitivity was 83.4%, specificity 100%, Positive Predictive Value (PPV) 100% and Negative Predictive Value (NPV) 99.4% and for ELISA the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV were all 100%. Conclusion: The overall performance of the rapid ICT for HBsAg was less sensitive to ELISA. So, only ELISA can be encouraged in all setups irrespective of their developmental and economical status not only to prevent the complications of Hepatitis B infection but also for early diagnosis and better treatment of patients.
Role of Quality Management System in Setting up and Sustaining a Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Ingole Nayana , Mathure Trupti , Jinwal Meena , Kashyap PL , Talwadekar Shreeraj , Nataraj Gita
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19), caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2) catapulted the need to build, upgrade and expand the number of diagnostic laboratories having molecular capacity. Setting up and sustaining a molecular laboratory especially in the backdrop of a lockdown presented many challenges. The Department of Microbiology, in a tertiary level hospital in Mumbai was one of the first to start the molecular testing laboratory. All other tests performed in the department are accredited as per International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 15189:2012 since 2015. However, starting a molecular diagnostic facility for COVID-19 testing presented a unique set of challenges as the organism in question belonged to risk category 2 and had the potential for airborne transmission. Aim: To determine the challenges faced and activities undertaken especially with regards to the role of Quality Management System (QMS) in setting up and sustaining a molecular diagnostic facility during COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was carried out of experiences and data generated from March 2020 to April 2021 at the Microbiology Department of a tertiary level medical college and hospital in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. The article included the processes which required and data generated during setting up and sustaining a new molecular testing facility as per the QMS with special reference to the 12 Quality System Essentials (QSE). Quality Indicators (QI) were identified, objectives defined and monitored over the period of the study. It was a descriptive study and statistical analysis was not indicated. Results: All the objectives of the QI were met with. Only 4% staff needed corrective training. Specimen rejection rate pretest and post-test was 0.26% and 0.56%, respectively. Quality control failure was seen in 0.16% runs and Turnaround Time (TAT) deviated beyond 12 hours in 0.52% samples. The run contamination, equipment problems and laboratory associated infections were 0.08%, 0.56% and 0%, respectively. There were no External Quality Assessment (EQAS) failure and negative feedback. Laboratory contamination rate was 1.02%. Definite improvement was observed over time in all identified parameters. Conclusion: Implementation of QMS with specific reference to strengthening QSE is a necessary requirement for achieving quality standards.
Reference Interval of Thyroxine and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone in Cord Blood in Tertiary Care Hospital, Kerala
Authors: Satheesan Smitha Kalarikkal , Sreedharan Shibu Thadathil , Sathiandranathan Gilsa Engoor , Kozhiparambil Geetha Damodaran
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Even though Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is one of the most common causes of preventable mental retardation, diagnosis at birth is difficult due to absent or delayed clinical manifestations, owing to the transplacental transfer of maternal thyroid hormones. Delayed diagnosis and treatment can cause irreversible damage to the developing brain. The occurrence of cognitive dysfunction due to CH has reduced significantly in countries where Newborn Screening (NBS) is routinely practiced. Cord blood screening is considered to be an effective method to diagnose congenital hypothyroidism. Aim: To establish reference interval for thyroxine (T3 and T4) and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) in cord blood Medical College, Thrissur. Materials and Methods: In the present cross-sectional observational hospital based study, the cord blood samples from 252 deliveries collected over a period of three months from May 2011 at in Government Medical College, Thrissur, Kerala, India. A 5 mL of cord blood samples were collected in a plain non vacuum tube with clot activator from umbilical cord incised 15-20 cm at the time of birth. T3, T4 and TSH was estimated by Enzyme Linked Immuno-sorbent Assay (ELISA) using kits of ELISA reader and Washer. Normality check done by visual inspection of histogram, Q-Q plot, box plot and Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Results: In total of 153 cord blood samples considered, and final analysis was done on 151 samples (69 males and 82 females) after excluding the samples of babies delivered by Lower Segment Cesarean Section (LSCS). The gestational age was mean 38.48 weeks and mean age of mothers was 24.22 years. More than 90% of the values for TSH is less than 12 mIU/mL and 90% of T4 values is less than 20 µg/dL. Reference interval determined by non parametric ascending rank order. Reference interval established is 0.63-17.033 mIU/L and 9.45-27.173 for TSH and T4 respectively, lower than those reported from studies in other parts of India. The mean value of TSH was 5.084 mIU/L and 87.5% of babies are having TSH values <10 mIU/L. Conclusion: The study was conducted to establish reference intervals for cord blood TSH, T4 and T3 and confirms to the use of cut off values for the screening of CH for TSH as >20 mIU/L.
Unknown Peaks and Spuriously Low Values of Glycated Haemoglobin by High Performance Liquid Chromatography: A Cross-sectional Survey
Authors: Chakraborty Sanghamitra
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) has humongous role both in diagnosis as well as in guiding the clinicians in making therapeutic decision in diabetic patients. There are various methods of laboratory estimation of glycated haemoglobin depending on charge and affinity. However, the methods are affected by a number of factors like haemoglobin variants, drugs and erythrocyte survival. Aim: To identify and evaluate abnormal peaks in chromatogram of High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and compare it with boronate affinity chromatography and it also assessed the interference of elution of silent haemoglobin variants or drugs in exactness of HbA1c estimation by HPLC. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the laboratory of Purwanchal Nagarik Samity, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, from November 2020 to August 2021, where 2500 samples were evaluated for HbA1c estimation. Abnormal variant window, unknown peaks or spuriously low HbA1c were identified in eight samples, where estimation was done by HPLC. These were processed further to investigate for the haemoglobin variants. The glycated haemoglobin in those samples was further estimated by Boronate affinity chromatography. Results: Out of the eight samples, three patients were Haemoglobin E trait, two were Haemoglobin E homozygous and one had sickel cell trait. However, two samples showed a normal chromatogram in HbA2/HbF mode. The glycated haemoglobin was affected by Haemoglobin E, sickel cell traits as well as other interferences that may cause inappropriate lowering of glycated haemoglobin. Conclusion: The results of this study and literature review suggests the progression of various micro/macrovascular complications in diabetic individuals can be arrested by maintaining normal HbA1c levels. Therefore, the laboratory consultant should meticulously take into consideration factors like plasma glucose concentration, drug history, biological variation or abnormal haemoglobinopathies. Thus, every laboratory catering to the huge burden of diabetic patients, where the prevalence of haemoglobinopathy is high, should individualise the method of HbA1c estimation.
Rise in Levels of Anti-SARS CoV-2 Immunoglubulin G by Covishield Vaccine- A Cohort Study in Rural Medical College, West Bengal, India
Authors: Rout Jayanta Kumar , Biswas Sujash , Banerjee Sayari , Kumar Simit , Das Palash , Dey Sujit Kumar
Published: April 2022

