bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Urtica dioica (Stinging Nettle) – Properties, Uses and Applications
Authors: Sushma Anjali, , Sharma Reena
Published: December 2021

Utricaceae is a family of herbs and shrubs that can be found in a variety of habitats around the world. A lot of research has been carried out till date targeted for close understanding of this medicinal plant. The botanical distribution, Ethnomedicinal applications, Traditional uses as well as Pharmacological properties of the Urtica genus, are discussed in this study. The composition such as flavonoids and array of phenolic compounds which includes alcohols, Diocanol, Diol glucosides, Terpenes diols, and sugars as well are an inclusion in the genus Urtica. A wide range of research reports have been published representing its biological and pharmacological potential against cancer, tumors, bacterial, viral or fungal infections significantly. The information about the Urtica genus has been extracted using electronic database search such as Google Scholar and Pubmed as well as a library search for peer-reviewed journal publications.
Impact of Four Plant Extracts on Bactrocera dorsalis a Pest on Fruits
Authors: Ramniwas Seema , Singh Divya
Published: December 2021

Menthol extracts of four local plants (Ocimum tenuiflorum, Hibiscus, Mentha longifolia and Bougainvillea glabra) were analysed to check their toxicity on third instar larvae of B. dorsalis by estimating the larval mortality for four plant extracts and different times exposure (1-5 hr) and measured LT50 value for each plant extract. Larval mortality varies for extract of each studied plant as Ocimum tenuiflorum showed its highest value of 56.68% at 4.57hr, for hibiscus it was 72% at 3.5 hr., for Mentha longifolia it was 95.23% at 4 hr., while for Bougainvillea glabra it was 100% at 2 hr. exposure. The LT50 values for B. dorsalis varying from 1.011 for Bougainvillea glabra to 2.946 for Ocimum tenuiflorum whereas LT50 values were 1.402 and 1.123, forHibiscus and Mentha longifolia respectively. Present study results showed that Bougainvillea glabra was highly toxic whereas Ocimum tenuiflorum shows least toxicity.
Success of Immediate Manual Detorsion of Testicular Torsion
Authors: Alzahrani Fahad Ahmed , Alsulami Faris Abdulhamid , Alghamdi Faisal Ali , Yassen Mohammad Hamzah , Almtotah Abdullah Ghunaim , AlYousef Yaqoub Abdullah , Alzahrani Muhannad Mohammed , Basodan Majed Abdullah , Alyousef Moaid Adel , Alhazmi Abdullah Omar , Aljafar Faris Abdullah , Alsefri Nawaf Salman
Published: December 2021

Evidence shows that patients having testicular torsion usually present to the emergency department to apply immediate interventions. Immediate manual detorsion has been validated among different investigations as a productive technique for the initial management of testicular torsion. In the present literature review, we have elaborated on the success of manual detorsion for patients with torsion according to findings from previous relevant studies. Our findings indicate the favorable events that can be obtained after using manual detorsion. However, some studies reported that the success rate for the modality is not very high. In addition, it has been reported to reduce the time of ischemia as a temporary measure until surgery is prepared. Evidence also shows that the approach's efficacy is superior to that of surgical exploration and should be used since the time of diagnosis to prevent further deterioration of the affected case and enhance perfusion. However, the current evidence is based on a limited number of investigations that validated the efficacy of manual detorsion among a small population. Accordingly, we encourage further studies to be conducted in this context further to validate the current evidence with more adequate sample sizes.
Glibenclamide-Loaded Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) Nanoparticles and Glibenclamide-Loaded Soluplus® Nanomicelles Intended for Parenteral Administration: Effect of Solvents Mixtures on the Electrosprayed Nanoparticles and In vitro Characterization
Authors: Al-Ghezi Maryam , Almilly Raghad F. , Ali Wedad K.
Published: December 2021

Background and Objective: Glibenclamide (GB) is showing promising results in central nervous system (CNS) injuries treatment where intravenous administration of GB could overcome the oral limitations and assure maximum bioavailability. Dry powder of GB nanoparticles reconstituted for parenteral administration was prepared through electrospraying.

Methods: The drug was incorporated with two polymers, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and Soluplus® (SP), at ratios 1:4 and 1:2 (GB/polymer). Different solvent mixtures were used to formulate the particles. Physicochemical characteristics were investigated.

Results: The size of the GB-PVP nanoparticle ranged between (409-775) nm with a spherical, disk, fractured and, agglomerated morphology, while those of the GB-SP nanomicelles were of (447-785) nm with mostly irregular morphology, in consequence to the used solvents mixtures. The high encapsulation efficiency ≥ 98% reflects the well dispersed drug molecules within the polymer matrix, further confirmed by X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy. GB-SP colloidal dispersions showed neutral zeta potentials with a cloud point of 36 ˚C, indicating prolonged circulation time and stability after parenteral administration. GB/SP nanomicelles at ratio 1:4 showed a sustained drug release reaching ≥ 94% in 36 hours.

