bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microbiological Profile and Antibiotic Resistance of Bloodstream Infections among Cancer Patients at a Tertiary Care Cancer Centre in North Kerala, India
Authors: Rudrapathy Parthiban , Samuel Sajani , Murugesan Saravanan
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Bacterial infections, especially Bloodstream Infections (BSI) are among the most frequent complications in immunosuppressed patients with cancer, and are associated with considerable morbidity and mortality and high economic costs. Patients with chemotherapy induced neutropenia, especially haematological patients with malignancies in whom the neutropenia is often profound and prolonged, and those undergoing Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) are at higher risk for BSI. Aim: To analyse the microbiological profile of Bloodstream Infections and their antibiotic resistance pattern among the clinically diagnosed cases of sepsis in cancer patients. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at a Microbiology Division, Department of Clinical Laboratory Services and Translational Research, Malabar Cancer Centre, Kannur, Kerala, India during the period from July 2020 to December 2020. Data of January 2016 to December 2017 on all microbial cultures from blood samples were analysed. All blood cultures during the study period were processed by Bactec 9050 Blood Culture System (Becton Dickinson Microbiology Systems, Sparks, MD, USA. After performing culture, bacterial identification and susceptibility was done by using automated culture system (VITEK 2 Compact system). Simple descriptive analysis of data was done and results presented in frequencies and percentages. Results: Total 385 (9.2%) were identified to be culture positive from 4154 blood cultures screened. Out of 385 positive cultures, 354 (92%) showed bacterial growth, gram negative were 245 (64%) and gram positive were 109 (28.3%) and fungal species were 31 (8%). Among the Gram negative bacteria (GNB), Klebsiella pneumoniae was found to be the most frequent species (n=83), followed by Escherichia coli (n=75). In gram positive bacteria, Coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CoNS) were the most common species (n=48). High prevalence of antimicrobial resistance was observed among E.coli, K.pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii. Among the 48 isolates of CoNS and 26 isolates of S.aureus in which 30 (62.5%) isolates and 14 (54%) isolates respectively were found to be methicillin resistant. Conclusion: A proper antimicrobial stewardship should be followed in all healthcare centres especially cancer treating hospitals as the patients are immunocompromised. This current study on regular reporting of antibiogram with clinical guidelines will help in judicious use of antibiotics, as drug resistance is on the rise globally
Epidemiological Profile of Gastrointestinal Cancers in Douala, Littoral Region of Cameroon: A Hospital-Based Retrospective Study, 2016 – 2020
Authors: Priso Judith Gwladys La Fortune Ekwe , Koro Francioli Koro , Mefo’o Jean Pierre Nda , Foko Loick Pradel Kojom , Ziem Olivier , Enyegue Elisée Libert Embolo , Bekolo Nga Winnie , Sike Medi , Alembe Linda Messi , Ebongue Cécile Okalla , Sone Albert Mouelle , Ngane Annie Rosalie Ngono , Dongmo Pierre Michel Jazet
Published: April 2022

Aim: Cancer is a real public health problem in the world, especially the so-called gastrointestinal cancers (GIC). In Cameroon, epidemiological data on these types of cancers are still poorly known. The present study aimed at determining epidemiological profile GIC in the town of Douala, Cameroon.

Methodology: This was a retrospective study conducted at oncology and gastroenterology departments of two reference hospitals. Sociodemographic, clinical and toxicological information of the patients was recorded and analysed using SPSS version 26.0. The significance level was set at p-value < 0.05 for statistical tests.

Results: During the study period, 479 cases of GIC cases were registered with male-to-female ratio of 1.20. The frequency of GIC cases gradually increased over study period (2016 – 2020). GIC cases were mostly found in patients aged 50-60 years (27.8%) and 60-70 years (27.3%). The main GIC types included colorectal (36.54%), liver (25.26%), stomach (15.24%) and pancreas (12.53%). A gender-specific distribution of all GIC types were found (p = 0.0016). Among men, the distribution of GIC varied with age; the majority of male patients with stomach cancer (54.3%) were aged 50 – 60 years while those diagnosed with colon cancer were mostly aged 50 – 60 years (35.4%) and 60 – 70 years (31.3%) (p = 0.0004). Finally, a statically significant association was found between GIC distribution and alcohol/tobacco consumption.

Conclusion: GIC are realities in Cameroon and mainly affect the population over 30 years old. The knowledge of risk factors in the population would be useful for controlling their evolution in the country.
Impact of Revenue Collection on Economic Growth in Zanzibar
Authors: Hafidh Hafidh Ali
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between revenue collections and economic growth in Zanzibar is tested empirically. The study was attempted to investigate the cointegrating relationship and causality between the variables using VECM model covering the period from 2000Q1 through 2019Q4. The study employed modern time series econometrics techniques such as, unit root test, lag selection criteria, cointegration test. The econometric analysis established that total revenue collected has a positive effect on real GDP Zanzibar. The result shows that total revenue and capital formation have a positive and significant effect on economic growth. Whereas, inflation rate and labor have a negative effect on real GDP as a measure of economic growth in Zanzibar in the long run. The researcher recommended that the government should intensify efforts generating tax revenue, establish a strong fiscal responsibility in the country, adopt tax reforms that would encourage increase in investment and policy to improve labor productivity should be sustained while policy to improve non-tax revenue is needed in a country.
Assessing the Performance of Drought-Tolerant Rice Varieties under Varied Nitrogen Doses
Authors: Sreedevi B. , Singh Aarti , Ram T. , Singh Sudhanshu , Srivastava Ashish K. , Singh U. S. , Kumar R. M.
Published: April 2022

