bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overview on Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Review
Authors: Hazazi Ahlam Shary J. , Alshehri Badaya Awadh M. , Alali Yara Abdulrahman , Alqarni Rahf Mohammed I. , Hazazi Ibtisam Shary J. , Albalawi Nujud Abdulqader , Murad Dimah Mohammed A. Abu , Alatawi Atheer Mansour E , Alatawi Nouf Ali , Yousuf Maisaa Mokhtar M.
Published: August 2021

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a broad term that refers to a clinically heterogeneous group of arthritis that develops before the age of 16 and has no recognized cause. JIA treatment has evolved during the last two decades. Clinical trials research has been directed at more specific therapeutics based on what has been discovered about the biology of disease. Pediatric rheumatologists now have many more medications to offer patients, with the expectation that their disease will be managed, thanks to advances in immune system research and the introduction of biologic drugs in the twenty-first century. Continuing development in these biological agents and discoveries new drugs as long as developing current gene analysis techniques is the best method to treat JIA and provide best quality of life.
Hyperlipidemia Condition and Novel-Drug Therapies: A Overall Study
Authors: Male CH. K. V. L. S. N. Anjana , Swathi V. , Kumar D. Sai , Karishma . , Yunus Md. Shuaib
Published: August 2021

Hyperlipidaemia is an condition that increases the chance of coronary heart disease (CHD) and atherosclerotic disease (ASHD) in blood vessels. Hyperlipidaemia occurs in response to smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and other risk factors to extend CHD. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the reason for death.

Hyperlipidaemia is divided into two broad classifications: Primary (familial) and Secondary (acquired).

Primary hyperlipidemia has been generated by hereditary defects and climatic factors or by undisclosed mechanisms. Secondary hyperlipidemia concern to the metabolic disorders linked with the diabetes mellitus, liver complication, thyroid, and kidney complications. Hyperlipidemia also refers to as elevated levels of lipids within the blood. Circulating lipid are carried in lipoproteins that transport the lipids to varied tissues for energy use, lipid deposition, hormone production, and steroid formation. The lipoprotein consists of esterified and unesterified cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids, and protein. The general public who have hyperlipidemia experience no symptoms. Hyperlipidemia is most oftenly correlated with high-fat diets, a stationary lifestyle, obesity and diabetes mellitus. Four different classes of cholesterol-lowering drugs namely, statins, niacin, resins, and fibrates are available to treat hyperlipidemia; however, statins are now considered to be the first line therapy. The preventable causes of hyperlipidemia can include: Smoking, Being overweight, Physical inactivity, Steroid use, Alcohol consumption & Diet high in saturated fat, & cholesterol such as cheese, meat, fried & processed foods and egg yolk. The treatment of hyperlipidemia includes statins, bile acid sequestrants, fibric acids, niacin, and cholesterol absorption inhibitors.

There are some of the novel drugs which are selected for the treatment of hyperlipidemia which includes: Evolocumab, Alirocumab, Bempedoic acid, Lomitapide, Evinacumab, and Sebelipase alfa.
Ultra‐Thin Protective Coatings for Sustained Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation with Mo:BiVO4
Authors: Beetz Michael , Häringer Sebastian , Elsässer Patrick , Kampmann Jonathan , Sauerland Lena , Wolf Florian , Günther Marcella , Fischer Anna , Bein Thomas
Published: August 2021

As global warming caused by the greenhouse effect is becoming one of the major issues of the 21st century, hydrogen as an alternative to fossil‐based fuels and other energy carriers has gained importance in current research. One promising approach to produce hydrogen is photoelectrochemical water splitting, which uses solar energy combined with suitable semiconducting photoabsorber electrodes to generate hydrogen and oxygen from water. However, most water splitting applications reported to date suffer from degradation of the photoabsorber, resulting in a loss of activity after just a few seconds or minutes. Here, a new approach using conformal ultra‐thin and oxidation‐stable protective layers is presented on Mo:BiVO4 thin films combined with a thin Fe0.1Ni0.9O water oxidation co‐catalyst, applied by electrochemical deposition, to achieve unprecedented photocurrent densities of up to 5.6 mA cm−2 under simulated AM1.5G illumination and a neutral pH while providing more stable electrodes for water oxidation.
Mitochondrial Metabolism Targeted Nanoplatform for Efficient Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer Combination Therapy
Authors: Lu Lu , Liu Genhua , Lin Chuanchuan , Li Ke , He Tingting , Zhang Jixi , Luo Zhong , Cai Kaiyong
Published: August 2021

Tumor reprogram pathway of mitochondrial metabolism is an emerging approach for malignant tumor treatment, such as triple‐negative breast cancer. In this study, a tumor/mitochondria cascaded targeting, adenosine‐triphosphate (ATP) responsive nanocarrier of zeolitic imidazolate framework‐90 (ZIF‐90) for breast cancer combination therapy is reported. Atovaquone (AVO) and hemin are loaded into ZIF‐90, then a peptide iRGD with tumor‐targeting ability is modified on the ZIF‐90 nanoplatform. Hemin can specifically degrade BTB and CNC homology1 (BACH1), resulting in the changes of mitochondrial metabolism, and AVO acts as the inhibitor of the electron transport chain (ETC). The degradation of BACH1 using hemin can effectively improve the anti‐tumor efficiency of mitochondrial metabolism inhibitor AVO, by increasing dependency on mitochondrial respiration. This nanoplatform displays both tumor‐targeting and mitochondria‐targeting capacity with high level of ATP responsive drug release behavior. The specific characteristic of mitochondria‐targeting ability of this nanoplatform can increase the accumulation of AVO in the mitochondria, and in turn, can effectively improve the inhibition of the ETC. Both in vitro and in vivo results reveal that this composite nanocarrier has excellent tumor inhibition ability with limited side effects. Accordingly, this study provides an attractive strategy in the mitochondrial metabolism for cancer targeted therapy.
Room‐Temperature Halide Perovskite Field‐Effect Transistors by Ion Transport Mitigation
Authors: Jeong Beomjin , Veith Lothar , Smolders Thijs J. A. M. , Wolf Matthew J. , Asadi Kamal
Published: August 2021

