bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Knowledge Co-production in Adaptation to Rainfall Variability in Kitui South Sub-county, Kenya
Authors: Mwatu Morris M. , Recha Charles W. , Ondimu Kennedy N.
Published: June 2020

Aims: This study tried to investigate the extent of knowledge co-production between indigenous farmers and agricultural extension in dry lands.

Study Design: The study adopted survey research design where both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Kitui South sub-County in the semi-arid Southeastern Kenya. Data was collected between June 2019 and August 2019.

Methodology: An enumerator-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 311 household heads. Purposive and proportional sampling techniques were used to select households which participated in the study. Data was analyzed with the aid of SPSS Version 20. Percentages and proportions were used to establish instances of knowledge co-production between indigenous and modern scientific methods of farming.

Results: The study established that all households used both indigenous and scientific methods of farming except in irrigation and crop harvesting methods. The highest co-production was between use of locally preserved seeds and use of modern seasonal climate forecast (71.4%), use of traditional seasonal climate forecasts and use of modern seasonal climate (64.6%) as well as use of traditional crop storage and use modern seasonal climate forecast (59.2%). Seasonal climate forecasting was the leading corresponding method of knowledge co-production in the study area.

Conclusion: The study concludes that use of both indigenous and modern methods of farming can improve adaptation to rainfall variability. The study recommends access to adequate water to promote knowledge co-production on irrigation which was lacking yet very critical in dealing with rainfall variability in the study area.
Is Plagiarism a Crime or Just a Condemnable Inspiration Method in the Digital World?!
Authors: Cioruța Bogdan , Coman Mirela
Published: June 2020

The phenomenon of plagiarism in Romania, as well as in other countries, has become a mass one, thanks to the excessive use of www, characterized by the means of transmission and circulation of information. In this order of ideas, we could say that the most affected areas are academic and creative ones. To express our knowledge about plagiarism in a slightly more original form, in the present paper, we correlate the few aspects related to plagiarism that we could notice in some artistic manifestation, such as aphorisms, thoughts, epigrams, speeches and interventions, with the presence of the phenomenon of plagiarism in the context of new information technologies. We included passages from the types of writing mentioned above, to capture and emphasize the phenomenon of plagiarism beyond its well-known connotation. Out of the approximately 18-20 creations used, only 2-3 come to affirm an acceptance attitude and to embrace the plagiarist. The vast majority of the creations consulted condemn plagiarism and, by themselves (especially aphorisms), makes funny jokes when it comes to plagiarism. As it was expected, in the end, we concluded that although there is a side in each of us that would accept the temptation of plagiarism and would gladly embrace the ephemeral benefits associated with the phenomenon, there is also a side that makes us aware that what we do not like not to do to others.
Antenatal and Postnatal Care Practices among Indigenous People in Bangladesh: A Case Study in Dinajpur
Authors: Aktar Sumaia , Majumder U. K. , Khan Md. Salauddin
Published: June 2020

Antenatal (ANC) and postnatal care (PNC) contact have long been considered a critical component of the continuum of care for a pregnant mother along with the newborn child. The study aims to determine the influential factors related to the practice of antenatal and postnatal care amongst indigenous mothers of newborns and identifier associated with the ANC and PNC contacts for women in indigenous communities. This study was carried out purposefully selected six upazilas of Dinajpur district where most of the indigenous people live and respondents were 223 married women having at least one under-five children. Results found that the respondents had very poor knowledge about their maternal status and literacy. During the pregnancy period, 39.5% and 6.7% mothers had one and two-time miscarriage respectively. Only 43.9% indigenous pregnant mothers appointed to the health center during pregnancy, 27.8% appointed within three months, 13% went at the last stages of pregnancy and 10.3% felt no need to go there. In 69.1% cases delivery occurred at home by inexpert birth attendance. About 10.3% of deliveries, the placenta was removed manually during delivery. About 33% mothers and their husbands (34%) were found illiterate. The likelihood of mothers who received either antenatal care or postnatal care depended on husband’s education level. It was significantly lower for illiterate (OR=0. 247, 95% CI = 0.063-0.969) husband’s compared to a secondary and above level of educated husbands. Distant health service center (More than 2 km from home) was the lower chances (OR=0. 384, 95% CI = 0.152-0.970) for mothers being access to health care service centers compared to low distant centers (≤ 2 km from home). Also, the age of the mother (30+) was another factor that influenced the mothers for taking the service from hospitals or health centers during pregnancy. This study concludes that about one-third of the respondents of the community has access to health care services, which can be one of the most important factors in their poor health. Counseling and proper education can influence people to take antenatal care and visits to the health center to take postnatal care service further.
Regions and Sub-regions Dysfunctions in Alzheimer’s during Rest
Authors: Usha K. C. Usha , Suma Dr. H. N.
Published: June 2020

Aims: Alterations in the cerebrum structurally and functionally are triggered largely due to an increase in neuro depressive brain disorders like Alzheimer’s. This study aims is to determine these alterations in the regions of the cerebrum which are significant and distinguishing in Alzheimer’s disease subjects compared to healthy. We employ the most potential resting-state functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (rs-fMRI) modality for this analysis.

