bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bio‐Conductive Polymers for Treating Myocardial Conductive Defects: Long‐Term Efficacy Study
Authors: Fu Anne , Yang Yahan , Wu Jun , Li Shu‐Hong , Fan Yunfei , Yau Terrance M , Li Ren‐Ke
Published: October 2021

Following myocardial infarction (MI), the resulting fibrotic scar is nonconductive and leads to ventricular dysfunction via electrical uncoupling of the remaining viable cardiomyocytes. The uneven conductive properties between normal myocardium and scar tissue result in arrhythmia, yielding sudden cardiac death/heart failure. A conductive biopolymer, poly‐3‐amino‐4‐methoxybenzoic acid‐gelatin (PAMB‐G), is able to resynchronize myocardial contractions in vivo. Intravenous PAMB‐G injections into mice show that it does not cause any acute toxicity, up to the maximum tolerated dose (1.6 mL kg−1), which includes the determined therapeutic dose (0.4 mL kg−1). There is also no short‐ or long‐term toxicity when PAMB‐G is injected into the myocardium of MI rats, with no significant changes in body weight, organ–brain ratio, hematologic, and histological parameters for up to 12 months post‐injection. At the therapeutic dose, PAMB‐G restores electrical conduction in infarcted rat hearts, resulting in lowered arrhythmia susceptibility and improved cardiac function. PAMB‐G is also durable, as mass spectrometry detected the biopolymer for up to 12 months post‐injection. PAMB‐G did not impact reproductive organ function or offspring characteristics when given intravenously into healthy adult rats. Thus, PAMB‐G is a nontoxic, durable, and conductive biomaterial that is able to improve cardiac function for up to 1 year post‐implantation.
New Dimension in Magnetism and Superconductivity: 3D and Curvilinear Nanoarchitectures
Authors: Makarov Denys , Volkov Oleksii M. , Kákay Attila , Pylypovskyi Oleksandr V. , Budinská Barbora , Dobrovolskiy Oleksandr V.
Published: October 2021

Traditionally, the primary field, where curvature has been at the heart of research, is the theory of general relativity. In recent studies, however, the impact of curvilinear geometry enters various disciplines, ranging from solid‐state physics over soft‐matter physics, chemistry, and biology to mathematics, giving rise to a plethora of emerging domains such as curvilinear nematics, curvilinear studies of cell biology, curvilinear semiconductors, superfluidity, optics, 2D van der Waals materials, plasmonics, magnetism, and superconductivity. Here, the state of the art is summarized and prospects for future research in curvilinear solid‐state systems exhibiting such fundamental cooperative phenomena as ferromagnetism, antiferromagnetism, and superconductivity are outlined. Highlighting the recent developments and current challenges in theory, fabrication, and characterization of curvilinear micro‐ and nanostructures, special attention is paid to perspective research directions entailing new physics and to their strong application potential. Overall, the perspective is aimed at crossing the boundaries between the magnetism and superconductivity communities and drawing attention to the conceptual aspects of how extension of structures into the third dimension and curvilinear geometry can modify existing and aid launching novel functionalities. In addition, the perspective should stimulate the development and dissemination of research and development oriented techniques to facilitate rapid transitions from laboratory demonstrations to industry‐ready prototypes and eventual products.
Bright and Stable Quantum Dot Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Lee Taesoo , Kim Byong Jae , Lee Hyunkoo , Hahm Donghyo , Bae Wan Ki , Lim Jaehoon , Kwak Jeonghun
Published: October 2021

Quantum dot light‐emitting diodes (QLEDs) are one of the most promising candidates for next‐generation displays and lighting sources, but they are barely used because vulnerability to electrical and thermal stresses precludes high brightness, efficiency, and stability at high current density (J) regimes. Here, bright and stable QLEDs on a Si substrate are demonstrated, expanding their potential application boundary over the present art. First, a tailored interface is granted to the quantum dots, maximizing the quantum yield and mitigating nonradiative Auger decay of the multiexcitons generated at high‐J regimes. Second, a heat‐endurable, top‐emission device architecture is employed and optimized based on optical simulation to enhance the light outcoupling efficiency. The multilateral approaches realize that the red top‐emitting QLEDs exhibit a maximum luminance of 3 300 000 cd m−2, a current efficiency of 75.6 cd A−1, and an operational lifetime of 125 000 000 h at an initial brightness of 100 cd m−2, which are the highest of the values reported so far.
Metal–Organic Framework‐Templated Graphitic Carbon Confining MnO/Mn3O4 Nanoparticles via Direct Laser Printing for Electrocatalysis and Supercapacitor
Authors: Lam Do Van , Dung Dao Thi , Roh Euijin , Kim Jae‐Hyun , Kim Hyunuk , Lee Seung‐Mo
Published: October 2021