Solution‐processed halide perovskites have emerged as excellent optoelectronic materials for applications in photovoltaic solar cells and light‐emitting diodes. However, the presence of mobile ions in the material hinders the development of perovskite field‐effect transistors (FETs) due to screening of the gate potential in the nearby perovskite channel, and the resulting impediment to achieving gate modulation of an electronic current at room temperature. Here, room‐temperature operation is demonstrated in cesium lead tribromide (CsPbBr3) perovskite‐based FETs using an auxiliary ferroelectric gate of poly(vinylidenefluoride‐co‐trifluoroethylene) [P(VDF‐TrFE)], to electrostatically fixate the mobile ions. The large interfacial polarization of the ferroelectric gate attracts the mobile ions away from the main nonferroelectric gate interface, thereby enabling modulation of the electronic current through the channel by the main gate. This strategy allows for realization of the p‐type CsPbBr3 channel and revealing the thermally activated nature of the hole charge transport. The proposed strategy is generic and can be applied for regulating ions in a variety of ionic–electronic mixed semiconductors.
Interpreting 2D Materials Bio‐Nano Interactions: Influence of Aggregation Status, Protein Corona, Cell Culture Media, and Cell Types
Authors: Mei Kuo‐Ching , Costa Pedro M. , Kreuzer Martin , Al‐Jamal Khuloud T.
Published: August 2021

Huge interests have been drawn to 2D nanomaterials for biomedical applications; however, the 2D bio‐nano interface is largely dependent on the biological environment. Hard protein corona (HC)‐dependent bio‐nano interactions are highly sensitive to material surface functional group changes. Alterations in HC change the colloidal stability of the nanomaterials hence changes the material presentation to cells, which ultimately affect bio‐nano interactions. Here graphene oxide (GO) is used as an exemplar 2D platform to investigate HC‐dependent and colloidal stability‐dependent bio‐nano interactions on contrasting non‐phagocytic A549 cells and phagocytic J774 cells, using lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay and principal components analysis (PCA) of cellular IR spectra obtained by label‐free synchrotron radiation‐based Fourier‐transform IR microspectroscopy (SR‐FTIR).
Recent Advances in Flexible Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Jia Pei , Lu Min , Sun Siqi , Gao Yanbo , Wang Rong , Zhao Xiaowei , Sun Guang , Colvin Vicki L. , Yu William W.
Published: August 2021

Flexible perovskite light‐emitting diodes (FPLEDs) that combine the superior optoelectronic properties of perovskites with the potential of highly flexible, stretchable, and portable electronics have emerged as a new class of revolutionary LED devices for various applications. This article focuses on the recent FPLED research and development. The flexible substrate and electrode are summarized, and the relationship between structure optimization and device performance is established. In order to improve the flexibility and optoelectronic characteristics of FPLEDs, some strategies are put forward, such as the optimization of flexible electrode and emissive layer, the interface engineering, the energy level adjustment, the improvement of light extraction, as well as the improvement of flexibility and stretchability. Furthermore, the future development of FPLEDs is prospected.
Regulating Te Vacancies through Dopant Balancing via Excess Ag Enables Rebounding Power Factor and High Thermoelectric Performance in p‐Type PbTe
Authors: Jang Hanhwi , Park Jong Ho , Lee Ho Seong , Ryu Byungki , Park Su‐Dong , Ju Hyeon‐Ah , Yang Sang‐Hyeok , Kim Young‐Min , Nam Woo Hyun , Wang Heng , Male James , Snyder Gerald Jeffrey , Kim Minjoon , Jung Yeon Sik , Oh Min‐Wook
Published: August 2021

Thermoelectric properties are frequently manipulated by introducing point defects into a matrix. However, these properties often change in unfavorable directions owing to the spontaneous formation of vacancies at high temperatures. Although it is crucial to maintain high thermoelectric performance over a broad temperature range, the suppression of vacancies is challenging since their formation is thermodynamically preferred. In this study, using PbTe as a model system, it is demonstrated that a high thermoelectric dimensionless figure of merit, zT ≈ 2.1 at 723 K, can be achieved by suppressing the vacancy formation via dopant balancing. Hole‐killer Te vacancies are suppressed by Ag doping because of the increased electron chemical potential. As a result, the re‐dissolution of Na2Te above 623 K can significantly increase the hole concentration and suppress the drop in the power factor. Furthermore, point defect scattering in material systems significantly reduces lattice thermal conductivity. The synergy between defect and carrier engineering offers a pathway for achieving a high thermoelectric performance by alleviating the power factor drop and can be utilized to enhance thermoelectric properties of thermoelectric materials.
On the drying kinetics of non‐spherical particle‐filled polymer films: A numerical study
Authors: Gracia‐Medrano‐Bravo Víctor‐Alfonso , Scharfer Philip , Schabel Wilhelm
Published: August 2021

