bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical Study of the Stability and Chemical Reactivity of a Series of Dihydropyrazoles with Antiproliferative Activities
Authors: KONE Mamadou Guy-Richard , OUATTARA Lamoussa , N’GUESSAN Kouakou Nobel , DEMBELE Georges Stéphane , KARAMANIS Panaghiotis , ZIAO Nahossé
Published: November 2024

In recent years, the number of cancer cases are increasing particularly that of prostate. In this work, we were interested in anticipating dihydropyrazole-cancer cell interactions and their anti-prostatic activity by studying the chemical reactivity and stability of a series of six dihydropyrazole compounds. This study was carried out on six molecules from a series of antiproliferative dihydropyrazoles (DP) substituted by halogens and cyclic molecules, using density functional theory at the B3LYP/6-31+G (d,p) level. Obtained at 298 K thermodynamic formation parameters confirm the formation and existence of the series of studied molecules. Boundary molecular orbitals examination, including the energy gap (ΔE), electronegativity (χ), chemical hardness (η) and electrophilicity index (ω), provided a deeper perspective on molecular properties. As a result, among studied compounds, DP-1 and DP-5 stand out for having the highest energy gaps between boundary orbitals, making them more stable and less reactive. In addition, DP-1 was found to be the best electron donor and the hardest compound among examined ones. Analysis of local descriptors, isodensity and electrostatic potential maps identified the two nitrogen atoms as the preferred sites for electrophilic and nucleophilic attack. However, the two nitrogen atoms contained in the pyrazole ring of dihydropyrazoles (DP) with one in sp3 and the other sp2 hybridization state are the preferred sites for electrophilic and nucleophilic attacks, respectively.
Biological Control of Post-harvest Rot in Water Yam (Dioscorea alata L.) Using Antagonistic Fungi
Authors: R.O. Ezebo, , R.N. Okigbo,
Published: November 2024

Water yam tubers are staple food consumed in the South-Eastern Nigeria and are susceptible to microbial contamination in storage. This investigation focused on antagonistic potentials of saprophytic fungi, Cryptococcus nemorosus, Rhodotorula toruloides and Nakaseomyces glabratus against the spoilage fungi of water yam tubers in storage. The diseased tissues from the water yam samples were inoculated on PDA plates. The microbial pathogens obtained were; Botryodiplodia theobromae, Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus stolonifer, Fusarium solani and Penicillium spp. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was employed and the Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test (DNMRT) was used to test the difference among treatments. The results of the in vitro assessment of fungal pathogens on water yam samples revealed that Cryptococcus nemorosus showed the highest zone of inhibition (13.50 + 0.12 mm) on Botryodiplodia theobromae while the least zone of inhibition (9.14 + 0.26 mm) was recorded for Fusarium solani after 48 hours of incubation. Rhodotorula toruloides recorded the highest zone of inhibition (22.10 + 0.45 mm) on Rhizopus stolonifer whereas the least zone of inhibition (9.05 + 0.36 mm) was observed on Botryodiplodia theobromae after 48 hours of incubation. Nakaseomyces glabratus showed the highest zone of inhibition (27.80 + 0.13 mm) on Botryodiplodia theobromae while the least zone of inhibition (14.84 + 0. 20 mm) was recorded against Fusarium solani after 48 hours of incubation.  The results of the in vivo mean mycelia radial growth of the fungal pathogens revealed that Cryptococcus nemorosus showed the highest growth (73.75 + 0.11 mm) against Aspergillus niger while the least growth (64.80 + 0.15 mm) was observed on Rhizopus stolonifer after 48 hours of incubation. Rhodotorula toruloides had the highest growth (68.45 + 0.50 mm) on Aspergillus niger while the least growth (55.50 + 0.09 mm) was recorded against Rhizopus stolonifer after 48 hours of incubation. Nakaseomyces glabratus showed the highest growth (67.00 + 0.12 mm) on Rhizopus stolonifer whereas the least growth (51.90 + 0.12 mm) was recorded against Botryodiplodia theobromae after 48 hours of incubation. The fungitoxic potentials of these biological antagonists on water yam rot can provide an alternative to synthetic fungicides since it is less expensive, environmentally friendly and easy to prepare.
Association of Ultra-Processed Foods Consumption with Health Outcomes in Nutrition Students: A Post-COVID-19 Analysis
Authors: Silva Kamilla A. , Figueiró Maria Thereza O. , Santos Maria de Lourdes R. , Assunção Marina A. , Pereira Regina E. S. , Santos Carina S. , Esteves Elizabethe A.
Published: November 2024

The consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) has been associated with increased disease risk. The COVID-19 pandemic affected eating practices, favoring university students' consumption of these foods. Nutrition students could have been less influenced. Therefore, we evaluated associations between the consumption of UPF items and markers of health status in nutrition students one year after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a cross-sectional study with nutrition students from a public university. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, physical activity, sleep quality, eating practices, and body image data were collected through a self-answered questionnaire using an online platform. Food items consumed on the previous day were obtained through individual interviews on two days of the same week. They were classified according to the NOVA classification. Almost 50% of the foods reported were in-natura/minimally processed (37 items out of 80); 40% of the participants consumed less than half of these food items. Almost 15% of all food items were UPF, and the number of food items in more than 85% was up to 4.5. The consumption was higher in students with poor eating practices and overweighted males, younger and under the first half of the major. The greater UPF items consumption, the greater the prevalence ratios of overweight (≥1=35%; ≥2=44%; ≥3=66%) or inadequate eating practices (≥1=32%; ≥2=40%; ≥3=52%). The participation of one UPF item in the diet was associated with the prevalence of overweight or poor eating practices; the higher the UPF item participation, the higher the prevalence.
Developing a Big Data-Driven Collaborative Platform for Industry-University Education: A Case Study
Authors: Zhang Decheng , Chen Jinxin
Published: November 2024