Transition metal oxides with high specific capacities and variable electronic structures are of paramount importance for advanced energy conversion and storage, yet suffering from low electronic conductivity and poor structural stability during the electrochemical process. Herein, via direct laser printing on an Mn‐based metal–organic framework (Mn‐MOF) in air, MnO/Mn3O4 nanoparticles confined in mesoporous graphitic carbon can be mass‐produced rapidly. It is revealed that the structural transformations in manganese oxides (MnOx → Mn3O4 → MnO) occur during the decomposition of the Mn‐MOF and the MnO/Mn3O4 nanoparticles promote the catalytic graphitization of disordered carbon. The composite shows high electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction performances in the alkaline electrolyte with an overpotential of 394 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and good durability of 75% retention after 24 h. In addition, it also exhibits promising supercapacitive performances with a specific capacitance of 194 F g−1 and reasonable stability of 82% retention after 5000 cycles.
Stretchable, Washable, and Rewritable Electrophoretic Displays with Tough Hydrogel–Elastomer Interface
Authors: Qiu Zhiguang , Wu Ziyi , Zhong Min , Yang Mingyang , Xu Jiazhe , Zhang Gaofan , Qin Zong , Yang Bo‐Ru
Published: October 2021

Tremendous advances in stretchable and biocompatible electronics have led to broad requirements of wearable display devices. However, most devices suffer from insufficient reliability owing to structural mismatch and bubbles under repeated deformation. To address this issue, this article presents a stretchable electrophoretic display (SEPD) with reinforced adhesion by in situ adhesion decoration between the hydrogel electrode and the elastomer display layer. The SEPD with a maximum strain of over 80% can still operate properly. Moreover, the SEPD device is endowed with stretchable, washable, rewritable, and erasable properties owing to the inherent characteristics of the elastomer‐based materials used. Arbitrary texts and patterns can be drawn and maintained for over 43 days of bistability without a predetermined patterned electrode or a thin‐film transistor as the addressing switches. In addition, the casting and blade coatings used in this work are suitable for mass production. The proposed hybrid structure with tough adhesion provides a new paradigm for other wearable devices.
Boolean and Elementary Algebra with a Roll‐To‐Roll Printed Electrochemical Memristor
Authors: Grant Benjamin , Bandera Yuriy , Foulger Stephen H. , Vilčáková Jarmila , Sáha Petr , Pfleger Jiří
Published: October 2021

A non‐volatile conjugated polymer‐based electrochemical memristor (cPECM), derived from sodium 4‐[(2,3‐dihydrothieno[3,4‐b][1,4]dioxin‐2‐yl)methoxy]butane‐2‐sulfonate (S‐EDOT), is fabricated through roll‐to‐roll printing and exhibited neuromorphic properties. The 3‐terminal device employed a “read” channel where conductivity of the water‐soluble, self‐doped S‐PEDOT is equated to synaptic weight and was electrically decoupled from the programming electrode. For the model system, a +2500 mV programming pulse of 100 ms duration resulted in a 0.136 μS resolution in conductivity change, giving over 1000 distinct conductivity states for one cycle. The minimum programming power requirements of the cPECM was 0.31 pJ mm−2 and with advanced printing techniques, a 0.1 fJ requirement for a 20 μm device is achievable. The mathematical operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division are demonstrated with a single cPECM, as well as the logic gates AND, OR, NAND, and NOR. This demonstration of a printed cPECM is the first step toward the implementation of a mass produced electrochemical memristor that combines information storage and processing and may allow for the realization of printable artificial neural networks.
Microenvironment‐Responsive Prodrug‐Induced Pyroptosis Boosts Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Xiao Yao , Zhang Tian , Ma Xianbin , Yang Qi‐Chao , Yang Lei‐Lei , Yang Shao‐Chen , Liang Mengyun , Xu Zhigang , Sun Zhi‐Jun
Published: October 2021

The absence of tumor antigens leads to a low response rate, which represents a major challenge in immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. Pyroptosis, which releases tumor antigens and damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) that induce antitumor immunity and boost ICB efficiency, potentially leads to injury when occurring in normal tissues. Therefore, a strategy and highly efficient agent to induce tumor‐specific pyroptosis but reduce pyroptosis in normal tissues is urgently required. Here, a smart tumor microenvironmental reactive oxygen species (ROS)/glutathione (GSH) dual‐responsive nano‐prodrug (denoted as MCPP) with high paclitaxel (PTX) and photosensitizer purpurin 18 (P18) loading is rationally designed. The ROS/GSH dual‐responsive system facilitates the nano‐prodrug response to high ROS/GSH in the tumor microenvironment and achieves optimal drug release in tumors. ROS generated by P18 after laser irradiation achieves controlled release and induces tumor cell pyroptosis with PTX by chemo‐photodynamic therapy. Pyroptotic tumor cells release DAMPs, thus initiating adaptive immunity, boosting ICB efficiency, achieving tumor regression, generating immunological memory, and preventing tumor recurrence. Mechanistically, chemo‐photodynamic therapy and control‐release PTX synergistically induce gasdermin E (GSDME)‐related pyroptosis. It is speculated that inspired chemo‐photodynamic therapy using the presented nano‐prodrug strategy can be a smart strategy to trigger pyroptosis and augment ICB efficiency.
Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Material: An Emerging Class of Metal‐Free Luminophores for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Fang Fang , Zhu Lin , Li Min , Song Yueyue , Sun Meng , Zhao Dongxu , Zhang Jinfeng
Published: October 2021

