bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti -Fungal Activity of Commercially Available Extracts of Garlic (Allium sativum), Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Amla (Emblica officinalis): An in vitro Study
Authors: Siddique Mohammad Abu Bakr , Sunil Ladke Vaibhav , D. Shirol Pallavi , M. Kumbhar Gauri , V. Koshy Ajit , Amisha Shah , Ashraf Farhana
Published: December 2021

Background and Purpose: Many innovations are constantly emerging with the advances in modern medicine and also it is occurring in various traditional medicines as they are considered to be safe and economical in current increasing health care financial burden.  Due to emerging of MDR (multiple drug resistance) microorganisms and reduce efficacy of Modern medicines researchers and clinicians are required to revisit the traditional and alternative medicines.

Material and Method: Extracts of garlic (Allium sativum), turmeric (Curcuma longa), amla (Emblica officinalis) and honey were prepared at concentration of 1mg/mL, 2mg/mL, 3mg/mL and were tested on different cancdidal species like Candida Albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata, Candida Parapsilosis and Candida Krusei and on Fluconazole as a positive control. Disc Diffusion Test for antifungal assay was performed.

Results: The anti-fungal effect was maximum at 3mg/mL concentration for all the herbal extracts. Zone of inhibition for fluconazole, was highest (35.00 ± 1.73). Among herbal extracts zone of inhibition for garlic was maximum (16.67 ± 0.88), followed by turmeric (12.67 ± 1.20), honey  (11.00 ± 0.58 ), amla  (9.33 ± 0.67 ). Similarly for each dose, comparing the mean zone of inhibition between antifungal groups Tukey test showed significantly (p<0.001) different and lower zone of inhibition in herbal extracts (garlic, turmeric, honey and amla) as compared to fluconazole at all the doses.

Conclusion: Among all the extracts garlic showed maximum efficiency. Also, the results obtained for herbal extracts showed that they were less efficient compared to fluconazole which was used as positive control.
Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Pre-Diabetes Using HbA1c
Authors: Fatima Maryam , Ali Zainab , Zafar Zubia
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a group of metabolic diseases depicted by crippled insulin release by the pancreas and insulin resistance of body tissues.

 Objectives: The main objective of the study is to analyse the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and pre-diabetes using HbA1c.

Material and Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in Islam Medical College Sialkot during 2020 to 2021. A special questionnaire concerning family history and health-related information was filled for all participants by direct interviews with the researchers. People previously diagnosed with diabetes or hemoglobinopathies were ruled out from the study. Blood samples were collected from all subjects using EDTA tubes and centrally analyzed for HbA1c.

Results: The data was collected from 200 patients of both genders. In all, 200 participants were found to be currently diabetic, giving an overall prevalence of current condition to be 24.6% (95% CI 21.90 - 27.49) in the study population. History of disease was reported by 31.5% participants (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: It is concluded that adjustments in platelet files are believed to be measurably connected with diabetes and its intricacies. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes is much higher than previously thought in Pakistan.
To Evaluate the Effectiveness of Awareness Program on Self Care Management among Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy
Authors: Thakare Pratiksha , Ankar Ruchira
Published: December 2021

Background: Cancer is one of the main life-threatening disease among all diseases. Besides a large number of care efforts dedicated to this disease in the health system, cancer also imposes high costs on society.

Aim of the Study: To evaluate the effectiveness of awareness program on self care management among patients undergoing radiotherapy.

Methods: In this, study participants are a head and neck cancer patient, Interventional approach, The one group pre-test and post-test design. The head and neck cancer patient having an age group of more than 20 years will be included as per inclusion/exclusion criteria. The efficacy of the awareness program on management of self care in undergoing radiotherapy patients will be assessed by a structured knowledge questionnaire and perception questionnaire on radiotherapy. Each test having 20 items and the duration of the test will be 20 min. The pre-test will be assessed first day then the informational booklet on self care management undergoing radiotherapy will be provided to each patient and after seven days post-test will be assessed.

Expected Outcome: Primary outcomes include evaluation of the efficacy of awareness on self care management in patients undergoing radiotherapy. Secondary outcomes involve Association of  Knowledge and perception score related to management of self care among radiotherapy receiving patients related to their demographic variable.

Conclusion: The study will be drawn from the results and after that article will be published in the peer-review journal.
Role of Letrozole in Management of Female Infertility; Review Article
Authors: Messawa Maha Fouad , Omar Salma Yousef , Babagi Reem Ahmed
Published: December 2021

Background: Letrozole is a highly steroidal and selective oral aromatase inhibitor (AI). Serval studies shows that Co-treatment with letrozole significantly reduced gonadotropin consumption and the incidence of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome in normal/high responders, with pregnancy outcomes comparable to or better than the other groups. In this article we will be looking at role of letrozole in treatment of infertility

Methodology: A simple systematic review was carried out, searching databases PubMed, Google Scholar, and EBSCO. The authors extracted qualitative data, and then the author's names, year, study type, methodology, and the result were reported.

