bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perfect the Puff: Reinforcing Metered-dose Inhaler Excellence amongst Primary Care Trainees for Optimal Asthma Management
Authors: Shidid Sarah , Rashtian Justin , Haines Adam , LeFrancois Darlene , Karpoff Kateryna , Pandya Aashna , Berlot Ashley , Raju Lakhi , Jariwala Sunit
Published: February 2025

Background: There are key gaps regarding proper metered-dose inhaler (MDI) technique during Internal Medicine Residency training. Inhaler misuse remains common, underscoring the need for continued reinforcement. This study aims to assess the efficacy of one training session, which reviews the 8 steps for MDI use.
Methods: We recruited 30 Internal Medicine resident volunteers at an urban medical center with a high community prevalence of asthma to participate in a teaching session that included 8 core steps for proper MDI use. We administered a pre-survey asked about trainees’ prior teaching and how they currently teach and assess the MDI technique. Participants completed a post-intervention survey listing the MDI steps.
Results: Most were not previously taught the MDI technique (n=21), and whether one was previously taught the MDI technique did not differ by gender (p=0.94) nor class year (p>0.99). Of the participants who were previously taught the MDI technique (n=9), no participants were confident in assessing the technique (0%) nor providing a demonstration (0%), though most (67%) of these individuals felt they could verbally teach the MDI technique. Pre to post-survey findings demonstrated an average improvement of 3.6 to 6.6 MDI steps correctly identified (p< 0.01).  The implications of these findings underscore the need to not only teach IM residents about the MDI technique but also ensure continuous reinforcement regardless of gender or level of training.
Conclusion: Reinforcing the MDI technique through a training session is an intervention to enhance IM residents’ knowledge. Future studies can assess the impact of longitudinal training through digital education tools and assess the retention of MDI technique knowledge. Recommendations for future training sessions could assess the impact of digital education as well as other modalities such as visual aids and hands-on training.
Assessing the Impact of Haemoparasites on Albumin and IgE Blood Levels in Transfused Blood at the Regional Hospital Bamenda, North West Cameroon
Authors: Tchoffo Fotio Hermann , Tofel Haman Katamssadan , Abongwa Lem Edith , Ndifor Ruth Fri , Ntonifor Helen Ngum
Published: February 2025

Aims: This study aimed at assessing the prevalence of blood protozoans and their effect on IgE and Albumin levels among blood donors.
Study Design: The study was a hospital-based cross-sectional analytical study.
Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out at the Regional Hospital Bamenda Blood Bank in the Northwest Region of Cameroon from March 2022 to May 2022.
Methodology: We included 337 blood donors (255men, 82 women) with age range of 19-57 years. Venous blood samples were collected and use to screen for malaria, the presence of T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies.  Immunoglobulin E (IgE) was determination using Enzyme-Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay (ELISA) and Serum Albumin was measured by spectrophotometry.
Results: The prevalence of malaria, Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM was 13.6% (46/337), 30.9% ( and 4.7% (16/337) respectively, while the prevalence of Malaria and Toxoplasma IgM co-infection was 0.9% (3/337). Prevalence of blood parasites showed no significant difference (p>0.05) with any of the socio-demographic factors. Malaria and toxoplasmosis co-infection prevalence were higher in males (1.3%), in the 31-40 years age group (1.6%), those with secondary level of education (1.3%), and those who were married (2.2%). Malaria-infected participants had significantly higher mean IgE levels (96.8Ul/ml vs 47.9Ul/ml; p=0.0001) and lower Albumin values (3.97g/dl vs 4.20g/dl; p=0.61). As regards Toxoplasma gondii, we observed a significant (p<0.05) higher mean IgE levels (144.3IU/ml vs 50.1 IU/ml) and mean Albumin (3.56g/dl vs 4.22g/dl g/dl) values among those who were infected.
Conclusions: Screening of blood haemoparasites before transfusion is usually neglected in most settings. The findings of this study revealed the presence of malaria and Toxoplasma gondii among blood donors and its impact on Albumin and IgE mean levels. As such it is important to measure both parameters before blood transfusion.
Foraging Response of Apis florea and Apis cerana indica to Bee Attractants and its Impact on Aster (Callistephus chinensis) Seed Yield
Authors: Chavan Aishwarya A. , Firake Dnyaneshwar M. , Patil Chidanand S.
Published: February 2025

Aims: Aster (Callistephus chinensis L.) is a seed-propagated annual flower crop widely used in floral arrangements, garlands and landscaping, making it increasingly popular among small-scale farmers. Despite this growing interest, challenges like poor seed quality and low seed set have made it difficult to meet the demand for high-quality Aster seeds in market. As a cross-pollinated crop, Aster depends heavily on pollinators, particularly honeybees, to ensure effective seed production. By enhancing cross-pollination, bee attractants can help boost seed yield. Thus, our aim to identify suitable local, bee attractants and evaluate their effectiveness in improving Aster seed yield.
Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted over two years (2021-22 and 2022-23) at the ICAR-Directorate of Floricultural Research, Pune.
Methodology: Experiment is conducted with seven treatments and three replications. Bee attractant sprays were applied twice to the crop during its flowering period, first taken at 20 per cent flowering and the second spray was applied at 70 per cent flowering. Observations were recorded on abundance of bee visitors and seed yield parameters.
Results: The results showed that the sugar solution (10%) attracted a significantly higher number of Apis florea (35.08 bees/ m2 /5 min) and Apis cerana indica (17.44 bees/ m2 /5 min) bees, comparable to the jaggery solution (15%), with no statistically significant difference observed between the two treatments. Seed yield parameters including number of seeds per flower, weight of seed/flower, seed yield (kg/ha), and test weight of seeds recorded highest in plots treated with sugar solution (10%) (171.63, 0.40g, 291.33 kg/ha and 2.79g, respectively) which was statistically on par with jaggery solution (15%) (159.63, 0.39g, 281.74kg/ha and 2.57g, respectively).
Conclusion: The study concluded that both sugar solution (10%) and jaggery solution (15%) are effective in increasing bee activity, which in turn helps boost seed production in cross-pollinated crops like Aster. This research offers valuable insights into potential of affordable and accessible attractants for marginal and smallholder farmers which aims to enhance pollination and seed production in Aster.
Fungal Biotransformation of Curcumin and Its Antibacterial Efficacy against Silkworm Flacherie Pathogens
Authors: R Saravanakumar , P Sudhakara Rao , B Sailaja , S Manthira Moorthy
Published: February 2025

