bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elevated levels of C3, C4, and CH50 of the complement system in ICU and non‐ICU patients with COVID‐19
Authors: Bagherimoghaddam Ahmad , Rafatpanah Houshang , Mansouritorghabeh Hassan
Published: February 2022

Purpose

SARS‐CoV‐2 infection has spread in each corner of the world. Many health systems have dealt with it intensively. The complement system is an instrumental component in the inflammatory immune response and plays a role in the activation of blood coagulation. Our understanding of the pathophysiology of SARS‐CoV‐2 is still limited but is constantly expanding. This study aimed to determine changes in the complement system in intensive care unit (ICU) and non‐ICU patients with COVID‐19.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional study, plasma levels of C3, C4, and CH50 were determined in two groups of ICU and non‐ICU patients with COVID‐19 to understand the potential effects of SARS‐CoV‐2 on the innate immune system. The assays of C3 and C4 were conducted using turbidimetry method. The CH50 test was conducted using the functional method.

Results

The present study revealed that the C3, C4, and CH50 plasma levels were 142.48 ± 30.38 mg/dL, 32.58 ± 8.78 mg/dL, and 61.74 ± 19.54%, respectively. These results indicate high levels of complement components C3 and C4 and complement function (CH50) in patients with COVID‐19 than normal ranges. Plasma levels of C3, C4, and CH50 were higher in ICU patients than in non‐ICU COVID‐19 groups.

Conclusion

These results indicate that the innate immune system was activated in both ICU and non‐ICU patients in response to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Further studies with a larger number of COVID‐19 patients and additional testing of complement components (C3a and C5a) may reveal the role of COVID‐19 infection in the activation of the complement system.
Effect of magnetic field on the thermal performance of a ferrofluid‐based solar flat plate collector
Authors: Asfer Mohammed , Alatyan Atyan , Singh Danvendra , Haweel Mohammad T. , Mehta Balkrishna
Published: February 2022

In this paper, the effectiveness of ferrofluid as a working fluid for solar flat plate collectors (FPCs) is studied. A mini‐ferrofluid‐based solar FPC is designed and tested under laboratory conditions. The thermal performance of the designed solar FPC is evaluated under different conditions and it is observed that it provides higher efficiency for the case of ferrofluid in the presence of a magnetic field. The thermal efficiency is observed to increase by 54% for ferrofluid in presence of a magnetic field as compared to no magnetic field. The thermal efficiency is observed to increase further with the increase in the magnetic field. The increase in thermal efficiency is attributed to the combined effects of higher thermal conductivity and magnetohydrodynamics of ferrofluid, which result in higher convective heat transfer from the riser tube walls into ferrofluid. The higher heat transfer for ferrofluid with a magnetic field is established by calculating the Nusselt number numerically using COMSOL. Simulation results show an increase in Nusselt number for ferrofluid with magnetic field and hence higher thermal efficiency for the solar FPC. The designed FPC provides simple modifications to conventional FPCs to use ferrofluid with magnetic field for higher thermal efficiencies.
The potential implications of estrogenic and antioxidant‐dependent activities of high doses of methyl paraben on MCF7 breast cancer cells
Authors: Elsehly Wafaa M. , Mourad Ghada M. , Mehanna Radwa A. , Kholief Marwa A. , El‐Nikhely Nefertiti A. , Awaad Ashraf K. , Attia MennattAllah H.
Published: February 2022

Methyl paraben (MP) is an endocrine‐disrupting compound that possesses estrogenic properties and contributes to an aberrant burden of estrogen signaling in the human breast and subsequently increasing the risks for the development of breast cancer. The exact exposure, as well as the safe concentrations, are variable among daily products. The present study addresses the effects of exposure to escalated concentrations of MP on the proliferation of MCF‐7 breast cancer cells in addition to exploring its other mechanisms of action. The study involved exposure of cultured MCF‐7 breast cancer cells to seven MP concentrations, ranging from 40 to 800 µM for 5 days. Cell viability, apoptosis, and proliferation were respectively assessed using crystal violet test, flow cytometric analysis, and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction for Ki‐67 expression. The estradiol (E2) secretion and oxidative stress were also assessed and analyzed in correlation to MP's proliferation and cytotoxicity potentials. The results showed that the maximum proliferative concentration of MP was 800 µM. At a concentration of 40 μM and higher, MP induced increased expression of Ki‐67, denoting enhanced proliferation of the cells in monolayer culture. A positive correlation between the detrimental oxidative stress effect of MP's tested concentrations, cell proliferation, and viability was demonstrated (p < 0.05). Our results indicated that MP at high doses induced sustained cell proliferation due to E2 secretion as well as its antioxidant activity. Accordingly, it was concluded that high and unpredicted exposure to MP might carry a carcinogenic hazard on estrogen receptor‐positive breast cancer cells.
Polydatin combats methotrexate‐induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats: Involvement of biochemical and histopathological assessment
Authors: Ali Yomna A. , Ahmed Amany A. E. , Abd El‐Raouf Ola M. , Elkhoely Abeer , Gad Amany M.
Published: February 2022

