bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges and Prospects of Agricultural Entrepreneurs in Zuru Metropolis Area of Kebbi State, Nigeria
Authors: Hamisu S. , Abubakar H. N. , Garba L. , Chamo A. M. , Yusuf Y. H.
Published: March 2023

The main objective of this study is to examine the challenges and prospects of Agricultural Entrepreneurs in Zuru Metropolis, Zuru Local Government Area of Kebbi State, Nigeria. A simple random sampling technique was use to select 100 respondents from the study area. A structured questionnaire was use to collect data, which were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The result revealed that the majority (78%) of the entrepreneurs were males, 54% fell within the age bracket of 31 – 40 years and 90% of the respondents were married. 62% of the respondents were civil servant (major occupation) while 52% engaged on trading businesses (other occupation) respectively. The result also reveals that the businesses undertaken by the entrepreneurs were moderately acceptable and highly profitable in the study area. The result further reveals that half (50%) of the respondents had attain educational levels of HD/HND and First Degree. The null hypothesis (Ho) tested shows that there was significant relationship between socio-economic characteristics of respondents and business profitability (major occupation (t-value -2.671), other occupation (t-value 1.510) educational level (t-value 2.719) with R2-value 0.86. The result also reveals that 33.7% of respondents reported to face a problem of capital in their businesses. The study conclude that for a profitable Agribusinesses this depends on the extent issues raised as possible solutions to the problems faced by the entrepreneurs as addressed in the study. Finally, the study recommends an about entrepreneurship education campaign as well as provision of subsidies and credit facilities to empowered entrepreneurs.
Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth, Yield Attributes, Productivity and Profitability of Direct Seeded Rice under Rainfed Conditions
Authors: Kumar Narendra , Tiwari B. K. , Twari R. K. , Gajbhiye Mrinali
Published: March 2023

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of integrated nutrient management on growth, yield attributes, productivity and profitability of direct seed rice under Rainfed conditions during Kharif in 2019-20 at kuthulia farm, JNKVV, Rewa (M.P.). The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with nine treatments and three replications.  The results indicated that the treatment 50% RDN through fertilizer + 50% RDN through compost + seed treated with Azotobacter @ 10 g kg-1 seed recorded significantly higher growth, yield attributes and productivity viz. plant height (74.90 cm), number of tillers m-2 (387.00), number of productive tillers m-2 (340.66), panicle length (23.57 cm) and weight (3.76 g), total grain per panicle-1 (82.33), 1000-grain weight (26.69 g), grain yield (3799 kg ha-1), straw yield (6438 kg ha-1) and harvest index (37.11%). The profitability viz. Gross returns (78608 Rs. ha-1), Net returns (65650 Rs. ha-1) and B:C (2.38) of rice was also higher in 50% RDN through fertilizer + 50% RDN through compost + seed treated with Azotobacter @ 10 g kg-1 seed. The study concluded that combined use of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients with biofertilizer enhanced crop growth, yield attributes, productivity and profitability of direct seeded rice.
Effect of Different Sowing Dates and Various Varieties on Seedling Growth of Late Kharif Onion (Allium cepa L.) in Assam
Authors: Vandna  , Gogoi Sailen , Phookan Deepa B. , Kumar Mukesh , Jat R. K. , Patel Roopali
Published: March 2023

Experiments were conducted on sandy loam soil of Horticulture Experimental Farm, Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam during 2020-21 and 2021-22. The experiment was conducted on “The effect of different sowing dates and various varieties on seedling growth of late kharif onion (Allium cepa L.) in Assam.” Fifteen treatment combinations comprising of five onion varieties viz., Arka Kalyan, Bhima Dark Red, Agrifound Dark Red, Bhima Super and Bhima Red and three dates of sowing viz., 25th August, 5th September and 15th September were tested in Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with three replications. At the nursery stage, on the basis of pooled data, the relationship of different growth characters with various varieties and different dates of sowing revealed that variety Bhima Super sowing on 25th August (D1V4) was the best in the number of leaves (3.77), fresh weight of seedling (344.16 mg) and dry weight of seedlings (58.85 mg) at 40 days of sowing. Number of leaves per plant 25, 30 and 35 days after sowing were not affected by combination of various varieties and different dates of sowing.
Evaluation of Advanced Platelet-Rich Fibrin Associated with Zucchelli Technique in the Treatment of Cairo Type 1 Gingival Recession: Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Bin Luiza Roberta , Miola Ângela Esmeralda Zaparolli , Nassar Patricia Oehlmeyer , Vanolli Rafael da Silva , Pritsch Renata Kaori , Nascimento Marina Gabrielle do , Foltz Katyeli Regina Boufleuher , Nassar Carlos Augusto
Published: March 2023

Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of the Coronally Advanced Flap Modified by Zucchelli with A-PRF in root coverage in patients with Cairo type I gingival recession.

Study Design: Randomized Clinical Trial.

Place and Duration of Study: Sample: Department of Periodontics, between January and April 2022.

