bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suppression of neuropathic pain and comorbidities by recurrent cycles of repetitive transcranial direct current motor cortex stimulation in mice
Authors: Gan Zheng , Li Han , Naser Paul Vincent , Oswald Manfred Josef , Kuner Rohini
Published: May 2021

Transcranial, minimally-invasive stimulation of the primary motor cortex (M1) has recently emerged to show promise in treating clinically refractory neuropathic pain. However, there is a major need for improving efficacy, reducing variability and understanding mechanisms. Rodent models hold promise in helping to overcome these obstacles. However, there still remains a major divide between clinical and preclinical studies with respect to stimulation programs, analysis of pain as a multidimensional sensory-affective-motivational state and lack of focus on chronic phases of established pain. Here, we employed direct transcranial M1 stimulation (M1 tDCS) either as a single 5-day block or recurring blocks of repetitive stimulation over early or chronic phases of peripherally-induced neuropathic pain in mice. We report that repeated blocks of stimulation reverse established neuropathic mechanical allodynia more strongly than a single 5-day regime and also suppress cold allodynia, aversive behavior and anxiety without adversely affecting motor function over a long period. Activity mapping revealed highly selective alterations in the posterior insula, periaqueductal gray subdivisions and superficial spinal laminae in reversal of mechanical allodynia. Our preclinical data reveal multimodal analgesia and improvement in quality of life by multiple blocks of M1 tDCS and uncover underlying brain networks, thus helping promote clinical translation.
Identification of germ cell-specific Mga variant mRNA that promotes meiosis via impediment of a non-canonical PRC1
Authors: Kitamura Yuka , Uranishi Kousuke , Hirasaki Masataka , Nishimoto Masazumi , Suzuki Ayumu , Okuda Akihiko
Published: May 2021

A non-canonical PRC1 (PRC1.6) prevents precocious meiotic onset. Germ cells alleviate its negative effect by reducing their amount of MAX, a component of PRC1.6, as a prerequisite for their bona fide meiosis. Here, we found that germ cells produced Mga variant mRNA bearing a premature termination codon (PTC) during meiosis as an additional mechanism to impede the function of PRC1.6. The variant mRNA encodes an anomalous MGA protein that lacks the bHLHZ domain and thus functions as a dominant negative regulator of PRC1.6. Notwithstanding the presence of PTC, the Mga variant mRNA are rather stably present in spermatocytes and spermatids due to their intrinsic inefficient background of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. Thus, our data indicate that meiosis is controlled in a multi-layered manner in which both MAX and MGA, which constitute the core of PRC1.6, are at least used as targets to deteriorate the integrity of the complex to ensure progression of meiosis.
Hybrid bilayer membranes on metallurgical polished aluminum
Authors: Sabirovas Tomas , Valiūnienė Aušra , Valincius Gintaras
Published: May 2021

In this work we describe the functionalization of metallurgically polished aluminum surfaces yielding biomimetic electrodes suitable for probing protein/phospholipid interactions. The functionalization involves two simple steps: silanization of the aluminum and subsequent fusion of multilamellar vesicles which leads to the formation of a hybrid bilayer lipid membrane (hBLM). The vesicle fusion was followed in real-time by fast Fourier transform electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (FFT EIS). The impedance-derived complex capacitance of the hBLMs was approximately 0.61 µF cm−2, a value typical for intact phospholipid bilayers. We found that the hBLMs can be readily disrupted if exposed to > 400 nM solutions of the pore-forming peptide melittin. However, the presence of cholesterol at 40% (mol) in hBLMs exhibited an inhibitory effect on the membrane-damaging capacity of the peptide. The melittin-membrane interaction was concentration dependent decreasing with concentration. The hBLMs on Al surface can be regenerated multiple times, retaining their dielectric and functional properties essentially intact.
Circadian disruption by short light exposure and a high energy diet impairs glucose tolerance and increases cardiac fibrosis in Psammomys obesus
Authors: Nankivell Victoria A. , Tan Joanne T. M. , Wilsdon Laura A. , Morrison Kaitlin R. , Bilu Carmel , Psaltis Peter J. , Zimmet Paul , Kronfeld-Schor Noga , Nicholls Stephen J. , Bursill Christina A. , Brown Alex
Published: May 2021

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) increases cardiac inflammation which promotes the development of cardiac fibrosis. We sought to determine the impact of circadian disruption on the induction of hyperglycaemia, inflammation and cardiac fibrosis. Methods:Psammomys obesus(P. obesus) were exposed to neutral (12 h light:12 h dark) or short (5 h light:19 h dark) photoperiods and fed a low energy (LE) or high energy (HE) diet for 8 or 20 weeks. To determine daily rhythmicity,P. obesuswere euthanised at 2, 8, 14, and 20 h after ‘lights on’. Results:P. obesusexposed to a short photoperiod for 8 and 20 weeks had impaired glucose tolerance following oral glucose tolerance testing, compared to a neutral photoperiod exposure. This occurred with both LE and HE diets but was more pronounced with the HE diet. Short photoperiod exposure also increased myocardial perivascular fibrosis after 20 weeks on LE (51%,P < 0.05) and HE (44%,P < 0.05) diets, when compared to groups with neutral photoperiod exposure. Short photoperiod exposure caused elevations in mRNA levels of hypertrophy geneNppa(atrial natriuretic peptide) and hypertrophy transcription factorsGata4andMef2cin myocardial tissue after 8 weeks. Conclusion: Exposure to a short photoperiod causes impaired glucose tolerance inP. obesusthat is exacerbated with HE diet and is accompanied by an induction in myocardial perivascular fibrosis.
Determination and dietary risk assessment of 284 pesticide residues in local fruit cultivars in Shanghai, China
Authors: Zhang Yaodan , Si Wenshuai , Chen Lei , Shen Guoqing , Bai Bing , Zhou Changyan
Published: May 2021

