bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automated segmentation of macular edema for the diagnosis of ocular disease using deep learning method
Authors: Wang Zhenhua , Zhong Yuanfu , Yao Mudi , Ma Yan , Zhang Wenping , Li Chaopeng , Tao Zhifu , Jiang Qin , Yan Biao
Published: June 2021

Macular edema is considered as a major cause of visual loss and blindness in patients with ocular fundus diseases. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technique, which has been widely applied for diagnosing macular edema due to its non-invasive and high resolution properties. However, the practical applications remain challenges due to the distorted retinal morphology and blurred boundaries near macular edema. Herein, we developed a novel deep learning model for the segmentation of macular edema in OCT images based on DeepLab framework (OCT-DeepLab). In this model, we used atrous spatial pyramid pooling (ASPP) to detect macular edema at multiple features and used the fully connected conditional random field (CRF) to refine the boundary of macular edema. OCT-DeepLab model was compared against the traditional hand-crafted methods (C-V and SBG) and the end-to-end methods (FCN, PSPnet, and U-net) to estimate the segmentation performance. OCT-DeepLab showed great advantage over the hand-crafted methods (C-V and SBG) and end-to-end methods (FCN, PSPnet, and U-net) as shown by higher precision, sensitivity, specificity, and F1-score. The segmentation performance of OCT-DeepLab was comparable to that of manual label, with an average area under the curve (AUC) of 0.963, which was superior to other end-to-end methods (FCN, PSPnet, and U-net). Collectively, OCT-DeepLab model is suitable for the segmentation of macular edema and assist ophthalmologists in the management of ocular disease.
Detection of pathological mechano-acoustic signatures using precision accelerometer contact microphones in patients with pulmonary disorders
Authors: Gupta Pranav , Wen Haoran , Di Francesco Lorenzo , Ayazi Farrokh
Published: June 2021

Monitoring pathological mechano-acoustic signals emanating from the lungs is critical for timely and cost-effective healthcare delivery. Adventitious lung sounds including crackles, wheezes, rhonchi, bronchial breath sounds, stridor or pleural rub and abnormal breathing patterns function as essential clinical biomarkers for the early identification, accurate diagnosis and monitoring of pulmonary disorders. Here, we present a wearable sensor module comprising of a hermetically encapsulated, high precision accelerometer contact microphone (ACM) which enables both episodic and longitudinal assessment of lung sounds, breathing patterns and respiratory rates using a single integrated sensor. This enhanced ACM sensor leverages a nano-gap transduction mechanism to achieve high sensitivity to weak high frequency vibrations occurring on the surface of the skin due to underlying lung pathologies. The performance of the ACM sensor was compared to recordings from a state-of-art digital stethoscope, and the efficacy of the developed system is demonstrated by conducting an exploratory research study aimed at recording pathological mechano-acoustic signals from hospitalized patients with a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation, pneumonia, and acute decompensated heart failure. This unobtrusive wearable system can enable both episodic and longitudinal evaluation of lung sounds that allow for the early detection and/or ongoing monitoring of pulmonary disease.
Plasmodium falciparum phenotypic and genotypic resistance profile during the emergence of Piperaquine resistance in Northeastern Thailand
Authors: Boonyalai Nonlawat , Thamnurak Chatchadaporn , Sai-ngam Piyaporn , Ta-aksorn Winita , Arsanok Montri , Uthaimongkol Nichapat , Sundrakes Siratchana , Chattrakarn Sorayut , Chaisatit Chaiyaporn , Praditpol Chantida , Fagnark Watcharintorn , Kirativanich Kirakarn , Chaorattanakawee Suwanna , Vanachayangkul Pattaraporn , Lertsethtakarn Paphavee , Gosi Panita , Utainnam Darunee , Rodkvamtook Wuttikon , Kuntawunginn Worachet , Vesely Brian A. , Spring Michele D. , Fukuda Mark M. , Lanteri Charlotte , Walsh Douglas , Saunders David L. , Smith Philip L. , Wojnarski Mariusz , Sirisopana Narongrid , Waters Norman C. , Jongsakul Krisada , Gaywee Jariyanart
Published: June 2021

Malaria remains a public health problem in Thailand, especially along its borders where highly mobile populations can contribute to persistent transmission. This study aimed to determine resistant genotypes and phenotypes of 112 Plasmodium falciparum isolates from patients along the Thai-Cambodia border during 2013–2015. The majority of parasites harbored a pfmdr1-Y184F mutation. A single pfmdr1 copy number had CVIET haplotype of amino acids 72–76 of pfcrt and no pfcytb mutations. All isolates had a single pfk13 point mutation (R539T, R539I, or C580Y), and increased % survival in the ring-stage survival assay (except for R539I). Multiple copies of pfpm2 and pfcrt-F145I were detected in 2014 (12.8%) and increased to 30.4% in 2015. Parasites containing either multiple pfpm2 copies with and without pfcrt-F145I or a single pfpm2 copy with pfcrt-F145I exhibited elevated IC90 values of piperaquine. Collectively, the emergence of these resistance patterns in Thailand near Cambodia border mirrored the reports of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine treatment failures in the adjacent province of Cambodia, Oddar Meanchey, suggesting a migration of parasites across the border. As malaria elimination efforts ramp up in Southeast Asia, host nations militaries and other groups in border regions need to coordinate the proposed interventions.
Impact of preoperative renal replacement therapy on the clinical outcome of heart transplant patients
Authors: Kim Darae , Choi Jin-Oh , Cho Yang Hyun , Sung Kiick , Oh Jaewon , Cho Hyun Jai , Jung Sung-Ho , Lee Hae-Young , Park Jin Joo , Choi Dong-Ju , Kang Seok-Min , Kim Jae-Joong , Jeon Eun-Seok
Published: June 2021

