bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploration of Chemical Composition and Unveiling the Phytopharmaceutical Potentials of Essential Oil from Fossilized Resin of Pinus succinefera
Authors: Jha Vikas , Shaikh Mohd Aslam , Devkar Sakshi , Patel Reetikesh , Walunj Shraddha , Rai Diksha , Koli Joshua , Dhamapurkar Vrushali , Jain Tisha , Jadhav Namrata , Marick Arpita , Dhopeshwarkar Divya
Published: July 2022

Background: Most of the plant natural flora contributes significantly to medicinal benefits. To address the shortcoming usage of synthetic drugs, natural products are in demand which offer a broad spectrum of activities with negligible side effects. Pinus succinefera is a fossilized resin from coniferous woods that belongs to the genus Pinus of the Pinaceae family and is widely known as Amber. The present study explores the physiochemical properties and broad spectrum of biological activities of the essential oil.

Method: The essential oil obtained using the hydro-distillation process, and chemical composition was examined by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometric analysis as well as the functional groups present in the essential oil were determined using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry. Thermal characterisation was performed using the Thermo Gravimetric Analysis and Differential Scanning Calorimetry. The antimicrobial potential of the essential oil was evaluated against different microorganisms meanwhile antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum was examined. The free radical scavenging capability of the essential oil was assessed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) reagent. High-performance thin-layer chromatography was used to examine the qualitative components of the essential oil.

Results: The Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometric analysis profile indicated 5 major compounds in the essential oil, which consisted of 99% of the total oil. The thermal analysis of the essential oil established thermal stability. The essential oil showed moderate antioxidant and a moderate to significant potential was observed against microbial species including Plasmodium falciparum. In High-performance thin-layer chromatography five bands of essential oil components with Retention factor ranging from 0.2 to 0.7 at 254nm were represented.

Conclusion: The results indicated that the essential oil obtained from Pinus succinefera has the potential to be used in the pharmaceutical industry to manufacture medicinal substances, as well as it can show a significant capability in other domains.
Cardiovascular Risk Indices in Apparently Healthy Individuals after 14 Days of Consumption of Costus afer Stem Extract
Authors: Kalio Ibiene Sarah , Effiong Okon, Abigail , Iyama Mina Josephine
Published: July 2022

Costus afer has been used for both medicinal and nutritional purpose without adequate knowledge of its systemic effect. This study therefore, sought to determine the cardiovascular risk indices in fifteen (15) apparently healthy individuals aged between 20-35years after 14days of consumption of 1.28g/180ml of Costus afer stem extract by estimating High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol(LDL-C), Atherogenic index of Plasma (AIP), Castelli Risk Index I and II, Total Protein and Albumin. Samples taken before the commencement of the study served as control samples while samples collected on day one (1), seven (7), and fourteen (14) days served as test samples.Total cholesterol, Triglyceride, High density lipoprotein-cholesterol were estimated using colorimetric methods. Total Protein was estimated using Biuret method while Albumin was estimated using Bromocresol green method.The results showed that the mean + Standard deviation of Total cholesterol (3.38+ 0.68mmol/l), Triglycerides (0.74 +0.16mmol/l), High density lipoprotein cholesterol (0.95 + 0.19mmol/l), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (1.92 + 0.90mmol/l), Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) (-0.11 + 0.06) Castelli risk index I (3.68 +1.15), castelli risk index II (2.15 +1.29) Total protein (74.80 +5.17mmol/l) and albumin (39.40 + 3.21mmol/l) did not show any significant difference (P>0.05) after 14days of consumption when compared to control Total cholesterol (4.01 +0.30mmol/l), Triglycerides (0.97 + 0.51mmol/l), High density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) (0.97 +0.25mmol/l), Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) (2.59 + 0.55mmol/l), Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) (-0.03 + 0.23), Castelli risk index I (4.34 + 1.09), Castelli risk index II (2.86 +1.09), Total protein (77.00 + 7.21mmol/l) and Albumin (38.80+ 1.50mmol/l).Consumption of Costus afer did not affect High density lipoprotein Cholesterol,low density Lipoprotein Cholesterol,Triglyceride and Total Cholesterol hence ,does not affect cardiovascular risk indices.
Antioxidant Activities of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Anacardium occidentale (Cashew) on Lead Acetate-Induced Cerebellar Toxicity in Wistar Rats
Authors: Oviosun Ezinne C. , Anyanwu G. E. , Esom E. A. , Nweze S. O.
Published: July 2022

Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate the antioxidant effect of aqueous leaves extract of Anacardium occidentale (A.O) on lead-induced toxicity in the cerebellum of wistar rats.

Methods: Thirty wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups of five rats each. Group A: Normal control received 0.5ml normal saline; group B received 50mg/kg body weight (bwt) lead acetate (Pb) only (28 days); groups C and D: 150mg/kg bwt and 300mg/kg bwt of A.O respectively for 14 days and 50mg/kg bwt of Pb next 14 days; group E: 150 mg/kg bwtA.O and 50 mg/kg bwt Pb (28 days); group F: 300mg/kg bwt A.O and 50 mg/kg bwt Pb (28 days). At the end of the experiment, animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. One hemisphere of the cerebellum was homogenized for estimation of tissue Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and the second hemisphere was processed for histological studies.

Results: Histological examination of lead only treated groups, showed alterations in cerebellar architecture. Biochemical estimations showed significant decrease in SOD, GPx levels (P=.03 and .04 respectively) and significant increase in MDA levels (P=.04), indicative of oxidative stress. Pretreatment and co-treatment with A.O showed dose dependent preservation of cerebellar architecture, significant increase of antioxidant parameters (SOD and GPx) (P=.03) and significant (P=.02) decrease in MDA.