Introduction: The Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was declared by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on 11th March 2020 caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). As a preventive measure, valid information concerning the development of antibodies is being collected for assessing the progress towards herd immunity of COVID-19. Aim: To assess the level of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG before and after vaccination by two doses of ChAdOx1 nCoV 19 vaccine in a rural Medical College of West Bengal. Materials and Methods: The present interventional cohort study was conducted in a rural Medical College and Hospital, West Bengal, India, from February 2021 to August 2021. Total 248 willing subjects were included for this interventional study from the same socio-economic and geographical distribution depending upon a vaccine population of a rural Medical College of West Bengal. To measure the anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody authors used Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology (ICMRNIV) certified Anti-SARS-CoV-2 human IgG ELISA COVID KAVACH MERILISA kit and approved protocol by the ICMR. Results: The median age of study population was 39 years (range 25-64) with 97 (39.1%) females and 151 (60.9%) males. It was found that antibody response induced by two doses of vaccination was significantly high (t-value: 28.421, p<0.001) in the vaccinated population. Conclusion: Thus, present study suggests that vaccination may be critical to develop anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody. This would lead to a better understanding of the immunisation program and prevention of severe disease and deaths due to COVID-19.
Serum 25-OH Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D) Levels among Patients with Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus- A Case-control Study
Authors: Gunanithi K , Sakthidasan S
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), a common metabolic disorder characterised by hyperglycaemia is caused due to an absolute or relative insulin deficiency and/or insulin resistance. Vitamin D, a steroid hormone beyond its primary role on calcium and bone metabolism, also has been shown to have multiple other effects. Vitamin D levels have been studied in relation to glucose metabolism as role in insulin secretion and insulin resistance by many studies in the past. Aim: To estimate the levels of serum 25-OH vitamin D and to correlate with glycaemic status among uncontrolled T2DM patients. Materials and Methods: A case-control study was conducted during August-September 2021 at Melmaruvathur Adhiparasakthi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research in Melmaruvthur, Tamil Nadu, India. In this study, 50 cases (uncontrolled T2DM) and 50 controls (healthy individuals), of both sexes aged between 40- 60 years were included. Blood samples were analysed for serum 25-OH cholecalciferol (Vitamin D), fasting and postprandial plasma glucose levels and statistical analysis was done by Independent sample t-test for significance testing, odds ratio for exposureoutcome association by logistic regression and Pearson coefficient for correlation using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 18.0. Results: Serum 25-OH vitamin D levels were significantly {p<0.005 (t=-9.005)} lower in cases {31.02±7.51 ng/mL} when compared to controls {48.30±11.29 ng/mL}. Logistic regression showed none of the predictor variables studied showing significant outcome association (p<0.05) for vitamin D predeficiency while Pearson correlation showed significant negative correlation with fasting (r=-0.463) and postprandial plasma glucose (r=-0.568), respectively at 0.01 level (2-tailed). Conclusion: Serum 25-OH Vitamin D levels were significantly lower and have significant inverse association with fasting plasma glucose levels and postprandial plasma glucose levels in uncontrolled T2DM patients. This substantiates the role of vitamin D in maintaining normal plasma glucose levels in T2DM patients. It is thereby proposed that serum 25-OH vitamin D levels be measured and followed-up for better glycaemic control among T2DM patients.
Oxidation of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis key virulence factor protein tyrosine phosphatase A (MptpA) reduces its phosphatase activity
Authors: Niesteruk Anna , Sreeramulu Sridhar , Jonker Hendrik R. A. , Richter Christian , Schwalbe Harald
Published: April 2022