The development of simple, efficient, and biocompatible organic luminescent molecules is of great significance to the clinical transformation of biomaterials. In recent years, purely organic thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) materials with an extremely small single‐triplet energy gap (ΔEST) have been considered as the most promising new‐generation electroluminescence emitters, which is an enormous breakthrough in organic optoelectronics. By merits of the unique photophysical properties, high structure flexibility, and reduced health risks, such metal‐free TADF luminophores have attracted tremendous attention in biomedical fields, including conventional fluorescence imaging, time‐resolved imaging and sensing, and photodynamic therapy. However, there is currently no systematic summary of the TADF materials for biomedical applications, which is presented in this review. Besides a brief introduction of the major developments of TADF material, the typical TADF mechanisms and fundamental principles on design strategies of TADF molecules and nanomaterials are subsequently described. Importantly, a specific emphasis is placed on the discussion of TADF materials for various biomedical applications. Finally, the authors make a forecast of the remaining challenges and future developments. This review provides insightful perspectives and clear prospects towards the rapid development of TADF materials in biomedicine, which will be highly valuable to exploit new luminescent materials.
Efficient and Composition‐Tolerant Kesterite Cu2ZnSn(S, Se)4 Solar Cells Derived From an In Situ Formed Multifunctional Carbon Framework
Authors: Xu Xiao , Guo Linbao , Zhou Jiazheng , Duan Biwen , Li Dongmei , Shi Jiangjian , Wu Huijue , Luo Yanhong , Meng Qingbo
Published: October 2021

Broadening the processing window is of high importance for developing efficient Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) solar cells. Herein, a high efficiency (active‐area: 13.5%) of CZTSSe solar cells achieved from thioglycolic acid (TGA)‐ammonia based water solution method is first reported. The cell performance exhibits the high tolerance to the element composition variations of the CZTSSe film. Film crystallization and chemical mechanism studies reveal that this high composition‐tolerance mainly benefits from an existence of a conductive carbon framework layer with high element accommodating ability and a phase‐segregation growth behavior of CZTSSe grains driven by thermodynamics properties of the heterogeneous film system. It is shown that Sn–TGA coordination capable to induce large metal–organic molecule clusters plays a critical role in forming the mesoscopic carbon layer. These results and related material mechanism provide new routes to regulate crystal growth of the CZTSSe film for further improving cell performance.
Sulfur‐Deficient ZnIn2S4/Oxygen‐Deficient WO3 Hybrids with Carbon Layer Bridges as a Novel Photothermal/Photocatalytic Integrated System for Z‐Scheme Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Wang Yijin , Huang Wenjing , Guo Shaohui , Xin Xu , Zhang Youzi , Guo Peng , Tang Songwei , Li Xuanhua
Published: October 2021

Although photocatalytic overall water splitting is a potential technology for converting solar energy into chemical fuel, the widely reported solar‐to‐hydrogen efficiency is around 1%, indicating unsatisfactory photocatalytic performance. Here, a novel photocatalyst material is designed and a whole reaction system is constructed, resulting in an integrative photothermal–photocatalytic Z‐scheme overall water splitting reaction system. In terms of materials design, a novel sulfur‐deficient ZnIn2S4/oxygen‐deficient WO3 (ZIS–WO) hybrid with surface‐carbonized wood (C‐wood) is reported. The ZIS–WO hybrid with sulfur and oxygen vacancies promotes the adsorption of visible light and the separation of charge carriers. The conductive C‐wood is strategically used as an additional electron bridge to accelerate electron transfer. In terms of system construction, the C‐wood exploits the photothermal effect to change the solid/liquid/gas triphase system to a solid/gas biphase system by transforming liquid water into steam, which drastically restrains carrier recombination, and decreases the photocatalytic reaction barrier. The H2 and O2 production rates in the proposed system are approximately 169.2 and 82.5 µmol h–1 under air mass (AM) 1.5 light irradiation, and the corresponding solar‐to‐hydrogen efficiency is as high as 1.52%. The study from photocatalyst design to reaction system construct opens a new insight for versatile and high‐performance photocatalytic overall water splitting.
Metasurface Photoelectrodes for Enhanced Solar Fuel Generation
Authors: Hüttenhofer Ludwig , Golibrzuch Matthias , Bienek Oliver , Wendisch Fedja J. , Lin Rui , Becherer Markus , Sharp Ian D. , Maier Stefan A. , Cortés Emiliano
Published: October 2021

Tailoring optical properties in photocatalysts by nanostructuring them can help increase solar light harvesting efficiencies in a wide range of materials. Whereas plasmon resonances are widely employed in metallic catalysts for this purpose, latest advances of nonradiative, dielectric nanophotonics also enable light confinement and enhanced visible light absorption in semiconductors. Here, a design procedure for large‐scale nanofabrication of semiconductor photoelectrodes using imprint lithography is developed. Anapole excitations and metasurface lattice resonances are combined to enhance the absorption of the model material, amorphous gallium phosphide (a‐GaP), over the visible spectrum. It is shown that cost‐effective, high sample throughput is achieved while retaining the precise signature of the engineered photonic states. Photoelectrochemical measurements under hydrogen evolution reaction conditions and sunlight illumination reveal the contributions of the respective resonances and demonstrate an overall photocurrent enhancement of 5.7, compared to a planar film. These results are supported by optical and numerical analysis of single nanodisks and of the upscaled metasurface.
Current status of perioperative nutritional intervention and exercise in gastric cancer surgery: A review
Authors: Ida Satoshi , Kumagai Koshi , Nunobe Souya
Published: October 2021

