bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gemcitabine Plus Vinorelbine for Refractory or Relapsing Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: Response Rate and Survival
Authors: Abd Elbary Sally Hamdy Elsied , Saed Wael Mansour , Hussein Fatma Zakaria , Barakat Ashraf fathy
Published: December 2021

Background: Two chemotherapeutic agents, vinorelbine and gemcitabine, have shown encouraging early results in the treatment of heavily pre-treated relapsed or refractory lymphoma when used as single agents, with responses of between 20 and 47%. This work aimed to evaluate the role of gemcitabine and vinorelbine in the treatment of relapsed and /or refractory aggressive Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) as regard response rate, survival analysis.

Methods: This prospective study was conducted on 20 patients who had relapsed and /or refractory NHL and treated with a minimum follow of 6 months. All patients were subjected to full clinical examination, laboratory and radiological study. Vinorelbine, Gemcitabine, dexamethasone, filgrastim (VGF) was administrated, On days 1 and 8, patients received vinorelbine 25 mg/m2, Gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 and Dexamethasone 16mg/m2 I.V, On day 9, they received peg-filgrastim 6 mg subcutaneously, Patients received 4 cycles of VGF, Assessment was performed after 4th cycle of treatment and according to response during follow up period, the patient received 2 more cycles with minimum follow up 6 months and/or PET-CT was done in all patients to evaluate response rate.

Results: Regarding status; 60 % of patients were relapsed and 40% of them were refractory. Regarding line therapy: all patients were treated with 1st line protocol of Rituxan/Rituximab-Cyclophosphamide-Hydroxydaunorubicin-Oncovin-Prednisone regimen (R-CHOP), and 4 of them had been treated with 2nd line chemotherapy of Ifosfamide, Cisplatin or Carboplatin, and Etoposide (ICE). So 80% of patients received VGF chemotherapy as 2nd line, while 20% of them received it as the 3rd line. And there was no statistical difference between relapsed and refractory groups regarding lines of VGF chemotherapy. Regarding the toxicity of VGF (toxicity criteria as defined by Chesson and WHO); 50% of patients complicated with grade III anaemia, 50% of patients complicated with grade III neutropenia, 60% of patients complicated with grade III thrombocytopenia, 20% of patients complicated with grade II GIT upset, 40% of patients complicated grade II thrombophlebitis and 40% of patients complicated with grade II neurotoxicity.

Conclusions: VGF shows substantial activity in relapsed or refractory aggressive NHL. The regimen is generally well-tolerated, but haematological toxicity is common.
Summary of Research on Magnetic Fluid and Its Inclination Sensor
Authors: Xiangdong Kong , Shaojie Yang , Xueyu Mu
Published: December 2021

Magnetic fluid is a multifunctional new fluid material. Because of its combination of magnetism and fluidity, it has an irreplaceable role in many occasions.The application of magnetic fluid in the sensor field is not yet mature, but with the continuous attempts of researchers, the huge potential of magnetic fluid in this field has been explored.This paper mainly introduces the application of magnetic fluid in the field of sensor, and briefly introduces the characteristics and manufacturing method of magnetic fluid.The principle of the magnetic fluid inclination sensor is introduced emphatically, and the magnetic fluid inclination sensor is classified according to the different restriction methods of the magnetic fluid.Pointed out the gap between the research directions of magnetic fluid inclination sensors at home and abroad, as well as the problems existing in research and development, and prospects for future innovation in this field.
Psychosocial Features for Identifying Hate Speech in Social Media Text
Authors: Ombui Edward , Muchemi Lawrence , Wagacha Peter
Published: December 2021

This study uses natural language processing to identify hate speech in social media codeswitched text. It trains nine models and tests their predictiveness in recognizing hate speech in a 50k human-annotated dataset. The article proposes a novel hierarchical approach that leverages Latent Dirichlet Analysis to develop topic models that assist build a high-level Psychosocial feature set we call PDC. PDC organizes words into word families, which helps capture codeswitching during preprocessing for supervised learning models. Informed by the duplex theory of hate, the PDC features are based on a hate speech annotation framework. Frequency-based models employing the PDC feature on tweets from the 2012 and 2017 Kenyan presidential elections yielded an f-score of 83 percent (precision: 81 percent, recall: 85 percent) in recognizing hate speech. The study is notable because it publicly exposes a rich codeswitched dataset for comparative studies. Second, it describes how to create a novel PDC feature set to detect subtle types of hate speech hidden in codeswitched data that previous approaches could not detect.
Platelet Indices as Indicator of Diabetic Nephropathy among Patients Attending a Tertiary Care Centre in South-India
Authors: Rabeek Jainulavudeen Mohamed , Shanthi B. , Anton Mary Chandrika
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus, a chronic metabolic disease affects various organs of the body on a long-term basis. Studies have been conducted on different aspects of the disease, to understand its complications and to detect them earlier to avoid irreversible damage like nephropathy.

Aim: The study aims at comparing platelet indices like Plateletcrit (PCT), Platelet Distribution Width (PDW) and Mean Platelet Volume (MPV), with serum creatinine among diabetes, prediabetes patients and non-diabetes controls, to understand the association of the platelet indices and creatinine, an indicator of renal damage.

Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study conducted over a period of three months involved 30 non-diabetic controls with normal HbA1c, 30 diabetics and 30 prediabetic subjects, of age group 18-35 years. The groups were classified based on their HbA1c concentration. The blood samples were analyzed for parameters PCT, PDW, MPV, creatinine and HbA1c by their respective methods. The study will guide in understanding the role of platelets in pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy.

Results: Platelet indices like Plateletcrit (PCT), Platelet Distribution Width (PDW) and Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) were found to be increased in diabetics and 30 prediabetic subjects than the non-diabetics. The Platelet indices were also correlating with the serum creatinine levels of the three study groups.

Conclusion: There is a positive association between the Platelet indices and creatinine, in patients with pre-diabetes and diabetes who have the risk of progression to diabetic nephropathy. Hence, the Platelet indices shall be included as early and cost-effective biomarkers of diabetic nephropathy.
Response Surface Methodology Driven Systematic Development of a Stability- indicating RP-UPLC Method for the Quantification of Aliskiren: A Renin Inhibitor
Authors: Jena Bikash Ranjan , Rao G. S. N. Koteswara , Alavala Rajasekhar Reddy , Desu Prasanna Kumar , Chakravarthi G. , Swain Suryakanta , Pradhan Debi Prasad , Niharika P.
Published: December 2021

Aims: The current study envisages experimental design enabled rapid, sensitive, and stability-indicating RP-UPLC method to quantify Aliskiren in its pharmaceutical formulations.

Study Design: Box-Benkhen experimental Design using Response surface methodology.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Analytical Research and Development, Brawn laboratories ltd., Gurugram, India, and Department of Pharmacy KL College Pharmacy, KL Deemed to be University, Vaddesearam, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, between May 2021 and September 2021.

Methodology: The chromatographic partitioning was achieved on a Waters Acuity H class UPLC system, with BEH 130οA, C18 column (100 x 2.1 mm,1.7 μm) having isocratic elution containing (50:50 %v/v) of 0.2% Glacial acetic acid (GAA) : acetonitrile, at constant flow rate using PDA detection. The optimum conditions were delineated, selecting three influential factors (CMPs), i.e., mobile phase composition, flow rate, and injection volume. Systematic optimization was accomplished by 32 Box-Benkhen design using response surface methodology (RSM).

Results: The selected variables are evaluated for obtained responses (CAAs), i.e., peak area, retention time (Rt), USP Plate count. The final optimized method employed, organic phase composition 0.2 % GAA (pH 3.0) and acetonitrile 50:50 (% v/v) with 0.3 mL min-1 flow rate. The injection volume was maintained as 2μL with 2 minutes run time and λmax 280 nm.

Conclusion: The method was linear for 5-300 ppm, with regression co-efficient (R2) 0.9995. As per ICH guidelines, forced degradation studies were carried out to analyse the stability profile of drug. The short Rt 1.214, minute implies superior robustness, sensitivity, and cost-effectiveness for routine analysis. The results exhibited that RSM approach of QbD will be competently used to optimize the RP-UPLC method with fewer experimental trials and error-free investigation.
Role of Organic Growth Supplement In vitro Multiplication of Orchid Species- A Review
Authors: Momtaj Sohana , Sushma . , Kaur Saranjeet
Published: December 2021

The main purpose of this article is to review role of several organic growth additives such Apple juice, coconut water (CW), maize extract, banana homogenate (BH), peptone and protocorms etc which stimulate the multiplication rate of various orchid species in in vitro multiplication. These organic growth supplements help to increase the number of shoots, root and leaf in culture medium. In many orchid tissue culture, organic growth supplements, which are the most essential medium aspect to stimulate tissue growth, production and facilitate the regeneration of shoot. The banana homogenate (BH) had the highest rate of regeneration and root developments. The use of organic growth supplements resulted in increased regeneration, the creation of more shoots and the development of fresh plantlets. Amino acids, proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates and various types of organic compounds are present in these growth supplements. These components have the potential to play a significant role in the development and creation of culture. Now more research is needed to figure out which factors are responsible for the organic additives’ promoter effect.
Evaluation of Comparative Efficacy of Jyotishmati (Celastrus paniculatus Wild) and Yastimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn) in Enhancing IQ and Memory of Different Prakriti School Going Children-A Study Protocol of Double Blind Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Japang Ibamedabha , Rathi Renu , Rathi Bharat , Verma Jitesh , Pandey V. B.
Published: December 2021

Background: Education plays a major role in life, whereas lack of intelligence, learning, and memory will lead to failure in school performance and school dropout. Medhya drugs are used frequently to enhance the memory and IQ in children. Jyotishmati and Yashtimadhu are medhya (IQ-enhancing & memory-booster) drugs, described in numerous classical texts of Ayurveda. However, comparative efficacy and randomized trials on various prakriti types have not been studied. Thus, to assess the comparative efficacy of Jyotishmati in enhancing IQ and memory in relation to Yastimadhu as standard control, this research has been planned.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Jyotishmati on IQ and memory, and compare the efficacy with that of Yastimadhu in children with different prakriti types.