Renal dysfunction is considered as a relative contraindication for heart transplantation (HTx). However, in the real world setting, many patients with advanced heart failure (HF) experience worsening of renal function and some even require renal replacement therapy (RRT) by the time they undergo HTx. We aimed to investigate the prognosis and clinical outcomes of HTx patients who required RRT during the perioperative period. The Korean Organ Transplant Registry (KOTRY) is a nationwide organ transplant registry in Korea. A total of 501 HTx patients had been prospectively enrolled in the KOTRY registry during 2014–2018. Among the 501 patients, 13 underwent combined heart and kidney transplantation (HKTx). The 488 patients who underwent isolated HTx were grouped according to their pre- and postoperative RRT status. The primary outcome was progression to dialysis-dependent end-stage renal disease (ESRD) after HTx. The secondary outcome was all-cause mortality after HTx. The median follow-up was 22 months (9–39 months). Patients who needed preoperative RRT but were free from postoperative RRT showed comparable overall survival and renal outcome to patients who were free from both pre- and postoperative RRT. In multivariable analysis, preoperative RRT was not associated with progression to ESRD or all-cause mortality after HTx; however, postoperative RRT was a significant predictor for both progression to ESRD and all-cause mortality after HTx. Preoperative creatinine or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were not predictive of progression to ESRD after HTx. The present analysis suggests that preoperative RRT requirement does not indicate irreversible renal dysfunction in patients waiting for HTx. However, postoperative RRT was associated with progression to ESRD and mortality after HTx.
Risk of early-onset dementia among persons with tinnitus: a retrospective case–control study
Authors: Cheng Yen-Fu , Xirasagar Sudha , Yang Tzong-Han , Wu Chuan-Song , Kao Yi-Wei , Lin Herng-Ching
Published: June 2021

Higher rates of poor cognitive performance are known to prevail among persons with tinnitus in all age groups. However, no study has explored the association between tinnitus and early-onset dementia. We hypothesize that tinnitus may precede or occur concurrently with subclinical or early onset dementia in adults younger than 65 years of age. This case–control study used data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, identifying 1308 patients with early-onset dementia (dementia diagnosed before 65 years of age) and 1308 matched controls. We used multivariable logistic regressions to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for prior tinnitus among patients with dementia versus controls. Among total 2616 sample participants, the prevalence of prior tinnitus was 18%, 21.5% among cases and 14.5% among controls (p < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression showed and adjusted OR for prior tinnitus of 1.6 for cases versus controls (95% CI: 1.3 ~ 2.0). After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and medical co-morbidities, patients with early-onset dementia had a 67% higher likelihood of having prior tinnitus (OR = 1.628; 95% CI = 1.321–2.006). Our findings showed that pre-existing tinnitus was associated with a 68% increased risk of developing early-onset dementia among young and middle-aged adults. The results call for greater awareness of tinnitus as a potential harbinger of future dementia in this population.
Repeated use of SSRIs potentially associated with an increase on serum CK and CK-MB in patients with major depressive disorder: a retrospective study
Authors: Wu Shengwei , Zhou Yufang , Xuan Zhengzheng , Xiong Linghui , Ge Xinyu , Ye Junrong , Liu Yun , Yuan Lexin , Xu Yan , Ding Guoan , Xiao Aixiang , Guo Jianxiong , Yu Lin
Published: June 2021

There is a large amount of evidence that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are related to cardiovascular toxicity, which has aroused concern regarding their safety. However, few studies have evaluated the effects of SSRIs on cardiac injury biomarkers, such as creatine kinase (CK) and creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB). The purpose of our study was to determine whether SSRIs elevated CK and CK-MB levels of prior medicated depressive patients (PMDP) compared to first-episode drug-naïve depressive patients (FDDPs). We performed an observational and retrospective study involving 128 patients with major depressive disorder. Patients who had never used any type of antidepressant were designated FDDP; patients who had used only one type of SSRI but were not treated after a recent relapse were designated PMDP. Serum CK and CK-MB levels were measured before and after using SSRIs for a period of time. The duration of current treatment in the FDDP and PMDP groups was 16.200 ± 16.726 weeks and 15.618 ± 16.902 weeks, respectively. After SSRI treatment, levels of serum CK in the PMDP group were significantly higher than in the FDDP group. Univariate ANCOVA results revealed that PMDP was 22.313 times more likely to elevate CK (OR 22.313, 95% CI 9.605–35.022) and 2.615 times more likely to elevate CK-MB (OR 2.615, 95% CI 1.287–3.943) than FDDP. Multivariate ANCOVA revealed an interaction between the group and sex of CK and CK-MB. Further pairwise analysis of the interaction results showed that in female patients, the mean difference (MD) of CK and CK-MB in PMDP was significantly greater than that in FDDP (MD = 33.410, P = 0.000, 95% CI 15.935–50.886; MD = 4.613, P = 0.000, 95% CI 2.846–6.381). Our findings suggest that patients, especially females, who had previously used SSRI antidepressants were more likely to have elevated CK and CK-MB, indicators of myocardial muscle injury. Use of SSRIs should not be assumed to be completely safe and without any cardiovascular risks.
Generation of vascular chimerism within donor organs
Authors: Cohen Shahar , Partouche Shirly , Gurevich Michael , Tennak Vladimir , Mezhybovsky Vadym , Azarov Dmitry , Soffer-Hirschberg Sarit , Hovav Benny , Niv-Drori Hagit , Weiss Chana , Borovich Adi , Cohen Guy , Wertheimer Avital , Shukrun Golan , Israeli Moshe , Yahalom Vered , Leshem-Lev Dorit , Perl Leor , Kornowski Ran , Wiznitzer Arnon , Tobar Ana , Feinmesser Meora , Mor Eytan , Atar Eli , Nesher Eviatar
Published: June 2021

