bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Melanosis Coli: A Rare Entity in Elderly Patients Presenting with Constipation
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Khan Raja Taha Yaseen , Ismail Hina , Hanif Farina , Jan Mahboob , Abrar Ghazi , Panezai Muhammad Qaiser , Tareen Munir , Kumar Danish , Tasneem Abbas Ali , Laeeq Syed Mudassir , Luck Nasir Hassan
Published: April 2022

Melanosis coli is a condition in which there is blackish to brown discoloration of colon and is commonly associated with chronic anthroquinolone laxative usage. It is frequently diagnosed as an incidental finding on colonoscopy or histopathological evaluation. Here, we present to you a case of a sixty-six years old man with history of constipation and laxative use.
Viability and Vigor of Pitomba Seeds (Talisia esculenta (St. Hil) Radlk) in two Stages of Maturation in the Different Substrates
Authors: Inácio Barros Daniella , Veras Nunes Helber , Senna Quirino Mariana , Borges de Oliveira Liomar , Barros Véras Pillar , Alencar Libório Ricardo , Victor Gomes Sales Paulo , Alves Ribeiro Evandro , Cesar Lima Vale Kaio , Di Napoli Nunes Bruno Henrique
Published: April 2022

The socio-economic importance of pitomba fruits in the North and Northeast regions is a concrete fact, however, the commercialized fruits are still acquired from extractivism and  cultivation in backyards without any use of technology aimed at their production. The experiment was carried out in the greenhouse of the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Tocantins in the city of Gurupi - TO, between February 14 and June 2, 2019. The treatments applied to the seeds consisted of two stages of fruit maturation, which were classified as:  ripe fruits collected in the plant with light brown peel color and ripe fruits collected on the ground with dark brown peel coloration. The substrates used were: Black Soil; Washed Sand; Commercial Substrate; Black Soil + Washed Sand + Humus; Sawdust Powder + Washed Sand + Commercial Substrate. The highest physiological quality was obtained from the seeds taken from the  ripe fruits harvested in the plant, where the highest values, ripe fruits harvested in the plant and ripe fruits harvested from the ground, were obtained when the seeds were sowed in the substrates Sawdust Powder + Washed Sand + Commercial Substrate (92%; 70%), (97%; 73%)  and Washed Sand substrate (84%; 67%), (90%; 65%) respectively, and lower on the substrate Black Soil (54%; 50%) and (60%; 60%), respectively. The pitomba seeds, removed from the ripe fruits harvested in the plant, sowing on the substrates: Sawdust  Powder + Washed Sand + Commercial Substrate and Washed Sand, showed greater vigor and viability.
Viability and Vigor of White Guava (Psidium guajava L.) Seeds in Different Stages of Maturation
Authors: Inácio Barros Daniella , Veras Nunes Helber , Alves dos Santos Nycolle , Senna Quirino Mariana , Borges de Oliveira Liomar , Barros Veras Pillar , Alencar Libório Ricardo , Victor Gomes Sales Paulo , Alves Ribeiro Evandro , Di Napoli Nunes Bruno Henrique
Published: April 2022

The white Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is a native fruit tree belonging to the family Myrtaceae, which has a lot of rusticity, adapting to various edaphoclimatic conditions. White Guava is a fruit native to tropical America and the most cultivated species of the Myrtaceae family. It is an excellent source of vitamin C and has an appreciable amount of minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and iron. The objective of this work was to determine the viability and vigor of white guava seeds at different stages of fruit maturation. The experiment was carried out in the greenhouse of the Federal Institute of Education (IFTO), Science and Technology of Tocantins, in the city of Gurupi – Tocantins - Brazil, between February 17 and July 28, 2020. The white guava seeds collected directly from the fruit were used, which were harvested in the urban region of Gurupi – Tocantins - Brazil in February 2020. Root and shoot length, number of leaves, first emergency count, and seedling emergence were evaluated. White Guava seeds, taken from ripe fruits, provided the highest viability and vigor values.
Kainic Acid Epilepsy Model in Wistar Rats: The Comparative Ameliorate Use of Bryophyllum pinnatum, Ketogenic Diet and Carbamazepine on the Frontal Lobe Cortex with Selected Behavioral Parameters
Authors: Adelakin Lola Adeola , Fabiyi Oluseyi Sunday , Okonjo Edward , Olatunji Sunday Yinka , Olanrewaju John Afees , Owolabi Joshua Oladele
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Frontal lobe Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by brief, recurrent seizures which arise from the frontal lobes of the brain. Bryophyllum pinnatum, is a natural herb which has been known for its anticonvulsant potential in experimental animals. The ketogenic diet is a form of treatment for epilepsy in children created due to the observation that fasting had anti-seizure properties. This comparative study investigated the potential ameliorative use of Bryophyllum pinnatum, Ketogenic diet and Carbamazepine, on the frontal lobe cortex in kainic acid induced epilepsy wistar rat models.

Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight (n=28) adult male Wistar rats with an average weight of 150g were randomly distributed into five groups labelled A, B, C, D & E. Group A served as control; group B was treated with kainic acid only, group C was treated with Kainic acid + Bryophyllum pinnatum, group D was treated with Kainic acid + ketogenic diet and group E was treated with Kainic acid + carbamazepine. Rats were sacrificed after 29 days treatment period and their brains excised. The precentral cortices were cut and phosphate buffer preserved for enzymes and hormonal assay and the rest brain samples were stored in formal saline for histological demonstrations. Neurobehavioral studies which included Elevated Plus Maze and Barnes Maze tests were carried out before the rats were sacrificed.

