bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three-dimensional structure of the basal lamella of the middle turbinate
Authors: Eördögh Márton , Baksa Gábor , Grimm András , Bárány László , Petneházy Örs , Reisch Robert , Schroeder Henry W. S. , Briner Hans Rudolf , Hosemann Werner
Published: September 2021

The middle turbinate’s basal lamella (3BL) is a variable landmark which needs to be understood in endoscopic transnasal skull base surgery. It comprises an anterior frontal and a posterior horizontal part and appears in its simplest depiction to be “L”-shaped, when viewed laterally. In this study we analyzed its 3D morphology and variations focusing on a precise and systematic description of the anatomy. CBCTs of 25 adults, 19 cadavers and 6 skulls (total: 100 sides) were investigated with the 3DSlicer software, creating 3D models of the 3BL. We introduced a novel geometrical classification of the 3BL’s shape, based on segments. We analyzed their parameters and relationship to neighboring structures. When viewed laterally, there was no consistent “L”-shaped appearance of the 3BL, as it is frequently quoted. A classification of 9 segment types was used to describe the 3BL. The 3BLs had in average of 2.95 ± 0.70 segments (median: 3), the most frequent was the horizontal plate (23.05% of all segments), next a concave/convex plate (22.71%), then a sigma plate (22.37%). Further types were rare. We identified a horizontal plate in 68% of all lateral views whilst 32% of the 3BLs were vertical. A sigma–concave/convex–horizontal trisegmental 3BL was the most common phenotype (27%). Globally, the sigma–concave/convex pattern was present in 42%. The 3BL adhered the ethmoidal bulla in 87%. The segmenting method is eligible to describe the 3BL’s sophisticated morphology.
Air entrapment and bubble formation during droplet impact onto a single cubic pillar
Authors: Ren Weibo , Foltyn Patrick , Geppert Anne , Weigand Bernhard
Published: September 2021

We study the vertical impact of a droplet onto a cubic pillar of comparable size placed on a flat surface, by means of numerical simulations and experiments. Strikingly, during the impact a large volume of air is trapped around the pillar side faces. Impingement upon different positions of the pillar top surface strongly influences the size and the position of the entrapped air. By comparing the droplet morphological changes during the impact from both computations and experiments, we show that the direct numerical simulations, based on the Volume of Fluid method, provide additional and new insight into the droplet dynamics. We elucidate, with the computational results, the three-dimensional air entrapment process as well as the evolution of the entrapped air into bubbles.
Real-time precise microfluidic droplets label-sequencing combined in a velocity detection sensor
Authors: Zamboni R. , Zaltron A. , Chauvet M. , Sada C.
Published: September 2021

Droplets microfluidics is broadening the range of Lab on a Chip solutions that, however, still suffer from the lack of an adequate level of integration of optical detection and sensors. In fact, droplets are currently monitored by imaging techniques, mostly limited by a time-consuming data post-processing and big data storage. This work aims to overcome this weakness, presenting a fully integrated opto-microfluidic platform able to detect, label and characterize droplets without the need for imaging techniques. It consists of optical waveguides arranged in a Mach Zehnder’s configuration and a microfluidic circuit both coupled in the same substrate. As a proof of concept, the work demonstrates the performances of this opto-microfluidic platform in performing a complete and simultaneous sequence labelling and identification of each single droplet, in terms of its optical properties, as well as velocity and lengths. Since the sensor is realized in lithium niobate crystals, which is also highly resistant to chemical attack and biocompatible, the future addition of multifunctional stages into the same substrate can be easily envisioned, extending the range of applicability of the final device.
DNAM-1/CD226 is functionally expressed on acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells and is associated with favorable prognosis
Authors: Chashchina Anna , Märklin Melanie , Hinterleitner Clemens , Salih Helmut R. , Heitmann Jonas S. , Klimovich Boris
Published: September 2021

DNAM-1 is reportedly expressed on cytotoxic T and NK cells and, upon interaction with its ligands CD112 and CD155, plays an important role in tumor immunosurveillance. It has also been reported to be functionally expressed by myeloid cells, but expression and function on malignant cells of the myeloid lineage have not been studied so far. Here we analyzed expression of DNAM-1 in leukemic cells of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. We found substantial levels of DNAM-1 to be expressed on leukemic blasts in 48 of 62 (> 75%) patients. Interaction of DNAM-1 with its ligands CD112 and CD155 induced release of the immunomodulatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8 IL-10 and TNF-α by AML cells and DNAM-1 expression correlated with a more differentiated phenotype. Multivariate analysis did not show any association of DNAM-1 positivity with established risk factors, but expression was significantly associated with clinical disease course: patients with high DNAM-1 surface levels had significantly longer progression-free and overall survival compared to DNAM-1lowpatients, independently whether patients had undergone allogenic stem cell transplantation or not. Together, our findings unravel a functional role of DNAM-1 in AML pathophysiology and identify DNAM-1 as a potential novel prognostic maker in AML.
Boosting and lassoing new prostate cancer SNP risk factors and their connection to selenium
Authors: Booth David E. , Gopalakrishna-Remani Venugopal , Cooper Matthew L. , Green Fiona R. , Rayman Margaret P.
Published: September 2021

We begin by arguing that the often used algorithm for the discovery and use of disease risk factors, stepwise logistic regression, is unstable. We then argue that there are other algorithms available that are much more stable and reliable (e.g. the lasso and gradient boosting). We then propose a protocol for the discovery and use of risk factors using lasso or boosting variable selection. We then illustrate the use of the protocol with a set of prostate cancer data and show that it recovers known risk factors. Finally, we use the protocol to identify new and important SNP based risk factors for prostate cancer and further seek evidence for or against the hypothesis of an anticancer function for Selenium in prostate cancer. We find that the anticancer effect may depend on the SNP-SNP interaction and, in particular, which alleles are present.
Nonstationary signal extraction based on BatOMP sparse decomposition technique
Authors: Ge Shuang-chao , Zhou Shida
Published: September 2021