Polydatin (PD) is a polyphenolic compound found naturally in many fruits such as grapes. It has anti‐oxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities that are of paramount importance for its pharmacological actions. This study aimed to explore possible protective effects of PD against methotrexate (MTX)‐induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats. A single oral dose of MTX (14 mg/kg) per week for 2 weeks caused a significant decrease in glutathione (GSH) content with a marked increase in transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β), alpha‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), pulmonary content of malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), Hydroxyproline, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), and 8‐hydroxy‐2'‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG) as compared with the control group. Contrarily, daily administration of PD (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) for 14 days concomitantly with MTX ameliorated MTX‐induced pulmonary fibrosis as indicated by mitigation of the previously mentioned biochemical parameters and histopathological changes in a dose‐dependent manner. In conclusion, the protective effect of PD against pulmonary fibrosis induced by MTX in rats might be attributed to its anti‐oxidant, anti‐inflammatory as well as anti‐fibrotic effects.
Calcium fructoborate regulate colon cancer (Caco‐2) cytotoxicity through modulation of apoptosis
Authors: Kisacam Mehmet A. , Ambarcioglu Pinar , Yakan Akin
Published: February 2022

Sugar‐borate esters have recently been reported to have anti‐cancer potential. Among the sugar‐borate esters, calcium fructoborate (CaFB) possesses beneficial effects on human health. Despite the beneficial effects of CaFB, there is a lack of knowledge about their mode of action in cancer. The potential cytotoxic effects of CaFB were investigated on colon cancer cells (Caco‐2). The mode of action was determined through the evaluation of Fyn and Hck expression levels together with Bcl‐2, Bax, and PI3K/Akt pathway proteins. CaFB treatment was found to be most effective on Caco‐2 cells at 10 mM concentration for 24 h. Decreased Bcl‐2 levels and increased Bax levels at 10 mM were evaluated as an indicator of apoptotic effects of CaFB. Akt, p70S6K, and 4EBP1 levels, in general, tend to decrease following CaFB, while PTEN and TSC2 levels have been found to increase. Furthermore, CaFB upregulated Hck expression and downregulated Fyn expression. In conclusion, our results indicated that CaFB treatment at 10 mM concentration, the IC50 dose found in our study, might prevent colon cancer cell proliferation both by inducing apoptosis and presumably by activating autophagy.
3‐Hydroxyisobutyric acid dehydrogenase deficiency: Expanding the clinical spectrum and quantitation of D‐ and L‐3‐Hydroxyisobutyric acid by an LC–MS/MS method
Authors: Sasarman Florin , Ferdinandusse Sacha , Sinasac David S. , Fung Ernest , Sparkes Rebecca , Reeves Melanie , Rombough Catherine , Sass Jörn Oliver , Voit Renate , Ruiter Jos P. N. , Koster Janet , Waterham Hans R. , Pasquini Elisabetta , Donati Maria A. , Marquardt Thorsten , Wanders Ronald J. A. , Al‐Hertani Walla
Published: February 2022

A deficiency of 3‐hydroxyisobutyric acid dehydrogenase (HIBADH) has been recently identified as a cause of primary 3‐hydroxyisobutyric aciduria in two siblings; the only previously recognized primary cause had been a deficiency of methylmalonic semialdehyde dehydrogenase, the enzyme that is immediately downstream of HIBADH in the valine catabolic pathway and is encoded by the ALDH6A1 gene. Here we report on three additional patients from two unrelated families who present with marked and persistent elevations of urine L‐3‐hydroxyisobutyric acid (L‐3HIBA) and a range of clinical findings. Molecular genetic analyses revealed novel, homozygous variants in the HIBADH gene that are private within each family. Evidence for pathogenicity of the identified variants is presented, including enzymatic deficiency of HIBADH in patient fibroblasts. This report describes new variants in HIBADH as an underlying cause of primary 3‐hydroxyisobutyric aciduria and expands the clinical spectrum of this recently identified inborn error of valine metabolism. Additionally, we describe a quantitative method for the measurement of D‐ and L‐3HIBA in plasma and urine and present the results of a valine restriction therapy in one of the patients.
Susceptibility of structural steel to liquid metal embrittlement during hot‐dip galvanizing in zinc 5 %‐aluminum alloy
Authors: Pinger T. , Schäfer D. , Geßler A.
Published: February 2022

The phenomenon of liquid metal embrittlement has been known in the field of batch hot‐dip galvanizing for decades. With the increasing use of zinc alloys with higher content of aluminum, the question arises regarding the specific liquid metal embrittlement effects of such alloys on structural steels. The influence of a zinc 5 %‐aluminum alloy during galvanizing on structural steel grades S355 and S700 was investigated and compared with the results obtained in a conventional pure zinc melt. Furthermore, the effect of the low‐melting alloying element tin in both the zinc 5 %‐aluminum and zinc alloys was investigated. Specimens were prepared and mechanically loaded during immersion in a liquid zinc alloy. The tests revealed the consistently ductile behavior of S355 steel without any cracking or reduction of the strain capacity under the influence of liquid zinc 5 %‐aluminum alloy and pure zinc. Steel grade S700 shows reduced deformability in zinc 5 %‐aluminum alloy but better behavior in comparison to that in pure zinc. Upon the addition of tin, the zinc 5 %‐aluminum alloy behaves very positively with no reduction in the ductility of the steel, whereas the same addition in pure zinc leads to a drastic drop in ductility.
A variation of the Lq,p‐uncertainty inequalities of Heisenberg‐type for symmetric q‐integral transforms
Authors: Nefzi Bochra
Published: February 2022

The aim of this paper is to prove new uncertainty inequalities of Heisenberg‐type for a q‐integral operator
with a bounded kernel. To do so, we prove a Nash and Carlson's inequalities for this transformation on
for 1 < p≤2, on
for 1 < p < 2, and on
for 1 < p1 < p2≤2. Our results can be applied to the the q‐Fourier‐cosine transform, the q‐Dunkl transform, and the q‐Bessel‐Fourier transform.
Exact gram filtering and efficient backprojection for iterative CT reconstruction
Authors: Shu Ziyu , Entezari Alireza
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Forward and backprojections are the basis of all model‐based iterative reconstruction (MBIR) methods. However, computing these accurately is time‐consuming. In this paper, we present a method for MBIR in parallel X‐ray beam geometry that utilizes a Gram filter to efficiently implement forward and backprojection.