Conclusion: This study suggests that Anacardium occidentale especially at a higher dose (300mg/kg) exhibits antioxidant activities against lead-induced oxidative stress in the cerebellum of rats.
Demography of cape petrels in response to environmental changes
Authors: Sauser Christophe , Delord Karine , Barbraud Christophe
Published: July 2022

Predicting the responses of populations in changing environments is an important task for ecologists. Understanding the population dynamics of high‐latitude breeding species is critical given the particularly rapid environmental changes that occur in these regions. Using long‐term mark–resighting data acquired over 53‐years in Pointe Géologie, Terre Adélie, Antarctica, we estimated age‐specific demographic parameters and evaluated the effect of the environment on survival of a poorly known species, the cape petrelDaption capense. We then modeled the dynamics of this population using a life‐history model and performed prospective and retrospective analyses to estimate the sensitivity of the population growth rate to demographic parameters, and to quantify their relative contribution. Survival of cape petrel increased with age, being 0.610 (±0.193) for juveniles, 0.739 (±0.158) for individuals from 2 to 4, and 0.920 (±0.031) for older individuals. Minimum age at first reproduction was 3 years old, the age at which all birds were recruited was 14 years, and mean age at first reproduction was 9.05 (±2.06) years. Adult survival increased over time and was positively correlated with the southern annular mode (SAM). The stochastic population growth rate was estimated at 1.019, and adult survival over age 5 made the largest contribution to variance of the population growth rate. Sensitivity analyses revealed that population regulation was mainly driven by the SAM. Our results suggest that despite the decrease in breeding success, the population of cape petrels at Pointe Géologie increased due to the increase in immature and adult survival.
Are casein micelles extracellular condensates formed by liquid‐liquid phase separation?
Authors: Horvath Attila , Fuxreiter Monika , Vendruscolo Michele , Holt Carl , Carver John A.
Published: July 2022

Casein micelles are extracellular polydisperse assemblies of unstructured casein proteins. Caseins are the major component of milk. Within casein micelles, casein molecules are stabilised by binding to calcium phosphate nanoclusters and, by acting as molecular chaperones, through multivalent interactions. In the light of such interactions, we discuss whether casein micelles can be considered as extracellular condensates formed by liquid–liquid phase separation. We analyse the sequence, structure and interactions of caseins in comparison with proteins forming intracellular condensates. Furthermore, we review the similarities between caseins and small heat‐shock proteins whose chaperone activity is linked to phase separation of proteins. By bringing these observations together, we describe a regulatory mechanism for protein condensates, as exemplified by casein micelles.
Linker Unit Modulation of Polymer Acceptors Enables Highly Efficient Air‐Processed All‐Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Kim Ha Kyung , Yu Han , Pan Mingao , Shi Xiaoyu , Zhao Heng , Qi Zhenyu , Liu Wei , Ma Wei , Yan He , Chen Shangshang
Published: July 2022

A group of regioregular polymer acceptors is synthesized by polymerizing Y6 moieties with different linker units including thiophene, vinylene, 2,2’‐bithiophene, and thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene, and their optoelectrical properties and photovoltaic performances are studied systematically. It is found that the linker units have significant impacts on the backbone planarity, conjugation, and hence optoelectrical properties of polymer acceptors. The vinylene‐based PYF‐V‐o polymer shows a smaller dihedral angle between the end groups and vinylene units and a more rigid polymer backbone, thus affording bathochromic absorption and better electron‐transporting capacity. As a result, the PM6:PYF‐V‐o based all‐polymer solar cells (all‐PSCs) are able to achieve the highest power conversion efficiency of 16.4% with an unprecedented small voltage loss of 0.49 V. Moreover, the PM6:PYF‐V‐o blend exhibits good resistance to environmental stressors and the air‐processed PM6:PYF‐V‐o cells can still maintain a high efficiency of 16.1%, which is the best air‐processed all‐PSC efficiency reported to date. This study provides the structural‐property guidance that can be used to facilitate the development of polymer acceptors for all‐PSCs.
Effective hemostasis by preperitoneal pelvic packing for common iliac vein injury without pelvic fracture in severe blunt trauma: a case report
Authors: Fujita Akihiro , Nakatsutsumi Keita , Takahashi Tatsuaki , Suzuki Tensei , Nakashima Choko , Ito Kei , Endo Akira , Otomo Yasuhiro
Published: July 2022

Background

A common iliac vein injury in the absence of pelvic fractures due to blunt trauma is rare, with no treatment strategy established.

Case Presentation

A 48‐year‐old man, who was injured in a dumbwaiter accident, presented to the hospital with hemorrhagic shock. Computed tomography (CT) revealed active bleeding from the intercostal and hepatic arteries as well as the left common iliac vein. No pelvic fracture was noted. Preperitoneal pelvic packing was performed for the left common iliac vein injury as a damage control surgery. After the operation, endovascular embolization was performed to address the arterial bleeding. The patient became hemodynamically stable, and follow‐up CT showed no signs of bleeding. The packing gauze was removed 3 days after the admission. The patient was discharged without complications.