The presence of pesticide residues has become one of the main risk factors affecting the safety and quality of agro-food. In this study, a multi-residue method for the analysis of 284 pesticides in five local fruit cultivars in Shanghai was developed based on ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF/MS). The limits of determination and the limits of quantitation of pesticides were 0.6–10 and 2–30 μg/kg, respectively. A total of 44, 10, 10, 18, and 7 pesticides were detected in strawberries, watermelons, melons, peaches, and grapes, respectively. The pesticide levels in 95.0% of the samples were below the maximum residual limits (MRLs) prescribed by China, and in 66.2% of the samples below the EU MRLs. The dietary risk assessment study showed big differences in the chronic and acute exposure risk values among different Chinese consumer groups. Through fruit consumption, children/females showed higher exposure risks than adults/males. But both the risk values were less than 100%, indicating that potential dietary risk induced by the pesticides was not significant for Chinese consumers. Nevertheless, certain measures are needed for both growers and the government in order to decrease the MRL-exceeding rate of pesticide residues and ensure the quality and safety of fruits for consumers.
Inspection of the lens thickness with preoperative biometric measurements prevents an erroneous interpretation of posterior capsule during FLACS
Authors: Kurosawa Mei , Horiguchi Hiroshi , Shiba Takuya , Nakano Tadashi
Published: May 2021

Optical opacity reduces quality of biometry images, making it potentially difficult to find the correct location for irradiation during femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS). After experiencing a case of posterior capsule (PC) rupture because of optical opacity, we started lens thickness (LT) inspection, which indicates comparison of between intra- and pre-operatively measured LT. We retrospectively investigated the effectiveness of the LT inspection. One observer reviewed all FLACS treatment summaries for 3 years by CATALYS in the Jikei University Hospital, Tokyo. Based on the lines defining the PC on intraoperative OCT images, all cases were classified into three groups: undescribed, appropriate and inappropriate PC. Among the 1070 cases, 1047 cases had appropriate PC. In 19 cases, the PC line was undescribed because of dense cataract. Among 474 cases with no inspection, 4 cases had an inappropriate PC. Whereas, in 596 cases with the LT inspection, there was no case of an inappropriate PC. LT inspection significantly reduced the cases with inappropriate PC. The safety margins normally work to prevent severe complications. However, rare outlier cases had a high risk of severe complications. We propose LT inspection could be the most practical and convenient way for safety surgery.
Nonlinear dynamics of topological Dirac fermions in 2D spin-orbit coupled materials
Authors: Malla Rajesh K. , Kort-Kamp Wilton J. M.
Published: May 2021

The graphene family materials are two-dimensional staggered monolayers with a gapped energy band structure due to intrinsic spin-orbit coupling. The mass gaps in these materials can be manipulated on-demand via biasing with a static electric field, an off-resonance circularly polarized laser, or an exchange interaction field, allowing the monolayer to be driven through a multitude of topological phase transitions. We investigate the dynamics of spin-orbit coupled graphene family materials to unveil topological phase transition fingerprints embedded in the nonlinear regime and show how these signatures manifest in the nonlinear Kerr effect and in third-harmonic generation processes. We show that the resonant nonlinear spectral response of topological fermions can be traced to specific Dirac cones in these materials, enabling characterization of topological invariants in any phase by detecting the cross-polarized component of the electromagnetic field. By shedding light on the unique processes involved in harmonic generation via topological phenomena our findings open an encouraging path towards the development of novel nonlinear systems based on two-dimensional semiconductors of the graphene family.
Understanding inherent image features in CNN-based assessment of diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Reguant Roc , Brunak Søren , Saha Sajib
Published: May 2021

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of blindness and affects millions of people throughout the world. Early detection and timely checkups are key to reduce the risk of blindness. Automated grading of DR is a cost-effective way to ensure early detection and timely checkups. Deep learning or more specifically convolutional neural network (CNN)—based methods produce state-of-the-art performance in DR detection. Whilst CNN based methods have been proposed, no comparisons have been done between the extracted image features and their clinical relevance. Here we first adopt a CNN visualization strategy to discover the inherent image features involved in the CNN’s decision-making process. Then, we critically analyze those features with respect to commonly known pathologies namely microaneurysms, hemorrhages and exudates, and other ocular components. We also critically analyze different CNNs by considering what image features they pick up during learning to predict and justify their clinical relevance. The experiments are executed on publicly available fundus datasets (EyePACS and DIARETDB1) achieving an accuracy of 89 ~ 95% with AUC, sensitivity and specificity of respectively 95 ~ 98%, 74 ~ 86%, and 93 ~ 97%, for disease level grading of DR. Whilst different CNNs produce consistent classification results, the rate of picked-up image features disagreement between models could be as high as 70%.
Spectroscopically clean Au nanoparticles for catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Liu Kai , He Shuyue , Li Lin , Liu Yi , Huang Zhihua , Liu Tinghan , Wu Han , Jiang Xiaolin , Liu Kun , Tian Fei
Published: May 2021

Au nanoparticles synthesized from colloidal techniques have the capability in many applications such as catalysis and sensing. Au nanoparticles function as both catalyst and highly sensitive SERS probe can be employed for sustainable and green catalytic process. However, capping ligands that are necessary to stabilize nanoparticles during synthesis are negative for catalytic activity. In this work, a simple effective mild thermal treatment to remove capping ligands meanwhile preserving the high SERS sensitivity of Au nanoparticles is reported. We show that under the optimal treatment conditions (250 °C for 2 h), 50 nm Au nanoparticles surfaces are free from any capping molecules. The catalytic activity of treated Au nanoparticles is studied through H2O2decomposition, which proves that the treatment is favorable for catalytic performance improvement. A reaction intermediate during H2O2decomposition is observed and identified.
Thawed cryopreserved synovial mesenchymal stem cells show comparable effects to cultured cells in the inhibition of osteoarthritis progression in rats
Authors: Horiuchi Kiyotaka , Ozeki Nobutake , Endo Kentaro , Mizuno Mitsuru , Katano Hisako , Akiyama Masako , Tsuji Kunikazu , Koga Hideyuki , Sekiya Ichiro
Published: May 2021

