bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcome of COVID-19 in Patients Requiring Haemodialysis- A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Vakrani Girish P , Nambakam Tanuja
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) are risk factors for COVID-19 infection. Patients with kidney disease also have other co-morbidities like hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease that are risk factors for poor outcome in COVID-19 infections. Severe COVID-19 has multiorgan involvement including AKI. Compared to normal population, renal failure patients with COVID-19 have extensive lung involvement, need more ventilator support, and have higher mortality. Aim: To assess outcome (mortality, recovery) and association between factors (age, gender, co-morbidities), biochemical parameters with mortality in COVID-19 patients requiring haemodialysis. Materials and Methods: It was a retrospective observational study wherein, data was collected, entered and analysed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 19.0 using medical records of all COVID-19 patients who had renal failure (AKI or CKD) requiring haemodialysis. The study period was from June-September 2020 at Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bangalore, Karnataka, India. Results: Out of total 68 COVID-19 positive patients, mean age of presentation was 55.08 years and with 75% of the study population were males. Most patients presented with severe COVID-19 illness with tachypnoea and hypoxia. The AKI occurrence and mortality was noted in 44.1% and 47%, respectively. It was noted that medication usage was higher for corticosteroids, oseltamivir, vitamin C, zinc therapy. Conclusion: In the present single centre study involving COVID- 19 patients requiring haemodialysis, it was noticed that severe COVID-19 illness, presence of AKI, chronic respiratory illness and high inflammatory markers were associated with higher mortality.
Soil Survey and Land Suitability Evaluation for Sugar Cane Production at Zagga District, Bagudo Local Government Area, Kebbi State, Nigeria
Authors: Abdulkadir N. , Noma S. S. , Sanda R. A. , Yato D. , Musa B.
Published: February 2022

Semi-detail soil survey and land suitability evaluation for sugarcane production was carried out in Zagga, Bagudo LGA of Kebbi State Nigeria at scale of 1:25,000 on 8,000 ha of land. The objectives were to describe the morphological and chemical properties of the soils. The entire study area was classified in to five soil units named as ZG1, ZG2, ZG3, ZG4, and ZG5. Surface soil samples were examined and collected from 0-15cm, 15-30cm depth using soil auger at 200x200m interval. Five soil profile pits were dug, described and soils sampled from bottom up, to minimized contamination by falling debris. Each soil profile pit was described based on horizon thickness, depth, colour of matrix and mottles, consistency, included materials, roots, horizon boundary, vegetation/ land use, slope, depth to water table and drainage status. The soils are slightly acidic (6.30) to moderately acidic (5.60). The total nitrogen, organic carbon, available phosphorus, and basic cations (Ca, Mg, K, Na) were low to moderately low according to guidelines for nutrient rating and interpretation for Nigerian soils. The soils were moderately drained. According to USDA soil taxonomy classification the soils of ZG 1 and ZG 2 were classified as Dystrustepts while ZG 3, ZG 4 and ZG 5 were classified as Haplustepts and correlated with World Reference Based System as Arenosols and Luvisols. ZG1 and ZG2 were named as moderately suitable (S2) while ZG3, ZG4 and ZG5 were marginally suitable (S3) according to the guidelines of land suitability evaluation for sugarcane production.
The Influence of the Temperature on the Dynamic Behaviors of Magnetorheological Gel
Authors: Zhang Guang , Zhang Zheng , Sun Min , Yu Yang , Wang Jiong , Cai Shibo
Published: January 2022

Magnetorheological (MR) gel is a new generation of MR material, which can overcome disadvantages attaching MR fluid such as sedimentation. MR gel is formed by the soft magnetic particle suspension in the gel‐like matrix and its rheological properties are mainly controlled by the following two factors, i.e., magnetic field and temperature. Herein, MR gel based on polyurethane gel with a 60% weight fraction of carbonyl iron is prepared. The influence of temperature on the rheological characteristics of the MR gel sample is systematically investigated. Oscillatory shear test is used to investigate the impact of temperature on the modulus of the sample. It is observed that temperature has a significant effect on the viscoelastic properties of MR gel. The hysteresis responses activated by harmonic strain signal with frequencies of 0.1, 5, and 15 Hz and amplitude of 10% and 50% under five temperature levels are measured and employed to analyze the viscous and elastic properties of MR gel and the viscoelastic–plastic model is employed to capture the nonlinear hysteresis characteristics. From the analysis results, the viscoelastic–plastic model can predict the hysteresis properties of MR gel accuracy under various temperatures.
Low‐Temperature Processible Highly Conducting Pastes for Printed Electronics Applications
Authors: Scenev Vitalij , Szalapak Jerzy , Werft Lukas , Hoelck Ole , Jakubowska Malgorzata , von Krshiwoblozki Malte , Kallmayer Christine , Schneider-Ramelow Martin
Published: January 2022

Scalable additive manufacturing of printed electronics is a growing field accompanied by increasing demands for reliable and integrable functional flexible printed electronic devices. Herein, a novel type of electrically conducting silver‐based pastes for additive manufacturing is demonstrated. These pastes are designed for stencil‐ and screen‐printing and can be post‐processed at very low temperatures, at ambient. Furthermore, printed lines made with the pastes exhibit an electrical sheet resistance below 60 mΩ sq−1even after room temperature and only 25 mΩ sq−1after two minutes of curing at 90 °C.
Factors Influencing Retention of Injected Biomaterials to Treat Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Schotman Maaike J. G. , Dankers Patricia Y. W.
Published: January 2022

