bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Soil Physio-chemical Properties and Available Nutrient Status by Organic Growth Promoters under Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Cultivation
Authors: Yadav Raju , Aravindakshan Kavita , Singh Balraj , Sharma Rajesh Kumar , Kumawat Vikash Kumar , Ujjwal Rupa
Published: October 2023

A field experiment was conducted at Vegetable Farm, Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Jhalawar (Rajasthan) during rabi season 2021-2022 on pea. The experiment consisted thirteen treatments of organic growth promoters viz. Panchagavya @ 2 %, Panchagavya @ 4%, Panchagavya @ 6 %, Jeevamrut @ 2%, Jeevamrut @ 4%, Jeevamrut @ 6 % and Brahmastra @ 2%, Brahmastra @4%, Brahmastra @6% and vermiwash @ 5%, vermiwash @10%, vermiwash @15% and Control) and laid out in randomized block design with three replications. Results revealed that the maximum pod yield (169.93 q/ha) of pea was recorded with foliar spray of Panchagavya @ 4 % over control. However, it was found at par with foliar spray of vermiwash @ 10% and vermiwash @15% on pea. The foliar spray of growth promotors did not significantly influence soil physio-chemical properties i.e. soil pH, electrical conductivity and organic carbon after harvest of the crop. The maximum available nitrogen (341.0 kg/ha) was recorded under application of Panchagavya @ 4% and minimum available nitrogen (337.2 kg/ha) in control. Available phosphorus (kg/ha) and potassium did not significantly influence by different growth promotors in the soil after harvest of the crop.
Antimicrobial Profiling of Resistant Genes in Bacteria Isolated from Drinking Water Sources in Bonny Island, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Wilcox Inyingierefagha Moses , Sokari, T. G.  , Akani, N. P.  , Amadi, L. O.
Published: October 2023

The global health crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) necessitates a profound understanding of its dynamics, particularly in environmental reservoirs such as drinking water sources. The aim of the study was to identify the presence and variety of antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs) within bacteria isolated from drinking water sources in Bonny Island, Rivers State, Nigeria – an area characterized by unique ecological and human-induced factors. Eighty water samples were collected from drinking water distribution systems within Bonny Island for a period of six month. Bacteria isolated from drinking water samples within Bonny Island underwent antimicrobial profiling, including susceptibility tests against a range of clinically relevant antibiotics. Molecular techniques were employed to identify the isolated bacteria and characterize specific ARGs, illuminating the genetic basis of resistance in the isolated bacteria. The bacterial isolates displayed varying resistance patterns, with the highest resistance observed against cefuroxime (59.6%), cefotaxime (48.9%), ceftazidime (44.7%), ceftriaxone (36.3%), chloramphenicol, and Augmentin (29.8%), while resistance to cotrimoxazole and gentamicin was lower (12.8%). Among the bacterial isolates, the tet gene, conferring resistance to tetracycline antibiotics, was present in 46.7% of cases, while 100% exhibited the oxa gene and 93.3% possessed the aac(6’)-ib gene. Preliminary findings revealed a diverse array of bacteria with varying resistance profiles, including both common and emerging pathogens. The identified ARGs covered genes providing resistance to a broad spectrum of antibiotics, including beta-lactams, fluoroquinolones, and tetracyclines. These results underscore the potential risks associated with the spread of ARGs in drinking water sources and their potential transfer to pathogenic bacteria.
Vitamin E and Supplements Offer Eye Neuroprotection – Myth or Reality?
Authors: Chandrinos Aristeidis , Tzamouranis Dorotheos , Kakoura Stavroula
Published: October 2023

Background: Several studies suggested that nutrition might have an effect on eye health. Although exposure to nutrients is ubiquitous, on the other hand without it, we generally cannot survive and an exposure too high or too low causes health problems. Vitamins are a good example and the ubiquitous exposure to vitamins has led to many epidemiological studies for many diseases, including glaucoma.

Abstract: Leading causes of vision loss include several eye conditions such as cataract and glaucoma. The role of nutritional supplementation to prevent the progression of ocular disease is of great interest to health care professionals. It is recognized that the crystalline lens and retina suffer oxidative damage and the most protective agents are anti-oxidant vitamins A, C and E. The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), found that supplementation with vitamins C and E, reduced the risk of developing various ocular diseases. The RDA for vitamin E is 15 mg/day α-tocopherol for both women and men. Vitamin E exists naturally in nuts and seeds, in addition to dark leafy vegetables. In a recent study reported lower plasma levels of vitamin E in POAG subjects.

