bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Observational Study on Hypopigmented \ Depigmented Macules in Geriatric Population Attending Dermatology OPD in a Tertiary Care Centre
Authors: Sharma B. Shea , Thomas Jayakar 
Published: October 2021

This article lays out the common hypopigmented \depigmented lesions in geriatric population encountered in dermatology OPD in a tertiary care centre in India. Hypopigmented/depigmented lesions is commonly encountered in a dermatology OPD on a day to day basis. This study is an observational study carried out on 100 patients in dermatology OPD in a tertiary care centre who satisfied the inclusion criteria of age more than 60 years with hypopigmented or depigmented lesions. Hypopigmented/depigmented lesions have a great impact on patients aesthetic appearance leading to psychosocial impairment. A further research with larger sample size and longer study duration can help us understand hypomelanosis in geriatric population better.
Prevalence and Pathophysiology of Pediatric Urolithiasis - A Review
Authors: Fadl Ahmed Abdelsamie , Pasha Zakiah Esmail , Abanumay Abdulaziz Adel , Baz Albatool Mohammad , Hariri Lena Mohammed Noor , Hussain A. Alghamdi, Abdullah , Alshami M. Alruwaili, Saleh , Mukhlef H. Alanazi, Yousef , Nahedh Z. Albaqami, Khalaf , Ezzat Mohammed Adel , Alabdulqader Dana Khalid , Mohsen Waad Mohammed 
Published: October 2021

Urolithiasis is a condition in which hard deposits made of salts and minerals are accumulated inside the kidneys. A lot of studies demonstrated adult urolithiasis but studies on pediatric urolithiasis is still scarce. Studies had shown that pediatric urolithiasis prevalence is progressively increasing worldwide. The main cause for this increase is not totally clear but has been associated to changes in climate, nutritional habits and other environmental factors. Pediatric urolithiasis is distinctive and different from adult urolithiasis concerning prevalence, etiology and clinical presentation. Over the time while the condition was evolving, the main cause has changed from predominantly infectious to metabolic in nature. Pediatric urolithiasis should not be underestimated as it is associated with morbidity mainly since it possesses a striking feature which is ability to recur. Metabolic risk factors are more communal in pediatric urolithiasis than in adults. The common type of calculi in children is comprised of either calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate mainly and is often associated with a metabolic abnormality. Informed as metabolic abnormalities, Idiopathic hypercalciuria and hypocitraturia are the most frequently reported. A good understanding of the causes and risk factors of pediatric urolithiasis will provide better strategies and techniques for calculi treatment and prevention in children.
Self‐Healing of Hyaluronic Acid to Improve In Vivo Retention and Function
Authors: Gilpin Anna , Zeng Yuze , Hoque Jiaul , Ryu Ji Hyun , Yang Yong , Zauscher Stefan , Eward William , Varghese Shyni 
Published: October 2021

AbstractConvergent advances in the field of soft matter, macromolecular chemistry, and engineering have led to the development of biomaterials that possess autonomous, adaptive, and self‐healing characteristics similar to living systems. These rationally designed biomaterials can surpass the capabilities of their parent material. Herein, the modification of hyaluronic acid (HA) to exhibit self‐healing properties is described, and its physical and biological function both in vitro and in vivo is studied. The in vitro findings showed that self‐healing HA designed to undergo self‐repair improves lubrication, enhances free radical scavenging, and attenuates enzymatic degradation compared to unmodified HA. Longitudinal imaging following intraarticular injection of self‐healing HA shows improved in vivo retention despite its low molecular weight. Concomitant with these functions, intraarticular injection of self‐healing HA mitigates anterior cruciate ligament injury‐mediated cartilage degeneration in rodents. This proof‐of‐concept study shows how incorporation of functional properties such as self‐healing can be used to surpass the existing capabilities of biolubricants.
Broad‐Spectrum Antiviral Peptides and Polymers
Authors: Kuroki Agnès , Tay Joyce , Lee Guan Huei , Yang Yi Yan 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAs the human cost of the pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is still being witnessed worldwide, the development of broad‐spectrum antiviral agents against emerging and re‐emerging viruses is seen as a necessity to hamper the spread of infections. Various targets during the viral life‐cycle can be considered to inhibit viral infection, from viral attachment to viral fusion or replication. Macromolecules represent a particularly attractive class of therapeutics due to their multivalency and versatility. Although several antiviral macromolecules hold great promise in clinical applications, the emergence of resistance after prolonged exposure urges the need for improved solutions. In the present article, the recent advancement in the discovery of antiviral peptides and polymers with diverse structural features and antiviral mechanisms is reviewed. Future perspectives, such as, the development of virucidal peptides/polymers and their coatings against SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, standardization of antiviral testing protocols, and use of artificial intelligence or machine learning as a tool to accelerate the discovery of antiviral macromolecules, are discussed.
Facet‐Dependent Biodegradable Mn3O4 Nanoparticles for Ameliorating Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Xu Zhuojia , Qu Aihua , Wang Weiwei , Lu Meiru , Shi Baimei , Chen Chen , Hao Changlong , Xu Liguang , Sun Maozhong , Xu Chuanlai , Kuang Hua 
Published: October 2021

AbstractParkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegeneration disease. Unfortunately, there are no effective measures to prevent or inhibit this disease. In this study, biodegradable Mn3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) in different shapes are prepared and enclosed them by {100}, {200} and {103} facets that exhibit facet‐dependent protection against neurotoxicity induced by oxidative damage in a cell model of PD. Notably, Mn3O4 nanorods enclosed by {103} facets exhibit high levels of enzyme‐like activity to eliminate reactive oxygen specie in vitro. It is also determined that the uptake pathway of Mn3O4 NPs into MN9D cells is mediated by caveolin. The data demonstrate that Mn3O4 nanorods can be taken up by cells effectively and confer excellent levels of neuroprotection while the biodegradation of Mn3O4 NPs in vivo is confirmed by photoacoustic image of Mn3O4 NPs in brain at 60 d. Furthermore, the oxygen scavenging effect created by Mn3O4 nanorods is successfully applied to a mouse model of PD; the amount of α‐synuclein in the cerebrospinal fluid of PD mice is reduced by 61.2% in two weeks, thus demonstrating the potential application of facet‐directed Mn3O4 NPs for the clinical therapy of neurodegenerative disease.
Unraveling an Innate Mechanism of Pathological Mineralization‐Regulated Inflammation by a Nanobiomimetic System
Authors: Wang Dongyang , Wang Xiaomeng , Huang Lei , Pan Ziyi , Liu Kexuan , Du Beibei , Xue Ying , Li Bei , Zhang Yuan , Wang Huan , Li Daowei , Sun Hongchen 
Published: October 2021