Results and Conclusion: Letrozole has effectiveness which is near the usage of the Human Menopausal Gonadotrophin in the numbers of pregnancies per cycle but have much less cost which indicates cost effectiveness of the drug. Furthermore, studies show that administration of the drug is effective in inducing pregnancy, with higher dose more than 5mg and 7.5mg more effective.
A Review on the Reported Antibacterial Activity of 1,3,5-Triazine
Authors: Basak Mrinmoy , Dey Biplab Kumar , Ansari Sajidul Hoque , Laskar Moksood Ahmed , Goswami Priyanka , Jyrwa Rosamund , Gogoi Pal , Choudhury Md. Rejwan Ahmed
Published: December 2021

Antibiotics are the class of drugs used for bacterial, viral & fungal infection. Antibiotic resistance is the ability of microorganism to withstand themselves against the effects of a drug. Every year antibiotic resistance causes more than 38000 deaths in Thailand, 23000 deaths in USA. In South Asia one new born child dies every 5 minutes from blood stream infection because antibiotics given are ineffective due to bacterial resistance. Now antibiotic resistance is a threat to global health. In this paper, triazene derivatives are kept in concern.  Triazines are six-membered, nitrogen-containing heterocyclic scaffold with a wide range of pharmaceutical properties such as antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, antioxidants, antitubercular, antimalarial and anti-inflammatory. Due to lack of new antibiotics as well older antibiotic are rapidly proving ineffective, derivatives of triazine would be of great significance in future prospective.
Incidence of H. pylori in all Endoscopies Done at Saveetha Medical College over the Last Two Years (2018-2020)
Authors: Kirthika S. , Vinoth M.
Published: December 2021

Background: H. pylori infection is a major health ailment in most of the developing countries. The infection is associated with increasing morbidity and mortality ranging from chronic gastritis to gastric malignancies. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of H. pylori among patients tested positive for the same in Saveetha Medical College, Thandalam over the period of 2018-2020 and assess the incidence with factors like socioeconomic status, age and sex of the patients.

Objectives:

To determine the incidence of pylori for the patients who tested positive for the same over the period of 2018-2020.

To assess the patients infected with pylori for various factors like age, sex and socioeconomic status.

Materials and Methods: It is a retrospective type of study. The patients who tested positive for H. pylori infection in Saveetha Medical College over the period of 2018-2020 was taken into study. A total of 300 H. pylori infected patients were assessed for various factors like age, sex and socioeconomic status.

Results: Out of 300 patients who tested positive for H.pylori were categorized based on age sex and socioeconomic status. Among 300 infected patients, 230 turned out to be men while only 70 cases seen among women. The prevalence was high among the age group > 60 (n=150; 50%) while the 40-60 recorded the second highest number of cases (30% n=90). 20-40 was the least affected group. Most of the cases were associated with low socioeconomic status, alcohol and smoking which contributes to the increased risk of acquiring the H. pylori infection.

Conclusion: The incidence of H. pylori infection is high among the study group. Hence it is essential to provide prompt treatment and take adequate measures to prevent the risk factors.
Risk Factors for the Formation of Inflammatory Diseases of the Upper Digestive Tract in Children in the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania
Authors: Boraeva Tatiana Temirbolatovna , Matveeva Ulyana Viktorovna , Revazova Asya Bekovna , Albegova Bela Zakharovna , Arapiev Kharon Beslanovich , Makiev Georgiy Georgievich , Beslaneeva Maryana Vitalyevna , Makhmudova Khairat Rasulovna , Maslova Alina Yuryevna , Mishvelov Artem Evgenevich
Published: December 2021

In recent years, cases of diseases of the digestive tract among preschool and school-age children have become significantly more frequent. This article analyzes the influence of various factors (heredity, living conditions, age, gender, lifestyle) on the likelihood of morbidity.

Chronic pathology of the upper digestive tract in the vast majority of children begins at preschool age with further significant growth from the moment they attend school. Close attention is required by children whose parents and immediate relatives suffer from gastroenterological diseases.

Modern diagnosis of the disease will reduce the risk of development and progression of the most common pathology of the digestive organs of childhood and avoid the development of severe complications.
Orthopantomography and use of Mandibular Indices for the Evaluation of Gender Distribution in Navi Mumbai Population - A Retrospective, Single Blind Study
Authors: Patil Priyanka Vijay , Kulkarni Manali , Pagare Sandeep , Shetty Naveen , Bhutani Hemant , Gavand Kapil
Published: December 2021

Introduction: The study of forensic sciences often leaves the forensic expert to draw conclusions from any and every material available in determining the identity of the deceased. The initial step in identifying a person is to determine their gender based on their adult skeleton. The human skeleton displays sexual dimorphism, of which the skull is most dimorphic providing an accurateness of 92%. However, in certain situations where the skull may not be found intact, the mandible plays a vital role. The mandible's thick covering of compact bone helps keep it from exploding during a mass tragedy. Dimorphism in the mandible is gender specific and is mainly reflected in its shape and size. The mandible is also easily radiographed and specific linear measurements of the mandibular rami as seen on an OPG are useful indices for gender determination. 

Aims: To examine the efficacy of mandibular rami measures such as maximum ramus breadth, maximum ramus height, minimum ramus breadth, condylar height, coronoid height, mandibular body length and gonial angles on the right and left side of an OPG in determining gender.