Patients with gastric cancer are often malnourished or sarcopenic during tumor progression. Perioperative malnutrition, including sarcopenia, is strongly related to postoperative complications and long‐term outcomes. To improve outcomes, nutritional intervention is common for patients with gastric cancer, especially for those undergoing elective surgery. Several clinical trials evaluating perioperative nutritional intervention have set postoperative loss of body weight and lean body mass as endpoints; however, the results were inconsistent. Therefore, recently, perioperative multimodal interventions that are expected to have a synergistic effect between nutritional intervention and exercise have gained attention. Furthermore, supplementing with leucine, a branched‐chain amino acid, in addition to exercise, may be promising for preventing perioperative sarcopenia. However, whether perioperative nutritional intervention and exercise has clinical benefits in gastric surgery is unclear. With the aging of gastric cancer patients, measures to address sarcopenia will become more important in the future. Understanding the significance of nutritional intervention and exercise in patients undergoing gastric cancer surgery will help achieve good outcomes.
The taste of the pandemic—contemporary review on the current state of research on gustation in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19)
Authors: Hintschich Constantin A. , Niv Masha Y. , Hummel Thomas
Published: October 2021

Subjectively perceived impairment of taste is a common and distinct symptom of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Large meta‐analyses identified this symptom in approximately 50% of cases. However, this high prevalence is not supported by blinded and validated psychophysical gustatory testing, which showed a much lower prevalence in up to 26% of patients. This discrepancy may be due to misinterpretation of impaired retronasal olfaction as gustatory dysfunction. In addition, we hypothesized that COVID‐19–associated hyposmia is involved in the decrease of gustatory function, as found for hyposmia of different origin. This indirect mechanism would be based on the central‐nervous mutual amplification between the chemical senses, which fails in COVID‐19–associated olfactory loss. However, further research is necessary on how severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) may directly impair the gustatory pathway as well as its subjective perception.
An N‐Trifluoromethylation/Cyclization Strategy for Accessing Diverse N‐Trifluoromethyl Azoles from Nitriles and 1,3‐Dipoles
Authors: Zhang Ru Zhong , Zhang Ru Xue , Wang Shuang , Xu Cong , Guan Wei , Wang Mang
Published: October 2021

N‐Trifluoromethyl azoles are valuable targets in medicinal chemistry, but their synthesis is challenging. Classical preparation of N‐CF3 azoles relies on the functional group interconversions but suffers from tedious N‐pre‐functionalization and unfriendly agents. Introduction of the CF3 onto the nitrogen of heterocycles provides a direct route to such motifs, but the N‐trifluoromethylation remains underdeveloped. Reported here is an alternative and scalable cyclization strategy based on NCF3‐containing synthons for constructing N‐CF3 azoles. The approach involves the N‐trifluoromethylation of nitriles followed by a [3+2] cyclization between resulting N‐CF3 nitrilium derivatives and 1,3‐dipoles. PhICF3Cl was an effective CF3 source for the transformation. As a result, a generic platform is established to divergently synthesize N‐trifluoromethylated tetrazoles, imidazoles, and 1,2,3‐triazoles by using sodium azide, activated methylene isocyanides, and diazo compounds as dipoles.
Photodynamic therapy applications of Re(I)‐BODIPY functionalized nanoparticles
Authors: Tyagi Nidhi , Kaur Navneet , Sahoo Subash Chandra , Venugopalan Paloth
Published: October 2021

Organometallic Re(I)‐BODIPY compounds have recently received attention as metal‐based photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy (PDT) applications owing to their strong absorption in the visible region. We synthesized and characterized an organometallic [ReI(L)2(CO)3Br] (ReL) complex containing a BODIPY ligand (L) and prepared nanoparticles of the ligand (NPL) as well as the complex (NPReL). The formation of nanoparticles was confirmed by dynamic light scattering (DLS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analyses. Single‐crystal structure of ReL showed octahedral environment around Re center, and the BODIPY chromophore was placed at distances of around 12 Å. Detailed photophysical properties of ReL were investigated which showed strong visible absorption at 551 nm (ε = 1.46 × 105 M−1 cm−1) owing to π‐conjugation of BODIPY with the metal center Re(I). Efficient intersystem crossing (ISC) and formation of triplet‐excited states with lifetimes of 0.80 and 0.65 μs for L and ReL, respectively, were confirmed through nanosecond‐laser flash photolysis and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The photosensitization efficiency of ReL was observed to be ϕΔ = 0.77. In vitro biological studies of NPReL showed negligible toxicity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in the dark as compared with NPL despite the good photosensitization ability of NPL. Therefore, NPReL showed coordination‐enhanced cytotoxicity under irradiation conditions and interestingly found to be nontoxic to normal NIH3T3 cell lines in comparison with L. Flow cytometry studies further indicated that the major cause of cell death by NPReL was via apoptotic pathways (54%), which authenticates its potential as a PDT agent.
The effect of inorganic salt on multiphase flow characteristics in a microbubble column: A focus on the ionic strength
Authors: Jia Chao , Shen Hu , Xu Yingyu , Hu Xingbang , Yang Guoqiang , Zhang Zhibing
Published: October 2021