The Mycobacterium tuberculosis tyrosine‐specific phosphatase MptpA and its cognate kinase PtkA are prospective targets for anti‐tuberculosis drugs as they interact with the host defense response within the macrophages. Although both are structurally well‐characterized, the functional mechanism regulating their activity remains poorly understood. Here, we investigate the effect of post‐translational oxidation in regulating the function of MptpA. Treatment of MptpA with H2O2/NaHCO3, mimicking cellular oxidative stress conditions, leads to oxidation of the catalytic cysteine (C11) and to a conformational rearrangement of the phosphorylation loop (D‐loop) by repositioning the conserved tyrosine 128 (Y128) and generating a temporarily inactive preclosed state of the phosphatase. Thus, the catalytic cysteine in the P‐loop acts as a redox switch and regulates the phosphatase activity of MptpA.
MoC Quantum Dots@N‐Doped‐Carbon for Low‐Cost and Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Reaction: From Electrocatalysis to Photocatalysis
Authors: Zhou Xunfu , Tian Yuhui , Luo Jin , Jin Bei , Wu Zhijun , Ning Xiaomei , Zhan Liang , Fan Xuliang , Zhou Tao , Zhang Shanqing , Zhou Xiaosong
Published: April 2022

Sustainable and highly efficient non‐noble metal catalysts could facilitate the realization of closed‐loop and carbon‐neutral hydrogen (H2) economy via low‐cost electrocatalytic (EC) or photocatalytic (PC) H2 evolution reaction (HER) from water. Herein, molybdenum carbide (MoC) quantum dots onto N‐doped porous carbon are in situ synthesized and immobilized, resulting in a bifunctional catalyst MoC@NC. Density functional theory calculation suggests that the targeted catalyst has a suitable Gibbs free‐energy (ΔGH*) for the adsorption of atomic hydrogen, which is beneficial to both EC and PC HERs. For EC HER, the as‐prepared MoC@NC catalyst delivers a low overpotential of 160 mV at −10 mA cm−2 and a remarkable H2 evolution rate in alkaline electrolytes. For PC HER, MoC@NC couple with 2D graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4), which significantly reduces the PC HER energy barrier and enhances the separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers, and consequently, achieves an outstanding photocatalytic H2 evolution rate of 1709 µmol h−1 g−1, which is 213‐fold of that of pure g‐C3N4. This study paves a new avenue for developing sustainable non‐noble metal catalysts for both EC and PC HERs.
Multifunctional Double‐Layer Composite Hydrogel Conduit Based on Chitosan for Peripheral Nerve Repairing
Authors: Deng Pengpeng , Chen Feixiang , Zhang Haodong , Chen Yun , Zhou Jinping
Published: April 2022