The collaborative education of industry university cooperation plays an important role in the cultivation of students' professional quality and innovation ability. Taking the big data driven digital economy innovation practice platform jointly built by Yancheng Teachers University and Beijing Zhilian Technology Co., Ltd. (referred to as the big data economic practice platform) as an example, this paper introduces the era background, construction methods and use scenarios of the construction of the practice platform. The big data economic practice platform plays an important role in supporting the collaborative hybrid teaching of "university teachers -AI- enterprise teachers", supporting interdisciplinary research teaching, supporting discipline competitions, etc., and has achieved a series of results in promoting the improvement of the school enterprise integrated talent training program, connecting the school enterprise professional core courses, promoting the co construction and sharing of school enterprise teaching resources, promoting the virtual and real integration of the practice environment, and promoting the reform of evaluation methods. This paper discusses the problems existing in the collaborative education of industry university cooperation in coordinating interest demands, jointly building and sharing teaching resources, cross regional cooperation and other aspects, and puts forward some paths for the sustainable development of the collaborative education of industry university cooperation, such as establishing the dominant position, clarifying the division of education, establishing coordination institutions, and expanding the cooperation mode.
Studies on Status and Activities of Farmer Producer Organization of Uttara Kannada District, Karnataka, India
Authors: Pai Vinayak V , Rathod Chetan Bhanu , A G Sagar , V. P. Uma , Rathod Aravind B.
Published: November 2024

The present study was carried out during 2023-24. The study was intended to explain the performance of Farmers Producer Organizations (FPO) and extent of facilities availed by its member farmers. Thus, a total of four actively functioning FPOs were selected and a semi structured questionnaire survey was conducted in four selected FPO’s belonging to four different taluks of Uttar Kannada district. Data from the respondents were collected with the help of an interview schedule. The results revealed that, among selected FPO’s highest farmers were registered under the Aghanashini FPO (1450) followed by Sarvajnendra FPO (800), Raita kalyana FPO (600) and Madhumitra horticulture FPO (500). Raita Kalyana FPO had highest number of visiting famers (700) whereas Madhumitra Horticulture FPO had the highest participation of farmers in the extension activities. The most widely practiced land use system among all the FPO’s was home garden system, especially in Aghanashini Spice Producer FPO (1400 farmers). In dairy farming Sarvajnendra FPO has the highest participation of farmers (560). Raita Kalyana FPO stands out as the most active FPO, with highest farmer participation particularly in activities like fertilizer distribution and organizing workshops, which drives farmers more towards visiting farmer’s producer organization.
Optimising Growth and Development by Integrating Water Management Practices and Nano-Fertilizers Application in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Dheer Vineet , Kumar Sanjiv , Yadav D.D. , Verma V.K. , Siddqui M. Z. , Kumar Sarvesh , Kumar Anil , Singh Jaykar , Singh Krishna Kumar
Published: November 2024

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a vital staple crop, feeding over half of the global population. Despite its significance, rice cultivation faces challenges due to its high-water demand and reliance on conventional fertilizers, which can degrade soil health and increase environmental pollution. This study, conducted at the Student's Instructional Farm, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, over two consecutive Kharif seasons (2022 and 2023), aimed to evaluate the effects of water management practices and nano fertilizers on different rice varieties. A split-plot design was used, with water management systems (I1- Flooding throughout crop growth (3+/-2cm), I2- Saturation maintenance up to PI and (3+/-2cm) after PI, and I3- Alternate wetting and drying) in main plot, three varieties (V1- NDR 2064, V2- Pusa Basmati 1509 and V3- Arize 6444 Gold) in sub plot and five nano fertilizers treatments (F1- 100% RD- N120kg/h P60kg/h K40kg/h + Zn25kg/h, F2- 100% RD- N120kg/h P60kg/h K40kg/h + Zn25kg/h + Nano fertilizers (Urea4ml/l + DAP4ml/lit + Zn0.5ml/l, F3- 75% RD- N90kg/ha P45kg/ha K30kg/ha + Zn18.75kg/ha + Nano fertilizers (Urea4ml/l + DAP4ml/lit + Zn0.5ml/l), F4- 50% RD- N60kg/ha P30kg/ha K20kg/ha + Zn12.5kg/ha + Nano fertilizers (Urea4ml/l + DAP4ml/lit + Zn0.5ml/l) and F5- Nano fertilizers (Urea4ml/l + DAP4ml/lit + Zn0.5ml/l)) in sub- sub plots with three replications. Results advocated that saturation irrigation significantly improved plant height, tiller count, dry matter accumulation, and leaf area index as compared to continuous flooding and alternate wetting and drying. Among the rice varieties, Arize-6444 Gold outperformed others in terms of tiller number and dry matter accumulation. Nano fertilizers, especially at 75% RD- N90kg/ha P45kg/ha K30kg/ha + Zn18.75kg/ha + Nano fertilizers (Urea4ml/l + DAP4ml/lit + Zn0.5ml/l) improved nutrient efficiency, leading to increased tiller counts, reduced tiller mortality, and higher dry matter accumulation. The combined use of optimized water management practices and nano fertilizers showed potential to reduce water use and improve rice productivity, offering a more sustainable approach to rice cultivation. These findings suggest that integrating saturation irrigation practice and nano-fertilizers can enhance rice yields while conserving water and minimizing the environmental footprint, addressing critical challenges in modern rice production.
Exploring the Biocompatibility and Antifungal Activity of Different Biopolymeric Derivatives Against Foliar Pathogens
Authors: Sangeetha B. M. , Bhat N. Bharati , Prasad R. D. , Kumar V. Dinesh , Supriya K. , Chandrika K. S. V. P.
Published: November 2024

