bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of ultrasound-guided lateral thoracolumbar interfascial plane block for postoperative analgesia in lumbar spine fusion surgery: a prospective, randomized, and controlled clinical trial
Authors: Chen Ke , Wang Lizhen , Ning Meng , Dou Lianjie , Li Wei , Li Yuanhai
Published: October 2019

Objective

Ultrasound-guided lateral thoracolumbar interfascial plane block (US-TLIP block) is a novel regional technique for anesthesia or analgesia. However, there has been no prospective, randomized and controlled clinical trial investigating the perioperative analgesic effect of US-TLIP block on lumbar spinal fusion surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the analgesic effect of bilateral single-shot US-TLIP in patients undergoing lumbar spinal fusion surgery.

Methods

A prospective and randomized comparative clinical study was conducted. A total of 60 patients (ASA classes: I–II), aged 21–74 years who were scheduled for lumbar spinal fusion surgery were randomized and divided into the TLIP group (Group T,n = 30) and control group (Group C,n = 30). The patients in Group T received preoperative bilateral single-shot US-TLIP with 30 ml of 0.375% ropivacaine at the third lumbar spine (L3) vertebral level, and the patients in Group C received an injection of 30 ml 0.9% saline through same technique. All patients received patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) after their operation. The frequency of PCA compressions and rescue analgesic administrations were recorded. Opioids (sufentanil and remifentanil), anesthetic consumption, the number of postoperative days spent in a hospital bed, overall hospital stay time and postoperative complications were recorded. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Bruggemann Comfort Scale (BCS) scores for pain and comfort assessment were recorded at 1, 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours postoperatively.

Results

Opioids and anesthetic consumption in the perioperative period decreased significantly in the TLIP group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The VAS and BCS scores in the TLIP group were lower at 12, 24, and 36 hours postoperatively (P < 0.05). US-TLIP block has been shown to shorten postoperative hospital stays (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in postoperative complications between the two groups.

Conclusion

Our study findings show that bilateral US-TLIP block exhibits significant analgesia and safety in patients undergoing lumbar spinal fusion surgery.
The Use of GIS and Google Earth Images for Mapping of Taraba State University Campus
Authors: A. Garba Hajara , N. Ojeh Vincent , Elijah Elizabeth , E. Ayeni Bishop
Published: October 2019

A Campus guide map for Taraba State University Jalingo was produced. The data source for the study includes satellite images of the study area and field survey using a GPS device to collect coordinates of major ground control points. This research incorporated the use of geospatial techniques and functionalities such as georeferencing, digitizing and geo-database creation to generate a campus guide map. The findings of this study reviewed that most of the structures and roads are not adequately labeled or named for easy navigation. The study also showed that development is confined mostly to the North Western and southwestern part of the campus.           We recommend structural planning and spatial development within the campus land cover in the future.
Development of Chute Cutoff in the Lower Course of River Mayo-Inne, Yola South, Nigeria
Authors: J. Ijafiya D. , Yonnana E.
Published: October 2019

The study investigates the development of chute cutoff in the lower course of River Mayo-Inne, Yola South LGA, Adamawa State, Nigeria. The study employed the integrated approach of Remote Sensing, Geographic Information System, Field Survey, Laboratory Analysis, Oral Interview and Personal Observation in examining the influences of some relevant channel planform parameters (Sinuosity Index, Cutoff Ratio and Braiding Index), land use/land cover, channel bank materials, water stage and channel depth on the development of the chute cutoff over a period of Twenty five years (1990-2015). Results revealed the drastic reduction of Sinuosity Index from 1.57 in 1990 to 1.46 in 2015, changing the channel from meandering to the straight pattern. The analysis of changes in cut-off ratio unveiled the development of chute cutoff in bend II, which ultimately separated the river flow, forming a weak braided channel with a braiding index of 0.43. These developments were attributed to incessant flooding in the study area and floodplain characteristics such as floodplain elevation, bank strength and changes in vegetal cover.
Climate Variability and Its Effects on School Attendance in Selected Public Senior Secondary Schools in Urban Areas of Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Adeleke Richard
Published: October 2019

Good classrooms, adequate security, school location, incessant strikes have been found to significantly influence school attendance and are baseline factors in determining student success. However, little is known about the influence of climate variability on school attendance in Nigeria. Thus, the focus of this study was to examine the effects of climate variability on school attendance in urban areas of Ibadan, Nigeria. Both primary and secondary data were used. A total of 450 students were sampled randomly from five public senior secondary schools in urban areas of Ibadan. The study revealed that the awareness of climate variability was high and not significantly different among students (x2= 20.465; p>0.05). Rainfall explained 38.9% and had a significant negative correlation with school attendance (r= -0.609; p<0.05), and this was largely due to the perceived threats that come along with high rainfall in the form of violent wind. The reality of climate variability has made students to devise means of coping with its adverse effects such as; sleeping naked and frequent drinking of water. The study concluded that there should be adequate enlightenment on effective environmental interaction to mitigate the adverse effects of climate variability.
Relation of Some Hydrochemicals with Hydrogen Sulphide Levels in Sediments of Lake Burullus, Egypt
Authors: Tayel Fathy T. , Radwan Abd El-Aziz M. , Morsy Amal M. , El-Halim Ahmed M. Abd , Al-Prol Ahmed E. , El-Alfy Muhammad A. , Basiony Afifi I.
Published: October 2019

Lake Burullus, as one of the northern deltaic lakes in Egypt, is an important economic, recreational and Fish breeding reservoir. The study used nine georeferenced stations to assess hydrogen sulphide (H2S) levels, its relationship with some selected hydrochemical parameters, and the implication on this lake’s biota.