Methodology: It will be conducted on healthy school-age children of 8-13 years, recruited from CBSE schools near Mahatma Gandhi Ayurved College, Hospital and Research Centre, Salod, Wardha. The study will be a randomized, standard-controlled, double-blind, parallel group clinical study. All participants will be randomly divided into two groups, each of 30 individuals; each group is subdivided into three subgroups of 10 individuals each. One group will be given Jyotishmati while the other will be given Yastimadhu, both in granule form. IQ assessment will be done by using the Draw a Man test and the PGI memory scale for memory assessment.

Expected Results: This study will validate the efficacy of Jyotishmati and Yastimadhuin enhancing IQ and memory, and it will give detailed information about their efficacy in different Prakriti dominantchildren.

Conclusion: This study will provide unique information to increase awareness of the administration of Medhya drugs according to Prakriti, as well as knowledge about which drug is best for improving either IQ or memory, or both.
Improving the Effectiveness of Therapeutic Measures for Generalized Periodontitis in Patients with Hypertension
Authors: Serekova Alina Alexandrovna , Dzgoeva Madina Georgievna , Dzgoeva Zalina Georgievna , Kokoev Azamat Borisovich , Kanukova Larisa Stanisla vovna , Farnieva Olga Alexandrovna
Published: December 2021

The program of standard therapeutic measures in 45 patients with Generalized Chronic Periodontitis (GCP) and background hypertension, group I(a), included hirudotherapy, for comparison, the effectiveness of traditional treatment was evaluated in 40 patients, group I(b), who refused to use medical leeches. In the second comparison group (35 patients), patients with GCP, but normal blood pressure, also received only a set of traditional methods of treatment. The inclusion of hirudotherapy in the program of therapeutic measures in patients with GCP and hypertension makes it possible to optimize the onset of a persistent therapeutic effect, lengthen the period of remission of the pathological process in periodontal disease and significantly improves the quality of life of patients.
Anti-Parkinsonian Activity of Ganoderma Lucidum in Experimentally Induced Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Aslam Sana , Aslam Muhammad , Kauser Hania , Naqvi Sara
Published: December 2021

Background: Parkinson's illness has been proclaimed as the second most neurodegenerative problem on the planet. Ganoderma lucidum is considered as a genuine restorative mushroom.

Aim: Our study was directed to assess the antiparkinsonian action of Ganoderma lucidum in rotenone-incited Parkinson’s disease in male Wistar rodents.

Methods: The impacts of Ganoderma lucidum were concentrated on catalepsy, muscle rigidity.

Results: Ganoderma lucidum fundamentally decreased the expanded length of catalepsy. Rotenone essentially initiated the disturbance of motor neurons as demonstrated by muscle rigidity of muscles and decreased locomotion. Ganoderma lucidum alleviated the disturbance of motor neurons by rotarod execution and locomotor action of the creatures. The exercises of cell reinforcement proteins catalase and superoxide dismutase, and the level of tripeptide glutathione were essentially diminished by rotenone. Besides, rotenone extended the level of lipid peroxidation thing malondialdehyde. Notwithstanding, Ganoderma lucidum supplementation to rotenone-infused rats essentially extended the degrees of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione, and diminished the level of malondialdehyde

Conclusion: Our study firmly supports the notion that Ganoderma lucidum has neuroprotective and antiparkinsonian action.
Synthesis, Characterization and Evaluation of Antidiabetic Activity of Novel Pyrazoline Fused Indole Derivatives
Authors: Vaddiraju Nagesh , Ajitha M. , Rajnarayana K.
Published: December 2021

The primary purpose of this research work is to synthesize, characterize and biological evaluation of novel pyrazoline fused indole derivatives lead to creating a new molecular frame work.

Methodology: In the present study, the new series of novel pyrazoline fused indole derivatives were synthesized from from indole and substituted acetophenone by the 4 step process. In the first step indole and dimethyl formamide were coupled by using phosphorous oxychloride and NaOH to prepare the compound 1 Indole-3-aldehyde. In the second step compound 1 was condensed with substituted aetophenone to synthesis the compound 2 chalcones (a-h). In the third step chalcones 2(a-h) were coupled with semicarbazide or thiosemicarbazide to synthesis the compound 3(a-p). In the final step compound 3(a-p) were coupled with indole-3-aldehyde to prepare the final product of R-substitutedN-((1H-indol-3-yl)methylene)-5-(1H-indol-3-yl)-3-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole-1-carboxamide and R-substitutedN-((1H-indol-3-yl)methylene)-5-(1H-indol-3-yl)-3-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole-1-carbothioamide 4(a-p).

Results: The chemical structures of the synthesized compounds were characterized by means of IR, Mass and NMR spectroscopy. The compounds were screened for anti-diabetic activity by In-vitro and In-vivo methods. In In-vivo method 4a, 4m have exhibited moderate anti-diabetic activity as that of standard drug, glibenclamide. In In-vitro method 4a, 4e & 4m have shows moderate anti-diabetic activity as that of reference standard, acarbose.

