bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the Effect of Acid and Base Cycling on Mechanical Properties of Various Esthetic Restorative Materials
Authors: Moosavi Horieh , Rezaei Fatemeh , Rezaei Zahra , Soroush Zahra
Published: November 2021

Objective: The purpose of this study is the evaluation of the effect of pH cycling, including both acidic and alkaline environments, on the mechanical properties of tooth-colored restorative materials.

Methods and Materials: 20 rectangular bar specimens of one bulk-fill restorative composite, two conventional nanohybrid restorative composites, and one restorative resin-modified glass ionomer were produced according to ISO 4049. Half of the materials were stored in an acid and base cycling defined as two-day storage in acidic (pH =4) and alkaline (pH=8) solutions. The rest of the materials were incubated in distilled water as a control group. The storage lasted for 48 days. Finally, flexural strength, elastic modulus, and microhardness of the specimens in each group determined. Data analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn, MANOVA, Tukey HSD and T-test. 

Results: The pH cycling model had a significant influence on all mechanical properties of the bulk-fill restorative composite and resin-modified glass ionomer than those stored in water (P <0.05). One of the conventional nanohybrid restorative composites showed a significant reduction in elastic modulus and microhardness while the other one showed a significant reduction only in flexural strength. 

Conclusion: pH cycling negatively affects the mechanical properties of resin composites, and the materials’ composition is an important factor in the degradation of the resin-based materials examined.
Prevalence of Hypertension in Patients with Nephrolithiasis
Authors: Adhavan I. , Karthik S. Prasanna
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Kidney stone disease, also known as nephrolithiasis, is a prevalent illness that affects people of all ages and genders. Hypertension is defined as persistent elevation of systemic arterial blood pressure (systolic pressure ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic pressure ≥ 90 mmHg).

Methodology: This was a prospective study conducted over a period of 3 months between February 2021 and April 2021 at the Department of General Medicine in our tertiary care center. A total of 280 patients who came to the outpatient department (OPD) were included in the study as study participants. After recording blood pressure, participants were classified as normotensives (218) and hypertensives (62).  The study participants were examined for the development of kidney stone disease. In those study participants who had clinical features suggesting nephrolithiasis, the diagnosis was confirmed by Ultrasonography.

Results: It was observed that 25 of 62 hypertensives and 47 of 218 normotensives developed nephrolithiasis. And there were 43 men and 29 women among the 72 stone formers.

Conclusion: Our study showed a male preponderance for stone formers. And it is also evident that nephrolithiasis is more prevalent among hypertensives than normotensives though not statistically significant.
Study of Platelet Count as a Prognostic Factor in Burns Patients
Authors: Krithiga M. , Kumaran .
Published: November 2021

Aim:  To study the platelet count as a prognostic indicator in burns patients

Objective: To evaluate the platelet count in patients with burns and its significance in early detection of post burn septicemia.

Methodology: A study was carried out in the department of surgery in Saveetha medical college from January to June 2021.

50 burns patients were included in the study and their platelet count was monitored on day 1 and assessed on day 7, 14 and 21 using standard methods. Based on the outcome the patients were grouped as survivors and non survivors.

Results: Out of the 50 patients 32 patients survived, 18 patients died. In both the groups the platelet count decreased initially. In the survivors group the platelet count increased gradually whereas in the non-survivors it was found to be decrease and continued till death.

Conclusion: A decline in platelet count is a poor prognostic factor. The outcome of burns patients can be improved by giving appropriate and timely treatment.
Agreement between Prehospital and Final Diagnosis in Patients with Acute Allergic Reactions: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Golfiroozi Saeed , Tavakoli Nader , Namdar Peyman , Zare Mohammad Amin
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Acute allergic reactions are usually first encountered in the prehospital setting and account for about 0.3% to 0.8% of prehospital runs in different countries. Right, and rapid recognition and treatment are necessary to decrease mortality and morbidity, especially in severe critical cases. This study evaluates the accuracy of prehospital care providers’ diagnosis in patients with acute allergic reactions in comparison with final (discharge) diagnosis as the gold standard.

Methods: Patients who were transported to 2 urban referral hospitals between 2008 and 2014 under the dispatch code of “acute allergic reaction” were included in the study, retrospectively. Demographic data, etiology of an allergic reaction, clinical presentations, vital signs stability, and need for epinephrine injection were evaluated. The prehospital care providers’ diagnosis (documented on-call report) was compared with the final diagnosis (documented on discharge summary form).

Results: A total of 300 patients were included in the study. In 55 (18.3%) cases the prehospital care providers’ and final diagnoses were different. Diagnoses were similar in 245 (81.6%) patients. Kappa coefficient was calculated as 0.621which shows a moderate-to-substantial agreement between prehospital and final diagnoses. Fifteen patients (5%) were discharged from the hospital with a diagnosis of anaphylaxis and only 4 cases (26.6%) were diagnosed in the prehospital setting.