During the coating and drying of thin polymer‐particle composites, the particle geometry has a big impact on the prediction of concentration profiles in the dry film. In this work, a plate‐like geometry is used to evaluate the mass transport of the particles with the aspect ratio as a variable. The experimental determination of the viscosity and sedimentation rates allows to simulate concentration profiles in the wet film while drying. A previous simulation model was automated to describe the drying of the plate‐like particles—polyvinyl alcohol‐water material system using COMSOL with the initial concentration, aspect ratio, Péclet number, and sedimentation number as input parameters. The results are summarized in drying regime maps, which show an increase in the evaporation regime when the aspect ratio decreases due to lower particle mobility. This shows the importance of the geometry while predicting the particle distribution in the dry film and designing coating and drying processes.
Exporting Metal‐Carbene Chemistry to Live Mammalian Cells: Copper‐Catalyzed Intracellular Synthesis of Quinoxalines Enabled by N−H Carbene Insertions
Authors: Gutiérrez Sara , Tomás‐Gamasa María , Mascareñas José L.
Published: August 2021

Implementing catalytic organometallic transformations in living settings can offer unprecedented opportunities in chemical biology and medicine. Unfortunately, the number of biocompatible reactions so far discovered is very limited, and essentially restricted to uncaging processes. Here, we demonstrate the viability of performing metal carbene transfer reactions in live mammalian cells. In particular, we show that copper (II) catalysts can promote the intracellular annulation of alpha‐keto diazocarbenes with ortho‐amino arylamines, in a process that is initiated by an N‐H carbene insertion. The potential of this transformation is underscored by the in cellulo synthesis of a product that alters mitochondrial functions, and by demonstrating cell selective biological responses using targeted copper catalysts. Considering the wide reactivity spectrum of metal carbenes, this work opens the door to significantly expanding the repertoire of life‐compatible abiotic reactions.
Doxorubicin‐Sensitized Luminescence of NIR‐Emitting Ytterbium Liposomes: Towards Direct Monitoring of Drug Release
Authors: Lacerda Sara , Delalande Anthony , Eliseeva Svetlana V. , Pallier Agnès , Bonnet Célia S. , Szeremeta Frédéric , Même Sandra , Pichon Chantal , Petoud Stéphane , Tóth Éva
Published: August 2021

Drug‐loaded liposomes are typical examples of nanomedicines. We show here that doxorubicin, the anti‐cancer agent in the liposomal drug Doxil, can sensitize Ytterbium (Yb3+) and generate its near‐infrared (NIR) emission. When doxorubicin and amphiphilic Yb3+ chelates are incorporated into liposomes, the sensitized emission of Yb3+ is dependent on the integrity of the particles, which can be used to monitor drug release. We also established the first demonstration that the NIR Yb3+ emission signal is observable in living mice following intratumoral injection of the Yb3+‐doxorubicin‐liposomes, using a commercial macroscopic setup equipped with a NIR camera.
Identification of a Bromodomain‐like Region in 15‐Lipoxygenase‐1 Explains Its Nuclear Localization
Authors: Chen Deng , Xiao Zhangping , Guo Hao , Gogishvili Dea , Setroikromo Rita , van der Wouden Petra E. , Dekker Frank J.
Published: August 2021

Lipoxygenase (LOX) activity provides oxidative lipid metabolites, which are involved in inflammatory disorders and tumorigenesis. Activity‐based probes to detect the activity of LOX enzymes in their cellular context provide opportunities to explore LOX biology and LOX inhibition. Here, we developed Labelox B as a potent covalent LOX inhibitor for one‐step activity‐based labeling of proteins with LOX activity. Labelox B was used to establish an ELISA‐based assay for affinity capture and antibody‐based detection of specific LOX isoenzymes. Moreover, Labelox B enabled efficient activity‐based labeling of endogenous LOXs in living cells. LOX proved to localize in the nucleus, which was rationalized by identification of a functional bromodomain‐like consensus motif in 15‐LOX‐1. This indicates that 15‐LOX‐1 is not only involved in oxidative lipid metabolism, but also in chromatin binding, which suggests a potential role in chromatin modifications.
Influence of different reactor types on Nannochloropsis oculata microalgae culture for lipids and fatty acid production
Authors: Martínez‐Macias Maria del Rosario , Aguilar‐Ruiz Rocio Janeth , Nateras‐Ramírez Omar , Sánchez‐Machado Dalia Isabel , López‐Cervantes Jaime , Dévora‐Isiordia Germán Eduardo , Álvarez‐Sánchez Jesús , Ríos‐Vázquez Nidia Josefina
Published: August 2021

Greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere by burning of fossil fuels cause global warming. One option is obtaining biodiesel. Nannochloropsis oculata was cultured under different light intensities and reactors at 25°C for 21 days with f/2 medium to assess their effects on cell density, lipid, and fatty acids (FAs). N. oculata improved cell density on fed‐batch glass tubular reactor (7 L) at 200 μmol E m−2 s−1, yielding 3.5 × 108 cells ml−1, followed by fed‐batch Erlenmeyer flask (1 L) at 650 μmol E m−2 s−1 with 1.7 × 108 cells ml−1. The highest total lipid contents (% g lipid × g dry biomass−1) were 44.4 ± 0.8% for the reactor (1 L) at 650 μmol E m−2 s−1 and 35.2 ± 0.2% for the tubular reactor (7 L) at 200 μmol E m−2 s−1, until twice as high compared with the control culture (Erlenmeyer flask 1 L, 80 μmol E m−2 s−1) with 21.2 ± 1%. Comparing the total lipid content at 200 μmol E m−2 s−1, tubular reactor (7 L) and reactor 1 L achieved 35.2 ± 0.2% and 28.3 ± 1%, respectively, indicating the effect of shape reactor. The FAs were affected by high light intensity, decreasing SFAs to 2.5%, and increased monounsaturated fatty acids + polyunsaturated fatty acids to 2.5%. PUFAs (20:5n‐3) and (20:4n‐3) were affected by reactor shape, decreasing by half in the tubular reactor. In the best culture, fed‐batch tubular reactor (7 L) at 200 μmol E m−2 s−1 contains major FAs (16:0; 38.06 ± 0.16%), (16:1n‐7; 30.74 ± 0.58%), and (18:1n‐9; 17.15 ± 0.91%).
Synthesis and characterization of thermoplastic starch/PVA/cardanol oil composites loaded with in‐situ silver nanoparticles
Authors: Yahia Ramadan , Owda Medhat E. , Abou‐Zeid Ragab E. , Abdelhai Farag , Gad Ehab S. , Saleh Ahmed K. , El‐Gamil Hesham Y.
Published: August 2021

A novel nanocomposite films of native and modified starch/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/sorbitol/cardanol oil with in situ synthesis of silver nanoparticles were prepared. The surface morphology of modified starch was found to be more homogenous than native starch with a good distribution of silver nanoparticles. This result indicated to boost in plasticization after starch modification as observed by scanning electron microscope. Transmission electron microscope confirms the formation of silver nanoparticles with diameters ranging from 50 to 80 nm with homogenously distributed. Moreover, modified starch showed lower water vapor permeability compared to unmodified starch at 39%. The addition of cardanol oil at 0.2% showed significant increases in the elongation of modified starch films by 280.9% compared to the unmodified starch films. However, the film elongation was increased by 421.7% with 2 mmol silver nanoparticles and 0.2% cardanol oil, while it decreased by 14.2 in the modified starch film. Also, cardanol oil reduces transmittance in the UV region for native and modified starch films by 56.2% and 56.5%, respectively. The nanocomposite films demonstrated good antimicrobial activity against gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria and yeast. These films can be a potential candidate for application such as food packaging materials.
Revisiting the digital humanities through the lens of Indigenous studies—or how to question the cultural blindness of our technologies and practices
Authors: Cocq Coppélie
Published: August 2021

This article examines the benefits of putting Indigenous perspectives and the digital humanities (DH) in conversation with each other in order to elaborate a DH approach that is suitable for Indigenous research and to suggest critical perspectives for a more sustainable DH. For this purpose, the article examines practices of data harvesting, categorizing, and sharing from the perspectives of groups in the margin, more specifically in relation to Sámi research. Previous research has emphasized the role of cultural and social contexts in the design, use, and adaptation of technologies in general, and digital technologies in particular (Douglas, 1987. Inventing American broadcasting; Nissenbaum, 2001. Computer, 34, 118–120; Powell & Aitken, 2011. The American literature scholar in the digital age) and several scholars have argued for how the application of critical studies make a fruitful contribution to the DH (Liu, 2012. Debates in the digital humanities; McPherson, 2012. Debates in the digital humanities). This article suggests an approach that addresses a need to acknowledge the diversity of technoscientific traditions. The perspectives of Indigenous groups bring this matter to a head. In order to make the DH more sustainable and inclusive, the development of the DH should be driven by cultural studies to a greater extent than it has been so far. A sustainable DH also means a better rendering of the plurality of the cultural values, perspectives, and ethics that characterize our fieldwork and research subjects.
Stabilization and uncertainty analysis of a time‐fractional reaction diffusion equation cascaded with a time‐fractional hyperbolic partial differential equation
Authors: Chen Juan , Zhuang Bo , Tepljakov Aleksei , Petlenkov Eduard
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we consider a time‐fractional reaction diffusion equation cascaded with a time‐fractional hyperbolic partial differential equation (PDE), where the time‐fractional reaction diffusion equation possesses space‐dependent diffusivity and the time‐fractional hyperbolic equation acts as a boundary source for the time‐fractional reaction diffusion equation. Then, the control input is imposed at the boundary of the time‐fractional hyperbolic PDE. Two problems are investigated, namely, the stabilization by state feedback and the stability robustness of the closed‐loop system against small perturbations in the diffusion and reaction coefficients. By the backstepping transformation, we propose a boundary controller and show that this controller solves the boundary stabilization problem using the fractional Lyapunov method. Robustness to small perturbations in diffusion and reaction coefficients is proved. Finally, a numerical example is provided to test the effectiveness of the proposed synthesis for the stabilization problem when the kernel equations have not an explicit solution.
Proportion of critical congenital heart defects attributable to unhealthy prepregnancy body mass index among women with live births in Florida, 2005–2016
Authors: Rutkowski Rachel E. , Tanner Jean Paul , Anjohrin Suzanne B. , Kirby Russell S. , Salemi Jason L.
Published: August 2021

Background

Associations between maternal prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and congenital heart defects have been reported, however, the proportion of critical congenital heart defects (CCHDs) attributable to unhealthy prepregnancy BMI has not been determined. Our objective was to investigate the association between maternal prepregnancy BMI and CCHDs.

