bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role and Level of Engagement of Peer Researchers in Systematic Reviews: A Review Article
Authors: Arteaga Mariangela Castro , Workentin Mike , Abeshu Gemechu , Anene Ify , Alamgir Akm
Published: August 2022

Aims: This article aims at examining the role of peer researchers in systematic reviews of sensitive topics. While there are articles on the participation of peer researchers in primary research, there are very few studies on their role in systematic reviews. This project asks three research questions:  What role do refugee/immigrant peers play in the systematic literature reviews of collaborative research models? What are the effective models used for engaging peer researchers in conducting systematic reviews of literature? In what ways are peer researchers being used in systematic reviews?.

Study Design and Methodology: this is a review article. Ovid Medline, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases were consulted to understand the extent, knowledge gap, and scope of this systematic literature review. The team developed Boolean operators with four keywords: (i) systematic review, (ii) role or contribution or participation or engagement, (iii) peer research or collaborative research, and (iv) participatory research. In total, 270 articles were found, from which 99 were duplicates, 164 articles were removed after checking their title and abstract, and seven articles were selected for full article review.

Results: All seven articles were systematic reviews focusing on the involvement of peer researchers in the healthcare field and described succinctly the role of peer researchers in conducting systematic reviews. Of them, two articles described peers’ involvement during the systematic review's design, methodology, and analysis activities; however, the involvement of immigrants/refugees as peer researchers in systematic reviews was not available despite repeated intentional searches. There is no mention of engaging any refugee peers in research on refugee interest.

Conclusion: Some studies show the benefits of involving peer researchers in a collaborative design. However, there is a scope for generating more evidence regarding the roles of refugee/immigrant peer-researchers in systematic reviews. From our practice, we recommend engaging at least two peers or 20% of the members of the research team for all levels of the research activity. The peer(s) need to have lived experience of the research of interest.
GC-MS Analysis and Antiplasmodial Potentials of Bioactive Compounds Present in Methanolic and Ethanolic Leaf Extracts of Daniella oliveri
Authors: Muazu Muhammed , Sani Abdulsalami Mohammed , Dikwa K. B. , M. Dibal D. , Tijani Kokori Bajeh , Yahaya Junaidu
Published: August 2022

Qualitative, quantitative and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis are useful for the determination of bioactive components necessary for accessing the antiplasmodial potentials of methanolic and ethanolic leaf extracts of Daniella oliveri (D. oliveri). The aim of the study was to screen D. oliveri for the detection of phytochemical components and determination of bioactive compounds using qualitative, quantitative and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) analytical techniques. The leaves were collected in Anyigba, from which methanolic and ethanolic extracts were prepared, phytochemical components detected and bioactive compounds determined using GC-MS. Results showed the presence of alkaloid, tannin, reducing sugar, saponin, terpenoid, phenol, cardiac glycosides and flavonoid in the extracts. Phenol showed the highest concentration (46.14 and 43.09 mg/100g) while terpenoid showed the lowest concentration (10.63 and 9.97 mg/100g) in methanolic and ethanolic extracts respectively. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of higher components (57) in methanolic extract compared to ethanolic extract (27). This study provides scientific evidence that methanol may be a better extraction solvent for GC-MS analysis of D. oliveri leaves meant to be used for the determination of antiplasmodial activity than ethanol due to higher components detected in methanolic extract compared to ethanolic extract.
State of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in N'Djamena, Chad
Authors: Himeda Makhlouf , Bechir Mahamat , Aboubakar . , Abakoura Barka , Tidjani Abdelsalam , Hamadou Mamoudou
Published: August 2022

Food plays a significant role in health. Fruits and vegetables are an important component of a healthy diet and, when consumed daily in sufficient quantities, they could help to prevent major conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. The objective of the study is to assess the state of consumption of fruits and vegetables by the population of the city of N'Djamena.  Through a descriptive cross-sectional analysis, this study will provide information on fruit and vegetable consumption of 440 households in the 10 districts in the city of N'Djamena in Chad from February 20 to June 20, 2015. The study described the hygiene conditions of fruits and vegetables, the timing of fruit consumption and the portions of fruits and vegetables consumed per day in N'Djamena. The results show that 60% of those surveyed are male and 40% female. The age group (25-40 years) represents 79.31% of the respondents, followed by the group (41-55 years) with 17.93% and 2.75% for the age group between 56 and 75 years. As for the socio-professional category, the results reveal that 31.72% of those surveyed are civil servants. The results show that households whose size varies between 0 and 5 people represent 45.51% against 31.03% for households whose size varies from 6 to 10 people. It should be noted that 11.03% of households spend a daily food ration less than or equal to 1,5 $, 24.13% of households spend between 1,5 to 3 $ per day for their daily food ration and 28.27% of households use a sum ranging from 3 to 4,5 $. The majority of respondents (93.79%) do not respect hygienic practice while 20% of respondents consume one serving of fruits and vegetables per day (per person) and 39.31% consume two portions. The impact of socio-economic difficulties on fruit and vegetable consumption is confirmed. The high household size and low daily expenses for food does not allow them to consume the 5 recommended portions. This insufficient consumption of fruits and vegetables is part of a context of galloping urbanization and rising food prices. One prospect raised is to consider further surveys in population subgroups accompanied by nutrition education in order to improve the consumption of this food group.
Biochemical Characterization and Molecular Identification of Escherichia coli Isolate from Abattoir Wastes and Its Susceptibility to Ethanolic Root Extract of Azadirachta indica (neem)
Authors: Momoh Johnson Oshiobugie , Olaleye Oluremi Nurudeen
Published: August 2022

Aim: The study evaluates the molecular identification of Escherichia coli isolate from abattoir wastes and its susceptibility to ethanolic root extract of Azadirachta indica (neem).

