bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Impact Study of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Routine Paediatric Immunisation in Nigeria: Recommendations to Strengthen Routine Immunization during a Pandemic
Authors: Amamilo Ifeyinwa , Iloduba Ndidi Nkemjika , Asunumeh Ikhenoba , Wakdok Sabastine
Published: August 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic spread to Nigeria, resulting in a nationwide lockdown from 30th March 2020. Consequently, there was enormous impact on the health and socio-economic facets of life affecting individuals, families, and communities. A key component of primary health care that was affected was routine childhood immunisation which is one of the fundamental pillars of the Nigerian government’s child health care policy. The study aimed at evaluating the impact of the pandemic on routine immunization, as well as, make recommendations to strengthen routine immunization during a pandemic based on lessons learnt.

Primary data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires administered to 150 parents or caregivers across the childcare and wellness clinics of four selected secondary health facilities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from January to June 2020 (January to March representing the pre-lockdown period while April to June, the lockdown period). Secondary data were collected from immunisation records of these facilities. The mean changes in the immunisation coverage of pre-lockdown period were compared with the lockdown period using student t-test. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

There was a significant decline of 19.1% in the total number of immunizations given in the pre- and during the lockdown period [t=2.86, p=0.035]. This reduction was diverse across all districts and all vaccine antigens. The highest decline was seen for the 6 weeks’ vaccines (31.2%), followed by the 10 weeks (28.7%). Fear of contracting COVID was the commonest reason for missing vaccines (26.4%) followed by lack of transportation money (5.7%). For those that presented, the main reason for not getting vaccinated was that the vaccination centres were closed (55.6%). About 46.9% and 34.5% of the participants responded that they would prefer home-visits by the healthcare workers and hospital ‘drive-by’ for delivery of routine vaccination during a pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected the routine immunisation in the FCT. Routine immunisation services should continue during pandemics while health promotion should be continued by the government, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders. Also pivotal is to ensure that healthcare workers have adequate training regarding infection, prevention and control measures, and vaccine logistics, while adhering to strict standard protocols. Appointment-based visits can be scheduled using phone calls, emails, and SMS to have less people in waiting areas. Drive-by and home-based services are acceptable alternatives for parents and caregivers in addition to fixed-site vaccination activities during a pandemic.
Testemunhos da luta antirracista brasileira no tempo presente
Authors: Silva Mário Augusto Medeiros da
Published: August 2023

Resenha de:CARDOSO, Edson. Nada os trará de volta: escritos sobre racismo e luta política. São Paulo: Companhia das Letras, 2022. 456 p.
Deformation Behavior of 3D‐Printed High‐Entropy Alloys: A Critical Review
Authors: Bajaj Dhruv , Feng Aihan , Qu Shoujiang , Chen Zhuo , Li Dongyang , Chen Daolun L.
Published: August 2023

The 3D‐printing of high‐entropy alloys (HEAs) is capable of enhancing the design and manufacturing flexibilities for novel materials. Owing to the rapid solidification, the 3D‐printed HEAs exhibit markedly different microstructures than their conventionally‐manufactured equivalents, leading to peculiar mechanical properties. Many additively manufactured HEAs also break down the strength‐ductility trade‐off dilemma. Novel dynamics regarding the simultaneous and sequential nature of deformation mechanisms are emerging through recent intensive research on these materials. Herein, the deformation behavior of 3D‐printed HEAs is reviewed and explained on the basis of the latest advances in this area. A comprehensive picture regarding the role of cellular dislocation networks, twinning‐induced plasticity, and transformation‐induced plasticity in the monotonic and cyclic deformation of 3D‐printed HEAs is presented. Special emphasis is placed on fatigue characteristics due to the enormous interest in this burgeoning area. The effect of postfabrication thermomechanical processing on plasticity is discussed along with the microstructural evolution in the 3D‐printed HEAs. Several innovative developments that carry latent potential for further research are also deliberated in this review. Finally, the present understanding of the deformation behavior of 3D‐printed HEAs is summarized while gauging the future directions.
Scalable Strategy for High‐Performance Hybrid Supercapacitor and Battery‐Type Electrode Materials
Authors: Qian Guangdong , Qi Yao , Zhang Meng , Lv Han , Li Xinbo , Liu Rui , Zhu Huiling
Published: August 2023

Compact, lightweight, and powerful energy storage devices are urgently needed in more and more fields. Layered double hydroxides (LDH) as hybrid supercapacitors and battery‐type electrode materials play an important role in energy storage devices. Herein, a method for large‐scale production of electrode materials via simple ball milling with or without dispersant is shown and demonstrates the relationship between performance and particle size of the ternary hydroxide precursor. When the dispersant is added, the secondary particles are effectively broken, on the basis of which it is found that preventing the primary particles from agglomerating into secondary particles is the key to improving the specific capacitance of the material. In addition, the effect of different milling balls on the morphology and electrochemical properties of NCM811‐OH with dispersants is investigated. When dispersant is added and NCM‐OH‐S is used for ball milling, the secondary particles can be more effectively broken. In the comparative experiments with different Ni contents, Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3(OH)2 shows the best electrochemical performance (1,417 F g−1 at 1 A g−1), indicating that the material with moderate Ni content has the optimized electrochemical performance. These findings provide a new avenue for large‐scale production of high‐performance LDH electrode materials.
Tunable Interparticle Connectivity in Gold Nanosphere Assemblies for Efficient Photoacoustic Conversion
Authors: Kim Myeongsoo , Kim Jinhwan , VanderLaan Don , Kubelick Kelsey P. , Jhunjhunwala Anamik , Choe Ayoung , Emelianov Stanislav Y.
Published: August 2023

