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Perinatal outcomes of twin pregnancies are determined by several factors, such as gestational age (GA), chorionicity, and discordance at birth. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the association of chorionicity and discordance with neonatal and neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm twin infants from uncomplicated pregnancy. Data of very preterm twin infants who were both live-born between 2014 and 2019 on the chorionicity of the twin, diagnosis of the twin-to-twin syndrome (TTTS), weight discordance at birth, and neonatal and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 24 months of corrected age (CA) were collected. Of the 204 twin infants analyzed, 136 were dichorionic (DC) and 68 were monochorionic (MC), including 15 pairs with TTTS. After adjusting for GA, brain injury, including severe intraventricular hemorrhage and periventricular leukomalacia, was mostly found in the MC with TTTS group, with a higher incidence of cerebral palsy and motor delay at CA 24 months. After excluding TTTS, multivariable analysis showed no association between chorionicity and neonatal and developmental outcomes, whereas small infants among co-twins (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.33, 95% confidence interval 1.03–10.74) and greater discordance (%) of weight at birth (aOR 1.04, 1.00–1.07) were associated with neurodevelopmental impairment. Monochorionicity might not determine adverse outcomes among very preterm twins from uncomplicated pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The behavior of 2-dimensional (2D) van der Waals (vdW) layered magnetic materials in the 2D limit of the few-layer thickness is an important fundamental issue for the understanding of the magnetic ordering in lower dimensions. The antiferromagnetic transition temperature T N of the Heisenberg-type 2D magnetic vdW material MnPS 3 was estimated as a function of the number of layers. The antiferromagnetic transition was identified by temperature-dependent Raman spectroscopy, from the broadening of a phonon peak at 155 cm−1, accompanied by an abrupt redshift and an increase of its spectral weight. T N is found to decrease only slightly from ~78 K for bulk to ~66 K for 3L. The small reduction of T N in thin MnPS 3 approaching the 2D limit implies that the interlayer vdW interaction is playing an important role in stabilizing magnetic ordering in layered magnetic materials. Image 1 • Antiferromagnetic ordering in Heisenberg-type few-layer MnPS 3 was investigated. • Néel temperature decreases only slightly from ~78 K for bulk to ~66 K for trilayer. • Linewidth broadening and redshift of P 2 Raman mode occur near Néel temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Symmetrical peripheral gangrene (SPG) is rare but devastating complication which is characterized by symmetrical ischemic change of the distal extremities. In this report, we describe our management protocol for SPG, focusing on surgical approaches. Between January 2007 and February 2016, 10 thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) free flaps were performed in 6 patients with SPG. Three patients were male and mean age was 56 (range, 44–69) years. All the patients were in shock. The causes of shock were sepsis in 4 cases, respiratory arrest in 1 case, and hypovolemia in 1 case. Eight transmetatarsal amputations and 2 Lisfranc amputations were performed. Flap sizes ranged from 7 × 11 cm to 25 × 15 cm. There were 3 cases of partial necrosis of the flap: two healed conservatively with dressings and one required skin graft. Three of the patients were later able to walk independently at Functional Ambulation Classification (FAC) level 6, one patient could walk independently on level surfaces at FAC level 5, and 2 could walk independently using walking aids, classified at FAC level 4. The average follow-up period was 18 (range, 6–54) months. In patients with SPG, minimal bone amputation and foot salvage with TDAP flaps were successful. Separate reconstruction of bone and soft tissue had good outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We report a rhodamine-based fluorescent probe (1) for cysteine (Cys). Masked with a para-hydroxybenzyl alcohol (HBA) unit, the probe's initial weak fluorescence is converted to strong fluorescence through a series of reactions of Michael addition and intramolecular cyclization of Cys, followed by deprotection of HBA. The caged probe (1) exhibits a selective and sensitive response toward Cys over homocysteine (Hcy) and glutathione (GSH) in HEPES buffer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We report an aminocoumarine-based fluorescent probe (1) possessing a disulfide group to detect biothiols in HEPES buffer. Prominent ratiometric fluorescence changes of the probe are induced by the disulfide bond cleavage of 1 upon the addition of biothiols. The ratiometric probe (1) exhibits both high sensitivity and selectivity toward amino acids containing a thiol group over other various amino acids in water. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A bromoacetyl functionalized fluorescein chemodosimeter (1) was utilized as a fluorescent probe for cysteine. The probe showed a selective and sensitive response to cysteine over homocysteine and glutathione in aqueous buffer through a rapid cyclization reaction. When cysteine was added, a fast fluorescence turn-on change of 1 was observed, thus allowing cysteine to be discriminated from other biothiols and micromolar concentrations of cysteine to be detected by the naked eye. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We report Na3FeF6 as a novel cathode material for sodium and lithium batteries. The material is synthesized through a mechanochemical process by reacting precursors (NaF and FeF3) in a ball mill under argon flow. These syntheses are environmentally friendly and safe because the entire processes do not require any hazardous gasses or high temperatures. XRD spectra confirm that the synthesized material has a well-defined crystal structure and can be indexed to a monoclinic crystal structure under the P21/C space group. Thermal analyses up to 500°C confirm the stability of the crystal structure and safety of this material. Electrochemical results indicate that Na3FeF6 is electrochemically active in both Na and Li cells while undergoing conversion reactions and exhibiting decent reversible capacities of larger than 100 and 200mAhg−1 at room temperature, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Axillary defect coverage is often challenging after radical excision of chronic inflammatory skin lesions, such as complicated epidermoid cysts and hidradenitis suppurativa. This retrospective case series aims to demonstrate our experience with axillary reconstruction using the modified keystone perforator island flap (KPIF) technique, emphasizing its tension-reducing effects. All patients who presented for axillary reconstruction after radical excision of chronic inflammatory skin lesions between May 2019 and December 2020 were identified using the medical record database. Eleven patients ranging in age from 17 to 71 years underwent modified KPIF axillary reconstruction. Four types of modifications (modified type II KPIF, omega variation closure, Sydney melanoma unit modification, and hemi-KPIF) were used. All defects (size range, 2.5 × 3 c m 2 to 8 × 13 c m 2 ) were successfully covered using these modified KPIF techniques. All flaps (size range, 3.5 × 3.5 c m 2 to 11 × 30 c m 2 ) fully survived without complications. All patients exhibited favorable functional outcomes, and no cases of recurrence or limitations in joint range of motion were observed during the follow-up period (range, 4–5 months). Modified KPIF techniques may represent a reliable, effective alternative reconstructive modality for managing axillary defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An activated coumarin-3-phenyl enone (1) by an intramolecular hydrogen bond has shown a selective and ratiometric response toward GSH and Cys over other natural amino acids through the Michael addition reaction of a thiol group to 1. When GSH was added to 1, a prominent color change together with a fluorescence turn-on property was observed so that submillimolar GSH was detectable. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The keystone perforator island flap (KPIF) is popular in reconstructive surgery. However, despite its versatility, its biomechanical effectiveness is unclear. We present our experience of KPIF reconstruction in the human back and evaluate the tension-reducing effect of the KPIF. Between September 2019 and August 2020, 17 patients (51.82 ± 14.72 years) underwent KPIF reconstruction for back defects. In all cases, we measured wound tension at the defect and donor sites before and after KPIF reconstruction using a tensiometer. All defects occurred after complete excision of complicated epidermoid cysts and debridement of surrounding tissues. The defects were successfully covered with Type IIA KPIFs. All flaps survived, and there were no significant postoperative complications. The