Field experiments were carried out at ICAR- Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad during the dry season of 2015/16 and 2016/17 to study the influence of nitrogen rates and varieties on yield attributes, yield, nitrogen use efficiency, and economics of puddled direct-sown rice Treatments comprised of four rates of nitrogen- control (no nitrogen), N100 (100 kg N ha-1), N120 (120 kg N ha-1) and N140 (140 kg N ha-1) as main plots and four drought-tolerant rice varieties (V1-DRR Dhan 42; V2-DRR Dhan 44; V3-DRR Dhan 46 and V4-IR 64). The experiment was laid out in split-plot design with 16 treatment combinations and each treatment was replicated thrice. The results of experiments revealed that increasing the N application rate from N0 to N140 increased the yield of all the varieties, but apparent differences between N120 and N140 were not observed.  When compared with DRR Dhan 42 or IR 64, DRR Dhan 44 and 46 accumulated greater shoot biomass, tillers m-2, and higher leaf area. The yield was significantly higher with DRR Dhan 44 closely followed by DRR Dhan 46 than other varieties, reflecting a higher biomass production and harvest index. Grain yield had a positive quadratic relationship with N uptake by grain (r2= 0.97 and r2=0.94). The relationship between total N uptake and grain yield was linear for 2015/16 (r2=0.98) but quadratic positive relationship was observed in 2016/17 (r2=0.93). Grain yield from N140 plots was significantly increased by 39.65% and 41.5% compared to N0 during 2015/16 and 2016/17. Results show that both  DRR Dhan 44 and  DRR Dhan 46  produced higher grain yield,  had higher N uptake from the soil  in grain and straw and  exhibited higher  NUE  compared to DRR Dhan 42 and IR 64 at all the   N  rates  (0,  100, 120 or  140  kg  ha−1). Agronomic efficiency (ANUE) and recovery efficiency (RE) was higher with DRR Dhan 44 and DRR Dhan 46 and both can be called as nitrogen economising varieties. However, with increasing the N rates, use efficiency of applied nitrogen declined. Also, DRR Dhan 44 was found to be remunerative during both the years and recorded higher net returns and Benefit:Cost ratio. DRR Dhan 44 can be recommended as a suitable variety for the Telangana zone, adapted to drought-prone situations during the dry season.
Technology Needs in a Healthcare Environment: Assessment of Information Communication Technology at Ejisu Government Hospital, Ghana
Authors: Hayford Prosper Kwamena , Ceniza-Canillo Angie M. , Antwi James
Published: April 2022

Information, Communication Technology (ICT) offers innovative ways for healthcare organisations to increase access to quality healthcare delivery and to ensure proficient administration of healthcare resources. The ICT policy initiative in the Ghana Ministry of Health supports a framework that highlights the use of emerging technology in healthcare and proper deployment of ICT to hasten the delivery of healthcare in all health facilities across the country. However, the application of ICT in most of the facilities is plagued with several challenges. This paper examines ICT needs of Ejisu government hospital in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. We collected quantitative data from 22 respondents [service providers (n=11) and patients (n=11)], conducted direct observation of hospital inventory and reviewed hospital documents. We used descriptive statistical analysis to describe the sample variables that emerged from the three themes: use of technology; opportunities for funding of health information technology; barriers and strengths of implementing ICT interventions in the facility. To calculate reliability scores, percentage and means of component variables were used. The results showed that majority of health workers engage in the use of electronic health record system, electronic medical records, health information exchange, electronic registry and internet use. Majority of the staff have used electronic medical records or electronic health records before. High ICT cost and limited infrastructure were the leading challenges faced by providers while low health literacy and high internet cost were the main barriers on the part of patients. The findings further demonstrated that willingness to learn and implement technology interventions were the major strengths for both providers and patients. The paper contributes to ICT application in a healthcare environment and recommends improvement in ICT infrastructure and education for patients and a subsidised operational cost for ICT implementation in the facility.
Synergistic Effect of Some Essential Oil Extracted from Three Nigeria Spices against Some Pathogenic Organisms
Authors: Ilesanmi T. M. , Olaleye A. C. , Oladipo O. O.
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Essential oils of plants and their other products from secondary metabolism have had a great usage in folk medicine, food flavoring, fragrance, and pharmaceutical industries.

Aims: This study sought to evaluate the phytochemical properties of the oil extracted from the medicinal plants such as; clove, turmeric and black pepper, as well as to determine the antimicrobial effect of essential oil of clove against selected pathogens.

Methodology: Qualitative phytochemical screening of the oil extracted from the plant samples (clove, turmeric and black pepper) was determined using standard method, oil was extracted from the medicinal plant samples, and antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed with the oil extracts in various concentrations against the test organisms.

Results: The qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, phenols, and saponins in clove, turmeric and black pepper oil samples; however, tannins, glycosides, and flavonoids are present in clove oil, and saponins, flavonoids, and terpenoids were abundantly present in turmeric oil sample. The synergistic antimicrobial susceptibility assay of clove with turmeric and black pepper oil is more pronounced against the test bacterial with the highest zone of inhibition of 46.00 mm against Escherichia coli. The combination of essential oil of clove and black pepper oil inhibited Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Candida albicans and Streptococcus spp., except Pseudomonas aeruginosa which shows antagonistic effect.