Methods

We propose using voxel‐basis and modeling its footprint in a box spline framework to calculate the Gram filter exactly and improve the performance of backprojection. In the special case of parallel X‐ray beam geometry, the forward and backprojection can be implemented by an estimated Gram filter efficiently if the sinogram signal is bandlimited. In this paper, a specialized sinogram interpolation method is proposed to eliminate the bandlimited prerequisite and thus improve the reconstruction accuracy. We build on this idea by utilizing the continuity of the voxel‐basis' footprint, which provides a more accurate sinogram interpolation and further improves the efficiency and quality of backprojection. In addition, the detector blur effect can be efficiently accounted for in our method to better handle realistic scenarios.

Results

The proposed method is tested on both phantom and real computed tomography (CT) images under different resolutions, sinogram sampling steps, and noise levels. The proposed method consistently outperforms other state‐of‐the‐art projection models in terms of speed and accuracy for both backprojection and reconstruction.

Conclusions

We proposed a iterative reconstruction methodology for 3D parallel‐beam X‐ray CT reconstruction. Our experimental results demonstrate that the proposed methodology is accurate, fast, and reproducible, and outperforms alternative state‐of‐the‐art projection models on both backprojection and reconstruction results significantly.
The effect of telerehabilitation on quality of life, anxiety, and depression in children with cystic fibrosis and caregivers: A single‐blind randomized trial
Authors: Kenis‐Coskun Özge , Aksoy Ahsen N. , Kumaş Eda N. , Yılmaz Aybike , Güven Elifnur , Ayaz Hatice H. , Sözer Tuğçe , Ergenekon Almala P. , Karadağ‐Saygı Evrim
Published: February 2022

Background

Postural and aerobic exercises are essential in rehabilitation in cystic fibrosis (CF). The aim of this study is to examine the effect of telerehabilitation on the quality of life, depression, and anxiety levels of children with CF and their caregivers' mood and anxiety levels.

Materials and Methods

Patients between the ages of 6–13 with CF were randomized into two groups. Study group received an exercise program three times a week via Zoom for 12 weeks. Cystic Fibrosis Revised Questionnaire (CFQ‐R), Anxiety and Depression Scale in Children‐Revised (RCADS) were applied to the patients and State‐Trait Anxiety Scale (STAI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were applied to the caregivers in the beginning and at the end of the program. Patients' FEV1 levels and 6‐min walk tests were also measured.

Results

Twenty‐eight patient–caregiver dyads, 14 dyads in each group, completed the study. The initial mean RCADS‐Major depressive disorder score of the patients in the exercise group was 6.21 ± 3.11, and this value decreased to 3.92 ± 3.79 at the end of the study and was significantly better (p < 0.02). A similar significant change was observed when the RCADS‐generalized anxiety disorder score decreased from the initial mean level of 6.28 ± 2.81 to 3.42 ± 2.65 (p < 0.01). There were significant changes in improvement in the body image in telerehabilitation group. Similar significant changes were not observed in the control group. Caregivers' anxiety and depression levels did not change significantly.

Conclusion

A short‐term telerehabilitation program improved patients' anxiety and depression levels, body image, and functional status. However, caregiver anxiety and depression levels did not change significantly.
Facile Synthesis of FeOOH−Ni3S2 Nanosheet Arrays on Nickel Foam via Chemical Immersion toward Electrocatalytic Water Splitting
Authors: Yang Yaqian , Mao Han , Sun Kuishan , Ning Rui , Zheng Xiaohang , Sui Jiehe , Cai Wei
Published: February 2022

Electrocatalytic water splitting is a useful and promising strategy to produce hydrogen, which is a sustainable and pollution‐free supply in the future. Herein, we design the FeOOH as an improved part to enhance the excellent water splitting catalytic activities of the Ni3S2, and the FeOOH−Ni3S2 shows remarkable electrocatalytic performance for OER and HER compared to the pristine Ni3S2 sample. Currently, we use a quick chemical immersion method to synthesize FeOOH on the surface of Ni3S2 nanosheets to form a FeOOH−Ni3S2 heterostructure. The FeOOH was formed as the dissolution process of Ni3S2 in Fe(NO3)3 solution. Our work opens up a quick, facile, and effective way to synthesize FeOOH and design high‐performance heterostructure electrocatalysts for energy conversion.
One‐pot Three‐component Solvent‐free Tandem Annulations for Synthesis of Tetrazolo[1,2‐a]pyrimidine and [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine
Authors: Datta Kumaresh , Mitra Bijeta , Sharma Biswajit Shil , Ghosh Pranab
Published: February 2022