Conclusion: Although the overall agreement between prehospital and final diagnosis of acute allergic reactions calculated in this study was good, the accuracy of diagnosing the anaphylaxis (as the most critical allergic reaction with a potential fatality) was less than optimal.
Evaluation on Lung Functions after Examination Stress in Student Population
Authors: Fathima J. Noor , Sridevi G. , Preetha S.
Published: November 2021

Background: Professional degrees are daunting to the learning group because of a modern curriculum that is dramatically different from high school curricula and other educational courses. It is more pronounced among first year students in educational institutions because of rivalry and demands from institution managers, academic staff and parents. Stress causes many detrimental effects in the body.

Aim: The present study planned to evaluate the effect of examination stress on the changes in lung functions among dental college students.

Materials and Methods: 20 normal students were selected and categorised into normal and stressed students. They were assessed for a lung function test using RMS helios 702 Spirometer. The parameters such as FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEFR, FEF25-75 were assessed.

Results: It is observed that there was a decrease in the values of FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEFR, FEF25-75 in exam stressed students when compared to normal students. The values of FEV1/FVC and FEF25-75 were statistically significant.

Conclusion: Thus, the study concluded an innovative finding that there was an inverse association with depressive symptoms in the pulmonary function test of exam stressed students which was shown by a statistically significant decrease in FEV1/FVC and FEF25-75. Exam is really a stressful experience and affects both male and female students. Awareness should be conducted among students about ill effects of stress. Decreased stress, increased lung function results in increased academic performance.
In silico Analysis of Plant Based Quorum Sensing Inhibitor against Chromobacterium violaceum CviR
Authors: Nandini P. , Ganesh P. Sankar , Girija A. S. Smiline , Priyadharshini J. Vijayashree
Published: November 2021

Background: Chromobacterium violaceum (C. violaceum), a Gram-negative, facultative anaerobic, non-sporing coccobacillus has a quorum-sensing system consisting of CviI/CviR, a homologous gene. Quorum sensing (QS) is a mechanism of intercellular communication in bacteria that received substantial attention as an alternate strategy for combating bacterial resistance and the development of new anti-infective agents.

Methods: DATA SET Information of photochemical from the natural source deposited as a machine readable format in PubChem database was utilized to retrieve the compound for the study. To study ligand - receptor interactions, docking paves way to accomplish the protein ligand interaction was docked through rigid docking CviR protein (PDB ID: 3QP5) was prepared and energy minimized to evaluate the best affinity among the complex.

Results: The results showed that the Alpha.,2.Alpha.- Epoxy-1.Beta.- Methyl Cholesta-4,6- Dien-3-One had high affinity for CviR receptor protein and Alpha.,2.Alpha.- Epoxy-1.Beta.- Methyl Cholesta-4,6- Dien-3-One binds to the active site of CviR with binding energy of -9.6 kcal/mol.

Conclusion: Overall study concluded that 1. Alpha., 2. Alpha.- Epoxy-1.Beta.-Methyl Cholesta-4,6-Dien-3-One with highest binding affinity for the CviR protein possessing strong inhibitory binding interaction. Hence, we concluded that 1.Alpha.,2.Alpha.-Epoxy-1.Beta.- Methyl Cholesta-4, 6-Dien-3-One good serves as potential an anti-quorum sensing molecule for treating C. violaceum infection.
Evaluation and Comparison of the Effectiveness of Physical Methods of Disinfection on Heat-Polymerized Polymethyl Methacrylate – An In-vitro Study
Authors: Soni Kapil , Choukse Vivek , Shrivastava Rajeev , Palekar Umesh , Newaskar Prabha Shakya , Awinashe Vaibhav
Published: November 2021

Introduction: The common relationship of Candida and the ample proof that acrylic resin dentures are related to denture stomatitis in the oral cavity, which can range from simple mucosal lesions to a fatal systemic form. The current study aims to assess and compare the efficacy of microwave irradiation and UV radiation in the disinfection of Candida albicans infection in heat-polymerized polymethyl methacrylate.

Materials and Methods: A total of 90 specimens were prepared with heat-polymerized acrylic resin, out of which 30 were used for Microwave irradiation, and 30 were used for UV irradiation, and 30 were used for positive control. There were three groups: Group A (Positive Control group); Group B (Microwave irradiation); Group C (UV radiation). After preparing the samples they were chemically sterilized, then infected with C. Albicans, and again Group B is disinfected with Microwave irradiation, Group C is disinfected by UV light and Group A is kept as Positive control without disinfection. Turbidity was measured for each group after re-infection of every specimen in CFU/ml.

Results: In the present study, the CFU/ml of Candida albicans in the control group was 2.97x107±0.6 x 107 (P= .000), for microwave irradiation, the mean value was 5.3±11.1 (P= .000), and for UV radiation, the mean value was 19.3±22.9 (P= .003).

Conclusion: According to the results of the current study, microwave irradiation (6 minutes at 650W) is more effective than UV radiation (10 minutes each side at 254nm wavelength) of Candida albicans infection on the heat-polymerized acrylic resin in laboratory conditions.
Sensitivity of Plasma Micro RNAs as a Probable Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Biomarker and its Significance
Authors: Sultan Zarmeen , Tufail Zuby , Siddiqa Muazzma
Published: November 2021

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the chief origin of death due to cancer. The development of a less invasive diagnostic technique for NSCLC, especially at the beginning, can improve outcomes. By means of microarray platforms, we formerly diagnosed 12 microRNAs (miRNAs) abnormally expressed in primary cancer cells associated with early NSCLC.

