bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diverse clinical manifestations of Cantú syndrome: The first case series in Vietnam
Authors: Tran Tu Nguyen Anh , Phan Huy Ngoc , Vu Hoang Anh , Nguyen Hao Trong
Published: August 2021

Cantú syndrome (CS) is an extremely rare autosomal dominant hereditary disease characterized by congenital hypertrichosis, distinct coarse facial features, cardiac defects, and other abnormalities in the skeletal and neurological systems. At present, cases with pathognomonic clinical manifestations are increasingly confirmed by genetic analysis. Two causative genes for CS are the well‐known ABCC9 and the more rarely reported KCNJ8. Here, we report three Vietnamese children with CS, confirmed through genetic testing, presenting de novo ABCC9 mutations. The patients shared some common clinical manifestations, including congenital hypertrichosis, distinctive facial features, and a history of polyhydramnios during pregnancy. Concerning the various cardiac and neurological problems in the lifetime of patients with CS, an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management, especially genetic counseling, should be clinically applied in CS. Thus, our findings might modestly contribute to the global CS data, providing practical insights into CS manifestations.
A novel pathogenic variant p.Asp797Val in IFIH1 in a Japanese boy with overlapping Singleton‐Merten syndrome and Aicardi‐Goutières syndrome
Authors: Hasegawa Kosei , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Futagawa Natsuko , Miyahara Hiroyuki , Higuchi Yousuke , Tsukahara Hirokazu
Published: August 2021

Pathogenic‐activating variants of interferon induced with Helicase C domain 1 (IFIH1) cause Singleton‐Merten (S‐M) syndrome, which accompanies acro‐osteolysis, loss of permanent teeth, and aortic calcification, as well as causing Aicardi‐Goutières (A‐G) syndrome, which shows progressive encephalopathy, spastic paraplegia, and calcification of basal ganglia. Recently, patients with overlapping syndromes presenting with features of S‐M syndrome and A‐G syndrome were reported. However, progression of clinical features of this condition has not been fully understood. We report a Japanese boy with a novel pathogenic IFIH1 variant who presented with clinical features of S‐M syndrome and A‐G syndrome.
Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) adapt their nesting behavior after large‐scale forest clearance and community decline
Authors: van Dijk Kim , Cibot Marie , McLennan Matthew R.
Published: August 2021

Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) build nests at night for sleeping and occasionally during daytime for resting. Over the course of seven years, forest fragments in Bulindi, Uganda, were reduced in size by about 80% when landowners converted forest to agricultural land. However, unlike other studies on nesting behavior in response to habitat disturbance, chimpanzees at Bulindi had no opportunity to retreat into nearby undisturbed forest. To understand behavioral adaptations to forest clearance, we compared Bulindi chimpanzees' nesting characteristics before and after this period of major deforestation. After deforestation, chimpanzees built nests at lower heights in shorter trees, and reused a larger proportion of their nests. Additionally, average nest group size increased after deforestation, even though community size declined by approximately 20% over the same period. The substantial decrease in available forest habitat may have caused the chimpanzees to aggregate for nesting. However, more cohesive nesting may also have been influenced by dietary shifts (increased reliance on agricultural crops) and a need for enhanced safety with increased human encroachment. Conversely, the chimpanzees selected similar tree species for nesting after deforestation, apparently reflecting a strong preference for particular species, nested less often in exotic species, and built integrated nests (constructed using multiple trees) at a similar frequency as before fragment clearance. Chimpanzees living in unprotected habitat in Uganda, as at Bulindi, face mounting anthropogenic pressures that threaten their survival. Nevertheless, our study shows that chimpanzees can adjust their nesting behavior flexibly in response to rapid, extensive habitat change. While behavioral flexibility may enable them to cope with deforestation, at least to a certain point, the long‐term survival of chimpanzees in fast‐changing human‐modified landscapes requires intensive conservation efforts.
Sexual dimorphism in the size and shape of the non‐obstetric pelvis across anthropoids
Authors: Moffett Elizabeth A.
Published: August 2021

Objectives

The presence of sexual dimorphism in the birth canals of anthropoid primates is well documented, and birth canal dimorphism tends to be especially robust among species that give birth to relatively large neonates. However, it is less clear whether birth canal dimorphism is accompanied by dimorphism in parts of the pelvis not directly under selection for birth, particularly including bi‐iliac breadth, biactetabular breadth, lengths of the ischium and ilium, and 3D shape. This study investigates the patterns of dimorphism among anthropoid primates in those parts of the pelvis which do not directly contribute to the bony birth canal, here termed the non‐obstetric pelvis.

Methods

3D landmark data were collected on the bony pelves of 899 anthropoid primates. Specifically, landmark data were collected on parts of the pelvis not thought to be directly involved in selection for parturition, including portions of the posterior and superior ilium, acetabulum, and lateral ischium. Principal components analysis and Euclidean distance matrix analysis were used to ascertain sexual dimorphism in pelvic sizes and shapes within each species.

Results

Results show that dimorphism in non‐obstetric pelvic size and shape exists across anthropoids, just as is seen in the birth canal. However, the magnitude of dimorphism in non‐obstetric pelvic shape tends to be greater among anthropoid species that give birth to relatively large neonates compared with those birthing smaller neonates relative to maternal pelvic size.

