bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
To Assess the Physical Morbidity Profile among the Welders
Authors: Wanjari Mayur Bhaskarrao , Wankhede Pratibha
Published: August 2021

Introduction: The welding profession poses many health hazards that the welders are exposed to everyday during working time. This leads to a large number of health consequences and diseases. Worldwide 10 million employees are exposed to iron fumes. Most are exposed by inhaling welding fumes that have iron as their main component. Exposure to iron fumes in steel mills and iron/steel foundries is also significant.

Background: For welders it is most important to take safety measures during working time. Welders are exposed to various types of hazardous substances that can affect their health. Worldwide welder’s morbidity is in a large number of welders affected. We conducted a study to find the physical morbidity pattern of welders in the Wardha region.

Objective- To assess the physical morbidity profile among the welders, and associate the physical morbidity profile with selected demographical variables in Wardha, India.

Methods: A purposive sample was conducted among 100 welders to identify the physical morbidity among welders. Welding workshop in separated space outside and inside the city of Wardha.one way ANOVA and t-test used to estimate the degree of association between the physical morbidity profile and the selected demographic variables.

Results: All welders were having some type of physical morbidity. The most frequent issues with the welding workers are injury to the eyes and skin. Age of welding worker, educational qualification, experience of welding work, hours worked per day are in association with the physical morbidity among welders.

Conclusion: In this study, the physical morbidity pattern of welders is identified. 87% welders were identified with mild physical morbidity and 13% of welders with moderate physical morbidity. Need some training program for welders to do right and safety welding and certificated course for welders.
Causes and Management of Urethral Strictures in Elderly: A Review
Authors: Almhmd Abdalah Emad , Almujel Khaled Nasser , Alruwaili Meshal Ali , Kaseb Ahmed Mohammed A. , Alaenzi Yousef Ali , Alhashem Faris Abdullah , Al-Ruwaili Sultan Suliman Q. , Huraysi Hussain Mubarak , Alali Yara Abdulrahman , Aldawood Saad Abdullah
Published: August 2021

Urethral stricture disease is a moderately frequent condition that comes at a high financial cost and can have long-term consequences. Understanding urethral stricture epidemiology is critical for identifying risk factors linked with illness genesis or development. This knowledge might lead to better therapies and preventive actions, which could lower disease severity, generate better health outcomes, and save costs. Based on existing published case series, we conducted a comprehensive assessment of urethral stricture disease, highlighted knowledge gaps, and recommended future research initiatives.
A Retrospective Drug Utilization Study on Psychiatric Illness in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital
Authors: Michelle I. Jerlin , Dhanushri E. , RAJ V. Nidhish , Syed Muhammad Aslam , Priyadharshini A. , Ahalya S. P.
Published: August 2021

Psychiatric disorders are now widely recognized as a major contributor to the global burden of disease. It has been described that there is an increased risk of adverse effects when more than one psychotropic drug is prescribed. Knowledge of the pattern of utilization of drugs in the general population can be achieved through the conduct of drug utilization studies. The present study has therefore been conducted to observe the pattern of drug use in psychiatry patients in a tertiary care hospital.

Aim and Objective:

To assess the epidemiology of various psychiatric illnesses among the study population

To assess the Prescribing Pattern of drugs in Psychiatric Illness.

To assess the drug-drug interactions in the prescription using MICROMEDEX.

Methodology: A retrospective descriptive observational study was performed in a tertiary care hospital. A total of 100 prescriptions were collected from MRD. 

Results: The study reported that 66% of patients were males and 34% were females. The average number of drugs and psychotropic drugs per prescription is six and four respectively. Around 61.98% of drugs in the prescription are psychotropic drugs, among that 40.17% of benzodiazepines are majorly used, followed by 34.27% of antipsychotics. Almost 95 prescriptions had a minimum of one drug-drug interaction. 

The average number of psychotropics per prescription was higher than in studies. The average number of drugs per prescription was 5.84, which lead to polypharmacy.

Conclusion: Using WHO indicators prescription analysis was done and it showed some deviation from the standard value which can be improved. Polypharmacy was noted in this study. Most of the drug is prescribed in the brand name which should be avoided.
COVID-19: Diagnosis, Management and Response
Authors: Mhaske Ashwini Shalikrao , Chakole Swaroopa
Published: August 2021

Background: COVID infection 2019 (COVID-19) is identified as a disease caused by Corona virus formally known as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2), which was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, amidst of an outbreak of respiratory sickness cases.

Summary: As there is no affirmed total course of treatment for the Novel Coronavirus, the best way to handle it is by playing it safe, its administration and early reaction. Segregation and disinfection go inseparably with regards to dealing with a COVID positive patient. In any case, the predetermined number of clinical office accessible is blocking the cycle of control and anticipation for a particularly number of infected patients.

Conclusion: As the pandemic is advancing, more examinations and exploration is needed to effectively deal with the spread of the novel Corona virus. Foundation improvement and arrangement of clinical office and gear is the preeminent prerequisite for early reaction and treatment.
Air pollutants–particulate matter (PM)2.5 with antenatal exposure leading to adverse obstetrical outcomes of low birth weight and preterm birth: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Altangerel Otgontuya , Jeng Cherng-Jye , Wu Trong-Neng , Wu Wen-Yih , Chan Te-Fu , Kwan Aij-Lie , Chuang Linus T.
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Particulate matter (PM)2.5 exposure affects prenatal health and birth outcomes, including low birth weight (LBW) and preterm delivery (PTD).

