bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Viscosity Blending Approach for 22.42% Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Shin Gwang Su , Kim Jeong‐Hyeon , Lee Sang‐Uk , Park Nam‐Gyu 
Published: June 2021

We report here the viscosity blending approach toward high efficiency perovskite solar cells. A binary solvent is introduced in the precursor solution, where 2‐methoxyethaol (2ME) is mixed with dimethylformamide (DMF) or dimethylacetamide (DMAc). Viscosity of the binary solvent system is estimated by calculating the viscosity blending number. For the ratio of DMF (DMAc): 2ME = 75:25 leading to the viscosity of 1.0317 (1.1699) cSt, a forward‐scanned power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 22.42% is achieved along with photocurrent density of 25.46 mA/cm2, voltage of 1.122 V and fill factor of 0.785, which is higher than the PCE of 20.59% for the single DMF solvent. The binary solvent with optimal viscosity is found to be beneficial to reducing trap density and improving carrier lifetime even in thicker perovskite film.
Reevaluate how to evaluate: Systemic assessment biases affect students' confidence in college upper‐division biology laboratory courses
Authors: Bozinovic Kesten , Feng Zuying , Stewart Christine M. , Engelhart Darcy C. , Gong Sylvia , Vu Jeanne P. , Vasquez Miguel F. , Bozinovic Goran 
Published: June 2021

AbstractGrades influence students' confidence and decisions to complete STEM degrees and pursue relevant careers. What affects students' confidence and performance in college upper‐division biology laboratory courses and how relevant are evaluation methods to career success? STEM laboratory courses are an excellent model to address these issues because of the hybrid environment, combining traditional lecture course format and the practical application of knowledge. We surveyed 567 students in two upper‐division laboratory molecular biology courses at a major research university to compare course‐content self‐assessment, students' predicted grades, and actual grades received. By analyzing students' confidence and correlating them to grades assigned by the instructor, we identified biases including student and Instructor Assistant (IA) gender, IA experience, and academic quarter. Considering the systemic effect of identified biases, a correlation (R2 = 0.37, p < 0.01) between predicted and actual grades, and weak but statistically significant correlation (R2 = 0.10, p < 0.01) between students' comprehensive course‐content self‐assessment and their predicted grade are not surprising. Our analysis suggests that students' quantifiable self‐assessment, a relatively simple and data‐rich resource, helps identify evaluation bias. If administered periodically throughout the course, these assessments can help mitigate biases, improve student learning, evaluation, and retention in STEM fields.
Patient‐reported factors associated with early arrival for stroke treatment
Authors: Eddelien Heidi S. , Butt Jawad H. , Amtoft André C. , Nielsen Nicholine S. K. , Jensen Emilie S. , Danielsen Ida M. K. , Christensen Thomas , Danielsen Anne K. , Hornnes Nete , Kruuse Christina 
Published: June 2021

AbstractObjectiveTimely evaluation and initiation of treatment is the key for improving stroke outcomes, although minimizing the time from symptom onset to the first contact with healthcare professionals remains a challenge. We aimed to identify patient‐related factors associated with early hospital arrival.Materials and methodsIn this cross‐sectional survey, we included patients with stroke or transient ischemic attack admitted directly to one of two noncomprehensive stroke units or transferred to the units from comprehensive stroke centers in the Capital Region of Denmark. Patient‐reported factors associated with early hospital arrival were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, education, living arrangement, brain location of the stroke, stroke severity, patient‐perceived symptom severity, history of prior stroke, stroke risk factors, and knowledge of stroke symptoms.ResultsIn total, 479 patients with acute stroke were included (median age 74 (25th–75th percentile, 64–80), 40% women), of whom 46.4% arrived within 180 min of symptom onset. Factors associated with early hospital arrival were patients or bystanders choosing emergency medical service (EMS) for the first contact with a medical professional (adjusted odds ratio (OR), 3.41; 95% confidence interval, CI [1.57, 7.35]) or the patient's perceived symptom severity above the median score of 25 on a 100‐point verbal scale (adjusted OR, 2.44; 95% CI [1.57, 3.82]). Living alone reduced the likelihood of early arrival (adjusted OR, 0.53; 95% CI [0.33, 0.86]).ConclusionsOnly when patients perceived symptoms as severe or when EMS was selected as the first contact, early arrival for stroke treatment was ensured.