Conclusions

Though all anthropoids included in the study show some degree of sexual dimorphism in non‐obstetric pelvic size and/or shape, species which give birth to large neonates relative to maternal pelvic size have the highest levels of dimorphism in pelvic shape. Moreover, the magnitude of dimorphism in certain parts of the non‐obstetric pelvis mirrors patterns seen in the birth canal. The results of this study are promising for ascertaining pelvic dimorphism and relative neonate size in fossil primates, particularly in fragmentary remains which do not preserve a complete bony birth canal.
How Recent State High Court Coverage Rulings Show Mediation's Value in the Cyber/Regulatory Landscape
Authors: Halprin Peter A.
Published: August 2021

What keeps general counsel up at night?
Photo‐Enhanced Antimicrobial Activity of Polymers Containing an Embedded Photosensitiser
Authors: Judzewitsch Peter R. , Corrigan Nathaniel , Wong Edgar H. H. , Boyer Cyrille
Published: August 2021

This work presents the synthesis of a novel photosensitive acrylate monomer for use as both a self‐catalyst in the photoinduced electron/energy transfer–reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (PET‐RAFT) polymerisation process and a photosensitiser (PS) for antibacterial applications. Hydrophilic, cationic, and antimicrobial formulations are explored to compare the antibacterial effects between charged and non‐charged polymers. Covalent attachment of the catalyst to well‐defined linear polymer chains has no effect on polymerisation control or singlet oxygen generation. The addition of the PS to polymers provides activity against S. aureus for all polymer formulations, resulting in up to a 99.99999 % killing efficacy in 30 min. Antimicrobial peptide mimetic polymers previously active against P. aeruginosa, but not S. aureus, gain significant bactericidal activity against S. aureus through the inclusion of PS groups, with 99.998 % killing efficiency after 30 min incubation with light. Thus, a broader spectrum of antimicrobial activity is achieved using two distinct mechanisms of bactericidal activity via the incorporation of a photosensitiser monomer into an antimicrobial polymer.
A Titanium Nitride Nanozyme for pH‐Responsive and Irradiation‐Enhanced Cascade‐Catalytic Tumor Therapy
Authors: Liu Jiaming , Wang Aizhu , Liu Shihui , Yang Ruiqi , Wang Longwei , Gao Fene , Zhou Huige , Yu Xin , Liu Jing , Chen Chunying
Published: August 2021

Nanozyme‐based catalytic tumor therapy is an emerging therapeutic method with high reactivity in response to tumor microenvironments (TMEs). To overcome the current limitations of deficient catalytic activity of nanozymes, we studied the contributing factors of enzymatic activity based on non‐metallic‐atom doping and irradiation. Nitrogen doping significantly enhanced the peroxidase activity of Ti‐based nanozymes, which was shown experimentally and theoretically. Based on the excellent NIR‐adsorption‐induced surface plasmon resonance and photothermal effect, the enzymatic activity of TiN nanoparticles (NPs) was further improved under NIR laser irradiation. Hence, an acidic TME‐responsive and irradiation‐mediated cascade nanocatalyst (TLGp) is presented by using TiN‐NP‐encapsulated liposomes linked with pH‐responsive PEG‐modified glucose oxidase (GOx). The integration of pH‐responsive GOx‐mediated H2O2 self‐supply, nitrogen‐doping, and irradiation‐enhanced enzymatic activity of TiN NPs and mild‐photothermal therapy enables an effective tumor inhibition by TLGp with minimal side effects in vivo.
Solution‐Grown Chloride Perovskite Crystal of Red Afterglow
Authors: Zheng Wei , Li Xiuling , Liu Nianqiao , Yan Shao , Wang Xiaojia , Zhang Xiangzhou , Liu Yeqi , Liang Yanjie , Zhang Yuhai , Liu Hong
Published: August 2021

We report the growth of a halide‐based double perovskite, Cs2NaxAg1−xInCl6:y%Mn, via a facile hydrothermal reaction at 180 °C. Through a co‐doping strategy of both Na+ and Mn2+, the as‐prepared crystals exhibited a red afterglow featuring a high color purity (ca. 100 %) and a long duration time (>5400 s), three orders of magnitude longer than those solution‐processed organic afterglow crystals. The energy transfer (ET) process between self‐trapped excitons (STE) and activators was investigated through time‐resolved spectroscopy, which suggested an ET efficiency up to 41 %. Importantly, the nominal concentration of dopants, especially in the case of Na+, was found a useful tool to control both energy level and number distribution of traps. Cryogenic afterglow measurements suggested that the afterglow phenomenon was likely governed by thermal‐activated exciton diffusion and electron tunneling process.
Study of the dielectric heating of graphite oxide and its effect on the microwave‐assisted synthesis of Nylon‐6/graphite oxide polymeric hybrid nanocomposites
Authors: Ledezma‐Rodríguez Raquel , Hernández Ernesto Hernández , Yáñez‐Macías Roberto , Hernández Zureima García , Zúñiga Gabriela Yolotzín Romero , Falcón María Guadalupe García , Gallardo‐Vega Carlos , Morones Pablo González
Published: August 2021

