bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge Awareness and Perception on Comorbidities of Obesity among Dental Students: A Survey
Authors: Sreshtaa V. Sri , Gayathri R. , Priya V. Vishnu
Published: February 2022

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the awareness of kap on comorbidities of obesity among dental students.

Introducion: Obesity is characterized by an excess of adipose tissue. The increase of food intake (hyperphagia) triggered by a period of fasting is a simple but compelling example of food-intake regulation. The balance between energy intake (food consumption) and energy expenditure (basal metabolic rate, i.e. biochemical processes required to maintain cellular viability, physical activity and adaptive thermogenesis) is tightly regulated.

Materials and Methods: An online survey was conducted and circulated among dental students, which included a questionnaire assessing the awareness levels of the comorbidities related to obesity.

Results and Discussion: The results obtained showed that 75.8% of the people are aware that obesity can lead to sleep apnea, 80.5% of the people are aware that obesity can lead to gastrointestinal disturbances and diabetes.

Conclusion: The discussion makes an attempt to trace the basic modern day concepts of obesity and its effect on health.
A Comparative Analysis of the Performance of Multiple Data Mining Classification Approaches Using the Kn Fold Validation
Authors: Girija D. K. , Varshney Manish
Published: February 2022

In Healthcare the data is very large and sensitive. The data is mandatory to be handled very carefully without any negligence. A variety of data mining categorization approaches have been employed in the healthcare industry to assess the quality of services. On the basis of 150 patients' records, this study provides and evaluates the experience of implementing various data mining methodologies and procedures. Using data mining techniques, a new method for determining a product's correctness has emerged. The evaluation of performance on data mining classification by using a different algorithms like Decision Tree, Naïve Bayes, KNN, Radom Tree Set and Rule Model. Finally we tend to aim to contemplate the performance analysis of accuracy, sensitivity and specificity proportion to produce a result.
An Investigation on the Oral Microbiota in Plaque Samples during Orthodontic Treatment
Authors: Sundari K. K. Shantha , Rajagopal R. , Vijayaraghavan Rajagopalan , Sasidharan S.
Published: February 2022

Malocclusion can be corrected by fixed orthodontic appliance therapy. However, ‌the‌ ‌complex‌ ‌appliance design‌‌ ‌and ‌‌the‌ ‌material‌ surface ‌characteristics of the appliance make mechanical debriding difficult, enabling biofilm formation. This‌ ‌study‌ ‌was performed‌ ‌to‌ investigate‌ the‌ ‌microbial‌ ‌load‌ ‌in‌ ‌‌plaque‌ at‌ ‌different‌ time ‌periods‌ ‌of‌ ‌the‌ ‌orthodontic‌ ‌therapy in participants with professionally well-maintained oral hygiene.‌ ‌This‌ ‌prospective‌ ‌study‌ was ‌conducted‌ ‌among‌ ‌12‌ ‌adult‌ ‌‌male‌ ‌participants. Six control (C batch) and six under orthodontic treatment (T batches). Simplified oral hygiene index OHI (S), Plaque index (PlI) and Russell’s Periodontal index (PI) scoring was performed for all subjects prior to sample collection. Plaque‌ ‌samples‌ ‌were‌ ‌collected‌ from both batch T,.and C at similar multiple intervals, corresponding with the sequential archwires for group T in regular use. ‌Six‌ ‌bacterial‌ ‌phyla‌‌ and‌ one‌ ‌fungal‌ ‌phyla ‌examined by subculture.‌ ‌Index scoring revealed that hygiene was maintained throughout study in both the control and treatment batches. A general increase in the microorganisms‌ was noticed,‌ in treatment group ‌reaching‌ ‌a‌ ‌peak‌ ‌at‌ ‌18th ‌month‌ ‌of‌ ‌treatment at T4 and reduced to pretreatment‌ ‌levels on debonding. Though, the microorganisms count increased during treatment, it was not exponential and can be considered favourable flora which matched with the good clinical oral health.
Effect of Restorative Crown of Different Cuspal Inclination and Occlusal Contact on Stress Distribution in Mandibular Second Premolar with Different Ferrule Configuration and Peripheral Bone- 3D Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Mulani Shahinwaz , Dubey-Godbole Surekha , Shaikh Shoeb , Shaikh Safia , Shinde Dipak
Published: February 2022

Background: Restoration of pulpless teeth have been difficult because of coronal loss from dental caries, diminished moisture content, endodontic therapy and fractures, resulting in prone to fracture of the tooth during function. Cast metallic band enclosing around cervical surface of a tooth is called ferrule. The role of ferrule is to assist in strengthening the endodontically treated tooth.

Purpose: In case of ferrule less tooth, the post performs as a wedge and may result in root fracture. Therefore modification in design of ferrule is required. Presence or absence of ferrule of coronal dentin influenced stress distribution pattern within tooth structure. Failure or success of a restoration may be influenced by on how the stress is dispersed to the tooth structure so it is essential to study the stress dispersal pattern within tooth and associated structure.

