bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface Modification of Nickel‐Rich Cathode Materials by Ionically Conductive Materials at Room Temperature
Authors: Liang Yujia , Cai Jiyu , Liu Donghao , Chen Zonghai
Published: July 2021

Nickel‐rich cathode materials (LiNixMnyCo1−x−yO2, NMC) are promising to push the limits of lithium‐ion batteries to higher energy density. This approach is favored in practical applications including electric vehicles and aviation transportation. However, the instability of the NMC at charged state results in safety concerns and poor cycling stability. Surface coating is a practical and effective strategy to address this. Cubic Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) is an ideal coating material regarding the low electron transfer rate and high Li+ conductivity. Thus, a LLZO coating layer can suppress the parasitic reactions in the electrode/electrolyte interface without deteriorating the lithium migration. However, high‐temperature calcination seems to inevitably create the chemical couplings between NMC and LLZO, leading to the interdiffusion and degradation of NMC and LLZO crystal structures. This work presents a simple mechanochemical method to effectively coat LLZO on the NMC particle surface. The coated cathode demonstrates superior electrochemical performance compared with the pristine NMC cathode.
The effects of dual modification on functional, microstructural, and thermal properties of tapioca starch
Authors: Javadian Neda , Mohammadi Nafchi Abdorreza , Bolandi Marzieh
Published: July 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dual modification on the functional, microstructural, and thermal properties of tapioca starch. Tapioca starch was first hydrolyzed by 0.14 M HCl for 0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 hr and then hydroxypropylated by adding 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% (v/w) propylene oxide. The degree of hydroxypropylation, solubility, water absorption, rheological, thermal, and microstructure characterization of dually modified tapioca starch was determined. Hydroxypropylation did not cause any considerable changes in the starch granular size and shape of tapioca starch. Acid hydrolysis disrupts the starch granules, and the starches with smaller sizes were produced. The degree of molar substitution (DS) of dual modified starches ranged from 0.118 to 0.270. The dual modified starches significantly had higher solubility than native starch (p < .05). Hydrolysis of starches with acid decreases swelling power while hydroxypropylation increases the swelling power. The results also showed lower gelatinization (To, Tp, Tc, and ΔH) and pasting parameters (the peak and final viscosity, peak time, and pasting temperature) for the dual modified starches than other treatments. In summary, this study showed that dually modified tapioca starch has potential application in dip molding and coating.
Assigning evidence to actionability: An introduction to variant interpretation in precision cancer medicine
Authors: Horak Peter , Leichsenring Jonas , Goldschmid Hannah , Kreutzfeldt Simon , Kazdal Daniel , Teleanu Veronica , Endris Volker , Gieldon Laura , Allgäuer Michael , Volckmar Anna‐Lena , Dikow Nicola , Renner Marcus , Kirchner Martina , Penzel Roland , Ploeger Carolin , Brandt Regine , Seker‐Cin Huriye , Budczies Jan , Heilig Christoph E. , Neumann Olaf , Schaaf Christian P. , Schirmacher Peter , Fröhling Stefan , Stenzinger Albrecht
Published: July 2021

Modern concepts in precision cancer medicine are based on increasingly complex genomic analyses and require standardized criteria for the functional evaluation and reporting of detected genomic alterations in order to assess their clinical relevance. In this article, we propose and address the necessary steps in systematic variant evaluation consisting of bioinformatic analysis, functional annotation and clinical interpretation, focusing on the latter two aspects. We discuss the role and clinical application of current variant classification systems and point out their scope and limitations. Finally, we highlight the significance of the molecular tumor board as a platform for clinical decision‐making based on genomic analyses.
Permo‐Carboniferous crustal accretion in the northern Beishan Orogen, Inner Mongolia: Constraints from Sr–Nd–Hf isotopes and zircon U–Pb geochronology of diorites and granitoids
Authors: Li Min , Ren Bangfang , Xin Houtian , Duan Lianfeng , Ren Yunwei , Niu Wenchao , Liu Wengang
Published: July 2021

To research the Late Palaeozoic accretionary orogeny and vertical crustal accretion in the northern Beishan Orogen, the zircon U–Pb age, zircon Hf, and whole‐rock Sr–Nd isotopic composition from the Permo‐Carboniferous granitoids and diorites at Hazhu were recorded. Zircon laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry U–Pb dating shows that the diorite (323.9 ± 1.4 Ma) and quartz monzodiorite (322.6 ± 1.4 Ma) were emplaced during the Early Carboniferous; the tonalite (317.8 ± 1.4 Ma), granodiorite (318.4 ± 1.3 Ma), and monzogranite (316.0 ± 1.3 Ma) were emplaced during the Late Carboniferous; and the monzogranite (257.8 ± 1.1 Ma) was emplaced during the Late Permian. Compared with the Permian granitoids in this area, the mafic microgranular enclave contents in the Carboniferous granitoids are lower, with relatively high (87Sr/86Sr)i values (0.700812–0.706410), low εNd(T) values (0.95–3.72), and old Nd isotopic model age TDM (730–1,228 Ma). However, these Carboniferous granitoids still exhibit partial melting of juvenile crust. The εHf(T) values of Carboniferous granitoids are high (4.3–14.0) but lower than those of the Permian monzogranite (8.1–12.3). The Hf model age (392–781 Ma) is older than that of the Permian monzogranite (408–585 Ma). Recent regional geological data suggested that the Permo‐Carboniferous granitoids at Hazhu are all of juvenile crustal origin, exhibiting considerable mantle source components. Carboniferous granitoids and diorites have obvious arc magmatic properties, which are formed of juvenile crust during subduction accretion orogeny; Permian granitoids show the addition of more mantle‐derived components, which are formed by mantle‐derived magma underplating in an extensional environment and demonstrate the vertical growth of the crust. Our results provide new evidence for the time limit of the Late Palaeozoic accretion and orogeny in the northern Beishan Orogen and even for the vertical accretion of Phanerozoic crust along the southern margin of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt.
Investigating the spectral features of the brain meso‐scale structure at rest
Authors: Iandolo Riccardo , Semprini Marianna , Sona Diego , Mantini Dante , Avanzino Laura , Chiappalone Michela
Published: July 2021