Manipulating matter at the nanometer scale to create desired plasmonic nanostructures holds great promise in the field of biomedical photoacoustic (PA) imaging. This study demonstrates a strategy for regulating PA signal generation from anisotropic nanosized assemblies of gold nanospheres (Au NSs) by adjusting the interparticle connectivity between neighboring Au NSs. The interparticle connectivity is controlled by modulating the diameter and interparticle spacing of Au NSs in the nanoassemblies. The results indicate that nanoassemblies with semi‐connectivity, i.e., assemblies with a finite interparticle spacing shorter than the theoretical limit of repulsion between nearby Au NSs, exhibit 3.4‐fold and 2.4‐fold higher PA signals compared to nanoassemblies with no connectivity and full connectivity, respectively. Furthermore, due to the reduced diffusion of Au atoms, the semi‐connectivity Au nanoassemblies demonstrates a high photodamage threshold and, therefore, excellent photostability at fluences above the current American National Standards Institute limits. The exceptional photostability of the semi‐connectivity nanoassemblies highlights their potential to surpass conventional plasmonic contrast agents for continuing PA imaging. Collectively, the findings indicate that semi‐connected nanostructures are a promising option for reliable, high‐contrast PA imaging applications over multiple imaging sessions due to their strong PA signals and enhanced photostability.
Gallium‐Based Liquid–Solid Biphasic Conductors for Soft Electronics
Authors: Reis Carneiro Manuel , Majidi Carmel , Tavakoli Mahmoud
Published: August 2023

Soft and stretchable electronics have diverse applications in the fields of compliant bioelectronics, textile‐integrated wearables, novel forms of mechanical sensors, electronics skins, and soft robotics. In recent years, multiple material architectures have been proposed for highly deformable circuits that can undergo large tensile strains without losing electronic functionality. Among them, gallium‐based liquid metals benefit from fluidic deformability, high electrical conductivity, and self‐healing property. However, their deposition and patterning is challenging. Biphasic material architectures are recently proposed as a method to address this problem, by combining advantages of solid‐phase materials and composites, with liquid deformability and self‐healing of liquid phase conductors, thus moving toward scalable fabrication of reliable stretchable circuits. This article reviews recent biphasic conductor architectures that combine gallium‐based liquid‐phase conductors, with solid‐phase particles and polymers, and their application in fabrication of soft electronic systems. In particular, various material combinations for the solid and liquid phases in the biphasic conductor, as well as methods used to print and pattern biphasic conductive compounds, are discussed. Finally, some applications that benefit from biphasic architectures are reviewed.
Inhibited Grain Growth Through Phase Transition Modulation Enables Excellent Mechanical Properties in Oxide Ceramic Nanofibers up to 1700 °C
Authors: Xu Zhen , Liu Hualei , Wu Fan , Cheng Longdi , Yu Jianyong , Liu Yi‐Tao , Ding Bin
Published: August 2023

Oxide ceramics are widely used as thermal protection materials due to their excellent structural properties and earth abundance. However, in extremely high‐temperature environments (above 1500 °C), the explosive growth of grain size causes irreversible damage to the microstructure of oxide ceramics, thus exhibiting poor thermomechanical stability. This problem, which may lead to catastrophic accidents, remains a great challenge for oxide ceramic materials. Here, a novel strategy of phase transition modulation is proposed to control the grain growth at high temperatures in oxide ceramic nanofibers, realizing effective regulation of the crystalline forms as well as the size uniformity of primary grains, and thus suppressing the malignant growth of the grains. The resulting oxide ceramic nanofibers have excellent mechanical strength and flexibility, delivering an average tensile strength as high as 1.02 GPa after being exposed to 1700 °C for 30 min, and can withstand thousands of flexural cycles without obvious damage. This work may provide new insight into the development of advanced oxide ceramic materials that can serve in extremely high‐temperature environments with long‐term durability.
Dual Breaking of Molecular Orbitals and Spatial Symmetry in an Optically Controlled Ferroelectric
Authors: Liao Wei‐Qiang , Zeng Yu‐Ling , Tang Yuan‐Yuan , Xu Yu‐Qiu , Huang Xiao‐Yun , Yu Hang , Lv Hui‐Peng , Chen Xiao‐Gang , Xiong Ren‐Gen
Published: August 2023

As particles carry quantified energy, photon radiation enables orbital transitions of energy levels, leading to changes in the spin state of electrons. The resulting switchable structural bistability may bring a new paradigm for manipulating ferroelectric polarization. However, the studies on molecular orbital breaking in the ferroelectric field remain blank. Here, for the first time, a new mechanism of ferroelectrics—dual breaking of molecular orbitals and spatial symmetry, demonstrated in a photochromic organic crystal with light‐induced polarization switching, is formally proposed. By alternating the ultraviolet/visible light irradiation, the states of electron spin and the radial distribution p atomic orbitals experience a change, showing a reversible switch from “shoulder‐to‐shoulder” form to a “head‐to‐head” form. This reflects a reversible conversion between π and σ bonds, which induces and couples with the variation of spatial symmetry. The intersection of spatial symmetry breaking and molecular orbital breaking in ferroelectrics present in this work will be more conducive to data encryption and anticounterfeiting.
Sub‐Nanosecond Reconfiguration of Ferroelectric Domains in Bismuth Ferrite
Authors: Guzelturk Burak , Yang Tiannan , Liu Yu‐Chen , Wei Chia‐Chun , Orenstein Gal , Trigo Mariano , Zhou Tao , Diroll Benjamin T. , Holt Martin V. , Wen Haidan , Chen Long‐Qing , Yang Jan‐Chi , Lindenberg Aaron M.
Published: August 2023