Methodology: The Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials 2010 protocol was followed for sample selection and distribution. It was a prospective clinical study, split-mouth parallel randomized, including 54 recessions within Group MCAF+SCTG: Zucchelli Technique + SCTG; and Group 2: Zucchelli Technique + A-PRF; 6 blood samples were collected; centrifugation (1300 rpm for 14 minutes, with G force of 210); and preparation of A-PRF membranes in the Stainless Steel Kit (Intra-Luck®). For the analysis of the results, the periodontal indices of height and width of the GR, probing depth, clinical insertion level, gingival level, keratinized tissue width, keratinized gingival tissue thickness, and sensitivity level, were used in the initial period, with 90 and 180 days of follow-up. GraphPad Prism 8.0 program® was used for statistical analysis. ANOVA and TUKEY tests were performed. Kruskall-WALLIS and DUNN tests were performed to analyze the pain parameter, with significance level of 5%.

Results: Parameters probing depth and bleeding index remained without statistically significant changes in both groups. There was improvement in parameters height and width of the recession, height of the inserted gum, thickness of the gum and level of sensitivity in both groups. There was no statistically significant difference between groups.

Conclusion: There was clinical improvement in all criteria evaluated for both groups. Thus, the Coronally Advanced Flap modified by Zucchelli associated with A-PRF is as effective as the Coronally Advanced Flap modified by Zucchelli associated with SCTG.
Feasibility of Cassava Semolina (Attiéké) as a Vehicle for Food Fortification: A Survey in Areas of Côte d'Ivoire with High Levels of Childhood Micronutrient Deficiencies
Authors: Djaléga Franck Adjé , Gbogouri Grodji Albarin , Bamba Mandoué Stéphanie
Published: March 2023

Aims: This study constitutes the first approach to a food program. It was carried out in order to make up a useful database for a nutritional intervention by evaluating the level and practices of consumption of cassava semolina (Attiéké) among school children in rural communities.

Study Design: This study was conducted from May 14 to 21, 2021 in elementary school in six villages in an area of Côte d'Ivoire that previously had a high incidence of childhood anemia.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey collected data from first- to sixth-grade school children and aged from five to fifteen years (n = 460). Children provided data on their cassava semolina consumption in response to individual structured interviews conducted in their elementary schools and in the presence of one of their parents.

Results: The results suggest that cassava semolina is an accessible, familiar and acceptable vehicle for food fortification to overcome nutritional deficits in children in this area. Cassava semolina is available throughout the year in this area. Children consumed an average of 95.5 g/day of cassava semolina and over three quarters of them (88.5%) had consumed this food on at least one day during the week prior to the survey. Cassava semolina was most often eaten for the midday meal (77.2%) in combination with fish (86.3%) and/or vegetables (79.1%). Finally, although cassava can be grown in this area, most children’s families (75.9%) purchased processed cassava semolina.

Conclusion: The fortification of semolina would have high penetration in the population. However, the survey also identified a major challenge to using cassava semolina as a vehicle for micronutrient fortification. This is the shelf life of fresh cassava semolina, which is only 3 to 4 days in the absence of refrigeration.
Isolation of Actinomycetes from Arachis hypogaea L. and Gossypium herbaceum L. for Screening Antibacterial and Antifungal Activities
Authors: Mehta J. S. , Odedra Kunal N. , Jadeja B. A.
Published: March 2023

The principal objective of the present study was to check the antimicrobial activity of Actinomycetes isolated from soil samples collected from the fields of Arachis hypogea L. and Gossipium herbaceum L. against different plant pathogenic strains. Various soil samples were isolated from fields located near the Junagadh district, Gujarat, India. Isolation was followed by a serial dilution process which was later plated on Actinomycete Isolation Agar (AIA) media. Potential colonies were subjected to screening, purification, and storage in glycerol stock. Morphological and Biochemical characterization of the isolates was performed. Isolated candidates were subjected to extraction for the production of the antimicrobial compound. The antimicrobial activity of the purified extract of isolates was tested. Total 30 actinomycete isolates were evaluated for antagonistic activity against pathogenic microorganisms.

Isolates C-25, C-15, and G-1 showed the best results in the decreasing order of their potency against fungal pathogens, and C-5, C-25, C-14, and C-13 showed the best results in decreasing order of potency against bacterial pathogens. 3 isolates inhibited all 4 test fungi. 10 isolates inhibited 3 test fungi. 11 isolates inhibited 2 test fungi. 6 isolates did not inhibit any test fungi. 4 isolates show potent inhibition. 15 inhibited Macrophomina. C-10 showed a 1 cm inhibition zone & G-1 showed a 0.8 cm zone of inhibition. 12 isolates gave 0.2-0.6 cm zone and 15 isolates gave negative results against Macrophomina. C-10 showed a very potent zone of inhibition of 0.7 cm. 9 isolates showed a 0.1-0.5 cm zone of inhibition. 20 isolates did not show inhibition against Fusarium. 1 isolate C-11(a) gave the 1cm potent zone of inhibition. 15 isolates gave the 0.7-0.2cm inhibition of the growth. 14 isolates gave negative results against Alternaria fungus. From these results, it was concluded that isolates had antibacterial and antifungal activities and could be used in the development of new antibiotics for pharmaceutical or agricultural purposes.
Teaching the systematization of the nursing care in an undergraduate course / O ensino sobre a sistematização da assistência de enfermagem em um curso de graduação
Authors: Silva Pablo Gustavo Oliveira , De Oliveira Tavares Marcus Luciano , De Freitas Pinheiro Ana Maria , Reis Dara Luiza , Rodrigues da Silva Aline Patrícia
Published: March 2023