Recent studies provide novel insights into the meso‐scale organization of the brain, highlighting the co‐occurrence of different structures: classic assortative (modular), disassortative, and core‐periphery. However, the spectral properties of the brain meso‐scale remain mostly unexplored. To fill this knowledge gap, we investigated how the meso‐scale structure is organized across the frequency domain. We analyzed the resting state activity of healthy participants with source‐localized high‐density electroencephalography signals. Then, we inferred the community structure using weighted stochastic block‐model (WSBM) to capture the landscape of meso‐scale structures across the frequency domain. We found that different meso‐scale modalities co‐exist and are diversely organized over the frequency spectrum. Specifically, we found a core‐periphery structure dominance, but we also highlighted a selective increase of disassortativity in the low frequency bands (<8 Hz), and of assortativity in the high frequency band (30–50 Hz). We further described other features of the meso‐scale organization by identifying those brain regions which, at the same time, (a) exhibited the highest degree of assortativity, disassortativity, and core‐peripheriness (i.e., participation) and (b) were consistently assigned to the same community, irrespective from the granularity imposed by WSBM (i.e., granularity‐invariance). In conclusion, we observed that the brain spontaneous activity shows frequency‐specific meso‐scale organization, which may support spatially distributed and local information processing.
Task‐related neural mechanisms of persecutory ideation in schizophrenia and community monozygotic twin‐pairs
Authors: Wisner Krista M. , Johnson Melissa K. , Porter James N. , Krueger Robert F. , MacDonald Angus W.
Published: July 2021

Perceptions of spiteful behavior are common, distinct from rational fear, and may undergird persecutory ideation. To test this hypothesis and investigate neural mechanisms of persecutory ideation, we employed a novel economic social decision‐making task, the Minnesota Trust Game (MTG), during neuroimaging in patients with schizophrenia (n = 30) and community monozygotic (MZ) twins (n = 38; 19 pairs). We examined distinct forms of mistrust, task‐related brain activation and connectivity, and investigated relationships with persecutory ideation. We tested whether co‐twin discordance on these measurements was correlated to reflect a common source of underlying variance. Across samples persecutory ideation was associated with reduced trust only during the suspiciousness condition, which assessed spite sensitivity given partners had no monetary incentive to betray. Task‐based activation contrasts for specific forms of mistrust were limited and unrelated to persecutory ideation. However, task‐based connectivity contrasts revealed a dorsal cingulate anterior insula network sensitive to suspicious mistrust, a left frontal–parietal (lF‐P) network sensitive to rational mistrust, and a ventral medial/orbital prefrontal (vmPFC/OFC) network that was sensitive to the difference between these forms of mistrust (all p < .005). Higher persecutory ideation was predicted only by reduced connectivity between the vmPFC/OFC and lF‐P networks (p = .005), which was only observed when the intentions of the other player were relevant. Moreover, co‐twin differences in persecutory ideation predicted co‐twin differences in both spite sensitivity and in vmPFC/OFC–lF‐P connectivity. This work found that interconnectivity may be particularly important to the complex neurobiology underlying persecutory ideation, and that unique environmental variance causally linked persecutory ideation, decision‐making, and brain connectivity.
Current salivary biomarkers for detection of human papilloma virus‐induced oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Smith Drew H. , Raslan Shahm , Samuels Michael A. , Iglesias Thomas , Buitron Isabella , Deo Sapna , Daunert Sylvia , Thomas Giovana R. , Califano Joseph , Franzmann Elizabeth J.
Published: July 2021

Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection is a key risk factor and etiology for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). HPV‐induced OPSCC is rapidly increasing in incidence, with men experiencing increased mortality. When identified at an early stage, HPV‐induced OPSCC can be successfully treated. Diagnosis of HPV‐related OPSCC relies on an expert physical examination and invasive biopsy. Since saliva bathes the oropharyngeal mucosa and can be collected noninvasively, saliva obtained via salivary risings is an attractive body fluid for early detection of HPV‐induced OPSCC. A plethora of DNA, RNA, and protein salivary biomarkers have been explored. This review discusses these markers and their robustness for detecting oncogenic HPV in OPSCC saliva samples. Methods detecting HPV DNA were more reliable than those detecting RNA, albeit both require time‐consuming analyses. Salivary HPV proteomics are a new, promising focus of HPV detection research, and while more practical, lag behind nucleic acid detection methods in their development.
Improving systems of prenatal and postpartum care for hyperglycemia in pregnancy: A process evaluation
Authors: MacKay Diana , Freeman Natasha , Boyle Jacqueline A. , Campbell Sandra , McLean Anna , Peiris David , Corpus Sumaria , Connors Christine , Moore Elizabeth , Wenitong Mark , Silver Bronwyn , McIntyre H. David , Shaw Jonathan E. , Brown Alex , Kirkham Renae , Maple‐Brown Louise ,   the Diabetes Across the Lifecourse: Northern Australia Partnership
Published: July 2021