Methodology: 24 Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and 25 Healthy Controlled (HC) subjects were evaluated with rs-fMRI which is more efficient in anticipating neuronal activity changes. Thus, obtained data of all subjects were preprocessed and components of larger networks to smaller regions were extracted by independent component analysis (ICA) method. Differences in resting-state connectivity were examined for 6 networks of interest viz., Auditory network, Central Executive network, Default mode network, Silence mode network, Sensory-motor network and Visual network and their regions, which are affected due to the common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease-like memory, thinking and behavioral changes. Statistical analysis was done with one sample t-test to check the functional connectivity activations in Resting-State Networks (RSNs) and regions of both AD & HC groups at a threshold of T>2. Finally, to obtain the abnormal sub-regions in each of the RSNs of AD a two-sample t-test was carried out at a threshold of P < .03.

Results: Our method potentially identifies the functional connectivity alterations and core regions dysfunction amongst the major 6 RSNs in AD compared to HC subjects. The results also showed decreased connectivity in regions of sensory-motor and default mode networks increased connectivity in regions of central executive and silence mode network along with some of the sub-regions dysfunctions in AD.

Conclusion: Modifications in functional connectivity within the major RSNs and regions have been detected which serves as a capability to determine an early biomarker and examining the disease progression.
Phenotypic Assessment of Natural Diversity in Low-Land Rice Germplasm as Affected by Iron Toxicity
Authors: Saha Debanjana , Mohanty Iswar Chandra , Panda Somanath , Bastia Debendranath , Pradhan Sarat
Published: June 2020

Iron toxicity that seriously affect rice yield is a critical concern for the crop improvement programs in rice. Morphological analysis of germplasm is essential for the success of varietal crop improvement programs. The objective of this investigation is to estimate the phenotypic diversification of one hundred and fifty germplasm to identify the tolerant genotypes under iron toxic situation for exploitation of inherited variability from the accessible germplasm. Experiment has been carried out under lowland field condition to determine the reaction of rice germplasm under hotspots for iron toxicity. Significant differences among the genotypes have been observed. A significant difference is present among all the traits like days to 50% flowering, Plant height, panicle length, grain/panicle, grain weight, yield, leaf bronzing index (LBI) and tillers number. The phylogenetic analysis was also carried out to find out a core population for further study like association mapping with trait of interest. The genotypes like Mahsuri, Kusuma, Ganjamgedi, Pratikhya, Swarna, Dhusura have been found to be tolerant genotypes under iron toxic condition.
Study on Standardisation and Quality Evaluation of Peanut Milk by Different Processing Methods
Authors: Sakthi T. Siva , Meenakshi V. , Kanchana S. , Vellaikumar S.
Published: June 2020

Peanut (Araches hypogea) is an important oilseed crop originated from South Africa, while India representing one of its leading producer nearly 14% of world peanut production. Now a days some of the lifestyle changes and medical issues like cow’s milk allergy, lactose intolerance and hypercholesterolemia people were shifted into plant based nondairy beverages. Peanut milk was developed from two different peanut varieties viz., TNAU CO-6 and local variety. Proximate composition of local and TNAU CO 6 variety of peanut was analyzed and the carbohydrates, protein, fat was high in TNAU CO 6 peanut variety and its value was 26.7 (g/100g), 27.8 (g/100g), 38(g/100g) when compared to local variety, its value was 25.2 (g/100g), 24.7 (g/100g), 39(g/100g) respectively. Peanut milk was extracted by five different processing method: fresh soaking, blanching, roasting and germination methods in both local and TNAU CO 6 variety. Peanut milk prepared without any treatments and processing was considered as a control peanut milk. Among the different treatment, the best treatment was selected based on sensory scores in each processing methods of both peanut varieties. Among these different treatments blanching method B1 (2mins) was best in local variety, B2(3 mins) was best in CO 6 variety. In roasting method R2 (roasting for 5 mins and soaking for 3 hrs), soaking method S2(3 hrs soaking), germination method G1(8 hrs germinated) was best treatment in both the selected peanut varieties. Based on the observation and sensory evaluation, the result showed that among these five processing methods roasting method was the best method for the peanut milk extraction and its physiochemical properties were analyzed in both the varieties of prepared peanut milk among these CO 6 variety peanut milk had good result and better acceptability.
A Comparative Study of Different Moisture Stress Tolerant Rice Varieties in Kalahandi District of Odisha
Authors: Malik H. N. , Panda A. , Behera S. , Rahman F. H.
Published: June 2020

