bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Truenat MTB/RIF Test in Comparison with Microscopy and Culture for Diagnosis of Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis in a Tertiary Care Centre
Authors: Jose Reena Anie , Gopal Krishna , Johnson Abel K Samuel , Samuel Jennie Ann Johnson , Abraham Sherin Susan , Goswami Tribeni , Thomas Marina , Mathew Renu
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Worldwide, Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis (EPTB) accounts for 15-20% of all cases of TB. The diagnosis of EPTB is a big challenge, as the number of Mycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB) bacilli in the tissues and other organs is often very low. Truenat MTB/RIF (rifampicin) is a novel method, which is battery operated, point-of-care and chip-based Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) micro device. Aim: To evaluate Truenat as a screening test in the diagnosis of EPTB in comparison with microscopy and culture. Materials and Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out over a year in which samples from suspected cases of EPTB fitting in the inclusion criteria were subjected to Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining for smear microscopy, culture on Lowenstein Jensen (LJ) medium and PCR for MTB by Truenat. Comparisons were made between the tests and the data was presented using summary statistics with 95% Confidence Interval (CI). Results: A total of 248 samples were received from suspected cases of EPTB. Out of the different samples tested, 9 (3.6%) were positive with Truenat MTB. The predominant type of EPTB observed in the study was lymph node Tuberculosis (TB) (66.6%) followed by intestinal, pleural and skeletal TB. Out of the 106 samples tested for culture, four were culture positive for MTB and out of 178 samples tested for microscopy, three were positive for acid fast bacilli. Sensitivity, specificity, Negative Predictive Value (NPV), Positive Predictive Value (PPV), observed agreement of Truenat with culture and microscopy were 100%, 95.1%, 100%, 44.4%, 95.3% and 100%, 96.6%, 100%, 33.3%, 96.6%, respectively. Conclusion: Truenat MTB test is a cost-effective rapid molecular test with good sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of EPTB in low resource settings.
Clinicolaboratory Profile and Outcome of Patients with Urosepsis at a Tertiary Care Centre in Southern India
Authors: Ahmed Hagera Gulam , Swathi Gurajala , Ravishankar Anukolu Reddy , Kumar HRV Raj , Vemu Lakshmi
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Urosepsis is a serious, life-threatening consequence of a complicated Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). It is caused by bacterial infection of the urinary tract or prostate that spreads into the bloodstream. Since urosepsis is associated with a very high mortality rate (20-40%), an early diagnosis and identification of the causative bacteria is important so as to facilitate a prompt treatment with appropriate antibiotics. Nearly 50% cases of urosepsis are caused by the Gram Negative Bacterial (GNB) pathogen, Escherichia coli(E. coli). Aim: To determine the bacteriological profile, antimicrobial susceptibility pattern, phenotypic resistance of the organisms associated with urosepsis and to correlate the levels of proinflammatory markers with the clinical outcome of the patient associated with urosepsis. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective observational study including all patients with simultaneously positive urine and blood cultures, with identical bacterial isolate(s). The details of clinical presentation, antibiotic therapy and other relevant information such as C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and Procalcitonin (PCT) values were recorded and analysed using Microsoft office excel 2013. Results:E. coli was the commonest isolate (43/53, 81.1%). Of the total 43 E. coli isolates, 4/43 (9.3%) were Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBL) producers and 23/43 (53.49%) were Carbapenemase producers. Significant rise of the proinflammatory markers (PCT>10 ng/mL) and (CRP>100 mg/l) were associated with high mortality (49%). Out of the 53 patients, 43.4% (23/53) patients had more than one risk factor associated with severe sepsis and poor prognosis. conclusion: Early recognition of symptoms followed by accurate diagnosis and early goal directed therapy is essential to decrease morbidity and mortality from urosepsis.
Assessment of DNA Damage in Chick Embryo Brains Exposed to 2G and 3G Cell Phone Radiation using Alkaline Comet Assay Technique
Authors: D'Silva Mary Hydrina , Swer Rijied Thompson , Anbalagan Jayaraman , Bhargavan Rajesh
Published: March 2021

Introduction: The cellular phones/mobile phones have emerged as the fastest growing man-made phenomenon ever discovered in the history. Controversies still exist among the scientific community regarding the ill-effects of Radiofrequency Radiation (RFR) exposure from cell phones on biological tissues. The present study will provide an insight into the basic mechanisms by which RF fields interact with developing brain in an embryo. Aim: To assess the possible Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) damage in developing brain of chick embryo following chronic exposure to Ultra-High Frequency/Radiofrequency Radiation (UHF/RFR) emitted from 2G and 3G cell phone. Materials and Methods: Fertilised hen eggs were divided into three groups. Experimental Group A (exposed to 2G radiation, 24 eggs), Experimental Group B (exposed to 3G radiation, 24 eggs) and Group C sham exposed control group (24 eggs). After the completion of scheduled duration of exposure (72 minutes per day), the chick embryos were sacrificed from 9th-12th day and the brains were dissected out. The chick embryo brains were then subjected to alkaline comet assay technique to assess the DNA damage. The results were statistically compared using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Results: In the present study, the exposure of chick embryo brains to 2G and 3G cell phone radiation caused increased mean comet length (p<0.001), mean tail length (p<0.001), mean percentage of DNA in the tail (p<0.001) and mean tail moment (p<0.01) suggestive of increased DNA damage. Conclusion: The present study concludes that the RFR exposure caused significant increase in DNA damage in developing brain of chick embryos with changes more pronounced in 3G exposure group.
Study of Parasitic Infection in Immunosuppressive Patients and its Association with the Socio-demographic Status
Authors: Sucheta J Lakhani , Chandi Dhruba Hari , Som J Lakhani
Published: March 2021