This study aims to investigate the compatibility of biopolymeric derivatives with the biocontrol agents and its antifungal activity against fungi plant pathogens. In vitro studies have been carried out by using completely randomized design. This study was conducted at Plant Pathology Division, ICAR-Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research, Hyderabad, India, during March to April 2023. Different combinations of treatments were prepared using lignin derivative (LD). Compatibility of LD with Trichoderma harzianum Th4d was tested using poison food technique and data was recoded at 4 and 7 days after inoculation. Antifungal activity of lignin derivatives against foliar pathogens namely Phaeoisariopsis personata causing leaf spot of groundnut and Golovinomyces cichoracearum causing powdery mildew of sunflower was assessed using spore germination technique. Data was recorded at 24 and 48 hours after incubation. Significant difference was observed among the treatments with respect to mycelial growth of Trichoderma harzianum Th4d.  LD+chitosan exhibited 100% compatibility with full growth of T. harzianum. Further, LD+chitosan+Th4d at the concentration of 0.10% significantly inhibited the spore germination of P. personata and G. cichoracearum with per cent germination inhibition of 87.53 and 93.27%, respectively. Results suggests that lignin derivative integration with other biopolymers and biocontrol agents can be effectively used for the management of foliar plant pathogens.
Advances in Viral Pathogenesis and Control in Plants: A Review
Authors: Meena Priyanka Kumari , Prasanna Narsing Laxmi , Patait Neha Nandkumar , Dehariya Rohinee , Yuvarani R. , Nigam Rashmi , Kumar Sanjay , Saloni Saumya
Published: November 2024

Plant viral diseases pose a significant threat to global agriculture, leading to substantial yield losses and affecting food security. Advances in viral pathogenesis and control have been driven by a combination of traditional and modern approaches. This review highlights key areas of progress, including virus-host interactions, molecular mechanisms of viral replication, and host immune responses. Traditional control methods, such as crop rotation, sanitation, and vector management, remain foundational but face limitations due to the evolving nature of plant viruses. Breeding for genetic resistance, while effective, is challenged by the rapid adaptation of viral pathogens. The emergence of biotechnological strategies, such as RNA interference (RNAi), CRISPR/Cas systems, and the development of transgenic plants, has provided novel tools for enhancing resistance. Furthermore, molecular diagnostics, including PCR and next-generation sequencing (NGS), have revolutionized virus detection, enabling precise and early diagnosis. The integration of omics approaches-genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics-has facilitated a plant-virus interactions, while synthetic biology and systems biology are opening new frontiers in engineering virus-resistant crops. Climate change exacerbates the challenge by altering virus spread, vector dynamics, and host susceptibility, necessitating adaptive strategies. Emerging and re-emerging plant viruses underscore the need for robust surveillance and biosecurity measures, emphasizing the role of international collaboration in controlling these threats.
Comprehensive Assessment of Ferroresonance and its Effects in Selected Distribution Substations in Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Yusuf Samson Dauda , Abdulhamid Aminu Alhaji , Kwaha Barnabas John
Published: November 2024

Ferroresonance in distribution networks generates harmful harmonics, excessive heating, and potential transformer failures, yet limited research focuses on its impact in Nigerian low-voltage systems. This study examines ferroresonance susceptibility in low-voltage distribution transformers, with an emphasis on core saturation, harmonic distortion, and grading capacitance effects under varied operational conditions across substations in Lafia, Akwanga, and Keffi. By analyzing transformer responses from 50V to 500V and harmonic profiles in Delta (1.12Ω) and Star-Grounded (1.53Ω) configurations, the research highlights transformer design's critical role in ferroresonance resilience. Findings reveal that increasing grading capacitance from 90 pF to 1550 pF substantially elevated peak voltages from 0.420kV to 2.400kV (Lafia), 2.450kV (Akwanga), and 2.540kV (Keffi), and currents from 28A, 26A and 27A to 103A, 118A, and 130A, respectively. Voltage THD similarly rose from 6.5%, 6.3% and 6.7% to 35.5%, 38.2%, and 36.0%, respective; with current THD climbing from 7.8% 7.5% and 7.9% to 40.2%, 44.1%, and 42.3% respectively, indicating varying ferroresonance susceptibility across the substations. Delta configurations show lower ferroresonance risk compared to Star-Grounded types, underscoring optimal winding configuration and capacitance management as key resilience factors. Recommendations include targeted harmonic filtering and precise capacitance management to stabilize transformer operation. Future research should consider broader transformer model diversity, adaptive control systems, and machine learning techniques for enhanced ferroresonance risk assessments.
Livelihood Diversification Strategies and Their Prioritization among Farmers in North Central Nigeria
Authors: Sallawu Halima , Nmadu Job Nda , Coker Alexander Ayodeji Ajibola , Mohammed Usman Shaba , Shuaibu Mohammed Kabir
Published: November 2024