Sparse decomposition technique is a new method for nonstationary signal extraction in a noise background. To solve the problem of accuracy and efficiency exclusive in sparse decomposition, the bat algorithm combined with Orthogonal Matching Pursuits (BatOMP) was proposed to improve sparse decomposition, which can realize adaptive recognition and extraction of nonstationary signal containing random noise. Two general atoms were designed for typical signals, and dictionary training method based on correlation detection and Hilbert transform was developed. The sparse decomposition was turned into an optimizing problem by introducing bat algorithm with optimized fitness function. By contrast with several relevant methods, it was indicated that BatOMP can improve convergence speed and extraction accuracy efficiently as well as decrease the hardware requirement, which is cost effective and helps broadening the applications.
Evaluation of spatial-temporal variation performance of ERA5 precipitation data in China
Authors: Jiao Donglai , Xu Nannan , Yang Fan , Xu Ke
Published: September 2021

ERA5 is the latest fifth-generation reanalysis global atmosphere dataset from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, replacing ERA-Interim as the next generation of representative satellite-observational data on the global scale. ERA5 data have been evaluated and applied in different regions, but the performances are inconsistent. Meanwhile, there are few precise evaluations of ERA5 precipitation data over long time series have been performed in Chinese mainland. This study evaluates the temporal-spatial performance of ERA5 precipitation data from 1979 to 2018 based on gridded-ground meteorological station observational data across China. The results showed that ERA5 data could capture the annual and seasonal patterns of observed precipitation in China well, with correlation coefficient values ranging from 0.796 to 0.945, but ERA5 slightly overestimated precipitation in the summer. Nonetheless, the results also showed that the accuracy of the precipitation products was strongly correlated with topographic distribution and climatic divisions. The performance of ERA5 shows spatial inherently across China that the highest correlation coefficient values locate in eastern, Northwestern and North China and the lowest biases locate in Southeast China. This study provides a reliable data assessment of the ERA5 data and precipitation trend analyses in China. The results provide accuracy references for the further use of precipitation satellite data for hydrological calculations and climate numerical simulations.
Genomic landscape of gliosarcoma: distinguishing features and targetable alterations
Authors: Zaki Mark M. , Mashouf Leila A. , Woodward Eleanor , Langat Pinky , Gupta Saksham , Dunn Ian F. , Wen Patrick Y. , Nahed Brian V. , Bi Wenya Linda
Published: September 2021

Gliosarcoma is an aggressive brain tumor with histologic features of glioblastoma (GBM) and soft tissue sarcoma. Despite its poor prognosis, its rarity has precluded analysis of its underlying biology. We used a multi-center database to characterize the genomic landscape of gliosarcoma. Sequencing data was obtained from 35 gliosarcoma patients from Genomics Evidence Neoplasia Information Exchange (GENIE) 5.0, a database curated by the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR). We analyzed genomic alterations in gliosarcomas and compared them to GBM (n = 1,449) and soft tissue sarcoma (n = 1,042). 30 samples were included (37% female, median age 59 [IQR: 49–64]). Nineteen common genes were identified in gliosarcoma, defined as those altered in > 5% of samples, including TERT Promoter (92%), PTEN (66%), and TP53 (60%). Of the 19 common genes in gliosarcoma, 6 were also common in both GBM and soft tissue sarcoma, 4 in GBM alone, 0 in soft tissue sarcoma alone, and 9 were more distinct to gliosarcoma. Of these, BRAF harbored an OncoKB level 1 designation, indicating its status as a predictive biomarker of response to an FDA-approved drug in certain cancers. EGFR, CDKN2A, NF1, and PTEN harbored level 4 designations in solid tumors, indicating biological evidence of these biomarkers predicting a drug-response. Gliosarcoma contains molecular features that overlap GBM and soft tissue sarcoma, as well as its own distinct genomic signatures. This may play a role in disease classification and inclusion criteria for clinical trials. Gliosarcoma mutations with potential therapeutic indications include BRAF, EGFR, CDKN2A, NF1, and PTEN.
Right ventricular myocardial oxygen tension is reduced in monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension in the rat and restored by myo-inositol trispyrophosphate
Authors: Oknińska Marta , Zambrowska Zuzanna , Zajda Karolina , Paterek Aleksandra , Brodaczewska Klaudia , Mackiewicz Urszula , Szczylik Cezary , Torbicki Adam , Kieda Claudine , Mączewski Michał
Published: September 2021

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) initially results in compensatory right ventricular (RV) hypertrophy, but eventually in RV failure. This transition is poorly understood, but may be triggered by hypoxia. Measurements of RV oxygen tension (pO2) in PH are lacking. We hypothesized that RV hypoxia occurs in monocrotaline-induced PH in rats and that myo-inositol trispyrophosphate (ITPP), facilitating oxygen dissociation from hemoglobin, can relieve it. Rats received monocrotaline (PH) or saline (control) and 24 days later echocardiograms, pressure–volume loops were obtained and myocardial pO2 was measured using a fluorescent probe. In PH mean pulmonary artery pressure more than doubled (35 ± 5 vs. 15 ± 2 in control), RV was hypertrophied, though its contractility was augmented. RV and LV pO2 was 32 ± 5 and 15 ± 8 mmHg, respectively, in control rats. In PH RV pO2 was reduced to 18 ± 9 mmHg, while LV pO2 was unchanged. RV pO2 correlated with RV diastolic wall stress (negatively) and LV systolic pressure (positively). Acute ITPP administration did not affect RV or LV pO2 in control animals, but increased RV pO2 to 26 ± 5 mmHg without affecting LV pO2 in PH. RV oxygen balance is impaired in PH and as such can be an important target for PH therapy. ITPP may be one of such potential therapies.
Pentahydroxy flavonoid isolated from Madhuca indica ameliorated adjuvant-induced arthritis via modulation of inflammatory pathways
Authors: Tang Yongliang , Xie Daotao , Gong Wenqing , Wu Hongtao , Qiang Yi
Published: September 2021

