bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does treating proximal cavities in primary molars non-restoratively affect intra-arch space and alignment of successor teeth negatively? A 4-year longitudinal study
Authors: Gomide Rafael T. , Frencken Jo E. , Faber Jorge , Kuijpers-Jagtman Anne Marie
Published: October 2022

Background

Removing plaque with toothbrush and toothpaste from proximal cavities in primary molars without restoring them follows sound cariological principles. But does this treatment affect space for and alignment of their permanent successors negatively?

Hypothesis

There is no difference in impaction and displacement of the premolars, as well as in the D+E space in quadrants with three different statuses of the proximal surface of primary molars over a 4-year period.

Methods

A total of 936 quadrants (466 maxillary and 470 mandibular quadrants) in 233 children were assessed. Treatment of cavities in the proximal surfaces of the primary molars consisted of amalgam and ART restorations using high-viscosity glass-ionomer cement, and cleaning of open large- and medium-sized cavities with toothbrush and toothpaste (UCT) under supervision for 220 days per year over 3 years. Dental casts were made at baseline, and after two, three, and 4 years. The D+E spaces were measured digitally. Status of the proximal surface of the primary molars was assessed by two calibrated examiners, and quadrants were grouped into normal anatomy, defective restoration, and proximal cavity. ANCOVA, ANOVA and LSD tests were applied.

Results

There was a statistically significant difference between groups (p <= 0.001) and between evaluation times (p < 0.001), for the D+E space in both the maxilla and mandible. A sex difference related to the D+E space in the maxilla was found (p = 0.007). For boys, quadrants in the maxilla of the group ‘proximal cavity’ showed a significant shorter D+E space when compared to quadrants of the group ‘normal anatomy’ at the 3- and 4-year evaluation time. For girls the difference between the two groups was only present at the 3-year evaluation time. There was no significant difference between the D+E space in quadrants with defective restorations and those with normal anatomy in the mandible and in the maxilla. Displacement and impaction of the premolars showed no significant difference between groups.

Conclusion

Primary molars with open proximal cavities that are cleaned with toothbrush and toothpaste do not result in displacement and impaction of the successor teeth, neither do primary molars with defective restorations in proximal tooth surfaces.
Effect of chronic unpredicted mild stress-induced depression on clopidogrel pharmacokinetics in rats
Authors: Jiang Xueyao , Wu Jing , Tan Boyu , Yan Sulan , Deng Nan , Wei Hongyan
Published: October 2022

Background

Clopidogrel is widely used to prevent and treat cardiovascular atherosclerosis and thrombosis. However, disturbance in the expression and activity of liver cytochrome metabolic enzymes significantly changes clopidogrel efficacy. Therefore, the effect of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression on the expression of liver cytochrome metabolic enzymes and clopidogrel pharmacokinetics in rats were explored.

Methods

Nine different CUMSs were selected to establish a rat model of depression. Open field experiment and sucrose preference test were applied to explore the depressive behaviors. The concentration of serotonin in the cortex of depressed rats was determined using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All rats were given 10 mg/kg clopidogrel orally after 12 weeks, and blood samples were collected at different time points. The clopidogrel concentration and CYP2C19/ CYP2C9 activity in rat liver microsomes were assayed by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). The rat liver drug enzymes expression was determined by Real-Time Quantitative Reverse Transcription PCR (RT-qPCR).

Results

Open field experiment and sucrose preference test indicated the successful construction of the CUMS-induced depression model. The concentration of serotonin in the cortex of depressed rats decreased by 42.56% (∗∗p < 0.01). The area under the curve of clopidogrel pharmacokinetics decreased by 33.13% (∗p < 0.05) in the depression rats, while distribution volume and clearance increased significantly (∗∗p < 0.01). The half-time and distribution volume did not significantly differ. The CYP2C19 and CYP2C9 activity of liver microsomes in the CUMS-induced depression group were significantly higher than that in the control group (∗∗p < 0.01). CYP2C11 and CYP1A2 mRNA expression up-regulated approximately 1.3 - fold in the depressed rat livers compared with that in the control, whereas that of CYP2C13 was down-regulated by 27.43% (∗∗p < 0.01). CYP3A1 and CYP2C12 expression were slightly up-regulated, and that of CES1 did not change.

Conclusions

These results indicated that CUMS-induced depression altered clopidogrel pharmacokinetics, and the change in CYP450 activity and expression in depressed rat livers might contribute to the disturbance of clopidogrel pharmacokinetics.
Effects of quarantine on Physical Activity prevalence in Italian Adults: a pilot study
Authors: Mauro Mario , Toselli Stefania , Bonazzi Silvia , Grigoletto Alessia , Cataldi Stefania , Greco Gianpiero , Maietta Latessa Pasqualino
Published: October 2022

Background

COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that caused a global pandemic status in March 2020. Due to its fast diffusion, many governments adopted forced solutions including social restrictions, which could negatively affect citizens’ habits as physical activity. Our study aimed to investigate how and why the physical activity prevalence varied from the period before the quarantine up to the period after it, and understand what citizens thought of physical inactivity COVID-19 related to and whether they were satisfied with physical activity promotion during the lockdown.

Methods

A new questionnaire was created and administered online. A sample of 749 interviews (female = 552 (73.7%), male = 197 (26.3%)) was collected and analysed.

Results

The prevalence of people who were older than 50 years reduced both during and after the lockdown (P < 0.05) and the most common reason for which they have quitted physical activity practice was related to psychological problems (lockdown = 64.57%; post-lockdown = 62.17%). In addition, youngers seemed to be more sensitive than elders to unhealthy consequences generated by forced isolation (P < 0.05), and they believed that children/adolescents and older adults practised an insufficient amount of physical activity and/or sport, which could negatively impact public health.