Biomaterials that are commonly used for the attenuation of adverse remodeling or as regenerative treatment for myocardial infarction (MI), often have the capacity to release drugs in a sustained manner, providing strength and stability to the infarcted area, or mimic the extracellular matrix. Retention and redistribution of the injected biomaterials is a factor often overlooked, but plays a significant role in the effectiveness of the treatment. Wash‐out of therapeutics from the cardiac area can lead to unwanted side‐effects and can therefore add insult to injury. Here, the authors seek a deeper understanding on the mechanisms that play an important role in the retention of injected therapeutics, being: materials, drugs, or a combination thereof. Several factors influencing the therapeutic quantity retained at the target site are discussed; being the timing of injection after MI, cardiac pulsation, and injectate properties such as volume, mechanical properties, and tissue affinity. The importance of understanding is highlighted and these different parameters are taken into. More insight in these parameters can lead to an increase in therapeutic effectiveness, in addition to examination of indirect off‐target effects.
Cell‐Derived Biomimetic 2D Nanoparticles to Improve Cell‐Specific Targeting and Tissue Penetration for Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Zhang Qianyi , Zhou Dandan , Fang Guocheng , Lu Hongxu , Zeng Jianfeng , Gu Zi
Published: January 2022

A critical challenge of nanoparticle‐based imaging diagnosis of cancers is limited accumulation of nanoparticles at the biological target. Here, a cancer cell derived membrane coated 2D layered double hydroxides nanoparticle (CM‐PEG/MnLDH) has been developed to realize both cell‐specific targeting and deep tissue penetration for enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of tumors. Using 4T1 breast cancer cells as a model, the biomimetic CM‐PEG/MnLDH exhibited excellent cell‐specific targeting ability with significantly higher accumulation in homologous cancer cells than the nonhomologous cells. Using 3D tumor spheroid cultures, the CM‐PEG/MnLDH demonstrated highly selective binding and deep tissue penetration ability. In vivo imaging revealed that intravenous injection of CM‐PEG/MnLDH provides clear MRI of tumor tissues in a 4T1 mouse model. Particularly, the CM‐PEG/MnLDH showed enhanced imaging performance in the central region of tumors, owing to the cell homing and tissue penetration ability of the biomimetic nanoparticle. In vivo biosafety evaluation of the CM‐PEG/MnLDH showed a high degree of biocompatibility, signifying its suitability for further clinical applications. The biomimetic CM‐PEG/MnLDH nanoparticle featured with cell‐specific targeting ability and deep tissue penetration is a promising MRI contrast agent for precise cancer diagnosis.
Aramid Nanofiber Interphase for Enhanced Interfacial Shear Strength in Ultra‐High Molecular Weight Polyethylene/Epoxy Composites
Authors: Steinke Kelsey , Sodano Henry A.
Published: January 2022

Ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers are used in ballistic composites due to their high tenacity; unfortunately, their use in structural composites remains limited due to their poor adhesion with polymer matrix materials. Interphase design to the fiber surface is a promising approach to improve the interfacial properties of composite materials. This work describes the use of an aramid nanofiber (ANF) dip‐coating treatment of plasma‐treated UHMWPE fibers that increases surface roughness and enhances mechanical interlocking with the matrix. The ANFs also populate the fibers with polar functional groups, specifically hydroxyl, amide, ketone, and carboxyl, allowing for chemical bonding opportunities between the fiber and the epoxy matrix. The UHMWPE fiber surface chemical structure and composition is characterized using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The ANF dip‐coating treatment yielded up to a 267% increase in fiber surface roughness, measured using atomic force microscopy. Using single fiber pullout testing, a maximum increase of 173% in interfacial shear strength is measured due to the ANF interphase, while completely maintaining the tensile strength of the fibers measured through single fiber tensile testing. These results demonstrate a simple and cost‐efficient technique to improve the interfacial properties of UHMWPE composites through an ANF surface reinforcement.
Design Optimization of Perfluorinated Liquid‐Infused Surfaces for Blood‐Contacting Applications
Authors: Hong Jun Ki , Mathur Kavya , Ruhoff Alexander M. , Akhavan Behnam , Waterhouse Anna , Neto Chiara
Published: January 2022

Tethered‐liquid perfluorocarbon (TLP) coatings show promise for blood‐contacting medical device applications to reduce blood adhesion and delay thrombosis. However, their fabrication and longevity under external fluid flow is not well characterized. A vapor phase silanization reaction leading to the formation of tethered‐perfluorocarbon (TP) layers containing large bumpy aggregates, 300 ± 200 nm thick, on top of an underlying 35 ± 15 nm thick uniform coating is reported. The vapor phase method compares favorably to the well‐established liquid phase deposition to reproducibly create slippery coatings on silicon and polystyrene with very low water sliding angles (2° ± 1°), without the need to control humidity conditions. The TP layer retains perfluorinated lubricants up to 20 000 s–1, using a cone‐and‐plate rheometer, with the higher viscosity lubricant perfluoroperhydrophenanthrene being more resistant to depletion than perfluorodecalin. TLP infused with either of the lubricants effectively reduces adhesion of fibrin from human whole blood relative to TP and control hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces. The combination of highly fluorinated TP coatings grafted from the vapor phase to create nanoscale structured surfaces infused with higher viscosity lubricant may be the most suitable combination for clinical applications of liquid‐infused surfaces to reduce thrombosis in blood‐contacting medical devices under flow.
Gel Materials with Rubber‐Rubbing‐Chromic Luminescence: A Portable Tool for On‐Spot Composing Highly Encrypted Information
Authors: Li Anze , Li Zhongyu , Zhang Man , Wu Bin , Xing Yi , Zhu Liangliang
Published: January 2022