β‐Cyclodextrin, a robust organocatalyst has been explored for the straightforward and facile synthesis of tetrazolo[1,2‐a]pyrimidine and [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine derivatives through one‐pot three‐component tandem annulations reaction under solvent‐free condition using aldehyde, active methylene compound and 5‐aminotetrazole or 3‐amino‐1,2,4‐triazole respectively. This greener chemical procedure has advantages such as shorter reaction time, absence of toxic and hazardous catalyst, chemicals and solvent, highly functional group tolerance, easy work up procedure and product separation.
Functionalized MCM‐41: Versatile Catalysts for Organic Transformations
Authors: Pasricha Sharda , Gahlot Pragya , Mittal Kavita , Rai Devansh , Avasthi Nishita , Kaur Harsimar , Rai Shruti
Published: February 2022

Functionalized MCM‐41 constitute a group of potent hybrid catalysts for organic reactions. Their pore size is large enough to house large substrate molecules, the large bulk of surface silanol groups helps in introduction of a variety of functionalities required for the catalytic action. The current review emphasizes the broad methodology for the synthesis of these catalysts, effect of functionalization on reaction parameters, stability, efficiency, selectivity, reusability along with limitations of these catalysts to organic transformations, from a green chemistry standpoint. Some selected mechanisms of catalytic action are also highlighted. The review demonstrates that surface functionalized MCM‐41 constitute innovative and need based catalyst systems that catalyze reactions like Sonogashira, Suzuki, Heck, Friedel Craft reaction, Aldol and Knoevenagel condensation etc. Several other reactions like oxidation, reduction, dehydration, esterification, epoxidation, C−S, C−N, C−O and S−S coupling as well as multicomponent synthesis of bioactive heterocycles have also been reported. It is hoped that this review will improve the understanding of scientific community on how these versatile catalysts operate and will provide opportunities to further enhance their utility for chemical industry.
Solvent‐Free Synthesis of Glycoside Annulated 1,2,3‐Triazole Based Dihydropyrimidinones using Copper Ferrite Nanomaterials as Heterogeneous Catalyst and DFT Studies
Authors: Bendi Anjaneyulu , Dharma Rao Gullapalli. B. , Sharma Nutan , Tomar Ravi , Singh Lakhwinder
Published: February 2022

In the present study, We have developed a facile and efficient method for the one‐pot five component synthesis of glycoside annulated 1,2,3‐triazole based dihydropyrimidinone derivatives using copper ferrite nanomaterials in the present work as heterogeneous catalyst. The quantum chemical investigations for the synthesized compounds have been carried out at the DFT/B3LYP/6‐31G(d) level of theory to predict the optimized geometry and different molecular properties. Frontier molecular orbitals, global reactivity descriptors, molecular electrostatic potential map, and thermodynamic parameters have also been reported at the same level of theory.
Study on Sensitivity and Drug Loading Characteristics of Graphene‐like BN Nanosheets to Indomethacin Based on DFT
Authors: Liu Yeshu , Zhang Guoying
Published: February 2022

The sensitivity and the drug loading characteristics of the doped BN nanosheet (BNNS) to indomethacin (INDO), a analgesic, anti‐inflammatory and antipyretic drug, were studied by using density functional theory. The adsorption energy calculated results show that the pristine BNNS can't be used to detect INDO, so that it can't be used as a potential efficient sensing materials to INDO. C, Si, Al, Ga doping enhances the absolute value of adsorption energy, and the recovery time is acceptable in practical application. All the elements studied (C, Si, Al, Ga, P, Cl) narrow the effective band gap, resulting in an increase of the electrical conductivity of INDO/BNNS complexes. These findings indicate the suitable doping improves the sensitivity of BNNS as sensing material to INDO, Si is the most efficient element. The INDO load on BNNS can be increased by the C, Si, Al, Ga doping. The sustained or controlled release of the INDO may be achieved by adjusting the doping of BNNS. Analysis of global reactivity descriptors show that the C, Si doping leads to the most reactive complexes. The solubility of INDO/doped BNNS complex can be modulated by the doping, and therefore BNNS can be as the carriers for poorly water‐soluble drugs. Comprehensive consideration of the adsorption energy, global reactivity descriptors and solubility, it is concluded that Si doped BNNS is most suitable as an INDO carrier.These results encourage a further investigation of BN nanosheet as a drug nanocarrier.
Synthesis of an Environmentally Friendly Boron Nitride/Dye Composite Photocatalytic Material and Study on Degradation Mechanism of Tetracycline Wastewater
Authors: Guo Yong , Ji Xin
Published: February 2022

Herein, a boron nitride‐dye composite photocatalytic material is synthesized by a simple and environmentally friendly method. In this method, boron nitride (BN) is added to Methylene blue (MB), Congo red (CR), Rhodamine B (RhB), methyl orange (MO) solution respectively, the formed composites (BN‐RhB, BN‐MB, BN‐MO and BN‐CR) can further work as photocatalyst to degrade tetracycline (TC) under visible light irradiation. The degradation rate of TC are 278.5, 303.3, 89 and 115.5 times by BN‐RhB, BN‐MB, BN‐MO and BN‐CR higher than that of BN. This is from the sensitization of dyes for BN and these dyes have different absorption ranges for visible light. After the adsorption of BN for RhB‐MO, RhB‐CR, MB‐MO and MB‐CR mixed solutions, BN‐RhB‐MO, BN‐RhB‐CR, BN‐MB‐MO and BN‐MB‐CR composites are formed. Compared with BN, their photodegradation rate for TC are improved by about 102.75, 118, 388 and 460.75 times, respectively. The photodegradation rate of BN‐MB‐CR (k=0.01843) is better than that of BN‐MB (k=0.01213), being from that binary dyes are more conducive to improve the electron transfer efficiency than single dyes. The involved photo‐active species during photodegradation process and the photodegradation intermediate products of TC have detected as well. The photodegradation rate (k=0.01213) of BN‐MB for TC is also higher than that of g‐C3N4 (k=0.00599), g‐C3N4‐MB (k=0.01027), TiO2 (k=0.01061) and TiO2‐MB (k=0.01163). This work is helpful to develop an environment‐friendly water treatment material.
Solvent‐Free Synthesis of New Quinoline Derivatives via Eaton's Reagent Catalysed Friedländer Synthesis
Authors: Satheeshkumar Rajendran , Prasad Karnam Jayarampillai Rajendra , Wen‐Long Wang , Espinosa‐Bustos Christian , Salas Cristian O.
Published: February 2022