Materials and Methods: A three-dimensional FE method (FEM) will be carried out for study and finite element structural analysis programs will be HYPERMESH 11 and ANSYS 18.1 software. Eight 3D models will be created to simulate endodontically restored mandibular second premolar with different coronal dentin configurations. The complete crown will be modeled with a 20-degree, 33- degree, 45-degree facial cusp inclination. The oblique force of 200 N will be executed to the buccal cusp of mandibular second premolar. Analysis of results will be done by both color-coding and numerically. By using FEA software the von Mises equivalent stress (MPa) will be calculated.
Rivaroxaban: Compatibilty with Pharmaceutical Excipients using DSC and FTIR Spectrophotometry
Authors: Nadendla Rama Rao , Satynarayana J. , Burri Jaya Krishna
Published: February 2022

Rivaroxaban (RN) is a recently developed potent oral anticoagulant. The aim of the present study envisages compatibility studies of rivaroxaban with crospovidone, sodium startch glycolate, magnesium stearate, talc, microcrystalline cellulose, aerosil, HPMC K100 M, croscarmellose sodium using Differential scanning calorimeter and FTIR spectrophotometer. DSC thermograms, of rivaroxaban and physical mixture of individual pharmaceutical excipient, exhibited the range of transition of the drug in between 224ºC and 232ºC. The FTIR graphs showed that the wave numbers of rivaroxaban, matched with all the chosen pharmaceutical excipients combinations. Thus the DSC and FTIR studies showed that RN was not interactive with selected pharmaceutical excipients and can be carried forward for further studies.
Fabrication of Transdermal Matrix Patch of Lercanidipine Hydrochloride Using Natural Polymer and Essential Oil
Authors: Jani Rupalben Kaushalkumar , Puri Goswami Kaushal , Chakraborthy G. S. , Patel Nidhi , Pooja Dave , Upadhye Vijay J.
Published: February 2022

The goal of the present research work was to develop and characterize a transdermal matrix patch of Lercanidipine hydrochloride (L.H.) for controlled drug delivery using the solvent evaporation method. To achieve controlled drug release, polymers such as Psyllium and HPMC K15M were optimized. Moreover, the skin permeation effect of essential oils such as linseed oil, jojoba oil, and pumpkin seed oil was investigated on Wistar rat skin. A 32 full factorial design was applied to optimize two formulation variables: concentration of essential oil as a permeation enhancer and polymer fixed-weight ratio. To study drug-excipients incompatibility, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) had employed, which showed the absence of chemical interaction. All formulations were evaluated for Physico-chemical parameters, ex-vivo drug release study, an in-vivo skin-irritation study on Wistar rats, and stability study. Developed matrix patch showed optimum Physico-chemical properties with the absence of skin irritation. An Ex-vivo drug release study revealed that both formulation variables show an effect on drug release from matrix patches. The effectiveness of the oils as the permeation enhancer was found to be in the following descending order: Pumpkin seed oil > Linseed oil > Jojoba oil. Therefore, pumpkin seed oil was selected as a permeation enhancer in the final Formulation that shows the highest flux (164.09±1.49 µg/cm2/h) and desired drug release for transdermal administration. Stability study shows that the patch was stable up to 6 months at 40±2 ˚C and 75±5 % R.H. and 30±2 ˚C and 65±5 % R.H. The present investigation demonstrates that the prepared matrix patch can deliver therapeutically effective controlled release dose of lercanidipine hydrochloride (L.H.) via transdermal route using pumpkin seed oil as the permeation enhancer.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Associated Factors among Caregivers of Patients with COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Innab Adnan , Bahari Ghareeb
Published: February 2022

Background: One of psychological disorders caused by catastrophic life events or severe medical problems is the incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder among people. Different sociodemographic factors have been associated with the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Such research is lacking with COVID-19 especially in the Saudi context.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine factors associated with PTSD during the outbreak of COVID-19.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on a convenience sample of 92 Saudi citizens, living in Saudi Arabia, and had at least one relative who had been diagnosed with COVID-19. Data were collected using the impact of event scale (IES-R). SPSS was used to run a multiple linear regression analysis.

Results: The results revealed that participants suffered from a partial PTSD. The regression analysis showed a significant relationship between participants’ characteristics and PTSD. The model explained 13.9% of the variance of PTSD (F [5, 77] = 2.49, R2 =.139, p< .05). Two predictors of gender (p<.01) and level of education (p<.05) were statistically significant to the prediction. Male participants had higher PTSD scores than female participants (beta = -9.19, t = -2.73, p< .01). Also, those caregivers with low level of education had higher PTSD levels (beta = 3.279, t = 2.30, p <.05).

Conclusion: The current study demonstrated a strong association between participants’ demographic characteristics (namely gender and level of education) and PTSD. A lack of information and the evolution of the COVID-19 outbreak may be important factors in increasing people’s levels of PTSD. Therefore, future research aiming to find appropriate solutions to such issues is recommended.
Mucormycosis of Maxillofacial Region Secondary to COVID-19 Infection and It’s Management: A Review
Authors: Tanushri Dalvi , Kalghatgi Shrivardhan , Yadav Asawari , Narale Pranjali , Sakpal Prachi
Published: February 2022

Mucormycosis mainly affects people who have health problems or take medicines that lower the body’s ability to fight germs and sickness. It most commonly affects the sinuses or the lungs after inhaling fungal spores from the air. It can also occur on the skin after a cut, burn, or other type of skin injury. The most common types that cause mucormycosis are Rhizopus species and Mucor species. Mucormycosis is a rare fungal infection with high morbidity and mortality but nowadays it is observed in many covid -19 patients therefore it is identified as a complication after covid-19. It is most commonly seen in patients with systemic illness such as Diabetes Mellitus, Neutropenia, corticosteroid use, Organ transplantation, advanced age and also seen in patients who have stayed prolonged in ICU. This review article includes etiology, risk factors, site specificity, oral manifestations of Mucormycosis, diagnosis based on oral and maxillofacial symptoms and also management of the complications.
Molecular Identification and First DNA Barcode Sequence Record of Spodoptera pecten Guenee, 1852 (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) from Western Himalaya, India
Authors: Kumar V. M. Sathish , Sharma Gaurav , Paunikar Sanjay D. , Sharma Shivani
Published: February 2022