Gels generally comprise different intermolecular noncovalent interactions for sustaining self‐assembled structures, which renders them sensitive to external stimuli, while simultaneously sacrificing their stimuli‐responsive selectivity. Supramolecular and polymeric gels are constructed here by the coassembly of a dipyridinil phenol as the crosslinker with the gelator counterparts. In these systems, an ordered multiple H‐bonded network facilitates a proton transferred tautomerization caused by the triboelectric effect of rubber rubbing, resulting in an unprecedented rubber‐rubbing‐chromic luminescence. This process is efficient and highly selective, as the friction with other materials fails to cause such a phenomenon. This results in a unique negative charge (−117 nC J−1, exactly provided by the triboelectric effect of the rubber material) inducing the topochemical tautomerization at the gel level. Moreover, the polymeric gels exhibit superior mechanical properties and can be processed into a chalk‐like portable tool for writing. The composed luminescent information is also sensitive to rubber rubbing, featuring considerable practicability in on‐spot information encryption and anticounterfeiting.
Amplified Spontaneous Emission from Perovskite Quantum Dots Inside a Transparent Glass
Authors: Tian Xiangling , Wei Rongfei , Ma Zhijun , Qiu Jianrong
Published: January 2022

The diverse optoelectronics systems can provide interesting design inspiration for photonics devices, ranging from optical modulators to light‐emitting displays. With the increasing applications and requirements of optical interconnect in complex environments, an essential operation is increasingly being pursued to exploit the consolidation of various merits of basic components. Here, an optical gain from monodisperse CsPbBr3 quantum dots crystallized in a selected transparent glass is revealed. The threshold of amplified spontaneous emission increases from 7.4 to 100.4 µJ cm−2 with the temperature from 78 K to room temperature, accompanied with a high gain coefficient of 627.9 cm−1. A small fluctuation of the lifetime (≈10.5%) with temperature and the photostability (>12 h) with the excitation of femtosecond laser indicates the robustness of the crystallized CsPbBr3 quantum dots in the transparent glass. These demonstrations present a deep understanding of the optical gain in the composite of metal halide perovskites and transparent glass and pave a path for the potential applications of CsPbBr3‐based glass–ceramics as a gain medium for coherent light sources including laser/incoherent diode, fiber laser as well as optical amplifier chips.
Amplified Spontaneous Emission with a Low Threshold from Quasi‐2D Perovskite Films via Phase Engineering and Surface Passivation
Authors: Li Jingzhen , Zhang Ling , Chu Zema , Dong Chenhao , Jiang Ji , Yin Zhigang , You Jingbi , Wu Jinliang , Lan Wei , Zhang Xingwang
Published: January 2022

Solution‐processed quasi‐2D Ruddlesden‐Popper perovskites are being considered as a promising optical gain medium in lasing applications, owing to their outstanding optoelectronic properties and inherent stability. However, the development of quasi‐2D perovskites for lasers with low threshold and high optical gain is still lagging far behind 3D‐perovskites. This work proposes an anti‐solvent treatment strategy to regulate the phase components and surface morphology of quasi‐2D PEA2(CsPbBr3)n−1PbBr4 thin films. Furthermore, an additional poly(methyl methacrylate) coating is introduced to reduce the surface defects of perovskite films and suppress the non‐radiative recombination. Due to the phase engineering and surface passivation, excellent amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) is obtained with a low threshold of 11.7 µJ cm−2 and a high net model gain of 622 cm−1. In addition, under 800 nm femtosecond laser excitation, two‐photon‐pumped ASE is also successfully observed with a low threshold of 7.2 mJ cm−2.
Pb4SeBr6: A Congruently Melting Mid‐Infrared Nonlinear Optical Material with Excellent Comprehensive Performance
Authors: Wang Jiankang , Wu Hongping , Yu Hongwei , Hu Zhanggui , Wang Jiyang , Wu Yicheng
Published: January 2022

Developing mid‐infrared (MIR) nonlinear optical (NLO) crystals is of current research interest, but their rational design is still faced by a great challenge because of the inherent conflict between large second harmonic generation (SHG) response and wide bandgap. To reconcile these conflicting properties, the best way is to combine multiple anions together. Up to now, various MIR NLO crystals with multiple anions are reported, such as oxychalcogenides, oxyhalides, and salt‐inclusion chalcogenide‐halides. However remarkably, the nonsalt‐inclusion chalcohalides with chalcogenide Q2– (Q = S, Se) and halide X– (X = F, Cl, Br) anions combined with the same central cations are still rarely reported. Herein, a lead chalcohalide Pb4SeBr6 is reported, which belongs to the nonsalt‐inclusion chalcohalide and is synthesized by the rational aliovalent substitution of Se2– for Br– anions with PbBr2 as the template. Importantly, this compound can exhibit excellent NLO properties, including large SHG response (1.3 × AgGaS2 (AGS)), wide IR transparent region (0.5–25 µm), and high laser damage thresholds (10 × AGS) as well as the congruently melting performance. These indicate that Pb4SeBr6 is a promising MIR NLO crystal and it will also provide some insights for exploring new MIR NLO crystals based on the rational partial anion substitution.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Tandem Cyclization of 2‐(2 Ethynylphenyl)acetonitriles and Isocyanides: Access to Indeno[2,1‐b]pyrroles
Authors: Lin Hui‐Shu , Pan Yong‐Zhou , Tian Yu‐Hong , Pan Ying‐Ming , Wang Xu
Published: January 2022

A palladium‐catalyzed tandem cyclization of 2‐(2‐ethynylphenyl)acetonitriles with isocyanides has been developed. Various indeno[2,1‐b]pyrroles were prepared in 55%–82% yields under air atmosphere at 100 °C. The key to the success of this protocol is construction of new C−C and C−N bonds via the orderly insertion of isocyanides.