Conclusion: The synthesized novel pyrazoline fused indole derivatives have moderate antidiabetic activity as that of standard drug by In-vitro and In-vivo methods. These compounds can be further exploited to get the potent lead compound.
Corn (Zea mays) as a Nutrient Source and Diet: A Review
Authors: Mishra Mansi , Sushma . , Sharma Reena
Published: December 2021

Maize is also known as corn; it is a cereal. It is a member of Poaceae family which is a grass family. Maize originated 55 to 70 million year ago in central America. By seeing phylogenetic tree of grass species related to maize, it can be conclude that there is no direct ancestor of maize. The closest ancestor of maize are teosintes. Maize contains many phytochemical-like phystosterols, carotenoids and many other phenolic compounds. Maize also helps while reliving anti-HIV activity; this takes place due to the presence of Galanthus Nivalis Agglutinin (GNA) lectin. Maize is the great source of essential fatty assets. The maize cob and the root leaves of it are used to treat problem related to bladder, Nausea, vomiting. The endosperm of maize contains an alcohol solution prolamine called Zein, Which has a great role in pharmaceutical industry. Maize also contains resistant starch which reduces cancer-cecal, atherosclerosis and obesity related issues.
Correlation of Anthropometry of Hand with Wrist Extensor Strength in Normal Asymptomatic Individuals
Authors: Shaikh Sana Afreen , Qureshi Mohammed Irshad , Kovela Rakesh Krishna
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Measurement of hand grip strength is the basic criteria for the evaluation of hand structure and function. The human hand serves various dynamic purposes in day to day activities of an individual. Infact, the entire upper limb is functional because of the hand. This study was carried out to find out if there is any relation between the anthropometric measurements of the hand and the wrist extensor strength of Indian adults.

Methodology: A data was collected of 75 individuals with no pathological abnormalities from Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital, Sawangi Meghe, Wardha. The consent of all the individuals was taken and they were informed about the procedure. The individuals were evaluated for wrist extensor strength by using a hand-held dynamometer. Also, the hand measurements such as hand length and width using a measuring tape.

Results: The average wrist extensor strength of the right hand of the individuals was found to be more than that of the left hand. The length of both the hands was almost equal while the width of the left hand was greater than the right hand.

Conclusion: There is a slight positive Correlation between the average wrist extensor strength and the length and width of the hand which can play a vital role in the rehabilitation process.
Relationship between Anaemia during Pregnancy and Postpartum Haemorrhage: A Case from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Abousada Hoda Jehad , Al-Khify Hanyah Abdulhadi , Murad Manal Abdulaziz , Alshareef Hala Hashem , Banaja Layan Hammam , Aljehani Feras Fahad , Alsoliman Rahaf Mohammed , Bardi Amani Fouad , Albishi Roaa Ibrahim , Alsharif Ola Hassan , Alsaeedi Nashwa Nasser , Alsaiari Jamilah sulaiman , Alshehri Mohammed Hassan , Asiri Mohammed Ahmed , Sulimani Sanaa Hussein
Published: December 2021

Background: Anemia during pregnancy is an important cause of morbidity and mortality among postpartum women. The main reason for the condition is dietary Iron deficiency and the most common type of anemia found in women during pregnancy is iron deficiency anemia. Among many complications, postpartum hemorrhage is a problem linked with anemia during pregnancy. In Saudi Arabia, pregnancy and postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is not common but still, cases are reported. The present study aimed to determine its prevalence in population and to see its relationship with anemia during pregnancy.

Methods: It was an analytical cross-sectional study in which the data was collected from women using properly designed questionnaires. The study population was women who got pregnant and delivered in main hospitals of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The data of respondents for demographical and clinical variables were collected and analyzed using SPSS using appropriate statistical tests.

Results: 600 participants responded to the questionnaire. The mean age was 26.32 years. The prevalence of PPH among studied population was 11.9%. Anemia during pregnancy was found to be positively associated with PPH with the p value of 0.0039. Smoking history was also correlated with PPH. There was no strong association between age and increase risk of PPH.

Conclusion: This study concluded that PPH is not common in Saudi Arabia. There is a moderate association of anemia during pregnancy and PPH. Smoking is also a positive predictor for PPH. There are some limitations in the study so there is a need of large-scale study to confirm the findings in the population.
Design, Synthesis and Biological Assessment of Thiazole Derivatives as Possible Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Isha . , Sachan Neetu
Published: December 2021

Aims: To synthesize thiazole derivatives and evaluate their therapeutic potential to continue our quest for new antibacterial and antioxidant drugs.

Place and Duration of Study: Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, between January 2021 and July 2021.

Methodology: The target compounds in this investigation were synthesized in the search for new molecules having antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Physicochemical and spectroanalytical studies validated the derivatives molecular structures. Antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the synthesized molecules were evaluated in vitro using the DPPH and tube dilution methods, respectively.

Results: The majority of the synthesized derivatives displayed antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. The efficacy of the derivatives varied based upon the substituent. Compound 7c exhibited significant antioxidant and antibacterial activity, according to the results of the study.