Conclusion: Spices such as clove, turmeric and black pepper have exhibited significant antimicrobial activities against intestinal bacteria like S. aureus, Klebsiella spp., E. coli, C. albicans, P. aeruginosa and Streptococcus spp. Therefore, these spices could be used to decrease the possibility of food poisoning, to increase the food safety and shelf-life of products, and to treat some infectious diseases.
Human Sperm Cryopreservation- A Review
Authors: Ganesan Balachandran Sivaraja , Sumathy G.
Published: April 2022

Cryopreservation (CP) was first introduced sometime in the 1960s and since then process of CP of human sperm has been one of the effective procedures with respect to male fertility used in variety of cases prior to treatment for preserving donor and participant sperm cells prior to reproduction therapies like ART (Assisted Reproductive Therapy/Technology). CP of sperm is a common procedure for the people who are in condition like infertility due to ejaculation issues, infections, undescended testicles, hormonal imbalance etc., Several literatures are there on whether CP impacts sperm chromosomal integrity or the usage of a specific and unique freezing-thawing strategy. The purpose of this article is to discuss and bring to focus the effects of freezing and thawing on human spermatozoa and the changes in Acrosome integrity, mitochondria, DNA integrity, and plasma membrane integrity. In this age of technological advancements, after being used to treat infertility, CP acquired popularity in human medicine. It improves the effectiveness of assisted reproductive treatments by allowing all retrieved and/or fertilised cells to be saved for later use. Couples who conceive during their first treatment cycle can donate their unused frozen embryos to research under the CP programme. It enables people who are losing their fertility to maintain their reproductive cells and, in the future, conceive via assisted methods. It can be used by women who want to postpone childbirth or have a family history of early menopause. Similarly, the varied usage in critical applications makes CP the need of the hour.
Histological Changes in Testis of Adult Wistar Albino Rats - Nicotine-Induced Testicular Damages and the Protective Effects of Methanolic Extract of Sphaeranthus Amaranthoides
Authors: Kanimozhi S. , Sumathy Govindarajan , Prithiviraj Elumalai
Published: April 2022

Nicotine which is the most dynamic substance present in tobacco is the vital cause of damaging the tissues and oxidative stress that in turn is the principal cause of numerous diseases. The succession and severity of nicotine toxicity which may be adjourned by the natural antioxidants may cause serious health, knock. We have scrutinized the consequences of methanolic extract of Sphaeranthus amaranthoides (SAE) on nicotine-induced reproductive toxicity, oxidative damage, and hepatotoxicity in adult Wistar male albino rats. In four groups 24 rats were contingently split up. Control,  Nicotine N (0.4 mg/kg. i.p) methanolic extract of Sphaeranthus amaranthoides (SAE) and (N+ SAE) group. In order to compute the levels of testosterone and to measure the hematological and oxidative stress parameters, blood samples were collected after 48 days. The reproductive organs were weighed and taken for semen analysis and histopathology study.  We could see decrease in the levels of testosterone, weights of reproductive organs, and even in the morphological features of sperms due to reproductive toxicity of Nicotine. On histological examination, testis showed atrophy, degenerative alterations of spermatogenesis in numerous seminiferous tubules together with increased interstitial spaces and a decrease in the number of Leydig cells. SAE played a defensive role against nicotine which persuaded the reproductive effects by enhancing the spermatogenesis, semen quality, and testicular histological damage.
Antiulcer Activity and Isolation of Chemical Constituents from Ethanolic Stem Bark Extract of Ficus Bengalensis
Authors: Anupama N. , Fernandes Jennifer , Govinda K. Adarsha
Published: April 2022

Aims: The screen the antiulcer activity and to isolate the phytoconstituents of stem bark extract of Ficus bengalgensis.

Methodology: The cleaned, dried and powdered stem barks of Ficus bengalgensis were subjected to extraction. The extracts were then packed into column chromatography for the isolation of phytoconstituents and they were characterized by IR, 1HNMR, 13CNMR and mass spectroscopy. Invivo antiulcer activity were performed by 4-H pylorus ligation and ethanol induced ulcer methods.

Results: Preliminary phytochemical studies showed the presence of steroids, terpenoids, flavonoids, carbohydrates. Isolation of extracts led to give compounds like triterpenoid, a steroid and a flavonoid. The extract was found to be safe up to 2000mg/kg body weight. Antiulcer activity was found significant at level P=05 when compared with control models in experimental animals.

Conclusion: From petroleum ether extract isolated alpha-amyrin acetate, stigmasterol and quercetin from chloroform extract. The presence of triterpenoids, steroids and flavonoid might be responsible for the antiulcer activity of the stem bark extract of Ficus bengalgensis.
The Frequency and Importance of Hematological Parameters in Reactive and Clonal Thrombocytosis
Authors: Yousfani Nazia Azam , Parveen Kousar , Taqi Tabinda , Yousfani Sikandar-e-Azam , Bano Shazia , Memon Irum Zahoor
Published: April 2022

Objectives:  To evaluate the frequency of reactive and clonal thrombocytosis based on age, sex, clinical findings, and severity of thrombocytosis. We also highlight the determination of hematological parameters for the diagnosis of these disorders required the management of thrombocytosis to reduce the morbidity and mortality rate.