Conclusions

Although many strategies were implemented during the lockdown to promote regular physical activity practice, several results suggested that quarantine negatively affected citizens’ habits. The future government should focus on adequate measures to improve health behaviours.
Soil microbial diversity and functional capacity associated with the production of edible mushroom Stropharia rugosoannulata in croplands
Authors: Tang Shaojun , Fan Tingting , Jin Lei , Lei Pin , Shao Chenxia , Wu Shenlian , Yang Yi , He Yuelin , Ren Rui , Xu Jun
Published: October 2022

In recent years, a rare edible mushroom Stropharia rugosoannulata has become popular. S. rugosoannulata has the characteristics of easy cultivation, low cost, high output value, and low labor requirement, making its economic benefits significantly superior to those of other planting industries. Accumulating research demonstrates that cultivating edible fungus is advantageous for farming soil. The present experiment used idle croplands in winter for S. rugosoannulata cultivation. We explored the effects of S. rugosoannulata cultivation on soil properties and soil microbial community structure in paddy and dry fields, respectively. We cultivated S. rugosoannulata in the fields after planting chili and rice, respectively. The results showed that Chili-S. rugosoannulata and Rice-S. rugosoannulata planting patterns increased the yield, quality and amino acid content of S. rugosoannulata. By analyzing the soil properties, we found that the Chili-S. rugosoannulata and Rice-S. rugosoannulata cropping patterns increased the total nitrogen, available phosphorus, soil organic carbon, and available potassium content of the soil. We used 16s amplicons for bacteria and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region for fungi to analyze the microbial communities in rhizosphere soils. Notably, S. rugosoannulata cultivation significantly increased the abundance of beneficial microorganisms such as Chloroflexi, Cladosporium and Mortierella and reduce the abundance of Botryotrichumin and Archaeorhizomyces. We consider S. rugosoannulata cultivation in cropland can improve soil properties, regulate the community structure of soil microorganisms, increase the expression abundance of beneficial organisms and ultimately improve the S. rugosoannulata yield and lay a good foundation for a new round of crops after this edible mushroom cultivation.
Association between clinical oral health status and perceived oral health in different age groups
Authors: Fahim Ayesha , Mahmood Rizwan , Haider Irsam , Luqman Mamoona , Ikhlaq Ifra , Mahmood Tariq , Alam Mohammad Khursheed
Published: October 2022

Objective

The perceived oral health refers to the very own perception of a person’s oral health (OH). This study aims to explore the association of perceived oral health status (PSR-OHS) with clinically determined OHS in three age groups: young adults, adults and older adults. This study also aims to identify demographic, socio-economic and/or clinical factors that influence PSR-OHS.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in ten different dental hospitals of Pakistan. The one-way ANOVA test was used to analyze patient’s demographic distribution with PSR-OHS and oral functions. The complex sample general linear model was used to determine association between clinical OH and PSR-OHS. Analyses of each age group were conducted separately.

Results

A total of 1,804 outdoor patients participated in the study, out of which 660 were young adults, 685 adults and 459 were older adults. Overall self-perception of all age groups about their oral health was ‘good’ (mean = 3.71). Female gender and education status were a significant factor in young adults and adults. Family income affected PSR-OHS of only the adult age group. Frequent visit to dental clinic and preventive reason of dental attendance were associated with good PSR-OHS. DMFT score, prosthesis score and periodontal score also affected the PSR-OHS of individuals. Association between PSR-OHS and clinical examination was confirmed by complex general linear model.

Conclusion

There are differences in the perceived oral health status of young adults, adults and older adults. The variables, age, education, family income, DMFT score, prosthesis score and periodontal score directly influence the self-perception of individuals.
Frequent Fall: Seizure or Weakness? A Case Report of Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood
Authors: Subramanian Sundari , Ramanathan Ramya , Ravikumar Srinithi
Published: October 2022

Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood (AHC) is a complex disease which causes recurrent hemiplegic attacks. Although ATP1A3 gene has been identified as the cause of this neurological entity, many variants are being reported nowadays, adding to the spectrum of ATP1A3 gene-related disorders due to the advancement in genetic testing. Hereby, authors presents a case report of a 3-year-old male child who presented with a complaint of frequent falls while walking with gait abnormality and has been on treatment for seizure disorder since, 5 months of age. On assessing the history and evaluating the child, AHC was suspected and the same was confirmed using genetic tests.
Struma Ovarii: A Rare Presentation in a Paediatric Patient
Authors: Kishore Manjari , Kumar Avinash , Mohan Vandana
Published: October 2022

Struma Ovarii (SO) is a rare form of teratoma of ovary containing predominantly thyroid tissue, usually comprising more than 50% of the overall mass. It accounts for 1% of all ovarian tumours in adults. Due to its rare presentation in paediatric age group, the exact incidence is not known.The association of SO with hyperthyroidism has been noted in approximately 8% of cases. Radiological evaluation helps in preliminary diagnosis of a complex ovarian cyst, however, a definitive diagnosis of SO can only be made upon extensive histopathological evaluation. Present report is of SO in a 12-year-old female patient, who initially presented with pain abdomen, vomiting and hyperthyroidism with mildly elevated thyroid hormones Triiodothyronine (T3) and Tetraiodothyronine (T4). Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) whole abdomen showed evidence of right-sided dermoid with mild ascites. An exploratory laparotomy was done followed by right ovarian cystectomy and histopathology revealed a mature teratoma predominantly comprising of thyroid tissue (>90% of total ovarian mass), thereby confirming the diagnosis of SO. After one month of surgical resection, the patient’s thyroid profile showed decrease in fT3 and fT4 levels. The index case highlights the unusual occurrence of SO in a paediatric patient along with the role of an extensive histopathological evaluation in diagnosis of the same.
MUNICIPAL WASTE IN SLOVAKIA AS A POTENTIAL FOR THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY
Authors: Šimková Zuzana , Bednárová Lucia
Published: October 2022

