bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crystal phase, morphology evolution and luminescence properties of Eu3+‐doped BiPO4 phosphor prepared using the hydrothermal method
Authors: Yu Dongyan , Wu Xingya , Yan Gongqin , Cao Jieliang
Published: March 2021

A series of Bi1‐xEuxPO4 phosphors was successfully prepared using an easy citric acid‐ assisted hydrothermal method. The effects of synthesis temperature, amount of citric acid, and Eu3+ concentration on the crystal phase, morphology, and luminescence properties were investigated. X‐ray diffraction results revealed that BiPO4:Eu3+ formed a hexagonal phase at 80°C, although it transformed to a monoclinic phase when the hydrothermal temperature was increased to 160°C. Moreover, it was found that a small amount of Eu3+ doping and the addition of citric acid introduced no secondary or related phases. The morphologies of the samples varied from nanoparticles to spherical microparticles to polyhedrons after the synthesis temperature was adjusted. Particle size was controlled by adding different amounts of citric acid. Under 394 nm excitation, the Bi0.95Eu0.05PO4 phosphor prepared at 160°C with 0.3 g of citric acid had excellent luminescence properties. A possible crystal growth mechanism during this reaction is proposed.
TGF‐β1‐induced collagen promotes chicken ovarian follicle development via an intercellular cooperative pattern
Authors: Zhou Shuo , Ma Yanfen , Yao Jinwei , Zhao An , Xie Chukang , Mi Yuling , Zhang Caiqiao
Published: March 2021

Follicle development is a complex process under strict regulation of diverse hormones and cytokines including transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) superfamily members. TGF‐β is pivotal for the regulation of ovarian functions under physiological and pathological conditions. In this study, effect of TGF‐β1 on chicken follicle development was examined through investigating the accumulation and action of collagen, an indispensable member of the extracellular matrix (ECM) involved in this process. The granulosa cells (GCs) and theca cells (TCs) were separated from growing follicles of the laying chicken for treatment of TGF‐β1 and analysis of expression of ECM components and key proteins in intracellular signaling pathways. Results showed that collagen was mainly distributed in the follicular theca layer and was produced with the formation of the granulosa layer during ovarian development. Collagen accumulation increased with follicle growth and treatment of GCs with TGF‐β1 elicited an increased expression of collagen. After production from GCs, collagen was transferred to the neighboring TCs to promote cell proliferation and inhibit apoptosis. Treatment of collagen remarkably increased expression of p‐ERK, mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK), and p‐MAPK, but treatment with hydroxylase inhibitor (to break collagen structure) reversed these alterations. In conclusion, during follicle growth collagen was secreted by GCs under TGF‐β1 stimulation and was subsequently collaboratively transferred to neighboring TCs to increase cell proliferation and thus to promote follicle development via an intercellular cooperative pattern during development of chicken growing follicles.
CircKRT1 drives tumor progression and immune evasion in oral squamous cell carcinoma by sponging miR‐495‐3p to regulate PDL1 expression
Authors: Yang Zhongheng , Chen Weizhi , Wang Yang , Qin Mengting , Ji Yanhong
Published: March 2021

Regulatory functions of circRNAs by targeting the micro RNA (miRNA)/mRNA axis have been increasingly found in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). CircRNA keratin 1 (CircKRT1) and miR‐495‐3p were dysregulated in OSCC. Programmed death ligand 1 (PDL1) was an important immunotherapeutic molecule in OSCC. Our objective was to explore whether circKRT1 could regulate cancer progression and immune evasion in OSCC by affecting the miR‐495‐3p/PDL1 axis. RNA expression was examined by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. All protein levels were detected by western blot. OSCC cell growth was assessed by CCK‐8 and colony formation assays. Cell migratory and invasive abilities were evaluated by transwell assay. CD8+ T‐cell cytotoxicity was determined via lactate dehydrogenase assay. CD8+ T‐cell percentage and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. Target screening was performed by Veen Diagram and RNA pull‐down assay. Target binding was verified using dual‐luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. A xenograft in mice was conducted for in vivo experiment. CircKRT1 and PDL1 were highly expressed in OSCC tissues and cells. CircKRT1 knockdown repressed OSCC cell growth, migration, invasion, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and CD8+ T‐cell apoptosis, but enhanced CD8+ T cytotoxicity and percentage. The inhibitory effects of circKRT1 downregulation on OSCC progression and immune evasion were related to PDL1 expression inhibition. CircKRT1 sponged miR‐495‐3p and miR‐495‐3p targeted PDL1. OSCC progression and immune evasion were regulated by circKRT1 via the miR‐495‐3p/PDL1 axis. CircKRT1 also facilitated OSCC progression in vivo by regulating miR‐495‐3p and PDL1. This study clarified that circKRT1 worked as a miR‐495‐3p sponge to regulate PDL1, consequently affecting cancer progression and immune evasion in OSCC.
c‐Myc‐induced circ‐NOTCH1 promotes aggressive phenotypes of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells by regulating the miR‐34c‐5p/c‐Myc axis
Authors: Huang Wei , Song Wei , Jiang Yunfei , Chen Lejun , Lu Hong
Published: March 2021

