bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organizational climate, organizational support and citizenship behavior in the army
Authors: Piotrowski Andrzej , Boe Ole , Rawat Samir , Deshpande Abhijit P.
Published: September 2020

The main aim of this study is to determine how citizenship behaviors may be shaped in the Armed Forces. The presented study is by far the first that thoroughly examines connections between all aspects of organizational climate (OC), perceived organizational support (POS), and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) in the Polish Army. Research hypotheses were examined using data collected from a sample of 139 military officers from the Polish Land Forces. Results showed that some of the OC parameters and POS, especially those coming from other soldiers were positively connected with OCB. Implications of OCBs and practical management are discussed, and directions for future research are suggested.
Soil Metagenomics: Prospects and Challenges
Authors: Kaushik Prashant , Singh Sandhu Opinder , Singh Brar Navjot , Kumar Vivek , Singh Malhi Gurdeep , Kesh Hari , Saini Ishan
Published: September 2020

The better strategies to examine RNA or DNA from soil allow us to understand the microbial diversity and features in the soil, which are challenging to identify by typical culture techniques. In this direction, the literature on soil metagenomics and its usefulness is ever-increasing and so as its implementation experiences. Omics techniques are going to assist the metagenomics in achieving agricultural sustainability. In doing so, essential understanding on the reference soil would serve to help upcoming soil survey initiatives, lessening bias and raising objectivity. Although the interpretation of limited details has influenced microbial ecologists, the scope of methodological bias remains unfamiliar. A detailed catalog of functional genes and soil microorganisms does not yet exist for any soil. Overall, this chapter provides thoughts related to the soil metagenomics, its importance, and conventional methods of analysis, along with prospects and challenges of soil metagenomics.
Acute on Chronic Liver Failure: Role of the Bacterial Infections
Authors: Borzio Mauro , Dionigi Elena
Published: September 2020

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) refers to a syndrome characterized by acute deterioration of liver function of a pre-existing chronic liver disease with increased short-term mortality at 3 months due to multiorgan failure. Definition of ACLF has been refined, but differences between western and eastern areas still exist. Diagnosis of ACLF as recommended by the EASL-CLIF consortium is based on the assessment of organ dysfunction. The pathogenesis of this syndrome is attributable to an exaggerated host response to inflammation, responsible for the severe haemodynamic derangement leading to multiorgan failure. ACLF is triggered by precipitating events like acute hepatitis either viral, drug-induced, toxic, or alcoholic, variceal bleeding and sepsis. Bacterial infection is currently considered the most frequent trigger of ACLF in Western countries. Cirrhotic patients, particularly if decompensated are prone to develop bacterial infection because loss of integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier and translocation of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Bacterial translocation may develop into overt infection at different sites, along with sepsis and septic shock that may lead to ACLF. Epidemiology of bacterial infection in cirrhosis has been changing and this accounts for new antibiotic regimens as empirical therapy in critically ill cirrhotic patients with bacterial infection. In this chapter, we will discuss on definition, pathogenesis, clinical aspects and therapy of bacterial infection-related ACLF.
Exploring the Project Risk Management: Highlighting the Soft Side of Project Management
Authors: T. Hatamleh Muhammad
Published: September 2020

The majority of the approaches to managing project risk follow the logic of process groups. Project Management Institute (PMI) has 29 tools and techniques related to risk management process groups. Consequently, engineering and business schools have been accused of educating managers with sharp analytical skills but little understanding of social problems. The literature suggests that too much attention is focused on learning the techniques and formalities of risk management but not enough on the advanced issues of management. Also, the literature argues that there are two approaches to project management (hard and soft). The hard side only covers part of the managerial aspects which helps to manage foreseeable uncertainties. However, unforeseeable uncertainties need skills that related to soft side approaches such as emotional intelligence, navigating the organization’s culture, risk attitude, participative leadership style, and managing the relationship with stakeholders. This study provides an intensive review of the literature to discuss the need for integrating the hard and soft sides of management to achieve an effective risk management process. In addition, it proposes a conceptual framework that provides guidelines to enhance overall risk management efficiency.
ADHD and Impact on Language
Authors: Brites Clay
Published: September 2020

The language problem in ADHD could be expressed in any age, in different intensity levels, that could bring negative effects in all daily activities and learning process, which depends on the right language acquisition during the child’s development. Among the most common comorbidities in ADHD, the abnormalities in language result in greater unsatisfactory evolution and many problems in verbal and nonverbal abilities, and even more in academic life, as a result of losses in reading and writing appropriation.
Governance and Governability of Groundwater in Arid Areas
Authors: Pino Edwin , Steenken André
Published: September 2020

The crisis of governance and governability in the use of groundwater in coastal aquifers in arid zones is an element that contributes to the depletion and deterioration of the groundwater quality, due to processes of marine intrusion. Under the current exploration conditions, the governance crisis is characterized in the overall consumption of groundwater by humans, their animals, and by their industrials. Interpreting current national and international regulations applicable to this type of system confirms this area of investigation. This problem goes beyond the laws in all its terms regarding the management regimes and limitations on the availability of groundwater resources. If immediate actions are not taken by the government, the crisis of the system could become irreversible, with the consequent economic damage that this involves.
Dentro/fuera y posiciones de frontera. transgrediendo límites entre análisis y acción desde una investigación activista con la plataforma de afectados por la hipoteca de Barcelona
Authors: García Soto Rocío
Published: September 2020