The study reveals that areas mostly affected by drainage water with high load of organic matter, aid to the production of H2S into sediments and dispersion to water. The results indicate that H2S levels in lake sediments increase with increasing water temperature, biological oxygen demand (BOD) and load of organic matter (OM) in water. On the other hand, clear water areas with high oxygen levels aid in reducing levels of H2S in sediments as proved from correlation analysis. The positive correlation between variables as OM and BOD with H2S was observed using the distribution maps. The amount of different wastes, particularly in large quantities, increase the level of H2S, and therefore affected biota so it is highly recommended to treat wastewater to conserve the biodiversity of this lake.
Distribution and Economic Potential of Manganese Deposits in Nigeria: A Review
Authors: Akintola Ojo Adeoye
Published: October 2019

The Northern basement complex of Nigeria contains a large number of manganese deposits. So far, ten deposits of manganese have been reported by previous workers. These deposits occur within Precambrian metasediments (schist belt), mafic and ultramafic rocks which are Proterozoic in age and folded into synclinorial belts within the crystalline basement complex. Considering their widespread distribution in space, time and tectonic setting, some are considered to be of ensilalic mode of evolution while others are ensimatic. However, the mineralizations are mostly of poor grade, and thus require beneficiation processing. The local steel industries within the country have continued to depend on manganese ore. No satisfactory substitute for manganese in steel production has been identified as at present. The applications of manganese deposits by geologists, chemical and environmental engineers, ceramicists, soil scientists and microbiologists shows a bright future for manganese ore in Nigeria. The ever increasing demand for steel products has continued to put pressure on Federal Government of Nigeria to complete the construction work at the nation’s steel producing plant which, will result in the need for a manganese concentrates for economic growth and development.
Knowledge on the Environmental Disaster Occurrence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: The Case of Flooding and Bushfire in Businga Territory, Nord Ubangi
Authors: Ngbolua Koto-te-Nyiwa , Gamo André Nzamonga , Gbatea Amédée Kundana , Limbaya Trésor Mbombo , Mwinja Adèle Chimanuka , Ngiala Gédéon Bongo , Ashande Colette Masengo , Djolu Ruphin Djoza
Published: October 2019

Aims: The aim of this research was to assess the knowledge, perceptions and attitudes of victims and stakeholders on environmental disasters occurring in Businga territory.

Study Design: This research employed a descriptive study design whereby the characteristics of respondents were described.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Bodangabo, Businga and Karawa sectors of Businga territory in Nord-Ubangi, Democratic Republic of the Congo between January 2016 and December 2017.

Methodology: A survey was conducted on 150 respondents among the victims and stakeholders in the prevention and management of environmental disasters in three sectors of Businga territory to whom the semi-structured questionnaire was administered.

Results: The findings show that 54% of environmental disasters originate from bushfire and 46% from floods. The bushfire is more evident in the area of Bodangabo and Karawa, while the flood is noticed in the area of Businga precisely in the city, because the ¾ is largely crossed by streams (Likpolo, Lokame, Legbala, Mongala). Thus, 80% of disaster victims are not satisfied with the support. However, 96% of respondents denied the provincial government's contribution, 92% confirmed the total absence of the environmental disaster prevention policy, and 88% confirmed the inefficiency of disaster prevention mode in Businga territory. With regard to the period of onset of disasters, it is clear from this survey that the floods are sporadic and occurring every two or three years compared to the bushfire which is manifested every year. 68% of the difficulties are due to lack of awareness due to insufficient financial resources and 32% to the shortage of qualified personnel for the prevention and management of these disasters.

Conclusion: The lack of a policy of prevention and management of environmental disasters both at the provincial and local levels is at the base of this high frequency. Therefore, it is relevant that a provincial body responsible for alerting and advocating to the stakeholders involved in the prevention and management of environmental disasters, to settle in all Businga sectors. Furthermore, it is necessary to install the early warning system as tool of disaster prevention.
Deep Issues behind the Crisis in the Niger Delta Region: The Case of Oil Exploration in Ogoniland, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Bodo Tombari
Published: October 2019

This study was designed to mirror the deep issues behind the crisis in the Niger Delta region, using the oil exploration of Ogoniland as the case study and proffering possible solutions on how best to combat the identified problems. To achieve this aim, focus group discussions, unstructured interviews and oral testimonies were employed for the collection of data; and data analysis were carried out using simple coding for recognition, transcription from the local dialect to English Language, rewriting and interpretations. The results revealed that the people’s expectation from the Government and Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) has not been met; illegal refineries and other criminal vices are now fully in operation in Ogoniland. The people blamed the Shell Petroleum Development Company, the Federal Government, some of their corrupt chiefs, Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) and some of the community youths for the problems in the communities. However, the Ogoni people believed that the full implementation of the United Nations Environmental Programmes (UNEP) report on Ogoniland and the Ogoni Bill of Rights will ameliorate all their sufferings. It was recommended that SPDC should avoid reaching agreements with the traditional rulers and politicians from Ogoni on projects bordering on development of the land that excludes the people. It was also recommended that SPDC should carry out town hall meetings, focus group discussions or even distribute questionnaires in the local communities in Ogoni communities to ascertain the best solutions from the local people (who are the majority) rather than taking only the decisions from Ogoni leaders, which may not be the consensus opinion of the people.
Evaluation of the Perception and Control Measures towards Environmental Risk in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State
Authors: Tammy Cookey A. , Bodo Tombari , Owunari Perri T.
Published: October 2019