Microbial transformation involves the production of new active biomolecules from natural products using microorganisms. This study focuses on exploring the microbial conversion of curcumin to develop improved antimicrobial agent for managing Flacherie disease in silkworms. The fungal cultures, Schizophyllum and Debaromyces species capable of converting curcumin into four metabolites. The chemical structures of the metabolites were analyzed using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, identifying them as tetrahydrocurcumin, hexahydrocurcumin, vanillin, and an unidentified metabolite. Antimicrobial activities of the metabolites were tested in vitro against various bacteria and showing the highest activity against Staphylococcus. A blend of the four metabolites was tested in systemic conditions on infected silkworms, resulting in a 14% increase in pupal survival against Staphylococcus. The new metabolites did not have any adverse effects on the economic characteristics of the silkworms. Overall, the converted compounds showed enhanced antimicrobial activity compared to the parent compounds, suggesting that curcumin derivatives could serve as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent.
Exploring the Relationship between Residence, and Income on Psychological Distress among Individuals with Idiopathic Epilepsy in Delhi NCR Hospital Settings, India
Authors: Bharti Hirnya , Kashyap Rajni , Tiwari Shraddhesh Kumar
Published: February 2025

Aims:  This study investigates the prevalence and role of demographic factors in psychological distress in epileptic patients.
Study Design: The study employs a nonexperimental research design to investigate the prevalence and demographic effect. 
Methods: Total 199 epileptic patients from the Delhi and National Capital Region, using convenient sampling were applied. Demographic information, including gender, age, education, marital status, occupation, income, and family type, and psychological distress scale (Keseler-10) were administered.
Frequency distribution, percentage, chi-square, t-test, one-way ANOVA and two-way ANOVA used to analyse data.
Results:  A significant differences was found on severe psychological distress in terms of gender, educational qualification and social economic status. Patients with high school education and lower social economic status patients manifested more psychological distress. Whereas, mean scores of psychological distresses found significant on the level of educational qualification and social economic status. The interaction between income and residence highlighted that rural participant in the low social economic status group showed the highest levels of distress.
Conclusion: These findings highlight the multifaceted nature of psychological distress among idiopathic epileptic patients, emphasizing the importance of addressing educational and economic disparities. These results emphasize the crucial role of socioeconomic and educational factors in mental health, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and support systems to address psychological distress in idiopathic epileptic patients.
Influence of Tillage and Nutrient Management on Growth and Yield of Maize: A Review
Authors: Kumar Duvvada Sarath , Malik Ganesh Chandra , Banerjee Mahua , Saren Binoy Kumar
Published: February 2025

Tillage practices significantly influence maize growth, yield, and soil health by altering the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil. Conventional tillage generally enhances plant height, dry matter accumulation, and leaf area index, with notable benefits for grain yield and biomass production. In contrast, reduced and zero tillage systems improve soil conservation and promote stable production. Ridge and raised bed planting methods often outperform conventional and zero tillage, offering higher yields and better resource use efficiency. Permanent bed planting with residue retention further optimizes maize productivity by improving soil structure and nutrient cycling. Site-Specific Nutrient Management (SSNM) emerges as a vital approach to address nutrient imbalances and enhance fertilizer use efficiency. By tailoring nutrient applications to crop-specific and site-specific needs, SSNM significantly boosts maize growth and yield attributes, including cob length, grain weight, and biological yield. Studies reveal that SSNM outperforms conventional fertilization techniques by improving nutrient recovery rates, reducing environmental impacts, and maximizing economic returns. This review highlights the synergistic effect of tillage and SSNM on maize performance, emphasizing the need for integrated management practices to achieve sustainable agricultural productivity in diverse agro-ecological systems. The findings underscore the potential of these approaches to bridge yield gaps and support resilient cropping systems.
Effect of Different Zinc Fertilization Strategies on Growth, Yield, and Profitability of Transplanted Rice
Authors: Anushiya G. , Kandasamy S. , Raman R. , Srinivasan S.
Published: February 2025