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease associated with advanced joint dysfunction. Madhuca indica J. F. Gmel, from the family Sapotaceae, is an Indian medicinal plant reported to have an array of pharmacological properties. The aim of present investigation was to determine the anti-arthritic potential of an isolated phytoconstituent from methanolic leaf extract of Madhuca indica (MI-ALC) against FCA-induced experimental arthritis. Polyarthritis was induced in female rats (strain: Wistar) via an intradermal injection of FCA (0.1 mL) into the tail. Polyarthritis developed after 32 days of FCA administration. Then rats were treated orally with an isolated phytoconstituent from MI-ALC at doses of 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg. Findings suggested that High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry spectral analyses of the phytoconstituent isolated from MI-ALC confirmed the structure as 3,5,7,3′,4′-Pentahydroxy flavone (i.e., QTN). Treatment with QTN (10 and 20 mg/kg) showed significant (p < 0.05) inhibition of increased joint diameter, paw volume, paw withdrawal threshold, and latency. The elevated synovial oxidative stress (Superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione, and malondialdehyde) and protein levels of Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and Interleukin (ILs) were markedly (p < 0.05) reduced by QTN. It also effectively (p < 0.05) ameliorated cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), Nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B cells (NF-kβ) and its inhibitor-α (Ikβα), and ATP-activated P2 purinergic receptors (P2X7) protein expressions as determined by western blot analysis. In conclusion, QTN ameliorates FCA-induced hyperalgesia through modulation of elevated inflammatory release (NF-kβ, Ikβα, P2X7, and COX-2), oxido-nitrosative stress, and pro-inflammatory cytokines (ILs and TNF-α) in experimental rats.
Circulating EGFL7 distinguishes between IUGR and PE: an observational case–control study
Authors: Massimiani Micol , Salvi Silvia , Tiralongo Grazia M. , Moresi Sascia , Stuhlmann Heidi , Valensise Herbert , Lanzone Antonio , Campagnolo Luisa
Published: September 2021

Isolated intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and preeclampsia (PE) share common placental pathogenesis. Differently from IUGR, PE is a systemic disorder which may also affect liver and brain. Early diagnosis of these conditions may optimize maternal and fetal management. Aim of this study was to assess whether Epidermal Growth Factor-Like domain 7 (EGFL7) dosage in maternal blood discriminates between isolated IUGR and PE. A total of 116 women were enrolled in this case–control study: 12 non-pregnant women, 34 healthy pregnant women, 34 women presenting with isolated IUGR and 36 presenting with PE. Levels of circulating EGFL7 and other known pro- and anti-angiogenic factors were measured by ELISA at different gestational ages (GA). Between 22–25 weeks of gestation, EGFL7 levels in early-onset PE (e-PE) plasma samples were significantly higher than those measured in controls or isolated IUGR samples (69.86 ± 6.17 vs. 19.8 ± 2.5 or 18.8 ± 2.8 µg/ml, respectively). Between 26–34 weeks, EGFL7 levels remained significantly higher in e-PE compared to IUGR. At term, circulating and placental EGFL7 levels were comparable between IUGR and late-onset PE (l-PE). In contrast, circulating levels of PlGF were decreased in both IUGR- and PE- complicated pregnancies, while levels of both sFLT-1 and sENDOGLIN were increased in both conditions. In conclusion, EGFL7 significantly discriminates between isolated IUGR and PE.
Underlying hemodynamic differences are associated with responses to tilt testing
Authors: Fedorowski Artur , Rivasi Giulia , Torabi Parisa , Johansson Madeleine , Rafanelli Martina , Marozzi Irene , Ceccofiglio Alice , Casini Niccolò , Hamrefors Viktor , Ungar Andrea , Olshansky Brian , Sutton Richard , Brignole Michele , Parati Gianfranco
Published: September 2021

Aim of this study was to explore whether differences in resting hemodynamic parameters may be associated with tilt test results in unexplained syncope. We analyzed age, gender, systolic (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and heart rate (HR) by merging three large databases of patients considered likely to be of vasovagal reflex etiology, comparing patients who had tilt-induced reflex response with those who did not. Tilt-induced reflex response was defined as spontaneous symptom reproduction with characteristic hypotension and bradycardia. Relationship of demographics and baseline supine BP to tilt-test were assessed using logistic regression models. Individual records of 5236 patients (45% males; mean age: 60 ± 22 years; 32% prescribed antihypertensive therapy) were analyzed. Tilt-positive (n = 3129, 60%) vs tilt-negative patients had lower SBP (127.2 ± 17.9 vs 129.7 ± 18.0 mmHg, p < 0.001), DBP (76.2 ± 11.5 vs 77.7 ± 11.7 mmHg, p < 0.001) and HR (68.0 ± 11.5 vs 70.5 ± 12.5 bpm, p < 0.001). In multivariable analyses, tilt-test positivity was independently associated with younger age (Odds ratio (OR) per 10 years:1.04; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01–1.07, p = 0.014), SBP ≤ 128 mmHg (OR:1.27; 95%CI, 1.11–1.44, p < 0.001), HR ≤ 69 bpm (OR:1.32; 95%CI, 1.17–1.50, p < 0.001), and absence of hypertension (OR:1.58; 95%CI, 1.38–1.81, p < 0.001). In conclusion, among patients with suspected reflex syncope, younger age, lower blood pressure and lower heart rate are associated with positive tilt-test result.
Phytoplankton communities in temporary ponds under different climate scenarios
Authors: Celewicz Sofia , Gołdyn Bartłomiej
Published: September 2021

