bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Primary and Booster Vaccination and Prior Infection With SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Severe COVID-19 Outcomes
Authors: Lin Dan-Yu , Gu Yu , Xu Yangjianchen , Wheeler Bradford , Young Hayley , Sunny Shadia Khan , Moore Zack , Zeng Donglin
Published: September 2022

Importance

Data about the association of COVID-19 vaccination and prior SARS-CoV-2 infection with risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe COVID-19 outcomes may guide prevention strategies.

Objective

To estimate the time-varying association of primary and booster COVID-19 vaccination and prior SARS-CoV-2 infection with subsequent SARS-CoV-2 infection, hospitalization, and death.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Cohort study of 10.6 million residents in North Carolina from March 2, 2020, through June 3, 2022.

Exposures

COVID-19 primary vaccine series and boosters and prior SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Rate ratio (RR) of SARS-CoV-2 infection and hazard ratio (HR) of COVID-19–related hospitalization and death.

Results

The median age among the 10.6 million participants was 39 years; 51.3% were female, 71.5% were White, and 9.9% were Hispanic. As of June 3, 2022, 67% of participants had been vaccinated. There were 2 771 364 SARS-CoV-2 infections, with a hospitalization rate of 6.3% and mortality rate of 1.4%. The adjusted RR of the primary vaccine series compared with being unvaccinated against infection became 0.53 (95% CI, 0.52-0.53) for BNT162b2, 0.52 (95% CI, 0.51-0.53) for mRNA-1273, and 0.51 (95% CI, 0.50-0.53) for Ad26.COV2.S 10 months after the first dose, but the adjusted HR for hospitalization remained at 0.29 (95% CI, 0.24-0.35) for BNT162b2, 0.27 (95% CI, 0.23-0.32) for mRNA-1273, and 0.35 (95% CI, 0.29-0.42) for Ad26.COV2.S and the adjusted HR of death remained at 0.23 (95% CI, 0.17-0.29) for BNT162b2, 0.15 (95% CI, 0.11-0.20) for mRNA-1273, and 0.24 (95% CI, 0.19-0.31) for Ad26.COV2.S. For the BNT162b2 primary series, boosting in December 2021 with BNT162b2 had the adjusted RR relative to primary series of 0.39 (95% CI, 0.38-0.40) and boosting with mRNA-1273 had the adjusted RR of 0.32 (95% CI, 0.30-0.34) against infection after 1 month and boosting with BNT162b2 had the adjusted RR of 0.84 (95% CI, 0.82-0.86) and boosting with mRNA-1273 had the adjusted RR of 0.60 (95% CI, 0.57-0.62) after 3 months. Among all participants, the adjusted RR of Omicron infection compared with no prior infection was estimated at 0.23 (95% CI, 0.22-0.24) against infection, and the adjusted HRs were 0.10 (95% CI, 0.07-0.14) against hospitalization and 0.11 (95% CI, 0.08-0.15) against death after 4 months.

Conclusions and Relevance

Receipt of primary COVID-19 vaccine series compared with being unvaccinated, receipt of boosters compared with primary vaccination, and prior infection compared with no prior infection were all significantly associated with lower risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection (including Omicron) and resulting hospitalization and death. The associated protection waned over time, especially against infection.
Neurogenic Unilateral Leg Edema
Authors: Feit Howard , Solway Jeffrey , Chedid Mokbel K.
Published: September 2022

This case report describes neurogenic unilateral leg edema that was a consequence of chronic regional pain syndrome induced by an S1 radiculopathy.
General Anesthesia vs Conscious Sedation for Endovascular Treatment in Patients With Posterior Circulation Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Liang Fa , Wu Youxuan , Wang Xinyan , Yan Li , Zhang Song , Jian Minyu , Liu Haiyang , Wang Anxin , Wang Fan , Han Ruquan ,   CANVAS II Group, Chan Matthew TV , Miao Zhongrong , Huo Xiaochuan , Peng Yuming , Li Guoming , Zhou Yang , Bai Yang , Li Xiuheng , Yan Xiang , Yang Wanning , Wang Xinxin , Li Jiaxin , Zhao Yan , Li Shu , Deng Yiming , Mo Dapeng , Song Ligang , Sun Xuan
Published: September 2022

Importance

No definitive conclusion can be made on the best choice of anesthesia for people with acute posterior circulation stroke during endovascular treatment. Only a few observational studies have focused on this topic in recent years, and they have differing conclusions.

Objective

To examine whether conscious sedation (CS) is a feasible alternative to general anesthesia (GA) during endovascular treatment in patients with acute posterior circulation stroke.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A randomized parallel-group exploratory trial with blinded end point evaluation (Choice of Anesthesia for Endovascular Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke [CANVAS II]) enrolled adult patients from March 2018 to June 2021 at 2 comprehensive care hospitals in China. Patients with acute posterior circulation stroke were enrolled, randomized, and monitored for 3 months. Of 210 patients admitted with acute ischemic posterior circulation stroke, 93 were recruited and 87 were included in the intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis after exclusions, 43 were assigned to GA and 44 to CS. All analyses were unadjusted or adjusted with the ITT principle.

Interventions

Participants were randomly assigned to CS or GA in a 1:1 ratio.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary end point was functional independence at 90 days evaluated with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS).