The research was conducted to determine how rice growth and productivity would be impacted using graded amounts of zinc fertilizer in rice variety ADT-43 at Annamalai University’s Experimental Farm, Tamil Nadu, India. This investigation on the effect of different sources of zinc on growth and yield of transplanted rice was conducted during kuruvai season (June – September 2023). Different quantities of zinc fertilizers were employed in the ten treatments. Three independent studies of the treatments were carried out and the field trial was designed employing randomised block design (RBD). According to the research outcome, among the different treatments, 100% RDF + Soil application of Zn-EDTA @ 5kg ha-1 + Foliar spray of nano Zn @ 0.2% at active tillering and panicle initiation resulted in higher morphological characters, including plant height (124.11cm), leaf area index (4.84), dry mater production (13012 kg/ha), number of tillers/hill (33.30) and yield characteristics, including number of panciles m-2, panicle length, number of filled grains panicle-1 and test weight, grain yield (6693 kg/ha) and straw yield (7865 kg/ha) of rice. Several indicators pointed to reduced productivity and insufficient growth and development in the control treatment scenario. The study revealed that application of 100% RDF + Soil application of Zn-EDTA @ 5kg ha-1 + Foliar spray of nano Zn @ 0.2% at active tillering and panicle initiation could be considered a better for achieving the growth and yield attributes of ADT-43 under transplanted condition.
Cdc73 is a major regulator of apoptosis‐inducing factor 1 expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae via H3K36 methylation
Authors: Saha Nitu , Acharjee Santoshi , Tomar Raghuvir Singh
Published: March 2024

Apoptosis‐inducing factor 1 (AIF1) overexpression is intimately linked to the sensitivity of yeast cells towards hydrogen peroxide or acetic acid. Therefore, studying the mechanism of AIF1 regulation in the cell would provide a significant understanding of the factors guiding yeast apoptosis. In this report, we show the time‐dependent induction of AIF1 under hydrogen peroxide stress. Additionally, we find that AIF1 expression in response to hydrogen peroxide is mediated by two transcription factors, Yap5 (DNA binding) and Cdc73 (non‐DNA binding). Furthermore, substituting the H3K36 residue with another amino acid significantly abrogates AIF1 expression. However, substituting the lysine (K) in H3K4 or H3K79 with alanine (A) does not affect AIF1 expression level under hydrogen peroxide stress. Altogether, reduced AIF1 expression in cdc73Δ is plausibly due to reduced H3K36me3 levels in the cells.
Effect of tea polyphenol–trehalose complex coating solutions on physiological stress and flesh quality of marine-cultured Turbot Scophthalmus maximus during waterless transport
Authors: Cao Jie , Guo Meijie , Qiu Weiqiang , Mei Jun , Xie Jing
Published: March 2024

Objective

The waterless transport of live fish has changed the present situation of live-fish transport. However, the waterless transport environment may cause stress in fish. This research evaluated the effect of tea polyphenol–trehalose (TPT) coating solutions on Turbot Scophthalmus maximus during waterless transport.

Methods

After cold acclimation, Turbot were coated and subsequently transported in a waterless environment for 18 h. Physiological and biochemical parameters were measured, including lysozyme (LZM) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) activities, serum creatinine (Cr) and uric acid (UA) concentrations, and nutritional flavor.

Result

The results showed that the nonspecific immunity of Turbot was inhibited during the waterless transport; the LZM activity first increased and then decreased, and the serum Cr and UA concentrations significantly increased. In addition, the waterless transport promoted the breakdown of Turbot flesh proteins, leading to changes in nucleotides and free amino acids (FAAs). After waterless transport, the LZM and IgM activities in the TPT-treated Turbot were higher than those in the control group (CK), and the changes in FAA content and nucleotides were smaller than those observed in the CK group.

Conclusion

This study shows that the use of TPT coating solution can reduce the impact of waterless transportation stress on the immune and metabolic functions of Turbot and can maintain the meat quality and flavor of Turbot.
Fluorenone‐Based Covalent Triazine Frameworks/Twinned Zn0.5Cd0.5S S‐scheme Heterojunction for Efficient Photocatalytic H2 Evolution
Authors: Ding Huiling , Shen Rongchen , Huang Kaihui , Huang Can , Liang Guijie , Zhang Peng , Li Xin
Published: March 2024

Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is a very promising and sustainable technology, yet precisely exploring effective HER photocatalysts remains a critical challenge due to the rapid charge recombination. In this work, a brand‐new S‐scheme heterojunction is successfully designed and constructed by in situ growth of twinned Zn0.5Cd0.5S Solid Solution (CZS) on a novel fluorenone‐based covalent triazine framework (FOCTF). The S‐scheme heterojunctions is identified via in situ irradiation XPS, and electron spin resonance, which can greatly improve the photocatalytic HER rate and stability. Under illumination, the highest photocatalytic HER rate of well‐designed CZS‐FOCTF is 247.62 mmolg−1h−1, 3.83 times as high as that of pure CZS. Experimental and theoretical investigations corroborate that the new FOCTF has a well‐matched staggered band alignment and work function difference with CZS. The as‐fabricated CZS‐FOCTF S‐scheme heterojunction can establish a favorable internal electric field, which accelerates the directional S‐scheme charge migration, thereby enhancing the separation and utilization efficiency of carriers. This finding precisely achieves the spatially oriented powerful electron transport and separation at the interfaces of inorganic–organic hybrid heterojunctions. It is thus desirable that this work can furnish an alternative strategy to rationally design new CZS‐based S‐scheme heterojunction photocatalysts based on novel organic oxidation semiconductors for diversified photocatalytic reactions.
Room‐Temperature, Meter‐Scale Synthesis of Heazlewoodite‐Based Nanoarray Electrodes for Alkaline Water Electrolysis
Authors: Bai Xinyu , Zhang Mingcheng , Shen Yucheng , Liang Xiao , Jiao Wenqiang , He Rong , Zou Yongcun , Chen Hui , Zou Xiaoxin
Published: March 2024