The present research focuses on the study of the microwave dielectric heating (DH) of graphite oxide (GrO) during the synthesis of Nylon‐6/GrO hybrid polymeric nanocomposites (HPNCs) employing different microwave input powers and two GrO morphologies. In this regard, we evaluated GrO powder (GrOP) with dimensions ranging from nanometers to microns and GrO films (GrOF) with millimeter lengths and micron thicknesses. Both morphologies show the same oxidation degree and concentration of functional groups. However, they differ in the number of stacked graphene oxide sheets, thus modify their surface area. The results indicated that the morphology of GrO plays a determining role in its DH behavior in the microwave‐assisted polymerization (MAP). On one hand, GrOF contains a high concentration of graphene sheets that induce both an increase in DH and the formation of hot spots. In addition, GrOF has a greater attractive force between its sheets, since its interlamellar space is smaller than 8.4 Å, which makes its exfoliation more difficult. The aforementioned effects significantly reduce the exfoliation and hybridization of GrOF. On the other hand, the larger interlamellar spacing in GrOP weakens the attractive forces compared to GrOF. The lower concentration of graphene oxide lamellae prevents the formation of hot spots, and homogeneously dissipates DH in the reaction medium, maximizing its exfoliation and hybridization. In addition, its behavior presents a defined trend concerning time. These results highlight the importance of considering the GrO morphology in the synthesis of HPNCs as it globally affects the MAPs process, as well as GrO reduction, exfoliation, and hybridization.
Comparing matrix sizes when teaching direction following to preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Solano Alondra S. , Reeve Sharon A. , Reeve Kenneth F. , DeBar Ruth M. , Dickson Chata A. , Milata Eileen M.
Published: August 2021

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have difficulties with multiple‐component direction following, which is likely due to the complexity of the auditory‐visual discrimination skills required to perform the instruction. In the present study, matrix training was used to establish multicomponent direction following in preschoolers with ASD. We also compared the acquisition of this skill across two different‐sized matrices (i.e., 3 × 3 and 5 × 5) to identify any possible advantages for using one size matrix over the other. Given the evidence of the efficacy of matrix training to promote recombinative generalization, we also attempted to extend this literature by assessing novel matrix generalization with a 5 × 5 matrix of verb–noun combinations when an extra verb was added (i.e., verb–noun–verb). A multiple‐probe across‐participants design was used to compare the acquisition of both trained and untrained target emergence. Results showed that the 5 × 5 matrix produced a more efficient acquisition rate for recombinative generalization targets across participants as compared to the 3 × 3 matrix. Recommendations for future research along with possible limitations are discussed.
Facile production of smart superhydrophobic nanocomposite for wood coating towards long‐lasting glow‐in‐the‐dark photoluminescence
Authors: El‐Naggar Mehrez E. , Aldalbahi Ali , Khattab Tawfik A. , Hossain Mokarram
Published: August 2021

A smart photoluminescent nanocomposite surface coating was prepared for simple industrial production of long‐persisting phosphorescence and superhydrophobic wood. The photoluminescent nanocomposite coatings were capable of continuing to emit light in the dark for prolonged time periods that could reach 1.5 h. Lanthanide‐doped aluminium strontium oxide (LASO) nanoparticles at different ratios were immobilized in polystyrene (PS) and developed as a nanocomposite coating for wood substrates. To produce transparency in the prepared nanocomposite coating, LASO was efficiently dispersed in the form of nanoscaled particles to ensure homogeneous dispersion without agglomeration in the PS matrix. The coated wood showed an absorption band at 374 nm and two emission bands at 434 nm and 518 nm. The luminescence spectra showed both long‐persisting phosphorescence as well as photochromic fluorescence relying on the LASO ratio. The improved superhydrophobicity and resistance to scratching of the coated wood could be attributed to the LASO NPs incorporated in the polystyrene matrix. Compared with the uncoated wood substrate, the coated LASO‐PS nanocomposite film also displayed photostability and high durability. The current study demonstrated the potential high‐scale manufacturing of smart wood for some applications such as safety directional signs in buildings, household products, and smart windows.
Effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation on anhedonia in treatment resistant major depressive disorder
Authors: Fukuda Andrew M. , Kang Jee Won Diane , Gobin Asi Polly , Tirrell Eric , Kokdere Fatih , Carpenter Linda L.
Published: August 2021

Background

Anhedonia is one of the defining features of depression but it remains difficult to target and treat. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a proven treatment for depression, but its effects on anhedonia and whether anhedonia can be used as a predictive biomarker of response is not well known.

Methods

Snaith–Hamilton Pleasure Scale was administered to patients with depression before and after a standard course of TMS in a naturalistic outpatient setting.

Results

144 patients were analyzed. There was an overall significant improvement in anhedonia from pre‐ to post‐treatment (7.69 ± 3.88 vs. 2.96 ± 3.45; p < .001). Significant correlations between improvements in anhedonia and other depressive symptoms were present (r = 0.55, p < .001). Logistic regression revealed that baseline anhedonia severity was not a significant predictor of clinical outcome.

Conclusion

This is the first large, naturalistic study examining the effects of standard, non‐research TMS on anhedonia. Among depressed patients, TMS resulted in significant improvements in anhedonia. Patients with severe baseline anhedonia had an equal chance of achieving clinical response/remission. Patients with anhedonia should not be excluded from treatment if they are safe for outpatient care and otherwise appropriate candidates for treatment.
Patterns and predictors of cancer‐specific patient health portal usage among patients with cancer: results from the UWCCC Survivorship Program
Authors: Luoh Rebecca P. , Tevaarwerk Amye J. , Chandereng Thevaa , Smith Elena M. , Carroll Cibele B. , Emamekhoo Hamid , Sesto Mary E.
Published: August 2021

Background

Portals can assist patients in managing their healthcare. Understanding how patients with cancer use portals can facilitate improvements in patient engagement in cancer care. This study sought to determine if patients with cancer used portals differently for cancer versus noncancer purposes. The effects of geographic residence (rural vs. urban residence) and cancer stage on portal usage were also investigated.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of portal usage by patients seen at an NCI‐designated cancer center between 2015 and 2019. Demographics, cancer characteristics, and portal usage (number of successful logins, messages sent, and results viewed) were extracted. Messages sent and results viewed in the portal were deemed oncologist‐specific and cancer specific if sent to or ordered in medical oncology departments, respectively.