Plant growth and productivity of rice is adversely affected by various biotic and abiotic stress factors. Water deficit is one of the major abiotic stresses, which affects crop growth and yield. Majority of rice cultivated areas in south Asia is under rainfed, where water stress at any stages of growth causes sharp decline in yield. The present study was carried out through front line demonstration under a ‘National Innovation in Climate Resilient Agriculture’ (NICRA) project during kharif seasons of 2018 and 2019 in two villages namely Pipalpada and Kinipadar of Kalahandi district of Odisha with an objective to evaluate the performance of short duration rice varieties viz. Swarna Shreya, Sahabhagidhan, DRR-42 and Naveen as compared to the farmers variety (MTU-1010). Swarna Shreya matured in 115 days and recorded higher plant height (126.83 cm), effective tillers/hill (19.33), length of panicle (28.50 cm), number of panicle/m2 (305.0), filled grains/panicle (128.72) and 1000 grain weight (25.51 g) over other varieties. This variety also produced the highest grain yield of 4.16 t ha-1 with harvest index of 0.56 and total dry matter of 538.10 /m2. The Swarn Shreya produced higher net return of Rs. 41,975/ha with a benefit-cost ratio of 1.20 and additional net return of Rs. 9735/ha as compared to farmers’ variety. The growth and yield performance of Swarna Shreya was found to be satisfactory in spite of occurrence of frequent dry spells during different crop growth stages. Thus, the existing variety, MTU-1010, may be replaced with Swarna Shreya for more productivity, income tolerant during moisture stress conditions.
Imaging of Breast Cancer Associated with Pregnancy
Authors: Nishonova Yulduz , Juravlov Igor , Kurbanova Sevinch
Published: June 2020

Aims: To analyze the application of mammography and ultrasound in breast cancer associated with pregnancy.

Study Design:  Cohort Study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted Republican Specialized Scientific-Practical Medical Center of Oncology and Radiology between 2018 and 2019.

Methodology: A total of 30 consecutive patients with breast cancer pathologically diagnosed during pregnancy were included in this study. The ages of the patients ranged from 26 to 49 years. Both mammography and ultrasound were performed all 30 patients

Results: Mammography revealed positive findings in 24 (80,0%) of 30 patients, even though all 30 patients had dense breasts. Mammographic findings included masses without calcifications, masses with calcifications, calcifications with axillary lymphadenopathy, a mass with axillary lymphadenopathy, calcifications alone, asymmetric density alone and diffuse skin and trabecular thickening alone. Sonographic findings were positive and showed masses in 26 of 30 patients (86,7%). The common sonographic findings of masses were irregular shapes, irregular margins, mixed echo patterns and posterior acoustic enhancement.

Conclusion: Timely diagnosis and adequate therapeutic tactics will significantly improve the results of treatment of breast cancer that has developed against the background of pregnancy.
Lead-Induced Toxicity in Wistar Rats: Amelioration by Palm Wine
Authors: Egbeleke Femi A. , Shittu Kehinde O. , Iyanda Ayobola A.
Published: June 2020

Lead a free-radical generating agent is a multi-systemic toxicant which affects major body systems especially the hepatic axis. Several natural products rich in antioxidant agents have been used to ameliorate lead toxicity. Vitamin C present abundantly in palm wine has been noted for its ability to modulate oxidative stress. This study investigated the ameliorative effects of palm wine in lead-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats. Adults Wistar rats randomly divided into Groups A-H, consisting of 7 rats per group were used for the study. Groups A and B were administered with distilled water and palm wine respectively. Groups C, E, and G were dosed daily with lead nitrate at dosage levels of 50 (low dose), 150 (intermediate dose) and 600 (high dose) mg/kg body weight (BW). On the other hand, Groups D, F, and H were administered daily with lead nitrate at dosage levels of 50, 150 and 600 mg/kg body weight (BW) as well as palm wine (10 mL/kg BW). All experimental animals were allowed access to standard feed and water without any form of restriction. Estimation of biochemical parameters i.e. total protein, albumin, alkaline phosphatase and aminotransferases (ALT; AST) took place using standard biochemical methods. The liver was harvested and processed for histological study using haematoxylin and eosin staining techniques. Statistical analysis was done using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student’s t-test. P< 0.05 was considered significant. While albumin concentrations were not significantly different, both total protein and globulin concentrations in lead administered rats were significantly reduced compared with control. Periportal and interstitial hepatitis and necrosis occurred from lead exposure at different levels suggesting hepatotoxicity. Meanwhile, lead and palm wine-administered rats featured similar histologic results. In conclusion, the results of the study, therefore, indicate that palm wine does not possess an ameliorative effect on lead-induced hepatotoxicity.
Energy Spectrum for Gravitational Waves
Authors: Filho W. F. Chagas-
Published: June 2020

Loop Quantum Gravity (LQG) is a formalism for describing the quantum mechanics of the gravitational field based on the canonical quantization of General Relativity (GR). The most important result of LQG is that geometric quantities such as area and volume are not arbitrary but are quantized in terms of a minimum length. In this paper we investigate the possibility of combining the notion of a minimum length with the basic equations that describe wave propagation. We find that the minimum length, combined with the constancy of the speed of light, induces a natural spectrum for the energy of a gravitational wave.
From clocks to dominoes: lessons on cell cycle remodelling from embryonic stem cells
Authors: Padgett Joe , Santos Silvia D.M.
Published: June 2020

