bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identifying the Risk Factors and the Prevalence of Poor Glycemic Control among Diabetic Outpatients in a Rural Region in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Almalki Ziyad S. , Ahmed Nehad Jaser , Alahmari Abdullah K. , Alshehri Ahmed M. , Alyahya Sheikah Abdullah , Alqahtani Abdulhadi , Alhajri Mohammed 
Published: April 2021

Aim: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of poor glycemic control and risk factors associated with it among diabetic patients in the central rural region of Saudi Arabia.
Methods: The study included a review of diabetic patients’ medical record in King Khaled Hospital in Al-Kharj from the beginning of January 2019 to the end of June 2019. Poor glycemic control was defined as the current use of diabetic-lowering medication associated with HbA1c levels ≥7%. Multivariate analysis was done to identify the associated factors of poor glycemic control.
Results: Of 1,010 consecutive outpatients’ diabetic patients were involved in the study sample, poor glycemic control presented in 496 (49.1%). Individuals who were at risk to have poor glycemic control those between 45 and 65 years with odds ratio (OR) of 1.927 (95% CI: 1.143–3.248), obese 1.496 (95% CI: 1.085–2.063) and diagnosed with asthma 2.062 (95% CI: 1.637–3.504).
Conclusion: The extent of poor glycemic control in the study sample was found high. Age, obesity, and having asthma are the most important factors of increased risk of poor glycemic control. Improving glycemic control would need rigorous efforts by addressing these factors.
The Preventive Effects and Mode of Actions of Ulva Fasciata Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles in Doxorubicin-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Wistar Rats
Authors: Mahmoud Asmaa M. , Ahmed Osama M. , Mohamed Ibraheem B. , Soliman Hanan A. , Mohamed Basant M. 
Published: April 2021

Background: Hepatotoxicity was one of the major side effects associated with doxorubicin treatment in cancer chemotherapy. The synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from natural products such as algae especially green algae is one of the favorable means to minimize the deleterious effects of the chemotherapy. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the preventive role of AgNPs synthesized by Ulva fasciata (U. fasciata) against doxorubicin-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in the liver of male Wistar rats.
Materials and Methods: In the present study, the green macroalga U. fasciata ethanolic extract was used as reducing agents to reduce Ag ions to Ag0. Doxorubicin-injected male Wistar rats were concomitantly treated with U. fasciata ethanolic extract and AgNPs synthesized by U. fasciata extract (AgNPs/U. fasciata) 3 times/week by oral gavage for 6 weeks.
Results: The results showed that male Wistar rats injected with doxorubicin showed a significant increase in ALT, ALP and GGT activities and total bilirubin level as well as a reduction in the serum albumin level. The concurrent treatments of doxorubicin-injected rats with U. fasciata ethanolic extract and AgNPs/U. fasciata significantly abrogate these alterations. The altered levels of tumor biomarkers CA19.9 and AFP as well as pro-inflammatory cytokine, TNF-α, and anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-4, in doxorubicin-injected animals were significantly ameliorated by concurrent treatment with U. fasciata and AgNPs/U. fasciata. Moreover, the elevated mRNA expression of p53 significantly decreased by treatment. In association, the doxorubicin-induced deleterious histological changes represented by severe hydropic degenerative changes, steatosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, Kupffer cell proliferation and apoptosis were remarkably improved by concurrent treatment with U. fasciata extract and AgNPs/U. fasciata which was more potent.
Conclusion: Based on results of this study, it can be concluded that U. fasciata extract and AgNPs/U. fasciata counteracts doxorubicin-induced toxicity by suppression of inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis. AgNPs/U. fasciata was the most potent in improving hepatocyte integrity and liver histological architecture.
Graphical Abstract
Shared event‐memory for a public event in young and older adults
Authors: Cheriet Nawël , Folville Adrien , Bastin Christine 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis study examined the extent to which individuals can share similar memory representations of a public event and potential age‐related differences in memory similarity. Fifty‐three young and 59 older Belgian participants completed an online survey, where they recalled the deadly collapse of a bridge in a neighboring country 7 months ago. Results showed no age‐related differences in the number of details remembered or the amount of overlap of details within an age group. However, older participants mentioned the consequences of the incident more frequently than younger participants. These findings suggest that individuals who remember the same event can share common memory details and that across‐participants memory similarity for a public event remains spared in normal aging.