Methods

The Florida Birth Defects Registry was used to identify infants with CCHDs born between 2005–2016. Birth certificate data were used to define the source population and identify perinatal and socio‐demographic characteristics. BMI values were categorized as underweight (<18.5), normal weight (18.5–24.9), overweight (25.0–29.9), obese I (30.0–34.9), obese II (35.0–39.9), and obese III (≥40.0). Multi‐predictor logistic regression models were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 99% confidence intervals representing the association between maternal prepregnancy BMI and CCHDs. Adjusted population attributable fractions (PAFs) for the aORs were calculated.

Results

We observed a significantly increased risk of “any CCHD” in infants born to women at any level of obesity. Among the 12 CCHDs examined, 5 showed a significantly increased risk among mothers in the two highest obesity levels (II & III). Approximately 8% of all CCHDs may be attributed to suboptimal maternal prepregnancy BMI, with the highest total individual CCHD PAFs for pulmonary valve atresia (21.7%) and total anomalous pulmonary venous return (12.8%).

Conclusions

Women with suboptimal prepregnancy BMI are at increased odds of having a child born with a CCHD. We found evidence of a direct dose–response relationship between prepregnancy BMI and odds for CCHD; with variation by CCHD subtype.
Ginger: A complementary approach for management of cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Roudsari Nazanin Momeni , Lashgari Naser‐Aldin , Momtaz Saeideh , Roufogalis Basil , Abdolghaffari Amir Hossein , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: August 2021

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Inflammation and oxidative stress play critical roles in progression of various types of CVD. Broad pharmacological properties of ginger (the rhizome of Zingiber officinale) and its bioactive components have been reported, suggesting that they can be a therapeutic choice for clinical use. Consistent with its rich phenolic content, the anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties of ginger have been confirmed in many studies. Ginger modifies many cellular processes and in particular was shown to have potent inhibitory effects against nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB); signal transducer and activator of transcription; NOD‐, LRR‐, and pyrin domain‐containing proteins; toll‐like receptors; mitogen‐activated protein kinase; and mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathways. Ginger also blocks pro‐inflammatory cytokines and the activation of the immune system. Ginger suppresses the activity of oxidative molecules such as reactive oxygen species, inducible nitric oxide synthase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, heme oxygenase, and GSH‐Px. In this report, we summarize the biochemical pathologies underpinning a variety of CVDs and the effects of ginger and its bioactive components, including 6‐shogaol, 6‐gingerol, and 10‐dehydrogingerdione. The properties of ginger and its phenolic components, mechanism of action, biological functions, side effects, and methods for enhanced cell delivery are also discussed. Together with preclinical and clinical studies, the positive biological effects of ginger and its bioactive components in CVD support the undertaking of further in vivo and especially clinical studies.
Selective One‐Pot Syntheses of Mixed Silicon‐Germanium Heteroadamantane Clusters
Authors: Köstler Benedikt , Bolte Michael , Lerner Hans‐Wolfram , Wagner Matthias
Published: August 2021

SixGey alloys are emerging materials for modern semiconductor technology. Well‐defined model systems of the bulk structures aid in understanding their intrinsic characteristics. Three such model clusters have now been realized in the form of the SixGey heteroadamantanes [0], [1], and [2] through selective one‐pot syntheses starting from Me2GeCl2, Si2Cl6, and [nBu4N]Cl. Compound [0] contains six GeMe2 and four SiSiCl3 vertices, whereas one and two of the GeMe2 groups are replaced by SiCl2 moieties in compounds [1] and [2], respectively. Chloride‐ion‐mediated rearrangement quantitatively converts [2] into [1] at room temperature and finally into [0] at 60 °C, which is not only remarkable in view of the rigidity of these cage structures but also sheds light on the assembly mechanism.
Continuous Flow Acylation of (Hetero)aryllithiums with Polyfunctional N,N‐Dimethylamides and Tetramethylurea in Toluene
Authors: Djukanovic Dimitrije , Heinz Benjamin , Mandrelli Francesca , Mostarda Serena , Filipponi Paolo , Martin Benjamin , Knochel Paul
Published: August 2021

The continuous flow reaction of various aryl or heteroaryl bromides in toluene in the presence of THF (1.0 equiv) with sec‐BuLi (1.1 equiv) provided at 25 °C within 40 sec the corresponding aryllithiums which were acylated with various functionalized N,N‐dimethylamides including easily enolizable amides at −20 °C within 27 sec, producing highly functionalized ketones in 48–90 % yield (36 examples). This method was well suited for the preparation of α‐chiral ketones such as naproxene and ibuprofen derived ketones with 99 % ee. A one‐pot stepwise bis‐addition of two different lithium organometallics to 1,1,3,3‐tetramethyurea (TMU) provided unsymmetrical ketones in 69–79 % yield (9 examples).
Role of IL‐17 in atopy—A systematic review
Authors: Hofmann Maja A. , Fluhr Joachim W. , Ruwwe‐Glösenkamp Christoph , Stevanovic Katarina , Bergmann Karl‐Christian , Zuberbier Torsten
Published: August 2021

Purpose of Review

Atopy is defined as the genetic predisposition to react with type I allergic diseases such as food‐, skin‐, and respiratory allergies. Distinct molecular mechanisms have been described, including the known Th2 driven immune response. IL‐17A (IL‐17) is mainly produced by Th17 cells and belongs to the IL‐17 family of cytokines, IL‐17A to F. While IL‐17 plays a major role in inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, more data was published in recent years elucidating the role of IL‐17 in allergic diseases. The present study aimed to elaborate specifically the role of IL‐17 in atopy.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, regarding IL‐17 and atopy/allergic diseases.

