bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social contact patterns and implications for infectious disease transmission – a systematic review and meta-analysis of contact surveys
Authors: Mousa Andria , Winskill Peter , Watson Oliver John , Ratmann Oliver , Monod Mélodie , Ajelli Marco , Diallo Aldiouma , Dodd Peter J , Grijalva Carlos G , Kiti Moses Chapa , Krishnan Anand , Kumar Rakesh , Kumar Supriya , Kwok Kin O , Lanata Claudio F , de Waroux Olivier Le Polain , Leung Kathy , Mahikul Wiriya , Melegaro Alessia , Morrow Carl D , Mossong Joël , Neal Eleanor FG , Nokes D James , Pan-ngum Wirichada , Potter Gail E , Russell Fiona M , Saha Siddhartha , Sugimoto Jonathan D , Wei Wan In , Wood Robin R , Wu Joseph , Zhang Juanjuan , Walker Patrick , Whittaker Charles
Published: November 2021

Background:

Transmission of respiratory pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2 depends on patterns of contact and mixing across populations. Understanding this is crucial to predict pathogen spread and the effectiveness of control efforts. Most analyses of contact patterns to date have focused on high-income settings.

Methods:

Here, we conduct a systematic review and individual-participant meta-analysis of surveys carried out in low- and middle-income countries and compare patterns of contact in these settings to surveys previously carried out in high-income countries. Using individual-level data from 28,503 participants and 413,069 contacts across 27 surveys, we explored how contact characteristics (number, location, duration, and whether physical) vary across income settings.

Results:

Contact rates declined with age in high- and upper-middle-income settings, but not in low-income settings, where adults aged 65+ made similar numbers of contacts as younger individuals and mixed with all age groups. Across all settings, increasing household size was a key determinant of contact frequency and characteristics, with low-income settings characterised by the largest, most intergenerational households. A higher proportion of contacts were made at home in low-income settings, and work/school contacts were more frequent in high-income strata. We also observed contrasting effects of gender across income strata on the frequency, duration, and type of contacts individuals made.

Conclusions:

These differences in contact patterns between settings have material consequences for both spread of respiratory pathogens and the effectiveness of different non-pharmaceutical interventions.

Funding:

This work is primarily being funded by joint Centre funding from the UK Medical Research Council and DFID (MR/R015600/1).
Golgi membrane protein Erd1 Is essential for recycling a subset of Golgi glycosyltransferases
Authors: Sardana Richa , Highland Carolyn M , Straight Beth E , Chavez Christopher F , Fromme J Christopher , Emr Scott D
Published: November 2021

Protein glycosylation in the Golgi is a sequential process that requires proper distribution of transmembrane glycosyltransferase enzymes in the appropriate Golgi compartments. Some of the cytosolic machinery required for the steady-state localization of some Golgi enzymes are known but existing models do not explain how many of these enzymes are localized. Here, we uncover the role of an integral membrane protein in yeast, Erd1, as a key facilitator of Golgi glycosyltransferase recycling by directly interacting with both the Golgi enzymes and the cytosolic receptor, Vps74. Loss of Erd1 function results in mislocalization of Golgi enzymes to the vacuole/lysosome. We present evidence that Erd1 forms an integral part of the recycling machinery and ensures productive recycling of several early Golgi enzymes. Our work provides new insights on how the localization of Golgi glycosyltransferases is spatially and temporally regulated, and is finely tuned to the cues of Golgi maturation.
Proteomic profiling of the endogenous peptides of MRSA and MSSA
Authors: Tu Haixia , Xu Fei , Cheng Yiwei , Pan Qianglong , Cai Xiao , Wang Shouxing , Ge Shuting , Cao Min , Su Dongming , Li Yan
Published: November 2021

Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive bacterium that can cause diverse skin and soft tissue infections. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can cause more severe infections than methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). Nevertheless, the physiological and metabolic regulation of MSSA and MRSA has not been well studied. In light of the increased interest in endogenous peptides and recognition of the important roles that they play, we studied the endogenous peptidome of MSSA and MRSA. We identified 1,065 endogenous peptides, among which 435 were differentially expressed (DE), with 292 MSSA-abundant endogenous peptides and 35 MRSA-abundant endogenous peptides. MSSA-abundant endogenous peptides have significantly enriched “VXXXK” motif of at the C-terminus. MSSA-abundant endogenous peptides are involved in penicillin-binding and immune responses, whereas MRSA-abundant endogenous peptides are associated with antibiotic resistance and increased toxicity. Our characterization of the peptidome of MSSA and MRSA provides a rich resource for future studies to explore the functional regulation of drug resistance in S. aureus and may also help elucidate the mechanisms of its pathogenicity and the development of treatments.
Economic Value and Supply Chain Analysis of Palmyra (Borassus flabellifer) and its Products
Authors: Kapileshan P. , Kumar R. Senthil , Muralidharan C. , Selvi R. Pangayar
Published: November 2021

The main focus of this study is the cultivation and marketing of palmyra and its value-added products in the Thoothukudi district of southern Tamil Nadu. The supply chain of palmyra products is represented in a block diagram that explains the complete marketing channel through which products move from farm to the ultimate consumer. The accumulative added value per tree gives the benefits of palmyra growing and its value addition. According to the findings, the highest profit was shared by farmer cum processors (31.33%) followed by wholesalers (21.58%) for palm sugar, and for palm, jaggery wholesalers had the maximum profit (28.86%) followed by the marketing cooperatives (28.47%). Base on the accumulated added value the payback period of the palmyra tree is the 12th year and the lifetime added value per tree can reach up to Rs. 36000 during the peak period from 41 to 60 years of its age. Growing palmyra has the feasibility of giving more income and strengthening the marketing channel by reducing the intermediaries can give additional income to the farmers in the consumer price.
Challenges of Low Carbon Public Transport Systems in the Arabian Gulf City: Case of Muscat, Oman
Authors: Ramadan Elnazir
Published: November 2021