Temporary water bodies, especially vernal pools, are the most sensitive aquatic environments to climate change yet the least studied. Their functioning largely depends on their phytoplankton community structure. This study aimed to determine how temperature and photoperiod length (by simulating inundation in different parts of the year under five climate scenarios) affect the succession and structure of phytoplankton communities soon after inundation. Photoperiod was the most important factor affecting phytoplankton species richness, total abundance and the abundance of taxonomic groups in the course of succession. A long photoperiod (16 h) and a moderate temperature (16 °C) in vernal pool microcosms (late spring inundation after a warm snowless winter) were the most favourable conditions for phytoplankton growth (especially for the main taxonomic groups: chlorophytes and cryptophytes) and species richness. With short photoperiods (inundation in winter) and low temperatures, the communities transformed towards diatoms, euglenoids and cyanobacteria. In line with our predictions, a high temperature (25 °C) favoured a decline in phytoplankton species diversity. Our study shows that climate change will result in seasonal shifts in species abundance or even in their disappearance and, finally, in potential strong changes in the biodiversity and food webs of aquatic ecosystems in the future.
Robot faces elicit responses intermediate to human faces and objects at face-sensitive ERP components
Authors: Geiger Allie R. , Balas Benjamin
Published: September 2021

Face recognition is supported by selective neural mechanisms that are sensitive to various aspects of facial appearance. These include event-related potential (ERP) components like the P100 and the N170 which exhibit different patterns of selectivity for various aspects of facial appearance. Examining the boundary between faces and non-faces using these responses is one way to develop a more robust understanding of the representation of faces in extrastriate cortex and determine what critical properties an image must possess to be considered face-like. Robot faces are a particularly interesting stimulus class to examine because they can differ markedly from human faces in terms of shape, surface properties, and the configuration of facial features, but are also interpreted as social agents in a range of settings. In the current study, we thus chose to investigate how ERP responses to robot faces may differ from the response to human faces and non-face objects. In two experiments, we examined how the P100 and N170 responded to human faces, robot faces, and non-face objects (clocks). In Experiment 1, we found that robot faces elicit intermediate responses from face-sensitive components relative to non-face objects (clocks) and both real human faces and artificial human faces (computer-generated faces and dolls). These results suggest that while human-like inanimate faces (CG faces and dolls) are processed much like real faces, robot faces are dissimilar enough to human faces to be processed differently. In Experiment 2 we found that the face inversion effect was only partly evident in robot faces. We conclude that robot faces are an intermediate stimulus class that offers insight into the perceptual and cognitive factors that affect how social agents are identified and categorized.
Analysis of pupillometer results according to disease stage in patients with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: You Sooyeoun , Hong Jeong-Ho , Yoo Joonsang
Published: September 2021

We performed pupillometer testing on 132 patients with Parkinson’s disease, stratified into two groups according to the disease stage. Neurological examinations and pupillometry were performed in the ON state. Patients in the Hoehn and Yahr stages 1 and 2 comprised the early group, and patients in stages 3–5 formed the late group. We performed age- and sex-matched (2:1) propensity score matching to compensate for the effect of age on pupil light reflex. Eight pupillometer parameters were measured and compared between the two groups. After the propensity score matching, the early group had 64 patients and the late group had 32 patients. The late group had a longer disease duration and took a higher levodopa equivalent dose than the early group. The constriction velocity (P = 0.006) and maximum constriction velocity (P = 0.005) were significantly faster in the early group than in the late group. Pupil size, minimum diameter, and dilation velocity were similar in both groups. The pupillary contraction velocity decreased with the disease progression, suggesting that the progression of Parkinson’s disease could be identified by the pupil constriction velocity.
Utilizing machine learning to improve clinical trial design for acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Schwager E. , Jansson K. , Rahman A. , Schiffer S. , Chang Y. , Boverman G. , Gross B. , Xu-Wilson M. , Boehme P. , Truebel H. , Frassica J. J.
Published: September 2021

Heterogeneous patient populations, complex pharmacology and low recruitment rates in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) have led to the failure of many clinical trials. Recently, machine learning (ML) emerged as a new technology to process and identify big data relationships, enabling a new era in clinical trial design. In this study, we designed a ML model for predictively stratifying acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients, ultimately reducing the required number of patients by increasing statistical power through cohort homogeneity. From the Philips eICU Research Institute (eRI) database, no less than 51,555 ARDS patients were extracted. We defined three subpopulations by outcome: (1) rapid death, (2) spontaneous recovery, and (3) long-stay patients. A retrospective univariate analysis identified highly predictive variables for each outcome. All 220 variables were used to determine the most accurate and generalizable model to predict long-stay patients. Multiclass gradient boosting was identified as the best-performing ML model. Whereas alterations in pH, bicarbonate or lactate proved to be strong predictors for rapid death in the univariate analysis, only the multivariate ML model was able to reliably differentiate the disease course of the long-stay outcome population (AUC of 0.77). We demonstrate the feasibility of prospective patient stratification using ML algorithms in the by far largest ARDS cohort reported to date. Our algorithm can identify patients with sufficiently long ARDS episodes to allow time for patients to respond to therapy, increasing statistical power. Further, early enrollment alerts may increase recruitment rate.
Accelerating antibiotic discovery through artificial intelligence
Authors: Melo Marcelo C. R. , Maasch Jacqueline R. M. A. , de la Fuente-Nunez Cesar
Published: September 2021