Objective

To identify and explore PM2.5 exposure on adverse obstetrical effects, including preterm birth and LBW.

Methods

Four hundred and nine studies from 1982 to 2020 were identified in a search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Science Direct. Of the 409 articles, 24 were identified as “qualitatively considered” and 7 were identified as “quantitively eligible” to be included in this meta-analysis. The pooled effect of PM2.5 exposure on LBW and PTD was calculated using a random effect model with significant heterogeneity. Seven studies were conducted in the meta-analysis, and the pooled effect of PM2.5 exposure on LBW and entire pregnancy was 1.033 (95% CI, 1.025–1.041) with significant high heterogeneity (I2 = 96.110, P = 0.000). The pooled effect of PM2.5 exposure on PTD and entire pregnancy was 1.024 (95% CI, 1.015–1.033) with significantly different low heterogeneity (I2 = 60.036, P = 0.082).

Discussion

Exposure to PM2.5 during pregnancy is significantly associated with the risk of LBW, and the risk of PTD is significantly different but consistently associated with PM2.5.

Conclusion

Globally, PM2.5 exposure is significantly associated with serious pregnancy and birth outcomes worldwide. The emerging risks to prenatal health suggest a need for the government to influence health policies to protect maternal and pediatric health.
AKT controls NLRP3 inflammasome activation by inducing DDX3X phosphorylation
Authors: Guo Xingchen , Chen Sheng , Yu Weiwei , Chi Zhexu , Wang Zhen , Xu Ting , Zhang Jian , Jiang Danlu , Guo Yuxian , Fang Hui , Zhang Kailian , Li Mobai , Yang Dehang , Yu Qianzhou , Ye Qizhen , Wang Di , Zhang Xue , Wu Yingliang
Published: August 2021

The NLRP3 inflammasome, a critical component of the innate immune system, induces caspase‐1 activation and interleukin‐1β maturation and drives cell fate toward pyroptosis. However, the mechanism of NLRP3 inflammasome activation still remains elusive. Here we provide evidence that AKT regulates NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Upon NLRP3 activation, AKT activity is inhibited by second stimulus‐induced reactive oxygen species. In contrast, AKT activation leads to NLRP3 inhibition and improved mitochondrial fitness. Mechanistically, AKT induces the phosphorylation of the DDX3X (DEAD‐box helicase 3, X‐linked), a recently identified NLRP3 inflammasome component, and impairs the interaction between DDX3X and NLRP3. Furthermore, an AKT agonist reduces NLRP3‐dependent inflammation in two in vivo models of LPS‐induced sepsis and Alum‐induced peritonitis. Altogether, our study highlights an important role of AKT in controlling NLRP3 inflammasome activation.
ERK signaling controls productive HIF‐1 binding to chromatin and cancer cell adaptation to hypoxia through HIF‐1α interaction with NPM1
Authors: Koukoulas Kreon , Giakountis Antonis , Karagiota Angeliki , Samiotaki Martina , Panayotou George , Simos George , Mylonis Ilias
Published: August 2021

The hypoxia‐inducible factor HIF‐1 is essential for oxygen homeostasis. Despite its well‐understood oxygen‐dependent expression, regulation of its transcriptional activity remains unclear. We show that phosphorylation by extracellular signal‐regulated kinases1/2 (ERK1/2), in addition to promoting HIF‐1α nuclear accumulation, also enhances its interaction with chromatin and stimulates direct binding to nucleophosmin (NPM1), a histone chaperone and chromatin remodeler. NPM1 is required for phosphorylation‐dependent recruitment of HIF‐1 to hypoxia response elements, its interaction with acetylated histones, and high expression of HIF‐1 target genes under hypoxia. Transcriptome analysis revealed a significant number of hypoxia‐related genes commonly regulated by NPM1 and HIF‐1. These NPM1/HIF‐1α co‐upregulated genes are enriched in three different cancer types, and their expression correlates with hypoxic tumor status and worse patient prognosis. In concert, silencing of NPM1 expression or disruption of its association with HIF‐1α inhibits metabolic adaptation of cancer cells and triggers apoptotic death upon hypoxia. We suggest that ERK‐mediated phosphorylation of HIF‐1α regulates its physical interaction with NPM1, which is essential for the productive association of HIF‐1 with hypoxia target genes and their optimal transcriptional activation, required for survival under low oxygen or tumor growth.
Rare‐Earth Permanent Magnet SmCo5 for Chiral Interfacial Spin‐Orbitronics
Authors: Zhou Heng‐An , Liu Jiahao , Wang Zidong , Zhang Qihan , Xu Teng , Dong Yiqing , Zhao Le , Je Soong‐Geun , Im Mi‐Young , Xu Kun , Zhu Jing , Jiang Wanjun
Published: August 2021