Results

In total, 31 novel publications could be identified (food allergy n = 3, allergic asthma n = 7, allergic rhinitis [AR] n = 10, atopic dermatitis [AD] n = 11). In all allergic diseases, the IL‐17 pathway has been investigated. Serum IL‐17 was elevated in all allergic diseases. In AR, serum and nasal IL‐17 levels correlated with the severity of the disease. In food allergies, serum IL‐17E was also elevated in children. In AD, there is a trend for higher IL‐17 values in the serum and skin specimen, while it is more expressed in acute lesions. In allergic asthma, serum IL‐17 levels were increased. In two studies, higher serum IL‐17 levels were found in severe persistent asthmatic patients than in intermittent asthmatics or healthy controls. Only one therapeutic clinical study exists on allergic diseases (asthma patients) using a monoclonal antibody against the IL‐17 receptor A. No clinical efficacy was found in the total study population, except for a subgroup of patients with (post‐bronchodilator) high reversibility.

The role of IL 17 in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases is evident, but the involvement of the Th17 cytokine in the pathophysiological pathway is not conclusively defined. IL‐17 is most likely relevant and will be a clinical target in subgroups of patients. The current data indicates that IL‐17 is elevated more often in acute and severe forms of allergic diseases.
Optical Control of Base Editing and Transcription through Light‐Activated Guide RNA
Authors: Zhou Wenyuan , Brown Wes , Bardhan Anirban , Tsang Michael , Deiters Alexander
Published: August 2021

We developed a method to control gene activation and base editing in mammalian cells and zebrafish embryos via photochemically activated, caged guide RNAs. Four evenly distributed, caged nucleobases are installed in the 5’‐protospacer region of the gRNA to block interaction between the dCas9:gRNA complex and the dsDNA target. Upon light activation, gRNA:dsDNA hybridization is restored and catalytically dead Cas9‐based CRISPR activation or base editing is achieved. Caged gRNAs are customizable in design, offer spatiotemporal control of transcription activation and base editing in both mammalian cells and zebrafish embryos, and preserve the ability to form dCas9:gRNA complexes for enhanced gRNA stability. We hereby offer a versatile tool for conditional control of interactions between dCas9‐based regulators with their programmed genomic loci, thereby facilitating parsing of spatiotemporally complex genetic events, such as transcription regulation and single‐base mutagenesis.
mOTUs: Profiling Taxonomic Composition, Transcriptional Activity and Strain Populations of Microbial Communities
Authors: Ruscheweyh Hans‐Joachim , Milanese Alessio , Paoli Lucas , Sintsova Anna , Mende Daniel R. , Zeller Georg , Sunagawa Shinichi
Published: August 2021

The mOTU profiler, or mOTUs for short, is a software tool that enables the profiling of microbial communities in terms of their taxonomic composition, relative abundance of metabolically active members, and diversity of strain populations. To this end, it maintains a database of single‐copy phylogenetic marker gene sequences, which are used as a reference to which short read metagenomic and metatranscriptomic reads are mapped for the identification and quantification of microbial taxa. Here, we describe the most common use cases of the mOTU profiler in two basic protocols. Additional supporting protocols provide information on its installation and in‐depth guidance on adjusting its settings for increasing or decreasing the stringency with which taxa are detected and quantified, as well as for customizing the output file format. Guidelines for understanding the profiling results are provided, along with additional information on unique features, methodological details, and the development history of the tool. © 2021 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

[Correction added on May 17, 2022, after first online publication: CSAL funding statement has been added.]

Basic Protocol 1: Metagenomic and metatranscriptomic mOTU profiling

Basic Protocol 2: Metagenomic SNV profiling

Support Protocol 1: Installing mOTUs

Support Protocol 2: Profiling pipeline–step by step

Support Protocol 3: The mOTUs profiling routine using advanced parameters

Support Protocol 4: Metagenomic SNV calling: advanced parameters
High‐voltage conversion ratio dual‐input DC–DC converter operating in a wide duty cycle range and canceling input current ripple
Authors: Chavoshipour Heris Pedram , Saadatizadeh Zahra , Sabahi Mehran , Liang Xiaodong
Published: August 2021

This paper proposes a new nonisolated dual‐input, single‐output (DISO) DC–DC converter. In the proposed converter, by utilizing two three‐winding coupled inductors at the primary of each input ports, the capabilities of high‐voltage conversion ratio and elimination of input current ripple are achieved for all range of duty cycles (0 < D < 1). Therefore, the proposed converter is applicable in renewable energy systems. The voltage conversion ratio can be increased without selecting high duty cycles for the switches or by using a high number of components. Also, the voltage stresses on switches of the proposed converter are in low level. The proposed converter has simple switching pattern and the two switches turn on/off inversely. Unlike the interleaved converters, the proposed converter has a single conversion ratio for all adopted duty cycles of the switches (0 < D < 1). In this study, the proposed converter is analyzed and the required conditions for eliminating input current ripple, the voltage and current stress on the semiconductors, and the voltage gain are calculated. To confirm the theoretical results, experimental results are extracted for a 14‐V/19‐V input and 400‐V output voltages for the operating power of 350 W.
Advanced OTFS communication system with compact spectrum and power efficiency improvement
Authors: Hossain Md. Najmul , Ryu Heung‐Gyoon
Published: August 2021