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A Biodegradable Gelatin Substrate and its Application for Crack Suppression of Flexible Gelatin Resistive Memory Device
Authors: Chang Yu‐Chi , Liu Hao‐Jung , Lin Kai‐Wen , Huang Wei‐Yun , Hsu Ya‐Lan
Published: January 2022

In this work, gelatin is used not only as a substrate for the memory device but also as the resistive layer. This lightweight gelatin substrate (GS) will retain all of the desirable properties of plastic substrates, with the added advantages of being renewable, biodegradable, and inexpensive. GS is totally degraded after 18 days, showing excellent biodegradability in dry soil that can reduce the environmental impact effectively. Moreover, due to the substrate and resistive layer used of the same materials, it can be observed by the scanning electron microscope analysis that the films on GS both have smooth interfaces regardless of the gelatin layer or Ag electrodes after bending 1000 cycles. A strong interfacial adhesion leads to an efficient stress transfer underload, resulting in better structural stability and bending performance of the In/gelatin/Ag/GS device than those of the In/gelatin/Ag/PET device. The In/gelatin/Ag/GS device shows a stable retention time of more than 103s and uniform current distribution, as well as the device with bending stress is capable to execute the ON/OFF ratio of over 104. This result exhibits the fabricating processes without a vacuum system and has broaden the application study of gelatin.
Interfacial Engineering to Construct Antioxidative Pd4S/Pd3P0.95 Heterostructure for Robust Hydrogen Production at High Current Density
Authors: Zhang Guofeng , Wang Aihua , Niu Liwei , Gao Wei , Hu Wei , Liu Zhenxian , Wang Ruiming , Chen Jianbin
Published: January 2022

The design of highly efficient and stable electrocatalysts for large‐current‐density hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) is an urgent need for commercial industrial electrolyzers. Herein, a novel heterostructure in the form of Pd4S/Pd3P0.95 is constructed through interfacial engineering, which inherits the intrinsic merits of individual components and exposes active sites. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that the optimized heterostructure not only possesses the largest conductivity and adsorption energy for an oxygen atom, but also can significantly lower the kinetic energy barrier of water molecular dissociation. Accordingly, the optimized Pd4S/Pd3P0.95 heterostructure catalyst is promising for large‐current‐density HERs, requiring an overpotential of merely 284 and 387 mV to deliver an HER current density as high as 500 mA cm−2 in 0.5 m H2SO4 and 1 m KOH, respectively, which is superior to the benchmark 20% Pt/C (378 and 482 mV, respectively). Notably, the heterostructure catalyst runs smoothly to the current density of 1000 mA cm−2 with an overpotential of merely 538 and 486 mV in 0.5 m H2SO4 and 1 m KOH, respectively. Significantly, the heterostructure catalyst also exhibits fast reaction kinetics and remarkable long‐term durability. Moreover, the strong surface antioxidative ability is retained after a stability test in alkaline solution.
Worker and employer experiences with COVID‐19 and the California Workers' Compensation System: A review of the literature
Authors: Quigley Denise D. , Qureshi Nabeel , Gahlon Grace , Gidengil Courtney
Published: January 2022

Background

Given workplace risks from COVID‐19, California policymakers passed Senate Bill (SB) 1159 to facilitate access to workers' compensation (WC) benefits for frontline workers. However there has been no review of the available evidence needed to inform policy decisions about COVID‐19 and WC.

Methods

We conducted a literature review on worker and employer experiences surrounding COVID‐19 and WC, adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

Results

Forty articles were included (16 about worker experiences and 24 about employer practices). Most were not about experiences and practices related to COVID‐19 and WC. Worker studies indicated that paid sick leave reduced new COVID‐19 cases and COVID‐19 activity. Studies also found that rural agricultural and food processing workers lacked sick leave protection and faced severe housing and food insecurity. Studies on workplace health and safety indicated that healthcare workers with access to personal protective equipment had lower stress levels. Studies about employer practices found that unrestricted work in high‐contact industries was associated with increased risks to at‐risk workers, and with health disparities. No studies examined worker COVID‐19 experiences and WC claims or benefits, job loss, retaliation, workers' medical care experiences, and return‐to‐work or leave practices.

Conclusions

Our review identified experiences and practice related to COVID‐19 and the WC system, but not specifically about WC and COVID‐19 WC claims or benefits. Further research is needed to document and understand evidence underpinning the need for WC coverage for COVID‐19 and to evaluate the impact of the current SB 1159 bill on WC in California.
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is infrequent in individuals with heritable thoracic aortic disease despite partially shared genetic susceptibility
Authors: Murad Andrea M. , Hill Hannah L. , Wang Yu , Ghannam Michael , Yang Min‐Lee , Pugh Norma L. , Asch Federico M. , Hornsby Whitney , Driscoll Anisa , McNamara Jennifer , Willer Cristen J. , Regalado Ellen S. ,   GenTAC Investigators,   Montalcino Aortic Consortium Investigators, Milewicz Dianna M. , Eagle Kim A. , Ganesh Santhi K.
Published: January 2022