Aims: To evaluate the perception and control measures towards environmental risk in Obio Akpor Local government area (LGA) of Rivers State.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at the Rivers State Waste Management Agency in Obio-Akpor LGA of Rivers State between January 2019 - March 2019.

Methodology: The survey method was employed and the simple random techniques was adopted whilst 265 copies of the questionnaire were used to elicit information from the number of employee.

Results: The findings revealed that that majority of the respondents under survey had a good knowledge of occupational health risk and are fully aware of the environmental health risk associated with waste dumping, As a Possible control measures it was revealed that the majority had the opinion that the provision of safety and health structure is the best preventive measures so as to eliminate health hazard among solid waste workers.

Conclusion: RIWAMA should establish sanitary facilities where workers can wash after work to ensure effective personal hygiene is maintained and also provide them with Personal protective equipment.
Effect of Different Anti-Coagulants on the Accuracy of Glycated Haemoglobin Results
Authors: Allison Frederick Igila , Stephen Duru Ugochukwu
Published: October 2019

Background: Most manufacturers of glycated haemoglobin kits advocate for the use of EDTA bottles for sample collection. Other manufacturers even when using the same glycated haemoglobin assay method, advocate for the use of any of these anticoagulant: EDTA, heparin and fluoride oxalate as any of these anticoagulants for sample collection.

Aim: This study was therefore designed to evaluate the effect of different anticoagulants on the accuracy of glycated haemoglobin value using the same method.

Methods: Thirty subjects were selected by purposive sampling method and 2ml of blood was collected from each subject into sodium heparin, EDTA and fluoride oxalate bottles and stored for three days at 4ºC. Fifteen subjects’ samples were analysed daily for the next two days then all the samples were analysed on the third day. All samples were analysed using the boronate affinity chromatographic method by Clover.

Results: The mean of the values of glycated haemoglobin of samples for each anticoagulants were about the same for the first, second and third day. The differences in the mean values for each anticoagulant were not statistically significant, indicating fairly good stability.

Conclusion: From this study, it could be concluded that blood sample in EDTA, fluoride oxalate and heparin bottles can be used for glycated haemoglobin estimation without affecting the accuracy of the result. These samples in these containers were found to be stable for at least three days.
Influence of Soil Arsenic Levels on Biomass Production and Relationship the Concentration of Arsenic between Rice Straw and Grain
Authors: Iqbal Mosud , Rahman G. K. M. Mustafizur , Panaullah G. M. , Kabir Humayun , Biswas Jatish Chandra
Published: October 2019

Arsenic (As) contamination is widespread in Bangladesh. It can cause health hazards depending on consumption of foods grown on As contaminated soil. Two pot experiments were conducted at net house, Department of Soil Science, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU), Gazipur to study the effect of As on above ground biomass of different rice genotypes and to determine the relationship of As concentration between rice grains and straw. Sixteen rice genotypes were grown in pots soils having 0, 20, 40 and 60 mg/kg As both in winter and wet seasons. Soil As levels reduced above ground biomass of rice by 8-65%. Above ground biomass reduction was the least in BRRI dhan47 with variable soil As levels. Total As concentrations in straw and grains increased with increasing soil As levels. Moreover, the concentration of As in rice grain was also increased with greater As concentration in straw. Grain to straw ratio of As concentration was lower at higher As concentration in straw. It is indicated that reduced movement of As from rice straw to grain take place when straw As concentration was high.
Incidence and Distribution of Rice Yellow Mottle Virus Disease in Kebbi State, Nigeria
Authors: Mohammed I. U. , Busari Y. A. , Muhammad A. , Idris R. , Adamu M. , Ajala A. A. , Yakub M. A. , Muhammad A. S.
Published: October 2019

The study was conducted to assess the incidences of Rice Yellow Mottle Virus disease (RYMVD) in Kebbi State Nigeria, a field survey was conducted in four rice-growing areas of the State. Rice fields were selected randomly at 2 km interval, severity of the disease was assess using arbitrary five-point scale and disease incidence was assessed according to the proportion of the plants showing symptoms. Thirty plants were assessed in each field visited. Symptoms occurred in varying levels of incidence. The presence of RYMV in the collected samples was confirmed using Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). Mottle/yellowing symptom was found more on the plants assessed (46%) followed by leaf curling (21%), leaf necrosis (09%), leaf deformation (11%) and irregular patches (13%). RYMVD was found highly distributed in the State with average incidence of 54.38%. The highest incidence was recorded in in Yauri (67.50%) followed by Argungu (55.00%), Bagudo (52.50%) and the lowest was recorded in Suru (42.50%). The average symptom severity across all the four Local Governments visited was 2.8, the highest was recorded in Yauri (3.2), followed by Argungu (2.9), Bagudo (2.7) and Suru 2.3. The information obtained in this study would assist rice breeding programs to develop durable RYMV rice resistant cultivars and guide in the identification of RYMVD hot spot locations for seed multiplication trials in Kebbi State.
Phenotype and Molecular Characterization of Antibiotic Resistance of Salmonella spp. from Cattle in Abidjan District, Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Julien Coulibaly Kalpy , René Yao Kouamé , Komissiri Dagnogo , Konan Bertin Tiékoura , Eugène Koffi Kouassi , Abraham Ajayi , Joseph Djaman Allico , Mireille Dosso , Félix Yapi Houphouët
Published: October 2019