A survey on doctors’ cognition of depression in patients with epilepsy
Authors: Peng Weifeng , Ding Jing , Zhan Shaokang , Wang Xin ,    the epilepsy group affiliated to Neurology Committee, Shanghai Medical Association
Published: June 2021

AbstractObjectiveThis survey aimed to assess doctors’ cognition on depressive symptoms in patients with epilepsy in Shanghai China.MethodsQuestionnaires were handed out to doctors who have taken part in the epilepsy care, covering those from all third‐grade hospitals and several second‐grade hospitals in Shanghai China. Respondents were asked to make choices for their demographic profiles, clinical practices, acquired knowledge of, and attitudes toward the comorbidity of epilepsy and depression.ResultsA total of 282 questionnaires were collected from 16 hospitals in Shanghai China, of which 280 copies were included in the statistical analysis. Respondents were mainly less than 50 years (260, 92.8%), mostly residents and attendings (206, 73.6%), and mostly master and doctor's degrees (225, 80.3%). The ratio of epileptologists and nonepileptologists was 56 (20.1%):224 (79.9%). Compared to nonepileptologists and residents, epileptologists and doctors with higher professional titles were more likely to answer that they received a higher percentage of patients with the comorbidity of epilepsy and depression (≥30%), and they knew very well about the knowledge, and held the view that depression exacerbated seizures (p < .05). Surprisingly, most doctors including chief doctors and epileptologists answered that they had difficulties in prescribing antidepressants. Quite a few doctors from lower class hospitals even preferred to use tricyclic antidepressants for controlling depressive symptoms in patients with epilepsy.SignificanceDoctors, especially younger doctors and nonepileptologists, need more training to get knowledge of the comorbidity of epilepsy and depression. However, the therapeutic methods for depressive symptoms in patients with epilepsy were still limited and in a challenge.
Effects of the covid‐19 pandemic on neurological diseases
Authors: Khoshsirat Nahid Abbasi , Qorbani Mostafa , Farivar Ali Mokhtari , Mohammadpoor Nami Sahar , Mohammadian Khonsari Nami 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundCovid‐19 has caused many complications for both the infected and those in need of medical care. This may be due to infection‐related prognosis worsening or the patients’ avoidance of referring to the hospital for fear of contracting the infection. The decline of acute referral to the ER of many significant conditions with severe results on both the well‐being and life‐expectancy is a serious concern. To address these concerns, we designed this study to evaluate the recent pandemic's impact on “in‐hospital mortality” caused by neurological disorders pre and postpandemic.Methods and materialThe inclusion criteria were any acute neurological condition and the consent of the patients eligible for our study. The definitions of all assessed conditions and the comorbidities are ICD‐10 based. Hypertension and diabetes mellitus, due to their high prevalence, were evaluated separately from other internal comorbidities. The total number of the enrolled patients was 1742, 671 of whom had been during the COVID‐19 pandemic, and 1071 had attended the ER during the prepandemic era.ResultsThe overall mortality was significantly higher during the pandemic, and the covid infected had suffered higher mortality rates. (p‐value < 0.05)ConclusionDuring the pandemic, those with minor strokes and other nonlife‐threatening ailments had avoided hospital care leading to a significantly higher rate of critical conditions. Increased incidence of strokes and ICHs during the pandemic, too, caused significant increased in‐hospital mortality.