NK‐Cell Biofactory as an Off‐the‐Shelf Cell‐based Vector for Targeted In Situ Synthesis of Engineered Proteins
Authors: Repellin Claire E. , Ssemadaali Marvin A. , Newmyer Sherri , Radhakrishnan Harikrishnan , Javitz Harold S. , Bhatnagar Parijat 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe NK‐92MI, a fast‐growing cytolytic cell line with a track record of exerting clinical efficacy, is transformed into a vector for synthesizing calibrated amounts of desired engineered proteins at our disease site, that is, NK‐cell Biofactory. This provides an allogeneic option to the previously published T‐cell‐based living vector that is limited by high manufacturing cost and product variability. The modularity of this pathway, which combines a “target” receptor with an “effector” function, enables reprogramming of the NK‐cell Biofactory to target diseases with specific molecular biomarkers, such as cancer, viral infections, or auto‐immune disorders, and overcome barriers that may affect the advancement of NK‐cell therapies.
Fast X‐ray Nanotomography with Sub‐10 nm Resolution as a Powerful Imaging Tool for Nanotechnology and Energy Storage Applications
Authors: De Andrade Vincent , Nikitin Viktor , Wojcik Michael , Deriy Alex , Bean Sunil , Shu Deming , Mooney Tim , Peterson Kevin , Kc Prabhat , Li Kenan , Ali Sajid , Fezzaa Kamel , Gürsoy Doga , Arico Cassandra , Ouendi Saliha , Troadec David , Simon Patrice , De Carlo Francesco , Lethien Christophe 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn the last decade, transmission X‐ray microscopes (TXMs) have come into operation in most of the synchrotrons worldwide. They have proven to be outstanding tools for non‐invasive ex and in situ 3D characterization of materials at the nanoscale across varying range of scientific applications. However, their spatial resolution has not improved in many years, while newly developed functional materials and microdevices with enhanced performances exhibit nanostructures always finer. Here, optomechanical breakthroughs leading to fast 3D tomographic acquisitions (85 min) with sub‐10 nm spatial resolution, narrowing the gap between X‐ray and electron microscopy, are reported. These new achievements are first validated with 3D characterizations of nanolithography objects corresponding to ultrahigh‐aspect‐ratio hard X‐ray zone plates. Then, this powerful technique is used to investigate the morphology and conformality of nanometer‐thick film electrodes synthesized by atomic layer deposition and magnetron sputtering deposition methods on 3D silicon scaffolds for electrochemical energy storage applications.
Herringbone Microfluidic Probe for Multiplexed Affinity‐Capture of Prostate Circulating Tumor Cells
Authors: Glia Ayoub , Deliorman Muhammedin , Sukumar Pavithra , Janahi Farhad K. , Samara Bisan , Brimmo Ayoola T. , Qasaimeh Mohammad A. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn this work, for first time, circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are captured on an open biofunctionalized substrate with multiplexing capability. This is achieved by developing a new microfluidic probe (MFP) integrated with radially staggered herringbone (HB) elements for microvortex generation. The new tool, named as herringbone microfluidic probe (HB‐MFP), is a channel‐less microfluidic system with physically separated bottom capture substrate and top fluidics delivery system. The concept allows for functionalizing the capture substrate with multiple biorecognition ligands (in this work, stripes of different capture antibodies) and scanning the fluidics delivery system across the substrate in a 2D printing‐like movement. Using the HB‐MFP, CTCs are efficiently captured from prostate cancer blood samples through their specific EpCAM, PSMA, and PSA antigens in a single run, with counts ranging from as low as 6 CTCs mL‐1 (localized cancer patients) to as high as 280 CTCs mL‐1 (metastatic cancer patients). In the process, CTC clusters with sizes of as high as 40–50 cells are also successfully captured. The results indicate that multiplex profiles of CTCs could reveal certain cellular phenotypes based on PSMA and PSA expression levels. The developed HB‐MFP is simple and robust to use, allows for high throughput sample processing, and provides seamless access to captured CTCs for further downstream characterization.