The Arabian Gulf cities are growing. The gulf cooperation council states (GCCs) are among the richest and most urbanized in the world. As a major focus on sustainable development of cities, sustainable transportation acts to diminish the city’s energy consumption by providing a public transport system that has greater ecological obligation and societal justice. The study’s significance is to figure out the challenges in the sector of public transport in the city of Muscat. The wide spread of mass transportation plays a significant role in reducing the exhaustion of energy. Also, it contributes to make a better living experience.  Provision of sustainable public transport will prevent the increasing number of motor cars and equally accompanied environmental pollution and traffic congestion. The study is based on an in-depth quantitative and qualitative research method to explore the hindrances that are encountered in the way of building sustainable infrastructure of public transport. The findings of the study revealed that public transport system face real challenges in Gulf region, particularly in Muscat. It indicated that for the well-being of Gulf society, the use of public transportation was encouraged and most of the population have their own cars. In addition to it, cultural and social preservations are raised, mainly by the people that act against the operation of public transport system. Due to the substantial effect of clean  and  sustainable transportation  on energy consumption levels, recent years have been marked with a notable trend  towards  sustainable and  low carbon systems, particularly the mass  transportation ones.
Role of Chitosan Nanoparticles in Improving Hepatic and Renal Toxicity Induced by Silver Nanoparticles Coated by Fe3O4 in Rats
Authors: ElBadry Hadeer , El-Atrash Afaf , Abdelhalim Somaya , Tousson Ehab
Published: November 2021

Aims: Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) are an important class of nanomaterials used as antimicrobial agents for a wide range of medical and industrial applications.Current study was performed to study the therapeutic effects of chitosan nanoparticles extract towards the treatments with Ag NPs in rat induced kidney and liver damage.

Study Design: A total of 60 male adult albino rats were equally divided into six groups (G1, Control group; G2, chitosan group; G3, Ag NPs group as acute toxicity; G4, acute Ag NPs+Chitosan group; G5, Ag NPs group as chronic toxicity; G6, chronic Ag NPs+Chitosan).

Results: Current results revealed that; a significant increase in the levels of serum ALT, AST, ALP, urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, chloride ions and MDA in liver and kidney tissues after treatments with Ag NPs (in case of acute and chronic toxicity) as compared to control group. In contrast; a significant decrease in serum albumin, total proteins, calcium ions, SOD, catalase and GSH in liver and kidney tissues after treatments with Ag NPs as compared to control groups. Treatment of Ag NPs with Chitosan nanoparticles (Ch NPs) improved this change in liver and kidney functions as compared to Ag NPs.

Conclusion: These findings suggested that the misuse of silver nanoparticles may contribute to continuous hepatic and renal damage. This shows that the desired dose of Ag NPs can safely be used with Chitosan in improving hepatic and renal damage in toxic group in young rats.
Effect of Gamma Irradiation of Seeds on the Development and Productivity of Three Maize Varieties (Zea mays. L) in Côte D’ivoire
Authors: Francois Konan Yao Kouakou , Koutoua Ayolié , Dogniméton Soro , Kissomanbien Koné Sié , Blaise Kouadio Akéssé , Justin Kouadio Yatty
Published: November 2021

Climate variability has been and continues to be the main source of food fluctuations. This variability threatens the production of cash crops such as maize (Zea mays L). Maize is a cereal and has become one of the main agricultural crops in Côte d’Ivoire. The objective of this study is to determine the agro-morphological characteristics of three (03) varieties of maize (EV 8728, GMRP / 18 and MDJ) which have undergone irradiation with gamma radiation (0, 100, 200 and 300 grays) to induce mutations. The agro-morphological evaluation was carried out in a completely randomized block device. morphological characters selected from the descriptors of maize were used in this study. The descriptive analysis revealed a significant diversity between the treatments. The comparison between all the agro-morphological characters and the different treatments showed that the treatments EV8728_0 and EV8728_100 Gy had the best characteristics of ears and grains and the treatment MDJ_200 had the best vegetative characteristics.
Prevalence of Depression among Antenatal Women in Sriperumbudur, Chennai
Authors: Kannappan Jayashree , Kannappan Abhilash , Subathiraa V. S. Prema , Dinakaran Shanthi , Kalaselvi P. S. Jikki
Published: November 2021

Background: Women are twice as likely as males to suffer from mood disorders, which tend to cluster around the childbearing years. Depression negatively influences maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Objective: The objective of the study is to estimate the prevalence of depression in pregnant women aged 18 – 35 yrs and to identify predictors accounting for variability across estimates during pandemic.

Methodology: This is a cross sectional study, conducted among 74 pregnant women coming for antenatal checkups in the Sriperumbudur, Chennai. Using height and weight values obtained from the sample, Body Mass Index (weight in kg/height in metre squares) was calculated. Hamilton – Depression Scale (HAM-d) was applied after initial psychiatry work up to all women who were selected for the interview. Mean of parameters were assessed and correlation value were calculated by Fisher’s exact test. The statistically significant P value was less than 0.05.