En el siguiente artículo reflexionaré desde mi posición de antropóloga comprometida política y socialmente acerca de cómo he ido articulando la investigación y el activismo. Partiendo desde los cuestionamientos del para qué de la producción de conocimiento y más concretamente el para quién hacemos etnografía, me embarco en un proyecto de investigación que nacía con el doble objetivo de por un lado democratizar la producción de conocimiento y por otro politizar sus contenidos. Utilizo mi experiencia en la Plataforma de Afectados por la Hipoteca de Barcelona para visibilizar, mediante un análisis retrospectivo, los desencuentros y las dificultades con las que me he ido encontrado al compaginar la investigación con la participación e implicación en el colectivo.En el siguiente artículo reflexionaré desde mi posición de antropóloga comprometida política y socialmente acerca de cómo he ido articulando la investigación y el activismo. Partiendo desde los cuestionamientos del para qué de la producción de conocimiento y más concretamente el para quién hacemos etnografía, me embarco en un proyecto de investigación que nacía con el doble objetivo de por un lado democratizar la producción de conocimiento y por otro politizar sus contenidos. Utilizo mi experiencia en la Plataforma de Afectados por la Hipoteca de Barcelona para visibilizar, mediante un análisis retrospectivo, los desencuentros y las dificultades con las que me he ido encontrado al compaginar la investigación con la participación e implicación en el colectivo.
Portraying Mental Illness in Video Games
Authors: Anderson Sky LaRell
Published: September 2020

This exploratory study examines three video games as case studies for how video games may portray mental illness through interactive, non-narrative design features. The analysis not only reports findings but also offers an evaluation for how video games might improve in how they depict mental illness. The games studied are What Remains of Edith Finch, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, and Doki Doki Literature Club. The analysis identifies how these games use audiovisual styles, control systems, game goals, and procedurality to portray mental illness. A report of the discovered themes precedes a discussion of innovations and weaknesses of those depictions of mental illness.
A Case of Resolved Vincristine-Induced Constipation Following Osteopathic Medicine in a Patient With Infantile Fibrosarcoma
Authors: Belsky Jennifer A. , Wolf Kimberly , Setty Bhuvana A.
Published: September 2020

Vincristine-induced constipation is a common side effect in pediatric oncology patients. We report the case of an infant with histologic diagnosis of infantile fibrosarcoma who developed significant constipation because of ongoing vincristine administration. She was treated with osteopathic manipulative treatment and had significant improvement in symptoms. She was able to stop her home lactulose bowel regimen without signs or symptoms of constipation. This case demonstrates the benefit of osteopathic manipulative treatment for chemotherapy-induced constipation as an effective and simple supportive care option without added adverse events.
Head, Neck, Trunk, and Pelvis Tissue Mass Predictions for Older Adults using Anthropometric Measures and Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry
Authors: Kahelin Charles A.J. , George Nicole C. , Gyemi Danielle L. , Andrews David M.
Published: September 2020

Background: Regression equations using anthropometric measurements to predict soft (fat mass [FM], lean mass [LM], wobbling mass [WM]) and rigid (bone mineral content [BMC]) tissue masses of the extremities and core body segments have been developed for younger adults (16-35 years), but not older adults (36-65 years). Tissue mass estimates such as these would facilitate biomechanical modeling and analyses of older adults following fall or collision-related impacts that might occur during sport and recreational activities. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to expand on the previously established tissue mass prediction equations of the head, neck, trunk, and pelvis for healthy, younger adults by generating a comparable set of equations for an older adult population. Methods: A generation sample (38 males, 38 females) was used to create head, neck, trunk, and pelvis tissue mass prediction equations via multiple linear stepwise regression. A validation sample (13 males, 12 females) was used to assess equation accuracy; actual tissue masses were acquired from manually segmented full body Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry scans. Results: Adjusted R2 values for the prediction equations ranged from 0.326 to 0.949, where BMC equations showed the lowest explained variances overall. Mean relative errors between actual and predicted masses ranged from –2.6% to 6.1% for trunk LM and FM, respectively. All actual tissue masses except head BMC (R2 = 0.092) were significantly correlated to those predicted from the equations (R2 = 0.403 to 0.963). Conclusion: This research provides a simple and effective method for predicting head, neck, trunk, and pelvis tissue masses in older adults that can be incorporated into biomechanical models for analyzing sport and recreational activities. Future work with this population should aim to improve core segment BMC predictions and develop equations for the extremities.
The distributed ledger technology as a measure to minimize risks of poor-quality pharmaceuticals circulation
Authors: Erokhin Aleksandr , Koshechkin Konstantin , Ryabkov Ilya
Published: September 2020

Background

In the modern world, millions of people suffer from fake and poor-quality medical products entering the market. Violation of the rules of transportation of drugs makes them ineffective and even dangerous. The relationship between the various parts of the supply chain, production and regulation of drugs is too hard and has many problems. Distributed ledger technology is a distributed database, the properties of which allow us to track the entire path of medical products from the manufacturer to consumer, to improve the current model of the supply chain, to transform the pharmaceutical industry and prevent falsified drugs reach the market.

Objective

The aim of the article is to analyze the distributed ledger technology as an innovative means of poor-quality pharmaceuticals prevention to reach the market as well as their forehanded detection.