Conclusion: Our results showed the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of novel thiazole compounds, implying the probability of their utilization in the development of new therapeutics.
Emerging Echinocandin Resistance – A Review
Authors: Sneka P. , Krishnan Mahalakshmi , Sangamithra V.
Published: December 2021

Worldwide there is a steady increase in the number of fungal infections each year. Simultaneously, there is a high rise of antifungal resistance among the Candida isolates. This has now become a major concern in hospitalized patients resulting in poor treatment outcome. Echinocandins, a new group of antifungals has given promising results inspite of its increasing rate of resistance exhibited by some Candida species.
A Structured Teaching Programme on the Knowledge and Levels of Nomophobia and its Prevention among the Selected Colleges of Surendernagar District of Gujarat
Authors: Joe Binu , Linson C. C.
Published: December 2021

The prevalence of nomophobia is very high among adolescents. Adolescents need to be aware of the new disease which have come across through the over usage of mobile phone. Nowadays it is very easy to convey our feelings and messages in the remote corners of the world through the use of mobile phone technology. The communication through the mobile phone is very simple and is basics of all relations. Mobile technology helps the people to transfer the message form one person to another within short period of time. Based on this the present study was carried to assess the effectiveness of structured teaching programme on the knowledge and prevalence level of nomophobia among the selected colleges of Surendernagar district of Gujarat. Pre-experimental study was carried out among college students with one group pre test and post test was used to find out the findings of the study. The purposive sampling technique was used to carry out this study. 50 College students were selected from different college of C.U. Shah University. Data was collected with the help of structured demographic questionnaire and the structured knowledge questionnaire. Pre test was conducted on the first day and on the same day teaching programme was given to the students and the effectiveness of the teaching programme was checked on the eighth day. The overall test knowledge score was to be 43.4% where the overall post test knowledge score was found to be 85.5% which was to be very significant. An association was also carried to find out the significance of the socio demographic characteristics on the knowledge score.
A Review of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education in India
Authors: Kaleem Shahid , Akhtar S. M. Jawed
Published: December 2021

It is evidenced that country which has a large number of the educated and skilled labour force has a higher potential to lead others in economic development. So, it can be said that the education increases the productivity of the population in general and of the labour force in particular, leading to increase in individual earnings or wages and as a result, contributing to economic growth. Secondary and higher secondary educated population as a labour force are trainable and adjusted as the requirements of the world-wide market. Secondary education now is the single largest provider of working people in all spheres of national productivity. This paper highlights the growth of secondary and higher secondary education of the country and examines the current problems and challenges related to secondary educational system in India. It has been found that the total number of students enrolled in and gross enrolment ratio of secondary education and higher secondary education reflect increasing trends over the period. It is found that there has been an improvement in gender parity, particularly at concerned education level shown by GPI. Although, the progress has been made in the secondary and higher secondary sector of education, the rate of progress does not correspond with the pace of requirement.
Hypotheses Testing: Capital Flight and Human Development Index in Nigeria
Authors: Uzoma Makwe Emmanuel , N. Gbosi Augustus , A. Gbanador Clever
Published: December 2021

This study examined Capital Flight and human development index in Nigerian. Capital Flight was proxied by foreign direct investment abroad, external debt servicing, external reserves and capital and financial account deficits. Based on the study objectives, relevant literature were reviewed and evaluated. Relevant data were extracted from the annual Statistical Bulletin of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the National Bureau of Statistics. Unit root test was conducted using Augmented Dickey Fuller method which revealed that the variables were integrated at level and first difference: necessitating the use of autoregressive distributive lag/bonds test to explore the long run relationship existing among the variables in the model and the result showed that the variables in the model were co-integrated thus we proceeded in evaluating the long run as well as the co-integrating form in the model. From the result of the various tests, it was revealed that capital and financial account deficit, external debt servicing and external reserve were positively related to human development index while foreign direct investment outflows was negatively related to human development index. Also, capital and financial account deficit, external reserve and foreign direct investment outflow were significant while external debt servicing was not significant. Based on the findings from the analysis, the study recommended amongst others, that external debt acquired should be judiciously used for infrastructural development that would encourage investments which would ultimately bring about economic growth as well as enhance human development in Nigeria.
A Toolbox of Reference Electrodes for Lithium Batteries
Authors: Xiao Ye , Xu Rui , Yan Chong , Huang Jia‐Qi , Zhang Qiang , Ouyang Minggao
Published: December 2021

Electrochemical energy storage systems play an increasingly important role in our daily lives. The detection/estimation of the state of electrochemical cells is therefore a prerequisite for the development of safe, high‐performance batteries. Reference electrodes (REs) are an effective tool for monitoring the status of batteries and are of critical significance in this field. However, the practical construction of a durable RE for long‐term research and industrial applications is still challenging. In this article, the fundamental principles of a three‐electrode system featuring the presence of REs are elucidated. The design parameters of REs in lithium batteries, including active materials, manufacturing, geometry, and placement, are comprehensively summarized, and the typical applications of REs in practical lithium‐ion batteries to facilitate working/failure mechanism analysis and methods to monitor Li plating are analyzed. Finally, the challenges and future trends of the exploitation and deployment of REs in lithium batteries are presented.
Ferroelectric Photovoltaic Materials and Devices
Authors: Han Xiao , Ji Yun , Yang Ya
Published: December 2021