Introduction: In developing countries, immunosuppressive patients are at greater risk of parasitic infection which may cause morbidity and mortality. Socio-economic and environmental factors including lack of health hygiene in close contact with infected reservoir animal which plays an important role. Aim: To determine the prevalence of parasitic infections and their association with socio-demographic status. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study which was carried out at tertiary care hospital located in Central East India. Total 120 stool samples were collected from the immunosuppressive patients and were processed using direct wet mount preparation with saline and Lugol, formalin-ether concentration and Modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain. Different socio-demographic parameters were recorded. Statistical analysis was done using Graph Pad Prism version 8 Chi-square test. The p-value ≤0.05 was considered as statistically significant Results: Out of total 120 patients, 20 (16.7%) were found to be infected. Majority of the population were males (66.7%). Among the total positive samples, 75% (15) showed the presence of Protozoa in which 10 samples had Entamoeba histolytica. The presence of Helminths was found in 25% (5), in which three samples showed Ascaris lumbricoides and two had Taenia species (10%). Conclusion: The prevalence of parasitic infection among immunosuppressive patients in the present study was 16.7%. Entamoeba histolytica was the most commonly observed parasite. There was no significant association between prevalence of parasitic infections and socio-demographic data variables.
Protective Potential of Lycopene Enriched Tomato Extract against Dexamethasone Induced Hepatic and Renal Damage in Mice
Authors: Koul A. , Kaur J. , Chugh N. A.
Published: March 2021

Aim: The present study was carried out to determine the protective potential of Lycopene enriched tomato extract (LycT) against hepatic and renal damage caused in mice by dexamethasone administration.

Study Design: Male LACA mice were randomly divided into four treatment groups (n=6-7 animals per group) depending upon the treatment they received. Group I (control) animals served as control and were orally administered with olive oil (vehicle) thrice a week for five weeks. Group II (DEX) animals were intraperitoneallly (i.p.) administered with dexamethasone at a dose of 5 mg/kg b.w. on alternate days for three weeks. Group III (LycT) animals were orally (p.o.) administered with LycT at a dose of 5 mg/kg b.w. on alternate days for five weeks. Group IV (LycT+DEX) animals were co-administered with LycT (p.o.) and dexamethasone (i.p.) according to the above mentioned dose regimen

Results: Dexamethasone caused hepatic and renal damage as evident from disturbed histoarchitecture, deranged levels of organ function markers (alkaline phosphatase, serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase, total and direct bilirubin, urea, creatinine) and enhanced level of cell damage (lactate dehydrogenase) and oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation) markers. Increased blood glucose level, decreased hepatic glycogen level along with inhibited activities of enzymes involved in glycolysis (hexokinase, phosphoglucoisomerase) indicated altered glucose metabolism in DEX group. The mitigation in histoarchitectural alterations, cell damage and oxidative stress markers, improved levels of organ function markers, blood glucose level along with ramped up antioxidant defense system indicated the protective potential of LycT against dexamethasone induced ill effects.

Conclusions: These results point towards beneficial effects of LycT against dexamethasone induced damage to hepatic and renal tissues in mice.
The Epidemiology of Rubella in Lesotho before the Introduction of a Rubella Containing Vaccine: A Review of Measles Case-based Surveillance, 2012-2016
Authors: Nwako Azubuike Benjamin , Makhupane Thabelo
Published: March 2021

Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the burden and epidemiology of rubella infection in Lesotho before the introduction of a rubella-containing vaccine. It was also to assess the performance of the measles case-based surveillance system in Lesotho.

Study Design: Retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was done in Lesotho from February to March 2019 based on the 2012 to 2016 data.

Methods: There was a review of the measles case-based surveillance data with a total of 1587 suspected cases reported during the study period. Samples were collected from suspected measles cases and tested for measles. Those samples that tested negative for measles were subsequently tested for rubella IgM at the National Reference Laboratory. The serum samples were analysed for rubella IgM using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits SERION and EUROIMMUN.

Results: There were 2 measles IgM and 748 rubella IgM positive cases confirmed. The rubella IgM positive cases accounted for 48% of the samples tested for rubella infection. There were also several rubella outbreaks during the study period. The Lesotho surveillance system met the two principal surveillance performance indicators for each year during the period of the study.