Interfacially asymmetric magnetic multilayers made of heavy metal/ferromagnet have attracted considerable attention in the spintronics community for accommodating spin‐orbit torques (SOTs) and meanwhile for hosting chiral spin textures. In these multilayers, the accompanied interfacial Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction (iDMI) permits the formation of Néel‐type spin textures. While significant progresses have been made in Co, CoFeB, Co2FeAl, CoFeGd based multilayers, it would be intriguing to identify new magnetic multilayers that could enable spin‐torque controllability and meanwhile host nanoscale skyrmions. In this report, first, thin films made of permanent magnet SmCo5 with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy are synthesized, in which the deterministic SOT switching, enabled by the spin Hall effect, in Pt/SmCo5/Ta trilayer is demonstrated. Further, the stabilization of room‐temperature skyrmions with diameters ≈100 nm in [Pt/SmCo5/Ta]15, together with a skyrmionium‐like spin texture in [Pt/SmCo5/Ir]15 multilayers is shown. Based on the material specific parameters, micromagnetic simulations are also carried out. The results confirm the presence of chiral spin textures in this new material family. Through interfacial engineering, the results thus demonstrate that rare earth permanent magnets could be a new platform for studying interfacial chiral spintronics.
Galvanic Transformation Dynamics in Heterostructured Nanoparticles
Authors: Du Jingshan S. , He Kun , Xu Yaobin , Wahl Carolin B. , Xu David D. , Dravid Vinayak P. , Mirkin Chad A.
Published: August 2021

Corrosion is a significant problem for the stability of structural metals and potentially for functional nanomaterials in operating environments. When two metals with different electrochemical potentials form a junction, galvanic corrosion occurs, resulting in the sacrificial dissolution of the metal with a higher oxidation potential (lower electrode potential). Here, it is shown that bimetallic hetero‐nanostructures composed of phase‐segregated metals undergo galvanic corrosion in aqueous environments. Such selective etching of the sacrificial metal in heterojunction particles leads to the formation of unusual and kinetically stabilized half‐spheroid particles. By using a fluid cell and in situ scanning transmission electron microscopy, a two‐stage corrosion process can be observed where the Cu experiences a fractal breakdown before the Ag corrodes due to the lack of a protective oxide layer. However, when treated with a mild Ar plasma, the stability of these structures against corrosion is enhanced due to the conversion of the amorphous native oxide to a denser, thin layer of CuO on the Cu surface. Taken together, this work highlights the importance of considering the effects of galvanic corrosion on the stability of multicomponent nanoparticles, and it shows how mass transport in a nanoscale system is influenced by redox processes.
High‐Strength and Nonfouling Zwitterionic Triple‐Network Hydrogel in Saline Environments
Authors: Li Xiaohui , Tang Chenjue , Liu Di , Yuan Zhefan , Hung Hsiang‐Chieh , Luozhong Sijin , Gu Wenchao , Wu Kan , Jiang Shaoyi
Published: August 2021

Zwitterionic hydrogels have received great attention due to their excellent nonfouling and biocompatible properties, but they suffer from weak mechanical strength in the saline environments important for biomedical and engineering applications due to the “anti‐polyelectrolyte” effect. Conventional strategies to introduce hydrophobic or non‐zwitterionic components to increase mechanical strength compromise their nonfouling properties. Here, a highly effective strategy is reported to achieve both high mechanical strength and excellent nonfouling properties by constructing a pure zwitterionic triple‐network (ZTN) hydrogel. The strong electrostatic interaction and network entanglement within the triple‐network structure can effectively dissipate energy to toughen the hydrogel and achieve high strength, toughness, and stiffness in saline environments (compressive fracture stress 18.2 ± 1.4 MPa, toughness 1.62 ± 0.03 MJ m–3, and modulus 0.66 ± 0.03 MPa in seawater environments). Moreover, the ZTN hydrogel is shown to strongly resist the attachment of proteins, bacteria, and cells. The results provide a fundamental understanding to guide the design of tough nonfouling zwitterionic hydrogels for a broad range of applications.
Hyperbolic Nanoparticles on Substrate with Separate Optical Scattering and Absorption Resonances: A Dual Function Platform for SERS and Thermoplasmonics
Authors: Zhao Yingqi , Hubarevich Aliaksandr , Iarossi Marzia , Borzda Tetiana , Tantussi Francesco , Huang Jian‐An , De Angelis Francesco
Published: August 2021

Tuning optical properties of plasmonic nanostructures, including their absorption, scattering, and local‐field distribution is of great interest for various applications that rely on optical energy regulated by plasmonic effects. Conventional plasmonic nanostructures enhance light scattering and absorption simultaneously, leading to compromise for either surface‐enhanced spectroscopy or thermoplasmonic applications. In this paper, a dual functional platform based on a hyperbolic meta particles (HMP) substrate that exhibits separate and tuneable wavelengths of absorption and scattering resonances for both thermoplasmonics and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), is demonstrated. Significantly, either light‐to‐heat conversion efficiency at the absorption resonance band or SERS performance at the scattering resonance band of the HMP substrate is improved in comparison to those of plasmonic gold nanoparticles. Taking advantage of the flexible control of the separate scattering and absorption channels, the influence of the absorption resonance band position on the SERS signal is also investigated. The platform shows unique potential for in vitro biosensing in thermal modulation and in situ monitoring.
Stereo‐ and Regioselective [3+3] Annulation Reaction Catalyzed by Ytterbium: Synthesis of Bicyclic 1,4‐Dihydropyridines
Authors: del Corte Xabier , López‐Francés Adrián , de Marigorta Edorta Martínez , Palacios Francisco , Vicario Javier
Published: August 2021

An ytterbium catalyzed formal [3+3] cycloaddition of cyclic enamines and α,β‐unsaturated ketones catalyzed is reported. The reaction proceeds with a ‘head to tail’ regioselectivity through a conjugate addition of the enamine moiety followed by an amine‐carbonyl condensation. In addition the use of chiral enamines provided a high degree of stereoselectivity, driven by a possible balance between steric and π‐stacking effects. The resulting bicyclic 1,4‐dihydropyridines were evaluated as antiproliferative agents against A549 (carcinomic human alveolar basal epithelial cell) and SKOV3 (human ovarian carcinoma) human tumor cell lines. Good toxicities were found for some of the compounds against A549 and SKOV3 cell lines, with best IC50 values of 0.89 μM for A549 and 6.69 μM for SKOV3, and a very good selectivity was observed towards MRC5 (non‐malignant) cell lines.