Peripheral nerve regeneration and functional recovery is a major challenge in clinical practice. Nerve conduit is an effective treatment for peripheral nerve repair, but the traditional hollow nerve conduit is not satisfactory in peripheral nerve repair due to the limitation of cell migration and nutrient transport. Herein, the double cross‐linked hydrogels with injectable, self‐healing, and conductive properties are synthesized by the Schiff base reaction between polyaniline‐modified carboxymethyl chitosan and aldehyde‐modified Pluronic F‐127 (F127‐CHO), and the hydrophobic interaction of F127‐CHO. The conductive hydrogel is injected into the cavity of chitosan conduit prepared by electrodeposition. The inner conductive hydrogel and the outer chitosan conduit are formed into a whole through the Schiff base reaction to obtain a double‐layer composite hydrogel nerve conduit. The double‐layer composite hydrogel neural conduit loaded with 7,8‐dihydroxyflavone (DHF) has excellent degradability, biocompatibility, antioxidant activity, and Schwann cell proliferation activity. In the rat sciatic nerve defect model, the double‐layer composite hydrogel nerve conduit significantly promotes sciatic nerve regeneration compared with the chitosan hollow conduit. Surprisingly, the repair ability of double‐layered hydrogel nerve conduit loaded with DHF is comparable to that of autologous transplantation. Therefore, this multifunctional double‐layer composite hydrogel conduit has great potential for peripheral nerve repairing.
Changing Fate: Reprogramming Cells via Engineered Nanoscale Delivery Materials
Authors: Soltani Dehnavi Shiva , Eivazi Zadeh Zahra , Harvey Alan R. , Voelcker Nicolas H. , Parish Clare L. , Williams Richard J. , Elnathan Roey , Nisbet David R.
Published: April 2022

The incorporation of nanotechnology in regenerative medicine is at the nexus of fundamental innovations and early‐stage breakthroughs, enabling exciting biomedical advances. One of the most exciting recent developments is the use of nanoscale constructs to influence the fate of cells, which are the basic building blocks of healthy function. Appropriate cell types can be effectively manipulated by direct cell reprogramming; a robust technique to manipulate cellular function and fate, underpinning burgeoning advances in drug delivery systems, regenerative medicine, and disease remodeling. Individual transcription factors, or combinations thereof, can be introduced into cells using both viral and nonviral delivery systems. Existing approaches have inherent limitations. Viral‐based tools include issues of viral integration into the genome of the cells, the propensity for uncontrollable silencing, reduced copy potential and cell specificity, and neutralization via the immune response. Current nonviral cell reprogramming tools generally suffer from inferior expression efficiency. Nanomaterials are increasingly being explored to address these challenges and improve the efficacy of both viral and nonviral delivery because of their unique properties such as small size and high surface area. This review presents the state‐of‐the‐art research in cell reprogramming, focused on recent breakthroughs in the deployment of nanomaterials as cell reprogramming delivery tools.
Tailoring the Solvation Sheath of Cations by Constructing Electrode Front‐Faces for Rechargeable Batteries
Authors: Chang Zhi , Yang Huijun , Qiao Yu , Zhu Xingyu , He Ping , Zhou Haoshen
Published: April 2022

Solvent molecules within the solvation sheath of cations (e.g., Li+, Na+, Zn2+) are easily to be dehydrogenated especially when coupled with high‐voltage cathodes, and lead to detrimental electrolytes decompositions which finally accelerate capacity decays of rechargeable batteries. Tremendous efforts are devoted to tackle with this long‐lasting issue. Among them, salt‐concentrated strategies are frequently employed to tailor the solvation sheath of cations and improve the stabilities of electrolytes. However, the cost challenges caused by adding extra dose of expensive salts, additives/cosolvents in preparing highly concentrated electrolytes, hinder their further utilizations to some extent. Introducing porous materials‐based electrode front‐faces on the surface of electrodes even within dilute electrolytes can transfer the high‐energy‐state desolvated solvents from the reactive electrodes to the nonconductive porous material surfaces, thus eliminate the contact chances between desolvated solvents and electrode materials, and greatly reduce solvents‐related decomposition issues. Herein, recent advances in using electrode front‐faces to tailor the solvation sheath of metal ions for rechargeable batteries are discussed. Finally, perspectives to the future challenges and opportunities of constructing electrode front‐faces to tailor the solvation sheath of cations by constructing electrode front‐face for rechargeable batteries are provided.
Capturing Essential Physiological Aspects of Interacting Cartilage and Bone Tissue with Osteoarthritis Pathophysiology: A Human Osteochondral Unit‐on‐a‐Chip Model
Authors: Tuerlings Margo , Boone Ilja , Eslami Amirabadi Hossein , Vis Michelle , Suchiman Eka , van der Linden Enrike , Hofmann Sandra , Nelissen Rob , den Toonder Jaap , Ramos Yolande , Meulenbelt Ingrid
Published: April 2022