Conclusion: In conclusion, exposure to nutrients although is ubiquitous, without it, in general we cannot survive. Conflicting evidence is presented for vitamins A and E in prevention of ocular disease. A number of epidemiological studies showed an increased risk of nuclear or cortical cataract in people with low blood levels of vitamin E. Furthermore, a number of studies suggested that nutrition might have an effect on the intraocular pressure (IOP) or glaucoma, arbitrated by oxidative stress.
AI Will—and Should—Change Medical School, Says Harvard’s Dean for Medical Education
Authors: Hswen Yulin , Abbasi Jennifer
Published: October 2023

In this Medical News interview, neurologist Bernard S. Chang, MD, MMSc, dean for medical education at Harvard Medical School, discusses how artificial intelligence will shift clinical training, med school admissions, and teaching.
Tzanck Smear of Ulcerated Plaques
Authors: Kasim Jesse , Wanat Karolyn A.
Published: October 2023

A man in his 30s with AIDS presented with acute onset painful scattered umbilicated papulopustules and ovoid ulcerated plaques with elevated, pink borders on the face, trunk, and extremities. What is your diagnosis?
Machine Learning Models for Predicting Long-Term Visual Acuity in Highly Myopic Eyes
Authors: Wang Yining , Du Ran , Xie Shiqi , Chen Changyu , Lu Hongshuang , Xiong Jianping , Ting Daniel S. W. , Uramoto Kengo , Kamoi Koju , Ohno-Matsui Kyoko
Published: October 2023

Importance

High myopia is a global concern due to its escalating prevalence and the potential risk of severe visual impairment caused by pathologic myopia. Using artificial intelligence to estimate future visual acuity (VA) could help clinicians to identify and monitor patients with a high risk of vision reduction in advance.

Objective

To develop machine learning models to predict VA at 3 and 5 years in patients with high myopia.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective, single-center, cohort study was performed on patients whose best-corrected VA (BCVA) at 3 and 5 years was known. The ophthalmic examinations of these patients were performed between October 2011 and May 2021. Thirty-four variables, including general information, basic ophthalmic information, and categories of myopic maculopathy based on fundus and optical coherence tomography images, were collected from the medical records for analysis.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Regression models were developed to predict BCVA at 3 and 5 years, and a binary classification model was developed to predict the risk of developing visual impairment at 5 years. The performance of models was evaluated by discrimination metrics, calibration belts, and decision curve analysis. The importance of relative variables was assessed by explainable artificial intelligence techniques.

Results

A total of 1616 eyes from 967 patients (mean [SD] age, 58.5 [14.0] years; 678 female [70.1%]) were included in this analysis. Findings showed that support vector machines presented the best prediction of BCVA at 3 years (R2 = 0.682; 95% CI, 0.625-0.733) and random forest at 5 years (R2 = 0.660; 95% CI, 0.604-0.710). To predict the risk of visual impairment at 5 years, logistic regression presented the best performance (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.870; 95% CI, 0.816-0.912). The baseline BCVA (logMAR odds ratio [OR], 0.298; 95% CI, 0.235-0.378; P < .001), prior myopic macular neovascularization (OR, 3.290; 95% CI, 2.209-4.899; P < .001), age (OR, 1.578; 95% CI, 1.227-2.028; P < .001), and category 4 myopic maculopathy (OR, 4.899; 95% CI, 1.431-16.769; P = .01) were the 4 most important predicting variables and associated with increased risk of visual impairment at 5 years.

Conclusions and Relevance

Study results suggest that developing models for accurate prediction of the long-term VA for highly myopic eyes based on clinical and imaging information is feasible. Such models could be used for the clinical assessments of future visual acuity.
Gold Nanoparticle in Chemoelectronics: Fundamentals, Challenges, and Future Prospects
Authors: Wang Jingyu , Liu Lin , Guo Jiahui , Zhao Xing , Zhang Yuchun , Yan Yong
Published: October 2023

The basic components of modern electronics are primarily fabricated by using semiconductor material in which the movement of charges can be electrically modulated. For metallic material, however, such modulation is almost impossible because of its field‐shielding characteristics, leading to insensitive response toward applied potentials. In this perspective, how to overcome this limitation of bulk metals (here, gold is taken as a particular example) is demonstrated by reducing the size to the nanoscale and functionalizing these nanogolds with charged molecules. The movement of mobile counterions within gold nanoparticle (AuNP) layers can generate charge gradients that feed back and control the motion of electrons which enables to design and fabricate several important components such as the diode, transistor, logic circuits, memristor, and various chemiresistive sensors. The assembly of AuNP electronic components and sensors gives rise to a new class of nanoparticle‐based “chemoelectronic” logic circuits that can sense, process, and ultimately report various chemical signals. The gas sensors are believed to be the most appropriate candidates for such integration as no solvent/solution is required and therefore, in the end, the combination of AuNP gas sensors and memristors is outlooked to achieve all‐gold‐nanoparticle in‐sensor computing for the development of future artificial olfactory.
Oxidative Aminopyridylation of Maleimides and 1, 4‐Quinones with N‐Aminopyridinium Ylides at Room Temperature in the Absence of External Reagents
Authors: Barman Dhiraj , Rath Suchismita , Kumar Ravva Mahesh , Jacob Jesni M. , Sen Subhabrata
Published: October 2023