Materials and methods: 110 digital OPG’s (55 males, 55 females) of a Navi Mumbai population were obtained retrospectively from a reputed dental college and hospital. The OPG’s were taken using Xtropan 2000 OPG machine, 10x12 PSP plates, exposure parameters of 75 Kvp, 8 mas, 13 sec, and KODAK CR 7400 digitizer. Master View 3.0 software was used on the desktop computer to measure the mandibular ramus's width and thickness. Maximum ramus breadth, Maximum Ramus height and lowest ramus breadth of the mandibular rami, as well as the height of the condyle and the coronoid bone, and the length of the mandibular body and gonial angles on the right and left sides of the mouth, were all measured. Using a statistical formula, the measurements were substituted and gender was estimated.

Result: We used the IBM SPSS v 21.0 statistical software for social sciences to do our statistical study. p0.05 was deemed statistically significant, with a 5% margin of error and a 20% margin of error, giving the study an 80 percent power. In the study group, 51 of the 55 men were expected to be males, while 49 of the 55 females were anticipated to be females, while 6 of the 55 females were predicted to be males.

Conclusion: This research shows that the mandibular ramus is a useful tool for determining gender, and digital panoramic imaging yielded the best accurate linear measures. There was considerable sexual dimorphism in the mandibular ramus in the chosen Navi – Mumbai subpopulation, and the combination of 8 factors demonstrated an accuracy of 91.81 percent and was helpful for gender determination.
The Impact of the First Wave of Covid 19 on Orthopaedic Surgeries in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital
Authors: Jagadeesh B. , Kumaran N. Adhishwar , Gunalan K. , Midhuna K. , Natarajan S.
Published: December 2021

Background: The Covid 19 was declared a global pandemic that had a sizeable impact on the health care services in the surgical field including the orthopaedic department. There was additionally a decreased accessibility to healthcare personnel and facilities reallocated to manage the Covid patients. The study was mainly conducted to find out the impact of the first wave of COVID-19 on the orthopaedic surgeries.

Aim: The main aim of the study is to find out the alteration in the number, type of surgeries, financial implications, duration of hospital stay, delay in surgery during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Study Design: Retrospective crossectional study.

Methods: All the surgeries conducted in the orthopaedic department in the year 2019 and 2020 following first peak in March including pre-op and post-op COVID cases are included in the study. The procedure conducted, date of admission, date of surgery, date of discharge, investigations done and the cost expenses are the various parameters that are taken into consideration. The results are analysed for each year and comparisons are made using statistical methods.

Results: The comparative analysis of the data collected from the years 2019 and 2020 showed an increase in the duration of hospital stay, delay in surgery, additional expenditure, back log in the number of elective surgeries done during the Pandemic.
Knowledge and Attitude about Immunization Recommended by Government of India and Indian Academy of Paediatrics among Medical Students
Authors: Thiagarajan Diwakar , Mohandoss Vichithra , Sagayaraj M. Benjamin
Published: December 2021

Background: Immunization being the most cost-effective treatment for preventing disease and extending life, is essential to know about its schedule and be aware of vaccines that are available up to date.  Immunization is one of the most important strategies for protecting children from disease.

Aim: The aim of the study is to assess the knowledge and attitude of immunization among medical students recommended by Government of India (NIS) and Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP).

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Chennai among final year MBBS students, Medical Interns using a structured questionnaire. The study was conducted between February 2021 & April 2021.

Results: In a total of 259 study participants, around78(65%) of Medical Interns and 74(52%) of final year MBBS students are aware that as per NIS, BCG vaccine in catch up can be given until 1 year of age.

Conclusion: The degree of knowledge among medical students should be emphasised and various initiatives regarding the knowledge and awareness about immunization among the interns and the medical students should be introduced.
Clinical Profile of Alcoholic Liver Disease in Saveetha Medical College and Hospital and Its Association with Type, Amount and duration of Alcohol Consumption
Authors: Aswathi S. , Vikrannth V.
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Alcoholic liver disease is a caused as a result of overconsuming alcohol that damages the liver, leading to inflammation, and scarring. It is often fatal with mortality and morbidity worldwide. Many studies in various countries show contradictory results about the role of amount, type and duration of alcohol exposure in determining the risk to develop ALD. This study aims to evaluate clinical profile of ALD in south Indian population and to correlation of disease severity with alcohol intake.

Material and Methods: A total of 50 patients of ALD were evaluated to correlate their clinical findings, biochemical parameters, prognostic markers (Discriminant function [DF] score, Model for end-stage liver disease [MELD] score and Child-Pugh score) and with their alcohol intake data in form of type, amount and duration of alcohol intake.

Results: Hepatic encephalopathy, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and all three prognostic scores showed a dose-dependent relation with the amount of alcohol intake (p <0.05). The results showed that the duration of alcohol had a positive impact on the results. NLR correlates well with all prognostic markers (p <0.05 for NLR's Spearman correlation with DF score and Child-Pugh Score), more so with MELD score (p <0.0001); and complications like hepatic encephalopathy and hepato-renal syndrome.