Objective: In this study, we will extend previous studies to determine if miRNAs may be beneficial as a NSCLC potential plasma biomarker.

Methods: We primarily confirmed miRNA expression from PCR of 32 stage one NSCLC patients with lung tumor and plasma specimens were assessed, then assessed the investigative value of plasma miRNAs in 61 patients of NSCLC and 30 normal subjects. It was confirmed that the alteration of MiRNA expression influences the regeneration of neoplastic tumors. MiRNAs were steady and reliable in plasma measurements. The cohort consisted of 21 men and 11 women. Their age ranges from 47 to 80 years. AC tumors were classified in 17 and SCC in 15 patients. smoking packets use in these patients were 39 ± 28. In addition, IV blood were taken from healthy subjects with matched data distribution to studied group as age, race, sex and smoking, and aided as a control to evaluate fluctuations in plasma in cancer patients.

Results: Five out of 12 miRNAs showed a significant change of level in plasma and the corresponding tumor tissue (all r40850, all P< 0.05). Four genes (miRNA-126, 21, 486-5 and 210p) set the best logistic regression pattern, with 87% sensitivity and 97% of specificity of at the time of NSCLC in differentiating from healthy patients. Moreover, the miRNA genes generated a sensitivity of 79.41% and 92.59% of specificity in patients diagnosed with SCC and AC. Moreover, genes have specificity of 96.67% in the analysis of lung adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. (P less than 0.05). A change in square miRNA expression may offer potential NSCLC blood-derived biomarker.

Conclusion: Finally, we show that miRNA expression identified from surgical tumor tissue can be easily and correctly determined in plasma. Though, prominently, a plasma miRNA recognition panel would be cast-off as a less invasive analytic method for NSCLC, including long-term adenocarcinoma. However, the presence of an independent potential biomarker requires further verification.
Comparison of Clinical Success between Three Different Materials- Direct Pulp Capping of Carious Molars- An In-vivo Study
Authors: Selvendran K. E. , Ahamed A. Shafie , Krishnamurthy Madhuram , Kumar V. Naveen , Raju Vignesh Guptha
Published: November 2021

Aim: To evaluate the clinical success of Calcium Hydroxide (CH), Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Biodentine as pulp capping materials for Direct pulp capping in carious molars.

Materials and Methods: Thirty-six molars of thirty-six patients with deep caries lesions, diagnosed with reversible pulpitis were subjected to direct pulp capping treatment. They were randomly divided into three groups, Biodentine (12 teeth) or MTA group (12 teeth) or CH group (12teeth). Simple randomization of three was employed to allocate the treatment materials. Patients were recalled at one, three and six months to evaluate the clinical success of the treatment outcome.

Results: In clinical trial/study, the pulp capping materials gave different success rate, 91.67% success in the Biodentine group, 75% success in the MTA group and 41.67% success in Calcium Hydroxide group.

Conclusion: In our study the materials tested at 1 month, 3 month and 6-month follow-up, Calcium Silicate materials are better than calcium hydroxide and comparably Biodentine is better than MTA for Direct pulp capping.

Clinical Significance: The findings of this clinical trial could promote the reliability of pulp capping materials for treatment of deep carious lesions by conservative approach rather than opting endodontic management.
Preclinical Immuno-recognition and Neutralization of Lethality Assessment of a New Polyvalent Antivenom, VINS Snake Venom Antiserum – African IHS®, against Envenomation of Ten African Viperid and Elapid Snakes
Authors: Georgina I. Djameh, , Samuel Nyarko, , Mark Tetteh-Tsifoanya, , Frances M. Marfo, , Samuel Adjei, , Emmanuel A. Blay, , Abraham K. Anang, , Irene Ayi,
Published: November 2021

Snakebite envenomation is a major health concern in developing countries causing significant mortality and morbidity. With over 1.2 million cases annually caused by medically important snake species belonging to the two families Viperidae (Echis spp. and Bitis spp.) and Elapidae (Naja spp. and Dendroaspis spp.). Several antivenoms are being produced and distributed to western sub-Saharan Africa for treatment of envenomation with the absence of preclinical efficacy studies. The present study evaluated the preclinical efficacy of venoms from Echis leucogaster, Echis ocellatus, Bitis arietans, Bitis gabonica, Naja haje, Naja melanoleuca, Naja nigricollis, Dendroaspis jamesoni, Dendroaspis polylepis and Dendroaspis viridis against a polyvalent Snake Venom Antiserum - African IHS (lyophilised), manufactured by VINS Bioproducts Limited (Telangana, India). Our in vitro results showed that, the SVA- AIHS contains antibodies that are capable of recognizing and binding majority of protein components representative of all eight major protein families of venoms of the snake species tested by double immunodiffusion assay and confirmed by western blot. The venom antiserum exhibited high neutralization efficacy against all the viperid and elapid snake species venoms in in vivo studies and confirmed the manufacturer’s recommended neutralization capacity. This is clear evidence that the VINS polyvalent SVA-AIHS batch tested has strong neutralizing capacity and will be useful in treating envenoming by most African viperid and some elapid snake species.
Revista Completa - Ano 18 n. 01 - Julho de 2020
Authors: Souza Joana , Maurano Denise
Published: November 2021