Herein we have reported an expedient di‐functionalization of such versatile scaffolds. By harnessing an under explored reactivity of N‐aminopyridinium ylides, we have developed an aminopyridylation of N‐substituted maleimides and 1, 4‐quinones at room temperature in 2‐methyl THF without any external reagents. The [3+2] cycloaddition of N‐aminopyridinium ylides generate the corresponding cycloadduct with various maleimides and 1, 4‐quinone substrates, which rapidly undergoes oxidation at the alkene moiety under open air, inducing a considerable driving force, thermodynamically, to facilitate aromatisation of the pyridine and a subsequent homolytic cleavage of the N−N bond to generate the desired 2, 3‐aminopyridylated products in good to excellent yield. Experimental and computational studies clarify the reaction mechanism.
Synthetic Approaches to the Challenging Direct C‐Alkylation and C‐Allylation of Unactivated Nitroalkanes
Authors: Palmieri Alessandro , Petrini Marino
Published: October 2023

The limited nucleophilic character and the bidentate nature of unactivated nitroalkane anions (nitronates) makes the corresponding alkylation and allylation procedures rather troublesome. This aspect is in sharp contrast with other commonly employed processes involving nitronate anions such as conjugate additions or nitroaldol reactions. This review summarizes the most rewarding approaches that along the years have been devised to overcome this limitation. Efficient methods are nowadays mainly based on metal‐catalyzed processes involving purely ionic or mixed ionic‐radical intermediates including photoenzymatic reactions.
Multifunctional Solar Evaporator with Adjustable Island Structure Improves Performance and Salt Discharge Capacity of Desalination
Authors: Wu Jianfei , Cui Ziwei , Yu Yang , Yue Bo , Hu Jundie , Qu Jiafu , Li Jianzhang , Tian Dan , Cai Yahui
Published: October 2023

Interfacial solar steam generation (ISSG) is the main method to get fresh water from seawater or wastewater. The balance between evaporation rate and salt resistance is still a major challenge for ISSG. Herein, a wood aerogel island solar evaporator (WAISE) with tunable surface structure and wettability by synthesizing poly(n‐isopropylacrylamide)‐modified multi‐walled carbon nanotube photothermal layers. Compared to dense surface structure evaporators, interfacial moisture transport, thermal localization, and surface water vapor diffusion of WAISE are greatly promoted, and the evaporation rate of WAISE increased by 87.64%. WAISE allows for record performance of 200 h continuous operation in 20% NaCl solution without salt accumulation. In addition, the photo‐thermal‐electric device is developed based on WAISE with continuous water purification, power generation, and irrigation functions. This work provides a new direction for the development of multifunctional water purification systems.
Graphene Oxide Block Derived Edge‐Nitrogen Doped Quasi‐Graphite for High K+ Intercalation Capacity and Excellent Rate Performance
Authors: Chi Chunlei , Liu Zheng , Wang Guanwen , Qi Bin , Qiu Zhipeng , Yan Yingchun , Huangfu Chao , Lu Xiaolong , Yang Xinhou , Gong Min , Cao Ke , Wei Tong , Fan Zhuangjun
Published: October 2023

The intercalation capacity at low potential of carbon‐based anode plays a significant role for developing potassium ion batteries (PIBs) with high energy density. However, the inferior rate and cyclic performance caused by repeated insertion/extraction of large K+ tremendously restricts the practical application of PIBs. Herein, a quasi‐graphite structure with abundant edge‐nitrogen doping, micropores structure, and enhanced graphite nanodomains via in situ polymerization of oligoaniline in‐between graphene oxide blocks and subsequent carbonization is proposed. The macro‐ordered multilayered structure with micro‐ordered graphite nanodomains can provide efficient K+ insertion/extraction channels, thus greatly increasing the intercalation capacity at low potentials. Moreover, the high edge‐nitrogen doping (97%) is of great importance for improving K+ transfer kinetics, particularly at high current densities. As a result, the anode exhibits a high discharge capacity below 0.5 V (303 mAh g−1 at 0.05 A g−1), outstanding rate performance (113 mAh g−1 at 5 A g−1), and long‐term cycle stability (176 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1 after 2000 cycles). The K+ intercalation mechanism and enhanced kinetics are systematically probed by in situ Raman spectroscopy, ex situ X‐ray diffraction (XRD) spectra, and theoretical calculations. This results demonstrate that the construction of quasi‐graphite with heteroatom doping is feasible for large ion storage.
Mapping variability of soybean leaf potassium concentrations to develop a sampling protocol
Authors: Ortel Carrie C. , Roberts Trenton L. , Hoegenauer Kyle A. , Poncet Aurelie M. , Slaton Nathan A. , Ross W. Jeremy
Published: October 2023

The spatial variability of soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr.] leaf‐K (potassium) concentrations must be considered when collecting samples to monitor crop K status. Five commercial soybean fields were sampled at a 0.4‐ha grid resolution at two reproductive growth stages to quantify the trifoliolate tissue‐K concentration. The objectives of this study were to identify the potential field variability of soybean leaf‐K concentrations in typical Mid‐south US soybean production fields, evaluate interpolation methods, and develop a sampling protocol for in‐season soybean tissue monitoring. No consistent spatial dependencies were found in the leaf‐K concentrations across the fields and sample times, indicating that a soybean tissue‐K grid sampling protocol cannot be generalized to a specific area size. Inverse distance weighted (IDW) and rasterization interpolation methods were considered to predict leaf‐K concentrations between the sampled grid points at grid resolutions ranging from 0.4 to 4 ha. The IDW method consistently predicted leaf‐K concentrations between the known values with less error than rasterization. Rather than grid sampling, composite leaf samples should be collected based on management zones to provide a simplified sampling protocol. Within each management zone, a composite sample must consist of uppermost fully expanded trifoliolate leaves collected from at least 18 locations to ensure that the sample measures within the 95% confidence interval of the area average leaf‐K concentration. The developed sampling protocol coupled with the dynamic critical tissue‐K concentration curve will provide producers with the ability to effectively monitor soybean for potential hidden hunger and verify K deficiency symptoms in season.
Investigating trends in consumer preferences and willingness to pay for lamb and goat meat: A case study from Florida
Authors: Basen Wyatt , Lai John , Kassas Bachir , Wallau Marcelo
Published: October 2023