Objective

To identify successes to date and opportunities for improvement in the implementation of a complex health systems intervention aiming to improve prenatal and postpartum care and health outcomes for women with hyperglycemia in pregnancy in regional and remote Australia.

Methods

A qualitative evaluation, underpinned by the RE‐AIM framework (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, maintenance), was conducted mid‐intervention. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with the participants, who included clinicians, regional policymakers and managers, and study implementation staff.

Results

Interviewees (n = 45) reported that the early phase of the intervention had resulted in the establishment of a clinician network, increased clinician awareness of hyperglycemia in pregnancy, and improvements in management, including earlier referral for specialist care and a focus on improving communication with women. Enablers of implementation included existing relationships with stakeholders and alignment of the intervention with health service priorities. Challenges included engaging remote clinicians and the labor‐intensive nature of maintaining a clinical register of women with hyperglycemia in pregnancy.

Conclusion

The early phase of this health systems intervention has had a positive perceived impact on systems of care for women with hyperglycemia in pregnancy. Findings have informed modifications to the intervention, including the development of a communication and engagement strategy.
Detecting brain tumors using deep learning convolutional neural network with transfer learning approach
Authors: Anjum Sadia , Hussain Lal , Ali Mushtaq , Alkinani Monagi H. , Aziz Wajid , Gheller Sabrina , Abbasi Adeel Ahmed , Marchal Ali Raza , Suresh Harshini , Duong Tim Q.
Published: July 2021

Accurate classification of brain tumor subtypes is important for prognosis and treatment. In this study, we optimized and applied non‐deep learning methods based on hand‐crafted features and deep learning methods based on transfer learning using softmax as classification and KNN and SVM as classification for features extracted from deep features of ResNet101. For non‐deep learning techniques, we extracted multimodal features as input to machine learning classifiers. For convolutional neural networks, we optimized and applied GoogleNet and ResNet101with transfer learning approach. The performance was evaluated in terms of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), false positive rate (FPR), total accuracy (TA), and area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) using Jack‐knife 10‐fold cross validation (CV) for the testing and validation of the dataset. For two‐class classification, entropy features using SVM Gaussian yielded the highest performance with 93.84% TA and 0.9874 AUC, and GoogleNet yielded 99.33% TA. For Multiclass classification, the highest performance to detect pituitary tumor yielded 95.65% accuracy and 0.95 AUC using ResNet101 with transfer learning. Deep features from ResNet101 using KNN improved detection of pituitary tumor (98.80% accuracy, 0.99 AUC), glioma (93.47% accuracy, 0.93 AUC), and meningioma (93.36% accuracy, 0.89 AUC). The deep features ResNet101‐SVM to detect pituitary tumor yielded performance (98.69% accuracy, 0.98 AUC). Deep learning methods with transfer learning along with softmax and KNN and SVM as classification outperformed traditional machine learning methods. This approach may prove useful for prognosis and treatment planning to achieve better clinical outcomes.
Listening for the Literacy Story: Implementing Holistic and Asset‐Based Literacy Curriculum through Literacy Portraiture
Authors: Henderson Violet
Published: July 2021

This discussion advocates implementing literacy portraiture within school‐based literacy curriculum when working with culturally and linguistically diverse learners. Through this approach, practitioners can attend to the learner, focus on their voice, and listen for their literacy story to create portraits of their learners from holistic, humanizing, and asset‐based perspectives. While there are varied ways to compose literacy portraits, this discussion provides an exploration of literacy portraiture. Literacy portraiture serves to speak back to deficit‐thinking stances by documenting and transforming, inspiring and informing, and speaking to the head and the heart.
Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles for immune response regulation: Mechanisms, applications, and perspectives
Authors: Cai Feiyang , Li Shiyi , Huang Hui , Iqbal Javed , Wang Canran , Jiang Xing
Published: July 2021

Immune responses are involved in the pathogenesis of many diseases, including cancer, autoimmune diseases, and chronic inflammation. These responses are attributed to immune cells that produce cytokines, mediate cytotoxicity, and synthesize antibodies. Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are novel agents that intervene with immune responses because of their unique physical‐chemical properties. In particular, GNPs enhance anti‐tumour activity during immunotherapy and eliminate excessive inflammation in autoimmune diseases. However, GNPs synthesized by conventional methods are toxic to living organisms. Green biosynthesis provides a safe and eco‐friendly method to obtain GNPs from microbes or plant extracts. In this review, we describe several patterns for green GNP biosynthesis. The applications of GNPs to target immune cells and modulate the immune response are summarized. In particular, we elaborate on how GNPs regulate innate immunity and adaptive immunity, including inflammatory signaling and immune cell differentiation. Finally, perspectives and challenges in utilizing green biosynthesized GNPs for novel therapeutic approaches are discussed.
Synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of curcumin‐loaded endodontic reparative material
Authors: Alipour Mahdieh , Fadakar Sadaf , Aghazadeh Marziyeh , Salehi Roya , Samadi Kafil Hossein , Roshangar Leila , Mousavi Ensieh , Aghazadeh Zahra
Published: July 2021