Vitamin D and Vitamin D‐binding protein and risk of bladder cancer: A nested case‐control study in the Norwegian Janus Serum Bank Cohort
Authors: Hektoen Helga H. , Robsahm Trude E. , Stenehjem Jo S. , Axcrona Karol , Babigumira Ronnie , Mondul Alison M. , Gislefoss Randi E. , Andreassen Bettina K 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackground High circulating levels of vitamin D (25(OH)D) are suggested to reduce the risk of urinary bladder cancer (BC), but the evidence is weak, and several studies lack sufficient adjustment for potential confounders (e.g., smoking, body mass index (BMI), and physical activity). Moreover, few studies have investigated the role of vitamin D‐binding protein (DBP) in this context. We conducted a matched nested case–control study including 378 cases and 378 controls within the Norwegian population‐based Janus cohort, using serum collected 5–41 years prior to diagnosis, to study 25(OH)D and BC risk, by taking circulating DBP into account.MethodsCox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), for 25(OH)D, DBP, and the molar ratio of 25(OH)D:DBP, an estimate of unbound (free) 25(OH)D levels. We adjusted for smoking (status and pack‐years), BMI, physical activity, education and (mutually) for 25(OH)D and DBP. Restricted cubic splines were employed to examine nonlinear associations.ResultsHigh optimal levels of circulating 25(OH)D (≥100 nmol/L) (HR 0.35, 95% CI 0.19–0.64) were associated with decreased BC risk, when compared with insufficient concentrations (50–74 nmol/L). This association was less pronounced for optimal levels (75–99 nmol/L) (HR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.47–1.01). Moreover, estimated free 25(OH)D, was associated with decreased BC risk for molar ratio 17–21 (HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.44–0.97) and ≥22 (HR 0.50, 95% CI 0.29–0.82), compared to molar ratio 11–16. The HR function for BC risk was not linear, rather reversed u‐shaped, with the highest HR at 62.5 nmol/L and 13.5 molar ratio, respectively.ConclusionHigh levels of total and estimated free 25(OH)D were associated with reduced risk of BC, compared with insufficient concentrations. DBP was not associated with BC risk. We did not observe any impact of DBP or any of the studied lifestyle factors on the association between 25(OH)D and BC.
Generation of multiagent animation for object transportation using deep reinforcement learning and blend‐trees
Authors: Chen Shao‐Chieh , Liu Guan‐Ting , Wong Sai‐Keung 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThis paper proposes a framework that integrates reinforcement learning and blend‐trees to generate animation of multiple agents for object transportation. The main idea is that in the learning stage, policies are learned to control agents to perform specific skills, including navigation, pushing, and orientation adjustment. The policies determine the blending parameters of the blend‐trees to achieve locomotion control of the agents. In the simulation stage, the policies are combined to control the agents to navigate, push objects, and adjust orientation of the objects. We demonstrated several examples to show that the framework is capable of generating animation of multiple agents in different scenarios.
Dendrobium huoshanense Polysaccharides Prevent Inflammatory Response of Ulcerative Colitis Rat through Inhibiting the NF‐κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Gu Fang‐Li , Huang Ren‐Shu , He Xiao‐Mei , Chen Nai‐Fu , Han Bang‐Xing , Deng Hui 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe polysaccharides of the Chinese herbal medicine Dendrobium huoshanense exhibit anti‐inflammatory effects in multiple organs through regulating the immune responses. In the present study, we constructed ulcerative colitis (UC) model rats using dextran sulfate sodium to investigate the anti‐inflammatory effects of D. huoshanense polysaccharides (DHP). After oral administration of DHP for two weeks, the indices of UC symptoms, including the ratio of colon weight to length, Disease Activity Index (DAI), and Colon Mucosal Damage Index (CMDI), all decreased significantly compared with the UC model group. The histological sections also revealed better cell orders in DHP treatments than in the UC model rats. Moreover, in treatment with high dose of DHP (200 mg/kg), the treatment efficacy arrived the similar levels to those in the treatment with 300 mg/kg sulfasalazine, which is a typical medicine to treat UC. These results indicated that DHP has a high efficacy to treat UC in model rats. Furthermore, serum levels of interleukin‐1β, tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐17, and transforming growth factor‐β were assessed using the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method, and the levels of nuclear factor‐κB in colon tissue sections were determined using the immunohistochemical method. The results showed that all these indices decreased significantly after administration of DHP in UC model rats, which might be the mechanisms underlying the DHP‐suppressed UC inflammation. Overall, this study indicated that DHP might be directly used to treat UC and is a promising source to develop novel drugs against UC.