Conclusion: The GB-SP nanomicelles with extended drug release and regarding physicochemical properties represent a remarkable drug delivery system for parenteral administration.
Local and Systemic Complications of Local Testosterone Patches and Gels
Authors: Alzahrani Fahad Ahmed , Aziaby Areej Ibrahim , Alkhalifah Mohammed Abdulaziz , Alalsheikhahmed Abdalkarim Ahmed , Aldosari Rawa Mohammed , Albalawi Mohammed Khamis , Almohammadi Mohammad Mabrook , Alzahrani Alaa Bakheet , Damanhori Ghassan Mohammedzaki , Alaswami Eman Abdulaziz , Almutairy Mohammed Khaled
Published: December 2021

In recent decades, testosterone therapy has gained the attention of many researchers due to the increased demand for this modality worldwide, the increased average age of the different populations, and increased awareness of the potential uses of the modality in clinical settings. Using testosterone therapy aims to treat erectile dysfunction, libido disorders, and potentially enhance physical strength and general body functions. It should be noted that the administration of this treatment modality has been reported with various adverse outcomes despite the remarkable efficacy and wide rates of administration among the different populations. In the present literature review, we have discussed the potential local and systemic complications of applying local testosterone patches and gel. The main advesre events that were reported for both formulas have been skin reactions at the site of application. However, these reactions are not usually serious, and only a few patients discontinued the therapy due to these reactions. In general, evidence indicates that the exogenous administration of testosterone has been associated with many systemic complications as cardiovascular diseases, prostate cancer, obstructive sleep apnea, and elevated hematocrite value. However, evidence regarding this association is still controversial, and additional studies are needed for verfication.
Clinical Presentation of the Epileptic Patients at People Medical College Hospital, Nawabshah, Pakistan
Authors: Daidano Jeando Khan , Makheja Haresh Kumar , Bhatia Moti Ram , Memon Waseem Raja , Jamali Anwar Ali , Tunio Safdar Ali Pervez , Ahmer Arslan
Published: December 2021

Objective: study will determine clinical presentation, risk, and type of seizures in epileptic patients.  Methodology: This observational study was conducted in Medicine department People Medical College Hospital (PMCH) Nawabshah from January 2020 to December 2020. 110 patients were included for study after informed permission of the patient or their relative. Male and female were selected. Known epileptic patients were included in the study, patients with false seizures were excluded from the study. Statically analysis was done by software SSPS 22 version.

Results: Age ranged 18 to 60 years. All the patients included in the study epilepsy was noted. The mean age of patients was 37.40 SD 8.71 years. The minimum age was 28 years while maximum 60 years. Pearson Chi-Square Value 105.000a  Asymp. Sig. (2-sided) .000, Likelihood Ratio Value 135.012  Asymp. Sig. (2-sided) .000, Linear-by-Linear Association Value 16.297 Asymp. Sig. (2-sided) .000 which were statistically significant.

Conclusion: Epilepsy is treatable common neurological disease in Pakistan. quality of life can be improved by Education of the patients and their relatives, without socioeconomically  burden.
Clitoria ternatea - Shifting Paradigms: From Laboratory to Industry
Authors: Ranaweera C. B. , Chandana A. K.
Published: December 2021

Clitoria ternatea commonly known as Butterfly pea is a standard Ayurvedic medicinal plant used in many parts of south Asian countries. Traditional medicinal plants are a great alternative to find new treatments and for the development of novel antimicrobials to combat many diseases. In Ayurveda and traditional and folk medicine in several countries, decoction and extracts made from C. ternatea are recommended to be used for various medical treatments. C. ternatea extracts claimed to possess antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, which had been supported and validated by many in vitro and in vivo experiments. However, biologically active compound/s isolation and development novel compounds still remain in its infancy. Despite its enormous potential health benefits, only a single commercial product managed to reach industrial level production. C. ternatea cyclotide studies are also limited despite the fact that it the fastest known natural ligase discovered to date. These cyclotides are rapid peptide ligators and has been the focus of many recent studies on peptide ligation and cyclization for biotechnological applications. In this mini summary we have tried to point out innate unique biological properties of C. ternatea and suggested few future studies, more specifically on C. ternatea cyclotides development against bacterial heat shock proteins (Hsp 100) for novel antimicrobial discovery and development.
A cross-sectional study on perceived workplace health support and health-related quality of life
Authors:   CORoNaWork Project, Kurogi Kazushirou , Ikegami Kazunori , Eguchi Hisashi , Tsuji Mayumi , Tateishi Seiichiro , Nagata Tomohisa , Matsuda Shinya , Fujino Yoshihisa , Ogami Akira
Published: December 2021

Objective

Many companies in Japan have been increasingly interested in “health and productivity management (H&PM).” In terms of H&PM, we hypothesized that companies can enhance their employees’ perceived workplace health support (PWHS) by supporting workers’ lively working and healthy living. This could then improve their health-related quality of life (HRQOL) by increasing PWHS. Consequently, this study explored the relationship between PWHS and HRQOL.

Methods

In December 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, we conducted an Internet-based nationwide health survey of Japanese workers (CORoNaWork study). A database of 27 036 participants was created. The intensity of PWHS was measured using a four-point Likert scale. We used multilevel ordered logistic regression to analyze the relationship between PWHS intensity and the four domains of the Centers for Disease Control’s HRQOL-4 (self-rated health, number of poor physical health days, number of poor mental health days, and activity limitation days during the past 30 days).

Results

In the sex- and age-adjusted and multivariate models, the intensity of PWHS significantly affected self-rated health and the three domains of unhealthy days (physical, mental, and activity limitation). There was also a trend toward worse HRQOL scores as the PWHS decreased.