Results: The sociodemographic variables have been found as significant contributors in explaining the variability of the prevalence rates of antenatal depression. It showed positive correlation between economic status and depression (p<0.05) and a negative correlation between obesity and depression (p>0.05). According to the findings, fewer than 1/3rd of pregnant women experience depression as a result of life circumstances such as economic crises in order to support their families. These were identified as significant associate variables (P>0.05). And also, this study identified insufficient socioeconomic assistance were more likely to experience multiple psychological discomfort [atleast 1] than women who got appropriate economic support. (r = -0.118, P < 0.001)

Conclusion: In rural Tamilnadu, the prevalence of antenatal depression among women is significant. Antenatal Depression is caused by a number of circumstances, including physical, obstetric, economic, and family-related issues. To treat these antenatal depression risk factors, comprehensive therapies are required.
The Use of Innovative Materials in the Organization of Clinical Treatment in Dentistry
Authors: Aliev Zaurbek Magomedovich , Nersisyan Marina Karapetovna , Denisova Valeriia Vadimovna , Bigvava Aleksandr Zazaevich , Luchkovskaya Diana Igorevna , Ermilin Daniil Romanovich
Published: November 2021

The article examines the features of the use of innovative materials in the organization of clinical treatment in dentistry. In modern conditions, solving the problem of patient safety is one of the main conditions for the functioning of medicine in general and dentistry in particular.  For this reason, the search for innovations in the field of antimicrobial protection and, together with it, the functionality of various materials is one of the main tasks of researchers in the field of dentistry. Nanomaterials, which are made on the basis of graphene, are able to demonstrate excellent antimicrobial properties. These materials have the ability to disrupt the integrity of the bacterial cell membrane and produce reactive oxygen species (ROS).

These materials are widely used in the manufacture of dentures, they are incorporated in the composition of composite resins and luting cements in the organization of restorative treatment, are used for the manufacture of adhesive materials.  Many experts recognize that these materials are the future of dental practice, since they have the ability to provide a high level of functionality and safety.
Evaluation of Antidiabetic Activity of Polyherbal Formulation “Vasant Kusumakar Ras” on Alloxan-induced and Dexamethasone-induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Jawaid Talha , Nishu Kumari , Kamal Mehnaz , M. Alsanad Saud
Published: November 2021

Aim: The current study observed the antidiabetic effect of Vasant Kusumakar Ras, an Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation, in alloxan-induced and dexamethasone-induced diabetic rats.

Materials and Methods: Alloxan (120 mg/kg, i.p.) and dexamethasone sodium phosphate (5 mg/kg, i.p.) were used to induce diabetes in rats. The oral antidiabetic activity of Vasant Kusumakar Ras was evaluated by single doses of Vasant Kusumakar Ras (400 and 600 mg/kg, p.o.) in albino rats during a 10-day treatment period, with the effect of the Vasant Kusumakar Ras on blood glucose levels and serum lipid parameters measured on 0, 7th, and 11th day. Glibenclamide (5 mg/kg, p.o.) was used as the reference drug.

Results: In alloxan-induced diabetic rats, the elevated levels of blood glucose significantly (p < 0.05) decreased after oral administration of Vasant Kusumakar Ras (400 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg), and Glibenclamide (5 mg/kg). When compared to the diabetic control group, treatment with Vasant Kusumakar Ras and Glibenclamide for 10 days reduced total cholesterol (TC) significantly (p < 0.001). Treatment with Vasant Kusumakar Ras and Glibenclamide for 10 days, significantly (p < 0.001) decreased low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level when compared to the diabetic control group. In dexamethasone-induced diabetic rats, all rats given with dexamethasone and Vasant Kusumakar Ras (400 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg) showed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the level of blood glucose when compared with diabetic control rats. The rats treated with dexamethasone and Glibenclamide showed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in blood glucose level when compared to diabetic control rats. When compared to the diabetic control group, treatment with Vasant Kusumakar Ras and Glibenclamide (5 mg/kg) for 10 days reduced TC significantly (p < 0.001). Treatment with Vasant Kusumakar Ras and Glibenclamide for 10 days, significantly (p < 0.001) decreased LDL level when compared to the diabetic control group.

Conclusion: Vasant Kusumakar Ras was shown to have significant antidiabetic activity comparable to that of glibenclamide and it also improves the lipid metabolism in both alloxan-induced and dexamethasone-induced diabetic rats.
A Mini-review: Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) as Antimicrobial in Magical Socks
Authors: Abdulazeem Lubna , Alasadi Yusor Fadhil , Al-Mawlah Yasir Haider , M. Hadi Ameer
Published: November 2021

Silver nanoparticles vary in size from 1 to 100 nm. These have unique properties that assists in molecular diagnostics, therapies, and devices used in many medical procedures. The most popular methods for making silver nanoparticles are physical and chemical approaches. Chemical and physical methods are troublesome because synthesis is expensive. The biological approach is a feasible alternative one. The major biological processes involved are bacteria, fungi, and plant extracts. Silver nanoparticles are mainly used in diagnostic and therapeutic applications in medicine. Their medical uses rely on the antimicrobial property, while the anti-inflammatory property has its own range of applications. Silver nanoparticles are used in a number of medical therapies and instruments, as well as in a variety of biological sciences.