Intra-articular injections of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can inhibit the progression of osteoarthritis (OA). Previous reports have used cultured MSCs, but the ability to use thawed cryopreserved MSC stocks would be highly advantageous. Our purpose was to elucidate whether thawed cryopreserved MSCs show comparable inhibitory effects on OA progression in rats to those obtained with cultured MSCs. Cultured rat synovial MSCs or thawed MSCs were compared for in vitro viability and properties. The inhibitory effect of thawed MSCs on OA progression was evaluated by injecting cryopreservation fluid and thawed MSCs in meniscectomized rats. Cartilage degeneration was assessed using gross finding and histological scores. Cultured MSCs were then injected into one knee and thawed MSCs into the contralateral knee of the same individual to compare their effects. Cultured MSCs and MSCs thawed after cryopreservation had comparable in vitro colony formation and chondrogenic potentials. In the rat OA model, the gross finding and histological scores were significantly lower in the thawed MSC group than in the cryopreservation fluid group at 8 weeks. Finally, cartilage degeneration did not differ significantly after injection of cultured and thawed MSCs. In conclusion, thawed MSCs showed comparable inhibitory effects on OA progression to cultured MSCs.
Successful treatment of infective endocarditis due to pandrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae with ceftazidime-avibactam and aztreonam
Authors: Alghoribi Majed F. , Alqurashi Moayad , Okdah Liliane , Alalwan Bassam , AlHebaishi Yahya S. , Almalki Abdulmajeed , Alzayer Maha A. , Alswaji Abdulrahman A. , Doumith Michel , Barry Mazin
Published: May 2021

Pandrug-resistant (PDR) K. pneumoniae refractory to conventional treatment has been reported worldwide, causing a huge burden on the healthcare system, patient safety and the economy. K. pneumoniae is a prominent opportunistic pathogen causing hospital-acquired and community-acquired infections, but is rarely associated with infective endocarditis. Currently, there are sparse data guiding the optimal regimen when commonly used antibiotics fail, notably for the treatment of endocarditis infections. Here we report our experience in treating a 40-year-old female with PDR K. pneumoniae infection of cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) and right-sided infective endocarditis. Initial susceptibility testing of the incriminated pathogen showed an apparent susceptibility to colistin but the prolonged course of colistin, gentamicin and meropenem did not resolve the infection. However, the synergistic combinations of aztreonam with ceftazidime-avibactam was able to overcome resistance and clear the infection rapidly. Genome sequencing showed that the PDR K. pneumoniae isolate belongs to the international high-risk clone ST14. The isolate harbored genes encoding NDM-1, OXA-48, CTX-M-14b, SHV-28 and OXA-1, explaining resistance to all β-lactams, including carbapenems. It carried the armA gene conferring resistance to all clinically important aminoglycosides and had alterations in GyrA, ParC and MgrB, explaining resistance to ciprofloxacin and colistin.
An individual alginate lyase is effective in the disruption of Laminaria digitata recalcitrant cell wall
Authors: Costa Mónica , Pio Luís , Bule Pedro , Cardoso Vânia , Alfaia Cristina M. , Coelho Diogo , Brás Joana , Fontes Carlos M. G. A. , Prates José A. M.
Published: May 2021

In the present study, 199 pre-selected Carbohydrate-Active enZymes (CAZymes) and sulfatases were assessed, either alone or in combination, to evaluate their capacity to disrupt Laminaria digitata cell wall, with the consequent release of interesting nutritional compounds. A previously characterized individual alginate lyase, belonging to the family 7 of polysaccharide lyases (PL7) and produced by Saccharophagus degradans, was shown to be the most efficient in the in vitro degradation of L. digitata cell wall. The alginate lyase treatment, compared to the control, released up to 7.11 g/L of reducing sugars (p < 0.001) and 8.59 mmol/100 g dried alga of monosaccharides (p < 0.001), and reduced cell wall fluorescence intensity by 39.1% after staining with Calcofluor White (p = 0.001). The hydrolysis of gel-forming polymer alginate by the alginate lyase treatment could prevent the trapping of fatty acids and release beneficial monounsaturated fatty acids, particularly 18:1c9 (p < 0.001), to the extracellular medium. However, no liberation of proteins (p > 0.170) or pigments (p > 0.070) was observed. Overall, these results show the ability of an individual alginate lyase, from PL7 family, to partially degrade L. digitata cell wall under physiological conditions. Therefore, this CAZyme can potentially improve the bioavailability of L. digitata bioactive compounds for monogastric diets, with further application in feed industry.
Impact of an electronic medical record-based appointment order on outpatient cardiology follow-up after hospital discharge
Authors: Telukuntla Kartik S. , Huded Chetan P. , Shao Mingyuan , Sobol Tim , Abdallah Mouin , Kravitz Kathleen , Hulseman Michael , Barzilai Benico , Starling Randall C. , Svensson Lars G. , Nissen Steven E. , Khot Umesh N.
Published: May 2021

Outpatient follow-up after hospital discharge improves continuity of care and reduces readmissions, but rates of follow-up remain low. It is not known whether electronic medical record (EMR)-based tools improve follow-up. The aim of this study was to determine if an EMR-based order to secure cardiology follow-up appointments at hospital discharge would improve follow-up rates and hospital readmission rates. A pre-post interventional study was conducted and evaluated 39,209 cardiovascular medicine discharges within an academic center between 2012 and 2017. Follow-up rates and readmission rates were compared during 2 years prior to EMR-order implementation (pre-order era 2012–2013, n = 12,852) and 4 years after implementation (EMR-order era 2014–2017, n = 26,357). The primary endpoint was 90-day cardiovascular follow-up rates within our health system. In the overall cohort, the mean age of patients was 69.3 years [SD 14.7] and 60.7% (n = 23,827) were male. In the pre-order era, 90-day follow-up was 56.7 ± 0.4% (7286 of 12,852) and increased to 67.9 ± 0.3% (17,888 of 26,357, P < 0.001) in the EMR-order era. The use of the EMR follow-up order was independently associated with increased outpatient follow-up within 90 days after adjusting for patient demographics and payor status (OR 3.28, 95% CI 3.10–3.47, P < 0.001). The 30-day readmission rate in the pre-order era was 12.8% (1642 of 12,852) compared with 13.7% (3601 of 26,357, P = 0.016) in the EMR-order era. An EMR-based appointment order for follow-up appointment scheduling was associated with increased cardiovascular medicine follow-up, but was not associated with an observed reduction in 30-day readmission rates.
Melatonin delays ovarian aging in mice by slowing down the exhaustion of ovarian reserve
Authors: Yang Chan , Liu Qinghua , Chen Yingjun , Wang Xiaodong , Ran Zaohong , Fang Fang , Xiong Jiajun , Liu Guoshi , Li Xiang , Yang Liguo , He Changjiu
Published: May 2021