Intense Mechanoluminescence in Undoped LiGa5O8 with Persistent and Recoverable Behaviors
Authors: Zhang Na , Tian Birong , Wang Zhaofeng , Smith Andrew T. , Ma Zhidong , Xue Zhonghua , Sun Luyi 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe distinctive crystal characteristics of undoped LiGa5O8 allow the production of abundant defects and traps in the structure, contributing to attractive luminescent properties. In this work, the mechanoluminescent pathways of LiGa5O8 are demonstrated in terms of the defect induced localized energy levels and trap levels, which are further optimized by adjusting the synthesis atmosphere. The results suggest that the LiGa5O8 synthesized under a reducing atmosphere exhibits an extremely intense mechanoluminescence, which is even better than that of commercial ZnS:Cu. Because of the existence of shallow trap with the spontaneous transfer activity at room temperature, the mechanoluminescence of LiGa5O8 can also exhibit a persistent behavior, overcoming the transient emitting problem in most of the previous mechanoluminescent materials. In addition, the mechanoluminescence of LiGa5O8 can be easily and quickly recovered by refilling the energy in traps. As a result, the undoped LiGa5O8 is confirmed to be an efficient material with intense, persistent, and recoverable mechanoluminescence, which is promising to substitute the doped ones for various applications.
Direct Measurement of Transient Charging and Dipole Alignment Speed in Ferroelectric Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 Gate Dielectric Using Graphene FETs
Authors: Hwang Hyeon Jun , Lee Sang Kyung , Kim Seung Mo , Lee Byoung Hun 
Published: April 2021

AbstractA novel method to analyze the ferroelectric switching behaviors of Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 (HZO) gate dielectric is developed using the unique charge response characteristics of graphene field effect transistor (GFET). The linear density of state of graphene in a low Vg region enables a detailed transient analysis of the effects of transient charging and dipole switching. The trans‐conductance of GFET with ferroelectric HZO is observed to be increased by 610% in DC measurement with a minimal hysteresis as reported for negative capacitance FET. However, fast pulse I–V analysis reveals that the improved swing and small hysteresis of GFET with ferroelectric HZO are the result of compensation between the bulk charge trapping and dipole charges.
Squaramide Catalyzed Asymmetric Synthesis of Five‐ and Six‐Membered Rings
Authors: Biswas Anup , Ghosh Avisek , Shankhdhar Rajat , Chatterjee Indranil 
Published: April 2021

AbstractChiral analogues of squaramides have been fruitful in organocatalyzed asymmetric reactions over last decade. Alongside other H‐bonding catalysts like ureas, thioureas: squaramides have been proved to be efficient asymmetric catalysts for the formation of acyclic and cyclic chiral molecules. A wide range of cyclic molecules bearing multiple functionalities and stereocenters have been synthesized by using several bifunctional squaramides as catalysts. These catalysts perform as base utilizing basic N atom in their chiral extension and help in stereoinduction by forming H‐bonds with suitable H‐bond acceptors. The present review focuses on assembling recent progresses of asymmetric synthesis of five and six membered rings promoted by squaramides. A handful of articles have been published by several research groups documenting asymmetric construction of five‐ and six‐membered rings as part of interesting and complex molecular architectures. Different methodologies like conventional and formal cycloadditions or cascade reactions have been engineered through the assistance of chiral squaramides to fabricate the carbo‐ and heterocycles. This review also includes dual and cooperative catalytic system in which squaramide is one of the catalysts.