If we talk about municipal waste in connection with circular economy, each European produces about 500 kg/year of waste. Less than half of it is 46% recycled, 27% is incinerated and 24% is landfilled. However, if we talk about the Slovak Republic, in 2019, 1 person produced an average of 421 kg/year of waste, and this indicator has a significantly rising character. In the context of the circular economy, an interesting indicator is precisely the rate of waste recycling, which is at the level of 38.5% in Slovakia. A similar analysis of municipal waste generation in selected EU countries was carried out in 2019, with the aim of identifying the potential for residual municipal waste generation, taking into account historical data, EU targets and existing residual waste treatment capacities. The results of this assessment for the Slovak Republic are discussed in article, which indicate a lack of processing capacity for non-recyclable waste.
THE NEXUS BETWEEN ENTREPRENEURIAL MARKETING AND MICRO SCALE BUSINESS PERFORMANCE IN OGUN STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: OGUNMUYIWA Michael Segun , ONANUGA Sarat Ololade
Published: October 2022

The study investigated the relationship between entrepreneurial marketing dimensions and performance of micro scale businesses in Ogun East Senatorial District in Ogun Stae, Nigeria. The survey research design was employed and purposive sampling technique was used to select a sample of 259 out of the 270 copies of the structured questionnaire administered to owners and managers of micro scale businesses in all the Nine (9) Local Government Areas in the study area. Employing regression analysis technique, empirical findings revealed that all the entrepreneurial marketing dimensions (innovativeness, proactiveness, risk-taking, resources leveraging and value creation) except innovativeness are positively and significantly related to micro scale business performance. The study recommends that micro scale businesses as well as government and non-governmental organizations should incorporate and practice the five major constructs of entrepreneurial marketing dimensions in order to achieve the desired results and enhance micro scale business performance in Nigeria.
НОВЫЕ СИЛЬНОПЕРЕМЕННЫЕ РЕНТГЕНОВСКИЕ ИСТОЧНИКИ В ОБЗОРЕ ВСЕГО НЕБА ТЕЛЕСКОПА ART-XC им. М.Н. ПАВЛИНСКОГО, "Земля и Вселенная"
Authors: Мереминский И.А.
Published: October 2022

Все мы привыкли смотреть на небо и видеть там знакомые созвездия и астеризмы. И действительно, крайне редко на небосводе появляются новые яркие звезды – раз в столетие вспыхивает очередная сверхновая в Галактике, да несколько раз в год появляются новые, впрочем, обычно не такие яркие. А уж представить себе, чтобы какая-то видимая звезда просто погасла и вовсе невозможно. Эти банальные наблюдательные факты объясняются тем, что временные масштабы, на которых в звездах протекают реакции термоядерного синтеза, достаточно велики и составляют миллионы-миллиарды лет, в течение которых звезды светят стабильно.
СРЕДНЕВЕКОВЫЕ СОЗВЕЗДИЯ: В ПОИСКАХ ЗАБЫТЫХ СМЫСЛОВ, "Земля и Вселенная"
Authors: Казаков Е.В.
Published: October 2022

Научный ландшафт средневековой Западной Европы лишь на первый выглядит взгляд безжизненным и безнадежным. При доброжелательном рассмотрении не сложно различить оазисы культуры, из которых начнется европейское Возрождение. Посмотрим за этим процессом на примере изображений звездного неба в средневековых манускриптах: как античная астрономия проникала в Европу
Изменилось теперь ремесло звездочета…, "Земля и Вселенная"
Authors: Синельников М.И.
Published: October 2022

Михаил Исаакович Синельников – поэт и переводчик, исследователь литературы, автор многих авторских сборников и переводов. В журнале ЗиВ уже публиковались его работы: отрывок из переложения эпоса «Нарты» в его тюркском (карачаевско-балкарском) варианте (ЗиВ, 2019, № 6) и подборка стихотворений «Пройдя по зеленой Земле» (ЗиВ, 2021, № 4).
МУХОЛОВКА-ПЕСТРУШКА FICEDULA HYPOLEUCA (PALLAS, 1764) В ВОРОНЕЖСКОМ ЗАПОВЕДНИКЕ: ЭКОЛОГИЯ РАЗМНОЖЕНИЯ НА ЮГЕ ЕВРОПЕЙСКОГО АРЕАЛА В УСЛОВИЯХ ИЗМЕНЕНИЯ КЛИМАТА, "Наука юга России"
Authors: Венгеров П.Д.
Published: October 2022

Экологию размножения мухоловки-пеструшки Ficedula hypoleuca (Pallas, 1764) изучали на птицах, гнездящихся в искусственных гнездовьях. Материал собран в 1986–1996 и 2012–2021 гг. в Воронежском заповеднике (50°21 –52°02 с.ш., и 39°21 –39°47 в.д.). Под наблюдением находилось 512 гнезд. Весенний прилет в разные годы происходит с 12 апреля по 5 мая, средняя дата – 23 апреля (n = 34), сроки прилета коррелируют с температурой воздуха в апреле (r = 0,42, p < 0,05). Откладка яиц начинается в узком временном диапазоне – с 5 по 9 мая. Начало и синхронность откладки яиц отрицательно коррелируют с температурой воздуха в первой декаде мая (r = 0,72, 0,81, p < 0,01). Линейные тренды в многолетней динамике дат прилета и сроков размножения отсутствуют. Величина кладки от 3 до 9 яиц, среднее значение 6,63 ± 0,05 (n = 466). Доля успешных попыток размножения – 15–96,3 %, общая успешность размножения – 9,8–93,2 %; среднее число вылетевших птенцов на одну попытку размножения – 4,41. Главным фактором смертности яиц и птенцов является хищничество лесной сони Dryomys nitedula Pallas, 1778 в лиственных лесах. В текущем веке уровень хищничества существенно снизился. Доля эмбриональной смертности – 0,8–14,4 %, она отрицательно коррелирует с температурой воздуха в период откладки яиц (r = 0,7, p < 0,05). Популяция на юге ареала характеризуется большой плотностью заселения искусственных гнездовий в сосновых лесах, стабильными сроками и высокой продуктивностью размножения. Межгодовые колебания погодно-климатических параметров оказывают влияние на сроки и продуктивность размножения, но оно несущественно. Потепление климата происходит в основном за счет роста температуры зимой и в первую половину весны, что мало значит для исследуемого вида как позднего мигранта, размножающегося в мае и июне.
ПРИМЕНЕНИЕ БЕДАКВИЛИНА В РЕЖИМАХ ХИМИОТЕРАПИИ ТУБЕРКУЛЕЗА ОРГАНОВ ДЫХАНИЯ С МНОЖЕСТВЕННОЙ И ШИРОКОЙ ЛЕКАРСТВЕННОЙ УСТОЙЧИВОСТЬЮ МБТ У ДЕТЕЙ СТАРШЕГО ВОЗРАСТА И ПОДРОСТКОВ, "Вестник ЦНИИТ"
Authors: Пискунова О.А. , Панова Л.В. , Овсянкина Е.С.
Published: October 2022