By targeting invasive organisms, antibiotics insert themselves into the ancient struggle of the host-pathogen evolutionary arms race. As pathogens evolve tactics for evading antibiotics, therapies decline in efficacy and must be replaced, distinguishing antibiotics from most other forms of drug development. Together with a slow and expensive antibiotic development pipeline, the proliferation of drug-resistant pathogens drives urgent interest in computational methods that promise to expedite candidate discovery. Strides in artificial intelligence (AI) have encouraged its application to multiple dimensions of computer-aided drug design, with increasing application to antibiotic discovery. This review describes AI-facilitated advances in the discovery of both small molecule antibiotics and antimicrobial peptides. Beyond the essential prediction of antimicrobial activity, emphasis is also given to antimicrobial compound representation, determination of drug-likeness traits, antimicrobial resistance, andde novomolecular design. Given the urgency of the antimicrobial resistance crisis, we analyze uptake of open science best practices in AI-driven antibiotic discovery and argue for openness and reproducibility as a means of accelerating preclinical research. Finally, trends in the literature and areas for future inquiry are discussed, as artificially intelligent enhancements to drug discovery at large offer many opportunities for future applications in antibiotic development.
Comparing infrared spectroscopic methods for the characterization of Plasmodium falciparum-infected human erythrocytes
Authors: Banas Agnieszka M. , Banas Krzysztof , Chu Trang T. T. , Naidu Renugah , Hutchinson Paul Edward , Agrawal Rupesh , Lo Michael K. F. , Kansiz Mustafa , Roy Anirban , Chandramohanadas Rajesh , Breese Mark B. H.
Published: September 2021

Malaria, caused by parasites of the species Plasmodium, is among the major life-threatening diseases to afflict humanity. The infectious cycle of Plasmodium is very complex involving distinct life stages and transitions characterized by cellular and molecular alterations. Therefore, novel single-cell technologies are warranted to extract details pertinent to Plasmodium-host cell interactions and underpinning biological transformations. Herein, we tested two emerging spectroscopic approaches: (a) Optical Photothermal Infrared spectroscopy and (b) Atomic Force Microscopy combined with infrared spectroscopy in contrast to (c) Fourier Transform InfraRed microspectroscopy, to investigate Plasmodium-infected erythrocytes. Chemical spatial distributions of selected bands and spectra captured using the three modalities for major macromolecules together with advantages and limitations of each method is presented here. These results indicate that O-PTIR and AFM-IR techniques can be explored for extracting sub-micron resolution molecular signatures within heterogeneous and dynamic samples such as Plasmodium-infected human RBCs.
4D Thermomechanical metamaterials for soft microrobotics
Authors: Ji Qingxiang , Moughames Johnny , Chen Xueyan , Fang Guodong , Huaroto Juan J. , Laude Vincent , Martínez Julio Andrés Iglesias , Ulliac Gwenn , Clévy Cédric , Lutz Philippe , Rabenorosoa Kanty , Guelpa Valerian , Spangenberg Arnaud , Liang Jun , Mosset Alexis , Kadic Muamer
Published: September 2021

Metamaterials have attracted wide scientific interest to break fundamental bounds on materials properties. Recently, the field has been extending to coupled physical phenomena where one physics acts as the driving force for another. Stimuli-responsive or 4D metamaterials have been demonstrated for thermo-elasticity, magneto-optics or piezo-electricity. Herein, a soft, ultra-compact and accurate microrobot is described which can achieve controlled motion under thermal stimuli. The system consists of an organized assembly of two functional structures: a rotational and a translational element. Both elements are designed basing upon the principle of the thermoelastic bilayer plate that bends as temperature changes. Samples are fabricated using gray-tone lithography from a single polymer but with two different laser writing powers, making each part different in its thermal and mechanical behaviors. Excellent motion-controllable, reversible and stable features in a dry environment are verified by simulations and experiments, revealing broad application prospects for the designed soft micro actuators.
Old subcontinental mantle zircon below Oahu
Authors: Greenough John D. , Kamo Sandra L. , Davis Donald W. , Larson Kyle , Zhang Zhen , Layton-Matthews Daniel , De Vera Joan , Bergquist Bridget A.
Published: September 2021

Our understanding of mantle evolution suffers from a lack of age data for when the mantle geochemical variants (mantle components) developed. Traditionally, the components are ascribed to subduction of ocean floor over Earth history, but their isotopic signatures require prolonged storage to evolve. Here we report U-Pb age results for mantle-derived zircon from pyroxenite xenoliths in Oahu, Hawaii, using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and isotope dilution - thermal ionization mass spectrometry. The zircon grains have 14 million-year-old rims, Cretaceous cores, and Proterozoic Lu-Hf model ages which are difficult to reconcile with transport of the pyroxenites in the Hawaiian mantle plume because the ages would have been reset by high temperatures. We suggest the zircons may have been preserved in sub-continental lithospheric mantle. They possibly reached Oahu by asthenospheric transport after subduction at Papua New Guinea or may represent fragments of sub-continental lithospheric mantle stranded during Pangean breakup.
Exploratory study of the global intent to accept COVID-19 vaccinations
Authors: de Figueiredo Alexandre , Larson Heidi J.
Published: September 2021

Background

As the world begins the rollout of multiple COVID-19 vaccines, pandemic exit strategies hinge on widespread acceptance of these vaccines. In this study, we perform a large-scale global exploratory study to examine the levels of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and explore sociodemographic determinants of acceptance.