Conclusion: In this study we conclude that there is significant dose dependent relation of ALD along with its complications, prognostic markers and NLR with the amount, type and duration of alcohol consumption. Although the type of alcohol consumption didn’t have much influence on the results, amount of intake had a correlation with NLR.
Notes: (3) The Torran Hoard
Authors: Campbell Marion , Coles John M
Published: December 2021

P.S.A.S., xviii, records that in 1885 two youths digging out a ferret at ‘Craig Beoch on the farm of Torranbeg’ found two bronze spearheads and a socketed gouge, which were subsequently exhibited to the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. One spearhead and the gouge were acquired for the National Museum but the other spearhead has been lost; it is believed to have been retained by a nearby land-owner, Mr Bruce of Eredine, but there is also evidence of correspondence about the finds between the finders and the Factor for the Poltalloch Estate, which at that date stretched to Loch Awe. The spearheads in the Poltalloch Collection, now on loan in the National Museum, do not however include any resembling the missing one from Torran.
Cysteine is a limiting factor for glioma proliferation and survival
Authors: Ruiz‐Rodado Victor , Dowdy Tyrone , Lita Adrian , Kramp Tamalee , Zhang Meili , Jung Jinkyu , Dios‐Esponera Ana , Zhang Lumin , Herold‐Mende Christel C. , Camphausen Kevin , Gilbert Mark R. , Larion Mioara
Published: December 2021

Nutritional intervention is becoming more prevalent as adjuvant therapy for many cancers in view of the tumor dependence on external sources for some nutrients. However, little is known about the mechanisms that make cancer cells require certain nutrients from the microenvironment. Herein, we report the dependence of glioma cells on exogenous cysteine/cystine, despite this amino acid being nonessential. Using several 13C‐tracers and analysis of cystathionine synthase and cystathioninase levels, we revealed that glioma cells were not able to support glutathione synthesis through the transsulfuration pathway, which allows methionine to be converted to cysteine in cysteine/cystine‐deprived conditions. Therefore, we explored the nutritional deprivation in a mouse model of glioma. Animals subjected to a cysteine/cystine‐free diet survived longer, although this increase did not attain statistical significance, with concomitant reductions in plasma glutathione and cysteine levels. At the end point, however, tumors displayed the ability to synthesize glutathione, even though higher levels of oxidative stress were detected. We observed a compensation from the nutritional intervention revealed as the recovery of cysteine‐related metabolite levels in plasma. Our study highlights a time window where cysteine deprivation can be exploited for additional therapeutic strategies.
Deubiquitination of FBP1 by USP7 blocks FBP1–DNMT1 interaction and decreases the sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells to PARP inhibitors
Authors: Cheng Xiang , Zhang Bin , Guo Feng , Wu Heshui , Jin Xin
Published: December 2021

Poly[ADP‐ribose] polymerase (PARP) inhibitors can block DNA single‐strand damage repair and subsequently increase double‐stranded breaks (DSBs) by reducing the activity of the PARP1 protease and by preventing the PARP1 protein from dissociating from chromatin. Tumors with the BRCA mutation are particularly sensitive to PARP inhibitors. So far, PARP inhibitors (Olaparib) have been used to treat pancreatic cancer patients with BRCA mutation. However, these patients are prone to PARP inhibitor resistance. Our previous studies suggest that fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphatase 1 (FBP1) is responsible for the sensitivity to various anticancer agents, such as gemcitabine or mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitors. In this study, we demonstrate that FBP1 regulates the sensitivity to PARP inhibitors in pancreatic cancer. Then, we showed that nuclear FBP1 is responsible for this process by interacting with DNA (cytosine‐5)‐methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) and trapping PARP1 in chromatin. Moreover, we revealed that ubiquitin carboxyl‐terminal hydrolase 7 (USP7) binds to and induces the deubiquitination of FBP1, which prevented FBP1 from translocating to the nucleus. Finally, we demonstrated that USP7 inhibitors enhanced the antitumor effect of PARP inhibitors in an FBP1‐dependent manner. Collectively, our results identify a novel USP7–FBP1–DNMT1 signaling axis in pancreatic cancer, which might indicate that USP7 inhibitors and PARP inhibitors might have more powerful antitumor effects than PARP inhibitors alone in pancreatic cancer patients.
Nickel‐Based Materials for Advanced Rechargeable Batteries
Authors: Zhou Dingyanyan , Guo Xiaotian , Zhang Qinyi , Shi Yuxin , Zhang Hubing , Yu Chao , Pang Huan
Published: December 2021

The rapid development of electrochemical energy storage (EES) devices requires multi‐functional materials. Nickel (Ni)‐based materials are regarded as promising candidates for EES devices owing to their unique performance characteristics, low cost, abundance, and environmental friendliness. This review summarizes the scientific advances of Ni‐based materials for rechargeable batteries since 2018, including lithium‐ion/sodium‐ion/potassium‐ion batteries (LIBs/SIBs/PIBs), lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs), Ni‐based aqueous batteries, and metal–air batteries (MABs). The Ni‐based materials are mainly classified by the various roles of anodes and cathodes for LIBs and SIBs, cathode hosts and separators for LSBs, cathodes for Ni‐based aqueous batteries, and catalysts for MABs, focusing on the relationship between the compositions, structures, and electrochemical performance. Finally, the challenges and prospects of Ni‐based materials for rechargeable batteries are briefly discussed.
Surface Engineering Suppresses the Failure of Biphasic Sodium Layered Cathode for High Performance Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Ji Haocheng , Zhai Jingjun , Chen Guojie , Qiu Xiao , Fang Hui , Zhang Taolve , Huang Zhongyuan , Zhao Wenguang , Wang Zhenhui , Chu Mihai , Wang Rui , Wang Chaoqi , Li Rui , Zeng Wen , Wang Xinwei , Xiao Yinguo
Published: December 2021