Objetivo: compreender a percepção de estudantes de um curso de graduação em enfermagem sobre o ensino da sistematização da assistência de enfermagem. Método: pesquisa de métodos mistos, realizada com 156 estudantes de um curso de graduação em enfermagem de uma instituição privada de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Foi utilizado um questionário estruturado e, posteriormente, dez estudantes selecionados aleatoriamente foram entrevistados, sendo utilizado um roteiro semiestruturado. Resultados: os estudantes revelaram ter segurança e conhecimento para implementar a sistematização da assistência de enfermagem e entendem sua importância para a autonomia, segurança e visibilidade profissional, além de avaliar positivamente a forma com que o ensino sobre a temática é desenvolvido na instituição. Conclusão: compreende-se que práticas positivas e metodologias ativas devem ser potencializadas durante a graduação, sendo necessário esforço coletivo que forneça meios para o desenvolvimento da sistematização da assistência de enfermagem.
Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis Presenting With Strawberry Gums
Authors: Fillingim Sarah E. , Artz Christina , Rambhatla Pranita
Published: March 2023

This case report describes an ulcerated violaceous nodule on the right nasal ala as well as 3 small ulcers on the neck, back, and buttocks.
Predicting the Neurodevelopmental Outcome in Extremely Preterm Newborns Using a Multimodal Prognostic Model Including Brain Function Information
Authors: Routier Laura , Querne Laurent , Ghostine-Ramadan Ghida , Boulesteix Julie , Graïc Solène , Mony Sandrine , Wallois Fabrice , Bourel-Ponchel Emilie
Published: March 2023

Importance

Early assessment of the prognosis of preterm newborns is crucial for accurately informing parents and making treatment decisions. The currently available prognostic models rarely incorporate functional brain information from conventional electroencephalography (cEEG).

Objective

To examine the performance of a multimodal model combining (1) brain function information with (2) brain structure information (cranial ultrasonography), and (3) perinatal and (4) postnatal risk factors for the prediction of death or neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) in extremely preterm infants.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Preterm newborns (23-28 weeks’ gestational age) admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at Amiens-Picardie University Hospital were retrospectively included (January 1, 2013, to January 1, 2018). Risk factors from the 4 categories were collected during the first 2 weeks post delivery. Neurodevelopmental impairment was assessed at age 2 years with the Denver Developmental Screening Test II. No or moderate NDI was considered a favorable outcome. Death or severe NDI was considered an adverse outcome. Data analysis was performed from August 26, 2021, to March 31, 2022.

Main Outcomes and Measures

After the selection of variables significantly associated with outcome, 4 unimodal prognostic models (considering each category of variable independently) and 1 multimodal model (considering all variables simultaneously) were developed. After a multivariate analysis for models built with several variables, decision-tree algorithms were run on each model. The areas under the curve for decision-tree classifications of adverse vs favorable outcomes were determined for each model, compared using bootstrap tests, and corrected for type I errors.

Results

A total of 109 newborns (58 [53.2% male]) born at a mean (SD) gestational age of 26.3 (1.1) weeks were included. Among them, 52 (47.7%) had a favorable outcome at age 2 years. The multimodal model area under the curve (91.7%; 95% CI, 86.4%-97.0%) was significantly higher than those of the unimodal models (P < .003): perinatal model (80.6%; 95% CI, 72.5%-88.7%), postnatal model (81.0%; 95% CI, 72.6%-89.4%), brain structure model (cranial ultrasonography) (76.6%; 95% CI, 67.8%-85.3%), and brain function model (cEEG) (78.8%; 95% CI, 69.9%-87.7%).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this prognostic study of preterm newborns, the inclusion of brain information in a multimodal model was associated with significant improvement in the outcome prediction, which may have resulted from the complementarity of the risk factors and reflected the complexity of the mechanisms that interfered with brain maturation and led to death or NDI.
US Prison Policies on Organ Donation for Individuals Who Are Incarcerated
Authors: Iwai Yoshiko , Behne Michael Forrest , Long Jason M. , Brinkley-Rubinstein Lauren
Published: March 2023

This cross-sectional study collects data on US prison policies concerning organ donation by incarcerated individuals.
Incidence of Newborn Drug Testing and Variations by Birthing Parent Race and Ethnicity Before and After Recreational Cannabis Legalization
Authors: Schoneich Sebastian , Plegue Melissa , Waidley Victoria , McCabe Katharine , Wu Justine , Chandanabhumma P. Paul , Shetty Carol , Frank Christopher J. , Oshman Lauren
Published: March 2023

Importance

Thirty-seven US states and the District of Columbia mandate reporting newborns with suspected prenatal substance exposure to the state, and punitive policies that link prenatal substance exposure to newborn drug testing (NDT) may lead to disproportionate reporting of Black parents to Child Protective Services. The impact of recreational cannabis legalization on racial disproportionality in NDT is unknown.

Objectives

To examine variations in the incidence and results of NDT by birthing parent race and ethnicity, variables associated with variation, and changes after statewide legalization of recreational cannabis.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study was conducted from 2014 to 2020 with 26 366 live births to 21 648 birthing people who received prenatal care at an academic medical center in the Midwestern United States. Data were analyzed from June 2021 to August 2022.

Exposures

Variables included birthing parent age, race, ethnicity, marital status, zip code, insurance type, prenatal and newborn diagnoses codes, and prenatal urine drug test orders and results.

Main Outcome and Measures

The primary outcome was an NDT order. Secondary outcomes were substances detected.