Methods

Between October 31, 2020 and December 15, 2020, 26,759 individuals were surveyed across 32 countries via nationally representative survey designs. Bayesian methods are used to estimate COVID-19 vaccination acceptance and explore the sociodemographic determinants of uptake, as well as the link between self-reported health and faith in the government’s handling of the pandemic and acceptance.

Results

Here we show that intent to accept a COVID-19 vaccine is low in Lebanon, France, Croatia, and Serbia and there is population-level polarisation in acceptance in Poland and Pakistan. Averaged across all countries, being male, over 65, having a high level of education, and believing that the government is handling the pandemic well are associated with increased stated acceptance, but there are country-specific deviations. A belief that the government is handling the pandemic well in Brazil and the United States is associated with lower vaccination intent. In the United Kingdom, we find that approval of the first COVID-19 vaccine in December 2020 did not appear to have an impact on the UK’s vaccine acceptance, though as rollout has continued into 2021, the UK’s uptake exceeds stated intent in large-scale surveys conducted before rollout.

Conclusions

Identifying factors that may modulate uptake of novel COVID-19 vaccines can inform effective immunisation programmes and policies. Differential stated intent to accept vaccines between socio-demographic groups may yield insights into the specific causes of low confidence and may suggest and inform targeted communication policies to boost confidence.
Ultrasensitive glucose detection from tears and saliva through integrating a glucose oxidase-coupled DNAzyme and CRISPR–Cas12a
Authors: Zhang Caiying , Yao Hongfeng , Ma Qiang , Yu Bin
Published: September 2021

The accurate and sensitive detection of glucose from secretory clinical samples, such as tears and saliva, remains a great challenge.
Therapeutic effects of boronate ester cross-linked injectable hydrogels for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Jung Jae Min , Kim Seong Han , Giang Phan V. H. , Thambi Thavasyappan , Lee Doo Sung
Published: September 2021

In situ-forming implantable injectable depots have been developed for the controlled delivery of the chemotherapeutic drug DOX to eradicate hepatocellular carcinoma tumors.
Non-contact measurement of internal body temperature using subcutaneously implanted diamond microparticles
Authors: Kaminaga Kiichi , Yanagihara Hiromi , Genjo Takuya , Morioka Takamitsu , Abe Hiroshi , Shirakawa Masahiro , Ohshima Takeshi , Kakinuma Shizuko , Igarashi Ryuji
Published: September 2021

We demonstrate the feasibility of subcutaneously implanted fluorescent diamond microparticles as a temperature probe for the non-contact measurement of internal body temperature using a homemade wide-field optically detected magnetic resonance imager.
Au–Fe3O4 nanoagent coated cell membrane for targeted delivery and enhanced chem/photo therapy
Authors: Guo Yingshu , Cao Xiuping , Zhang Shusheng
Published: September 2021

We report the preparation of a Au–Fe3O4 nanoagent cell membrane coating, and the treatment process in cell.
Entering new chemical space with isolable complexes of single, zero-valent silicon and germanium atoms
Authors: Yao Shenglai , Xiong Yun , Saddington Artemis , Driess Matthias
Published: September 2021

Herein, we present the chemistry of isolable monatomic silicon(0) and germanium(0) complexes, highlighting their synthesis, structure, and reactivity, with a particular focus on the cyclic bis-carbene- and bis-silylene-supported silylones and germylones.
Revisiting the five-decade-old structure of the Fe2WO6 powder with incommensurate modulations
Authors: Quarez Éric , Espinosa-Angeles Julio César , Crosnier Olivier , Joubert Olivier , Brousse Thierry
Published: September 2021

New structural description of Fe2WO6 powder with incommensurate modulations providing valuable microstructural information and impacting on cation ordering.
Synergetic activation of CO2 by the DBU-organocatalyst and amine substrates towards stable carbamate salts for synthesis of oxazolidinones
Authors: Chen Xiao-Chao , Zhao Kai-Chun , Yao Yin-Qing , Lu Yong , Liu Ye
Published: September 2021

The development of an efficient methodology to transform CO2 into valuable chemicals has attracted increasing attention concerning the challenging issues of CO2-utitlization.
Chemical functionality at the liquid surface of pure unsaturated fatty acids
Authors: Stewart Aisling C. , Paterson Martin J. , Greaves Stuart J.
Published: September 2021

Molecular dynamics reveals the surface preference of functional groups at the liquid surface of fatty acids is unlike the bulk. Methyl groups disproportionally dominate while acid groups have minimal presence, CC increases linearly only up ton= 3.
Micro- and nanoplastic transfer in freezing saltwater: implications for their fate in polar waters
Authors: Alice Pradel , Maud Gautier , Dominique Bavay , Julien Gigault
Published: September 2021

While microplastics are trapped in saline ice, nanoplastics are expulsed along with salts. Natural organic matter, such as alginate, stabilizes nanoplastics against aggregation during freezing.
High-performance electrically transduced hazardous gas sensors based on low-dimensional nanomaterials
Authors: Kang Xiaolin , Yip SenPo , Meng You , Wang Wei , Li Dengji , Liu Chuntai , Ho Johnny C.
Published: September 2021

Gas sensing performances for hazardous gas detection with diverse low-dimensional materials and their hybrid combinations are comprehensively elaborated. The aim is to provide further insights into the material design for enhanced sensing performance.
Promoting electrocatalytic overall water splitting by sulfur incorporation into CoFe-(oxy)hydroxide
Authors: Kim Chiho , Lee Seunghun , Kim Seong Hyun , Kwon Ilyeong , Park Jaehan , Kim Shinho , Lee Jae-ho , Park Yoo Sei , Kim Yangdo
Published: September 2021