Genus Spodoptera of family Noctuidae, order Lepidoptera comes under Superfamily Noctuidea. This superfamily comprises a large clade of economically important agricultural species known as “pest clade” causing a serious infestation in crops. The species of the Spodoptera genus found in Indo-Australian tropics and New Guinea mostly feeds on grasses and sometimes on Shorea curtisii (Dipterocarpaceae) seeds. The current study presents the molecular-based identification and first DNA barcode sequence of Spodoptera pecten. The first DNA barcode sequence of Spodoptera pecten from India has shown matching similarity with the COI sequences previously deposited from Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, and Japan.
Nintedanib overcomes drug resistance from upregulation of FGFR signalling and imatinib‐induced KIT mutations in gastrointestinal stromal tumours
Authors: Liu Juan , Gao Jingjing , Wang Aoli , Jiang Zongru , Qi Shuang , Qi Ziping , Liu Feiyang , Yu Kailin , Cao Jiangyan , Chen Cheng , Hu Chen , Wu Hong , Wang Li , Wang Wenchao , Liu Qingsong , Liu Jing
Published: February 2022

Drug resistance remains a major challenge in the clinical treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs). While acquired on‐target mutations of mast/stem cell growth factor receptor (KIT) kinase is the major resistance mechanism, activation of alternative signalling pathways may also play a role. Although several second‐ and third‐generation KIT kinase inhibitors have been developed that could overcome some of the KIT mutations conferring resistance, the low clinical responses and narrow safety window have limited their broad application. The present study revealed that nintedanib not only overcame resistance induced by a panel of KIT primary and secondary mutations, but also overcame ERK‐reactivation‐mediated resistance caused by the upregulation of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) activity. In preclinical models of GISTs, nintedanib significantly inhibited the proliferation of imatinib‐resistant cells, including GIST‐5R, GIST‐T1/T670I and GIST patient‐derived primary cells. In addition, it also exhibited dose‐dependent inhibition of ERK phosphorylation upon FGF ligand stimulation. In vivo antitumour activity was also observed in several xenograft GIST models. Considering the well‐documented safety and pharmacokinetic profiles of nintedanib, this finding provides evidence for the repurposing of nintedanib as a new therapy for the treatment of GIST patients with de novo or acquired resistance to imatinib.
DCZ0415, a small‐molecule inhibitor targeting TRIP13, inhibits EMT and metastasis via inactivation of the FGFR4/STAT3 axis and the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway in colorectal cancer
Authors: Agarwal Sumit , Afaq Farrukh , Bajpai Prachi , Kim Hyung‐Gyoon , Elkholy Amr , Behring Michael , Chandrashekar Darshan Shimoga , Diffalha Sameer Al , Khushman Moh’d , Sugandha Shajan P. , Varambally Sooryanarayana , Manne Upender
Published: February 2022

Thyroid receptor‐interacting protein 13 (TRIP13), a protein of the AAA‐ATPase family, is upregulated in various human cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC). This study focused on the inhibition of TRIP13‐induced CRC progression and signalling by DCZ0415, a small molecule targeting TRIP13. It demonstrated potent antitumour activity in TRIP13‐deregulated cancer cell lines, regardless of their p53, KRAS, BRAF, epidermal growth factor receptor or microsatellite instability status. The treatment of CRC cells with DCZ0415 resulted in decreased cell proliferation, induced cell cycle arrest in the G2‐M phase and increased apoptosis. DCZ0415 diminished xenograft tumour growth and metastasis of CRC in immunocompromised mice. DCZ0415 reduced expression of fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and proteins associated with the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) pathways in cells and xenografts exhibiting high expression of TRIP13. Additionally, DCZ0415 decreased cyclin D1, β‐catenin and T‐cell factor 1, leading to the inactivation of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. In a syngeneic CRC model, DCZ0415 treatment induced an immune response by decreasing PD1 and CTLA4 levels and increasing granzyme B, perforin and interferon gamma. In sum, DCZ04145 inhibits the TRIP13–FGFR4–STAT3 axis, inactivates NF‐κB and Wnt/β‐catenin signalling, activates antitumour immune response and reduces the progression and metastasis of CRC. This study provides a rationale to evaluate DCZ0415 clinically for the treatment of a subset of CRCs that exhibit dysregulated TRIP13 and FGFR4.
Assessment of a novel commercial large field of view phantom for comprehensive MR imaging quality assurance of a 0.35T MRgRT system
Authors: Lewis Benjamin C. , Shin Jaeik , Maraghechi Borna , Quinn Benjamin , Cole Mike , Barberi Enzo , Kim Jin Sung , Green Olga , Kim Taeho
Published: February 2022