В обзоре приведены данные литературного поиска на тему применения бедаквилина у детей и подростков, больных туберкулезом с МЛУ/ШЛУ МБТ. По результатам различных типов исследований изучены данные об эффективности и безопасности препарата.
ОЦЕНКА ВЗАИМОСВЯЗЕЙ НАРУШЕНИЯ ЛЕГОЧНОЙ ФУНКЦИИ И ПЕРИФЕРИЧЕСКОГО АТЕРОСКЛЕРОЗА У ПАЦИЕНТОВ С ХРОНИЧЕСКОЙ ОБСТРУКТИВНОЙ БОЛЕЗНЬЮ ЛЕГКИХ, "Вестник ЦНИИТ"
Authors: Пунин Д.А. , Милягин В.А.
Published: October 2022

У 113 пациентов с хронической обструктивной болезнью легких (ХОБЛ) для оценки взаимосвязи между нарушениями легочной функции и развитием атеросклеротического поражения периферических артерий были изучены вентиляционные нарушения методами спирометрии и бодиплетизмографии, определена выраженность периферического атеросклероза методом аппланационной тонометрии посредством измерения анкло-брахиального индекса (ABI). Сниженные значения ABI выявлялись у каждого четвертого пациента с ХОБЛ. Была выявлена в два раза более высокая частота встречаемости периферического атеросклероза у пациентов с ХОБЛ при наличии тяжелой и крайне тяжелой бронхиальной обструкции, при среднетяжелых и тяжелых отклонениях ООЛ/ОЕЛ от нормы, а также у пациентов со снижением сатурации крови менее 95%.
ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЕ ФИКСИРОВАННОЙ КОМБИНАЦИИ ГЛИКОПИРРОНИЯ БРОМИДА/ИНДАКАТЕРОЛА ДЛЯ ЛЕЧЕНИЯ ХРОНИЧЕСКОЙ ОБСТРУКТИВНОЙ БОЛЕЗНИ ЛЕГКИХ У БОЛЬНЫХ ТУБЕРКУЛЕЗОМ, "Вестник ЦНИИТ"
Authors: Яушев М.Ф. , Алексеев А.П.
Published: October 2022

Цель исследования: оценить влияние фиксированной комбинации гликопиррония бромида (50 мкг) / индакатерола (110 мкг) (ФКГИ) на состояние бронхиальной проходимости и другие параметры функции внешнего дыхания (ФВД), качество жизни (КЖ) у больных активным туберкулезом (ТБ) легких в сочетании с хронической обструктивной болезнью легких (ХОБЛ). Материалы и методы. В рамках проспективного когортного исследования в условиях стационара проведена оценка результатов влияния бронходилятационной пробы и лечения с применением ФКГИ на параметры ФВД и КЖ у 40 больных активным ТБ легких в сочетании с ХОБЛ на фоне противотуберкулезной химиотерапии. Оценка параметров ФВД проводилась до, через 15, 30, 120 мин. и 23 ч. 45 мин. после однократной ингаляции ФКГИ в 1-й день, а также в динамике на 30-й, 60-й и 90-й день с начала бронхорасширяющей терапии. Изучено влияние бронхорасширяющей терапии на КЖ больных по данным заполнения анкеты COPD Assessment test (CAT), SF 36 Health Status Survey (SF 36) и вопросника госпиталя Святого Георгия (St. Georges Respiratory Questionnaire) (SGRQ). Результаты. Однократная ингаляция ФКГИ привела к увеличению объема форсированного выдоха в 1-ю сек. (ОФВ1) в среднем на 17,5% через 15 мин., на 21,0% через 30 мин., на 23,19% через 120 мин. и на 18,0% через 23 ч. 45 мин. В сравнении с исходным изменения ОФВ1 в процессе лечения в среднем увеличились на 20,6% через 30 дней, на 17,9% – через 60 дней, на 22,2% – через 90 дней. После 2 месяцев лечения общий балл теста CAT снизился на 6,3 балла, интегральный показатель физического здоровья (SF 36) увеличился на 9,9 балла, выявлено снижение параметров симптомов (SGRQ) на 10,1 балла, физической активности (SGRQ) – на 15,1 балла, негативного влияния (SGRQ) – на 26,1 балла. Выводы: ингаляции ФКГИ 1 раз в день улучшают параметры ФВД как в 1-й день, так и при длительном лечении и могут быть рекомендованы больным активным ТБ легких в сочетании с ХОБЛ.
Strength Properties of Alkaline Activated Phosphoric Acid Stabilized Laterite
Authors: AYODELE Adekemi Loretta , Akinniyi Abideen Saheed , Gbolade Adeoluwa Peter , Adetokunbo Adeyemi Timilehin
Published: October 2022