Conclusion

Preperitoneal pelvic packing provided temporary hemostasis in a hemodynamically unstable patient with common iliac vein injury but with no pelvic fractures.
Third‐Generation Covalent TMP‐Tag for Fast Labeling and Multiplexed Imaging of Cellular Proteins
Authors: Mo Jiaming , Chen Jingting , Shi Yabo , Sun Jingfu , Wu Yunxiang , Liu Tianyan , Zhang Junwei , Zheng Yu , Li Yulong , Chen Zhixing
Published: July 2022

Self‐labeling protein tags can introduce advanced molecular motifs to specific cellular proteins. Here we introduce the third‐generation covalent TMP‐tag (TMP‐tag3) and showcase its comparison with HaloTag and SNAP‐tag. TMP‐tag3 is based on a proximity‐induced covalent Michael addition between an engineered Cys of E. coli dihydrofolate reductase (eDHFR) and optimized trimethoprim (TMP)–acrylamide conjugates with minimal linkers. Compared to previous versions, the TMP‐tag3 features an enhanced permeability when conjugated to fluorogenic spirocyclic rhodamines. As a small protein, the 18‐kD eDHFR is advantageous in tagging selected mitochondrial proteins which are less compatible with bulkier HaloTag fusions. The proximal N−C termini of eDHFR also enable facile insertion into various protein loops. TMP‐tag3, HaloTag, and SNAP‐tag are orthogonal to each other, collectively forming a toolbox for multiplexed live‐cell imaging of cellular proteins under fluorescence nanoscopy.
Molecular Engineering of Sulfur‐Bridged Polycyclic Emitters Towards Tunable TADF and RTP Electroluminescence
Authors: Li Mengke , Xie Wentao , Cai Xinyi , Peng Xiaomei , Liu Kunkun , Gu Qing , Zhou Jiadong , Qiu Weidong , Chen Zijian , Gan Yiyang , Su Shi‐Jian
Published: July 2022

Highly efficient organic thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) and room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP) emitters for organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) generally consist of a twisted donor–acceptor skeleton with aromatic amine donors. Herein, through introducing sulfur atoms into isomeric pentaphene and pentacene frameworks, we demonstrate a set of polycyclic luminophores exhibiting efficient TADF and RTP characters. The incorporation of sulfur atoms confirms a folded molecular plane, while intensifies singlet–triplet spin‐orbit coupling. Further, the isomeric effect has a significant effect on the electronic structure of excited state, giving rise to the investigated compounds tunable luminescence mechanisms of TADF and RTP. With efficient triplet harvesting ability, maximum external quantum efficiencies up to 25.1 % and 8.7 % are achieved for the corresponding TADF and RTP OLEDs, verifying the great potential of sulfur‐bridged frameworks for highly efficient devices.
Phenacyl Bromide as a Single‐Component Photoinitiator: Photoinduced Step‐Growth Polymerization ofN‐Methylpyrrole andN‐Methylindole
Authors: Kocaarslan Azra , Kaya Kerem , Jockusch Steffen , Yagci Yusuf
Published: July 2022

The synthesis of step‐growth polymers by photoinduced methods is a challenging issue in synthetic chemistry. Here, we report a single component near UV responsive photopolymerization system for step‐growth polymerization ofN‐methylpyrrole (MPyr) andN‐methylindole (MIn) by using phenacyl bromide (PAB). The obtained high molecular weight conjugated polymers were characterized by spectral and chromatographic methods. Detailed laser flash photolysis and spectroscopic studies revealed that polymerization proceeds by successive photoinduced cleavage of PAB followed by electron transfer, proton release and coupling processes. After photolysis, chain growth continues also in daylight or dark by acidic oxidation. The structural features of the polymers were investigated. PAB single component photoinitiator enables an efficient, rapid, room temperature step‐growth polymerization process of MPyr and MIn that can be applied to other conjugated monomers.
Synthesis of dual‐stimuli‐responsive polyurethane shape memory nanocomposites incorporating isocyanate‐functionalized Fe3O4 nanoparticles
Authors: Babaie Amin , Rezaei Mostafa , Razzaghi Donya , Roghani‐Mamaqani Hossein
Published: July 2022

Thermally and magnetically stimulated shape memory polyurethane (PU) nanocomposites were synthesized for intravascular stent applications. For this end, Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were modified with octadecyl isocyanate (OD) to increase their affinity with the PU matrix by formation of the covalent urea linkages. The results showed that the OD‐grafted MNPs were replaced instead of carbonyl groups of polycaprolactone (PCL) soft segments in hydrogen bond formation with the urethane linkages. This led to higher phase separation degrees among the soft and hard phases, thereby PCL chains could reveal higher crystallization potential. Mechanical studies showed that the nanocomposites had high mechanical strength, Young's modulus, and elongation at break, which improve their practical applications. The nanocomposites showed thermo‐responsive shape memory behavior with a high shape recovery and shape fixity ratios due to the presence of the crystallizable PCL segments. The nanocomposite containing 10 wt% of the OD‐grafted MNPs could recover its original shape (during 90s) in a relatively weak alternating magnetic field (350 kHz and 12.9 kA/m). These results indicated that the prepared nanocomposites could be used to normalize the narrowed blood vessels through the remotely and magnetically‐controllable restricted shape recovery process.
Convergence on iterative learning control of Hilfer fractional impulsive evolution equations
Authors: Raghavan Divya , Nagarajan Sukavanam
Published: July 2022

In this paper, impulsive fractional differential equations with Hilfer fractional derivatives of order
and type
is considered. Convergence analysis of
‐type and
‐type open‐loop iterative learning scheme is studied in the sense of
‐norm. Examples are provided to explain the theory developed.
Boosting Sodium Storage of Titanium Oxide through Homojunction Design
Authors: Zhang Maiji , Wang Zhenzhu , Ni Jiangfeng , Li Liang
Published: July 2022