An interest for the development of new 2‐acetyl/propanoyl quinolines via Friedländer synthesis is one of the most studied synthetic approaches. Herein we report the use of a freshly prepared Eaton's reagent (phosphorus pentoxide in methanesulfonic acid) as catalyst without solvents to obtain quinoline derivatives. Eleven 2‐acetylquinolines were synthesized in high yields (85‐96 %) from symmetrical 1,2‐diketone, butan‐2,3‐dione with o‐aminoarylketones in the presence of Eaton's reagent. Subsequently, a novel regioselective solvent free reaction is reported for synthesis of o‐aminoarylketones with unsymmetrical 1,2‐diketone, pentan‐2,3‐dione, to yield different 2‐propanoylquinolines. Eaton's reagent performs a unique way of this reaction as a powerful desiccant, condensing, cyclizing and dehydrating agent. Among these advantages of Eaton's reagent was found as an inexpensive and easily accessible catalyst for the Friedländer synthesis.
Arginine‐Catalyzed Henry Reaction of α‐Keto Amides with Nitromethane on Water
Authors: Wu Chaofei , Hu Bolun , Liu Hongxin , Jiang Jun , Kim Jimin
Published: February 2022

Arginine‐catalyzed Henry reaction of α‐keto amides with nitromethane on water has been described, which provided nitroaldol adducts with excellent yields (up to 98 %). Importantly, a broad substrate scope (28 examples) was achieved under green and mild conditions.
Anchoring Ru/RuO2 Nanoparticles on Porous Carbon Shell as An Efficient Cathode Catalyst for Li‐CO2 Battery
Authors: Lian Zheng , Pei Ying , Ma Shiyu , Lu Youcai , Liu Qingchao
Published: February 2022

Rechargeable Li‐CO2 batteries have received a lot of attention due to their high energy density and ability to fix the greenhouse gas CO2. However, the lagged kinetics of CO2 reduction reaction (CRR) and CO2 evolution reaction (CER) has been restricting the development and application of Li‐CO2 batteries. Herein, ultrafine Ru/RuO2 nanoparticles anchored on hierarchical porous carbon shell (Ru/RuO2‐HPC) is designed and applied as an efficient cathode catalyst for Li‐CO2 batteries. The anchored Ru/RuO2 nanoparticles act as catalytic site not only accelerate CRR and CER kinetics but also tailor the reaction process of Li‐CO2 batteries, making discharge products are more susceptible to form sheet‐like by a surface‐adsorption pathway, which is easier to be decomposed in charge process. As a result, Li‐CO2 battery based on Ru/RuO2‐HPC cathode displays enhanced electrochemical performances, including high capacity, excellent round‐trip efficiency, and outstanding cycling stability.
Design Strategies of Gold Nanoparticles‐Based Biosensors Coupled with Hybridization Chain Reaction or Catalytic Hairpin Assembly
Authors: Ooi Jessica Sui Ying , New Siu Yee
Published: February 2022

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been a popular choice of biosensing material for decades. Given their remarkable physicochemical properties, they have been widely employed in different types of assays, including colorimetric, electrochemical, fluorescence and catalysis. With the emergence of enzyme‐free target amplification methods such as hybridization chain reaction (HCR) and catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA), integrating AuNPs with these DNA circuits provide a new paradigm in biosensing. This not only combines the advantages of each component, it also addresses limitations of certain design principles and allows improvement of the assay performance. This review aims to provide a comprehensive reference on different ways to construct AuNPs‐based biosensors assisted by HCR and CHA based on different detection principles. For each type of assay, the common design principle is presented and specific features are highlighted that may shed new light on the translation of AuNPs‐HCR or AuNPs‐CHA biosensors to biologically relevant applications.
How does a partner's acquisition affect the value of the firm's alliance with that partner?
Authors: Lavie Dovev , Lunnan Randi , Truong Binh Minh T.
Published: February 2022

Research Summary

How does an acquisition initiated by a firm's alliance partner affect the value that the firm can create and capture from its alliance with that partner? We conjecture that the similarity between the businesses of the firm and its partner's acquisition target restricts the firm's ability to create and capture value from its alliance, whereas the complementarity between their businesses enhances the firm's gain from its alliance. We further expect relational embeddedness between the firm and its partner to mitigate the competitive tension associated with similarity while reinforcing synergies ascribed to complementarity. Our analysis of 361 firms and their 590 alliances with 91 partners that acquired 164 targets during 2000–2016 supports our predictions about business similarity and complementarity but refutes those concerning relational embeddedness.