Conclusions

We found that the higher the PWHS of Japanese workers, the higher their self-rated health and the fewer their unhealthy days. Companies need to assess workers’ PWHS and HRQOL and promote H&PM. H&PM is also necessary to maintain and promote the health of workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Near‐Infrared Responsive Membrane Nanovesicles Amplify Homologous Targeting Delivery of Anti‐PD Immunotherapy against Metastatic Tumors
Authors: Tan Ya‐Nan , Huang Jian‐Dong , Li Yong‐Peng , Li Shan‐Shan , Luo Min , Luo Jie , Lee Anne Wing‐Mui , Fu Li , Hu Fu‐Qiang , Guan Xin‐Yuan
Published: December 2021

The major obstacles of anti‐PD therapy in metastatic tumors are limited drug delivery in primary tumors and metastatic foci, and the lack of tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Here, the authors constructed a novel cellular membrane nanovesicles platform (M/IR NPs) based on homologous targeting and near‐infrared (NIR) responsive release strategy to potentiate PD‐1/PD‐L1 blockade therapy against metastatic tumors. In tumor‐bearing mice, biomimetic M/IR NPs targeted both primary tumors and their lung metastases. Upon laser irradiation, M/IR NPs reduced cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in tumor microenvironment, thus increasing the penetration of TILs. When shed from homologous tumor cell membranes, positively charged nanoparticles (IR NPs) core can capture released tumor‐associated antigens, thereby enhancing the antigen‐presenting ability of DCs to activate cytotoxic T lymphocytes. When the photothermal conversion temperature under NIR‐laser is higher than 42 °C, M/IR NPs initiated the rupture of cell membranes and the responsive release of PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitor BMS, which significantly attenuated tumor‐associated immunosuppression and synergistically induced T cellular immunity to inhibit the tumor growth and metastasis. Overall, biomimetic M/IR NPs can improve the targeting and therapeutic efficacy of anti‐PD therapy in primary tumors and metastases, opening up a new avenue for the diagnosis and treatment of metastatic tumors in the future.
Stable Quasi‐Solid‐State Aluminum Batteries
Authors: Huang Zheng , Song Wei‐Li , Liu Yingjun , Wang Wei , Wang Mingyong , Ge Jianbang , Jiao Handong , Jiao Shuqiang
Published: December 2021

Nonaqueous rechargeable aluminum batteries (RABs) of low cost and high safety are promising for next‐generation energy storage. With the presence of ionic liquid (IL) electrolytes, their high moisture sensitivity and poor stability would lead to critical issues in liquid RABs, including undesirable gas production, irreversible activity loss, and an unstable electrode interface, undermining the operation stability. To address such issues, herein, a stable quasi‐solid‐state electrolyte is developed via encapsulating a small amount of an IL into a metal–organic framework, which not only protects the IL from moisture, but creates sufficient ionic transport network between the active materials and the electrolyte. Owing to the generated stable states at both positive‐electrode–electrolyte and negative‐electrode–electrolyte interfaces, the as‐assembled quasi‐solid‐state Al–graphite batteries deliver specific capacity of ≈75 mA h g−1 (with positive electrode material loading ≈9 mg cm−2, much higher than that in the conventional liquid systems). The batteries present a long‐term cycling stability beyond 2000 cycles, with great stability even upon exposure to air within 2 h and under flame combustion tests. Such technology opens a new platform of designing highly safe rechargeable Al batteries for stable energy storage.
Achieving Ultimate Narrowband and Ultrapure Blue Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes Based on Polycyclo‐Heteraborin Multi‐Resonance Delayed‐Fluorescence Emitters
Authors: Park In Seob , Yang Minlang , Shibata Hiromoto , Amanokura Natsuki , Yasuda Takuma
Published: December 2021

To achieve an ultimate wide color gamut for ultrahigh‐definition displays, there is great demand for the development of organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) enabling monochromatic, ultrapure blue electroluminescence (EL). Herein, high‐efficiency and ultrapure blue OLEDs based on polycyclo‐heteraborin multi‐resonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence (MR‐TADF) materials, BOBO‐Z, BOBS‐Z, and BSBS‐Z, are reported. The key to the design of the present luminophores is the exquisite combination and interplay of multiple boron, nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur heteroatoms embedded in a fused polycyclic π‐system. Comprehensive photophysical and computational investigations of this family of MR‐TADF materials reveal that the systematic implementation of chalcogen (oxygen and sulfur) atoms can finely modulate the emission color while maintaining a narrow bandwidth, as well as the spin‐flipping rates between the excited singlet and triplet states. Consequently, OLEDs based on BOBO‐Z, BOBS‐Z, and BSBS‐Z demonstrate narrowband and ultrapure blue EL emission, with peaks at 445–463 nm and full width at half maxima of 18–23 nm, leading to Commission Internationale de l'Éclairage‐y coordinates in the range of 0.04–0.08. Particularly, for OLEDs incorporating sulfur‐doped BOBS‐Z and BSBS‐Z, notably high maximum external EL quantum efficiencies of 26.9% and 26.8%, respectively, and small efficiency roll‐offs are achieved concurrently.
Antibacterial and UV‐Blocking Bioelectronics Based on Transparent, Adhesive, and Strain‐Sensitive Multifunctional Hydrogel
Authors: Sun Xia , Yao Mengmeng , He Shaoshuai , Dong Xiaoru , Liang Lei , Yao Fanglian , Li Junjie
Published: December 2021