Methodology: The isolation, cultural characterization and identification of Escherichia coli isolate using biochemical methods and molecular identification (polymerase chain reaction)  were carried out using standard methods. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and phytochemical analysis of the ethanolic root extract of Azadirachta indica (neem) were determined using standard methods. Antibacterial activities were determined by disc diffusion and agar well diffusion methods. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined using standard procedures. 

Results: The result of the phytochemical screening shows that the plant contains phenolic       compounds, flavonoids, carbohydrate, alkaloids, saponins, tannin and cardiac glycosides. forty compounds were identified in the root of A. indica using GC-MS analysis with 9-Octadecenoic acid, (E)- being the most abundant with peak area of 28.13% and retention time of 22.044. The organism was confirmed to be Escherichia coli using polymerase chain reaction with specific primer pairs and later resolved in an agarose gel electrophoresis for 16S rRNA gene with band size of 253 base pair. The organism was susceptible to gentamycin, amoxicillin, pefloxacin, sparfloxacin and resistant to tarivid with weak response. The study shows that ethanolic root extract of A. indica exhibited strong response antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli with zone of inhibition of 19.48±0.23 and 21.36±0.54 at concentration of 250 and 500 mg/dl respectively. At 100 mg/ml, the extract showed little or no response with zone of inhibition of 9.33±0.33. Azithromycin solution at 12.50 and 25.00 mg/ml showed strong response and potent response against E. coli with zone of inhibition of 23.37±0.48 and 37.34±0.65 respectively. At 5.00 mg/ml, azithromycin antibiotic exhibited weak response against E. coli with zone of inhibition of 15.37 ± 0.33. The ethanolic root extract of A. indica and azithromycin solution have MIC and MBC values of 31.25, 15.63, 62.50 and 31.25 mg/ml respectively against E. coli. The ethanolic root extract of A. indica was bactericidal with MBC/MIC ratio of 2.00. The plant has antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and may prevent pathogenic diseases caused by the organism.

Conclusions: The root of Azadirachta indica (neem) contains phytochemicals, possesses antibacterial activity and may prevent pathogenic diseases caused by Escherichia coli.
Serum Calcium Channel Alpha2 Delta1 α2δ1 Subunit as a Diagnostic and a Predictive Marker of Therapeutic Ablation Outcome for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Cirrhotic Hepatitis C Patients
Authors: Ferra Ayat Ismail , El-Kassas Galal El-Din Moustafa , Hazzaa Sahar Mohey El-Din , Rabea Mohammed Yousef
Published: August 2022

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma is the 7th common cancer worldwide. Its diagnosis depends mainly on abdominal ultrasound and serum alpha-fetoprotein. The alpha2 delta1 (α2δ1) subunit is excessively presented in Tumor Initiating Cells (TICs) of HCC, and is mandatory in calcium transport, which is important to maintain TICs properties. The aim was to assess serum α2δ1 subunit as a diagnostic marker and for follow up of hepatocellular carcinoma patients after ablation in comparison to alpha-fetoprotein.

Methods: This study was performed on 60 subjects. They were divided into three groups; Group I: included 20 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, Group II: included 20 patients without hepatocellular carcinoma, and Group III: included 20 healthy individuals as control ones. Serum α2δ1 subunit was measured in all subjects and followed up in group I 3 months after ablation.

Results: Serum α2δ1 subunit was significantly higher in group I than either group II or group III with a cut off value >100 ng/mL (sensitivity 80%, specificity 100%), and was decreasing after ablation in well ablated cases in the period of follow up.

Conclusion: α2δ1 subunit is a useful marker in diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma, also in follow up after ablation.
Diagnostic Challenges in Osteoradionecrosis of the Jaw
Authors: Yilmaz Busra , Somay Efsun , Kucuk Ahmet , Topkan Erkan
Published: August 2022

Osteoradionecrosis of the jaws (ORNJ) is a severe radiotherapy (RT) complication that occurs in 2% to 22% of individuals with head and neck cancers (HNC) who are treated with RT or concurrent chemo-RT. The accurate diagnosis of ORNJ is crucial for appropriate and prompt management. On the other hand, various ORNJ stages can resemble osteomyelitis, medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), and tumor recurrences. This challenging situation is primarily due to the clinical and radiologic similarities between ORNJ and these non-RT-related conditions. Image analysis techniques such as panoramic imaging (PI), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), bone scintigraphy, positron emission tomography (PET), and single photon emission CT (SPECT) might help to avoid diagnostic obstacles. Despite the fact that the general characteristics of ORNJ have been reported in the literature, there is no clear consensus on its definitive diagnosis. Therefore, the current review aims to address ORNJ and its clinical and radiological aspects, as well as provide evidence to inform on the approaches to be used in removing the complexity in diagnosis, with a specific focus on radiological and nuclear medicine techniques.
Development of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) under Different Doses of Phosphorus in a Sandy Soil with and without Gypsum
Authors: Becalli Kelly Delmondes Santana , Oliveira Pedro Luís de Sousa , Damascena Jossimara Ferreira , Becalli Renan Andrade , Moraes Rafael Guimarães Silva , Sousa Geslanny Oliveira , Moraes Wendel dos Santos , Amorim Edson Araujo de , Pereira Juliana Andrade
Published: August 2022