Ferroelectric materials have been a focus of much research over the last few decades for their unique piezoelectric and optoelectronic properties. Conventional solar cells have been devised based on the photovoltaic effect of semiconductor p–n junctions, with their photogenerated voltage being influenced by the bandgap of the semiconductors, limiting their further development. Ferroelectric photovoltaics have attracted attention for their unusual photovoltaic effect and controllability. The photogenerated voltage that is independent of bandgap along the polarization direction can be generated in ferroelectric materials, undoubtedly making up for the lack of solar cells. Ferroelectric materials have been used in a wide range of piezoelectric, storage, sensor, and optoelectronic because of their unique optical and electrical properties. However, the small photogenerated current of ferroelectric photovoltaic devices is one of the challenges that need to be overcome. Researchers have shown that the photogenerated current of ferroelectric photovoltaic devices can be significantly improved by cation doping and heterostructure construction, reigniting the enthusiasm for the investigation of ferroelectric photovoltaics. This paper reviews a variety of ferroelectric photovoltaic materials, the mechanism of ferroelectric photovoltaics, approaches for improving ferroelectric photovoltaic performance, and the applications and future prospects for ferroelectric materials.
Engineered Cell‐Derived Vesicles Displaying Targeting Peptide and Functionalized with Nanocarriers for Therapeutic microRNA Delivery to Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer in Mice
Authors: Bose Rajendran JC , Kumar Uday Sukumar , Garcia‐Marques Fernando , Zeng Yitian , Habte Frezghi , McCarthy Jason R , Pitteri Sharon , Massoud Tarik F , Paulmurugan Ramasamy
Published: December 2021

Polymeric nanocarriers (PNCs) can be used to deliver therapeutic microRNAs (miRNAs) to solid cancers. However, the ability of these nanocarriers to specifically target tumors remains a challenge. Alternatively, extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from tumor cells show homotypic affinity to parent cells, but loading sufficient amounts of miRNAs into EVs is difficult. Here, it is investigated whether uPAR‐targeted delivery of nanococktails containing PNCs loaded with therapeutic antimiRNAs, and coated with uPA engineered extracellular vesicles (uPA‐eEVs) can elicit synergistic antitumor responses. The uPA‐eEVs coating on PNCs increases natural tumor targeting affinities, thereby enhancing the antitumor activity of antimiRNA nanococktails. The systemic administration of uPA‐eEV‐PNCs nanococktail shows a robust tumor tropism, which significantly enhances the combinational antitumor effects of antimiRNA‐21 and antimiRNA‐10b, and leads to significant tumor regression and extension of progression free survival for syngeneic 4T1 tumor‐bearing mice. In addition, the uPA‐eEV‐PNCs‐antimiRNAs nanococktail plus low dose doxorubicin results in a synergistic antitumor effect as evidenced by inhibition of tumor growth, reduction of lung metastases, and extension of survival of 4T1 tumor‐bearing mice. The targeted combinational nanococktail strategy could be readily translated to the clinical setting by using autologous cancer cells that have flexibility for ex vivo expansion and genetic engineering.
Glycomaterials to Investigate the Functional Role of Aberrant Glycosylation in Glioblastoma
Authors: Tondepu Chaitanya , Karumbaiah Lohitash
Published: December 2021

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a stage IV astrocytoma that carries a dismal survival rate of ≈10 months postdiagnosis and treatment. The highly invasive capacity of GBM and its ability to escape therapeutic challenges are key factors contributing to the poor overall survival rate. While current treatments aim to target the cancer cell itself, they fail to consider the significant role that the GBM tumor microenvironment (TME) plays in promoting tumor progression and therapeutic resistance. The GBM tumor glycocalyx and glycan‐rich extracellular matrix (ECM), which are important constituents of the TME have received little attention as therapeutic targets. A wide array of aberrantly modified glycans in the GBM TME mediate tumor growth, invasion, therapeutic resistance, and immunosuppression. Here, an overview of the landscape of aberrant glycan modifications in GBM is provided, and the design and utility of 3D glycomaterials are discussed as a tool to evaluate glycan‐mediated GBM progression and therapeutic efficacy. The development of alternative strategies to target glycans in the TME can potentially unveil broader mechanisms of restricting tumor growth and enhancing the efficacy of tumor‐targeting therapeutics.
Interfacial Design for a 4.6 V High‐Voltage Single‐Crystalline LiCoO2 Cathode
Authors: Zhang Jiaxun , Wang Peng‐Fei , Bai Panxing , Wan Hongli , Liu Sufu , Hou Singyuk , Pu Xiangjun , Xia Jiale , Zhang Weiran , Wang Zeyi , Nan Bo , Zhang Xiyue , Xu Jijian , Wang Chunsheng
Published: December 2021

Single‐crystalline cathode materials have attracted intensive interest in offering greater capacity retention than their polycrystalline counterparts by reducing material surfaces and phase boundaries. However, the single‐crystalline LiCoO2 suffers severe structural instability and capacity fading when charged to high voltages (4.6 V) due to Co element dissolution and O loss, crack formation, and subsequent electrolyte penetration. Herein, by forming a robust cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) in an all‐fluorinated electrolyte, reversible planar gliding along the (003) plane in a single‐crystalline LiCoO2 cathode is protected due to the prevention of element dissolution and electrolyte penetration. The robust CEI effectively controls the performance fading issue of the single‐crystalline cathode at a high operating voltage of 4.6 V, providing new insights for improved electrolyte design of high‐energy‐density battery cathode materials.
Label‐Free Cell Migration Assay Using Magnetic Exclusion
Authors: Gupta Tamaghna , Gupta Rohit , Dabaghi Mohammadhossein , Sahu Rakesh P. , Hirota Jeremy A. , Puri Ishwar K.
Published: December 2021