Consistent quality assurance (QA) programs are vital to MR‐guided radiotherapy (MRgRT), for ensuring treatment is delivered accurately and the onboard MRI system is providing the expected image quality. However, daily imaging QA with a dedicated phantom is not common at many MRgRT centers, especially with large phantoms that cover a field of view (FOV), similar to the human torso. This work presents the first clinical experience with a purpose‐built phantom for large FOV daily and periodic comprehensive quality assurance (QUASAR™ MRgRT Insight Phantom (beta)) from Modus Medical Devices Inc. (Modus QA) on an MRgRT system. A monthly American College of Radiology (ACR) QA phantom was also imaged for reference. Both phantoms were imaged on a 0.35T MR‐Linac, a 1.5T Philips wide bore MRI, and a 3.0T Siemens MRI, with T1‐weighted and T2‐weighted acquisitions. The Insight phantom was imaged in axial and sagittal orientations. Image quality tests including geometric accuracy, spatial resolution accuracy, slice thickness accuracy, slice position accuracy, and image intensity uniformity were performed on each phantom, following their respective instruction manuals. The geometric distortion test showed similar distortions of –1.7 mm and –1.9 mm across a 190 mm and a 283 mm lengths for the ACR and MRgRT Insight phantoms, respectively. The MRgRT Insight phantom utilized a modulation transform function (MTF) for spatial resolution evaluation, which showed decreased performance on the lower B0 strength MRIs, as expected, and could provide a good daily indicator of machine performance. Both the Insight and ACR phantoms showed a match with scan parameters for slice thickness analysis. During the imaging and analysis of this novel MRgRT Insight phantom the authors found setup to be straightforward allowing for easy acquisition each day, and useful image analysis parameters for tracking MRI performance.
Distributed H∞ fuzzy filtering for nonlinear systems interconnected over graphs
Authors: Xue Xiaojuan , Xu Li , Yu Xiaoling
Published: February 2022

This article investigates the distributed fuzzy filtering problem for a class of Takagi–Sugeno (T‐S) fuzzy model‐based nonlinear systems interconnected over an undirected graph. The system we consider consists of numbers of heterogeneous nonlinear sub‐units interconnected over an undirected graph by sensing, computing, and communicating with each other. First, the system is represented by an undirected graph, a T‐S fuzzy model‐based state‐space equation of each subsystem and an interconnection condition. Based on this model, the concepts of the well‐posedness, stability, and contractiveness for the class of systems are introduced, and the distributed fuzzy filtering problem is established. By applying membership‐dependent multi‐Lyapunov functions, a sufficient condition on the well‐posedness, stability, and contractiveness of the open‐loop plant is then derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). And then, a distributed fuzzy filter inheriting the interconnected structure of the plant is designed such that the filtering error system is contractive, and a sufficient condition is correspondingly given to obtain the desired fuzzy filter parameters by solving a set of LMIs. Finally, a numerical simulation is exploited to show the validity of the proposed design method.
Neuropilin‐1‐Mediated SARS‐CoV‐2 Infection in Bone Marrow‐Derived Macrophages Inhibits Osteoclast Differentiation
Authors: Gao Junjie , Mei Hong , Sun Jing , Li Hao , Huang Yuege , Tang Yanhong , Duan Linwei , Liu Delin , Pang Yidan , Wang Qiyang , Gao Youshui , Song Ke , Zhao Jincun , Zhang Changqing , Liu Jia
Published: February 2022

In humans, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection can cause medical complications across various tissues and organs. Despite the advances to understanding the pathogenesis of SARS‐CoV‐2, its tissue tropism and interactions with host cells have not been fully understood. Existing clinical data have revealed disordered calcium and phosphorus metabolism in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients, suggesting possible infection or damage in the human skeleton system by SARS‐CoV‐2. Herein, SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in mouse models with wild‐type and beta strain (B.1.351) viruses is investigated, and it is found that bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMMs) can be efficiently infected in vivo. Single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐Seq) analyses of infected BMMs identify distinct clusters of susceptible macrophages, including those related to osteoblast differentiation. Interestingly, SARS‐CoV‐2 entry on BMMs is dependent on the expression of neuropilin‐1 (NRP1) rather than the widely recognized receptor angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). The loss of NRP1 expression during BMM‐to‐osteoclast differentiation or NRP1 neutralization and knockdown can significantly inhibit SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in BMMs. Importantly, it is found that authentic SARS‐CoV‐2 infection impedes BMM‐to‐osteoclast differentiation. Collectively, this study provides evidence for NRP1‐mediated SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in BMMs and establishes a potential link between disturbed osteoclast differentiation and disordered skeleton metabolism in COVID‐19 patients.
Nanoparticle‐Stabilized Emulsion Bioink for Digital Light Processing Based 3D Bioprinting of Porous Tissue Constructs
Authors: Tao Jie , Zhu Shunyao , Zhou Nazi , Wang Yu , Wan Haoyuan , Zhang Lin , Tang Yaping , Pan Yingzi , Yang Yang , Zhang Jianxiang , Liu Rui
Published: February 2022

A challenge for bioprinting tissue constructs is enabling the viability and functionality of encapsulated cells. Rationally designed bioink that can create appropriate biophysical cues shows great promise for overcoming such challenges. Here, a nanoparticle‐stabilized emulsion bioink for direct fabrication of porous tissue constructs by digital light processing based 3D bioprinting technology is introduced. The emulsion bioink is integrated by the mixture of aqueous dextran microdroplets and gelatin methacryloyl solution and is further rendered stable by β‐lactoglobulin nanoparticles. After bioprinting, the printed tissue constructs create the macroporous structure via removal of dextran, thereby providing favorable biophysical cues to promote the viability, proliferation, and spreading of the encapsulated cells. Moreover, a trachea‐shaped construct containing chondrocytes is bioprinted and implanted in vivo. The results demonstrate that the generated macroporous construct is of benefit to cartilage tissue rebuilding. This work offers an advanced bioink for the fabrication of living tissue constructs by activating the cell behaviors and functions in situ and can lead to the development of 3D bioprinting.
Engineering of Band Structure of Bismuth Selenide Ultrathin Nanosheets as Multifunctional Material for Photocatalytic Application
Authors: Wang Yuan , Shuai Xiaofeng , Zhang Juan , Zhao Ruihua , Guo Tianyu , Du Jianping , Zheng Jianfeng , Li Jinping
Published: February 2022