The incorporation of sulfur into (Co,Fe)-oxyhydroxide induced the change of the electronic structure and enhanced overall water splitting.
In vivo wound healing efficiency of curcumin-incorporated pectin-chitosan biodegradable films
Authors: Muthulakshmi V. , Rajarajeswari G. R.
Published: September 2021

Curcumin incorporated pectin/chitosan thin films application as a potential wound dressing material with good mechanical, barrier and antibacterial properties.
Influence of viral transport media and freeze–thaw cycling on the sensitivity of qRT-PCR detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acids
Authors: Holohan Cian , Hanrahan Sophia , Feely Nathan , Li Peng , O'Connell John , Moss Catherine , Carr Michael , Tagit Oya , Lee Gil U.
Published: September 2021

Synthetic linear SARS-CoV-2 RNA fragments (ssRNA) and a double-stranded DNA plasmid harbouring the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) gene are evaluated in four different VTM for up to 10 freeze–thaw cycles by qRT-PCR following a magnetic bead extraction.
Specific capture and intact release of breast cancer cells using a twin-layer vein-shaped microchip with a self-assembled surface
Authors: Gou Yixing , Chen Zhuyuan , Sun Changku , Wang Peng , You Zheng , Yalikun Yaxiaer , Tanaka Yo , Ren Dahai
Published: September 2021

This paper presents an effective complete solution using a vein-shaped biochip with self-assembled surface and trypsin digestion for the specific capture and intact release of breast cancer cells.
Reactive oxygen species-responsive polydopamine nanoparticles for targeted and synergistic chemo and photodynamic anticancer therapy
Authors: Dai Gaole , Chu Jacky C. H. , Chan Cecilia Ka Wing , Choi Chung Hang Jonathan , Ng Dennis K. P.
Published: September 2021

A ROS-responsive polydopamine-based nanocarrier has been developed which undergoes intracellular degradation to release and activate the immobilised doxorubicin and phthalocyanine-based photosensitiser for synergistic chemo and photodynamic therapy.
Sodium sulphide promoted synthesis of fused quinoline at room temperature
Authors: Singh Rashmi , Sharma Vishal Prasad , Yadav Priyanka , Sonker Priyanka , Singh Radhey Mohan , Tewari Ashish Kumar
Published: September 2021

A novel, simple and eco-friendly strategy for the synthesis of thiopyrano[4,3-b]quinolin-1-ones and pyrrolo[3,4-b]quinolin-1-ones from 2-alkynylquinoline-3-carbonitriles and sodium sulphide (Na2S·9H2O) under catalyst-free conditions at RT.
Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of enantiomerically pure endo-configured KOR agonists with 2-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane scaffold
Authors: Jonas Hendrik , Aiello Daniele , Frehland Bastian , Lehmkuhl Kirstin , Schepmann Dirk , Köhler Jens , Diana Patrizia , Wünsch Bernhard
Published: September 2021

Conformationally constrained endo-configured KOR agonists were designed, synthesized and pharmacologically evaluated. The synthesis comprises 7 reaction steps. The endo-configured pyrrolidine shows high KOR affinity (NR2 = pyrrolidino: Ki = 7.0 nM).
Tandem copper catalyzed regioselective N-arylation–amidation: synthesis of angularly fused dihydroimidazoquinazolinones and the anticancer agent TIC10/ONC201
Authors: Honnanayakanavar Jyoti M. , Nanubolu Jagadeesh Babu , Suresh Surisetti
Published: September 2021

Cu-Catalyzed regioselective N-arylation–amidation has been disclosed for the construction of angularly fused 1,2-dihydroimidazo[1,2-a]quinazolin-5(4H)-ones and total synthesis of the potential anticancer agent TIC10/ONC201 has been accomplished.
Synthesis of chiral branched allylamines through dual photoredox/nickel catalysis
Authors: Garbacz Mateusz , Stecko Sebastian
Published: September 2021

This work describes a new approach for the preparation of allylamines via cross-coupling of alkyl bromides with simple 3-bromoallylamines by merging the photoredox approach and Ni catalysis.
Construction of a spiro[pyrazolone-4,2′-pyridoindole] scaffold via a [3 + 3] cycloaddition of 2-indolylmethanol with a 4-aminopyrazolone-derived azomethine ylide
Authors: Nawaz Shah , Huang Yue , Bao Xiaoze , Wei Shiqiang , Wei Xingfu , Qu Jingping , Wang Baomin
Published: September 2021

A one-pot [3 + 3] cycloaddition of 2-indolylmethanol with an in situ generated azomethine ylide derived from 4-aminopyrazolone is developed to access the spiro[pyrazolone–pyridoindole] scaffold.
Three-dimensional polyaniline architecture enabled by hydroxyl-terminated Ti3C2Tx MXene for high-performance supercapacitor electrodes
Authors: Wang Lin , Tan Yu , Yu Zhifeng , Tian Hua , Lai Yuannan , He Yunyi , Xiang Hanqing , Wang Jianwei , Zhao Wenjun , Zhang Lin
Published: September 2021

Hydroxyl-terminated Ti3C2Tx MXene obtained by a step-by-step removal of the intermediate element from MAX phases can effectively improve the electrochemical performance of PANI for supercapacitors.
Visible-light-promoted divergent functionalizations of methylenecyclopropanes
Authors: Zhu Baoxiang , Wang Zhao , Xi Hui , Feng Zengqiang , Wang Binglei , Jiao Wenyang , Li Zhongxian , Wang Zechao , Wu Junliang
Published: September 2021