Considering the growing demand for healthy and environmentally conscious food products in the United States, lamb and goat meat have proved to be beneficial alternatives to other red meats. This study investigates consumer trends and preferences for lamb and goat meat in Florida and sheds light on regional preferences for these products, providing groundwork for further studies. An online survey was conducted using 924 primary shoppers in Florida. Respondents were asked questions regarding demographic characteristics, behavioral qualities, and attributes associated with meat‐buying consumers. A contingent valuation method was used to derive willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) estimates by having participants report the maximum price they would pay for one pound of shoulder cut from lamb or goat. This study focuses on WTP for lamb/goat meat and uses Tobit regression analyses to test relationships between WTP and the consumer attributes described. Various regression specifications were estimated in the analyses to examine the robustness of significant correlations. Results surrounding the consumer WTP were similar for lamb and goat meat, showing that: (1) adventurousness when tasting food is positively correlated with WTP, (2) younger generations (Millennials and Gen Z) tend to have a higher WTP than older generations (Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation), (3) having tasted/liked lamb/goat meat previously both seem to positively influence WTP, (4) importance of access to culturally significant food products is positively correlated with WTP for lamb meat only, and (5) identifying as Hispanic had a negative correlation with WTP for goat meat only.
Construction of Low‐Coordination Cu−C2 Single‐Atoms Electrocatalyst Facilitating the Efficient Electrochemical CO2 Reduction to Methane
Authors: Zhao Peng , Jiang Hao , Shen Haidong , Yang Shaowei , Gao Runze , Guo Ying , Zhang Qiuyu , Zhang Hepeng
Published: October 2023

Constructing Cu single‐atoms (SAs) catalysts is considered as one of the most effective strategies to enhance the performance of electrochemical reduction of CO2 (e‐CO2RR) towards CH4, however there are challenges with activity, selectivity, and a cumbersome fabrication process. Herein, by virtue of the meta‐position structure of alkynyl in 1,3,5‐triethynylbenzene and the interaction between Cu and −C≡C−, a Cu SAs electrocatalyst (Cu−SAs/HGDY), containing low‐coordination Cu−C2 active sites, was synthesized through a simple and efficient one‐step method. Notably, this represents the first achievement of preparing Cu SAs catalysts with Cu−C2 coordination structure, which exhibited high CO2‐to‐CH4 selectivity (72.1 %) with a high CH4 partial current density of 230.7 mA cm−2, and a turnover frequency as high as 2756 h−1, dramatically outperforming currently reported catalysts. Comprehensive experiments and calculations verified the low‐coordination Cu−C2 structure not only endowed the Cu SAs center more positive electricity but also promoted the formation of H•, which contributed to the outstanding e‐CO2RR to CH4 electrocatalytic performance of Cu−SAs/HGDY. Our work provides a novel H⋅‐transferring mechanism for e‐CO2RR to CH4 and offers a protocol for the preparation of two‐coordinated Cu SAs catalysts.
Community‐led investigations of unmarked graves at Indian residential schools in Western Canada—overview, status report and best practices
Authors: Whiting Brian
Published: October 2023

Part of Canadian history that is now being addressed is the legacy of Indian residential schools (IRSs) and closely related institutions. For most of their 200‐year‐plus history, these were run by various churches or religious organizations, and many were directly funded (and eventually run) by government. Attendance by Indigenous children at these schools was made compulsory, and children were deliberately taken far from their cultural base, native language and family in the name of cultural assimilation. Abundant and longstanding evidence has documented abuse, neglect and high rates of death at the schools. Most or all schools had cemeteries, many of which have fallen into neglect and/or been lost through time. Documenting the numbers, names and burial locations of students who died at the schools has become a national priority. Since 2021, interest in this work has accelerated, due in large part by media announcements of geophysical findings of potential unmarked graves at various school sites. Geophysical surveys for unmarked graves are planned or underway at a large number of school sites nationwide. Related lines of research are seeking to document the extent and nature of student deaths based on archival records, survivor accounts and other lines of evidence. As suggested by government and demanded by Indigenous communities, these searches are being led by the affected communities. This paper represents a snapshot of elements of the work in progress, based in part on the personal participation of the author in multiple IRS searches and resulting direct involvement with local communities. Included in this contribution are a historic context, broad overview of community participation/leadership and suggested refinements to geophysical survey best practices that have been promulgated by the Canadian archaeological community and other nationwide organizations.
Low PSA radiographic disease progression on C11‐choline PET
Authors: Mahmoud Ahmed M. , Ahmed Mohamed E. , Kendi A. Tuba , Thorpe Matthew , Johnson Geoffrey B. , Riaz Irbaz Bin , Orme Jacob J. , Kwon Eugene D. , Andrews Jack R. , Childs Daniel S.
Published: October 2023

Background

For men with prostate cancer, radiographic progression may occur without a concordant rise in prostate‐specific antigen (PSA). Our study aimed to assess the prevalence of radiographic progression using C‐11 choline positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in patients achieving ultra‐low PSA values and to evaluate clinical outcomes in this patient population.