Sodium‐ion batteries are regarded as the energy storage of choice for large‐scale applications due to their ample resource and low cost. However, their practical application has been largely retarded by the lack of efficient and stable anodes capable of storing a large amount of Na+ ions reversibly. In this work, we introduce the concept of homojunction into the design of sodium anodes by growing TiO2 nanowires composed of both anatase and bronze intimately interwoven. The interplay between the two phases brings abundant boundaries and interfaces, which drastically increase the storage sites and facilitate the transport of Na+ ions. As a result, it reveals robust Na+ storage, affording a capability of 140 mAh g−1 at a high rate of 20 C and retaining 85 % of the initial capacity after 3000 cycles at 5 C. Furthermore, the practice of TiO2 homojunction has been explored by pairing it with Na3V2(PO4)2O2F cathode, thereby demonstrating the potential of designing homojunction as a promising materials strategy in rechargeable batteries.
Consider impact of NIL on traditional fundraising
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: July 2022

One key concern in the quickly evolving name, image, and likeness arena centers on whether — or to what extent — the prevalence of NIL and collectives will impact traditional athletics department fundraising and what can be done to manage the situation.
Did court dismiss negligent misrepresentation claim?
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: July 2022

A lacrosse player at The University of Hartford was a high schooler when he first visited UH in July 2017. The UH men's lacrosse coach made several statements to the student‐athlete in an effort to persuade him to play at UH.
The impact of locomotion techniques on user experience on virtual reality on light of different scene contrasts
Authors: Agić Ana , Mandić Lidija , Skorin‐Kapov Lea
Published: July 2022

Locomotion techniques are an important part of the virtual reality (VR) experience, as they enable a means of movement within simulated computer graphics. Studies have shown that locomotion techniques cause unpleasant effects related to cybersickness. In this article, we report on the results of a user study (N = 29) aimed to investigate and compare three types of locomotion techniques in VR in terms of their impact on cybersickness. The different locomotion techniques are tested in two different contrast scene settings, daytime and nighttime, to further explore the potential impact of scene contrast adjustments. For the evaluation of cybersickness, we used a questionnaire to obtain subjective ratings, and heart rate monitoring as an objective metric. Results show that a linear movement locomotion technique provokes the highest level of cybersickness, and that women have a higher heart rate as compared to men when navigating and interacting in a VR scene. Regarding the influence of scene contrast, results showed that scenes with daylight were better suited to participants in almost all tested scenarios. In addition to reported findings related to locomotion techniques and the impact on cybersickness, we highlight that a key contribution is the utilized test methodology.
Lectin Drug Conjugates Targeting High Mannose N‐Glycans
Authors: Kurhade Suresh E. , Ross Patrick , Gao Fei Philip , Farrell Mark P.
Published: July 2022

Cancer‐associated alterations to glycosylation have been shown to aid cancer development and progression. An increased abundance of high mannose N‐glycans has been observed in several cancers. Here, we describe the preparation of lectin drug conjugates (LDCs) that permit toxin delivery to cancer cells presenting high mannose N‐glycans. Additionally, we demonstrate that cancer cells presenting low levels of high mannose N‐glycans can be rendered sensitive to the LDCs by co‐treatment with a type I mannosidase inhibitor. Our findings establish that an increased abundance of high mannose N‐glycans in the glycocalyx of cancer cells can be leveraged to enable toxin delivery.
New Far‐Red and Near‐Infrared Fluorescent Phycobiliproteins with Excellent Brightness and Photostability
Authors: Hou Ya‐Nan , Ding Wen‐Long , Jiang Xiang‐Xiang , Hu Ji‐Ling , Tan Zi‐Zhu , Zhao Kai‐Hong
Published: July 2022

Far‐red and near‐infrared fluorescent proteins can be used as fluorescence biomarkers in the region of maximal transmission of most tissues and facilitate multiplexing. Recently, we reported the generation and properties of far‐red and near‐infrared fluorescent phycobiliproteins, termed BeiDou Fluorescent Proteins (BDFPs), which can covalently bind the more readily accessible biliverdin. Far‐red BDFPs maximally fluoresce at ∼670 nm, while near‐infrared BDFPs fluoresce at ∼710 nm. In this work, we molecularly evolved BDFPs as follows: (a) mutations L58Q, S68R and M81K of BDFPs, which can maximally enhance the effective brightness in vivo by 350 %; (b) minimization and monomerization of far‐red BDFPs 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, and near‐infrared BDFPs 2.4, 2.5 and 2.6. These newly developed BDFPs are remarkably brighter than the formerly reported far‐red and near‐infrared fluorescent proteins. Their advantages are demonstrated by biolabeling in mammalian cells using super‐resolution microscopy.
Validation of a simplified intravascular ultrasound core lab analysis method in stented coronary arteries
Authors: Neleman Tara , Khachabi Jamal , Jonker Hans , Rademaker‐Havinga Tessa , Spitzer Ernest , Daemen Joost
Published: July 2022

Objectives

To validate a simplified core laboratory intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) analysis method based on frames with visually determined minimal lumen areas (MLAs) as compared with a comprehensive (per frame) analysis method.

Background

IVUS‐guided percutaneous coronary intervention has proven to be superior to angiography‐guided stenting. In clinical practice, cross‐sections with visually determined MLA are measured to determine lesion severity or minimal stent area (MSA), however, its accuracy has not been compared with a comprehensive per frame analysis method.