Given the multi‐tissue aspects of osteoarthritis (OA) pathophysiology, translation of OA susceptibility genes towards underlying biological mechanism and eventually drug target discovery requires appropriate human in vitro OA models that incorporate both functional bone and cartilage tissue units. Therefore, a microfluidic chip is developed with an integrated fibrous polycaprolactone matrix in which neo‐bone and cartilage are produced, that could serve as a tailored human in vitro disease model of the osteochondral unit of joints. The model enables to evaluate OA‐related environmental perturbations to (individual) tissue units by controlling environmental cues, for example by adding biochemical agents. After establishing the co‐culture in the system, a layer of cartilaginous matrix is deposited in the chondrogenic compartment, while a bone‐like matrix is deposited between the fibers, indicated by both histology and gene expression levels of collagen type 2 and osteopontin, respectively. As proof‐of‐principle, the bone and cartilaginous tissue are exposed to active thyroid hormone, creating an OA disease model. This results in increased expression levels of hypertrophy markers integrin‐binding sialoprotein and alkaline phosphatase in both cartilage and bone, as expected. Altogether, this model could contribute to enhanced translation from OA risk genes towards novel OA therapies.
High‐Throughput Raman‐Activated Cell Sorting in the Fingerprint Region
Authors: Lindley Matthew , Gala de Pablo Julia , Peterson Walker , Isozaki Akihiro , Hiramatsu Kotaro , Goda Keisuke
Published: April 2022

Cell sorting is the workhorse of biological research and medicine. Cell sorters are commonly used to sort heterogeneous cell populations based on their intrinsic features. Raman‐activated cell sorting (RACS) has recently received considerable interest by virtue of its ability to discriminate cells by their intracellular chemical content, in a label‐free manner. However, the broad deployment of RACS beyond lab‐based demonstrations is hindered by a fundamental trade‐off between throughput and measurement bandwidth (i.e., cellular information content). Here this trade‐off is overcome and broadband RACS in the fingerprint region (300–1600 cm−1) with a record high throughput of ≈50 cells per second is demonstrated. This represents a 25× throughput increase compared to previous demonstrations of broadband fingerprint‐region RACS outside the resonance Raman regime. To show the utility of the RACS, real‐time label‐free sorting of microalgal cells based on their accumulation of carotenoids and polysaccharide granules is demonstrated. These results hold promise for medical, biofuel, and bioplastic applications.
Reconfigurable Spoof plasmonic Coupler for Dynamic Switching between Forward and Backward Propagations
Authors: Liu Xinyu , Lei Yi , Zheng Xin , Ren Yi , Gao Xinxin , Zhang Jingjing , Cui Tie Jun
Published: April 2022

A reconfigurable coupler constructed using two spoof surface plasmon polariton (SSPP) waveguides and a spoof localized surface plasmon (SLSP) resonator to achieve switching between the forward and backward coupling of SSPP waves is proposed. By changing the bias voltage applied to the varactor diodes loaded in the SSPP waveguide, the dispersion of the plasmonic structure is adjusted to achieve a reversed group velocity. Consequently, the direction of the coupled SSPP waves can be dynamically controlled at the same operating frequency. The tunability of this coupler can be further improved by incorporating varactor diodes into the SLSP resonator, where forward–backward coupling can be achieved at multiple frequencies.
Phase Change Nanoelectromechanical Relay for Nonvolatile Low Leakage Switching
Authors: Best James T. , Masud Mohammad Ayaz , de Boer Maarten P. , Piazza Gianluca
Published: April 2022