This study investigated the effect of alkaline activation on the properties of Phosphoric Acid (PA) stabilized laterite. Maximum Dry Density (MDD), Optimum Moisture Content (OMC), California Bearing Ratio (CBR) and Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) of the laterite were determined to ascertain its suitability as a construction material. Laterite samples were stabilized with 1M and 2M PA at 5, 10 and 15%, respectively, by weight of dry soil. Some PA stabilized laterite were further mixed with an alkaline activator. All the stabilized laterites were moist cured for up to 14 days. The results show that the laterite was unsuitable as a road construction material in its natural state. The CBR of PA stabilized laterite improved with about 25%, while that with alkaline activation showed more improvement of up to 145%. The UCS of PA stabilized soil and that with alkaline activation increased with about 250% improvement. In conclusion, alkaline activation of phosphoric acid stabilized laterite soil for road construction has a great promise.
Phytochemical-assisted Synthesis of Titania Nanoparticles using Azadirachta indica Leaf Extract as Photocatalyst in the Photodegradation of Methyl Orange
Authors: Aouissi Imad Eddine , Chandren Sheela , Basar Norazah , Wan Ibrahim Wan Nazihah
Published: October 2022

The biosynthesis procedure for nanomaterial preparation is a promising alternative due to its simplicity and environmental friendliness. In this work, TiO2 NPs were biosynthesized using the aqueous leaf extract of Azadirachta indica. The influence of the extract volumes, solvents, and acetic acid on the properties of TiO2 NPs was studied. Phytochemical screening and ATR-FTIR spectrum confirmed the presence of phenolic compounds in the leaf extract. XRD patterns showed that the samples were mainly in the anatase phase. However, for the water-based samples and when 1 and 2 mL of extract volumes were used, anatase/brookite mixture was observed. FESEM images displayed almost spherical and agglomerated NPs. UV-Vis-NIR studies showed that the samples’ bandgaps values are within the range of anatase TiO2. The photocatalytic activity of the TiO2 NPs was evaluated in the photodegradation of methyl orange (MO) under UV light irradiation. The water-based sample synthesized using 2 mL of the extract achieved 98.62% of MO degradation within 270 min and demonstrated the highest pseudo-first-order photodegradation kinetic constant of 0.0147 min-1. These results indicate that the use of the plant-based biosynthesis method with water as the solvent successfully produced TiO2 NPs with good physicochemical properties and photocatalytic activity in the photodegradation of organic dye. Copyright © 2022 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Improving Prior Authorization in Medicare Advantage
Authors: Anderson Kelly E. , Darden Michael , Jain Amit
Published: October 2022

This Viewpoint discusses the potential benefits and harms of prior authorization in Medicare Advantage and the health policy implications and opportunities for improvement.
Preparedness of Pediatric Subspecialty Fellows to Address Emotional and Mental Health Needs Among Children With Chronic Medical Conditions
Authors: Green Cori M. , Leyenaar JoAnna K. , Tucker Ashley , Leslie Laurel K.
Published: October 2022

This survey study investigates pediatric subspecialty fellows’ attitudes about and perceived competence in addressing emotional and mental health needs of pediatric patients with chronic medical conditions.
Epicardial adipose tissue thickness assessed by CT is a marker of atrial fibrillation in stroke patients
Authors: Edsen Fabian , Habib Pardes , Matz Oliver , Nikoubashman Omid , Wiesmann Martin , Frick Michael , Marx Nikolaus , Schulz Jörg B. , Reich Arno , Pinho João
Published: October 2022

Epicardial adipose tissue is involved in the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation (AF). This study aimed to analyze its relevance as a stroke etiology marker. A retrospective study of acute ischemic stroke patients with large vessel occlusion was conducted, periatrial epicardial adipose tissue thickness (pEATT) on admission computed tomography angiography was measured. One hundred and twenty‐one patients with AF‐related stroke and 94 patients with noncardioembolic stroke were included. Patients with AF‐related stroke had increased pEATT. CT‐measured left‐sided pEATT was an independent predictor of AF‐related stroke (adjusted odds ratio per 1 mm increase = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.05–1.53, p = 0.012). pEATT is an independent marker of AF‐related stroke.
Cancer‐Selective Supramolecular Chemotherapy by Disassembly‐Assembly Approach
Authors: Jeena M. T. , Jin Seongeon , Jeong Keunsoo , Cho Yuri , Kim Jin Chul , Lee Jeong Hyeon , Lee Seokyoung , Hwang Suk‐Won , Kwak Sang Kyu , Kim Sehoon , Ryu Ja‐Hyoung
Published: October 2022

Intramitochondrial supramolecular assembly can be a new therapeutic strategy for treating cancer because mitochondria are the key for virtually all facets of the tumorigenesis. However, the in vivo applications of mitochondria‐targeting molecules are limited due to the positive charge and hydrophobicity that should be possessed by these molecules to penetrate the mitochondrial membrane, which may induce nonspecific serum protein interactions and normal cell accumulation. Herein, a stimuli‐responsive mitochondria‐targeting molecule, Mito‐SA that forms nano‐sized micelles under physiological conditions is presented. In the aggregated state, the succinic amide bonds in Mito‐SA are cleaved in response to tumoral pH by stabilizing the transition state through the intermolecular interactions and the micelle disassembles into a mitochondria‐targeting parent molecule, Mito‐FF. The Mito‐FF accumulate inside cancer mitochondria to induce cell death by intra‐mitochondrial self‐assembly into fiber structures. This tumoral stimuli‐responsive disassembly–assembly approach will provide insight to develop mitochondria targeted supramolecular anticancer agent with high tumoral specificity.
Tradeoff between Intermolecular Interaction and Backbone Disorder by High Molecular Dipole Block for Improving Blend Morphology of Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Yang Tongyan , Liao Chentong , Duan Yuwei , Xu Xiaopeng , Deng Min , Yu Liyang , Li Ruipeng , Peng Qiang
Published: October 2022