Curcumin (CUR) is an ancient therapeutic agent with remarkable antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory properties. The purpose of the current study was to synthesize and evaluate a curcumin‐based reparative endodontic material to reduce infection and inflammation besides the induction of mineralization during the healing of the dentin–pulp complex. Poly‐ɛ‐caprolactone (PCL)/gelatin (Gel)/CUR scaffold was synthesized and assessed by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermo‐gravimetric analysis (TGA). Agar diffusion test was performed against E. coli, A. baumannii, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, E. faecalis, and S. mutans. Moreover, proliferative, antioxidative, anti‐inflammatory, and calcification properties of these scaffolds on human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) were evaluated. The results showed that PCL/Gel/CUR scaffold had antibacterial effects. Also, these CUR‐based scaffolds had significant inhibitory effects on the expression of tumor necrosis factor α and DCF from inflamed hDPSCs (p < 0.05). Moreover, the induction of mineralization in hDPSCs significantly increased after seeding on CUR‐based scaffolds (p < 0.05). Based on these findings, the investigated CUR‐loaded material was fabricated successfully and provided an appropriate structure for the attachment and proliferation of hDPSCs. It was found that these scaffolds had antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti‐inflammatory characteristics and could induce mineralization in hDPSCs, which is essential for healing and repairing the injured dentin–pulp complex.
Understanding Fermi resonances behind the complex vibrational spectra of the methyl groups in simple alcohol, thiol, and their ethers
Authors: Huang Qian‐Rui , Matsuda Yoshiyuki , Eguchi Riku , Fujii Asuka , Kuo Jer‐Lai
Published: July 2021

Vibrational spectra of the methyl groups in CH3SH, CH3SCH3, CH3OH, and CH3OCH3 monomers were measured to analyze their complex features as a result of bend/umbrella‐stretch Fermi resonance. Multiple bands were recorded between 2800–3000 cm−1 associated with the vibrations of the methyl groups in CH3OH, and CH3OCH3. On the other hand, the corresponding spectra of CH3SH and CH3SCH3 are relatively simpler with main peaks between 2900 to 3000 cm−1. Theoretical ab initio anharmonic algorithm using six normal modes on a methyl group with potential energy surface at CCSD(T)‐F12/aug‐cc‐pVTZ quality is able to account for all the experimentally observed features across these four species. In CH3SCH3 and CH3SH, all three CH stretch fundamentals are above 2900 cm−1, but the fundamental of umbrella mode is lower than 1350 cm−1, thus only the overtone states of two bending modes are able to borrow sufficient intensities. In CH3OCH3 and CH3OH, umbrella modes have frequencies similar to the bending modes and the CH stretch fundamentals are red‐shifted to 2850–2950 cm−1 leading to more complex vibrational features due to better energy‐matching condition.
Preliminary exploration on the serum biomarkers of bloodstream infection with carbapenem‐resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae based on mass spectrometry
Authors: Bao Jinfeng , Ma Yating , Ding Mengshan , Wang Chi , Du Gaofei , Zhou Yuan , Guo Ling , Kang Haiquan , Wang Chengbin , Gu Bing
Published: July 2021

Background

Carbapenem‐resistant K. pneumoniae (CRKP) bloodstream infections (BSI) must be rapidly identified to improve patient survival rates. This study investigated a new mass spectrometry‐based method for improving the identification of CRKP BSI and explored potential biomarkers that could differentiate CRKP BSI from sensitive.

Methods

Mouse models of BSI were first established. MALDI‐TOF MS was then used to profile serum peptides in CRKP BSI versus normal samples before applying BioExplorer software to establish a diagnostic model to distinguish CRKP from normal. The diagnostic value of the model was then tested against 32 clinical CRKP BSI and 27 healthy serum samples. Finally, the identities of the polypeptides used to establish the diagnostic model were determined by secondary mass spectrometry.

Results

107 peptide peaks were shared between the CRKP and normal groups, with 18 peaks found to be differentially expressed. Five highly expressed peptides in the CRKP group (m/z 1349.8, 2091.3, 2908.2, 4102.1, and 8129.5) were chosen to establish a diagnostic model. The accuracy, specificity and sensitivity of the model were determined as 79.66%, 81.48%, and 78.12%, respectively. Secondary mass spectrometry identified the Fibrinogen alpha chain (FGA), Inter‐alpha‐trypsin inhibitor heavy chain H4 (ITIH4) and Serum amyloid A‐2 protein (SAA2) as the source of the 5 serum peptides.