Cowpea is a crop of great socioeconomic importance in the North and Northeast regions of Brazil. In these regions, soils tend to be more acidic, causing greater difficulty in root development and absorption of nutrients available in deeper layers. Another limiting factor for the development of the culture is the inadequate management or even the non-use of phosphate fertilizers. In this context, the objective of the research was to evaluate the development of cowpea subjected to different doses of phosphorus, with and without the use of agricultural gypsum applied to a sandy soil surface. The experiment was carried out from February to June 2018, in a completely Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), Replicated four (4) times. The phosphorus dosages used were 0, 40, 80 and 120 kg ha - in soils with and without the use of gypsum. To verify the results, morphological and productivity parameters were analyzed. The best results were obtained at the dosage of 80 kg ha -1 of phosphorus for treatment with gypsum and without gypsum. The values ​​decreased with doses higher than 80 kg ha -1 in all parameters analyzed.
OS RIOS, O MEIO AMBIENTE E AS ORGANIZAÇÕES MULTINACIONAIS
Authors: Franco Tânia
Published: August 2022

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Geographic and Racial Disparities in Access to Chimeric Antigen Receptor–T Cells and Bispecific Antibodies Trials for Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Alqazaqi Raghad , Schinke Carolina , Thanendrarajan Sharmilan , Zangari Maurizio , Shaughnessy John , Zhan Fenghuang , Tricot Guido , van Rhee Frits , Al Hadidi Samer
Published: August 2022

Importance

The use of chimeric antigen receptor–T cell (CAR-T) therapy and bispecific antibodies in multiple myeloma is expanding, with encouraging early results. It is unknown if the current geographic distribution of CAR-T therapy and bispecific antibodies in multiple myeloma allows access for patients in need, especially for Black populations, which have a higher incidence of multiple myeloma.

Objective

To investigate if the current geographic distribution of CAR-T cell therapy and bispecific antibodies for multiple myeloma allows equitable access for Black patients with multiple myeloma.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study of data from CAR-T therapy and bispecific antibodies multiple myeloma clinical trials for all available studies listed in ClinicalTrials.gov until January 31, 2022. Only studies with 1 or more open sites in the US were analyzed. Data were analyzed February 2022.

Results

A total of 162 clinical trials were found, and 69 analyzed—7896 participants were either enrolled or expected to enroll, with 4386 participants (55.5%) enrolled or to be enrolled in CAR-T therapies clinical trials. The vast majority of clinical trials (66 [96%]) were sponsored by industry, and there were 140 clinical trials sites. The mean number of sites per trial was 8.1 (7.8 for CAR-T trials [range, 1-30 trials] vs 8.7 for bispecific antibodies [range, 1-26 trials]). Only 35.9% of Black patients lived in a county with an open trial. For the 10 states with the highest proportion of Black residents (ranging from 18.6% to 41.4%), 6 of those states (60%) had no (3 states) or less than 3 clinical trial openings (3 states) for either a CAR-T or bispecific antibody study.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study, we found that the geographic distribution of clinical trials for CAR-T and bispecific antibodies may contribute to disparities in access to the most advanced clinical trials for new multiple myeloma therapies. Since most of the ongoing trials were sponsored by industry, regulating the distribution of clinical trial sites may reduce these inequities.
Use of a Digital Assistant to Report COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Self-test Results to Health Departments in 6 US Communities
Authors: Herbert Carly , Shi Qiming , Kheterpal Vik , Nowak Chris , Suvarna Thejas , Durnan Basyl , Schrader Summer , Behar Stephanie , Naeem Syed , Tarrant Seanan , Kalibala Ben , Singh Aditi , Gerber Ben , Barton Bruce , Lin Honghuang , Cohen-Wolkowiez Michael , Corbie-Smith Giselle , Kibbe Warren , Marquez Juan , Baek Jonggyu , Hafer Nathaniel , Gibson Laura , O’Connor Laurel , Broach John , Heetderks William , McManus David , Soni Apurv
Published: August 2022

Importance

Widespread distribution of rapid antigen tests is integral to the US strategy to address COVID-19; however, it is estimated that few rapid antigen test results are reported to local departments of health.

Objective

To characterize how often individuals in 6 communities throughout the United States used a digital assistant to log rapid antigen test results and report them to their local departments of health.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This prospective cohort study is based on anonymously collected data from the beneficiaries of the Say Yes! Covid Test program, which distributed more than 3 000 000 rapid antigen tests at no cost to residents of 6 communities (Louisville, Kentucky; Indianapolis, Indiana; Fulton County, Georgia; O’ahu, Hawaii; Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, Michigan; and Chattanooga, Tennessee) between April and October 2021. A descriptive evaluation of beneficiary use of a digital assistant for logging and reporting their rapid antigen test results was performed.