This article focuses on chemical and biological techniques for synthesizing AgNPs, which will subsequently be utilized to coat socks materials, testing antimicrobial activity and comparing the ability of these coated fabrics to minimize infections.
Assessment of Knowledge on Lamaze Breathing among Primigravida
Authors: Nagvanshi Sharda , Linson C. C.
Published: November 2021

Primigravida, particularly women who are pregnant for the first time, are generally unaware of Lamaze breathing and its benefits. The purpose of this study was to analyse Primigravida moms' knowledge of Lamaze breathing in Bhopal's designated hospitals. This study was conducted using a descriptive research approach. The study's target population was primigravida, and the sample method was purposive sampling. A total of 50 people were included in the study. The knowledge of primigravida about Lamaze breathing was assessed using a self-structured questionnaire, and the study findings revealed that knowledge of Lamaze breathing was inadequate. It is therefore important to educate antenatal mothers about simple but useful breathing exercises to reduce pain perception and promote comfort during labour.
Enhancement of Drug Dissolution of Erlotinib Tablets by Micronization Technique Using Pharmaceutical Experimental Design
Authors: Kumar Neeraj , Dureja Harish , Chandra Amrish
Published: November 2021

Lung cancer is the second most frequent cancer and among the top cause of death worldwide. Chemotherapy is the main therapeutic option for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which accounts for the majority of all lung malignancies. The aim of the current work was to develop a tablet formulation having increased drug release profile to improve the bioavailability in order to reduce the dose of the drug. In this present study, Erlotinib tablet was prepared using micronization technique which showed increase drug release profile. Film-coated tablets containing Erlotinib hydrochloride (150 mg) were prepared by dry granulation technique and coated using Opadry ready-mix. Tablets were characterized for Hardness, Friability, Potency and Drug release profile. Drug release was checked in 0.1 N HCL containing 0.5 % SLS and biorelevant dissolution media up to 60 minutes. Tablets of the selected batch were subjected to dissolution in biorelevant media and compare with reference product. The improvement in the drug release was observed in the biorelevant media in comparison with reference product. The in-vitrodissolution data demonstrated the potential of micronization technology to prepare tablets with improved bioavailability of the drug.
Engineering ergothioneine production in Yarrowia lipolytica
Authors: van der Hoek Steven A. , Rusnák Matej , Jacobsen Irene Hjorth , Martínez José L. , Kell Douglas B. , Borodina Irina
Published: November 2021

Ergothioneine is a naturally occurring antioxidant that has shown potential in ameliorating neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we investigated the potential of the Crabtree‐negative, oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica as an alternative host for ergothioneine production. We expressed the biosynthetic enzymes EGT1 from Neurospora crassa and EGT2 from Claviceps purpurea to obtain 158 mg·L−1 of ergothioneine in small‐scale cultivation, with an additional copy of each gene improving the titer to 205 mg·L−1. The effect of phosphate limitation on ergothioneine production was studied, and finally, a phosphate‐limited fed‐batch fermentation in 1 L bioreactors yielded 1.63 ± 0.04 g·L−1 ergothioneine in 220 h, corresponding to an overall volumetric productivity of 7.41 mg·L−1·h−1, showing that Y. lipolytica is a promising host for ergothioneine production.
Comparative proteomic profiling reveals a pathogenic role for the O‐GlcNAcylated AIMP2–PARP1 complex in aging‐related hepatic steatosis in mice
Authors: Li Renlong , Li Yan , Tian Miaomiao , Zhang Haohao , Lou Lijun , Liu Kun , Zhang Jiehao , Zhao Yu , Zhang Jing , Le Shuangshuang , Fu Xin , Zhou Yao , Li Wenjiao , Gao Xianchun , Nie Yongzhan
Published: November 2021

The prevalence of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) increases with aging. However, the mechanism of aging‐related NAFLD remains unclear. Herein, we constructed an aging‐related hepatic steatosis model and analyzed the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in livers from young and old mice using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Five hundred and eighty‐eight aging‐related DEPs and novel pathways were identified. Aminoacyl tRNA synthetase complex‐interacting multifunctional protein 2 (AIMP2), the most significantly upregulated protein, promoted poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) activation in aging‐related hepatic steatosis. Additionally, mice liver‐specific O‐GlcNAcase knockout promoted AIMP2 and PARP1 expression. O‐GlcNAc transferase (OGT) overexpression and O‐GlcNAcase inhibition by genetic or pharmaceutical manipulations increased AIMP2 and PARP1 levels in vitro. Mechanistically, O‐GlcNAcylation increased AIMP2 protein stability, leading to its aggregation. Our study reveals O‐GlcNAcylated AIMP2 as a novel pathogenic regulator of aging‐related hepatic steatosis.
Advance Directives and Dementia
Authors: Davis Dena S
Published: November 2021

People who are afraid of living for many years with Alzheimer might seek a way to end their lives early, when their dementia has just entered the moderate phase. Advance directives are not a legal solution for those who prefer to die rather than suffer years of dementia. One problem is that an advance directive only works to hasten death when there is a life‐threatening illness for which a proxy can refuse treatment; more often than not, Alzheimer kills the self long before it threatens the body. A second problem is that the person who wrote the advance directive is now demented, and unable to validate the original wish. They may now be unaware of their dementia, and appear content to continue living.

Key Concepts

Advance directives are devices by which people exert control over their care should they become unable to do so.

Advance directives in the case of dementia are mostly useful only at the final stage of Alzheimer disease.

Moral distress of caregivers is an impediment to withdrawing care for people with dementia who appear to be content.

In most of the world, advance directives can direct caregivers to withhold treatment but not to affirmatively hasten death.