Methods: This descriptive experimental study was conducted in the Diagnostic and Research laboratory, Peoples University of Medical and Health Sciences, Nawabshah and department of Pathology, from July 2017 to June 2018. Total 325 patients including 260 patients with reactive thrombocytosis and 65 patients with clonal thrombocytosis, their age ranged between 12 and 45 years and 35 to 68 years were selected. The male to female ratio were 1.5:1 and 2.5:1 while clinical history and clinical examination were noted. The blood samples were taken from all these patients for the analysis of hematological parameters by a hematological analyzer (Nihon Corden) and an iron profile performed for assessment of iron status to confirm the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia. The examinations of peripheral blood smears and bone marrow smears in the case of clonal thrombocytosis seen in chronic myeloid leukemia essential for the diagnosis.

Results: The mean ages and male to female ratio among 325 patients with reactive and clonal thrombocytosis were 28.5 + 16.5, 51.5 +16.5 and 1.5:1, 2.5:1 ratio were found in this study. The mild to moderate thrombocytosis were found in reactive thrombocytosis while moderate to severe thrombocytosis was detected in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia.

Conclusions: The frequency of thrombocytosis was higher in clonal thrombocytosis than the reactive type.
Sleep, Stress Management, and Internet use among Nursing Students in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Murshid Bothyna Z.
Published: April 2022

Background: Good sleep quality and quantity are crucial for ensuring a successful academic life for university students. Stress is a part of university students’ academic life. Internet addiction is particularly a problem among young adults and undergraduate students.

Method: The study explored sleep patterns, stress management, and Internet use in 114 nursing students from a nursing college in Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, sleep patterns, stress management, and Internet use. Data were collected over two weeks at the beginning of the spring semester in 2018.

Results: Results showed that only 16.3% of the students slept for ≥8 hours daily. The main cause of students’ stress was exams (89.4%), and 38.5% used the Internet for >6 hours daily.

Conclusions: Further studies are recommended to assess the correlation of university students’ sleep patterns with academic performance, effects of different coping strategies to alleviate stress, and Internet addiction.
Highly Efficient and Reliable Semitransparent Perovskite Solar Cells via Top Electrode Engineering
Authors: Yoon Saemon , Ha Hyeon Uk , Seok Hae‐Jun , Kim Han‐Ki , Kang Dong‐Won
Published: April 2022

Transparent electrodes are essential to allow optical transparency for realizing semitransparent perovskite solar cells (ST‐PSCs). This study addresses gallium‐ and titanium‐doped indium oxide (IO:GT) between the electron transport layer (ETL) and top electrode to potentially replace conventional indium tin oxide (ITO) used in inverted ST‐PSCs. The shallower work function (−4.23 eV) of IO:GT than that (−4.69 eV) of conventional ITO contributes to suppressing the formation of the Schottky barrier and enhancing the charge transport at the ETL/cathode interface. By adopting IO:GT, the ST‐PSC exhibits an enhancement in power conversion efficiency (PCE) from 8.59% to 17.90% (certified 17.53%) with an average visible transmittance (AVT) of 21.9%, which is the record PCE at similar AVT among all ST‐PSCs reported to date. Moreover, combining these ST‐PSCs as the top cell, a four‐terminal perovskite–perovskite tandem solar cell is realized, showing a high PCE of 23.35%. Furthermore, the stability of the ST‐PSCs is confirmed excellent, maintaining over 96% of the initial PCE after 1864 h (≈77 days) in air ambient without encapsulation, which is better than the device employing a metal cathode. Therefore, these results demonstrate that the adoption of IO:GT can be a promising route for efficient and stable inverted ST‐PSCs with preferred transparency.
Exploring Functional Materials by Understanding Beam‐Sample Interactions
Authors: Kisielowski Christian , Specht Petra , Rozeveld Steve , Freitag Bert , Kieft Erik R. , Kang Joo , Fielitz Alyssa J. , Fielitz Thomas R. , van Dyck Dirk , Yancey David F.
Published: April 2022

Ultra‐low‐dose electron diffraction is performed with a double metal cyanide catalyst (DMC) to understand how electron irradiation stimulates structural alterations in functional materials. The commonly fading diffraction patterns with dose accumulation depend on the irradiated area and the beam current even when below 50 femto Amperes. Heat generation is observed and modeled by statistical, inelastic scattering events to describe how phonon excitations modulate radiation hardness. Specifically, the characteristic 1/e‐decay of Bragg intensities from DMC is delayed from 6 to 30 eÅ−2 at room temperature, which is comparable to the effect of embedding radiation soft matter in ice. DMC's radiation hardness is enhanced by a latency dose that forms during a phase transformation. This unifying model predicts that a critical dose rate exists for any material that varies between 0.1 and 104 eÅ−2s−1 because of a material dependent competition of heat generation and spread. It shows that Brillouin scattering causes time dependent perturbations in electron irradiated solids that trigger time‐temperature‐transformations on a time scale of nanoseconds to microseconds at room temperature, which is not included in traditional models describing the decay of Bragg intensities by radiolysis.
Two Birds with One Stone: Contemporaneously Boosting OER Activity and Kinetics for Layered Double Hydroxide Inspired by Photosystem II
Authors: Lin Xiaojing , Cao Shoufu , Chen Xiaodong , Chen Hongyu , Wang Zhaojie , Liu Huanhuan , Xu Hui , Liu Siyuan , Wei Shuxian , Lu Xiaoqing
Published: April 2022