Conclusion: This study showed that there was high level of rubella sero-positivity with several outbreaks of rubella infections during the study period. Rubella infection was predominantly seen in those aged between 5 and <13 years of age. This justified the introduction of a rubella containing vaccine in Lesotho in 2017. Although the two principal surveillance performance indicators (non-measles febrile rash illness rates and the percentage of districts that reported at least one case of measles with blood specimen per year) were met during the period under review, there were districts that performed poorly. This study revealed the need for strengthening of rubella-containing vaccine component of routine immunization to lower the impact of rubella infection in Lesotho. A detailed district level review to identify and address the causes of poor performance in some districts is recommended. There is also a need to identify the current challenges and evaluate the impact of the recently introduced rubella-containing vaccine on rubella infection in Lesotho.
Ethno - Medicinal Studies of Finima Nature Park - A Protected Tropical Rain Forest
Authors: Choko O. P. , Aiyeloja A. A. , Oladele A. T. , Onwuteaka J. N.
Published: March 2021

Objective: This study was aimed at conducting a pilot survey of the ethno-medicinal plants in Finima Nature Park (FNP), Bonny, Nigeria, to elicit common medicinal plants and their uses. 

Method: A set of structured questionnaire was used to obtain information from three key informants (Traditional Medicine Practitioners-TMPs) and 62 household heads on the local medicinal utilization of plants in FNP. Plant utilization and preferences, perceived conservation status and use values were documented.

Results: Eighty-three (83) plant species belonging to 45 Botanical families were frequently collected from FNP for local medicinal purposes. Rubiaceae was the most abundant (8%) plant family while the plant forms showed trees (46%), herbs (23%), shrubs (21%) and ferns (3%). Plant parts used for local medicine included leaves (44%), stem/barks (21%), roots (16%), whole plant (5%), fruits (5%), seeds (6%), tubers (2%) and flowers (1%). Infectious diseases were the most treated (30%), urogenital and endocrine diseases - such as thyroid (15%) and abdominal diseases (11%). Oral (62%) and dermal (30%) constitutes the main modes of administration. Rauvolfia vomitoria Afzel. had the highest use value (3.5 - 4) while Ocimum gratissimum Linn., Vernonia amygdalina Delile and Alchornea cordifolia Schumach. & Thonn had the least (1). Perceived conservation status of medicinal plants by respondents revealed scarce (9%), threatened (31%) and abundance (60%).

Conclusion: Finima Nature Park (FNP) is a repository of medicinal genetic resource and as such, its conservation should be upheld.
COVID-19 Pneumonia, Diabetes and Alteration of the Biochemical Values of Blood: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Vicoveanu Petronela , Covali Roxana , Riscanu Laura , Socolov Demetra , Pavaleanu Ioana , Carauleanu Alexandru , Socolov Razvan
Published: March 2021

Aims: The variability in evolution of the novel coronavirus has perplexed the medical community. We herein report the case of a patient with specific characteristics, somewhat outside the reported average values.

Presentation of Case: A 60-year-old type I diabetic patient was admitted as an outpatient to a university hospital for the following symptoms: fever up to 38.1˚C, malaise, and shortness of breath. Upon admittance, the chest X-ray revealed a homogenous triangular opacity, of medium intensity, located in the lower lobe of the left lung, suggesting pneumonia. Altered biochemistry values in our hospital included ALT = 86U/L, AST = 118 U/L, serum urea = 43.4 mg/dL, serum creatinine = 1.43 mg/dL, fasting blood glucose = 167.9 mg/dL (she had type 1 diabetes and received insulin only in the evening), triglycerides = 214.9 mg/dL, serum magnesium = 1.48 mg/dL, serum iron = 14.1 mg/dL. Fever, malaise, and shortness of breath, together with the X-ray image of the chest suggested COVID-19. RT-PCR confirmed the diagnosis 12 hours later. Three days after admission, she felt dyspneic, and oxygen therapy was administered for 7 days, together with Lopinavir/Ritonavir, Dexamethasone, Heparin and Vitamin C. After 18 days in the hospital, she felt good, and was released from the hospital.

Conclusion: Despite the numerous aggravating factors for COVID-19 (age [60 years old], type 1 diabetes, increased values of ALT, AST, serum urea, serum creatinine, fasting blood glucose, low serum magnesium, one whole lobe pneumonia, and only one favorable factor–low serum iron), the patient survived and recovered.
Estimation of Land Surface Temperature Using LANDSAT 8 Satellite Data of Panchkula District, Haryana
Authors: Kumar Ravi , Kumar Anup
Published: March 2021

Land surface temperature (LST) represents hotness of the surface of the Earth at a particular location. Land surface temperature is useful for meteorological, climatological changes, heat island, agriculture, hydrological processes at local, regional and global scale. Presently many satellite sensor data are available for calculation of land surface temperature like Landsat 8 and MODIS. In the present study land surface temperature in Panchkula district of Haryana have been calculated using Landsat 8 satellite data of 5th May 2019 and 28th October 2019. Already available equations were used for computation of LST in the study area. LST in the study area varies from 18°C to 56°C. High LST is observed in cultivation land, urban area while low LST is observed in hilly forest area in the study area. In the study validation of LST could not be done because of not available of temperature data of studied dates, however, the result gives idea of land surface temperature on a particular day and location.
Metabolic Syndrome among Adults in Saudi Arabia: Prevalence and Predictors
Authors: Altowerqi Zayed M. , Zainuddin Zainal Abidin Bin
Published: March 2021