Domain switching is crucial for achieving desired functions in ferroic materials that are used in various applications. Fast control of domains at sub‐nanosecond timescales remains a challenge despite its potential for high‐speed operation in random‐access memories, photonic, and nanoelectronic devices. Here, ultrafast laser excitation is shown to transiently melt and reconfigure ferroelectric stripe domains in multiferroic bismuth ferrite on a timescale faster than 100 picoseconds. This dynamic behavior is visualized by picosecond‐ and nanometer‐resolved X‐ray diffraction and time‐resolved X‐ray diffuse scattering. The disordering of stripe domains is attributed to the screening of depolarization fields by photogenerated carriers resulting in the formation of charged domain walls, as supported by phase‐field simulations. Furthermore, the recovery of disordered domains exhibits subdiffusive growth on nanosecond timescales, with a non‐equilibrium domain velocity reaching up to 10 m s−1. These findings present a new approach to image and manipulate ferroelectric domains on sub‐nanosecond timescales, which can be further extended into other complex photoferroic systems to modulate their electronic, optical, and magnetic properties beyond gigahertz frequencies. This approach could pave the way for high‐speed ferroelectric data storage and computing, and, more broadly, defines new approaches for visualizing the non‐equilibrium dynamics of heterogeneous and disordered materials.
Broadband Electromagnetic Properties of Engineered Flexible Absorber Materials
Authors: Suriyasena Liyanage Luckshitha , Smith Connor S. , Pawlik Jacob , Evans Sarah , Stelson Angela , Long Christian , Orloff Nathan D. , Arnold David P. , Booth James C.
Published: August 2023

Flexible and stretchable materials have attracted significant interest in wearable electronics and bioengineering fields. Recent developments also incorporate embedded microwave circuits and systems with engineered flexible materials that operate over a broad frequency range (≈1–100 GHz). Herein, a simple flip‐chip technique is used to evaluate frequency‐dependent electromagnetic properties of flexible materials and applied to evaluate engineered microwave absorbers based on self‐biased barium hexaferrite composites. On‐wafer error correction and de‐embedding techniques are applied to determine broadband electromagnetic properties of the material‐loaded transmission lines by placing the materials on top of coplanar waveguide transmission lines. Finite‐element simulations along with broadband measurements were employed to estimate the electromagnetic material properties. To demonstrate, flexible polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composites are fabricated with barium hexaferrite nanoparticles and complex permittivity and permeability of the composites are quantified under zero magnetic field bias up to 110 GHz. Frequency‐dependent composite permeability is fitted to models describing the ferromagnetic resonance of the self‐biased barium hexaferrite nanoparticles in polydimethylsiloxane, and constituent nanoparticle properties are estimated using the Maxwell–Garnett mixing model. This study paves the way to exploit a wide range of engineered materials in flexible, wearable, and biomedical electronics applications and presents a convenient methodology to extract important broadband electromagnetic properties of nanoparticles for customized electromagnetic applications.
Electrochemical Approach to Amide Bond Formation
Authors: Strekalova Sofia , Kononov Alexander , Morozov Vladimir , Babaeva Olga , Gavrilova Elena , Budnikova Yulia
Published: August 2023

Electrochemical amidation of the C(sp2)−H and C(sp3)−H bonds of broad spectrum of arenes toward the direct synthesis of anilides and N‐benzylamides under mild conditions (room temperature, ambient pressure) in the absence of metal catalyst and external oxidizing agents using nitriles RCN (R=Me, Et) as amide source is described. This electrochemical approach features moderate to high yields, a broad scope of arenes with different functional groups and is amenable to gram scale synthesis. The key role of the hydroxyl radical as inductor generated during the oxidation of water and fixed by a spin trap in EPR experiment has been established.
3D Nanocomposite Thin Film Cathodes for Micro‐Batteries with Enhanced High‐Rate Electrochemical Performance over Planar Films
Authors: Lovett Adam J. , Daramalla Venkateswarlu , Nayak Debasis , Sayed Farheen N. , Mahadevegowda Amoghavarsha , Ducati Caterina , Spencer Ben F. , Dutton Siân E. , Grey Clare P. , MacManus‐Driscoll Judith L.
Published: August 2023