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is the subclass of head and neck cancer with the highest incidence among otolaryngology malignancies. A growing amount of evidence has proven that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play key roles in the progression of multiple cancers. It has been reported that circ‐NOTCH1 is a novel circRNA and functions as an oncogene in gastric cancer, while the regulatory mechanism of circ‐NOTCH1 in NPC remains unknown. In the present research, our findings revealed that circ‐NOTCH1 was overexpressed in NPC tissues and cells. Circ‐NOTCH1 knockdown suppressed NPC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. Subsequently, we discovered that c‐Myc can activate circ‐NOTCH1 by binding to the NOTCH1 promoter. c‐Myc functioned as a tumor promoter in NPC cells. Mechanistically, circ‐NOTCH1 served as a competitive endogenous RNA to modulate c‐Myc expression by sponging miR‐34c‐5p. Additionally, overexpression of c‐Myc reversed the circ‐NOTCH1 knockdown‐mediated inhibition of NPC cellular progression. Overall, this study suggested that c‐Myc‐induced circ‐NOTCH1 promoted malignant phenotypes of NPC cells by regulating the miR‐34c‐5p/c‐Myc axis.
VDAC1 promotes cardiomyocyte autophagy in anoxia/reoxygenation injury via the PINK1/Parkin pathway
Authors: Yang Xiaomei , Zhou Yuancheng , Liang Haiyan , Meng Yan , Liu Haocheng , Zhou Ying , Huang Chunhong , An Binyi , Mao Hongli , Liao Zhangping
Published: March 2021

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) is a well‐known injury to the myocardium, but the mechanism involved remains elusive. In addition to the well‐accepted apoptosis theory, autophagy was recently found to be involved in the process, exerting a dual role as protection in ischemia and detriment in reperfusion. Activation of autophagy is mediated by mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening during reperfusion. In our previous study, we showed that MPTP opening is regulated by VDAC1, a channel protein located in the outer membrane of mitochondria. Thus, upregulation of VDAC1 expression is a possible trigger to cardiomyocyte autophagy via an unclear pathway. Here, we established an anoxia/reoxygenation (A/R) model in vitro to simulate the I/R process in vivo. At the end of A/R treatment, VDAC1, Beclin 1, and LC3‐II/I were upregulated, and autophagic vacuoles were increased in cardiomyocytes, which showed a connection of VDAC1 and autophagy development. These variations also led to ROS burst, mitochondrial dysfunction, and aggravated apoptosis. Knockdown of VDAC1 by RNAi could alleviate the above‐mentioned cellular damages. Additionally, the expression of PINK1 and Parkin was enhanced after A/R injury. Furthermore, Parkin was recruited to mitochondria from the cytosol, which suggested that the PINK1/Parkin autophagic pathway was activated during A/R. Nevertheless, the PINK1/Parkin pathway was effectively inhibited when VDAC1 was knocked‐down. Taken together, the A/R‐induced cardiomyocyte injury was mediated by VDAC1 upregulation, which led to cell autophagy via the PINK1/Parkin pathway, and finally aggravated apoptosis.
A Doubly Confined Nickel‐Based Catalyst Derived from Hydrotalcite‐Montmorillonite Composite: Preparation and Hydrogenation Performance
Authors: Nie Shilin , Yan Yimeng , Li Huafan , Niu Libo , Qin Jingru , Chen Ligong , Bai Guoyi
Published: March 2021

A doubly confined Ni‐AOM catalyst was fabricated from hydrotalcite‐montmorillonite composite by controlling the growth of hydrotalcite via a hydrothermal co‐precipitation method after the introduction of Ni2+ and Al3+ into the montmorillonite layers through an ion exchange method. The structure of this hydrotalcite‐montmorillonite composite was proved by XRD and TG/DTG. TEM results demonstrate that the nickel nanoparticles in Ni‐AOM were highly dispersed with an average particle size of 4.5 nm. Notably, Ni‐AOM showed excellent catalytic performance in the hydrogenation of dioctyl phthalate with the conversion and selectivity both being 99 %. Furthermore, it could be recycled 10 times without significant loss of activity, comparable to most noble metal catalysts. The excellent activity and stability of this catalyst was mainly attributed to the doubly confined effect of the montmorillonite laminate and Ni−Al oxide derived from hydrotalcite.
Chiral voltammetric sensor for tryptophan enantiomers by using a self‐assembled multiwalled carbon nanotubes/polyaniline/sodium alginate composite
Authors: Niu Xiaohui , Yang Xing , Li Hongxia , Shi Qiuyun , Wang Kunjie
Published: March 2021

Due to the crucial role of amino acids in life sciences and pharmaceutics, identification of optical amino acid molecules is of great significance. In this study, the two materials (CNT and PANI) were combined together to obtain the magnification of electrochemical signal by substrate material (CNT/PANI). Then a self‐assembled multiwalled carbon nanotubes/polyaniline/sodium alginate (CNT/PANI/SA) nanocomposite with chiral sites and conductive material was synthesized as the electrochemical sensing interface. Next, a novel electrochemical sensing interface was fabricated via modifying the as‐prepared chiral material on a polished glassy carbon electrode (CNT/PANI/SA/GCE) for precisely, efficiently, and rapidly differentiation of tryptophan (Trp) enantiomers. It was observed that CNT/PANI/SA/GCE showed desirable stereoselective recognition effect in the variety of signal strength to peak current (Ip) to the different optical activity of Trp enantiomers. In the case of optimal conditions, the peak current ratio in the solution of l‐Trp and d‐Trp (ID/IL) was observed to be 2.1 at CNT/PANI/SA/GCE by differential pulse voltammogram (DPV). UV–visible spectroscopy further showed that CNT/PANI/SA had a greater binding energy to l‐Trp. Also different factors affecting the enantioselectivity of CNT/PANI/SA/GCE, such as the incubation time, pH, and dropcoating volume of CNT/PANI/SA were optimized. Moreover, the proposed CNT/PANI/SA/GCE showed excellent specific stereoselectivity and anti‐interference ability. Besides, the proposed chiral sensing platform can be effectively applied in real samples to detect Trp enantiomers sensitively. This work inspires us a new path for the preparation of substrate material with excellent electrical conductivity, as well as extend its application potential in chiral recognition.
Combining Metabolic Alkyne Labeling and Click Chemistry for Secretome Analysis of Serum‐Containing Conditioned Medium†
Authors: Zheng Jiangnan , Mao Yuan , Feng Shun , Tian Ruijun
Published: March 2021