Alkaline water electrolysis is among the most promising technologies to massively produce green hydrogen. Developing highly‐active and durable electrodes to catalyze the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is of primary importance. Here a facile, room‐temperature synthetic route is presented to access heazlewoodite phase (Ni, Fe)3S2 nanosheet arrays supported on NiFe foam (NFF), whose production can be easily scaled up to meter size per batch operation. The (Ni, Fe)3S2/NFF electrode can serve as a high‐performance electrocatalyst for both HER and OER in alkaline media, and remains highly stable for over 1000 h at 100 mA cm−2 current densities. When working as HER electrocatalyst, (Ni, Fe)3S2 is confirmed as catalytic phase that provides a high density of efficient active sites (e.g., Ni─Ni and Ni─Fe bridge sites). During electrochemical OER testing, (Ni, Fe)3S2 nanosheets totally transform into γ‐(Fe, Ni)OOH as active catalytic phase for OER. As a consequence, the (Ni, Fe)3S2/NFF can be used to integrate into an alkaline electrolyzer as both the cathode and anode, and to give an excellent catalytic performance (600 mA cm−2 @1.93 V), which is better than the alkaline electrolyzer based on commercial Raney Ni electrodes.
Differentiating Single Multiple Nanopore Through Conductance Distribution Analysis
Authors: Liang Shengfa , Liu Yu , Xiang Feibin , Yao Zhihong , Zhang Wenchang , Guan Weihua
Published: March 2024

Solid‐state nanopore sensors, a type of resistive pulse sensing, achieve optimal signal‐to‐noise performance with a single nanopore. However, the processes involved in solid‐state nanopore fabrication and subsequent measurements frequently lead to the formation of multiple nanopores, posing a challenge for precise detection. To address this issue, here, a novel and expedient technique to verify the presence of a single nanopore on a chip is developed. The methodology includes measuring the nanopore's conductance in solutions of various salt conditions, followed by a comparison of these results against a theoretical conductance model. This comparison is instrumental in distinguishing between single and multiple nanopores. Additionally, the study delves into various factors that influence the conductance curve, such as deviations in pore shape from the standard circle and inconsistencies in pore diameter. This approach significantly enhances the practical application of low‐cost nanopore preparation techniques, particularly in scenarios like controlled breakdown nanopore fabrication, where the formation of multiple nanopores is a common concern.
Liquid Metal as Energy Conversion Sensitizers: Materials and Applications
Authors: Wang Dawei , Hou Yi , Tang Jianbo , Liu Jing , Rao Wei
Published: March 2024

Energy can exist in nature in a wide range of forms. Energy conversion refers to the process in which energy is converted from one form to another, and this process will be greatly enhanced by energy conversion sensitizers. Recently, an emerging class of new materials, namely liquid metals (LMs), shows excellent prospects as highly versatile materials. Notably, in terms of energy delivery and conversion, LMs functional materials are chemical responsive, heat‐responsive, photo‐responsive, magnetic‐responsive, microwave‐responsive, and medical imaging responsive. All these intrinsic virtues enabled promising applications in energy conversion, which means LMs can act as energy sensitizers for enhancing energy conversion and transport. Herein, first the unique properties of the light, heat, magnetic and microwave converting capacity of gallium‐based LMs materials are summarized. Then platforms and applications of LM‐based energy conversion sensitizers are highlighted. Finally, some of the potential applications and opportunities of LMs are prospected as energy conversion sensitizers in the future, as well as unresolved challenges. Collectively, it is believed that this review provides a clear perspective for LMs mediated energy conversion, and this topic will help deepen knowledge of the physical chemistry properties of LMs functional materials.
Interfacial relaxation of droplets caused by mass transfer in a pulsed column
Authors: Wang Bo , Zhou Han , Zheng Qiang , Jing Shan , Lan Wenjie , Li Shaowei
Published: March 2024

The method developed in our previous work (Wang et al., AIChE J. 2020; 66(8): e16257), was used to study the influence of the mass‐transfer direction and flux on the dynamic interfacial tension (DIFT) in a pulsed column. The breakup frequency was the highest near the entrance of the dispersed droplet, corresponding to the lowest interfacial tension and highest mass transfer flux. The decrease in the interfacial tension was proportional to the square root of mass‐transfer flux, and this difference is defined as a new parameter, named interfacial relaxation. When the mass‐transfer direction was changed from the dispersed phase to continuous phase to the opposite direction, the proportion of binary breakage was decreased from ~80% to ~40% and the interfacial relaxation was more sensitive to the mass‐transfer flux. A DIFT model was finally established based on the interfacial relaxation parameter, which predicted the experimental results with an error of ±10%.
A Soft Robotic Morphing Wing for Unmanned Underwater Vehicles
Authors: Giordano Andrea , Achenbach Liam , Lenggenhager Daniel , Wiesemüller Fabian , Vonbank Roger , Mucignat Claudio , Tristany Farinha André , Nguyen Pham Huy , Katzschmann Robert , Armanini Sophie F , Lunati Ivan , Song Sukho , Kovač Mirko
Published: March 2024