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a potential precipitant of myocardial infarction and sudden death for which the etiology is poorly understood. Mendelian vascular and connective tissue disorders underlying thoracic aortic disease (TAD), have been reported in ~5% of individuals with SCAD. We therefore hypothesized that patients with TAD are at elevated risk for SCAD. We queried registries enrolling patients with TAD to define the incidence of SCAD. Of 7568 individuals enrolled, 11 (0.15%) were found to have SCAD. Of the sequenced cases (9/11), pathogenic variants were identified (N = 9), including COL3A1 (N = 3), FBN1 (N = 2), TGFBR2 (N = 2), TGFBR1 (N = 1), and PRKG1 (N = 1). Individuals with SCAD had an increased frequency of iliac artery dissection (25.0% vs. 5.1%, p = 0.047). The prevalence of SCAD among individuals with TAD is low. The identification of pathogenic variants in genes previously described in individuals with SCAD, particularly those underlying vascular Ehlers–Danlos, Marfan syndrome, and Loeys–Dietz syndrome, is consistent with prior reports from clinical SCAD series. Further research is needed to identify specific genetic influences on SCAD risk.
Strengths and challenging behaviors in children and adolescents withPrader‐Willisyndrome: Two sides to the coin
Authors: Downs Jenny , Blackmore A. Marie , Chen Wai , Nixon Gillian M. , Choong Catherine S.
Published: January 2022

Prader‐Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic disorder associated with emotional/behavioral disturbances. These difficulties are well documented in the literature, but the positive attributes of these individuals are not described. Taking a strengths‐based approach, the aim of this study was to describe the emotional/behavioral strengths and difficulties in children and young people with PWS from their parent caregivers' perspectives. Parent caregivers of 52 individuals with PWS aged 4–24 years (median = 12.1 years; including 22 males) completed the parent form of the Developmental Behavior Checklist (DBC‐P), including its original two open‐ended questions regarding positive traits. Prevalences of emotional/behavioral disturbances were comparable to those reported in previous literature: common behaviors of concern across studies being skin‐picking (75%), impulsivity (69%), poor sense of danger (67%), lying (67%), and tantrums (54%). Total DBC‐P scores showed that just over half (n = 28, 54%) had scores indicative of clinically significant behavior problems. However, thematic analysis of caregivers' written comments regarding their children's strengths resolved into three themes: warmth (94%), persistence (41%), and skills (41%). Warmth encompassed friendliness, happiness, and empathy. A strength‐based approach to behavioral difficulties in PWS provides a more balanced view of the children and a more holistic foundation for interventions.
Ecological momentary assessment of outcomes in allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis: A review
Authors: Schusteff Rachel A. , Chervinko Margaret A. , Nyenhuis Sharmilee M. , Lee Victoria S.
Published: January 2022

Background

Allergic rhinitis (AR) and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) rely on patient‐reported symptoms and quality‐of‐life measures, which are subject to bias. Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) captures data in real time through repeated short surveys, thus reducing errors/biases. EMA's use in sinonasal conditions has not been well described, and the goal of this study was to examine the literature on EMA and AR/CRS. 

Methods

A literature review was performed using the following search terms: AR, CRS, and EMA. Inclusion criteria were the use of EMA reporting of sinonasal symptoms at more than one time point. Systematic reviews and non‐full text articles were excluded. Population demographics, sinonasal disease, type of EMA platform used, type and severity of symptoms reported, medication use and symptom correlation with location/pollen/pollution were collected.

Results

Eight studies met the inclusion criteria, and all focused on AR. All studies were conducted outside the United States in both children and adults. Seven studies used a smartphone application for reporting symptoms, and one used WeChat surveys. EMA data collection varied, with repetitive survey intervals determined either by patients (n = 6) or research team (n = 2). All studies reported sinonasal severity scores, while six reported additional symptoms (e.g., ocular, pulmonary, sleep, general health). Five collected self‐reported allergy medication use. Seven studies correlated symptoms with location, pollen, or pollution.

Conclusions

Few studies in AR and no studies in CRS assessed the use of EMA. EMA may provide a better understanding of the real‐time relationship of environmental triggers with symptoms, in turn guiding treatment decisions.
Unifying Scheme for the Biosynthesis of Acyl‐Branched Sugars: Extended Substrate Scope of Thiamine‐Dependent Enzymes
Authors: Steitz Jan‐Patrick , Krug Leonhard , Walter Lydia , Hernández Karel , Röhr Caroline , Clapés Pere , Müller Michael
Published: January 2022

Thiamine diphosphate (ThDP) dependent enzymes are useful catalysts for asymmetric C−C bond formation through benzoin‐type condensation reactions that result in α‐hydroxy ketones. A wide range of aldehydes and ketones can be used as acceptor substrates; however, the donor substrate range is mostly limited to achiral α‐keto acids and simple aldehydes. By using a unifying retro‐biosynthetic approach towards acyl‐branched sugars, we identified a subclass of (myco)bacterial ThDP‐dependent enzymes with a greatly extended donor substrate range, namely functionalized chiral α‐keto acids with a chain length from C4 to C8. Highly enantioenriched acyloin products were obtained in good to high yields and several reactions were performed on a preparative scale. The newly introduced functionalized α‐keto acids, accessible by known aldolase‐catalyzed transformations, substantially broaden the donor substrate range of ThDP‐dependent enzymes, thus enabling a more general use of these already valuable catalysts.
Side‐Chain‐Tuned Molecular Packing Allows Concurrently Boosted Photoacoustic Imaging and NIR‐II Fluorescence
Authors: Zhu Yulin , Lai Hanjian , Guo Heng , Peng Dinglu , Han Liang , Gu Ying , Wei Zixiang , Zhao Duokai , Zheng Nan , Hu Dehua , Xi Lei , He Feng , Tian Leilei
Published: January 2022