Whole organ perfusion decellularization has been proposed as a promising method to generate non-immunogenic organs from allogeneic and xenogeneic donors. However, the ability to recellularize organ scaffolds with multiple patient-specific cells in a spatially controlled manner remains challenging. Here, we propose that replacing donor endothelial cells alone, while keeping the rest of the organ viable and functional, is more technically feasible, and may offer a significant shortcut in the efforts to engineer transplantable organs. Vascular decellularization was achieved ex vivo, under controlled machine perfusion conditions, in various rat and porcine organs, including the kidneys, liver, lungs, heart, aorta, hind limbs, and pancreas. In addition, vascular decellularization of selected organs was performed in situ, within the donor body, achieving better control over the perfusion process. Human placenta-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) were used as immunologically-acceptable human cells to repopulate the luminal surface of de-endothelialized aorta (in vitro), kidneys, lungs and hind limbs (ex vivo). This study provides evidence that artificially generating vascular chimerism is feasible and could potentially pave the way for crossing the immunological barrier to xenotransplantation, as well as reducing the immunological burden of allogeneic grafts.
Rspo2 inhibits TCF3 phosphorylation to antagonize Wnt signaling during vertebrate anteroposterior axis specification
Authors: Reis Alice H. , Sokol Sergei Y.
Published: June 2021

The Wnt pathway activates target genes by controlling the β-catenin-T-cell factor (TCF) transcriptional complex during embryonic development and cancer. This pathway can be potentiated by R-spondins, a family of proteins that bind RNF43/ZNRF3 E3 ubiquitin ligases and LGR4/5 receptors to prevent Frizzled degradation. Here we demonstrate that, during Xenopus anteroposterior axis specification, Rspo2 functions as a Wnt antagonist, both morphologically and at the level of gene targets and pathway mediators. Unexpectedly, the binding to RNF43/ZNRF3 and LGR4/5 was not required for the Wnt inhibitory activity. Moreover, Rspo2 did not influence Dishevelled phosphorylation in response to Wnt ligands, suggesting that Frizzled activity is not affected. Further analysis indicated that the Wnt antagonism is due to the inhibitory effect of Rspo2 on TCF3/TCF7L1 phosphorylation that normally leads to target gene activation. Consistent with this mechanism, Rspo2 anteriorizing activity has been rescued in TCF3-depleted embryos. These observations suggest that Rspo2 is a context-specific regulator of TCF3 phosphorylation and Wnt signaling.
Decreased ferroportin in hepatocytes promotes macrophages polarize towards an M2-like phenotype and liver fibrosis
Authors: Cai Chengyuan , Zeng Danning , Gao Qing , Ma Lei , Zeng Bohang , Zhou Yi , Wang He
Published: June 2021

Iron release from macrophages is closely regulated by the interaction of hepcidin, a peptide hormone produced by hepatocytes, with the macrophage iron exporter ferroportin(FPN1). However, the functions ofFPN1in hepatocyte secretion and macrophage polarization remain unknown.CD68immunohistochemical staining and double immunofluorescence staining forF4/80andKi67in transgenic mouse livers showed that the number of macrophages inFPN1−/+andFPN1−/−mouse livers was significantly increased compared to that in WT (FPN+/+) mice.FPN1downregulation in hepatic cells increased the levels of the M2 markersCD206,TGF- β,VEGF,MMP-9,Laminin,Collagen,IL-4andIL-10. Furthermore, the expression ofCD16/32andiNOS, as M1 markers, exhibited the opposite trend. Meanwhile,α-SMAimmunohistochemistry and Sirius red staining showed that the trend of liver fibrosis inFPN1−/−mice was more significant than that in control mice. Similarly, in vitroFPN1knockdown in L02-Sh/L02-SCR liver cell lines yielded similar results. Taken together, we demonstrated that downregulatedFPN1expression in hepatocytes can promote the proliferation and polarization of macrophages, leading to hepatic fibrosis. Above all, theFPN1axis might provide a potential target for hepatic fibrosis.
Blue light directly modulates the quorum network in the human pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Tuttobene Marisel Romina , Müller Gabriela Leticia , Blasco Lucía , Arana Natalia , Hourcade Mónica , Diacovich Lautaro , Cribb Pamela , Tomás María , Nieto-Peñalver Carlos Gabriel , Mussi María Alejandra
Published: June 2021