Nesse número histórico reunimos manifestos de psicanalistas expoentes de nossos tempos, o que permite que nossa revista se apresenta também como um veículo nessa guerra que se instaurou entre a defesa da circulação da palavra e a da livre expressão e a sede de poder cega que não respeita as diferenças e nem mesmo a vida. Desejamos a todos uma excelente leitura!
Regeneration in Crustaceans and Insects
Authors: Khan Sumbul J , Schuster Keaton J , Smith‐Bolton Rachel K
Published: November 2021

Many animal species have the capability to regenerate lost body parts. How regeneration takes place and why animals have varying potentials for regeneration remain active questions for biologists. The field of regenerative biology has witnessed unprecedented advances in the last several years owing to the availability of molecular and genomics tools and the establishment of many animal models. Regeneration research in arthropods has a long history, with extensive insights achieved from using model organisms from the taxa Crustacea and Insecta. Studies in animals ranging from fiddler crabs to crickets have revealed much about the different stages of regeneration, such as wound healing, blastema formation, growth, proliferation and patterning, as well as how hormonal control and systemic signalling impact regenerative capacity. The molecular and genetic insights achieved from studying these simpler model organisms have the potential to impact the field of regenerative biology by identifying conserved mechanisms of regeneration.

Key Concepts

Regeneration studies use the fiddler crab, crayfish, sand hopper, red flour beetle, fruit fly, cockroach, cricket and silverfish.

For amputated limbs, wounds heal by a combination of rapid closure of the wound with a scab or autotomy membrane, and migration of cells into the wound.

Imaginal disc wound closure involves cytoskeletal‐driven cell shape changes and zippering together of the epithelium, without cell migration.

A regeneration blastema, or zone of proliferating cells, forms after both external limb amputation and imaginal disc damage.

Growth of the blastema requires similar signals in multiple model organisms, including growth factor signalling in response to FGFs and EGFR activity, Wg/WNT signalling and Hippo signalling.

Many developmental patterning genes are also required for patterning during regeneration. However, knockdown of these patterning genes revealed additional roles in regeneration beyond those observed during normal development.

Some plasticity in cell fate enables replacement of lost cell types.

Signals at the wound can alter pattern and cell fate, generating ectopic eye spots in butterflies and requiring the activity of a protective factor that stabilises cell fate gene expression during regeneration in fruit flies.

Hormonal signalling, which controls moulting and metamorphosis, limits regenerative capacity. In some model organisms, tissue damage can influence hormone production and the timing of moults and metamorphosis.
Phagocytosis: Enhancement
Authors: Peiser Leanne
Published: November 2021

Phagocytosis is the process of cellular engulfment of particles. Professional phagocytes, such as macrophages, neutrophils and dendritic cells, are the most efficient at mediating particle ingestion though nonprofessional phagocytes, such as fibroblasts and epithelial cells, can ingest neighbouring dying cells. Pathogen ingestion for killing and antigen processing for presentation are important components of innate and acquired immunity, and removal of dying cells is critical for tissue homeostasis. The uptake of pathogens, tissue debris or apoptotic cells may be enhanced by coating the particle with host molecules called opsonins, which allow the recognition and subsequent ingestion of the particles by phagocytic receptors. There are numerous opsonins, including complement‐derived proteins such as iC3b and immunoglobulin G, which are recognised by specialised receptors including complement receptor type 3 and FcγR. The failure of efficient uptake of particles and apoptotic cell debris can have deleterious effects on the host such as leading to the spread of infection and the generation of autoimmune conditions, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). CR3 and FcγR are the most studied of the opsonic phagocytic receptors.

Key Concepts

Phagocytic receptors can recognise their particle by either direct binding or indirectly after it is coated with host molecules called opsonins.

Professional phagocytic cells, such as dendritic cells, monocytes and macrophages, express numerous receptors capable of mediating particle ingestion.

Enhanced phagocytic uptake of pathogens and dying cells is mediated by a number of overlapping opsonins and phagocytic receptors.

Ingested particles are recognised by a number of different receptors which may cooperate with each other to modulate their function/activity.

Though multiple receptors can mediate phagocytosis, there are subtle differences in their signalling and cell biology that can result in different cellular outcomes downstream of uptake.

Removal of apoptotic cells by professional phagocytes typically results in the release of antiinflammatory mediators, while phagocytosis of pathogens can cause inflammation.

Defects in the removal of both pathogens and apoptotic cells can lead to increased susceptibility to infection and autoimmune diseases.
Does active or passive signaling support integration of text and graphs?
Authors: Ring Malte , Brahm Taiga , Richter Juliane , Scheiter Katharina , Randler Christoph
Published: November 2021

Integrating multiple representations into a coherent mental model is one of the challenges when learning with multimedia. In this experimental study (N = 173), we examined how highlighting corresponding information in text‐graph learning material can help higher education students to make the necessary connections and improve learning outcomes in two domains. We compared a control condition to a signaling condition with given highlights and an active signaling condition where students were asked to visually highlight corresponding text and graph information themselves. There was no overall benefit of given signals or active signaling. We discuss prior knowledge and the quality of learner‐generated signals as possible explanations. For biology learning material, prior knowledge moderated the effect of active signaling. In economics, the effect of prior knowledge was mediated by the quality of learner‐generated correspondences. Our findings suggest that different methods of supporting text‐graph integration might be useful for different students and learning material.
Intentional Oxidation and Laser Remelting of Highly Reflective Pure Cu for Its High‐Quality Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Gu Rui Nan , Chen Peng , Zhou Ying Hao , Wang Hui , Yan Xing Chen , Wong Kam Sing , Yan Ming
Published: November 2021