Methods

A total of 50 stented coronary segments of anonymized core lab datasets were analyzed using a comprehensive analysis method and reanalyzed by two core lab analysts using the simplified method including a maximum of seven frames to be analyzed (the visually determined MSA, the first and last frame, and the MLA of each reference segment). The main parameters of interest were MSA, MLA in the reference segments, and plaque burden.

Results

The simplified method showed moderate agreement for measurement of the proximal MLA (7.51 ± 2.52 vs. 6.32 ± 1.88 mm2, intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.73), good agreement for the distal MLA (5.41 ± 1.85 vs. 5.11 ± 1.38 mm2, ICC = 0.84) and plaque burden proximal (0.49 ± 0.12 vs. 0.50 ± 0.11, ICC = 0.88), and excellent agreement for the MSA (5.35 ± 1.05 vs. 5.32 ± 0.99 mm2, ICC = 0.94) and plaque burden distal (0.47 ± 0.14 vs. 0.47 ± 0.12, ICC = 0.92), when compared with the comprehensive analysis method. Inter‐ and intraobserver analysis revealed good‐to‐excellent agreement for all parameters.

Conclusions

Measuring poststenting IVUS cross‐sections with visually determined MLAs by experienced core lab analysts is an accurate and reproducible method to identify MLAs.
An azoospermic male with a novel chromosome 46, XX, der(15)t(Y; 15)(p11.3; p12)
Authors: Wu Jiebin , Hu Guanli , Zhai Jingfang , Han Conghui , Li Zhenbei
Published: July 2022

Male individuals with a 46, XX karyotype are commonly diagnosed with 46, XX male sex reversal syndrome, one of the rarest sex chromosomal anomalies. In this case, we report a rare XX male with Y‐specific DNA sequences located near the end of chromosome 15 p‐arm, which was verified by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) as well as copy number variation sequencing (CNV‐seq) based on the next‐ generation sequencing method (>100 Kb). To the best of our knowledge, there have been no reports of XX male with the Yp region transferred to the terminal of chromosome 15 short arm.
A novel UBE2A splice site variant causing intellectual disability type Nascimento
Authors: Yan Shuyuan , Wang Yanling , Chen Ying , Yuan Hongxia , Kuang Xiaoni , Hou Da , Li Xueyi , Pan Linglin , Huang Guangwen , He Jun , Wang Tuanmei , Peng Xiangwen
Published: July 2022

X‐linked intellectual disability type Nascimento (XLID) is a rare disease caused by variants in the ubiquitin‐conjugating enzyme E2A gene (UBE2A). Patients with XLID have similar phenotypes, including speech impairments, severe intellectual disability, hearing loss, wide facies, synophrys, generalized hirsutism, and urogenital abnormalities. Till date, only two splice‐site variants of the UBE2A gene have been observed in patients with X‐linked ID type Nascimento. Here, we report the case of a Chinese boy with a syndrome clinically similar to XLID with speech impairment, severe intellectual disability, and moderate hearing loss. However, different characteristics were also present in the patient, including an inability to maintain his head in an upright posture. Both of the patient's palms have a single transverse palmar crease. Subsequent whole‐exome sequencing revealed a novel splice site variant in UBE2A (c.241 + 1 G > A). Our study not only expands the variant spectrum and clinical characteristics of UBE2A deficiency syndrome but also provides clinical evidence for genetic diagnoses.
Synovial hemangioma: A rare cause of chronic knee pain
Authors: Slouma Maroua , Hannech Emna , Msolli Amjed , Dhahri Rim , Kouki Sami , Metoui Leila , Gharsallah Imen , Louzir Bassem
Published: July 2022

Synovial hemangioma is a rare benign vascular tumor responsible for chronic knee pain and swelling. Given its non‐specific symptoms, synovial hemangioma is often misdiagnosed. We report a case of synovial hemangioma of bilateral knee joints occurring in a young military man.
Molecular characterization and reclassification of a 1.18 Mbp DMD duplication following positive carrier screening for Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy
Authors: Zepeda‐Mendoza Cinthya J. , Bontrager Jordan E. , Fisher Camille F. , McDonald Amber , George‐Abraham Jaya K. , Hasadsri Linda
Published: July 2022

A 2‐month‐old male patient harboring a duplication of DMD exons 1–7 classified as pathogenic by an outside institution presented with mildly elevated creatine phosphokinase (CK); molecular breakpoint analysis by our laboratory reclassified the duplication as likely benign. To date, proband continues to develop normally with decreased CK, further supporting our reclassification.
Angiographic retrograde filling of all left coronary arterial branches in a patient with chronic total occlusion of left main coronary artery
Authors: Nenekidis Ioannis , Samanidis George , Kanakis Meletios , Contrafouris Constantinos , Karavana Eleni , Papakonstantinou Nikolaos , Chatzis Andrew , Perreas Konstantinos
Published: July 2022

A 81‐year‐old female patient was referred in our hospital with episodes of pulmonary edema and had an isolated chronic total occlusion of the left main coronary artery. Coronary angiogram showed total occlusion the left main and filling the left coronary system by collaterals from the right coronary artery.
Cuboid fracture: An extremely rare cause of limping in a 2‐year‐old child
Authors: Delniotis Ioannis , Nitis Georgios , Gekas Christos , Leidinger Benedikt
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this case report is to raise awareness of an extremely rare cause of limping, in young children. Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion of a possible cuboid fracture when evaluating a young child who presents with limping.
A long‐standing case of desmoplastic fibroblastoma of the face
Authors: Singh Arpita , Ghosh Snehashish , Shivakotee Satyapriya , Dhungel Safal , Raj A. Thirumal , Patil Shankargouda
Published: July 2022