Results

Among 26 366 newborns of 21 648 birthing people (mean [SD] age at delivery, 30.5 [5.2] years), most birthing parents were White (15 338 [71.6%]), were non-Hispanic (20 125 [93.1%]), and had private insurance coverage (16 159 [74.8%]). The incidence of NDT ordering was 4.7% overall (1237 newborns). Clinicians ordered more NDTs for Black compared with White newborns (207 of 2870 [7.3%] vs 335 of 17 564 [1.9%]; P < .001) when the birthing parent had no prenatal urine drug test, a presumably low-risk group. Overall, 471 of 1090 NDTs (43.3%) were positive for only tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). NDTs were more likely to be positive for opioids in White compared with Black newborns (153 of 693 [22.2%] vs 29 of 308 [9.4%]; P < .001) and more likely to be positive for THC in Black compared with White newborns (207 of 308 [67.2%] vs 359 of 693 [51.8%]; P < .001). Differences remained consistent after state recreational cannabis legalization in 2018. Newborn drug tests were more likely to be positive for THC after legalization vs before legalization (248 of 360 [68.9%] vs 366 of 728 [50.3%]; P < .001) with no significant interaction with race and ethnicity groups.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, clinicians ordered NDTs more frequently for Black newborns when no drug testing was done during pregnancy. These findings call for further exploration of how structural and institutional racism contribute to disproportionate testing and subsequent Child Protective Services investigation, surveillance, and criminalization of Black parents.
Aggregation‐induced emission polymer systems with circularly polarized luminescence
Authors: Yan Hewei , He Youling , Wang Dong , Han Ting , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: March 2023

Functional materials with circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) have attracted tremendous attention due to their promising applications in three‐dimensional displays, chiral recognition and catalysis, photoelectronic devices, contrast imaging, information encryption, and other fields. Among various CPL‐active materials, polymeric systems with aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) have emerged as excellent candidates because of their efficient aggregate‐state fluorescence, large solid‐state dissymmetry factor, excellent processibility, diversified self‐assembly behaviors, and readily switchable CPL properties. This review summarizes and discusses the recent progress as well as future perspective of diverse AIE polymer systems with CPL, including CPL‐active covalent AIE polymers, CPL‐active supramolecular AIE polymers, and AIEgen/polymer composites with CPL. According to the location or introduction method of AIEgen in polymer structures, this review further divides CPL‐active covalent AIE polymers into three categories, including polymers with AIEgen in main chains, polymers with AIEgen in side chains, and CPL‐active polymers with clusterization‐triggered emission. CPL‐active supramolecular AIE polymers are discussed based on the driving force for the formation of supramolecular polymers, including host–guest interactions, metal coordination, and other non‐covalent interactions. Moreover, examples on the construction of CPL‐active AIEgen/polymer composites by physically mixing AIEgens with chiral (supra)polymers are also presented. This review is anticipated to provide readers with an overall view on the design strategies of CPL‐active AIE polymers, and facilitate further research on the development of CPL materials and AIE polymers with advanced applications.
Metal‐organic framework stabilizes Cu7S4‐wrapped Cu2O heterostructure for photothermal‐promoted methanol/water reforming into hydrogen
Authors: Pi Yunhong , Zengcai Ziyu , Lin Wenting , Zhang Baofang , Wang Tiejun
Published: March 2023

To realize highly efficient in situ release of hydrogen energy from methanol reforming at lower operation temperature, the introduction of solar energy can effectively activate the methanol and significantly reduce activation energy of reaction. Herein, the hierarchical integration of photoactive Cu2O/Cu7S4 core‐shell nanospheres stabilized by MIL‐101(Cr) support for H2 evolution from photothermal‐driven aqueous phase reforming of methanol afforded nearly sixfold enhanced performance compared with thermocatalytic process. Impressively, the photothermal effect conferred the Cu2O/Cu7S4@MIL‐101(Cr) with unprecedented activity at low temperature subside to 100°C and accelerated the activation of water and methanol with distinctly decreased activation energy from 103.9 to 66.6 kJ·mol−1. Meanwhile, the enhanced catalyst stability and facilitated charge separation between Cu2O/Cu7S4 and MIL‐101(Cr) also contribute to the extraordinary photothermal‐enhanced H2 evolution with an overall turnover number of up to 14,266 in 60 h (apparent quantum efficiency of 25.08% at 365 nm), almost 10,000 times higher than that of Cu2O/Cu7S4.
Impact of age at diagnosis, sex, and immunopathological manifestations in 886 patients with pediatric chronic immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Pincez Thomas , Fernandes Helder , Pasquet Marlène , Abou Chahla Wadih , Granel Jérome , Héritier Sébastien , Fahd Mony , Ducassou Stéphane , Thomas Caroline , Garnier Nathalie , Barlogis Vincent , Jeziorski Eric , Bayart Sophie , Chastagner Pascal , Cheikh Nathalie , Guitton Corinne , Paillard Catherine , Lejeune Julien , Millot Frédéric , Li‐Thiao Te Valérie , Mallebranche Coralie , Pellier Isabelle , Neven Bénédicte , Armari‐Alla Corinne , Carausu Liana , Piguet Christophe , Benadiba Joy , Pluchart Claire , Stephan Jean‐Louis , Deparis Marianna , Briandet Claire , Doré Eric , Marie‐Cardine Aude , Leblanc Thierry , Leverger Guy , Aladjidi Nathalie
Published: March 2023