Studies have shown that melatonin (MLT) can delay ovarian aging, but the mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Here we show that granulosa cells isolated from mice follicles can synthesize MLT; the addition of MLT in ovary culture system inhibited follicle activation and growth; In vivo experiments indicated that injections of MLT to mice during the follicle activation phase can reduce the number of activated follicles by inhibiting the PI3K-AKT-FOXO3 pathway; during the early follicle growth phase, MLT administration suppressed follicle growth and atresia, and multiple pathways involved in folliculogenesis, including PI3K-AKT, were suppressed; MLT deficiency in mice increased follicle activation and atresia, and eventually accelerated age-related fertility decline; finally, we demonstrated that prolonged high-dose MLT intake had no obvious adverse effect. This study presents more insight into the roles of MLT in reproductive regulation that endogenous MLT delays ovarian aging by inhibiting follicle activation, growth and atresia.
Accurate but fragile passive non-line-of-sight recognition
Authors: Wang Yangyang , Zhang Yaqin , Huang Meiyu , Chen Zhao , Jia Yi , Weng Yudong , Xiao Lin , Xiang Xueshuang
Published: May 2021

Non-line-of-sight (NLOS) imaging is attractive for its potential applications in autonomous vehicles, robotic vision, and biomedical imaging. NLOS imaging can be realized through reconstruction or recognition. Recognition is preferred in some practical scenarios because it can classify hidden objects directly and quickly. Current NLOS recognition is mostly realized by exploiting active laser illumination. However, passive NLOS recognition, which is essential for its simplified hardware system and good stealthiness, has not been explored. Here, we use a passive imaging setting that consists of a standard digital camera and an occluder to achieve a NLOS recognition system by deep learning. The proposed passive NLOS recognition system demonstrates high accuracy with the datasets of handwritten digits, hand gestures, human postures, and fashion products (81.58 % to 98.26%) using less than 1 second per image in a dark room. Beyond, good performance can be maintained under more complex lighting conditions and practical tests. Moreover, we conversely conduct white-box attacks on the NLOS recognition algorithm to study its security. An attack success rate of approximately 36% is achieved at a relatively low cost, which demonstrates that the existing passive NLOS recognition remains somewhat vulnerable to small perturbations.
Functional milk fat enriched in conjugated linoleic acid prevented liver lipid accumulation induced by a high-fat diet in male rats
Authors: Gerstner Carolina , Saín Juliana , Lavandera Jimena , González Marcela , Bernal Claudio
Published: May 2021

Potential effect of functional milk fat, naturally enriched in conjugated linoleic acid, on the prevention of liver lipid accumulation and some biochemical mechanisms involved in the liver triacylglycerol regulation in high-fat fed rats.
Introducing dimethyl carbonate as a new eluent in HPLC-ICPMS: stronger elution with less carbon
Authors: Lajin Bassam , Goessler Walter
Published: May 2021

Incorporating as little as 5–10% DMC under standard conditions facilitates the elution and detection of species at low levels that may not be detectable under the “organic ICPMS mode”.
Novel stilbene scaffolds efficiently targetMycobacterium tuberculosisnucleoid-associated protein, HU
Authors: Peraman Ramalingam , Meka Geethavani , Chilamakuru Naresh Babu , Kutagulla Vinay Kumar , Malla Saloni , Ashby Charles R. , Tiwari Amit K. , Yiragamreddy Padmanabha Reddy
Published: May 2021

Novel scaffolds of stilbene were identified as inhibitors ofMycobacterium tuberculosisby targeting the nucleoid-associated protein, HU, using molecular docking.
The effects of long and bulky aromatic pendent groups with flexible linkages on the thermal, mechanical and electrical properties of the polyimides and their nanocomposites with functionalized silica
Authors: Tharakan Simi Annie , Muthusamy Sarojadevi
Published: May 2021

Novel polyimides containing two long/bulky aromatic pendent chains and their nanocomposites with aromatic amine functionalized silica were prepared from a new diamine bis(4-aminophenyl)bis{3,4[(4-(8-quinolyloxymethyl carbonyl)phenoxy)]}methane.
A gold-based strip sensor for the detection of benzo[a]pyrene in edible oils
Authors: Yao Jingjing , Xu Xinxin , Liu Liqiang , Kuang Hua , Wang Zhengyou , Xu Chuanlai
Published: May 2021

A broad-specific anti-B[a]P mAb (4E8) was prepared with IC50 value of 2.51 ng mL−1. The GNP-ICS assay showed broad specificity in the detection of B[a]P and its analogues, with cut-off and vLOD values of 100 and 10 ng mL−1, respectively.
In situ and real time investigation of foliarly applied silver nanoparticles on and in spinach leaves by surface enhanced Raman spectroscopic mapping
Authors: Zhang Zhiyun , Shang Heping , Xing Baoshan , He Lili
Published: May 2021

Understanding the behavior and biological fate of foliarly applied silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on plant surfaces is significant for their risk assessment.
Determination of atomoxetine levels in human plasma using LC-MS/MS and clinical application to Chinese children with ADHD based on CPIC guidelines
Authors: Xia Ying , Guo Hong-Li , Hu Ya-Hui , Long Jia-Yi , Chen Jing , Chen Feng , Ji Xing
Published: May 2021