Methods

Content analysis of web sites of companies developing distributed ledger technology solutions had been performed. Five examples found with a google search engine by keywords “distributed ledger technology”, “blockchain”, “pharmaceuticals” and “supply chain” were examined. Analysis of relative scientific publications had been made. With the help of generalization and systematization methods, services provided by these companies were analyzed. The visual model of the supply chain was created with Microsoft Visio software.

Results

The analysis results contain a principle scheme of distributed ledger technology implementation to achieve the objectives. The analysis of present-day pharmaceuticals supply chain structure and the distributed ledger technology capacities to improve pharmaceutical companies has been carried out and presented. Furthermore, the article allows getting acquainted with today’s projects released to the market as well as the prognosis of the distributed ledger technology in pharmaceutical industry enhancement in the future.
Rediscovery of Cyperus flavescens (Cyperaceae) on the northeast periphery of its range in Europe
Authors: Marciniuk Paweł , Marciniuk Jolanta , Łysko Andrzej , Krajewski Łukasz , Chudecka Justyna , Skrzyczyńska Janina , Popiela Agnieszka Anna
Published: September 2020

In recent years, three large populations of Cyperus flavescens were found in Poland, the richest occurrence of this species in over 30 years. The goal of this research is to determine the habitat factors lead to the mass occurrence of C. flavescens and the present situation of that species and its habitat in Central Europe. Soil conditions of the three populations were studied. To determine the correlation between the occurrence and abundance of species and the chemical parameters of the soil, the DCA and CCA methods were used. The DCA of environmental Ellenberg values was made for all relevés known from Poland. The occurrence of C. flavescens in plant communities in Central Europe was studied. The maximum entropy method was used for potential distribution analysis of C. flavescens. All analyzed traits are important for this species and none has an advantage over another, so the environmental factor affecting the occurrence of C. flavescens is different from the tested. Analysis on Ellenberg values indicate that the longest gradients are temperature, moisture and nutrients. The analysis of vegetation data involving Cyperus flavescens available from Central Europe indicates that this species occurs mainly in the company of Juncus bufonius and Plantago intermedia, whereas other species of the Isoëto-Nanojuncetea class appear rarely. In MaxEnt analysis based on bioclimatic variables, the most important variable is BIO1 (Annual Mean Temperature). The results of our observation indicate that anthropogenic factors such as grazing livestock have a positive effect on the occurrence of the species. It is also very likely that the species is promoted by very warm summers with only short periods of heavy rains. A map of the potential distribution of C. flavescens in Central Europe created according historical and future data show an extension of the range of potential habitats to the north and east.
Isolation of hexavalent chromium (VI) tolerant fungi from tannery effluent and their growth responses to different concentrations of chromium (VI)
Authors: Guha Soumyajit , Debnath Sampa , Gayen Saswati
Published: September 2020

The main objective of this study was to isolate, characterize, and determine chromium (VI) tolerance capacities of fungal strains from tannery effluent of the Kolkata Leather Complex area. Chromium (VI) is a heavy metal that is known to be toxic as well as carcinogenic. It is an important heavy metal widely used in various industries of which the tanning industry deserves special mention. The majority of Cr (VI) waste is discharged into the environment annually as a consequence of industrial and manufacturing activities. Kolkata Leather Complex is an industrial complex intended to serve as a central leather-tanning complex for Kolkata located at Bantala, near East Kolkata, India. Samples (tannery effluent) were collected in sterile capped tubes from Kolkata Leather Complex Area and brought to the laboratory for analysis. The samples were serially diluted and were plated on Czapekdox agar plates and incubated at 300C. After a few days, a number of morphologically different colonies were selected and sequentially subcultured for pure colony isolation on the same medium. They were preserved in the refrigerator at 40 C. Lactophenol cotton blue staining was done to observe and record the fungal morphological characteristics. They were further assessed for their hexavalent chromium tolerance capacities and subsequently the metal tolerance index was derived for each strain respectively. All 16 fungal strains isolated from the Kolkata Leather Complex tannery area were found to be chromium (VI) tolerant starting at 0.1mg/ml Cr (VI) concentration. Maximum chromium (VI) tolerance was displayed by sample S12 (2mg/ml) which was later identified as having 99.82% similarity with Aspergillus nomius strain.Keywords: effluent, fungi, heavy metal, isolation, hexavalent chromium, tannery, tolerance.
A comparative study on the nutritional value of three Polychaete species used in Shrimp Aquaculture
Authors: Bharath Jayaseelan , Priya Adikesavan , Stella Chelladurai
Published: September 2020

The potential use of polychaete worms are as a dietary source of protein, lipid, amino acids, and vitamins for aquaculture species and also used for alternative feeds of fish meal and fish oils. Many recent studies have been documented the nutritional benefits of polychaetes for aquaculture species, for their satisfactory food intake and reproductive performance in brood stock.Most of the polychaetes were  used in hatcheries are wild caught. The commercial harvesting of polychaetes may leads to the disturbance in the benthic community and the ecosystem and also may leads to the depleting population in the ecosystem. Further the development of polychaete culture is therefore of economic importance beyond that the associated bait supply industry which is acted as the initial catalyst for this development. Hence, the present study has been made with three different polychaete species, to assess the nutritional value of the three species, one from imported (Nereis virens) and two locally available species (Perenereis cultrifera and Glycera sp) for commercial uses of the shrimp aquaculture industry.Key words : Polychaete worms, Perenereis species, fatty acids. amino acids, Minerals.
Site-specific Nutrient Management for Enhancing Crop Productivity
Authors: Bana Ramesh Chand , Yadav S. S. , Shivran A. C. , Singh Prabhoo , Kudi Vinod Kumar
Published: September 2020