Quorum sensing modulates bacterial collective behaviors including biofilm formation, motility and virulence in the important human pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii. Disruption of quorum sensing has emerged as a promising strategy with important therapeutic potential. In this work, we show that light modulates the production of acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs), which were produced in higher levels in the dark than under blue light at environmental temperatures, a response that depends on the AHL synthase, AbaI, and on the photoreceptor BlsA. BlsA interacts with the transcriptional regulator AbaR in the dark at environmental temperatures, inducing abaI expression. Under blue light, BlsA does not interact with AbaR, but induces expression of the lactonase aidA and quorum quenching, consistently with lack of motility at this condition. At temperatures found in warm-blooded hosts, the production of AHLs, quorum quenching as well as abaI and aidA expression were also modulated by light, though in this case higher levels of AHLs were detected under blue light than in the dark, in a BlsA-independent manner. Finally, AbaI reduces A. baumannii's ability to kill C. albicans only in the dark both at environmental as well as at temperatures found in warm-blooded hosts. The overall data indicate that light directly modulates quorum network in A. baumannii.
The U-shaped association of serum iron level with disease severity in adult hospitalized patients with COVID-19
Authors: Tojo Kentaro , Sugawara Yoh , Oi Yasufumi , Ogawa Fumihiro , Higurashi Takuma , Yoshimura Yukihiro , Miyata Nobuyuki , Hayami Hajime , Yamaguchi Yoshikazu , Ishikawa Yoko , Takeuchi Ichiro , Tachikawa Natsuo , Goto Takahisa
Published: June 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging infectious disease that leads to severe respiratory failure (RF). It is known that host exposure to viral infection triggers an iron-lowering response to mitigate pathogenic load and tissue damage. However, the association between host iron-lowering response and COVID-19 severity is not clear. This two-center observational study of 136 adult hospitalized COVID-19 patients analyzed the association between disease severity and initial serum iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and transferrin saturation (TSAT) levels. Serum iron levels were significantly lower in patients with mild RF than in the non-RF group; however, there were no significant differences in iron levels between the non-RF and severe RF groups, depicting a U-shaped association between serum iron levels and disease severity. TIBC levels decreased significantly with increasing severity; consequently, TSAT was significantly higher in patients with severe RF than in other patients. Multivariate analysis including only patients with RF adjusted for age and sex demonstrated that higher serum iron and TSAT levels were independently associated with the development of severe RF, indicating that inadequate response to lower serum iron might be an exacerbating factor for COVID-19.
Early extubation with immediate non-invasive ventilation versus standard weaning in intubated patients for coronavirus disease 2019: a retrospective multicenter study
Authors: Cammarota Gianmaria , Vaschetto Rosanna , Azzolina Danila , De Vita Nello , Olivieri Carlo , Ronco Chiara , Longhini Federico , Bruni Andrea , Colombo Davide , Pissaia Claudio , Prato Federico , Maestrone Carlo , Maestrone Matteo , Vetrugno Luigi , Bove Tiziana , Lemut Francesco , Taretto Elisa , Locatelli Alessandro , Barzaghi Nicoletta , Cerrano Martina , Ravera Enrico , Zanza Christian , Selva Andrea Della , Blangetti Ilaria , Salvo Francesco , Racca Fabrizio , Longhitano Yaroslava , Boscolo Annalisa , Sguazzotti Ilaria , Bonato Valeria , Grossi Francesca , Crimaldi Federico , Perucca Raffaella , Boniolo Ester , Verdina Federico , Vignazia Gian Luca , Santangelo Erminio , Tarquini Riccardo , Zanoni Marta , Messina Antonio , Marin Matteo , Bacigalupo Paola , Sileci Graziana , Sella Nicolò , De Robertis Edardo , Corte Francesco Della , Navalesi Paolo
Published: June 2021

In patients intubated for hypoxemic acute respiratory failure (ARF) related to novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), we retrospectively compared two weaning strategies, early extubation with immediate non-invasive ventilation (NIV) versus standard weaning encompassing spontaneous breathing trial (SBT), with respect to IMV duration (primary endpoint), extubation failures and reintubations, rate of tracheostomy, intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay and mortality (additional endpoints). All COVID-19 adult patients, intubated for hypoxemic ARF and subsequently extubated, were enrolled. Patients were included in two groups, early extubation followed by immediate NIV application, and conventionally weaning after passing SBT. 121 patients were enrolled and analyzed, 66 early extubated and 55 conventionally weaned after passing an SBT. IMV duration was 9 [6–11] days in early extubated patients versus 11 [6–15] days in standard weaning group (p = 0.034). Extubation failures [12 (18.2%) vs. 25 (45.5%), p = 0.002] and reintubations [12 (18.2%) vs. 22 (40.0%) p = 0.009] were fewer in early extubation compared to the standard weaning groups, respectively. Rate of tracheostomy, ICU mortality, and ICU length of stay were no different between groups. Compared to standard weaning, early extubation followed by immediate NIV shortened IMV duration and reduced the rate of extubation failure and reintubation.
Genetic program activity delineates risk, relapse, and therapy responsiveness in multiple myeloma
Authors: Wall Matthew A. , Turkarslan Serdar , Wu Wei-Ju , Danziger Samuel A. , Reiss David J. , Mason Mike J. , Dervan Andrew P. , Trotter Matthew W. B. , Bassett Douglas , Hershberg Robert M. , Lomana Adrián López García de , Ratushny Alexander V. , Baliga Nitin S.
Published: June 2021

Despite recent advancements in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM), nearly all patients ultimately relapse and many become refractory to multiple lines of therapies. Therefore, we not only need the ability to predict which patients are at high risk for disease progression but also a means to understand the mechanisms underlying their risk. Here, we report a transcriptional regulatory network (TRN) for MM inferred from cross-sectional multi-omics data from 881 patients that predicts how 124 chromosomal abnormalities and somatic mutations causally perturb 392 transcription regulators of 8549 genes to manifest in distinct clinical phenotypes and outcomes. We identified 141 genetic programs whose activity profiles stratify patients into 25 distinct transcriptional states and proved to be more predictive of outcomes than did mutations. The coherence of these programs and accuracy of our network-based risk prediction was validated in two independent datasets. We observed subtype-specific vulnerabilities to interventions with existing drugs and revealed plausible mechanisms for relapse, including the establishment of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Investigation of the t(4;14) clinical subtype using the TRN revealed that 16% of these patients exhibit an extreme-risk combination of genetic programs (median progression-free survival of 5 months) that create a distinct phenotype with targetable genes and pathways.
Long-term field-realistic exposure to a next-generation pesticide, flupyradifurone, impairs honey bee behaviour and survival
Authors: Tosi Simone , Nieh James C. , Brandt Annely , Colli Monica , Fourrier Julie , Giffard Herve , Hernández-López Javier , Malagnini Valeria , Williams Geoffrey R. , Simon-Delso Noa
Published: June 2021