Main observation and conclusion

Bioorthogonal click chemistry has emerged as a powerful tool for the specific modification of proteins in complex mixtures. Metabolic labeling of proteins with azide followed by the copper‐catalyzed azide−alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) with alkyne‐based affinity probes/beads is widely applied to study protein turnover and post‐translational modifications (PTMs). However, it has long been known that the alkyne‐based enrichment of high concentration protein samples (e.g., serum) is not sufficient to remove high abundant contaminating proteins. Herein, we demonstrate that the protein contamination is mainly caused by thiol‐yne addition between terminal alkyne and cysteine residue. Furthermore, we report that azide‐based enrichment combined with metabolic labeling with alkyne can significantly reduce contamination and improve the enrichment efficiency of secreted proteins in serum‐containing conditioned medium.
Effects of density on colour and gloss variability changes of wood induced by heat treatment
Authors: Zhou Fan , Zhou Yongdong , Fu Zongying , Gao Xin
Published: March 2021

The influence of heat treatment severity (resulting from temperature) on the colour and gloss distribution changes of mahogany wood, and the effects of wood density on the responses to heat treatment were evaluated. The wood timbers with different densities were treated at 150°C to 200°C with an interval of 10°C and duration of 4 hours for heat treatment schedules. The colour parameters (lightnessL*, red‐green axis valuea*, yellow‐blue axis valueb*) and gloss (parallel and perpendicular to the grain) values of heat‐treated wood were determined. The distributions of colour and gloss were analyzed using a frequency counts method. Results show that heat treatment resulted in the distinct decrease inL*andb*, while almost no change ina*for mahogany wood. The lower gloss values were obtained in the wood after heat treatment. The colour and gloss uniform on the exposed surface of the wood was improved due to heat treatment. Heat‐treatment induced colour and gloss changes were more effective in the samples with lower density. The effects of density on the colour and gloss variability in the original wood were reduced by heat treatment, and this reduction was more distinct at high heat treatment temperature. The total gloss change was found to be highly correlated with the total colour change of heat‐treated wood.
The colour of emerging textile for urban regeneration: the role of technology between experimentations and craftsmanship
Authors: Gasparini Katia
Published: March 2021

This article aims to study the role of coloured installation in the urban regeneration processes. The urban colour designs are fundamental for many reasons: the environmental quality and the human wellbeing, the space valorization and the wayfinding. In this focus the colour, the material and the interaction play an important role. Some of most interesting installations in the world are made by generative design and emerging technologies, in a multidisciplinary design approach. The research methodology is based on the analysis of international case studies about interactive coloured installations, to define the role of colour in relation with the urban scene. The results seem to show that emerging technologies are still hardly applied to urban installations and the role of the colour is fundamental, in particular the one of warm colours or multicolour installations.
Biogeographic position and body size jointly set lower thermal limits of wandering spiders
Authors: Monsimet Jérémy , Colinet Hervé , Devineau Olivier , Lafage Denis , Pétillon Julien
Published: March 2021

Most species encounter large variations in abiotic conditions along their distribution range. The physiological responses of most terrestrial ectotherms (such as insects and spiders) to clinal gradients of climate, and in particular gradients of temperature, can be the product of both phenotypic plasticity and local adaptation. This study aimed to determine how the biogeographic position of populations and the body size of individuals set the limits of cold (freezing) resistance ofDolomedes fimbriatus. We comparedD. fimbriatusto its sister speciesDolomedes plantariusunder harsher climatic conditions in their distribution range. Using an ad hoc design, we sampled individuals from four populations ofDolomedes fimbriatusoriginating from contrasting climatic areas (temperate and continental climate) and one population of the sister speciesD. plantariusfrom continental climate, and compared their supercooling ability as an indicator of cold resistance. Results forD. fimbriatusindicated that spiders from northern (continental) populations had higher cold resistance than spiders from southern (temperate) populations. Larger spiders had a lower supercooling ability in northern populations. The red‐listed and rarestD. plantariuswas slightly less cold tolerant than the more commonD. fimbriatus, and this might be of importance in a context of climate change that could imply colder overwintering habitats in the north due to reduced snow cover protection. The lowest cold resistance might putD. plantariusat risk of extinction in the future, and this should be considered in conservation plan.
A pilot study assessing the brain gauge as an indicator of cognitive recovery in alcohol dependence
Authors: Powell Anna , Tommerdahl Mark , Abbasi Yasir , Sumnall Harry , Montgomery Catharine
Published: March 2021