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is an emerging health problem and has increased globally. This research aims to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) among Saudi Arabia adults and identify the associated predictors of MS among Saudi Arabia adults. One hundred and one (101) male adults aged between 26 and 60 participated in this study. The researchers collected data on height and weight as well as blood samples. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 56.4%. Of the sample, 73.3% ate fast food, 30.7% were smokers, 41.6% were overweight, and 36.6% were obese. It was also found that only 35.6% of participants engaged in low levels of physical activity, 29.7% had a waist size ≥ 102, 70.3% had fasting blood glucose ≥ 100 mg/dl, 48.5% had blood pressure ≥ 130/85 mmHg, 20.8% had triglycerides ≥ 150 mg/dl, 94.1% had high density lipoprotein < 40 mg/dl. Adhoc intervention programmes for non-communicable diseases should be set up in Saudi Arabia to decrease the prevalence of MS.
Physical & Postural Determinants of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Dental Healthcare Professionals
Authors: Humayun Arsalan , Memon Parveen Imdad , Rahman Aneela Atta Ur , Siyal Fahad Jibran , Siddiqui Muhammad Ilyas , Pirzado Sania
Published: March 2021

Background: According to World Health Organization, work-related health deals with all facets of health and determinants of one’s health may vary in different occupations. Identifying those determinants may be crucial for primary prevention of risks and adverse health conditions.

Objective: To identify the physical and postural determinants of musculoskeletal disorders among dental healthcare professionals.

Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out amongst public and private sector dentists of Hyderabad. The data was collected through pre-tested questionnaire from 132 participants. Participants’ socio-demographic characteristics, personal information, work-related factors, physical load related factors and prevalence of different musculoskeletal pain sites were analyzed through frequencies. Associations were assessed using Pearson’s coefficient the strength of association was determined via Chi-square test.

Results: Females (39.4%) as compared to males (60.6%) were more affected and most subjects falling in the age group of 24-28 years with +0.66 SD. The postgraduate (77.3%) individuals were more affected as compared to their graduate counterparts. Furthermore, majority complained of neck pain (65.8%) followed by back (64%) & shoulder (59.6) pain. The study also found out that majority of the dentists (95.6%) have a reduction in activity due to MSDs. The only significant association (P value = 0.039) was found between sleeping hours/day and occurrence of MS disorders.

Conclusion: Musculoskeletal disorders amongst dentists were found in remarkably high number. Wrong posture and poor physical ergonomics of workspace are attributed to higher incidence of MSDs.
Automatic needle detection using improved random sample consensus in CT image‐guided lung interstitial brachytherapy
Authors: Zheng Yongnan , Jiang Shan , Yang Zhiyong , Wei Lin
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To develop a method for automatically detecting needles from CT images, which can be used in image‐guided lung interstitial brachytherapy to assist needle placement assessment and dose distribution optimization.

Material and Methods

Based on the preview model parameters evaluation, local optimization combining local random sample consensus, and principal component analysis, the needle shaft was detected quickly, accurately, and robustly through the modified random sample consensus algorithm. By tracing intensities along the axis, the needle tip was determined. Furthermore, multineedles in a single slice were segmented at once using successive inliers deletion.

Results

The simulation data show that the segmentation efficiency is much higher than the original random sample consensus and yet maintains a stable submillimeter accuracy. Experiments with physical phantom demonstrate that the segmentation accuracy of described algorithm depends on the needle insertion depth into the CT image. Application to permanent lung brachytherapy image is also validated, where manual segmentation is the counterparts of the estimated needle shape.

Conclusions

From the results, the mean errors in determining needle orientation and endpoint are regulated within 2° and 1 mm, respectively. The average segmentation time is 0.238 s per needle.
Robust method to provide exponential convergence of model parameters solving linear time‐invariant plant identification problem
Authors: Glushchenko Anton , Petrov Vladislav , Lastochkin Konstantin
Published: March 2021

The scope of this research is a problem of parameters identification of a linear time‐invariant plant, which (1) input signal is not frequency‐rich, (2) is subjected to initial conditions and external disturbances. The memory regressor extension (MRE) scheme, in which a specially derived differential equation is used as a filter, is applied to solve the above‐stated problem. Such a filter allows us to obtain a bounded regressor value, for which a condition of the initial excitation (IE) is met. Using the MRE scheme, the recursive least‐squares method with the forgetting factor is used to derive an adaptation law. The following properties have been proved for the proposed approach. If the IE condition is met, then: (1) the parameter error of identification is bounded and converges to zero exponentially (if there are no external disturbances) or to a set (in the case of them) with an adjustable rate, (2) the parameters adaptation rate is a finite value. The above‐mentioned properties are mathematically proved and demonstrated via simulation experiments.
Stringer to Congress: COVID effects on substance use
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: March 2021