With enormous interfacial area for particle collection, microbubbles exhibit great application prospect in the mineral flotation. Under certain ionic strength, microbubbles can be produced continuously in the microbubble column without extra reagent addition. In this work, multiphase flow characteristics (Sauter mean diameter, bubble size distribution, gas holdup & interfacial area) were studied systematically with variables including the salt type, salt concentration, and operating conditions. Based on mathematical model, critical coalescence concentration was determined for each investigated salt. According to experimental results, a mathematical correlation was established between the Sauter mean diameter and ionic strength. For the formation of microbubble system, the lowest ionic strength was approximately 0.5 mol/L. Multiphase flow characteristics in the microbubble column depended highly on the ionic strength. The interfacial area and gas holdup increased by 38 times and more than 3 times respectively, with the ionic strength of Al2(SO4)3 rising from 0 to 1.5 mol/L. The critical coalescence concentration ranged from 0.037 mol/L (Al2(SO4)3) to 0.517 mol/L (NaCl), which correlated with the ionic strength of each salt.
A preliminary comparison of mastery criterion frequency values: Effects on acquisition and maintenance
Authors: Schneider Anna , Fienup Daniel M. , Gussin Rosaria , Moss Patricia
Published: October 2021

Higher levels of performance during skill acquisition predict higher levels of response maintenance, but less is known about how many observations of high levels of performance are needed to produce this effect of criterion levels. We analyzed two criterion‐level frequency values, or the number of observations of criterion‐level performance. We taught children with disabilities target skills to 90% accuracy observed one time or across three consecutive sessions/days. Participants required fewer sessions to meet the terminal acquisition‐performance criterion when the frequency value was set to one and response maintenance outcomes were comparable between conditions. These outcomes suggest that the frequency component of acquisition‐performance criterion is related to the efficiency of skill acquisition for participants with comparable repertoires.
Targeting metabolic driving and minimization of by‐products synthesis for high‐yield production of D‐pantothenate in Escherichia coli
Authors: Li Bo , Zhang Bo , Wang Pei , Cai Xue , Tang Ya‐Qun , Jin Jie‐Yi , Liang Jin‐Xi , Liu Zhi‐Qiang , Zheng Yu‐Guo
Published: October 2021

Background

d‐Pantothenate (DPA) is an important functional chemical that has been widely applied in healthcare, cosmetics, animal food, and feed industries.

Methods and Results

In this study, a high‐yield DPA‐producing strain was constructed by metabolic engineering strategies with targeting metabolic driving and by‐products minimization. The metabolic driving force of push and pull was firstly obtained to improve the production of DPA via enrichment of precursor pool and synthetic pathway, accumulating 4.29 g L−1 DPA in shake flask fermentation. To eliminate the metabolic pressure on DPA production, an amino throttling system was proposed and successfully attenuated the synthesis of four competitive amino acids by a single‐step regulation of gdhA. Further minimization of acetate was carried out by pta deletion, and utilization of β‐alanine was improved via enhancing its uptake system with producing 5.78 g L−1 DPA. Finally, the engineered strain produced 66.39 g L−1 DPA with β‐alanine addition in fermentor under fed‐batch fermentation.

Conclusion

This study paved a foundation for the industrial production of DPA.
RETRACTED: The impact of sustainable development strategy on sustainable supply chain firm performance in the digital transformation era
Authors: Nayal Kirti , Raut Rakesh D. , Yadav Vinay Surendra , Priyadarshinee Pragati , Narkhede Balkrishna E.
Published: October 2021

Availability of limited resources presents the need for sustainable development strategies to achieve sustainable performance. However, in the era of digitalization and globalization many researchers explored the role of digital technologies in improving sustainable performance. However, the literature on the role of collaboration and coordination in a digitally enabled supply chain (SC) to achieve sustainability is still lacking. This study aims to investigate the effect of supply chain collaboration and coordination (SCC), sustainable development strategy (SDS), digital transformation (DIT), and collaborative advantages (COA) on sustainable supply chain firm performance (SSCFP). The conceptual model is based on the relational view (RV), transaction cost economics (TCE), technology, organization and environment (TOE), and resource‐based view (RBV) theories. This study utilizes structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze data collected from 361 respondents of the automotive industry in India. The findings show that SCC positively affects SDS and DIT. SDS positively affects DIT, COA, and DIT positively affects SSCFP. DIT fully mediates the relationship between SCC and COA. The study suggests that managers can apply SCC, SDS, and DIT in series to achieve sustainable performance. However, the COA can only be enhanced in the digitalized SC. The study provides empirical evidence to policymakers and practitioners for the synergy between SCC, SDS, DIT, and COA to achieve sustainable performance in the SC's manufacturing firm.
Online lessons of human anatomy: Experiences during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Zarcone Daniela , Saverino Daniele
Published: October 2021