Laser processing of pure Cu is often challenging because of Cu's very low absorptivity to most laser beams, and this difficulty is applicable to the recently developed laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) additive manufacturing (AM). How to realize high‐quality LPBF forming is urgently pursued to maximize its advanced manufacturing potential in directly making various Cu parts. Herein, two approaches have been applied, individually or simultaneously, to address the poor printability problem of the pure Cu: one is to conduct intentional oxidation treatment to the pure Cu powder to vary its surface structure and then enhance its laser absorptivity; and the other is to adopt laser remelting to counter its high thermal conductivity and provide extra liquid phase for better densification. Various research means were used to investigate mechanical performances, microstructural details, and electrical performance of the as‐printed Cu. Results show that a maximum relative density of ≈99.0% can be realized by using the two approaches simultaneously, while oxidation temperature and remelting times are the two important factors to be considered. The methodology developed in this study is expected to be applicable to other highly reflective materials as well.
Kirigami Reconfigurable Gradient Metasurface
Authors: Zheng Yilin , Chen Ke , Yang Weixu , Wu Linxiao , Qu Kai , Zhao Junming , Jiang Tian , Feng Yijun
Published: November 2021

Kirigami technique, a method to reconfigure structures via mechanical approaches, has received much attention in material science, due to its versatile and unconventional structural transformations. The counterparts in the electromagnetic metamaterial field has recently allowed for the tunable control of electromagnetic responses. However, they are limited to global tuning of absorption, chirality, etc., leaving much potential of controlling spatially varying distribution and therefore the optical wavefront unexploited. Here, the authors propose a class of kirigami‐based reconfigurable gradient metasurfaces through which the electromagnetic wavefront can be tuned over continuous‐state ranges by changing the meta‐structures from folded (compact) to unfolded (large surface) configurations. As the proof‐of‐concept, meta‐devices including switchable anomalous refractor and reconfigurable metalens are demonstrated both in simulations and experiments. Moreover, a new paradigm to mitigate chromatic dispersion is also realized by the kirigami‐based reconfigurable metalens, which is able to keep the focal length unchanged over a continuous frequency band by setting metalens with various folding states. Their approach provides a new alternative for designing reconfigurable gradient metasurface with additional mechanical properties and may have potential applications in advanced devices such as reconfigurable optical components and imaging system.
Stapled Liposomes Enhance Cross‐Priming of Radio‐Immunotherapy
Authors: Zhao Yu , Hou Xiaoxue , Chai Jingshan , Zhang Zhanzhan , Xue Xue , Huang Fan , Liu Jianfeng , Shi Linqi , Liu Yang
Published: November 2021

The release of tumor‐associated antigens (TAAs) and their cross‐presentation in dendritic cells (DCs) are crucial for radio‐immunotherapy. However, the irradiation resistance of tumor cells usually results in limited TAA generation and release. Importantly, TAAs internalized by DCs are easily degraded in lysosomes, resulting in unsatisfactory extent of TAA cross‐presentation. Herein, an antigen‐capturing stapled liposome (ACSL) with a robust structure and bioactive surface is developed. The ACSLs capture and transport TAAs from lysosomes to the cytoplasm in DCs, thereby enhancing TAA cross‐presentation. l‐arginine encapsulated in ACSLs induces robust T cell‐dependent antitumor response and immune memory in 4T1 tumor‐bearing mice after local irradiation, resulting in significant tumor suppression and an abscopal effect. Replacing l‐arginine with radiosensitizers, photosensitizers, and photothermal agents may make ACSL a universal platform for the rapid development of various combinations of anticancer therapies.
Scalable Carbon Black Enhanced Nanofiber Network Films for High‐Efficiency Solar Steam Generation
Authors: Zhang Rong , Zhou Yuewei , Xiang Bo , Zeng Xujia , Luo Yanlong , Meng Xiangkang , Tang Shaochun
Published: November 2021

Developing cost‐effective interfacial solar steam generation devices based on advanced structured materials for water desalination is highly desired. Herein, a high‐efficiency solar steam generation based on a novel solar energy receiver of carbon black (CB)‐based composite nanofiber networks with designed integrated 2D water path is reported. The receiver having a two‐layer structure is prepared by a one‐step electrospinning a suspension of CB particles in cellulose acetate (CA) onto a porous PET substrate. The upper hydrophilic CA/CB nanofiber layer works for light absorption and water evaporation and the bottom hydrophilic PET layer is vertically inserted into the water to act as 2D water path in charge of water pumping for improved efficiency of water supply and minimized heat loss. The solar evaporator demonstrates an ultrahigh evaporation rate of 1.48 kg m–2 h–1 and solar energy conversion efficiency of 98.6% under 1 kW m–2 (1‐sun) illumination. Especially, the conversion efficiency is much superior over the values of the most previous ones, while the developed technique offers great potential for low‐cost and large‐scale production.
Crop insurance participation and cover crop use: Evidence from Indiana county‐level data
Authors: Connor Lawson , Rejesus Roderick M. , Yasar Mahmut
Published: November 2021