Nutrient management plays a crucial role in achieving self-sufficiency in food grain production. High price index of chemical fertilizers coupled with mount pollution problem gave rise to interest in precision nutrient management tools. Site specific nutrient management (SSNM) increases and maintains the yield by optimizing the balance between supply and demand of nutrients. Nutrient application as per SSNM concept resulted in significantly higher grain yields of maize, rice, wheat and other important crop over recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) and farmer’s fertilizers practices. The SSNM is real time feeding of crops with nutrients while recognizing the inherent spatial variability which enhances crop productivity, nutrient use efficiency (NUE) and avoids nutrient wastage. For effective SSNM, utilization of different sensing devices of soil and plant nutrient status, decision support systems, GIS, remote sensing, simulation models and nenoparticles play an important role. Traditional techniques like balanced fertilization, use of nitrification inhibitors and slow-release nitrogenous fertilizers (SRNF) are also used to attain higher productivity and reduce environmental pollution. This paper deals with the SSNM approaches which are able to enhance crop productivity, NUE and sustainability.
Studies on Some Cytokines, CD4, Hepcidin, Iron, and Some Haematological Parameters of Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Southeast, Nigeria
Authors: Ifeanyi Obeagu, Emmanuel , Uzoma Obeagu, Getrude , Nonyelum Esimai, Bessie , Amaeze Amaeze Augustine , Ngozi Amaeze, Florence , Ijego Asogwa, Eucharia
Published: September 2020

The research was done to evaluate the levels of IFN-γ, IL-6, IL- 10, iron status, hepcidin and haematological parameters of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus in a tertiary hospital, Southeast, Nigeria. Four hundred (400) subjects aged 18-60 years were selected for this study. The participants comprised of PTB (200 subjects) and HIV (200 subjects). Whole blood of 7ml was collected from each participant; 4.5ml of blood was added to plain tubes for assay of cytokines, hepcidin and iron and 2.5ml for FBC, CD4 count and HIV screening. The cytokines and hepcidin were determined using Melsin ELISA Kits and Teco Diagnostics kits used for iron. Full blood count was determined by automation using Mindray BC-5300. The study revealed significant difference in IFN-γ (P=0.000), IL-6 (P=0.000) IL-10 (P=0.001), hepcidin (P=0.016), TIBC (P=0.005), %TSA  (P=0.001), WBC (P=0.000), Neutrophils (P=0.000), Lymphocytes (P=0.000), Monocytes (,P=0.000), RBC (P=0.000), Haemoglobin (P=0.000), PCV (P=0.000), MCV (P=0.000), MCH (P=0.000), MCHC (P=0.000), Platelets (P=0.000), ESR (P=0.000)  and no significant difference in CD4 (P=0.605), Iron (P=0.787),Eosinophils (P=0.724), Basophil (P=0.869) when compared between  control and HIV subjects respectively. There were changes in the cytokines, hepcidin, TIBC, %TSA and haematological parameters studied in the subjects. There were increase in the levels of cytokines studied in patients with Pulmonary TB and HIV. The cytokines and hepcidin can be used as adjuncts to prognostic and diagnostic indicators as their levels decreased with increased duration of treatment of the patients.
Bimetallic Oxide FeWOX Nanosheets as Multifunctional Cascade Bioreactors for Tumor Microenvironment‐Modulation and Enhanced Multimodal Cancer Therapy
Authors: Gong Fei , Chen Muchao , Yang Nailin , Dong Ziliang , Tian Longlong , Hao Yu , Zhuo Mingpeng , Liu Zhuang , Chen Qian , Cheng Liang
Published: September 2020

Modulating the hostile tumor microenvironment (TME) rather than directly killing cancer cells may be an effective strategy to improve the therapeutic benefits in cancer treatment. Herein, FeWOX nanosheets are constructed as cascade bioreactors to modulate the TME and enhance radiotherapy and immunotherapy of tumors. Synthesized by the thermal‐decomposition method and modified by poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), the obtained FeWOX‐PEG with multivalent metal elements (Fe2+/3+, W5+/6+) exhibit efficient catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to generate hydroxyl radicals (•OH) for chemo‐dynamic therapy (CDT). The generated high valence of metal ions (Fe3+/W6+) in FeWOX‐PEG are reduced by endogenous glutathione (GSH), both leading to depletion of GSH and further amplified oxidative stress, and resulting in the reduced metal valence statuses (Fe2+/W5+) enabling cascade bioreactions. Such FeWOX‐PEG bioreactors enhance the oxidative stress in the tumor and interact with X‐rays, significantly improving cancer radiotherapy (RT). Furthermore, the reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐induced inflammation caused by FeWOX‐PEG in TME activates the immune system and promotes the tumor‐infiltration of various types of immune cells, which working together with cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen‐4 (CTLA‐4) checkpoint blockade could elicits a robust immune response to defeat tumors.
Engineering Stem Cell Derived Biomimetic Vesicles for Versatility and Effective Targeted Delivery
Authors: Wu Honghui , Jiang Xinchi , Li Yaosheng , Zhou Yi , Zhang Tianyuan , Zhi Pei , Gao Jianqing
Published: September 2020