The social distancing measures necessitated by the COVID‐19 pandemic have resulted in the migration of human anatomy lessons to virtual platforms. Even student communities have had to relocate online. The virtual replacement of visual–spatial and social elements, essential for studying anatomy, has posed particular challenges for educators. Our department used Microsoft Teams, an online communication platform, in conjunction with Visible Body, a 3D anatomical modeling program, EdiErmes online resources, and Leica Acquire for teaching microscopic anatomy. We delivered about 160 h of both synchronous and asynchronous lessons for students on the medical degree program per academic year. In this study, we compare face‐to‐face and distance teaching in order to define these different approaches better and to evaluate the final student scores. The aim is to debate the relevance of distance learning pedagogy to the design of new online anatomy teaching courses and the development of online learning. Analysis of the final scores showed that anatomy examinations after the online course had a statistically significantly higher average value than those obtained at the end of the face‐to‐face course. The experience at the University of Genoa shows that distance learning in the teaching of human anatomy was perceived by most students as useful and positive. Distance learning can be an effective support for anatomy teaching, facilitating a different mode of learning in which lessons and study are more sensitive to the individual's schedule and needs. Of course, we should not and cannot exclude face‐to‐face teaching.
Dysregulated circular RNAs as novel biomarkers in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Guo Chengcheng , Mi Jianqiang , Li Haike , Su Panke , Nie He
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play critical roles in tumorigenesis, but their clinical efficacy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) still retains controversial. This meta‐analysis aims at evaluating the associations between circRNA expressions and clinicopathologic features as well as the diagnostic and prognostic values of circRNAs in ESCC.

Materials & Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, and other online databases were systematically searched to collect studies on circRNAs and clinicopathological features, diagnostic, and/or prognostic assessments of ESCC. The quality of included studies was evaluated using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS‐2) and Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale (NOS) scales. The included studies were quantitatively weighted and merged, and diagnostic indicators, hazard ratios (HRs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. P values were merged by Fisher᾽s method. Sources of heterogeneity were traced using subgroup, sensitivity, and meta‐regression analyses.

Results

As a result, 12 studies were included, representing 769 ESCC patients. The meta‐analysis showed that abnormal expressions of circRNAs were associated to TNM stage as well as lymph node and distant metastases in ESCC cases. CircRNA was used to distinguish ESCC patients from healthy controls, and the merged sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the curve (AUC) of ESCC were 0.78 (95% CI: 0.74–0.81), 0.79 (95% CI: 0.75–0.83), and 0.86, respectively. The survival analysis showed that upregulated oncogenic circRNA levels in ESCC tissues was associated with the shorter overall survival (OS) of the patients (univariate analysis: HR = 2.25, 95% CI: 1.71–2.95, p = 0.000, I2 = 0.0%; multivariate analysis: HR = 2.50, 95% CI: 1.61–3.89, p = 0.000, I2 = 0.0%), while the OS of ESCC patients presenting overexpressions of tumor‐suppressive circRNAs was significantly ameliorated (HR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.20–0.42, p = 0.000, I2 = 0.0%). The subgroup analyses based on circRNA biofunctions, sample size, and reference gene also revealed robust results.

Conclusion

CircRNAs can be used as promising molecular biomarkers for the early diagnosis and prognosis monitoring of ESCC.
‘You don't take things too seriously or un‐seriously’: Beyond recovery to liminal and liminoid possibility in a community arts and mental health project
Authors: Laver Cassie , McGrath Laura , Liebert Rachel Jane , Noorani Tehseen , Barnes Nick , Chase Mike , Hall Jon , Wakeling Ben
Published: October 2021

Recent years have seen a renewed interest in integrating creative activities into statutory mental health practice in high‐income countries. In this article, we offer an exploratory analysis of an arts project delivered within UK mental health services, Creativity for Enablement and Wellbeing (CREW). Drawing on data collected for a process evaluation of the project, we suggest that conceptualising CREW as liminal and liminoid provides a helpful way to articulate the processes, atmospheres, relationships, and practices of the project. Through this theoretical lens, we identify CREW as a mode of engagement comprising looseness, possibility and collectivity, all brought together through a unique community event, the showcase. We explore CREW's mode of engagement through three themes: ‘carving out a liminal space’, ‘looseness and experimentation,’ and ‘from liminal to liminoid’. Implications for service delivery are discussed, focussing on how CREW managed to create a transformative space of liminoid possibility rather than a recovery journey delineated by service‐defined imperatives.
Anti‐Inflammatory Properties of Longifuran A, a New Benzofuran from the Stems of Amomum longiligulare
Authors: Thanh Huong Le , Anh Thu Pham , Thi Dao Phi , Thi Mai Huong Doan , Van Cuong Pham , Hai Dang Nguyen
Published: October 2021

In this study, the following compounds were isolated from the dichloromethane fraction of the stems of Amomum longiligulare and then characterized: a new benzofuran, namely, longifuran A (1); five other phenolic compounds, namely, 4‐methoxycinnamic acid (2), 2,5‐dimethoxyphenol (3), eudesmic acid (4), 1,7‐bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐1,4,6‐heptatrien‐3‐one (5), and 4,4’‐dihydroxychalcone (6); and two triterpenoids, namely, 24‐methylcycloartan‐3β‐ol (7) and 24‐methylencycloartan‐3β‐ol (8). They were evaluated in terms of their inhibitory effects on NO production in LPS‐stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Results indicated that 1 and 5 exhibited promising inhibitory activities against NO generation with IC50 of 10.47±1.02 μM and 8.51±1.14 μM, respectively. Enzymatic assays demonstrated that they remarkably suppressed the secretion of two pro‐inflammatory cytokines (i. e., IL‐6 and TNF‐α). They also dose‐dependently inhibited the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase‐2, two important enzymes modulating inflammation. Therefore, 1 and 5 could be targets for the development of new anti‐inflammatory therapeutics
Recent Advances in Isolation, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Terrein
Authors: Huang Dan , Yang Jianni , Li Chen , Hui Yang , Chen Wenhao
Published: October 2021