Alcohol dependence (AD) is associated with multiple cognitive deficits, which can affect treatment outcomes. Current measures of tracking brain recovery (e.g., functional magnetic resonance imaging) can be less accessible for practitioners. This study pilots a novel device (the brain gauge; BG) to assess its utility, and track recovery of cognitive function in residential alcohol treatment. Methods: A repeated measures design assessed changes in cognitive function during detoxification. Twenty‐one participants with AD (16 Male; Mean age 43.85 ± 6.21) completed a battery of alcohol and memory questionnaires and BG tasks at two time‐points (∼days 4 and 10) during a single managed detoxification episode. Results: Repeated measures ANCOVA revealed that some BG metrics significantly improved, with medium to large effect sizes ‐ processing speed, focus, temporal order judgement and overall cortical metric. However, differences in subjective cognitive function were non‐significant after controlling for depression and anxiety change scores. Anxiety change emerged as a significant factor in subjective cognitive function. Conclusions: We conclude it is possible that the prefrontal cortex (PFC) recovers more slowly compared to other brain areas, and there are compounding effects of improvements in anxiety and depression, and metacognitive deficits on subjective EF assessments. Future research should seek to validate the clinical utility of the BG by comparing against established neuroimaging methods.
Seasonal changes in depth position and temperature of European catfish (Silurus glanis) tracked by acoustic telemetry in the Danube River
Authors: Lenhardt Mirjana B. , Smederevac‐Lalić Marija M. , Spasić Sladjana Z. , Honţ Ştefan , Paraschiv Marian , Iani Marian I. , Nikčević Miroslav V. , Klimley Peter A. , Suciu Radu
Published: March 2021

The giant European catfish, Silurus glanis (total length = 200 cm; total weight ≈ 80 kg) was caught downstream of Iron Gate II hydropower dam (Danube River, 863 rkm) and tagged with an ultrasonic transmitter (V16TP; Vemco Ltd.) equipped with depth and temperature sensors. Changes in catfish diving behavior and temperature exposure were monitored over a period of roughly 2 years. Transmitter detections were recorded by nine autonomous receivers (VR2W, installed in 2015 between Serbia and Romania, as well as near Romanian shiplock and upstream Romanian turbines). The first signals were recorded on April 28, 2015 and the last on February 13, 2017. Altogether 59,355 and 59,175 detections of the catfish depth and water temperature were recorded, respectively. The greatest number of signals were recorded by the two receivers closest to the location where the catfish was caught, 72.3% and 27.1%, while only 0.6% of signals were recorded by other receivers. The mean catfish depth was 8.4 m, while minimum and maximum depths were 1.2 and 16.2 m. Results obtained showed that this catfish exhibited high site fidelity, while changes in depth at certain periods are possibly related to its search for prey and upstream migration during the spawning period. Hydropower dam and shiplock were obstacles on its migration upstream and telemetry studies could ensure habitat requirements and meet the development of restoration and conservation strategies for the fish resources in the future.
Plerixafor added to G‐CSF allows mobilization of a sufficient number of hematopoietic progenitors without impacting the efficacy of TCR‐alpha/beta depletion in pediatric haploidentical and genoidentical donors failing to mobilize with G‐CSF alone
Authors: Kurnikova Elena , Trakhtman Pavel , Pershin Dmitry , Ilyushina Mariya , Khismatullina Rimma , Maschan Michael , Novichkova Galina , Maschan Alexey
Published: March 2021

Background

Collection of a large number of early hematopoietic progenitors is essential for allogeneic apheresis products intended for TCR‐alpha/beta depletion.

Materials and Methods

We added plerixafor 0.24 mg/kg body weight (bw) on day 4 of high‐dose filgrastim mobilization 10 hours prior to apheresis in 16 (30.5%) pediatric allogeneic donors who failed to recover a sufficient number of CD34+ cells.

Results

On day 4 of G‐CSF, the median CD34+ cell count in peripheral blood was 6 per μL (range 4‐9 per μL) in 6 poor mobilizers and 16 per μL (range 12‐19 per μL) in insufficient mobilizers. In all donors, the threshold of 50 CD34+ cells/μL was achieved, and the median increase was 14.8‐fold in poor mobilizers and 6.5‐fold in insufficient mobilizers, whereas it was 3.45‐fold increase in those mobilized with G‐CSF alone.

Discussion

In all donors, a predefined number of >10 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg of recipient bw before depletion was reached in the apheresis product. The use of plerixafor did not affect the purity of further TCR‐alpha/beta depletion. Side effects were mild to moderate and consisted of nausea and vomiting.

Conclusion

Thus, the safety and high efficacy of plerixafor was proven in healthy pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic cell donors.
The explicit role of electron exchange in the hydrogen bonded molecular complexes
Authors: Levina Elena O. , Khrenova Maria G. , Tsirelson Vladimir G.
Published: March 2021

We applied a set of advanced bonding descriptors to establish the hidden electron density features and binding energy characteristics of intermolecular DH∙∙∙A hydrogen bonds (OH∙∙∙O, NH∙∙∙O and SH∙∙∙O) in 150 isolated and solvated molecular complexes. The exchange‐correlation and Pauli potentials as well as corresponding local one‐electron forces allowed us to explicitly ascertain how electron exchange defines the bonding picture in the proximity of the H‐bond critical point. The electron density features of DH∙∙∙A interaction are governed by alterations in the electron localization in the H‐bond region displaying itself in the exchange hole. At that, they do not depend on the variations in the exchange hole mobility. The electrostatic interaction mainly defines the energy of H‐bonds of different types, whereas the strengthening/weakening of H‐bonds in complexes with varying substituents depends on the barrier height of the exchange potential near the bond critical point. Energy variations between H‐bonds in isolated and solvated systems are also caused the electron exchange peculiarities as follows from the corresponding potential and the interacting quantum atom analyses complemented by electron delocalization index calculations. Our approach is based on the bonding descriptors associated with the characteristics of the observable electron density and can be recommended for in‐depth studies of non‐covalent bonding.
Performance evaluation of a lateral flow assay for nasopharyngeal antigen detection for SARS‐CoV‐2 diagnosis
Authors: Peña‐Rodríguez Marcela , Viera‐Segura Oliver , García‐Chagollán Mariel , Zepeda‐Nuño José Sergio , Muñoz‐Valle José Francisco , Mora‐Mora Jesús , Espinoza‐De León Gabriela , Bustillo‐Armendáriz Gustavo , García‐Cedillo Fernanda , Vega‐Magaña Natali
Published: March 2021