Advance directives for euthanasia in the case of dementia are now legal in Belgium and the Netherlands, but their efficacy remains to be seen.

Assisted suicide laws are useless for dementia, because they require that the person be competent.
Dyslexia
Authors: Archer Kimberly J , Pammer Kristen
Published: November 2021

Dyslexia is a disorder characterised by difficulty in learning to read that cannot be attributed to secondary organic, mechanical or social circumstances. In other words, a child fails to learn to read at an age‐appropriate rate, irrespective of intelligence level, education or other neurological deficits. Notably,
developmental
dyslexia – which is the focus of this article – is distinct from
acquired
dyslexia, which occurs due to brain trauma. Numerous sensory and cognitive deficits contribute to dyslexia, including difficulties with auditory processing of speech sounds, visual processing and working memory. Current research is aimed at understanding the neurobiological cause of these cognitive deficits.

Key Concepts

Dyslexia is a universal and persistent form of low literacy in which a child fails to learn to read at an age‐appropriate rate. It is found across languages and is not associated with intelligence, age, education or other neurological deficits.

Symptoms of dyslexia and their severity can vary significantly from one individual to the next. People with dyslexia have been found to have

Impaired phonological processing – that is, a decreased perceptual sensitivity to sound‐segments in language.

Difficulties with short‐term memory.

Impaired visual processing.

Spelling difficulties.

Phonological dyslexia
refers to difficulties in sounding words out and making phonological manipulations.

Surface dyslexia
refers to difficulties in developing and accessing a lexicon, that is a mental representation of words.

Dyslexia is often confused with
visual stress
– the symptoms of which include words moving when attempting to read, shimmering or disappearing, words looking like they were carved into the page, lines or rivers through the text, and preferring to read under very low light levels.

The exact aetiology of dyslexia is unknown; however, evidence indicates deficits in magnocellular‐dorsal stream processing in the visual domain and impaired brainwave function in the auditory domain. Several genetic mutations have also been identified in dyslexia.

Current remedial interventions for dyslexia are educational and are aimed at improving cognitive deficits.

Current research is aimed at identifying the neurobiological basis of dyslexia to aid the development of a treatment that targets the underlying neurobiological cause of dyslexia.
Whole‐Cell‐Mimicking Carrier‐Free Nanovaccines Amplify Immune Responses Against Cancer and Bacterial Infection
Authors: Qin Ming , Du Guangsheng , Qiao Nan , Guo Zhaofei , Jiang Min , He Chunting , Bai Shuting , He Penghui , Xu Yanhua , Wang Hairui , Gong Tao , Zhang Zhirong , Sun Xun
Published: November 2021

Whole‐cell vaccines that provide broad‐spectrum antigens have been explored for recent decades. But so far, they have revealed limited success in clinical trials, possibly owing to their inefficiency in targeting immune organs and antigen‐presenting cells (APCs). Herein, a facile strategy is developed to convert the whole‐cell vaccines into the nanoscale size to promote their lymphatic migration and subsequent intracellular antigen presentation to maximize immune responses. Briefly, the study designs a multiple antigen delivery platform based on alum‐induced and cancer/bacterial cell membrane coated protein antigen nanoparticles. Through a simple two‐step vortex‐sonification method, a universal carrier‐free nano‐vaccine without additional excipients could be quickly fabricated. After subcutaneous vaccination, the developed nanovaccines rapidly migrate to lymph nodes, leading to their effective uptake by lymph node‐resident APCs, and subsequent antigen presentation and activation of downstream immune processes. Overall, the described promising work offers a safe, effective, facile, and widely applicable vaccine strategy, which has great potential for clinical transformation.
Mesoporous Nanohybrids of 2D Ni‐Cr‐Layered Double Hydroxide Nanosheets Pillared with Polyoxovanadate Anions for High‐Performance Hybrid Supercapacitor
Authors: Padalkar Navnath S. , Sadavar Shrikant V. , Shinde Rohini B. , Patil Akash S. , Patil Umakant M. , Dhawale Dattatray S. , Pathan Habib M. , Sartale Shrikrishna D. , Parale Vinayak G. , Vinu Ajayan , Lokhande Chandrakant D. , Gunjakar Jayavant L.
Published: November 2021

In this study, the use of exfoliation‐restacking strategy to prepare mesoporous nanohybrids of 2D Nickel‐chromium‐layered double hydroxide (Ni‐Cr‐LDH) nanosheets pillared with polyoxovanadate (POV) anions (Ni‐Cr‐LDH‐POV) for a high‐performance hybrid supercapacitor (HSC) is demonstrated. The pillaring approach of Ni‐Cr‐LDH monolayers with POV anions via exfoliation‐restacking strategy yields mesoporous ordered layered structure with a high surface area and interconnected network morphology. The pillared hybridization of Ni‐Cr‐LDH with POV anions boosts the electrochemical performance of the pristine Ni‐Cr‐LDH, which is attributed to the development of layer‐by‐layer stacking structure with expanded gallery height and high surface area interconnected network morphology. The Ni‐Cr‐LDH‐POV nanohybrid electrode exhibits an improved specific capacity of 294.5 mAh g−1 as compared to pristine Ni‐Cr‐LDH electrode (98.9 mAh g−1) at 1 mA cm−2 with 82% capacity retention after 5000 charge‐discharge cycles. A full‐cell HSC composed of mesoporous Ni‐Cr‐LDH‐POV nanohybrid as a cathode and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) as an anode delivers a maximum specific energy of 57.78 Wh kg−1 and specific power of 1.59 kW kg−1 with 87% cyclic durability over 10 000 charge‐discharge cycles. The present study demonstrates the usefulness of the pillared Ni‐Cr‐LDH‐POV nanohybrids via exfoliation‐restacking strategy for exploring high‐performance HSC.
Multiprocess Laser Lifting‐Off for Nanostructured Semiconductive Hydrogels
Authors: Tao Yufeng , Deng Chunsan , Long Jing , Liu JingWei , Wang Xuejiao , Song Xiaoxian , Lu Chengchangfeng , Yang Jingjing , Hao Hui , Wang Chengbo , Zhang Wenguang
Published: November 2021