Pediatric chronic immune thrombocytopenia (cITP) is a heterogeneous condition in terms of bleeding severity, second‐line treatment use, association with clinical and/or biological immunopathological manifestations (IMs), and progression to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). No risk factors for these outcomes are known. Specifically, whether age at ITP diagnosis, sex, or IMs impact cITP outcomes is unknown. We report the outcomes of patients with pediatric cITP from the French nationwide prospective cohort OBS'CEREVANCE. We used multivariate analyses to investigate the effect of age at ITP diagnosis, sex, and IMs on cITP outcomes. We included 886 patients with a median (min‐max) follow‐up duration of 5.3 (1.0–29.3) years. We identified an age cutoff that dichotomized the risk of the outcomes and defined two risk groups: patients with ITP diagnosed <10 years (children) and ≥ 10 years (adolescents). Adolescents had a two to four‐fold higher risk of grade ≥3 bleeding, second‐line treatment use, clinical and biological IMs, and SLE diagnosis. Moreover, female sex and biological IMs were independently associated with higher risks of biological IMs and SLE diagnosis, second‐line treatment use, and SLE diagnosis, respectively. The combination of these three risk factors defined outcome‐specific risk groups. Finally, we showed that patients clustered in mild and severe phenotypes, more frequent in children and adolescents, respectively. In conclusion, we identified that age at ITP diagnosis, sex, and biological IMs impacted the long‐term outcomes of pediatric cITP. We defined risk groups for each outcome, which will help clinical management and further studies.
MT‐ATP6 mitochondrial disease identified by newborn screening reveals a distinct biochemical phenotype
Authors: Tise Christina G. , Verscaj Courtney P. , Mendelsohn Bryce A. , Woods Jeremy , Lee Chung U. , Enns Gregory M. , Stander Zinandré , Hall Patricia L. , Cowan Tina M. , Cusmano‐Ozog Kristina P.
Published: March 2023

Although decreased citrulline is used as a newborn screening (NBS) marker to identify proximal urea cycle disorders (UCDs), it is also a feature of some mitochondrial diseases, including MT‐ATP6 mitochondrial disease. Here we describe biochemical and clinical features of 11 children born to eight mothers from seven separate families who were identified with low citrulline by NBS (range 3–5 μM; screening cutoff >5) and ultimately diagnosed with MT‐ATP6 mitochondrial disease. Follow‐up testing revealed a pattern of hypocitrullinemia together with elevated propionyl‐(C3) and 3‐hydroxyisovaleryl‐(C5‐OH) acylcarnitines, and a homoplasmic pathogenic variant in MT‐ATP6 in all cases. Single and multivariate analysis of NBS data from the 11 cases using Collaborative Laboratory Integrated Reports (CLIR; https://clir.mayo.edu) demonstrated citrulline <1st percentile, C3 > 50th percentile, and C5‐OH >90th percentile when compared with reference data, as well as unequivocal separation from proximal UCD cases and false‐positive low citrulline cases using dual scatter plots. Five of the eight mothers were symptomatic at the time of their child(ren)'s diagnosis, and all mothers and maternal grandmothers evaluated molecularly and biochemically had a homoplasmic pathogenic variant in MT‐ATP6, low citrulline, elevated C3, and/or elevated C5‐OH. All molecularly confirmed individuals (n = 17) with either no symptoms (n = 12), migraines (n = 1), or a neurogenic muscle weakness, ataxia, and retinitis pigmentosa (NARP) phenotype (n = 3) were found to have an A or U mitochondrial haplogroup, while one child with infantile‐lethal Leigh syndrome had a B haplogroup.
Progress in the Electrochemical Synthesis of Organoboron Compounds
Authors: Moniruzzaman Mohammad , Afrin Sadia , Ali Md. Korban
Published: March 2023

Organoboron is a class of compounds widely used in organic synthesis, pharmaceuticals, material science, sensors, and so on. Therefore, the development of efficient and selective electrochemical methods to synthesize organoboron has attracted much interest as an emerging sustainable technique of organic synthesis. Here, we summarized research on electrochemical borylations, including the electrochemically driven borylation of arenes, alkanes, aryl, or alkyl halides, activated carboxylic acids etc., based on direct electrolysis and metal‐free organocatalysis. We focus on the reaction mechanisms involved in single‐electron transfer and other radical processes. We believe that this review will inspire electrochemists to discover more efficient transformations to expand this field of borylation.
Photo‐Activated Circularly Polarized Luminescence Film Based on Aggregation‐Induced Emission Copper(I) Cluster‐Assembled Materials
Authors: Jin Yan , Peng Qiu‐Chen , Xie Jing‐Wen , Li Kai , Zang Shuang‐Quan
Published: March 2023

In this study, a pair of chiral copper(I) cluster‐assembled materials (R/S‐2) was prepared, exhibiting unique photo‐response characteristics with a concentration‐wavelength correlation property in DMSO solution. By the combination of R/S‐2 with a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) matrix, the first photo‐activated circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) film was developed, the CPL signal (glum=9×10−3) of which could be induced by UV light irradiation. Moreover, the film exhibited a reversible photo‐response and extremely good fatigue resistance. Mechanism study revealed that the photo‐response properties of the R/S‐2 solution and film are attributed to the aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) characteristics of R/S‐2 and a photo‐induced deoxygenation process. This study enriches the types of luminescent cluster‐assembled molecules and provides a new strategy for the construction of metal cluster‐based stimuli‐responsive composite materials.
Synthesis and catalytic applications of metal complexes supported by indole‐functionalized mesoionic 1,2,3‐triazolylidenes
Authors: Angel‐Jijón Carlos , Rendón‐Nava David , Fonseca‐Olvera Josue G. , Mendoza‐Espinosa Daniel , Alvarez‐Hernández Alejandro
Published: March 2023