It is generally considered that photoacoustic imaging (PAI) and fluorescence imaging (FLI) cannot be enhanced concurrently, as they are dependent on competitive photophysical processes at the single‐molecule level. Herein, we reveal thatBDTR9‐OC8andBDTR9‐C8, which have identical π‐conjugated backbones but are substituted by side chains of different rigidity, show distinct phototheranostic properties in the aggregated state. The NIR‐II FLI and PAI brightness ofBDTR9‐C8nanoparticles are enhanced by 4.6 and 1.4 times compared withBDTR9‐OC8nanoparticles. Theoretical calculations and GIWAXS analysis revealed thatBDTR9‐C8with rigid side chains shows a relative amorphous condensed state, which will benefit the efficient transportation of photo‐generated excitons and phonons, subsequently enhancing the FLI and PAI signals. Besides, both nanoparticles exhibit excellent photothermal conversion efficiency due to their strong light‐harvesting capability and are considered effective photothermal therapy materials. This work provides an illuminating strategy for material design in the future.
Towards a local mass mortality of the Mediterranean orange coral Astroides calycularis (Pallas, 1766) in the Pelagie Islands Marine Protected Area (Italy)
Authors: Bisanti Luca , de Sabata Eleonora , Visconti Giulia , Chemello Renato
Published: January 2022

In late summer 2020, a widespread mortality event severely affected colonies of the Mediterranean endemic orange coral Astroides calycularis in the Pelagie Islands (Strait of Sicily, southern Mediterranean Sea).

The degree of the mortality impact at seven study sites of the archipelago (five within the Pelagie Islands Marine Protected Area) was quantified by estimating the proportion of affected colonies in populations of A. calycularis.

Five of the seven surveyed sites revealed a low degree of impact, but Punta Ruperta and Cala Creta (both on the island of Lampedusa) showed a medium impact with values of 32.3% and 30.5% of affected colonies respectively.

The 2020 mortality event coincided with a longer lasting and warmer anomalous summer period, with sea surface water reaching the highest temperatures recorded in the last decade across the archipelago.

Given the alarming climatic predictions for the near future, new mortality events could occur, causing potentially new local extinctions in the Mediterranean Sea. In this context, the role of marine protected area management becomes crucial to detect mortality events of vulnerable species.
Cs2CO3‐Promoted C−O Coupling Protocol Enables Solventless (Hetero)aryl Ether Synthesis under Air Atmosphere
Authors: Jiang Bowen , Chen Cheng , Fan Guang‐Gao , Sang Wei , Cheng Hua , Zhang Rui , Yuan Ye , Li Qi‐Zhong , Verpoort Francis
Published: January 2022

In this work, a Cs2CO3‐promoted synthetic approach was identified for (hetero)aryl ether synthesis via the C−O coupling of various (hetero)aryl chlorides and alcohols/phenol. To our delight, the reactions could be carried out under transition‐metal‐free and solvent‐free conditions. Moreover, analytical‐grade reagents and air atmosphere were readily tolerated. To showcase the practical usefulness of the present protocol, the assembly of a bioactive molecule was facilely realized and the gram‐scale production of selected ether products was also efficiently accomplished. In addition, density functional theory (DFT) studies, along with a few mechanistic experiments, were conducted to elucidate a proposed reaction pathway and rationalize the pivotal role of Cs2CO3 in promoting this process. Hopefully, this work could provide useful information for researchers who are engaging in C−O cross‐coupling reactions.
Heritability of social behavioral phenotypes and preliminary associations with autism spectrum disorder risk genes in rhesus macaques: A whole exome sequencing study
Authors: Gunter Chris , Harris R. Alan , Kovacs‐Balint Zsofia , Raveendran Muthuswamy , Michopoulos Vasiliki , Bachevalier Jocelyne , Raper Jessica , Sanchez Mar M. , Rogers Jeffrey
Published: January 2022

Nonhuman primates and especially rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) have been indispensable animal models for studies of various aspects of neurobiology, developmental psychology, and other aspects of neuroscience. While remarkable progress has been made in our understanding of influences on atypical human social behavior, such as that observed in autism spectrum disorders (ASD), many significant questions remain. Improved understanding of the relationships among variation in specific genes and variation in expressed social behavior in a nonhuman primate would benefit efforts to investigate risk factors, developmental mechanisms, and potential therapies for behavioral disorders including ASD. To study genetic influences on key aspects of social behavior and interactions—individual competence and/or motivation for specific aspects of social behavior—we quantified individual variation in social interactions among juvenile rhesus macaques using both a standard macaque ethogram and a macaque‐relevant modification of the human Social Responsiveness Scale. Our analyses demonstrate that various aspects of juvenile social behavior exhibit significant genetic heritability, with estimated quantitative genetic effects similar to that described for ASD in human children. We also performed exome sequencing and analyzed variants in 143 genes previously suggested to influence risk for human ASD. We find preliminary evidence for genetic association between specific variants and both individual behaviors and multi‐behavioral factor scores. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration that spontaneous social behaviors performed by free‐ranging juvenile rhesus macaques display significant genetic heritability and then to use exome sequencing data to examine potential macaque genetic associations in genes associated with human ASD.
Non‐canonical bivalent H3K4me3K9me3 recognition by Spindlin1/C11orf84 complex
Authors: Du Yongming , Qian Chengmin
Published: January 2022