Results: Kainic acid caused extensive damage to cortical structures. Bryophyllum pinnatum stimulated regeneration of damaged cells and restoration of myelination and cellular integrity.                                              

Discussion: Although, there was extensive damage done by kainic acid to the cortical structures in group B, group C, group D and group E, Bryophyllum pinnatum stimulated the restoration of neurotransmission and massive production of astrocytes which aided in neuronal regeneration.
An Optical/Ferroelectric Multiplexing Multidimensional Nonvolatile Memory from Ferroelectric Polymer
Authors: He Shan , Guo Mengfan , Wang Yue , Liang Yuhan , Shen Yang
Published: April 2022

Multiplexing physical dimensions to realize multidimensional storage in a single material has been a goal to increase storage density and data security. Multidimensional storage is only achieved in optical storage material (OSM) by far. Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), a semicrystalline polymer, is widely studied as a candidate for ferroelectric random access (FeRAM). Herein, the atomic force microscopy (AFM)‐based infrared spectroscopy techniqueis used to induce multilevel phase transformations in PVDF ultrathin film on nanometric scales and for writing/readout of IR signals. An optical/ferroelectric multiplexing PVDF memory, where information can be coded with independent four‐level optical IR and bilevel ferroelectric signals, is demonstrated. High data security and a storage density up to 180 GBit in.−2 are achieved simultaneously. Owing to the different critical temperature for phase transformation (optical data, <167 °C) and polarization switching (ferroelectric data, <100 °C), the multiplexing memory can function both as optical read‐only memory and FeRAM. This work expands material supporting physical dimensions multiplexing beyond OSM for the first time, opening up new opportunities for future high‐capacity, multifunctional nano‐memory. The strategy proposed here enables on‐demand and tunable programming on IR waves, offering prospects for fabrication of active nano‐optical devices.
Highly Resolved X‐Ray Imaging Enabled by In(I) Doped Perovskite‐Like Cs3Cu2I5 Single Crystal Scintillator
Authors: Wang Qian , Zhou Quan , Nikl Martin , Xiao Jiawen , Kucerkova Romana , Beitlerova Alena , Babin Vladimir , Prusa Petr , Linhart Vladimir , Wang Jingkang , Wen Xuemin , Niu Guangda , Tang Jiang , Ren Guohao , Wu Yuntao
Published: April 2022

Low‐dimensional perovskite halides have shown a great potential as X‐ray detection materials because of efficient exciton emissions originating from strongly spatially localized charge carriers. Nonetheless, most of them have a scintillation yield far below their theoretical limits. Here, it is found that the harvesting efficiency of produced charge carriers can be significantly enhanced via a small amount of In+ doping in these highly localized structures. A bright and sensitive zero‐dimensional Cs3Cu2I5:In+ halide with efficient and tunable dual emission is reported. The radioluminescence emission of Cs3Cu2I5:In+ crystals under X‐ray excitation consists of a self‐trapped exciton emission at 460 nm and an In+‐related emission at 620 nm at room temperature. In+ doping enhances the photoluminescence quantum efficiency (PLQY) of Cs3Cu2I5 from 68.1% to 88.4%. Benefiting from the higher PLQY, Cs3Cu2I5:In+ can achieve an excellent X‐ray detection limit of 96.2 nGyair  s−1, and a superior scintillation yield of 53 000 photons per MeV, which is comparable to commercial CsI:Tl single crystals. As a result, a remarkable X‐ray imaging resolution of 18 line pairs mm–1 is demonstrated, which is so far a record resolution for single crystal perovskite‐based flat‐panel detectors. These results highlight the importance of efficient harvesting of carriers (and excitons) in low‐dimensional perovskites for radiation detection applications.
Molecular‐Scale Hydrophobic Modification of Ni‐Rich Cathode Materials Toward Superior Critical Endurability and Environmental Stability
Authors: Mu Yue , Ming Hai , Chen Xuefang , Zhang Wenfeng , Cao Gaoping , Xiang Yu , Qiu Jingyi
Published: April 2022

Ni‐rich layered oxides have been considered one of the most promising cathode materials for lithium‐ion batteries on account of their high reversible capacity. However, their chemical sensitivity to moisture and carbon dioxide results in the formation and growth of residual lithium compounds, leading to a deterioration in electrochemical performance and difficulty in cathode electrode preparation. In this work, a passivation coating of polydimethylsiloxane with 5 molecular layers is successfully coated on LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 particles. To examine the hydrophobicity of polydimethylsiloxane, bare and coated NCM811 are exposed to a hot and humid chamber for dozens of hours, even exposure to damp air over 120 h. The results indicate that the hydrophobic coating can inhibit the formation and growth of residual lithium compounds on the surface of LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2, resulting in slightly less degradation in electrochemical performance. Herein, a rapid, low‐cost, and easily employed method to generate an even hydrophobic/passivation surface is developed, which provides a generic approach to treat various electrode materials, especially nanosized and water‐sensitive ones, to improve their tolerance to extreme environments.
Multivariate Functionalization of UiO‐66 for Photocatalytic Water Remediation
Authors: Valverde Ainara , Payno David , Lezama Luis , Laza José M. , Wuttke Stefan , Fernández de Luis Roberto
Published: April 2022