Results

The analysis included a total of 5950 patients with cancer. Patients were less likely to send and view oncologist‐specific messages compared to non‐oncologist‐specific messages. They were also less likely to view cancer results compared to noncancer results. Compared to urban counterparts, patients residing in rural areas had lower odds of having any logins and logged in less frequently during the year of diagnosis. Compared to patients with non‐metastatic disease, individuals with metastatic disease were more likely to become frequent portal users.

Conclusions

Patients may use portals differently for cancer versus noncancer purposes; urban residence and metastatic cancer were associated with more frequent usage. Further investigation can inform interventions to increase accessibility for groups at a disadvantage related to the use of this technology and to help patients better leverage portals to manage their cancer.
Effects of pretreatments on structural and functional changes of oat protein isolate
Authors: Wang Hailin , Xiang Leiwen , Rao Pingfan , Ke Lijing , Wu Benyang , Chen Sheng , Wang Shaoyun , Shi Yuande , Su Pingping
Published: August 2021

Background and objectives

For most of the application of cereal materials, sample pretreatments are considered critical factors. Different pretreatments (roasting and amylase hydrolysis) prior to extraction were employed to obtain oat protein (OP) from oat grains. The effect of pretreatment on the structure and functional properties of OPs was determined.

Findings

Analysis of sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) revealed that the oat proteins were glycated during the roasting pretreatment and amylase hydrolysis pretreatment, of which the grafting degree was increased to 55.34 ± 0.32% by amylase hydrolysis pretreatment. These pretreatments could lead to the increase in surface hydrophobicity (H0) and thermal stability of OP, but reduced its emulsifying properties and solubility. In addition, the pretreatments also raised the content of α‐helix, turns, and random coil, but decreased β‐strand content.

Conclusions

These results suggested that glycation induced prominent changes in the secondary and tertiary structure, including the formation of a new tertiary structure.

Significance and novelty

These results are of great significance for improving the applicability of the oat pretreatment in the food industry.
Enhanced Catalytic Efficiency of L‐amino Acid Deaminase Achieved by a Shorter Hydride Transfer Distance
Authors: Wu Yaoyun , Zhang Sheng , Song Wei , Liu Jia , Chen Xiulai , Hu Guipeng , Zhou Yiwen , Liu Liming , Wu Jing
Published: August 2021

Abstract: A sustainable enzymatic synthesis of α‐keto acids from α‐amino acids deamination remains limited by the low catalytic efficiency of L‐amino acid deaminase (LAAD, EC 1.4.3.2). In this study, the catalytic distance D1 between the substrate αC−H and the cofactor FAD N(5) was identified as the key factor limiting efficiency of Proteus mirabilis PmiLAAD based on elucidation of catalytic mechanism. A protein engineering strategy was developed to shorten the distance D1 and get two variants W1 (exhibited for short‐chain aliphatic amino acids and charged amino acids) and W2( exhibited for large aromatic amino acids and sulfur‐containing amino acids). The reason is the two variants altered the binding pose of the substrate, α‐hydrogen was improved to be more perpendicular against the plain of the isoalloxazine ring causing the angle between the substrates’ αC−H, FAD N(5), and FAD N(10) to approach 90°. Finally, PmiLAAD variants (W1 and W2)were used in one pot in a parallel way, thus obtain strain S3, which exhibited conversion >90 % and titer >100 g/L toward six selected substrates. These results provide the basis for improving industrial production of α‐keto acids via microbial deamination of α‐amino acids.
Assembly of a Highly Efficient Molecular Device with (CNCbl)‐MWCNT/CP as Electrode for CO2 Reduction Coupled to Water Oxidation
Authors: Chen Xuyang , Sun Wenxuan , Meng Xiangfen , Gao Yan
Published: August 2021

In this work, a novel molecular device was assembled with cyanocobalamin (CNCbl)‐MWCNT/CP as an electrode for CO2 reduction coupled to water oxidation. In the half cell of water oxidation, the electrode displayed a stable current density of more than 10 h, showing excellent electrocatalytic stability of CNCbl‐MWCNT/CP. For only CO2 reduction, the electrode displayed a turnover number (TONCO) and turnover frequency (TOFCO) of 295390 and 8.2 s−1, respectively, and excellent Faradaic efficiency (FECO) of 96 % at −1.0 V vs. RHE. When using (CNCbl)‐MWCNT/CP as a bifunctional electrode in a full‐cell system for 3 h at 2.7 V, the gas products were 63.89 μmol of CO, 2.42 μmol of H2, and 26.93 μmol of O2, showing a high FECO of ca. 92 %. The unique structural advantages of CNCbl could improve electrocatalytic CO2 reduction and water oxidation.
A Novel Salen‐based Porous Framework Polymer as Durable Anode for Lithium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Zhang Xinlu , Wang Jiachen , Yu Caiyan , Li Haibo , Meng Fanyue , Lu Ting , Pan Likun
Published: August 2021