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Ultra‐High Performance Amorphous Ga2O3 Photodetector Arrays for Solar‐Blind Imaging
Authors: Qin Yuan , Li Li‐Heng , Yu Zhaoan , Wu Feihong , Dong Danian , Guo Wei , Zhang Zhongfang , Yuan Jun‐Hui , Xue Kan‐Hao , Miao Xiangshui , Long Shibing
Published: August 2021

The growing demand for scalable solar‐blind image sensors with remarkable photosensitive properties has stimulated the research on more advanced solar‐blind photodetector (SBPD) arrays. In this work, the authors demonstrate ultrahigh‐performance metal‐semiconductor‐metal (MSM) SBPDs based on amorphous (a‐) Ga2O3 via a post‐annealing process. The post‐annealed MSM a‐Ga2O3 SBPDs exhibit superhigh sensitivity of 733 A/W and high response speed of 18 ms, giving a high gain‐bandwidth product over 104 at 5 V. The SBPDs also show ultrahigh photo‐to‐dark current ratio of 3.9 × 107. Additionally, the PDs demonstrate super‐high specific detectivity of 3.9 × 1016 Jones owing to the extremely low noise down to 3.5 fW Hz−1/2, suggesting high signal‐to‐noise ratio. Underlying mechanism for such superior photoelectric properties is revealed by Kelvin probe force microscopy and first principles calculation. Furthermore, for the first time, a large‐scale, high‐uniformity 32 × 32 image sensor array based on the post‐annealed a‐Ga2O3 SBPDs is fabricated. Clear image of target object with high contrast can be obtained thanks to the high sensitivity and uniformity of the array. These results demonstrate the feasibility and practicality of the Ga2O3 PDs for applications in solar‐blind imaging, environmental monitoring, artificial intelligence and machine vision.
Purely Spin‐Vibronic Coupling Assisted Triplet to Singlet Up‐Conversion for Real Deep Blue Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes with Over 20% Efficiency and y Color Coordinate of 0.05
Authors: Patil Vilas Venunath , Lee Ha Lim , Kim Inkoo , Lee Kyung Hyung , Chung Won Jae , Kim Joonghyuk , Park Sangho , Choi Hyeonho , Son Won‐Joon , Jeon Soon Ok , Lee Jun Yeob
Published: August 2021

Finding narrow‐band, ultrapure blue thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) materials is extremely important for developing highly efficient organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). Here, spin–vibronic coupling (SVC)‐assisted ultrapure blue emitters obtained by joining two carbazole‐derived moieties at a para position of a phenyl unit and performing substitutions using several blocking groups are presented. Despite a relatively large singlet–triplet gap (∆EST) of >0.2 eV, efficient triplet‐to‐singlet crossover can be realized, with assistance from resonant SVC. To enhance the spin crossover, electronic energy levels are fine‐tuned, thereby causing ∆EST to be in resonance with a triplet–triplet gap (∆ETT). A sizable population transfer between spin multiplicities (>103 s−1) is achieved, and this result agrees well with theoretical predictions. An OLED fabricated using a multiple‐resonance‐type SVC‐TADF emitter with CIE color coordinates of (0.15, 0.05) exhibits ultrapure blue emissions, with a narrow full‐width‐at‐half‐maximum of 21 nm and a high external quantum efficiency of 23.1%.
Complementary of Ferroelectric and Floating Gate Structure for High Performance Organic Nonvolatile Memory
Authors: He Lihua , Li Enlong , He Weixin , Yan Yujie , Lan Shuqiong , Yu Rengjian , Chen Huipeng , Guo Tailiang
Published: August 2021

Organic thin film transistor (OTFT) based nonvolatile memory has made significant progress due to its biocompatibility, flexibility, and low cost, in which ferroelectric transistor memory and floating gate transistor memory play the main roles in organic nonvolatile transistor memory. Here, a novel layered hybrid structure OTFT nonvolatile memory is invented by combining ferroelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐trifluoroethylene) P(VDF‐TrFE) with a floating gate layer utilizing CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs), which integrates the advantages of ferroelectric memory and floating gate memory. The core–shell structured CdSe/Zns QDs are acted as robust charge trapping centers due to their band structure similar to a quantum well, preventing the back diffuse of trapped charges, while P(VDF‐TrFE) provides additional polarized electric field to modulate the capture of charge. The resultant devices exhibit high on‐state current (≈10−5 A), low off‐state current (≈10−10 A), excellent switch ratio (≈105), and retention characteristic (>104 s). Furthermore, a superior memory window, more than 85.6% of scanning voltage range, higher than most reported organic transistor memories, is achieved, which endows the device wide operating condition and significant discrimination between on and off state. The fine‐structured OTFT memory opens up a unique path for desirable memory to meet the growing demand of microelectronic industry.
Modulating 3d Orbitals of Ni Atoms on Ni‐Pt Edge Sites Enables Highly‐Efficient Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Zhou Min , Li Hangfei , Long Anchun , Zhou Bo , Lu Fei , Zhang Fengchu , Zhan Fei , Zhang Zhenxin , Xie Weiwei , Zeng Xianghua , Yi Ding , Wang Xi
Published: August 2021