The importance of livelihood diversification cannot be over emphasized as it reduces risk by spreading income sources across different activities, households can mitigate risks associated with climate variability, market shocks, or other disruptions. While climate change adaptation is significant in enhancing agricultural productivity, reduces vulnerability and promote sustainable development.
Aims: This research examined the various livelihood options and the intensity of use among farmers in North Central Nigeria.
Study Design: Original research using primary data collected from sampled farmers who are basically into production of rice and cassava.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in North central Nigeria in 2023.
Methodology: The study used data obtained from administered questionnaire to 483 small scale farmers which were randomly selected. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). AHP method where alternatives are compared with each other under various criteria is more accurate than cluster analysis which categorize households into distinct livelihood strategy groups based on the percentage contribution of individual income to the total household income and also the rating method using likert-type scale.
Results: Results revealed that all the farmers participated in crop farming with mean monthly income of N55,416.98 which has the highest priority weight of 22.14%. Other livelihood activities identified were livestock farming, petty trading, business, agricultural trading, aquaculture/artisanal fishing, agro-processing, handcraft, transportation services, tailoring/fashion design, health worker, telecommunication services, labour vending, artisans, blacksmith, domestic worker, construction worker and mining/quarry worker. Result of the AHP revealed that there was more intense use of crop farming among the livelihood options which was ranked first, then livestock farming, business and agricultural trading.
Conclusion: The study concluded that crop farming was the most important livelihood activity of the farmers. The farmers have diversified to take advantage of available opportunities to improve their livelihood security, reduce risk and improve their adaptation to climate change.
Structural brain anomalies in patients with FOXG1 syndrome and in Foxg1+/− mice
Authors: Pringsheim Milka , Mitter Diana , Schröder Simone , Warthemann Rita , Plümacher Kim , Kluger Gerhard , Baethmann Martina , Bast Thomas , Braun Sarah , Büttel Hans‐Martin , Conover Elizabeth , Courage Carolina , Datta Alexandre N. , Eger Angelika , Grebe Theresa A. , Hasse‐Wittmer Annette , Heruth Marion , Höft Karen , Kaindl Angela M. , Karch Stephanie , Kautzky Torsten , Korenke Georg C. , Kruse Bernd , Lutz Richard E. , Omran Heymut , Patzer Steffi , Philippi Heike , Ramsey Keri , Rating Tina , Rieß Angelika , Schimmel Mareike , Westman Rachel , Zech Frank‐Martin , Zirn Birgit , Ulmke Pauline A. , Sokpor Godwin , Tuoc Tran , Leha Andreas , Staudt Martin , Brockmann Knut
Published: March 2019

Objective

FOXG1 syndrome is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder associated with heterozygous FOXG1 variants or chromosomal microaberrations in 14q12. The study aimed at assessing the scope of structural cerebral anomalies revealed by neuroimaging to delineate the genotype and neuroimaging phenotype associations.

Methods

We compiled 34 patients with a heterozygous (likely) pathogenic FOXG1 variant. Qualitative assessment of cerebral anomalies was performed by standardized re‐analysis of all 34 MRI data sets. Statistical analysis of genetic, clinical and neuroimaging data were performed. We quantified clinical and neuroimaging phenotypes using severity scores. Telencephalic phenotypes of adult Foxg1+/− mice were examined using immunohistological stainings followed by quantitative evaluation of structural anomalies.

Results

Characteristic neuroimaging features included corpus callosum anomalies (82%), thickening of the fornix (74%), simplified gyral pattern (56%), enlargement of inner CSF spaces (44%), hypoplasia of basal ganglia (38%), and hypoplasia of frontal lobes (29%). We observed a marked, filiform thinning of the rostrum as recurrent highly typical pattern of corpus callosum anomaly in combination with distinct thickening of the fornix as a characteristic feature. Thickening of the fornices was not reported previously in FOXG1 syndrome. Simplified gyral pattern occurred significantly more frequently in patients with early truncating variants. Higher clinical severity scores were significantly associated with higher neuroimaging severity scores. Modeling of Foxg1 heterozygosity in mouse brain recapitulated the associated abnormal cerebral morphology phenotypes, including the striking enlargement of the fornix.

Interpretation

Combination of specific corpus callosum anomalies with simplified gyral pattern and hyperplasia of the fornices is highly characteristic for FOXG1 syndrome.
Investigation of white matter PiB uptake as a marker of white matter integrity
Authors: Zeydan Burcu , Schwarz Christopher G. , Lowe Val J. , Reid Robert I. , Przybelski Scott A. , Lesnick Timothy G. , Kremers Walter K. , Senjem Matthew L. , Gunter Jeffrey L. , Min Hoon‐Ki , Vemuri Prashanthi , Knopman David S. , Petersen Ronald C. , Jack Clifford R. , Kantarci Orhun H. , Kantarci Kejal
Published: March 2019

Objective

To investigate the associations of Pittsburgh compound‐B (PiB) uptake in white matter hyperintensities (WMH) and normal appearing white matter (NAWM) with white matter (WM) integrity measured with DTI and cognitive function in cognitively unimpaired older adults.

Methods

Cognitively unimpaired older adults from the population‐based Mayo Clinic Study of Aging (n = 537, age 65–95) who underwent both PiB PET and DTI were included. The associations of WM PiB standard uptake value ratio (SUVr) with fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) in the WMH and NAWM were tested after adjusting for age. The associations of PiB SUVr with cognitive function z‐scores were tested after adjusting for age and global cortical PiB SUVr.