Managerial Summary

When a firm's partner engages in an acquisition, this can impact the value of their alliance. We show that when the acquired target competes with the firm, the value of the alliance declines. In turn, when the target and firm's businesses are complementary, the alliance creates more value. We also find that when the firm and the partner had extensive experience working together, this reinforces the negative effect of business similarity with the target, probably because of perceived betrayal and knowledge leakage. Joint experience also reduces the value of complementarity, likely due to the difficulty of modifying collaborative practices. We encourage managers to scrutinize their partners' corporate initiatives, reduce commitment when the partner acquires a competing target, and leverage new complementarities following the partner's acquisitions.
3D LiMn2O4 Thin Film Deposited by ALD: A Road toward High‐Capacity Electrode for 3D Li‐Ion Microbatteries
Authors: Hallot Maxime , Nikitin Viktor , Lebedev Oleg I. , Retoux Richard , Troadec David , De Andrade Vincent , Roussel Pascal , Lethien Christophe
Published: February 2022

Miniaturized electronics suffer from a lack of energy autonomy. In that context, the fabrication of lithium‐ion solid‐state microbatteries with high performance is mandatory for powering the next generation of portable electronic devices. Here, the fabrication of a thin film positive electrode for 3D Li‐ion microbatteries made by the atomic layer deposition (ALD) method and in situ lithiation step is demonstrated. The 3D electrodes based on spinel LiMn2O4 films operate at high working potential (4.1 V vs Li/Li+) and are capable of delivering a remarkable surface capacity (≈180 μAh cm−2) at low C‐rate while maintaining more than 40 μAh cm−2 at C/2 (time constant = 2 h). Both the thickness of the electrode material and the 3D gain of the template are carefully tuned to maximize the electrode performance. Advanced characterization techniques such as transmission electron and X‐ray transmission microscopies are proposed as perfect tools to study the conformality of the deposited films and the interfaces between each layer: no interdiffusion or segregation are observed. This work represents a major issue towards the fabrication of 3D‐lithiated electrode by ALD—without any prelithiation step by electrochemical technique—making it an attractive solution for the fabrication of 3D Li‐ion solid‐state microbatteries with semiconductor processing methods.
Aggregation‐Dependent Dielectric Permittivity in 2D Molecular Crystals
Authors: Yang Yutian , Wang Yingying , Qiao Jingsi , Zhao Weiwei , Yu Yuanfang , Feng Shaopeng , An Xuhong , Zhang Jialin , Ji Wei , Wang Xinran , Lu Junpeng , Ni Zhenhua
Published: February 2022

The functionality of 2D molecular crystal‐based devices crucially depends on their intrinsic properties, such as molecular energy levels, light absorption efficiency, and dielectric permittivity, which are highly sensitive to molecular aggregation. Here, it is demonstrated that the dielectric permittivity of the 2,7‐dioctyl[1]benzothieno[3,2‐b][1]benzothiophene (C8‐BTBT) molecular crystals on monolayer WS2 substrates can be tuned from 4.62 in the wetting layer to 2.25 in the second layer. Its origin lies in the different molecular orientations in the wetting layer (lying‐down) and in the subsequently stacked layers (standing‐up), which lead to a positive Coulomb coupling (JCoup) value (H‐aggregation) and a negative JCoup value (J‐aggregation), respectively. Polarized optical contrast spectroscopy reveals that the permittivity of C8‐BTBT is anisotropic, and its direction is related to the underlying substrate. The study offers guidelines for future manipulation of the permittivity of 2D molecular crystals, which may promote their applications toward various electronic and optoelectronic devices.
Ultrasonographic features of atraumatic‐pathological subcapsular splenic haematomas in two dogs with confirmed lymphoma
Authors: Boozer Tara C. , Heng Hock Gan , Lim Chee Kin , Eichelberger Bunita , Childress Michael
Published: February 2022

This report describes the ultrasonographic features of splenic subcapsular haematoma in two dogs with lymphoma. One dog presented for suspicion of pancreatitis and the other for persistent lethargy; both dogs had peripheral lymphadenomegaly. Abdominal ultrasound showed an avascular, subcapsular, hypoechoic region along the parietal surface of the spleen. Both dogs underwent exploratory laparotomy, during which a splenectomy and biopsies of the liver and lymph nodes were performed. Lymphoma was diagnosed via histopathology in both dogs. Atraumatic‐pathological splenic subcapsular haematomas have been reported in humans with lymphoma, but this is the first known report in veterinary medicine in patients with lymphoma.
Analysis and Conceptualization of Healthcare Systems and Training in the Context of Technological Innovation and Personalization
Authors: Bogaert Brenda , Nova António Casa , Apay Serap Ejder , Özlü Zeynep Karaman , Melo Paulo , Pierron Jean-Philippe , Raposo Vítor , Sánchez-González Patricia
Published: February 2022

This chapter will analyse personalization within the context of technological innovation. It will first of all clarify the conceptual terms used in the debate, in particular patient, person-centered and people-centered care and their various uses and limitations. It will then focus on specific issues of personalization and technology in emerging areas, notably in interprofessional practices and in medical training. This will allow greater understanding of both the possibilities and emerging tensions in the integration of personalization and technological innovation in healthcare systems from the training stage to its integration in various professional cadres.
Probabilistic Modelling and Decision Support in Personalized Medicine
Authors: Javorník Michal , Dostál Otto , Roček Aleš
Published: February 2022