The poor catalytic kinetics together with unsatisfied activity of nonprecious metal electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction hamper their applications in industrial water electrolysis. Inspired by the oxygen evolution cluster of photosystem II in nature, Li+‐doped NiFe layered double hydroxide modified with carboxylate is constructed by in situ growth on Ni foam (NFCL(70)‐ LDH @ NF) via one‐pot redox synthesis. Herein, lithium acetate is introduced to regulate the electronic structure and improve proton transfer kinetics, thus “Two birds with one stone”. The targeted product exhibits highly improved OER performance in 1 M KOH at room temperature (159 and 224 mV at 10 and 100 mA cm−2), as well as dramatically decreased Tafel slope (47.9 mV dec–1). Control experiments and theoretical calculations uncover that the presence of Li+ modulates the local electronic structure and stabilizes the OOH* intermediate. Specifically, the carboxylate ligands serve as relays to promote proton transfer efficiency, which is similar to the concerted proton electrons transfer in photosystem II. Moreover, NFCL(70)‐ LDH @ NF maintains the excellent performance over a month under the simulated industrial condition. The exploration of high performance, triggered synergistically by Li+ doping and acetate‐modifying, sheds light on the design of organic–inorganic hybrid electrocatalysts for highly efficient OER.
Large‐Scale Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 Membranes with Robust Ferroelectricity
Authors: Zhong Hai , Li Mingqiang , Zhang Qinghua , Yang Lihong , He Ri , Liu Fang , Liu Zhuohui , Li Ge , Sun Qinchao , Xie Donggang , Meng Fanqi , Li Qiang , He Meng , Guo Er‐jia , Wang Can , Zhong Zhicheng , Wang Xinqiang , Gu Lin , Yang Guozhen , Jin Kuijuan , Gao Peng , Ge Chen
Published: April 2022

Hafnia‐based compounds have considerable potential for use in nanoelectronics due to their compatibility with complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor devices and robust ferroelectricity at nanoscale sizes. However, the unexpected ferroelectricity in this class of compounds often remains elusive due to the polymorphic nature of hafnia, as well as the lack of suitable methods for the characterization of the mixed/complex phases in hafnia thin films. Herein, the preparation of centimeter‐scale, crack‐free, freestanding Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 (HZO) nanomembranes that are well suited for investigating the local crystallographic phases, orientations, and grain boundaries at both the microscopic and mesoscopic scales is reported. Atomic‐level imaging of the plan‐view crystallographic patterns shows that more than 80% of the grains are the ferroelectric orthorhombic phase, and that the mean equivalent diameter of these grains is about 12.1 nm, with values ranging from 4 to 50 nm. Moreover, the ferroelectric orthorhombic phase is stable in substrate‐free HZO membranes, indicating that strain from the substrate is not responsible for maintaining the polar phase. It is also demonstrated that HZO capacitors prepared on flexible substrates are highly uniform, stable, and robust. These freestanding membranes provide a viable platform for the exploration of HZO polymorphic films with complex structures and pave the way to flexible nanoelectronics.
High‐Gain Logic Inverters based on Multiple Screen‐Printed Organic Electrochemical Transistors
Authors: Zabihipour Marzieh , Tu Deyu , Forchheimer Robert , Strandberg Jan , Berggren Magnus , Engquist Isak , Andersson Ersman Peter
Published: April 2022

Organic electronic circuits based on organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) are attracting great attention due to their printability, flexibility, and low voltage operation. Inverters are the building blocks of digital logic circuits (e.g., NAND gates) and analog circuits (e.g., amplifiers). However, utilizing OECTs in electronic logic circuits is challenging due to the resulting low voltage gain and low output voltage levels. Hence, inverters capable of operating at relatively low supply voltages, yet offering high voltage gain and larger output voltage windows than the respective input voltage window are desired. Herein, inverters realized from poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate‐based OECTs are designed and explored, resulting in logic inverters exhibiting high voltage gains, enlarged output voltage windows, and tunable switching points. The inverter designs are based on multiple screen‐printed OECTs and a resistor ladder, where one OECT is the driving transistor while one or two additional OECTs are used as variable resistors in the resistor ladder. The inverters’ performances are investigated in terms of voltage gain, output voltage levels, and switching point. Inverters, operating at +/−2.5 V supply voltage and an input voltage window of 1 V, that can achieve an output voltage window with ∼110% increment and a voltage gain up to 42 are demonstrated.
Inkjet‐Printed Piezoelectric Thin Films for Transparent Haptics
Authors: Glinsek Sebastjan , Song Longfei , Kovacova Veronika , Mahjoub Mohamed A. , Godard Nicolas , Girod Stéphanie , Biagi Jean‐Luc , Quintana Robert , Schleeh Thomas , Guedra Matthieu , Rupin Matthieu , Defay Emmanuel
Published: April 2022