Conclusions

We successfully established a serum peptide‐based diagnostic model that distinguished clinical CRKP BSI samples from normal healthy controls. The application of MALDI‐TOF MS to measure serum peptides, therefore, represents a promising approach for early BSI diagnosis of BSI, especially for multidrug‐resistant bacteria where identification is urgent.
Short‐term impacts of COVID‐19 on family caregivers: Emotion regulation, coping, and mental health
Authors: Russell Beth S. , Hutchison Morica , Park Crystal L. , Fendrich Michael , Finkelstein‐Fox Lucy
Published: July 2021

Background

The negative mental health impact of coronavirus disease 2019‐related stressors may be heightened for those caring for children, who bear responsibity for their welfare during disasters.

Aim

Based on the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping, we inquired whether caregivers' emotion regulation and coping behavior were associated with posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS).

Materials & Methods

Data were collected through a national online survey in April 2020, and again 60 days later.

Results:Of the 801 longitudinal cases, 176 (63.6% female; mean age = 33.5) reported caring for minors in their homes during the pandemic. Over 20% of caregivers experienced clinically concerning PTSS, rates higher than their noncaregiving counterparts. Regression analysis indicates caregivers' baseline mental health symptoms and emotion regulation predicted PTSS 60 days later.

Discussion

Implications for needed parenting supports among families experiencing traumatic stress are provided.

Conclusion

Anxiety symptoms at baseline were the most significant and consistent contributor to all models and were significantly higher among those with clinically concerning levels of PTSS suggesting a clear intervention target.
The path not taken: Distinguishing individuals who die by suicide from those who die by natural causes despite a shared history of suicide attempt
Authors: Beale Eleanor E. , Overholser James , Gomez Stephanie , Brannam Sidney , Stockmeier Craig A.
Published: July 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to identify variables that distinguish suicide risk among individuals with previous suicide attempts.

Method

Using psychological autopsy procedures, we evaluated 86 decedents who had at least one lifetime suicide attempt before eventual death by suicide (n = 65) or natural causes (n = 21).

Results

The Suicide Death group was more likely to be male, to have alcohol in the toxicology report at time of death, and to have a depression diagnosis, while the Natural Cause Death group was more likely to have personality disorder traits, a polysubstance use disorder, higher reported health stress, and an antidepressant in the toxicology report at time of death. Hopelessness and ambivalence were found to distinguish between groups during the 6 months before death.

Conclusions

These findings suggest important differences between individuals with a shared history of a suicide attempt who die by suicide versus natural causes.
Green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from Parrotiopsis jacquemontiana (Decne) Rehder leaf extract and its biological activities
Authors: Ali Saima , Sulaiman Sulaiman , Khan Asghar , Khan Muhammad Rashid , Khan Raees
Published: July 2021

Parrotiopsis jacquemontiana (Decne) Rehder aqueous extract of leaf was used for biosynthesis of AgNPs and characterized through UV–Visible spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier‐transform‐infrared, diffraction light scattering, and scanning electron microscope analysis. Moderate to strong antioxidant activity during in vitro antioxidant assays for scavenging of 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl (OH), nitric oxide (NO) radicals, iron chelation, and inhibition of β‐carotene bleaching was recorded with minimum IC50 value (27.70 ± 2.67 μg/ml) calculated for OH radicals. The AgNPs were evaluated against six multidrug resistant human bacterial strains and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) along with minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values was determined and all were found remarkably susceptible. The bacterial strain Staphylococcus aureus was the most susceptible with MIC = 5 μg/ml and MBC = 10 μg/ml. Among six fungal strains, Fumigatus esculentum was the most susceptible with MIC and MBC of 10 μg/ml. 3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2 yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) screening assay against cancer cell lines (HCCLM3, HEPG2, MDA‐MB 231, and MCF‐7) revealed the least IC50 values against HCCLM3 (74.20 ± 5.04) and MCF‐7 (91.90 ± 1.17). While no cytotoxicity against normal cell lines; LO2 and MCF‐10a was recorded. Parrotiopsis jacquemontiana silver nanoparticles (PJAgNPs) significantly (p > .001) prevented the migration of HCCLM3 cells in a dose‐dependent style, relative to control. The wound healing potential of AgNPs in rat was found higher (p < .05) for wound contraction rates, hydroxyproline content, hemostatic and re‐epithelization and regeneration efficiency in comparison to the reference group.
Micromorphological characters variation of lemma and palea in subtribe of Loliinae (Poaceae)
Authors: Tabaripour Raheleh , Keshavarzi Maryam , Ullah Fazal
Published: July 2021