Semiconductive hydrogels denote a strategically valuable platform associated with interdiscipline fields by double advantages of metals and organisms (eco‐friendliness, structural flexibility, mixed conduction, real‐time responsiveness, scalable fabrication, and chemical stability). Nevertheless, the orthodox chemical/physical methods processing hydrogels yield planar‐like layers or rough structures without ultrafine feature size or manipulative performance, falling short of µ‐robotics, µ‐electronics, or n‐energy industries. Thereby, scaling the device's volume down and unleashing material's potential become crucially important for broadband applications. A femtosecond laser lifting‐off technique is synthesized with self‐assembly to break conventional volume/resolution limitation, enlarge the geometry‐design capacity, and desirable electricity conduction for micro/nanosituations. Low‐dimensional high‐performance nanowires, electric circuits, ultrathin interdigital capacitors, manipulative photon filters, and metasurfaces are functionalized here. The repeated experiment concludes a high‐density integration ability with a subminiature size down to 10 × 10 × 0.02 µm3, tunable electric conductivity up to 1.17 × 105 S m−1, and areal capacitance >16.2 mF cm−2 for energy storage higher than those electrochemical double‐layer ones. Large geometry capacity with nanometric resolution provides access to future‐perspective optoelectronic products, n‐energy, bioneural recordings, or interfaces of embedding conditions.
Facilitating Large‐Scale Snow Shedding from In‐Field Solar Arrays using Icephobic Surfaces with Low‐Interfacial Toughness
Authors: Dhyani Abhishek , Pike Christopher , Braid Jennifer L. , Whitney Erin , Burnham Laurie , Tuteja Anish
Published: November 2021

Large‐scale accrual of snow and ice on solar arrays in northern latitudes can cause significant power generation losses during winter. Depending on environmental conditions, snow can encompass a wide range in physical characteristics from dry snow (modulus ≈100 kPa and density ≈0.1 g cm−3) to bulk ice (modulus ≈8 GPa and density ≈0.9 g cm−3). This variation in snow morphology has made the development of a passive, broad‐spectrum, snow and ice‐shedding surface challenging. Here, the authors develop one of the first surfaces that simultaneously possesses both low‐interfacial strength (τ˄ice < 50 kPa) and toughness (Γice < 0.5 J m−2) with ice. These surfaces, fabricated via the addition of mobile polymer chains/oils to a thin polymeric coating, require extremely low detachment forces for ice, enabling its passive shedding at virtually any accretion length scale. Preliminary evidence that the new surfaces can shed different forms of snow and ice from field‐deployed solar arrays, over a range of subzero temperatures for several weeks, leading to significant increases in power generation is provided. The optically transparent surfaces are easily scalable and can be widely deployed by the solar industry in areas that see persistent snow. Other applications include automotive windshields, LIDAR covers for autonomous vehicles, and cold climate optical sensors.
Photo‐Triggered Self‐Induced Homolytic Dechlorinative Sulfonylation/Cyclization of Unactivated Alkenes: Synthesis of Quinazolinones Containing a Sulfonyl Group
Authors: Sun Bin , Ding Hao , Tian Hai‐Xia , Huang Pan‐Yi , Jin Can , Wu Chun‐Lei , Shen Run‐Pu
Published: November 2021

A self‐photocatalyzed sulfonylation/cyclization of quinazolinones containing unactivated alkenes with various sulfonyl chlorides was developed. The protocol provides access to sulfonyl radicals via energy transfer from the quinazolinone skeleton to the sulfonyl chloride. Notably, the transformations proceeded without any external photocatalysts, additives, or oxidants, providing an alternative method for fabricating sulfonylated compounds.

magnified image
Schottky Diode with Asymmetric Metal Contacts on WS2
Authors: Kim Jihoon , Venkatesan A. , Phan Nhat Anh Nguyen , Kim Yewon , Kim Hanul , Whang Dongmok , Kim Gil‐Ho
Published: November 2021

Diode characteristics of transition metal dichalcogenides are studied extensively owing to their electrical and optical properties. In particular, the Schottky barrier diode (SBD) structure has advantages, such as its small leakage current and power consumption, over conventional p–n diodes. This study develops an SBD system using n‐type tungsten disulfide (WS2). By depositing a low work function In (ΦIn = 4.1 eV) and high work function Au (ΦAu = 5.1 eV) on n‐type WS2, the diode characteristics are demonstrated to be close to an ideal diode. The In–Au contacts are measured, and SBD characteristics are confirmed with a 1.02 ideality factor at a zero back‐gate voltage at room temperature and a rectification ratio up to 5 × 102, even at a low temperature (77 K), indicating almost ideal diode properties. In addition, the In electrodes exhibited improved electrical properties, with a high on/off ratio of 107, mobility that is 100 times higher, and Schottky barrier height that is 20 times lower than that of Au electrodes.
Dissident women's letter writing as decolonial plurilogues of relational solidarities for epistemic justice
Authors: Fernández Jesica Siham , Fine Michelle , Madyaningrum Monica Eviandaru , Ciofalo Nuria
Published: November 2021