Interventions

Widespread community distribution of rapid antigen tests.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Number and proportion of tests logged and reported to the local department of health through the digital assistant.

Results

A total of 313 000 test kits were distributed, including 178 785 test kits that were ordered using the digital assistant. Among all distributed kits, 14 398 households (4.6%) used the digital assistant, but beneficiaries reported three-quarters of their rapid antigen test results to their state public health departments (30 965 tests reported of 41 465 total test results [75.0%]). The reporting behavior varied by community and was significantly higher among communities that were incentivized for reporting test results vs those that were not incentivized or partially incentivized (90.5% [95% CI, 89.9%-91.2%] vs 70.5%; [95% CI, 70.0%-71.0%]). In all communities, positive tests were less frequently reported than negative tests (60.4% [95% CI, 58.1%-62.8%] vs 75.5% [95% CI, 75.1%-76.0%]).

Conclusions and Relevance

These results suggest that application-based reporting with incentives may be associated with increased reporting of rapid tests for COVID-19. However, increasing the adoption of the digital assistant may be a critical first step.
Association of COVID-19 Infection With Wearing Glasses in a High-Prevalence Area in Denmark and Sweden
Authors: Gregersen Rasmus , Jacobsen Rikke Kart , Laursen Jannie , Mobech Regine , Ostrowski Sisse Rye , Iversen Kasper , Petersen Janne
Published: August 2022

Importance

Observational studies have indicated that glasses might protect against contracting COVID-19 through reduced airborne and contact transmission.

Objective

To investigate the association between wearing one’s own glasses with contracting COVID-19 when adjusting for relevant confounders.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study was conducted during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (June to August 2020) in Denmark and Sweden, where personal protective equipment was not recommended for the general population at the time. Employees at Falck, an international rescue corps with different job functions (ambulance, health care, office, and field staff, firefighters, and roadside assistance) participated in the study.

Exposures

The main exposure was wearing glasses (also including contact lenses and reading glasses), which was assessed in a questionnaire. Persons wearing glasses were compared with those who did not wear glasses (ie, nonusers). To adjust for potential confounders, information on age, sex, job function, and number of workday contacts were included.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The outcome was COVID-19 infection before (positive polymerase chain reaction test) or during the study period (biweekly voluntary tests with a rapid test). The investigated hypothesis was formulated after collecting the data.

Results

A total of 1279 employees in Denmark and 841 in Sweden were included (839 [39.6%] female and 1281 [60.4%] male; 20.5% were aged <40 years; 57.0%, 40-60 years, and 22.5%, >60 years). Of these, 829 individuals (64.8%) in Denmark and 619 (73.6%) in Sweden wore glasses. Wearing glasses was inversely associated with COVID-19 infection in the Swedish cohort (odds ratio [OR], 0.61 [95% CI, 0.37-0.99]; P = .047; seroprevalence, 9.3%) but not in the Danish cohort (OR, 1.14 [95% CI, 0.53-2.45]; P = .73; seroprevalence, 2.4%). Adjusting for age, sex, job function, and number of workday contacts in Sweden, wearing glasses no longer was associated with COVID-19 infection (OR, 0.64 [95% CI, 0.37-1.11]; P = .11). When stratifying by job function, a large difference was observed among office staff (OR, 0.20 [95% CI, 0.06-0.70]; P = .01) but not ambulance staff (OR, 0.83 [95% CI, 0.41-1.67]; P = .60) nor health care staff (OR, 0.89 [95% CI, 0.35-2.30]; P = .81).

Conclusions and Relevance

While wearing one’s glasses was inversely associated with COVID-19 in Sweden in an unadjusted analysis, an association no longer was identified when adjusting for confounders. These results provide inconclusive findings regarding whether wearing one’s own glasses is associated with a decreased risk of COVID-19 infections.
California governor vetoes overdose prevention center bill
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: August 2022

A bill that would have sanctioned overdose prevention programs (OPPs)—the term used in the bill for “safe injection sites” where people could use illegal drugs and health care workers would stand by to rescue them from overdoses—was vetoed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom last week. The governor said it could have resulted in a “world of unintended consequences.” The bill would have allowed for pilot OPPs for five years.
Ultra‐Tough Room‐Temperature Dielectric Switching Ionic Gels with Long‐Cycle Stability
Authors: Gong Yutie , Li Zhenzhen , Li Hairong , Wu Wenqi , Zhou Weijie , Zhao Jiayu , He Chengen , Jiang Ming
Published: August 2022