High energy and high power density rechargeable micro‐batteries are a necessity for powering the next generation of flexible electronics, internet of things, and medical technology devices. In theory, significant improvements in the capacity, current and power densities of micro‐batteries would result if 3D architectures with enhanced interdigitated component interface areas and shortened ion diffusion path‐lengths  were  used. Further gains are achievable if the materials utilized have high crystalline quality and are preferentially oriented for fast lithium intercalation. In this work, this is achieved by creating epitaxial thin film cathodes comprised of nanopillars of LiMn2O4 (LMO) embedded in a supporting matrix of electronically conducting SrRuO3 (SRO). The first electrochemical study of such a 3D vertically aligned nanocomposite (VAN) that displays clear cathode redox signatures is provided, and demonstrates remarkable capacity retention under high‐rate regimes. The electrochemical performance is shown to be dependent on the nanopillar topography, namely the crystallographic orientation, nanopillar dimensions, and electrode/electrolyte interfacial surface area. This work offers a pathway to realizing 3D architectured micro‐batteries with high‐capacity retention under high‐rate conditions enabling fast charge capabilities.
Assessing the Effect of Stabilization and Carbonization Temperatures on Electrochemical Performance of Electrospun Carbon Nanofibers from Polyacrylonitrile
Authors: Boll Felix , Crisci Matteo , Merola Leonardo , Lamberti Francesco , Smarsly Bernd , Gatti Teresa
Published: August 2023

Supercapacitors (SCs) are considered a promising alternative to batteries to power up portable and wearable devices. Among different categories of materials for SCs, carbon nanofibers (CNFs) are particularly appealing for their electrochemical, morphological, and mechanical properties, coupled with the ease of synthesis. Electrospinning is a simple and low‐cost technique to prepare the polymer‐based precursors for CNFs, allowing to obtain fibers with a tunable morphology and a diameter in the nanometer range. However, even if electrospun CNFs were intensely studied over the years, in the literature there is a lack of information regarding the optimization of the thermal treatment to prepare bare CNFs with high specific capacitance (C
s). Herein, a systematic study on the optimization of the stabilization and carbonization temperatures for electrospun CNFs prepared from polyacrylonirtile is reported, achieving a maximum C
s of 49 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 in a symmetrical SC device based on 1 m H2SO4 electrolyte. Aspects related to the specific surface area, nitrogen doping, and carbon microstructure are examined concerning the different thermal treatments, allowing to define structure–property–function relationships in these capacitive nanoarchitectures.
Synergistic Dual Photoredox and Chiral Hydrogen Bonding Catalysis: Recent Advances
Authors: Selvakumar Sermadurai
Published: August 2023

In the last two decades, chiral hydrogen bonding catalysis has been enormously utilized to trigger several valuable synthetic transformations. Similarly, modern day radical chemistry has witnessed the potency of visible light photoredox catalysis to generate radicals via single electron transfer pathway. Recently, their cooperative effect has proved to be a key strategy to access many elegant transformations that are only feasible under the synergistic action of these two catalytic systems. This dual catalytic system demonstrates high efficiency for introducing molecular complexity in an enantioselective fashion. In this mini review, we have compiled the most recent development of this dual catalytic system that surfaced in the last three years with particular attention paid to the mechanistic details and its substrate scope. We hope that this mini review will provide readers with a brief overview of the advancement and application of photoredox catalysts and chiral hydrogen bond donors for synergistic dual catalytic reactions.
Getting Parties Ready for Mediation: Recommendations for Federal District Court Local Rules and Websites
Authors: Lande John
Published: August 2023

Courts have strong interests in promoting parties' careful preparation before mediation sessions. In general, if parties are well prepared, the process is likely to achieve the goals of all the stakeholders including parties, attorneys, mediators, and the courts. Parties would be knowledgeable, confident, and assertive so that they can make decisions as well as possible. This generally would increase the likelihood that they will settle their cases and reduce the amount of time that courts spend managing and trying cases.
A Supramolecular Naphthalene Diimide Radical Anion with Efficient NIR‐II Photothermal Conversion for E. coli‐Responsive Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Hu Hao , Zhang Yang‐Yang , Ma He , Yang Yuchong , Mei Shan , Li Jun , Xu Jiang‐Fei , Zhang Xi
Published: August 2023

We report a supramolecular naphthalene diimide (NDI) radical anion with efficient NIR‐II photothermal conversion for E. coli‐responsive photothermal therapy. The supramolecular radical anion (NDI‐2CB[7])⋅−, which is obtained from the E. coli‐induced in situ reduction of NDI‐2CB[7] neutral complex, formed by the host–guest interaction between an NDI derivative and cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]), exhibits unexpectedly strong NIR‐II absorption and remarkable photothermal conversion capacity in aqueous solution. The NIR‐II absorption is caused by the self‐assembly of NDI radical anions to form supramolecular dimer radicals in aqueous solution, which is supported by theoretically predicted spectra. The (NDI‐2CB[7])⋅− demonstrates excellent NIR‐II photothermal antimicrobial activity (>99 %). This work provides a new approach for constructing NIR‐II photothermal agents and non‐contact treatments for bacterial infections.
Promoting CO2 Electroreduction to Multi‐Carbon Products by Hydrophobicity‐Induced Electro‐Kinetic Retardation
Authors: Zhuansun Mengjiao , Liu Yue , Lu Ruihu , Zeng Fan , Xu Zhanyou , Wang Ying , Yang Yaoyue , Wang Ziyun , Zheng Gengfeng , Wang Yuhang
Published: August 2023