Organic electrode materials with abundant resources, environmental friendliness and recyclability play a crucial role in rechargeable lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). However, the inferior electrical conductivity and unsatisfactory long‐term cycling performance seriously impede their large‐scale application in LIBs. Herein, a novel salen‐based porous framework polymer (SPP) with a large conjugated skeleton was constructed and utilized as anode for LIBs. Owing to its unique architecture with a large conjugated skeleton facilitating the electron transport, rich pores accelerating the organic electrolyte infiltration, and stable skeleton structure improving the long‐term cycling performance, SPP delivered a high specific capacity of 337 mA h g−1 at 0.1 C (1 C=250 mA g−1) after 100 cycles, and robust rate capacity of 95.5 mA h g−1 at 32 C. Importantly, an impressive long‐term cycling performance with a storage capacity of 155.7 mA h g−1 at 8 C after 4000 cycles was obtained, showing a durable cyclic stability of SPP. Furthermore, the lithium storage mechanism of SPP was evaluated by ex‐situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, manifesting that the multiple active sites of C=N, −OH, and benzene ring were responsible for the superior lithium storage performance. The novel SPP presented in this work should be a promising organic electrode for energy storage applications.
Sedimentary evolution of the Dawan travertines and their geological environmental significance, Huanglong, China
Authors: Qiu Shoubin , Wang Fudong , Dong Faqin , Tian Fuyuchuan , Zhao Xueqin , Dai Qunwei , Li Qiongfang , Zhu Yuyin , Wang Yanwen
Published: August 2021

The Huanglong travertine landscape, which is located on the eastern edge of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau, is a World Natural Heritage Site with important tourism, aesthetic and scientific research value. However, no convincing travertine sedimentary age data have been reported for this area, and these late Cenozoic terrestrial carbonates have not been effectively included in studies of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau geological environment. In this study, U‐series dating of the travertines was carried out using a multi‐collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer to determine a time series for travertine deposition in the Dawan Valley (only a mountain away from Huanglong). The analyses of the processes operating during travertine deposition as the trench system evolved are performed based on a comprehensive study of the geological setting, structure and glacial landforms. The results suggest that travertine deposition in the Dawan Valley started at ca 13 ka and had begun to wane by the early Holocene (ca 7 ka). At the same time, the Huanglong Valley travertines began to be deposited on a large scale in response to a hydrological transition event. This event might reflect tectonic activity in particular, or possibly earthquakes or glacial retreat caused by climate warming. The findings reported here provide age data for late Cenozoic geological and environmental events such as climate variations and continental activity on the eastern margin of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau. It also presents new insights for research on glaciation, tectonic activity and seismicity; however, depositional breaks and forcing factors need to be explored further.
Red blood cell derived extracellular vesicles during the process of autologous blood doping
Authors: Voss S. C. , Yassin M. , Grivel J. C. , Al Hmissi S. , Allahverdi N. , Nashwan A. , Merenkov Z. , Abdulla M. , Al Malki A. , Raynaud C. , Elsaftawy W. , Al Kaabi A. , Donati F. , Botre F. , Mohamed Ali V. , Georgakopoulos C. , Al Maadheed M.
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the effects of the transfusion of one erythrocyte concentrate on the number of circulating red blood cell extracellular vesicles (RBC‐EVs) and their clearance time. Six, healthy volunteers donated their blood and were transfused with their RBC concentrate after 35–36 days of storage. One K2EDTA and one serum sample were collected before donation, at four timepoints after donation and at another six timepoints after transfusion. RBC‐EVs were analyzed on a Cytek Aurora flow cytometer. A highly significant increase (p < 0.001) of RBC‐EVs from an average of 60.1 ± 19.8 (103/μL) at baseline to 179.3 ± 84.7 (103/μL) in the first 1–3 h after transfusion could be observed. Individual differences in the response to transfusion became apparent with one volunteer showing no increase and another an increased concentration at one timepoint after donation due to an influenza infection. We concluded that in an individualized passport approach, increased RBC‐EVs might be considered as additional evidence when interpreting suspicious Athletes Biological Passport (ABPs) but for this additional research related to sample collection and transport processes as well as method development and harmonization would be necessary.
Probing Amyloid Nanostructures Using Photoluminescent Metal Complexes
Authors: Jiang Bo , Martí Angel A.
Published: August 2021

Amyloid aggregates have been linked to the onset of multiple human neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson disease and type II diabetes. The detection of these aggregates is critical for understanding the mechanism and factors that lead to aggregation. In the recent decades, photoluminescence spectroscopy has been utilized to study amyloid aggregation, allowing the development of interesting therapeutic and diagnostic strategies. With the advancement of photoluminescence spectroscopy, metal complexes have led to the detection of amyloid aggregates due to their distinct properties. In the presence of amyloid aggregates, these metal complexes exhibit specific responses such as intensity changes, shift in emission wavelength, variations in lifetime and anisotropy changes. In this minireview, we provide an overview of the photoluminescent metal complexes used for the detection of amyloid aggregates, including Ru(II), Re(I), Ir(III) and Pt(II) complexes.
Simultaneous Electrodeposition of Reduced Graphene Quantum Dots/Copper Oxide Nanocomposite on the Surface of Carbon Ceramic Electrode for the Electroanalysis of Adenine and Guanine
Authors: Mohammad‐Rezaei Rahim , Abbas‐Zadeh Javad , Golmohammadpour Mahdi , Hosseinzadeh Elyas
Published: August 2021