Cell division is a fundamental cellular process and the evolutionarily conserved networks that control cell division cycles adapt during development, tissue regeneration, cell de‐differentiation and reprogramming, and a variety of pathological conditions. Embryonic development is a prime example of such versatility: fast, clock‐like divisions hallmarking embryonic cells at early developmental stages become slower and controlled during cellular differentiation and lineage specification. In this review, we compare and contrast the unique cell cycle of mouse and human embryonic stem cells with that of early embryonic cells and of differentiated cells. We propose that embryonic stem cells provide an extraordinarily useful model system to understand cell cycle remodelling during embryonic‐to‐somatic transitions. We discuss how cell cycle networks help sustain embryonic stem cell pluripotency and self‐renewal and how they safeguard cell identity and proper cell number in differentiated cells. Finally, we highlight the incredible diversity in cell cycle regulation within mammals and discuss the implications of studying cell cycle remodelling for understanding healthy and disease states.
Image guidance in radiation therapy for better cure of cancer
Authors: Grégoire Vincent , Guckenberger Matthias , Haustermans Karin , Lagendijk Jan J. W. , Ménard Cynthia , Pötter Richard , Slotman Ben J. , Tanderup Kari , Thorwarth Daniela , van Herk Marcel , Zips Daniel
Published: June 2020

The key goal and main challenge of radiation therapy is the elimination of tumors without any concurring damages of the surrounding healthy tissues and organs. Radiation doses required to achieve sufficient cancer‐cell kill exceed in most clinical situations the dose that can be tolerated by the healthy tissues, especially when large parts of the affected organ are irradiated. High‐precision radiation oncology aims at optimizing tumor coverage, while sparing normal tissues. Medical imaging during the preparation phase, as well as in the treatment room for localization of the tumor and directing the beam, referred to as image‐guided radiotherapy (IGRT), is the cornerstone of precision radiation oncology. Sophisticated high‐resolution real‐time IGRT using X‐rays, computer tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or ultrasound, enables delivery of high radiation doses to tumors without significant damage of healthy organs. IGRT is the most convincing success story of radiation oncology over the last decades, and it remains a major driving force of innovation, contributing to the development of personalized oncology, for example, through the use of real‐time imaging biomarkers for individualized dose delivery.
Elevated KLF7 levels may serve as a prognostic signature and might contribute to progression of squamous carcinoma
Authors: Yang Jingrun , Xie Kuixia , Wang Zihui , Li Chengxin
Published: June 2020

Global efforts have been undertaken to define the genome‐wide distribution of epigenetic markers in cancerous tissues, which provide an invaluable opportunity to understand cancer biology and identify predictive signatures. Several studies have focused on the gene expression patterns of squamous carcinoma to identify tumor subtypes and find prognostic and therapeutic targets because squamous carcinoma genomes showed high instability. However, the number of reliable reports referring prognostic significance of genes and their role in squamous carcinoma is still quite limited. Krüppel‐like factor 7 (KLF7) is a transcription factor that is widely expressed in numerous human tissues at low levels. Members of the KLF family have established roles in tumor cell fate, stress response, cell survival and the tumor‐initiating properties of cancer stem‐like cells. Hence to investigate whether KFL7 expression from cancer tissue holds promise as a prognostic and/or therapeutic target, we analyzed gene expression profiles from squamous carcinoma and surgical margin tissues in The Cancer Genome Atlas. We identified significant up‐regulation of KLF7 in squamous carcinoma, which was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. Elevated KLF7 expression was associated with poor squamous carcinoma prognosis before and after correcting for confounding factors by multivariate Cox regression analysis. Several pathways, such as Neurotrophin and GnRH pathways, were activated in KLF7‐up‐regulated squamous carcinoma samples through Gene Set Enrichment Analysis. In conclusion, we consolidate the potential role(s) of KLF7 in squamous carcinoma carcinogenesis from The Cancer Genome Atlas surgical margin tissue, offering insights into expression signatures that are potentially useful for prognosis modalities.
Multivalent Bacteria Binding by Flexible Polycationic Microsheets Matching Their Surface Charge Density
Authors: Ahmed Rameez , Vaishampayan Ankita , Cuellar‐Camacho Jose Luis , Wight Darren J. , Donskyi Ievgen , Unger Wolfgang , Grohmann Elisabeth , Haag Rainer , Wagner Olaf
Published: June 2020

Aiming at the overall negative surface charge of bacteria, a new strategy of antibacterial agents based on large polymer‐modified graphene oxide (GO) sheets is assessed. The presented flexible, polycationic sheets match the size and charge density of the Escherichia coli surface charge density (2 × 1014 cm−2). These matching parameters create an unspecific but very strong bacteria adsorber by multivalent, electrostatic attraction. Their interaction with bacteria is visualized via atomic force and confocal microscopy and shows that they effectively bind and wrap around E. coli cells, and thereby immobilize them. The incubation of Gram‐negative and ‐positive bacteria (E. coli and methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA) with these polycationic sheets leads to the inhibition of proliferation and a reduction of the colony forming bacteria over time. This new type of antibacterial agent acts in a different mode of action than classical biocides and could potentially be employed in medicinal, technical, or agriculture applications. The presented microsheets and their unspecific binding of cell interfaces could further be employed as adsorber material for bacterial filtration or immobilization for imaging, analysis, or sensor technologies.
An Overview on the Advances of LiCoO2 Cathodes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Lyu Yingchun , Wu Xia , Wang Kai , Feng Zhijie , Cheng Tao , Liu Yang , Wang Meng , Chen Riming , Xu Leimin , Zhou Jingjing , Lu Yuhao , Guo Bingkun
Published: June 2020