Advancing the performance of the Cu‐catalyzed electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) is crucial for its practical applications. Still, the wettable pristine Cu surface often suffers from low exposure to CO2, reducing the Faradaic efficiencies (FEs) and current densities for multi‐carbon (C2+) products. Recent studies have proposed that increasing surface availability for CO2 by cation‐exchange ionomers can enhance the C2+ product formation rates. However, due to the rapid formation and consumption of *CO, such promotion in reaction kinetics can shorten the residence of *CO whose adsorption determines C2+ selectivity, and thus the resulting C2+ FEs remain low. Herein, we discover that the electro‐kinetic retardation caused by the strong hydrophobicity of quaternary ammonium group‐functionalized polynorbornene ionomers can greatly prolong the *CO residence on Cu. This unconventional electro‐kinetic effect is demonstrated by the increased Tafel slopes and the decreased sensitivity of *CO coverage change to potentials. As a result, the strongly hydrophobic Cu electrodes exhibit C2+ Faradaic efficiencies of ≈90 % at a partial current density of 223 mA cm−2, more than twice of bare or hydrophilic Cu surfaces.
Noncovalent Modification of Cycloparaphenylene by Catenane Formation Using an Active Metal Template Strategy**
Authors: Ishibashi Hisayasu , Rondelli Manuel , Shudo Hiroki , Maekawa Takehisa , Ito Hideto , Mizukami Kiichi , Kimizuka Nobuo , Yagi Akiko , Itami Kenichiro
Published: August 2023

The active metal template (AMT) strategy is a powerful tool for the formation of mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs) such as rotaxanes and catenanes, allowing the synthesis of a variety of MIMs, including π‐conjugated and multicomponent macrocycles. Cycloparaphenylene (CPP) is an emerging molecule characterized by its cyclic π‐conjugated structure and unique properties. Therefore, diverse modifications of CPPs are necessary for its wide application. However, most CPP modifications require early stage functionalization and the direct modification of CPPs is very limited. Herein, we report the synthesis of a catenane consisting of [9]CPP and a 2,2′‐bipyridine macrocycle as a new CPP analogue that contains a reliable synthetic scaffold enabling diverse and concise post‐modification. Following the AMT strategy, the [9]CPP‐bipyridine catenane was successfully synthesized through Ni‐mediated aryl‐aryl coupling. Catalytic C−H borylation/cross‐coupling and metal complexation of the bipyridine macrocycle moiety, an effective post‐functionalization method, were also demonstrated with the [9]CPP‐bipyridine catenane. Single‐crystal X‐ray structural analysis revealed that the [9]CPP‐bipyridine catenane forms a tridentated complex with an Ag ion inside the CPP ring. This interaction significantly enhances the phosphorescence lifetime through improved intermolecular interactions.
Combinatorial Screening of Water/Proton Permeation of Self‐Assembled Pillar[5]arene Artificial Water Channel Libraries
Authors: Andrei Iuliana‐Marilena , Strilets Dmytro , Fa Shixin , Baaden Marc , Ogoshi Tomoki , Barboiu Mihail
Published: August 2023

Artificial water channels (AWCs) that selectively transport water and reject ions through bilayer membranes have potential to act as synthetic Aquaporins (AQPs). AWCs can have a similar osmotic permeability, better stability, with simpler manufacture on a larger‐scale and have higher functional density and surface permeability when inserted into the membrane. Here, we report the screening of combinatorial libraries of symmetrical and unsymmetrical rim‐functionalized PAs A–D that are able to transport ca. 107–108 water molecules/s/channel, which is within 1 order of magnitude of AQPs’ and show total ion and proton rejection. Among the four channels, C and D are 3–4 times more water permeable than A and B when inserted in bilayer membranes. The binary combinations of A–D with different molar ratios could be expressed as an independent (linear ABA), a recessive (inhibition AB, AC, DB, ACA), or a dominant (amplification, DBD) behavior of the water net permeation events.
Clinical Evaluation and Management of Thrombotic Microangiopathy
Authors: Leisring Joshua , Brodsky Sergey V. , Parikh Samir V.
Published: August 2023

Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) refers to a diverse group of diseases that share clinical and histopathologic features. TMA is clinically characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, consumptive thrombocytopenia, and organ injury that stems from endothelial damage and vascular occlusion. There are several disease states with distinct pathophysiological mechanisms that manifest as TMA. These conditions are associated with significant morbidity and mortality and require urgent recognition and treatment. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and hemolytic uremic syndrome are traditionally considered to be primary forms of TMA, but TMA more commonly occurs in association with a coexisting condition such as infection, pregnancy, autoimmune disease, or malignant hypertension, among others. Determining the cause of TMA is a diagnostic challenge because of limited availability of disease‐specific testing. However, identifying the underlying etiology is imperative as treatment strategies differ. Our understanding of the conditions that cause TMA is evolving. Recent advances have led to improved comprehension of the varying pathogenic mechanisms that drive TMA. Development of targeted therapeutics has resulted in significant improvements in patient outcomes. In this article, we review the pathogenesis and clinical features of the different TMA‐causing conditions. We outline a practical approach to diagnosis and management and discuss empiric and disease‐specific treatment strategies.
Multimodal Single‐Cell Sequencing of B Cells in Primary Sjögren's Syndrome
Authors: Arvidsson Gustav , Czarnewski Paulo , Johansson Alina , Raine Amanda , Imgenberg‐Kreuz Juliana , Nordlund Jessica , Nordmark Gunnel , Syvänen Ann‐Christine
Published: August 2023

Objective

B cells are important in the pathogenesis of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). Patients positive for Sjögren's syndrome antigen A/Sjögren syndrome antigen B (SSA/SSB) autoantibodies are more prone to systemic disease manifestations and adverse outcomes. We aimed to determine the role of B cell composition, gene expression, and B cell receptor usage in pSS subgroups stratified for SSA/SSB antibodies.