As a favorable candidate for the next‐generation smart electronic devices, thermo‐responsive dielectric materials are faced with two crucial challenges: insufficient mechanical toughness and lack of the combination of promising dielectric switching properties, desired mechanical properties, and long‐cycle stability. Herein, a new scalable strategy is proposed for designing thermo‐responsive dielectric switching materials that simultaneously integrate the individual features, such as promising dielectric switching properties, outstanding mechanical properties, and great cycle stability, into one gel, based on a new dual dielectric switching mechanism induced by interfacial structure evolution. The ionic gel can readily achieve a superb combination of distinct reversible dielectric bistability, a high dielectric switching ratio above 150, a ≈15 °C wide thermal hysteresis loop, and tunable room‐temperature dielectric transition behavior, impressive high ductility, desirable high mechanical strength, record‐high stability of at least 1000 cycles. Such an all‐in‐one design enhances the adaptability to multiple application scenarios, durability, and a lifetime of the dielectric switching gels. Together with the facile fabrication process and recyclable thermoplastic system, thereby contributing to cost and energy saving, this research provides a feasible and sustainable strategy for constructing highly desirable thermo‐responsive dielectric switching materials.
Template‐Free Scalable Fabrication of Linearly Periodic Microstructures by Controlling Ribbing Defects Phenomenon in Forward Roll Coating for Multifunctional Applications
Authors: Islam Md Didarul , Perera Himendra , Black Benjamin , Phillips Matthew , Chen Muh‐Jang , Hodges Greyson , Jackman Allyce , Liu Yuxuan , Kim Chang‐Jin , Zikry Mohammed , Khan Saad , Zhu Yong , Pankow Mark , Ryu Jong Eun
Published: August 2022

Periodic micro/nanoscale structures from nature have inspired the scientific community to adopt surface design for various applications, including superhydrophobic drag reduction. One primary concern of practical applications of such periodic microstructures remains the scalability of conventional microfabrication technologies. This study demonstrates a simple template‐free scalable manufacturing technique to fabricate periodic microstructures by controlling the ribbing defects in the forward roll coating. Viscoelastic composite coating materials are designed for roll‐coating using carbon nanotubes (CNT) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), which helps achieve a controllable ribbing with a periodicity of 114–700 µm. Depending on the process parameters, the patterned microstructures transition from the linear alignment to a random structure. The periodic microstructure enables hydrophobicity as the water contact angles of the samples ranged from 128° to 158°. When towed in a static water pool, a model boat coated with the microstructure film shows 7%–8% faster speed than the boat with a flat PDMS film. The CNT addition shows both mechanical and electrical properties improvement. In a mechanical scratch test, the cohesive failure of the CNT‐PDMS film occurs in ≈90% higher force than bare PDMS. Moreover, the nonconductive bare PDMS shows sheet resistance of 747.84–22.66 Ω □−1 with 0.5 to 2.5 wt% CNT inclusion.
Europium(II) Complexes with Substituted Tris(2‐aminoethyl)amine/Triethanolamine Ligand and their Application in Blue Spin‐Coated Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Wu Aoben , Huo Peihao , Yu Gang , Guo Ruoyao , Zhao Zifeng , Yan Wenchao , Wang Liding , Bian Zuqiang , Liu Zhiwei
Published: August 2022

Luminescent Eu(II) complexes with characteristic d–f transitions have potential applications in many fields, especially organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs), due to their satisfactory advantages including short excited‐state lifetimes, 100% theoretical exciton utilization efficiency and tunable emission colors. Up to now, most light‐emitting layers in OLEDs are typically fabricated through high‐vacuum thermal evaporation process, which is uneconomical for large‐area and multi‐dopant devices. In this work, eight Eu(II) complexes with substituted tris(2‐aminoethyl)amine or triethanolamine ligands are designed and synthesized, and their structural and photophysical properties are studied. These complexes exhibit tunable maximum emission wavelengths in the range of 437–553 nm and high photoluminescence quantum yields up to 75%. Furthermore, this work demonstrates the application of Eu(II) complex in solution‐processed OLEDs with high efficiency and luminance for the first time. The optimized device show a maximum external quantum efficiency of 9.2% and a maximum luminance of 1780 cd m−2 with an emission peak at 485 nm.
Integrated Lasers on Silicon at Communication Wavelength: A Progress Review
Authors: Li Nanxi , Chen Guanyu , Ng Doris K. T. , Lim Leh Woon , Xue Jin , Ho Chong Pei , Fu Yuan Hsing , Lee Lennon Y. T.
Published: August 2022

With the emerging trend of big data and internet of things, silicon (Si) photonics technology has been developed and applied for high‐bandwidth data transmission. Contributed by the advantages of Si including high refractive index, low loss, significant thermal‐optical effect, and CMOS compatibility, various functional photonic devices have been demonstrated. One exception is the laser source, which is limited by the indirect bandgap of Si. Researchers have come up with different ways to make lasers on Si. This review presents the development progress of integrated laser sources on Si, with the focus on the wavelength regimes for communication. These lasers are categorized based on their gain media, including III–V semiconductor‐based laser, germanium/germanium tin‐based laser, Raman‐based laser, and rare‐earth‐doped laser. The laser performance and characteristics are summarized in tables for comparison. The key results are discussed. Future perspectives on the development of integrated lasers on Si have also been provided.
Stable, Semitransparent, and Self‐Powered Conjugated‐Polymer/CsPbI2Br UV–vis–NIR Photodetector Improved by Thiamine Additive
Authors: Cao Fengren , Wang Meng , Tian Wei , Sun Haoxuan , Li Liang
Published: August 2022