LiCoO2, discovered as a lithium‐ion intercalation material in 1980 by Prof. John B. Goodenough, is still the dominant cathode for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) in the portable electronics market due to its high compacted density, high energy density, excellent cycle life and reliability. In order to satisfy the increasing energy demand of portable electronics such as smartphones and laptops, the upper cutoff voltage of LiCoO2‐based batteries has been continuously raised for achieving higher energy density. However, several detrimental issues including surface degradation, damages induced by destructive phase transitions, and inhomogeneous reactions could emerge as charging to a high voltage (>4.2 V vs Li/Li+), which leads to the rapid decay of capacity, efficiency, and cycle life. In this review, the history and recent advances of LiCoO2 are introduced, and a significant section is dedicated to the fundamental failure mechanisms of LiCoO2 at high voltages (>4.2 V vs Li/Li+). Meanwhile, the modification strategies and the development of LiCoO2‐based LIBs in industry are also discussed.
Well‐Defined Nanostructures for Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage
Authors: Xu Rui , Du Lei , Adekoya David , Zhang Gaixia , Zhang Shanqing , Sun Shuhui , Lei Yong
Published: June 2020

Electrochemical energy conversion and storage play crucial roles in meeting the increasing demand for renewable, portable, and affordable power supplies for society. The rapid development of nanostructured materials provides an alternative route by virtue of their unique and promising effects emerging at nanoscale. In addition to finding advanced materials, structure design and engineering of electrodes improves the electrochemical performance and the resultant commercial competitivity. Regarding the structural engineering, controlling the geometrical parameters (i.e., size, shape, hetero‐architecture, and spatial arrangement) of nanostructures and thus forming well‐defined nanostructure (WDN) electrodes have been the central aspects of investigations and practical applications. This review discusses the fundamental aspects and concept of WDNs for energy conversion and storage, with a strong emphasis on illuminating the relationship between the structural characteristics and the resultant electrochemical superiorities. Key strategies for actualizing well‐defined features in nanostructures are summarized. Electrocatalysis and photoelectrocatalysis (for energy conversion) as well as metal‐ion batteries and supercapacitors (for energy storage) are selected to illustrate the superiorities of WDNs in electrochemical reactions and charge carrier transportation. Finally, conclusions and perspectives regarding future research, development, and applications of WDNs are discussed.
Do we need to apply additional phosphorus for corn succeeding sugarbeet?
Authors: Chatterjee A. , Franzen D.W.
Published: June 2020

Supply of adequate P is critical at the early growth stages of corn (Zea mays L.), particularly under a cold environment like the northern Great Plains. The mutualistic relationship between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and corn roots is responsible for supplying P. However, colonies of AMF drastically decline when corn follows a non‐host crop like sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.) in rotation. Field experiments were conducted at two sites during 2018 and 2019 seasons to determine the corn grain yield response to six P management practices, (a) without P, (b) recommended P, (c) P2O5 at the rate of 112 kg ha−1, (d) starter at the rate of 13.7 kg P2O5 ha−1, (e) commercial mycorrhizal inoculant, and (f) starter and mycorrhizal inoculant. Corn grain yield did not respond to P application across 4 site‐years. Application of 112 kg P2O5 ha−1 had significantly higher grain yield (15.6 Mg ha−1) than mycorrhizal inoculant (13.5 Mg ha−1) only at one site in 2018. Lowest soil available P was observed with only mycorrhizal inoculant. For one site, AMF population was significantly reduced under without P (0.79 μmol kg−1 soil) than recommended P application (1.79 μmol kg−1 soil). Higher than recommendation P rate, commercial mycorrhizal inoculant and starter P did not increase grain yield over without P application.
Clinical characteristics, prognostic factors, and outcomes of heat‐related illness (Heatstroke Study 2017–2018)
Authors: Shimazaki Junya , Hifumi Toru , Shimizu Keiki , Oda Yasutaka , Kanda Jun , Kondo Yutaka , Shiraishi Shinichiro , Takauji Shuhei , Hayashida Kei , Moriya Takashi , Yagi Masaharu , Yamaguchi Junko , Yokota Hiroyuki , Yokobori Shoji , Wakasugi Masahiro , Yaguchi Arino , Miyake Yasufumi
Published: June 2020

Aim

Heat‐related illness is common, but its epidemiology and pathological mechanism remain unclear. The aim of this study was to report current clinical characteristics, prognostic factors, and outcomes of heat‐related illness in Japan.

Methods

We undertook a prospective multicenter observational study in Japan. Only hospitalized patients with heat‐related illness were enrolled from 1 July to 30 September 2017 and 1 July to 30 September 2018.