Results

A total of 87 participants were included in the ITT study (mean [SD] age, 62 [12] years; 16 [18.4%] female and 71 [81.6%] male). Of these, 43 were in the GA group and 44 in the CS group. The overall baseline median (IQR) National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 15 (12-17). In the CS group, 13 people (29.5%) were ultimately transferred to GA. The CS group had a higher incidence of functional independence; however, no significant difference was found between the 2 groups (48.8% vs 54.5%; risk ratio, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.58-1.38; adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.91; 95% CI, 0.37-2.22). However, GA performed better in successful reperfusion (mTICI 2b-3) under ITT analysis (95.3% vs 77.3%; adjusted OR, 5.86; 95% CI, 1.16-29.53).

Conclusion and Relevance

The findings in this study suggest that CS was not better than GA for the primary outcome of functional recovery and was perhaps worse for the secondary outcome of successful reperfusion.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03317535
What Parents Should Know About Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Wheeler Kathryn E. , Chu Derek K. , Schneider Lynda
Published: September 2022

This Patient Page describes the causes, symptoms, and triggers of atopic dermatitis as well as how it is diagnosed and treated.
Dispersal kernel of green rice leafhopper estimated from truncated data
Authors: Andow David A.
Published: September 2022

Characterizing dispersal kernels from truncated data is important for managing and predicting population dynamics. We used mark‐recapture data from 10 previously published replicated experiments at three host plant development stages (seedling, tillering, and heading) to estimate parameters of the normal and exponential dispersal kernels for green rice leafhopper,Nephotettix cincticeps(Uhler). We compared classic statistical methods for estimating untruncated distribution parameters from truncated data with maximum likelihood (MLE) and the method of statistical moments for simulated and empirical data. Simulations showed that both methods provided accurate parameter estimates with similar precision. The method of moments is algebraically complex, but simple to calculate, while the MLE methods require numerical solutions of nonlinear equations. Simulations also showed that accurate, precise estimates of the parameters of the untruncated distributions could be attained even under severe truncation with sufficient numbers of recaptures. Both diffusivity and the exponential mean were higher with later plant growth stage, showing that insects moved farther and faster at the heading stage. Precision of the estimates was not strongly related to percent capture, size of the experimental field, or the number of leafhoppers captured. The leptokurtic exponential kernel fit the data better than the normal kernel for all the experiments. These results support an alternative explanation for the strong density‐dependent population regulation of this species at the heading stage. Instead of leafhopper density per se, the increase in movement at this stage could integrate the populations in the separate fields, leveling densities throughout the landscape.
Thermoelectrics: From Thermoelectric Figure of Merit to Device Design
Authors: Xu Congcong , Liang Zhongxin , Song Shaowei , Ren Zhifeng
Published: September 2022

Thermoelectrics is defined as direct energy conversion between the heat and electricity associated with thermoelectric power generation and refrigeration. Significant progress has been made in the theoretical understanding, materials and device preparation technology, and performance improvement of thermoelectrics since the Seebeck effect was found 200 years ago. Herein, the article starts with the basic physics concepts underlying the thermoelectric phenomenon, and the key descriptor for evaluating thermoelectric performance, the thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT), is introduced. The corresponding issues and strategies for pursuing higherZTare discussed in detail, and a brief introduction of organic thermoelectric materials is given. The leading engineering challenges from the material to the device are further elaborated based on the state‐of‐the‐art device design. This article aims to provide the reader with a comprehensive overview of the scope of activities related to this area of scientific endeavor.
In Vivo Fluorescence Imaging
Authors: Lin Ching‐Wei , Liu Te‐I , Quiroz Carlos J.
Published: September 2022

In vivo fluorescence imaging is an essential tool for many biomedical researches and clinical applications. It provides intuitive, direct evidence to help researchers understand complicated biological phenomena and clinicians to make better decisions. In this article, we will introduce important tissue optical properties that determine the performance of in vivo fluorescence images. Besides the biological specimen itself, imaging methods and fluorophores are the two key components that determine its performance and capabilities. Several types of imaging methods, suitable cameras, and the currently available fluorophores will be described. In the last section, we focus on the clinical applications, mainly image‐guided surgeries. The future development of in vivo fluorescence imaging tackles the challenge of deep tissue imaging, and short‐wave infrared fluorescence will be our new solution. Therefore, we will also comment on the recent developments of SWIR techniques in each topic discussed.
Flexible Biofuel Cell‐In‐A‐Tube (iezTube): An Entirely Self‐Contained Biofuel Cell for Wearable Green Bio‐energy Harvesting
Authors: Wang Jingjuan , Sun Mimi , Pei Xinyi , Zheng Long , Ma Chongbo , Liu Jian , Cao Mengzhu , Bai Jing , Zhou Ming
Published: September 2022

Wearable biofuel cells (BFCs) technologies have the potential to address the challenge of on‐body energy supply of wearable electronics. However, previous wearable BFCs primarily focus on “worn‐on‐skin” sweat ones, which can hardly directly generate steady and nonintermittent electricity under certain but almost ineluctable wearable circumstances (e.g., intermittent sweating, perspiration biofuel concentration fluctuation, and dynamic contact between wearable BFCs and epidermal sweat). Here, in an alternative “worn‐close to‐skin” manner, the first example of a flexible BFC‐in‐a‐tube (named iezTube) as an entirely self‐contained wearable BFC (ESW‐BFC) for wearable energy generation by integrating a single‐layer fluff pulp (FP)‐based microfluidic module for the efficient sampling/utilization of biofuel fluids and the steady contact between biofuel fluids and wearable BFC with a flexible nano‐engineered BFC‐based BFC module for real‐time bio‐energy generation, along with an air‐breathing module that is based on a breathable and waterproof non‐woven tapes covered centrifuge tube‐based for continuous oxidizer supply, is reported. Through the seamless system integration, effective series‐connection pattern, and diverse readily accessible biofuel fluids pre‐collection, the iezTube demonstrates an exceptional capability to steadily and nonintermittently power wearable electronics under some certain but nearly ineluctable wearable circumstances and holds considerable and inimitable prospects as an ESW‐BFC for wearable electronics.
2D Zn‐Porphyrin‐Based Co(II)‐MOF with 2‐Methylimidazole Sitting Axially on the Paddle–Wheel Units: An Efficient Electrochemiluminescence Bioassay for SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Li Yi‐Xuan , Li Jing , Zhu Dunru , Wang Ju‐Zheng , Shu Guo‐Fang , Li Junji , Zhang Sheng‐Li , Zhang Xue‐Ji , Cosnier Serge , Zeng Hai‐Bo , Shan Dan
Published: September 2022