Aims: The overall objective of this study was to study antibiotic-resistant strains of Salmonella in livestock sales sites in the Abidjan district.

Place and Duration of Study: Researchers team from Institute Pasteur of Ivory Coast and their students collected samples of cattle feces in five townships of the district of Abidjan from April to September 2016.

Methodology: Fresh cow dung has been collected from sales outlets and livestock pens in five municipalities in Abidjan. The prevalence of Salmonella carrying has been studied by classical microbiological techniques. These included strain isolation by culture on the Hektoen medium, biochemical identification using Leminor's reduced rack and strain confirmation by MALDI-TOF MS. Phenotypic determination of antibiotic resistance and detection their genes were carried out respectively by the method of discs diffusion on the Muller-Hinton agar and using PCR simplex.

Results: In this study, we collected 420 samples.

The results showed that the overall prevalence of Salmonella isolated from cattle feceswas 20% (84/420). Twenty-six (26) strains were resistant to at least one antibiotic. The blaCTX-M, blaSHV, blaTEM and TetA resistance genes were detected with the respective frequencies of 7.7%, 57.7% and 7.7%.

Conclusion: The isolation of antibiotic-resistant Salmonella strains in these healthy cattle poses a significant threat to public health. However, a good use of antibiotics in farms could help limit the phenomenon of resistance of Salmonella to antibiotics.
Effectiveness of corticosteroids versus adrenocorticotropic hormone for infantile spasms: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chang Yin‐Hsi , Chen Chiehfeng , Chen Shu‐Huey , Shen Yu‐Chun , Kuo Yung‐Ting
Published: October 2019

Objective

To compare the therapeutic effectiveness of oral corticosteroids with that of adrenocorticotrophic hormone for infantile spasms.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane library were searched to retrieve studies published before December 2018 to identify pediatric patients with a diagnosis of infantile spasms. The interventions of oral corticosteroids and adrenocorticotrophic hormone were compared. We included only randomized controlled trials that reported the cessation of spasms as treatment response. The primary outcome was clinical spasm cessation on day 13 or 14. The secondary outcomes were the resolution of hypsarrhythmia, side effects, continued spasm control, spasm relapse rate, and subsequent epilepsy rate. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses, the study‐level quality assessment was conducted using the Cochrane risk‐of‐bias tool.

Results

After extensive review, 39 articles were included for meticulous evaluation. Five randomized controlled trials with a total of 239 individuals were eligible for further analysis. No significant difference was detected between the corticosteroids and adrenocorticotrophic hormone in the cessation of clinical spasms (odds ratio [OR]: 0.54; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.16 to 1.81; P = 0.32). The subgroups of high‐dose prednisolone versus adrenocorticotrophic hormone and low‐dose prednisone versus adrenocorticotrophic hormone also exhibited no significant difference. Furthermore, the two subgroups did not differ in terms of hypsarrhythmia resolution, side effects, relapse rate, or subsequent epilepsy rate.

Interpretation

This meta‐analysis suggests that high‐dose prednisolone is not inferior to adrenocorticotrophic hormone and that it be considered a safe and effective alternative treatment.
Selenium‐Doped Hierarchically Porous Carbon Nanosheets as an Efficient Metal‐Free Electrocatalyst for CO2 Reduction
Authors: Zhang Bingxing , Zhang Jianling , Zhang Fanyu , Zheng Lirong , Mo Guang , Han Buxing , Yang Guanying
Published: October 2019

Electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) provides a promising pathway for both decreasing atmospheric CO2 concentration and producing valuable carbon‐based fuels. To explore efficient and cost‐effective catalysts for electrochemical CO2RR is of great importance, but remains challenging. Se‐doped carbon nanosheets (Se‐CNs) with a micro‐, meso‐, and macroporous structure are proposed for electrochemical CO2RR. Such an electrocatalyst combines the advantages of Se optimized active sites, hierarchical pores for facilitating reactant or ion penetration, transport and reaction, and large surface area for more accessible active sites. This Se‐CNs electrocatalyst exhibits over 11‐times enhanced partial current density of CO than the CNs without Se doping and high selectivity (90%) for CO2 electroreduction to CO at a low potential of −0.6 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode (vs RHE). Density function theoretical calculations reveal that the Se introduction in CNs lowers the free energy barrier of CO2RR and inhibits hydrogen evolution reaction effectively, thus improving the selectivity for CO2 reduction to CO. This work presents a new member of the metal‐free electrocatalyst family, which is easily prepared, low cost, adjustable, and highly efficient for CO2RR.
Biomimetic Meta‐Structured Electro‐Microfluidics
Authors: Gao Bingbing , Liao Junlong , Guo Maoze , Liu Hong , He Bingfang , Gu Zhongze
Published: October 2019