AbstractPathological mineralization (PTM) often occurs under inflammation and affects the prognosis of diseases, such as atherosclerosis and cancers. However, how the PTM impacts inflammation has not been well explored. Herein, poly lactic‐co‐glycolic acid (PLGA)/gelatin/hydroxyapatite (HA) electrospun nanofibers are rationally designed as an ideal PTM microenvironment biomimetic system for unraveling the role of PTM on inflammation. The results demonstrate that the inflammatory response decreases continuously during the process of mineralization. When mature macromineralization forms, the inflammation almost completely disappears. Mechanistically, the PTM formation is mediated by matrix proteins, local high calcium, and cell debris (nuclei), or actively regulated by the lysosomal/plasma membrane components secreted by macrophages. These inflammatory inducible factors (calcium, cell debris, etc.) can be “buried” through PTM process, resulting in reduced immune responses. Overall, the present study demonstrates that PTM is an innate mechanism of inflammation subsidence, providing valuable insight into understanding the action of mineralization on inflammation.
Controllable Nonclassical Conductance Switching in Nanoscale Phase‐Separated (PbI2)1−x(BiI3)x Layered Crystals
Authors: Alexander Grant C. B. , Krantz Patrick W. , Jung Hee Joon , Davis Samuel Kenneth , Xu Yaobin , Dravid Vinayak P. , Chandrasekhar Venkat , Kanatzidis Mercouri G. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractLayered 2D (PbI2)1−x(BiI3)x materials exhibit a nonlinear dependence in structural and charge transport properties unanticipated from the combination of PbI2 and BiI3. Within (PbI2)1−x(BiI3)x crystals, phase integration yields deceptive structural features, while phase boundary separation leads to new conductance switching behavior observed as large peaks in current during current–voltage (I–V) measurements (±100 V). Temperature‐ and time‐dependent electrical measurements demonstrate that the behavior is attributed to ionic transport perpendicular to the layers. High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy reveals that the structure of (PbI2)1−x(BiI3)x is a “brick wall” consisting of two phases, Pb‐rich and Bi‐rich. These brick‐like features are 10s nm a side and it is posited that iodide ion transport at the interfaces of these regions is responsible for the conductance switching action.
Physical Disruption of Solid Tumors by Immunostimulatory Microrobots Enhances Antitumor Immunity
Authors: Zhou Jiarong , Karshalev Emil , Mundaca‐Uribe Rodolfo , Esteban‐Fernández de Ávila Berta , Krishnan Nishta , Xiao Crystal , Ventura Christian J. , Gong Hua , Zhang Qiangzhe , Gao Weiwei , Fang Ronnie H. , Wang Joseph , Zhang Liangfang 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe combination of immunotherapy with other forms of treatment is an emerging strategy for boosting antitumor responses. By combining multiple modes of action, these combinatorial therapies can improve clinical outcomes through unique synergisms. Here, a microrobot‐based strategy that integrates tumor tissue disruption with biological stimulation is shown for cancer immunotherapy. The microrobot is fabricated by loading bacterial outer membrane vesicles onto a self‐propelling micromotor, which can react with water to generate a propulsion force. When administered intratumorally to a solid tumor, the disruption of the local tumor tissue coupled with the delivery of an immunostimulatory payload leads to complete tumor regression. Additionally, treatment of the primary tumor results in the simultaneous education of the host immune system, enabling it to control the growth of distant tumors. Overall, this work introduces a distinct application of microrobots in cancer immunotherapy and offers an attractive strategy for amplifying cancer treatment efficacy when combined with conventional therapies.
Strongly Anisotropic Strain‐Tunability of Excitons in Exfoliated ZrSe3
Authors: Li Hao , Sanchez‐Santolino Gabriel , Puebla Sergio , Frisenda Riccardo , Al‐Enizi Abdullah M. , Nafady Ayman , D'Agosta Roberto , Castellanos‐Gomez Andres 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe effect of uniaxial strain on the band structure of ZrSe3, a semiconducting material with a marked in‐plane structural anisotropy, is studied. By using a modified three‐point bending test apparatus, thin ZrSe3 flakes are subjected to uniaxial strain along different crystalline orientations monitoring the effect of strain on their optical properties through micro‐reflectance spectroscopy. The obtained spectra show excitonic features that blueshift upon uniaxial tension. This shift is strongly dependent on the direction along which the strain is being applied. When the flakes are strained along the b‐axis, the exciton peak shifts at ≈60–95 meV %−1, while along the a‐axis, the shift only reaches ≈0–15 meV %−1. Ab initio calculations are conducted to study the influence of uniaxial strain, applied along different crystal directions, on the band structure and reflectance spectra of ZrSe3, exhibiting a remarkable agreement with the experimental results.