Bivalent chromatin with active H3K4me3 and repressive H3K27me3 was initially identified in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) to poise expression of developmental genes upon lineage commitment. Since then, many more different bivalent modifications have been demonstrated in both ESCs and fully differentiated cells. Bivalency not only spatiotemporally controls gene transcription but also acts to fine‐tune the level of transcription during development. Although increasing number of studies demonstrated the functional significance of bivalent chromatin, the molecular connection of bivalent chromatin and transcriptional regulation remains largely elusive. Recently, we showed Spindlin1/C11orf84 complex prefers to recognize the non‐canonical histone H3K4me3K9me3 bivalent mark, which is required for timely ribosomal RNA transcription. Here, we hypothesize the recognition of K4me3 and K9me3 at the same histone tail by Spindlin1/C11orf84 complex may serve as a general mechanism of conversion from a repressed to an active chromatin structure for transcriptional activation.
Mapping research on biochemistry education: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Barbosa Mayara Lustosa de Oliveira , Galembeck Eduardo
Published: January 2022

The purpose of this study was to map the research literature on Biochemistry education, covering the scientific production indexed on the Web of Science over the past 66 years. The open‐source Bibliometrix R‐package, an R‐tool, was used to carry out the bibliometric analysis. Our results describe (1) how many articles were published per year and what is the annual average growth rate; (2) which are the core journals, authors, and publications in the field; (3) which countries and funding agencies contribute most to the development of research in the area; (4) the leading collaborative research and co‐citation networks; (5) which articles were the most cited in the past 10 years; and (6) which are the trending topics in the field. Our main contribution is offering insights into the evolution of the field. Also, the use of a quantitative methodological design, which covers a large volume of publications, and could identify possible gaps in the area.
ZNF191 alters DNA methylation and activates the PI3K‐AKT pathway in hepatoma cells via transcriptional regulation of DNMT1
Authors: Liu Yufeng , Cheng Hanghang , Cheng Chenchen , Zheng Fengyun , Zhao Zhonghua , Chen Qi , Zeng Wenjiao , Zhang Pingzhao , Huang Cheng , Jiang Wei , Liu Xiuping , Liu Guoyuan
Published: January 2022

Background

Alteration of DNA methylation is an important event in pathogenesis and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) 1, the foremost contributor in DNA methylation machinery, was revealed elevated in HCC and significantly correlates with poor prognosis. However, the transcriptional regulation of DNMT1 in HCC remains unknown.

Methods

Real‐time PCR and immunohistochemistry were performed to detect DNMT1 and zinc finger transcription factor 191 (ZNF191) expressions in HCCs. Transcription activity of DNMT1promoter was analyzed with Luciferase reporter activity assay. The binding capacity of ZNF191 protein to DNMT1 promoter was examined with chromatin immunoprecipitation‐qPCR (ChIP‐qPCR) and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). DNA methylation level of hepatoma cells was detected with Methylation array.

Results

ZNF191 can regulate DNMT1 mRNA and protein expression positively, and increase the transcription activity of the DNMT1 promoter. ChIP‐qPCR and EMSA revealed that ZNF191 protein directly binds to the DNMT1 promoter at nt‐240 AT(TCAT)3TC. Moreover, DNMT1 and ZNF191 expression correlate positively in human HCCs. With methylation array, DNA methylation alteration was observed in hepatoma cells with ZNF191 knockdown, and the differential methylation sites are enriched in the PI3K‐AKT pathway. Furthermore, we proved DNMT1 contributes the effect of ZNF191 on hepatoma cell growth via the PI3K‐AKT pathway.

Conclusion

ZNF191 is a novel transcription regulator for DNMT1, and the pro‐proliferation effect of ZNF191/DNMT1/p‐AKT axis in hepatoma cells implies that ZNF191 status in HCCs may affect the therapeutic effect of DNMTs inhibitors and PI3K inhibitors for precise treatment of the disease.
Crescent‐Shaped Carbazole Derivatives as Light‐Up Fluorescence Probes for G‐Quadruplex DNA and Live Cell Imaging
Authors: Kang Yongqiang , Wei Chunying
Published: January 2022

In recent years, studies on the organic small molecule fluorescent probes targeting G‐quadruplexes have attracted a wide attention, because G‐quadruplexes play an important role in various biological functions. Herein, we reported three crescent‐shaped carbazole derivatives (4a–4c) and studied their interactions with the single‐stranded, duplex, G‐quadruplex and i‐motif DNA. Both 4b and 4c have an above 100 nm Stokes shift and low fluorescence intensity, moreover, they exhibit the stronger affinity to G‐quadruplex than to the other DNA structures. 4b with a cyanovinyl pyridine salt group displays a specific light‐up fluorescence response to G‐quadruplexes. FRET and CD results suggest that both 4b and 4c are able to improve the stability of G‐quadruplexes and maintain their topology, moreover, they induce G‐rich sequences (bcl‐2, HTG, and KSS) to fold into G‐quadruplexes in Na+/K+ free buffer. In addition, CLSM images suggest that 4b and 4c are mainly distributed in the mitochondrion of living HepG2 cells, and a weak fluorescence signal is also observed in the nucleus for 4c. Given that the two compounds have the larger association constants to G‐quadruplexes over to duplex and single‐stranded DNA, we speculate that the fluorescence signals in cells may mainly be attributed to the compound/G‐quadruplex DNA complexes.
Magnetically Separable Fe3O4@poly(m‐phenylenediamine)@Cu2O Nanocatalyst for the Facile Synthesis of 5‐phenyl‐[1,2,3]triazolo[1,5‐c]quinazolines
Authors: Rawat Manish , Taniike Toshiaki , Rawat Diwan S.
Published: January 2022