A Prospective of Multiple Biopharmaceutical Activities of Procyanidins‐RichUapaca togoensisPax Extracts: HPLC‐ESI‐TOF‐MS Coupled with Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Ibrahime Sinan Kouadio , Aktumsek Abdurrahman , de la Luz Cádiz‐Gurrea María , Leyva‐Jiménez Francisco Javier , Fernández‐Ochoa Álvaro , Segura‐Carretero Antonio , Glamocilja Jasmina , Sokovic Marina , Nenadić Marija , Zengin Gokhan 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe article reports the chemical composition, antioxidant, six key enzymes inhibitory and antimicrobial activities of two solvent extracts (water and methanol) of leaves and stem bark ofUapaca togoensis. For chemical composition, methanol extract of stem bark exhibited significant higher total phenolic (129.86 mg GAE/g) and flavanol (10.44 mg CE/g) contents. Methanol extract of leaves and water extract of stem bark showed high flavonoids (20.94 mg RE/g) and phenolic acid (90.40 mg CAE/g) content, respectively. In addition, HPLC‐ESI‐TOF‐MS analysis revealed thatU. togoensiswas rich in procyanidins. The methanol and water extracts of stem bark had overall superior antioxidant activity; however, only methanol extract of stem bark showed higher inhibition of cholinesterase (AChE: 2.57 mg GALAE/g; BChE: 4.69 mg GALAE/g), tyrosinase (69.53 mg KAE/g) and elastase (2.73 mmol CE/g). Potent metal chelating ability was showed by water extract of leaves (18.94 mg EDTAE/g), higher inhibition of amylase was detected for water extracts of leaves (0.94 mmol ACAE/g) and stem bark (0.92 mmol ACAE/g). The tested extracts have shown wide‐spectrum antibacterial properties and these effects have shown to be more effective againstAspergillus ochraceus,Penicillium funiculosum,Trichoderma viride,Bacillus cereus,Escherichia coliandPseudomonas aeruginosa. The results revealed that the antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory and antimicrobial activities depended on the extraction solvents and the parts of plant. Bioinformatics analysis on the 17 major compounds showed modulation of pathway associated with cancer. In brief,U. togoensismight be valuable as potential source of natural agents for therapeutic application.
Green and Red Brazilian Propolis: Antimicrobial Potential and Anti‐Virulence against ATCC and Clinically Isolated Multidrug‐Resistant Bacteria
Authors: de Souza Silva Thayná , Silva Júlia M. B. , Braun Gláucia H. , Mejia Jennyfer A. A. , Ccapatinta Gari V. C. , Santos Mário Ferreira Conceição , Tanimoto Matheus H. , Bastos Jairo K. , Parreira Renato L. T. , Orenha Renato P. , Borges Alexandre , Berretta Andresa A. , Veneziani Rodrigo C. S. , Martins Carlos H. G. , Ambrósio Sérgio R. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBrazilian green and red propolis stand out as commercial products for different medical applications. In this article, we report the antimicrobial activities of the hydroalcoholic extracts of green (EGP) and red (ERP) propolis, as well as guttiferone E plus xanthochymol (8) and oblongifolin B (9) from red propolis, against multidrug‐resistant bacteria (MDRB). We undertook the minimal inhibitory (MIC) and bactericidal (MBC) concentrations, inhibition of biofilm formation (MICB50), catalase, coagulase, DNase, lipase, and hemolysin assays, along with molecular docking simulations. ERP was more effective by displaying MIC and MBC values <100 μg mL−1. Compounds 8 and 9 displayed the lowest MIC values (0.98 to 31.25 μg mL−1) against all tested Gram‐positive MDRB. They also inhibited the biofilm formation of S. aureus (ATCC 43300 and clinical isolate) and S. epidermidis (ATCC 14990 and clinical isolate), with MICB50 values between 1.56 and 6.25 μg mL−1. The molecular docking results indicated that 8 and 9 might interact with the catalase's amino acids. Compounds 8 and 9 have great antimicrobial potential.
Directional atherectomy before paclitaxel coated balloon angioplasty in complex femoropopliteal disease: The VIVA REALITY study
Authors: Rocha‐Singh Krishna J. , Sachar Ravish , DeRubertis Brian G. , Nolte‐Ernsting Claus C. A. , Winscott John G. , Krishnan Prakash , Scott Eric C. , Garcia Lawrence A. , Baeriswyl Jean‐Luc , Ansel Gary , Rosenfield Kenneth , Zeller Thomas ,   The REALITY Investigators
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundDrug coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty significantly reduces reintervention rates in patients with symptomatic femoropopliteal peripheral artery disease (PAD). However, stand‐alone DCB use in long, severely calcified lesions is frequently associated with vessel recoil and/or high‐grade dissections necessitating provisional stent implantation.ObjectivesAssess the safety and effectiveness of a vessel preparation strategy with directional atherectomy (DA) prior to DCB angioplasty in patients with symptomatic severely calcified femoropopliteal PAD.MethodsREALITY (NCT02850107) prospectively enrolled subjects at 13 multinational centers with 8–36 cm femoropopliteal stenoses or occlusions with bilateral vessel wall calcification treated with DA prior to DCB angioplasty. The primary effectiveness endpoint was 12‐month primary patency, and the primary safety endpoint was freedom from major adverse events through 30 days. Independent angiographic and duplex core laboratories assessed outcomes and a Clinical Events Committee adjudicated events.ResultsA total of 102 subjects were enrolled; one lesion was treated per subject. The mean lesion length was 17.9 ± 8.1 cm, 39.0% were chronic total occlusions (mean lesion length 22.6 ± 8.6 cm); 86.2% of lesions exhibited moderate to severe bilateral calcification. Provisional stents were implanted in 8.8% (9/102) of subjects. Twelve‐month primary patency rate was 76.7% (66/86) and freedom from CD‐TLR rate was 92.6% (87/94). No device or procedure related deaths and one index‐limb major amputation were reported.ConclusionsPlaque excision with DA in patients with symptomatic severely calcified femoropopliteal arterial disease prior to DCB angioplasty is a safe and effective treatment strategy with a low provisional stent rate.