Flexible membranes (i.e., paper, cloth, and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)) have received extensive attention. The rapid development of flexible microfluidics and electronics and their integration calls for complex substrate structures to allow for multiple functions. Inspired by nature, meta‐structured membranes (MSMs) as substrates for fabricating integrated microfluidics and electronics are presented. These flexible and freestanding MSMs are generated by the self‐assembly of elastic plastic copolymer nanoparticle photonic crystals on micropatterned PDMS templates. The final MSMs constitute with integrated ordered micro‐ and nanostructures and exhibit spontaneous liquid transfer, fluorescence enhancement, and intimate skin contact. MSMs with designed patterns can be fabricated by assembling polymer nanoparticles on patterned molds; complicated and highly integrated electro‐microfluidics are generated on one slice of MSMs by utilizing these patterns as microfluidic channels and electrocircuits. They can be used as chip‐on‐skin sensors for biochemical–physiological hybrid monitoring sensing of the human body and as organ chips for cell culture and metabolite analysis under drug treatment. Their excellent properties show their potential value in cross‐scale sensing and have broad potential applications.
Room‐Temperature‐Formed PEDOT:PSS Hydrogels Enable Injectable, Soft, and Healable Organic Bioelectronics
Authors: Zhang Shiming , Chen Yihang , Liu Hao , Wang Zitong , Ling Haonan , Wang Changsheng , Ni Jiahua , Çelebi‐Saltik Betül , Wang Xiaochen , Meng Xiang , Kim Han‐Jun , Baidya Avijit , Ahadian Samad , Ashammakhi Nureddin , Dokmeci Mehmet R. , Travas‐Sejdic Jadranka , Khademhosseini Ali
Published: October 2019

There is an increasing need to develop conducting hydrogels for bioelectronic applications. In particular, poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) hydrogels have become a research hotspot due to their excellent biocompatibility and stability. However, injectable PEDOT:PSS hydrogels have been rarely reported. Such syringe‐injectable hydrogels are highly desirable for minimally invasive biomedical therapeutics. Here, an approach is demonstrated to develop injectable PEDOT:PSS hydrogels by taking advantage of the room‐temperature gelation property of PEDOT:PSS. These PEDOT:PSS hydrogels form spontaneously after syringe injection of the PEDOT:PSS suspension into the desired location, without the need of any additional treatments. A facile strategy is also presented for large‐scale production of injectable PEDOT:PSS hydrogel fibers at room temperature. Finally, it is demonstrated that these room‐temperature‐formed PEDOT:PSS hydrogels (RT‐PEDOT:PSS hydrogel) and hydrogel fibers can be used for the development of soft and self‐healable hydrogel bioelectronic devices.
Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Field Lab‐on‐Chip Integrated in Super‐Resolution Microscope for Cytoskeleton Imaging
Authors: Havelka Daniel , Chafai Djamel Eddine , Krivosudský Ondrej , Klebanovych Anastasiya , Vostárek František , Kubínová Lucie , Dráber Pavel , Cifra Michal
Published: October 2019

Nanosecond pulsed electric field offers novel opportunities in bionanotechnology and biomedicine enabling ultrafast physical control of membrane, and protein‐based processes for the development of novel bionanomaterials and biomedical theranostic methods. However, the mechanisms of nanosecond pulsed electric field action at the nano‐ and molecular scale are not fully understood due to lack of appropriate research tools. In order to overcome this challenge, a technological platform for the exploration of these mechanisms in live biological samples is provided here. This paper describes step by step the proposed chip platform, including the design, fabrication, installation, and testing of the chip. The developed chip is capable of delivering hundreds of volts of nanosecond electric pulses compared to conventional chips using few volts. Moreover, the chip is fully integrated into a super‐resolution microscope. Later on, the chip function is demonstrated by affecting microtubule architecture in living cells. Therefore, the chip‐based technological advancement enables the assessment of pulsed electric field effects on bionanostructures and observing their effects in real‐time. The results contribute to the chip‐based high‐frequency bioelectronics technology for modulating the function of biological matter at the nanoscale level.
Regioselective Cyanation of Six‐Membered N‐Heteroaromatic Compounds Under Metal‐, Activator‐, Base‐ and Solvent‐Free Conditions
Authors: Sarmah Bikash Kumar , Konwar Monuranjan , Bhattacharyya Dipanjan , Adhikari Priyanka , Das Animesh
Published: October 2019

A regioselective cyanation of heteroaromatic N‐oxides with trimethylsilyl cyanide has been developed to obtain 2‐substituted N‐heteroaromatic nitrile without the requirement of any external activator‐, metal‐, base‐, and solvent. The present protocol is a straightforward, one‐pot heteroaromatic C−H cyanation process, and proceeds smoothly in conventional heating but also under microwave irradiation with shorter reaction times. This approach now allows access to a broad class of quinoline N‐oxides and other heteroarene N‐oxides with high to good yields and can also be scaled up to obtain gram quantities. Further application of this process was observed and utilized in late‐stage cyanation of the anti‐malarial drug quinine as well as transformation of the 2‐cyanoazines to a series of biologically important molecules. Based on the experimental observations, a plausible mechanism has also been proposed highlighting the dual role of trimethylsilyl cyanide as a nitrile source and as an activating agent.