The design, modeling, and experimental validation of a highly scalable phase change electromechanical relay are present. The Phase Change NEMS Relay (PCNR) is a nonvolatile mechanical relay actuated by the volumetric expansion of phase change material. GeTe is used as the active phase change material, and nonvolatile relay states are changed by converting it between amorphous and crystalline phases, which differ in volume by 10%. Phase conversion is induced by Joule heating an adjacent metal layer. Finite element analysis (FEA) models are developed to predict actuator temperature distributions and quench times for varied actuation pulses. Additional models are developed to simulate actuator deflection including reflow of molten phase change material during an actuation pulse. The smallest fabricated device has a heater footprint of 3 µm × 1 µm, with a 20 nm air‐gap. The FEA model, which calculates the actuation voltage, energy, and ON–OFF current ratio for this device to be 1.1 V, 42 nJ, and 108, respectively, are experimentally verified. A PCNR scaled down to a 15 nm × 5 nm heater footprint with a 2 nm air‐gap is predicted to actuate at 400 mV and 1.7 pJ.
Tailor‐Made Charged Catechol‐Based Polymeric Ligands to Build Robust Fuel Cells Containing Antioxidative Nanoparticles
Authors: Kim Hyunhong , Yook Seung Ho , Kim Ho Young , Choi Yonghoon , Lim Yeongsu , Hwang Yujin , Kim Jeongho , Lee Kwan Young , Jang Seung Soon , Park Jongnam , Kim Jin Young
Published: April 2022

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CNPs) are investigated as radical scavengers to increase the durability of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). However, the practical application of CNPs in PEMFCs is hindered by the low stability of the CNPs during cell operation and the low compatibility of the CNPs with PEM. In this study, as effective antioxidants for PEMs, surface‐engineered CNPs, passivated with dopamine‐based copolymer ligands containing multidentate catechol pendant groups (CNP@DPLs), are reported. The DPLs provide enhanced colloidal and chemical stability in acidic and radical environments, thanks to the robust catechol binding groups and polymer backbone shielding. It is highlighted that they also improved the redox cycling ability of the CNPs, with catechol's additional radical scavenging. Using the CNP@DPLs as a model system, the effect of surface charge is also examined. Negatively charged sulfonic acid‐functionalized CNPs (CNP@DSAs) exhibit the highest compatibility with PEMs. Coherently, the CNP@DSA‐based reinforced composite membrane (CNP@DSA‐RCM) shows the lowest disintegration rate in Fenton's test. The PEMFC based on the CNP@DSA‐RCM outperforms previously reported antioxidant‐based PEMFCs. Importantly, while the pristine PEMFC and Ce salt‐based one undergoes degradation after 40 h, the CNP@DSA based PEMFC retains its performance even after 100 h.
Assessing the performance of non‐associating SAFT‐type equations of state to reproduce vapor pressure, liquid density, enthalpy of vaporization, and liquid heat capacity data of 1800 pure fluids
Authors: Ramírez‐Vélez Nicolás , Privat Romain , Piña‐Martinez Andrés , Jaubert Jean‐Noël
Published: April 2022

The performance of the PC‐SAFT and I‐PC‐SAFT EoS in correlating , , , , and critical coordinates of 1800 pure compounds that consist of 1252 non‐self‐associating and 548 self‐associating compounds is evaluated. The PC‐SAFT equation is able to reproduce and data with a deviation close to 1%, which meets highest standards. The counterpart is however a large deviation on the critical pressure. The I‐PC‐SAFT EoS exactly reproduces the critical pressure and temperature and accurately correlates . Its weak point is a larger liquid density deviation. The key conclusion of this article is however the absence of correlation between the strength of association and the accuracy with which the experimental data were correlated. Regardless of the EoS, poor results are obtained for more than 15% of the non‐self‐associating compounds but 60% of the self‐associating compounds are accurately correlated although no association term was included in the considered EoS.
Controlling Memristance and Negative Differential Resistance in Point‐Contacted Metal–Oxides–Metal Heterojunctions: Role of Oxygen Vacancy Electromigration and Electron Hopping
Authors: Gan Xin , Zhang Yueying , Hui Yupeng , Liu Shaoxuan , Wang Lei , Zhang Jincheng , Hao Yue , Ma Haijiao Harsan
Published: April 2022

Nonvolatile resistive switching memristance devices with a high on/off ratio are desirable for nanoelectronics such as resistive random‐access memory (RRAM) and in‐memory computing. Here, bipolar resistive switching in point‐contacted W/LaAlO3/SrTiO3(111) heterojunctions is reported, in which a Schottky barrier is formed at the metal/oxides interface, and 2d electron gas is formed at the interface of perovskite oxides. A negative differential resistance is observed in the RESET process. The result shows that the observed resistive switching is strongly associated with oxygen‐vacancies (OVs) in oxides with dominating contributions from electron hopping between OV trap sites, and can be controlled by oxygen annealing and electron injection. Remarkably, a method is developed by continuous RESET processes to increase the high resistance state by 1–3 orders of magnitude, with an on/off ratio enhanced from ≈10 to ≈104. The work provides a promising pathway to understand conduction mechanism of oxides memristors and promote its application in RRAM and in‐memory computing.
A novel, de novo intronic variant in POGZ causes White–Sutton syndrome
Authors: Merriweather Ashanta , Murdock David R. , Rosenfeld Jill A. , Dai Hongzheng , Ketkar Shamika , Emrick Lisa , Nicholas Sarah , Lewis Richard A. ,   Undiagnosed Diseases Network, Bacino Carlos A. , Scott Daryl A. , Lee Brendan , Sutton Vernon Reid , Potocki Lorraine , Burrage Lindsay C.
Published: April 2022