mean "tension change at the defect after Type I KPIF" and "tension change at the defect after Type II KPIF" were − 2.97 ± 0.22 N and − 5.59 ± 0.41 N, respectively, (P < 0.001). The mean "rate of tension change at the defect after Type I KPIF" and "rate of tension change at the defect after Type II KPIF" were − 36.54 ± 1.89% and − 67.98 ± 1.63%, respectively, (P < 0.001). Our findings confirm the stepwise tension-reducing effect of KPIF and clarify the biomechanics of this flap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Cu 2 ZnSnSe 4 (CZTSe) photovoltaic absorber thin films were prepared using a 2-step selenization process on a Ti substrate including a Na precursor layer and a Na-free Ti substrate, and the effect of Na on the solar cell performance was compared. A CZTSe flexible solar cell fabricated on a Ti foil substrate exhibited an efficiency of 3.06%, which was less than half that of a solar cell fabricated on a soda lime glass substrate. This was attributed to the absence of Na and severe Zn crowding near the back contact. By depositing a 100‐nm-thick sodalime glass thin film on a Ti substrate to supply Na, the efficiency increased up to 5.59%. In the Na-doped CZTSe absorber layer grown on the Ti substrate, the back crowding of Zn was eliminated and the upper part of the absorption layer was converted to a Zn-rich environment, which prevented the formation of Cu Zn antisite defects. Image 1 • Cu 2 ZnSnSe 4 solar cells on a flexible Ti foil using a two step process. • By supplying Na using soda-lime thin film, the efficiency of 5.59% was obtained. • Na has a great influence on the local distribution of Cu and Zn and hole concentration. • Depending on the presence of Na, the Cu diffusion and the MoSe 2 thickness varied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An activated ferrocenyl enone (1) by an intramolecular hydrogen bond was utilized as a Michael acceptor type of chemodosimeter for cysteine. The probe has shown selective response toward cysteine over other natural amino acids through the Michael addition reaction of a cysteinyl thiol group to 1. When cysteine was added, the prominent color change of 1 was observed so that submillimolar concentrations of cysteine were detectable by the naked eye. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Postoperative skin necrosis occurs due to various causes, including infections, lack of oxygenation, underlying diseases, and lack of nutrition. Therefore, a thorough evaluation of the cause of skin necrosis should be conducted. In the present case, the patient underwent disarticulation of the interphalangeal joint of the right first toe by an orthopedic surgeon and developed postoperative skin necrosis. Through physical examination, imaging studies, and detailed medical history evaluation, the patient was diagnosed with thromboangiitis obliterans, also known as Buerger's disease. After 4 months of medication for Buerger's disease and smoking cessation, the wound healed without complications or recurrence. Therefore, in cases of untreatable chronic wounds in young and heavy smoking patients, Buerger's disease should be suspected as a potential cause. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudocapacitors have received considerable attention, as they possess advantages of both rechargeable batteries and electric double layer capacitors. Among various active materials for pseudocapacitors, α-layered double hydroxides (α-TM(OH)2, TM = transition metal) are promising due to their high specific capacities. Yet, irreversible α-to-β phase transitions of α-TM(OH)2 hinder their long-term cyclability, particularly when the TM is nickel. Here, it is reported that binary TM ion mixing can overcome the limited cycle lives of α-TM(OH)2 by stabilizing the octahedral frameworks of α-TM(OH)2. In particular, an α-TM(OH)2 with equal amounts of nickel and cobalt exhibits long-term capacity retention (89.0% after 2000 cycles) and specific capacity (206 mA h g−1), which are better than those of individual TM counterparts. A series of analyses reveals that the improved performances originate from the synergistic effects between the TM ions; the preferred trivalent state of cobalt ions stabilizes the octahedral framework by accommodating the detrimental Jahn-Teller distortion of Ni3+. The stabilized framework also widens the redox swing range of the nickel up to 4+, thus, increasing the specific capacity of the corresponding α-TM(OH)2. This study indicates that proper mixing of TMs is a prolific approach in enhancing the vital properties of α-TM(OH)2, a