High electrocatalytic activity with tunable luminescence is crucial for the development of electrochemiluminescence (ECL) luminophores. In this study, a porphyrin‐based heterobimetallic 2D metal organic framework (MOF), [(ZnTCPP)Co2(MeIm)] (1), is successfully self‐assembled from the zinc(II) tetrakis(4‐carboxyphenyl)porphine (ZnTCPP) linker and cobalt(II) ions in the presence of 2‐methylimidazole (MeIm) by a facile one‐pot reaction in methanol at room temperature. On the basis of the experimental results and the theoretical calculations, the MOF 1 contains paddle–wheel [Co2(‐CO2)4] secondary building units (SBUs) axially coordinated by a MeIm ligand, which is very beneficial to the electron transfer between the Co(II) ions and oxygen. Combining the photosensitizers ZnTCPP and the electroactive [Co2(‐CO2)4] SBUs, the 2D MOF 1 possesses an excellent ECL performance, and can be used as a novel ECL probe for rapid nonamplified detection of the RdRp gene of SARS‐CoV‐2 with an extremely low limit of detection (≈30 aM).
Improved Solubility in Metavalently Bonded Solid Leads to Band Alignment, Ultralow Thermal Conductivity, and High Thermoelectric Performance in SnTe
Authors: Liu Yuqi , Zhang Xuemei , Nan Pengfei , Zou Bo , Zhang Qingtang , Hou Yunxiang , Li Shuang , Gong Yaru , Liu Qingfeng , Ge Binghui , Cojocaru‐Mirédin Oana , Yu Yuan , Zhang Yongsheng , Chen Guang , Wuttig Matthias , Tang Guodong
Published: September 2022

SnTe is an emerging Pb‐free thermoelectric compound that has drawn significant attention for clean energy conversion. Chemical doping is routinely used to tailor its charge carrier concentration and electronic band structures. However, the efficacy of dopants is often limited by their small solubility. For example, only 0.5% Ag can be incorporated into the SnTe matrix. Yet, significantly more Ag (>7%) can be dissolved if SnTe is alloyed with AgSbTe2. This large enhancement of solubility can be understood from a chemical bonding perspective. Both SnTe and AgSbTe2 employ metavalent bonding as identified by an unusual bond‐rupture in atom probe tomography. Density functional theory calculations show that upon Ag doping the energy offset of the upmost two valence bands decreases significantly. This induces band alignment in SnTe, which results in an enhanced power factor over a broad temperature range. Moreover, the increased concentration of point defects and associated lattice strain lead to strong phonon scattering and softening, contributing to an extremely low κL of 0.30 Wm−1K−1. These synergistic effects contribute to a peak ZT of 1.8 at 873 K and a record‐high average ZT of ≈1.0 between 400 and 873 K in Sn0.87Mn0.08Sb0.08Te–5%AgSbTe2 alloy.
Interfacial Effect Boosts the Performance of All‐Polymer Ionic Thermoelectric Supercapacitors
Authors: Mardi Saeed , Zhao Dan , Tybrandt Klas , Reale Andrea , Crispin Xavier
Published: September 2022

Ionic thermoelectric supercapacitors (ITESCs) have recently been developed for converting low‐grade waste heat into electricity. Until now, most reports of ITESCs have been focused on the development of electrolytes, which then have been combined with a specific electrode material. Here, it is demonstrated that the electrode is not only critical for electrical energy storage but also greatly affects the effective thermopower (Seff) of an ITESC. It is shown that the same ion gel can generate a positive thermopower in an ITESC when using gold nanowire (AuNW) electrodes, while generating a negative thermopower when using poly(3,4‐ethylendioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) electrodes. The achieved negative sign of the Seff could be attributed to the Donnan exclusive effect from the polyanions in the PEDOT:PSS electrodes. After examining the thermovoltage, capacitance and charge retention performance of the two ITESCs, it is concluded that PEDOT:PSS is superior to AuNWs as electrodes. Moreover, a new strategy of constructing an ionic thermopile of multiple p‐ and n‐type legs is achieved by series‐connecting these legs with same electrolyte but different electrodes. Using interfacial effect at ionic gels/PEDOT:PSS electrode interface, an enhanced thermoelectric effect in ITESCs is obtained, which constitutes one more step towards efficient, low‐cost, flexible, and printable ionic thermoelectric modules for energy harvesting.
In Situ Growth of Se‐NiSx Pine‐Needle‐Like Nanowires on Nickel Foam: Boosting Ethanol Electrooxidation Reaction in Hydrogen Production
Authors: Yuan Zhixuan , Li Zilong , Chen Zewei , Xu Weilong , Zhu Junmin , Li Xiulan , Xu Jinchang , Peng Yujie , Jin Yanshuo , Wang Nan , Yu Xiang , Meng Hui
Published: September 2022