In the process of upgrading energy storage structures, sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) are regarded as the most promising candidates for large‐scale grid storage systems. However, the difficulty in further improving their specific capacity and lifespan has become a major obstacle to promoting extensive application. Herein, by optimizing synthesis conditions, a biphasic‐Na2/3Ni1/3Mn2/3O2 cathode that exhibits an ultrahigh capacity of ≈200 mAh g‐1 without the involvement of anion redox reactions is successfully synthesized. Nevertheless, there is significant electrochemical performance degradation because of failure at the cathode‐electrolyte interface as revealed by comprehensive analyses. Further in‐depth research proves that the surface side reactions that occur at high operating voltages and the transition metal dissolution that occurs in low voltage are the root causes of electrode surface failure. Therefore, the metal oxide atomic layer deposition (ALD) protective layer is deliberately chosen to suppress such failures. The coating effectively blocks corrosion of the cathode material by the electrolyte and successfully anchors the transition metal ions on the particle surface. As a result, the cycle stability and rate performance of the electrode are improved considerably. This surface engineering strategy could provide concepts with broad applicability for suppressing the failure of sodium layered cathodes.
Accelerated Water Dissociation Kinetics By Electron‐Enriched Cobalt Sites for Efficient Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Dai Qizhou , Wang Lin , Wang Kexin , Sang Xiahan , Li Zhongjian , Yang Bin , Chen Jianmeng , Lei Lecheng , Dai Liming , Hou Yang
Published: December 2021

Sluggish water dissociation kinetics in the Volmer step on platinum‐free electrocatalysts limits the development of hydrogen evolution from economical water‐alkali electrolyser. Herein, an unusual nanosheets electrocatalyst of molybdenum‐doped cobalt selenide with selenium vacancy encapsulated within N‐doped carbon matrix (Mo‐Co0.85SeVSe/NC) for efficient hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is reported. Benefiting from the optimized electronic structure, this Mo‐Co0.85SeVSe/NC nanosheet exhibits a high catalytic activity for alkaline HER, achieving the current densities of 10 and 200 mA cm−2 at low overpotentials of 151 and 275 mV, respectively. These results are among the highest catalytic activities in respect with all previously reported transition‐metal‐selenide based HER electrocatalysts. The combined in situ spectroscopic and theoretical studies reveal that the incorporation of Mo‐dopant and Se vacancies into Co0.85Se efficiently enhances electron transfer from Mo to Co atom through the bridging Se atom, leading to the formation of enriched electronic Co site to accelerate water dissociation, eventually facilitating the overall alkaline HER process. An integrated Zn‐H2O battery with a Mo‐Co0.85SeVSe/NC cathode is developed to further demonstrate the potential applications of the newly developed HER catalyst.
Reconstructable Uterus‐Derived Materials for Uterus Recovery toward Efficient Live Births
Authors: Yi Xiao , Liu Fan , Gao Kunjie , Chen Feng , Wang Yifeng , Li Huayan , Wang Xuefeng , Huang Yi , Fu Huijiao , Zhou Weijie , Fan Jun‐Bing , Wang Shutao , Gao Yi
Published: December 2021

Uterine factor infertility is increasingly common in modern society and has severely affected human life and health. However, the existing biomaterial scaffold‐mediated systems remain limited in efficient uterus recovery, leading to low pregnancy rate and live births. Here, reconstructable uterus‐derived materials (RUMs) are demonstrated by combining uterus‐derived extracellular matrix and seeded chorionic villi mesenchymal stem cells for uterus recovery, achieving highly efficient live births in rats with severe uterine injury. The RUMs can be designed into different states (such as, liquid RUMs and solid RUMs) and shapes (such as, cuboid, triangular‐prism, and cube) in terms of requirements. The RUMs can effectively prevent intrauterine adhesion, and promote endometrial regeneration and muscle collagen reconstruction, as well as, accelerate wound healing by constructing a physical barrier and secreting cytokines, allowing efficient uterus recovery. The injured uterus nearly achieves complete recovery after treating with the RUMs and has normal pregnancies for supporting fetal development and live births, similar to the normal rats. The study provides a regenerative medicine therapeutics for uterine factor infertility.
Improved Interfacial Charge Transfer on Noble Metal‐Free Biomimetic CdS‐Based Tertiary Heterostructure @ 2D MoS2‐CdS‐Cu2O with Enhanced Photocatalytic Water Splitting
Authors: Kumar Uttam , Das Chakraborty Sudeshna , Sahu Ranjan K. , Bhattacharya Pallab , Mishra Trilochan
Published: December 2021