N‐substituted bismuth selenide (BSN) material is synthesized by a one‐step solvothermal route and used for the photocatalytic application. As‐prepared BSN consists of ultrathin nanosheets and has a quasi hexagonal morphology. The results show the superior performance of BSN‐2 for degradation of multi‐pollutants and the ciprofloxacin and phenol removal rates reach 88.8 and 83.6%, respectively, under irradiation of simulated solar for 2 h, which is much higher than those over pristine bismuth selenide. The significant improvement of photocatalytic performance is attributed to ultrathin nanosheets structure and N introduction that contribute to the inhibition of photoelectron‐hole pair recombination and the enhancement of light absorption. The possible mechanism is proposed based on characterization and theoretical calculation of the energy band structure. The results indicate that BSN‐2 is a high‐efficient photocatalyst for the removal of multi‐organic pollutants in wastewater and this research provides a simple strategy for reasonable design and synthesis of Bi‐based materials for environmental remediation.
Polarization‐ and Angle‐Dependent Plasmonic Synchronous Fluorescence Spectroscopy to Probe Molecular Vibrational Couplings on an Aluminum Nano‐Film
Authors: Zhao Yan , Cao Shuo‐Hui , Wang Jia‐Dai , Li Na , Lin Guo‐Chun , Li Yao‐Qun
Published: February 2022

Probing light−matter interactions at the nanoscale is essential for elucidation of their fundamentals and construction of novel nano‐optical devices. In this work, it is proposed that polarization‐ and angle‐dependent plasmonic synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy could be powerful to resolve UV–vis plasmon mediated molecular couplings, even under vibrational sublevels. Taking studies of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs, one general class of graphene analogs with emission range of 350–550 nm) as demonstration, a simple but efficient device of PAHs nanolayer (with thickness in tens to hundreds of nanometers) on an Al nano‐film is fabricated. By synchronously scanning excitation and emission wavelengths in a high resolution to depict polarization‐ and angle‐dependent spectrographic profiles, the vibrational transitions coupled to the Al plasmons could be identified, while these could not be attained by conventional fluorescence measurement. As a result, the featured molecular vibrational couplings for both surface plasmon‐ and plasmonic waveguide‐mediated PAHs–Al interactions have been successfully observed at room temperature. Even toward crowded and overlapped spectral components containing multiple vibrations, the transitions could be individually distinguished. These efforts will contribute to the further exploitation and construction of efficient light‐emitting devices via luminant molecules on a metal surface.
Stationary, Continuous, and Sequential Surface‐Enhanced Raman Scattering Sensing Based on the Nanoscale and Microscale Polymer‐Metal Composite Sensor Particles through Microfluidics: A Review
Authors: Visaveliya Nikunjkumar R. , Mazetyte‐Stasinskiene Raminta , Köhler Johann Michael
Published: February 2022

Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a label‐free and accurate analytical technique for the detection of a broad range of various analytes such as, biomolecules, pesticides, petrochemicals, as well as, cellular and other biological systems. A key component for the SERS analysis is the substrate which is required to be equipped with plasmonic features of metal nanostructures that directly interact with light and targeted analytes. Either metal nanoparticles can be deposited on the solid support (glass or silicon) which is suitable for stationary SERS analysis or dispersed in the solution (freely moving nanoparticles). Besides these routinely utilizing SERS substrates, polymer–metal composite particles are promising for sustained SERS analysis where metal nanoparticles act as plasmon‐active (hence SERS‐active) components and polymer particles act as support to the metal nanoparticles. Composite sensor particles provide 3D interaction possibilities for analytes, suitable for stationary, continuous, and sequential analysis, and they are reusable/regenerated. Therefore, this review is focused on the experimental procedures for the development of multiscale, uniform, and reproducible composite sensor particles together with their application for SERS analysis. The microfluidic reaction technique is highly versatile in the production of uniform and size‐tunable composite particles, as well as, for conducting SERS analysis.
Amine Transaminase Mediated Synthesis of Optically Pure Piperazinones and 1,4‐Diazepanones
Authors: Pérez‐Martín Carlos , Rebolledo Francisca , Brieva Rosario
Published: February 2022

A biocatalytic approach has been designed for the synthesis of optically active piperazinones and 1,4‐diazepanones in aqueous medium under mild conditions. The method described herein is based on a biocatalytic transamination of an easily accessible N‐(2‐oxopropyl) amino acid ester and the subsequent spontaneous cyclization of the initially formed amine. Both enantiomers of the synthesized piperazinones can be prepared by the selection of amine transaminases of opposite selectivity. The reaction conditions were optimised and eight selected processes were performed on a preparative scale. Thus, seven optically active piperazinones were synthesized in high isolated yields (70–90%) and a 1,4‐diazepanone in a moderate yield (51%), being the ee ≥99% in all the cases.

magnified image
Highly Substrate‐Selective Macrocyclic Ring Closing Metathesis
Authors: Phatake Ravindra S. , Nechmad Noy B. , Reany Ofer , Lemcoff N. Gabriel
Published: February 2022