Transparent/semitransparent perovskite photodetectors hold great promise for next‐generation optoelectronic devices due to their attractive photoelectric properties and transparency. However, most previously reported transparent perovskite photodetectors require an external power supply and are unstable under relatively high humidity ambient conditions. To address these issues and realize improved performance, this study demonstrates a semitransparent self‐powered broad photodetector based on an inorganic CsPbI2Br perovskite/conjugated‐polymer hybrid structure with a thiamine hydrochloride additive. By optimizing the concentration of the thiamine hydrochloride additive, the main crystal exposure of the CsPbI2Br film changes from the (200) to the (110) plane orientation and can remain stable for more than 10 d in the air with 60%–70% humidity. The corresponding device exhibits a broad response spectrum up to a wavelength of 950 nm, a fast response speed (200/580 µs), a high responsivity (0.32 A W−1), and a large detectivity (4.4 × 1013 Jones). The improvement is mainly due to thiamine hydrochloride controlling the crystal growth to realize the desired crystal plane orientation and reduce the crystal size, which in turn improves the phase stability and optoelectronic properties of CsPbI2Br.
Electrochromic Displays Screen Printed on Transparent Nanocellulose‐Based Substrates
Authors: Andersson Ersman Peter , Freitag Kathrin , Nilsson Marie , Åhlin Jessica , Brooke Robert , Nordgren Niklas , Aulin Christian , Fall Andreas , Nevo Yuval , Beni Valerio
Published: August 2022

Manufacturing of electronic devices via printing techniques is often considered to be an environmentally friendly approach, partially due to the efficient utilization of materials. Traditionally, printed electronic components (e.g., sensors, transistors, and displays) are relying on flexible substrates based on plastic materials; this is especially true in electronic display applications where, most of the times, a transparent carrier is required in order to enable presentation of the display content. However, plastic‐based substrates are often ruled out in end user scenarios striving toward sustainability. Paper substrates based on ordinary cellulose fibers can potentially replace plastic substrates, but the opaqueness limits the range of applications where they can be used. Herein, electrochromic displays that are manufactured, via screen printing, directly on state‐of‐the‐art fully transparent substrates based on nanocellulose are presented. Several different nanocellulose‐based substrates, based on either nanofibrillated or nanocrystalline cellulose, are manufactured and evaluated as substrates for the manufacturing of electrochromic displays, and the optical and electrical switching performances of the resulting display devices are reported and compared. The reported devices do not require the use of metals and/or transparent conductive oxides, thereby providing a sustainable all‐printed electrochromic display technology.
Nonlinear Stiffness Characteristics and Model of Air Spring for Mattress based on Finite Element and Numerical Analysis
Authors: Chao Yao , Shen Li‐Ming
Published: August 2022

To investigate the nonlinear stiffness characteristics and the model of an air spring for mattresses on arbitrary working conditions, a finite element model of an air spring is established, modified by response surface method and verified by uniaxial compression experiment on conditions of different initial inner pressure. Then the static stiffness characteristics on arbitrary working conditions are analyzed by finite element analysis in ABAQUS. In addition, the model for engineering control is established and the stiffness characteristics are analyzed by numerical method under working conditions. The results demonstrate the nonlinear stiffness of an air spring is positively correlated with the inner pressure and compression displacement. Additionally, a finite element model is established with average relative error ratio of 0.059 and 0.074 on conditions of compression by 20 and 30 mm, respectively, satisfying engineering requirement. Moreover, the stiffness model of an air spring on any working conditions is established by fitting surfacecontaining compression displacement and inner pressure at equilibrium position then calculating its partial derivative with respect to compression displacement. The present study suggests the nonlinear stiffness prediction model of an air spring is applicable to any working conditions, only requiring inner pressure at initial and equilibrium conditions.
Titanium Sulfide Nanosheets Serve as Cascade Bioreactors for H2S‐Mediated Programmed Gas–Sonodynamic Cancer Therapy
Authors: Li Guangqiang , Lei Huali , Yang Yuqi , Zhong Xiaoyan , Gong Fei , Gong Yuehan , Zhou Yangkai , Zhang Yuqi , Shi Haibin , Xiao Zhidong , Dong Zhiqiang , Cheng Liang
Published: August 2022

Gas‐mediated sonodynamic therapy (SDT) has the potential to become an effective strategy to improve the therapeutic outcome and survival rate of cancer patients. Herein, titanium sulfide nanosheets (TiSX NSs) are prepared as cascade bioreactors for sequential gas–sonodynamic cancer therapy. TiSX NSs themselves as hydrogen sulfide (H2S) donors can burst release H2S gas. Following H2S generation, TiSX NSs are gradually degraded to become S‐defective and partly oxidized into TiOX on their surface, which endows TiSX NSs with high sonodynamic properties under ultrasound (US) irradiation. In vitro and in vivo experiments show the excellent therapeutic effects of TiSX NSs. In detail, large amounts of H2S gas and reactive oxygen species (ROS) can simultaneously inhibit mitochondrial respiration and ATP synthesis, leading to cancer cell apoptosis. Of note, H2S gas also plays important roles in modulating and activating the immune system to effectively inhibit pulmonary metastasis. Finally, the metabolizable TiSX NSs are excreted out of the body without inducing any significant long‐term toxicity. Collectively, this work establishes a cascade bioreactor of TiSX NSs with satisfactory H2S release ability and excellent ROS generation properties under US irradiation for programmed gas–sonodynamic cancer therapy.
Effective Cell Transfection in An Ultrasonically Levitated Droplet for Sustainable Technology
Authors: Arai Takahiro , Sato Toshinori , Matsubara Teruhiko
Published: August 2022