Orthogonal time frequency space (OTFS) modulation technique is one‐step more precoded system of the conventional orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) system, i.e., a double precoded system. The OTFS system was suggested especially for the robust and reliable high‐speed vehicle communications and massive multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) systems. Nevertheless, this basic OTFS system has serious problems: high out‐of‐band (OOB) power emission and high peak‐to‐average power ratio (PAPR). This high OOB power spectrum requires a very wide guard band that can produce a great loss of frequency utilization efficiency, and the power efficiency becomes very poor due to this high PAPR problem. Therefore, in this paper, in order to mitigate these drawbacks, an advanced OTFS communication system is proposed to show the compact OOB power spectrum and power efficiency improvement. This system can be designed by discrete Fourier transform (DFT)‐spread windowing and restructuring‐OTFS (DFT‐Spread WR‐OTFS) scheme that can reduce PAPR by 2.1 dB, 0.5 dB, 1.7 dB, and 1.8 dB compared to the conventional OFDM, DFT‐Spread OFDM, basic OTFS and WR‐OTFS schemes, respectively. Consequently, the efficiency of the high power amplifier (HPA) is improved due to the low PAPR of the proposed system. In addition, we comprehensively evaluate the impact of PAPR reduction performance on the OOB power spectrums and bit error rate (BER) performance of each system in HPA linear and nonlinear environments. Simulation results verify that the power spectrums and the BER performance of the proposed system are better than the conventional schemes in HPA nonlinear environments.
Cardiovascular ACE2 receptor expression in patients undergoing heart transplantation
Authors: Bargehr Johannes , Rericha Patrick , Petchey Alex , Colzani Maria , Moule Georgia , Malgapo Marie Chet , Rassl Doris , Tarkin Jason , Mellor Greg , Sampaziotis Fotis , Brevini Teresa , Gambardella Laure , Bennett Martin R. , Sinha Sanjay
Published: August 2021

Aims

Membrane‐bound angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE)2 is the main cellular access point for SARS‐CoV‐2, but its expression and the effect of ACE inhibition have not been assessed quantitatively in patients with heart failure. The aim of this study was to characterize membrane‐bound ACE2 expression in the myocardium and myocardial vasculature in patients undergoing heart transplantation and to assess the effect of pharmacological ACE inhibition.

Methods and results

Left ventricular (LV) tissue was obtained from 36 explanted human hearts from patients undergoing heart transplantation. Immunohistochemical staining with antibodies directed against ACE2 co‐registered with cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and α‐smooth muscle cell actin (SMA) was performed across the entire cohort. ACE2 receptor expression was quantitatively assessed throughout the myocardium and vasculature. ACE2 was consistently expressed throughout the LV myocardium (28.3% ± 22.2% of cardiomyocytes). ACE2 expression was also detected in small calibre blood vessels (range, 2–9 μm), albeit at quantitatively much lower levels (5% ± 9% of blood vessels). There was no significant difference in ACE2 expression between patients receiving ACE inhibitors prior to transplantation and ACE inhibitor‐negative controls (P > 0.05). ACE2 expression did not differ significantly between the different diagnostic groups as the underlying reason for heart transplantation (ANOVA > 0.05). N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) (R2 = 0.37, P = 0.0006) and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) (R2 = 0.13, P = 0.043) assessed by right heart catheterization were significantly correlated with greater ACE2 expression in cardiomyocytes.

Conclusions

These data provide a comprehensive characterization of membrane‐bound cardiac ACE2 expression in patients with heart failure with no demonstrable effect exerted by ACE inhibitors.
Machine learning‐based model for predicting 1 year mortality of hospitalized patients with heart failure
Authors: Tohyama Takeshi , Ide Tomomi , Ikeda Masataka , Kaku Hidetaka , Enzan Nobuyuki , Matsushima Shouji , Funakoshi Kouta , Kishimoto Junji , Todaka Koji , Tsutsui Hiroyuki
Published: August 2021

Aims

Individual risk stratification is a fundamental strategy in managing patients with heart failure (HF). Artificial intelligence, particularly machine learning (ML), can develop superior models for predicting the prognosis of HF patients, and administrative claim data (ACD) are suitable for ML analysis because ACD is a structured database. The objective of this study was to analyse ACD using an ML algorithm, predict the 1 year mortality of patients with HF, and finally develop an easy‐to‐use prediction model with high accuracy using the top predictors identified by the ML algorithm.

Methods and results

Machine learning‐based prognostic prediction models were developed from the ACD on 10 175 HF patients from the Japanese Registry of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure with 17% mortality during 1 year follow‐up. The top predictors for prognosis in HF were identified by the permutation feature importance technique, and an easy‐to‐use prediction model was developed based on these predictors. The c‐statistics and Brier scores of the developed ML‐based models were compared with those of conventional risk models: Seattle Heart Failure Model (SHFM) and Meta‐Analysis Global Group in Chronic Heart Failure (MAGGIC). A voting classifier algorithm (ACD‐VC) achieved the highest c‐statistics among the six ML algorithms. The permutation feature importance technique enabled identification of the top predictors such as Barthel index, age, body mass index, duration of hospitalization, last hospitalization, renal disease, and non‐loop diuretics use (feature importance values were 0.054, 0.025, 0.010, 0.005, 0.005, 0.004, and 0.004, respectively). Upon combination of some of the predictors that can be assessed from a brief interview, the Simple Model by ARTificial intelligence for HF risk stratification (SMART‐HF) was established as an easy‐to‐use prediction model. Compared with the conventional models, SMART‐HF achieved a higher c‐statistic {ACD‐VC: 0.777 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.751–0.803], SMART‐HF: 0.765 [95% CI 0.739–0.791], SHFM: 0.713 [95% CI 0.684–0.742], MAGGIC: 0.726 [95% CI 0.698–0.753]} and better Brier scores (ACD‐VC: 0.121, SMART‐HF: 0.124, SHFM: 0.139, MAGGIC: 0.130).