Methods

Over 230,000 B cells were isolated from peripheral blood of patients with pSS (n = 6 SSA−, n = 8 SSA+ single positive and n = 10 SSA/SSB+ double positive) and four healthy controls and processed for single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) and single‐cell variable, diversity, and joining (VDJ) gene sequencing (scVDJ‐seq).

Results

We show that SSA/SSB+ patients present the highest and lowest proportion of naïve and memory B cells, respectively, and the highest up‐regulation of interferon‐induced genes across all B cell subtypes. Differential usage of IGHV showed that IGHV1‐69 and IGHV4‐30‐4 were more often used in all pSS subgroups compared with controls. Memory B cells from SSA/SSB+ patients displayed a higher proportion of cells with unmutated VDJ transcripts compared with other pSS patient groups and controls, indicating altered somatic hypermutation processes. Comparison with previous studies revealed heterogeneous clonotype pools, with little overlap in CDR3 sequences. Joint analysis using scRNA‐seq and scVDJ‐seq data allowed unsupervised stratification of patients with pSS and identified novel parameters that correlated to disease manifestations and antibody status.

Conclusion

We describe heterogeneity and molecular characteristics in B cells from patients with pSS, providing clues to intrinsic differences in B cells that affect the phenotype and outcome and allowing stratification of patients with pSS at improved resolution.
Chinese anatomy educators' perceptions of blended learning in anatomy education: A national survey in the post‐COVID‐19 era
Authors: Cheng Xin , Xu Yiru , Tang Hao , Chan Unman , Li Yun‐Qing , Yang Xuesong
Published: August 2023

Blended learning, which combines face‐to‐face lectures with online learning, has emerged as a suitable teaching approach during the COVID‐19 pandemic. This study used a national survey of anatomy educators in Mainland China to evaluate the changes in the implementation of blended learning in anatomical pedagogy. A total of 297 responses were collected from medical schools across all provinces. Respondents included 167 males and 130 females, with an average age of 44.94 (±8.28) and average of 17.72 (±9.62) years of professional experience. The survey showed adoption of online teaching and assessment by Chinese anatomy educators increased by 32.7% and 46.8%, respectively, compared to pre‐pandemic levels. Perceptions of blended learning outcomes varied, with 32.3% and 37% educators considering it superior and inferior to traditional teaching, respectively. Faculty training programs related to blended learning increased significantly, fostering a collaborative learning environment; however, challenges remained in achieving satisfactory online assessment outcomes. Anatomy educators' attitudes reflected a strong preference for classroom learning (4.941 ± 0.856) and recognition of the importance of relevant technology (4.483 ± 0.954), whereas online learning received lower acceptance (4.078 ± 0.734). Female anatomy teachers demonstrated effective time management in online teaching. Meanwhile, educators with over 15 years of experience encountered difficulties with relevant technology, consistent with negative attitudes toward blended learning. Overall, this survey highlights the persistent challenges in implementing blended learning in anatomy education and provides insights for enhancing the pedagogical model in the post‐COVID‐19 era.
Effect of Synthetic Methodology on the Physicochemical Attributes and Electrocatalytic Activity of NiAl‐LDHs for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Hanif Aamir , Khan M. Yusuf , Ehsan M. Ali , Helal Aasif , Abdul Aziz M. , Khan Abuzar
Published: August 2023

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are promising materials for oxygen evolution reactions (OERs), a key component of water splitting to produce hydrogen and oxygen via water electrolysis. However, the performance of LDHs can be limited by their low surface area and poor accessibility of active sites. In this work, we synthesized highly exfoliated 2D NiAl‐LDHs by aqueous miscible solvent treatment method (AMOST) and compared its electrocatalytic efficiency with its analogue synthesised via slow urea hydrolysis. We demonstrate that the exfoliated 2D LDHs prepared by AMOST method have a higher surface area and more active sites than the crystalline LDHs obtained through urea hydrolysis, resulting in a superior OER activity and efficiency. The exfoliated 2D LDHs required a lower overpotential of 280 mV to reach a current density of 50 mA cm−2 and it also outperformed IrO2, a benchmark OER catalyst, in terms of overpotential and stability. We demonstrate that the physicochemical properties of nanosheets derived from NIAl‐LDH‐based materials are strongly influenced by the synthetic methodology, which affects the exfoliation degree, surface area and active site density. These factors are crucial for improving the OER catalytic performance of these materials, as shown by our results.
Evaluation of Asymmetric Flow Rates for Better Performance Vanadium Redox Flow Battery
Authors: Fetyan Abdulmonem , Bamgbopa Musbaudeen O. , Andisetiawan Anugrah , Alhammadi Ayoob , Susantyoko Rahmat A.
Published: August 2023