Background

SARS‐CoV‐2 has become a global pandemic due to its capacity for rapid transmission. In this context, an early and rapid diagnosis of infected patients that do not require expensive equipment or highly trained personnel is crucial in order to reduce the contagious rate. The aim of this study was to evaluate a chromatographic immunoassay's performance for the rapid diagnosis of SARS‐CoV‐antigen.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study included 369 adults from Western México with diagnosis or suspicion of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Two samples were collected; a naso‐oropharyngeal was used for a molecular determination of SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA. The molecular analysis was carried out using DeCoV19 Kit Triplex (Genes2life S.A.P.I.) based on the CDC diagnostic panel for N1, N2, and N3 regions. The second sample was retrieved from a nasopharyngeal rub and used for the rapid diagnosis of SARS‐CoV‐2 antigen employing the commercial STANDARD™ Q COVID‐19 Ag Test (SD BIOSENSOR).

Results

Overall, in 28.2% of the patients was detected the SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA, and 21.4% were positive for antigen detection. The rapid antigen test showed a sensitivity and specificity of 75.9% and 100%, respectively, with a positive predictive and negative values of 100% and 91%. Symptoms as anosmia presented a high OR for the positive diagnosis for both test, reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), and the rapid antigen test of 8.86 (CI = 4.91–16) and 6.09 (CI = 3.42–10.85), respectively.

Conclusion

SD BIOSENSOR is a useful assay, but some caveats must be considered before the general implementation.
Morphology of ctenostome bryozoans: 4. Pierrella plicata
Authors: Schwaha Thomas , Grischenko Andrei V. , Melnik Viacheslav P.
Published: March 2021

The genus Pierrella was originally created for a single fossil ctenostome bryozoan species from the Late Cretaceous, which is characterized by runner‐like colonies, with zooids possessing a distinctive radial, folded aperture. Not long ago, a few specimens of a recent deep‐sea congener, Pierrella plicata, were discovered and described from the Russian exploration area of the Clarion‐Clipperton Fracture Zone, eastern Central Pacific Ocean. Owing to the lack of data on the internal morphology of this species, we investigated the soft‐body morphology of P. plicata using serial sectioning and 3D‐reconstruction in order to compare it to other more recently investigated ctenostome bryozoans and to infer the systematic position of the genus. The most striking peculiarity of the examined species is the radial aperture formed by multiple cuticular, pleated folds of the cystid wall. The cuticle is thickened into triangular‐shaped folds in this area. An orifical sphincter underlies the folded aperture. Apertural muscles are present as a single pair of parieto‐diaphragmatic muscles and four duplicature bands. The remaining polypide anatomy is mainly characterized by its miniature design: the lophophore has eight short tentacles and the digestive tract is one of the shortest and most compact ever observed in any bryozoan. A small intertentacular organ was detected at the lophophoral base. Taken together the genus Pierrella shows unique characters, such as the radial apertural folds that are closed by a series of orificial sphincter muscles, and its particularly small polypide. The general colony morphology resembles arachnidioidean ctenostomes whereas its internal morphology resembles alcyonidioidean species.
Pregnancy and Delivery Outcomes in Women With Persistent Versus Resolved Low‐Lying Placenta in the Late Third Trimester
Authors: Ornaghi Sara , Vaglio Tessitore Isadora , Vergani Patrizia
Published: March 2021

Objectives

The safest mode of delivery in low‐lying placenta is debatable. Little is known about outcomes in low‐lying placenta resolved during the late third trimester.

We compare outcomes of women with persistent versus resolved low‐lying placenta.

Methods

A retrospective analysis on a prospective cohort of women with low‐lying placenta confirmed at 28–30 weeks sonography (01/2009 to 03/2018). Women were followed up serially every 2 to 3 weeks until delivery to assess the placental edge‐to‐internal os distance (IOD), and included if scan was performed within 28 days before delivery.

Results

There were 86 women: in 21 the low‐lying placenta resolved, whereas in 65 persisted (n = 15 IOD 1–10 mm, n = 50 IOD 11–20 mm). Antepartum bleeding associated with higher rates of urgent cesarean delivery in 1–10 mm (P = .041) but not in 11–20 mm (P = 1.000) and >20 mm (P = .333). Among women with IOD >10 mm allowed to labor, vaginal delivery occurred in 76.7% (11–20 mm) and 94.1% (>20 mm) (P = .155), with no difference according to parity (70% and 80% in multiparas, P = .696; 60% and 72.7% in nulliparas, P = .698). Severe PPH (P = .922) and hemoglobin drop (P = .109) were similar among groups. Women with IOD 11–20 mm and >20 mm and vaginal delivery bled less than women with similarly located placenta and cesarean delivery (P = .009 and P = .048).