Transparent thin‐film piezoelectric transducers are attractive for haptic displays. However, for their widespread use in consumer electronics, innovative and cost‐effective processing methods need to be developed. In this contribution the effectiveness of the deposition of lead zirconate titanate thin films by inkjet printing for the fabrication of haptic devices is demonstrated. The 1,3‐propanediol solvent is used to prepare effective inkjet‐printing inks from chemical solution deposition solutions. The printed thin‐film structures on fused silica glass substrates are 900 nm thick and strongly {100} oriented perovskite phase is detected in X‐ray diffraction patterns. To fabricate devices, interdigitated capacitors and SU‐8 insulation layers are deposited on top of the printed lead zirconate titanate. Dimensions of the final device are 15.7 × 3.4 mm2. A standing antisymmetric Lamb wave is observed at 63.3 kHz, with out‐of‐plane displacement reaching 2 µm at an applied voltage of 100 V. This value exceeds the limit at which the texture rendering function can be induced in the device. Good functional performance of the device is linked with good electromechanical properties of the printed piezoelectric, with permittivity ε ′ and piezoelectric coefficient e33,f values of 1000 and 7.7 C m−2, respectively, which are comparable to films prepared by standard spin‐coating process.
Tunable Nonlinearity in 2D Graphdiyne Oxide for High‐Performance All‐Optical Modulation
Authors: Wu Leiming , Wei Songrui , Zhang Yule , Zhang Ye , Xiang Yuanjiang , Zhang Han , Qin Yuwen
Published: April 2022

2D atomically thin graphdiyne oxide (GDYO) nanosheets (NSs) are synthesized, and their nonlinear modulation is investigated. Generally, improving the modulation depth (MD) of all‐optical modulation (AOM) requires a pump light with strong power, which limits the development of AOM technology in the design of low‐power loss devices. In this study, an AOM system based on spatial self‐phase modulation and spatial cross‐phase modulation methods is proposed using 2D GDYO NSs. The results reveal that 2D GDYO exhibits tunable nonlinearity and high stability, which is desirable for designing the AOM system. Because of the excellent optical properties of 2D GDYO, a large MD of >98% is achieved for the proposed AOM with a low power of pump light, which is higher than most AOMs currently reported. Thus, GDYO is an excellent modulation material in AOM, which improves the application prospects of carbon nanomaterials in all‐optical devices.
Molding Photon Emission with Hybrid Plasmon‐Emitter Coupled Metasurfaces
Authors: Kan Yinhui , Bozhevolnyi Sergey I.
Published: April 2022

Directional emission of photons with designed polarizations and orbital angular momenta is crucial for exploiting the full potential of quantum emitters (QEs) within quantum information technologies. Capitalizing on the concept of hybrid plasmon‐QE coupled metasurfaces, a holography‐based design approach is developed allowing one to construct surface nanostructures for outcoupling QE‐excited circularly diverging surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) into well‐collimated beams of photons with desirable polarization characteristics propagating along given directions. Using the well‐established simulation framework, the efficiency and versatility of the developed approach are demonstrated by analyzing different hybrid SPP‐QE coupled metasurfaces designed for the generation of linearly, radially, and circularly polarized photons propagating in various off‐axis directions. This work enables the design of single‐photon sources with radiation channels that have distinct directional and polarization characteristics, extending thereby possibilities for designing complex photonic systems for quantum information processing. Moreover, it is believed that the developed scattering holography approach is generally useful when employing surface electromagnetic excitations, including SPP modes, as reference waves for signal wave reconstruction.
Electrophotocatalytic C−H Hydroxyalkylation of Heteroaromatics with Aldehydes
Authors: Bi Huihua , Zhou Yu , Jiang Wei , Liu Jie
Published: April 2022

Herein a radical hydroxyalkylation of N‐heteroaromatics with aldehydes is reported. The constructive merging of photochemistry and electrochemistry is the key for the success of this atom‐economical Minisci method. This protocol highlights the utility of electrophotocatalysis to promote a practical and general synthesis of secondary alcohols in good yields from readily available N‐heteroaromatics and aldehydes under mild reaction condition.

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In Tandem Auto‐Sustainable Enantioselective Heck‐Matsuda Reactions Directly from Anilines
Authors: Herrera Christian Leonardo , Santiago João Victor , Pastre Julio Cezar , Correia Carlos Roque Duarte
Published: April 2022

An in tandem enantioselective Heck‐Matsuda (HM) reaction of cyclic and acyclic olefins directly from anilines is described. The method relies on a process involving the progressive in situ diazotization of the starting anilines followed by a palladium‐catalyzed Heck‐Matsuda arylation using chiral N,N‐ligands. This intermolecular enantioselective HM arylation strategy was applied to the desymmetrization of three distinct unactivated olefins as proof of concept. The method demonstrates broad substrate scope furnishing the Heck adducts in good to excellent enantiomeric ratios of up to 99:1, high diastereoselectivities (cyclopenten‐3‐ol with >20:1 dr), and good overall yields of up to 82% over 2 or 3 steps.

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Bisamide CXCR4 Modulators: Novel Anti‐IBD Agents Acting on the Chemotaxis of Inflammatory Cells
Authors: Bai Renren , Jiang Xiaoying , Hui Zi , Yoon Younghyoun , Ge Jiamin , Zhu Junlong , Shim Hyunsuk
Published: April 2022