Comprehensive insight of crosslinking agent concentration influence on starch‐based aerogels porous structure
Authors: Camani Paulo H. , Gonçalo Maria G. M. , Barbosa Rennan F. S. , Rosa Derval S. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn this work, we evaluated starch‐based aerogels prepared using freeze‐drying, and an eco‐friendly crosslinking agent (trisodium citrate), in three different concentrations: 12.8, 19.3, and 25.7 mg ml−1. Aerogels were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, relative density, porosity percentage, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and water uptake. The results indicated a higher reticulation and crystallinity and lower water uptake, increasing crosslinking agent concentration (Aero 1:2). SEM images revealed the prominent presence of macroporous structure (more than 50 nm) within the aerogel, containing small and large pores within the aerogel structure. The small pores were statistically similar for Aero 1:1 and Aero 1:1.5, as observed by analysis of variance analysis, but they were statistically different from Aero 1:2. The large pores diameter increased with higher crosslinking concentration and induced them as closed pores, resulting in a less porous structure. This result is directly associated with a higher reticulation degree. Overall, the influence of crosslinking agent concentration was studied and indicated that Aero 1:1.5 presented valuable properties.
Co9S8@CN Composites Obtained from Thiacalix[4]arene‐Based Coordination Polymers for Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Wang Zhao , Wang Meilin , He Kai , Hang Xinxin , Bi Yanfeng 
Published: April 2021

AbstractMetal sulfides have been recognized as promising electrodes for electrochemical energy storage owing to their remarkable electrochemical properties. Here, we demonstrate the preparation of Co9S8 nanoparticles anchored on a carbon matrix (denoted as Co9S8‐X@CN (X=1, 2)) from precursor sources, two 1D infinite coordination polymers 1 and 2. The two polymers were assembled by linking Co4‐TC4A secondary building blocks (SBUs) with ligands L1 and L2, respectively (H4TC4A=p‐tert‐butylthiacalix[4]arene, L1=1,4‐bis(2H‐tetrazol‐5‐yl)benzene, L2=1,3‐bis(2H‐tetrazol‐5‐yl)benzene). The composites obtained from 1D polymers showed different morphologies, that is, the Co9S8 nanoparticles of Co9S8‐1@CN are octahedral with a size of ca. 140 nm, while the lamellar Co9S8 nanoparticles in Co9S8‐2@CN possess different sizes (50–150 nm). The Co9S8‐2@CN immobilized on nickel foam (Co9S8‐2@CN/NF) show better supercapacitive performance than that of Co9S8‐1@CN. Co9S8‐2@CN showed exceptionally high activities, combining higher specific capacitances (445.2 F g−1 at 2 A g−1 and 393.9 F g−1 and 5 A g−1), rate capacity (94.5% retention at 2 A g−1), and long‐term stability (79.2% retention at 5 A g−1 over 1000 cycles). The smaller size and larger BET surface area of Co9S8‐2@CN nanoparticles can improve the electrical conductivity and provide facile pathways for charge transport, thus leading to conspicuous electrochemical performance of Co9S8‐2@CN compared with its Co9S8‐1@CN counterpart.
Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Coupled with Production of Highly Value‐Added Organic Chemicals by a Composite Photocatalyst CdIn2S4@MIL‐53‐SO3Ni1/2
Authors: Zhang Huan‐Huan , Zhan Guo‐Peng , Liu Zi‐Kun , Wu Chuan‐De 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPhotocatalytic water splitting coupled with the production of highly value‐added organic chemicals is of significant importance, which represents a very promising pathway for transforming green solar energy into chemical energy. Herein, we report a composite photocatalyst CdIn2S4@MIL‐53‐SO3Ni1/2, which is highly efficient on prompting water splitting for the production of H2 in the reduction half‐reaction and selective oxidation of organic molecules for the production of highly value‐added organic chemicals in the oxidation half‐reaction under visible light irradiation. The superior photocatalytic properties of the composite photocatalyst CdIn2S4@MIL‐53‐SO3Ni1/2 should be ascribed to coating suspended ion catalyst (SIC), consisting of redox‐active NiII ions in the anionic pores of coordination network MIL‐53‐SO3−, on the surface of photoactive CdIn2S4, which endows photogenerated electron‐hole pairs separate more efficiently for high rate production of H2 and selective production of highly value‐added organic products, demonstrating great potential for practical applications.