Water electrolysis operating in alkaline environments is a promising route to produce H2 on a massive scale. In this context, designing highly‐active and low‐cost electrocatalysts is of great importance. Here NiPt alloys with plenty of atomically dispersed Pt at the edges to boost hydrogen evolution in alkaline solution are reported. The formed Ni‐Pt atomic pairs at the edges hold engineered electronic structures by reducing the number of coordination atoms to facilitate the kinetically sluggish Volmer step, and further promote the hydrogen coupling step by providing separate active sites as well. With a Pt content of 3at%, this catalyst records an ultralow overpotential of 6 mV to reach the current density of 10 mA cm−2, and delivers a current density of 68.3 mA cm−2 at the overpotential of 30 mV, exceeding that of the commercial 20wt% Pt/C catalyst by a factor of >4. The aberration‐corrected transmission electron microscopy and quasi‐operando X‐ray absorption fine structure measurements show Ni‐Pt atomic pairs serve as active sites and enable the subtle adsorption/desorption balances between various intermediates (OH* and H*) during the hydrogen evolution reaction. The as‐made alloys show high stability with negligible activity decay after a 12 h chronoamperometric test, addressing its feasibility in an overall water‐splitting cell.
Thermoresponsive nanocomposite hydrogels with high mechanical strength and toughness based on a dual crosslinking strategy
Authors: Gu Heng , Wang Gang , Cao Xiaodong
Published: August 2021

The practical application of thermoresponsive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) hydrogels are severely limited by their poor mechanical properties. Herein, we reported a series of dual crosslinked (DC) PNIPAM hydrogels with superior mechanical properties prepared by simple copolymerization of N‐isopropylacrylamide and sodium acrylate (SA) in the laponite RDS suspension, following by a soaking process in multivalent metal cations (e.g., Ca2+, Al3+, Fe3+) aqueous solutions to form ionic coordination interactions with COO groups of copolymer side chains. The effect of laponite RDS, AANa (sodium acrylate), and metal cation (e.g., Fe3+) concentrations on the mechanical properties and deswelling properties of the DC hydrogels are evaluated. The DC hydrogel prepared with 10 w/v% laponite RDS, 0.25 mol/L AANa and 0.45 mol/L Fe3+ possesses the best mechanical properties (ca. 1.1 MPa of tensile strength, 9.1 MPa of compression strength at 80% of compression strain, 1.4 MPa of elastic modulus and 1.3 MJ/m3 of toughness). Moreover, we also discovered that the DC hydrogels crosslinked by Fe3+ showed better mechanical properties due to the larger charge and ion radius of Fe3+.
Extended state observer‐based finite time control of electro‐hydraulic system via sliding mode technique
Authors: Zou Quan
Published: August 2021

The position tracking control of electro‐hydraulic system (EHS) is disposed in this paper via sliding mode control (SMC) with nonlinear sliding surface. The main feature of the proposed controller is the combination of a totally singular‐free recursive terminal sliding mode controller (RTSMC) with an extended state observer (ESO). The uncertainties (including the unknown external disturbance) together with its derivatives and the unmeasured states of EHS are estimated simultaneously by the ESO while the controller is designed by employing the recursive nonsingular TSMC (RNTSMC), and a nonlinear sliding surface is employed to totally avoid the singularity in the traditional RNTSMC. Moreover, the observer dynamics are considered during the controller design. The position tracking error is proven to be bounded in finite time via Lyapunov theory, and the bound can be effectively reduced by tuning the parameters of the controller and observer. Simulation results show that the proposed controller is not sensitive to model uncertainties and external disturbances.
Pharmacokinetics of S‐epacadostat, an indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase 1 inhibitor, in dog plasma and identification of its metabolites in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Zhang Yumu , Li Xin , Sun Yufei , Liu Xinghua , Wang Wenyan , Tian Jingwei
Published: August 2021

S‐epacadostat (S‐EPA) is an efficient and selective small‐molecule inhibitor of indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase 1. It is an EPA analog with a sulfur atom instead of a nitrogen atom at the furazan C3 position. This study documents the pharmacokinetics of S‐EPA in dogs and its metabolic pathway. After an oral administration of 15 mg/kg of S‐EPA in dogs, the time to peak concentration was 0.80 h, the mean elimination half‐life was 7.3 h, and the absolute bioavailability was 55.8%. Furthermore, we identified S‐EPA metabolites in dog plasma and dog liver microsomes by UPLC‐Q Exactive Orbitrap HRMS. In dog plasma, we found five metabolites, which came from glucuronidation (M1 and M2), deoxygenation (the amidine M4), glucuronidation of M4 (M3), and desulfonamidation and oxidation of M4 (the carboxylic acid M5). In dog liver microsomes, we identified three major metabolites, namely, the glucuronide conjugate (M6), a mono‐oxidation product (M7), and a desulfonamidation and oxidation product (M8). Gut microbiota may cause the differences between in vivo and in vitro oxidation metabolisms. Contrary to EPA, S‐EPA did not undergo dealkylation, suggesting that substituting the nitrogen with sulfur affects the metabolism of the adjacent alkyl side chain.
Cognitive changes and brain connectomes, endocrine status, and risk genotypes in testicular cancer patients–A prospective controlled study
Authors: Buskbjerg Cecilie R. , Amidi Ali , Agerbaek Mads , Gravholt Claus H. , Hosseini SM Hadi , Zachariae Robert
Published: August 2021

Objective

Previous research has indicated cognitive decline (CD) among testicular cancer patients (TCPs), even in the absence of chemotherapy, but little is known about the underlying pathophysiology. The present study assessed changes in cognitive functions and structural brain connectomes in TCPs and explored the associations between cognitive changes and endocrine status and hypothesized risk genotypes.