The fast‐increasing interest in multivariate metal–organic frameworks (MTV‐MOFs) has burgeoned due to the possibility to create synergetic functions and achieve performance significantly better than their simple sum. In this work, the opportunities and the effects of multivariate functionalization of UiO‐66 on diverse properties important for photocatalytic water remediation: hydrolytic stability, bandgap energy, photoconduction, CrVI and CrIII adsorption capacity and kinetics, and CrVI to CrIII photoreduction efficiency, are explored. By developing a (Zr)UiO‐66‐NH2‐(OH)2‐NO2 multivariate material based on the combination of 2‐aminoterephthalate, 2,5‐dihydroxyterephthalate, and 2‐nitroterephthalate organic linkers in the same framework, a dual sorbent/photocatalyst is developed for water remediation with excellent properties: 1) enhanced adsorption efficiency of CrVI and CrIII ions, 2) improved photocatalytic conversion of CrVI to CrIII, and 3) with suitable chemical stability under acidic conditions for catalytic applications. This work represents a milestone for an emerging class of reticular materials that can synergistically use the properties of individual functionalities to solve complex problems beyond just the water remediation application discussed in this paper.
A Selective β−Catenin‐Metadherin/CEACAM1‐CCL3 Axis Mediates Metastatic Heterogeneity upon Tumor–Macrophage Interaction
Authors: To Sally K. Y. , Tang Maggie K. S. , Tong Yin , Zhang Jiangwen , Chan Karen K. L. , Ip Philip P. C. , Shi Jue , Wong Alice S. T.
Published: April 2022

Tumor heterogeneity plays a key role in cancer relapse and metastasis, however, the distinct cellular behaviors and kinetics of interactions among different cancer cell subclones and the tumor microenvironment are poorly understood. By profiling an isogenic model that resembles spontaneous human ovarian cancer metastasis with an highly metastatic (HM) and non‐metastatic (NM) tumor cell pair, one finds an upregulation of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling uniquely in HM. Using humanized immunocompetent mice, one shows for the first time that activated β‐catenin acts nonautonomously to modulate the immune microenvironment by enhancing infiltrating tumor‐associated macrophages (TAM) at the metastatic site. Single‐cell time‐lapse microscopy further reveals that upon contact with macrophages, a significant subset of HM, but not NM, becomes polyploid, a phenotype pivotal for tumor aggressiveness and therapy resistance. Moreover, HM, but not NM, polarizes macrophages to a TAM phenotype. Mechanistically, β‐catenin upregulates cancer cell surface metadherin, which communicates through CEACAM1 expressed on macrophages to produce CCL3. Tumor xenografts in humanized mice and clinical patient samples both corroborate the relevance of enhanced metastasis, TAM activation, and polyploidy in vivo. The results thus suggest that targeting the β‐catenin‐metadherin/CEACAM1‐CCL3 positive feedback cascade holds great therapeutic potential to disrupt polyploidization of the cancer subclones that drive metastasis.
3D Correlative Imaging of Lithium Ion Concentration in a Vertically Oriented Electrode Microstructure with a Density Gradient
Authors: Huang Chun , Wilson Matthew D. , Suzuki Kosuke , Liotti Enzo , Connolley Thomas , Magdysyuk Oxana V. , Collins Stephen , Van Assche Frederic , Boone Matthieu N. , Veale Matthew C. , Lui Andrew , Wheater Rhian‐Mair , Leung Chu Lun Alex
Published: April 2022

The performance of Li+ ion batteries (LIBs) is hindered by steep Li+ ion concentration gradients in the electrodes. Although thick electrodes (≥300 µm) have the potential for reducing the proportion of inactive components inside LIBs and increasing battery energy density, the Li+ ion concentration gradient problem is exacerbated. Most understanding of Li+ ion diffusion in the electrodes is based on computational modeling because of the low atomic number (Z) of Li. There are few experimental methods to visualize Li+ ion concentration distribution of the electrode within a battery of typical configurations, for example, coin cells with stainless steel casing. Here, for the first time, an interrupted in situ correlative imaging technique is developed, combining novel, full‐field X‐ray Compton scattering imaging with X‐ray computed tomography that allows 3D pixel‐by‐pixel mapping of both Li+ stoichiometry and electrode microstructure of a LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 cathode to correlate the chemical and physical properties of the electrode inside a working coin cell battery. An electrode microstructure containing vertically oriented pore arrays and a density gradient is fabricated. It is shown how the designed electrode microstructure improves Li+ ion diffusivity, homogenizes Li+ ion concentration through the ultra‐thick electrode (1 mm), and improves utilization of electrode active materials.
Regulating Bacterial Behavior within Hydrogels of Tunable Viscoelasticity
Authors: Bhusari Shardul , Sankaran Shrikrishnan , del Campo Aránzazu
Published: April 2022

Engineered living materials (ELMs) are a new class of materials in which living organism incorporated into diffusive matrices uptake a fundamental role in material's composition and function. Understanding how the spatial confinement in 3D can regulate the behavior of the embedded cells is crucial to design and predict ELM's function, minimize their environmental impact and facilitate their translation into applied materials. This study investigates the growth and metabolic activity of bacteria within an associative hydrogel network (Pluronic‐based) with mechanical properties that can be tuned by introducing a variable degree of acrylate crosslinks. Individual bacteria distributed in the hydrogel matrix at low density form functional colonies whose size is controlled by the extent of permanent crosslinks. With increasing stiffness and elastic response to deformation of the matrix, a decrease in colony volumes and an increase in their sphericity are observed. Protein production follows a different pattern with higher production yields occurring in networks with intermediate permanent crosslinking degrees. These results demonstrate that matrix design can be used to control and regulate the composition and function of ELMs containing microorganisms. Interestingly, design parameters for matrices to regulate bacteria behavior show similarities to those elucidated for 3D culture of mammalian cells.
The Combination of Structure Prediction and Experiment for the Exploration of Alkali‐Earth Metal‐Contained Chalcopyrite‐Like IR Nonlinear Optical Material
Authors: Wang Peng , Chu Yu , Tudi Abudukadi , Xie Congwei , Yang Zhihua , Pan Shilie , Li Junjie
Published: April 2022