In this study, simultaneous deposition of copper oxide and electro‐reduced graphene quantum dots (ErGQDs) on the surface of carbon ceramic electrode (CCE) was reported. The prepared ErGQDs‐CuO/CCE was carefully characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, fluorescence spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical techniques in details. According to scan rate studies in hexacyanoferrate, a remarkable increase in the surface coverage in the presence of ErGQDs was achieved. According to square wave voltammetry results, limit of detection, linear range and sensitivity of the developed biosensor for the simultaneous measurement of Adenine (A) and Guanine (G) were obtained to be 0.041 and 0.111 μM, 0.1–13 μM and 0.25–23 μM, and 4.261 and 1.311 μA μM cm−2 respectively.
Effect of ground rice husk ash on engineering properties and hydration products of SRC eco‐cement
Authors: Bui Phuong‐Trinh , Ngo Trung , Huynh Trong‐Phuoc
Published: August 2021

The effect of ground rice husk ash (GRHA) (R) on engineering properties and hydration products of eco‐cements containing ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) (S) and circulating fluidized bed combustion ash (CFA) (C) was studied. Four mixture proportions of SRC eco‐cements with GRHA replacement at levels of 0%, 15%, 30%, and 45% by mass of binder were investigated. A reference mixture proportion of paste with 100% ordinary Portland cement (OPC) was prepared for comparison purposes. A series of laboratory tests including setting time, compressive strength, water absorption, porosity, thermal conductivity, scanning electron microscope coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy analysis was carried out. Measured results showed that the GRHA increased setting time and porosity in the SRC eco‐cements having a water‐to‐powder (w/p) of 0.4, leading to the decrease in compressive strength and thermal conductivity while the increase in water absorption. The GRHA increased the cristobalite amount and decreased the portlandite amount in the SRC eco‐cements at the age of 28 days, resulting in the more significant long‐term compressive strength development when compared with the reference paste with 100% OPC. Consequently, the GRHA could be used at a level of 15% by mass of binder to produce the SRC eco‐cement with the compressive strength at 28 days of higher than 30 MPa and the thermal conductivity of 0.713 W/mK, resulting from the formations of AFt, C–S–H, and C–A–S–H gels.
Pluri‐decadal evolution of rock glaciers surface velocity and its impact on sediment export rates towards high alpine torrents
Authors: Kummert Mario , Bodin Xavier , Braillard Luc , Delaloye Reynald
Published: August 2021

The acceleration of surface velocities observed over the last two decades on monitored rock glaciers worldwide is a widespread signal of the probable control of warming air temperatures on long‐term permafrost creep. Yet, the actual consequences of this acceleration on sediment availability in high mountain catchments have never been properly estimated at the pluri‐decadal scale. The present study evaluates the sediment transfer activity between five rock glaciers located in the western European Alps and the headwaters of the torrential channels they are respectively connected to. It reposes on the orthorectification of aerial images available generally from the 1960s to the mid‐2010, to reconstruct time‐series of (i) horizontal surface velocities and (ii) frontal erosion rates. Values of horizontal velocity are retrieved by tracking the displacement of boulders on the surface of rock glaciers between consecutive images while erosion rates affecting the fronts are calculated by combining these values of displacement with the geometry of the front (mean width and rock glacier thickness) derived from recent high‐resolution digital elevation models. Results confirm the general acceleration of rock glaciers surface velocities since the 1970s and indicate that this accelerating trend is causing an increase in the erosion rates calculated at the front of most studied rock glaciers. In some cases and over specific periods however, the acceleration resulted in the advance of the whole landforms over their own sediments, leading to a comparatively low sediment export towards the torrents.
Onosma mutabilis: Phytochemical composition, antioxidant, cytotoxicity, and acute oral toxicity
Authors: Jabbar Ahmed Aj.
Published: August 2021

The traditional use of Onosma L. species as a remedy motivated scientists to discover great biological/pharmacological potentials in this plant. In the current study, in addition to the phytochemical composition of methanol (MeOH), water, and ethyl acetate extract of aerial parts of Onosma mutabilis Boiss., an endemic plant species in the flora of Kurdistan, Iraq, in vitro antioxidant, cytotoxicity, and oral toxicity activity were investigated. Results of total phenolic and total flavonoid tests show the MeOH extract superiority, and the results of Gas chromatography–mass spectrophotometer(GS/GS‐MS) show 18 chemical compounds in the MeOH extract, and the majority of the detected compounds were alkaloids (78.77%) and steroids (11.48%), namely as 5,8‐dihydroxy‐2‐(4‐methylpent‐3‐enyl) naphthalene‐1,4‐dione (48.60%), 3‐O‐Methyl‐d‐glucose (27.49%), β‐Sitosterol (6.81%), Phenol, 2,4‐bis (1,1‐dimethyl ethyl)‐, phosphite (3.46%), and 24,25‐Dihydroxycholecalciferol (3.14%). Results of the antioxidant tests show the MeOH extract superiority in the phosphomolybdenum assay, radical scavenging [on 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′‐azino‐bis (3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) (ABTS)] assays, and reducing power [cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP)] assays (1.45, 3.54, 2.33, 1.12, 1.62, mg/ml, respectively). The cytotoxicity results of the plant extract are presented as IC50 (inhibitory concentration at 50%) on the prostate cancer cells (DU‐145), mammary cancer cells (MCF‐7), and human cervix carcinoma (Hep2c), at which values ranged from 28.79 to 41.83 μg/ml. Results of the acute toxicity in the dose‐dependent trail (100, 200, 300, 600 mg/kg of MeOH) show the absence of the behavior and appearance changes of female Wister rats. Overall, O. mutabilis extract exhibited significant natural potentials probably because of its polar phytochemicals, which could be an alternative source for remedial, nutrient, and cosmetic manufacture.
Comparative metabolomics reveals differences in primary and secondary metabolites between “Shixia” and “Chuliang” longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.) pulp
Authors: Lai Tingting , Shuai Liang , Han Dongmei , Lai Ziying , Du Xinxin , Guo Xiaomeng , Hu Wenshun , Wu Zhenxian , Luo Tao
Published: August 2021