The levitation methodology, which enables us to operate a contactless reaction without a container, is likely to be a revolutionary technology in the fields of chemistry and biology to reduce the plastic waste in life science laboratories. Here, the authors show that plasmid DNA can be effectively transfected into animal cells in a floating droplet of culture medium levitated using ultrasonic standing waves. The data indicate that there is no significant damage to the plasmid and cells during the levitating transfection time, and the transgene expression efficiency and cellular uptake in the droplet are significantly higher than those in the conventional tube, with and without shaking. These results suggest the consolidation of the endocytic uptake pathway into macropinocytosis, indicating that ultrasonic levitation induced a change in cell characteristics. This study suggests that transfection methodology using ultrasonic levitation has the potential to advance the current experimental procedures in the field of cell engineering, in addition to presenting a revolutionary containerless reactor for sustainable technology.
Multiple insights call for revision of modern thermodynamic models to account for structural fluctuations in water
Authors: Tsochantaris Evangelos , Muthachikavil Aswin V. , Peng Baoliang , Liang Xiaodong , Kontogeorgis Georgios M.
Published: August 2022

Modern thermodynamic models incorporate the concept of association (hydrogen bonding) and they can describe very satisfactorily many properties of water containing mixtures. They have not been successful in representing water's anomalous properties and this work provides a possible explanation. We have analyzed and interpreted recent experimental data, molecular simulation results, and two‐state theory approaches and compared against the predictions from thermodynamic models. We show that the dominance of the tetrahedral structure implemented in modern thermodynamic models may be the reason for their failure for describing water systems. While this study does not prove the two‐state theories for water, it indicates that a high level of tetrahedral structure of water is not in agreement with water's anomalous properties when used in thermodynamic models.
A visualized investigation of bubble breakup in a swirl‐venturi bubble generator
Authors: Bie Haiyan , Li Yunxia , Xue Licheng , Wang Yue , Liu Gang , Hao Zongrui , An Weizhong
Published: August 2022

The dynamics and breakup of bubbles in swirl‐venturi bubble generator (SVBG) are explored in this work. The three‐dimensional movement process and breakup phenomena of bubbles are captured by one high‐speed camera system with two cameras while the distribution of swirling flow field is recorded through Particle Image Velocimetry technology. It is revealed that bubbles have two motion trajectories, which are deeply related to bubble breakup. One trajectory is that mother bubble moves upward in an axial direction of the SVBG to the diverging section, and the other trajectory is that mother bubble rotates obliquely upward to another side‐wall along the radial direction. Meanwhile, binary breakup, shear‐off‐induced breakup, static erosive breakup, and dynamic erosive breakup are observed. For relatively high liquid Reynolds number, vortex flow regions are extended and the bubble size is reduced. Furthermore, it is worth noting that the number of microbubbles increases significantly for intensive swirling flow.
Benzoyl and Pivaloyl as Efficient Protecting Groups for Controlled Enzymatic Synthesis of DNA and XNA Oligonucleotides
Authors: Flamme Marie , Katkevica Dace , Pajuste Karlis , Katkevics Martins , Sabat Nazarii , Hanlon Steven , Marzuoli Irene , Püntener Kurt , Sladojevich Filippo , Hollenstein Marcel
Published: August 2022

Controlled enzymatic synthesis is an alluring alternative to solid‐phase synthesis and polymerase‐mediated incorporation of nucleotides for the crafting of chemically modified, therapeutic oligonucleotides. While this approach has met some success for the elaboration of long, unmodified DNA sequences, very little research efforts have been dedicated to xeno nucleic acids (XNAs). Here, we have evaluated the possibility of using various 3’‐O‐blocking groups for controlled synthesis of locked nucleic acids (LNA). LNA nucleosides were equipped with protecting groups used in synthetic organic chemistry and were evaluated for their stability. The most promising candidates, benzoyl‐ and pivaloyl‐protected nucleosides, were converted to the corresponding nucleotides. The resulting modified nucleotides were shown to be accepted by various polymerases. While single incorporation events were observed in high yields, strong esterase activity of polymerases represents a lasting hurdle that needs to be overcome. Overall, this article represents an additional step towards the controlled enzymatic synthesis of LNA‐containing oligonucleotides and could be extended to other sugar or nucleobase modified nucleotides.
Base‐Promoted Cascade C−N and C−C Formation: An Approach to Pyrido[1,2‐a]pyrimidinones from Ynones and 2‐Methylpyrimidin‐4‐ols
Authors: Ma Jianting , Tan Yinfeng , Tang Yao , Cui Xue , Xu Junyu , Li Youbin , Wang Xuesong
Published: August 2022