Skin‐attachable conductive hydrogels are ideal candidates for the design of flexible and wearable electronics, and tremendous efforts are devoted to preparing multifunctional hydrogels. However, antibacterial ability and ultraviolet (UV)‐blocking property are still essential yet rarely reported. In this study, a novel ionically conductive multifunctional polyacrylamide (PAAm)/chitosan (CS)/tannic acid (TA) hydrogel (PCT hydrogel) with transparency, adhesiveness, antibacterial activity, and UV‐blocking ability simultaneously is fabricated via a facile one‐pot strategy. In the hydrogel, PAAm chains form the backbone of PCT hydrogel, CS and TA endow hydrogel with antibacterial activity (>97%) and UV‐blocking ability (>96%), respectively. More importantly, existing free ions also endue PCT hydrogel with conductivity (0.256 ± 0.005 S m−1) and strain sensitivity (GF > 3). The prepared PCT hydrogel‐based strain sensors can effectively monitor various human movements, indicating their huge potential in soft robotics, human–machine interaction, and health‐monitoring systems.
Raman Molecular Fingerprints of SARS‐CoV‐2 British Variant and the Concept of Raman Barcode
Authors: Pezzotti Giuseppe , Boschetto Francesco , Ohgitani Eriko , Fujita Yuki , Shin‐Ya Masaharu , Adachi Tetsuya , Yamamoto Toshiro , Kanamura Narisato , Marin Elia , Zhu Wenliang , Nishimura Ichiro , Mazda Osam
Published: December 2021

The multiple mutations of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) virus have created variants with structural differences in both their spike and nucleocapsid proteins. While the functional relevance of these mutations is under continuous scrutiny, current findings have documented their detrimental impact in terms of affinity with host receptors, antibody resistance, and diagnostic sensitivity. Raman spectra collected on two British variant sub‐types found in Japan (QK002 and QHN001) are compared with that of the original Japanese isolate (JPN/TY/WK‐521), and found bold vibrational differences. These included: i) fractions of sulfur‐containing amino acid rotamers, ii) hydrophobic interactions of tyrosine phenol ring, iii) apparent fractions of RNA purines and pyrimidines, and iv) protein secondary structures. Building upon molecular scale results and their statistical validations, the authors propose to represent virus variants with a barcode specially tailored on Raman spectrum. Raman spectroscopy enables fast identification of virus variants, while the Raman barcode facilitates electronic recordkeeping and translates molecular characteristics into information rapidly accessible by users.
Toward a Unified Description of Battery Data
Authors: Clark Simon , Bleken Francesca L. , Stier Simon , Flores Eibar , Andersen Casper Welzel , Marcinek Marek , Szczesna‐Chrzan Anna , Gaberscek Miran , Palacin M. Rosa , Uhrin Martin , Friis Jesper
Published: December 2021

Battery research initiatives and giga‐scale production generate an abundance of diverse data spanning myriad fields of science and engineering. Modern battery development is driven by the confluence of traditional domains of natural science with emerging fields like artificial intelligence and the vast engineering and logistical knowledge needed to sustain the global reach of battery Gigafactories. Despite the unprecedented volume of dedicated research targeting affordable, high‐performance, and sustainable battery designs, these endeavours are held back by the lack of common battery data and vocabulary standards, as well as, machine readable tools to support interoperability. An ontology is a data model that represents domain knowledge as a map of concepts and the relations between them. A battery ontology offers an effective means to unify battery‐related activities across different fields, accelerate the flow of knowledge in both human‐ and machine‐readable formats, and support the integration of artificial intelligence in battery development. Furthermore, a logically consistent and expansive ontology is essential to support battery digitalization and standardization efforts, such as, the battery passport. This review summarizes the current state of ontology development, the needs for an ontology in the battery field, and current activities to meet this need.
Optimal nanocone geometry for water flow
Authors: Sun Zheng , Wang Suran , Xiong Hao , Wu Keliu , Shi Juntai
Published: December 2021

The pursuit, toward transport efficiency, is significantly necessary for energy conversion, water filtration. However, structure design, aiming at further enhancing nanoconfined water flow, is still lacking. With the motivation to bridge the knowledge gap, a simple yet practical model regarding the nanocone structure design is established. This research demonstrates that nanocone, with desirable opening angle and length, possesses the capacity to achieve the optimal flow behavior. Flow resistance occurring inside nanocones, and that at cone entrance, exit, are considered. Optimal nanocone geometry can be determined based on the minimization of total resistance. Results show that (a) suitable opening angle spans from 10° to 30° over a wide range of nanocone geometry; (b) evident decline tendency of the suitable opening angle toward the increasing surface wettability is captured; and (c) water transport capacity inside optimal nanocone is 4–50 times that within cylindrical nanopores. This article forms a theoretical framework for nanocone design.
Extended moving horizon estimation for chemical processes under non‐Gaussian noises
Authors: Valipour Mahshad , Ricardez‐Sandoval Luis A.
Published: December 2021

Studies on moving horizon estimation (MHE) for applications featuring process uncertainties and measurement noises that follow time‐dependent non‐Gaussian distributions are absent from the literature. An extended version of MHE (EMHE) is proposed here to improve the estimation for a general class of non‐Gaussian process uncertainties and measurement noises at no significant additional computational costs. Gaussian mixture models are introduced to the proposed EMHE to approximate offline the non‐Gaussian densities of these random variables. Moreover, the proposed EMHE‐based estimation scheme can be updated online by re‐approximating the corresponding Gaussian mixture models when the distributions of noises/uncertainties change due to sudden or seasonal changes in the operating conditions. These updates are not expected to increase the central processing unit times considerably. Illustrative case studies featuring open‐loop operation and closed‐loop control using nonlinear model predictive control have shown that the practical features offered by EMHE resulted in significant improvements in state estimation and online control.
Tibial cortical and trabecular variables together can pinpoint the timing of impact loading relative to menarche in premenopausal females
Authors: Murray Alison A. , Erlandson Marta C.
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Though relationships between limb bone structure and mechanical loading have provided fantastic opportunities for understanding the lives of prehistoric adults, the lives of children remain poorly understood. Our aim was to determine whether or not adult tibial skeletal variables retain information about childhood/adolescent loading, through assessing relationships between cortical and trabecular bone variables and the timing of impact loading relative to menarche in premenopausal adult females.