To date, only few a types of nanomedicines have been made available for clinical use even in the most common liposomal delivery systems, due to significant constraints, including poor targeting of specific cells, hindered penetration, and accelerated clearance. Various intricate designs have been generated and show improvements, while also bringing new problems. Biological cells, possessing advantages like low immunogenicity, long circulation time, receptors integration, and innate targeting capability. Herein, liposomes are innovatively functionalized with a stem cell membrane through a facile approach. The biomimetic vesicles achieve controlled release, exhibit better stability, longer circulation time, and targeted delivery. Loading with curcumin leads to enhanced survival rate of ischemic stroke mice with a single injection (from ≈30% to over 90%). The versatility of the method is verified by differently charged liposomes modification and erythrocyte membrane derived vesicles preparation. Overall, the cell membrane derived biomimetic vesicles achieve targeted delivery and versatility prepared by a facile approach, as well as effortless preparation.
Low‐Dimensional Metallic Nanomaterials for Advanced Electrocatalysis
Authors: Xu Hui , Shang Hongyuan , Wang Cheng , Du Yukou
Published: September 2020

The development of clean sustainable energy technologies has been significantly promoted by advances in electrocatalysts, especially for low‐dimensional metallic nanomaterials (LDMNs), which have distinctive structural, physiochemical, and electronic properties, including a highly active surface area, efficient electron transfer, and rich surface unsaturated atoms. Recent advances have also revealed that surface engineering, interface engineering, and strain engineering for LDMNs can readily lead to increased surface active centers, strong synergistic effects, and electronic modulation, thus providing new approaches that greatly promote the electrocatalytic performance. In this review, the recent progress in LDMNs is highlighted in the context of their potential as electrocatalysts with superb performance for advanced electrocatalytic reactions. The latest achievements in their structural design, controllable synthesis, mechanistic understanding, and avenues for performance enhancement are illustrated. Strategies for controlled synthesis of high‐quality LDMNs and discussed, and to boost the future development of LDMNs for energy‐related conversion technology, future perspectives and potential challenges are also proposed.
GSH‐Depleted Nanozymes with Hyperthermia‐Enhanced Dual Enzyme‐Mimic Activities for Tumor Nanocatalytic Therapy
Authors: Dong Shuming , Dong Yushan , Jia Tao , Liu Shikai , Liu Jing , Yang Dan , He Fei , Gai Shili , Yang Piaoping , Lin Jun
Published: September 2020

Nanocatalytic therapy, using artificial nanoscale enzyme mimics (nanozymes), is an emerging technology for therapeutic treatment of various malignant tumors. However, the relatively deficient catalytic activity of nanozymes in the tumor microenvironment (TME) restrains their biomedical applications. Here, a versatile and bacteria‐like PEG/Ce‐Bi@DMSN nanozyme is developed by coating uniform Bi2S3 nanorods (NRs) with dendritic mesoporous silica (Bi2S3@DMSN) and then decorating ultrasmall ceria nanozymes into the large mesopores of Bi2S3@DMSN. The nanozymes exhibit dual enzyme‐mimic catalytic activities (peroxidase‐mimic and catalase‐mimic) under acidic conditions that can regulate the TME, that is, simultaneously elevate oxidative stress and relieve hypoxia. In addition, the nanozymes can effectively consume the overexpressed glutathione (GSH) through redox reaction. Photothermal therapy (PTT) is introduced to synergistically improve the dual enzyme‐mimicking catalytic activities and depletion of the overexpressed GSH in the tumors by photonic hyperthermia. This is achieved by taking advantage of the desirable light absorbance in the second near‐infrared (NIR‐II) window of the PEG/Ce‐Bi@DMSN nanozymes. Subsequently the reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐mediated therapeutic efficiency is significantly improved. Therefore, this study provides a proof of concept of hyperthermia‐augmented multi‐enzymatic activities of nanozymes for tumor ablation.
Recent Advances on Mixed Metal Sulfides for Advanced Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Fang Yongjin , Luan Deyan , Lou Xiong Wen (David)
Published: September 2020

Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) have drawn enormous attention in the past few years from both academic and industrial battery communities in view of the fascinating advantages of rich abundance and low cost of sodium resources. Among various electrode materials, mixed metal sulfides (MMSs) stand out as promising negative electrode materials for SIBs considering their superior structural and compositional advantages, such as decent electrochemical reversibility, high electronic conductivity, and rich redox reactions. Here, a summary of some recent developments in the rational design and synthesis of various kinds of MMSs with tailorable architectures, structural/compositional complexity, controllable morphologies, and enhanced electrochemical properties is presented. The effect of structural engineering and compositional design of MMSs on the sodium storage properties is highlighted. It is anticipated that further innovative works on the material design of advanced electrodes for batteries can be inspired.
Chemo‐ and Stereoselective Synthesis of Fluorinated Amino Alcohols through One‐pot Reactions using Alcohol Dehydrogenases and Amine Transaminases
Authors: González‐Martínez Daniel , Gotor Vicente , Gotor‐Fernández Vicente
Published: September 2020

A series of amino alcohols have been prepared in a chemo‐, diastereo‐ and enantioselective fashion starting from the corresponding (het)aryl diketones, avoiding tedious chemical protection and deprotection steps. Different alcohol dehydrogenases have been able to selectively reduce the more reactive trifluoroacetyl groups under optimized conditions, while amine transaminases catalyzed the biotransamination of the less hindered acetyl groups. Based on the different reactivity of the acetyl and trifluoroacetyl groups, the design of sequential and concurrent cascades was investigated. The proper selection of the enzymes permits the synthesis of amino alcohol stereoisomers in high to excellent yields (86–>99% conversion) and remarkable stereocontrol (up to >99% de and >99% ee) using an aqueous medium and mild reaction conditions.