This paper focuses on the determination of atomoxetine in human plasma. The work can provide therapeutic recommendations regarding atomoxetine and help clinicians in dose optimization.
A near infrared fluorescence imprinted sensor based on zinc oxide nanorods for rapid determination of ketoprofen
Authors: Chen Shan , Zhou Shu , Fu Jinli , Tang Sisi , Wu Xiaodan , Zhao Pengfei , Zhang Zhaohui
Published: May 2021

A near infrared fluorescence imprinted sensor with high selectivity and sensitivity was developed based on zinc oxide nanorods for determination of ketoprofen in 1.0 min.
Reasonable design of an MXene-based enzyme-free amperometric sensing interface for highly sensitive hydrogen peroxide detection
Authors: Zhu Fenghui , Wang Xiuyun , Yang Xiaowen , Zhao Chenfei , Zhang Yue , Qu Siqi , Wu Shuo , Ji Wei
Published: May 2021

A high-sensitivity, low-cost enzyme-free H2O2 electrochemical sensor: MX/CS/PB/GCE has been established, which can be used for the sensitive H2O2 detection in real sample in the nano- to micromolar range, which is critical for health monitoring and disease diagnosis.
Redox responsive Pluronic micelle mediated delivery of functional siRNA: a modular nano-assembly for targeted delivery
Authors: Kadekar Sandeep , Nawale Ganesh N. , Rangasami Vignesh K. , Le Joncour Vadim , Laakkonen Pirjo , Hilborn Jöns , Varghese Oommen P. , Oommen Oommen P.
Published: May 2021

There is an unmet need to develop strategies that allow site-specific delivery of short interfering RNA (siRNA) without any associated toxicity. Here we report a modular delivery system that can be custom modified with targeting peptide and siRNAs.
Build an implanted “arsenal”: detachable microneedles for NIR-triggered cancer photothermo-chemotherapy
Authors: Yu Weijiang , Li Xinfang , Huang Yan , Chen Yonghang , Gao Qiang , Wang Youxiang , Ji Jian
Published: May 2021

Detachable microneedle-implanted drug depots intradermally for on-demand photothermo-chemotherapy.
Aggregation of protein therapeutics enhances their immunogenicity: causes and mitigation strategies
Authors: Lundahl Mimmi L. E. , Fogli Silvia , Colavita Paula E. , Scanlan Eoin M.
Published: May 2021

Protein aggregation of biotherapeutics increases their immunogenicity, leading to immune-mediated adverse effects. In this review we discuss immune activation pathways, causes of aggregation and mitigation strategies.
A new neodymium–phosphine compound for supercapacitors with long-term cycling stability
Authors: Li Xiaoyu , Chen Huimin , Yang Chenyu , Li Yafeng , Wei Mingdeng
Published: May 2021

A new neodymium–phosphine compound exhibited an extraordinary capacitance of 951 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 with a high capacitance retention of 96% after 10 000 cycles.
Atomically dispersed Pd–Ru dual sites in an amorphous matrix towards efficient phenylacetylene semi-hydrogenation
Authors: Sun Du , Bi Qingyuan , Deng Mingxia , Jia Bingquan , Huang Fuqiang
Published: May 2021

Atomic dispersion of Pd–Ru dual sites in an amorphous matrix enables optimization of conversion and selectivity towards phenylacetylene semi-hydrogenation.
Nanoencapsulation strategy: enabling electrochemiluminescence of thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters in aqueous media
Authors: Zeng Zihui , Huang Ping , Kong Yi , Tong Lianpeng , Zhang Baohua , Luo Yelin , Chen Lijuan , Zhang Yuwei , Han Dongxue , Niu Li
Published: May 2021

A water-soluble and air-stable thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitter was prepared by a nanoencapsulation strategy, which enables electrochemiluminescence (ECL) of TADF emitters in aqueous media for the first time.
Visible-light-induced ligand to metal charge transfer excitation enabled phosphorylation of aryl halides
Authors: Hou Hong , Zhou Bing , Wang Jiawei , Sun Duhao , Yu Huaguang , Chen Xiaoyun , Han Ying , Shi Yaocheng , Yan Chaoguo , Zhu Shaoqun
Published: May 2021

We herein described a visible light induced nickel(II)-catalyzed cross-coupling of secondary phosphine oxides with aryl halides.
Nalmefene non-enantioselectively targets myeloid differentiation protein 2 and inhibits toll-like receptor 4 signaling: wet-lab techniques andin silicosimulations
Authors: Zhang Xiaozheng , Wang Hongshuang , Wang Yibo , Li Hongyuan , Wu Siru , Gao Jingwei , Zhang Tianshu , Xie Jun , Wang Xiaohui
Published: May 2021

The (−)-nalmefene and (+)-nalmefene behave similarly while binding to the cavity of MD-2 and modulating the TLR4 signaling. Bioisosteric replacement with =CH2at the 6-position of naltrexone improves its lipophilicity and TLR4 antagonist activity.
C9N4 and C2N6S3 monolayers as promising anchoring materials for lithium–sulfur batteries: weakening the shuttle effect via optimizing lithium bonds
Authors: Dong Yinan , Xu Bai , Hu Haiyu , Yang Jiashu , Li Fengyu , Gong Jian , Chen Zhongfang
Published: May 2021

C9N4 and C2N6S3 monolayers were identified as promising anchoring materials in Li-S batteries from the view of Li bonds to reduce the shuttle effect.
Anatomy of a deep eutectic solvent: structural properties of choline chloride : sesamol 1 : 3 compared to reline
Authors: Busato Matteo , Migliorati Valentina , Del Giudice Alessandra , Di Lisio Valerio , Tomai Pierpaolo , Gentili Alessandra , D'Angelo Paola
Published: May 2021

The structural properties of the choline chloride : sesamol 1 : 3 DES have been investigated by means of SWAXS measurements and MD simulations.
The investigation of methane storage at the Ni-MOF-74 material: a periodic DFT calculation
Authors: Yeh Chen-Hao , Khan Abdul Hannan , Miyazaki Tsuyoshi , Jiang Jyh-Chiang
Published: May 2021