White–Sutton syndrome (WHSUS), which is caused by heterozygous pathogenic variants in POGZ, is characterized by a spectrum of intellectual disabilities and global developmental delay with or without features of autism spectrum disorder. Additional features may include hypotonia, behavioral abnormalities, ophthalmic abnormalities, hearing loss, sleep apnea, microcephaly, dysmorphic facial features, and rarely, congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). We present a 6‐year‐old female with features of WHSUS, including CDH, but with nondiagnostic clinical trio exome sequencing. Exome sequencing reanalysis revealed a heterozygous, de novo, intronic variant in POGZ (NM_015100.3:c.2546‐20T>A). RNA sequencing revealed that this intronic variant leads to skipping of exon 18. This exon skipping event results in a frameshift with a predicted premature stop codon in the last exon and escape from nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay (NMD). To our knowledge, this case is the first case of WHSUS caused by a de novo, intronic variant that is not near a canonical splice site within POGZ. These findings emphasize the limitations of standard clinical exome filtering algorithms and the importance of research reanalysis of exome data together with RNA sequencing to confirm a suspected diagnosis of WHSUS. As the sixth reported case of CDH with heterozygous pathogenic variants in POGZ and features consistent with WHSUS, this report supports the conclusion that WHSUS should be considered in the differential diagnosis for patients with syndromic CDH.
A Dual‐Locked Activatable Phototheranostic Probe for Biomarker‐Regulated Photodynamic and Photothermal Cancer Therapy
Authors: Wei Xin , Zhang Chi , He Shasha , Huang Jiaguo , Huang Jingsheng , Liew Si Si , Zeng Ziling , Pu Kanyi
Published: April 2022

Activatable phototheranostics holds promise for precision cancer treatment owing to the “turn‐on” signals and therapeutic effects. However, most activatable phototheranostic probes only possess photodynamic therapy (PDT) or photothermal therapy (PTT), which suffer from poor therapeutic efficacy due to deficient cellular oxygen and complex tumor microenvironment. We herein report a dual‐locked activatable phototheranostic probe that activates near‐infrared fluorescence (NIRF) signals in tumor, triggers PDT in response to a tumor‐periphery biomarker, and switches from PDT to PTT upon detecting a tumor‐core‐hypoxia biomarker. This PDT‐PTT auto‐regulated probe exhibits complete tumor ablation under the photoirradiation of a single laser source by producing cytotoxic singlet oxygen at the tumor periphery and generating hyperthermia at tumor‐core where is too hypoxic for PDT. This dual‐locked probe represents a promising molecular design approach toward precise cancer phototheranostics.
Partial sequence conservation of SARS‐CoV‐2 NSP‐2, NSP‐12, and Spike in stool samples from Abadan, Iran
Authors: Zandi Milad , Soltani Saber , Tabibzadeh Alireza , Nasimzadeh Sepideh , Behboudi Emad , Zakeri Armin , Erfani Yousef , Salmanzadeh Shokrollah , Abbasi Samaneh
Published: April 2022