On March 11, Mark Stringer, director of the Missouri Department of Mental Health, as well as immediate past president of the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors (NASADAD) board of directors and chair of NASADAD's Public Policy Committee, told the House of Representatives’ Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies that the pandemic has had a disproportionate effect on Black individuals in Missouri in terms of overdose trends. He also discussed the important role of the single state authority in managing the publicly funded addiction treatment, prevention and recovery service system, as well as using innovative approaches to adapt to the pandemic.
Engineering Molecular Polymerization for Template‐Free SiOx/C Hollow Spheres as Ultrastable Anodes in Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhou Xiaoming , Liu Yang , Ren Yang , Mu Tiansheng , Yin Xucai , Du Chunyu , Huo Hua , Cheng Xinqun , Zuo Pengjian , Yin Geping
Published: March 2021

SiOx/C composites with a void‐reserving structure are promising anodes for lithium‐ion batteries. However, the facile and controllable synthesis of uniformly dispersed SiOx and carbon components, simultaneously incorporating ample voids, still remains a great challenge. Herein, a molecular polymerization strategy is devised to construct SiOx/C hollow particles for lithium‐ion batteries. 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane and dialdehyde molecules are judiciously engineered as silicon and carbon precursors to produce the polymer hollow spheres (PHSs) through a one‐step aldimine condensation without any template and additive. A range of PHSs is obtained using terephthalaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, and glyoxal as the crosslinkers, demonstrating the high tunability of the strategy. Importantly, in situ pyrolysis of the PHSs warrants the homogeneous incorporation of SiOx (<5 nm) in carbon hollow capsids at a nanocluster scale. The obtained SiOx/C hollow spheres exhibit excellent Li+‐ion storage behaviors, including cycling lifespan, coulombic efficiency, and rate performance. The superior performance is attributed to the well‐dispersed SiOx nanoclusters in carbon substrate and the hollow structure. This molecular polymerization approach not only enables Si‐based hollow composites effective and scalable anode materials but also opens up a new avenue for the controllable synthesis of template‐free hollow architectures.
Highly Stretchable, Adhesive, and Self‐Healing Silk Fibroin‐Dopted Hydrogels for Wearable Sensors
Authors: Zhao Li , Zhao Jizhong , Zhang Fan , Xu Zijie , Chen Fan , Shi Yating , Hou Chen , Huang Yicheng , Lin Changjian , Yu Rui , Guo Wenxi
Published: March 2021

In recent years, the preparations of flexible electronic devices have attracted great attention. Here, a simple one‐pot method of thermal polymerization is introduced to fabricate silk fibroin‐dopted hydrogels (SFHs), which are both chemically and physically cross‐linked by acrylamide (AM), acrylic acid (AA), and silk fibroin (SF). The addition of SF can effectively enhance the mechanical property of the SFH12% by 59% compared with SFH0%. Taking the advantage of its wide working range of stress (about 0.455–568.9 kPa), the SFH can work as a resistance‐type pressure sensor to monitor different human motions. What is more, the excellent adhesion, about 75.17 N m−1 of SFH46% enables it to fit tightly to other objects during the testing, which significantly reduces the loss of small signals due to poor fit. In addition, the SFH demonstrates excellent self‐healing property without requiring external excitation and a sensitive temperature response in the range of −10 to 60 °C. The SFH is expected to be applied in the field of electronic skin, soft robots, and other flexible electronic products as well as speech recognition.
Transparent and Unipolar Nonvolatile Memory Using 2D Vertically Stacked Layered Double Hydroxide
Authors: Cho Haein , Jeon Chan‐Woo , On Ba Da , Park Il‐Kyu , Choi Sanghyeon , Jang Jingon , Wang Gunuk
Published: March 2021

Various 2D materials have received considerable attention as emerging nanoscale materials for low‐power and high‐performance electronic and optoelectronic device applications. Among these, layered double hydroxide (LDH)‐based nanocomposites are promising materials because of their structural diversity and electronic functionality, which are suitable for photocatalysts, catalytic supports, and charge storage. Here, three Al‐based LDHs using different divalent cations (Zn2+, Ni2+, and Co2+) are synthesized, and their electrical characteristics are investigated in the form of a two‐terminal Pt/Al‐based LDHs/fluorine‐doped tin oxide junction structure. Only the ZnAl‐LDH junction exhibits a distinct unipolar switching behavior with an ON–OFF ratio of ≈103 and transmittance of ≈87%; the other junctions (NiAl‐ and CoAl‐LDHs) do not exhibit switching and possess relatively low transparency. This difference is attributed to the relatively vertically stacked ZnAl‐LDH layer, which enables the formation of a switching filament through the vertical 2D layer and enhances transparency. The ZnAl‐LDH junction has a relatively low trap energy (Et) of ≈0.1 eV that can decrease the SET voltage as the temperature increases, which can be understood by trap‐assisted space‐charge‐limited conduction with thermal‐assisted electron excitation. This study sheds light on the potential use of transparent and self‐organized vertical stacked ZnAl‐LDH materials as resistive switching devices.
An Investigation into the Intrinsic Peroxidase‐Like Activity of Fe‐MOFs and Fe‐MOFs/Polymer Composites
Authors: Thakur Bhawana , Karve Vikram V. , Sun Daniel T. , Semrau A. Lisa , Weiß Lennart J. K. , Grob Leroy , Fischer Roland A. , Queen Wendy L. , Wolfrum Bernhard
Published: March 2021