To develop a high-performance methane storage material, an understanding of the mechanism and electronic interactions between methane and the material is essential.
Sacrificial ZnO nanorods drive N and O dual-doped carbon towards trifunctional electrocatalysts for Zn–air batteries and self-powered water splitting devices
Authors: Elhousseini Hilal Mohamed , Younus Hussein A. , Chaemchuen Somboon , Dekyvere Sander , Zen Xianci , He Daping , Park Jihae , Han Taejun , Verpoort Francis
Published: May 2021

Integrated energy systems (IES) have attracted increasing attention in recent years.
Enhanced activity and alkali metal resistance in vanadium SCR catalyst via co-modification with Mo and Sb
Authors: Wu Peng , Shen Kai , Liu Yiliang , Zhang Yaping , Li Goubo , Yang Hongqiang , Wang Sheng
Published: May 2021

Enhanced surface acidity contributed significantly to the catalytic activity and alkali metal resistance of the optimum catalysts.
Selective catalytic reduction of NO over Cu-AFX zeolites: mechanistic insights from in situ/operando spectroscopic and DFT studies
Authors: Liu Chong , Kubota Hiroe , Amada Takehiro , Toyao Takashi , Maeno Zen , Ogura Masaru , Nakazawa Naoto , Inagaki Satoshi , Kubota Yoshihiro , Shimizu Ken-ichi
Published: May 2021

In situ/operando spectroscopic experiments and DFT calculations unravel the redox mechanism of NH3-SCR over Cu-AFX zeolites.
The dynamic behavior of dilute metallic alloy PdxAu1−x/SiO2raspberry colloid templated catalysts under CO oxidation
Authors: Filie Amanda , Shirman Tanya , Aizenberg Michael , Aizenberg Joanna , Friend Cynthia M. , Madix Robert J.
Published: May 2021

Dilute palladium-in-gold alloys have potential as efficient oxidation catalysts; controlling the Pd surface distribution is critical.
Accelerating effect of crown ethers on the lactide polymerization catalysed by potassium acetate
Authors: Moins Sébastien , Henoumont Céline , De Roover Quentin , Laurent Sophie , De Winter Julien , Coulembier Olivier
Published: May 2021

Recent advances in catalysis enriched the toolbox to prepare well-defined polyester materials such as polylactide (PLA).
Risk assessment of soil heavy metal contamination at the census tract level in the city of Santa Ana, CA: implications for health and environmental justice
Authors: Masri Shahir , LeBrón Alana M. W. , Logue Michael D. , Valencia Enrique , Ruiz Abel , Reyes Abigail , Wu Jun
Published: May 2021

Soil-based risk assessment shows a U.S. city to exceed federal acceptable risk levels for both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health outcomes in many areas, with total risk and soil contamination being correlated with socioeconomic factors.
On the completeness of three-dimensional electron diffraction data for structural analysis of metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Ge Meng , Yang Taimin , Wang Yanzhi , Carraro Francesco , Liang Weibin , Doonan Christian , Falcaro Paolo , Zheng Haoquan , Zou Xiaodong , Huang Zhehao
Published: May 2021

We investigate the effects of improving the completeness of structural analysis of MOFs using three-dimensional electron diffraction.
Effect of micro-aeration on the mechanical behaviour of chocolates and implications for oral processing
Authors: Bikos D. , Samaras G. , Cann P. , Masen M. , Hardalupas Y. , Hartmann C. , Vieira J. , Charalambides M. N.
Published: May 2021

Effect of micro-aeration on the mechanical response of chocolate is investigated and the data are used to calibrate a viscoplastic constitutive model. The link between the laboratory measurements,in vivomastication data, and texture is highlighted.
Sodium butyrate converts Caco-2 monolayers into a leaky but healthy intestinal barrier resembling that of a newborn infant
Authors: Kondrashina Alina , Brodkorb Andre , Giblin Linda
Published: May 2021

Treating Caco2 monolayers with sodium butyrate will create, in vitro, a leaky but healthy gut barrier that closely resembles that of a newborn baby.
Ginsenosides Rb2 and Rd2 isolated from Panax notoginseng flowers attenuate platelet function through P2Y12-mediated cAMP/PKA and PI3K/Akt/Erk1/2 signaling
Authors: Zuo Xiao , Li Qing , Ya Fuli , Ma Li-Juan , Tian Zezhong , Zhao Mingzhu , Fan Die , Zhao Yimin , Mao Yu-Heng , Wan Jian-Bo , Yang Yan
Published: May 2021

PNF-derived G-Rb2 and G-Rd2 inhibited ADP-induced human platelet hyperactivity by modulating P2Y12-mediated signaling, including up-regulating cAMP/PKA signaling and down-regulating PI3K/Akt/Erk1/2 pathways, which may inhibit thrombus formation.
The structure, conformation, and hypoglycemic activity of a novel heteropolysaccharide from the blackberry fruit
Authors: Dou Zu-Man , Chen Chun , Huang Qiang , Fu Xiong
Published: May 2021

A novel heteropolysaccharide fraction (BBP-24-3) with a relative molecular weight of 145.1 kDa was isolated from blackberry fruits.
Separation of short-chain glucan oligomers from molten salt hydrate and hydrolysis to glucose
Authors: Liu Qiyu , Luo Song , Fan Wei , Ouyang Xinping , Qiu Xueqing
Published: May 2021

Glucan oligomers obtained from cellulose hydrolysis in molten salt hydrate can be separated using anti-solvent precipitation with a high efficiency.
Correlation of μXRF and LA-ICP-MS in the analysis of a human bone-cartilage sample
Authors: Turyanskaya Anna , Smetaczek Stefan , Pichler Vanessa , Rauwolf Mirjam , Perneczky Lukas , Roschger Andreas , Roschger Paul , Wobrauschek Peter , Limbeck Andreas , Streli Christina
Published: May 2021

In this study we combined μXRF and LA-ICP-MS on the very same human femoral head sample. Obtained spatial elemental distributions within bone and cartilage tissues are accompanied by absolute quantitative data.
Intelligent acoustofluidics enabled mini-bioreactors for human brain organoids
Authors: Cai Hongwei , Ao Zheng , Wu Zhuhao , Song Sunghwa , Mackie Ken , Guo Feng
Published: May 2021