The subtribe Loliinae is one of the largest subtribes of Poeae with about 600 species. Festuca is a large genus with close relations to other genera as Lolium, Castellia, and Vulpia. The taxonomic history of the Festuca‐Lolium species group is very complicated. The polyploidy and hybridization make it more confusing. Due to the morphological similarities between genera identification is very difficult, the aim of the present study is to provide the taxonomic characters for the delimitation of the taxa of subtribe Loliinae. We used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques for the evaluation of the lemma and palea surface micromorphology for 33 species of this subtribe. Multivariate statistical analysis was used to show the species groupings. Factor analysis based on the principal component analysis showed the diagnostic importance of each of the characters. The lemma and palea epidermal patterns of Castellia, Festuca, and Lolium were examined, and results revealed that Lolium and Vulpia sensu lato species made separate groups nested in the Festuca clusters. The length of the long cell of the lemma, prickle in the lemma and palea, the wall shape of long cells of the lemma, wax type, silica bodies of lemma and palea, and the short cells in palea were important diagnostic characters for the species studied. The measured and evaluated set of lemma and palea micromorphological features was unable to provide the delimitation of the Festuca genus as subgeneric or sectional level. Present observations illustrated a heterogeneous assemblage as Festuca that needs further study for delimitation.
Consensus statements and recommendations on the management of mild‐to‐moderate gastroesophageal reflux disease in the Southeast Asian region
Authors: Goh Khean‐Lee , Lee Yeong‐Yeh , Leelakusolvong Somchai , Makmun Dadang , Maneerattanaporn Monthira , Quach Duc Trong , Raja Ali Raja Affendi , Sollano Jose D , Tran Van Huy , Wong Reuben Kong‐Min
Published: July 2021

This paper reports the proceedings from the first consensus meeting on the management of mild‐to‐moderate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the Southeast Asian (SEA) region. Seventeen statements were drawn up by a steering committee that focused on epidemiology, mechanism of action, diagnostic investigations, and treatment. Voting on the recommendations used the Delphi method with two rounds of voting among the 10 panel members. The consensus panel agreed that GERD is mostly a mild disease in the SEA region with predominantly non‐erosive reflux disease (NERD). Complicated GERD and Barrett's esophagus are infrequently seen. The panel recommended endoscopy in patients with alarm or refractory symptoms but cautioned that the incidence of gastric cancer is higher in SEA. pH and impedance measurements were not recommended for routine assessment. The acid pocket is recognized as an important pathogenic factor in GERD. Lifestyle measures such as weight reduction, avoidance of smoking, reduction of alcohol intake, and elevation of the head of the bed were recommended but strict avoidance of specific foods or drinks was not. Alginates was recommended as the first‐line treatment for patients with mild‐to‐moderate GERD while recognizing that proton‐pump inhibitors (PPIs) remained the mainstay of treatment of GERD. The use of alginates was also recommended as adjunctive therapy when GERD symptoms were only partially responsive to PPIs.
A facile approach to [1,2,4]triazolo[3,4‐i]purine via PIDA oxidation ring‐closing reaction
Authors: Sun Xiangbin , Yu Mingwu , Mu Xianfeng , Zhou Zheng , Wang Linqing , Liu Jianhui , Liu Xiguang
Published: July 2021

A facile conversion of 6‐(2‐arylidenehydrazineyl) purines to [1,2,4] triazolo [3,4‐i] purines is presented using PhI(OAc)2 as oxidant in only 10 min under room temperature. This approach is metal‐free, wide functional group tolerant, and provides an efficient and convenient method to synthesize purine‐fused tricyclics.
Application of diazonium chemistry in purine modifications: A focused review
Authors: Sengupta Saumitra , Das Parthasarathi
Published: July 2021

Deaminative modifications of purines via diazonium chemistry have long been the cornerstone in modified nucleoside synthesis. The purpose of this review is to bring into focus the impact of dediazoniative methods such as non‐aqueous Sandmeyer halogenations, fluorination, arylation, and carbon‐heteroatom bond formations on natural purines and their nucleosides as versatile tools for purine modifications en route to various nucleoside drugs, drug discovery scaffolds, and adducted oligonucleotides of biomedical interests. Metal free reactions of arenediazonium salts with purine nucleosides for the synthesis of 8‐aryl purines, in particular, 8‐aryl guanosines and photochromic 8‐arylazo purines are also highlighted. The treatise is expected to create broad interest among organic and biological chemists for further explorations in this area.
Emerging Techniques in Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Guo Rui , Weingärtner Sebastian , Šiurytė Paulina , T. Stoeck Christian , Füetterer Maximilian , E. Campbell‐Washburn Adrienne , Suinesiaputra Avan , Jerosch‐Herold Michael , Nezafat Reza
Published: July 2021

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death and a significant contributor of health care costs. Noninvasive imaging plays an essential role in the management of patients with cardiovascular disease. Cardiac magnetic resonance (MR) can noninvasively assess heart and vascular abnormalities, including biventricular structure/function, blood hemodynamics, myocardial tissue composition, microstructure, perfusion, metabolism, coronary microvascular function, and aortic distensibility/stiffness. Its ability to characterize myocardial tissue composition is unique among alternative imaging modalities in cardiovascular disease. Significant growth in cardiac MR utilization, particularly in Europe in the last decade, has laid the necessary clinical groundwork to position cardiac MR as an important imaging modality in the workup of patients with cardiovascular disease. Although lack of availability, limited training, physician hesitation, and reimbursement issues have hampered widespread clinical adoption of cardiac MR in the United States, growing clinical evidence will ultimately overcome these challenges. Advances in cardiac MR techniques, particularly faster image acquisition, quantitative myocardial tissue characterization, and image analysis have been critical to its growth. In this review article, we discuss recent advances in established and emerging cardiac MR techniques that are expected to strengthen its capability in managing patients with cardiovascular disease.