Terrein is a small‐molecule polyketide compound with a simple structure mainly isolated from fungi. Since its discovery in 1935, many scholars have conducted a series of research on its structure identification, isolation source, production increase, synthesis and biological activity. Studies have shown that terrein has a variety of biological activities, not only can inhibit melanin production and epidermal hyperplasia, but also has anti‐cancer, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐angiopoietic secretion, antibacterial, insecticidal activities, and so on. It has potential application prospects in beauty, medicine, agriculture and other fields. This article reviews the process of structural identification of terrein since 1935, and summarizes the latest advances in its isolation, source, production increase, synthesis, and biological activity evaluation, with a view to providing a reference and helping for the in‐depth research of terrein.
Selected Species of the Genus Phellinus – Chemical Composition, Biological Activity, and Medicinal Applications
Authors: Sułkowska‐Ziaja Katarzyna , Balik Monika , Muszyńska Bożena
Published: October 2021

This study presents the current knowledge on chemical composition, biological activity, and possible medicinal applications of Phellinus igniarius, Phellinus pini, Phellinus pomaceus, and Phellinus robustus. These inedible arboreal species are phytopathogens that cause the enzymatic decomposition of wood. These species belong to the medicinal mushrooms and have been known for centuries in the traditional medicine of the Far East. They have been used as an effective remedy for stomach and intestinal ailments, diarrhea, and hemorrhages. Mycochemical studies have proved the presence of polysaccharides, phenolic compounds, and terpenoids. These compounds show biological activities such as anticancer, antioxidant, antiangiogenic, and antiviral. Research studies conducted using modern analytical methods have advanced the knowledge on the potential therapeutic use of compounds isolated not only from the fruiting bodies but also from biomass obtained with in vitro biotechnological methods.
Three Dimensional Macroporous Oxygen‐Deficient TiO2‐x Supported N, P, Co‐tridoped Carbon as Efficient Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalyst
Authors: Yu Hang , Zhao Ximeng , Wu Feichao , Luo Yuhong , Jia Aizhong , Wang Yanji , Li Jingde
Published: October 2021

Developing efficient and durable electrocatalysts of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is critical for high‐performance air cathodes. Herein, a novel three‐dimensionally ordered macroporous oxygen‐deficient TiO2 framework embedded with N, P and Co‐tridoped carbon (3DOM Co/NPC@TiO2‐x) is elaborately designed for ORR. This unique structure offers a high surface area, good mass transfer, excellent electronic conductivity, and stability. Moreover, the experimental and theoretical studies reveal that the synergistic effect of N, P co‐doping and Co‐decoration is indispensable to promote the ORR performance, yielding high O2 adsorption energy and lowering the reaction barriers simultaneously. Accordingly, the ORR catalytic activity and stability of the proposed electrocatalyst are better than Pt/C in alkaline media. The resulting primary zinc‐air battery delivers a high open‐circuit voltage (1.50 V) and specific capacity (820 Wh kg−1) at 20 mA cm−2. This strategy, combining macroporous oxygen‐deficient oxide support with binary heteroatom doping, provides a new perspective for exploiting efficacious ORR electrocatalysts.
19F MRI Probes for Multimodal Imaging**
Authors: Janasik Dawid , Krawczyk Tomasz
Published: October 2021

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most powerful imaging tools today, capable of displaying superior soft‐tissue contrast. This review discusses developments in the field of 19F MRI multimodal probes in combination with optical fluorescence imaging (OFI), 1H MRI, chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI, ultrasonography (USG), X‐ray computed tomography (CT), single photon emission tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET), and photoacoustic imaging (PAI). In each case, multimodal 19F MRI probes compensate for the deficiency of individual techniques and offer improved sensitivity or accuracy of detection over unimodal counterparts. Strategies for designing 19F MRI multimodal probes are described with respect to their structure, physicochemical properties, biocompatibility, and the quality of images.
The impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on African American cancer survivors
Authors: Beebe‐Dimmer Jennifer L. , Lusk Christine M. , Ruterbusch Julie J. , Baird Tara E. , Pandolfi Stephanie S. , Wenzlaff Angela S. , Hastert Theresa A. , Harper Felicity W. K. , Thompson Hayley S. , Schwartz Ann G.
Published: October 2021

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has had profound effects on population health to date. African American cancer survivors are particularly vulnerable to developing severe consequences; therefore, understanding the impact of the virus on this patient population is critical.

Methods

The Detroit Research on Cancer Survivors cohort is a unique effort to understand the determinants of poor outcomes in African American cancer survivors. To date, more than 4500 cancer survivors and nearly 950 primary caregivers have been enrolled; participation includes a survey and the collection of biospecimens, medical records, and tumor tissue. Beginning in the spring of 2020, a supplemental survey focusing on the impact of COVID‐19 was offered to enrolled participants. The analysis included 890 survivors.