The assessment of pesticide risks to insect pollinators have typically focused on short-term, lethal impacts. The environmental ramifications of many of the world’s most commonly employed pesticides, such as those exhibiting systemic properties that can result in long-lasting exposure to insects, may thus be severely underestimated. Here, seven laboratories from Europe and North America performed a standardised experiment (a ring-test) to study the long-term lethal and sublethal impacts of the relatively recently approved ‘bee safe’ butenolide pesticide flupyradifurone (FPF, active ingredient in Sivanto®) on honey bees. The emerging contaminant, FPF, impaired bee survival and behaviour at field-realistic doses (down to 11 ng/bee/day, corresponding to 400 µg/kg) that were up to 101-fold lower than those reported by risk assessments (1110 ng/bee/day), despite an absence of time-reinforced toxicity. Our findings raise concerns about the chronic impact of pesticides on pollinators at a global scale and support a novel methodology for a refined risk assessment.
Invasive Burmese pythons alter host use and virus infection in the vector of a zoonotic virus
Authors: Burkett-Cadena Nathan D. , Blosser Erik M. , Loggins Anne A. , Valente Monica C. , Long Maureen T. , Campbell Lindsay P. , Reeves Lawrence E. , Bargielowski Irka , McCleery Robert A.
Published: June 2021

The composition of wildlife communities can have strong effects on transmission of zoonotic vector-borne pathogens, with more diverse communities often supporting lower infection prevalence in vectors (dilution effect). The introduced Burmese python, Python bivittatus, is eliminating large and medium-sized mammals throughout southern Florida, USA, impacting local communities and the ecology of zoonotic pathogens. We investigated invasive predator-mediated impacts on ecology of Everglades virus (EVEV), a zoonotic pathogen endemic to Florida that circulates in mosquito-rodent cycle. Using binomial generalized linear mixed effects models of field data at areas of high and low python densities, we show that increasing diversity of dilution host (non-rodent mammals) is associated with decreasing blood meals on amplifying hosts (cotton rats), and that increasing cotton rat host use is associated with increasing EVEV infection in vector mosquitoes. The Burmese python has caused a dramatic decrease in mammal diversity in southern Florida, which has shifted vector host use towards EVEV amplifying hosts (rodents), resulting in an indirect increase in EVEV infection prevalence in vector mosquitoes, putatively elevating human transmission risk. Our results indicate that an invasive predator can impact wildlife communities in ways that indirectly affect human health, highlighting the need for conserving biological diversity and natural communities.
Electrochemical growth mechanism of nanoporous platinum layers
Authors: Stanca Sarmiza-Elena , Vogt Oliver , Zieger Gabriel , Ihring Andreas , Dellith Jan , Undisz Andreas , Rettenmayr Markus , Schmidt Heidemarie
Published: June 2021

Porous platinum is a frequently used catalyst material in electrosynthesis and a robust broadband absorber in thermoelectrics. Pore size distribution and localization determine its properties by a large extent. However, the pore formation mechanism during the growth of the material remains unclear. In this work we elucidate the mechanism underlying electrochemical growth of nanoporous platinum layers and its control by ionic concentration and current density during electrolysis. The electrode kinetics and reduction steps of PtCl4on platinum electrodes are investigated by cyclic voltammetry and impedance measurements. Cyclic voltammograms show three reduction steps: two steps relate to the platinum cation reduction, and one step relates to the hydrogen reduction. Hydrogen is not involved in the reduction of PtCl4, however it enables the formation of nanopores in the layers. These findings contribute to the understanding of electrochemical growth of nanoporous platinum layers in isopropanol with thickness of 100 nm to 500 nm.
Finding feasible action towards urban transformations
Authors: Patterson James , Soininen Niko , Collier Marcus , Raymond Christopher M.
Published: June 2021

While innovative approaches to urban transformations are increasingly proposed, scholars often overlook challenges faced by endogenous actors (e.g. urban planners) tasked with taking action within non-ideal, real-world settings. Here we argue that an ‘inside’ view of transformations (focused on judgment in practice) is needed to complement existing ‘outside’ views (focused on assessment), where the feasibility of action becomes a central concern. This recasts urban transformations in a discretised perspective. It suggests a view of transformation pathways as both directed and stochastic, and emergent from an unfolding series of ‘fuzzy action moments’. Principles for bridging urban science and planning are derived.
Recent Advances in the Controlled Design of One-dimensional Carbon Nitrides for Thermal CO Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Eid Kamel , Hailan Sarah Mohammed , Ibrahim Yasseen S. , Salah Belal , Abdullah Aboubakr M.
Published: June 2021

Graphitic carbon nitrides (gCNs) are promising materials for multidisciplinary catalytic applications due to their inimitable physicochemical merits, thermal-physical-chemical stability, and rich electron density. The catalytic properties of gCNs are determined by their structure and composition; therefore, various methods have been developed for the rational synthesis of gCNs with different morphologies and compositions. Unlike other gCN nanostructures, one-dimensional (1D) nanostructures possess an outstanding accessible surface area, multiple adsorption sites, active catalytic sites, aspect ratio, and short electron-diffusion that enable their utilization in various gas conversion reactions. The thermal CO oxidation reaction (CO OR) on either gCNs or other catalysts is important in industrial, fundamental, and environmental issues; however, the reviews on 1D gCNs for CO oxidation is not yet reported. This chapter highlights the fabrication methods of 1D gCN nanostructures (i.e., nanotubes, nanorods, nanofibers, and needles) and their mechanisms and utilization in thermal CO ORs. Lastly, the current challenges and future prospects on gCNs for CO ORs are also discussed.
Template-based Fabrication of Porous Carbon Nitride Nanostructures for Electrochemical Energy Conversion
Authors: Lu Qingqing , Li Wenpeng , Gai Ligang , Eid Kamel
Published: June 2021