Herein we report a facile approach for the preparation of a magnetically separable Fe3O4@poly(m‐phenylenediamine)@Cu2O nanocatalyst and its catalytic efficiency in the synthesis of 5‐phenyl‐[1,2,3]triazolo[1,5‐c]quinazolines from (E)‐1‐bromo‐2‐(2‐nitrovinyl)benzenes, aldehydes, and sodium azide under mild reaction condition is described. The morphology, chemical composition, interior structure and magnetic properties of the Fe3O4@PmPDs@Cu2O nanocomposites were studied using powder X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer and nitrogen adsorption‐desorption technique. The as‐prepared Fe3O4@PmPDs@Cu2O nanocatalyst was simply recovered using external magnet and reused up to successive six runs with no obvious loss in its catalytic efficiency and structural integrity (confirmed by powder X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy of recycled nanocatalyst) along with low leaching of copper (2.32 ppm) and iron (0.008 ppm) ions. The present protocol has a broad substrate scope with high yield in shorter reaction time and it does not require any additive or base. Overall, it has better green chemistry metrices like low E‐factor (0.93), process mass intensity (1.93), high reaction mass efficiency (51.9 %) and carbon efficiency (95 %).
Determination of temperature dependent static Young's modulus of refractory ceramics using RUL tests
Authors: Henze Michel , Reichert Wanja , Tonnesen Thorsten , Telle Rainer , Hirt Gerhard
Published: January 2022

Refractory linings are, in addition to loads due to corrosion and creep processes, particularly affected by thermomechanical stresses caused by the restricted thermal expansion of the lining. These stresses can occur within individual components as well as in bricks and can lead to plastic deformation, cracks, and material failure. Thus, comprehensive knowledge about thermomechanical behavior is mandatory for an accurate prediction of occurring stresses to design load‐optimized linings. This paper presents a method for utilizing refractoriness under load (RUL) tests to determine a temperature dependent static Young's modulus for refractories. In a first step, RUL tests with a negligible load are carried out in order to determine the materials temperature dependent thermal expansion coefficient. Afterwards, several RUL tests with higher loads are carried out. The measured data of change in temperature and length are then corrected by the thermal expansion and used to construct elastic lines for several temperatures, where the elastic slope is determined using the change in length and the respective load. Thus, Young's modulus for several temperatures can be determined. The obtained values for the Young's modulus are then compared to resonant frequency damping analysis measurements and validated using a finite element (FE) model of the RUL test.
Asymmetric Catalytic Assembly of Triple‐Columned and Multilayered Chiral Folding Polymers Showing Aggregation‐Induced Emission (AIE)
Authors: Wang Jia‐Yin , Tang Yao , Wu Guan‐Zhao , Zhang Sai , Rouh Hossein , Jin Shengzhou , Xu Ting , Wang Yu , Unruh Daniel , Surowiec Kazimierz , Ma Yanzhang , Li Yunze , Katz Courtney , Liang Hongjun , Cong Weilong , Li Guigen
Published: January 2022

Invited for the cover of this issue are Guigen Li's groups at Texas Tech University and Nanjing University. The cover artwork shows that chirality patterns exist from universal to molecular levels showing light emission properties. Read the full story of multilayer 3D chirality and its asymmetric catalytic synthesis at 10.1002/chem.202104102.
Radical SAM‐Dependent Demetallation of Heme
Authors: Cheng Jinduo , Ding Wei , Zhang Qi
Published: January 2022

Comprehensive Summary

Demetallation of heme to release iron is a chemical difficult reaction and is highly rare in biochemistry, with apoferritin as the only known enzyme responsible for this process. Here we show the heme degradation enzyme ChuW catalyzes heme demetallation besides its known methyltransferase activity (which converts heme to a ring‐open product anaerobilin). We show the demetallation activity of ChuW is radical SAM‐dependent, and likely involves the same set of intermediates involved in the anaerobilin‐producing pathway. The ChuW‐catalyzed demetallation reaction does not require external reductant, and can occur on several heme analogs with different metal centers. These findings establish a brand‐new chemistry in the radical SAM enzymes, highlighting the remarkable catalytic diversity of this superfamily of enzymes.
Long‐term response to crizotinib in a 17‐year‐old boy with treatment‐naïve ALK‐positive non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Megaro Giacomina , Miele Evelina , Spinelli Gian Paolo , Alessi Iside , Del Baldo Giada , Cozza Raffaele , Russo Ida , De Pasquale Maria Debora , Cefalo Maria Giuseppina , Tomà Paolo , Carai Andrea , Di Ruscio Valentina , De Ioris Maria Antonietta , Mastronuzzi Angela
Published: January 2022

Background

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer‐related death. NSCLC accounts for 80–90% of cases. In young patients, adenocarcinoma is the most frequent histotype and 3–7% expresses the rearrangement of ALK oncogene, sensitive to TKIs. Crizotinib is the first ALK inhibitor approved by the FDA.

Case

We present a case of a 17‐year‐old male with metastatic treatment‐naïve ALK‐positive adenocarcinoma. He was treated with crizotinib and obtained a prolonged response with PFS of 33 months.

Conclusion

Crizotinib can be extremely effective in adolescents with treatment‐naïve ALK‐positive NSCLC but fail to prevent a central nervous system relapse. Resistance mechanisms need to be investigated.