The present case report depicts an unusually large desmoplastic fibroblastoma. The diagnosis of the lesion appears to be deceptive clinically. The purpose of this case image is to highlight its size and presenting symptoms, which could easily be mistaken for an odontogenic, salivary gland, or a soft tissue neoplasm.
Pneumomediastinum in a cheerleading student
Authors: Haba Yuichiro , Naito Toshio
Published: July 2022

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum in healthy individuals is an uncommon entity. We are reporting an image of pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema in a male college student. The onset was considered to be the hard vocal exercise during his cheerleading club activity.
Co2+‐Doped Porous Ni(OH)2 Nanosheets Electrode for Selective Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Methanol at High Current Densities
Authors: Ming Liying , Wu Xiao‐Yuan , Wang Sa‐Sa , Wu Weiming , Lu Can‐Zhong
Published: July 2022

Co2+‐doped Ni(OH)2 nanosheets were grown on porous Ni foam by a simple electrodeposition method. The obtained samples were used as porous electrodes for selective electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol to formate in NaOH aqueous solution. The results indicated the oxidizing abilities of the as‐prepared electrodes could be regulated by the doping content of Co2+ for the electrooxidation of methanol, in which the electrode with a Co2+ doping content of 10 mol % required a lowest potential of ∼1.32 V vs. RHE to achieve a current density of 100 mA cm−2 as compared with other electrodes. And the doping of Co2+ helped boosting the Faradic efficiency for the electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol. Moreover, the electrooxidation of methanol for the production of formate (Faradic efficiency ≥96.5 %) with the simultaneous generation of hydrogen was easily implemented in a two‐electrode configuration at high current densities (100–500 mA cm−2). The results of the durability test further revealed that the 10 mol % Co2+‐doped Ni(OH)2 electrode exhibited an outstanding stability for the electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol in the present system.
Impact of Nanotechnology on the Realm of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Dash Saumya , Shakeel Adeeba , Mohanty Sujata
Published: July 2022

The intersection of very different, yet complementary fields, stem cells and nanotechnology, has led to the opening of new horizons in the area of research, giving new hopes, better strategies, and a boost to regenerative medicine, nanotherapeutics, and tissue engineering. Harnessing the stem cell's ability to self‐renew and differentiate into specific types of functional cells and the unique physico‐chemical properties of the nanomaterials, researchers have optimized the interactions of these with the biological milieu to overcome the hurdles of conventional cell‐based therapies. Here, we highlight and outline various types of nanomaterials and their well‐established significance in redefining the future of human medicine through influencing stem cell research targeting illness of important human organs.
An efficient framework for the similarity prediction with query recommendation in E‐learning system
Authors: Prasad Vedavathi Nagendra , Kureekatil Muthappa Anil Kumar
Published: July 2022

A novel model of data similarity estimation and clustering method is proposed in this article to retrieve the relevant data with the best matching in big data processing. An advanced model of graph distance pattern (GDP) method with lexical subgroup (LS) system is used to estimate the similarity between the query data and the entire database. With the help of neural network, the relevancy of feature attributes in the database are predicted and matching index is sorted to provide the recommended data for given query data. This was achieved by using the correlated sim‐neural network (CSNN). This is an enhanced model of neural network technology to find the relevancy based on the correlation factor of feature set. The training process of CSNN classifier is carried by estimating the correlation factor of the attributes of dataset. These are forms as the clusters and paged with proper indexing based on the LS parameter of similarity metric. The results obtained by the proposed system for recall, precision, accuracy, error rate, F‐measure, kappa coefficient, specificity, and MCC are 0.98, 0.98, 0.97, 0.03, 0.99, 0.991, 0.986, and 0.984, respectively.
Efficient Photocatalytic H2 Evolution by Hexaniobate Nanosheets Grafted with Copper Nanoclusters
Authors: Nascimento Nunes Barbara , Bahnemann Detlef W. , Otavio T. Patrocinio Antonio
Published: July 2022

The front cover artwork is provided by Dr. Leandro A. Faustino from the Federal University of Uberlandia (Brazil). The image shows a hexaniobate nanosheet modified with copper nanoclusters. Copper species exhibit different oxidation states on the hexaniobate surface, starting from Cu2+, which is then reduced to Cu+ and Cu0 under irradiation. The good interaction between copper and the hexaniobate promotes an efficient photocatalytic H2 evolution. Read the full text of the Research Article at 10.1002/cptc.202100272.
Assessing the effect of complex ground types on ground‐dwelling arthropod movements with video monitoring: Dealing with concealed movements under a layer of plant residues
Authors: Collard Blanche , Tixier Philippe , Carval Dominique , Lavigne Claire , Delattre Thomas
Published: July 2022