Results

The WMH PiB SUVr was lower than NAWM PiB SUVr (P < 0.001). In the WMH, lower PiB SUVr correlated with lower FA (r = 0.21, P < 0.001), and higher MD (r = −0.31, P < 0.001). In the NAWM, lower PiB SUVr only correlated with higher MD (r = −0.10, P = 0.02). Both in the WMH and NAWM, lower PiB SUVr was associated with lower memory, language, and global cognitive function z‐scores after adjusting for age and global cortical PiB SUVr.

Interpretation

Reduced PiB uptake in the WMH is associated with a loss of WM integrity and cognitive function after accounting for the global cortical PiB uptake, suggesting that WM PiB uptake may be an early biomarker of WM integrity that precedes cognitive impairment in older adults. When using WM as a reference region in cross‐sectional analysis of PiB SUVr, individual variability in WMH volume as well as age should be considered.
Toll‐like receptor‐4 299Gly allele is associated with Guillain‐Barré syndrome in Bangladesh
Authors: Jahan Israt , Ahammad Rijwan U. , Khalid Mir M. , Rahman Mohammad I. , Hayat Shoma , Islam Badrul , Mohammad Quazi D. , Islam Zhahirul
Published: March 2019

Objective

TLR4 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS). The relationships between TLR4 polymorphisms and susceptibility to GBS are poorly understood. We investigated the frequency and assessed the association of two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the extracellular domain of TLR4 (Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile) with disease susceptibility and the clinical features of GBS in a Bangladeshi cohort.

Methods

A total of 290 subjects were included in this study: 141 patients with GBS and 149 unrelated healthy controls. The TLR4 polymorphisms Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) assay.

Results

The minor 299Gly allele was significantly associated with GBS susceptibility (P = 0.0137, OR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.17–3.31), and was present at a significantly higher frequency in patients with the acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) subtype of GBS (P = 0.0120, OR = 2.37, 95% CI = 1.26–4.47) than acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP) subtype (P = 0.961, OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 0.38–3.48); when compared to healthy controls. The genotype frequency of the Asp299Gly polymorphism was not significantly different between patients with GBS and healthy controls. The Asp299‐Thr399 haplotype was associated with a significantly lower risk of developing GBS (P = 0.0451, OR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.40–0.99). No association was observed between the Thr399Ile polymorphism and GBS disease susceptibility.

Interpretation

The TLR4 minor 299Gly allele was associated with increased susceptibility to GBS and the axonal GBS subtype in the Bangladeshi population. However, no associations were observed between the genotypes of the Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile SNPs and antecedent C. jejuni infection or disease severity in Bangladeshi patients with GBS.
In Situ Generated Medical Devices
Authors: Cohn Daniel , Sloutski Aaron , Elyashiv Ariel , Varma Vijaykumar B. , Ramanujan Raju
Published: March 2019

Medical devices play a major role in all areas of modern medicine, largely contributing to the success of clinical procedures and to the health of patients worldwide. They span from simple commodity products such as gauzes and catheters, to highly advanced implants, e.g., heart valves and vascular grafts. In situ generated devices are an important family of devices that are formed at their site of clinical function that have distinct advantages. Among them, since they are formed within the body, they only require minimally invasive procedures, avoiding the pain and risks associated with open surgery. These devices also display enhanced conformability to local tissues and can reach sites that otherwise are inaccessible. This review aims at shedding light on the unique features of in situ generated devices and to underscore leading trends in the field, as they are reflected by key developments recently in the field over the last several years. Since the uniqueness of these devices stems from their in situ generation, the way they are formed is crucial. It is because of this fact that in this review, the medical devices are classified depending on whether their in situ generation entails chemical or physical phenomena.
Substrate‐Independent Coating with Persistent and Stable Antifouling and Antibacterial Activities to Reduce Bacterial Infection for Various Implants
Authors: Yuan Pingyun , Qiu Xinyu , Wang Xinran , Tian Ran , Wang Lin , Bai Yongkang , Liu Shiyu , Chen Xin
Published: March 2019

Implantation of biomedical devices accompanying infections has caused severe problems to public health that require feasible solutions. In this study, a simple approach is reported to fabricate a antimicrobial and antifouling dual‐functional coating. This coating consists of a substrate‐independent layer‐by‐layer (LBL) film formed by poly (diallyldimethylammonium) (PDDA) and poly (styrenesulfonate) (PSS), where parts of PSS and PDDA are physically substituted by hetero‐bifunctional polyethylene glycol (PEG) ending with a carboxyl group and antimicrobial peptide (ε‐Poly‐l‐lysine, ε‐PL). This design (ε‐PL‐PEG‐(PDDA/PSS)9 coating) exhibits not only potent antimicrobial activity against Gram‐positive/negative bacteria but also superior antifouling activity on various substrates, including glass and plastic. Moreover, the antifouling and antibacterial performance can be maintained for a longer period of time under physiological environments even after physical damage of the surface due to the homogeneous interspersion and free migration of ε‐PL‐PEG‐COOH in the LBL film. This allows the supplement of these molecules to the surface against molecule loss during usage. Both in vitro and in vivo (rodent subcutaneous infection model) studies show obvious reduction of the bacteria on the coated substrate and in the surrounding tissues with up to 3.2‐log reduction, even after repeated usage. The inflammation around the implantation area is also significantly inhibited.
Building Reconfigurable Devices Using Complex Liquid–Fluid Interfaces
Authors: Forth Joe , Kim Paul Y. , Xie Ganhua , Liu Xubo , Helms Brett A. , Russell Thomas P.
Published: March 2019