With the ever-increasing energy demand and severe energy crisis, the search for highly efficient energy storage and conversion devices becomes more and more crucial. Among the options available, fuel cells, water electrolysis, supercapacitors, and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are the optimal alternatives. The commercialization of the aforementioned devices primarily relies on the preparation of high-performance electrocatalysts or electrode materials. Given the mature synthesis, low cost, unique thermal stability, and tunable structural properties, graphitic carbon nitride (gCN) nanostructures have drawn considerable attention in electrochemical applications but are still restricted by having low surface area and poor electronic conductivity. To overcome these deficiencies, many efforts have been devoted to the template-based construction of porous gCN nanostructures with various functionalities like doping or functionalization with metal, metal-oxide, and non-metals for various electrochemical applications. This chapter focuses on the recent research progress in the synthesis of porous gCN nanostructures using template-based methods (i.e., hard templates and soft templates) and their utilization in the electrochemical energy conversion technologies. This includes fuel cell reactions (i.e., oxygen reduction, alcohol oxidation, and water splitting) and energy production/storage (i.e., supercapacitor and Li-ion batteries). This is alongside a discussion of the current barriers and future prospects of gCN for energy applications.
Graphitic Carbon Nitride Nanostructures as Potent Catalysts for Water Splitting: Theoretical Insights
Authors: Mohamed Ahmed S. , Abdulla Ali , Ibrahim Yassmin , Eid Kamel , Abdullah Aboubakr M. , Ozoemena Kenneth I.
Published: June 2021

The water-splitting reaction is a highly promising green and sustainable energy source. However, finding effective catalysts for both water reduction and oxidation is an unnerving challenge. Graphitic carbon nitride (gCN) is among the most auspicious electrodes for water splitting due to its unique physicochemical properties (i.e., thermal-physical-chemical stability, electron density, and active sites) and semiconducting merits (i.e., small band gap energy of 2.7 eV, high visible light absorption, and high photocurrent density at lower potential). Unlike previous article reviews and book chapters, this book chapter emphasizes the recent advances in gCNs as electrodes for water-splitting reactions from a theoretical or fundamental perspective rooting from self-standing gCNs to transition metals/gCNs, noble metals/gCNs, and doped gCNs for water splitting. In addition, this work presents the mechanisms of water-splitting reactions on gCN materials along with their challenges and future perspectives.
Graphitic Carbon Nitride-polymer Hybrids: A Win–Win Combination with Advanced Properties for Different Applications
Authors: Kumru B. , Cao Q. , Schmidt B. V. K. J.
Published: June 2021

One of the most promising materials for photocatalysis is metal-free graphitic carbon-nitride (g-C3N4) that can be employed for a plethora of purposes, e.g. organic synthesis, energy conversion or wastewater remediation. g-C3N4 contains a suitable band gap in the visible light as well as excellent physicochemical stability. Nevertheless, several challenges have to be tackled with g-C3N4, for example, structural disorder, poor dispersion properties, low conductivity and also inconvenient processing. A combination with polymers belongs to the most versatile strategies to enhance g-C3N4 properties as a way toward advanced materials. The present chapter focuses on the studies and progress in g-C3N4/polymer materials, including (1) photoinitiator properties of g-C3N4, (2) modification of g-C3N4 with polymers for enhanced dispersion, (3) hybrid materials of g-C3N4 and polymers formed by physical or covalent attachment and (4) hydrogels based on g-C3N4. In addition, several applications are highlighted, e.g. biosensors, photocatalysis, batteries, H2 evolution and thin films. At the end, a summary and outlook on future developments as well as current issues of this research area are presented.
An efficient and robust procedure to calculate absorption spectra of aqueous charged species applied to NO2−
Authors: Uribe Lina , Gómez Sara , Giovannini Tommaso , Egidi Franco , Restrepo Albeiro
Published: June 2021

Accurate calculation of absorption spectra of aqueous NO2−requires rigorously sampling the quantum potential energy surfaces for microsolvation of NO2−with at least five explicit water molecules and embedding the resulting clusters in a continuum solvent accounting for the statistical weighted contributions of individual isomers.
A mechanistic understanding of surface Bi enrichment in dilute GaBi systems
Authors: Lambie Stephanie , Steenbergen Krista G. , Gaston Nicola
Published: June 2021

Migration of an internal Bi toward a surface Bi island through six distinct regimes in dilute GaBi alloys is shown. Surface Bi patterning is anticorrelated with the migration of the internal Bi to the surface.
Quantum binding energies of checkpoint CTLA-4 in complex with the immuno-oncological drug ipilimumab
Authors: Tavares Ana Beatriz M. L. A. , Albuquerque E. L.
Published: June 2021

Intermolecular interactions of the most energetic ipilimumab heavychain residues.
Universal description of steric hindrance in flexible polymer gels
Authors: Quesada-Pérez Manuel , Maroto-Centeno José Alberto , Ramos-Tejada María del Mar , Martín-Molina Alberto
Published: June 2021

Steric effects on solute diffusion in flexible polymer gels can be described by a very simple mathematical rule.
The biocompatible validity of amino acid ionic liquid mediated gold nanoparticles for enhanced activity and structural stability of papain
Authors: Kumar Sumit , Venkatesu Pannuru
Published: June 2021

In past few decades, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been attracted in biomedical applications like therapeutic and drug delivery, however, the detailed biomolecular and structural alteration of biomolecules, such as enzymes in AuNPs, still unknown.
In vitro protein and starch digestion kinetics of individual chickpea cells: from static to more complex in vitro digestion approaches
Authors: Pälchen Katharina , Michels Daphne , Duijsens Dorine , Gwala Shannon , Pallares Pallares Andrea , Hendrickx Marc , Van Loey Ann , Grauwet Tara
Published: June 2021