Results

A total of 763 patients were enrolled in the study. Median age was 68 years (interquartile range, 49–82 years) and median body temperature on admission was 38.2°C (interquartile range, 36.8–39.8°C). Non‐exertional cause was 56.9% and exertional cause was 40.0%. The hospital mortality was 4.6%. The median Japanese Association for Acute Medicine disseminated intravascular coagulation (JAAM DIC), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scores on admission were 1 (0–2), 4 (2–6), and 13 (8–22), respectively. To predict hospital mortality, areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves were 0.776 (JAAM DIC score), 0.825 (SOFA), and 0.878 (APACHE II). There were 632 cases defined as heatstroke by JAAM heat‐related illness criteria, 73 cases diagnosed as having DIC. A total of 16.6% patients had poor neurological outcome (modified Rankin Scale ≥ 4) at hospital discharge. In the multivariate analysis, Glasgow Coma Scale and platelets were independent predictors of mortality. Type of heatstroke, Glasgow Coma Scale, and platelets were independent predictors of poor neurological outcome. Body temperature was not associated with mortality or poor neurological outcome.

Conclusions

In this study, hospital mortality of heat‐related illness was <5%, one‐sixth of the patients had poor neurological outcome. The APACHE II, SOFA, and JAAM DIC scores predicted hospital mortality. Body temperature was not associated with mortality or poor neurological outcome.
Hirsutanol A exhibits neuroprotective activities against sevoflurane‐induced neurotoxicity in aged rats
Authors: Zhou Hong‐She , Cao Shu‐Mei , Liao Hua‐Shan , Huo Hong‐Yan
Published: June 2020

The neurotoxicity of the inhaled anesthetic, sevoflurane, has been documented in a number of studies. In this study, we conducted experiments to investigate whether Hirsutanol A (HA), a sesquiterpene compound from the fungus, Chondrostereum sp., can provide protection from sevoflurane‐induced neurological toxicity in aged rats, and analyzed the underlying mechanisms. The cognitive dysfunction of rats following sevoflurane exposure was evaluated by behavioral tests. The neuronal cell survival was determined by Nissl staining. In addition, human neuroblastoma H4 cells were exposed to sevoflurane to establish an in vitro model. Apoptotic marker expression in hippocampal tissue was determined by western blotting. Cell apoptosis in vitro was also examined by TUNEL assay and flow cytometry. The expression and translocation of Nrf2 were examined by both western blot and immunofluorescence staining. Our results show that HA significantly attenuated sevoflurane‐induced cognitive impairment in aged rats. In addition, HA treatment decreased sevoflurane‐induced neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus and alleviated Aβ accumulation. Our results also show that the neuroprotective effect of HA is associated with the activation of Nrf2 signaling. Human neuroblastoma H4 cells were used as a model to examine the protective activity of HA against sevoflurane‐induced neurotoxicity. In addition, our results show that the inhibition of Nrf2 by a specific inhibitor or targeting siRNA significantly compromises the attenuating effect of HA on sevoflurane‐induced cell apoptosis and Aβ accumulation. Our results suggest that HA may function as a neuroprotective agent against sevoflurane‐induced neurotoxicity.
Predicting psychological service providers' empowerment in the light of the COVID‐19 pandemic outbreak: A structural equation modelling analysis
Authors: Arnout Boshra A.
Published: June 2020

This study aimed to investigate the predictors of psychological service providers' empowerment in the light of the COVID‐19 pandemic outbreak. The researcher prepared a psychological service providers' empowerment scale that consisted of 28 items, and this scale was applied in a random sample consisting of 975 psychological service providers. The results showed that the empowerment scale has acceptable validity and reliability. The results of the exploratory factor analysis indicated that the 28 scale items saturate on seven factors, which accounted for 64.42% of the total variance of the scale: the first factor named expect psychological services effectiveness accounted for 27.86%, the second factor named self‐stimulation accounted for 9.71%, the third factor named responsibilities and duties accounted for 7.12%, the fourth factor named psychological services work environment accounted for 6.51%, the fifth factor named psychological service providers’ decision‐making accounted for 5.37%, the sixth factor named creative psychological service provider behaviour accounted for 4.45%, and the seventh factor named psychological services confidence accounted for 3.82% of the total variance of a psychological service providers' empowerment. In order to study the ability to predict the empowerment among psychological service providers, the researcher developed a structural model for psychological service providers' empowerment and then used the structural equation model analysis. The results showed that the proposed structural model of a psychological service providers' empowerment has goodness‐of‐fit, and these results emphasised the ability to predict psychological service providers' empowerment by seven tested factors.
Fight the power: A heuristic exploration of systemic racism through dreams
Authors: Turner Dwight
Published: June 2020

Systemic racism, like many forms of difference and diversity, is poorly understood within the realms of counselling and psychotherapy. Whereas our profession has shied away from using its skills to explore the meaning and relevance of racism, this author over a number of years has studied many forms of intersectional otherness and recognises that racism is as much a relational experience between subject and other, both internally and externally. This paper therefore explores how an internalised experience of systemic racism can be understood through client work and dreamwork, offering ideas as to how the dreams of the racialised other may be understood; the symbolism, and the relevance of the racial complex hidden within them.
Recent Advances in the Synthesis of Acylsilanes
Authors: Wang Xuchao , Liu Feipeng , Li Yongjie , Yan Zijuan , Qiang Qing , Rong Zi‐Qiang
Published: June 2020