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Minor Chemistry Changes Alter Surface Hydration to Control Fibronectin Adsorption and Assembly into Nanofibrils
Authors: Bieniek Mateusz K. , Llopis‐Hernandez Virginia , Douglas Katie , Salmeron‐Sanchez Manuel , Lorenz Christian D.
Published: October 2019

Fibronectin (FN) is a large glycoprotein which links and transmits signals between the cell's cytoskeleton and the extracellular matrix. FN organization into fibrils and then fibrillogenesis can be induced with the right substrate, such as poly(ethyl acrylate) (PEA), on which FN becomes extended. Interestingly, the almost identical polymer poly(methyl acrylate) (PMA), which has one less methylene bridge (─CH2─), does not cause fibrillogenesis.  To investigate the difference in FN behavior on PEA and PMA, the two substrates are modeled using ethyl acrylate (EA) and methyl acrylate (MA) functionalized self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs). It is confirmed experimentally that the EA and MA SAMs exhibit a similar behavior in vitro to the polymers in terms of fibronectin fibrillogenesis, domain exposure, and cell adhesion. All‐atom molecular dynamics simulations of the FNIII 9‐10 domains interacting with each SAM show the adsorption of these two domains on EA SAMs and no adsorption on MA SAMs. Consistently, the experiments show that FN fibrillogenesis takes place on EA SAMs but not on MA SAMs. It is found that the extra methylene group in the EA headgroup leads to more motion within the headgroup that results in a markedly less dense hydration layer, which facilitates FN fibrillogenesis.
Solar Harvesting: a Unique Opportunity for Organic Thermoelectrics?
Authors: Jurado José P. , Dörling Bernhard , Zapata‐Arteaga Osnat , Roig Anna , Mihi Agustín , Campoy‐Quiles Mariano
Published: October 2019

Thermoelectrics have emerged as a strategy for solar‐to‐electricity conversion, as they can complement photovoltaic devices as IR harvesters or operate as stand‐alone systems often under strong light and heat concentration. Inspired by the recent success of inorganic‐based solar thermoelectric generators (STEGs), in this manuscript, the potential of benchmark organic thermoelectric materials for solar harvesting is evaluated. It is shown that the inherent properties of organic semiconductors allow the possibility of fabricating organic STEGs (SOTEGs) of extraordinary simplicity. The broadband light absorption exhibited by most organic thermoelectrics combined with their low thermal conductivities results in a significant temperature rise upon illumination as seen by IR thermography. Under 2 sun illumination, a temperature difference of 50 K establishes between the illuminated and the non‐illuminated sides of a poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) film, and ≈40 K for a carbon nanotube/cellulose composite. Moreover, when using light as a heat source, the Seebeck coefficient remains unaffected, while a small photoconductivity effect is observed in PEDOT:PSS and carbon nanotubes. Then, the effect of several geometrical factors on the power output of a solar organic thermoelectric generator is investigated, enabling us to propose simple SOTEG geometries that capitalize on the planar geometry typical of solution‐processable materials. Finally, a proof‐of‐concept SOTEG is demonstrated, generating 180 nW under 2 suns.
Relatively rare root endophytic bacteria drive plant resource allocation patterns and tissue nutrient concentration in unpredictable ways
Authors: Henning Jeremiah A. , Weston David J. , Pelletier Dale A. , Timm Collin M. , Jawdy Sara S. , Classen Aimée T.
Published: October 2019

Premise

Plant endophytic bacterial strains can influence plant traits such as leaf area and root length. Yet, the influence of more complex bacterial communities in regulating overall plant phenotype is less explored. Here, in two complementary experiments, we tested whether we can predict plant phenotype response to changes in microbial community composition.

Methods

In the first study, we inoculated a single genotype of Populus deltoides with individual root endophytic bacteria and measured plant phenotype. Next, data from this single inoculation were used to predict phenotypic traits after mixed three‐strain community inoculations, which we tested in the second experiment.

Results

By itself, each bacterial endophyte significantly but weakly altered plant phenotype relative to noninoculated plants. In a mixture, bacterial strain Burkholderia BT03, constituted at least 98% of community relative abundance. Yet, plant resource allocation and tissue nutrient concentrations were disproportionately influenced by Pseudomonas sp. GM17, GM30, and GM41. We found a 10% increase in leaf mass fraction and an 11% decrease in root mass fraction when replacing Pseudomonas GM17 with GM41 in communities containing both Pseudomonas GM30 and Burkholderia BT03.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that interactions among endophytic bacteria may drive plant phenotype over the contribution of each strain individually. Additionally, we have shown that low‐abundance strains contribute to plant phenotype challenging the assumption that the dominant strains will drive plant function.
Cholinergic neuron‐like D‐U87 cells promote polarization of allergic rhinitis T‐helper 2 cells
Authors: Liu Honghui , Wang Tiansheng , Xia Jinye , Ai Jingang , Li Wei , Song Yexun , Shen Yang , Zhang Xiaowei , Tan Guolin
Published: October 2019

Background

Parasympathetic nerve hypersensitivity contributes to the severity of allergic rhinitis (AR), but the precise mechanism underlying neuroimmune regulation in patients with AR remains unclear. This study investigated the effect of cholinergic nerve inhibition on AR CD4+ T‐helper (Th)2‐cell polarization and the underlying regulatory mechanism in vitro.