promising family of pseudocapacitor materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intensive research has focused on minimizing the infarct area and stimulating endogenous regeneration after myocardial infarction. Our group previously elucidated that apicidin, a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, robustly accelerates the cardiac commitment of naïve mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) through acute loss of YAP1. Here, we propose the novel regulation of YAP1 in MSCs. We found that acute loss of YAP1 after apicidin treatment resulted in the mixed effects of transcriptional arrest and proteasomal degradation. Subcellular fractionation revealed that YAP1 was primarily localized in the cytoplasm. YAP1 was acutely relocalized into the nucleus and underwent proteasomal degradation. Interestingly, phosphor-S127 YAP1 was shuttled into the nucleus, suggesting that a mechanism other than phosphorylation governed the subcellular localization of YAP1. Apicidin successfully induced acetylation and subsequent dissociation of YAP1 from 14-3-3, an essential molecule for cytoplasmic restriction. HDAC6 regulated both acetylation and subcellular localization of YAP1. An acetylation-dead mutant of YAP1 retarded nuclear redistribution upon apicidin treatment. We failed to acquire convincing evidence for polyubiquitination-dependent degradation of YAP1, suggesting that a polyubiquitination-independent regulator determined YAP1 fate. Nuclear PSME4, a subunit of the 26 S proteasome, recognized and degraded acetyl YAP1 in the nucleus. MSCs from PSME4-null mice were injected into infarcted heart, and aberrant sudden death was observed. Injection of immortalized human MSCs after knocking down PSME4 failed to improve either cardiac function or the fibrotic scar area. Our data suggest that acetylation-dependent proteasome subunit PSME4 clears acetyl-YAP1 in response to apicidin treatment in the nucleus of MSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution of the optical phonons in layered semiconductor alloys SnSe(1–x)Sx is studied as a function of the composition by using polarized Raman spectroscopy with six different excitation wavelengths (784.8, 632.8, 532, 514.5, 488, and 441.6 nm). The polarization dependences of the phonon modes are compared with transmission electron diffraction measurements to determine the crystallographic orientation of the samples. Some of the Raman modes show significant variation in their polarization behavior depending on the excitation wavelengths. It is established that the maximum intensity direction of the Ag2 mode of SnSe(1−x)Sx (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) does not depend on the excitation wavelength and corresponds to the armchair direction. It is additionally found that the lower-frequency Raman modes of Ag1, Ag2 and B3g1 in the alloys show the typical one-mode behavior of optical phonons, whereas the higher-frequency modes of B3g2, Ag3 and Ag4 show two-mode behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the promising electrochemical performance of the recently reported pyrophosphate family in lithium ion batteries as well as the increasing importance of sodium ion batteries (SIBs) for emerging large-scale applications, here, the crystal structure, electrochemical properties, and thermal stability of Na2FeP2O7, the first example ever reported in the pyrophosphate family for SIBs, are investigated. Na2FeP2O7 maintains well-defined channel structures (triclinic framework under the P1 space group) and exhibits a reversible capacity of ≈90 mAh g−1 with good cycling performance. Both quasi-equilibrium measurements and first-principles calculations consistently indicate that Na2FeP2O7 undergoes two kinds of reactions over the entire voltage range of 2.0-4.5 V (vs Na/Na+): a single-phase reaction around 2.5 V and a series of two-phase reactions in the voltage range of 3.0-3.25 V. Na2FeP2O7 shows excellent thermal stability up to 500 °C, even in the partially desodiated state (NaFeP2O7), which suggests its safe character, a property that is very critical for large-scale battery applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Na2MnP2O7 is synthesized by solid state reaction of stoichiometric amounts of Na2CO3, (NH4)2HPO4, and MnO2 (Ar, 500 °C, 9 h). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Li2Fe1/3Mn1/3Co1/3P2 O7 is synthesized by solid state reaction of stoichiometric amounts of Li2CO3, (NH4)2HPO4, and MC2O4 (M: Fe, Mn, Co) at 600 °C for 6 h under flowing Ar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]