Methods

Thirty‐eight newly orchiectomized TCPs and 21 healthy controls (HCs) comparable to TCPs in terms of age and years of education underwent neuropsychological testing, structural MRI, and a biological assessment at baseline and 6 months later. Cognitive change was assessed with a neuropsychological test battery and determined using a standardized regression‐based approach, with substantial change defined as z‐scores ≤−1.64 or ≥1.64. MRI scans and graph theory were used to evaluate changes in structural brain connectomes. The associations of cognitive changes with testosterone levels, androgen receptor gene (AR) CAG repeat length, and genotypes (APOE, COMT, and BDNF) were explored.

Results

Compared with HCs, TCPs showed higher rates of substantial decline on processing speed and visuospatial ability and higher rates of substantial improvement on verbal recall and visuospatial learning (p < 0.05; OR = 8.15–15.84). Brain network analysis indicated bilateral thalamic changes in node degree in HCs, but not in TCPs (p < 0.01). In TCPs, higher baseline testosterone levels predicted decline in verbal memory (p < 0.05). No effects were found for AR CAG repeat length, APOE, COMT, or BDNF.

Conclusions

The present study confirms previous findings of domain‐specific CD in TCPs following orchiectomy, but also points to domain‐specific improvements. The results do not indicate changes in brain connectomes or endocrine status to be the main drivers of CD. Further studies evaluating the mechanisms underlying CD in TCPs, including the possible role of the dynamics of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis, are warranted.
Biological Insights and NMR Metabolic Profiling of Different Extracts ofSpermacoce verticillata(L.) G. Mey.
Authors: Sinan Kouadio Ibrahime , Zengin Gokhan , Fiorentino Antonio , D'Abrosca Brigida , Ak Gunes , Lobine Devina , Etienne Ouattara Katinan , Subratty Anwar Hussein , Mahomoodally Mohamad Fawzi
Published: August 2021

Spermacoce verticillata(L.) G. Mey. is commonly used in the folk medicine by various cultures to manage common diseases. Herein, the chemical and biological profiles ofS. verticillatawere studied in order to provide a comprehensive characterization of bioactive compounds and also to highlight the therapeutic properties. Thein vitroantioxidant activity using free‐radical scavenging, phosphomolybdenum, ferrous‐ion chelating and reducing power assays, and the inhibitory activity against key enzymes such as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), tyrosinase, α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase ofS. verticillataextracts (dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanol and water) were investigated. The highest total phenolic and flavonoid content were observed in the methanolic and aqueous extracts. Exhaustive 2DNMR investigation has revealed the presence of rutin, ursolic and oleanoic acids. The methanolic extract, followed by aqueous extract have showed remarkable free radical quenching and reducing ability, while the dichloromethane extract was the best source of metal chelators. The tested extracts showed notable inhibitory activity against cholinesterases (AChE: 1.63–4.99 mg GALAE/g extract and BChE: 12.40–15.48 mg GALAE/g extract) and tyrosinase (60.85–159.64 mg KAE/g extract). No inhibitory activity was displayed by ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts against BChE and tyrosinase, respectively. All the tested extracts showed modest α‐amylase inhibitory activity, while only the ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts were potent against α‐glycosidase. This study further validates the use ofS. verticillatain the traditional medicine, while advocating for further investigation for phytomedicine development.
Helical Bisphosphinites in Asymmetric Tsuji‐Trost Allylation: a Remarkable P:Pd Ratio Effect
Authors: Medena Caleb , Aubert Corinne , Derat Etienne , Fensterbank Louis , Gontard Geoffrey , Khaled Omar , Ollivier Cyril , Vanthuyne Nicolas , Petit Marc , Barbazanges Marion
Published: August 2021

This article discloses a study on a chiral bis‐phosphorylated‐helical ligand in the palladium‐catalyzed Tsuji‐Trost allylation. The use of 2,15‐bisphosphinite‐[6]‐helicenes revealed a remarkable ligand effect, in which the (R) and (S) isomeric products can be selectively formed as a direct function of the amount of ligand introduced. Investigation of the organometallic species involved through 31P NMR spectroscopic analysis of a model complex and X‐Ray diffraction analysis together with DFT calculations shed light on this phenomenon.
Modelling of hydrodesulphurization in industrial trickle bed reactor using mixing cell network approach
Authors: Yadav Ashutosh , Roy Sangram
Published: August 2021

A mixing cell network (MCN) was developed for the commercial diesel hydrodesulphurization process (DHDS) in a trickle bed reactor (TBR). The two‐phase model is developed to simulate the performance of an industrial DHDS unit. Major hydrotreating reactions such as hydrodesulphurization (HDS), hydrodearomatization (HDA), and olefin saturation were accounted for in the developed model. The MCN model predictions on axial concentration profiles of sulphur, polynuclear aromatics (PNAs), monoaromatics (MAs), and temperature were found to be in agreement with the real‐time plant data. Further, the predicted results were also compared with the plug flow model to confirm model adequacy. The results obtained in this paper show the efficacy of the MCN model in simulating multiple reactions happening in real industrial scenarios.
Biomarkers for predicting response to long‐term high dose aspirin therapy in aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease
Authors: Mastalerz Lucyna , Tyrak Katarzyna E.
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is a phenotype of asthma characterized by eosinophilic inflammation in the airways, mast cell activation, cysteinyl leukotriene overproduction, and acute respiratory reactions on exposure to cyclooxygenase‐1 inhibitors. Aspirin desensitization followed by daily high‐dose aspirin therapy is a safe and effective treatment option for the majority of patients with AERD. However, there is still some percentage of the population who do not derive benefits from daily aspirin use.