Constructing terpolymer has attracted increasing attention as a strategy to improve the performance of polymer solar cell. Terpolymer usually offers an opportunity to lower the frontier molecular orbital energy level, introduces additional absorption band and sometimes optimizes the morphology of the active blend. Generally, the additional segment in terpolymer backbone inevitably introduces backbone disorder, which causes entropy rises. However, selecting a suitable dipole unit introduces extra driving forces for crystallization by enhancing intermolecular interactions. This provides a handy knob for tradeoff between intermolecular interaction and backbone disorder, thus regulating the blend morphology. Herein, a high dipole and electron‐deficient group of pyrrolo[3,4‐f]benzotriazole‐5,7(6H)‐dione (TzBI) is incorporated into the high‐performance donor polymer and a series of terpolymers with different content of TzBI are designed. As expected, the morphology is optimized gradually for improving charge generation and charge transport, also suppressing charge recombination. The champion device with 10% TzBI exhibited a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.36%, which is 5% increase compared to the controlled device. This study presents a charming terpolymer strategy by highly electron‐deficient and high dipole segment to realize a tradeoff between intermolecular interaction and backbone disorder, facilitating the optimization of morphology and elevation of fill factor and device efficiency.
Brain‐Targeting Metastatic Tumor Cell Membrane Cloaked Biomimetic Nanomedicines Mediate Potent Chemodynamic and RNAi Combinational Therapy of Glioblastoma
Authors: Zhang Dongya , Sun Yajing , Wang Shiyu , Zou Yan , Zheng Meng , Shi Bingyang
Published: October 2022

The complex genetic heterogeneity of glioblastoma (GBM) together with the existence of blood brain barrier (BBB) renders GBM essentially incurable. In this paper, a brain‐targeting metastatic tumor cell membrane cloaked biomimetic nanomedicine that potently induces cascade chemodynamic and RNA interference (RNAi) is developed for combinational GBM therapy. The designed nanomedicines are constructed from metastatic melanoma cell membrane, charge‐conversional middle layer, and siRNA complexed polyethyleneimine xanthate (PEX). PEX chelates the abundant copper ions in tumor cells and then reacts with intracellular glutathione (GSH), resulting in GSH depletion and the reduction of Cu2+ to Cu+, followed by reacting with H2O2 and producing •OH via Fenton‐like reaction. Interestingly, the acidic conditions in endo/lysosomes accelerate siRNA release, inducing potent gene silencing of the anti‐apoptotic B‐cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‐2), lead to multiple molecular cascades that readily induces GBM cell apoptosis. The results also demonstrate that this nanomedicine exhibits efficient BBB penetration via decreasing the tightness and interacting with the adhesion molecules in endothelial cells. More importantly, improved therapeutic efficacy with extended survival rates are achieved in both local melanoma and orthotopic GBM tumor models, suggesting that the chemodynamic and gene combinatorial therapy mediated by the biomimetic nanomedicines shows promising potential in treating GBM and brain metastases.
Oral Supramolecular Adsorbent for Preventing Chemo‐Induced Gastrointestinal Mucositis and Microbial Dysbiosis and for Enhancing Chemoimmunotherapy
Authors: Tian Meng , Fan Dongyue , Liu Zhen , Mu Xin , Tao Qianqian , Yu Chunyang , Zhang Shiyi
Published: October 2022

The addition of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) to cytotoxic chemotherapy has emerged as the first‐line treatment for multiple cancers. Paradoxically, cytotoxic chemotherapy may limit the therapeutic potential of ICB by significantly impairing the largest immune organ, the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and driving gut microbial dysbiosis. Here, an orally administered polymeric adsorbent containing a supramolecular motif (named SPORA‐SN9) is reported, which can selectively remove chemotherapeutics from the GI tract, thereby preventing chemotherapy‐induced GI mucositis and microbial dysbiosis and providing better chemoimmunotherapy synergy. By theoretical design and experimental screening of the molecular recognition motifs, SPORA‐SN9 exhibits superior complexation capacity for doxorubicin and irinotecan and high selectivity over a range of commonly used combinational medications. In mouse models of chemotherapy‐induced GI mucositis, SPORA‐SN9 protects the integrity of the GI tissues and the homeostasis of the gut microbiota. Finally, the addition of SPORA‐SN9 enhances the efficacy of chemoimmunotherapy in tumor‐bearing mice. SPORA‐SN9 offers a translational approach for supramolecular chemistry to modulate complex biosystems by selectively removing target substrates from the GI tract.
Quasi‐Homojunction Organic Nonfullerene Photovoltaics Featuring Fundamentals Distinct from Bulk Heterojunctions
Authors: Wang Yifan , Price Michael B. , Bobba Raja Sekhar , Lu Heng , Xue Jingwei , Wang Yilin , Li Mengyang , Ilina Aleksandra , Hume Paul A. , Jia Boyu , Li Tengfei , Zhang Yuchen , Davis Nathaniel J. L. K. , Tang Zheng , Ma Wei , Qiao Quinn , Hodgkiss Justin M. , Zhan Xiaowei
Published: October 2022

In contrast to classical bulk heterojunction (BHJ) in organic solar cells (OSCs), the quasi‐homojunction (QHJ) with extremely low donor content (≤10 wt.%) is unusual and generally yields much lower device efficiency. Here, representative polymer donors and nonfullerene acceptors are selected to fabricate QHJ OSCs, and a complete picture for the operation mechanisms of high‐efficiency QHJ devices is illustrated. PTB7‐Th:Y6 QHJ devices at donor:acceptor (D:A) ratios of 1:8 or 1:20 can achieve 95% or 64% of the efficiency obtained from its BHJ counterpart at the optimal D:A ratio of 1:1.2, respectively, whereas QHJ devices with other donors or acceptors suffer from rapid roll‐off of efficiency when the donors are diluted. Through device physics and photophysics analyses, it is observed that a large portion of free charges can be intrinsically generated in the neat Y6 domains rather than at the D/A interface. Y6 also serves as an ambipolar transport channel, so that hole transport as also mainly through Y6 phase. The key role of PTB7‐Th is primarily to reduce charge recombination, likely assisted by enhancing quadrupolar fields within Y6 itself, rather than the previously thought principal roles of light absorption, exciton splitting, and hole transport.
Overcoming the Outcoupling Limit of Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes with Artificially Formed Nanostructures
Authors: Chen Wenjing , Chen Jia , Gu Lianghui , Huang Zongming , Ma Pingchuan , Zhang Yihan , Liu Hui , Zhou Hongmin , Wang Nana , Wang Jianpu , Xiao Zhengguo
Published: October 2022