Design and fabrication of new infrared (IR) nonlinear optical (NLO) materials with balanced properties are urgently needed since commercial chalcopyrite‐like (CL) NLO crystals are suffering from their intrinsic drawbacks. Herein, the first defect‐CL (DCL) alkali‐earth metal (AEM) selenide IR NLO material, DCL‐MgGa2Se4, has been rationally designed and fabricated by a structure prediction and experiment combined strategy. The introduction of AEM tetrahedral unit MgSe4 effectively widens the band gap of DCL compounds. The title compound exhibits a wide band gap of 2.96 eV, resulting in a high laser induced damage threshold (LIDT) of ≈3.0 × AgGaS2 (AGS). Furthermore, the compound shows a suitable second harmonic generation (SHG) response (≈0.9 × AGS) with a type‐I phase‐matching (PM) behavior and a wide IR transparent range. The results indicate that DCL‐MgGa2Se4 is a promising mid‐to‐far IR NLO material and give some insights into the design of new CL compound with outstanding IR NLO properties based on the AEM tetrahedra and the structure predication and experiment combined strategy.
Transporting Hydrogel via Chinese Acupuncture Needles for Lesion Positioning Therapy
Authors: Lin Feng , Wang Zhen , Xiang Lei , Wu Longxi , Liu Yupu , Xi Xiaobing , Deng Lianfu , Cui Wenguo
Published: April 2022

Lesion positioning therapy optimizes medical treatment by directly targeting lesions. However, strong physical barriers greatly hinder its wide use. Here, the Chinese acupuncture needles (CA‐needles) with a screw‐thread structure at the tip (ST‐needle) and the hydrogel with the function of adhesive metal and loaded drug sustained‐release structure are designed, through the minimally invasive and precise positioning of lesions by ST‐needles, the dry‐wet conversion of hydrogel with absorbing fluids and swelling, and the rotation back of ST‐needles, the hydrogel is precisely positioned in the subchondral bone with physical barrier to achieve precise positioning therapy for lesions. In vitro experiments show that the ST‐needle penetrates the physical barrier of cartilage and enters the subchondral bone. Simultaneously, the hydrogel transfer efficiency of the ST‐needle (73.25%) is significantly higher than that of the CA‐needle (29.92%) due to the protective effect of the screw‐thread structure. In vivo experiments demonstrate that precise positioning in subchondral bone in osteoarthritis rats with ST‐needles effectively inhibits abnormal subchondral bone remodeling, alleviating the degeneration and degradation of cartilage. Therefore, ST‐needles achieve lesion positioning therapy through minimally invasive penetration of physical barriers, precisely positioning within lesions, and delivering hydrogel to release drugs.
Adsorption in Reversed Order of C2 Hydrocarbons on an Ultramicroporous Fluorinated Metal‐Organic Framework
Authors: Yang Lingzhi , Yan Liting , Niu Weijing , Feng Yan , Fu Qiuju , Zhang Shuo , Zhang Yinhang , Li Liangjun , Gu Xin , Dai Pengcheng , Liu Dandan , Zheng Qingbin , Zhao Xuebo
Published: April 2022

Metal‐organic frameworks have been widely studied in the separation of C2 hydrocarbons, which usually preferentially bind unsaturated hydrocarbons with the order of acetylene (C2H2)>ethylene (C2H4)>ethane (C2H6). Herein, we report an ultramicroporous fluorinated metal‐organic framework Zn‐FBA (H2FBA=4,4′‐(hexafluoroisopropylidene)bis(benzoic acid)), shows a reversed adsorption order characteristic for C2 hydrocarbons, that the uptake for C2 hydrocarbons of the framework and the binding affinity between the guest molecule and the framework follows the order C2H6>C2H4>C2H2. Density‐functional theory calculations confirm that the completely reversed adsorption order behavior is attributed to the close van der Waals interactions and multiple cooperative C−H⋅⋅⋅F hydrogen bonds between the framework and C2H6. Moreover, Zn‐FBA exhibits a high selectivity of about 2.9 for C2H6 over C2H4 at 298 K and 1 bar. The experimental breakthrough studies show that the high‐purity C2H4 can be obtained from C2H6 and C2H4 mixtures in one step.
Global Transcriptomic Profiling Identifies Differential Gene Expression Signatures Between Inflammatory and Noninflammatory Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Hur Benjamin , Koster Matthew J. , Jang Jin Sung , Weyand Cornelia M. , Warrington Kenneth J. , Sung Jaeyun
Published: April 2022

Objective

To identify hallmark genes and biomolecular processes in aortitis using high‐throughput gene expression profiling, and to provide a range of potentially new drug targets (genes) and therapeutics from a pharmacogenomic network analysis.