Methods

An in‐vitro neuroimmune coculture model of D‐U87 cells and CD4+ T cells was established. D‐U87 cells with cholinergic neuron characteristics were used as cholinergic neuron models. CD4+ T cells were derived from peripheral blood monocytes from AR patients (n = 60) and control subjects (n = 40). Th1‐ and Th2‐cell percentages were measured by flow cytometry. Proteins involved in related signaling pathways were analyzed by protein chip assay and Western blotting.

Results

The Th2‐cell percentage among CD4+ T cells from AR patients was significantly increased after coculture with D‐U87 cells and was decreased by ipratropium bromide (IB) treatment. In contrast, the Th1‐cell percentage among control CD4+ T cells was significantly increased after coculture with D‐U87 cells, but was unaltered by IB treatment. Furthermore, phosphorylated Akt (p‐Akt) protein levels increased in CD4+ T cells from both controls and AR patients after coculture with D‐U87 cells and decreased after IB treatment. However, higher p‐Akt levels were observed in cells from AR patients than in cells from control subjects. Moreover, Akt inhibition decreased Th2‐cell percentage in AR patients.

Conclusion

In‐vitro cholinergic nerve inhibition with IB decreased AR CD4+ T‐cell polarization into Th2 cells partially through an Akt‐dependent mechanism.
Layer‐ and Cell‐Specific Recruitment Dynamics during Epileptic Seizures In Vivo
Authors: Aeed Fadi , Shnitzer Tal , Talmon Ronen , Schiller Yitzhak
Published: October 2019

Objective

To investigate the network dynamics mechanisms underlying differential initiation of epileptic interictal spikes and seizures.

Methods

We performed combined in vivo 2‐photon calcium imaging from different targeted neuronal subpopulations and extracellular electrophysiological recordings during 4‐aminopyridine–induced neocortical spikes and seizures.

Results

Both spikes and seizures were associated with intense synchronized activation of excitatory layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons (PNs) and to a lesser degree layer 4 neurons, as well as inhibitory parvalbumin‐expressing interneurons (INs). In sharp contrast, layer 5 PNs and somatostatin‐expressing INs were gradually and asynchronously recruited into the ictal activity during the course of seizures. Within layer 2/3, the main difference between onset of spikes and seizures lay in the relative recruitment dynamics of excitatory PNs compared to parvalbumin‐ and somatostatin‐expressing inhibitory INs. Whereas spikes exhibited balanced recruitment of PNs and parvalbumin‐expressing INs, during seizures IN responses were reduced and less synchronized than in layer 2/3 PNs. Similar imbalance was not observed in layers 4 or 5 of the neocortex. Machine learning–based algorithms we developed were able to distinguish spikes from seizures based solely on activation dynamics of layer 2/3 PNs at discharge onset.

Interpretation

During onset of seizures, the recruitment dynamics markedly differed between neuronal subpopulations, with rapid synchronous recruitment of layer 2/3 PNs, layer 4 neurons, and parvalbumin‐expressing INs and gradual asynchronous recruitment of layer 5 PNs and somatostatin‐expressing INs. Seizures initiated in layer 2/3 due to a dynamic mismatch between local PNs and inhibitory INs, and only later spread to layer 5 by gradually and asynchronously recruiting PNs in this layer. ANN NEUROL 2020;87:97–115
Enhanced Diffusion of Molecular Catalysts is Due to Convection
Authors: MacDonald Thomas S. C. , Price William S. , Astumian R. Dean , Beves Jonathon E.
Published: October 2019

Intriguing reports of enhanced diffusion in enzymes and molecular catalysts have spurred significant interest in experimental and theoretical investigations, and the mechanism of this phenomenon is the topic of lively debate. Here we use time‐resolved diffusion NMR methods to measure the diffusion coefficients (D) of small molecule species involved in chemical reactions with high temporal resolution. We show the enhanced diffusion of small molecules cannot be explained by reaction velocity, and that apparent measurements of enhanced diffusion by small molecules appear to be caused by bulk fluid flow processes such as convection.
Syntheses, crystal structure and biological evaluation of three novel Cu (II) complexes with Schiff base derived from fluorinated amino acid and Salicylaldehyde
Authors: Wu Ruixue , Bi Caifeng , Zhang Xia , Zong Ziao , Fan Chuanbin , Zhang Xiaoyin , Li Nana , Fan Yuhua
Published: October 2019