Understanding the effect of ground types on foraging movements of ground‐dwelling arthropods is a key step to managing their spatial distribution as required for successful conservation biological control. Indeed, fine movements at the centimeter scale can strongly influence the foraging ability of pest predators. However, because radio frequency identification or harmonic tracking techniques are not yet suitable for small species and video tracking focuses on uniform and light backgrounds, foraging movements have rarely been studied in relation to ground types. We present a method to track a ground‐dwelling arthropod (the earwig Euborellia caraibea) at night, walking on two contrasted ground types: bare soil and soil partly covered with a stratum of banana plant residues allowing individuals to hide periodically. The tracking of individuals within these ground types was achieved by infrared light, tagging individuals, video treatments, and semi‐automatic cleaning of trajectories. We tested different procedures to obtain segments with identical durations to quantify speeds and sinuosities. These procedures were characterized by the junction time gap between trajectory fragments, the rediscretization time of trajectories, and whether or not to use interpolation to fill in missing points in the trajectories. Earwigs exhibited significantly slower and more sinuous movements on soil with banana plant residues than on bare soil. Long time gaps for trajectory junction, extended rediscretization times, and interpolation were complementary means to integrate concealed movements in the trajectories. The highest slowdown in plant residues was detected when the procedure could account for longer periods under the residues. These results suggest that earwigs spent a significant amount of time concealed by the residues. Additionally, the residues strongly decreased the earwigs' movement. Since the technical solutions presented in this study are inexpensive, easy to set up, and replicate, they represent valuable contributions to the emerging field of video monitoring.
Potassium Ion‐selective Electrode with a Sensitive Ion‐to‐Electron Transducer Composed of Porous Laser‐induced Graphene and MoS2 Fabricated by One‐step Direct Laser Writing
Authors: Thuy Nguyen Thi Dieu , Zhao Guo , Wang Xiaochan , Awuah Emmanuel , Zhang Litao
Published: July 2022

In this study, an ion‐selective electrode with a sensitive ion‐to‐electron transducer composed of porous laser‐induced graphene (LIG) and MoS2 (LIG‐MoS2/ISE) was fabricated to measure the potassium ion concentration in a greenhouse nutrient solution for soilless culture. Additionally, a more effective and low‐cost method was proposed for the large‐batch production and manufacture of potassium ion‐selective electrodes (K+‐ISEs) using the direct laser writing technique, which differs considerably from existing methods. Moreover, the sensing mechanism of the proposed LIG‐MoS2/ISE for potassium ion detection was investigated. The morphology and physical properties of the LIG‐MoS2/SC‐K+‐ISEs were studied by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy and energy‐dispersive spectroscopy. Potentiometric measurements, chronopotentiometry, potentiometric water layer tests, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used to evaluate the analytical performance of the newly developed K+‐ISEs. A Nernstian slope of 30.1 mV/decade for the activity of potassium ions in a concentration range from 10−7 to 10−2 M was determined. The EIS and chronopotentiometry results revealed that the LIG‐MoS2/SC‐K+‐ISE had a larger resistance and double‐layer capacitance than the LIG/SC‐K+‐ISE. The ion‐selective membrane (ISM) and solid‐contact layer did not have any water film between them, according to the potentiometric water layer test. The results proved that the LIG‐MoS2 nanocomposite could possibly be used as a sensitive ion‐to‐electron transducer to fabricate K+‐ISEs. The K+‐ISE fabrication method using the direct laser writing technique had a higher efficiency, enabling its broad application prospects in agriculture.
Graphene Oxide Wrapped ZnMnO3 Nanorod as Advanced Cathode for Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Fan Zixuan , Liu Xinyu , Qian Jinchen , Tang Jun , Yu Jin , He Wei , Sun Zheng Ming
Published: July 2022

Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) have attracted much attention due to the low cost and high safety. However, sluggish reaction kinetics and poor cycling stability hinder their further application. Herein, a graphene oxide wrapped ZnMnO3 nanorod (ZMO/GO) is successfully prepared and employed as cathode in ZIBs. Battery with ZMO/GO cathode demonstrates favorable special capacity of 174.8 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.1 A g−1 and sufficient stability at 2 A g−1. The superior electrochemical performance may be attributed to the GO with high electrical conductivity and ZMO with fast H+ diffusion.
Evaluation of the impact of pH of the reaction mixture, type of the stirring, and the reagents' concentration in the wet precipitation method on physicochemical properties of hydroxyapatite so as to enhance its biomedical application potential
Authors: Głąb Magdalena , Kudłacik‐Kramarczyk Sonia , Drabczyk Anna , Kordyka Aleksandra , Godzierz Marcin , Wróbel Paweł S. , Tomala Agnieszka , Tyliszczak Bożena , Sobczak‐Kupiec Agnieszka
Published: July 2022

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) constitutes a significant inorganic compound which due to its osteoinductivity, osteoconductivity as well as the ability to promote bone growth and regeneration is widely applied in development of biomaterials designed for bone tissue engineering. In this work, various synthesis methodologies of HAp based on the wet precipitation technique were applied, and the impact of pH of the reaction mixture, the concentration of individual reagents as well as the type of stirring applied (mechanical/magnetic) on the properties of final powders was discussed. Spectroscopic methods (Fourier transform infrared, Raman) and X‐ray diffraction allowed to verify the synthesis parameters leading to obtaining calcium phosphate with 96% HAp in phase which indicated higher homogeneity of obtained powder (93.4%) than commercial HAp. Powders' morphology was evaluated using microscopic techniques while specific surface area was determined via Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis. Particle size distribution, porosity of powders, and stability of HAp suspensions were also characterized. It was proved that synthesis at pH = 11.0 using mechanical stirring resulted in calcium phosphate with a high phase homogeneity and homogeneous pore size distribution (6–20 nm). Moreover, obtained HAp powder showed 71.8% more specific surface area than commercial material—that is, 110 m3/g for synthetic HAp and 64 m3/g in the case of commercial powder—which, in turn, is significant in terms of its potential application as carrier of active substances. Thus it was demonstrated that by applying appropriate conditions of HAp synthesis it is possible to obtain powder with properties enhancing its application potential for medical purposes.
Does internationalization matter for corporate social performance of Chinese firms?
Authors: Wu Renhong , Kim Minho
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between the internationalization of Chinese firms and their corporate social performance (CSP), a topic that remains largely unexplored for Chinese firms. Based on a sample of 325 firms listed on the China A‐shares market from 2010 to 2017, we find a positive relationship between the degree of internationalization (DOI) and CSP of Chinese firms. A positive relationship is also confirmed between corporate financial performance (CFP) and CSP in Chinese firms. However, we find that the interaction between CFP and DOI correlates negatively with CSP, indicating that during internationalization, CFP might not be conducive to improving CSP. Most listed firms in China are state‐owned enterprises (SOEs), and we find that their CSP is inferior to that of non‐SOEs. Finally, we find that hiring one of the four major accounting firms to conduct audits is conducive to a significant improvement in CSP. Managerial and policy implications derived from the results are discussed.
Novel Gd2O3/SrFe12O19@Schiff base chitosan (Gd/SrFe@SBCs) nanocomposite as a novel magnetic sorbent for the removal of Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions from aqueous solution
Authors: Jasim Saade Abdalkareem , Abdelbasset Walid Kamal , Hachem Kadda , Kadhim Mustafa M. , Yasin Ghulam , Obaid Maithm A. , Hussein Baydaa Abed , Lafta Holya A. , Mustafa Yasser Fakri , Mahmoud Zaid Hameed
Published: July 2022