Braiding our words, “dissi‐dance,” and desires, this article engages how various social actors, and communities—which we are a part of and belong to—challenge structural violence, oppression, inequity, and social, racial, and epistemic injustice. We thread these reflections through our written words, in subversive letters which we offer in the form of a written relational conversation among us: a plurilogue that emerges in response to our specific locations, commitments, and refusals, as well as dissents. Our stories and process of dissent within the various locations, relationships, and contexts that we occupy served as the yarn and needle to thread our stories, posed questions and reflections. Braiding, threading and weaving together, we animate deep decolonial inquiries within ourselves, and our different cultural contexts and countries. Refusing individualism—the illusions of objectivity as distance, the academic as expert, and the exile of affect and emotion on academic pages—we choose to occupy academic writing and ask: What if academic writing were stitched with blood and laughter, relationships and insights, rage and incites? What if, at the nexus of critical psychology and decolonizing feminism, we grew an “embodied praxis?” Unlike academic writing, traditionally designed to camouflage affect, connection, relationality and subjectivity, these letters are unapologetically saturated in care and wisdom toward a narrative‐based embodied practice: decolonial plurilogues of relational solidarities for epistemic justice. Our plurilogue of dissent offers a view to advance community research and action with goals of liberation, decoloniality, and community wellness.
The Mechanistic Perspective of IV Iodoxolones
Authors: Chipman Antony
Published: November 2021

The historical development of ortho‐iodoxybenzoic acid (IBX) and the Dess‐Martin periodinane (DMP) is précised to introduce a comprehensive catalogue of the plausible reaction mechanisms that have been proposed to explain their organic chemistry. Each example sourced from the IV iodoxolone mechanistic literature is concisely discussed with reference to relevant structures, presented in the format of a chemical reaction diagram. Where apt, electron pushing arrow annotations systematically inspect electron redistributions typically associated with proton migration assisted bond formation or rupture. Along the journey, reviewing the many facetted repertoire of oxidations that can be accessed by an IV iodoxolone reagent, provides critical insight into the versatility and applications of the mild oxidant(s), the underlying organic chemistry, as well as acknowledgement for the scientists who have unpacked the cornucopia of IV iodoxolone chemistry. A narrative is extolled of a how following the intrinsic reaction coordinate (IRC) using density functional theory (DFT) elucidated the general mechanism of IBX mediated primary (1°) alcohol or 1° amine oxidation, which had previously been the subject of a robust interdisciplinary debate within the chemistry community, as to whether proton abstraction or isomerisation represents the rate determining step.
Effect of molecular weight on inhibition performance of modified polyethyleneimine as polymer corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel in neutral medium
Authors: Chen Tianqi , Chen Mengjin , Fu Chaoyang
Published: November 2021

Compared with small organic molecular, polymer corrosion inhibitors exhibit better anti‐corrosion performance in neutral medium because of multiple adsorption sites and temperature toleration, which are becoming the focus of scholars in the field of water treatment. However, the effect of molecular weight of polymer inhibitors is rarely studied, which has a significant impact on its performance. Polyethyleneimine (PEI) containing polar groups and numerous N atoms is a kind of water‐soluble polymer which is prone to being modified, and three kinds of modified polyethyleneimine (PEPA) inhibitors are synthesized by PEI with different molecular weights (600, 1800, 10,000) in this work. The anti‐corrosion performance of PEPA for Q235 carbon steel in neutral medium was evaluated by electrochemical measurements (Tafel polarization plots and electrochemical impendence spectroscopy [EIS]), weight‐loss tests, and surface morphology analysis. Results of weight loss method and other measurements confirm that PEPA is an excellent polymer inhibitor, and the inhibition performance of PEPA synthesized by PEI with molecular weight of 1800 is the best with an inhibition efficiency of 94.6% at a dosage of 200 mg/L at 298 K in neutral medium.
Relationship among self‐injury, experiential avoidance, cognitive fusion, anxiety, and depression in Chinese adolescent patients with nonsuicidal self‐injury
Authors: Hu Zhizhong , Yu Huijuan , Zou Jingzhi , Zhang Yanyan , Lu Zihang , Hu Maorong
Published: November 2021

Objective

To explore relationship among self‐injury behavior, experiential avoidance, cognitive fusion, anxiety, and depression in Chinese adolescent patients with nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI).

Methods

Cognitive fusion questionnaire (CFQ), Acceptance and Action Questionnaire—2nd edition (AAQ‐II), adolescent nonsuicidal self‐injury behavior questionnaire (ANSAQ), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) were used as research tools to investigate 120 subjects with NSSI and 130 healthy controls.

Results

The scores of CFQ and AAQ‐II in the NSSI group were significantly higher than those in the healthy control group (p < .001). The results of regression analysis showed that the experiential avoidance score of patients with NSSI could predict the score of self‐injury questionnaire (β = 0.585, p < .001); when predicting anxiety, only CFQ (β = 0.361, p < .001) entered the equation, with an explanatory variation of 12.3%; when predicting depression, CFQ (β = 0.287, p < .01) entered the equation, with an explanatory variation of 7.4%.