Methods

Peripheral quantitative computed tomography was used to quantify geometric and densitometric variables from the proximal tibial diaphysis (66% location) and distal epiphysis (4% location) among 81 nulliparous young adult female controls and athletes aged 19–33 years grouped according to intensity of impact loading both pre‐ and post‐menarche: (1) Low:Low (Controls); (2) High:Low; (3) High:High; (4) Moderate:Moderate; (5) Low:Moderate. ANCOVA was used to compare properties among the groups adjusted for age, stature, and body mass.

Results

Significant increases in diaphyseal total cross‐sectional area and strength‐strain index were documented among groups with any pre‐menarcheal impact loading relative to groups with none, regardless of post‐menarcheal loading history (p < .01). In contrast, significantly elevated distal trabecular volumetric bone mineral density was only documented among groups with recent post‐menarcheal loading relative to groups with none, regardless of pre‐menarcheal impact loading history (p < .01).

Conclusions

The consideration of diaphyseal cortical bone geometric and epiphyseal trabecular bone densitometric variables together within the tibia can identify variation in pre‐menarcheal and post‐menarcheal impact loading histories among premenopausal adult females.
Cornelia de Lange syndrome and the Cohesin complex: Abstracts from the 9th Biennial Scientific and Educational Virtual Symposium 2020
Authors: Oliver Chris , Groves Laura , Hansen Blake D. , Salehi Masoud , Kheradmand Shaydah , Carrico Cheri S. , Caudill Patti , Mattingly Mark , Dorsett Dale , Chea Stephenson , Singh Vijay Pratap , Krantz Ian D. , Huisman Sylvia , Deardorff Matthew A. , Kline Antonie D.
Published: December 2021

Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) is a spectrum disorder due to variants in genes of the cohesin protein complex. The following abstracts are from the Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Scientific and Educational Symposium held virtually in October 2020. Aspects of behavior, including autistic features, impulsivity, adaptive skills, executive function, and anxiety are described. Applied behavioral analysis is a promising approach for autism, and an N‐acetylcysteine trial is proposed. Children below 6 years with CdLS have an increased number of and further travel to medical providers, with insurance type comprising a significant barrier. Speech, language, and feeding abilities fall significantly below expectations for age in CdLS. Augmentative alternative communication can yield potential barriers as well as interesting benefits. Developmentally, studies in animal models further elucidate the mechanisms and roles of cohesin: link with mediator transcriptional complex; facilitation of enhancer‐promoter communication; regulation of gene expression; allocation of cells to germ layers; and repair of spontaneous DNA damage in placental cells. Genome and RNA sequencing can help identify the molecular cause in the 20% of individuals with suspected CdLS and negative testing. The phenotypes in individuals with variants in the SMC1A gene are distinct, and that with intractable seizures has been further evaluated. AMA CME credits provided by GBMC, Baltimore, MD. All studies approved by an ethics committee.
pH‐EVD: A pH‐Paper‐Based Extraction and Visual Detection System for Instrument‐Free SARS‐CoV‐2 Diagnostics
Authors: Ding Xiong , Li Ziyue , Avery Lori , Ballesteros Enrique , Makol Rohit , Liu Changchun
Published: December 2021

The ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has caused millions of deaths worldwide. However, most SARS‐CoV‐2 detection methods depend on time‐consuming sample preparation and large detection instruments. Herein, a method employing nonbleeding pH paper to achieve both RNA extraction and visual isothermal amplification is proposed, enabling rapid, instrument‐free SARS‐CoV‐2 detection. By taking advantage of capillary forces, pH‐paper‐based RNA extraction can be accomplished within 1 min without need for any equipment. Further, the pH paper can mediate dye‐free visual isothermal amplification detection. In less than a 46‐min sample‐to‐answer time, pH‐paper‐based extraction and visual detection (termed pH‐EVD) can consistently detect 1200 genome equivalents per microliter of SARS‐CoV‐2 in saliva, which is comparable to TaqMan probe‐based quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT‐qPCR). Through coupling with a chemically heated incubator called a smart cup, the instrument‐free, pH‐EVD‐based SARS‐CoV‐2 detection method on 30 nasopharyngeal swab samples and 33 contrived saliva samples is clinically validated. Thus, the pH‐EVD method provides simple, rapid, reliable, low‐cost, and instrument‐free SARS‐CoV‐2 detection and has the potential to streamline onsite COVID‐19 diagnostics.
Engineered Nanoparticulate Vaccines to Combat Recurring and Pandemic Influenza Threats
Authors: Dong Chunhong , Wang Bao-Zhong
Published: December 2021