Actuators based on soft elastomers offer significant advantages to the field of robotics, providing greater adaptability, improving collision resilience, and enabling shape‐morphing. Thus, soft fluidic actuators have seen an expansion in their fields of application. Closed‐cycle hydraulic systems are pressure agnostic, enabling their deployment in extremely high‐pressure conditions, such as deep‐sea environments. However, soft actuators have not been widely adopted on unmanned underwater vehicle control surfaces for deep‐sea exploration due to their unpredictable hydrodynamic behavior when camber‐morphing is applied. This study presents the design and characterization of a soft wing and investigates its feasibility for integration into an underwater glider. It is found that the morphing wing enables the glider to adjust the lift‐to‐drag ratio to adapt to different flow conditions. At the operational angle of attack of 12.5°, the lift‐to‐drag ratio ranges from −70% to +10% compared to a rigid version. Furthermore, it reduces the need for internal moving parts and increases maneuverability. The findings lay the groundwork for the real‐world deployment of soft robotic principles capable of outperforming existing rigid systems. With the herein‐described methods, soft morphing capabilities can be enabled on other vehicles.
Iron‐Catalyzed Allylic C(sp3)−H Silylation: Spin‐Crossover‐Efficiency‐Determined Chemoselectivity
Authors: He Peng , Guan Mu‐Han , Hu Meng‐Yang , Zhou Yuan‐Jun , Huang Ming‐Yao , Zhu Shou‐Fei
Published: March 2024

The nuanced role of spin effects remains a critical gap in designing proficient open‐shell catalysts. This study elucidates an iron‐catalyzed allylic C(sp3)−H silylation/alkyne hydrosilylation reaction, in which the spin state of the open‐shell iron catalyst dictates the reaction kinetics and pathway. Specifically, spin crossover led to alkyne hydrosilylation, whereas spin conservation resulted in a novel allylic C(sp3)−H silylation reaction. This chemoselectivity, governed by the spin‐crossover efficiency, reveals an unexpected dimension in spin effects and a first in the realm of transition‐metal‐catalyzed in situ silylation of allylic C(sp3)−H bonds, which had been previously inhibited by the heightened reactivity of alkenes in hydrosilylation reactions. Furthermore, this spin crossover can either accelerate or hinder the reaction at different stages within a single catalytic reaction, a phenomenon scarcely documented. Moreover, we identify a substrate‐assisted C−H activation mechanism, a departure from known ligand‐assisted processes, offering a fresh perspective on C−H activation strategies.
Control of Polarity in Kagome‐NiAs Bismuthides
Authors: Gibson Quinn D. , Wen Dongsheng , Lin Hai , Zanella Marco , Daniels Luke M. , Robertson Craig M. , Claridge John B. , Alaria Jonathan , Dyer Matthew S. , Rosseinsky Matthew J.
Published: March 2024

A 2×2×1 superstructure of the P63/mmc NiAs structure is reported in which kagome nets are stabilized in the octahedral transition metal layers of the compounds Ni0.7Pd0.2Bi, Ni0.6Pt0.4Bi, and Mn0.99Pd0.01Bi. The ordered vacancies that yield the true hexagonal kagome motif lead to filling of trigonal bipyramidal interstitial sites with the transition metal in this family of “kagome‐NiAs” type materials. Further ordering of vacancies within these interstitial layers can be compositionally driven to simultaneously yield kagome‐connected layers and a net polarization along the c axes in Ni0.9Bi and Ni0.79Pd0.08Bi, which adopt Fmm2 symmetry. The polar and non‐polar materials exhibit different electronic transport behaviour, reflecting the tuneability of both structure and properties within the NiAs‐type bismuthide materials family.
Solvation‐Tailored PVDF‐Based Solid‐State Electrolyte for High‐Voltage Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Yang Wujie , Liu Yiwen , Sun Xinyi , He Zhiying , He Ping , Zhou Haoshen
Published: March 2024

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)‐based polymer electro‐lytes are attracting increasing attention for high‐voltage solid‐state lithium metal batteries because of their high room temperature ionic conductivity, adequate mechanical strength and good thermal stability. However, the presence of highly reactive residual solvents, such as N, N‐dimethylformamide (DMF), severely jeopardizes the long‐term cycling stability. Herein, we propose a solvation‐tailoring strategy to confine residual solvent molecules by introducing low‐cost 3 Å zeolite molecular sieves as fillers. The strong interaction between DMF and the molecular sieve weakens the ability of DMF to participate in the solvation of Li+, leading to more anions being involved in solvation. Benefiting from the tailored anion‐rich coordination environment, the interfacial side reactions with the lithium anode and high‐voltage NCM811 cathode are effectively suppressed. As a result, the solid‐state Li||Li symmetrical cells demonstrates ultra‐stable cycling over 5100 h at 0.1 mA cm−2, and the Li||NCM811 full cells achieve excellent cycling stability for more than 1130 and 250 cycles under the charging cut‐off voltages of 4.3 V and 4.5 V, respectively. Our work is an innovative exploration to address the negative effects of residual DMF in PVDF‐based solid‐state electrolytes and highlights the importance of modulating the solvation structures in solid‐state polymer electrolytes.
Spatial and temporal variability of the two main caught species of an artisanal trap fishery in an oceanic island
Authors: Cruces Lorenzo , Rodríguez Myriam , Monterroso Óscar , Álvarez Omar , Pérez Óscar , Riera Rodrigo
Published: March 2024

This study analysed the catches of trap fishing in the Canary Archipelago, NE Atlantic Ocean. This study was conducted from October 2016 to September 2017, April to November 2018 and September 2020, in five ports (San Cristóbal, Taliarte, Castillo del Romeral, Arguineguín and Mogán).