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Polar Morphologies from First Principles: PbTiO3Films on SrTiO3Substrates and the p(2×Λ) Surface Reconstruction
Authors: Baker Jack S. , Bowler David R.
Published: September 2020

Low‐dimensional structures comprised of ferroelectric (FE) PbTiO3(PTO) and quantum paraelectric SrTiO3(STO) are hosts to complex polarization textures such as polar waves, flux‐closure domains, and polar skyrmion phases. Density functional theory (DFT) simulations can provide insight into this order, but are limited by the computational effort required. Within DFT, the novel multi‐site support function method is used to reduce the solution time for the electronic groundstate whilst preserving high accuracy. This allows for large‐scale simulations of PTO films on STO substrates with system sizes >2000 atoms. In the ultrathin limit, the polar wave texture with cylindrical chiral bubbles emerges as an intermediate phase between full‐flux‐closure domains and in‐plane polarization. This is driven by an internal bias field born of the compositionally broken inversion symmetry in the [001] direction. Manipulation of this built‐in field informs a new principle of design for control over chiral order on the nanoscale through the careful choice of substrate, surface termination, or use of overlayers. Antiferrodistortive (AFD) order locally interacts with these polar textures giving rise to strong FE/AFD coupling at the PbO terminated surface driving a surface reconstruction. This offers another pathway for the local control of ferroelectricity.
Radiation Dose‐Enhancement Is a Potent Radiotherapeutic Effect of Rare‐Earth Composite Nanoscintillators in Preclinical Models of Glioblastoma
Authors: Bulin Anne‐Laure , Broekgaarden Mans , Chaput Frédéric , Baisamy Victor , Garrevoet Jan , Busser Benoît , Brueckner Dennis , Youssef Antonia , Ravanat Jean‐Luc , Dujardin Christophe , Motto‐Ros Vincent , Lerouge Frédéric , Bohic Sylvain , Sancey Lucie , Elleaume Hélène
Published: September 2020

To improve the prognosis of glioblastoma, innovative radiotherapy regimens are required to augment the effect of tolerable radiation doses while sparing surrounding tissues. In this context, nanoscintillators are emerging radiotherapeutics that down‐convert X‐rays into photons with energies ranging from UV to near‐infrared. During radiotherapy, these scintillating properties amplify radiation‐induced damage by UV‐C emission or photodynamic effects. Additionally, nanoscintillators that contain high‐Z elements are likely to induce another, currently unexplored effect: radiation dose‐enhancement. This phenomenon stems from a higher photoelectric absorption of orthovoltage X‐rays by high‐Z elements compared to tissues, resulting in increased production of tissue‐damaging photo‐ and Auger electrons. In this study, Geant4 simulations reveal that rare‐earth composite LaF3:Ce nanoscintillators effectively generate photo‐ and Auger‐electrons upon orthovoltage X‐rays. 3D spatially resolved X‐ray fluorescence microtomography shows that LaF3:Ce highly concentrates in microtumors and enhances radiotherapy in an X‐ray energy‐dependent manner. In an aggressive syngeneic model of orthotopic glioblastoma, intracerebral injection of LaF3:Ce is well tolerated and achieves complete tumor remission in 15% of the subjects receiving monochromatic synchrotron radiotherapy. This study provides unequivocal evidence for radiation dose‐enhancement by nanoscintillators, eliciting a prominent radiotherapeutic effect. Altogether, nanoscintillators have invaluable properties for enhancing the focal damage of radiotherapy in glioblastoma and other radioresistant cancers.
Measuring Food Insecurity during the COVID‐19 Pandemic of Spring 2020
Authors: Ahn Sunjin , Norwood F. Bailey
Published: September 2020

The COVID‐19 pandemic in the spring of 2020 resulted high levels of unemployment, higher food prices, and loss of business sales. This deterioration in households' financial status likely increased food insecurity in the US, but by how much? While the US government will not measure food insecurity until December of 2020, previous research has developed a methodology whereby internet surveys that can be rapidly deployed using opt‐in panels can approximate government numbers. We employ this methodology to measure food insecurity in May of 2020. Results suggest that while there is little to no detectable rise in food insecurity for all households, the percent of households with children classified as food insecure is about three percentage points higher than it was in 2016 and 2017.
Correction of microtubule defects within Aβ plaque‐associated dystrophic axons results in lowered Aβ release and plaque deposition
Authors: Yao Yuemang , Nzou Goodwell , Alle Thibault , Tsering Wangchen , Maimaiti Shaniya , Trojanowski John Q. , Lee Virginia M.‐Y. , Ballatore Carlo , Brunden Kurt R.
Published: September 2020