Methods

Bulk RNA sequencing was performed on surgically resected ascending aortic tissues from inflammatory aneurysms (giant cell arteritis [GCA] with or without polymyalgia rheumatica, n = 8; clinically isolated aortitis [CIA], n = 17) and noninflammatory aneurysms (n = 25) undergoing surgical aortic repair. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the 2 patient groups were identified while controlling for clinical covariates. A protein–protein interaction model, drug–gene target information, and the DEGs were used to construct a pharmacogenomic network for identifying promising drug targets and potentially new treatment strategies in aortitis.

Results

Overall, tissue gene expression patterns were the most associated with disease state than with any other clinical characteristic. We identified 159 and 93 genes that were significantly up‐regulated and down‐regulated, respectively, in inflammatory aortic aneurysms compared to noninflammatory aortic aneurysms. We found that the up‐regulated genes were enriched in immune‐related functions, whereas the down‐regulated genes were enriched in neuronal processes. Notably, gene expression profiles of inflammatory aortic aneurysms from patients with GCA were no different than those from patients with CIA. Finally, our pharmacogenomic network analysis identified genes that could potentially be targeted by immunosuppressive drugs currently approved for other inflammatory diseases.

Conclusion

We performed the first global transcriptomics analysis in inflammatory aortic aneurysms from surgically resected aortic tissues. We identified signature genes and biomolecular processes, while finding that CIA may be a limited presentation of GCA. Moreover, our computational network analysis revealed potential novel strategies for pharmacologic interventions and suggests future biomarker discovery directions for the precise diagnosis and treatment of aortitis.
Congestion tracking control for wireless TCP/AQM network via immersion and invariance
Authors: Poonyanirun Somchai , Kanchanaharuthai Adirak
Published: April 2022

This paper deals with an immersion and invariance (I&I) control design for wireless Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) network to solve Active Queue Management (AQM) problems. With the help of this strategy, the developed control law can be used to cope with congestion tracking problems for a nonlinear wireless network model. Besides, the nonlinear congestion control law is proposed to assure that the queue length is able to track the desired queue length despite having sudden changes. The developed control design is validated in the MATLAB environment. The effectiveness of the developed control is verified through a simulation and compared with integral backstepping design, backstepping design, sliding mode design, and synergetic control design. The simulation results demonstrated that the presented strategy is not only able to solve the desired congestion tracking control problem but also provide improved transient performances.
Precarious privilege in the time of pandemic: A hybrid (auto)ethnographic perspective on COVID‐19 and international schooling in China
Authors: Poole Adam , Bunnell Tristan
Published: April 2022

Although the impact of the global COVID‐19 pandemic in terms of school closure and the sudden shift to online learning has started to be explored, little has so far been written about the impact on teachers. This paper addresses this gap by drawing on the first author's autoethnographic experiences of working in the growing body of ‘non‐traditional’ international schooling in Shanghai, China, during the first wave of the pandemic in early 2020. These experiences are complemented by insights from other teachers from the author's school site, leading to a hybrid (auto)ethnographic perspective. By utilising and developing the emergent concept of ‘precarious privilege’, we can see that whilst the pandemic has restricted teachers' movements and agency in a physical sense through lockdowns and travel restrictions, this immobility also fosters new symbolic and physical spaces, which in turn give rise to new forms of privilege. The privilege in this context is not financial, as is often the case, but rather existential (reclaiming a more authentic self) and spatial (the school offers teachers security) in nature. This fresh, nuanced approach to discussing precarity is timely and necessary. Given the novelty of the situation we now find ourselves in, new positionings are required to orient the individual and the researcher to a post‐pandemic world. This paper offers one such positioning in the form of autoethnography for (re)imagining precarity and privilege in international schooling within the context of an emerging new world.
Molecularly imprinted polymer‐based optical immunosensors
Authors: Singh Kshitij R. B. , Natarajan Arunadevi
Published: April 2022

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are artificial antibodies for a target molecule. The review focuses mainly on mechanistic steps involved in forming MIPs and the role of co‐monomers and porogen. In addition, the electronic transition between different energy levels is explained with the help of the Jablonski diagram. Diverse receptor and target molecules for anchoring artificial MIPs are discussed, accentuating the synergetic effects obtained. The binding efficiency, selectivity, and sensitivity of various optical sensors are discussed intensively. In addition to this, we focused on synthesis, physical forms, characterization techniques, and microorganism detection of imprinted polymers. A brief investigation on the use of MIPs in cancer diagnosis is also included, and attention is extended to the important challenges faced in using imprinted polymers.
Are firms with better sustainability performance more resilient during crises?
Authors: Lu Jing , Rodenburg Kathleen , Foti Lianne , Pegoraro Ann
Published: April 2022

This paper investigates the relationship between sustainability and financial performance using a sample of G7 firms from 2004 to 2020. We find a positive bidirectional relationship that firms with better sustainability performance are more profitable in the future and firms with better financial performance have higher subsequent sustainability performance. In addition, we test how two major crises (the financial crisis and the COVID‐19 pandemic) affect the sustainability‐financial performance relationship. Firms with better sustainability performance are hit harder on their financial performance, but the benefits of financial performance on sustainability are strengthened during the financial crisis. During the ongoing COVID‐19 crisis, firms with strong sustainability performance have been more resilient, and their financial performance has dropped less than firms with poor sustainability performance. However, the benefits of profitability on sustainability are weakened. Our results suggest that sustainability provides “insurance”‐like protection against economic downturns during COVID‐19 and mature sustainability offers economic benefits but not early‐stage sustainability. It expands the contingency perspective of sustainability–financial performance relationship to crisis management.
Optimization of pre‐analytical and analytical steps for DNA and RNA analysis of fresh cytology samples
Authors: Dolinar Ana , Grubelnik Gašper , Srebotnik‐Kirbiš Irena , Strojan Fležar Margareta , Žlajpah Margareta
Published: April 2022

Background

Different cytology preparations can be used for molecular diagnostics, however the influence of pre‐analytical and analytical steps on the results are not yet well defined. We aimed to determine optimal steps for efficient extraction of DNA and RNA from fresh cells for molecular diagnostics.