Acylsilanes are of wide interest and have been investigated as an important class of organic reaction intermediates with superior chemical and physical properties. Various synthetic methods for the preparation of acylsilanes with mild reaction conditions resulting in excellent yields and high stereoselectivity have been developed. These strategies mainly include step‐wise reaction design, oxidative systems, isomerization/rearrangement, silylation of carboxylic acid derivatives and carbonylation. This minireview summarizes recent advances in the synthesis of acylsilanes over the past decade.
A review of heat‐transfer mechanism for solid deposition from “waxy” or paraffinic mixtures
Authors: Mehrotra Anil K. , Ehsani Sina , Haj‐Shafiei Samira , Kasumu Adebola S.
Published: June 2020

Summarized in this review are a large number of experimental and modelling studies for advancing the heat‐transfer‐based mechanism for solid deposition from “waxy” or paraffinic oils and mixtures. This comprehensive heat‐transfer approach is entirely different from a more popular molecular‐diffusion mechanism. It has evolved from numerous publications, over three decades, which explored topics related to thermodynamic, rheological, crystallization, solid deposition, and shutdown and deposit‐aging behaviour of prepared multicomponent paraffinic mixtures of varying compositions to simulate “waxy” crude oils. These investigations covered a wide range of compositions, temperatures, and cooling rates—under static, sheared, laminar and turbulent conditions—in both the hot and cold flow regimes. The heat‐transfer mechanism for wax deposition is based on (partial) freezing or liquid‐to‐solid phase transformation process, for which steady‐state and unsteady‐state mathematical models have been developed and validated with extensive laboratory data. Furthermore, a shear‐induced deformation model for the deposit aging phenomenon has been developed and validated; it is based on a partial release of the liquid phase from the incipient gel, thereby causing an enrichment of heavier alkanes and a corresponding depletion of lighter alkanes in the deposit. A successful analogy with the ice deposition process has confirmed the wax deposition process to be also controlled by heat transfer, without involving any other mechanism for wax deposition. All of these previous studies confirm that wax deposition is predominantly a thermally driven process.
Short Photoswitchable Antibacterial Peptides
Authors: Yeoh Yuan Qi , Horsley John R. , Yu Jingxian , Polyak Steven W. , Jovcevski Blagojce , Abell Andrew D.
Published: June 2020

Three photoswitchable tetrapeptides, based on a known synthetic antibacterial, were designed and synthesized to determine activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Each peptide contains an azobenzene photoswitch incorporated into either the N‐terminal side chain (1), C‐terminal side chain (2), or the C‐terminus (3) to allow reversible switching between cis‐ and trans‐enriched photostationary states. Biological assays revealed that the C‐terminus azobenzene (3) possessed the most potent antibacterial activity, with an MIC of 1 μg/mL. In this study, net positive charge, hydrophobicity, position of the azobenzene, secondary structure, and amphiphilicity were all found to contribute to antibacterial activity, with each of these factors likely facilitating the peptide to disrupt the negatively charged bacterial lipid membrane. Hence, these short photoswitchable antibacterial tetrapeptides provide insights for the future design and synthesis of antibiotics targeting S. aureus.
A Naphthalene Diimide Based Macrocycle Containing Quaternary Ammonium Groups: An Electron‐Deficient Host for Aromatic Carboxylate Derivatives
Authors: Türel Tankut , Valiyaveettil Suresh
Published: June 2020

Naphthalene diimide (NDI) compounds are widely used as electron acceptors in various applications. Herein, we combine NDI with quaternary ammonium groups for the synthesis of a highly electron‐deficient linear compound 2 and macrocycle 3. The complexation studies of the water‐soluble macrocycle 3 with aromatic di‐ and tetra‐ carboxylate anions in water were done using absorption, emission, 1H NMR and NOESY spectroscopic titrations. The NDI incorporated macrocycle 3 showed high binding affinities towards linear aromatic tetracarboxylate anions owing to the size and charge complementarity of the host‐guest complex. Macrocycle 3 binds tetracarboxylate anion much better than dicarboxylate anions. Furthermore, the macrocycle 3 is solvated differently in acetonitrile and in water or dimethyl sulfoxide, which induces changes in conformation and photophysical properties. Such electron‐deficient optically active macrocycles are useful for developing useful sensor materials.
Genetic Risk of Diverticular Disease Predicts Early Stoppage of Nicorandil
Authors: Noyes James D. , Mordi Ify R. , Doney Alexander S. , Palmer Colin N. A. , Pearson Ewan R. , Lang Chim C.
Published: June 2020

Gastrointestinal fistulation has been widely reported as an adverse effect of nicorandil therapy in Europe. People who have underlying diverticular disease are most at risk of this side effect. In Western countries, diverticular disease is highly prevalent and can be clinically silent. This study aimed to identify diverticular disease genetic risk scores (GRSs) associated with early nicorandil stoppage, a surrogate marker for drug intolerance. A case‐control study was carried out on 1,077 patients from the Genetics of Diabetes Audit and Research Tayside Scotland (GoDARTS) database. Cases were defined as having < 9 nicorandil prescriptions with no identifiable reason for stopping (n = 230). Controls had either ≥ 9 prescriptions, treatment continuation to death/study end or stoppage post‐myocardial infarction. Two diverticular GRSs were created and used in logistic regression models. Isosorbide mononitrate was used as a control analysis. Patients with a raised diverticular GRS, based on 23 replicable loci, had increased risk of stopping nicorandil therapy early (univariate (odds ratio (OR) 2.26; P = 0.04], multivariate (OR 3.96; P = 0.01)). Similar trends were noted when using the full 42 variant diverticular score but statistical significance was not reached. The isosorbide control analysis did not reach statistical significance. Our analysis demonstrates a novel positive association between a raised diverticular GRS and early stoppage of nicorandil therapy.
Accelerating the Development of Personalized Cancer Immunotherapy by Integrating Molecular Patients’ Profiles with Dynamic Mathematical Models
Authors: Agur Zvia , Elishmereni Moran , Foryś Urszula , Kogan Yuri
Published: June 2020