Hydrogen production from overall water splitting assisted by organic oxidation reforming reaction is an innovative method to improve the anode behavior. Utilizing transition metal chalcogenides where the electronic states are regulated by anion modification, hexagonal Se‐NiSx pine‐needle‐like nanowires are prepared via a simple one‐pot hydrothermal reaction without any post‐processing steps. The nanowires can serve as ethanol electrooxidation reaction (EOR) catalyst with outstanding electrocatalytic activity (j100 = 1.36 V) and long‐term durability. In the practical tests of the hybrid water splitting, the catalyst required only 1.50 V to obtain 50 mA cm−2, and worked stably for over 50 h at a high current density of 200 mA cm−2 accompanied by an excellent selectivity (FE = 98.0%). These demonstrate that the introduction of Se significantly improves the catalytic performance of transition‐metal chalcogenides for EOR, indicating a new avenue for the design and improvement of other electrocatalysts.
Scanning Electron Microscopy Dopant Contrast Imaging of Phosphorus‐Diffused Silicon
Authors: Zhang Yu , Scardera Giuseppe , Wang Shaozhou , Abbott Malcolm , Payne David , Hoex Bram
Published: September 2022

Phosphorous dopant diffusion profiles feature in many silicon semiconductor devices, including the vast majority of silicon solar cells. Accurate spatially resolved dopant profiling is crucial for understanding the performance of these diffused regions, however, it is very challenging to obtain such profiles in non‐planar samples. Scanning electron microscopy for dopant contrast imaging (SEMDCI), where the secondary electron (SE) image contrast is used to determine the dopant level of a semiconductor sample, is an ideal candidate for Si dopant profiling, especially for silicon samples with surface nanotexturing or black silicon (BSi) technology. However, in previous SEMDCI studies, the dopant concentration of heavily doped n‐type layers in silicon samples have shown a poor correlation with the SE signal contrast. In this work, 1) good contrast for n‐type diffused silicon without contrast‐enhancing techniques; 2) a new contrast definition to account for imaging non‐uniformities; 3) clear correlations between SE contrast and sample work function for phosphorus‐diffused planar silicon specimens across a wide range of emitter profiles; 4) implementation of an empirical baseline correction to normalize scanning electron microscopy image condition variations, are presented. This SEMDCI method is subsequently used for the first time to obtain 2D electron concentration maps for both planar and BSi samples.
High Light‐Utilization‐Efficiency Organic Photovoltaic Windows with Over 40% Transmittance Enabled by a Printable Bionic Photonic Reflector
Authors: Wu Xueting , Liu Siqi , Li Haojie , Meng Xiangchuan , Hu Xiaotian , Guo Rui , Chen Yiwang
Published: September 2022

Semitransparent organic solar cells (ST‐OSCs) have promising applications in building materials, automobiles, and green windows. However, photovoltaic building materials have a requirement for transmittance, which only reaches over 40% and can satisfy the condition of energy saving. In this work, a printable bionic photonic reflector is introduced to overcome the insufficient light utilization efficiency (LUE) of ST‐OSCs. The inverse‐opal photonic crystal reflectors can enhance the secondary absorption of the active layer by adjusting the particle size to reflect the wavelength of light, which can match with the absorption of the donor. Meanwhile, it allows other wavelengths of sunlight to be passed through for transmittance. With this strategy, power conversion efficiency (PCE) and average visible transmittance (AVT) are simultaneously improved. As a result, the PCE is improved to 9.93% with an AVT of 40.36%, and the LUE is significantly improved from 3.63% to 4.01%, which is a great advance in the performance of ST‐OSCs reported.
A “Nonsolvent Quenching” Strategy for 3D Printing of Polysaccharide Scaffolds with Immunoregulatory Accuracy
Authors: Liao Zhencheng , Niu Yiming , Wang Zhenzhen , Chen Jiaxi , Sun Xiaoyan , Dong Lei , Wang Chunming
Published: September 2022

3D printing enables the customized design of implant structures for accurately regulating host responses. However, polysaccharides, as a major biomaterial category with versatile immune activities, are typically “non‐printable” due to the collapse of their filaments extruded during printing. This challenge renders their potential as immunomodulatory scaffolds underexploited. Here, inspired by the quench hardening in metal processing, a nonsolvent quenching (NSQ) strategy is innovatively designed for the 3D printing of polysaccharides. Through rapid solvent exchanging, NSQ instantly induces surface hardening to strengthen the polysaccharide filaments upon extrusion, requiring neither chemical modification nor physical blending that alters the material properties. Tested with five polysaccharides with varying physicochemical properties, NSQ prints predesigned structures at organ‐relevant scales and a long shelf‐life over 3 months. Glucomannan scaffolds, fabricated via NSQ with different grid spacings (1.5 and 2.5 cm), induce distinct host responses upon murine subcutaneous implantation—from specific carbohydrate receptor activation to differential immunocytes accumulation and tissue matrix remodeling—as mechanistically validated in wild‐type and Tlr2−/− knockout mice. Overall, NSQ as a facile and generic strategy is demonstrated to fabricate polysaccharide scaffolds with improved shape fidelity, thereby potentially unmasking their accurate immunomodulatory activities for future biomaterials design.
Mechanically Robust Hydrogels Facilitating Bone Regeneration through Epigenetic Modulation
Authors: Yu Tingting , Zhang Lingyun , Dou Xueyu , Bai Rushui , Wang Hufei , Deng Jie , Zhang Yunfan , Sun Qiannan , Li Qian , Wang Xing , Han Bing
Published: September 2022