In vitro wound healing assays are widely used to investigate cell migration during various physiologic and pathologic processes. However, traditional scratch‐based assays produce cell‐free areas that are not reproducible, whereas the alternate insert‐based exclusion method is expensive and time‐consuming. Here, a rapid, label‐free, insert‐free magnetic exclusion technique, where magnetic fields are used to create cell‐free areas is described. Suspensions of diamagnetic cells in a paramagnetic culture medium are seeded into microwells placed on an array of the coaxially arranged ring and cylinder magnets. In the presence of an inhomogeneous field, the magnetic susceptibility difference drives the cells toward an annular region of the lowest field strength. Annular cell aggregates of reproducible dimensions are produced on tissue culture‐treated and collagen I‐fibronectin coated surfaces within 3 h. The effects of the paramagnetic agent on cell viability, metabolism, and gene expression are investigated. A mathematical model reveals the dynamics of the cell‐free area closure. The magnetic exclusion technique is inexpensive, easy to use, and amenable to automation. Potential applications include cancer research, high throughput drug discovery, and screening.
Tailoring Infrared Absorption and Thermal Emission with Ultrathin Film Interferences in Epsilon‐Near‐Zero Media
Authors: Johns Ben , Chattopadhyay Shashwata , Mitra Joy
Published: December 2021

Engineering modal dispersions of ultrathin, planar structures enables significant control over infrared perfect absorption (PA) and thermal emission characteristics. Herein, the optical response of ultrathin, low loss, epsilon‐near‐zero (ENZ) films on reflecting surfaces is simulated to investigate the wavelength and angular ranges over which they absorb and emit radiation most efficiently and identify the design parameters that tailor the ENZ mode dispersion of the system. A generic interference model is shown to elucidate the underlying physics of these ultrathin film absorption resonances, occurring well below the conventional quarter‐wavelength thickness limit. While the absorption is spectrally limited to wavelengths where the ENZ film is optically a dielectric with refractive index below unity, the angular spread is delimited by the material dispersion. Further, these resonant interferences are understood to arise from universal wave phenomena, realizable in simple planar structures having appropriate refractive index contrast, not restricted to ENZ materials. The results show that appropriate choice of material, film thickness and loss allows tailoring the modal dispersions, which enables precise directional control and wide tunability in spectral range (width ≈0.1–1.0 μm) of PA and thermal emission, paving the way towards efficient ENZ‐based infrared optical and thermal coatings.
Recent Progress in Materials Exploration for Thermocatalytic, Photocatalytic, and Integrated Photothermocatalytic CO2‐to‐Fuel Conversion
Authors: Zhang Wenjun , Ma Ding , Pérez-Ramírez Javier , Chen Zupeng
Published: December 2021

The excess depletion of carbon‐rich fossil fuels and agroforest biomass resources has aggravated the energy crisis and environmental pollution, causing increased CO2 emissions. Accordingly, the goal of “peak CO2 emissions and carbon neutrality” is proposed to alleviate global warming. CO2‐to‐fuel conversion is considered as a preferable move for reducing the atmospheric CO2 concentration and further upgrading to chemical feedstocks. However, the highly efficient CO2 conversion remains challenging due to the thermodynamic limits and kinetic barriers, which require high energy input through conventional thermocatalysis. Inspired by “artificial photosynthesis,” photocatalytic CO2 transformation has received tremendous attention and makes remarkable progress over the past decades, although it is still far from practical application. Recently, the integrated photothermocatalysis has emerged as an intelligent strategy to utilize solar energy to induce local heating and energetic hot carriers, which synergistically promote CO2‐to‐fuel conversion. The key to the success of CO2 upgradation is catalysts’ development with improved activity, selectivity, and stability. This review highlights the recent advancements in materials designing for practical CO2 conversion through thermocatalysis, photocatalysis, and photothermocatalysis during the past five years, emphasizing the reaction pathways and mechanism on the CO bond activation and intermediates formation. Finally, the current challenges and future opportunities are described.
Novel Schiff Base‐conjugated para‐Aminobenzenesulfonamide Indole Hybrids as Potentially Muti‐targeting Blockers against Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Hu Yuanyuan , Zhang Ling , Huang Jinxu , Wang Tiansheng , Zhang Jichuan , Yu Congwei , Pan Guangxing , Zhang Ling , Zhu Zhenye , Zhang Jiaheng
Published: December 2021

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) has developed strong resistance to a variety of clinical antibiotics, which makes the design and synthesis of novel structural molecules with outstanding antibacterial potential put on the agenda. The results of bioactivity assessment displayed that sulfonamide indole compound 4 h, which was modified with a butene group, had remarkable antibacterial activity against S. aureus (MIC=5 μM), and was superior to the reference drugs norfloxacin (MIC=13 μM) and sulfathiazole (MIC=501 μM). The propensity of evaluation of hybrid 4 h to induce drug resistance was lower than that of the reference drugs. In addition, the cytotoxicity assay revealed that compound 4 h had no obvious cytotoxicity to normal mammalian cells (RAW 264.7). Molecular docking analysis further demonstrated that the highly active molecule 4 h could interact with the active sites of DNA hexamer duplex and human carbonic anhydrase isozyme II through hydrogen bonds. Moreover, preliminary mechanistic studies indicated that hybrid 4 h prospectively acted as an blocker by disrupting the bacterial membrane of S. aureus and inserting itself into S. aureus DNA to prevent strains from replicating.
A longitudinal investigation of Aβ, anxiety, depression, and mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Pink Anna , Krell‐Roesch Janina , Syrjanen Jeremy A. , Vassilaki Maria , Lowe Val J. , Vemuri Prashanthi , Stokin Gorazd B. , Christianson Teresa J. , Kremers Walter K. , Jack Clifford R. , Knopman David S. , Petersen Ronald C. , Geda Yonas E.
Published: December 2021