Size‐dependent light scattering of CoOOH nanoflakes for convenient and sensitive detection of alkaline phosphatase in human serum
Authors: Zhu Lu Ning , Cheng Ru , Kang Kai Wen , Chen Ming Yun , Zhan Tianrong , Wang Jian 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAs a natural enzyme, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) plays an essential role in clinicopathological examinations and biomedical research, and is capable of hydrolyzing the phosphate group of l‐ascorbic acid‐2‐phosphate (AAP) to yield l‐ascorbic acid (L‐AA). L‐AA reduced cobalt oxyhydroxide (CoOOH) nanoflakes to Co2+, leading to a smaller size and weaker light scattering, which could be monitored by electron microscopic images and optical spectra. The indirect detection of ALP was achieved by the reduced light scattering signal of CoOOH nanoflakes. Under optimal conditions, the decrease in scattering intensity was proportional to the ALP concentration over the range 0.1–160 U/L and the detection limit was 0.034 U/L (3σ/k). Compared with other assays, this proposed light scattering method was more convenient and economic for ALP sensing. The method was successfully applied to ALP analysis in human serum samples, and was similar to the results obtained by commercial kits.
Biocomputing Based on DNA Strand Displacement Reactions
Authors: Lv Hui , Li Qian , Shi Jiye , Fan Chunhai , Wang Fei 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe high sequence specificity and precise base complementary pairing principle of DNA provides a rich orthogonal molecular library for molecular programming, making it one of the most promising materials for developing bio‐compatible intelligence. In recent years, DNA has been extensively studied and applied in the field of biological computing. Among them, the toehold‐mediated strand displacement reaction (SDR) with properties including enzyme free, flexible design and precise control, have been extensively used to construct biological computing circuits. This review provides a systemic overview of SDR design principles and the applications. Strategies for designing DNA‐only, enzymes‐assisted, other molecules‐involved and external stimuli‐controlled SDRs are described. The recently realized computing functions and the application of DNA computing in other fields are introduced. Finally, the advantages and challenges of SDR‐based computing are discussed.
Mediation and the degree of its institutionalization in the Czech Republic within the context of the development of the discipline in Europe
Authors: Holá Lenka , Urbanová Martina , Fiedor David 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe paper aims at analyzing the degree of institutionalization of mediation. Samuel Huntington's concept of an institution is applied to mediation in the Czech Republic, in the development context of mediation in Europe. The degree of institutionalization of mediation is analyzed using the dimensions of adaptability, autonomy, coherence, and integrity. The question of examining the degree of institutionalization of mediation has not been addressed by research yet. Using the example of the Czech Republic, the paper illustrates new ways of analyzing the degree of the institutionalization of mediation. This should help with focusing on its dimensions, which are still underdeveloped.
Air monitoring for illegal drugs including new psychoactive substances: A review of trends, techniques and thermal degradation products
Authors: Gent Luke , Paul Richard 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe detection of illicit psychotropic substances in both indoor and outdoor air is a challenging analytical discipline, and the data from such investigation may provide intelligence in a variety of fields. Applications of drug monitoring in air include providing data on national and international drug consumption trends, as monitored by organisations such as the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Air monitoring enables mapping of illicit drug manufacturing, dealing or consumption in cities and the identification of emergent compounds including the recent proliferation of new psychoactive substances (NPS). The rapid spread of NPS has changed the global drug market with greater diversity and dynamic spread of such compounds over several nations. This review provides an up to date analysis of key thematic areas within this analytical discipline. The process of how illicit psychotropic substances spread from emission sources to the atmosphere is considered alongside the sampling and analytical procedures involved. Applications of the technique applied globally are reviewed with studies ranging from the analysis of individual dwellings through to major international air‐monitoring campaigns providing evidence on global drug trends. Finally, we consider thermal breakdown products of illicit psychotropic substances including NPS that are released upon heating, combustion or vaping and related potential for exposure to these compounds in the air.