Methods

Based on the current literature, the biomarkers, which might predict aspirin treatment outcomes in AERD patients, were evaluated.

Results and conclusions

Patients with severe symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis, type 2 asthma based on blood eosinophilia, non‐neutrophilic inflammatory phenotype based on sputum cells, as well as high plasma level of 15‐hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15‐HETE) are potentially good responders to long term high‐dose aspirin therapy. Additionally, high expression of the hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase gene, HPGD encoding prostaglandin‐degrading enzyme 15‐hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15‐PGDH) and low expression of the proteoglycan 2 gene, PRG2 encoding constituent of the eosinophil granule in sputum cells might serve as a predictor of good response to aspirin therapy. Variations in the expression of cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 in the airways could additionally influence the response to long‐term aspirin therapy. Arachidonic acid metabolites levels via the 5‐lipoxygenase as well as via the cyclooxygenase pathways in induced sputum supernatant do not change during high dose long‐term aspirin therapy and do not influence outcomes of aspirin treatment.
The effects of orexin‐A and orexin receptors on anxiety‐ and depression‐related behaviors in a male rat model of post‐traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Han Dan , Shi Yuxiu , Han Fang
Published: August 2021

Orexin neurons play an important role in stress‐related mental disorders including post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Anxiety‐ and depression‐related symptoms commonly occur in combination with PTSD. However, the role of the orexin system in mediating alterations in these affective symptoms remains unclear. The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is implicated in both cognitive and emotional processing. In the present study, we investigated anxiety‐ and depression‐related behavioral changes using the elevated plus maze, the sucrose preference test, and the open field test in male rats with single prolonged stress (SPS) induced‐PTSD. The expression of orexin‐A in the hypothalamus and orexin receptors (OX1R and OX2R) in the mPFC was detected and quantified by immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and real‐time polymerase chain reaction. We found that the SPS rats exhibited enhanced levels of anxiety, reduced exploratory activities, and anhedonia. Furthermore, SPS resulted in reductions in the expression of orexin‐A in the hypothalamus and the increased the expression of OX1R in the mPFC. The intracerebroventricular administration of orexin‐A alleviated behavioral changes in SPS rats and partly restored the increased levels of OX1R in the mPFC. These results suggest that the orexin system plays a role in the anxiety‐ and depression‐related symptoms observed in PTSD.
Enhanced Multiplexing of Immunofluorescence Microscopy Using a Long‐Stokes‐Shift Fluorophore
Authors: Reitz Sydney J. , Sauerbeck Andrew D. , Kummer Terrance T.
Published: August 2021

Immunofluorescence labeling and microscopy offer a highly specific means to visualize proteins or other molecular species in a sample by labeling target antigens with fluorescent probes. These fluorescent probes can then be visualized using a fluorescence microscope, allowing their relative spatial relationships to be determined. Due to spectral overlap of common fluorophores, however, it can be challenging to analyze more than three antigens in a single sample with standard imaging approaches. This article describes multiplexed labeling and imaging of four target antigens through the use of a long‐Stokes‐shift fluorophore—a fluorophore with an unusually large gap between its excitation and emission maxima—in tandem with three conventional fluorophores. This combination allows for multiplexed imaging of four antigens in a single sample with excellent spectral discrimination suitable for sensitive analyses using standard imaging hardware. Particular advantages of this approach are its flexibility in terms of target antigens and the lack of any specialized procedures, reagents, or equipment beyond the commercially available labeling reagent coupled to the long‐Stokes‐shift fluorophore. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Four‐probe immunofluorescence labeling

Basic Protocol 2: Four‐probe immunofluorescence imaging
Species distribution models for invasive Eurasian watermilfoil highlight the importance of data quality and limitations of discrimination accuracy metrics
Authors: Thomas Shyam M. , Verhoeven Michael R. , Walsh Jake R. , Larkin Daniel J. , Hansen Gretchen J. A.
Published: August 2021

Aim

Availability of uniformly collected presence, absence, and abundance data remains a key challenge in species distribution modeling (SDM). For invasive species, abundance and impacts are highly variable across landscapes, and quality occurrence and abundance data are critical for predicting locations at high risk for invasion and impacts, respectively. We leverage a large aquatic vegetation dataset comprising point‐level survey data that includes information on the invasive plant Myriophyllum spicatum (Eurasian watermilfoil) to: (a) develop SDMs to predict invasion and impact from environmental variables based on presence–absence, presence‐only, and abundance data, and (b) compare evaluation metrics based on functional and discrimination accuracy for presence–absence and presence‐only SDMs.

Location

Minnesota, USA.

Methods

Eurasian watermilfoil presence–absence and abundance information were gathered from 468 surveyed lakes, and 801 unsurveyed lakes were leveraged as pseudoabsences for presence‐only models. A Random Forest algorithm was used to model the distribution and abundance of Eurasian watermilfoil as a function of lake‐specific predictors, both with and without a spatial autocovariate. Occurrence‐based SDMs were evaluated using conventional discrimination accuracy metrics and functional accuracy metrics assessing correlation between predicted suitability and observed abundance.