Low‐Bandgap Organic Bulk‐Heterojunction Enabled Efficient and Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wu Shengfan , Li Zhen , Zhang Jie , Wu Xin , Deng Xiang , Liu Yiming , Zhou Jingkun , Zhi Chunyi , Yu Xinge , Choy Wallace C. H. , Zhu Zonglong , Jen Alex K.‐Y. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractLead halide perovskite and organic solar cells (PSCs and OSCs) are considered as the prime candidates currently for clean energy applications due to their solution and low‐temperature processibility. Nevertheless, the substantial photon loss in near‐infrared (NIR) region and relatively large photovoltage deficit need to be improved to enable their uses in high‐performance solar cells. To mitigate these disadvantages, low‐bandgap organic bulk‐heterojunction (BHJ) layer into inverted PSCs to construct facile hybrid solar cells (HSCs) is integrated. By optimizing the BHJ components, an excellent power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 23.80%, with a decent open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of 1.146 V and extended photoresponse over 950 nm for rigid HSCs is achieved. The resultant devices also exhibit superior long‐term (over 1000 h) ambient‐ and photostability compared to those from single‐component PSCs and OSCs. More importantly, a champion PCE of 21.73% and excellent mechanical durability can also be achieved in flexible HSCs, which is the highest efficiency reported for flexible solar cells to date. Taking advantage of these impressive device performances, flexible HSCs into a power source for wearable sensors to demonstrate real‐time temperature monitoring are successfully integrated.
Ultrafast Digital Fabrication of Designable Architectured Liquid Crystalline Elastomer
Authors: Fang Mengqi , Liu Tao , Xu Yang , Jin Binjie , Zheng Ning , Zhang Yue , Zhao Qian , Jia Zheng , Xie Tao 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe muscle‐like activities of liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) offer great potential for designing future soft machines. Their motion complexity, however, relies on inflexible and cumbersome mesogen alignment techniques. Here, a digital photocuring method for ultrafast template‐free fabrication of LCE artificial muscles capable of designable complex motions is reported. This method utilizes the intrinsic light attenuation in the through‐plane direction to create mesogen alignment for reversible bending action. To turn this simple actuation into complex motions, the principles of muscles are borrowed which realize diverse motions through the cooperative actions of otherwise simple contraction/expansion of individual muscle bundles. Specifically, the spatiotemporal digital light is utilized to design LCE architectures composed of strategically arranged bending modules. As such, LCE capable of highly designable motions can be fabricated within 25 s light curing without employing any physical alignment templates, which offers an attractive option toward designing functionally diverse soft machines.
Synthesis of Pd3Sn and PdCuSn Nanorods with L12 Phase for Highly Efficient Electrocatalytic Ethanol Oxidation
Authors: Zhou Ming , Liu Jiawei , Ling Chongyi , Ge Yiyao , Chen Bo , Tan Chaoliang , Fan Zhanxi , Huang Jingtao , Chen Junze , Liu Zhengqing , Huang Zhiqi , Ge Jingjie , Cheng Hongfei , Chen Ye , Dai Lei , Yin Pengfei , Zhang Xiao , Yun Qinbai , Wang Jinlan , Zhang Hua 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe crystal phase of nanomaterials is one of the key parameters determining their physicochemical properties and performance in various applications. However, it still remains a great challenge to synthesize nanomaterials with different crystal phases while maintaining the same composition, size, and morphology. Here, a facile, one‐pot, wet‐chemical method is reported to synthesize Pd3Sn nanorods with comparable size and morphology but different crystal phases, that is, an ordered intermetallic and a disordered alloy with L12 and face‐centered cubic (fcc) phases, respectively. The crystal phase of the as‐synthesized Pd3Sn nanorods is easily tuned by altering the types of tin precursors and solvents. Moreover, the approach can also be used to synthesize ternary PdCuSn nanorods with the L12 crystal phase. When used as electrocatalysts, the L12 Pd3Sn nanorods exhibit superior electrocatalytic performance toward the ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) compared to their fcc counterpart. Impressively, compared to the L12 Pd3Sn nanorods, the ternary L12 PdCuSn nanorods exhibit more enhanced electrocatalytic performance toward the EOR, yielding a high mass current density up to 6.22 A mgPd−1, which is superior to the commercial Pd/C catalyst and among the best reported Pd‐based EOR electrocatalysts.
Purification of polyclonal immunoglobulin G from human serum using peptide‐based adsorbents
Authors: Chu Wenning , Sripada Sobhana A. , Reese Hannah R. , Bhandari Dipendra , Adams Augustus , Sly Jae , Crapanzano Michael , Menegatti Stefano 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis study presents the chromatographic purification of immunoglobulin G (IgG) from human plasma using a two‐column process integrating the peptide‐based adsorbents LigaGuard™, which captures non‐Ig plasma proteins in flow‐through mode, and LigaTrap™, which isolates IgG in bind‐and‐elute. Buffer composition and column loading were optimized for both adsorbents. Two process configurations were evaluated. In the first design, plasma was fed to a LigaGuard™ column to capture plasma proteins, the effluent was loaded on the LigaTrap™ column, and the bound IgG was eluted with 63.8% global recovery and 99.7% purity; in comparison, Protein G agarose afforded approximately 67% recovery and 97.2% purity. In the alternative design, the LigaGuard™ column was utilized to polish the LigaTrap™ elution stream, affording 82.3% global recovery and 98.8% purity. Collectively, these results demonstrate the potential of a fully chromatographic process for purifying polyclonal IgG from plasma feedstocks.
Mitigating the Kinetic Hindrance of Single‐Crystalline Ni‐Rich Cathode via Surface Gradient Penetration of Tantalum
Authors: Zou Yu‐Gang , Mao Huican , Meng Xin‐Hai , Du Ya‐Hao , Sheng Hang , Yu Xiqian , Shi Ji‐Lei , Guo Yu‐Guo 
Published: October 2021