We report intelligent acoustofluidics enabled mini-bioreactors for culturing human brain organoids.
Electronic band structure of iridates
Authors: Dhingra Archit , Komesu Takashi , Kumar Shiv , Shimada Kenya , Zhang Le , Hong Xia , Dowben Peter A.
Published: May 2021

Crystal structure without distortion for orthorhombic SrIrO3 (left) and the room temperature in-plane band structure of SrIrO3(001) thin film (right). Here, the green, orange, and blue circles represent Sr, Ir, and O, respectively.
A methyl-shield strategy enables efficient blue thermally activated delayed fluorescence hosts for high-performance fluorescent OLEDs
Authors: Ran You , Yang Ge , Liu Yang , Han Weiguo , Gao Ge , Su Rongchuan , Bin Zhengyang , You Jingsong
Published: May 2021

A novel methyl-shield strategy has been developed to design ideal TADF hosts for achieving an ultra-high EQE of 32.3%, which represents the first report of the EQE reaching above 30% in TSF-OLEDs.
A nanosol SERS/RRS aptamer assay of trace cobalt(ii) by covalent organic framework BtPD-loaded nanogold catalytic amplification
Authors: Wen Guiqing , Xiao Yang , Chen Shuxin , Zhang Xinghui , Jiang Zhiliang
Published: May 2021

A sensitive gold nanosol SERS/RRS aptamer assay of cobalt(ii) based on AuBtPD catalytic amplification.
Selective area growth of GaN nanowires and nanofins by molecular beam epitaxy on heteroepitaxial diamond (001) substrates
Authors: Pantle Florian , Becker Fabian , Kraut Max , Wörle Simon , Hoffmann Theresa , Artmeier Sabrina , Stutzmann Martin
Published: May 2021

We present the selective area growth of GaN nanowires and nanofins on large-scale available diamond substrates. The nanostructures grow exclusively Ga-polar, enabling their application in GaN-on-diamond based high-power transistor applications.
Therapeutic response differences between 2D and 3D tumor models of magnetic hyperthermia
Authors: Gupta Ruby , Sharma Deepika
Published: May 2021

3D hyperthermia models exhibit potential for successful translation to clinical applications as greater heat stress response is generated in cells cultured in 3D as spheroids, inserts, scaffolds and microfluidic chips than cultured as monolayers.
Understanding the role of facets and twin defects in the optical performance of GaAs nanowires for laser applications
Authors: Azimi Zahra , Gagrani Nikita , Qu Jiangtao , Lem Olivier L. C. , Mokkapati Sudha , Cairney Julie M. , Zheng Rongkun , Tan Hark Hoe , Jagadish Chennupati , Wong-Leung Jennifer
Published: May 2021

GaAs nanowires are regarded as promising building blocks of future optoelectronic devices.
A current overview of the oxidative desulfurization of fuels utilizing heat and solar light: from materials design to catalysis for clean energy
Authors: Lim Xian Bin , Ong Wee-Jun
Published: May 2021

The design strategy and synthesis approach impact the physico-chemical properties, catalytic performances and reaction pathways of ODS catalysts.
Manganese(ii) Schiff-base-mediated reversible deactivation controlled radical polymerization of vinyl acetate
Authors: Hashimoto Patricia K. , Oliveira Larissa F. , Riga-Rocha Beatriz A. , Machado Antonio E. H. , Santana Vinicius T. , Nascimento Otaciro R. , Carvalho-Jr Valdemiro P. , Goi Beatriz E.
Published: May 2021

The manganese Schiff-base complexes were applied in the OMRP of vinyl acetate.
A review of the incorporation of QDs and imprinting technology in optical sensors – imprinting methods and sensing responses
Authors: Kazemifard Nafiseh , Ensafi Ali A. , Dehkordi Zeinab Saberi
Published: May 2021

This review aims to cover the simultaneous method of using molecularly imprinted technology and quantum dots (QDs) as well as its application in the field of optical sensors.
Polyvinylpyrrolidone and freeze drying-assisted growth of an α-Ni(OH)2/reduced graphene oxide hybrid structure as a superior electrode material for supercapacitors
Authors: Geioushy Ramadan A. , Attia Sayed Y. , Mohamed Saad G. , A. A. Ragab , Fouad Osama A.
Published: May 2021

The electrode of 30 wt% α-Ni(OH)2/rGO hybrid structure displayed a promising material for supercapacitors. It showed a specific capacitance (capacity) of 1050 F g−1 (580 C g−1), and its hybrid device exhibited a high energy density of 60 W h kg−1.
Nickel-catalyzed C3-alkylation of indoles with alcohols via a borrowing hydrogen strategy
Authors: Hu Miao , Jiang Yong , Sun Nan , Hu Baoxiang , Shen Zhenlu , Hu Xinquan , Jin Liqun
Published: May 2021

An efficient Ni-catalyzed C3-alkylation of indoles with alcohols via a borrowing hydrogen pathway was achieved utilizing an N,O-donor coordinated nickel complex as the precatalyst.
Straightforward synthetic route to gold(i)-thiolato glycoconjugate complexes bearing NHC ligands (NHC = N-heterocyclic carbene) and their promising anticancer activity
Authors: Safir Filho Mauro , Scattolin Thomas , Dao Pascal , Tzouras Nikolaos V. , Benhida Rachid , Saab Marina , Van Hecke Kristof , Lippmann Petra , Martin Anthony R. , Ott Ingo , Nolan Steven P.
Published: May 2021

A simple and eco-friendly route to gold–NHC complexes bearing different thiosugars is reported.
Highly efficient blackberry-like trimetallic PdAuCu nanoparticles with optimized Pd content for ethanol electrooxidation
Authors: Liang Yinyin , Ma Tao , Xiong Yazhou , Qiu Lizhu , Yu Hui , Liang Feng
Published: May 2021