Results

Nearly all survivors (>99%) reported changes in their daily activities in an effort to reduce the risk of infection. More than 40% of the survivors reported some disruption in their access to medical care. A substantial proportion of the survivors (>40%) reported feeling anxious, depressed, and/or isolated during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Approximately 40% of the patients reported changes in health behaviors shown to negatively affect survivorship outcomes (physical inactivity, smoking, and alcohol use) as a result of the pandemic.

Conclusions

The influence of the COVID‐19 pandemic on African American cancer survivors is substantial: it has affected both their physical and mental health. Coupled with changes in health behaviors, these factors will likely affect outcomes in this high‐risk patient population, and this makes further study and interventions necessary to mitigate the long‐term impact of the pandemic on cancer outcomes.
Decontamination of multispecies oral biofilm from rough implant surface by airflow with glycine
Authors: Leung Kyla , Bi Jiarui , Giannelis Georgios , Owen Gethin , Larjava Hannu
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Decontamination of biofilm‐colonized rough implant surfaces remains challenging. We investigated the effect of airflow with glycine powder (AFG) on decontamination of mature oral multispecies biofilm from a sandblasted and acid etched (SLA) titanium surface.

Materials and Methods

Subgingival dental plaque was cultured on SLA disks anaerobically for 21 days. AFG with various settings and distances was applied directly on the disks with or without previous rinse of 0.9% NaCl. The specimens were then analyzed through scanning electron microscope and remaining bacteria on the implant surface were quantified and statistically compared.

Results

Mature oral biofilm with cocci and rods as major morphotypes, as well as spiral‐ and filamentous‐shaped organisms, was formed on the untreated disks. Saline rinsing removed the thick biofilm layer but left numerous of coccoid bacteria in rough surface pits. AFG effectively removed most of the bacteria from the pits. Both 25% and 50% power settings were equally effective at 3‐mm distance. With 50% power, AFG successfully removed bacteria at both 3‐ and 6‐mm distance. When AFG was applied on native biofilm without prior rinsing with saline, it effectively removed the biofilm including bacteria in the pits.

Conclusion

Application of AFG appears effective in removing bacteria from rough implant surfaces.
Defining distribution and habitat use of west‐central Florida’s coastal sharks through a research and education program
Authors: Mullins Lindsay L. , Drymon J. Marcus , Moore Moriah , Skarke Adam , Moore Alan , Rodgers John C.
Published: October 2021

Identifying critical habitat for highly mobile species such as sharks is difficult, but essential for effective management and conservation. In regions where baseline data are lacking, non‐traditional data sources have the potential to increase observational capacity for species distribution and habitat studies. In this study, a research and education organization conducted a 5‐year (2013–2018) survey of shark populations in the coastal waters of west‐central Florida, an area where a diverse shark assemblage has been observed but no formal population analyses have been conducted. The objectives of this study were to use boosted regression tree (BRT) modeling to quantify environmental factors impacting the distribution of the shark assemblage, create species distribution maps from the model outputs, and identify spatially explicit hot spots of high shark abundance. A total of 1036 sharks were captured, encompassing eleven species. Abundance hot spots for four species and for immature sharks (collectively) were most often located in areas designated as “No Internal Combustion Engine” zones and seagrass bottom cover, suggesting these environments may be fostering more diverse and abundant populations. The BRT models were fitted for immature sharks and five species where n > 100: the nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum), blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus), blacknose shark (C. acronotus), Atlantic sharpnose shark (Rhizoprionodon terraenovae), and bonnethead (Sphyrna tiburo). Capture data were paired with environmental variables: depth (m), sea surface temperature (°C), surface, middle, and bottom salinity (psu), dissolved oxygen (mg/L), and bottom type (seagrass, artificial reef, or sand). Depth, temperature, and bottom type were most frequently identified as predictors with the greatest marginal effect on shark distribution, underscoring the importance of nearshore seagrass and barrier island habitats to the shark assemblage in this region. This approach demonstrates the potential contribution of unconventional science to effective management and conservation of coastal sharks.
Feral hogs control brackish marsh plant communities over time
Authors: Hensel Marc J. S. , Silliman Brian R. , Hensel Enie , Byrnes Jarrett E. K.
Published: October 2021

Feral hogs modify ecosystems by consuming native species and altering habitat structure. These invasions can generate fundamentally different post‐invasion habitats when disturbance changes community structure, ecosystem function, or recovery dynamics. Here, we use multiple three‐year exclusion experiments to describe how feral hogs affect hyper‐productive brackish marshes over time. We find that infrequent yet consistent hog foraging and trampling suppresses dominant plants by generating a perpetually disturbed habitat that favors competitively inferior species and disallows full vegetative recovery over time. Along borders between plant monocultures, trampling destroys dominant graminoids responsible for most aboveground marsh biomass while competitively inferior plants increase fivefold. Hog activities shift the brackish marsh disturbance regime from pulse to press, which changes the plant community: competitively inferior plants increase coverage, species diversity is doubled, and live cover is lowered by 30% as large plants are unable to take hold in hog‐disturbed areas. Release from disturbance does not result in complete recovery (i.e., dominant plant monocultures) because hog consumer control is a combination of both top‐down control and broader engineering effects. These results highlight how habitats are susceptible to invasive effects outside of structural destruction alone, especially if large consumers are pervasive over time and change the dynamics that sustain recovery.