The hallmark pathologies of the Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain are amyloid beta (Aβ)‐containing senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles formed from the microtubule (MT)‐binding tau protein. Tau becomes hyperphosphorylated and disengages from MTs in AD, with evidence of resulting MT structure/function defects. Brain‐penetrant MT‐stabilizing compounds can normalize MTs and axonal transport in mouse models with tau pathology, thereby reducing neuron loss and decreasing tau pathology. MT dysfunction is also observed in dystrophic axons adjacent to Aβ plaques, resulting in accumulation of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and BACE1 with the potential for enhanced localized Aβ generation. We have examined whether the brain‐penetrant MT‐stabilizing compound CNDR‐51657 might decrease plaque‐associated axonal dystrophy and Aβ release in 5XFAD mice that develop an abundance of Aβ plaques. Administration of CNDR‐51657 to 1.5‐month‐old male and female 5XFAD mice for 4 or 7 weeks led to decreased soluble brain Aβ that coincided with reduced APP and BACE1 levels, resulting in decreased formation of insoluble Aβ deposits. These data suggest a vicious cycle whereby initial Aβ plaque formation causes MT disruption in nearby axons, resulting in the local accumulation of APP and BACE1 that facilitates additional Aβ generation and plaque deposition. The ability of a MT‐stabilizing compound to attenuate this cycle, and also reduce deficits resulting from reduced tau binding to MTs, suggests that molecules of this type hold promise as potential AD therapeutics.
Near‐Infrared Hypocrellin Derivatives for Synergistic Photodynamic and Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Ding Ying , Liu Weimin , Wu Jiasheng , Zheng Xiuli , Ge Jiechao , Ren Haohui , Zhang Wenjun , Lee Chun‐Sing , Wang Pengfei
Published: September 2020

Hypocrellin B (HB) derived from naturally produced hypocrellins has attracted considerable attention in photodynamic therapy (PDT) because of its excellent photosensitive properties. However, the weak absorption within a “phototherapy window” (600–900 nm) and poor water solubility of HB have limited its clinical application. In this study, two HB derivatives (i. e., HE and HF) were designed and synthesized for the first time by introducing two different substituent groups into the HB structure. The obtained derivatives showed a broad absorption band covering the near‐infrared (NIR) region, NIR emission (peaked at 805 nm), and singlet oxygen quantum yields of 0.27/0.31. HE‐PEG‐NPs were also prepared using 2‐distearoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphoethanolamine‐N‐[methoxy(polyethyleneglycol)‐2000] (DSPE‐mPEG2000) to achieve excellent dispersion in water and further explored their practical applications. HE‐PEG‐NPs not only retained their 1O2‐generating ability, but also exhibited a photothermal conversion efficiency of 25.9%. In vitro and in vivo therapeutic results revealed that the synergetic effect of HE‐PEG‐NPs on PDT and photothermal therapy (PTT) could achieve a good performance. Therefore, HE‐PEG‐NPs could be regarded as a promising phototheranostic agent.
Conformational Mobility and Efficiency in Supramolecular Catalysis. A Computational Approach to Evaluate the Performances of Enzyme Mimics
Authors: Salvio Riccardo , D'Abramo Marco
Published: September 2020

In the present study, we apply a computational approach, based on DFT calculations and molecular dynamics simulations, to investigate the catalytic behavior of four supramolecular catalysts active in the cleavage of phosphodiesters. The QM data indicate the operation of a synchronous associative mechanism with limited differences in the structures and energies of the transition states. The comparison with the experimental data, expressed in terms of effective molarity (EM), suggests that the difference in catalytic performance are not ascribable to a difference in the enthalpy of activation. On the other hand, the analysis of the Molecular Dynamics trajectories clearly indicates the conformational mobility, and therefore the conformational entropy, to be at the origin of the superior catalytic efficiency of the catalysts based on a more preorganized structure. Essentially, the combined method presented here provides, at a limited computational cost, a tool that is simple, general, and potentially suited for a large variety of catalytic systems to rationalize their performances and to predict those of enzyme mimics to be synthesized in a rational design process.
Factors implicating the validity and interpretation of mechanobiology studies in simulated microgravity environments
Authors: Poon Christine
Published: September 2020

Simulated microgravity (s‐μg) devices provide unique conditions for elucidating the effects of gravitational unloading on biological processes and are increasingly being applied for mechanobiology studies. However, without proper characterization of the mechanical environment generated by these systems, the interpretation of results is confounded and limited. Furthermore, the cell culture approaches central to s‐μg experimentation introduces new factors that can fundamentally affect results, but these are currently not addressed. It is essential to understand the complete culture environment and how constituent conditions can individually and synergistically affect cellular responses in order to correctly interpret results, otherwise outcomes may be misattributed to the effects of microgravity alone. For the benefit of the growing space biology community, this article critically reviews a typical s‐μg cell culture environment in terms of three key conditions: fluid‐mediated mechanical stimuli, oxygen tension and biochemical. These and the implications of other experimental variables for biological analysis are categorically discussed. A new set of controls is proposed to properly evaluate the respective effects of these conditions in s‐μg culture, along with a reporting matrix and potential strategies for addressing the current limitations of simulated microgravity devices as a platform for mechanobiology research.
Oxytetracycline, copper, and zinc effects on nitrification processes and microbial activity in two soil types
Authors: Tang Quan , Xia Longlong , Ti Chaopu , Zhou Wei , Fountain Luke , Shan Jun , Yan Xiaoyuan
Published: September 2020