Liquid–fluid interfaces provide a platform both for structuring liquids into complex shapes and assembling dimensionally confined, functional nanomaterials. Historically, attention in this area has focused on simple emulsions and foams, in which surface‐active materials such as surfactants or colloids stabilize structures against coalescence and alter the mechanical properties of the interface. In recent decades, however, a growing body of work has begun to demonstrate the full potential of the assembly of nanomaterials at liquid–fluid interfaces to generate functionally advanced, biomimetic systems. Here, a broad overview is given, from fundamentals to applications, of the use of liquid–fluid interfaces to generate complex, all‐liquid devices with a myriad of potential applications.
Identification of a deletion containing TBX4 in a neonate with acinar dysplasia by rapid exome sequencing
Authors: German Kendell , Deutsch Gail H. , Freed Amanda S. , Dipple Katrina M. , Chabra Shilpi , Bennett James T.
Published: March 2019

We describe a neonate with severe respiratory failure due to acinar dysplasia found by rapid exome sequencing (rES), to have a deletion containing the TBX4 gene. rES can affect patient management in the intensive care unit and should be considered in concert with lung biopsy in neonates with undifferentiated respiratory failure.
In Situ Synchrotron X‐ray Characterization Shining Light on the Nucleation and Growth Kinetics of Colloidal Nanoparticles
Authors: Wu Siyu , Li Mingrui , Sun Yugang
Published: March 2019

Rational synthesis of colloidal nanoparticles with desirable properties relies on precise control over the nucleation and growth kinetics, which is still not well understood. The recent development of in situ high energy synchrotron X‐ray techniques offers an excellent opportunity to quantitatively monitor the growth trajectories of colloidal nanoparticles in real time under real reaction conditions. The time‐resolved, quantitative data of the growing colloidal nanoparticles are unique to reveal the mechanism of nanoparticle formation and determine the corresponding intrinsic kinetic parameters. This review discusses the kinetics of major steps of forming colloidal nanoparticles and the capability of in situ synchrotron X‐ray techniques in studying the corresponding kinetics.
Synthesis and application of novel 1,2,3‐triazolylferrocene‐containing ionic liquid supported on Fe3O4 nanocatalyst in the synthesis of new pyran‐substituted Betti bases
Authors: Gholamhosseini‐Nazari Mahdi , Esmati Somayeh , Safa Kazem D. , Khataee Alireza , Teimuri‐Mofrad Reza
Published: March 2019

A novel magnetic ferrocene‐labelled ionic liquid based on triazolium, [Fe3O4@SiO2@Triazol‐Fc][HCO3], has been synthesized and has been successfully introduced as a recyclable heterogeneous nanocatalyst. The catalytic activity of the novel magnetic nanoparticles was evaluated in the one‐pot three‐component synthesis of a wide variety of Betti bases. A simple, facile and highly efficient green method has been developed for the synthesis of kojic acid‐containing Betti base derivatives at room temperature. Additionally, this new protocol has notable advantages such as short reaction times, green reaction conditions, high yields and simple workup and purification steps. Also, the novel nanocatalyst could be easily recovered using an external magnetic field and reused for six consecutive reaction cycles without significant loss of activity. The newly synthesized nanocatalyst was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller measurements.
Hexanuclear 3d − 4f metal–organic cages assembled from a carboxylic acid‐functionalized tris‐triazamacrocycle for highly selective fluorescent sensing of picric acid
Authors: Tang Qi , Sun Yao , Li Hong‐Yan , Wu Ji‐Qing , Liang Yu‐Ning , Zhang Zhong
Published: March 2019

Two LnIII ions are sandwiched by dinuclear CoII building blocks derived from a tris‐triazamacrocyclic ligand bearing pendant carboxylic acid functionality, 1,3,5‐tris((4,7‐bis(2‐carboxyethyl)‐1,4,7‐triazacyclonon‐1‐yl)methyl)‐benzene (H6L), giving rising to two nanoscale heterometallic metal–organic cages formulated as [Co4Ln2(LH2.5)2(H2O)4]·(ClO4)6·NO3·nH2O [Ln = Dy, n = 12 (1); Ln = Yb, n = 9 (2)], whose internal cavity accommodates a guest NO3− anion. Their hexanuclear cage‐like architectures are maintained both in solution and solid states as confirmed by mass spectrum as well as X‐ray diffraction experiments. These two cages display ligand‐based fluorescence emissions and therefore both were chosen to be operated as fluorescent chemosensors for the detection of nitroaromatic compounds. Attractively, these metal–organic cages allow highly selective and sensitive detection of picric acid (PA) over other nitroaromatics in solution and suspension, and the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between the cage probes and PA is mainly responsible for the remarkable detection efficiency.
Stereoselective β‐Mannosylation with 2,6‐Lactone‐bridged Thiomannosyl Donor by Remote Acyl Group Participation
Authors: Xu Huanfang , Chen Long , Zhang Qi , Feng Yingle , Zu Yujia , Chai Yonghai
Published: March 2019

Stereoselective β‐mannosylation has been recognized as one of the greatest challenges of carbohydrate chemistry. Herein, we described a practical method for stereoselective construction of β‐mannosides by using a 2,6‐lactone‐bridged thiomannosyl donor through the remote acyl‐group participation as well as the steric effect of O‐4 substituent. The two effects are enabled through the conversion of a regular mannopyranosyl 4C1 conformation into a 2,6‐lactone bridged conformation. The lactone donor could be readily prepared in three steps on a gram scale and the β‐mannosylation proceeded smoothly with high stereoselectivity for primary, secondary and tertiary alcohol acceptors. In addition, this strategy was successfully applied to the synthesis of a naturally occurring trisaccharide.
Mandates and Messaging: How Californians Responded to the State's Historic Drought
Authors: Gaur Sanjay , Smith Victor , Kostiuk Kevin
Published: March 2019

“And it never failed that during the dry years the people forgot about the rich years, and during the wet years they lost all memory of the dry years. it was always that way.”