Methods

In a single institution study, we reviewed the prospectively maintained Mayo Clinic C‐11 Choline PET metastatic prostate cancer registry to identify patients experiencing radiographic disease progression (rDP) on C‐11 choline PET scan while the PSA value was less than 0.5 ng/mL. Disease progression was confirmed by tissue biopsy or response to subsequent therapy. Clinicopathologic variables were abstracted by trained research personnel. Overall survival was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Intergroup differences were assessed using the log‐rank test. A univariate and multivariate Cox regression model was performed to investigate variables associated with poor survival after rDP.

Results

A total of 1323 patients within the registry experienced rDP between 2011 and 2021, including 220 (16.6%) men with rDP occurring at low PSA level. A median (interquartile range [IQR]) of 54.7 (19.7–106.9) months elapsed between the time of prostate cancer diagnosis and low PSA rDP, during which 173 patients (78%) developed castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Sites of low PSA rDP included local recurrence (n = 17, 8%), lymph node (n = 90, 41%), bone (n = 94, 43%) and visceral metastases (n = 19, 9%). Biopsy at the time of rDP demonstrated small‐cell or neuroendocrine features in 21% of patients with available tissue. Over a median (IQR) follow‐up of 49.4 (21.3–95.1) months from the time of low PSA rDP, 46% (n = 102) of patients died. Factors associated with poorer survival outcomes include advanced age at rDP, CRPC status, bone and visceral metastasis (p value <0.05). Visceral metastases were associated with decreased overall survival (p = 0.009 by log‐rank) as compared with other sites of rDP.

Conclusions

Men with prostate cancer commonly experience metastatic progression at very low or even undetectable PSA levels. Periodic imaging, even at low absolute PSA values, may result in more timely identification of disease progression.
Miniaturization of an enclosed electrospinning process to enhance reproducibility in the fabrication of rapidly dissolving cell‐based biosensors
Authors: Morkus Patrick , Sibbald Stephanie , Choi Lauren , Rassenberg Sarah , Filipe Carlos D. M. , Latulippe David R.
Published: October 2023

There is broad interest in producing electrospun films embedded with biological materials. It is well known that electrospinning requires careful control of the process conditions, especially the environmental conditions such as relative humidity (RH). Given that commercial electrospinning systems are expensive (> $10,000) and are typically too large to be used in standard biological safety cabinets (BSC), we designed and built a miniaturized electrospinning box (E‐Box) that will fit inside a BSC, and the RH can be easily controlled using simple instrumentation (gas cylinder, regulator, needle valve, rotameter). It uses an inexpensive computerized numerical control machine to control the spinneret positioning and collector rotational speed—all the parts for the device (except the syringe pump and voltage supply) can be purchased for approximately $1000. We demonstrate the usefulness of our design in optimizing the production of Escherichia coli‐embedded pullulan‐trehalose films to be used as rapidly dissolving biosensors for environmental monitoring. At a fixed electrospinning recipe, we showed that decreasing the RH from approximately 48% to 22% resulted in the average fiber diameter increasing from 240 (± 11) nm to 314 (± 8) nm. We also demonstrate the usefulness of our design in performing sequential electrospinning experiments to evaluate process performance reproducibility. For example, from just 1 mL of a polymer solution, we produced 16 electrospun films (approximately 3 cm by 8 cm each)—from those films we hole‐punched approximately 80 biosensor discs which were then used in subsequent experiments to determine the amount of two different biocides (Grotan BK and triclosan) in aqueous samples. The technique developed in this study is ideal for creating electrospun materials in high quantities that are highly reproducible through the precise control of RH.
Designer probiotics: Opening the new horizon in diagnosis and prevention of human diseases
Authors: Debnath Nabendu , Yadav Pooja , Mehta Praveen K. , Gupta Priyamvada , Kumar Deepak , Kumar Ashwani , Gautam Vibhav , Yadav Ashok K.
Published: October 2023