The distribution, fate, and effects of antibiotics and heavy metal residues in agricultural soil caused by long‐term application of organic fertilizers are of increasing concern. However, the ecotoxic effects of the interaction between antibiotics and heavy metals vary with the physicochemical properties of the soil, and it is still unclear how these substances interact with soil microbial functions. A short‐term microcosm experiment was conducted to investigate effects of the typical antibiotic oxytetracycline (OTC) with heavy metals (zinc [Zn] and copper [Cu]) alone or in combination on nitrification process and soil microbial activity in two different types of soil (FQ: sandy loam soil and NB: clay loamy soil). Results indicated that soil types influenced the toxic effects of antibiotics and heavy metals. Zn and Cu alone and when combined with OTC inhibited and retarded nitrification processes and reduced nitrous oxide emissions, which were mainly attributed to the inhibitory effects on ammonia‐oxidizing microorganisms. Moreover, Zn and Cu alone or combined with OTC increased soil respiration, but decreased the abundances of bacteria and fungi. In contrast, OTC alone had no significant effect on soil respiration but increased the abundance of fungi in both soils. Together, our results suggest that the widespread occurrence of antibiotics and heavy metals in agriculture soils may pose significant eco‐environmental risks by altering nitrification process and soil microbial activity.
Efficacy of point‐of‐care thermal ablation among high‐risk human papillomavirus positive women in China
Authors: Zhao Xue‐Lian , Liu Zhi‐Hua , Zhao Shaung , Hu Shang‐Ying , Muwonge Richard , Duan Xian‐Zhi , Du Li‐Jun , Su Cai‐Feng , Xiang Xi‐E , Zhang Xun , Pan Qin‐Jing , Qiao You‐Lin , Sankaranarayanan Rengaswamy , Zhao Fang‐Hui , Basu Partha
Published: September 2020

Thermal ablation is a point‐of‐care ablative treatment technique for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). However, limited information is available about its efficacy in low‐ and middle‐income countries. We evaluated the efficacy of thermal ablation in treatment of CIN detected through high‐risk human papillomavirus (HPV) screening in China. Women positive on high‐risk HPV and having colposcopically suspected lesions eligible for ablation underwent colposcopy, biopsy and thermal ablation in one visit. Women ineligible were recalled for large loop excision of transformation zone (LLETZ) when histopathology results were high‐grade CIN. Posttreatment follow‐up at 6 months or more was with HPV test and cytology followed by colposcopy and biopsy for HPV and/or cytology‐positive women. Cure was defined as either negative cytology and HPV test or absence of histopathology proved CIN in any positive women. Of total 218 HPV‐positive women treated with thermal ablation (n = 170) or LLETZ (n = 48), 196 reported for follow‐up evaluation. For women with histologically confirmed CIN at baseline (thermal ablation‐104; LLETZ‐38), cure rates were 84.6% for thermal ablation and 86.8% for LLETZ. Cure rates after thermal ablation were 90.3% for CIN grade one (CIN1) and 76.2% for CIN grade two or worse (CIN2+). HPV clearance rate was 80.4% in women undergoing thermal ablation, which was lower for HPV16/18 compared to other oncogenic types (67.6% vs 85.7%). HPV test had a negative predictive value (NPV) of 98.7% to detect CIN2+ at follow‐up and the positive predictive value (PPV) was 40.4%. Thermal ablation is effective to treat CIN as well as to clear the high‐risk HPV infection. HPV test has high PPV and NPV in following up patients posttreatment.
The emerging SARS‐CoV‐2 papain‐like protease: Its relationship with recent coronavirus epidemics
Authors: Kandeel Mahmoud , Kitade Yukio , Fayez Mahmoud , Venugopala Katharigatta N. , Ibrahim Abdelazim
Published: September 2020

The papain‐like protease (PLpro) is an important enzyme for coronavirus polyprotein processing, as well as for virus‐host immune suppression. Previous studies reveal that a molecular analysis of PLpro indicates the catalytic activity of viral PLpro and its interactions with ubiquitin. By using sequence comparisons, molecular models, and protein–protein interaction maps, PLpro was compared in the three recorded fatal CoV epidemics, which involved severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), severe acute respiratory syndrome CoV (SARS‐CoV), and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS‐CoV). The pairwise sequence comparison of SARS‐CoV‐2 PLpro indicated similarity percentages of 82.59% and 30.06% with SARS‐CoV PLpro and MERS‐CoV PLpro, respectively. In comparison with SARS‐CoV PLpro, in SARS‐CoV‐2, the PLpro had a conserved catalytic triad of C111, H278, and D293, with a slightly lower number of polar interface residues and of hydrogen bonds, a higher number of buried interface sizes, and a lower number of residues that interact with ubiquitin and PLpro. These features might contribute to a similar or slightly lower level of deubiquitinating activity in SARS‐CoV‐2 PLpro. It was, however, a much higher level compared to MERS‐CoV, which contained amino acid mutations and a low number of polar interfaces. SARS‐CoV‐2 PLpro and SARS‐CoV PLpro showed almost the same catalytic site profiles, interface area compositions and polarities, suggesting a general similarity in deubiquitination activity. Compared with MERS‐CoV, SARS‐CoV‐2 had a higher potential for binding interactions with ubiquitin. These estimated parameters contribute to the knowledge gap in understanding how the new virus interacts with the immune system.