Level of Evidence

5

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
Comparison of nasopharyngeal swab and nasopharyngeal aspiration in adults for SARS‐CoV‐2 identification using reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Ünsaler Selin , Okan Ayşe , Tekin Süda , Hafız Ayşenur M. , Gökler Ozan , Altuntaş Ozan
Published: July 2021

We aimed to compare reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) results of nasopharyngeal aspiration (NA) and nasopharyngeal swab (NS) samples in the diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019. NS was obtained with a dacron swab and NA was performed by aspiration cannula. The sampling was performed by an otolaryngologist to ensure standardized correct sampling from the nasopharynx. RT‐PCR was performed for the detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). The level of agreement between the result of NA and NS samples for each patient was analyzed. The Ct values were compared. Thirty‐three patients were enrolled in the study with a mean age of 56.3 years. Thirteen subjects resulted negative with both NS and NA; 20 subjects resulted positive with NA and 18 subjects resulted positive with NS. The mean values of Ct for NA samples and NS samples were 24.6 ± 5.9 and 24 ± 6.7, respectively. There was no statistical difference between Ct values of NA and NS samples (p = 0.48). RT‐PCR for SARS‐Cov2 performed with NA sample and NS sample showed a strong correlation regarding the positivity/negativity and the Ct values.
Performance assessment of seven SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays
Authors: Deshpande Ketki , PT Ullas , Kaduskar Ojas , Vijay Neetu , Rakhe Aparna , Vidhate Shankar , Khutwad Kirtee , Deshpande Gururaj Rao , Tilekar Bipin , Saka Sanskruti , Gadekar Kshitija , Patil Roshni , Yadav Pragya , Potdar Varsha , Gurav Yogesh , Gupta Priyanka , Kaur Harmanmeet , Narayan Jitendra , Sapkal Gajanan , Abraham Priya
Published: July 2021

The pandemic of COVID‐19 has caused enormous fatalities worldwide. Serological assays are important for detection of asymptomatic or mild cases of COVID‐19, and sero‐prevalence and vaccine efficacy studies. Here, we evaluated and compared the performance of seven commercially available enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)s for detection of anti‐severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) immunoglobulin G (IgG). The ELISAs were evaluated with a characterized panel of 100 serum samples from qRT‐PCR confirmed COVID‐19 patients, collected 14 days post onset disease, 100 SARS‐CoV‐2 negative samples and compared the results with that of neutralization assay. Results were analysed by creating the receiver operating characteristic curve of all the assays in reference to the neutralization assay. All kits, were found to be suitable for detection of IgG against SARS‐CoV‐2 with high accuracy. The DiaPro COVID‐19 IgG ELISA showed the highest sensitivity (98%) among the kits. The assays demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity in detecting the IgG antibodies against SARS‐CoV‐2. However, the presence of IgG antibodies does not always correspond to neutralizing antibodies. Due to their good accuracy indices, these assays can also aid in tracing mild infections, in cohort studies and in pre‐vaccine evaluations.
The development of long temperature and precipitation series for Ascension Island
Authors: Jones Philip D. , Lister David H.
Published: July 2021

Ascension Island has had a long intermittent record of instrumental weather recording. Here, we develop monthly records of mean temperature and precipitation totals (for 1924–2020 when an almost complete record is available) from the three principal recording sites: the capital Georgetown and two gauges at Wideawake Airfield. Although some of the data are in global climate databases, we have sourced as much data as possible from the primary sources in the United Kingdom, the United States and from the island itself. Air temperature shows statistically significant warming since 1950 of 0.54°C and since 1979 of 0.40°C, and agrees closely with sea surface temperatures, taken from the seas around the island, back to the start of the island series in 1924. Although the island is too small to be in Reanalyses, the warming trends of air temperatures from these products also agree, but the absolute air temperature values are about 1°C cooler than measured on the island. Annual precipitation on the island indicates it is very arid, with a long‐term average of only 165 mm. Occasionally, heavy monthly precipitation totals occur (always between February and June) which bring severe damage to the island's infrastructure and ecosystems. The heaviest monthly total was 334 mm for April 1985.
Caribbean Low‐Level Jet future projections using a multiparameter ensemble of RegCM4 configurations
Authors: Vichot‐Llano Alejandro , Martinez‐Castro Daniel , Bezanilla‐Morlot Arnoldo , Centella‐Artola Abel , Gil‐Reyes Laura , Torres‐Alavez José Abraham , Corrales‐Suastegui Arturo , Giorgi Filippo
Published: July 2021

A multiparameter ensemble generated by four configurations of the regional model RegCM4 using different cumulus parameterizations and driven by the HadGEM2‐ES global model is used to project changes in the Caribbean wind field, with the focus on the Caribbean Low‐Level Jet (CLLJ). Two scenarios are considered, the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5. The CLLJ shows a strengthening (weakening) during the summer (winter) months compared to present day conditions in both a near future (2020–2049) and far future (2070–2099) time slice, with an eastward and northward expansion (contraction) in the core region. The warmer conditions produce an increase in specific humidity and an intensified moisture flux from the lower to the middle atmosphere in correspondence of the jet intensification. This occurs as a result of an expansion (contraction) of the North Atlantic Subtropical High of about +2 hPa (−2 hPa) into the Caribbean. All the changes are statistically significant at the 95% confidence level with a consensus across all the ensemble members.
Observed changes in seasonal drought characteristics and their possible potential drivers over Pakistan
Authors: Ullah Irfan , Ma Xieyao , Yin Jun , Saleem Farhan , Syed Sidra , Omer Abubaker , Habtemicheal Birhanu Asmerom , Liu Mengyang , Arshad Muhammad
Published: July 2021