A selective ring‐closing metathesis (RCM) reaction for the formation of large macrocycles by using latent sulfur chelated ruthenium iodide benzylidenes, readily activated by thermal and photochemical (UV‐A and visible light) stimuli, is reported. For dienes having one terminal alkene and one internal double bond, the specific affinity of diiodo ruthenium alkylidenes for the unhindered terminus, combined with their reluctance to react with internal olefins, favors RCM over oligomerization, providing high macrocyclic yields even at relatively high concentrations. Alternatively, for substrates containing two internal double bonds, a sacrificial methylene donor can be used to obtain the desired products. With this methodology, lactones, lactams, and macrocyclic ketones ranging from 13‐ to 22‐membered rings could be synthesized in moderate to high yields. In addition, synthetic applications for a one‐pot cyclization/reduction sequence to produce Exaltolide, a natural macrolide (commercial musk), Dihydrocivetone, and other saturated macrocycles have been explored. Thus, we disclose herein an important advantage for diiodo ruthenium benzylidene catalysts over their less selective dichloro counterparts and provide a more profound understanding of the mechanisms that provide the enhanced cyclization outcome.

magnified image
Thin‐Film Solar Cells by Silicon‐Based Nano‐Pyramid Arrays
Authors: Huang Zhisen , Wang Bo
Published: February 2022

In this paper, a high‐efficiency silicon‐based thin‐film solar cell is proposed based on double‐layer nano‐pyramid (DNP) arrays. In the model, the surface and bottom of the silicon photovoltaic layer are embedded with silicon nano‐pyramid array and aluminum nano‐pyramid array, respectively. The optical and electrical parameters of the DNP solar cell are presented by using the 3D finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) method. The short‐circuit current density (Jsc), integrated absorption (α) and photoelectric conversion efficiency (η) of the optimized DNP solar cell are 43.61 mA cm−2, 95.20% and 27.12%, respectively. Compared with the planar solar cell, the α and η of the DNP solar cell are increased by 45.31% and 15.77%, respectively. To investigate the performance of the proposed solar cell, the principle of light absorption enhancement is analyzed by spectrum and field strength distributions for the DNP structure. Furthermore, the carrier recombination and manufacturing of the DNP solar cell, and compared the structures of different arrays is studied. Further results show that the DNP structure has excellent light absorption and tolerance, which has positive significance for the development of silicon‐based thin‐film solar cells.
Designing a Network of Crystalline Polymers for a Scalable, Nonfluorinated, Healable and Amphiphobic Solid Slippery Interface
Authors: Dhar Manideepa , Das Avijit , Parbat Dibyangana , Manna Uttam
Published: February 2022

The fluorinated‐liquid infused amphiphobic slippery interfaces exhibiting superior sliding of the beaded oil/water droplets, often suffer from durability and contamination issues. Here, the ability of 1) hexagonal packing of hydrocarbon sides in a selected “comb‐like” polymer and 2) its reversible phase transition at 51 °C was rationally exploited to achieve temperature‐assisted rapid (<1 minute) and repetitive (50 times) self‐healable amphiphobic solid‐slippery coating on both planar and geometrically‐complex substrates. The selected “comb‐like” polymer was strategically infused in a porous, hydrophilic and thick (≈4.8 μm) polymeric coating. The resultant solid and smooth interface exhibited sliding of beaded droplets of various liquids, including droplets of water, polar (ethanol, 1‐propanol, 1‐hexanol, DMSO, DMF), and non‐polar (decane, dodecane, diiodomethane) organic solvents, edible (vegetable oil), motor, engine (petrol, diesel, kerosene) and crude oils.
Spatially Resolved, Error‐Robust Multiplexed MicroRNA Profiling in Single Living Cells
Authors: Wei Wei , Dai Wenhao , Yang Fan , Lu Huiting , Zhang Kai , Xing Yi , Meng Xiangdan , Zhou Liping , Zhang Yiyi , Yang Qiqi , Cheng Yaru , Dong Haifeng
Published: February 2022

Simultaneous imaging of multiple microRNAs (miRNAs) in individual living cells is challenging due to the lack of spectrally distinct encoded fluorophores and non‐cytotoxic methods. We describe a multiplexed error‐robust combinatorial fluorescent label‐encoding method, termed fluorophores encoded error‐corrected labels (FluoELs), enabling multiplexed miRNA imaging in living cells with error‐correcting capability. The FluoELs comprise proportional dual fluorophores for encoding and a constant quantitative single fluorophore for error‐corrected quantification. Both are embedded in 260 nm core–shell silica nanoparticles modified with molecular beacon detection probes. The FluoELs are low cytotoxic and could accurately quantify and spatially resolve nine breast‐cancer‐related miRNAs and evaluate their coordination. The FluoELs enabled a single‐cell analysis platform to evaluate miRNA expression profiles and the molecular mechanisms underlying miRNA‐associated diseases.
Taphonomic‐forensic analysis of the hominin skulls from the Sima de los Huesos
Authors: Sala Nohemi , Pantoja‐Pérez Ana , Gracia Ana , Arsuaga Juan Luis
Published: February 2022

The Sima de los Huesos (SH) hominin assemblage is composed of thousands of fossil fragments, including pieces of crania and mandibles. The main objective of this work is to address the main taphonomic features of the cranial and mandibular remains from the SH sample, including antemortem, perimortem, and postmortem skeletal disturbances. We present an updated assessment of healed cranial trauma, first described in 1997 and now including new skulls. In addition, this study reviews the perimortem fractures in relation to their location and features of the affected individuals. Finally, this paper deals with the modifications affecting the cranial sample from the SH at the postmortem stage, including physical and biological postdepositional modifications. The SH collection provides a unique opportunity for conducting a complete forensic‐taphonomic study on a Middle Pleistocene population.
The power of the (imperfect) palindrome: Sequence‐specific roles of palindromic motifs in gene regulation
Authors: Datta Rhea R. , Rister Jens
Published: February 2022