The primary gear were traps with small mesh size (31.6 mm) and large mesh size (50.8 mm). A total of 2587 small mesh size traps and 141 large mesh size traps were analysed from 20‐ to 130‐m depth.

The main target species were Dentex gibbosus and Stephanolepis hispidus.

Catches of traps with large mesh size showed D. gibbosus above first maturity and S. hispidus in small mesh size traps. Both species exhibit larger specimens during reproductive periods.

The most effective traps for D. gibbosus (large mesh) were located on the western coast (>30‐m depth), with the highest catch per unit of effort (CPUE) in Mogán (857.7 g trap−1 day−1). The most effective traps for S. hispidus (small mesh) were located in southern areas, especially in sandy habitats (124.9 g trap−1 day−1 in Castillo del Romeral, 102.9 g trap−1 day−1 in Arguineguín).

The highest catchability of D. gibbosus was observed in April (CPUE of 962.8 g trap−1 day−1), and the highest catchability of S. hispidus was found in June (CPUE of 165.9 g trap−1 day−1).

The traps with small mesh size showed a great selectivity of sizes for S. hispidus; though high catch rates of immature specimens of D. gibbosus pose a threat to species conservation.

The management recommendations' proposed measures include revising minimum catch sizes for both species. Additionally, we suggested depth limitations for mesh sizes of traps.

The study highlights the need for new management strategies to ensure the conservation of targeted demersal species, with special emphasis on addressing the threat posed by small mesh sizes to immature D. gibbosus.

The findings provide valuable insights for adapting fishery management practices to sustainably conserve the targeted species in the Canary Archipelago.
Inhibitory Activity Against Rhizoctonia Solani and Chemical Composition of Extract from Moutan Cortex
Authors: Zhao Yongtian , Wang Xinge , Han Xin , Ren Aixia , Huang Xiaona , Fang Shuangyan , Chen Hongting , Zhang Lian
Published: March 2024

Rice sheath blight (RSB), caused by Rhizoctonia solani, is a significant disease of rice. The negative effects of chemical fungicides have created an urgent need for low–toxicity botanical fungicides. Our previous research revealed that the ethanol crude extract of Moutan Cortex (MC) exhibited superior antifungal activity against R. solani at 1000 μg/mL, resulting in a 100 % inhibition rate. The antifungal properties were mainly found in the petroleum ether extract. However, the active ingredients of the extract are still unclear. In this study, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC−MS) was utilised for the analysis of its chemical components. The mycelium growth rate method was utilized to detect the antifungal activity. The findings indicated that paeonol constituted the primary active component, with a content of more than 96 %. Meanwhile, paeonol was the most significant antifungal active ingredient, the antifungal activity of paeonol (EC50=44.83 μg/mL) was much higher than that of β‐sitosterol and ethyl propionate against R. solani. Observation under an optical microscope revealed that paeonol resulted in abnormal mycelial morphology. This study provided theoretical support for identifying monomer antifungal compounds and developing biological fungicides for R. solani.
Therapeutic gene delivery by mesenchymal stem cell for brain ischemia damage: Focus on molecular mechanisms in ischemic stroke
Authors: Saleh Raed Obaid , Majeed Ali A. , Margiana Ria , Alkadir Ola Kamal A. , Almalki Sami G. , Ghildiyal Pallavi , Samusenkov Vadim , Jabber Noura Kareem , Mustafa Yasser Fakri , Elawady Ahmed
Published: March 2024

Cerebral ischemic damage is prevalent and the second highest cause of death globally across patient populations; it is as a substantial reason of morbidity and mortality. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have garnered significant interest as a potential treatment for cerebral ischemic damage, as shown in ischemic stroke, because of their potent intrinsic features, which include self‐regeneration, immunomodulation, and multi‐potency. Additionally, MSCs are easily obtained, isolated, and cultured. Despite this, there are a number of obstacles that hinder the effectiveness of MSC‐based treatment, such as adverse microenvironmental conditions both in vivo and in vitro. To overcome these obstacles, the naïve MSC has undergone a number of modification processes to enhance its innate therapeutic qualities. Genetic modification and preconditioning modification (with medications, growth factors, and other substances) are the two main categories into which these modification techniques can be separated. This field has advanced significantly and is still attracting attention and innovation. We examine these cutting‐edge methods for preserving and even improving the natural biological functions and therapeutic potential of MSCs in relation to adhesion, migration, homing to the target site, survival, and delayed premature senescence. We address the use of genetically altered MSC in stroke‐induced damage. Future strategies for improving the therapeutic result and addressing the difficulties associated with MSC modification are also discussed.
Understanding large vessel perforation requiring treatment with covered stent implantation: A case series
Authors: Denby Kara , Zaczkiewicz Myron , Banthiya Sukriti , Mashayekhi Kambis , Khatri Jaikirshan
Published: March 2024

Large vessel perforation during coronary intervention is a rare but potentially fatal complication, often requiring implantation of a covered stent for resolution. While technology is improving, the long‐term patency of covered stents is less than drug‐eluting stents, and implantation of covered stents should be used sparingly. Large vessel perforations are complex and often the perforation inflow is not located at the site of extravasation seen on angiography. This can lead to geographic miss when implanting covered stents and necessitate the implantation of additional covered stents which increases the risk for short‐ and long‐term complications. We present a case series to further investigate the anatomy and mechanism of large vessel perforations and guidance on effective covered stent implantation.
Vogt‐Koyanagi‐Harada disease in pregnancy: Case report and review of 32 patients in the literature
Authors: Matsuo Toshihiko , Takahashi Kasumi , Kondo Tsunemasa
Published: March 2024

Key Clinical Message

Systemic prednisolone including steroid pulse therapy would be safe in 32 pregnant women, who developed Vogt‐Koyanagi‐Harada disease in the literature. Prednisolone administration would be shortened by monitoring of serous retinal detachment with optical coherence tomography.