Three novel Cu (II) coordination complexes, formulated as [Cu3(C14H8NO3F)2(CH3COO)2]n (1), [Cu2(C14H9NO3F)2(CH3COO)Cl] (2) and [Cu(C14H8NO3F)(CH3OH)2] (3), have been synthesized by 3‐Fluoroanthranilic acid, Salicylaldehyde and Cu (II) salt as sources in different reaction conditions and characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray powder diffraction, IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. Single‐crystal diffraction analysis revealed that the complexes exhibited different coordination modes and conformations which were linked into multidimensional networks through some weak interactions. The biological activities vary greatly on account of the different Cu (II) numbers among the three complexes. In order to discuss the bioactivities, the complexes have been screened for antimicrobial activities against E. coli and S. aureus, antitumor activities against A549 (human lung cancer cells), Hela (human cervical cancer cells) and HepG‐2(human liver hepatocellular carcinoma cells). Their interactions with calf thymus DNA were investigated by UV–visible and fluorescence spectrometry, as well as viscosity measurements. Interestingly, 1 (the rare 3‐core Cu (II) coordination polymer) shows great antibacterial activities and highest DNA binding affinities. Antitumor studies revealed that complex 1 also exhibited highest activity.
A phylogenetic perspective on biodiversity patterns of Afrotropical freshwater crabs (Crustacea, Decapoda, Potamonautidae)
Authors: Wood Louisa E. , De Grave Sammy , Cumberlidge Neil , Kennerley Adam , Daniels Savel R.
Published: October 2019

Evolutionary‐based measures of biodiversity play an increasingly important role in theoretical conservation biology, complementing more traditional methods such as patterns of species richness and endemicity.

To date, very few studies have used evolutionary data to assess patterns of biodiversity in the Afrotropical region, particularly for freshwater invertebrate taxa.

In the present study, the monophyletic Afrotropical freshwater crab family Potamonautidae was used to investigate how phylogenetic data can be combined with other metrics to help develop conservation plans for regional and species‐based conservation efforts.

The Afrotropical freshwater crabs make an exceptional group to demonstrate the utility of a phylogeny‐based approach to conservation, as there have recently been a number of phylogenetic studies on this family, the IUCN Red List conservation status is available for almost every species, and accurate distributional range data are available for all species.

The conservation priority of this fauna is assessed in relation to the Afrotropical freshwater ecoregions using three traditional measures of biodiversity and two phylogenetic diversity metrics.

The results of Evolutionarily Distinct Globally Endangered and Heightened Evolutionary Distinctiveness and Globally Endangered analyses identify both the freshwater crab species and the areas of high conservation priority in the Afrotropical region.
Sedimentation: Hydraulic improvement of drinking water biofiltration
Authors: Abkar Leili , Stoddart Amina K. , Gagnon Graham A.
Published: October 2019

The performance of drinking water biofiltration systems is commonly measured by the effluent water quality and filter runtime (FRT). At constant flow rates, lower FRTs increase backwashing frequencies and thus lower water recovery and increase the water production cost. This study was conducted on a pilot scale in two parallel trains; one included sedimentation and one did not. Both trains have three matched filter columns. Sedimentation improved FRT by up to 30% and reduced head loss and head loss accumulation rate up to 29% and 35%, respectively. Natural organic matter removal remained unchanged. Adenosine triphosphate levels did not differ, while extracellular polymeric substance was reduced by 36%. In conclusion, sedimentation increased long‐term stability and reliability while reducing the backwash frequency, offering a robust approach for optimizing biofiltration performance. Potential operating cost savings have to be weighed versus the capital costs of retrofitting sedimentation in future studies.
Synthesis of Functionalized Silica Particles for Label‐free Detection of PTP1B Using FRET
Authors: Durgannavar Trishaladevi , Ahn Dohee , Hwang Ji Young , Yoon Sun‐Young , Kang Hyo Jin , Chung Sang J.
Published: October 2019

Silica nanoparticles (SiNPs, 30 and 70 nm) and microparticles (SiMPs, 10 μm) were functionalized with a PTP1B specific probe for label‐free fluorescence detection of PTP1B. Intrinsic tryptophan residues of PTP1B serve as the Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) donor and the functionalized silica particles as the FRET acceptor. When a mixture of the functionalized SiNP and PTP1B is excited at tryptophan excitation maximum (280 nm), significant sensitized fluorescence was detected at 450 nm as a result of FRET. The limit of detection of PTP1B was found to be 29 and 70 nM for the functionalized 30 and 70 nm SiNP, respectively. Using this approach, PTP1B could be detected in E. coli cell lysate in which PTP1B was induced. The functionalized SiNP probe (SiNP/NA) was selective toward PTP1B over BSA, and the nanoparticles are able to penetrate into cells. Furthermore, the binding of PTP1B to the SiMPs could be visualized under a deep UV‐microscope.
Syntheses and Properties of Conjugated Polymers Containing Thieno[2,3‐b]indole with Different Electron‐deficient Units
Authors: Kim Juae , Chae Sangmin , Gu Dasom , Hong Seungyeon , Lee Sung Hun , Kim Hyo Jung , Suh Hongsuk
Published: October 2019

New conjugated polymers using electron‐rich unit, thieno[2,3‐b]indole (2‐TI), and various electron‐deficient units were synthesized for the utilization in the photovoltaics. The synthesized polymers (PTIBTI, PTITPD, and PTIID) with various types of electron‐deficient units showed different electronic structure and properties. The PTITPD provides the higher VOC through suitable energy level offset of LUMO (donor)‐LUMO (PC71BM) and improved JSC resulting from better crystallinity, charge carrier mobility and morphology, leading to the higher PCE value of OPV out of the series. This result illustrates that the combination of various electron‐deficient units affects the electronic structure, such as the HOMO/LUMO energy levels and bandgap in addition to the morphology and the carrier mobility, implying that variation of the electron‐deficient unit should be explored for the utilization of a given electron‐rich unit to produce the better performance of the device.