Probiotic microorganisms have been used for therapeutic purposes for over a century, and recent advances in biotechnology and genetic engineering have opened up new possibilities for developing therapeutic approaches using indigenous probiotic microorganisms. Diseases are often related to metabolic and immunological factors, which play a critical role in their onset. With the help of advanced genetic tools, probiotics can be modified to produce or secrete important therapeutic peptides directly into mucosal sites, increasing their effectiveness. One potential approach to enhancing human health is through the use of designer probiotics, which possess immunogenic characteristics. These genetically engineered probiotics hold promise in providing novel therapeutic options. In addition to their immunogenic properties, designer probiotics can also be equipped with sensors and genetic circuits, enabling them to detect a range of diseases with remarkable precision. Such capabilities may significantly advance disease diagnosis and management. Furthermore, designer probiotics have the potential to be used in diagnostic applications, offering a less invasive and more cost‐effective alternative to conventional diagnostic techniques. This review offers an overview of the different functional aspects of the designer probiotics and their effectiveness on different diseases and also, we have emphasized their limitations and future implications. A comprehensive understanding of these functional attributes may pave the way for new avenues of prevention and the development of effective therapies for a range of diseases.
Heterogeneous distributions in clinical events preceding anticoagulant treatment nonpersistence in patients with venous thromboembolism stratified by active cancer: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Yoon Dongwon , Jeong Han Eol , Choi Songhwa , Lee Daye , Shin Ju‐Young , Bang Soo‐Mee
Published: October 2023

Background

Nonpersistence in anticoagulation therapy is common and associated with undesirable clinical outcomes in patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Methods

We investigated preceding clinical events of treatment nonpersistence (e.g., switching, discontinuing, or restarting) in VTE patients with and without active cancer using Korean claims database.

Results

Clinically significant events including thromboembolic events, hepatic function change and surgery preceded treatment nonpersistence, but heterogeneous distributions of clinical events were observed in the presence of active cancer. Patients with active cancer had a low rate of clinical events preceding treatment nonpersistence, and new active cancer diagnosis in the nonactive cancer group was most common before the switch to parenteral anticoagulants from warfarin or non‐vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs).

Conclusion

These findings suggest that clinically significant events can precede treatment nonpersistence and largely paralleled current guidelines for patients with VTE, whereas heterogeneous distributions of clinical events were observed in the presence of active cancer.
Recent Updates on the Antimicrobial Compounds from Marine‐Derived Penicillium fungi
Authors: Li Honghua , Fu Yanqi , Song Fuhang , Xu Xiuli
Published: October 2023

In this review, 72 compounds isolated from marine‐derived Penicillium fungi and their antimicrobial activities are reviewed from 2020 to 2023. According to their structures, these compounds can be divided into terpenoids, polyketides, alkaloids and other structural compounds, among which terpenoids and polyketides are relatively large in number. Some compounds have powerful inhibitory effects against different pathogenic bacteria and fungi. This review aims to provide more useful information and enlightenment for further efficient utilization of Penicillium spp. and their secondary metabolites.
Drug Encapsulation via Peptide‐Based Polyelectrolyte Complexes
Authors: Tabandeh Sara , Ateeq Tahoora , Leon Lorraine
Published: October 2023

Peptide‐based polyelectrolyte complexes are biocompatible materials that can encapsulate molecules with different polarities due to their ability to be precisely designed. Here we use UV‐Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and infrared spectroscopy to investigate the encapsulation of model drugs, doxorubicin (DOX) and methylene blue (MB) using a series of rationally designed polypeptides. For both drugs, we find an overall higher encapsulation efficiency with sequences that have higher charge density, highlighting the importance of ionic interactions between the small molecules and the peptides. However, comparing molecules with the same charge density, illustrated that the most hydrophobic sequence pairs had the highest encapsulation of both DOX and MB molecules. The phase behavior and stability of DOX‐containing complexes did not change compared to the complexes without drugs. However, MB encapsulation caused changes in the stabilities of the complexes. The sequence pair with the highest charge density and hydrophobicity had the most dramatic increase in stability, which coincided with a phase change from liquid to solid. This study illustrates how multiple types of molecular interactions are required for efficient encapsulation of poorly soluble drugs and provides insights into the molecular design of delivery carriers.
Oxidants Controlled C−H Bond Functionalization of N‐Aryltetrahydroisoquinolines: The Construction of the Quaternary Carbon Center and Cleavage of the C−N Bond
Authors: Chen Yuqin , Zhang Shuwei , Li Tong , Ma Qiyuan , Yuan Yu , Jia Xiaodong
Published: October 2023

Initiated by triarylamine radical cation salt (TBPA), the direct C−H bond functionalization of α‐N‐aryltetrahydroisoquinoline esters was smoothly realized, giving a series of α‐hydroxylated derivatives with a quaternary carbon center in good yields. Differently, in the presence of tert‐butyl nitrite (TBN), the C−N single bond was cleaved to keto esters. The mechanistic study revealed that these reactions were mediated by a similar mechanism, in which the N‐nitrosation might provide a driving force to the C−N bond cleavage.
Pressure and isothermal compressibility of complex plasmas in the average Wigner–Seitz cell model with regard to nonlinear screening effect
Authors: Martynova Inna , Iosilevskiy Igor
Published: October 2023

We consider a two‐component electroneutral equilibrium complex plasma of finite‐sized macroions (each with a charge , ) and point oppositely charged microions with unit charges. We take into account a macroions nonlinear screening effect and obtain system pressure in the Wigner–Seitz average cell model within the framework of the Poisson–Boltzmann approximation. It is shown that the obtained pressure and isothermal compressibility are positive over the entire range of macroions concentrations.
Year effects drive beta diversity, but unevenly across plant community types
Authors: Werner Chhaya M. , Young Truman P. , Stuble Katharine L.
Published: October 2023