Results

Water temperature degree days and maximum lake depth were two leading predictors influencing both invasion risk and abundance, but they were relatively less important for predicting abundance than other water quality measures. Road density was a strong predictor of Eurasian watermilfoil invasion risk but not abundance. Model evaluations highlighted significant differences: Presence–absence models had high functional accuracy despite low discrimination accuracy, whereas presence‐only models showed the opposite pattern.

Main conclusion

Complementing presence–absence data with abundance information offers a richer understanding of invasive Eurasian watermilfoil's ecological niche and enables evaluation of the model's functional accuracy. Conventional discrimination accuracy measures were misleading when models were developed using pseudoabsences. We thus caution against the overuse of presence‐only models and suggest directing more effort toward systematic monitoring programs that yield high‐quality data.
Hyperbranched Polyphenylene as an Electrode for Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Lobo Laurel Simon , Matsumoto Kazuya , Jikei Mitsutoshi , Ikeda Shun , Okawa Hirokazu
Published: August 2021

Polymeric electrodes have attracted considerable attention for their potential as Li‐ion battery (LIB) electrodes due to their tunable structures and sustainable preparation from abundant precursors in an environmentally friendly manner. Herein, hyperbranched polyphenylene (HBP) is synthesized through Suzuki polycondensation and investigated as a potential bipolar electrode for LIBs. The advantages of the hyperbranched architecture in HBP include easy and fast transportation of ions as an electrode. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) measurement on HBP reveals a high specific surface area and porosity compared with typical linear polymers. The low conductivity in HBP is improved by preparing an HBP/multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composite material. The LIB performance for the HBP/MWCNT composite anode electrode shows good cyclic stability and high specific capacity, which are caused by the branching architecture, surface area, and improved electronic conductivity from the MWCNT. This results in easy access and rapid movement of Li ions for improved charge–discharge performance. The ex situ technique using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy shows a lithium storage mechanism in the HBP electrode. This work shows extensive scope for using the hyperbranched architectural concept to explore and develop high‐performing organic electrodes for future metal‐ion batteries.
Large-scale evolution of body temperatures in land vertebrates
Authors: Moreira Matthew O. , Qu Yan-Fu , Wiens John J.
Published: August 2021

Body temperature is a crucial variable in animals that affects nearly every aspect of their lives. Here we analyze for the first time largescale patterns in the evolution of body temperatures across terrestrial vertebrates (tetrapods: including amphibians, mammals, birds and other reptiles). Despite the traditional view that endotherms (birds and mammals) have higher body temperatures than ectotherms, we find they are not significantly different. However, rates of body-temperature evolution are significantly different, with lower rates in endotherms than ectotherms, and the highest rates in amphibians. We find that body temperatures show strong phylogenetic signal and conservatism over 350 million years of evolutionary history in tetrapods, and some lineages appear to have retained similar body temperatures over time for hundreds of millions of years. Although body temperatures are often unrelated to climate in tetrapods, we find that body temperatures are significantly related to day-night activity patterns. Specifically, body temperatures are generally higher in diurnal species than nocturnal species, both across ectotherms and, surprisingly, across endotherms also. Overall, our results suggest that body temperatures are significantly linked to phylogeny and diel-activity patterns within and among tetrapod groups, rather than just climate and the endotherm-ectotherm divide.
Blood glucose lowering and effect of oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus)‐ and shiitake (Lentinus subnudus)‐supplemented diet on key enzymes linked diabetes and hypertension in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic in rats
Authors: Agunloye Odunayo Michael , Oboh Ganiyu
Published: August 2021

Diabetes is a global pandemic typified by impaired carbohydrate metabolism. In folklore, mushrooms consumption has been linked to diabetes management. However, this study aims to unravel the blood‐glucose‐lowering mechanisms of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) and shiitake mushroom (Lentinus subnudus) in streptozotocin induced‐diabetic rats. Forty two adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into seven groups: the control (C), untreated diabetic rats (group 2), diabetic rats treated with acarbose (25 mg/bodyweight) (group 3), and diabetic rats placed on diet supplemented with 10% and 20% oyster mushroom and shiitake mushroom designated as groups 4–7, respectively. The experiment lasted for 14 days. However, the fasting blood glucose (FBG), activity of α‐amylase, α‐glucosidase, angiotensin‐1 converting enzyme (ACE), arginase, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant status in rat's pancreas and heart were evaluated. The FBG level, activity of α‐amylase, α‐glucosidase, ACE, and arginase were all reduced significantly (p < .05) in normal rats and in diabetic rat placed on oyster mushroom and shiitake mushroom inclusion diets when compared with untreated diabetic rats. Similarly, activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase was significantly (p < .05) elevated in diets‐treated diabetic rats when compared with an untreated diabetic rat. Also, elevated malondialdehyde equivalent compounds in untreated diabetic rats were significantly reduced in diabetic rats fed with the supplemented diets. Nevertheless, oyster‐mushroom‐ and shiitake‐mushroom‐supplemented diets exhibited FBG lowering ability, reduced activity of α‐amylase, α‐glucosidase, ACE, and improved diabetic rats antioxidant status. Nevertheless, shiitake‐mushroom‐supplemented diets exhibited better effects than oyster‐mushroom‐supplemented diets in treated diabetic rats.