We report the synthesis and full characterization of a novel series of indole‐derived triazolium salts and their corresponding triazolylidene gold, palladium, rhodium, and iridium complexes. All new compounds were fully characterized by means of 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, elemental analyses, and in the case of triazoliums 1 and 2 and complexes 3, 4, and 9, by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. Gold complexes demonstrated a good catalytic performance in the hydrohydrazination of terminal alkynes producing a series of substituted hydrazones in good yields under mild reaction conditions. Additionally, the iridium complex (9) performed well in the catalytic transfer hydrogenation of ketones and aldehydes using isopropanol as hydrogen source.
Effect of electrospun stereocomplex PLA fibers and modified cellulose nanocrystals on crystallization of poly(L‐lactic acid)
Authors: Wan Zhengwei , Li Meili , Zhuang Yaozhong , Tong Zaizai
Published: March 2023

Poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) is a biodegradable polymer that has attracted increasing attention due to its fantastic properties. Nevertheless, the disadvantages of PLLA, such as low crystallization rate and brittleness, limit its wide commercial applications. In the present work, electrospun stereocomplex PLA fibers (Sc‐fibers) and PLLA grafted cellulose nanocrystals (g‐CNCs) are prepared as nano‐fillers and then blended with PLLA matrix to prepare different nanocomposites. Both of nano‐fillers would accelerate the crystallization rate of PLLA, and as expected, g‐CNCs have much stronger nucleation ability towards PLLA than Sc‐fibers. Nevertheless, the crystallization of PLLA will decrease to some extent in the presence of both nano‐fillers of g‐CNCs and Sc‐fibers due to the preferential formation of stereocomplex crystals on the surfaces of CNCs. Moreover, the presence of nano‐fillers would enhance the mechanical properties of PLLA, such as the elongation at break can increase by four times after incorporating both g‐CNCs and Sc‐fibers. This work provides a new consideration for designing different nano‐fillers, especially for polymer matrices with low crystallization ability and brittleness.
Fixed‐time sliding mode observer‐based controller for a class of uncertain nonlinear double integrator systems
Authors: Alinaghi Hosseinabadi Pooyan , Soltani Sharif Abadi Ali , Schwartz Howard , Pota Hemanshu , Mekhilef Saad
Published: March 2023

This paper investigates a fixed‐time convergence issue using the sliding mode observer‐based controller for a class of uncertain nonlinear double integrator systems. This observer‐based controller is designed assuming that only the first state measurement is available and there is no information about external disturbances and modeling uncertainties. A new form of sliding mode observer in combination with a sliding mode controller is designed to estimate unmeasured state and unknown disturbances and uncertainties as well as provide the estimated data in the control law. A novel form of sliding surfaces for the robust observer‐based controller is proposed for which fixed‐time convergence is guaranteed to achieve trajectory tracking. In the proposed fixed‐time scheme, the bound on the settling time is user‐defined using design parameters regardless of the system's initial conditions. The control law and observer law are designed such that the chattering issue is alleviated in the control signal. The stability analysis of the closed‐loop system using the observer‐based controller is established via the Lyapunov theory. The validity of the controller design is tested by applying and simulating an example of a robot manipulator in Simulink/MATLAB. The superiority of the proposed method is demonstrated by comparing it with two other methods from the relevant literature.
Variability in North Sea wind energy and the potential for prolonged winter wind drought
Authors: Kay Gillian , Dunstone Nick J. , Maidens Anna , Scaife Adam A. , Smith Doug M. , Thornton Hazel E. , Dawkins Laura , Belcher Stephen E.
Published: March 2023

The United Kingdom is committed to substantially increasing offshore wind capacity in its drive to decarbonise electricity production and achieve net zero. If low wind episodes—or ‘wind drought’ events—occur during high energy demand periods, energy security may be threatened without alternative supply. The challenge of managing the variability of wind power will increase into the future as its share in the energy mix increases. This study focuses attention on the North Sea as a centre of current and planned offshore wind resource, and on the winter season, given the occurrence of weather patterns that risk security of supply. We use a large climate model ensemble, providing a dataset an order of magnitude larger than the reanalysis‐based observations, to better sample wind drought events. This leads to a more robust estimate of their frequency and persistence and their dynamical teleconnections compared with the observational record. We define week‐long wind drought events, based on a 20th percentile threshold in 10 m wind speed, during which wind power is estimated to be around half that in a typical week of winter. Wind drought events of up to two consecutive weeks have been observed, but the model indicates a 1‐in‐40 chance of three or more continuous weeks of wind drought each winter, with the single most prolonged simulated event lasting 5 weeks. There is a doubling of the likelihood of these prolonged wind drought events during El Niño, indicating that monitoring and predicting the state of the tropical Pacific may be useful in assessing the risk of wind drought events in an upcoming winter.
A validated ecofriendly chromatographic method for determination of myasthenia gravis combined medications in spiked human plasma
Authors: Magdy Maimana A. , Farid Nehal F. , Anwar Basma H. , Abdelhamid Nessreen S.
Published: March 2023