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic and recurrent inflammatory disease that with a relapsing and remitting course. There is an urgent demand for novel drugs to treat IBD with better efficacy and fewer side effects. CXCR4/CXCL12 axis plays a constitutive and inflammatory role in the intestinal mucosa, resulting in the chemotaxis of plenty of inflammatory cells to the intestine. Modulating this chemotactic axis by CXCR4 modulators may lead to the discovery of more effective anti‐IBD candidates. Taking the secondary amine as the lead structure, a series of bisamide CXCR4 modulators with various substituents are designed, synthesized, and evaluated for the ameliorating effects on acute inflammation and IBD. Among them, compound Im effectively alleviates TNBS‐induced IBD and reduces the number of inflammatory cells and the secretion of inflammatory factors in the intestinal mucosa. The obtained results indicate that CXCR4 is a potential anti‐IBD target, and design of potent CXCR4 modulators is an optional strategy to discover novel anti‐IBD candidates with different mechanisms.
A Long‐Term Clearing Cranial Window for Longitudinal Imaging of Cortical and Calvarial Ischemic Injury through the Intact Skull
Authors: Zhang Chao , Liu Chun‐Jie , Feng Wei
Published: April 2022

Skull is a reservoir for supplying immune cells that mediate brain immune surveillance. However, during intravital optical imaging of brain, conventional cranial windows requiring skull thinning or removal disrupt brain immunity integrity. Here, a novel long‐term clearing cranial window (LCCW) based on the intact skull, dedicated to chronic skull transparency maintenance, is proposed. It significantly improves optical imaging resolution and depth, by which the cortical and calvarial vascular injury and regeneration processes after ischemic injury are longitudinally monitored in awake mice. Results show that calvarial blood vessels recover earlier than the cortex. And the transcriptome analysis reveals that gene expression patterns and immune cells abundances exist substantial differences between brain and skull after ischemic injury, which may be one of the causes for the time lag between their vascular recovery. These findings bring great enlightenment to vascular regeneration and reconstruction. Moreover, LCCW provides a minimally invasive approach for imaging the brain and skull bone marrow.
Phosphorus/Phosphide‐Based Materials for Alkali Metal‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Chen Fangzheng , Xu Jie , Wang Shanying , Lv Yaohui , Li Yang , Chen Xiang , Xia Ailin , Li Yongtao , Wu Junxiong , Ma Lianbo
Published: April 2022

Phosphorus‐ and phosphide‐based materials with remarkable physicochemical properties and low costs have attracted significant attention as the anodes of alkali metal (e.g., Li, Na, K, Mg, Ca)‐ion batteries (AIBs). However, the low electrical conductivity and large volume expansion of these materials during electrochemical reactions inhibit their practical applications. To solve these problems, various promising solutions have been explored and utilized. In this review, the recent progress in AIBs using phosphorus‐ and phosphide‐based materials is summarized. Thereafter, the in‐depth working principles of diverse AIBs are discussed and predicted. Representative works with design concepts, construction approaches, engineering strategies, special functions, and electrochemical results are listed and discussed in detail. Finally, the existing challenges and issues are concluded and analyzed, and future perspectives and research directions are given. This review can provide new guidance for the future design and practical applications of phosphorus‐ and phosphide‐based materials used in AIBs.
Solid‐State Electrolyte Gate Transistor with Ion Doping for Biosignal Classification of Neuromorphic Computing
Authors: Wang Qinan , Zhao Tianshi , Zhao Chun , Liu Wen , Yang Li , Liu Yina , Sheng Dian , Xu Rongxuan , Ge Yutong , Tu Xin , Gao Hao , Zhao Cezhou
Published: April 2022

As the core component of an intelligent neuromorphic computer system, reliable synaptic devices process vast amounts of data with high computing speed and low energy consumption. In this work, the ion‐doped eco‐friendly solution‐processed indium oxide (InOx)/aluminum oxide (AlOx) electrolyte gate transistors (EGTs) with typical and reliable synaptic behavior are proposed. The lithium ions doped into the AlOx solid‐state layer to facilitate the generation of electrical double layers and doped into InOx to improve the stability of long‐term potentiation/depression cyclic update and enhance the synaptic plasticity. Finally, an artificial neural network simulator is well designed to electrocardiogram signal recognition based on the Gmax/Gmin ratio and nonlinearity of weight update curve. According to the results, the device possesses tremendous potential for biosignal prediction and neural intervention. Moreover, for the first time, the recognition accuracy of the abnormality of the cardiovascular can reach over 94.8% obtained from the confusion matrix. Consequently, this research article presents a stable and robust neuromorphic device for biosignal recognition based on solid‐state EGTs via the synaptic long‐term plasticity.
Directed Self‐Assembly for Dense Vertical III–V Nanowires on Si and Implications for Gate All‐Around Deposition
Authors: Löfstrand Anette , Jafari Jam Reza , Svensson Johannes , Jönsson Adam , Menon Heera , Jacobsson Daniel , Wernersson Lars‐Erik , Maximov Ivan
Published: April 2022

Fabrication of next generation transistors calls for new technological requirements, such as reduced size and increased density of structures. Development of cost‐effective processing techniques to fabricate small‐pitch vertical III–V nanowires over large areas will be an important step toward realizing dense gate all‐around transistors, having high electron mobility, and low power consumption. It is demonstrated here, how arrays of III–V nanowires with a controllable number of rows, ranging from one single row up to bands of 500 nm, can be processed by directed self‐assembly (DSA) of block copolymer (BCP). Furthermore, it is shown that the DSA‐orientation with respect to the substrate's crystal direction affects the nanowire facet configuration, and thereby the nanowire spacing and gate all‐around deposition possibilities. A high χ poly(styrene)‐block‐poly(4‐vinylpyridine) BCP pattern directed by electron beam lithography‐defined guiding lines is transferred into silicon nitride. The silicon nitride is then used as a selective area metal‐organic vapor phase epitaxy mask atop an indium arsenide (InAs) buffer layer on a silicon platform to grow vertical InAs nanowires at 44–60 nm row pitch. Finally, deposition of high‐κ oxide and titanium nitride at this high pattern density is demonstrated, to further illustrate the considerations needed for next generation transistors.
Remote Propulsion of Miniaturized Mechanical Devices via Infrared‐Irradiated Reversible Shape Memory Polymers
Authors: Carmiel Yacov , Bram Avraham Israel , Atar Nurit , Bolker Asaf , Eliaz Noam , Moshe Nehora , Barmoha Shiran , Bouzaglou Adva , Galun Ehud , Gouzman Irina , Verker Ronen
Published: April 2022