Conclusions

Women with IOD >10 mm have high chances of deliver vaginally with no further increase of their hemorrhagic risk. Success of vaginal delivery is independent of parity and antepartum bleeding. Labor should be managed in an adequate hospital setting.
Silk Film Stiffness Modulates Corneal Epithelial Cell Mechanosignaling
Authors: Sun Michael G. , Luo Yuncin , Teng Tao , Guaiquil Victor , Zhou Qiang , McGinn Lander , Nazzal Osayd , Walsh Michael , Lee James , Rosenblatt Mark I.
Published: March 2021

Silk fibroin films are excellent candidate biomaterials for corneal tissue engineering due to their optical transparency, biocompatibility, and mechanical strength. Their tunable chemical and mechanical properties open the possibility of engineering cellular microenvironments that can both mimic native corneal tissue and provide stimuli to actively promote wound regeneration. While silk film mechanical properties, such as surface topography, have demonstrated the ability to control corneal epithelial cell wound regenerating behavior, few studies have explored the stiffness tunability of these films and its cellular effects. Cells are known to actively sense the stiffness of their surroundings and processes such as cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, and expression of stem markers can be strongly influenced by matrix stiffness. This study develops technical solutions that allow for both the fabrication of films with stiffnesses similar to corneal tissue and also for their characterization in an aqueous, native‐like environment at a scale relevant to cellular forces. Physiological evidence demonstrates that corneal epithelial cells are mechanosensitive to films of different stiffnesses and show that cell spreading, cytoskeletal tension, and molecular mechanotransducer localization are associated with film stiffness. These results indicate that silk film stiffness can be used to regulate cell behavior for the purposes of ocular surface repair.
Efficiency and satisfaction with telephone consultation of follow‐up patients in neuro‐urology: Experience of the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Chesnel Camille , Hentzen Claire , Le Breton Frédérique , Turmel Nicolas , Tan Eliane , Haddad Rebecca , Amarenco Gérard
Published: March 2021

Aim

The COVID‐19 pandemic led to limit patients’ visits to the neuro‐urology department. Telemedicine was seen as a pragmatic solution to provide follow‐up care. This study aimed to assess the efficiency and satisfaction of a telephone consultation in neuro‐urology.

Methods

During the pandemic, the scheduled medical visits were converted into telephone consultation. For each teleconsultation, the physician assessed the efficiency and the patient‐rated global satisfaction of the teleconsultation. The physician and the patient assessed whether this teleconsultation replaced a physical visit.

Results

About 358 neurologic patients were included in the study. The mean efficiency of the telephone consultation was 9.3/10 (±1.5). The mean global satisfaction was 9.0/10 (±1.3). The majority of the patients (52.4%) would prefer a physical consultation. 90.2% might convert some clinic visits to teleconsultations in the future. No agreement was found between the patient and the physician when they were asked if the teleconsultation replaced the physical consultation initially scheduled (weight kappa = 0.02; 95% confidence interval = [−0.06 to 0.11]). Cognitive impairment, difficulty to obtain relevant information, and lack of physical examination were unfavorable to the efficiency of the teleconsultation. Cognitive impairment, embarrassing nature of the teleconsultation, and preference for a physical consultation were unfavorable to satisfaction of the patient.

Conclusion

Telemedicine in neuro‐urology was associated with a high satisfaction of the patients and was described as efficient by the physicians. Despite this, the majority of the patients reported a preference for physical consultation. The COVID‐19 pandemic might be an opportunity to refine our practices in neuro‐urology and to develop telemedicine.
An efficient R1ρ dispersion imaging method for human knee cartilage using constant magnetization prepared turbo‐FLASH
Authors: Pang Yuxi , Palmieri‐Smith Riann M. , Maerz Tristan
Published: March 2021

This work aimed to develop an efficient R1ρ dispersion imaging method for clinical studies of human knee cartilage at 3 T. Eight constant magnetizations (Mprep) were prepared by tailoring both the duration and amplitude (ω1) of a fully refocused spin‐lock preparation pulse. The limited Mprep dynamic range was expanded by the measure, equivalent to that with ω1 = ∞, from the magic angle location in the deep femoral cartilage. The developed protocol with Mprep = 60% was demonstrated on one subject's bilateral and two subjects' unilateral asymptomatic knees. The repeatability of the proposed protocol was estimated by two repeated scans with a three‐month gap for the last two subjects. The synthetic R1ρ and R2 derived from R1ρ dispersions were compared with the published references using state‐of‐the‐art R1ρ and R2 mapping (MAPSS). The proposed protocol demonstrated good (<5%) repeatability quantified by the intra‐ and intersubject coefficients of variation in the femoral and tibial cartilage. The synthetic R1ρ (1/s) and the references were comparable in the femoral (23.0 ± 5.3 versus 24.1 ± 3.8, P = 0.67) and the tibial (29.1 ± 8.8 versus 27.1 ± 5.1, P = 0.62), but not the patellar (16.5 ± 4.9 versus 22.7 ± 1.6, P < 0.01) cartilage. The same trends were also observed for the current and the previous R2. In conclusion, the developed R1ρ dispersion imaging scheme has been revealed to be not only efficient but also robust for clinical studies of human knee cartilage at 3 T.
Nursing students’ evaluation of a gamified public health educational webinar: A comparative pilot study
Authors: Grech Joseph , Grech Jessica
Published: March 2021

Aim

To compare undergraduate nursing students’ evaluations of a gamified educational webinar to a non‐gamified version. Both webinars covered the topic “Determinants of health,” part of public health education.

Design

A post‐test evaluation design with a comparison group, and an additional qualitative component.

Methods

First‐year students reading for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology were randomly allocated into two classes of 26 students each, and to the gamified and non‐gamified webinars. The revised “Students Evaluations of Educational Quality” questionnaire was sent to all participants. Participants were also asked to provide comments on their learning experience.