Moving from static to more complex in vitro digestion approaches using a hypothesis-based approach to introduce dynamic factors to in vitro models might be indispensable to obtain more physiologically relevant data.
Bisabolane-type sesquiterpenoids fromCurcuma longaL. exert anti-influenza and anti-inflammatory activities through NF-κB/MAPK and RIG-1/STAT1/2 signaling pathways
Authors: Ti Huihui , Mai Zhitong , Wang Zhoulang , Zhang Wenjie , Xiao Mengjie , Yang Zifeng , Shaw Pangchui
Published: June 2021

Anti-influenza and anti-inflammatory activities of bisabolane-type sesquiterpenoids from Curcuma longa L.: possible mechanisms.
Immunonutrition effects on coping with COVID-19
Authors: Santos Ferreira Rosângela dos , dos Santos Cristiane , Maranhão Mendonça Lígia Aurélio Bezerra , Espinola Carvalho Cristiano Marcelo , Franco Octávio Luiz
Published: June 2021

SARS-CoV-2 implications are still a threat to global health. Nutritional strategies can strengthen the immune system, helping to manage the manifestations arising from COVID-19.
The rational design of inorganic and organic material based nanocomposite hybrids as Na-ion battery electrodes
Authors: Puttaswamy Rangaswamy , Kotrappanavar Nataraj Sanna , Ghosh Debasis
Published: June 2021

This review summarizes recent advances related to the development of high-performance electrodes for use in rechargeable sodium-ion batteries, examining suitable material combinations and rational design.
Visible-light photocatalytic selective oxidation of amine and sulfide with CsPbBr3 as photocatalyst
Authors: Fan Qiangwen , Zhu Longwei , Li Xuhuai , Ren Huijun , Zhu Haibo , Wu Guorong , Ding Jianhua
Published: June 2021

Using CsPbBr3 as a visible-light catalyst, a facile protocol for photocatalytic oxidation of amines and sulfides is reported, generating aldehydes, imines and sulfoxide with excellent yields and selectivity.
Correction: Diastereoselective synthesis of chiral 3-substituted isoindolinones via rhodium(iii)-catalyzed oxidative C–H olefination/annulation
Authors: Li Xue-Hong , Gong Jun-Fang , Song Mao-Ping
Published: June 2021

Correction for ‘Diastereoselective synthesis of chiral 3-substituted isoindolinones via rhodium(iii)-catalyzed oxidative C–H olefination/annulation’ by Xue-Hong Li et al., Org. Biomol. Chem., 2021, DOI: 10.1039/d1ob00656h.
Graphynes as emerging 2D-platforms for electronic and energy applications: a computational perspective
Authors: He Tianwei , Kong Youchao , Puente Santiago Alain R. , Ahsan Md Ariful , Pan Hui , Du Aijun
Published: June 2021

Theoretical exploration accelerates the design of robust and efficient graphyne-based advanced energy and electronic devices for real applications.
Effects of different ozone treatments on the storage quality and stability of fresh peeled garlic
Authors: Liu Hong , Xu Lin , Yu Fengling , Tan Jia , Cao Lin , Xing Yage , Xu Qinglian , Yang Shuang , Liu Xiaocui , Yang Ping , Yue Tianyi , Wang Xiaomin , Che Zhenming
Published: June 2021

In order to understand their impacts on the preservation of fresh garlic, varying concentrations of ozone gas and different storage temperatures were tested for this experiment.
Synthesis of a metal–organic framework by plasma in liquid to increase reduced metal ions and enhance water stability
Authors: Kanno Moriyuki , Kitao Takashi , Ito Tsuyohito , Terashima Kazuo
Published: June 2021

Plasma in liquid provides a method for the synthesis of HKUST-1 with increased reduced metal ions and high water stability.
Refractive index matched polymeric and preceramic resins for height-scalable two-photon lithography
Authors: Mettry Magi , Worthington Matthew A. , Au Brian , Forien Jean-Baptiste , Chandrasekaran Swetha , Heth Nicholas A. , Schwartz Johanna J. , Liang Siwei , Smith William , Biener Juergen , Saha Sourabh K. , Oakdale James S.
Published: June 2021

Studying the effect of resin RI on print fidelity. Chemically modifying RI resins to demonstrate 3D structures print without height limitation resulting on ceramic and nonceramic print as tall as 2.5 mm with sub-micron features.
Green sonochemistry assisted synthesis of hollow magnetic and photoluminescent MgFe2O4–carbon dot nanocomposite as a sensor for toxic Ni(ii), Cd(ii) and Hg(ii) ions and bacteria
Authors: Ahmadian-Fard-Fini Shahla , Ghanbari Davood , Amiri Omid , Salavati-Niasari Masoud
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study is synthesis of magnetic and photoluminescence nanoparticles at the same time for finding of bacteria that could be fatal and its detection are crucial for some illness prohibition.
A dual-mode visual detector for toxic hydrazine
Authors: Kaur Brahmjot , Raza Rameez , Branda Neil R.
Published: June 2021

A small photoresponsive molecule changes colour from blue to colourless when exposed to hydrazine vapours. It also becomes emissive providing two convenient ways of detecting the presence of this toxic chemical.
Sequential removal and recovery of cadmium ions (Cd2+) using photocatalysis and reduction crystallization from the aqueous phase
Authors: Kumar Vivek , Wanchoo Ravinder Kumar , Toor Amrit Pal
Published: June 2021