The quest for developing materials that provide a perfect trade‐off between factors such as enzyme‐like response, stability, and low cost has been a long‐standing challenge in the field of biosensing. Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) and their composites have emerged as promising candidates for biosensing applications due to their exceptional properties such as tunable pore size, high specific surface area, and exposed active sites. A comparative study of the intrinsic peroxidase‐like activity of five different MOF materials: Fe‐BTC, NH2‐MIL‐101(Fe), composites of Fe‐BTC with polymers polydopamine (PDA), poly p‐phenylenediamine (PpPDA), and poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) is reported for the detection of H2O2, an important biomarker in biomedical diagnostics. The response of these materials toward H2O2 via electrochemical and colorimetric techniques is mapped and it is found that, at neutral pH, the Fe‐BTC/PEDOT composite exhibits the highest sensitivity and activity compared to other MOF materials in this study. The results indicate that the combination of unique properties of Fe‐BTC and conducting polymer PEDOT, improves the peroxidase‐like activity of the Fe‐BTC/PEDOT composite compared to the individual components. This work presents a new opportunity for easy‐to synthesize and low‐cost MOFs/conducting polymer composites for biosensing applications and provides significant insights to achieve rational design of composites with desirable functional properties
Metal‐Free Aminoiodination of Alkynes Under Visible Light Irradiation for the Construction of a Nitrogen‐Containing Eight‐Membered Ring System
Authors: Kanyiva Kyalo Stephen , Marina Tane , Nishibe Shun , Shibata Takanori
Published: March 2021

A method for the synthesis of dihydrodibenzo[c,e]azocine derivatives via a regioselective intramolecular aminoiodination of alkynes under visible light irradiation has been developed. This protocol uses a combination of iodine and hypervalent iodine to realize a sulfonamidyl radical, followed by intramolecular addition to alkyne to form a vinyl radical. Subsequent trapping of iodine radical affords an 8‐membered heterocycle. Applications of the obtained iodinated 8‐membered heterocycles in the Suzuki‐Miyaura coupling and deiodination are also demonstrated.

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Multicomponent Assembly of α,α‐Bis‐Sulfonyl Arylketones and Multiple Substituted Conjugated Dienes Induced by Visible‐Light Irradiation without Additives and Photocatalysts
Authors: Xu Hailong , Ye Ruyi , Li Ziyang , Han Man‐Yi , Meng Ling‐Guo
Published: March 2021

A synthetic method is described to produce α,α‐bis‐sulfonyl arylketones from bromoalkynes and sulfinic acids under visible‐light irradiation, this visible‐light‐promoted multicomponent cascade processes are used without additives or photocatalysts. Replacing sulfinic acids with sodium arylsulfinates results in another multicomponent reaction for synthesizing multisubstituted conjugated dienes with 26%–54% yields via construction of a C−C bond and without the use of transition metals and other additives.

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Palladium‐Catalyzed Regioselective and Stereospecific Ring‐Opening Suzuki‐Miyaura Arylative Cross‐Coupling of 2‐Arylazetidines with Arylboronic Acids
Authors: Takeda Youhei , Toyoda Kazuya , Sameera W. M. C. , Tohnai Norimitsu , Minakata Satoshi
Published: March 2021

We have developed a palladium‐catalyzed regioselective and enantiospecific ring‐opening Suzuki–Miyaura arylative cross‐coupling of N‐tosyl‐2‐arylazetidines to give enantioenriched 3,3‐diarylpropylamines. This reaction represents an example of transition‐metal‐catalyzed ring‐opening cross‐coupling using azetidines as a non‐classical alkyl electrophile. Density functional theory rationalized the mechanism of the full catalytic cycle, which consists of the selectivity‐determining ring opening of the azetidine, reaction with water, rate‐determining transmetalation, and reductive elimination. Transition states of the selectivity‐determining ring‐opening step were systematically determined by the multi‐component artificial force induced reaction (MC‐AFIR) method to explain the regioselectivity of the reaction.

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2D WSe2 Flakes for Synergistic Modulation of Grain Growth and Charge Transfer in Tin‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Tianyue , Zheng Fangyuan , Tang Guanqi , Cao Jiupeng , You Peng , Zhao Jiong , Yan Feng
Published: March 2021

Tin (Sn)‐based perovskites with favorable optoelectronic properties and ideal bandgaps have emerged as promising alternatives to toxic lead (Pb)‐based perovskites for photovoltaic applications. However, it is challenging to obtain high‐quality Sn‐based perovskite films by solution process. Here, liquid‐exfoliated 2D transition‐metal dichalcogenides (i.e., MoS2, WS2, and WSe2) with smooth and defect‐free surfaces are applied as growth templates for spin‐coated FASnI3 perovskite films, leading to van der Waals epitaxial growth of perovskite grains with a growth orientation along (100). The authors find that WSe2 has better energy alignment with FASnI3 than MoS2 and WS2 and results in a cascade band structure in resultant perovskite solar cells (PSCs), which can facilitate hole extraction and suppress interfacial charge recombination in the devices. The WSe2‐modified PSCs show a power conversion efficiency up to 10.47%, which is among the highest efficiency of FASnI3‐based PSCs. The appealing solution phase epitaxial growth of FASnI3 perovskite on 2D WSe2 flakes is expected to find broad applications in optoelectronic devices.
Efficacy and predictors of survival in patients with solitary hepatocellular carcinoma larger than 5 cm undergoing transarterial chemoembolization
Authors: Chang Ke‐Bin , Chi Chen‐Ta , Lee Rheun‐Chuan , Hou Ming‐Chih , Huang Yi‐Hsiang , Lee I‐Cheng
Published: March 2021