Conclusions

The ML model based on ACD predicted the 1 year mortality of HF patients with high accuracy, and SMART‐HF along with the ML model achieved superior performance to that of the conventional risk models. The SMART‐HF model has the clear merit of easy operability even by non‐healthcare providers with a user‐friendly online interface (https://hfriskcalculator.herokuapp.com/). Risk models developed using SMART‐HF may provide a novel modality for risk stratification of patients with HF.
Quantum Chemical Design of D–π–A‐Type Donor Materials for Highly Efficient, Photostable, and Vacuum‐Processed Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Janjua Muhammad Ramzan Saeed Ashraf
Published: August 2021

Fullerene‐free donor materials are receiving more and more attention from the scientific community due to their high power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) and large visible‐light‐harvesting capabilities. Herein, five new molecules (ZDM1–ZMD5) with D–π–A‐type skeletons are efficiently designed and theoretically characterized. These newly tailored molecules can improve the PCEs of vacuum‐processed organic solar cells (OSCs). End‐capped donor modifications of DTDCPTT‐2CN (R) are done with well‐organized end‐capped donor units. Density functional theory at MPW1PW91 method along with 6‐31 G(d,p) level is utilized to calculate various photovoltaic (PV), physiochemical, and optoelectronic properties of these novel theoretically planned molecules. Different geometric parameters are also computed for the studied molecules. A narrow bandgap (E
g = 1.52–1.93 eV) with redshifting (λ
max = 589–614 nm) in the absorption spectrum is observed for ZDM1–ZDM5. Further, low excitation (E
x) and binding energies (E
b) offer high current charge density (J
sc) along with good PCE. A blend study of ZDM3/PC61BM is also carried out to explore the charge transfer behavior of the designed molecules. Finally, more than 10% PCE is predicted (theoretically) using the Scharber model. To sum up, results of different analyses suggest that these theoretically modeled molecules are efficient aspirants for highly stable and efficient vacuum‐processed OSCs.
Medicinal plants as immune booster in the palliative management of viral diseases: A perspective on coronavirus
Authors: Ogunrinola Olabisi O. , Kanmodi Rahmon I. , Ogunrinola Oluwaseyi A.
Published: August 2021

Medicinal plants are not only popular for their ample store of active ingredients but also boast of several pharmacological properties including the modulation of components of the immune system. An adequate immune response is vital in counteracting the unwanted activities of pathogens such as bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. Some diseases caused by viral pathogens such as measles, chickenpox, Ebola, and human immunodeficiency virus may result in death or dire consequences in mammals with inadequate immunity. Ever since coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) boisterously announced itself to the world in December 2019, there has been a surge in the number of researches targeting medicinal plants as candidates for a potent vaccine and antiviral drug. COVID‐19 is a member of a family of coronaviruses that have been responsible for past pandemics such as the Middle East respiratory syndrome and severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreaks. However, the nascent COVID‐19 defeated existing pharmaceutical advances and nonpharmacological measures such as high personal hygiene, physical distancing, and lockdown to stop the vicious mortality arising from the viral outbreak. Consequently, the battle against this virus relies majorly on a vibrant immune system. It is therefore imperative to promote interest in the use of medicinal plants that will significantly assist in the management of COVID‐19 infection by boosting body's immune responses or arresting symptoms/molecules associated with COVID‐19 pathogenesis. This review underscores the need for the exploration of plant‐based agents that may prove effective in fighting COVID‐19 based on scientific evidence of their positive immunomodulatory effects.
Designing artificial neural network of nanoparticle diameter and solid–fluid interfacial layer on single‐walled carbon nanotubes/ethylene glycol nanofluid flow on thin slendering needles
Authors: Shafiq Anum , Çolak Andaç Batur , Naz Sindhu Tabassum
Published: August 2021

In this study, an artificial neural network (ANN) has been developed to predict the boundary layer flow of a single‐walled carbon nanotubes nanofluid toward three different nonlinear thin isothermal needles of paraboloid, cone, and cylinder shapes with convective boundary conditions. Different effects of particle diameter and solid–fluid interface coating have been taken into account in the thermal conductivity model of nanofluid in which ethylene glycol has been used as the base fluid. Single and dual phase approach is used to establish the management model under the phenomenon of zero heat and mass flux. A dataset has been developed for different scenarios of the fluid model by changing the relevant parameters with the Runge–Kutta based shooting technique. Two different ANN models have been developed to predict Nusselt number and skin friction coefficient (SFC) values. The values obtained from ANN models have been compared with the numerical data, which are the target values. In addition, mean square error and R values have also been examined in order to analyze the prediction performance of ANN models more comprehensively. The calculated R values for Nusselt number and SFC were obtained as 0.9999. The results obtained showed that ANN can predict Nusselt number and SFC values with high accuracy.