Development of artificial biomaterials by mimicking extracellular matrix of bone tissue is a promising strategy for bone regeneration. Hydrogel has emerged as a type of viable substitute, but its inhomogeneous networks and weak mechanics greatly impede clinical applications. Here, a dual crosslinked gelling system is developed with tunable architectures and mechanics to promote osteogenic capacity. Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) is designated as a rigid core surrounded by six disulfide‐linked PEG shells and two 2‐ureido‐4[1H]‐pyrimidinone (UPy) groups. Thiol‐disulfide exchange is employed to fabricate chemical network because of the pH‐responsive “on/off” function. While self‐complementary UPy motif is capable of optimizing local microstructure to enhance mechanical properties. Taking the merits of biocompatibility and high‐mechanics in periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) proliferation, attachment, and osteogenesis, hybrid hydrogel exhibits outstanding osteogenic potential both in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, it is the first time that a key epigenetic regulator of ten‐eleven translocation 2 (Tet2) is discovered to significantly elevate the continuously active the WNT/β‐catenin through Tet2/HDAC1/E‐cadherin/β‐catenin signaling cascade, thereby promoting PDLSCs osteogenesis. This work represents a general strategy to design the hydrogels with customized networks and biomimetic mechanics, and illustrates underlying osteogenic mechanisms that will extend the design rationales for high‐functional biomaterials in tissue engineering.
Visualization of the Dynamics of Invasion and Intravasation of the Bacterium That Causes Lyme Disease in a Tissue Engineered Dermal Microvessel Model
Authors: Guo Zhaobin , Zhao Nan , Chung Tracy D. , Singh Anjan , Pandey Ikshu , Wang Linus , Gu Xinyue , Ademola Aisha , Linville Raleigh M. , Pal Utpal , Dumler J. Stephen , Searson Peter C.
Published: September 2022

Lyme disease is a tick‐borne disease prevalent in North America, Europe, and Asia. Despite the accumulated knowledge from epidemiological, in vitro, and in animal studies, the understanding of dissemination of vector‐borne pathogens, such as Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb), remains incomplete with several important knowledge gaps, especially related to invasion and intravasation into circulation. To elucidate the mechanistic details of these processes a tissue‐engineered human dermal microvessel model is developed. Fluorescently labeled Bb are injected into the extracellular matrix (ECM) to mimic tick inoculation. High resolution, confocal imaging is performed to visualize the sub‐acute phase of infection. From analysis of migration paths no evidence to support adhesin‐mediated interactions between Bb and ECM components is found, suggesting that collagen fibers serve as inert obstacles to migration. Intravasation occurs at cell–cell junctions and is relatively fast, consistent with Bb swimming in ECM. In addition, it is found that Bb alone can induce endothelium activation, resulting in increased immune cell adhesion but no changes in global or local permeability. Together these results provide new insight into the minimum requirements for Bb dissemination and highlight how tissue‐engineered models are complementary to animal models in visualizing dynamic processes associated with vector‐borne pathogens.
Toward High‐Areal‐Capacity Electrodes for Lithium and Sodium Ion Batteries
Authors: Chen Yijun , Zhao Bo , Yang Yuan , Cao Anyuan
Published: September 2022

In recent decades, extensive nanomaterials and related techniques have been proposed to achieve high capacities surpassing conventional battery electrodes. Nevertheless, most of them show low mass loadings and areal capacities, which deteriorates the cell‐level energy densities and increases cost after the consideration of inactive components in batteries. Achieving high‐areal‐capacity is essential for those advanced materials to move out of laboratories and into practical applications, yet remains challenging due to the decreased mechanical properties and sluggish electrochemical kinetics at elevated mass loadings. In this paper, the previously reported strategies for promoting areal lithium storage performance, including material‐level designs, electrode‐level architecture optimization, and novel manufacturing techniques are reviewed. Sodium‐ion battery electrodes are discussed subsequently, emphatically on its difference with those for lithium storage. Pouch‐cell‐level energy densities based on high‐areal‐capacity electrodes with different thicknesses are also estimated. For each category of these strategies, working principles, advantages, and possible problems are analyzed, with typical examples presented in detail and a summary table comparing the structures and achieved performance. Finally, the features of the high‐areal‐capacity electrodes demonstrated in this review are concluded, and overlooked issues and potential research directions in this field are summarized.
Evaluation of breeding and growth performances of crossbreds and backcrossbreds with purebreds of Bangladeshi and Vietnamese climbing perch (Anabas testudineus)
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Lutfar , Dipu Shamima Yeasmin , Haque Farhana , Rafiquzzaman Sheikh Mohammed , Alam Mohammad Shafiqul
Published: September 2022

The present study aimed to improve the growth rate of the Bangladeshi native climbing perch (Anabas testudineus) through crossbreeding with Vietnam‐originated climbing perch, which is commercially cultured in Bangladesh. Therefore, crossbred between native and Vietnam strains of A. testudineus were evaluated in the first year (F1) as T1—Native ♀ × Native ♂, T2—Vietnam ♀ × Vietnam ♂, T3—Native ♀ × Vietnam ♂, and T4—Vietnam ♀ × Native ♂. In the second year (F2), backcrosses were performed between native and F1 generations as T5—Native ♀ × F1 (T3) ♂ and T6‐F1 (T3) ♀ × Native ♂ following five replicates in each treatment group. The F1 crossbreds of T4 were irregular in size with low survivability than T3, and therefore were not used as a parent in the second‐year backcross experiment. The breeding performances were reduced in the T4 (F1) and T6 (F2) compared to purebreds (T1 and T2). The specific growth rate (0.75%/day) of T5 and T6 was substantially lower than T3 and T4 but was considerably superior to the T1 and T2 purebred. The heterosis effect was highly evident in T6 (27.94%), whereas negative heterosis was determined in the crossbreds of the F1 generation (T4). Ten morphometric characteristics were compared and the caudal fin length, pectoral fin length, eye diameter, and body depth were responsible for the variation among T1–T6 groups by the second principal component. Furthermore, the results showed that the Bangladeshi native female climbing perch is linked with better breeding performances, and the Vietnam strain male is linked with better growth performance. Finally, the current breeding programme could enhance native climbing perch growth and survivability, which may have aquaculture potential and can be used through careful artificial selection on the commercial farm.
Do smaller chicken farms use more antibiotics? Evidence of antibiotic diffusion from Nigeria
Authors: Parkhi Charuta M. , Liverpool‐Tasie Lenis Saweda O. , Reardon Thomas
Published: September 2022