Year of establishment can be a critical driver of plant communities with the establishment stage of community development particularly susceptible to factors including ambient rain, temperature, and other temporally variable drivers (e.g., seed and seedling predators). However, while year effects have been shown to drive community structure at local (patch) scales, it is yet unexplored how these within‐patch effects scale up to drive landscape‐level patterns of biodiversity. These dynamics are likely to be critical but are overlooked in many systems including those with high‐frequency disturbance regimes or active management. Here we leveraged a series of field‐based grassland mesocosms established identically at three sites across 5 years, and each monitored for 4–8 years. We compared the strength of these temporal and spatial drivers (year effects and site effects) on consequent patterns of spatial and temporal variability (beta diversity and turnover) between plots seeded with native perennial species versus those seeded with nonnative annual species. The composition of plots seeded with perennial species showed strong effects of planting year and consequently exhibited higher beta diversity within sites (across mesocosms established in five different years within sites), while plots seeded with annual species had higher between‐site variation but low beta diversity within sites. Plots with annual species were also more temporally variable than plots with perennial species. These findings have important implications for our understanding of key drivers of biodiversity across landscapes. Specifically, we showed that variable trajectories in community composition generated by site and year effects during establishment can promote beta diversity across landscapes dominated by perennial species, but are considerably less impactful in annual‐dominated systems. These findings further our understanding of the importance of assembly dynamics on landscape‐scale patterns of diversity, and have important management implications for restoration efforts.
Wearable Triboelectric Nanogenerators Based on Printed Polyvinylidene Fluoride Films Incorporated with Cobalt‐Based Metal–Organic Framework for Self‐Powered Mobile Electronics
Authors: Kim Myeong‐Hyeon , Park Sang‐Joon , Ha Tae‐Jun
Published: October 2023

In this study, wearable triboelectric nanogenerators comprising bar‐printed polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) films incorporated with cobalt‐based metal–organic framework (Co‐MOF) were developed. The enhanced output performance of the TENGs was attributed to the phase transition of PVDF from α‐crystals to β‐crystals, as facilitated by the incorporation of the MOF. The synthesis conditions, including metal ion, concentration, and particle size of the MOF, were optimized to increase open‐circuit voltage (VOC) and open‐circuit current (ISC) of PVDF‐based TENGs. In addition to high operational stability, mechanical robustness, and long‐term reliability, the developed TENG consisting of PVDF incorporated with Co‐MOF (Co‐MOF@PVDF) achieved a VOC of 194 V and an ISC of 18.8 μA. Furthermore, the feasibility of self‐powered mobile electronics was demonstrated by integrating the developed wearable TENG with rectifier and control units to power a global positioning system (GPS) device. The local position of the user in real‐time through GPS was displayed on a mobile interface, powered by the battery charged through friction‐induced electricity generation.
Scarce resources or damaged goods? On the legitimacy of laid‐off workers following MNC failure
Authors: Andersen Kristina Vaarst , Lorenzen Mark , Nowinska Agnieszka Urszula
Published: October 2023

Research Summary

We contribute to theorizing global human resource strategy by analyzing the mobility of workers laid off due to the failure of a MNC employer. The job opportunities of laid‐off workers are affected by their industry legitimacy. Focusing on scarce specialized workers, we propose that prospective MNC employers share an interest in retaining such workers' legitimacy. However, in the light of organizational failure, they may suffer from cross‐border legitimacy loss conditioned by their former employer's MNC structure—specifically, their former organizational units or geographical locations. We present an illustrative case study of traders laid off by a spectacular bankruptcy in the global bunker industry. This inspires a discussion of how MNC top management can manipulate worker legitimacy following an organizational failure.

Managerial Summary

Strategic hiring of globally mobile scarce specialized workers is central to global human resource strategy. We analyze what drives the legitimacy and mobility of such workers after being laid off by a bankruptcy of their former employer. We demonstrate that laid off workers experience comparatively high legitimacy loss when they were previously assigned to an MNC organizational unit or geographical location where other workers were suspected of being responsible for failure. This weakens their bargaining position vis‐a‐vis a prospective employer. We present an illustrative case study of traders laid off by a spectacular bankruptcy in the global bunker oil industry.
Gynaecological cancer resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women: A resource audit
Authors: Kinghorn Mina , Garvey Gail , Butler Tamara L.
Published: October 2023

Issue Addressed

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women experience considerable disparities in gynaecological cancer outcomes. Accessible and culturally appropriate health promotion resources about gynaecological cancers may support health literacy in this area. This study aimed to determine the understandability, actionability, readability, and cultural relevance of gynaecological cancer health literacy resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers, families, and caregivers.

Methods

We conducted a general Google search and targeted searches of Australian gynaecological cancer organisation websites in January and February 2022. Resources were assessed for understandability, actionability and cultural relevance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander audiences.