Visible-light-induced monofunctionalization and difunctionalization of MCPs via ring-opening and cyclization processes have been developed for the syntheses of difluoromethyl compounds, alkyl compounds, halides, and sulfonyl compounds.
Fluorometric trace methanol detection in ethanol and isopropanol in a water medium for application in alcoholic beverages and hand sanitizers
Authors: Roy Snigdha , Das Sanju , Ray Ambarish , Parui Partha Pratim
Published: September 2021

Detection of MeOH in EtOH/iPrOH and commercial samples based on water induced reversal of fluorescence response from the decrease to increase between the absence and presence of MeOH.
Role of rare-earth elements in enhancing bioelectrocatalysis for biosensing with NAD+-dependent glutamate dehydrogenase
Authors: Guan Lihao , Wu Fei , Ren Guoyuan , Wang Jialu , Yang Xiaoti , Huang Xiaohua , Yu Ping , Lin Yuqing , Mao Lanqun
Published: September 2021

This study demonstrated that REEs serve as allosteric promoters for bioelectrocatalysis of glutamate dehydrogenase by triggering subtle reorientation of peptide segments, consequently expediting phase coupling along with the catalytic scheme.
Chemoselective cysteine or disulfide modification via single atom substitution in chloromethyl acryl reagents
Authors: Xu Lujuan , Silva Maria J. S. A. , Gois Pedro M. P. , Kuan Seah Ling , Weil Tanja
Published: September 2021

2-Chloromethyl acryl derivatives (acrylamides and acrylates) can serve as simple and versatile bioconjugation reagents to achieve site-selective cysteine and disulfide modification on demand and with high efficiency.
Structure-based de novo drug design using 3D deep generative models
Authors: Li Yibo , Pei Jianfeng , Lai Luhua
Published: September 2021

DeepLigBuilder, a novel deep generative model for structure-based de novo drug design, directly generates 3D structures of drug-like compounds in the target binding site.
Ce-enhanced LaMnO3 perovskite catalyst with exsolved Ni particles for H2 production from CH4 dry reforming
Authors: Wei Tong , Pan Xueyan , Wang Shuohao , Qiu Peng , Du Xiangbowen , Liu Bo , Wang Ziling , Jia Lichao
Published: September 2021

Ce doping plays an important role in structural stability of the perovskite with exsolved Ni nanoparticles. The excellent ability of oxygen storage through the Ce3+/Ce4+ couples and steady Ni/perovskite interaction ensure the catalytic performance.
Electrokinetic sweeping of colloids at a reactive magnesium oxide interface
Authors: Fu Li , Ybert Christophe , Bonhomme Oriane , Joly Laurent , Biance Anne-Laure
Published: September 2021

The electrokinetic response of a reactive magnesium oxide surface decreases with time in acidic conditions, while colloids are swept away from the surface due to ion concentration gradients.
Structural, optical and dielectric properties of Sr2Ni1−xMgxWO6(x= 0.00, 0.02, 0.04, and 0.06) double perovskite
Authors: Mohamed Saadon Nur Amira Farhana , Ali Nurliyana Mohd , Ibrahim Norazila , Mohamed Zakiah
Published: September 2021

Sr2Ni1−xMgxWO6 (0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.06) polycrystalline samples were prepared using a solid state method and the structural, optical and dielectric properties of the samples were studied using XRD, UV-vis, FTIR and EIS respectively.
Photo-induced negative differential resistance and carrier-transport mechanisms in Bi2FeCrO6 resistive switching memory devices
Authors: Hu Songcheng , Tang Zhenhua , Zhang Li , Yao Dijie , Liu Zhigang , Zeng Siming , Guo Xiaobin , Jiang Yanping , Tang Xin-Gui , Ma Lin , Nie Zhaogang , Gao Ju
Published: September 2021

The new effects induced by light in materials have important potential applications in optoelectronic multifunctional electronic devices.
Cinnamic acid inhibits cell viability, invasion, and glycolysis in primary endometrial stromal cells by suppressing NF-κB-induced transcription of PKM2
Authors: Yao Qiuwen , Jing Guiying , Zhang Xiaowen , Li Meiling , Yao Qihuan , Wang Longhui
Published: September 2021

Background:  Endometriosis is a painful disorder characterized by the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. Here, we investigated the effects of the cinnamic acid isolated from the Chinese medicinal plant Cinnamomum cassia Presl on primary endometrial stromal cells. Methods:  Immunohistochemistry was used to examine protein expression and cell purity. Quantitative RT-PCR was conducted to assess mRNA expression, and Western blot was performed to determine protein level. Cell viability was assessed using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Glycolysis and mitochondrial function were evaluated by measuring the extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) and the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) of cells, respectively. Lastly, plasmid transfection and inhibitor treatment were used for overexpression and inhibition studies. Results: Cinnamic acid inhibited cell viability and cell invasion, as well as decreased ECAR and OCR, in primary endometrial stromal cells. Cinnamic acid suppressed the effects of PKM2 overexpression, and inhibition of PKM2 using Compound 3k mimicked the effects of cinnamic acid. Treatment with Compound 3k and cinnamic acid did not lead to additive effects, but rather displayed effects similar to those of Compound 3k alone, suggesting that cinnamic acid elicits its effects on primary endometrial stromal cells by targeting PKM2. Conclusions:  Our study identified cinnamic acid as a novel compound from Cinnamomum cassia Presl that displays potent effects on primary endometrial stromal cell viability, invasion, and glycolysis, suggesting its potential use for endometriosis treatment.