High charge separation efficiency with a wide optical absorption window is the prime requirement for the scale up of a stable solar photocatalytic hydrogen generation process. A new noble metal‐free heterostructure of 2D MoS2‐CdS‐Cu2O is designed by depositing cauliflower‐shaped CdS and nanosized Cu2O on exfoliated 2D MoS2.  Characterization by XPS, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and UV‐visible spectra confirms the formation of nanosized Cu2O with desired interface formation with MoS2 sheet and CdS thus extending the optical absorption range up to 900 nm. Water splitting activity in the presence of lactic acid is found to be 7.89 and 11.53 mmol g−1 h−1 on MoS2‐CdS and MoS2‐CdS‐Cu2O, respectively, with good repeatability under visible light. Efficient interfacial charge separation is manifested from demised photoluminescence (PL) intensity which supports the suppression of hole‐electron recombination in the tertiary heterostructure. In addition, the formation of dual p‐n junction as indicated from Mott–Schottky analysis further strengthen the faster electron and holes separation objective. Compared to the pure CdS, hydrogen efficiency is 20.96 times higher on a noble metal‐free tertiary catalyst with an apparent quantum efficiency of 8.75%. Hopefully, the 2D material‐based architecture of dual p‐n junction with desired interface engineering will facilitate the catalyst design with increased water splitting activity under solar/visible light.
Achieving Efficient p‐Type Organic Thermoelectrics by Modulation of Acceptor Unit in Photovoltaic π‐Conjugated Copolymers
Authors: Tang Junhui , Ji Jingjing , Chen Ruisi , Yan Yongkun , Zhao Yan , Liang Ziqi
Published: December 2021

π‐Conjugated donor (D)−acceptor (A) copolymers have been extensively studied as organic photovoltaic (OPV) donors yet remain largely unexplored in organic thermoelectrics (OTEs) despite their outstanding mechanical bendability, solution processability and flexible molecular design. Importantly, they feature high Seebeck coefficient (S) that are desirable in room‐temperature wearable application scenarios under small temperature gradients. In this work, the authors have systematically investigated a series of D−A semiconducting copolymers possessing various electron‐deficient A‐units (e.g., BDD, TT, DPP) towards efficient OTEs. Upon p‐type ferric chloride (FeCl3) doping, the relationship between the thermoelectric characteristics and the electron‐withdrawing ability of A‐unit is largely elucidated. It is revealed that a strong D−A nature tends to induce an energetic disorder along the π‐backbone, leading to an enlarged separation of the transport and Fermi levels, and consequently an increase of S. Meanwhile, the highly electron‐deficient A‐unit would impair electron transfer from D‐unit to p‐type dopants, thus decreasing the doping efficiency and electrical conductivity (σ). Ultimately, the peak power factor (PF) at room‐temperature is obtained as high as 105.5 µW m−1 K−2 with an outstanding S of 247 µV K−1 in a paradigm OPV donor PBDB‐T, which holds great potential in wearable electronics driven by a small temperature gradient.
What can 7T sodium MRI tell us about cellular energy depletion and neurotransmission in Alzheimer's disease?
Authors: Haeger Alexa , Bottlaender Michel , Lagarde Julien , Porciuncula Baptista Renata , Rabrait‐Lerman Cécile , Luecken Volker , Schulz Jörg B. , Vignaud Alexandre , Sarazin Marie , Reetz Kathrin , Romanzetti Sandro , Boumezbeur Fawzi
Published: December 2021

The pathophysiological processes underlying the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) on the neuronal level are still unclear. Previous research has hinted at metabolic energy deficits and altered sodium homeostasis with impaired neuronal function as a potential metabolic marker relevant for neurotransmission in AD. Using sodium (23Na) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging on an ultra‐high‐field 7 Tesla MR scanner, we found increased cerebral tissue sodium concentration (TSC) in 17 biomarker‐defined AD patients compared to 22 age‐matched control subjects in vivo. TSC was highly discriminative between controls and early AD stages and was predictive for cognitive state, and associated with regional tau load assessed with flortaucipir‐positron emission tomography as a possible mediator of TSC‐associated neurodegeneration. TSC could therefore serve as a non‐invasive, stage‐dependent, metabolic imaging marker. Setting a focus on cellular metabolism and potentially disturbed interneuronal communication due to energy‐dependent altered cell homeostasis could hamper progressive cognitive decline by targeting these processes in future interventions.
Different rates of cognitive decline in autosomal dominant and late‐onset Alzheimer disease
Authors: Buckles Virginia D. , Xiong Chengjie , Bateman Randall J. , Hassenstab Jason , Allegri Ricardo , Berman Sarah B. , Chhatwal Jasmeer P. , Danek Adrian , Fagan Anne M. , Ghetti Bernardino , Goate Alison , Graff‐Radford Neill , Jucker Mathias , Levin Johannes , Marcus Daniel S. , Masters Colin L. , McCue Lena , McDade Eric , Mori Hiroshi , Moulder Krista L. , Noble James M. , Paumier Katrina , Preische Oliver , Ringman John M. , Fox Nick C. , Salloway Stephen , Schofield Peter R. , Martins Ralph , Vöglein Jonathan , Morris John C. ,   for the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer's Network
Published: December 2021