Results

We found 16 resources. The resources were generally understandable, actionable, readable, and culturally relevant, however, most resources were focused on cervical cancer prevention through vaccination and screening. Few resources focused other gynaecological cancer types or aspects of the cancer care continuum. While many resources contained elements that made them culturally relevant, areas for improvement were identified. These included: greater transparency relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, governance, and involvement in the development of the resources as well as availability of different resource formats with an emphasis on visual aids.

Conclusions

This study highlighted a need for the development of resources relating to a wider range of gynaecological cancer types and different stages of the cancer care continuum for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.

So What?

The development of a broader range of culturally appropriate gynaecological cancer health literacy resources, ideally developed through co‐design with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, may contribute to addressing the disparities in gynaecological cancer outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
Put your own “oxygen mask” on first: A behavioral typology of leaders' self‐care
Authors: Chiu Chia‐Yen , Howard Matylda , Lopes Edilene , Kulik Carol T. , Tuckey Michelle R.
Published: October 2023

Organizational leaders are essential in implementing, interpreting, and even proactively initiating changes for human resource (HR) functions to enhance workplace productivity and well‐being. However, recent studies have cautioned that providing positive and supportive leadership usually drains these organizational leaders. Although the literature has shed light on how leaders can use self‐care strategies to recharge, researchers and HR professionals know relatively little about (1) what specific self‐care actions leaders can take and (2) how external crises such as COVID‐19 constrain leaders' self‐care actions. To identify specific leaders' self‐care behaviors, which we refer to as oxygen masks, we interviewed 41 healthcare managers in Australia during the COVID‐19 pandemic in 2020. We presented a behavioral typology summarizing distinct oxygen masks that leaders used at different points in time. These oxygen masks include improving physical well‐being, improving emotional/spiritual/social well‐being, fulfilling managerial roles, and seeking collegial and organizational support. Moreover, we concluded that the COVID‐19 restrictions made some of these oxygen masks less accessible, negatively impacting leaders' well‐being. Our research conclusions have implications for theory and future studies on extending the literature associated with leadership development, leaders' resilience, and leaders' well‐being. The results also provide HR professionals with practical suggestions about assisting line managers in improving their self‐care and sustaining their leadership effectiveness.
Application of fusion property estimation within the multisolid wax prediction model on Kazakhstani crude
Authors: Ismailova Jamilyam , Abdukarimov Aibek , Delikesheva Dinara , Mombekov Bagdat , Ismailov Abdulakhat
Published: October 2023

Precipitation of deposited wax on pipe walls is one of the complex flow assurance problems that cause a decrease and complete blockage of oil production rates by reducing the cross‐sectional area of the flow in the pipelines. In addition, surface facilities require higher energy consumption and equipment failure due to paraffin plugs. The purpose of the research is to use the assessment of melting properties in the model of multisolid (MS) forecasting of paraffin in Kazakhstani oil. This article presents the calculation and modification of the fusion properties for a certain Kazakhstani oil for the subsequent calculation of the MS model for predicting wax deposition; numerous approaches have been developed to predict and prevent the flow assurance problems in both science and industry. Most of them are based on predicting the temperature of crystallization of paraffin considering the temperature dependence of the solubility parameters of individual components in the liquid and solid phases, as well as the molar volumes of individual components. Wax deposition can occur anywhere from a reservoir to surface facilities and pipelines. One of the main limitations of the existing models is their applicability to a wide range of crude oil types, while this modified paraffin predicting model will target Kazakhstani crude oil.
Physical insight into thermal analysis of magnetohydrodynamic stagnation point flow of micropolar nanofluid across a flexible surface equipped with porous medium and Fourier and Fick's law
Authors: Rasheed Haroon Ur , Shah Qayyum , Khan Jahangir , Abbas Tariq , Khan Waris , Mohmand Muhammad Ismail
Published: October 2023

Nanofluids represent a novel heat transfer liquid, making them an efficient medium for enhancing energy transmission. Nevertheless, significant knowledge gaps still exist concerning current strategies for improving heat transfer in nanofluids, underscoring the necessity for comprehensive research on these fluid systems. Therefore, this study considered theoretical analysis retrieves the influence of radiative two‐dimensional stagnation point flow of second‐grade micropolar fluid flow about an elongated channel surface implanted in porous media with magnetic effect, and modified heat and mass flux is under consideration. The major novel effect of the current study is to analyze the activation energy and thermal aspect of the system in the presence of nonlinear radiation effects that are considered in the revised mathematical framework by utilizing the boundary layer theory. The resulting set of coupled partial differential equations is further reduced and transformed into a dimensionless system of ordinary differential equations through appropriate scaling invariants. We initiate the RKF‐45 investigation scheme to numerically analyze the transformed dimensionless system, considering relevant parameters. The computational algorithm is implemented using MATLAB programming syntax. Plotted visuals are revealed for leading parameters against pertinent flow profiles graphically and with numerical data. Additionally, the convergence analysis of the numerical results for various flow profiles of the fluids were compared to establish the authenticity of the proposed flow problem. These research findings play a significant role in controlling heat transfer rates and fluid velocities in diverse manufacturing processes and industrial applications, ultimately aiding in achieving the desired product quality.