A 30‐year‐old woman in 31 weeks of pregnancy with metamorphopsia and headache was diagnosed Vogt‐Koyanagi‐Harada disease. She underwent steroid pulse therapy and oral prednisolone 20 mg daily for 3 weeks until complete resolution of serous retinal detachment monitored by optical coherence tomography. Oral prednisolone was tapered and discontinued until uneventful delivery.
Presentation of vitiligo in a case of COVID‐19 infection concomitant with receiving remdesivir
Authors: Beyki Farideh , Hasanzadeh Saba , Ghalamkarpour Fariba
Published: March 2024

Key Clinical Message

The occurrence of vitiligo following COVID‐19 infection and vaccination is well‐documented. The mitochondrial dysfunction of melanocytes in vitiligo and the potential impact of RDV on mitochondria raise concerns about RDV possibly causing vitiligo.
Unlocking the Potential of Liquid Multiphase Systems for Metal‐Catalysed Reactions
Authors: Bersani Chiara , Perosa Alvise , Rodríguez‐Padrón Daily , Selva Maurizio
Published: March 2024

Liquid multiphase systems (MPS) have gained attention in recent years due to their versatility for catalytic processes. This review article presents a critical discussion of the most recent advances on the utilization of MPS in both homogeneous and heterogeneous metal‐catalysed reactions. Pros and cons of some exemplificative multiphase configurations are highlighted and compared to conventional methods in single liquid solvents. The application of MPS for the implementation of strategies for the upgrading of biobased molecules is also examined with emphasis on process intensification and sustainability including the catalyst/products separation and the in‐situ recycle and reuse of the metal catalysts. These aspects are analyzed with a view on expanding MPS applications and whenever possible, explore scale‐up opportunities.
Porous MCM‐41 Silica Materials as Scaffolds for Silicon‐based Lithium‐ion Battery Anodes
Authors: Karl Michael , Kalyakina Alena , Dräger Christoph , Haufe Stefan , Pokrant Simone
Published: March 2024

Aiming for specific energy improvements, lithium‐ion battery (LIB) research explores Si based materials as potential alternatives for the negative electrode/anode. Si exhibits a high specific capacity when lithiated, accompanied by a large volumetric expansion. To mitigate expansion induced failures, composite materials with finely distributed Si inside a scaffold have been established. Potential scaffolds to create such Si composites are nano porous SiO2 materials, such as MCM‐41. MCM‐41 exhibits a fine nanostructure, and the synthesis allows precise tuning of the pore properties and thus, after filling with Si, of Si morphology and Si content in the composite. In this work, insights into relevant MCM‐41 synthesis parameters are acquired, with special attention towards specific pore volumes and pore sizes of the SiO2 powders. Materials characterization is performed using nitrogen sorption analysis, X‐ray scattering, electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Selected MCM‐41 scaffolds are processed to Si composites and integrated into LIB electrodes. The specific capacity and the stability of the Si−SiO2 composites are evaluated by PITT and galvanostatic cycling. They show capacities above 800 mAh g−1, i. e. more than twice the specific capacity of industry standard graphite, and last over 200 charge/discharge cycles before their capacity loss exceeds 25 %.
A Bayesian network‐based susceptibility assessment model for oil and gas pipelines suffering under‐deposit corrosion
Authors: Dao Uyen , Adumene Sidum , Sajid Zaman , Yazdi Mohammad , Islam Rabiul
Published: March 2024

Oil and gas pipelines are exposed to harsh operating conditions that facilitate their susceptibility to complex corrosion mechanisms. This affects their integrity and results in failure with associated consequences. Capturing these complex corrosion phenomena requires a robust approach. This study proposes the application of a dynamic probabilistic model to capture the key influential factors that contribute to the complex under‐deposit corrosion (UDC) mechanism in oil and gas pipelines. The Bayesian network model assesses the pipeline's susceptibility (degradation rate) to the UDC, capturing parametric dependencies. The predicted corrosion rates are input data for the corrosion propagation prediction. Three semi‐empirical corrosion propagation models are used for a comparative assessment to establish the degree of susceptibility given the prevalent influential factors and model parameters. The proposed approach is tested on an offshore pipeline, and the degree of impact of the key influential parameters is predicted. The result shows a percentage increase in the degradation rate by 18.7%, 33.2%, 35.8%, and 63.4%, respectively, for the various interaction scenarios. The present approach offers an adaptive and robust technique that would provide an early warning guide on the rate of pipeline degradation to aid integrity management for offshore assets suffering from deposit corrosion.
Sarcomeric tropomyosin expression during human iPSC differentiation into cardiomyocytes
Authors: Dube Dipak K. , Dube Syamalima , Shi Huaiyu , Benz Patricia , Randhawa Samender , Fan Yingli , Wang Jusuo , Ma Zhen , Sanger Joseph W. , Sanger Jean M. , Poiesz Bernard J.
Published: March 2024