Long‐term drought monitoring and its assessment are of great importance for meteorological disaster risk management. The recurrent spells of heat waves and droughts have severely affected the environmental conditions worldwide, including Pakistan. The present work sought to investigate the spatiotemporal changes in drought characteristics over Pakistan during Rabi and Kharif cropping seasons. The role of large‐scale circulation and interannual mode of climate variability is further explored to identify the physical mechanisms associated with droughts in the region. Monthly precipitation and temperature data (1983–2019) from 53 meteorological stations were used to study drought characteristics, using the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI). The nonparametric Mann–Kendall, Sen's Slope, and Sequential Mann–Kendall tests were applied on the drought index to determine the statistical significance and magnitude of the historical trend. The state‐of‐the‐art Bayesian Dynamic Linear model was further used to analyse large‐scale climate drivers of droughts, revealed an increase in drought severity, mostly over arid to semiarid regions for both cropping seasons. While temperature played a significant role in defining droughts over dry and hot seasons, rainfall is influential over the western disturbances influenced region. The analysis of atmospheric circulation patterns revealed that large‐scale changes in wind speed, air temperature, relative humidity, and geopotential height anomalies are the likely drivers of droughts in the region. We found that Niño4, sea surface temperature, and multivariate El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO4.0) Index are the most influential factors for seasonal droughts across Pakistan. Overall, the findings provide a better understanding of drought‐prone areas in the region, and this information is of potential use for mitigating and managing drought risks.
The potential of in situ Raman spectroscopy in the study of the health of cement‐based materials of modern buildings during restoration works
Authors: Prieto‐Taboada Nagore , Gómez‐Laserna Olivia , Ibarrondo Iratxe , Martinez‐Arkarazo Irantzu , Castro Kepa , Arana Gorka , Olazabal María Ángeles , Arrieta Iñaki , Madariaga Juan Manuel
Published: July 2021

Although Raman spectroscopy is a common technique for the analysis of cement‐based materials in the research studies or in the field of Cultural Heritage to carried out multianalytical studies, it is not generally used as unique technique of a research or to carry out analysis during ordinary restoration works of modern urban buildings affected by environmental stressors. The disadvantages associated with Raman spectroscopy as fluorescence limits its implementation beyond research studies, more in the case of in situ equipment. However, the technological development allows high‐quality results with in situ equipment, so its use could be useful during restoration works. Thus, this work demonstrates how the implementation of the correct methodology could lead to useful and fast results during restoration works. The proposed methodology is based on the use of in situ analysis (screening) on the scaffolding, followed by the sampling of layers based on the previous screening and a posterior exhaustive laboratory analysis. The research has been conducted during the restoration works of a reinforced concrete building in which the attack of atmospheric acid gases (CO2, SO2, and NOx) was identified as the main affection suffered, and the fixed sulfates were the most important intermediary compounds of decaying processes. Many of the pollutants and decaying compounds were even identified during the in situ analysis, improving the anticipation and responsiveness. Therefore, this methodology allows the understanding of the chemistry of the materials to evaluate its health state in a fast and reliable way.
Eight‐Fold Increase in Dietary Supplement–Related Liver Failure Leading to Transplant Waitlisting Over the Last Quarter Century in the United States
Authors: Ghabril Marwan , Ma Jiayi , Patidar Kavish R. , Nephew Lauren , Desai Archita P. , Orman Eric S. , Vuppalanchi Raj , Kubal Shekhar , Chalasani Naga
Published: July 2021

We investigated the trends in listing and outcomes of drug‐induced acute liver failure (DIALF) over the last quarter century in the United States using the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database. We examined waitlisted patients in the UNOS database between 1995 and 2020 with a diagnosis of DIALF and assessed trends in etiologies, demographic and clinical characteristics, and outcomes over 3 periods: 1995‐2003, 2004‐2012, and 2013‐2020. Patients with DIALF and cirrhosis were classified as drug‐induced acute‐on‐chronic liver failure. Implicated agents including acetaminophen (APAP) and herbal or dietary supplements (HDSs) were ascertained. There were 2146 individuals with DIALF during the study period. The observed demographic trends between the earliest and latest period included fewer pediatric patients (18.8% to 13.5%) but with an increasing number of males in non‐APAP DIALF (31.8% to 41.4%) and increased racial diversity in APAP DIALF. Antimicrobials remained the most common non‐APAP agents across all periods, but antiepileptics, propylthiouracil, and mushroom poisoning decreased, while HDSs markedly increased from 2.9% to 24.1% of all non‐APAP DIALF patients. The overall 5‐year post‐liver transplantation (LT) patient survival improved significantly over the 3 periods (69.9% to 77.4% to 83.3%) and was evident for both APAP and non‐APAP DIALF. Over the last quarter century, there has been an 8‐fold increase in HDS‐related liver failure necessitating waitlisting for liver transplantation in the United States. There are other important temporal trends during the study period, including improved survival following LT among both APAP and non‐APAP DIALF patients.