Methods

MCF7 and FaDu human cell lines, were used as a model to determine fresh cells storage conditions (temperature: 25°C, 4°C, −20°C, −80°C; duration: 0 h, 4 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h) and optimal nucleic acids extraction method. Besides, the minimal number of total cells and minimal percentage of mutated cells needed for successful extraction of nucleic acids and subsequent determination of present mutation were evaluated.

Results

Extraction of nucleic acids using spin columns yielded the highest quantity and quality of nucleic acids. Isolation of nucleic acids was feasible in all storage conditions, however higher temperature and longer duration of fresh cells storage were associated with lower quality of isolated nucleic acids and similar quantification cycle of housekeeping genes. Successful molecular testing was feasible with least 104 cells, while specific mutation was detected in as low as 5% of mutated cells.

Conclusions

Our cell line model, mimicking fresh cytology samples, showed that quantity of extracted either DNA or RNA declined with higher temperatures and longer duration of storage but regardless of the storage conditions, we successfully detected both housekeeping genes and mutated gene using qPCR.
Role of Sam68 in Sunitinib induced renal cell carcinoma apoptosis
Authors: Wu Zeshen , Peng Yulu , Xiong Longbin , Wang Jun , Li Zhen , Ning Kang , Deng Minhua , Wang Ning , Wei Wensu , Li Zhiyong , Dong Pei , Yu Chunping , Zhou Fangjian , Zhang Zhiling
Published: April 2022

Sunitinib is one of the first‐line targeted drugs for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with dual effects of antiangiogensis and proapoptosis. Sam68 (Src‐associated in mitosis, 68 KDa), is found being involved in cell apoptosis. This article reveals that Sam68 impacts the sensitivity to sunitinib by mediating the apoptosis of RCC cells. Immunohistochemical staining indicated that the Sam68 expression levels in sunitinib sensitive tumor tissues were markedly higher than those in sunitinib resistant tumor tissues. Sunitinib induced RCC cell apoptosis in a concentration‐dependent manner and inhibited the expression of total and phosphorylated Sam68 (p‐Sam68). Downregulation of Sam68 expression inhibited RCC cell apoptosis induced by sunitinib. While upregulation of Sam68 expression could enhance apoptosis induced by sunitinib. Xenograft models showed that tumors in the Sam68‐knockdown group did not shrink as much as those in the control group after treatment with sunitinib for 4 weeks. Together, our results suggest that Sam68 expression is associated with the sensitivity of ccRCC patients to sunitinib. Sam68 may promote cell apoptosis induced by sunitinib, and the Sam68 expression level may be a biomarker for predicting sunitinib sensitivity in ccRCC patients.
Efficacy and safety of PD‐1 inhibitor combined with antiangiogenic therapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: A multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Yao Junlin , Zhu Xudong , Wu Zhiheng , Wei Qing , Cai Yibo , Zheng Yu , Hu Xinyu , Hu Hong , Zhang Xiangyu , Pan Hongming , Zhong Xian , Han Weidong
Published: April 2022

Background

Immunotherapy‐antiangiogenesis combination therapy has achieved excellent survival outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in clinical trials. However, the combination therapy for HCC outside clinical trials is not well studied, and predictive factors are lacking. Here, we retrospectively analyzed the efficacy and safety of immunotherapy‐antiangiogenesis combination therapy in unresectable HCC patients in a real‐world setting.

Methods

We conducted a four‐center, retrospective study of unresectable HCC patients who received the combination of programmed death 1 (PD‐1) inhibitor and antiangiogenic agent between April 2018 and July 2021 in China.

Results

In total, 136 patients were enrolled in the cohort. The objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were 38.0% and 81.8%, respectively. The median time to progression (TTP), progression‐free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were 7.2, 7.3, and 19.6 months, respectively. The multivariate analysis indicated that ECOG performance status score (PS) 2 was a significantly independent negative factor of ORR. Moreover, ECOG PS 2, peritoneum metastasis and previous immunotherapy were found to be independent negative predictors of PFS. A shorter OS was associated with ECOG PS 2, peritoneum metastasis, the presence of previous immunotherapy, Child‐Pugh stage B, and high alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) concentration. One hundred and twenty‐five patients (91.9%) reported adverse events (AEs) with any grade.