Pressure‐controlled intermittent coronary sinus occlusion improves the vasodilatory microvascular capacity and reduces myocardial injury in patients with STEMI
Authors: Scarsini Roberto , Terentes‐Printzios Dimitrios , Shanmuganathan Mayooran , Kotronias Rafail A. , Borlotti Alessandra , Marin Federico , Langrish Jeremy , Lucking Andrew , Ribichini Flavio ,   Oxford Acute Myocardial Infarction (OxAMI) Study, Kharbanda Rajesh , Ferreira Vanessa M. , Channon Keith M. , De Maria Giovanni Luigi , Banning Adrian P. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundPreliminary data suggest that pressure‐controlled intermittent coronary sinus occlusion (PICSO) might reduce the infarct size (IS) in patients with anterior ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, the applicability of this therapy to patients with inferior STEMI and its exact mechanism of action is uncertain.Methods and resultsThirty‐six patients (27 anterior and 9 inferior) with STEMI underwent PICSO‐assisted‐primary percutaneous intervention (PPCI) and were compared with matched controls who underwent standard PCI (n = 72). Median age was 63 (55–70) years and 82% were male.Coronary microvascular status was assessed using thermodilution‐derived index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) and the vasodilatory capacity was assessed using the resistive reserve ratio (RRR). IS and microvascular obstruction (MVO) were assessed using cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) within 48 h and 6 months of follow‐up.At completion of PPCI, IMR improved significantly in PICSO‐treated patients compared with controls in patients with either anterior (63.7 [49.8–74.6] vs. 35.9 [27.9–47.6], p < 0.001) or inferior STEMI (60.0 [47.6–67.1] vs. 22.7 [18.4–35.0], p < 0.001). RRR significantly improved after PICSO treatment for anterior (1.21 [1.01–1.42] vs. 1.73 [1.51–2.16], p = 0.002) or inferior STEMI (1.39 [1.05–1.90] vs. 2.87 [2.17–3.78], p = 0.001), whereas it did not change in controls compared with baseline.Patients treated with PICSO presented significantly less frequently with MVO (66.6% vs. 86.1%, p = 0.024) and smaller 6‐month IS compared with controls (26% [17%–30%] vs. 30% [21%–37%], p = 0.045).ConclusionPICSO therapy may improve microvascular function and vasodilatory capacity, which contributes to reducing IS in patients with STEMI undergoing PPCI.
Microwave‐Assisted Biosynthesis of CuO Nanoparticles Using Atalantia monophylla (L.) Leaf Extract and its Biomedical Applications
Authors: Verma Ravikant , Khan Anisa Basheer , Khan M. Imran K. , Amar Ashutosh Kumar , Sah Suresh , Jaiswal Krishna Kumar , Singh Ram Kishore 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe facile and rapid biosynthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (AM‐CuONPs) using Atalantia monophylla leaves extract under microwave irradiation is investigated. Optical and structural characterizations confirm the synthesis of spherical to rod‐shaped phase pure AM‐CuONPs. The antibacterial activity of AM‐CuONPs is higher with Gram‐positive bacteria compared to Gram‐negative bacteria. The antioxidant potential of AM‐CuONPs is reflected in radical scavenging activities in a concentration‐dependent manner, tested by 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl and 3‐ethylenebenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid diammonium salt assay. The promising anticancer activity of AM‐CuONPs is observed by killing ∼80 % of HeLa cells without affecting normal human embryonic kidney cells. The results reveal the potential of biosynthesized AM‐CuONPs for antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer applications.