Conclusion

A high level of cognitive fusion and experiential avoidance may be important factors for the maintenance of self‐injury behavior in patients with NSSI.
Dose‐adjusted EPOCH‐R is not superior to sequential R‐CHOP/R‐ICE as a frontline treatment for newly diagnosed primary mediastinal B‐cell lymphoma: Results of a bi‐center retrospective study
Authors: Morgenstern Yael , Aumann Shlomzion , Goldschmidt Neta , Gatt Moshe E. , Nachmias Boaz , Horowitz Netanel A.
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Primary mediastinal B‐cell lymphoma (PMBCL) is a rare subtype of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Despite its aggressive course, PMBCL is considered curable. While in recent years dose‐adjusted (DA) EPOCH‐R (rituximab, etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin) has become widely endorsed as first‐line therapy for newly‐diagnosed PMBCL, the optimal treatment for this disease and the role of radiotherapy (RT) remains unclear. DA‐EPOCH‐R provides good clinical outcomes, albeit is associated with short‐ and long‐term toxicity. To address this issue, the current retrospective bi‐icenter analysis compared efficacy and toxicity of DA‐EPOCH‐R and a less toxic R‐CHOP/R‐ICE regimen used for the treatment of newly‐diagnosed PMBCL.

Patients and Methods

The study included all patients with a histologically confirmed PMBCL diagnosis treated with DA‐EPOCH‐R or R‐CHOP/R‐ICE between 01/2013‐12/2020 at two tertiary medical centers. Patient demographic and clinical data were derived from institutional electronic medical records. The analysis included 56 patients: 31 received DA‐EPOCH‐R and 25 – R‐CHOP/R‐ICE.

Results

At a median follow‐up of 1.9 years (IQR 3.1 years), similar progression‐free survival (2.1 versus 2.4 years; p = 0.7667), overall survival (2.5 versus 2.7 years; p = 0.8047) and complete response (80%) were observed in both groups. However, DA‐EPOCH‐R was associated with significantly longer hospitalization required for its administration (p < 0.001) and a trend for higher frequency of infections, stomatitis, thrombotic complications and febrile neutropenia‐related hospitalizations.

Conclusion

DA‐EPOCH‐R and R‐CHOP/R‐ICE provide similarly encouraging outcomes in newly‐diagnosed PMBCL patients. R‐CHOP/R‐ICE is associated with lower toxicity and significantly reduced hospitalization. Our findings suggest that this regimen may be considered as an alternative to DA‐EPOCH‐R in this patient population.
Long noncoding RNAs to predict postoperative recurrence in bladder cancer and to develop a new molecular classification system
Authors: Li Zhiyong , Jiang Lijuan , Zhang Zhiling , Deng Minhua , Wei Wensu , Tang Huancheng , Guo Shengjie , Ye Yunlin , Yao Kai , Liu Zhuowei , Zhou Fangjian
Published: November 2021

Background

Reliable molecular markers are much needed for early prediction of recurrence in muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) patients. We aimed to build a long‐noncoding RNA (lncRNA) signature to improve recurrence prediction and lncRNA‐based molecular classification of MIBC.

Methods

LncRNAs of 320 MIBC patients from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were analyzed, and a nomogram was established. A molecular classification system was created, and immunotherapy and chemotherapy response predictions, immune score analysis, immune infiltration analysis, and mutational data analysis were conducted. Survival analysis validation was also performed.

Results

An eight‐lncRNA signature classifed the patients into high‐ and low‐risk subgroups, and these groups had significantly different (disease‐free survival) DFS. The ability of the eight‐lncRNA signature to make an accurate prognosis was tested using a validation dataset from our samples. The nomogram achieved a C‐index of 0.719 (95% CI, 0.674–0.764). Time‐dependent receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis indicated the superior prognostic accuracy of nomograms for DFS prediction (0.76, 95% CI, 0.697–0.807). Further, the four clusters (median DFS = 11.8, 15.3, 17.9, and 18.9 months, respectively) showed a high frequency of TTN (cluster 1), fibroblast growth factor receptor‐3 (cluster 2), TP53 (cluster 3), and TP53 mutations (cluster 4), respectively. They were enriched with M2 macrophages (cluster 1), CD8+ T cells (cluster 2), M0 macrophages (cluster 3), and M0 macrophages (cluster 4), respectively. Clusters 2 and 3 demonstrated potential sensitivity to immunotherapy and insensitivity to chemotherapy, whereas cluster 4 showed potential insensitivity to immunotherapy and sensitivity to chemotherapy.

Conclusions

The eight‐lncRNA signature risk model may be a reliable prognostic signature for MIBC, which provides new insights into prediction of recurrence of MIBC. The model may help clinical decision and eventually benefit patients.
When physical closeness induces psychological distance: The effects of psychological ownership and contagion threat on social connectedness
Authors: Kirk Colleen P. , Rifkin Laura Schrier
Published: November 2021

This research examines the effect of a contagion threat on consumers' social connectedness. Across two experiments, we show that when consumers are near others in public places during a pandemic (but not before or after), they psychologically distance themselves by perceiving lower social connectedness. This reduction in social connectedness is higher when consumers have more (vs. less) psychological ownership of the public place (Study 1). Further, the negative effect of psychological ownership on social connectedness found during (but not after) a pandemic is attenuated when consumers do not believe the disease is a severe threat to their own health (Study 2). We examine downstream effects by illustrating that both individual psychological ownership and social connectedness contribute to collective psychological ownership, which in turn enhances stewardship of the public place. The interacting effects of a contagion threat and psychological ownership on stewardship are not explained by territorial infringement, self‐esteem, perceived crowding, positive or negative affect, hope or nostalgia.