Conclusion

We elucidated the efficacy and safety of immunotherapy‐antiangiogenesis combination therapy and identified potential predictors for response and survival in a real‐world cohort of patients with unresectable HCC.
Sociopolitical development of female migrant domestic workers in Southern Spain: A qualitative study of a pathway against injustice
Authors: Duque Tatiana , Aceros Juan C. , Paloma Virginia
Published: April 2022

Domestic work is a sector characterized by various forms of injustice, prompting some women to embark on a pathway towards activism. Based on the Sociopolitical Development (SPD) framework, this study aims to explore female Latin American migrants' experiences of injustice in the domestic work sector in Spain and how they challenge them, particularly when they become involved in organized collective action. To this end, in‐depth interviews were conducted with 11 women of Latin American origin who actively participate in the Association of Domestic Workers of Seville. The qualitative analysis found that being a domestic worker, having experiences of exploitation, discovering rights, receiving rights training, sharing stories of oppression, and engaging in sociopolitical actions are key experiences in guiding migrant women from the acritical and adaptive stages of SPD towards the pre‐critical, critical, and liberation ones. Knowledge about these significant life‐changing events may be useful for designing interventions aimed at fostering different ways in which oppressed groups can challenge injustice.
Religious counselors and LGBTQ+ clients: A Q‐sort of value navigation
Authors: Bayne Hannah B. , Harness Luke , Neuer Colburn Anita
Published: April 2022

In this study, we explored variation in religious value conflict navigation through a Q‐sort procedure of strategies for reaching an affirming stance toward counseling lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) clients. Factor analysis of the correlation matrix revealed a five‐factor solution accounting for 63% of the variance. We consider implications for counselor training and research.
Cobalt Complexes Supported by Phosphinoquinoline Ligands for the Catalyzed Hydrosilylation of Carbonyl Compounds
Authors: Schiltz Pauline , Casaretto Nicolas , Auffrant Audrey , Gosmini Corinne
Published: April 2022

P,N phosphinoquinoline based ligands differing by the nature of the phosphorus substituent (iPr, Ph) were employed to synthesize a series of cobalt(II) complexes ([LCoBr2], [L2CoBr](PF6) and [L’2CoBr](PF6)). The latter were obtained in high yield and characterized among others by X‐ray analysis and elemental analysis. Complex [L2CoBr](PF6) showed a very good catalytic activity for the hydrosilylation of various ketones. The catalysis proceeds at a low catalytic loading (1 mol %) with only 1 equivalent of Ph2SiH2 in mild conditions and was efficient with aliphatic or aromatic ketones giving moderate to excellent yields of the corresponding silylated ether.
GNPS‐Guided Discovery of Madurastatin Siderophores from the Termite‐Associated Actinomadura sp. RB99**
Authors: Lee Seoung Rak , Schalk Felix , Schwitalla Jan W. , Guo Huijuan , Yu Jae Sik , Song Moonyong , Jung Won Hee , de Beer Z. Wilhelm , Beemelmanns Christine , Kim Ki Hyun
Published: April 2022

In this study, we analyzed if Actinomadura sp. RB99 produces siderophores that that could be responsible for the antimicrobial activity observed in co‐cultivation studies. Dereplication of high‐resolution tandem mass spectrometry (HRMS/MS) and global natural product social molecular networking platform (GNPS) analysis of fungus‐bacterium co‐cultures resulted in the identification of five madurastatin derivatives (A1, A2, E1, F, and G1), of which were four new derivatives. Chemical structures were unambiguously confirmed by HR‐ESI‐MS, 1D and 2D NMR experiments, as well as MS/MS data and their absolute structures were elucidated based on Marfey's analysis, DP4+ probability calculation and total synthesis. Structure analysis revealed that madurastatin E1 (2) contained a rare 4‐imidazolidinone cyclic moiety and madurastatin A1 (5) was characterized as a Ga3+‐complex. The function of madurastatins as siderophores was evaluated using the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans as model organism. Based on homology models, we identified the putative NRPS‐based gene cluster region of the siderophores in Actinomadura sp. RB99.
Molecular Engineering of Star‐Shaped Indoline Hole Transport Materials: The Influence of Planarity on the Hole Extraction and Transport Processes
Authors: Lv Yang , Guo Huanxin , Ye Fangyuan , Yi Yanxin , Wu Yongzhen , Liu Bo
Published: April 2022

As the key properties of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), the hole extraction and transport capabilities of the hole transport material (HTM) affect the photovoltaic performance of PSCs to a considerable extent, while both capabilities can be adjusted by molecular planarity. Therefore, in this work, the molecular planarity of the HTM is systematically optimized to regulate the hole extraction and transport capabilities. Along with the improvement in planarity, the HTM′s HOMO level is increased, leading to the enhancement of hole extraction capability. Meanwhile, the hole transport capability can also be improved due to the intensification of molecular stacking during the film formation. As a result, the planar HTM achieves a relatively high efficiency of 18.48 %, which is higher than that of spiro‐OMeTAD. Accordingly, the molecular planarity presents an important impact on the photovoltaic performance of PSCs, providing us with a promising strategy for further optimization of efficient HTMs.
Identification of 4‐Anilinoquin(az)oline as a Cell‐Active Protein Kinase Novel 3 (PKN3) Inhibitor Chemotype**
Authors: Asquith Christopher R. M. , Temme Louisa , East Michael P. , Laitinen Tuomo , Pickett Julie , Kwarcinski Frank E. , Sinha Parvathi , Wells Carrow I. , Johnson Gary L. , Zutshi Reena , Drewry David H.
Published: April 2022

Deep annotation of a library of 4‐anilinoquin(az)olines led to the identification of 7‐iodo‐N‐(3,4,5‐trimethoxyphenyl)quinolin‐4‐amine 16 as a potent inhibitor (IC50=14 nM) of Protein Kinase Novel 3 (PKN3) with micromolar activity in cells. Compound 16 is a potential tool compound to study the cell biology of PKN3 and its role in pancreatic and prostate cancer and T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. These 4‐anilinoquin(az)olines may also be useful tools to uncover the therapeutic potential of PKN3 inhibition in a broad range of diseases.
Racial disparities in frailty and geriatric assessment impairments in older adults with cancer in the Deep South: Results from the CARE Registry
Authors: Williams Grant R. , Al‐Obaidi Mustafa , Harmon Christian , Dai Chen , Outlaw Darryl , Gbolahan Olumide , Khushman Moh’d , Nyrop Kirsten A. , Gilmore Nikesha , Bhatia Smita , Giri Smith
Published: April 2022

Background

Despite recent advances in cancer, racial disparities in treatment outcomes persist, and their mechanisms are still not fully understood. The objective of this study was to examine racial differences in frailty and geriatric assessment impairments in an unselected cohort of older adults with newly diagnosed gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies.