In this work, novel Gd2O3/SrFe12O19@Schiff base chitosan (Gd/SrFe@SBCs) nanocomposite was prepared, and characterized using FT‐IR, XRD, DSC, VSM, FE‐SEM, X‐ray energy dispersive spectrum (EDS), and map analyses. All results confirm that the Gd2O3/SrFe12O19 nanocomposite/Schiff base chitosan was successfully prepared. EDS and map analyses predict that all elements are well distributed to the compound. VSM shows that the title compound has high saturation magnetic of 17.35 emu/g with high coercivity of 4,664 Oe. In addition, Gd/SrFe@SBCs were used as new adsorbents to the removal of Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions from aqueous solution, and results confirm that the removal efficiency of Pb(II) (98%) is higher than Cd(II) (78%) ion. At best conditions, the maximum adsorption capacity for Pb(II) is 183.7 and for Cd(II) is 146.2 mg/g. Reusability results show that the adsorption efficiency of Gd/SrFe@SBCs remained above 93% for Pb(II) and 71% for Cd(II) after five adsorption/desorption cycles. The effect of coexisting cation and anions was studied and confirm that the Gd/SrFe@SBCs had selective adsorption toward Pb(II). According to these results, we proposed that Gd/SrFe@SBCs studied as a sorbent to removal of other heavy metal ions.
The aero body righting of frog Rana rugulosus via hindleg swings
Authors: Wang Hong , Lin Feng , Mo Jixue , Xiao Jingcheng , Li Bing , Li Yao
Published: July 2022

Frogs can keep an excellent aerial balance for landing and achieve consecutive jumps reliably. A safe landing requires an accurate body righting in the air. However, there is no systematic study on how the frogs adjust the aerial postures and body attitudes after jumping. The stretched long hindlegs swung quickly in the aerial phase, which revealed a clear relationship with the body attitudes. This study aimed to verify the function of frogs' hindlegs on aero body righting in the air. We captured the motions of both hindlegs and found the hindlegs adopted two movement modes, the bilateral parallel, and separated swings. The hindleg‐induced torques by the two movements were negatively correlated with the body's angular accelerations on pitch and roll, respectively. Moreover, an analytical model was derived based on the conservation of angular momentum and verified by the dynamic simulations. Thus, we confirmed that the hindlegs are the dominant mechanism in aerial pitch and roll controls. We anticipate our achievements to inspire the design of air‐righting tools.
Feasibility and Utility of the Venous Excess Ultrasound Score to Detect and Grade Central Venous Pressure Elevation in Critically Ill Children
Authors: Menéndez‐Suso Juan J. , Rodríguez‐Álvarez Diego , Sánchez‐Martín María
Published: July 2022

Objectives

The Venous Excess Ultrasound (VExUS) score has been described as a useful tool to estimate the degree of venous congestion in adult patients. The present study aimed to analyze the feasibility and usefulness of the VExUS score to detect and grade central venous pressure (CVP) elevation in critically ill children.

Methods

A cross‐sectional pilot study was conducted in a tertiary‐care pediatric intensive care unit between November 2020 and June 2021. All children in whom CVP was monitored, were enrolled. At the time of central venous catheter placement, CVP and VExUS score grade were determined, analyzing the inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter and the hepatic (HVD), portal (PVD), and intrarenal (IRVD) venous Doppler waveforms.

Results

A total of 33 children were studied (median age 12.2 [interquartile range (IQR) 4.1–100.6] months old; median weight 8.5 [IQR 5.6–35] kg; 20 [60.6%] males). The VExUS score was successfully obtained in 100% of the patients and its severity was strongly associated with the CVP levels (P < .001). Analyzing the VExUS score components separately, IVC dilation (P < .001) and severe HVD (P = .026), mild IRVD (P = .005), and severe IRVD (P = .025) patterns were associated with elevated CVP. After adjustment for confounding factors, IRVD pattern remained the only independent variable associated with elevated CVP.

Conclusions

The VExUS score appears to be a feasible and potentially useful bedside noninvasive monitoring tool for the detection and grading of CVP elevation in critically ill children. Among all its components, IRVD assessment seems most associated with high CVP in this population.