—John Steinbeck, East of Eden
Doing More With Many: Case Studies of Regional Collaboration in Management and Shared Infrastructure
Authors: Tran Tiffany , Carpenter Adam , Kenel Pamela
Published: March 2019

What goes into the success of water system collaborations? Regional and interstate management agreements can mean a more resilient water supply.
Avoiding Billing Debacles Around New Water or Sewer Rates
Authors: Clumpner Greg , Henry Greg
Published: March 2019

Inaccurate billing by water and sewer utilities is common yet not always easy to detect. It's important to fix problems with customers' water bills and even better to prevent them from occurring in the first place.
Nutritional optimization of Arthrospira platensis for starch and Total carbohydrates production
Authors: Lai Yuen Hing , Puspanadan Soopna , Lee Chee Keong
Published: March 2019

Present study aims to optimize the production of starch and total carbohydrates from Arthrospira platensis. Growing concerns toward unprecedented environmental issues associated with plastic pollution has created a tremendous impetus to develop new biomaterials for the production of bioplastic. Starch‐based biopolymers from algae serve as sustainable feedstock for thermoplastic starch production due to their abundant availability and low cost. A. platensis was cultivated in Zarrouk's medium at 32 ± 1°C and exposed to red light with a photoperiod of 12:12 hr light/dark. Growth kinetics studies showed that the maximum specific growth rate (μmax) obtained was 0.059 day−1 with the doubling time (td) of 11.748 days. Subsequently, Zarrouk's medium with different concentrations of sulfur, phosphorus and nitrogen was prepared to establish the nutrient‐limiting conditions to enhance the accumulation of starch and total carbohydrates. In this study, the highest starch accumulated was 6.406 ± 0.622 mg L−1 under optimized phosphorus limitation (0.025 g L−1) conditions. Nitrogen limitation (0.250 g L−1) results demonstrated significant influenced (p < 0.05) on total carbohydrates (67.573 ± 2.893 mg L−1) accumulation in A. platensis. The starch accumulation in A. platensis was significantly affected (p < 0.05) by phosphorus limitation (0.0025 g L−1). Subsequently, the optimized phosphorus concentration was coupled with mixotrophic cultivation to further enhance the starch accumulation. The results obtained indicated that, the starch (11.426 ± 0.314 mg L−1) and carbohydrates (43.053 ± 2.986 mg L−1) concentration obtained was significantly high (p < 0.05) under mixotrophic cultivation. Therefore, it shown that nutrient limitation and mixotrophic cultivation are viable strategies to enhance the accumulation of starch and total carbohydrates in A. platensis.
Efficient Itaconic acid production via protein–protein scaffold introduction between GltA, AcnA, and CadA in recombinant Escherichia coli
Authors: Tran Kim‐Ngan T. , Somasundaram Sivachandran , Eom Gyeong Tae , Hong Soon Ho
Published: March 2019

Itaconic acid, which is a promising organic acid in synthetic polymers and some base‐material production, has been produced by Aspergillus terreus fermentation at a high cost. The recombinant Escherichia coli that contained the cadA gene from A. terreus can produce itaconic acid but with low yield. By introducing the protein–protein scaffold between citrate synthesis, aconitase, and cis‐aconitase decarboxylase, 5.7 g/L of itaconic acid was produced, which is 3.8‐fold higher than that obtained with the strain without scaffold. The optimum pH and temperature for itaconic acid production were 8.5 and 30°C, respectively. When the competing metabolic network was inactivated by knock‐out mutation, the itaconic acid concentration further increased, to 6.57 g/L.
Utility of the Medtronic microvascular plug™ as a transcatheter implantable and explantable pulmonary artery flow restrictor in a swine model
Authors: Khan Abdul H. , Hoskoppal Deepthi , Kumar T. K. Susheel , Bird Lindsey , Allen Kimberly , Lloyd Hannah , Knott‐Craig Christopher J. , Waller B. Rush , Sathanandam Shyam
Published: March 2019

Background

A surgical pulmonary artery band (PAB) is used to control excessive pulmonary blood flow for certain congenital heart diseases. Previous attempts have been made to develop a transcatheter, implantable pulmonary flow restrictor (PFR) without great success. We modified a microvascular plug (MVP) to be used as a PFR. The objectives of this study were to demonstrate feasibility of transcatheter implantation and retrieval of the modified MVP as a PFR, and compare PA growth while using the PFR versus PAB.

Methods and results

The PFR was implanted in eight newborn piglets in bilateral branch pulmonary arteries (PAs). Immediately post‐PFR implantation, the right ventricular systolic pressure increased from a median of 20–51 mmHg. Transcatheter retrieval of PFR was 100% successful at 3, 6, and 9 weeks and 50% at 12‐weeks post‐implant. A left PAB was placed via thoracotomy in four other newborn piglets. Debanding was performed 6‐weeks later via balloon angioplasty. On follow‐up, the proximal left PA diameters in the PFR and the PAB groups were similar (median 8 vs. 7.1 mm; p = 0.11); albeit the surgical band sites required repeat balloon angioplasty secondary to recurrent stenosis. By histopathology, there was grade II vessel injury in two pigs immediately post‐retrieval of PFR that healed by 12 weeks.