The external quantum efficiency (EQE) of state‐of‐the‐art planar‐structure perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs) is mainly limited by the outcoupling efficiency, which is around 20% and decreases significantly with the perovskite thickness. Here, an approach to artificially form textured perovskite films to boost the outcoupling limit of the PeLEDs is reported. By manipulating the dwell time of antisolvents, the perovskite phase precipitation mechanism, film‐forming process, and surface texture can be finely controlled. The film surface roughness can be tuned from 15.3 to 241 nm, with haze increasing accordingly from 6% to >90% for films with an average thickness of 1.5 µm. The light outcoupling limit increases accordingly from 11.7% for the flat PeLEDs to 26.5% for the textured PeLEDs due to photon scattering at the interface. Consequently, the EQE is boosted significantly from around 10% to 20.5% with an extraordinarily thick emissive layer of 1.5 µm. This study provides a novel way of forming light‐extraction nanostructures for perovskite optoelectronic devices.
Decoupled Electrochemical Hydrazine “Splitting” via a Rechargeable Zn–Hydrazine Battery
Authors: Feng Yangyang , Shi Qingmei , Lin Jing , Chai Erchong , Zhang Xiang , Liu Zhenli , Jiao Lei , Wang Yaobing
Published: October 2022

Hydrogen generation via electrochemical splitting plays an important role to achieve hydrogen economy. However, the large‐scale application is highly limited by high cost and low efficiency. Herein, a new type of rechargeable Zn–hydrazine (Zn–Hz) battery is proposed and realized by a bifunctional electrocatalyst based on two separate cathodic reactions of hydrogen evolution (discharge: 2H2O + 2e− → H2 + 2OH−) and hydrazine oxidation (charge: ). This Zn–Hz battery, driven by temporally decoupled electrochemical hydrazine splitting on the cathode during discharge and charge processes, can generate separated hydrogen without purification. When the highly active bifunctional cathode of 3D Mo2C/Ni@C/CS is paired with Zn foil, the Zn–Hz battery can achieve efficient hydrogen generation with a low energy input of less than 0.4 V (77.2 kJ mol−1) and high energy efficiency of 96%. Remarkably, this battery exhibits outstanding long‐term stability for 600 cycles (200 h), achieving continuous hydrogen production on demand, which presents great potential for practical application.
Highly Tunable Ferromagnetic 2D Electron Gases at Oxide Interfaces
Authors: Shin Hyungki , Liu Chong , Godin Simon , Li Fengmiao , Sutarto Ronny , Davidson Bruce A. , Zou Ke
Published: October 2022

Quantum phenomena such as superconductivity usually emerge in strongly correlated oxide systems as the result of the interplay of spin, charge, and orbital degrees of freedom. Adding ferromagnetism to two‐dimensional electron gases (2DEGs) at oxide interfaces is intriguing due to their scientifically exotic and technically valuable properties, which may lead to new fundamental understanding and multifunctional applications. Here, ferromagnetic 2DEGs at the interface of polar antiferromagnetic LaTiO3 and nonpolar antiferromagnetic EuTiO3 are generated. The magnetotransport properties of these 2DEGs depend on the thickness of LaTiO3 that determines the carrier concentration, with all showing robust ferromagnetism up to 5.5 K. This magnetism is intrinsic to the strongly‐correlated 2D electron system and is highly sensitive and tunable based on the sample configuration. Thus, a prototype oxide system with magnetic functionality for spintronics and ferromagnetic semiconductors has been developed.
Dual Species Bacterial Challenge of a Biomimetic Nanostructured Surface
Authors: Hayles Andrew , Bright Richard , Hasan Jafar , Wood Jonathan , Palms Dennis , Barker Dan , Vasilev Krasimir
Published: October 2022

An ever‐present risk of medical device associated infection has driven a significant body of research toward development of novel anti‐infective materials. Surfaces bearing sharp nanostructures are an emerging technology to address this concern. The in vitro efficacy of antimicrobial nanostructures has previously been verified using single species cultures, but there remains a paucity of data to address the threat of infections containing more than one species. Polymicrobial infections are a concerning threat because they can complicate treatment, promote drug resistance, and harshen patient prognosis. In the present study, dual‐species cultures are employed to challenge the mechano‐bactericidal properties of nanostructured surfaces. Escherichia coli is used with either Staphylococcus aureus or Enterococcus faecalis due to their clinical relevance in implant associated infection. Despite the presence of two mixed species, a high rate of bactericidal activity is found. Interestingly, in the mixed culture containing Escherichia coli with Enterococcus faecalis, the nanostructured surface triggers a shift in species distribution to favor Enterococcus faecalis. Overall, this study highlights the potential for mechano‐bactericidal surfaces to minimize the burden of infections containing more than one species. It also serves as an enticing foundation for further research into more complex biointerfacial interactions.
The Role of Al2O3 ALD Coating on Sn‐Based Intermetallic Anodes for Rate Capability and Long‐Term Cycling in Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Soltani Niloofar , Abbas Syed Muhammad , Hantusch Martin , Lehmann Sebastian , Nielsch Kornelius , Bahrami Amin , Mikhailova Daria
Published: October 2022