Recurring seasonal flu epidemics and occasional pandemics are among the most severe threats to public health. Current seasonal influenza vaccines provide limited protection against drifted circulating strains and no protection against influenza pandemics. Next‐generation influenza vaccines, designated as universal influenza vaccines, should be safe and affordable and elicit long‐lasting cross‐protective influenza immunity. Nanotechnology plays a critical role in the development of such novel vaccines. Engineered nanoparticles can incorporate multiple advantageous properties into the same nanoparticulate platforms to improve vaccine potency and breadth. These immunological properties include virus‐like biomimicry, high antigen loads, controlled antigen release, targeted delivery, and induction of innate signaling pathways. Many nanoparticle influenza vaccines have shown promising results in generating potent and broadly protective immune responses. This review summarizes the necessity and characteristics of next‐generation influenza vaccines and the immunological correlates of broad influenza immunity, and focuses on how cutting‐edge nanoparticle technology contributes to such vaccine development. The review gives new insights into the rational design of nanoparticle universal vaccines to combat influenza epidemics and pandemics.
Fourier Behind Entanglement: A Spectral Approach to the Quantum Internet
Authors: Mastriani Mario
Published: December 2021

In this study, the bridge between quantum fourier transform (QFT) and the most important effect inside quantum physics—entanglement—is presented. Moreover, all the applications of entanglement are impregnated by this equivalence, which concludes in the first spectral approach to the quantum Internet of the literature, which will allow the development of configurations that are more immune to noise as well as fault‐tolerant. Several protocols used in the quantum Internet are implemented on a 5‐qubit international business machine quantum (IBM Q) platform, experimentally verifying the aforementioned equivalence.
Self‐repairing oil‐impregnated gel coatings based on reversible physical cross‐linking for anti‐fouling and anti‐corrosion
Authors: Deng Ran , Zeng Liangpeng , Wu Qing‐Yun , Li Weihua
Published: December 2021

Corrosion and biofouling are the most severe threats to the security of engineering equipment and materials. Oil‐impregnated gel (OIG) is a promising coating material for both corrosion protection and biofouling prevention. Unfortunately, OIGs are prone to damage due to their weak mechanical strength, and most of the reported OIGs are irreversibly cross‐linked through covalent bonds. To meet the great demand of self‐repairable OIGs for their durable applications, we develop a self‐repairable OIG coating based on the reversible sol‐gel process of styrene‐isoprene‐styrene triblock copolymer (SIS) and n‐hexadecane in the current work. The rheological properties of SIS/hexadecane were investigated by a rotary rheometer, which revealed the reversible sol‐gel transition during the cooling process as well as the gelation temperature with the SIS concentration above 2%. Owing to the dynamic hexadecane liquid layer and low‐modulus gel surface, the coating displays outstanding sliding properties to various fluids as well as impressive repellence to bacteria. The water sliding angles on OIGs are below 5° as measured by a water contact angle system. Moreover, it can serve as a barrier against corrosion medium and can be in situ repaired by the laser irradiation based on photothermal effect once damaged. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy indicated the impedance modulus at 0.01 Hz (|Z|0.01Hz) of the OIG coatings on Q235 substrate is 6.34 × 109 Ω cm2, and the repairing process was monitored by the scanning Kelvin probe microscope. This research proposes a novel strategy to prepare the self‐repairing coatings for anti‐adhesion and anti‐corrosion based on the physically cross‐linked oil‐impregnated gel.
Functional analysis of a peptidoglycan recognition protein involved in the immune response in the common cutworm, Spodoptera litura
Authors: Wang Ying , Zhang Qin , Yu Hai‐Zhong
Published: December 2021

Peptidoglycan recognition proteins (GRPs) are family of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), which can recognize the peptidoglycan and trigger the innate immune system against the microorganisms in insects. In this study, we identified a GRP‐LB from Spodoptera litura genome database and named SlGRP‐LB, which contained a complete open reading frame (ORF) of 639 bp, encoding a protein of 212 amino acids with a signal peptide and GRP domain. Phylogenetic tree analysis suggested that the SlGRP‐LB has a close relationship with Helicoverpa armigera GRP‐LB (HaGRP‐LB). Tissue expression analysis revealed that SlGRP‐LB had a high expression level in the fat body. The expression levels of SlGRP‐LB were significantly upregulated in the hemolymph, fat body, and midgut from 3 to 12 h after injection of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, while the expression levels were not downregulated at 24 h postinfection. Knockdown of SlGRP‐LB expression by RNA interference reduced the expression of antibacterial peptide‐related genes in the fat body and midgut, while their expression levels were upregulated in the hemolymph. In addition, the recombinant SlGRP‐LB was expressed by using E. coli expression system, and it exhibited binding activity to E. coli. Taken together, the data suggest that S. litura GRP‐LB might play a crucial role in regulating immune response in S. litura.
X‐ray views of our solar system
Authors: Branduardi‐Raymont Graziella
Published: December 2021

The solar system comprises a relatively small number of X‐ray emitting objects, which are associated with a variety of physical emission processes: we can explore them with good spatial and temporal precision at relatively local distances, and in situ as well, unlike the rest of the Universe. Moreover, from the study of the solar system, we can gather insights into extra‐solar planets too. This article offers a review of our current knowledge of the X‐ray properties of bodies in our solar system, of the physical processes leading to X‐ray emissions, and of recent breakthrough discoveries brought about by space probes providing remote imaging as well as in situ measurements. In the long term, the next generation of Earth‐bound X‐ray observatories and the possibility of in situ X‐ray measurements, that is, by X‐ray telescopes onboard spacecraft visiting the planets, will underpin the next giant leap in discovery space.
Comparative study on the main active components of Baoyuan decoction in plasma and urine of normal and heart failure rats
Authors: Lu Ying‐Yuan , Fang Meng , Du Zhi‐Yong , Wang Jin‐Long , Song Jin‐Yang , Jiang Yong , Guo Xiao‐Yu , Tu Peng‐Fei
Published: December 2021