Electrolyte imbalance caused by water and ion crossover is one of the main factors affecting the capacity of vanadium redox flow battery system over cycling. Ion crossover and the associated water transfer towards the positive half‐cell is mainly caused by the transfer of the vanadium ions, its bounded water and the water driven by osmosis. The different viscosity of the vanadium (III) ions in the negative half‐cell builds inconsistent pressure profiles at both half‐cells during charge‐discharge cycling and therefore magnifies ions and water transfer tendency. To mitigate the effect of electrolyte imbalance, herein we report an experimental study on the effect of using asymmetric flow rates in the negative and positive half‐cells. Over different current densities of 50, 100, and 150 mA cm−2, the use of one magnitude flow factor lower in the negative half‐cell and one magnitude flow factor higher in the positive half‐cell is superior to the symmetric flow rates on reducing electrolyte imbalance and subsequently, improving the capacity retention. At 100 mA cm−2, a gain of 5 % in discharge capacity coupled with energy efficiency improvement of around 3 % is achieved using a cell with asymmetric flow rates compared to a cell with the symmetric flow rates after 50 cycles. Low magnitude of flow rate asymmetry can sufficiently compensate for the half‐cells pressures imbalance, higher increment in flow rate asymmetry showed that positive‐to‐negative crossover become more favourable.
Evaluating two iterations of a paired stimulus preference assessment
Authors: MacNaul Hannah , Nguyen Anh , Wilson Shannon , Cividini‐Motta Catia , Mandel Natalie
Published: August 2023

The paired stimulus preference assessment (PSPA) is commonly used in both research and practice. However, two iterations have been described: a single‐presentation arrangement in which each tested stimulus is paired with one another once and a double‐presentation arrangement in which each tested stimulus is paired twice with counterbalanced placement. Each arrangement may have different advantages; however, no direct comparison exists. Thus, the purpose of the current study was to conduct both PSPA iterations to determine whether there are differences in the results obtained and which iteration was most efficient regarding time to administer. Seven participants were included, and results demonstrated high degrees of correspondence across preference assessment formats. The average time to administer the single‐presentation PSPA (M =6.6 min) was almost half the time to administer a double‐presentation PSPA (M =12.9 min), and no significant differences were observed for problem behavior, side biases, or latency to stimulus selection.
Personalising monitoring for chemotherapy patients through predicting deterioration in renal and hepatic function
Authors: Chambers Pinkie , Watson Matthew , Bridgewater John , Forster Martin D. , Roylance Rebecca , Burgoyne Rebecca , Masento Sebastian , Steventon Luke , Harmsworth King James , Duncan Nick , al Moubayed Noura
Published: August 2023

Background

In those receiving chemotherapy, renal and hepatic dysfunction can increase the risk of toxicity and should therefore be monitored. We aimed to develop a machine learning model to identify those patients that need closer monitoring, enabling a safer and more efficient service.

Methods

We used retrospective data from a large academic hospital, for patients treated with chemotherapy for breast cancer, colorectal cancer and diffuse‐large B‐cell lymphoma, to train and validate a Multi‐Layer Perceptrons (MLP) model to predict the outcomes of unacceptable rises in bilirubin or creatinine. To assess the performance of the model, validation was performed using patient data from a separate, independent hospital using the same variables. Using this dataset, we evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of the model.

Results

1214 patients in total were identified. The training set had almost perfect sensitivity and specificity of >0.95; the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.99 (95% CI 0.98–1.00) for creatinine and 0.97 (95% CI: 0.95–0.99) for bilirubin. The validation set had good sensitivity (creatinine: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.55–0.64, bilirubin: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.52–0.56), and specificity (creatinine 0.98, 95% CI: 0.96–0.99, bilirubin 0.90, 95% CI: 0.87–0.94) and area under the curve (creatinine: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.70, 0.82, bilirubin 0.72, 95% CI: 0.68–0.76).

Conclusions

We have demonstrated that a MLP model can be used to reduce the number of blood tests required for some patients at low risk of organ dysfunction, whilst improving safety for others at high risk.
Molecular Docking‐Based Identification of Potential Natural Neuroprotective Molecules for Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Bhadauriya Poonam , Varshney Vibhav , Goyal Ahsas
Published: August 2023

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common progressive neurodegenerative and the prevailing treatments are ineffective in the early stages of the disease. Therefore, other strategies must be devised to halt the steady decrease of dopaminergic neurons in the brain. In Parkinson's disease, a dysregulated ACE/Ang II/AT1R axis in the brain causes free radical damage, apoptosis, and neuronal destruction. Current PD treatments only alleviate symptoms and do not reverse the degradation mechanism of dopaminergic neurons. As a result, it is critical to discover alternate, dependable medicines for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Method: In the present study, homology modelling of MAS receptor, in silico docking and molecular dynamic studies (MDS) were employed to determine the efficacy of flavonoids as MASR activators. Result: The flavonoids Pterosupin and Amentoflavone exhibited best binding and therefore, the stability of these complexes were evaluated with MDS studies. The Pterosupin‐MASR complex demonstrated better stability, stronger interactions and minimal fluctuation than the Amentoflavone‐MASR complex. Conclusion: The data from the present study indicated that the flavonoid Pterosupin possesses better binding, favourable pharmacokinetic properties and stability. However, subsequent in vitro and in vivo assessments are necessary to validate its efficacy.
Construction of [NbO]6−x‐xS Structure to Change Charge Density and Regulate Spontaneous Polarization to Achieve Efficient Pyro‐Photo‐Electric Water Splitting System of NaNbO3
Authors: Li Tianhao , Ruan Mengnan , Guo Zhengang , Wang Chengyi , Liu Zhifeng
Published: August 2023