An efficient base‐promoted approach for the synthesis of pyrido[1,2‐a]pyrimidinones from ynones and 2‐methylpyrimidin‐4‐ols have been developed via the C−N and C−C formation procedure. Diversely structural pyrido[1,2‐a]pyrimidinones were afforded in up to 95% yield for 29 examples. This reaction featured with advantages such as practical tandem procedure, wide functional group tolerance and metal‐free conditions, which has potential application in synthetic and medicinal chemistry.
Catalytic and Stereoselective Transformations with Easily Accessible and Purchasable Allyl and Alkenyl Fluorides
Authors: Paioti Paulo H. S. , Gonsales Stella A. , Xu Shibo , Nikbakht Ali , Fager Diana C. , Liu Qinghe , Hoveyda Amir H.
Published: August 2022

Stereochemically defined organofluorine compounds are vital to drug discovery and many applicable catalytic strategies have been introduced for accessing these entities stereoselectively. One approach entails incorporation of a fluorine atom (C−F bond formation) or an organofluorine moiety (e.g., CF3or CF2H), and another exploits commercially available compounds with one or more fluorine atoms. Here, we present the state‐of‐the‐art regarding the use of alkenyl and allylic fluorides in preparation of stereochemically defined fluoro‐organic molecules. Allylic and alkenyl fluorides may be purchased or generated from a commercially available acid, carboxylate salt, ester, aldehyde hydrate, or ketone bearing several fluorine atoms next to a carbonyl group. We underscore the untapped potential of purchasable organofluorine compounds, many allylic and alkenyl fluorides, as launching points for development of stereoselective processes that are of value to therapeutic science.
A Non‐Destructive Electrical Assay of Stem Cell Differentiation Based on Semiconductor Biosensing
Authors: Hideshima Sho , Hayashi Hiroki , Saito Sayoko , Tateno Hiroaki , Momma Toshiyuki , Osaka Tetsuya
Published: August 2022

Cell‐replacement therapies using human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) with self‐renewal and pluripotency characteristics have attracted much attention in regenerative medicine. However, since residual undifferentiated cells can form tumors in transplant recipients, the deterioration of their safety after implantation needs to be resolved. In the present investigation, we developed a non‐destructive method to monitor stem cell differentiation by electrically detecting the glycoprotein biomarker podocalyxin, which is secreted from hiPSCs into cell culture supernatants using field‐effect transistor (FET) biosensors. By functionalizing the FET surface with a lectin with the small molecular size, rBC2LCN, which effectively uses a charge‐detectable region for FET‐based detection based on Debye length, the intrinsic charges of podocalyxin were successfully detected without the need for any labeling. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the FETs monitored the decrease in the podocalyxin concentration in culture supernatants associated with the differentiation process. Our findings indicate that the FET‐based assay is a promising technique for the simple and rapid monitoring of the differentiation status of hiPSCs used for transplantation.
Oleogels and bigels as alternatives to saturated fats: A review on their application by the food industry
Authors: Silva Pedro M. , Cerqueira Miguel A. , Martins Artur J. , Fasolin Luiz H. , Cunha Rosiane L. , Vicente António A.
Published: August 2022

The nutritional quality of processed foods is being increasingly questioned by consumers and the trend toward diets that promote health and well‐being has thus grown significantly. With this in mind, food science has sought to develop products replacing ingredients that can be harmful to consumers. This is not an easy task because, besides health‐ and well‐being‐related issues (e.g., nutritional and eventual nutraceutical properties), the new products must also meet consumers' expectations regarding sensory attributes (e.g., flavor, texture, color), while also complying with the legal regulations of the countries where they are supposed to be sold. These aspects are addressed in this article, with a special focus on the replacement of saturated fats by healthier options. Although saturated fats play an important role in many foods, as a consequence of their technological and organoleptic properties, consumption of saturated fats has been correlated with serious health issues. These factors highlight the need to replace saturated fats with healthier alternatives. One of the options to improve upon these problems is the use of edible structured oils that display a healthier fatty acid profile. As such, the development of oleogels and bigels has been of great interest as a solution for the replacement of saturated fat, and will be explored in‐depth in this review.
Minimizing the deleterious effects of endophytes in plant shoot tip cryopreservation
Authors: Volk Gayle M. , Bonnart Remi , de Oliveira Annie Carolina Araújo , Henk Adam D.
Published: August 2022

Plant cryopreservation technologies are used within gene banks for the long‐term preservation of vegetatively propagated collections. Surface‐sterilized plant tissues grown in the field, greenhouse/screenhouse, growth chamber, or in vitro are the source of shoot tips subjected to vitrification‐based cryopreservation methods. Here, we describe the methods used to minimize microbial contamination during the tissue culture initiation process. We also discuss the occurrence and possible elimination of endophytes after extended in vitro culture and during recovery after liquid nitrogen exposure. We describe two case studies in which bacterial endophytes were observed in Citrus gene bank accessions during recovery after cryopreservation. These were identified using the MinION Oxford Nanopore system and Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion assays to examine the bacterial responses to antibiotic exposure. The methods used in this case study could be applied to identify endophytes to better target antimicrobial treatments of plant tissue collections.