The global morbidity and mortality of heart failure has been increasing in recent years. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) was increasingly used to treat cardiovascular diseases. Baoyuan decoction (BYD) was a famous classical prescription in China. Modern pharmacological studies showed that it had obvious therapeutic effects on cardiovascular diseases, but its pathological pharmacokinetic studies were unclear. In this research, the absorption of 16 bioactive components in plasma and the excretion of 9 representative components in urine of control rats and isoproterenol (ISO)‐induced heart failure rats were studied using the large‐volume direct‐injection LC–MS method established by our research group. The results indicated that flavonoid constituents exhibited quicker absorption and elimination than saponin constituents after oral administration of BYD. The half‐life period of some bioactive compounds in the model group was increased, which contributed to the longer therapeutic effect. The cumulative excretion rate of major flavonoid components of BYD decreased significantly in the ISO‐induced heart failure rats.
A novel strategy on the spectrochromatographic analysis of a quaternary mixture by parallel factor analysis model
Authors: Dinç Erdal , Ertekin Zehra Ceren , Büker Eda
Published: December 2021

Poor chromatographic resolution is one of the main challenges in chromatographic analysis. Partially separated chromatographic peaks frequently occur, due to the nature of analytes and the demand for fast analysis using high flow rates and shorter columns. Modeling of chromatographic three‐way data using suitable chemometric tools enables determining co‐eluted peaks without using additional experimental efforts. In this paper, parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) was applied to chromatographic data for the quantitative resolution of a quaternary mixture at the co‐elution condition of acetaminophen, aspirin, ascorbic acid, and guaifenesin in a spectrochromatogram. The spectrochromatograms of the calibration set, validation set, and real samples were arranged as a three‐way array. In the next step, the PARAFAC model was implemented to decompose the spectrochromatographic array into trilinear components, corresponding to spectral, chromatographic, and relative concentration profiles of the analytes. The chromatographic and spectral modes were used for the qualitative analysis of components, whereas the analytes in commercial tablets were quantified from their individual profiles in their concentration mode. This study indicated that the application of the PARAFAC model provided a novel strategy for determining overlapping peaks in a chromatogram to perform the analysis of multicomponent mixtures with reduced runtime and without additional efforts.
Cerebral processing of sharp mechanical pain measured with arterial spin labeling
Authors: Cardinale Vita , Demirakca Traute , Gradinger Tobias , Sack Markus , Ruf Matthias , Kleindienst Nikolaus , Schmitz Marius , Schmahl Christian , Baumgärtner Ulf , Ende Gabriele
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Arterial spin labeling (ASL) is a functional neuroimaging technique that has been frequently used to investigate acute pain states. A major advantage of ASL as opposed to blood‐oxygen‐level‐dependent functional neuroimaging is its applicability for low‐frequency designs. As such, ASL represents an interesting option for studies in which repeating an experimental event would reduce its ecological validity. Whereas most ASL pain studies so far have used thermal stimuli, to our knowledge, no ASL study so far has investigated pain responses to sharp mechanical pain.

Methods

As a proof of concept, we investigated whether ASL has the sensitivity to detect brain activation within core areas of the nociceptive network in healthy controls following a single stimulation block based on 96 s of mechanical painful stimulation using a blunt blade.

Results

We found significant increases in perfusion across many regions of the nociceptive network such as primary and secondary somatosensory cortices, premotor cortex, posterior insula, inferior parietal cortex, parietal operculum, temporal gyrus, temporo‐occipital lobe, putamen, and the cerebellum. Contrary to our hypothesis, we did not find any significant increase within ACC, thalamus, or PFC. Moreover, we were able to detect a significant positive correlation between pain intensity ratings and pain‐induced perfusion increase in the posterior insula.

Conclusion

We demonstrate that ASL is suited to investigate acute pain in a single event paradigm, although to detect activation within some regions of the nociceptive network, the sensitivity of our paradigm seemed to be limited. Regarding the posterior insula, our paradigm was sensitive enough to detect a correlation between pain intensity ratings and pain‐induced perfusion increase. Previous experimental pain studies have proposed that intensity coding in this region may be restricted to thermal stimulation. Our result demonstrates that the posterior insula encodes intensity information for mechanical stimuli as well.
Hybridized 4‐Trifluoromethyl‐(1,2,3‐triazol‐1‐yl)quinoline System: Synthesis, Photophysics, Selective DNA/HSA Bio‐interactions and Molecular Docking
Authors: Kappenberg Yuri G. , Stefanello Felipe S. , Zanatta Nilo , Martins Marcos A. P. , Nogara Pablo A. , Rocha João B. T. , Tisoco Isadora , Iglesias Bernardo A. , Bonacorso Helio G.
Published: December 2021