Tropomyosin (TPM) is an essential sarcomeric component, stabilizing the thin filament and facilitating actin's interaction with myosin. In mammals, including humans, there are four TPM genes (TPM1, TPM2, TPM3, and TPM4) each of which generates a multitude of TPM isoforms via alternative splicing and using different promoters. In this study, we have examined the expression of transcripts as well as proteins of various sarcomeric TPM isoforms during human inducible pluripotent stem cell differentiation into cardiomyocytes. During the differentiation time course, we harvested cells on Days 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 to analyze for various sarcomeric TPM transcripts by qRT‐PCR and for sarcomeric TPM proteins using two‐dimensional Western blot with sarcomeric TPM‐specific CH1 monoclonal antibody followed by mass spectra analyses. Our results show increasing levels of total TPM transcripts and proteins during the period of differentiation, but varying levels of specific TPM isoforms during the same period. By Day 20, the rank order of TPM transcripts was TPM1α > TPM1κ > TPM2α > TPM1μ > TPM3α > TPM4α. TPM1α was the dominant protein produced with some TPM2 and much less TPM1κ and μ. Interestingly, small amounts of two lower molecular weight TPM3 isoforms were detected on Day 15. To the best of our knowledge this is the first demonstration of TPM1μ non‐muscle isoform protein expression before and during cardiac differentiation.
Factors influencing teachers' sustained implementation of a kindergarten curriculum within the United States: A qualitative analysis
Authors: Fink Ryan E. , Suwak Katarina , Lawson Gwendolyn M. , Gray Abigail , Bowden A. Brooks
Published: March 2024

Teachers play a critical role in deciding what curricula are used in their classrooms. We examine the factors that teachers describe as influencing their sustainment or discontinuation of a literacy curriculum, Zoology One, following their participation in a randomised controlled trial (RCT) examining the curriculum's efficacy. This study was conducted in a large urban district in the United States and the curriculum was implemented in kindergarten classrooms with children who are typically 5 and 6 years old. One year after their participation in the RCT, teachers who had been randomised to implement Zoology One during the efficacy study (N = 19) participated in interviews about their ongoing use of the curriculum. We analysed the interview data using a staged coding approach to understand the factors that teachers described influencing their sustainment or discontinuation of the curriculum. We used a multilevel framework to organise results across three levels: individual‐level, school‐level and macro‐level. Results indicate that teacher perceptions of the curriculum, including those related to its effectiveness and age‐appropriateness, contributed to sustained use. At the same time, some teachers' perceptions that the curriculum approaches were not sufficient for their students led them to discontinue some curriculum components. The implementation climate at their school, as well as the widespread adoption of a particular phonics programme within the school district, also influenced teachers' sustainment or discontinuation. Taken together, these results highlight the importance of teachers' perceptions of a curriculum as well as the critical role that the school and district context play in curricular sustainment.
Stenhouse in Scotland and England: Context and culture in curriculum development
Authors: Humes Walter
Published: March 2024

This paper uses biographical, historical and comparative perspectives to examine some of the work of Lawrence Stenhouse, widely regarded as one of the leading curriculum theorists of the twentieth century. Although his best‐known work was carried out in England, he had strong Scottish connections and some of the influences on his output can be traced to his higher education in Scotland, his teaching experience in Glasgow and Fife, and his time as Principal Lecturer in Education at Jordanhill College of Education. Particular attention is given to Culture and Education (1967), written during Stenhouse's time in Scotland, and An Introduction to Curriculum Research and Development (1975), the product of his experience as Director of the Humanities Curriculum Project and subsequently as Director of the Centre for Applied Research in Education at the University of East Anglia. Stenhouse's personal intellectual journey is related to policy developments in Scotland and England and, in particular, to the different approaches to curriculum development in the two countries. His early death in 1982 meant that he did not live to see the assault on his creative, teacher‐centred approach to curriculum development mounted by the political right in the 1980s and 1990s, but his ideas were kept alive by members of the team he had built up. The paper ends by summarising the reasons for Stenhouse's continuing importance. It is noted, however, that the many tributes to Stenhouse's achievements in England have not been matched by similar recognition in Scotland. Arguably, his ideas could have enabled Scotland's Curriculum for Excellence reform programme, launched in 2004, to have avoided some of the problems it encountered in the transition from conception to implementation.
Practical and Selective Syntheses of S‐Acyl and N‐Acyl Glutathiones with N‐Acyl Imidazoles in Water
Authors: Retini Michele , Sisti Andrea , Olivieri Diego , Mari Michele , Bartoccini Francesca , Piersanti Giovanni
Published: March 2024

A selective, mild, convenient, and green protocol for the preparation of S‐acyl and N‐acyl glutathiones is described involving the chemical modification of glutathione (GSH) with N‐acyl imidazoles at room temperature in water. The syntheses of S‐acyl glutathiones were achieved in very high yields using 1 equiv. of an N‐acyl imidazole in water at room temperature, without the need of a base. Double acylation of GSH with various N‐acyl imidazoles in weakly basic aqueous media in the presence of N‐hydroxysuccinimide (HOSu) as the activating reagent followed by selective deprotection of the S‐acyl group with aqueous ammonia at room temperature gave high yields of N‐acyl glutathiones. Moreover, the reaction could accommodate a diverse range of carboxylic acids such as (hetero)benzoic acids, phenylacetic acids, aliphatic acids from short‐chain fatty acids (including acetic acid), long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, secondary or tertiary amino acids, and carboxylic acids containing clickable functional groups, fluorescent probes, or drugs.