AbstractSingle‐crystalline Ni‐rich cathodes are promising candidates for the next‐generation high‐energy Li‐ion batteries. However, they still suffer from poor rate capability and low specific capacity due to the severe kinetic hindrance at the nondilute state during Li+ intercalation. Herein, combining experiments with density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we demonstrate that this obstacle can be tackled by regulating the oxidation state of nickel via injecting high‐valence foreign Ta5+. The as‐obtained single‐crystalline LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 delivers a high specific capacity (211.2 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C), high initial Coulombic efficiency (93.8 %), excellent rate capability (157 mAh g−1 at 4 C), and good durability (90.4 % after 100 cycles under 0.5 C). This work provides a strategy to mitigate the Li+ kinetic hindrance of the appealing single‐crystalline Ni‐rich cathodes and will inspire peers to conduct an intensive study.
Boric acid‐impregnated silk fibroin/gelatin/hyaluronic acid‐based films for improving the wound healing process
Authors: Özen Nurten , Özbaş Zehra , İzbudak Burçin , Emik Serkan , Özkahraman Bengi , Bal‐Öztürk Ayça 
Published: October 2021

AbstractRecently, with the progression in wound dressings, the importance of the biocompatible material with enhanced features for potential applications in the biomedical field has been more developed. Current strategies focus on the acceleration of the wound healing by systematically designed dressing materials. In this study, biocompatible hydrogel films with the combination of silk fibroin, hyaluronic acid and gelatin biopolymers were fabricated. To gain the enhanced wound healing behavior of wound dressings, boric acid (BA) was formulated in various ratios. The prepared hydrogel films were characterized in terms of FTIR, TGA, DSC, and SEM analysis. Following to the swelling and mechanical tests, in vitro biocompatibility and wound healing tests were performed against L929 fibroblast cell line. Results suggest that the presence of 1% (wt/vol) BA in the formulation of silk fibroin/gelatin/hyaluronic acid based hydrogel films is the key in providing such an enhanced mechanical and wound healing feature and may offer an alternative approach for wound healing treatment.
Strategies toward development of antimicrobial biomaterials for dental healthcare applications
Authors: Parhi Shivangi , Pal Sreyasi , Das Sujoy K. , Ghosh Paulomi 
Published: October 2021

AbstractSeveral approaches for elimination of oral pathogens are being explored at the present time since oral diseases remain prevalent affecting approximately 3.5 billion people worldwide. Need for antimicrobial biomaterials in dental healthcare include but is not restricted to designing resin composites and adhesives for prevention of dental caries. Constant efforts are also being made to develop antimicrobial strategies for clearance of endodontic space prior root canal treatment and for treatment of periimplantitis and periodontitis. This article discusses various conventional and nanotechnology‐based strategies to achieve antimicrobial efficacy in dental biomaterials. Recent developments in the design and synthesis of antimicrobial peptides and antifouling zwitterionic polymers to effectively lessen the risks of antimicrobial drug resistance are also outlined in this review. Further, the role of contemporary strategies such as use of smart biomaterials, ionic solvent‐based biomaterials and quorum quenchers incorporated biomaterials in the elimination of dental pathogens are described in detail. Lastly, we mentioned the approach of using polymers to print custom‐made three‐dimensional antibacterial dental products via additive manufacturing technologies. This review provides a critical perspective on the chemical, biomimetic, and engineering strategies intended for developing antimicrobial biomaterials that have the potential to substantially improve the dental health.
If It's Not on the System, Then It Hasn't Been Done: ‘Ofsted Anxiety Disorder’ as a Barrier to Social Worker Discretion
Authors: Murphy Ciarán 
Published: October 2021

A main theme within the Munro Review of Child Protection was that social workers should be better able to employ their discretion in the best interests of the individual child. This paper reports on the results of an ethnographic case study of one local authority child protection team. The research sought to explore, with 21 social workers and four team managers, the extent of social worker discretion within the child protection team. Employing a mixed‐methods design – encompassing documentary analysis, observation, focus group, questionnaire, interview and Critical Realist Grounded Theory – the aim was to identify continued barriers to social worker discretion. Main findings highlight how a retained focus on preparation for inspection contributed towards the ‘bureaucratic burden’ – epitomised by conceptions of Ofsted Anxiety Disorder – and served as a barrier to achieving Munro's image for social worker discretion within the child protection team. Ultimately, despite previous efforts to reform external inspection in the wake of the Munro Review, the paper concludes that there may still be more to do if we are to achieve the ‘child‐centred’ and ‘effective’ system that Munro advocated.Key Practitioner Messages

Child protection social workers continue to be afforded discretionary space.
The discretionary space can be differentiated by ‘type.’
Social workers are more likely to employ discretion in managerially sanctioned discretionary space.
Local approaches to external inspection continue to hinder social worker discretion in the best interests of the child.
‘Reports on the results of an ethnographic case study of one local authority child protection team’