Recently, the main interest of analytical chemistry researchers has been the development of green analytical methods to minimize harmful effects on the environment and natural life. Therefore, an RP‐HPLC method was developed and assessed regarding its greenness criteria using three greenness assessment tools: an analytical eco‐scale, an analytical greenness metric approach and a green analytical procedure index. This method aims to separate and quantitatively determine three co‐administered drugs, namely pyridostigmine bromide (PYR), 6‐mercaptopurine (MRC) and prednisolone (PRD), in their tertiary mixture and spiked human plasma. These drugs are co‐administered to manage myasthenia gravis autoimmune disease. The separation was done using a C18 column and a gradient elution of a mixture of 0.1% H3PO4 aqueous solution (pH 2.3) and methanol. The flow rate was adjusted to 1 ml/min and detection was done at 254 (for PYR and PRD) and at 330 nm (for MRC). The lower limits of quantitation were 15, 2, and 5 μg/ml for PYR, MER and PRD, respectively. Linear correlations were obtained and found to be near 1. In addition, the proposed method was validated according to the US Food and Drug Administration's instructions, and the results proved its success to determine the three studied drugs in their tertiary mixture and spiked human plasma.
Strategic engagement of business with Sustainable Development Goals: A systems thinking approach
Authors: Erzurumlu S. Sinan , Deets Stephen , Nersessian David , Rodgers Vikki L.
Published: March 2023

Private companies seeking to heighten their social responsibility and reduce ecological impacts often lack practical approaches to discern high‐impact and cost‐effective changes. Deeper understanding of the interrelated economic, social, and ecological systems reflected in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) can enhance their ability to positively connect and influence both internal and external aspects of the integrated business and socio‐ecological system. Through an inductive study of three companies, this article demonstrates that systems thinking provides a valuable approach to help companies to understand and map the systems in which they operate, enabling them to expand their sustainability practices even as they address profit‐versus‐impact conflicts. We examine how strategic business goals and activities interplay with an organization's socio‐ecological system and thereby enhance business engagement with the SDGs. Our key contribution is a systems‐minded sustainable business framework using three processes: goal–purpose alignment, partnerships, and systemic interplay. We explain each company's sustainability efforts and their relative engagement with the SDGs as well as relative impact of such engagement on the company in return.
Evaluation of cortical bone density using clinical computed tomography images: Detection of cortical porosity areas or transitional zones in human femoral diaphyses
Authors: Hamamoto Ayami , Ogami‐Takamura Keiko , Saiki Kazunobu , Endo Daisuke , Murai Kiyohito , Tsurumoto Toshiyuki
Published: March 2023

Age‐related changes in human trabecular bone and cortical bone are known to vary. Although the porosity of cortical bone has been suggested to increase the risk of bone fracture, most of the currently available instruments for osteoporosis testing target trabecular bone. In this study, we evaluated cortical bone density using clinical computed tomography (CT) and compared the reliability of the cortical bone density index (CDI) with that of a polished male femoral bone from the same region. CDI images revealed that the porous area of cortical bone was extended in low CDI values. Moreover, this method was used to semi‐quantitatively evaluate the cortical bones of the diaphysis of male femur specimens (n = 46). We found that there was a significant relationship (r = 0.70, p < 0.01) between the value of the cortical index (the ratio of cortical bone area to the cross‐sectional area of the femoral diaphysis) and the average of CDI in the low signal area. Our findings suggest that the smaller the cortical bone occupancy, the more areas of consequential bone density loss were present. This may be the first step toward using clinical CT to assess cortical bone density.
Exploring the relationship between secondary traumatic stress, professional identity and career factors for counsellors
Authors: Maurya Rakesh K. , DeDiego Amanda C.
Published: March 2023

This study used a correlational research design to explore the relationship between secondary traumatic stress, counsellor professional identity and career factors, including work setting and amount of counselling experience, among counsellor practitioners. A sample of 1,218 counsellors completed an online survey including the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (STSS), Professional Identity Scale in Counseling and career factors. Career factors included context of work environments including years of experience, licence status, type of practice and work setting. Multiple regression analysis with forward selection demonstrated that, out of all the variables, professional identity emerged as the best predictor of secondary traumatic stress. One‐way ANOVA showed significant group differences in the level of counsellors' secondary traumatic stress based on work setting, level of experience, type of practice and gender. Discussion explores how career and personal factors impact counsellor experiences of professional identity and secondary trauma in mental health settings.
The relationship between chronic kidney disease and “complex” percutaneous coronary intervention: Uncovering the details
Authors: Postalian Alexander , Krajcer Zvonimir
Published: March 2023

Key Points

It remains unclear whether the complexity level of coronary interventions affects cardiovascular outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

This study showed that “complex” percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with a greater risk of adverse cardiovascular events than standard PCI in both patients with or without CKD. However, the complexity of PCI appeared to have a greater effect on all‐cause mortality and bleeding in patients with CKD than in those without CKD.