Farmers across the world have been using antibiotics in poultry production for both therapeutic and nontherapeutic purposes since the mid 1900s. The literature on antibiotic diffusion and intensification is largely focused on developed countries in North America and Western Europe. There is some literature on Asia where the emphasis has shifted from antibiotic diffusion to concerns about antimicrobial resistance due to excessive use of antibiotics. Although there is evidence of farming intensification across sub‐Saharan Africa, few studies have looked at antibiotic use among livestock farmers. We fill this gap by studying antibiotic use over farm size and regions in Nigerian poultry farming. We find that antibiotic use for nontherapeutic purposes is rapidly expanding among small farms (already over 60% for those with 50–100 birds) and widespread among medium and large chicken farmers (75%–95%) across both richer and poorer regions of Nigeria. While large farmers are more likely to adopt antibiotics, their indiscriminate use is more evident among small farmers. Further, our results reveal that information dissemination through social networks and extension services could play a crucial role in the efficient use of antibiotics. This suggests a need to promote awareness regarding excessive use of antibiotics, particularly in the absence of regulation in Nigeria and other developing countries. [EconLit Citations: Q12, Q18, O12, C34].
Lovo‐cel gene therapy for sickle cell disease: Treatment process evolution and outcomes in the initial groups of the HGB‐206 study
Authors: Kanter Julie , Thompson Alexis A. , Pierciey Francis J. , Hsieh Matthew , Uchida Naoya , Leboulch Philippe , Schmidt Manfred , Bonner Melissa , Guo Ruiting , Miller Alex , Ribeil Jean‐Antoine , Davidson David , Asmal Mohammed , Walters Mark C. , Tisdale John F.
Published: September 2022

lovo‐cel (bb1111; LentiGlobin for sickle cell disease [SCD]) gene therapy (GT) comprises autologous transplantation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells transduced with the BB305 lentiviral vector encoding a modified β‐globin gene (βA‐T87Q) to produce anti‐sickling hemoglobin (HbAT87Q). The efficacy and safety of lovo‐cel for SCD are being evaluated in the ongoing phase 1/2 HGB‐206 study (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02140554). The treatment process evolved over time, using learnings from outcomes in the initial patients to optimize lovo‐cel's benefit–risk profile. Following modest expression of HbAT87Q in the initial patients (Group A, n = 7), alterations were made to the treatment process for patients subsequently enrolled in Group B (n = 2, patients B1 and B2), including improvements to cell collection and lovo‐cel manufacturing. After 6 months, median Group A peripheral blood vector copy number (≥0.08 c/dg) and HbAT87Q levels (≥0.46 g/dL) were inadequate for substantial clinical effect but stable and sustained over 5.5 years; both markedly improved in Group B (patient B1: ≥0.53 c/dg and ≥2.69 g/dL; patient B2: ≥2.14 c/dg and ≥6.40 g/dL, respectively) and generated improved biologic and clinical efficacy in Group B, including higher total hemoglobin and decreased hemolysis. The safety of the lovo‐cel for SCD treatment regimen largely reflected the known side effects of HSPC collection, busulfan conditioning regimen, and underlying SCD; acute myeloid leukemia was observed in two patients in Group A and deemed unlikely related to insertional oncogenesis. Changes made during development of the lovo‐cel treatment process were associated with improved outcomes and provide lessons for future SCD GT studies.
TBX6 as a cause of a combined skeletal‐kidney dysplasia syndrome
Authors: Li Guozhuang , Strong Alanna , Wang Haojun , Kim Ji‐Sun , Watson Deborah , Zhao Sen , Vaccaro Courtney , Hartung Erum , Hakonarson Hakon , Zhang Terry Jianguo , Giampietro Philip F. , Wu Nan
Published: September 2022

TBX6 encodes transcription‐factor box 6, a transcription factor critical to paraxial mesoderm segmentation and somitogenesis during embryonic development. TBX6 haploinsufficiency is believed to drive the skeletal and kidney phenotypes associated with the 16p11.2 deletion syndrome. Heterozygous and biallelic variants in TBX6 are associated with vertebral and rib malformations (TBX6‐associated congenital scoliosis) and spondylocostal dysostosis, and heterozygous TBX6 variants are associated with increased risk of genitourinary tract malformations. Combined skeletal and kidney phenotypes in individuals harboring heterozygous or biallelic TBX6 variants are rare. Here, we present seven individuals with vertebral and rib malformations and structural kidney differences associated with heterozygous TBX6 gene deletion in trans with a hypomorphic TBX6 allele or biallelic TBX6 variants. Our case series highlights the association between TBX6 and both skeletal and kidney disease.
How can secondary dementia prevention trials of Alzheimer's disease be clinically meaningful?
Authors: Liu Kathy Y. , Thambisetty Madhav , Howard Robert
Published: September 2022