Longan was a characteristic fruit for both medicine and food in China, which was rich in primary and secondary metabolites. Comprehensive high‐throughput identification and comparison of metabolites in longan pulp among different varieties were still lacked. “Shixia” (SX) and “Chuliang” (CL) were the biggest major cultivars of longan in China. In this study, the content of total soluble solid, total flavonoid, and total phenolics indicated the difference of sweetness and bioactive compound content between the SX and CL pulp. Through a widely targeted metabolome, a total of 514 metabolites were identified and categorized into 23 groups mainly including flavonoids, amino acids & derivatives, lipids, phenolic acids, nucleotides & derivatives, alkaloids, organic acids and sugars & derivatives. A total of 89 metabolites with significantly differential accumulation (variable importance in projection (VIP) value ≧1, p‐value <.05) over 1.2 fold were found between SX and CL, which were mainly enriched into pathways including flavone and flavonol biosynthesis, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and arginine and proline metabolism. Higher leveled hexose and hexose‐phosphate (i.e., β‐D‐glucose, D(+)‐glucose, glucose‐1‐phosphate and glucose‐6‐phosphate), dominant organic acids (i.e., citric acid, succinic acid, D‐malic acid, and citramalate), and essential amino acids (L‐threonine, L‐valine, L‐isoleucine, L‐leucine, L‐phenylalanine and L‐lysine) in SX pulp might be contributed to the taste and flavor difference between SX and CL. Moreover, the greatly differential accumulated secondary metabolites especially flavonoids and phenolic acids might result in different medicinal and nutritional characteristic between SX and CL. In conclusion, this study provided a systemic metabolic basis for understanding the nutritional differences between SX and CL and would help deepen the molecular biology and pharmacology research on characteristic metabolites in longan pulp.
Dependence of clay wettability on gas density
Authors: Fauziah Cut Aja , Al‐Yaseri Ahmed Z. , Al‐Khdheeawi Emad A. , Feng Runhua , Lagat Christopher , Roshan Hamid , Iglauer Stefan , Barifcani Ahmed
Published: August 2021

Understanding wettability of clay minerals is crucial in assessing primary migration of hydrocarbon and evaluating CO2 storage capacities and containment security. In spite of recent efforts, there is considerable uncertainty of experimental data and theoretical predictions are lacking. We, therefore, developed new correlations to predict the advancing and receding contact angles of three different clay minerals (i.e., montmorillonite, Illite and kaolinite) as a function of gas density. To do so, we first measured clay minerals advancing and receding contact angles for helium, nitrogen, argon and carbon dioxide/brine systems at various pressures (5, 10, 15 and 20 MPa) and a constant temperature of 333 K. The statistical analysis shows that the developed correlations are capable of predicting the contact angles of the three clay minerals with very high accuracy (i.e., R > 0.95, for all the newly developed correlations). We thus conclude that the wettability of these clay minerals can be computed from knowledge of the gas densities, using these new empirical correlations. This work has important implications for improving wettability predictions, and thus reducing risks related to subsurface operations, such as CO2 storage or hydrocarbon recovery. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measuring the impact of calorie labeling: The mechanisms behind changes in obesity
Authors: Aranda Rodrigo , Darden Michael , Rose Donald
Published: August 2021

Learning the true calorie content of fast food may induce consumers to change behavior, yet recent evidence is mixed on whether calorie labels cause consumers to order healthier meals. Especially for individuals for whom consumption of highly caloric fast‐food is habitual, a rational response to calorie labeling may instead be to maintain consumption levels but increase physical activity. Using American Time Use Survey data from 2004 to 2012, we show that the 2008 New York City Calorie Labeling Mandate significantly improved several measures of physical activity, including overall metabolic equivalents of task units and minutes of sedentary activity. Our results translate to an average extra 28 calories burned per day or a 0.6 kg weight decrease for the average person over one year. These results provide a plausible mechanism for calorie labeling mandates to lower obesity rates, which we demonstrate in the New York City context.
Characterizing the risk interplay between alcohol intake and body mass index on cirrhosis morbidity
Authors: Innes Hamish , Crooks Colin J. , Aspinall Esther , Card Tim R. , Hamill Victoria , Dillon John , Guha Neil I. , Hayes Peter C. , Hutchinson Sharon , West Joe , Morling Joanne R.
Published: August 2021

Background and Aims

It is thought that alcohol intake and body mass index (BMI) interact supra‐additively to modulate the risk of cirrhosis, but evidence for this phenomenon is limited. We investigated the interrelationship between alcohol and BMI on the incidence of cirrhosis morbidity for participants of the United Kingdom Biobank (UKB) study.