Conclusions

Transcatheter implantation and retrieval of the MVP as a PFR is feasible. PA growth is comparable to surgical PAB, which is likely to require reinterventions. The use of the MVP as a PFR in humans has to be trialed before recommending its routine use.
Impact of revascularization versus medical therapy alone for chronic total occlusion management in older patients
Authors: Flores‐Umanzor Eduardo Josué , Vázquez Sara , Cepas‐Guillen Pedro , Ivey‐Miranda Juan , Caldentey Guillem , Jimenez‐Britez Gustavo , Regueiro Ander , Freixa Xavier , Andrea Rut , Ferreira‐González Ignacio , Sabaté Manel , Martin‐Yuste Victoria
Published: March 2019

Background

Chronic total occlusions (CTOs) are present in more than one third of older patients with myocardial ischemia, but controversy remains about the best therapeutic approach.

Aims

To compare long‐term survival after CTO revascularization (percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI] or coronary artery bypass graft [CABG]) versus medical treatment (MT) alone in patients aged 75 and older.

Methods and results

A total of 1,252 consecutive patients with at least one CTO were identified from 2010 to 2014 in our center. Patients were stratified by age (<75 years vs. ≥75 years) in the present analysis. All‐cause and cardiac mortality were assessed at a median follow‐up of 3.5 years.

In the older subgroup (26%), patients were more likely to be treated with MT alone (71% vs. 43% of younger patients; p < 0.001). Patients undergoing revascularization were younger and had higher left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and lower age, creatinine, ejection fraction (ACEF) score (age/LVEF +1 if creatinine >2.0 mg/dL), compared to the MT group (p < 0.05). As compared to MT, revascularization predicted lower rates of cardiac mortality and all‐cause mortality in older patients, both in the subgroups treated with CABG (hazard ratio [HR] 0.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.17–0.71; HR 0.39, 95%CI 0.18–0.81) and PCI (HR 0.57, 95%CI 0.33–0.98; HR 0.59, 95%CI 0.28–1.2). No differences in mortality were observed according to type of revascularization procedure.

Conclusions

Among patients aged at least 75 years with a CTO, revascularization (PCI or CABG) rather than MT alone may portend a better outcome in terms of all‐cause and cardiac mortality.
Ordered Mesoporous CeO2‐supported Ag as an Effective Catalyst for Carboxylative Coupling Reaction Using CO2
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Wang Dingkun , Jing Meizan , Liu Jian , Zhao Zhen , Xu Guanhua , Song Weiyu , Wei Yuechang , Sun Yuanqing
Published: March 2019

Ag/Mesoporous CeO2 (Ag/M−CeO2) catalysts were synthesized through the gas bubbling‐assisted membrane reduction (GBMR) method and characterized by XRD, ICP‐OES, N2 adsorption‐desorption, XPS, Raman spectroscopy, TEM, HRTEM, HAADF‐STEM and CO2‐TPD. Ag/M−CeO2 catalysts contain uniform mesoporous structure, large surface area and oxygen vacancies, which promote the dispersion of Ag nanoparticles. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that Ag nanoparticles supported on M−CeO2 could facilitate the formation of oxygen vacancies, which result in higher CO2 adsorption capacity. With the most oxygen vacancies and the well‐dispersed Ag active species, Ag (3.12 %)/M−CeO2 exhibits high efficiency for the carboxylative coupling of terminal alkynes, chloride compounds and CO2 under mild reaction conditions (60 °C, 0.5 MPa), affording a wide range of functionalized 2‐alkynoates in good yields.
Engineered MOFs and Enzymes for the Synthesis of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
Authors: Cirujano Francisco G.
Published: March 2019

The latest strategies in the design and synthesis of metal‐organic frameworks as heterogeneous catalysts in organic synthesis are compared with biocatalyzed transformations, as a step forward to a more convenient industrial production of pharmaceuticals. Relevant C−C and C−N bond forming reactions that are both chemo‐ and bio‐ catalyzed by synthetic MOFs and in vitro evolved and/or promiscuous enzymes with the aim of obtaining key bioactive scaffolds in a sustainable, competitive and cost‐efficient manner, are thoroughly discussed in this mini review.
Learning From Vitamin B12‐Mediated Reactions: Cobalt(III)−Carbon‐Assisted Catalytic C−H Difluoroacylation of (Hetero)Arenes through Controlled‐Potential Electrolysis
Authors: Hossain Md. Jakir , Ono Toshikazu , Yano Yoshio , Hisaeda Yoshio
Published: March 2019

The synthesis of difluoromethylated (CF2R) (R=H, alkyl/aryl, CO2R, etc.) compounds has received considerable attention in recent years. In this study, the cobalt(III)−carbon‐mediated catalytic C−H difluoroacylation of unactivated arenes and heteroarenes using BrCF2CO2Et is reported. This catalytic cycle is based on a valence change of the cobalt catalyst, a naturally derived vitamin B12 derivative, driven by controlled‐potential electrolysis at −0.8 V vs. Ag/AgCl under visible‐light irradiation in dimethyl sulfoxide. A broad substrate scope is demonstrated, and two compounds were characterized according to their X‐ray crystal structures. Mechanistic studies showed that the reaction proceeds through a radical pathway mediated by homolytic cleavage of the cobalt(III)–carbon bond. A turnover number of more than 100 was observed, owing to the inherent stability of the vitamin B12 framework. This naturally derived catalytic system has potential applications in medicinal chemistry and materials science.