After clinical trial failures in symptomatic Alzheimer's disease (AD), our field has moved to earlier intervention in cognitively normal individuals with biomarker evidence of AD. This offers potential for dementia prevention, but mainly low and variable rates of progression to AD dementia reduce the usefulness of trials’ data in decision making by potential prescribers. With results from several Phase 3 secondary prevention studies anticipated within the next few years and the Food and Drug Administration's recent endorsement of amyloid beta as a surrogate outcome biomarker for AD clinical trials, it is time to question the clinical significance of changes in biomarkers, adequacy of current trial durations, and criteria for treatment success if cognitively unimpaired patients and their doctors are to meaningfully evaluate the potential value of new agents. We argue for a change of direction toward trial designs that can unambiguously inform clinical decision making about dementia risk and progression.
Direct Synthesis of α‐Aryl‐α‐Trifluoromethyl Alcohols via Nickel Catalyzed Cross‐Electrophile Coupling
Authors: Lombardi Lorenzo , Cerveri Alessandro , Giovanelli Riccardo , Castiñeira Reis Marta , Silva López Carlos , Bertuzzi Giulio , Bandini Marco
Published: September 2022

A nickel‐catalyzed reductive cross‐electrophile coupling between the redox‐active N‐trifluoroethoxyphthalimide and iodoarenes is documented. The protocol reproduces a formal arylation of trifluoroacetaldehyde under mild conditions in high yields (up to 88 %) and with large functional group tolerance (30 examples). A combined computational and experimental investigation revealed a pivotal solvent assisted 1,2‐Hydrogen Atom Transfer (HAT) process to generate a nucleophilic α‐hydroxy‐α‐trifluoromethyl C‐centered radical for the Csp2−Csp3 bond forming process.
Vinylene‐Linked 2D Conjugated Covalent Organic Frameworks by Wittig Reactions
Authors: Liu Yannan , Fu Shuai , Pastoetter Dominik L. , Khan Arafat Hossain , Zhang Yingying , Dianat Arezoo , Xu Shunqi , Liao Zhongquan , Richter Marcus , Yu Minghao , Položij Miroslav , Brunner Eike , Cuniberti Gianaurelio , Heine Thomas , Bonn Mischa , Wang Hai I. , Feng Xinliang
Published: September 2022

Vinylene‐linked two‐dimensional covalent organic frameworks (V‐2D‐COFs) have shown great promise in electronics and optoelectronics. However, only a few reactions for V‐2D‐COFs have been developed hitherto. Besides the kinetically low reversibility of C=C bond formation, another underlying issue facing the synthesis of V‐2D‐COFs is the attainment of high (E)‐alkene selectivity to ensure the appropriate symmetry of 2D frameworks. Here, we tailor the E/Z selectivity of the Wittig reaction by employing a proper catalyst (i.e., Cs2CO3) to obtain more stable intermediates and elevating the temperature across the reaction barrier. Subsequently, the Wittig reaction is innovatively utilized for the synthesis of four crystalline V‐2D‐COFs by combining aldehydes and ylides. Importantly, the efficient conjugation and decent crystallinity of the resultant V‐2D‐COFs are demonstrated by their high charge carrier mobilities over 10 cm2 V−1 s−1, as revealed by non‐contact terahertz (THz) spectroscopy.
A Highly Dynamic Covalent Polymer Network without Creep: Mission Impossible?
Authors: Van Lijsebetten Filip , Debsharma Tapas , Winne Johan M. , Du Prez Filip E.
Published: September 2022

Dynamic covalent polymer networks provide an interesting solution to the challenging recyclability of thermosets and elastomers. One of the remaining design constraints, however, is balancing thermal reprocessability in the form of material flow with dimensional stability during use. As a result, many chemistries are being investigated in order to improve bond reactivity control and material robustness. This Minireview highlights a number of promising concepts, with a particular emphasis on disconnecting chemical reactivity in low and high temperature regimes to obtain creep resistant, yet highly dynamic polymer networks. In addition, we will highlight the impact of sharp reactivity changes when applying extrapolation‐based approaches during rheological analysis. As a result, we are confident that abandoning the myth of “permanent” reactivity will aid in the development of sustainable polymeric materials that can truly combine the benefits of thermoplastic and thermoset behaviour.
The Excited‐State Creutz–Taube Ion
Authors: Pieslinger German E. , Ramírez‐Wierzbicki Ivana , Cadranel Alejandro
Published: September 2022

The excited‐state version of the Creutz–Taube ion was prepared via visible light excitation of [(NH3)5RuII(μ‐pz)RuII(NH3)5]4+. The resulting excited state is a mixed valence {RuIII–δ(μ‐pz⋅−)RuII+δ} transient species, which was characterized using femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy with vis‐NIR detection. Very intense photoinduced intervalence charge transfers were observed at 7500 cm−1, revealing an excited‐state electronic coupling element HDA=3750 cm−1. DFT calculations confirm a strongly delocalized excited state. A notable consequence of strong electron delocalization is the nanosecond excited state lifetime, which was exploited in a proof‐of‐concept intermolecular electron transfer. The excited‐state Creutz–Taube ion is established as a reference, and demonstrates that electron delocalization in the excited state can be leveraged for artificial photosynthesis or other photocatalytic schemes based on electron transfer chemistry.
Approach to Chemically Durable Nickel and Cobalt Lanthanum‐Nitride‐Based Catalysts for Ammonia Synthesis
Authors: Lu Yangfan , Ye Tian‐Nan , Li Jiang , Li Zichuang , Guan Haotian , Sasase Masato , Niwa Yasuhiro , Abe Hitoshi , Li Qian , Pan Fushen , Kitano Masaaki , Hosono Hideo
Published: September 2022