Results

A total of 40 participants who attended the gamified and non‐gamified webinars completed the questionnaire. Educational quality was perceived as “good” to “very good,” in both groups. Most participants in the gamified webinar group remarked that gamification helped to increase their engagement and interaction.
Non‐isothermal crystallization kinetics of polypropylene/bamboo fiber/nano‐TiO2composites
Authors: Guo Juan , Liu Minghui , Wang Hankun , Yu Yan
Published: March 2021

Non‐isothermal crystallization kinetics of polypropylene/bamboo fiber/nano‐TiO2(PP/BF/nano‐TiO2) composites was investigated using differential scanning calorimetric technique with various cooling rates (2.5, 5, 10, 20, and 30°C min−1). The influence of different loading concentration (0, 0.1, 0.4, and 0.8 wt%) of TiO2nanoparticles on the nucleation ability of polypropylene was evaluated. The Avrami equation, Ozawa, and Mo model were applied to describe the non‐isothermal crystallization behaviors and to analyze the experimental data of the PP/BF/nano‐TiO2composites. The Friedman isoconversional model was employed to calculate the effective activation energy (Ea) of the samples. The experimental data were in perfect agreement with the Mo model during the investigated crystallization temperature and the loading concentration of TiO2nanoparticles. The TiO2nanoparticles concentration of 0.4 wt% was useful for improving crystallization process of the PP matrix in the composites by accelerating the crystallization rate along with the lower values of t1/2and Ea. However, we observed no significant changes in the onset crystallization temperature(To) and the crystallization peak temperature(Tp) with the incorporation of TiO2nanoparticles in the PP matrix, suggesting that the influence of TiO2nanoparticles was more remarkable at the crystal growth instead of nucleation stage for the PP/BF/nano‐TiO2composites system.
Gas‐Phase Synthesis of Silicon‐Rich Silicon Nitride Nanoparticles for High Performance Lithium–Ion Batteries
Authors: Kilian Stefan O. , Wiggers Hartmut
Published: March 2021

The practical application of silicon‐based anodes is severely hindered by continuous capacity fade during cycling. A very promising way to stabilize silicon in lithium–ion battery (LIB) anodes is the utilization of nanostructured silicon‐rich silicon nitride (SiNx), a conversion‐type anode material. Here, SiNx with structure sizes in the sub‐micrometer range have been synthesized in a hot‐wall reactor by pyrolysis of monosilane and ammonia. This work focusses on understanding process parameter–particle property correlations. Further, a model for the growth of SiNx nanoparticles in this hot–wall–reactor design is proposed. This synthesis concept is of specific interest regarding simplicity, flexibility, and scalability: A way utilizing any mixtures of precursor gases to build multi‐functional nanoparticles that can be directly used for LIBs instead of focusing on modification of nanostructures after they have been formed. Lab‐scale production rates as high as 30 g h−1 can be easily achieved and further scaled. SiN0.7 nanoparticles provide a first cycle coulombic efficiency of 54%, a specific discharge capacity of 1367 mAh g−1, and a capacity retention over 80% after 300 cycles at 0.5 C (j = 0.68 mA cm−2). These results imply that silicon‐rich silicon nitrides are promising candidates for high‐performance LIBs with very high durability.
The in situ treatment of TCE and PFAS in groundwater within a silty sand aquifer
Authors: McGregor Rick , Zhao Ye
Published: March 2021

Chlorinated ethenes such as trichloroethene (TCE), cis‐1,2‐dichloroethene (cis‐1,2‐DCE), and vinyl chloride along with per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been identified as chemicals of concern in groundwater; with many of the compounds being confirmed as being carcinogens or suspected carcinogens. While there are a variety of demonstrated in‐situ technologies for the treatment of chlorinated ethenes, there are limited technologies available to treat PFAS in groundwater. At a former industrial site shallow groundwater was impacted with TCE, cis‐1,2‐DCE, and vinyl chloride at concentrations up to 985, 258, and 54 µg/L, respectively. The groundwater also contained maximum concentrations of the following PFAS: 12,800 ng/L of perfluoropentanoic acid, 3,240 ng/L of perfluorohexanoic acid, 795 ng/L of perfluorobutanoic acid, 950 ng/L of perfluorooctanoic acid, and 2,140 ng/L of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid. Using a combination of adsorption, biotic, and abiotic degradation in situ remedial approaches, the chemicals of concern were targeted for removal from the groundwater with adsorption being utilized for PFAS whereas adsorption, chemical reduction, and anaerobic biodegradation were used for the chlorinated ethenes. Sampling of the groundwater over a 24‐month period indicated that the detected PFAS were treated to either their detection, or below the analytical detection limit over the monitoring period. Postinjection results for TCE, cis‐1,2‐DCE, and vinyl chloride indicated that the concentrations of the three compounds decreased by an order of magnitude within 4 months of injection, with TCE decreasing to below the analytical detection limit over the 24‐month monitoring period. Cis‐1,2‐DCE, and vinyl chloride concentrations decreased by over 99% within 8 months of injections, remaining at or below these concentrations during the 24‐month monitoring period. Analyses of Dehalococcoides, ethene, and acetylene over time suggest that microbiological and reductive dechlorination were occurring in conjunction with adsorption to attenuate the chlorinated ethenes and PFAS within the aquifer.