The data presented confirm the predicted effect of CKD on outcomes after complex PCI. However, the similar effect of complex PCI observed in patients with or without CKD suggests that some patients with CKD have an acceptable risk profile to undergo complex intervention. The reported findings should be interpreted with caution; making a patient‐specific decision before PCI is key in this patient population.
Streptococcus Viridans meningitis in an immunocompetent child: A case report
Authors: Goudarzi Ali , Sarmadian Roham , Yousefichaijan Parsa , Gilani Abolfazl
Published: March 2023

In bacterial meningitis, the Viridans streptococci group is not considered a prevalent pathogen. In contrast, the S. viridans group may cause endocarditis and fatal infections in immunocompromised children and adults. We report a 5‐year‐old immunocompetent boy with signs of meningitis. The CSF tested positive for meningitis with streptococcus viridans.
Understanding the Role of Potassium Addition on the Active Centers and Reaction Pathway of MoS2Catalysts for Water Gas Shift Reaction
Authors: Zhao Weitao , Neon Limor Ben , Maugé Françoise , Oliviero Laetitia
Published: March 2023

MoS2is a promising sulfur‐resistant candidate for water‐gas shift (WGS) reaction, and its catalytic efficiency can be promoted by alkali metal. In this work, a series of K‐modified MoS2/Al2O3catalysts with variable K/Mo ratios were prepared to elucidate the promotion role of potassium through IR spectroscopy studies. CO adsorption followed by IR spectroscopy shows that after potassium addition the number of accessible edge sites of MoS2slabs is decreased. Meanwhile, the downward shift ofv(CO/MoS2) indicates that the presence of potassium increases the electronic density of Mo atoms. This electronic effect activates terminal S atoms, favoring their reaction with CO to form COS at lower temperature than in absence of K. Additionally, conversely to the case of MoS2/Al2O3catalysts, little or even no formate species are observed on K‐modified MoS2catalysts during IRoperandostudies, implying a change of the WGS reaction route that would explain the beneficial effect of K on MoS2edge site activity.
Electro‐Oxidation of Polyols on Bi‐Modified Pt in Acidic Media (HClO4). Understanding Activity and Selectivity Trends
Authors: Soffiati Gabriela , Yukuhiro Victor Y. , Raju Swathi P. , De Souza Matheus B. C. , Marquezini Leonardo , da Silva Edison Z. , Fernández Pablo S. , San‐Miguel Miguel A.
Published: March 2023

Herein we show that Pt(111) and Pt(100) can produce the ketone through the oxidation of the secondary carbon of the polyols. After the Bi modification, the selectivity for the ketone formation increases. On the other hand, we observe that pure and Bi‐modified Pt(110) only produced the C3 molecules oxidized in the primary carbon, and it is the only facet that shows an enhancement in the activity due to the modification. In line with these findings, small Pt nanoparticles are not selective for ketone formation. Finally, based on data obtained through DFT calculations, we suggest that positively charged Bi adatoms interact with the OH‐ groups of the enediol‐like intermediate (believed to be the precursor for the ketone/aldehyde production), facilitating the oxidation of the secondary carbon to produce DHA.
An Amorphous Teflate Doped Aluminium Chlorofluoride: A Solid Lewis‐Superacid for the Dehydrofluorination of Fluoroalkanes
Authors: Bui Minh , Hoffmann Kurt F. , Braun Thomas , Riedel Sebastian , Heinekamp Christian , Scheurell Kerstin , Scholz Gudrun , Stawski Tomasz M. , Emmerling Franziska
Published: March 2023

An anion‐doped aluminium chlorofluoride AlCl0.1F2.8(OTeF5)0.1 (ACF‐teflate) was synthesized. The material contains pentafluoroorthotellurate (teflate) groups, which mimic fluoride ions electronically, but are sterically more demanding. They are embedded into the amorphous structure. The latter was studied by PDF analysis, EXAFS data and MAS NMR spectroscopy. The mesoporous powder is a Lewis superacid, and ATR‐IR spectra of adsorbed CD3CN reveal a blue‐shift of the adsorption band by 73 cm−1, which is larger than the shift for SbF5. Remarkably, ACF‐teflate catalyzes dehydrofluorination reactions of monofluoroalkanes to yield olefins in C6D6. In these cases, no Friedel‐Crafts products were formed.
Synthesis of Unprecedented α/β‐Alternate (1→4)‐Glucans via Stereoselective Iterative Glycosylation
Authors: Yang Fuzhu , Sun Yishan , Xu Peng , Molinaro Antonio , Silipo Alba , Yu Biao
Published: March 2023

Glucans are major biomaterials on the earth, with α‐(1→4)‐glucans (i. e., amylose) and β‐(1→4)‐glucans (i. e., cellulose) being the most abundant ones, which are relevant to energy storage and structural function, respectively. Interestingly, (1→4)‐glucans with alternate α/β‐linkages, namely herewith amycellulose, have never been disclosed in nature. Here we report a robust glycosylation protocol for the stereoselective construction of the 1,2‐cis‐α‐ and 1,2‐trans‐β‐glucosidic linkages, which employs an optimal combination of glycosyl N‐phenyltrifluoroacetimidates as donors, TMSNTf2 as promoter, CH2Cl2/nitrile or CH2Cl2/THF as solvents. A broad substrate scope has been demonstrated by coupling five imidate donors with eight glycosyl acceptors, in which most of the glycosylations lead to high yield and exclusively 1,2‐cis‐α‐ or 1,2‐trans‐β‐selectivity. Applying this glycosylation protocol and with an iterative manner, the unprecedented α/β‐alternate (1→4)‐glucans up to a 16‐mer have been synthesized. Differently from amylose, that adopts a compact helicoidal arrangement, the synthetic amycellulose features an extended ribbon‐like conformation, comparable to the extended shape of cellulose.