This study examines whether crop insurance participation reduces incentives to use cover crops in corn and soybean production. To achieve this objective, we utilize 2006–2015 county‐level longitudinal data with information on cover crop adoption and crop insurance participation for the State of Indiana. Cover crop adoption information is collected from a remote sensing (satellite‐based) data set of soil health practices. Linear fixed effect (FE) models and instrumental variable FE models are used in the empirical analysis to take advantage of the panel nature of the data and address potential endogeneity issues. Our results suggest that while crop insurance coverage may play a role in “disincentivizing” cover crop use, it is likely not a major driver in the cover crop adoption decision (i.e., the magnitude of the effect is small). Therefore, further research and policy attention toward other potential mechanisms that can likely have a larger impact on cover crop uptake may be a better approach (e.g., enhanced outreach programs and/or additional targeted conservation payments).
Outcome of older adults at risk of frailty
Authors: Gunasekaran Venugopalan , Subramanian Manicka Saravanan , Singh Vishwajeet , Dey Aparajit Ballav
Published: November 2021

Background

The integral part of the definition of frailty is the outcome associated with it. Older adults at risk of frailty are in the process of becoming frail. This study looked at the clinical characteristics and outcomes of older adults at risk of frailty.

Methodology

The study population was selected from outpatient department of the geriatric medicine department in a tertiary care hospital. Older adults identified as at risk of frailty were assessed at baseline and then followed up after 1 year for the composite primary outcome of death, falls, hospitalization, and self‐rated poor quality of life in the follow‐up period.

Results

The study included 324 older adults who had completed 1‐year follow up. Mean (SD) age was 74.49 (4.58) years, and males were 241 (74.15%). Frail and pre‐frail at baseline among the study population were 31.17% and 61.11%, respectively. The primary outcome occurred in 43 (13.27%) patients. Poor baseline IADL was significantly associated with primary outcome at the end of 1 year.

Conclusion

An unfavorable outcome in older adults at risk of frailty was significantly higher and independent of their baseline frailty status. Poor baseline IADL value may be considered as a predictor for primary outcome at 1 year of follow up.
A Chiral Pool Approach for Total Synthesis of (+)‐Diaportinol, (−)‐Peniisocoumarin H and (+) & (−)‐Desmethyldiaportinol; Their Structural Revision
Authors: Ranganayakulu Sunnapu , Syam Aswathi , Rajendar Goreti
Published: November 2021

First stereoselective total synthesis of (+)‐diaportinol, (−)‐peniisocoumarin H and (+)‐ & (−)‐desmethyldiaportinol is demonstrated and their absolute stereochemistry was revised accordingly. A convergent approach has been developed that uses L‐malic acid as chiral synthons for the synthesis of 2, and D‐malic acid for 1 and 3. O,O‐Dimethylorsellinic acid ester was prepared and coupled with Weinreb amide 6 or 6D via lateral lithiation carbonylation and a subsequent base catalyzed cyclization provided the isochromenone moiety and a selective deprotection was achieved using BBr3.
Transmission of toxigenic Corynebacterium ulcerans infection with airway obstruction from cats to a human
Authors: Wake Koji , Kikuchi Jin , Uchida Masatoshi , Nemoto Masato , Kaji Yoshiyuki , Yokoyama Tatsuya , Suzuki Hiromichi , Fukushima Atsuhito , Yamamoto Akihiko , Iwaki Masaaki , Ono Kazuyuki
Published: November 2021

Background

Infections caused by Corynebacterium ulcerans, a zoonotic pathogen, have been reported worldwide. This microorganism is known to produce the diphtheria toxin and cause diphtheria‐like illness.

Case presentation

A 63‐year‐old woman with a history of diabetes and hypertension developed cold and flu‐like symptoms, which gradually progressed into respiratory distress. Therefore, the patient was intubated for dyspnea with pseudomembrane formation. A toxin‐producing strain of C. ulcerans was identified, also detected in the patient’s domestic cats. Multilocus sequence typing confirmed all strains, including the patient’s isolate, as ST337.

Conclusion

Multilocus sequence typing revealed zoonotic transmission of C. ulcerans from domestic cats to a human.
Directed Evolution of Artificial Metalloenzymes in Whole Cells
Authors: Gu Yang , Bloomer Brandon J. , Liu Zhennan , Chen Reichi , Clark Douglas S. , Hartwig John F.
Published: November 2021