For patients with solitary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) larger than 5 cm not suitable for surgical resection, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is an alternative treatment. However, the response rate and survival predictors after TACE remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the treatment response and survival in this population. Consecutive 161 treatment‐naïve patients with solitary HCC larger than 5 cm undergoing TACE as the initial treatment were retrospective enrolled. Radiologic response after first TACE was evaluated by modified RECIST criteria. Factors associated with overall survival (OS) were analyzed. Complete response (CR), partial response (PR), stable disease (SD), and progressive disease (PD) were observed in 8.7%, 24.8%, 32.9%, and 36% of patients, respectively. The median OS in patients with CR, PR, SD, and PD were 71.4, 44.8, 17.7, and 14.3 months, respectively. By multivariate analysis, tumor size greater than 10 cm (odds ratio = 0.403, P = .023) was the only factor associated with radiologic response. By multivariate analysis, ALBI grade 2 or 3 (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.169, P = .001), tumor size greater than 7 cm (HR = 1.833, P = .010), and achieving complete or partial response (HR = 0.505, P = .003) were independent predictors of OS. An ALBI‐Response‐Size (ARS) score was developed to classify patients into low, intermediate and high risk of mortality (median OS of 68.6, 27.1, and 12.5 months, respectively, P < .001). In conclusion, ALBI grade, tumor size, and radiologic response are important predictors of survival in patients with solitary HCC larger than 5 cm undergoing TACE. A prognostic model can be applied to discriminate patient's survival after TACE.
Microengineered Materials with Self‐Healing Features for Soft Robotics
Authors: Kumar Vardhman , Ko Ung Hyun , Zhou Yilong , Hoque Jiaul , Arya Gaurav , Varghese Shyni
Published: March 2021

Recent advancements in soft robotics have led to the development of compliant robots that can exhibit complex motions driven by living cells, chemical reactions, or electronics. Further innovations are, however, needed to create the next generation of soft robots that can carry out advanced functions and exhibit complex locomotion. Material designs that incorporate “smart” functional properties can contribute to the development of robotic systems with in‐built mechanical responsiveness and functions. Herein, a simple material design that integrates stimuli‐responsive self‐healing and microarchitectural features to control locomotion of soft robots is reported. By employing these material designs along with hyperelastic soft actuators to control propellant dispersion and direction, a circuitry of pneumatic and microfluidic logic is created within a dragonfly‐shaped body that enables the robot to undergo user‐ and environment‐controlled locomotion over water surface. In addition to steering the robot to skim, the material properties are also leveraged to detect water acidification, temperature changes, and hydrophobic impurities such as oil. The design, fabrication, and integration strategies demonstrated herein pave a way for developing futuristic multifunctional soft robots, biomedical devices, and environmental monitoring probe.
Ancestry and admixture of a southernmost Chilean population: The reflection of a migratory history
Authors: Flores‐Alvarado Sandra , Orellana‐Soto Michael , Moraga Mauricio
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Punta Arenas is a Chilean city situated on ancestral Aönikenk territory. The city was founded by 19th‐ and 20th‐century colonists from Chile (Chiloé) and Europe (Croatia). This work uses uniparental and ancestry‐informative markers (AIMs) to explore the effects of historic migratory and admixture patterns on the current genetic composition of Punta Arenas.

Methods

We analyzed mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), Y‐chromosome single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and 141 AIMs obtained from 129 DNA samples from male residents with regional ancestry. After characterizing uniparental lineages and ancestry proportions, multivariate analysis was used to explore relationships among the various types of data.

Results

Punta Arenas has an admixed population with three main genetic components: European (56.5%), northern Native (11.3%), and south‐central Native (28.6%). The Native component is preponderant in the mtDNA (83.76%), while the foreign component predominates in the Y‐chromosome (92.25%). Non‐Native mtDNA lineages are associated with European genetic ancestry, and Native mtDNA lineages originated mainly in the southern and southernmost regions of Chile. Most non‐Native Y‐chromosome SNPs originated in Spain, and secondly, in Croatia.