The catalytic performance of blackberry-like PdAuCu nanoparticles could achieve the best mass activity of 23 000 mA mgPd−1for the EOR with an optimization of balance between Pd contents and surface structures.
White light emission from co-doped La2Hf2O7nanoparticles with suppressed host → Eu3+energy transferviaa U6+co-dopant
Authors: Gupta Santosh K. , Modak Brindaban , Modak Pampa , Mao Yuanbing
Published: May 2021

This work highlights white light emission from La2Hf2O7:Eu3+nanoparticles assisted by uranium co-doping to restrict energy transfer from the host oxygen vacancy to the Eu3+dopant.
On the hydrolytic stability of unsymmetric platinum(iv) anticancer prodrugs containing axial halogens
Authors: Xu Zoufeng , Tang Wai Kit , Zhou Qiyuan , Chen Shu , Siu Chi-Kit , Zhu Guangyu
Published: May 2021

The hydrolytic stability of Pt(iv) complexes is determined by all the six ligands that coordinate to the Pt(iv) center. By appropriately choosing all the ligands during the design of Pt(iv) prodrugs, the stability of Pt(iv) prodrugs can be improved.
Electrochemical N2 fixation to NH3 under ambient conditions: porous LiFe5O8 nanoparticle–reduced graphene oxide as a highly efficient and selective catalyst
Authors: Ji Yuyao , Li Lei , Cheng Wendong , Xiao Yu , Li Chengbo , Liu Xingquan
Published: May 2021

In this work, porous LiFe5O8–rGO achieves a high NH3 yield of 36.025 mg h−1 mgcat.−1 and a high faradaic efficiency of 13.08% at −0.2 V vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode in 0.1 M HCl.
Selectivity for water isotopologues within metal organic nanotubes
Authors: Payne Maurice K. , Applegate Lindsey C. , Singh Priyanka , Jayasinghe Ashini S. , Crull George B. , Grafton Andrea B. , Cheatum Christopher M. , Forbes Tori Z.
Published: May 2021

Water adsorption experiments combined with vibrational and radiochemical analyses reveal significant differences in uptake of H2O over D2O, HDO, and HTO within metal organic nanotubes.
Novel biodegradable low-κ dielectric nanomaterials from natural polyphenols
Authors: Saha Sujoy , Dawood Sheeba , Butreddy Pravalika , Pathiraja Gayani , Rathnayake Hemali
Published: May 2021

The first study on biodegradable low-κ dielectric nanomaterials with a silsesquioxane framework is demonstrated utilizing a natural polyphenol, tannic acid.
Solvothermal synthesis of poly(acrylic acid) decorated magnetic molybdenum disulfide nanosheets for highly-efficient adsorption of cationic dyes from aqueous solutions
Authors: Lei Li , Peng Zhuo , Liang Ting , Yu Hai-Rong , Cheng Chang-Jing
Published: May 2021

Poly(acrylic acid) decorated magnetic MoS2 nanosheets with high adsorption capacities for three cationic dyes have been successfully synthesized by a simple one-step solvothermal method.
Novel Schiff base cobalt(ii) phthalocyanine with appliance of MWCNTs on GCE: enhanced electrocatalytic activity behaviour of α-amino acids
Authors: Mounesh  , Sharan Kumar T. M. , Praveen Kumar N. Y. , Reddy K. R. Venugopala , Chandrakala K. B. , Arunkumar L. , Vidyasagar C. C.
Published: May 2021

A novel CoTANImMMPPc complex was synthesized using a precursor protocol and characterized via electroanalytical and spectroscopic techniques with enhanced electrocatalytic behaviour of α-amino acids.
Visualizing defects and pore connectivity within metal–organic frameworks by X-ray transmission tomography
Authors: Mayorga-González Rafael , Rivera-Torrente Miguel , Nikolopoulos Nikolaos , Bossers Koen W. , Valadian Roozbeh , Yus Joaquín , Seoane Beatriz , Weckhuysen Bert M. , Meirer Florian
Published: May 2021

TXM-tomography unraveled large macropore defects within a MIL-47(V) MOF crystal. These pores do not seem to be well connected and they show a preferential orientation.
Controlled dimerization of artificial membrane receptors for transmembrane signal transduction
Authors: Chen Hui , Zhou Li , Li Chunying , He Xiaoxiao , Huang Jin , Yang Xiaohai , Shi Hui , Wang Kemin , Liu Jianbo
Published: May 2021

An artificial transmbrane signal transducer was developed through the chemical input-mediated dimerization of artificial DNA transmembrane receptors and the subsequent activation of a cascade of events inside the vesicles.
Palladium/Xu-Phos-catalyzed asymmetric carboamination towards isoxazolidines and pyrrolidines
Authors: Wang Yuzhuo , Wang Lei , Chen Mingjie , Tu Youshao , Liu Yu , Zhang Junliang
Published: May 2021

The new chiral ligand (S,Rs)-Xu4 with ortho-OiPr showed good performance in the asymmetric carboamination reaction of N-Boc-O-homoallyl-hydroxylamines and N-Boc-pent-4-enylamines with aryl or alkenyl bromides.
Stable and easily available sulfide surrogates allow a stereoselective activation of alcohols
Authors: Merad Jérémy , Matyašovský Ján , Stopka Tobias , Brutiu Bogdan R. , Pinto Alexandre , Drescher Martina , Maulide Nuno
Published: May 2021

A simple and scalable method for stereoselective synthesis of thioethers directly from alcohols using isothiouronium salts is presented. The utility of this thiol-free reaction was exemplified by late-stage modification of complex molecules.
Quantification and molecular imaging of fatty acid isomers from complex biological samples by mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Hua , Xu Meng , Shi Xudong , Liu Yuan , Li Zihui , Jagodinsky Justin C. , Ma Min , Welham Nathan V. , Morris Zachary S. , Li Lingjun
Published: May 2021

A structural lipidomics approach employs peracetic acid-induced epoxidation coupled with mass spectrometry for pinpointing CC bonds in unsaturated fatty acids, enabling both quantification and imaging of FA isomers from biological samples.