Artificial metalloenzymes (ArMs), created by introducing synthetic cofactors into protein scaffolds, are an emerging class of catalyst for non‐natural reactions. Although many classes of ArMs are known, in vitro reconstitution of cofactors and proteins has been a limiting step in the high‐throughput screening and directed evolution of ArMs because purification of individual host proteins is time‐consuming. We describe the application of a platform to combine mutants of the P450 enzyme CYP119 and the cofactor Ir(Me)MPIX in vivo, by coexpression of the CYP119 mutants with the heme transporter encoded by the hug operon, to the directed evolution of ArMs containing Ir(Me)MPIX in whole cells. We applied this platform to the development an ArMs catalyzing the insertion of the acyclic carbene from α‐diazopropanoate esters (Me‐EDA) into the N−H bonds of N‐alkyl anilines, a combination of carbene and amine classes for which mutant enzymes of natural hemoproteins previously reacted with low enantioselectivity. The mutants of the artificial metalloenzyme Ir(Me)CYP119 identified by an evolution campaign involving more than 4000 mutants are shown to catalyze the reaction of Me‐EDA with N‐methyl anilines to form chiral chiral amino esters with high TON and good enantioselectivity, thereby demonstrating that the directed evolution of ArMs can rival that of natural enzymes in vivo.
Emergence of a Promiscuous Peroxidase Under Non‐Equilibrium Conditions**
Authors: Pal Sumit , Reja Antara , Bal Subhajit , Tikader Baishakhi , Das Dibyendu
Published: November 2021

Herein, we report the substrate induced generation of a transient catalytic microenvironment from a single amino acid functionalized fatty acid in presence of a cofactor hemin. The catalytic state accessed under non‐equilibrium conditions showed acceleration of peroxidase activity resulting in degradation of the substrate and subsequently led to disassembly. Equilibrated systems could not access the three‐dimensional microphases and showed substantially lower catalytic activity. Further, the assembled state showed latent catalytic function (promiscuity) to hydrolyze a precursor to yield the same substrate. Consequently, the assembly demonstrated protometabolism by exploiting the peroxidase‐hydrolase cascade to augment the lifetime and the mechanical properties of the catalytic state.
MOF Encapsulating N‐Heterocyclic Carbene‐Ligated Copper Single‐Atom Site Catalyst towards Efficient Methane Electrosynthesis
Authors: Chen Shenghua , Li Wen‐Hao , Jiang Wenjun , Yang Jiarui , Zhu Jiexin , Wang Liqiang , Ou Honghui , Zhuang Zechao , Chen Mingzhao , Sun Xiaohui , Wang Dingsheng , Li Yadong
Published: November 2021

The exploitation of highly efficient carbon dioxide reduction (CO2RR) electrocatalyst for methane (CH4) electrosynthesis has attracted great attention for the intermittent renewable electricity storage but remains challenging. Here, N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC)‐ligated copper single atom site (Cu SAS) embedded in metal–organic framework is reported (2Bn‐Cu@UiO‐67), which can achieve an outstanding Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 81 % for the CO2 reduction to CH4 at −1.5 V vs. RHE with a current density of 420 mA cm−2. The CH4 FE of our catalyst remains above 70 % within a wide potential range and achieves an unprecedented turnover frequency (TOF) of 16.3 s−1. The σ donation of NHC enriches the surface electron density of Cu SAS and promotes the preferential adsorption of CHO* intermediates. The porosity of the catalyst facilitates the diffusion of CO2 to 2Bn‐Cu, significantly increasing the availability of each catalytic center.
Enhanced Reactivity of Accessible Protons in Sodalite Cages of Faujasite Zeolite
Authors: Li Xinyu , Han He , Xu Wenqian , Hwang Son‐Jong , Lu Peng , Bhan Aditya , Tsapatsis Michael
Published: November 2021

Faujasite (FAU) zeolites (with Si/Al ratio of ca. 1.7) undergo mild dealumination at moderate ion exchange conditions (0.01 to 0.6 M of NH4NO3 solutions) resulting in protons circumscribed by sodalite cages becoming accessible for reaction without conspicuous changes to bulk crystallinity. The ratio of protons in sodalite cages (HSOD) to supercages (HSUP) can be systematically manipulated from 0 to ca. 1 by adjusting ammonium concentrations used in ion exchange. The fraction of accessible protons in the sodalite cages is assessed by virtue of infrared spectra for H‐D exchange of deuterated propane based on the band area ratio of OD2620/OD2680 (ODSOD/ODSUP). Protons in sodalite cages (HSOD) show higher rate constants of propane dehydrogenation (kD) and cracking (kC) than protons in supercages (HSUP) plausibly due to confinement effects being more prominent in smaller voids. Rate constants of dehydrogenation and cracking including kD/kC ratios are also augmented as the fraction of accessible protons in the sodalite cages is enhanced. These effects of accessibility and reactivity of protons in sodalite cages hitherto inconspicuous are revealed herein via methods that systematically increase accessibility of cations located in sodalite cages.
Synthesis and Optical Resolution of Configurationally Stable Zwitterionic Pentacoordinate Silicon Derivatives
Authors: Deis Thomas , Maury Julien , Medici Fabrizio , Jean Marion , Forte Jérémy , Vanthuyne Nicolas , Fensterbank Louis , Lemière Gilles
Published: November 2021

Stereogenic silicon centres in functionalised tetracoordinated organosilanes generally exhibit very high configurational stability under neutral conditions. This stability drops completely when higher coordination states of the silicon centre are reached due to rapid substituent exchange. Herein we describe the synthesis of chiral and neutral pentacoordinate silicon derivatives with high configurational stability. The zwitterionic nature of these air‐ and water‐tolerant species allows for the first time their direct and efficient optical resolution using chiral HPLC techniques. By means of this method, pentacoordinate silicon compounds exhibiting high Si‐inversion have been obtained as single enantiomers. A rationalisation of the enantiomerisation pathways has been also carried out using DFT calculations.
Deoxygenation of Nitrous Oxide and Nitro Compounds Using Bis(N‐Heterocyclic Silylene)Amido Iron Complexes as Catalysts
Authors: Chen Xi , Wang Hao , Du Shaozhi , Driess Matthias , Mo Zhenbo
Published: November 2021