Since the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, the clinical manifestations of the virus have undergone many changes. Recently, there have been many reports on gastrointestinal symptoms in COVID‐19 patients. This study is aimed to perform a detailed phylogenetic study and assessment of different SNVs in the RNA genome of viruses isolated from fecal samples of patients with COVID‐19 who have gastrointestinal symptoms, which can help better understand viral pathogenesis. In the present study, 20 fecal samples were collected by written consent from COVID‐19 patients. According to the manufacturer's protocol, virus nucleic acid was extracted from stool samples and the SARS‐CoV‐2 genome presence in stool samples was confirmed by RT–PCR assay. Three viral genes, S, nsp12, and nsp2, were amplified using the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) method and specific primers. Multiple sequencing alignment (MSA) was performed in the CLC word bench, and a phylogenetic tree was generated by MEGA X based on the neighbor‐joining method. Of all cases, 11 (55%) were males. The mean age of the patients was 33.6 years. Diabetes (70%) and blood pressure (55%) were the most prevalent comorbidities. All 20 patients were positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in respiratory samples. Molecular analysis investigation among 20 stool samples revealed that the SARS‐CoV‐2 genome was found among 10 stool samples; only three samples were used for sequencing. The polymorphism and phylogenetic analysis in SARS‐CoV‐2 showed great similarity among all of the evaluated genes with the Wuhan reference sequence and all of the current variants of concern (VOCs). The current study represents a great similarity in polymorphism and phylogenetic analysis of the SARS‐CoV‐2 isolates with the Wuhan reference sequence and all of the current VOC in the particular evaluated partial sequences of S, nsp12, and nsp2.
Characterization of decellularized chicken skin as a tissue engineering scaffold
Authors: Inci Ilyas
Published: April 2022

Decellularization has been applied to many tissues and organs to obtain biomaterials for applications in tissue engineering. In this study, decellularization and characterization of chicken skin was performed to provide comprehensive information and in‐depth details on this material as a potential tissue scaffold. Application of Triton X‐100 and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) on tissues at different time intervals as two decellularization protocols were compared according to various aspects, such as removal of cellular components, DNA quantification, protection of extracellular matrix (ECM), mechanical properties, and cytocompatibility, to find the optimum technique during preparation of decellularized scaffolds. The results showed that treatment with SDS revealed better results when compared with Triton X‐100 regarding the preservation of tissue structure and morphology, although there was no difference in the efficiency of decellularization. In general, the tissues decellularized with SDS demonstrated higher levels of cytocompatibility and better mechanical properties in comparison with samples treated with Triton X‐100. In conclusion, this study revealed that decellularized chicken skin is a cheap, abundant, and biocompatible material that supports cell attachment, growth, and proliferation. Therefore, it could be used as a proper candidate to prepare scaffolds for further studies on tissue engineering, especially for skin tissue engineering.
Elucidating arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy with stem cells
Authors: Laurita Kenneth R. , Vasireddi Sunil K. , Mackall Judith A.
Published: April 2022

Human stems cells have sparked many novel strategies for treating heart disease and for elucidating their underlying mechanisms. For example, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is an inherited heart muscle disorder that is associated with fatal arrhythmias often occurring in healthy young adults. Fibro‐fatty infiltrate, a clinical hallmark, progresses with the disease and can develop across both ventricles. Pathogenic variants in genes have been identified, with most being responsible for encoding cardiac desmosome proteins that reside at myocyte boundaries that are critical for cell‐to‐cell coupling. Despite some understanding of the molecular signaling mechanisms associated with ARVC mutations, their relationship with arrhythmogenesis is complex and not well understood for a monogenetic disorder. This review article focuses on arrhythmia mechanisms in ARVC based on clinical and animal studies and their relationship with disease causing variants. We also discuss the ways in which stem cells can be leveraged to improve our understanding of the role cardiac myocytes, nonmyocytes, metabolic signals, and inflammatory mediators play in an early onset disease such as ARVC.
The adoption of the key performance indicators to integrate sustainability in the business strategy: A novel five‐dimensional framework
Authors: Hristov Ivo , Appolloni Andrea , Chirico Antonio
Published: April 2022

Over the past few years, the role of the organization has radically changed, moved from the traditional value creation process, based on the accounting data and cost analysis, to an innovative and proactive approach, sustainability oriented. The resulting sustainable development (SD) issues and their integration in the business strategy for managing environmental complexity are more relevant than ever. Despite the growing interest of the literature related to these themes, a more in‐depth analysis on the key value drivers of sustainability, positively perceived by managers, and their integration at a business level is strongly required to support an effective SD process. Accordingly, to generate a strategic alignment in the sustainability transition process, scholars and practitioners require a clear view of the key drivers, metrics, and potential solutions. To this end, we focused on two main purposes aimed (1) to provide a sustainable key performance indicator (KPI) system useful to support decision‐making process of managers and (2) to identify how can sustainable indicators be integrated into business strategy with a view to performance improvement, suggesting future paths to analysis. In view of the research proposes addressed, based on semistructured interviews with 110 managers specialized in sustainable practices, we provided a novel five‐dimensional framework, built on a specific set of SD indexes. The model aims to provide a structured way to adequately integrate sustainability at a strategic level. The results generate a robust roadmap for future analysis in this research field.