Approach and Results

The primary outcome was the cumulative incidence of cirrhosis morbidity, defined as a first‐time hospital admission for cirrhosis (with noncirrhosis mortality incorporated as a competing risk). All UKB participants without a previous hospital admission for cirrhosis were included in the analysis. We determined the ratio of the 10‐year cumulative incidence in harmful drinkers versus safe drinkers according to BMI. We also calculated the excess cumulative incidence at 10 years for individuals with obesity and/or harmful alcohol compared to safe drinkers with a healthy BMI of 20–25.0 kg/m2. A total of 489,285 UK Biobank participants were included, with mean of 10.7 person‐years’ follow‐up. A total of 2070 participants developed the primary outcome, equating to a crude cumulative incidence of 0.36% at 10 years (95% CI:0.34–0.38). The 10‐year cumulative incidence was 8.6 times higher for harmful (1.38%) versus safe drinkers (0.16%) if BMI was healthy. Conversely, it was only 3.6 times higher for obese participants (1.99% vs. 0.56%). Excess cumulative incidence was 1.22% (95% CI:0.89–1.55) for harmful drinkers with a healthy BMI, 0.40% (95% CI:0.34–0.46) for obese individuals drinking at safe levels, and 1.83% (95% CI:1.46–2.20) for obese harmful drinkers (all compared to safe drinkers with a healthy BMI).

Conclusions

Alcohol intake and obesity are independent risk factors for cirrhosis morbidity, but they do not interact supra‐additively to modulate the cumulative incidence of this outcome.
Prenatal consultation and survival of children under five in Togo
Authors: Tossou Yaovi
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Child survival is low in Togo, often linked to socio‐economic and other exogenous factors such as lack of antenatal consultation and Bacille Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) vaccination. These different variables impacting the chances of survival of children underneath five have not been completely examined. The objective of this study is to analyse the socio‐economic variables that influence the survival risk of children beneath five in Togo.

Methods

These different variables influencing the chances of survival of the data used is from the 2017 MICS6 Overview. It speaks to an arrangement of broadly agent tests of families, children matured 0–5 years, women matured 15–49 years and men matured 15–59 years. Information on pre‐birth meetings and the inoculation status of children at (BCG) were collected from this overview. The Cox corresponding risks backslide illustrate is used to evaluate the connection between pre‐birth visits and child survival.

Results

The risk of survival in children beneath 5 years is high as the age of the mother increases. This risk is 0.48 for the age between 19 and 24 years (AHR = 2.485, 95% CI 1.49–4.13). A child born to a woman with no education is at high risk of child survival (AHR = 2.96, 95% CI 092–9.36). Furthermore, the results show that women with twins have a high risk of 0.44 of the death of these children (AHR = 1.44, 95% CI 1.25–1.67). In addition, (BCG) vaccination has been related with an expanded recurrence in children, where it was found that 70.37% of vaccinated children were born to women who had experienced pre‐birth meetings.

Conclusion

Basic risk variables for child survival can offer assistance in defining policy suggestions for children's wellbeing. The results recommend they have to empower policies to improve women's proficiency, the presence of a wellbeing insurance framework is suggested to decrease the burden of care, implement a procedure for access to antenatal meetings.
Carbon dioxide, methane, and dissolved carbon dynamics in an urbanized river system
Authors: Gu Chao , Waldron Susan , Bass Adrian Michael
Published: August 2021

Estimates of greenhouse gas evasion from rivers have been refined over the past decades to constrain their role in global carbon cycle processes. However, despite 55% of the human population living in urban areas, urban rivers have had limited attention. We monitored carbon dynamics in an urbanized river (River Kelvin, 331 km2, UK) to explore the drivers of dissolved carbon lateral and vertical export. Over a 2‐year sampling period, riverine methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations were consistently oversaturated with respect to atmospheric equilibria, leading to continual degassing to the atmosphere. Carbon stable isotopic compositions (δ13C) indicated that terrestrially derived carbon comprised most of the riverine CH4 and dissolved CO2 (CO2*) load while dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) from groundwater was the main form of riverine DIC. The dynamics of CH4, CO2*, and DIC in the river were primarily hydrology‐controlled, that is, [CH4] and [CO2*] both increased with elevated discharge, total [DIC] decreased with elevated discharge while the proportion of biologically derived DIC increased with increasing discharge. The concentration of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) showed a weak relationship with river hydrology in summer and autumn and was likely influenced by the combined sewer overflows. Carbon emission to the atmosphere is estimated to be 3.10 ± 0.61 kg C·m−2·yr−1 normalized to water surface area, with more than 99% emitted as CO2. Annual carbon loss to the coastal estuary is approximately 4.69 ± 0.70 Gg C yr−1, with annual DIC export approximately double that of DOC. Per unit area, the River Kelvin was a smaller carbon source to the atmosphere than natural rivers/streams but shows elevated fluxes of DIC and DOC under comparable conditions. This research illustrates the role urban systems may have on riverine carbon dynamics and demonstrates the potential tight link between urbanization and riverine carbon export.
Gas gangrene of the uterus following surgical abortion: A rare case report
Authors: Singh Shalini , Agrawal Swati , Puri Vinodita , Aggarwal Sumita , Roy Pratibha , Gupta Aprajita , Puri Manju
Published: August 2021

Gas gangrene of the uterus is a rare but fatal complication of surgical abortion which requires prompt identification and aggressive treatment for a favorable outcome.