Herein, we report the efficient degradation of N2O with a well‐defined bis(silylene)amido iron complex as catalyst. The deoxygenation of N2O using the iron silanone complex 4 as a catalyst and pinacolborane (HBpin) as a sacrificial reagent proceeds smoothly at 50 °C to form N2, H2, and (pinB)2O. Mechanistic studies suggest that the iron–silicon cooperativity is the key to this catalytic transformation, which involves N2O activation, H atom transfer, H2 release and oxygenation of the boron sites. This approach has been further developed to enable catalytic reductions of nitro compounds, producing amino‐boranes with good functional‐group tolerance and excellent chemoselectivity.
Enhanced tribological properties of PEEK‐based composite coatings reinforced by PTFE and graphite
Authors: Liao Yuwen , Cao Lin , Wang Qiwei , Li Shuangjian , Lin Zhidan , Li Wei , Zhang Peng , Yu Chuanyong
Published: November 2021

The lubricating failure problems caused by friction and wear severely inhibit the regular operation and lifetime of artificial implanted joints. In order to improve their wear resistance effectively, the functional nano/micro‐composite coatings consisted of poly(ether‐ether‐ketone) (PEEK)/graphite/polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) were successfully prepared through electrophoretic deposition and heat treatment. Additionally, the friction and wear behaviors under different loads and lubricating mediums of the composite coatings were investigated systematically. The results show that the composite coating significantly increased the microhardness and wear resistance of PEEK coating. The introduction of graphite and PTFE fillers reduces the wear rates and coefficient of friction (COF) of the composite coating significantly. Especially under 10 N load conditions, the friction and wear tests show that the composite coatings drop by 80% of friction coefficient and an order of magnitude in wear rates compared to that of PEEK coating. The improved wear resistance can be attributed to the synergistic effect of PTFE and graphite fillers. As a result, the graphite provides good load‐bearing capacity and the PTFE lubricant endow a low friction coefficient for the composite coatings. Thus, this study provides a better approach to improve the wear resistance of PEEK‐based coatings.
Synergistic effects of bio‐plasticizer and core–shell rubber on poly(lactic acid) toughness for sustainable flexible packaging applications
Authors: Petchwattana Nawadon , Sukkaneewat Benjatham , Naknaen Phisut , Sanetuntikul Jakkid , Jansri Ektinai
Published: November 2021

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) toughness was improved by blending with tributyrin (TBR) and poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐ethyl acrylate) core–shell rubber (CSR) for toughening purpose. PLA was prepared by melt processing as binary (PLA/TBR or PLA/CSR) and ternary (PLA/TBR/CSR) blends with the total additive contents from 5 to 20 wt%. Ratios of TBR:CSR for the ternary blend were 25:75, 50:50, and 75:25. Based on the experimental results, a suitable formulation for the flexible packaging application was the addition of 5 wt% TBR and 15 wt% CSR. This formulation exhibited the values of strain at break and impact strength of 512% and 862 J/m, respectively. These values were comparable with those observed in low‐density polyethylene (LDPE). Thermal test results indicated some significant changes of the transition temperatures and crystallization behavior which reflected the strong influences of rubbery functions and plasticizing properties of CSR and TBR. Migration test of TBR indicated that the migration rate increased with the test duration. Moreover, samples tested at 100°C exhibited larger amount of migrated TBR than that observed at 50°C.
Systematic review of complications arising from male circumcision
Authors: Iacob Stanca Iris , Feinn Richard S. , Sardi Lauren
Published: November 2021

Background

Neonatal male circumcision is the most common procedure performed on paediatric patients (Simpson et al., 2014) and one of the most common surgical procedures in the world (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2012).

Methods

A search was conducted for articles about complications arising from male circumcision surgeries by entering the term ‘male circumcision’ into PubMed on June 16, 2020. Six thousand six hundred forty‐one articles published from 1945 to 2020 were found. Seventy‐eight articles were ultimately selected for the systematic review.

Results

The 78 articles selected from the literature search were entered into one of three tables. The first table includes 15 articles pertaining to chart reviews and cohort studies and report complication rates. The second table reports specific complications from 51 case reports and case series, and the third table is a summary from 12 articles regarding physician questionnaires and society recommendations. Additionally, the 78 articles were used to compile a list of 47 specific complications arising from male circumcision surgeries.

Conclusions

Complications from neonatal male circumcisions are common and healthcare providers need to be better informed of the potential complications of the surgery so that they can more effectively counsel their patients about potential risks, likelihood of complications and what can be done to prevent them. While experienced providers who practice in sterile settings have better outcomes with fewer complications, encouraging parents to take into account who is performing their son's circumcision, what was their training, how clean is their practice and how much experience they have and reminding them they have the option to decline the procedure entirely allow the parents to get a more complete picture and play an essential role in the decision‐making process.