Analysis of soil cores collected pre‐ and post‐injection, indicated that the distribution of the colloidal activated carbon was influenced by small scale heterogeneities within the aquifer. However, all aquifer samples collected within the targeted injection zone contained total organic carbon at concentrations at least one order of magnitude greater than the preinjection total organic carbon concentrations.
Novel Hyperbranched Polyimides Bearing Bis(trifluoromethyl)‐triphenylamine Moiety: Preparation and Rewritable Nonvolatile Memory Behaviours
Authors: Song Ying , Zhao Liqun , Yao Hongyan , Tian Ye , Zhu Shiyang , Guan Shaowei
Published: March 2021

Two novel hyperbranched polyimides (HBPIs) bearing bis(trifluoromethyl)‐triphenylamine moiety were prepared by condensation polymerization of a triamine monomer, N,N‐bis[4‐amino‐2‐(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]‐1,4‐benzenediamine (ATPB), with oxydiphthalic dianhydride (ODPA) and hexafluoroisopropyl phthalic anhydride (6FDA). The trifluoromethyl group was introduced into HBPIs to improve the property of the memory device. The resulting hyperbranched polyimides exhibited high molecular weights (weight‐average molecular weights large to 7.51×104 with a polydispersity of 1.63), outstanding organic‐solubility and excellent thermal stability (5 % thermal weight‐loss temperature up to 518 °C). Memory devices based on these hyperbranched polyimides showed similar rewritable nonvolatile memory characteristics but with different threshold voltages. The switching voltage was found to have a dependence on the energy barrier between polymer active layer and electrodes. These devices displayed favorable stability in both OFF and ON states with retention time long to 104 s and ON/OFF current ratio as high as 106. The space charge‐limited conduction model and local filaments formation were responsible for the switching behaviors of these memory devices. The results indicate that these hyperbranched polyimides are promising candidates for polymer memory application.
Design and Synthesis of Fluoroquinolone Derivatives as Potent α‐Glucosidase Inhibitors: In Vitro Inhibitory Screening with In Silico Docking Studies
Authors: Shaheen Aasia , Ashiq Uzma , Jamal Rifat Ara , Khan Khalid Mohammed , Gul Sana , Yousuf Sammer , Ali Syed Tahir
Published: March 2021

Fluoroquinolones are extensively used in clinical applications as a crucial class of antibacterial medicine and have shown high potential for the treatment of several other diseases. This study is based on synthesis, structure elucidation and biological evaluation of various fluoroquinolone (enoxacin) analogues with electrophilic substitution of aromatic amine moiety of central enoxacin nucleus by benzyl halides. The synthesized derivatives were characterized on the basis of different chemical and physical measurements and structures were elucidated by various spectroscopic techniques (NMR, EI‐MS), including elemental (CHN), and X‐ray diffraction analysis. Furthermore these compounds were investigated for their potential α‐glucosidase inhibition activities and all synthesized analogues of fluoroquinolones were found to exhibit promising inhibition potential of 45.8±0.2 to 74.5±0.2 μM in comparison to IC50 value of 425.6±1.3 μM for standard inhibitor of α‐glucosidase1‐deoxynojirimycin. Further, docking of synthetic compounds were carried out by using α‐glucosidase I enzyme of Saccharomyces cerevisiaeas a target. The study provided an insight of the molecular interactions of fluoroquinolone derivatives with the enzyme that are in good agreement with the inhibitory activity of synthesized compounds and can be considered as a valuable tool for designing new drugs.
In2O3/In2S3 Heterostructures Derived from In‐MOFs with Enhanced Visible Light Photocatalytic Performance for CO2 Reduction
Authors: Yan Dahai , Wan Ziyao , Wang Kang , Wang Xitao
Published: March 2021

A series of In2O3/In2S3 core‐shell heterostructures, derived from metal‐organic‐frameworks (MOFs), were successfully synthesized via a two‐step solvothermal route with different addition amount of sulfur‐bearing reagent (L‐cysteine, L‐Cys), which were used as photocatalysts for CO2 reduction with water vapor. The results indicated that 1.2‐In2O3/In2S3 with optimized L‐Cys addition amount had the highest production rate of CH4 (14.3 μmol gcat−1 h−1) and CO (2.59 μmol gcat−1 h−1). Pure In2O3 and 2.4‐In2O3/In2S3 with excess L‐Cys addition exhibited higher H2 production rate but lowest CO2 photoreduction activity. As the characterizations revealed, amorphous shell with abundant In2O3/In2S3 heterostructures greatly improved the separation efficiency of photo‐induced charge carriers and visible light harvesting ability, which promoted the photoreduction of CO2 consequently. However, over‐addition of sulfur‐bearing reagent destroyed the heterostructures of shell layer and turned them into thickened In2S3 crystal layer. This substitution not only reduced the amount of heterostructures, but also hindered the adsorption of CO2 on the reactive surface.
A Simple and Efficient Turn‐Off Fluorescence Sensor for the Nanomolar Detection of Homovanillic Acid Using Protein Mediated Blue Emitting Nickel Nanoclusters
Authors: Ravindran Devika Sudha , Mukundan Swathi , Kumar Krishnapillai Girish
Published: March 2021

Homovanillic acid (HVA) is a catecholamine metabolite that plays a vital role in the diagnosis of several neurological disorders. Thus, a simple and cost‐effective sensing strategy for HVA determination is significant. Herein, we describe the development of a turn‐off fluorescence sensor for the effective determination of HVA using bovine serum albumin stabilized nickel nanoclusters (BSA NiNCs). This biocompatible and water‐suspended fluorophore exhibited strong emission at 405 nm upon exciting at 325 nm. The fluorescence intensity of BSA NiNCs was efficiently quenched by the addition of HVA within the linear range 9.00×10−7 M–5.00×10−8 M with a limit of detection of 9.23×10−9 M. A static quenching mechanism was proposed for the sensor due to the aggregation of BSA NiNCs on adding HVA. The practical utility of the sensor was tested in artificial urine and blood serum and a good recovery using the spike‐recovery method were obtained.