As prevention trials advance with autosomal dominant Alzheimer disease (ADAD) participants, understanding the similarities and differences between ADAD and “sporadic” late‐onset AD (LOAD) is critical to determine generalizability of findings between these cohorts. Cognitive trajectories of ADAD mutation carriers (MCs) and autopsy‐confirmed LOAD individuals were compared to address this question. Longitudinal rates of change on cognitive measures were compared in ADAD MCs (n = 310) and autopsy‐confirmed LOAD participants (n = 163) before and after symptom onset (estimated/observed). LOAD participants declined more rapidly in the presymptomatic (preclinical) period and performed more poorly at symptom onset than ADAD participants on a cognitive composite. After symptom onset, however, the younger ADAD MCs declined more rapidly. The similar but not identical cognitive trajectories (declining but at different rates) for ADAD and LOAD suggest common AD pathologies but with some differences.
Lnc‐hipk1 inhibits mouse adipocyte apoptosis as a sponge of miR‐497
Authors: Wu Qiong , Yang Hong , Tai Ruiqing , Li Chaowei , Xia Tianyu , Liu Yongnian , Sun Chao
Published: December 2021

Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) such as microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA), and circular RNAs are closely related to the biological processes related to obesity. As a miRNA that widely present in different cell types, miR497 is proved to be involved in cell development. However, research on the role of miR‐497 as a key factor in regulating the development of adipocytes is still in gap. The role of miR‐497 in the apoptosis and proliferation of mouse‐derived adipocytes was detected by RNA‐seq analysis, RT‐qPCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence, and dual‐luciferase reporter assay. Using miR‐497 mimics to treat 3T3‐L1 cells, we found that miR‐497 targeted Bcl‐2 to promote adipocyte apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway, and this effect was consistent in the apoptosis model composed of palmitic acid (PA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). LncRNA homeodomain‐interacting protein kinase 1 (lnc‐hipk1) sponged miR‐148b to weaken its silencing of Bcl‐2, forming the competitive endogenous RNAs (CeRNAs) regulatory network. Furthermore, overexpression of lnc‐hipk1 inhibited the apoptosis of adipocytes by targeting miR‐497/Bcl‐2. Co‐treatment of miR‐497 and lnc‐hipk1 showed that lnc‐hipk1 reversed the apoptosis of adipocytes caused by miR‐497 overexpression. And in vivo experiments further confirmed that this effect was also achieved by the CeRNA system of lnc‐hipk1/miR‐497/Bcl‐2. In summary, lnc‐hipk1 targets miR‐497/Bcl‐2 to regulate adipocyte apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway. This research enriches the research content of ncRNAs and CeRNA in adipocyte development, and provides new targets for the treatment of obesity and other metabolic syndromes.
A functional methylation signature to predict the prognosis of Chinese lung adenocarcinoma based on TCGA
Authors: Wang Ke , Liu Ying , Lu Guanzhong , Xiao Jinrong , Huang Jiao , Lei Lin , Peng Ji , Li Yangkai , Wei Sheng
Published: December 2021

Background

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer morbidity and mortality worldwide, however, the individualized treatment is still unsatisfactory. DNA methylation can affect gene regulation and may be one of the most valuable biomarkers in predicting the prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma. This study was aimed to identify methylation CpG sites that may be used to predict lung adenocarcinoma prognosis.

Methods

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was used to detect methylation CpG sites associated with lung adenocarcinoma prognosis and construct a methylation signature model. Then, a Chinese cohort was carried out to estimate the association between methylation and lung adenocarcinoma prognosis. Biological function studies, including demethylation treatment, cell proliferative capacity, and gene expression changes in lung adenocarcinoma cell lines, were further performed.

Results

In the TCGA set, three methylation CpG sites were selected that were associated with lung adenocarcinoma prognosis (cg14517217, cg15386964, and cg18878992). The risk of mortality was increased in lung adenocarcinoma patients with the gradual increase level of methylation signature based on three methylation sites levels (HR = 45.30, 95% CI = 26.69–66.83; p < 0.001). The C‐statistic value increased to 0.77 when age, gender, and other clinical variables were added to the signature to prediction model. A similar situation was confirmed in Chinese lung adenocarcinoma cohort. In the biological function studies, the proliferative capacity of cell lines was inhibited when the cells were demethylated with 5‐aza‐2'‐deoxycytidine (5‐aza‐2dC). The mRNA and protein expression levels of SEPT9 and HIST1H2BH (cg14517217 and cg15386964) were downregulated with different concentrations of 5‐aza‐2dC treatment, while cg18878992 showed the opposite result.

Conclusion

This study is the first to develop a three‐CpG‐based model for lung adenocarcinoma, which is a practical and useful tool for prognostic prediction that has been validated in a Chinese population.
Water‐Dispersible Gold Nanoclusters: Synthesis Strategies, Optical Properties, and Biological Applications
Authors: Li Yu , Zhai Tingting , Chen Jing , Shi Jiye , Wang Lihua , Shen Jianlei , Liu Xiaoguo
Published: December 2021

Atomically precise gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) are an emerging class of quantum‐sized nanomaterials. Intrinsic discrete electronic energy levels have endowed them with fascinating electronic and optical properties. They have been widely applied in the fields of optoelectronics, photovoltaics, catalysis, biochemical sensing, bio‐imaging, and therapeutics. Nevertheless, most AuNCs are synthesized in organic solvents and do not disperse in aqueous solutions; this restricts their biological applications. In this review, we focus on the recent progress in the preparation of water‐dispersible AuNCs and their biological applications. We first review different methods of synthesis, including direct synthesis from hydrophilic templates and indirect phase transfer of hydrophobic AuNCs. We then discuss their photophysical properties, such as emission enhancement and fluorescence lifetimes. Next, we summarize their latest applications in the fields of biosensing, biolabeling, and bioimaging. Finally, we outline the challenges and potential for the future development of these AuNCs.
Framework Zr Stabilized PtSn/Zr‐MCM‐41 as a Promising Catalyst for Non‐oxidative Ethane Dehydrogenation
Authors: Xu Jisheng , Shi Chengxiang , Zhang Shuguang , Zheng Qiancheng , Pan Lun , Zhang Xiangwen , Zou Ji‐Jun
Published: December 2021