Metal nitride complexes have recently been proposed as an efficient noble‐metal‐free catalyst for ammonia synthesis utilizing a dual active site concept. However, their high sensitivity to air and moisture has restricted potential applications. We report that their chemical sensitivity can be improved by introducing Al into the LaN lattice, thereby forming La−Al metallic bonds (La−Al−N). The catalytic activity and mechanism of the resultingTM/La−Al−N (TM=Ni, Co) are comparable to the previously reportedTM/LaN catalyst. Notably, the catalytic activity did not degrade after exposure to air and moisture. Kinetic analysis and isotopic experiment showed that La−Al−N is responsible for N2absorption and activation despite substantial Al being introduced into its lattice because the local coordination of the lattice N remained largely unchanged. These findings show the effectiveness of metallic bond formation, which can support the chemical stability of rare‐earth nitrides with retention of catalytic functionality.
Effect of temperature and fly ash content on the catalytically pyrolyzed rice straw biochar–fly ash composites for methylene blue adsorption
Authors: Bhardwaj Akanksha , Nag Shilpa , Hussain Khadim , Pandey Puneeta , Babu J. Nagendra
Published: September 2022

Rice straw and fly ash are the wastes produced in abundance which need immediate attention for their management. In the present study, the in situ pyrolysis of rice straw in presence of fly ash was carried out and the resultant composites were studied for adsorption of methylene blue (MB). Slow pyrolysis of rice straw in presence of fly ash is evaluated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Coats–Redfern equation for pseudo‐first‐order reaction kinetics, respectively. The activation energy (Ea) for the pyrolysis of rice straw was 41.75 kJ/mol which was lowered to 37.39 kJ/mol in presence of fly ash. Biochar fly ash composites BFA41–3, BFA51–3, and BFA61–3 were prepared at three 400°C, 500°C, and 600°C pyrolysis temperature, respectively, the subscript indicating three different ratios of rice straw and fly ash (1:3, 1:1, and 3:1 w/w ratio). The composites BF4–61–3 were neutral to alkaline in pH, due to the presence of basic oxide and carbonates minerals. BFA4–61–3 was studied for batch adsorption of MB and optimized for pH, dose, and initial concentration of adsorbate. The maximum MB adsorption capacity of 25.91 mg/g was reported for the composite BFA41. MB adsorption efficiency (qe) followed the trend BFA41–3 > BFA51–3 > BFA61–3, which indicates a strong influence of biochar surface functional groups on dye adsorption, as reiterated by the multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis. Stripping of MB was achieved using methanol as a stripping agent for MB‐adsorbed BFA4–61–3 with desorption efficiency of 7% to 11% in the first cycle and 23% to 100% in the second cycle. Thus, the biochar fly ash composite with optimum ion exchangeable functional organic moieties would be suitable for dye remediation and waste generated in the process could find application in soil amelioration.
Imaging of the calcium activated potassium channel 3.1 (KCa3.1) in vivo using a senicapoc‐derived positron emission tomography tracer
Authors: Konken Christian P. , Heßling Kathrin , Thale Insa , Schelhaas Sonja , Dabel Jennifer , Maskri Sarah , Bulk Etmar , Budde Thomas , Koch Oliver , Schwab Albrecht , Schäfers Michael , Wünsch Bernhard
Published: September 2022

The calcium‐activated potassium channel 3.1 (KCa3.1) is overexpressed in many tumor entities and has predictive power concerning disease progression and outcome. Imaging of the KCa3.1 channel in vivo using a radiotracer for positron emission tomography (PET) could therefore establish a potentially powerful diagnostic tool. Senicapoc shows high affinity and excellent selectivity toward the KCa3.1 channel. We have successfully pursued the synthesis of the 18F‐labeled derivative [18F]3 of senicapoc using the prosthetic group approach with 1‐azido‐2‐[18F]fluoroethane ([18F]6) in a “click” reaction. The biological activity of the new PET tracer was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Inhibition of the KCa3.1 channel by 3 was demonstrated by patch clamp experiments and the binding pose was analyzed by docking studies. In mouse and human serum, [18F]3 was stable for at least one half‐life of [18F]fluorine. Biodistribution experiments in wild‐type mice were promising, showing rapid and predominantly renal excretion. An in vivo study using A549‐based tumor‐bearing mice was performed. The tumor signal could be delineated and image analysis showed a tumor‐to‐muscle ratio of 1.47 ± 0.24. The approach using 1‐azido‐2‐[18F]fluoroethane seems to be a good general strategy to achieve triarylacetamide‐based fluorinated PET tracers for imaging of the KCa3.1 channel in vivo.
Secure consensus of multi‐agent systems under denial‐of‐service attacks
Authors: Wen Guanghui , Wang Peijun , Lv Yuezu , Chen Guanrong , Zhou Jialing
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we study the secure consensus problem for multiple‐input‐multiple‐output (MIMO) linear multi‐agent systems (MASs) subject to denial‐of‐service (DoS) attacks, where an attack on an agent will block its associated communication channels until it stops. Firstly, we design an unknown input observer (UIO), based upon which we develop a resilient consensus controller, where the UIO depends only on the relative outputs. By employing a common Lyapunov function (CLF) and using the average dwell‐time (ADT) method, we show that secure consensus is achieved if the attack length rate is not greater than a positive threshold. Secondly, we design a resilient consensus controller with different control gains. By using the multiple Lyapunov functions (MLFs) technique, we show that secure consensus is achieved if the attack length rate and the attack frequency are respectively not greater than the corresponding positive thresholds. Finally, we present an example of multiple YF‐22 research UAVs to demonstrate the theoretical results.