Pyroelectric materials in the field of photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting still face the problems of difficult low spontaneous polarization intensity and excessive carrier recombination. Based on the above problems, we altered the interaction between S−Nb−S in the [NbO]6−x‐xS structure, and the constructed [NbO]6−x‐xS structure achieved the regulation of charge density change and spontaneous polarization. The results show that under the stimulation of light and temperature fluctuations, the current density of the NS‐4 photoanode is as high as 0.574 mA/cm2 at 1.23 VRHE, which is about 1.59 times higher than the pure NaNbO3 current density value, and the NS −4 photoanode achieves IPCE value of 16.08 %. The first‐principles density‐functional theory calculations (DFT) reveal the principle of the [NbO]6−x‐xS structure for the suppression function of the carrier recombination and the improvement function of the pyroelectric effect. The analysis shows that the S‐doping leads to the weakening of S−Nb−S interactions in the [NbO]6−x‐xS structure, which improves the pyroelectric effect and suppresses the photo/pyro‐generated carrier recombination, and effectively enhances the performance of the pyro‐photo‐electric synergistic water splitting system. This work promotes the development of pyroelectric materials in the field of photoelectrochemical water splitting.
Thick Active‐Layer Organic Solar Cells†
Authors: Liu Zesheng , Li Tengfei , Lin Yuze
Published: August 2023

Comprehensive Summary

Organic solar cells (OSCs) present a promising renewable energy technology due to their cost‐effectiveness, adaptability, and lightweight nature. The advent of non‐fullerene acceptors has further boosted their significance, allowing for power conversion efficiencies surpassing 19% even with an active layer thickness of about 100 nm. However, in order to achieve large scale production, it is necessary to fabricate OSCs with thicker active layers exceeding 300 nm that are compatible with large‐area printing techniques. Nevertheless, OSCs with thick active layers have inferior performance compared to those with thin active layers. To expedite the transition of OSCs from laboratory to industrial high‐throughput manufacturing, considerable efforts have been made to comprehend the performance limitations of thick active‐layer OSCs, develop novel photoactive materials that are high‐performance and tolerant towards the thickness of the active layer, and optimize the morphology of the photoactive layer and device structure. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the mechanisms that lead to efficiency loss in thick active‐layer OSCs, the representative works on molecular design, and the optimization strategies for high‐performance thick active‐layer OSCs, and the remaining challenges that must be addressed.
Translational practice of fluorescence in situ hybridisation to identify neuroblastic tumours with TERT rearrangements
Authors: Yu Yongbo , Zhang Meng , Yao Xingfeng , Guan Xiaoxing , Jia Chao , Chu Ping , Zhang Ruqian , Yang Yeran , Jin Yaqiong , Wang Huanmin , Ni Xin , He Lejian , Guo Yongli
Published: August 2023

Recently, telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene rearrangements have been identified in neuroblastoma (NB), the typical pathological type of neuroblastic tumours (NTs); however, the prevalence of TERT rearrangements in other types of NT remains unknown. This study aimed to develop a practical method for detecting TERT defects and to evaluate the clinical relevance of TERT rearrangements as a biomarker for NT prognosis. A TERT break‐apart probe for fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) was designed, optimised, and applied to assess the genomic status of TERT in Chinese children with NTs at the Beijing Children's Hospital from 2016 to 2019. Clinical, histological, and genetic characteristics of TERT‐rearranged NTs were further addressed. Genomic TERT rearrangements could be effectively detected by FISH and were mutually exclusive with MYCN amplification. TERT rearrangements were identified in 6.0% (38/633) of NTs overall, but 12.4% (31/250) in high‐risk patients. TERT rearrangements identified a subtype of aggressive NTs with the characteristics of Stage 3/4, high‐risk category, over 18 months old, and presenting all histological subtypes of NB and ganglioneuroblastoma nodular. Moreover, TERT rearrangements were significantly associated with elevated TERT expression levels and decreased survival chances. Multivariable analysis confirmed that it was an independent prognostic marker for NTs. FISH is an easily applicable method for evaluating TERT defects, which define a subgroup of NTs with unfavourable prognosis. TERT rearrangements would contribute to characterising NT molecular signatures in clinical practice.
Diaschisis in the human brain reveals specificity of cerebrocerebellar connections
Authors: Guell Xavier , Schmahmann Jeremy D.
Published: August 2023

Anatomical studies in animals and imaging studies in humans show that cerebral sensorimotor areas map onto corresponding cerebellar sensorimotor areas and that cerebral association areas map onto cerebellar posterior lobe regions designated as the representation of the association (cognitive and limbic) cerebellum. We report a patient with unilateral left hemispheric status epilepticus, whose brain MRI revealed diffuse unihemispheric cerebral cortical FLAIR and diffusion signal hyperintensity but spared primary motor, somatosensory, visual, and to lesser extent auditory cerebral cortices. Crossed cerebellar diaschisis (dysfunction at a site remote from, but connected to, the location of the primary lesion) showed signal hyperintensity in the right cerebellar posterior lobe and lobule IX, with sparing of the anterior lobe, and lobule VIII. This unique topographic pattern of involvement and sparing of cerebral and cerebellar cortical areas matches the anatomical and functional connectivity specialization in the cerebrocerebellar circuit. This first demonstration of within‐hemispheric specificity in the areas affected and spared by cerebrocerebellar diaschisis provides further confirmation in the human brain for topographic organization of connections between the cerebral hemispheres and the cerebellum.