Conclusions

The population of Punta Arenas is mainly of Chilote origin with south‐central Native and Spanish ancestral components, as well as some Croatian components. The persistence of local Native lineages is notable, suggesting continuity with the ancestral populations of the region such as the Kawésqar, Aönikenk, Yámana, or Selknam peoples. This study contributes to our knowledge of local history and its links to national and global developments in genetic ancestry.
The mystery of monozygotic twinning II: What can monozygotic twinning tell us about Amyoplasia from a review of the various mechanisms and types of monozygotic twinning?
Authors: Hall Judith G.
Published: March 2021

Monozygotic (MZ) twins (“identical twins”) are essentially unique to human beings. Why and how they arise is not known. This article reviews the possible different types of MZ twinning recognized in the previous article on twins and arthrogryposis. There appear to be at least three subgroups of MZ twinning: spontaneous, familial, and those related to artificial reproductive technologies. Each is likely to have different etiologies and different secondary findings. Spontaneous MZ twinning may relate to “overripe ova.” Amyoplasia, a specific nongenetic form of arthrogryposis, appears to occur in spontaneous MZ twinning and may be related to twin–twin transfusion.
Topographic distribution of the EEG ad hoc broad bands during sleep and wakefulness in the spider monkey (Ateles Geoffroyi)
Authors: Hernández‐Arteaga Enrique , Cruz‐Aguilar Manuel Alejandro , Hernández‐González Marisela , Guevara Miguel Angel , Molina del Río Jahaziel , Sotelo Tapia Carolina
Published: March 2021

There is evidence that research on sleep among New World monkeys may provide important knowledge related to the evolution of sleep more broadly in the primate order. Digital electroencephalographic (EEG) analyses provide essential knowledge on sleep in the spider monkey. Recently, specific EEG bands related to sleep in these animals have been obtained using principal component analysis, but the exact spatio‐temporal distribution of these EEG bands in this species has not yet been analyzed. This study determined the topographic distribution of the EEG spectral power of ad hoc broad bands during rapid eye movement sleep, nonrapid eye movement sleep, and wakefulness. Superficial EEG activity was obtained from the occipital, frontal, and central areas of six young adult male monkeys housed in a laboratory. During wakefulness, occipital areas showed high absolute power in the 1–3, 3–12, and 11–30 Hz ranges, while during nonrapid eye movement 1 sleep the highest absolute power was in the 13–30 Hz range. During nonrapid eye movement 3 sleep, frontal and central areas showed a high absolute power in the 18–19 Hz range. Finally, the right central area showed a high absolute power in the 20–30 Hz range during rapid eye movement sleep. This topographic distribution of EEG bands could represent the brain organization required for arousal and mnemonic processing during sleep in the spider monkey.
The Human Bone Collection of the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Hong Kong: History and description of cranial and postcranial skeletal remains
Authors: Savoldi Fabio , Montalvao Carla , Hui Liuling , Leung Carl K.K. , Jablonski Nina G. , Tsoi James K.H. , Bornstein Michael M.
Published: March 2021

Objectives

The present work describes the status and contents of The Human Bone Collection of the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Hong Kong.

Materials and methods

The Collection originates from the 1980s and became officially established in 2017 for teaching and research purposes. Most of the Collection consists of unclaimed human remains of southern Chinese individuals exhumed from local cemeteries and donated to the Faculty in the last few decades. The demographic information was provided largely from burial records and forensic estimations. Since 2016, the Collection has undergone a process of reorganization into cranial and postcranial remains, followed by preservation procedures that included cleaning and classification.

Results

The Collection currently consists of remains belonging to about 368 individuals (243 males, 54 females, 71 unknown), with ages ranging from 0.8 to 90 years (mean 57.4 years). It comprises cranial remains belonging to 260 individuals (169 males, 39 females, 52 unknown), and postcranial remains belonging to 248 individuals (180 males, 42 females, 26 unknown). The preservation status ranges from poor to good, with the cranial remains better preserved than the postcranial elements. For a large number of individuals, ear ossicles, soil samples, and other materials are also available.

Discussion

The Collection is accessible to local and international institutions for teaching and research.
Sex differences in diet and life conditions in a rural Medieval Islamic population from Spain (La Torrecilla, Granada): An isotopic and osteological approach to gender differentiation inal‐Andalus
Authors: Jiménez‐Brobeil Sylvia A. , Charisi Drosia , Laffranchi Zita , Maroto Benavides Rosa M. , Delgado Huertas Antonio , Milella Marco
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Gender differentiation can influence the diet, physical activity, and health of human populations. Multifaceted approaches are therefore necessary when exploring the biological consequences of gender‐related social norms in the past. Here, we explore the links between diet, physiological stress, physical activity, and gender differentiation in the Medieval Islamic population of La Torrecilla (Granada, Spain, 13th–15th century AD), by analyzing stable isotope patterns, stature, and long bone diaphyseal measurements.

Materials and Methods

The sample includes 96 individuals (48 females, 48 males) classified as young and middle adults (20–34 and 35–50 years of age respectively). Diet was reconstructed through the analysis of δ13C and δ15N. Stature, humeral and femoral diaphyseal shape and product of diaphyseal diameters served as proxies of physiological stress and physical activity.

Results

Isotopic ratios suggest a substantial dietary contribution of C4plants (e.g., sorghum, millet), a variable access to animal proteins, and no differences between the sexes. Sexual dimorphism in stature derives from a markedly low female stature. Long bone diaphyseal properties suggest that men performed various physically stressful activities, whereas women were involved in less physically demanding activities (possibly related to household work).

Discussion

Gender differentiation in La Torrecilla was expressed by a possibly differential parental investment in male versus female offspring and by culturally sanctioned gender differences in the performance of physical tasks. Diet was qualitatively homogenous between the sexes, although we cannot rule out quantitative differences. Our results shed new light on the effects of gender‐related social norms on human development and lifestyle.