The concept of personalized medicine, often called the biggest revolution in medicine, is becoming an emerging practice. The article presents personalized medicine in a broader context as an interdisciplinary issue covering the current trends of information and communication technology in medicine, legal aspects, and probabilistic network modelling. Employing the concept of probabilistic network reasoning means extracting the meaningful knowledge, mathematizing it, incorporating the particular patient information and then using inference mechanisms of the created mathematical model for personalized decision support. Bayesian networks can serve as a multidimensional decision support framework representing the real-world medical domain. Their power, together with the possibilities of global sharing of necessary medical knowledge, represents a promising approach of extracting new, often hidden, knowledge about the given medical domain and thus opens up new ways of achieving the delivery of personalized medicine. Establishing patient diagnosis and treatment prognoses are the critical issues in personalized decision support. Mathematical modelling is beginning to play an irreplaceable role here.
Advancement of Efficiency Evaluation for Healthcare
Authors: Canolle Fabien , Antonić Darijana , Nova António Casa , Goncharuk Anatoliy , Melo Paulo , Raposo Vítor , Vinot Didier
Published: February 2022

The objective of this chapter is to provide conceptual understandings of evaluation methods for healthcare and concrete illustrations in order to take stock of the advancements and applications on the subject. The chapter is divided in four sections: the first one sets the stage at a European level by evaluating healthcare system performance; the second goes back to the fundamental principles of methods of evaluation for healthcare; the third one follows with illustrations of patient-centred and person-centred methods of evaluation; and the last part moves forward with a reflection on intangibles and a proposition for a method of observation.
Overview of the Artificial Intelligence Methods and Analysis of Their Application Potential
Authors: Kriksciuniene Dalia , Sakalauskas Virgilijus
Published: February 2022

The medical industry collects a huge amount of data, most of which is electronic health records. These data cannot be processed and analyzed using traditional statistical or data analysis methods because of the complexity and a volume of the data. So the knowledge discovery from raw clinical data is a big challenge for healthcare system. In this chapter we introduce the issue of data mining in healthcare, i.e. how to use the raw clinical data to ensure a systematic approach to health problems, highlight good practices, reveal inefficiencies, and improve healthcare efficiency. We identify the data sources used in healthcare, discuss its adequacy, interpretation, transformation and cleansing challenges. Also we consider the variety characteristics and specific capacities of methods, applied in the areas of data mining. Particular attention is paid to the diversity of Machine Learning and Artificial intelligence methods, analytical health data analysis models, its testing and evaluation capabilities.
Interaction of Docetaxel with Phosphatidylcholine Membranes: A Combined Experimental and Computational Study
Authors: Aranda Elisa , Teruel José A. , Ortiz Antonio , Pérez-Cárceles María Dolores , Aranda Francisco J.
Published: February 2022

The antineoplastic drug Docetaxel is a second generation taxane which is used against a great variety of cancers. The drug is highly lipophilic and produces a great array of severe toxic effects that limit its therapeutic effectiveness. The study of the interaction between Docetaxel and membranes is very scarce, however, it is required in order to get clues in relation with its function, mechanism of toxicity and possibilities of new formulations. Using phosphatidylcholine biomimetic membranes, we examine the interaction of Docetaxel with the phospholipid bilayer combining an experimental study, employing a series of biophysical techniques like Differential Scanning Calorimetry, X-Ray Diffraction and Infrared Spectroscopy, and a Molecular Dynamics simulation. Our experimental results indicated that Docetaxel incorporated into DPPC bilayer perturbing the gel to liquid crystalline phase transition and giving rise to immiscibility when the amount of the drug is increased. The drug promotes the gel ripple phase, increasing the bilayer thickness in the fluid phase, and is also able to alter the hydrogen-bonding interactions in the interfacial region of the bilayer producing a dehydration effect. The results from computational simulation agree with the experimental ones and located the Docetaxel molecule forming small clusters in the region of the carbon 8 of the acyl chain palisade overlapping with the carbonyl region of the phospholipid. Our results support the idea that the anticancer drug is embedded into the phospholipid bilayer to a limited amount and produces structural perturbations which might affect the function of the membrane.

Graphical Abstract
Financing Pediatric Surgery: A Provider's Perspective from the Global Initiative for Children's Surgery
Authors: Ullrich Sarah J. , Tamanna Nowrin , Aziz Tasmiah Tahera , Philipo Godfrey Sama , Banu Tahmina , Ameh Emmanuel A. , Ozgediz Doruk ,   the Global Initiative for Children's Surgery
Published: February 2022

Background

Half the world's population is at risk of catastrophic health expenditure (CHE, out‐of‐pocket spending of more than 10% of annual expenditure) should they require surgery. Protection against CHE is a key indicator of successful health care delivery and has been identified as a priority area by the Global Initiative for Children's Surgery (GICS). Data specific to pediatric surgical patients is limited. This study examines the financial risks for pediatric surgical patients and their families from a provider's perspective.

Methods

We surveyed GICS members about the existing financial protection mechanisms and estimated expenditures for their patients. Questions were structured based on the National Surgical, Obstetric and Anesthesia Planning Surgical Indicators and finalized based on multi‐institutional consensus between high‐income country and low‐and middle‐income country (LMIC) providers. Chi‐squared test, Fisher's exact test and student's t‐test were used as appropriate.

Results

Among 107 respondents, 72.4% were from low income or lower‐middle income (LIC/LMIC) countries, and 55.1% were attending or consultant physicians. Families were most likely to decline surgery in LIC/LMIC due to inability to afford treatment (mean Likert = 3.77 ± 1.06). The odds of incurring CHE after children's surgery are up to 17 times greater in LIC/LMIC (P = 0.001, unadjusted OR 17.28, 95%CI 2.13–140.02). Over 50% of families of children undergoing major surgery in these settings face CHE. An estimated 5.1% of providers in LIC/LMIC and 56.2% (P < 0.001) of providers in UMIC/HIC reported that families are able to pay for their direct medical costs with the assistance available to them and were more likely to sell assets (74.4% vs. 33.3%, P = 0.005).