In human languages, a palindrome reads the same forward as backward (e.g., ‘madam’). In regulatory DNA, a palindrome is an inverted sequence repeat that allows a transcription factor to bind as a homodimer or as a heterodimer with another type of transcription factor. Regulatory palindromes are typically imperfect, that is, the repeated sequences differ in at least one base pair, but the functional significance of this asymmetry remains poorly understood. Here, we review the use of imperfect palindromes in Drosophila photoreceptor differentiation and mammalian steroid receptor signaling. Moreover, we discuss mechanistic explanations for the predominance of imperfect palindromes over perfect palindromes in these two gene regulatory contexts. Lastly, we propose to elucidate whether specific imperfectly palindromic variants have specific regulatory functions in steroid receptor signaling and whether such variants can help predict transcriptional outcomes as well as the response of individual patients to drug treatments.
Benefits and challenges in the implementation of virtual laboratory simulations (vLABs) for medical biochemistry in Indonesia
Authors: Soraya Gita Vita , Astari Dian Ekayanti , Natzir Rosdiana , Yustisia Ika , Kadir Syahrijuita , Hardjo Marhaen , Nurhadi Asty Amalia , Ulhaq Zulvikar Syambani , Rasyid Haerani , Budu Budu
Published: February 2022

The pandemic caused major shifts in the delivery of education worldwide. In the teaching of medical biochemistry, the greatest impact was towards the delivery of traditional laboratory simulations. In this study, we highlight the benefits and barriers encountered in the use of virtual laboratories (vLABs) to substitute traditional laboratory practicals. The subjects were a class of 271 medical students at the Faculty of Medicine, Hasanuddin University, all freshman undergoing the Biomedicine Block. The study assessed the use of a commercial vLAB on antibodies and blood typing procedures, which were implemented using our four‐step model of vLAB implementation. Collected data include the lecturer‐assigned pre‐ and post‐test result, built‐in vLAB assessment result of the student first and best attempts, a student perception questionnaire based on a 5‐point Likert scale, and an open ended questionnaire regarding student perceptions of the advantages and disadvantages of the vLAB. We observed a remarkable increase of lecturer assigned pre‐ and post‐test scores and built‐in first and best attempt scores (p < 0.0001, Wilcoxon signed rank test). A majority of students reported increased motivation when using the vLABs, and favored the ability of mastery through repetition. However, technical and language barriers were highlighted by students during the vLAB implementation. We demonstrate a successful implementation of commercial vLABs in a cohort of non‐native English speakers using our four‐step approach. Implementation requires strong support from faculty to address technical and language barriers that arise during use of vLABs.
RETRACTED: COVID‐19 and cognitive impairment: A cross‐sectional clinic‐based study
Authors: Siddig Amira , Abbasher Hussien Mohamed Ahmed Khabab , Abdelrahman Ahmed , Abbasher AlHussien , Abbasher Abubaker Alsedig , Abbasher Mohammed , Hussien Abbasher
Published: February 2022

Background

Patients with dementia are more prone to acquire COVID‐19 infection. Patients with COVID‐19 showed a tendency to develop cognitive impairment.

Objectives

We aimed to study the clinical manifestations of COVID‐19 infection among adult Sudanese demented patients and the prevalence of cognitive impairment among adult Sudanese nondemented patients.

Methodology

This is a descriptive cross‐sectional study that took place in Sudan, Khartoum state in the period (September to December 2021) in a private neurology/psychiatry clinic. A total of 135 adult Sudanese patients were included in this study and were divided into two groups. The first group consists of 100 patients with a known history of dementia that got infected recently with COVID‐19, while the second group consists of 35 patients who developed some sort of cognitive impairment after recovering from COVID‐19 infection. Regarding the second group, cognitive functions were assessed by senior consultant neurologist and senior consultant psychiatrist using a well validated neuropsychological measure.

Results

Out of 100 patients in the first group, females were 60 and males were 40. Age distribution is between 63 and 98. The common presenting symptoms of COVID‐19 among this group were cough and fever (90 patients), diarrhea and vomiting (5 patients), breathlessness (4 patients), coughing of blood (5 patients), convulsions (1 patient), paraplegia (1 patient), and hemiplegia (1 patient). Regarding the second group, age distribution varied from 30 to 80 years. Cognitive functions impairment was noticed as follows: memory recall (22%), memory recognition (23%), memory encoding (24%), processing speed (16%), executive functioning (19%), phonemic fluency (17%), and category fluency (17%).