The synthesis, structural analysis, and evaluation of the photophysical properties of twelve novel 2‐aryl(heteroaryl)‐6‐(4‐alkyl(aryl)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐1‐yl)‐4‐(trifluoromethyl)quinolines (6‐8), where aryl(heteroaryl)=Ph, 4‐Me‐C6H4, 4‐F‐C6H4 and 2‐ furyl; 4‐alkyl(aryl)=−CH2OH, −(CH2)5CH3 and Ph, are reported. Hybrid scaffolds 6–8 were synthesized at 77–95 % yields by regioselective copper‐catalysed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction of unpublished 6‐azido‐4‐(trifluoromethyl)quinolines (2) with selected terminal alkynes (3–5). Azido intermediates 2 were obtained from the reaction of 6‐amino‐4‐(trifluoromethyl)quinolines (1) and sodium azide at good yields (78–87 %). Compounds 6–8 were structurally fully characterized by 1H−, 13C− and 19F− and 1H−13C 2D‐NMR (HSQC, HMBC) spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (SC‐XRD) and HRMS analysis. Moreover, the photophysical properties, DNA‐ and HSA‐binding experiments (bio‐interactions), and molecular docking studies for compounds 6–8 were performed. These are discussed and compared with similar compounds from recent research.
Cooling Heat Transfer of Supercritical CO2 in Diverging and Converging Microtubes
Authors: Yi Zhengming , Xu Yong , Chen Xiaolin
Published: December 2021

The motivation of this research was to solve the problem of heat transfer deterioration of supercritical CO2 in tubes. The cooling heat transfer of supercritical CO2 in diverging and converging microtubes was numerically studied. Under the conditions proposed, the heat transfer coefficient of the tube wall is relatively uniform. When the heat transfer coefficient becomes most uniform, the diameter change rate of the diverging microtube is greater than that of the converging microtube. Both the Richardson number and the relative difference of the heat transfer coefficient increase with increasing tube diameter, indicating that the buoyancy effect is the reason for different heat transfer coefficients in different flow directions.
Anomeric DNA: Functionalization of α‐d Anomers of 7‐Deaza‐2′‐deoxyadenosine and 2′‐Deoxyuridine with Clickable Side Chains and Click Adducts in Homochiral and Heterochiral Double Helices
Authors: Zhang Aigui , Leonard Peter , Seela Frank
Published: December 2021

Anomeric base pairs in heterochiral DNA with strands in the α‐d and β‐d configurations and homochiral DNA with both strands in α‐d configuration were functionalized. The α‐d anomers of 2′‐deoxyuridine and 7‐deaza‐2′‐deoxyadenosine were synthesized and functionalized with clickable octadiynyl side chains. Nucleosides were protected and converted to phosphoramidites. Solid‐phase synthesis furnished 12‐mer oligonucleotides, which were hybridized. Pyrene click adducts display fluorescence, a few of them with excimer emission. Tm values and thermodynamic data revealed the following order of duplex stability α/α‐d≫β/β‐d≥α/β‐d. CD spectra disclosed that conformational changes occur during hybridization. Functionalized DNAs were modeled and energy minimized. Clickable side chains and bulky click adducts are well accommodated in the grooves of anomeric DNA. The investigation shows for the first time that anomeric DNAs can be functionalized in the same way as canonical DNA for potential applications in nucleic acid chemistry, chemical biology, and DNA material science.
Sonodynamic Therapy with Metal Complexes: A New Promise in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Kumar Yadav Ashish , Kumar Narendra , Talim Khan Abdul , Kushwaha Rajesh , Banerjee Samya
Published: December 2021

In recent years, to overcome the problem of low tissue penetration power of light in photodynamic therapy (PDT), sonodynamic therapy (SDT) with ultrasound (US) as the drug stimulus has emerged as a potential alternative to PDT. The significantly higher tissue penetration capacity of US is reported to allow the treatment of deep‐seated tumours. In general, organic molecules and nanomaterials dominate as the sonosensitizers in this area of research, and the potential of metal complexes in SDT is not yet well explored. In this highlight, we have summarized two recent literature reports in which researchers have explored the efficiency of metal complexes as sonosensitizers for the first time. These reports indicate the high potential of metal complexes in SDT.
Resistive‐pulse Sensing of DNA with a Polymeric Nanopore Sensor and Characterization of DNA Translocation
Authors: Kececi Kaan , Kaya Dila , Martin Charles R.
Published: December 2021

The ability to detect DNA strands and determine their characteristics in solution plays a critical role to design a sensor in terms of its biophysical properties and receives attention in whole‐ genome sequencing. In this study, we report a simple method to detect 100‐bp DNA based on resistive‐pulse sensing and its characteristics in terms of analyte concentration, potential, tip size. and electrolyte concentration. Track‐etched polyethyleneterephtalate (PET) nanopores were used and modified (w/EDC‐NHS coupling) to decrease the negative surface charge and promote DNA translocation. We tuned up the tip diameters of nanopores by using symmetric and asymmetric chemical etching. The tip diameters ranged from 21 nm to 42 nm. To show the electrophoretic nature of translocation, we investigated the concentration and potential dependence. The current‐pulse events were observed down to 600 mV (4±1 events/min) and 0.25 nM was the minimum concentration. Both potential and concentration dependence showed linear behavior which agreed to previous studies. The effect of tip size was also studied and its effect on translocation frequency was discussed. Finally, the change in current‐pulse amplitude and duration as a function of electrolyte concentration was studied and longer duration values (14.3±1.4 ms) were observed. Our findings provide a guide to translocate the charged molecules more efficiently and help to understand the translocation dynamics of short DNA molecules in resistive‐pulse sensing.