We review the evolution, achievements, and limitations of the current paradigm shift in medicine, from the “one‐size‐fits‐all” model to “Precision Medicine.” Precision, or personalized, medicine—tailoring the medical treatment to the personal characteristics of each patient—engages advanced statistical methods to evaluate the relationships between static patient profiling (e.g., genomic and proteomic), and a simple clinically motivated output (e.g., yes/no responder). Today, precision medicine technologies that have facilitated groundbreaking advances in oncology, notably in cancer immunotherapy, are approaching the limits of their potential, mainly due to the scarcity of methods for integrating genomic, proteomic and clinical patient information. A different approach to treatment personalization involves methodologies focusing on the dynamic interactions in the patient‐disease‐drug system, as portrayed in mathematical modeling. Achievements of this scientific approach, in the form of algorithms for predicting personal disease dynamics in individual patients under immunotherapeutic drugs, are reviewed as well. The contribution of the dynamic approaches to precision medicine is limited, at present, due to insufficient applicability and validation. Yet, the time is ripe for amalgamating together these two approaches, for maximizing their joint potential to personalize and improve cancer immunotherapy. We suggest the roadmap toward achieving this goal, technologically, and urge clinicians, pharmacologists, and computational biologists to join forces along the pharmaco‐clinical track of this development.
Scalable and Recyclable Heterogeneous Organo‐photocatalysts on Cotton Threads for Organic and Polymer Synthesis
Authors: Chu Yingying , Huang Zixuan , Liu Ruizhe , Boyer Cyrille , Xu Jiangtao
Published: June 2020

As a highly efficient and environmentally friendly technology to address the challenges of sustainable chemistry and engineering, heterogeneous visible‐light photoredox catalysis has been of great potential in organic and polymer synthesis. Eosin Y (EY), one of the commonly used organo‐photoredox catalysts, has been immobilized onto commercial cotton threads via a straightforward method and single‐step coupling reaction to prepare a scalable and recyclable heterogeneous photocatalyst. The immobilized EY is capable of generating singlet oxygen for organic transformations (e. g. oxidation of thioethers) in the presence of molecular oxygen, and effectively catalysing visible‐light photoinduced electron/energy transfer−reversible addition−fragmentation chain transfer polymerizations of various functional monomers for the synthesis of well‐defined polymers in diverse “green” solvents. Facile separation and recovery of the cotton thread supported EY enable the reuse of the catalyst over multiple reaction cycles with well‐retained catalytic efficiency.
Proteomic analysis enables distinction of early‐ versus advanced‐stage lung adenocarcinomas
Authors: Kelemen Olga , Pla Indira , Sanchez Aniel , Rezeli Melinda , Szasz Attila Marcell , Malm Johan , Laszlo Viktoria , Kwon Ho Jeong , Dome Balazs , Marko‐Varga Gyorgy
Published: June 2020

Background

A gel‐free proteomic approach was utilized to perform in‐depth tissue protein profiling of lung adenocarcinoma (ADC) and normal lung tissues from early and advanced stages of the disease. The long‐term goal of this study is to generate a large‐scale, label‐free proteomics dataset from histologically well‐classified lung ADC that can be used to increase further our understanding of disease progression and aid in identifying novel biomarkers.

Methods and results

Cases of early‐stage (I‐II) and advanced‐stage (III‐IV) lung ADCs were selected and paired with normal lung tissues from 22 patients. The histologically and clinically stratified human primary lung ADCs were analyzed by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. From the analysis of ADC and normal specimens, 4863 protein groups were identified. To examine the protein expression profile of ADC, a peak area‐based quantitation method was used. In early‐ and advanced‐stage ADC, 365 and 366 proteins were differentially expressed, respectively, between normal and tumor tissues (adjusted P‐value < .01, fold change ≥ 4). A total of 155 proteins were dysregulated between early‐ and advanced‐stage ADCs and 18 were suggested as early‐specific stage ADC. In silico functional analysis of the upregulated proteins in both tumor groups revealed that most of the enriched pathways are involved in mRNA metabolism. Furthermore, the most overrepresented pathways in the proteins that were unique to ADC are related to mRNA metabolic processes.

Conclusions

Further analysis of these data may provide an insight into the molecular pathways involved in disease etiology and may lead to the identification of biomarker candidates and potential targets for therapy. Our study provides potential diagnostic biomarkers for lung ADC and novel stage‐specific drug targets for rational intervention.