Remote propulsion of miniature mechanical devices possesses a great challenge to the scientific community. Herein, a lightweight two‐way shape memory polymer (2WSMP)‐based motor is presented, which operates a demo vehicle via a novel infrared‐irradiated 2WSMP actuator. Most of the polymers that possess 2WSMP properties suffer from inadequate mechanical properties and low durability in harsh environments. Herein, the 2WSMP bilayer actuator, based on Kapton and polyPOSS (PP), possesses superior 2WSMP and mechanical properties, high lifting abilities, and durability in harsh environments. Kapton is well known for its outstanding physical properties. PP, a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS)‐based epoxy‐like thermoset, possesses unique properties. Its advanced ability to maintain mechanical properties over a range of temperatures, while presenting a constant coefficient of thermal expansion, is essential for its 2WSMP actuation properties. The effects of the Kapton and PP layers’ thickness on the force and deflection, generated by the 2WSMP actuators during heating, are studied. A theoretical model is used to predict the actuator's deflection, based on the layers’ thickness. These actuators present excellent thermal stability at temperatures as high as 150 °C, while maintaining outstanding motion repeatability and extremely high lifting capacity of up to 6500 times of their own weight.
A patient with a novel pathogenic variant in COL5A1 exhibiting prominent vascular and cardiac features
Authors: Lavanya Katta , Mahtani Karishma , Abbott Jessica , Jain Angita , Selvam Pavalan , Atwal Herjot , Farres Houssam , Atwal Paldeep S.
Published: April 2022

The Ehlers–Danlos Syndromes (EDS) are a group of inherited connective tissue disorders with a worldwide prevalence of 1 in 2500 to 1 in 5000 births irrespective of sex or ethnicity. Fourteen subtypes of Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome (EDS) have been described, each with characteristic phenotypes and associated genes. Pathogenic variants in COL5A1 and COL5A2 cause the classical EDS subtypes. Pathogenic variants in COL3A1 cause vascular EDS. In this case report, we describe a patient with a phenotype resembling that of vascular EDS, caused by a novel pathogenic variant in COL5A1.
Involvement of the neddylation modification system in Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus replication
Authors: Shen Rui , Lü Dingding , Cao Zhijun , Huang Jinshan , Zhang Yiling , Shen Zhongyuan , Tang Xudong
Published: April 2022

Neddylation is a posttranslational modification that is similar to ubiquitination, and involved in some critical biological processes, such as DNA repair, transcription regulation, and ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway. Recently, it was found that neddylation inhibitor MLN4924 has potent antiviral activity against human viruses including herpes simplex virus (HSV)‐1, HSV‐2, and influenza viruses. Here, we report that MLN4924 could dramatically and dose‐dependently inhibits the propagation, formation of budding virus (BV) and occlusion body (OB) of a lepidopteran virus–Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV), impaired OB assembly. In addition, the neddylation modification protein NEDD8 is colocalized with aggresome and autophagosome. Our findings suggest that inhibiting neddylation could be an antibaculovirus strategy and MLN4924 may be used as candidate drug for that purpose.
Synthesis and antinociceptive activity of four 1H‐isoindolo‐1,3(2H)‐diones
Authors: Dziubina Anna , Szkatuła Dominika , Gdula‐Argasińska Joanna , Sapa Jacek
Published: April 2022

The present study aimed to design and synthesize a series of 2‐hydroxy‐3‐(4‐aryl‐1‐piperazinyl)propyl phthalimide derivatives, which are analogs of 1H‐pyrrolo[3,4‐c]pyridine‐1,3(2H)‐dione derivatives with proven analgesic effect. In accordance with the basic principle proposed by Lipinski's rule, the probable bioavailabilities of the F1–F4 phthalimides were assessed. The obtained values indicate good absorption after oral administration and the ability to cross the blood–brain barrier. The four compounds F1–F4 differing in the type of pharmacophore in the phenyl group of the 2‐hydroxy‐3‐(4‐aryl‐1‐piperazinyl)propyl on the imide nitrogen atom (R, F1–F3) and the 4‐benzhydryl analog (F4) were selected for in vitro and in vivo studies. Based on the in vitro studies, the effects of compounds F1–F4 on cell viability/proliferation and COX‐2 levels were evaluated. Moreover, using in vivo methods, the compounds were tested for antinociceptive activity in models of acute pain (the writhing and the hot‐plate tests) in mice. Their influence on the motor coordination effect and locomotor activity was also tested. The obtained results revealed that the compounds F1–F4 strongly suppress the pain of peripheral origin and to a lesser extent (F1–F3) pain of central/supraspinal origin. In the in vitro studies, F1–F4 reduced the COX‐2 level in lipopolysaccharide‐activated RAW 264.7 cells, which suggests their anti‐inflammatory activity.