Methods

This study used data from the Cancer and Aging Resilience Evaluation Registry, a prospective cohort study that enrolled older adults (≥60 years) with GI malignancies who were presenting for their initial consultation. Participants who had a geriatric assessment completed before chemotherapy initiation and self‐reported as either White or Black were included. Frailty was defined with a frailty index based on the deficit accumulation method. The differences in the prevalence and adjusted odds ratios for frailty and geriatric assessment impairments between Black and White participants were examined.

Results

Of the 710 eligible patients who were seen, 553 consented with sufficient data for analyses. The mean age at enrollment was 70 ± 7.1 years, 58% were male, and 23% were Black. Primary cancer diagnoses included colorectal cancer (32%), pancreatic cancer (27%), and hepatobiliary cancer (18%). Black participants were more likely to be frail (50.0% vs 32.7%; P < .001) and report limitations in activities of daily living (27.3% vs 14.1%; P = .001), instrumental activities of daily living (64.8% vs 47.3%; P = .002), and walking 1 block (62.5% vs 48.2%; P = .004). These associations persisted even after adjustments for age, sex, education, cancer type, cancer stage, and comorbidity.

Conclusions

Black participants were frailer and reported more limitations in function in comparison with White participants. These findings may partially explain disparities in cancer outcomes and warrant further examination.
NCA‐GA‐SVM: A new two‐level feature selection method based on neighborhood component analysis and genetic algorithm in hepatocellular carcinoma fatality prognosis
Authors: Książek Wojciech , Turza Filip , Pławiak Paweł
Published: April 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the major challenges facing biomedical research. Despite the high lethality, methods to predict mortality for this type of aggressive malignant tumor are insufficient. Machine learning is recognized by many authors as a valuable, yet poorly studied tool in this field. Undoubtedly, searching for new feature selection methods is significant in building an effective machine‐learning model. In this study, we propose the novel hybrid model using neighborhood components analysis, genetic algorithm and support vector machine classifier (NCA‐GA‐SVM). Because SVM works with default parameters characterized by low classification results, we decided to use GA for the proper optimization and feature selection. As reported in the available literature, NCA and GA obtain high classification results. Here, we decided to combine these approaches, building a two‐level algorithm for HCC fatality prognosis. We used a well‐known dataset collected from 165 patients at Coimbra's Hospital and University Center, Portugal. Our results revealed 96.36% classification accuracy and 95.52% F1‐score. Additionally, we compared all data for these metrics published so far. We demonstrated that our algorithm achieved the highest accuracy and can be successfully applied for the assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma mortality in the future. Our findings bring methodological value for future HCC studies and emphasize the possibility of using machine‐learning techniques to improve the quality of medical decisions.
A Molten‐Salt Method to Synthesize Co9S8 Embedded, N, S Co‐Doped Mesoporous Carbons from Melamine Formaldehyde Resins for Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Reactions
Authors: Miao Sijia , Xu Jing , Cui Chengzhe , Tang Duihai , Zhang Wenting , Xin Shigang , Zhao Zhen
Published: April 2022

We developed a molten salts process to prepare Co9S8 nanoparticles (NPs) entrapped, S, N co‐doped carbons. Cobalt chloride was used as the cobalt source. The melamine‐formaldehyde (MF) resin provided the carbon source and nitrogen source, and thiourea provided sulfur source. In addition, common inorganic salts were added as templates to generate pores. The characterization results showed that the prepared materials contained high contents of N, S and Co, and were mesoporous composites. At the same time, the porosity of electrocatalyst depended on the type of salt and the mass ratio of precursor to salt, which further affected the electrocatalytic activity of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The best prepared catalyst showed excellent HER performance. The onset overpotential of the catalyst was low (33 mV) and had a small Tafel slope (61.1 mV dec−1), in addition to good stability in alkaline media.
Beyond compliance – Voluntary climate mitigation by New Zealand firms
Authors: Nikula Pii‐Tuulia
Published: April 2022

This article explores voluntary climate mitigation by New Zealand firms. To meet global emission reduction targets, rapid decarbonisation is required. Hence, it is important to understand how and why firms engage in climate change mitigation, what results these mitigation efforts yield and the related tensions. This article explores the practices and perspectives of climate‐proactive New Zealand firms. The firms in this study had engaged in a range of climate mitigation efforts associated with emission management and influencing. Emission management showed mixed results: most of the firms had succeeded in improving their emission intensity, but many had struggled to reduce their gross emissions. The key drivers behind climate engagement were found to be value‐based. Furthermore, multiple tensions and paradoxes, such as the nexus between business growth and gross emissions, were present. Understanding these challenges and firm perspectives is important when considering the feasibility of new measures to enhance organisational climate mitigation.