Comprehensive Summary

Non‐oxidative ethane dehydrogenation is a promising route to produce ethene. Herein, PtSn supported catalysts were investigated to achieve better ethane dehydrogenation performance by introduction of different Zr promoters, i.e., framework Zr and ZrO2, to mesoporous MCM‐41. In‐situ XRD, TEM and CO chemisorption show that aggregation of metal particles and phase segregation of Pt3Sn to Pt and PtSn3 at high temperature occur for PtSn/M, leading to bad ethane dehydrogenation activity. Strong interaction between ZrO2 and PtSn species, as proved by XPS, results in restrained metal particles, which promotes the initial reactivity. However, Pt phase generated on surface is disadvantageous for the desorption of produced ethene as indicated by CO‐IR and C3H6‐TPD, and pyridine‐IR and NH3‐TPD indicate strong acidity generated. Both deactivate the catalyst rapidly by deep dehydrogenation and coking. Moderate interaction between PtSn species and Si‐O‐Zr with much weaker acidity is formed when framework Zr is incorporated into MCM‐41, which benefits the dispersion of metal particles, formation of Pt3Sn/Pt species and stabilization of metal species from phase segregation. Outstanding initial ethane conversion and ethene selectivity of ca. 99% were achieved for the optimal PtSn/ZrM, which is more coking‐tolerant and stable by generating graphitic carbon mainly on support instead of active metals.
A new test for high‐dimensional regression coefficients in partially linear models
Authors: Zhao Fanrong , Lin Nan , Zhang Baoxue
Published: December 2021

Partially linear regression models are semiparametric models that contain both linear and nonlinear components. They are extensively used in many scientific fields for their flexibility and convenient interpretability. In such analyses, testing the significance of the regression coefficients in the linear component is typically a key focus. Under the high‐dimensional setting, i.e., “large p, small n,” the conventional F‐test strategy does not apply because the coefficients need to be estimated through regularization techniques. In this article, we develop a new test using a U‐statistic of order two, relying on a pseudo‐estimate of the nonlinear component from the classical kernel method. Using the martingale central limit theorem, we prove the asymptotic normality of the proposed test statistic under some regularity conditions. We further demonstrate our proposed test's finite‐sample performance by simulation studies and by analyzing some breast cancer gene expression data.
Assessing the representation of South American monsoon features in Brazil and U.K. climate model simulations
Authors: Coelho Caio A. S. , de Souza Dayana C. , Kubota Paulo Y. , Cavalcanti Iracema F. A. , Baker Jessica C. A. , Figueroa Silvio N. , Firpo Mári A. F. , Guimarães Bruno S. , Costa Simone M. S. , Gonçalves Layrson J. M. , Bonatti José P. , Sampaio Gilvan , Klingaman Nicholas P. , Chevuturi Amulya , Andrews Martin B.
Published: December 2021

This paper assesses how well the CPTEC/INPE Brazilian Global Atmospheric Model (BAM‐1.2) and the atmospheric component of the UK Met Office Hadley Centre Global Environment Model (HadGEM3‐GC3.1) represent the main South American monsoon features. Climatological (1981–2010) ensemble means of Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project (AMIP)‐type climate simulations are evaluated. The assessment evaluated the models’ ability to represent the South America austral summer and winter precipitation contrast and associated circulation, key South American monsoon system elements, the association between south‐east Brazil and South America precipitation, and climatological (1997/1998 to 2013/2014) distributions of rainy season onset and demise dates over south‐east Brazil (15°S–25°S, 40°W–50°W) and the core monsoon region (10°S–20°S, 45°W–55°W). Despite some identified deficiencies, both models depict the monsoon region and represent the main features, including (1) the north‐west–south‐east precipitation band and associated ascending motion over central South America; (2) the upper‐level Bolivian High and the north‐east South America trough during the summer; (3) the lower‐level South Atlantic and Pacific subtropical anti‐cyclones and (4) the low‐level jet east of the Andes. Both models represent upper‐level divergence and lower‐level convergence over the core monsoon region, and upper‐level convergence and lower‐level divergence over the Pacific and Atlantic anti‐cyclones associated with the regional Walker circulation during the pre‐monsoon (spring) and peak monsoon (summer) seasons. Convection over South America is weaker in BAM‐1.2 than observed, consistent with continental precipitation deficit. The models reproduce the dipole‐like precipitation pattern between south‐east Brazil and south‐eastern South America during the austral summer but overestimate these patterns spatial extent over the South Atlantic. Both models simulate the main observed climatological features of rainy season onset and demise dates for the two above defined investigated regions. HadGEM3 overestimates onset dates interannual variability. These results can contribute towards understanding climate and land‐use change implications for environmental sustainability and for recommending climate adaptation strategies.