The removal of cadmium ions using photocatalysis, reduction crystallization and their sequencial system.
Assembly of multicyclic isoquinoline scaffolds from pyridines: formal total synthesis of fredericamycin A
Authors: Wang Fang-Xin , Yan Jia-Lei , Liu Zhixin , Zhu Tingshun , Liu Yingguo , Ren Shi-Chao , Lv Wen-Xin , Jin Zhichao , Chi Yonggui Robin
Published: June 2021

A concise approach for rapid assembly of multicyclic isoquinoline scaffolds from pyridines and β-ethoxy α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds was developed, which enabled the formal total synthesis of fredericamycin A.
Atomic defects in pothole-rich two-dimensional copper nanoplates triggering enhanced electrocatalytic selective nitrate-to-ammonia transformation
Authors: Xu You , Wang Mingzhen , Ren Kaili , Ren Tianlun , Liu Mengying , Wang Ziqiang , Li Xiaonian , Wang Liang , Wang Hongjing
Published: June 2021

Defect-rich copper nanoplates were synthesized by an in situ electroreduction method and exhibited enhanced activity for selective electroreduction of nitrate to ammonia.
Injectable, self-healing and pH responsive stem cell factor loaded collagen hydrogel as a dynamic bioadhesive dressing for diabetic wound repair
Authors: Zhang Li , Zhou Yuting , Su Dandan , Wu Shangyan , Zhou Juan , Chen Jinghua
Published: June 2021

The synergistic effect of a stem cell factor and the local delivery system of a Col/APG + SCF hydrogel can reduce the inflammatory response of wounds and promote cell proliferation and migration, so as to accelerate the healing of the wound.
Luminescent heteroleptic Eu(iii) probes for the selective detection of diethyl chlorophosphate as a G-series nerve agent mimic in the vapor phase using solid-state films
Authors: Abbas Zafar , Yadav Usha , Butcher Ray J. , Patra Ashis K.
Published: June 2021

The reactive luminescent europium(iii)-based solid-state probes Eu(o-OH) and Eu(p-OH) were designed for the selective vapor phase detection of diethyl chlorophosphate (DCP), a G-series nerve agent simulant, via modulation of energy transfer to Eu(iii).
Gas sensing performance of 2D nanomaterials/metal oxide nanocomposites: a review
Authors: Bhati Vijendra Singh , Kumar Mahesh , Banerjee Rupak
Published: June 2021

This review aims at providing a comprehensive summary of the current advancements in 2D/metal-oxide based heterostructures as gas sensors.
1T-Rich 2D-WS2 as an interfacial agent to escalate photo-induced charge transfer dynamics in dopant-free perovskite solar cells
Authors: Harindu Hemasiri Naveen , Kazim Samrana , Ahmad Shahzada
Published: June 2021

The deficiency in the photo-induced charge transfer dynamics at the perovskite-charge transport layer interfaces due to depleted energy alignment and surface traps impedes perovskite solar cells performance improvement. Herein, we suggest a simplistic interfacial engineering protocol to overcome current challenges.
Galaxy properties of type 1 and 2 X-ray selected AGN and a comparison among different classification criteria
Authors: Mountrichas G. , Buat V. , Georgantopoulos I. , Yang G. , Masoura V. A. , Boquien M. , Burgarella D.
Published: June 2021

We present analyses of host galaxy properties of type 1 and type 2 X-ray selected Active galactic nuclei (AGNs) in the XMM-XXL field, which have an available optical spectroscopic classification. We modelled their optical to far-infrared spectral energy distributions (SEDs) using the X-CIGALE code. X-CIGALE allows for the fitting of X-ray flux and accounts for the viewing angle of dusty torus and the attenuation from polar dust. By selecting matched type 1 and 2 sub-samples in the X-ray luminosity and redshift parameter space, we find that both types live in galaxies with similar star formation. However, type 2 AGN tend to reside in more massive systems (10.87−0.12+0.06 M⊙) compared to their type 1 counterparts (10.57−0.12+0.20 M⊙). In the second part of our analysis, we compare the spectroscopic classification with that from the SED fitting. X-CIGALE successfully identifies all spectroscopic type 2 sources either by estimating an inclination angle that corresponds to edge on viewing of the source or by measuring increased polar dust in these systems. Approximately 85% of spectroscopic type 1 AGN are also identified as such, based on the SED fitting analysis. There is a small number of sources (∼15% of the sample) that present broad lines in their spectra, but they show strong indications of obscuration, based on SED analysis. These could be systems that are viewed face on and have an extended dust component along the polar direction. The performance of X-CIGALE in classifying AGN is similar at low and high redshifts, under the condition that there is sufficient photometric coverage. Finally, the usage of optical/mid-IR colour criteria to identify optical red AGN (u − W3) suggests that these criteria are better suited for IR selected AGN and their efficiency drops for the low to moderate luminosity sources included in X-ray samples.
Cryogenic detectors
exploring new phenomena in physics and astrophysics
Authors: Pretzl Klaus
Published: June 2021

The potential to measure small energy transfers with very high energy resolutions motivated the development of cryogenic detectors to search for dark matter in the universe, the neutrino mass, neutrinoless double beta decay, and new phenomena in astrophysics. Other fields like material and life sciences also benefited from these developments.
Nos défauts génétiques cachés
Authors: Jordan Bertrand
Published: June 2021

A systematic study analysing the exomes of several thousand individuals indicates that each of them carries at least one strongly deleterious mutation that is innocuous in a heterozygote but results in a severe phenotype in the homozygous state. Most of these mutations are very rare, while a few are present in 1 or 2% of the population. The frequency of at-risk couples is approximately 1.5%, but increases dramatically to 25% if the partners of the couple are first cousins. This work has important implications for carrier screening and population genetics in general.