The electrochemical performances of CoSn2 and Ni3Sn4 as potential anode materials in lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) are investigated using varying thicknesses of an alumina layer deposited by the atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique. Rate capability results showed that at high current densities, Al2O3‐coated CoSn2 and Ni3Sn4 electrodes after 10‐ALD cycles outperformed uncoated materials. The charge capacities of coated CoSn2 and Ni3Sn4 electrodes are 571 and 134 mAh g−1, respectively, at a high current density of 5 A g−1, while the capacities of uncoated electrodes are 363 and 11 mAh g−1. When the current density is reduced to 1 A g−1, however, the cycling performances of Al2O3‐coated CoSn2 and Ni3Sn4 electrodes fade faster after almost 40 cycles than uncoated electrodes. The explanation is found in the composition of the solid‐electrolyte interface (SEI), which strongly depends on the current rate. Thus, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis of SEI layers on coated samples cycles at a low current density of 0.1 Ag−1, revealed organic carbonates as major products, which probably have a low ionic conductivity. In contrast, the SEI of coated materials cycled at 5 Ag−1 consists mostly of mixed inorganic/organic fluorine‐rich Al‐F and C‐F species facilitating a higher ionic transport, which improves electrochemical performance.
Light‐Tunable 2D Esaki Diode Photodetector with Well‐Balanced High Detectivity and Response Speed
Authors: Li Xuhong , Chen Xiaoqing , Deng Wenjie , Li Songyu , Chu Feihong , You Congya , Li Jingjie , Liu Famin , Zhang Yongzhe
Published: October 2022

Van der Waals (vdW) heterojunctions composed of 2D layered materials exhibit novel physical phenomena that can power a range of electronic and photonic applications. Here, the first demonstration of the light switchable mechanism between the rectifier diode and Esaki diode in SnS2/WSe2‐black phosphorus (BP) vdW heterojunctions is presented. In this design, the photogating effect of WSe2‐BP junction is employed as the switch toggle between rectifier diode and Esaki diode. Based on this light switchable mechanism, a super‐linear photocurrent‐power dependence is observed and a high‐performance photodetector with high detectivity (5.1 × 1011 Jones) and rapid response speed (<112 us) is obtained. A feasible strategy for a well‐balanced photodetector with high detectivity and response speed in the vdW heterojunction is provided.
A Full Textile Capacitive Woven Sensor
Authors: Martínez‐Estrada Marc , Ventura Heura , Gil Ignacio , Fernández‐García Raúl
Published: October 2022

In this paper, a full textile capacitive woven sensor integrated over a textile substrate is presented. The sensor consists in an interdigitated capacitance prepared to measure moisture and/or presence detection. In order to evaluate the sensor response to moisture, capacitance has been measured by means of an LCR meter from 20 Hz to 20 kHz in a climatic chamber with a swept of the relative humidity (RH) from 30% to 90% at 20 °C. Subsequently, presence response is evaluated measuring the capacitance of the woven sensor meanwhile a person is sitting down and getting up. The woven sensor results demonstrate its functionality over moisture measurement where sensor capacitance changes from a minimum of 9.74 pF at 30% RH to a maximum of 2.31 uF at 90% RH. The presence detection is also demonstrated, which makes the capacitance variation change from a 10% of capacitance variation when the chair is empty, to a capacitance variation of 170% when a person is sitting on it. The adaptation of the weaving process to accomplish a fully integrated sensor provides a better repeatability than previous embroidered sensors and opens a door to being commercially produced.
Fabrication of Diverse Microparticles in a Unified Microfluidic Configuration
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Wang Bo , Xue Chenmu , Chen Xiaodong
Published: October 2022

Flow‐focusing microfluidic devices have been widely used for generating compound droplets. However, most devices are disposable and difficult to recycle, and key geometrical parameters cannot be changed after fabrication. This paper presents a reusable and adjustable microfluidic device composed of glass capillaries and polydimethylsiloxane. The main components of the device can be freely assembled and disassembled, illustrating the reproducibility and scalability of the device. The channel wall is composed of glass or polydimethylsiloxane, allowing for different wetting conditions. The experiments show that combining capillaries with straight, stepped, and tapered shapes can change the flow field at the channel junction. Thus, compound microdroplets with core‐shell, Janus, and ternary morphologies can be generated for the same combination of liquids. The droplets are used to prepare microparticles of different shapes. With the wide selection of off‐the‐shelf capillaries, this microfluidic configuration can be used for rapid prototyping, and mass production of the devices can allow for high‐throughput generation of droplets or particles in parallel.
A Facile Approach for 4D Microprinting of Multi‐Photoresponsive Actuators
Authors: Hsu Li‐Yun , Mainik Philipp , Münchinger Alexander , Lindenthal Sebastian , Spratte Tobias , Welle Alexander , Zaumseil Jana , Selhuber‐Unkel Christine , Wegener Martin , Blasco Eva
Published: October 2022

For microscale 4D photoresponsive actuators, light is crucial in two ways. First, the underlying additive manufacturing techniques rely on photopolymerization processes triggered by the absorption of light. Second, the absorption of light serves as the actuation stimulus. The two absorptions can be conflicting. While the microstructure requires strong absorption at the actuation wavelength(s), this absorption should not interfere with that of the manufacturing process. Herein, a simple strategy is proposed to overcome these limitations and allow for the fabrication of multi‐photoresponsive 3D microstructures that can be actuated at different wavelengths of light. Two‐photon 3D laser printing is selected as the fabrication technique and liquid crystalline (LC) elastomers as the functional materials. In a first step, 3D microstructures are fabricated using an aligned LC ink formulation. Thereafter, up to five different dyes exhibiting absorptions that extend over the entire visible regime (400–700 nm) are successfully incorporated into the LC microstructures by an exchange process enabling a programmable actuation by irradiating with the suitable wavelength. Furthermore, by combining dyes exhibiting orthogonal absorptions, wavelength‐selective actuations are demonstrated.