Conclusion

Patients in LMICs are at greater risk for CHE and have less financial risk protection than their HIC counterparts. Given this disparity, intervention is needed to make safe surgery affordable for children worldwide.
Harmonization of design-based mapping for spatial populations
Authors: Marcelli A. , Fattorini L. , Franceschi S.
Published: February 2022

The mapping of a survey variable throughout a continuum or for finite populations of units is usually performed from a model-dependent perspective. Nevertheless, when a sample of locations/units is selected by a probabilistic sampling scheme, the complex task of modelling can be avoided by using the inverse distance weighting interpolator and deriving the properties of maps in a design-based perspective. Conditions ensuring consistency of maps can be derived mainly based on some obvious assumptions about the pattern of the survey variable throughout the study region as well from the feature of the sampling scheme adopted to select locations/units. Nevertheless, in a design-based setting the totals of the survey variable for a set of domains partitioning the study region are commonly estimated by traditional estimators such as the Horvitz–Thompson estimator in the case of finite populations or the Monte-Carlo estimator in the case of continuous populations or by related estimators exploiting the information of auxiliary variables. That necessarily gives rise to different total estimates with respect to those achieved from the resulting maps as the sum of the interpolated values within domains. To obtain non-discrepant results, a harmonization of maps is here suggested, in such a way that the resulting totals arising from maps coincide with those achieved by traditional estimation. The capacity of the harmonization procedure to maintain consistency is argued theoretically and checked by a simulation study performed on some real populations.
Building consensus and increasing self-efficacy: participatory scenarios as a tool for developing food security solutions in West Africa
Authors: Olabisi Laura Schmitt , Sidibé Amadou , Assan Elsie , Adebiyi Jelili , Totin Edmond , Thompson-Hall Mary
Published: February 2022

Food security in West Africa is threatened by climate change, as well as demographic shifts and land constraints. Communities and policy-makers in the region need to plan for long term sustainability and food security when many conditions are highly uncertain. Participatory scenario planning has been proposed as a tool for building strategic action in the face of uncertainty. Proponents have made claims that this process can generate consensus and self-efficacy for action, but these claims have not been tested empirically. We used two parallel scenario processes in Ghana and Mali, designed with the goal of prioritizing strategic actions for food security, to gather data from participants on their views of the top challenges to food security in their region, the causes of those challenges, and actors who should be implementing solutions. The data indicate that the scenario process did promote consensus among participants on these topics, as well as self- and collective-efficacy to take action, and that these characteristics persisted past the duration of the scenario process. Agreement among local and regional actors around what actions to take to promote food security and belief that they are capable of implementing those actions are key prerequisites for planning under conditions of high uncertainty. Participatory scenario exercises are therefore a useful tool.
Selbsterfahrung in der Psychodrama Ausbildung
Authors: Fürst Jutta
Published: February 2022

In diesem Beitrag der Zeitschrift für Psychodrama und Soziometrie wird erörtert, dass Selbsterfahrung in der Ausbildung zur Psychodramatherapeut*in im Vergleich zur Selbsterfahrung in anderen psychotherapeutischen Ansätzen, aus historischen, philosophischen und technischen Gründen eine besondere Form hat. Der wissenschaftlichen Auseinandersetzung mit der Selbsterfahrung wurde in anderen therapeutischen Verfahren ungleich mehr Raum gegeben als im Psychodrama. Auch die Anforderungen an die Ausbildung haben sich in den letzten Jahren besonders durch die Akademisierung geändert.

Aus diesen Gründen ist es mehr als sinnvoll, die Entwicklung der Selbsterfahrung als Element der Ausbildung näher zu betrachten, um aus den bisherigen Erfahrungen, Perspektiven für eine zukünftige Ausbildungsgestaltung zu erarbeiten.

Der Beitrag versucht die Unterschiede sichtbar zu machen und die Entwicklung der Selbsterfahrung als Ausbildungsteil nachzuzeichnen. Dabei werden die Ziele, Wirkweise sowie Vor- und Nachteile der Selbsterfahrung in der Ausbildung beschrieben, Rückschlüsse aus den bisherigen Erfahrungen gezogen und mögliche Änderungen für die Zukunft skizziert.
Remnants, LDL, and the Quantification of Lipoprotein-Associated Risk in Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Packard Chris J.
Published: February 2022

Purpose of Review

Implementation of intensive LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering strategies and recognition of the role of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRL) in atherosclerosis has prompted re-evaluation of the suitability of current lipid profile measurements for future clinical practice.

Recent Findings

At low concentrations of LDL-C (< 1.8 mmol/l/70 mg/dl), the Friedewald equation yields estimates with substantial negative bias. New equations provide a more accurate means of calculating LDL-C. Recent reports indicate that the increase in risk per unit increment in TRL/remnant cholesterol may be greater than that of LDL-C. Hence, specific measurement of TRL/remnant cholesterol may be of importance in determining risk. Non-HDL cholesterol and plasma apolipoprotein B have been shown in discordancy analyses to identify individuals at high risk even when LDL-C is low.

There is a need to adopt updated methods for determining LDL-C and to develop better biomarkers that more accurately reflect the abundance of TRL remnant particles.