Conclusion

Patients with dementia are more susceptible to develop COVID‐19 infection. Patients with COVID‐19 Infection are at risk of developing some sort of cognitive impairment after recovery.
Losing the lottery of life: Examining intuitions of desert toward the socially and genetically “unlucky” in criminal punishment contexts
Authors: Berryessa Colleen M.
Published: February 2022

This research presents three experiments that examine how natural “luck” (social and genetic luck) may affect lay intuitions toward desert‐based criminal punishment. Study 1 examined if intuitions surrounding desert‐based rewards in relation to good qualities/advantages ascribed to natural luck would extend to desert‐based punishments in relation to bad qualities/disadvantages ascribed to natural luck. Study 2 examined how both social and genetic luck affect support for desert‐based punishment across different criminal offenses and tests the relevance of immanent justice reasoning to such support. Study 3 examined whether findings in the prior studies are specific to desert‐based punishment and immanent justice reasoning, or if natural luck elicits broader punishment judgments and types of justice reasoning. Results showed that known intuitions surrounding desert‐based rewards do extend to desert‐based punishments in instances of natural luck. Immanent justice reasoning was strongly associated with support for desert‐based punishment in instances of both social and genetic luck. However, genetic luck, as compared to social luck, significantly increased support for desert‐based punishment, with imminent justice reasoning mediating this increased support. Implications are discussed in relation to capital sentencing and better understanding lay intuitions toward the punishment of criminal offenders who may have qualities ascribed to the “natural lottery.”
A 20‐year follow‐up survey of police officers' experience with Tarasoff warnings: How law enforcement reacts to clinicians' duty to protect
Authors: Guina Jeffrey , Dornfeld Bradleigh , Pinals Debra A.
Published: February 2022

Since the Tarasoff case of 1976, mental health professionals are recognized to have a “duty to protect” third‐party targets from violence‐threatening patients, but little is known about what happens after clinicians warn law enforcement. In 2000, Huber et al. published a study that surveyed Michigan police about “Tarasoff warnings.” We conducted a 20‐year follow‐up study, inviting all Michigan police and sheriff departments to participate. There were no significant differences between studies about knowledge of Tarasoff‐related policies, which was low in both surveys. We found significant decreases in the number of officers who had ever intervened due to warning calls. Of the survey respondents, 83% supported documenting warning calls. For those who received warnings, 96% followed up with at least one intervention. In both studies, notifying other officers was the most common action taken. 56% said they would take action to remove a firearm. We identified opportunities for training law enforcement.
A systematic and comprehensive analysis of colorectal squamous cell carcinoma: Implication for diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Yang Yang , Yu Jiarui , Hu Jitao , Zhou Chaoxi , Niu Jian , Ma Hongqing , Han Jiaxu , Fan Shaoqing , Liu Youqiang , Zhao Yalei , Zhao Lianmei , Wang Guiying
Published: February 2022

Background

This study was aimed at establishing a nomogram for survival prediction of Colorectal squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC), understanding the molecular pathogenesis, exploring a better treatment, and predicting the potential therapeutic agents.

Methods

Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was used to obtained CSCC patients and the nomogram was performed. Propensity score matching (PSM), Kaplan–Meier analysis, subgroup analysis, and interaction test were used to explore the better treatment strategy for CSCC. Bioinformatics were used to explore the molecular mechanism and potential therapeutic drugs of CSCC.

Results

A total of 3949 CSCC patients were studied. The nomogram was constructed and evaluated to have a good performance. We found that the radiotherapy had a better effect than surgery, and the difference between radiotherapy and combined therapy was not significant. 821 differentially expressed genes in CSCC were obtained from GSE6988 dataset. DNA damage repair, mismatch repair, and cell cycle pathways might contribute to CSCC occurrence as indicated by KEGGpathway and GSEA analysis. Transcription factors analysis revealed that TP63 and STAT1 may have an important role in occurrence and development of CSCC. 1607 potential drugs against CSCC were found using the CMAP database, and molecular docking was carried out to show the binding energy between TP63 and drugs.

Conclusions

A good prognosis nomogram was constructed for CSCC. We also have a better understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of occurrence and development of CSCC and predicted potential therapeutic drugs, providing a theoretical basis for the treatment of CSCC.
Primary leiomyosarcoma of the middle ureter: A rare case report with literature review
Authors: Aboutaleb Hamdy A. , Khurana Praphool , El‐Shahat Yassin M.
Published: February 2022

Leiomyosarcoma is a rarely seen neoplasm of the ureter. Malignant tumors of smooth muscle of the ureter are extremely rare, and about 22 cases of leiomyosarcoma of ureter have been reported to date. A 57‐year‐old diabetic Pakistani man presented with a dull ache pain in the right flank. Past surgical history was three ureteroscopic surgeries for a ureteric stricture. Computed tomography showed a stricture with a peri‐ureteral soft tissue mass of 11 mm x 5 mm at the middle third of the ureter at the level of common iliac vessels. laparoscopic excision with safety margin and right ureterovesical reimplantation is performed. Diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma of the right ureter was made, and one iliac lymph node was excised and was positive for tumor by pathologic examination. Although leiomyosarcoma is rarely seen in urinary tract, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of ureteral stricture disease and retroperitoneal tumors.
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia presenting with limping in a young adult
Authors: Habib Mhd Baraa , Tannos Bashar , Abdelrazek Mohamed , Yassin Mohamed A.
Published: February 2022

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is one of the rare malignancies in adult. We report a 29‐year‐old man presented with progressive limping followed a chronic back pain. Imaging showed reduced vertebral body height and diffuse lytic skeletal infiltration. Bone marrow aspiration confirmed B‐acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma, and the patient was treated with chemotherapy.
Unexpected discovery of Clonorchis sinensis by common bile duct exploration
Authors: Shao Ping , Chen Qing
Published: February 2022

Coexisting choledocholithiasis and Clonorchis sinensis infection are relatively rare. We report a 39‐year‐old patient with choledocholithiasis who inadvertently found Clonorchis sinensis during common bile duct exploration. Our experience suggests that if preoperative imaging reveals nonspecific changes associated with choledocholithiasis, the possibility of biliary parasite infection should be suspected.