Introduction

We investigated the longitudinal relationship between cortical amyloid deposition, anxiety, and depression and the risk of incident mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Methods

We followed 1440 community‐dwelling, cognitively unimpaired individuals aged ≥ 50 years for a median of 5.5 years. Clinical anxiety and depression were assessed using Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventories (BAI, BDI‐II). Cortical amyloid beta (Aβ) was measured by Pittsburgh compound B positron emission tomography (PiB‐PET) and elevated deposition (PiB+) was defined as standardized uptake value ratio ≥ 1.48. We calculated Cox proportional hazards models with age as the time scale, adjusted for sex, education, and medical comorbidity.

Results

Cortical Aβ deposition (PiB+) independent of anxiety (BAI ≥ 10) or depression (BDI‐II ≥ 13) increased the risk of MCI. There was a significant additive interaction between PiB+ and anxiety (joint effect hazard ratio 6.77; 95% confidence interval 3.58–12.79; P = .031) that is, being PiB+ and having anxiety further amplified the risk of MCI.

Discussion

Anxiety modified the association between PiB+ and incident MCI.
DBS of Thalamic Centromedian Nucleus for Lennox–Gastaut Syndrome (ESTEL Trial)
Authors: Dalic Linda J. , Warren Aaron E. L. , Bulluss Kristian J. , Thevathasan Wesley , Roten Annie , Churilov Leonid , Archer John S.
Published: December 2021

Objective

Prior uncontrolled studies have reported seizure reductions following deep brain stimulation (DBS) in patients with Lennox–Gastaut syndrome (LGS), but evidence from randomized controlled studies is lacking. We aimed to formally assess the efficacy and safety of DBS to the centromedian thalamic nucleus (CM) for the treatment of LGS.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, double‐blind, randomized study of continuous, cycling stimulation of CM‐DBS, in patients with LGS. Following pre‐ and post‐implantation periods, half received 3 months of stimulation (blinded phase), then all received 3 months of stimulation (unblinded phase). The primary outcome was the proportion of participants with ≥50% reduction in diary‐recorded seizures in stimulated versus control participants, measured at the end of the blinded phase. A secondary outcome was the proportion of participants with a ≥50% reduction in electrographic seizures on 24‐hour ambulatory electroencephalography (EEG) at the end of the blinded phase.

Results

Between November 2017 and December 2019, 20 young adults with LGS (17–37 years;13 women) underwent bilateral CM‐DBS at a single center in Australia, with 19 randomized (treatment, n = 10 and control, n = 9). Fifty percent of the stimulation group achieved ≥50% seizure reduction, compared with 22% of controls (odds ratio [OR] = 3.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.44–21.45, p = 0.25). For electrographic seizures, 59% of the stimulation group had ≥50% reduction at the end of the blinded phase, compared with none of the controls (OR= 23.25, 95% CI = 1.0–538.4, p = 0.05). Across all patients, median seizure reduction (baseline vs study exit) was 46.7% (interquartile range [IQR] = 28–67%) for diary‐recorded seizures and 53.8% (IQR = 27–73%) for electrographic seizures.

Interpretation

CM‐DBS in patients with LGS reduced electrographic rather than diary‐recorded seizures, after 3 months of stimulation. Fifty percent of all participants had diary‐recorded seizures reduced by half at the study exit, providing supporting evidence of the treatment effect. ANN NEUROL 2022;91:253–267
Combination of liquid crystal and deep learning reveals distinct signatures of Parkinson's disease‐related wild‐type α‐synuclein and six pathogenic mutants
Authors: Yang Xiuxiu , Zhao Xiaofang , Zhao Hansen , Liu Fengwei , Zhang Sichun , Zhang Claire Xi , Yang Zhongqiang
Published: December 2021

α‐Synuclein is a central player in Parkinson's disease (PD) pathology. Various point mutations in α‐synuclein have been identified to alter the protein‐phospholipid binding behavior and cause PD. Therefore, exploration of α‐synuclein‐phospholipid interaction is important for understanding the PD pathogenesis and helping the early diagnosis of PD. Herein, a phospholipid‐decorated liquid crystal (LC)‐aqueous interface is constructed to investigate the binding between α‐synucleins (wild‐type and six familial mutant A30P, E46K, H50Q, G51D, A53E and A53T) and phospholipid. The application of deep learning analyzes and reveals distinct LC signatures generated by the binding of α‐synuclein and phospholipid. This system allows for the identification of single point mutant α‐synucleins with an average accuracy of 98.3±1.3% in a fast and efficient manner. We propose that this analytical methodology provides a new platform to understand α‐synuclein‐lipid interactions, and can be potentially developed for easy identification of α‐synuclein mutations in common clinic.